In the dimly lit Occult Research Club room—tucked away in the old school building like a secret within a secret—the air carried the faint scent of aged wood, incense, and the subtle metallic tang of demonic magic.
Crimson curtains filtered the late-afternoon sunlight into warm, bloody hues that spilled across the antique sofa, the low table scattered with chess pieces, and the ornate rug underfoot.
Rias Gremory lounged gracefully in her usual spot at the head of the sofa, legs crossed, one slender hand resting on the armrest. Her crimson hair cascaded like liquid fire over her shoulders, catching the light in shimmering waves.
Across from her sat Sona Sitri, Student Council President, posture impeccable as always—glasses perched on her nose, arms folded, expression cool and analytical.
Akeno Himejima stood near the window, arms loosely crossed beneath her chest, a faint, knowing smile playing on her lips as she watched the exchange.
"Well," Rias began, twirling a strand of hair around her finger, "you were right about the way he feels. Like he doesn't exist. Wonder what race he is."
Sona adjusted her glasses with one finger, the lenses flashing briefly.
"I don't sense any Fallen Angel energy, nor holy light, nor even the familiar signature of a devil. He's an anomaly. None of my familiars caught sight of him arriving—no teleportation circle, no flight trail, no spatial distortion. It's as if he simply… popped into existence inside that apartment and walked to school this morning."
Hearing this, Rias didn't show fear or confusion. Instead, her blue-green eyes sparkled with genuine curiosity, the corners of her mouth curving upward into a small, intrigued smile.
"Well," she said, leaning forward slightly, "I've already invited him to this club room. I expect a visit soon. Maybe even tonight. There we'll ask him everything."
Sona's brow furrowed, her frown deepening just enough to show her mild exasperation.
"I should have known you would get your hands on him first."
Rias laughed—a light, melodic sound that filled the room like chiming bells.
"You had your chance and you blew it, Sona. But don't worry," she added with a playful wink, "I don't plan on making him join my peerage or anything dramatic like that. I just want to *know* him."
Sona exhaled through her nose, standing smoothly and smoothing the front of her uniform skirt.
"Well, consider me invited. I'll be here when he comes." She turned toward the door, pausing only to glance back over her shoulder. "Try not to scare him off before we get answers."
With that, she left, the soft click of the door echoing in her wake.
Akeno stepped forward gracefully, her long black ponytail swaying as she lowered herself onto the sofa where Sona had been sitting. She crossed her legs, the motion deliberate and teasing, and rested her chin in her hand.
"Ara ara," she said, her voice a silky purr laced with sarcasm, "that went well."
Rias rolled her eyes fondly, rising to her feet and stretching her arms overhead, the motion causing her ample chest to strain lightly against the white blouse of her uniform.
"Oh, don't worry. It's just our usual banter." She walked toward the small side table where a teapot still steamed faintly. "We need to prepare, just in case he decides to visit tonight. Fresh tea, some snacks… maybe move the chessboard aside so it doesn't look like we're interrogating him."
She turned back toward Akeno, smirking.
"Or maybe leave it. A little intimidation never hurt."
Akeno giggled softly behind her hand.
"As you wish, President."
Rias paused at the door, hand on the knob. Her expression softened for a moment, eyes distant as her thoughts drifted.
' Maybe with him… I'll finally be able to get out of that engagement. And he's handsome—tall, strong presence, those striking purple eyes…' A faint warmth bloomed in her chest.' Yes. This could be interesting.'
She slipped out, leaving Akeno alone in the room.
The thunder priestess leaned back against the cushions, crossing her arms under her chest again as a sly, almost predatory smile curved her lips.
'Ara… looks like Rias is more interested than she's letting on.' She tilted her head, violet eyes gleaming with amusement and something warmer. ' I can't lie… I feel the same pull. That aura of his… it's intoxicating. Like standing next to a storm about to break.'
She rose slowly, hips swaying as she moved to the window and gazed out over the academy grounds. The sun was dipping lower, painting the sky in shades of orange and pink.
