Flashback – The Day Before
The sun was beginning to dip below the horizon, casting long golden shadows across the sidewalk as Issei strolled home alone. After another day of school filled with teasing from Aika and smug remarks from Kiseki, he was feeling a mix of annoyance and emptiness. The world around him buzzed with the quiet energy of dusk—birds returning to their nests, students chatting on their way home, and the soft rustling of leaves in the breeze.
Issei sighed, hands shoved into his pockets, his mind lost in fantasies of the perfect girlfriend. "Man… when will it be my turn? I'm tired of being the loser of the trio…"
As if the universe heard his plea, a gentle voice called out from behind him. "Excuse me…"
Startled, Issei turned to see a girl standing a few steps away. She wore a maroon school uniform that clung softly to her frame, and her long black hair shimmered in the fading sunlight. Her soft expression, large violet eyes, and delicate features gave her an ethereal beauty that made Issei freeze in place.
"Um… are you Hyoudou Issei-san?" she asked shyly, her fingers nervously twirling a strand of hair.
"Y-Yeah… that's me," Issei stammered, completely caught off guard. Holy crap, she's cute!
She stepped closer, her eyes meeting his. "I… I've seen you a few times around town. I know this might sound sudden, but… I've been working up the courage to talk to you."
Issei's brain short-circuited. "W-What? Me? Are you sure you've got the right guy?"
The girl gave a small giggle. "Yes, I'm sure. My name is Yuuma Amano. I know it's strange, but… I've developed feelings for you. Would you… go out with me?"
Issei blinked. Once. Twice. The world seemed to stop spinning. The air around him disappeared. Did a real girl just confess to me?! Is this a prank? Is this heaven?
"I… I… Yes! Yes, of course!" he finally blurted out, nearly tripping over his own excitement.
Yuuma smiled brightly, stepping closer and gently slipping her arm around his. "I'm so happy… I was afraid you might say no."
Issei's heart was hammering in his chest. This is it! My life is changing! Finally, a girlfriend!
"I'll see you tomorrow then," she said sweetly. "Let's meet in the morning, okay?"
"S-Sure! I'll be there!" he answered, watching her walk away as if she were gliding through a dream.
As Yuuma disappeared around the corner, a wide grin stretched across Issei's face. He pumped his fist into the air. "Yes! I, Hyoudou Issei, have a girlfriend now! Suck on that, Aika!"
Little did he know, behind that warm smile Yuuma wore was a gaze far colder—her eyes flickered with a faint glow as a dark presence silently loomed within her.
Back to Present – The Next Morning
As Kiseki stepped out of the house and made his way toward the meeting spot with Issei and Aika, he noticed an unfamiliar person standing with them. Aika's surprised expression mirrored his curiosity as he approached.
When Kiseki finally reached them, he was greeted by a curious sight: a girl in a maroon school uniform with long black hair was clinging tightly to Issei's right arm. Issei, for his part, wore an obnoxiously smug grin like he'd just won the lottery.
Breaking the silence, Kiseki raised an eyebrow and asked, "So… would anyone like to explain who the girl glued to Issei is?"
Puffing out his chest with pride, Issei chuckled. "Hehe… I was waiting for this moment. Let me introduce you—this beautiful girl is my girlfriend, Yuuma Amano!"
The girl gave a small, polite bow. "Hello, everyone. I'm Yuuma Amano. It's nice to meet you."
"Nice to meet you too, Amano-san. You can call me Kiseki," Kiseki replied with a friendly smile, then gestured to the girl beside him. "And this is Aika Kiryuu. We're, well… sort of Issei's friends."
Aika gave a little wave. "Hi there. You can just call me Aika. Although, let's be clear—I'm only reluctantly associated with this guy." She pointed at Issei with a smirk.
"Urgh… curse you, Aika…" Issei muttered dramatically, clutching his chest like he'd been emotionally stabbed. "Anyway, I brought Yuuma here to show you both that your boy Issei finally has a girlfriend! Sure, she goes to a different school, but that's just a minor detail. The important part is—I'm winning at life now!"
