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Occult Research Club!
It was school time, sure—but no one in the club had any intention of going to class.
After all, they were demons. Attending class was just a cover, something to kill time.
Everyone sat around the table as Akeno Himejima handed out steaming cups of tea.
"So you're saying Koneko was in danger yesterday? And it was... a stray exorcist?"
Rias Gremory frowned slightly. "That's a bit of a problem."
"Wait, what's a 'stray exorcist' exactly?"Utaha raised her hand, curious.
Even though she'd been cramming supernatural knowledge lately, she'd only just become a demon herself.There were still a lot of basic things she didn't know.
"A stray exorcist," Minato explained, "is someone who lost themselves to killing, and then got kicked out by the church."
"There are also stray demons," he added, "who lose control after leaving their masters and run wild."
"In novels, those kinds of characters never end well, right?" Utaha said instinctively.
"Exactly. Usually, they get taken care of." Rias nodded."But sometimes, if they're strong enough, stray exorcists can survive by becoming servants of fallen angels. That way, they get protection."
"F-Fallen angels?!"Utaha was dumbfounded. "So you're saying... there might be fallen angels in this city too?"
Seriously?! She'd just become a demon, and now she was already getting dragged into some high-level conflict?
"It's very possible."Rias's expression turned serious.
"But no matter what, this is the Gremory family's territory. Even fallen angels don't get to mess around here."
"Take charge of this investigation, Akeno. And don't forget to inform Sona. Tell her to stay alert."
"Yes."Akeno bowed respectfully, then left the room.
"Man, you really don't waste any time," Minato said with a casual smile. "Need me to do anything?"
"Not for now."
"And since when did you get so strong?"Rias gave him a meaningful look. "But hey, thanks for taking out that stray exorcist. Koneko could've been in real trouble otherwise."
Minato sipped his tea and smiled mysteriously. "I'm a lot stronger now, you know."
"Oh right, did you bring that demon summoning contract method I asked for?"
This world was a wild mix of different powers, and more and more strong beings were becoming aware of the existence of alternate worlds.
So some demons had this crazy idea—to use summoning contracts to reach other worlds.
And Minato was tempted too. It'd help him gather more Origin Points.
"I brought it. And the magic books you asked for too," Rias said, nodding.
The next moment—A magic circle lit up, and a mountain of books appeared out of nowhere.
"The special demon contract you wanted is in this notebook."Rias pulled out a simple-looking journal. "But just so you know, the technique's a failure. Read it if you're curious, but don't waste too much energy on it."
Minato gave her a warm smile. "Got it. I'll be careful."
He wasn't expecting much—just giving it a shot.
But wow, she really brought this many books? Did she just clean out the Gremory family's library?
Finishing his tea, Minato added, "By the way, Rias, I have a favor to ask."
"What is it?"
"My... pretty useless servant here is still just a low-class demon. She's got talent, sure, but no real combat experience. Think you could train her up?"
"Huh?"
Utaha stared blankly.
Useless? And he was just gonna hand her over to his main girl like it was nothing?
Even though she was silently screaming inside, Utaha kept a calm expression.No way she was gonna lose her cool here.
"No problem. Let's start by having Koneko show her the ropes."
Rias gave Koneko some instructions, and then Utaha dragged Minato into the hallway.
"You really pulled me aside just for this?"
Minato looked at Rias, confused.
"You're something else. Your first servant's a cute girl, and you're already spoiling her this much? I'm getting jealous, y'know."
Rias twirled a strand of her crimson hair and smiled playfully.
Minato got the hint. He took a few steps forward, wrapped his arms around her, and gently lowered his head.
A moment passed.
When they finally pulled apart, Rias's eyes were hazy, her chest heaving.
Minato grinned. "That enough for you?"
Rias fixed her messy hair and snorted. "I guess I'll let you off this time."
"Oh? Want to go another round?"
She looked tempted, but shook her head. "Forget it. We've got more important things to do."
If they kept going, she might really lose control.
And she hadn't forgotten that Utaha and Koneko were still back in the room.
Seeing that, Minato didn't push it. He just took her hand and walked back into the clubroom.
As soon as they entered, they felt two unreadable stares directed right at them.
No need to guess—it was Koneko and Utaha.
"Koneko, where were we?"Rias's cheeks reddened slightly, but she quickly regained her composure."Forget it. Combat's better learned through real practice. Let's head outside."
The two girls stood up and followed Rias out.
Minato didn't bother joining. He sat down and started flipping through the notebook.
[Origin +10]
He read slowly, deep in thought, a glint of insight occasionally flashing through his eyes.
"So that's why the technique failed," he murmured, closing the notebook.
This technique was essentially an enhanced version of the demon summoning contract.
But trying to cross over to another world brought two major issues:
First, how to locate the other world.
Second, how to keep the contract intact while traveling through the cracks between worlds.
"Actually... this might still be doable."
Minato stroked his chin thoughtfully.
The first issue was basically a probability problem—cast a wide net, and maybe he'd get lucky.
The second issue, though, was the crushing force of those world rifts.Even demon lord-level magic power couldn't withstand it.
