Chapter 12: A Friend's Anger

The story of the supernatural intrigued the only two humans in the room. Every topic brought different reactions. The existence of an entire hidden world within modern society. Those myths and legends… Yokai, vampires, gods… they were real.

—So, it's even bigger than I expected. And Sona… are you saying that they exist openly in different parts of the world but with their own restrictions?

Sona nodded. Issei looked completely dumbfounded.

—Woah… It'd be really hard to believe if you had just told me, but after everything I know now… I guess this is how ants must feel.

—... —Chris thought about her past actions. —Sona… S-Shouldn't there be consequences for those responsible for almost exposing the supernatural?

—Yes, there are. There's a treaty in place that enforces exemplary punishment for anyone who attempts to expose the supernatural world. Across all factions, they are considered high-class criminals for violating secrecy and are sentenced to immediate elimination if seen.

Chris and Issei swallowed hard, nervous, but Sona continued explaining.

—Human ignorance is necessary to prevent chaos. People would be thrown into a reality where their beliefs are either confirmed or shattered, believers and atheists alike. Not to mention the dangerous freedom that the most violent supernatural beings would have, knowing they no longer need to restrict their actions. But most of all, it would create factions and spark a dangerous conflict with humanity joining the fray. In the worst-case scenario, it could be apocalyptic.

—Then, Kaichou, we…

—No, Hyoudou-san. You are not under any circumstances being punished under supernatural law. Ignorance is not a crime. The responsibility falls on those in charge of the territory, Rias and myself, as well as the one who failed to set up a barrier, the Fallen Angel. Since you were unaware of the situation, you should not feel at fault, but from now on, be more cautious about exposing us.

Chris felt an overwhelming sense of guilt. "Even so, I almost caused a disaster. I need to control my attacks once I recover."

The Great War Between the Factions of Christian Religion…

Rias began her history lesson, now wearing glasses, which both Chris and Issei found strange.

—We demons have been at war with the Fallen Angels since ancient times. We've fought over possession of the Underworld, also known as Hell in the human world. The Underworld is divided into two zones: one for demons and one for Fallen Angels. Demons form pacts with humans to receive their sacrifices and increase their power. The Fallen Angels, on the other hand, manipulate humans to eliminate demons. And then, there are the Angels, who come to destroy both races under God's orders. So, the war is divided into three factions: demons, Fallen Angels, and Angels."

—Wait, Rias… So if you're at war, and Earth itself is angel territory, how is it that you're…

—How are we here? Or how did we become the overseers of this territory? It was through a treaty and a ceasefire, but it's more complicated than that. —Rias answered.

—As Rias said, Yukine-san, the ceasefire happened for certain reasons, but the most important one was that all three factions suffered a massive loss in numbers during the last battle. We were reduced to less than half our original population. Knowing that our religion was the dominant one, if something were to happen to us, the other factions would rise up, seeking to reintegrate with their respective religions and defeat us.

Rias continued Sona's explanation.

—That led to a ceasefire between the enemy factions so we could rebuild our numbers by any means necessary. As for how we acquired the Kuoh territory, that was part of a deal.

Sona decided to take over that part.

—I can explain it simply. Our leaders, the Demon Kings, including our siblings, Rias' older brother and my older sister, made an agreement with the Shinto deities and the Yokai. Through this deal, the Kuoh territory was ceded to the demons, and we were assigned to oversee it. Our role here is to blend into school life and continue our studies at Kuoh Academy, which serves as our base…

"So they just want to experience school life… I guess that makes sense. Now I understand why they sometimes act a little condescending. They're young princesses from a high-ranking class," Chris thought.

—And to recruit people into our peerage.

—Peerage? —Issei asked. Sona seemed hesitant about Rias' addition, but after taking a deep breath, she continued.

—You remember how the factions are trying to rebuild their numbers? We don't know how the other two factions are handling it, but for us, we use a reincarnation system called the Evil Pieces.

—Evil Pieces? —Chris asked.

—So, tell me, Chris, Ise. How much do you know about chess?

Both students shook their heads, with Chris answering,

—Just the basics.

—Good. Due to our greatest weakness, our low birthrate, our faction needs another way to replenish our numbers. Each noble demon house receives a set of these pieces, allowing them to recruit not only those of their own kind or other demon houses but also individuals from other species, transforming them into demons and making them part of demon peerage.

Chris hesitated for a second.

