These past few days, aside from heading into the Apocalypse world at night to grind zombies, Akuto's life in the DxD world was rather routine.
Before school, he would "accidentally" run into Aika Kiryu right at his doorstep.
They'd exchange a glance, immediately understand each other, and battle it out on the spot. Aika would end up kneeling before him, undoing his belt.
During class, Akuto balanced study and training as usual.
The Book of Leviathan given to him by Grayfia contained many powerful techniques suited for him.
More importantly, he discovered that a lot of the spells could be combined with True Water Breathing—with slight adjustments, both would become even stronger.
After school, he would meet Yuma Amano on the pedestrian bridge.
Now, after Akuto kissed her, Yuma would still blush, but she also began kissing him back.
Sometimes, after their kiss, Yuma would even invite him out on dates.
…
After one such date with Yuma, the sun had fully set.
That's when his phone rang—it was Aika.
"Akuto-kun, can you come over?"
"What happened, Aika? Are you in trouble?" Their relationship had grown closer, so Akuto now addressed her more intimately.
"Hmph, so in your heart I'm the type of woman who only brings you trouble?" Aika sounded annoyed.
"It's about a new retainer, silly~"
"You said before you were looking for subordinates with special abilities, right? After school today I wandered around Kuoh Town, using these eyes that see through truth to help you scout talent."
"And guess what? I really found someone worth recruiting—a girl named… Asia Argento?"
"Asia? Alright, I'm coming."
He had just gotten home, but now he set out again without rest.
"Oh my~"
"From the way you reacted, Akuto-kun, you already know of this Asia?" Aika asked curiously.
"You could say I know her… and don't. Think of it as me having a kind of revelation ability, letting me gather intel from channels unknown to you."
"That name—Asia Argento—I learned through revelation."
"Well, well~ In any case, Asia and I are waiting at my place, so hurry over~"
"Secretly, I'll tell you: after my persuasion, she's already agreed to leave her old job… and work under you!"
"…"
Akuto didn't expect Aika to be this capable—she'd done the work he himself had been planning. Wouldn't that make him, the King, seem a bit useless?
"…Alright, I'll be right there."
Ten minutes later, Akuto arrived at Aika's home.
Looking in from the entrance, he spotted Aika right away.
Seated across from her was a golden-haired, blue-eyed girl chatting happily—Asia Argento.
…
Asia Argento—former holy maiden of the Church, wielder of the powerful healing Sacred Gear Twilight Healing.
In the original story, she was exiled for healing devils' wounds.
Raynare, the Fallen Angel stationed in Kuoh Town, had offered to take her in. Asia traveled a long way seeking refuge.
What Raynare could do, so could Akuto.
Providing shelter in exchange for the loyalty of a top-tier healer? A deal too good to pass up.
…
"Yo~ Akuto-kun! Over here!"
Aika stood, waving him over.
"Asia, this is the high-class devil I told you about—Akuto."
"Yes! Thank you, Kiryu-san!"
Asia bowed deeply, her voice soft with shyness.
"Hello, Mr. Devil. My name is Asia Argento. Thanks to Kiryu-san's kindness, I hope to work under you."
She lowered her head like she was giving a formal job interview.
"No need to be so stiff—just call me Akuto. May I ask, what exactly did Aika say that made you decide to join me?" Akuto sipped coffee with a smile.
"She said the devils have already marked the Fallen Angels here in Kuoh, and soon they'll be eradicated. For my own safety, I should find someone who can protect me."
"I see."
Akuto noted Aika's skill at persuasion.
Of course, what she said wasn't wrong. In both the original story and this timeline, the Fallen Angels in Kuoh wouldn't last long.
"Aika's right. The Fallen Angels here won't survive much longer. Asia, you should make plans for your future."
"To be frank, I do need your ability—the power to heal even devils."
"If you're willing, I'd be glad to have you."
He produced a Bishop piece.
"I…"
"May I ask, what would my duties be?" Asia asked timidly.
"Primarily cooking for me, and healing my retainers when needed."
"As for pay and benefits… here, take a look."
He handed her a contract.
The Underworld had been generous. Along with his pureblood devil identity, Akuto had received ample assets and cultivation resources. More than enough to support subordinates.
"Eh? Two million yen a month?! Isn't that too much?"
Asia had lived a life of poverty in the Church. Such a high salary stunned her.
"No problem. Devils value contracts above all else. I'm offering that much because your abilities are worth it."
"Of course, if you think it's too much, you could share some with Aika—after all, without her, you wouldn't be here."
"I see~"
Asia found his fairness and straightforwardness comforting.
To work hard, support herself, and not rely on charity—that was her greatest wish.
"Alright… then please take care of me."
She reached out for the contract.
But just before she could sign—
Boom!!!
The door burst open.
A young man in lavish clothes stormed in.
"Asia! Don't sign with him!"
"If you must become a devil, then let me be your King—I'll protect you forever!"
No sooner had he rushed in, the effeminate devil youth blurted out his confession.
(End of Chapter)
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