Chapter 33 - Forging Alliances, Igniting Rivalries

The Occult Research Clubroom had that same eerie-yet-cozy charm as always—dim lighting, elegant furniture, and the ever-present scent of freshly brewed tea hanging in the air like a subtle enchantment.

As I stepped inside, the usual suspects were already in place.

Rias sat behind her desk, legs crossed, ever regal.

Akeno lounged nearby with her usual grace, sipping tea with that mischievous smile playing on her lips.

Koneko lay sprawled on the couch, lazily munching on some sweets without sparing me more than a glance.

And Kiba stood near the window, calm and composed—knight to the end.

"Malrik," Rias greeted smoothly, eyes meeting mine. "Right on time."

I grinned. "Of course. I'm a man of my word."

I walked over and placed a small dimensional storage cube on the table.

With a soft hum and a ripple of magic, the cube activated—

And weapons began to materialize one by one, glowing faintly as they took shape.

A specially enchanted sword for Kiba, its silver edge gleaming with kinetic enhancements.

A reinforced gauntlet for Koneko, layered with dense magical shielding.

An advanced grimoire for Akeno, humming with boosted elemental resonance.

And finally—

A customized Gremwar designed for Rias herself, its crimson accents and runic engravings tailored to her unique devil energy.

Akeno was the first to speak, as always.

"Ara~ such a generous merchant, Malrik-kun." She set her teacup down, lips curling into a playful smirk. "Should we expect a loyalty discount next time?"

I returned the smile. "For you, Akeno? I could be persuaded—if you ask nicely."

Rias exhaled through her nose, half sigh, half amusement.

"You certainly don't behave like a normal weapons dealer."

"Why limit myself?" I replied casually. "I'm a man of many talents."

Before she could respond, the clubroom door burst open.

Issei stumbled in, wide-eyed.

He scanned the room…

Then locked eyes with me.

"Wait—why are YOU here?" he blurted.

I arched a brow. "What, am I not allowed in the clubroom?"

Rias answered for me, as calm as ever.

"Malrik also has a Sacred Gear," she said.

Issei's brain visibly stalled.

"WAIT… WHAT?!"

Rias folded her hands. "His ability allows him to create anything he wants."

Issei gawked at me like I'd grown a second head.

"Anything?! As in… literally anything?!"

"Pretty much," I said with a shrug.

He turned to Rias with pleading eyes.

"Rias, can I get a weapon too?!"

She sighed, already regretting it.

"Fine. Pick something. I'll cover the cost."

Issei lit up.

"Oh! Oh! I want a spear! A big, powerful one!"

I chuckled and raised my hand, gathering a swirl of glowing energy at my fingertips.

In moments, a spear formed in front of me—sleek, black metal shaft, runic engravings along the blade, and an aura of raw force humming around it.

I tossed it toward him.

"Here."

He caught it—

Then immediately staggered under the weight.

"Whoa—this thing's heavier than it looks!" he yelped.

And then…

He almost stabbed Kiba.

Kiba stepped to the side without even blinking, the spear grazing past him.

"You should probably learn how to hold it before trying to swing it," he said with a faint smile.

Issei scratched his head and laughed awkwardly.

"Hehe… oops."

I sighed and retrieved the weapon from him, giving it a quick twirl in my hand.

"You've got zero technique."

"Hey, it's my first time handling a spear!"

Without a word, I spun the weapon again—smooth, controlled, fluid.

A quick sequence followed: sharp strikes, seamless transitions, sweeping arcs, and a final precise thrust that made the air itself hiss.

The room fell silent.

Even Koneko stopped chewing.

I could feel the weight of their eyes on me.

Akeno tilted her head, clearly intrigued.

"Ara~ I didn't realize you were this skilled with close combat too, Malrik-kun."

Rias's composure wavered for just a second.

"Not only magic," she murmured. "But martial prowess as well…"

The tension in the room thickened.

Kiba stepped forward, hand resting lightly on the hilt of his sword.

He wasn't just impressed.

He was challenging me.

That polite smile of his remained, but there was a glint in his eyes—a swordsman's spark.

Respect.

Curiosity.

And anticipation.

"Since you seem comfortable with weapons… would you mind a spar?"

I flipped the spear in my hand, feeling the perfect balance shift through my fingers.

A slow smile spread across my face.

"A duel, huh?" I said. "Well… it'd be rude to turn down an invitation."

Akeno giggled. "Ara~ this should be fun."

Rias leaned back slightly, studying us both now with interest.

Even Koneko, for once, sat up straighter.

Rias gave a small nod.

"Very well. Let's take this to the training field."