Disclaimer: Eat the Clouds!
Chapter 2
It had been three months since Ise and Issei began attending Kuoh Academy, and Ise found himself in a strange state of disbelief. For all the grand expectations he had coming into this world, fully prepared for the supernatural chaos he thought would unfold, nothing had happened.
Not a single supernatural event in three whole months.
Ise had been so certain that Rias Gremory or Sona Sitri, or even someone close to them, would have approached him by now. After all, both of them had clearly sensed him using magic on that first day. He had felt it in the way their eyes locked onto him from the balcony—the way a chill had crept down his spine when their attention honed in on him. He was positive they'd seen through him, that they'd confront him or make their move.
But three months had passed in silence.
For Ise, the world had fallen back into a strange sort of normalcy. The days had gone by in the usual rhythm of school life. He woke up, attended classes, avoided overly curious classmates (especially the girls who still found his femboy appearance irresistible), and somehow managed to maintain a low profile. It was baffling, really. He had expected a confrontation—a conversation, an invitation, or even an interrogation—yet nothing came.
Sona, Rias, neither of them has done a thing, Ise thought, his brow furrowing in confusion as he walked through the school hallways. I could've sworn they were planning something, but...
With no direct interference from either of the Devil heiresses, Ise had decided to put his spare time at school to good use. He'd been secretly practicing magic in small, unnoticeable ways when no one was watching. During the first month, he had been cautious, waiting for the shoe to drop. But after realizing that no one seemed to be actively monitoring him, he relaxed and began experimenting more openly—though still discreetly, of course. His abilities had grown stronger, his control more refined. Every spare moment, when he wasn't dodging nosy students or practicing his magic, he spent thinking about what his next steps would be.
That is, when he wasn't being dragged to the Art Club by his Senpai.
The thought of her made him smile faintly despite himself.
"Must you always literally drag me?" Ise asked, his voice lightly teasing as he was pulled by the arm through the hallway.
Sunomiya Sana, towering over him as always, kept her grip firm around his shorter arm. She glanced down at him with her usual deadpan expression, her long, dark purplish-red hair flowing behind her as they walked. She led him effortlessly through the halls, her gait steady and confident as if this routine had been established long ago.
"If I don't, you'd run away," Sana replied without missing a beat, her voice as serious as ever.
Despite her straight-faced tone, Ise had known her long enough by now to catch the slightest inflection in her words—the tiniest hint of amusement hiding behind her stoic demeanor. He was certain she was joking, though she'd never admit it outright. Over time, he had come to realize that dragging him to the Art Club was more of an excuse for her to hold onto his arm than any real concern about him trying to avoid the club.
There was something oddly comforting about it, even if Sana's intense, almost overbearing presence had initially caught him off guard.
As they neared their destination, Ise's thoughts drifted to the peculiar mystery that was Sunomiya Sana. She was an enigma, not because of who she was, but because of how she existed in this world.
By all accounts, she shouldn't be here.
In every scrap of knowledge Ise had from his previous life, there had never been a mention of someone like Sana in the DxD universe. And yet, here she was. Sunomiya Sana—stern, imposing, larger-than-life—had somehow crossed the boundaries of fiction and reality to stand before him in this world. Her presence threw him for a loop, challenging everything he thought he knew about his new reality. It didn't make sense.
And yet, she was undeniably, unshakably real.
He had spent the last three months getting to know her ever since she approached him that first day. Her sharp wit, her passion for art, and her strange habit of nonchalantly stripping in random scenarios had only reinforced the fact that she was exactly the same person he knew from another series—unchanged, untouched, except for one glaring fact: she was here.
She wasn't supposed to exist in this world, and yet she did.
And because of her, Ise had made a decision: he could no longer rely on his knowledge of the DxD world too much. If someone like Sana could exist here, then there was no telling what else might be different. The rules he thought he knew might not apply.
That realization had shaken his confidence at first, but over time, he'd come to accept it. The unexpected always had a way of showing up when you least expected it. And right now, that unexpected was dragging him down the hall with a firm grip on his arm.
Sana stopped abruptly, and Ise glanced up. They had arrived at their destination—the room designated for the Art Club. It was a small, quiet room tucked away in a less-traveled wing of the school, perfect for avoiding the usual noise and chaos of the rest of Kuoh Academy.
