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By the time Jack got back to Kuoh Academy, it was almost noon. He headed straight for the clubroom.
He hadn't been waiting long when Rias walked in, followed by Akeno Himejima and Koneko Toujou.
"Oh my, you're already back?" Akeno greeted him with her usual teasing smile.
"Just got back." Jack nodded politely, then turned to Rias. "President, the contract's been signed."
Rias chuckled softly. "I know. I've been keeping an eye on you, after all."
"Oh?"
"Well, you did make a faith contract with that big-name celebrity. That's no small feat — it means she really trusts you and is completely satisfied with your work."Her eyes sparkled with genuine approval.
Koneko also nodded slightly. "First contract ever, and it's a faith contract… Jack, that's impressive."
Jack blinked, confused. "Faith contract?"
Akeno covered her mouth with a little laugh. "Ara ara, so you don't know yet… Normally, devils make standard contracts with humans. The payment we receive from those is fairly minor."
Rias picked up the explanation."Exactly. Only a small number of humans ever form a bond close enough with a devil to create a faith contract. Through that kind of connection, the energy we gain is vastly greater — it can significantly enhance our power."
She smiled slyly. "You must've already noticed the difference yourself, haven't you?"
Jack's eyes widened.That explained it — when he'd tried drawing payment from the contract earlier, the magic boost he got was way beyond anything he expected. So that's why.
The realization left him curious. "Then how do you make a faith contract? Is there a way to trigger it intentionally?"
Akeno chuckled and waved a finger. "It's not that simple. The human on the other side has to feel deep loyalty and dependence on you. Humans, being… well, humans — fickle and emotional — don't usually meet that requirement."
Then, with her usual teasing tone, she added, "Still, you managed to land one by accident. That's quite lucky. You'd better take good care of that trust, alright?"
"Got it." Jack nodded lightly. He wasn't discouraged — as long as he understood the conditions, the rest was up to fate.
Rias stretched lazily as she sank onto the sofa, eyes half-closed."Now that you've got your first contract done, it's time to start preparing to find a familiar. Though… that might get a little tricky."
"What's wrong?" Jack asked, instantly alert. Anything related to his familiar was a serious matter.
Akeno answered for her."Sona Sitri — the Student Council President, is also a high-class devil like Rias. She recently gained a new [Pawn], and she'll be heading to the Familiar Forest too."
The Student Council President…? Jack recalled how Rias had simply notified the council before transferring him into the Occult Research Club. From the way she handled it, he'd assumed the two sides were on friendly terms.So why did Rias look so troubled now?
"…There's competition, isn't there?"
"Of course," Rias sighed. "There are only so many promising familiars in the forest. Naturally, everyone wants the best ones — and the other side won't just step aside and let us have them."
She shrugged lightly. "So, Sona and I talked it over. We'll settle it this Friday — a friendly match to decide who gets first pick."
"A duel?" Jack's gaze sharpened. "You mean… a [Rating Game]?"
Rias laughed. "Oh, nothing that serious. Just a few casual matches — something simple, like tennis or a long-distance run."
Even so, Jack could see the fire in her eyes. The moment she mentioned competition, that fighting spirit of hers lit right up.He couldn't help but smile wryly. Well, as long as she's having fun.
Honestly, it didn't sound like anything major. A few sports events between devils — what could go wrong?Maybe devils were more easygoing than he thought.
The afternoon classes came and went, and it was soon time for the club's regular evening activities.
Inside the clubroom, Rias was taking a shower. The thin curtain did little to conceal the graceful shape of her body. Outside, Akeno stood waiting with Rias's clothes in hand, while Koneko sat quietly on the sofa.
The door opened, and Jack stepped in, holding a small bag. He handed a few desserts to Koneko.
"Thanks."A rare hint of a smile appeared on her face — she clearly appreciated it. Jack had remembered her sweet tooth and picked up some snacks for her on the way back.
"Jack, are you here?" Rias's voice came from behind the curtain.
"It's me. Do you need something, President?" he replied, glancing toward the bathroom.
Through the faint steam and fabric, he could just make out Rias standing beneath the showerhead, the water tracing every curve of her figure. Her body really was something else — flawless from every angle.
Rias didn't seem to mind his gaze at all. She slipped on a bathrobe, tied the sash loosely, and stepped out barefoot, her long crimson hair still damp and glistening.
"Help me dry my hair."
She sat down in front of him, back facing his chest.Akeno handed Jack a warm hair dryer with a knowing smile, and he started running his fingers through Rias's silky red hair as he dried it. A faint, sweet scent drifted up from her skin.
Rias leaned back slightly, relaxing against him. "Koneko got two requests today. Can you take one of them for her?"
"Of course," Jack nodded.
"Good. Talk with her later and get the details."
Koneko turned toward him and murmured a soft, "Thanks."
Jack could only sigh inwardly. Even Koneko's getting more requests than she can handle…Guess he needed to find a few more contract opportunities himself.
After hearing the details from Koneko, he nearly laughed out loud — the client's request was simply to "have someone to play video games with."
That was it. Just that.He couldn't help but feel a little unbalanced. So Koneko can form a contract just by gaming? Meanwhile, I had to run all over town for days before mine finally worked…
Still, he comforted himself: At least I ended up dating Mai Sakurajima. Could've been worse.
With that thought, Jack stepped into the teleportation circle and activated it, heading straight for the summoner's location.
The moment he arrived, every hair on his body stood on end.
Killing intent — sharp and undeniable — filled the air.
"..."
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