The morning sun spilled over Kuoh Town like a lazy yawn, painting the streets in soft gold. Haruto stood outside Kuoh Academy, hands shoved in his pockets, blond hair catching the light like a damn halo. He still couldn't get over how good he looked—[Divine Charmer's Physique] was no joke. Every glance in a reflective window was a reminder: he wasn't just some gacha-obsessed nerd anymore. He was a walking, talking SSR unit, and today, he'd prove it.
The Occult Research Club room smelled faintly of tea and old books when he pushed the door open. Rias was already there, perched behind her desk like a queen on her throne, crimson hair glowing in the sunlight. Akeno hovered nearby, pouring tea with a smile that promised trouble, while Koneko sat cross-legged on a couch, munching a cookie with the intensity of a predator. Asia fidgeted near the window, offering Haruto a shy wave as he strolled in.
"Morning, ladies," Haruto said, letting his voice carry that smooth, easy confidence he'd been leaning into. "Ready to hunt some strays with your VIP guest?"
Rias arched an eyebrow, unfazed. "You're early. Good. We've got work to do."
"Work?" He plopped into a chair, stretching his arms behind his head. "Thought this was more of a 'smash and charm' gig."
Akeno giggled, setting a teacup in front of him. "Oh, I'm sure you'll charm something today, Haruto-kun. Ara ara, maybe even me."
"Promises, promises," he shot back, winking. Koneko snorted, crumbs falling from her cookie, and Asia's cheeks went pink again. Rias just sighed, though the corner of her mouth twitched.
"Focus," she said, tapping a map on her desk. "We've had reports of stray devil activity near the old warehouse district. They've been bolder lately—attacking humans, leaving traces. I want it handled before it draws attention."
Haruto leaned forward, red eyes scanning the map. "Sounds like a party. What's the plan, boss?"
"The plan," Rias said, "is simple. We investigate, locate the stray, and eliminate it. You're with us to prove you're not just a pretty face with a weird aura."
"Pretty and functional," he corrected, grinning. "You'll see."
Koneko muttered, "Weird's right," but didn't elaborate. Asia piped up, "I'll help too! My healing could be useful, right?"
Rias nodded. "Yes, but stay close. Haruto, you're with Koneko upfront. Akeno and I will cover the rear. Let's move."
The warehouse district was a maze of rust and shadows, the kind of place that screamed "ambush central." Haruto walked beside Koneko, her petite frame belying the raw power he knew she packed. The air was thick with damp metal and something else—something sour, like rotting magic. His charm aura pulsed faintly, brushing against his teammates, but he kept [Lustful Whisper] in check. No point hypnotizing his allies… yet.
"Smell anything, kitty cat?" he asked, keeping his tone light.
Koneko's golden eyes flicked to him, unimpressed. "Don't call me that. And yeah—something's close. Stinks like death."
"Charming," he muttered, flexing his fingers. His mid-tier devil strength felt like a coiled spring, ready to snap. He'd smashed a stray with a bench yesterday—today, he'd see what these hands could really do.
A low growl echoed through the empty warehouses, and Koneko tensed. "There."
Haruto followed her gaze to a hulking shape lumbering out of the shadows. The stray devil was a nightmare mashup—part boar, part man, with tusks dripping slime and arms thick as tree trunks. Its piggy eyes locked onto them, and it let out a bellow that rattled the windows.
"Gross," Haruto said, cracking his knuckles. "Guess it's go time."
Koneko darted forward, a blur of white hair and fists, slamming into the stray's gut with a sickening crunch. It staggered but swung back, forcing her to leap aside. Haruto didn't hesitate—he charged, ducking a wild swipe and driving his shoulder into the beast's chest. The impact sent it skidding back, and damn, did that feel good.
"Nice one!" he called to Koneko, who just grunted and kept moving.
Rias and Akeno stepped in then, power crackling. Rias's crimson magic flared, a blast of destruction searing the stray's arm clean off. Akeno followed with a bolt of lightning, her giggle chilling as it lit up the warehouse. The stray roared, flailing, but Haruto saw an opening. He leaped onto its back, locking his arms around its thick neck.
"Nap time, bacon breath!" he shouted, squeezing with everything he had. The stray thrashed, but his stamina held—thank you, [Divine Charmer's Physique]. Koneko darted in, landing a punch that cracked its skull, and with a final shudder, the beast collapsed.
