Gamer's Tournament Chapter 4: Truth unraveled, a Manhwa/Korean Comics/만화 + High School DxD/ハイスクールD×D Crossover fanfic

Yet another chapter is up! Hello!

It was like what? Five days? Man, I did it fast! I hope I won't burn out soon! Oh well.

About the poll... I'm surprised. But I'm not sure if positively or not. I mean, so far forty votes went in, but... Eh, if things will stay how they are now, I will simply change from six girl harem to eight girl and add in two I feel would work the best. Also, whoever didn't vote yet, I recommend you to do it. I would appreciate it a lot. Now, reviews!

I'll skip every review that just praises me, since there's good amount of them.

Jack vile Ripper (I'll answer both your reviews from bottom to up) - Thanks man, and no, I can't. Two reasons for that: 1) It's too OP even for my standards, no matter what limitations I would put on it. And 2) I haven't either watched any anime or read any novel from Fate series. I would love to, but I have school and my private life. Maybe during winter break I'll try to watch it. And about Rias, I KNOW, RIGHT! But just because she won't fuck up his harem life, it doesn't mean his normal life is safe *Wink* *Wink*

youngmark - Thanks, mate. This is really nice to hear. And I know what you mean. I try my best to make Gamer system more of a side thing, something that gives me reasons to put certain situations in motion where in canon they wouldn't happen. Also, another thing I noticed in those stories is that they focus on a single Gamer + maybe some party members if he has one. I want to show what would happen if more Gamers were to exist at once. I hope it was pretty obvious via title of my story.

FoxFromSpace - That's good to know and it's nice to hear you liked my idea of dungeons affecting real life. I hope you'll stay here for as long as possible!

While it will be a bit unorthodox, since normally I only answer reviews from newest chapters, not previous once/updates, I will make an exception here, since I want to talk about reasons for my certain choice.

BruceLeeNagato - I can't because of few things. Let's start with my own, most personal reasons for limited harem. I want to make the love between Issei and girls as authentic as possible and having whole bunch of girls swarming him won't help. Limiting it to 6 (8 if poll will go the way it is now) will allow me to concentrate less on girls dealing with the fact he has harem and more on their own, personal relationships with him and how they go from simple acquaintances to lovers.

Another reason is more technical. Every harem anime I watched has something I call 'Harem Scheme'. This is basically a way to put how harem in anime works. It is divided into two parts: Why girls are considered part of harem and how protagonist's harem even have right ot exist from his point of view. I'll only use HDxD as a example, but it should be enough if watching harem animes (Ecchi ones especially) is your everyday activity. So, with first part in HDxD it looks like this. Girl needs to have some problem that Issei solved at one point, making her admire him or just gain more positive opinion on him, which slowly transforms into a love (Proper examples *SPOILERS!*, Rias didn't love Issei until he defeated Riser, Akeno loved him after he accepted her fallen angel half and Asia started to love him after he saved her from hands of Raynere *SPOILERS END!*). In this story it will be a little different, since not every single one of them will have problem and their love will be mostly emotional, not based on admiration and sexuality. That's why not every girl can be added to the harem.

Now another point that will allow me to show you why it's only 6-8 and not 10-12. The reason of harem's existence from Issei's side. In canon, Issei needed to have positive feelings towards the girls and from certain point love them to consider them part of his harem. Also, he needs, as a dense protagonist, NOT to acknowledge their love towards him, or else it would give 'unfair advantage'. In my story, it will be more simple. Here, Issei will simply have to share same feelings with the girl. While polygamy won't be his priority, his divided feelings towards every girl will force him into getting a harem. So, if girl wants to be part of harem, not only does she have to genially love Issei, but said boy from certain point in story needs to develop his own feeling towards said girl.

PHEW! That was long-ass explanation! I hope that will clear up not only yours, but everyone else's confusion and hopes about harem.

Now, if you liked this chapter, write a review, follow it, favorite it and check my other story (Undertale of Redemption... This one don't check. It's from my earlier days and I plan on rewriting it later). Also, despite this being an ending to a prologue (Yes, so far I just made a prologue), I won't slow down and the next chapter will show up as soon as I make it.

Now, without further ado, enjoy this chapter!

Jia~Na!

'What I found out that day shocked me. Nee-san was adopted? I was shocked... And happy in a way. But, I didn't know how big of a rift would be created thanks to that one information. Not between me and Nee-san... But between us and our parents.'

(Cue: Billy Talent - Viking Death March)

(Instrumental)

We see pile of corpses of humans, devils, angels, youkai and many other races and creatures. Our vision slowly rises to top of the pile, going through all of the bodies, where we can see faces of Kokabiel, Freed, Diodora, Katerea, Loki and Rizevim. As we reach the top, we see person clad in black battle coat, with two sword sheaths on his back. One of them is empty, as the person holds his sword in his right hand. Slowly the person turns his head towards us, revealing it's Issei.

(HEY!)

When 'HEY!' is heard, Issei's face is fully visible, showing a smirk on his face. As instrumental part continues, previous image is replaced with rain of corpses and slowly revealing GAMERS TOURNAMENT itself.

(Down, let's take it down!)

Now we see Issei talking with girl yet unknown to us, both wearing Kuoh Academy uniform, as they stand in school hall, apparently waiting for something or someone.

(Raise up their heads on a stake!)

Now they are sitting in ORC room with all of its members, that is Rias, Akeno, Koneko and Kiba. Issei is sitting on couch and chuckles alongside Kiba at Koneko pinching unknown girl's cheek for some reason, while Rias fills in some papers and Akeno prepares more tea on the side.

(We will show no mercy)

Suddenly Issei gets up and walks forward, scene changes into a forest that suddenly shifts into maze-like shape. Our protagonist takes out his weapon, that is a simple bastard sword, which he easily holds with one hand.

(On evolution's mistake!)

