Chapter 48 - New System Challenge!

"Well..." Akeno said, breaking the silence. "I've never shared a room with a man before..."

"Really? That's nice." I replied and then thought: 'How nice? Why did you say nice, you idiot?!'

Akeno and I, alone, in a guest room with a single bed. Of course, my mind immediately started traveling through memories of our past moments, like our first kiss and that morning in the bathroom. Her facial expressions, the whispering in the bathroom stall, and even the moaning came to mind.

I looked at Akeno, trying to decipher her thoughts, but her face was calm. Could it be that she wasn't angry with me?

Since the time I lost a heart to her, nothing had happened between us. In my mind, it was logical to think that she was still angry.

My hands began to sweat, and I began to walk around the room to distract my agitated mind.

Why was I so nervous? Was it because I was with Akeno or because I wasn't sure how to act in such a situation?

Akeno sat on the edge of the bed and watched me with interest. "You seem restless, Leo. Is something bothering you?"

How can I explain my feelings without sounding ridiculous? I thought.

I just hadn't realized that I was already acting ridiculous, and the fear of ruining everything was what was getting to me.

"I'm just... thinking about all this. Our mission here, you know, Mr. Tanaka's collection and all the rest."

Akeno gave a small, almost wistful smile. "You really are a bad liar, aren't you, Leo?"

"W-what do you mean?"

"Nothing. Forget what I said."

I sighed, ran a hand through my hair and decided to be direct. "Akeno, I... I have to say it. Ever since that day in the familiar forest, I've had the feeling that something has changed between us. I don't know if you're still angry with me or if... if you've forgiven me."

Akeno got up from the bed and took a few steps towards me. She stopped a few centimeters away from me and looked me straight in the eyes with her hands behind her back. "Hmm~ Leo, I'm not mad at you."

"What?"

Of course, I felt a little jealous at the time, but then I understood the situation. I think it's kind of fun that you have other suitors... But right now, I'm just worried..."

My eyebrows raised when I heard those words. "Worried about what?"

"I see the way you look at Rias and the way she looks at you. I would never ask to be your official wife. In fact, I think it's much more fun for me to be a concubine. But I... I don't want to be a stumbling block for you and Rias."

Feeling the need to close the distance between us, I moved closer. "Akeno, you'll never be in anyone's way, least of all mine. You're important to me. From the beginning, since I joined the Occult Research Club, you've always been there, supporting me, helping me to develop. Today, I'm a little less bad and more confident because of you."

"So what made you become so distant and not show that you have feelings for me like you used to with your eyes since you first saw me, Leo?"

I swallowed. I had stopped looking at her with all that desire before because I was afraid of making her angrier.

"I... I was afraid of hurting you, of losing you. After what happened in the familiar forest, I thought I had lost your trust and I couldn't risk losing more."

Akeno took a step towards me and her hands reached out to clasp mine. "Leo, the important thing is: do you still want me? Do you still see a future for us, even with Rias?"

My heart leapt, and my eyes showed determination. "Yes, Akeno. I want you. I always have and I always will. If Rias objects in the future, I'll do my best to convince her otherwise."

[You obtained 3 heart with Akeno Himejima.]

A genuine smile spread across Akeno's face. "That's all I needed to hear."

She leaned forward, and I smelled her soft lavender scent. Her lips touched mine in a kiss. It was as if all the weight of the insecurities and fears between us dissolved in that moment.

When we pulled away, her arms were still wrapped around my neck. "Well, what do you say we lie down for a while? It's a little chilly in here," she suggested with a bit of shyness and boldness.

"Lie down? During a mission?"

"Arara~ Even during a mission, we have to take advantage of opportunities. Don't you think?"

Akeno went over to the bed and sat down under the blanket, patting the place next to her lightly. "Come on, Leo. It's warm in here. If you do as I ask, I promise I'll make it up to you."

Without hesitation, I lay down next to her. Her warmth was unique.

At that moment, a system message appeared in front of my eyes:

[New System Challenge!]

[Challenge Name: Is the Thunder Priestess indomitable?

Difficulty Level C

Description: You are lying in a double bed with Akeno Himejima. There is no one around for 20 meters. Mr. and Mrs. Tanaka are in the great hall downstairs, listening to loud classical music and chatting with a dozen guests. There is nothing to stop you and Akeno from going all the way.

Challenge Goal: Take Akeno Himejima's virginity.

Deadline: Tonight.

Rewards:

+1 Mysterious Skill

+10 to all mental and physical attributes].

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NEXT CHAPTERS:

Chapter 49 - Heating Akeno (R-18)

Chapter 50 - Tight Walls (R-18)

Chapter 51 - Arara~ (R-18)

Chapter 52 - Smell of S*x (R-18)

Chapter 53 - Dawn

Chapter 54 - Artifacts

Chapter 55 - Disguise

Chapter 56 - Kuroka

Chapter 57 - Jealousy

Chapter 58 - Legs Relaxed (R-18)

Chapter 59 - Abandoned Factory

Chapter 60 - The Two Female Exorcists

Chapter 61 - Project Excalibur

Chapter 62 - Surprise from Asia (R-18)

Chapter 63 - A nun with no regrets (R-18)

Chapter 64 - The Servant and the Master (R-18)

Chapter 65 - Rias Gremory's Bottom Lips

Chapter 66 - Search Plan