Haruki POV
It's been about a day since my infamous multi-day all-nighter ended, and things are… different now. Rias and her crew had looked thoroughly shaken when they found me, barely conscious, scribbling formulas like a man possessed. After that, she decided to amend the terms of our contract.
Flashback
"Haruki, I'm worried about you," Rias said, her voice unusually soft, her crimson eyes filled with genuine concern. "You can't keep doing things like that to yourself."
I waved her off, trying to downplay it. "I was fine, really. And I made tons of progress. If you ask me, it was totally justified."
Akeno stepped forward, her usually teasing demeanor replaced by something more serious. "Haruki-kun, you weren't fine. You were severely dehydrated, sleep-deprived, and one wrong step away from collapsing entirely. Even I have limits, and I'm a devil."
Raziel chimed in, his tone heavy with agreement. "Haruki, for once, I am aligning myself with a devil's logic. Your enthusiasm is admirable, but recklessness will not serve you in the long run."
Traitor.
"From now on," Rias declared, standing tall with an air of finality that left no room for argument, "you are not allowed to conduct your research unsupervised. I understand your passion, and I appreciate your progress, but I refuse to allow you to ruin your health. My peerage and I will take turns ensuring you stay within reasonable limits."
"You can't be serious!" I snapped, sitting upright despite the dizziness that immediately followed. "That wasn't part of the deal!"
Her eyes narrowed, her tone sharp and unyielding. "I am altering the deal. Pray that I do not alter it further."
I blinked, caught between outrage and admiration for her audacity. "First off, fuck you! And second… fine. If you don't budge, I 'won't do any more all-nighters.' Happy now?" My glare could've melted steel, but she met it head-on without flinching.
"Very," she replied simply, the corners of her lips twitching into a victorious smile.
End Flashback
So now I'm stuck under constant surveillance anytime I want to research. My independent exploration of magic is now contingent on having one of Rias's peerage hanging over my shoulder, like a hawk watching its prey. While frustrating, I can't entirely blame her; even Raz agreed, which stung more than I'd like to admit.
But today is a rare moment of peace. Here I am, lying in the grass with my best friends—the ones who don't know about magic, devils, or my dreams of becoming one of the greatest mages of this generation. They just know me as Haruki, the science geek who occasionally drags them into strange experiments.
"You've been quieter than usual," Issei notes, tossing a soccer ball between his hands. "Something on your mind?"
"Probably thinking about his experiments again," Matsuda guesses with a grin. "He's got that mad scientist look in his eyes."
"Or maybe he's finally thinking about joining the land of the living and getting a girlfriend," Motohama chimes in, earning a chuckle from the group.
I roll my eyes, stretching out on the grass. "Yeah, no thanks. I'm married to science—and magic—wait, scratch that, just science."
"Magic?" the group asks.
Thinking quickly I bullshit, "Any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic," I explain away their questions.
Issei, Motohama, and Matsuda all look mortified. "Please tell us you didn't get into philosophy again. I don't want to have a mental crisis every time I see a shampoo bottle again," they all say in sync.
Aika raises an eyebrow. "You know, for a guy who claims to be married to science, you're terrible at explaining your theories in plain terms."
"That's because you lack the intellectual capacity to comprehend greatness," I retort with a smirk, earning a playful shove from her.
The gentle breeze brushes against my face, and for a moment, I let myself enjoy the simplicity of this moment. They don't know about the world I'm now immersed in, but that's okay. This is my anchor, my reminder of who I am beyond the circles and formulas.
Still, a spark of excitement lingers beneath my calm exterior. Soon enough, I'll get to show Rias and her peerage what I've been working on. My progress has been explosive—literally, in some cases—and I can't wait to see their reactions.
The warm afternoon sun bathed us in a lazy haze as we lay sprawled out on the grassy hill, the chatter of students in the distance blending with the sound of birds in the trees. Issei stretched out, sighing contentedly before dropping his usual nugget of wisdom.
"I gotta say, boobs are the best thing ever," he declared, as if he were commenting on the weather.
"Trust me, my man, You and I are on the same page," Matsuda said, nodding sagely, his eyes half-lidded in mock seriousness.
"Me too, but it's all pointless," Motohama sighed, his tone laced with bitter resignation.
As if on cue, a group of girls in gym uniforms jogged by on the track field below. The trio's heads turned in perfect synchronization, as though magnetized, their gazes following the group.
"Matsuda, Motohama, Haruki," Issei began, his eyes still glued to the track, "can you tell me why we enrolled in this school again?"
"To stick with you guys and do science," I replied confidently, my tone devoid of the lecherous undertone that permeated their own musings.
"To prove myself smarter than this dweeb over here," Aika cut in, gesturing at me with a sly grin. "Though I've realized how outmatched I am, so now I just settle for watching your shenanigans."
"Like you don't know," Matsuda scoffed, gesturing grandly at the campus below. "We're in a place that, up until a few years ago, was all chicks."
"We had to take advantage of the female ratio," Motohama added, nodding fervently. "Also, the foreign exchange students here are ridiculous."
"Poon as far as the eye can see," Matsuda said dramatically, spreading his arms wide like he was presenting the Garden of Eden. "We figured hoes would be lining up to get on our jocks, and we wouldn't have to do a damn thing. We'd be drowning in that stank."
"LIKE OUR VERY OWN HAREM!" Issei, Motohama, and Matsuda all leaped to their feet, striking ridiculous poses like they were in some kind of anime opening sequence.
"We were gonna have unprotected sex with hot chicks and never call them back again!" Matsuda shouted to the heavens, his voice echoing as the girls on the track glanced over in confusion. Aika and I exchanged looks before bursting out laughing.
"Well, that was the plan anyway," Issei sighed, deflating as he flopped back onto the grass. "We're in the spring semester of our second year, and the closest one to having a girlfriend is our very own asexual mad scientist."
