-Ayuka Beelzebub POV-

Looking at the recently reincarnated young man, I would guess that I interrupted his private training time since he's wearing a black and white tracksuit, with his black and damp hair tied into a man bun.

He looks at me in silence, as if he was gazing into a ghost. Also, his cheeks have a tinge of redness. Was he feeling unwell?

I run some analysis magic at the back of my head, no magic circle needed for it since it's quite energy-efficient. Yet, I detect no illness of any kind. What I do find is… strange.

He has a good quantity of demonic power. A lot more than I would expect from a 'Rook', even if two of them were used. Still, that's not the weirdest of all; the other energy I can feel running along his body is. I can detect it's magical in nature, but is oh so different than any other magic I've studied.

I raise an eyebrow when his bright, hazel eyes shine for a moment before he winces and they turn from an almost gold-like to the previous brightness.

Interesting. Is that his own version of Analysis? I've seen in the Sitri Heiress report that it usually doesn't work on people much stronger than him. ''Rei, you should go and greet Koneko too, she's on the bottom floor.'' He takes a moment to speak to and pet his familiar, which makes her respond with a wave. Then, she jumps from his arms and quickly scutters away.

''Ah, sorry about that.'' He seems to recover his wits, his tone apologetic as a smile crosses his face. ''How rude of me, I'm Zatren Fumigami. Please, come on in Mrs. Beelzebub.''

He opens the door completely and easily turns his back on me. Leading me into a formal waiting room neatly decorated in deep blue, serpent patterns. I distinctively recognize these ones as Serafall's favorites.

''No need for such formal speech. I have come unannounced to your home, after all.'' I smile pleasantly, fixing another strand of wild hair to the side. Should've tied it up before coming, but I'm always on a tight schedule.

I take a seat on a comfortable, dark-blue couch, and the young home-owner looks a bit… uncertain, about my words. ''Are you sure? I don't wish to be disrespectful.'' I wave away his concerns. The less politics I have to deal with in a day, the better.

He sighs in relief before a hot cup of black tea appears in his hand. He offers it to me and I nod in appreciation. Hmm… A pocket space with no summoning circle.

He makes a cup of his own appear and settles down on the couch in front of me. After a silent sip, his gaze lands on me once more, an easy smile crossing his features.

''Thanks, I'm not proficient with all that 'etiquette' mumbo-jumbo.'' I chuckle humorously at his casual words. ''Now, may I know to what do I owe the pleasure for your visit, Ms. Beel?''

I blink at the odd nickname. Well, I did ask for a more casual conversation.

''Ah, yes. I wanted to check on you. To see if there are any side effects or discomfort.'' I put down my cup on the table that separates us after taking a sip. Crossing my hands under my chin and look him in the eye. ''I will be honest with you, Mr. Fumigami. There isn't any precedent of any race becoming a Reincarnated Devil of two Kings at the same time. I just want to see if everything is running smoothly.''

He stares blankly at me while taking a long sip. It doesn't take long for him to answer. ''So… Some sort of medical check-up, then?''

''Yes, actually.'' I nod and with a snap of my fingers, a simple medical table appears on the side. Standard and white colored. It's not like I need any heavy equipment for this. I was the one who made the 'Evil Pieces'. If I didn't know how to check their status, I'd be nothing but hot air. ''This process requires physical touch. Would you be willing to cooperate? I'm… sorry to say, but this is less of a request and more of a demand. The best I can do is give you a sedative if you're uncomfortable with the procedure.''

I can see him frown for a moment. I can understand, that not many people will let themselves be vulnerable to unknown people, especially a political figure with the title of 'Satan'. I'm even willing to offer compensation, even if this process is for his own safety-

''Sure, do I need to change or something?'' I blink at him once again. His frown was seemingly replaced by a friendly smile.

What?

Without prompt, he gets up, walks to the white stretcher, and sits down once more. Not even a hint of worry or nervousness on his features.

''You…'' I pause for a moment at the weird development. Even if Reincarnated Devils were a lot more trusting than pureblood, not one was this trusting when it came to something related to us Satans. ''…you should be good with just taking your shirt off. It won't take long.''

