Chapter 16
The pounding at my door leads to believe I may have made a mistake.
I sent Momo a picture of Wooper, because who wouldn't love Wooper? As planned she gushed over him, promising to come give him a big cuddle soon. In the age old tradition, I'll use a cute pet to get a girl over to my place. When I told her about what he could do she also suggested bringing him over to the Student Council, despite Sona's proper attitude, apparently cute little things are her weakness, and this is a water cute little thing. Go Wooper, acquire me all the devil girls!
I also sent the picture to Rias.
[YOU CAN MAKE POKEMON???]
[THATS A WOOPER!]
[IM COMINGT OVER!]
[RIGTHT NOW]
[TO SEE WOOP]
[HAURTO!]
At which point my door did it's best impression of a castle gate under attack.
I can only send a silent apology to Wooper as I go to open the door, stepping back for my own safety as I do.
On the other side is a wide eyed Rias, hair messy, baggy sweatpants, and a ludicrously tight tank top.
I barely get a chance to appreciate the view before she's past me, scooping up Wooper as he lets out a little "Oop!"
She squees, hugging the lucky little bastard to her chest and swaying side to side. Wooper lets out a little "oo" with every swing.
I take a seat and go back to playing on my phone, Mia laying back down and looking amused at Rias and Wooper.
It's about ten minutes later when Rias comes out of her stupor. She turns to me and stops, staring at Mia. Ah, right.
"Rias, this is Mia, my lamia familiar I mentioned before, Mia this is Rias, play nice."
Mia just gives her a little wave before cuddling into me, and Rias' face twitches in some combination of a pout, a smirk, and surprise.
"A pleasure Mia. Anyway! Haruto, you didn't say you could get Pokemon!"
"In fairness, I didn't know for sure that I could." I respond with a shrug.
She just stares me down for a solid ten seconds before nodding to herself, still not releasing Wooper who's just smiling away, well I would be too in his situation.
"Haruto, I need you to be honest with me, this may be the most important question I've asked of you since we met."
"Uh okay, what's up Rias?"
"Can your power give you any of the following: Charizard, Vulpix, Ninetails, Milotic, or Eevee?"
Uhh Gacha, just this once could I please have some insight that I can relay to the very hot very serious devil?
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Explanation: Answer
In the interest of the hosts continued health and happiness, information will provided. Present available familiars from world 'Pokemon' do not include all of the user's paramour's desired list. Offerings will be expanded but must still be rolled.
------------------------
Oh thank gods.
"Yes, I can."
She gives me a resolute nod.
"And how do you gain the charges needed to acquire new familiars?" She asks, holding Wooper tighter as his little legs kick.
"It seems to be from things like companionship, uh taming, diplomacy, that sort of thing. I got Wooper from asking Momo to be my girlfriend officially, and Mia from making a good impression with Sitri."
I'll be keeping the origins of Slimey the trash disposal to myself, not sure if I want to reveal that I get gacha tickets for things I couldn't know about happening. Omnipotence is a dangerous word.
Rias gives me a nod, clearly thinking hard, and for my safety I stay silent, just giving Wooper a commiserating look as he's swung back and forth in her arms like a sack of potatoes.
"So Haruto. If I help you build a harem, I might get to ride on a Charizard?"
"I mean, that's a bit simplified, but I guess so yeah?"
She gives me a final nod, gently lets Wooper down and pats his head, getting another "Oopah!" and then teleports out, leaving me staring at my wall.
"Well, I'm sure that'll be fine..."
Mia lets out a little giggle and wraps around me, and Wooper wanders off to the bathroom where I've set the bath up for him.
It'll be fine right?
~~ Akeno Himejima ~~
Rias reappears in the lounge about 20 minutes after she left. We didn't even get anything out beyond some strangled noises before she did so.
We all stare at the flash of light as she stands in front of us, mainly looking between Koneko and myself.
Eventually Kiba bites the bullet.
"Everything okay Buchou?"
There's a moment of silence before she hums and seems to resolve something.
"Akeno, Koneko, you should date Haruto."
Koneko splutters, flushing bright red, while I just raise an eyebrow at our illustrious leader.
"And where might this have come from?"
She strides over, showing me her phone, a picture of her cuddling a little blue creature with a big head.
"Okayy?"
"That's a Pokemon Akeno! Haruto got a Pokemon by Momo becoming his girlfriend, and confirmed he can get a Charizard. I. Want. One."
Ah.
Well, if I have to take one for the team I suppose I can help out my dear friend~
"Perverted face." Koneko states, though the small blush on her cheeks may as well be the same thing on her scale.
~~ Haruto Shitara ~~
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Feat Achieved! Make Rias Gremory lose it! +1 Silver Item Gacha Ticket
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Yeah, it's fiiiine.
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Rolling Silver Item Gacha Ticket
An Uncommon Item!
[Levitation Necklace]
|Uncommon Item|
A necklace that when worn, allows the user to slowly fly at 10 km/h.
------------------------
Slipping it on under my shirt, it won't hurt to have. At the worst if I have to ditch my wings mid air for some reason I won't fall to my death.
~~
School on Tuesday is much of the same. I walk in with Momo on my arm, feeling on top the world.
Japanese history quickly brings me back down to ground level, at least Momo gets a laugh out of my grumpiness.
For better or worse, the period before lunch is PE, and Momo takes great pleasure in tormenting me.
"Heyaa Haru, I've been meaning to ask, do you think I look okay in my kit? It just feels a little tight here -" as she pushes her chest out "- and here~" she spins around, pulling the 'shorts' up and forward.
I take a deep breath as I can feel my answer to her question in my boxers.
She takes a step closer, running her hand gently over my crotch, and I know she feels the twitch as her smile widens.
"Momo."
"Yes dear?" She asks, tilting her head cutely.
"Wait in the changing rooms, we're going to be late to lunch."
That gets a reaction out of her, her eyes widen and a blush overtakes her face. She tries to stammer out a response before glancing around and giving me a tiny nod.
This class can't go fast enough.
Taking my time I'm the last in the male changing rooms. Just to be safe I shoot Momo a [?] text, to which she just sends back a thumbs up.
As soon as I've checked it's clear, I jump quickly across the hall, slipping into the female changing room.
Momo stands there, still in her PE kit, nervously rubbing her hands. She goes to speak but I'm already in her space. I pull her into me, leaning down to capture her mouth as she lets out a little squeak.
Running my hands down I palm her pert ass, squeezing it making her moan into my mouth, though she gets her own back pressing her thigh into my growing erection.
I slowly walk her back against a wall, and trail my hand to her front, starting to rub her mound over her shorts. She lets out a gasp, looking up at me with eyes hooded in want.
"Please sir~" she moans out, and who am I to deny my lovely girlfriend?
Slipping my hand up and below her clothes I run my middle finger slowly up and down her lips, getting little breathy moans out of her as she clutches my wrist.
I lean down to kiss and nibble at her neck and ear, speeding up my finger as she grows wetter.
Letting her build for a few moments longer, I move to slip my middle finger inside.
"Fuck Momo, you're so fucking tight and hot."
"Mhmm, just wait until it's wrapped around your dick huh?~" she groans out, and feeling me twitch gets another impish smile out of her.
Starting to speed up pumping my finger into her, I begin circling her clit with my thumb, making her shudder and moan.
"Yes yes Haru, yes that's it, pleeease~"
Nipping at her earlobe I keep the pace, adding another and curling my fingers up to rub inside her, causing her to gasp and tighten even further.
Her grip on my wrist becomes almost painful, but I can barely focus on anything but the feeling of her around me and the gorgeous look on her face.
"H-Haru, I'm close, I'm gonna- ah! Haruu~"
"Do it Momo, be and good girl, and cum for me." I breath into her ear, pressing down slightly directly on her clit as she lets out a keening moan, shaking as I feel her pussy flutter.
Eventually she slumps into me, breathing heavily.
