What's up y'all.

Let's begin the plot of the story for real with this chapter, as I intended.

Also, I'd like to address what I consider as canon and what not as someone left a guest review and I can't PM them.

What Ishibumi writes in LN, his interviews and his X posts are the Canon, end of discussion. I only take LN as my source and refuse to acknowledge anime and manga adaptations, because neither are truly faithful.

Anyways, let's roll.


"Watch where you're going, punk!" As one bicycle sped past him, the man angrily shouted. The youngsters these days don't even value their own lives.

"My Bad! I'll try to be more careful next time, old fag." Cursing the last part under his breath, the brunette pumped the pedals as hard as he could, accelerating even more. He had places to be, and couldn't stand anyone's comments for the time being.

"What's the rush? Tobio-san won't open the Bar without us, you know that." His partner in crime, the baldy boy slowed down and appeared right next to him.

"I've made a promise, Mats. I said I'll be there in fifteen, and I will be there in fifteen. Unlike a certain someone." Taking a jab at the boy, Issei stared at him dead serious. He had a reputation to keep in the eyes of the man he called Aniki, after all.

"Hey! Not fair." Understanding the underlying comment, Matsuda spat back. He had his reasons too, such as being too tired to even lift the shower head due to his intense jock training imposed on by the Committee.

"Life's not fair, Mats. If it were, I'd have not taken Tobio-san's deal in the first place and continue to grind. Yet, money talks, my dude." Neither of them had luxurious lives, sure, they could get by comfortably, but Issei could remember the times his father was unemployed vividly. Did they have difficulties? They did; however, Issei also learned the importance of being able to hold himself back in times of crisis.

Earning his own money felt as if the shackles on him were temporarily lifted, and he could get whatever he wanted when he wanted, something that he couldn't do due to his strict Father and his investments that he rarely sold. The corporate life made the man he knew as his father into some sort of a boss figure even inside the household, affecting him on a regular basis. After Issei turned twelve, he stopped being given the love he needed from a father figure, which spiraled pretty much every aspect about him down the drain.

He became an unrepentable pervert, something he knew that would backfire at him in every part of his life as he grew up. Spending every bit of allowance he was given, to buy lewd magazines and doujinshi, even made quite the collection with what little money he had back then. At first, it could be described as harmless fun, even guilty pleasure. However, without the supervision of an adult, these tendencies started to have their effects on him due time.

"Yo Mats, remember the first time I had the brilliant idea of peeping into the changing rooms?" His first sin, committed at the ripe age of 14.

"How can I forget...? It was awesome." Matsuda was no different, a dysfunctional family could only result in a socially awkward child.

"Back when you, me and Moto had real fun. I miss those days." The thrill of being caught red handed, anticipating to be scolded by an indifferent Father figure. That was the result of the corporate corruption Issei's father experienced, on Issei, going as far as he can to try to get a reaction, a glimpse of emotion out of the loving man he was, once. They adapted to the indifferent societal norms, without a care for their children who yearned for affection.

Every lash from the belt, was exhilarating.

""Fuck That Guy""

In a unison, their cries reached out to the sky at the same time.

"Do I have any reason to hate him? No, not at all. However, I just wanna." Their misplaced hatred on the man they wrongly called a brother once upon a time manifested itself in every opportunity.

"He's seeing Himejima Akeno daily, I'd call that a reason." The bald boy shot back, with a disinterested tone. He could care less; they all made their decisions when they split up.

"I'll up you one, Asia Argento."

"You're real sick in the head if you actually think the hottest girl in the whole Research Club is a devotee."

"Hotness is temporary, cuteness is eternal, Mats."

"Be real, out of everyone from the Council and Research Club, who's the one you'd bang without considering the cons." The cons could be simplified in one word, aftermath.

"Hmm… Good one. Lemme think a bit." That… was an undeniably hard question. It's like picking whether you'd be fried alive or frozen to death, both of the options would definitely be defining experiences.

So many candidates, and Issei would only get to enjoy one of them? That was absurd.

