24 DxD
Rias tugged at my sleeve as we stepped out of the mansion, her crimson hair catching the faint glow of Lilith's artificial sun.
The streets of the capital buzzed with life unlike one would expect from Hell itself.
Devils of all kinds weaved through the crowd, some with wings, others with tails swaying lazily behind them.
If it weren't for these characteristics I might've thought I was in a foreign country instead.
The air carried a faint hum of demonic energy, mingling with the scent of street food.
"Where to first?" I asked, glancing at Rias. Her pout from earlier had softened, replaced by a spark of excitement she couldn't quite hide.
"The market square," she said decisively, pointing ahead. "They've got these little stalls with sweets from the human world-oh, and some devil specialties too. You've got to try the bloodberry tarts. They're my favorite."
"Bloodberry tarts?" I raised an eyebrow, "Is it actual blood or something?"
Rias shot me a sidelong glance, her lips twitching like she wanted to scold me but couldn't quite muster the effort. "No... they're made from a fruit that naturally grows in the Underworld. I said before, we Devils don't eat souls or drink blood! That's for the Vampires!"
"Vampires huh," I chuckled softly, falling into step beside her as we made our way through the bustling streets. ''Fair enough. Lead the way, then."
The market square wasn't far, just a few twists through Lilith's labyrinthine roads, past towering buildings of black stone and glass that shimmered under the crimson sky.
When we arrived, the sight reminded me of some scenes from my childhood.
Stalls lined the open plaza, their awnings draped in vibrant fabrics, reds, purples, golds, each one brimming with goods.
Devils haggled over trinkets, spices, and strange glowing fruits I couldn't name. A vendor to my left waved a skewer of sizzling meat, its aroma sharp and tangy.
Rias darted ahead, her excitement pulling me along like a tether. She stopped at a small stall adorned with trays of pastries, their surfaces glistening with dark red glaze. The vendor, a wiry devil grinned at her.
"Lady Gremory! Back for the bloodberries, I see," he said, his voice warm. "And who's this with you? Wait! Don't tell me..." His eyes widened as they landed on me, recognition flickering across his face. "The Undying Immortal Devil himself? I'm a big fan!"
"Oh?" Seeing my confusion the vendor smiled.
"You see, I'm a Low-Class Devil as well but my King died a few centuries ago. I was taken in by the Noble Family he belonged to but they completely ignored my existence because of my weak strength. My human origins also caused me to be looked down upon. The Devil smiled sadly, "It was a stroke of luck I found an unattended bloodberry field. If not, perhaps I'd have been struggling to survive."
Rias didn't seem surprised by his story, I suppose if she was a regular she should've long known about this.
"Why can't you just go and live in the Human World? As a Devil, life should be pretty... easy there."
This was something I didn't understand. With the powers a Devil has, Low-Class or not, they could live with luxury.
Did the Pure-blooded Devils have a sort of mechanism in place to prevent Reincarnated Devils from simply leaving?
The shopkeeper smiled bitterly, "Actually, who doesn't wish to simply live lavishly in the Human World?
But that's only possible in two scenarios- First, be a Stray Devil and escape. Second, belong to a Master from either a weak household or a ruined household. Devils like me who are property of a decent Noble house will have to report ourselves every three months to the House and explain what we've been doing in detail. If we fail to show up more than twice a hunter team is dispatched to 'punish us. It's life no different than a Stray's." The bitter smile on his face hung depressingly.
But there was a spark in his eyes as he looked at me.
"I watched your duel with Riser Phenex. I'm not really good with words but what I want to say is thank you for standing up for us Low-Class Devils." The vendor smiled brightly before extending two plates towards Rias and me, "On the house, please enjoy!"
Rias had a strange expression on her face, "I know your struggles Ojii-san and trust me, my brother and the current government is doing its best to make sure all Devils live equally without discrimination!"
"I believe you Lady Gremory." The vendor bowed politely before turning to other customers.
