His Weapon Apprentice talent had evolved into Weapon Master, thanks to Yuuki Kiba. Holy and Demonic swords often had strange forms and unique abilities; some weren't even technically swords. Yuuki's ability to create Holy and Demonic swords meant she was proficient in using a vast array of bizarre weaponry. This talent naturally merged with Ethan's, boosting his mastery of all weapons significantly.
"Hmm, I'm still missing a barrier-type talent," Ethan mused, rubbing his chin. "Lady Grayfia seems very skilled with barriers. During the Three Factions meeting, she handled all the logistics and even the final analysis of the forbidden space..."
He thought about it for a moment but pushed the thought aside. He couldn't quite read Sirzechs—neither his thoughts nor his true strength. It wasn't worth the risk for an uncertain talent, and stealing someone else's wife wasn't Ethan's style. But if the silver-haired "wife" made the first move... well...
On the last two days of summer break, Ethan had planned to give Xuelan and Isabella their initial "treatment," since it had been delayed for so long. However, Ravel requested that they wait until she reached a breakthrough so all three could cultivate with Ethan together. The blonde, drill-haired devil princess said it quite matter-of-factly: in noble circles, it was normal for maids to serve the master alongside their mistress.
Xuelan and Isabella had no objections, so the matter was put on hold.
In early September, Kuoh Academy began its second semester. Summer was over, but the weather was still warm, and the high school girls were still dressed in light, breezy outfits.
In Class 2-A, Ethan sat in his seat, chatting idly with Basara Toujou. Even though school had just started, he didn't have to deal with a swarm of girls because Yuuto Kiba had become Yuuki Kiba. Aside from the Occult Research Club, the Naruse sisters—who also lived in the large mansion—already knew about the change. Basara had learned from his "cousins" as well, so he wasn't shocked.
"Hey, Ethan, can your body take it?" Basara joked, leaning over. "Mio and Maria told me you haven't taken a single day off."
Ethan glanced at him. "What? You jealous?"
"A little," Basara admitted. "But until I rescue my mother, I don't plan on getting a girlfriend."
Having learned the truth of his birth and knowing enemies were watching from the shadows, Basara no longer ran away. He had been training hard to overcome his inner demons. As a child of destiny with a four-race bloodline, his strength had skyrocketed once he got serious. He was now SS-class in combat power, and with his Banishing Shift ability, he could even go toe-to-toe with a "budget" Devil King like Kokabiel. But he was still a bit short of being able to take down Zolgear, let alone rescue his goddess mother, Afalla.
Ring—
The bell rang, and the girls surrounding Yuuki Kiba returned to their seats. The classroom went quiet, but it didn't last long. When Kalawarner entered the room leading two beautiful new girls, it caused an inevitable stir. Ethan and Basara had the strongest reactions, though they both kept their cool.
On the podium, a tall girl with short, sky-blue hair bowed slightly. "I am Yuki Nonaka. I look forward to working with you all."
"I am Kurumi Nonaka! Please take care of me!" The other girl, slightly smaller with light purple twin-tails, was more energetic. However, as she spoke, her eyes kept darting toward Ethan.
"Hey, are you two sisters?" a girl in class asked curiously.
"Yes, Kurumi is my younger sister."
"Wait, then why is your hair different, and why are you in the same grade?"
Yuki Nonaka gave some cold, vague excuses. They weren't here to study or make friends; they were here for a mission from their village. Kalawarner didn't rush into the lesson, giving the class ten minutes to get to know the new students before pointing to the empty spots to Ethan's right.
"You two sit there for now. Ethan, Koneko, go to the empty classroom and bring two sets of desks and chairs."
"Yes." x2
Ethan stood up, suddenly noticing the solemn, serious expression on Basara's face. Wait? Is that the face you make when you see your childhood friends?
He turned his attention back to the Nonaka sisters and realized something was off. Basara sat in front of Ethan. He had assumed the sisters were looking at Basara, but as he moved, he realized their eyes were fixed on him. Basara noticed this too and let out a sigh of relief, wondering why the Hero Clan would be interested in Ethan.
Once the desks were set up, Ethan returned to his seat amidst the cold thanks from Yuki and the cute thanks from Kurumi. His eyes met Basara's, and they shared a silent nod. Even if they didn't know the sisters' goal yet, they could exchange intel later. Ethan was curious why the relationship between the sisters and Basara was different from his memories, and Basara was curious why the Hero Clan had appeared so suddenly.
Ethan spent a pleasant morning observing the sisters while they, in turn, found excuses to watch him while dealing with their classmates.
"Basara, let's grab lunch since it's the first day."
"Sure. I didn't bring a lunch today anyway. Heading to the cafeteria?"
"Me too. Let's go."
As lunch break started, Ethan and Basara left the room together, leaving behind a group of girls who wanted to spend time with Ethan. The Nonaka sisters were about to follow when Yuuki Kiba, Asia, and the others blocked their path.
"Nonaka-san, our President would like a word."
"Rias Gremory?" Yuki Nonaka's voice was cold. Her spiritual energy began to flow, making her blue hair flutter. "Sorry, we have more important business."
"Don't misunderstand." Yuuki Kiba smiled, her silver-blonde hair swaying as a powerful demonic aura manifested.
The clash of auras sent a gust of wind through the room. Since Class 2-A was filled with supernatural beings, the "normal" girls quickly backed away. Kurumi tried to help her sister, but she found herself staring at the white-haired "loli" who had just moved the desks. Facing Koneko's oppressive aura, she finally understood why a "frail" girl had been sent to do heavy lifting. Kurumi was a magician; at this range, against a close-combat expert like Koneko, she had zero chance of winning.
After a tense standoff, and with Mittelt and the others joining in, Yuki finally yielded. The energy subsided, and Yuuki Kiba maintained her gentle smile as she stepped aside. "This way, please."
The Nonaka sisters followed silently. Once they were gone, the other girls began to gossip but quickly "forgot" the incident. They weren't stupid; they knew what to keep quiet about.
While the sisters were being taken to Rias, Ethan and Basara were already ordering lunch in the cafeteria. Ethan didn't eat here often, but he always found the food impressive. As expected of a private academy managed by the Gremory family, the cafeteria was as good as a high-end restaurant.