As those words are said, Issei charges towards his enemies, hidden in shadows, killing them in few strikes with little to no effort.

(Change! Will have to wait!)

Now we see abandoned church on the far side of Kuoh, where fallen angels are located. In front of it, Issei, Koneko, Kiba and the girl are, Issei holding new claymore sword and wearing simple black cloak, Koneko wearing her signature fingerless gloves, Kiba having sword created via Sword Birth and the girl wearing Boosted Gear in it's Twice Critical form.

(If we can't decide on a fate!)

In front of them, all of the four fallen angels sit on the roof, two of them smirk, while the other two have leashes on them, held by the former two. Behind the four, three figures stand. One is clearly Kokabiel, the second one is man in business outfit, holding a magic staff, while the third is a buff man wearing leather armor, animal pelts and holding two hatchets.

(Self-appointed prophets)

Then we see pocket dimension where Issei have a staring fight with Riser. Raiser is in his usual attire, while Issei wears obsidian chainmail and holds a sword with weird, blue glow over it's blade.

(And their doomsday charade!)

Then both of them charge at each other and when they are about to clash, white glow covered everything and we change scenery to Issei marching forward with yet another armor, this time made from Drake Scales, wielding a sword too familiar for fans of certain assassin with red jacket and stylish shades.

(You preach about love!)

Image of Asia on cross, having her Twilight Healing ripped out of her soul flashed for a second behind Issei.

(And teach about faith!)

Then, another image showed up. This time it was Xenovia's face after she learned that the God is dead.

(But all your beliefs are still rooted in hate!)

Then we turn towards what Issei is heading. It's a big army of races charging towards him and his allies, which consist of ORC, Student Council, two very familiar fallen angels, The Four Satans, Four Greta Seraphs and, most surprisingly, Vali and girl very similar to him.

(Short instrumental)

As they get closer to each other, Issei closes his eyes and takes a deep breath.

(CROSSES STILL BURN! AXES STILL FALL!)

As the refrain start, Issei opens his eyes, smirk and charges at his enemies, cutting through every weaker person. From time to time, image flashes to, for example, Issei decapitating someone or cutting another one in half.

(And down on your knees you just don't look so tall!)

He continued to kill everyone else, Vali joining his side as other Gamers, from enemy side, comes to them and fight them. Alongside them the man in business suit uses spells to attack from distance. As refrain intensifies, replacing itself with last refrain of the song after the normal one ends, the fight becomes more heated, more wounds appear on fighters of both sides.

Suddenly, image flashes forward, where all enemy Gamers are down and only businessman is still alive, albeit on his knees and blooded.Issei approaches him and puts his sword next to man's neck.

"Down on your knees, you don't look so tall. Open your eyes and the empIRE FALLS!"

As Issei says that words alongside the music, he rises his sword and swings for decapitation, as we watch from his victim's eyes. But before strike connects, the image blacks out and everything quiets down.

Chapter 4: Truth unraveled

It's impossible... Why didn't they tell us that? Why did they hide it from us for so long?

It's been an hour since I discovered the truth. Nee-san is adopted because they thought my mom was sterile... and when I was born they pushed her away... That's so wrong... I mean, even if she isn't their born daughter, they adopted her. They declared they would care for her. And after I came to this world, they just pushed her away!?... But I can't say this is exactly bad... I mean, this means it won't be incest... Right?

Never the less, I can't just storm up to anyone and tell them I know about this without evidence. Adoption papers should be enough. And where do we store all papers? At dad's personal office. I haven't been there in few years, not really having any reason to be there. But now I have. Thankfully, dad is at work whole night, so the only people I need to watch out for are mom and Nee-san... or Mizuki... I'm still not sure how to call her. I'll figure it out later.

With a stretch, I peaked out from the frame of my room, in which I spent the last hour contemplating, to check if anyone was there. Coast clear, move out.

I rushed with finesse of a seasoned thief across the hall from my room to dad's office. Door was open, so I came in and closed it behind me. Knowing natural schedule of our lives, Matsuda and Motohama should be coming to Mizuki while mom is making dinner. I'll use this time to look through every corner of this place in hope of finding what I need.

I looked at the folder case in which all of the papers are held and sighed. This will take me a long time, won't it? Well, I don't mind. It's for the greater cause, after all.

Long story short, I looked through most of it in half an hour. But, to my surprise and irritation, I found nothing! No evidence that she has been adopted, no test results for fertility, non! I found even Nee-san's fake birth papers. By now normally I would stop and just call it stupid, but I knew that this ability doesn't lie. And that means there have to be some kind of evidence. Last drawer, hope there's something in here...

Budget reports, budget reports... Another budget reports... Oh, what do you know? Yet ANOTHER budget reports! This is so stupid! Where did they hid it!? I know it's in here, I just need to know where!

After I went through the whole drawer, I slammed down on the floor. This is getting stupid... Where could that one, stupid paper be? Maybe he hid it in walls or in the . . . THE SAFE! My dad has a safe located behind a pin board on which all of his business contacts are located! Dumb move from his side, leaving them all in the open, but EH! It's his choice.

I got up and walked up to it, taking the board off. Thanks god, it's still here. Now, what is a code to it... My dad changes it every month, but knowing him, he'll have a code wrote on a piece of paper and hidden in his desk. After checking for two minutes, I found a code in a pile of paper. I'm not sure if it's the right one, but I'll try anyway.

I quickly put in the combination and hoped for it to work. My hand grasped the handle and pulled it. It opened! Yes! With a quick eye, I scanned everything in there. Money... I don't need any... Credit card? Nah, I have my [Inventory]... The hell is that? It looks like some... Wand or something? I don't have time for that... There it is! Adoption papers of Mizuki and even mom's fertility test results! I took them and hid them.

Now, should I tell them now or later? Now I would definitely shock them, but it would be too suspicious for me to suddenly shift from good son to angry prosecutor. But later I may not have enough time, considering the life I now have.

