Kuroba gritted her teeth and resisted desperately, blood starting to spill from the corner of her mouth. Rias tried to stop her, but Sirzechs directly covered her with magic and controlled her, making Rias unable to move at all.

"Ha ha ha ha!"

Sazex looked at Kuroba with an amused expression.

What are you laughing at?

"So you're supposed to be the Demon King, but you're nothing more than someone who uses power to oppress others."

Upon hearing this, everyone present was shocked, and Grefia's eyes revealed a strong killing intent.

Instead, Sazex gave a cryptic smile.

"Come on, continue?"

"Isn't that right? You want to take away the most important person in my life, but you're not willing to pay any price. You just know how to use your power to oppress others. If I were weak, I don't think the Demon King would be much stronger, would he?"

"oh?..."

Suddenly, the pressure on Kuroba vanished. Kuroba, whose back was already soaked with cold sweat, stood panting against the wall, staring straight at Sazex.

"Judging solely from your courage, I'll tentatively acknowledge your existence as a reward..."

Sazex glanced at Grefia, who was standing respectfully to the side.

"Greyfeya Lucifox, she comes from the prestigious Lucifox family, an unofficial demon clan that has served the Demon King Lucifer for generations. She is also the strongest queen among my chess pieces. In the underworld, she is known as the 'Silver-Haired Annihilation Queen.' How about this: if you win, Greyfeya will be your personal maid from now on. What do you say?"

Upon hearing this, Grefia made no comment, simply lowering her head slightly, as if she intended to obey orders.

Sazex had assumed that Kuroba would agree.

"I reject."

However, Kuroba's answer surprised Sazex.

“Every girl should be someone who is loved and cherished, not someone who is used as a bargaining chip in a bet. That’s disrespectful to them!”

Kuroba glared at Sazex through gritted teeth.

"Why...?"

Sazex's gaze toward Kuroba grew increasingly admiring.

"So, Griffith, what is your decision?"

Instead of replying to Kuroba, Sazex directly asked Griffith for her answer.

At that moment, Griffith raised her head.

Hei Yu wondered if it was just his imagination, but he felt that the way she looked at him was less cold and more gentle.

"Lord Sazex, I agree, no problem."

Greyfia's agreement surprised Kuroba.

"You...you don't have to agree! He's using you as a bargaining chip! Even if she's the Demon King, you should have the right to choose!"

Kuroba stared at Griffia with wide eyes, puzzled.

Griffitha rarely showed a slight smile.

"If you don't have the ability to win, what difference does it make whether I agree or not? But if you really win, according to you, I shouldn't be treated badly, right? Wouldn't that be a way for you to free me up?"

Kuroba immediately silenced him.

What is all this...? How did things turn out like this...?

Chapter Thirty-Six: Pure Asia (Bonus Chapter for Donations)

Sazex did not give Kuroba a chance to speak.

He simply clapped his hands.

"Alright, let's settle it like this then. We've both put up stakes that we consider valuable, so Kuroba, you have nothing to say now, right?"

Kuroba clenched his fists, unsure of what to say. Whether he agreed or disagreed, it would hurt someone.

"Then let's decide it this way, brother. Be prepared, you'll lose badly! Because we and Kuroba will absolutely not lose!"

Freed from her constraints, Rias snorted and stood directly in front of Kuroba, agreeing to the terms.

Sazex chuckled lightly without replying. Then, a purple light flashed, and Sazex and Griffith disappeared from the club room.

After the two disappeared, Kuroba simply lowered his head and clenched his fists.

"Rias-senpai. May I leave now?"

"Ah? Um... um, I've recovered enough to go home now."

"Um... I'll be going now."

Rias watched helplessly as Kuroba turned and left without a word. She slowly reached out her hand, wanting to call out to Kuroba, but ultimately gave up.

Because she also knew that this was an invisible pressure for Kuroba. Although she felt bad about it, she knew that this kind of pressure was necessary for Kuroba to grow.

but...

Rias felt a chill run down her spine at her brother's sudden change in behavior.

We must settle accounts afterward!

A week.

With a week to go before the ranking game begins, Kuroba decides to use this time to recover his health.

When Kuroba got home, it was around 3 a.m. He looked at the familiar room but felt a little empty.

"Ah...it must be because Rias-senpai is always around. Oh well, I'll go train anyway."

Kuroba changed into a tracksuit and started jogging aimlessly after leaving home.

Three hours later, Kuroba stood halfway up the mountain, staring blankly at the rising and brightening sun.

"Ah... I've finally found you, Mr. Kuroba."

Kuroba turned around and saw Asia slowly approaching with a wooden box in her hand.

"Asia? What brings you here?"

As Asia approached Black Feather, she tightened her grip on the wooden box in her hand.

"I...I was a little worried when I saw Mr. Kuroba leave silently, because you've just recovered and your body needs to replenish its nutrients, so I came to find you..."

As she spoke, Asia took out water and some delicious-looking breakfast items from the box.

"Oh? This looks appetizing. Did Asia make this herself?"

Kuroba looked at Asia happily.

"Yes...yes, I hope you don't mind, Mr. Kuroba."

Kuroba glanced at Asia.

"By the way, Asia, don't you think you're being too distant with me?"

"Huh? Really?!"

Asia was startled by Kuroba's words.

"Of course, I've always called you Asia, but you always call me Mr. Kuroba. Don't you find that strange? At least it feels weird to me. We're clearly friends, aren't we?"

Asia's face immediately turned red. He looked at the black feather who was smiling at him and seemed extremely embarrassed.

"That... Black... Black Feather?"

"Yes. That's it!"

Kuroba picked up a sandwich and put it in his mouth, taking a bite.

"Wow, this is delicious!"

Asia clasped her hands together and looked at Kuroba with a charming expression.

"Hey Kuroba, eat more, but don't overwork yourself. Recovery should be gradual!"

"Oh! I feel so much better now that Asia is cheering me on."

"It's an honor to be able to help you, even though I only did something insignificant."

Asia sat down next to Kuroba and stared intently at him as he ate.

Kuroba swallowed what was in his mouth and looked up at the sky.

"Hey, Asia."

"Hmm? What's wrong, Kuroba?"

Asia is getting more and more comfortable calling Kuroba by his name.

"How do you feel about your life now? Are you happy after becoming a demon?"

Asia gave an awkward laugh.

"Hehe... I'm mostly happy, but sometimes I unconsciously pray to God, which really gives me a headache..."

Kuroba burst into laughter at Asia's adorable expression.

Kuroba gently wiped away the tears that had welled up in her eyes from laughing and let out a long sigh.

"Me too. After becoming a demon, I feel like my whole life has changed. Everyone has taken such good care of me, which has touched me deeply, so..."

Black Feather reached out and grasped at the sky.

"Therefore, I must win this competition. Even if I have to give it my all, I cannot let Rias-senpai down."

Asia grasped Kuroba's hand, her eyes filled with sincerity.

"I believe in you, Kuroba, and I'll do my best too!"

"Yes, thank you, Asia."

Asia stared blankly at Kuroba's smile, becoming somewhat mesmerized without realizing it. As if possessed, she reached out and gently stroked Kuroba's face before kissing him amidst a surprised look.

Just like the first time, they were still so innocent. They parted after a light kiss, but Kuroba felt that the taste of Asia lingered on his lips.

Asia stood up shyly.

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