Sunlight crawled through the classroom windows, laying over the empty desks. The smell of chalk dust blended in the air, with that distinct "too early for this shit" atmosphere that came with arriving before most students bothered dragging themselves out of bed.
I slouched at my desk in the back corner, one hand propping up my head while I stared at the blue screen hovering in front of me. Nobody else could see it, which was probably for the best. Or else it would've been hard to explain why I was grinning at empty air like a lunatic.
*[3 Character Cards Available]*
This is why.
I tapped the notification, and three cards materialized, spinning slowly like some kind of gacha game reveal.
Please don't be a wack one.
---
*Character Card: Loid Forger (Spy × Family)*
*[ Description: Codename "Twilight" - Westalis's greatest spy who can literally become anyone. This man has mastered disguise to such a degree that he can mimic voices, switch personas instantly, and infiltrate anywhere without leaving a trace. Despite being a badass normal with no superpowers, his genius intellect and borderline superhuman ability to learn any skill (lockpicking, bomb defusing, lip reading, aircraft piloting, you name it) makes him WISE's ace agent. Can drive through high-speed chases, engage in hand-to-hand combat, and has tactical analysis that borders on precognition. Strengths: Master polymath who can learn anything frighteningly fast, flawless disguises, combat proficiency with firearms and martial arts, supernatural levels of analytical thinking ]*
---
A spy's entire skill set.
An actual spy, not a con spy. This deserves a thumbs up, because if this is how the first character card is, then I have hopes that the other two are going to be a great one.
I could already think of a dozen ways to abuse this, but it wasn't enough to put the incoming powerhouses in a bad position. But nonetheless, I assimilated it.
A dollar is still a dollar, even if it's less in amount.
Second card flipped into view, and my grin widened.
---
*Character Card: Kojiro Sasaki (Record of Ragnarok)*
*[Description: "History's Greatest Loser" who never won a single match while alive but became humanity's strongest swordsman by dying repeatedly in his mind until he got good. This old bastard spent 400 years after death simulating battles against every swordsman he ever faced, surpassing them all through sheer obsessive training. His ultimate ability "Thousand-Image Defense" (Senju Musō) lets him scan opponents by analyzing their breathing, footwork, blinking, and constitution to predict thousands of possible attack patterns before the fight even starts. Later evolved this to scan literally everything - air vibrations, ground tremors, the entire universe talking to him simultaneously. Special techniques include: Tsubame Gaeshi (strikes three times from different angles simultaneously, can catch a bird moving at 200km/h), and an unhealthy addiction to losing so he can come back stronger. Fought Poseidon and won through sheer "I've died to you 18 times in my head already" energy. Strengths: Godlike swordsmanship, predictive analysis that borders on precognition, accelerated development (gets stronger every time he loses), can perfectly copy any sword technique after fighting it, merges all sword styles into one ]*
---
Now we're talking.
My fingers drummed faster against the desk. Sasaki's techniques weren't about flashy moves or overwhelming power, they were about being better than your opponent in every way that mattered. Reading their patterns. Predicting their next move before they even decided on it. Cutting through their defense like it wasn't even there.
I read through different abilities with anticipation. Predictive combat through pure observation. I'd see attacks coming before my opponent's muscles even twitched to execute them.
Combine that with Loid's tactical analysis and I'm basically cheating.
Add Hellblaze to these sword techniques and with Lostvayne's clones executing them?
The low level opponents won't even have time to regret their life choices.
I was already mentally mapping out training sequences. Sasaki's precision with Hellblaze's cursed flames. Using Scanning to find the exact moment to counter with a clone strike. The synergy was beautiful—like finding puzzle pieces that fit together perfectly.
Finally, something that makes this Rating Game bullshit worth it.
Two cards acquired, now the the third one.
Third card appeared.