But his Origin power might just work.
Chapter 9: The Nun, Asia
The sun was setting.
The golden light painted the street in a warm, dreamlike glow.
"Man, combat training is seriously rough..."Utaha groaned as she rubbed her sore shoulders. Her whole body felt like it was weighed down with lead.
Who knew such a cute and petite girl like Koneko could be so brutal in a fight?
Guess that's what made her a seasoned demon.
"This is only the beginning," Minato said. "And stay sharp—we've got something else to do."
Utaha looked curious. "What now?"
"We're looking for a nun."
"Oh wow, my devilish master is targeting a nun now?"
"Not like that."Minato explained, "She's probably connected to the fallen angels."
If he remembered right, that was the case.
But with how unpredictable the world was now, he couldn't be totally sure.
"Uh..."
Utaha blinked and pointed off to the side."You mean... that girl?"
"Huh?"
Minato followed her gaze—and froze in surprise.
Standing there was a girl in a nun's outfit, with long, radiant blonde hair.
She was staring at a burger shop, practically drooling.
Maybe... she was easier to approach than he expected?
Utaha's eyes gleamed.Noticing that Minato wasn't hostile toward the girl, and fully stepping into her role as his servant, she decided to help.
She walked up and asked kindly, "Hey, do you need help with something?"
"Eh?"The girl blinked in surprise.
Minato watched this unfold and nodded with approval.
Nice!Utaha was already becoming a proper servant.
As the sky darkened...
Inside the burger shop, the three of them sat across from each other.
The table was full of burgers and snacks.
Asia looked conflicted.She was starving, but walking into a fast-food place with complete strangers?Kinda sketchy.
She wanted to leave... but she was just so hungry.
"Don't just stare—go ahead and eat. It's on me."Minato chuckled. "Or do you think this stuff's junk food?"
"N-No! Of course not!"Asia shook her head in panic, then whispered,"Thank you... I'll eat a little, then."
She picked up a burger and started nibbling—but before long, she was devouring it, cheeks stuffed full, a look of pure happiness on her face.
"This is amazing... it's so good!"
"You've never had a burger before?" Utaha asked.
"No."Asia shook her head. "There were only plain loaves of bread at the church."
"..."Utaha fell silent.
What kind of life had this girl lived?
Was the church seriously this strict with even their own nuns?
Once Asia finally finished eating, Minato spoke up."Asia, can we talk now?"
"You... you know my name?"Her eyes widened. "Have we met before?"
"This is our first meeting. But I know who you are."
Minato looked at her seriously. "You're the only nun who can heal demons... right?"
Wha—!?
Asia froze... then started trembling.
Were these two... fallen angels too?
She'd only just escaped...
Her expression turned sorrowful.
This must be punishment. Her faith just wasn't strong enough.
What the heck is going on in her head?
Watching her dramatic expression, Minato said gently,"You don't need to be afraid. We're not with the church, and we're not fallen angels either."
Asia blinked—then her face turned bright red.
Asia Argento, what are you thinking?! How could you doubt the people who just fed you?!
"My Master is right—because we're demons!"Utaha gave a classic villain grin.
"D-Demons?!"
Asia completely froze up.
"Utaha, why'd you scare her like that?"
Minato sighed."Okay, yeah, we are demons. But we're not gonna hurt you."
Staring into Minato's honest eyes, Asia slowly calmed down.
Somehow... she felt like she could trust him.
She didn't even know why.
"Master, why weren't you this gentle with me back then?"Utaha pouted."Turns out you can be nice, huh?"
"Oh? I thought you liked the way we interacted."
"You've got the wrong idea of what 'liking' means, you pervy Master!"
"You didn't say that when I was recharging your magic."
At that, Utaha's face went bright red, completely speechless.
Her mind instantly filled with those memories.
Minato gave her a curious look.
Weird... was her sharp tongue losing its bite?
But right now, the most important thing was Asia."Asia, you probably don't have anywhere to go right now, do you? If you don't mind, there's an empty room at my place."
"R-Really?!"
Asia's eyes widened, full of shock and joy.
She hadn't had a home ever since she was kicked out of the church.
That offer hit her hard.
"Of course."
Minato smiled.
At Minato's House
After answering some questions, Asia had fallen fast asleep.
Utaha sat on the couch, staring at Minato in surprise."I'm shocked. My pervy Master didn't even try anything?"
"What'd you think I was gonna do?"
"Well, I mean, she's a cute girl. I figured you'd at least try to make her your servant."
Minato grabbed a juice from the fridge and took a sip."She's got strong faith in her God. It won't be that easy."
Thinking of her past, Minato looked a bit complicated.
He wasn't a good guy.
But even he had some standards.
And a servant gained without consent? That meant nothing.
Looking at him, Utaha felt like she was seeing a whole new side of her Master.
He was... more complicated than she thought.
But maybe that made him even more interesting.
"Well, it's getting late. You should get some rest."
Minato stretched and headed for the door.
"Where are you going?"
"Now that I know fallen angels are involved," he said, "no way I'm sitting still. Not when this is my childhood friend's turf."
"....."