chapter 23:Erika

Bet you were surprised by Erika as well, huh? Well, it's because of another thing. I hate to put more weight on your shoulders kid, but I'm afraid I have to ask you another favor.

You see, ever since you've returned my subordinates back to me, I've been having a strong suspicion among some of the members of the Grigori now. It seems like someone is trying to start another major conflict with the Three Factions once more. I have a few ideas, but I can't just go off pointing fingers at people, ya know? Anyways, whoever it is wants to keep things quiet, which is unfortunate for me and my subordinates.

If I know anything, its that they're willing to tie up loose ends so they can continue to work in the shadows. The four that you've returned to me will be questioned, but at the same time be put into hiding, seeing as to how their lives are endangered.

And seeing how I got Erika into this mess, I've decided it was best to put her into hiding as well. And what better way is to hide her with you? I mean, I don't think they'll ever suspect someone returning to the scene of the crime, if you get what I mean.

Now, don't think you'll gain nothing out of this, I assure you. In return for letting Erika stay at your hideout, she'll act your maid. Pretty cool, huh?

Ha ha, I'm partly joking. Seeing how your skills with magic are subpar at best, Erika here will help you develop your skills both physically and magically. Earning training from a Fallen Angel no doubt opens a lot of opportunities. It's the least I can do after putting this much on your shoulders.

Anyways, best luck to you Fuyushima-kun. With the ways things are going now, you're going to need it.

From yours truly,

Azazel

P.S. You can really have her act as your maid. Maids are quite popular in Japan, right? I'm sure a guy like you will enjoy it!

Takeshi finished reading the letter and stayed silent for a moment. He then lowered the paper and took a look at Erika with an unreadable expression on his face, while Erika was smiling in satisfaction upon watching his reaction.

"Well congrats, you earned yourself a maid." Erika told him while growing a sly smile of her own, making Takeshi look a bit shocked from hearing this.

"H-Hold on a moment. Don't you have any objections to this?" Takeshi asked while looking confounded, making Erika put on a thoughtful look.

"Well, I always wanted to try out a maid's outfit..." Erika said with a considering tone.

"H-Huh!?"

"Shall I start calling you master from here on?" Erika continued while giving him a sly look, making Takeshi sweat a bit while giving an awkward smile.

"Ha ha ha...I-I don't think that's necessary..." Takeshi responded.

It was then Erika proceeded to stifle a laugh, while her body was trembling just from holding in the laughter.

"Jeez, you're so fun to mess with." Erika snickered, making Takeshi look at her with surprise, and realized her intentions.

'...She was just messing with me.' Takeshi realized, before he sighed in relief. 'Seems like Erika didn't change one bit. I suppose that's a good thing...I think.'

"Oh good, I thought you were serious." Takeshi said in relief while his body eased from the stress, making Erika to simply giggle at him. He then gave her a raised eyebrow.

"So...I guess you'll be staying here for a while." Takeshi pointed out.

"I guess so." Erika shrugged, before she gave a small as she stood up and turned to face Takeshi. "But don't think I won't stay here free loading. Azazel did say I am going to help you with your magic and physical skills."

"Oh right, Azazel did say that..." Takeshi said as he scratched the back of his head. "But still, feel free to make yourself at home. It's sort of my fault that I got you into this whole mess. It's the least I can do to repay you."

Erika simply sighed with a smile as she shook her head. "Honestly..."

"What is it?" Takeshi asked.

"It's nothing." Erika said while digressing from the subject, before she gave him a smirk.

"Better ready yourself, because this Fallen Angel will whip you right into shape. Human or not, I'll make sure you're ready to take on anyone." Erika told him. It was then Takeshi felt chills up his spine as he began to sweat nervously, and gave an awkward smile.

"...It is too late for you to consider the maid occupation?" Takeshi asked nervously.

It was then Takeshi knew from here on, his life will take another turn from here. And it certainly won't stop.

And that's a wrap to this chapter!

Whew, this took a lot of work to pull this off, but I am rather satisfied with what I have done! And with about more than 17K words. Not bad for a fourth chapter to this story, and the end of this whole arc! Hooray! This is where things truly move into play.

(Takeshi's Capabilities)

As stated many times in the story, Takeshi's current strength when fighting alone is sub-par at best. He can only do so much with Enchanter Magic until he runs into a dead end.

However, when you give him allies to work with, that is when his true strength comes out. He can both strengthen his allies while hindering the enemy, effectively taking control of the battle. That is where Takeshi's strength truly shined in this chapter. That is the true point of being an Enchanter.

Plus, it wasn't only his Enchanter Magic alone. His intellect and strategies also played a huge part in turning the tides of the battle as well. For his character theme, I want to make him very mentally strong, rather than strong physical or power wise. It brings a nice change to the table.

_______

Takeshi once again found himself lying on the floor, heavily exhausted, body feeling sore, and his mind a bit disoriented. And he knew exactly why he is feeling like this.