"Himejima Akeno and Rias Gremory are no-brainers, and too cliche. You know my theory about stunningly beautiful girls, the sexier they're on the outside, the emptier they are inside. A few weeks with either one of them would literally leave me questioning why am I even bothering. Don't get me wrong, I'd literally sell my soul to Satan for a night with Rias Gremory, but if I am to keep one, it's different."

"Yeah… that's right. So, Marry, Bang and uh… kill?"

"That's actually sickening, but I'll humor you baldy." Kill option left a sour taste in his mouth, but for the sake of it, Issei decided to go along.

"Marry… That's hard, damn. Probably either Asia Argento or Tsubaki Shinra, orrrr… Xenovia Quarta? I'm not sure." Only by reputation Issei knew them, he was way too infamous for them to approach him. He didn't earn the title of Perverted Mastermind in a day; he built it up in years.

"Interesting, the last one is. Wouldn't that weirdo constantly bother you about why're you so fucked up?"

"That's the beauty of it, one day I'll be the man she desires, and on the other, the man she loathes. It'll keep the fire up in the marriage."

"I dunno man, Quarta's a bit too much for my taste. I'd rather go for someone like Kaichou than her, at least she'd be able to turn this mess of a life into a proper one."

"Let's be real, Matsuda, Xenovia's the perfect wife material amongst them due to being not so flat like the rest of them. By flat I mean their personalities."

"Still not convinced, though. Care to elaborate why you're after the weirdo?"

"Rias is too bland, and acts all-mighty. She's the numero uno red flag in my books, both figuratively and literally, don't be fooled by her nice acts. Himejima's fucked up in the head, and would literally drive me insane in the long run. I don't include Toujou cuz I'm not a loli freak like you. That leaves us with only Asia Argento from the ORC. And I don't believe in my capabilities as a partner with her, I'd only leave her hurt, best to stay away as much as possible."

"Irina?"

"She's my childhood friend, fucker. Of course I'm not gonna imagine us being married in any universe."

"The Handsome Prince? I'd say he's a husbando material."

"Only if I swung that way. I'd seduce him an instant, you would too. Too bad I'm addicted to Oppai and Kiba's a flatie."

"Not gonna lie bout that, that damn bishonen is everything I wish to be. What about the Council?"

"Far too organized for my taste, and they would literally lick Kaichou's bussy if she wanted. Let's group all of 'em and put them in a separate category, Trust Issues. Shinra's an exception due to my belief that she's the only normal one that can even be befriended, let alone married."

"Cool Cool, totally get ya. That leaves us with only Xenovia Quarta as your pick."

"Yup. What can I say? I like my women feisty."

"Bang?"

"Himejima Akeno, without rest, gasping for air, on the counter, on the couch, seven days and seven nights, mating style, leaving marks all over her fine piece of Oppai, blowing one after another, until my shaboingus falls limp typa shit."

"Pretty detailed I'll give you that."

"That's my dream, I visualize it every night before going to sleep." What he wouldn't give up to embrace the Yamato Nadeshiko for one night… Even the sheer thought of Himejima Akeno alone made him thrilled all over.

"Taking into account that she's a known sadist?"

"Even better, gotta enjoy every bit of it as it lasts. I don't care if she ties me up and has her way with me, I'd fold immediately." Shivers ran down his spine when the brunette thought of the possibility of being the chosen one by the beauty.

"M'kay m'kay fair game, who's the one that bites the dust?"

"Hmm… If I were in ORC, I'd say myself, but since I ain't, let's go with Moto. What bout you tho?" Issei couldn't find it in himself to reduce the female population of Kuoh by one, it was far better to offer Moto to the Devil himself.

"Marry is an easy pick, let's go with Koneko-chan. Spending all my life with a cutie would heal me back the fuck up from the dead."

"As expected, bang?" He never understood Mats' obsession with lolis, and wouldn't dare to confront the baldy about it. Every man to his taste, after all.

"Gotta go with Rias this one, have a soft spot for Redheads."

"I wasn't familiar with your game, my bad. Who's the unfortunate one for ya?" Well, Gremory was an objective pick. He would've questioned Mats' sanity if he were to say anyone else, to be fair.

