"Very well. We'll arrange the details later. You'll all be formally promoted with a proper ceremony and all the appropriate arrangements," Sirzechs assured them.
As Sirzechs departed, a throng of reporters surrounded them. Badr, seeing this, quickly pushed Rias forward.
He had no desire to deal with the press and their endless questions. He'd learned the proper decorum for a noble devil but had no interest in maintaining the facade constantly.
Rias, sighing, put on a smile and gracefully handled the reporters' questions.
Finally, after the commotion died down, they returned to the Gremory castle.
"Once the promotion exams are over, we can finally relax," Rias said, already making plans. "We should take a trip somewhere. It's not every day we're in the Underworld."
"That sounds lovely," Akeno agreed. "But don't forget, Badr promised me a date!!"
"...I remember. I didn't say you couldn't go on your trip," Rias replied, a hint of jealousy in her voice. Despite their intimate moments, she and Badr hadn't been on an actual date yet...
Asia and the others shared her sentiment. Even Koneko seemed slightly perturbed.
Badr chuckled. These girls...
<><><><>
The next day, Badr prepared for his date with Akeno.
He waited at their agreed meeting spot, and finally, Akeno arrived.
To his surprise, she had let down her usual high ponytail, her long, black hair flowing freely around her shoulders. She wore a dress, which made her appear even younger.
"Well? How do I look?" Akeno asked, twirling around for him.
"Beautiful. You look different today," Badr replied, smiling warmly.
Akeno beamed and looped her arm through his, pulling him closer.
Badr glanced to the side, noticing a group of figures hiding behind a nearby building, watching them.
'Rias and the others...'
He chuckled softly. They claimed to be okay with it, but clearly, they couldn't resist following them...
...
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Chapter 184: Return to the Human World
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<><><><>
Rias and the others exchanged nervous glances as Akeno Himejima strolled arm-in-arm with Badr.
"Well, we agreed to it," Rias murmured, "but isn't this a bit too intimate?"
Asia and Koneko nodded, clearly sharing Rias's sentiments. They knew it was wrong to eavesdrop, but they couldn't help their curiosity.
Badr and Akeno, fully aware of the group trailing behind them, continued their conversation, feigning ignorance.
"So," Akeno began with a smile, "what exactly do people do on dates?"
"It's your first date?" Badr asked, a hint of amusement in his voice.
Akeno nodded, a playful glint in her eyes. "Indeed. I've heard tales of the 'three sacred places' for dates in the human world."
Badr chuckled. "The Ferris wheel, the aquarium, and the movie theater? I'm happy to oblige. Though, personally, I think just spending time together counts as a date."
Akeno considered this. "I doubt we'll find those exact things around here," she mused, "but... there should be an aquarium. The young devils seem to enjoy it."
"An aquarium it is, then."
With their plans settled, they headed towards the Underworld's Aquarium.
"I think you've been recognized," Akeno said suddenly.
"Impossible. It's my first time in the Underworld-" Badr stopped mid-sentence, a realization dawning on him.
'Damn it. I forgot about the tournament broadcast...'
A sheepish grin spread across his face as he noticed the curious stares directed at him. He quickly steered Akeno around a corner, using a bit of magic to alter his appearance slightly.
That should take care of that.
"Still avoiding the spotlight, I see," Akeno teased. Badr had changed significantly since they first met. He used to be so aloof and unapproachable...
"I was too focused on my match with Sairaorg to think about the crowd," Badr admitted with a shrug.
He and Akeno spent the rest of their date exploring the aquarium, enjoying a leisurely meal, and strolling through the streets, their conversation flowing easily.
Meanwhile, Rias and the others followed at a distance, watching with a mixture of amusement and envy.
They wanted to go on dates with Badr, too...
Akeno, glancing back at the group trailing them, smiled faintly and tugged on Badr's arm.
"Time to go."
"Huh? They noticed us..." Rias said, surprised, as she watched Akeno pull Badr away at a brisk pace.
They didn't stop running until they were several blocks away. Akeno, finally catching her breath, beamed at Badr.
"Finally, some alone time."
Badr chuckled, shaking his head. "We're going to get an earful when we get back."