Sana released his arm and turned to face the door, her posture straight and authoritative as always. "We've arrived," she said simply.
Ise sighed, rubbing his wrist with a wry smile. "Yeah, yeah. Thanks for the escort."
She shot him a sidelong glance, her crimson eyes gleaming with faint amusement, though her expression remained as stoic as ever.
With a casual flick of her hair, she opened the door, gesturing for him to follow.
And with that, the routine continued. As much as he might protest, the art club had become something of a sanctuary for him in this strange, unpredictable world.
It didn't hurt that he got to spend time alone with an incredibly beautiful woman.
Issei dashed through the halls of Kuoh Academy, his heart pounding in his chest. His friends had left him in the dust, abandoning him the moment the Kendo Club girls had caught them peeping during their stretching exercises. He could practically hear their angry shouts and the thundering of footsteps right behind him. Damn it! Those bastards just left me to take the heat!
He rounded a corner, narrowly avoiding a group of students, his eyes scanning the hallway frantically for an escape. His gaze fell on a slightly ajar window at the side of the school building. Without hesitation, Issei sprinted toward it, his mind racing. Please be open, please be open...! He reached the window, threw it open just enough, and vaulted himself inside, landing in a heap on the floor.
He scrambled to his feet, quickly closing the window and drawing the curtains shut. His breath came out in ragged gasps, and he pressed his back against the wall, listening as the footsteps of the Kendo Club girls thundered past the window. They didn't stop. He sighed in relief, wiping the sweat from his forehead. "Phew… made it."
"You got caught again, didn't you?"
Issei froze at the sound of the voice, slowly turning around to find his younger brother, Ise, sitting in a chair, a canvas in front of him and a pencil in hand. But what really caught his attention was the sight of the person standing before Ise.
Sunomiya Sana, barely clothed, stood posing as Ise calmly continued to sketch. The fabric she wore draped loosely around her body, barely covering her most sensitive areas. Her large breasts were only partially concealed, the fabric hugging her curves in a way that made Issei's jaw drop. The way her body was framed in the soft light of the room was almost too much for him to handle.
"What the hell?!" Issei blurted out, his eyes wide as he stared at Sana in shock. He could hardly believe what he was seeing. His little brother was sitting there, calmly sketching a near-naked bombshell of a woman as if it was the most normal thing in the world.
Ise glanced up briefly, unfazed by his brother's reaction, before turning back to his canvas. "Art club activities."
Issei's mouth opened and closed a few times, struggling to find the words. His mind was racing with a thousand thoughts. How long had his brother been alone with Sana like this? He had always wondered what Ise had been up to when he disappeared from their usual hangouts. Was this what he'd been doing the whole time? Before he could ask, Sana spoke again.
"We're not accepting any more male members, by the way," she said, her voice as calm and serious as ever. She didn't even glance in Issei's direction as she held her pose with an almost statuesque grace.
Issei's shoulders slumped, a mix of jealousy and disbelief filling him. He wanted to be mad—really mad—but he couldn't quite muster up the anger. How could he be angry at his little brother for spending time with a woman like Sana? If anything, he was just frustrated that he wasn't the one in Ise's position. "You mean to tell me... you've been alone with her, doing this… for months?" Issei asked, trying to keep his voice steady as he waved his hands vaguely toward Sana.
Ise didn't look up from his sketch as he answered. "It's one of many things I've been doing."
"One of many?!" Issei gaped, his frustration bubbling over. "What else have you been up to, huh? And why didn't you tell me this was happening?"
Ignoring his brother's outburst, Ise sighed and leaned back in his chair, stretching his arms. "How long do you think you'll need to hide from the Kendo team?"
Issei blinked, momentarily thrown off by the sudden change in topic. "Uh, I don't know... maybe ten, fifteen minutes?" He paused, narrowing his eyes at Ise. "Wait... how'd you know I was running from the Kendo Club?"
Ise gave him a deadpan look, as if the answer was painfully obvious. "It didn't even take you a month before you started peeping on girls. It wasn't hard to guess."
Issei scratched the back of his head, looking sheepish. "Okay, fair enough…"
Before the conversation could continue, Sana shifted slightly in her pose, catching Ise's attention. "How much longer do I have to hold this position?" she asked, her tone even but with a subtle hint of impatience.