My gaze fell back to Rias.
We walked a bit further away and Rias smiled wryly, "He hasn't told the full truth. I guess he must've thought you'd know but when he said he has to report back he also has to pay the house he's serving a certain amount of Merit Points. Merit points are the digital currency used in the Underworld managed by the Underworld Economic Bureau. Merit Points can be gained by salary and doing jobs like fulfilling contracts etc. Devils that lose their Master also lose their right to a salary."
Rias bit into her Bloodberry tart.
"The current Beelzebub created the Underworld Economic Bureau to modernize devil society post-war. He introduced a unified currency and credit system, enabling economic growth and stability. Though Devils jokingly call it 'Ajuka Credits'. I really hope one day the Underworld will change and everyone can live happily."
There was determination in her eyes that blazed beautifully as she chewed on the tart.
The idea was completely naive.
Every human was slightly different from the other, and every Devil was slightly different from the other. Where there were differences discrimination would follow.
It was a cruel reality.
But... if I killed everyone, there'd be no one left to discriminate, right? In a twisted way, that'd fulfill her wish.
I was lost in her eyes and absentmindedly took a bite of the tart.
Its warmth seeped into my lips, and I couldn't help but notice how her eyes lingered on me as I took a bite. The flavor hit me all at once-sweet, tart, with a faint metallic edge that reminded me of iron.
Strange, but good.
I guess the name is justified.
"Well?" Rias asked, her tone teasing as she nibbled at her own.
"Not bad," I admitted, wiping a crumb from my lip. "You've got good taste."
She beamed at that, though she quickly turned away, pretending to study the next stall over. "Come on, there's more to see."
We wandered through the square, picking at little treats, some spicy, some sweet, while Rias pointed out her favorite spots.
Everything was paid by her as I still didn't have a bank account registered.
She talked about the time she'd come here with Akeno as kids, sneaking candy under Sirzechs's nose, and I found myself listening more than I expected to.
Her voice was soft but lively.
As we neared a fountain carved with serpentine figures, a small group of devil children scampered over, their wings fluttering with excitement.
Their eyes were wide, glowing faintly in the dim light, and one of them, a girl with pigtails and a gap-toothed grin, tugged at my sleeve.
"Are you really the Undying Immortal Devil? You're so pretty!!!" she asked, her voice a mix of awe and disbelief.
I crouched down to her level, keeping my tone gentle. "I am. What's your name?"
"Lila!" she chirped, bouncing on her heels. "Can I have your autograph? Please? My friends won't believe I met you!"
The others crowded in, clutching scraps of paper and pens they'd scavenged from who-knows-where. I glanced at Rias, who watched with a faint smile, her arms crossed like she was trying not to look too amused.
"Alright, Lila," I said, taking the first paper. "But only because you asked so nicely."
The kids erupted into cheers as I scribbled my name, nothing fancy, just "Tatsuya" in quick, sharp strokes.
They giggled and whispered to each other, crowding my bent legs in a circular manner.
I heard a few clicks that quite awfully sounded like a camera. I quickly turned my head only to see Rias staring at the sky whistling a random tune with her hands behind her back.
This girl...
A smile involuntarily crept up my lips as the children began darting off once they'd all gotten their prize.
Sirzechs sure has marketed me greatly. Surprising because it's only day three of me being a Devil.
"Didn't know you had such a soft spot", Rias said quietly, stepping closer as I stood. Her tone was casual, but there was something softer in her eyes, something she didn't say out loud.
"They're just kids," I replied, shrugging it off. "Not much to it."
She hummed, not pressing further, and we kept walking.
We stopped by a stall selling tiny glass figurines, and I picked out a dragon-shaped one for her, its scales shimmering red under the light. She took it with a shy "thanks," tucking it into her pocket like it was something precious.
Though it was a bit embarrassing, I was gifting her something with her own money.
After some wandering, we reached a raised overlook. The city sprawled below, a sea of flickering lights. Rias leaned against the railing, her hair fluttering in the breeze, and I stood beside her.
