Chapter 46: Chapter 46
The pencil spun lazily between my fingers like a miniature baton, its yellow surface catching the afternoon sunlight that streamed through the classroom windows. Outside, cherry blossom petals drifted past like pink snow, but my mind was elsewhere—caught in the web of possibilities and threats that had been weaving themselves tighter around us with each passing day.
It's been seven days since I'd sent Elmenhilde scurrying back to her queen with my message burned into her memory like a brand. Seven days of waiting for the other shoe to drop, for retaliation that should have come swift and merciless. Instead, there had been nothing but silence—and in the supernatural world, silence was often more terrifying than screaming.
The pencil completed another revolution around my thumb as I stared out at the courtyard below. Students moved in their predictable patterns, laughing and gossiping about teenage concerns that seemed impossibly distant from the reality I now inhabited.
Were the Carmilla faction really so intimidated by my display that they'd abandoned their prize?* The thought should have been reassuring, but experience had taught me that when enemies went quiet, they weren't retreating—they were planning.
A chill ran down my spine that had nothing to do with the classroom's air conditioning. *Something's coming. I can feel it in my bones, like the pressure drop before a storm.*
"Akira-kun!"
The sharp voice cut through my brooding like a blade through silk. I turned to find Sensei glaring at me over her wire-rimmed glasses, her expression carrying that particular brand of irritation reserved for students caught daydreaming. The entire class had turned to stare, thirty pairs of eyes fixed on me with varying degrees of amusement and sympathy.
"Since you seem so fascinated by whatever's happening outside," she continued, pushing her glasses up the bridge of her nose with one finger, "perhaps you'd like to solve this equation for us?"
She gestured to the blackboard where a complex mathematical formula sprawled across the surface like algebraic graffiti. Quadratic equations—child's play, really, especially after spending the last few weeks drilling Asia and Valerie through their upcoming exams.
I rose from my seat with practiced nonchalance, ignoring the whispered commentary from my classmates. The chalk felt familiar in my hand as I approached the board, muscle memory taking over as I worked through the problem with mechanical precision. Numbers and variables danced across the black surface, each step flowing naturally into the next until the solution stared back at me in stark white certainty.
"Correct," Sensei admitted grudgingly, though her tone suggested she'd hoped for a different outcome. "But perhaps next time you could pay attention to the lesson instead of whatever drama is unfolding in the courtyard."
If only you knew* I thought, returning to my seat as suppressed laughter rippled through the classroom. *The drama isn't in the courtyard—it's sitting right here, trying to figure out how to keep the people I care about alive.*
The lesson continued around me, but my thoughts had already returned to their familiar groove. Asia and Valerie had adapted to academy life with surprising grace, each finding their own rhythm in this strange new world. Asia, with her natural diligence and gentle nature, had quickly become a favorite among both students and teachers. Her kindness was infectious, turning potential enemies into friends with nothing more than her genuine smile and willingness to help.
Valerie, on the other hand, had approached her studies with the same fierce determination she brought to everything else—which made her ongoing war with mathematics all the more entertaining. Just yesterday, I'd found her glaring at her textbook like it had personally insulted her bloodline.
"Whoever invented calculus clearly had too much time on their hands and not enough sense to use it productively,"* she'd declared, throwing her pencil down in frustration. The memory still made me smile, even as worry gnawed at the edges of my consciousness.
Asia's progress in combat training was... less encouraging. Her healing abilities had grown stronger under careful guidance, but when it came to actual fighting, she remained as gentle as a summer breeze. Every sparring session ended the same way—with her apologizing to training dummies for hitting them too hard, despite barely making them sway. Her heart was too pure, too kind to embrace the violence that might one day save her life.
How do you teach someone to fight when their very nature rebels against causing harm?* It was a question that had been haunting me for weeks, with no easy answers in sight. Maybe time would change her, or maybe I'd have to find another way to keep her safe. Either way, forcing her to become something she wasn't felt like a betrayal of everything that made her who she was.
Valerie's development with Chastiefol, however, was nothing short of remarkable. The Spirit Spear responded to her will with increasing fluidity, its forms shifting from defensive barriers to offensive strikes with an elegance that spoke of true mastery in the making. She'd grown stronger, more confident, and watching her progress filled me with a pride that went deeper than mere satisfaction.
My phone buzzed against my leg, pulling me from my thoughts. A quick glance revealed a message from Rias: *"Club room after school. Important matter to discuss."*
And there it is* I thought, pocketing the device as unease settled in my stomach like a cold stone. *The other shoe finally drops.*
The Occult Research Club room felt different when I stepped inside—charged with an tension that made the air itself seem to vibrate. Rias sat behind her desk with the kind of carefully controlled expression that meant trouble, while her peerage had arranged themselves around the room in positions that suggested they were expecting conflict.
But it was the two figures standing beside Rias that made my brow raise with recognition.
Irina Shidou and Xenovia Quarta.* Even without introductions, I knew exactly who they were—the Church's exorcist duo, wielders of Excalibur fragments, ones who would ensure chaos to descend on Kuoh Academy. The fact that they were here, now, meant the Holy Sword arc was beginning in earnest.
