Wow. Seven years. Damn I really let this story go. But I am happy to say I am back.
In this story, I've made a few changes to the original continuity. Ben never dated Julie, and his new Omnitrix still retains the Ultimate function. At the start of Ultimate Alien, Ben was fifteen, which means he'll be around sixteen at the beginning of this story. Additionally, Ben's identity was never revealed to the public.
The events of Omniverse and High School DxD will take place simultaneously, allowing for overlapping enemies and storylines. This story is a rewrite of a previous one and will follow a similar premise. To all the fans of the original Hero Amongst Devils, welcome to the official reboot. While I don't have a fixed posting schedule, I plan to update at least once a month.
Full disclosure, I do use AI to Edit and check my work but it was not used to develop the story beyond that.
"Man, this is so boring," a young man muttered, slouching in his airplane seat. His messy brown hair framed his emerald-green eyes as he gazed out the window with a bored expression. Standing around six feet tall with a lean, muscular build, he wore a black t-shirt, blue jeans, black-and-white sneakers, and a green jacket bearing a white number '10' embroidered inside a black circle. Despite his casual appearance, this was no ordinary teenager—this was Ben Tennyson, the universe's greatest hero at just sixteen years old.
The plane cruised thirty thousand feet above the Pacific Ocean. Below, Ben could see the waves crashing against Japan's shoreline, his destination.
A beep from the intercom interrupted his thoughts. "This is your pilot speaking. We will be landing at Tokyo International Airport in one hour," a calm voice announced, echoing through the cabin.
Ben let out a groan. "Another hour? Ugh, at least it's not Spirit Airlines," he muttered to himself, trying to find some humor in his boredom. Sitting up straighter, he reached for the seat pocket in front of him, pulling out its contents. Inside were travel magazines, tourist brochures, and a handful of Japanese newspapers.
He grabbed a random newspaper and flipped it open. One headline immediately caught his attention: "Tenshi Liner Disappearance: Accident or Attack?" The sensational title made him raise an eyebrow. It wasn't just clickbait—this was the very reason he was heading to Japan.
Flashback
"You want me to go to Japan?" Ben asked, incredulity clear in his tone. He stood in front of Max Tennyson, his grandfather and the Grand Magister of the Plumbers.
Max, a stocky man in his sixties with short gray hair and kind yet serious brown eyes, nodded. His signature red Hawaiian shirt and work boots contrasted with the gravity of his expression. "Yes, Ben. We've been receiving reports of mysterious disappearances across Japan. It's serious, and we need someone to investigate."
Ben frowned. "Why me? Don't you have detectives for this sort of thing? I'm more of a 'stop the bad guy and save the day' kind of hero. Besides, I've got school, soccer, and, you know, a life. What about Gwen and Kevin? Or you?"
Max's expression softened into a sly smile. "True, but the case we're focused on involves a cruise liner that vanished without a trace. There were 300 people aboard—all second-year students and teachers from Kuoh Academy and Ryoukou High School. Even stranger, five students who didn't attend the trip also disappeared. Not even the Plumbers have been able to locate them."
Ben's jaw dropped. "Three hundred people… gone? That's insane."
"It gets worse," Max continued. "The only lead we have is the high school those students attended. You're the only Plumber who can pass as a high school student."
Ben's shoulders slumped as he processed the weight of the mission. "So, no choice, huh?"
Max placed a reassuring hand on his grandson's shoulder. "Ben, you're the best shot we've got. I trust you with this."
Ben sighed deeply, staring at the floor. Then, with a resolute expression, he looked up. "All right. I'll do it."
Max beamed. "Good. We'll prepare a cover story for your transfer and arrange transport. You'll leave in three months, just in time for the start of the new school year. Oh, and you'll need to brush up on your Japanese."
Ben blinked. "Wait—what?" He groaned as realization dawned on him. "Oh, man! This is gonna suck."
End Flashback
Ben cringed at the memory of sleepless nights spent memorizing kanji. Shaking off the thought, he returned to the article. Theories about the Tenshi Liner Incident were wild—alien abductions, demonic interference, and even pirates wearing straw hats searching for something called the "One Piece."
None of them felt right. Whatever had happened, it was his job to figure it out. Ben closed the newspaper, his mind drifting back to his own battles and the sacrifices he had witnessed. The world might have been more peaceful lately, but scars like those didn't fade so easily.
He stared out the window, the faint outline of Tokyo now visible in the distance. Soon, the mission would begin.
One Hour Later
Ben stretched his arms over his head, feeling the satisfying pop of his joints as he cracked his back. Sixteen hours on a plane wasn't doing his spine any favors. With a sigh, he started the long walk to the baggage claim, located on the far side of the airport.
As he navigated the bustling terminal, his thoughts drifted back to the events that had brought him here. It had been six months since the defeat of Dagon, an ordeal that had pushed him to the brink. Using the stored power of Dagon to warp the world back to some semblance of normalcy had been his last, desperate act.
Or at least, as normal as things could get for Ben Tennyson.
Yet, despite the victory, a nagging unease lingered in the back of his mind. He couldn't shake the feeling that Dagon wasn't truly gone. There was no tangible evidence—no lingering energy signatures or cryptic warnings—just his gut instinct. But if there was one thing Ben had learned over the years, it was that his gut was rarely wrong.
He walked on autopilot, weaving through the crowds without really seeing them, his mind lost in the memory of that fateful day. He replayed the battle over and over, analyzing every detail, wondering if he had missed something critical. The implications of Dagon's possible return were too massive to ignore.
Flashback
A brilliant white light exploded into the sky, bathing the Earth in its glow for several minutes. As the radiance subsided, a figure became visible—Ben Tennyson. This time, however, he wasn't in his usual attire. Instead, he stood clad in a gleaming suit of armor reminiscent of a medieval knight, complete with a sheath at his side. In his hands, he held a long sword whose blade radiated the same brilliant white light.
"What did you do?" came the incredulous voice of Kevin E. Levin, a young man with slick black hair and sharp, dark eyes. He wore a black shirt with gray sleeves, blue jeans, and black boots. Kevin, one of Ben's closest friends, stared at him with a mixture of shock and awe.
Ben lowered the glowing sword, his expression calm yet resolute. "Exactly what I said I would do," he replied. "Turn every Esoterica on Earth back to Human. With all the free will that goes along with that."
The sword in Ben's hand gleamed even brighter for a moment before the armor he wore seemed to dissolve and flow back into the blade itself.
"I'm so proud of you," Gwen said, rushing forward to envelop her cousin in a tight hug. With her slender frame, fiery red hair, and green eyes, she exuded a mixture of warmth and relief. She was dressed in a white collared shirt under a red vest, a black skirt with leggings, and polished black shoes.
"Thanks," Ben replied, smiling as he returned the hug. Glancing at the sword now resting in his hand, he added, "Now I just need to figure out what I'm supposed to do with this thing."
"How about returning it to its creator?" a gruff voice suggested. Ben turned to see a small, frog-like alien materialize nearby. The alien, Azmuth—the smartest being in the universe—was dressed in a green suit with black sleeves and metallic shoulder pads. His green, rectangular-pupiled eyes fixed Ben with an unimpressed stare, while the tendrils on his face resembled a beard.
"Oh, right," Ben said sheepishly, handing the sword over. Azmuth barely touched the blade's tip before it dissolved into a ray of green light, shooting into the sky and vanishing among the stars.
"Now," Azmuth began, turning back to Ben with a no-nonsense tone. "The Ultimatrix. Hand it over."
Ben blinked in surprise. "What? But Azmuth, I thought I'd proven I was worthy!" he exclaimed as the green electricity sparked from the Ultimatrix on his wrist. With a mechanical click, the device unlatched and fell to the ground, vanishing the moment it hit.
