Occult Research Club!
Even though class was in session, no one here showed any intention of leaving.
After all, being Devils, attending class was merely a disguise and pastime.
Everyone sat facing each other. Akeno brought a cup of hot tea to each person.
"You're saying that Koneko was in danger yesterday, and it was a Fallen Exorcist?"
Rias frowned slightly: "That's troublesome."
"Speaking of which, what's a Fallen Exorcist?"
Utaha raised her hand to ask.
Even though she had been cramming a lot of knowledge recently, she had only been a Devil for a few days.
She was still lacking in many basic areas of knowledge.
"A so-called Fallen Exorcist is someone who lost themselves to killing and was subsequently expelled by the Church."
Ayato explained. "Similarly, there are Stray Devils, Devils who lose control, leave their masters, and run amok."
Utaha said instinctively, "In novels, beings like that usually come to a bad end, right?"
"Correct. Generally speaking, they get dealt with." Rias nodded.
"However, some still manage to survive for various reasons. For example, a Fallen Exorcist might become a subordinate of a Fallen Angel due to their strength and receive their protection."
"F-Fallen Angels!"
Utaha was a bit stunned. She murmured, "Does that mean there could be Fallen Angels in this city?"
'What is this? I just became a Devil, and now I was getting thrown into an advanced-level game?'
"That's very possible."
Rias's expression became extremely serious.
"But regardless, this is the territory of the Gremory Family. Even Fallen Angels cannot do as they please here."
"Akeno, I'm putting you in charge of investigating this. Also, don't forget to tell Sona to be careful."
"Yes!"
Akeno nodded respectfully, then turned and left the room.
"She's really quick to act. Is there anything you need me to do?"
Watching Rias like this, Ayato smiled faintly.
"Not for now."
"Besides, since when did you become so strong?"
Rias's beautiful eyes sparkled with wonder. "But thankfully, you killed that Fallen Exorcist. Otherwise, Koneko would have been in danger."
Ayato sipped his hot tea and said mysteriously, "I'm very strong now, you know."
"Oh, right. Did you bring the method for creating Devil Summoning Contracts that I asked for?"
This was a world of mashups, and many powerful beings were aware of the existence of other worlds.
So some Devils had the idea of using Devil Contracts to reach into other worlds.
And to increase his Origin Points, Ayato was also interested.
"I brought it, along with the magic books you wanted."
Rias nodded.
The next moment,
A magic circle appeared, and a pile of books stacked up like a small mountain.
"The special Devil Contract you need is in this book."
Rias pulled out a simple notebook. "But this technology has already failed. Feel free to take a look out of curiosity, but don't invest too much energy in it."
Ayato smiled gently. "Got it. I know what I'm doing."
He was just trying it out with a hopeful attitude.
If it proved impossible, he would have to think of other methods.
Besides, with this many magic books, hadn't Rias emptied the Gremory Family's library?
Ayato finished his tea and continued, "Rias, there's one more thing I'd like to ask of you."
"What is it?"
"It's about my useless servant here. She's only a Low-Class Devil right now. Although her talent is good, her practical experience is a mess. I'd like you to give her some special training."
"Huh?"
Utaha looked dumbfounded.
'What does he mean by 'useless'? And is it really okay for me to stay with the 'legitimate wife' like this?'
Even as she mentally raged, Utaha maintained her composure on the surface.
Regardless, she had to show no weakness.
"No problem. Let Koneko help her understand combat first."
After instructing Koneko, Rias had already grabbed Ayato and pulled him into the hallway.
"You brought me out here alone?"
Ayato looked at Rias with some surprise.
"You bastard, your first servant is a beautiful girl, and you're so attentive to her. I'm feeling a bit jealous."
Rias twirled a strand of her crimson hair and said with a smile.
Understanding dawned on Ayato. He stepped forward, pulled her into his arms, and lowered his head slightly.
A moment later,
The two slowly separated.
Rias's eyes were hazy, her chest heaving heavily.
Ayato smiled: "Satisfied now?"
Rias tidied her disheveled hair and gave a cute huff: "I'll let you off this time."
"Really? Want to continue?"
Rias was tempted but shook her head: "No, there's still serious work to do."
If they continued, she would completely lose her composure.
She hadn't forgotten about Utaha and Koneko in the room.
Seeing this, Ayato didn't push it. He took Rias's hand and returned to the clubroom.
Immediately, they felt two ambiguous gazes upon them.
Needless to say, the gazes came from Koneko and Utaha.
"Koneko, where were you in your explanation?"
Rias's face flushed slightly, but she quickly regained her composure and said, "Never mind, combat is best learned through practice. Let's go outside and train."
The two immediately stood up and followed Rias outside.
Seeing this, Ayato didn't join the fun. Instead, he sat in a chair and began flipping through the notebook first.
[Origin +10]
Ayato read slowly, constantly thinking, with occasional flashes of insight in his eyes.
"So that's it. No wonder this technology failed."
After closing the notebook, Ayato murmured to himself.
This technology was essentially an enhanced version of the Devil Summoning Contract.
But wanting to cross worlds involved two major problems.
First, how to locate the other world.
Second, how to keep the Devil Contract intact while traversing the cracks between worlds.
'It seems... there might be room for maneuver.'
Ayato stroked his chin thoughtfully.
The first problem was essentially one of probability. By casting a wide net, it might not be impossible.
The second problem was the rejection and pressure within the world's cracks. Even magic power at the Satan-class couldn't withstand it.
But... his Origin Magic power might just be able to.