Read till Ch 80+ in our website :wbnovels.c om
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The day after we got our club application forms, after school—
"What the hell?! Issei! Ikki! You bastards are joining the Occult Research Club—that group of gorgeous girls with the academy's two biggest beauties plus an invincible loli mascot character?!"
"Why?! Ikki was already a traitor since Kuroka's there, but now even Issei's betraying us?! What happened?!"
While Matsuda and Motohama were closing in on us with tears in their eyes, Issei struck a ridiculously cool pose and asked them, "Ha! You guys ever been buried in boobs?"
"Wha—?!"
Just like that, both of them turned to stone.
"Come on, Issei. Rias-senpai's calling for us, so let's get going."
"Ok!"
We left the classroom together—though on the way out, I could swear I heard the girls in our class saying stuff like "The coupling broke up," "Issei × Ikki," "Ikki × Issei," "Matsuda × Motohama," "Motohama × Matsuda." But that was just my imagination. When I say it's my imagination, that's exactly what it is.
On our way to the old school building, Issei muttered quietly with a complicated expression, "Matsuda and Motohama really didn't remember Yuma-chan at all."
"I told you, didn't I? Whether it's devils or fallen angels, supernatural beings erase traces of their activities once they're done."
"When you told me that yesterday on our way home, I couldn't believe it, but seeing them forget so completely like that..."
"Get used to it. You're a devil now too."
"...I know."
While we were talking, we reached the club room and went inside.
"Excuse us~"
"We brought our club applications."
Looks like everyone's already here.
"Yes, please hand them over here."
We submitted our applications to the desk where Rias was sitting, and she signed them.
"Now you're both officially members of the Occult Research Club. Welcome."
Finally, the Occult Research Club... Last night Kuroka said, "Hmm, so you're joining the same club as Shirone," while pinching my cheek.
After Rias's words triggered congratulations from Akeno- and the others for joining the club, Issei said, "Actually, there's someone I'd like to introduce to everyone"
... what?
"Introduce? Who are you talking about?"
Rias looked genuinely puzzled. Then Issei thrust out his left arm and said, "Ddraig! I'm counting on you!" A green jewel appeared on the back of his hand, and a voice came from it.
"Haah, you're the first host to tell me to introduce myself to companions. My name is Ddraig, the Red Dragon Emperor. Please treat me and my partner well."
"—?!"
Even I was surprised by this. He can already talk with Ddraig just one day later?
"...Yes, nice to meet you. I'm Rias Gremory, Issei's master. I never imagined I'd exchange greetings with the famous Red Dragon Emperor like this... But if you can talk like this, why were you silent when Issei tried to speak with you yesterday?"
"I wasn't silent. My consciousness awakened the moment my partner manifested the Sacred Gear. But my partner was too weak for my voice to reach him."
"So you can talk now because he was reincarnated as a devil?"
"Exactly. The Sacred Gear was already on the verge of awakening even when he was human."
I see, but Ddraig's consciousness awakening has important meaning too.
"That's great, Issei. Were you able to ask about the transfer power you wanted to hear about yesterday?"
That was the original reason for trying to talk to him.
"No, it was late last night. I only heard about how Ddraig and the other one rampaged way back in ancient times before finally being sealed."
"The Gift power? My partner's specs are sufficient, so I think it will manifest with just a small trigger. You need to learn to use me better."
"Use you better? That's easier said than done..."
He looks troubled, so maybe I should give him some advice...
"Issei, there are three important elements to mastering a Sacred Gear."
"What's this all of a sudden? And three?"
"Yeah. First is the strength of your feelings, second is the host's specs, and third is dialogue with the Sacred Gear."
"Dialogue with the Sacred Gear?"
"Right, you could call it compatibility too. The higher these are, the more power the Sacred Gear can display."
So get along with Ddraig, okay? Even if Ddraig might become pitiful!
"Huh, wait! Twice Critical is a Sacred Gear that doubles your power, right? Can it really activate power beyond that?"
Oh! He noticed that!
"Of course. I asked the same question to the person who taught me senjutsu. In that case, you can't actually put out more than double the power, but there are significant differences in details like activation time, duration, and reducing the physical burden on your body."
As expected from years of experience, Maga-san(Magari) was quite knowledgeable.
Even if I know various things, I made sure to ask probing questions during Maga-san's lessons as if it were natural—when I asked questions she couldn't answer, she'd research them and tell me by the next training session... I might really owe that person more than I can repay.
My Verg Avesta has also undergone small changes like making it easier to circulate ki to Zarich and Taurvi, or my Divinity: E becoming Divinity: E+ by doing things like sitting in meditation with the Sacred Gear in hand or placed on my knees as part of my training... It's a subtle change, but I don't want to take fallen angel-style iron balls! Leave that stuff to Saji!
Well, but being able to have conversations is that much more significant for feeling familiar with your Sacred Gear. Of course, if you don't get along with whoever's sealed in the Sacred Gear, it could be disastrous...
"Well, that's fine! Nice to meet you again, Ddraig!"
"Ah, perhaps this kind of relationship isn't bad once in a while. Please treat me well, partner!"
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Ten days had passed since then. Under Rias's devilish whisper that "once you become a high-class devil, you can make your own harem," Issei was energetically riding his bike around distributing flyers today as well.
As for the Occult Research Club, we once went to Ikebukuro to interview a "headless Dullahan"—apparently modern Dullahans ride motorcycles. Right after that, he was being chased by police for riding without lights...
Also, we changed how we address Rias-senpai to "President Rias"—apparently she has some kind of preference for it.
"I'm back~"
"Good work, Issei. I hate to spring this on you, but I'd like you to start taking contracts soon."
Oh! Finally!
"Huh?! I'm finally graduating from flyer distribution?!"
"Yes, originally this was just to let you know this kind of work exists. That should be enough now."
"Yes! Finally, my own contract!"
"Koneko just got two summons at the same time. I'd like you to handle one of them—you have the summoning manual memorized, right?"
"Yes! No problem!"
"Good. Akeno!"
"Yes, President."
As Akeno replied, a magic circle for teleportation appeared on the floor, and Issei stood in the center.
"Then, President! I'm off!"
With that call, the magic circle grew brighter... and nothing happened.
Seriously... I thought it would work since the Pawn piece's seal is looser than in the original, but just how little magical talent does he have?
Rias smiled awkwardly and said, "It seems your magical power is too low to teleport. But we can't keep the client waiting. This is unprecedented, but please go to the client's location on foot."
"...Pathetic."
Harsh, Koneko-chan.
"N-no way... Won't they turn me away? If a devil rang my doorbell, I might tell them to 'go home'!"
Well, that's true, but we can't keep the client waiting either.
"President, can I make a suggestion? Couldn't Issei use the Boosted Gear to make up for his lack of magical power?"
I'd like to see Issei get summoned on his bike too, but honestly, nobody benefits from that scenario.
"You're right, that was an oversight. Then, Issei, use the Boosted Gear to enhance your power and try teleporting with the magic circle again."
"Yes! Come forth, Ddraig!"
<>
"Akeno!"
"Yes, President!"
Akeno deployed the magic circle again, and Issei successfully teleported to the client.
...Though it seems he couldn't land the contract.
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