Days bled into one another since that fateful night at the old factory. With each passing moment, Kaito's grasp on this thrilling, perilous world deepened. His daily rhythm remained largely unchanged: mornings at Kuoh Academy, where girls' whispers echoed through the halls, their gleaming eyes tracking him with veiled admiration, while the boys' gazes held a mix of envy and suspicion. He watched Issei, who seemed bolder, more "enthusiastic" after his first devil mission, the word "oppai" rolling off his tongue more frequently than ever. After school, Kaito would head to the Occult Research Club building, observing and learning, feeling the potent auras that swirled around him from all directions. Yet, something deep within him screamed for action, for true power, to transcend mere observation.
He had witnessed the might of the Gremory devils firsthand: Rias's devastating power of destruction, Akeno's extraordinary lightning magic, Kiba's unbelievable sword speed, and Koneko's immense physical strength. Observation granted him invaluable knowledge, but it wouldn't bestow the power needed to truly protect himself from the horrors of this world, or to achieve his ultimate ambition. The idea of gaining more power echoed in his mind like a distant siren song, an ambition burning like desert stars—the power he craved, the ability to command the world's treasures and conquer foes with countless weapons.
One evening, after the club's noisy, chaotic activities had wound down and Issei, Kiba, and Koneko had departed, Rias felt the need to speak with Kaito. She asked him to stay. Akeno was still there, sitting quietly on a nearby sofa, her gaze fixed on him with hidden curiosity, a faint smile playing on her lips, holding a vague promise.
"Yamada-kun," Rias began, her voice melodious, carrying a tone both serious and gentle. She calmly closed her book, placing it aside on the table, then gazed directly at him, her blue eyes like a deep sea exploring secrets, searching his depths. "Your actions during the old factory mission greatly piqued my interest. How did you manage to specifically notice the stray devil's attack and warn us in time, even rushing in to stop it? You saved me."
Kaito felt a slight prickle in his stomach, but he banished any trace of tension. Time to act, he thought, donning a mask of innocence mixed with confusion, but with eyes that held a deeper intelligence. "I don't really know, Rias-san," he said with a slightly bewildered smile, his eyes searching for suitable words. "Just... a strange feeling, as I said. It was as if I saw an unnatural movement for a moment, and my body reacted instinctively without thinking. I was surprised by my own strength in that moment."
"A strange feeling?" Rias repeated, her eyebrows arching slightly, an incredulous expression on her face. "That's a rare ability and power for an ordinary human. You are mysterious, Yamada-kun," she leaned forward slightly, as if drawing closer to him. "You pique my curiosity." Her tone then shifted, becoming more tender, her eyes looking deeply into his. "You don't talk much about your past. Are you... alone in this world?"
Kaito sighed softly, allowing himself to sink into the role, adding a touch of drama to his words. This was the perfect moment to weave a compelling narrative that would justify his independent nature. "Yes, Rias-san," he began in a low voice, a mix of faint sadness and hidden resolve, as if recounting a painful memory from a distant past. "I lost my family in a tragic accident when I was very young. That experience left me alone in the world, searching for a place to belong, for a purpose in life."
He looked at his hands, clenching them lightly, then raised his eyes to meet Rias's gaze, his face a blend of old, unhealed pain and newfound strength. "Since then, I've learned to rely only on myself. I've struggled to find my path, to gain the power to protect myself, and even those I care about." His eyes held a deep look, hinting at a fervent desire to transcend human weakness and ascend. "That's why I perhaps act cautiously. I've learned that trust is hard to come by, and self-reliance is the only way to survive in a world that can be cruel."
Rias nodded understandingly, her face etched with deep empathy, as if sharing a part of his pain. "I'm sorry to hear that, Yamada-kun." She then reached out and gently touched his arm, a warm, reassuring touch, as if trying to calm the storms within his soul. "But you're not alone now. The Occult Research Club is a family. A family of devils who protect each other, and support each other through thick and thin. You can find safety here, a place to belong."
"I appreciate that very much, Rias-san," Kaito said sincerely, his eyes reflecting genuine gratitude.
"That's why..." Rias continued, her eyes gleaming with seriousness as she prepared to make her life-changing offer. "I'd like to offer you an opportunity. An opportunity to become stronger, to be truly safe, and to be an integral part of my family." She extended her hand towards him, and in her palm, a small, shining chess piece appeared. It was the last pawn she had left after using seven pieces to revive Issei, glimmering in the room's light like a piece of a puzzle older than time. "Yamada-kun, I would like to reincarnate you as a devil. To be my servant, and to be part of my peerage... my family."
A genuine shock washed over Kaito, despite his prior knowledge. The offer was direct and powerful, carrying the weight of destiny and an entire future. He looked at the gleaming pawn in Rias's hand, then at her serious face, her eyes reflecting hope and anticipation. A servant...? To become a pawn...? This is not my path.
