Kuoh Academy was nothing like expected, it felt like some sort of fever dream. The buildings, the uniform, everything really. It used to be an only girls' school, but the new management made it to a co-ed school - the boy's population was a bit on the lower side as most of the students were still girls. I didn't know what they had done to get this place to become a co-ed but I was impressed with how the students were behaving.
According to this mail, I am to meet the Student Council President Sona Shitori. I need to get my uniforms after all. Entering the room, I was greeted by a few people. There were six people currently in the room and the majority of them were all minding their own business. I know I shouldn't have come here this late after all…
"Excuse me… this is the student council room, right? I am supposed to meet with the Student Council President…" I said hesitantly.
"Yes, that would be me. How can I help you, mister…?" a bespectacled girl said.
The girl was beautiful if I were to say so myself. Short black hair that looks as smooth as the finest silk, a face that's more inclined to a foreigner than a Japanese girl, and the way her fair skin seemed to glow before my eyes. The way she greeted me told everything about her. A disciplined one, serious about her work.
"I was told that I can give my papers to you. Is that correct?"
"Ah… I take it that you are the new transfer student, Yuji Sato? Well, please come in then."
Getting out from her desk, she gestured toward the couch. I came in, closed the doors behind me, and took the seat opposite Sona.
"Tea?" She asked politely, but I declined since I'm not a fan of drinking while doing business. Taking the files from my bag, I gave her everything the school would need to finalize my transfer to Kuoh Academy. Taking a look at the file, she carefully put it away on her work desk.
"Well then, I supposed this is everything we need. Thank you for taking your time to come here, and I hope to see you on the school ground soon. Of course, should you encounter any difficulty, you could always come and request help with the Student Council."
Bowing courteously, Souna looked really like a model wife in training in my mind right now. I barely managed to say my thanks, before bowing in return and leaving the room.
"Ah… before I go, where can I get my uniform?" I asked.
"Oh! That's right, I almost forgot. Excuse my tardiness… Tsubaki, if you would?" Sona called to a long-haired girl working nearby, who then walked to the cabinet and took out a bag, and hand it to me. Looking inside, I saw the school uniform's male version.
"Welcome to Kuoh Academy, Sato-kun. I look forward to working with you." She said as she held out her right arm for a handshake.
"Thanks, Looking forward to working with you too!" I said while smiling slightly.
"I will see you tomorrow then. And please, do read the Code of Conduct of this school. Kuoh Academy is a prestigious school and any misconduct will be dealt with with force." She warned with a stronger tone as if remembering something unpleasant at that. I didn't think much about it, chalking it up to some shenanigans at school that she probably had to deal with. I never realized how much on the mark I was.
"Then, I will take my leave now. I'll see you around, President Souna." Bowing slightly, I walked out of the room.
"Have a good day, Sato-kun."
Time for a whole new life.
…
"Yuji Sato hmm…? What's with him that's so special?" Tsubaki asked.
"He was the one who made contact with the blade that was lost in time. And I could sense it, just by judging his presence alone, he'd be the purest devil in this room. Yet he maintained his human body. I couldn't see any physical traits that would be associated as devil's trait, aside from his scent." Sona mused, bringing the glass up as she looked intently at the chessboard in front of her.
"And you decided to bring him here?" Moving the knight piece, Tsubaki returned to the conversation seeing her pieces are safe for now.
"No, it wasn't me. Rias' older brother himself made the transfer, he didn't want someone like him, that has the potential to be an Ultimate Class to roam free. And the predicament he was in made it a no-brainer to invite him to this school."
"He has the potential to be an Ultimate Class devil?" Tsubaki asked, incredulous at the revelation. She couldn't imagine someone so young attaining the strength of the Ultimate Class.
"Yes, and no. If he is an actual devil then he would be one of the strongest ones in due time. But, as we saw him earlier, there were no physical traits we could associate him as a normal devil… so we aren't entirely sure."
"Huh… that's interesting. What if he is indeed a human with the potential to be an Ultimate Class Devil?"
