Vergil Is Back-Chapter 10: Crimson Invitations

The morning sun crept through the windows of Kuoh Academy, casting golden light across the hallways and filling the school with warmth and chatter. Students moved through the corridors in their uniforms, chatting about tests, club activities, and weekend plans.

But among them... a presence walked like a shadow.

Leon.

Dressed in the Kuoh Academy male uniform—with a long black coat worn over it—he turned heads everywhere he went. Girls whispered. Boys stared. Even the teachers avoided eye contact for too long. There was something about him... cold, regal, dangerous.

And by his side walked a very nervous Asia Argento, dressed in the girls' uniform, holding a map of the school and gripping her bag tightly.

"I-I still don't know where homeroom is..." she whispered.

Leon gently took the map from her hand and folded it.

"Stay close. I'll show you."

She smiled, reassured by his calm confidence.

Behind them trailed Raynare—now disguised with a glamor spell as a human student, her wings hidden, but her maid-like obedience unchanged. She carried Leon's books without complaint, head slightly bowed.

The scene was strange.

An elegant swordsman. A sweet former nun. A humbled fallen angel.

And they were just getting started.

Later – Occult Research Club Room

The heavy wooden doors creaked open as Rias Gremory turned away from the window, her long crimson hair glowing in the morning sun.

"Leon," she greeted, her tone calm, but her eyes narrowed in curiosity. "You've caused quite a stir."

Leon entered, flanked by Asia and Raynare, who waited outside as the redhead gestured for Leon to step in alone.

He did.

Akeno stood by her side, smiling politely—but with an edge of interest that bordered on... playful hunger.

"I've heard rumors," Rias said smoothly. "About what happened to a few fallen angels last night. Two of them are... missing. One is now calling you Master."

Leon didn't answer. He simply sat.

Rias chuckled, folding her arms. "You're strong. More than I expected. And more than you let on."

"I don't waste power proving it," Leon said coolly.

"Then let me get to the point," she said. "Join my peerage. With your abilities and that Sacred Gear, you could be a powerful asset. I'm willing to offer you a high-ranking Evil Piece."

Akeno stepped forward. "It's not a bad deal, Leon-kun. You'll have status. Protection. And... fun."

Leon's eyes met Rias's.

Sharp. Unyielding.

"No."

The word dropped like ice.

Rias blinked. "Excuse me?"

"I don't need your pieces. Or your chains."

Her gaze hardened, but only slightly. "You'd reject a place among the Gremory? That's rare."

Leon stood slowly. "You think I fear being hunted? Used? Controlled? I've walked through worse. I serve no one."

He turned to leave, pausing only once.

"But I'll help you with your problems... if only to keep my peace undisturbed."

Rias was silent.

Then she smiled. Not in anger, but in challenge.

"You're more interesting than I thought."

Leon didn't respond.

He was already gone.

Outside the Clubroom

Asia looked up as Leon exited.

"Did it go okay?"

"She made an offer," he said simply. "I declined."

Raynare smirked slightly behind him. "She didn't see it coming."

Leon glanced over his shoulder.

"She will."

That Night – Leon's Temporary Home (Old Church)

Asia hummed softly as she cooked dinner. Raynare—cleaning the floors in her maid outfit—grumbled to herself.

"I used to command legions of shadows. Now I mop floors."

Leon, seated at the table, spoke without looking up.

"You're alive. Be grateful."

Raynare sighed. "...Yes, Master."

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Asia giggled, placing a plate in front of Leon.

"Tomorrow, I'm going to try joining the school's choir club."

He looked at her and gave a rare nod.

"You should."

She beamed.

And for a brief moment, peace settled over them.

But Leon knew better.