Some1call4MR-E: Thanks for your feedback and for insisting on the rating issue. I think there might have been a misunderstanding. I did update the rating to T (Teen) after your previous comment since I agree that a K rating wouldn't be appropriate considering the themes of High School DxD. I definitely don't want to mislead readers or risk any issues. If the updated rating isn't showing up on your end, please let me know, and I'll look into it again. I really appreciate you taking the time to point this out and for your concern about keeping things accurate. Thanks again!

Guest: You are right they are really frustrating, and the worst part is that Fanfiction doesn't let you erase reviews made by accounts, only when they are guests, also I'm glad you're enjoying the story so far, and I'll definitely keep working hard to make it the best it can be!

Chapter 10: Weakness and Many Questions

The next day, Hideki began to slowly wake up. His body was still weak, and every muscle ached as if it had been crushed by an unrelenting force. As he opened his eyes, the soft lights of the Occult Club surrounded him, and the sound of whispering voices reached his ears.

He blinked several times before focusing on his surroundings. He didn't recognize the place, but the feeling of safety calmed him, at least for the moment. When he tried to move, the pain in his body stopped him, making him release a faint groan.

It was then that he noticed the bandages covering his torso and arms, some around his legs. Each breath reminded him of the wounds he had suffered, and the tight bandages made him feel even more restricted.

Koneko, who was sitting nearby, noticed his movement and quickly approached, her eyes full of concern.

—"Hideki-senpai, you finally woke up..." —her voice, usually calm and monotone, this time had a clear hint of relief.

With difficulty, Hideki turned his head toward Koneko, recognized her, and sat up with her help. Although his mind was still foggy, he managed to muster a weak smile.

—"Koneko..." —Hideki murmured, his voice rough from the effort—. "What... what happened?"

Koneko leaned toward him, her eyes reflecting a mixture of seriousness and warmth.

—"You fought a renegade demon. You were severely injured, but we managed to get you here in time. You're safe now."

Koneko's words felt distant, like an echo in his mind. Hideki tried to process what she was saying. He remembered the fight: the demon's brutality, the weight of its blows, and how, in the last moment, his body had acted beyond its limits. After that, everything was a blur, a mix of pain and darkness.

Before he could respond, the door to the room slowly opened. Rias entered gracefully, followed by Akeno. They both looked at him, their expressions combining curiosity, concern, and something he couldn't fully decipher: respect.

—"So you finally wake up," —Rias said with a calm smile and serene voice—. "You've made quite an impression, Hideki Saito."

He lifted his gaze toward her, still feeling dazed. The authority Rias exuded was undeniable, and although her tone wasn't hostile, Hideki couldn't help but feel on edge.

—"We saved you," —Koneko intervened, noticing his confusion—. "You were on the brink of death, but you made it."

Hideki closed his eyes for a moment, trying to sort his thoughts. The pieces didn't quite fit together.

—"I don't know how I ended up here... or how I'm still alive," —he murmured, struggling to stay calm as the images of the fight flooded his mind. Then, something clicked—. "Wait... you said demon."

The air in the room changed instantly. Hideki opened his eyes wide, a flash of alarm in them as his mind connected the dots. He remembered the renegade demon's aura: dark, suffocating, unmistakable. But what bothered him more was the similarity to what he now felt in the atmosphere... with the people in front of him.

His ki suddenly intensified, wrapping around him like a raging flame. Before anyone could react, Hideki was on his feet, his posture defensive, completely ignoring the wounds that still marked his body.

—"You're demons too," —he said cautiously, his voice tense and his eyes sharp, watching for any movement. Like a cornered animal, he was ready to attack or flee at the slightest sign of hostility—. "Are you a demon too, Koneko?"

That last question slipped from his lips with a different tone, almost pained. It was a reality he had been ignoring, a truth he didn't want to face. His posture faltered for a brief moment as he looked at Koneko, searching for an answer in her eyes.

Koneko didn't look away, though there was a hint of guilt mixed with determination in her eyes. She took a step forward, positioning herself between Hideki and the other two girls.

—"Yes," —she responded frankly, her tone calm but firm—. "I'm a demon, Hideki-senpai."

Hideki watched her in silence, his thoughts spinning like a whirlpool. Could he trust her after this? Could he trust the other two girls who were now looking at him with calm, as if waiting for his reaction?

Rias intervened, her voice serene but laden with authority.

—"Saito-kun, I know this is hard to accept, but not all demons are like the renegade you fought. We are not your enemies."

