Chapter 2
Jason sat on the edge of the bed in his modest apartment, staring at his hands. The morning sun streamed through the curtains, but he made no move to get ready for school. He couldn't. Not yet.
The flood of memories was overwhelming, like trying to drink from a fire hose. Two lifetimes worth of experiences crashed together in his skull, and he needed time to sort through the mess before he could even think about facing other people.
Okay, let's break this down* he thought, running those unfamiliar hands through blonde hair. *I'm Yuuto Kiba. Knight piece in Rias Gremory's peerage. Traumatic past involving the Holy Sword Project. Dead friends. Hatred for holy weapons.*
But underneath all of that was still Jason Mitchell—the guy who'd died in a Detroit alley, who'd spent seventeen years being aggressively mediocre, who had opinions about things and wasn't afraid to voice them.
The contrast was jarring. Yuuto was polite, refined, diplomatic. Jason was blunt, sarcastic, and had zero patience for bullshit. Somehow, he was going to have to blend these two personalities into something functional.
Speaking of bullshit* Jason's thoughts turned to what he knew was coming. *Issei Hyoudou.*
Even thinking the name made his brow twitch. He had memories of the perverted idiot, knew that in the original timeline, the little shit would join their peerage soon after getting himself killed by Raynare. The "protagonist" would then proceed to stumble his way into power while building a harem and acting like a complete degenerate.
Not happening* Jason decided firmly. *I don't give a fuck if he's supposed to be the main character. I'm not standing by and watching some horny teenager collect girls like Pokemon cards while I play the supportive pretty boy role.*
It was a dangerous thought. Messing with the established timeline could have consequences he couldn't predict. But Jason had never been one to passively accept things that pissed him off, and apparently death hadn't changed that.
Besides* he reasoned, *this is my life now. If I'm stuck here, I'm going to make it count for something. No more being background character. Time to actually take charge.*
The CCA System pulsed in the back of his mind, responding to his determination. He'd been vaguely aware of it since waking up, but now seemed like the perfect time to figure out what it actually did.
Alright* he thought. *Let's see what you've got.*
The response was immediate. A translucent blue screen materialized in his vision, sleek and modern, like something out of a high-budget sci-fi movie.
[Character Card Assimilation System - Online*
[Welcome, User: Yuuto Kiba*
[Status: 1 Character Card Available*
Jason's eyebrows shot up. *Well, that was fast.*
More text scrolled across the interface:
[Tutorial: The CCA System allows you to assimilate fictional characters, gaining access to their skills, abilities and knowledge. Cards are earned through completing quests. WARNING: Assimilation is permanent and will alter your base parameters.*
[Current Available Card: Muichiro Tokito - Demon Slayer*
[Rarity: A-Rank*
[Would you like to view card details? Y/N*
His eyes widened. Muichiro Tokito—the Mist Hashira from Demon Slayer. One of the youngest and most talented swordsmen in that entire universe, a prodigy who'd mastered breathing techniques that could slice through demons.
Holy shit* he thought, his heart racing. *This is actually real. I can get the abilities of fictional characters.*
Without hesitation, he selected 'Y'.
[Muichiro Tokito - The Mist Hashira*
[Age: 14*
[Abilities: Mist Breathing (Complete Mastery), Supernatural Reflexes, Enhanced Physical Capabilities, Swordsmanship (Grandmaster Level)*
[Personality Traits: Analytical, Direct, Prodigious Talent, Tactical Genius*
[Knowledge: Advanced Demon Slaying Techniques, Combat Theory, Weapon Maintenance*
[Assimilate? Y/N*
Jason stared at the screen for a long moment. This was it—his second step into becoming something more than he'd ever been in either life. The power to stand on equal footing with the supernatural freaks that populated this world.
Fuck it* he decided. *I didn't get a second chance at life just to play it safe.*
He selected 'Y'.
The world exploded into sensation.
Pain lanced through every nerve in his body as if he'd been struck by lightning. His muscles spasmed and contracted, rewriting themselves at the cellular level. His bones ached as they became denser, stronger. His vision sharpened to the point where he could see dust motes dancing in the morning sunlight with crystal clarity.
But it wasn't just physical changes. Memories that weren't his own flooded his consciousness. The familiarity a katana in his hands, the rhythm of breathing techniques that could enhance human capabilities beyond their normal limits, the cold precision of a mind trained for combat from childhood.
He remembered fighting demons in the dead of night, the satisfying slice of a blade through supernatural flesh. He remembered the loss of his brother, the burning need for vengeance that had driven him to master his craft. He remembered the weight of responsibility that came with being a Hashira, the protector of people who couldn't protect themselves.
Endure it* came a thought that was distinctly not his own.
The pain began to fade, replaced by a strange sense of completeness. His eyes slowly opened seeing the world with new clarity. He could see the individual threads in his curtains, smell the faintest trace of cleaning supplies from the apartment next door, hear the subtle variations in the sounds of traffic outside.
Interesting* he thought, as he let the new changes seep into his psyche *This is going to take some getting used to.*
He walked to the mirror and examined his reflection. Externally, he still looked like Yuuto Kiba, but there was something different in his eyes—a sharpness, a calculating intelligence that hadn't been there before.
So* he mused, *I'm now a devil knight with the abilities of a Hashira. That's definitely going to elevate my combat versatility by margins.*
A new screen appeared in his vision:
[Assimilation Complete*
[New Abilities Acquired: Mist Breathing, Enhanced Physical Parameters, Extrasensory Perception, Master-Level Swordsmanship*
Jason looked at his hands again. They were steady, controlled, the hands of someone who'd spent years perfecting the art of the blade. The knowledge was there—how to grip a sword for maximum efficiency, how to read an opponent's stance, how to channel breathing techniques that could enhance his physical capabilities beyond human limits.
Mist Breathing* he thought, and suddenly he understood. Seven forms, each one designed for different combat scenarios. First Form: Low Clouds, Distant Haze—a thrusting technique that could pierce through the strongest defenses. Second Form: Eight-Layered Mist—multiple slashing attacks that created a defensive barrier. And so on, each technique burned into his muscle memory as if he'd been practicing them for years.
He could feel his demonic energy responding to these new pathways, the power flowing differently through his body. Where before Yuuto's sword creation had been limited to demonic blades, now Jason could sense the potential for something far more sophisticated.
This is fucking incredible* he thought, flexing his fingers and watching how they moved with perfect coordination. *I went from being a dead nobody to a devil knight to having the skills of one of the most talented swordsmen in anime history.*
But even as he marveled at his new abilities, the analytical part of his mind—enhanced by Muichiro's tactical genius—was already working through the implications. He was stronger now, faster, more capable. But he was also in a world where strength meant everything, where the supernatural entities operated on a complex web of politics and power plays.
First things first* he decided, standing and stretching muscles that felt fundamentally different than they had an hour ago. *I need to figure out exactly where I am in the timeline.*
His newly acquired memories told him everything he needed to know—it was still early in the school year, which meant Issei hadn't died yet. The perverted idiot was probably still going to school, completely oblivious to the supernatural world around him.
Good* Jason thought with grim satisfaction. *That gives me time to prepare.*
He closed the planner and walked to the window, looking out at Kuoh Town in the morning light. Somewhere out there, fallen angels were plotting, other devil families were scheming, and all sorts of supernatural bullshit was brewing beneath the surface of this seemingly peaceful town.
