Highschool DxD : Gacha Life

Chapter 1: Chapter 1

The first thing that hit me wasn't the unfamiliar scent of cherry blossoms drifting through an open window, or the way sunlight streamed across polished wooden floors in geometric patterns I'd never seen before. No, it was the complete and utter wrongness of everything.

I blinked, my vision swimming as consciousness crawled back into my skull like a reluctant cat. Where the hell was I? This definitely wasn't my dorm room with its perpetual stench of instant ramen and unwashed laundry. The walls were too clean, too bright, and there were actual windows here—multiple ones—letting in what appeared to be natural light. When was the last time I'd seen natural light that wasn't filtered through grimy glass and cigarette smoke from the apartment next door?

My body felt strange as I pushed myself upright, like I was wearing clothes that didn't quite fit. I was sitting at a desk—a real wooden desk, not the folding table I'd been using as a computer station for the past three years. Around me, rows of similar desks filled what was unmistakably a classroom. A Japanese classroom, if the characters scrawled across the blackboard were any indication.

"What the actual—" I started, then stopped. My voice sounded different. Higher. Younger.

Full of youth.

The memories hit me like a freight train loaded with energy drinks and regret.

I remembered the marathon. Seventy-two hours straight of High School DxD, fueled by nothing but caffeine pills, energy drinks, and the kind of determination that only comes from having absolutely nothing else to do with your life. I'd been in the middle of season four, Issei was doing his usual perverted protagonist thing, and I'd been reaching for my eighth Red Bull of the day when my heart had decided it had finally had enough of my lifestyle choices.

The chest pain had been sudden and brutal. I'd barely had time to think "well, this is embarrassing" before everything went black.

And now I was... here. Wherever here was.

I looked down at my hands—smaller, paler, definitely not the hands of a twenty-two-year-old college dropout who'd spent the last four years perfecting the art of social isolation. These were the hands of someone younger, cleaner, someone who probably didn't survive on a diet of convenience store food and crushing existential dread.

"Okay," I muttered to myself "either I'm having the most vivid near-death experience in human history, or—"

A soft chime echoed in my ears, and suddenly there was a glowing blue screen hovering in front of my face. Translucent, ethereal, and displaying text in a font that looked suspiciously like something from a video game interface.

[SYSTEM INITIALIZATION COMPLETE]

[WELCOME TO THE HIGH SCHOOL DXD UNIVERSE]

[PREVIOUS LIFE TERMINATION CAUSE: CAFFEINE OVERDOSE]

[REINCARNATION PROCESS: SUCCESSFUL]

I stared at the screen. Then I stared some more. Then I did what any rational person would do when confronted with floating text that confirmed their death and subsequent reincarnation into an anime world.

I started laughing.

Not the good kind of laughing, either. This was the kind of hysterical, borderline manic laughter that probably would have gotten me committed if anyone else had been around to hear it. The kind that said "my brain has officially given up trying to process reality."

"Of course" I wheezed between giggles "of course this is how it happens. I die watching anime about devils and boobs, and I get reincarnated into the world of devils and boobs. The universe has a sense of humor after all"

The screen flickered, and new text appeared:

[GACHA SYSTEM ACTIVATED]

[BOUND TO USER: AKIRA YAMAMOTO]

[SYSTEM FUNCTION: COMPLETE ASSIGNED TASKS TO EARN GACHA TICKETS]

[TICKET RANKS: 1-10 (HIGHER RANK = GREATER REWARDS)]

[FIRST TASK WILL BE ASSIGNED SHORTLY]

I wiped tears from my eyes—when had I started crying? The laughter was subsiding, replaced by that peculiar numbness that comes after your brain finally accepts that reality has taken a hard left turn into the impossible.

"A gacha system" I said aloud, my voice echoing in the empty classroom. "Because apparently dying from caffeine poisoning wasn't pathetic enough. Now I get to be pathetic with a gambling addiction mechanic"

The screen pulsed gently, as if responding to my commentary, but no new text appeared. I reached out tentatively, half-expecting my hand to pass through the projection, but my fingers met nothing but air. Of course. It was probably visible only to me, which meant I was either having a psychotic break or I'd actually been reincarnated into a world where floating game interfaces were apparently a thing.

Given my track record with rational decision-making, I was leaning toward the latter.

I stood up slowly, testing my new body's balance. Everything felt lighter, more responsive. Like I'd been given a factory reset and someone had bothered to install the premium package this time. The chronic back pain from years of terrible posture was gone. The perpetual headache from too much screen time and too little sleep had vanished. Even my vision seemed clearer, though that might have been because I was no longer staring at a monitor from six inches away for eighteen hours a day.

Through the window, I could see a courtyard with students in uniforms walking around, chatting, being normal. Being alive in ways I'd forgotten were possible.

High School DxD. I was actually in High School DxD.

Which meant somewhere in this building, there was a perverted protagonist who was going to accidentally grope his way into a harem of supernatural beings. There were devils who looked like models, fallen angels with serious attitude problems, and enough magical politics to make Game of Thrones look like a children's book.

And apparently, I was going to be part of it.

I looked at the screen, then at the classroom around me, then back at the screen. In my previous life, I'd been the kind of person who ordered pizza online to avoid talking to another human being. I'd dropped out of college because the thought of actually attending classes gave me panic attacks. I'd spent more time with fictional characters than real people because fictional characters couldn't judge me for my life choices.

And now I was being offered a chance to actually do something. To be something.

"Well" I said to the empty room, "I'm already dead. How much worse can it get?"

I reached toward the screen, toward whatever insane adventure awaited me in this world of devils and angels and teenage hormones.

"Let's see what fresh hell I've gotten myself into"

Chapter 2: Chapter 2

The blue screen hung there like a digital sword of Damocles, waiting for my response. I stared at it, my brain still trying to process the fundamental impossibility of my situation. Dead. Reincarnated. Anime world. Gacha system. It was like someone had taken every wish-fulfillment fantasy I'd ever had and crammed them into a blender with my anxiety disorders.

I reached out and poked the screen again, just to be sure. My finger passed through the translucent surface, but somehow I could still feel a faint tingling sensation where it made contact. Real. This was actually real.

"No way..." I muttered, and then louder, "No way this is actually happening!"

A grin spread across my face—not the careful, practiced smile I'd perfected for avoiding social interaction, but something genuine and slightly unhinged. The kind of expression that probably would have gotten me some concerned looks if anyone had been around to see it.

"I died from caffeine? And got reincarnated into DxD? This is like, the ultimate Isekai cliché, but it's real!" I was talking to myself now, but I didn't care. For the first time in years, I felt... alive. Ironically.

I caught my reflection in the classroom window and did a double-take. The face staring back at me wasn't quite the same one I'd seen in mirrors for the past twenty-two years. Still recognizably me, but... cleaner. Younger. The perpetual dark circles under my eyes were gone, replaced by clear skin that looked like it had never seen the inside of a convenience store at 3 AM. My hair was black instead of the mousy brown I'd inherited from my mother, and I was definitely taller. Not by much, but enough to notice.

"Akira," I said aloud, testing the name that had popped into my head like a file being downloaded. It felt right, like a jacket that had been tailored specifically for me. Along with the name came a strange, fuzzy collection of memories—a new family, a new school, a new life that felt both foreign and familiar. Like remembering a dream you'd had weeks ago.

My mind was already racing, cataloging everything I knew about High School DxD. Timeline, characters, major events. If I was here, then somewhere in this building was Issei Hyoudou, probably already harboring his Sacred Gear without knowing it. Rias Gremory would be running her devil household, Asia Argento would be... well, depending on when exactly I'd landed in the timeline, she might not even be in Japan yet.

"This is it!" I whispered, my excitement building. "My chance to actually be in an anime! Forget those boring lectures, forget my dead-end job prospects, I'm literally living the dream!"

But then my old pragmatism kicked in, tempering the excitement with a healthy dose of reality. "Okay, but a Gacha System? And DxD is dangerous. I need to get strong, and fast. Don't want to end up as stray devil fodder."

That sobered me up quickly. High School DxD might look like a harem comedy from the outside, but it was filled with beings who could level city blocks without breaking a sweat. Fallen angels, devils, angels, dragons—all of them operating on a power scale that made my previous life's problems look like a stubbed toe.

Before I could spiral too deep into strategic planning, the screen flickered, and a new notification appeared in bold, pulsing text:

[CONGRATULATIONS! AS A FIRST-TIME USER, YOU HAVE BEEN GRANTED 1x FREE GACHA TICKET! USE NOW? Y/N]

My eyes practically popped out of their sockets. A free pull? In any gacha game worth its salt, the first pull was usually garbage—a tutorial character or some low-tier equipment to get you hooked. But still, free was free.

"A free pull?! Hell yeah, use it!" I blurted out, probably louder than I should have. A student walking past the classroom window gave me a confused look, but I was too excited to care.

The screen exploded into light.

I'm not talking about a gentle glow or a subtle brightening. This was a full-on sensory assault of swirling colors and patterns that would have made a kaleidoscope jealous. The air around me seemed to hum with energy, and I could swear I heard the sound of a choir—not just any choir, but the kind of triumphant, angelic chorus that played during the most epic moments in anime. It was completely over the top, straight out of a high-tier gacha game's most premium animation.

The vortex of colors slowly coalesced, forming a shape that made my heart skip a beat. It was a fruit—not just any fruit, but one with a distinctive swirled pattern that I recognized immediately from countless episodes and manga chapters.

