Occult Research Club – Kuoh Academy
The room remained silent as Rias gazed out the window with a distant look. Breaking her marriage contract with Riser had granted her freedom, but it was a bitter victory. She had lost her title as heir, her reputation among the high nobility was tarnished… and now, Sona—her best friend—was married to the man she despised most.
Akeno, noticing the sadness in her friend's eyes, broke the silence.
"Rias, what's wrong?"
Rias sighed.
"I was thinking about everything that's happened. Freedom comes at too high a price."
Akeno tried to comfort her:
"At least you're free of Riser."
"Yes… But for how long? Soon my father might arrange another marriage, and I won't have the luxury of refusing again."
Akeno gently hugged her, offering silent support. But within, a conflict brewed. She still felt the echoes of the kiss she shared with Riser—something she had never told Rias.
'If I tell her now, it'll only cause more pain. But… why did it feel so good?'
Rias pulled away with a faint smile.
"Thank you, Akeno. You always help me see clearly. I have to become stronger."
"You will. And I'll be by your side."
Rias hesitated for a moment.
"Akeno… how should I act with Riser now?"
"He's Sona's husband. Respect him… and forget him. He has no ties to you anymore."
"Yes… I miss talking to Sona. Maybe it's time to show I hold no grudges."
"Talk to her, yes. But keep an eye on Issei. He hates Riser and only makes things worse."
"After class, I'll talk to him. He's crossed the line."
Akeno, firmly:
"Words aren't enough. Be tougher. Make him work harder. He needs to learn."
Rias nodded.
"You're right. He'll learn, even if it's by force."
---
Classroom 3-B – Kuoh Academy
Issei stared blankly into the classroom as Matsuda and Motohama watched him with confusion.
Inside, a silent dialogue unfolded with his dragon.
"Ddraig… how can I get stronger?"
["There's a ritual. We can transform part of your body into draconic scales. You also need to make more contracts and fight more often. That way, you can achieve the Crimson Armor."]
"Crimson Armor?"
["A power comparable to a high-class demon."]
"With that… can I defeat Riser?"
["I don't know how strong he is. But it's a start."]
"Then it's decided. I'll make more contracts than anyone. I'll surpass Riser. And I'll become the Harem King!"
["…That's my partner."]
Matsuda leaned in.
"Issei… you okay?"
"Great!" Issei replied abruptly.
"Then let's go spy on the kendo girls?"
The perverted glint returned to Issei's eyes.
"Hell yeah!"
Ddraig sighed within the gauntlet.
["Unacceptable. We need focus…"]
---
Phenex Territory – Main Hall
Asia wandered through the grand corridors of the mansion, admiring its beauty. She was grateful for everything, but… something troubled her.
Whenever she silently thanked God, a sharp headache struck. Ravel had explained: devotees turned into demons could no longer pray. Asia kept forgetting.
Finding Ravel seated with a pensive expression, Asia approached.
"Ravel-san, is everything okay?"
"It's my brother. He moved to the human world. I miss him."
Asia smiled.
"Then why don't we visit him?"
"I already asked Mom…"
"Lady Romina?"
"Yes. She said Riser needs privacy with his wife."
Ravel sighed.
"But it's fine. At my Onee-sama's Rating Game… I'll see him."
Asia nodded with a gentle smile, determined to help cheer Ravel up, even just a little.
---
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A new life, a new Clark Kent — with all the memories of his past life intact.