A New Motivation: Chapter 25

Latest chapter of Dragon's Progeny is kicking my butt (this entire arc is, really) so there's gonna be some delay on that but other stuff will update as normal. Eating Your Weight updates today or tomorrow!

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“Dude, check this out. You are not going to believe what I found at the shop yesterday.”

Issei leaned back in his chair, looking at the bag Motohama was clutching to his chest like it held the crown jewels. “What is it? Did you finally find that idol figurine you were crying about last week?”

“Better,” Motohama whispered, pushing his glasses up his nose as the light glinted off the lenses. He opened the bag just a crack, revealing the glossy cover of a racy manga. “I managed to snag some premium stuff. The artist only printed fifty copies of this bad boy!”

Issei’s eyes lit up and he leaned closely, tempted by the prospect of getting his eyes on limited edition boobs.

Matsuda followed his lead, squinting at the sliver of skin that he could manage to make out in the darkness of his friend's bag. “Bro, you haven't even gone through half of your stash from the last convention. Why are you buying more? Your closet is going to explode.”

“You fool!” Motohama hissed, clutching the bag tighter. “The pursuit of knowledge is endless! Even if I can never read them all, having endless doujins will be enough to sate my soul. It’s about the collection, the legacy!”

Matsuda rubbed his chin, nodding slowly as if Motohama had just explained the meaning of life. “You're right. I was a fool to try and put down your pursuits.”

He paused, a lecherous grin slowly spreading across his face. “Speaking of pursuits… I heard the kendo team is holding a practice after school today. They’ve been on break just like the rest of the clubs, so they’re bound to be rusty. And sweaty.”

Issei’s ears perked up. “Wait, really? They always take extra long showers after breaks. This could be our big comeback!”

“Exactly! We need to get there early to secure the best spots!”

“You three really are the worst of the worst, aren't you?” The smarmy voice cut through their excitement like a knife, making them all freeze. “It’s genuinely impressive how you manage to ruin my day before homeroom has even started.”

Face wary, Issei turned around to find a pretty blonde girl standing near his desk, hair done up in pig-tails and her arms crossed over her chest. She was pretty, even through the sneer on her face, but the disdain in her eyes made Issei almost reel backwards.

“Can’t you go bother someone else?” Matsuda grumbled. “Why don’t you leave us alone?”

Mittelt looked down at them like they were bugs she had stepped on. “And miss the opportunity to remind you that you’re nothing? I have to make sure you know your place, just in case you start thinking that might change.”

“Mittelt, please stop being mean,” a gentle voice floated from behind Mittelt. Issue turned his eyes towards the new arrival and the irritation caused by Mittelt washed away.

Asia Argento stood with her hands clasped in front of her, looking at them with big, worried green eyes. Like always, being on the receiving end of that look made Issei feel worse than he ever did after a beating by the kendo club. She was so pure and innocent that just being around her made him feel like a dirt bag.

Mittelt rolled her eyes. “I’m not being mean, Asia. These three are barely people to begin with. If anything, I’m being generous by acknowledging their existence.”

Asia puffed out her cheeks, pouting angrily. “That is being mean! You shouldn't say things like that. They didn't do anything to you!”

“Their mere existence is enough, trust me.”

Issei felt a tear well up in his eye. “Asia, you’re an angel.”

“Thank you, Issei-san,” she beamed at him, blindingly bright. “But everyone is equal in the eyes of our Lord. Just because you have some… difficult problems regarding your desires, doesn't mean that we should treat you badly.”

Mittelt scoffed, looking away, while Matsuda and Motohama sniffled, wiping their eyes.

“She’s so nice,” Matsuda whispered. “Even when she calls us perverts, it sounds like a blessing.”

Mittelt looked ready to gag, but before she could launch into another tirade, the sound of the intercom turning on overhead drew their attention.

“Issei Hyoudou and Aika Kyruu,” Issei's eyes widened at his name and a sliver of fear crept up his spine, wondering if he was in trouble, “please report to the Occult Research Club in the Old Schoolhouse.”

