Hello, I'm back again from my grave. Though I must admit it's been two months? I thought it was just a month, to be honest, time sure flies fast when you are busy huh? Sorry.
Oh yeah, before I start with the story I just want to remind you that I don't really know much about Sona Peerage especially Saji sacred gear. I try to read Wiki and other story but since it's been a while I start writing again I probably forgot most of it so... mistakes are unavoidable for me. About Saji sacred gear though, I was guessing he didn't know much about it so he won't be using the Absorption Line effectively. I tried to find more info about him but since I was already late for updating I guess I just go with it.
Lastly, I was planning to write a little longer but... yeah my motivation died early than I expected so it stops at 7k words. That's all, thanks for hearing my uhh... waffling?
...
When we arrived at the ORC meeting room I see Rias familiar in human form and Koneko who currently sitting on a couch. She seems thinking about something while eating her chocolate bar so I decided to leave her be and finish my errand first. I then approach Rias familiar and handed all the potions she ordered before giving me the payment.
"Thanks for your patronage." I said to the familiar and she just bows to me. "So I guess it's your turn then, Sona-san?"
"Yes, thank you for your understanding." She said while also approaching the familiar. "So I guess your next business is with her?" Sona said while looking in Koneko direction.
"Yeah seems like it. See you later then."
"You too."
I then approach Koneko and giving her a little poke on her shoulder to gain her attention. It seems enough to make her notice me. "So... is there anything you need me to do, Toujo-san?"
She seems conflicted for telling me but after a few seconds, she finally nods and starts to stand up. "...I want to learn... about Senjutsu."
'That's surprising, I never thought she wants to do it this early. But, I guess it's a good thing since a big fight is coming up.' "Can I ask the reason if you don't mind?"
"...I've been thinking about what you said to me that time and I want to help Rias-senpai after everything she did for me. I won't running away again... so please help me."
"I'm glad to hear that. Let's meet my trainer then, I think it's easier for me to convince her if you tag along."
"Okay."
We then make our way outside. I want to say my farewell to Sona but I guess she won't hear me since she was in sort of discussion with Rias familiar so I just leave her be.
Shrine of the White Fox, Morning.
When we arrived there I then ask Asia about Yuzu-san and Kiri-san locations. She seems surprised when she noticed Koneko standing behind me but instantly smiled and greet her passionately. After telling me that they're both inside she then continues sweeping the fallen leaf and leaving us alone.
I then go inside and found them was chatting while drinking some tea in the middle room. Yuzu-san noticed me first and she waved her hand at me but she stopped when she sees Koneko. Yuzu-san instantly approaches her with curious eyes which makes Koneko slightly uncomfortable.
"Ehh~ It's rare for you to bring another Youkai here not to mention she a Nekoshou like you, Ryuji-kun."
"Well, I have my reason and I hope both of you will help me with it."
"Is that so? Let's go and hear it." She said before sitting back in her previous position and signaling us to come along.
I just nodded and sit near both of them while Koneko sits beside me. Kiri-san has a really serious face while observing Koneko but didn't say anything to me. I put the payment from the potions on the table first and then explain everything about Koneko reason to both of them.
They were silent at first but after looking at each other for a while which I guess they using telepathy they then finally agrees.
"Alright, we will accept her as our student. However, we won't able to teach you for the time being, Ryuji-kun. Since we only have a week to teach her the basics so she won't hurt herself when using Senjutsu. We need to focus our attention on that first, of course, this little girl also needs to train seriously if she wants to reach that level." Said Yuzu-san.
"No worries. While you train her I'm going to visit the pink hooded girl since I also have some business with her."
"You always meeting with a shady character, Ryuji-kun. I guess that happens when I can't always monitoring your behavior outside the shrine."
"You make me sounded like a delinquent, Kiri-san. I just meeting with a potential business partner."
"...I hope you not doing anything drastic like last time."
"*ahem* Well, I guess I'll get going. See you later then, Toujo-san."
"...okay."
I then make my way outside and then start to walk to the arcade. Whoever that pink hoodie girl is she is a potential business partner since that suppressor she gave me is top-notch. I just hope she doesn't pose any threats for me and my friends.
Kuoh Town Arcade, Afternoon.