------------------------
Feat Achieved! Make a girl orgasm for the first time! +1 Silver Trait Gacha Ticket
------------------------
"Fuck.. Haru.. hmhm" she mutters, giving me a slightly dopey smile.
"Glad I could please~" I say with a chuckle, making her smack me lightly with a snort.
"Yeah, I'll say. I- do we have time, I mean you're worked up too right?"
"Yeah, but I owed you a first Momo." I answer with a smirk.
"Fine, Haru, but we're not staying even for long" She promises, brushing past me towards her clothes and starting to dress, making me raise an eyebrow.
As she's almost done and heads towards the door just slipping her jacket on, she turns around with a big smile, "Maybe we should find out how much of you I can fit in my throat!" She says brightly, giving me a wink and slipping out of the door.
After a moment to process, I chase after her, following her giggles all the way to the cafeteria, where Nimura and Umeda give us questioning and amused looks. Well, plus embarrassed and I hope faux-angry from Umeda given how I left her yesterday.
"Well well well, what were you two up too hmm?~" Nimura drawls out as we sit down, getting a blush from both of us, before Momo winks at me, doing something on her phone for a couple of seconds then pointedly staring at Nimura and Umeda.
A moment later their own phones ping. Nimura sputters and laughs, before offering Momo a fist bump. Umeda is rapidly glancing between her phone, Momo, and me.
Well, not hard to work out what she told them then.
Welp, I'll just eat my lunch and -
"Oh, by the way Shitara-san, after you left yesterday we were all chatting with Kiyomi and ACK" Nimura starts, before Umeda's eyes go wide and she dives at her, pulling Nimura's head down to stop her from talking.
Momo just giggles away, causing Umeda to give her a pleading look. Momo puts her hands up in surrender as Umeda's eyes dart to me a mix of glaring and panic.
"Hey, don't look at me! Just pretend I'm not here!"
Still not letting go of Nimura's head, Umeda flops her own head onto the table with a donk.
~~
As school ends Momo gives me a lingering kiss before she heads off to the student council and I make my way to the ORC building, running into Kiba on the way.
We end up chatting about sword fighting, since with my new Sharpen ability, if I don't have anything resembling a proper technique I could easily remove my own limb.
As soon as I bring up him helping me train he lights up, going on a tangent that no one else in the peerage uses weapons, and only a couple of Sitri's peerage does.
There are two days a week where the Kendo Club don't use their space, instead doing physical training either in the school gym or the track field. So we arrange to meet there then, and I swear there's a little skip in his step as we reach the ORC.
Entering sees Rias sat behind her desk, Akeno at her side, and they both look up, giving us a hello.
"Heya Kiba, Haruto! Koneko's just wrapping up in her classroom, then we'll head over to the training room."
"Hey Rias, Akeno. So where's this training room? I kinda just assumed you did so out back or something?"
Rias smirks at that, "Sometimes we do when it's nice, but I've got to show off for you. Surely you didn't think this was just a regular building?" She asks, raising an eyebrow at me.
"Alright, I'll reserve judgement, go ahead and wow me." I snark back.
Kiba and I take a seat, and he tells me a little about his sword training under Rias' brother, you know - the Satan's peerage member Souji Okita, and damn no wonder he's confident.
It's about ten minutes before Toujou arrives, and she pauses just inside to look at me, making me raise an eyebrow at her.
Hey eyes flicker to Rias and back to me before speaking.
"Buchou says you need a big harem to get stronger?"
Her deadpan delivery makes me choke on air, Rias doing the same behind me. Akeno absolutely fails to hold in a sudden laugh, Kiba at least makes an attempt but his shoulders are shaking across from me.
"I... well having girlfriends and that is one way I can earn charges to my power, so I guess so."
Toujou studies my face for a moment.
"Hm, pervert powers." She says, nodding resolutely, making me splutter again.
She then tilts her head, and it's very cute, because of course she is, and lets out a low hum.
"You make good treats though. Hm, I'll think about it."
For a third time in the space of a minute I'm coughing and trying to regain my composure. Rias is staring between us in bewilderment, Akeno can't even stay up straight from laughing, and Kiba has completely given up on hiding his laughs.
I notice a slight smirk on Toujou's face as she enjoys the effects of her words, though she does come and sit next to me, which if I know cats is a good sign. I probably fortunately resist petting her head, but mark my words one day the cute cat girl will have pets in my lap.
When everyone has mostly regained their composure Rias rises, and gestures to lead us out of the main room and deeper into the ORC building.
It's not long down the winding corridors when I notice that this is not the same size as the building from outside.
Akeno notices my looking around and shoots me a smirk.
"Oh Shi-kun, do you really think we would have a normal building as our home?" Causing Rias to snort from the front of our little group.
We reach a set of metal doors with runes carved on them, and as Rias pushes them open it's a sight to behold.
Inside is a pristine space, with a full professional gym setup, sparring rings, weapon racks (almost entirely unused it appears), and a number of training dummies, some of which showing signs of damage.
Rias turns to me and spreads her arms wide with a grin.
"Welcome, Haruto, to our state of the art training room!"
After a bit of back and forth, Rias, Akeno, and Toujou split to do some solo training on their own focuses for a bit. Kiba meaning while leads me over to the weapon rack to grab some training swords, and then to one of the sparring rings.
We spend the next hour or so with Kiba showing me some basic forms and repeatedly correcting my footwork.
Akeno helps in her own special way, doing her alleged 'flexibility training' behind Kiba to distract me, and I have the bruises to show how hard she worked at that part of her training. Unfortunately I'm just so distracted that my sword accidentally slips out of my hand, flying at her and smacking into her extended thigh, the yelp that comes out of her giving me the energy to continue with my beating disguised as training.
At the end of it, sweating and bruised more than any of the devils, I do feel good, it's nice to train with someone, I haven't had a chance to do so besides Mia and we have pretty different skill sets.
After a few minutes (mostly for me) to cool off, we all gather by one of the central larger sparring rings.
"So, usually we'll do small spars on these days, do you want to take part Haruto?" Rias questions.
Although I'm almost certainly going to get bruised to fuck by the devils...
"Sure, why not?"
~~
Watching Toujou and Kiba go head to head, I may have found the reason why not. Their base stats at the moment are leagues above me. Most of what I've gained from the all mighty gacha has been things that affect what I can do or how well, rather than improving me at a base. Like I'm in decent shape, for a human.
Rias clearly sees me rethinking my life decisions and gives me a little chuckle.
"Don't worry Haruto, those two know each other's limits and how to push them to help the other grow. We'll go easier on you." She promises with a wink that's only slightly reassuring.
The match ends with a win for Toujou. The limited space meaning she was able to somewhat negate Kiba's much higher speed, resulting in a mean clothesline and Toujou walking off with a smirk, updating a tally count on a whiteboard I didn't notice, apparently she's just extended her lead of wins. I'm not sure if the squeak of the tally mark or the actual hit hurt Kiba more.
With a giggle Akeno gestures for me to follow her into the ring, and it doesn't help my composure when protective wards flare up around the outside.
I don't know all that much about Akeno's abilities beyond the little hints she's dropped, so I may as well go with what I know, slotting in my Hellfire Wings fusion and shaking them out.
Toujou's muttered comment of 'fried chicken' gets a sharp glare from me that she just stares down.
With a chuckle Rias confirms we're both ready, and starts the spar.
I'm once again reminded that base devil is above me, as she shoots into the air faster than I can, lightning crackling at her fingertips.
I'm not still though, sending feathers scattering around the space. Finally not having to worry about setting a forest on fire, I let them spin, each one flaring up.
"You should know Shi-kun, birds don't do too well in a lightning storm~" she calls out, and my senses scream as lightning forks out, arcing through a dozen or so feathers from one hand, and a bolt striking down towards me.
I get a turn off, so only my leg is shocked rather than my wing, but it's decidedly not pleasant as I let out a muffled cry of pain, dropping a metre or so in the air.
I don't like the look in Akeno's eye...
