Cherreads

Chapter 3 - Pact of blood and mana

Muchachos capitulo en español acá:https://youtu.be/QsOqQWec3qI

The next day I woke up sore; my wounds still throbbed despite the healing Rias had provided. Holy Light burns were hard to fully mend, even for a high-class demon.

Sebastián: Damn, this hurts more than I expected.

I rose with difficulty and prepared for school. Today was important: my meeting with the Occultism Club. I had to be mentally and strategically ready.

Sebastián: Great Sage, I need a full analysis of my current condition and capabilities.

Great Sage: Analyzing…

Physical condition: 68% optimal capacity.

Mana available: 42% recovered after yesterday's exhaustion.

Active abilities: Enhanced Magical Perception, Magical Creation, Wrath.

Resistances: Basic resistance to Holy Light (level 1).

Sebastián: How long until I'm fully recovered?

Great Sage: With proper rest, approximately 48 hours. With intensive training or physical activity, recovery time will extend considerably.

Sebastián: (I must be careful today. I'm not in shape for another fight.)

During class, I kept a low profile but watched the Occultism Club members closely. Thanks to my enhanced Magical Perception, I could sense their demonic auras more clearly.

Kiba passed by my desk, likely not by coincidence. Our eyes met for a moment. His smile was perfect, but his gaze was appraising every detail of me.

Sebastián: (So Rias has already informed them about me.)

At the end of classes, when the halls began to empty, Akeno appeared at my classroom door.

Akeno: Ara ara, Gojo-kun. Ready for our little meeting?

Her smile was as charming as it was dangerous. I followed her in silence, feeling the curious stares of the few remaining students. Being escorted by Akeno Himejima—one of Kuoh's "Two Great Onee-samas"—didn't go unnoticed.

The Occultism Club building looked exactly as I remembered from the anime: ancient, Gothic, with a mysterious aura. Inside, everyone was waiting. Rias sat elegantly at her desk, Koneko in a corner eating sweets, and Kiba standing by a window.

Rias: Satoru Gojo. Welcome to the Occult Research Club.

Sebastián: Thanks for the invitation. Though I suspect this isn't a social call.

Rias smiled at my frankness.

Rias: Straight to the point. I like that. You're right. After last night's incident, there are many questions that need answers.

Sebastián: Curious. I have some questions too.

Akeno offered me a cup of tea, which I accepted with a nod of thanks.

Rias: First things first: what exactly are you, Satoru Gojo? Your abilities aren't those of an ordinary human.

Sebastián: I'm perfectly human, I assure you. I've simply had… experiences that have led me to develop certain abilities.

It wasn't entirely a lie, though I was hiding the most important part.

Rias: And those experiences include battles with mid-rank demons and fallen angels?

Sebastián: Let's just say I discovered this supernatural world recently. Adapting has been… intense.

Koneko, who had so far ignored me, looked up from her sweets.

Koneko: You're lying. Not completely, but you're hiding something important.

Her youkai senses were incredibly sharp. I would need to be more careful.

Sebastián: I'm not lying, little one. There are just things I prefer to keep private. I'm sure everyone in this room has their own secrets, right?

Rias crossed her legs, evaluating me with greater interest.

Rias: What do you know about us, Satoru?

Sebastián: I know you're demons. I know you are Rias Gremory, heiress of the Gremory Clan. You're Akeno Himejima, her Queen. The blond knight is Kiba Yuuto, and the little white-haired one is Koneko Toujou. Quite an interesting "school club," wouldn't you say?

The tension in the room rose noticeably. I had revealed too much knowledge for a supposed newcomer to the supernatural world.

Rias: That's… surprisingly accurate. How did you obtain that information?

Sebastián: Observation and research. Once you know what to look for, patterns become evident.

Akeno: Ara ara, it seems we underestimated our guest.

Kiba shifted slightly, his posture now more alert. I knew he could summon a sword at any moment.

Sebastián: I didn't come here looking for trouble. In fact, I appreciate last night's help. That fallen angel, Raynare, was determined to kill me.

Rias leaned forward, intrigued.

Rias: Do you know why she attacked you?

Sebastián: She mentioned orders. And something more interesting: she mentioned Azazel, saying "perhaps he was right about you." Which means someone important among the fallen angels is interested in my abilities.

This clearly surprised Rias, who exchanged a meaningful glance with Akeno.

Rias: Azazel is the leader of the fallen angels. If he's interested in you, the situation is more complex than I thought.

Sebastián: Which brings me to my question: why did you save me?

Rias smiled slyly.

