Some1call4MR-E (review 1):

Chapter 7: You're absolutely right. I believe the reason Sona invites everyone to play chess is due to her pride. She is highly confident in her skills and takes great pride in them, firmly believing she won't lose.

Chapter 8: The first part of this chapter is a flashback/dream sequence that reveals how Hideki arrived in the High School DxD world. The extra section is a direct continuation of that initial sequence—Hideki experiences another dream, resuming the flashback while unconscious after his battle with the demon. Just to clarify, High School DxD exists in an entirely different dimension, meaning Hideki was never born there; this isn't a case of time travel.

Chapter 9: I sincerely apologize for this part. I realize that I may not have fully captured Akeno's personality and went overboard with her teasing Koneko. I'll take this into account in future chapters.

Some1call4MR-E (review 2): I completely understand the frustration with F.F.N issue about the page not loading correctly, I've been trying to read other stories and got the same message.

I'm aware of the existence of different pantheons in the High School DxD universe. While various religions are acknowledged, the series doesn't delve too deeply into them. However, I may explore some in more detail as the story progresses. As for Rias, I believe she simply doesn't care much about them and tends to dismiss their importance.

Now going with the Rias reincarnating Hideki as a demon, yes that is how I think Rias' personality works, acting like she won't do something forcefully unless it necessary or it benefit her, the latter being the main reason, this is something that I also mention during the chapter: "Rias purposely omitted the fact that, despite Hideki's incredible abilities as a human, to her, there wouldn't really be a benefit in adding him to her clan without an extraordinary ability like a Sacred Gear.".
Will Hideki become a devil? No, there is a reason why the title of the story is "Human Potential"

As for the stray devils, I plan to address this topic more thoroughly later in the story. Given Hideki's nature as someone who wants to help others, his perspective on this issue will play a significant role.

samielssj12: thanks for the review, I'm glad you like the story, regards.

Chapter 11: A New Friend

A new day had arrived, and it was Saturday. Hideki had decided to go for a morning walk to clear his mind and enjoy the fresh air. Despite still being injured from an intense fight against a rogue demon, Rias' magic and Kaori's abilities had significantly accelerated his recovery, though he was not yet fully healed. His body was covered in bandages that dulled the pain of his still-healing wounds.

As he walked down a quiet street near a shop somewhat far from the restaurant, Hideki became distracted by the calmness of the place. It was at that moment that he noticed a young stranger falling to the ground in a rather clumsy manner. The fall left her rear exposed, and her dress clearly revealed her white panties.

The young woman composed herself, sitting on the ground as her belongings scattered around her. Hideki stopped, watching her with a mix of fascination and concern—not just because of her appearance, but also because she seemed completely lost.

"Are you okay?" Hideki asked, stepping forward to offer her a hand.

"Thank you very much," the girl said, taking Hideki's hand to stand up. A strong wind blew at that moment, lifting the veil that covered her face. Hideki was left in awe as he saw her face: she had beautiful blonde hair and green eyes that reflected an innocent gaze.

Ba-dum!

His heart beat in a way it never had before.

No, not in a romantic sense—Asia was cute, yes, but that wasn't what moved him. Suddenly, the world around him changed: the traces of blurry spots in his vision dissipated, and everything around him became clear and vibrant again.

There was something about her presence that deeply calmed his soul. The mild headache he had been feeling for days, caused by doubts, weaknesses, and other worries, suddenly vanished.

Her green eyes were so beautiful that they seemed to hypnotize him. For a moment, Hideki stared at her in silence, trying to unravel the cause of this incredible sensation stirring within him.

"U-Um... is something wrong?" the nun asked, looking at him directly with a worried expression.

"Ah! No, it's nothing... you just caught me by surprise," Hideki responded, still bewildered by the effect this beautiful girl had on him.

She seemed like a normal nun from the church. Before overthinking it, Hideki picked up the veil, which had luckily fallen nearby.

"Please, could you tell me your name? If it's not a bother," Asia asked with a hint of shyness, though clearly concerned about Hideki's condition.

"My name is Hideki Saito, but everyone calls me Hideki," he introduced himself, scratching the back of his head with a friendly smile. "And what's your name?"

"Asia Argento, t-that's my name," she replied timidly. "Nice to meet you, Saito-san." The girl gave a small bow.

"Don't call me Saito-san, just call me Hideki," he requested with a smile.

