Chapter 2: Devil's First Days
Groaning a little, I find myself in a not so familiar room, 'Oh right, I'm a devil now...' Getting up, I started the day with stretches, some push-ups and sit-ups for physical conditioning, proceeded some basic katas before heading to the shower. It's a school day, so the others are probably in class, but that doesn't mean I was gonna be lazy all morning.
Right now I'm trying to meditate in the meeting room. Key word 'trying'. I'm the type of guy who always has his thoughts occupied on something, so progress was slow. Devils can use magic right? So, I thought if I try to find my inner peace or whatever the shit it's called, I might be able to use it. There were times when I thought that something was watching me.
'Probably Gasper.'
After what felt like hours, the first person who entered was the vice-president. "Good...", turning my head to the clock for a moment, "... afternoon Himejima-san".
"Good afternoon Daisuke-kun. It seems you're eager to start the day." Akeno replied with the same smile as always.
"I live here for now, who else do you think would be here first?" I deadpanned but a thought just occurred to me.
"Ufufu, someone is energetic. I hope you're ready to get started to work as a devil today." She then went to the kitchen to start preparing the pastries. Guess the Queen's always busy.
"Speaking of work, Himejima-san, can I ask you for a favor?"
"Ara, ara, do you want to ravish me before the others could arrive?" Akeno teased with that sultry look.
"Could you please teach me how to use demonic energy and maybe, japanese when club business is over?" I ignored her obvious teasing. Akeno's the Priestess of Thunder who specializes in different magic spells. The fastest way to learn is to have a teacher to guide you.
Surprised by my sudden request, "Why do wish to learn so soon? You still haven't done any basic work as a new devil."
"Right now Iseei and I are probably the weakest in the peerage. With that fallen angle still out there, I think getting stronger would be a good idea. Plus, I can also help out more if I expand my repertoire." I tried reasoning with her to accept.
She had a thoughtful expression before finally nodding her head, "Very well. I still think it's a bit early for you to start practicing magic, but I think you can handle the beginner's level. And as for japanese, I can lend you some reference books to study. If you have any questions, come ask me anytime."
"Thank you very much Himejima-san. I owe you one." I thanked her with a big grin.
Not long after, Issei came in and gave us a wave, "Morning Daisuke, Akeno-senpai. What are we going to do for today?"
Perfect timing, "Hey Issei, I just asked Himejima-san for some devil training when she's free after club. Want to tag along?"
"Eh, some alone training with Akeno-senpai..." And his grin came before it disappeared and he fell onto his knees, "Wait, I can't. I promised Motohama and Matsuda that we'll watch this new hentai anime later after club. They also want to ask about what it's like to be in the same club as the 'Two Great Onee-samas'."
Yeah, I can imagine what they want to ask, "No problem, you can just join us tomorrow. I doubt I can learn it all in one day." I added while shrugging my shoulders.
"Really? Hell yeah. I'll learn to get stronger, become high-class devil, and finally BECOME THE HAREM KING!"
... If it was anyone else who had shouted that, I would most probably take two steps away from the guy.
"You're goal is perverted. Die."
Koneko suddenly appeared out of nowhere and her insult made Issei deflate at the corner, had an imaginary rain cloud over his head, drew circles on the floor, and mumbled something like, "Sorry, Koneko-sama."
Ladies and gentlemen, the all mighty Sekiryuutei has a long way to go. But then again, I'm not really that confident about my current abilities either.
"Issei, Daisuke. Today you two will be passing out flyers around town." Rias ordered as a stack of flyers appeared with the Gremory symbol on them. "Humans nowadays do not draw magic circles to summon devils, which is why we distribute flyers with a magic circles to allow potential contractors to summon us. Normally, we have our familiars to do this for us but as new servants, you need to start from the beginning."
"Contractors? Is this what you meant by satisfying human desires yesterday?" I kept up my facade as an ignorant rookie.
"Yes, as I said before, by doing as your clients asked you to do, devils receive a reward of equal value. You will also be given points to allow yourself to be promoted. In your case, you will be promoted to mid-class, and eventually high-class. Once you do, you'll have your own servants to do the same."
"Wait, we can have our own servants?" Issei whispered. Oh boy, I know that look on his face, "Does this include girls with big oppai?"
Rias however, just have a calm look, "Yes it does. This method isn't very efficient compared to the other option, but it is the only way you can proceed at your current class."
I decided to ask something while Issei was daydreaming about his personal heaven, "So, how are we gonna do this? We can't just blindly try and give the flyers right? It will just seem weird if it says 'summon a devil to grant your wishes'. I mean, something as suspicious as this will make people more wary of it, instead of gaining their interest. Not to mention, every human would already know about the existence of devils when they found out it works."
