Chapter 6: Be My Man!

Kenji's gaze flickered between Rias and Akeno, his expression guarded.

"So? Why did you bring me all the way out here?"

He had a bad feeling about this.

Rias and Akeno simply smiled.

But before Kenji could push for an answer—

A blade of black steel flashed toward him at blinding speed!

Kenji's instincts screamed danger.

Without hesitation, he leapt backward, narrowly avoiding the incoming strike.

Shing!

A sharp gust of wind tore through the space where he had stood just moments ago.

Kenji's expression darkened. In an instant, he reached into his system inventory—

A golden katana materialized in his grip.

The moment his fingers wrapped around the hilt, lightning crackled across his skin.

He slid into a low Thunder Breathing stance, eyes sharp and focused.

And then—he finally saw his attacker.

Standing where Kenji had just been—

Kiba Yuuto.

The blond swordsman held his demonic black blade, his stance perfectly balanced.

"Impressive reaction time, Kenji-kun."

Rias's eyes glimmered with interest.

"That sword of yours… it appeared out of nowhere. I take it that's your Sacred Gear?"

Kenji's grip on his katana tightened.

"You set this up, didn't you?"

Rias didn't deny it. She simply smiled.

"I wanted to see your strength for myself."

Kenji's mind raced.

He had only obtained his powers yesterday. There was no way they could have known—so why did Rias suspect him?

Had they connected him to the Stray Devil's death?

He cursed under his breath.

"Damn it. Did I get too cocky last night?"

Unfortunately, he didn't have time to think.

Rias raised her hand slightly—a silent signal.

Kiba moved.

The blond swordsman lunged forward, his blade a blur of motion.

Kenji reacted instantly.

"Thunder Breathing… First Form—Thunderclap and Flash!"

His muscles tensed.

A burst of electricity erupted from his feet—propelling him forward like a bolt of lightning.

Shing!

The two clashed mid-air, their blades colliding in a shower of sparks.

Kiba's eyes widened slightly.

"Fast!"

Kenji didn't stop.

As soon as their blades met, he twisted mid-strike—vanishing and reappearing to Kiba's side in an instant.

Kiba barely had time to react.

He raised his sword defensively—but Kenji was already gone again.

"Thunder Breathing… Sixfold!"

Kenji's movements accelerated.

His body blurred—vanishing and reappearing in multiple locations at once.

Kiba's heartbeat spiked.

"He's fast… too fast!"

He had fought many swordsmen before. But Kenji's speed wasn't just natural reflexes—

It was pure, inhuman lightning speed.

For the first time in a long while—Kiba felt pressure.

He had no choice.

He drove his hand into the ground, activating his Sword Birth ability.

Shing! Shing! Shing!

A dozen gigantic demonic swords erupted from the earth—forming an unbreakable barrier around him.

Kiba exhaled in relief.

"That should buy me some—"

Shing!

A single sword slash ripped through the magic swords in an instant.

Kenji stood right in front of him—his blade pressed against Kiba's throat.

Silence.

Kiba froze.

Kenji breathed steadily, his eyes unreadable.

Then—he sheathed his blade.

"That's my win."

Kiba exhaled slowly—then chuckled.

"That was incredible, Kenji-kun. I lost."

---

Ding!

"Congratulations! You have obtained a Two-Star Golden Egg!"

"Opening… You have acquired a small amount of Magic Power!"

A warm surge of energy flowed into Kenji's body, settling deep within his abdomen.

For the first time since coming to this world—he felt magic coursing through his veins.

Kenji grinned.

"Now I can finally use Excalibur's true power…"

But before he could celebrate—

Clap. Clap. Clap.

A slow applause filled the clearing.

Kenji turned.

Rias approached, her crimson hair flowing behind her.

Her gaze locked onto him, filled with curiosity.

"That was… exquisite. The finest swordsmanship I've ever seen."

Kenji exhaled. "Thanks. Now if we're done—"

He turned to leave.

But then—

Rias's voice stopped him cold.

"Kenji-kun… Be mine."

Kenji's brain short-circuited.

"…Huh?"

Akeno giggled. "Oh my~ that's quite the bold confession, Rias."

Kiba simply smirked, unfazed.

Kenji slowly turned back.

"Uh… Could you repeat that?"

Rias stepped closer, her expression completely serious.

"Join me, Kenji-kun. Become one of my servants."

As she spoke—she unfurled her black wings.

A Devil's wings.

Kenji's breath hitched.

For the first time, Rias was revealing her true nature to him.

"You've already seen what lurks in the shadows of this world."

Her gaze was firm, unwavering.

"You know the truth now. Humans are weak. Alone, you'll be nothing but prey."

She extended her hand toward him.

"But under me—you will have power. I will give you a place to belong."

Kenji stared at her hand.

His mind raced.

This was an opportunity.

Rias wasn't just any Devil—she was a high-class noble of the Gremory family.

Under her, he would gain protection, influence, and resources.

But—

Kenji slowly looked at his own hand.

The faint golden light of Excalibur shimmered in his palm.

He already had power.

And with the system, he could grow even stronger—on his own terms.

Kenji closed his eyes briefly.

Then, he took a deep breath and answered.

"No."

The clearing fell silent.

Akeno's eyebrows rose in mild surprise.

Kiba's smirk widened.

Rias's eyes slightly widened—just for a moment.

Then—she smiled.

"I see."

Her crimson hair fluttered in the breeze as she folded her arms.

"That's your choice… for now."

Kenji turned away.

But as he walked off—he could still feel her gaze burning into his back.

And for some reason—he knew this wasn't over.

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