"She's not here." I arrived at the arcade but that pink hoodie girl is nowhere to be seen. I thought she's going to play that shooting game again but she's not there. I decided to look around the arcade first before coming back to the shooting game again. 'Huh... I just play that game again and maybe she will pop out from nowhere.'
I then put the coin inside the machine and start playing the game again. This time though, I already remember most of it from the last time I play this game, and I used every power-up that the game provides me. Although I still miss some bonus points even after all of that. 'Looks like I can't remember all the targets perfectly. Well, I guess I improved a little.'
When the game finished my score is in fourth place on the leader board. Looks like that girl kick my old score out since my name is nowhere to be found. After I was done registering my name on the leader board I noticed some people actually observed me from a distance. I was too focused on the game that I didn't realize people start gathering around me but when I was about to leave the pink hoodie girl suddenly appeared and approached me.
"Well done. You've become a better shooter since the last time we met. I'm impressed with your growth, Ishikawa-san."
"So-"
"Hey did you see that?" Suddenly someone from the crowd starts talking rather loudly which interrupts my speak.
"Yeah, the HSQ is talking to that guy."
"His skill is great though, so I understand why she wants to talk to that guy."
"Dammit! I'm so jealous!"
'Should've seen this coming.' "*sigh*... so, I want to talk to you about something."
"I know. Let's find a more suitable spot first." She then began walking away before signaling me to follow her. "Let's go."
Without a word, I then start following her while ignoring the crowd that starts talking more loudly after my interaction with the girl. She then guides me to an alley behind some building but I didn't question it and just keep following her. After a while, we then walk down on a set of stairs which I believe it's a sort of a basement but despite that, I kept following her. We finally reach a metal door but the door looks quite durable just like a laboratory door in video games. She then uses a keycard to open the door before turning around and smiled at me.
"Welcome to my place, Ishikawa-san. Please come in." She said before going in.
'Huh, never thought there will be a secret hideout in this part of town. Then again, she just invites me here even though this is the second time we met. She should've invited me to a cafe or restaurant instead, at least until we can trust each other. She playing a risky game here.'
When I finally inside, I see so many machines, monitors and some unknown object neatly arranged on a table. There's also a shooting range here with some guns placed near it. The place really gives you a secret base theme and I didn't even exaggerate it. This is solid proof that I wasn't dealing with an ordinary girl and she has her own reason for inviting me here.
"So... do you like it?" Said the girl who's now sitting on a chair in front of the big monitor. She hasn't removed her hoodie but I can see that she was smiling proudly at her secret place.
"I'm impressed. I assume that you want to discuss something... unusual then?"
"Right to the point, I like it. And to answer your question, yes it's something that normal humans shouldn't have business with."
"Supernatural?"
"Bingo. I knew you already made some relationship with them, especially devils so I won't beat around the bush. I want you to do something for me and in return, I will help you."
"That sounds too good to be true. Considering you've stalked me from the beginning... What's your objective then?"
"It's not like I knew you that long. But, I bet all my chips on you since... I'm kind of desperate."
"That's a lot of pressure. Tell me what you want me to do first, depending on what your request I might asking for a greater reward."
"That's understandable. Here, read this first." She said before giving me a piece of paper.
The paper contains every information about a devil that I assume is a stray since the family name has been crossed out. It's a male devil with white spiky hair but when I read about his devil type my mood instantly went sour. "...this guy... an incubus?"
"Yeah, just like what you read. Based on your face I'm guessing you have some history with it."
"Ugh... I prefer not to remember it. So this guy is a stray alright, but why there's unusual power in his description?"
"That what remains a mystery. You see my client told me he didn't remember that incubus had it. He might get it from somewhere when he when astray but nobody in my connection seems to know what is it. It's really frustrating you know?"
"So that's mean I'm not the first one you called for dealing with this guy?"
"Yeah, you're the fourth one. That bastard killed all the previous mercenaries that I send to eliminate him. Turns out he not a regular incubus and it might be wreaking havoc in Kuoh sooner or later."
'I don't want to face this kind of devil again... but, the rewards might be worth the risk. Still...' "So I can just kill him or do you have any request I need to do when am I fighting this guy?"