Rias smiled at my question with a hint of approval, taking out some kind of round device with a red screen, "This is device that can detect human emotions, greed in particular. Use this to find potential contractors and give them flyers. It also has a wide range that stretches to almost half of Kuoh, it will show people with desires where they live, and you can place a flyer in their mailbox. Once you are summoned, a ritual is needed where the contractor must swear that they will speak of this to anyone to maintain our anonymity."
That piqued my interest, "Then how are our points accumulated?"
"Simple, the greater the contractor's happiness in the results, the more points you accumulate. Once done, the contractor is given a magic paper to give a review on the devil's work, and the paper will then automatically teleport back to the master which is me."
Issei and I then payed close attention on how the device work. It appears to draw out minuscule amounts of demonic energy so only devils can use it. After about 10 minutes, we went to where we can find the most greed in one area, which is the town square.
"Uuughh. Next time we need to give out the flyer where the sun can't burn us." Issei complained as we give out the flyers. We found some people with greed alright, but at the same time we also found our bodies heating up. It's not as bad as yesterday but still hot nonetheless. "How come you're not affected?". Issei questions me as I try to give out another flyer.
"Trust me, I am." I said with some weakness in my voice. "But I can't just let it keep getting to me. Gotta look like I feel alright giving these out. You know, appearance and stuff."
"Can't we just put them in mailboxes now. There isn't many people with desires left." I checked my radar and Issei was right.
"Alright maybe we can. We've already stayed here for a few hours anyway". I agreed, ready to hop on the bike Rias lent me and get out of here.
"Hehe, sooner I finish, sooner I can be- Wait is that..." Issei suddenly squinted his eyes on someone and I saw a girl. She's wearing spectacles, has gold colored eyes and lightly messy brunette hair tied into braids on each side. I tried whacking my brain to remember where I have seen her before. She then saw us, smirking and walking towards us.
"Why hello Hyoudou. I did not expect to see you here. Doing club work? And who's your friend?" The girl asked with a hint of teasing.
"Yeah, I'm spreading about occult stuff for Buchou." Issei then pointed at me, "And this is a club mate of mine." Shit, Issei aren't you giving out too much information!?
"Huh, how come I've never seen you in school before?" The girl asked suspiciously.
Okay, damage control time, "Actually, I'm new around here and will enroll in Kuoh Academy soon. I met Issei a few days ago and he told me about the Occult Research Club. I thought it's kinda exciting to know about the supernatural and got Gremory-san to allow me to enter".
Issei's panicked look went to a relief one when he found out I got myself covered.
"Hmmm, I thought Rias-sempai was pretty selective about her members. Oh well, my name is Aika Kiryuu by the way". Ah, so that's why I thought she was familiar.
"I'm Tan Han Wei, but you can call me Daisuke". I introduced myself with a sheepish smile.
"You're a foreigner? Well, that does explain your different package size... Hmmm not bad". She added with a perverted look not unlike Issei's. My hands instinctively went to shield my crotch.
"Pervert". Damn it, I really need to start remembering the anime, otherwise I'll be in trouble in more ways than one.
"Well, I'll see you at school I suppose. Bye Daisuke, Hyoudou".
After she left, I turn my face to Issei, annoyed by the situation, "Is she always like that?".
"Yeah well, she does that often but you'll get used to it. She always like to tease me, Motohama, and Matsuda. Though I'm not sure whether her dick measuring thing is real." Issei replied before looking a little apologetic, "Sorry about that, forgot about your situation for a second."
"Well whatever, just be more careful next time. At least you didn't mention about my memory lost." I shrugged my shoulders and we got on our bikes. "I'll take the east side of town from here, you take the west. Split up and we can deliver these faster" Issei nodded in confirmation and we separated, ready to get this done for the day.
Fortunately, nothing else happened when I delivered the flyers. Right now Akeno's taking me to the back of the old school building and we reached a clearing. The place is wide enough to shoot some spells, there are some trees to provide cover and a pond at the side. There's also some signs of use here, like scorch marks, some cuts here and there, and holes in the trees. There aren't any animals here to get in the way, but I need to be careful if I want to start using fireballs. Overall, it looks like a good training spot.
"This is where we have our training during our free time. It is protected by a barrier to prevent animals or humans from accidentally walking in here. However, Rias usually takes us to the underworld or her family estate to let us use more destructive spells". Akeno explained, albeit bending down which gave me a good view of her bust. "Now, before we begin, what do you know about magic?"