Akeno simply grinned, clearly pleased with herself. This had been her plan all along.
"I've been waiting for the perfect opportunity," she confessed, her gaze softening as she looked at Badr. "Rias is like family to me. Stealing you away from her felt a bit... wrong."
"Such a loving family," Badr deadpanned. The mention of family reminded him of something. He looked at Akeno, his expression thoughtful.
"So, Rias agreed to this date to cheer you up?" he asked gently. "Are you still bothered by... your heritage?"
Rias had given him a knowing look before they left, and Badr had understood. They both knew Akeno was still struggling with some unresolved issues.
"...I... I still can't accept that man as my father," Akeno admitted, her voice barely above a whisper.
"Baraqiel seemed quite concerned about you. He's not as bad as you make him out to be," Badr said softly. He'd met Baraqiel briefly during their training. As their teacher, Azazel's summons couldn't be ignored, not even by a Fallen Angel Cadre.
Akeno lowered her gaze.
"I haven't told you about my past, have I?... My mother was a shrine maiden. She saved a Fallen Angel who was injured in battle. They fell in love, and... I was born. But it was because of these cursed wings," she gestured towards her back, "that we were hunted."
A hint of bitterness entered her voice. "My mother died protecting me. And that man... he never showed up. If it weren't for Rias, I wouldn't be here today..."
Badr's expression softened. "I don't know the full story, but let's not dwell on the past right now. Focus on the present."
"Alright," Akeno agreed, a faint smile returning to her face as she listened to Badr's gentle words.
Making her happy, keeping her company... that's what Rias had wanted him to do.
And so, they spent the rest of the day enjoying each other's company, their date filled with laughter and easy conversation.
Upon their return, after appeasing a very jealous Rias and the others, Badr and the group began their final preparations for the promotion exam.
????
The day of the Exam finally arrived.
They arrived at the testing grounds early, the area specially arranged for them.
After all, they were currently the only ones eligible to take the Promotion exam...
"It's rather... bleak, isn't it?" Rias murmured, looking around at the deserted testing grounds. "The Underworld is desperately short on talent."
Badr nodded in agreement.
Such a vast Underworld, an entire race of devils, and yet only six promising heirs from the Great Houses... it was a sobering thought.
Perhaps this was why Sirzechs and the other Maou were so determined to maintain peace.
The Devils, Angels, and Fallen Angels were teetering on the brink of extinction...
"Good luck," Rias said with a smile, adjusting Badr's collar. "Don't fail."
"As if I would," Badr replied with a grin. He'd studied diligently, his memory impeccable.
And indeed, the exam went smoothly.
With the final ritual complete, Badr was no longer a Low-Class Devil. He was officially a Mid-Class Devil...
The days passed quickly, and the two months of summer vacation drew to a close. Their time in the Underworld was finally over.
They bid farewell to the Gremory castle and boarded the dimensional train back to the human world.
The train emerged from the dimensional gap, and after nearly two months, Badr saw the clear blue sky of the human world once more.
"...It's good to be back," he murmured, a smile spreading across his face as he gazed out the window.
Home, sweet home.
...
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Chapter 185: Mai, I Miss You, Very Much
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Badr returned from his two-month stay in the Underworld, his power significantly enhanced after his intense battle with Sairaorg.
He could feel himself on the verge of another breakthrough.
Beyond Ultimate-Class lay Maou-Class-the realm of the Satans. While that level of power still felt distant, Badr knew his strength couldn't be measured by rank alone.
Perhaps my true potential will be unleashed when I reach That level. The thought of the power he might wield was exhilarating.
Back in the human world, Badr unpacked his bags, revealing a collection of gifts.
"Going somewhere?" Rias and the others asked with smiles.
"Just delivering some gifts to my lovely girlfriend," Badr replied with a grin.
Rias coughed delicately. "Those Underworld trinkets you bought? Are you sure they're suitable gifts?"
"They're quite useful, actually," Badr said, holding up a shimmering piece of Underworld crystal. "Keeps you warm in winter, cool in summer, repels insects, boosts energy and focus... They're practically magic."
The colorful crystal ornaments were considered valuable in the Underworld, though certainly not to someone of Rias's status.