Rias: This territory is under the Gremory Clan's protection. Any unusual supernatural activity is my business. Also… people with special abilities are always valuable.

I understood the implication perfectly. She was evaluating me as a potential asset for her nobility.

Sebastián: I appreciate your interest, but I must decline any premature offer. I value my humanity and independence.

Rias seemed surprised by my insight.

Rias: I haven't offered anything yet, Satoru.

Sebastián: But you were considering it.

Rias laughed softly.

Rias: You're interesting. But also potentially dangerous. A human like you operating independently in my territory…

Sebastián: I pose no threat to your clan or your interests. In fact, we could benefit mutually.

Rias raised an eyebrow.

Rias: How so?

Sebastián: Information, primarily. I can observe things that might escape your notice. As a regular student, I have access to circles you might not. In exchange, I'd appreciate some protection against future fallen angel attacks.

Rias considered for a moment.

Rias: Essentially, you want to be an independent ally?

Sebastián: Exactly. No permanent commitments for now, but mutual benefit.

Akeno leaned in to whisper something to Rias. Rias nodded slightly.

Rias: We could try it. But I'll need a demonstration of your abilities—to evaluate exactly what you can offer.

Sebastián: What kind of demonstration do you propose?

Rias looked at Kiba, who stepped forward.

Rias: A training fight with Kiba. Nothing serious, just to assess your skills.

I glanced at the group's Knight, aware of his incredible speed and swordsmanship. In my current condition, he'd still be a formidable opponent.

Sebastián: I accept, but I propose we postpone it for two days. My wounds from last night still need to heal completely.

Rias seemed satisfied by my honesty.

Rias: Very well. In two days, after classes. In the meantime, stay alert. We can't guarantee Raynare won't try another attack.

Sebastián: Understood.

As I prepared to leave, Akeno approached with a small wooden box.

Akeno: Take this. It's a basic protection amulet. It won't save you from a direct strike, but it will alert us if you're in danger.

I accepted with a grateful nod.

Sebastián: Very thoughtful of you.

Akeno: Ara ara, it's not just thoughtfulness. It'd be a shame to lose someone so interesting before getting to know him better.

Her teasing tone reminded me of her sadistic, flirtatious personality. I'd need to be careful around her.

As I exited the club building, I felt a chill at the nape of my neck. Turning, I saw Koneko watching me from a window, her gaze piercing and distrustful. Of all the club members, she'd be the hardest to deceive.

Sebastián: (I'll have to earn her trust little by little.)

That night, in my apartment, I examined the amulet Akeno had given me. As I suspected, besides its protective function it also served as a tracking device. I placed it on my nightstand—not directly on me, but close enough to fulfill its stated purpose.

Sebastián: Great Sage, I need an intensive two-day training plan. I must be ready to face Kiba.

Great Sage: Compiling plan… For maximum effectiveness, it is recommended:

1. Physical recovery: 8 hours tonight, 6 tomorrow.

2. Mana training: Focus on refined control rather than volume.

3. Practice Magical Perception to anticipate high-speed movements.

4. Develop specific countermeasures against swordsmen.

Sebastián: Perfect. I also need to review everything I know about Kiba from the anime and novels. His Sacred Gear, Sword Birth, lets him create demonic swords of various types. His strength is speed—he is Rias's Knight.

I focused for hours, refining my mana control and practicing the creation of denser but smaller magical shields—ideal for stopping sword strikes.

The next day at school, I maintained a normal routine, though I noticed Koneko seemed to "coincidentally" appear wherever I was. She was clearly watching me.

During lunch, I sat alone as usual—but soon felt a familiar presence.

Issei: Hey, mind if I sit here?

I looked up, surprised. The original anime's protagonist was there, tray in hand, smiling nervously.

Sebastián: Go ahead.

Issei sat across from me.

Issei: I'm Hyoudou Issei. I don't think we've ever had class together.

Sebastián: Satoru Gojo. And yes, I don't think we ever cross paths in class.

Issei: I heard you were seen talking with Rias-senpai and Akeno-senpai.

So that was the buzz. The little pervert was intrigued by my connection with the school's most popular girls.

Sebastián: I had a brief exchange with them, yes. Why do you ask?

Issei seemed equal parts envious and fascinated.

Issei: That's amazing! They're the most beautiful girls in the entire school. How did you manage that?

Sebastián: It was coincidence, really. I was in the right place at the right time.

I didn't even know Rias and Akeno had been observing me before my encounter with Raynare. I'd need to be more cautious.

Issei: So lucky! My friends and I would give anything to talk to them.

Sebastián: Be careful what you wish for, Issei. Sometimes getting what you desire brings unexpected consequences.

