Chapter 24 - Sayuri
He paid no mind to how Asia, overjoyed at finally getting to attend school, was left almost speechless.
Meanwhile, Evan headed to the kitchen to prepare ingredients.
Once Asia realized he was cooking, she followed him in.
She had no idea how to repay his kindness, but she had decided she was willing to devote her short life to him if that's what it took.
A young man in a suit strode quickly into the dimly lit room. Although an electric light hung from the ceiling, it was so weak it barely revealed the vague outlines of the figures present.
Several people were seated inside: Dorothy, a silver-haired gothic-lolita in a dark style; a nearly bald man, Tenkai Nankoubou; and an older woman.
"Oswald, is there urgent news?"
"Bad news: Aogiri Tree's leader, Tatara, has died, and that organization is all but defunct."
Reactions varied around the table, but they shared regret. The Replaceds had planned to target Tatara of Aogiri Tree. However, when Aogiri Tree allied with the Fallen Angels, they deemed it too risky and held off.
"We've also received word from Yoshiu Washuu saying he's contacted Valper Galilei. Going forward, the ghouls under his control will cooperate with that Fallen Angel lord."
"A Fallen Angel? That's too dangerous, no?"
Even after possession, outsiders can hardly tell anything is amiss, but there's always a chance of something going wrong.
"Yoshiu Washuu says it's safe to approach; nothing to worry about. Once Kuubou develops properly, we won't need to hide like this."
Compared to humans, ghouls—though flesh and blood, lacking much supernatural power—were the Replaceds' top priority for overtaking.
It required little effort to complete, after which they assumed the ghoul's memories and abilities, continuing as a ghoul.
Yoshiu Washuu, Chairman of the CCG, and the entire Washuu clan had been infiltrated by the Replaceds.
Next, they planned to investigate Tatara's death and the other Aogiri Tree ghouls while collaborating with Valper Galilei.
Word was the Fallen Angel lord planned to stir a massive incident in Kuoh Town—kidnapping the sister of Lucifer, who ruled that territory—to provoke a new war.
In the chaos, they could possess more targets. The more turbulent the world, the greater the Replaceds' advantage.
Evan was discussing the Juggernaut Drive with Ddraig, who had been let out.
"Partner, are you sure about this? Don't you want to think it over?" Ddraig's voice carried concern. Though it acknowledged Evan's monstrous talent, it was uneasy. Finally meeting a host more prodigious than past wielders, it didn't want him taking rash risks.
"There's nothing to consider. I've found a way to trigger the Juggernaut Drive's power without side effects, but I'll need your cooperation," Evan said calmly.
"And that method?"
"I want you to open the innermost part of the Sacred Gear's consciousness. Let me deal with the vestiges of past Red Dragon Emperors."
"That's too dangerous. Some souls date back over a thousand years. They've never reincarnated—turned into malevolent spirits. There might be dozens in there. If you enter physically, they'll gang up on you."
"If you're that worried, why haven't these souls vanished upon death instead of being sealed within the Gear?" Evan asked with a faint smile.
"U-um… possibly because, when I unleashed my full power, I absorbed them? I ran rampant until the God of the Bible caught me and turned me into a Sacred Gear. I can't control that aspect now," Ddraig said, embarrassed.
"Do as I say," Evan said firmly, giving Ddraig no chance to argue.
"All right, but be careful. I can't intervene in the consciousness realm. You'll be on your own."
Evan didn't answer. His consciousness sank into the deepest level of the mind.
The void was cold and chaotic—so frigid one might mistake it for Earth's polar regions, not an inner consciousness.
Though it seemed dark, Evan sensed countless hostile gazes around him.
He knew they were likely the souls of past Red Dragon Emperor hosts.
Other presences might be there too, but it didn't matter—Evan had no interest in winning them over with words. Truth belongs to the strong.
Willing his idea into being, a small banner materialized in the void.
"Let's see whether your malice is stronger or my banner absorbs you faster."
After half an hour, Evan withdrew from the inner world.
As suspected, the banner from Kishimojin could counter the lingering souls in the Sacred Gear. But their deep grudges and long confinement meant full purification would take time.
Evan calculated he'd need a week to absorb every residual soul. Only then could he attempt the Juggernaut Drive.
If Balance Breaker boosted his god-slaying confidence, mastering Juggernaut Drive would make slaying a god certain!
Checking his World Cross Gate's energy level, Evan saw it at 20%. He couldn't say why, but recent incidents were the likely cause.
"That's enough for today. Back to sleep, Ddraig."
Without letting Ddraig respond, Evan consigned it to the spirit realm.
Saturday.
Evan arrived at the Sawamura residence on schedule for their invitation. Following custom, he brought a small gift. He pulled a stylish swerve on his motorcycle, parked, removed his sunglasses smoothly, and dismounted—his moves so neat that passing girls froze in awe.
Ding-dong…
The doorbell chimed softly.
Moments later, Eriri opened the door.
"Evan! I knew it was you!"
Her eyes curved into crescents.
Unlike her sprightly school aura, home Eriri was more "otaku."
She wore a green tracksuit, her iconic twin-tails hanging straight, and half-rim glasses on her face.
Eriri had slight myopia but never wore glasses at school for appearances.
"Come in! Mom's in the kitchen making lunch—everything you like!"
Her vibrant personality was almost another person.
She grabbed Evan's arm, pulled him inside, and shut the door.
After switching to indoor slippers, a young, elegant woman poked her head from the kitchen.
She could pass for Eriri's sister, not her mother.
In the anime world, looks mean little.
Curiously, Evan had known Eriri since childhood, and it was always just her and her mother.
The diplomat father from the anime was never seen—not even in a photo.
Evan asked once, but both dodged, saying the man vanished long ago.
Evan hadn't questioned it then, but now he speculated: was there a father, or did Sayuri truly have a husband? In a supernatural world, anything was possible.
"You're here, Evan! We haven't seen you in months, right?"
"Yes, some months, Sayuri-nee."
Evan offered his gift. Sayuri beamed.
No woman dislikes being told she looks young—especially by someone like Evan.
"Evan, you and Eriri wait in the living room. Lunch will be ready soon!"
"Let's watch TV, Evan."
Eriri invited him to the sofa. Soon after:
"Miso-glazed cod's ready~~~!"
Had it not been Sayuri's voice, Evan might've thought he'd walked onto a drama set.
The atmosphere was tranquil and heartwarming—a cozy family lunch.
Sayuri fussed over Evan, stopping short of asking him to "move in." Evan tactfully declined but agreed to visit more, delighting both mother and daughter.
In high spirits, Sayuri opened a bottle of red wine.
"Huh? Students aren't allowed to drink—it's illegal…" Eriri muttered.
Evan wasn't bothered. In parts of his home country, kids learn to drink young.
Urged by her mother, Eriri sipped a little wine reluctantly.
Though Sayuri's cooking wasn't on Evan's level, it was fine for home fare.
"I'll do the dishes. You two must be tired. Go rest in Eriri's room," Sayuri said, laughing softly. Then, as if remembering, she added,
"By the way, after dishes, I'm meeting a coworker for shopping. Might not be back until tonight. Have fun, okay~~~?"