[ITEM: NEKO NEKO NO MI, MODEL: LEOPARD (ZOAN DEVIL FRUIT - ONE PIECE)]

[DESCRIPTION: GRANTS THE USER THE ABILITY TO TRANSFORM INTO A FULL LEOPARD OR A HUMAN-LEOPARD HYBRID AT WILL. PROVIDES IMMENSE PHYSICAL STRENGTH, SPEED, AGILITY, AND HEIGHTENED SENSES. WARNING: USER LOSES THE ABILITY TO SWIM.]

I stared at the screen, my mouth hanging open like a broken door. My brain, overflowing with anime knowledge, immediately processed what I was seeing. Devil Fruit. Zoan type. Leopard model. This wasn't just good—this was insane.

"A Zoan?! The Leopard?!"

The implications hit me like a freight train. Physical enhancement, transformation abilities, heightened senses—this was exactly the kind of power boost I'd need to survive in a world full of supernatural beings. Sure, there was the whole "can't swim" thing, but when was the last time I'd been near a body of water larger than a bathtub anyway?

"Wait, lose the ability to swim? Oh, right. The downside. Still, totally worth it!"

The fruit materialized in my hands, solid and real and surprisingly heavy. It looked exactly like it had in the anime—purple with spiral patterns that seemed to shift and move when I wasn't looking directly at them. The surface felt slightly warm to the touch, like it was alive.

I didn't hesitate. I'd seen enough anime to know that overthinking the magical power-up was a rookie mistake. I bit into the fruit.

The taste was... indescribable. Not good, not bad, just wrong in a way that made my entire nervous system revolt. It was like biting into concentrated essence of "this should not exist." I forced myself to swallow, then immediately regretted every life choice that had led me to this moment.

But then the power hit me.

It started as a warmth in my chest, spreading outward like liquid fire through my veins. My senses sharpened dramatically—I could suddenly hear conversations from three classrooms away, smell the distinct scent of different people passing by in the hallway, see individual dust motes floating in the afternoon sunlight. My muscles felt different, coiled and ready, like springs waiting to be released.

I flexed my fingers experimentally and watched as they briefly shifted, becoming more claw-like before returning to normal. The transformation was instinctive, natural, like flexing a muscle I'd always had but never used.

"Holy shit," I breathed, then immediately looked around to make sure no one had heard me. "This is real. This is actually real."

I made my way out of the classroom on unsteady legs, still processing the sensory overload. The school corridors were bustling with students heading home for the day, and I found myself automatically cataloging details I never would have noticed before. The way that girl's breathing pattern suggested she was nervous about something. The faint scent of different perfumes and deodorants creating a complex olfactory map of the hallway. The subtle body language cues that painted a picture of social hierarchies and relationships.

As I rounded a corner, my enhanced senses prickled, and my eyes caught a flash of crimson hair disappearing through the gate that led to what had to be Kuoh Academy's old school building. I knew that shade of red. I'd seen it in countless episodes, manga panels, and fan art.

"Rias Gremory," I whispered, feeling a thrill run through me that had nothing to do with my newfound powers. "Okay, so this is definitely not a dream."

The sight of her—even just a glimpse—confirmed what I'd already suspected. This was real. I was really here, in the world of High School DxD, with actual supernatural beings living their lives just a few hundred meters away. The old school building where the Occult Research Club met, where devils conducted their business, where the main plot of the series would unfold.

I was tempted to follow, to try to catch another glimpse or maybe even introduce myself, but my practical side reasserted itself. I had no idea what the timeline was, what had or hadn't happened yet, and barging into devil territory as a complete unknown was probably not the best first impression. Better to observe and learn before making any major moves.

Instead, I found myself walking toward what my new memories told me was home. The route came naturally, like muscle memory, leading me through residential streets lined with modest houses and the occasional convenience store. Everything looked exactly like it should in a slice-of-life anime—clean, peaceful, almost aggressively normal.

The house I stopped in front of was unremarkable in every way. Two stories, traditional Japanese architecture, a small garden that someone clearly cared about. Looking at it triggered a warm feeling in my chest that had nothing to do with the Devil Fruit. This was home. Not the cramped dorm room I'd died in, but an actual home where people cared about me.

I opened the front door and called out, "I'm home," in Japanese that flowed naturally despite being a language I'd only half-remembered from anime subtitles.

"Welcome back, Akira!" came a warm voice from the kitchen. A woman appeared—mid-forties, kind eyes, wearing an apron that suggested she'd been cooking. My new mother. The recognition was instant and complete, like remembering someone you'd known all your life.

"How was school today?" she asked, wiping her hands on her apron.

"It was... fine," I managed, my antisocial nature clashing with this wholesome domestic scene. The old me would have mumbled something noncommittal and disappeared into his room. But this woman deserved better than that. She was genuinely concerned about my wellbeing, probably the first person to be in years.

"Just fine? You seem different today. More... energetic?"

If only she knew. I forced a smile that probably looked as awkward as it felt. "Yeah, just... had a good day, I guess."

She beamed at me like I'd just announced I'd won the lottery. "I'm so glad! Dinner will be ready in about an hour. Why don't you go rest up?"

I nodded and headed upstairs, my mind already racing with plans. I had a whole new life to figure out, a supernatural world to navigate, and a devil fruit power to master. But first, I needed privacy. I needed to experiment with my new abilities, to understand exactly what I was capable of.

My room was exactly what I'd expected—neat, organized, with just enough personality to feel lived-in without being cluttered. Anime posters on the walls, a bookshelf filled with manga, a desk with homework I apparently needed to worry about. It was like someone had taken my previous life and given it a complete makeover.

I locked the door behind me and looked at my reflection in the mirror. Same face, same body, but everything felt different. More alive. More capable. More... possible.

"Okay, Akira," I said to my reflection, "let's see what you can do."

I closed my eyes and focused on the warmth in my chest, on the coiled power waiting to be released. The transformation came easier than I'd expected—not painful, just... different. Like putting on a costume that fit perfectly.

When I opened my eyes, I was looking at a human-leopard hybrid. My proportions were the same, but everything had been enhanced. Stronger, faster, more agile. Golden eyes stared back at me from a face that was still recognizably mine but definitely not human.

I grinned, revealing fangs that could probably tear through steel.

"This is going to be fun."

Chapter 3: Chapter 3

The forest on the outskirts of Kuoh was exactly what I needed—dense enough to hide in, remote enough that no one would stumble across me accidentally, and far enough from civilization that I could test my new abilities without worrying about property damage or awkward questions.

I'd made my excuses to my new mother about going for a walk to clear my head, which wasn't entirely a lie. I definitely needed to clear my head, just not in the way she probably imagined. The devil fruit power was still settling in my system, and I needed to understand exactly what I was capable of before I did something stupid.

Finding a small clearing surrounded by thick trees, I stretched experimentally, feeling the coiled power waiting beneath my skin. The transformation I'd experienced back in my room had been brief and controlled. Now I needed to really push the limits and see what this body could do.

I closed my eyes and focused on that feeling, on the warm, coiled power that now resided in my chest. The transformation came naturally, like flexing a muscle I'd always had but never used.

When I opened my eyes, the world had changed.

Everything was sharper, more vivid. I could smell the distinct scent of different trees, the loamy richness of decomposing leaves, the faint musk of small animals that had passed through the area recently. My hearing had expanded dramatically—I could detect the heartbeat of a bird in a tree thirty meters away, the rustle of insects in the underbrush, the distant sound of traffic from the main road.

But it was the physical changes that really got my attention.

My hands had transformed into something between human and feline. My fingers were longer, more dexterous, and ending in curved claws that looked like they could slice through steel. My muscles felt denser, more powerful, coiled springs ready to unleash devastating force. A tail had emerged from the base of my spine, thick and muscular, moving with a life of its own as it helped me balance. When I caught my reflection in a nearby stream, I could see that my eyes had changed too—still recognizably mine, but with an inner glow that spoke of predatory intelligence.

Faint leopard spots had appeared along my arms and what I could see of my torso, a pattern that seemed to shift slightly depending on how the light hit it. My canine teeth had elongated into proper fangs, and I could feel that my entire skeletal structure had subtly changed to accommodate enhanced strength and agility.

I was magnificent.

"Holy shit," I breathed, then immediately tested my new voice. It was deeper, carrying an undertone that seemed to resonate in my chest. "This is incredible."

I walked over to the nearest tree, a sturdy oak that would have taken me significant effort to damage in my previous life. I placed my palm against the bark and pushed, gently at first, then with increasing force. The tree groaned, its trunk actually bending under the pressure before I backed off, not wanting to topple it entirely.

Next, I tested my claws. I raked them across the bark, and they cut through it like butter, leaving deep grooves in the wood. The sharpness was incredible—these weren't just for show. They were weapons, tools, extensions of my will that could tear through most materials without effort.

But it was when I tested my mobility that I truly understood what I'd gained.

I took off running, and immediately had to adjust my expectations of what "running" meant. I wasn't just moving faster—I was moving differently. My enhanced musculature and altered skeletal structure allowed me to leap over obstacles that would have stopped me cold before, to change direction mid-stride without losing momentum, to navigate the forest floor with a grace that felt almost supernatural.

I bounded from tree to tree, using my claws to find purchase on bark and branches, my tail providing perfect balance as I moved through the canopy like I'd been born to it. The sensation was intoxicating—pure freedom distilled into physical form.

But I wasn't done yet.

I dropped back to the forest floor and focused again, pushing the transformation further. If the hybrid form was impressive, I needed to see what the full leopard form could do.