Huh? Issei blinked, as did several people around him.

“The Occult Research Club?” Motohama whispered, eyes narrowing. “Wait, isn’t that the club that Gremory and Himejima are in?”

“Okita and Toujou too!” Matsuda nodded slowly, his posture stiffening slightly, “We never get the chance to peek on them because they have their own private bathrooms. We can't find a way in.”

Issei nodded, remembering their last attempt. He'd give anything to get even a glance at Riad Gremory's bouncy double-Ds or Himejima’s tantalizing tatas, but the Old Schoolhouse gave him bad vibes. Any time he went near there, it was like he was being watched or something. It was super creepy.

Unfortunately for the pervert, he failed to make the connection that his friends already had. Issei barely had time to recognize what he said before two different hands clamped onto his shoulder, twin vices squeezing down into his uniform and making him flinch. Matsuda and Motohama leaned forward, their faces dark with jealousy and rage of betrayed friendship

“Oi, Oi…” Motohama said gruffly, practically hissing in his ear, “What the hell is going on here, Issei?”

“Yeah,” Motohama added, his glasses fogged with malice. “What kind of game are you playing? What does a club full of cute girls want with a wretch like you?”

“Wretch!?” Issei's eyes bulged as his friends turned on him in an instant, “What the hell guys? I thought we were in the same boat here!”

““Not anymore!”” They screamed in unison. “Start talking or we’re going to tear you a new one right here and now!”

Judging by the look in their eyes, it wasn't an idle threat. “I don't know! I'm just as lost as you guys are!”

“”Bullshit!””