Hideki turned his gaze toward Rias, his face hardening with a mix of distrust and confusion.

—"Then, what do you want from me?" —he asked, his voice full of suspicion—. "Why did you save me? It doesn't make sense."

Rias took a step forward with natural elegance, crossing her arms as she looked him directly in the eyes.

—"That," —she said with a small smile—, "you should thank Koneko-chan. She was the one who saved your life."

Hideki turned his gaze to Koneko, who remained still, but her expression was softer, almost vulnerable. For a moment, the whirlwind in his mind paused. There were many unanswered questions, many doubts that still gnawed at him, but in that moment, one emotion overcame all the rest: gratitude.

—"Koneko..." —he murmured, his look reflecting both gratitude and confusion—. "Thank you." His posture relaxed, and he began to understand the situation better. If they were demons like the one from last night, he would already be dead. The adrenaline in his body slowly faded, and he sat back down on the bed, now feeling the pain of his wounds.

Koneko nodded slightly, without breaking her gaze. Though she said nothing, her eyes spoke for her.

—"If I may ask, what's a renegade demon?" —Hideki inquired, curiosity evident in his tone.

Rias nodded slightly before responding, her voice calm and instructive.

—"Of course," —she began—. "A renegade demon is a demon who has betrayed or rebelled against its King. This usually happens for two reasons: they seek to gain more power independently or feel their Kings are not treating them properly. However, by abandoning the protection and control of their King, their demonic power goes out of control. This leads to grotesque transformations, like the appearance of the demon you fought yesterday."

Hideki nodded slowly as he listened, but his confusion didn't completely disappear. Although he appreciated the explanation, there were details he didn't fully understand.

What exactly did "King" mean?

Did each demon have its own King?

As he recalled what Kaori had explained to him, the Demon King Lucifer ruled the underworld. Did that mean there were more than one Demon King, aside from the four main ones?

The more he thought, the more questions arose in his mind, and the feeling that he lacked too much information about demons only grew stronger.

Rias interrupted his thoughts.

—"I know you have many questions, Saito-kun. Over time, we'll explain everything, is that okay?" —the beautiful redhead asked, and Hideki nodded in response, since she gave him confidence and he didn't detect any lies in her words.

Rias exchanged a glance with Akeno before responding, her tone becoming more serious.

—"It's surprising that you survived, Hideki. For a human, you've shown incredible strength. But now that you're here, there are many questions we need to ask you. How do you know about ki? And what made you face a demon so dangerous alone?"

Hideki was silent for a moment, trying to reorganize the fragments of what had happened. He remembered his training with Kaori and how it had allowed him to access new abilities. However, he knew he wasn't prepared for what he had faced. His need to act, his desperation over the disappearances, had pushed him to take risks that now seemed reckless.

—"I couldn't just do nothing," —he finally said, with more firmness in his voice—. "I knew the disappearances were connected to something supernatural, so I started investigating. I couldn't let more people keep disappearing."

Rias listened attentively, her expression a mix of understanding and seriousness. Akeno, by her side, maintained a relaxed but alert posture, always observing, always evaluating.

—"It's admirable that you wanted to help," —Rias said, her tone soft but firm—, "but facing a demon of that level without the proper preparation is an imprudent act, even for someone with your abilities." Although Rias didn't know all the details of Hideki's capabilities, she had witnessed him corner a renegade demon as a mere human, which spoke volumes about his potential.

Hideki lowered his gaze, aware that his actions had been driven more by desperation than by a well-thought-out plan. He knew Rias was right.

—"I know," —he admitted with a sigh—. "But... what else could I do? I couldn't just ignore what was happening."

Rias nodded slowly, as if she understood that impulse perfectly. After a brief silence, Akeno intervened, her tone calm but intrigued.

—"It's interesting that you know ki," —Akeno commented, a mysterious smile on her lips—. "That's not common among humans. Who taught you?"

Hideki hesitated. He glanced at Koneko, the only person in the room with whom he had a real connection. She was his friend, but he couldn't just drop that information so casually. Clenching his teeth, he tried to maintain his composure.

—"No one... I learned it on my own," —he lied with all his might, though he knew lying had never been his strong suit. However, the pain of his wounds and his weakened posture helped make his answer sound believable, or at least he hoped it did.

Rias looked at him intently for a moment, clearly not convinced by his answer but also aware that pressing him now wasn't the best option. Akeno, for her part, kept her enigmatic smile, as if she were enjoying the small mystery that Hideki represented.