"Actually, there's one. That guy stole a ring from my client. Turns out it was a family heirloom so he offers some bonus if you managed to retrieve it. You can do what you like with that incubus as long he stays dead forever."
*Ping!*
You got a new request!
Old Fear
I decided to help the mysterious girl so I can gain access to her armory. Never thought I need to face the abomination again that gives me terror when I arrived here though... *sigh* I hope nothing bad will happen to me...
"*sigh*...alright. I hope I won't regret this."
*Ring!*
Just then my phone suddenly ringing and I decided to just answer it. 'Huh, Momo?' "Hello?"
"Ah, Ryuji are you free right now? Sorry for the sudden call but we really need your help right now!"
I heard some fight in the background and it seems she was not alone. I assume she was in the middle of a contract with her peerage and currently battling some stray. "Don't worry about it. But, are you fighting a stray devil right now?"
"Y-Yeah. We manage to contain it inside our barrier but the stray using some weird aura and suddenly becomes powerful!"
"Is it an incubus with the white spiky hair?"
"Eh!? How did you know?"
"It doesn't matter, just tell me your location."
"O-Okay! We're currently fighting him near the abandoned church where we fight the fallen angels before. Just go west after you reach the location, we're not that far from the church but I will be glad if you hurry, Ryuji!"
"Got it. Just stay alive until I get there."
*Beep!*
"Looks like I managed to find that Incubus in an instant. I'll be off then."
"Sure, careful out there."
"Don't worry, it's not my first rodeo." I said before teleport to the abandoned church.
Abandoned Chruch, Evening.
I instantly transform into Nekomata and sprinted to Momo location. Just when about to reach the place I can feel that a barrier just shattered in front of me so I make haste and fortunately arrived just in time to block a magic attack directed at Sona.
*Boom!*
You guarded the attack! -54 HP!
"Keep you waiting, huh?" I said after blocking the attack with my mana shield.
"Ryuji-kun!? You're faster than I expected."
"What's the current situation and... why two members of your peerage are attacking your other member?"
"That guy uses some charm spell on us and now he just sits there while mocking at us. I can't harm him without attacking my peerage in process and that charm spell is really powerful even after we attacked them, they still not back to their senses."
I started observing the situation and saw that the members who have been charmed are her knight and rook. That Incubus is currently sat on top of a tree branch and laughing at us. But looks like he finally noticed my presence and start to stand up. Sona was alone on the back since her peerage was busy fighting with each other. Tsubaki and Momo were glad to see me and manage to protect their king before focusing back on their fight.
"Oh, what is it? Is a stray cat helping the devils? That's an unusual sight." He said and suddenly showing an unusual aura around him. But, I know exactly where I saw that aura before.
'Huh!? Why does that bastard have the same aura as the monsters in Memento? Ah... I see, now I understand why nobody knows about this.'
"I see you're amazed by my power and looks. I can't deny it that no matter what the gender is my charm really effective." He said before swipe his hair and winking at us.
"Hey, Sona-san. Are all Incubus just some crazy psychotic narcissist bastard like this?"
"...wow, I never thought you're a foul-mouthed person, Ryuji-kun."
"Sorry, I can't help it when I need to face something like that."
The Incubus instantly went mad after hearing me saying something like that to his face and just blaring his aura even further. "Oh, I see someone need to be disciplined. How, about you become my slave instead?" He said before shooting a beam in my direction and I just standing there while preparing to block it.
*Boom!*
You guarded the attack! -47HP!
"Ryuji-kun!"
"Hahaha! How foolish! Now my pawn how about you kill the devil behind you?"
Fortify Spirit has been activated!
"...Nah." I said while casually brush it off.
"W-What!? How could you resist my charm spell!?"
"Maybe because I'm not into guy all right?"
"Tch! I still have your friends thought you sure still want to oppose me!?"
'Patra.' I cast the spell to Sona peerage that had been controlled by the Incubus and in instant, they regain their consciousness before being confused about why they're fighting their friends. "So you were saying...?"
"Y-You damn cat! I show you what happens when you mess with me!"
The incubus then prepares a large-scale attack and in instant, the rest of Sona's peerage is regrouping before start preparing a barrier to block it. When the attack finally happened Momo and the other bishop already finished creating the barrier while Tsubaki standing behind them to anticipate if anything goes wrong.