“H-hey, guy! What are you doing!? Guys!?”

~~~ Ten Minutes Later ~~~

Issei cradled his sore cheek as he trudged through the halls of the Old Schoolhouse, each step sending a tiny jolt of pain through his swelling jaw. Somehow he managed to escape before his ‘friends’ did any permanent damage, but it definitely wasn't for a lack of trying.

“Jerks…” Issei muttered with a grimace, “Why the heck would I know anything about this, I'm just as lost as they are…”

He winced as he probed a particularly tender spot under his eye. “Next time we hang out, I’m swiping that limited edition maid manga from under Motohama’s mattress.”

His destination was marked by a dark wooden door with the club's initials stamped into it. Issei hesitated in front of it, his hand hovering over the surface, before he brought it down in a series of several sharp knocks.

The response came immediately, a soft, velvet voice calling a gentle “Enter” only a moment after he stopped knocking. Issei swallowed, before pushing the door open. The hinges didn't even creak despite their age, swinging open to reveal a surprisingly cozy room inside.

It looks like someone's house, He thought as he stepped inside the surprisingly furnished room. There were couches and lamps, and even a little table in the middle like he had in his own house.

The room’s decor was nice as well, though Issei hardly noticed it as his eyes were drawn to the bodies lining the room. It was a visual feast, one that almost made his aching jaw drop to the floor

Rias Gremory was perched behind a large wooden desk, arms crossed under her massive, tantalizing bust like she wanted Issei's eyes to become eternally attached to them. On top of that, Akeno Himejima was sitting on one of the couches, leaning back slightly to get a better look at Issei which caused her boobs to strain against the uniform. Issei could almost hear the buttons creak as they strained to hold back the tide of flesh trying to escape them, and he wished more than anything that they would fail.

But alas, they didn't, and his gaze had to move on before he was caught staring. This was the first time he was meeting them face-to-face, he had to make a good impression!

Sitting next to the raven-haired girl was someone that Issei recognized, if just from people talking about her around the school: Nero Okita. She was sitting oddly close to Akeno, their shoulders almost touching.

A girl with white hair was sitting on the couch across from them along with… Issei blinked as yellow eyes stared at him in bemusement from behind a pair of glasses.

“Look who finally showed up,” Aika Kiryuu’s dry voice snapped Issei out of his boob-induced trance. She was already there, leaning back and looking smug as usual. “This must be heaven for you, huh pervert? So many pretty girls to ogle, and you don't even have to hide in the bushes or a locker to do it.”

Issue opener his mouth to retort, but she cut him off, “That's a nice shiner you're sporting. I guess I was wrong thinking you wouldn't have time to piss someone off in the ten minutes it took you to get here. Who was it this time? Swim team? Volleyball? Or did you actually decide to test your luck with the kendo team again? Didn't they threaten to cut your balls off next time?”

Issei tried to think of a response to her rapid-fire assault but came up short. He was in a room with so many hot girls, so many amazing pairs of oppai, that he could barely even think and after a moment, he just deflated sadly. Aika grinned.

“Oh, looks like I was right. It's alright, Hyoudou, you can still be a pervert without the equipment. Though it's a shame to see it go.”

Issei's ears flared as a smattering of laughter came from the sitting area. Even Rias was sporting a small smile, though she got herself under control rather quickly, coughing politely to hide her amusement.

”Alright, that's enough,” the redhead said lightly, motioning for him to join them. “Please, take a seat, Issei. I'm happy you came.”

Issei sat on the couch next to Aika, who gave him a smug look that he returned with a half-hearted glare. His attention was quickly stolen by a soft giggle from the girl across from him. He looked over and his heart skipped a beat as Akeno’s chest bounced with her mirth. All of his embarrassment and even the pain in his jaw disappeared in an instant, replaced by elation as this magnificent orbs bounced in their cloth confines.

This is the Holy Grail! Thank you, God! Issei thought, a dopey, leering grin spreading across his face as he stared at one the school's hottest babes.

As he stared, a light yet sharp cough came from right beside Akeno. Issei’s eyes shifted, landing on Nerk. The blonde girl was staring at him with a polite smile on her face, but her eyes were anything but. As their gazes locked, it was like someone dumped a bucket of ice cold water over Issues head and he blanched, looking away as sweat broke out over her face and neck.

”Ara ara~” Akeno giggled as she saw the reaction, and Issei had to really fight not to look back at the girl as she shifted on the couch. He could see them move even while he wasn't looking at her!