—"Alright," —Rias said finally, letting the lie slide for the moment—, "I won't force you to say more than you want. However, what you've done is not something we should take lightly. Learning to use ki requires a level of control that not everyone can develop on their own, and even though you don't want to tell us how you managed it, it's clear that you have an unusual talent."

Hideki remained silent, grateful that they weren't pressing him further. He felt that this wasn't the time to reveal everything, especially not with so many questions about his own future in this new world.

Akeno stepped forward, a playful smile on her lips as her dark eyes carefully scanned Hideki's bandaged body.

—"Ara ara, Saito-kun," —she murmured in a seductive tone, now calling him by his name, something Koneko noticed; leaning slightly toward him, just enough to shorten the distance between them—. "You're incredibly lucky to have survived such a dangerous encounter." Her voice was soft but loaded with innuendo, as her fingers toyed with his well-toned chest—. "Few humans, if any, can face a renegade demon... and live to tell the tale."

She paused, her eyes gleaming with curiosity and interest as she stared at him, as though seeing something deeper in him.

—"That makes you... very special," —she added, letting her words linger in the air, dropping them with a mix of admiration and a touch of provocation.

Akeno leaned even closer to Hideki, her flirtatious smile remaining as she continued to watch him with a mix of admiration and seduction. However, before she could say anything else, a soft but noticeable "hmph" interrupted the moment.

Koneko, who had been silently observing the scene, frowned, clearly annoyed by Akeno's closeness to Hideki. With her arms crossed and her ears slightly twitching, her expression grew even colder, showing a hint of irritation.

—"You shouldn't be bothering Hideki-senpai," —Koneko murmured in a low but clearly audible tone, her gaze fixed on Akeno as she stepped forward, positioning herself closer to Hideki, as if trying to protect him from the lightning priestess's insinuations.

Akeno, far from feeling intimidated, simply smiled more playfully, standing up slowly and casting a teasing glance at Koneko.

—"Oh, Koneko-chan, I was just being nice. No need to get so jealous," —Akeno said in a playful tone, leaning slightly toward Hideki as her voice took on a sweeter tone. Her eyes sparkled with a mischievous gleam, clearly enjoying the situation.

Koneko, with her usual serious expression, didn't let herself be intimidated. She kept her gaze fixed on Akeno, but a slight stiffness in her shoulders betrayed her discomfort. —"I'm not jealous," —she responded in a dry tone, though the subtle tension in her voice revealed her true feelings.

Hideki, caught in the middle of the interaction, felt his face heat up rapidly. —"E-Eh..." —he stammered, glancing from side to side, not knowing what to do. The way Akeno had approached him, combined with her flirtatious tone, completely threw him off. His mind was filled with confused thoughts as he tried to figure out if there was any hidden meaning behind what she was doing or if she was just playing with him.

Akeno, not missing the opportunity, noticed the flush on Hideki's cheeks and leaned in a little more, her eyes locked with his. —"Oh, Saito-kun... looks like you get nervous very easily. Is it because I'm making you feel special?" —she asked, her tone soft and provocative.

—"I-it's not that!" —Hideki hastily responded, bringing his hand behind his head as he tried to hide his embarrassment. His heart was racing a mile a minute, and for a moment, he almost forgot about his injuries. The atmosphere had shifted entirely, and now, he found himself caught between two very different personalities.

It wasn't long before Koneko stepped in once more, a subtle but clear warning in her voice.

—"You should stop," —she murmured, her gaze hardening slightly, but there was still a softness to it when she turned to Hideki.

Akeno, realizing that Koneko wasn't backing down, finally pulled away, her playful grin never leaving her face.

—"I'll let you off for now, Koneko-chan," —she teased. Then she turned back to Hideki, her expression suddenly becoming more serious.

—"But Saito-kun," —Akeno said, her voice taking on a softer, more sincere tone—. "You're definitely someone worth watching closely. You have a lot of potential."

Hideki, now feeling both awkward and somewhat overwhelmed, simply nodded, unsure how to respond.

Rias watched the scene with a sigh, already accustomed to Akeno's mischief. She knew that her queen enjoyed teasing Koneko, but she also noticed that Akeno had developed a curious interest in Hideki, something she couldn't ignore. Though she was concerned about the boy's condition, she decided to intervene before the situation got out of hand.

—"For now, the most important thing is that you focus on recovering, Hideki Saito," —Rias said in a softer, but firm tone. She stepped closer to him, subtly placing herself between Akeno and Hideki, giving the boy a breather. —"The answers will come later. You're not alone in this. If you're going to continue being involved in what's happening in Kuoh, you'll need our help... and perhaps we can benefit from your skills as well."