"Tough call, but there's only two options aren't there? Kiba's a nice guy, haven't made me mad for a while and I plan on reconciling with him sooner or later. Moto's already been dead for me after he left us hanging at the game night."

"Bastard's forgotten us after being accepted to ORC. Well, his loss not mine. He's gone hoes before bros." It's been months since they last hung out together, and it marked the end of their friendship. Motohama went his own way, Matsuda and Issei stood together and tried to better themselves.

Maybe, it was for the best.


"Oi, where are my glasses? I can't be a bouncer without my fancy shades." As the baldy surfed through the drawers, Issei could only look towards his friend in disappointment. Matsuda often made a big deal out of things he shouldn't.

"Don't know, don't care. Got better things to do, such as needing to fix my hair, gotta be as charming as Tobio-san if I am to look after the bar." Thank goodness Tobio-san had a shower here, Issei desperately needed to wash his hair and straighten it correctly.

His Aniki was such a considerate man, sparing them enough time to get ready whilst he took the full workload, even allowed full use of whatever they found at the second floor, also known as his den. When asked if he could wash his hair, Tobio replied by saying that he can even take a shower if he wasn't feeling comfortable. Being considerate himself, Issei only spent five minutes rinsing his hair, not bothering toweling it completely as he considered having slightly wet hair made him more likeable.

He had to admit, with a suit, Issei indeed became handsome. The brunette definitely considered studying the magic behind the tuxedos as they would literally fit anyone like a glove, regardless of how much of a lost cause they are. He was no exception. Tobio-san bought him one when he was starting to help out, stating that a suit is the best friend of a barkeep, and Issei was forever thankful for him because of that.

The only difference between the trio was simple, Issei went for a standard tie, Matsuda didn't wear one at all because, in his words, it made him too approachable for a bouncer and took away the fear factor a bodyguard should have. Tobio-san, being the elegant man he is, instead opted in favor of bow ties, which suited him perfectly.

"Mats, I'm heading downstairs. Get down there when you're ready." Tightening the tie, Issei took a deep breath, bracing himself to clock in for real. It was nine p.m at the moment and he had almost an eight-hour shift waiting for him. Tobio-san's promise to pay them double was the only motivation for the time being.

"Sorry, I might've taken too long to get ready." Excusing himself and taking his place right next to his Aniki, Issei took out a fresh cloth and started to clean the glasses. They didn't have any customers as of now but they needed to be ready in case of a flood, quite an occurrence in Tobio's Bar. He was popular amongst women and the older boy had pretty much an unimaginable network, able to reach out to almost anyone from Kyoto and Tokyo with a single phone call.

Why did he open up a Bar in the outskirts of Kuoh? Issei had no idea, as Tobio himself wasn't even a native resident of the Town. The brunette did consult him about the brilliant idea of opening a bar in one of the most conservative regions of Japan, to which he got crushed by the devastating answer, as Tobio-san has been running this business for fun, not caring whether the Bar was affecting his finances or contributing to them.

"Haha, don't worry about it. As I told ya, take as much time as you need, the bar's not going anywhere." A light chuckle escaped from bishonen's lips, as he took a glance to the youngster beside him. Seeing Issei like this reminded him about the time he was still trying to make sense of the world around him, clueless and trying his absolute best to fit in.

"What did I do to have a boss like you, Aniki? I wonder about it all the time." Issei was more than ready to spend his entire life being a barkeep under Tobio's tutelage. He still had so much to learn, and the job itself was fine. The only downside was that one could never have decent morning schedules due to operating the bar every night, something Issei couldn't grasp how Tobio-san dealt with.

"You're an honest fella, Issei. That alone is enough. You'd never believe how many malevolent people there are." The bishonen dazed off, he came across such people on so many occasions that people like Issei and Matsuda needed to be protected at all costs, as they were the minority. He had seen the worst in people, and understood the importance to cherish the positives.

At first, Tobio had doubts about the youngsters, as they were notorious due to their lecherous behaviors on so many occasions, their infamy had reached everywhere in Kuoh. However, he knew that everyone deserves second chances, even these kids. Taking them under his wing and making a proper man out of them was his challenge. In time, Tobio had learned things that still shock him to this day.