He just nods and his shirt suddenly disappears. Probably into that pocket space of his.

Never mind, then. If he's so cooperative, I won't look a gift horse in the mouth.

The moment I approach, he lies down. I start by subtly touching the center of his chest, and not a moment later, multiple small yet powerful magical circles appear around the stretcher, and I concentrate on catching every possible detail about this youngling's physiology.

Hmm… vitals and organs are all working properly… Cells are moving faster than normal, but it does not seem to be harmful in any way. The vocal cords- No. The overall Larynx seems to be tougher, more efficient. Pharyngeal muscles also seem different from a normal human or devil.

''Mr. Fumigami, do you have any distinctive heritage?'' I ask absent-mindedly while checking the effects of the Modified Rooks this time. Seeing if his cooperation goes far enough to share information about his unique body.

Nothing out of the ordinary besides a stronger, more durable physique. Mostly attributed to the use of two Rook Pieces instead of one. Also, the connection to his two 'Kings' seems stable. Nothing out of the ordinary. Is his case special, or is the experiment a success? Hard to define without more subjects to perform an average.

''Oh, right. I just told Koneko recently. I'm part sea creature, actually. Half-Mermaid- Not 'Merman'. I'm talking about the ones who sing really well.'' The subject is partially stuttering over his own words. A reaction born out of a sensitive topic, or about the checkup itself? Inconclusive.

His statement checks out, however. I have never properly analyzed a 'Mermaid'. Haven't actually seen one either, and Mythology has plenty of definitions about them depending on which Pantheon you seek in.

By the subject's… above average physical appearance, I can at least pitch the possibility of being related in some way to the Greeks. The subject also does not originate from Japan. So, that could discard the possibility of being some type of Youkai. However, the possibility is not completely out of the question.

Lastly, I check on his Demonic Power reserves. Just to fill in the report later- What is this?

I narrow my eyes at the… strangeness of his magic.

There's Demonic Power, no doubt about it. Yet, there's something else too. Normally, the Evil Pieces will transform all magic potential directly into Demonic Power reserves. It's the most important step since it's the very thing that makes us Devils.

Then why can I sense something else too?

''Mr. Fumigami, have you been having adverse effects when trying to use your Demonic Power in any way?'' His eyes seem to focus on me for a moment before his eyes widen minutely.

''Well, I was having a little bit of trouble handling my Mana, but other than that-''

''Excuse me for interrupting. 'Mana', you say? Could you elaborate on that?'' My frown only deepens. Isn't that a terminology used in social media? Normally, I would discard it as another way to refer to one's magic reserves, but…

''Hm? You know. It's like a biological part, kind of like an organ but… not? Probably all around the body just like veins are. Transporting Mana all over.'' He explains easily like it's something anyone should know about.

My hand twitches slightly. A tick I have never got rid of, I'm afraid. Then, I redouble my efforts in deeply searching inside his body.

Color me surprised, when hidden deep in the heart and brain, I find strange extra parts, with their own set of vein-like ramifications coursing all over the body. Almost hidden by the actual veins and blood vessels that only carry blood and oxygen. Something I wouldn't have bothered to check if it wasn't for his confident words.

This is... fascinating.

Truly fascinating~!

-Zatren Fumigami POV-

Why the fuck is this woman so beautiful?

I'll be honest, if I was a less sound-of-mind person (Read: Less of a coward), I would've dropped to a knee and proposed when I saw her at the door. For real, for real.

Joking aside, I don't know how to feel at the look she's been giving me the last minute. Her previously dull eyes seem to light up in interest. Like discovering a new game to play after being bored out of your mind for a week straight.

''Senpai, when did Rei come back-?'' Koneko enters through an adjacent room, with a fresh set of clothes, maybe she took a bath after I was gone. Rei is practically attached to her shoulder in a much smaller form. ''Is that Beelzebub-Sama?''

I turn to the green-haired woman, and seeing that she still seems pretty much out of it, I address Koneko myself.

''Mayhaps.'' Nailed it.

''…'' She deadpans at me, before turning around. ''I'll just go see where that Fallen girl is. Try to not flirt with the Satan.''