"Tomoe, Tsubasa you both all right!?"
"Y-Yeah... just a little bump on my head." The girl with blue hair said.
"Same here... and some scratch since Saji-kun decides to strike me." The other girl with reddish-brown hair said.
"I'm sorry! I tried my best to hold it back though!"
"Well, I'm glad you both okay. Ryuji-kun, I want to thank you for your help but looks like we need to eliminate that stray devil first."
"That's our priority all right. Do you have any plan to take him down?"
"We need to make him busy and make a room for Tsubaki and Tsubasa to give him a fatal blow. The problem is he's too fast for Tsubaki and too durable for Tsubasa attack so we also need to weaken him in process."
"I can help you with that."
"What do you mean?"
"Don't worry about it and just give me a signal when they are about to attack the Incubus. Now, for the distraction... I can shoot a barrage of the light-infused bullet but I'm afraid if I accidentally hit one of you if you get too close."
"Then, we'll use magic so we can join the distraction. Also, Saji-kun."
"Y-Yes, President!"
"I want you to use your sacred gear to hold him in position. I believe your sacred gear won't be affected by light magic right?"
"Of course! Just leave it to me, President!"
"Good. Now, we begin our plan immediately after he finished his attack!"
"Okay./Alright!/Understood."
Immediately after the attack stopped I instantly summoned my rifle and start shooting. Of course, I'm using Elemental Bullet: Light first, the Incubus tried to dodge my bullet but Saji's sacred gear manage to catch and hold him down. He then creates a barrier to blocks my bullets and unfortunately, that was effective since my bullet only manage to make a small crack on his barrier. The rest of Sona's peerage start bombarding him with magic so I stopped shooting to give them Tarukaja before continue shooting again.
"Huh? Why do I suddenly feel stronger?"
"You're right. I can feel my magic become more powerful."
"We should press the attack then!"
In the middle of it, Sona took a glance at me but she didn't say anything and just nod at me before also join the distraction. The Incubus struggling to block all our attacks and start throwing some magic in our direction but that was blocked by Sona water magic. On the other hand, Saji seems nearly hit his limit so Sona signaling Tsubaki and the blue-haired girl to instantly charged at the Incubus. I instantly stopped shooting and give them both all my buff skills before they deliver the killing blow.
"AAAAGGGHHHHHHH!"
The Incubus yell loudly after being struck by Tsubaki and the blue-haired girl attack. But, suddenly he was engulfed with a red aura before create a big explosion.
*Boom!*
"E-Everyone all right!?"
"Y-Yes... Just some scratch and minor wound president."
Luckily before the explosion happened Momo manage to create a barrier to protect us. Tsubaki and the other girl managed to get inside just in time so they were saved from serious injury. Right now the Incubus aura becomes more dangerous since it's just burns anything around him. The Incubus itself seems lost his reasoning because of the aura and starts destroying everything on his way.
"President, I don't think I can hold my barrier for much longer!"
"This is bad... but, we can't let that Incubus roam free or Kuoh will take casualties."
'Tch, time to change my role then. Fairy circle!' I use Pixie skill and cover everyone in a small circle. Thanks to that their wounds start healing and it also gives them the energy to continue the fight.
"E-Eh!? What is this? Ryuji-kun is this your doing."
"Considering I fight with a team right now then it is also my responsibility to keep everyone alive. I will take the supporting role since my magic can't make a dent to that Incubus barrier so I will leave the attacks to you." 'Since I forgot to change my third Persona from Arsene to Leonidas. I can't use any Arsene skills in front of them or they will begin to suspect me.'
"You can do that? You're something else, Ryuji-kun."
"Thanks. Anyone who wounded just come to me and I'll heal you also, give this potion to Momo so she can keep up the barrier." I said while giving the last two Mana potions to Sona. "I will try my best to give you guys some buff when attacking but since I need to conserve my Mana for healing I'm afraid I can only give you one type of buff at a time. It's unfortunate that I only bring few mana potions with me."