Kiba walked by at that moment, his perfect smile making a gaggle of girls swoon as he passed. They giggled and whispered excitedly, some even waving.
"Kiba Yuuto," Motohama said, his glasses glinting in the sun as he adjusted them. "Practically every girl in this school wants to sex him up."
"And every guy wants to mess him up," Matsuda finished, glaring in the direction Kiba had gone.
"THAT TOOL!" Issei bellowed, throwing his hands up. "I don't get it! Just because he's hot, successful, really smart, and the second coolest guy in school, they all want to rub up on him!"
"Wait, who's the first?" Aika asked, raising an eyebrow as she turned to Issei.
Issei pointed directly at me, his finger trembling with mock accusation.
"The guy sitting next to you, who I'm pretty sure knows how to build a nuke from scratch,"
"Nyeh-heh-heh, uranium go boom," I said in my best mad scientist impression, cackling as I clasped my hands together.
"Life really does blow sometimes," Issei groaned, his despair spreading to Matsuda and Motohama, who both let out matching sighs of defeat.
"Oh shit, I'm gonna be late," Matsuda said suddenly, scrambling to grab his bag. His panicked expression turned into a pervy grin that sent a chill down my spine.
"Late for what?" Issei asked, confused.
Matsuda's grin widened as the gears clicked into place for the other two. Without another word, all three took off like bats out of hell.
"So, we're gonna watch them get their asses kicked, right?" I asked, already standing and dusting myself off.
"Yup," Aika replied, smirking as she grabbed her bag. Together, we trailed after the trio, ready to witness the inevitable disaster.
The chaos started with Matsuda and Motohama crouched by the infamous "peephole" in the Kendo locker room, their backsides bumping against each other as they jostled for position.
"Murayama's jugs, they're so freaking huge," Matsuda whispered in awe, his face practically glued to the hole.
Meanwhile, Motohama, ever the stats enthusiast, was busy rattling off her three sizes with mechanical precision. "84,70, 81… truly a masterpiece of biology," he murmured, sounding like a professor admiring a fine work of art.
"And Katase's legs are crazy," Matsuda added, only for Motohama to immediately start reciting her stats like a living spreadsheet.
From where Aika and I stood, all we could see were two idiots wiggling their butts in the air, completely oblivious to how ridiculous they looked.
"Peeping Tom and Butt Bumper, the tragic heroes of Kuoh," I quipped, causing Aika to snicker.
"I call it the tit hole," Matsuda whispered reverently, as though bestowing a title on some ancient artifact.
"Guys, it's my turn! No fair!" Issei whined, tugging on Matsuda and Motohama like a toddler fighting for a toy.
However, inside the locker room, the Kendo girls started to sense the disturbance in their sanctuary. Murmurs turned to shouts, and soon, the dreaded realization dawned on them: someone was watching.
"Dude, RUN!" Matsuda yelped, shoving Motohama aside and bolting, leaving Issei sprawling on the ground.
In that moment of betrayal, Issei's eyes widened as he turned to face the full wrath of the Kendo team.
"Well, well, what a surprise," Murayama said, stepping forward with a grin that spelled doom. Her twin tails swayed as she adjusted her grip on her shinai, her ample figure radiating fury.
"Murayama, I swear it wasn't me!" Issei stammered, sweat pouring down his face.
"ISSEI, YOU PERV!" Katase shouted, her pink hair bouncing as she stormed forward. Her toned legs carried her with the deadly grace of a panther, her shinai practically humming with righteous vengeance.
And then, like a pack of wolves, the entire Kendo team descended upon Issei with a chorus of furious war cries. Shinai swung and Issei's pleas turned to screams as the justice of Kuoh Academy was served.
Aika and I stayed back, enjoying the spectacle with unbridled glee.
"You'd think they'd learn by now," I remarked, smirking as Issei's cries echoed across the schoolyard.
"Honestly, it's like their brains shut off the moment they see gym uniforms," Aika added, shaking her head but clearly entertained.
As the school bell rang, signaling the end of lunch, Murayama pointed her shinai in our direction, her anger now redirected.
"And what in the fresh hell do you two think you're doing, just sitting there watching?" she demanded, her accusatory tone sharp.
"Yeah, Aika, how could you let these loser pervs defile our bodies with their disgusting eyes?" Katase added, crossing her arms.
Aika shrugged nonchalantly. "Because we knew you'd catch them, and like the true friends we are, we stayed to enjoy the show. That's the kind of loyalty that separates regular friends from best friends."
Murayama's jaw dropped. "You're unbelievable!" she shouted, turning her attention to me.
"Well, guess what, you damn dork? I'm going to do the same to your scrawny ass!" she declared, gripping her shinai with a menacing aura.
I stepped forward, narrowing my eyes dramatically. "Oh, you're approaching me? Instead of running away like a little coward, you're coming right at me?"
"I can't beat the crap out of you unless I get closer!" Murayama shot back, lowering into a combat stance.
"Well," I said, smirking. "Remember, revenge is beneath me, and accidents do happen. So keep that pretty head on a swivel, until next time, douche-canoes!"
And with that, I turned on my heel and bolted, leaving a flabbergasted Murayama in my wake. Aika burst out laughing, clutching her sides as I disappeared into the crowd.
"Classic Haruki," she managed between giggles.
The bell echoed through the halls as the other students shuffled back to their classrooms. I strode past the Kendo girls, their glares practically burning holes in my back. I gave them a cheeky grin just to mess with them. That's when it struck me—this would be my life from now on dodging shinai-wielding maniacs and diving headfirst into the world of magic…supervised, of course.
The clubroom door creaked open, revealing Rias lounging gracefully at her desk, her signature sly smile in place.
"Welcome back, my little mage. Come to continue studying?" she asked, her tone teasing.