After two minute pondering I chose second option and got everything fixed in the office, retreating back to my home. I'll have to prepare everything for perfect situation where I can present all of this. Now I just long sleep. I laid down on my bed and closed my eyes, letting land of dreams take me away.

Next day

Rias' PoV

We looked through the whole city, but no trace of person responsible for yesterday's massacre have been found. While I don't like it when someone works in my territory without my permission, but thanks to this person we not only got rid of the stray, but also found a dead necromancer turned undead. Whoever their killer was, he or she is really good.

"Buchou, Koneko and Kiba returned, but they still found nothing." Akeno said while I scanned map of the city made through magic. It's so convenient to have it, since this way we can track anyone if we have some trace of this person. But the problem is we don't.

"I figured... I wonder if we'll find this person." I said with a sigh. This case is rubbing off of me in a very wrong way. What if we won't find that person... I know they didn't do anything against us, heck, they even helped us, but I won't let anyone walk on my territory and kill our problems without my approval!

"I'm not sure. This case reminds me a lot of that Vigilantly person." That got me out of my inner monologue. She is right, this does look like a work of the same person. First we know the exact location of our enemy, then suddenly the aura signals get very dulled, making them really, REALLY hard to notice and when we arrive at the scene, everyone was dead and no trace of the culprit was found. If it was the same person as before, I need to find him, check his intentions and potentially recruit him. That kind of power would be really useful.

I nodded my head. "Yes, it really does look the same." I sighed and looked at her. "We should continue our search today. If we won't find anything, then we'll simply stop until another incident happen.

Now that I've slept, I am feeling much better after yesterday. My HP and MP, from what I've read, is now full, so there's no reason for me to slack off on this day. What should I do today? Definitely not hang out with friends, since almost everyone is at school and work and my friends from school are out of town.

I don't feel like dungeoning, considering yesterday I got a lot of levels and items... Oh, right! I need to check new skills! Also assimilate one that I still haven't got... [Structural Analysis], was it?

I first took out the book and used it, getting the new skill. Then I checked all of the new skills.

[Basic Dual Wielding Combat] (Lvl. 2/100) Exp. - 3.75%

It may not be the best way to fight. It may not be easy for everyone. But, DAMN, dual wielding is awesome! And now you can make it your deadliest skill! Or at least one of the deadliest skills you have.

* Increases your damage while dual wielding by 10% per level

* Increases your attack speed while dual wielding by 10% per level

* Passively increases 0.5% of STR, DEX and END per level

Fighting moves:

[Cross Slash] (Lvl. 1/10) Exp. - 0.00%

While not the strongest move you can have, this attack will allow you to heavily wound your enemy, if done correctly. Can be evolved into different variations after achieving level ten of that skill.

* 50 STA and two swords, axes or daggers required

* +20% damage, +5% attack speed, +30% to inflict chest injury

[Novice Healing Magic] (Lvl. 1/100) Exp. - 0.00%

Whether you are a close combat warrior or powerful mage, everyone needs to know at least the basics of healing themselves during heated battle. After all, no one can survive on healing factory alone.

* Enables use of basic magic spells

* Passively increases 0.5% of INT and WIS per level

Spells:

[Cure] (Lvl. 1/10) Exp. - 0.00%

Most basic of healing spells, it will help you in quick health recovery. Not recommended to use on major wounds, as it isn't as effective as its future evolutions.

* 50 MP required

* Heals 100 HP

[ID Create] {Active} (Lvl. 3/100) Exp. - 10.00%

Special spell used for creating alternative dimensions for training. Used way before first Gamer was born, this skill was originally used by every person with supernatural abilities. In this time and place, no one uses it, except Gamers. Every five levels of the skill, new ID is unlocked

* 200 MP required

* Available IDs - Empty, Zombie, Thugs

* Available Sanctuaries - Crafting room

* Passively increases 0.5% of INT and WIS per level

[Structural Analysis] (Lvl. MAX)

Whether you are a professional crafter or a warrior that just wants to repair his blade, you need to know material needed to create and repair items. And this skill does just that. Use it on items to gain information about what they're made of and how to make it. You can use it only on times that you hold or touch.

* 50 MP required

[Minor Health Regeneration] (Lvl. 1/100) Exp. - 0.00%

It's a pain in the ass to cast healing spells during battle without being interrupted. That's why most supernatural beings have minor healing factory, even if it's almost unnoticeable most of the times. Humans don't have that luck, except you. And now you can power it up with this skill.

*Increases your HP Regen. (Base HP Regen + 1 HP/s per level)

* Passively increases 1% of STR per level

[Minor Mana Regeneration]

Some people are naturally born with magic abilities. Some must learn those through years of studying and practice. You spit in the face of everyone above by having this skill. It allows you to painlessly increase your mana regeneration every time you use skill that costs MP.

* Increases your MP Regen. (Base MP Regen + 1 MP/s per level)

* Passively increases 1% of WIS per level

Huh, they seem nice. Those regeneration skills will be helpful, considering basing it on stats alone would be stupid. This way I'll be able to get much better healing and quicker mana regen. But that means I need to level them up by using spells and... harming myself... I think I know what I'll do, but I'll do it later. Also, this 'Sanctuary' thing... I'll look at it in another time too.

Now, what can I do? Ah, screw it! I'm going for a walk. Maybe I'll get to an arcade and try some luck games? I got up, went to bath and took a bath, before putting on fresh clothes and heading out for a walk.

My mind returned once again to the thought of Nee-san... Mizuki, adopted. The more I think about it, the more obvious it seemed to be. Different hair color, different way to be. And this feeling I ignored almost my whole life, that she isn't as close to me as I thought she is. Now I know why it came to me every time. I... I just can't accept it easily. That is just so weird after so many years of knowing her as my sister...