"That's more than enough you don't need to push yourself too hard, Ryuji-kun. All right everyone, while Momo and Ryuji-kun will supporting us I want you to launch attacks consistently. Keep in mind to keep a safe distance from the stray and attack in different directions to confuse him. Lastly, fall back if you are injured or if that Incubus tries to do that spell again. He might be strong but we got the advantage in numbers so if we play our card right we surely win. Any question?"
The rest of Sona's peerage didn't ask any questions and just steel themselves for the fight. Sona then gives the potion to Momo before she signaling the rest of her peerage to launch the attack. "Go!"
Just like that they scattered in a different direction and begin the assault. Sona stays behind with me and Momo so she can give commands to her peerage while also attacking the Incubus with water magic. Tsubaki then tries to face him head-on and slash his barrier to gain attention which is a success since the Incubus now focused on her. The other members instantly launch a different kind of attack from another direction and before the Incubus can change his target Tsubaki instantly attack him.
'That's a really effective strategy. What a play Sona.' I thought before my fairy circle slowly disappear. Before that could happen I give Sukukaja to Tsubaki, Tsubasa and Saji, Tarukaja to Sona and Reya, lastly Rakukaja to Momo and Tomoe. 'I hope I got their name and role right since I don't really know much about Sona peerage.'
Luckily enough just after I finished casting my buffs the fairy circle finally disappear. Just then I hear a loud explosion and see Tsubasa getting caught in the blast. "Tsubasa, fall back! Saji, try immobilized the stray now!"
"Roger!"
Tsubasa instantly approaches us and I swiftly heal her using Dia. She got an injury on her right leg so I focused my healing on that spot first. At this time I can't observe the fight since I need to focus on healing so the Rook can continue the fight but I can clearly hear Sona's commanding voice and the sound of a fierce battle behind me.
"You're good now. Be careful!"
"Got it, thanks for healing me!"
She instantly dashes to the fight again and I finally can use Fairy circle but, I'll hold it until someone else got injured or Momo is exhausted.
"Good job back there, Ryuji. Looks like calling you here was the right decision." Said Momo.
"I do what I can do. You also be careful to not overdo it."
"No worries, I already have some fighting experience so you can relax, Ryuji."
"They say overconfidence is a slow and insidious killer."
"Why are you suddenly saying something that President would say? Stop it."
"Haha."
Not long after the Incubus start using the spell from before so everyone instantly falling back to take cover inside Momo barrier. I then use Fairy Circle again to heal everyone's minor injuries while healing Sona Rook in meantime.
"...f-fairy?" The Rook said in a low voice while looking at me. I noticed it so I instantly look at her due to reflexes and she looking away embarrassed. "S-Sorry. I don't know why I said that."
Before I could respond Sona tap my shoulder and ask me to do something. "Ryuji-kun, can you focus your spells on Tsubaki this time?"
"Sure, I can do that. I assume you already formed a plan?"
"Yes. We will do the same thing as the beginning but this time I want you to use light magic as the opening."
"You sure? My light magic is still unstable, not only that but with my current mana, I can only do it once. Not to mention I can't continue healing you if this fails."
"That might be true but if we continue to fight like this we will surely lose. Saji-kun will immobilize it so you can aim your magic easily and when your magic hits him Tsubaki will deliver the finishing blow."
"...I understand. Just give me the signal, I'll do my best to hit his heart."
"Good. The rest of you use the guerilla tactic to keep the stray busy. Saji, you also be prepared to use your sacred gear."
We wait until the Incubus stops its attack before commencing our plan. Everyone except Tsubaki and Sona is staying behind this time so I cast every buff on Tsubaki before cast Tarukaja and Concentrate on myself and relocate so I can prepare using my Exploding Light Spear. When I am finally in the position I mentally lock on to the Incubus and waiting for the signal.
"Saji, do it now!"
Saji then using his sacred gear and manage to hold the Incubus's arm but was slowly pulled because of the difference in strength. "I can't hold it too long! Whatever you want to do please do it now!"
'Exploding Light Spear!' I cast the magic on my right hand before it slowly formed and took its shape. But, since I used Concentrate the size of the spear was doubled and I can feel it can explode at any moment so I decided to throw it right away. "Fire in the hole!"
I throw the spear with all my might and the Incubus tried to block it with his barrier. Fortunately, my spear manages to break it after a bit of struggle from the Incubus and finally hits his chest before creating an explosion.
