Inside the Occult Research Club's clubroom, dusk slowly settled in.
Warm lights dispelled the gloom beyond the windows, illuminating the luxurious interior like a refined salon bathed in twilight.
Shin's debut had subtly entered a more substantial phase the moment Rias posed her playful yet probing question.
Facing the President's emerald eyes—eyes that seemed capable of seeing straight through one's heart—and Kiba Yuto's friendly yet equally curious gaze, Shin knew he could no longer brush them off with a vague excuse like "family decline."
If he wanted to justify the title of Special Advisor, he needed to demonstrate value—unique insight worthy of that position.
After a brief moment of thought, Shin organized his words and met Rias's gaze calmly.
"The President flatters me."
"What I know is actually quite superficial, mostly derived from records in my family's incomplete manual—notes on cosmology and philosophical speculation."
He deliberately lowered expectations again before continuing slowly.
"However, when it comes to understanding 'light' and 'darkness,' ancient Eastern concepts differ somewhat from Western interpretations."
His words immediately captured everyone's attention.
Even Koneko Toujou, curled up in the corner with her handheld console, seemed to twitch her ears slightly despite keeping her eyes on the screen.
"In ancient Eastern cognition," Shin's voice wasn't loud, but it carried a calm, almost truth-expounding resonance.
"All things carry yin and embrace yang, and through the blending of Qi, they achieve harmony."
"'Light' and 'darkness,' or 'yang' and 'yin,' are not absolute opposites. They are interdependent forces, rooted in one another."
"Solitary yin cannot generate. Solitary yang cannot grow."
"There is no pure light, nor absolute darkness. Only when the two intertwine and operate together do they form the universe's dynamic balance and infinite vitality."
He quoted principles drawn from the Dao De Jing, the cornerstone of Daoist philosophy—concepts both universally applicable and profoundly deep.
Rias and Akeno's eyes lit up faintly.
This dialectical, unified perspective was fundamentally different from the black-and-white, faction-driven opposition between light and darkness commonly seen in Western mythological systems.
"A very interesting perspective," Rias said, lightly tapping her chin.
"So, according to you… a Fallen Angel isn't purely 'evil' either?"
"I don't fully understand Fallen Angels, nor would I presume to judge their essence," Shin replied cautiously, keeping the discussion theoretical.
"But from this perspective, perhaps every existence has its own reason for being—its own 'Dao' of operation."
"Power may have tendencies or leanings, but fundamentally, it still forms part of the 'balance' that shapes the world."
"Just as night must follow day, and shadow must exist beneath a blazing sun—these are natural principles."
"What truly matters is the heart-nature that controls power, not the label attached to that power."
He deftly shifted the standard of judgment away from factions and toward inner nature—aligning with Daoist ideals while avoiding direct evaluation of sensitive forces.
"The heart-nature that controls power…"
Kiba Yuto murmured softly, thought flickering in his eyes.
His complicated feelings toward humans—born from the Holy Sword Project—seemed to resonate with Shin's words.
Akeno's smile deepened as she gently set down her teacup.
"Oh my~ Balance, you say? That reminds me of certain people who try to wield both light and darkness…"
Her suggestive tone clearly alluded to her unique heritage—bearing both devil and Fallen Angel blood.
Shin's faction-transcending worldview stirred a quiet resonance within her.
Rias nodded in satisfaction.
Although Shin hadn't revealed any concrete cultivation methods or hidden techniques, the philosophical depth and unique thinking he displayed already made her feel that recruiting this Advisor had been worthwhile.
It opened a genuinely thought-provoking window.
"Excellent insight, Advisor Shin," Rias praised.
"Your perspective offers us new directions for thought."
"Now then—since this is your first contribution, and to help you understand the 'affairs' we may soon face…"
"I think it's necessary to give you some basic knowledge about this world—especially our hostile forces."
Her expression turned slightly more formal.
"Yuto, please introduce the Fallen Angels to Advisor Shin."
"Yes, President."
Kiba straightened and turned to Shin, his tone calm and composed.
"Shin, as the President mentioned, devils are not the only supernatural beings in this world."
"Among the factions we often clash with, Fallen Angels are one of the most significant."
Shin immediately adopted an attentive posture, as though this were knowledge entirely new to him.
"Fallen Angels, as the name suggests, were once angels who served God. For various reasons, they betrayed Heaven and fell."
"They usually possess gray wings and wield powerful light-based energy—"
"Though that power becomes far more aggressive and destructive due to their fall."
"High-ranking members among them are called Cadres, each possessing tremendous strength and unique abilities."
Shin interjected at the right moment, displaying his eagerness to learn.
"Light power? How does it differ from an angel's Holy Light?"
"Good question," Kiba nodded.
"An angel's Holy Light leans toward purification and protection. Though powerful, its nature is relatively gentle."
"A Fallen Angel's light, however, is more inclined toward destruction and corrosion—filled with negative emotions and destructive impulses."
"They are hostile toward Heaven and regard us devils as mortal enemies."
Shin pondered aloud.
"So, it's light whose nature has lost balance?"
"Like yin arising at the extreme of yang… or something becoming too rigid and thus easily broken?"
He once again used Eastern concepts to frame his understanding.
Kiba paused briefly before smiling.
"Your analogy is unconventional—but not inaccurate."
"Their power does indeed feel extreme and dangerous."
Rias added, "Fallen Angel activity has been increasing in recent years."
"They often operate in secret, orchestrating incidents, collecting Divine Artifacts, and even manipulating members of other factions."
"They are a force we must remain constantly vigilant against."
Her tone subtly sharpened when she mentioned collecting Divine Artifacts.
Shin understood instantly—this was groundwork for future developments.
"I see," he said solemnly.
"This world is far more complex—and dangerous—than I imagined."
"There's no need to worry excessively," Rias reassured him confidently.
"As long as you remain a member of the Occult Research Club and abide by its rules, the Gremory Family's protection applies to you."
"Understanding your enemies is the first step toward protecting yourself."
The meeting felt less like casual conversation and more like an orientation and intelligence briefing for a newcomer.
With his Eastern philosophical insights, Shin successfully gained initial recognition and smoothly integrated into the group—beginning his exposure to the true nature of this world.
Outside, the night deepened, yet discussion within the clubroom continued.
Shin listened quietly as Kiba and Rias elaborated on Fallen Angel habits, known Cadres, and previous minor conflicts—occasionally offering observations or questions rooted in his distinct Eastern perspective.
He neither overshadowed his hosts nor failed to demonstrate his value.
Like a dry sponge, he absorbed every crucial piece of information—silently cross-referencing it with his knowledge of future events.
He knew this theoretical understanding of Fallen Angels was only the beginning.
When Rias mentioned their pursuit of Divine Artifacts, Shin already sensed the tremor of fate—the thread leading toward a certain imprisoned holy maiden had begun to stir.
The wind begins at the tip of the green duckweed.
And beneath the calm daily life of the Occult Research Club, unseen undercurrents were rapidly accelerating.
...
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