Rias could read people—especially people like Draconis. Winning a place in his heart wouldn't be easy. On the surface, he was perfectly sociable, but getting past that exterior? That was another story.
Not that she minded. Personality could be shaped, given time. And Rias Gremory was nothing if not confident.
Joining the club was a breeze. Rias made a single call, and the paperwork vanished—connections in the student council, no doubt.
Just like that, Draconis became a member of the Occult Research Club, with Rias as its president.
Inside the clubroom, two girls were already waiting.
The first was Akeno Himejima—Kuoh Academy's second beauty, famous for her sweet smile and mature, older-sister vibe.
The other was someone Draconis recognized from his own class: Koneko Toujou. Unlike Rias and Akeno, Koneko was petite, almost doll-like. Silvery hair framed her face, and her golden eyes gave her an ethereal cuteness. But she sat quietly, expressionless, radiating a chilly calm—like a porcelain figure come to life.
As Rias led Draconis inside, both girls looked up and nodded a greeting.
"Draconis, I'm sure you know these two," Rias said, clapping her hands before settling onto the sofa.
"Yeah, we're all classmates," Draconis replied.
"I arranged for everyone to transfer into the same class—makes teamwork easier. From now on, you'll be working together."
Akeno smiled, her voice gentle and teasing. "Ara ara, looking forward to it."
Her trademark verbal tic and high ponytail only enhanced her elegant, mature charm.
Koneko spoke up, voice soft and flat, barely a ripple of emotion. Clearly the quiet type—three words at a time, if that.
Rias gestured to them. "Koneko is my Rook—she's a close-combat specialist. Akeno is my Queen, the only one of her kind. You'll be fighting side by side, so get used to each other."
Draconis raised an eyebrow. "So, President, what's my position?"
Rias's eyes sparkled with memory. "You're unique, Draconis. During your transformation, I gave you a Knight piece, but it wasn't enough. In the end, you got two Knights and all my Pawns."
Akeno grinned mischievously. "That means, compared to other Kings, Rias has nine fewer servants. The pressure's on, Draconis~ Don't let her down."
Draconis could only stare. Killed, resurrected, and now conscripted to fight for someone else—possibly against ten at once. What a deal.
He sighed. "Can you finally explain this whole devil, fallen angel, and whatever-else situation?"
"Of course." Rias settled comfortably, legs tucked up on the sofa, and began.
"Devils, fallen angels, angels, dragons, youkai, and humans all live in this world. Most angels stay in Heaven, devils in the Underworld."
Draconis listened, thinking how much this sounded like Western mythology—was there some link to his old world?
"Fallen angels were once angels. But when they developed impure thoughts, they fell to the Underworld. Since ancient times, fallen angels have manipulated humans to wipe out devils. Heaven's angels do the same, sparking wars."
Rias glanced at Draconis. "Does that make sense?"
Draconis snorted. "So angels and fallen angels are the bad guys again? Figures."
If angels were so rotten, who decided to paint them as heroes? Getting stabbed by a fallen angel hadn't made him any fonder of their crowd.
Rias laughed, shooting a look at Akeno, who just smiled sweetly from the sidelines.
She continued, "The three factions—angels, fallen angels, and devils—fought endless wars, nearly wiping each other out. Eventually, they signed a peace treaty."
Sounded a lot like human history to Draconis—fight, kill, then patch things up when everyone's tired.
Nowadays, the fighting had died down, though skirmishes still happened. Dragons and youkai kept to themselves, their numbers too few to get involved.
At last, Draconis felt like he understood the lay of the land—and why that fallen angel wanted him dead. They were afraid he'd grow strong enough to wipe them out.
He smirked, a cold edge in his thoughts. He'd never wanted trouble; he'd been the one attacked. Now? He wasn't letting this go until someone paid.
He remembered the sword and shield he'd conjured from thin air. That had to be his Sacred Gear. Time to get answers.
"So, about Sacred Gears. People say they're gifts from God, but many are naturally formed and choose their own masters. Their origins are mostly mysterious."
"How do I summon mine?" Draconis asked, urgency in his voice.
He didn't want to be caught off guard next time.
"Once you've called it forth once, it'll respond to your will—appear or disappear as you wish. Give it a try."
Rias shifted, making herself comfortable, legs drawn up beneath her.
Draconis just watched, unbothered. He'd seen far more shocking sights this morning. This was nothing.
Besides, trivial distractions weren't worth his attention. Summoning his Sacred Gear was what mattered now.
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