"Isn't it just like the human world?" she said, her voice barely above a whisper.
"Yeah," I agreed, though my eyes weren't on the city.
Noticing that I was looking at her, her eyes shifted nervously, "What is it?"
"Our engagement next week... what do you think about it?"
"Oh uhm, I mean it's a formality, no?" As she spoke her voice turned softer and softer.
"I suppose it is." I turned to look at the city below, "Lord Lucifer proposed I acted as your fake fiancé till you eventually find someone you truly like."
Rias didn't respond, however, it was clear she wanted to say something if her lips parting and closing again and again were to indicate anything.
"Do you know, at the engagement ceremony we'll have to kiss in front of everyone."
"A-Ah!?" Rias was taken aback and her face flushed crimson, "I guess we do..."
"It's fine if you want to save your first kiss for someon-"
"Shut up!"
Hmm?
Rias finally snapped, provoked by my words, "Just shut up!"
She forcefully intruded into my personal space and grabbed my collar in anger.
"You promised! You vowed!" She gritted her teeth, "You said you'd stay by my side forever! You said that even if I had no one in the world to support me you'd be there! Were you lying!?"
She was practically screaming in my face, all her conflicted emotions burst forth.
I deliberately mentioned the idea of letting her find someone else to provoke her like this. To show her that I wasn't opposed to the idea of her trying to find someone other to love.
With the instruction I gave Tiamat to provoke her, Rias was in a weird but constant state of anxiety.
Perhaps, the idea that I wasn't attracted to her anymore due to Tiamat was lingering in the back of her head.
After all, why else would I mention the idea of her trying to find someone else?
My eyes slowly turned gentle as I looked at the red-headed devil enveloped in a storm of emotions.
I raised my hand and softly stroked her cheek.
"I wasn't lying."
"Then what I want is you!" She declared, yanking my collar and pressing her lips to mine in an awkward, impulsive kiss.
She... kissed me.
My eyes widened slightly but before I could even process what happened our lips parted as Rias looked at me in a daze.
Slowly steam began rising on top of her head and her eyes turned into anxious swirls as she realised what she had just done.
"Oh uhm I- We have to kiss at the engagement right? Right! So I was just p-practicing. I don't want to embarrass the G-Gremory family as the sole h-heiress after all!" Rias' face turned tomato red long ago as she flailed her fingers trying to explain her actions.
"... "
Rias couldn't take it anymore and her wings burst forth, wanting to fly away to hide her embarrassment.
"Waaaah!?"
But before she could fly off I roughly pulled her leg and she crashed into me. We tumbled for a bit before steadying. Rias trembled as her wings and back pressed against my chest. I held her by her arms and deliberately stayed silent for a little while.
I could practically hear her heart drumming against her chest in a nervous flutter.
I kept her back to my chest so that she wouldn't try to escape again seeing my face.
Finally, as Rias seemed to be relaxing a bit one of my arms slid across her stomach and I pulled her in tightly.
"H-Hey!" Rias tried to complain but a chuckle escaped my lips.
"Practice you say?" My words caused her to tremble again, probably embarrassed again, probably wondering why she was so impulsive.
"You seem far too nervous still," I whispered into her ear and my breath seemed to have caused her to shiver, "I think we need to practice more."
I flipped her around abruptly.
My lips crashed into hers, hard and hungry, without any hesitation.
Rias gasped into my mouth, her body stiffening before melting against me, her fingers digging into my shoulders.
I shoved her back against the railing, the metal biting into her hips as I pressed myself flush against her, tongue forcing its way past her lips.
She tasted sweet and as my tongue began exploring the insides of her wet mouth she moaned, loud and unrestrained.
I gripped her waist, yanking her closer, my hands sliding down to squeeze her ass through her skirt.
She arched into me, her nails raking my neck, her breath hot and ragged as our tongues tangled in a wet, messy fight.