"Yeah, yeah, laugh it up," I grumbled, brushing past her as I slumped onto the couch. The fact that I now had a babysitter every time I wanted to research magic was still a sore spot for me.
Rias's smile softened, though, and she stood to retrieve a stack of books. "I'm doing this for your own good, you know," she said. "And besides, I have some good news for you. The rest of the books you requested have arrived." She gestured to a large pile on the table. "While some branches of magic are currently beyond my reach to procure, I managed to get what I could."
My eyes lit up like a kid on Christmas morning. "Rias, I could kiss you right now!" The words escaped before I could filter them, and I saw her cheeks flush a soft pink.
"Aww," came a familiar sing-song voice from behind me. "What about little old me? Don't I deserve a kiss too?" Akeno teased, leaning close with a playful smirk.
I had spent days enduring her relentless teasing and flirty comments, but today was the day I decided to turn the tables.
I straightened up, adopting the most innocent, wide-eyed expression I could muster. "Ara ara," I cooed, mimicking her sultry tone, "is Akeno-senpai going to devour my innocent self?"
The effect was immediate and glorious. Akeno froze mid-step, her eyes wide with shock, her mouth agape as if she'd seen a ghost. Rias's own jaw dropped as she looked between me and her best friend, clearly unsure whether to laugh or intervene.
"Uh… Akeno? You okay there?" I asked, tilting my head and scratching the back of it. Her usual teasing demeanor was nowhere to be found.
"You should really close your mouth," I added with a smirk. "Wouldn't want something to fly in."
Akeno snapped her jaw shut, her face a mix of surprise and… was that embarrassment? For once, the ever-composed Akeno looked completely flustered.
"Rias," she said abruptly, her voice unusually soft and subdued. "May I be excused for a moment?"
Rias blinked, still processing what had just unfolded. "Uh… sure. Are you okay?"
Without another word, Akeno spun on her heel and practically floated out of the room, her steps quicker than usual.
I glanced at Rias, who was still staring at the door Akeno had disappeared through. "So… did I break her?" I asked, half-joking.
Rias gave me a long, scrutinizing look before sighing. "Haruki, I don't know what you just did, but congratulations—you managed to fluster Akeno Himejima. That's no small feat."
I couldn't help but grin. "Well, I'd call that a win. Now," I said, turning my attention back to the books, "let's see what new spells I can master to blow your minds."
Rias shook her head, a faint smile playing on her lips as she sat back down. "Just try not to break anyone else while you're at it."
I reached for the top book in the stack, its leather-bound cover embossed with silver lettering that read: "Basics of Force Magic." My pulse quickened as I traced the title with my fingers.
"Rias," I called, barely containing the excitement bubbling up inside me. "Is force magic what I think it is?"
Rias smirked knowingly, leaning back in her chair with a look that screamed I already know you're about to dive into this headfirst. "Yes, it's exactly what you think. Manipulating physical forces through magic. I'd say your background in physics and engineering might actually make you a natural in this field."
Her words lit a fire in me. The potential applications—momentum, inertia, gravity—were endless. My mind raced with possibilities. My lips curled into a maniacal grin. "Can you send the rest of these books to my room? I'm going to focus on this one for a while."
Before Rias could respond, Akeno walked back into the room, her serene smile fully restored. She looked like her usual self, but there was a faint blush in her cheeks that betrayed her lingering fluster.
"Apologies," Akeno said, her tone light and teasing once more. "It's just that no one's ever managed to turn the tables on me like that. I was… caught off guard."
Rias raised an eyebrow at her queen but quickly moved on. "Akeno, could you send the rest of these books to Haruki's room for him?"
Akeno tilted her head, giving her best friend a suspicious look. "Is this because you just want to read the next volume of Drag-So-Ball Super without interruption?"
Rias froze, her composure breaking as a deep blush spread across her cheeks, as vivid as her crimson hair. "It's not my fault!" she whined, crossing her arms defensively. "The Drag-So-Ball universe is the strongest there is, and Kogu is about to go Super Ki Mode! I've been waiting for this for weeks!"
I couldn't resist. Without even looking up from the first page of Basics of Force Magic, I casually added, "That's factually incorrect. Sure, Drag-So-Ball is strong, but Category Lunar is conceptual. They'd crush Drag-So-Ball with pure narrative absurdity."
Silence.
I looked up to find Rias staring at me, her jaw slightly agape. Then, her eyes narrowed, and her face set in a look of sheer determination. "What… did you just say?" she demanded, her voice laced with indignation. "How dare you compare the two verses! Kogu and Geveta could obliterate anything in the Sanu Verse! They're literal gods!"
I set the book aside, feeling the adrenaline of a debate on the horizon. "Literal gods are one thing," I countered, "but Category Lunar operates on a level beyond even universal destruction. They wield conceptual powers that transcend physicality and logic. Good luck punching a concept."
And so began an hour-long debate that spiraled into calculations, power-scaling arguments, and heated exchanges. At one point, I dragged out my notebook and started jotting down equations, mapping out how much energy it would take for Kogu's Super Ki Mode to destroy a hypothetical conceptual entity. Akeno, for some reason, got very close to me and made faint touches to my body, watching us with barely contained amusement, her eyes flicking between the two of us like a spectator at a tennis match.
Finally, after a particularly passionate rebuttal from Rias involving Kogu's speed feats, she threw her hands up. "Fine! We'll call it a draw. But you better believe I'm going to find more evidence to prove Drag-So-Ball is the superior verse."
"Deal," I said with a smirk, leaning back in my chair. "But you'll be eating your words when I prove that Category Lunar outpaces them in sheer ridiculousness."
As the debate died down, I turned back to my book, excitement bubbling within me. I couldn't wait to master this branch of magic and showcase my progress to Rias and her Peerage. This was only the beginning, and I was determined to make every spell count.