The question is, what's my move here?*
The system chimed again, drawing his attention back to the screen:
[Quest: Don't Let Issei Hyoudou Join the Peerage]
[Rewards: 1 Character Card*
[Time Limit: None*
[Accept? Y/N*
Jason considered the quest. It was vague enough to give him options, but specific enough to have clear goals.
Accept* he decided.
[Quest Accepted*
[Tip: Demonstrating combat prowess or strategic thinking will advance quest progress*
Jason glanced at the clock and realized hours had passed since he'd first accessed the system. He'd need to get moving soon if he wanted to maintain his normal routine, but first he wanted to test his newly acquired abilities.
He moved to the center of his apartment and took a deep breath, focusing on the knowledge that had been burned into his mind. *First Form: Low Clouds, Distant Haze.*
Even without a sword, he could feel the technique's essence—the way his body should move, the precise angle of attack, the breathing pattern that would enhance his speed and power. His muscles remembered movements he'd never made, his mind understood strategies he'd never studied.
This is insane* he realized as he became aware of just how much sensory input he was processing at once*All this enhanced awareness... I need to learn how to filter it or I'll end up hurting my own allies*
But even as he struggled with the overwhelming flood of information, part of him was exhilarated. For the first time in either of his lives, he felt truly powerful. Not just physically, but mentally sharp in a way that went beyond normal intelligence.
He needed to test this properly, but that would have to wait. Right now, he had a role to play and a plot to mess with.
Chapter 3
"School Days" Jason muttered as he stood in front of gates of Kuoh Academy.
The building loomed before him, all polished stone and pristine windows, the kind of place that screamed "elite private school" with every architectural choice. It was a far cry from the underfunded public school he'd attended back in Detroit, where half the lockers didn't close properly and the cafeteria smelled like a biohazard.
At least this place looks like it won't collapse if someone sneezes too hard* he thought, adjusting the strap of his school bag.
Students were chatting in groups or hurrying to their classes. Jason watched them with detached interest, comparing this scene to his old life. Back then, he'd been invisible—just another face in the crowd that nobody bothered remembering. He could count on one hand the number of times someone had actually acknowledged his existence outside of classroom roll call.
It had been... peaceful, in its own way. No expectations, no pressure, no need to perform for anyone.
But that wasn't his reality anymore.
"Kiba-senpai!"
The high-pitched squeal cut through his thoughts like nails on a chalkboard. Jason turned to see a group of girls in kendo uniforms rushing toward him, their faces lit up with the kind of enthusiasm usually reserved for boy band concerts.
Oh, right. I'm the school pretty boy now. Fucking fantastic.*
"Good morning, Kiba-senpai!" The lead girl, a brunette with her hair tied back in a practical ponytail, beamed at him. "Are you heading to the Occult Research Club?"
"We were hoping to see you at kendo practice today!" another chimed in, practically vibrating with excitement. "You said you'd give us some pointers on our form!"
Did I?* Jason searched through Yuuto's memories and, sure enough, found a vague promise made a week ago to help the kendo club with their training. *Great. Can't back out of that without looking like an asshole.*
He arranged his face into what he hoped was Yuuto's trademark polite smile. "Of course. I'll stop by after my club activities."
The girls erupted into delighted giggles, and Jason felt something inside him die a little. This was going to be his life now—constantly performing, always being "on," never allowed to just exist without someone expecting him to be charming and accommodating.
I miss being invisible* he thought bitterly as more students began to notice him and wave. *At least when I was nobody, I could tell people to fuck off without consequences.*
"Kiba-senpai, your hair looks so good today!"
"Did you do something different with it?"
"You're so cool, senpai!"
The compliments kept coming, each one making his eye twitch. He nodded and smiled and said all the right things, but inside he was screaming. This wasn't him. Jason Mitchell didn't do fake pleasantries and constant politeness. He was the guy who told it like it was, consequences be damned.
But Yuuto Kiba had a reputation to maintain, and until Jason figured out his game plan, he couldn't afford to break character.
One day* he promised himself as he extracted himself from the group with practiced ease, *I'm going to tell everyone exactly what I think. But not today.*
He made his way across the courtyard toward the old school building, where the Occult Research Club had set up shop. The structure stood apart from the main campus, older and more Gothic in design, with ivy crawling up its walls and windows that seemed to absorb light rather than reflect it.
Appropriate for a bunch of devils, I guess* Jason mused as he climbed the steps.
More students waved at him along the way. More smiles that didn't reach his eyes. More polite greetings when all he wanted was five minutes of peace to think.
Being popular is fucking exhausting* he realized. *How did Yuuto do this every single day without losing his mind?*
The answer came from the memories—Yuuto had genuinely enjoyed making people happy. He'd found satisfaction in being helpful, in being the person others could rely on.
Jason was... not that guy.
Well, they're going to have to get used to disappointment* he thought as he reached the club room door. *Because I've got bigger things to worry about than being everyone's perfect pretty boy.*
He took a breath, centering himself. Inside this room were devils—his supposed comrades, his peerage members, his... what? Friends? Allies? People who would kill him without hesitation if they knew what he was really thinking?
Time to find out which one it is.*
Jason pushed open the door.
The interior of the Occult Research Club room was exactly as pretentious as he'd expected—dark wood paneling, vintage furniture that probably cost more than his entire life back in Detroit, and enough occult paraphernalia to make it clear this wasn't just a name. Candles flickered on various surfaces despite it being broad daylight, and the scent of incense hung in the air like a velvet curtain.
Subtlety is clearly not a priority here* Jason thought.
"Ara, Yuuto-kun! Good morning!"
The melodious voice drew his attention to the tea station, where Akeno Himejima stood with a teapot in hand. She was exactly as the memories depicted her—long black hair tied in a ponytail with an orange ribbon, violet eyes that seemed to see right through you, and a smile that could either mean "welcome" or "I'm planning your torture" with equal probability.
She wore the Kuoh Academy girls' uniform with an elegance that seemed effortless, moving with a grace that reminded Jason she was more than just a pretty face. The uniform consisted of a white long-sleeved shirt with a black ribbon, a black shoulder cape, and a magenta skirt with white accents. On her, it looked less like a school uniform and more like something designed specifically to remind everyone she was completely out of their league.
Akeno was dangerous, a sadist who genuinely enjoyed inflicting pain, and one of the strongest members of their peerage.
And she's looking at me like I'm a particularly interesting specimen* Jason noticed, feeling those violet eyes assess him with unnerving intensity.
"Morning, Akeno-san," he replied, keeping his tone light and friendly. *Don't give her any reason to suspect something's changed.*
"Would you like some tea?" she asked, already pouring a cup. "I made your favorite—Earl Grey with a touch of honey."
Of course she knows my preferences. She probably knows everyone's preferences, along with their fears, weaknesses, and what makes them scream.*
"Thanks," Jason accepted the cup, noting how her fingers brushed against his for just a moment longer than necessary. *Yeah, definitely being analyzed right now.*
His gaze shifted to the couch, where a small figure sat curled up with a box of chocolates in her lap. Koneko Toujou looked even tinier in person than the memories suggested—petite with short white hair that framed her face in a way that was almost impossibly cute, and amber eyes that held all the emotional depth of a brick wall. She wore the same Kuoh Academy uniform as Akeno, though on her smaller frame it looked less elegant and more adorable, like someone had dressed up a particularly grumpy kitten in school clothes.