What I do like however, is that she's distracted by my pain, and I don't need any action to move my feathers.
I'm obviously not going for the kill here, so I send feathers at her hands from behind. Slicing past she lets out a cry of pain, a handful of relatively minor burns and cuts across each hand now, and as she lights them up with lightning again I can see her flinch a little.
"Hmm, I do love a man who can fight back~" She purrs, and I think I shiver more from the look on her face than the lightning.
A couple of exchanges later we're both breathing heavily, though I don't think Akeno's is entirely due to exertion. Rias and Toujou are just shaking their heads, Kiba however is barely holding in his laughter, and keeps 'encouraging' me.
I can feel basically my entire lower half shaking from repeated shocks, and my left wing is singed.
Akeno isn't doing great, her hands and arms a mosaic of cuts and burns, and - I swear accidentally - I sliced through some of her clothes resulting in her training gear turning into lingerie. The spar stopped for a moment for Akeno to let out a lewd moan that I just had to process. Toujou called us both perverts, but it's honestly fair.
Rias and Kiba seem to want to stop the fight, more so for my sake than Akeno, but a look from me prevents them.
How can I win without aiming for vital points? I don't just want to put a feather at her neck and claim a win, I want to take her down.
Manifesting the hardware duffel I pull out a box of nails and send it sailing at her. As hoped, even if it wouldn't do much, she flinches away, her eyes closing for a moment.
I jet forwards, bringing a couple feathers from behind to slam at the base of her wings.
Sorry Akeno, I'll make you food to apologise.
As the feathers slice into her back she yelps, or at least starts to as it's cut off. I slam into her with my full weight, wrapping her arms and wings up.
Pulling my own wings around us I let out the heat that's been building from their movement, engulfing us in fire.
I force us to the ground, dropping the fire as soon as she's under me. I can see small burns and smoke coming from her clothes. She's panting in pai- nevermind.
She looks up at me, eyes wide, rapid breathing.
It might be Toujou's call of "Perverts!" that jolt her out of it, her eyes suddenly sharpen, and she 'hugs' me back, letting loose with her electricity.
I let out a strangled scream, falling limp as she stops, her eyes morphing to concern.
"Shi-kun?"
"Yeah, yeah I'm okay. Good match Akeno" I pant out, rolling off her.
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Feat Achieved! Go toe to toe with Akeno Himejima (close call!) +1 Silver Ability Gacha Ticket
------------------------
Rias and Kiba come over. Rias leads Akeno off and starts wrapping her cuts, and I hear her quietly admonishing her for going overboard. She's wrong, I need to know where I stand, and I'll talk to her and Akeno when I get a chance.
Kiba helps me up and leads me over to a bench, bringing me some water as I give him a nod of thanks, still catching my breath.
As Rias and Toujou go for a round Kiba tells me a little more about how they fight as a peerage, and his praise for Rias' Power of Destruction makes me want to see it. Akeno is keeping her distance slightly, and as the match ends in Rias' favour and Kiba steps up, I pull myself standing and move over to Akeno.
"Hey, I'm fine, I literally asked for it Akeno."
She takes a breath, giving me a small smile.
"I know Shi-kun, I just forgot how easily I could have hurt you, well did hurt you as Rias reminded me." She says sheepishly.
I raise an eyebrow and start tracing the many cuts I gave her, getting a small laugh out of her.
"I mean, no offence to you, but I could have gone straight for the neck off rip. It was a spar, neither of us got seriously hurt, yeah?"
"Yeah, thanks Shi-kun."
The sweet moment is interrupted as Kiba goes flying past us, Rias letting out a yelp and flying past after him a moment later.
All in all, a successful training session I think. And what better way to cap it off than gambling?
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Rolling Silver Trait Gacha Ticket
A Trash Trait!
[Digestive Expulsion Independence]
|Trash Trait|
You never piss or shit. Don't ask where all the waste in your body goes.
------------------------
Well, it could be worse.
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Rolling Silver Ability Gacha Ticket
A Common Ability!
[Double Jump]
|Common Ability|
You are able to jump off of thin air for once as if it were a physical surface.
------------------------
I... I can fly, with my wings or my newest necklace. I suppose if I'm not using my wings for some reason it's a bit of a surprise. Well, it's a step closer to my next slot at least.
_________________________________________
A/N: We see a bit about how Rias and co have taken training more seriously with the marriage not just being dropped right on her. And more importantly our next Momo lewd.Last edited: Nov 22, 2025 Like ReplyReport Reactions:Sypho.uad, irontony9065, Merior and 387 othersStBopsiNov 22, 2025NewAdd bookmarkView discussionThreadmarks Chapter 17: Fallen Rise New View contentStBopsiKnow what you're doing yet?Yesterday at 2:09 AMNewAdd bookmark#658Chapter 17
It's three days since my first training session with Rias and her peerage, another one yesterday has left me just as sore. Luckily for me this time I went up against Toujou since she wanted to train melee combat in the air. I managed to eek out a win, mostly due to my notably better reach between my height and using a sword.
She almost broke my arm when I was trying to block, but as with every time, worth it.
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Feat Achieved! Beat Koneko Toujou in a fight +1 Silver Ability Gacha Ticket
------------------------
I rolled it while slumped against the wall, buying her forgiveness with some snacks I bought.
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Rolling Silver Ability Gacha Ticket
A Common Ability!
[Bountiful Harvest]
|Common Ability|
You are able to create ripe and tasty fruits and vegetables by expending your own energy.
------------------------
At the very least, I'll save money on blueberries for Mia's addiction, and making everyone the juiciest fruits after training earned me some extra approval.
Friday afternoon sees Sona and a few of her peerage joining us in the ORC.
Akeno and Curano are apparently in some long standing competition to make the best tea, and I get to show off providing various fruit pancakes and fresh fruits. Toujou has demolished five plates of pancakes and strawberries and is eyeing a sixth.
Momo has staked her claim, sitting in my lap smugly as I wrap my arms around her.
Kiba is off to the side, Sitri's queen Tsubaki and bishop Kusaka hemming him in to talk weapons. Momo whispers to me that they both want him and are competing for the place of 'first wife'. Tsubaki has the lead at the moment apparently, being the more confident and forward of the two.
Momo gives me sports commentary as they go, "Ooh, Tsubaki-chan moving in for a technically perfect brush of the arm, and, yes - Kiba seems receptive, that's going to be a big upset in the league!"
Toujou next to us lets out a snort and I have to rest my head into Momo's hair to hide my laughs.
Half an hour or so later the mood takes a turn, Sitri going stiff, her eyes wide and shooting up off the sofa.
A second later, a deep blue magic circle appears in the room, Sitri's knight Meguri stumbling out and collapsing to the floor.
Everyone rushes up but Sitri is faster, cradling her and looking over Meguri's injuries. I'm not much use to her so stay back, but I can see a large cut across her back, and what look like bullet wounds in her legs.
She's quickly moved to another room in the building by Sitri, Tsubaki, and Curano, Akeno following after with the first aid kit.
The rest of us end up sat in silence for about 20 minutes before Sitri comes back in.
"She's stable, but this was the work of an exorcist, those were light weapon wounds." She says, a stormy look on her face.
Rias is the first to speak up, "Was she able to say what happened?"
Sitri gives a nod, "She was on her second contract of the night, a repeat one at that. When she arrived it was to the client dead and nailed to the wall. She apparently barely had a chance to look around before she was shot, the assailant slicing at her back as she fell." and I can hear the anger in her voice, the crackling magic power growing as she speaks.
Momo tightens her grip on my hand as Sitri explains, giving us what little description Meguri was able to give of the individual.
The worse news comes next. Thankfully the exorcist was gloating, and she was able to teleport out, but before she did another male figure entered the room, with a decidedly Fallen energy apparently, making everyone in the room bristle.
Everyone goes to stand up, and I join them obviously, causing Sitri to look at me.
