Chapter 11: Chapter 11
The clearing behind the old school building was larger than I'd expected, surrounded by tall trees that would provide natural cover from any curious onlookers. The late afternoon sun filtered through the canopy, casting dancing shadows across the grass as we took our positions.
Rias stood at the edge of the clearing, her crimson hair catching the light as she surveyed the makeshift arena. "Remember" she called out, her voice carrying the authority of someone used to being obeyed "This ends the moment I say it does"
It's not going to be a deadly match, after all my goal was to engage her in a spar, and for that, my newly acquired powers were enough to hold me for that.
I nodded, rolling my shoulders to loosen the tension that had been building since we'd left the clubroom. Across from me, Akeno stood with that same serene smile, but there was something predatory in her violet eyes now. The polite facade was still there, but underneath it, I could sense the fallen angel's true nature stirring.
"Ara ara, Akira-kun" she said, her voice carrying that musical quality that could make grown men weep "Are you certain about this? It's not too late to reconsider."
"I'm sure" I replied, raising my hands as moisture began to gather around my fingers. "Besides, I have a feeling you're going to enjoy this."
Her smile widened, revealing just a hint of something dangerous. "Oh my, you do know how to read people, don't you?"
Without warning, a crackling sound filled the air. Lightning danced between Akeno's fingers, arcing from one hand to the other in brilliant displays of barely controlled power. The hair on my arms stood on end as the electrical energy built, and I could taste ozone in the air.
"Begin!" Rias called out.
Akeno moved first, her hand extending toward me as a bolt of lightning shot across the clearing. I threw myself to the side, feeling the heat of the electrical discharge as it passed inches from my shoulder. The bolt struck a tree behind me, leaving a charred mark in the bark.
I rolled to my feet, already drawing water from the air around me. The moisture responded to my will, forming a protective barrier that rotated slowly around my body. It wouldn't stop a direct hit, but it might be enough to deflect some of the electrical energy.
"Impressive reflexes" Akeno noted, her voice carrying genuine approval. "But can you do more than just dodge?"
She raised both hands this time, and I could see the power building between her palms. Multiple bolts of lightning shot toward me in rapid succession, forcing me to abandon any thoughts of a purely defensive strategy.
I thrust my right hand forward, sending a pressurized stream of water toward her position. Akeno sidestepped gracefully, the water missing her by mere inches, but the distraction gave me the opening I needed. I pulled moisture from the nearby trees, the grass, even the air itself, forming three separate water projectiles that I launched from different angles.
Akeno's eyes widened slightly as she realized the complexity of the attack. Lightning crackled from her fingertips, intercepting two of the water streams, but the third caught her shoulder and sent her stumbling backward.
"Ara ara" she murmured, touching the damp spot on her uniform. "You're full of surprises, aren't you?"
"I'm just getting started," I replied, though I was already breathing harder than I'd expected. Controlling multiple water streams simultaneously was more taxing than I'd anticipated.
Akeno's expression shifted, becoming more focused. "In that case, I suppose I should stop holding back quite so much"
The air around her began to shimmer with electrical energy. This wasn't the controlled lightning she'd been using before – this was more serious power, though still restrained for a sparring match. Her fallen angel heritage was beginning to show through, and I could feel the weight of her presence pressing down on me.
Suddenly, the clearing was filled with brilliant cracking lightning.
I barely had time to reinforce my water barrier before the attack hit. The lightning struck my defenses like a sledgehammer, and I felt the shock travel through my body despite the protection. My barrier held, but just barely, and I could feel my control wavering.
The electrical energy coursed through the water, and while I managed to redirect some of it, the sheer power was overwhelming. I gritted my teeth, trying to maintain my footing as the attack dissipated.
Akeno murmured something, watching as I struggled to maintain my defenses "But let's see how long you can keep this up"
She rose into the air, her black fallen angel wings manifesting as she gained altitude. From above, she began raining down lightning bolts with methodical precision, each one aimed at a different part of the clearing. I found myself constantly moving, using my water manipulation to create temporary shields and barriers while looking for an opening.
But I was beginning to tire rapidly. The constant use of my abilities was draining, and Akeno showed no signs of slowing down. My movements were becoming sluggish, my water constructs less precise.
In desperation, I reached out to the stream running along the edge of the clearing. The water rose in a massive spiral, climbing toward where Akeno hovered. She saw it coming and easily dodged, but the effort of controlling that much water left me staggering.
"That's enough" Rias called out, her voice cutting through the sound of crackling electricity "The match is over"
Akeno descended gracefully, her wings folding back as she touched down. Despite the intensity of the fight, she looked barely winded, while I was breathing heavily and struggling to stay upright.
"Well fought, Akira-kun" she said, her voice carrying genuine respect despite my obvious defeat. "You lasted much longer than most humans would have"
I let the remaining water flow back toward the stream, my hands shaking slightly from exhaustion. "Thank you" I managed, though I couldn't help but feel frustrated by how quickly I'd been overwhelmed.
"Both of you fought well" Rias said, approaching us with a towel "Akira-kun, your control over water is remarkable for someone who's only been practicing for a few days. But Akeno is right – you showed impressive endurance."
"Though I have to admit" I said, accepting the towel gratefully "I'm not sure I could have kept that up much longer."
"Stamina comes with practice" Akeno said, smoothing down her uniform. "But your technique is already quite versatile. The way you managed multiple water constructs simultaneously was impressive"
"Thank you" I replied, though internally I was analyzing everything that had gone wrong. I'd relied too heavily on my water abilities and hadn't even considered using my leopard transformation. The enhanced speed and reflexes might have given me an edge, but I'd been so focused on testing my new power that I'd ignored my original abilities entirely.
"Akira-kun" Rias said carefully "I have to ask – have you experienced any other new abilities ? Any other powers manifesting?"
I met her gaze steadily, keeping my expression neutral. "No, just the water manipulation. Though I'm still learning its limits, as you can see."
"I see" she said, though something in her tone suggested she wasn't entirely convinced. "Well, regardless, what you've shown today is impressive. The offer to join my peerage remains open, especially now that we've seen what you're capable of"
"I appreciate that" I said "but my answer hasn't changed. I'm still not interested in becoming anyone's servant"
Akeno tilted her head, studying me with those violet eyes. "Even after experiencing how outmatched you were? Surely you can see the benefits of having allies in this world."
"I can see the benefits" I admitted. "But I can also see the costs. I'd rather face the dangers as myself than surrender my freedom for protection"
"Even if that choice might get you killed?" Rias asked, her voice carrying genuine concern.
I was quiet for a moment, considering my words. "Maybe. But at least it would be my choice to make."
As we walked back toward the school building, I couldn't shake the feeling that this sparring match had revealed more than just my limitations. It had shown me exactly how much I still had to learn, and how dangerous it was to rely on a single ability.
The blue screen materialized in my vision as we reached the building, confirming what I'd hoped despite my defeat.
[Task Complete: Engage in combat with a supernatural opponent] [Reward: 1x Rank 2 Gacha Ticket]
I dismissed the notification quickly, making sure neither Rias nor Akeno noticed my momentary distraction. The system had rewarded me for the attempt, not the victory – which was good, because victory hadn't been an option today.
But next time would be different. I'd learned valuable lessons about pacing, about using all my abilities instead of just the flashy new ones, and about the importance of strategy over raw power.
The path forward was becoming clearer, but so were the challenges that lay ahead. In this world of devils and angels, power was everything – and I was quickly learning that I had a long way to go before I could truly stand on equal footing with beings like Akeno.
The question was: would the next gacha pull give me the tools I needed to bridge that gap?
Later that evening - Akira's Room
I sat on the edge of my bed, staring at the blue screen that hovered in front of me. The gacha ticket icon pulsed gently, waiting for my selection. My body still ached from the sparring match with Akeno, a constant reminder of how thoroughly I'd been outclassed.
