Gabriel: Please keep in mind that King of the fake World does not own either the Persona Series, nor High School DxD. Even if he'd like to.

King: ... Do you enjoy mocking me?

A few days had passed since Yu's first confrontation with the Occult Research Club. He had started to explore, tentatively, the evolved form of his powers. The basement of his family's three-story house came in quite handy. Nobody could see the lightning dancing between his fingertips. Or the fire that almost torched the place.

Yeah, he'd need a better place, with less flammables to train that. In hindsight, that hadn't been his brightest moment.

In the present, Yu was walking the usual way towards school, when he crossed paths with Issei. He knew the pervert lived somewhere in the same neighborhood as he did, so there wasn't anything special with that. They rarely saw each other on the way, preferring to arrive at different times, but occasionally, it happened that they met.

Nothing special, normally. Right then and there though, there was a key difference.

There was a girl walking right behind Issei. A cute girl, with black hair and violet eyes, wearing a school uniform he didn't recognize.

The pervert looked incredibly happy. "Hahaha! Look, Narukami-senpai! I have a girlfriend! This is Amano Yuuma."

… Why was he telling him?

"That boy... a girlfriend? Guess not everyone can have taste. Or standards." Incubus was leering at the sight. And that was really a case of pot calling the kettle black. "Hey! At least I have supernatural seductive abilities!"

"Good for you, Hyoudou." Stone-faced as ever, Yu congratulated the pervert. He looked at the girl and gave her a short bow. "Narukami Yuu. Pleased to meet you."

She returned it. "Pleased to meet you, too." There was a tiny hitch in her voice, and a less observant person wouldn't have noticed it. Interesting.

"Gahahaha! Isn't my girlfriend cute?! She's the best!" The exuberance Issei exuded was remarkable. Even more remarkable was, that he looked like he was actually reigning in his elation.

"... Why do you tell me?"

"To show off, of course! Now, on to Matsuda and Motohama!" And with another round of contained yet hammy laughter, Issei raced away, his girlfriend following him with an indulgent smile.

… Wait, did he really just approach him to brag about the girl?

"And why would a fallen approach the boy?" Raphael raised a very interesting issue.

… Another fallen? Now he was getting worried. Yu didn't know enough about fallen angels to judge just why one would approach the pervert. And become his girlfriend. Still, prior experience made him cautious.

Yu couldn't stop a sigh from escaping his throat. It was clear that he didn't know enough to judge the situation. Aside from one fallen's attempt to kill him, and the knowledge that they generally hated Sacred Gears, he didn't know anything. But he knew someone who could help him learn more.

A someone who had been trying to make him join her peerage, making more than one offer over the past days. Not in a particularly convincing manner. She needed to work on her skills at negotiation. Or at reading a person.

Still, he didn't want to approach her. She could have the answers he needed. She could also tie him down. It could be helpful. Or a waste of time.

Was a suspicion worth it? Or should he gamble Issei's life, hoping his worries were unfounded? There was always the chance, that she was genuinely interested in the member of the 'Perverted Trio'.

… Not a big chance, unless she was into that.

From his viewpoint, it was better to keep an eye on the situation. Perhaps he developed a sort of Samaritan-Syndrome? He had helped many people during the last year, whether it was just a small gesture like with many schoolmates, or about genuine problems, such as for his team or other friends. If it turned out that Issei's girlfriend was after his life, he'd need help. Ultimately, that chance was all motivation Yuu needed to toss himself into the mix.

Even if Issei always peeked on girls changing.

Even if Issei talked about either girls and their bodies or why he hates guys like Yu.

Even if Issei wanted to create a harem. And talked about it relentlessly.

… Yu decided to stop that line of thinking. It was eroding his resolve. He'd need it to approach Rias in search of information.

Kiba Yuuto had nothing to do. That was normal, though. After school they usually spent time at the clubroom, waiting for an assignment or a contract. However, he was also alone. Everyone else had something to do: Akeno and Koneko both had contracts, and Rias had gone home for a discussion with her family. Thus, the reincarnated devil was all by himself. Without a book. All he could do was brew tea and drink tea.

He had no problem with being bored, but he wouldn't mind a distraction.