Except she's not* Jason reminded himself, accessing Yuuto's knowledge. *She's a Nekomata—a cat yokai with strength that could probably turn me into paste if she wanted to.*
Currently, that terrifying strength was being used to delicately select a chocolate from the box with the kind of focus most people reserved for defusing bombs. Her expression remained completely neutral, as if the fate of the world depended on choosing between dark chocolate and milk chocolate.
"Morning, Koneko," Jason ventured.
The white-haired girl's amber eyes flickered toward him for a brief moment. "...Senpai," she acknowledged, then returned her attention to the chocolates with the dismissiveness of someone who'd already spent their daily quota of social interaction.
Wow. Such enthusiasm. I can barely contain myself* Jason thought sarcastically, though he couldn't help but appreciate her economy of words. At least she wasn't fawning over him like the kendo girls.
"Yuuto-kun."
The voice came from behind the ornate desk at the far end of the room, and Jason turned to face the woman who was technically his master. Rias Gremory sat in a high-backed leather chair that looked more like a throne, her crimson hair cascading over her shoulders like a waterfall of blood. Her blue-green eyes regarded him with the kind of attention that made it clear she was used to being the most important person in any room she entered.
She wore the standard Kuoh Academy girls' uniform, but like Akeno, she somehow made it look like haute couture. Everything about her screamed nobility—from the way she sat with perfect posture to the way her fingers rested elegantly on the armrests of her chair. This was someone who'd been raised from birth to command, to rule, to expect obedience.
The Crimson-Haired Ruin Princess* Jason thought, feeling a mix of emotions that were both his and Yuuto's. *Heir to the Gremory clan, one of the remaining pillars of devil society, and my ticket to not being dead.*
She was beautiful in the way that supernatural beings often were—too perfect, too symmetrical, like someone had taken the concept of "attractive female" and dialed it up to eleven. The memories told him that Yuuto was grateful to her, loyal to her, would die for her without hesitation.
Jason was... significantly less enthusiastic about the whole "dying for nobility" thing.
"Morning, buchou," he greeted, using the club president title that served as a cover for her actual position as his King.
"Please, sit," Rias gestured to the chairs arranged in front of her desk. "We have matters to discuss."
Here we go* Jason thought, taking a seat. Akeno glided over to stand beside Rias's chair like some kind of elegant attack dog, while Koneko remained on the couch, still focused on her chocolates but clearly listening.
Rias steepled her fingers, her expression serious. "I've received word from Sona that Fallen Angels have entered our territory."
The room's temperature seemed to drop several degrees.
So it's starting* he thought. *The whole Raynare situation. Which means Issei's about to get himself killed by a crazy bitch in bondage gear.*
"Fallen Angels?" Akeno's voice took on an edge that hadn't been there before, her smile becoming something sharp and dangerous. "How many?"
"Three confirmed," Rias replied. "Possibly more. They're being subtle about their presence"
Someone like a kid with a Sacred Gear that could kill God* Jason filled in mentally. *Though they don't know that's what they're looking for yet.*
Koneko finally spoke up, her voice flat and emotionless. "...Trouble."
"Indeed," Rias agreed. "Which is why I'm instructing all of you to be vigilant. If you sense Fallen Angel presence, report it immediately. Do not engage unless absolutely necessary."
Translation: Don't start a war I'll have to answer for* Jason interpreted. Devil politics were complicated, and unauthorized combat between factions could have serious repercussions. The last thing Rias needed was to explain to her family why one of her peerage members had started an international incident.
"What about our contracts?" Akeno asked, tilting her head slightly. "Should we suspend summoning circles in the affected areas?"
"No," Rias shook her head, her crimson hair swaying with the movement. "That would only alert them to the fact that we're aware of their presence. Continue as normal, but be prepared for complications."
Jason leaned back in his chair, his enhanced perception picking up subtle details he wouldn't have noticed before. The slight tension in Rias's shoulders suggested she was more worried than she was letting on. Akeno's smile had become sharper, more predatory—she was looking forward to potential conflict like a kid anticipating Christmas morning. And Koneko had stopped eating her chocolates, which probably meant she was actually concerned.
So everyone's on edge* he observed. *Good. That means they're taking this seriously.*
"Do we know why they're here?" Jason pressed, wanting to see how much Rias actually knew. "I mean, Kuoh Town is their enemy's territory. What could possibly interest Fallen Angels enough to risk operating here?"
Rias's eyes flickered with approval at the question. "That's an excellent point, Yuuto. I believe they're searching for a Sacred Gear user, though the specifics are unclear. The Grigori have been collecting Sacred Gear users for decades, so it's not unprecedented."
Sacred Gear user* Jason thought. *So they know that much. But do they know about the Boosted Gear specifically?*
"If they're looking for a Sacred Gear user, shouldn't we be doing the same?" Akeno suggested, her violet eyes gleaming with interest. "Beat them to the acquisition, so to speak?"
"We will," Rias said firmly. "But carefully. I don't want to tip our hand too early. If the Fallen Angels realize we're competing for the same target, they might act rashly."
And by 'act rashly', It's the death of their target,'* Jason translated mentally.
"There's one more thing," Rias continued, apparently satisfied that she'd adequately briefed them on the Fallen Angel situation. "We have a Stray Devil that needs to be dealt with. It's been hiding in the abandoned building behind the shopping mall, and I've heard rumours from the local residents about strange noises and disappearances."
"A Stray?" Jason raised an eyebrow. Strays were devils who'd abandoned or killed their masters, usually going insane in the process and becoming monsters that needed to be put down. They were also perfect training exercises for peerage members.
And a great excuse to test out my new abilities* he realized, feeling a surge of anticipation. *I need to see how Mist Breathing works in actual combat, not just theory.*
"For this, I'm assigning Yuuto and Koneko to handle it," Rias announced, her gaze moving between them. "Consider it a routine extermination mission. Akeno and I will remain here to monitor the Fallen Angel situation and continue our contract work."
Koneko finally looked up from her chocolates, her amber eyes meeting Jason's. There was a question in that gaze—*Can you handle this?*
Oh, I can handle it* Jason thought, suppressing a grin. *The question is whether I can handle it without revealing that I'm not exactly who everyone thinks I am.*
The real problem was going to be testing his Mist Breathing techniques without making Koneko suspicious. She was perceptive as hell despite her emotionless exterior, and any significant deviation from Yuuto's normal fighting style would raise questions he wasn't ready to answer.
I'll have to be smart about this* he decided. *Maybe I can pass it off as a new technique I've been developing with my sword training. Devils are always trying to improve their abilities, so it wouldn't be that strange.*
"Understood, buchou," Jason said aloud. "When do we leave?"
"After school," Rias replied. "The Stray is nocturnal, so it will be more active once the sun sets. That should give you both time to prepare."
"Prepare for what?" Jason asked, genuinely curious. "It's just a Stray, right? We've handled plenty of those before."
Or at least Yuuto has* he mentally corrected. *I've never even seen a devil, let alone killed one.*
"This one is different," Rias said, her expression darkening. "According to the reports, it's a former Bishop piece—someone who specialized in demonic magic. That means you'll be dealing with ranged attacks and possibly defensive barriers. Don't underestimate it like the strays we've exterminated."
"A Bishop," Jason repeated, his tactical mind already working through the implications. Bishops in the Evil Pieces system were magic specialists, which meant this Stray would have access to powerful spells even in its degraded mental state. Close combat would be dangerous if it could blast them from a distance.
