The days following Asia's rescue blurred into a delicate balance of normalcy and the supernatural undercurrents that defined my new life as Issei Hyoudou in the High School DxD world. Kuoh Academy buzzed with its usual rhythm—classes droning on about history and math, Matsuda and Motohama cracking jokes about the latest anime releases—but beneath it all, I could feel the weight of greater forces at play. My fallen angel girlfriends—Raynare, Kalawarner, and Mittelt—had seamlessly integrated into my routine, posing as "exchange students" during the day and revealing their true forms only in the privacy of my home. Asia, now my best friend had taken to calling my house her temporary haven, her gentle presence a soothing counterpoint to the trio's fiery energy. My parents, still flustered from the Raynare incident, had warmed to "Yuuma" and her "friends," even hosting that awkward family dinner where Dad grilled them on their "hobbies" while Mom fussed over plates of curry. With my Luck, no one questioned the sudden influx of beautiful girls orbiting my life.
But power came with scrutiny. Rias Gremory, my uneasy ally had been watching me more closely since the church incident. Whispers reached me through Matsuda—rumors of "weird lights" near the old chapel, exorcists vanishing overnight. Rias knew something was up, and I suspected she was piecing together my involvement. Our alliance was fragile, built on mutual benefit rather than trust, and I wasn't eager to tip my hand about my fallen angel harem or the copied Twilight Healing pulsing in my veins.
My stats had stabilized into a symphony of superhuman potential, a constant reminder of the Gamer System's gifts:
Name: Issei Hyoudou
Level: 31
HP: 15,000/15,000 (Calculated as [150 Strength + 150 Endurance] × 50)
MP: 7,500/7,500 (Calculated as 150 Intelligence × 50)
Strength: 150
Endurance: 150
Agility: 150
Intelligence: 150
Luck: 150
Stat Points: 0
Skills:
Observe (Level Max): Reveals full stats and thoughts, bypassing all restrictions.
Perks:
Gamer's Mind: Immunity to mental effects; calm rationality.
Gamer's Body: Damage to HP; minimized fatigue/pain.
Power of Destruction: Destructive energy blasts, scalable with Intelligence.
Sacred Gears:
Boosted Gear: Doubles power every 10 seconds; Ddraig's residence.
Twilight Healing (Balance Breaker) (Copy): Rapid healing; healing fields.
Quests: None
Inventory: Empty
Relationship System:
Raynare: Lover (92/100)
Kalawarner: Lover (90/100)
Mittelt: Lover (90/100)
Asia Argento: Best Friend (80/100)
Matsuda: Friend (66/100)
Motohama: Friend (66/100)
Rias Gremory: Ally (40/100)
Most female classmates: Neutral (20-25/100)
Ddraig's voice had been quiet lately, a low rumble of approval in my mind: "You're building something solid, partner. But devils like Rias don't call without reason. Watch your back." He was right. The Riser Phenex arc loomed in my knowledge of the series—a forced engagement, a Rating Game, and a chance for Issei to shine. But I wasn't the canon pushover; with my power, I could alter the script entirely.
It started innocuously enough. During lunch, as I sat with Asia munching on bentos (her gentle smile a balm after sparring sessions with Kalawarner), a note slipped into my hand. Folded precisely, it bore the Occult Research Club's insignia—a crimson pentagram. The message was brief: Issei Hyoudou, meet me in the ORC after school. We need to talk. - Rias Gremory.
Asia tilted her head, her green eyes curious. "Everything okay, Issei? You look tense."
I forced a grin, Gamer's Mind keeping my pulse steady. "Just club stuff. Rias wants to chat about... school council things." A white lie; Asia didn't know the full extent of the supernatural world yet, and I wanted to shield her innocence a bit longer.
She nodded trustingly. "Be careful. She's... intense."
Understatement of the year. After the bell, I waved off Matsuda and Motohama's invitations to arcade-hopping—"Gotta handle some president business," I joked—and headed to the old school building. The ORC's door creaked open under my touch, revealing the familiar clubroom: antique furniture, a massive desk piled with occult tomes, and the faint scent of incense and old wood. Rias stood by the window, her crimson hair cascading like a waterfall of fire, her uniform accentuating her heiress poise. She turned as I entered, blue eyes locking onto mine with that piercing intensity.
"Issei," she said, her voice a velvet command. "Thank you for coming. Close the door."
I did, leaning against it casually. Gamer's Mind ensured I stayed cool, but curiosity burned. I activated Observe on her, the blue screen materializing in my vision:
Name: Rias Gremory
Level: 25
HP: 8,000/8,000
MP: 12,000/12,000
Strength: 50
Endurance: 60
Agility: 55
Intelligence: 80
Luck: 40
Thoughts About You: "He's here. That power I sensed—it's even stronger up close. The church incident... it has to be him. But why hide it? This alliance could be more if he'd just trust me. And Riser... if I tell him, will he help? Or complicate things?"
