Rias paused, then, combining this with Li Ke's reaction upon hearing her name, instantly understood everything.
"Um, I'm sorry, it was my fault. I wasn't clear. What I meant was that after I transform you into a Devil, I'll make a contract with you. That way, you'll become a free Devil and won't be bound by me. Since you know my name, Rias Gremory, you should know that the Gremory family is meticulous in this regard. And if you're still unable to trust me with that, I can also sign a contract with you."
Rias genuinely meant it. She simply felt that in a world where even she found life difficult, it would be better for a pure human like Li Ke to become a Devil. At least that way, lifespan and safety wouldn't be a concern. As long as he wasn't as careless as she was, there wouldn't be any problems.
"I simply don't want to become a Devil. Besides, no matter how powerful the Gremory House is, it's irrelevant to the two of us right now, isn't it?"
Li Ke shook his head. He wasn't concerned about what Rias would do to him after reincarnation; he simply didn't want to be reborn as a Devil.
While Rias wouldn't lie about this, although she seemed a bit silly, her personality was remarkably kind for a Devil.
Her love for her servants was genuine, so even if he became her Devil Servant, according to the original story, there was no need to worry about his personal safety. On the contrary, she would fight to the death for him, so there was no need to worry about her not fulfilling the contract.
In the world of High School DxD, Devils also valued contracts very much; there were virtually no records of Devils breaking contracts voluntarily.
However, firstly, he was just an ordinary human now, so there was no possibility that Rias would cherish him.
Secondly, he wasn't particularly fond of Rias. Even when watching the anime, he preferred Grayfia, Venelana, and Akeno Himejima.
Third, the identity of a Devil is very inconvenient.
While a human's identity and reputation are ordinary, there's no doubt that, at least in most worlds and among most races, a human isn't considered a 'mortal enemy.'
But a Devil is undeniably one.
Almost every world is eager to kill a Devil. Although he can't travel between worlds now, if given two girls he could easily sleep with—no, just one—and he could travel between worlds. At that point, his Devil identity would be a burden.
"Is that so?"
Rias looked at Li Ke and understood that, like some of her former familiars, he didn't want to abandon human lives, so she didn't intend to force him.
After all, Devil pawns are limited.
But for her, Li Ke's life-saving grace still needed to be repaid.
"So, Mr. Li Ke, what kind of reward do you want?"
"Just follow orders so we can all survive together. In this disgusting world, as long as you don't repeatedly make stupid mistakes and cause irreversible consequences, I won't do anything to you."
Li Ke chuckled.
Reward? He suggested having Rias lie there and let him have his way with her, but she wouldn't agree. Her magical abilities were something even he, an Earthling, might unable to possess.
As for private property, in this world, engaging in private property is suicidal. In a world where non-cooperation means death, trying to do that is simply insane.
He hadn't forgotten one thing.
His combat power here was the weakest.
So what else could he do? He could only hope she would behave in the future.
"...I understand, but I will definitely repay you."
Rias sensed the helplessness in Li Ke's words, and she remembered the situation of this world Li Ke had described. She instantly understood why Li Ke wasn't asking for payment.
"Me too, Mr. Li Ke."
Lux, standing to the side, pursed her lips and answered Li Ke in the same way.
But Li Ke remained unconcerned.
"Alright, save your energy for figuring out how to get out."
Li Ke took a deep breath and pointed to the clod of earth above.
"We're all in this together now, so use whatever methods you have."
He only wanted to solve the problem of these zombie birds, not waste time talking nonsense with these two silly girls.
"I see."
Rias nodded. She understood what kind of person Li Ke was, so she looked at him and asked a question.
"So, it's alright for me to borrow your power, right?"
Li Ke nodded.
"Ah, yes, as long as it doesn't harm my life or health, and frankly, it's more helpful since you're the stronger one, aren't you?"
Rias nodded. She understood the fear and helplessness in Li Ke's words, so she walked over and placed Li Ke's hand on her chest.
"Then, I understand. Please feel free to touch my body. This is the price for borrowing your power. I'm sure you'll enjoy it, won't you?"
Instantly, a soft and elastic sensation reached Li Ke's hand. This was a different experience altogether, because even Tsunade's breasts were soft and somewhat saggy.
This was natural for large breasts, and quite normal, but…
But this one was firm!
Li Ke was astonished as he felt that softness. The next moment, he smelled a very pleasant scent approaching. Rias's slightly flushed cheeks quickly drew closer, and her soft red lips pressed directly against Li Ke's lips.
A clumsy tongue entered Li Ke's mouth, bringing him a sweet juice. Li Ke swallowed instinctively, then couldn't resist entwining his own tongue with Rias's, greedily sucking her saliva.
His body began to heat up, and his grip on her full breasts tightened.
"Mmm..."
Rias cried out in pain, but didn't pull away, letting Li Ke squeeze her full mounds.
Lux, standing to the side, was completely stunned. At that moment, she also smelled a pleasant scent.
It was the natural scent emanating from Rias's body, making her body heat up as well, and she subconsciously rubbed her legs.
But Li Ke felt something being drained from his body. He knew it was his stamina, because he was becoming weak, but this feeling was incredibly comfortable, wonderful, and he even wanted to stay in it forever.
However, just as he was about to become completely absorbed in the experience, it abruptly ended.
Rias's tongue withdrew from his mouth.
She wiped her mouth, her face flushed, and forced a calm expression as she spoke.
"Alright, Mr. Li Ke, I've collected enough essence. Continuing to collect more will harm your body."