''Have fun!'' I wave with a smile, at which she doesn't turn around and only walks out of the room.

''Fumigami-San, I would like to propose a deal.'' Oh, so now she speaks. ''I want to know more about this 'Mana' you speak about, but I'm afraid my schedule is quite full at the moment.''

I raise an eyebrow in curiosity, but before I can ask about what she means, that terrifying look comes back, and I feel a shiver go down my spine. ''So, how about this? Once a week, I will come to fetch you so I can… learn more about this subject. Of course, I know that knowledge is never free. In exchange for this opportunity, I will teach you a brand of magic I find useful in practically every area. Even more than Devil Magic, I assure you.''

Nowthatgets me a bit curious myself. A brand of magic that is better than using sheer willpower to make things happen? I can just imagine the possibilities…

Ayuka, the smartest Devil and second strongest only to the current Lucifer, extends her hand to me with an intense look in her eyes, her voice speaks sweetly, with something hidden or implicated I can't quite catch. ''Do we have adeal~?''

Before I can think of the implications, my hand is clasping hers firmly. ''I accept.''

My eyes widen as I feel something grasping my hand tightly, before it dissipates into the air like it was never there. I look up at Ayuka's face, only to see a genuinely scary smile on her face. Her tired eyes feel like a predator's looking at the best meal they had in years.

Huh. Is this what 'scaroused' feels like?

''Soo… Power testing? Is that what this is?'' I ask while stretching the non-existent kinks off my body.

Sona called me to the gym along the rest of her peerage after class. Something about training exercises and possibly team-battling exercises. Mostly, to get me up to speed, since I'm the least experienced member.

I will say, the gym uniform of this school is so damn bland. A white T-shirt and blue shorts? Could have given me a tracksuit at least…

''Not specifically, unless you have something new you wish to try out?'' My black-haired King raises an eyebrow; to which I make a 'so-so' motion with my hands. She sighs and appears to age at least 10 years in that single breath. ''…Anyway. Since Ruruko did not have any powers prior to her reincarnation, this process wasn't necessary. Right now, I want to see your current output to see where you stand.''

I nod in understanding. It makes sense, really. While Rias seems to roll with the punches of whatever I pull out of my non-existent hat, Sona strikes me as someone who prefers to have all the variables under control.

Although… I hope this doesn't become a regular thing, since I'm pretty sure I'll have another jump in power soon when all of my stats hit D, and I'm pretty sure Sona's hair will turn grey if she actually does try to keep up with my ever growing list of powers.

''I got all of that, but… why is your sister here?'' Then, I turn to the bleachers. Serafall was sitting there in Kuoh's Female Uniform, waving at her sister with a big smile on her face. Hum, was the magical girl outfit in the washing machine?

''Ignore her unless stated otherwise.'' Sona's robotic-like reply is really funny. Especially when It gets accompanied by a 'Don't be mean, So-Tan!' From the Satan Leviathan.

''Sure, sure'' I nod, and a moment later, part of the field is now covered by training dummies. Probably similar to the one Rias lent me for lightning practice.

''Your first task is simple. I want you to attack one of this dummies at a time to discern how powerful your attacks are. You don't have to worry about how much Demonic Power you use. Momo-San will take care of measuring it in approximate values.'' Looking slightly to the side, Momo is giving me a smile with a thumbs up.

''Alright then…'' I walk to the first in the row, and start pulling Demonic Power from my MP pool. It will be a good practice to actually start using this.

Demonic Power is… strange. I know it's in my body, yet I don't have a 'bar' like with Mana to measure exactly how much I have. Instead, when I was experimenting at home, it pulled directly from my MP pool. It was a bit… easier? Yeah, something like that.

Once I'm 10 meters away from my target, I narrow my eyes, and a thin water-blade courses through the air. In just a second, a thin line appears in the humanoid dummy's chest… and that's it.

The cut was… superficial? ''Huh. This thing is a lot tougher than it looks.'' I frown, and as if she spawned out of nowhere, Serafall pats my shoulder from the side, a smug smile on her face.