That Issei and Matsuda knew how to keep their carnal desires in check whenever they needed, but refused to do so due to their belief on the importance of being able to do whatever their heart desired. They made him learn that, too. They never made any comments against the women at the Bar, didn't even take a look at them in the wrong way, because these kids were responsible for the Bar's reputation and had a duty, which they needed to uphold against Tobio.

Their private life was their own concern and both of them made sure to keep the balance intact, by not mistaking the place they were in. It seemed unorthodox to him the first time Tobio heard that their hobby was women, and they had no right to indulge in their hobby at work. However, the more Tobio thought about it, the more it made sense.

When Tobio had a thorough talk with them, he realized that these kids were only nefarious because nobody was there for them, even when they were normal in society's standards. By not bending to the norms, they had attention and fame. Sure, the accusations would be enough to crush either of them when they grow up, but they had their mind at the right place. In Issei's own words;

Why would I be the one that gets his life ruined just because I'm "different"? I'd have been bullied regardless of my tendencies, people would always find a way to make my life hell even if I were perfect. Because they absolutely can't stand someone being so unburdened and happy, it makes them reconsider why they are even trying so hard in the first place. Instead, I gave in to my perversion and became a "menace" to everyone, including but not limited to, my Pops.

Everyone's got a mask, it just happens that I like my mask as much as my face.

They were smart, Tobio could definitely say that.

And he envied them, a lot.

They lived their life with such a belief that Tobio couldn't even dream of before, due to being forced to protect his reputation afloat all his life. They didn't give in to the indoctrination of their parents and become shut-ins like the rest of the society. These kids broke away from the chains so long ago that they don't feel any burden anymore. That is why they are happy, and most people their age aren't.

Val could learn a thing or two from him.


As Matsuda took his place, customers began to swarm as if Black/Dog was the only bar in the town.

Tobio-san tended to the more eccentric customers, as the concoctions they would request was something Issei couldn't prepare with what little experience he had. Issei could say that they were the definition of loyal clients.

On the other hand, he had a few handful customers that only came here to talk with him, on many occasions. When the brunette consulted his Aniki about the situation, the older boy just replied that this means he'd done such a good job that they kept coming back, and should continue to be what he's doing as long as he's comfortable with it.

Even now, he was trying his hardest to consult one of his customers.

"Hic… I don't understand, at all. Why does this keep happening? Am I not beautiful enough?" As the older girl broke down as she sipped from the beverage Issei made specially for her, due to her liking of light and sweet drinks.

"His loss, Rossweisse-san. Don't blame yourself, you're still young and one of the most stunning people I've ever come across. I'm sure you'll find the right person in due time." Rossweisse-san was a special customer that regularly came here after her dates, which usually ended up in her being taken advantage of due to her sincerity and never got called back. Issei meant what he said, he'd give everything to be with such a beautiful girl like his client. Those heartless motherfuckers don't even realize the beauty inside her.

"Am I? Am I? My granny keeps saying that I'm a lost cause, and I'll never, *Hic, get married…" Her silver hair went down to her eyes, clouding the fact that she was crying her heart out. It was a natural occurrence with her, and Issei tried to relieve himself by believing in that.

"I'm sure, Rossweisse-san. I believe your grandmother is only thinking the best for you and doesn't mean any harm. It's only a matter of time before you meet your soulmate, keep trying." Taking the empty glass, Issei went in for a refill. That was due to her stubbornness to keep drinking as long as she doesn't pass out, which she made clear that she will signal to him once she nears her limit.

"I'll never get married, I'll die alone… I don't want to die a virgin…" Issei could only crack a faint smile at that, if she's still a virgin, he had no freaking chance.

"Keep your spirit high, madam. Even I have faith, and I'm not exactly the role-model when it comes to relationships. There are some people out there that dream of people like you and I." There were eight billion people on earth, there's no way that there was no one who would want him as their partner.

"Don't sway me with that sweet tongue of yours, barkeep… I'm an unwanted old hag." Issei was starting to believe that Rossweisse-san enjoyed being tortured by her own psyche.

