The summon to the Occult Research Club arrived the next day, a subtle note in Alex's locker. It was from Rias, a polite but firm invitation to formalize their "alliance." Alex felt a flutter of nerves mixed with anticipation.
He had proven his worth in the spar with Akeno, and the Ring of Swiftness hummed on his finger, a constant reminder of his growing capabilities. This meeting was about solidifying his place as a unique, unaligned player in Kuoh's supernatural landscape. But it also meant confronting the trickiest part of his dual life: keeping his true identity and powers hidden from his closest, most oblivious friends.
After school, Alex made his way to the old school building, his senses heightened, the Ring of Swiftness subtly enhancing his awareness. He could feel the faint demonic energy emanating from the clubroom. He took a deep breath, mentally preparing himself for the inevitable questions, especially from Issei, the one he saw walking along with Rias, this morning.
He pushed open the heavy doors of the ORC. Rias sat elegantly at the main table, a serene smile on her face. Akeno was beside her, a teacup in hand, her violet eyes sparkling as she met his gaze, a subtle, knowing smile passing between them. But they weren't alone.
Sitting on a sofa, meticulously cleaning a sword, was a handsome young man with blond hair – Kiba Yuuto, the Knight. Curled up on another armchair, silently observing him with large, unblinking golden eyes, was a petite girl with white hair and a stoic expression – Koneko Toujou, the Rook. And then, slumped in a chair near the window, engrossed in a perverted magazine, was Issei Hyoudou. He looked the same as ever, but Alex could now sense the faint, underlying demonic energy that confirmed his reincarnation.
"Welcome, Motohama-kun," Rias greeted, her voice warm. "Please, make yourself comfortable."
Alex nodded, offering a polite bow. "Thank you, President Gremory." He tried to project polite curiosity, like any normal student. He carefully avoided direct eye contact with Issei, hoping to slip in unnoticed.
"Motohama?!"
The shout ripped through the calm, making Alex wince. Issei had dropped his magazine, his eyes wide with bewilderment. He scrambled to his feet, pointing a trembling finger at Alex. "What are you doing here?! Are you… are you joining their club?!" His voice was a mix of shock, confusion, and a hint of betrayal "Since when were you interested in… this?"
Rias chuckled "Issei, please. There's no need for such a commotion." She turned to Alex. "He is is here as a guest, Issei. He's assisting us with some… local issues. A consultant, if you will."
Alex forced a casual shrug. "Yeah, Issei. Just… checking things out. Rias-senpai and Akeno-senpai are really nice, and, uh, they're helping me with some… personal development." He winked, hoping the perverted implication would distract Issei.
Issei squinted at him, clearly unconvinced. "Personal development? With them? Motohama, are you feeling okay? You've been acting weird lately. First you ditch the kendo peeking, and now you're hanging out with them" He looked from Rias to Akeno, then back to Alex, his face a mask of utter confusion "Are you… are you trying to become a ladies' man, Motohama? Is this your new strategy?"
Kiba offered a polite, almost imperceptible smile. Koneko simply blinked. Akeno, however, let out a soft, amused giggle. "Oh my, Issei-kun, such an imagination. He is simply a very… insightful young man." Her gaze met Alex, sharing a knowing smile.
. . .
Rias, seeing Issei's continued confusion, decided to shift the topic "Now that we're all here, Motohama-kun, allow me to formally introduce you to my peerage" She gestured to Kiba. "This is Kiba Yuuto, my Knight. He is incredibly swift and skilled with blade" Kiba offered a small, polite bow. "And this is Koneko Toujou, my Rook. She possesses immense physical strength and defense." Koneko gave a tiny nod. "And of course, you know Issei Hyoudou, he is my Pawn."
Alex nodded to Kiba and Koneko. He could feel the power emanating from Kiba, the sheer density of Koneko's aura. These guys are real deal. And Issei… he's still a Pawn, but he's got the Boosted Gear. Though it's probably dormant right now.
Rias then began to discuss recent activities "We've noticed a slight increase in minor Stray Devil activity in the outskirts, and a few Fallen Angels have been sighted. It's nothing major yet, but it requires vigilance" She explained the delicate political balance between the Devil factions, the Angels, and the Fallen Angels. Alex listened intently, absorbing every detail, comparing it to his anime knowledge.