"W-Wait!" she stammered between kisses, but I bit her lower lip, shutting her up.
My thigh wedged between her legs, pressing up hard, and she whimpered, grinding against me instinctively.
For a second I stopped, letting her catch her breath.
"Y-Yamamoto-" She trembled and turned her face away, panting from the slightly aggressive exchange.
"Don't worry," I rubbed my thumb over her lips, "It's for the Gremory Family, don't think too much."
"But!"
I kissed her again.
Again and again and again.
Whether she tried to stop, say something, or even push me away, I never stopped.
We continued to kiss for the next ten minutes.
For ten whole minutes, I didn't let her go.
I thoroughly broke whatever hesitations or concerns she had.
By the sixth minute mark Rias had stopped resisting completely, kissing me back sloppily in a daze.
Even as we separated, forming a thin string of saliva between our lips, she listlessly looked at me. She seemed to be absentminded.
"Rias?" I poked her forehead curiously and she began to fall.
"Woah, ah!" I quickly caught her.
"She's unconscious...?" This was something I didn't expect. Was the stimulation too much for this virgin Devil?
Or maybe she forced this state because she didn't want to face me after the steamy session. Given her shyness in these matters, I wouldn't be surprised.
I slowly lowered her and sat cross-legged on the ground.
Thankfully the balcony was private and only accessible to VIPs like Rias.
Placing Rias' head softly onto my lap I summoned Kaguya.
"Had your fun?" Kaguya chuckled and I rolled my eyes, "Show my profile."
She merged back into my body and the familiar System screen appeared.
[Host- Yamamoto Tatsuya (Adrian Frost)
Age- 16 (22)
Race- Devil
Demonic Energy- 24,576 units
World Essence- 26,061 units]
Hmm...
"First things first, Amplify!"
The Demonic Energy inside me began to rage, crashing against the interior of my body as if wanting to break out.
But Kaguya kept it under control, not letting anything leak out.
As for me?
I was immersed in the blissful sensation.
The sheer force bubbling inside me made my head swell with satisfaction.
[Demonic Energy- 49,152]
[World Essence- 9,677]
Now, even without any of my abilities, just with my Demonic Energy alone I could destroy a country.
But this just filled me with dread instead.
If I was already so strong then what about Ajuka who had more than ten times my base strength? Or even the Dragon Gods that should have mana in the millions?
Even with the Hollow Mask my Demonic Energy was only 196,608 units.
A single attack and I could destroy continents alone. I suppose it's not in vain that the Dragon Gods can destroy planets.
As for Beings even stronger than them....
I....
I'm still an ant, huh?
Let's not think about that.
Spin the Wheel.
I mentally commanded and watched as 2,000 World Essence was drained.
Please be something good....
[Congratulations! You've got a Summoning Card!]
Ah...?
A rush of memories filled my mind.
I could feel my heart thump with anger.
Tatsumaki...
"There will be no complications this time," Kaguya appeared beside me, "Back then I was barely conscious and had no idea what exactly was going on before you upgraded the System. My drowsy state resulted in a lack of control over the summoned character. This time you'll have full control over the soul of whomever is summoned. Suicide or betrayal will no longer be an option."
"...That's good to hear."
I never really blamed Kaguya for what happened back then. It was my own ignorance and arrogance that led to that result.
"Let's hope your luck is good. I wasn't inclined to give you a Summoning Card because of the stir it causes in the bridge but since the Heavenly Spirit is already aware of us and won't act it should be safe to do it once."
I see.
It wasn't a surprise that bringing another whole person was much more impactful than a simple ability or item.
Actually, a Summoning Card was what I always wished for in my heart.
I just hope someone useful is summoned.
"You can hide the fluctuations or appearance, по?"
"Rest assured," Kaguya's voice drifted and I flipped my palm over.
A golden card with a luxurious 'S' carved on it appeared.
To use the card I had to just think of it.
