------Rias's POV ------
As everyone in the classroom found their way to their seats, my mind was elsewhere.
Yet another anomaly in my territory, another thing to be criticized about. I honestly don't know how the previous overseer of this territory kept its peace.
While I was lost in thought, I vaguely heard the teacher mention that there was a transfer student being introduced to our class. It doesn't surprise me; Sona goes over those in the school, and a boy being transferred into the only female-only class was something she brought up to me before.
The new transfer is nothing much, other than his looks, that is: average talent, average intellect, just all-around average. I barely looked over his information before dismissing him during that conversation.
As the teacher called him into the room, I immediately snapped to attention.
'That's... That's the energy from this morning?!?'
Before I could think more, he locked eyes with me and gave me the most confused look I've ever seen.
------ Sam's POV ------
As I entered the classroom, all eyes locked on me; among them, I sensed two very different stares. Looking through the class, I found a red-haired beauty sitting next to an equally stunning black-haired one. Their stares were not the only thing that interested me, but... I know them.
I never watched the anime, but I'm 100% sure I know where I am: High school DxD... My friend said it was a pervert's paradise, and I've never wanted to punch someone more than I do now.
Before I could think more, the teacher interrupted me. "Barnes, please introduce yourself."
Tearing my eyes away from who I think is Rias Gremory, I start to introduce myself.
"Hello, everyone. I'm Sam Barnes, and while I may not look like it, I'm a native of Japan. I hope to get along with you during our last year of school."
What happened next was a chorus of very thirsty girls praising my looks and manners, and to the observant ones, they seemed to have recognized where I was looking earlier.
"Damn, it seems Rias grabbed another one…"
"Why! She already has Yuuto in her club; leave some for the rest of us!"
I ignore the girls complaining as I take a seat as instructed by the teacher, occasionally stealing a glance at Rias in the corner of my eye. But it seems I wasn't subtle, as I get a sharp glare in return.
'Shit, shit, I'm a holy energy user in a devil-centric anime... Am I part of the villains now?'
My lack of knowledge of High School DxD is overwhelming; all I know is from my one friend who said it was peak. He showed me some of the characters, and let's just say the 2D does not stand up to the 3D.
But enough of that; I know next to nothing other than some names of the main cast that my friend worshipped.
All in all, we have the stunning black-haired beauty next to Rias, whom I now recognize as Akeno. I also overheard earlier that Yuuto was here, the so-called Prince of Kuoh.
There's one other that I remember, a cat girl called Koneko, but I don't know where she would be.
Last but not least, I remember Asia Argento, but that's all I know. I should've questioned my friend more, but oh well...
All I can hope now is that my new status as a Hero Candidate doesn't serve as a death sentence.
'System, do I have a stat window?'
[The Chaos Gacha system does include a status window.]
'Great, open it for me.'
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[Host: Sam Barnes]
[Race: Human]
Active Abilities (1/1)
- Lightning Claws - Uncommon
Other Abilities
-N/A
Skills
-N/A
Traits
- Enhanced Vitality - Uncommon
- Hero Candidate—Rare
Items
- Familiar Contract - Rare
Familiars
- Black Knife Tiche - Rare
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'Wait, wait, I have limited ability slots?'
[Host, do not panic; once you gain other abilities, you may swap them. The only limitation is time; the rarer the ability, the longer it is needed to swap back to being active.]
[Also, Host, once you gain enough additional abilities, you will gain additional ability slots.]
I breathe out a sigh of relief with this new information.
'System, roll all my tickets.'
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Rolling Advantage Silver Trait Ticket...
You have rolled a rare trait!
[Rare—Gym Nut]
You are a gym nut. Want those powerful muscles? Better get to grinding. Your body recovers from exercise far quicker and far better, and your physical training efficiency is increased considerably. You can achieve peak human fitness in a few months of decent training.
Or
You have rolled a common trait!
[Common—Golden Shot]
Your fertility is beyond common sense; any woman in a relationship with you is guaranteed to become pregnant regardless of any means.
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What the fuck is that second trait? I'm just going to ignore that; this Gacha is wild. Gym Nut is kind of what I need also; it isn't the instant power-up I was hoping for, but it's a path forward.
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Rolling Gold Ability Ticket...
You have a rare ability!
[Rare—Energy Regeneration]
You regenerate your energy/mana, but in exchange, your stamina is being consumed instead.
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Honestly? Would've preferred something offensive or at least defensive. But it is still a good ability for the future because my current traits seem to be about having a better body.
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Detected synergy between the traits:
- Gym Nut
With the traits:
- Enhanced Vitality
- Hero Candidate
Total synergy effect: +30% speed to building muscle and muscle recovery; can build a body to break human limits equal to a very low-level superhuman physique.
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I'll be damned; it seems my future free time is going to be dedicated to working out.
Looking over my status screen, I start to plan out my immediate plan.
Lightning Claws allows me to go on the offensive, but I don't know how to fight, but luckily I have an expert assassin to help me with the basics.
Energy regeneration will be really useful in the future, as it seems my body will be beyond human, meaning my physical stamina will be my largest source of energy.
As for my traits? The passives aren't anything to dismiss outright; the only one that immediately has no benefit is Hero Candidate, but it seems it has given me a title I can use for the future.
My Familiar Contract might have a use, but at the moment I have no target, so that's held off for the future.
Finally, my biggest trump card, Tiche. Honestly, she's still the strongest thing in my corner. I doubt even with training and a superhuman physique I could beat her.
Finalizing my thoughts, I noticed it was already lunch, and I was being stared at like I was someone's last meal.
Looking over to Rias and Akeno, their stares are openly hostile, but to make peace, I steel myself and make my way over.
Both of them looked surprised at my move but did nothing to stop me.
As I arrive near their desks, I speak before either of them, "I don't know either of you, but please speak to the student council president before acting on your thoughts."
And before either of them responds, I fast-walk to the cafeteria.
------Rias's POV ------
As Sam left the classroom, I was baffled at his sudden approach and his warning to speak to Sona first.
Looking at Akeno, I stood and spoke, "You follow him; I'm going to Sona."
"Yes, yes~ going after the cheeky church boy is what I wanted to do anyway."
"Don't play games, Akeno. He's skilled, probably on a similar level to Yuuto."
"I'm no idiot, Rias, but he sure is interesting, brazenly walking up to us and giving a warning? He seems overly confident in himself."
"Confident or not, he's in my territory," I say as I turn and make my way to the student council room.