I put on my new school uniform, the uniform of Ginsei Academy. I have to admit I felt like a child who just got a new toy.

"Alright. Guess I should go eat now."

I grabbed my bag and headed downstairs. I was so excited I finished my breakfast faster than usual.

"I'm off, mom, dad."

"Have a good day at school, Yuuto."

"Make sure to make lots of friends, Yuu-kun."

They might not be showing it as much as before, but mom and dad were still just as excited as the day I got Lovers Arcana. The whole transfer procedure and getting a new uniform and all those other steps were a little bothersome, but not enough to put down their excitement.

And now I understand them even better. Apparently, no matter how much they worked, a human could, at most, get the title of Honorary Devil, so me having a shot at becoming the Devil King was like a dream within a dream.

But mom and dad also warned me. Apparently, it wasn't uncommon for there to be fights amongst the nobility of devils for the title of Devil King, so they told me that, if I ever felt I was in danger, I should just try to not get into trouble.

They also told me they don't know the specifics of the Devil King War, so they told me to make the most out of this opportunity as long as I kept myself safe.

"Let's see…"

I took out the academy manual I received when I enrolled in Ginsei Academy. I hadn't memorized the address yet, plus I didn't actually visit the place, so this little book will come in handy for a little while still.

Following the manual's directions, I arrived at the entrance with a few minutes to spare before classes. The academy was located in the outskirts of the city, so it wasn't exactly easy to reach, but it looked well worth it.

The place was just as big as I imagined. The manual said Ginsei Academy has elementary, middle and high school buildings. I was at the entrance to the high school building.

But even then, I don't think it's easy to imagine exactly what I was seeing. Even just the high school section looked like a mansion, or maybe a shopping complex would be a more accurate description?

There was the main building, where the classrooms and other facilities like the teachers' room and such were located. Then, there were also slightly smaller buildings, which, according to the manual, had places like a science experiments room, arts room, as well as other rooms I had no idea what they were used for.

Seriously, even though this is the outskirts, the only reason normal people don't know of this place is because of the magical barrier that's applied on the entire academy's grounds. And also because other people related to devils, like the ones in the government or media, would shut down anyone that tried to investigate where they shouldn't.

"Woah."

What else could I have said? I was utterly amazed by everything. It did make me look like a country bumpkin who just visited the city for the first time though.

I could already tell some people were looking at me. T-this is embarrassing, so I'll just move along…

Or I would have, if a limousine hadn't literally driven around me to drop off someone. I guess this really is a place for nobility.

The driver got out of the car and opened the door. A gray haired guy came out of the car. For some reason, I could tell there was a heavy atmosphere around him even though I was somewhat far.

More people started coming out of the car, they walked right behind the first guy, and the people were making way for them. Were they some known group here? I should probably keep my distance.

"Oi, you bastard!"

Someone called out to me. It was a student with gaudily dyed blond hair. Whoever this was, he was the last guy to exit the limousine just now, so he's with whoever they are.

So much for not getting involved, I guess.

"Who the hell do you think you are? Standing there blocking Aspite-sama's path!"

Sama… I don't know who this Aspite guy is, but it seems a bit exaggerated… If I had to guess… since it seems this Aspite guy is the leader, he's probably the guy who got out first. So the gray haired one.

Anyway, it's not worth getting in trouble over. I'll just apologize and move on and hopefully that'll be the end of it.

"Sorry about that, it wasn't my intention to block the path. I just transferred here today, so I'm still amazed by everything. Sorry again."

And so ended my first conversation in Ginsei Academy. Not the best start, but it would become a fun memory soon.

Oh, how I wish I could say that. Instead, the guy grabbed my shoulder when I was about to leave, stopping me from going.

"Wait a second here, you're a transfer student?"

"Hm? That's right."

"And you wouldn't happen to have Lovers Arcana with you, would you?"

"?"

I did bring Lovers Arcana with me. It was inside a protective case my mom bought for me, so I was wearing it like a necklace.

Normally, I wouldn't mind showing it off to someone, but something about the guy seemed off. I could feel the murderous aura.

"… What luck, the Candidate is this weak-looking guy. Aspite-sama and the others have already gone in, so if I tell them the new Candidate tried to make an impression by attacking Aspite-sama… maybe I'll even be promoted to a Court Card."

"What are you talking about? Listen, I don't want trouble with anyone, so I'm going to go now."

"Now hold on here. One last question, from which family are you?"

"What do you mean which family? I'm just a normal human, there's no great figure in my family. My name is Yuuto Morioka if you want to know though."

Once again, I tried to leave, but the guy kept holding on to my shoulder. I tried forcing myself free, but the guy's strength was out of the ordinary.

As I thought, this guy isn't human but rather a devil. Not that this is unexpected since this is a school for devil nobility. Me, a human, being here is more unusual.

His grin got even wider. If my danger senses were already warning me before, they're on overdrive now.

"Oi oi, is this some kind of prank? If it's not, then this ought to be the luckiest moment of my life. I thought that maybe you had the backing of some powerful family, but you're just a human pig. Hahahaha!"

