It had been several days since the last events with Freed. Back then, after an intense incident—it was the first murder committed by hand on a human being—but everything had since returned to a kind of strange normalcy. Mephisto resumed his daily routine, even though he knew this calm wouldn't last long.
The morning was chilly. Mephisto got out of bed without having to convince himself. His thoughts were foggy, but today was supposed to be a normal school day—which would eventually turn into something more.
Mephisto woke up. He had gotten used to the silence of his apartment, where time flowed at a slower pace. In the kitchen, he prepared a simple breakfast: some black tea, a few toasts, and some fruit. Everything was done quickly and efficiently, as was his habit.
After eating, he dressed quickly and stepped outside. He spent most of the day in peace, his head full of thoughts. When he left his home, the sun was already in the sky, warm enough to make being outside pleasant. He headed on foot to Issei and Asia's house. It wasn't far, but he still enjoyed the silence of the street. His steps were light and confident as he noticed Asia waiting for him in front of the house.
"Good morning, Mephisto!" Asia's face lit up when she saw him.
"Good morning, Asia," Mephisto replied.
After a moment, Issei came out of the house too, and the three of them walked to school together. When they arrived, everything seemed relatively normal. Classes proceeded as usual. The afternoon dragged on, as it often did, and when club time came, everyone was present. Rias, Akeno, Koneko, Asia, Issei, Kiba, and Mephisto sat around the table. The clubroom always held a certain atmosphere, one that remained unshaken even during quiet moments.
Rias comfortably sat in her usual spot and looked around at the others. Akeno beside her smiled quietly, sipping tea. Kiba leaned against the wall, a closed book under his arm. Koneko sat still, a cookie in her lap that she nibbled on slowly. Issei and Asia exchanged glances, clearly unsure of what was coming. Then there was Mephisto, sitting slightly apart, a thoughtful expression on his face—as if present, yet far away.
"I have a new task for you today," Rias began seriously. "Another step on your journey."
Issei straightened up. "Sounds serious."
"Because it is," Rias nodded. "Each of you should find your own familiar."
"Familiar?" Issei repeated, glancing at Asia. Both looked confused.
"A familiar is a magical being that bonds with you spiritually," Akeno explained. "It helps you, connects with your soul, protects you… and grows with you."
"Like a magical pet?" Issei smirked.
"You know, some really do look like dogs," Kiba added with a smile.
Koneko added without interest, "And some look like something you wouldn't want to meet in the bathroom at midnight."
Everyone laughed, except Mephisto, who remained silent, lightly tapping his finger on the armrest of the chair. He observed, but didn't react.
After a while, Akeno noticed and smiled softly. "Mephisto, you don't look surprised."
Rias nodded and fixed her gaze on him. "Most people are at least curious when they first hear about familiars."
Mephisto looked at her—his gaze deep, calm, and yet somehow distant. "I know the familiar system. It's old, functional… and usually used by nobility to consolidate power. Practical, sure. But not universal."
"Really?" Issei raised an eyebrow. "And where'd you hear that?"
"Heard. Read. Observed. Things tend to repeat in this world. Familiars are no exception," he said with a tone that wasn't arrogant or mysterious—just a neutral fact.
The atmosphere settled into a relaxed rhythm again. Issei and Asia began bombarding the others with questions—how to get a familiar, if it hurts, where to find them, and what if no one chooses them. Rias patiently explained everything, as always. Akeno added sarcastic comments now and then, which scared Asia a little and confused Issei.
Mephisto remained quiet, comfortably seated in his chair, like a spectator watching a play whose script he already knew. After the discussion, everyone except Mephisto went into the forest to search for familiars. Mephisto went home.