''Of course! There were made to take High-Class level attacks. Not like they'll stay in one piece if an actual High-Class devil blasted it with all they've got, but you get the idea~'' Yeah, got it. What I don't get is how you suddenly appeared behind me. I swear you were in the bleachers a second ago!

''Actually, I'm surprised you could actually cut it up a bit! Must have been the nature of the attack. A water-blade so thin, it cuts like a sharp knife through paper, hm? Good job. Must have been hard to pull that off.'' I receive a few more pats, yet I can't help but raise an eyebrow in confusion.

''Not… really? That was the lowest output. I was just trying out the 'Imagination' and 'Willpower' part of Devil Magic. If I used a chant, it would've been stronger.'' I state, and the hand on my shoulder stills for a moment, before Serafalls drops her 'happy-go-lucky' expression, replacing it with a blank one.

What is it with Satans and looking at me weird these days? This is two out of four already!

-Serafall Leviathan POV-

''Oh? A chant you say… and how strong do you think it will be with that chant?'' I free his shoulder and give an ample smile once again.

The control he displayed just now, was pretty good for someone as green as him. Yet, he says that's the 'lowest' output? It was a solid, Middle-Class attack.

I walk a few meters to the side. Turning to look at my little sister, I can see her giving me a questioning look, to which I wink and wave her off. Then, I clap my hands. ''Alright, you got me a bit curious. How about you show me the highest output? Not like you weren't going for that already, right? So-Tan did want to see you going all out~''

Za-Kun just looks at me blankly, before shrugging and focusing on the dummy once again. He breathes in deeply, and I can feel him pull away at his Demonic Power reserves like a broken dam.

''Cut. Overwhelm. Twin Leviathans…'' I raise an eyebrow and smile at the probably unintentional praise. Having a water-themed attack named after my title was interesting if slightly ego-stroking. Let's see if it does justice to the name~

He points an upwards palm in the direction of the dummy, ring, and pinky fingers splayed back, while the middle and index point forward. ''Lacerate.'' Suddenly, a massive blade of water soars through the air, slower than the last one, but no less lethal, in fact-

SHING.

Za-Kun releases a huff and his shoulders slump. A thud follows just a moment later, and my gaze turns to the cut-down dummy. The upper torso lays on the floor, a perfect and smooth cut that indicates the preciseness of such an attack. The water didn't even manage to hit the wall far behind the target, disappearing the moment the 'blade' cut through 'flesh. A great show of control, to dismiss your attack like that.

''That's more like it!'' The black-haired boy laughs while pumping a fist into the air. Then, he turns to me with a smug smile, proud of validating his own words. ''Told'ya I could do it~''

''You sure did, Za-Kun! You won yourself a biiig hug from 'big sister' Serafall~!'' I chuckle internally when I see his confused face turn into surprise when I suddenly appear in front of him and force him into a bear-crushing hug.

Surprising, that instead of pulling away, he wheezes from the sudden lack of air, and tries to give his back his own, Rook-enhanced hug. It almost tickles, but love the spirit~

Still, in the middle of the hug itself, I look blankly at the destroyed dummy. What was the phrase of that one space movie again? Ah!

'We'll watch your career with great interest', was it?

Great interest indeed.

-Sona Sitri POV-

The next demonstration certainly went quicker than the first one. He even said that he was 'hurrying it up' because it would take all day otherwise.

Lightning, Water, Self-enhancing, Short-range teleportation, Hand-to-hand combat, Barriers, andHEALING?!

Oh, and how can I forget that one dummy he sent flying by just shouting really loud? 'I'm a mermaid', he said when I asked. Sure, like that explains anything at all! Haa… It did get my sister awfully interested, and isn't that a worrying thought?

''Are you alright, Kaichou?'' I sigh at Tsubaki's words. I take a deep breath in and fully turn to her.

''Tsubaki… I need an accurate analysis of where Zatren stands right now, and I… have my doubts that he won't just stomp the rest. Could you spar with him? All out. I need this to be precise.'' I grab at my temple for a moment. I swear that if I start to get grey hairs…

Tsubaki frowns for a moment before her hand tightens around her sheathed nodachi. ''Not a problem, Kaichou.'' With a nod and a serious expression, she walks towards the handsome- the black-haired menace.