Good thing I've got enhanced speed and reflexes now* he thought. *Mist Breathing specializes in rapid movement and evasion. If I can close the distance fast enough, its magic won't be too much of a problem for me.*
"Don't worry, buchou," he said with more confidence than he felt. "Koneko and I will handle it."
The white-haired girl finally set down her chocolate box and slid off the couch with surprising grace for someone so small. "...Hm," she nodded simply, making it clear she considered this mission beneath her notice but would do it anyway because orders were orders.
That's the spirit* Jason thought dryly. *Nothing says 'team motivation' like overwhelming apathy.*
"Excellent," Rias smiled, apparently satisfied with their readiness. "Yuuto, Koneko, I'll expect a full report once the mission is complete."
Jason stood and gave a respectful nod, watching as Koneko shuffled back to the couch to reclaim her chocolates. Akeno was still smiling that unsettling smile, and Rias had already returned her attention to some paperwork on her desk.
Just another day in the life of a devil* Jason mused as he headed for the door. *Kill monsters, attend school, pretend to be someone I'm not. Totally normal.*
But as he left the Occult Research Club room and stepped back into the hallway, a different thought occurred to him. Tonight would be his first real test—not just of his new abilities, but of whether he could actually kill something.
Jason Mitchell had never hurt anyone in his life. He'd gotten into maybe two fights total, both of which had been pathetic shoving matches that ended with everyone involved getting detention.
But Yuuto Kiba had killed before. Had cut down enemies without hesitation, had ended lives because his King commanded it.
Can I do that?* Jason wondered as he walked through the old school building's corridors. *Can I actually take a life, even if it's just a mindless monster?*
The answer would come soon enough.
The rest of the school day passed in a blur of classes Jason didn't care about and social interactions that made him want to scream. Every period was the same routine—sit at his desk, look attentive, smile when people talked to him, and resist the urge to tell everyone to shut the fuck up and let him think.
Math class was particularly excruciating. Not because the material was difficult—Yuuto's memories included a solid education, and Jason's enhanced cognition made understanding the concepts trivial—but because every girl in the class kept finding excuses to talk to him.
"Kiba-kun, can you help me with this problem?"
"Kiba-senpai, I don't understand this formula."
"Do you have plans after school, Kiba-kun?"
I have plans to kill a monster and hopefully not die in the process* Jason thought but didn't say. Instead, he smiled and helped with math problems and politely declined invitations while dying inside.
The worst part was that he couldn't even zone out. Yuuto's reputation was built on being attentive and engaged, always willing to help, never showing frustration or irritation. If Jason suddenly started acting like he wanted everyone to leave him alone, questions would be asked.
This is torture* he decided during lunch, surrounded by students who wanted to eat with the popular pretty boy. *I'd rather fight the Stray Devil right now than sit through one more conversation about someone's weekend plans.*
By the time the final bell rang, Jason was ready to commit violence. The constant performance had worn him down, leaving him mentally exhausted and craving the simplicity of honest combat. At least when you were fighting something, you didn't have to smile and nod and pretend to give a shit about trivial gossip.
Finally* he thought, gathering his things and heading for the old school building. *Time to do something that actually matters.*
He found Koneko waiting outside the Occult Research Club, her small form leaning against the wall with her hands in her pockets. She'd changed out of her uniform at some point and now wore casual clothes—a simple white hoodie and black shorts that somehow made her look even younger.
Those amber eyes tracked his approach with the same expressionless gaze she always wore. Jason couldn't tell if she was bored, annoyed, or completely indifferent to the upcoming mission.
Probably all three* he guessed.
"Go?" she asked simply, tilting her head slightly.
"Yeah," Jason confirmed, stopping in front of her. "Let's get this over with."
Koneko nodded and extended her hand. A magic circle materialized beneath their feet, glowing with the crimson light of the Gremory family crest. The intricate designs rotated slowly, and Jason felt the strange sensation of teleportation magic taking hold—like his body was being pulled in multiple directions at once while simultaneously staying perfectly still.
Still not used to this* he thought as the world dissolved into red light.
When reality reasserted itself, they were standing in front of the abandoned building behind the shopping mall. The structure loomed against the evening sky, a skeletal frame of rusted metal and shattered windows. Graffiti covered the lower walls, and the entrance had been boarded up multiple times, though someone—or something—had repeatedly torn through the barriers.
Charming* Jason observed, his enhanced senses picking up details that would have escaped normal notice. The smell of decay and something distinctly not-human hung in the air. Scratch marks on the walls that were too deep and too regular to be animal. And underneath it all, the faint pulse of demonic energy that made his skin crawl.
The building itself was maybe five stories tall, probably an old warehouse or factory that had been abandoned when the economy shifted. Nature had begun reclaiming it—vines crawled up the sides, and weeds pushed through cracks in the concrete. But there was something wrong about it, something that made Jason's instincts scream danger.
This is where we're hunting a magical monster* he thought, feeling a mix of anticipation and genuine fear. *No backing out now.*
"Senpai," Koneko said, drawing his attention. She was staring at the building with that same neutral expression, but Jason thought he detected a hint of caution in her eyes. "Go in."
It wasn't a question.
Right* Jason thought, taking a deep breath. *Time to see if I'm actually capable of killing something.*
His hand instinctively went to his side, where Yuuto's Sacred Gear would normally manifest swords. But tonight he'd be relying on something else—breathing techniques designed to slay demons, enhanced physical capabilities that pushed him beyond normal limits, and tactical instincts honed through battles he'd never actually fought.
First kill* he realized as he and Koneko approached the building's entrance. *This is going to be my first time actually ending a life.*
The thought should have bothered him more than it did. But as they pushed through the damaged boards covering the doorway and stepped into the darkness beyond, Jason found himself oddly calm.
Maybe it was Muichiro's memories bleeding through, or maybe it was just acceptance of his new reality. Either way, there was no turning back now.
The interior of the building swallowed them whole, darkness pressing in from all sides. Jason's enhanced vision adjusted quickly, revealing corridors lined with debris and doorways leading to unknown horrors.
Somewhere in this building, a monster was waiting.
I'm ready for this* Jason thought as they ventured deeper into the abandoned structure.
Chapter 4
The darkness inside the abandoned building was unsettling for Jason with each passing moment. Rusted support beams, collapsed sections of floor, and the overwhelming smell of rot, seemed to have soaked into the very walls.
This place is a shithole* he thought, stepping carefully over debris. *Perfect hunting ground for something that doesn't want to be found.*
Koneko moved beside him with the kind of silence that should have been impossible. No footsteps, no rustling of clothes, nothing. She was just there, a small white-haired ghost navigating the darkness with casual indifference. Her petite frame made no sound as she stepped over broken glass and twisted metal, her hazel eyes scanning the environment with bored look.
Right. She's a Rook. Enhanced physical abilities and defense. And a Nekomata on top of that* Jason reminded himself, accessing Yuuto's memories. *Probably the strongest person in this building right now, and she looks like she weighs about as much as a bag of groceries.*
They'd been searching for maybe ten minutes when Jason's enhanced hearing picked up something. A scrape of movement from above, metal groaning under weight, and underneath it all, the rapid-fire patter of breathing that wasn't quite human.
He held up a hand, and Koneko stopped immediately. Those hazel eyes found his in the darkness, questioning.
Jason pointed up toward the ceiling, then held three fingers—third floor.
Koneko nodded once, her expression as blank as ever.
