Xenovia's eyes burned with defiance as she stepped forward, her hand gripping the hilt of her sword—or at least, where her sword used to be. The blue marble I'd turned it into still rested in her palm, but she wasn't backing down. If anything, she looked even more determined.

  Oh great, here we go again, I thought, rolling my eyes internally. Another hotheaded warrior type who can't take a hint. Why is it always the sword-wielding ones with a chip on their shoulder?

  "That was a cheap trick," she said, her voice sharp. "You caught me off guard. I wasn't ready."

  I raised an eyebrow, leaning casually against the table. "Oh, so you're saying you'd do better if we had a proper match? Even though I just turned your sword into a paperweight?"

  Honestly, I'm starting to think these church girls have a thing for dramatic comebacks. Maybe it's in their training manual: 'How to Sound Cool While Losing, Volume 1.'

  She gred at me, her cheeks flushing with frustration. "You don't know how strong I am. I wasn't even trying."

  I couldn't help but ugh. "Alright, alright. If it'll make you feel better, we can have a rematch. But don't come crying to me when you lose again."

  Rias sighed, pinching the bridge of her nose. "Must you two always escate things? Kazuya, do you really have to provoke her?"

  Oh, come on, Rias. You know I live for this. Besides, someone's gotta teach these rookies some humility.

  "Hey, she's the one challenging me," I said, holding up my hands in mock surrender. "Besides, it's not like I'm going to hurt her. Much."

  Xenovia's gre intensified, and she turned to Rias. "We'll settle this outside. I don't want to wreck your clubroom."

  Rias waved a hand dismissively. "Fine, but keep it civil. And Kazuya, try not to break anything. Or anyone."

  "No promises," I said with a grin.

  The backyard of the Occult Research Club building was spacious, with plenty of room for a fight. The sun was starting to set, casting long shadows across the grass. Kiba stood off to the side, his usual calm demeanor repced with a tense focus. Irina stood opposite him, her own sword drawn and ready. It seemed like they'd decided to have their own little sparring match.

  Well, this is cozy. Two fights for the price of one. Maybe I should start selling tickets. 'Occult Research Club Fight Night: Holy Swords vs. Devilish Charm.' I'd make a fortune.

  "Ready?" I asked Xenovia, who stood a few feet away, her Durandal now restored to its full glory. The blue bde shimmered with holy energy, and she held it with the confidence of someone who'd trained with it for years.

  Okay, I'll admit, that sword looks pretty cool. But let's see how she handles it when I'm not pying nice.

  "Don't get cocky," she said, her voice low. "This time, I won't hold back."

  "Good," I said, drawing Lostvayne from its sheath. The bde glinted in the fading light, its intricate design catching the eye. "Because neither will I."

  Alright, Kazuya, time to show off a little. Just don't trip over your own feet. That would be embarrassing.

  The moment the words left my mouth, Xenovia charged. Her movements were fast and powerful, but predictable. She swung Durandal in a wide arc, aiming to cleave me in half. I sidestepped easily, the bde missing me by inches.

  Whoa, someone's been skipping leg day. All that upper body strength and no finesse. Cssic.

  "Too slow," I said, smirking. "You're all power, no finesse."

  She growled and attacked again, this time with a series of rapid strikes. I dodged each one, my movements fluid and precise. It was almost like a dance—her swinging wildly, me weaving through her attacks with ease.

  Man, this is almost too easy. I feel like I'm pying DDR with a sword. Step, step, sidestep, and—oh, look, she's getting mad. Cue the angry face.

  "You're not even trying," I taunted, parrying one of her strikes with Lostvayne. "Come on, is that all you've got?"

  Xenovia's frustration was palpable. She lunged at me, putting all her strength into a downward ssh. I stepped to the side, and her bde smmed into the ground, sending up a spray of dirt.

  Whoa, someone's got anger management issues. Maybe I should recommend a therapist. Or a yoga css.

  Before she could recover, I was behind her, my sword resting gently against her throat.

  "Game over," I said, my voice calm but firm. "Know your pce before you jump into a fight."

  For a moment, she didn't move. Then, slowly, she lowered her sword and stepped back, her expression a mix of anger and grudging respect.

  And there it is. The cssic 'I lost but I'm too proud to admit it' face. Cssic Xenovia.

  "Fine," she said, her voice tight. "You win this time. But don't think I'll lose again."

  "I'll look forward to it," I said, sheathing Lostvayne.

  Nearby, Kiba and Irina's fight had also come to an end. Kiba stood with his sword at Irina's throat, though he looked more troubled than triumphant. Irina sighed and lowered her weapon, conceding defeat.

  Poor Kiba. He's got that 'I just won but I feel like I lost' look. Someone give the guy a hug. Or a cookie. Maybe both.

  "Well, that was fun," I said, walking over to Koneko, who was watching with her usual stoic expression. She gave me a thumbs-up, her mouth still full of cake.

  "Acceptable," she said, though the faintest hint of a smile tugged at her lips.

  High praise from Koneko. I'll take it.

  Akeno, on the other hand, was far more vocal. "My, my, Kazuya," she said, her voice dripping with admiration. "You were quite impressive out there. It's always a pleasure to watch you work."

  Oh, Akeno, you ftterer. Keep talking, I could get used to this.

  I grinned. "Gd you enjoyed the show."

  Rias, however, wasn't as amused. She was watching Kiba, her expression concerned. "Kiba," she said softly, "are you alright?"

  He didn't answer right away, his gaze distant. "I'm fine," he said finally, though his tone suggested otherwise.

  Yeah, sure you are, buddy. And I'm the king of Engnd.

  Before anyone could press further, Xenovia spoke up. "We're leaving," she said, her voice firm. "But remember what I said, Rias Gremory. Don't interfere in our mission."

  Rias sighed, her usual composure slipping for a moment. "I already told you we wouldn't. But be careful. Kokabiel isn't someone to take lightly."

  Xenovia nodded, then turned and walked away, Irina following close behind. As they disappeared into the distance, I couldn't help but feel a sense of unease. Something about this whole situation didn't sit right with me.

  Great. Just what we needed—more drama. Can't we just have one quiet week? Is that too much to ask?

  But for now, I pushed those thoughts aside. Koneko handed me a piece of cake, and I took it with a grin. Whatever was coming, we'd handle it. Together.

  And if all else fails, I'll just turn Kokabiel into a marble. Problem solved.

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