I was so concentrated on my thoughts that I didn't notice a girl before me, making me bump into her. We both fell on our butts and I blinked twice, unsure what happened. After few seconds, I widened my eyes, quickly got up and offered her a hand. "Hey, sorry about that. I was too deep in thoughts." I said with a smile, while she eyed me with suspicion before taking my hand. I eyed her clothes and sighed silently when I noticed girl is wearing Kuoh Academy's middle school division's uniform. Another one? I have such a luck, don't I? "What's your name?"

For a second she stayed silent, before quietly answering "... Koneko." Cute name, I must say. Her white her and hazel eyes are very pretty and her small figure is really precious. Yes, precious. That's how cute she is.

"That's a nice name. I'm Issei Hyoudou." Why did she back off?... OH, right, my sister. "Hey, don't worry! I'm not like Nee-san!" I said, rising my hands in defense. No! I won't have potential classmate hate me because of Mizuki's actions!

She stared at me for the longest time, which made me feel very nervous. "... Why should I trust you?" Heh... That is a good question. Why should she? Hmm...

"Well, why shouldn't you? You never met me before. And just because Nee-san is a notorious pervert doesn't mean I'm one. Just give me a chance, okay?" I asked, trying to pull out the cutest puppy face I could. I think it worked, because after few seconds of her conflicted face, she nodded.

"... Okay." I smiled at that and jumped up, screaming 'Yatta!'

"Thanks for that... Hey, why aren't you in school?" I asked, looking at her clothes. It's early at morning so I would suspect everyone would be at school. She didn't flinch, but she looked slightly tensed. Did she hide something?

She looked at me with slightly narrowed eyes. "... And what about you?" I shrugged and stretched.

"My school was closed month earlier because of maintain problems." I said, then grinned at her. "Then what's your reason for skipping school?"

She glared at me for a bit, making me chuckle. "... I'm excused from school today because of my club activities." Since when school allowed to bail school because someone have club activities? Something's fishy about it.

"Okay, if you say so... Wanna go for ice creams?" I asked out of a blue. I know she has 'club activities' or something, but one or two ice creams aren't something big, right? I looked at her and she thought for a bit, before nodding with a very small smile. So she CAN smile. That's good to know.

"... Yes." She said with more excitement than before. I chuckled and smiled, walking with her to a nearby ice cream shop.

Man, that is so relaxing. After we got ourselves ice creams, we headed towards the nearby park in comforting silence. From time to time I asked her few questions, which she answered quickly. It wasn't much, but I didn't mind. It was really nice for me.

Now we are sitting on the bench. I'm finishing waffle that worked as base for ice creams, while Koneko already finished hers. She's a quick eater, I must say. As I was eating, I noticed a guy about year older than me walking up to us. He was wearing high school uniform of Kuoh Academy. His hair are blonde and his eyes are deep blue and overall... he's handsome.

"Koneko, what are you doing?" He asked the white haired girl besides me, who just looked at him.

"... Taking a break." She said bluntly, making both me and the guy sigh. Most probably they come from the same club, considering his way of talking to her.

He looked at me and smiled. "I hope she didn't give you much trouble." Man, for some reason his smile is annoying him, but who cares? Dude is polite, so I should be too. I got up and shock my head.

"Nah, actually I offered her an ice cream. Mostly because I wanted to apologize for bumping into her." I then extended my hand to him. "I'm Issei. Issei Hyoudou. Who are you?"

He took my hand and shock it. He has a firm grip, like a really firm grip. "I'm Kiba Yuuto. Nice to meet you, Issei-kun." '-kun' already? Man, he's thinking way too forward.

"Likewise." I said while taking my hand away from him. "What are you two doing here? And don't tell me 'club activities', because I won't buy that." I said, while casually stretched. I didn't look at him, but his stare burned my face. He knew I knew something and he didn't like that.

"Really now?" He asked with suspicion. Thankfully I know exactly what to say to defuse this tense atmosphere.

"Yeah, I mean it's not usual for club president to have so much influence to let their club members skip classes just for club activities." I said while facing both of them. Man, they can't keep up the fact, considering they almost immediately tensed and got ready to attack me. "So there's only one reason why you're not in school..." I let that sentence hold into air with a smile, wanting to keep the suspense up. "You're bored of school already!" I yelled with my smile turning into a grin. Kiba almost fell on the floor, while Koneko facepalmed. Nailed it!

"Really, Issei-kun? You made such dramatic pause just to say that?" I nodded with a 'dumb' grin and chuckle. "You have some kind of humor, I must tell you." Why thank you.

"... Baka." OH NO, SHE BAKA'D ME! WHAT DO I DO?! Hahaha! That's so funny.

"Heheh. Whatever you say, white kitty." I said with a teasing grin. It was totally worth it! She's having a very annoyed pout and... her eyes... Why do I see nostalgic sadness in them? Oh shit, maybe she had someone close call her like that before she lost them? I'm so stupid. "Now seriously, what are you doing here?" I asked with amused smile, knowing the atmosphere is much looser now.

Kiba chuckled and shrugged. "We really have club activities now. Our buchou's father funded the school and she has contacts that allow us to skip classes when necessary." Huh... Lucky people!

Wait... [Observe].

Name: Yuuto Kiba Age: 17

Titles: The Prince of Kuoh Academy Affiliation: Rias Gremory's Peerage

Holy Sword Project Survivor

Level: 38 Race: Devil

HP: 4480/4480 HP Regen.: 23.25/s

MP: 1030/1030 MP Regen.: 0.58/s

STA: 1590/1590 STA Regen.: 3.5/s

STR: 93

DEX: 150

END: 70

INT: 65

WIS: 58

CHR: 123

LUK: 18

Skills:

[Sword Birth] {Sacred Gear}

* Allows to create demonic swords

[Decent Swordsmanship]

* +200% damage from swords

* +100% speed with swords

[Knight Speed]

*DEX *5

Description - Living mostly in orphanage, Yuuto didn't have happy life. Raised in religious ways, he was a mild God follower. One day, he and the whole orphanage was taken away to be test subjects in 'Holy Sword' project. 'In the name of God' they said, but the pain he and his comrades went through wasn't something they would willingly do for their Father's name. But they still prayed to him, hoping for salvation. One day, however, the decision fell to kill of the test subjects. After all of his comrades died and he was on the edge of death, Rias came and offered him another chance in life. After that, besides serving Rias as her knight, he swore revenge to everyone involved with the project and destroy every Excalibur fragments there is.

