[Re: Zero Kara Hajimeru Isekai Seikatsu OST 24: Takt of Heroes]

…I got up from my bed after getting woken up by the alarm clock with a good sound track.

I set the alarm one hour earlier than usual.

I needed to go to the clubroom at all cost even if I have to scratch out my eyes!

I left the room after getting into my uniform.

"Ara, so you came on time."

When I arrived in the clubroom, Rias-buchou is the only one present.

The school hasn't even started yet.

I came here early in the morning because last evening we were told that we would have a meeting in the morning.

Rias-buchou is sitting on the sofa, drinking black tea with milk elegantly.

"Good morning, Buchou."

"Yes, good morning. Looks like you have gotten used to the morning."

"Yes, thanks to you."

She then looks at my legs.

"How's the wound from the Fallen Angel?"

I had my thighs pierced by the spear of light from the battle few days ago.

"Yes, it's completely healed thanks to that healing power."

I answered her with a smile.

"Is that so? It seems like that girl's healing power is something you can't ignore. I can see why a single Fallen Angel would desire it, even by keeping it a secret from her superiors."

I sit on the sofa opposite Rias-buchou.

There are several things I want to ask her.

"Umm… Buchou? If there is the same number of [Evil Pieces] as in chess itself, then it's possible to get 7 other [Pawns] besides me, right? So will there be a day when another [Pawn] besides me will join us?"

Yes, just like in the real chess, there should be the same number of [Pawn] pieces. So it's possible to get more [Pawn] pieces besides me. I asked her thinking it will turn out like that one day.

But Rias-buchou shakes her head to the side to my question.

"No, my only [Pawn] is you, Aki."

—!

Huh? Is this even a good thing?

Why I'm the only pawn? Is it something personal or…?

"When reincarnating a human to a Devil we use the [Evil Pieces], but depending on the ability of the person being reincarnated, more [Evil Pieces] will be consumed."

…So it's not a personal reference…

Huh? Piece consumption?

"There's a saying like this in the world of chess. Queens have a value of 9 Pawns. Rooks have a value of 5 Pawns. Knights and Bishops have a value of 3 Pawns each. Like this, there are standard values that also apply to the Evil Pieces. A similar phenomenon happens to those reincarnated. If there are those who can only be reincarnated with 2 Knight pieces, then there are also those who need 2 Rook pieces to be reincarnated. There's also the compatibility with the pieces as well. You can't use 2 separate Pieces to give them different roles, so it's important to think how to use the pieces. Once you use it, Devils won't be given a new [Evil Pieces]."

"How is that related to me?"

"Aki, I used all of the [Pawn] pieces when I resurrected you. If I hadn't, I couldn't have made you into a Devil."

What? Seriously?

So do I have a value of 8 [Pawn] pieces then?

"When I found out, I decided to definitely make you into my servant. But I couldn't find the reason for a while. But now I'm convinced. The Sacred Gear that is said to be supreme. Because it was you, Aki, who possess the [Boosted Gear] which is said to be one of the supreme Sacred Gear, the [Longinus], therefore it had that much value."

I look at my left arm.

The red gauntlet is a crazy embodiment of the power which doubles my power every 10 seconds.

Depending on how you use it, it's said that it can even kill God.

This Sacred Gear is something that is too good for me, but it can't be helped since it's residing in me.

"When I was trying to reincarnate you, the only pieces I had left were 1 Knight, 1 Rook, 1 Bishop and 8 Pawns. To make you into my servant, I could only use all 8 pieces of Pawn. And your compatibility with the Pawn was also good. The other pieces didn't have the power to reincarnate you. To begin with, the value of [Pawn] is still a mystery. Also including its [Promotion]. That's why I gambled on that possibility. As a result, you were the best."

Rias-buchou smiles happily.

She pats my cheeks with her fingers.

"Our matching is also great since its crimson and red, "Crimson-Hair Ruin-Princess" and [Boosted Gear]. Aki, first of all, aim to become the strongest [Pawn]. If it's you, you can definitely do it. After all, you are my adorable servant."

—The strongest [Pawn].

