Chapter 14

"Takayama, make sure to wear your uniform properly next time."

The firm, sharp voice came from a young woman with a serious and strict aura. Her short hair brushed her shoulders, her glasses were perfectly aligned on her face, and her stern expression made it clear who she was: Sona Sitri, or Souna Shitori in the human world. Sister of one of the Four Maous of the Underworld and the student council president of Kuoh Academy.

Kaito nodded silently and continued walking toward his classroom.

The reason he was here was simple. Upon arriving in the world of High School DxD, the system allowed him to choose both his location and age in order to create a proper identity.

The location was likely tied to the different mythological factions scattered across the world. As for the age... who knew? But Kaito chose to be just the right age to enter Kuoh Academy this very year, and of course, he placed himself in the same town where the original story unfolds.

He reached his classroom. His appearance was the same as always, so he didn't attract much attention—though there were still only a few students around.

He walked to the back of the room and sat next to the window, second to last row.

Little by little, the rest of the students began arriving. Since it was the first day, no one had formed groups yet. Most simply sat quietly, with a few exceptions.

However, the atmosphere shifted completely with the arrival of a certain student.

A petite girl with snow-white hair and a completely neutral expression. Her figure was surprisingly well-proportioned, even with a modest bust, and despite her distant aura, her presence captured everyone's attention.

As soon as she entered, the whole classroom stared while whispering:

"Who is she?"

"She's adorable..."

"She looks like a kitten..."

The girl ignored them completely and walked over to sit... right behind Kaito.

Tojou Koneko. He knew her well. And seeing her in person brought a slight smile to his face.

A few minutes later, the teacher arrived and quieted the class. Since it was the first day, she decided everyone should introduce themselves.

Most of the names were unfamiliar to Kaito. Except for one, of course.

When his turn came, he stood up and said:

"My name is Takayama Kaito. My hobbies are video games and cooking. I hope we can all get along."

A short, direct, and formal introduction. However, the class barely paid attention. Everyone was waiting for the girl seated behind him.

Koneko stood up.

"Tojou Koneko."

And sat back down without saying another word. An awkward silence fell over the classroom for a few seconds before the murmurs resumed.

The teacher tried to get more out of her.

"Tojou-san, don't you want to tell us more? Maybe a hobby?"

Koneko stayed thoughtful for a few seconds.

"I like video games."

And then sat down again, leaving the teacher slightly taken aback.

"…Well, that wraps up the introductions. I hope everyone gets along."

Class continued with a general explanation of the school year and the syllabus. Then the lesson began.

Kaito paid attention at first, but soon got bored. He'd already learned all this before. In fact, ever since his high school memories returned after reincarnating, he found it impossible not to get ahead of the material.

So, without much subtlety, he lifted his textbook like a shield and turned on his handheld console.

In Japan, students take their studies seriously. Many looked at him disapprovingly… but, being polite Japanese students, they respected personal space and left him alone.

Surprisingly, at the end of class, the teacher gave a short quiz to gauge the students' general level, forcing Kaito to put away his console.

This pattern repeated throughout the morning classes. So it wasn't just one teacher—it was a school tradition.

Finally, the lunch bell rang, and the students got up.

Since it was the first day, many tried to make friends, but Kaito didn't have time for that. His mission took priority.

He left the classroom and headed up to the rooftop.

Empty. Perfect.

He sat on one of the benches and pulled out his bento.

Thanks to the mission perk, he had chosen total mastery in cooking.

As soon as he opened the bento, a delicious aroma filled the air, making him swallow despite being the one who had prepared it.

It was just fried rice with vegetables and meat, but the smell was so good—so unreal—that it felt like it came straight out of a cooking anime.

He took the first bite and, without realizing it, finished the whole thing in minutes.

He sighed in satisfaction and lowered the bento… only to find a pair of eyes staring at him.

A few meters away, on another bench, the same girl from before—Tojou Koneko—was silently watching him. Her expression was as neutral as ever… but her eyes held something very close to disappointment.

Kaito looked at her, slightly awkward.

"Um... Tojou, right? Do you need something?"

She looked at him for a second, then shook her head and went back to her lunch.

Kaito shrugged and pulled a small pouch from his pocket. Some cookies he had made as dessert.

As soon as he opened it, he felt her gaze on him again.

He turned toward her.

"Tojou... do you want one?"

Koneko's eyes widened slightly in surprise, but she shook her head.

"No. I have my own food."

"Alright then," Kaito said, popping a cookie into his mouth.

But with each cookie he ate, he could feel Koneko's stare growing more intense.

When only one was left, he looked at her... and met her accusing eyes.

He sighed and stood up, walking over to her.

"Tojou, here," he offered the last cookie.

She shook her head, but he insisted.

"How about this? It's my first day, and I don't have any friends yet. I'm offering this as a token of friendship."

Koneko narrowed her eyes at him. Then, she sniffed the air in his direction.

"…Alright."

She took the cookie and, in less than a second, it was gone. For the first time since he'd met her that morning, she smiled.

Kaito sat down beside her. Koneko flinched slightly, but then simply ignored him.

Since there were still a few minutes left before the next class, he took out his console and resumed his game.

He was stuck on a tough boss. He failed several times… until he heard a voice beside him:

"You're missing the sword."

"What?"

"That boss is weak to the Infernal Sword. You need to get it."

Kaito blinked. That was the most she'd spoken all day.

"Where do I get it?"

"You have to go to..."

And so, between virtual battles and unexpected advice, lunch ended and they returned to class.

His classmates were surprised to see them arrive together, but the next teacher quickly made them be quiet.

At the end of the day, a few students tried to talk to them, but both Kaito and Koneko left without saying a word.

This caused some resentment toward Kaito... while Koneko, thanks to her serious and mysterious aura, only became even more popular.