In that moment, Akeno leaned slightly towards Kaito, her sadistic smile more alluring than ever, her purple eyes gleaming with anticipation. "Yamada-kun, thinking of becoming part of the President's family means you'll be close to all of us." Akeno whispered, her voice soft as silk, yet carrying a hidden promise, a promise of life and beauty. "You'll be surrounded by beauty, by powerful women who will take good care of you... me, the President, Koneko-chan... and you can rise through the ranks and form your own harem, doesn't that excite you? You'll never be alone, and you'll get everything you wish for..." She nodded gently, her eyes twinkling mischievously. "Think of all the fun you could have... by our side." She leaned closer, a strand of her hair almost brushing his face, the faint scent of her perfume filling the air.
Kaito felt a shiver run down his spine at Akeno's words, but he maintained his composure, his face a picture of calm mixed with determination. Rias, despite the gravity of the situation, showed a slight blush on her cheeks from Akeno's bold words. She gave Akeno a mild warning glance, then returned her gaze to Kaito.
"Rias-san," Kaito began, his voice calm and steady, free of any confusion this time, his eyes fixed on Rias's, reflecting an unwavering will. "I appreciate this offer greatly. It's a great honor, and it shows your trust in me. And I already consider the Occult Research Club a very important place to me."
Kaito felt Rias and Akeno's gazes anticipating his words, both sensing the hidden tension in the air. He took a deep breath, then spoke his words clearly. "But... I cannot accept this offer."
Rias's eyes widened in genuine shock. "What? Why?" she asked, her voice barely a whisper, her facial expression reflecting complete astonishment. She had never expected a refusal, especially after Akeno's temptations.
Kaito looked deeply into her eyes and saw her reluctance. She truly wanted him after all the time they had spent together. She had seen his kindness and concern, even how he had saved her, despite being human.
Kaito opened his mouth and told her, "Rias-san, there's an old saying from my homeland: "Your journey is yours alone. Others may walk beside you, but no one can walk it for you."
"As I told you," Kaito continued, his eyes holding resolute determination, like an unyielding rock against strong winds. "I have lived a long life relying on myself. I have struggled to find my way, to gain power in my own unique way. My goal is far beyond being a subordinate to someone else, even if that person is as powerful and noble as you, Rias-san."
Akeno stared at Kaito in disbelief, observing his apparent pride in that moment, signs of astonishment etched on her face, as if witnessing an unfamiliar phenomenon.
"I don't want to be a 'pawn' or a 'servant,'" Kaito continued, his eyes steady, his voice rising slightly with each word, filled with resolve. "I want to be able to stand on my own feet, to fight on my own terms, and to protect those I care about with my own strength. I want to build something of my own, something that reflects my unique path in this world." His thoughts flashed clearly: My own throne... my absolute power... my own harem...
There was a heavy silence in the room, where heartbeats could almost be heard. Rias, for the first time, seemed somewhat flustered, a slight blush on her cheeks as she recalled Akeno's temptations. She had never faced such a refusal before, especially from a human with such potential.
"A unique path...?" Rias murmured, her face a mix of disappointment and growing curiosity. "Do you understand what you are refusing, Yamada-kun? It's an opportunity for power most humans don't possess. You can have my protection and the protection of the Gremory house as well. You will become part of my family, not a servant; I won't force you to do anything you don't want."
"I understand perfectly what I am refusing, Rias-san," Kaito said with a faint smile, but it was filled with confidence and calm, as if he saw what others couldn't.
No one in this world understood the true power of the characters, families, and factions of this world more than Kaito, who was an outsider. Yet, his strong desire to forge his own path prevented him from becoming anyone's servant.
Rias looked at Kaito for some time. She truly wanted to make him part of her family; she had sensed his hidden potential and mysterious energy that went beyond a mere "strange feeling." Then she gave a rare smile, a smile that carried unexpected appreciation, as if facing a new puzzle she couldn't solve. "You are truly interesting, Yamada-kun." She then nodded slowly, as if yielding to his decision. "Very well. I respect your decision. I won't force anything upon you. But, since you know our secret now, you will remain under our protection, and you will continue to come to the club to learn. And thank you for saving me before; I owe you one. Rest assured, I will repay you."
"I appreciate that," Kaito said gratefully, an expression of relief on his face, feeling in control of his decision.
Akeno left the club shortly after, leaving Kaito and Rias alone. Rias looked at Kaito again, as if trying to decipher his secrets, those secrets that deepened with every refusal and every word. She stroked her chin, a sign of deep thought. This young man... he possesses something special. I have never seen anyone like him among humans before.
But she didn't know that curiosity killed the cat, and it would be the reason for her swift downfall...
Kaito returned to his apartment that night, feeling a mixture of tension and relief. He had taken a decisive step. He had refused to be a subordinate and declared his own path. His eyes gleamed with more determination than ever.