Ever since that day, Asia and I had become inseparable. We spent our days exploring the city, indulging in delicious foods from all over the world, and immersing ourselves in the vibrant culture that surrounded us. It was a welcome escape from the responsibilities and expectations that weighed heavily on both of us, a chance to simply enjoy each other's company and revel in the joys of life.
One of our favorite pastimes was sneaking away from the church, using my duplicate to disguise Asia so that she could experience the world beyond its walls. It was a risky endeavor, to be sure, but the thrill of adventure and the joy of freedom made it all worth it.
Me:Where to next, Asia?
I asked with a mischievous grin as we strolled through the bustling streets of the city, our laughter mingling with the sounds of chatter and music all around us.
Asia's eyes sparkled with excitement as she looked around, taking in the sights and sounds with childlike wonder.
Asia:How about that street food market we passed by earlier?
she suggested, her voice filled with anticipation.
I nodded eagerly, already imagining the tantalizing array of flavors and aromas that awaited us.
Me:Sounds perfect
I replied, looping my arm through hers as we made our way towards our next culinary adventure.
As we approached the market, the air was thick with the mouthwatering scent of grilled meats, savory spices, and freshly baked bread. My stomach growled in anticipation, eager to sample the delights that lay before us.
We wandered through the bustling stalls, sampling everything from savory kebabs to crispy fried dumplings to sweet, sticky desserts. Each bite was a revelation, a burst of flavor that danced across my taste buds and left me craving more.
Me:Isn't this amazing, Asia?
I exclaimed, my eyes alight with excitement as I watched her savoring each bite with a look of pure bliss on her face.
Asia:It's incredible
Asia agreed, her smile radiant as she looked around at the bustling market.
Asia:Thank you for showing me all of this, Kousei. I never would have experienced it without you.
I grinned back at her, feeling a swell of pride and happiness at her words.
Me:It's my pleasure, Asia
I replied, squeezing her hand affectionately.
Me:I'm just glad I could share this with you.
As soon as we entered the house, Ophis greeted us with a guarded expression, her eyes narrowing as she caught sight of Asia by my side. I could feel her tension radiating off her in waves as she scrutinized the newcomer.
Ophis:Who's she?
Ophis demanded, her voice laced with suspicion as she took a step closer, her gaze never leaving Asia's face. I could sense the protective instinct kicking in, her concern for my well-being evident in the way she held me tightly against her side.
I offered Ophis a reassuring smile, hoping to ease her worries.
Me:This is Asia
I explained, gesturing towards my new friend with a nod of my head.
Me:she's been keeping me company lately, showing me around the city and sharing in some adventures.
Ophis eyed Asia skeptically, her gaze flickering between the two of us as if trying to discern any hidden motives.
Ophis:And why is she so close to my mate?
she questioned, her tone firm as she sought answers.
I could sense the tension in the air, the unspoken question lingering between us. Ophis had become a constant presence in my life, a source of comfort and companionship in the midst of uncertainty. And now, with Asia's sudden appearance, I could understand her apprehension at the prospect of someone new entering our dynamic.
Me:It's nothing like that, Ophis
I reassured her, reaching out to place a calming hand on her arm.
Me:Asia is just a friend, nothing more. She's been helping me adjust to my new life outside of the church, and I'm grateful for her company.
Ophis regarded me silently for a moment, her expression softening slightly as she took in my words. I could see the conflict in her eyes, the desire to protect me warring with the need to trust in my judgment.
After a moment of tense silence, Ophis nodded slowly, her gaze shifting to Asia once more. "Very well," she conceded, her voice softening with reluctant acceptance.
Ophis:But keep in mind that I'll be keeping a close eye on her. I won't let anyone threaten what we have.
I nodded in understanding, grateful for Ophis's unwavering support and protection.
Me:Thank you, Ophis
I said sincerely, giving her hand a reassuring squeeze.
Me:I appreciate it more than you know.
With that, the tension in the air seemed to dissipate, replaced by a sense of mutual understanding
As Asia nestled into my bed sleeping it was just remaining me and ophis
As I playfully pinched Ophis's ear, she responded with a pout, her lips forming a cute little frown that only added to her adorableness.
Ophis:Do I really have to be that jealous?
I teased, unable to suppress a grin at her reaction.
Ophis huffed in mock indignation, crossing her arms over her chest as she leaned back against me.