They found the stairs, or what remained of them. The metal had rusted through in places, leaving gaps that would probably send a normal person plummeting to their death. Jason tested each step before putting his weight on it, feeling the metal groan and flex beneath his feet.
One wrong move and I'm going to die in the most embarrassing way possible* he thought, gripping the railing. *"I bet none of reincarnators got killed by a fucking staircase."*
The second floor was worse than the first—more collapsed sections, more debris, and a smell that made Jason's nose wrinkle in disgust. Something had definitely died up here, and recently. Dark stains on the floor that his enhanced vision identified as blood, drag marks leading toward the center of the building, and—
Bones.*
Human bones, picked clean and scattered like discarded toys.
So the Stray's been feeding* Jason realized, feeling his stomach turn. *On people. Actual people who probably just wanted to explore an abandoned building or find a place to have fun?*
He glanced at Koneko, expecting to see some kind of reaction. But the girl's expression remained completely neutral, as if she'd seen this kind of thing a thousand times before. She simply stepped over the bones with the same indifference she'd shown the broken glass, her small frame casting barely a shadow in the dim light.
Well, she has seen this way too many times* Jason thought. *This is routine for devils. Hunt the Stray, kill the Stray, go home and eat dinner. Just another day at the office.*
The third floor entrance was partially collapsed, forcing them to climb through a gap in the debris. Jason squeezed through first, his enhanced agility making the maneuver easier than it should have been, then turned to help Koneko—
Who'd already landed beside him with the grace of a falling leaf, her landing completely silent despite dropping from a height that should have at least made some noise.
Why am I even here?* he thought *I bet she can knock that stray with two or three punches*
The third floor opened into what had once been a large open workspace. Machinery sat abandoned throughout the space, covered in rust and years of accumulated grime. Moonlight filtered through holes in the roof, creating islands of pale illumination in the darkness.
And in the center of it all, hunched over something that Jason really didn't want to look at too closely, was the Stray Devil.
It had been human once. Jason could tell that much from the basic shape—two arms, two legs, a head. But whatever humanity it had possessed was long gone. Its body had swollen and distorted, muscles bulging at odd angles, skin taking on a grayish pallor that looked more like stone than flesh. Its eyes glowed with an unnatural blue light, and when it turned toward them, Jason saw that its mouth had expanded to accommodate rows of jagged teeth.
The creature stood easily seven feet tall, its body crackling with residual electricity that danced across its malformed skin like living serpents.
That's... that's fucking disgusting* he thought, fighting the urge to gag.
The Stray rose to its full height and let out a sound that was part growl, part shriek. The noise echoed through the empty space, bouncing off walls and making Jason's enhanced hearing ring with feedback.
"It's tough" Koneko stated flatly, her small hands clenching into fists.
Right* Jason thought, his tactical mind kicking into gear. *Rias said this thing specialized in demonic magic. Long-range attacks, defensive barriers, probably a bunch of other bullshit I don't know about.*
The Stray's mouth opened wider, and Jason saw electricity crackling between its teeth, building in intensity with each passing second.
Oh, fuck—*
"MOVE!" he shouted, diving to the side as a bolt of lightning tore through the space where he'd been standing. The electricity struck the wall behind them with enough force to blow a hole through the concrete, sending debris raining down in a shower of dust and broken stone.
Jason rolled to his feet, already summoning his Sacred Gear. The familiar sensation of Sword Birth activating washed over him—power flowing through his body, crystallizing into weapons. A blade materialized in his hand, the demonic sword gleaming with dark energy. The weight felt perfect, balanced, an extension of his will made manifest.
At least this part feels natural* he thought, testing the blade's weight.
But even as he held the sword, Jason felt the familiar sensation to it. Sword Birth could create numerous demonic swords with different attributes—blades that could absorb holy power, freeze flames, cut through barriers—but against a creature that could blast him with lightning from across the room, he needed to close distance fast.
Time to see if this Mist Breathing actually works well enough with Sword Birth* he decided.
The Stray was already preparing another attack, electricity building around its body like a living thing. Jason could see the energy concentrating, forming into multiple spheres of pure lightning that hovered around its hands.
Great. Just fucking great.*
Koneko suddenly burst forward without warning, her small form blurring with speed that belied her size. As a Rook, her physical strength and defense were enhanced far beyond normal devils, and she closed the distance to the Stray in a heartbeat.
Her fist, glowing with demonic power, slammed into the Stray's midsection.
The impact sounded like a gunshot, echoing through the empty warehouse. But the Stray's body absorbed the blow with barely a flinch, its grotesque form rippling but not breaking.
High durability* Jason noted. *Figures. Can't make this easy.*
The Stray retaliated immediately, electricity erupting from its body in all directions. Koneko tried to disengage, but the attack was too wide, too fast—
The lightning caught her across the shoulder and chest, lifting her small body off the ground and sending her flying backward. She crashed into a support beam with enough force to dent the metal, the sound of impact making Jason's teeth clench.
The white-haired girl crumpled to the ground and didn't get up.
"Koneko!" Jason shouted, genuine concern overriding his normal sarcasm.
Those hazel eyes were open, staring at nothing, her small body twitching from the residual electricity. She was breathing, Jason could see that much, but she wasn't moving. Blood seeped from her shoulder where the lightning had burned through her uniform.
Shit. Shit shit shit.*
The Stray turned its attention back to Jason, and he could swear the thing was smiling. Electricity danced between its fingers as it prepared another attack, clearly intending to finish him off before dealing with the unconscious Koneko.
Can't let that happen. Need to break through its defenses, but how?*
Jason charged forward, using his Knight-enhanced speed to close the distance. The Stray fired multiple lightning bolts, but Jason was already moving, his body flowing through the gaps between attacks with precision born from Muichiro's combat experience.
First Form: Low Clouds, Distant Haze.*
His breathing shifted—deep, controlled, following a pattern that felt both foreign and completely natural. The world seemed to slow down around him as his enhanced perception kicked into overdrive, Mist Breathing amplifying his already supernatural abilities.
He burst forward with speed that shocked even him, the demonic sword held low. The distance closed in a heartbeat, and Jason's blade thrust forward, aimed at the Stray's center mass—
And bounced off a shimmering barrier that materialized around the creature's body, the defensive magic absorbing the strike completely.
Shit!*
The Stray's massive hand swung at him like a freight train. Jason barely managed to duck under the blow, feeling the displaced air ruffle his hair. He disengaged, leaping backward to create distance, his mind racing.
Barrier. It can maintain a defensive shield while attacking. That's going to be a problem.*
The Stray laughed—actually laughed—a sound that was more grinding metal than human mirth. It fired another volley of lightning, and Jason had to throw himself to the side, the bolts scorching the concrete where he'd been standing.
I need to break that barrier* he thought, gritting his teeth. *But Sword Birth's basic attacks aren't cutting it. I need something with more punch.*
Then it hit him. Sword Birth could create demonic swords with different attributes. He'd been defaulting to a standard blade, but what if he created something specifically designed to counter barriers?
Worth a shot.*
Jason focused, pouring his will into the Sacred Gear. The sword in his hand dissolved, and a new blade materialized—this one crackling with energy designed to disrupt magical constructs. Holy Eraser, a sword that devoured light and holy power, but modified to target defensive barriers.
Let's see how that shield handles this.*
He charged again, this time incorporating Mist Breathing more deliberately. His movements became fluid, almost ethereal, as he closed the distance. The Stray fired lightning, but Jason was already twisting through the attacks, his enhanced perception reading the trajectory before the bolts even formed.