Akeno, with a smile that still carried a hint of mischief, turned toward Rias. —"Anyway, Hideki, don't forget that there's always someone here willing to help you," —she added with a wink.

Hideki, still somewhat embarrassed and with his face completely red, nodded slowly, unsure of what Rias meant. The only thing he was certain of was that he didn't understand Akeno, nor how to handle situations like that. All he wanted at that moment was for the conversation to shift to something more peaceful so he could regain his composure.

Koneko moved a bit closer to the bed where Hideki was, looking at him with a mixture of concern and what seemed like disapproval.

—"Don't throw yourself into danger without thinking," —she said in her characteristic direct tone, but with a softer edge—. "You can't protect anyone if you die."

Hideki gave a small smile at Koneko's frankness. He knew she was right, and that simple warning made him feel an unexpected warmth. He wasn't alone, and though the road ahead would be difficult, there were people around him who, in some way, cared about him.

—"I'll keep that in mind," —Hideki replied, making an effort to show his gratitude—. "Thank you."

Rias made a gesture with her hand, as if signaling the conversation was over.

—"Rest," —she said—, "we'll help you recover fully, and when you're ready, we'll talk about what comes next. But for now, Hideki, you've shown that you're not just an ordinary human. There's a lot of potential in you, and it will be interesting to see how far you can go." With that, Hideki lay back down on the bed.

With those words, Rias turned to leave the room, followed by Akeno, who gave one last smile before disappearing through the door. Koneko, for her part, stayed a moment longer, observing him in silence.

As the silence filled the Occult Club room, Hideki tried to sit up again. He didn't like that feeling of weakness from being in bed for so long, but the pain struck him like a lightning bolt. The bandages covering his body tightened, reminding him of the injuries he had sustained. He propped himself up on his elbows, breathing with difficulty, while his mind drifted back to the fight. He had given everything he had, used every drop of ki he could gather, but even then... it hadn't been enough. If it hadn't been for Koneko and the others, he'd probably be dead.

Training with Kaori had taught him how to control ki, how to channel it in ways he never thought possible. But at that moment, all that effort, all that determination... hadn't been enough to defeat that rogue demon. He felt it in every blow they exchanged, as if the monster was on a completely different level from him, even when his body was on the verge of collapsing.

Hideki let himself fall back onto the bed, staring at the ceiling with a mix of frustration and exhaustion. The weight of his thoughts seemed as crushing as the pain in his body.

—"What's all this been for...?" —he muttered to himself, his voice full of helplessness.

Koneko, who had remained by his side, perked up at hearing his words. She leaned toward him, looking at him with concern.

—"Senpai, you're recovering," —Koneko said softly—. "Don't push yourself so hard. You were alone against something very powerful."

Hideki turned his head toward her, and although he appreciated her, he couldn't shake the feeling of failure that was overtaking him.

—"I trained so hard..." —his voice was a whisper full of frustration—. "I thought I could handle anything. But that demon... it completely overpowered me. If it hadn't been for you all, Koneko, I'd be dead right now."

Koneko looked at him in silence for a moment, her usual cold and calm expression softening.

—"You couldn't have defeated it alone, but that doesn't mean you failed," —she said with a certainty that surprised him—. "You did what you could. You bought us time to get there. You're strong, Hideki-senpai. But you also need to learn not to fight alone."

Koneko's words impacted him more than he expected. Hideki wasn't used to relying on others, especially after everything he had been through in his own world. The idea of trusting someone else, of not having to carry everything on his own, was difficult for him to accept. But... had he really always been alone?

He tried to recall a time when he had faced a challenge without help, a moment when he had defeated a villain on his own. But he found none. Throughout his life, no matter what world he was in, he had always had support from others. And... was that wrong?

He had always been aware of his limitations. While his companions had extraordinary abilities, he knew that many of them would eventually be so strong they could face threats without needing anyone. But him? Hideki was limited by his physical capabilities, and while he made up for it with advanced technology and clever strategies, he had always felt he had to work harder to live up to expectations.

He remained silent, letting Koneko's words sink in deeply. Realizing that he had always needed help wasn't easy, but there was something in her tone, in her gaze, that made him reconsider his perspective. Dependence wasn't the same as weakness; it was a reality he had tried to reject.

As he reflected, a memory came to his mind. He recalled the words of Vital Strike, the hero who once told him: "You don't have to be a lone hero to achieve great things; often, the best achievements come from teamwork." Those words now resonated with renewed clarity. Accepting that he didn't have to do everything alone wasn't a defeat, but a different way of being strong.