They exchange some words, and I feel a shiver run down my spine when Zatren's face practically splits open with a smile, a fire lit in his eyes.

Oh… He's a battle junkie.

Mistakes have been made. However, it's too late now, and both combatants stand in front of each other. Tsubaki's hand remains on her unsheathed sword, while a spear- No. A Halberd made of… bone? Appears on Zatren's hands. He takes a pose, with the handle secured in between his armpit and back, while the heavy side with the blade and spearhead points to the ground.

''Ohh~ Our Queen will really fight the Rookie?'' I roll my eyes at the wordplay from Tomoe. ''But will it really be okay, Sona-San? Isn't it a bit too much to pit him against the strongest in the peerage after you?''

Before I can answer, Zatren's body gets covered by an orange glow, and his eyes sharpen in concentration. ''I heard that Kiba-San usually spars with you. I have high expectations, Tsubaki-Senpai~!''

''They won't be unfounded. Kouhai.'' My Queen states simply before her form quickly shortens the distance between the two.

Her sword is finally drawn, pointed at Zatren's dominant arm. Yet, before it reaches, an axe blade made of bone cuts the momentum entirely. Not a word is uttered, and then blades made of water fall from the sky.

Tsubaki disengages, Demonic Power flaring as her nodachi is covered by a thick layer of ice. She swings upwards in quick succession, intercepting the falling sharp blades with her own. Yet, she suddenly slashes to the side in an arc, meaning to cut directly at Zatren, who tried to flank her.

Ice blade meets a half-baked yellow barrier, and they both shatter in the process.

Zatren's eyes flare up in golden light, and I swear that his pupils move extremely fast for a moment. ''[Change Spear]!'' The bone halberd transforms into a blood-red javelin. He spins on his own axis and throws it at Tsubaki with added momentum.

The weapon is deflected with minor difficulty with a precise swing, yet the distraction was already made.

''Submerged Minefield.'' With two simple words and putting his palms together, the field gets filled with beach-ball-sized water bubbles, with a single look and by the obvious wording, I can tell that these will explode in contact. ''Mm… These may not be enough. Tsubaki-Chan is quite resilient, I can tell~''

Even with multiple obstacles, Tsubaki only narrows her eyes and expertly sprints towards her opponent, avoiding the exploding bubbles with ease. But that only makes Zatren smirk- wait.

A little spark of blue is all the warning Tsubaki gets, and it's clearly not enough, since her eyes widen when lightning strikes out of nowhere, but not aimed at her, no. It was aimed at the bubbles.

BOOOOM!

I can hear some squealing from around me, and even I have to close my eyes for a moment at the wind and water provided by the explosion. They're going to bring the building down at this rate…

''Whoo! Good one, Za-kun!'' You're not helping, sister!

The field clears slowly, and two barriers are shown in different parts of the field. A yellow one cracked all around, and a white one that literally shatters a second later.

When the dust is cleared, the yellow barrier disappears. Only the combatants and the blatant holes around the floor remain. Zatren's smile has not faltered for a moment, he looks fresh even. I can't say the same about my Queen, who takes in a few ragged breaths. The hand that holds her sword trembles only for a moment before stabilizing, but the blood trickling from the side of her head and her slightly unfocused eyes tell me another story.

''It appears that the first blood is mine, Senpai~'' Zatren teases away, and his previously discarded javelin suddenly appears on his hand, changing once again and turning into a fiery orange spear that must be at least double in size to the user himself. The weight is quite notable since the tip rests on the floor.

''It's not honorable to talk down to your seniors, Fumigami-San.'' It's Tsubaki's serious reply before her nodachi gets covered once again by a much stronger layer of blue ice.

''Good thing I'm not a 'Knight', then!'' And with that said, they encounter each other in the middle of the field once more. Continuous blows are traded, with Tsubaki trying to strike at Zatren's arms and legs, while he blocks the attempts with his much heavier and wider weapon and tries to counter-attack with powerful swings.

The game of cat and mouse continues for a while, even when magic is put into the mix, the attacks either get blocked by luminescent barriers or dodged by the fighter's superior agility. Yet, suddenly, in an exchange of blows, Tsubaki anticipated a block, but instead of her nodachi meeting Zatren's spear blade, the sword slices at the flesh on his palm, drawing blood and surely causing damage by frostbite.