The change was more dramatic this time. My human consciousness remained intact, but it was overlaid with something primal and instinctual. My body reshaped itself completely, muscles redistributing, bones lengthening and shortening, until I was standing on four legs instead of two.

I was a leopard. Not just any leopard, but a perfect example of the species—sleek, powerful, built for speed and stealth. My coat was a rich golden color with distinctive black rosettes, and I could feel the raw power coiled in every muscle fiber.

I ran.

The forest became a blur as I moved through it, my paws finding perfect purchase on every surface. I leaped over fallen logs, darted between trees, navigated the undergrowth with an ease that defied human understanding. My predatory instincts were fully engaged, cataloging every scent, every sound, every movement in my environment. I felt completely connected to my surroundings, part of the ecosystem rather than separate from it.

The sheer exhilaration of the experience was overwhelming. This wasn't just enhanced physical ability—this was a complete transformation of how I existed in the world. I was faster, stronger, more agile than I'd ever imagined possible. Every movement felt effortless, every leap perfectly calculated by instincts I'd never possessed before.

Eventually, I found myself by a small river, the sound of running water drawing me to its banks. I shifted back to human form, breathing hard but feeling more alive than I had in years. My reflection in the water showed a young man with wild hair and bright eyes, someone who looked like he'd discovered the secret to happiness.

But as the immediate euphoria of the transformation faded, reality began to set in.

I wasn't just Akira anymore. I wasn't just an antisocial college student who'd died from caffeine overdose. I was something else now—a powerful being in a world where power was the only currency that mattered. The system had reincarnated me into High School DxD, a universe where devils, angels, and fallen angels played games with mortal lives as stakes.

The excitement I'd felt was real, but so was the danger. I thought about Issei Hyoudou, the protagonist of the series, and how his story had begun. Killed by Raynare, a fallen angel who'd been using him as a pawn. If it could happen to someone with a Sacred Gear, someone who was supposed to be important to the plot, what did that say about my own chances of survival?

I had power now, yes, but I was still fundamentally alone in a world where the supernatural community had been operating for millennia. I had no allies, no knowledge of current events, no idea what threats might be lurking just out of sight. The Gacha System could make me stronger, but only if I lived long enough to use it.

A chill ran down my spine as I considered the implications. I couldn't afford to be helpless fodder. I couldn't rely on protagonist armor or plot convenience to keep me safe. If I wanted to survive, if I wanted to thrive in this new world, I needed to get stronger. Fast.

The system had mentioned tasks that would earn me gacha tickets. I remembered the rankings—1 to 10, with higher numbers meaning better rewards. I'd gotten lucky with my free pull, but I couldn't count on that kind of fortune again. I needed to be proactive, to seek out opportunities to grow stronger.

Stray devils. The thought came to me unbidden, but it made sense. They were common enough in the DxD universe, dangerous enough that killing them would probably qualify as a significant task, and more importantly, they were enemies I could fight without getting tangled up in the larger political machinations of the supernatural world.

My first real goal crystallized in my mind: hunt a stray devil, earn my first genuine gacha ticket, and begin the process of becoming someone who couldn't be casually murdered by passing fallen angels.

I stood up from the riverbank, my resolve hardening. The old me would have found a dozen reasons to avoid confrontation, to hide away until someone else solved the problem. But I wasn't the old me anymore. I was Akira, and I had claws.

The walk back to civilization gave me time to think, to plan. I needed information about stray devils in the area, which meant I needed to do some research. Fortunately, this world had something my old one had lacked—a manga shop that might have information about local supernatural activity, or at least provide a cover story for why I was asking questions.

The shop was exactly where my inherited memories said it would be, a small storefront tucked between a convenience store and a ramen restaurant. The familiar smell of paper and ink hit me as I entered, triggering a wave of nostalgia for my previous life's obsessions.

I browsed the shelves, looking for anything that might give me insight into the supernatural elements of this world. The manga selection was impressive, with everything from mainstream shonen to obscure horror titles. I was examining a volume that looked like it might have actual supernatural content when a soft, feminine voice spoke beside me.

"Are you interested in a specific genre?"

I turned, expecting to see a shop employee or maybe another customer looking for recommendations. Instead, I found myself looking at someone I recognized immediately.

Crimson hair that caught the light perfectly. Blue-green eyes that held an intelligence that most people missed. Beautiful in that effortless way that spoke of good genetics and supernatural heritage.

Rias Gremory was standing less than a meter away from me, holding a manga volume in her hands, looking at me with polite curiosity.

Interesting. I'd been wondering when I'd run into the main players of this world.

"Supernatural stories, mostly," I said, keeping my voice casual. "There's something appealing about worlds where power actually matters."

She tilted her head slightly, a small smile playing at the corners of her mouth. "Are you alright? You seem... focused."

"Just thinking," I replied smoothly. "It's rare to find someone else who appreciates manga in a place like this."

"Oh, I love manga," she said, her smile becoming more genuine. "There's something about the storytelling that appeals to me. The way they can blend the mundane with the fantastic, make you believe in impossible things."

An interesting perspective from someone who lived in that fantastic world daily.

"Yeah," I agreed, meeting her gaze steadily. "I'm especially interested in supernatural stories. You know, devils and angels and that sort of thing. I find the power dynamics fascinating."

Her expression shifted slightly, a flicker of something that might have been interest or recognition. "Those can be quite entertaining," she said, her tone more measured now. "Though I sometimes wonder how accurate they are to the real thing."

Definitely a test. I kept my expression neutral, curious rather than knowing.

"Hard to say, isn't it? Unless you've met them"

Chapter 4: Chapter 4

The conversation with Rias had definitely taken an unexpected turn. What started as a simple question about manga preferences had quickly evolved into something far more animated and genuine than I'd anticipated.

"Oh, you've read Overlord?" Rias's eyes lit up as she leaned forward slightly, her usual composed demeanor cracking to reveal genuine enthusiasm. "The world-building is incredible, isn't it? Though I have to say, some of the guild dynamics remind me of... well, certain political situations I'm familiar with."

I couldn't help but grin. "The way Ainz has to constantly manage his subordinates while maintaining his reputation as an all-knowing overlord? Yeah, I can see how that might hit close to home for someone in a leadership position."

She laughed, a sound that was both melodious and surprisingly unguarded. "Exactly! And don't get me started on how accurate the portrayal of maintaining facades can be. Sometimes I wonder if the author has personal experience with... similar situations."

This was surreal. Here was Rias Gremory, the Crimson-Haired Ruin Princess, one of the most powerful young devils in the supernatural world, getting genuinely excited about anime tropes and character development. It was like discovering that a famous celebrity was secretly into the same obscure hobby as you.

"What about Code Geass?" I asked, testing the waters. "The chess metaphors, the strategic manipulation..."

"Oh, Lelouch is brilliant," she said immediately, then paused with a slight smirk. "Though I have to say, some of his strategies wouldn't work as well in real political situations. Too much reliance on dramatic timing."

I raised an eyebrow. "Speaking from experience?"

"Let's just say I've seen enough political maneuvering to know that reality is often messier than fiction," she replied with a knowing smile.

We continued like that for another twenty minutes, discussing everything from the philosophical implications of Ghost in the Shell to the surprisingly complex character development in Overlord. Rias had opinions on everything, and not the surface-level observations of a casual fan. She understood narrative structure, character motivations, and thematic elements in ways that suggested she'd put serious thought into these stories.

"I have to admit," she said as our conversation began to wind down, "it's refreshing to meet someone who actually understands the deeper elements of these stories. Most people just see the surface level."

"Same here," I replied, and meant it. This wasn't the stern, elegant devil I'd expected from the anime. This was someone who genuinely loved the same things I did, someone who could discuss the philosophical implications of artificial intelligence in cyberpunk settings and the political subtleties of fantasy world-building with equal enthusiasm.

"I should probably introduce myself properly," she said, straightening slightly and regaining some of her composure. "Rias Gremory, third-year student at Kuoh Academy and president of the Occult Research Club."

"Akira Yamamoto," I replied, keeping my tone casual. "Second-year, also at Kuoh, though I'm not in any clubs yet."

"The Occult Research Club is always looking for new members," she said with a smile that might have been entirely innocent or might have been an invitation to something much more significant. "We meet in the old school building after classes. You might find our... discussions... interesting."

Before I could respond, she glanced at her watch and sighed. "Speaking of which, I should probably get going. Club duties and all that."

"Of course," I said, stepping back to give her room to leave. "This was... unexpectedly enjoyable."

"Likewise," she replied, then paused at the door. "I hope we'll have the chance to continue this conversation sometime, Akira. It's rare to find someone who appreciates good storytelling."

And then she was gone, leaving me standing in the manga shop with a clearer picture of who Rias Gremory really was beneath the supernatural politics and devil nobility. She was a fellow fan, someone who understood the appeal of well-crafted narratives and complex characters. It was humanizing in a way I hadn't expected.

I turned back to the shelves, trying to find something worth buying after that conversation, but everything seemed disappointing by comparison. Generic isekai stories with overpowered protagonists and no real character development. Romance series that followed the same tired formulas. Even the supposedly "original" works felt like pale copies of stories I'd read in my previous world.

I sighed, running my fingers along the spines of various volumes. Nothing here was worth the paper it was printed on. The standards in this world were apparently lower than what I was used to, or maybe I was just being overly critical after discussing actually good storytelling with someone who understood it.