“Ouch, you're really pushing your luck today, huh?” Aika snorted.

“As fun as his reactions are,” Nero interrupted, giving Issei a light smile to show there was no harm done, “could you please tone it down a bit? We didn't call you here so we could all make fun of him.”

Aika’s smile disappeared and she clicked her tongue. “Aww.”

Issei took a shaky breath, forcing his fear down and trying to regain some semblance of a normal heartbeat. “So, uh… why are we here then. I'm not in trouble, am I?”

He didn't remember doing anything to the people in this room. Barring Aika, he barely even knew any of them. And he knew better than to try and peep on Gremory or Himejima, as much as he really wanted to. If someone found out, that'd be social suicide. If the beating didn't kill him first.

“Well, let me answer your question with another question,” Rias leaned back in her chair and weaved her fingers together, gazing at them intently, “What do you two know of the supernatural?”

Issei blinked, the question catching him off guard. He glanced at Aika, who looked just as surprised as he did, before turning back to the crimson-haired beauty. “The supernatural? You mean like ghosts and vampires and stuff?”

Rias nodded, her expression remaining perfectly still. “In a sense, yes. As you both know, this is the Occult Research Club. Our purpose is to investigate and report on the paranormal – local legends, ghost sightings, things of that nature.”

Issei stared at her for a long moment, his brain working overtime. Occult Research Club. He'd heard the name a thousand times, but he realized with a start that he had never actually given a single thought to what they did. To him, and probably to ninety-nine percent of the male population at Kuoh Academy, the ORC was just the place where the hottest girls in school hung out.

He had spent countless hours daydreaming about what went on behind these closed doors, but those fantasies usually involved less "paranormal investigation" and a lot more “wardrobe malfunctions." He felt a little stupid realizing he’d just assumed they sat around all day.

“Wait,” Aika said, her eyes narrowing behind her glasses. “Is this some kind of recruitment pitch? Because if you're looking for someone to dig through graveyards or haunted houses, you've got the wrong girl.”

Rias shifted in her seat, a flicker of uncertainty crossing her features. “It is a recruitment of a sort,” she admitted. “The Occult Research Club is unique. We don’t hold auditions or post sign-up sheets in the hallway. You have to be invited to join. And to be invited, you must meet certain… requirements.”

Issei felt the hair on the back of his neck stand up. “What kind of requirements? I don’t really have a high GPA or any athletic skills that don't involve running away.”

Aika adjusted her glasses. “As much as I hate to say it, I'm with him. What could I possibly have in common with him that fits your standards? I get good grades; he has a browser history that probably requires an exorcism. We're nothing alike.”

Across from them, on the other couch, Nero let out a soft snort of amusement. Issei and Aika both turned to look at the blonde girl, but she simply waved a dismissive hand, a faint smile playing on her lips as she looked away from them. Rias let out a small sigh, though her eyes remained fixed on the two guests.

“What you have in common is potential,” Rias explained, “A latent power that will eventually grow to be of interest a lot of people… like us.”

The air in the room seemed to change with her words, a thick tension filling the empty air and making the world seem almost darker. Issei looked around, freezing as he caught sight of the other members of the ORC.

They were all staring at him and Aika, gazes heavy and expectant, as if they were waiting for something. It was like they were a pack of lions sizing him up, and suddenly he wasn't quite so thrilled to be in the presence of so many unnervingly sexy ladies.

Issei swallowed and glanced at Aika. For the first time since he came in, the smug look was gone. She looked genuinely uncomfortable, her fingers twitching against her skirt.

“Is this like… a cult thing?” Issei asked, his voice trembling slightly. “Because my mom said I shouldn't join any groups that require me to wear robes or give up my earthly possessions. Or my soul.”

To his relief, Rias actually offered him a small smile at that, though her next words were anything but reassuring.

“You’re not far off, Issei,” she said softly. “Though, technically, cults are the things we try to avoid. Or eliminate.”

“What are you then?” Aika asked slowly, her voice low and wary. “This clearly isn't just a regular club. Stop beating around the bush and just say it.”

Rias looked around slowly. She looked at Akeno, then at Okita, before her gaze settled back on Issei. “My name is Rias Gremory,” she stated. “And I am a Devil. We all are.”