Still, he didn't expect someone to knock at the door. That alone was a rare occurrence. The only people who ever went into the old school building were those who had business with them. Few even knew that this was where the Occult Research Clubroom was located. Curiosity spiked, Yuuto stood up and chose to respond. "The door is open. Please, come in."

Now, the only people that did come here were members of their own club, and those of the Student Council. Both usually announced who was at the door. Yuuto wasn't sure who else would have any reason to visit.

So, seeing the mysterious Narukami Yu enter, he couldn't help but be surprised. Attempts to recruit the senior student had all failed spectacularly, from what Rias told her peerage. He always declined curtly. Yuuto looked at him with his usual smile. "Oh? What brings you here, Narukami-senpai?"

"Hello, Kiba." The gray haired boy gave him a nod. "I wanted to talk with Gremory. Do you know where she is?"

Odd. Why would he want to talk with Rias? "Buchou is out. From what I know it's a family matter, so I doubt she'll be available for the rest of the day." At that point, the devil sat back down. "Why do you ask?"

The others would have reacted differently. Akeno would try some innuendo, and pounce on the possibility that he changed his mind. Koneko would just stare. Rias herself would focus on the chance to talk to him in private and change his mind. Yuuto though, he saw no reason to try and convince the older boy to join their little group. It was his choice.

"I had some questions. It might be important, and maybe you can help as well." For someone like Yuuto, reading others was an important skill. He needed to read into everything an opponent did in a fight, and see what they wanted. It was clear that he was far from the best, yet he believed he wasn't exactly bad. But his Senpai gave nothing away. His stance was neutral and relaxed, yet malleable. His expression was neutral as well, without being cold. If anything, he seemed aloof.

In his mind, Yuuto raised the danger level of Narukami Yu. That kind of stance was not something a person achieved in a few days. He had experience. That much, Yuuto could gather. But what was the cause?

Well, he'd just need to try and find out. "If I can be of help, then please ask your questions. Have a seat." He gestured to the couch opposite of him. Yu did sit down, something Yuuto found mildly surprising. Last time, he hadn't.

His guest cut to the chase. "What can you tell me about fallen angels?"

With a raised eyebrow, Yuuto answered. "I will simply assume that you want to know something about their organization. Most fallen work for the Grigori Institute. Their leader is Azazel, one of the first angels that ever fell. He holds the title of Governor-General, and is a scientist at heart. Especially Sacred Gears fascinate him, and he tends to send his subordinates out to find and secure people with rare and powerful ones. Around him, he has a cadre of powerful fallen, most of which also fell before the Great War ever happened, making them old, experienced and dangerous."

He shuffled a bit. "Buchou didn't tell you about their capabilities last time, but I think you should know. The strength of angels and fallen angels can be determined roughly by the number of wings they have, with two being the lowest, and twelve being the highest. Both possess the ability to manipulate light energy and a weakness to demonic power. Fallen are also vulnerable to light, like devils." Throughout the explanation, he kept his eyes on his Senpai.

Who didn't react much. He sat silently, returning Yuuto's gaze with his own. The devil had a sneaking suspicion, that said stare could be much colder than it was. "If Azazel wants Sacred Gears for his research, why would his subordinate try to kill me? She thought I had one, after all."

"Plenty of fallen hate humans with Gears on principle. It's a God-given power, and they turned their backs on God, so it insults them, that some human would have His favor, no matter what form. Asking for forgiveness from superiors is easier than asking for allowance, as well." He waited for another question, although he also found that woman's behavior odd.

The question he got wasn't what he expected. "What methods do fallen use to get their target?"

"... Personal preference. Some like to play with their prey, while others just attack as soon as they can."

"... I see." He leaned back and closed his eyes in thought.

Yuuto considered it a good moment to ask a question himself. "So, why are you so interested, Senpai? Do you think they may approach you in another way?"

"... It wouldn't work. I can sense them, once they're close enough."

That was interesting. Humans normally didn't have that ability. Again, Yuuto kicked the danger level of his Senpai up. What kind of power did he really have? "Say, won't you tell me about that ominous power of yours?"

For a few seconds, Yu just looked at him. "... No."

