Nietzsche once said that he who fights monsters may lose himself in the process and become the very monster he swore to defeat. Cause when you stare into the abyss, the abyss stares back at you. I remember the chills on my spine and the unshed tears at the corners of my eyes as I've read this very edgy quote for the first time. His core philosophy was the funding pillar of the fascist doctrine which plagued Europe between the world wars, so of course you'd find his ramblings creepy. But Earth was another type of hell, so dark and edgy quotes always had more truth to them than those phony, motivational, positive stuff you'd see everywhere. Slogans are the death of someone's ability to think for themselves and they're etched into people's brains before they can even question it. For someone who sees reality as it is would be a lot more reluctant to be a pawn in the greater scheme of things.

I always thought that I wanted people I hated to just die, it was a thought I always entertained as an angsty teenager with little to no friends and little to no future. But being born into a relatively peaceful world, you're taught by law and religion that there is no greater crime than to take someone's life yourself. Christian religion especially said "you didn't make life, you have no right to take it". Of course, it was those hypocrites preaching things like that even when the Church has a long history of murders and war for the sake of gathering wealth. The crusades were nothing but excuses for nobles to take land from a declining Islamic Caliphate, for example. The false charges on the Templar Knights too, it was a scheme of the Church to get their wealth.

But when you're taught that killing is wrong, you end up believing it. And unless you're a street gang member or a mafia boss, you end up regretting it.

I knew Trash was nothing but a rapist who shouldn't have even been born into this world. Disposing of him was nothing I'd come to regret. But still, I, who was taught that killing was wrong, had ended up taking a life. I also lounged at Bitch with killing intent, even if she was the one wanting to eat me alive. And would have finished her off if Prez didn't step in.

So, I have stared into the abyss, like Nietzsche said. Will the abyss... stare back at me?


It's funny, to hear you were only half a human at the point where you spent your whole life believing you were a full fledged one. Such is the plot twist that Author-san was so adamant in pulling out that it took him 6 episodes to let me know I was more overpowered than he let me believe I was. Well, as much as I prefer that 'shocking plot twist' over being overpowered right from the start... the execution was kind of lame. Like, really, Prez and the others believed I had an ice type Sacred Gear, while only crows and strays recognized me as a walking snowman. They said they did sense a Sacred Gear too, and that it must be still dormant. Well, if it ever awakened, it would be a proof that I was once human in this new life as well. Or at least half a human. I feel a looming headache just thinking of all this stuff.

I got Isekai'd as a Yuki-onna. And I didn't even have the slightest idea about it. Yup, there's plot holes everywhere. First of all, Mother is human for all I sense, so this whole ice thing should be genetically paternal? Mother scarcely talked about Father, only saying they got a divorce when I was 5.

Is this going to be something like a super complicated plot line leading to the Skywalker-ish reveal of "Takashi, I'm your father!". Cause, honestly, I'd rather avoid that.

Oh, and I found out what my evil piece was. Apparently, I was a [Rook] , just like Toujou-chan... Does that mean I'd have to work with her in battle? Cause that would be quite the hassle... I mean, she seems to dislike me for some reason.

Hypudou was a [Pawn] . In quite the literal sense of the word. I could tell Prez had quite the plans for him and I had to wonder, was he that strong? I could pretty much sense him as a fire user, his aura was obnoxious. It's way stronger than Trash's, and that was... worrying. Trash had a Sacred Gear which could produce flames at will. In other words, he was Pyrokineticist. If Hyoudou had better potential at flame control, he could become a real monster. I wasn't sure how to feel about that powerful of an existence being Prez's puppet.

I just hoped Argento-chan would somehow manage to keep her influence on him low enough. You might think I'm misguided in my opinion, but I don't know what Prez's plan is. She could think about world conquest for all I knew...

Let's just say I had a gut feeling that I should beware of her. I don't hate her, but when I realized that I didn't know what her hidden agenda was, it made me rethink some things. And who wouldn't in my place?

Such thoughts were clouding my mind as I was preparing tea for my uninvited guest. Which was none other than Midorikawa Suzuka, who was standing on the couch in my living room. Her reasoning: you were at my house before, so I should go to yours too. Talk about an absurdly fast relationship development...

She took the train from Nagano just to come see me. Well, it was a Sunday and it's not like she'd stay here as much as I did.

I placed two cups on the table, filled them with the tea I just finished making and made my way out of the kitchen. I placed the cups before the table and picked up mine as I sat on the couch next to her.

"Thank you", said the purple haired girl.

"Don't mention it"

I took a look at the girl seated next to me and my eyes fall on her... breasts... Now, hear me out, I'm not an oppai lover like Hyoudou.

Though I don't dislike them, quite the opposite actually.

That being said... remember how I said that she was underdeveloped in the chest area? Apparently, high school uniforms have a knack for making girls look slender. The green t-shirt she was wearing made it obvious that she was at least a C-Cup, which is decent.

Seriously though, this hidden buxom thing is pretty common in the Japanese entertainment media... The author must have taken a good look on TV Tropes before getting down to writing. Which was actually kinda pitiable. Write something original, damn you.

"It's good", she said, taking a sip of her tea and effectively snapping me out of my thoughts.

It's just tea, anyone could do it.

Like seriously, when did tea and coffee amount for kitchen skills?

"Well, thanks. I like my tea black, it has a stronger flavor to it. I like stronger flavors. Like, the coffee I drink should be strong, no sugar. It's coffee, it's supposed to be bitter"

While I was sharing some of my tastes, Midorikawa looked at me like I was an alien.

"So Kokonoe-kun likes Western drinks.. I can't drink a cup of coffee without a lot of milk and sugar though. I don't like it too bitter"

She made a disgusted face as to emphasize that.

If Japanese people would just stop being so deadset on bashing other nations then we'd have progress.

Yeah, I know that, in Japan, black tea is served in Western style cafes and it's amjlso very popular in that shithole named America, but... it's actually very good.