Azmuth huffed impatiently. "As usual, you don't understand. You have proven your worth. But that inferior copy of my Omnitrix is not worthy of you."
Ben started to protest but was cut off. "Oh, for the love of—look at your wrist," Azmuth said with a roll of his eyes.
Ben hesitantly lifted his left arm and rolled up his sleeve. There, where the bulky Ultimatrix had been, now rested a sleek green watch with a square faceplate bearing the iconic black-and-green hourglass symbol.
"This is your new Omnitrix," Azmuth explained. "It still includes your Ultimatrix forms, but I've streamlined the transformation process to eliminate glitches. You'll also find a life-form lock, allowing you to remain in a form for up to a week—though the cooldown time depends on how long you stay transformed. Additionally, you have partial master control. No need to touch the device to activate it."
Ben stared at the watch, awe-struck. Memories of his brief time using master control on the original prototype Omnitrix flooded back, but this was on a whole new level.
Azmuth, however, seemed uneasy. His expression darkened as he asked, "Ben, when you absorbed Dagon's power, did you feel… different?"
Ben frowned, thinking back. "Yeah, kinda. It felt like my mind was getting fuzzy, like I was being overwhelmed. Why?"
Azmuth shook his head, his voice grave. "It's likely nothing. But no human—half-Anodite or not—should contain that much power, even temporarily. If you notice anything strange, you must contact me immediately."
Before Ben could respond, Azmuth disappeared in a flash of white light, leaving Ben staring at the spot where he had stood.
"What do you think he meant by that?" Ben asked aloud, a flicker of concern crossing his face.
"Don't sweat it," Kevin said, pulling Ben into a headlock and giving him a playful noogie. "If something happens, we'll handle it. Now, let's get some smoothies—on me."
Ben grinned, his worries temporarily forgotten. "Can't argue with free smoothies," he said, following his friends toward their next adventure.
End Flashback
Ben clenched his fists as he approached the baggage carousel. If his gut was right, then whatever lay ahead would make the fight against Dagon look like child's play.
Ben grabbed his luggage from the carousel and made his way toward the exit, weaving through the crowded airport. His destination was clear: the train station. Kuoh Town awaited him, and with it, the start of his new mission.
As he stepped outside, the cool Tokyo air greeted him, a refreshing contrast to the long, cramped flight. Rolling his suitcase behind him, Ben followed the signs directing him to the train platforms. The hum of the city filled his ears—car horns, distant conversations, and the rhythmic clatter of trains in the distance.
He couldn't help but feel a mix of excitement and apprehension. This wasn't just another Plumber mission. There was something different about it—something personal, though he couldn't quite put his finger on it yet.
The train station came into view, bustling with life as commuters hurried to their destinations. Ben purchased his ticket, double-checked the platform number, and settled onto a bench to wait for the train to Kuoh Town.
As he watched the trains come and go, he took a deep breath, centering himself. New town, new cover, new challenges. Whatever awaited him in Kuoh Town, he was ready to face it head-on.
One Hour Later
Ben stood in front of a large, two-story white house with a brown balcony stretching across the top floor. A four-foot-high brick wall surrounded the property, with two gates providing access—one for cars over the driveway and a smaller one off to the side for pedestrians.
As the sky dimmed with the approach of nightfall, Ben let out a soft sigh and walked toward the gate. He pressed the small doorbell button and waited. Moments later, the front door creaked open, and a young man stepped out.
The boy looked ordinary enough, with short, spiky brown hair and light brown eyes. He wore a red t-shirt, black jeans, and blue tennis shoes. Despite his unassuming appearance, this was Issei Hyoudou—Ben's cousin, thanks to their mothers being sisters.
"Yo, Ben! What's up?" Issei greeted, raising a hand for a fist bump.
"Issei, long time no see," Ben replied, meeting the gesture with a grin.
Without hesitation, Issei grabbed a couple of Ben's suitcases, leaving the rest for Ben to carry. He led Ben inside the house, up the stairs, and to his new room.
The room was decent in size, with a twin-sized bed positioned against the center of one wall. Across from it stood a TV stand holding a modest forty-inch flatscreen, with a small trash can beside it. Light streamed in through large windows and a glass door leading to the balcony. A spacious wardrobe occupied the wall near the door.
Ben dropped his luggage onto the floor and flopped onto the bed with a satisfied sigh. Issei set the rest of the bags down beside him and turned with a cheeky grin.
"Well, what do you think? Pretty swanky, huh? My parents should be back soon from their date night," Issei said, pausing before adding, "Oh, and I left a little surprise under your pillow."
Ben raised an eyebrow as Issei strolled out of the room, closing the door behind him. Suspicious, Ben reached under the pillow and pulled out a CD case. His face turned crimson as he realized what it was: a very suggestive anime featuring a scantily clad woman entangled by tentacles, with Aliens vs. Magical Girls written in bold kanji.
"Seriously?" Ben muttered, hurling the case into the trash can. He had almost thought Issei might've matured, but this confirmed otherwise. With a shake of his head, Ben turned his attention back to his bags.
"Guess I should unpack," he mused. He raised his left arm, where the Omnitrix rested, and activated it. A flash of green light enveloped him, and in an instant, his human form was replaced by one of his alien transformations: XLR8.
XLR8 resembled a sleek, semi-armored velociraptor with black orbs on his feet and a black tail adorned with five vivid blue stripes. His three bulky claws were built for function, capable only of opening and closing with precision. A black, cone-like helmet with a retractable visor shielded his blue face, marked by piercing green eyes, black lips, and bold stripes running beneath and between his eyes. He wore a black bodysuit with a high turtleneck collar and a white stripe running down the center, completing the streamlined and formidable look of one of Ben's most agile and dependable alien forms.
Ben zipped around the room in a blur, unpacking his belongings and organizing them with precision. What would have taken hours was done in minutes. With another flash of green light, Ben returned to his human form and surveyed his handiwork with satisfaction.
"We're home!" a cheerful female voice called from downstairs.
Ben smiled and headed toward the door to greet his aunt and uncle, ready to start this new chapter of his life.
Later That Night
Ben lay in his bed, determined to get some rest before his mission officially began tomorrow. He closed his eyes, allowing him highschool self to drift into sleep. Unnoticed, a faint purplish glow flickered briefly on the back of his right hand, only to fade away as quickly as it had appeared.
Morning
Ben groaned as he dragged himself out of bed, stretching his arms and cracking his back before getting dressed for the day. Kuoh Academy, unlike his old high school in America, had a semi-strict dress code, allowing only minimal variation. He pulled on a pair of black jeans and a plain black shirt, then grabbed his blazer—a dark green jacket with white accents and the number '10' embroidered on the left breast, marking him as an athlete.
Rubbing the sleep from his eyes, Ben made his way downstairs to the dining table, where the aroma of breakfast greeted him. Issei was already seated, digging into a plate of toast with jam, eggs, bacon, and a small side salad.
Across from him sat an older man who bore a striking resemblance to Issei, with the same spiky brown hair and light brown eyes, though his were framed by round glasses. He wore a baby blue button-down shirt with darker blue stripes and matching pajama pants. This was Issei's father and Ben's uncle, Gorou Hyoudou.
"Good morning, sweetie," came a warm voice as Ben sat down. It belonged to a woman who looked no older than her early thirties, though she was actually in her mid-forties. Her long brown hair fell past her shoulders, and her kind light brown eyes mirrored Issei's. She wore a white blouse paired with blue pajama pants. This was his aunt, Miki Hyoudou.
Miki was originally born in America but lost both her parents in a tragic fire at a young age. Following the accident, she was adopted by Sandra's parents and grew up as part of their family. Even though they weren't blood related, she loved her sister and nephew Ben dearly.
