Author Notes:
Well, guys, here I am again. But this time I didn't come to publish a new chapter. No, I came present a revised version of Chapter 1. WHich was wrote by m and beta-tested by my new associates, who have my eternal gratitude for helping me in this project.
Special thanks to my Beta-Readers:
· Ivan Tridelan
· Sultan Asil Arslan
Prologue (I):
"My Daily Life as a Loner is too Troublesome, As I Expected."
|Kuoh Academy; Student Council Office|
Hah, school life!
That beautiful stage in the life of any teenager where you learn more about what your future aspirations, receive the tools to ensure an acceptable performance in society and obtain a new understanding of what "Love" and "Friendship" is.
In these moments that I took my time to reevaluate how exciting and amazing life is and ponder on what marvelous future awaits me. Never forgetting to spend time with my dearest friends to strengthen our bonds of comradely.
Truly, what a lovely second life this is! And like any good reincarnated soul, I ought to never waste my time with pettiness or ignore the marvels of life.
"Sugimoto-kun, please stop spacing out."
—At least that's what I wanted it to be.
"Huh…?" I blinked owlishly as I snapped off my thoughts to look at the person in front of me.
Right now, I was sitting in a rather uncomfortable chair while facing one of the most frighteningly intimidating persons within this school, which also happened to be one of the prettiest and most popular girls too.
This person was a young bespectacled woman with a slim, shapely figure, black hair styled in a short bob cut and striking violet eyes that were capable of freezing the wildest flames with that cold glare they sent.
Ever since I reincarnated, it always surprised me how pretty were the women in this world. Perhaps the mana particles most(most isn't needed here) enhance the developing bodies of the girls into becoming finer and more attractive.
"Sugimoto Hiroshi-kun, stop spacing out."
Geez! Now she is giving me a rather ugly stare worthy of an Ice Queen. On top of that, she used my full name so she is dead serious. Better fix this up now before she loses her cool.
"Sorry, Shitori-senpai. I wasn't paying attention because of how charming you look today." Using my best skills at the utmost limits, I employed an old-fashioned apologize and a compliment to lessen the pressure in the room.
Hopefully, she will take the bait and will stop pestering me—
"Compliments will get you nowhere, Sugimoto-kun. But thanks." Damn, she is one tough cookie. Well, that's our prez for ya!
Oh, pardon my rudeness! Allow me to introduce you the President of the Student Council and one of the smartest women in the school, Shitori Souna-san— also known as Sona Sitri, the heiress of the Sitri Clan. And one of the few people in this planet that I let talk to me as if I was a kid despite my mental age.
Oh, don't look at me like that. If not like I could pull a Kirito and power my way through any problem with brute strength alone. I mean, seriously, this woman not only was the heiress of one of the most prominent houses of the 72 Pillars in the Underworld, her sister was a goddamn Demon Lord for goodness' sake! If I upset her too much, Serafall will possibility do something about it.
Hah…! Living a humble life in the world of High School DxD is more troublesome than most people would think. Ideally, I'd have preferred to stay under the radar but since I somehow got the attention of the Sona Sitri, my whole existence has become a hot topic in the school.
Being popular was never my intention but apparently being a "good-looking" loner with a tongue as sharp as a spear ruined my plans of having a dull, normal teenage life. Who would've thought?
"Anyhow, what were you saying anyway? I fear I haven't paid enough attention to your lecture for the past… five minutes." I asked politely, while muttering my sassy remark under my breath.
Ever since I re-awakened my old-self's memories, my life had become a mess, and as a byproduct my sassiness reached new highs. There were so many unfortunate events in this second life that I couldn't help but develop a smartass attitude.
Not only that though, there was other thing that's been bugging me for years by now.
[Bloodlust] Detected!
… I was also the wielder of the mythic [Gamer System], but that's a story for another day. Right now, I need to focus on the lovely girl in front of me.
"As always, that sharp tongue of yours is infuriating." She muttered with before pushing her glasses. She narrowed her eyes dangerously at me, clearly bemused. "It's about the essay you wrote. Your teacher requested me to deal with you." Sighing exasperatedly, she sat down and gave me a disapproving look. "Now, let me ask you something, Sugimoto-kun. What was the homework your teacher assigned you in class?"
"Uh, it was to write an essay on the theme of reflecting on my life on high school."
"Very well. So, pray tell me, why this sounds likes the prelude to a school massacre as well as an anarchistic plot against society? Are you trying to be seen as a terrorist?" Sona questioned me with an expectant look.
"It's that bad?" I couldn't help but ask, finding the whole subject a bit unimportant in the grand scheme of things.
Sadly, it seemed like our lovely prez didn't share my opinion.
"The content of this essay is way too cynical and it would make most people raise a few eyebrows in regards of your mental stability. There is even a passage where you literally threaten the Governor." She deadpanned at me without batting an eyelash.
"It was an honest observation, that guy is bad at his job."
"This isn't a joke, Sugimoto-kun." My response made her mad and I thought she was gonna sent me to the principal's office, but her eyes mellowed a bit.
"I wasn't joking though, just stating the facts." I replied with a huff, knitting my eyebrows in mild annoyance. "I hardly see why you're so worked up. I mean, sure, most students and teachers would find it odd but it's just my first year here. This will become old news in the next semester."
