Chapter 21 - Sona Sitri’s Challenge

The Student Council Room at Kuoh Academy had an air of authority to it—neat, disciplined, and exuding the kind of order that perfectly matched its President, Sona Sitri.

As I stepped inside during the lunch break, I immediately felt multiple sets of eyes on me.

The entire Student Council was present.

Sona sat at her desk, glasses glinting under the soft light, watching me with a composed but inquisitive gaze. To her right stood Tsubaki Shinra, the ever-poised Vice President, her arms crossed, showing the slightest hint of curiosity.

The rest of her peerage, made up of various devils, stood around in a loose formation, some seated, others standing, but all visibly curious about the human who had already made a name for himself in just two days.

I took a slow look around the room, letting a small smirk form.

"Well, well," I mused, placing a hand on my hip. "Surrounded by beautiful and powerful women again. People might start thinking I have a type."

The room reacted immediately.

Momo Hanakai, the petite silver-haired Secretary, adjusted her glasses and gave me a small smile. "Flattery won't get you out of whatever Sona wants from you, Malrik-san."

I turned my gaze toward her, flashing an easy smile.

"Flattery? Momo, that would imply I'm exaggerating." I leaned slightly toward her. "Which I'm not. Smart, elegant, and holding a prestigious position in the Student Council? Sounds like an ideal woman to me."

Momo blinked in surprise, her cheeks dusting the faintest pink. "I—" She caught herself and quickly adjusted her glasses again, regaining composure.

Reya Kusaka, the long-haired blonde and one of the Knight-class members, let out a small amused chuckle. "I heard about you from the other students. Seems the rumors were true—you're quite the smooth talker."

I turned to her, tilting my head slightly. "Am I? Or are people just unaccustomed to receiving genuine compliments?"

Reya raised an eyebrow, but her smirk told me she was entertained.

"Are you like this with all women, or do we get special treatment?" she teased.

I placed a hand over my chest in mock offense. "Reya, you wound me. Each compliment I give is uniquely crafted to match the recipient's beauty and charm."

A small laugh escaped Tsubasa Yura, the athletic, tomboyish Knight. "You talk a big game, but do you ever back it up?"

I turned my gaze to her, my smirk widening slightly. "Depends on what you want me to prove, Yura. If it's strength, I'd be happy to challenge you. If it's wit, I believe we're about to test that."

She folded her arms, intrigued but cautious. "Hmph. We'll see."

My gaze flicked toward Tsubaki, who had been watching with that unreadable elegance. She didn't comment, but I could see the slight amusement flicker in her eyes.

I smirked, stepping closer.

"And of course, I couldn't ignore you, Tsubaki. You're the kind of woman that doesn't need words to command attention."

Tsubaki's expression remained composed, but I didn't miss the slight shift in her stance. "Is that so?"

I nodded, my voice lower, more amused. "It is. But that kind of quiet confidence is dangerous—makes a man want to work for your attention."

For just a fraction of a second, I saw her lips part slightly, as if she was about to respond. But before she could—

Sona cleared her throat.

The room snapped back to focus, all attention returning to the President herself.

"I see you've made yourself comfortable, Malrik," she said, adjusting her glasses, her tone neutral but carrying an undercurrent of amusement.

I turned toward her fully, hands in my pockets. "What can I say? The company is excellent."

Sona exhaled lightly before gesturing toward the chair opposite her. "Sit."

I did.

She leaned forward slightly, resting her elbows on the desk. "You've made quite the impression since Changed. Your abilities, your Sacred Gear, and now your interactions with the supernatural—these things do not go unnoticed."

I remained silent, letting her continue.

"Which is why I am officially inviting you to join the Student Council."

There it was.

"And," she added smoothly, "my peerage."

The room went silent.

Tsubaki remained unreadable. Momo and Reya exchanged quick glances.

I leaned back in my seat, crossing one leg over the other. "Tempting offer," I admitted, "but I like my independence."

Sona narrowed her eyes slightly, her fingers pressing together.

"Most people wouldn't refuse such an offer."

I chuckled. "Most people aren't me."

A pause.

Then Sona adjusted her glasses again, a glint of something more calculating in her gaze.

"Then let's make this interesting."

She reached into her desk and pulled out a chessboard.

"If you win," she said smoothly, "I will grant you one request."

I raised an eyebrow. "And if you win?"

"You must reconsider my offer."

A gamble.

A fair one.

I smirked. "Alright, I'm game."