A bright light erupted from my palm
****
Much to Tatsuya's surprise, the summoning wasn't instant like before. It took a few seconds until it was complete.
His eyes slowly widened as he saw the newly arrived figure.
She stood in a sleek black coat, a white dress shirt and black tie visible underneath. Her copper-like, reddish-orange hair spilled in loose waves, a vivid contrast to her pale, luminous skin. Her golden eyes, marked with concentric rings, pierced with a sharp, hypnotic gaze.
Her cool and composed face had a slight twitch as she glanced at the seated Tatsuya, who had Rias in his lap.
"Where... am I?"
Makima looked at Tatsuya.
She did not know what was going on.
She had just killed Power to destroy Denji's mental state when she suddenly found herself in this completely new dimension.
Why had she concluded she was in a different dimension?
Because all her contracts had become void.
She could no longer sense her contract with the Prime Minister of Japan, nor could she sense the dominion she had over the other Devils like her.
And that aside, the thing that surprised her most was the raw power being emitted from the person in front of her. Her nose twitched in a sense of horror, despite the expression on her face not changing.
The man in front of her was superior.
She could not attempt to control him.
She was at his mercy.
Her immortality was tied to her contracts, and without them, she would die-die without being eaten like she had assumed by the hands of the Chainsaw Devil.
"Makima?" The man muttered, looking at her as if she was an insignificant being.
Makima's heart thumped with curiosity and wonder.
Just where was she?
Who was the man in front of her?
How had she been pulled to an entirely different dimension?
"Much more beautiful than I expected."
Tatsuya gently placed Rias' head on the floor and walked up to Makima.
Makima did not move. Her eyes simply followed Tatsuya's movements with interest.
"Who are you?"
"Your owner." Tatsuya grabbed Makima's chin with his index finger and thumb. Makima smiled in amusement.
"Are you saying you control me?"
The words were funny to Makima, the Control Devil.
But her weakness was evident. Her amusement was harmless.
"You must feel it, the brand on your soul." Tatsuya let go of her chin as he looked at her with disappointment. Beauty was good, but he had hoped for someone strong to appear.
She may be a powerhouse in the Chainsaw Man world, but in the grand scheme of things, she was an ant.
[Makima - 2,789]
An Ultimate-Class Devil level of strength.
Makima raised an eyebrow at his words and immediately conducted a bout of self-inspection.
The result left her surprised.
There was a mark present in her soul. Now, having peered into it, she could sense her connection to Tatsuya.
"Yamamoto Tatsuya." Tatsuya sighed before turning his back toward her. "I suppose I should brief you about our situation."
Makima smiled and listened.
After he was done there was fascination in her eyes.
"How interesting? Who could've thought that we Primal Devils, formed from human fears, were so insignificant." Makima showed a thoughtful look. "So you're basically some kind of cosmic entity plundering and devouring different dimensions?"
"Indeed."
"What is my role then? Is there a reason I've been summoned? My strength should not be sufficient to aid you."
"You were chosen at random. I did not specifically call for you." Tatsuya laid it bare before continuing, "For now, your only job will be to act as an obedient slave."
"I see." Makima nodded without any dissatisfaction, and this made Tatsuya interested.
"You seem to show no sign of resisting. Does the idea of the Control Devil being a slave not cause dissent in your heart?"
"No need for foolishness on my part. The weak should obey the strong." Makima genuinely believed in her philosophy. A Devil that had existed for so long, her convictions could not be shaken. "And, the idea of mass genocide does align with one of my interests."
Makima's lips curled into a genuine smile.
A peaceful society by any means necessary was one of her goals. Whether Tatsuya wanted to kill everyone in the world or not was irrelevant to her. It aligned with her, albeit in a twisted manner.
However, there was one thing she didn't say.
What she longed for was a meaningful relationship. In her world, she automatically saw every human as inferior to her, creating a master and slave relationship. Even the Devils were no different-the only exception being the Chainsaw Devil, who could permanently erase the concept of Devils.