Emotions - Amused, unsure

I thought so, he's a Devil. But shit, having such back story is really awful. I guess Koneko is the same?

Name: Koneko Toujou (Formerly: Shirone) Age: 16

Titles: Kuoh Academy Mascot Affiliation: Rias Gremory's Peerage

Level: 39 Race: Devil-Nekoshou

HP: / HP Regen.: /s

MP: / MP Regen.: /s

STA: / STA Regen.: /s

STR: 143

DEX: 59

END: 120

INT: 63

WIS: 57

CHR: 114

LCK: 14

Skills:

[Rook Strength]

* STR, END *5

[Decent Hand-to-Hand Combat]

* +200% damage with hand-to-hand combat

* +100% speed with hand-to-hand combat

Description - A youkai without parents, Shirone and her sister Kuroka were living on streets of supernatural part of Kyoto until certain devil offered her sister becoming part of his peerage. To make sure Shirone will have a better life, she accepted and became man's bishop. But, after few years, she presumably became mad with power coming from Senjutsu and killed her master, then ran away. Little girls was under threat of execution by devils as an example, but was saved by Rias, who offered her place in her peerage. Since then, Shirone was renamed into Koneko and slowly put on a cold, emotionless mask to separate herself from others, but in reality is still sad about loss of her sister and just wishes for someone to take care of her like Kuroka did.

Emotions - Annoyed, sad, comfortable

SO SAD! But wait! Presumably? This system never told me anything that didn't have any reason in reality. Does that mean she didn't go mad? I'll have to look into that... But why is she 'comfortable'? Hm...

I tried not to frown outside, putting on a friendly smile. "That's cool. Maybe I'll join your club after getting to high school." I said, putting on a thoughtful expression. Obviously I would join them... if they made good impression on me.

Kiba chuckled again, while Koneko - or Shirone, but I'll most probably use the former - shock her head. "... Fat chances." I think I know why. Club is a cover-up for the devils. I guess I'll have to make a good impression on them too, if I want to join them without becoming a devil.

I slumped my shoulders in fake sadness. "Ow... That's too bad." I said with fake depressed voice. I'm not sure if I managed to fool them or not, but I hope I did at least a decent job. And I think I did just that, since non of them made any signs of suspicion. Heck, Koneko even patted my back! That must mean something, right?

After few more minutes of chatting, they had to go do their 'club activities', so they said their farewells and walked away. After they were completely gone, I sighed in relief. This was so stressful!

Congratulations! By keeping calm composure and constantly changing expressions and voices, you unlocked [Pokerface] and [Voice Modulation].

Well, that turned out better than expected.

At the same time

Koneko's PoV

"That was so close. I honestly thought he knew." That was what Kiba-senpai said, I think. I was too preoccupied with my thoughts to listen.

This person, Issei, was really... interesting person. He bumped into me, on accident from the way his face looked when I faced him, and then apologized with a small smile. That may not be anything weird, but his smile wasn't too sweet not was it too lustful. It was a simple smile of a normal boy. Something I haven't see almost ever... Most guys try to get on my good side by either making themselves look like super sweet guys by using small compliments and sweet look, or try to seduce me.

He didn't do either, he just wanted to say sorry. I overreacted, especially after I heard he's a brother to that perverted senpai, Mizuki. I wasn't sure if he was honest when he said if he's different than her, but I wanted to give him a chance, so I accepted his invitation for ice creams.

He turned out to be really nice in a very... natural way. He wasn't too pushy, though he asked a few things about me and my school. He even shared few stories about himself and his family, though I saw momentary frown on his face when he suddenly stopped during one sentence. I'm not sure why he acted like this. He just talked about how he had to bandage Mizuki-senpai after she was beaten up by some girls for peeping. I accidentally said that she must be a annoyance. And his answer made me look at him: 'Yeah, but it's alright, as long as I am close to Nee-san, I'm... happy...' The way he put that made me check him and then I saw it.

It stayed there for a second, but I know it was there - a frown of sadness and hatred. It wasn't hatred for his sister, since he was smiling just moments ago, talking about all those goofy situations she got herself into, so why? It just felt weird. But, as quickly as it appeared, it faded away, replaced with a smile directed towards me.

I don't know why, but his smile made me feel fuzzy inside, but in two different ways. He made me feel like I was looking on someone really precious to my heart, someone I truly love. And also... his smile reminded me a lot of Kuroka-neesan... Like nothing bad could ever happen to me. I don't know why, but... I think I can trust him... Wait, that felt the same like the clothe part from the warehouse. Is it possible that he's...

"Koneko?" Huh? I looked at Kiba-senpai and he looked at me with confusion. "Is something wrong? You were spacing out for five minutes already." I did? Well, I had an actually good reason, but...

No, I can't make assumptions based on simple hunches. "... No, I was just... thinking." That wasn't the best answer, but Kiba-senpai seemed to accept it. He just shrugged it off with a smile and continued to walk forward.

I think I'll keep investigating Issei-kun personally. Just in case.

One week later

"Check."

Well, that was a boring week. I mean, yeah, I talked with another two devils that are associated with Gremory girl, but after that? Nothing special. I went on dungeons a few times, but it wasn't anything special. Just some stray dogs or wolfs or something else. Unfortunately, nothing as exp-worthy as zombie dungeon haven't showed up yet.

"Check."

