Beneath the veranda, a delicate balance was maintained within the seemingly peaceful conversation.
Rias Gremory and Akeno Himejima spoke with elegance and restraint, their questions focusing mostly on Eastern customs, traditions, and philosophical concepts, as if this were nothing more than a friendly academic exchange.
However—
Shin knew better.
These two core figures among the Devils would never personally visit someone merely out of vague cultural curiosity.
Their gazes, which appeared to be admiring the courtyard scenery, were in truth as sharp as the most precise radar, repeatedly scanning every detail of the environment—and every subtle shift in his expressions and reactions.
Shin answered cautiously, keeping his replies firmly at the most superficial level.
He quoted only broad concepts from basic Daoist philosophy—
"Following the Way of Nature,"
"Stillness and non-action,"
"Balance between Yin and Yang."
He carefully avoided any mention of concrete cultivation methods or actual practices.
At the same time, the Breath-Hiding Art within him ran continuously, tightly sealing the nascent True Qi in his Dantian and suppressing the faint Dao rhyme that naturally emanated from his body, not allowing even a trace to leak.
Time passed slowly amid the casual conversation.
Finally, Rias gently set the nearly untouched glass of water down on the veranda railing.
The charming curve of her smile softened slightly, and a more serious light emerged in her emerald eyes.
She understood—
Ordinary probing would not draw anything further from this gentle yet extremely vigilant young man.
It was time to state her real purpose.
"Classmate Shin,"
Her voice remained pleasant, but now carried an undeniable gravity.
"The Occult Research Club was established to investigate supernatural mysteries, gather individuals of unique value, exchange knowledge, and grow stronger together."
Shin straightened instinctively. He knew the core of the conversation had arrived.
"Your appearance here—and the Eastern cultivation legacy you represent, which differs completely from the systems we are familiar with—has drawn our attention."
Rias met his gaze directly, as though attempting to peer past his calm exterior and into his true intentions.
"Although you have repeatedly emphasized that your family has declined and that the legacy is broken,
the environment surrounding you, and the ideas you mentioned, clearly demonstrate a unique value worth further exploration."
She leaned forward slightly, her crimson hair spilling over her shoulders like flowing fire, exuding a subtle yet powerful pressure.
"Therefore," she said calmly, "I, Rias Gremory, as President of the Occult Research Club and the future head of the Gremory Family, formally invite you—"
"—to join the Occult Research Club as our Special Advisor."
"Special… Advisor?"
Shin displayed appropriate surprise, along with a trace of confusion.
"Yes," Rias nodded.
"This is not a permanent position."
"You won't be required to participate in daily club activities like regular members."
"Instead, you will provide guidance and insight when we encounter matters related to Eastern occult systems or phenomena outside our understanding."
"In exchange," she continued smoothly, "you will have access to the club's resources—books, intelligence, and—"
She paused deliberately.
"—the protection of the Occult Research Club."
"Protection?" Shin seized on the word.
"Exactly."
Rias smiled again, her confidence and pride unmistakable.
"Kuoh Town—and the surrounding region—falls under my jurisdiction."
"Anyone acknowledged by the Occult Research Club becomes a friend of the Gremory Family."
"For a transfer student living alone, with no obvious backing, this should be a valuable guarantee."
She met his eyes calmly.
"After all, this world is far more complicated than it appears… and far more dangerous."
Her words were direct and tempting—
simultaneously exposing his vulnerability and offering an extraordinary safeguard.
For someone who understood the truth of this world, this was an olive branch nearly impossible to ignore.
Akeno, who had been observing quietly, smiled softly and spoke up.
"Ara ara~ Classmate Shin doesn't need to decide immediately."
"This is merely the President's proposal."
"We believe your knowledge could open a new perspective for us."
"And what we're offering is a platform—one that allows you to adapt to this world safely and smoothly."
"Mutual benefit, each getting what they need… doesn't that sound nice?"
Shin fell silent.
He lowered his head, appearing to seriously consider the invitation, his fingers tapping lightly against his knee.
Internally, his thoughts churned violently.
Rias's proposal was unexpected—yet perfectly logical.
He knew the plot. He understood Rias's personality.
She had always been eager to gather individuals with unique potential or special value.
Under the guise of a cultivation family descendant—and someone capable of soothing Devil servants—he fit her interests precisely.
Accepting meant clear advantages.
The Occult Research Club was the best gateway into this world's inner circles.
It offered intelligence, legitimacy, and most importantly—protection.
The backing of a High-class Devil family would shield his fragile early growth and prevent him from being targeted by unknown forces.
It would also allow him to track events, avoid danger, and control his exposure.
Refusing?
The risks were far greater.
Rejecting a High-class Devil's goodwill could invite suspicion—or worse.
Exploring alone was far more dangerous than aligning with a known, relatively righteous faction.
The System's directive was survival.
Joining the protagonist group dramatically increased his chances.
Yet risks remained.
Closer proximity meant higher exposure.
His Daoist cultivation system was fundamentally incompatible with this world's power structures.
If deeply investigated, complete concealment would become impossible.
Rias's invitation was not merely goodwill—it was curiosity.
An attempt to unravel his mystery.
Opportunity and danger, intertwined.
After weighing everything, Shin looked up.
His expression carried resolve born of careful thought, along with sincere gratitude for being valued.
"Thank you very much, Senior Rias, for your trust and invitation," he said earnestly.
"To be honest, I understand very little about this world's supernatural aspects, and living alone has been… unsettling."
"If I can receive guidance and protection from the Occult Research Club, and offer my limited knowledge in return, it would be an honor."
He chose to accept.
It was the most rational decision.
Rias's smile blossomed, radiant and confident, as if she had anticipated this outcome all along.
"Excellent. Then from today onward, Shin is officially the Special Advisor of the Occult Research Club."
"Welcome."
Akeno clapped her hands lightly, smiling.
"Welcome, Advisor Shin. I look forward to learning from you~"
"It's I who should ask the two of you for guidance," Shin replied humbly.
"Then, Advisor," Rias said cheerfully as she stood,
"please come to the Occult Research Clubroom in the Old School Building after school tomorrow."
"I'll formally introduce you to the rest of the club."
She glanced around the quiet courtyard once more.
"We won't disturb you any longer today."
Her goal had been achieved.
There would be plenty of time in the future to slowly uncover this new Advisor's secrets.
Shin escorted them to the gate, watching their elegant figures disappear down the street.
When the courtyard gate closed, he leaned against the cool wooden door and released a long breath.
The tension faded, replaced by a storm of mixed emotions—
unease, anticipation, vigilance… and a faint excitement for what lay ahead.
From this moment onward, he had truly stepped onto the brilliant yet dangerous stage of High School DxD.
His otherworldly journey—and the fate of the Occult Research Club—were now officially intertwined.
Turning back into the courtyard, the last glow of sunset stretched his shadow long across the ground.
Tomorrow, he would need to prepare carefully for his new role.