In retrospective, perhaps I should've used a different wording because my spidey sense began to send shivers throughout my spine.
[Bloodlust] Detected!
'Thanks for stating the obvious, Sherlock!'
A tiny vein popped on her forehead. "Sugimoto-kun, I'd appreciate if you stop making such remarks and take this seriously. What's the point of this smart-ass essay? If you have an excuse, I'll hear it now." The Stundet Council President glared at me so much intensity that I could hear the air being pierced by her gaze.
Damn girl, your glare was particularly powerful!
…
I gotta be honest, she actually looks kinda scary.
"Umm… I did reflect on my high school life, you know? High school students these days are basically like this, right? It's basically all true!" I fumbled with my words.
I can't help it! This person not only was a particularly charming young lady, she was one of the most influential people in the city on top of that and that icy cold gaze of her was a bit intimidating.
"Usually for this kind of thing, you should reflect on your own life." She argued back, knitting her eyebrows as she gave me a rather vexed look.
Yikes, talk about an icy personality. Hey, wasn't your primary elemental affinity water? At which point did you upgrade your skills?!
"I'm sorry, I'll write it over." I have nothing to gain from being a smartass in this situation so the only thing I could do was to be submissive and hope she won't be too severe with my punishment.
However, a half-hearted apology will only help you so much in this kind of situation. The fact that she's still glaring at me was a dead giveaway of that.
"I'm not mad, just worried about your future."
"Huh…?" I mumbled with a raised eyebrow.
Sona Sitri, a devil princess from the Underworld and heiress of the Sitri Clan of the 72 Pillars, a person whose social standing and influence were far above my own, was worried about me?
I'm pretty sure our relationship is that of fellow acquaintances. This kind of behavior should be reserved only for your friends, young lady. I don't know if my old heart can take it!
Anyhow, leaving the dubious feelings she may or may not have for me, I could recognize this tactic she's pulling off.
By showing a softer side after chastising me with a good lecture, she tried to make me open my heart and show my inner doubts. I think this strategy is what most kind-natured people use to help their peers.
"…" However, I was quite stubborn when it comes to my own feelings.
"Hmm… I guess you won't talk willingly." Understatement of the century, Sitri-senpai. She knows I won't spill the beans, thus another method was needed. "Tell me, you haven't tried joining any clubs, have you?"
"Umm… No."
Hey, woman. Where did that came from? Why are you asking such an obvious question? Of course I haven't joined any club. Most of them were exclusive for women only and those who admit boys were either full of distrustful women, aberrations created by creeps or devil-controlled groups.
"Do you have any friends?" She asked again, closely cornering me between the spade and the wall.
"…" Suffice to say, my silence was answer enough.
I was a proud Loner myself but even I need to create solid bonds with others so the society won't throw me under the bus… again. But due a special trait of mine, most people tend to have a bad perception of me and feel a bit uncomfortable around my presence.
"Just as I thought. I could tell the minute I saw those rotten, sordid eyes of yours."
"I know my eyes aren't particularly pretty but I can't help it." I scowled at that insult, finding myself more and more annoyed. What is the point with this interrogation?!
"Ah, pardon me… It wasn't my intention to insult you so callously." Sona apologized with a serene, faint smirk. I didn't buy that half-hearted excuse. She deliberately said that to get a reaction from me. "Now, answer this last question… Do you have a girlfriend or anything?"
…
Excuse me?!
"What did you imply by "Or anything"?!" I choked at that forsaken word. Hey, woman, just what do you take me for?! I will never go to the dark side. Not like I have anything against gay people but I am attracted to women, thankyouverymuch!
"Are you—?"
"I don't have a girlfriend right now." I interrupted mid sentence before she could get any funny ideas while at the time included an emphasis on the words "right now." You can't be too careful.
"I see…" She nodded in satisfaction… and for some reason her eyes seemed to lit up at my answer. I'll just assume it's because she found a new subject to tease me.
Hey, why is she giving me such a patronizing gaze all of sudden?! I am a grown-up man (albeit mentally). Granted, she didn't know that but still.
And while I was trying to feel less anxious, Sona finished her own pondering, "Very well, let's say this. You do your report over."
"… Ok." It's an understandable and tamed penalty. At least I won't get expelled or being thrown at a reformatory.
"And then you will apologize to your teacher for being so rebellious." Again, it's reasonable.
"Understood."
Everything she'd said up until that point was reasonable…
What came next, however, made my brain go blank.
"But still, you were callous and your insubordination towards the authority and loner nature is troubling. Such a worrisome topic must be attended after all." She said with scheming smirk, giving me an appraising look. "As a punishment, you will be forced to do social service by helping the Student Council for this year as a temporary member."
"… What."
"Don't worry, I won't make you do anything unreasonable or beyond your capabilities." Ignoring my stunned look, the devil heiress simply chuckle with a humorous smile. "Also, it's not like this won't become beneficial for you since you will learn management and administrative skills and teamwork from this experience. Not to mention, it will become a fine addition for your résumé. As a future businessman, it's not a bad deal."
"…"
Normally, interacting so much with major characters like Sona will raise a few red flags. I totally don't want to get involved in the mess Canon events are unless it's something strictly necessary.