"That means bringing him in was the correct option. If he were to truly unleash his potential then maybe we could use him." The casual tone in Sona's voice could send chills down to any normal human hearing it.
"I see, kaichou is finally serious about building your peerage, yes?
"Hmm…?"
"First, we managed to get the Black Dragon Sacred Gear Vritra, and now Sato-san…"
"We're not inviting him to any peerage just yet."
"Yes, but we don't want your rival Rias to get the upper hand on that boy and took him for herself."
"That would be most unfortunate I agree… especially since I already acquiesced Hyoudou to her…"
"Then what about sending some scouts to stake his house from time to time? What about Saji and Momo?
"Saji-san and Momo should be able to do it."
"I reckon they would be the best for keeping close tabs on Yuji-san, and because of their relatively close distance to Sato-san's place we might be able to play it off as something casual."
It was a great idea for Sona, keeping Yuji close to her is the right thing to do as he might have the potential she wanted to be the last peerage member.
If she can somehow convince him to join her peerage, she would get a huge advantage against her friend and rival Rias Gremory. And the sword, something about the sword that interested the church and their relentlessness to get it. if the devils have their hand on it, maybe they might get the upper hand when dealing with the angels, it was just a guess but Sona's interest was now piqued.
…
The night was surprisingly colder than usual, I had to turn off my air conditioner as it was getting too cold in my room. It was nighttime yet, something was bothering me, and my right arm was now in pain.
I tried to massage it to ease the pain yet it barely had any effect, could it be the demonic sword I touched whilst in Italy? I couldn't care less. The people there told it me it was a fire, and in a fit of rage, I killed all the firefighters. What? I could see them quite clearly! They were burning my house and blew up my room! And they told me it was an accident. Mom was mad at the authorities too, and she suspected a cover-up by someone. There was nothing we could do, so we ended up staying away from Tokyo, not wanting to live there anymore.
Taking a look at my phone, there was a text from mom. She said she wouldn't be home for dinner so I should just go and fetch dinner for myself. Great, now I have to get my lazy ass up and actually go somewhere to get food. Isn't it dangerous to let your child in this hour unsupervised?
"Eh… guess I'll just have to go. Food won't be coming on its own…" I said to no one in particular, sighing at the situation.
I took my jacket and went out. Locking the door, I made my way to the city center. Man… was it a beautiful night, an upside to living in a place like Kuoh is the peace it offered, unlike the busy metropolitan that is Tokyo. Maybe living here wasn't so bad after all.
Now let's see… which one should I get hmm…
I could get some ramen. Nah, I had ramen yesterday.
What about Katsu? Yeah, not a big fan of the convenience store katsu.
"What about the Chinese restaurant you seem to be a big fan of? Get that rainy day challenge and you can get it for free," a voice interrupted.
I jumped a bit and took a look at who that voice belonged. But after taking a good look, no one was there. Have I gone crazy?
"Is it really surprising to hear from me again?" the voice asked
"Uh… Kind of?"
"I did say I will be returning for you."
"Yes… you did,"
"Did you miss me?"
"No way in hell!"
"Don't be like that now, it'll be fun for us to go on an adventure. As buddies! I can be Batman and you can be Robin!"
What the hell is this guy talking about? And how the hell did he even know about comics? Didn't this guy dead for over a millennia or something?
"You know I can hear anything that you say in your head, right?"
"Can you just… shut up for one second?! I'm trying to decide what to eat."
"Fine… fine… I was trying to break the ice but you didn't budge so what can a man do?"
I can physically hear him shrugging in my mind. Is this guy for real? He showed up one day and suddenly ruined the peaceful life that I had and got my father killed in the process.
"And I can still hear you."
Fuck.
In the end, I decided that a ramen stall would be a more preferable option. A certain ghostly voice bothered me to no end, and hearing him talk for hours on end would not be good for my mental health anyways.
Getting in the stall, I was greeted by an old man, seemingly in his sixties. Wearing a white shirt, black shorts, and headbands to prevent sweat from reaching his eyes. The way he carried himself was one of a master who has perfected his craft. And I knew, I was in it for a ride.