Second Form: Eight-Layered Mist.*
His blade became a blur, striking the same spot on the barrier over and over again with the precision of a sewing machine. Each impact sent ripples through the shield, and Jason could feel it weakening under the sustained assault.
The Stray roared and released another burst of electricity from its body, a desperate attempt to force Jason back. He saw it coming and threw himself backward, but not quite fast enough—
The edge of the blast caught his left arm, and pain exploded through his nervous system like someone had stuck his limb in a meat grinder.
SON OF A BITCH!*
He landed badly, nearly dropping his sword. His left arm hung useless at his side, muscles spasming from the electrical damage. The smell of burnt flesh filled his nostrils—his own flesh—and for a moment, Jason thought he might actually throw up.
Get it together* he told himself viciously. *You wanted to be special? You wanted power? Well, congratulations, asshole. Now use it or die.*
The Stray was advancing, electricity building for what was probably a killing blow. Jason's enhanced vision tracked every movement, his tactical mind running through options at superhuman speed.
Can't fight it head-on. Can't outlast it. Can't break through the barrier alone.*
Alone.*
Jason's gaze flicked to where Koneko had fallen. The girl was stirring, her hazel eyes blinking open slowly. She pushed herself up on shaking arms, one hand pressed to her injured shoulder. Her small frame trembled from the residual damage, but her expression remained as stoic as ever.
She's conscious. And she's a Rook—her physical strength is off the charts. If she can land a clean hit on that barrier...*
A plan formed in Jason's mind, desperate and stupid and probably suicidal. But it was the only chance they had.
He pushed himself to his feet, ignoring the screaming pain in his left arm. The Stray paused, almost curious, as if it couldn't believe its prey was still moving.
Good. Stay cocky, you ugly fuck.*
Jason made eye contact with Koneko across the room. The girl met his gaze, and something passed between them—an understanding needing no words. He jerked his head toward the Stray, then pointed at the barrier with his working arm. The gesture was clear: *I'll weaken it, you break it.*
Koneko's expression didn't change, but she gave the smallest of nods.
Alright, then*
Jason charged the Stray one more time, his working arm gripping his sword. The creature laughed at his foolishness, electricity crackling around its body in anticipation of an easy kill.
But Jason wasn't aiming to win this exchange. He was aiming to create an opening.
Third Form: Scattering Mist Splash.*
His blade came down in a wide, sweeping arc designed to force the Stray to concentrate its defensive barrier on one side. The attack had no chance of penetrating the shield, but that wasn't the point.
The Stray's barrier reinforced where Jason's blade struck, the magical energy concentrating to absorb the blow.
Which left the other side weakened.
Koneko struck from behind like a meteor, her movements silent and deadly. Her small fist, glowing with concentrated demonic power that came from her Rook piece's enhancement, smashed into the barrier's weakened section. The shield shattered like glass, fragments of magical energy dissipating into nothing with an audible crack.
The Stray's eyes widened in shock, but it was already too late.
Jason was inside its guard, his sword driving toward its exposed chest. The Stray tried to dodge, tried to blast him with lightning at point-blank range, but Koneko's follow-up strike caught it in the back, throwing off its aim and causing the lightning to fire harmlessly into the ceiling.
Sixth Form: Lunar Dispersing Mist.*
The technique came naturally, muscle memory guiding Jason's blade through a series of impossibly fast strikes. His demonic sword became a silver blur in the moonlight, each slash precise and controlled, targeting vital points with surgical accuracy enhanced by Muichiro's combat instincts.
The Stray's body jerked with each impact, electricity leaking from the wounds in uncontrolled bursts. It tried to scream, but Jason's blade had already cut through vital organs, silencing any attempt at retaliation.
But the creature wasn't finished. Even dying, it gathered one last burst of electrical energy, preparing to take them both down with it. The air itself seemed to crackle with power as lightning built to critical levels.
No, Not this time!*
"Koneko!" he called out "Now!"
The white-haired girl didn't hesitate. She drove her fist into the Stray's back one final time, her Rook-enhanced strength punching straight through the creature's weakened form. At the same instant, Jason thrust his blade through its chest from the front.
The Stray's body convulsed, electricity arcing between them in chaotic patterns. Jason felt the current flowing through his sword, through his arms, threatening to stop his heart. But he held on, gritting his teeth against the pain, refusing to let go until—
The creature went still.
The electricity faded to nothing. The Stray's glowing eyes dimmed, then went dark. Its massive body wavered for a moment, then collapsed, hitting the floor with enough force to shake the entire building.
Jason stood over the dead Stray, breathing hard, his left arm still useless and his entire body screaming in protest from the exertion. His demonic sword dissipated, returning to wherever magical weapons went when they weren't needed, leaving him standing there with nothing but his rapidly fraying composure.
Holy shit* he thought, the reality of what he'd just done hitting him like a truck. *I killed it. I actually killed something.*
He should have felt guilt, or horror, or something appropriately traumatic for someone who'd just taken a life—even a monster's life—for the first time. But all Jason felt was tired and vaguely satisfied that he'd won.
The body began to dissolve, breaking down into particles of light that faded into nothingness. It was standard for Stray Devils—their bodies returned to the energy that created them once they died, leaving no physical evidence behind.
Well, this is convenient* Jason thought distantly. *No cleanup required.*
A familiar blue screen materialized in his vision, glowing softly in the darkness.
[Quest Complete: First Kill*
[Objective: Defeat your first supernatural enemy - Complete*
[Bonus Objective: Protect your ally - Complete*
[Rewards: 2 Character Cards*
[ Would you like to use? Y/N*
Well, that's something* Jason thought, dismissing the screen with a mental command before anyone could notice. *Two character cards?! Turns out this system is a generous one*
Calming down his racing thoughts to use them right now, he decided to look at it later, when he had privacy and didn't have to worry about explaining why he was staring at invisible screens.
"...Senpai."
He turned to find Koneko approaching, one hand pressed to her ribs where she'd taken the lightning strike. Her uniform was torn and burned, blood seeping through the fabric, but she was walking under her own power. Those hazel eyes studied him with something that might have been respect, though with her it was hard to tell.
"You good?" Jason asked, which was a stupid question since she was clearly hurt, but his brain wasn't at its peak during this moment.
"...Fine," Koneko said, which was obviously a lie given the blood and the way she was favoring her left side, but Jason wasn't about to call her on it. Pride was important to her, he knew that from Yuuto's memories.
She stopped in front of him, flashing him a thumbs up "Good teamwork."
Was that... a compliment? From Koneko? The girl who barely speaks unless forced to?*
"Thanks," Jason managed, still trying to process everything that had just happened. "Your timing was perfect. If you'd been even a second slower—"
"...Wasn't," Koneko interrupted simply, as if the possibility of failure hadn't even occurred to her.
Right. Of course. Why worry about the shit we did wrong when the job's already done?*
Before Jason could respond, the sound of slow clapping echoed through the empty warehouse, sharp and deliberate in the silence.
Jason spun, his working hand instinctively reaching for a sword that was no longer there, only to see two figures emerge from the shadows near the stairwell.
Rias Gremory and Akeno Himejima.
How long have they been watching?* Jason wondered, feeling a mixture of annoyance and genuine confusion. *Were they here the whole fucking time?!*
Chapter 5
The Occult Research Club room felt smaller than usual, probably because Rias's attention was focused entirely on Jason with the kind of intensity usually reserved for interrogations. She sat behind her desk with her fingers steepled, blue-green eyes staring at him like he was an employee who just applied to leave job after getting the salary.