—So you're also here…

—Yes, Yukine-san, we're also here looking for potential candidates for our houses. In fact, the people behind us are part of our noble households, our companions.

The mentioned group smiled proudly at the recognition. Rias looked excited about revealing this part, while Sona seemed disappointed. But Rias didn't stop there.

—They become part of a ranking system, just like in the game: pawn, knight, rook, and queen. While some abilities enhance their skills, reincarnation grants them a demon's body, which is superior in strength and senses. You could live up to a thousand years. I'm sure it would even make you more resilient than the average human, Chris, Ise.

Chris hid it well, but rather than being drawn in by the offer, she was piecing together theories. "Ranks, pieces… You're talking about something that clearly has a significant downside. I can already see it from here. Though saying it outright might offend them… but… reincarnation, slavery?"

—This reincarnation… Are you telling me it's a process of death and resurrection?

The atmosphere grew tense, but Sona responded coldly.

—That would only be in a case of absolute emergency, Yukine-san. But reincarnation cannot be forced if that's what you're implying. It's understandable to think that, but it's a decision made by the one being reincarnated.

—Oh, and I forgot to mention, upon reaching a high rank as a noble-class demon and gaining independence, you can have your own pieces… You know what that means, Ise. Given the numbers, polygamy is part of our society.

Chris's face paled as Rias didn't hold back on finishing that sentence, clearly making the double meaning obvious to appeal to Issei and his dream of having a harem. Issei was stunned but lowered his head after sneaking a glance at Chris. She was upset, Rias was tempting Issei to sell his freedom, and to her, someone who had been a slave, that was unacceptable.

—And that's why we would like to—

Before Rias could continue, Sona's hand blocked her path. She cast a cold gaze toward her friend.

—Rias, now that we've revealed the first point and made it clear that Chris Yukine and Issei Hyoudou are aware of the supernatural, we can move on to the second point without distractions. Before getting to your proposal. The fallen angel incident.

The air grew tense, while Chris nodded, grateful to Sona for bringing the conversation back to the main topic. It was becoming clear what Rias wanted, but Chris had no intention of accepting such a proposal. However, it was obvious why she kept looking at Issei that way.

"That makes two girls interested in someone like Issei, one wanting to kill him and another wanting to recruit him. This is getting stranger, and I want to know why."

—...Fine. —Rias said, frustrated.

—Alright, let's go over the obvious first: the person who deceived and tried to kill Issei Hyoudou was a fallen angel. There's no doubt about that. They were once among the first angels who served God, but they fell to the underworld due to their sinful intentions.

Rias placed a photo of Yuuma on the table before Sona continued.

—They are also our enemies as demons, and the fact that they appeared in our territory suggests they were after something risky enough to endanger the ceasefire. There are several theories, but the most likely one is that they're hunting humans who possess a Sacred Gear.

—Sacred Gear? —Chris asked, her thoughts flashing to what had confused Raynare with her Symphogear.

—A Sacred Gear is an unusual power granted to certain humans. For example, most of the people whose names are recorded in history are said to have been Sacred Gear wielders. They used the power of their Sacred Gears to carve their names into history.

"So, in this world, historical heroes and figures were people who possessed these Sacred Gears."

—Most Sacred Gears have functions that are only useful in human society. But there are Sacred Gears specifically meant to combat demons and fallen angels. Issei, could you raise your left hand?

Issei looked confused but did as he was told.

—Close your eyes and imagine the strongest thing you can think of.

—The strongest thing… —Before closing his eyes, Issei glanced at Chris—more specifically, at the necklace around her neck. Chris was puzzled by this. —Alright, I've got it.

Sona smiled at that and decided to rephrase Rias's words.

—Now, imagine that person striking a pose that makes them look like the strongest.

Issei mumbled something before following the instructions. Only the demons heard him, but only the student council group seemed to understand it.

—Now, imitate that person's pose.

With his eyes closed, Issei placed his arms at his sides as if he were holding something. The others were confused by the stance, but Chris immediately recognized it….it was the position she had taken to protect him.

Issei looked a little embarrassed, but after making a quick movement with his hands—

A green light flashed in his hand. When the glow faded, his arm was now covered by a red gauntlet. A green gem was embedded in the back of the glove.

—Woah!

Chris was just as stunned as Issei, staring at the gauntlet that had appeared on his friend's arm.

—What is this?

—That is a Sacred Gear, Hyoudou-san.

—This is awesome! Look, Chr—uh, I mean, Yukine-san, look!