However, the Anonymity Route is impossible for me because she is extremely invested in getting me in her group.
It kinda surprised me that Sona took a liking on me but it made sense somehow. While we're not friends, we were on good terms because I was one of the few persons within the school who could keep up with her in a proper conversation.
Curse you, bloody genius-like brain of mine!
"Well, what are you going to do, Sugimoto-kun?" Not wanting to waste more time than needed, Sona pressed the subject with a more authoritative tone.
Understandably, this situation was one I couldn't bullshit my way off.
"Alright, fine. I will take your offer." I begrudgingly accepted since there were too many risks in declining her tame proposition. Then again, it's not like I won't gain something from this either.
A win-win situation indeed.
And as long as this isn't related to a high-risk, high-reward [Quest], I won't feel inclined to do anything too drastic.
[QUEST ALERT!]
[Social Community Service, Sitri Regime!]
Your insubordination and callous attitude has irked your teachers and fellow classmates, now they'd requested the Student Council to take care of you. Prepare yourself to face the consequences of your action, jackass!
· Quest Giver: Sona Sitri ·
· Difficulty: C- ·
Objectives: Complete every task given by [Kuoh Academy Student Council] for the whole year
Rewards: ?
Failure: Expulsion from the school; School Life Ruined
· This is a Mandatory Quest, and as such, you cannot decline it ·
[… Are you seriously asking?]
…
…
…
Why did I had to open my mouth and jinx myself, I wonder.
What's with those threats, you shitty System?! Are you trying to patronize me into joining her peerage?! And what's with that level of difficulty?! I have seen extermination quests easier to complete than this bullshit!
Good grief, it seems like my happy dull life as secret schemer within this town has met its first ever obstacle. Now I'll need to interact with a bunch of major characters from now on!
Huh, well whatever. As long as this won't take some valuable time to visit my mom, I will play along with this scheme of Sona's.
I so much hope this will be the only problem I'll have to face…
|After School; Sugimoto/? Household|
After a rather eventful day full of troublesome situations, there is no place like your home to find a relaxing atmosphere. There is a saying about "A man's home is his castle." Well, this humble house was my own personal heaven where the nonsensical drama of Real Life could ever touch me.
This is my sanctuary and right now I could forget about my troubles.
It was only at times like these that I could relax without worrying my ass about any existential crisis issues or the old-fashioned teenage romance drama.
However, this day things were different.
"Hey— You said you wanted a little sister, right?"
"Huh?"
Just when I was finally relaxing myself, I heard the most stupid line in my entire life in this world.
Sometimes this adoptive father of mine has the worst timing. We were having a nice dinner here but this dimwit just soured my mind in less than 1 minutes. That's a new record.
"What the heck are you talking about, you shitty old man? I'd never said something like that." I replied with a frown at my legal guardian's nonsense, and then I opened the lid of the rice-cooker.
"Now, now. You don't need to be so rude with your old man. It's just an innocent question." He shot back with a goofy grin, completely unaffected by my response as he continued. "Besides, it's a little sister we're talking here, you know, a little sister. It's something guys want so bad that they start drooling." The man seemed to be in his own World and said even more bullcrap. Also, where did this come from?
"Whatever you say. Now let me eat in peace." I sighed in exasperation, not even bothering to argue with my old man over this nonsense.
However, the old man seemed to be too invested in this topic and didn't have intentions of giving me a damn break. He took my plate from my hands before I could even blink so he would get my full attention.
"Hey, let's talk a bit more enthusiastically about a little sister." He showed a smug smirk.
"... You won't stop pestering me if I don't respond, are you?"
"Nope~!"
Oh for goodness' sake, man! Are you kidding me?!
Sometimes I wonder who is the adult here — By the way, I haven't introduced this shitty old man to you.
Meet my legal guardian, Toujou Jin. A tall middle-aged man with long, shounen-styled brown hair with matching eyes and glasses, sporting a simple white shirt along with dark pants and brown shoes.
All in all he seemed like the epitome of the average-looking vagabond.
BONK!
"Hey! What was that?! Were you saying I look like a vagabond?!" He shouted with a frown as he hit my head with a newspaper magazine.
Ah, I forgot to mention he has some sort of a six sense whatever I call him a vagabond. He hates to be called that.
Anyway, right now he was trying to discuss the so-called "merits" of a little sister over the dinner… despite my absolute lack of interest in the subject. I grunted under my breath, resisting the urge to make an ugly face in this situation I found myself in. But since it's kind of obvious I was tied here, I have to comply.
"What's the big idea anyway? You talk about this whole "Little Sister" issue as if it was the greatest blessing in the world."
"What… you really don't remember— Ah, right. You got some mental issues regarding that fuzzy memory of yours." At first he seemed astonished for my reply but soon enough that expression was replaced with one of understanding. "Well, I guess it's time to refresh your memory."
"It sounds like you will speak about some self-made nonsense to me."
"It's one of the most beautiful memories I'm fond on. It was before you became such cynical and moody guy." He ignored my sassy remark and continued with his ramblings. "When you were around ten years-old, you used to tell your mother: "I want a lil' sis!" with sparkles in your eyes."
"Like hell I did!"
