Chapter 6: Rias Takes Notice!
After putting some distance between himself and the scene, Akira glanced back over his shoulder out of reflex.
The Stray Devil had been defeated, but Koneko hadn't left the area yet. It seemed like she was handling the post-battle cleanup.
She was likely disposing of the corpse, scrubbing away the blood, and erasing any memories from nearby residents. A battle that intense would've definitely made some noise—there was no way the neighbors didn't notice anything.
Still, this incident had turned out to be quite a valuable experience for Akira.
Not only had he met Koneko Toujou in person, but he'd also discovered a way to increase the progress of his Inherited Template.
Apparently, defeating a Stray Devil earned him a boost in his Enkidu Template progress. Even if it was only 0.1% per kill, it was something. The number was small—but crucially, it worked.
Though… he doubted it would be limited only to Stray Devils.
For now, though, they were the most realistic targets available.
Still, there was one thing he wanted to test: if killing a Stray Devil granted progress… would simply defeating one, without killing, also work?
If it did, that would be a huge win. It's always easier to knock someone out than to kill them outright.
But right now, all of that could wait—there was something even more important on his mind.
Food.
The cash he'd found earlier—no, not sixteen thousand, he'd misread—it was one hundred sixty thousand yen.
It wasn't an enormous sum, but it was more than enough to give him a few days of peace.
With that, he made his way to a nearby ramen shop.
One hot bowl of ramen, 800 yen. Cheap, delicious, and soul-soothing after a fight. Hunger really does make everything taste better.
With some tight budgeting, 160,000 yen could stretch for quite a while. But still—as a high school student with no income—and more importantly, an isekai'd soul with no family or safety net—all living expenses fell entirely on his shoulders.
Today's meal was covered. But what about tomorrow? Next week? Next month?
Even his small 1DK apartment cost 100,000 yen a month in rent!
It was ridiculous.
He had a Legendary Inherited Template from Enkidu, the power to summon the Chains of Heaven, and a cool protagonist aesthetic—and yet, he was still worrying about rent like some broke college kid.
After filling his stomach, Akira stopped by a supermarket to grab basic groceries—rice, oil, salt, vegetables.
The apartment he got from the system had a working kitchen and furniture, but not a single edible item.
No spices. No utensils. No soap. No shampoo. Not even a toothbrush.
And this was Japan—the land of premium prices, especially when it came to groceries.
Vegetables? Ridiculously expensive. Even a single bundle of bok choy could feel like a luxury.
After ringing everything up, he was left with just 120,000 yen.
Akira sighed as he looked into his bleeding wallet.
One word: broke.
Once he got home and finished putting everything away, he collapsed on the futon and let out a long breath.
"Man… Japan really is a consumer's nightmare."
He'd almost bought some fruit earlier. But the moment he saw the prices, he noped out immediately.
Especially watermelon.
One small dish of watermelon slices could cost several thousand yen.
A whole watermelon? You were looking at tens of thousands. Converted to RMB, that'd be like 500 to 600 yuan!
"Back in my old world, watermelons were cheap—you could stuff yourself until you puked…"
— — —
Time passed.
Night eventually fell. After zoning out in front of the TV for a bit, Akira decided to get some early sleep.
Tomorrow, he had to officially enroll at Kuoh Academy.
— — —
Meanwhile, elsewhere…
Even though it was already late, the Occult Research Club room in Kuoh Academy's old building was still brightly lit.
Despite being located in one of the school's older buildings, the clubroom was lavishly furnished.
Elegant desks, soft sofas, a full dining table, a kitchenette, a private bathroom, even a tea room complete with fine teaware and premium snacks—everything screamed "luxury."
Inside the room sat four individuals: three girls and one boy.
In the center seat was the club president—Rias Gremory. The one who led the room, and the master of the other three.
"So, Koneko-chan encountered a Sacred Gear user? And he's transferring to Kuoh Academy?" Rias asked, her crimson eyes gleaming with curiosity.
"Yes, Buchou," Koneko replied quietly.
Rias smiled—a teasing, elegant smile that only added to her allure.
With her angelic face, voluptuous figure, and flaming red hair, she was a sight to behold. Whether you were a man or a woman, it was hard not to be captivated.
Rias Gremory was the Madonna of Kuoh Academy—gorgeous, popular, and adored by all.
But beneath that beauty lay a powerful truth—she was a high-born devil. Heir to the prestigious House of Gremory, one of the 72 Pillars of the Underworld.
"My, my~ he must be quite the interesting boy, if he caught Koneko-chan's attention like that."
The soft, sultry voice came from Akeno Himejima, her senpai with the mature onee-san vibe—and Rias's Queen.
"Un," Koneko nodded, which was more than enough to surprise both Rias and Akeno.
This was the first time they had seen Koneko show interest in someone outside their close circle.
Even with fellow peerage members like Yuuto Kiba, if not for their roles, their relationship would likely be strictly professional.
"Koneko-chan, this boy… is he special?"
Rias narrowed her eyes and focused on Koneko's face.
"Yes, Buchou. I don't know why… but when I'm around him, I feel calm."
"Calm, huh…" (Rias)
"Is that weird?" (Koneko)
"Not at all. I haven't met him in person, so I can't say for sure… But if you say that, Koneko… now I'm very intrigued."
Rias slowly licked her lips, her smile deepening.
Even though she was a girl too, Koneko blushed faintly at that look.
Because whenever Rias Gremory made that face…
Her seductive aura could overwhelm anyone—even other girls.
— — —
Want to read more chapters or get early access?
Visit my Patreon page here:
p@treon.com/FaaanzKun
There, you'll find 12 extra chapters ahead of WebNovel!
> Already caught up with the latest chapter on WebNovel?
Continue the journey early on Patreon for just:
$3.50/month
— — —
📅 Chapter Updates: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday
😴 Update Break: Sunday
— — —