Over twenty years ago, Miki moved to Japan for work, where she met Gorou, fell in love, and eventually married him. After obtaining Japanese citizenship, she chose to settle down in Kuoh Town, where she and Gorou raised their family placed a plate of food in front of Ben, who immediately began scarfing it down. She smiled fondly as she took a seat at the table, happy to have her nephew join the family for breakfast.
As Ben wolfed down his breakfast, Issei leaned back in his chair, smirking. "So, how's it feel to be back in school? Bet it's weird starting all over again, huh?"
Ben paused mid-bite, swallowing before he answered. "Yeah, it's a little weird. But, hey, new school, new country. Might as well make the most of it, right?" He shrugged, reaching for a strip of bacon.
"Kuoh Academy is a nice place," Miki chimed in, sipping her tea. "The teachers are excellent, and the campus is beautiful. You'll fit right in."
"Yeah, just steer clear of my friends," Issei said with a grin. "Don't want them dragging you into any of their dumb schemes."
Ben raised an eyebrow. "You mean your dumb schemes, right?"
Issei looked away innocently, focusing on his plate. "I have no idea what you're talking about."
Gorou chuckled, adjusting his glasses. "Just try not to cause too much trouble, boys. It's been peaceful around here lately, and I'd like to keep it that way."
Ben nodded, but a flicker of guilt crossed his face. He wasn't here just to blend in—there was a mission waiting for him, and peaceful was the last thing it might stay.
"So, Ben," Miki said, her tone gentle, "if there's anything you need or if you ever feel homesick, just let us know. We're family, and we want you to feel at home here."
Ben gave her a small smile. "Thanks, Aunt Miki. I really appreciate it."
Issei finished his breakfast and stood up, stretching. "Alright, time to get going. Don't want to be late on your first day, Ben. Plus, the walk to school is… interesting."
Ben furrowed his brow. "Interesting how?"
Issei only grinned. "You'll see."
As Ben finished his last bite and stood to grab his bag, he couldn't help but wonder what kind of surprises this day—and this mission—had in store for him.
Ben followed Issei out the front door, tossing his bag over his shoulder. The early morning air was crisp, and the streets of Kuoh Town were still quiet as the two cousins made their way to the academy. Ben noticed Issei glancing at him occasionally, a sly grin spreading across his face.
"Alright, spill it," Ben said, breaking the silence. "What's this 'interesting' thing you're so excited about?"
Issei chuckled, rubbing the back of his neck. "Oh, it's just a little… tradition of mine. You'll see when we get there."
Ben raised an eyebrow, unsure if he liked where this was heading. They rounded a corner, and Kuoh Academy came into view. Its elegant gates and towering buildings stood out against the soft orange glow of the sunrise. The grounds were bustling with students, mostly girls.
As they walked closer, Ben began to notice something strange. Groups of students turned their heads to look at him. Whispers and murmurs followed him like a wave.
"Who's that?"
"Is he new? He's kind of cute!"
"Wait, is he a foreigner? Look at those eyes!"
Ben furrowed his brow as he realized the attention was directed squarely at him. "Uh, Issei? What's going on?"
Issei snickered, clearly enjoying Ben's discomfort. "What can I say? You're a fresh face. Plus, Kuoh used to be an all-girls school, so the ratio here is… very favorable."
Ben sighed, feeling dozens of eyes on him. "Great. Just what I needed—an audience."
"Hey, don't complain!" Issei said, nudging Ben with his elbow. "You're living the dream right now. Girls are literally falling over themselves to check you out!"
As they passed through the gates, Issei slowed down, glancing over his shoulder to make sure no one was watching. "Alright, Ben, here's where it gets fun."
Ben stopped in his tracks, giving Issei a wary look. "What are you talking about?"
Issei leaned closer, lowering his voice. "The girls' locker room is right over there. If we time it right, we might catch—"
Ben immediately cut him off. "No, just no."
"Oh, come on!" Issei complained. "You're the perfect alibi! They'd never suspect a new guy like you. I've been planning this for months!"
Ben rubbed his temples, letting out a frustrated sigh. "You're impossible, Issei. I'm not going to help you with some ridiculous scheme."
"Ridiculous? This is art, Ben. Pure art!" Issei insisted dramatically, but his enthusiasm was met with a flat stare.
"Let's just get to class before you make things worse," Ben said, shaking his head as he walked ahead.
As they headed toward the main building, Issei muttered under his breath, but Ben couldn't help but grin. He had a feeling his time at Kuoh Academy was going to be a lot more interesting than he had expected.
Ben reached into his pocket, pulling out a folded sheet of paper. Unfolding it, he read the words "13-A." He glanced around the bustling hallway, scanning the room numbers on the doors until he found his destination. The chatter of students filled the air as Ben approached the door. He took a deep breath, steadying himself.
"Here we go," he muttered, pushing the door open.
The lively hum of conversation abruptly died as Ben stepped into the room. The weight of dozens of curious eyes fell on him, and a wave of murmurs began to ripple through the class.
"Look at him, he's so cute."
"Is he single?"
"With a body like that? God, I hope so."
Ben felt heat rise to his cheeks. The attention wasn't something he was unaccustomed to, but it didn't make it any less embarrassing.
"Alright, everyone, quiet down," the teacher, Mrs. Aiko, called, clapping her hands. She was a striking woman with long black hair tied into a loose bun, sharp black eyes, and a confident demeanor. Her attire—a fitted black blouse and a skirt that hovered just above her knees—reflected her polished yet approachable personality. She gestured toward Ben. "This is our new foreign exchange student. Go ahead and introduce yourself."
Ben cleared his throat, stepping forward. With a slight bow, he spoke in a clear, respectful tone. "My name is Ben Tennyson. I'm sixteen years old and from America. I'd appreciate it if you'd take care of me while I'm here at Kuoh Academy." Straightening up, he added a small, friendly smile that seemed to light up the room.
The response was immediate.
"Oh my god, he's so dreamy."
"I'd love to get to know him better."
"First Yuuto Kiba, now this? We're spoiled this year!"
While the girls whispered excitedly, the boys in the room were far less enthusiastic.
"Ugh, why him?"
"Another handsome guy? Seriously?"
"Die, you handsome jerk."
Ben's smile wavered as he caught glimpses of the glaring boys in the back row. He let out a soft sigh. It was going to be a long day.
Mrs. Aiko clapped her hands again, bringing the class to order. "Now, now, everyone. Let's give Ben-san a warm welcome. Does anyone have any questions for him?"
A hand shot up from a girl in the front row. "What program brought you here?"
Ben nodded, choosing his words carefully. "I'm here as part of an athletics program for soccer."
The girls squealed in excitement, while the glares from the boys only grew more intense.
Another girl, sitting by the window, raised her hand. "Do you have a job, Ben-san?"
"I used to volunteer at the local police department back home," he answered, leaning into the half-truth. "Just some community work."
"Wow, he's kind too!"
"Is there anything he can't do?"
The next question came from a girl near the back of the class. Her face was bright red as she stammered, "D-Do you have a girlfriend?" She quickly buried her face in her hands, hiding her embarrassment.
Ben hesitated, startled by the question. "Uh, no. I don't."
The room erupted into excited whispers from the girls, while the boys looked like they were plotting his demise.
Mrs. Aiko clapped her hands again, her smile unfaltering. "Alright, everyone, settle down! Ben-san, why don't you take the open seat next to Koneko-san? She can share her textbook with you until you receive your own."
Ben nodded and made his way to the back of the room, where a petite girl with striking white hair and golden eyes sat quietly. Her gaze flickered up from her book for only a moment before returning to it.
Koneko handed her textbook to Ben without a word. Her white top and violet-trimmed skirt contrasted sharply with her pale complexion, and the black cat-shaped hair clips on either side of her head gave her an almost whimsical appearance.
Ben offered her a warm smile as he took the book. "Thanks, I appreciate it. I'd be grateful if you'd help me settle in here."