By the time we finished, the school day had come to a close. I packed up my things and started heading home, the weight of books and notes balanced in my bag. The evening light bathed the streets in a warm golden glow, casting long shadows from the trees that lined the path. It was the kind of tranquil moment that made you forget, even briefly, about all the chaos of the supernatural world.
But tranquility has a funny way of being short-lived.
"Excuse me?" A soft yet confident voice called out from the side of the street. I turned toward it, my curiosity piqued.
The source of the voice was a tall, striking woman who looked a little older than me. She had a graceful elegance about her, from the way she carried herself to the gentle smile on her face. Her long, navy-blue hair cascaded down her back, partly obscuring one of her warm brown eyes. Her figure was… well, let's just say it demanded attention, especially when she leaned forward slightly, causing her ample chest to draw focus.
"You're Haruki Toshiro, correct?" she asked, her voice lilting but direct.
I blinked, caught off guard. "Yeah, that's me. Can I help you?" My tone was polite but cautious. I'd never met her before, but there was something oddly familiar about her—like a puzzle piece that almost fit but not quite.
"My name is Maki, I've been watching you for a while," she said, her tone smooth and unassuming, "and I think you're really cute. I was wondering if you'd like to go on a date with me?" She leaned down slightly as she spoke, her posture unintentionally—or intentionally—offering a prime view of her… assets.
Raziel's voice cut through my thoughts like a knife. "Haruki, be warned. She is a fallen angel."
My body tensed. A thousand scenarios ran through my mind at once. This couldn't be a coincidence. A fallen angel asking me on a date? There was no way this was just a casual encounter. But then again, rejecting her outright might signal that I knew what she was, and that could escalate the situation. On the other hand, accepting would give me a chance to figure out her motives, though it might also put me in significant danger.
Then there was that nagging feeling—that odd sense of familiarity. It was faint but persistent, like a melody I couldn't quite place. Against my better judgment, curiosity outweighed caution. I decided to roll the dice.
"Sure, why not," I said, keeping my tone light.
"Haruki, you imbecile," Raziel groaned, his frustration palpable.
The woman's smile widened into something almost radiant, and before I could react, she pulled me into a hug. My face, thanks to our height difference, ended up directly nestled between her soft, plush peaks. The heat rising to my face had nothing to do with magic.
"Thank you so much! You won't regret this," she chirped, her voice filled with genuine—or maybe practiced—excitement. She stepped back, her brown eyes twinkling. "This Sunday, alright?"
I nodded, still caught in the whirlwind of the moment. "Yeah, that works."
"Haruki, are you sure this is your choice?" Raziel's voice was sharp but concerned. "She may very well be here to kill you."
Raz, just listen for a second. That strange sense of familiarity wasn't going away. I couldn't shake the feeling that I knew her from somewhere. If she wanted to harm me, she could've tried already, right?
"That feeling you're describing," Raziel mused, his tone softening into something more thoughtful, "could it be her voice? Is that what feels familiar to you?"
I paused, considering. It actually made sense. Her voice did seem to resonate in a way that tugged at some distant memory. But where could I have heard it before?
Then it hit me like a thunderbolt. "Me and my bleeding heart… Don't worry, kid. I'm going to help you." The memory of my first foray into the supernatural world replayed in my mind. That night in the warehouse when I was nearly killed, there had been a voice—the one that had called the ambulance.
"Raz, do you think she could be the voice from that night? The one who saved me?" I asked, the pieces starting to fall into place.
"The voice does align," Raziel admitted cautiously. "But we have no concrete proof. It seems the… 'date' will have to go on for us to uncover the truth."
"Looks like I've got my Sunday plans sorted," I muttered, my mind already racing. Whether she was here to harm me, help me, or do something else entirely, one thing was certain: I wasn't going to let this mystery go unsolved.
The Next Day
I have a few days before my "date," and I plan to use that time wisely—arming myself with knowledge and magic. Of course, Raz wouldn't let me continue pushing myself into the red, so I was "forcibly convinced" to get a good night's rest first. Begrudgingly, I complied, and today, refreshed and ready, I'm back in action.
Heading out to school, I notice something strange: I'm alone. Usually, one of my friends would show up on the way, and Matsuda or Motohama would usually tag along to share their latest exploits—or failures—with girls. Yet today, the streets are eerily quiet. I shrug it off and keep moving.
As I approach the school gates, I'm met with an unusual and loud scene.
"This is MY girlfriend, Amano Yuuma!" Issei announces with a mix of pride and disbelief, gesturing dramatically toward the girl standing beside him.
My other friends stand frozen, jaws practically on the ground. Matsuda's face looks like someone just stole his lottery winnings, and Motohama's glasses have almost fogged up from sheer astonishment.
The girl, Amano Yuuma, has a slender figure and an almost ethereal quality. Her school uniform is a dark red jacket embroidered with a gold "P," a white undershirt with a red bow, and a green skirt with a thin white strip along the hem. The outfit is eye-catching, but something nags at me: there isn't a school in this area with a name starting with "P."
Maybe it's a hand-me-down from an older sibling? Or... something else?
"NO WAY, MAN! HOW COULD YOU PULL SUCH A BADDIE?" Matsuda roars, breaking the silence, his hands gripping his head in anguish.
"Her three sizes are perfect. PERFECT!" Motohama adds as if reciting from a holy scripture.
"It's a Pleasure to meet you," Yuuma says while bowing.
I raise an eyebrow at the display. "Can someone explain what's going on here?"
Everyone turns to face me, and Issei practically bounces over, puffing his chest out in triumph. "Haruki, you won't believe this! I GOT A GIRLFRIEND! Before anyone else in the group! And guess what? SHE ASKED ME OUT!" He leans in, a smirk splitting his face. "We're going on our first date this Sunday."
I blink at him for a moment, processing the absurdity of the situation. "Neat. I've got a date this Sunday too," I say nonchalantly, brushing past him.