Ophis:i'm not jealous
she insisted, though the slight quiver in her voice betrayed her true feelings.
Ophis:I just...care about you, that's all.
I chuckled softly, wrapping my arms around her waist and pulling her closer against my chest.
Me:I know you do, Ophis
I said gently, pressing a kiss to the top of her head.
Me:And I appreciate it more than you know. But you don't have to worry about Asia. She's just a friend.
Ophis sighed softly, her tension melting away as she relaxed into my embrace. "I know," she murmured, her voice soft with affection.
Ophis:it's just...difficult sometimes, seeing someone else getting close to you. But I trust you, Kousei. I trust that you'll always come back to me.
I smiled, brushing a stray strand of hair away from her face.
Me:I always will, Ophis
I promised, gazing into her eyes with unwavering sincerity.
Me:You're my mate, my partner, my everything. No one could ever take your place.
A small smile tugged at the corners of Ophis's lips, her eyes shimmering with emotion as she reached up to cup my cheek.
Ophis:and you're mine
she whispered, her voice barely above a whisper.
Ophis:Forever and always.
As Ophis's lips met mine in a deep, passionate kiss, I felt a surge of warmth and desire course through me, igniting a fire that burned with intensity. I responded eagerly, pulling her closer against me as I lost myself in the exquisite sensation of her touch.
Our kiss deepened, becoming a symphony of longing and affection as we explored each other's mouths with a fervor that bordered on desperation. I could feel the heat of her body pressed against mine, her soft curves fitting perfectly against my own as if we were made for each other.
As we kissed, time seemed to stand still, the world fading away until there was nothing left but the two of us, lost in the throes of passion. Every brush of her lips against mine sent shivers down my spine, every caress of her hands against my skin eliciting a gasp of pleasure.
I trailed kisses along her jawline, savoring the taste of her skin as I nipped and sucked at her delicate flesh. Her breath came in ragged gasps, mingling with mine in a sweet symphony of desire as our bodies pressed together in a primal dance of love and longing.
In that moment, there was no past, no future, only the intoxicating sensation of being with the one I loved more than anything in the world. And as our kiss finally broke, leaving us both breathless and trembling with desire, I knew that I never wanted to be anywhere else but in her arms.
Me: I love you, Ophis
I whispered, my voice filled with sincerity and devotion as I gazed into her eyes, seeing my own reflection mirrored back at me in the depths of her gaze.
Ophis:I love you too, Kousei
she replied, her voice soft and tender as she leaned in to capture my lips in another searing kiss.
Timeskip brought to you by
As the abomination lunged forward with a ferocious growl, its grotesque form contorted into a nightmarish amalgamation of rat, crab, and dog features, I knew that I had to act quickly to defend myself. With lightning-fast reflexes, I sidestepped its attack, narrowly avoiding the razor-sharp claws that sliced through the air with deadly precision.
Gathering my focus, I summoned a small ball of soul energy into the palm of my hand, channeling the raw power of my transcendent soul into a devastating attack. With a fierce cry, I unleashed the Soul Tearing Bullet, a concentrated beam of pure energy that tore through the air with blinding speed.
The bullet struck the abomination square in the chest, its foul cries echoing through the air as the searing energy ripped through its body like a hot knife through butter. Flesh sizzled and burned as the bullet tore through muscle and sinew, leaving behind a trail of destruction in its wake.
But it wasn't just the physical body that suffered under the onslaught of my attack. As the Soul Tearing Bullet penetrated its flesh, it also tore through the creature's very essence, shredding its soul with merciless precision. Guttural screams of agony filled the air as the abomination writhed in torment, its form twisting and contorting in a futile attempt to escape the onslaught of destruction.
With a final, ear-splitting wail, the abomination collapsed to the ground, its body disintegrating into a cloud of ash that scattered to the winds. All that remained was a smoldering crater where the creature had once stood, a testament to the overwhelming power of my soul-infused attack.
As the adrenaline from the battle with the stray devil began to subside, my mind drifted back to the events that had led me to this moment. I remembered wandering through the picturesque streets of France, marveling at the beauty of the architecture and soaking in the rich history that permeated every corner.
But amidst the allure of my surroundings, there was always an undercurrent of danger, a lurking sense of unease that served as a constant reminder of the precarious nature of my existence. Ophis had warned me about the presence of stray devils in the area, rogue entities that had strayed from the path of their demonic brethren and succumbed to their own twisted desires.