As I headed toward the exit, empty-handed and slightly disappointed, I caught fragments of a conversation from two girls near the front of the store. They were speaking in hushed, worried tones, but my enhanced hearing picked up every word.

"...hasn't come home since yesterday," the first girl was saying, her voice tight with anxiety. "Her parents are worried sick."

"Did you check that place she likes to go when she's upset?" the second girl asked. "You know, behind the mall?"

"The abandoned building? That's exactly where I'm worried she might be. She always goes there when she wants to be alone, but it's been a whole day..."

"We should probably tell someone. That place gives me the creeps, especially at night."

"I know, but you know how she is. She won't come out if she thinks we're making a big deal about it. Maybe we should just check ourselves first?"

My instincts, finely tuned by years of anime consumption and now enhanced by supernatural senses, immediately started screaming warnings. Abandoned building. Missing person. DxD world. The equation was so obvious it might as well have been written in neon lights.

Stray devil.

This was exactly the opportunity I'd been looking for. A chance to test my new powers, earn my first real gacha ticket, and potentially save someone in the process. The fact that it was conveniently located behind the mall, easily accessible and away from major population centers, made it perfect for what I had in mind.

I discreetly followed the two girls as they left the shop, staying far enough back that they wouldn't notice but close enough to hear their continued conversation. They were genuinely worried about their friend, discussing whether they should involve adults or try to handle it themselves first.

The sun was beginning to set, casting long shadows across the streets and giving everything a golden, almost ominous glow. Perfect timing for supernatural activities. Most stray devils were more active during evening hours, and the approaching darkness would provide natural cover for whatever I might need to do.

I watched as the girls headed toward the mall, their pace quickening as their anxiety grew. They were walking straight into what was almost certainly a dangerous situation, driven by loyalty to their friend and ignorance of what they were actually facing.

I could warn them, try to convince them to stay away and call for help. But that would raise questions I wasn't prepared to answer, and it would also eliminate my chance to gain experience and power. The pragmatic part of my mind, enhanced by my new predatory instincts, was already calculating the most efficient approach.

The missing girl was probably already dead or transformed into something worse. The two girls heading toward the abandoned building were walking into a trap. And I was the only one in position to do anything about it.

I flexed my fingers experimentally, feeling the familiar tingle that preceded my transformation. My claws were sharp enough to cut through steel, my reflexes were enhanced beyond human limits, and my senses could track prey through complete darkness. I was as ready as I'd ever be.

The abandoned building behind the mall was about to become a hunting ground.

And I was going to be the hunter.

Chapter 5: Chapter 5

I kept my distance as I followed the two girls toward the abandoned building behind the mall, my footsteps silent on the cracked pavement. The structure loomed ahead like a monument to decay, its broken windows staring down at us like hollow eyes. As the girls disappeared through what used to be the main entrance, I paused at the building's edge, every instinct suddenly screaming at me to be careful.

That's when I felt it—or rather, smelled it. My enhanced senses, courtesy of the Leopard Devil Fruit, picked up something that made my skin crawl. The scent was wrong, corrupted, like rotting fruit mixed with sulfur. It was an aura so thick with malevolence that it seemed to press against my very soul.

"Fucking hell," I muttered under my breath, a grin spreading across my face despite the danger. "A stray devil. My first real hunt." The anticipation was almost overwhelming. This was it—my chance to prove that I belonged in this world.

I circled the building until I found a back entrance—a door hanging off its hinges, probably kicked in by vandals years ago. The girls would be busy searching the upper floors, giving me time to deal with whatever was lurking in the shadows below.

"Perfect," I whispered to myself, testing the door's stability. "Time to see what this fruit can really do."

The moment I stepped inside, the atmosphere changed. The air felt heavy, oppressive, like walking through invisible cobwebs. My enhanced hearing picked up every creak of the building, every whisper of wind through broken glass. But underneath it all was something else—a wet, breathing sound that definitely wasn't human.

"Come on then," I said quietly, flexing my fingers as I prepared for the transformation. "Let's dance."

I let the transformation take hold, feeling my muscles expand and my senses sharpen even further as I shifted into my human-leopard hybrid form. My fingers elongated into deadly claws, and my entire body became a weapon designed for stealth and speed. The hunt was on.

Moving through the shadows felt natural now, almost instinctive. Part of me—the leopard part—was practically purring with anticipation. This was what I was made for: stalking, hunting, killing. But my human mind stayed in control, analyzing every sound, every scent, every potential advantage. I wasn't just a predator; I was a strategist with predator instincts.

I found it on the second floor, in what used to be an office space. The stray devil was hunched over something—or someone—in the corner. It looked like a grotesque parody of a human, with elongated limbs that ended in razor-sharp claws, skin that seemed to shift between gray and black, and eyes that glowed with a sickly yellow light. Its mouth was too wide, filled with too many teeth, and it was making that wet breathing sound I'd heard earlier.

The missing girl was there, unconscious but breathing, her face pale with terror even in sleep. The creature was feeding off her despair, growing stronger with every moment of her fear.

"You disgusting piece of shit," I snarled, my voice already changing as my transformation began. "Feeding off an innocent girl's fear? You're about to learn what real terror feels like."

That decided it for me.

I launched myself from the shadows with a snarl, my claws aimed at the thing's throat. The stray devil spun around just in time to catch my attack with its own claws, the impact sending both of us skidding across the debris-strewn floor. It let out a shriek that probably would have shattered normal human eardrums, but I barely flinched.

"What... what are you?" it hissed, its voice like grinding glass.

"Your worst fucking nightmare," I growled back, my voice distorted by my hybrid form. "I'm the thing that hunts monsters like you."

I didn't give it time to respond. I was too busy adapting to my new body, learning how to use these incredible reflexes and this overwhelming strength. My first few swipes were clumsy, more enthusiastic than precise, but each exchange taught me something new about my capabilities.

"Too slow!" I taunted as I twisted away from its strike, my enhanced agility making me feel like I was dancing rather than fighting. "Come on, is that all you've got?"

The stray devil was fast, but I was faster. It was strong, but I was stronger. When it lunged at me with those wicked claws, I twisted away with fluid grace, my enhanced agility making me feel like I was dancing rather than fighting. When it tried to overwhelm me with rapid strikes, I met them with my own claws, the sound of our collision echoing through the empty building like gunshots.

I could feel myself getting better with each passing second, my movements becoming more fluid, more controlled. The leopard instincts were teaching me how to fight, while my human intelligence was learning to direct that power with deadly precision.

The stray devil made its fatal mistake when it tried to use the girl as a hostage, grabbing her unconscious form and pressing a claw to her throat. "Stay back, or the human dies!"

I stopped mid-stride, my eyes narrowing dangerously. "You really shouldn't have done that."

"I mean it! One more step and—"

"You know what your problem is?" I interrupted, my voice deadly calm. "You think I'm like you. You think I'll hesitate, that I'll let fear control me." I started walking forward again, slow and deliberate. "But I'm not afraid of you. I'm the thing you should be afraid of."

The creature's eyes widened in confusion and growing terror. "You're insane! She'll die!"

"Wrong move," I said simply, then moved faster than I ever had before, crossing the distance between us in a heartbeat. My claws found their mark, sliding between the creature's ribs with a wet sound that would haunt my dreams for days. The stray devil's eyes widened in shock as I lifted it off the ground, its grip on the girl loosening.

"You... you're not human," it gurgled, black blood frothing from its mouth.

"Neither are you," I replied coldly. "And that's why you're going to die."

The stray devil crumbled to dust, leaving only the metallic scent of its blood and the echo of its final scream. I stood there for a moment, breathing hard, my hybrid form still crackling with unused energy. The rush of adrenaline was incredible—better than any high I'd ever experienced. This was what I was meant to do.

[STRAY DEVIL DEFEATED! REWARD: 1x Rank 2 Gacha Ticket]

The notification flashed in my vision, and I couldn't help but grin. A Rank 2 ticket already! This was exactly the validation I needed. I was on the right path, and the system was rewarding me for taking decisive action.

I quickly shifted back to human form, checking on the girl. She was unconscious but unharmed, just exhausted from whatever the stray devil had been doing to her. I positioned her where her friends would easily find her, then did a quick sweep of the area to make sure there was no obvious evidence of supernatural activity. The building was already so damaged that a little extra destruction wouldn't raise any eyebrows.

As I made my way back to the broken door, my mind was already racing ahead to the possibilities. A Rank 2 Gacha Ticket could contain anything—new abilities, powerful items, maybe even something that would help me track down more stray devils. The potential was intoxicating.

"This is just the beginning," I muttered to myself, stepping out into the cool night air. "If one stray devil got me this much, imagine what a whole nest of them could do for my power level."

I stepped out into the cool night air, feeling more alive than I had in years. This wasn't just some fantasy anymore. I wasn't just dreaming about being an anime protagonist—I was one. And I was going to embrace every dangerous, thrilling moment of it.

But as I walked away from the abandoned building, I couldn't shake the feeling that I was being watched. I paused at the edge of the parking lot, letting my enhanced senses sweep the area.

"I know you're out there," I called out softly, not bothering to look up. "Whoever you are, you might as well come out. I can smell you."

But only silence answered me. After a few more seconds, I shrugged and continued walking.

"Your loss," I said to the empty air. "Could have been interesting."

Meanwhile, on a nearby rooftop...

Two figures observed the abandoned building from the shadows. The first was a slender young man with blonde hair and an intense gaze that seemed to pierce through the darkness—Kiba Yuuto. Beside him, a petite girl with white hair and a stoic expression calmly munched on a chocolate bar, her golden eyes never leaving the building below.