Hideki sat lost in thought, absorbing the reality he had just discovered. He had never realized that he had always depended on others to overcome the greatest challenges. In his mind, he remembered all the battles he had faced, every victory, every defeat, and in each of them, there had been a helping hand, an ally, or some form of support that had allowed him to keep going.

Despite his rigorous training and constant fight to prove he could be a hero on his own merits, he realized he had never truly faced the toughest challenges by himself. There had always been someone by his side, whether on the battlefield or in the strategies behind the scenes. The notion of being completely self-sufficient had been an illusion, an ideal he had sought to achieve but had never truly accomplished.

The revelation was jarring. He had clung so tightly to the idea of being strong and self-sufficient that he had ignored the real value of collaboration and mutual support. Relying on others, far from being a sign of weakness, seemed to be a fundamental part of his own strength.

Hideki wondered why he hadn't realized it earlier. Perhaps he had been so focused on overcoming his own limitations and proving his worth that he had ignored the simple yet profound fact that even the greatest heroes need help at some point. The idea that he had always depended on others to get by wasn't a disadvantage, but a truth that was part of his reality.

In his heart, Hideki began to accept that there was nothing wrong with acknowledging that he needed help. In fact, it could be a strength that would bring him closer to those around him. The understanding that he didn't have to carry the weight alone gave him a new perspective on his own role and that of his friends in his life.

This acceptance of truth was the first step toward realizing that true strength didn't lie in absolute self-sufficiency, but in knowing when to ask for help and how to work together to overcome challenges. And with that understanding, Hideki felt he could move forward with renewed confidence and a deeper sense of connection to those who had offered him their support.

—"It's not just that..." —after a moment of reflection, Hideki replied, his tone softer— "It's just that... I'm still just a human. And I feel like... no matter how much I train, no matter how hard I try... I'll never be on the level of what we're facing here."

Koneko moved a little closer, placing her hand on the edge of the bed.

—"That's not true," —she responded firmly— "You're human, yes, but that doesn't make you weaker. You've shown that you can endure, that you can fight. You're stronger than you think, Hideki-senpai."

Hideki looked at her, noticing the sincerity in her words. He knew there was truth in what she said, but the feeling of weakness and vulnerability remained deeply rooted within him. He had trained so much, had put in so much effort, and yet he still felt it wasn't enough.

"Thank you, Koneko..." he murmured finally, though deep down, doubt still consumed him. "But I need to be stronger. Otherwise, I won't be able to protect anyone."

Koneko looked at him with a determined expression, and her voice, though soft, was filled with conviction.

"You will be," she said. "And you won't be alone in that."

Several hours had passed since they had left him alone, and Hideki was resting while the Occult Club continued with its daily activities. Taking advantage of a moment of calm, he decided to call the Nishimiya family. Although it was something he didn't want to do, he felt obligated to inform them about what had happened. With a calm yet firm voice, he explained the situation to them, assuring them that he was fine and that a friend was taking care of him. He also mentioned that he would return home at night once his wounds had healed.

At the end of the day, Rias and the others returned to the club, intending to give Hideki a more detailed explanation of the world he had become involved in after facing the renegade demon.

"Good afternoon, Hideki Saito-san. I hope you're feeling better," Rias greeted with her usual formal and serene tone as she entered the clubroom along with the others.

"Ah, hello, Gremory-san," Hideki replied, smiling as he adjusted himself in the bed, sitting up.

"You don't have to be so formal, Saito-kun. You can just call me Rias," she said kindly, radiating confidence and trying to make Hideki feel more at ease.

Hideki nodded and returned the gesture with a friendly smile.

"In that case, Rias-san, you can call me just Hideki," he added, using the "san" suffix as a sign of respect.

"Alright, Hideki-kun," Rias agreed with a smile, keeping the atmosphere relaxed before continuing. "I think the first thing we should do now is properly introduce ourselves."

Rias paused briefly, giving the introduction a touch of solemnity before continuing.

"My name is Rias Gremory, heir of the Gremory family, one of the 72 pillars of the underworld. And these are the members of my clan. As you might deduce, we are all demons." With that said, everyone in the club revealed their demon wings, surprising Hideki, who had already deduced they were demons because he could sense their presence through ki.

After her introduction, she allowed her companions to introduce themselves as well, each one showing respect toward Hideki while he observed them with a mixture of curiosity and interest.

Kiba was the first to step forward, offering Hideki a polite and friendly smile.