Ise exhaled, setting his pencil down on the edge of the canvas. "I'm basically done. I was just adding a few minor details."
Sana relaxed, stepping away from her pose and adjusting the fabric around her body. "Good," she muttered, rolling her shoulders to loosen up. "That pose was starting to get uncomfortable."
Issei watched in silent disbelief as Sana casually adjusted herself, still barely covered, as if the whole situation wasn't completely surreal. He glanced at his brother, who continued to act as though everything was completely normal. How the hell does he stay so calm around her?
Ise stood up from his chair, stretching his arms above his head as he cracked his neck. Sana stepped forward to inspect his work, nodding in approval. "You've outdone yourself again," she complimented, her voice calm yet with a hint of warmth. "You really do have an eye for detail."
Ise smirked as he rubbed the back of his neck. "Thanks, Senpai."
Sana gave one last appreciative glance at the canvas before turning away, her near-naked form gliding across the room. The loose fabric she wore clung to her every curve, especially around her hips and ass. Issei, still standing nearby, openly gawked at her as she moved, unable to tear his eyes away from the way the cloth hugged her in all the right places.
Before he could process what was happening, Issei yelped in surprise as Ise began pushing him toward the door. "Alright, time for you to get lost," Ise muttered, both hands firmly on Issei's back as he ushered his brother out of the classroom.
"H-Hey! Wait a second!" Issei protested, trying to dig his heels into the ground. "Can't I at least stay until she's done changing?"
"Nope," Ise shot back, his tone leaving no room for argument. "You've overstayed your welcome, and your next class is starting soon anyway."
Issei groaned in frustration as Ise shoved him toward the exit. Just as the door was about to close, Issei caught a brief glimpse of the cloth around Sana's body dropping to the floor. His eyes widened in shock and delight, but the door slammed shut before he could see anything more.
"Damn it," Issei muttered under his breath as he stood outside the classroom, pouting. He stood there for a moment, grumbling to himself before eventually walking off down the hallway, shoulders slumped. Man, my little brother's been holding out on me this whole time…
Inside the classroom, Ise let out a heavy sigh, shaking his head as he leaned against the door. "I swear, years of trying to tame my brother's perviness, and the second we enter Kuoh, it's all gone down the drain."
Sana's voice chimed in from behind a changing wall they had set up in the corner of the room. Her silhouette was visible as she changed back into her academy uniform, her smooth movements creating an alluring contrast to her usual stoic demeanor. "You're one to talk, Ise," she called out, her tone teasing yet as calm as ever. "You think I don't notice you admiring me during these sessions? You might be good at hiding it, but you're still looking."
Ise couldn't help but chuckle, a slight smile playing at the corner of his lips. "Oh, I'm well aware, Senpai," he replied, his tone equally playful. "And I also know you're more than eager to strip down in front of me. You act like this is just for the sake of art, but we both know better."
Sana stepped out from behind the changing wall, now fully dressed in her school uniform. She fixed Ise with a pointed look, though there was a faint smirk on her lips. "I have no idea what you're talking about," she said, her voice deadpan as always.
Ise leaned casually against the door, arms crossed over his chest as he gave her a knowing look. "Sure, Senpai. Whatever you say."
Over the past few months, Ise had grown used to the subtle signs in Sana's behavior, learning to read her even when she pretended to be unaffected. What had started as simple art club activities had turned into something more—a quiet game of cat and mouse between them, filled with teasing remarks and lingering glances.
Beyond just learning her emotions, Ise had spent time with Sana outside of school, growing closer to her than he ever expected. It turned out that, even in this world, she was the same motorcycle-riding, thrill-seeking woman he had known from his past life. He'd been shocked the first time he saw her riding around in a skintight bodysuit that she couldn't fully zip up, the zipper barely holding at her chest. He hadn't said a word at the time, but his eyes had definitely done the talking.
But there was more to Sana than just her stoic exterior. Beneath that calm and composed surface, Ise had discovered someone with a lot of pent-up desires, someone who enjoyed the attention more than she let on.
"You know," Ise said, his smirk growing wider, "you're just as much of a pervert as my brother."
Sana arched an eyebrow at him, her arms crossing beneath her chest. "And you're one to talk? I've seen how you look at me when you think I'm not paying attention. You're just better at hiding it, that's all."