"Huh? But... only friends can call you that," Asia said, looking at him curiously.

"Don't you want to be my friend?" Hideki asked without realizing what those words meant to her.

"Y-Your friend?" Asia looked at him in surprise, a mix of excitement and shyness in her expression.

"Of course, if you want, we can be friends. Or does that make you uncomfortable?" he asked casually.

"Yes! I want to be your friend, Hideki-san! You're my first friend," Asia said with a charming smile. Hideki returned the smile.

"I'm glad to hear that, hehe. Where do you need to go?" Hideki asked, picking up his shopping again.

"Um, I'm a bit lost and... I need help," she confessed with a blush, timidly touching her fingers together, which made her even more adorable.

Hideki helped her gather her belongings, and the two set off together. He felt an inexplicable peace by her side—a tranquility he couldn't ignore, especially after everything he had been through.

Living in modern times allowed most people to be connected to almost everything and everyone in the world. News spread in an instant, messages were delivered at the speed of light, and almost anyone could stay up to date with the latest trends.

In this context, some people judged others for not knowing about a popular movie or a recent hit song. They joked, asking if those people had been living under a rock all this time. It was a harmless joke, a kind of private jest between two people.

However, there was Hideki, sitting in a local fast-food restaurant, a glass of juice in hand. He watched with fascination and disbelief as a teenage girl, as if she had just arrived from another world, seemed to be struggling with the mystery of how to hold a hamburger.

For him, it felt like being at a circus, watching someone gaze at an exotic creature.

"Has she been locked in a room her whole life?" he thought, observing how she stared at the hamburger in amazement—just as she did with the street, the nearby buildings, and even her own smartphone, as if everything was an incredible novelty. She looked like a child exploring the outside world for the first time.

"Oh no, I broke it!" she exclaimed, holding the burger incorrectly and spilling everything onto the plate. Alarmed, she tried to put it back together but failed miserably; in her nervousness, she even started adding French fries to it without realizing it.

"I-I'm so sorry! I ruined the chef's dish!" she cried out with a panicked expression, her eyes filling with tears that threatened to spill at any moment. The people around them glanced their way, silently judging Hideki as if he were responsible for the girl being on the verge of tears. "Please forgive me, sir, for wasting such good food!"

And now she was... praying.

Hiding his own panic, Hideki decided to intervene before the situation worsened.

"It's okay, it's okay, don't cry, Asia-san. Here, take my burger, and I'll help you fix yours," he said, swapping their plates and showing her how to hold it properly.

Asia watched him with fascination, as if Hideki were performing a magic trick.

"Muuuuu!" she exclaimed when she took her first bite, her eyes lighting up with overwhelming joy. It was as if a radiant glow surrounded her, emphasizing her innocence. With a touch of sauce on her lips, she chewed happily, humming softly with each bite.

"This is delicious! I never thought something this incredible existed!" she declared excitedly, as if her joy might cause her to burst. "Thank you, Hideki-san! Thank God for giving me the fortune to meet someone so kind!"

Hideki watched her with a smile, happy to see her enjoy it, but with a question in mind that seemed obvious—though he preferred to confirm it.

"I suppose you've never had a hamburger before, have you?"

She shook her head.

"No, I haven't. I only ate soup and bread every day. On special occasions, we had pasta and some vegetables. Sister Bianca always made the most delicious Alfredo spaghetti in town for my birthday!" Asia said, smiling sweetly as she recalled Sister Bianca.

She started eating her fries one by one, while Hideki handed her some ketchup. Her excitement grew when she tried it.

"You two must have been very close," he commented, but his smile faltered slightly, as if he had touched on a sensitive topic.

"Yes... we were..." she murmured, sadness clouding her voice.

"Crap, I need to change the subject quickly!"

"Umm, what about pizza? I know Italy is famous for it. Surely, you've been to some amazing places," he said, trying to steer the conversation toward something lighter.

"No, I always lived in the church and rarely went out. I could never leave someone in need of healing just to have a little fun."

That's very kind. Not many people are willing to give up their freedom to help others. Maybe this is what is expected of a nun. Hideki started to admire Asia for it. Like him, she had chosen a path to help others, though through different means. He thought that if Asia were in his world, she would be a great heroine, like Recovery Girl.

After her little accident in the park, the girl had told him she was a nun from Italy and had asked for directions to the local church.

Before Hideki could respond, her stomach growled like a starving beast. The poor girl was so embarrassed she nearly fainted from hunger and shame.