The effect is immediate. Issei, Aika, Motohama, and Matsuda freeze mid-movement like someone hit pause on a badly dubbed drama.
"You," Motohama starts slowly, his voice filled with disbelief, "the man married to math and science… got a date?"
"Yup," I reply casually. "Some girl stopped me on the way home, asked me out, and was kinda pushy about it. Figured, why not?"
"DAMN YOU, CRUEL WORLD!" Matsuda and Motohama scream in unison, shaking their fists toward the sky as if cursing the heavens themselves.
Aika, who had been silent, looked at me with surprise before glancing down, her expression unreadable.
Meanwhile, Raziel's voice cuts into my thoughts. "Haruki, your friend's companion also radiates the aura of a fallen one. This could support the assassination theory."
Noted, I reply silently, filing the information away for later. While Raz's warnings are serious, I decide not to ruin Issei's moment. Instead, I smile and clap him on the back. "Congrats, Issei. You deserve it, man."
"Thanks, Haruki!" Issei beams, the joy practically radiating off him. "Good luck on your date too!" With that, we head to class. Amano Yuuma gives a sweet goodbye to Issei before heading off to her mysterious "school."
During lunch, Issei corners me at my desk, practically bouncing with excitement. "Yo, Haruki, I need your brain for something."
"That's a dangerous request, but go on," I say, setting down my bento.
"Can you help me plan my date? You're, like, the smartest guy I know, and I don't wanna screw this up," Issei pleads, clasping his hands together like he's praying.
I tap my chin in thought before giving him a sly grin. "Sure, but be ready for the mountain of paper I'm about to throw at you. I'm not letting Murphy's Law ruin your big day."
Issei looks confused. "Murphy's what?"
"Murphy's Law: 'Anything that can go wrong will go wrong.' So, we're gonna plan for everything," I reply. "Your date will have routes, alternate routes, every attraction in the local area mapped out, a list of restaurants and cafés that fit your budget, and even emergency scenarios. I'll have it ready by tomorrow so you have time to memorize it."
Issei stares at me, his mouth hanging open. "Uh, thanks, I guess? That sounds... intense."
"Don't thank me yet. You've unleashed the beast," I reply, cracking my knuckles as my mind starts formulating the ultimate dating plan. Even if this is a potential trap, my best friend deserves nothing less than the perfect first date.
Motohama and Matsuda overhear our conversation, and Motohama grins. "Man, Haruki's gonna make Issei's date feel like a presidential campaign. We should've asked for his help sooner!"
"Too late, losers," Issei brags. "This is gonna be the best date ever, thanks to my genius best friend."
And just like that, my evening plans are set—helping my idiot friend impress a girl who might not even be human. What could possibly go wrong?
After School
The bell rings, signaling the end of another day. As I pack up my books, I fire off a quick text to Rias, notifying her of my plans to study and dive deeper into Force Magic tonight. I made it clear I'll be working from home. Knowing her, she'll insist on sending Akeno or Koneko to supervise, but at least I'll get some peace and quiet until then.
With my bag slung over my shoulder, I head home. The walk is peaceful, the kind of serenity you rarely notice during a hectic school day. Birds chirp faintly as the golden hues of the setting sun filter through the trees lining the streets. A light breeze rustles the leaves, brushing against my face like a calming reminder that, despite everything, life moves on.
When I get home, I step into the kitchen, where Mom is busy chopping vegetables for dinner. The savory aroma of simmering broth fills the room.
"Hey, Mom," I call, dropping my bag by the door. "I've got news."
She looks up from her cutting board, an eyebrow raised. "What kind of news? Did you finally blow up the school with one of your experiments?"
"Nope, even better. I've got a date this Sunday," I announce, trying to sound casual but unable to hide the slight smugness in my voice.
Mom freezes, the knife hovering mid-chop. Slowly, she turns to me, her eyes wide with shock. "A date? You?"
"Gee, thanks for the vote of confidence," I reply dryly, crossing my arms. "Yes, me. And before you start planning my wedding, it's just a first date."
She sets the knife down and steps closer, her expression shifting to one of equal parts excitement, bewilderment, and suspicion. "Okay, spill. Who is she? Where are you going? What are you doing?"
I sigh, knowing there's no avoiding this interrogation. "Fine, here's the plan: we're meeting at the park first to talk and get to know each other. If we find some common ground, we'll head to this café Aika recommended for lunch. After that, we'll hit the arcade for some fun before ending the day on that hill I like to stargaze at."
Mom stares at me for a moment, her expression unreadable. Then, she smiles—a proud, almost teasing grin. "For someone who's never shown interest in dating before, you sure put a lot of thought into this. Are you sure you've never secretly been on a date?"
I roll my eyes. "Mom, have I ever done anything half-cocked? I plan for everything. You know that."
"That's true," she admits, shaking her head with a chuckle. "Well, I'm happy for you, sweetheart. But promise me two things."
"Shoot."
"First, when it goes well—and I know it will—make sure to introduce me properly. I want to meet this mystery girl."
"Noted," I reply, grabbing a bottle of water from the fridge.
"Second, take your taser. You're still my baby, and I don't want anything bad happening to you."
I pause, halfway up the stairs, and give her a small smile. "I will, Mom. Thanks."
Once I'm in my room, I drop my bag on the floor and survey the stack of books Rias had sent over earlier. But first, there's the matter of Issei's date plan. I grab a fresh notebook and sit down at my desk, flipping open my laptop for additional research.
"Raz, you ready to help me with this?" I ask.
"Planning a date for another mortal? A curious undertaking, but I'll assist as best I can."
"Good. We're making this foolproof."
Over the next two hours, I sketch out a meticulous plan for Issei's date. It includes mapped-out routes to each destination, alternate paths in case of traffic, conversation prompts to keep things flowing, a list of nearby restaurants and attractions, and even contingencies for bad weather. By the time I'm done, the notebook looks like something straight out of a military tactical handbook.