"A stray devil," Ophis had explained, her voice tinged with a hint of caution.
"It's a devil that has abandoned its allegiance to its king or master, driven by its own insatiable lust for power and destruction. They are dangerous creatures, consumed by their own darkness and devoid of any semblance of humanity."
As Ophis recounted the tales of encounters with stray devils, I couldn't help but feel a sense of foreboding settle in the pit of my stomach. These were not mere monsters to be taken lightly; they were formidable adversaries, driven by a relentless thirst for bloodshed and chaos.
And yet, despite the inherent danger, there was a part of me that relished the thrill of the hunt, the adrenaline-fueled rush of facing off against such formidable foes. It was a reminder of my own strength and resilience, a testament to the power of my transcendent soul and the unwavering determination that burned within me.
As I felt the sudden presence behind me and heard the sharp clang of metal against stone, my instincts kicked in, propelling me backward with a swift and agile leap. My eyes narrowed as I assessed the situation, taking in the sight of the girl who had appeared seemingly out of nowhere, her sword embedded in the ground with a resounding thud.
She was a striking figure, with her blonde hair cascading in waves around her shoulders and her sky-blue eyes sparkling with determination. Clad in a gakuran adorned with armor, she exuded an air of confidence and strength that demanded respect.
Jeanne:Halt, outsider
she declared, her voice firm and unwavering.
Jeanne:My name is Jeanne, reincarnation of Joan of Arc. State your business here.
I raised an eyebrow at her imposing demeanor, a hint of amusement playing at the corners of my lips.
Me:And I'm Kousei, minding my own business
I replied, my tone casual and nonchalant.
I made to walk away, dismissing her presence with a dismissive snort, but she persisted, her voice cutting through the air with insistence.
Jeanne:Wait, don't go
she called out, her tone softening slightly as she lowered her sword and took a step forward.
I hesitated, casting a sidelong glance over my shoulder to assess her intentions. There was a glimmer of curiosity in her eyes, a spark of excitement at the prospect of a challenge, and I found myself intrigued despite my initial reluctance.
Jeanne:Spar with me
she implored, her voice earnest as she extended an invitation.
Jeanne:I saw what you did there, and I want to test your skills.
I weighed her words carefully, considering the implications of engaging in a spar with a stranger. But there was a part of me that relished the opportunity to test my abilities, to push myself beyond my limits and hone my skills in combat.
With a slight nod of acquiescence, I stepped forward, meeting her gaze with a determined expression.
Me:Very well, Jeanne
I replied, a hint of anticipation tingling in the air between us.
Me:Let's see what you're made of.
As Ophis sat reading alongside Asia, her normally calm demeanor was interrupted by a sudden surge of tension. Her eyes darted towards the door, her senses on high alert as she sensed Kousei's interaction with the mysterious woman outside.
Asia:What's wrong, Ophis?
Asia inquired, her brow furrowing in concern as she noticed the dragon girl's sudden change in demeanor.
Ophis hesitated for a moment, torn between her instincts to protect her mate and her desire to maintain a façade of indifference. "Nothing," she replied curtly, her voice betraying a hint of unease.
But Asia wasn't convinced.
Asia:Are you sure?
she pressed, her gaze lingering on Ophis with a mixture of curiosity and suspicion.
Ophis shifted uncomfortably, her mind racing with a flurry of conflicting emotions.
Ophis:It's just... my mate is talking to a beautiful woman
she admitted reluctantly, her cheeks flushing with embarrassment.
Asia's eyes widened in surprise, a small smile playing at the corners of her lips.
Asia:Ah, so this is what he meant when he said you're a tsundere
she remarked, a hint of amusement coloring her voice.
Ophis scowled, her embarrassment quickly giving way to irritation.
Ophis:I am not a tsundere
she protested indignantly, crossing her arms over her chest in a defensive gesture.
But Asia only chuckled, finding humor in Ophis's uncharacteristic display of jealousy. "Sure, sure," she replied teasingly, her eyes twinkling with mischief.
Asia:whatever you say, Ophis.
And as the two of them continued to banter back and forth, their lighthearted exchange serving as a welcome distraction from the tension brewing outside, Ophis couldn't help but begrudgingly admit that perhaps there was a grain of truth to Asia's teasing assessment. After all, even a dragon god of infinity had her moments of vulnerability, especially when it came to matters of the heart.