Her thoughts were a whirlwind—suspicion about the church, wariness about me, and a undercurrent of desperation. Riser. The name hit like a gut punch; the arc was starting right on cue. Her relationship score ticked up slightly to 42/100, perhaps from my prompt arrival.
"What's this about, Rias?" I asked, crossing my arms. "If it's about the church, I had nothing to do with—"
She held up a hand, silencing me with a wry smile. "Save the denials, Issei. I know you were involved. Exorcists don't just vanish, and that residual energy... it's not holy, but it's not demonic either. You're hiding cards, and as your ally, I deserve to know them." She paused, her expression softening fractionally. "But that's not why I called you here. Sit. This is... personal."
Personal? That was new. I took a seat on the leather sofa, watching as she paced, her heels clicking against the polished floor. The room felt heavier, charged with unspoken tension. "Go on."
Rias stopped, leaning against her desk, arms crossed under her ample chest—a classic Gremory power pose. "My family... the House of Gremory... has arranged a marriage for me. To Riser Phenex, heir of the Phenex Clan. It's a political alliance, meant to strengthen ties between our houses. Devils thrive on such bonds, but this one..." She trailed off, her eyes distant, a flicker of vulnerability breaking through her composure. "Riser is arrogant, entitled. He sees me as a trophy, not an equal. The engagement was announced last week, but I have a way out—a Rating Game. If I win, I can reject him."
A Rating Game. The devilish version of chess with living pieces—high-stakes battles between peerages. In canon, this was where Issei stepped up, but here? I was an outsider, an ally, not a servant. Her thoughts via Observe confirmed the stakes: "If he refuses to help, I'm trapped. But his power... Boosted Gear, I think. He could turn the tide."
I leaned forward, processing. "And you want me to join the fight? I told you, Rias—I'm not becoming a devil. No Evil Pieces for me."
She shook her head, crimson locks swaying. "I respect that. But as an ally, you could fight alongside us. Unofficially. The rules allow... special circumstances." Her voice dropped. "Riser's peerage is strong—immortal regeneration from his Phenex blood. My team—Akeno, Kiba, Koneko—they're capable, but we need an edge. You."
The door opened then, and in walked the rest of her peerage, drawn by the conversation's gravity. First was Akeno Himejima, the vice-president, her long black ponytail swaying like a silken rope, her uniform's ribbon accentuating her sadistic elegance. She smiled that knowing smile, but her eyes held curiosity. I hit Observe:
Name: Akeno Himejima
Level: 24
HP: 7,000/7,000
MP: 11,000/11,000
Strength: 45
Endurance: 50
Agility: 60
Intelligence: 75
Luck: 35
Thoughts About You: "Ara ara, the mysterious Issei Hyoudou. Rias-sama speaks highly of him, but there's something wild about his aura. Fallen angel taint? No... stronger. I'd love to tease out his secrets—perhaps with a little lightning."
Her thoughts dripped with that mix of allure and danger, her relationship score neutral at 15/100. She poured tea gracefully, setting a cup before me. "Welcome, Issei-kun. Tea?"
Next came Kiba Yuuto, the handsome knight of the group, his blonde hair impeccable, sword at his hip. He nodded politely, but his eyes assessed me like a rival bladesman. Observe:
Name: Kiba Yuuto
Level: 23
HP: 6,500/6,500
MP: 9,000/9,000
Strength: 55
Endurance: 55
Agility: 70
Intelligence: 60
Luck: 30
Thoughts About You: "He's no devil, but that power... it's draconic. A Sacred Gear user? If he's allying with Rias-sama, I'll test him in sparring. Can't have weak links against Phenex."
Kiba's score: 10/100, professional respect but no warmth. He took a seat across from me, fingers drumming his sword hilt.
Then, the smallest member: Koneko Toujou, the white-haired Rook, her tiny frame belying her strength. She clutched a sweet in her hand, golden eyes narrowing at me suspiciously. Observe:
Name: Koneko Toujou
Level: 20
HP: 5,500/5,500
MP: 4,000/4,000
Strength: 70
Endurance: 80
Agility: 40
Intelligence: 40
Luck: 25
Thoughts About You: "Pervert smell... but fainter now. Strong, though. Doesn't like sweets? Weirdo. If he hurts Buchou, I'll crush him."
Her blunt thoughts amused me—echoes of the old Issei, but she'd noticed my changes. Score: 5/100, wary at best. She sat beside Kiba, munching her candy silently.
Gasper Vladi was absent, likely hiding in his box, but the core group was here. Rias cleared her throat, drawing their attention. "Everyone, Issei has agreed to be our ally in the Rating Game against Riser Phenex."
Akeno raised an eyebrow, a teasing lilt in her voice. "Oh? The boy who turned down Buchou's Evil Piece? How intriguing."
Kiba nodded thoughtfully. "His strength could be key. Phenex's flames are no joke."
Koneko just grunted, eyes flicking to me: "Prove it."
