Kuoh Academy.
The school I attended—and with a face like mine, attention was unavoidable. Girls kept sneaking glances as I walked down the hall. Kuoh used to be an all-girls academy, and the lower the grade, the worse the gender ratio got.
In some classes, there weren't even five boys.
For any guy lucky enough to enroll, getting a girlfriend was practically guaranteed.
Unfortunately, three idiots behind me were focused on that exact thought.
"Why the hell is Lock so popular?! I want that too!" Issei wailed, collapsing to his knees as his life had just ended.
The girls didn't hold back.
"Look at his face."
"Look at those eyes."
"Do you think crying will protect your DVDs?"
"Answer us, Issei!"
"Issei," Motohama said solemnly, "never forget why we started."
"Matsuda! Motohama!" Issei clenched his fists, tears drying instantly. "You're right. I remember."
Motohama nodded gravely. "This path has no return. Matsuda and I won't turn back. Are you ready?"
"YES!!!"
"Then it's settled!" Motohama declared. "Tonight, my place. I'll bring out my treasured photobooks—and the limited-edition DVDs!"
"Tch. The perverted trio again," a lazy voice drawled. "All day, every day—nothing but H this and H that."
Ravel Phenex had walked over, arms crossed, unimpressed.
"Mind your own business, ecchi girl!" Issei snapped back, suddenly full of life.
"Lord Lock, save me!" Ravel cried dramatically, diving straight into my arms. "They're planning something unforgivable!"
"We'd rather jump out the window than touch you," the trio replied in perfect sync.
I sighed and gently patted Ravel's head, fingers brushing her twin-tails. "Relax. I'm here."
Ravel froze, face turning red.
"Ah—th-this scent… I can't—this is too much…"
…Devil nobility really was dangerous. Even without trying, it messed with people.
Ding-ling.
Classes ended before I even noticed.
Compared to my old life of endless nights and brutal schedules, this was heaven.
I packed up and noticed Issei's seat was already empty.
All three of them were gone.
…They were absolutely not sleeping tonight.
After school, I walked home with Ravel. Things were going great. I was actually planning to confess—
Then she cornered me on the stairwell and pinned me against the wall.
"…Women are terrifying," I muttered.
"See you later!"
"See you tomorrow!"
"See you tomorrow, Lord Lock!"
That corner again.
I swore I'd have it demolished someday.
If only I were a high-class Devil. I'd reincarnate her on the spot.
Elsewhere.
Deep within a dark hall, black wings filled the space.
"Governor," a Fallen Angel reported, kneeling. "Our scouts detected brief Sacred Gear reactions. Multiple. They vanished almost immediately."
The figure on the throne had twelve pitch-black wings.
Azazel.
"Interesting," he said calmly. "So they're waking up."
A female Fallen Angel knelt below him, head lowered.
"Len—Raynare," he corrected himself with a faint smile. "Are you willing to devote everything to me?"
"Yes," she answered without hesitation. "Everything."
"Good," Azazel said. "Retrieve the Sacred Gear. Do not fail."
Raynare smiled, licking the edge of her light blade.
Morning came fast.
On the way to school, trouble arrived right on schedule.
"Let's go together, Ravel."
In class, the trio behind me looked like zombies.
"Issei," I asked, "what did you idiots do all night?"
"What do you think?" Ravel said smugly. "Obviously watching H-stuff."
"Tch, ecchi girl," Issei muttered. "We watched DVDs till dawn."
He collapsed onto his desk and passed out.
Ding-dong.
The teacher clapped his hands. "Class, we have a transfer student. Be nice."
The door slid open.
A girl stepped in, smiling softly.
"My name is Yūma Amano. Nice to meet you. I like red things… and the Governor."
My eyes narrowed instantly.
"…Raynare."
She walked straight past Issei—
And stopped at my desk.
"Excuse me," she said sweetly. "May I have your seat?"
Issei, half-awake and completely helpless, stood up immediately. "S-sure…"
She sat down beside me.
"Hello."
I nodded calmly, already planning my next move.
This was Rias Gremory's territory. Raynare wouldn't dare act openly—but that didn't make her harmless.
Elsewhere, in the Occult Research Club.
"President," Akeno said lazily, "a Fallen Angel slipped into the school."
Rias leaned back, expression calm.
"Leave her be. As long as she doesn't cross the line."
Sona Sitri adjusted her glasses. "And the Servant candidate?"
Rias smiled faintly. "If he passes my test… I'll gladly take him."
The bell rang.
I grabbed Issei and dragged him straight outside—into the crowded courtyard.
"Listen carefully," I said. "Stay away from the new girl."
Issei frowned. "What? You've already got a girlfriend, and now you're blocking me too?"
I punched him.
"Wake up. Remember what I told you."
I walked away.
Behind me, Issei stood there, stunned—finally starting to understand.
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