---
*Character Card: Nakime (Demon Slayer)*
*[Description: The mysterious biwa demon who owns and controls the Infinity Castle - an impossibly shifting dimensional labyrinth that defies physics. This quiet, emotionally detached workaholic can manipulate the entire castle like it's an extension of her own body just by strumming her biwa. Creates rooms, rotates staircases, changes gravity, summons door portals, and generally makes everyone's life hell by constantly reshaping reality around them. After getting promoted to Upper Rank Four, developed the ability to create floating eyeball familiars for long-range surveillance. Not a direct fighter but annoyingly hard to kill since she can just reshape the environment to make attacks miss. Special techniques include: Castle Manipulation (infinite architectural horror), (trapping people in alternate dimensions), teleportation, and being Muzan's most reliable servant because she actually does her job without drama. Strengths: Complete spatial control within Infinity Castle, surveillance through detachable eyeballs, superhuman mental processing speed, reflexes comparable to Hashira-level fighters, can hold off multiple top-tier demon slayers simultaneously through environmental manipulation ]*
*Due to extensive modifications in upgrading Demonic Art use and removing demonic weaknesses, regeneration has been significantly downgraded. You cannot regenerate lost limbs or recover from decapitation, but the severe wounds and cuts would be healed within a few seconds*
---
This is why you're the best system! I knew you won't give me a crappy reward after that whole fiasco. Keep giving me rewards like this and we might be the best duo to ever exist.
My gaze swept over to the regeneration notification.
Limited healing. No regrowing limbs.
Honestly? I'd take it. A low level Healing ability was still better than having none. And If losing an arm meant it stayed lost, fine. I'd just have to be smarter about keeping all my body parts attached.
Not like I was planning on losing any anyway.
But the Infinity Castle—that was the real jackpot hidden in these cards.
My own personal dimension. Infinite space that I controlled completely. No more obliterating forests when I wanted to test a new technique.
I could bring anyone inside, whether it's my Ally or my enemy.
Which solved my Issei's training problem.
My hand moved to my chest, pressing against the fabric of my uniform. Underneath, Tiamat's binding mark pulsed with warmth, a constant reminder of the magical leash around my neck.
Deliver the Red Dragon Emperor within a month, or else.
The "or else" was still vague, and I wasn't eager to find out what a pissed-off Dragon Queen considered appropriate punishment. Probably something involving fire and screaming. Dragons weren't known for their restraint, after all.
Issei needed some serious "beat some actual competence into you" training. If by the end of the month, he remains what he is now, Tiamat would eat me and won't even bother with salt.
But luckily The Infinity Castle solves half of my problem.
I could drag him in there, work him until he unlocked the next form of the Boosted Gear.
I dismissed the screen with a flick of my wrist, watching the blue particles dissolve into nothing. The rewards were solid, better than I'd hoped for, actually.
It was worth every second of humiliating Riser.
With that, I assimilated this card as well.
Students started filtering into the classroom, their voices filling the space with the usual morning chatter. Weekend plans, forgotten homework, the latest gossip about who was dating who.
I pulled out my phone, pretending to scroll while my mind kept working through the future schedules.
---
The Occult Research Club room smelled like black tea and old leather—familiar, comfortable scents that meant "safe territory." Afternoon light slanted through the windows, painting everything in warm gold and catching the dust motes drifting lazily through the air.
I sat on the leather couch with one leg crossed over the other, sipping from the cup Akeno had prepared. The tea was perfect, as always. She had a gift for that—knowing exactly how everyone liked their tea without needing to ask.
Rias had left about ten minutes ago to meet with Sona, handing me a stack of devil contracts before walking out with a pleased smile. Something about "maintaining our new reputation after the Rating Game victory."
Whatever. I'd handle them quickly.
Koneko had taken Asia on her contract, helping some elderly woman find her lost cat. Simple stuff. Which meant Asia would come back either delighted that she'd helped someone or traumatized that the cat had scratched her. But I doubt that cats are that much of an annoyance.
Not that I know of such cats.
Which left me alone with Akeno.