Magic eh, well I could just tell her everything I know about devil magic and see if I can baffle Akeno for once. But that would just be me doing the opposite of keeping a secret. I'll just go with something general then, "Um, it's like using some sort of energy, then molding it to make a spell."
"Close. But that is how angel magic is used. By using formulas and equations in the form of a magic circle, angles and fallen angles are capable changing the form of their magic to produce the results they want, ranging from creating explosions, to shooting flames. Their magic is somewhat rigid due to needing knowledge on how to direct it, but the success rate is virtually 100% if executed correctly." Akeno explained as she went to lecture mode.
Raising her right hand, a ball of water appeared on her palm, "In contrast to our demonic magic, no such knowledge is required. This is want makes devils so versatile, because demonic magic relies almost solely on imagination to create anything. The clearer the image, the better the results. It also helps if we have already seen an image of what we want to produce. Do you understand so far?"
Staring at the water ball, "Yes, but I have one question. I saw you guys sometimes use that circle in the club room and disappear. Why do you guys need it if you can just imagine to disappear?" That was one of the many things I don't understand in canon, but now I have the chance to find out.
Dismissing her spell, "That is a magic circle we use to teleport to our clients or other locations and back to the club room. While it is true that we can just use our imagination, but teleportation is very risky as we hop from one space to another. It helps to minimize any accidents when some devils do not have the required control to use. Furthermore, premade magic circles will cut the time required to cast the spell."
"I see, think I can try making pre-made circles?". What she just explained sounds like fuinjutsu I've read in Naruto websites. With enough skill and knowledge, I might be able to make one to get back home!
"Ara ara, you haven't even summoned your magic and yet already want to try magic circles. Aren't you an energetic one." Akeno teased.
"Hehe, right. Well in that case, I'm ready to do it, Himejima-sensei." I said with a smirk of excitement.
"Himejima-sensei. You're quite the smooth talker aren't you, Daisuke-kun". Pleased by her new title for a moment, "Now, I want you to close your eyes and focus. The process is similar to how to activate your Sacred Gear. Just imagine your body's aura flowing around you." I did as she instructed. At first nothing happened for the first few minutes, gritting my teeth in concentration, I'm starting to feel annoyed with the lack of success.
"No, don't force it. Relax your body, guide it." Taking a deep breath, relaxing my muscles and tried again. This time I felt a shift in the wind, and some kind of liquid like covering me. "Good, now focus your aura into a single point on top of your hands". Once I did that, out popped a blue mass about 20 cm in diameter until it disappeared.
"You have a good amount of magic. However, you can't maintain bringing it out for long apparently. Try again."
After 30 minutes of magic training later, I thanked Akeno for her lesson. She had to make sure I would we fine using magic without supervision, guess she doesn't want me to blow myself up or something. The barrier is up for 24/7 so right now so I can do my own personal training. Right now, I'm laying on the ground, sweating and panting. Why, you ask? It's simple, I've been testing out what the Double Burst can do.
After many trial and errors, I think I finally grasped the concept of my Sacred Gear. Okay, the strength boost causes a wild red visible aura surrounding me, whereas the speed boost envelops my body with a blue glow. When using both in conjecture, both colors appear. Not exactly good for stealth missions. 'Rias wasn't kidding about the strain, pushing to my upper limits with this thing makes me feel like I had a spar with a bear.'
At my current level, I'm capable of multiplying both strength and speed 5 times more than normal, that's when I used both boosts at once. But for some reason, I can't go beyond x5 individual boosts. Using just one boost doesn't strain my muscles as much as using both, but no matter how hard I try, I just can't go beyond the limit. 'It's like Double Burst won't allow me to access more power until I manage to reach x6 in both strength and speed simultaneously or more. At least there aren't any intervals to reach my max.'
The strain increases proportionally to the amount of power ups. Going from normal to x2 has a steady increase in strain, but beyond that, there's a big jump that surprised me at first. This applies to other whole numbers as well. For example, I need to be prepared for a steep strain if I want to break through x3, x4 or x5. Whereas, between those numbers is just a gradual increase. If I was still human, my limit would probably be around x2.5, x3 if I really push it.
But, the benefits definitely outweighs the cost. I could go from punching holes in trees to breaking rocks. Even though I did face plant a few times with my speed losing control, the lack of excruciating pain gives me an idea of which piece I took up. 'Speaking of control, I've been thinking whether the chakra control exercises work here?'
Theoretically, the concept should work with magic if I apply the experience from those exercises into my spells, with an increase in reserves as a side benefit. 'If I knew I was going to be sent here in the first place, I would have watched High-School DxD just as much as I have watched Naruto Shippuden or Bleach.'
