As soon as Mephisto and Issei returned to the clubroom, the tension in the air was almost palpable. All the club members stood in the middle of the room, their expressions serious and focused, as if they were expecting something important. When Rias and Akeno looked up and saw Mephisto and Issei, their concern was clear. Issei immediately understood that something was wrong. His heart started beating faster as he looked at Mephisto, who remained calm and collected. But Issei had a feeling that something was off—and that he was about to find out what.
"Issei," Rias began, her tone serious, immediately drawing his attention. "Where did you go again?" Her gaze was full of worry, but also firmness. He could hear that familiar trace of authority in her voice—one he couldn't ignore. "Where did you go, Issei?" she repeated, her voice now carrying a different intensity.
Issei froze, confused by her question. "What?" he replied, puzzled, his eyes showing obvious surprise. "What's going on, Rias?" He tried to add a lighthearted tone, but the atmosphere in the room was far too heavy for a joke to land.
"To the church," Rias continued, her voice now stern, though there was a hint of concern beneath it. "You know that place isn't safe for us devils. What were you thinking?"
Issei looked back at her, and something in his heart sank. As he thought about it, he realized he might've done something far more serious than he had initially thought. "I'm sorry," he began slowly, though he didn't entirely feel guilty. "I honestly didn't know it would be a problem. I brought Asia there because that place meant something to her. She needed someone to guide her. She was alone, no one helped her, so I did."
Rias watched him silently, and her eyes softened for a moment as she realized that Issei acted out of goodwill. But it was still a decision that could have dangerous consequences. "Issei," she said calmly, yet still with that familiar tone of authority, "I'm glad you chose to help Asia, but things like this aren't so simple. A church is a place where various forces gather—and not all of them are friendly to us. You're making decisions that could endanger not only yourself, but all of us. We devils can't act on impulse, no matter how noble it seems. It's far more complicated than you think."
Issei replayed everything in his mind. He was now beginning to realize that his decision was much more serious than he had assumed. Still, he didn't feel guilty about what he had done. "I couldn't just leave her there," he replied quietly. "I'm... I'm still human, even though I'm in a different world now. I just couldn't ignore someone who needed help."
Akeno, who had been silent until that moment, stepped closer to Rias, and her expression shifted into something mildly amused, though her eyes still held tension. Her smile had a hint of irony, but Issei knew there was more to it than teasing. "So, Issei," she began, her voice slightly mischievous, "next time, you'll need to be more careful. A church isn't a place we should be—unless we want to attract the wrong kind of attention. And sometimes, it's better to leave these matters to those of us who know what we're dealing with."
"She's right," Rias agreed, her tone still calm but firm. "I should have taught you to be more cautious from the start. This isn't a world where we can make mistakes that put everyone at risk. Even you, Issei, have a role in this game. You need to be careful."
Issei frowned, his mind slowly falling into place. "I understand, Rias. I'm sorry. It won't happen again," he finally said, his head slightly bowed.
Rias gave him a brief approving nod. "Good. But let's put it behind us now. We've got more important things to deal with."
Akeno approached Rias with a laugh, her gaze now turning to Mephisto, who still stood off to the side, his calm demeanor unchanged. Akeno leaned toward Rias, her face lighting up with a mysterious smile. "Rias, we're going hunting tonight, right?" Her question was more than just a question—it carried a sense of anticipation and excitement, even as tension lingered in the air.
Rias smiled and nodded. "Yes, we are. Kiba, Akeno, you're coming with me. We've got a few things to take care of before we head out. Be ready for anything." Rias was still serious, but when it came to decision-making, she was resolute.
Akeno smiled and leaned toward Mephisto. "And what about you, Mephisto? Won't you join us for the hunt? We should have you with us, just in case something goes wrong."
Mephisto looked at her, his smile still cold but pleasant. "No, not tonight," he replied calmly, as if the situation didn't concern him at all. "I have other plans. But you'll handle it. You're more than capable."
Rias nodded, her gaze still serious, but she respected his decision. "Alright. If we need you, let us know," she said, then turned to the others. "Let's go."
And with those words, everyone began preparing for the hunt. A brief farewell, a quick teleportation—and before Issei could even process it, they were gone. Only silence remained in the room, and it left him with a strange feeling, as if he were about to embark on a much longer and more dangerous journey than he could imagine. And even though he was still shaken by what Rias had said, he knew his place was here now—with them.
He was part of their world, and whatever came next would be part of his path. No matter what it might be.