"Alright" I muttered, flexing my sore fingers. "Let's see what you've got for me this time"
I mentally selected the ticket, and the system responded with the now-familiar elaborate animation. Golden light spiraled across the screen, mystical symbols spinning in complex patterns. The ceremony felt more significant this time, perhaps because I understood better what I was lacking.
The light faded, revealing my reward in bold text:
[REWARD OBTAINED: Water Stream Rock Smashing Fist - One Punch Man]
I blinked, reading the notification again. Then a slow smile spread across my face.
"Water Stream Rock Smashing Fist" I whispered, the name rolling off my tongue like a mantra. "Bang's martial arts style"
The knowledge flowed into me like water finding its course. Not just the techniques, but the philosophy behind them. The way to read an opponent's movements, to redirect their force, to turn their own strength against them. It was more than just a fighting style – it was a complete combat system designed around fluid motion and perfect technique.
I stood up, my body moving almost on its own as muscle memory that wasn't mine began to assert itself. My stance shifted, feet positioning themselves at precise angles, hands moving in graceful arcs that seemed to follow invisible currents in the air.
"This is..." I paused, throwing a slow-motion punch that felt impossibly smooth and controlled. "This is exactly what I needed"
The sparring match with Akeno played through my mind again, but this time I could see all the openings I'd missed, all the wasted movements, all the times I'd used brute force when technique would have been more effective. With this martial arts style, I wouldn't just be throwing water around randomly – I'd be weaponizing it with centuries of refined combat knowledge.
More importantly, Water Stream Rock Smashing Fist was designed to let a weaker fighter defeat a stronger opponent through superior technique. It was the perfect complement to my current abilities, especially if I was going to keep refusing offers of supernatural power-ups.
I moved through a basic kata, my movements becoming more confident with each repetition. The style felt natural, as if my body had been designed for it. Every motion flowed seamlessly into the next, creating a continuous stream of potential attacks and defenses.
"Next time" I said to myself, practicing a deflection technique that could redirect lightning just as easily as a physical blow, "Next time, it will be different"
The blue screen flickered, displaying additional information:
[Technique Integration Complete] [Synergy Detected: Water Stream Rock Smashing Fist Haetae Water Manipulation] [New Combination Techniques Available]
I raised an eyebrow at that. "Combination techniques?"
Images flashed through my mind – ways to integrate my water manipulation with the martial arts style. Water whips that followed the flowing movements of the fist techniques. Defensive barriers that moved like liquid kata. Redirection techniques that could turn an opponent's elemental attack back on them with devastating precision.
"Oh" I breathed, understanding dawning. "This isn't just about fighting better. This is about fighting smarter"
I spent the next hour practicing in my room, moving through forms that felt both ancient and perfectly natural. By the time I finally collapsed back onto my bed, I was exhausted but exhilarated.
For the first time since arriving in this world, I felt like I had a real chance. Not just to survive, but to thrive. The devils might have raw power, but now I had something they couldn't easily counter – perfect technique backed by supernatural ability.
"Akeno" I murmured, staring up at the ceiling with a determined smile. "I think I owe you a rematch"
...
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Enjoy!
Chapter 12: Chapter 12
I stood at the wrought iron gates of what could only be described as a mansion, my neck craned back as I tried to take in the full scope of the building before me.
The structure was a masterpiece of classical architecture, with white marble columns, ornate balconies, and perfectly manicured gardens that seemed to stretch on forever. It was the kind of place that made you instinctively check if your shoes were clean enough to walk on the driveway.
"Rias," I said, turning to the crimson-haired devil beside me, "why exactly are we here?"
She smiled that enigmatic smile of hers, the one that usually meant she was about to spring something on me that I wouldn't see coming. "I'd like to introduce you to someone who could help you understand more about your sacred gear."
I felt my stomach drop slightly. "I thought we agreed to keep that between us? I trusted you and your peerage enough to tell you about it, but I don't want too many people knowing about my abilities."
"Don't worry," Rias said, her smile growing warmer and more reassuring. "The person I'm going to introduce you to would be the last to reveal your secret to anyone."
"The way you framed that sounds kind of scary," I said, though I couldn't help but grin at her choice of words.
"Oh, you'll understand what I mean soon enough," she laughed, gesturing toward the mansion. "Come on, let's go in."
As we walked up the marble steps, I found myself marveling at the sheer elegance of everything around us. The garden was perfectly maintained, with roses that seemed to bloom in impossible colors and fountains that played classical melodies in the sound of their water. Even the air felt different here – cleaner, somehow more refined.
"This place is incredible," I said, running my hand along the smooth balustrade. "Who owns it?"
"Someone with very particular tastes," Rias replied, her voice carrying a hint of amusement. "She's been on vacation here on Earth for a while now, though her idea of a vacation is quite different from most people's."
"She?" I asked, curiosity getting the better of me.
"Mmm," Rias hummed, glancing at me sideways. "Tell me, Akira-kun, what do you think of our friendship so far?"
The question caught me off guard. "Our friendship?"
"Yes," she said, slowing her pace as we approached the main entrance. "I know you've been hesitant to get too close to devils, and I understand why. But I want you to know that I value what we've built together. You're not just someone I'm trying to recruit anymore – you're someone I genuinely care about."
I felt something warm settle in my chest at her words. "I... I value our friendship too, Rias. You and your peerage have been the closest thing to family I've had since arriving in this world."
"Good," she said, her smile becoming more genuine. "Because the person we're about to meet – she's very important to me. And I think she could be important to you too, in her own way."
The massive oak doors opened before we could knock, revealing an interior that was somehow even more impressive than the exterior. Crystal chandeliers hung from vaulted ceilings, and tapestries that looked like they belonged in a museum adorned the walls. Our footsteps echoed softly on the polished marble floors as Rias led me through corridors lined with priceless artwork.
"The person we're meeting," I said as we climbed a grand staircase, "they're connected to the supernatural world, I assume?"
"Very much so," Rias confirmed. "Though perhaps not in the way you might expect."
We stopped in front of an ornate door decorated with intricate carvings of roses and what looked like family crests. Rias raised her hand to knock, then called out instead: "I'm coming in!"
The door swung open, and I followed Rias into what appeared to be a luxurious sitting room. Sunlight streamed through tall windows, illuminating comfortable furniture and more artwork that probably cost more than most people's houses. But my attention was immediately drawn to the young woman sitting gracefully on a velvet sofa.
She appeared to be around twenty years old, with a soft, kind expression that somehow reminded me of Rias despite their features being quite different. Her droopy eyes gave her a gentle, almost sleepy appearance, and her crimson hair was tied back in a ponytail that somehow managed to look both elegant and casual. What I definitely noticed – and tried not to stare at – was her rather impressive figure, which her flowing dress did little to conceal.
"Rias, darling!" the woman exclaimed, rising from her seat with a bright smile. "You didn't tell me you were bringing such a handsome young man with you!"
"Grandmother," Rias said, her voice carrying a mixture of affection and mild exasperation, "this is Akira, the one I told you about."
I felt my brain short-circuit for a moment. "Grandmother?" I looked between them, trying to process what I'd just heard. "But she looks..."
"Oh my, how sweet!" the woman laughed, clapping her hands together delightedly. "It's been so long since someone was confused about my age. I'm Chysis Gremory, dear. Rias's grandmother."
"Chysis Gremory," I repeated, still trying to wrap my head around the situation. "You're..."
"A very old devil who happens to look quite young, yes," Chysis said with a wink. "One of the perks of our nature. Though I must say, Rias described you perfectly. You're exactly as polite and good-looking as she said."
I felt heat rise in my cheeks. "Thank you, Lady Gremory. It's an honor to meet you."
"Oh, just Chysis is fine, dear," she said, waving her hand dismissively. "Lady Gremory makes me sound so formal. Now, please, both of you sit down. I've had tea prepared, and I'm absolutely dying to hear more about this sacred gear of yours."
