A week had passed since President Rias had invited me to become one of her servants.
I hadn't become a devil's servant yet, but I was officially a member of the Occult Research Club.
Oh, right—by joining the club, President Rias told me that instead of calling her "senpai", I should address her as "President." She seemed pretty insistent about that.
I didn't mind, so I've been calling her "President" ever since.
The other day, I got to interview a student named Kiyome Abe for a feature on beast tamers.
Apparently, she already knew about President and the others—and she mentioned there were even more people at Kuoh Academy harboring special powers.
During the interview, I covered the birdman, mermaid, and yuki-onna under her command.
But man, discovering that the so-called mermaid was basically a tuna with human legs, and the yuki-onna turned out to be just a female gorilla… That moment utterly shattered my mental image of what those beings were supposed to look like.
Still, it was fun—I'll admit that much.
I also talked to my family about the fact I'd been scouted by President Rias.
I thought they'd be a little shocked upon finding out about devils, but they weren't surprised at all.
According to my dad and mom:
"First it was fallen angels, now devils? Eh, we're used to it by now."
"Exactly. We've chatted with Ddraig-kun often enough that it doesn't feel that strange anymore."
Seems like they're completely desensitized to non-human or supernatural stuff by now.
I guess that's better than them freaking out or accusing me of being delusional, but still… it makes me feel a bit conflicted.
I even remember Miyu, who was sitting next to me at the time, giving a little awkward laugh.
At any rate, I explained everything to them—about my current situation, the pros and cons of becoming President's servant, and then the conclusion Ddraig and I had reached.
Even though my parents were initially nervous, they supported my decision since it would lessen the burden I carry.
President did say she'd protect me even if I didn't become her servant. But by becoming one, it would make communication and coordination much easier, and she'd be able to protect me more effectively. That's why Ddraig and I felt this was the best move.
…Still, one thing that worried me was whether my family would accept me after I stopped being human.
It wasn't that I didn't trust them—but I couldn't help but feel uncertain.
And when I voiced that fear, my dad smiled and told me:
"What kind of parent wouldn't accept their own kid? Even if you become a devil, even if you become something completely different from us—you're still our son. A dumb, pervy, but kind-hearted son we're proud of, Hyoudou Issei."
My mom and Miyu nodded in complete agreement.
That meant the world to me.
Even if I changed, they would still call me family.
Over the past week, I spent time with President and the others in the Occult Research Club… and I finally made my decision.
"President, there's something I need to talk to you about…"
"What is it, Issei? You've got such a serious look on your face."
"I've made up my mind. I want to… become your servant."
The smile President had been wearing vanished, replaced by a stern expression.
"Issei. Are you sure about this? You do understand that once you're reincarnated, there's no going back—you'll never be human again."
"I understand, President. But it's fine. Even if I change species, my family said they'd still accept me."
"You… already talked to your family, didn't you? Did you tell them about your Sacred Gear… and what happened with the fallen angels?"
"Yes. They know everything. Don't worry—my family's good at keeping secrets."
"...I see. Then one more time—let me ask you. Are you absolutely sure you want to be reincarnated as a devil?"
President looked me straight in the eye and asked with all seriousness.
But I already knew the answer.
"Yes. I want to become your servant."
"…Understood."
And with that, the ritual to reincarnate me as a devil began.
----
President took out a red chess piece.
—It was a Pawn.
"I'll now use this devil piece to reincarnate you. Are you ready, Issei?"
"Ready whenever you are."
"Then stand in front of me."
I stepped into position as President instructed.
She then began chanting the words for the reincarnation ritual.
"In the name of Rias Gremory, I command thee. Hyoudou Issei—become a devil, to serve beneath me. Be reborn as my 'Pawn'!"
The piece began glowing red.
And then…
Absolutely nothing happened.
Huh?
Is that it?
I didn't feel any different or notice anything change in my body…
"President, did it work? I don't feel any different."
She let out an impressed sigh.
"Apparently, a single Pawn piece isn't enough to reincarnate you. That means your potential is higher than I thought. Let's try two pieces."
Oh, so some people require multiple pieces to reincarnate, huh?
President attempted the ritual again with two pieces.
...No change.
Three.
...Still nothing.
Four.
...Nada.
Five.
...Nothing.
Okay, now she was visibly surprised.
Six.
...Still no reaction.
She was starting to get anxious.
Seven.
...Nope.
"This is incredible. Even after using seven pieces, still nothing. I never imagined I'd have to use all of my Pawn pieces…"
Looks like the eighth was the last.
Right—Chess only has eight pawns…
Eighth piece.
...Still no change.
The air in the clubroom froze.
President and Kiba were dumbstruck. Even Akeno-san's usual serene smile had stiffened.
Koneko-chan? She dropped her cookie.
I caught it before it hit the ground.
"Here you go, Koneko-chan."
"…Thanks."
Still totally out of it.
"Issei… what are you? I've never heard of anyone not reincarnating even after using eight Pawn pieces…"
I mean, I'm me, so I don't know what to tell you.
Then, a green jewel appeared on the back of my left hand.
Ddraig.
"Rias Gremory. I have a question."
"You're Ddraig—the Red Dragon Emperor. I can't believe I'm speaking with you… What is it you'd like to ask?"
"When using these devil pieces to reincarnate someone, is it possible if the person being reincarnated is significantly stronger than the master?"
"If it's only a small difference, it's doable. But if the gap is too wide… then it becomes difficult. I guess that means I'm not strong enough—at least not yet—to reincarnate Issei as my servant…"
The air froze again.
President was clearly dejected.
This is… awkward. I feel so guilty all of a sudden.
"Partner. Why not try syncing your energy with Rias Gremory?"
"Sync our energy?"
"It just came to me, but maybe doing that will improve compatibility with the devil piece and balance out the power difference."
"That makes sense. If it's a matter of compatibility, syncing our energy could be the key."
"Exactly. But this is just a theory—it might not work. It could even be dangerous."
"Well, we won't know until we try, right?"
"Got it. I'll help. But don't push yourself."
Taking Ddraig's suggestion, I stood before President and held out my hand.
"President, can you take my hand?"
"My hand? Sure… but what are we doing?"
"I'm going to sync my energy flow with yours. It might just work. Can't say for sure unless we try."
I took her hand and activated Rengan Keikikou to align our energy systems.
"You're up, President."
"…Alright."
She nodded and began the ritual once more.