[225] : Alfia’s Observations—Leveling Up in This World!

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After their encounter with the Fallen Angels, life at the Occult Research Club returned to normal.

Mika continued his training, Issei his Devil work. Everything seemed unchanged.

But Mika knew this peace wouldn't last. A new threat was on the horizon.

…

"Here, open wide. Say 'aah'."

"Buchou, I can feed myself," Mika protested. "There's no need for you to do this."

"No, you're not allowed to refuse." Rias insisted on feeding him.

He sighed and complied, taking the spoonful of food she offered.

The others watched, stunned, their own food forgotten.

Although they had witnessed this scene many times before, they still couldn't comprehend it.

"When did Buchou and Mika get together?" Issei whispered.

"I believe it was the day after Asia joined us," Yuuto recalled.

"What happened?" Koneko asked, puzzled.

Only Akeno smiled knowingly. As Rias's closest friend, she knew exactly what had transpired.

--

During Asia's welcoming party, Rias, seeing the bond between Asia and Issei, had been reminded of her own unwanted engagement and had grown melancholic. Mika, noticing her sadness, had approached her, asking what was wrong.

Rias, touched by his concern—had confided in him.

"Then there's no need to worry. I will defeat him and free you from this unwanted union," Mika had declared.

His words had moved Rias deeply, but she still lacked confidence. While Mika's Sacred Gear could suppress the Phenex clan's regenerative abilities—they weren't afraid of death. Could such an ability truly counter their power?

"Are you sure we can win?" she had asked, her voice filled with doubt.

"Yes. We will win," Mika had replied firmly—his unwavering confidence reassuring her. She knew he wasn't one to make empty promises.

He must have a plan!

This realization, combined with his genuine concern—had stirred something within her. Looking into his eyes, she felt herself drawn to him.

That night, she had asked him, "You live alone in Kuoh Town, don't you?"

"Yes."

"And I recall your parents were raised in Kyoto before moving here—Do you enjoy Kyoto cuisine?"

"Yes," he confirmed.

He didn't understand her intentions, but it was true; it was part of the identity the starry expanse had given him.

Rias's knowledge of his background must have come from her investigation.

"Then you shouldn't bother cooking anymore. Come here for breakfast. I'll prepare your meals." If Mika hadn't refused her offer to install a teleportation circle in his apartment, she would have simply appeared there the next morning.

"That's—too much trouble," he protested, not wanting to burden her.

"It's no trouble at all. You're training every day for my sake—to become stronger."

"I want to do something for you in return. And—I enjoy cooking. So please, don't refuse."

He could hear the sincerity in her voice, the unspoken plea in her words, and he couldn't refuse.

And so, this had become their morning ritual.

--

Rias prepared a Kyoto-style breakfast tailored to Mika's tastes.

Initially, she only prepared enough for him, but since the others often gathered at the Occult Research Club in the mornings, she started making extra.

They all enjoyed her cooking.

However, only Mika received the special treatment of being hand-fed.

After breakfast, Mika, Issei, and Asia headed to their classroom.

"You're amazing, Mika. To think you've captured Buchou's heart! I'm so jealous! But only someone like you could achieve this feat," Issei said, nudging Mika's arm with a smirk.

Mika rolled his eyes. "Instead of worrying about me, perhaps you should focus on your own…romantic pursuits? Aren't you supposed to be the Harem King? Why haven't you even won over Asia yet?"

Issei blushed. "W-Wait—I'm not ready yet!"

"What's there to be ready for?"

"Perhaps you need my help…" Mika grinned and quickened his pace, leaving a confused Issei and Asia behind.

…

That evening, after classes, Issei and Asia arrived at the Occult Research Club.

After assigning tasks to Akeno, Yuuto, and Koneko, Rias turned to Issei. "Issei, Asia, come with me. We have a mission."

"Yes, Buchou." Though they didn't know what awaited them, they followed her, with Mika trailing behind.

Issei kept glancing at Mika, silently questioning him with his eyes, but Mika remained silent, whistling casually.

They reached Issei's house, and Rias's next words stunned him.