"Shitara-san, we don't know what this means or may involve, no one would judge you for remaining out of this."
"With all due respect Sitri, fuck that. Most of the people I care about including my girlfriend are about to go fight who knows what with weapons designed to kill you."
She keeps my gaze for a moment before nodding resolutely and turning to Rias.
"I'm going to inform Serafall, even if this is just a rogue it could be beneficial, and if it's anything more the more time she has the better, can you and Tsubaki organise please?"
"Of course Sona." Rias confirms, and Sona departs.
"Okay, I don't want anyone going alone, and until we know exactly what we're dealing with try not to engage. There's also the possibility they'll go to ground, don't risk going into a trap." She instructs, showing off her 'leader' side for the first time.
Momo refuses to leave my side, everyone else pairing off: Tsubaki & Kusaka; Nimura & Tsubasa; Rias & Toujou; Kiba & Umeda; and Momo and me. Sitri, Curano, and Akeno staying back to communicate and take care of Meguri for now.
A plan is rapidly drawn up to spiral out from where Meguri was attacked, and everyone separates to teleport out.
Momo takes my hand, giving me a final questioning look, I give her a nod and squeeze her hand, and the dark blue magic circle blooms below us.
A moment and some horrifically intense vertigo later, we're in an alley one street away from the home Meguri was attacked in, and we're tasked with going to the East, towards main road leaving town that way.
~~
Two hours later we're tired from being on edge for so long. The only maybe good news is Tsubaki and Kusaka found a discarded blood stained exorcist coat. They've taken it back to Sitri in case it can be used to track them down, but we'll see.
Momo and I are skirting the edges of town now, it's almost entirely older residential buildings around here and-
Momo jolts to a stop next me as I feel a shiver down my spine.
"Well well well, there's so many of you out tonight. Might I ask, did that young devil bleed out or succumb to light poisoning yet?" A smooth voice asks from above and to the right, making both of us snap our heads around.
"Fallen Angel..." Momo murmurs under her breath.
Floating ten or so metres above the street is a middle aged man in a suit and fedora, two black wings behind him.
"And you've even bought along a little human toy, is that how desperate you are?" He asks, and a white spear of light forms in his hand to point at me, and I feel Momo flinch back slightly.
"Hah! Are you really hiding behind a human, devil?"
I step in front of Momo and let my own wings out, making the fallen raise an eyebrow.
"What the fuck are you supposed to be? Just what fucked your mother to make you huh?" He asks with a smirk, and I feel the flash of anger cross my face that he seems to enjoy.
I feel Momo tap my hand three times then squeeze. Hopefully I'm understanding her or this might be bad.
I swap out Flame Absorption for Sharpen as the fallen twirls his light spear.
One.
Two.
Three.
Momo and I separate, she dashes backwards, erecting a barrier around us to keep this contained and hopefully alert the others with the flare of demonic power.
At the same moment, I shoot upwards, firing a handful of smaller feathers ahead of me as fast as I can.
There's a moment of mild surprise on the fallen's face, before he starts to twirl his light spear. I don't know if it's luck, a result of my training, or he's underestimated me, but three slip past, the magically sharpened feathers sinking deep into his shoulder, bicep, and stomach.
The fallen coughs out blood and snarls at me as his lifeblood starts to drip to the floor below us.
The simple barrier takes form and Momo quickly joins in, a bolt of fire streaking at the fallen that catches the edge of one wing, making him dip in the air.
"Who the fuck do you think you are huh?!" He screeches at us, Momo barking out a laugh as she sends another bolt of fire making him swerve in the air. He throws a spear in return but the dodge throws him, the spear going wide into the ground before cracking apart.
A lightning bolt from Momo's other hand makes him yell, turning on her fully with a light spear in each hand.
He rears back as I fly in, detaching and sharpening my long flight feather.
I zip in close, but I'm used to taking out monsters now, and I hesitate, having to move my blow from the neck down the shoulder.
In that split second the fallen fires down the spears.
Momo throws up a quick barrier the same instant I cleave straight through his right shoulder.
Two screams.
The fallen clutches his ruined shoulder with a yell as his arm falls separately.
Momo falls to her knees with an anguished cry, her thigh impaled by a spear.
Grabbing the back of the fallen's head, I dive straight down, slamming him face first into the concrete.
He's stunned and injured, and I swap my wings for Lightning Spear, sending one straight up as hard as I can. If they didn't see the barrier they better see that.
The fallen manages to roll over, dazed, but with it enough to see me stood over him. He swings his remaining arm, catching me in the leg. Watching my spear arc into the sky, and my mind still on Momo my danger sense isn't enough, and I don't have the speed to move..
Multiple somethings snap and I let out a scream, falling to the side.
Before the fallen can rise a panting Momo blasts him in the side with another fire bolt, sending him rolling half a metre away.
It's enough time for me to form another lightning spear, sharpen the tip as best I can, focusing through the pain.
Shuffling forward on one knee with a grunt, I drive the spear into his intact shoulder, carving a hole and sending a shock through his body.
What little energy I have left I use to repeat the action through one shin, if the fucker can dole it out he can take it.
Taking a second to breath he seems to have fallen unconscious. I drag myself over to Momo who's looking at my leg with concern on top of her own pain.
I barely notice the small flash in my vision and ping, dismissing it right away.
------------------------
Feat Achieved! Defeat Dohnaseek +1 Silver Trait Gacha Ticket
------------------------
Letting myself fall down in front of her, I study her leg, not that I know what to do.
"Haru."
I know light is toxic to devils. This is my fault. I paused
"Haru."
The other spear disappeared right away, why is this one sticking around? I caused this
"Haru!"
Should it be pulled out? Is the wound or the light a bigger threat? Can I make it right?
"HARU!"
Huh?
I look up, Momo's face tear streaked.
"Haru, you're in shock, just stay still and calm, the others will be here soon okay?" She says calmly.
Am I?
She reaches out and takes my hand, rubbing slow circles on the back of my hand.
I start to notice my rapid breaths as there's some shouts from behind us.
"Shitara!" "Momo!"
I spin, sending a lance of pain through my leg, a lightning spear forming in my free hand.
Kiba and Umeda slow, raising their hands as they approach us.
"Shitara-san, it's okay." Kiba says gently, and I let my arm fall down, the spear dissipating.
Momo lets the barrier fall, sweat beading on her brow from keeping it up until reinforcements arrived.
Kiba quickly uses magic to message the others, and a moment later Rias and Toujou teleport in, their eyes going wide at the growing pool of blood below us, and the ruined fallen a few metres away.
At this point, I know I'm struggling to hear around the heartbeat in my ears, Momo's hand in mine keeping me somewhat grounded.
Umeda takes a look at Momo who just gives her a nod, before going over to the fallen, creating ice to hold him down I assume.
My vision blurs for a moment as Rias and Toujou kneel down next to us, and I think I give them a smile.
Rias reaches down to steady Momo's leg, and I can't help but tense up as she reaches to the light spear. She says something to Momo, before engulfing the spear in crimson light, destroying it as Momo lets out a hiss, her grip tightening on me.
I'm so focused I barely notice Toujou grab my free arm, pulling me down to sit. The movement jolts my leg and I let out a cry.
"Sorry." I think she says, and the pain in my leg lessons as she manoeuvres me.
I know the adrenaline is fading, and Rias turns, looking down at my leg as she bites her lip.
"It's okay Haruto, we've got you, you two did good." She says gently, and I give her a shaky nod.
I think someone else arrives, and someone's talking. Someone holds my shoulders and I struggle to keep my eyes open. Momo keeps rubbing the back of my hand. It's nice.
~~ Rias Gremory ~~
Thankfully Haruto wasn't with it enough to fight off the hypnosis, and his head droops, Koneko taking his weight and lifting him. Once this is all sorted I'm sure I'll enjoy looking back on her tiny frame carrying him.
"Are you okay to move Hanakai?"
"Yeah, I think so Gremory-sama, thank you for getting rid of the spear."