He raised his hand in a "calm down" motion as an attempt to avoid my wrath. "You don't need to be so worked out. A little sister is nice, cute, kind and soft. She'll wake up in the mornings, prepare you a nice breakfast and even allows you to do all the perverted stuff you want!"
"The hell with that! That's the job description of a housewife, not a little sister! Don't you dare to try to corrupt with your sick mind-tricks!"
"Huh, you're no fun. No wonder you don't have a girlfriend." He sighed in resignation once he realized how pissed I was. "What I'm trying to say is: Would you like or hate a little sister?"
"… Real Life little sisters aren't that great. They are cheeky, rude, boisterous and bratty midgets that loves to be bossy all the time. They're troublesome individuals and the bane of all boys." I shot back with a calm tone, expressing my inner thoughts without any care.
"Yikes! Now that's a gloomy perspective."
"You wanted my opinion."
"Yeah, should've figure out myself but still..."
"Why are you invested in this topic so much anyway? It's not like I'll suddenly get a little sister."
"Uhh… Actually… I may have decided to marry a lovely woman which happened to have two little girls so…!"
What.
"Congratulations, you will become a big brother, Hiro-kun~!"
"… What."
Needless to say, my day was ruined in an instant.
Between stunt Sona pulled off to me and this shit my old man was rambling, I didn't know which was worst.
Seriously, what had I done to deserve such a shitty luck?!
|Next Morning — Kuoh Town, Jorge's Restaurant|
Ah, what a nice day.
The weather was nice. The cicadas were chirping as the temperature reached a new historical record. The birds sing their songs as they soar the sky in beautiful motions.
It seemed like the most perfect day to slack off.
"Yeah— Like hell is it!" I shouted in indignation, glaring at the source of my problems with all the hatred I could muster.
Last night, Jin brought up the topic of a sister. That was a flag for his second marriage.
And today just happened to be our first meeting with that woman and her daughters. It was like an early introduction before the wedding of our parents so things won't turn less awkward for us.
Forget the fact that my old man was dating a total stranger and decided to marry her out of blue without telling me, I wanted to slack this day off like a normal teen!
"Stop sulking already… When I called them, they said that they wanted to meet you as soon as possible. It would be rude to delay a meeting anyway."
"Well, excuse me from finding this whole situation extremely suspicious! For all I know, they're probably leeches wanting to steal all our money!" I couldn't contain myself and snapped at his nonchalant attitude.
"Geez! Calm down, Hiro-kun. You are making a scene here." Just as Jin said, my little outburst attracted the unwanted attention of all people around us.
"Hm… Whatever, I'll go to the bathroom to wash concerns out." Without waiting for his reply, I stepped out of the table and went directly to the aforementioned room.
This situation was too damn suspicious if you ask me.
Pervert nature and nonchalant attitude aside, Jin wasn't the kind of man that would pursue a relationship with some random woman out of blue. There must be something else I ain't seeing and I'm planning on finding out what's the deal with this lady and her daughters.
CHILLS!
"Huh…?!" I mumbled dumbly as my body suddenly got tensed, my eyes widened as I glanced back and forth in a frantic manner.
Just now, I felt an ominous presence coming from this area— the restaurant. The dark aura I perceived was no doubt that of a devil's but somehow it was deluded.
Normally, whatever I came across a member of the devil kind or another supernatural entity, my sharp senses kick in and alert me of any unfamiliar presence in the area. But it's weird that they turn on in this place since, as far as I can see, there is no devil or familiar in my surroundings.
Not only that though, according to my senses there are two of them but their auras aren't like Sona, Rias or any devil in this town.
How suspicious…
Oh well, since they aren't causing any troubles I have no reasons to get involved. In any case, I got more pressing matters I need to take care of, like the women we're supposedly gonna meet today.
"I'm a bit curious to see what kind of girls those women are." I mumbled under my breath as I opened the door to the toilet and set a step inside…
"Ah…!"
"Hm…?!"
… But I froze up when I noted there was another person inside — a girl.
The girl in the toilet was a breathtakingly beautiful red-head with a voluptuous and soft-skinned body whose curves surpassed those of the models' in most Light Novel of the ecchi genre. Her attire consisted in a yellow t-shirt that barely contained her humongous pair of "sisters", a short shirt that emphasized her round and firm butt as well as exposing her long, beautiful legs and a pair of sandals.
All in all, I would even say she is more beautiful than Rias Gremory herself.
Aaand she was practically nude in her lower zone.
'Oh, shit.'
The girl had bent slightly forward, had rolled up her shirt and had both her thumbs in her white panties, as she was either pulling it down or pulling it up. She was also looking up at me completely dumbfounded for my sudden apparition.
"…"
"…"
There was an awkward, pregnant silence that fell onto the small room. Neither of us dared to speak or make a move.
Now, this kind of situation seemed like something straight out of an eroge. The stereotypical eroge protagonist would "accidently" enter the girls' bathroom and will be rewarded handsome with a nice visual material for lonely nights... if not, then the MC will lose their cherry right away.
But this was reality, not an eroge. And it was likely that this situation will explode into something worse. Namely, with me being labeled as a pervert scumbag, getting banned from the restaurant and having a cop giving me a nice tour at the nearest police station.