Koneko glanced at him briefly before raising her book back up to her face, her voice soft and indifferent. "Whatever."
Ben didn't notice the faint pink hue on her cheeks as she turned away, hiding her expression behind the pages. As he opened the textbook, he couldn't help but feel the day might be more eventful than he'd expected.
The morning passed quickly as Ben adjusted to the rhythm of Kuoh Academy. The teachers were strict but fair, and the students—though divided in their reception of him—made the day lively. When lunch rolled around, Ben found himself stepping into the bustling cafeteria, tray in hand, scanning for a place to sit.
He felt a tap on his shoulder and turned to see Issei grinning from ear to ear.
"Yo, Ben! Over here!" Issei called, waving him toward a table at the back.
Ben hesitated, glancing at the group Issei was sitting with. They were all whispering and leaning over something hidden beneath the table, snickering like they were up to no good. Ben considered sitting elsewhere but ultimately figured sitting alone wouldn't help him make friends.
As he approached the table, he got a better look at the group. Matsuda, one of Issei's closest friends, was a wiry guy with messy brown hair, dark brown eyes, and a face that always seemed stuck in a mischievous grin. He wore the school uniform but had loosened his tie and left his blazer unbuttoned, giving him an air of laziness that matched his reputation as one of the school's notorious perverts.
Ben set his tray down and took a seat. The group immediately stopped whispering, quickly shoving what looked like a magazine under the table.
"What's going on?" Ben asked, raising an eyebrow.
Issei leaned in, grinning. "Oh, nothing much. Just, uh… extracurricular research!"
Ben sighed. "Extracurricular research? Right. Sounds totally legit."
Matsuda smirked, his eyes gleaming. "C'mon, Ben, you're from America! You've gotta have some wild stories. Ever sneak into… you know where?"
Ben blinked, confused. "You know where?"
"The forbidden zones!" Matsuda exclaimed, leaning forward. "Locker rooms, clubs—you know what I'm talking about! Don't play dumb."
Ben stared at him, unimpressed. "No. And I don't plan to."
Issei groaned, slumping over dramatically. "You're killing me, Ben! You've got the looks, the charm—what's the point if you're not gonna use them?"
"Maybe because I'm not a creep," Ben replied, taking a bite of his sandwich.
Before Issei could retort, a shy voice interrupted them. "Um… Tennyson-san?"
Ben turned to see one of the girls from his class standing nearby. She was a tall brunette with a nervous smile and a deep blush on her face. In her hands, she held a small envelope.
"Yeah, that's me," Ben said, sitting up straighter.
The girl stepped closer, her hands trembling as she held out the envelope. "This is for you. Please read it later!"
She bowed deeply, then hurried off before Ben could say a word.
For a moment, the table was silent. Then Issei burst into laughter, clapping Ben on the back. "A love letter! Dude, you're already getting love letters on your first day!"
Matsuda leaned back, shaking his head in disbelief. "Unreal. You've been here for, what, a few hours? That's gotta be some kind of record!"
Ben glanced at the envelope, tucking it into his pocket. "I don't even know her name."
"Doesn't matter!" Issei said with a dramatic flourish. "You're officially living the dream, man. Meanwhile, we're out here starving for scraps!"
Matsuda nodded, his mischievous grin returning. "Yeah, Ben. Share the wealth a little, huh?"
Ben rolled his eyes and took another bite of his sandwich. Despite the chaos of his first day, he couldn't help but feel something was brewing beneath the surface of this seemingly ordinary school. Whatever it was, he had a feeling his time here was going to be far from normal.
After lunch, Ben and Issei strolled outside, their trays returned and their schedules leaving them with about twenty minutes of free time. Issei suggested heading to the old school grounds, citing rumors about its creepy atmosphere and urban legends. Ben agreed, though his true intentions were far more serious—he wanted to investigate if the old building had any connection to the recent disappearances of those five students that disappeared with the Tenshi Liner.
The old school building loomed ahead, its weathered facade a stark contrast to the pristine main campus. As they approached, Ben's eyes scanned every detail—the cracked windows, the creeping ivy, and the faint aura of abandonment that hung over the place.
"Man, this place gives me the chills," Issei said, shoving his hands into his pockets. "You think it's haunted? Maybe by a super-hot ghost chick?"
Ben rolled his eyes. "Not everything has to be about girls, Issei."
"Yeah, says the guy all the girls in class are drooling over," Issei muttered with mock jealousy.
Ben ignored the jab, focusing instead on the building. That's when he saw her—a striking young woman standing by a second-floor window. Her deep crimson hair cascaded down to the small of her back, and a stray strand curled at the top of her head, almost like a crown. Her bright blue eyes scanned the horizon, and her Kuoh Academy uniform fit her perfectly, accentuating her commanding presence.
Ben stopped in his tracks, unable to look away. There was something magnetic about her, something that felt… different.
Noticing his cousin's sudden halt, Issei followed his gaze and immediately grinned. "Oh ho! I see you've noticed the queen of the school. That's Rias Gremory."
Ben blinked, finally snapping out of his daze. "Rias Gremory?"
"Yup," Issei said, folding his arms as if he were a seasoned expert. "She's from Northern Europe or something. Rich, smart, totally out of everyone's league. They call her the Princess of Kuoh Academy."
Ben watched as Rias turned away from the window and disappeared into the shadows of the building. His instincts flared. There was something about her presence—something that didn't add up.
Issei nudged him with an elbow, waggling his eyebrows. "You've got good taste, I'll give you that. But don't even think about it. She's, like, way up there."
Ben shook his head, brushing off the comment. "Let's just keep looking around."
The two continued toward the old building, but Ben's mind raced. He couldn't let Issei catch on to what he was really doing. As they walked along the perimeter, Ben subtly examined the ground, the walls, and any signs that might lead him closer to the truth.
"Hey, check this out!" Issei suddenly whispered, pointing toward a cracked window. "Think we could sneak in? Maybe catch a glimpse of, you know… something good?"
"Like what, dust and cobwebs?" Ben replied flatly, but he knew Issei wasn't talking about architecture.
"Come on, man! Rumor has it the old building's connected to some kind of secret girl's locker room or something."
Ben pinched the bridge of his nose, exasperated. "You're unbelievable."
"And you're boring. Live a little!" Issei teased, leaning against the wall.
Ben used Issei's distraction to glance down at his Omnitrix. If the disappearances were linked to something supernatural—or worse—he might need to use it. But for now, he needed to gather more intel without raising suspicion.
"Alright, let's head back before the bell rings," Ben said, steering Issei away from the building before his cousin got any more ideas.
As they walked, Ben stole one last glance at the old school building. He couldn't shake the feeling that whatever he was looking for had just slipped out of sight—and that crimson-haired girl might be the key to uncovering the truth.
Rias Gremory sat in the Occult Research Club room, the dusty, ancient books and occult artifacts surrounding her like old friends. The dim light that filtered through the cracked windows of the abandoned school building gave the room a mysterious atmosphere—perfect for studying the supernatural. But today, her thoughts were elsewhere, focused on the new student, Ben Tennyson.
She had been watching him closely ever since he arrived at Kuoh Academy. There was something undeniably different about him. Not just his looks—though Ben was certainly handsome in an almost otherworldly way—but his energy. She could sense it, a powerful aura that resonated with an ancient, untapped strength. It wasn't the kind of energy one would expect from a regular high school student. It felt… potent, like it had been dormant for centuries and was just waiting to be awakened. And that, of course, piqued Rias's interest.
The door creaked open, drawing her from her thoughts. Akeno Himejima, her Queen, entered the room with her usual grace. Akeno was tall, with long, raven-black hair that cascaded like a silken waterfall down her back. Her violet eyes sparkled with a playful gleam, and her porcelain skin seemed to glow faintly in the room's soft light. She wore the school uniform in a way that only Akeno could—elegantly, with an air of effortless allure. The black stockings she wore accentuated her long legs, and her mischievous smile always made it clear she was a woman who enjoyed playing games—whether that be with her enemies or her friends.