Issei’s brain stalled. A Devil? Like… the Bible? Wasn't there only one of those? He opened his mouth to make a to laugh it off as some joke, but the words died in his throat as several wumps of displaced air sounded throughout the room, and his jaw fell open at what he saw.

Two massive, leathery black wings erupted, unfurled from Rias's shoulder blades with a powerful snap. They were pitch black and shaped like tattered bat’s wings, and definitely not fake.

And then it happened again. And again and again and again, until everyone in the room except for him and Aika were sporting the same look.

“Holy shit…” Aika whispered beside him, clutching the sides of her chair like a lifeline as she stared at the group. Issei's heart pounded against his chest, and he gulped as Rias's eyes bored into his own, and the girl offered him a surprisingly gentle smile.

“And if you desire…” she raised her hand and a bright red glow emanated from her palm. When it cleared, she was holding a single, red chess piece. “The both of you can be as well.”

There was a long pause. Issei looked at Rias, then to Aika, then to the chess piece the redhead was holding in her hand. It seemed to glow, pulsing with a strange energy that he didn't understand. He stared at it, and then, he spoke.

“Uh,” Issei licked his lips, “I have some questions. Like... a lot of questions. Starting with: Is this a prank? Are those animatronic? Because if Motohama finds out you have high-tech wings, he’s going to try and marry a robot.”

Rias didn't laugh. She didn't even crack a smile. She simply stood there, the leathery black wings twitching with a rhythm that felt disturbingly organic. Behind her, Akeno’s wings fluttered with a soft, dry rustle, like old silk rubbing against itself.

“It’s not a prank, Issei,” Rias said, her voice soft. “The world you think you know is only a small part of what's really out there. The supernatural world is hidden from most humans for their safety, it has always been there.”

While Issei absorbed this, Aika, who had been deathly silent, finally found her voice. “And let me guess, this the part where you tell us you need our blood to stop an apocalypse?”

“Actually,” Nero spoke up, her wings disappearing in a flash of light. “We’re just short on staff. Devils aren't really what you'd call virile, and there was a pretty big war that took a lot from all sides. This is how we replenish our numbers.”

Rias nodded, moving from behind her desk. “The war is currently in a stalemate, but the damage has been done. To maintain our numbers and protect our territories in the human world, Kuoh in my case, we need a Peerage – family of Devils bound to a King.”

She gestured towards the chess piece in her hand. “These are the Evil Pieces. They were created to allow high-ranking Devils to reincarnate humans. When you accept a piece, your human soul is transformed and you are reborn with the strength, speed, and longevity of a Devil.”

Issei stared at the glowing pawn. “Reincarnated? Like... we have to die first?”

“In a sense,” Akeno purred, leaning forward so that her impressive bust was practically a distraction from her scary wings. “The process is painless for the body but your soul is overwritten. You'll never be human again once you accept the proposal.”

“And why us?” Aika cut in, staring at the chess piece with an intense gaze, “I get good grades and can measure someone's dick at a glance and he's probably gonna end up on a list before he's twenty. What exactly makes us ‘potential’?”

“Many things,” Rias said slightly, “but certain things stood out to me.”

Rias turned to Issei. Her green eyes softened, but there was a fierce intensity there that made Issei’s heart hammer against his ribs.

“Issei, for example, houses a Sacred Gear.”

“Sacred… Gear?” Issei repeated, unsure what the word meant.

“It's a tool granted by the ruler of Heaven to the human race as a way for them to even the playing field, so to speak.” Rias explained, “Other races cannot be born with them, nor can they obtain them through natural means, though not all humans have them either. Yours is dormant, but very powerful. I noticed it the moment I met you, though I wasn't sure what it was at the time.”

Issei stared down at himself in shock. There was something like that inside of him all this time?

“So…” Aika glanced at Issei. “Is that what I have too? Is mine at least better than his?”

Rias retracted her wings, the leathery appendages vanishing into her back soft glow. “Not quite, Aika. Sacred Gears are unique artifacts, but they aren't the only source of power. What interests me about you is something else. You see, while most humans have at least some capacity to use magic, yours seems to be much higher than most. With training, I'm sure that you'd be able to turn into something truly special, and I would like to see that happen.”

Aika frowned. “Wait. So Issei gets a super-powered artifact from God and I can use magic?”

“Better than I could with enough practice.” Rias said gently, “It's hard to get an idea for someone's aptitude for magic off a glance, but I can tell that your potential is higher than most.”