Pig? What is this guy on about? It doesn't seem like he's going to let me go anyway, so I guess I'll have to listen.

I'm pretty sure he laughed for a good minute or so before it finally started to die down.

"Haha! Oh, I needed that. Today really is my lucky day, and your unlucky one. I'll at least give you a present to take to the afterlife, my name is Geld, a Card of the World Aspite! I'll save you the trouble and turn you into ashes right now!"

Geld pushed me away with the hand that was holding my shoulder. I almost fell down with how much strength he'd put into his hand. When I looked back at Geld, he was pointing his palm at me.

"Figa!"

Flames started rushing from Geld's palm to me. His flames were much bigger and seemed a lot hotter than what dad had showed me back home.

There was no way I could dodge, and considering the heat I was feeling from here, it might not turn me to ashes, but it would leave me completely burned.

Is this it? My story ends like this? Like making a wrong choice in a visual novel and getting a bad end?

I'm sorry, mom, dad, but there's nothing I can-

"This is enough."

A girl that looked around my age got in front of me. When I blinked for a second, it was like she had become a little girl, but she was back to normal the next second. I felt… like I'd seen her before… recently…? Or in the past…?

Some kind of transparent wall appeared between the girl and Geld's flames, protecting both her and me. The flames that would have turned me to charcoal suddenly meant nothing.

Geld seemed stunned, but the girl didn't pay him any mind. She had long black hair that went down to her waist, light blue eyes that made me feel like I'd get lost in them if I stared too long, and a figure I could only describe as perfect.

The girl took out a handkerchief and wiped something from her nose. I only caught a glimpse but was that… blood? Did she somehow get hurt?

Before I could ask if she was fine, the girl had turned around and asked me that very same question.

"Are you alright?"

I'm pretty sure I froze up for a few seconds before I managed to reply. She was just that beautiful.

"Y-yeah. Thanks for saving me."

"No problem. I actually want to talk with you, Yuuto."

"You-"

"Lizel! What the hell are you doing? Maybe you don't want to become Aspite-sama's Card, but I want to climb up the ranks. Don't go getting in my way as you please!"

"I haven't become his Card, and I won't. There's only one Devil King Candidate I'll serve. Now, let's get going, Yuuto."

Lizel… no, wait, someone like her deserves more respect. She seems a little older than me, so... Lizel-senpai gently grabbed my hand and started pulling me along as she walked.

My head was having trouble following all the events that just happened, that's why it started getting red. It most certainly wasn't because I was holding hands with Lizel-senpai.

"Tsk, this bitch. But no matter, I'll just wait for another chance. Oi, human pig, you better never go back home, unless you want me to kill your hag of a mother and geezer of a father as well. Hahaha!"

I stopped in my tracks. This guy! Just thinking he could hurt mom and dad I-!

Even though I shouldn't, I was letting rage get to me. But I knew I couldn't do a thing to him, so all I could do was close my hands in frustration. I only noticed I was also gripping Lizel-senpai's hand when she gripped mine back.

"S-sorry. Did I hurt you?"

"No, it's fine. More importantly, don't let him get to you. He's just a nobody, just venting his frustrations on you."

"Y-yeah. I'll just ignore what he has to say."

Lizel-senpai nodded to me. That's right, regardless of what he says, what's the chance he'll actually follow through? We were about to continue walking-

"Where the hell do you think you're going?!"

Geld threw more fire at us, but Lizel-senpai easily blocked it again. She let out a sigh. This time, I clearly saw some blood dripping from her nose, but she shouldn't have gotten hit…

"Guess you really won't let us go… alright, then you take care of him, Yuuto."

"Eh?!"

Lizel-senpai left my side to go behind me. She pressed her chest on my back.

I-I-I-I could feel them! L-Lizel-senpai's-! It took everything I had to maintain some sort of calm façade. I even forgot about her nosebleed.

"L-Lizel-senpai, t-they're touching me."

"I know~"

Lizel-senpai whispered in my ear. W-what do I do now? Do I just enjoy it?

"Y-you bastards are flirting in the middle of a fight? I'll kill you both!"

Is it just me, or did Geld get embarrassed as well?

Actually, looking more carefully, even the onlookers seemed to be getting embarrassed. I suppose it's not something you often see. I'm the one who's feeling breasts for the first time though!

Geld started concentrating more flames, he was now using both hands. I could see his sweat dripping from here.

Even I could tell this would end badly if we didn't do something. I was about to ask Lizel-senpai to cover for us again, but she spoke before I could.

"Focus, Yuuto. Can you feel it? You're getting mana from me, focus on that feeling."

Now that she said it, I could feel something… if I had to describe it… it's as if some warm water was flowing from Lizel-senpai's breasts to my back, and then spreading to my whole body.

I was no expert, but I don't think this is something that normally happens when a girl presses her chest on you. So this is mana?

"It seems like you can feel it. Next, do you have the Arcana with you? Ask it to teach you the magic Barricade."

"Ask it? But how? Do I just… talk?"