Akeno raised an eyebrow as she placed a tray of tea on the table. "You're thinking about him again, aren't you?" she asked, her voice teasing yet filled with curiosity.
Rias let out a small sigh, running a finger over the rim of her teacup. "Yes, I am," she admitted, her crimson eyes narrowing slightly as she spoke. "There's something about him. Ben Tennyson. He's not like other humans."
Akeno's smirk deepened as she settled into the chair opposite Rias. "Oh? You're not just taken by his looks, are you, Rias? I mean, he is quite the handsome young man."
Rias shot her Queen a sharp, but not unfriendly, look. "It's not about that," she said, her tone serious. "There's an energy around him. Something ancient. I can feel it when I'm near him. And it's not just his physical presence; it's something inside him. It's not normal. I believe he has a Sacred Gear, but it's not one I've encountered before. It's different."
Akeno's eyes glimmered with intrigue. "A Sacred Gear? Interesting. But that's not all, is it? You're convinced he has more power than just that?"
Rias nodded, her gaze focused on the distant horizon beyond the window. "Yes. I don't know what exactly it is yet, but it's dangerous. If he fully awakens his potential, he could become a valuable ally—or a serious threat. I want to know everything about him, Akeno. I need to keep an eye on him, quietly."
Akeno's playful expression softened, her curiosity piqued. "So, what's your plan?"
Rias leaned forward, her tone turning more serious. "I want you to give him something. A magical leaflet—something small and inconspicuous that would get his attention without being too obvious. It'll have an invitation for him to join my peerage."
Akeno's eyes sparkled with delight at the idea. "Ah, a subtle approach. I like it. You think he'd be interested in joining us, though? A Sacred Gear holder like him would be a powerful addition to your team."
Rias smiled, but there was a note of caution in her voice. "I'm not sure yet, but I want him on my side. He's powerful, and we could use someone like him. But I need to understand him better before I offer him a place in the peerage. He has potential, and I believe he's the type who values strength—if he sees what we can offer him, he might join willingly. If not, we'll find another way."
Akeno stood up, her violet eyes gleaming with mischief. "Leave it to me, Rias. I'll make sure he gets the leaflet—subtle and unnoticeable, just like you want." She grinned slyly. "And who knows, maybe I'll get to know him a little better in the process."
Rias raised an eyebrow at her Queen's teasing tone but didn't respond. Instead, her thoughts returned to Ben Tennyson. He was no ordinary human, that much was clear. The power he had, the aura that surrounded him—it intrigued her. But she needed to know more before making any decisions. She couldn't afford to underestimate him.
"Wait," Rias added after a brief pause, looking up at Akeno as she made her way to the door. "Don't just hand it to him openly. Slip it into his pocket when you get the chance. Make it look accidental, like you're just handing him something casually. We don't want to make him suspicious, and we certainly don't want him to think we're trying to force him into anything."
Akeno stopped and turned, a sly smile curving her lips. "Understood, Rias. I'll make sure it's as subtle as a whisper in the wind."
Rias nodded, her gaze steady and determined. "Good. I want him to join, but we have to play it carefully. Let's see how he reacts when he realizes we're interested in his abilities."
With that, Akeno gave a playful salute, her violet eyes twinkling with amusement. "You can count on me, Rias. I'll make sure he doesn't see it coming."
As the door clicked shut behind Akeno, Rias leaned back in her chair, her crimson eyes thoughtful. She had no doubt that Ben Tennyson was someone special, but how he would respond to her invitation was still unclear. For now, she would let Akeno take the first step. The next move would be up to Ben.
At the end of the school day, the hallways buzzed with the usual hustle of students packing up and heading out. Ben was standing by his locker, shuffling through his things and preparing to leave. He had been keeping to himself mostly, trying to figure out what exactly was going on at this strange school. His gut told him something was off, but he couldn't put his finger on it yet.
As he closed his locker, his eyes were drawn to a figure leaning against the wall a little further down the hall. It was a girl with long, dark hair and striking violet eyes, dressed in the standard Kuoh Academy uniform. She had a gentle yet mischievous smile on her face, and something about her stance seemed… deliberate. She was watching him carefully, her gaze a little too intense for comfort.
Ben's instincts kicked in, a vague unease creeping up his spine. There was something about this girl that seemed oddly out of place, but he couldn't quite figure out why.
She noticed his gaze and straightened up, seemingly deciding it was time to approach him. She walked slowly down the hallway, her movements graceful and fluid. There was no rush in her step, as though she knew exactly what she was doing.
"Ben-kun, right?" she said, her voice smooth and pleasant, a slight hint of amusement in her tone.
Ben raised an eyebrow. "Yeah, that's me. Can I help you?"
The girl's smile widened as she stepped closer to him, her eyes sparkling with some unspoken thought. "I'm Akeno," she said with a soft chuckle. "I've noticed you've been a little… different from the other students."
Ben's brow furrowed slightly, his unease growing. He had no idea who she was, but something about the way she spoke made him wary. "Different how?"
Akeno tilted her head, her expression almost playful. "Well, let's just say you don't seem like the typical high schooler. There's something intriguing about you."
Ben didn't reply, his senses on alert. He couldn't explain it, but his gut told him that she wasn't just a curious student. There was something more going on here, and it made him uneasy.
Akeno didn't seem to notice his hesitation, or perhaps she didn't care. She shifted slightly, and in that brief moment, Ben noticed her fingers subtly moving towards her pocket. It was quick and smooth, like she was trying to be discreet.
Without missing a beat, Akeno continued speaking, her voice light and friendly, as if nothing was out of the ordinary. "You know, Ben-kun," she said, her tone dropping just a little lower, "We have a club here at school. The Occult Research Club. We explore things that… others might not understand. I think you might be a good fit."
Ben blinked, still processing the odd vibe she was giving off. "I don't know anything about any club," he replied, his suspicion growing. "I'm just trying to figure things out."
Akeno smiled again, but it was more knowing this time. "I'm sure you are," she said smoothly. "But you'd be surprised how much knowledge can help you understand the things that don't make sense." As she spoke, she deftly slid something out of her pocket—a small, folded leaflet—and, with a practiced motion, she slipped it into Ben's blazer pocket.
Ben didn't even realize what had happened until Akeno straightened up, her smile returning to its usual calm expression. "I think you should take a look at that when you have the time. We'd be happy to have someone with your… potential."
Before Ben could respond or even ask what she meant, Akeno gave a small, almost flirtatious wave and turned to leave. "See you around, Ben-kun. Don't forget to check that leaflet."
Ben stood frozen for a moment, still processing the interaction. His heart was pounding in his chest, and a sense of confusion washed over him. He had no idea what Akeno was talking about or what her intentions were, but one thing was clear—this wasn't just a normal schoolgirl conversation.
Reaching into his pocket, he pulled out the leaflet that Akeno had slipped in without him noticing. His fingers brushed against the smooth paper as he unfolded it, revealing elegant writing:
'Your wish will be granted' was spelled out with an intricately designed circle right under it.
Ben stared at the words for a moment, his mind racing. He had no idea what was going on, but he felt the weight of the situation settling in. His gut told him this wasn't just some casual invitation—it was something more, something important.
He quickly folded the leaflet back up and stuffed it into his pocket. His suspicions were only growing. What was Akeno really up to? And what kind of "potential" did she see in him?
With a final glance around the hallway, Ben turned and walked out of the school, his mind already set on figuring out the mystery behind this strange encounter. He wasn't sure what he had just walked into, but he knew one thing for sure: this was far from ordinary.
"Yo, Ben!" Issei called out, spotting his cousin as he walked out of the school building.
