After some pleasantries, Satoru Mikami settled onto the club's sofa.
"Here."
Himejima Akeno approached with her usual elegant smile, placing a porcelain teacup before him.
"Thank you."
Satoru lifted it carefully and took a sip. A subtle fragrance of roasted leaves lingered in his mouth. He exhaled softly.
"I've long heard that Akeno-senpai's tea is excellent. It truly lives up to its reputation."
"Oh my, thank you for the compliment."
Akeno's lips curved into a faint, charming smile.
"Akeno, come sit here."
At Rias' quiet call, Akeno returned to her seat. Rias' gaze, steady and sharp as always, settled on Satoru.
"I've already heard from Koneko about your purpose." Her voice was calm, but beneath it lay curiosity.
"You came here looking for opponents of comparable strength, didn't you?"
"That's right." Satoru nodded without hesitation.
"I can fulfill that request," Rias replied. "But forming a contract with a Devil always requires proper compensation."
"The compensation is already prepared."
Rolling his shoulders lightly, Satoru spoke with the confidence of someone who had thought this through.
"I'll be your enforcer. I'll help eliminate Curse Spirits or any threats within your territory and maintain order in Kouh Town."
"…You certainly have a good plan."
Rias' expression softened, though her sapphire eyes gleamed knowingly. She had already seen through his intentions—by signing a contract, he'd gain access to battles against worthy foes, and by assisting them in hunting enemies, he'd profit from real combat experience. It was a clever arrangement where he lost nothing.
"What's wrong? My compensation isn't enough?" Satoru asked, raising a brow.
"No, it's more than sufficient. But…" A faint smile tugged at her lips. "I have a better suggestion."
Satoru tilted his head. "Let's hear it."
"I'd like to invite you to join my Peerage."
With a graceful motion, Rias produced a crimson Devil chess piece, the magic within it pulsing faintly.
The fact that Satoru had defeated Koneko—barehanded, after just over a week of training—spoke volumes. His potential was undeniable. As a high-class Devil and heiress of the Gremory family, Rias would never let such talent slip away.
"There are many benefits," she continued. "The most basic is a nearly endless lifespan. You'll also gain a territory in the Underworld, free of charge. If you prefer to remain in the human world, you may join the Gremory Group's industries. Promotion would be guaranteed—you could reach executive level within a few years. Benefits, bonuses, treatment—all of the highest standard."
Satoru rubbed his chin, thoughtful. "That does sound good."
He didn't doubt her words. As the sister of the current Lucifer and heiress to one of the Underworld's great houses, Rias Gremory had both status and credibility. And what she had said… was likely just the surface.
For someone who lived only to become stronger, this was a deal without real drawbacks.
"There's more." Rias leaned forward slightly, her tone warmer. "As a member of my Peerage, you'll gain free access to the Underworld. During summer break, we can travel there together. You'll be able to spar with the Gremory's best warriors—at no cost. And if that's not enough, I can arrange duels with other houses' experts."
"Deal."
The answer was immediate. For Satoru, it was too tempting to refuse.
"Welcome to the Gremory family, Satoru Mikami."
Rias' smile bloomed fully as she set the chess pieces neatly on the table. Their crimson glow flickered faintly in the lamplight.
"These are the ones I have left. Do you have a preference?"
"Any is fine. I'll leave the choice to you."
"Then… the Rook."
The Rook was equivalent to five Pawns, second only to Queen and King. With his close-combat style, it suited him perfectly.
Channeling her power, Rias pressed the Rook piece to Satoru's chest. For a moment, magic surged—only for the piece to shatter in rejection.
"…What?"
Even Akeno, who had seen many peerage ceremonies, looked surprised.
"His potential exceeds the Rook's conversion limit," she murmured.
"It seems so." Rias' brows furrowed slightly. "Then you can only be a Pawn."
"No problem."
Satoru smiled faintly, as if expecting this. He deactivated his Limitless Potential trait just long enough to allow the conversion.
The first Pawn piece merged.
[External power detected. Convert to White grade?]
Before he could respond, the system absorbed it and a second Pawn merged immediately.
[External power detected. Convert to Green grade?]
"…It can upgrade?"
Satoru's eyes gleamed. Without hesitation, he took the remaining Pawns.
The fourth piece merged—[Blue grade achieved].
The eighth piece merged—[Purple grade achieved].
"…Why hasn't it stabilized?"
Rias' eyes widened, shock written across her face. "Eight Pawn pieces? Even Dragon King–class beings can be converted with that much power. Why hasn't it taken hold?"
"Don't worry. It's just taking longer."
Satoru pressed the confirmation. The magic circle flared, and the eight chess pieces dissolved, fusing into something new.
[Pawn (Rare, Purple): Formed by the union of eight Pawn pieces. Converts the race into Devil, significantly improves physical abilities.]
"…Excellent."
It was the first Trait he'd obtained that directly boosted his physical fitness. Without hesitation, Satoru equipped it.
A surge of power coursed through his body. Black wings unfurled behind him, their dark feathers catching the light.
"It worked…" Rias exhaled in relief, tension draining from her shoulders. For a moment, she had feared failure.
Satoru tested the wings briefly, flexing them with ease. "Next, I'll need time to master flying."
He reactivated Limitless Potential—and checked his panel.
[Satoru Mikami]
[Race: Devil]
[Strength: Level 2]
[Traits: Spiritual Healing Bracelet (Blue), Pawn (Purple), Immortal Arts (Purple), Boost (Red), Limitless Potential (Rainbow)]
"…As I thought. It all comes from interacting with others."
His attribute panel had grown noticeably stronger, and his mood rose with it.
Just as he was about to propose a sparring match with Rias, the door creaked open.
"President, I'm back."
Kiba Yuuto entered, sheathing his sword as he closed the door behind him.
"Perfect timing. We have a new member." Rias introduced Satoru with a smile, briefly explaining the eight-piece conversion.
"…Eight Pawns? That explains why he could defeat Koneko." Yuuto's eyes flickered with interest.
"Yuuto," Rias added, "Satoru joined us in search of strong opponents. If you have time, spar with him more."
"I understand."
"Do you have time now?"
Satoru's question cut through the room before Yuuto could even sit down.
For a moment, silence fell. Then, Rias and Akeno both exchanged looks of helpless amusement.
"As expected… the President was right. He really is a battle maniac," Akeno whispered with a smile.
Yuuto chuckled softly. "I don't mind."
He remembered Koneko's defeat. This was an opportunity to measure Satoru's true strength with his own eyes.
At Satoru's request, Yuuto handed him one of two wooden swords.
"Mikami-kun, are you ready?"
"Anytime."
"Then… I won't hold back."