"A pleasure to meet you, Hideki-kun. My name is Yuuto Kiba," he said with a slight bow. "I'm Rias-buchou's knight. I hope we can get along."

Hideki nodded with a smile, appreciating Kiba's calm and chivalrous nature.

"Hideki-senpai, we already knew each other..." murmured Koneko in her usual calm tone, stepping a bit closer to Hideki. "I didn't imagine you'd ever discover this part of my life."

Hideki smiled at Koneko, now understanding why she had seemed so reserved.

"Koneko-chan, you really know how to keep secrets..." he joked, making her avert her gaze, showing a slight smile.

Just then, a soft yet notably charming voice interrupted their brief moment. The girl with long black hair, violet eyes, and a teasing smile approached with elegance.

"I'm Akeno Himejima," she said, leaning slightly toward him while looking at him intensely. "The Queen of the Gremory clan. It's a pleasure to meet you, Hideki-kun... I hope we can work... very closely in the future."

Akeno's seductive tone made Hideki tense up slightly, still surprised by her confidence. The boy couldn't help but feel a bit embarrassed; he wasn't used to that kind of tone directed at him, especially since no one paid attention to him in his world.

Koneko, who noticed Hideki's reaction to Akeno's words, muttered a barely audible "Hmph," as she believed all the men fell for the charms of the beautiful black-haired girl.

Then, a brown-haired boy approached with enthusiasm, almost as if the formality of the situation couldn't contain his energy.

"And I'm Issei Hyoudou," he interrupted with a relaxed and friendly tone. "I guess I'm the newest member, so any weird questions you have, I'm probably thinking them too!" Issei seemed to forget entirely that Hideki was one of the most popular guys at the academy and introduced himself in an animated tone. Aside from that, he was genuinely impressed by the fight Hideki had had against the renegade demon, even though he hadn't won.

Hideki chuckled lightly at Issei's comment, and with everyone having made their introductions, he felt it was his turn.

"Well, I guess it's my turn, hehehe." Hideki said as he tried to get to his feet to properly introduce himself, giving a small groan of pain, and with Koneko's help, he managed to stand and gave a slight bow. "It's a pleasure to meet you all, I'm Hideki Saito, and I'm just a normal human." His voice was full of modesty and resignation; no matter what world he was in, he would always be just a normal person compared to those around him.

The demons smiled, noticing the humility with which Hideki spoke, despite having achieved something nearly impossible for a human. He didn't boast about it and even considered himself a normal human, even though he had surpassed that barrier.

With the introductions complete, Rias then began the explanation directly. Rias gave a superficial overview of the existence of angels and fallen angels, as well as the basic details of the Great War that had divided the three factions. She also told him about Sacred Gear bearers, who were humans born with these abilities by fate. Hideki listened attentively, processing the new information, aware that he was entering a much more complex and dangerous world than he had imagined.

After Rias' superficial explanation about angels, demons, and the Great War, Hideki simply nodded, accepting the new information but without falling into the despair that her words might have caused in someone else. Although he knew he didn't have supernatural powers, the reality of his situation was beginning to settle in a different way in his mind. It wasn't his style to lament or get stuck in dead-end questions.

At the end of the meeting, Rias watched Hideki, trying to read his emotions. However, the calm on his face was almost unsettling. There was no trace of fear or confusion, at least not on the surface.

"If you need anything else, just say so," Rias added in a soft tone.

Hideki simply nodded, although deep down, he knew that what he really needed was time. Time to adapt and find a way to become stronger in this new and strange world.

On the way out of the club, Koneko caught up to him and walked silently by his side, a silent sign of support that Hideki appreciated more than he could admit. Even though their bodies were filled with scars from the recent battle, there was something comforting about the company of someone who had been there, who understood the challenges and burdens they faced.

Rias watched in silence as Hideki walked away with Koneko. Her expression showed the same calm as usual, but inside, she was evaluating everything that had happened. She knew Hideki had demonstrated considerable strength, despite being an ordinary human in this world. However, her practical nature forced her to think about the future.

Once Koneko had left Hideki at his home, she returned to the Occult Club. She approached her master with an expression that mixed curiosity and some tension. The atmosphere in the room was quiet but filled with expectation. It was Kiba who broke the silence.

"Rias-buchou," he said in his usual calm tone, "Have you considered the possibility of reincarnating Hideki as a demon?"