Irina stood with her long, chestnut-brown hair cascading down her back like a silken waterfall, violet eyes bright with the kind of zealous determination that made her both endearing and quirky. The white and blue exorcist uniform of the Church fit her like a second skin—practical yet ceremonial, with silver crosses adorning the collar and cuffs that caught the afternoon light.
Xenovia was her opposite in almost every way, blue-green hair cut in that familiar practical style that framed eyes. Her identical exorcist uniform somehow looked more threatening on her frame, worn like armor by someone who'd learned that faith and sword were often the only things standing between order and chaos.
"Akira," Rias said, her voice carefully neutral as I closed the door behind me. "I'd like you to meet our... guests."
The brown-haired girl stepped forward with a smile that didn't quite reach her eyes. "I'm Irina Shidou," she said, her voice carrying the kind of cheer that felt practiced. "And this is my partner, Xenovia Quarta."
The blue-haired girl—Xenovia—merely nodded, her gaze cataloguing me with the efficiency of a predator sizing up potential prey. When she spoke, her voice was flat, businesslike. "We're exorcists, sent by the Church to retrieve stolen property."
Perfect timing* I thought grimly, settling into one of the vacant chairs while affecting casual interest. *The Holy Sword arc begins, and with it, all the complications that come with Kokabiel's involvement.* If these two were here, it meant events were already in motion that would soon spiral far beyond simple sword retrieval.
"What kind of property?" I asked, though something told me I wasn't going to like the answer.
Xenovia reached behind her back and withdrew what appeared to be a sword wrapped in white cloth. Even concealed, I could feel the power radiating from it. "Three fragments of Excalibur were stolen from Church vaults," she said, her voice carrying the weight of absolute conviction. "We're here to retrieve them."
Irina produced her own wrapped weapon, this one smaller but no less potent. "Excalibur Mimic," she said with obvious pride, then gestured to her partner's blade. "And that's Excalibur Destruction."
Holy sword fragments and Kokabiel.* The pieces were falling into place exactly as I remembered, though experiencing it firsthand felt far more ominous than reading about it ever had. In the hands of trained exorcists, those Excalibur fragments would be devastating against supernatural beings. But against a Fallen Angel leader like Kokabiel...
"Do you know who's behind the theft?" Rias asked, leaning forward with interest that seemed genuine despite the underlying tension in the room.
Xenovia's expression darkened like storm clouds gathering on the horizon. "Kokabiel," she said, and the name fell from her lips like a curse. "One of the leaders of the Fallen Angels."
The temperature in the room seemed to drop several degrees. Even I, with my limited knowledge of the supernatural hierarchy, knew that name. Kokabiel—the fallen angel, one of the rebels who challenged Satans just for the sake of fight. A Battle Lunatic just like Vali, but stupid one.
"You're planning to face Kokabiel," I said slowly, studying their faces for any sign of doubt or fear. "With just the two of you and those sword fragments."
It wasn't a question, but Xenovia answered anyway. "We are," she said, her chin lifting with the kind of pride that usually preceded spectacular failures.
I couldn't help myself—I laughed. Not a cruel laugh, but the kind of incredulous sound that escaped when faced with something so absurd it defied rational response. "Are you confident enough to take on a Fallen Angel leader with those swords?"
Xenovia's eyes flashed with offense, her grip tightening on her weapon's hilt. "Are you suggesting we're incompetent to handle Kokabiel?"
"Um, yeah," I said, letting the words hang in the air like a challenge. "From what I've heard, Kokabiel is a being with centuries of combat experience and power that could level city blocks. If you think you can defeat someone like that just because you're carrying fragments of a legendary sword, then it's very stupid thinking. And whoever came up with the idea of sending both of you on this mission was the stupidest of all."
The silence that followed was deafening. Xenovia's face had gone pale with rage, while Irina looked like she'd been slapped. Even Rias's peerage seemed shocked by my bluntness, though I caught what might have been approval in Akeno's eyes.
Good* I thought, watching Xenovia's hand tremble with barely restrained fury. *Let her anger override her judgment. Angry opponents make mistakes.*
"Akira," Rias said quickly, clearly sensing the explosive potential building in the room. "Perhaps we should—"
"We didn't come here to discuss our methods with devils," Xenovia cut her off, her voice tight with controlled aggression as she turned her attention to Rias. "This is a matter between the Church and the Fallen Angels. Any interference will be met with appropriate consequences."
Rias's own temper flared at the barely veiled threat, her crimson hair seeming to catch fire in the afternoon light. "I have no reason to involve myself in your affairs," she replied coolly. "There will be no interference from us."
Xenovia nodded curtly and motioned for Irina to follow her toward the door. But as they passed my chair, she stopped and turned to face me, her eyes burning with challenge.
"Apologize," she said simply. "For what you said before."
Perfect.* Inside my head, I was grinning like a wolf who'd just cornered a particularly fat sheep. She'd taken the bait completely, her pride overriding whatever common sense she might have possessed. A spar with a trained exorcist would be exactly the kind of challenge the system rewarded—and I could practically taste the gacha ticket already.
"I did nothing to apologize for," I said, rising from my chair with deliberate slowness. "If both of you think what I said isn't true, then defeat me in a spar. Maybe then I might believe you're really capable of handling someone like Kokabiel."