… So that was the way he always rebuffed Rias. Scary. "Too bad. Still, you didn't answer my first question. Why are you asking me this?"

For a few moments, the older student simply continued looking at him. "... There's a fallen angel that approached a student here. I have a bad feeling about it."

It was odd that they'd go for a student at the same school as someone they attacked and which was under the control of devils. It meant they wanted something specific. "Then it was good of you to come here. Although, you probably want to deal with this yourself." He smiled somewhat self-deprecatingly at his Senpai. "After all, you don't trust us."

At least he admitted it with a nod. "I'll see what I can do. Maybe it's nothing, but after my own experiences..." He trailed off.

"I understand." Yuuto offered. "You have no reason to rely on us, and we have no reason to assist you. Telling me anymore than this wouldn't be in your own interest." He meant it. They would solve this problem between themselves if he told them more, and he would end up on the sidelines. Naturally, he didn't trust their group. And he acknowledged the situation.

It was exactly what Yuuto himself would do, if he had to deal with a group he couldn't be sure of. Once more, he had to raise the danger level of Narukami Yu. That he could think like that and still show himself so confident was frightening. Yuuto knew few humans who could pull that off. And those few, well, he didn't fancy his chances should he fight them.

Yu stood up and stretched out his hand. "Thank you. You didn't have to tell me this." He even cracked a small smile.

The devil followed suit, and shook the limb. "Think nothing of it. At the very least, you should know enough to understand the situation. You deserve that. Just one more thing." Yuuto's smile turned mischievous as his guest walked to the door. "You really have no intention of joining our peerage, do you?"

"None whatsoever." And with that, the human left the room.

… Yuuto was sure now. The supreme show of confidence, the utter calm and the surety of his actions. That guy wouldn't join them. He was far too comfortable as he was, liked his state of being too much, to seriously consider it.

He broke the mold. For Rias, every attempt she'd made to get someone into her peerage had been met with success. And without any trouble, too. In fact, they had needed her help in one form or another. This was different. This was a perfectly stable individual, capable of defending himself.

Getting him into her peerage would be difficult. Impossible, unless she found a good reason, something to convince him. She would need information on him.

Wait, that could be something she would discuss with her family.

"He has refused any attempts of mine to get him into my peerage, father. What do I do?" That very moment, Rias was in her home, talking with her father via magic circle. The spell in question allowed long-range communication, hologram of the other side included. She was sitting in her manor's living room, a place decorated with furniture and art that told of style and big purses.

The circle, located on the table before her and showing her father as a small figure, connected to her family's main home in the Underworld. It was a palace. Never let it be said, that the Gremory family has no money. Few things could be further from the truth.

"That's a good question." The resemblance between father and daughter was readily apparent. Only the Gremory family had hair in that magnificent shade of crimson-red. In spite of his age, which numbered in the centuries, Lord Gremory looked like a middle-aged man. A middle-aged man wearing a very expensive suit. Being a devil had its advantages.

He continued after a moment. "This Narukami boy doesn't seem like a good candidate in the first place. Humans become devils for the sake of bettering their life in one way or another. Someone content with their life doesn't need to better it. And this here" The Lord shuffled with the documents before him. "reveals a well-adjusted honor student. The only gripe he could have with his life would be how his parents constantly move about. Even now, he lives alone."

One of the reasons Rias chose Kuoh Academy for her education, was that her father was its administrator. Should she find someone for her peerage, he could give her information on the individual.

Of course, that was no guarantee for how useful said information was. "So, what should I do? He could be an asset. After all, there's no saying how strong he will grow." This was only the last in a long string of topics they had discussed.

"Indeed. Defeating a fallen angel is no small feat for a human, even one of the weaker ones. Perhaps he even has the potential to become a high-class devil."

At this point, one may remember that neither knew how strong Narukami Yuu really was. As far as they were concerned, he was just someone with potential.

Had they known the truth, Lord Gremory would have given his daughter very different advice. And she would have acted much differently.

"Keep it up." He gave Rias an encouraging smile. "Perhaps he simply needs to warm up to the idea. Or you need to find the right incentive. What have you tried so far?"

