Chapter 45: The Twelve Trials

Renji was already used to Akeno Himejima's teasing, so her sultry greeting didn't faze him in the slightest.

Without hesitation, he led Asia Argento into the hall.

He already knew why Rias Gremory and Akeno were here—it was about Asia.

A Sacred Gear like Twilight Healing was rare.

And for someone like Rias, who was carefully building her peerage, Asia was the perfect Bishop.

Rias stood from the sofa, her crimson hair flowing elegantly as she approached.

"You must be Asia," she said with a soft smile. "What a lovely girl."

Asia flinched, instinctively looking at Renji for reassurance.

She wasn't used to strangers, and though Rias seemed kind, she carried an overwhelming presence.

Noticing Asia's unease, Rias introduced herself with a gentle voice.

"I am Rias Gremory, heir to the Gremory Clan, one of the Seventy-Two Pillars of the Underworld."

She didn't waste time.

"I would like to invite you to join my peerage."

Asia froze.

Her breath hitched.

"A… devil?"

The word left her lips as a whisper, full of disbelief.

Devils and the Church were enemies.

She had been raised to believe that devils were evil incarnate.

And now—

She was being asked to become one.

She clutched her hands tightly, her faith telling her to refuse.

"I… I can't…"

Before she could finish, Renji placed a calm hand on her shoulder.

"Asia," he said steadily, "not all devils are evil."

His voice was gentle but firm.

"And not all humans are good."

Asia's emerald eyes widened slightly.

"Rias is someone I trust," Renji continued. "But in the end, the choice is yours."

"Follow your heart."

Asia bit her lip, unsure.

Rias, sensing her hesitation, offered a soft smile.

"Would you like to talk privately?"

Asia hesitated for a moment—then nodded.

After a glance at Renji, she followed Rias into another room.

---

Fifteen minutes later, Rias and Asia emerged.

Rias was smiling confidently.

And Asia…

She looked down, sneaking glances at Renji, her cheeks slightly flushed.

She had agreed.

Renji sighed internally.

I don't know what Rias told her, but it worked.

Without wasting time, Rias performed the Reincarnation Ritual in the living room.

A crimson glow enveloped Asia—

And when it faded…

She had officially become Rias's Bishop.

Before leaving, Rias handed Asia a Kuoh Academy uniform.

"You're already registered as a second-year student," she said with a knowing smirk.

Renji blinked.

She had planned this far ahead?

Classic Rias.

And as for Asia's living situation?

For whatever reason—either by Asia's request, or simply because Rias saw no need to change it—Asia continued living at Renji's house.

---

The next morning, Renji walked to school with two girls at his sides.

To his right—Koneko Toujou, her silver hair gleaming in the morning sun.

To his left—Asia, her golden locks swaying gently as she walked.

They entered the school together.

And immediately—

Renji felt the stares.

Jealousy.

Envy.

Hatred.

All directed at him.

But honestly?

He didn't care.

Asia, on the other hand, was visibly nervous.

Her first day at school had her fidgeting with her uniform, her fingers lightly grasping the hem of her skirt.

"You'll be fine," Renji reassured her.

Asia nodded shyly, but the nervousness remained.

As they entered the building, they split off to their separate classes.

And with that—

Renji's life continued as usual.

At home—Medusa (Rider) waited for him.

On the way to school—Koneko and Asia accompanied him.

In class—he sat between Akeno and Rias, constantly getting teased by one while feeling the alluring presence of the other.

It was…

A strangely fulfilling life.

But between all of that, Renji still had another goal—

Golden Eggs.

---

Over the next week, Renji opened several Golden Eggs scattered throughout Kuoh Academy.

Most of them were low-tier—some useful, others not so much.

But one stood out.

A three-star Golden Egg from Sona Sitri.

And what he obtained…

Was something legendary.

Name: Renji

Race: Human (Sacred Gear User)

Energy Level: Comparable to High-Class Devils

Abilities:

God's Gift

Enhanced Magic

Thunder Breath

Twelve Trials

Fire Release: Great Fireball Jutsu

Boosted Gear (Red Dragon Emperor's Gauntlet)

Items:

Sun Blade

Excalibur (Sword of Promised Victory)

Enkidu (Chains of Heaven)

Heroic Spirit: Medusa (Rider, Sister R)

Overall Rank: Comparable to Ultimate-Class Devils in Full Power

The Twelve Trials.

A legendary ability based on Heracles' Noble Phantasm from Fate.

Grants immunity to all attacks ranked B or lower.

Allows revival up to 11 times upon fatal injury.

Essentially—he had 12 lives.

And with Boosted Gear's potential, his combat ability had skyrocketed to a level few could challenge.

---

As Renji sat in class, reviewing his status—

He noticed something.

Akeno and Rias weren't here.

That was… unusual.

Neither of them ever skipped school.

Frowning slightly, Renji extended his senses.

Asia and Koneko had also left the main school building—heading toward the Occult Research Club.

Something was happening.

And Renji intended to find out what.

======

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