Chapter 12: Teasing!?
A sharp metallic clang echoed through the dojo.
The chains of Chain of Heaven constantly shifted their shape, weaving into an intricate defensive formation that surrounded Akira from every direction.
Meguri had already tried multiple approaches, but no matter what she did, she couldn't find a single opening to attack.
Sona and Tsubaki, who were observing from the sidelines, fell silent for a moment—especially Tsubaki, who looked rather surprised.
So this calm transfer student… was this powerful?
It wasn't a flashy battle by any means, but the result was clear: Akira had the upper hand against Meguri.
Without warning, dozens of golden chains suddenly burst outward in every direction with a mechanical hum.
Meguri hesitated for just a moment—and that was all it took. In the blink of an eye, her arms and legs were bound tightly by the golden chains. Her body was hoisted into the air, completely immobilized.
"No way..."
The sudden shift left Meguri no time to react.
Just when she thought she was beginning to understand the rhythm and speed of Akira's chain attacks, the pattern changed entirely. She hadn't expected it at all.
"Looks like… I'm just a little bit ahead," Akira said.
"You win."
Meguri replied softly, still caught in Akira's intense gaze.
Even though it stung, she wasn't the type to throw a tantrum over defeat. A loss was a loss. She'd just need to train harder and reclaim her pride the next time.
Meanwhile, a faint smile appeared on Akira's lips—a calm, serene smile, like the soft light of dawn peeking through the trees in a quiet forest.
A system notification echoed in his mind.
[Ding!]
[You have obtained 1% Inherited Template Progress!]
Akira couldn't help but feel thrilled.
So his guess was right. He didn't need to kill enemies to gain progress for his Inherited Template. Defeating them was enough. And the amount gained seemed to depend on the opponent's strength.
When he took down that Stray Devil yesterday, he only received 0.1%. But this time, after defeating Tomoe Meguri, he gained a full 1%.
And the difference was tangible—his magic power, physical strength, speed, and endurance had all risen significantly. Just 1% of the Enkidu template... and it was already this powerful.
Sona approached the two combatants, clapping slowly and deliberately. Her eyes now held a different light than before.
"To think you could defeat Tomoe-san. I'm genuinely impressed. You've made me want to invite you into my peerage even more," she said.
"It's just basic self-defense. Nothing impressive," Akira replied.
"If you consider that level of defense 'basic,' then your standard for survival must be ridiculously high, Shin Akira."
"To me, 'survival' means this: no matter what happens, I can guarantee my own safety. Being at this level... still isn't enough."
"Oh? Such high ambitions. Then why not join my peerage? Under the protection of the Sitri household, your safety would be assured. Barring a world-ending calamity, I can protect you."
This was the second time Sona had extended the offer.
And for her, Akira's strength warranted more than just one invitation.
She knew exactly how powerful Meguri was—born into a renowned Japanese exorcist family, trained in swordsmanship since childhood, now further enhanced by the power of an Evil Piece as a devil.
For Akira to defeat Meguri… that wasn't something to overlook.
Granted, Meguri hadn't used any of her devil powers or magic, relying solely on her sword skills. Still, the outcome spoke volumes.
"Thank you very much for the offer, Souna-kaichou. But… for now, I'm not ready to change my race," Akira answered.
"I see... Turned down twice in one day. If Rias hears about this, she'll never let me live it down."
"Rias, huh..." Akira murmured.
Of course, Sona had brought up that name on purpose—it was a subtle tactic. She knew that if Akira already knew about her true identity, then there was a high chance he also knew about Rias.
And if Rias ever made the same offer, Sona wanted to make Akira hesitate. "If I turned down Sona, would I really accept Rias?"
If he rejected Rias too, then fine. But if not… at least she tried to cut her rival off first.
With a single thought, Akira released the Chain of Heaven. The golden chains vanished in a soft burst of light, and Meguri's body gently dropped back to the ground.
Her eyes now held a different fire as she looked at Akira—not of anger, but determination.
She accepted her loss today. But one day, she'd challenge him again—and next time, she'd surpass him.
At that moment, Hanakai Momo—who had been watching quietly from the sidelines—stared at Akira with cheeks blushing red.
That emerald-green hair, the calm expression, the faint smile just now… It all made her heart race, her face burn.
"It's getting late. If you'll excuse me, Souna-kaichou, I'll take my leave now," Akira said.
"Of course. Sorry for taking up so much of your time."
"No worries~" Akira gave a polite nod and left.
He'd already gained more than enough from this duel—1% of his Inherited Template, and a clearer sense of direction for his next steps.
His footsteps echoed softly against the wooden floor as he walked away from the kendo dojo, but Momo's gaze remained locked on his back.
"Momo-san~. Momo-san! Hanakai Momo-san!" Sona called.
"Eh? Y-Yes, Kaichou!"
She didn't respond until Sona called her a third time, voice slightly raised. Only then did Momo snap out of her daze.
"What are you doing? You were practically drooling."
"H-Huh!? Seriously!?"
On instinct, Momo wiped her mouth. But... there was nothing there. Crisis averted.
When she looked up again... Sona's judging stare pierced straight into her soul. Momo's face turned bright red as she bowed her head deeply.
Her fangirl moment had been exposed.
"Momo-san, in your opinion… what do you think of him?"
"Him?"
"That transfer student—Shin Akira."
"He's so handsome! And that aura... I've never seen a guy like him before! Honestly, he's just—"
"I wasn't asking about that, you hopeless fangirl."
"S-Sorry, Kaichou..."
Momo went quiet. Beside her, Tsubaki smiled subtly at the scene.
Though, to be fair, even Tsubaki could understand Akira's charm. He had an undeniable pull—something innate.
It was especially that peaceful, grounding presence about him. Like sitting beneath the shade of a tree deep in a quiet forest. Just being near him brought a sense of calm and ease.
"Momo, I have a task for you."
"A task?"
"Yes. You're in the same class as him, right? Try getting closer. Build a good relationship. If needed… you may even use the beauty trap."
"Beauty trap!?"
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