"What kind of coffee do you like?"

I asked that just to keep the conversation going.

Yeah, I know my conversational skills are lacking. It's a talent I didn't ask for.

"Caffe latte is my favorite. I also like cappuccino and iced coffee"

It's weird, when you think of iced coffee you usually think of basically a milkshake with coffee and ice. Not in Japan.

Here, iced coffee's definition is literal. It's just strong coffee with ice cubes.

I don't like it cause I can't get used to having my coffee cold.

And, just like that, time passed with the two of us talking about our favourite foods and drinks, the things we like, the things we dislike, our hobbies. Like, really getting to know each other better as friends. Which was quite the new experience for me, not gonna lie.

I was actually having fun, talking to someone like this.

"You know, I ain't really an otaku, but I'm kinda into anime and manga.", I said at some point. "I don't really express myself though, it's rather cringe and people are quick to judge you"

"Well, I don't know much about anime and manga, but I'm into video games. So yeah, I get where you're coming from"

Woah. So purple girl was a gamer chick. Who would have thought.

But seriously, social stigma for having some hobbies? Japanese society should just burn in a dumpster fire.

I internally sighed at the thought. It's the same everywhere... Fuck people.

"What kind of games are you playing?"

Now, I was really curious about that.

"Well, more like online MMOs, but I've played some visual novels too"

Damn, really? I was over the MMORPG phase since I was 14... In my first life.

"How about Western games?"

Feel like I dropped a bombshell. Seriously, Japan should be more tolerant of foreign culture, it's not like they'd use it to conquer you ffs.

Besides, you've been copying other cultures since Meiji Restoration, now it's suddenly taboo? Ugh. Seriously, weebs have no idea what they're wishing for when they're saying they want to come to Japan. It's not that great of a place, you weirdos.

Of course, I'm not generalizing. There are a couple of Western games popular among Japanese people. Doom was a big hit in Japan, Assassin's Creed and Minecraft too.

Ugh, Minecraft. At the very least, it was better than Fortnite or PUBG.

Midorikawa hummed in thought before amswering.

"Haven't played any..."

I smirked. I'm about to introduce you to a dark world, girl, so get your seatbelt in place.

"Wanna try?"

"Eh?"

"Like I said, wanna try?"

"Uhm... okay"

I plugged in my PS3 and picked up Mortal Kombat 9.

And lemme tell you that this girl learns pretty fast. She beat me 20 times to 12. Ugh.

"You're pretty good at this even though it's your first time playing", I remarked.

She actually flashed me a smirk.

"I'm a fast learner"

Yeah, I can see that. Damn, she's waifu material. If only my heart wasn't so frozen...

I sighed internally. What might have been if I could actually come to find a new love. I was thinking for a while "what if she'd been reincarnated here too" but quickly gave up that thought. Even if she was, the world is big. There's no guarantee that she'd been reincarnated here in Japan.

And if she was, she could have been living in Tokyo or Kyoto for all I knew.

Whatever, it wasn't any use thinking about it.

"Are you some sort of overpowered gamer chick?", I asked Midorikawa, who just bebat me at GTA San Andreas multiplayer.

"Told you I'm a fast learner. Tehee~"

Don't tehee~ me. These skills are abnormal. Goddess, that's what Imma call you from now on. Too bad I can't worship you cause I'm a Devil.

Then, we played some more games. Needless to say, whether western or Japanese, she'd always win. Ugh. Guess that's what playing with an actual gamer chick entails.

She left my house at 8pm, and we agreed that the next time we met it shouldn't be in either of our houses. Yup, pretty weird way to start a relationsh-... a friendship. Godamnit.

She left a little before Mother came back from work. And when she did...

"Ara, ara, smells like woman's perfume. Takashi, did you bring someone over?~"

What's with you women and your high sense of smell. Are ya dogs or something?

"Was it... Suzuka-chan?~"

"Yes, she insisted on coming over since I slept at her place last time"

I saw no point in denying it any further. Though it's amazing how she could guess who it was. I mean, it could have been Prez or Senpai.

It could have been even Toujou-cha... Ugh. Let's not entertain that thought.

"You're starting to get along with girls, that's a new thing."

Yeah, thanks for noticing. I nodded automatically, not being interested in continuing the conversation.

Where was I? Oh right. I mean, Prez was here (unfortunately) and I'd welcome Senpai anytime. But the cat loli was the last person I'd ever need to see crossing my doorstep.

Like, it's not gonna happen. Not ever. Well, doubt she'd be interested in coming over though.

Wait, why did I actually put a conversation to a halt to take my time to continue a thought about her? Smh.

After a quiet dinner with Mother - courtesy of me not saying much - I made my way on the stairs, back to my room.

Ok, back to where I left. Why am I only counting Hyoudou as possibly Prez's puppet in the making? Cause the others could actually think for themselves. I could tell each of the three members besides me, Prez and Hyoudou had some personal vendettas. If it came down to it, their allegiance to Prez would come second place.

It's subtle, but I saw it in the way Kiba's eyes darken whenever the Church was mentioned. Or Senpai flinching ever so slightly whenever it came to Fallen Angels. And the weirdest was Toujou when I called her "Shiro-chan", as if Shiro was her real name. Not like I'd stop calling her that, though.

Compared to that, Hyoudou didn't exactly have reasons to hold a grudge and he lived a more average life than even me. I mean, I was below average so...

Well, point is that he was easy to manipulate. And Rias Gremory certainly had that skill. And as long as her intentions remained clouded, there was no way to either confirm nor infirm my suspicions.

I should stay on guard just in case.


Clubroom. 3 days after Midorikawa hung out by my place. I'm here before a pissed Prez's desk as she is flanked by her servants from all sides. Next to me is my classmate, Hyoudou Issei, looking as tense as he could get. Great. It's judgement time for nasty servants who had failed to seal their contracts and fulfil their duties as Devils. Damn, I could care less.