She shrugged. "Nothing special. A few things, such as money, land and fame. Akeno tried some light seduction, but he didn't even stop to consider any of it. She was quite incensed by that. In her own way." Now the heiress sighed. "I've been trying to get him for my peerage before Sona tries to recruit him. I think she's almost finished with her own information gathering. Whatever it is she gathers." Rias wasn't sure about the sources of her rival. Other than going through Yu's past, which she was already doing herself, there wasn't much. Just as he knew nothing about the various mythological factions, those factions knew nothing about him.

"Hm, hm." Her father looked thoughtful. "Yes, Sona is very talented in information gathering. I wouldn't be surprised if she calls upon sources you may neglect. Still, you have an advantage. Two, in fact." He gave a heavy nod, eyes closed. "You were the first one to approach him, and he is already more used to you."

At his silence, she raised an eyebrow. "What is the other?"

"You're my precious Ria, of course. Who could resist you?" He broke into a smile.

… Honestly, it sounded way goofier than one would expect from a man of his position. And it did nothing to motivate Rias. "Father, I think this is the best moment to end. I really enjoyed our talk. Bye." Her father returned the parting words, and she gave him a sweet smile as she stopped the spell connecting them.

"At least he didn't mention that ugly topic this time." She shuddered at the thought. It was thoroughly unpleasant, and she had every intention to prevent it from happening. As soon as she found a way. "Still, how should I proceed?" She eyed the stack of papers on the table before her. It contained all the information she had on her prospective new servant. Another, smaller stack was about the other candidate she had in mind.

Though, the main reason for that difference was, that Yu moved around that much, once even right in the middle of a term. It wasn't the most stable lifestyle. He still managed to be the best student in class anyway. There was no doubting his academical performance. Even further, he did a different club every year. And was regarded as one of the best members.

"A real-life ace, huh." How should she do it? What could she give him? What did she need to make him change his mind?

…

…

All that came to mind, were the ways he had refused her.

She had seen him walk up to the back of the school for lunch. Not the old school building, but a small clearing, hidden behind some trees. With Akeno in tow, Rias followed him, intent on striking the iron while it was hot.

For whatever reason, the Enomoto twins weren't with him. It was the perfect time to approach him on the matter.

"Ara, Narukami-kun. What a coincidence."

Under the pretense that their meeting was mere chance.

"Gremory, Himejima." She couldn't quite decipher the look he was giving them. It didn't seem negative though, so she pressed on.

"Do you often come here? It's quite the peaceful little place, isn't it?" Small talk. It was the key to start a real conversation. They had sat down on the same fallen tree trunk as he, one at each side of his. He gave no reaction to that.

"Every now and then. When I want to be alone."

Too bad, then. He wouldn't be alone.

Akeno chimed in. "Ara, ara. Do you dislike our presence here, Narukami-kun?" She didn't give him a chance to respond. "I'm hurt. Dear Buchou and I merely want to spend some time here, yet our precious Narukami-kun finds our presence disturbing. How mean of you, Narukami-kun."

Most others would have lost their cool by now. No, that wasn't quite correct. When the second most popular girl in school starts looking troubled, hand at her cheek, with a hurt expression on her face, most everyone would begin frantically somersaulting for her sake.

Not Narukami Yuu. He just glanced at her with a raised eyebrow. "You're blowing things out of proportion."

To her credit, Akeno was only shocked for three seconds. "Narukami-kun, you're no fun. I just wanted to rile you up a bit."

"Excuse me for not playing along, then." His voice was completely deadpan.

Rias shook her head. "Is that your sense of humor, Narukami-kun?"

"Who knows?" He opened his Bento and began eating. Said Bento was... extensive, to say the least.

Again, Akeno tried to rile him up. "Ara, ara. That looks quite luxurious, Narukami-kun. Was it your girlfriend who made this for you?" They didn't know if he had one. It was a shot in the dark.

"I did." Still no change in his voice. Or his expression. Or anything else. He was really good at keeping a poker-face.

"Oh my." Rias decided it was time to intervene. "It seems you know how to take care of yourself. You really are a reliable person, aren't you?"

He gave no answer, instead opting to continue eating.

As good a time as any to bring it up. "Have you reconsidered joining my peerage?"