But the situation feels off.
I could've never confused the tags hanging above the door. Heck, there was no way someone would leave the door open. The staff put a notice saying: "Please lock the door properly."
Also, the unlikely case of my confusing the bathrooms was out of the window… because the bathroom we're currently in was for both sexes' usage.
In this restaurant there were both a girl-only and a unisex bathroom. If this girl was here, it means that the girls' side was full. However, the one for both sexes has a defect known by the usual customers— the lock didn't close properly.
The girl must be a new costumer, otherwise she would have flipped the hanging tag at the door from "free" to "occupied". She must had been in a hurry and thought it was quite redundant to flip the tag considering this room has a "functional" lock.
'Seriously, fuck my shitty luck! Now I'll get banned from this restaurant for sure!' I let out a mental shout, cursing the Gods of Luck for bestowing me with such a pitiful stat.
As I was pondered about my escape options, the redheaded beauty began to take a deep breath as she shut her eyes. It was the stereotypical special attack "Kyaah!" Scream.
Super-effective against molesters and pricks when used in crowed areas.
Not so effective against monsters of logic like myself, however.
"I won't do that if I were you. It will ruin your reputation with the townsfolk, ya know." I instantly asserted the situation and spoke with a calm, icy-cold tone to mask my inner panic.
"K… Hm?"
My seemingly lack of reaction and cold tone caused her to double check. Not expecting me to give her such a warning without losing my head out of shame.
Good, she took the bait. Now for the hook.
"Think about it. Do you really want to bear the embarrassment of everyone else in this restaurant?" I replied with missing a beat. "Rumors are pretty funny thing. I mean, if a person use the correct wording they could indirectly label you as a horny teen."
"Huh…?!" She widened her eyes when she realized she was as screwed as I was.
Stories tend to be warped and twisted depending on the person relating them, sometimes exaggerating the events out of proportions or dismissing key details.
It's safe to assume she is the typical "new girl" who moved in just recently. Therefore she wouldn't want to stain her barely existing reputation with a silly story that portrays her as a horny bitch that did lewd things with a teenager in the bathroom of a restaurant.
It could destroy her public image if she were associated with such acts.
"How about this…? I will leave you alone for, say, five minutes or so. That way nobody would suspect you're involved in any suggestive activity and both of us will come out clean. Deal?" Usually, I would avoid using this distasteful strategy to get what I wanted but I didn't want more troubles than necessary.
The only response I get was a glare full of anger and scorn but I didn't let that affect me. She knew she was cornered and any intention of making a scene would result in a "Social Suicide."
She sighed in exasperation, apparently deciding to accept the deal and raised up her hand…
[Bloodlust] detected!
… And she slapped me. I bumped into the door and tumbled outside. There, I fell on my backside.
The blow was rather strong when compared the average human's. It seems like the girl sure has a mean hook — it didn't hurt me though, but it really made me lose the balance.
-0 HP!
Hold on… She attacked me instead of accepting the deal! Had the negotiations failed?!
"First you peek on a pretty girl like me in the toilet, then you get inside, and then you have the gall to make demands!" The one who land the first hit, the big-breasted redhead muttered with a cold tone as an evil aura surrounds her and her bangs shadowed her eyes. "Put a hand on your heart and think well about what you have done — in the other world." As if trying to give me the finishing blow, she raised her leg to give me a mighty blow in the head.
Well, damn. This girl shattered the stereotypes with that stunt! Instead of selecting option "A" or "B", she opted for the "C" — beat the hell out of the molester (me) herself.
Such a decision was… not so illogical. On hindsight, it was possibly the best decision.
If you could show the enemy it was a bad idea to piss you off, then people will think twice before messing with you.
Damn. The girl has guts.
… Wait, am I really gonna die at the hands of an angered woman? Well, can't say I expected this. Thankfully, a new person joined our exchange.
"The heck are you two doing?"
Toujou Jin, my legal guardian, had come to the rescue.
"Shitty old man…"
"Jin-san…!"
I never thought I would say this but I'm grateful he showed up. His timing is perfect.
…
Wait a minute. This red-headed gorilla knows his name?!
|Five Minutes Later|
We returned to our table after Jin solved that misunderstanding between me and the redhead. That certainly was the best outcome considering I was about to be skewed by said big-breasted girl in a fit of murderous rage.
That fixed the initial situation but in turn in brought a new issue in our table, literally.
"So…! You mean to tell me that this big-breasted gorilla was one of the girls you told me of?!" I could hold a grudge, so it was expected for me to trade insults with this buxom dimwit.
"GORILLA?! Take it back, you creep!" And understandably, the redhead was ready for a good round of verbal fight.
"Aha! It's good to see you two are getting along so well." Jin chuckled humorously as he put a hand over my shoulder. "But seriously though, this is not how you should greet your new little sisters." The shitty old man added with a smooth tone.
"…" Normally, I would snap that blatant pile of bullcrap but since this was a formal meeting with his future wife, I decided to put aside my personal opinions for now. I needed to be the adult here… but damn, the smug look on that cow redhead's face was so infuriating!
By the way, the name of this girl was Naruse Mio and she was one of the daughters of the woman Jin was supposedly engaged with.