Ise shrugged, not denying it. "Fair point. But at least I'm not getting chased around by the Kendo Club."
Sana's lips twitched, the closest thing to a laugh Ise had ever seen from her. She tilted her head slightly, looking him up and down as if assessing him. "Maybe not," she replied, her voice low, "but that doesn't mean you're any less of a pervert. You just hide it better… like me."
Ise pushed off the wall, smirking as he approached his Senpai, closing the distance between them with a casual confidence. "You know, Senpai..." he started, his tone teasing, "...you're a real degenerate."
Sana's sharp crimson eyes met his, unwavering. Without missing a beat, she shot back, "And you're a pervert, Ise."
There wasn't a hint of hostility or embarrassment in either of their voices. Instead, the air between them crackled with something far more playful and intimate. A smile finally cracked across Sana's usually stoic face, soft but unmistakable, her eyes briefly lighting up with amusement. It was a rare sight—a moment where she let her guard down, if only for an instant.
They both stepped closer, almost naturally, as if drawn to each other by some unspoken pull. Sana leaned down, her height towering over Ise as her lips slowly inched closer to his, their breath mingling in the brief space between them. Ise could feel the warmth of her skin, the scent of her lingering perfume. Her sharp eyes softened as she got closer, her lips so near he could feel the heat radiating from them, his heart pounding in anticipation.
But then, there was a knock at the door.
Sana's face snapped back to its usual unreadable mask in an instant, her eyes narrowing with a cold, terrifying fury. Ise could practically feel the temperature drop around them. Though her expression was blank, he could see it in her eyes—whoever had interrupted their moment was about to suffer. He mentally hoped it wasn't Issei, knowing full well his brother wouldn't survive this.
Ise took a slow breath, regaining his composure as he turned toward the door, half expecting to see his idiot brother peeking in. But to his surprise, it wasn't Issei. Standing in the doorway, leaning casually against the frame with a soft, knowing smile, was Akeno Himejima.
"Ara ara~" Akeno's voice rang out like honey, smooth and teasing. Her lips curled in that signature, playful smirk of hers as her deep violet eyes locked onto Ise.
Ise couldn't help but stare for a second, taken aback by her sudden appearance. Akeno Himejima, one of the most beautiful and seductive girls in all of Kuoh Academy, was standing right in front of him, her gaze fixed on him with a mix of curiosity and mischief.
And she looked as stunning as ever.
Akeno's sinfully sexy body was the stuff of legends around school, and it was easy to see why. Her long, dark hair cascaded down her back like silk, a few strands falling perfectly over her shoulders, framing her gorgeous face. Her violet eyes glowed with a playful intensity, always hinting at some deeper, mischievous intent.
She wore the Kuoh Academy uniform, but on her, it looked far from innocent. The blouse clung tightly to her hourglass figure, struggling to contain her large, perfectly round breasts, which threatened to spill out from her uniform at any moment. Her skirt sat high on her slender hips, revealing long, smooth legs that seemed to go on forever, each step she took oozing with sensuality. And even though she was dressed appropriately for school, there was something undeniably alluring about the way the fabric hugged her curves, hinting at the incredible body beneath.
Ise's eyes flickered to her chest for just a second—an involuntary reaction at this point—before quickly returning to her face. He swallowed, his mind trying to process what she could possibly want with him.
"Mr. Hyoudou, do you have a moment?"
Ise walked a few steps behind Akeno, trying to calm his nerves. "Nervous" didn't even begin to cover it—he felt like his heart was about to burst out of his chest. His hands were stuffed deep in his pockets, mostly to hide the slight tremble in them. He'd been avoiding this exact scenario for months now, purposely keeping his distance from the supernatural side of Kuoh Academy. Yet, here he was, being led by Akeno Himejima herself to meet the infamous Rias Gremory.
For three months, Ise had stayed under the radar, focusing on mastering his magic. He didn't know much about the supernatural world he'd been reborn into, but he knew enough to stay out of the way. The Devils and their peerages at school were powerful—far more powerful than he was, and the thought of being deemed a threat was a terrifying possibility. If Rias Gremory or any of her peerage members decided to do something to him, he knew he didn't stand a chance. They could snap their fingers, and he'd be helpless.