Honestly, this girl is too adorable for her own good.

He decided to take her to his favorite local restaurant, Yukihira Restaurant, a new place that had opened about a year ago and had slowly gained popularity for its amazing food. Everything would be fine, as long as Kaori and Takeshi didn't find out he had gone straight into their biggest competitor's territory.

They continued eating, and Hideki enjoyed the peaceful atmosphere—something he hadn't been able to do in recent months. His mind was usually full of worries, especially now that he was becoming involved in the supernatural world.

Being near Asia made those feelings disappear, at least for a moment. He no longer felt the dark thoughts that consumed him daily.

He simply felt… at peace.

"Awoo!" His thoughts were interrupted when he felt something brush against his leg. Asia noticed his surprise, and both looked down to see—

"A puppy!"

Yes, under the table was a small stray dog, clearly homeless, as it had no collar and its fur was somewhat scruffy. It wagged its tail excitedly at Asia, looking up at her with bright eyes. As expected from someone so kind, the nun didn't hesitate to share some of her fries with it.

Seeing her generosity, Hideki, worried that Asia might go hungry, also decided to share some of his food with the puppy.

"May the Lord bless you, Hideki-san, for sharing your food with this adorable puppy!" she said, giving him a dazzling smile.

As the puppy enjoyed its meal, Asia noticed a small wound on the back of its head and ears.

"Oh no! It's hurt!" she exclaimed, concerned.

Indeed, the puppy had some blood-stained fur, probably from scuffles with other animals.

"Come here, let me help you," Asia said as she knelt and gently approached the dog. Trusting her kindness, it snuggled under her hand. Then, a soft green glow began to radiate from her palm over the animal's wound. Two luminous rings formed around her fingers, and the green energy quickly healed the puppy's injuries in a matter of seconds.

Hideki watched in awe. Although he still didn't fully understand this world, in his own, healing abilities were extremely rare. He recalled that Rias had mentioned certain humans with Sacred Gears, special blessings created by the God of the Bible.

"There, you're all better now," Asia murmured, rubbing the puppy's head. In gratitude, it licked her a few times before dashing off.

"Wait!" Asia tried to stop it, but it was too late; the puppy had taken the rest of her fries before disappearing into the bushes.

"That was incredible, Asia. How did you do that?" Hideki asked with genuine curiosity.

But as soon as he mentioned her power, the light in Asia's eyes dimmed slightly.

"It's... it's the power to heal. A wonderful gift that God gave me," she said with a forced smile. But she couldn't hide her sadness from Hideki—not when that same feeling had been haunting him ever since he arrived here.

Hideki noticed the trace of melancholy and chose not to press further. He didn't want to make her feel worse, so he left the topic alone.

After lunch, Hideki decided to guide Asia through Kuoh so she could get to know the place better. As expected, Asia marveled at the most ordinary things: street food stalls, vending machines, the park, and even the children playing in the arcade.

When they entered the arcade, they decided to try the racing simulators, though Asia seemed to take it as a real driving experience.

"Ah, no! I'm going too fast, this exceeds the speed limit!"

"Sorry, sorry, I didn't mean to hit you!"

"Ahhh! I'm going too fast, Hideki-san!"

"Lord, forgive me for my reckless driving!"

"Huuu... Hideki-san, help me..."

Hideki couldn't help but laugh out loud. It was hard to believe that someone so innocent and pure existed in the world. She was absolutely adorable! Even when they played Road Fighter, Asia apologized for every hit. People around them watched with curiosity—seeing a boy playing with a remorseful nun was, at the very least, a peculiar sight.

When he returned from exchanging more coins, Hideki noticed that Asia was no longer in the last place he had left her. He searched for a bit and found her standing in front of a claw machine full of plush toys.

"Is there something you like?" he asked, showing her the bag full of coins.

"Hau! N-No... it's nothing," Asia tried to deny, averting her gaze. "You've already done so much, Hideki-san. I don't want to waste more money, and I promise I'll pay you back."

Hideki chuckled internally. "Asia, if I ever asked someone like you for money, I'd deserve to get punched in the face until I passed out," he thought.

When Hideki looked inside the claw game, he noticed a pile of two different plushies: one that closely resembled Riolu, though in this world, it had a different name he didn't know, and another called Rache-kun. The latter was a cute mouse-like mascot. If he remembered correctly, this character was from Japan, but its popularity had spread worldwide.