As I settled into one of the plush armchairs, I couldn't help but notice how different Chysis was from what I'd expected. There was something almost motherly about her presence, warm and welcoming in a way that made me feel instantly at ease despite the opulent surroundings.
"So," Chysis said, pouring tea from an ornate silver set, "Rias tells me you've been having some interesting developments with your abilities. Water manipulation, was it?"
"Among other things," I said carefully, accepting the delicate china cup she offered. "Though I'm still learning about the full extent of what I can do."
"Mmm," Chysis hummed, settling back into her seat. "Sacred gears are fascinating things, especially the more unusual ones. The fact that yours seems to be evolving is particularly interesting."
"Evolving?" I asked, glancing at Rias.
"Well, from what Rias described, you started with one ability and then gained another quite suddenly," Chysis explained. "That's not entirely uncommon, but it usually indicates that your sacred gear is responding to your experiences and growth as a person."
I thought back to the gacha system and the rewards I'd been receiving. If only she knew how right she was, though not in the way she imagined.
"The question is," Chysis continued, "whether you're interested in understanding more about what you might be capable of. Because if you are, I might be able to help with that."
"What kind of help?" I asked, though I was genuinely curious despite my wariness.
"Well, I've been alive for a very long time," Chysis said with a gentle smile. "I've seen many sacred gears in my years, and I've learned quite a bit about how they work. More importantly, I could teach you some techniques for controlling and focusing your power that might be useful."
"Without trying to recruit me into anything?" I asked, raising an eyebrow.
Chysis laughed, a sound that was both elegant and genuinely amused. "Oh my, no. I'm far too old to be interested in building a peerage, dear. I'm on vacation, remember? This would just be one supernatural being helping another."
I found myself relaxing despite my usual caution. There was something about Chysis that felt trustworthy, perhaps because she seemed to genuinely care about Rias and, by extension, the people Rias cared about.
"Besides," she added with a mischievous glint in her eye, "I have a feeling you might be able to help me with something as well."
"Oh?" I asked, curious.
"I've been on vacation here in Kuoh for a while now," Chysis explained, "but I haven't really had the chance to explore properly. All my servants are so... formal. They show me the tourist attractions and famous landmarks, but they don't really know how to have fun, you know?"
I raised an eyebrow. "And you think I do?"
"Well, you're a young man who actually lives here," she said with a warm smile. "You'd know all the interesting places, the good restaurants, the hidden spots that tourists never find. Plus, Rias speaks very highly of you – she says you have a good sense of humor and know how to enjoy life despite everything you've been through."
"Wonderful!" Chysis clapped her hands together. "Then perhaps we could make an arrangement. I help you understand your abilities better, and you help me experience Kuoh the way a local would. What do you say?"
I looked at Rias, who was watching our interaction with an expression of fond amusement. "What do you think?"
"I think," Rias said, "that this could be exactly what you need. Grandmother has more experience with sacred gears than almost anyone, and she's not affiliated with any of the major factions. You couldn't ask for a more neutral teacher."
"And the last to reveal your secrets," I said, remembering her earlier words.
"Precisely," Chysis said with a warm smile. "I'm far too old to be interested in political games, dear. Your secrets would be safe with me."
I considered the offer, weighing the potential benefits against the risks. Finally, I nodded. "Alright. I'd like that."
"Excellent!" Chysis stood up, suddenly looking more energetic. "In that case, perhaps we could start with you showing me around Kuoh properly? I'd love to see the town through the eyes of someone who actually lives here."
I looked at Rias, who was watching our interaction with an expression of fond amusement. "What do you think?"
"I think," Rias said, "that this could be exactly what you need. Grandmother has more experience with sacred gears than almost anyone, and she's not affiliated with any of the major factions. You couldn't ask for a more neutral teacher."
"And I get to explore Kuoh like a local instead of being dragged to boring historical sites," Chysis added with a laugh. "It sounds like a perfect arrangement to me."
I found myself smiling at the enthusiasm in her voice. "Alright then. I'd be happy to show you around town. I know Kuoh pretty well - all the good restaurants, the quiet spots where you can actually relax, and the places that most tourists never think to visit."
"Perfect!" Chysis clapped her hands together. "I knew you'd be exactly what I needed. My servants keep taking me to all the 'proper' places - museums, temples, official landmarks. But I want to experience the real Kuoh, the places where people actually live and enjoy themselves."
As we made our way back toward the main sitting room, I couldn't help but feel that this unexpected meeting might be exactly what I needed. Not just for understanding my abilities, but for finding a sense of belonging in this strange new world.
And if I could show someone as kind as Chysis around my adopted home of Kuoh, well, that sounded like it could be genuinely enjoyable too.
Chapter 13: Chapter 13
The next morning, I found myself standing outside the mansion gates once again, though this time I felt considerably more relaxed about the visit. Chysis had insisted on meeting early, claiming she wanted to make the most of the day, and I had to admit I was looking forward to showing her around Kuoh.
The massive front doors opened before I could knock, revealing Chysis in a surprisingly casual outfit – a simple white blouse and dark jeans that somehow still managed to look elegant on her. Her crimson hair was loose today, falling in gentle waves past her shoulders.
"Akira-kun!" she called out cheerfully, practically bouncing on her feet. "I've been looking forward to this all morning. I even dismissed my usual entourage for the day so we could have a proper adventure."
"Your entourage?" I asked, raising an eyebrow.
"Oh, you know – bodyguards, assistants, the usual group of people who follow important devils around," she said with a wave of her hand. "They mean well, but they have this annoying habit of making everything feel like a formal state visit. Today, I want to be just a regular person exploring the town."
I couldn't help but smile at her enthusiasm. "Well then, just a regular person it is. Though I should warn you – some of the places I want to show you aren't exactly... luxurious."
"Even better!" Chysis clapped her hands together. "I've been surrounded by luxury for centuries. I want to see how normal people live and enjoy themselves."
We started our tour at the local shopping district, walking down the busy streets as the morning crowd went about their daily routines. I noticed how Chysis's eyes seemed to take in everything – the small shops, the street vendors, the way people interacted with each other.
"It's so vibrant," she murmured, watching a group of elderly women chatting animatedly outside a traditional sweets shop. "Everyone seems so... connected to each other."
"It's one of the things I like about Kuoh," I said, guiding her toward a small café I'd discovered a few weeks ago. "It's big enough to have interesting places, but small enough that you start recognizing faces after a while."
The café was tucked between a bookstore and a flower shop, its exterior modest but inviting. I held the door open for Chysis, who peered inside with obvious curiosity.
"This is adorable," she said, taking in the mismatched furniture and hand-painted signs. "And it smells amazing."
We settled into a corner booth, and I watched Chysis's face light up as she examined the simple menu written on a chalkboard. "What do you recommend?"
"The owner makes the best coffee in town," I said, "and her pastries are all homemade. Nothing fancy, but everything's made with care."
When the elderly owner approached our table, Chysis surprised me by bowing politely and greeting her in perfectly polite Japanese. The woman's face broke into a delighted smile, and they chatted for several minutes about the café, the neighborhood, and Chysis's "visit from out of town."
"She's lovely," Chysis said after the owner had left to prepare our order. "So genuine and warm. You can tell she really cares about this place."
"That's exactly why I wanted to bring you here," I said. "This is what real Kuoh feels like – not the tourist attractions or the famous landmarks, but the places where people put their hearts into what they do."
Our conversation was interrupted by the arrival of our coffee and pastries, and I watched with amusement as Chysis took her first sip of the simple café coffee. Her eyes widened slightly, and she set the cup down with a look of genuine surprise.
"This is incredible," she said. "I've had coffee prepared by professional chefs, but this... this has something they don't."
"Passion," I suggested. "She's been running this place for twenty years, and she still gets excited about trying new blends."
