chapter 19 :However

"I swear, you're too nice for your own good."

"That's what I am." Takeshi admitted. Before Erika could leave, Takeshi then remembered something.

"Wait, Erika-san." Takeshi called out to her, making the red haired Fallen Angel stop from leaving. She gave him a raised eyebrow upon his sudden call.

"What?" Erika asked.

"I've just realized something now. I know that Fallen Angels are capable of using holy energy and use it as spears and other types of weapons. But I've never noticed you actually form one. Instead, you bring out that particular baton. I'm kind of curious to know why you use that weapon." Takeshi commented.

It was indeed true. His late father, being the avid researcher he is in magic, has managed to delve into some knowledge about Fallen Angel magic. According to his research, all of the Fallen Angels have a source of holy energy to tap into and use it to form their weapons.

But for Erika, she barely even uses her holy energy to form weapons. Rather, it is channeled to a steel baton that she carries with her. And this steel baton that she has easily creates a lot of force to his magic barriers upon impact, much to his surprise. So its either that the steel baton the she has stored up power and releases upon impact, or she has impressive physical strength.

"Oh, this nifty weapon?" Erika said as she twirled it around. She then gave a small smile as she looked at Takeshi.

"Well...how should I start? Well, just like you, I am born with rather inadequate abilities." Erika stated, making Takeshi blink at her.

"Inadequate?" Takeshi repeated with a slightly confused tone. Erika nodded at him.

"Unlike most Fallen Angels, I have a rather difficult time manifesting my powers into a spear for that matter. Even when I formed one, the spears I made could only last for a few seconds before breaking apart." Erika told him, making Takeshi blink in surprise when he realized what Erika meant by saying she is just like him.

They're both born with limitations.

"However, that doesn't mean I'm weak. I merely had to choose different options to get stronger." Erika said, before she looked at her baton. "So I've crafted myself this baton. Made from the best metal I could find and purified with holy energy, essentially making it holy metal." Erika explained.

"I never knew it was made of holy energy..." Takeshi quietly commented. Erika gave a slight smirk.

"But that's not all. Besides holy energy, I also focused on other types of magic as well. I use two conceptual magics to help me." Erika explained to him, making Takeshi's eyes brighten with interest and intrigue upon the subject of magic.

"Oh, and what would that be?" Takehsi asked with interest. Erika smirk grew a bit bigger as she saw Takeshi's attention growing more onto her.

"Well, since you've asked. The first is Fortification magic. Fortification magic is-" Erika attempted to explain, but Takeshi spoke up.

"It is a type of reinforcement magic that reinforces the position of one physical object in relation to another. It's a magic that is easily ignored by Magicians these days." Takeshi suddenly spoke up upon hearing the name, making Erika blink upon his interruption.

"...Well, yeah, I guess you took the words right out of my mouth." Erika said, still a bit baffled upon his swift response. Takeshi then pounded his fist onto his palm.

"Ah, that explains why your baton has such an impact with my magic barriers. No wonder." Takeshi said with realization.

"Yeah. Though, I usually need to store up my magic, so I usually just do a burst of it when I'm about to strike." Erika told him.

"Amazing. I never knew you such a gifted fighter in close quarters combat." Takeshi said with amazement, making Erika stifle a laugh upon hearing this.

"Flattery won't get you anywhere, you know?" Erika told him with an amused smile.

"No, I mean it. It's really amazing on how you're able to utilize such a basic magic and turn it into your own strength." Takeshi told her with genuine admiration. Erika paused upon hearing and seeing this, before she shook her head with a smile.

"I said it before, you're just too nice for your own good. Well, I suppose it's better than being a complete asshole." Erika commented with a rather vulgar comparison.

"Language." Takeshi softly chided her. Erika simply shrugged.

"I'm a Fallen Angel. What else would you expect from me?" Erika retorted. "Besides, practice what you preach. You've made Enchanter Magic into a possible offensive Magic style when you're fighting on your own. You should at least feel somewhat proud that you've made it that far." Erika told him. Takeshi just grew a bashful look.

"You think so? I honestly didn't think it was that good..." Takeshi said with a slight bashful tone. Erika simply chuckled at him.

"I'm sure. You also need to man up if we're going against something serious here, so I need you in top shape." Erika told him. Takeshi nodded at her.

"Right. Oh yeah, you mentioned about a second type of magic. What would that be?" Takeshi asked. Erika simply smirked at him as she grabbed the door handle.

"That's something I'll tell you later. Right now, I need a drink after all this talking." Erika told him as she left the room. Takeshi simply sighed as she left.

"Well, I suppose it's understandable. Now then..." Takeshi muttered to himself as he focused back on his planning. But he allowed one thought to enter his mind.

"...Choose different options to get stronger, huh? Sounds rather interesting..."

(The Next Day - Afternoon)

After school, he decided that he needed the proper attire if he is going to pull off this operation against the Fallen Angels. So he went to a proper clothing store and got himself dark clothing so he could get some camouflage in the dark. It was simple, since all he had to do is get himself a black hoodie and black cargo pants.

"Alright, I think that's done." Takeshi said to himself as he walked out of a clothing store, looking into the bag of clothing he has. He nodded to himself in satisfaction as he walked down the street.