The days following Alex's formal introduction to the Gremory peerage were a blur of intense, focused training. His position as an independent ally was solidified, a crucial step in his new life, but it also underscored the ever-present dangers.
Rias's warning about Fallen Angels targeting Sacred Gear users resonated deeply; his unique abilities, while powerful, also made him a beacon in this hidden world. He needed to get stronger, faster, more adaptable. The Ring of Swiftness became his constant companion, its subtle magic weaving into every movement of his occasional spars with Akeno.
He spent hours in the secluded forest clearing, pushing his limits. With the Ring of Swiftness, his Earthbending became less about brute force and more about fluid control. He could now create subtle tremors to disrupt opponents' balance or raise fleeting, razor-thin earthen shields. His Cross Tail threads moved with almost prescient grace, becoming extensions of his heightened reflexes.
He practiced weaving intricate, almost invisible nets or hardening them into sharp, whip-like blades. He moved through the trees like a phantom, his steps silent, his body a blur of motion, leaping, twisting, and landing with effortless grace. The Cloranthy Ring tirelessly replenished his stamina, allowing him to train for hours.
This is it, he thought, wiping sweat from his brow. This is what I needed. True agility, true precision. He imagined a phantom Fallen Angel, its dark wings beating, and he pictured himself weaving through its attacks, striking at its weak points with a sudden burst of Earthbending, or ensnaring it with an invisible web of Cross Tail.
His confidence, once fragile, was steadily growing. He was still human, but he was becoming something more—a force to be reckoned with, on his own terms. The threat of the Fallen Angels was real, and he needed to be ready to face them, to protect himself and leverage the situation for his own growth.
. . .
One late afternoon, as twilight began to paint the sky, Alex was packing up his training gear. He felt a familiar surge of magical energy approaching. He turned, and there, emerging from the deepening shadows, was Akeno. Her usual playful demeanor was subtly present, but with an underlying focus, a hint of strategic concern etched around her violet eyes.
"Motohama-kun," she said, her voice a low murmur. She walked towards him, her movements unhurried.
"Akeno-san," Alex replied, a warmth spreading through him. He could sense her mood. "Everything alright?"
She reached him as she sighed "Quite alright. Though the President… she's certainly kept busy. The Fallen Angels are becoming quite the nuisance in town. Their presence has grown, and they've become bolder. They seem to be searching for something specific, and their aggression is quite a nuisance" Her tone was matter-of-fact "It puts a considerable strain on us, maintaining the balance and protecting the territory. It's a heavy burden on Rias, managing this growing conflict without alarming the human populace" She offered a soft, knowing smile.
Alex nodded, his mind immediately going to Rias's warning "They're looking for Sacred Gear users, aren't they? Like the one they think I have."
Akeno's smile was subtle, her violet eyes meeting his with a hint of intensity. "Precisely. And it means more work for us, more vigilance. A constant drain on resources and attention. You understand, don't you? Your desire to forge your own path, unburdened by obligations… it's quite admirable. And rare" She took a small step closer, her hand lightly brushing a stray leaf from his shoulder. Her touch was brief, yet her gaze lingered, a subtle warmth in her eyes "Oh my. Such a strong will. It's comforting to discuss these complexities with someone who grasps them so readily, even without being bound by them"
He felt a surge of warmth, a profound connection that transcended their alliance. This wasn't just about power or information anymore. It was about something deeper, a shared understanding and mutual respect. "I'm glad I can be of help, Akeno-san," he said, his voice earnest.
Akeno's eyes softened further, a deep, silent understanding passing between them. Her smile was gentle now, a genuine warmth radiating from her.
"I should go." She turned to leave, then paused, glancing back over her shoulder, a playful glint returning to her violet eyes " Try not to get into too much trouble while I'm gone. Or perhaps," she purred, her smile widening, "you'll just miss me too much to cause any?" With a final, mischievous wink, she disappeared into the deepening shadows making Alex smile.
. . .
The next morning, Alex was on his way to school. His mind was a whirlwind of thoughts: Akeno's quiet concern and playful teasing, the escalating Fallen Angel threat, and his own rapidly evolving powers.
He was deep in thought, replaying Akeno's words, contemplating his next move, when it happened.
Suddenly, a small figure burst from between two houses, walking briskly, head slightly down, consulting a small, worn map. Alex, with his enhanced reflexes, tried to dodge, but the collision was inevitable.
WHUMP!
He stumbled backward, catching himself with a surge of Earthbending, his hands instinctively reaching out to steady the person he'd run into. A small, soft body collided with him, sending a cascade of golden hair tumbling around a pale, slightly bewildered face. Large, innocent green eyes, wide with mild surprise and a hint of confusion, stared up at him.
Asia Argento.
Alex's breath caught in his throat. He knew that face. He knew those eyes. This wasn't just a random collision. This was a pivotal moment, a turning point in the original story. She was wearing nun clothes. She looked lost, but not distressed, simply disoriented.
"Oh! I'm so sorry!" she stammered, her voice soft and gentle, a faint blush rising on her cheeks. "I… I wasn't looking where I was going! I'm a little lost. Do you know where the church is from here?" Even though she spoke in Italian, he understood it pretty well as he was adept at multiple languages in his previous life.
Alex stared down at her, his mind reeling. Asia. He remembered her fate in the anime, her tragic death at the hands of Raynare. He had deliberately avoided Issei's initial encounter with Raynare, choosing self-preservation. But this… this was different. This was Asia, right in front of him. And he can't just think of letting someone like her die just for the sake of plot? She don't deserve to go through this madness, not her.
His internal monologue was a frantic scramble. This changes everything. I can't just leave her. She's… she's Asia. The innocent one. The one who gets targeted by the Fallen Angels. And I just avoided one quest to save Issei… but this? Can I really just walk away? I got no quest right now?! but does that make a difference that I won't save her? No, I don't think so.
He looked into her innocent green eyes, seeing not a plot device, but a kind, lost girl. The self-proclaimed non-hero, the one who sought independence above all else, found himself staring at a dilemma he couldn't easily ignore. T
'I would protect her!'