Rias stood on the school courtyard steps, watching everyone gather in the afternoon light.
The members of the Occult Research Club had already assembled, each with a serious expression.
Across the lawn, Sona and her peerage walked over to join them.
Soon, both peerages stood together.
Issei’s hand found Rias’s sleeve before she could speak.
“How’s Irina?” he blurted.
Asia stepped forward and answered in her usual gentle voice.
“She’s stable now.
I used Twilight Healing, but it couldn’t finish what needed doing.
Rias took her home to use Phoenix Tears.” Her voice dropped to a whisper.
Rias gave Asia a quick, grateful smile.
“She’s resting at the Gremory estate.
The Phoenix Tears helped stabilize her.
She’ll be okay for now.” Relief washed over Issei’s face, then he straightened.
“Then we can’t waste time.
Kokabiel won’t wait.” Sona’s brows drew together.
“Have you contacted your family, Rias?
This isn’t a street fight.” Even Sona couldn’t hide the concern in her eyes.
Akeno answered before Rias had to.
“Sirzechs-sama has been notified.
They’ll arrive within the hour.” Rias shot Akeno a brief look.
Akeno returned it with a solemn nod.
“We face a formidable opponent.” Sona adjusted her glasses.
“I have also called my sister.
Serafall has already left to rendezvous with Sirzechs-sama.” She kept her voice calm, though she looked uneasy.
Issei’s voice sharpened with renewed determination.
“Buchou, we can handle Kokabiel.
We’re not alone—Asia’s with us, Koneko, Kiba, Gasper—” Koneko frowned while Asia quietly clasped her hands together.
Kiba simply nodded.
“Kiba?” Rias said, surprised.
“This may be our only chance to settle the score,” he said quietly.
“I will stand with you, Buchou.” Issei whooped and grabbed Kiba’s arm.
“See?
We’ve got this!
We even still have Phoenix Tears!” Rias looked at everyone gathered before her.
“I will face Kokabiel,” she said, calm and firm.
“Prepare the barrier.
If the fight becomes dangerous, keep it contained so the town isn’t harmed.” Sona hesitated.
“Are you certain?
Calling Sirzechs is wise.
He’s—” “He’s arriving,” Rias replied.
“There isn’t time to delay.
If we wait for a perfect plan, Kuoh might suffer.
We don’t have time to wait.” Akeno’s lips curved.
“Then let us show Kokabiel a Gremory that can fight on its own.” Sona hesitated, then bowed her head.
“I still think summoning Rafsan would help,” she said quietly.
“Teleportation circles aren’t limitless.
If he’s too far away—” Rias shook her head.
“Rafsan can be summoned later.
For now, we have to stop Kokabiel ourselves.
I trust all of you.
I believe in all of you.” The smile disappeared from Issei’s face.
“We’ll do our best, Buchou.
We won’t let you down.” Asia looked up at Rias and nodded.
“I’ll stay where I can help.
I’ll do anything to protect Irina and everyone.” She took a small breath.
Gasper shuffled his cardboard box and peered out.
“I’ll do support,” he said quietly.
“I’ll help everyone.” Koneko simply nodded.
“Akeno?” Rias asked.
“I’ll bind and strike.
If Kokabiel is what the reports say, he needs to be subdued quickly.” A faint smile crossed Akeno’s lips before she returned to her usual expression.
Issei planted his fists on his hips.
“And me.
I’m fighting, too.
Kokabiel’s not going to laugh at anyone close to me.” A few of them chuckled.
Kiba brushed Issei’s shoulder.
“Control your heat, Hyoudou.
Keep your head.
You live to protect, not just to charge.” Rias looked around before giving her next order.
“We move in twenty minutes.
Kiba, lead the vanguard.
Akeno, handle field control.
Asia and Gasper, stay in the center of the formation and heal anyone who falls.
Koneko, flank.
Issei—stay with Asia and Gasper.
Protect the center.
Don’t be reckless.” “I’m serious, Buchou.
I’ll protect everyone.
No stupid heroics.” Issei’s fists clenched.
Akeno smiled.
“Don’t die, Issei.
I have plans for you after this mission.” Asia blushed and bowed her head.
“I’ll be careful.” Sona finally nodded.
“We will do what we must.
If things go wrong, we regroup and rely on reinforcements.” Rias offered a small smile.
“Good.
Let’s move.” The group quickly made their preparations.
Rias walked through them, making sure everyone was ready before they left.
Issei paced once, then sat beside Asia for a moment.
She rested her hand on his arm, reassuring him.
Gasper arranged his box and gave Issei a timid thumbs-up.
Kiba tested his blade’s strap.
Akeno’s steady smile calmed the group.
Kuoh’s streets were unusually quiet as they stepped onto the road toward Kokabiel’s position.
A few students stopped to watch them pass.
The barrier circles were ready; the plan was imperfect, but they had each other.
Rias walked at the front without hesitation.
Issei clenched his fists.
Kiba walked ahead without a word.
Akeno gave a faint smile.
Together, they headed toward Kokabiel.
No one spoke as they walked.
Whatever awaited them, they would face it together.
It really helps the story reach more readers.