As the crimson light intensified, two figures stepped gracefully from its depths. The first was a young woman of breathtaking beauty, her long, flowing crimson hair cascading around her shoulders. Her piercing blue eyes held an undeniable aura of authority. This was Rias Gremory, the Devil Princess, the King of her peerage. Beside her, with a captivating smile, stood Akeno Himejima, Rias's Queen, radiating a calm, potent power.
Alex's mind raced. Okay, Alex, play it cool. Don't freak out. They can't know about the System. Just… be a human who got lucky. He took a deep, steadying breath, forcing his trembling muscles to still, his expression settling into one of feigned surprise.
Rias's gaze swept the debris-strewn room, lingering on the unconscious girl, then settling on Alex. Her expression was unreadable. "You," she began, her voice smooth and melodious. "You are human, aren't you? And yet, you defeated a Stray Devil. How?"
Alex forced a weak, disheveled smile. "Uh, yeah. Just… happened to be around this area" He gestured vaguely at the unconscious girl. "And it was, you know, attacking someone. I couldn't just stand by" He rubbed the back of his neck, trying to seem awkward. "As for how… I guess I just got lucky. And, uh, I've been doing some… unconventional training. You know, self-defense stuff " He subtly flexed his fingers, feeling the hum of Earthbending, a silent reassurance that his powers were real.
Akeno's violet eyes narrowed slightly, a faint, almost imperceptible tilt to her head. A small, knowing smile played on her lips, as if she saw more than he was letting on. She said nothing, her eyes lingering on his hands, then sweeping over his bruised and torn uniform, before finally settling on his general aura. She sensed something powerful, something different about him.
Rias's gaze sharpened, her blue eyes piercing at him "Unconventional training? That was no ordinary human feat. I sense a unique energy from you, something…Is it sacred gear that you have" Her voice held a hint of demand, but also genuine intrigue.
Damn, Time to lie. Alex internally winced. "Just a human with little power" he insisted, trying to sound earnest and unassuming. "I just… can fight well. And I've always been good at, uh, fighting" He gave a small, awkward shrug, hoping to deflect her scrutiny "It was a difficult fight. I'm just glad I could help the girl"
Rias exchanged a quick, silent glance with Akeno. Akeno's smile widened "Fufu~ He certainly has a unique way of 'fighting,' President," Akeno purred as her eyes took a note of aftermath of the area.
Rias turned back to Alex "Indeed. Very well. Let's move this conversation somewhere more… private. And where we can tend to the young lady properly." Her gaze was still assessing, but the immediate interrogation ceased....for a moment.
. . .
Minutes later, Alex found himself in the opulent, yet strangely comfortable, Occult Research Club room within Kuoh Academy. The unconscious girl had been taken to a separate room. Rias sat gracefully on a plush sofa, gesturing for Alex to sit opposite her.
Rias's gazed at him with arms folded "My name is Rias Gremory. I am a Devil, a member of one of the 72 Pillars of the Underworld, and the current ruler of this town along with other devil" She paused, watching his reaction.
Alex's internal monologue was a whirlwind. Okay, here it comes. The exposition dump. I know all this, but I have to act like I don't. Play the surprised, slightly overwhelmed human. But also, remember what's coming: the offer. And the chains that come with it. He widened his eyes slightly, a subtle gasp escaping his lips. "Devils?" Alex feigned wide-eyed astonishment. "Like… from stories? Demons? I thought those were just myths."
Rias nodded, a faint, elegant smile touching her lips "Precisely. And not just Devils. Angels, Fallen Angels, various mythological beings – they all exist. Our world, the human world, is merely a small part of a much larger, hidden reality. For centuries, we have maintained a delicate balance, often clashing, but always striving to keep our existence secret from humanity. We live among you, unseen, unheard" She explained the ongoing cold war between the factions, the territories, and the various power struggles.
"So, you're... protecting this town?" Alex asked, trying to sound genuinely curious.
"In a sense, yes," Rias confirmed. "This territory belongs to my family, the Gremory clan. As its current head, it is my responsibility to maintain order and protect it from threats like the Stray Devil you encountered. We intervene when the balance is threatened, or when our own kind steps out of line." She then leaned forward, her voice taking on a more serious, almost persuasive tone, her eyes locking onto his. "Which brings me to my next point. You possess an extraordinary ability, a power that is rare even among our kind. It is clear that you are not an ordinary human. And in this world, power attracts attention"
Alex's mind flashed to his Gacha System, the constant lure of more power, and the nagging fear of being hunted. She's right about that. My 'unconventional training' is a beacon.