"Issei, from now on—Asia will be living with you. Take good care of her, understand?"

..

"What?!" Issei exclaimed, shocked by this unexpected development.

"I told you I'd arrange accommodations for her. She's from another country and hasn't had much interaction with humans. I thought it best if she stayed with you. You two seemed to be getting along quite well," Rias explained with a smile.

She wouldn't object to a relationship between members of her peerage.

In fact, she encouraged such bonds.

Issei looked at Mika, believing he was the mastermind behind this arrangement.

Mika simply whistled, looking at the sky, ignoring Issei's questioning gaze.

"But... isn't this a bit too sudden? I haven't even told my parents yet." Though secretly delighted, he was still hesitant.

"Don't worry, I'll handle that," Rias said.

Issei instantly understood; she would use her Devil powers to manipulate his parents' minds, making them accept Asia's presence.

He was familiar with this tactic; it was how he got away with his nightly escapades.

His parents had long been under her influence.

"Let's go." Rias led them inside.

…

"Issei's reaction was priceless," Mika chuckled as he and Rias strolled through the streets of Kuoh Town, discussing the earlier events.

"Having someone to protect will likely motivate him to train harder," Rias remarked with a smile.

Mika nodded in agreement.

Despite his lecherous nature, Issei would readily sacrifice his life for those he cared about.

He seemed to have little regard for his own safety.

Therefore, despite his flaws—Mika didn't dislike him.

"Mika, let's go to the amusement park tomorrow. It's Saturday," Rias suddenly suggested.

"Huh?" Mika was taken aback.

He didn't understand how their conversation had led to this.

"Sure," he agreed.

He had sensed her growing anxiety in recent days, the worry hidden beneath her usual cheerful facade.

Although he had promised to help her break off her engagement, he hadn't faced a true Devil in combat yet.

She likely doubted his abilities, fearing his promises were empty.

However, his determination had touched her heart.

Sensing her unease, he couldn't refuse her invitation.

Rias smiled, pleased. "Then let's meet at the school gates tomorrow."

"Alright."

She waved goodbye and hurried off.

Mika watched her go, a smile touching his lips.

--

"You're quite the schemer, aren't you?"

"Don't suddenly speak in my mind, Aunt Alfia!" he retorted.

"I told you not to call me 'Aunt'!" Alfia's irritated voice echoed in his mind.

Mika chuckled and headed towards his apartment. Like Gabriel, Alfia, as a Nen beast, also resided within him.

One day, he had summoned her, and, intrigued by this new world, she had refused to return to her dormant state.

He allowed her to share his senses, observing the world through his eyes, just like Gabriel.

However, unlike Gabriel—who was talkative and eager to learn, Alfia was more reserved, rarely speaking, often making Mika forget her presence.

"I was only in my twenties when I died. With all your travels between worlds, you're probably older than me now. Stop calling me 'Aunt'!"

"Yes, yes, I understand," Mika replied, knowing he couldn't win an argument against someone residing within his own mind. It was better to concede.

"But I finally understand how you three improved so quickly. In a world like this, any new acquisition can lead to a significant power boost," Alfia remarked, recalling the things she had witnessed and learned: resurrection, immortality—abilities that were mere fantasies in her world, easily attainable here.

"Even I've never encountered such an…absurd world."

Mika entered his apartment.

While this world offered new and intriguing experiences, its power system wasn't what he sought.

Humans in this world lacked their own unique power source.

While magic existed, it was ineffective against gods and Devil Kings, unless wielded through a Sacred Gear, which wasn't their own power.

Even becoming a Devil through an Evil Piece wouldn't guarantee significant strength without countless years of training.

"It seems I need to find a new power system, which means I'll need to level up."

Finding a suitable opponent to level up against in this world was both easy and difficult.

Easy because this world was filled with powerful beings.

At his current level, defeating an Ultimate-class would be enough to trigger a level up.

But finding a suitable Ultimate-class was the challenge.

He couldn't simply attack a member of his own faction; it would damage Rias's reputation and create unnecessary conflict.

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