The afternoon sun cast long shadows across the Kuoh Academy grounds as I made my way home, Raynare—still in her Yuuma Amano disguise—walking beside me. Her hand brushed mine occasionally, a subtle reminder of our new bond. Since subduing her and completing the "Taming the Fallen" quest, life had taken on a surreal rhythm. She was affectionate, almost possessive, her fallen angel nature tempered by the Gamer System's influence. Her relationship score hovered at a solid 92/100, Lover status locked in. We'd spent the last few nights exploring that connection, but always discreetly. My parents were homebodies, and Issei's family had a habit of popping into his room unannounced—checking for homework, dropping off snacks, or just "seeing how I was doing." It kept things risky, but with my 140 Luck, I figured we'd dodge any close calls.
My stats were a constant hum in the back of my mind, a testament to my rapid growth:
Name: Issei Hyoudou
Level: 31
HP: 13,000/13,000 (Calculated as [130 Strength + 130 Endurance] × 50)
MP: 7,500/7,500 (Calculated as 150 Intelligence × 50)
Strength: 130
Endurance: 130
Agility: 130
Intelligence: 150
Luck: 140
Stat Points: 0
Skills:
Observe (Level Max): Reveals full stats and thoughts, bypassing all restrictions.
Perks:
Gamer's Mind: Immunity to mental effects; calm rationality.
Gamer's Body: Damage to HP; minimized fatigue/pain.
Sacred Gears:
Boosted Gear: Doubles power every 10 seconds; Ddraig's residence.
Twilight Healing (Balance Breaker) (Copy): Rapid healing; healing fields.
Quests: None
Inventory: Empty
Systems Unlocked:
Relationship System:
Raynare (Yuuma Amano): Lover (92/100)
Matsuda: Friend (65/100)
Motohama: Friend (65/100)
Rias Gremory: Acquaintance (20/100)
Most female classmates: Neutral (20-25/100)
With Boosted Gear and Twilight Healing at my disposal, I felt untouchable. Ddraig's voice occasionally rumbled in my head, offering gruff advice: "You're progressing fast, partner. But don't get cocky—devils and angels are no joke." I'd tested the gears in secluded spots, boosting my stats to absurd levels and healing mock injuries in seconds. Raynare had even sparred with me, her light spears clashing against my enhanced defenses, helping me refine my combat style.
As we turned the corner toward my house, a familiar crimson-haired figure stepped out from behind a tree, her presence radiating authority. Rias Gremory, president of the Occult Research Club and high-class devil. Her uniform hugged her curves, her blue eyes sharp and assessing. I used Observe instinctively.
Name: Rias Gremory
Level: 25
HP: 8,000/8,000
MP: 12,000/12,000
Strength: 50
Endurance: 60
Agility: 55
Intelligence: 80
Luck: 40
Thoughts About You: "Issei Hyoudou has changed dramatically. There's a powerful aura around him now—Sacred Gear energy? I need to recruit him before others do."
Her thoughts confirmed my suspicions. In the original timeline, Rias would've resurrected Issei after Raynare's attack. But I'd derailed that, and now she was here, sensing my awakened Boosted Gear. Raynare tensed beside me, her hand tightening on mine. As a fallen angel, she and Rias were natural enemies, but the system-bound loyalty kept her from attacking.
"Issei Hyoudou," Rias said, her voice smooth and commanding. "We need to talk."
I nodded, gesturing for Raynare to hang back. "Yuuma, wait here. This might be school-related."
Raynare—Yuuma—frowned but complied, her eyes narrowing at Rias. "Be careful, Issei."
Rias led me to a nearby bench in the park, her demeanor poised but urgent. "You've been on my radar for a while. At first, you were just... well, notorious for your reputation. But lately, something's different. You've grown stronger, and I sense a Sacred Gear in you—one of immense potential."
I kept my expression neutral, Gamer's Mind ensuring no slip-ups. "What if I have? What's it to you?"
She leaned forward, her crimson hair catching the light. "I'm Rias Gremory, and I'm not just a student. I'm a devil—a high-class one. Kuoh Academy is my territory, and I've been watching for threats... and opportunities. You have the Boosted Gear, don't you? The Red Dragon Emperor's power. It's awakened early, which is unusual. I can help you harness it, protect you from those who would exploit it—like fallen angels."
Her gaze flicked toward Raynare, suspicion evident. I chuckled inwardly—Rias had no idea Raynare was already mine.
"What are you proposing?" I asked, playing along.
"Join my peerage," she said directly. "Become one of my devils. I'll reincarnate you using my Evil Pieces, granting you immortality and power beyond imagination. In return, you'll serve me, fight alongside my team. With your Sacred Gear, we could become unstoppable. Akeno, Kiba, Koneko—they're all part of it. You'd fit right in."