Aika leaned back, her eyes narrowing suddenly, “And let me guess. You’ll only help me draw out my potential if I choose to become a Devil?”

Rias sighed, looking at Aika seriously. “I won’t lie to you; becoming a Devil is the most efficient path. Magic comes naturally to us, and reincarnation would circumnavigate the training required to acclimate you to your own energy.”

Aika frowned, preparing to speak, but Rias cut her off.

“However...” Rias paused, her gaze softening. “This is still your choice. If you want to remain human, I will still help you unlock your potential, to the best of my abilities, at least. Just be aware that it will be significantly more difficult.”

Aika seemed surprised by that. She bit her lip, looking at Issei, who was currently staring at Rias’s bust with a mix of terror and longing, then back to the girl herself.

“I... need to think,” Aika said abruptly, standing up. Her bag slid off her shoulder, and she gripped the strap tightly. “This is a lot.”

“I understand,” Rias said, her voice warm. “Take your time, Aika. The offer stands. Come back when you have an answer.”

Aika gave the girl a nod and headed for the door without another word. The heavy wooden door clicked shut behind her, leaving Issei alone with the Occult Research Club.

Issei looked back at where she left, “So... if I become a Devil, what happens then? Wait, what piece would I be? There's different ones, right?”

Rias smiled, “There are, but most of mine have already been used up. In your case, I think a Rook will suffice.”

A Rook. That was the little castle guy, right? Issei felt a pang of disappointment. He wanted the horse.

Rias must have seen the disappointment on his face as she giggled. “Don't look like that. Every piece has its virtues. Anyway, once the ritual is done, you would join the House of Gremory as a servant and a member of our family. It would take a little while to get acclimated to your new state, but that's what we're here for.”

Issei looked between everyone, his eyes passing by, Rias, Akeno, Nero, Koneko, and even Kiba. He licks his lips, looking down at the piece again, “And I can just leave if I don't want to right?”

Rias nodded, “You can, though I'll have to alter your memories so you forget about this encounter. It'd be hard to finish school here if everyone was running around screaming about devils and witches.”

The joke fell a bit flat, but to Issei, it was just what he needed to hear. Even though the situation was serious and she might not get what she wanted, Rias still made an attempt to lighten the mood. She didn't try to force him to accept or even try to convince him. It was still his choice.

And though it may have been a bit impulsive, Issei had already made it.

“I... I want to do it,” Issei said, his voice quiet but firm. “I want to be a Devil!”

Rias’s resulting smile was blinding, like looking into the eye of a burning star. “Excellent! However...” She paused, her eyes dancing with a sudden, mischievous glint. “Becoming a Devil is a heavy burden, Issei. Your Sacred Gear requires a massive amount of power to manifest for the first time. Reincarnation gives you the body to handle it, but you'll need proper motivation if you want to get anywhere.”

Issei tilted his head. “Motivation? What kind of motivation?”

Rias stepped closer, the scent of roses and something intoxicatingly sweet surrounding him. She leaned down, her face inches from his, and Issei’s breath stopped as he got a look down her shirt. The pink skin… the white edge of her bra just out of sight… Issei felt his soul quiver as he was faced with such a beautiful sight!

“I’ve heard that you are a person of... specific tastes,” Rias purred. “So, let’s make a deal. If you can prove your strength, I'll reward you.”

Issei’s eyes were wide. “A reward? Like... a kiss?”

“Better,” Rias whispered. “If you can win a small contest, I will let you touch them. Just once. As much as you want for a full ten seconds.”

Issei’s brain short-circuited. The world went white. The sounds of the room faded away, replaced by the angelic choir of only the bustiest ladies. Touch them? The Gremory Double-Ds? The Holy Grail of Kuoh Academy!?

“I’LL DO IT!” Issei roared, standing up so fast he nearly flipped the coffee table. “WHATEVER IT IS! I’LL FIGHT A GOD OR A DRAGON OF WHATEVER YOU WANT! NAME THE CHALLENGE!”

Akeno giggled, clutching her sides with mirth while everyone else stared at the boy with looks varying from bemusement to straight up annoyance in Koneko’s case. Issei didn't care, far too preoccupied with the thought of getting his hands on Rias's monolithic mammaries.

“It’s nothing so dramatic, Issei, though I'm happy you're so enthused,” Rias laughed softly as she watched the boy cheer. “It’s just a simple test of raw, physical power. You against Nero in an arm-wrestling match. Right here, on the table.”

Issei’s momentum died instantly. He looked at Nero, compared her size to himself, and balked. She was a girl! Sure, she was a Devil, but he was a dude! He had the power of youthful male vigor and... well, he’d done a few pushups once!