"I'm not being considerate, my lady. Just stating the truth. My parents got married in their late twenties, it's never late, especially for people like you." The brunette knew that no matter what, the beauty would find the man of her dreams before Issei even started to talk with a girl on that level.

"I'm 23 and I haven't even had relationships that lasted longer than two weeks, maybe… hic… I am the problem?" She's young, and looks younger compared to people her age.

"When did you turn twenty-three, Rossweisse-san?" Issei could swear two weeks ago she was 22, when she had been stood up once again by a guy that she endearingly didn't stop talking about for an hour.

"Last Thursday, my granny didn't stop bothering me the whole day… about why I was still manless." The older generation took marriage far too seriously, often opting to consult their children about the importance of it harshly, and from the looks of it, this bombshell of a baddie had her fair share.

"Then, consider this… a late birthday gift, Rossweisse-san. Did you say you turned 18? I'm sure I heard it that way. There isn't a better way to celebrate your coming of age, am I right?" Slipping the refill to her hand, Issei complimented her in a harmless way, to lighten her mood up. By all means the brunette couldn't flirt if his life depended on it, yet he knew how to make someone's day better.

"Hehe… Funny barkeep man." Chuckling under her breath, the beauty didn't even raise her head from the table and took the beverage entirely dependent on instinct. Rossweisse-san was starting to get washed and she too could feel it, better to have it on the way and call it a day.

"I'll be able to give you a go-cup if you want, madame." Sensing as she was trying to stand up from her spot, Issei offered her help.

"Better…" Her legs were shaking, and she couldn't hold the glass properly. The hangover was going to be such a headache.

In one moment, Rossweisse's legs gave up and she lost her balance, in an attempt to not let her crash head-straight into the bar table, Issei tried to get a hold of the beauty, not even taking into account that his beloved suit would get stained along the way, yet failed miserably as she spilled her beverage all over his vest, however, Issei wouldn't complain. Safety comes first, after all. Crashing into his torso, the beauty rested her head, savoring the scent of the funny barkeep as she took a moment to compose herself.

"L-Let me call a cab for you, Rossweisse-san."


"Phew… Dodged a bullet there." Wiping the sweat accumulated on his forehead with his handkerchief, Issei took the glass and began to wash it properly. He should've known that it'd end like this, Rossweisse-san was a real handful when she got washed up totally, this time, she tried pulling Tobio-san to her cab to take him home with her when he guided her.

"Tell me about it, she's crazy." To be fair, Tobio was accustomed to problematic customers, due to dealing with them on a regular basis throughout his career. It wasn't the first time someone tried to get him into their apartment and probably wasn't going to be the last from the looks of it.

"Well… I wouldn't exactly say she's got a few screws loose, just a bit eccentric, at best." The brunette had seen the fragile woman inside the beauty on many instances, and could even understand the way she behaved slightly. The pressure Rossweisse-san endures from her family and friends must be taking its toll on her, which is why she ends up being totally hungover every time she goes on an unfruitful date.

"She's your customer and you want her to stay that way, totally get ya." Flashing his idiosyncratic smile, Tobio swept the table clean in a moment, making it spotless. It made him proud that Issei had customers that could understand his kind and down to earth nature.

"I'd rather place her in a steady relationship even if it meant she'd stop coming here, I'm worried about Rossweisse-san." Date after date, her faith in being able to pull a man waned, Issei couldn't help but be uneased due to her falling into alcohol more and more each day.

"I know, kiddo. You're pure like that." Tobio knew he'd turn out to be a splendid man in the future, as long as he realizes the importance of being able to hold himself to high standards.

"Thanks, Aniki." Indulging in his work once more, Issei went in for an apron, he couldn't afford to take his time off and change, even if he could, he would have to ask his Aniki for another shirt, which Issei wouldn't like.

As if in a trance, Issei turned his back and decided to count how many glasses they had left. Even if they were in a comfortable position at the moment, the brunette knew that it was only a matter of time before the real deal began. He'd been serving the customers for two hours, and it wasn't even midnight yet, the most crowded time of the Bar. If he didn't want to be caught lacking in rush hour, he needed to be ready.

