The full moon washed over Kuoh in a pale silver hue, its light softening the edges of the chaos that had just passed. Issei lay in the infirmary, unconscious. Rias had retreated with her peerage to process what they'd witnessed. And Leon…
Leon stood quietly outside the church-turned-sanctuary that Asia Argento now called home.
No.
Their home.
He didn't say it out loud, but something about her presence felt... grounding. Even after stealing a Sacred Gear and awakening a literal dragon emperor within his soul, Leon felt more tension facing this quiet girl than he had standing against Rias Gremory and her entire peerage.
The wooden door creaked softly as he stepped inside.
Asia sat near the window, hands folded in her lap, bathed in moonlight. Her blonde hair shimmered like gold silk, and her expression held a kind of innocent melancholy. She turned, surprised.
"Leon... you're back."
He gave a single nod. "It's quiet here."
Asia smiled gently. "I like the quiet. It gives my heart time to breathe."
Leon stepped further in, pulling off his jacket. The Boosted Gear, now in its resting form, shimmered faintly before dissolving into his system inventory.
"I thought you'd be afraid of me now," he said bluntly.
Asia blinked. "Why would I be?"
"I took Issei's Sacred Gear. Forcefully."
She hesitated.
"You did," she admitted softly, "but... Issei used his power recklessly. You didn't hurt him. And you protected me more than once."
Leon looked away, uncomfortable with praise. "I didn't do it for thanks."
"I know," Asia said, standing up. She walked toward him, her hands clasped in front of her chest. "But I still want to give it anyway."
They stood there, silence stretching between them—until Asia reached out and lightly touched his hand.
"You're strong," she whispered, "but I don't think your strength comes from the power you steal. I think it comes from the pain you hide."
Leon's eyes widened, just slightly.
For a moment, he didn't see her as the timid ex-nun who once feared devils and angels alike.
He saw a girl who understood.
Not because she was powerful.
But because she was kind.
[Bonding Event Triggered: Asia Argento]Current Affection Level: Low → MediumHidden Trait Unlocked: [Heart of the Pure]New Passive Bonus: Healing Received from Asia is 200% more effectiveBonus Skill: [Blessing of Light – Lv.1]System Notification: Future Romance Path – Available (Locked Behind Trust)
Leon blinked as the system message faded from view.
"You trust me," he said more to himself than her.
Asia nodded. "I trust what I see. And I see someone who's trying to carry the world alone."
She stepped closer, eyes warm.
"But even someone like you deserves to rest."