Bound by Infinity

Chapter: 30

I sat next to Rias in the Occult Research Club room, casually leaning back on the couch while the others occupied the remaining seats. The atmosphere was relaxed, though there was an undercurrent of curiosity and caution.

"So, we're having guests?" I asked, glancing at Rias.

"Yes," she replied, her tone calm. "Two representatives of the Church. They want to speak with us."

"Any idea what they want?" Issei asked, leaning forward.

Rias shook her head. "Not entirely. But I doubt it's anything friendly."

"I see," I said, narrowing my eyes. I didn't like the sound of this.

A knock at the door interrupted our conversation.

"Come in," Rias called.

The door opened, revealing two young women who stepped inside with an air of purpose.

The first had long chestnut hair tied into twintails with blue scrunchies. Her violet eyes sparkled with energy, but her expression was firm. She wore the Church's standard battle attire—a black skin suit that ended mid-thigh, paired with tall black combat boots.

The second girl had chin-length blue hair, accented by a dyed green fringe that framed her brown eyes. Her outfit was a black, skin-tight, short-sleeve leotard under a white hooded cloak adorned with gold and blue accents. A crucifix hung around her neck, and a white cloth-wrapped bundle was slung over her back.

I raised an eyebrow as I immediately sensed the distinct energy radiating from both of them. Holy swords.

"Ooh, holy sword users," I muttered. My eyes flickered to the brown-haired girl, and realization hit me. "Wait a second."

"Irina?!" Issei and I exclaimed in unison.

The chestnut-haired girl broke into a smile and waved enthusiastically. "Kouki-san! Issei-san! It's been a while!"

"You two know her?" Rias asked, her gaze shifting between us.

"Yeah," I said, nodding. "She's our childhood friend."

Irina chuckled. "That's right. I didn't think I'd run into both of you here. Small world, huh?"

Issei scratched the back of his head awkwardly. "Uh, yeah. Didn't expect to see you either."

The blue-haired girl glanced at Irina, clearly unimpressed with her casual demeanor. "Irina, we're not here for small talk. Let's stay focused."

Irina straightened up. "Right, right. Sorry, Xenovia."

Rias crossed her legs, her tone polite yet wary. "So, what brings you here?"

Xenovia's gaze hardened as she stepped forward. "We're here for two reasons. First, we're investigating the recent theft of Excalibur fragments. Our mission is to recover them."

"And the second reason?" I asked.

"To warn you," Xenovia said bluntly, her eyes scanning the room. "Stay out of our way. This is Church business, and interference from Devils will not be tolerated."

"We had no intention of interfering Regardless," Rias replied diplomatically.

"Good," Xenovia said curtly

The atmosphere grew tense. The other members of the peerage shifted uncomfortably, but no one said anything.

As they turned to leave, Xenovia's eyes landed on Asia, who had been sitting quietly at the far end of the room. Her expression darkened instantly.

"You…" Xenovia said coldly, stepping toward Asia.

Asia flinched under her gaze.

"You're Asia Argento," Xenovia continued, her voice dripping with contempt. "The so-called Holy Maiden. I heard you were excommunicated and labeled a witch. But to think you'd fall so low as to become a Devil…"

"Hey!" Issei snapped, standing up.

Xenovia ignored him and continued, her voice sharp. "You betrayed the Church, Asia. You betrayed God. You're a disgrace to everything holy."

Tears welled up in Asia's eyes, but before she could react further, her demeanor shifted. Her eyes glowed faintly, and a faint smile curved her lips.

Index.

 Xenovia raised her hand, reaching for the holy sword that was wrapped in cloth.

"I should exorcise you and end your blasphemous existence right here—"

The room shifted in an instant.

I appeared behind Xenovia, the tip of a blade pressed against her throat. A second later, a magic circle materialized inches from her face, controlled by Index, who had taken over without warning.

Xenovia froze, her eyes wide in shock.

"I wouldn't do that if I were you," I said, my voice low and cold.

Irina moved to help, but her advance was halted when she found both Rias and Koneko blocking her path. Each held their Zanpakutō at her throat, their faces calm but their eyes dangerous.

Irina raised her hands cautiously, realizing she was completely outmaneuvered.

I leaned closer to Xenovia, my blade pressing slightly harder against her skin. "If you want a fight, you've got one."

Chapter 30: End