Highschool DxD: Damn, I'm OP as Fuck!

Lili's footsteps halted.

She had been one second away from running.

But then—

Kenji's smile flashed through her mind.

That kind yet confident expression.

Her small fists clenched.

Then, slowly, she turned back around.

---

From the shadows, Medusa watched everything unfold.

A small smirk formed on her lips.

"She stayed," she whispered to herself.

For the first time, a flicker of respect appeared in her gaze.

This girl, despite her past…

Had made a choice.

---

Meanwhile, Kenji continued his training, using the endless swarm of monsters to push his limits.

Lili, who had once feared for his life, now watched in silent amazement.

He was…

Untouchable.

Her fear and worry from earlier felt almost foolish now.

By the time the sun dipped lower, Kenji had wiped out every monster on the 15th floor.

Then, without a word, he simply turned back toward the surface.

Lili hurried after him.

---

At the Adventurer's Guild entrance, Kenji stopped.

He weighed the bag of gold in his hands—heavier than yesterday's.

Then—

He took half and placed it in a separate pouch.

Turning to Lili, he held it out to her.

"This is yours."

Lili's eyes widened.

"I-I can't—!"

She stepped back, shaking her head.

But Kenji cut her off before she could argue.

"Take it. You earned it."

"And… you need the money, don't you?"

His golden eyes locked onto hers.

Lili froze.

Her heart pounded.

Kenji knew.

He saw through her completely.

"And one more thing," he added.

"I'll be entering the dungeon every day from now on."

"I could use a long-term supporter."

"If you're interested, meet me at the entrance at nine tomorrow morning."

With that—

Kenji placed the pouch in her hands…

And walked away.

---

Lili stood there, gripping the heavy pouch of gold.

Her fingers tightened around it.

The warmth of his words lingered in her chest.

What was this feeling?

She had never… felt this before.

For the first time in a long time…

Someone had treated her like a person.

---

As Kenji walked away, Medusa appeared beside him, her arms crossed.

"Master, are you sure about this?"

She cast a glance back toward Lili.

"There were… quite a few people watching that girl today."

Her tone darkened slightly.

Kenji didn't even blink.

"Yeah. I know."

Medusa raised an eyebrow.

"Then why let her go alone?"

Kenji's expression didn't change.

"Lili isn't weak."

"She just hasn't made up her mind yet."

"There are some things she needs to decide for herself before we help her."

Medusa studied his face—

Then sighed.

"You really are troublesome, Master."

But there was a hint of admiration in her voice.

---

By the time Kenji returned home, the sun had completely set.

But—

As he stepped into the courtyard, he suddenly froze.

A figure stood in the pavilion, bathed in moonlight.

Long golden hair.

Sharp amber eyes.

It was—

Ais.

---

Before Kenji could say a word—

"AH-HAI!!!"

A furious voice rang out.

From the house, Hestia stormed toward him, arms crossed tightly.

"I knew it!"

"You were out flirting again, weren't you?!"

Kenji sighed.

"You're imagining things."

WHACK!

He chopped her lightly on the head, causing her to squawk in protest.

Then, ignoring her pouting, he turned to Ais.

"You're here for the training, right?"

Ais nodded once.

Kenji smiled.

"Alright. Meet me at the east gate city wall tomorrow morning at six."

Ais stared at him for a long moment…

Then slowly nodded again.

---

Just as Ais turned to leave, Kenji suddenly called out—

"Wait."

"You've been waiting here all day, haven't you?"

Ais paused.

Kenji smirked.

"You haven't eaten yet, have you?"

"Stay for dinner before you go."

For a brief second, Ais looked uncertain.

Then—

Her stomach let out a small growl.

Kenji chuckled.

Hestia huffed.

But in the end—

Ais stayed.

---

Later that night—

Kenji laid back on the couch, relaxing.

Hestia sat across from him, staring intently.

He raised an eyebrow.

Then—

She suddenly leaned in close.

Sniff.

Sniff sniff.

Kenji blinked.

"…What are you doing?"

Hestia frowned deeply.

"I knew it."

"You smell like another girl."

Kenji's eye twitched.

"You've been around another woman today, haven't you?!"

Her tiny hands clenched into fists.

"You were together for a long time, too!"

Kenji sighed heavily.

He had forgotten about Hestia's overpowered sense of smell.

"You're imagining things," he said flatly.

Hestia narrowed her eyes.

"Really?"

"Then why do you reek of another girl's scent?!"

Kenji looked away.

"…It's your imagination."

Hestia pouted but said nothing more.

She didn't quite believe him—

But for now…

She let it go.

---

As Kenji finally closed his eyes, preparing to sleep—

Click.

The sound of a key turning echoed in the silence.

Then—

The door creaked open.

A soft light spilled in from the hallway.

Kenji's eyes snapped open.

Someone…

Had entered his room.

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