"Passion," Chysis repeated thoughtfully. "Yes, that's exactly it. It's the same thing I sensed about you yesterday – you have passion for the things you care about. It's quite rare, especially in our world."
After the café, I led her through the quieter residential areas, pointing out the small neighborhood shrines, the community gardens maintained by local volunteers, and the tiny parks where children played while their parents chatted. Chysis absorbed it all with the fascination of someone experiencing a completely different way of life.
"In the underworld," she said as we sat on a bench overlooking a small pond where an elderly man was feeding ducks, "everything is about power and position. Even our leisure activities are usually political in some way. But this... this is just people living their lives."
"Is that why you're on vacation here?" I asked. "To get away from all the politics?"
Chysis was quiet for a moment, watching the ducks paddle around the pond. "Partly, yes. But also because I wanted to remember what it feels like to be around people who aren't trying to gain something from me. In the underworld, everyone wants something – power, connections, favors. Here, that old woman in the café just wanted to serve us good coffee and maybe share a pleasant conversation."
"And now?" I asked. "Are you finding what you were looking for?"
She turned to look at me, and I was surprised by the depth of emotion in her eyes. "More than I expected, actually. Rias was right about you – you're quite remarkable, Akira-kun. Not just because of your abilities, but because of who you are as a person."
I felt heat rise in my cheeks. "I'm not that special. I'm just trying to find my place in this world."
"That's exactly what makes you special," Chysis said with a gentle smile. "You could have accepted any number of offers for power or protection, but you chose to forge your own path. That takes courage, especially when you're facing the kind of dangers that exist in our world."
We spent the rest of the afternoon exploring more of Kuoh – the local library where I'd spent countless hours reading about supernatural lore, the small ramen shop where the owner remembered everyone's favorite orders, the hill behind the school where you could see the entire town spread out below.
As the sun began to set, we found ourselves back at the same hill, sitting on the grass and looking out over the lights beginning to twinkle in the distance.
"Thank you," Chysis said softly. "This has been one of the most enjoyable days I've had in a very long time."
"Thank you for letting me show you around," I replied. "It's been nice seeing Kuoh through fresh eyes. Sometimes you forget to appreciate the things you see every day."
"Speaking of appreciation," Chysis said, turning to face me more fully, "I meant what I said yesterday about helping you understand your abilities. When would you like to start?"
I considered the question. "Honestly? As soon as possible. The sparring match with Akeno showed me how much I still have to learn."
"Excellent," Chysis said, standing up and brushing grass from her jeans. "Then how about we begin tomorrow? I have some exercises that should help you understand the deeper nature of your sacred gear."
"What kind of exercises?" I asked, getting to my feet as well.
"The kind that will challenge you in ways you haven't been challenged before," she said with a mysterious smile. "But don't worry – I promise they won't be anything you can't handle. After all, I've seen what you're capable of when you put your mind to it."
As we walked back toward the mansion, I couldn't help but feel that this unexpected friendship with Chysis was going to be more important than I'd initially realized.
...
The next morning.
Chysis was waiting for me in the garden, dressed in what looked like training attire – a simple black outfit that allowed for easy movement. Her crimson hair was pulled back in a practical ponytail, and there was a different energy about her today. Less vacation-goer, more teacher.
"Good morning, Akira-kun," she said with a warm smile. "I hope you're ready for something different than yesterday's leisurely tour."
"I'm ready," I said, though I wasn't entirely sure what to expect. "What exactly are we going to be doing?"
"First, we're going to properly assess what you're working with," Chysis explained, gesturing toward an area of the garden that had been cleared of its usual decorative elements. "Rias told me about your water manipulation, but she also mentioned you have other abilities. I want to see everything."
I hesitated for a moment. I'd been careful about revealing the full extent of my powers, but if Chysis was going to help me, she needed to know what she was working with.
"Everything?" I asked.
"Everything," she confirmed. "I can't help you reach your potential if I don't know what that potential actually is."
I took a deep breath and nodded. "Alright. Water manipulation first, then."
I extended my senses toward the nearby fountain, drawing the water up in a smooth column that twisted and shaped itself according to my will. I formed it into various shapes – spheres, spirals, even a rough approximation of a bird in flight.
"Good control," Chysis murmured, walking around me as I worked. "Your technique is quite refined. Now, what else?"
I let the water return to the fountain and took another deep breath. "This might be a bit more... dramatic."
I closed my eyes and felt for that familiar warmth in my chest, the power that had been with me since I first arrived in this world. The transformation began slowly at first – my senses sharpening, my muscles becoming more defined, spotted patterns appearing on my skin.
When I opened my eyes, I could see everything with perfect clarity. Chysis's heartbeat, the way the morning light filtered through the trees, the small movements of insects in the grass. My body felt coiled with potential energy, ready to spring into action at a moment's notice.
"Ara ara," Chysis breathed, her eyes wide with genuine surprise. "A leopard transformation. How fascinating."
"It's not a complete transformation," I explained, my voice carrying a slight growl. "More like... enhanced physical abilities. Increased speed, strength, reflexes, and senses."
"Show me," she said, backing away to give me more space.
I moved, and even I was impressed by how fluid it felt. I crossed the garden in what felt like a single bound, my movements silent despite the speed. I scaled the wall of the mansion effortlessly, my enhanced grip allowing me to find purchase on seemingly smooth surfaces.
"Remarkable," Chysis said as I dropped back down to the ground. "The combination of enhanced physical abilities and water manipulation... that's quite versatile."
"That's what I thought," I said, allowing the transformation to fade. "But I'm still learning how to use them together effectively."
"Well, that's what we're here for," Chysis said, clapping her hands together. "Let's start with the basics. Transform again, but this time, try to maintain your water manipulation while in that state."
I shifted back into my leopard form and reached out toward the fountain. The water responded, but it felt different somehow – more aggressive, more primal. Instead of the smooth, controlled streams I usually created, the water moved in sharp, predatory patterns.
"Interesting," Chysis observed. "Your transformation doesn't just affect your physical abilities – it changes how you express your other powers as well. The water is responding to your more animalistic instincts."
"Is that bad?" I asked, watching the water spiral in increasingly complex hunting patterns.
"Not bad at all," she said with a smile. "Just different. Now, let's see how well you can combine them in combat."
Without warning, Chysis raised her hand and a bolt of crimson lightning shot toward me. My enhanced reflexes kicked in, and I dove to the side while simultaneously pulling water from the fountain to form a barrier. The lightning struck the water shield, but instead of dissipating harmlessly, it seemed to energize the water somehow.
"Don't just defend," Chysis called out, already preparing another attack. "Use both abilities together!"
I pushed off from the ground, my leopard form propelling me forward with incredible speed. As I moved, I shaped the water around me into sharp projectiles, launching them at Chysis while closing the distance between us.
She deflected the water attacks with casual gestures, but I could see her eyes tracking my movements with genuine interest. "Better! But you're still thinking of them as separate abilities. They should flow together naturally."
Another bolt of lightning, this one aimed at where I would be rather than where I was. I twisted in mid-air, using my enhanced agility to change direction, but the attack still caught my shoulder. The electrical shock sent me tumbling, but I managed to roll with the impact and come up in a crouch.
"Again," Chysis said, not giving me time to recover. "And this time, stop thinking so much!"
I growled, a sound that was more animal than human, and let my instincts take over. Instead of trying to plan my attacks, I simply moved. Water flowed around me like liquid muscle, extending my reach and amplifying my strikes. When I leaped, streams of water propelled me further and faster. When I landed, water cushioned my impact and immediately reformed into offensive shapes.
"Yes!" Chysis exclaimed, dodging a particularly creative combination of claws and water whips. "That's exactly what I wanted to see!"
For the next hour, she pushed me harder than anyone had before. Not just physically, but mentally and emotionally. She forced me to react without thinking, to trust in the synergy between my abilities rather than trying to control every aspect of the fight.