Whilst he was oblivious, Tobio went back to the VIP room. Neither Issei nor Matsuda were allowed to be there and serve them, and he didn't know why. His Aniki did say that the people that were considered VIP were better left in his care, due to their influence on the government and people. If Issei got on their bad side, even he couldn't save him from the backlash. The brunette knew Tobio was serious because it was one of the few times he'd actually seen his Aniki be thorough like that.

Another customer on the way, and Issei took a few seconds staring at them, trying his hardest to not be misunderstood as he couldn't keep his eyes away from her. White leggings, splendid choice for someone her age, coupled with a white mini-skirt. Silver hair that went down to her shoulders, Issei could smell the fine scent of her hair even from here. White blouse that concealed her arms, combined with a pitch-black tonal top, this girl, was elegant on a level he couldn't even think of before.

"Jesus Christ…" Escaped his mouth, and he couldn't stop himself. How can someone be this… beautiful? It had to be a crime, dammit. The indifferent look in her eyes, as if she'd been dragged here by force. Her bright lipstick, shining under the soft light of the bar.

'Get a hold of yourself, prick. She's a customer, a customer. A stunningly beautiful, baddie of a customer. A woman of your dreams typa customer, damn it. KAMI, WHY?'

Why couldn't he run into her on a sunny day? Why did it have to be today, when he's working? Mesmerizing her face, Issei couldn't contain himself and turned away. He couldn't do anything that would hurt Tobio's reputation, he had a duty. He had a duty. He had a duty.

"Hey… What would you like to order, madame?" What kind of barista starts with Hey? Was he trying to flirt? Would she mistake him for a creep? Well, he was a creep alright, the worst in Kuoh. The absolute nightmare for a high school student type of the worst, a pervert.

'Kami, I ask for your wisdom. I will repent… Just… bestow me the courage to even talk back.'

Although he was unaffected by the girls in his school anymore, this one was… quite different. Issei would even dare to say that she outclassed every single one of them, even Himejima Akeno. There's no way she was Japanese, their genes couldn't contain such beauty.

"Hey… Is Tobio around?" Dang… Even her voice was sweet, how could someone have such soft voice? He'd request an opera if he knew he wouldn't be mistaken as a weirdo.

"Y-yeah… He's at the back, d-dealing with V-VIPs." His voice cracked, the result of his anxiety skyrocketing through the roof. All those years of being the worst didn't even help him here.

"I see… I'll hang out here, then. Are you new around here? Haven't seen you before." Looking straight into his eyes, the bombshell of a beauty made him sweat a little bit. It seemed that she was still unaware of the effect she had on him. To be fair, this could be the closest he got to Kami.

"Kind of… I help out T-Tobio-san every once in a while…" Nervously replying, Issei turned his back once more, taking a fresh glass. He was dealing with girls daily, damn it. Why did this one girl make his entire self-esteem collapse in one look? Although, he could understand a bit, due to his self-esteem being at an all-time low.

"Hmm… Right… He did say that he had some boys helping him out whilst he's understaffed. Which one are you?" The girl could see that he froze in an instant, what could even be the cause? From what she heard, these boys Tobio talked about were quite the gentlemen, would never cause anyone trouble and were great help overall.

"Hyoudou… Issei, madame. I'd understand if you do not wish to be served by me and call my boss immediately." He knew the answer, after all, everyone around his age would instantly refuse. His reputation as the Perverted Mastermind affected him even here, far away from school. There's no way she hadn't heard of him if she's from here.

"Why would I not? Tobio spoke quite highly about you, I'm sure he has his reasons to do so." Was this a dream? There was no way, not an absolute way that she didn't hear about him and his tendencies.

"I apologize, madame. May you bestow me the right to know your name?" He had to be respectful, this girl was a goddess walking amongst them lowly humans. He wouldn't want to incur the wrath of a divine.

"No need for formality, Hyoudou Issei-kun. I'd very much rather you call me Valerie. Is it alright if I call you Issei-kun?" Valerie, Valerie, Valerie… Such a… fitting name.