The words hit her like a physical blow. Xenovia's wrapped sword came up in a flash, its tip pointing directly at my chest as holy energy began to leak through the cloth binding. "I accept your challenge," she said, her voice carrying the finality of a death sentence.
"As do I," Irina added, though she seemed less certain than her partner.
From the corner of my eye, I saw Rias's expression shift from concern to understanding, her eyes widening as she realized exactly what I'd been doing. The setup, the provocation, the carefully calculated insults—it had all been designed to lead to this moment.
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Chapter 47: Chapter 47
The clearing behind the club building was just that—a clearing. Dirt, some trees, scorch marks on the bark from Rias's recent after school training sessions.
I stood there with hands in my pockets, watching Irina and Xenovia change into their black exorcist gear. The combat uniforms looked way more practical than those ceremonial outfits they'd worn earlier.
*This is almost too easy,* I thought, watching them prepare. *Their pride is going to be their downfall, just like I remember from the anime.*
"So you both really want to fight me?" I asked, not bothering to hide my boredom. "I'm trying not to completely destroy your confidence here."
Xenovia unwrapped Excalibur Destruction, the massive sword humming with holy energy. She pointed it at me, eyes blazing. "I'll break that arrogance of yours and make you apologize for disrespecting the Church."
*There it is. Hook, line, and sinker.*
"I told you the truth," I said with a shrug. "I'm being nice by warning you that Kokabiel will crush you. Your blind faith is making you stupid."
Her face went red. I could practically see the steam coming out of her ears.
"Enough talking. Fight me."
Both girls moved at once. My enhanced perception kicked in—everything slowed down just enough for me to read their attack patterns. Irina's Mimic flowed into a curved blade while Xenovia's Destruction crackled with holy power. They came at me from different angles—textbook pincer attack.
*Actually not bad coordination. They've trained together before.*
I manifested Incursio's sword form, the familiar weight settling in my hand like an old friend. The holy energy from their weapons stung my skin even through the armor's protection, but I ignored it. I'd felt worse.
Xenovia struck first, bringing Destruction down in a vertical slash that would have split a tree in half. I sidestepped, letting the massive blade carve a furrow in the earth where I'd been standing.
"Your footwork sucks," I said, parrying her follow-up thrust. "You telegraph every attack with your stance."
"Shut up!" she snarled, spinning into a horizontal sweep.
I ducked under it just as Irina's Mimic extended like a whip, trying to catch me while I was low. Smart—they were actually working together properly.
*Let's see how good they really are.*
I dodged backward, giving them space to coordinate. Xenovia advanced with measured strikes while Irina used her Mimic's flexibility to attack from unexpected angles. The curved blade shifted forms mid-strike—sword to whip to spear—keeping me guessing.
"Better," I admitted, blocking a thrust from Xenovia while simultaneously deflecting Irina's whip-form with Incursio's skin over my own. "But still not good enough."
For the next few minutes, we danced. They pressed their attack with genuine skill—Xenovia's raw power combined with Irina's versatility. The holy energy from their weapons burned where it made contact, leaving red marks on my half armor covering my skin that steamed in the cool air.
"He's fast," Irina panted during a brief pause, sweat already beading on her forehead.
"Too fast for a human," Xenovia agreed grimly. "What are you?"
*Time to show them the gap.*
"Just someone who knows how to pick fights " I said, then attacked for real.
My blade caught Xenovia's guard and shattered it, sending Destruction spinning from her hands. Before she could react, I grabbed her wrist and used her momentum to throw her into Irina, who was mid-transformation with her Mimic.
But Irina rolled with it, using the impact to launch herself back at me with her blade in spear form. Impressive recovery—she had good instincts.
"Bungee Gum," I said, raising my left hand. Pink substance shot out, coating her weapon and binding it to my palm. "Possesses the properties of both rubber and gum."
I yanked hard. Irina stumbled forward, off-balance, right into my waiting fist. Not hard enough to seriously hurt her, but enough to drop her.
Xenovia was back on her feet, having retrieved Destruction. She came at me with everything she had—a flurry of strikes that would have overwhelmed most opponents. The holy energy flared with each swing, making the air itself burn.
*She's strong. Probably could take on most mid-level devils.*
I parried, countered, and stepped inside her guard. My pommel strike caught her in the solar plexus, doubling her over. A quick follow-up with the flat of my blade to the back of her head put her down.
Both girls ended up on their asses, breathing hard and staring at me with new understanding in their eyes. The defeat was written all over their faces—not just the physical loss, but the realization of how outclassed they'd been.
*There we go. Reality check delivered.*
"You're not weak," I said, offering Xenovia a hand up. She glared but took it, her grip firm but trembling slightly. "You actually fight pretty well together. But you need to stop jumping into fights you don't understand."
"How?" Irina asked quietly, accepting similar help. "How are you so strong?"
*Because I've killed dozens of vampires stronger than you've probably ever seen.*
"Experience," I said simply. "Real combat experience. Not training dummies or sparring matches."
"I'll say it again—you can't beat Kokabiel. I won't stop you from trying, but when you realize you're screwed, ask your precious Church for backup."