By the time she finally called a halt, I was exhausted but exhilarated. My leopard form faded as I collapsed to the ground, breathing heavily.
"Excellent work," Chysis said, offering me a towel. "You have incredible potential, Akira-kun. The way your abilities complement each other is quite remarkable."
"It felt... different," I admitted, accepting the towel gratefully. "More natural, somehow."
"That's because you stopped trying to use them as separate tools and started letting them work as parts of a whole," she explained. "Your leopard form enhances your instincts, and your water manipulation responds to those instincts. When you combine them properly, they create something greater than the sum of their parts."
"Is that why you wanted me to stop thinking so much?"
"Exactly," Chysis nodded. "Overthinking creates barriers between different aspects of your power. When you trust your instincts, those barriers disappear."
She sat down beside me on the grass, her expression becoming more serious. "But there's something else I want to discuss. Your abilities... they're not typical of any sacred gear I've encountered before."
I felt a chill run down my spine. "What do you mean?"
"Sacred gears usually have a specific theme or focus," she explained. "But yours seem to be a collection of different powers that happen to work well together. That's... unusual."
"Is that bad?"
"Not bad, necessarily. But it suggests that whatever gave you these abilities is either very ancient or very unusual. Have you had any strange dreams lately? Any visions or voices you can't explain?"
I thought about the gacha system, but there was no way I could explain that without sounding completely insane. "Nothing like that. The abilities just... appeared when I needed them."
"Hmm," Chysis murmured, clearly not entirely satisfied with my answer. "Well, regardless of their origin, we need to make sure you can use them effectively. I want to see you again tomorrow, and this time we'll work on more advanced combinations."
"More advanced?"
"Much more advanced," she said with a smile that was both promising and slightly terrifying. "Today was just the beginning, Akira-kun. If you're going to survive in this world as an independent player, you need to be able to hold your own against opponents much stronger than yourself."
As I prepared to leave, Chysis handed me a small crystal that seemed to pulse with its own internal light.
"Practice with this," she said. "Try to maintain both your transformation and your water manipulation while you carry it. It will help you build the stamina needed for extended combat" Chysis said with a mischievous smile "The best training happens when you're not thinking about it as training."
As I walked back toward town, the crystal tucked safely in my pocket, I couldn't help but feel that this was just the beginning. Chysis had shown me possibilities I'd never considered, ways to combine my abilities that felt more natural than anything I'd tried before.
Chapter 14: Chapter 14
Seven days had passed since Chysis began my training, and the difference was remarkable.
Every day I pushed my limits under her watchful eye. What had started as clumsy attempts to combine my leopard transformation with water manipulation had evolved into something that felt as natural as breathing. It was a progress.
The breakthrough had come on the third day, when Chysis had me practice while blindfolded.
"Stop trying to control everything" she'd said, her voice calm but firm "Let your instincts guide the water, let your transformation blend well with your mind and ability" When I'd finally managed to maintain both abilities simultaneously for, the pride in her eyes had been worth every moment of frustration.
Now, as I walked through the quiet morning streets toward Kuoh Academy, I could feel the subtle change in my body.
I paused at a small fountain in the town square, extending my senses toward the water while allowing the familiar warmth of transformation to flow through me.
Without conscious thought, streams of water rose from the fountain, moving in complex patterns that mirrored the fluid. This was what I'd been missing during my spar with Akeno – the proper integration of my abilities. Otherwise, I would have defeated her for sure.
The past week hadn't just been about training, though.
Chysis had an... interesting way of showing appreciation. My apartment was now filled with expensive clothes I'd never asked for, gourmet food that probably cost more than my monthly rent, and enough high-end electronics to stock a small store.
Every time I protested, she'd wave off my concerns with a casual "What good is money if you can't spend it on people, you care about?"
The generosity was overwhelming, but I'd learned to accept it gracefully. Chysis seemed to genuinely enjoy spoiling people, and rejecting her gifts only made her more determined to find something I couldn't refuse.
I let the water settle back into the fountain and continued toward school, my mind already shifting to the reason for this early morning trip. Rias had sent a message through Koneko the previous evening, asking me to meet her at the academy before classes started. The tone had been formal, almost businesslike, which usually meant something important was happening, fallen angels? Issei? Only way to know, is to meet her in person.
As I walked, my thoughts drifted to the other project I'd been working on in secret. The Water Stream Rock Smashing Fist – a martial arts technique I'd been developing during my late-night training sessions in the woods.
The technique blended well with my arsenal of abilities, the concept was sound: using water manipulation to create devastating pressure waves while my leopard form provided the speed and precision necessary for the complex movements.
The problem was finding time to practice without alerting the devils to my expanding skills. They already knew about my water manipulation and transformation – adding a martial arts technique to the mix might raise uncomfortable questions about where I was learning these abilities. It has raised enough attention in one faction.
I'd have to be careful. Find isolated places, practice during off-hours, maybe even—
A gentle tap on my shoulder interrupted my thoughts. I turned around, expecting to see a classmate or perhaps a stranger, but instead found myself face-to-face with a young woman who immediately caught my attention.
She was petite, probably around my age, with long blonde hair that fell in gentle waves past her shoulders. Her eyes were a striking shade of green, wide and expressive, with an innocent quality that seemed almost luminous in the morning light. But what really stood out was her attire – a traditional nun's habit in pristine white and black, complete with a white veil that framed her delicate features.
She was clutching a well-worn leather suitcase in one hand, and when she spoke, her voice was soft and melodious, though heavily accented with what sounded like Italian English.
"Excuse me" she said, bowing politely in a way that seemed both formal and genuinely respectful "I am... how do you say... lost? I am looking for the church, but I cannot find it. Could you perhaps... help me?"
Her broken English was endearing, and there was something about her presence that felt different from the other supernatural beings I'd encountered. Not powerful or dangerous, but... pure, somehow. Like she carried light with her wherever she went.
"Of course" I said, offering what I hoped was a reassuring smile "Are you looking for the main church in town? It's a bit tricky to find if you don't know the area"
Her face lit up with relief and gratitude. "Yes, yes! The main church. I am supposed to meet someone there, but..." She gestured helplessly at the unfamiliar streets around us "Everything looks so different from what I expected."
I glanced at my watch. I still had time before my meeting with Rias, and this girl clearly needed help. Besides, something about her made me want to ensure she reached her destination safely.
"I can show you the way," I offered. "It's not far, just a few blocks from here. I'm Akira, by the way"
"Oh!" She bowed again, deeper this time. "Thank you so much! I am Asia. Asia Argento. It is very kind of you to help me find the way"
...
As we continued walking toward the church, Asia began to open up more, her initial shyness giving way to genuine curiosity about her surroundings. She asked questions about the shops we passed, the people we saw, and the general culture of Japan. Her enthusiasm was infectious, and I found myself enjoying her company more than I'd expected.
"This is my first time leaving Italy" she admitted as we paused at a crosswalk. "Everything is so different here. The buildings, the people, even the air feels different."
"Italy must be beautiful," I said, watching as she carefully observed the morning commuters hurrying past us. "What part are you from?"
"A small town near Vatican City," she replied, her voice taking on a wistful quality. "It was... quiet. Very different from this."
There was something in her tone that made me glance at her more carefully. Despite her obvious wonder at the new environment, there was an underlying tension in her posture, a wariness that seemed at odds with her innocent demeanor.
"And you said you're here for church work?" I asked, trying to keep my tone casual.
"Yes," she said, her grip tightening on her suitcase. "I have... special abilities that can help people. Healing abilities. The Church thought I could be of use here."
My blood ran cold. Healing abilities. Blonde hair, green eyes, a nun's habit, and that particular combination of innocence and hidden sadness...
Asia Argento. The exiled nun with Twilight Healing.