Though, chasing after the Chainsaw Devil was no longer possible now it seems.
Perhaps her first kind of relationship would bloom with her supposed master now?
Makima wasn't one to dwell too much on situations she could do nothing about. The brand in her soul still gave her a sense of dread.
Time would tell everything.
At the same time-
Tatsuya stared at her, his eyes shining with amusement..
Makima was an interesting individual, but for her to be of any use, he needed to strengthen her.
An idea began forming in his mind as he looked at her.
'Kaguya, can you modify the Evil Pieces?'
"It shouldn't be impossible." Kaguya appeared and floated beside him. She looked at Makima, as if appraising her. "I should be able to give her a 12x multiplier for 2,000 World Essence. Use the Bishop piece that enhances demonic energy."
'Go ahead.'
A Satan-Class Makima was much more useful than an Ultimate-Class Makima.
Tatsuya extended his hand and flipped his palm over.
Makima curiously looked at the chess piece that had appeared on top of his palm. It glowed an ominous red with several gold patterns carved into it.
"Fascinating." Her eyes, which were eerie concentric rings, shone with amazement.
The Bishop piece flew from his palm to her and merged into her. Makima closed her eyes and sensed the changes happening to her body.
The overwhelming power made Makima blush in bliss, though her face became neutral again.
[Makima 33,468]
"How do you feel?"
"I've lost most of my abilities after being summoned, but I should be able to level Japan with just telekinesis alone. If I can form some contracts with unique individuals in this world, I should be able to gain a myriad of abilities again."
"Interesting... Try to control me. I'd like a taste of how it feels." Tatsuya took a step back while smiling at Makima.
Makima stared at him for a few seconds before shaking her head. "It isn't possible. Unless I deem you inferior to me, my ability won't activate."
"A pity..." Tatsuya let it be as he waved his hand at her. "Go down into the city and settle in someone's family for a short while. I'll pick you up in a few days."
He walked up to her and grabbed her by the back of her nape, pulling her into a kiss that started slow but turned wild.
Makima didn't react as his lips pressed hard against hers, his tongue shoving past her teeth to claim every inch. He swirled it deep, tasting her, teasing the roof of her mouth, then flicking against her own tongue in a messy and sloppy manner.
Makima let Tatsuya devour her, his lips sliding wetly over hers as he sucked and bit at her lower lip before diving back in.
Tatsuya marked the entirety of the inside of her mouth with his tongue. Spit dribbled down Makima's chin as her concentric-ringed eyes looked at Tatsuya, her owner.
Tatsuya separated from her in satisfaction and slapped her ass in jest. They jiggled in waves that pleased Tatsuya's eyes. "Even a Primal Devil tastes no different than a human. Go, and remember-don't let anyone touch you. You belong to me now."
Makima smiled professionally, like a clerk would while accommodating a guest, and licked the spit that was dribbling down her chin before bowing 90 degrees. "I understand, Sir."
She turned around and started walking away while her shapely ass was eyed by Tatsuya.
"The charm of a Primal Devil is really hard to ignore, huh..." Tatsuya hadn't intended to touch her at first, but her plump and glossy lips were so inviting that he couldn't resist.
He was a bit miffed that he couldn't get a truly strong support. If not for the fact that her [Control] and the ability to form contracts were going to be incredibly useful, he would've crashed out.
After she left, Kaguya floated before Tatsuya.
"Had you used that special Queen Piece, I could've increased her strength by more than 30 times."
"That's a crazy multiplier." Tatsuya was a bit speechless, and Kaguya shrugged. "It's because she's weak to begin with. Suppose you give the Mutated Queen Piece another modification through me and then give it to someone like Tiamat-her strength wouldn't even double. It's not cheap either. 2,000 World Essence is a lot to spend on increasing someone else's strength."
"Well, the Queen piece still has strategic value. I can't use it yet. On that note, can you modify my own Rook Piece?" Tatsuya asked out of curiosity.