My more serious tone briefly threw him off, but he quickly returned to his usual demeanor.

Issei: Bah! For Rias-oneesama, it's worth any risk.

If only he knew what awaited him… but I couldn't warn him. Any major change to the story could have unforeseeable consequences.

After classes, I went to a wooded area away from the school to practice unseen. I erected several magical barriers to conceal my presence and focused on perfecting my combat skills.

Sebastián: Great Sage, what's the most effective way to counter extreme speed?

Great Sage: Full analysis: Anticipation is key. By using Magical Perception, you can detect energy buildup before movement. Recommendation: Create a magic zone around yourself that acts as an early warning system.

I practiced this technique for hours, expanding my magical perception into an invisible net capable of detecting any disturbance. I also rehearsed rapid formation of concentrated magical shields—the perfect defense against precise strikes.

As the sun began to set, I sensed a familiar presence approaching.

Sebastián: (Someone found me despite my barriers.)

I readied a defensive spell, then relaxed when I saw who it was.

Akeno: Ara ara, such dedication—training so late.

She leaned against a tree, her school uniform still immaculate despite the forest underfoot.

Sebastián: Akeno-san. May I ask how you found me through my barriers?

She smiled, pleased by my surprise.

Akeno: Ufufu, did you forget I'm the Thunder Priestess? Magical barriers are impressive for a beginner, but they still have… energy leaks.

Sebastián: I'll take that as a compliment. Did Rias send you to monitor me?

Akeno walked toward me with graceful steps.

Akeno: Partly. But I also had personal curiosity. It's uncommon to see a human with such… determination.

Sebastián: Necessity is a great motivator. After nearly dying, one tends to take preparation seriously.

Akeno: Certainly. Though I wonder what really motivates you, Gojo-kun. Most humans, upon discovering this world, would flee in terror. You, on the other hand, are preparing to dive in even deeper.

Her insight was dangerous. I had to choose my words carefully.

Sebastián: Let's just say I've always felt I belonged to something larger than an ordinary life.

It wasn't exactly a lie. Before my reincarnation, I'd always yearned for adventures beyond my mundane existence.

Akeno: Interesting philosophy. You know, I could give you some tips to improve those barriers. And maybe some defensive techniques useful against Kiba.

Sebastián: Why would you help me against your own comrade?

Akeno: Because an interesting fight is far more… exciting than a quick, predictable victory.

Her tone suggested she'd enjoy the spectacle, regardless of the outcome. I remembered her sadistic side from the anime.

Sebastián: In that case, I accept your offer. What do you suggest?

For the next hour, Akeno showed me how to refine my magic shields—making them more efficient with less mana. She also taught me to detect subtle shifts in energy flow that could signal an imminent attack.

Akeno: For someone without formal training, you have impressive control. It's almost as if you were born for magic.

Sebastián: Maybe in another life.

The irony of my remark made me smile inwardly.

When we finished, the sky was fully dark, lit only by the moon and stars.

Akeno: You'd better return home. There's a protective barrier around your apartment now, courtesy of Rias. You'll be safe there.

Sebastián: And you?

Akeno: Do you worry about me, Gojo-kun? How sweet. But I'm perfectly capable of taking care of myself.

To demonstrate, electricity danced briefly between her fingers, illuminating her face with a bluish glow that highlighted her supernatural beauty.

Sebastián: I never doubted it.

We parted at the forest's edge, and I returned to my apartment, reflecting on the unexpected encounter. Akeno was dangerous but potentially valuable as an ally. Her willingness to help me—if only for amusement—could prove crucial to my future plans.

Back home, I focused on integrating what I'd learned. Akeno's techniques were refined, the product of years of demonic training. Adapting them to my human capabilities was a challenge, but not impossible.

Sebastián: Great Sage, is it possible to integrate these demonic techniques with my current abilities?

Great Sage: Full analysis: Demonic magic operates under similar principles but uses different energy. Adaptation possible at 78% effectiveness. Recommendation: Combine techniques rather than replace them.

That night I slept more deeply than usual, recovering for the challenge ahead.

---

The morning of my duel with Kiba dawned clear and bright—a bitter contrast to the tension I felt. My wounds had healed significantly, and my mana was almost fully restored.

During class, I maintained a low profile, conserving energy and focus. After school, I headed to the Occultism Club building, where Akeno awaited me at the entrance.

Akeno: Welcome, Gojo-kun. Everyone's waiting in the back. We've set up a special area for the fight.

Sebastián: Thanks for yesterday's tips. They were helpful.

