Vergil Is Back-Chapter 21 - 16: Shadows Before the Sunrise

The morning sun peeked over the rooftops of Kuoh, casting golden hues over the academy. Students milled about excitedly, chattering about the upcoming Kyoto school trip.

But for Leon, this trip meant more than sightseeing.

It meant confrontation.

It meant strategy.

It meant the next move.

Leon's Apartment – Early Morning

A cool breeze drifted through the open window as Leon sat at the edge of his bed, shirtless, his upper body marked with faint scars from past battles. In his hand was a shimmering, obsidian-black System Store interface, invisible to the world.

[System Store - Special Category: Chess Pieces]▸ Bishop – Shadow Vessel Variant▸ Description: Enhances intelligence-based combat. Allows strategic control of subordinates.▸ Price: 10,000 SP

PURCHASED

The piece materialized in his hand—sleek and dark, pulsing with hidden power.

Leon stood up and walked into the next room where Raynare was tying her long hair back, already dressed in her new Kuoh uniform.

"Raynare."

She turned, arching an eyebrow. "What is it, my King?"

He held up the piece.

"You're not just a follower anymore."

With a single press of the chess piece against her chest, a blinding flash of black light engulfed her. Raynare stumbled slightly, then gasped—feeling raw power bloom inside her soul. Shadows shimmered around her fingertips.

[System Notice: Raynare has become your Bishop.]Special Ability Gained: "Umbra Dominion" – Create a field of living shadows to obscure movement, silence magic, and cloak allies.

Raynare looked stunned for a moment... then smiled wickedly.

"Oh... I like this."

Later – Kuoh Academy Courtyard

Leon arrived at the front gates, aura fully suppressed, looking like nothing more than an aloof, silver-haired transfer student. Behind him, Asia and Raynare followed closely—one crackling softly with hidden lightning, the other cloaked in unseen shadows.

"Kyoto's going to be... interesting," Asia murmured, clutching a small duffel bag.

Leon didn't reply.

But he could sense it too.

The Shinto Youkai, and more... something darker, hidden beneath the Kyoto veil.

In the Clubroom – Gremory Peerage

Rias sat at the table with Akeno, Kiba, and Koneko. She tapped her fingers lightly, her crimson gaze narrowing.

"Leon is going," she said flatly.

"Of course he is," Akeno responded with a smirk. "He's been three steps ahead of us since he arrived."

Koneko said quietly, "That fallen angel girl... she's changed."

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Rias nodded. "He made her his Bishop. I can feel it."

There was a pause.

Kiba looked uneasy. "Is it wise to let him go unchecked like this?"

Rias shook her head. "We can't stop him. But we can watch him. Carefully."

System Interlude – Leon's Mind

[New Quest: Kyoto Convergence]

Objective: Investigate the unrest among the Youkai factions.Sub-Objectives:– Defeat or Dominate the Kyoto Region Leader.– Discover the foreign magic signatures interfering with the ley lines.– Optional: Recruit a new Sacred Gear wielder.

Reward:– New Gear Evolution Path Unlocked– Unique Weapon Blueprint– ??? Hidden Reward

Leon smirked as he read the final line.

Something big was waiting in Kyoto.

Train Station – Departure

As the train began to move, Asia sat beside Leon, holding a bento box she'd made herself.

"I hope... I can help you while we're there," she said softly.

Leon glanced at her, lightning sparking faintly in her palm. Her eyes shimmered with quiet resolve.

"You will."

On the opposite end of the car, Raynare lounged casually but kept her eyes peeled—her instincts sharpened by her new power.

Leon looked ahead.

Kyoto awaited.

And it would never be the same again.