The realization hit me like a physical blow, and I had to force myself to keep walking normally. I knew this story. I knew exactly what was supposed to happen to her. She would be taken in by the fallen angels at the church, who would pretend to accept her while secretly planning to extract her sacred gear. They would use her healing abilities, manipulate her faith, and then when they no longer needed her... they would kill her to steal Twilight Healing.
She would only survive because Issei would save her at the last moment, and Rias would reincarnate her as a devil. But Issei wasn't awakened yet. He was still just a regular student, completely unaware of the supernatural world. Without him...
"Akira-san?" Asia's voice pulled me from my spiraling thoughts. "Are you alright? You look pale."
I forced a smile, trying to push down the growing panic in my chest. "I'm fine, just... thinking about something."
But I wasn't fine. The weight of what I knew was crushing. This innocent girl, who spoke with such genuine faith and kindness, was walking directly into a trap that would end in her death. And I was the one leading her there.
As we continued walking, getting closer to the church district, I found myself studying her more intently. She was exactly as I remembered from the story – sweet, trusting, with that luminous quality that made her seem almost ethereal. She had no idea what kind of monsters were waiting for her.
The internal debate raged in my mind. This was the main plot. If I interfered, what would happen to the timeline? Issei's awakening, the events that would bring the main characters together, the entire sequence of events that I knew was supposed to unfold...
But then I looked at Asia's face again, saw the way she smiled when she noticed a small shrine tucked between buildings, the way she unconsciously blessed herself when we passed a group of elderly people. This wasn't just a character in a story – she was a real person, with real feelings, real dreams, and real faith.
How could I just deliver her to her death, even if I knew she would eventually be saved? The trauma she would experience – being betrayed by those she trusted, having her sacred gear torn from her body, dying in agony – wasn't something I could just dismiss as "part of the plot."
"Asia," I said suddenly, stopping in the middle of the sidewalk. "Can I ask you something?"
She tilted her head, curious. "Of course, Akira-san."
"Are you absolutely certain that the people you're supposed to meet at the church are trustworthy?"
Her expression grew puzzled. "I... yes? They are fellow servants of God. They specifically requested help from the Vatican because they needed someone with my abilities."
"And you came all this way alone?"
"The Church thought it would be best," she said quietly, and I caught the slight tremor in her voice. "I am... not always welcome in traditional church settings. My abilities are sometimes viewed with suspicion by other clergy."
Just as I remembered. The fallen angels had manipulated the Church into sending her away, isolating her from any support system. Perfect prey for their schemes.
A soft rumbling sound interrupted the heavy moment. Asia's face turned bright red as she pressed her hands to her stomach, looking mortified.
"I... I'm so sorry," she stammered, clearly embarrassed. "I haven't eaten since yesterday. I was too nervous about the journey, and then I got lost this morning..."
The innocent admission broke something in my chest. Here was this sweet girl who had traveled halfway around the world to help people, and she was starving because she was too nervous to eat. She was about to walk into a trap that would end in her death, and she was apologizing for her stomach growling.
The decision crystallized in that moment. Plot be damned.
"Asia," I said gently, "how about we get you something to eat first? You must be exhausted from traveling."
"Oh, no, I couldn't impose—" she began, but her stomach chose that moment to growl again, even louder than before. Her face turned an even deeper shade of red.
"I insist," I said, already changing direction away from the church district. "There's a wonderful café not far from here. My treat."
Asia looked torn between her obvious hunger and her sense of duty. "But... the people at the church are expecting me..."
"A few more minutes won't hurt," I said, guiding her toward a small café I'd noticed earlier. "Besides, you'll be much more effective in your work if you're not running on an empty stomach."
As we walked, my mind was already racing ahead to the next problem. I couldn't just feed her and then send her on her way – that would only delay the inevitable. I needed to find a way to keep her safe, somewhere the fallen angels couldn't find her.
And I knew exactly where that might be.
"Actually, Asia," I said as we entered the cozy café, "I might have a better idea than just breakfast. I have a friend who runs a... private residence. Very secure, very discrete. She's helped other people who've found themselves in difficult situations."
"I don't understand," Asia said, confusion evident in her voice as I guided her to a corner table.
"What I mean is," I chose my words carefully, "sometimes the people who claim to want to help us aren't always who they seem to be. And sometimes, the best help comes from unexpected places."
Asia studied my face for a long moment, and I could see her weighing my words. She was clearly torn between her duty to report to the church and some instinct that was telling her to be cautious.
"I... I don't know why," she said finally, "but I feel like I can trust you, Akira-san. There's something about you that feels... safe."
The irony wasn't lost on me. If only she knew how dangerous my world had become, how complicated "safe" really was.
"Then let's get you fed," I said, signaling to the elderly café owner. "And then I'll make a call to my friend. I think you'll like her."
As the owner approached our table with her warm smile, I was already planning my next move. I would need to call Chysis, explain the situation without revealing too much about my knowledge of future events. She was intelligent enough to understand that Asia needed protection, and powerful enough to provide it.
The fallen angels would be expecting Asia to come to them at the church. They would never think to look for her in the mansion of a high-class devil on vacation.
"This place smells wonderful," Asia said, breathing in the aroma of fresh coffee and baked goods. Her eyes lit up as she took in the cozy atmosphere, and for a moment, she looked exactly like what she was – a young woman far from home, experiencing something new and delightful.
"Wait until you taste the pastries," I said, watching as she carefully set her suitcase beside her chair. "The owner makes everything from scratch."
As we settled in to wait for our order, I couldn't help but feel a mixture of satisfaction and apprehension. I had made my choice – I was going to save Asia from her canonical fate. But in doing so, I was stepping fully into the role of someone who could change the course of events in this world.
There was no going back now. The question was whether I was strong enough to handle the consequences of my decision.
"Akira-san," Asia said softly, interrupting my thoughts. "Thank you. For helping me, I mean. I was feeling quite lost and alone, and you... you've been very kind."
Looking at her grateful smile, I knew I had made the right choice. Whatever complications arose from changing the timeline, protecting innocence from those who would exploit it was worth the risk.
Some things were more important than maintaining a story's plot.
Chapter 15: Chapter 15
Few moments later
The elderly café owner approached our table with a warm smile, her weathered hands carrying a tray of steaming coffee and an assortment of pastries that made Asia's eyes widen with wonder.
"Thank you so much," Asia said in careful Japanese, bowing her head politely. The owner beamed at her effort and patted her shoulder gently before returning to her kitchen.
I watched as Asia carefully selected a small cream puff, taking a delicate bite and closing her eyes in apparent bliss. The simple pleasure on her face reinforced my decision – this girl deserved to experience joy, not betrayal and death.
"While you eat," I said, pulling out my phone, "let me call my friend. Her name is Chysis, and she has a way of... solving complicated problems."
Asia paused mid-bite, a flicker of uncertainty crossing her features. "Akira-san, I don't want to cause trouble for anyone. Perhaps I should just—"
"Asia," I interrupted gently, "do you trust me?"
She met my eyes, and I saw her internal struggle. Everything in her upbringing told her to report to the church as instructed, but something deeper was warning her to be careful.
"I... yes," she said finally. "I do trust you."
I nodded and stepped away to make the call. Chysis answered on the first ring.
"Akira! How lovely to hear from you. Are you calling to thank me for the new wardrobe I had delivered? The navy jacket should complement your eyes perfectly."
"Chysis, I need your help," I said, keeping my voice low. "There's a girl here – a nun with healing abilities. She's been sent to meet some... questionable people at the local church. I think she's walking into a trap."
The playful tone vanished from Chysis's voice immediately. "Fallen angels?"
"Most likely. She's young, innocent, and has no idea what she's gotten into. I was hoping..."
"Bring her to me immediately," Chysis said without hesitation. "I'll prepare a room and ensure she's protected. You did right to call me, Akira."
"Thank you," I said, relief flooding through me. "We'll be there within the hour."