"I can. At the same price, I can make your physical strength increase by 10 times." Kaguya answered lazily, and Tatsuya frowned.
He could understand the mechanism behind it. Enhancing the energy boost the Bishop piece gave, enhancing the physical strength the Rook piece gave...
"That's a bit useless."
Tatsuya would not mind being stronger physically, but using 2,000 World Essence to increase his physical strength by ten times was a complete waste. There were much more useful applications for World Essence.
Ten times his physical strength would let him fight some top-tier Ultimate-Class Devils at best. Perhaps escape from Satan-Class Devils, but that was it.
"Give me another spin instead. You said I could spin thrice, right?"
"Technically, the limit is five times. I gave you three to be safe, but since the Heavenly Spirit is already awake and aware, it wouldn't matter. More than five, and the bridge would collapse unless you're willing to splurge more."
"Sigh, just spin." Tatsuya rolled his eyes. The System in Classroom of the Elite was the cutest.
Kaguya was more rigid and business-like.
Of course, he wasn't serious about it.
Shaking his head, he waited for the ability or item to arrive.
[Congratulations! You've received 'Truth-Seeking Orbs' from Naruto!]
Hmm?
Tatsuya raised a brow as a pleased Kaguya appeared in front of him.
"I didn't anticipate this. Our luck is really bizarre."
"Item information." Tatsuya didn't indulge her small talk. He was only hoping his points hadn't been wasted, and from Kaguya's behavior, he was feeling a bit excited.
Naruto was one of the shows he had watched thoroughly, and because of that, he had an impression of these orbs. Hadn't the creator of Naruto discarded them without any explanation because of how overpowered they were?
[Truth-Seeking Orbs: Orbs of malleable black chakra, which can alter their form and characteristics in various ways. Though only the size of a fist, each hides within it the power to obliterate an entire forest. Truth-Seeking Balls encompass the power of all five basic natures, and as such, they surpass both kekkei genkai and kekkei tõta. By combining the various natures inside the orbs, it is possible to produce a variety of effects. They are capable of instantly turning anything they touch to dust in a manner similar to Dust Release, though this does not always occur. If imbued with a certain Yin-Yang Release jutsu, the orbs can nullify any ninjutsu they touch and thus become impervious to it; this includes negating the regenerative qualities of Impure World Reincarnation, making it possible to permanently damage and kill those reincarnated by the technique. However, the orbs are incapable of nullifying senjutsu.]
Tatsuya took in the information and lazily glanced toward his back, only to find nine Truth-Seeking Orbs floating behind him energetically.
He could feel the instant connection that Kaguya had built for him.
He waved his hand, and one black orbs floated above his palm, spinning slowly.
"Incredible..." Tatsuya began digesting the information, his eyes shining with amazement. "Technically, no amount of elemental magic should be able to harm me now. A shield or armor formed by these orbs would completely nullify the damage-as long as the difference in strength isn't too much."
What did this mean?
Basically, whether it was the Phenex Family or the Leviathan Family, even if they attacked him with every person or troop they had, Tatsuya could just stand there without doing anything, taking the attacks all day long without using his Immortality.
The Truth-Seeking Orbs also had the power to completely erase someone, similar to the Bael Family's Power of Destruction.
Not to mention, he could shape them however he liked-be it a sword, spear, shield, or anything else. It was like his Blood Manipulation, but much more powerful.
The uses were practically endles-
"Hnngh..." A soft groan echoed behind him, and the spinning black orbs quickly disappeared, reforming as underarmor beneath his clothes.
Since he did not have a specific Chakra Mode, the orbs could not be de-summoned at will.
Tatsuya quickly made his way to Rias and picked her up, helping her stand against the railing.
Rias clutched her forehead as her vision cleared.
"Yamamoto?" she muttered, tilting her head in confusion. ''Where are we-"
She froze, and her face began steaming. The memories came crashing in.
To make matters worse, she had become so flustered that she literally lost consciousness.