She stood by the window, staring out at the campus grounds. Her usual playful energy was completely absent, replaced by something quieter. More vulnerable.
When she turned to face me, I caught the shift in her expression immediately. No teasing smile. No sultry tone. No fingers trailing along furniture or hair twirled around her finger.
"Yuuto-kun?"
I set my cup down on the table with a soft clink "Yeah?"
She crossed the room slowly, settling into the armchair across from me. Her hands folded in her lap, fingers twisting together—a nervous gesture that didn't match her usual confidence at all.
Did her father pay a visit to her last night?
"That kiss yesterday," she said quietly, not quite meeting my eyes. "With the President. Was that... was that your first?"
Ah, so its about that.
I'd been wondering when someone would bring that up. Rias stealing my first kiss in front of everyone had been... a choice. A bold one. The kind that created consequences.
I nodded "Yeah. But she doesn't seem to have feelings for me. It was likely gratitude. That's all it was"
Technically true.
Probably.
Akeno's shoulders relaxed slightly, but her fingers kept twisting in her lap "I see"
Silence stretched between us. She opened her mouth like she wanted to say something, then closed it again. Her eyes dropped to her hands.
I watched her struggle with whatever she was trying to work through.
Sigh, I am not playing this game.
I'd seen enough romance drama in my previous life to know where this was going. She'd dance around the subject, I'd pretend not to notice, we'd waste time with awkward conversations, and eventually someone would force the issue anyway.
Fuck that. I'm cutting to the chase.
"Akeno-san." I leaned forward, elbows on my knees "Do you have feelings for me?"
Her head snapped up, eyes wide with surprise. Color rushed to her cheeks—a genuine blush that made her look less composed.
"I—I don't know" she stammered, and fuck, she actually stammered "I'm not sure if what I feel is—"
I reached across the space between us and took her hand.
She went completely still, staring at our joined hands like she couldn't process what was happening.
Sometimes you just need to make the move.
"Let's go on a date" I said.
"...What?"
"A date. Next Sunday." I kept my grip firm but not tight, thumb brushing over her knuckles. "We spend time together. You figure out if you have feelings for me. It will also help me figure out if I have it for you as well..So what do you think?"
Did I Fuck it up?
She blinked at me, lips parted slightly in surprise. I could practically see the gears turning in her head, processing the offer.
Then something shifted in her expression—uncertainty melting into something warmer, more genuine.
"Ara ara~" The teasing lilt returned to her voice, but softer this time. Less performance, more real "How bold of you, Yuuto-kun. That makes me want you even more"
"Is that a yes?"
A smile spread across her face, real and unguarded in a way that only I have seen "Yes. I would love to~"
"Great!"
I stood up, releasing Akeno's hand reluctantly. She was still smiling, a faint blush coloring her cheeks and making her look almost shy.
"I got some contracts to attend, so I'll be back in a moment"
I now needed to fit in three dates.
Three. Fucking. Dates.
Roygun's, who'd taken an interest in me for reasons I still didn't fully understand. That human girl from my contracts who'd been far too interested in seeing me again and again. And now Akeno.
How the hell did it progress so fast? One moment, I was a loner and I am now getting dates.
And, I knew how.
Harem protagonist logic. This was the High School DxD universe, harems were practically mandatory if you showed even a sliver of competence or kindness. I'd done both, apparently, and now I was paying the price, and actually a good one.
What If I'd been more of an asshole, would they still find me attractive?
Too late now. I was committed to this path, whether I liked it or not. Might as well make the best of it.
The red light engulfed me, and the club room disappeared in a flash of heat and magic.
---
The devil contract was straightforward—almost boring after the Rating Game's intensity.
A Middle-aged businessman, sweating through his dress shirt despite the cool evening air, wanted a good luck charm for his big presentation tomorrow. He explained the situation in rapid-fire sentences, words tripping over each other in his nervousness. Everything was riding on this deal—his promotion, his mortgage, his kid's college fund.