The other one appeared shortly after I went to the bathroom and informed Jin that Mio was using the toilet— the same one I went to. And knowing this was bad news, he decided to save his only kid from suffering a horrible death by the hands of a busty redhead… Uwaah! That sounded so lame!
Anyway, back with the younger sibling…
She was a rather cute petite girl with long silver hair and purple eyes. She has a black dress that has white frills and what it seemed to be a functional keyhole on her collar, black leggings and boots.
According to Jin, her name was Naruse Maria— Mio's younger sister.
If the bratty redhead was like an epitome of hotness, then this girl was epitome of cuteness… Though that look in her eyes unnerves me for some reason.
"Hiroshi-san, on behalf of my sister, I'd like to apologize for the whole misunderstanding." The petite girl bow slightly as she gave me a friendly smile. "I hope her mean hook didn't harm you that much."
"Well, it's good to see that someone has a functional brain… Unlike someone else in the room." I greeted the purple-eyed girl with a small.
"Like you are any better! You were peeping on me!" Mio replied with venom in her voice as she sent me a mean look.
"If you weren't paying attention, there is a sign of warning saying that the lock needs to be fixed." I nonchalantly explained with a yawn.
"Huh, making excuses now, aren't you?" Damn girl, if that how you want to play…
"I could say the same about you, you know? You could've flipped the hanging sign to make others know the toilet was occupied yet you didn't. Any excuses for your lack of insight or are you just that dumb?"
"Huh?!" Gotcha, her expression changed to one full of embarrassment and anger.
"No wait, perhaps it's not a case of stupidity. Maybe you are just a masochist at heart? Yeah, somehow, you strike me as that type of girl." I continued with attacks ruthlessly as I gave her a thoughtful (and mocking) expression.
"HUH?!" She's about to explode at any moment. So easy…!
"Wow, it seems like someone is perceptive." Maria mumbled in surprise for some reason but I didn't pay attention. The show this busty gorilla is giving me is too much entertaining.
"Hey, now. Why don't you let her be? As man, you need to take responsibility for your action." Jin, being the adult here, decided to act as the mediator and ruined my fun.
Whatever, I got what I wanted. Vengeance is sweet indeed.
"Ok… Fine, I apologize for being so inconsiderate." I said with a forced smile, looking at the smug girl with hidden hostility.
If it wasn't obvious, I didn't really meant it but nobody seemed to realize or care so the whole issue was finally dropped when Mio muttered "Ok, I forgive you." It was obvious she didn't buy what I said, nor has forgiven me but she was willing to set this aside for now.
After that we decided to introduce each other as per Jin's request. It was a way to get to know who we are and what our likes and dislikes were.
"Well, I guess I should go first." Red spoke up after taking a sip of water. "My name is Naruse Mio, I'm sixteen years-old. I like to see romance movies, small and cute animals and have nice picnic days with my family." So far, so good. She even smiled in a charming way and I could feel the honesty in her words. Huh, maybe she is not so bad. "And my dislikes are perverts, creeps and mean people!"
Forget what I said, this girl is such a snobby brat!
Maria and Jin both looked at me and Mio back and forth, smiling awkwardly at this situation without knowing what to do. Maria took the first step and spoke up…
"O-K… I guess is my—."
… but I interrupted her like a pro.
"My name is Sugimoto Hiroshi, and I'm your usual sixteen years-old teenager like everybody else. It's a pleasure to meet such beautiful ladies~!" I stated with my best smile as I greeted these charming and lovely girls (note the obvious sarcasm). "My likes are something I won't talk about. My dreams are mine to know. And my dislikes are dimwits, nosy brats, and schizophrenic dumbasses~."
"S-Schizophrenic?! How dare you! And what's with that introduction! You only talked about your dislikes!" Mio snapped, raising her voice with evident indignation at my nonchalant demeanor. "Take this seriously, you creep!"
"Yeah—nope. I don't wanna."
"Is that how you greet people?!"
"Only those I find annoying or too troublesome to deal with."
At my dismissive response, her face reddened in anger and she started to yell at me for my rudeness and callous attitude.
"Geez…! So much for a peaceful lunch as a family. We're here to form a bond of trust not to make enemies out of each other." He muttered with a sigh of resignation. "Chihaya-san will not be pleased when she finds this out."
"Speaking of which, old man, where is the woman you're supposed to wed?" I wisely ignored his laments and focused on the elephant in the room.
This was supposed to be a remarriage meeting in which both families will introduce their members. By sharing a nice meal in a neutral territory both parties considerate comfortable and likable, we could segment the first step in forging a new bond as a family.
This is a standard strategy employed by single parents' couples. However, the plan itself goes to waste when one of the key members in one of the parties is missing.
While both Mio and Maria were present, their mother wasn't. And that was kind of suspicious if you ask me because we've been talking for more than ten minutes. It's ridiculous to assume she was still looking for a parking place for her car or that she was on the bathroom.
So that bears the question; "WHERE is that woman?"
"Erm… About that…" Oh great. Knowing how slimy Dad is, I bet he will come out with a rather convenient excuse to justify the woman's lack of presence. "Their mother— Chihaya-san is currently working overseas."