Well, I also exercised, but at best I leveled up my WIS by 7, everything else went up by 5. So that wasn't too interesting. Just running around, reading, picking weights up and meditating. After that I simply was hanging out with people.

"Check."

Well, I didn't say anything about my birthday yet, but... There isn't exactly much to say about it. Some friends came, we talked, we laughed, ate cake and stuff. And that is all that happened. Even gifts weren't much. Just some games, books and a lot of sweets. Well, there was Nee-san's present, but lets say this... My mom wasn't happy to see onahole jumping out of the bag when she accidentally pushed it. Oh, wait, it's my turn.

"I bet." I said, pushing half of my tokens to the middle of the table, earning displeased faces from everyone gathered.

It's pretty obvious what I'm doing. I'm currently playing poker, more exactly Texas Hold'em. Normal poker is just too plain for me. It's has been twenty minutes since I started to play this game and I already got everyone on this table hate me. Well, not literally, but you know what I mean. I played with them hard, switching between intimidation betting and simply winning with better cards. And now I'll squeeze all of their money out of them.

I have spade queen and 10, on the table there's spade king, jack, heart 6 and diamond 9. Now only if I got spade ace, I will be in heaven. I watch as everyone is calling. The last card lands on the table and OH BABY WE HAVE ROYAL STRAIGHT FLUSH!

Everyone looked a bit nervous and checked until it came to me. I, thanks to my [Pokerface] skill, stayed calm as I said my biggest words today. "All in"

Everyone flinched at that, but didn't give up. 'He's bluffing' they most probably think as they all also go all in. Slowly everyone revealed their cards. The best hand of them all was straight. I have the money in my pockets.

"That was a good game, gentleman" I said calmly as I grabbed my cards. "But unfortunately for you, it will end now." I then flipped them upside down. "Royal straight flush." Gasps filled the room from our side, gaining attention of everyone in the room. They glared at me, but sighed and admitted their defeat. I simply chuckled and went to exchange tokens for money.

By winning game of poker without cheating, you gain 5 LUK.

Yup, if I don't cheat, I gain 5 LUK. The more I cheat, the less I gain. Pretty fair, since if I know the outcome, luck in games doesn't matter. Now, with my new 2 million ¥, I returned back home. One more week and I'll start new year in new school with new people and new problems... I need to find a way to counterattack those devils, like holy weapon or something... if that works on them... Maybe holy water or Bible?

With a shrug I enter my room and think what to do. Maybe I should sit down and read some book or play a game? As I have those thoughts, I hear someone running up behind my door.

"Ise-otōto!" Nee-san? What is she doing so early home?

"Hm? What is it, Nee-san?" I asked through the door while sitting on my bed. I don't know how, but I could just feel excitement coming from her.

"Get your things ready! We're going to Kyoto!" WHAT!? It's today?! Oh, right, this is our little family tradition that always, around week before school, we would drive to Kyoto and pray at the temples for good school year. That will be a great time to check the supernatural part of the city.

"Alright!" I yelled before getting proper clothes on. I'm so excited!

After we got to Kyoto, we walked for few hours around temples, praying. It was nice to just explore the town. After that we got two hours of free time before we have to gather at the station. I immediately went out to look for some supernatural beings... Here! I noticed a devil... They are like some goddamn rabbits! Seriously, why is there so many of them here?

I followed him for ten minutes before he entered some sort of pub. Not skipping a beat, I slipped through a window located in the back and quickly found him... back... So it's somewhere here, huh?

He opened a secret door located behind wooden boxes on the other side of the room. Sneakily, I got to them right past eyes and ears of local employees and walked downstairs. And then, I saw it. Big market, full of different people and races. Youkai, devils, fallen angels, valkyrias... Reapers? Like Death Reapers and stuff? Huh, the more you know.

I looked through their stocks and had to silently whistle. Demonic weapons, holy weapons, magic books, amulets, rings, armors. Heck, there were even simple clothes that had enchantments on them, like earring that increases your bed potency - I mentally shuddered at that one - or shirt that made you look more buff in eyes of others. Pretty useless, but narcissistic people would love stuff like that.

But a certain crowd suddenly caught my attention. Why? Because there's a lot of devils cramped there. I gently moved there and looked through the crowd on what's going on. And that moment my blood froze.

Small line of people of different races in clothes so ragged I thought for a seconds they were wearing floor towels. Both male and female, standing in perfect line as a fat human merchant presented every single one like they were some sort of product for sale. I used [Observe] on one of them to make sure if I was wrong or right. I was right, unfortunately.

Slaves. All of them were slaves. That also explained why devils were so interested in them. One day I checked that 'Evil Piece' I got from that stray bitch and as it turns out, because of some Great War their population decreased drastically and to increase it back to normal, they created this pieces to reincarnate other races, namely humans, into devils. While at first I thought it wouldn't be that bad, since they didn't have absolute control over them, but now it makes drastic difference.

Especially with those slave runes. From what I read, those runes make whoever wears them completely obedient to his master, no excuses. This is something horrible. What if Gremory has someone like this? I can't think of that. I can't help them now, either. I'm too weak to fight anyone here except other humans. I just sighed silently and went to looking through what's in store. After few minutes I decided to buy cheap holy sword and silver bullets, just in case. After that I returned to our car.

But the whole time we drove back home, I couldn't stop thinking about this black market. After all, no real angels was there, only the fallen ones. So this means they were there illegal? While weapons and stuff don't bug me, the slaves...

I definitely need to get stronger to make sure that no one from my family will become a slave.

Meanwhile

? PoV

So, this is a new Gamer, huh? I have to admit, he is tougher than he looks.

A few weeks back he was all on the news. Well, not directly, but you know what I mean. Maybe normal people wouldn't look too deep into that, but I, as a fellow Gamer, couldn't overlook it. But in three weeks he already got level 19? He either is already a Contestant or he's just so dedicated to obtain power. But for what?

