Silas followed Kiba up the narrow staircase of the old school building, the wooden steps creaking faintly under their weight.
The air grew warmer, thicker with the scent of incense, brewed tea, and something faintly sweet—like roses mixed with ozone.
At the top, Kiba paused outside a heavy wooden door, knocked twice, then slid it open. "President, he's here."
Silas stepped inside.
The Occult Research Club room opened before him like a scene from a gothic romance novel: deep crimson curtains drawn halfway across the windows, soft lamplight casting long shadows, antique furniture arranged in a loose circle around a low table.
A chessboard sat untouched in one corner, pieces frozen mid-game. And there, waiting, were the three most powerful girls in Kuoh.
Rias Gremory stood near the center, arms loosely crossed under her chest, crimson hair glowing like embers in the low light. Her uniform blouse hugged her curves just enough to remind anyone looking why she was called the "Crimson-Haired Ruin Princess."
Beside her, Akeno Himejima leaned against the back of a sofa, long black ponytail swaying gently, violet eyes sparkling with mischief and her trademark teasing smile already in place.
Sona Sitri sat primly on an armchair, legs crossed, glasses reflecting the lamplight as she observed him with cool, calculating interest.
The room went still for a heartbeat as all three pairs of eyes locked onto him. Kiba stepped out. As Silas let the door slide shut behind him with a soft click.
He slipped his hands into his pockets, posture relaxed, and let a slow, lazy smile spread across his face—confident, warm, just a little dangerous.
"Well," he drawled, purple eyes sweeping over them one by one, lingering just long enough to make it deliberate, "if this is the welcome committee, I should've transferred sooner."
His gaze wasn't rushed. It was slow. Intentional. He looked at Rias first, then Sona, then Akeno — holding eye contact just long enough to make it clear he wasn't intimidated in the slightest.
The girls chuckled in response, though each for a different reason.
Rias found the confidence amusing.
Akeno found it bold.
Sona found it interesting.
"Welcome, Silas, to the Occult Research Club. I'm sure you've already met everyone here," Rias said smoothly, crossing one leg over the other as she watched him carefully.
He nodded and walked around the table without hesitation, choosing the couch directly opposite them. He sat comfortably, leaning back as if he belonged there.
"Yes, and might I add," he said with an easy smile, "it has been a pleasure to meet all of you."
Sona adjusted her glasses slightly before speaking. "It's a pleasure to meet you too, Silas. How was your first day? I hope our students treated you well."
' Our students is crazy,' he thought dryly. ' Aren't you the same age as half of them?'
"It was wonderful," he replied calmly. "And yes, I had no problems with anyone. In fact, they were very welcoming."
Sona gave a small, satisfied nod. "Well then. We hope you enjoy your time here."
"I hope I do as well."
As the exchange continued, Rias noticed the rhythm forming between Silas and Sona. It wasn't flirtatious — it was intellectual.
She didn't like losing the conversational lead in her own clubroom.
So she interjected smoothly.
"Silas, where do you come from? I heard you just moved here."
He shifted his gaze to her without missing a beat. "That is true. Originally, I was born in the UK. But now I'm here."
It was intentionally vague. He wasn't going to hide anything. But for now he wanted to play the part. Until they confronted him.
Rias tilted her head slightly. "Oh really? That's nice. I once went there when I was younger. A bit cold for my liking, but a nice place nevertheless."
"Yes, it is," he replied simply.
There was a brief pause. Sona did not waste it.
"What are you?"
The room stilled. Rias's eyes snapped toward her in shock and annoyance.
' What are you doing?! 'she sent mentally.
' Shut up. I've got this,' Sona responded without looking at her. ' He clearly knows who we are. Can't you see?'
' If he gets mad, I'll make sure to call your sister.' Rias replied.
At that, Sona visibly gulped.
All eyes turned to Silas.
He sat there calmly, hands resting loosely on his lap. Then, slowly, a grin spread across his face.
"Wow. What gave it away? I thought I did a good job at hiding myself."
Rias answered quickly, reclaiming control. "Even the weakest of humans have a bit of energy inside them. You, on the other hand, have none."
Silas nodded once. "Yes, you're right about that."
Guess I masked it a bit too well, he thought. Even then, if I revealed even a fraction of my energy… none of them could handle it.
Sona leaned forward, crossing her legs, resting her elbow on her thigh as she studied him closely. "You know what we are, correct?"
"Not really," he replied evenly. "Though I do know none of you are human. That much is obvious."
Akeno rose gracefully, breaking the tension slightly as she poured tea for him. The steam rose gently between them. As she handed him the cup, he gave her a subtle wink.
It did not go unnoticed.
Akeno smiled in return, the faintest blush touching her cheeks before she masked it with her usual composure.
Silas set the cup down gently.
"Why don't we introduce ourselves again," he suggested as he stood up. "I'll begin."
He straightened slightly, posture relaxed but confident.
"My name is Silas Morvane," he said, smirking just slightly. "And I am a God."
For a fraction of a second, their expressions shifted. Eyes widened. Energy in the room tightened. But they followed the structure he had set.
Rias stood first. "My name is Rias Gremory. I am a devil, the daughter of the Gremory Clan."
Sona followed. "I am Sona Sitri. The name I gave you before was not false — but incomplete. Like Rias, I am a devil."
Akeno smiled softly as she rose. "My name is Akeno Himejima. I am also a devil… though a bit different compared to them." She winked at Silas again.
He smiled back.
"It's nice to officially meet everyone."
They all sat back down, the atmosphere no longer hidden behind polite school formalities.
Sona leaned forward again immediately. She wasn't letting this go.
"So," she asked calmly, eyes locked onto his, "what kind of God are you?"
Silas chuckled, resting his chin lightly against his knuckles.
"That," he said smoothly, "is a surprise."
Silas leaned back into the couch, one arm resting lazily along the top while the other tapped lightly against his knee.
"You've asked what I am," he said calmly. "So it's only fair I ask in return."
His purple eyes shifted between them.
"What exactly are devils?"
The question sounded casual, almost harmless. But the way he watched them wasn't.
Rias studied him for a moment, as if weighing how much to say. Then she crossed her legs and began.
"Devils," she said smoothly, "are beings who reside in the Underworld. We operate under a ranking system based on chess pieces—King, Queen, Rook, Bishop, Knight, and Pawn."
Sona continued seamlessly, her tone more analytical. "Each high-class devil has a peerage. We reincarnate humans using Evil Pieces, turning them into devils who serve under us. It grants them power, extended lifespan, and a place in our society."
Silas nodded slowly. "Reincarnate."
"Yes," Akeno added gently. "Humans on the brink of death are often given a second chance. In exchange, they serve their King."
"And you?" Silas asked, looking at Rias. "You're a King."
Rias met his gaze without hesitation. "Correct. As is Sona."
"We compete through Rating Games," Sona explained. "Strategic battles between peerages. They determine status, political standing, and occasionally… disputes."
"Like supernatural chess," Silas mused.
"Exactly," Sona confirmed.
" How do you not know this? I assumed since you're a God. You'd at least know any of this?" Rias suddenly asked.
Hearing the question, Silas sat back. " Well since you've asked. Well I— "
TO BE CONTINUED