His magic, though improving, was nowhere near strong enough to protect him. He had been practicing tirelessly, testing himself through trial and error. But without a teacher or guidance, the process was painfully slow. Months of work had yielded only a few usable spells. Sure, some party tricks were fun to throw around, but they wouldn't save him if he got into real trouble. And of the spells he could rely on? He only had two that were even remotely practical, and they weren't exactly world-changing.
Still, he didn't want to appear weak or fearful. So to calm his nerves, he let his eyes drift, focusing on something a little more pleasant than his impending doom. Akeno, walking just ahead of him, provided exactly the distraction he needed. His gaze traced the curve of her hips, noting how they swayed with each step in an effortless, almost hypnotic rhythm. Her body moved with a grace that was both powerful and sensual, and it was impossible not to appreciate it.
Ise had never denied being a pervert. He accepted it. He owned it. Beautiful women were a significant part of what made life worth living, and Akeno was a prime example of why. Even with the knowledge that this woman could electrocute him into oblivion if she wanted, he couldn't help but admire her. There was something about her that drew him in, something magnetic. Maybe it was her confidence, or maybe it was just the way her body seemed to defy logic in its perfection. Either way, he wasn't going to deny himself the pleasure of looking.
As they continued down the hall, the silence between them was surprisingly comfortable. Ise found his tension easing, but it wasn't just because of Akeno's swaying hips. He realized that if they had intended to harm him, they wouldn't have approached like this. No, this felt more like a summons, and while that still wasn't exactly reassuring, it beat being ambushed.
"We're almost there," Akeno's smooth voice broke through his thoughts. Her tone was casual, but there was a hint of something else—like she knew exactly what was going on in his head. He glanced up and realized they were approaching the end of the hallway, where a door marked "Occult Research Club" stood, slightly ajar.
Ise's mind raced as he stared at the door. This was it. The Occult Research Club. He had heard rumors, of course. Who hadn't? But this would be the first time he'd actually come face to face with the group that controlled the supernatural balance in the school. And not just any group—Rias Gremory's peerage.
As they approached, his anxiety flared again. His two reliable spells—one being a basic shield that could absorb a few hits, and the other a form of teleportation that allowed him to move short distances—seemed like child's play compared to what he'd heard Rias's peerage was capable of. He knew he wasn't ready. Not yet.
But that didn't stop the anticipation from gnawing at him. What did they want from him? Why now?
He took a deep breath and tried to push those questions aside. If they were going to throw him into some sort of supernatural initiation, he'd just have to deal with it. He couldn't show weakness. Not here.
As they stopped in front of the door, Akeno turned to him, her eyes sparkling with a mixture of amusement and something else he couldn't quite place. "Nervous?" she asked, her voice teasing.
Ise forced a chuckle, though it came out more awkward than confident. "A little. Not every day you get summoned by Rias Gremory herself."
Akeno's lips curled into a smile, soft and knowing. "Don't worry too much. Rias doesn't bite… unless she has to."
He wasn't sure if she was joking or not, but he decided not to ask. Akeno reached for the door and pushed it open fully, gesturing for him to follow.
"...sure to take care of that weak stray devil that has appeared in our territory recently. I believe its name was Akasu, or something akin to that. It should not be anything to difficult for you, Kiba." The unmistakable voice of the Gremory Heiress came through the door, followed by a short "Understood" by another voice.
The door opened before he and Akeno reached it, and out stepped Yuuto Kiba, The Prince of Kuoh Academy. He blinked as he stepped out, seeing Ise and Akeno there before smiling and nodding to the two.
"Good day," He acknowledged as he walked by, and Ise had to admit, Kiba was a handsome guy. He had never seen the other male up close.
Stepping into the room, Ise was immediately hit by the atmosphere. It felt different from the rest of the school. The Occult Research Club's room was dimly lit, with warm, low light from candles casting long shadows on the walls. The air was thick with an unidentifiable scent—something like incense, but with a darker, more mystical undertone.
As Ise stepped further into the room, his eyes couldn't help but be drawn to the figure sitting in the large chair near the back. Rias Gremory. The crimson-haired devil queen of Kuoh Academy. Her beauty was practically legendary around the school, but seeing her up close was something else entirely. Her long, fiery red hair cascaded down her back in loose, perfect waves, framing a face that looked like it had been sculpted by gods. Her blue eyes shimmered like sapphires, captivating and intense, making it impossible for him to look away.