Akeno stood beside her chair, that ever-present smile playing at her lips. Koneko had claimed her usual spot on the couch, already working through a fresh box of chocolates as if the near-death experience from earlier was completely forgotten.
Right* Jason thought, trying not to shift uncomfortably under Rias's gaze. *Time to bullshit my way through this without revealing I'm actually a dead American with a cheat system.*
"So, Yuuto," Rias began, her tone deceptively casual. "These new techniques of yours. When exactly did you develop them?"
Jason had prepared for this question during the teleportation back. The key to a good lie was mixing it with enough truth that it became believable.
"I've been working on them for a few weeks," he said, keeping his voice steady. "After the last few stray hunts assignments, I realized I was relying too heavily on Sword Birth"
"So you decided to develop breathing techniques?" Akeno asked, tilting her head with genuine curiosity. "That's quite unusual for a devil. Most of us focus on enhancing our demonic power, not physical conditioning."
"That's exactly why I decided to work on it" Jason replied, warming to his fabricated story. "Everyone expects devils to fight with pure strength, sacred gear and magic. But what if I combined that with something they haven't thought of? A method to enhance my physical capabilities beyond their normal limits?"
Rias leaned forward slightly. "Where did you get the idea?"
Time for the excuse, that I thought for a whole day at school*
"I've been reading about various martial arts and combat philosophies in the human world. There are cultures that believe controlled breathing can unlock hidden potential in the body" Jason smiled as he explained "I figured if humans could achieve results with that method, imagine what a devil could do with the same principles applied to it"
It was plausible enough. Yuuto was known for being studious and thoughtful. The idea that he'd research human combat techniques wasn't that far-fetched.
"Interesting," Rias mused, her expression thoughtful. "And you've been practicing these techniques in secret?"
"I wanted to make sure they actually worked before mentioning them," Jason explained. "No point in bringing it up if it turned out to be a waste of time. Tonight's mission was the first real test of it"
"And It proved quite successful" Rias observed "Your coordination with Koneko was exemplary. You recognized the Stray's defensive capabilities and adapted your strategy accordingly."
"...Good teamwork," Koneko added from the couch, not looking up from her chocolates.
At least she's backing me up* Jason thought with relief.
"However," Rias continued, and Jason felt his stomach drop at that word. "I want you to be careful with these new techniques. Developing combat methods without proper supervision can be dangerous. What if you'd miscalculated? What if the breathing patterns had adverse effects on your body?"
What if I'd revealed I'm not actually Yuuto and you decided to kill me for being an impostor?* Jason thought but didn't say.
"I understand your concern, buchou," he said instead, injecting just the right amount of contrition into his voice. "If I continue developing these techniques, I'll make sure to consult with you first."
That seemed to satisfy her. Rias's expression softened, and she nodded. "Good. I'm not trying to stifle your growth, Yuuto. Quite the opposite—I'm impressed with your initiative. Just remember that you're part of a peerage. Your safety affects all of us."
"I'll keep that in mind," he nodded.
"Ara ara," Akeno chimed in, her violet eyes gleaming. "I have to admit, Yuuto-kun, I'm quite curious about these breathing techniques. Perhaps you could teach me sometime?"
Yeah, that's not happening* Jason thought. He knew pretty well that she wasn't going to use these techniques for combat, but for something else that she would get pleasure from.
"Maybe once I've refined them more," he deflected. "Right now they're still pretty rough around the edges."
Rias stood, signaling the end of the debriefing. "Very well. You're both dismissed. Get some rest—tomorrow school is off so I expect you to be fully recovered."
"Yes, buchou," Jason replied, standing and giving a respectful nod.
Koneko slid off the couch, chocolate box tucked under one arm, and headed for the door without a word. Jason followed, grateful to escape before Rias decided to ask more probing questions.
As they left the old school building and stepped into the cool night air, Jason felt the tension drain from his shoulders. That could have gone a lot worse. Rias seemed to accept his explanation, or at least wasn't suspicious enough to push harder.
One hurdle cleared* he thought. *Now I just have to maintain this inherited lying skill for the rest of my new life*
Koneko stopped at the edge of the courtyard, turning to face him. Those hazel eyes studied him for a moment, unreadable as always.
"...Senpai," she said quietly. "Thank you."
Jason blinked, surprised. "For what?"
"...Protected me," Koneko replied, her voice barely above a whisper. "During the fight."
Oh. She's talking about when I kept attacking even after she went down.*
"You would have done the same for me," Jason said, which was probably true based on Yuuto's memories. "That's what teammates do."
Koneko's expression didn't change, but something shifted in her eyes—a warmth that hadn't been there before. She gave a tiny nod, then turned and walked away, disappearing into the shadows.
Well* Jason thought, watching her go. *I think I just earned a bit more respect from the emotionless cat girl. That's... actually kind of nice.*
He summoned a magic circle beneath his feet and teleported home, ready to finally check what rewards the System had given him.
Jason's apartment was exactly as he'd left it that morning—modest, clean, and utterly unremarkable. He locked the door behind him, kicked off his shoes, and collapsed onto his bed with a heavy sigh.
Today was fucking exhausting* he thought, staring at the ceiling. *Killed a monster, nearly got electrocuted to death, had to lie to my boss about where my new powers came from. I'm living my dream life*
But exhaustion aside, he was curious about the System rewards. He'd dismissed the notification earlier to avoid suspicion, but now he could finally see what he'd earned.
Alright, System* he thought. *Show me what I got.*
The blue screen materialized instantly, showing two characters cards. Wasting no time, Jason used the first one with starry eyes.
[Character Card Obtained: Vinsmoke Sanji (Pre-Alabasta Arc)*
[Rarity: B-Rank*
[Would you like to view details? Y/N*
Jason selected yes, and the card's information expanded across the screen.
[Vinsmoke Sanji - The Black Leg*
[Age: 19*
[Abilities: Black Leg Style (Martial Arts), Culinary Mastery (Expert Level), Enhanced Leg Strength, Superhuman Agility, Sky Walk (Locked - Requires Higher Level)*
[Knowledge: Advanced Cooking Techniques, Nutrition Science, Combat Theory (Leg-Based), Restaurant Management*
Jason stared at the screen, his mind racing. Sanji. The cook from One Piece with his ridiculous leg-based fighting style and his even more ridiculous obsession with women.
Well, this is... interesting* he thought. *A martial arts style that uses only kicks. That could actually complement Sword Birth pretty well—sword techniques for mid-range, kicks for close combat.*
The cooking knowledge was an unexpected bonus. Jason had never been much of a cook in either life, usually surviving on takeout and instant ramen. Having actual culinary skills might be useful.
Plus it'll give me something to do that isn't fighting or lying to people* he reasoned.
[Second Character Card Available*
[Starter Bonus Card: Edward Elric (Pre-Promised Day)*
[Rarity: A-Rank*
[Would you like to view details? Y/N*
Wait, a second card? And it's A-Rank?*
Jason selected yes immediately.
[Edward Elric - The Fullmetal Alchemist*
[Age: 16*
[Abilities: Alchemy (Master Level), Transmutation (No Circle Required), Enhanced Automail Combat, Scientific Genius, Hand-to-Hand Combat (Street Fighter Style)*
[Knowledge: Alchemical Theory, Chemical Sciences, Advanced Mathematics, Medical Knowledge, Engineering Principles*
Jason's eyes widened. Edward Elric. The pint-sized alchemist who could transmute matter without a circle, who'd seen the Truth and paid for it with his brother's body and his own limbs.
