Chapter 3 - Evan
"Don't rush. Observe their actions covertly and prepare accordingly," Rias said firmly.
Meanwhile, as they discussed the night's events, the killer they spoke of—Evan—had already returned home.
His residence was a spacious single villa, unusually large for Japan.
He lived alone, save for one other presence—not human.
As Evan tossed his backpack aside, a sphere of silver light emerged from his body. The light shimmered, coalescing into the form of a one-handed longsword—Terminus Est.
Moments later, the sword transformed into a young girl with flowing white hair, milky skin, and an expressionless face framed by violet eyes. Her petite frame made her appear no older than an elementary schooler. This was Est, the sword spirit bound to Evan.
When Evan first contracted Terminus Est through his system, he was stunned. While other transmigrators might gain equipment or companions, his system granted him a spirit that was both a powerful Elemental Waffe and a human-like entity.
"Thank you for your help today, Est," Evan said, his voice warm as he gently patted her head.
"As long as I can serve you, it is no trouble," Est replied, her tone monotonous yet loyal. From the moment their contract formed, her devotion to Evan was absolute.
Initially, Evan found her emotionless demeanor unsettling, but after years together, they developed a deep bond. To outsiders, they presented themselves as siblings, their differing appearances—Evan's black hair and Est's white—unremarkable in a world governed by anime logic.
"what's for dinner?" Est asked, her violet eyes fixed on him, betraying no emotion. Evan knew she felt everything a human would, but her expressionless nature was simply how she processed the world, far from the "emotionless" archetype of anime tropes.
"Steamed buns," Evan replied. "I prepared the fillings yesterday."
His "God Rewards Hard Work" ability made him a master in countless fields. While cooking was a challenge for most, Evan had honed his skills in just two and a half months to rival Michelin-star chefs. He'd also reached the pinnacle of human achievement in painting, singing, writing, driving, boxing, and more, surpassing even lifelong masters. Yet, he never boasted. His system and years of practice since childhood gave him an edge, but he saw it as merely a slight advantage over ordinary people.
Est's eyes narrowed slightly, a subtle sign of approval, and she followed Evan to the kitchen. They wrapped the buns and steamed them, the process taking about forty minutes.
"So hot…" Est mumbled, nibbling a steaming bun. Her mouth opened, tongue flicking out as she exhaled softly. Evan chuckled, handing her a glass of ice water.
Watching her, Evan's gaze softened. Transmigration was a lonely journey, and Est's presence had brought light to his solitary life. At night, the sword spirit would assume her human form, resting beside him to replenish her energy, her loyalty unwavering. To Evan, she was no mere weapon but a true companion.
At the dinner table, Evan caught Est discreetly pushing aside some filling. "Picky eating isn't a good habit," he said with mock exasperation. "A bit of ginger is good for you."
"Understood, Master," Est replied, her face blank. Reluctantly, she swallowed the ginger-laced filling, her movements deliberate.
Evan laughed. "You insisted I add ginger, you know."
"It alters the flavor," she stated flatly.
"Alright, early to bed after dinner. I've got classes tomorrow."
---
That night, after bathing, Est rested beside Evan, her human form conserving energy through sleep. At dawn, they rose, though Est remained subdued. As a high-class sword spirit, she required rest to maintain her strength, especially with their incomplete contract limiting her to one-tenth of her full power. In her original world, she might restore energy in a spirit realm, but here, she relied on sleep or Evan's power, emerging only for combat or when they were alone.
The morning sun bathed Kuoh Town's streets in golden light. Office workers and students bustled along, the girls of Kuoh Academy radiant in their uniforms, their youthful energy drawing admiring glances. Yet, these girls had their eyes fixed on one man: Evan.
His striking looks, towering height, and refined temperament—honed by two and a half years of training—set him apart. His academic excellence, topping every subject, made anonymity impossible, even if he preferred a low profile. His reputation extended beyond Kuoh Academy, reaching other schools.
Kuoh Academy, once a girls' school, had strict admission standards despite becoming coeducational. This left some rejected students and local delinquents to harass the academy's girls. Once, Evan intervened, single-handedly defeating dozens of thugs who later ambushed him after school. The incident cemented his status as a hero among the academy's female students.
Only in the classroom could Evan escape the girls' attention. Being too perfect is a sin, he thought wryly.
"The protagonist's here," a boy muttered. "Now every girl in class will focus on him."
"Damn it! How's anyone this perfect?" another grumbled. "With him around, we've got no chance."
The boys huddled, whispering. Most saw Evan as a rival, though they only dared complain in secret. Evan overheard but ignored them. He was like the sun—his presence undeniable unless he hid it. Flipping open a book, he tuned out the stares.
Among the class, three stood out: Touka Kirishima, Eriri Sawamura, and Konno Yuriko. Evan, familiar with their origins, knew their secrets.
Touka, a ghoul from Tokyo Ghoul, worked part-time at a café, concealing her identity. Like devils, ghouls in this world varied—some were benign, others predatory.
Eriri, from Saekano, was an old acquaintance from junior high. Their meeting wasn't a cliché rescue but a clash of talents. A passionate ACG fan and doujin artist, Eriri was outmatched by Evan's system-enhanced artistry. His paintings, informed by pre-transmigration masterpieces, left her fuming yet determined. She frequently showed him new works, seeking his approval. Her sneaky glance now suggested a fresh piece awaiting his critique, though school offered no chance to view it.
Konno Yuriko, less prominent, was likely a nod to Yuki Yuna is a Hero or a similar archetype, her role in this composite world unclear but notable.
Then there was Toujou Koneko, a member of Rias Gremory's Occult Research Club and peerage. Rias had once invited Evan to join her peerage, but he declined. He knew she wouldn't give up easily—nor would he, in her position.
The bell rang, and Kirisu Mafuyu, a teacher with light pink hair and black stockings, entered with a stern expression. "Class, we're having a pop quiz today."
"What?" The class groaned.
Koneko and Eriri paled. Koneko had been gaming all night, while Eriri had spent her time drawing and studying art, neglecting her studies.
That afternoon, Evan headed to the school cafeteria for lunch.
"It tastes terrible," he muttered, poking at the food.