Koneko Toujou spoke in her usual monotone voice "He's strong."

Kiba nodded slowly, his hand unconsciously moving to rest on the hilt of his sword. "Too strong for a normal human or..." He frowned. "It's not devil, not angel, not fallen angel. Something else entirely."

"Should we report this to Buchou?" Koneko asked, taking another bite of her chocolate.

"Yes" Kiba replied, his eyes following the figure disappearing into the night. "We definitely should."

Chapter 6: Chapter 6

I wasn't there to witness it, but I learned later that while I was heading home after my successful hunt, a very different conversation was taking place in the Student Council room at Kuoh Academy.

...

The soft click of chess pieces moving across the board was the only sound in the otherwise quiet Student Council room. Sona Sitri sat across from Rias Gremory, her violet eyes focused intently on the game before them. Both devils wore their school uniforms despite the late hour, their respective Queens—Tsubaki Shinra and Akeno Himejima—present in the room attending to various tasks.

Sona moved her bishop, capturing one of Rias's knights with practiced precision. "You seem unusually energetic today, Rias," she observed, her voice carrying that characteristic note of analytical curiosity. "There's something different about your demeanor. You're practically glowing."

Rias's emerald eyes sparkled with barely contained excitement as she contemplated her next move. "You're quite observant as always, Sona." She moved her rook, a small smile playing at her lips. "I suppose I am in better spirits than usual."

"Oh?" Akeno looked up from the paperwork she'd been reviewing, her violet eyes gleaming with interest. "What's brought about this change in our dear Buchou?"

Rias's smile widened, and she leaned back in her chair with a satisfied expression. "I met someone today. A boy at the manga shop downtown. The interaction was... quite interesting and refreshing."

"Interesting how?" Sona pressed, moving another piece while keeping her attention on Rias's expression.

"He actually matched my energy when it came to discussing manga and anime," Rias explained, her enthusiasm bubbling over. "Do you know how rare it is to find someone who not only shares those interests but can actually keep up with my passion for them? Most people either pretend to be interested or get overwhelmed by my enthusiasm."

Akeno's lips curved into a knowing smile. "My, my, Buchou. It sounds like you've found yourself a kindred spirit. Perhaps even a soulmate who shares your rather... niche interests?"

Rias shot her Queen a playful glare. "Don't tease me, Akeno. It's just refreshing to meet someone who understands what I'm talking about when I mention obscure manga references or get excited about a new anime season."

"Which school does he attend?" Sona asked, genuinely curious now. It wasn't often that Rias showed this level of enthusiasm about meeting someone new.

Rias's smile grew even brighter. "That's the best part—he's a student here at Kuoh Academy. I only wish I'd met him sooner so we could have shared our discussions about all the series we've been following."

Before anyone could respond, a sharp knock echoed through the room. Sona looked up from the chessboard, her expression shifting to one of mild surprise at the interruption.

"Enter," she called out.

The door opened to reveal Kiba Yuuto and Koneko Toujou, both looking unusually serious. Their expressions were enough to immediately shift the atmosphere in the room from casual to professional.

"You're back remarkably early from your patrol," Rias observed, her earlier joy tempered by concern as she studied their faces. "What happened? Did you encounter something?"

Kiba exchanged a quick glance with Koneko before stepping forward. "We detected a strong stray devil aura at the abandoned building behind the mall," he reported, his voice carrying an edge of tension. "But by the time we arrived to investigate, both the stray devil and its aura had vanished completely."

"Vanished?" Tsubaki looked up from her own work, her expression sharpening. "Stray devils don't simply disappear without a trace."

"That's not all," Koneko added, her usually monotone voice carrying a note of unease. "There was another energy signature present. Something unusual, powerful, and distinctly non-devil."

Sona's fingers paused over her next chess move. "Non-devil? Can you describe it?"

"It was... animalistic," Kiba said carefully, searching for the right words. "Could be Youkai"

"And whoever it was," Koneko continued, "they were strong enough to completely eliminate a stray devil without leaving any trace of the creature behind."

The room fell silent as the implications sank in. Rias leaned forward, her earlier happiness replaced by intense curiosity. "Do you have any idea who this person might be?"

Kiba nodded grimly. "We observed him leaving the building. He's a second-year student from this school." He paused, meeting Rias's eyes directly. "His name is Akira."

The effect was immediate and dramatic. Both Rias and Sona fell completely silent, their expressions frozen in shock. The chess piece in Rias's hand slipped from her fingers, clattering onto the board.

The tension stretched for several long seconds before Akeno's musical laughter broke the silence. "My, my, Buchou," she said, her voice carrying that familiar note of amused mischief. "It seems you've found yourself a rather interesting new playmate. I'm certainly more interested to meet him now."

Rias stared at Akeno, then back at Kiba, her mind racing. The boy who had matched her enthusiasm for manga, who had made her feel understood and connected—he was the same person who had just single-handedly eliminated a stray devil with some unknown, powerful ability.

"This changes everything," Sona said quietly, her strategic mind already working through the implications. "We need to learn more about this Akira and his abilities."

"Indeed," Rias agreed, though her voice held a note of something else—anticipation, perhaps even excitement. "It seems tomorrow is going to be a very interesting day."

...

Of course, I knew none of this as I sat on my balcony, completely oblivious to the supernatural storm I'd just stirred up. The evening air was crisp against my skin as I cradled a steaming cup of coffee, the familiar blue screen hovering before me in the darkness.

[STRAY DEVIL DEFEATED! REWARD: 1x Rank 2 Gacha Ticket]

"Not bad for a night's work," I murmured, taking a slow sip of my coffee. The bitter taste was perfect after the adrenaline rush of my first real hunt. A Rank 2 ticket was already a significant upgrade from the basic rewards I'd been getting. The possibilities were endless—new abilities, powerful items, maybe even something that would help me track down more supernatural threats.

I leaned back in my chair, letting the satisfaction wash over me. The fight had been everything I'd hoped for and more. The raw power of my Leopard Zoan form, the thrill of the hunt, the absolute dominance I'd felt over that pathetic stray devil—it was intoxicating.

I had no idea that my actions had already sent ripples through the supernatural community of Kuoh Academy. While I sat there in peaceful ignorance, sipping my coffee and planning my next move, the very people I'd had such a pleasant conversation with earlier were now intensely curious about my true nature.

The irony wasn't lost on me when I eventually learned about it later. Here I was, thinking I was flying under the radar, when in reality I'd just painted a massive target on my back. But in that moment, blissfully unaware of the attention I'd attracted, I was content to bask in the satisfaction of a successful hunt and the promise of greater power to come.

"One stray devil down," I said to myself, finishing the last of my coffee. "Who knows how many more are out there, just waiting to be hunted."

Tomorrow was going to be a very interesting day indeed—I just didn't know it yet.

Chapter 7: Chapter 7

The blue screen hovered before me in the early morning light, its familiar glow casting shadows across my room. I'd been staring at it for the past ten minutes, the notification from last night's hunt still displayed.

[1x Rank 2 Gacha Ticket]

"Alright," I muttered, sitting up in bed and stretching. "Time to see what kind of power this thing's going to give me."

I mentally selected the ticket, and the system responded with a more elaborate animation than my previous pulls. The screen flickered with golden light, spinning symbols that looked almost mystical in their complexity. It was still not overly flashy, but there was definitely more ceremony to it than a basic pull.

The light faded, revealing my reward in bold text:

[REWARD OBTAINED: Haetae as Charyeok - God of Highschool]

I blinked, reading the notification again. Then again. My mind went completely blank for a moment as the implications slowly sank in.

"Haetae," I whispered, the name rolling off my tongue like a prayer. "As in the mythical Korean lion-dog. The creature that devours nightmares and protects against evil."

The more I thought about it, the more my excitement grew. This wasn't just any random power—this was a Charyeok, a borrowed power from the gods themselves. In the God of Highschool universe, Charyeok users were among the most powerful beings in existence, capable of feats that bordered on the divine.

But with that excitement came a sobering realization. The power I'd just gained was beyond anything I'd imagined possible. It was the kind of ability that could reshape the balance of power in this world entirely. And with great power came great responsibility—and great danger.

I ran my hands through my hair, mind racing. "This changes everything," I said to myself. "I can't just go around hunting stray devils anymore. With power like this, I need to be smart about how I use it."

The weight of the decision pressed down on me. I could try to go it alone, keep my head down and use my abilities in secret. But that would be incredibly dangerous and ultimately pointless. Or I could find allies—people who could help me navigate this supernatural world while I learned to control my growing power.

The choice was obvious, really. I needed capable allies, people who understood the supernatural world better than I did. And I had a feeling that the devils at Kuoh Academy were exactly the kind of people I needed to get to know.

"Looks like I'm going to have to come out of the shadows sooner than I thought," I decided, dismissing the screen with a gesture. "Time to see what the devil princess and her crew are really made of"

. . .

The next morning at school, I could feel it the moment I walked into my classroom. Eyes on me. Whispers. The kind of attention that made my skin crawl but also confirmed what I'd already suspected—my little stray devil hunting expedition hadn't gone unnoticed.

I slid into my seat and tried to focus on the lesson, but the sensation of being watched was too strong to ignore. Every few minutes, I caught someone glancing in my direction before quickly looking away.

Then the classroom door slid open with a soft sound, and the room fell silent.

Akeno Himejima stood in the doorway, her usual cheerful, teasing smile in place. Her violet eyes scanned the room before settling on me with unmistakable intent.