*Assuming they'll listen. Church politics were always messy.*
I waved at Rias and her group. "I've got stuff to do. Thanks for letting me use your backyard."
Back home, I sat in the living room while Valerie trained Asia in the backyard. The sound of wooden swords clacking together was oddly comforting. Normal. Safe.
The system notification popped up: Rank 4 gacha ticket for beating the exorcist duo.
*Rank 4. That's way better than I expected.* My pulse quickened as I activated it. The reward made me blink.
**Reward: Ingrid - A sentient sword once belonging to the Vanir god Freyr, later possessed by Odin, then Loki/Atreus, and finally returned to Freyr during Ragnarök. The blade possesses its own consciousness and can act independently of its wielder.**
The weapon materialized from the screen like something born from digital starlight—a beautiful sword in an ornate sheath that seemed to pulse with barely contained energy. But it was what happened next that truly caught my attention.
Ingrid emerged from her sheath with a sound like wind chimes caught in a gentle breeze, the blade itself seeming to stretch and yawn as if awakening from a long sleep. Then she began to dance.
There was no other word for it. The sword moved through the air with liquid grace, spinning and weaving in patterns that spoke of joy and curiosity and an intelligence that was distinctly non-human. Her movements created a soft, musical hum that seemed to resonate in my bones—not threatening, but alive in a way that made the hair on my arms stand up.
The sound drew Valerie and Asia from their training, both girls appearing in the doorway with practice swords still in hand and expressions of wide-eyed wonder.
"What's with the sword, Akira?" Valerie said, coming in with Asia behind her. Both of them stared at the dancing sword.
"I got her for Asia," I said, watching Ingrid circle around both girls. The sword seemed to be... greeting them? The hum changed pitch when it got close to Asia, almost like it was curious.
"I can't take something so valuable," Asia protested, but I could see the fascination in her eyes. She wanted it.
*Good. She needs something to protect herself with.*
"Don't be weird about it. Valerie got one, so I had to get something for you too. Her name's Ingrid, by the way. Try not to lose her."
Asia reached out hesitantly. Ingrid practically jumped into her hands, humming happily. The sword's joy was almost infectious—I found myself smiling despite everything.
"Come on," Valerie said, grinning. "Let's see what she can do."
As they headed back outside, I felt something cold crawl up my spine. Two powerful presences approaching through the forest. One was familiar—Elmenhilde's vampire signature, unmistakable after our last encounter. The other was much stronger.
*Much, much stronger.*
But not stronger than what I'd already faced and killed. *Vampire nobility. I've butchered plenty of those.*
"Asia, Valerie, get inside. Now."
The girls took one look at my face and moved without question. Valerie guided Asia to the living room while Ingrid hovered protectively nearby, her hum turning sharp and alert.
*At least the sword has good instincts.*
"Stay here," I told them, then looked at Ingrid. "Keep them safe."
The sword's hum changed to something that sounded like agreement. Good enough.
I walked into the forest, feeling the familiar cold anticipation settling into my bones. The supernatural signatures were strong—powerful, ancient, dangerous. But I'd felt similar power from the Tepes nobles I'd massacred, and they'd died just like everything else.
*I could deal with vamps. I've proven that already.*
"Elmenhilde," I called out, my voice calm and steady. "Show yourself or I'm taking a trip to Romania tonight."
Bats swarmed from everywhere, the sound of their wings like thunder in the enclosed space. They formed into two figures, and I felt a grim satisfaction at the fear that flashed across Elmenhilde's face when she saw me.
*Good girl. She remembers it very well.*
The other woman was different. Blonde hair to her hips, red eyes that held centuries of experience, curves that spoke of predatory grace. She wore a black dress that probably cost more than most people's houses and smiled with the confidence of someone who'd ruled from the shadows for millennia.
Power radiated from her like heat from a forge—old power, refined and deadly.
*So this is what a vampire queen looks like.*
"At last we meet," she said in an accent that screamed old European nobility. "I am Elene Carmilla, leader of the Carmilla faction."
I studied her for a moment, noting the way she held herself, the predatory stillness masked behind her feminine grace.
"And you're here because?" I asked casually, like we were discussing the weather instead of standing in a forest where one wrong word could start a war.
. . .
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Chapter 48: Chapter 48
"At last we meet," The woman said, her accent carrying the weight of old European nobility. "I am Elene Carmilla, leader of the Carmilla faction."
I studied her for a moment, noting the facade in how she held herself. Confident and Dangerous masked with hostility.
"And you're here because?" I asked, keeping my tone casual.
"You're just as arrogant as Elmenhilde told me," Elene said, though there was something almost amused in her voice as she looked me over.
"Confidence in oneself is often mistaken for arrogance," I replied evenly. "What's the purpose of your visit? And just so we're clear—if you're here for Valerie, you can save us both some time because that's not happening."
A smirk played at the corners of her lips as she crossed her arms "I have no interest in Valerie anymore."
That wasn't what I expected.* My eyes narrowed slightly. Did Something happen from the lack of information about the original timeline.
"Then what are you after?"
"I want you," she said simply, as I raised my brow "Not Valerie."
I blinked, then let out a sigh. "Although I'll admit you're beautiful, your arrogant attitude is a huge turn-off for me. So I have to decline your offer."