"It is, Valerie-sama. What would you like to have tonight?" Even when he had the greenlight, Issei couldn't drop the formality. He was working, he had to keep his distance with the customers. If he even made them slightly uncomfortable, Issei would straight up leave the Bar, even if Tobio himself told him not to. He didn't learn the importance of being hold accountable in a day.

"Drop the sama, pretty please? I came here to socialize, not to be held above everyone else. I'd like you to call me Valerie, Issei-kun." Is this, how it felt to be acknowledged? To be in the same level as everyone else? If it did, the brunette had so much to think about. Might have to reconsider his life-style, even.

"I… don't know, but I will try, Va… Valerie." Now, he felt pathetic. Issei couldn't even properly pronounce her name. It was the first time a girl spoke to him like that in over seven years, damn it. He wasn't used to having even the tiniest bit of sympathy, especially from someone like her.

"That's more like it! Now… I'd like to have… a glass of Devil Manola. Can you prepare it like Tobio does, Issei-kun?" Everytime, she called him like that, Issei felt a jolt of electricity run through his body. What was this weird feeling…?

"Coming right up, mada-… Valerie." It was easier when he had to call customers madame, or sir. The endearing look in her eyes has drawn him.

Trying all he's got to focus on his work, Issei put the glass he'd been holding ever since they began talking, down to the counter. A Devil Manola, he'd need a few drops of orange and lime flavor and 2 teaspoons of sugar ale, making up the complexity of the Special, mixing them properly with half a glass of whiskey, coupled with soda water. Last but not least, Sanguine Rose, the main ingredient of Devil Manola, a unique vermouth that Tobio specifically ordered.

Carefully measuring the amount, the brunette started mixing the drink in a shaker tin. He'd been accustomed to the movement, but couldn't execute it properly this time as the eyes on him were, in the most literal sense of the word, filled with anticipation like no other. Thank Kami that he was able to strain the liquid properly into the rocks glass without spilling it. The end product looked magnificent regardless of how much he struggled. Serving the glass with a slice of orange on the side, Issei took a breath to compose himself.

'Never have I ever had so much trouble preparing Devil Manola, felt as if I would have dishonored my ancestors had I not get it right. Kami-sama, I ask for your wisdom once again, let me survive tonight and I'll repent.'

By no means, Issei was religious. It'd just mean that he'd have a VIP ticket straight to hell, and he didn't like the idea of eternal damnation that much. However, the brief moments he locked eyes with Valerie, Issei felt new emotions course through his body, almost alien, the kind he had never experienced before.

"This is… better than Tobio's. It was worth coming all the way here." Savoring the taste, the beauty, as if to make things worse for the brunette, licked her lips. Leaning towards the counter, the Lady pulled out her phone and began to indulge in her drink and scroll at the same time. Even if her pops sent her out to socialize, he didn't exactly specify where she should go. Having a few drinks prepared by a cute bartender counts as socializing, right?

His worries were unplaced, Valerie could say that. Yet, she could see why her father wanted her to socialize. Ever since they'd moved to Kyoto from her homeland, she'd been refusing to leave her room, not in a bad way, as she knew to appreciate the beauty of MMORPG games, particularly those that encouraged the player to partake in the forbidden art of Player Killing, a thrill that couldn't be replicated by any activity, the hatred in the eyes of the players losing all their progress, breaking down at the sight of their pixels being obliterated, an intoxicating emotion.

Being hated by an entire community was something she was accustomed to, due to Valerie herself being involved in the politics of her homeland, courtesy of her unique bloodline. Considered Royalty, she'd been given the same treatment by everyone, that she is on top. Humans, were different. Approaching her only due to her own achievements, her personality. Being stripped of her title every once in a while, was refreshing.

"Do tell, Issei-kun. Apart from being a part time bartender, what do you do? What is Hyoudou Issei like?" Small talk wouldn't hurt nobody, gotta make full use of her free time.

"I… uh… play games with my buddy, and… occasionally get my hands on drawing stuff. Yeah, that's pretty much it."