Called it! You need to learn new tricks, Old man, you're running out of ingenuous lines! At this rate, your whole value wouldn't be any different than that of a mob's!
… Wait a goddamn minute. Did he say she was working? As in, right now?
Just what kind of moronic bullshitting excuse is that?! This raises more than a few red flags! The whole situation seems like a plot for assassination and burglary!
Instantly, I motioned him to come closer so I could mutter my thoughts on his ear without having those two girls hearing it.
"… Are you sure you're not getting tricked?"
"Haha! As distrustful as always! Don't worry my badmouthed child, your old man isn't that easy to trick!"
… Should I be saddened that my legal guardian is such a nonchalant dimwit or completely pissed off at his total carelessness? Geez, he sure is a piece of work.
"Hiroshi…"
In that moment, the old man changed his expression from a goofy smile to a serious stare. Naturally, I assumed whatever he was gonna say must be something serious since he rarely, if ever, make such a straight face…
"Now that you saw these two girls… What do you think? Aren't they cute?"
It turned out he just continued to speak bullcrap as usual! Hey, be more considerate with my inner turmoil, will you?! I thought you would say they were VIPs from a Demon Lord or something like that!
"… They are cute, I suppose?"
"Now, that's a weak reaction. Are you sure you're even straight? Not like there is anything wrong if you feel attracted to other men but…"
"Say one more word and I'll stab you in the groin area."
"Hey, take it easy! It was only a joke!" Recoiling back in slight fear, he mumbled a few reassuring words while his hands in a defensive manner. "I only wanted to know what you think of these girls. You know, as man."
I couldn't get mad at him for wanting to know how I feel. The last thing we want is to get a misunderstanding because we didn't communicate properly to resolve these matters.
"I think they are quite cute, or gorgeous in Mio's case. Even with that vexing personality, she is still a beauty. However, I hardly see how is this important? We are not gonna live together." I responded with a dismissive shrug, giving him my honest opinion.
I admit that they are beautiful girls in their own right and I would feel a bit conflicted if I needed to live under the same roof as them because of the possible reactionsof my teenage body.
Thankfully, that's totally not the case.
"Well, it's quite unfortunate you think that way." Of course, Jin had to be the bad news giver.
"Let me guess, these two will be living with us as part of a cohabitation project to build trust and closeness between us, right?"
"Yeah, pretty much."
"…" I had no words, mind went blank at this blatant BS.
Never mind the fact that these two and their "mother" may as well turn out to be potential robbers, they could be plotting an assassination attempt! This situation is too troublesome for my liking!
Something is off and I'm planning on discovering what dark and ominous secrets are dwelling in the shadows. I just need to use my Intel-gathering [Skills] to find the answers for my many questions. I don't care how unethical this may seen but my security and hers were my top priority.
Let's start with Mio…
Silently casting one of my most useful abilities, [Appraisal]. While this skill is commonly used to analyze objects, I found out it isn't solely limited to it. I can use it to gather information from living beings too, as long as I have enough aptitude and my targets aren't skillful enough to block it somehow. There are other limitations but that's the gist of it.
Soon enough, I received information in the form of a Status Window. My HUD displayed all basic Intel and… What the hell…?!
Naruse Mio
Race: Hybrid (Half-Human Half Devil)
Title: Satan Descendant
Job: High-Wizard
[Stats]
STR: E-
VIT: E
AGI: D
MAG: B
RES: C
[Miscellaneous]
Alignment: Neutral Good
Bond Level: -1
Social Status: Acquaintance
Feelings about you: "Frustration (High), Anger (High), Jealousy (Low)."
Background History: A long lost descendant of one of the Original Satans, Naruse Mio has been living a happy and peaceful life as a normal human girl for the last 15 years without knowing about her true nature or the powers she carries. However, the Old Satan Faction discovered her existence and, six months ago, sent one of their agents to her house to kidnap her but fortunately she was saved by a mysterious "Hooded Figure" who introduce her to Maria and told both of them to go to Kuoh in order to acquire the protection from the New Satans Factions.
On their way here, they were picked up by Toujou Jin and "hypnotized" him so he will take them to Kuoh and use his house as their new headquarters.
…
…
…
Ok, this is bad. This is really, really bad for me.
Just who the heck did you pick when I wasn't looking, Jin?! A goddamn descendant of a SATAN?! I thought the only half-human descendant in the series was Vali!
What kind of bullshitting plot twist are you even trying to pull off, Ishibumi?! First you put Issei's nonsensical power-ups and nerfed Ophis, and now this?!
And if you're gonna introduce a new half-human Satan Descendant then at the very least don't make her the sexier long lost sister of Rias Gremory! One annoying red-head is enough for us, ya know!
This has to be a fucking joke—then again, at least her tsundere-ish attitude and higher specs makes her better than Rias. If the girl has been escaping from the OS Faction for so long and somehow avoid the devils then I suppose she means business. In some way she kinda reminds a bit of Tohsaka Rin… except Mio is quite stacked.
"H-Hey… what's with that look you are giving me, you perv?!" Mio seemingly noticed I was staring and gave me an annoyed look full of scorn.
"Ah, don't mind me, I'm just admiring your admittedly beautiful face." I replied instantly.
"H-Huh?!" She widened her eyes, clearly not expecting that reply.