Rias's body, however, was what truly commanded his attention. She had a voluptuous, hourglass figure, her large, perfectly rounded breasts straining slightly against the fabric of her school uniform. The white blouse and black skirt were deceptively simple, but the way they clung to her curves turned them into something far more seductive. Her hips flared out in a way that made it impossible not to notice, her waist narrow and inviting, leading down to long, shapely legs crossed elegantly in front of her. The way she sat, with such grace and power, only added to her allure.
"Welcome, Hyoudou," Rias said with a warm smile, her voice as smooth as velvet. She gestured to a seat in front of her. "Please, sit down. Make yourself comfortable."
As Ise made his way over, Akeno moved gracefully to a side table and began preparing tea. Ise could feel his nerves bubbling under the surface, no matter how much he tried to calm himself. His eyes flicked around the room, searching for exits without making it too obvious. Rias must have noticed, though, because she chuckled softly.
"You're not in trouble," she said, her tone soothing and kind. "You've done nothing wrong, and I have no intention of bringing you any harm."
Ise stopped, locking eyes with her for the first time. He stared, his mind racing, but Rias held his gaze without flinching. There was something in her eyes—an honesty that he couldn't ignore. Her smile remained gentle, reassuring him without words. They stood like that for what felt like a full minute, Ise searching for any sign of deception or ill intent, but finding none. Just as the tension began to ease, Akeno set down the tea in front of them.
"Thank you," Rias said softly to Akeno before turning her attention back to Ise. "Please, take a seat."
Ise sat down carefully, picking up the teacup and taking a small sip. The warmth of the tea grounded him a little, but his mind was still racing. Finally, he broke the silence. "Why now?" he asked, his voice steady despite the storm of thoughts swirling in his head. "Why approach me now?"
Rias seemed pleased by his directness, her smile widening ever so slightly. "I wanted to give you time," she said, her voice thoughtful. "Time to get comfortable at Kuoh Academy. Time to enjoy yourself and find your place here."
Ise raised an eyebrow, surprised by the kindness in her words. He took another sip of tea, thinking over what she'd said. "That's... surprisingly considerate of you. You and Sona both. I mean, I basically revealed myself on day one, and no one's come after me."
Rias let out a light, melodic giggle, the sound so genuine it made Ise relax a bit more. "It was clear from the start that you were very new to your powers," she said, leaning forward slightly. "You weren't a threat. Just someone trying to figure things out on their own."
Ise scratched the back of his head, a little embarrassed by how obvious it must have been. "Yeah... I guess I'm still trying to figure things out." He hesitated for a moment, then held out his right hand, pulling back his sleeve to reveal his bandaged forearm. "I've been practicing since I was five," he said quietly. "Teaching myself, mostly through trial and error."
Both Rias and Akeno leaned in to examine his arm. The bandages were wrapped tightly, but small bits of his skin peeked through, showing faint scratches and burns from what had clearly been failed spells. Ise flexed his fingers, his expression growing more serious. "Lately, I've been working on conjuring sharp objects. But, as you can see… mixed results."
Rias blinked in surprise, her eyes widening ever so slightly as she took in the sight of his arm. Then, her face lit up with admiration. "You've been teaching yourself? With no guidance whatsoever?"
Ise nodded, though the modest look on his face showed that he didn't see it as anything special. "It's been... rough. But yeah, I've managed to learn a few things on my own."
Rias's smile grew even wider, a look of genuine respect crossing her features. "That's impressive, Ise. Truly. Most young mages would struggle to even use their magic without some form of mentorship. But to be able to use it on your own, without a teacher? That's remarkable."
Ise could feel a faint flush creeping up his neck at the praise, though he tried to downplay it. "Well, it's not like I've mastered anything. It's been a lot of trial and error."
Still beaming, Rias took a sip of her own tea, pausing to compose herself before getting back to the reason they were here. "Ise, now that you've gotten comfortable at Kuoh Academy, and proven that you're not a threat to us, I'd like to make a proposition."
That caught his attention. He placed his cup back on the table and leaned in slightly, curiosity burning in his chest. "Go on," he said, gesturing for her to continue.
Rias met his gaze again, her expression growing serious but still warm. "Before I explain, I need to know how much you understand about the supernatural world. Specifically, do you know what I am? What Akeno is?"