"Do you like Rache-kun, Asia?" he asked.

"Eh? N-No... t-that's not..." Asia blushed and lowered her head shyly. "I want Rilu-kun..."

"Alright! I'll get it for you!" Hideki, for the first time in his life, was grateful for all those trips to the arcade with Kaminari. His friend, with the amazing quirk of generating electricity, had taught him a foolproof trick for winning these games. He smiled nostalgically as he recalled Kaminari's attempts to impress everyone at the arcade. Inspired, Hideki inserted a coin and focused on the plushie that Asia wanted so much.

Calmly, he adjusted the claw over Rilu-kun, making sure it was in the perfect position. Asia's eyes sparkled as she watched Hideki move the controls with precision. When the claw descended, it grabbed the plush securely and started lifting it slowly.

"Wait, wait, don't let go...!" he murmured to himself, gritting his teeth as the claw carried the plush toward the prize chute. At the last second, Rilu-kun slipped from the claw and fell with a soft plop into the prize compartment.

"You got it, Hideki-san!" Asia exclaimed, radiant with happiness, carefully taking the plush and holding it in her hands as if it were something very precious.

"Wow, looks like Rilu-kun found its owner," Hideki joked, satisfied to see Asia's joyful expression.

Asia hugged the plush with a smile full of gratitude. "Thank you, Hideki-san... It really reminds me of you. It's... small, but strong and brave," she said, looking at him sweetly.

Hideki remained silent for a second, a slight blush crossing his face. "Really? Me, brave? Well, I wasn't expecting to hear that," he thought, a bit surprised. Trying to lighten the mood, he responded:

"Then Rilu-kun will be Asia-san's guardian!" He added jokingly, "He'll take care of you just like I do."

The two exchanged a glance, laughing, as the sounds of the arcade filled the air. And though the noise continued around them, at that moment, Hideki felt like everything had stopped—there was something special about the way Asia looked at him, a kind of peace and gratitude he didn't experience often.

"Is it already nighttime? We've been playing at the arcade for hours!" Asia said in surprise as they stepped out of the building.

"Ha! You kept giving away the rest of our coins to those kids—it's your fault that everyone invited us to play with them."

Besides being an angel with a pure heart, Asia also had a soft one. For every prize she won, she gave it to a small child who hadn't been able to win one.

She gave away everything except her Rilu-kun plush, which she still held onto tightly.

"It is my duty as a nun to help young people in any way I can," she said with a sincere smile, as if it were only natural for her to do so.

Hideki turned to look at Asia and saw her suddenly begin to cry. Tears streamed down her face while her shoulders trembled.

"Asia, what's wrong?!" Hideki called out in alarm, not understanding why she had started crying so suddenly. "Why are you crying?"

He gently pulled her closer and hugged her tightly, trying to calm her down. He led her to a nearby bench, and she eventually settled down thanks to his efforts to comfort her.

"Do I deserve this much happiness?" she asked, her voice still shaky from crying.

"Of course, you do! Why would you ask something so ridiculous?" he asked, wiping her tears away with a handkerchief.

After a moment of silence, she told him the story of the girl who was once called the "Holy Maiden."

Asia began to explain everything about her life—that she had been abandoned as a baby but was found by a church, where she was taken in and raised to follow God's faith. One day, she had come across a dog that was gravely injured, and the only thing she could do was pray. For some strange reason, the dog was miraculously healed. From that moment on, the people of the church considered her a saint.

She had never been dissatisfied with how she was treated. The people in the church were kind, and she didn't hate healing others. In fact, she found happiness in curing people.

She was grateful for the power that God had granted her. But… she was also a little lonely.

She had no friends to confide in—her title placed her on a pedestal. Everyone treated her well and was kind to her, but no one was willing to be her friend. Even Sister Bianca treated her with respect, but never as a companion.

She understood why. She knew they saw her power as something unnatural.

They didn't see her as a human being, but as a creature that could heal humans.

But one day, everything changed. By chance, there was a demon nearby who was terribly injured.

The girl couldn't ignore him, so she healed the demon. She thought that even if he was a demon, he deserved to be healed if he was suffering. After all, people are people, no matter their race—she would always help them.

It was her kindness that drove her to take such an action.

But that action changed her life forever. One of the church members witnessed the incident and reported it to the others.

The ministers of the church were shocked.

"A power that can heal demons!"

