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….
"Understood," Rias said, setting her cup down. "Do you know why you're here, Shiro?"
I shook my head. Two theories ran through my mind: either the rings weren't working and they sensed my magic, or they were curious about my little stunt with Akeno earlier.
"I haven't the faintest idea," I lied smoothly.
"It's actually quite simple," Rias said, leaning forward slightly. "We were wondering what your relationship is with Isabella Hyoudou."
I blinked. Isabella?
Internal relief washed over me. They weren't onto me. They were protective of the Red Dragon Emperor's host. They thought I was moving in on their territory.
"Oh, that," I chuckled, relaxing my posture. "That's a misunderstanding. I heard an old friend of mine, Issei Hyoudou, was transferring here. When I went to find him, I met Isabella instead. I was just curious if she was a relative."
It was the truth, technically. And the best lies are built on truth.
Rias studied my face for a second, looking for a crack. "I see. The way the rumor mill was spinning, it sounded like you two were intimate."
"High school rumors," I shrugged. "You know how it is."
Rias leaned back, seemingly satisfied, but the tension didn't dissipate.
"There was another reason we called you here," Sona interjected, adjusting her glasses. The light reflected off the lenses, hiding her eyes.
"Oh?" I turned to the Student Council President. "Mandatory volunteer work?"
"In a manner of speaking," Rias answered for her. "Both Sona and I are in need of new members for our respective clubs. We were wondering if you would be willing to join?"
"The Student Council is always looking for capable individuals," Sona said, her tone clinical. "It looks good on a transcript, provides connections for university, and instills discipline. I believe you would be suited for our environment."
"The Occult Research Club is a bit more... relaxed," Rias countered, shooting Sona a quick side-glance. "We focus on individual research and freedom of activity. I think you'd find the atmosphere here more to your liking."
They went back and forth for a minute, listing pros and cons. I listened, nodding politely, but I knew what this really was.
They sensed potential. Maybe not magic, thanks to the ring, but my physical stats were higher than a normal human's. In the supernatural world, a strong human is just a recruit waiting to be turned.
When they finished, silence fell over the room. They were waiting.
I rubbed my chin, looking from the devil to the... other devil.
"That's a lot to think about," I said, sounding genuinely conflicted. "Both offers are generous. Is it alright if I take a few days to think it over? I don't want to commit to something unless I can give it my full attention."
Rias and Sona exchanged a look. It wasn't hostility; it was a silent agreement to let the fish run a little longer.
"Of course," Rias smiled. "Take your time."
"We await your answer," Sona nodded.
"Thank you. Ladies."
I turned and walked out. I kept my back straight and my pace even until I was clear of the building.
Once I was outside the main gate, I let out a long, heavy breath.
"Okay," I muttered, loosening my tie. "Note to self: Next time I walk into a room full of Devils, I need to be higher than them."
I walked off toward home, forcing myself not to look back.
High above, in the window of the Occult Research Club, the curtain twitched. Rias and Sona stood side by side, watching the retreating figure of the new transfer student disappear down the street.
….
I sighed, adjusting the strap of my bag. It was just past 3:00 PM. The walk back to the house was usually quiet, but today the air felt heavy.
I stepped onto the bridge that crossed the river, my eyes scanning the area out of habit. Halfway across, I spotted a familiar figure. Isabella. She was leaning against the railing, deep in conversation with another girl, someone with long black hair and striking violet eyes.
Raynare?
My grip tightened on my bag. If that was Raynare, the plot was starting now. I took a step forward, intending to intervene, maybe "accidentally" bump into them, but a shadow blocked my path.
I stopped. Standing in front of me was a tall girl with dark blue hair cut into a bob, wearing a standard high school uniform that was a little too tight in all the right places.
"Excuse me," she said, her voice breathless and shy. "Are you Shiro?"
[Observe]
[Name: Kalawarner (Disguised)]
[Age: Unknown]
[Gender: Female]
[Race: Fallen Angel]
[Level: 23]
A cold drop of sweat slid down my spine.
Level 23.
I was Level 16. She was seven levels higher, a supernatural being, and she had me cornered on a public bridge. If I panicked, I was dead. If I ran, I was dead.
"Yes," I said, forcing a polite smile. "Yes, I am. And you are?"
She clasped her hands together, looking down at her shoes before looking up through her lashes.
"My name is Hikari Akane... and I would like to be your girlfriend!"
I stared at her. I knew it was coming, but hearing it out loud was surreal.
Ding.
A blue box materialized between us, invisible to her but glaringly bright to me.
[Quest Generated: The Black Widow's Date]
[Target: Kalawarner (Hikari Akane)]
[Description: Take this lovely Fallen Angel out on a date. See where things go.]
[Rewards: 1500 EXP, Increased Intimacy with Kalawarner.]
[Failure/Rejection: If the date goes wrong, you may die... scratch that. Yes, most certainly you will die. Definite death.]
[Do you accept?]
[Yes / No]
I looked at the message with a deadpan expression.
Oh, fuck me.
I had no choice. If I said no, she might decide I was a loose end right here and now. I needed time. I needed to prep.
"So, Hikari-san, right?" I rubbed the back of my neck, feigning awkwardness. "Well... I've never really dated anyone before. But... I would love to."
….
Hey guys if u like the fanfic and want to read ahead by 10+ Chapters or just want to support take a visit on my patreon.
(P).(A).(T).(R).(E).(O).(N)
http://patreon.com/Marin_kitawaga