"Hey, Issei. You heading home?" Ben asked, glancing over at him.
"Nah, I've got to run some errands for the student council. If I don't, Sona's gonna give me an earful—or worse." Issei said, his shoulders slumping in exaggerated defeat.
Ben raised an eyebrow, clearly surprised. "Wait, you? Part of the student council?"
Issei grinned widely, puffing out his chest. "What, you don't think I'd make a great student council member? I've got the leadership skills and charm. Plus, the student council has a ton of hot babes—perfect for my future harem." He winked, an unabashedly perverted grin spreading across his face.
Ben stared at him for a moment before shaking his head with a chuckle. "Yeah, now I get why you joined."
Ben chuckled again, shaking his head at his cousin's antics. "Seriously, man, sometimes I wonder about you." He gave Issei a light shove as they walked together toward the gates of the school.
Issei grinned widely, unbothered by the shove. "Hey, someone has to look out for the future of humanity. If that means building a harem of beautiful, powerful women, then so be it." He winked, clearly proud of his 'mission.'
Ben rolled his eyes, but couldn't help the amused smile that tugged at the corner of his lips. "You're impossible. But I guess if you're actually helping out the student council, that's good, right?"
Issei puffed out his chest again. "Of course! I'm a model member. Well, except when Sona gives me extra work, but whatever. It's worth it for the potential rewards." He grinned, clearly picturing something in his head. "Plus, it keeps me close to all the action. Can't let the competition get ahead of me, you know?"
Ben raised an eyebrow, glancing at his cousin with a mixture of skepticism and curiosity. "You're really something else, Issei. I don't know how you manage to talk about this stuff so openly."
Issei just shrugged, looking proud of himself. "Why hide it? A guy's gotta have ambition, right?" He grinned even wider, as if he'd just come up with a brilliant plan. "And hey, who knows? Maybe one day I'll be king of my own harem, and you'll be my second-in-command."
Ben snorted at the thought. "Yeah, I think I'll pass on that one, thanks. I've got my own things to focus on right now."
Issei waved him off with a carefree gesture. "Suit yourself, Ben. But mark my words, one day you'll see me sitting on a throne surrounded by beautiful women. You'll want in then." He said it so matter-of-factly, it almost made Ben wonder how serious his cousin really was about his 'plans.'
They reached the school gates, and Ben paused, glancing over his shoulder. "Well, I'll leave you to your 'errands.' I've got my own things to do, too."
"Yeah, yeah, don't worry about me," Issei replied with a dismissive wave, already looking around for any other "opportunities." "I'll catch you later, Ben. Don't miss out on any fun while you're at it!"
Ben smiled and waved back, though a part of him wondered just how much trouble Issei was going to get into with his 'harem plans.' He turned and began walking towards his next destination, his mind partially focused on the strange feeling he'd had earlier, unsure of what it meant. There was something more to this school than he could tell at first glance—and he had a gut feeling he was going to find out sooner rather than later.
Carefully, Ben made his way toward the old school building. His steps were quiet, his mind focused on one thing—finding out if there was any connection between the disappearances of the five students and this place. The air around the old building had an eerie, almost oppressive feel to it, as if something hidden was waiting to be uncovered.
With a swift glance around to make sure no one was watching, Ben pressed a button on his Omnitrix. In a flash of bright green light, he was transformed into a small, frog-like alien. This was Grey Matter, his most intelligent form. Grey Matter's grey skin contrasted with the black and white jumpsuit he wore, and his large, bulging green eyes, with rectangular pupils, scanned his surroundings. On his back, the Omnitrix symbol glowed faintly, a reminder of the vast potential at Ben's disposal.
The tiny alien looked up at the towering school building with an almost childlike curiosity before twisting the Omnitrix dial. The familiar mechanical whirring sound echoed in the air, followed by the Omnitrix voice declaring, "Life form lock activated."
Now that the lock was engaged, Ben knew he had four hours before the transformation wore off. The clock was ticking, but it was more than enough time for Grey Matter's sharp intellect to thoroughly investigate the old school building. With nimble, quick movements, Grey Matter skittered up to the entrance, eyes darting from corner to corner, ready to explore whatever secrets the abandoned structure might be hiding.
"Here we go." Grey Matter said before entering.
With each step, Ben's gut feeling grew stronger—the mysteries of this place were deeper than he could imagine. He had to uncover the truth, no matter what it took.
Three Hours Later
It had already been several hours. He had searched almost the entirety of the downstairs floor, but he hadn't been successful in finding anything. Grey Matter darted across the hallway of the old school building, his small feet tapping lightly on the dust-covered floor. The place was clearly abandoned—old wooden beams creaked under the weight of time, and faded chalkboard notes still lingered on the walls, forgotten by all but the ghosts of the past. A thick layer of dust covered everything, adding to the desolate atmosphere. It looked like it had been years since anyone had walked through here.
Grey Matter's large green eyes flicked across the hallways, scanning for anything out of place. As he moved, he couldn't shake the sense that something was off. The building was too quiet, too empty. He had no idea what he was looking for, but his instincts told him this place held some kind of clue.
He passed classrooms with shattered windows and desks overturned in a haphazard manner. It was almost as if the building had been abandoned in a rush. Ben's gut tightened as he continued his search. Whatever happened here, it wasn't just a simple closure.
A faint noise caught his attention. Grey Matter froze, his ears twitching. There it was again, a soft rustling sound, like someone—or something—was moving just ahead. With cautious steps, Grey Matter moved toward the source of the noise. His eyes narrowed, focusing in on the hallway ahead. He was close.
Around the corner, he spotted something strange—a door slightly ajar. From within, a dim glow flickered like a distant lantern. His curiosity piqued, Grey Matter crept closer, careful not to make a sound. He reached out with his small, nimble fingers and gently pushed the door open, revealing what appeared to be a hidden room, tucked away in the corner of the old building.
Inside, the room was dark, save for a strange blue light coming from an old, dusty computer on a desk. A thick layer of papers was scattered across the floor, and on the far wall, symbols were hastily drawn in chalk. These markings looked vaguely familiar—Ben could swear he had seen something like this before in his travels. The symbols didn't seem to belong to any language he knew, but they were definitely some form of ritualistic markings.
This must be related to the disappearances, Ben thought to himself. But what's the connection?
He scanned the room for anything more concrete when his attention was suddenly drawn to a set of photographs pinned to the wall. They were old, yellowing photos of the students who had gone missing. Each picture was labeled with a name and date. But what caught Ben's eye was a particular photo—a picture of a lizard like creature. The the creature had a mouthful of razor sharp teeth and cold, dead eyes. Ben's gut told him this was no coincidence.
Before he could investigate further, the faint sound of footsteps echoed down the hallway. Grey Matter froze. Someone was coming. He had to get out, and fast.
He didn't have much time. With a swift leap, Grey Matter darted out of the room and back into the hallway, blending into the shadows just as a figure appeared at the end of the corridor. The man who entered the hallway was tall, athletic, and had silver-white hair. His sharp blue eyes scanned the surroundings with practiced ease.
Yuuto Kiba, Ben realized. One of the school's more prominent students… and definitely not someone to mess with.
Kiba's gaze lingered for a moment on the hallway, as if sensing something unusual. He adjusted the strap of the bag over his shoulder before continuing down the corridor with purposeful strides, unaware of Grey Matter lurking just a few feet away.
Grey Matter let out a silent breath of relief, realizing how close he had come to being discovered. He wasn't sure what Kiba was doing in the old school building, but he knew one thing for sure: he had no intention of getting caught snooping around. The last thing he needed was drawing attention from someone like Kiba, who likely had more combat experience than Ben could handle in his current form.
As Kiba walked farther down the hall, Ben remained hidden in the shadows, watching the student disappear from view. His heart raced in his tiny chest, but he kept his focus. There was still much to uncover here, and Ben was determined to see it through.