Standing up, I decided that I had enough training for today and went back. However, I face planted again after taking my first step, 'As soon as I regain the feeling back in my legs.'
The next day just happened the same as yesterday, flyer duties and then magic training with Akeno. Except this time, Issei came with us. She gave him the same lecture she gave me. When he tried summoning his magic, I question just how his reserves could be so small; his magic was the size of a grain of rice!
"HUH, THAT'S IT!?". Issei yelled with shock and sadness evident in his tone.
"Ara, ara, this is unexpected... I thought it would be bigger". If I wasn't seeing this unfold, I would have thought that her comment had another meaning. "This could be a problem. You might not be able to make most spells like this". Yeah, considering that he couldn't teleport to the client's house in the anime.
"Then, what do I do!?" Issei almost wailed.
"Just keep expending your magic. Magic works like muscle, by constantly exercising and using your muscles, they will increase in size and strength. Just keep using your magic like you use your muscles." Akeno explained with some strictness in her voice. Huh, she didn't seem that professional with me yesterday.
Dismissing the thought as nothing, I went back to my training- leaf sticking. There isn't any real magic control exercises, just repeatedly train your spells to improve them like in video games. I did meditate more, but decided to try out other methods.
This is what I've come up so far, apparently I need to exert my magic force onto the leaf to resonate with it, in response the leaf will send out an opposite but equal force to stick to my hand like a magnet. Each leaf of different of size, shape, and durability requires different amount of attraction force to stick. Putting too little force and the leaf can't react enough to stick. Putting too much force will overload the leaf and shred it to pieces.
I thought magic was something to use for the impossible, but maybe it is actually used as a catalyst to do the impossible. 'Guess even magic can't bypass the laws of physics.' Once I managed to stick the leaf for about ten seconds, I switched it from my hands to other parts of my body but I don't see any changes in difficulty.
'Alright, next on the agenda.' Spreading out my wings, I gave them a flap to displace some air and managed to get air-borne. Took a while at first since my wing muscles was formed just recently, but after moving them a bit to get a good feel, I managed to take flight. Akeno said something about devils unconsciously channeling magic to the wings to hover in the air without repeatedly flapping them like a bird does. I wanted to stay at low altitude just in case someone sees me or I crash land onto the ground. With another flap, I flew forward, turning around in circles slowly but steadily, feeling the wind hitting my face.
'Holy shit, I never knew flying could be so fun. Aaahh, I feel so free, so tranquil, almost as if I was meant for flying.' It wasn't until a magic circle appeared from the ground with a flash-
"AAAAHH!"
-which made me lost control and had my face collided into a tree with some leaves covering me.
"Oh, Daisuke. Shouldn't you be training instead of lazing under that tree". Rias asked with an innocent voice, but judging by the amused smirk on her face, I'd say she's just bullshitting me.
"Yeah well, it's such a nice day. Why not relax a little and breathe in the fresh air. Never know when you'll have another chance like this." I said with a sarcastic tone, "So, what's up? Came to check up on us or something?"
"Sorry about interrupting your training, but I thought you should start on getting contracts." Third day of being a devil and getting contracts already, well gotta start from somewhere.
"All right! I won't disappoint you Buchou." Sorry to break it to you Issei, but you will once you try to teleport.
"Okay let's go". We all got near Rias and prepared for the jump.
The transition was smooth, it's like the scenery just changed from the clearing to the club room after a flash. 'Damn, wonder how long it took her to learn teleportation magic?'
While Akeno is preparing the circle, Rias is inscribed my and Issei's palms, "Remember what I said, treat your client with respect but if their desires are unreasonable than you have the right to decline. Once you have used this magic circle, it will subsequently allow you to teleport to the client's location without our help as it registers you as one of my servants."
Stepping onto the circle first, I gave a two finger salute to the others, feeling anxious about my first real job, "Wish me luck."
I found myself staring at a window... not what I expected.
"E-excuse me?". I turned around and saw a middle aged lady with long brown hair tied into a ponytail, and a kid around 9 or 10 years old with black curly hair with glasses hiding behind the lady's back. Both of them looked shocked.
'Mother and son?'
"Are you the d-devil we summoned?"
Giving a polite smile and a bow, "Good evening ma'am. I am a devil servant from the Gremory household, my name is Tan Han Wei but you may call me Daisuke if you wish. How may I help you?". Nailed it.
"I honestly thought that this flyer was just a prank made by some children, but it actually works." She said more to herself than to me, "But you do not look like a devil?"