Ise mulled over Rias's question, trying to decide just how much to reveal. Thanks to his knowledge from his previous life, he was well aware of who Rias Gremory really was, her lineage, her role as a devil, and even a bit about the supernatural world beyond Kuoh Academy. But as a young Ise, one who had only been dabbling in magic without formal training, how much could he realistically know? He was in a precarious position—if he lied and they saw through it, the consequences could be problematic. On the other hand, if he told the truth, it might open up an endless series of uncomfortable questions that he wasn't prepared to answer.
Stuck between two undesirable choices, Ise decided to take the middle road.
He looked at Rias, trying to keep his tone even. "I know a bit. Maybe more than I should," he admitted, carefully choosing his words. "But I'd rather not go into details right now. I know that's probably not the answer you were hoping for, but I have my reasons for keeping quiet. I'm not ready to talk about them just yet. I hope that's enough for now."
His eyes dropped to the teacup in his hands, feeling the warmth of the ceramic against his palms. He wasn't sure how she'd take his response—whether it would make her more curious or more suspicious. He braced himself for her reaction, expecting some kind of pushback.
But Rias simply smiled, her demeanor as calm and composed as ever. "That's perfectly fine," she said, surprising Ise. "Everyone is entitled to their secrets. If you're not comfortable talking about it, I won't press the issue."
Her words carried a surprising gentleness, putting Ise more at ease. She shifted slightly in her chair, leaning forward just enough to rest her arms on the table. Her posture caused her large breasts to press against the wood, making them more prominent as her body arched. But her expression was serious, focused. "With that said," she continued, "now that I know you have some understanding of our world, I'd like to make you an offer."
Ise blinked, caught off guard by how quickly she pivoted the conversation. He leaned in slightly, listening intently as Rias outlined her proposal.
"I want to help you learn how to properly use your magic," she said, her tone confident. "I can arrange for you to have a proper tutor, someone who can guide you and help you grow. In return, I'd like your assistance in protecting Kuoh Academy. We've been having issues recently… stray devils, rogue elements from other factions. They've been showing up far too often."
She paused, her eyes locking onto his, making sure he understood the gravity of what she was asking.
"These threats have been keeping us busy," she continued. "So much so that we're having to leave school during class hours to deal with them. It's not sustainable. We're stretched thin."
Ise narrowed his eyes, processing the situation. "So, you need help," he stated plainly, his tone more thoughtful than accusatory.
Rias nodded, clearly appreciating his bluntness. "Yes. We need more people to keep the school—and the town—safe."
Ise's brow furrowed slightly. He had expected her to ask him to join her peerage outright, considering her status as a devil. Instead, she was offering to teach him magic in exchange for his help with something far more mundane—at least by supernatural standards. He couldn't deny that it was a tempting offer, but he needed more information before he could agree to anything.
"What exactly do you mean by 'protect'?" Ise asked, his curiosity piqued.
Rias leaned back in her chair, crossing her arms under her chest. "Stray devils, like I said. Other creatures too. They've been showing up in the area, causing trouble. It's my responsibility to deal with them, but it's been happening too frequently for us to handle on our own. That's why I'm asking for your help."
Ise tilted his head slightly, considering her words. He could feel the gears in his mind turning, weighing the pros and cons of the situation. He wasn't against the idea of helping—especially if it meant learning more magic. But it was a lot to take in.
"And who would be teaching me?" he asked, his curiosity now focused on the most important part of the deal. "You said you'd find me a tutor. Who are you thinking?"
Rias smiled, clearly pleased that he was taking her offer seriously. "I don't have anyone set in stone just yet," she admitted. "But I have several good options in mind. You'll be in capable hands, I can assure you."
For the first time since their meeting began, Ise felt himself relax. He hadn't realized how tense he'd been until the conversation started to shift. His guard, which had been up the entire time, finally began to lower. The idea of having someone properly teach him magic was something he had wanted for so long, and the thought of speeding up his progress was undeniably appealing.
As Akeno moved to take his empty teacup, Ise fell into deep thought, weighing his options. His mind drifted back to the countless hours he had spent struggling to teach himself, the small victories and the many failures. It had taken him years just to develop the little bit of magic he could use now. With proper training, who knew how much faster he could improve?
His decision was clear.