*Boom!*
Critical hit! Deal 852 Light Damage to the Enemy!
After the explosion, the Incubus was still standing and about to do another attack on us but Tsubaki instantly appeared in front of him and cut his head off using her Naginata. His head rolled on the ground for a few seconds before it turned to dust just like his body.
"Did we do it?" Said Momo.
"Y-Yeah! We did it!" Reya said before all of them began celebrating.
I just sit on the floor since I just used all my Mana. I realized that I forgot to analyze the Incubus before the fight but I'm sure that thing was ten-level or something higher than me and the notification on my phone just giving me the confirmation that I need.
*Ping!*
Level Up! You reached level 53! Your stat increased by Mag +4 Luck +2!
The request 'Old Fear' has been completed!
"*sigh*...never thought being a support can be this tiring."
Sona slowly approaching me before helping me to stand up. "Good job. Thanks to your help we finally can eliminate that stray. I must praise Momo for calling you here."
"No worries, I also here because I got a contract to eliminate that abomination as well. Ah that's right, did you find a ring on that thing's body? My client requests me to fetch it."
"A ring? Well, let's looks at the ash then. I'm sure we can find it."
We then walk to the Incubus corpse (or ash) to find the ring only to see something familiar to me. There's a floating blue card on top of the ash and there's no doubt it was a Persona. Sona peerage just observes it since they didn't know what to do with it and I was conflicted since I need it because it's a Persona but I don't want it since without any doubt I will transform into Incubus.
"What is that?" Ask Sona before also observing it. "Tsubaki, where did that card come from?"
"It just came from the ashes some seconds ago. I thought it's was the stray source of power but, the color changed itself."
"What do you mean?"
"At first it was surrounded by crimson red like the stray aura but now it suddenly changed the color. I also never seen that kind of card before so I'm unsure how we are supposed to approach it."
"Try to get close to it but, if you feel anything bad or worse just get back."
"Understood."
Tsubaki then slowly approaching the card with her weapon ready. The rest of the peerage watching her nervously while I'm curious if the card will react to her. I know it wouldn't but I just want to make sure so I didn't say anything and wait until it happens.
Right now Tsubaki finally reaches the card and is about to touch it. We all waiting in anticipation but when she touched it her finger went through the card as if she just touching a hologram.
'Huh... In the end, I'm the only one who can interact with it. *sigh* Might as well to take this one... even when I really don't want it.' I ended my thoughts before approaching Tsubaki.
"Ryuji-kun?" Sona wondering why I suddenly do that but didn't stop me.
"Let me take it from here, senpai. Since it's part of my job might as well finish it properly."
"Alright, I don't know what will you do with it but be careful." Tsubaki then starts backing away from the card while I approaching it. The card suddenly starts glowing in response to my presence. At this time I can't hear anyone who called my name and when I finally touch the card I was engulfed in white light.
A new spirit has been registered! Now you can transform into Incubus!
As the light died down I can see everyone's shocked face and I know exactly why. Even if I hadn't seen it myself the feeling on my back and head confirm that I had grown something that normal humans shouldn't have.
"R-Ryuji, you... you became a devil!?" Momo said rather loud and I can see her shocked face along with her peerage that watching me.
"W-What happened? Ryuji-kun... are you all right?" Ask Sona.
"..." I remain silent while trying to take a look at my wings while also touching the horn on my head. I also just noticed that I had a tail, it definitely the same as Incubus from before. "...it's weird." I said while start moving the tail around.
"Ryuji-kun, you seem calm for someone who just turned into a devil. Does that mean your transformation is just temporary?"
"Well... actually, I can change to this form anytime I want from now. You already see that I also possess Youkai form right?"
"Can you explain to us? If you don't want to we won't force you."
"I don't mind. Hmm... let's see..."
I then begin explaining my transformation power to Sona. Of course, I just made it up like "It's my sacred gear power." and leave the rest out. I don't think I need to tell anyone about Persona or Aella in this matter. I'm getting used to lying on this so they surely believe me even when Sona might see through my lies, luckily she's not.
"I haven't heard about your sacred gear before... It might be a new type but I'm not an expert on this matter. So how about the magic that you use to dispel the charm spell?"