"No." That was a swift answer. He stopped eating just long enough to say it.

"Why is that, Narukami-kun? Being a devil is quite nice." Akeno, as planned, joined in. "And I can assure you, Buchou makes for a great master."

… No answer.

Akeno's smile turned sweeter, which was generally a bad sign. "It's very impolite to ignore others, Narukami-kun."

"... I have no interest in becoming a devil. It doesn't matter how nice it would be. I like being human. Why would I change it?"

That, at least, was a question to work with. Even if he said it rhetorically. "You see, Narukami-kun, there are many perks to being a devil. Those who have power can gain land and fame. I know some reincarnated devils who are considered to be among the most powerful of our society. They possess great influence, and peerages of their own." There. It was an attempt to entice him using the things everyone could gain easily. If that didn't work, she'd try making offers beyond that.

"I see."

… That was all the reaction she'd get? He didn't look interested. In fact, he just ate away at his bento. Without any change at all. It was beginning to frustrate her.

Akeno thought along similar lines. "Narukami-kun. What exactly is the reason for your behavior? Right now, you appear very impolite." Ever so slightly, her smile wavered.

He actually stopped eating. "... It doesn't interest me. Becoming a devil, gaining this fame you talk about... I just said it: I like being human. I don't want to change that."

Rias frowned. "Why? Not just everybody gets this chance."

"Not just everybody wants this chance." He turned to her, gray eyes meeting her blue ones. In perfect calm, he continued. "And it doesn't matter how good the offer is, if the price is something I'm unwilling to pay. I don't want to become a devil. I don't want to become your servant. It's that simple."

It did sound simple. But Rias had been taught, that everything has a price. Gaining him for her peerage just required to find out what his was. Still, she wouldn't get anything out of this right now, and lunch break was nearing its end.

"Very well." She focused on her own food, as did Yu. After a few seconds Akeno followed suit.

That had been her first attempt at negotiating. The following ones went more or less the same. Even Akeno's try to seduce him was the same. Then again, it had been positively tame, compared to the things she could do.

Rias sighed. It was, as Sona had said, a challenge. Neither of them had tried to get someone into their peerages, who had absolutely no interest in it.

Still, the Gremory heiress could do with some sort of hint. Something she could offer him, or something he wanted and needed help to get.

… She decided to evaluate her other candidate.

Hyoudou Issei was a downright simple individual. He seemed to be driven by his perversions and lust. And... that was it. Other than that, he wasn't particularly special. Whatever Sacred Gear he had, however, might be something worth investigating. Until she approached him, though, she wouldn't know how much it was worth.

Now, what to do?

On the way back home, Yu kept an eye on Issei, who had, surprise surprise, met up with Yuuma. He mentally thanked Naoto for those lessons in detective work. It proved useful for tailing them without looking suspicious.

"And my power is without merit?" Ongyo-Ki, one of the Oni of Fujiwara no Chikata, asked mirthfully. "How rude of you."

The Oni had the special ability of erasing his presence. Yuu himself couldn't use this technique properly, but he managed to make himself just a bit harder to notice. Not much. Just enough to negate how his gray hair made him stand out among students. Though, if either of the two spared him more than a glance, it would cease working.

Yet it was all he needed, coupled with his training by Naoto. The tomboyish girl had taught him much, while the two of them were hunting the Phantom Thief. Sure, it had been her grandfather who orchestrated the theft of her childhood toys, for the express purpose of reigniting her passion for her work as a detective, but the point still stands. He learned much.

"Yes, yes. Undoubtedly, spending time with that girl, hunting a criminal when there was none, was most productive." The voice was dry.

"Certainly. Much was learned." Dryer.

"Naturally. Securely." Driest.

He was unsure what Clotho, Lachesis and Atropos were trying there. The Moirae Sisters liked talking one after the other. And each raised whatever inflection they currently had. It was very entertaining.

The pair he was following had stopped on a bridge, while his Personas continued their hijinks. He tried to remain as inconspicuous as possible. Sadly, they were too far away for him to listen in on their conversation.

… When had he become so ready as to invade on private matters?