"Of course, just don't try and do any magic for a while, it being stuck in you will have drained your demonic power."
She gives me a nod, and honestly it's impressive she's still with it, I've heard of stronger devils passing out sooner from light, though the fallen isn't particularly strong, just a two winged if I'm right.
I sling Hanakai's arm around my shoulders and help her stand.
Kiba and Umeda have carved out the fallen, keeping him on ice for containment and to stop him bleeding out, I hope, and they lift him up.
A quick check around to clean up the blood spilled, and make sure there's no other evidence left, we teleport back to the ORC.
Sona, Akeno, and Curano are waiting for us, moving into action. Akeno's eyes go wide at the state of Haruto, but she knows more about dealing with light poisoning, so slightly reluctantly moves over to me as I set Hanakai down and starts treating her. Thankfully while it's far from good it's a lot simpler and more concentrated than Meguri, so she should be fine with some basic first aid and then devil healing overnight from Sona.
Toujou meanwhile sets Haruto down on one of the sofas, Curano instantly kneeling down beside his leg and studying the injury with a small frown.
"Lady Sitri, Lady Gremory, with your permission I'll carry out some basic diagnostic magics on him."
Two rapid nods and Curano starts casting a spell, the ocean blue magic circle waving slowly over Haruto's leg.
After a moment he looks back up at us with a conflicted look before clearing his throat.
"He's currently suffering from a compound comminuted fracture of both the tibia and fibula, as well as damage to the ligaments in the knee, and a spiral fracture in the femur. The immediate concern is the blood loss, the compound fracture has caught the popliteal artery. Somewhat luckily a bone fragment is applying some pressure, limiting the bleeding, but setting the bone will cause the blood loss to increase dramatically."
He takes a breath, glancing around the room.
"With conventional medical care, I would expect long term mobility damage as the best case, with distinct possibility for loss of the leg or loss of life depending on the speed and quality of treatment. I am by no means the foremost expert, but as far as I am aware the only ways to ensure he survives and does not have any lasting issues are: Phoenix Tears which have their own risks when used on a baseline human; a sacred gear such as Twilight Healing; a senjutsu master, and at that likely a master of Bouchujutsu; or a combination of the rejuvenating effects of reincarnation and subsequent devil healing due to it being at its most potent then."
Fuck.
I don't have any Phoenix Tears of my own, and there's no way my family would provide any for a human, even one I want to reincarnate, assuming they even have any on hand and don't have to purchase any. And that's ignoring the risks of using one on a human, not that that's something I know much about.
I have no idea where such a sacred gear would be, and no guarantee of the time to find one.
It would take at least as long if not even longer to make a deal with a senjutsu user of healing, and Maou knows what price they'd want given how the Yokai feel about devils in general.
Before I can spiral any further Sona interrupts, "Rias, I have a Tear. I won one ages ago, some fool bet it in a chess match against my hand in marriage."
"Are you sure Sona? I can find a way, I-"
"Rias. Shitara-san is dear to you, your peerage, and mine. Better it be used for something important than sit in storage for years and years." She answers with a small smile and a roll of her eyes.
"I... Thank you, Sona. Okay, What do we need to do Curano-san?"
"From my knowledge Lady Gremory, when using a Phenex Tear on a baseline human it can cause on overabundance of energy and regenerative effects. This is not guaranteed, and I must say given Shitara-san's, uniqueness, it may not apply or may be entirely different. I would advise he remain awake for the entire time, so that we can monitor him."
"And he'll be okay to be awake?" I ask after a moment.
He looks over Haruto again before slowly nodding.
"I believe so Lady Gremory, we'll likely need to provide painkillers in advance of waking him, but provided we apply some initial first aid and he does not move, it should be safe to awaken him."
A small voice from behind me calls out, "He'll be okay. He's strong." Akeno is actively stopping Momo from rising and coming over as a few tears escape her eyes, Umeda moving over to hug her.
A flash of light heralds another arrival.
"Halloo! Magical girl Levi☆tan is here to deal with the big bad fallen!"
I can practically hear Sona wince.
"Wow, why's the mood so bad in here huh?" Lady Leviathan asks, bouncing towards Sona.
"Sister, please. Two of my peerage are injured, and this human is severely hurt. We were able to capture one fallen, who attempted to ambush Shitara-san and Momo." Sona explains.
"Oooh, this is that human you mentioned with the weird growing powers? Ajuka still wants to get a look at him sometime in the next century assuming it's as you say."
"Rias, can we use another room to speak, I'll fill my sister in and she can take the fallen while you wake Shitara-san. Here, the Tear." She says, a small magic circle appearing as she gently hands me the crystalline vial.
"Mouu, So-tan is being so serious and mean."
Lady Leviathan, Satan and strongest female devil ladies and gentlemen.
Sona practically drags her off at my nod, Tsubaki following behind with the fallen popsicle.
Akeno joins Curano by Haruto's side, Momo stabilised for now. They start administering some pain medication we have, as well as making sure he's in a stable position. They seem happy enough after a few minutes, giving me a nod.
Dropping down next to him I channel a small bit of magic, releasing the hypnosis and pushing in 'waking', thank the Maous for imagination based magic. For little things you don't even need a basic idea of the magic if you have the power, just forcing reality.
Haruto lets out a groan, his eyes flickering open before quickly wincing. Curano makes sure to hold his lower half still to avoid aggravating his injury.
"Hey Haruto, can you understand me okay?"
"Hn, I think so, Rias? Is Momo okay?"
Haah, worry about yourself you big idiot.
"Yeah, she's okay, just resting. But... you're injured pretty bad. But it's going to be okay, we've got a Phenex Tear, we just need to keep you awake to use it since you're a human, okay?"
~~ Haruto Shitara ~~
Phenex Tears are like really expensive right?
I can't believe this. I was so much weaker hunting monsters, and the basic bitch of Fallen takes me out? No, that's not fair, to me or Momo. As much as I back myself, I'm a fucking nobody in the supernatural. Alright, time to berate myself for not spending enough time becoming a better fighter later.
As I go to respond, something Rias told me about the reincarnation process twigs in my mind.
"Would... would becoming a devil not fix it? And without using the fuck-off expensive shit?"
Rias nibbles at her lower lip for a moment before responding.
"Yes, but I don't want it like this. You helped us as you are Haruto. Let us help you, we can go back to trying to convince you later, yeah?"
She's too nice, and I've fucked around for long enough. I mean, I was already basically in with the devils. I'll keep getting stronger, and it's going to take a lot to trust them more. Momo's my girlfriend, and honestly Rias didn't have to wake me up to ask, she could have just done it, I doubt my soul would have 'said' no.
Power gains without relying on the gacha, faction backing, making sure I stay with the girls I want.
"Nah, I mean, sorry Rias. You basically already won ya know? I want to be a devil, with you and everyone. So save the magic juice and get with the chess pieces, okay?"
"Haruto, you're hurt and on painkillers, it's not-"
"You said it reads the soul right. I know what I want, trust me, please." I say, giving what I'm sure is a slightly droopy smile which might not help my words.
She stares at me for a long moment, searching for something in my eyes, before her gaze softens.
Despite the situation, the happiness and relief on her face is beautiful as she laughs slightly in relief.
"Alright, Haruto Shitara, do you agree to be reincarnated as a devil, and become a part of my peerage?"
"Yes, Rias."
"Okay, okay great, um so, contract. What do you want?" She asks.
"Hm, I guess being high class like you mentioned, I can do more for people the stronger I get, and I will be strong with enough time. Probably more chances to grow as I grow, ya know? Didn't mean to rhyme that. Besides anything else comes with power right, that's the devil way?" I say with a half smile.
"Sure Haruto, I Rias Gremory, swear on my name that by joining my peerage as a reincarnated devil, I will assist you in attaining high class promotion. In exchange I request your servitude for a period of five years or until you are strong enough to undertake the promotion exam, whichever is sooner. At that point we will enter into a deal between devils for further details. Is that suitable?"