I hung out at Satou-san's place recently, with the obligation to seal a contract. Of course, that didn't happen as I was too busy playing FIFA with the guy.

"How come you're always beating me with that shitty team?", I recalled his whining when I won another match with him playing with Atletico Madrid against his Barcelona.

What FIFA players fail to understand is that it doesn't really matter if you have players like Messi, Iniesta, Xavi, Deco, Puyol, Thiago Motta, Ronaldinho, Eto'o or Milito (legend btw, will always remember that treble) if you don't have skills as a player.

I could easily use crappy central defenders like Pablo and Perea to block Messi (do you really have to play him as false 9, that technique is getting older ffs) and launch a counter with Maniche and Simao at its helm. And with strikers like Forlan and Aguero in my team, not even Puyol could do much of a thing. Not if it's Satou playing them. Truth is, I could beat you with Dinamo București, that's how much you suck at this game.

Was tempted to tell the guy that Aguero will end up playing for Barcelona, but I held on that. In 2012, you might have never thought Manchester City will win the Premier League, much less play in a Champions League final.

Wait, if the events back in my old world are to repeat in this new one, will we get a pandemic in 2020? God, I hope not... ow. Seriously, that was the worst time in my life... Being locked down aside, the hunger out of not having a job to sustain myself and the feeling of being wasted on a daily basis just so I could cope with it. It was bringing out a trauma that I didn't want to ever remember. Ugh. Bad times...

"How unsightly...", Toujou-chan muttered, interrupting my thoughts.

Ah, yes. The so smart cat loli. You could compete in the Olympics with your level of brainstorming. They wouldn't let you in since they'd think you're an elementary school student, but still, it's worth a try.

"You're unsightly"

Everyone sweatdropped at my comment. They're like "are you two gonna start something again?".

Only if she wants to... :)

"Arara, ufufu... you love birds should get a room~"

Senpai, this is not funny... I have absolutely no interest in going to jail. I didn't in my past life, why would I go no-... Yeah, cause I'm a murderer. YNW Melly would be jealous.

"Who would ever date a guy like him?..."

Toujou, you know that, technically, I can hear you? Wait.. why did your cheeks get red? Is this what they call tsundere? Nah, she hates me.

"Well, anyone who would date you would be on the lookout for cops at their doorstep..."

And NTR you with a girl who actually has big tits.

Of course, neko lolita-chan didn't take my comment very kindly. She punched me in the stomach, but I reflexively grabbed her hand before she could pull it away and activated Freeze.

And so her entire right arm was enveloped in my ice. I didn't let go as I collapsed on my knees, quite literally dragging her down with me. She landed on her butt, and the impact somehow made her skirt go upwards, giving me a good look at herc panties. White with blue polka dots, huh? Nice.

The laws of gravity in this world are pretty interesting. Author-san, you sure can introduce fanservice in the weirdest situations. You might even think it differentiates you from the rest.

Damn, I might actually go to jail now...

She noticed my stare and quickly covered up her crotch with her skirt, while blushing furiously.

"Pervert..."

"Serves you right... you stupid bitch... next time you try punching me... It'll be worse..."

I was struggling to catch my breath. Her punch was actually strong. The adrenaline made me numb to the pain in that split second, but now it was starting to kick in. Damn you, you fucking jail bait.

I let go of her hand, and as she got up, the ice on it melted. Oh, I'm getting an even better view from this angle. I might just stay down a bit... I've lost my mind, godamnit.

The others watched this show with dumbfounded expressions. Except Senpai, who seemed to enjoy the show.

"These two really like each other, ufufu~"

"They certainly can't seem to keep their hands off each other..."

"They argue just like a married couple"

I'm glad I put a great performance for you, Senpai, now where's the money? You didn't think I did that for free, did you? After all, I'm nothing but a sad boy cosplaying as a clown in this whole fucking circus, so I could at least have some compensation. And, no, I don't mean that... Unless you want to.

Also, Kiba, I'd expect that comment from Hyoudou, not from you, it sounds extra perverted. And Hyoudou, shut the fuck up with the married couple bullshit.

Wait, are we being shipped? My first irl ship is freaking Toujou Koneko? I'm gonna commit seppuku once I throw up my internal organs.

"Koneko! Kokonoe-kun! Stop this already!"

It's the first time I've ever heard Prez yelling like that and I'm not gonna lie, it's actually scary.


Our punishment for the show earlier was 10 spanks, by Prez herself. I could tell she held back on Toujou-chan, but she actually went hardcore on my ass (no, not in that sense you horny virgin pleb). Tch. And she wonders why I dislike her so much.

So, with my ass as sore as if I've dropped the soap in jail, I was back on my feet (barely) and was standing in the same spot as I had earlier.

Let the trial for other stuff begin.

Oh, she was emitting a darker aura than before. Prolly cause of me and Toujou-chan.

"'...Ise."

So, it's Hyoudou getting chewed out first. Hmm. This was actually starting to get interesting.

"Yes!"

"You talked with the client about manga, and what happened after that? What about the contract?"

Prez sure doesn't like beating around the bush. Hyoudou was sweating nervously, probably pondering his answers.

"T-The contract became invalid…… We battled-played a certain manga till morning!"

"Battle-play?"

"Y-Yes! You act as a character from that a specific manga and then start an imagination fight!"

Why are you explaining something like this so seriously? Besides, are you an otaku? No, worse, are you a chuunibiyou? Or that's your client? Or both of you are? Which one is the Dark Flame Master?... wait, he said Dragon Ball so maybe they did a Goku vs Vegeta.

In between doing that and a Naruto vs Sasuke... the former is more alright. Slightly so. The cringe is making me nauseous.

"I-I know that as a high school boy I should be embarrassed— no, as a professional Devil, I should be also embarrassed! I-I'm regretting it! I'm very sorry!"

He bows down his head while apologising. Don't worry, Hyoudou, chuunis can also be found in high school.

Hyoudou blushed like mad while the rest of them looked at me weirdly. Are? Did I say that out loud?

