The stray devil lay sprawled across the park grass, its grotesque form still twitching faintly as Haruto caught his breath. Sweat glistened on his newly chiseled arms, and he couldn't help but flex a little, marveling at how good it felt to be this strong. Asia Argento stood a few feet away, her hands clasped nervously around her cross necklace, green eyes wide with a mix of gratitude and confusion.
"Thank you… Haruto, right?" she said, her voice soft but shaky. "I-I don't know what I'd have done without you."
Haruto flashed her a grin, the kind that came effortlessly now with his [Divine Charmer's Physique] humming under his skin. "No problem, Sister. Saving cute nuns from ugly monsters? Pretty much my dream gig."
Asia's cheeks flushed pink, and she ducked her head, stammering, "I-I'm not a nun anymore, actually. But… um, thank you."
He chuckled, leaning against a tree to catch his breath. That's when the Sexual Gacha System pinged in his mind again, its interface flickering like a neon sign in his vision. Objective Complete: Defeat the Stray Devil. Reward: 100 Lust Points. New roll available. Spin now? The temptation was too strong to resist. He'd already scored a killer body with his first pull—what could the second one bring? More strength? A weapon? A date with Rias Gremory herself?
"Hold that thought" he muttered, focusing inward. Spin it.
The wheel spun, a chaotic blur of lights and symbols—flames, a whip, something that looked suspiciously like a pair of handcuffs. It slowed, teetering on the edge of a red glow, then landed with a triumphant DING!
Congratulations! You've obtained: [Lustful Whisper]!
Effect: Your voice gains a hypnotic edge, capable of swaying emotions or planting subtle suggestions in the minds of those who hear it. Success depends on the target's willpower. Bonus: +20% charisma when flirting.
Haruto's grin widened. "Oh, this is gold." He could already imagine the possibilities—talking his way out of fights, charming his way into alliances, or just messing with people for fun. He glanced at Asia, who was still fidgeting, and decided to test the waters. "Hey, Asia," he said, letting his voice dip into a smoother, richer tone, "you don't have to worry about anything now. You're safe with me, yeah?"
Her eyes met his, and for a second, they softened, her tension melting away. "Y-yes… I feel safe. Thank you, Haruto." Then she blinked, shaking her head like she'd just woken up. "W-wait, what was that?"
He laughed, raising his hands innocently. "Just being my charming self. Don't worry about it."
Before Asia could press further, a rustle in the bushes made them both tense. Haruto spun, ready for another fight, but what emerged wasn't a monster—it was a girl. Red hair cascaded over her shoulders like liquid fire, and her curves were hugged by a Kuoh Academy uniform that somehow looked more regal than regulation. Rias Gremory. Haruto's inner fanboy screamed, but he kept his cool, leaning back with a smirk.
"Well, well," he said, crossing his arms. "If it isn't the crimson-haired princess herself."
Rias's blue-green eyes narrowed slightly, assessing him. "You're not a normal human, are you? That aura… it's almost devilish, but not quite." She stepped closer, her presence commanding yet laced with curiosity. "Who are you, and why are you with Asia?"
Asia piped up, stepping forward. "Rias! This is Haruto. He saved me from a stray devil just now. He's… really strong."
"Is he now?" Rias's gaze lingered on Haruto, and he felt the faintest tug of his own charm aura brushing against her. She didn't flinch, but her lips twitched into a faint smile. "Interesting. You've got some explaining to do, Haruto."
"Me? Explain?" He shrugged, letting [Lustful Whisper] seep into his voice again, just a hint. "I'm just a guy who likes helping out. No harm in that, right, Rias?"
Her smile widened, but her eyes sharpened—she wasn't buying it completely. "Cute trick. But I'm not that easy to sway. Asia, come here. We need to get you back to the clubroom. And you," she pointed at Haruto, "you're coming too. I want answers."
Haruto raised an eyebrow. "Bossy. I like it. Lead the way, princess."
Rias turned with a huff, her hair swishing dramatically, and Asia hurried to follow. Haruto trailed behind, his mind racing. He'd just met the Rias Gremory, and she was already dragging him into her orbit. This was DxD canon unfolding right in front of him—Asia's rescue, the stray devil, the Gremory peerage. He'd landed smack in the middle of the timeline, probably right before Issei's big reincarnation moment. Perfect.