"Perhaps it is because of the events last year?" Lilith suggested. "The last time you confronted the supernatural, two lives had been snuffed out before you could even act. Now, you are in a position to interfere from the beginning. And eagerly, you do so. To top it all off, you know perhaps less than before. You may be excused for going this far."

Hokuto Seikun, the Taoist deity that determines the moment one is born, added to it. "Besides, don't forget that you have done equal things to the individuals that were shown on the Midnight Channel. They became your team."

… Regardless of how reassuring that was, he seriously doubted that Issei would join his rather tightly forged circle of friends.

He was broken from his musings when Yuuma separated from Issei. She ran away, but not without looking back and waving her hand. The boy in question was waving back, until she got out of sight.

Then he started pumping his fist and jumping into the air. Wait... was he starting a victory dance?

He did not lack in enthusiasm, that much was clear. Yuu decided to approach now, dispelling Ongyo-Ki's power. It wouldn't arouse any suspicion, and with the fallen angel gone, there would be no need for tactful withdrawal after what would look like a chance meeting.

"You're in high spirits today, Hyoudou." He stopped far enough away to avoid the wild movements the pervert made.

"Eh? Ah, Senpai." For a moment, it looked as though he wanted to do his usual thing and antagonize Yu. Then he turned thoughtful. "Yes, Yuuma-chan wants to go on a date with me. Of course I'm in high spirits. This Sunday, I'm going on my first date~" He was starting to dance again.

"Good for you." The Wild Card gave him a small smile.

Issei stopped his dance again. Good. That dance was annoying. "... I don't know why, but that smile gives me a bad feeling. You never smile. You're the smart, stoic Senpai with the growing fan club."

… Huh.

"Why do you say that, as if I'm expressionless? And why do you sound so envious?" They both continued their respective way home, which was still shared for a good while.

"... You have a fan club. You're starting to rival that Kiba guy. You're that popular." The pervert deadpanned.

Yu sincerely hoped that Issei was overestimating the situation. He changed the topic, before his... fans were mentioned again. "Do you have a plan for your date? I'm sure you want to make it as good as possible."

"Yeah! O-of course! I'll work on something..." He glanced nervously at Yu. "... Any tips?"

For a moment, the Fool was stunned. He didn't peg Issei as the type who'd ask him for help. He must have been really nervous, to swallow his resentment. If Yuuma turned out having evil intentions concerning his Kouhai, he'd feel bad for him. "... It rather depends on the girl. Not everyone enjoys the same movies, for an example."

"... Right, I guess." Issei was gnawing on his lower lips.

"Well, one thing that's always important is the spot were you end the date." With one hand at his chin, and a heavy nod, Yuu gave the pervert advice. He felt only slightly bad for the manipulation he was planning.

"It might save his life. Some minor deception shouldn't weigh too heavily." Well, Loki was right.

"And what should I do there?" There was an odd tone in Issei's voice. He sounded like he earnestly wanted to make as good a first date as possible. With a sincerity most wouldn't expect from him.

… There really was more to this pervert than met the eye. Apparently, still waters aren't the only ones that run deep.

"Hm. Try a park. At the right time, at sunset, the light makes the place look just right."

Issei looked as though he understood the allure. "Sounds good. You think that one park on the way" He vaguely motioned backwards, to the park they passed some time ago. "would be good?"

And the pervert made the suggestion all by himself. "Yeah. It looks good there." Not even a lie. When there weren't any fallen angels trying to kill him, the place was very nice. And with this, he'd know where Issei and Yuuma would be. The park would also be the best spot for Yuuma to do... whatever she would do, if she had nefarious intentions. It would be a calculated risk. "I heard it used to be a hot spot until a few years ago."

"Right. Then it kinda stopped, because of the other place. You know, on the other side of town." Interesting. So that was the reason. "Sounds good. Yeah, I'll do that. Thanks, Senpai." Their eyes met, and again, Yu saw a surprising sincerity in Issei. "You know, you're not nearly as bad as I thought."

"Bad?"

"Yeah. I mean, you bishonen guys always hog all the girls. How's an average guy supposed to compete?"

"... Not intentionally."

For a long moment, Issei just looked at Yu. "That... doesn't make it better. At all."