It was the classic recruitment pitch from the series. In canon, Issei would've jumped at it, lured by the harem potential and Rias's charm. But I wasn't that Issei. With the Gamer System, I didn't need her Evil Pieces—I was already on a path to god-like strength. Becoming her servant would limit my freedom, tie me to devil politics. No thanks.
I shook my head. "Appreciate the offer, Rias, but no. I'm not interested in becoming a devil or joining your peerage. I like my humanity... or whatever this is now."
Her eyes widened, surprise flashing across her face. "You'd refuse? Do you understand the dangers? Fallen angels, other devils, even angels—they'll come for you if they sense the Boosted Gear."
"I get it," I said calmly. "But I'm handling things my way. That said, I'm not your enemy. I'll be your ally instead. If you need help—with threats to Kuoh or bigger issues—I'll step in. We can work together without me being your pawn."
Rias studied me, her Intelligence shining through as she weighed my words. "An ally, not a servant. That's... unconventional. But if you're as powerful as I sense, it could work. Why the change, Issei? You were... different before."
"People grow up," I replied with a shrug. "Let's just say I've had an awakening."
She stood, extending her hand. "Very well. Allies it is. But if you change your mind..."
"I won't," I said, shaking her hand. A notification pinged in my vision—her relationship score jumped to Ally (40/100). Not bad.
As Rias walked away, her thoughts via Observe: "He's intriguing. Stronger than expected. This alliance could be beneficial... or dangerous."
I rejoined Raynare, who looked relieved. "What did the devil want?"
"Recruitment," I said. "I turned her down. We're allies now."
Raynare smirked. "Smart. Devils are tricky."
Back home, my parents were in the kitchen, chatting about dinner. Issei's family was close-knit—his mom fussed over meals, his dad cracked lame jokes. They visited my room often, usually with laundry or to "check if I needed anything." It was endearing but inconvenient for someone with a secret girlfriend and supernatural powers.
That night, after dinner, Raynare sneaked in through the window, shedding her Yuuma disguise partially—keeping the human appearance but letting her black wings fold away. "Missed you," she murmured, pulling me into a kiss.
We'd grown closer, her affection intense. With Gamer's Body, stamina wasn't an issue, and our sessions were passionate. Tonight, she pushed me onto the bed, her hands roaming. "Let me show you how grateful I am for subduing me."
Clothes came off quickly, her body pressing against mine. She straddled me, her movements rhythmic, moans soft to avoid alerting my parents. My hands gripped her hips, the sensation heightened by my enhanced senses. As we built toward climax, her eyes locked on mine. "Issei... I'm close."
"Me too," I whispered, thrusting deeper. Just as I felt the edge—
The door creaked open. "Issei, honey, I brought some—"
My mom froze in the doorway, a plate of snacks in hand. Dad was right behind her, peeking in. "Son, we thought you'd like—"
Time seemed to slow. Raynare—still looking like Yuuma—yelped, grabbing a blanket. I pulled her down, covering us both, but it was too late. They'd seen enough: us entangled, me about to finish inside her.
Mom's plate clattered to the floor. "Oh my God!"
Dad's face turned beet red. "Uh... we'll... talk later!"
They slammed the door, footsteps retreating downstairs.
Raynare buried her face in my shoulder, laughing despite the embarrassment. "Your Luck failed you this time."
I groaned, the moment ruined. My Luck had dodged bullets in combat but not parental interruptions. "Yeah... this is awkward."
Downstairs, I could hear muffled voices—Mom sounding shocked, Dad trying to calm her. They'd visited my room at the worst possible time.
As the adrenaline faded, a new notification appeared.
New Quest: Cleansing the Flock
Objective: Subdue Kalawarner and Mittelt; kill Dohnaseek.
Rewards:
Kalawarner and Mittelt become your girlfriends (Relationship System scores set to 90/100, Lover status).
Perk: Power of Destruction (Rias Gremory's signature ability, allowing destructive energy blasts).
Failure Penalty: -30 to all stats, Raynare's loyalty decreased.
Time Limit: 2 Weeks
Accept? [Y/N]
I selected Y, mind shifting to strategy. Raynare's former comrades—Kalawarner the busty fallen, Mittelt the loli-type, and Dohnaseek the male one. They were likely in town, tied to her original mission. Subduing the women like I did Raynare, killing the man. And gaining Rias's Power of Destruction? That'd add devastating offense to my arsenal.
But first, I had to deal with the parental fallout. Raynare dressed quickly. "I'll slip out. Handle your family."
I nodded, pulling on clothes. Downstairs awaited the most awkward conversation ever.
The talk was mortifying. Mom lectured about "responsibility" and "protection," Dad awkwardly patted my back, saying, "Just... be safe, son." They demanded to meet "Yuuma" properly, and I promised a family dinner soon. By the end, they seemed more embarrassed than angry, retreating to their room.
Alone, I planned for the quest. Raynare texted: "Kalawarner and Mittelt are nearby. Dohnaseek's leading them. We can ambush tomorrow."