When I returned to the table, Asia was carefully savoring her coffee, her expression thoughtful.
"Your friend agreed to help?" she asked.
"More than agreed. She's expecting us." I sat down across from her. "Asia, I need to ask you something important. Have you ever had any... unusual experiences with church officials? Anything that made you feel uncomfortable or suspicious?"
Her hands stilled around her coffee cup. "I... there were incidents. People who claimed to serve God but whose actions seemed..." She struggled for words. "Dark. Wrong. Why do you ask?"
"Because I have reason to believe the people you're supposed to meet aren't who they claim to be."
Asia's face went pale. "But they had official Church documents. They knew about my abilities, about why I was sent away from Vatican City..."
"Which means they have connections, but not necessarily the right ones." I leaned forward. "Asia, I know this sounds strange, but what if I told you there were people who pose as clergy to take advantage of those with special abilities?"
Her green eyes widened, and I saw recognition flash across her features. "You mean like the ones who... who made me heal those terrible men? The ones who said it was God's will, even though something inside me screamed that it was wrong?"
My heart clenched. Even before the fallen angels got their hands on her, she had been manipulated and abused. "Exactly like that."
Asia set down her coffee cup with shaking hands. "Then what do I do? I have nowhere to go. The Church sent me here, but if these people are like the others..."
"You come with me," I said firmly. "My friend Chysis is... well, she's powerful enough to protect you, and she has experience dealing with people who abuse their authority. You'll be safe with her while we figure out your next steps."
"But I don't even know you," Asia whispered, though her tone suggested she was trying to convince herself more than me.
"No, you don't. But tell me – what does your heart say? When you look at me, what do you feel?"
Asia studied my face for a long moment. "I feel... peace. Like you're someone I can trust. It's strange – I've learned to be wary of people who offer help, but with you..." She trailed off, then nodded decisively. "I'll come with you."
"Good." I stood and left money on the table. "Let's go."
As we walked through the morning streets, I couldn't help but notice how Asia's entire demeanor had changed. The nervous energy was still there, but now it seemed more like anticipation than dread. She asked questions about Chysis, about the area we were heading to, and even made small observations about the differences between Italian and Japanese architecture.
"Akira-san," she said as we approached the more upscale district where Chysis lived, "may I ask you something personal?"
"Of course."
"Are you... are you like me? Do you have special abilities?"
I glanced at her, considering how much to reveal. "I do, actually. Water manipulation and shape-shifting."
"Shape-shifting?" Her eyes lit up with fascination rather than fear. "That's amazing! I've only ever met one other person with abilities besides myself. It's... it's nice to know I'm not alone."
"You're definitely not alone," I assured her. "There are more of us than you might think. Though not all of them have good intentions."
"Like the people at the church?"
"Exactly like them."
We had reached the gates of Chysis's mansion, and Asia stopped short, staring up at the imposing structure.
"This is where your friend lives?" she asked, a note of awe in her voice.
"Chysis has... refined tastes," I said diplomatically. "But don't let the grandeur intimidate you. She's one of the kindest people I know."
As if summoned by my words, the front door opened, and Chysis appeared. She had chosen a more conservative outfit than usual – a elegant burgundy dress that was sophisticated rather than revealing – and her usual predatory smile had been replaced with something warmer and more maternal.
"You must be Asia," she said, approaching with graceful steps. "Welcome to my home. I'm Chysis."
Asia curtsied automatically, her training taking over. "Thank you for your hospitality, Chysis-san. I... I hope I'm not imposing."
"Nonsense," Chysis waved away her concerns. "Akira was quite right to bring you here. Why don't we get you settled in, and then we can discuss your situation properly?"
As we walked through the mansion's opulent halls, I noticed Asia's wide-eyed wonder at the artwork and architecture. But more importantly, I saw her shoulders relax for the first time since I'd met her.
"Your room is here," Chysis said, opening a door to reveal a beautiful guest suite decorated in soft blues and whites. "I took the liberty of preparing some clothes in your size – I hope you don't mind."
Asia stepped into the room, setting down her worn suitcase and running her hand along the silk bedding. "It's beautiful," she whispered. "I've never... thank you."
"There's a bathroom through that door," Chysis pointed out. "Why don't you freshen up, and then we'll have lunch? I imagine you have quite a story to tell."
After Asia had retreated to her room, Chysis pulled me aside.
"Fallen angels?" she asked quietly, as I told her about them being in town, while also keeping this hiding nun, our little secret.
"Almost certainly. They would have used her healing abilities, then killed her to steal her sacred gear."
Chysis's expression darkened. "Over my dead body. That child has been through enough trauma already – I can sense it on her."
"You can help her?"
"I can protect her, certainly. But Akira, you realize what you've done?" Chysis studied my face carefully. "You've just drastically messed with the fallen angels. There will be consequences."
"I know," I said. "But I couldn't just let her walk into that trap. Some things are more important than letting a innocent one walk to their death. Besides, they don't know about her being here, so it's all good"
Chysis smiled, and for a moment, her expression reminded me of a proud teacher.
"What happens now?"
"Now? Now we give that girl a chance to let relax. The fallen angels will be expecting her at the church. When she doesn't appear, they'll start looking. So be ready, if you find Rias questioning about the details of her disappearance"
As if on cue, my phone buzzed with a message from Rias: "Where are you? We were supposed to meet this morning."
I had completely forgotten about the meeting in my urgency to help Asia. "I need to go to the academy. Can you—"
"I'll take excellent care of her," Chysis assured me with a genuine smile "Go handle your devil business. I would take good care of her"
As I hurried toward Kuoh Academy, I couldn't shake the feeling that Chysis's warning carried more weight than I understood. I had saved Asia from her canonical fate, but what else had I set in motion?
I was already late for my meeting with Rias. Whatever consequences came from my decision, I would face them. Some choices, I was learning, were worth the risk of an uncertain future.
...
Read upto 20 chapters at /opeler
Chapter 16: Chapter 16
Occult Research Club
"Akira, I'd like you to meet Issei" Rias announced with her characteristic warm smile, gesturing toward the brown-haired boy who stood nervously beside her "He's our newest peerage member"
Akira, who had been quietly observing from his position near the window, stepped forward with a polite nod.l "Nice to meet you, Issei. I'm Akira, and I—"
"Wait just a minute! It's you!" Issei suddenly interrupted, his voice rising with unexpected intensity. He pointed an accusatory finger at Akira. "I can tell just by looking at you – you're trying to get in between my dream of becoming the Harem King, aren't you?!"
*What the hell is this guy talking about?* Akira thought, blinking in confusion. *I literally just tried to introduce myself.*
"Pervert," Koneko muttered flatly from her corner, her golden eyes showing clear disdain.
Kiba chuckled softly, shaking his head. "That's quite the bold proclamation, Issei."
Akeno covered her mouth with her hand, a melodious laugh escaping her lips. "My, my, how ambitious of you~"
Seeing Akira's genuinely bewildered expression, Rias stepped in with an amused smile. "Akira, Issei's dream is to become a Harem King. He's quite... passionate about it."
"I'm not part of her peerage," Akira clarified, still trying to process the bizarre introduction "But I am not sure about getting in your path of Harem King"
"You're not?" Issei asked, his surprise evident. The accusatory finger slowly lowered as confusion replaced his earlier bravado.
"Akira is human," Kiba explained helpfully. "He's affiliated with us, but he's not a devil like the rest of us."
Akira's eyes narrowed slightly as he looked at Issei with newfound interest. "Does he have a Sacred Gear too?"
Rias nodded, her expression becoming more serious. "Yes, and that's actually the main reason I called you here today."
The conversation continued as Rias began explaining the situation with the Fallen Angels in town. Akira listened intently, occasionally glancing at Issei who was still processing his new reality.
