8:00 PM.
A narrow alley near Ikebukuro, Tokyo.
Ding-ling.
The abrupt sound of a bell ringing echoed through the alley.
At the chime, a white cat perched on the wall lifted its head curiously, peering toward the sound.
Just then, the cat spotted a figure that had suddenly appeared in the alley.
As the white cat crept closer, it realised the figure was a young woman—her voluptuous figure barely concealed by her loose black kimono, exuding both sensuality and allure.
"Meow~"
Startled by her sudden appearance, the white cat let out a puzzled cry.
In response, the girl in the dark kimono playfully echoed:
"Meow~~"
"Meow~~"
And so, the girl and the cat began exchanging meows, as if conveying some hidden message.
This peculiar exchange continued until a male voice interrupted:
"Chatting with cats again, Kuroka?"
At these words, the girl called Kuroka twitched, and a pair of adorable black cat ears popped up atop her head.
Narrowing her golden slit-pupiled eyes, Kuroka turned her gaze toward the silver-haired boy at the alley's entrance and greeted him with interest:
"Vali, it's been a while, meow~"
Vali Lucifer.
The descendant of the original Lucifer from the DxD world, grandson of the previous speaker, and Kuroka's comrade in the Khaos Brigade.
Not only did he possess a half-demon, half-human heritage, but he had also inherited the god-slaying Sacred Gear 'Divine Dividing', crafted by the God of the Bible, granting him draconic traits.
One could say Vali's innate bloodline destined him to stand at the pinnacle of the DxD world.
Naturally, Kuroka was quite intrigued by such a powerhouse. As a yokai from the nekomata clan, she was instinctively drawn to finding a strong mate to produce even stronger offspring.
However, while Kuroka was interested in Vali, his focus lay more on her abilities.
A master of senjutsu and magic, with exceptional prowess in spatial manipulation, barriers, and healing techniques—she was the perfect utility ally.
For Vali, who thrived on battling the strong, Kuroka was indeed an ideal companion.
Especially in this dangerous world.
"That guy Cao Cao must have briefed you, right?"
Cao Cao, leader of the Khaos Brigade's Hero Faction and Vali's nominal superior—at least for now, both he and Kuroka operated under his command.
Hearing this, Kuroka immediately grasped Vali's meaning:
"You're referring to those so-called Classes?"
"Right."
Vali grinned, his tone laced with amusement:
"Every faction in the Khaos Brigade is intensely curious about this power that strengthens you without relying on bloodlines or Sacred Gears."
"Practically everyone who knows I'm here has asked me to gather intel on the Classes. Thanks to their support, I managed to call you over."
Kuroka wasn't particularly surprised by Vali's words.
The Khaos Brigade had many tendrils extending into the Underworld, so long ago, Kuroka had learned some intelligence sealed away by the Satans of the Underworld through their network.
For instance, the female swordsman known as Twin Wings, who fought Sirzechs Lucifer to a standstill using only her blade.
Or the Great Onmyoji Hao Asakura, who manipulated the five elements and yin-yang, forcibly slaughtered several Ultimate-Class demons during a Demon Council meeting, then took the mutilated demon remains right under Satan Ajuka's nose—unscathed.
These suddenly appearing powerhouses, who caused major incidents before vanishing just as abruptly, all seemed to be from this world. Moreover, the power they wielded was known as Class.
Thanks to such displays of strength, many factions in the Underworld had set their sights on this world. However, aside from Satan Ajuka, very few possessed the means to reach it.
Of course, judging by the current situation, the Khaos Brigade had now joined the ranks of organisations capable of traversing worlds.
Among the first batch sent by the Khaos Brigade to this world to seize Class powers was the battle maniac Vali.
As Vali had mentioned, Kuroka had only come at his request.
"So Vali, do you have leads on the Classes?"
"Indeed, some."
Vali revealed an excited grin:
"In the central district of this city, there's an organisation called the Hidden Management Department that holds information about the Classes."
Hearing this, Kuroka immediately perked up:
"Oh? Are you suggesting you specifically called me here to play thief?"
"That works~ Stealing is practically a cat yōkai's innate skill~"
Vali chuckled in response:
"The Hidden Management Department has at least four Demigods - fighters on par with Twin Wings and that Great Onmyoji."
Instantly, Kuroka's smile froze:
"Let me ask something, nyaa!"
"Vali, you're not actually planning to charge in there, are you?"
"Don't be ridiculous!" Vali scoffed dismissively. "With our current strength, forcing our way into the Hidden Management Department would be sheer madness."
"Then why mention it?" Kuroka regarded Vali with rare curiosity.
This battle junkie who'd pick fights with random street dogs was actually showing restraint?
Now that was something new!
"I'm just setting it as a long-term goal."
Vali's lips curled into a confident smirk:
"Someday, I'll storm that place and test just how many strong fighters the Hidden Management Department really has!"
"Oh, good luck with that then."
Koreka fanned herself lazily with her hand as she gave a half-hearted response:
"So, besides that terrifying Hidden Management Department, where else can we obtain Class inheritances?"
"You deliberately manipulated Cao Cao and the others into sending me here - surely not just for a date?"
Vali laughed heartily:
"Of course not."
He paused meaningfully before continuing:
"I do have another lead regarding the Classes."
"What is it?" Kuroka asked, intrigued.
It was then that Vali's face lit up with excitement:
"Something called the True Dragon's Legacy!"
"Rumour says it was acquired by a Southeast Asian royal family and has been brought to Tokyo for auction!"
"By then, all the major powers of this world will likely be competing for it!"
"So, Kuroka, fancy pulling off a heist?"
Receiving Vali's invitation, Kuroka immediately looked interested:
"My my, such an amusing proposition~ Naturally I'll join the fun, nyaa~"
Facing so-called Demigods was beyond her, but robbing some minor kingdom's royalty? That was right up her alley!
"Excellent." Vali's smile widened. "Then let's make this truly spectacular!!"