'SO EMBARRASSING AAAAAAAAHHHH!!!!!'
She panicked internally as she faced Tatsuya.
Tatsuya couldn't bear to see her act like this any longer.
"You're being too shy, Rias.'' His voice was soft as always.
Rias flinched upon hearing that.
"No... it's just things are moving w-way too fast. Is it not the same for you!?" Rias was genuinely concerned. Was she the one acting weird?
"It is. We've only met a few days ago, after all."
It was true. Not even a week had passed since they first met in the Occult Research Club.
"Still, so many things have happened, huh..." He whispered.
Rias understood the meaning behind his words. She, too, visualized a flashback of their first meeting up until today.
From thinking he was an abuser, to him joining her peerage, to making promises to her, to fighting for her hand in marriage against Riser, to taming Tiamat in the Familiar Forest, to today....
"Yes, things have been moving fast. That I too accept, Rias, Tatsuya turned to her and smiled. "But... I don't dislike it."
Again.
His words were warm at first glance, but they were also incredibly forceful. They pushed Rias to respond in a similar manner, to give an affirmative answer.
Rias was not mature enough to see through these things.
"I... don't dislike it either." Rias found his words acceptable.
Sure, they had met only a few days ago, but with how much had happened in between, it felt like they had known each other for ages.
It was a weird but warm feeling.
Silence stretched between them, and before long, it was Rias who took the initiative to break the ice.
"So, uh... are we in a r-relationship now?"
"Hmm." Tatsuya didn't answer immediately, and Rias was getting annoyed.
But before she could complain, he forcefully kissed her again.
Rias' face burned as Tatsuya finally released her from the kiss. "Y-You can't just do that whenever you feel like it!"
"Why not?" He smirked. "You didn't push me away."
"That's not the-hnng!" She buried her face in her hands, her ears crimson.
Tatsuya laughed.
"Yes, yes we are."
Teasing her was so much fun.
****
—Elsewhere—
Inside a certain secret base, a meeting was being held.
The decor of the meeting room was not fancy. There was a circular table with multiple seats around it.
"Is the information accurate?"
A holographic image floated at the center of the table.
The image depicted a short clip of a handsome young man. The only thing that stood out was how the young man kept regenerating despite being burnt to a crisp. Wounds healed before they could even be fully carved.
"How fascinating."
"Incredible!"
"Are you sure he was just a normal human before?"
Voices echoed-some female, some male-but all of them sounded young.
"Hmph. Unnecessarily arrogant," a cold voice interrupted the murmurs of fascination. "Focus on the task at hand. The Undying Immortal Devil is scheduled to have his engagement next week. That is the best time to infiltrate and kidnap him. His value is simply wasted with these soft-hearted, peace-seeking fools.
"Correct, but the issue is how can we kidnap him? Not only will Sirzechs and Ajuka be there, the boy also has Tiamat by his side."
"We have enough equipment to ensure we can kidnap him instantly. We're not supposed to engage with them in a prolonged battle anyway." The cold voice turned playful, letting out a hint of mocking laughter. "Tiamat follows the boy, not the Devils. If we can persuade him to join us, we'll gain her support too-and that's for the best. Otherwise..."
The ruthlessness in the voice was no surprise to the members of the meeting.
"Besides, should we face any difficulty, we have-" The owner of the cold voice paused and looked toward the corner of the room.
A small girl sat in the corner, her chin resting on her arms and her legs tucked in.
The cute young girl had long black hair down to her hips and black eyes. Her ears differed from a normal human's, as they had pointed tips, though her long black hair made this feature difficult to notice. She wore standard Gothic Lolita attire.
"-Ophis-sama." There was a hint of excitement in his voice.
The young girl called Ophis looked at the members of the meeting with an amused yet innocent gaze. It seemed as if she was listening but not listening at the same time.
Noticing everyone's gaze on her, Ophis tilted her head and asked a simple question.
"Can he help me regain my silence...?"