"I love to explain it but, you see... I think... I run out of battery..." I said before my vision slowly getting blurry and finally lost my consciousness.
...
"To think you become the very thing you swore to kill, hahaha! Then again, I guess this is a really interesting outcome. Good job for making me entertained human. I shall grant you more power so you better continue to entertain me!"
...
"Momo-san, I would like to believe you but..."
"President didn't make Ryuji a devil and put it in her peerage. Please, believe me, Asia-chan. It's because the card he touched transforms him into a devil."
I woke up after hearing some voices near me only to see that Momo is desperately pleading to Asia for some reason. I slowly getting up before I noticed that Tsubaki helping me into the sitting position. Looks like I'm inside my apartment with Sona and Tsubaki that sit on the couch near me while Asia and Momo are in the kitchen. I then thank her before asking Sona what just happened after I faint.
"We carry you to your apartment and Argento-san was kind enough to let us in after seeing you in that state. Considering our history I guess she didn't take it too well after seeing your devil transformation." Sona explained calmly while Asia and Momo keep continuing what they're doing.
"I see... wait..." I realized that I'm still using Incubus transformation even after fainting. I don't understand how is that possible but I instantly undo the transformation to clear the misunderstanding. "Asia, Momo, I'm fine so can you please come over here?"
Asia instantly comes to me before suddenly hugging me. "Ryuji! Y-You all right? Did Momo tell me the truth or they-"
"Yes, you can stop worrying about it. But, I never told you about my circumstances with the devil peerage in our school so how did you know, Asia?"
"Kiri-san told me about it a few days after I start working at the shrine. I was worried if that really happened since I know you won't take it easy when you woke up. I want to believe Momo-san but... I-I'm just scared, Ryuji."
"I see... well, that's just a misunderstanding. Here I still have the fluffy tail if you still don't believe me." I said before transformed into Nekomata to calm her down and use my to wrap her body. I can say it's very effective since Asia start smiling again.
"I'm glad..."
'Alright, one problem solved.' "Sorry for troubling you guys especially you Momo."
"Good thing you awake right away if you have taken a day or two to wake up it might complicate everything. Say, did you also have a fairy transformation?
"Why do you ask that?"
"Tsubasa-chan told me she saw you with fairy wings on your back when you healing her. I don't know how did she saw it since I'm positive I didn't see anything back then."
"I do have fairy transformation."
"Really!? *sigh* What next? Don't tell me you also got... let's say, Unicorn? There's no way right? That would be-"
"I also have it." I said in a straight face only to see how shocked Momo are before she grabbed my collar and startled Asia who cuddling with my tail.
"You've got to be kidding me right!? How come you never told me about it!?"
"Because you never ask me."
"*sigh* I can't believe you..." She then releases my collar before going to the kitchen again. "I'm going to have some drink you won't mind right?"
"Sure, just help yourself." I then look towards Sona and Tsubaki's direction since their face tells me that they have many questions for me. "So... I guess you want me to explain everything I just said to Momo right?"
"Well... yes. That's really a lot to take in especially with how many transformations you had. But, are you sure you going to tell us about it? I feel like it's supposed to be a secret." Said Sona.
"I don't mind, since we will be going to work together from now on it's better to build our trust. So what do you want to ask first?"
"All right, then, how you received your transformation?"
"There are two ways for me to obtain it. First, just like you saw earlier I need to find and obtain the card or I need to talk to the spirit and gain their cooperation so I can transform into their form." 'And the third one would be from quest reward but there's no way I will tell them that.'
"Interesting... any side effects? Since you've taken their form, other than abilities you also got their traits and quirks right?"
"Yup. Even so, I think I only got half of it since I'm not fully transformed into them. But, when I transform I'm pretty sure it would affect me completely."
"I see, can you try to say His name? Since we devil will get a sharp pain in our head if we say it I wonder if that will affect you too?"
"...God gracious." After I saying that suddenly my head got a sting a little. Maybe because I'm currently transformed to Nekomata but still equipped Incubus in my passive Persona slot might be the reason I also got the pain. "Huh... I do feel it a little."
"I see, I guess it's only natural for you to feel the pain after that. Oh, that's right..." Sona then put a ring on the table from her pocket. "We found this in the ash after you fainted. Seems like your client would be happy."