"Akira-kun," she called out, her voice carrying that musical quality that could make grown men weep. "I'm here to take you to the Occult Research Club room."

The reaction was immediate and predictable. The perverted trio—Issei, Matsuda, and Motohama—practically fell out of their chairs.

"What the hell?!" Matsuda whispered loudly enough for half the class to hear. "Why is the school goddess talking to that guy?"

"This has to be some kind of mistake," Motohama added, his voice thick with disbelief and jealousy. "There's no way she'd be interested in him over cultured men like us"

Issei himself looked like he'd been physically struck. "But... but why him?!" he muttered, though I was probably the only one who could hear him clearly.

I couldn't help but smirk as I stood up, grabbing my bag. This moment was inevitable, and honestly, I'd been expecting it. The only surprise was that it had taken them this long to make their move.

"Lead the way, Akeno-san," I said calmly, ignoring the shocked stares and whispered comments from my classmates.

As we walked through the school hallways, I noticed how other students moved aside for Akeno, some with respect, others with barely concealed desire. She carried herself with the confidence of someone who knew exactly how much power she wielded.

"You're not curious why you're being taken to our club room, Akira-kun?" she asked, turning to look at me with a curious glint in her eyes. There was amusement in her voice, like she was enjoying some private joke.

I shrugged, keeping my expression neutral. "To meet Rias-san, I presume? Or is there more to it?" I paused, then added with deliberate casualness, "Perhaps she wants me to join her club to talk about manga stuff? She seemed pretty passionate about it when we met."

Akeno's reaction was immediate and genuine. She let out a soft chuckle, her eyes widening slightly in what looked like pleasant surprise. "My, my, Akira-kun. You're quite direct, aren't you? And surprisingly perceptive." She gave me a cryptic smile. "Though I think you'll find that Rias-buchou's interests are... somewhat broader than just manga."

"I'm sure they are," I replied, though I kept my tone light. "Guess I'll find out soon enough."

We reached the old school building, and Akeno led me up to the third floor. She knocked on a door marked with a simple placard reading "Occult Research Club."

"Come in," came Rias's voice from within.

Akeno opened the door and gestured for me to enter. The room was larger than I'd expected, with comfortable furniture, bookshelves, and an overall atmosphere that screamed "secret supernatural headquarters" to anyone who knew what to look for.

Rias Gremory sat behind a large desk, her crimson hair catching the afternoon light streaming through the windows. She looked composed and regal, every inch the devil princess I knew her to be. Kiba Yuuto stood near the window, his usual pleasant expression in place, while Koneko Toujou sat in a chair, calmly eating what looked like a chocolate bar.

"Akira-kun," Rias greeted me with a warm smile that didn't quite reach her eyes. "Thank you for coming. Please, let me introduce you to my club members. This is Koneko Toujou, our first-year." She gestured to the white-haired girl, who looked up from her chocolate long enough to give me a small nod.

"And this is Kiba Yuuto, our second-year," Rias continued, indicating the blonde boy who stepped forward with a polite bow.

"It's a pleasure to meet you, Akira-kun," Kiba said, his voice friendly but with an undertone I couldn't quite identify.

"And I'm Akeno Himejima," Akeno added with a graceful bow. "Vice-President of the Occult Research Club and Rias-buchou's Queen."

"Nice to meet you all," I replied, returning their bows. Then I looked directly at Rias, cutting straight to the chase. "So, why am I here?"

Rias's smile grew a bit more genuine. "Straight to the point. I appreciate that." She gestured to a chair across from her desk. "Please, have a seat."

I complied, settling into the comfortable chair. Almost immediately, Akeno appeared at my side with a delicate tea set, serving me tea and placing a small plate of cookies within reach.

"Thank you," I said politely, accepting the cup. The tea was actually quite good—probably expensive.

Rias leaned back in her chair, studying me with those piercing emerald eyes. "Akira-kun, do you believe in the existence of Gods, Devils, and Angels?"

I took a sip of my tea, using the moment to consider my response. "I haven't seen them with my own eyes," I said carefully, "but maybe they're out there. Who knows?" I kept my tone neutral, not dismissive but not overly enthusiastic either.

Rias's smile widened, and there was a hint of amusement in her voice when she spoke again. "And what about monsters in abandoned buildings, Akira-kun?"

I met her gaze directly, setting down my teacup with a soft clink. "Ah, that. Yes, I did see it. And I killed it, to save a girl's life."

The subtle reactions around the room were immediate. Kiba's eyebrows rose slightly, Koneko paused mid-bite of her chocolate, and even Akeno's perpetual smile flickered for just a moment. They'd expected me to deny it, to play dumb, to make this more difficult.

Rias cleared her throat, her amusement fading into serious intrigue. "And how, exactly, did you manage that?"

I crossed my arms, letting a hint of defiance creep into my posture. "Before I tell you that, how about you tell me how you know about me killing that monster? And why should I tell you anything?"

For a moment, the room was silent. Then Rias blinked, and a slow, confident smile spread across her face. "Fair enough, Akira-kun. Very well."

What happened next was exactly what I'd been expecting, but it was still breathtaking to witness in person. Rias allowed a pair of magnificent bat-like devil wings to unfurl from her back, the appendages spreading wide with a soft rustle of leather. The presence that emanated from her was overwhelming—ancient, powerful, and utterly inhuman.

Kiba, Koneko, and Akeno followed suit, their own sets of demonic wings manifesting in displays of supernatural power. The room filled with an otherworldly energy that made my skin tingle and my Leopard Devil Fruit abilities respond instinctively.

I stared at the fully revealed devils before me, taking in the sight of their wings, the power radiating from their forms, the sheer reality of what I was seeing. My face remained impassive for a moment as I processed the moment I'd been waiting for since I'd arrived in this world.

Then, finally, a single, concise word escaped my lips, uttered with a mix of awe, resignation, and pure anime-fan satisfaction:

"Damn."

Chapter 8: Chapter 8

"Damn"

I couldn't help myself. The word just slipped out as I watched them reveal their true forms. Wings, actual devil wings, and the power radiating from them was no joke. This was real. Everything from the anime was real, and I was sitting right in the middle of it.

Part of me wanted to geek out completely, but I kept my expression neutral. These weren't characters on a screen anymore—they were real devils with real power, and I needed to be smart about this. Still, I could feel something stirring inside me, responding to the supernatural energy in the room. My abilities were reacting to their presence.

The devils watched me with varying degrees of interest. Rias tilted her head, clearly expecting more than my understated reaction. Kiba's perpetual smile seemed strained at the edges. Koneko had stopped eating her chocolate entirely, golden eyes fixed on me with feline intensity. And Akeno—Akeno looked positively delighted by my composure.

"Indeed," Rias said, her voice carrying a note of genuine surprise. The display had been meant to intimidate, to establish dominance. My casual response had clearly thrown her off script. "Now that you understand what we are, Akira-kun, perhaps you'll be more forthcoming about last night's... incident."

I took another deliberate sip of tea, savoring both the flavor and the tension. Power dynamics were everything in negotiations, and showing fear now would set a precedent I couldn't afford. "It's not exactly a bedtime story, Rias-san," I said, setting the cup down with practiced care. "And it's definitely not something I go around discussing casually."

Her emerald eyes narrowed slightly. "Nevertheless, I'm listening."

"I have certain... abilities," I began, choosing each word like a chess move. "Enhanced physical capabilities, heightened reflexes, and something that allows me to combat supernatural threats effectively." I paused, letting my gaze sweep across each of them. "The stray devil discovered that firsthand."

Kiba leaned forward slightly. "That's rather vague. What kind of abilities are we talking about?"

I could see the skepticism in their eyes. Words weren't going to be enough here. "Perhaps a demonstration would be more convincing," I said, standing up slowly.

Before they could react, I let the transformation begin. My body shifted, muscles expanding and reshaping as golden fur with distinctive black rosette patterns spread across my skin. My face elongated slightly, canine teeth becoming more pronounced, and my eyes took on a feline intensity. Claws extended from my fingertips, and my overall build became more predatory—still humanoid, but clearly no longer entirely human.

The change was smooth, practiced. I'd been working on controlling this form since yesterday, and it felt natural now. I stood there in my leopard hybrid form, letting them take in the sight.

"This is what I used against the stray devil," I said, my voice carrying a slight growl. "Enhanced strength, speed, and reflexes. Along with some other... capabilities I'm still discovering."

The room had gone completely silent. Even Koneko had stopped chewing her chocolate, staring at me with wide golden eyes. Akeno's smile had frozen in place, and Kiba's perpetual politeness had cracked into genuine surprise.

Rias recovered first, her eyes sharp with interest. "Fascinating. That's definitely not a Sacred Gear."

I shifted back to my human form, the transformation flowing in reverse until I looked completely normal again. "Like I said, I'm still figuring out what exactly I am now."

"Interesting," Akeno murmured, her violet eyes studying me with newfound intensity. "And how did you acquire these abilities? Were you born with them?"

"I don't think so," I replied carefully. "They're... new. As for how—" I spread my hands, "—your guess is as good as mine. It just happened."

Rias exchanged glances with her peerage, some silent communication passing between them. "Akira-kun," she said slowly, "have you ever considered that you might not be entirely human?"

The question hit like a physical blow, even though I'd been expecting it. "What do you mean?"

"You could be a youkai," Koneko spoke up for the first time, her voice quiet but direct. "Half-youkai, perhaps. That would explain the sudden manifestation of supernatural abilities."

