The conversation with Rias had definitely taken an unexpected turn. What started as a simple question about manga preferences had quickly evolved into something far more animated and genuine than I'd anticipated.
"Oh, you've read Overlord?" Rias's eyes lit up as she leaned forward slightly, her usual composed demeanor cracking to reveal genuine enthusiasm. "The world-building is incredible, isn't it? Though I have to say, some of the guild dynamics remind me of... well, certain political situations I'm familiar with."
I couldn't help but grin. "The way Ainz has to constantly manage his subordinates while maintaining his reputation as an all-knowing overlord? Yeah, I can see how that might hit close to home for someone in a leadership position."
She laughed, a sound that was both melodious and surprisingly unguarded. "Exactly! And don't get me started on how accurate the portrayal of maintaining facades can be. Sometimes I wonder if the author has personal experience with... similar situations."
This was surreal. Here was Rias Gremory, the Crimson-Haired Ruin Princess, one of the most powerful young devils in the supernatural world, getting genuinely excited about anime tropes and character development. It was like discovering that a famous celebrity was secretly into the same obscure hobby as you.
"What about Code Geass?" I asked, testing the waters. "The chess metaphors, the strategic manipulation..."
"Oh, Lelouch is brilliant," she said immediately, then paused with a slight smirk. "Though I have to say, some of his strategies wouldn't work as well in real political situations. Too much reliance on dramatic timing."
I raised an eyebrow. "Speaking from experience?"
"Let's just say I've seen enough political maneuvering to know that reality is often messier than fiction," she replied with a knowing smile.
We continued like that for another twenty minutes, discussing everything from the philosophical implications of Ghost in the Shell to the surprisingly complex character development in Overlord. Rias had opinions on everything, and not the surface-level observations of a casual fan. She understood narrative structure, character motivations, and thematic elements in ways that suggested she'd put serious thought into these stories.
"I have to admit," she said as our conversation began to wind down, "it's refreshing to meet someone who actually understands the deeper elements of these stories. Most people just see the surface level."
"Same here," I replied, and meant it. This wasn't the stern, elegant devil I'd expected from the anime. This was someone who genuinely loved the same things I did, someone who could discuss the philosophical implications of artificial intelligence in cyberpunk settings and the political subtleties of fantasy world-building with equal enthusiasm.
"I should probably introduce myself properly," she said, straightening slightly and regaining some of her composure. "Rias Gremory, third-year student at Kuoh Academy and president of the Occult Research Club."
"Akira Yamamoto," I replied, keeping my tone casual. "Second-year, also at Kuoh, though I'm not in any clubs yet."
"The Occult Research Club is always looking for new members," she said with a smile that might have been entirely innocent or might have been an invitation to something much more significant. "We meet in the old school building after classes. You might find our... discussions... interesting."
Before I could respond, she glanced at her watch and sighed. "Speaking of which, I should probably get going. Club duties and all that."
"Of course," I said, stepping back to give her room to leave. "This was... unexpectedly enjoyable."
"Likewise," she replied, then paused at the door. "I hope we'll have the chance to continue this conversation sometime, Akira. It's rare to find someone who appreciates good storytelling."
And then she was gone, leaving me standing in the manga shop with a clearer picture of who Rias Gremory really was beneath the supernatural politics and devil nobility. She was a fellow fan, someone who understood the appeal of well-crafted narratives and complex characters. It was humanizing in a way I hadn't expected.
I turned back to the shelves, trying to find something worth buying after that conversation, but everything seemed disappointing by comparison. Generic isekai stories with overpowered protagonists and no real character development. Romance series that followed the same tired formulas. Even the supposedly "original" works felt like pale copies of stories I'd read in my previous world.
I sighed, running my fingers along the spines of various volumes. Nothing here was worth the paper it was printed on. The standards in this world were apparently lower than what I was used to, or maybe I was just being overly critical after discussing actually good storytelling with someone who understood it.
As I headed toward the exit, empty-handed and slightly disappointed, I caught fragments of a conversation from two girls near the front of the store. They were speaking in hushed, worried tones, but my enhanced hearing picked up every word.
"...hasn't come home since yesterday," the first girl was saying, her voice tight with anxiety. "Her parents are worried sick."
"Did you check that place she likes to go when she's upset?" the second girl asked. "You know, behind the mall?"
"The abandoned building? That's exactly where I'm worried she might be. She always goes there when she wants to be alone, but it's been a whole day..."
"We should probably tell someone. That place gives me the creeps, especially at night."
"I know, but you know how she is. She won't come out if she thinks we're making a big deal about it. Maybe we should just check ourselves first?"
My instincts, finely tuned by years of anime consumption and now enhanced by supernatural senses, immediately started screaming warnings. Abandoned building. Missing person. DxD world. The equation was so obvious it might as well have been written in neon lights.
Stray devil.
This was exactly the opportunity I'd been looking for. A chance to test my new powers, earn my first real gacha ticket, and potentially save someone in the process. The fact that it was conveniently located behind the mall, easily accessible and away from major population centers, made it perfect for what I had in mind.
I discreetly followed the two girls as they left the shop, staying far enough back that they wouldn't notice but close enough to hear their continued conversation. They were genuinely worried about their friend, discussing whether they should involve adults or try to handle it themselves first.
The sun was beginning to set, casting long shadows across the streets and giving everything a golden, almost ominous glow. Perfect timing for supernatural activities. Most stray devils were more active during evening hours, and the approaching darkness would provide natural cover for whatever I might need to do.
I watched as the girls headed toward the mall, their pace quickening as their anxiety grew. They were walking straight into what was almost certainly a dangerous situation, driven by loyalty to their friend and ignorance of what they were actually facing.
I could warn them, try to convince them to stay away and call for help. But that would raise questions I wasn't prepared to answer, and it would also eliminate my chance to gain experience and power. The pragmatic part of my mind, enhanced by my new predatory instincts, was already calculating the most efficient approach.
The missing girl was probably already dead or transformed into something worse. The two girls heading toward the abandoned building were walking into a trap. And I was the only one in position to do anything about it.
I flexed my fingers experimentally, feeling the familiar tingle that preceded my transformation. My claws were sharp enough to cut through steel, my reflexes were enhanced beyond human limits, and my senses could track prey through complete darkness. I was as ready as I'd ever be.
The abandoned building behind the mall was about to become a hunting ground.
And I was going to be the hunter.