"So there are Fallen Angels in town?" Akira asked, feigning surprise despite already knowing the plot. *Got to play my part convincingly.*
"Yes, unfortunately," Rias confirmed. "And Issei here was quite unlucky to end up being their target."
"Actually," Issei interjected, his face scrunching up in discomfort, "that's not what made me upset. The fact that Kiba had to share a bed with me to heal my injuries – that's what really hurt!"
Akira nearly choked on his tea, coughing violently as he looked at Rias with wide eyes. She simply chuckled and nodded in confirmation.
"Yeah," Akira managed between coughs, "I can see how that would be more hurtful than getting killed by a Fallen Angel."
"Finally!" Issei cried out dramatically, tears streaming down his face. "Someone who understands! You're better than I thought you'd be!"
After the comedic moment passed, Akira's expression grew more serious. "This still doesn't answer why I'm here, Rias."
"I believe the Fallen Angels might target you as well," she explained, her tone becoming grave. "Since you also possess a Sacred Gear, you could be in danger."
"He has a Sacred Gear too?" Issei asked, his surprise evident.
*Well, she's not wrong about that,* Akira thought, nodding slowly. "I understand. I'll be careful then." He stood up, preparing to leave. "If that's all, I should head back to train before nightfall."
"Wait," Rias called out, reaching into her desk drawer. She pulled out an elegant flyer and handed it to him.
"What's this?" Akira asked, examining the ornate paper.
"A summoning flyer," Rias explained. "If you find yourself in trouble with the Fallen Angels, use this to summon me. I'll come to your aid."
Akira pocketed the flyer with a grateful nod. "Thank you, Rias. I appreciate the backup plan."
As he headed toward the door, he could feel the weight of everyone's eyes on him, particularly Issei's curious gaze.
The tree beside me exploded into splinters as I dodged left, water whipping around my body in defensive spirals. Just a training dummy, but I'd been imagining it was Raynare's smug face for the past hour.
Focus. I straightened up, brushing bark from my shirt. Getting worked up over hypothetical fights wasn't going to help anyone.
The woods were quiet again, nothing but the sound of wind through leaves and my own heavy breathing. I'd found this clearing months ago - far enough from any hiking trails that nobody would stumble across me practicing supernatural martial arts, but close enough to town that I could get back quickly if needed. Moonlight filtered through the canopy above, casting everything in silver shadows.
I rolled my shoulders, feeling the familiar weight of the day settling into my muscles. Time to work.
Water pooled around my feet as I dropped into the opening stance, drawn from the nearby stream that ran along the edge of the clearing. The stuff responded easier now than it had six months ago, back when I was still figuring out how to make Bang's martial art work with actual water instead of just the metaphorical kind. Turns out when you can actually control the element, the techniques hit a lot harder.
I started with Flowing Water Crushing Rock - the foundation of everything else. My body moved through the form with practiced ease, water rising from the floor in perfect spirals that matched my movements. Each step, each turn of my waist, every shift of weight was mirrored by the liquid around me. The water didn't just follow my movements - it became part of them, flowing with the same rhythm as my breathing.
'Asia's safe now' I thought as I held the final position of the form, water suspended in mid-air around me like frozen ribbons 'That's what matters'
I let the water settle before moving into the next technique. Those Fallen Angels had to know she was gone by now. Question was, what were they gonna do about it?
*Cascading Torrent* came next - my favorite of the offensive techniques. I raised both hands above my head and let the power flow through me. Water erupted upward in a massive column before crashing down in controlled waves, each one hitting exactly where I wanted it to hit. The sound echoed through the trees like thunder, but the water never splashed randomly. Every drop was exactly where I put it.
The technique was supposed to overwhelm an opponent's defenses through sheer volume and pressure. But right now, watching the water dance to my will, it was just helping me think.
Raynare wasn't exactly the planning type. She was more the "stab first, ask questions later" kind of crazy. But even she wasn't stupid enough to stick around when her meal ticket vanished into thin air. Right?
*Right?*
Problem was, this wasn't the anime. Real people didn't always follow the script. Maybe in the show Raynare was just a canon fodder for the first arc, but she was a legitimate threat who could put holes in people.
*They should leave,* I thought, letting the water from the last technique gather around my feet again. *They lost their target. Smart move would be to cut their losses and get the hell out of dodge.*
But since when had Fallen Angels ever been smart?
I moved into *Reflecting Stream* - the defensive technique I'd probably used most in actual combat. The water around me shifted into a flowing barrier that moved with my body, always positioned to deflect attacks while keeping me mobile. It looked simple, almost lazy, but the control required was insane. Every current had to be perfectly timed, every flow calculated to redirect force rather than absorb it.
I'd gotten pretty good at it, considering how much practice I'd had with Chysis lately. The technique had saved my ass more times than I could count.
*I could take them.* The thought wasn't arrogance - it was cold calculation. I knew their abilities, their weaknesses. I had months of training, a Sacred Gear, and the element of surprise. Everything except raw power was on my side.
The real question was whether I should.
The water around me settled into gentler patterns as I worked through some basic flow exercises. The gacha system wanted me to fight them. Kill a Fallen Angel, get a rare ticket. Maybe even high rank Gacha ticket if I got lucky. But was it worth painting a target on my back?
*That's the flaw with the system,* I thought, watching the water move in slow circles around my hands. *It's too easy to let it make decisions for me.*
The rewards had been useful, no doubt about it. Techniques, abilities I never would have developed on my own. But lately I'd been wondering if I was becoming too dependent on it. Too willing to pick fights just because the system dangled a shiny reward in front of me.
Killing stray devils was one thing. They were rogues, outcasts. Nobody gave a shit if they disappeared. But Fallen Angels belonged to an organization. They had bosses, politics, hierarchies. Even if Azazel was as chill as he seemed in canon, that didn't mean he'd ignore his people getting picked off by some unknown human.
And I don't even know if this Azazel is the same as canon Azazel, I thought, letting the water flow through my fingers. Everyone else has been acting like their canon selves, but that doesn't guarantee anything. What if he's more of a hardass here? What if he actually gives a damn about his subordinates?
No.
I decided. I'm not hunting them down. If they come after me, I'll defend myself. But I'm not going out of my way to pick fights with supernatural organizations just because a system tells me to.
I let the water settle to the floor with a soft splash. The decision felt right. Like finally putting down a weight I'd been carrying without realizing it. I'd gotten what I wanted - Asia was safe, and I'd avoided unnecessary conflict. Sometimes the smart play was knowing when not to fight.
But as I started packing up my gear, that familiar itch crawled up my spine. The feeling of being watched.
Shit.
I kept my movements casual, toweling off like nothing was wrong. But every instinct I had was screaming that someone was out there in the shadows between the trees, keeping tabs on me. The clearing was supposed to be isolated, hidden. I'd chosen it specifically because nobody ever came this deep into the woods.
So who the hell was watching me?
I didn't turn around, didn't give any sign I'd noticed. Instead, I continued my usual post-training routine while trying to extend my senses as far as they'd go. The presence was subtle, professional. Not some amateur trying to play spy, but someone who actually knew what they were doing.
How long have they been there? I wondered, casually stretching while scanning the shadows. Did they see the whole training session? Do they know about the water manipulation?
More importantly: who were they?
Fallen Angels were possible, but this felt too subtle for them. They were more the "kick down the door and ask questions later" type. Devils were another option, but why would they be spying on me? Rias had just given me a summoning flyer - if she wanted to talk, she'd have said so.
"Could be someone else entirely" I slung my bag over my shoulder, keeping my movements unhurried. "This world's got a lot of beings. Devils, angels, fallen angels, yokai, other factions I probably don't even know about.."
I made my way toward the exit, playing the part of someone who had no idea they were being watched. No point in tipping my hand until I figured out who they were and what they wanted.
But as I left the clearing and started making my way back through the trees, one thought kept running through my head:
So much for avoiding trouble.
...
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