Elene's eye twitched, and I caught the flash of irritation that crossed her perfect features.
"She doesn't mean in that way!" Elmenhilde interjected quickly, panic creeping into her voice. "Lady Elene would never agree to have a relationship with a lowly human—"
I side-glanced at Elmenhilde, letting just enough killing intent leak through to make my point. "Did you already forget the beating you took days ago?"
Elmenhilde's mouth snapped shut so fast I heard her teeth click. She actually took a step back, and I saw genuine fear flash across her face.
Good*
Elene watched this exchange with renewed interest, her red eyes studying me more carefully.
"What I want is an alliance with you," she said, regaining her composure.
I raised an eyebrow. "Alliance?"
Her expression grew serious, the playful predator replaced by something much more calculating. "Tell me, do you know about the Khaos Brigade?"
What does Khaos Brigade have to do with—* The implications hit me like a punch to the gut. This was way ahead of schedule.
"Don't even think about it" Elene must have seen something in my expression because she glared at me sharply. "I serve no one," she said, her voice carrying centuries of pride and authority.
I waited, letting the silence stretch until she continued.
"After your massacre within the Tepes faction," she said, watching my reaction carefully, "the Khaos Brigade took control over the remaining Tepes vampires. A man with a spear, claiming himself a member of Khaos Brigade, showed up in front of my castle." Her composure cracked slightly. "He told me to surrender within a week, or else he and his subordinates would kill all the vampires in my faction along with me."
Cao Cao.* I immediately recognized who she was talking about. But why would he interfere with vampire politics this early?
"Why are you telling me about all this?" I asked, keeping my voice neutral. "I have nothing to do with vampire affairs."
"That man said he wants to know about the one behind the massacre of the Tepes. He's looking for the one behind it." Her red eyes locked onto mine. "So I want to form an alliance with you to deal with the Khaos Brigade. We both have common enemies, afterall"
I could see it in her posture, the confident way she held herself. She expected this to be an easy negotiation, thought I would agree simply because we were both being threatened.
"I understand the threats you're describing from the Khaos Brigade," I said after a moment, "but I have to refuse your offer. I'll be fine on my own."
Surprise flickered across her features, quickly replaced by annoyance "You're letting your arrogance cloud your judgment."
"Maybe," I shrugged. "But I won't ally with you. If that's all, then you can leave."
The temperature in the clearing seemed to drop several degrees. Elene's smile turned razor-sharp, all pretense of diplomacy evaporating.
"I could reveal to him about your location. So think carefully" she said, her voice carrying a dangerous edge. "It would be over for you."
I let my own killing intent flare, just enough to remind her what I was capable of. "I have the support of the Gremory family. And even if that's not enough, then I have more tricks under my sleeve which will be enough to deal with the Khaos Brigade."
We stared at each other for a long moment, neither backing down. The forest around us had gone completely silent, as if even the wildlife could sense the tension.
Finally, Elene's smile returned, though it held no warmth whatsoever.
"It was nice talking with you," she said in a tone that suggested the complete opposite.
Both vampires dissolved into swarms of bats, the sound of their wings fading into the distance as they disappeared into the night sky.
I stood there for several minutes after they left, letting my heart rate return to normal while processing what had just happened.
Worried? Yes. Scared? No.*
But Cao Cao looking for me specifically changed everything. The Hero Faction had resources I couldn't match alone, connections that can rival factions across the supernatural world. And if Elene decided to sell me out...
What should I do if she reveals my whereabouts? Should I move from Kuoh to somewhere else?* The thought crossed my mind, but I dismissed it almost immediately. *How far can I go? I can't spend my life running away.*
No. I'd rather face whatever was coming head-on than live like a fugitive. I had to be prepared when Cao Cao come for me, and to do that, I would use the evil pieces that Ajuka gave me to make Valerie and Asia stronger. It wouldn't be a one-on-one fight—it never was with the Khaos Brigade.
Time to contact Chysis to arrange a meeting with Ajuka to use the evil pieces*
"Akira?" Valerie's voice was laced with worry as I entered into the house. She and Asia were waiting in the living room, Ingrid hovering protectively between them and the door. Both girls looked at me with concerned expressions. "What happened out there?"
I looked at their faces—Asia's hands clasped nervously in front of her, Valerie trying to project confidence while her grip on her practice sword betrayed her tension.
I won't let them worry about this.*
"Nothing happened," I said with what I hoped was a reassuring smile. "It was just Rias and Akeno that were testing some spells."
Both girls visibly relaxed, sighing in relief.
"I'm going upstairs to my room," I said, heading for the stairs. "Good work on the training today, both of you."
In my room, I closed the door and went straight to my drawers, searching through them until I found what I was looking for. The pink crystal Chysis had given me was tucked away in the back, still wrapped in silk cloth.
It works by pouring mana into it, and Chysis will get the message. She'll be here as soon as she can.*
I unwrapped the crystal carefully. It was warm to the touch, humming with stored magical energy that seemed to pulse like a heartbeat.
Taking a deep breath, I poured my mana into it.
The crystal began to glow with soft pink light, the illumination growing steadily brighter and brighter until I had to squint against the radiance. The warmth in my palm increased until it was almost uncomfortable.
