Chapter 44: A Saint’s Resolve

Asia Argento had felt nothing but despair moments ago.

But now, as she turned to Renji, his calm and confident smile gave her something she hadn't felt in a long time—hope.

For the first time, she believed she might not be alone.

But the moment was short-lived.

"Enough of this nonsense!"

Dohnaseek's gruff voice shattered the moment of peace.

His black wings flared, his eyes filled with disgust.

"Boy, I think it's time we teach you the difference between a human and a Fallen Angel!"

The other two, Kalawarna and Mittelt, sneered.

Their twisted pleasure from Asia's suffering had vanished—replaced by the need to eliminate Renji.

But—

Renji simply sighed.

"A Fallen Angel, huh?"

His red gauntlet gleamed under the morning sun.

"I remember the last one who talked to me like that."

He smirked.

"I think her name was… Raynare?"

The moment the name left his lips—

The trio's expressions froze.

"Impossible!" Mittelt shouted, her body tensing.

"You couldn't have killed Raynare!"

Dohnaseek's light spear formed instantly, his eyes now filled with caution.

"Who the hell are you?"

Renji cracked his knuckles.

"You could always ask her yourself."

His smirk sharpened.

"Once I send you to hell."

The Fallen Angels exchanged glances—then moved in sync.

They knew.

This human was dangerous.

There was only one solution.

"Kill him!"

Without hesitation, three spears of light shot toward Renji and Asia.

But there was a catch.

Only one was aimed at Renji.

The other two?

Straight for Asia.

They were trying to force Renji to protect her—leaving him open.

A smart tactic.

Unfortunately—

They had underestimated him.

---

Just before impact—

Renji vanished.

Asia felt the wind shift—and suddenly, strong arms wrapped around her.

By the time she realized what was happening, Renji had moved her behind him.

The light spears crashed into empty ground, sending a cloud of dust into the air.

Kalawarna narrowed her eyes.

"Did we get them?"

A single sound answered her—

Schwing!

A golden sword pierced straight through Dohnaseek's chest.

The blade glowed with divine radiance, its power completely overwhelming his fallen nature.

Dohnaseek's eyes widened in horror.

"Wha—"

Before he could finish—

His body crumbled into ash.

Gone.

Destroyed.

The Sword of Promised Victory had erased him from existence.

Kalawarna and Mittelt staggered back, their faces drained of color.

"A Holy Sword?!"

"You're a Holy Sword user?!"

Their confidence shattered.

Mittelt turned to flee, but—

She never made it.

Clank!

A golden chain shot from thin air, wrapping around her body in an instant.

The Chains of Heaven.

Her wings flapped frantically, but it was useless.

Kalawarna tried to take flight—

But the moment she leaped into the sky—

The chains caught her too.

The two Fallen Angels screamed, struggling desperately.

But nothing could break these divine bindings.

They were trapped.

And Renji—

Was walking toward them.

Kalawarna's face contorted in fear.

"W-Wait! We surrender!"

Mittelt gasped, her eyes filled with panic.

"Y-Yeah! We can serve you! We'll do anything!"

Renji's expression didn't change.

He simply raised his sword.

"Sorry," he said coldly.

"I'm not interested in trash."

Schwing!

In one swift strike, both of their bodies were cut down.

Ash scattered in the wind.

The battle was over.

Renji exhaled, letting the golden glow fade from his weapons.

Turning back, he saw Asia standing frozen, her eyes distant.

"Did I scare you?"

Her gaze slowly lifted to meet his.

But instead of fear—

There was sadness.

"Thank you for saving me, Renji…"

Her voice was soft.

"But… I don't have a home anymore."

Renji's expression softened.

"That's not true."

He gently placed his hand on her head.

"You can stay with me for now."

Asia's eyes widened.

"You mean it?"

Renji nodded.

"And… I have an idea for a new home for you too. But in the end, it's your choice."

Asia's eyes filled with tears—but this time, they weren't from sadness.

They were from relief.

"Thank you… Thank you, Renji!"

She quickly wiped her eyes, smiling for the first time that day.

Renji simply smirked.

"Come on. Let's go home."

---

By the time they returned home, the sun was setting.

The golden light bathed the house in a peaceful glow.

As Renji opened the door—

He froze.

Standing in his living room, waiting for him, were two unexpected guests.

Akeno Himejima.

And…

Rias Gremory.

Akeno smiled, stepping toward him with graceful elegance.

"Welcome back," she said in a sultry tone.

She leaned slightly, bending just enough to reveal a teasing glimpse of cleavage.

Renji's eyes twitched.

From his height advantage, he saw everything.

Everything.

Medusa, who was watching from the couch, let out a small huff of annoyance.

"That's my line," she muttered.

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