When the dismissal bell rang the next day, Kuoh Academy was instantly filled with the lively clamor of students.
Following the agreement from the previous afternoon, Shin politely declined the invitations of several classmates—who were clearly curious about the quiet, refined transfer student—and headed alone toward the Old School Building.
He wasn't exactly nervous, but he certainly wasn't calm either.
Joining the Occult Research Club meant stepping directly onto the main stage of this world, establishing ongoing contact with the core figures of High School DxD.
It was both an opportunity—and a risk wrapped in uncertainty.
The Old School Building stood in stark contrast to the modern main campus, exuding a sense of age and quiet solemnity.
Following the signposts, along with his slightly enhanced perception—through which he could vaguely sense several powerful energy signatures converging ahead—Shin soon found the legendary clubroom.
Standing before the heavy-looking wooden door, he took a steady breath, confirmed that the Breath-Hiding Method was functioning smoothly, and gently knocked.
"Please come in."
Rias's unmistakable voice came from inside, carrying both languor and authority.
Shin pushed the door open and stepped inside.
In that instant, it felt as though he had entered a completely different domain.
The spaciousness and luxury of the clubroom far exceeded his expectations.
Thick, soft carpets covered the floor. The walls were adorned with classical oil paintings and ornate sconces, while a magnificent chandelier bathed the room in warm light.
One side featured a large floor-to-ceiling window draped with heavy velvet curtains.
The opposite wall was taken up entirely by a massive bookshelf, packed with countless volumes—many of which were clearly ancient grimoires.
At the center stood a set of elegant sofas arranged around a coffee table, and in the corner, there was even a fully stocked bar counter.
Rather than a school clubroom, it felt more like the private salon of an ancient noble family.
More striking than the decor were the people inside.
Rias Gremory sat on the main sofa. When she saw him enter, she smiled brightly.
"Ah, Advisor Shin. You're right on time."
On the side sofa sat Akeno Himejima, whom he had met the day before.
She wore casual clothes today, a cup of black tea in her hand. When she noticed Shin, she gave him a gentle smile that seemed to see straight through people.
"Good afternoon, Classmate Shin."
Near the bookshelf stood a handsome young man with short blond hair and a gentle yet sharp demeanor.
Dressed in the Kuoh Academy uniform, he stood tall like an elegant knight and nodded warmly.
"Welcome. I'm Yuuto Kiba, the club's Knight."
His sincere smile was instantly disarming.
In the far corner of the room, a petite figure curled up on a single-seater sofa, completely focused on the handheld game console in her hands.
Her fingers moved rapidly, her short silver-white hair framing a delicate yet expressionless face.
A faintly cold aura radiated from her, silently warning others to keep their distance.
Koneko Toujou.
Shin's gaze swept the room briefly, taking in everyone's reactions.
Maintaining a gentle and humble demeanor, he smiled lightly.
"Good afternoon, Club President Gremory, Senior Akeno, Senior Kiba."
"Sorry for the disturbance."
"No need to be so formal. Come, have a seat."
Rias smiled and gestured toward the empty sofa opposite her.
Shin walked over and sat down as instructed, relaxed yet respectful.
"Well then," Rias said, clapping her hands to draw attention—prompting even Koneko to briefly pause her game and glance up with indifferent amber eyes.
"Let me make a formal introduction."
"This is Shin, a new second-year transfer student."
"Starting today, he will serve as the Special Advisor of our Occult Research Club."
"An Advisor?"
Yuuto Kiba showed a brief flicker of surprise before smiling warmly again.
"That's quite an honor. Welcome to the club, Classmate Shin."
His curiosity was open and friendly, free of any hostility.
"Ara~ We're colleagues now. Please take care of me, Advisor Shin."
Akeno's smile deepened, her tone light and cheerful.
Koneko merely glanced at Shin once more, said nothing, and returned to her game.
Her coldness wasn't personal—it was simply her usual attitude.
Shin replied promptly, "It's I who should be asking all of you for guidance."
"I still don't understand much about the club's work, so I'm afraid I'll trouble everyone in the future."
"There's no need to worry," Rias said, crossing her legs elegantly.
"An Advisor isn't required to deal with daily chores."
"Your role is to offer Eastern insights when we encounter matters related to your field."
She paused, then swept her gaze around the room.
"While we're at it, this is a good opportunity for Advisor Shin to understand our club."
"Yuuto, why don't you explain?"
"Of course, President."
Yuuto nodded and turned to Shin, speaking in a calm, gentle tone.
"As you can see, this is the Occult Research Club's activity room."
"The bookshelf contains various grimoires and occult texts collected by President Rias and Senior Akeno."
"The bar counter is free to use."
"There are no strict activity requirements. Members are free to research, rest, or socialize as they wish."
His clear explanation and friendly manner greatly eased Shin's tension as a newcomer.
"Our purpose," Rias added, her tone carrying quiet pride,
"is to investigate supernatural phenomena and resolve related incidents."
"Though our numbers are small, each member has their own strengths."
"I am the Club President and the successor of the High-class Devil Gremory Family."
"Akeno is my Queen, possessing powerful demonic energy and lightning abilities."
"Yuuto is our Knight, with exceptional swordsmanship."
"Koneko is our Rook, with immense physical strength and Senjutsu."
She revealed everyone's identities and abilities openly.
This was both transparency and an unspoken signal—we trust you, and expect the same in return.
Shin understood this clearly.
Outwardly, he showed appropriate shock and restrained awe.
"So… High-class Devils, a Queen, a Knight…"
"I didn't realize everyone here possessed such incredible power."
His reaction perfectly fit that of an ordinary person glimpsing the true supernatural world for the first time.
"In that case, Advisor Shin,"
Rias's gaze returned to him, a playful glint flashing in her eyes,
"shouldn't you also let us understand your area of expertise?"
"For example—what exactly has your so-called cultivation family passed down?"
"We're very curious."
The conversation circled back to its starting point, gentle yet inescapable.
Yuuto also looked over with interest.
Even Koneko's fingers slowed on her console, just for a moment.
Shin knew—
The real interview had only just begun.
He would need to reveal something real…
But never his true core.
...
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