It sounds so great.

Rias-buchou brings her face closer when I was thinking about it.

You are too close for comfort, Rias-buchou!

Then Rias-buchou's lip touches my forehead.

"This is a good luck charm. Get stronger."

I got a kiss on my forehead…

Huh?

I became uneasy because of what just happened, and my face turns red.

Huh?

Something triggers in my head.

That's right…

It is the first kiss I received from a girl.

At least, it wasn't a kiss on the lips or cheeks, but this means Rias-buchou appreciates me.

I'm about to cry because of the joy!

I will work harder Rias-buchou! I promise I will definitely work hard!

"I probably should stop adoring you here. The new girl might get jealous of me."

Jealous?

What is she talking about?

"Aki-san…?"

Voice came from behind me. I have heard this voice before.

When I turned around, the blond girl, Asia, is trying to smile.

"Asia?"

Huh? Is she mad?

Why?

"It has to be… Rias-buchou is very beautiful, so even Aki-san will also like her… No. I can't think like that! Oh, lord. Please forgive my sinful heart."

Asia made a prayer but she then screams "Auu".

"I have a headache."

"Of course. If a Devil makes a prayer to God, of course you will receive damage."

Rias-buchou says that normally.

"Uu, that's right. I turned into a Devil. I can't face God any more."

Asia seems a bit troubled. Asia, please don't make a sad face like that.

"Do you regret it?"

Rias-buchou asks Asia.

Asia shakes her head.

"No, thank you very much. No matter what situation I am in, I'm happy as long as I am with Aki-san."

—!

My face starts to turn red because of her embarrassing reply.

This is something that makes me happy. For a guy, it's the ultimate praise.

Hearing that, Rias-buchou also smiles.

"I see, then its okay. From today you will also be my servant, and I will make you work along with Aki."

"Yes! I will do my best!"

Asia replies very energetically.

She will have to do the leaflet handing first, but I wondered if she would be all right?

I feel uneasy.

Then I realized the change in Asia. Why didn't I realize it until now?

"Asia, that uniform…"

Yes, Asia is wearing the school uniform of our school. This is Kuou Academy's girl uniform.

"Does it suit me…?"

She asks me shyly.

Of course!

She looks cute in it! I can already hear the guys in our school talking about it.

You look great in it!

"It's the best! Let's take a photo with only the 2 of us."

"Eh, yes."

She was troubled with how to react, but it's true that she looks cute in it.

"I decided to make Asia attend our school. Since she is about the same age as you, she's also in 2nd year. I also made her in the same class as you. Today will be her first day, so make sure to look after her."

Rias-buchou says that to me.

Are you serious? My class! Asia will be in my class!

"I will be in your care, Aki-san."

Asia bows her head.

I start to imagine introducing Asia to Makoto and Maes already. I can't stop laughing, thinking about how jealous they would get.

"Yes. I will introduce you to my friends that I told you about."

"Yes, I'm looking forward to it."

Fufufu, Makoto and Maes, looks like I'm getting closer to becoming popular.

Friends, my life as an unpopular guy is over!

While I was imagining that, Kiba, Koneko and Akeno enter the room.

"Good morning, Buchou, Aki-kun, Asia-san."

"…Good morning, Buchou, Aki-senpai, Asia-senpai."

"How are you all doing? Buchou, Aki-kun, Asia-chan."

Everyone greets us.

Everyone called me "Aki" and acknowledged Asia as a member.

It's great.

There's nothing better than this.

Rias-buchou stands up.

"Since everyone is here, shall we start the party?"

Saying that, Rias-buchou clicks her fingers.

Then, a big cake appears on the table. Wow, is this also demonic-power as well?

"It might be good sometimes to gather in the morning to do these kinds of things, right? Since we got new members, I made some cake, so let's eat it together."

Rias-buchou says it shyly.

But handmade cake! I will gladly eat it!

Rias-buchou, first of all, I will aim to become the strongest [Pawn].

I will work hard along with Rias-buchou, Asia, Kiba, Koneko and Akeno.

After making a promise to myself, I got ready to liven up this party.