I wondered if I was going to end up like that, if I haven't died.
I listened, nodded in the right places, and handed him a charm infused with just enough demonic energy to steady his nerves and boost his confidence. Nothing excessive—just enough to keep his hands from shaking and his voice from cracking when he delivered his pitch.
He'd do the actual work himself. I wasn't in the business of guaranteeing outcomes, just improving odds.
He paid without complaint, thanking me profusely. I gave him the standard "you're welcome, good luck" response and left before he could get emotional about it.
Three down, four more contracts to go.
. . .
Back in my apartment an hour later, I stood in the center of the living room, staring at my empty hands.
Time to test my freshly acquired abilities
I focused energy into my fingertips. The sensation was strange—like reaching into reality itself and pulling something out that shouldn't exist. A biwa materialized in my left hand, the wood smooth and polished against my palm, strings gleaming in the low light.
In my right hand, a bachi appeared—the plectrum I'd need to play it.
Never played a biwa before, but the demon did. So, all good.
I hope my neighbours won't call the cops on me.
I positioned the bachi over the strings, feeling the weight of it, the balance. It felt natural, like I'd been doing this for years.
I struck down.
*BIIIIN!*
The sound resonated through the room, vibrating in my chest and teeth. The air rippled outward in visible waves, distorting space itself.
A shoji door materialized directly beneath my feet, sliding open with a soft whoosh.
Oh shi—
I dropped straight down into darkness. My stomach lurched violently, that awful freefall sensation that made every instinct scream. The wind rushed past my ears, drowning out everything else.
For a split second, there was nothing—no up, no down, no sense of direction. Just freefall through an empty void.
This better not be a wrong entr—
THUD.
I landed on the solid wood. The impact barely jarred through my legs, knees flexing to absorb the shock. I stayed upright, and straightened slowly.
I looked around.
The Infinity Castle stretched in every direction, and "stretched" didn't even begin to describe it. Wooden platforms floated at angles that hurt to look at. Staircases spiraled into nowhere and everywhere simultaneously, defying basic geometry. Shoji doors lined endless hallways that intersected sideways, upside down, at angles that should not exist in three-dimensional space.
The architecture was beautiful in its impossibility. Rooms stacked on rooms, hallways leading into themselves, platforms floating in space with no visible support. It was like someone had taken M.C. Escher's Relativity work and turned it into a reality.
Silence pressed in from all sides. No wind. No ambient noise. Just the sound of my breathing and the creak of wood.
I took a step forward, testing the platform's stability.
It was 10/10.
*BIIIIN!*
*BIIIIN!*
*BIIIIN!*
How the fuck a demon art attained such an ability? Ice powers understandable, threads understandable, Regeneration understandable. But a whole another dimension?! How did that even happen?
Well, I can't complain about a place where I don't have to pay rent.
I focused on the space twenty feet away and with a strum, the air shimmered, and a new platform materialized exactly where I'd imagined it, sliding into existence like it had always been there.
I jumped to the new platform, landing easily. It held solid under my weight. Another strum—a staircase rotated ninety degrees, wooden steps groaning softly as they moved. A door appeared in a wall that hadn't existed a second ago.
This was perfect.
This was my realm. Mine to control, mine to shape however I needed.
Finally I acquired privacy.
In the supernatural world, that was rarer than stumbling into a dragon lair.
I walked forward, footsteps echoing against wood with each step. The castle responded to my strum like an extension of my will. Platforms shifted. Staircases appeared and disappeared. Doors opened to reveal new rooms.
The space in front of me expanded, forming a massive open platform the size of a football field. Wooden pillars rose from the floor, creating obstacles. Perfect for practicing movement techniques.
I took out my Lostvayne as I got into the stance of Kojiro, tapping into his Ganryuu Style as Hellblaze enveloped around it, with Enchant.
"This's going to be so much fun!!!"
. . .
For advance chapters, you can check on
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