Chris couldn't help but smile a little at Issei's excitement.

"He's enjoying this like a little kid. I guess, after boobs, his next favorite thing must be weapons. He was a kid before becoming a pervert. He probably liked action stuff. But…"

Chris came to another realization. There had to be other people like Issei.

—Sona. If Issei isn't the only person with a Sacred Gear… what are the chances they're being hunted by the fallen angels? Shouldn't they be watched if something—

Sona was about to answer when Rias interrupted.

—Don't worry, Chris-san. We've been keeping an eye on all possible movements of the fallen angels, as well as monitoring potential Sacred Gear candidates to persuade them to join our peerage. Any threats to Sacred Gear users have been neutralized.

"So that's it… Of course. If they're looking for powerful demons, they only need Sacred Gear users. That makes sense. Looking at some of their members, it wouldn't surprise me if they were also Sacred Gear wielders… Wait a second… 'Keeping an eye on candidates'… Hold on—"

Something clicked in Chris's mind. She turned to Rias with a pale expression.

—Tell me, Rias. How many candidates have you found? If you don't mind me asking.

The question confused Rias slightly, while Sona analyzed Chris's face. For some reason, she started sweating. Her eyes showed surprise, but more than that, concern. Rias didn't seem to notice.

—Well, we've only found two, but there's a high possibility that there are more. Still, we're keeping an eye on all of them.

—Ri-…

—Issei!

Chris's sudden outburst drowned out Sona's whisper.

—Yeah?

—Do you still have the flyer they gave you over the weekend?

—Yeah. I brought it just in case it worked.

Issei handed her the flyer. Chris hadn't forgotten about it. Now that she had found a connection, she had a theory and she didn't like it. After reading it carefully, "We will grant your wish.", he showed it to the demons.

—What is this?

Rias saw no problem in answering, but Sona was beginning to realize that Chris was following the exact trail she, of all people present, didn't want her to reach—her mistakes, Rias's mistake.

—This is one of the flyers we hand out to our clients. This magic circle is used to summon us, demons. Lately, not many people draw the summoning circle themselves, so we distribute these flyers to those who seem like they might try to summon a demon. This magic circle is safe and easy to use. Most likely, that day, one of our familiars, disguised as a human, was distributing these in the commercial district. You got yours at that time, right, Ise?

—When you say it's easy to use, what do you mean?

—The wish has to be powerful enough for it to work.

—No wish is more powerful than a final dying wish…

—Yes, that would be the perfect examp—

—Rias!

Sona's shout made Rias turn to look at her.

The sound of boots striking the floor made her snap her gaze back. Just in time to see the silhouette of a girl lunging toward her, striking her cheek with the palm of her hand and sending her crashing to the ground.

Slap!

All the demons were caught off guard by the sudden attack from the girl they had thought was still recovering. Issei was just as shocked.

—No wish is more powerful than a final dying wish...

Chris repeated, her voice filled with rage.

—And the dead don't get a say, do they, Rias Gremory?

—...

Rias was more stunned than anyone. Her hand slowly reached for her cheek, which burned red from the impact.

—Look me in the face and lie to me, Rias Gremory. Tell me it wasn't your intention to leave Issei alone after a familiar just happened to be in that area, handed him the flyer, and then conveniently vanished. Lie to me and say you weren't expecting Issei's final wish, whatever it was, to summon you specifically, so you could reincarnate him without his consent. Tell me the biggest lie of all. That you actually cared about Issei's life, that you would save him, just so you could wear the perfect veil of a savior.

Her voice rose with each word, her anger seething.

—Tell me you don't see Issei as more valuable dead than alive, ready to be turned into a piece on your board, without caring what happened to him in the process. What would he even complain about, right? His dream, conveniently within reach now that he would be a demon, handed to him in exchange for becoming your servant, with a very valuable Sacred Gear. Isn't that right?! Sona?! Rias?!

Sona was nervous, analyzing everything. She knew there was no point in arguing. Because it was true. The perfect piece. A terrible mistake. She hadn't considered everything Yukine would uncover. And yet, someone as paranoid as Chris had found every single piece of the mistake she had sworn wasn't a problem.

A crimson aura flared around the red-haired girl.

As Rias rose to her feet, her wings unfurled, pushing the others back in unease. Sona also stood from the couch.

The two girls, Rias and Chris, locked eyes, their stares burning with anger and hatred.

Neither seemed willing to back down.