Mio Naruse didn't quite understand Takumi's definition of a "first kiss." A flicker of secret delight passed through her eyes. The scolding words on her lips changed midway, turning into something else entirely—she leaned in and bit down on his shoulder, as if trying to leave her own mark on him.
After all, her body already bore far too many marks.
Unfortunately, Takumi's skin was too tough—she couldn't make a dent.
"Quit fooling around. Go wash up, I need a shower too."
His whole body was sticky, damp—there was no way not to bathe. Face flushing, Mio winced as she forced herself up and quickly left the bedroom.
Takumi sat up, eyes shifting toward the supposedly "asleep" Raynare at his side.
Smack!
His palm cracked across her face, leaving a red handprint.
"Yahn!"
Raynare cried out, curling into the corner, glaring daggers at him. But the contract's collar around her neck pulsed, releasing a wave of curse.
"No!!"
She twisted, trying to resist, but the curse drowned her mind. Any more "lessons" and her nerves might literally fry, so Takumi restrained himself. Instead, he ordered her to clean the house—burning off the curse through obedience.
"Wrong angle! Wrong strength! Clean it properly! What's with these stains still here!?"
Under his strict instructions, Raynare ended up drenched in sweat. Parched, she gulped down water from a cup when she finished, the sound of swallowing echoing in the room as the curse finally subsided.
Terrified, humiliated—Raynare realized the truth. Resistance was impossible. If this kept up, she'd die.
"You—"
"Call me Master!"
"…"
Facing Takumi's imposing gaze, she saw that towering figure in her mind again. Trembling, she couldn't help but kneel, prostrating herself in surrender.
"Master… good morning."
"Now that's more like a servant."
He patted her cheek, leaving a red mark on her pale skin, then asked bluntly. "Tell me everything you know. Now."
That simple command rang in her mind like divine law. If she refused, her mind and body would collapse. Afraid, she spilled everything without hesitation.
"I had three companions—Kalawarna, Mittelt, and Donaseek. Donaseek is already dead. The other two should still be gathering at the church. Our original mission was through a rogue exorcist group under us, to contact a nun expelled from the Church. She carries a Sacred Gear that can even heal devils. I wanted it to grow stronger.
Then last night we learned a stray pure-blood devil had come to Kuoh Town. Considering the value, I led my group to capture her."
Takumi nodded, piecing it together. So basically, they were just trying to scavenge.
Raynare's eyes welled with tears. She'd only wanted to rack up points by hunting a pure-blood devil, and now she'd trapped herself instead.
But Takumi felt no sympathy. Drying himself with magic, he motioned for her to stand, then strode out of the bedroom.
Raynare sat slumped on the messy sheets, despairing. She'd already cried herself dry.
"This damned servant contract… he really is my Master now."
She wanted to curse him, but the glowing mark on her neck stopped her. Even a stray negative thought about Takumi triggered punishment. The more she tried not to think badly of him, the more she did. Each time, memories of his overwhelming blows resurfaced, shattering her defiance.
Her instincts as a Fallen Angel, loyal only to strength, betrayed her: she realized she couldn't even bring herself to hate him. He was too strong. In every way. His fist—and his other "hard fist"—had utterly crushed her resistance.
Broken and conflicted, Raynare dressed herself with magic and followed.
In the living room, Mio was glaring at Maria Naruse.
"Maria, I need a word. Come here."
That cold voice froze Maria to the core. She yelped as Mio grabbed her by the head and dragged her off.
"Ahh! Mio-sama, my head—it hurts! I didn't mean it, I really didn't mean it!!"
Her wailing faded behind the slammed bedroom door. The sounds of crashes and shrieks followed.
"A masochist deserves it," Takumi muttered. Maria had brought it on herself. Still, since she'd benefitted him greatly, he spared a second of sympathy before ignoring the noise and enjoying the breakfast she'd prepared.
The little succubus really did cook well—better than him by far.
Glancing at his system, Takumi noticed his [Gate Between Worlds] progress had reached 98%.
"Raynare was just a side bonus. Mio was the jackpot—she alone boosted me this much."
That saved him months of work. A mere 2% remained. A little more "contact" with the sisters and he'd be done.
"Master~"
Raynare stepped out, now neatly dressed. Without her Fallen Angel wings, her aura seemed pure and fragile. Her delicate face held a pitiful expression, her silky black hair brushing her waist.
The buttons of her maroon blouse strained against her chest, threatening to burst at any moment—enough to rank her easily in the fifth letter of the alphabet. The pleated skirt hugged her narrow waist before flaring into full, ripe curves, like a melon turned upside down.
Takumi, who had already "tested the ride," knew well—she was a high-end supercar. Mio's potential was even greater, but she was still in her break-in period. Raynare, on the other hand, could unleash miracles right away.
For now, Raynare was clearly in the lead.
...
If we reach 100 Power Stones this week, I'll release a mass drop of 10 chapters as a thank-you for your amazing support!