Then it cracked.
The fractures spread across the surface like a spider web, and with a sound like breaking glass, the crystal shattered completely. Pink dust scattered across my palm, the glowing particles already beginning to fade into nothingness.
Message sent.*
Now I just had to wait for Chysis to arrive and hope that Ajuka was willing to accelerate our timeline. Because if Cao Cao was already making moves, I didn't have the luxury of taking things slow anymore.
. . .
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Chapter 49: Chapter 49
It didn't take long for Chysis to arrive. The familiar shimmer of teleportation magic appeared in my room about thirty minutes after I'd shattered the crystal, and she stepped through with her usual graceful composure.
*Thank god she came quickly. With Cao Cao potentially hunting me down, I can't afford to waste time.*
"Akira," she greeted, though her expression quickly shifted to one of mild exasperation as she took in my tense posture. "Let me guess—you and trouble can't be separated for too long, can you?"
I gave her a wry smile. "You know me too well."
*If only she knew the half of it. Between vampires threatening me and the Khaos Brigade breathing down my neck, trouble seems to be my middle name.*
"Apparently not well enough, or I would have seen this coming." She crossed her arms and settled into the chair by my desk. "Tell me what happened."
I recounted the encounter with Elene and Elmenhilde, watching as Chysis's expression grew increasingly serious. When I mentioned the Khaos Brigade and Cao Cao specifically, her brow furrowed.
"Do you know anything about the Khaos Brigade?" I asked when I finished.
She shook her head slowly. "I've never heard of that group, but if they're powerful enough to threaten vampire factions, then Sirzechs might know about them." She paused, studying my face. "If that's all you needed to discuss, then I should return to the Underworld. We have our own affairs to—"
*Damn it, I need those Evil Pieces now more than ever. If Cao Cao is really coming for me, I need Valerie and Asia to be stronger. Much stronger.*
"It's not just about the Khaos Brigade," I interrupted, causing her to raise an eyebrow. "I want to use the Evil Pieces. I need to know if Ajuka has time to perform the ceremony."
A knowing smirk crossed her features. "It took you long enough to make this decision."
*Long enough? Lady, if you knew what I was facing, you'd understand why I'm rushing this.*
"It's all thanks to my current situation," I replied with a slight grimace. "So can we contact Ajuka anytime soon?"
She nodded thoughtfully. "Ajuka is currently within Satan's territory, so he would be able to perform the ceremony." Her expression became more business-like. "Would it be acceptable to do this right now? We're quite busy with Underworld affairs at the moment."
"The sooner we do this, the better," I said without hesitation.
She nodded as she typed something into what looked like a mobile phone with devil wings and then put it back in her pocket.
"Very well." Chysis stood, magical energy already beginning to swirl around her. "Let's go."
The teleportation brought us to a place I'd never seen before—a vast chamber carved from black stone, with intricate magical symbols etched into every surface. The air hummed with power so dense it was almost tangible, and in the center of the room stood a massive monument that seemed to pulse with its own inner light.
*Holy shit. The amount of magical energy in this place is insane. I can actually feel it pressing against my skin.*
Ajuka was waiting for us, his expression serious but polite as always. He looked exactly as I remembered—tall, elegant, with an aura of barely contained magical power that made the air around him shimmer.
"Akira," he greeted with a nod. "Chysis has explained the situation. I trust you understand the gravity of what we're about to do?"
"I do," I replied.
He gestured toward the monument. "Then let us begin. This is where the ceremony will take place—the Monument of Binding, one of the oldest magical constructs in the Underworld. I'm quite busy with my duties so let's make it fast"
As we approached, I could see that the monument was covered in runes that seemed to shift and change when I wasn't looking directly at them. It was both beautiful and unsettling.
*Those runes... they're moving. Actually moving. What kind of magic is this thing channeling?*
"Place your hands on the monument," Ajuka instructed, producing a chess piece from his coat—the King piece, carved from what looked like crystallized shadow. He set it carefully into a depression at the base of the monument. "This will register you as a King"
*No going back after this. Once I do this, I'll have the power to reincarnate others as devils. That's a huge responsibility. But I'm still going to be human—just a human with devil pieces.*
I pressed my palms against the cold stone surface. The moment my skin made contact, the world exploded into white light.
*What the hell—*
Power flooded through me—not the violent surge I'd expected, but something deeper, more fundamental. It felt like molten metal being poured through my veins, my bones vibrating with frequencies I'd never experienced. The sensation was overwhelming, like being struck by lightning while drowning in an ocean of pure energy.
*This is... incredible. I can feel the pieces becoming part of me, but I'm still human. Still me. Just... enhanced.*
I could feel new pathways being carved into my soul with surgical precision, but not changing my fundamental nature. it was integrating with me, giving me the ability to command devil pieces while keeping my humanity intact.
My vision flickered between normal sight and something else entirely. For brief moments, I could see the flow of magic around us like rivers of light, could sense the intricate web of power that connected everything in this chamber.
When the light finally faded, I found myself gasping, my knees threatening to buckle. Every nerve in my body was singing with new energy, like I'd been plugged into a live wire. The sensation was intoxicating and terrifying at the same time.