"That should do it," I say, leaning back in my chair and cracking my knuckles.
"If only he were half as prepared as you, Haruki." Raziel's tone is amused, but there's a note of admiration in it.
"Yeah, well, Issei's my best friend. He deserves at least one successful date before the apocalypse comes knocking."
Satisfied with my work, I set the notebook aside and turned my attention to the book sitting at the top of the stack: Basics of Force Magic.
After waiting a bit, A magic circle forms in the center of my room, and Akeno appears in a flash of light.
"I have arrived my adorable Kohai, Rias said you wish to focus on force magic correct?" Akeno says while still teasing me.
"Yup," I respond.
"Time to dive in," I murmur, cracking open the book and immediately becoming engrossed in its contents.
Picking up the book on Force Magic, I skim past the lengthy, wordy introduction that praises the potential of manipulating physical forces—written with more flair than substance. Finally, I landed on the first spell theory: Telekinesis.
"So the basic theory is applying a force-couple system to the center of mass on the object and then adjusting the values to allow it to move in a 3D space," I mutter, summarizing the concept as I furiously jot notes in my research journal.
Giving the text a second and third read-through to ensure I understand the nuances, I prepare for my first practical test.
"Alright, a mug weighing 350 grams with a diameter of 8 centimeters, no liquid inside. Assuming no major imperfections affecting the center of mass, it should roughly align with the center of the inner diameter. Begin test one," I narrate to myself as a magic circle flares to life in my palm.
The mug glows faintly, enveloped in the spell's outline. Slowly, it begins to lift and follow the motions of my hand. I guide it to the right, then back, and the mug obeys each movement with reasonable precision.
"Test 1 complete. Movement in the XY plane is a success. Now shifting to test 2, incorporating the Z axis," I say, voice tinged with excitement. With deliberate care, I raise my hand upward. The mug ascends, albeit with a slight wobble.
"That instability is likely due to human error," I mutter, making a mental note to refine my control.
"Ara ara, aren't you a prodigy," Akeno's voice chimes from behind me. I glance back to see her leaning against the doorframe, her usual teasing smile plastered across her face. She strolls in, curiosity gleaming in her eyes.
"Impressive work, Haruki," Raziel congratulates, his tone warm but measured.
"Thanks, but honestly, the spell's kind of... boring," I admit, turning back to the hovering mug. "It's clunky. You're limited by the object's weight, and there's no dexterity. No articulation. It's like using a sledgehammer to do a surgeon's job."
I slump back into my chair, the mug clattering lightly onto the desk as I end the spell. Akeno tilts her head, intrigued. "Oh? And here I thought you'd be thrilled. What's missing?"
I sit there, spinning a pen between my fingers as my brain chews over the problem. Suddenly, a memory from my past life surges to the surface—rolling dice, crafting plans, and conjuring fantasy worlds. The imagery of adventurers manipulating spectral hands to perform precise actions clicks into place like a key in a lock.
"Hands," I say, the corners of my mouth curving into a grin. "Humanity's most significant advancements came because of our hands. Every tool, every machine—it all boils down to the dexterity and articulation our hands provide. So why not create a spectral hand that mimics my own?"
Raziel, intrigued, speaks up. "That is an ambitious deviation. Would you like me to provide a structural analysis of your hand to use as a model?"
Yes, please, I reply in my head, holding out my hand.
Within moments, Raziel scans my hand's structure, the mechanics of its joints and tendons searing into my mental archive. With a clear blueprint, I grab my notebook and begin sketching a new spell circle designed to conjure a spectral hand.
The process takes over 15 minutes of furious scribbling, erasing, and fine-tuning. Akeno peers over my shoulder, her long hair brushing lightly against my arm—a distraction I try my best to ignore.
"Let's begin the experiment," I announce with barely contained glee.
Test after test follows, each one bringing incremental improvements. By the time I reach Test 43, the room is scattered with crumpled notes, spilled ink, and one triumphant mad scientist. "Alright, Test 43: Begin," I declare.
This time, as the magic circle flares to life, a glowing, translucent hand materializes in the air. I flex my fingers experimentally, and the spectral hand mirrors my movements perfectly.
"Yes!" I hiss, moving the hand toward the same mug from earlier. The spectral fingers wrap delicately around the handle, gripping it firmly before lifting it into the air.
"Pfffft—HAHAHAHAHAHA! It worked! Hell to the freaking yes!" I exclaimed, throwing my arms in the air in celebration.
Akeno stands frozen for a moment, astonishment written across her face. Then, her usual sly smile returns as she crosses her arms. "I wonder what you're going to use that for, mad scientist-kun," she teases, leaning in slightly.
"Wouldn't you like to know," I retort, grinning ear to ear as I marvel at the floating hand's capabilities.
Raziel chimes in, his tone half-amused, half-proud. "A remarkable innovation, Haruki. You've turned an ordinary spell into a versatile tool. This could prove invaluable."
"Damn, straight it will," I reply, still riding the high of my success. "Just wait until Rias sees this."
As I watch the spectral hand gently place the mug back on the desk, a wave of excitement washes over me. This is only the beginning.
Sunday Morning
After handing Issei a meticulously planned guide for his own date on Friday, and enduring Mom's enthusiastic wardrobe trial on Saturday, the much-anticipated dawn of my date had finally arrived.
I texted "Miki" to meet me at the park, my nerves a curious mix of excitement and caution. Sitting on a bench, I watched the early risers jog by, trying to calm myself as I waited. A few minutes later, she appeared, her figure silhouetted by the morning sun.
She wore a tight-fitting purple outfit that accentuated her curves, with her bust prominently on display. Her long, navy-blue hair shimmered slightly as it swayed with each step. She greeted me with a cheerful smile that seemed disarmingly genuine.