"To survive in this hidden world, one needs allies, protection. And power," Rias continued, her voice resonating with conviction "That's where my peerage comes in. We are a family, bound by loyalty and shared purpose. Each member serves a specific role, contributing to the strength of the whole, and in return, they receive my protection, my power, and a place within my family." She then explained the Evil Piece system, detailing how a King piece can reincarnate powerful beings into their service using chess pieces, describing the roles: Queen, Rooks, Knights, Bishops, and Pawns.
"You" Rias said, her gaze intense, "possess the potential to be a powerful asset. I offer you a place in my peerage. I will reincarnate you as a Devil, grant you demonic power, and protect you. You would be a Pawn, but one with extraordinary potential. Join my family, and you will never have to face these dangers alone again" She extended a graceful hand, a single, glowing Pawn piece resting in her palm.
Alex stared at the piece, then at Rias's earnest, compelling face. The temptation was immense. Power. Protection. A family. Everything he'd craved in his previous, mundane life. But then, the memories of that life, the suffocating predictability, the yearning for his own agency, flooded his mind. He remembered the chains of expectation. He remembered his death, a selfless act of defiance. He didn't die for a second chance just to be bound by someone else's rules. He had to be free.
He took a deep, steadying breath. He looked at the Pawn piece, then back at Rias, his expression firm, his resolve resolute under her gaze "Rias" he began, his voice steady, "I appreciate the offer. Truly. It's incredibly generous, and I understand the protection you're offering, and the power. But I have to decline."
Rias's eyes widened, a flicker of genuine surprise, then disbelief "Decline? Do you not understand the dangers you face as a human with such abilities? Or the power I am offering? The consequences of being unaligned in this world?" Her tone held a subtle edge of frustration and more of surprise, that he wanted to act on his own despite the said advantages.
"I understand the dangers, and I understand the power" Alex replied, meeting her gaze directly "I want to forge my own path. I want to be free. To be bound to a peerage, even one as powerful and benevolent as yours, would be to trade one set of chains for another. I need to grow on my own terms."
Rias's brow furrowed "Chains? We are a family. We support each other. I don't bind anyone, they're free to act on their own"
"And I respect that," Alex quickly interjected, trying to soften his refusal "But I need to stand on my own two feet. My path is my own." He saw a flash of clear annoyance in Rias's eyes, but he pressed on, offering his counter-proposal, his gaze flicking to Akeno for a split second "However, I'm not foolish enough to think I can navigate this world completely alone. I encountered a Stray Devil tonight. I know there will be more. I'm willing to negotiate. I'm willing to be an asset to your household in dealing with these threats in Kuoh. An independent ally, maybe"
He saw Rias's expression shift from annoyance to renewed intrigue, a calculating glint entering her eyes. Akeno, who had been silently observing, let out a soft, almost imperceptible chuckle, her violet eyes glinting with a deep, knowing amusement. Alex caught her gaze, and she gave him a subtle, encouraging nod.
"In return for my assistance or you can say support" Alex continued, emboldened by Akeno's subtle support, "I would ask for two things. First, access to basic human magic books. Not just folklore, but genuine texts on mana manipulation, spell theory. I want to learn how this world's magic works." He felt the Gacha System's presence, a silent acknowledgment of his desire for growth. "And second, reliable information. Knowledge about the supernatural factions, their activities in Kuoh, and any specific threats I should be aware of. That doesn't sound too much of a request right? You can give me some basic spell books as I don't want to impose"
Rias leaned back, her expression thoughtful. This was unprecedented. A human, powerful and unique, refusing reincarnation but offering conditional aid. It was audacious, pragmatic, and utterly unconventional "You wish to be an independent contractor, then?" she mused.
"Something like that," Alex agreed. "An ally, not a subordinate"
Rias considered him for a long moment, then glanced at Akeno, who simply offered a serene, knowing smile. "Very well" Rias finally said, a hint of challenge in her voice, a glint of respect in her eyes as if she knew what he trying to pull, but she played along "Your terms are… unusual. But your abilities are undeniable, and your motive is rather clear. I will consider your proposal. . But be warned, the supernatural world is not a game. Even as an 'independent ally,' you will find yourself drawn into conflicts far beyond your current understanding and I wouldn't try to meddle for your mess, you understand?"
Alex nodded, a wave of profound relief washing over him. He had done it. He had maintained his independence. "I understand. And thank you for agreeing to my terms"
As Rias rose, Akeno paused at the door, turning back to Alex. Her violet eyes met his, and her smile widened, a mischievous glint in their depths that sent a shiver down his spine, not of fear, but of an unexpected thrill. "It seems you are quite the interesting~" she mused with a smile "I look forward to our next meeting." With a final, lingering look, a subtle wink that only he could see, she followed Rias out, the magic circle flaring once more before vanishing.
Alex was left alone in the quiet clubroom, the scent of magic and the lingering warmth of Akeno's presence still in the air. He had refused the peerage, but he had opened a new, unpredictable door.