Rias's parents had bestowed far more precious gifts upon him, but those were too potent for the human world, each one imbued with supernatural properties. The Underworld crystals, on the other hand, were practical, understated, and unlikely to draw unwanted attention.
Perfect for gifts.
"So many trinkets-bracelets, earrings, necklaces... but no rings?" Akeno observed with a sly smile.
"I left those out on purpose," Badr replied with a wink. "Like you, they deserve something much better than these. Wedding rings, of course."
His words sent a blush creeping up the girls' cheeks.
Badr chuckled and waved. "Well, I'm off. See you all later."
Everyone had their own matters to attend to now that they were back from the Underworld.
Badr first teleported to Mai Sakurajima's apartment, but it was empty.
She must be filming.
He called Mai's phone. Her manager, Ryoko Hanawa, answered.
"Hello? ...Badr-san?"
"Ryoko-san? How did you know it was me?" Badr asked, surprised.
Ryoko's voice was laced with amusement. "...Your contact name is 'Boyfriend.'"
"Is it, now?" Badr replied nonchalantly. "Well, that will change soon enough."
"Oh? And what will it change to?"
"Husband, of course."
A beat of silence followed.
"...Please hold. Mai-san's scene is almost finished. I'll have her call you back."
"Thank you."
Badr hung up and, with some time to spare, teleported near Nodoka Toyohama, Mai's younger sister.
Nodoka, practicing her dance routine, jumped in surprise at his sudden appearance.
"Whoa! Where did you come from?"
She was dressed in loose, comfortable practice clothes, a good portion of her skin exposed.
"Just got back from the Underworld. This is for you." He handed her a necklace.
Nodoka's eyes widened as she took in the shimmering blue, heart-shaped crystal.
"This... it's beautiful! But... it looks expensive..."
Badr grinned. "If you don't want it, I'll take it back."
Nodoka's eyes darted between the necklace and Badr, her expression a mixture of surprise and indecision.
Badr chuckled. "Just kidding. I have more deliveries to make. See you later."
He teleported away before Nodoka could respond, leaving her staring after him in surprise.
"Wait, that's it?" she called out, a mix of excitement and disappointment swirling within her. She'd been looking forward to seeing him for days, and he'd just vanished as quickly as he'd appeared.
As soon as Mai called back, Badr teleported to her location.
"Mai."
It had been nearly two months. He'd missed her terribly.
Of all the women in his life, Mai was the one he felt the deepest connection with, their bond transcending the physical.
Mai looked at him, a thoughtful expression on her face. "Have you... changed?"
"More handsome, you mean?"
"Not exactly. More... appealing."
"So, more handsome, then." Badr grinned, not particularly concerned with such distinctions. Handsome was handsome.
He stepped forward and gently wrapped his arms around Mai's waist.
"Missed me?"
"Not at all," Mai replied, her voice even.
"So, you missed me a lot?"
"Nope," she said with a playful smile.
"So, you missed me very, very much?"
"Fine, you win," Mai admitted, laughing. She couldn't deny it any longer.
Badr, satisfied, presented her with his gift.
It was a beautiful bracelet, its craftsmanship exquisite, surpassing any earthly jewelry.
Mai examined it closely, her eyes widening slightly. "This isn't Emerald... what is this made of?"
"A gemstone from the Underworld. Do you like it?"
"It's beautiful... but I'm not allowed to wear jewelry at school," Mai said with a pout.
"Wear it anyway. If it becomes a problem, I'll add a cloaking enchantment. No one will even notice it."
"That's the same as not wearing it at all, silly."
Mai smiled, slipping the bracelet onto her wrist. She held it out for Badr to admire.
"Does it look good?"
"Of course. I picked it out, didn't I?"
"I meant me, not the bracelet."
"What's there to ask? You're perfect. I chose you, too."
Badr leaned in, capturing her lips in a gentle kiss.
Mai wrapped her arms around his neck, returning the kiss with equal passion.
After a long moment, they broke apart, Mai's eyes sparkling.
"I missed you..." she whispered, a hint of shyness in her voice.
"I know."
"I missed you a lot."
"I know."
"Good." A happy smile graced Mai's lips.