Akeno: Ufufu, I hope you practiced well. Kiba's quite excited for this match.

In the back courtyard, I saw they'd drawn a magic circle on the ground—probably to contain and conceal our battle from prying eyes. Rias, Koneko, and Kiba stood ready.

Rias: Satoru. I'm glad you came.

Sebastián: Did I have any other choice?

Rias smiled enigmatically.

Rias: There are always choices. Some are simply better than others.

Kiba stepped forward with a polite smile.

Kiba: I hope you're ready, Gojo-san. I promise not to be too hard.

Sebastián: I appreciate the consideration, but don't hold back. I won't learn anything otherwise.

We entered the magic circle as Rias explained the rules.

Rias: This is an evaluation match, not a fight to the death. The goal is to demonstrate skills, not inflict permanent harm. The match ends when one of you cannot continue, surrenders, or I declare it over. Understood?

We both nodded. Kiba and I took our positions at opposite ends of the circle.

Kiba summoned a demonic sword, holding it with casual confidence. I, for my part, activated my Magical Perception at full power, extending my awareness to detect even the slightest shift in Kiba's energy.

Rias: Begin.

Kiba vanished from my sight instantly. His speed was inhuman, as expected. But thanks to my training, I sensed his presence approaching from my left.

I conjured a concentrated magical shield just in time to deflect his first strike. The sword clashed against my barrier with a screech, and Kiba looked surprised by my reaction.

Kiba: Impressive. Few can match my speed on the first try.

I conserved my energy instead of responding verbally. Instead, I formed three small magical projectiles and launched them in a triangular formation toward him.

Kiba dodged two, but the third grazed his shoulder, leaving a small cut in his uniform.

Sebastián: (Good, first blood.)

Kiba's smile turned more serious. He now held two swords instead of one.

Kiba: Let's see how you handle this.

He lunged in a zigzag pattern, his swords leaving demon-light trails in the air. It was harder to track him this time. I blocked his first blow, but the second slashed my side, causing a shallow but painful cut.

Sebastián: Damn.

I stepped back to gain distance. I needed to change tactics.

Sebastián: (Great Sage, I need a solution against his speed.)

Great Sage: Recommendation: Create a magical disturbance field. Like radar, but active. It will interfere with his movement.

Risky—it would consume a lot of mana—but worth the try. I focused energy in my palms and released it in a circular burst, generating a turbulent mana field around me.

When Kiba attacked again, his movement seemed slightly hindered within my field. Not by much, but enough for me to anticipate his strike and counterattack.

I formed a magical dagger in my hand and used it to parry one of his swords while dodging the other. Then, in a swift motion, I thrust at his chest.

Kiba blocked, but the impact pushed him back.

Kiba: You don't fight like a normal human.

Sebastián: I never claimed to be normal.

Kiba smiled, now visibly enjoying the challenge. His next move was even faster; he summoned four swords floating around him.

Kiba: Sword Birth.

Blades shot at me from multiple angles. My disturbance field slowed them marginally, but not enough. I had to break defensive posture and dodge.

With an acrobatic leap that surprised even me, I evaded three blades, but the fourth struck my shoulder, carving a deeper wound.

The pain was fierce—but I used it to trigger Wrath. Instantly, I felt adrenaline surge through me, boosting my speed and strength.

With Wrath active, the battle shifted dramatically. Now I could follow Kiba's movements more easily, even anticipate them.

I formed a spear of magical energy and hurled it with lethal precision. Kiba barely dodged, but while he was distracted, I blinked by his side at a speed that clearly astonished him.

My fist, wrapped in magical energy, struck his side, sending him flying several meters until he landed nimbly on his feet.

From the edge of the circle, I saw surprised expressions on Rias and Akeno's faces. Koneko remained impassive, though her eyes narrowed.

Kiba recovered swiftly, his smile now tense.

Kiba: So you had a surprise up your sleeve. Interesting.

Sebastián: We all have surprises.

Kiba: Allow me to show you one of mine.

His sword glowed intensely, and suddenly dozens of demonic blades filled the air, all aimed at me.

Sebastián: (Damn, this is going to hurt.)

Great Sage: Urgent recommendation: Full spherical shield, maximum density.

I channeled every last drop of mana into a spherical barrier just as the blades rained down like metal hail. The impact was brutal; each sword struck my barrier with devastating force.

My shield held for the first wave but began to crack under the second. By the third, it was on the verge of collapse.

Sebastián: (I can't hold this much longer.)

In a desperate move, I funneled my remaining energy into an outward mana explosion, violently expanding my barrier. The shockwave deflected the remaining swords and blasted Kiba several meters back.