"Something so absurd cannot happen!"

"The power of healing should only work for the followers of God!"

Yes, there were several people who had the power to heal. But the power to heal a demon was unthinkable. The people of the church believed it was common sense that healing powers didn't work on fallen angels and demons.

The ability to heal fallen angels and demons—beings not protected by God—was feared to be the power of a "witch."

And so, the people began to see her as a heretic.

"That cursed witch can heal demons!"

The girl who was once revered as a Holy Maiden was then feared as a "Witch," and the Catholic Church abandoned her.

She had nowhere to go, and the "Stray Exorcists" took her in.

But even then, the girl never forgot to pray to God. She never stopped thanking Him. And yet, she had been abandoned.

God did not save her.

What surprised her the most was that not a single person in the church had been willing to stand up for her. There was no one who cared about her.

"…It's because I didn't pray enough. It's because I'm clumsy."

"I'm a bad person."

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.

.

.

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"I'm going to kill them all!" An unusual thought crossed his mind. The girl in front of him was so kind, humble, and full of grace that, upon hearing her story, Hideki couldn't help but feel deep anger at the betrayal she had suffered from those who claimed to admire her.

The most surprising thing was that she bore them no grudge. Asia had already forgiven everyone who had turned their backs on her.

Just as he felt his rage reaching its limit, he sensed a soft hand on his shoulder.

In an instant, his fury vanished like a flame under the snow, leaving him in an unexpected peace. It was as if he had been pulled from a frozen ocean into the warmth of the sun.

"You don't have to be angry for me, Hideki-san," Asia said gently, noticing his restrained anger. "I don't deserve for you to feel this way about someone like me."

"You're wrong, Asia-san. You deserve much more than you think," Hideki thought, moved.

"I'm a witch... I committed a sin so grave that even the Lord has abandoned me," she whispered, with a sadness that Hideki couldn't bear to see in her eyes.

"Then I will make Him recognize you again, and I will demand that He apologizes," he promised himself with unwavering determination.

"I'm a bad person," she murmured, almost as a sentence, while Hideki could only think that there was no one in the world with a soul as noble as hers.

Hideki felt a pang in his chest upon hearing her. How was it possible that someone so noble and self-sacrificing saw herself as a sinner? That only increased his desire to protect her.

"Asia-san..." he murmured, his tone soft but firm. "I can't change what happened to you, but I want you to know that anyone who truly knows you would see how incredible you are. The people who abandoned you only revealed their lack of faith. But you..." he paused, searching for her gaze, "you have more courage and kindness in a single gesture than many have in a lifetime."

Asia lowered her head, a slight blush covering her cheeks. Before she could speak, Hideki continued, trying to put his thoughts into words.

"I know I'm no expert in religion, Asia, much less in Christianity. But I think what you did... is something truly special. If you think about it, isn't the deepest purpose of faith to love and help others, no matter who they are? The God you believe in wouldn't make distinctions like the ones they did with you."

Hideki paused, choosing his words carefully while trying to meet Asia's eyes.

"Isn't that what they teach? To love your neighbor, to comfort those who suffer, to forgive without reservation. If God is merciful, why should it matter whether you help a demon or a human? Deep down, I believe everyone deserves a chance to redeem themselves. What you did, Asia, was pure. And that is the closest thing to true faith."

Asia bit her lip, still uncertain. "But... they said that demons are enemies of God. That what I did was a sin..."

Hideki shook his head gently, taking a moment before speaking.

"Since when is it a sin to have compassion for someone who is suffering? If your power comes from God and you used it to help another... how could that be wrong? It doesn't matter if it was a demon or an angel; what matters is that you acted with your heart because you believed it was the right thing to do. That is what truly counts."

Asia looked at him, deeply moved, her eyes shining with emotion.

Hideki gave her a slight smile, full of genuine warmth. "If you ask me, what you did proves that you have an incredibly pure heart. Don't let others make you doubt that. If someone doesn't see the value in what you did... then I think they are the ones who don't understand. Not you."

Asia, surprised by the honesty in his words, looked at him with wide eyes, tears welling up from Hideki's words as if she couldn't believe what she was hearing.

"Do... do you really think that, Hideki-san?" she asked in a whisper, with disbelief and hope mixed in her gaze.

Hideki nodded gently, smiling tenderly as he wiped away the tears streaming down Asia's cheeks with his fingers.