I think I got most of that. Even if I notice Curano raise his eyebrow slightly.
"Uh, do I need to do any flowery language? I accept?"
She lets out a small snort, "That's fine Haruto. Given your versatility, I was hoping to use pawns for you, as needed, does that suit?"
"I'll follow your lead, my king" I say, giving her what is probably a droopy smile.
She gives me a nod, summoning a small ornate wooden box in a flash of magic.
Her crimson magic circle flares over the box, and she explains she's imprinting the deal we made into the pieces.
A moment later and eight light red pawn pieces float out, circling her hand.
One by one she directs them to my chest, they pass through my clothes harmlessly, and I can feel a small spark as each one enters.
On the sixth I notice a frown on her face, that grows with the seventh, her eyes going wide at the eighth.
That same spark, I was expecting, well more?
Rias lets out a sound halfway between a laugh and a sob.
"I, Haruto I'm really sorry. I'm not strong enough. I'll find a way, I promise, let me, um, let me make some calls okay? I mean, just a little. We have the Tear and if I have to use it on you without you asking I will." She says, her voice hardening as she stands and gives my hand a quick squeeze.
Fuck.
__________________________________
A/N: Gotcha.
For everything Haruto's got from the gacha, he's still in just a human body, and against even the lower rungs of the supernatural, that doesn't mean much for durability, and danger sense only matters if you can move, and distracted and without wings puts him in a shit situation.
Also, because I had to go back and work it out, for those keeping track of the timeline it's one week now until Riser is going to come to Kuoh to 'discuss' wedding things as Rias said in chapter 9.Last edited: Yesterday at 6:34 PM Like ReplyReport Reactions:VagueDragon5012, SansTheComic, irontony9065 and 251 othersStBopsiYesterday at 2:09 AMNewAdd bookmarkView discussionThreadmarks Chapter 18: A Deal with the Devil New View contentStBopsiKnow what you're doing yet?Yesterday at 2:43 AMNewAdd bookmark#669Pre A/N: Since I'd hate to be stopped there on a bit of a cliffhanger, and it was my birthday this week, have a double release, enjoy your weekend everyone (or whatever when you're reading this)!
Chapter 18
~~ Rias Gremory ~~
Haruto slips back to rest as I try and swallow the lump in my throat.
Giving me a moment, Curano speaks up, "Lady Gremory, I will do my best to keep him stable, please carry out whatever you feel you need to. I will contact you if I believe he requires the Phenex Tear."
I give him a shaky nod, turning to leave the room as Akeno helps Momo move over to Haruto, lifting his head so she can slide under and rest it on her lap.
Okay, no time for a breakdown, what options do I have?
Either I need mutation pieces, or someone stronger has to reincarnate him. Hopefully to trade to me after, but if they won't or can't for some reason at least he'd be alive.
By the feeling and what little I know of mutation pieces, so very roughly at best, I think I'd need four or five mutation pawns alongside the rest, or maybe seven on their own, and that's with a lot of guesswork.
Seek-chan has one mutation pawn, but I have no idea what I could trade for it. We're friends but still devils, and even if she did it for literally nothing, I'd still be out of luck.
So, someone stronger. Lady Leviathan, my brother, or maybe Grayfia.
Lady Leviathan certainly has the power and the pieces, but as much as we're friendly I don't know that she'd do this on my word. Sona could convince her, well ask and instantly get it. But then if she's willing to trade him to me I'm indebted to both of them even if they might say otherwise. Not necessarily a bad place to be, but it would also effectively mean they're interfering in our family matters given my engagement, and I don't want to put Sona in that position, she's hinted that her parents have told her not to overly involve herself as well.
And frankly, I doubt Serafall would do anything that causes trouble for Sona, outside of her own actions at least.
Sirzechs and especially Grayfia probably shouldn't be getting involved either, but at least I have a hope with Sirzechs.
Okay.
~~
Appearing outside my brothers office in a flash I take a breath, making sure I know what I want to say.
He obviously knows I'm here, but thankfully is waiting for me.
Knocking twice a voice calls for me to enter almost immediately.
"Ria-tan, good to see you, to what do I owe the pleasure?" My brother calls out, and I can see the look on Grayfia's face next to him, clearly expecting another discussion about my upcoming marriage.
I need to stay serious, hopefully I can get them both on side, Sirzechs will do things Grayfia doesn't approve of, but I'd rather not cause further friction if I can avoid it.
"Brother, Grayfia, good to see you, and thank you for seeing my right away. I need your help." I start.
I've already mentioned Haruto to him when I was trying to find out about his powers, so I jump straight into what has happened today, from Meguri coming back injured, Sona's and my peerage splitting up over our territory, the fallen's attack on Haruto and Hanakai, and Curano's analysis of his injuries.
I can see realisation cross over the two of them, Sirzechs with a considering look, Grayfia with a small frown.
"And, I tried, we made the agreement and everything, but eight pawns wasn't enough. So, I was hoping you would be willing to assist me, reincarnating him and trading him to me."
Sirzechs leans back in his seat, Grayfia staying silent and just watching her king for the moment.
"Rias, you understand this will be seen as acting in your engagement correct? Even if this Haruto doesn't enable you to win, he will have an effect on the rating game assuming you still go that way, impacting your own standing and the Phenex's."
"I do, brother, but the only people who would really care about that are my own family and the Phenex. Haruto will become strong, and we have the chance to provide the foundation for that, I truly believe that long term he'll be worth more to our family than a marriage with the Phenex, it's not like we won't be allied anyway, father won't give up their friendship over this."
I can see I have their attention, thank Maou I spent a moment to think through a real argument.
"As for the Phenex, even just pushing the matter to a rating game reflects badly, and while I know my chances aren't very good, there's always the possibility of a win anyway. So why not add to the Gremory family power when we have the chance?"
"You truly believe he will become a notable power Rias? To what level?" Sirzechs asks.
"With enough time, for example the lifespan of a devil, and the opportunity to undertake actions that count as 'feats' to him, he won't stop. As long as he remains active, he won't plateau." I assert, and I can only hope I'm correct.
"Brother, surely just the fact that eight pawns aren't enough should indicate that he's a more than worthwhile investment no?" and I can hear the pleading tone enter my voice, but even Grayfia can't argue that point.
"Are you prepared for the consequences Rias? Even if everything goes exactly as you want it to, Mother and Father will have words to say about this, even if it's never confirmed people will suspect my involvement once his strength is revealed if it is as you say which to be clear I have my doubts. Serafall will want to know since Sona is there, and Ajuka already has Haruto somewhere on his list of mildly interesting things and will see the trade if he observes the pieces."
I can only give him a nod, this is the best and only option. I won't let Haruto suffer for fear of my reputation or a chat with my parents.
There's a pause as Sirzechs studies my face, and I think I even see a glint of approval on Grayfia's face.
After a moment his face falls into the relaxed smirk I'm familiar with, "Okay Rias, you've thought this through, at least enough. Of course I'll help you."
My body relaxes almost instantly.
"Well, let's go, I'd like to meet the man that's earned so much respect from my dear sister." He says, rising with a small smirk.
"I! Haah, thank you brother." I respond with a small shake of the head, the smile creeping onto my face.
"Grayfia, I shouldn't be long, no one should be looking for me in the next few minutes, but if they do can you just delay them please?" He asks, moving around the desk to me, wrapping me in a quick hug.
"Of course Lord Lucifer." Grayfia responds with a small bow.
With a quick look we teleport back to the ORC, and Haruto's familiar Mia is here now, apparently having teleported through his phone. She's applying some sort of liquid to his wound under the watchful eyes of Curano, her tail wrapped around Haruto's hand.
Sirzech's presence puts everyone on edge however, everyone turning to us. Mia's hackles raise but she seems to trust us enough not to do anything.
Curano is the least effected, turning and offering a deep bow.
"Lord Lucifer, it's a pleasure to see you here."
