Chapter 2: Confession?

Kenji returned to his seat, but his eyes immediately locked onto something strange.

Hovering above Rias and Akeno's heads, two golden eggs radiated a dazzling glow.

His heartbeat quickened.

"So, the system really works like this…"

But then, Kenji noticed something else—each golden egg had three shining stars.

"Wait… there are levels to this? The more stars, the better the reward?"

His gaze flickered to the text floating beneath the eggs.

[Activation Conditions:]

For Akeno's golden egg—he had to place his hand on her head for one full second.

For Rias's golden egg—he had to confess to her.

Kenji nearly fell out of his chair.

"Confess?! Are you kidding me?!"

His mind raced.

Akeno and Rias weren't just any girls. They were high-class devils. Even in this world filled with supernatural beings, they were considered monsters in terms of power.

If he touched Akeno's head out of nowhere, what were the chances she'd electrocute him on the spot?

And Rias? A direct confession? That was a death wish!

But then, he thought about what lay ahead.

Sooner or later, he would get caught in the supernatural chaos of this world. If he didn't gain power, he would become nothing more than cannon fodder.

Kenji clenched his fists.

"Screw it. Fortune favors the bold!"

He steeled his nerves and reached out his hand—toward Akeno's head.

---

Ding!

"Congratulations, host! You have obtained Thunder Breathing and a Nichirin Blade!"

The moment his fingertips brushed against Akeno's head, a surge of power flooded his body.

In an instant, years of training in Thunder Breathing techniques filled his mind. His body felt stronger, faster, sharper—as if he had spent a lifetime mastering the art.

And within his system inventory—a golden Nichirin Blade gleamed in the void.

Kenji couldn't help but grin.

"I did it—!"

"Kenji-kun…"

A sweet, yet dangerous voice called his name.

Kenji's smile froze.

Only now did he realize—his hand was still on Akeno's head.

Akeno slowly turned around, her purple eyes half-lidded with amusement.

A small smile graced her lips, but there was an unmistakable edge to it.

"Ara~ ara~... did you enjoy yourself?"

Kenji's soul nearly left his body.

Behind him, whispers and gasps spread through the classroom.

"Did he just touch Akeno-senpai's head?!"

"What kind of godly luck does he have?!"

"I can't believe this! Even I haven't gotten that close to her!"

Meanwhile, Rias—sitting next to them—watched with interest.

Kenji hurriedly pulled his hand away.

"H-Himejima-san! I swear, it wasn't on purpose!"

Akeno tilted her head, still smiling.

"Oh? If that's the case, I'll let you off this time."

But then—she leaned in slightly, whispering close to his ear.

"But if it happens again… I might have to punish you."

Kenji felt a chill run down his spine.

His instincts screamed at him—Akeno was terrifying!

---

After School…

The final bell rang.

As soon as classes ended, Rias and Akeno left together, heading toward the old school building—their usual meeting place.

Kenji, however, trailed behind them.

His eyes remained fixed on the golden egg above Rias's head.

He had already claimed Akeno's reward. Now, all that remained was Rias's egg.

"I just have to confess, right?"

Kenji took a deep breath and followed them.

Unfortunately…

Rias and Akeno noticed him instantly.

Without even turning around, Rias spoke.

"Kenji-kun, why are you following us?"

The two of them stopped in their tracks, standing beneath a tree.

Kenji froze.

Rias turned to face him, her usual warmth replaced with a sharp gaze.

Akeno, standing beside her, smiled—but there was something cold in her expression as well.

Kenji gulped.

They had completely seen through him.

There was no point in lying anymore.

Kenji stepped out from behind the tree.

And then—

He took a deep breath and said it.

"Rias Gremory—I like you! Please go out with me!"

---

Ding!

"Mission Complete! Congratulations, host! You have obtained Excalibur: Sword of Promised Victory!"

In his system inventory, a legendary golden sword materialized.

Kenji's heart skipped a beat.

"Holy crap—it actually worked?!"

But before he could even process his joy—

Rias stared at him, momentarily stunned.

Then, her expression darkened.

"…I see."

Kenji's excitement instantly vanished.

Why did she suddenly seem… upset?

Before he could ask, Akeno suddenly giggled.

"Ara~ ara~… how sad. I thought Kenji-kun liked me more, considering what he did to me today."

She pouted playfully, but there was an underlying sharpness in her words.

Kenji's face turned red.

"T-That was an accident!"

Rias sighed.

She looked at Kenji, her usual confident demeanor returning.

"Thank you for your confession, Kenji-kun. But… I'm afraid we're not compatible."

Kenji felt a pang in his chest, even though he already expected this outcome.

Of course, Rias would reject him.

She was a noble devil from the House of Gremory—and on top of that, she already had an arranged marriage looming over her head.

From her perspective, Kenji was just an ordinary human.

Strength and status dictated everything in this world.

And right now—Kenji had neither.

Rias smiled, but there was a trace of apology in her expression.

"I hope you understand."

Kenji lowered his gaze.

He clenched his fists—but instead of feeling frustrated, he felt determined.

This rejection only proved what he already knew.

If he wanted to stand beside them… he needed to grow stronger.

And now, thanks to the system—

He finally had a chance.

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