[Rias's Perspective]
My name is Rias Gremory.
I'm the heiress of the Gremory family of the original 72 pillars, and the Ultimate-Class Devil governing Kuoh Town.
I sensed the presence of Fallen Angels, so I teleported here with Akeno to investigate.
Fallen Angels are our enemies.
I won't let them run wild in my territory.
We arrived in a public park not far from Kuoh Academy.
Akeno spoke.
"Seems like the Fallen Angels have already gone."
"So it appears. Judging by the traces, they fought someone… But it seems that one has already left as well."
A pity. I would've liked to capture them.
"One moment? Rias?"
"What is it, Akeno?"
"There's a wallet here."
"Wallet?"
Could it belong to whoever fought the Fallen Angels?
It's a park. Maybe someone just dropped it by coincidence…
"…It's still warm."
"Meaning it was dropped recently?"
"That's the logical conclusion."
"Can you identify the owner? They may be looking for it right now."
"I believe so. Oh? This student ID… it belongs to a student at Kuoh Academy."
"One of ours? What's the name?"
"Hyoudou… Hyoudou Issei."
"Hyoudou Issei…"
Could that boy have been the one fighting the Fallen Angels?
…Am I overthinking this?
In any case, I'll have him come to the Occult Research Club. I'd like a word.
And of course—return his wallet.
With that, Akeno and I returned to the clubroom.
[Rias side out]
----
"Yo, Issei. What's with the gloomy face this early in the morning?"
Hey there, it's me—Issei.
Just like Matsuda said, I was slumped over my desk, face down in despair.
The reason? I lost my wallet yesterday.
I realized it before going to bed, and searched for it all morning—but came up empty.
It was the one Miyu gave me for my birthday last year. I really loved that thing...
Oh yeah, I also told Miyu, Dad, and Mom about the whole Fallen Angel incident yesterday.
Honestly, I debated telling them—I didn't want to worry them—but I figured they needed to be informed.
According to Ddraig, there have been cases where the families of Sacred Gear holders were targeted as well.
While still face-down on the desk, I asked Matsuda:
"Hey, you wouldn't happen to know where my wallet is, would you?"
"Nope. Can't say I do."
Yeah, figured as much.
Guess I'll drop by the police box on the way home.
Maybe some kind soul turned it in...
Please let that be the case.
I'll even give them 300 yen.
As I contemplated my decreasing faith in society, our classroom suddenly filled with noise.
Girls were freaking out—no, more like cheering loudly.
"K-Kiba-kun!?"
"What's going on!?"
I couldn't see anything from my current desk-flopped position, but it sounded like Kiba just entered.
And… did someone call him "Kiba-kun" with a cutesy squeal?
"For starters, is Hyoudou-kun here?"
Girls swooned as Kiba asked about me. Apparently, he had business with me.
That's rare—Kiba approaching me like this.
"Yo, Kiba. I'm here."
When I called out, he noticed and walked over.
"What's up? Kinda unusual for you."
"Yeah. Actually, our club president wants to speak with you. She asked me to bring you to the clubroom after school."
"Right—you're in the Occult Research Club, right? That would mean... Rias-senpai?"
"Exactly. Apparently she found your wallet."
"—!"
I shot to my feet and grabbed Kiba's shoulders.
"You serious!?"
"Y-Yeah. She wanted you to come by to pick it up, and she also said there's something she wants to ask you…"
Rias-senpai wants to talk to me?
Have I ever even spoken to her before?
Ddraig piped up.
[She probably sensed something related to the Fallen Angels last night.]
Aha. That makes sense.
So I must've dropped my wallet at the park.
If she saw the aftermath, it's likely she knows something went down.
"All right. Can you show me to the club after school?"
"I'll come pick you up, no problem."
With that, Kiba left.
Ugh... This might get messy.
But hey, at least I'm getting my wallet back.
I decided to wait for Kiba after class.
----
After school.
While I waited in the classroom, Kiba showed up.
"Hey, Hyoudou. Let's go."
KIBAAAA!
This is bad! Really bad!
Right as that thought crossed my mind, the girls in class erupted.
"He's heeere—!!"
"Kiba-kun × Hyoudou-kun!"
"No way! It's Hyoudou-kun × Kiba-kun!"
"No no—the top gets bottomed by the other—"
I DON'T CARE WHO'S TOP OR BOTTOM!!
Wait, no, I DO care!!
More importantly—we're not that kind of couple!
"Kiba! Let's get the hell out of here!"
"Huh? What's wrong?"
"You seriously don't get it?! Staying here with you is turning us into yaoi fanfiction!"
If we don't leave now, we'll be fangirl fodder in tomorrow's slash doujins!
I grabbed Kiba by the collar and dashed out of the classroom.
Didn't want to grab his hand. That'd just make things worse…
▽
Led by Kiba, we walked through the forest behind the school.
"The Occult Research Club's room is in the old school building, right?"
"Yep. Just past here."
After a short walk, I spotted the white-walled structure of the old school building.
We went inside and followed the hallway until we reached a particular room.
