I'm still standing

Dazai stood in the dimly lit training hall, his sharp sea-blue gaze locked onto Eve, who remained bound by dark chains. The Sin of Deception glared at him, her piercing pink eyes burning with restrained fury. He could sense her frustration, but amusement flickered in his expression as he tilted his head slightly.

"So, you're a demon—a Sin even," he mused, his voice carrying a lazy curiosity. "But there are only seven deadly sins. They nearly destroyed God once, so that would make you... the eighth Sin, correct?"

Before Eve could answer, Maria stepped forward, exhaling softly as she entered the conversation.

"My beloved," she began, her golden eyes calm but firm, "the Seven Deadly Sins are merely the most infamous. But sin itself—true sin—began with Pride. The first rebellion against the heavens. Lucifer."

She stepped closer, her voice unwavering. "Those who followed him were cast down, becoming devils, demons, and monsters. Each bore the mark of sin, but only the most powerful among them became the Seven Deadly Sins. In short, the sins you know are merely the strongest manifestations of corruption—but there have always been more."

Dazai nodded, acknowledging her explanation with a faint smirk. His attention shifted back to Eve, still held captive before him. Her eyes gleamed with defiance, but she knew better than to fight against the chains restraining her.

"Well, your maid is well-informed," she admitted, her voice smooth but edged with irritation. "Yes, demons are sins, and there are more than seven thou—"

Dazai cut her off with a dismissive sigh, rolling his shoulders as if the subject bored him.

"Yeah, yeah, I don't really care about the numbers or all that 'sin hierarchy' nonsense," he said. "What I do care about is why you were inside Akatsuki's body." His tone darkened slightly. "And don't try to play coy. If you waste my time, I'll erase you from existence. Spiritually. Permanently. So start talking."

Eve let out a frustrated sigh, clearly aware of her position. She had no choice but to comply.

"One day," she admitted, her voice measured, "a body appeared in this world—one with no ranking. No star, no divine blessing, nothing. That body was free from restrictions. For demons like me, it was an opportunity—an escape from the burning flames of Hell. So I took it." She smirked slightly. "Torturing souls isn't as entertaining as it used to be."

Dazai's eyes narrowed with intrigue.

"Free from restrictions?" he echoed.

Before Eve could respond, Maria stepped in once more, watching him carefully.

"Yes, beloved," she confirmed. "As you already know, many dragons descended from the heavens—but some fell into sin, tainting their divine essence. That corruption birthed something rare… something dangerous. The Dragon Tears."

Dazai's expression remained unreadable, but Maria could see the sharp glint of interest in his eyes. She continued.

"Dragon Tears can only be formed through demonic dragons. They are almost unheard of among humans, but those who know of them fear their existence. The star-based ranking of this world was created through divine power—pure and absolute. Demonic power, by its very nature, is rejected by it."

For the first time in the conversation, Dazai's eyes widened slightly.

"Ohhh, I see." He let out a low chuckle. "A rare source of power… but one that comes with conditions. Like a raincoat surviving a storm but burning under an iron's heat." He rubbed his chin. "So, the stars everyone has—no matter how weak—are still blessings from a divine goddess. A warrior goddess at that." His smirk deepened. "That's why sins are naturally countered by star-ranked beings… it all makes sense now."

Then, his grin turned wicked.

"Good thing I didn't consume that Dragon Tear," he mused.

Maria nodded in approval, but Eve simply rolled her eyes.

Bad move.

Within an instant, Maria's hand lashed out, striking Eve across the face. The impact echoed through the chamber.

Dazai let out a chuckle, shaking his head.

"Careful, Eve," he said, amusement lacing his words. "Maria isn't as patient as I am."

Eve grit her teeth but said nothing.

Dazai stretched his arms before letting out a satisfied sigh.

"Well, regardless," he said, "this just gives me more ideas. Looks like I have some… experiments to conduct."

His smile turned sharp.

"And lucky for me, I'm still standing, aren't I?"

-

Meanwhile, Deep in the Astra Forest

Akatsuki sprinted through the thick undergrowth, his breath even despite the distance he had covered. He had only one goal—one thing on his mind.

After what felt like an eternity, he finally found what he was looking for.

There, still paralyzed beneath a shattered tree, was Mard Geer.

Akatsuki loomed over him, cracking his knuckles as his golden eyes burned with unspoken rage.

"You thought I forgot about you?" he muttered. His voice was quiet—dangerously so.

He crouched down, gripping Mard Geer's collar as a slow, predatory grin stretched across his face.

"I ain't done with you yet," he whispered.

"Far from it."