Rias's expression then turned more serious, her gaze directly on Alex "Speaking of vigilance, Alex-kun, I must warn you. Your unique ability, whatever it may be, is potent. It has the signature of a powerful Sacred Gear, even if it's one I don't recognize. And with the recent increase in Fallen Angel presence in town, they may be looking for such individuals. They are known to target Sacred Gear users, especially unaligned ones. You must be careful. Your power could make you a target."
Alex felt a chill run down his spine. They think it's a Sacred Gear. Good. That keeps the System hidden. But Fallen Angels targeting me… that's a problem. He nodded, feigning concern. "I understand, President Gremory. I'll be careful."
Issei, however, was less interested in devil politics and more focused on Motohama's proximity to Rias and Akeno. He kept glancing between Alex and the two devils, a suspicious glint in his eye. "So, 'consultant,' huh, Motohama?" he muttered, leaning towards Alex, his voice dropping to a stage whisper. "Are they, like, teaching you their secrets? The secrets to getting girls like them? Is that what 'personal development' means now? Because if so, you gotta tell me! You're suddenly getting all the good girls, while me and Matsuda are still stuck with magazines!"
Alex inwardly groaned. Of course, Issei. Always the pervert. He forced a strained smile. "No, Issei, it's not like that. It's… more about understanding the world. And, uh, self-improvement." He tried to wave him off, but Issei was relentless.
"Self-improvement, my ass!" Issei exclaimed. "You're getting special treatment! I bet Rias-senpai is teaching you some secret technique to get closer to girls, isn't she? Is that why you're always hanging out with them now? You're ditching us for the hot girls, aren't you, Motohama?!"
Kiba sighed softly. Koneko simply stared at him with disgust. Akeno, however, let out another soft, delighted giggle. "Oh my, Issei-kun, you're always so direct. Perhaps He just has a certain… charm that attracts attention." She sent a subtle, alluring glance Alex's way, who lamented that Motohama has zero charm and it has more to do with his abilities.
Rias cleared her throat, a gentle but firm sound that cut through Issei's rant "Issei, that's enough. Motohama is a valuable ally. His unique abilities are a great asset to us in maintaining peace in our territory. He is not here for… 'perverted secrets'" Her tone left no room for argument, though Issei still grumbled under his breath, shooting Alex a jealous, confused look.
. . .
As the meeting continued, Alex found himself navigating a delicate balance between losing and maintaining his sanity. He absorbed the information Rias provided about the supernatural world, learning about various devil noble houses, the church's influence, and the subtle shifts in power dynamics. He asked intelligent questions, showcasing his keen mind, which earned approving nods from Rias and Kiba.
But all the while, he had to keep one ear open for Issei's muttered complaints and suspicious glances. Issei kept shooting him confused looks, occasionally whispering to himself, "Motohama, with them? What's going on?" Alex would respond with a vague shrug or a dismissive wave. It was exhausting, maintaining the façade, but crucial.
Throughout it all, Akeno was his silent accomplice. She would occasionally catch his eye, offering a subtle, knowing smile that acknowledged their shared secret. When Issei's comments grew particularly loud or accusatory, Akeno would sometimes interject with a playful remark that subtly deflected attention or subtly supported Alex's presence without giving anything away. There was a quiet understanding between them.
As the meeting drew to a close, Rias reiterated her gratitude for Alex's assistance and expressed her hope for continued cooperation. "We will be in touch, Motohama-kun, should any further threats arise."
Alex nodded. "Of course. I'll do what I can."
Issei, still looking utterly bewildered, finally stood up, stretching "Well, I'm heading home. You coming, Motohama? Or are you staying for more… 'personal development'?"
Alex forced a chuckle. "Nah, I'm good, Issei. Just finished up here. See you tomorrow." He made sure to walk out with Issei, putting on his best "normal high school student" act.
As they walked through the school gates, Issei still grumbled "Seriously, Motohama, what's with you and the Occult Research Club? First you skip peeking, now you're practically a member. You're changing, man. And not in a good way!"
Alex just shrugged, offering a noncommittal grunt "Just trying new things, Issei. You should try it sometime. Might broaden your chances to get with beautiful girls" He managed to keep a straight face, even as Issei launched into a passionate defense of his "research" methods.
Later that night, alone in his room, Alex reflected on the day. The meeting had been a success. He had gained valuable information, solidified his alliance with Rias without sacrificing his independence, and deepened his connection with Akeno.