Whatever it is, just know that. I will watch your progress, Issei Hyoudou.

"Nii-sama!"

OH, what do my ears catch!? Is this a sweet voice of my lovely imoutou!? I want to hug her! But we're in public! Need... to... resist...

"MY SWEET IMOUT-" There goes the punch to my guts.

"Siscon..." That hurts my feelings, my sweet imoutou! "Was that the one?"

I got up from ground and fixed my new clothes. "Yes, he's just like me and the others, except... He still have chance to be free..." I said with more serious and straightforward face. I didn't look at her, but my imoutou most definitely nodded.

"Yes, especially with such weak aura." I couldn't help but chuckle at that statement. While it is true, us Gamers have aura that isn't too noticeable, but it's because our systems unconsciously suppress it to make sure we don't gain unwanted attention.

"We both know why it looks so weak, while in reality... He's as strong as I was at the very beginning." I said with a smirk. "And only in three weeks. At this rate... He will be stronger than me." I said as I looked at my imoutou. "And besides, isn't it a coincidence?"

"What do you mean, Nii-sama?" You still haven't realized it, huh? My sweet, clueless imoutou.

"I mean, his sister is a Sekiryuutei while he is a Gamer with really impressive growth speed. While us?" That clicked the gears. She smirked and nodded.

"While I am the Hakuryuukou and you, Nii-sama, are one of the Gamers and Contestants." I nodded with a chuckle.

"I'll wait for you Issei Hyoudou. Grow and fight. And one day, you'll become the strongest. Or you'll die horribly." I monologue a bit as I headed towards our teleportation circle. "It will depend on your decision and who you'll encounter."

With those words, we disappeared back into the Underworld.

Another week later

Man, that was fast. It's been a week since our visit in Kyoto and my little... discovery... I still can't take the thought out of my mind. But, skipping that! Few very ordinary things happened. I gained another level, my stats all went up by five, which saddens me, since soon I'll have to use points on them. Skills went up pretty good too, I managed to gain few more real swords for me and got another million ¥ in my inv.

Outside of that, I've hung out with my friends and family, nothing too fancy. Seriously, I'm getting out of ideas what to talk about.

Well, considering today is my first official day at high school, I may have more topics. Currently I'm sitting in my class while waiting for my homeroom teacher to show up while I look around the people. Most of them aren't note worthy, only one girl, Ruruko Nimura, who apparently was reincarnated by Sona Sitri, this school's Student Council president... So odds are against me from very beginning, ha?

Oh well. I didn't mind it much, since I don't plan to make move on them unless they become suspicious in my eye. After few minutes I heard some guys and gals screaming.

"OH MY GOD, IT'S HER!"

"Wait, really!?"

"Yes! It's the Kuoh's Mascot!"

Kuoh's Mascot? Where did I hear it before? As those thoughts occupied my mind, I didn't notice small albino girl walk up to my desk. I noticed her only when she waved her hand before my hand.

"... Issei-kun?" Oh, right. It's Koneko's title. How could I forget. I looked up at the girl and smiled. Ever since our first meeting, we started to consider ourselves friends. We hung out a lot, shared some of our interests and even once she came to visit me at my house. Back then I didn't understand why Nee-san went ape-shit crazy when she saw her in my room, but now I know. She's a goddamn idol of this school!

I think I saw a phantom of a smile on her face for a second when I smiled at her. "Sorry, Koneko. I was just deep in thoughts." I said awkwardly, while everyone in class was wondering how we know each other. I wanted to laugh in their faces at how easy it was to approach her, but I'm not that man, I repeated to myself.

"...About what?" She asked simply.

"About what I heard from others. You're the mascot of this school?" I said while I looked around the confused, jealous and angry people. I really wanted to laugh my ass off, but I kept my composure. [Pokerface] is really helpful here.

She nodded, but before we could continue, our homeroom teacher entered the class. Everyone sit down, Koneko right besides me. Then, by alphabetical order, we were all supposed to get up and quickly introduce ourselves. After ten minutes, it was my turn. I got up and smiled.

"I'm Issei Hyoudou." I understand students gasping, but teacher? Really? "I joined this school because I wanted a proper education before going to college." That and I wanted to be close to Nee-san. "My hobbies are video games," Before my life became one. "martial arts," I'm good at those, considering I kill a dog with a flying sidekick. "and cycling." Not anymore, really. "I hope we'll all get along." I said while bowing, then sat down.

After that everyone else went with their introductions and finally our class started. I watched as Ruruko eyed me with interest, while Koneko glanced at me from time to time with a smile. This will be a very interesting school year, I can just tell that.

Issei's current stats:

Name: Issei Hyoudou [?] Age: 16 [?]

Title: Zombie Slayer, [?] Affiliation: Hyoudou Family [?]

Gamer

Level: 20 [?] Exp: 15 025/131 072 000 [?]

Race: Human

HP: 1094/1094 [?] HP Regen.: 11.12/s [?]

MP: 616/616 [?] MP Regen.: 9.39/s [?]

STA: 1120/1120 [?] STA Regen.: 2.25/s [?]

STR: 44.7 (Base 34 + 31.5% from skills) [?]

DEX: 33.6 (Base 29 + 16% from skills) [?]

END: 51 (Base 44 + 16% from skills) [?]

INT: 41.6 (Base 33 + 26% from skills) [?]

WIS: 39.1 (Base 34 + 15% from skills) [?]

CHR: 38.2 (Base 36 + 6% from skills) [?]

LUK: 36 [?]

Stat points: 30 [?]

Money (¥): 5 234 000 [?]

Skills:

[Gamer's Mind] (Lvl. MAX)

As a person with powers similar to that of game character, your mind acts like ones, but better. Not only is it easier for you to accept certain events and system mechanics, but also you can no longer be affected by negative effects connected to mind.

*Nulls negative effect: Fear, rage, panic, insanity, mind control, sleep, silence.