"Thanks, I owe you one for this Sona-san."
"You don't need to. Well then, I guess we'll go back now. I do have another question but I think that can wait. For now, I will let you rest first since you deserve it after keeping my peerage safe." Sona said before walking toward the door with Tsubaki following her. "Momo, we'll be leaving now."
"Yes, president. Take care of yourself Ryuji, I don't want to plead to Asia-chan again when you pushed yourself too hard." She said while approaching me first.
"Can't make any promises for that one though."
Momo then punches my shoulder lightly before going with Sona. "Then you owe me a lunch. See you later, Ryuji."
"Be careful on your way back."
And with that Sona, Tsubaki and Momo leave my apartment while Asia still cuddling with my tail. I let her do it for a few minutes before I tell her it's time to sleep only to see her pouting at me but agree afterward.
But, before I'm going to sleep I decide to check my notification first.
Death Arcana increased to rank 2!
All passive on ? now has 75% effectiveness when not transforming!
You gained a new skill!
Blood Pact
When healing an injured ally there's a chance for both user and the healed ally to gain Charge or Concentrate based on their highest stats. Can only be applied to one ally at a time. (This skill has a cooldown for 5 minutes before can be used again.)
'That dragon... That might be the reason why my transformation is still active even when I'm unconscious. He probably had a good laugh watching the whole thing. *sigh* At least the new skill might be useful though...'
After that, I finally decided to go sleep.
Next day
Kuoh City, Afternoon.
School went just like usual well, actually, Sona asked me to see her after school but since I need to report my job first I told her I'm going to see her tomorrow. Anyway, I just reached the hooded girl secret base again and am just standing in the front door since I realized I don't have her contact.
"...might as well just knock it since I'm pretty sure she installed camera or something."
*knock knock*
After a few seconds, the door suddenly opens and I let myself in. I walk toward the big monitor and see the hooded girl again, without her usual pink hoodie. Right now she wearing a white tank top and I can finally see her short pink twin-tail hair with light blue eyes.
"Yo, I thought you were dead last night. Seems I was wrong."
"Well to be fair, I almost died. It's a good thing my friend helped me fighting that bastard."
"Haha, you really hate that guy huh? So did you also find that ring?"
"Right here." I placed the ring on the table. "Is this it?"
She then takes and observes it for a while before start smiling. "Impressive. Here's your payment." She said before placing two hundred and fifty thousand yen on the table. "Now, how about a proper greeting from me? My name is Kureiha Shima, just call me Shima okay? As you can see I can provide you a job and I also can tinker with your gun."
"So you're gunsmith then?"
"You can say that. Though, my modification will enchant your gun with magical properties. I also can create various attachments for it... for a price."
"Is there anything else you want to tell me?"
"Actually there's one. You see, my modification requires materials from the supernatural. Of course, I can't just hunt them down myself since I'm lacking the ability to fight them. That's where you come in."
"You want me to find those materials while also completing the job you gave me right?"
"Bingo. I'm doing this because I have my own reason to accomplish but to do that I need someone that I can trust. Someone that can fight them and of course using a gun so my skill won't go to waste."
"I can't say that I'm not interested since some modification for my gun sound really nice. Though, I want to ask you first... what's your objective for doing all of this? You don't need to go on details I just want to make sure that you won't hurt any of my friends."
"...revenge. Don't worry my target is a stray though I spent 2 years searching for that bastard and I still haven't found it."
"All right, I guess we're partners now."
"You won't question my reason?"
"I don't think I can judge others when I'm alone a mercenary or even a bounty hunter who kills for money."
"Heh, you got a point." She then approaching me before offering her hand and of course, I accept it. "I'm looking forward to our partnership, Ishikawa-san."
"Same here, Shima-san."
*Crack!*
I am thou, thou art I...
Thou has acquired a new bond,
Thy bond shall become thou strength,
And brings thee closer to the truth...
With the birth of Chariot arcana,
Thou shalt be granted the blessing that shall change the fate of the world...
That's all for now. SO... I just hope I didn't forget to update the next chapter. I became more forgetful these days *sigh* Well, see ya later guys! Ciao~