"……After the contract, we ask the client to fill in the questionnaire on the leaflet we gave them. We ask the client, "How was your contract with a Devil?". The questionnaire which is filled appears in this leaflet, but……"

Prez shows Hyoudou the paper with the feedback for the questionnaire. Wow, you even get feedbacks? I believe it shouldn't be a positive one given the lack of options, but whatever.

"……[It was fun. It was my first time having a good time like this. I would like to meet with Ise-kun again. I hope I can make a good contract with him next time]…… This is the questionnaire filled by the client."

Hyoudou looked like he was about to cry. Probably getting overly emotional about his client giving him a good feedback. Could it be that... pervertedness aside, you're actually a softie? I mean, it was kinda obvious, but I didn't believe it was to this extent.

"This is the first time I received a feedback like this. I wasn't sure what to do first. That's why I put on a weird expression because I didn't know how to react to this."

Prez seemed puzzled, as if she didn't know what to think about any of this. It's the third time Hyoudou was summoned to make a contract and the third time he got a positive feedback instead of one.

"To Devils, what's important is that we actually make a contract with humans who summoned us. We then receive the price from them. That's how Devils have lived for a long time ago... I didn't know how to react because this is the first time I encountered an incident like this. You might have failed as a Devil but the client was happy with you..."

This is the part where Hyoudou seems taken aback of the fact that Prez wasn't mad at him. Well, well, well, looks like the hero boy is moving up in the world. At a slow pace.

"But it's interesting. That is certain. There wasn't any Devil like you, but you really are an interesting boy. You might become the number 1 Devil for unexpected things. But remember to do the basics. You make contracts with the clients, you grant their wish, and then you receive the price. Okay?"

"Yes, Buchou"

Hyoudou left out a breath he probably didn't know he was holding. Aaaand easily forgiven. Prez then turned to me. Looks like it's my turn...

"Kokonoe-kun. Same situation... is what I'd like to say. But it's actually worse. You had 4 chances to make a contract and all of them ended in failure"

Well, maybe cause I'm more into playing RPGs with my clients rather than getting their contract? I mean, I tried fulfilling their wishes but it didn't work for some reason.

"You had the same client twice, why didn't you make the contract?"

"Well, his wish was basically wealth, which I couldn't grant... Then we decided it's a bust and ended up playing FIFA"

Prez looked flabbergasted.

"You ended up playing FIFA?"

She repeated my words incredulously.

"Yeah, FIFA, it's a football game."

I was acting like a smartass.

"I'm being serious here...", she said, scratching her temple. She took a breath, as if to calm down, and then asked me. "What did he wish for?"

"Wealth. That's what most people wish for. Wealth, fame or girls. Human beings have such shallow, primary needs. But still, isn't a devil supposed to be able to fill out such needs? I mean, a lot of rappers make deals with devils just to get signed by a big label."

"That's not how it works", said Rias, too stunned to say anything else.

"Kokonoe-senpai is speaking bullshit..."

That was Toujou-chan's reaction. Are? Did I struck a chord? Don't tell me she actually likes hip hop... woulda never guessed.

"Jeez, I didn't even mention names, so it's not like I insulted your favourite artists."

"Hmpf"

"Seriously, do you like rap so much? You know there are a lot of artists out there who are like very underrated and don't get much exposure?"

"Like who?..."

"Like me"

Toujou-chan looked at me as if I was losing my mind. Can't say I wasn't, but I used to make music in my past life, yknow. I still do it now from time to time.

"Senpai hit his head when I punched him..."

"Yeah, thanks for that, midget. Still, I can prove it to you"

"Then show me..."

"Not now", I deadpan.

Prez cleared her throat rather loudly, not liking the interruption.

"I don't know what you've heard, but we can't exactly fulfill these kind of requests. Not us anyways. Higher ranking Devils would be able to, but not us"

That's, like, the most ridiculous thing I've ever heard. Is it because they're amassing more power and wealth? Devil society is a major headscratcher for me and I don't think I'll ever get to the bottom of the problem. Great. Just great.

"Besides, you should've pushed him to make a more reasonable demand"

No, I don't know what a more reasonable demand entails. It's actually pathetic that it's expected of two devils who use bikes to commute to actually fulfil supernatural wishes. It's like the death of rationality.

"Sorry, I got carried away.."

Prez sighed tiredly.

"It's okay, for now... Just. Put a little more effort into it next time. Look, I know you're not enthusiastic about becoming a Devil and everything, but would it be so bad for you to cooperate a little?"

Why does it sound like she was a little hurt by my attitude? And really, are you going for the emotional approach?...

"No..."

That's all I could say. I wasn't feeling guilty and I sure as hell wasn't feeling satisfied, so... I don't know how to feel. To be honest.

I guess I was confused. I didn't expect her to not beat around the bush like she usually does... and ended up getting pretty confused as a result.

What am I supposed to do or say?... It's not like I know... The tone in her voice sounded too genuine for this to be one of her schemes.

"Forget about it", sighed Prez. "You're all dismissed"

I guess I'll have something to think hard about right now... damn.

Just as I was about to head home, I felt a tug at my sleeve. I looked down to see a certain loli eyeing me with a mixture of interest and suspicion.

"You said you'll show me your skills..."

What a troublesome thing I got myself into.


The power of the plot twist is not to be underestimated, apparently. You never know when strange things might happen to you, or how to even be able to deal with them. I mean, some things are just plain absurd. As in, not making any damn sense, but still happening for some reason.

Such a plot twist is happening to me, as I'm making coffee for a rather unexpected, self-invited guest. Yup.

Seated on a sofa in the living room was my dear friend and companion, Toujou Koneko-chan. Apparently, rap music is such a big deal for her that she'd be willing to listen even to her most disliked person if they were bragging about being able to do it. To the point of even following them around, to their house... I mean, dude, this is the same bitch that just punched me in the stomach a couple of hours ago...