"Sorry about that, did I make you wait long?" she asked, her tone playful yet apologetic.
"Nah, not by much," I replied, standing up to meet her. "Anyway, let's have a chat." I gestured toward the bench. "Tell me about yourself, Miki."
"Well," she began, brushing a strand of hair from her face, "I was born in Hokkaido but raised in Shibuya. I love to read—my father worked at a library—and I have a passion for fashion if you couldn't tell." She winked, a mischievous smile playing on her lips. "What about you?"
"I was born in Tokyo and spent most of my childhood there," I replied. "My dad really inspired me to take up science, and now I'm obsessed with it. Experimenting and discovering new things is kind of my life."
"Your dad sounds great," she said warmly.
I looked down for a moment, the fond memories stirring a bittersweet ache in my chest. "Yeah... he was the greatest."
Sensing the shift in my tone, she offered a quiet apology, but I quickly brushed it off, shifting the conversation back to lighter topics. Despite myself, I found the conversation enjoyable, though Raziel was silently scanning her words.
"Haruki, most of what she says is fabricated. The library part is genuine, but the rest? Falsehoods." Raz's voice echoed in my mind, a reminder to stay cautious.
We left the park and strolled to a quaint cafe in the shopping district. Once seated, we gave our orders: an egg sandwich and a cup of coffee for me, and a fruit parfait with milk tea for her.
"So you like coffee, huh? Makes sense if you're spending all your time studying and experimenting," Miki said, taking a sip of her tea.
"Caffeine is pretty much my lifeblood at this point," I joked as our orders arrived.
The meal was pleasant, and we chatted about everything from her favorite books to my experiments. By the end of it, we were laughing and smiling, and the atmosphere was surprisingly comfortable. Even Raziel noted her emotions seemed genuine, though a lingering guilt shadowed her demeanor.
Next, we hit the arcade, where a playful rivalry quickly developed. I obliterated her in the rhythm and dance games, only for her to completely dominate me in the shooting games. Her aim was unnervingly precise, each shot landing with deadly accuracy.
"I didn't know I was dating a marksman," I joked, earning a triumphant grin from her.
"Guess you have to step up your game, Mr. Scientist," she teased back.
We exited the arcade as the sky transitioned to a deep orange hue, the fading sun giving way to the first twinkles of starlight.
"Hey, I want to show you something," I said, grabbing her wrist gently and leading her toward a familiar path.
"Where are we going?" she asked, her tone curious but calm.
"You'll see soon," I replied with a grin. We wove through a cluster of trees, the city lights dimming behind us, and emerged into a clearing atop a hill. The stars above were breathtaking, untainted by light pollution.
"This is where I come to stargaze," I explained, gesturing to the expanse of sky. "I bring my telescope here sometimes. There's just something about looking at the cosmos that makes everything else feel small."
Miki's eyes softened as she gazed upward, touched by the gesture. But then her expression faltered, a hint of sadness creeping in.
Before she could speak, I cut her off, turning to face her. "Before you ask, I need an answer from you," I said, my tone resolute.
"Were you the voice from that night when I fought the stray devil?"
Kalawarna POV
This date has been... nice. More than nice, actually. It's been a long time since I've felt this at ease. But that only makes what I have to do all the more painful.
Saving this kid from dying was one thing, but now I'm supposed to kill him? The thought twists in my stomach. Just as I'm about to steer the conversation toward my mission, he blindsides me.
"Were you the voice from that night when I fought the stray devil?" he asks, his heterochromatic eyes boring into me like they could see straight through my soul.
I freeze. How does he know? I cast a mind-wipe spell. There's no way he should remember me.
"Well? Were you?" he presses, his gaze unwavering. The silence stretches unbearably, and I can feel my resolve cracking under the weight of it.
Finally, I sigh, shoulders slumping in defeat. "Kid, I don't know how you know this stuff—or how you even remember me. But yeah, I was the one that night," I admit.
"I knew it," he says, a relieved smile spreading across his face. "Thank you for that. You didn't have to, but you saved me, so... truly, thank you."
Is he thanking me? For what? Calling an ambulance? What the hell is going on in his head? Any thoughts of killing him are out the window now, replaced by a frustrating curiosity.
"It was nothing, really," I say dismissively. "I was just blowing off steam hunting strays. You were in the wrong place at the wrong time, so I figured I'd get you to safety."
"Question," he says, cutting to the chase. "What exactly are you? You're not a devil, so what are you?"
I hesitate, then decide there's no harm in revealing the truth. With a flick of my wrist, I transform into my true form, my maroon coat billowing slightly as my dark, feathered wings unfurl.
"I'm a fallen angel. My real name is Kalawarna. I'm an agent of the Grigori," I state simply, expecting shock or fear.
Haruki's wide-eyed reaction took me by surprise, and his next words caught me even more off guard.
"So pretty," he muttered, his gaze fixated on me.
I blinked, stunned. Did he just—?
"Sorry, I meant your wings," he quickly clarified, his tone sincere. "After the incident and discovering magic, I found it easier to actually see it. Each of your feathers holds mana, and it's really dazzling."
The sheer genuineness of his words fought against my usual composure, and I struggled to stop the blush creeping up my face. Was this kid for real?
"Uh... thanks, I guess," I mumbled, turning my head slightly to hide the faint pink coloring my cheeks. This wasn't the reaction I'd expected from him—fear, skepticism, maybe even awe, but not... this.
"How are you so calm about all this?" I finally asked, folding my arms and raising an eyebrow at him.
He paused, tilting his head as if I'd just asked something painfully obvious. "I look at the world like a puzzle game," he began. "It's all about finding clues, searching for the true answer, ignoring the red herrings, and analyzing every possibility."
And just like that, he launched into a rapid-fire barrage of questions.
"Hey, do you know any magic? I want to see what you can do. Do your wings let you fly? What was it like in heaven?" His excitement bubbled over, and I barely had time to process one question before he threw another at me.