A plaque on the door read: "Occult Research Club."
"I've brought him, President."
Kiba's voice called from outside the door.
From inside, a calm voice answered,
"Come in."
Ohhh—that was Rias-senpai's voice just now!
I'll be honest—I was kinda excited to come here.
After all, Rias-senpai isn't just Kuoh Academy's top beauty—she also heads the Occult Research Club, which boasts the school's goddess-tier trio: Rias-senpai herself, the elegant Akeno-senpai, and the adorable mascot-type member Koneko-chan!
Devils or not, that club's a heaven of its own!
Dreams do come true!
Once we got the okay, Kiba and I entered the room.
"Hyoudou-kun, please have a seat here."
Kiba pointed to a couch.
I took a seat and glanced around.
Candles lit the room, and magical circles were drawn on the walls, floor, and even the ceiling.
They really leaned into the whole "occult" aesthetic.
Then, a teacup was placed in front of me.
"Please, enjoy some tea."
The voice belonged to Akeno-senpai, who smiled gently as she served me.
She was the picture of a yamato nadeshiko—long black ponytail, refined features… and absolutely massive boobs.
So jiggly. So distracting.
"Thank you very much."
I took a sip.
"This tea is amazing, Akeno-senpai."
"My, I'm glad it suits your taste."
"By the way… where's Rias-senpai?"
She wasn't in the room, though I could sense her nearby...
Kiba leaned against the wall, Akeno-senpai sat across from me, and Koneko-chan munched on some yokan beside me.
Oh, our eyes met.
"…You're not getting any."
"…Wasn't trying to."
What a quiet girl.
"The president is in the shower right now."
"The shower? So that sound is—"
That means Rias-senpai is… completely naked right now!?
A perfect, sensual body just meters away!
Ughhh! I want to peek!
I desperately wanted to peek!
As I struggled with indecent thoughts—Rias-senpai stepped out in only a bath towel!
And started changing right in front of me!!
Wh-What!?
Can she even… do that!?
Her gorgeous body burned itself into my mind. I was witnessing a miracle!
Gotta save this scene to memory! Perfect mental freeze-frame—engaged!
Kiba looked away out of respect.
"Senpai, your gaze is lewd."
Koneko-chan was glaring daggers at me!
Sorry!
But c'mon, seeing a bombshell like Rias-senpai change clothes—that's a force of nature! I can't help it!
"Sorry for calling you here so suddenly. Nice to meet you. I'm Rias Gremory. Hyoudou Issei-kun, this wallet belongs to you, right?"
"Ah! Yes! I'm Hyoudou Issei, a second-year. Thank you so much! I was looking everywhere for it…"
"It's quite all right. Yuuto may have mentioned it already, but…"
"That you had something to ask me?"
"Yes. Let me be blunt. You fought a Fallen Angel yesterday evening, didn't you?"
Here it comes.
Do I answer honestly? Or try to play dumb…?
After a brief pause, I asked back:
"…What makes you think that?"
"Good question. First, let me tell you about us. Actually… we're all Devils."
As she spoke, black bat-like wings unfolded from her back.
Not just hers—Kiba's, Akeno-senpai's, and even Koneko-chan's too.
"I know someone who can read the memories left in objects. I had them inspect the wallet. Sorry—that probably counts as a breach of privacy, but it's necessary in our line of work."
"It's fine… Really."
So, she read the memories from my wallet…
No point in lying anymore, huh?
Rias-senpai continued with a serious tone.
"That's how we learned you'd fought a Fallen Angel. Hyoudou Issei-kun… will you tell us the truth?"
I sighed.
I'd already been caught red-handed—literally. The wallet, the memory scan—there was no denying it.
No matter how I spun this, there was no getting out.
I decided to come clean.
"…Just as you said, Rias-senpai. Yesterday at dusk, I was attacked—and fought a Fallen Angel."
"I see. Do you know why they targeted you?"
"They said I had a Sacred Gear, and I needed to die because I'd interfere with their plans… or something."
"...! So you really do have a Sacred Gear?"
"Well, yeah…"
"May I see it?"
Can I show it?
Ddraig?
[It should be fine. If they attack, you can handle it.]
Got it.
"Come forth—Boosted Gear."
I summoned the Red Dragon Emperor's Gauntlet on my left arm.
Everyone in the room gasped.
"The Boosted Gear! One of the Thirteen Longinus that sealed the Red Dragon… I never expected it to be so close at hand…"
Kiba and company looked stunned.
I guess Boosted Gear really is that remarkable.
One of only thirteen Sacred Gears capable of slaying even gods and devils.
[Of course. In fact, you've already defeated a Demon King from another world.]
Right—speaking of that, how strong would Sirius rank in this world?
[Hard to say. Probably equal to or stronger than the current Devil Kings. Since power can't be measured by strength alone, it's not a straightforward comparison. Plus, I'm unfamiliar with this world's new Devil Kings.]
True. The original Four Devil Kings died in the ancient war, and the current kings were chosen from surviving Devils.
