Rias reviewed the information about Asia, born in Europe, abandoned by her parents at birth, and left at the door of a church.
The church, which doubled as an orphanage, naturally took in the abandoned infant.
Raised by nurturing nuns, Asia developed a deep, pious faith in the Biblical God, shaped by her surroundings from a young age.
Perhaps her devotion caught divine attention, for a miracle manifested when she was eight.
A mysterious power erged within her, capable of fully healing injuries and restoring the wounded to perfect health.
This ability, Twilight Healing, was discovered by church officials by chance, forever altering Asia's life.
She was brought to the Catholic Church's headquarters and elevated by its mbers as a Holy Maiden with miraculous healing powers.
The church employed Asia to nd the ailnts of visiting believers, claiming her Sacred Gear was a blessing from God.
Asia herself believed this wholeheartedly.
How else could an ordinary girl possess such extraordinary power if not by divine favor?
Driven by her faith and kind heart, Asia embraced her role without hesitation, becoming a saint revered by countless believers.
But her world crumbled when she healed a devil.
A church mber witnessed the act, and Asia, once exalted, was branded a witch for her ability to heal devils.
The Catholic Church swiftly excommunicated her.
"Such a tragic story," Rias murmured, her voice tinged with sympathy as she read the report.
The details of Asia's life were no secret in Europe, and Rias's contacts had gathered the information effortlessly.
Asia's kindness had led to her downfall, transforming her from a saint to an outcast.
Most heartbreaking was the church's betrayal—those who had once cherished her healing gift now regarded her with disgust and fear.
Rias understood the church's position.
The enmity between the church, devoted to the Biblical God, and the devils of the Underworld was irreconcilable.
Without intervention from high-ranking church officials, Asia's "witch" label was permanent.
"A Sacred Gear that can heal devils," Rias noted, her interest piqued.
Such a power was exceptionally rare.
Sacred Gears, created by the Biblical God, were typically hosted by humans, not other races.
Devils and fallen angels, as God's adversaries, were generally excluded from their benefits, especially healing.
Yet Asia's Twilight Healing defied this norm, making it a remarkable anomaly.
Rias's thoughts shifted to the devil Asia had healed.
The report ntioned him only briefly, with no details about his appearance or origins. "Could he be a high-class devil?" she wondered.
Only soone of significant status could conceal their identity so thoroughly, evading even the Gremory clan's intelligence network.
She decided not to pursue the mystery further.
The devil was gone, and it was best if he stayed that way.
The afternoon school bell rang, pulling Rias from her thoughts.
She set aside her phone, stood, and headed to the Occult Research Club with Akeno.
Koneko and Kiba soon joined them in the clubroom.
Ten minutes later, Roy arrived with a blonde girl. All eyes turned to her, curiosity evident in their gazes.
"Well, isn't this intriguing," Akeno said with a playful grin, glancing at Roy. "Right, Roy?"
Asia's striking beauty, paired with her delicate, vulnerable aura, was sure to captivate many.
She was destined to beco an idol among Kuoh Academy's students.
"I know Asia's charming, but Akeno, don't get any wild ideas. She's a perfectly normal girl," Roy replied, his tone light but firm.
"Oh? And I'm a normal girl too, Roy," Akeno retorted, flashing a mock-dangerous smile, as if daring him to suggest otherwise.
"Asia, introduce yourself," Roy said, stepping aside to give her the spotlight.
"Hello, I'm Asia Argento," she said, bowing deeply at a ninety-degree angle.
Her slender fra trembled slightly, her hands clutching her clothes nervously as she spoke in a flustered voice.
"I'm Rias Gremory, president of this club," Rias said, her smile warm and composed. "Asia, Roy has told you about us, hasn't he?"
"Yes, he has," Asia replied, straightening up with a nod.
"And you don't find us… unsettling?" Rias asked.
As a forr saint of the church, Asia had been cast out for aiding a devil. Yet Rias sensed no hostility or fear in her.
"I… I believe there are good devils too. Not all of them are evil," Asia explained earnestly.
"That doesn't sound like empty flattery," Akeno remarked, her curiosity piqued.
"Her eyes are sincere. She's not lying," Koneko said, her expression impassive but observant.
Yuuto nodded in silent agreent.
Asia's eyes were strikingly pure, like crystal-clear water free of any blemish.
Such untainted clarity made deceit seem impossible.
Rias understood why Roy had insisted Asia couldn't lie. "She is quite unique," she said, her tone warm.
"Roy asked to handle your enrollnt, Asia. I have no objections, but I need to confirm one thing: you truly have no ties to the church anymore, correct?"
"None," Asia said, her smile bittersweet. "I've been excommunicated."
"Did you turn to the fallen angels out of resentnt toward the church?" Rias asked.
She knew part of Asia's story—her desperation after being cast out.
But such unfair treatnt could breed bitterness in anyone. Rias imagined she would feel so resentnt in Asia's place.
To her surprise, Asia shook her head. "No. I'm grateful to the church. They raised when I was abandoned and gave a ho. Even though they expelled , I don't resent them."
"Almost too kind," Rias said, though her tone held no judgnt. "But I find myself liking you, Asia."
Roy grinned. Asia's gentle nature was disarming—only soone as deranged as Freed Sellzen could fail to be chard by her.
"Asia, your enrollnt paperwork will be ready soon. You'll need to fill out a few forms," Rias said.
Asia blinked, then bowed gratefully. "Thank you so much!"
"Asia, would you consider joining my peerage?" Rias asked, glancing at Roy. Since he had brought Asia, his opinion mattered.
"If you can convince her, I have no objections," Roy said with a nod.
"Excellent." Rias handed Asia an application form for the Occult Research Club. "Please fill this out. It'll be part of your enrollnt process."
Asia took the form, looking puzzled. "How do I fill this?"
"I'll guide you," Rias said, leading her to a sofa. She handed Asia a pen and explained each section of the club mbership form.
Once Asia completed it, Rias tucked the form away. "Welco, Asia. You're now a mber of the Occult Research Club."
Asia looked confused. "Huh?"
"Most students join a club to pursue interests or build connections," Rias explained. "Given your unique background, joining our club makes sense. By the way, Roy is also a mber."
Asia nodded, reassured by the familiar na.
"Which class would you like to join, Asia?" Rias asked.
"Can I be in Roy's class?" Asia asked hesitantly.
"Roy's a second-year. Can you keep up academically?" Rias inquired.
"Maybe?" Asia tilted her head. Her education had co from church clergy, not a formal school, leaving her uncertain.
"Let Asia join my class," Koneko said suddenly. "I'll look after her."
"My, Koneko speaks up," Akeno teased, her voice playful. "But it's true—girls are better suited to care for each other. Boys can be… less attentive to certain needs."
"Koneko's a first-year, so the coursework should be manageable for you," Rias added.
"What do you think, Asia?"
Asia glanced at Roy for guidance.
"That works," Roy said with a reassuring smile.
He anticipated frequent absences due to potential travels, and Koneko's care would ease his mind.
"I'm Koneko Toujou. Nice to et you," Koneko said solemnly. "I'll protect you at school, Asia."
Asia stood and bowed, flustered but touched. "Thank you!"
"Too formal, Asia," Rias said, her smile gentle and amused.
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