Sirzechs goes to respond, but the door slams open, Serafall flying in, literally.
"Zechy! What are you doing here? Is it because the fallen were mean to Rias?" She asks.
Sona follows in, her head in her hand.
"Not quite Sera, Rias convinced me of the benefits of facilitating the reincarnation of this human."
Serafall tilts her head at that, "Why do you need to be here, is there some special Gremory ceremony?"
"No, Lady Leviathan, I'm not strong enough to do so, so I asked Lord Lucifer to assist." I answer, a little embarrassed.
"Hmm, must be pretty interesting then, so what Zechy, going to grab him for yourself or trade him?" She asks, studying Haruto's prone form with a gleam in her eye.
"The latter, Sera, and yes, I know the potential drama or gossip this will cause, as I have explained to Rias."
"Well, okay then. It's at least better than throwing your big Satan-y weight around to directly solve little Rias' problems!" She exclaims with a big smile.
"Pft, like you don't and wouldn't continue to do the same for your 'So-tan'" Sirzechs responds, clearly comfortable needling her.
Serafall just gives him a shrug, pulling Sona into her side, her face pressed into her breasts. Sona lets out a yelp, trying to push her big sister away.
Leaving them to it, Sirzechs turns to Haruto, looking over his injury.
"Alright then, you're sure about this Rias?"
I give him a nod, gently grabbing Mia's shoulders to move her away a little, Curano stepping back after a final check of Haruto's leg.
Standing over him, there's a flash of light as three darker red pawn pieces appears above my brothers hand.
He gives me a nod, and I kneel down, waking Haruto once again.
~~ Haruto Shitara ~~
Coming to consciousness again, at least assuming the last time wasn't a dream, it's to Rias next to my head, and male Rias(?) over me, and even with my lack of magic for the most part, I can tell he's powerful. There's another powerful signature somewhere behind him, but it's hard to focus.
"Mn, Rias?"
"Yeah it's alright Haruto, my brother's going to help us." She responds gently.
"So, Haruto Shitara, a source of interest for a growing number of people." Male Rias drawls out.
"Heh, I try." I get out with a chuckle, wincing as I jolt my leg.
"Quite, now, you should know that outside of exceptional circumstances, trades of pieces can only happen once every few years or so, since the servant needs to be tied to the Kings magical signature. I trust Rias has given you all the information aside from that, she's too kind not too."
Rias flushes a little but stays quiet.
"However, -" and I notice Rias look up at him "- reincarnation uses the Kings power to determine the initial imbuement. As in, you will gain a bigger amount of demonic power by being reincarnated by me compared to by any another. I would make our own contract for this."
"Brother!" Rias yells, but doesn't say anything further before he responds.
"Rias, it's as you said, the best way to ensure the consequences are minimised is for others to benefit." He explains calmly, still looking at me.
I know how crazy strong Lucifer is, or well kind of do, who knows what's changed here, and if that is how it works, I'll get a massive leg up.
I give him a nod to continue.
"Excellent. Haruto, I would ask for three contracts from you: Firstly, once you have settled into your new life as a devil, that you agree to work with Satan Beelzebub who wishes to study your, *unique* powers, Ajuka will likely wish to make his own contract, so I would simply ask for your agreement to a meeting and discussions in good faith; Secondly, to officially affiliate yourself with our political faction. The others may be weaker than they once were, but that doesn't mean there are no internal conflicts, and actively supporting us assuming you grow in power as Rias has suggested will be beneficial. This will effectively be covered as long as you are in Rias' peerage."
I want to be friends or more with pretty much all of both Rias' and Sitri's peerage, so officially allying myself with the faction they'll almost certainly stay in isn't a massive ask by any means.
Being studied by Beelzebub is risky, but the gacha is a multiversal power given to me by whatever the fuck Rob actually is/was. I'm fairly confident he wouldn't be able to learn anything that could pose a real risk to me. I know the devils can sense when I roll, and he's a Satan, if he wanted to he could appear, put me to sleep, and do whatever studying anyway, I may as well get something out of it.
I can feel my leg throbbing, so I'd quite like to get this done.
"I understand Satan Lucifer, and the third?"
He gives a crisp nod, "The third, while I acknowledge this may not be fair, I expect you to help Rias with her engagement and her dreams. She believes in you, and as such I will extend that same belief." He says, his eyes not leaving mine..
Rias is looking between us, biting her lip, but she gives me a small smile as I catch her eyes.
He goes silent, giving me time to think it over, though honestly the look in his eyes tells me he already knows.
It's not a bad deal really, it's stuff I was going to do or at least expecting anyway, plus I'll get a bigger boost to start with. And while they haven't given me the specifics, my leg is pretty fucked, may as well get it sorted while getting something I wanted anyway. It's unlikely we wouldn't need someone like Lucifer involved if I were to hold off on becoming a devil anyway.
"Alright, let's do it." I finally say, and I can see the relief on Rias' face, and Mia moves up above my head, placing a hand on my shoulder, Momo still cradling my head.
Lucifer gives a small smile, though he looks like he knew I would accept anyway.
His much deeper crimson magic circle flares to life above the pawn pieces, Rias and Momo taking a small step back as the first piece moves my chest, sinking in. I feel a spark again, but much larger and it resounds through my body.
Lucifer raises an eyebrow, floating a second one. The echoing thrum of power is much 'louder' now, and my vision flashes red briefly, the power flowing with my heartbeat.
"Hm, not bad, same as Beowulf then, and that was a good while ago." Lucifer mutters with an appraising look, sending the third pawn to me.
As it enters there's a pause in the flow I can feel, before a mighty beat runs through my body, my breath catching as I feel the energy circulating. My vision starts to darken as the energy settles, and I let myself rest.
"Welcome to the Devils, Haruto Shitara." I hear Lucifer say as my consciousness fades.
~~
Coming to consciousness on something softer, with warmth on either side of me and a familiar weight wrapped around one leg I let out a groan, stretching before I realise the stiffness in my free leg. Stiffness that should be incredible pain, so at least that worked.
It takes a few moments to blink around the light, but fuck is it a good sight.
Thin covers are draped down by my waist. On my right, very much still dead to the world is Rias, completely naked, her breasts pressed into my side, and I can feel her nipple rub up and down slightly as she breathes deeply.
Down below is the scaly cuddle of Mia, who seems to notice me awaken, giving me a squeeze.
To my left is Momo, blinking away her own sleep before she sees my eyes open and she jolts up. The movement doing wonderful things to her boobs.
She runs her hand down my chest before letting her head fall onto me, and I hear a small sniffle.
"Haru. Thank Maou you're okay."
I lean down to kiss the top of her head, and slide left my arm so I can wrap it around her, but it's stopped by another warmth, "Mmh? ah!" from the other side of her, Rias stirring at the noise.
I crane my head to see Sitri, also naked, a massive blush on her face, my hand still brushing against her breast. My eyes widen and I whip it away.
Sitri eventually decides to just pull the covers up over her head, a low keening whine coming out from underneath making Rias and Momo snort quietly.
Momo buries her head into me while Rias scoots back a little to look at me.
"How are you feeling Haruto?" She asks cautiously.
"Better than I should have any right to, given what I remember. Assuming it wasn't some sort of blood loss dream I became a devil right?"
She gives me a nod, turning over slightly to grab a bottle of water, giving me a far too short view of her bubble butt.
She takes a drink before helping me sit slightly and offering it to me before continuing.
"Hm, I wasn't strong enough to reincarnate you so I went to my brother."
She quickly goes over everything that happened between my bouts of unconsciousness, as well as Satan Lucifer reincarnating me. She looks slightly scared going over what I agreed with him, but I stand by my slightly muddled thoughts. Even if I hadn't become a devil I would be allied with the two peerages, and by extension their faction. Plus if I'm honest dealing with the apparently smartest Satan has got to be worth a ticket or two.
As if waiting for the right moment, multiple echoed pings ring out in my head.