"Hi, I would like a bowl of tonkotsu ramen please."
Tonkotsu ramen; one of my favorite type of ramen. With the creaminess of the bone broth that coats your mouth, add it with the delicious slice of pork charsiu. Not to mention the marinated soft-boiled eggs they serve it with. Truly, a meal for the king.
"You took your time to detail a specific food just like that? Why would you do that? Food is just food. They are a necessity that keeps your body from shutting down! More of a hindrance than anything, in my opinion." the ghostly man interrupted.
"Hey, knock it off, will you? I know you haven't had food in like thousands of years or something but don't disturb my peaceful moment with food."
"I still don't get it, why would you lust over food? It doesn't even look all that great. The food I used to have were fine but this place just looks like one of the ugliest places I would eat."
I decided not to answer him, dealing with him creates migraine for me. The chef was hard at work making my ramen too, and I would rather watch him cook than listen to the annoying voice inside my head. I swear I am not a schizophrenic person.
"Here you are, 1 Tonkotsu Ramen," the man said while giving me my bowl of ramen.
I've got to be honest, this looks amazing. It has all the qualities I am looking for in a Tonkotsu ramen, but the smell… oh god… I am in heaven right now.
"You know heaven is not even that great. All of them are just annoying hypocrites, even angels like Michael."
"Please, don't do this to me." I pleaded
"Fine-fine, whatever. I would gladly sit around and watch you eat your food. Take your time then chop-chop."
I wanted to kill him, I can't stand him anymore! I wish a thousand deaths upon whoever made that bloody sword!
"Wishing others dead? I am so very disappointed in you Yuji."
"It's Sato-san for you, we're not that close yet!"
"Boohoo we're not that close yet. What type of bullshit is that? We share a soul now, might as well get to know each other."
"… Fine…"
"That's the spirit! Okay, let me introduce myself. My name is…uh… Damn, I completely forgot."
"You don't even know your name? how the hell did that even happen? How can a random sword from the middle of nowhere forgets his memory?" I jokingly asked.
"Well, unfortunately, I lost most of my memories, but I think I was indeed made by the big G above." He said unconvincingly. I raised an eyebrow at that, there's something that doesn't add up to his story.
"I am serious! I don't know anything but the moment you touched me and how long I've been waiting for a new host." He added. I was still a bit unconvinced by him. For all I know he might be lying to me. Do not trust a trashed-up sword in the streets of Italy.
"I am still unsure whether to believe you or not but I will give you the benefit of the doubt and believe in you, for now."
"That's more like it! Guess what, from now on we'll be partners~" he said in a sings song tone.
I frowned. If I am going to be stuck with a guy like him. I don't know how I could survive. He was the definition of danger as he was indirectly responsible for my dad's murder. Guess I have to suck it up and take a big loss.
"It's rare to see someone so young eating alone," a voice broke my thoughts, it was the ramen shop owner. His smile brought chills to my spine, and it was awkward as hell
"Oh… is it that rare of a sight?" I asked.
"Well. It's just that kid's nowadays don't like eating alone, I heard some of them are shy, and eating alone is not a viable option for them." He added while taking a relaxed stance while leaning in front of me still showing that creepy grin.
Rude.
"Well, I… if you have the money, then there's no reason to be shy, right? Unless you left your money at home or you are indeed broke. Then I'd suppose there's nothing wrong with eating alone right?"
"True… but you know what's more indeed embarrassing?" he asked me. His voice was getting louder and yeah, I am feeling creeped out by him right now.
"W-What?" my face showed clear discomfort but I tried to be reasonable.
"Your flesh, in my stomach. Now please stay put as I will eat you. I will promise this won't hurt!"
What?
With that, he tried to grab me by my shirt but thankfully I somehow dodged it.
"What are you?" I asked
The man suddenly transformed from a human to a grotesque being, with a face only a monster can love, a pair of bat-like wings, and a look that said 'I will eat you!'
"I am a stray devil! Lucius Baxter! I have been eating humans for some time now, and you will be the latest one.
