Time returns to five minutes ago.
After the two Sacred Gear Users who had rushed over from the Church left Kuoh Academy, Rias sat on the sofa, seemingly resting her eyes, but in reality, she was accessing the chat group and @ing Rosen to seek advice.
But in the eyes of the other members of the Occult Research Club, Rias's behavior during this time was particularly strange.
Under normal circumstances.
Rias usually spends most of her time reading behind her desk.
But lately—apart from when she's at home, which Akeno knows nothing about—even in class she often closes her eyes and now and then breaks into a faint smile.
As Rias's best friend, Himejima Akeno is sure something has happened to her recently.
She's tried to fish for clues, but got nothing useful.
Since Rias wouldn't say, she felt awkward pressing further.
After all, it wasn't affecting anything in daily life.
Today, however, two uninvited guests from the Church showed up and they also heard that a Fallen-Angel cadre is prowling around Kuoh Town.
Under normal circumstances Akeno wouldn't ask, but with the three great factions now packed into tiny Kuoh Town the situation is already tense.
One careless move could trigger a diplomatic incident.
Even if Rias isn't worried, Akeno is starting to be.
"Rias, do you have any idea what's going on? Are we just supposed to sit here?"
Hearing Akeno's voice, Rias finally opened her eyes.
The smile still playing at her lips left Akeno completely bewildered.
What's going on?
Has she already thought of a solution?
"Akeno, Koneko, get ready—guests will be here soon."
Rias seemed not to notice the question Akeno had just asked.
"Guests?"
Akeno had question marks floating above her head.
Didn't we just see off the Church's Sacred Gear User?
After a few seconds Akeno caught on: "Rias, were you just using a magic circle to contact the Netherworld?"
If the opponents are a Fallen-Angel cadre and a Sacred Gear User, the incoming guest would have to be at least a top-tier devil.
Could it be the current Sect Master of the Gremory Family—Rias's father?
As for Devil King Lucifer, he's Rias's own brother, but it's unlikely he'd come in person.
"It's not the Netherworld; it's a friend I met in another world."
She hides nothing from her Familia.
Of course, she says nothing more about the chat group.
Although the chat group never forbids members from revealing its existence, Rias isn't about to spill every secret.
"Another world?"
At Rias's answer, Akeno and Koneko's expressions turned even stranger.
Uh-oh.
With so much happening lately, plus the Phoenix clan pressing over the engagement, has the stress pushed Rias over the edge?!
Seeing their odd looks, Rias realized how absurd her words sounded.
"He'll solve our current trouble; when he arrives you'll understand."
She gave a light cough and offered no further explanation.
After joining the chat group, Rias learned one profound truth.
No explanation is as convincing as seeing something with your own eyes.
Yet to Akeno it sounded as if Rias had been duped.
If the helper isn't from the Netherworld, why would a powerful being risk offending two great factions just to help them?
And… the timing is a little too perfect.
The Sacred Gear User had barely left when Rias claims a powerhouse is on the way to help.
It feels like someone dug a pit and Rias happily jumped in.
"Rias, do you really believe there's such a thing as a free lunch?"
Hearing that,
Rias understood Akeno's misgivings, but shook her head. "Akeno, I know what you're saying, but this guest is my friend. I did offer payment, yet he refused."
"Maybe the President's friend is just a really generous good guy?"
Koneko munched on snacks as she spoke.
"It's possible, but President, could you tell us how this powerhouse plans to solve our problem?"
"I'm not sure, but most likely he'll just take out that Fallen Angel."
After watching the animation, Rias knows Kokabiel is a war maniac; with Rosen's methods there's no reason he'd spare him.
"..."
Because Rias's answer was so matter-of-fact—and its content so far-fetched—Akeno was at a loss for words.
Seeing how firmly Rias believes it, Akeno is convinced their President has been bewitched.
"Take out a Fallen-Angel cadre"?! Do you even know how powerful a cadre is?!
Anyone who bears the title "cadre" survived the war among the Three Factions; some even fought the legendary God of the Bible!
No matter how you look at it, this screams scam!
Maybe someone wants to meddle in the Netherworld, or recruit the President, or some other sinister plot!
"He's here, he's here!"
Rias doesn't notice the look on Akeno's face.
After getting Rosen's reply in the chat group, her lips curve in excitement and delight.
Just as Akeno is about to persuade her again,
before she can finish, the girl's mouth snaps shut of its own accord.
So does Koneko, mid-snack, as both can't help staring at the center of the Occult Research Club's lounge.
Under their watchful eyes, without the slightest warning, a figure soundlessly appeared before the three of them.
It was a black-haired young man with a short cut.
Just as the two reflexively tried to look at his face, they were horrified to discover they could no longer control their own bodies.