I was pretty sure she was gonna snap but for some reason she looked away with a shy expression. Hmm, she must be too used of people complimenting her other assets, hence my honest answer apparently caught her off guard.
Ah, tsunderes, always showing a tough exterior but in the inside they're softies… wait, that didn't sound right. I PROMISE I WASN'T MAKING A SEXUAL JOKE!
Anyway, right now she wasn't my biggest concern and neither was Maria. No, I was more interested in the explanation Jin owed me.
"W-Why are you glaring at me all of sudden?!" Jin must have felt all the negative emotions coming from my glare alone, because right now he was sweating nervously.
"Old man… You and I will have a loooong talk when we get home." He won't bullshit his way out of this one.
"E-Eh?!"
I wanted answers and you can bet Gabriel's bountiful tits that I WILL get them, even if I have to kill this idiotic excuse of a Legal Guardian.
Fortunately, this situation can't get any worst. At least there are no assassins lurking in the shadows waiting to kill us. It would be too troublesome to get the attention of the OS Faction if I accidently kill their agents.
Needless to say, this remarriage meeting was disaster, as I expected!
Interlude (I):
"Agent of Darkness"
Ah, Humans.
Truly, what a bunch of interesting creatures they were.
Despite their many weaknesses and awful limitations, they always managed to get through the worst situations and attain some impressive feats even when the odds were against them. And thanks to the [Sacred Gear System] created by the Big G himself, they have the potential to wield powers easily on par with the mightiest of the gods.
With that unyielding spirits of them, it's painfully obvious they were something to behold. Sadly, most denizens from the supernatural world consider them as little pests with no worth whatsoever, SG user or not.
Well, it wasn't like the others didn't have reasons to doubt of the inherent strength mankind possessed considering how easily they've been manipulated throughout the Eras to do other Factions' biding. Not to mention that their mortality and naturally fragile bodies make them object of disdain and scorn.
The Old Satan Faction was not the exception. For them, mankind was but a petty toy they could play with and break whatever, whenever and however they wanted. And if the plan the high-ups were working on succeeded, then the future of all humans were gloomy to say the least.
Such a waste.
Anyway, enough of sentimentalism, there were more pressing matters right now.
Today, he has received new orders from his boss. A new mission to complete.
"You need to go to Kuoh Town and survey this person. Should the situation warrant it, you can take them with you and return to the Underworld." Those were the order from his master, the person who took care of him since his childhood.
"Kuoh Town? Isn't that place…?!" He couldn't help but voice his surprise.
Unlike most territories in the Human Realm, Kuoh was a place of utmost importance for the Anti-Satan Faction because of the liking two of the four new Satans took to it— not like it was hard to guess why. It would be foolish to simply overlook the place where your sisters lived and oversee.
And since it was under heavy surveillance of the current government of the devil kind, most people avoided causing that much of a ruckus in that place—unless you're a power-seeking fool, that's.
It could be tricky to operate in that place without getting the attention of the Anti-Satan Faction. Even if the current "owners" of the town were that skilled or powerful, there have been reports that a certain someone was protecting the land… and that person was one you can't simply piss off.
"Ah, yes. I know you got some reservations when it comes to that place in particular. However, this is a situation that cannot be overlooked. The risks are too great and our future may be on the stake if this person remains unobserved." His master chuckled humorously as if the whole subject was funny. "Don't fret though. I'm very confident in your stealth skills and combat ability— you're around the High-Class level, after all."
"Well… Yeah but…"
"You are worried about that person, aren't you?" His master said as if reading his thoughts, when he nodded in affirmation the one who he acknowledges as his master burst in hysterical laughs. "Well, it's not like I'm expecting you to fight him to begin with. You would be crushed in mere seconds."
"Right…" He didn't bother to deny that. As much as it pains to admit, that person was on another league altogether. Well, if he could avoid any frontal confrontation then the mission would be marginally easier to complete, still…
"Please, my boy. You don't have anything to worry about. I'm arranging a few things to make sure you won't come across that person." His master said with a reassuring tone.
"What a relief then… I'm not sure about the others but I don't want to die so young." He released a relieved sigh at those words, knowing his master was a meticulous person that would always make sure the odds would be on their side. "Anyhow, what was the name of the target again? Also, and this goes without saying, I would need a report from their looks, abilities and personality."
"Naturally, that's to be expected." The person who took care of him nodded sagely and then handed him a document with the pertinent information.
He opened the file and, for a brief moment, he was taken aback by the appearance of the target.
He didn't expect them to be so… young. And certainly, those looks resembling that of a Gremory were stunning to say the least— for a moment he thought this person was part o that clan but according to his master, that wasn't the case. How curious.
"Naruse Mio…"
That was her name.
"Yes, she is the one." His master replied while drinking a cup of wine. "You mission is pretty simple. Sneak in to Kuoh, observe the target— and the heiresses if you can, and give me your reports. If possible, you can capture her and return but that would be the last option. Am I clear?"
"Understood."
"I hope you the best of the lucks, Lars. Now, you're dismissed."
"Of course, master." With a bow, he left their hideout.
Naruse Mio, one of the Descendants of the Satans, looking for help from the AS Faction? Ah, what an ironic twist!
← To be Continued