"Okay, okay, slow down," I interrupted, holding up my hand to stop the verbal onslaught. "How about I show you a spell instead?"
His eyes sparkled with curiosity. "Deal."
With a smirk, I brought my hands together, knuckle to knuckle, channeling my holy power. A familiar warmth coursed through me as the energy manifested, golden light erupting and condensing into a double-bladed lightspear.
Voosh.
The spear solidified in my hand, its edges gleaming with radiant power. I gave it a quick flourish, spinning it behind my back for flair before holding it steady. His gaze was locked onto it, his heterochromatic eyes gleaming with intense focus.
"So," he began, leaning slightly closer, "is it more of a hard-light construct, or is it a plasma-like substance?"
This kid and his incessant questions.
"It's a hard-light construct," I replied, a hint of amusement slipping into my voice. "It's solid with light and holy properties. It can move very fast—though not at the speed of light, obviously—and it's razor-sharp because of its form. Satisfied?"
"For now," he said with a slight grin.
I dismissed the light spear with a flick of my wrist, the holy energy dispersing into motes of golden light. As much as I wanted to linger, I had duties to return to.
"I've got to head back to my abode," I told him. "Anything else before I go?"
He shook his head. "Nope, but... I had a really great time today. For my first-ever date, this was pretty amazing. So thanks—for being you, I guess."
His honesty caught me off guard again. Who says stuff like that so openly?
I smiled softly, bending down slightly to meet his gaze. Why not give him a little reward for his efforts?
Smooch.
I pressed a quick kiss to his cheek, standing back up as his expression morphed from surprise to something unreadable.
"See you later, Haruki," I said, unfurling my wings and taking a step back to prepare for flight.
"See ya," he replied, his voice steady despite the faint blush dusting his face.
As I soared into the night sky, the wind rushing past me, I couldn't help but let a small smile linger. For reasons I couldn't quite explain, I felt lighter—almost like a weight had been lifted. But why? I didn't know.
Still, the date had turned out far better than I'd expected. Too bad my next steps were going to complicate things.
Haruki POV
"Well, Raz, I think that went well," I say smugly as I walk through the quiet streets, the glow of the streetlights stretching long shadows ahead of me. The satisfaction from the date still lingers, warming me against the cool night air.
"Remarkably so," Raziel responds, his tone thoughtful. "Though you risked much for a mere answer, Haruki. What if she had been an agent sent to do you harm?"
I wave off his concern with a dismissive chuckle. "Don't sweat the small stuff, Raz. Turns out my hunch was right. Besides, if my date went well, I can't wait to hear how Issei's turned out. Knowing him, it's probably going to be... interesting."
Raziel sighs, a mix of exasperation and reluctant admiration in his voice. "Your confidence is... unparalleled, Haruki."
With that, I start the walk home, the peaceful hum of the evening wrapping around me like a familiar blanket. The stars above twinkle faintly through the scattered city lights, and I feel content, satisfied with how the day unfolded.
Rias POV
The scene before me is grim. Issei lies motionless, his once lively expression now pale and void of light. A gaping wound in his chest tells the whole story—a fallen angel's handiwork. Her cursed spear has pierced his heart, leaving a pool of crimson blood staining the ground beneath him.
I kneel beside him, my wings spreading wide as I assess the situation. The summoning circle etched faintly into the ground indicates his last desperate plea for help—a plea that has reached me too late.
His life force ebbs away, fading like a candle in a cold, merciless wind. I clench my fists, anger bubbling beneath the surface. Why? Why did it have to come to this? His summoning contracted him to me, and that makes him my responsibility. If I let him die, it will not only stain my pride as a devil but devastate the fragile balance of this world.
And then there's Haruki. How am I supposed to tell him that his best friend is gone? Or that his life will never be the same again because of my decision?
No, I think resolutely. I won't let this end here.
I gently place a hand over Issei's chest, feeling the faint remnants of his life force. There's not much time—if I want to save him, I have only one option. I reach into my pocket and retrieve the crimson pawn piece of my Evil Pieces set.
"I have come," I say aloud, my voice steady and commanding as I address the fragile soul before me. "You're the one who summoned me, are you not?"
My words hang in the air, heavy and absolute. The pawn piece in my hand begins to glow with a soft, crimson light, pulsing faintly with the energy of life.
"Since death is upon you, I will gladly take you in," I declare as my wings unfurl behind me, their silhouette casting long, shadowed wings across the blood-soaked ground. My magic begins to swirl in the air, creating a protective barrier around the circle.
The light from the Evil Piece grows brighter, the spell resonating as it seeks to bind his soul. Time feels as if it has slowed, the moment stretching into eternity as I make my final decision.
"From this moment forward," I proclaim, my voice firm, "you will live your life for my sake!"
I place the pawn piece over Issei's chest, and the magic flares to life, engulfing the lifeless body in a radiant crimson glow. The ritual is complete.
I kneel back, watching as his body begins to mend itself, the cursed wound closing as the pawn piece's magic integrates with his soul. His breathing steadies, the life returning to his features, though he remains unconscious.
I let out a breath I didn't realize I'd been holding. Relief washes over me, but it is tempered by the weight of what this will mean.
How will I explain this to Haruki? I wonder. Issei's life is now intertwined with mine in a way that no human could fully comprehend.
I stand, wings folding behind me, as Akeno steps out of the shadows, her expression somber yet understanding.
"Rias," she says softly, "are you sure about this?"
I nod, my resolve unwavering. "I am. Issei summoned me, and I answered. This was the only way to save him."
Akeno places a comforting hand on my shoulder, her gaze steady. "Then we'll deal with whatever comes next together."
As I look down at Issei's now-peaceful face, a thought crosses my mind. This is only the beginning. From this moment onward, everything will change—not just for Issei, but for all of us.