Kiba's words immediately created tension in the room. Rias felt the air grow heavier, while Issei, clearly uneasy, took a step forward, concern written on his face. Although he didn't know Hideki well, and had often been annoyed by how Hideki attracted the attention of the academy's girls, Issei couldn't ignore what he had witnessed. Seeing Hideki fight like that had earned him his respect.

Rias exhaled calmly before speaking, looking at each one of them.

"It's a difficult decision," she began, with a firm yet thoughtful tone. "Hideki has proven to be strong, that's clear. But... I don't think he's ready for such a drastic change. And besides, I'm not sure he would accept it." Rias purposely omitted the fact that, despite Hideki's incredible abilities as a human, to her, there wouldn't really be a benefit in adding him to her clan without an extraordinary ability like a Sacred Gear. Plus, despite having spoken to him for only a short time, she had already understood a bit about his personality.

Issei frowned, confused.

"But why not? He's strong, and if you reincarnate him, he could be even stronger. It would be an advantage for us, right?"

Rias smiled slightly at Issei's impatience.

"It's not that simple, Issei. Hideki isn't the type of person who seeks power for the sake of power itself. What defines him the most is his determination as a human. Reincarnating him without his consent or without him being ready could destroy what makes him special." Rias explained to Issei, taking into account what she had understood about Hideki's personality.

The silence grew deeper after Rias' words. Everyone in the room knew that reincarnation as a demon was not something to be taken lightly. Koneko lowered her gaze slightly, but her eyes remained serious, clearly reflecting on what Rias had said.

—"What if his life is in danger again?" —asked Issei, finally breaking the silence—. "I don't know much about him, but... if he faces something like that renegade demon again, being just human, what chances does he have?"

Rias looked at him, knowing that Issei, despite his carefree nature, had a valid point. If Hideki kept getting involved in supernatural matters, his vulnerability as a human was a constant risk. Still, reincarnating him wasn't a decision that could be made just out of fear.

—"That's true," —Rias replied, her eyes focusing on Issei— "but power isn't everything. Turning him into a demon would change his life forever. And we can't decide something like that for him, just because we're worried about his safety."

Koneko, who had remained silent up until now, softly intervened:

—"He wants to be strong by his own effort... I don't think he would accept being reincarnated. He prefers to stay human."

Rias looked at Koneko, recognizing the truth in her words. Hideki was a warrior who had built his strength from his own limitations. Forcing a change of nature might not only insult that effort but could also cause him to reject whatever was offered.

—"Exactly," —Rias finally said— "I won't offer him that... at least not for now. Hideki needs to find his own path here, and we'll see where it leads. If he ever reaches a point where he wants to make that decision, then we'll talk about it."

The three of them stayed silent, reflecting on Rias' words. Though they didn't say it out loud, they all felt a deep respect for Hideki. They knew that, no matter what decision he made in the future, his determination and bravery were qualities they admired, demon or not.

Finally, Rias stood up, breaking the tension in the room.

—"Now, there's a lot of work to do. Hideki hasn't seen everything the supernatural world has to offer, and it's our task to make sure he's ready for whatever comes next."

Koneko, distracted by something in the corner of the room, looked away. A flash of blue caught her attention. In a corner, forgotten by everyone, was Hideki's hero outfit, carelessly hung. Some parts were visibly damaged, with cuts and tears that spoke of the intense fight he had faced the day before. Despite the wear, the outfit seemed to hold its firmness, like a reflection of its owner's determination.

Koneko frowned slightly, wondering how much more that outfit could withstand before giving way under the weight of the battles ahead. She approached slowly and, with a gentle touch, stroked the worn material, noticing the effort and sacrifice it represented. Though she wouldn't say it out loud, she admired Hideki's tenacity. He had no supernatural powers, but his will and courage were worthy of any warrior.

Something in the air told her that, just like the suit, Hideki also needed to be repaired. Koneko stepped away and returned to her place, thinking about the battles that awaited them and the unshakable determination of the powerless boy.

Rias noticed Koneko's interest and slowly approached, crossing her arms.

—"His suit is quite damaged," —Rias commented— "he'll have to repair it."

Koneko kept staring at the suit in silence before speaking in a calm, almost hesitant voice, which was rare for her.

—"Rias-buchou... you could fix it, right?" —she said, avoiding looking directly at her— "It's not just a suit for him. It's the only thing he has to fight against those who are stronger."

Rias looked at her with curiosity, not interrupting her. It was rare for Koneko to make such requests, and even rarer for her to speak with that almost shy voice.

—"I don't want to leave him with something so weak," —Koneko added, now sounding a bit more serious, but still with that hint of hidden concern— "If you fix it... maybe you could make it stronger. I don't know, add something to it. Just... so he doesn't get hurt as much."