' Come soon, mysterious transfer student,' she thought, tongue flicking lightly across her lower lip. ' We're all very curious to meet you properly.'
The room fell quiet once more—save for the soft ticking of an old grandfather clock in the corner and the distant sounds of students heading home.
But the air felt heavier now, charged with anticipation.
The God of Destruction had been noticed.
And the two most powerful heiresses in Kuoh were already circling.
....
Time passed slowly —and the final bell rang through Kuoh Academy like a merciful release.
Silas let out a low, tired yawn as he stretched in his seat, the wooden chair creaking faintly under his weight.
' That was hell,' he thought, rubbing the back of his neck.
Hours of lectures, note-taking, pretending to care about quadratic equations and Japanese history while half the class stared at the "mysterious transfer student" like he was an exhibit.
He'd kept his aura reined in, played the part of the quiet, handsome new guy who answered questions correctly but didn't volunteer.
It was exhausting in its own boring way.
He slung his bag over one shoulder after stuffing the last notebook inside. Ready to bolt.
Rias and Akeno hadn't returned to class after morning break. No surprise there—club presidents and their vice had privileges normal students could only dream of.
' I wish I had the ability to just skip school and face zero consequences,' he mused, then snorted softly to himself. 'Wait. I do.'
The reminder hit like a casual slap. Planet-shattering power, god-tier senses, Hakai on tap… and here he was, sitting through homeroom like a good little isekai protagonist.
It was almost funny how easy it was to forget when he was forcing himself to act normal.
The classroom door slid open with a sharp *shhk*
A chorus of high-pitched squeals erupted from the girls near the front.
Yuuto Kiba stood framed in the doorway—blond hair catching the late-afternoon light like spun gold, uniform pristine, that polite, princely smile in place.
The "Prince of Kuoh" in full effect.
"Silas," Kiba said calmly, voice carrying just enough to cut through the sudden hush, "the president wishes to see you."
Every head in the room swiveled toward Silas.
He was already on his feet, bag slung casually, expression neutral. No hesitation, no surprise.
He simply walked toward the door, footsteps measured and unhurried. The classroom fell into dead silence as he passed—girls clutching their desks, boys exchanging wide-eyed glances.
The moment the door slid shut behind him, the dam broke.
Whispers exploded into full-blown speculation.
"Did you see that? The Prince came for him personally!"
"New guy's already getting special treatment?!"
"Wait… is he joining the Occult Research Club?!"
Then the perverts in the back row—predictably—piled on.
"Kyaa~! Kiba-kun and the hot transfer student walking together… it's fate!"
"Yaoi bait! Forbidden bromance arc incoming!"
"Silas x Kiba, canon now!"
Unfortunately for him, Silas's hearing wasn't normal.
Even from ten steps down the hallway, every word reached him crystal clear.
' Fuckin' yaoi shippers exist everywhere,' he thought, jaw tightening just a fraction. ' Not to mention the yuri girls who are in the same category. These are the worst people on the world. Only second to peds.'
He kept his face blank, walking a respectful step behind Kiba.
The Knight didn't seem to notice—or if he did, he was too polite to react.
They left the main school building through a side exit, crossed the quiet courtyard where a few straggling students were heading home, and approached the old building.
The Occult Research Club's headquarters loomed ahead—two stories of weathered brick and ivy, windows dark except for a soft red glow behind the curtains on the second floor.
Silas remained outwardly calm, hands in his pockets, posture relaxed. Inside, though, a low thrum of anticipation stirred in his chest—like the first rumble before a storm.
' I wonder how this'll go,' he thought. ' Rias Gremory, Akeno Himejima, probably Sona Sitri too if she's as nosy as I think. They've been sniffing around me all day. Time to see if they're as sharp as they think they are.'
Kiba glanced back once, offering that trademark gentle smile.
"They're waiting upstairs. Just follow me."
Silas gave a small nod, purple eyes glinting faintly in the fading daylight.
' Let's see how this goes.'
He stepped through the entrance, the faint scent of incense and old books washing over him as the door closed softly behind.
The real day—one worth remembering—was just beginning.
TO BE CONTINUED