With no time to waste, Grey Matter scurried back toward the entrance, retracing his steps as quickly as possible. He activated the Omnitrix again, the familiar green flash signaling his return to his human form.
Ben stood outside the old school building, his mind buzzing with the strange discoveries he had made. The photos, the symbols, and Kiba's unexpected presence—there was something bigger at play here, something Ben couldn't ignore. But for now, he needed to get out before anyone else showed up.
His gut told him the mystery was far from over, and he was ready to dive deeper into whatever secrets Kuoh Academy was hiding.
Ben looked down at the Omnitrix on his wrist, noticing the once-vibrant emerald green had now faded into a deep, ominous red. The light that usually flickered with energy now appeared dull and lifeless. He groaned in frustration. He had pushed his transformation as far as it could go, and now the device was temporarily locked—he would need to wait about an hour for it to recharge.
He couldn't afford to waste any time. Ben was deep in thought as he started his way back down the path, heading toward the Hyoudou residence. The mystery at the old school building was far from solved, but for now, he had to regroup. He had learned enough to know that the disappearances weren't a coincidence, and the symbols in the hidden room were something he needed to look into further. But he couldn't do it alone—not without the power of the Omnitrix.
As he walked, Ben's mind raced. Kiba was in there too… What does he know about this place? Why was he so calm? Ben's gut told him that there was more to Kiba's involvement than just being a regular student. There was a secret here, and he wasn't going to rest until he uncovered it. The symbols, the photos, the old room—it all felt connected. But to get the answers, he would need to dig deeper.
Ben was so deep in thought that he didn't even notice the sun beginning to set. As he walked through the park on his way back to the Hyoudou residence, the park seemed eerily quiet, the only light coming from the dim lamp posts casting long shadows on the ground.
Ben's eyes drifted up, drawn to the fountain in the center of Kuoh Park. The surface of the water shimmered under the moonlight, creating a peaceful scene. But as he blinked, something felt off. When he opened his eyes again, a woman stood directly in front of the fountain, staring at him.
He took a step back, his heart racing. He had only blinked—how had she gotten there so quickly? His instincts screamed at him that something wasn't right. There was a cold, unsettling aura about her.
The woman smiled slyly, the moonlight reflecting off the fountain illuminating her in an almost eerie way. Her hair was jet black, and her violet eyes glowed in the dim light. The outfit she wore was anything but ordinary—a piece of leather covered her breasts, and a leather thong hung low on her hips. She had long gloves running up her arms, chains hanging from them, and strange shoulder guard-like objects on her shoulders. On her right shoulder, three large spikes jutted out, adding to her intimidating appearance. Her thigh-high heeled boots clicked with each movement she made, their sound echoing in the silence of the park.
Ben's heart raced as he scanned her appearance, his mind trying to process what was happening. His hand instinctively hovered near the Omnitrix, which was still glowing a faint red, signaling it wasn't ready yet. He had about fifteen minutes before it was usable again.
The woman stepped closer, her eyes locked onto him. "Can I help you?" Ben asked, his voice steady despite the growing unease in his chest.
She sighed, a hint of disappointment in her voice. "It's such a shame," she muttered. "Maybe if you didn't have that Sacred Gear, you could have been a nice toy." As she finished speaking, black crow-like wings suddenly sprouted from her back, their feathers dark as night and large enough to cast a shadow on the ground.
Ben's eyes widened in shock. Wings? This woman… She wasn't human. Not by a long shot. He stepped back instinctively, his mind racing for answers.
Before he could react further, the woman's right hand shimmered with violet energy. A spear of light, glowing fiercely, materialized from her palm. Without warning, she hurled it at him with frightening speed.
Ben's training as a Plumber kicked in. He wasn't a normal teenager, and his reflexes were sharper than most. He dodged to the left just in time, narrowly avoiding the violet spear. The ground where he had been standing moments ago sizzled as the spear embedded itself in the dirt with a sharp crack.
The woman didn't wait long before conjuring another spear and throwing it at him. This time, Ben was ready. He dodged again, his heart pounding. He sprinted toward her, using the momentum to deliver an uppercut with all his strength.
The woman's head snapped back from the force of the blow, but her expression quickly twisted into a furious snarl. "You son of a bitch!" she hissed, her eyes burning with rage. She quickly formed another spear, this one even more menacing than the last. She lunged at him, aiming to impale him with the violet weapon.
Ben barely had time to react before the woman lunged at him again, the violet spear aimed straight for his chest. His mind raced, but his body was already moving, his reflexes keeping him a step ahead. He dodged to the side, but this time, the spear's trajectory was too perfect. It grazed his side, ripping through his shirt and embedding itself deep into his flesh.
A sharp cry of pain escaped his lips, but he forced himself to stay upright. The pain was intense, like a fire coursing through his veins.
He could feel blood begin to seep from the wound, staining his shirt as it trickled down his side.
Ben staggered, his breath coming in short gasps. The Omnitrix on his wrist still glowed red-still useless. Damn it... His mind screamed in frustration as he tried to will the device to work, but it was useless. He was vulnerable, and he couldn't afford to be.
The woman seemed to sense his weakness, her smile growing wider as she raised her arm again to form another spear of violet light. Ben's body screamed for him to back off, to flee, but he had nowhere to go. He was cornered, injured and unable to fight back at full capacity.
"You're weaker than I thought," the woman taunted, her voice dripping with amusement. "And here I thought you'd put up more of a fight."
Ben's vision blurred, his body growing heavier with each passing second. He could feel the blood leaving him, and he knew if he didn't act fast, this fight would be over for him.
I can't lose here, he thought, pushing through the pain. But it was hard to focus with his body protesting every movement.
The woman was about to strike, but Ben's survival instinct kicked in. He had to do something-anything-to survive this. As the spear shot toward him, Ben managed to duck under it, narrowly avoiding the attack.
His body felt weak, but he couldn't let himself go down like this.
He turned quickly, trying to get behind the woman, but his vision was swimming, and his movements were sluggish. He reached for something-anything-that could help him. His hand brushed against the ground, feeling the damp earth beneath him as he struggled to stay upright. The woman was already turning around, ready to strike again, but Ben had one last card to play.
With a strained breath, he surged forward, summoning whatever strength he had left.
He collided with her in a last-ditch effort, his body slamming into hers with enough force to knock her off balance.
But the impact also sent another wave of pain through his side, and he couldn't hold himself up anymore. He fell to his knees, blood soaking through his shirt, his vision fading in and out.
The woman laughed cruelly as she stood above him, raising her spear for the final blow. "Pathetic," she sneered. "'ll enjoy finishing you off."
Ben's hand trembled as he reached toward the Omnitrix, willing it to recharge faster, but there was no sign of it returning to full power. He had no more energy to transtorm, no more strength to fight.
As the woman raised her spear high, Ben closed his eyes, accepting the inevitable. He was done.
She raised her arm, the spear of light gleaming ominously in her hand as she aimed it directly at Ben's heart. Just as she was about to deliver the final blow, her head snapped toward a shadowed path deeper into the park. Her violet eyes narrowed, and she clicked her teeth in irritation.
"Looks like our time is up," she muttered, her voice dripping with annoyance. Spreading her black, crow-like wings, she leapt into the air with a single powerful beat, vanishing into the night sky. Her mocking laughter echoed in the distance as she called out, "Goodbye, I wish I could have had more fun with you."
Ben remained where he stood for a moment, frozen in shock and pain. Then his legs gave out beneath him, and he collapsed onto the cold ground. His breaths came in shallow gasps, his vision blurred and darkened by the blood loss. The last thing he saw was the faint shimmer of moonlight reflecting off the fountain before his consciousness slipped away entirely.