"Don't ask with your mouth. Ask with your heart. You can hear the Arcana's voice, can't you? It can also hear yours."

This seemed crazy, but…

What the hell, no point in not trying it.

Please, Lovers Arcana, teach me the magic Lizel-senpai mentioned. Barricate, was it?

[Basic Magic Barricade acquired.]

It… it really worked. I have no idea where it came from, but magical formulas just showed up in my head. So this is magic and a magical formula!

Also, that voice… wasn't it familiar? Anyway, I don't have time to think about that.

"I got it, Lizel-senpai."

"Great. Now, just wait for him to attack and then defend yourself."

Geld finished preparing his magic not long after that. The flames between his hands were now so bright it was like looking directly at the sun.

It looked like he was having trouble controlling his magic. It was probably too powerful for him.

I started doubting if I'd be able to block it, but I still felt Lizel-senpai's breasts- I mean mana flowing into me. It made me feel like there was no way I could lose.

"Lizel! You better get out of there, I don't want to burn Aspite-sama's precious possession."

"I don't belong to him, and don't worry. Your flames won't even burn the ends of my hair. Yuuto won't let you."

I appreciate the vote of confidence, but are you really sure about this, Lizel-senpai?!

Geld was even more pissed. He took aim at us and fired.

"Die! Figa!"

"Barricade!"

A transparent wall, the same that had appeared in front of Lizel-senpai before, appeared in front of me now.

Geld's flames were burning hot. I was sweating like crazy, but that's it.

My Barricade was much too strong for Geld's flames. Well, it's thanks to Lizel-senpai breasts. No wait, it's thanks to the mana. Anyway!

Eventually, the flames died out, and then Barricade was gone. Lizel-senpai and I were unharmed, much to Geld's anger.

I thought this would be a good chance for us to go, but Lizel-senpai still pressed her chest- I mean, kept sending me mana. Was it not over yet?

"Now, repay him back with the same coin."

"That… alright."

I didn't really want to get into a fight, but Geld probably wasn't going to give up now. Plus, I was still angry from when he threatened my parents. Maybe if I show him I can defend myself, he'll leave me be.

Well, the only reason I can do it is because Lizel-senpai is here, but let's not think about it like that.

Arcana, please teach me the magic Geld used.

[Basic Magic Figa acquired.]

The familiar voice played in my head once again. Now that I could look at it more calmly, it was really interesting to see all these patterns for magic.

If I compare them to Barricade's… eeeh… they're both simple, but so different. I guess the simplicity comes from both being basic spells. I'd like to look into this more if I have the chance.

But let's leave it for later. Let's finish off Geld now!

I made the magic circle a little above my palm, and bright flames soon popped into existence. I'll avoid mentioning the fact that I almost blinded myself for a second with it, the flames were much brighter than I expected.

"Now, Yuuto, aim at him and fire."

"Yes!"

"O-oi, stop it you bastards!"

Geld seemed to be in panic. Well, I don't really want to hurt him, but devils are naturally stronger than humans, so something along the levels of the first Figa he threw at me should be fine.

[Suggestion. In that case… no, please forget it.]

Hm? It seemed the Arcana wanted to say something, but she said to forget it, so it was probably nothing.

I aimed at Geld and let Figa loose. Flames started rushing towards him.

He used a Barricade of his own, but it started to crack. That's when he turned around and tried to run, but the flames were just too quick and engulfed him.

"Gaaaaaaahhhh!"

I got worried when I heard Geld's voice. By the time the flames died out, he was completely burned. It wasn't like he was dead, but it would probably leave a nasty wound.

I might have overdone it… wait, was the Arcana warning me about that?! If so, properly warn me!

[Acknowledged. It'll be taken into consideration next time.]

So it was that!

"… I'm impressed. It was a lot stronger than I expected. Maybe Yuuto is a natural at magic."

"E-eh? N-no, it was just thanks to Lizel-senpai's mana."

Now that I looked at her again, Lizel-senpai was also sweating. It was probably all these Figas we threw around. I thought I should apologize, but…

She's also so beautiful even now. But then my head started hurting. There was something… in me… that I wasn't quite understanding.

"Let's start again. My name is Lizel Himekami, from class 2-A. It's an honor to make your acquaintance, my Devil King."

"That's… a bit much. First of all, I have to thank Lizel-senpai. If you hadn't helped me, Geld would have killed me way back on his first attack."

"It's fine, it was no trouble. And you must have a lot of questions, don't you, Yuuto?"

"Yes, actually. If Lizel-senpai doesn't mind, I-"

Suddenly, my vision cut out. I was feeling dizzy and tired. What is this, it's like I'd suddenly gotten ill.

I couldn't keep myself up anymore. I would have fallen face-first into the ground, but instead I fell right into Lizel-senpai's chest.

There was a nice aroma and a nice soft feeling. I could be here for hours, but I imagined Lizel-senpai wasn't enjoying it, so I tried getting up.

"It's fine, just rest now. We'll talk once you wake up."

Aah, she was patting my head. I got sleepy and, before I noticed, I was out.