And all of a sudden, Tsubaki's sword is trapped in the grip of a self-enhancing Rook.

''Got you now, Senpai,'' Zatren spoke calmly, only for his entire body to spark alight with electricity. The powerful current traveled all the way through the iron of Tsubaki's blade, and directly into her body.

''AHHH!'' Painful screams ripple through Tsubaki's throat, and even I wince a bit at the attack. I'm not… too worried about her getting seriously injured. She has the endurance of a Rook, after all, but it's not like I enjoy watching her get hurt either.

The only exit for Tsubaki was to let go of her weapon. With a painful grunt and a leap backward, she lands on her feet. Her gym uniform is covered in soot and scorch marks, and her hair looks disheveled and kind of smoking. Yet, she remains on her feet.

''I think it's my win, Tsubaki-San,'' Zatren states. The previously teasing tone is gone, and the fire in his eyes slowly diminishes into embers. Tsubaki's sword disappears in mid-air, probably stored away.

''What kind of 'Senpai' would I be if I just conceded the win?'' She grunts out. Even without a weapon, magic circles of the Sitri house appear on both of her hands. ''It's not over yet. Kouhai.''

I'm… almost tempted to call out the match, but I feel that will be disrespecting my Queen's wishes. I don't have a second more to think about it, as Zatren's spear changes once more. This time, into a crimson spear with draconic wings at the side, an imposing and glowing green gem close to the middle. Almost ornamental in nature. This is the weapon he used against that dragon abomination.

''[Meteor…'' He pulls his arm back, a blue, transparent circle appears in front of him, and I feel my eyes widen at the accumulation of power. ''…Thrust V]!''

The moment Zatren thrusts his weapon forward, a full-body mirror appears in front of Tsubaki. Then, a powerful beam of light shoots at lightning speed toward my Queen's Sacred Gear; Mirror Alice.

The power of Mirror Alice is to absorb and send back the magic thrown at it with double the force. The moment I'm about to leap into the field, so Zatren doesn't get injured by his own strike being turned against him, I get another surprise when the blast… goes through the mirror entirely, as if it wasn't there.

Tsubaki only managed a hastily made barrier, before the attack exploded against her form.

I run towards my fallen Queen with worry. Why didn't Mirror Alice reflect the magic?! Yet, before I can fret over the injured form of Tsubaki, Zatren is already at her side. The weapon transformed into a keychain, and both of his palms pulsing orange.

He looks serious and worried. Yet, when his hands touch Tsubaki, the frown disappears with a sigh of relief. I can't help but stare at the way that the raven-haired girl's injuries are quickly healing. Disappearing without a trace as if they were never there.

The glow dies down, and Tsubaki manages to sit up. Then, Zatren extends his hand, offering to help her to get on her feet.

''Sorry about that, Senpai. I may have overdone it, but I felt that if I didn't give you a resounding loss, it would have been disrespectful. You really got me on my toes there~'' The little smile on his face, and the way his eyes brighten up make something in my chest flutter a little…

Satan-dammit, not again!

''Ah… yes. U-um… Thank you.'' I turn my head slightly to Tsubaki once more. To a stuttering Tsubaki.

A stuttering Tsubaki who has a slight blush on her cheeks, is staring directly at Zatren's face with a little something in her eyes bespectacled.

Haa… I can already feel the headache….

-Zatren Fumigami POV-

After healing Tsubaki and saying my goodbyes to the group (with Serafall saying 'See you soon!' and giving me an ominous look), I used [Portal Spear] to get home.

It's a bit weird, really. I have to 'thrust' into empty air, and suddenly a literal hole in space opens up. Freaky as hell, I tell you.

Looking around my cozy home, I see that it's a bit… empty. Except for Rei, who I can feel exploring the house now that our bond is not closed off. Still, where is Mittelt? Eh, maybe she went out to buy something.

There's something I've been wanting to try. So, I step into the elevator that goes directly to the training grounds below. Once the wait is over, I step into the empty gym with determination, but first, I take a look at the important Skills for this process.