With Issei
Issei pedaled slowly down the road, muttering under his breath as he made his way home. He couldn't help but feel frustrated. Despite being a Devil, his magical power was pitifully low. It was so weak that he couldn't even use a teleportation circle—something any half-decent Devil could do with ease. Instead, he spent his day passing out magical leaflets and then attending a contract summoning. At least the contract had been easy enough: just watching anime and arguing about power scaling with the client. If there was one thing Issei knew how to do, it was indulge his love for anime. But all of it was for one thing: his future harem.
A perverted grin spread across his face as he thought of all the beauties he'd eventually claim as his own. Just a few more minutes, and he'd be home, where he could finally relax with all the lewd adult videos he wanted. His day would end as it always did—in the most indulgent way possible.
As he rode through the park, something shifted in the air. Issei's good mood faltered, and he slowed, instinctively reaching for the brakes. A shiver ran down his spine. He couldn't quite place it, but something felt off. Sona had warned him about the dangers of holy energy, especially after he had become a Devil. She told him to stay away from places filled with it, but here he was, in the middle of a park with his senses on high alert.
He glanced around warily, the hairs on the back of his neck standing up. Whatever was going on, it didn't feel normal. He began pedaling again, but this time with more caution. He wasn't sure if it was the holy energy or something else, but his instincts were telling him to be careful.
Minutes later, Issei's heart stopped. Up ahead, something in the distance made him freeze. Lying in a pool of blood was none other than his cousin, Ben.
"Ben!" Issei shouted, his heart sinking into his stomach as he rushed over to him.
He checked for a pulse, his hands trembling. He felt a faint heartbeat, but it was weak, far too weak. His mind raced with panic. What could he do? He didn't have any magic left to heal Ben, and there was no one nearby who could help. His phone was useless out here, and he didn't have time to call anyone anyway. Ben's face was pale, blood staining his clothes.
Issei squeezed Ben's hand. "Come on, stay with me, Ben." His voice was shaky, his throat tight with fear. But Ben's hand went limp in his grasp, and his breathing stopped entirely.
"No! NO!" Issei screamed, tears welling up in his eyes. He shook Ben's body, his desperation growing. "Ben, please!" he pleaded, his voice cracking. "Don't leave me!"
As he continued shaking him, something fell from Ben's pocket. Issei glanced down and saw a leaflet, the same one he had seen earlier—Rias Gremory's magic circle. His hands were shaking as he picked it up, his heart racing. It was his only chance.
He shoved the leaflet onto Ben's chest, placing his hand on top of it. "Please, please work," he whispered through clenched teeth, channeling every last ounce of his weak magic power into the circle. "Damn it, work!"
A bright crimson red magic circle appeared on the ground beside Ben, glowing with an intensity that made Issei's heart skip a beat. It spun, and in moments, a figure began to materialize within it.
Rias Gremory.
She stepped out of the magic circle, her crimson hair flowing around her like a fiery halo. Her eyes scanned the scene before her, taking in Issei's frantic expression, and then the lifeless form of Ben.
"What's going on here?" she asked, her voice calm but filled with concern.
Issei, unable to speak properly from the weight of the situation, reached out, grabbing Rias' shirt with trembling hands. "Please… save him. Save Ben," he begged, his voice breaking under the weight of his desperation.
Rias looked down at Ben's still body, then at Issei. She sighed deeply, her eyes filled with a mixture of sympathy and resolve. "Alright," she said softly. "I'll help him."
With a flick of her wrist, another magic circle appeared beneath Ben's body. His form was enveloped in a bright red glow, and as the light intensified, he began to vanish, transported by the power of the magic circle.
Issei watched, his eyes wide with anxiety, until Ben's body had disappeared completely. The circle vanished, and Rias, too, was gone in a flash.
Issei was left alone in the park. His heart was heavy, and his mind was racing. He wasn't sure what had just happened, or what it meant for his future, but he knew one thing for certain.
He sighed, wiping his face with the back of his hand. Feeling drained, he finally stood up and made his way back to his bike. There was no point in staying here any longer. He needed to get home, try to forget what had just happened.
But as he began to pedal away, he had a sinking feeling in his gut that he wouldn't be able to sleep tonight.
The warm crimson glow of the magic circle enveloped Ben's limp body as it materialized in the center of the Occult Research Club room. Rias Gremory stood over him, her arms crossed, her expression unreadable as she studied the unconscious boy. The room was dim, lit only by the faint red light of the circle that pulsed gently beneath Ben. Around her, the air buzzed with magic, thick and electric.
Akeno stood nearby, her usual serene smile replaced with a look of curiosity and slight concern. "You're really going to use eight pawn pieces on him, Rias?" she asked softly.
Rias nodded. "I have to. His life force is almost completely drained. Whatever attacked him intended to kill him, and if I don't act now, he won't survive. Besides…" Her gaze lingered on Ben's pale face. "I believe he has potential. Something about him feels… ancient. The kind of power that shouldn't be ignored."
Akeno tilted her head, a playful smile teasing the edges of her lips. "Is it his power you're interested in, or the fact that he seems rather handsome in a rugged sort of way?"
Rias shot her a glare but didn't dignify the comment with a response. Instead, she walked over to her desk, pulling open a drawer and retrieving a small ornate box. Inside were the Evil Pieces—chess pieces infused with demonic magic, used to reincarnate humans into Devils.
She pulled out eight pawns, their surfaces gleaming with an otherworldly glow. "Eight pieces…" she murmured. "That's rare, even for someone with potential power like his."
"Perhaps he's not as ordinary as he seems," Akeno mused, stepping closer to observe.
Rias returned to Ben's side, kneeling beside him. Placing the eight pawn pieces on his chest, she closed her eyes and began chanting in a low, melodic voice. The room grew heavy with magical energy as the pieces started to glow, their light pulsating in sync with the circle beneath Ben.
"By my name, Rias Gremory, heir of the Gremory family, I command these Evil Pieces to breathe new life into this soul," Rias intoned, her voice steady and authoritative. "Bind him to my house and grant him the second chance he deserves."
The glow from the pieces intensified, their light merging into a single, blinding crimson aura that enveloped Ben's body. His chest rose sharply as he gasped, his back arching slightly off the floor as the magic surged through him. The pawns melted into his body, disappearing beneath his skin as the ritual reached its climax.
The magic circle faded, and the room fell silent. Ben lay still for a moment, his breathing shallow but steady. Slowly, his eyelids fluttered open, revealing tired but alive eyes. He blinked, confusion written across his face as he looked around the unfamiliar room.
Rias leaned over him, her crimson hair cascading around her like a curtain of fire. "Welcome back," she said softly.
Ben frowned, his voice hoarse as he croaked out, "What… happened?"
"You were dying," Rias explained, her tone calm but firm. "I saved you by making you one of my servants. You're now a Devil, part of my peerage."
Ben's brows knitted together as he tried to process her words. "A… Devil? Peerage?"
"You'll understand in time," Rias said, her voice gentle but authoritative. "For now, rest. You've been through a lot, and your body needs time to adjust."
Akeno stepped forward, her usual smile back in place. "You're lucky, Ben. You now belong to Rias, one of the most powerful and kind leaders you could ever hope for."
Ben looked between the two women, his expression a mix of bewilderment and unease. He tried to sit up, but Rias placed a firm hand on his shoulder.
"Don't push yourself," she said. "Your wounds were severe, and even with the Evil Pieces, it'll take some time for you to recover."
Ben hesitated, then nodded, lying back down. His mind swirled with questions, but for now, he had no choice but to trust the woman who had just saved his life. He closed his eyes intending to figure out what had happened after he had a nice sleep.
A crimson magic circle flared to life beneath Ben, its radiant red glow illuminating the room. The air shimmered with energy, and within moments, his body was enveloped in the light. In the blink of an eye, he disappeared, leaving nothing behind but the fading remnants of the circle's glow.