I just casually spread out my wings. Seeing their scared look, I quickly retracted them, "I-I see. I am still finding this hard to believe, but the proof is right in front of me. My name is Takazuchi Mina and this is my son, Takazuchi Haru. Then, could you please clean up our apartment. Usually I would do it, but today I have been very busy and I need to help Haru with his homework." Sure enough, the apartment looks small and has crumpled papers all over the place, and I think I see their kitchen sink filled with dirty dishes.
I gave another bow, "As you wish". I found the broom and dustpan and started to clean the place. Eventually, I found a bookshelf filled with lots of story books. "Are you an avid reader?" Maybe some small talk in between will calm her a little.
"Ah, yes I am. I'm actually an author of some fantasy genre light novels... but they're not very popular". The last part was a whisper, but I heard her clearly.
I took a closer look at her and saw that she's a bit thin with dark bags under her eyes, 'Guess she's doing all she can just to make end's meet.' Separating the recyclables and non recyclables, and went to wash the dishes, "What about your husband, what does he work as?"
"Oh, I'm not married. I adopted Haru when he was just a toddler." she replied.
Just as I was done, I heard her son - Haru was it - spoke, "Okaa-san, I'm hungry".
"Oh no! I forgot to cook dinner. Please wait a little longer, Haru."
Seeing as she was busy, I took a look at the kid and saw that he was working on English. A light bulb appeared in my head, "Hi there Haru. If you need help with English, I can teach you if you want."
He seems hesitant at first, glancing his mother cooking for their dinner, "Okay".
He had problems with his grammar at first, but with my language ability I managed to help him with forming proper sentences and got him to learn some new vocabulary. Eventually, he got curious enough to ask me what it's like to be a devil, and I answered him without giving any sensitive information. I even managed to get him to laugh with the Issei knocking himself out incident. It wasn't long until the client came back and quite surprised with the development.
"Thank you for helping my son. He always try so hard with his studies that I just wish he could have fun a little." It was a bit late and Haru already went to sleep. Smiling sadly, "As a mother, I wish I could do more for him." This is kinda sad really. Call me a sucker if you want, I just can't help but sympathize with their situation. Despite having no blood relation, she truly loves and wants to give Haru a happy childhood like any other children deserves. Besides, something tells me that cleaning their home wasn't exactly their real wish. Then it hit me...
"Takazuchi-san, if you don't mind, I have a suggestion for your new book. It is something I fantasized about when I was a child". After giving some thought, she agreed to hear me out. "It revolves around a red haired swordsman who is an adventurer, he finds himself stranded on an uninhabited island." Finishing my story after an hour or so, she seems quite absorbed into my story. This just confirms that Ys and Falcom don't exist here, though I did ask her to check the internet for something similar for reference just in case.
"I cannot thank you enough for helping me so much. Here, please accept this. It is an old story that was very popular back in the days." I accepted a book with the title 'The Dragon God's Warrior'. Intriguing, I don't have anything to do besides training and working, maybe this might be the pastime I need, it could also help me with learning japanese as a bonus. 'Wonder if it has any relation with Ophis or Great Red?'
I thanked her for the reward, got her to sign a contract, and completed the rest of the procedure. Overall, I think I did a good job. Now, time to report back to the boss.
"Welcome back Daisuke, you sure took your time. Did you get a contract?" Rias inquires as I just nod my head and reported what had happened. "I see your first contract is a great success, congratulations. Keep up the good work."
"Thank you, Buchou. Speaking of which, what happened to Issei?" Pointing at the pale white devil seemingly dying on the couch, he looks like he just went through his own personal hell and his eyes dead to the world, muttering incoherent things like 'not woman'.
A tired look crossed her face, she explained to me what I had already know but the client seems like a muscular, grown man wishing for magical girl powers. I tried imagining it and a felt a chill down my spine. Poor guy had it worse than I could remember, "Cheer up Hyoudou-kun, I'm sure your future clients can't get any worse". Kiba's encouragement holds merit or at least, I don't remember anything worse.
"Shut up ikemen (pretty boy)! You have pretty girls and I got stuck with Mil-tan. You don't know what I've been through. It was so wrong and so horribleeeee!" I could try and snap him out with breasts again, but the fact that there is none might make his already sad mood even worse.
Giving a sigh, I walked up and slapped his back with a bit more force than necessary, "It's only your first client, don't let something like that get in the way of your dreams. You still have plenty of chances." It didn't cheer him up but it did get him to stop looking like a zombie.
Club business soon ended and after some studying on japanese, I went to bed and fell asleep.
Guest-Questioner: Message received and acknowledged.
AN: More of a fluff chapter than anything or think of it as second part of chapter 1. Yes, Double Burst was designed after Double Gear from Mega Man 11. Next chapter will continue canon plot.
Happy Chinese New Year 恭喜发财新年快乐
Ja Ne