Ise stood up, his mind made up. A small smile spread across his lips as he looked up at Rias, who had also risen from her chair. Her breasts bounced lightly as she straightened, catching his eye for only a moment before he focused back on her face.
"I'm in," he said, extending his hand to her. "When do I start, Gremory-senpai?"
Rias's smile grew even brighter as she reached out to clasp his hand. Her grip was firm, and her eyes shimmered with satisfaction. "Call me Rias," she corrected gently.
Ise gave a playful nod. "Alright. Rias-senpai."
Their handshake lingered for a moment longer before Rias released his hand, her smile still warm and inviting. "I'll get things in motion right away," she promised, her tone full of excitement.
Ise couldn't help but feel a sense of anticipation rising within him. For the first time in a long while, things were getting exciting.
"Now, for a more personal question," Rias began making Ise blink, "Why do you and your brother have such similar names?"
Ise's head dropped comically, "Well, you see my father thought it'd be funny to..."
The sun hung low on the horizon, casting the forest in shades of orange and deep gold, as a lone Stray Devil limped desperately between the trees. It was bleeding profusely from the stump where its arm used to be, the thick scent of blood mixing with the leaves and earth beneath its feet. Its breath came in ragged gasps, each step more agonizing than the last. The creature's panic was palpable, fear and pain twisting its already grotesque face into a pitiful expression. It stumbled, turning its head, eyes wide with terror, as something darted between the trees behind it—a shadowy figure pursuing it without making a sound.
The Stray whimpered, pushing its weakened body forward, but it was clear it wouldn't escape. Fear had overtaken reason, and in one final act of desperation, the devil stopped in its tracks. It spun around, summoning the last remnants of its magic. With a primal scream, it unleashed a wild burst of flame from its remaining hand, the flames roaring toward the trees and the figure hidden among them.
For a split second, the Stray thought it had bought itself a moment of reprieve, but hope quickly turned to horror as the shadow moved through the flames unscathed. The figure was swift, slicing through the fire with precision, and before the Stray could react, a sword pierced cleanly through its chest. The devil's eyes bulged as the blade drove deep into its body, the force of the strike lifting it from the ground.
The Stray devil gasped, gurgling as blood spilled from its mouth. Its eyes locked on its attacker, tears mixing with the blood as it let out a pitiful, broken sob. It was over.
Kiba Yuuto stood over the devil, his sword buried deep in the creature's chest, the blade still gleaming in the fading sunlight. His face remained calm, though his brows were drawn together in a slight frown. With a practiced motion, he wiped a small splatter of blood from his cheek, his eyes never leaving the dying devil as he twisted the sword free from its body.
The devil let out one final, weak cry before its body went limp. Kiba stood silently, watching as the creature's last breath rattled out of its chest, a mixture of pity and frustration flickering across his face. This was the fifth one today, and frankly, he was tired of it.
Kneeling beside the corpse, Kiba took a deep breath and wiped the sweat from his brow. The day's hunt had been long, and while the devil itself wasn't particularly strong, it had been annoyingly slippery. He understood now how the creature had managed to survive without a master for so long, its tactics relying more on running than fighting. In the end, though, it was no match for Kiba's skill and relentless pursuit.
He glanced up at the sky, noting the deepening orange hues and the way the sunlight filtered through the trees. It was growing late, and the day was almost over. As much as he had taken pride in his duty to Rias, today's hunt had been nothing but a chore. A stray devil hardly posed any real threat to someone like him, and the time he'd spent tracking it down felt like a waste. He would much rather have been at school, attending his classes and spending time with his friends in the Occult Research Club.
With a quiet sigh, Kiba reached into his pocket, pulling out a small sealing tag. He laid it on the devil's chest, watching as the seal activated and quickly engulfed the corpse in flames. The body crackled as it was consumed, the fire swiftly reducing it to ash. In moments, there was nothing left of the Stray but a smoldering pile, the remains scattered on the wind.
Kiba lingered for a moment, watching the ash blow away before he finally turned to leave. His sword still in hand, he wiped the blade clean on his sleeve before sheathing it at his side. There was no satisfaction in this kill—no sense of accomplishment. It had been a job, nothing more, and he felt only the faintest twinge of annoyance that the creature had wasted so much of his time.
As he walked through the forest, the rustling of leaves beneath his boots was the only sound that accompanied him.
Thanks for reading ^^