" Too bad. Though, having a... fan club isn't nearly as great as you'd think. They just stand there, looking at me, fidgeting around and gossip."

"... As an unpopular guy, I do not pity you at all."

Yu chuckled. "Naturally not." Something occurred to him. Considering that their paths would divert soon, he asked immediately. "Hyoudou, why did you ask me for advice on dates?"

"Eh?" Issei looked surprised by the question. "Well, everyone in school talks about how experienced you are. Kinda thought you might help."

"... How experienced I am?"

"... Aren't you?"

"I have a girlfriend, but we don't have that many dates."

"... How reliable is your advice, Senpai?" All of a sudden, Issei looked apprehensive.

"I'm a good judge of character. Don't worry. I wouldn't give you bad advice."

"... Good judge of character... What've you got on me?"

Yu gave Issei an even look. "You're a pervert. One of most perverted persons I ever met." Issei shot him a sour look. "But you're also very loyal. You stuck with your friends, even when all the girls in the Kendo club went after them. That takes courage."

They stopped at a crossroad, incidentally the one where they went different ways. "Guess it could be worse. Oh well, bye Senpai." He separated from Yu.

… After this conversation, he respected Issei quite a bit more than before.

"... Wonder which of Matsuda's new porn vids I should have a look at..."

Or not.

Yu walked to his own home, shaking his head. That guy would get in serious trouble, sooner or later. One day, he will hurt the modesty of the wrong girl.

"Pft. Just karma. I don't understand why you talk to this perverted pervert." Alice seemed to harbor an intense dislike for Issei. "Of course! He's a pervert. You're better off spending time in your mindscape, with us."

… And her in particular. Which she, of course, didn't mention.

King: ... Why? What have I done, that you make me talk with... with... that?

Mara: HELLO, EVERYBODY! Welcome to 'Fake World'. You took some time for this chapter.

King: ... Yeah... Well, I have to keep the plot at a reasonable pace. Doing this, then cutting to the date would have been too abrupt, and that's what I'm itching to write. Makes me slower on the other stuff.

Mara: Something already changed, hasn't it?

King: Stop wiggling. It hurts my eyes and mind. And yes, something happened.

Mara: Hmmm, I see.

King: What did you just do? Your... body... just jittered.

Mara: How uncouth. You don't ask a maiden such a thing.

King: Maiden. It called itself 'maiden'. I need the Brain Bleach. (applies Brain Bleach) On to the reviews. Since some still remark on it, I hereby declare that Yuu will not join anyone's peerage. As SilverIceKing mentioned, having a human able to throw down with the big guys seems fitting. For me, it's half the fun.

Mara: Giving Kalawarner some focus seems to be received well.

King: Yes, well. The devils definitely have the spotlight in HDxD. Kalawarner will be a way for me to implement some knowledge about fallen angels. I mean, for the devils, the 72 pillars have lots of abilities.

Mara: With that in mind, you have some leeway to make the others more interesting.

King: ... Correct. Anyway, Kinunatzs, I know about the stats. Implementing them into the story, though... It's complicated. I have to balance out how powerful they make Yu. What's the hardest about mixing Personas with the HDxD world, is how powerful they are. Gods are at the top of the pecking order, while with Personas, some higher ranking angels are stronger.

Mara: To cut him short on pages of musing, the stats will be slightly rearranged, and how far Yu can push it hasn't been decided yet.

King: No need to be so rude about it.

Mara: I demand that you let me interact with Issei.

King: Will I do something that pointless and cruel to him? Maybe. As for this chapter, it's some build-up to the next. Aside from Rias' and Kiba's thoughts on Yu, Yuuma's appearance was most important. No, Yu will not miraculously learn to use the abilites of every Persona. He can use a very, very weak presence erasure technique, because he tried around with Ongyo-Ki. If someone was searching for him, his technique would fail. Other than that, he can use some weak spells without materializing a Persona. The Personas themselves can use their abilities to a greater extent.

Mara: Thank you for reviewing, following and/or favoriting this story, if you did either of those. It means much to the King of the fake World. Please continue to read and review.

King: ... No attempt at getting another evil monster into the 'Fake World'? Well, I'm open for suggestions.