I felt my pulse quicken, but kept my voice steady. "I... I don't know about that. My parents never mentioned anything supernatural in our family history. As far as I know, I'm completely human." I paused, letting uncertainty creep into my tone. "But then again, these abilities did come out of nowhere. I honestly don't have answers."

"It's not uncommon for dormant supernatural bloodlines to awaken during times of stress or danger," Rias explained, her tone almost clinical. "The encounter with the stray devil could have been a trigger."

"Maybe," I conceded, though internally I was relieved they'd drawn their own conclusions. "But regardless of what I am or how I got these abilities, I need to learn to control them. And more importantly—" I met her gaze directly, "—I need to understand this world I've apparently stumbled into."

The room fell silent except for the soft rustle of Koneko unwrapping another piece of chocolate. I could feel their attention like a physical weight, four powerful beings reassessing everything they thought they knew about the human—or possibly not-human—who'd walked into their sanctuary.

"Which brings me to why I'm here," I continued. "Last night, I acted on instinct. A stray devil was hunting an innocent, and I intervened. But I understand that operating in your territory without permission is... problematic."

A ghost of a smile crossed Rias's lips. "Problematic is one word for it."

"I'm not looking for trouble," I said, my voice taking on a more serious tone. "I just want to live peacefully in this town. But if I'm going to have these abilities, I need to understand the rules. The players. The dangers. I could stumble around in the dark, but that would be dangerous for everyone involved."

Rias stood, her presence filling the room like a physical force. "Akira-kun, you've demonstrated considerable power, and your intentions seem genuine. I have a proposition for you."

I raised an eyebrow, waiting.

"Join my peerage," she said, her voice carrying the weight of authority. "Become my servant, and I can offer you protection, training, and all the knowledge you seek about the supernatural world. You would have a place among us, power beyond what you currently possess, and the backing of the Gremory family."

The offer hung in the air, tempting and dangerous in equal measure. I could feel the weight of their expectations, the assumption that any human would leap at the chance for such power and protection.

"I'm honored by the offer, Rias-san," I said carefully, "but I have to decline."

Surprise flickered across her features. "May I ask why?"

"Because I'm not looking for power or status," I replied honestly. "I don't want to be anyone's servant, no matter how benevolent they might be. I just want to live my life quietly, help people when I can, and stay out of supernatural politics." I paused, meeting her gaze steadily. "I won't cause trouble in this town. I'll respect your territory and authority. All I ask is to be left in peace."

Kiba laughed, a sound like silver bells. "How refreshingly honest. Most people would kill for such an opportunity."

"I'm not most people," I said simply.

Akeno's smile was pure intrigue. "How deliciously principled. But surely you understand the dangers of operating alone in our world?"

"I understand them better now than I did yesterday," I acknowledged. "But I'm still not interested in becoming a devil. I hope that doesn't make us enemies."

Rias studied me for a long moment, her crimson hair catching the afternoon light filtering through the windows. I could practically see her weighing options, calculating risks and benefits with the precision of someone born to command.

Finally, she smiled—not the polite mask she'd worn earlier, but something genuine and thoughtful. "Akira-kun, you continue to surprise me. Most humans who learn about devils either run screaming, beg for power, or accept any offer of protection we make." She glanced at her peerage before continuing. "You're choosing to walk a much more dangerous path."

"Maybe," I conceded. "But it's my path to walk."

"Very well," Rias said, extending her hand. "I respect your decision, even if I think it's unwise. Consider this a non-aggression pact. You stay out of devil business, respect our territory, and we won't interfere with your peaceful life. But—" her grip tightened slightly as I shook her hand, "—if you ever need help or change your mind about joining us, the offer remains open."

"Thank you," I said, meaning it. "I hope we can coexist peacefully."

As I shook her hand, I caught Akeno's amused expression, Kiba's approving nod, and even what might have been the ghost of a smile on Koneko's face. The Haetae within me settled into a watchful calm, recognizing that we'd found a delicate balance in this dangerous new world.

"I should probably get going," I said, glancing at the clock. "Thank you for the tea, and for... clarifying things."

"Of course," Rias replied graciously. "And Akira-kun? Be careful. The supernatural world is more dangerous than you might realize, especially for someone walking it alone."

I nodded, understanding the warning for what it was—both threat and genuine concern. "I'll keep that in mind."

As I gathered my things and headed for the door, I couldn't help but feel that this was just the beginning. I'd avoided entanglement for now, but in a world where devils walked among humans and power was everything, neutrality was a luxury I might not be able to afford for long.

Chapter 9: Chapter 9

3rd POV

The Occult Club fell in silence as Rias settled into her chair behind the desk. The tea Akeno had prepared sat cooling, untouched, as the Rias stared at the spot where Akira had stood just moments before.

"Well" Rias finally broke the silence, her voice in bewilderment "That was... unexpected"

"I found his response rather intriguing. It's been my first time seeing someone refuse a devil's offer with such... conviction" Akeno moved gracefully to refill the teacups, her usual serene smile tinged with something that might have been amusement.

"Intriguing?" Rias's brow furrowed as she finally reached for her tea "He just turned down protection, power, and a place in our family. After what Koneko and Kiba witnessed yesterday, he clearly understands the dangers of this world. Yet still"

Koneko turned slightly "Maybe he doesn't need our protection"

Kiba looked up with concern etched across his face "But that's exactly why we should be worried. He's capable, yes, but he's still human. Other factions won't ignore someone with that kind of power, especially if they learn he's unaffiliated."

"You think he's that strong, Yuuto?" Rias observed, studying her knight's expression.

"I don't know" Her knight replied carefully "Only time will tell. But leaving him completely alone feels like abandoning our responsibility to this territory."

Akeno's soft laugh drew their attention "Oh my, you're all so serious. Perhaps we should consider that his refusal says something about his character rather than his judgment" She took a delicate sip of her tea "Most people would leap at the chance to join us, especially after learning about the supernatural world. He is different"

"Different or dangerous?" Rias muttered, remembering their pleasant conversation at the manga shop just yesterday. She had genuinely enjoyed talking with him. The contrast between that normal interaction and his calm rejection of everything she represented left her feeling strangely off-balance.

"But what happens when his strength isn't enough?" Kiba pressed gently "What happens when someone stronger comes for him, or when he gets caught in the crossfire of our conflicts?"

Rias leaned back in her chair with a sigh "That's what troubles me most. I misjudged him completely. At the manga shop, he seemed passionate about stories. But today..." She shook her head. "Today he looked at me like he was seeing through every word I said"

"Maybe you're giving too much thought to it" Akeno added "You have to admit, Rias, our recruitment methods are rather... direct. 'Join us or face the supernatural world alone' isn't exactly a gentle approach."

"So, what do you suggest?" Rias asked, though she suspected she already knew the answer "We can't force him to accept my offer, but we can't ignore him either. Not when he's proven capable of handling threats in our territory"

Rias stood, moving to the window where Koneko had been standing moments before "There's something about him that I can't quite grasp"

As the sun set over Kuoh Academy, Rias Gremory found herself thinking of human as not someone she failed to recruit, but as someone who had walked away from everything she had to offer.

...

Akira's Pov

The familiar streets of Kuoh felt different somehow as I made my way home, each step echoing with the weight of decisions made and opportunities refused. The evening air carried the scent of grilled fish in the neighbourhood.

Did I make the right choice?

The question gnawed at me as I paused at a crosswalk, watching the signal change from red to green. Rias Gremory had offered me power, protection, a place to live at peace. And I'd walked away from it all without a second thought. Well, that wasn't entirely true – there had been plenty of thoughts, just none that led me to accept her offer.

I couldn't shake the image of her surprised expression when I'd refused. She probably wasn't used to people turning down immortality and supernatural abilities. To me, her offer was honest and too good like servitude wrapped in pretty promises.

My footsteps slowed as I turned onto a quieter side street, the distant hum of traffic fading into background noise. The gacha system had changed everything. It had given me a taste of real power, power that was mine alone, not borrowed or granted by some devil master. But it also left me with questions that seemed to multiply with each passing day.

Speaking of which...

I glanced around to make sure I was alone before speaking quietly.

"System, I need to know something. How do I get more tasks? More opportunities to earn gacha tickets?"

The familiar blue screen materialized in my vision, its soft glow barely visible in the dying light. Text appeared with that characteristic electronic hum:

...

[Task acquisition methods]

Defeat or engage strong individuals in combat- conditions: Sparring matches, self-defense situations, elimination of threats - Reward scaling based on opponent strength

...

I stopped walking entirely, staring at the message as its implications sank in

"So I need to fight people. Strong people" The words felt strange coming out of my mouth. A day ago, the most violent thing I'd done was eliminating a stray devil, which in itself a big feat that I can't believe yet.

The screen flickered, adding more text:

[Clarification: Non-lethal victories acceptable. System prioritizes growth through challenge, not destruction or massacre]

That was... somewhat reassuring. At least I wouldn't be forced to become a killer to progress. But it still meant I'd need to actively seek out conflicts with supernatural beings, and that brought me back to the Gremory peerage.

Koneko and Akeno.

They were the obvious choices. Kiba seemed decent enough, but something about the idea of meeting him alone in some secluded training ground made my skin crawl. Maybe it was the way he'd looked at me during the meeting – not hostile, exactly, kinda like…you understand, what I'm getting at.

Koneko, on the other hand, had barely spoken during the entire encounter. Her golden eyes had watched me with an intensity that suggested she was evaluating everything about me, but there was something almost... respectful in her silence. And from what I'd gathered, she valued strength and straightforward approaches.