Besides, my house actually started getting visited. By girls, no less. And I remember thinking something like I'll never let this cat loli in... Cruel irony is making a victim of me again, how unexpected.

You know what? I've decided that nothing ever made sense anymore.

I took two cups of coffee and made my way out of the kitchen. I placed one on the table before Toujou-chan and took a sip of the other one. I didn't put sugar in her coffee, just to see her reaction.

"Thanks...", she muttered.

Are? She actually has manners. I hoped my surprise didn't show on my face.

"No problem"

She took a sip of her coffee. Yup, she can actually drink strong black ones. That confirms it, this is a monster in loli form.

I haven't met Tanya Degurechaff in disguise now, have I?

"Black coffee?...", she asked, tilting her head. Damn. That was. Cute. Surprisingly.

"Yeah, I like my coffee strong. The bitter, the better"

We sat in silence for a couple of minutes, sipping our coffees. I was glad for the fact that Mother was still at work, I couldn't live it down if she saw me with another girl here. That time Midorikawa came I got the shit teased out of me.

"So, show me what you got...", she urged me after finishing her coffee.

"Play a beat, then"

She took out her phone and played some boom bap shit. Ehhh. 90s old school. Ok, I could do this.

Of course, I'm not going to take this seriously. Don't see a reason to.

I listened to the 30 seconds long intro (ugh) that nearly got me out of pace, then began.

"I'm a spiritual lyrical miracle individual

Spitting bars on the track like it's a ritual

It's a ritual, just like voodoo

These motherfuckers scared, I'm like bohoo

Shoot you

With the bow and the arrow, I'm like Robin Hood

I got the skill of the illest, the willest

Cause I'm the realest of the realest

From the west to the east, I'm like the illest

They will know my name even if I'm underground

So fuck that mainstream shit, cause I don't give a fuck

Fuck the government too, cause the government's corrupt

Fuck Drake and Lil Wayne cause I don't give a fuck

Their music is trash, I'm doing the real hip hop

Real hip hop, don't you ever forget it

It's that underground shit and it's the white boy that said it"

I wrapped up my "freestyle" with that attempt of a chorus. Nevermind the fact that I'm actually parodying myself among others. Auto irony, mate, it's called auto irony.

Toujou-chan was struck as if she didn't know what to say anymore. Are? I didn't mean to shock her this hard.

She was utterly unresponsive. toujoukoneko.exe has stopped working.

I thought about what should I even do. I got a girl my age (hardly looking the part) frozen on the couch in my living room. Out of all the absurd things that could happen to me, this is by far the dumbest kind of plot twist. Jeez, I just wanted to make a harmless joke...

I sighed. Note to self: don't try bad freestyles on girls who love rap.

"Toujou-chan?"

She stared at me blankly.

"Toujou-chan, are you there?"

No answer.

"I'll splash water on your face, you know?"

Yup, it's useless.

Then, I heard her speak. Her tone was so chilly that I thought my ice was warmer.

"The flow was good... you were on the beat... but the lyrics... it didn't seem like you were taking it seriously... Still, I thought you were only bluffing..."

Bluffing? I have years of experience. And now I even got a decent singing voice. Past life didn't grant that to me, unfortunately.

"I guess you can count that as hidden depth. So, you're into hip hop?"

"Yes..."

"Favorite artists?"

"Eminem, Jay-Z, Dr. Dre, 50 Cent, Akon, Snoop Dogg, 2Pac... and many more. Yours?..."

"I was kidding, I actually like Drake. But if people start rapping like Lil Wayne, this industry is fucked... Other than that, all the guys from N.W.A., Biggie Smalls, T-Pain, Rick Ross, French Montana, DJ Khaled. I'm also into rap rock, but not Limp Bizkit, lol, Hollywood Undead is better. Oh, and from Japan I guess I like Anarchy and Ryuzo the most"

And so we started a conversation about hip hop and I found out that Toujou-chan was more bearable than I originally thought.


[Issei POV]

It's late it night, and I'm on my bicycle heading towards a particular house.

Not a mansion or an apartment, but just an ordinary house.

It's my first time, so what shall I do?

Since the client isn't living alone, won't the client's family see me?

After all, I actually have to visit the house to make a contract. I was told before that ordinary human can't detect me, but does it apply to this situation as well?

I'm worried but I realise it when I'm about to push the bell.

The entrance door is open... Seriously, leaving the door open in the middle of the night?

HEARTBEAT

I suddenly felt uneasy. What is this? I have a really bad feeling.

But I'm already walking into house. I look inside from the entrance. There are no lights in the hallway. There is a staircase that led to the second floor, but there are no lights on. There is only one room at the end of the first floor with some lights on, and it's a faint light.

HEARTBEAT

I suddenly felt uneasy. What is this? I have a really bad feeling. But I was already walking into the house before I could give it some thought.

I took a peek inside from the entrance.

There were no lights in the hallway. There was a staircase that led to the second floor, but no lights on. There was only one room at the end of the first floor with some lights on, and it was a faint light.

"...Hello. I'm a Devil from the Gremory's household... Umm, is the client here?"

I asked quietly, but there was no reply.

It can't be helped, so I entered the room. It's a living room and there is a television, a sofa, a table, and such. It looked like an ordinary living room. I thought that. My breath stopped as my eyes glanced at the wall.

A wall. There was a corpse nailed to the wall. It's upside down... A human. It's a male. Was he the person who lives here? But why...?

The corpse has been cut viciously. Something that looked like a giblet was coming out from the wounds...

"Gough."

I vomited out everything inside my stomach on the spot. I didn't vomit when I saw that monster, but my body reacted to seeing this corpse. I couldn't endure looking at this corpse any more. It's obvious this murder was done in cold blood.

There was a puddle of blood on the floor from the drips of blood falling from the corpse. The wall was painted with the blood, in some kind of writing...

"W-What is this...?"

"It's written as "Punishment for those who did bad deeds!". I just borrowed the sentence from someone important."