"How do you feel?" Ajuka asked, walking up to me with an analytical expression.
I took a shaky breath, trying to process what had just happened to me. In my hands materialized a set of chess pieces—my Evil Pieces, each one thrumming with potential that I could now actually feel. The pieces somehow had integrated completely, becoming part of me in a way that felt as natural as breathing, yet alien at the same time.
*I can feel them. Each piece has its own... presence? Like they're alive somehow. But I'm still me. Still human. Just... more.*
The realization was both relieving and confusing. I was still human—I could feel that much was true. But there was something else now, something that hadn't been there before. A connection to power that felt both foreign and familiar.
"Strange," I admitted, my voice rougher than usual. "Like there's a whole new layer to everything I can sense." I flexed my fingers, watching magical energy dance between them without conscious effort. "But I'm still... me. Still human."
Ajuka nodded approvingly. "Good. It's a complete success. Most new Devils experience some discomfort during the initial bonding, but you seem to have adapted remarkably well."
"Is there more to the process?" I asked, studying the pieces in my hands.
"Indeed." He reached into his coat again, this time producing a sheet of paper covered in an intricate magical circle. "You'll need to use this when you're ready to reincarnate someone. The person you wish to use an Evil Piece on must stand within this circle while you pour your mana into it. The circle will facilitate the transformation and ensure the process is completed safely."
I took the paper, my head spinning as I took a good look at the complex pattern of lines and symbols. "Anything else I should know?"
"Practice with the circle first," he advised. "Understanding how to properly channel your power through it is crucial. A mistake during reincarnation can be... unfortunate for all involved."
*Unfortunate. Right. I'm guessing that's Ajuka-speak for 'horrifically painful death' or something equally cheerful.*
With that cheerful thought, Ajuka began gathering his materials. "I must return to my other duties now. Until we meet again, Akira, I'm expecting more inventions from you."
*More inventions? With everything that's happening, I'll be lucky if I survive long enough to invent a better mousetrap.*
"I'll do my best not to disappoint," I replied, though part of me wondered if I'd have time for research with everything that was happening.
After the ceremony concluded, Chysis approached me with a different expression—less formal, more familial.
"Come," she said, opening another teleportation circle. "I'll take you to my castle. You'll need proper instruction on using that magic circle, and I have some time before I need to return to my other responsibilities."
We stepped through the portal and emerged in what was clearly a different part of the Underworld. The castle before us was magnificent—all soaring spires and elegant architecture that spoke of centuries of refinement. The grounds were immaculate, with gardens that seemed to glow with their own inner light.
*This place is incredible. How old is this castle? And more importantly, how much power does it take to maintain all these magical effects?*
"Welcome to the home, dear" Chysis said with obvious pride. "It's been—"
She never got to finish the sentence.
A bucket of what looked like glittering pink liquid materialized above us and tipped over, dousing both of us in its contents. The liquid was harmless but thoroughly embarrassing—it sparkled and shimmered like fairy dust, and I suspected it would be hell to wash out.
*Are you kidding me? I'm being hunted by the Khaos Brigade already? but why I'm covered in what looks like unicorn's vomit?*
"Not again!" Chysis bellowed, her dignified composure evaporating instantly. "It took me hours to dress this well!"
Laughter echoed from somewhere above us, light and musical but definitely mischievous. A moment later, a young teen dropped down from one of the upper balconies, landing gracefully despite the considerable height. She looked to be about my age, with the distinctive Gremory crimson hair and a grin that was equal parts charming and infuriating.
"Chysis!" she said with mock innocence, though her eyes were dancing with barely suppressed laughter. "I was just testing the castle's defenses. You never know when we might face an invasion of sparkly intruders."
"This is Runeas Gremory, the ancestor of the Gremory clan," Chysis said to me with a sigh, pink glitter still falling from her hair. "She lives here as well. Runeas, meet Akira. Try not to scare him on his first visit."
Runeas looked at me with undisguised curiosity, her head tilted slightly to one side. "So you're the human who's been causing such a stir. You're shorter than I expected."
Looks like Chysis is not good at keeping secrets. I gave her side glance, as she whistled, dusting off glitters from her.
"And you're exactly as mature as I expected," I replied dryly, though there was less bite to it than usual. The earlier ceremony was still messing with my head, making everything feel slightly surreal.
"Oh, I like him already," she declared, clapping her hands together and sending more glittery residue flying. "This is going to be fun."
*An ancestor of the Gremory clan who acts like a teenager and lives in the same house as Chysis.* I studied her more carefully, noting the way power seemed to flow around her like a gentle current. *Just how old is she? And how powerful? More importantly, what's she doing here?!*
Chysis just sighed, resignation clear in her voice. Survival won't be easy for the next few hours, I can already see that.
. . .
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Chapter 50: Chapter 50
"Come," Chysis said, leading us through the grand entrance hall while still picking glitter from her hair. "We'll practice with the magic circle in the courtyard. It's safer there if something goes wrong."
Something goes wrong? That's reassuring.* I followed them through corridors lined with portraits that seemed to watch us pass, their painted eyes tracking our movement with unnerving realism.
