Akira sat in the back garden, a small pond glimmering under the afternoon sun beside him. A low wooden table was set up at his side, scattered with runners, tools, and pieces from his PG Gundam Seed model kit. Normally, he would hole up in his room for hours working on it, but his mother had all but dragged him out, insisting he "touch grass" or "get some sunlight for once."
So here he was, carefully trimming out parts and fitting them together, though his hands moved on instinct rather than focus. His mind was elsewhere, still lingering on yesterday, on the events after the food competition ended.
His father had gone off to meet Senzaemon, apparently for some business matter. Strangely, he returned much quicker than expected, wearing a faint smile.
"Did it go well?" Yuki had asked curiously.
"Yep, surprisingly easy," Ryuji replied, though his expression was somewhat complicated.
"Well, that's good," Yuki said warmly, smiling with relief.
Akira had no idea what kind of business his family had with the Totsuki group, but he didn't ask. His mother had promised to explain later. Still, he couldn't ignore the strange look his father gave him, one filled with concern, almost as if he were worried about Akira's future. But why? He couldn't figure it out.
The next day, curiosity finally got the better of him, and Akira asked his mother, Yuki, about their family and the truth of this world.
He already knew this world had anime characters in it, but he felt he needed more information before making any real decisions. But what he learned left him stunned.
"Seriously? Angels, devils, fallen angels, gods, the Five Principal Clans… sigh. This world definitely has High School DxD mixed in." Akira let out a long sigh, his face heavy with worry.
He hadn't expected this. Of all the worlds to be thrown into, it had to include DxD, the very definition of danger wrapped in fanservice. He knew exactly what that meant. He had seen the anime, even read the light novels afterward. He was well aware of just how many absolutely powerful and terrifying beings would emerge in the future.
And, Akira knew even though he was good at magic, he knew there was no way he could face the strongest beings in this world as he was now.
The only comforting news was that his family seemed to hold a great deal of prestige. When Akira asked his mother if they had ever clashed with powerful factions like the Five Principal Clans or other groups, since they were practically neighbors, she only smiled and said, "They're small fries. They don't have the guts to challenge us."
Akira had no idea just how powerful his family truly was. Curious, he pressed further, asking what exactly their role in this world was. His mother finally explained.
Even though the supernatural world remained hidden from the general public, that didn't mean it stayed out of worldly affairs. In fact, it often manipulated them secretly, granting blessings or powers to influential families and governments, protecting them in exchange for loyalty.
His family was deeply involved in that system. They protected these powerful households from supernatural threats, while in return, those families offered their allegiance.
"That's what we do with the Totsuki group," Yuki said plainly. "Or, more specifically, the Nakiri family. And they're far from the only ones. Many powerful families across the world owe us their loyalty."
"But… why us? I thought devils, fallen angels, and all those other forces were far stronger. We're just magicians, right? Why would those families turn to us instead of them for protection?" Akira asked in confusion.
Yuki chuckled softly, her expression calm but carrying a weight of mystery. "Devils, angels, and the rest won't interfere with us. They all know better. And as for our family…" She leaned closer, her eyes glinting with something he couldn't quite place. "We're not just ordinary magicians, Akira. Not even close. I will tell you all about it when you grow up, it's too soon for you now."
Akira sighed at his mother's evasive answer. There wasn't much he could do if she didn't want to tell him yet, then that was that. Still, a part of him couldn't help but feel restless.
His thoughts drifted back to something from his childhood. how his parents had called him the "destined one" when he was a baby.
"Why do they call me that anyway? What am I supposed to be destined for?" Akira muttered under his breath.
At the time, he hadn't really understood what it meant, but now the words echoed louder in his mind.
If this world really mirrored DxD, then there were plenty of final boss-level threats he could imagine.
"Trihexa? Or maybe stopping the Evies' invasion?" He thought as he sighed, with his current strength, he couldn't even imagine standing against monsters like that.
Against small fry, he could win easily, but when it came to the true heavyweights of the supernatural world, he knew he was completely outclassed.
"Maybe being the 'destined one' means I'll awaken something eventually, right… a hidden power, a broken ability, maybe even a Sacred Gear", he thought with a spark of hope. "Without something like that, there's no way I'll ever be able to stand against the strongest enemies out there."
But was he really going to sit around and wait until some broken power conveniently awakened inside him? No. That wasn't who he was. Akira was not the type to let fate spin the wheel while he stood idle. If destiny refused to hand him the tools, then he would forge them himself.
In his previous life, he had been a genius inventor, he made many things that others considered impossible. And now with his new magic knowledge, he had even greater potential. Artifacts, weapons,… He would make them so powerful that no one could ever hope to stand against him.
A sharp grin tugged at his lips. "So you can block all my attacks? Fine. But what if I… nuclear fusion?"
The thought made him chuckle darkly, already sketching out ideas in his mind, when a soft, familiar voice interrupted him.
"Hey, Akira! Whatcha doin'?"
He blinked, snapping out of his thoughts as Erika stepped into the backyard, smiling brightly and waving at him.