[Barrier Magic] Lv 13 (34%)

[Devil Magic] Lv 4 (73%)

Supposedly dark magic that humans feared a long time ago for its 'treacherous' nature. The reality is very different, however.

Devil Magic has three core aspects: Imagination, Reserves, and Willpower. You need to imagine the desired effect of your spell, then use the corresponding MP to fuel it, and finally, the will to make it manifest itself in the world. Effects tend to vary, and it's not exactly 'cost efficient'.

Hmm… I should ask Sona or Rias for some books on Devil Magic if there are any, but for now, maybe I can just raw dog it?

-Koneko Toujou POV-

Where did Schizo-Senpai run off to? It's what I wonder while walking into the kitchen with Mittelt at my side.

I was thinking that Zatren-Senpai may have a 'type' for petite and short girls, but I clearly remember him flirting with Rias and Akeno. Not to mention teasing Sona until she pops a blood vessel or a blush.

So, he doesn't have a 'body type'. He's just a sucker for women. Hm.

The Fallen showed to be… politer and more level-headed than I expected. Seriously, she looked like a nervous wreck and kind of skittish when I approached and mentioned wanted to talk about her 'confession' to Senpai.

Maybe Akeno-Senpai filled my head with way too many stereotypes…?

''Not here either. Do you think he may not be home yet?'' The now calmer and slightly more friendly Fallen asks, and I shrug in response.

Suddenly, I feel a presence approaching the kitchen. Turning around, I see Rei, who is currently the size of a small dog walking into the room. She stops in her tracks en waves with one of her legs. Cute.

''Sup' Rei. Have you seen Senpai?'' I crouch down to give her some pets. The spider familiar relaxes her body and her eyes sparkle with affirmation.

She taps one leg against the floor a few times, and looks directly at it, then at me, and repeats the action. Ah, the training room then.

''Thanks, Rei.'' She taps her legs again and suddenly vanishes from sight. I turn to the slightly confused Fallen and point to the floor. ''He's in the training room.'' So that's where we go.

Stepping out of the elevator, the first thing we see is the form of Senpai on the floor, legs crossed and eyes closed while his face is frowning in concentration. Is he doing meditation of some kind?

Suddenly, his eyes open and his open palms touch the fingertips. Then, a dark yellow barrier obscures his form for a bit. I think he's going to say something too-

CRACK.

And then, the entire thing shatters to pieces and blood starts to seep out of his eyes and nose.

In a second, I'm beside the sprawled form of my idiotic Senpai. He looks surprised at his own injuries, before turning to me and smiling like he's not making a small puddle of blood on the floor.

''Nope… Can't 'raw dog' that, back to drawing board…'' He says, his tone is a bit dizzy. Then, he turns to me with a big smile. ''Koneko-Chan! How was school today? Didn't even see you at recess!''

My eye twitches slightly. If he's so carefree, it's probably nothing, right? ''Senpai, you're staining your shirt with blood.'' His smile falls off, and he looks down, unconsciously letting some droplets stain his white shirt, making him curse and summon water orbs to try and clean everything up.

''Is he always like this?'' Mittelt asks with a raised eyebrow, and I make a 'so-so' motion with my hand. He has his bright moments. Right now? Not one of them.

Once the floor is cleaned up and Zatren changes his shirt, he turns to us with a smile and open arms. ''Ah, don't I get a hug? I have boyfriend privileges; you know?'' I roll my eyes but still get close and let his bigger form embrace me.

Not because I find him particularly warm and comfy, or for the smell of smoked fish, only because he would annoy me the rest of the day if I don't hug him. Yes, that's the motive.

''So, seeing you two together, I would assume that you guys had a chat about the whole 'harem' thing?'' Even if he looks dumb, he's perceptive most of the time. I release myself from his embrace and turn to Mittelt, who's not looking so confident right now.

Her eyes don't look at either of us directly, and she has a little red covering her cheeks. Yet, she still approaches and fakes a smug tone and false bravado that could be blown away by a light breeze. ''Of course! And with… Koneko's… approval. I want in!''