Suddenly the voice of a young male came from behind me.

When I turn around, there was a man with white hair. He seemed to be a foreigner and he looked like he's still a teenager. He was dressed up like a priest. He was also a bishounen.

Seeing me, the priest made an evil smile.

"Hmm hmm. Well, well, if it isn't a Devil-kun!"

He seemed to be really happy.

Then, the thing that Buchou told me came back to my mind.

—Don't get involved with people from the Church. Especially the Exorcists. They are our biggest enemy. They can easily eliminate us because their powers are supported by the prayer of God.

Asia said the same thing when she told me about the three factions war. I thought it was chuuni back then, but now...

I looked at the priest. He even knew I'm a Devil, so was I in the worst possible situation? Again?

"I'm a priest~ A boy priest~ I cut down devil-like people~, and I laugh at them~ I cut the head of you Devils, and receive my meal~"

The priest started to sing that. Seriously, what the hell is wrong with this guy?

"My name is Freed Seelzen. I belong to a certain Exorcism organisation. Ah, just because I introduced myself doesn't mean you have to. I don't want to remember your name in my memory, so please don't. It's okay, since you are going to die soon. I will make sure of it. It might hurt at first, but later you will feel so good that you will cry. Now let's open the new door -ZE!"

I've never met someone like him in my life before. His words didn't make any sense. It was like he was insane.

So this guy was an Exorcist then? It looked like I've gotten myself into trouble. However, I still wanted to ask this person something that bothered me, so I forced my spit down my throat and asked.

"Hey, was it you? The one who killed this person?"

"Yes, yes. I killed him. Because~, he was a regular criminal who has been summoning Devils, so I had to kill him."

What kind of reasoning was that?!?

"Huh? Are you shocked? Aren't you running away? That's weird? Really Weird. I mean humans who make a pact with Devils are scum. Scum indeed. Can't you understand that? No? Is that so? Well you are a scum Devil after all."

This guy was crazy, you couldn't have a proper conversation with him even if you wanted to. But I had to.

"How can a human kill another human, then!? Aren't you only supposed to kill Devils?"

"Haaaaa? What the fuck is that? A mere Devil like you is lecturing me? Hahaha. I will laugh at this. You probably could get a reward for being funny. Okay then, listen carefully you shitty Devil. Devils also use humans' greed to survive. Relying on a Devil proves that you are no longer a human. It's the end. That's why I killed him~. I make a living by killing Devils and those that are contracted to a Devil. That's my job."

"Even Devil's won't go this far!"

"Haa~~? What are you talking about? Devils are trash. Do you know they are a shitty existence? Do you know this is common sense? Didn't you know? Seriously, you should start your life back from a toddler. Wait, it's useless to tell this to a reincarnated Devil like you. More like, I have to kill you! Hahahaha. It's awesome, isn't it? It's the best, isn't it?"

The priest pulled out a sword that had no blade, and a gun. A sound vibrated in the air. The sword that only has a handle turned into a thing like a beam saber.

"You kind of irritate me, so can I cut you? Can I shoot you? Is it OK? Okay then. Now I'm going to stab your heart with this blade of light, and I'm going to blow your head with this cool looking gun! Man, I'm seriously going to fall in love!"

The priest came running at me. He was swinging his light blade at my leg. I dodged, but I could feel an intense pain spreading through my leg. Was I hit?

Smoke came out through the priest's gun. Are? Was I shot?I didn't hear any gunshots. Then suddenly I felt another shot of pain on my leg again.

"Guaaaah!"

I fell on my knees while moaning. This time, I was shot on my left calf! It hurts!

"How is it!? The special bullet made for the Exorcists, the bullet of light! And it doesn't make any sound. Since its bullet of light. This situation turns both of us on, doesn't it?"

So this was the pain of light? It was like my flesh was being burned alive just by being in contact with the light... The pain could spread from the place where you were hit through the entire body.

"Die, die, Devil! Die Devil! Turn to dust and disappear! This is all for my entertainment"

My life flashed before my eyes. The priest was about to finish me off.

"Please stop!"

Then there is a voice of a woman I am familiar with. The priest froze his posture to where he was about to attack me, and looked towards the direction where the voice came from.

I also looked to the same direction.

There was no doubt about it. Asia... the girl I loved. I haven't seen her in a couple of days. I didn't stop seeing her after immediately I became a Devil, but I decided it would be best if I could avoid her. I didn't want to stop seeing her. I just wanted to see her as less as possible.

It was because I understood I was a Devil now. She lost her place in the Church because of a Devil. I didn't want to hurt her.

But what is she doing here?

She is on the Church's side, you idiot, what is she doing here? Damn it. Not like this...

"Well if it isn't my assistant, Asia-chan. What happened? Did you finish putting the barrier?"

"! N-Noooooooo!"

Asia screamed after seeing the corpse that is nailed to the wall.

"Thank you for the adorable scream! Oh yeah, this is your first time seeing a corpse like this, isn't it, Asia-chan? Then look carefully. We have the humans that are entranced by a Devil die like this."

"...N-No..."

She then looked at us and got shocked to see me.

"...Father Freed...that person...is my friend..."

Asia looked at me directly.

"Person? No, no. This shit here is a Devil. Wait, you're friends with a Devil? Wow. Now this is a big surprise. Is it the forbidden love between a Devil and a Sister? Seriously? Are you serious?"

"—! Ise-san is a...Devil...?"

She asked this question, shocked, and I felt a pang in my heart. It was like I betrayed her.

...That's why I didn't want her to know. It could have been fine if things were to stay like this.

I caught her glance. Asia's eyes were so full of sorrow. I felt my own starting to tear up. Before I knew it, I was crying.

"...I didn't want to deceive you. It's just... I became a Devil before I knew it. And I was afraid to tell you. Cause you told me it was because of a Devil that you were excommunicated... I'm sorry."

