High school dxd: As Sukuna

Alastor, Kiba, and Koneko descended the stone staircase beneath the altar, the air around them growing colder with each step. The dim lights overhead flickered, casting eerie shadows on the walls. It was surprising to Alastor that even the basement of this old church had working electricity.

With Kiba leading the way, the three walked cautiously down the narrow passageway. The walls were lined with doors on both sides, suggesting this place had been used for more than just rituals.

"This must be the basement," Alastor murmured, scanning the area as they advanced further.

Koneko, always alert, suddenly pointed to the far end of the passage. "At the end of this hall... I can smell her. The one we're looking for."

Asia. Alastor's thoughts briefly flickered to the kind-hearted girl he had met earlier. "She's close," he murmured.

As they moved further down the hall, they reached a large, heavy door that stood ominously before them.

"Is that it?" Kiba asked, his hand resting on the hilt of his sword.

"Most likely," Alastor replied, his gaze fixed on the door. "I'm sure there are exorcists and Fallen Angels waiting for us inside. Are you both ready?"

Koneko and Kiba nodded in unison, their expressions serious and focused.

"Alright," Alastor said, stepping forward. "We open the door on my mark—"

Before he could finish, the door slowly creaked open by itself, revealing a large, dimly lit room on the other side. The sound of the door echoed through the chamber, and as the room came into view, a voice greeted them from the far end.

"Welcome, devils."

The voice belonged to Raynare, the Fallen Angel who had been pulling the strings behind the recent attacks. She stood with a confident smirk on her face, her wings spread wide as she gazed at them with disdain.

Alastor's eyes immediately shifted past her to the center of the room, where Asia was bound to a large cross. Her body hung limply, her face pale from exhaustion. Surrounding her were several priests, each wielding a sword made of light.

Alastor's heart tightened for a brief moment, though his face remained calm. The scene before him was grim, but he wasn't shaken.

"Asia..." Alastor murmured, his voice cold and measured, devoid of visible emotion. Whether it was his Lucifer bloodline dulling his feelings or his understanding that he could still save her even if she died, Alastor remained composed.

Asia, despite her weakened state, lifted her head slightly at the sound of his voice. Her eyes blinked in confusion, but she recognized him.

"...Alastor-san?" she whispered weakly, her voice barely audible.

Alastor's gaze softened as he assessed her condition. She was alive, but barely. If they didn't act soon, she wouldn't make it.

Kiba gripped his sword tightly, and Koneko crouched slightly, ready to spring into action at any moment. But Alastor, lost in thought, didn't move right away.

System, Alastor mentally called out, If I save Asia now without letting Raynare kill her, can I still turn her into a devil without her resenting me?

The System responded quickly, its voice neutral and precise. Yes, it's possible, but you would need to render her unconscious first. Otherwise, the trauma of what's happening might influence her feelings.

Alastor's mind raced. He knew Raynare planned to kill Asia as part of a twisted ritual, but he couldn't let it come to that. If he acted now, he could save her—and more importantly, he could do so in a way that wouldn't scar her further.

He glanced at Kiba and Koneko. "We need to take care of this quickly. Kiba, Koneko—handle the priests. Leave Raynare to me."

Kiba nodded, his expression determined. "Understood."

Koneko gave a curt nod as well, her small but powerful form tensing in preparation for the fight.

Without another word, Kiba charged forward, his sword gleaming as he met the first priest head-on. Their blades clashed with a resounding clang, sparks flying in the dim light.

Koneko moved silently beside him, her fists smashing through the light blades with ease, her immense strength making quick work of the priests.

Raynare, still smirking, watched the battle unfold. "You devils are persistent. But you're too late. The ritual has already begun."

Alastor ignored her, his focus solely on Asia. He could feel the faint pulse of her life force—it was weak, but still there.

In one swift motion, Alastor appeared beside the cross, his hand glowing with a faint, dark energy. Asia's eyes widened slightly as she saw him standing next to her, but before she could speak, Alastor placed his hand gently on her forehead.

"Sleep," he whispered softly, releasing a small amount of energy to knock her unconscious. Asia's eyes fluttered closed, her body relaxing as she slipped into a deep, peaceful slumber.

Raynare's smile faltered for the first time as she realized what Alastor had done. "You—!"

Before she could react, Alastor turned toward her, his eyes glowing with a dangerous light. "You've made a mistake, Raynare."

Raynare's wings flared out as she prepared to attack, her expression twisting into one of fury. "You think you can save her? You think you can stop this ritual? I'll kill you where you stand, devil!"

Alastor's lips curled into a cold smile. "You won't get the chance."

In the blink of an eye, Alastor closed the distance between them, his speed catching Raynare off guard. Her eyes widened in shock as he appeared in front of her, his hand crackling with dark energy.

Before Raynare could even summon her own power, Alastor's hand shot forward, striking her square in the chest. The force of the blow sent her flying backward, crashing into the wall behind her with a thunderous impact. Dust and debris fell from the ceiling as the entire room shook from the collision.

Raynare gasped for breath, her body slumped against the wall. She tried to rise, but her limbs refused to cooperate. Alastor's attack had drained her of her strength.

"You're finished," Alastor said, his voice was calm and composed as he stood over her.

Raynare's eyes filled with hatred, but she couldn't summon the energy to fight back. She had underestimated him, and now she was paying the price.

Kiba and Koneko, having dealt with the remaining priests, regrouped near Alastor. The room was quiet now, save for Raynare's labored breathing.

Alastor turned back to Asia's unconscious form. "We need to get her out of here."

Kiba nodded, sheathing his sword. "Let's go."

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