"Congratulations, Issei," Kiseki said with a chuckle. "Auntie and Uncle will be thrilled when they hear about this. Or… have you told them already?"
"Not yet," Issei admitted sheepishly. "I was planning to tell them after our big date this weekend."
"Got it. Well, good luck then," Kiseki nodded.
After a bit more small talk, the group escorted Yuuma to the train station before continuing on to school.
---
Over the next few days, Yuuma became a regular part of the trio's morning meet-ups. Issei was clearly over the moon, walking to school each day with a proud grin plastered across his face as he introduced Yuuma to Motohama and Matsuda. With Issei "graduating" from the Pervert Trio, the group jokingly became the "Pervert Duo"—much to Aika's amusement.
Meanwhile, Kiseki continued his training in the Kendo Club. His rapid improvement shocked everyone. What began as beginner-level swings quickly evolved into precise, sharp movements that mirrored a seasoned swordsman. Katase and Maruyama watched his progress with wide eyes, marveling at how frighteningly fast he was absorbing techniques.
Aika often accompanied Kiseki to the club—not to practice, but to sit on the sidelines, nose-deep in her usual special hobby books. Her occasional lecherous giggles echoed across the room, earning her confused and embarrassed glances from the club members. Kiseki simply shook his head and smiled, already used to her antics.
Though Kiseki had long since learned about the true nature of many students at Kuoh Academy—thanks to his mysterious benefactor AL—he chose to ignore them for now. As long as they didn't interfere with his life, he had no intention of making the first move. His priority was clear: grow stronger, sharpen his skills, and be prepared for the inevitable conflicts ahead.
---
Sunday Morning
Kiseki, dressed casually in a blue shirt and jeans, stood waiting at the bus stop. He didn't have to wait long before a familiar figure approached. As she came into view, Kiseki's lips curved into a smile.
"Good morning, Aika. You look nice today."
"Thank you, Kiseki," Aika replied with a warm smile. Her outfit—a yellow blouse paired with fitted jeans and short heels—complemented her now-loosened brown hair, which flowed freely down her back.
"So," Kiseki began, hands in his pockets, "why exactly did you invite me out today? Don't tell me this is a date… because something tells me you have another motive."
Aika feigned offense, putting a hand on her chest. "Why couldn't it be a date, Kiseki?"
"I mean, I'd love for it to be one," Kiseki admitted with a grin. "But knowing you, I'm guessing you have an ulterior motive—like, say… spying on Issei's date with Amano-san?"
Aika froze for a moment before laughing sheepishly. "Hehe… have I been found out already? Okay, you got me. Yes, I may have suggested this little outing to trail those lovebirds. But just for research purposes, of course."
Then, under her breath and with a slight blush, she muttered, "I can't deny I'm also treating this like a date, Kiseki, you idiot…"
With their plan—or half-date—set in motion, the two headed for the local shopping mall, the very place Issei had proudly bragged about taking Yuuma on their weekend date.
As they wandered around the shopping mall, Kiseki and Aika eventually spotted Issei and Yuuma. Issei had a huge, satisfied grin on his face as he strolled proudly beside the girl clinging to his arm.
Keeping their distance, Kiseki and Aika casually followed the couple, pretending to be just another pair enjoying a day out. They browsed through stores and had a light meal at one of the restaurants, all while keeping an eye on their target.
Eventually, they saw Issei and Yuuma exiting the mall. Based on Issei's earlier bragging, they guessed their next stop would be the local amusement park.
As they followed along the crowded street, Kiseki and Aika passed by various vendors and street performers. Among them, a girl dressed in a revealing succubus costume handed out leaflets. Issei, being Issei, eagerly took one with a goofy smile. Kiseki accepted one as well, though with a neutral expression. Aika gave him a suspicious look.
Kiseki shrugged in response, then spoke mentally to AL.
"AL, can you confirm—was that girl non-human?"
"Yes, Host. More precisely, she is a summoned being assigned a mission by her summoner."
"And this leaflet… is it part of her mission?" Kiseki asked, eyeing the elaborate design on the paper.
