"It's good that you understand the seriousness of this matter."
Rias only gave a brief reminder and chose not to say more.
After all, this was Sona's issue to deal with.
But after spending time with Lynn, she didn't want unnecessary complications affecting him.
After all.
Lynn was also a victim in all this.
He had been forced into this engagement.
Even when Sona had agreed to cancel it, the higher-ups hadn't allowed it, leaving the Rating Game as the only solution.
It wasn't so different from what she had experienced herself.
Thinking about it, Rias couldn't help but feel a pang of sympathy.
But—
At least she had the protection of her family.
Her brother was a Maou.
Lynn, on the other hand, was alone.
Not only that.
He had to hide his true identity and avoid being discovered by the Old Maou Faction.
Banished to the human world at a young age, only to be later dragged into noble politics…
How miserable.
A sudden surge of maternal instinct welled up in Rias.
She regretted giving away an enchanted weapon so easily earlier.
Even if it was nearly strong enough to be classified as an artificial Sacred Gear, that wasn't the point!
If Lynn wanted it, he could have it!
Her gaze shifted to Sona across from her, and a thought crossed her mind.
Lynn's Peerage probably lacked light and holy-based spells, right?
"Ahem."
"?"
Sona looked at Rias in confusion.
After a moment of consideration, Rias spoke.
"If you're really concerned about Lynn, why not prepare some light and holy arts for him?"
"…?"
Sona's confusion deepened.
"Light and holy arts? For Lynn?"
"A devil?"
Has Rias gone insane?
Sona's skeptical expression made Rias freeze for a moment.
…Wait.
How was she supposed to explain this without exposing Mahiru's abilities?
Rias fell silent, struggling for an answer.
Seeing this, Akeno chuckled and stepped in.
"President Sona, our dear Buchou doesn't quite understand it either, but for some reason, Mr. Lynn seems to have a use for them."
Which wasn't a lie.
After all, when Rias had gifted Lynn the Blazing Spear, the first thing he asked was whether it had a holy attribute.
"I see!"
Sona suddenly understood.
So it was Lynn who wanted them.
Though she had no idea why a devil like him would need light and holy magic…
If it was Lynn, then it couldn't be helped.
Sona thought for a moment.
Light and holy attributes were natural counters to devils.
Whether as spells or weapons, it was rare for devils to acquire them.
But…
That didn't matter!
She looked at Rias seriously.
"Rias, there have been quite a few Fallen Angel pests in Kuoh Town lately."
"Don't you think… they're getting a bit too noisy?"
Rias: "…?"
Sona, isn't that a bit too extreme?
If you're not careful, you might start a diplomatic incident!
---
Shuchiin Academy – Supernatural Investigation Club.
"Miss Rias, you are such a generous person."
Mahiru carefully examined the Blazing Spear in her hands and couldn't help but sigh in admiration.
Not only was the weapon beautiful in its design, but it was perfectly suited for someone like her.
Its compact form fit her hands well, making it easy to handle.
And most importantly.
Its performance was outstanding.
When she infused it with light energy, there was no resistance, the process was seamless.
The weapon's magic efficiency was also incredibly high.
Compared to her old, human-made firearm, this was on a completely different level.
Lynn nodded.
"According to Rias, this weapon is close to being classified as an artificial Sacred Gear."
"Sacred Gear?"
Mahiru blinked in confusion.
The term was unfamiliar to her.
Lynn explained.
"Weapons made by gods are called Sacred Gears."
Mahiru's eyes widened slightly.
"Wait… Gods exist in this world?"
Lynn raised an eyebrow.
"There are devils, why wouldn't there be gods?"
"…That's… fair."
Mahiru looked embarrassed for even asking.
Lynn's gaze deepened slightly.
"Mahiru, this world is far bigger than you think."
"If you don't want to remain at the bottom, then work hard."
"Keep pushing forward, until you reach the very top."
He had never forgotten—
The hidden threat left behind by his surname.
The Old Maou Faction.
That storm would explode sooner or later.
Right now, even as an Ultimate-Class-Class Devil, his strength wasn't enough.
Mahiru was momentarily stunned by Lynn's words.
Then, with newfound determination, she clenched her fists.
"I'll do my best!"
For Mr. Lynn!
---
After her conversation with Lynn, Mahiru's motivation soared.
She barely took a break.
And immediately set off for the Zombie World to grind experience.
Watching her determined figure disappear through the portal, Lynn couldn't help but smile slightly.
"I'm looking forward to it…"
He had high expectations for Mahiru.
A Fallen Devil.
So convincing that it was impossible to tell apart from a real one.
If she ever ran into actual Fallen Angels…
Something interesting might happen.
And speaking of that.
Whoosh.
Lynn unfurled his wings.
Unlike Mahiru's.
Eight majestic wings spread out behind him.
A sly smirk crossed his lips.
"The position of Governor of the Fallen Angels…"
"Maybe I should consider it?"
(To be continued.)