Chapter 60: Welcome to the ORC – Flirting & Footsteps

The quiet tap of shoes echoed through the hallway as the group made their way toward the Occult Research Club room. Malrik walked in front, hands in his pockets, flanked by Asia and Aika, with Akeno leading the way just ahead.

The atmosphere was light—surprisingly so—especially considering how tense things had been the day before.

"So~" Malrik drawled, glancing sideways at Akeno. "Did you miss me after last night's little adventure?"

Akeno looked over her shoulder, eyes gleaming with her usual mischief. "Ara~ You're quite bold, Malrik-kun. Is that your way of saying you missed me?"

Malrik smirked. "Well, how could I not? You looked radiant even in a battlefield soaked with holy energy and stray devil guts."

Akeno chuckled, her laugh soft and melodious. "Flattery will get you everywhere~."

Asia blinked between them, confused. "Um… is this how you two always talk?"

Aika snorted. "Asia, this is like—low-level flirting for Malrik. He's being tame today."

Malrik raised a brow at her. "What can I say? I save the spicy lines for people I've taken out to dinner."

Akeno slowed down just enough to fall into step beside him. "Then perhaps we should test that theory someday. I wouldn't mind dinner~"

Aika groaned. "I'm walking right here, you two."

Asia blushed furiously, holding her hands close to her chest as she tried to process the tone of the conversation. "Is this… normal?"

"For them?" Aika said. "Sadly, yes."

The group rounded the corner just as the double doors of the old building came into view.

The Occult Research Club.

It sat at the far end of the corridor like a gothic temple—quiet, ancient-feeling, and slightly mysterious. The red seal above the archway glowed faintly, and even Asia sensed the shift in atmosphere as they approached.

"This is it," Akeno said, stopping just in front of the door.

Asia swallowed nervously.

Malrik reached out casually, pushed the door open—and stepped inside.

"Home sweet haunted clubhouse," he muttered with a grin.

Inside, the warm scent of tea and parchment filled the air, the dim lighting casting long shadows across the polished floor. Rias Gremory stood waiting, arms crossed, her expression poised and welcoming.

The rest of her peerage—Kiba, Koneko, and even Issei—were already there.

And now, the newest chapter was about to begin.

———

The soft lighting and faint magical hum of the Occult Research Club gave the room its usual otherworldly atmosphere. As Malrik, Asia, and Aika stepped inside, Rias greeted them with her usual graceful poise.

"Welcome back, Malrik."

Kiba nodded politely. "Good to see you again."

Koneko nibbled on a cookie without glancing up. "Hmph."

Issei waved like a survivor at a reunion. "Yo! We lived!"

Malrik gave a lazy grin.

Aika chimed in, "Glad to see no one's missing a limb."

Rias motioned for them to sit, while Akeno, ever the perfect hostess, poured tea for everyone.

After a few brief pleasantries, Rias stepped forward. Her expression turned formal, serious.

"Malrik, Asia, I asked you both here today for more than just a courtesy visit."

Malrik leaned back in his chair, arms crossed. "I figured."

Rias turned to Asia, her tone gentle. "Asia Argento… I'd like to formally invite you to join my Peerage. Your Sacred Gear, Twilight Healing, is incredibly rare. It has the potential to change everything in a battle. More importantly, I believe you'd find safety and belonging here."

Asia blinked. "Join… your Peerage?"

Issei gasped. "Wait, like, seriously? Already?!"

Kiba looked contemplative. Koneko paused her chewing. Akeno simply watched, eyes curious.

Rias turned to Malrik next. "I invited you too because she's under your care. I wouldn't ask for her decision without you here."

The room went quiet. All eyes shifted to Asia.

She looked stunned for a moment, then slowly stood, glancing around at everyone… before turning to Malrik.

"I…" she began softly, hands clasped in front of her. "I'm grateful. Truly. You all risked your lives to save me. And I'll never forget that."

Rias smiled gently. "Then—"

"But," Asia interrupted, her voice gaining strength, "I… I want to stay with Malrik."

Everyone froze.

Rias blinked. "Oh?"

Asia looked at her apologetically. "I don't mean any offense. But… I feel safe with him. With Aika. And Mittelt. It's not just about protection—it's about trust. I've made my decision."

Issei looked stunned. "W-Whoa…"

Even Akeno was surprised, her smile flickering slightly.

Malrik arched a brow, clearly not expecting that—but his smirk was warm.

Rias was quiet for a long moment before she gave a nod, composed as always. "I understand. It's your choice. I respect that."

Asia bowed deeply. "Thank you for understanding."

Aika grinned. "Guess that makes our little group official now."

Koneko muttered, "More weirdos."

Malrik stood and stretched. "Well, with that settled… I guess we'll be heading out."

Rias nodded, but as Malrik turned, she added, "Still… if either of you ever need anything, you're always welcome here."

Asia smiled warmly. "Thank you, Rias-san."

As they exited the room, Malrik threw a wink over his shoulder at Akeno. "Next time, try harder to steal her from me."

Akeno giggled. "I might."

Behind them, the door closed, and the ORC was left in stunned silence.

A human… building a peerage of his own?

Rias looked out the window, thoughtful.