Occult Research Club.
Even though it was class time, none of the people in the room had any intention of leaving.
After all, they were demons—and attending classes was nothing more than a cover, a way to kill time.
Everyone sat across from one another while Akeno Himejima made the rounds, pouring steaming cups of tea.
"You're saying Koneko was in danger yesterday, and it was caused by a rogue exorcist?" Rias frowned slightly. "That complicates things."
"Wait—what exactly are rogue exorcists?" Utaha Kasumigaoka raised her hand.
Even though she had been diligently studying the basics lately, she'd only become a demon a few days ago.
There were still a lot of things she didn't know.
"So-called rogue exorcists are those who've lost themselves to a bloodlust for killing and have been exiled by the Church," Kai explained. "There are also rogue demons—those who've broken free from their masters and now do as they please."
"If this were a novel," Utaha said instinctively, "characters like that would usually die horribly, right?"
"Right. They're typically eliminated," Rias nodded.
"Still, some survive for various reasons. For example, rogue exorcists—if they're strong enough—can end up serving Fallen Angels and gain their protection."
"F-Fallen Angels?!" Utaha was visibly shaken. She mumbled, "So you're telling me Fallen Angels could actually show up in this town?"
Seriously? She'd just become a demon, and now she had to start dealing with high-level threats?
"There's a very high chance," Rias said grimly.
"But no matter what, this is Gremory territory. Even Fallen Angels aren't allowed to run wild here."
"Akeno, look into this. And make sure to warn Sona to be cautious as well."
"Yes, ma'am," Akeno bowed respectfully and stepped out of the room.
"You're decisive," Kai said with a light smile. "Want me to help?"
"Not for now."
"And by the way—when did you get so strong?" Rias' beautiful eyes shimmered with a strange glint. "Still, thanks for killing that rogue exorcist. If not for you, Koneko might've been in real danger."
Kai took a sip of tea and said mysteriously, "I'm pretty strong now, you know."
"By the way—did you bring the summoning contract method I asked for?"
This world was a mess of intersecting realities, and many powerful beings were aware of the existence of other dimensions.
That's why some demons had come up with the idea of using demonic contracts to reach other worlds.
Kai, eager to earn more Origin Points, found the idea appealing.
"I did. And I brought the magic books you requested, too," Rias nodded.
In the next moment—
A magical circle flared to life, and a pile of books materialized on the floor, rising like a small mountain.
"The method you're looking for is in this one," Rias said, pulling out a battered notebook. "But that technology failed. You can study it for curiosity's sake, but don't waste too much energy on it."
Kai smiled gently. "Got it. I'll pace myself."
He was planning to just test the waters anyway.
If it turned out hopeless, he'd look for another route.
Still… this many magical books? Did Rias empty out the Gremory family's entire library?
Kai finished his tea and continued, "Rias, I need another favor."
"What is it?"
"It's about my so-called useless servant. She's just a low-tier demon right now. She's got some decent potential, but zero combat experience. I was hoping you could train her."
"Huh?" Utaha Kasumigaoka blinked, momentarily stunned.
Useless servant? And was it really okay to casually hand her over to his "official wife"?
Though she was boiling with frustration inside, Utaha managed to keep a composed expression.
No matter what—she couldn't lose face now.
"No problem. Koneko can help her get the hang of battle."
After giving Koneko a few instructions, Rias dragged Kai into the hallway.
"…Why are we out here, just the two of us?" Kai asked, puzzled.
"Hey, your very first servant is a total beauty, and you even go out of your way to take care of her. I'm a little jealous, you know," Rias said, twirling a strand of her crimson hair and smiling slyly.
Kai got the message immediately. He stepped forward, pulled her into a gentle embrace, and tilted his head slightly.
A moment later—
They slowly pulled apart.
Rias' eyes were slightly glazed, her chest rising and falling with ragged breaths.
Kai smiled. "Feeling better now?"
Rias fixed her tousled hair and gave a playful scoff. "Fine. I forgive you."
"Really? Then maybe we should continue…"
Rias hesitated, clearly tempted—but in the end, she shook her head. "No. I still have things to take care of."
If they went any further, she'd completely lose control.
Besides, she hadn't forgotten that Utaha and Koneko were still in the clubroom.
Seeing this, Kai didn't push his luck. He took Rias by the hand and led her back to the room.
The moment they stepped inside, they were met with two silent, unreadable stares.
There was no need to ask—the gazes clearly belonged to Koneko Toujou and Utaha Kasumigaoka.
"So, Koneko, where were we?" Rias' cheeks flushed faintly, but she quickly composed herself. "Anyway, the best way to learn how to fight is through real practice. Let's train outside."
The girls stood up and followed Rias out.
Seeing this, Kai decided not to join the fun. Instead, he sank into a chair and opened the worn notebook.
[Origin +10]
He flipped through it slowly, deep in thought. Every so often, a sharp gleam flickered in his eyes.
"So that's how it is. No wonder the technique failed," he murmured, closing the notebook.
The technique, in essence, was an enhanced version of a standard demonic summoning contract.
But when it came to crossing between worlds, two massive problems arose.
First: How to locate another world.
Second: How to keep the demonic contract intact while passing through the interdimensional void.
"Hm. There might still be room to maneuver," Kai muttered, rubbing his chin thoughtfully.
The first problem was basically a numbers game. If you cast a wide enough net, you might get lucky.
The second issue was more complex—it was about resistance and rejection from the interdimensional space itself. Even Demon Lord-level magical power couldn't overcome it.
But maybe… just maybe… his Origin Magic could.