She paused at my name because she's absolutely horrible remembering them. I made her practice mine at least because I'm NOT getting called shit like 'Moneko' or 'Kokono'.

She stands right in front of Zatren, who just looks slightly amused at her. Then, he puts a hand below her chin, grabbing it with two fingers. ''Sure thing. Don't mind me, I'll just have a taste first~'' Since when does he sound that smooth? Damn fish-boy…

The result was a bit obvious, yet it still caught my fellow petite person. Her eyes widen as Zatren's lips connect with hers. It starts chaste, and only progresses a bit in intensity. He didn't even use his tongue, yet once their lips separated, the Fallen girl looked bewildered, her hand touched her lips, and her face exploded in a sudden blush.

And she wants to get ''Plowed' or 'Bent over a desk'? She looks in shock with only a kiss.

''Lil' Crow has stopped working~'' Senpai amusedly says with a shit-eating grin on his face. I did not snort at that joke. If he tells you otherwise, he's a filthy liar.

Still, looking at the blushing girl, and actually taking a look at her facial features. The whole gothic shtick she had in the church really contrasts with her actual, slightly shy, and embarrassed personality, hidden away by that haughty tone and cockiness.

''I'll concede the point. She is adorable.'' I admit with a sigh.

''I know, right?!'' Is his excited reply. Haa… I still need to meet the other one too. 'Aika', was it? It sounds familiar, but I can't put my finger on the why…

-Bonus: Names have power. Use them carefully-

-? POV-

Silence. Complete silence is what encompasses them. Souls do not speak, for no one will hear their pleas or remarks. Souls remain quiet, for there's nothing more for them to complain, desire, or think about.

Being alive. What makes a soul have ambition, is being capable of truly living. Sadly, not every soul can keep on going forever, and those that do? Lose the love for life itself, more often than not.

Names, names have power, no matter if you speak them aloud, mutter them, write them, or think about them. It is up to the one whose name you refer to actually pay attention.

The black void opens up. Making an eye dark as ink appears on the other side. Invisible to most, the one being gazed upon? Not the exception.

Dark hair, eyes like honey. Praying for a soul that's already gone. Benevolence? Every soul is treated the same. They are not weighed down by their misdeeds or praised for their feats. For souls have been stripped of everything once they enter this domain.

Dark hair, cascading into their back, but tied in neatly. A praying youngling. Yet, deeper, something resides that makes him different than everyone else.

Names, names have power indeed.

…

The lone eye disappears. Its presence is unnoticed, and the cycle keeps going.

Until next time, youngling.

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Author's Note:

Woo! Another week, another chapter. We officially reached 100k words! That's fucking crazy!

So, before the actual notes about the chapter. There's an important announcement.

I'm taking a break, not out of burnout, but because I'm gasping at straws a bit. It may have been noticed, or maybe not, but my DxD knowledge does not go past Riser, and even that is spotty as hell!

I'm taking at least two weeks, to actually READ the LN (There's been an official translation that is a lot better from what I've been told) to get my knowledge up, and actually write decent shit.

(I MAY do a short 'Christmas' special (I know, Christmas already passed, whatever), but Idk yet.

Now, in the chapter, Zatren makes a deal with the devil. Crazy scientific waifu, anyone?

Also, while Zatren DID a 'high-class' attack, it was not a 'mountain level' attack. For those who don't know, High-Class devils can destroy a mountain, do with that what you will. Due to the nature of Zatren's attack (It being a slash), it cut through the dummy like butter, but it won't be as easy to cut through an actual High-Class. (It would have destroyed the wall if Zatren hadn't dismissed it, tho. lol)

Yes, Mirror Alice couldn't deflect Meteor Thrust. Funny thing, 'Hero Skills' are not magic. They use SP, which I will call 'Soul Points', (I think they are 'Stamina Points', but IDK.). They don't attack the soul, but if the Sacred Gear reflects magic, and there's no MP in the attack, then what magic will it reflect?

Does this mean that unlocking and rising the SPI stat will strengthen 'Hero Skills'? Yes.

Anyways, If you have questions, don't hesitate to ask!

Discord Link: discord .gg/ 92Yt5wxeWN