"Indeed. It is a magical item. The symbols on it are the crest of its creator. You may summon the creator either by calling their name or by being placed in life-threatening danger."
"Then what's the probability that Issei's date involves supernatural elements?"
"100%."
"Thought so… we'd better get ready."
"Kiseki… Kiseki? What's with the blank look?" Aika called, waving a hand in front of him. "Is something wrong?"
Kiseki blinked and smiled. "Nothing serious. Just thinking."
Aika narrowed her eyes playfully. "Thinking about that girl in the succubus outfit?"
"You could say that," Kiseki replied with a grin.
Aika smirked. "Well, if you really want, I could wear something like that too… but only if you beg for it, Kiseki."
"We'll discuss that another time," Kiseki chuckled. "For now, let's continue our little spy mission."
Aika pouted but followed as they made their way to the amusement park.
Once they arrived at a more secluded area of the park, Aika looked around and commented, "Hey… Kiseki, don't you think this place is kinda perfect for a 'special moment'? What do you think Issei and Yuuma are doing here? Something naughty, maybe?"
Kiseki paused, eyes narrowing. "I don't know what you're thinking exactly, but I doubt that's it. However…" He turned to her, his voice suddenly serious. "Aika, I need you to promise me something. No matter what happens next, I need you to stay calm. What you're about to see will be beyond imagination. I need your complete trust."
Aika frowned in confusion. "What do you mean, Kiseki? What's going to happen?"
"I can't tell you everything now. But trust me—I'll protect you. Just promise."
After a moment, Aika nodded solemnly. "Alright, Kiseki. I trust you."
Kiseki smiled, relieved. "Good. Then stay close. The real show's about to start."
Carefully, they moved closer to where Issei and Yuuma stood near the fountain. Hiding behind a large tree, they listened.
"Issei-kun…" Yuuma said sweetly, her tone laced with something deeper. "Today's date was wonderful. Can I ask you a favor?"
Issei puffed out his chest. "Of course, Yuuma-chan! Ask me anything—I'll do my best!"
Yuuma's voice dropped, taking on an icy edge. "Then… would you give your life to me, Issei-kun?"
"…Eh?" Issei blinked. "Wait, what did you just say?"
"I said," Yuuma repeated with a wicked grin, "give your insignificant life to me."
Without warning, her body began to shimmer. Her school uniform vanished, replaced by a revealing outfit of black and purple. Large black wings spread from her back as she hovered above the ground, her expression twisted with cruel delight.
"Yuuma… what are you? Is this a dream?" Issei gasped.
Yuuma—now Raynare—laughed. "A dream? Sure, you can think of it that way. After all, you'll never wake up from it."
"Why?" Issei shouted. "Was our date that bad? I can make it up to you!"
"Date?" Raynare sneered. "You think I'd ever date a lowly human like you? I only wanted to check if you were worth keeping alive. Sadly, you're not even worth that."
She summoned a spear of glowing light, its tip crackling with deadly energy.
"As thanks for your effort today," she said mockingly, "I'll tell you my real name. I am Raynare, and now… goodbye, Issei-kun."
With a sharp thrust, the spear flew and pierced Issei's chest. Blood gushed as he collapsed, his eyes wide with shock.
From behind the tree, Kiseki and Aika watched in horror. Before they could react, Raynare turned her gaze directly toward them.
"Well, well…" she purred. "Two little mice. Will you come out yourselves, or shall I drag you out?"
A second light spear formed in her hand. Kiseki calmly stepped forward, Aika hesitantly behind him.
"Miss Raynare," Kiseki said evenly, "would you kindly allow us to take Issei for medical attention? I promised his parents I'd look after him."
Raynare raised an eyebrow. "Issei has friends like you? Interesting. I can sense fear from the girl behind you… but not a drop from you. Why is that, Kiseki Kanda?"
Kiseki shrugged. "I'm just built differently."
Raynare smirked but didn't laugh.
"Anyway," Kiseki continued, voice colder, "I'm taking him—whether you like it or not."
"Oh?" Raynare's eyes glinted. "I'd love to see you try."
END OF THE CHAPTER.