"Of course I do. And about your power... you should feel grateful for the gift that God granted you. You're a very special girl, Asia. After all, God gave you the best gift to help people."

Hideki's words resonated deeply in Asia's heart. No one had ever spoken to her with such warmth and sincerity. Inside her, a new hope began to emerge. Could it be that, after all, she had found someone who truly understood her?

Before she could stop herself, Asia threw herself at him and hugged him tightly, feeling the warm beat of Hideki's heart against her chest.

"Thank you, thank you so much, Hideki-san! You are a great person and a great friend," Asia said between sobs, this time of happiness, with renewed tears but filled with relief.

"You're welcome, Asia," Hideki replied, gently returning the hug while smiling. The connection he had formed with her in such a short time filled him with peace.

As they approached the church, Asia showed great excitement upon seeing it for the first time. However, Hideki felt a shiver run down his spine. He sensed a negative energy—not the same as the demons', but ominous and malevolent. Without hesitation, Hideki decided to accompany Asia to the church, concerned about the source of that energy.

Upon arriving at the church, Asia turned to Hideki, her expression grateful but also slightly nervous.

"Thank you for accompanying me here, Hideki," she said, making a small bow. "I know you must be busy, but I really appreciate your help."

Hideki smiled, trying to ignore the strange chill he had felt as they approached the building.

"It was nothing, Asia. I'm glad I could help. Although..." he paused, eyeing the building with some distrust, "this place has a somewhat... strange feeling, don't you think?"

Asia, who seemed unaware of Hideki's discomfort, looked at him with curiosity and concern.

"Strange? I... I don't feel anything odd," she responded, tilting her head slightly. "But... if you feel uncomfortable, maybe we should go inside and rest for a bit. I could make you some tea as thanks."

"Tea?" Hideki asked with a kind smile. "That sounds nice. Don't worry about me, I'm fine... just a little tired."

Asia quickly nodded, looking even more determined.

"Please wait here. I'll go prepare some. It won't take long," she said as she hurried inside the church.

Hideki stayed at the entrance, observing the old structure. The atmosphere inside the church felt different from what he had sensed before. Though he still felt an unsettling energy, he decided to stay—he didn't want to leave Asia alone.

A few minutes later, Asia returned with a small tray. On it were a porcelain teapot, two cups of tea, and some simple sweets.

"It's all I could find in the kitchen," Asia said, standing in front of Hideki as she offered him a cup. "I hope you like it."

Hideki took the cup gratefully and sipped. The tea had a mild and comforting taste—something he hadn't expected, but he enjoyed it.

"It's really good, Asia. Thank you," he said with a smile, feeling his tension gradually ease.

Asia watched him with slight concern as she took her own cup.

"I'm glad you like it... but I'm still worried about your wounds. You're not fully healed yet, Hideki-san," she said softly, her eyes resting on the bandages peeking out from under his clothes. "If you want, I can finish healing you," she added, insisting with a mix of tenderness and determination.

Hideki looked at the bandages for a moment before meeting her gaze. Despite all the pain and injuries, his smile appeared naturally, calm.

"I'm better than you think. Thanks to you, I feel much better—not just from the wounds, but in general," he confessed, a slight, shy smile forming on his face. "Sometimes I try to do everything on my own, and that gets me into trouble. But after meeting people like you, I realize that I don't always have to carry everything alone."

Asia looked at him tenderly, her eyes shining with gratitude, but also with a warmth that seemed to envelop him. For Hideki, there was something about her presence that gave him a sense of peace—something he couldn't quite understand, but that made him feel lighter.

"That's what friends do, Hideki-san. They take care of each other," Asia responded with a sweet smile.

Hideki nodded, taking another sip of tea as those words echoed in his mind. Even though he still carried the weight of battles and the scars of his wounds, he felt something inside him settle when he was with her. He didn't know why, but Asia's mere presence seemed to soothe not only his body but also his spirit.

After a while, Asia looked at him again, this time with a more evident concern. Her eyes focused on the bandages around his arms and sides. Even though Hideki tried to downplay it, she couldn't ignore his condition.

"Hideki-san," Asia said, her voice soft but carrying an unusual firmness. "Let me finish healing you." She insisted, attempting to frown to look more serious, though she only managed to appear even more adorable in Hideki's eyes.

He couldn't help but let out a light chuckle at her expression, touched by her effort.