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Feat Achieved! Become a Devil +1 Gold Ability Gacha Ticket
Feat Achieved! Be reincarnated by Sirzechs Lucifer +1 Diamond Random Gacha Ticket
Feat Achieved! Join Rias Gremory's Peerage +1 Silver Trait Gacha Ticket
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She continues, "So then he traded you to me, since we'd already agreed to a deal it was easy, well, sort of. Even with Lucifer providing the 'jump start' so to speak, you still take up six of my pawns. Though that's a steal honestly given you took three of my brothers." She says with a small chuckle.
"The reincarnation kicked off your healing, then we pretty much went straight to devil healing, which is more effective with more skin contact. Momo needed some too but wasn't going to leave your side, hence naked Sona under the covers. Poor Serafall, she was so mad she had to go."
That gets a groan from the lump under the covers.
Rias places her hand on my chest, looking down as she speaks, "I'm really sorry Haruto, this wasn't how it was meant to go, and you got hurt helping us."
"It's fine Rias, I know I was on whatever painkillers you have, but I meant it. You offered another option, but I wanted to be a devil, I wanted to be with you all, we both know you were winning me over anyway." I say, giving her a lopsided smile and getting a snort from Momo.
"So, what now?" I ask.
~~
An hour or so later, since I had a lot of view to enjoy, both peerages are in the main ORC room.
Sitri clears her throat as she stands, notably not looking me in the eyes.
"Well, the good news is everyone is okay. Momo has made a full recovery overnight aside from some magical weariness, Tomoe is stable having had healing from myself and then the rest of the peerage overnight, and Shitara-san has been reincarnated and finished healing by Rias." She begins with a nod.
"Now then, the fallen. My sister has taken the fallen we captured - Shitara-san she may request your assistance via a contract for use of your Confessors ability if required - and to begin dealing with the Grigori. Based on Tomoe's injuries compared to those of Momo and Shitara-san and the robe we found, there is almost certainly at least a contingent of exorcists nearby, probably more fallen as well."
I notice everyone bristles at that, though especially Akeno.
"We will be keeping to operating in pairs for now, and you should report anything strange. In maybe better news we were able to attempt a spell to track based on the exorcist robes we found, however it led to the abandoned church, and despite remaining for over an hour ourselves and overnight via familiar, we saw no sign of movement. Rias, I'll leave you to handle your peerage, let me know anything you find or need." She continues, Rias giving a quick "Will do."
"Alright, for now we still have school on Monday, everyone take some time to rest, stay safe." Sitri finishes, directing her peerage.
Momo waits a little longer, leaning into me before slowly pulling away.
"I'll leave you to get settled Haru, just make sure you message me, and I'll see you Monday, I'm pretty wiped so I can only imagine how you're feeling." She says, leaning in to give me a kiss, before giving me a smile and departing.
Toujou and Akeno both head out, apparently they were up most of the night keeping an eye on things.
Rias says she's going to send an update to her brother quickly, leaving me and Kiba alone.
He brings me over some easy food and I realise I'm starving, causing him to chuckle.
"Yeah, you're going to be hungry for a while, both the reincarnation process and the healing will have taken a fair bit out of you. It's also why you'll feel weaker in the sunlight for a few days. I'd recommend once you've recovered also taking some time to reacquaint yourself with your existing stuff, since your base has changed pretty drastically."
"Hm, yeah that makes sense, thanks Kiba. Lessons learnt from your own reincarnation?"
A slightly dark look flashes across his face before he gives me a small smile, "Yeah, pretty much."
We spend a bit more time with him going over what I should expect, giving me some tips on modulating my increased physical abilities and senses, as well as how to 'feel' my demonic power so it doesn't go crazy.
Apparently I'm around middle class in pure demonic power thanks to Sirzechs, and that should grow over the next month or so as I settle into my new race, and that's even without training.
And speaking of growing, let's do the two silver first...
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Rolling 2x Silver Trait Gacha Ticket
One Common and One Uncommon Trait!
[Charming Eyes]
|Common Trait|
Not to be confused with the mystical eyes of charming, instead of hypnotizing people your eyes are just really pretty..
[Monstergirl Enthusiast]
|Uncommon Trait|
You seem to fancy some interests that most don't. Hybrid Girls or those of the opposite gender with monster or beast traits take more of a liking to you and it is easier to build relationships with them. And some monsters you encounter seem oddly humanoid and... compatible.
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Eh the eyes aren't bad to have though lots of things that could be better. As for the other... Yeah that tracks honestly. Mia narrows her eyes at me and licks her lips.
Well I'll deal with that later, next ticket please!
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Rolling Gold Ability Gacha Ticket
An Uncommon Ability!
[Exorcism]
|Uncommon Ability|
Allows you to bathe a target in golden light that exorcises negative effects, curses and possessions, when used on a spirit form or an unholy being it acts as if they have been doused in holy flame.
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Oh damn, well I know what to do for any devils that try and fuck me over. That's going to cause problems as soon as I reveal it though. From what I know, pretty much only the church and fallen factions can use any kind of holy magic, factions I definitely do not belong to now.
Hmm, I'll have to be careful with this.
Okay, last but not least, please be my good luck charm Lucifer.
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Rolling Diamond Random Gacha Ticket
An Epic Ability!
[Absolute Accuracy]
|Epic Ability|
Whatever projectile you throw WILL hit the target as long as it is physically possible to hit the target, you could throw a human hair through a 1mm hole 10 kilometres away without difficulty.
10 abilities obtained, +1 Active ability slot!
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Oh fuck, thank you Lord Lucifer.
I need to spend some time testing the causality, by the example then things like environmental effects and my own strength just don't matter. Will my projectiles curve of their own volition for this?
Durability is still an issue, but I can send monomolecular edged feathers at anything. Or flaming feathers at anything. Or sharp lightning at anything. This'll be fun.
Kiba clearly feels something as my power fluctuates a couple times over, but the explanation of 'power shit' is enough for now, though I will ask him to help me work out how speed affects my new ability.
Rias returns a few minutes later looking pretty happy, though I can still see the tension in her shoulders from the stressful past 24 hours or so.
It's still relatively early in the evening, and apparently Kiba would usually do some training around now, so I decide to join him, Rias coming along, though partly to 'make sure I don't go overboard'.
Rias, Kiba, and I spend the next couple hours training. Rias helps me start to get to grips with my own magic power, though it's a relatively slow start. Using my abilities feels more akin to pushing a specific button or combination, while demonic power is a pool that you shape how you want it.
When I get sick of that I join Kiba on the more physical side, getting a feel for my vastly enhanced body. As a pawn I don't get the same boost to speed as Kiba, or to strength as Toujou, but it's still a world of difference from my human body. I probably wouldn't have gotten my leg snapped in 37 places as a devil at the least.
It's difficult, luckily there's some bullshit in place so I'm not zooming with every movement or breaking anything I try to pick up. But once I'm actively trying to make use of it specific control is hard. I'm going to need to practice with my abilities and adapt my fighting style.
The easiest thing for me is manifesting my devil wings, and it'll be nice to not lose mobility if I'm not using Fierce Wings, though mine are still cooler.
By the end I'm mostly happy, I can't expect too much in a few hours, at least until I roll some relevant bullshit from the gacha.
I swap abilities and spam some fruits for us before we part ways, getting a thanks from Kiba and an appreciative grunt from Rias.
I'm eventually allowed to collapse into bed, using a room in the ORC for now, Mia flopping down with me.
It's Sunday tomorrow, and there's only one thing I want to do. The fallen were prepared to kill Momo. I'm going to make sure they don't get the chance again.
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A/N: So, he's in a peerage, and yes it's Rias'. At the moment, Serafall and Sirzechs just don't have any need for someone of Haruto's power level. He has potential, as shown by the number of pawns needed, but they're content to have him in the faction for now. Plus, let's be real, Sirzechs wants to do things for Rias, he's not going to let something get it the way of what she wants.