That means Sirius could be equal or maybe even beyond them.
Anyway, back to the conversation.
"So yeah, I'm the current Red Dragon Emperor. The Fallen Angel didn't see my Sacred Gear, so she probably doesn't know yet."
"You fought a Fallen Angel untransformed!? Just who… no, what are you?"
"…I don't really know how to answer that."
No way I'm telling her I was a 'Hero from Another World.'
Can't I just be "the current Red Dragon Emperor?"
As I nervously fumbled for a reply, Rias-senpai spoke up.
"Say, Issei, would you consider becoming one of my servants?"
Wait—what?
Where did that come from!?
Ddraig never mentioned anything about becoming someone's 'servant.'
"Umm… what exactly do you mean by that, Senpai?"
She pulled a crimson chess piece from her pocket and explained.
"Becoming a servant means I reincarnate you into a Devil using this—one of the Evil Pieces. You'd serve under me."
"Is there… any upside to that? Or downside?"
"Yes, of course. Let me explain."
She laid it out simply:
Benefits—Instant multilingual comprehension. Enhanced physical abilities. Heightened senses at night.
And magic. Imagine something clearly and, depending on your power, you can make it real.
Plus, a massive lifespan increase. Apparently near-immortality—like living ten thousand years.
Sounded ridiculous.
Now the downsides—
Harm from light: Sunlight, sacred objects like crosses, holy water, scriptures, etc., would all damage me.
Also, significantly lower birth rates.
The light stuff definitely worried me. Angel/Fallen Angel light attacks would seriously hurt.
But hey, if I don't get hit, no problem, right?
"So that's the gist. What do you think?"
Hmm… The pros and cons seemed clear enough.
But I had another question.
"Can I ask something?"
"Of course. Anything."
"If I become your servant, would my family be protected? According to the dragon inside my Gauntlet, Sacred Gear users' families have been targeted before. I need to know."
"That's obvious. My servants are like family to me. Their family is my family. I'll do everything I can to protect them."
That was reassuring.
Even with all my otherworld training, I wasn't confident I could singlehandedly protect Mom, Dad, and Miyu.
Not forever.
Back in that other world, I'd needed Alice and the others to pull through many tight spots.
I know the value of allies.
Ddraig, what do you think?
[Gaining powerful allies is any warrior's asset. As someone who carries the power of a dragon, you're destined to attract powerful forces. The Fallen Angel attack is proof. Things may no longer stay peaceful now that you're back in this world.]
A dragon attracts power.
Power draws more power—
That's my fate as the Red Dragon Emperor.
And if that fate pulls in Mom, Dad, or Miyu...
Then maybe Ddraig's right. Finding strong allies is a good call.
[Besides, the Gremory family is famed for their bonds of affection. You could do far worse than being with them.]
While I weighed all that, Rias addressed me again.
"Hey, Issei. Would it be okay if I called you that?"
"Sure. My friends do. Makes things more casual."
"Thanks. Issei, listen. I'm not forcing this on you. Becoming a Devil isn't a small decision. As the servant of a High-Class Devil, you'd be entangled in our world. You'd take part in battles. You only get one life—so take your time and think it through.
Oh, and don't worry. Even if you refuse, I'll still make sure your family is safe. That's part of my duty—protecting the residents of this town."
She looked at me earnestly.
I could tell there wasn't a single lie in her words.
Pure honesty.
Becoming a Devil means obeying rules, maybe fighting—but if I can protect people through that...
Even so…
"You're right. I'll think it over carefully."
Rias smiled softly.
"Great. Please do."
As our talk wrapped up, I was about to leave when Rias brightened as if she had an idea.
"Oh, that's right! Hey, Issei—how about joining the Occult Research Club?"
"Huh? Me? Join the club?"
"Yes, as a student. Put devils aside—just as a fellow Kuoh student."
Makes sense.
No contracts. Just a club activity.
And hey, I'm not in any club right now, so why not?
Plus—this club is basically a collection of top-tier beauties.
Too good to pass up.
But one thing...
"Um, just curious, but what exactly does this club… do?"
"Mainly we investigate cryptids. We've even interviewed kappas and visited Loch Ness. On quiet days, we just enjoy tea and snacks."
Interviewed a kappa!?
Nessie field trip!?
That sounds amazing!
"Well then... Thanks for the invite. I'd love to join."
"Great! Just sign this form and bring it next time?"
I tucked the membership form into my bag.
Glanced at the clock—7:00 p.m.
I needed to head back before Mom blew a fuse.
Then my phone buzzed.
Ugh. Mom.
"Uh… Hi?"
"ISSEI! Where the heck are you!? It's so late!"
"I-I'm at school… Something came up…"
"At school? You should've called if you were going to be late!"
"Sorry… I'll be more careful next time…"
I hung up with a wry smile.
"Sorry about that. I've gotta run. My mom's not happy…"
"Understandable. I'll let everyone go for today. …Issei, really think about becoming a Devil, okay?"
"Yeah."
With Rias-senpai's words in my heart, I headed home.