His second hobby manifested itself thanks to his implicit tastes. What is a man to do when he can't afford to commission fan arts? Make his own, of course. By no means Issei is great at it, just at a level he is mildly comfortable and proud. To turn it into a business, he'd have to devote his already little time to drawing completely, by which he was sure he'd burn out in no time.

"What kind of games, exactly? I'm sort of a gamer myself, maybe we've come across each other before." Valerie felt proud of the fact that she could stand her ground in a male-driven industry, especially in competitive games that required precise skill and knowledge.

"I'm pretty sure I'd have not mistaken your voice for anybody else had I encountered you, Valerie. You can call me a full-time grinding merchant the way I make full use of Siren of Darkness 2's glitches and bugs." Siren of Darkness 2, the most anticipated game of the year. The game for which he and Matsuda even considered shutting themselves in for weeks, skipping school and doing whatever it takes to have their names engraved on the Statue of Melaine. Even going as far as breaking the game on many occasions.

"You're in Early Access too? What a small world, I'd have never guessed someone from here would've been one of the first few thousands to play the game in advance." She'd participated in the Alpha and made a name for herself, as an infamous PK'er. The list keeps going on, in Early Access.

"Wait, that means you're participating for the race as well, right?" In a topic that he was accustomed to, Issei felt his self-esteem come back to him like never before. Now, the woman before him isn't that mysterious, beautiful lady, just another gamer. Probably even as degenerate as he is when it comes to MMORPG's.

"Level 100 Rush? Definitely. You're gonna see my name on that statue, that much I can guarantee you, Issei-kun." If she didn't run out of players to PK, Valerie would definitely get in top ten, earning the right to engrave her IGN anywhere on the statue of the Daedalus Princess. She had a few spots in mind.

"You're confident, alright. What class do you play as?" Grinding alongside such a beauty like herself, Issei could even score a homerun if he played his cards correctly.

"Diabolos Cursebearer, sub-class…"

"Perpetrator."

'Oh fuck no.'

A Diabolos Cursebearer, branching out to Perpetrator, very, very bad news. In the Alpha and Early Access, there's only a few people that could be defined by their classes. Issei was one of the very few Manipulators around, and most likely will be the only one in the late game, as most become to multi-class to DragonKnight later, due to their efficiency becoming less and less throughout the game. As such, he was widely known in the Alpha due to being the only level 70 plus Manipulator player.

However; Perpetrators are infamous, due to most of them being involved in PK and raining down hell on the player base regularly. There were even guilds dedicated to that sole sub-class, only accepting new members on the principle that they had to make a name for themselves with their toxic behaviour. Both him and Matsuda had openly declared war on them on many instances, and won the majority of the skirmishes due to Issei being able to pull as many NPCs by his side whenever he could corrupt them.

Yet, there's only one player that currently has [Murderous Perpetrator] Perk in the Early Access.

DvDCat

"So… Let me get this straight, you're playing a Diabolos Cursebearer, and branched out to Perpetrator during the opening day."

"Yup."

"I don't believe it."

"Does the name, DvDCat…"

"Sound familiar…?"

"There's no, freaking, way, that DvDCat is a girl. I spoke with him today." There's no way, right? He had heard the husky voice of the PK'er. Unless his ears were deceiving him, there's absolutely no way, that this beauty was the infamous DvDCat, whom he had spent two hours clashing ferociously during the Alpha.

"Oh… you were in the VC? Hmm… Motherfucker."

His voice was familiar, Valerie deduced that. Yet, she couldn't associate it with anyone, until now. Who would've thought, that this cute bartender, was one of her mortal enemies during the Alpha?

"You're HK12!"


That's it for chapter two lads and ladies, might have errors, don't have time to fix them atm.

Btw, I plan on changing the fic from Single Pairing with Xenovia to Dual Pair with FemVali and Xenovia. PM me or leave a review whether I should do that or not, but Valerie's staying in the fic even if she's not a romance interest for our boi.

Cutting this chapter short becuz I wanna drag this interaction more and introduce the main heroine in chapter 3, as well as making sure to take my time and enjoy writing this more.

Thanks for reading, dun forget to leave a review.

Shiwftie, out.