“Arm wrestling?” Issei asked, a surge of misplaced confidence washing over him. “Against Okita? But she’s so small!”

Nero glanced at Akeno. “Small?” the raven-haired girl just shrugged, an amused smile still playing at her lips.

“She’s my Pawn,” Rias reminded him, though her eyes were twinkling. “Though as you're about to see, that doesn't mean much. If you can move her arm even one inch, I’ll consider it a victory. Do we have a deal?”

“Deal! Absolutely deal!” Issei scrambled to the other side of the table, slamming his elbow down onto the wood. He grabbed Nero’s hand. Her skin was soft and her hand felt tiny in his.

This is a gift! he thought as he got ready. Rias just wants me to have a win! Thank you, God of Oppai!

Nero sat down opposite him, her expression deadpan. She didn't even bother to plant her feet firmly. She just rested her elbow and looked at Rias. “You could have told me you planned to do this, you know?”

“You said it best yourself, Nero.” Rias's eyes glitter with mischief as she stood over them like a referee, “He just needs some motivation.”

Nero said something else but Issei ignored her, focusing every ounce of his being on his bicep. He pictured the feeling of Rias's breasts in his hands, imagining them squishing against his fingers, perfectly soft like marshmallow clouds. Oh yeah, there was no way he was going to lose!”

Sorry, Okita! Issei's eyes narrowed as the girl got settled across from him, staring back with dull amusement. I'm not gonna hold back!

“Ready...” Rias called out.

Issei gritted his teeth, his face already turning red.

“Go!”

Issei let out a primal scream, the sound of a warrior fighting for a righteous cause, and threw his entire weight into the push. He strained until the veins in his forehead stood out against his skull. He squeezed his eyes shut, pouring every drop of testosterone and desire into his right arm. Move! Move, you stupid arm!

He pushed. He shoved. He growled, and after ten full seconds of what felt like trying to push a mountain over with a wet noodle, Issei opened one eye.

Nero was staring at him. She hadn't moved a millimeter. Her arm was like a pillar of cold, unyielding titanium. She wasn't even gritting her teeth! She just stared at him with those soft eyes, like she was pitying him!

“Are you done?” She asked, and Issei shook his head.

“Ggh!” Issei gasped, his face now a terrifying shade of purple. “Not... yet! I’m... just... finding my center!”

“Alright, well, I already found mine,” Nero said, and then she flicked her wrist.

CRACK!

Issei’s hand was slammed into the table with the force of a falling meteor. The wooden surface rattled and spiderweb crack spread from the point of impact as Issei was yanked forward, his chin hitting the wood with a dull thud.

“Ow…” Issei groaned into the table, before slowly slumping to the floor. “My bones... I think they're gone...”

“Ara ara,” Akeno giggled, leaning over the table to inspect the damage. “It seems Issei-kun’s desires weren't quite enough to overcome your strength.”

“He gave it a good try. But he's still just human.” Nero retracted her hand, shaking it out casually. “You have a decent grip though. I don't even want to think about why.”

Rias walked over and patted Issei’s head. “A valiant effort, Issei. But it looks like you’ll have to wait for your reward. Perhaps once you’ve completed your first month of training, we can revisit the bet.”

Issei sat up, nursing his throbbing arm. His pride was in shambles, and his dreams of getting his hands on those beautiful chest pillows were completely crushed! He laid there for a second, a single, manly tear slipping down his face at the opportunity he had just lost.

But that wasn't his only chance. The fire of determination ignited in Issei's chest as he slowly sat up, turning to stare at Rias.

“I’ll beat her next time,” Issei said, disappointed but determined. “I just need a boost. I'm ready.”

Rias’s expression turned extremely bright, like she had been waiting to hear that all of her life. She gestured to the sofa. “Lay down, close your eyes and breathe deeply. It won't hurt, but it can be jarring sometimes so best not to take any chances.”

Issei lay back on the soft cushions. He could feel the eyes of everyone else on him, watching and waiting. Rias stood over him, holding her hands above his chest. The way she loomed, he could barely see anything past her massive chest, but for once, he could barely focus on it.

“Issei Hyoudou…” She intoned, her voice echoing off the walls of the room. The glow in her hands bloomed into a single chess piece, glowing brightly with power.

“I, Rias Gremory, welcome you into my family. Accept this and be reborn in service to the House of Gremory as my Rook. Serve me faithfully, and see yourself rewarded for all eternity!”

The world seemed to hold its breath for a single moment, and then she pressed

the piece against Issei’s chest and he left his humanity behind.