Arthur widened his eyes just slightly, feigning surprise at Rias's words. He let his expression shift between awe and confusion, just enough to sell the act.
"I see... That makes sense..." he said slowly, his tone even, as if trying to process the revelation.
But inside, his mind was already racing.
Without hesitation, he activated [Keen Insight] and [Six Eyes], releasing the flow of mana he usually kept restrained. The world around him changed instantly.
Colors deepened, energy became visible. The air shimmered with hidden patterns, and each person before him radiated an aura that revealed far more than what normal eyes could see.
Rias glowed like a silhouette of crimson flame, a shadowy figure wrapped in scarlet hues that pulsed steadily, like a living ember. Koneko's outline shimmered differently - her small frame overlaid with the faint, translucent form of a feline. A tail flickered behind her like an illusion, her ears sharp and alert.
Kiba Yuuto's energy, however, was more sinister. A dark, twisted sword shape was embedded deep within his spiritual core, resonating faintly like it was alive.
But there was one thing they all shared - that faint, dark red glow. The same essence he had seen in the wandering devils he had defeated earlier.
"To my eyes," he said quietly, "none of you seem human."
His words made them tense slightly. The change was subtle - Koneko's eyes narrowed, Kiba shifted almost imperceptibly into a guarded stance, and even Rias's confident smile faltered for a heartbeat.
The power of [Keen Insight] wasn't just visual. It carried a spiritual weight - a subtle pressure that crawled over the skin of its targets. Even when he suppressed it, that oppressive sensation made those under his gaze uneasy, as if their souls were being examined under a blade.
Arthur quickly cut the connection and turned his gaze aside. "I'm sorry about that," he said, lowering his voice.
Rias blinked once, recovering her composure. "It's alright," she replied smoothly. "If anything, it confirms our suspicions about you."
Her tone softened as she looked at him, crimson eyes gleaming with renewed curiosity.
"As the heir to the Gremory clan, it's my duty to protect this city and its people," she began, her voice carrying the poise of a natural leader.
"We've been entangled in... other matters lately," she continued, choosing her words carefully. "That lapse in vigilance allowed these devils to slip through. You may have saved lives tonight without even realizing it."
Arthur could tell her gratitude was genuine, but beneath it, there was something else - calculation.
Then Rias smiled, that graceful, confident smile that had likely charmed hundreds before him.
"I'd also like to invite you to join my group," she said clearly, stepping forward. "As one of my servants."
The air seemed to pause. Even Akeno tilted her head slightly, her expression unreadable but her eyes gleaming with interest.
Rias continued, her voice melodic and persuasive.
"Of course, it comes with benefits. You'll be able to reincarnate as a devil and gain power far beyond what you possess now. You'll have a long life, and the full protection of the Gremory clan - one of the most powerful families in the underworld."
Her confidence radiated with every word. It wasn't arrogance - not entirely. It was certainty, the quiet conviction of someone who had never needed to repeat themselves.
Rias truly believed her charm, her authority, and her offer were enough to sway anyone.
After all, few humans could resist the allure of power, immortality, and a life under the wing of a noble devil family.
But Arthur wasn't just any human.
And while he kept his expression calm, inwardly he already understood what she was thinking.
She wants me as her piece - her final move to break free from that engagement.
After thinking for a few moments, Arthur made his decision.
"Thanks, but no thanks."
His tone was polite, but firm.
Rias blinked, momentarily caught off guard. It wasn't just the rejection - it was the calm confidence in his voice. Most people, human or otherwise, would have accepted her offer without hesitation. But this boy… he looked completely unmoved by her charm, her title, or even the promise of power.
According to his memories of the novel, one of the central conflicts between Rias and Issei had always been the difference in their status. No matter how close they became, the fact that he was her pawn had created invisible walls between them.
Arthur didn't intend to repeat that cycle. He didn't need to.
The system gave him everything he could want - power, longevity, protection. He had no desire to serve anyone, no matter how beautiful or powerful they were.
"That…"
Rias's composed smile faltered slightly. This was a first for her. She had never been rejected before - especially not so calmly.
"My lovely boyfriend wouldn't reconsider his answer even for me~?"
Akeno's voice chimed in from behind her, playful and teasing as ever. Her tone was sweet, but her eyes shimmered with curiosity.
Arthur glanced her way and gave a small, apologetic smile. "I'm sorry, I don't mean to be rude," he said. "But the idea of being someone's servant doesn't appeal to me."
Before anyone could respond, he used Shunpo. The world blurred for a second, and he was suddenly several meters away. The movement was instant silent, clean, and completely without magical residue.
Akeno blinked, genuinely impressed. "He vanished without any trace of mana…?"
Rias composed herself quickly, masking her surprise. "I see... Even so, how about we cooperate instead?" she said, her tone measured and diplomatic. "An individual with your power could be a great help."
Arthur paused, considering her offer. Cooperation wasn't a bad idea. It would give him access to information, protection, and credibility in this world all without tying himself down.
"That sounds good to me," he said finally. "I don't know much about devils and all this, so I'd like to learn from you."
Rias's smile returned, this time more genuine. "In that case," she said, stepping forward and extending her hand, "it will be a pleasure to work together in the future."
He looked at her hand for a moment, then took it. Her skin was warm, her grip firm yet elegant.
"Likewise," he said.
They shook hands, sealing their agreement.
"Anyway," Rias continued, glancing up at the sky, "it's getting late. I'll see you tomorrow to talk in more detail."
Arthur followed her gaze - the sun had already dipped below the horizon, and the last traces of orange had given way to violet dusk. The battle had taken longer than he thought, and his daily mission still wasn't complete.
"Don't worry," Rias said smoothly. "Come see me tomorrow after classes at the Occult Research Club. We'll be waiting."
She looked pleased, satisfied that she had at least created a link between them. She hadn't been able to bring him into her peerage, but a connection was a strong first step.
"Hehe~ See you tomorrow, boyfriend~"
Akeno waved flirtatiously as Arthur's form flickered again. In the blink of an eye, he was gone - vanishing into the distance with Shunpo before anyone could say another word.
Silence lingered for a few moments after his departure.
Akeno's teasing smile faded, replaced by a more serious expression. "Are you sure about this, Rias? Maybe we should've pushed a little harder."
Rias crossed her arms, her gaze thoughtful. "No. That boy has too much pride. Pressuring him would only make him resent us. For now, we'll take things slowly - show him the advantages of being with us. If that fails…" she gave a small smirk, "we can always use… other methods."
Akeno chuckled softly, her teasing tone returning. "Ara ara~ I didn't think my King would consider such methods. But, if it comes to that, I wouldn't mind volunteering."
Rias gave her a look that was half amusement, half exasperation. "You'd enjoy that too much, Akeno."
The raven-haired girl covered her mouth with a light laugh. "Guilty~"
Rias sighed but smiled. "Well, that's enough for today. Let's get back to work."
She clapped her hands once, and the others looked up. The red glow of a teleportation circle began to form beneath their feet.
Just before the light engulfed them, Kiba turned toward Rias. "Hey... what was that guy's name again?"
Koneko, munching on her ever-present snack, answered dully, "That rude senpai didn't introduce himself."
Rias blinked. "I completely forgot to ask his name..."
Akeno giggled softly, her eyes gleaming with mischief. "Fufu~ Don't worry, I already looked into it. I have all the information we need back at the Clubroom."
As the circle activated and the group vanished into light, the last thing Rias said was half-amused, half-determined.
"Arthur, huh… interesting boy."