Shit, this guy is crazy, I had to run. NOW!
Getting up from the cold wooden floor I tried escaping through the front windows. Thankfully, the 'Stray Devil' had forgotten to lock the door so I got out with relative ease. What was not great was how fast he is. He easily outpaced me and I had no choice but to stand my ground.
"Oi. Sword, can you tell me what the fuck is that thing? I asked.
"Uh… I think that might be a stray devil, they like preying on humans and they are kinda good at shape-shifting. I didn't know he was one, must've been my bad for not telling you…"
"Wait, so you meant to tell me that devils are real?"
"Pretty much, how did you not know this? I already told you that God is real, it's a given that the rest of the creatures from the Bible are also real..."
I was now horrified. Devils? They are real? What kind of twisted world am I living here? Did I die and suddenly get transported to a new world?
"No, you didn't die, this is very much real, and please do your best to survive. If you die, then I don't know, I'll probably have to find another host and that will took me centuries to find."
I am in a life or death situation and you can only think about yourself? You're such a bastard.
"Hey! I can be nice sometimes you know."
"Shut up!"
I was not paying attention to where I was running, and unfortunately, I had hit a dead end. With nowhere to go, I was terrified, the Stray Devil will surely eat me!
"It's fun when your prey plays with you first. I always have the utmost respect for the people who survived until this long,"
"Like hell, I am going to die here!" I bluffed. There is no way I am getting out of here, this will probably be my end.
"Whatever just shut up and die will you!" He tried to swoop at me, but I quickly dodged it and threw a straight punch. The guy didn't even flinch while my hand recoiled at the pain! What the hell is this guy made out of?
"Eh, you'll probably even tickle him with that chicken arm. Let alone try to survive." It was the sword. Mocking me in all of his glory.
The Stray quickly recovered and used his claws in quick successions. He was fast - too fast. But I managed to dodge his attacks by a hair's breadth. My clothes, however, weren't that lucky and one side got torn to shreds by his claws.
"This is it then…?"
"Wait, I think I might have an idea!" The sword suddenly interrupted
"If you-"
"Have-"
"An Idea-"
"Then say it-"
"Already-"
I managed to wheeze out my complaint between dodges. Here I am, literally running for my life and this guy can't even do anything to help me. My stamina was running out, I think I might die here.
"Summon me!"
"How?!" I argued. When I was summoned during that day, it was all an accident. My mind was so in rage that I had lost all of my inner human logic and was a devil inside a body of a man.
"That's it! Bring out all of your rages! Or we might die together."
Fuck. It was now or never. I might die if I don't act fast. I…
"Ho… so you've given up? You lasted for quite a while back there. You sure you're giving up?"
I didn't answer him, trying to gather the rage I have in me. At them - the men in black who had killed my dad. It took a scant few seconds for anger and hatred to run amok in my mind, all fueled by the memories of that night.
Suddenly, a foreign feeling invaded my body. It felt different, it felt like that day again. My right arm was not what it used to be, I finally summoned him.
My right arm which was once pale skin is now replaced with black with red veins clearly showing. My hand turned to claws and I felt stronger, faster!
"What-" the stray gasped. Not expecting what he had seen. He was in deep trouble, and no way I am letting him live after what I will do to him.
'He will pay!'
"Good! Feel it! Now kill him!" the other voice inside my voice ordered.
'With pleasure!'
Like an animal in the wild. There is the hunter and the prey. The hunter will always have more power over the hunted. And the feeling I have right now is liberating. I need to kill! Kill! Kill!
The Stray's face was now sour, he wasn't expecting this at all. How could he? For all he know I was only easy prey to lure. But he was wrong, and now HE will PAY!
"What's the matter? What's with the face? You're sure glad! You will now get what you deserved for trash like you. Death!"
I was not even in control of my body anymore. It was like someone is moving me, and I wasn't in complete control.
I raise my arm and tried to attack the stray. He was quick but I was quicker. The sword managed to injure him a bit, but it was not enough to put him down.