Rias raised an eyebrow. Koneko rarely showed interest in material things or what others wore, but this wasn't just about the suit. There was something else behind her request, a concern Rias hadn't seen before.

—"Are you worried about him?" —Rias asked with a small smile.

Koneko lowered her gaze, a little uncomfortable.

—"I don't want him to end up badly injured," —she murmured— "he's still... a human."

Rias nodded, understanding her companion's concern.

—"I understand," —Rias said softly— "I'll have Akeno and me work on the suit. We'll give it some magical upgrades, something that can protect him better next time."

Koneko nodded slightly, saying nothing more, but there was a sense of relief in her expression. Rias observed her for a moment before adding:

—"Don't worry, Koneko. We'll make sure Hideki is ready for whatever comes. We won't let him face it without proper protection."

Koneko simply nodded again, her eyes returning to the suit. Though she didn't say it out loud, she didn't want to see Hideki keep fighting alone, vulnerable. It was a quiet selfishness, but it was the kind of selfishness that came from caring for someone else.

When Hideki returned to the Nishimiya restaurant, he was greeted with a warm and tender hug from Kaori, the matriarch of the family. She enveloped him in such a tight embrace that it almost took his breath away, her face reflecting a mix of relief and affection.

—"Oh, Hideki-kun, I'm so glad to see you're alright!" —Kaori said, her voice full of emotion—. "I can't believe you dared to face a renegade demon without even telling us!"

But as soon as the hug ended, Kaori abruptly released him and gave him a strong knock on the head, leaving him stunned.

—"What were you thinking?!" —exclaimed Kaori, her scolding tone mixed with concern—. "Facing a renegade demon without even letting us know!" —she cried out, shaking her head—. "Are you crazy or what? How could you do something like that without telling us? You should know we have a 'let us know before fighting demons' policy in this house!"

Hideki, rubbing his sore head, tried to defend himself, but ended up kneeling in front of the angry woman.

—"I'm sorry, Kaori-san, it was an unexpected situation... I didn't want to cause any trouble."

Kaori looked at him with a mix of disbelief, shaking her head.

—"Trouble! That was a catastrophe! And what did you think? That you'd walk out of there like nothing happened? Do you think you're a manga hero? Please, don't do something like that without our help again!"

At that moment, Takeshi, Kaori's husband, came out of the kitchen with his apron still on. Seeing Hideki, his face lit up with a wide smile.

—"Ah, Hideki-kun, welcome back! I'm glad to see you're safe."

Takeshi walked over and gave Hideki a friendly pat on the back, and Hideki tried not to smile too much at Kaori's scolding.

Hiro, the family's son, also appeared running from the dining room. He looked at Hideki with a mix of admiration and concern.

—"Hideki-niichan! Did you get into trouble again?!"

Kaori, seeing Hiro join, shook her head with an exasperated but affectionate smile.

—"And you, Hiro, what are you doing here? Let Hideki settle in first!"

Takeshi and Hiro joined Kaori around Hideki, forming a circle of attention. Kaori looked at Hideki with a softer expression when she noticed the smile forming on his face despite the scolding.

—"And you? Are you laughing at me? Do you think this is a joke?" —Kaori asked, lifting his chin with a finger. Then she gave him a strong tap on the forehead, causing Hideki to stagger a bit.

Hideki laughed, finally letting out a full smile.

—"No, no, it's not that. I'm just happy someone cares about me. It's been a long time since I felt someone cared for me like this."

Kaori looked at him in surprise, and then her eyes softened with tenderness.

—"Ah, Hideki-kun... it's not just concern. It's because in our house, we take care of each other, even when we get a little stubborn. But please, next time, at least send us a message before you go off to save the world!"

Takeshi nodded with an understanding smile and patted Hideki on the shoulder.

—"Don't worry, Hideki-kun. Kaori just cares a lot, but she's also happy to see you're alright."

Hiro, looking at Hideki with a smile, added:

—"Yeah, Hideki-niichan! Next time, let us know before you get into trouble!"

Finally, Kaori sighed and, in a warmer tone, said:

—"Anyway, I'm glad you're okay. But next time, please let us know before you throw yourself into danger."

Hideki nodded, trying not to laugh while Kaori, Takeshi, and Hiro guided him to the restaurant table. Although the scolding was serious, the way Kaori and her family did it gave it a touch of warmth and familiarity that made him feel at home.

The end. Hope you liked it.