Runeas walked beside me, her earlier mischief replaced by genuine curiosity. "So you're really still human? Even after bonding with the Evil Pieces?"
"Yes. As far as I can tell," I replied, though I was still processing the changes myself.w The new sensations were subtle but constant—like having an extra sense that I was still learning to interpret, and it was most likely because of Incursio achieving the evolved form.
"Fascinating," she mused. "I've never seen that before. Chysis told me once, the pieces works with devils only. But you..." She stopped and studied me with eyes that suddenly seemed far older than her apparent age. "You're an anomaly."
An anomaly. Great. As if I didn't have enough problems.*
The courtyard was spacious, with intricate magical circles already carved into the stone floor. Chysis moved to the center and gestured for me to join her.
"Before you attempt to reincarnate anyone," she began, her tone becoming instructional, "you need to understand how to properly channel your power through the circle. The process requires precise control—too little energy and the transformation fails, too much and..."
"Too much and what?" I asked when she trailed off.
"Well, let's just say we'd rather not find out," Runeas chimed in cheerfully. "Though I bet it would be spectacular to watch."
Chysis shot her a warning glare. "The point is, precision is crucial. Take a good look at the paper and channel your mana to shape it as a structure of it. And then again pour mana, just enough to activate the circle, nothing more."
I studied the paper Ajuka had given me, examining the intricate design. "So I need to recreate this pattern with my own mana?"
"Exactly," Chysis nodded. "The paper is just a template. You'll need to construct the actual circle using your magical energy and maintain it throughout the reincarnation process. It requires both precision and sustained power."
I focused my mana, slowly tracing the complex pattern in the stone courtyard. Silver light followed my movements, each line and symbol taking shape as I carefully replicated the design. The moment the final connection was made, the entire circle blazed to life with brilliant energy.
Holy shit.* The power flowing through my constructed circle was incredible—I could feel it responding to my energy, amplifying and focusing it in ways I didn't fully understand. It was like conducting an orchestra where every instrument was made of pure magical force.
"Impressive," Chysis said approvingly. "Your control has significantly got better since we met last time. I didn't expect it to be done in your first attempt. Your mana control is exceptional."
"What happens if I mess up the pattern?" I asked, carefully maintaining the complex structure.
"Well, the person you're trying to reincarnate might end up with extra limbs," Runeas said cheerfully. "Or missing some. Really depends on which symbols you get wrong."
Note to self: triple-check every line and symbol.*
I practiced for the better part of an hour, learning to construct the circle faster and more efficiently. Each attempt became smoother, the pattern flowing more naturally from my mana. By the end, I could create and maintain the complete circle without breaking concentration.
As we finished the training session, I noticed Runeas had been unusually quiet for the past few minutes. *That's not a good sign with her.*
"Excellent progress," Chysis said as I dissolved my final practice circle. "You should be ready to perform your first reincarnation when you return."
I was about to respond when my enhanced senses picked up something—a faint magical signature above us, barely detectable but definitely there. *Oh, you've got to be kidding me.*
"Runeas," I said casually, not looking up, "planning another bucket drop?"
She blinked innocently. "I have no idea what you're talking about."
"Really?" I raised my hand and fired a small burst of water bullet straight up. There was a surprised yelp, followed by the crash of something heavy hitting the balcony above. A moment later, what looked like purple paint began dripping from the edge of the roof.
"How did you—" Runeas started, her mouth hanging open.
"You can't trick me twice" I said with a smirk. "One of the perks of my charm, apparently."
Chysis looked between us with growing exasperation. "Runeas, were you seriously about to ruin our perfect glowy skin again?"
"It was just a purple paint!" Runeas protested, as if that made it better. "It would have looked cool on you!"
"After I just spent an hour getting the glitter out of my hair?" Chysis's deadpanned.
Runeas had the decency to look sheepish. "I may have... miscalculated the timing."
I couldn't help but laugh. Despite everything—the threats, the politics, the looming danger—there was something refreshing about dealing with simple mischief instead of life-or-death situations.
"Next time, try to be more creative," I told her. "Predictable pranks are not fun, don't you agree?"
Her eyes lit up with challenge. "Oh, now you've done it. No one calls my pranks predictable and gets away with it."
What have I gotten myself into?*
The Evil Pieces are finally to be put in use. I felt the potential in them. But am I ready for what comes next?*
I was back in my room just as my phone buzzed with a text message. For a moment, my heart stopped—had Elene already made good on her threat?
But it was just Asia: "Dinner's ready! Valerie made your favorite curry."
Right. Normal life still exists, even when supernatural politics are trying to kill me.* I smiled despite everything. At least some things remained constant.
I headed downstairs, where the warm smell of curry and the sound of familiar voices reminded me what I was fighting to protect. Valerie looked up as I entered, her face lighting up with a smile that made all the political maneuvering worth it.
Cao Cao was someone to be vary of. The Khaos Brigade may come for me. But I'm not the same person who first arrived in this world.* I touched the pieces through my pocket, feeling their weight on me, as I glanced at girls *And soon, neither will they be.*
As we ate dinner together, I couldn't shake the feeling that this might be one of the last normal moments we'd have for a while.
The storm was coming, and all I could do was prepare for it as best I could.