"Gah… just what the hell are you?"
I didn't answer, instead, I dashed in and tried to get an attack. With my limited combat training, I was surprised at how good I was holding against him.
An attack finally got through his guard, cutting the stray's arm, drawing blood.
"E-Enough! I-"
He didn't even finish his sentence before I swooped in and drove the sword into his neck. Twisting it sideways, I pulled with all my strength, lopping his head off in one clean motion – 'good riddance'.
As I calmed down from the fight, my body began turning back to my normal self. Confused about what had happened I tried asking the sword again.
"WHAT THE HELL WAS THAT?" I asked.
"Eh… how can I say this, I think you turned yourself into some human-devil hybrid and finished that poor bastard off." The sword tried to explain. He couldn't exactly pinpoint the reason why I was behaving in some sort of way.
"Wait," I tried to remember. " You were the one who told me I had to gather my rage to summon you."
"Well, it's true… but what choices do I have here? If you die I will be stuck waiting for another host," he said angrily. "And guess what? You didn't die because of my help! MY HELP! So quit your yapping and be grateful that I had decided to help you."
"You? Decided to help me? It was your fault my father was killed! Your fault! And now you dare to tell me it was you who helped me?"
"Look, I know we went off on the wrong footing, but let's go back. It's not safe here. Local demons might have picked up the scent and we might be in for a longer ride and I can't guarantee our survival. Our encounter earlier has fatigued your body and if you were to summon me again, there's no going back, so come on now!"
Breathing out after a few moments, I managed to get my head to cool down. It wouldn't do any good to keep standing here and shouting at this guy… and people would definitely notice the dead devil in front of me…
"…You're right, I need to calm down for a minute."
"That's better, right now let's get us out of here."
We decided to end the night here and went home. As per usual, mom wasn't there and I immediately went to my room. I needed some answers from this guy.
Sitting on my bed, I took a breath and asked him some questions.
"Okay… What are those things? Stray Devils? And he wanted to eat me? What the hell do beings like that exist?"
"Well. To tell you the truth, they are what they are. Devils, and he was a stray: meaning no he has no master to serve."
"You said that Devils were real, does that mean…"
"What?"
"You know God, the big G upstairs," I thought those were just mysteries, and old legends about how did something like devils can exist. "If devils are real then that means God must be real too right?"
"Yes, all of them. They are nothing like the pop culture you'd seem to be fond of though. All of them suck I tell you what. Especially the Angels – oh how do I hate the Angels so much."
"So was that the reason they tried to kill me? Was it because they were working for the church? So you're a devil then?"
"Me? I guess I'm technically not a devil. Also, the church has quite an influence all over the world. And when they wanted you dead, they will hunt for you no matter what. The reason why your father's death was covered up so well was the church's doing."
"Great, now all the Catholic churches are against me. What am I going to do…"
"Not just the catholic church. All of them want you dead. If you want to survive then it's simple. We have to become stronger as a team, so they can never touch us again. What do you say?"
"I… I don't know, I don't even know what you are yet." It was the reason I was so hesitant on the whole partnership thing. I don't even have a clue who he was and here I am trusting my life to him.
"I don't have a name. Or I may have a name I didn't remember, you're free to call me anything you'd like. Deus ex Machina is just something I made up for myself."
"Hmm… You said that you were created by your father, right?"
"Yes… and how does it relate to anything? As far as I am concerned I have no father."
"But you said you were His favorite son!"
"Yeah, that might be a mistake on my part to try and act cool and mighty."
"Also, I didn't get your name too, what was it again?"
"I lost my memory so I guess you can call me whatever you want."
"Well… Chiyoshi, how about that? It means a millennium of death."
"Chiyoshi? I can get used to that. Is it one of your pop culture reference a guy like me wouldn't know?"
"No idea. It just sounds cool to me."
"This guy… fine, Chiyoshi it is. Take my noble sacrifice of using a made-up name made from a kid who spends too much on fictional women."
"Oi!"
It was a start of a beautiful partnership, a partnership that will evolve over time to something grander.