The walk to Kuoh Academy was short but tense. Haruto couldn't help but notice how Asia kept stealing glances at him, her shy curiosity clashing with Rias's confident stride. His charm aura was doing its job, no doubt, but he didn't push it—he wasn't here to brainwash anyone. Yet.
The Occult Research Club room was exactly as he'd imagined: plush furniture, dim lighting, and an air of mystique that screamed "secret devil lair." Rias sat behind her desk, crossing her legs with the grace of a queen, while Asia hovered near a couch, looking unsure where to settle.
"Sit," Rias said, gesturing to a chair opposite her. Haruto obliged, sprawling casually like he owned the place.
"So," Rias began, steepling her fingers, "let's start with the basics. Who are you, Haruto? You're not a devil, not a fallen angel, and definitely not human—not with that power."
Haruto leaned forward, resting his chin on his hand. "Let's just say I'm a traveler. Dropped into Kuoh with a few… unique talents. I don't mean any trouble—unless trouble finds me first."
"Talents like smashing stray devils with a park bench?" Rias's tone was dry, but there was a spark of amusement in her eyes.
"Hey, it worked, didn't it?" He grinned. "I'm resourceful."
Asia spoke up, her voice hesitant. "He was really brave, Rias. That stray came out of nowhere, and I… I couldn't do anything."
Rias softened, reaching out to pat Asia's hand. "You're safe now, Asia. That's what matters." Then she turned back to Haruto, her gaze piercing. "But you're a mystery. And I don't like mysteries in my territory unless I've got them figured out."
"Fair enough," Haruto said, leaning back. "How about a deal? I'll stick around, help out with your stray devil problem or whatever else you've got brewing. In return, you don't try to dissect me. Sound good?"
Rias studied him, and he could almost hear the gears turning in her head. She was a strategist, after all—canon had made that clear. Finally, she nodded. "Fine. But you'll answer my questions eventually. For now, you're under my watch."
"Under your watch, huh?" Haruto's voice dipped into that hypnotic edge again, teasing. "I could get used to that."
Rias smirked, unfazed. "Keep dreaming."
The door swung open then, and in walked Akeno Himejima—black hair, violet eyes, and a smile that promised both sweetness and sin. Haruto's heart did a little flip. "Ara ara," she said, her voice a melody. "What do we have here? A new playmate?"
"Down, Akeno," Rias said, though she sounded amused. "This is Haruto. He's… a guest, for now."
Akeno's eyes roamed over him, and Haruto felt his charm aura flare in response. "Oh, I like him already. He's got a certain… spark."
"Spark's one way to put it," Haruto shot back, winking. "Nice to meet you, Akeno. Heard you're the queen of this little chess game."
Her laugh was light, but there was a dangerous edge to it. "Flattery will get you everywhere, darling."
Before the flirting could escalate, a third figure burst in—shorter, blonde, and bristling with energy. Koneko Toujou. She sniffed the air, her golden eyes narrowing at Haruto. "Who's this guy? Smells weird."
"Rude," Haruto said, clutching his chest in mock offense. "I'm Haruto. Saved Asia from a stray devil. You're welcome."
Koneko huffed, dropping onto a couch. "Whatever. Don't cause trouble."
"No promises," he replied, grinning.
Rias clapped her hands, drawing attention back to her. "Enough. Haruto, you've stumbled into Kuoh at an interesting time. Stray devils have been popping up more often, and I've got my hands full. If you're serious about helping, you can tag along tomorrow. We're investigating a lead."
"Count me in," Haruto said without hesitation. A chance to flex his powers and rack up Lust Points? Sign him up.
"Good." Rias stood, smoothing her skirt. "Asia, you're staying here tonight. Haruto, you're free to go—but don't leave town."
"Wouldn't dream of it," he said, rising with a stretch that showed off his physique. Asia blushed again, Akeno giggled, and Koneko rolled her eyes. Rias just watched, unreadable.
As he stepped outside into the cool night air, the Gacha System pinged once more. New Objective: Assist Rias Gremory's Peerage. Reward: 200 Lust Points. Haruto smirked, shoving his hands in his pockets. "Guess I'm in the game now."
He wandered Kuoh's streets, mind buzzing. The Gremory peerage, Asia's rescue—it was all lining up with canon, but his presence was already shaking things up. What would Issei think of him? Would he even meet the pervert king? And those Lust Points… how far could he push this system?
For now, he'd play along, charm his way through, and see where the wheel took him. After all, in a world of devils and dragons, Haruto Tanaka was ready to roll the dice—and maybe steal a few hearts along the way.