Haruto slid off, panting but grinning. "Teamwork makes the dream work, huh?"
Koneko wiped her hands on her skirt, unimpressed. "You talk too much."
"Love you too," he shot back, earning an eye roll.
Rias approached, her expression a mix of approval and suspicion. "Not bad, Haruto. You've got strength—and coordination."
"Flatterer," he said, brushing dirt off his shirt. Asia hurried over, her hands glowing green. "Are you hurt? I can heal you!"
"I'm good, Sister," he said, softening his tone. "Save it for someone who needs it."
The Gacha System pinged mid-conversation—like it couldn't wait to steal the spotlight. Objective Complete: Assist Rias Gremory's Peerage. Reward: 200 Lust Points. New roll available. Spin now? Haruto smirked inwardly. Hell yeah, spin it.
The wheel whirred in his mind, lights flashing—chains, a rose, something that looked like a bedroom door. It stopped with a DING!
Congratulations! You've obtained: [Seductive Glance]!
Effect: Your gaze can ignite desire or unsettle foes, lowering their guard or resistance by 30% for 10 seconds. Success varies by willpower. Bonus: +15% effectiveness on romantic targets.
Haruto's grin turned wicked. Oh, this is gonna be fun. He glanced at Akeno, testing it out—just a quick flick of his red eyes, letting [Seductive Glance] flare. She paused mid-step, her smile faltering into something warmer, hungrier. "Ara ara," she murmured, "what was that?"
"Just admiring the view," he said smoothly, dialing it back. Rias caught the exchange, her eyes narrowing.
"Behave," she warned, though her tone held a trace of amusement.
"Always," he lied, winking.
The group searched the warehouse after, finding claw marks and a faint residue of dark energy. Rias knelt by a pile of shattered crates, frowning. "This isn't random. Strays don't organize like this—someone's pulling strings."
"Fallen angels?" Haruto suggested, leaning against a wall. He knew the early DxD plot—Raynare wasn't far off.
"Maybe," Rias said, standing. "Or a rogue devil faction. Either way, we need to dig deeper."
Akeno traced a finger along a claw mark, her voice playful. "Sounds like more fun for us, doesn't it, Haruto-kun?"
"Count me in," he said, crossing his arms. "I'm starting to like this gig."
Koneko muttered, "Great. More weirdness."
Asia smiled at him, timid but genuine. "You're really strong, Haruto. I'm glad you're with us."
"Aw, shucks," he teased, ruffling her hair. She squeaked, blushing, and he laughed. The charm aura was doing overtime today.
As they headed back to the clubroom, the sun dipping low, Haruto lagged behind, mind buzzing. Three pulls in, and he was stacking powers like a gacha whale on a banner drop. [Seductive Glance] was a game-changer—he could already picture it softening up enemies or flustering Akeno into a giggling mess. But Rias's words stuck with him. Strays organizing? That wasn't canon… yet. Was his presence shifting things, or was this just early buildup to Raynare's scheme?
Back in the clubroom, Rias debriefed them over tea. "Good work today. Haruto, you've earned a spot—for now. Don't get cocky."
"Me? Cocky?" He clutched his chest, mock-offended. "I'm the picture of humility."
Akeno leaned close, her breath warm against his ear. "I think I like you cocky, Haruto-kun."
"Down, girl," he said, grinning, though his pulse jumped. Koneko groaned, and Asia hid her face in her hands.
Rias smirked, sipping her tea. "You're trouble. But useful trouble. Rest up—we'll need you again soon."
As the group dispersed, Haruto stepped outside, the night air cool against his skin. The Gacha System flickered, showing his total: 300 Lust Points. Enough for another roll, if he wanted. But he held off, savoring the day. He'd fought, flirted, and wormed his way into Rias's crew—all in 24 hours. Not bad for a dead guy.
He glanced at the academy, its silhouette looming under the stars. Somewhere out there, Issei Hyoudou was probably drooling over a magazine, oblivious to the chaos coming his way. Haruto smirked, shoving his hands in his pockets. "Let's see how many rolls I can rack up before the pervert king steals the show."
The night stretched ahead, full of promise—and maybe a little danger. Just the way he liked it.