"Ahahahaha. How tragic! So this really is forbidden love? Are you kidding me? This is way too funny, hahaha!"

Asia didn't answer. I heard Freed's roar instead and knew I probably wasn't going to survive.

"Ahaha! Devils and humans can never coexist! Especially humans from the Church and the Devils are the biggest enemies! Also, we are a group of heretics that was deserted by God. Asia-tan and I are humans that can't survive without the support of Fallen Angels-sama."

Wait, they work with the Fallen Angels? Not god?

"Well now, leaving that aside, I need to kill this trash here or else I can't finish my job, so here I come. Are you ready?"

The priest thrust his sword toward me again.

I couldn't move my body. The pain in my legs was keeping me in place. Looks like there's no way out. I closed my eyes. I waited for the end.

But it wouldn't come. I don't know for how long I waited. It just wouldn't come.

I opened my eyes. Asia... she stood in front of me with her arms spread as if she is protecting me. The priest put on a stern look when he saw this.

"...Hey, hey. Are you serious? Asia-tan, do you know what you are doing?"

"...I do. Father Freed, I beg you. Please forgive this person. Please let him go."

I became speechless after hearing her. Asia was... protecting me?

"I can't stand it any more... You can't kill people just because they are entranced to a Devil and you also can't kill Devils. It's wrong!"

"Haaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah!? Don't talk shit, bitch! You also learned that Devils are trash at the Church! Seriously, is there something wrong with your brain!?"

Freed now had an anguished expression.

"There are good people, even among Devils!"

"There aren't, idiooooooot!"

"T-That's what I thought until recently…… But Ise-san is a good person. He's my friend. That fact doesn't change even after I found out that he is a Devil! Killing someone is unforgivable! This kind of act! God won't allow such acts!"

She saw the corpse, and she found out that I'm a Devil, so she should be shocked. But Asia isn't backing down to speak her beliefs to the priest. I was moved. This girl is amazing.

BAKI!

"Kyaa!"

The bastard priest hit Asia to the side with his gun. She fell to the ground.

"Asia!"

I went to Asia's side. I caught her in my arms, then gently placed her on the ground.

I took up a fighting pose. I'm not going to let the girl I care about be mistreated by this trash priest.

"Eh? Eh? Seriously? Seriously? You are going to fight me? You will die, you know? You will die with a lot of pain? I have no intention of killing you painlessly, okay? Now then. Let's see if I can make a new record for the smallest minced-meat!"

I prepared to charge ahead. But then...

the floor started glowing in a blue and white colour.

"What is this?"

The priest became suspicious when the floor glowed. The blue light started to form a shape. A magic-circle. A magic circle I have seen before.

The magic-circle of the Gremory household!

My comrades appeared from the shining magic circle.

"Hyoudou-kun, we came to rescue you."

"I thought I had a knack for getting in trouble, but you're on a different level. Glad to see priests are the same hypocrites though"

Kiba smiles at me, while Kokonoe shrugs his shoulders nonchalantly.

"Ara ara. This is awful."

"……Priest."

Akeno-san and Koneko-chan!

Yens, my comrades. They came to rescue me! I'm so moved that I feel like crying! Great! Something like this actually happens!?

"Hyahou! Here's a present for a group of Devils!"

The priest starts slashing his sword. The sound of the metal echoes through the room. Kiba blocks the priest's attack with his sword.

"I'm sorry. He's one of us! We can't let you lay a finger on him!"

"Oh, oh! A mere Devil being concerned about their comrade? What are you guys? Devil Squadron, the Devil Rangers? That's nice. I can feel the heat. I'm getting turned on! So how is it? Are you the one sticking it in, and is he the one bending? So are you guys in that sort of relationship?

"That Power Rangers reference was lamer than your whole existence, if thatwas even possible. Also, I thought the Church was anti LGBT"

This conversation stopped making any sense.

"……What a vulgar mouth. It's hard to believe you are a priest…… Oh, that's why you are a "Stray Exorcist", right?"

"Yeah, yeah! I'm vulgar! Sorry about that! That's because I strayed away! I was kicked out! That's why, screw the Vatican! I'm all right as long as I get to cut Devils whenever I feel like it!"

"So not even Vatican needed canon fodder like you.."

While all of this was happening, I rushed to Asia's side.

"Are you alright?"

I stretched my hand to help her up. She took it.

"Yes, I'm fine..."

"I'm sorry. I hope you'll forgive me one day"

"Ise-san..."

She didn't know what to say anymore. This was awkward.

She noticed the wound on my feet and I saw a green light glowing out of her hands. Was she healing me?...

"Stay still", she told me.

"O-okay.."

I was blushing despite the situation. I'm not used to girls being in such a close proximity to me.

"Second time I heal a Devil, huh?"

She gave a bitter, self depreciating laugh. I couldn't say anything to that. I kept my mouth shut.

The pain I was feeling in my legs was starting to subdue. I looked down to see the wound slowly closing.

Meanwhile, my comrades were still engaging Freed.

"You are the type that is the most hard to deal with. Someone who feels like they are living by cutting Devils……the one who causes the most harm to us."

"Haaaaah!? You know, I don't want to be told off by a Devil? I'm trying to live now just like other people! I'm not in a position where pests like you can talk down to me!"

"Even Devils have rules."

Akeno-san was smiling, but her eyes were serious. She was showing a sign of will to fight and hostility towards Freed.

"Nice. I like those passionate eyes. Onee-san, you are the best. I can feel your urge of wanting to kill me. Is this love? No. I think it's a killing intent! Superb! This is great! I love the feeling of intending to kill and getting intended to kill!"

"Then disappear."

Buchou suddenly appears next to me. She looked confused by the sight in front of her eyes— a Sister healing a Devil.

She recovered in time to speak to me.

"Ise, I'm sorry. I never expected that a Stray Exorcist will visit this client's house."

She apologized to me, then narrowed her eyes as she saw the wounds Asia was healing.

"...Ise. Did you get wounded?"