Seizing the moment, I unleashed my final assault. I formed three magical spears, draining almost all my reserves, and launched them in rapid succession.

Kiba deftly avoided the first two, but the third struck his leg, opening a deep gash that forced him to stumble.

I felt my body hit its limit. Wrath began to fade, and my legs trembled from the effort. Yet I held firm, ready for a final exchange.

Kiba recovered, his uniform now stained with blood—just like mine. We stared at each other, both panting, both wounded but resolute not to yield.

Just as we readied our closing moves, Rias's voice rang out.

Rias: Enough.

The magic field enclosing the arena dissipated, and Rias stepped between us, her expression serious yet satisfied.

Rias: You've both demonstrated enough.

Kiba immediately lowered his arms and offered me a respectful bow.

Kiba: It was an honor, Gojo-san. You're a formidable opponent.

I dropped my defenses, exhaustion washing over me as adrenaline ebbed away.

Sebastián: The same goes for you.

Rias observed us both, then fixed her gaze on me.

Rias: Impressive, Satoru. You've exceeded my expectations. Your mana control, tactical adaptability, and especially that power-boost ability… all very intriguing.

Akeno approached with towels and water bottles, offering them to us.

Akeno: Ufufu, what an exciting spectacle. Especially when your eyes changed color during that power surge. Fascinating.

I hadn't been aware my eyes shifted during Wrath. An important detail to note.

After basic magical healing for our wounds, Rias invited me to sit and discuss what she'd witnessed.

Rias: Your alliance proposal seems far more valuable now, Satoru. You've proven to be a significant asset.

Sebastián: I'm glad to hear it. Does that mean you accept my offer?

Rias nodded.

Rias: With some conditions. First, you must train regularly with us. Your abilities are impressive, but still need refinement.

Sebastián: Reasonable.

Rias: Second, if we discover you've hidden crucial information that could endanger my entourage, our agreement ends immediately.

Sebastián: Fair.

Rias: And third, if you ever find yourself in extreme life-threatening danger, I reserve the right to offer you a piece of an Evil Piece to save you. The final decision, of course, would be yours.

That last condition was shrewd. Rias was crafting a situation where I'd be tempted to consider joining her nobility.

Sebastián: I accept, with the clarification that the third condition applies only if no other option exists to save my life.

Rias smiled, extending her hand.

Rias: Then we have an agreement.

We shook hands, and I felt a faint jolt of demonic energy—probably some informal magical contract.

Rias: Welcome, ally of the Gremory Clan. I look forward to our fruitful cooperation.

Sebastián: Likewise.

As I prepared to leave, Koneko—who had stayed silent until now—approached.

Koneko: Your scent… it's strange.

Sebastián: Excuse me?

Koneko: You smell human, but there's something else. Something I can't identify.

Her keen youkai senses were detecting something in me—perhaps remnants of my previous life, or a side effect of my reincarnation.

Sebastián: We all have our mysteries, don't we, Koneko-chan?

She regarded me with distrust but did not press further. I'd have to be especially careful around her.

Leaving the club, Kiba walked partway with me.

Kiba: It's rare to find humans who can fight like that against demons. Whatever your secret is, you earned my respect today.

Sebastián: Thank you, Kiba. I hope we can train together in the future. Your sword style is fascinating.

Kiba smiled genuinely.

Kiba: It would be my pleasure. Maybe we can exchange techniques.

We parted at the school gate, and I headed home, reflecting on the day. I'd achieved my goal: an alliance with the Gremory Clan granting me protection and valuable information, without sacrificing my independence.

But I knew this was only the beginning. Raynare was still out there, likely reporting to Azazel about me. Issei would soon meet "Yuuma" and the original plot would unfold. And I'd have to decide how much to interfere in the events to come.

As I walked, I sensed a dark presence watching from the shadows. I didn't stop or show that I'd noticed, but inwardly I prepared for any eventuality.

Sebastián: Great Sage, can you identify who's observing us?

Great Sage: Full analysis: Energy signature compatible with a fallen angel. Not Raynare. Power level: moderate.

Sebastián: (So Raynare didn't come personally this time. Interesting.)

I continued on, trusting the protection Akeno's amulet provided. If the fallen angel tried anything, the Gremorys would be alerted immediately.

That night I would rest and recuperate. Tomorrow, I'd begin planning my next moves in this dangerous supernatural chess game.

And perhaps, very soon, I'd have the chance to acquire new abilities for my Limited Capacity. After all, this world was full of beings with extraordinary powers, waiting to be… harnessed.

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