Meanwhile, in a park.
A crack appeared in the empty square and a figure shot out.
"Ugh..."
Abel leaned on a large tree.
This was a slight side effect after crossing time and space, it would get better after a few more times.
After dry heaving for a while, he slowly recovered. He wiped the corner of his mouth, then straightened up, and looked around, somewhat bewildered.
Where was he?
What time period was this?
Was it before Shuri passed away?
Just as Abel was lost in thought, a figure appeared behind him.
Abel felt a familiar aura. He turned around and saw Grayfia in a maid outfit standing behind him and looking at him with a resentful expression.
Feeling this resentment, he awkwardly chuckled. "So it's Grayfia."
For him, only a few minutes had passed, but for Grayfia, they hadn't seen each other for more than ten years.
As for his childhood self?
Just a little brat.
However, for Grayfia, witnessing the growth of young Abel was quite nice.
"I should say, long time no see."
Grayfia walked in front of Abel, helped him straighten his collar, and smiled. "Or should I say, what have you been doing just now?"
For two people on different timelines, such a greeting seemed to be no problem.
Abel smiled, but he didn't forget what he needed to do. Now he should confirm the timeline.
"By the way, how old am I now?"
"Eight years old." Grayfia answered concisely.
Listening to Grayfia's answer, Abel nodded.
It was about right.
He looked up at the sky. The sun had already set and in a while, he would have to go save someone.
"Do you want to see what your self at this time period is doing?"
Abel nodded. "Sure."
Then Grayfia brought up a magical light screen. It was a live broadcast.
He saw young Abel leading young Rias and hiding in a stairwell in a school, both of them looking somewhat excited.
Then a blond boy slowly walked past, it was Riser.
The next second, Rias put a sack over him, and then Abel, holding a wooden stick, hit him with one blow.
Hit and run.
"Well done, as expected of me."
However, seeing that Akeno was not next to Rias, it could be confirmed that young Akeno had not yet been hunted, but it should be soon.
Watching the magic broadcast, a thought suddenly flashed through Abel's mind.
Could those embarrassing things also...
Perhaps knowing what Abel was thinking, Grayfia's lips noticeably curved upwards. "Yes, all of it is there."
He wanted to say something, but it turned into a sigh.
As long as it isn't spread, it's fine.
After a while, Abel stretched his body, then instructed Grayfia, "Grayfia, later, take Rias to meet her Queen."
"Sure."
Seeing Grayfia agree, Abel left the spot.
...
At the Himejima Family's shrine in the back mountains.
A woman sat at the entrance, with a small child resting on her lap, and an oil lamp burning beside them.
They were Himejima Shuri and her daughter, Akeno.
Just then, Shuri seemed to sense something, and looked at the sky, muttering, "Has it finally come?"
She beckoned to the side and a small red demon floated over, followed by many small green demons.
"I'm entrusting little Akeno to you. Take her away from this place and protect her well." Shuri said, placing the sleeping Akeno into the red demon's hands.
The red demon held little Akeno. His face showed immense reluctance, but he nodded firmly.
He took Akeno and the other demons, leaving the area and running outwards.
Down the mountain, a group of people led by the First Elder arrived at the foot of the mountain, then surrounded it completely.
The First Elder looked at the mountaintop with a somewhat complex expression.
Had it finally come to this?
Shuri, the family's honor cannot be stained. I'm sorry.
"Elder, the clansmen are ready."
Listening to the report, the First Elder nodded. "When we go up, use all your strength."
"Understood."
Shuri was an outstanding talent of the previous generation. If she hadn't married the Fallen Angel cadre, Baraqiel, she might have been the next head of the Himejima Family. But there are no 'ifs' in life.
Shuri ultimately broke the family rules, and allowing her to live this long was already the family's benevolence.
It definitely wasn't because they couldn't defeat Baraqiel, but because they didn't want to instigate a war between humans and other races.
"Depart!"
"Yes!"
The First Elder led the clansmen behind him, carrying torches, and walked up the mountain.
On the mountaintop, Shuri looked at the sky. Then she looked in the direction Akeno had left and murmured, "Akeno, run. Run to a place where the clansmen can't find you. You must live happily."
She brought out a small table and began to prepare tea.
Time passed bit by bit, and lights appeared on the stairs, they had arrived.
Immediately after, at the main entrance of the shrine, dozens of clansmen led by the First Elder appeared before her.
Seeing the familiar faces, Shuri revealed a smile.
Upon seeing Shuri, the surrounding Himejima clan members were about to rush forward but were stopped by the First Elder.
Looking at the child he had personally raised, the First Elder couldn't bear it. He walked over and sat facing her.
Neither of them spoke, as he watched Shuri slowly prepare tea.