"Ah, sorry... I was shot..."

I try to deceive her by laughing.

Ah, looks like she will yell at me afterwards. Sorry for being weak, Buchou. But Buchou didn't say anything to me and gives a cold expression to the priest.

"Looks like you have been looking after my cute servant?"

Her voice is low and sounds scary. Wow, Buchou is pissed. Am I the reason?

"Yes, yes. I have been playing around with it. I was planning to cut his body all over but I was interrupted and it finished as a dream.

"So Ise-san already has someone..."

While that exchange happened between Bouchou and the insane priest, Asia whispered that with a low voice.

I don't know what you're talking about...

While I thought that, a section of the furniture behind the priest was blown away. It's Buchou. She shot out a ball of demonic-power.

"I make sure I never forgive those who harm my servants. I especially can't forgive a lowlife like you damaging my personal possessions."

"So that confirms it, we're just personal possessions, huh?..."

Kokonoe muttered something like that while watching the scene unfold. He was as useless in battle as me.

"Buchou, there seems to be few Fallen Angels heading to this house. At this rate we will be at a disadvantage."

Seemed like Akeno-san detected something and informs us. The Fallen Angels were approaching? Those guys with black wings?

Buchou gave another stare at the priest.

"...Akeno, we will return to our headquarters once we retrieve Ise. Prepare for teleportation."

"Yes."

Akeno-san started to cast a spell as soon as Buchou urges her to. Teleport? Are we running away?

"Oh boy, and I was looking forward to getting a rematch with that crow..."

I ignored Kokonoe's nonsense to look at Asia.

"Buchou! We have to take her as well!"

"It's impossible. Only Devils can use the magic-circle to transport. Also, this magic-circle can only teleport me and my servants."

N-No... My eyes and Asia's eyes met. She just smiles at me.

"Asia!"

"Ise-san, let's meet again."

That was the last words we exchanged at this place.

Next moment, Akeno-san finished casting the spell, and the magic-circle on the floor starts to glow blue again.

"Like I will let you escape!"

The priest came slashing at us, but Koneko-chan threw the sofa against him. By the time the priest smacked away the sofa with his sword, we were already teleported to the club room.


"Haa……"

Noon.

I've skipped school today, and I was currently sitting on a bench in a children's park while making a sigh. Even with Asia's healing, the wounds I received from the priest on my leg yesterday haven't completely healed.

According to Buchou, "The Fallen Angel who gave its power to that priest must have a dense power of light", so it seems like they will be troublesome for us Devils since light is poisonous to us. With this leg, I can't do the Devils' job for a while, so I was told to take a break by Buchou.

I kept thinking of Asia. I'm so weak I can't even save the girl I like... Imagining her with that priest and the Fallen Angels was enough to make my blood boil... I knew her well enough to know that she wouldn't like to work with that psycho priest... But I can't do things on my own, it will cause a lot of trouble to Buchou and the others.

I was torn between the desire to save her and my obligation to Buchou. I had to get stronger... Only then I could save her..

With this new goal in mind, I made my way out of the park... but then I saw someone I knew. She also locked eyes with me. We were starting at each other.

"...Asia?"

"...Ise-san?"

We sat by a bech in the park. The silence between us was awkward. I wanted to say something, but I couldn't.

I mustered up my courage.

"I'm sorry I didn't tell you... about me being as Devil."

SLAP! The moment I said that, Asia slapped my left cheek. I looked at her to see that there was tears pouring ouf of her eyes.

"I wouldn't have hated you if you just told me, you know... I can't hate you."

"It's just... look, I didn't deceive you. Back when we met, I was still human. But then, a Fallen Angel came to kill me and then Buchou brought me back as a Devil."

Asia looked confused.

"A Fallen Angel?..."

"Yes. Your healing power... it's a Sacred Gear, right?"

"Yes..."

"Truth is, I'm also a Sacred Gear user"

"Ise-san is?..."

I summoned my Sacred Gear and showed it to her.

"Apparently, Fallen Angels judged me an enemy so they sent someone to kill me..."

Asia was shocked by this. She hummed in thought.

"So that's why Ise-san is a Devil..."

"Yeah. Sorry to hold the truth from you."

"I was just so worried... I thought you hated me, because you seemed to be avoiding me lately."

Yeah, I actually was...

"I thought you'd hate me if you knew I was a Devil..."

Then, Asia did something I didn't expect. She wrapped me in a hug.

"I told you I couldn't hate you. You're my friend, Ise-san"

Her words moved me to tears. I was this close to crying. For a while, we just stayed like this. Then I asked her.

"What are you doing here?"

Asia made a bitter smile.

"I ran away. I don't want to return to people who kill other people... Also, these people did things to me... horrible things..."

I don't want to hear it anymore. I could already tell. A crazy idea came to me.

I might probably get in trouble with Buchou and the others. And I don't know how my parents were going to react... But none of that even mattered.

"Asia..."

"Yes?"

"Come live at my place!"

I saw her blushing profusely while making a shocked face.

"Eh?"


Yup, that concludes the first part of the endgame of this arc. Next chapter will wrap everything up.

70 favorites and 100 follows. Man, this is amazing. I love you guys. I rarely make an author's note this long but I just wanted to thank you for sticking out with this story. I'm getting emotional. I need some tissues. I'm up in my feelings.

I'm dying to hear your thoughts. I can guess some of you would think something along the lines of "ah, this is just canon with an OC eyy" or "mc will go stray". Lmao. No and no. You'll see. Just bear with me :)))

Oh, and bonkdx or whatever your name is... thank you for being such a top tier hater lmao. That's the first and last time I'm addressing you so enjoy my attention, you 13 years old wannabe troll.

Also, I won't be updating as frequently as before, but I think I'll be able to stick around and sneak an update from time to time. No more 2 days chapter updates though. Shit got too busy on my end for that.

Aaand that's it. Cya guys on the next episode of Canon DXD with edgy mc. Stay safe.