Akeno was harder to read. That coy smile and her polite demeanour was like a curtain over something much more complex. But she'd seemed genuinely amused by my refusal, which suggested she might be open to an unconventional request.

I resumed walking, my mind racing through possibilities. How exactly did one ask a devil for a friendly sparring match? 'Hey, I know I just refused to join your group, but would you mind helping me test my abilities?' It sounded ridiculous even in my own head. But knowing their nature, it wouldn't be absurd, that they would accept it.

The street opened up into a small park, and I found myself drawn to an empty bench beneath a streetlamp. The weight of everything – the system, the supernatural world, the choices I was making – suddenly felt overwhelming. I sat down heavily, running a hand through my hair.

What am I doing?

The question hit me like a physical blow. Here I was, planning to challenge supernatural beings to fights, all for the sake of some mysterious gacha system that I didn't even fully understand. Was this really what I wanted? To spend my new life in this world constantly seeking out stronger opponents, collecting power like some kind of RPG character?

I leaned back against the bench, staring up at the stars visible through the city's light. Back in my old world, I'd dreamed of adventure, of being someone important, someone strong. But now that I was living it, the reality felt more complicated than any fantasy I'd ever imagined.

How much stronger do I even want to be?

The system could theoretically make me incredibly powerful – maybe even rival the strongest beings in this world. But power for what? To protect myself? To protect others? Or just because I could?

A cool breeze rustled the leaves above me, and I closed my eyes, trying to centre myself. The doubts were natural, I told myself. Anyone thrust into this situation would question their choices. But dwelling on the philosophical implications wouldn't change my circumstances.

I opened my eyes, my resolve hardening. The supernatural world was dangerous – yesterday's encounter with the stray devil had proven that. And like Rias and her peerage warned me, there were literal forces out there that could crush me without effort if they chose to. I couldn't afford to be weak, not when my very existence might put me in their crossfires.

For now, I just need to be strong enough to survive, and gain allies.

Strong enough to defend myself when running isn't an option. Strong enough to escape when fighting wasn't in my favour. Strong enough to have choices when others would have none.

I stood up from the bench, feeling some of the weight lift from my shoulders. The path ahead wasn't clear, but the next step was. I'd find a way to approach either Koneko or Akeno, and frame it as a learning experience or a test of my abilities.

If I was going to live in this world, I needed to understand my place in it – and that meant understanding exactly what I was capable of.

Rest of my walk, continued in contemplative silence, but my steps felt at ease now. I'd made my choice to refuse the devil's bargain, chose to live with its consequences, whether glorious or tragic.

The gacha system had given me a big leverage.

With the right approach, the right challenges, I would make best out of it. And maybe, just maybe, I'd find a way to carve a purposeful life in this supernatural world, that's entirely new to me.

Chapter 10: Chapter 10

The morning mist clung to the trees as I raised my hand, watching as droplets of water gathered in my palm. With a subtle shift of my fingers, the liquid began to dance, forming intricate patterns in the air before reshaping into a sphere of perfectly controlled water.

Three days.

I let the water splash to the ground, droplets scattering across the forest floor.

Three days of training with this power, and I still feel like I'm barely scratching the surface.

I stepped back, positioning myself in the center of the small clearing I'd claimed as my training ground. The early morning air was crisp, carrying the scent of dew and earth. Perfect conditions for practice, and more importantly, far from prying eyes.

I extended both hands, drawing moisture from the air and the nearby stream. The water responded to my will, rising in serpentine streams that coiled around my arms like liquid armor. This was the power of Haetae – not just water manipulation, but complete dominion over the element itself.

I thrust my right hand forward, sending a pressurized stream of water toward a thick oak tree. The impact left a deep gouge in the bark, water droplets still clinging to the splintered wood. The technique had taken me two full days to master, but now it felt as natural as breathing.

To face Akeno or Koneko, I needed to be ready for anything. The thought of challenging either devil still made me nervous. I'd spent the past few days weighing my options, and Akeno seemed like the more approachable choice. There was something about her composed demeanor that suggested she might actually enjoy an unconventional request.

But first, I needed to perfect my control. I closed my eyes, feeling for every water source within my range. The stream to my left, the moisture in the air, even the sap within the trees – all of it called to me. I'd discovered that the Haetae's power wasn't just about creating water from nothing; it was about commanding what already existed.

A barrier of water formed around me, rotating slowly as I practiced maintaining its integrity while moving. The technique required constant focus, but it would be essential against someone with Akeno's lightning-based attacks. Water might conduct electricity, but properly manipulated, it could also redirect and disperse electrical energy.

My phone buzzed, dragging me back to reality. School time. I dismissed the water barrier with a gesture, watching as the liquid flowed back toward the stream in perfectly controlled rivulets. The morning's training had left me feeling more confident, more prepared for what I was about to attempt.

Time to take the next step.

...

The school day passed in a blur of routine classes and half-hearted attention. I found myself sketching water patterns in my notebook margins, my mind focused on the conversation I planned to have after school. How exactly did one ask a devil for a sparring match? Especially after refusing to join their group just days earlier?

As the final bell rang, I made my way through the corridors toward the old school building. The Occult Research Club room seemed quieter than usual as I approached, but I could hear voices from within – Rias and Akeno, discussing what sounded like territory patrol schedules.

I knocked gently on the door frame before entering "Hope I'm not interrupting anything important"

"Akira?" Rias's expression shifted from mild annoyance to genuine surprise, then warmed considerably "What a pleasant surprise Please come in" She gestured to the couch across from her desk "You here, for manga discussions?"

"Actually" I stepped into the room, noting how Akeno's eyes followed my movement with that same calculating interest she'd shown during our first meeting "I was hoping we could talk about something else. Something that happened after our last meeting"

"Ara ara" Akeno's voice carried that familiar teasing lilt, but there was genuine curiosity underneath "You've certainly piqued my interest Akira-kun Please don't keep a lady waiting"

"You could say that" I moved to the center of the room, feeling the weight of their attention "I think I need to show you rather than tell you"

I raised my right hand, palm upward. Water began to form above my skin, pulled from the humidity in the air and the small glass of water on table. The liquid rose in a spiraling helix, shimmering as it caught the light. With a thought, I shaped it into a perfect sphere, then compressed it until it became dense enough to reflect their faces like a mirror.

Rias shot to her feet so quickly her chair scraped against the floor "Water manipulation?!" Her voice carried both amazement "Last time we met, you showed no signs of elemental control"

"That's exactly what I wanted to discuss" I added "This power, it manifested sometime after that fight. I've been practicing for the past few days, trying to understand how and why i got it"

Akeno leaned forward, and explained "Humans don't typically develop supernatural abilities spontaneously The trauma of supernatural exposure can sometimes unlock it but" She tilted her head, studying me like a particularly interesting specimen "The level of control you're displaying suggests it's an extension of your current sacred gear"

"My thoughts exactly" I had rehearsed this explanation during my walk to school "I think the exposure to demonic energy, the stress of combat might have awakened this ability in me"

Rias began pacing, her tactical mind clearly working through the implications "It's theoretically possible" she said, her voice taking on the tone of someone who'd spent years studying devil politics and supernatural phenomena "There are documented cases of humans manifesting abilities after traumatic events or supernatural encounters. But usually it's awakening of sacred gears, which is caused by trauma or pushed to their limits"

"Which brings me to my request" I took a breath, meeting Rias's gaze steadily "I need to test this power properly against someone who can push me to my limits and help me understand if it's all true or not"

The room fell silent. Akeno's cup paused halfway to her lips, while Rias's expression shifted from fascination to a curious one.

"You're asking for a sparring match" Rias said finally, her voice carrying a note of disbelief.

"I know it's unusual, especially after I refused your offer to join the peerage. But I need to understand these abilities and I can't do that fighting trees and rocks in the forest"

Akeno let out a soft chuckle "Ara ara how delightfully bold. Most humans would be trembling at the thought of facing a devil in combat. Yet here you are, So manly~" Her smile widened, revealing a hint of curiosity.

"I'm not asking for a fight to the death. Just a spar, to test my theory"

"You could be seriously hurt Or worse-" Rias said in concern.

"You're right, but" I countered "At least this way I'll learn something useful"

Akeno moved to stand beside Rias, her presence somehow both supportive and threatening "He does have a point, Rias" Her voice took on a more serious tone, though that dangerous undertone remained "I'm quite curious about these new abilities of his" She turned to me with that mysterious smile.

Rias was quiet for a long moment, her fingers drumming against her desk as she weighed the decision. When she finally spoke "If we do this, there will be strict rules. No killing techniques, no attacks, designed to cause permanent damage. The match continues until one party yields or unable to continue or I determine the risk of it has become too great"

"Agreed" I said immediately.

"And I will personally oversee every moment of this match" Rias continued, her tone brooking no argument "If I call for a halt, you both stop immediately with no exceptions"

"Of course"

Rias looked between us for a long moment, then sighed "Very well. Akeno, are you willing to accept this challenge?"

Akeno's smile turned positively wicked, and I caught a glimpse of the fallen angel's more dangerous nature "Oh my, I thought you'd never ask" She stretched languidly as she eyed me "It's been far too dull around here lately. A proper sparring match might be just what I need~"

Rias moved toward the door elegantly "There's a clearing behind the building that should provide adequate space and privacy. We begin immediately while I can still convince myself this isn't a terrible idea"

Sigh, It went better than I thought it would.