I sipped the tea, letting Gamer's Mind guide my response. "I'm in—as an ally, not a piece. But I need details. When's the game? What's Riser like?"
Rias sighed, sinking into her chair. "Two weeks. Riser will arrive tomorrow to 'inspect' my peerage—his way of gloating. He's a mid-class devil, with Phenex immortality. His sister Ravel manages logistics, but his team's packed with bishops and knights. Arrogant doesn't cover it; he believes women exist to serve him."
Her voice cracked slightly on that last part, and Observe caught the undercurrent: "I won't be his doll. Not after fighting for my freedom." My own thoughts stirred—anger at Riser's chauvinism, a protective instinct toward Rias. Our alliance was pragmatic, but this felt personal.
Before I could reply, the door burst open with dramatic flair. "Well, well! If it isn't the little Gremory heiress and her ragtag club!"
In strode Riser Phenex, a golden-haired peacock in a tailored suit, his smirk as oily as his confidence. Flames flickered at his fingertips, a casual display of power. Flanking him were two of his peerage: a busty blonde knight and a stern bishop, but Riser dominated the room. I activated Observe immediately, dubbing him Burger Chicken in my mind—a petty jab at his flamboyant, fried-chicken dynasty vibe:
Name: Riser Phenex (Burger Chicken)
Level: 22
HP: 9,000/9,000 (Regenerates rapidly due to Phenex blood)
MP: 10,000/10,000
Strength: 60
Endurance: 70 (Immortal regeneration)
Agility: 50
Intelligence: 65
Luck: 45
Thoughts About You: "Who's this? Some human stray Rias picked up? Pathetic. I'll burn him to ash if he gets in my way. Rias will be mine soon enough—her resistance is adorable."
His thoughts reeked of entitlement, his score a flat 0/100—Instant Enemy. Riser sauntered in, ignoring me at first, his eyes raking over Rias possessively. "My fiancée! I've come to see how preparations fare. Your peerage looks... adequate. Though I expected more fire from the Gremory name."
Akeno giggled, masking her disdain. "Such charm, Riser-sama."
Kiba's hand twitched toward his sword, while Koneko's eyes narrowed to slits. Rias stood, her Power of Destruction crackling faintly in the air—a warning. "Riser. This is a private meeting. State your business and leave."
He laughed, a grating sound, circling her desk like a predator. "Business? I'm here to claim what's mine. Father insists on the wedding next month. But first..." His gaze slid to me, finally registering my presence. "And who is this? A pet? Rias, darling, you know humans don't belong in our world."
I met his eyes, Gamer's Mind keeping my tone even. "Issei Hyoudou. Ally to Rias. And last I checked, this is her territory."
Riser's smirk faltered, his Observe thoughts shifting: "This one's got backbone. And that aura... dangerous. No matter—I'll crush him later." He waved dismissively. "An ally? How quaint. Stay out of the Rating Game, boy, or Phenex flames will be the last thing you feel."
The tension spiked, Akeno's lightning arcing subtly, Kiba's sword half-drawn. Rias stepped between us, her voice steel. "Threaten my allies again, Riser, and the game starts now."
He held up his hands in mock surrender, chuckling. "Feisty as ever. Fine—I'll return for the formal challenge. Prepare to lose, Rias." With a flourish of flames, he and his entourage vanished in a teleport circle, leaving scorch marks on the carpet.
The room exhaled collectively. Rias slumped against her desk, rubbing her temples. "That man..."
Akeno placed a hand on her shoulder. "We'll win, Buchou. With Issei-kun's help."
Kiba nodded. "Agreed. We train tomorrow?"
Koneko popped another sweet in her mouth. "Yeah. Don't slack, Pervert."
I smirked at the nickname—progress? "Wouldn't dream of it."
As the meeting wrapped, Rias pulled me aside. "Thank you, Issei. For listening. And for standing up to him."
Her score hit 45/100, a spark of trust forming. "Anytime. We're allies, right? Burger—er, Riser—won't know what hit him."
She arched an eyebrow at the slip but smiled faintly. "Burger Chicken? Fitting. See you at training."
I left the ORC, mind buzzing. The Riser arc was in full swing—inspection done, game looming. With my power and Rias's peerage, victory was probable, but Riser's immortality complicated things. Ddraig chuckled in my head: "Time to show that phoenix what a real dragon can do."
Back home, I debriefed Raynare, Kalawarner, Mittelt, and Asia over takeout. The fallen trio perked at the challenge—"A Rating Game? Sounds fun. We could sabotage from the shadows," Mittelt suggested—while Asia fretted, "Be careful, Issei! Fire sounds scary." Their loyalty warmed me, scores steady.
As night fell, I lay awake, staring at the ceiling. Riser's arrogance would be his downfall, but I sensed deeper plots—Sirzechs, the Underworld's eyes on Kuoh. With 150 in every stat, Boosted Gear, and allies aplenty, I was ready. But alliances were tested in fire, and this game would burn hot.
The pieces were set. Check was coming.