"Alright, alright," he said, setting his cup aside and smiling with affectionate resignation. "I can't say no when you ask me like that."

As she moved closer to help him, Hideki once again felt that strange sense of serenity. He didn't know exactly what it was, but every time Asia was near, he felt that, somehow, everything would be alright. Even though the scars still hurt—both the visible and the invisible ones—the peace she gave him was something he hadn't experienced in a long time. Being with Asia didn't just soothe his wounded body; it reminded him that, for the first time in a long while, he wasn't fighting alone.

Asia smiled with relief, her face lighting up immediately. She quickly set her tea aside and knelt in front of Hideki. Her touch was delicate as she placed her hands over one of the bandages on his side, where the wounds left by the rogue demon had carved deep marks.

A soft green glow emanated from her hands as her healing power began to flow. Hideki felt an enveloping warmth, a comforting sensation that eased the persistent pain in his body. Even though the wounds were deep, Asia's power slowly began to close them, and Hideki couldn't help but relax under her touch.

"Thank you… really," Hideki murmured, closing his eyes for a moment as the pain faded away.

As his wounds continued to heal, Hideki felt a relief not just physical, but emotional. Despite losing the fight against the rogue demon, and reflecting on his tendency to face everything alone, he realized he was better off than he had been before starting his training with Kaori. He had regained part of his joy and kindness—the same traits that had defined him before coming to this new world. He wasn't as serious as he had been in recent months, and for the first time in a long while, he felt grateful for the people around him.

When Asia finished, she carefully withdrew her hands, watching as the wounds had almost completely disappeared, leaving only faint marks that would fade over time.

"All done," she said with a sweet smile. "You should feel much better now."

Hideki opened his eyes and returned her smile, feeling a lightness he hadn't felt in days.

"I do. I don't know how to thank you, Asia."

"You don't have to thank me," she replied, a soft blush appearing on her cheeks. "I just want you to be okay. That's what matters."

Hideki stood up, still smiling, and stretched a little, noticing how the pain had practically vanished.

"Well, if you ever need anything, don't hesitate to ask. Consider it a favor I owe you," he said, giving her a friendly pat on the shoulder.

Asia nodded shyly, her heart pounding with excitement at having been able to help her new friend.

The End. I hope you liked it.

I truly appreciate your support and readership. If you have any questions, doubts, suggestions, or critiques, please don't hesitate to let me know. I'm here to improve, and I will value every comment you share, whether positive or constructive, as long as it's given with respect.

The scene where Asia meets Hideki is inspired by how Hikigaya Hachiman also meets Asia in the story "My Teenage High School Romance Comedy Can't Be This Perverted!" by NimtheWriter.

I feel that Asia's story is very similar to a story from the Bible, and this is also where I draw the idea of God's compassion toward a demon. This story is found in Luke 8:26-33 and reads as follows:

26 They sailed to the region of the Gerasenes, which is across the lake from Galilee. 27 When Jesus stepped ashore, he was met by a demon-possessed man from the town. For a long time, this man had not worn clothes or lived in a house, but had lived in the tombs. 28 When he saw Jesus, he cried out and fell at his feet, shouting at the top of his voice, "What do you want with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? I beg you, don't torture me!" 29 (For Jesus had commanded the impure spirit to come out of the man. Many times it had seized him, and though he was chained hand and foot and kept under guard, he had broken his chains and had been driven by the demon into solitary places.) 30 Jesus asked him, "What is your name?"
"Legion," he replied, because many demons had gone into him. 31 And they begged Jesus repeatedly not to order them to go into the Abyss. 32 A large herd of pigs was feeding there on the hillside. The demons begged Jesus to let them go into the pigs, and he gave them permission. 33 When the demons came out of the man, they went into the pigs, and the herd rushed down the steep bank into the lake and was drowned.

Talking with my mother about this story, we reflected on how Jesus showed compassion even toward demons. Instead of sending them to hell—which even for them seems to be the ultimate torment, as they beg him not to cast them into the Abyss (hell)—Jesus allows them to enter the bodies of the pigs. In doing so, rather than condemning them to eternal punishment, he grants them a temporary escape in this world, since dying in animal bodies does not mean their destruction as spirits.

This act of compassion inspires me to think that God's mercy extends even to those who, by their actions, might not deserve it. And, just like Asia, who through her kindness and compassion healed a demon—perhaps acting in a way that Jesus would—she shows mercy even if that being is likely to continue committing evil acts.