[Gamer's Body] (Lvl. MAX)

As a person with powers similar to that of game character, your body acts like ones, but better. You can use your body to it's fullest, increase your power through fighting, exercises and study at much faster pace than anyone else, your body can self-regenerate, your lounges stores more air and you can no longer lose stamina through activities like running, jumping, climbing, swimming or simply fighting without using skills.

[Observe] (Lvl. 20/100) Exp. - 23.04%

No detail can escape your wary eye. By using this skill, you can see certain information about objects, enemies, people or even spells. With higher levels, more detail can be revealed.

*Cost - 10 MP

*Passively shows statuses affecting others

*Passively gives +1% bonus to INT per level

[Basic Hand-to-Hand Combat] {Passive} (Lvl. 13/100) Exp. - 54.31%

From karate, kung-fu and judo to MMA, street fight, fighting with fists have many faces, but always was about one thing - HITTING AS HARD WITH YOUR FIST AS YOU CAN! This skill increases damage and speed of your attacks, as well as allows you to unlock special [Fighting Moves]

*Increases your damage in hand-to-hand combat by 10% per level.

*Increases your attack speed with hand-to-hand combat by 5% per level

*Passively increases 0.5% of STR, DEX and END per level

Fighting Moves:

[Uppercut] (Lvl. 10/10) Exp. MAX

Simple uppercut, powered up by your supernatural abilities. Can be evolved into different variations after achieving level ten of that skill.

* 30 STA required

* +100% damage, unblockable, aerial flinch

EVOLUTION AVAILABLE!

[Basic Swordsmanship] {Passive} (Lvl. 11/100) Exp. - 2.54%

Everyone, at least once in their life, wanted to be a knight in a shining armor or honorable samurai. Now you can be one. This skill increases damage and speed of your attacks, as well as allows you to unlock special [Fighting Moves]

*Increases your damage with swords by 10% per level.

*Increases your attack speed with swords combat by 5% per level

*Passively increases 0.5% of STR and DEX per level

Fighting Moves:

[Thrust] (Lvl. 10/10) Exp. - MAX

Few centuries ago, thrust was dubbed the deadliest type of attack with any type of blade weapon. And now, you can power it up! Can be evolved into different variations after achieving level ten of that skill.

* 25 STA and sword required

* +90% damage, +45% speed, +35% accuracy

EVOLUTION AVAILABLE!

[Basic Club Combat] {Passive} (Lvl. 11/100) Exp. - 0.00%

First weapon of Neanderthals was club. While not as advanced as swords or bows, this weapon is as deadly, though it requires a lot of strength. This skill increases damage and speed of your attacks, as well as allows you to unlock special [Fighting Moves]

*Increases your damage with clubs by 10% per level.

*Increases your attack speed with clubs combat by 5% per level

*Passively increases 0.5% of STR and END per level

Fighting Moves:

[Heavy Swing] (Lvl. 6/10) Exp. - 32.92%

Are you a weakling? Of course not! Because if you were, you wouldn't be able to do even such a simple move! Can be evolved into different variations after achieving level ten of that skill.

* 35 STA and club required

* +30% damage, +5% attack speed, +6% chance for crippling target

[Basic Dual Wielding Combat] (Lvl. 8/100) Exp. - 10.00%

* Increases your damage while dual wielding by 10% per level

* Increases your attack speed while dual wielding by 10% per level

* Passively increases 0.5% of STR, DEX and END per level

Fighting moves:

[Cross Slash] (Lvl. 9/10) Exp. - 11.23%

* 50 STA and two swords, axes or daggers required

* +20% damage, +5% attack speed, +30% to inflict chest injury

[Novice Healing Magic] (Lvl. 2/100) Exp. - 3.12%

* Enables use of basic magic spells

* Passively increases 0.5% of INT and WIS per level

Spells:

[Cure] (Lvl. 3/10) Exp. - 0.12%

Most basic of healing spells, it will help you in quick health recovery. Not recommended to use on major wounds, as it isn't as effective as its future evolutions.

* 50 MP required

* Heals 300 HP

[ID Create] {Active} (Lvl. 5/100) Exp. - 0.00%

* 200 MP required

* Available IDs - Empty, Zombie, Thugs

* Available Sanctuaries - Crafting room

* Passively increases 0.5% of INT and WIS per level

[ID Escape] {Active} (Lvl. 5/100) Exp. - 0.00%

Allows you to exit any pocket dimension created by you or someone else. With higher level, escape from dimensions of more powerful people.

* 200 MP required

*Passively increases 0.5% of INT and WIS per level

[Structural Analysis] (Lvl. MAX)

* 50 MP required

[Intimidation] {Passive/Active} (Lvl. 6/100) Exp. - 13.42%

Art of scaring people into cooperation and telling truth. It isn't art liked by everyone, but it is an art. And a damn useful one.

* Passively have 4% chance of activating without any cost when trying to intimidate someone

* When activated, makes you 45% scarier

* 15 MP/minute required

* Passively increases 1% of CHR per level

[Minor Health Regeneration] (Lvl. 10/100) Exp. - 43.00%

*Increases your HP Regen. (Base HP Regen + 1 HP/s per level)

* Passively increases 1% of STR per level

[Minor Mana Regeneration] (Lvl. 9/100) Exp. - 1.00%

* Increases your MP Regen. (Base MP Regen + 1 MP/s per level)

* Passively increases 1% of WIS per level

[Pokerface] (Lvl. MAX)

Keep calm and lie to everyone. That is how you should use this ability. By using it, you can keep straight face even in the most stressful situations. But don't use it too often, or you will be labeled as emotionless man.

[Voice Modulation] (Lvl. MAX)

From a young child to an old woman or even a demon from outerworld, this skill allows you to gain whichever voice you need at the moment. Using it is costless in any way, but it requires very high concentration and distraction can easily disable it.