Holy shit* he thought, his heart racing. *Alchemy. Actual fucking alchemy. I could transmute materials, create weapons, build defenses, reconstruct matter at the molecular level...*
The possibilities were staggering. Alchemy in the Fullmetal Alchemist universe operated on the principle of equivalent exchange—you couldn't create something from nothing, but you could reshape existing materials into whatever you needed. Combined with his devil abilities and the other skills he'd acquired...
I could become so much more than just a sword-wielding knight* Jason realized. *With alchemy, I'd have versatility that most devils can only dream of.*
[Assimilate Vinsmoke Sanji? Y/N*
[Warning: Assimilation is permanent and will alter your base parameters.*
Fuck it. Let's do this.*
Jason selected yes.
The transformation was different this time. Instead of the agonizing full-body reconstruction he'd experienced with Muichiro, this felt more focused. His legs burned as muscles restructured themselves, becoming denser and more powerful. His sense of balance shifted, his center of gravity lowering as his body adapted to a combat style that prioritized leg techniques.
But it wasn't just physical changes. Knowledge flooded his mind—recipes and cooking techniques, the precise temperature needed for a perfect medium-rare steak, how to fillet a fish in under thirty seconds, the secret to a proper béchamel sauce. The Black Leg Style's techniques burned themselves into his muscle memory: Collier, Épaule, Côtelette, each kick designed to target specific body parts with devastating precision.
And underneath it all, a burning passion for food and an almost instinctive desire to protect women that felt foreign to Jason's personality but was undeniably part of Sanji's core being.
Well, that's going to be annoying* Jason thought as the transformation completed. *I better not start swooning over every girl I see or I'm going to lose my fucking mind.*
He stood and tested his new capabilities, throwing a few experimental kicks. His leg moved with speed and precision that shocked him, the air whistling as his foot cut through it. The form was perfect, each movement flowing naturally from years of practice he'd never actually done.
Okay, this is actually pretty cool* he admitted.
[Assimilate Edward Elric? Y/N*
Here we go. The big one.*
Jason selected yes.
This time, the pain was immediate and overwhelming. Not just physical reconstruction, but something deeper—his very understanding of reality being rewritten. Alchemical knowledge poured into his consciousness like a dam breaking, equations and chemical formulas and the fundamental structure of matter all burning themselves into his brain with searing clarity.
He saw the world differently now. Everything was just atoms and molecules, elements waiting to be rearranged according to the laws of equivalent exchange. The wooden floor beneath his feet—cellulose and lignin, easily transmutable into carbon structures. The walls—calcium compounds and silicates, reshape them into barriers or weapons with the right transmutation circle.
But more than that, he understood. The Truth that Edward had witnessed, the flow of energy through all living things, the cost of attempting human transmutation and why it was forbidden. All of it was there, sitting in his mind like memories of events he'd never experienced.
His hands burned. Not physically, but with the knowledge of what they could do. Clap them together, focus his will, and reshape reality itself within the bounds of natural law.
This is insane* Jason thought as the assimilation completed. *I have knowledge that most scientists would kill for. I could revolutionize the way devils approach combat, construction, everything.*
But with that knowledge came responsibility. And fear. Alchemy was powerful, but it was also dangerous. One wrong calculation and he could blow himself up, or worse.
I'll need to practice* he decided. *Start small, test the limits, make sure I understand what I'm doing before I try anything ambitious.*
He looked at his hands and imagined the possibilities. Transmuting his demonic swords into different forms mid-combat. Creating barriers and defenses on the fly. Reshaping the battlefield itself to his advantage.
With these abilities* Jason thought, his mind racing with possibilities, *I'm not just some background character anymore. I could actually change things. Protect people. Maybe even...*
His thoughts turned to the future he knew was coming. Riser Phenex and his Rating Game against Rias. In the original timeline, Issei had won that battle through sheer determination and protagonist power. But without Issei...
What if we lose?* The thought was sobering. *What if Rias gets forced into that marriage because I decided to play hero and keep the perverted idiot out of the peerage?*
The weight of that possibility settled on his shoulders like a physical thing. People's lives were at stake. Rias's freedom was at stake. And if they lost because Jason had interfered with the timeline, whose fault would that be?
Mine* he realized. *It would be entirely my fault.*
He sat on the edge of his bed, staring at his hands as doubt crept in. Was he really doing this just because he didn't want to be in the same group as Issei? Because he found the kid annoying? That seemed like a pretty shitty reason to potentially ruin someone's life.
Maybe I should just let things play out* Jason thought. *Let Issei get killed by Raynare, let Rias resurrect him, and everything proceeds according to the plot. Sure, I'd have to deal with his perverted bullshit, but at least I'd know how things would turn out.*
But even as he considered it, something in him rebelled against the idea. That was the coward's way out. The safe path. And Jason had never been one to take the safe path, even when he probably should have.
Fuck it* he decided *So what if I'm potentially dooming everyone because I have strong opinions about living life my way?*
Besides* he thought, a grin forming. *I've got alchemy, martial arts, demon-slaying breathing techniques, and magic swords. If I can't beat one fried chicken bastard with that arsenal, I can count on more rewards that's on the way.*
The image of Riser Phenex formed in his mind—the arrogant phoenix devil with his immortality and his harem and his smug fucking face that just begged to be punched repeatedly.
Yeah* Jason decided, feeling his determination solidify. *I'm going to get stronger. Strong enough that when that Rating Game happens, I can personally beat the crap out of that overcooked chicken wing. Strong enough that it won't matter if Issei's not there, because I'll be the one carrying the team.*
He laid back on his bed, exhaustion finally catching up with him. Tomorrow was Sunday, which meant no school. He could spend the day practicing his new abilities, testing the limits of alchemy in this world, maybe figuring out how to combine all these different skill sets into something cohesive.
This is insane* he thought as sleep began to claim him. *I'm a dead American teenager in the body of an anime character, with powers stolen from multiple fictional universes, planning to change the plot of a story I only half-remember.*
But hey, at least it's not boring.*
Jason closed his eyes and let himself drift off, dreams filled with transmutation circles and spinning kicks and blades wreathed in mist.
Tomorrow, the real work would begin.
The knocking on his door woke Jason from a dream about accidentally transmuting his bed into a pile of oranges. He groaned, rolling over to check the time on his phone.
7:30 AM. On a Sunday.
Who the fuck is knocking on my door at 7:30 on a Sunday morning?* Jason thought with murderous intent. *This better be an emergency or I'm transmuting whoever it is into a lamp.*
He dragged himself out of bed, still wearing the clothes he'd fallen asleep in, and stumbled to the door. His hair was probably a mess, he definitely had pillow marks on his face, and he was in no mood to be polite.
Jason yanked open the door, ready to tell whoever it was to come back at a reasonable hour—
And stopped.
Koneko Toujou stood in his doorway, her small frame silhouetted against the morning sunlight. She wore casual clothes—a simple white hoodie and black shorts—and carried a shopping bag in one hand. Those hazel eyes met his, expression as unreadable as ever.
"...Morning, senpai," she said simply.
Jason stared at her, his sleep-deprived brain struggling to process this situation. Koneko. At his door. At 7:30 in the morning. On a Sunday.
*Is there no rest for a handsome blonde devil in this world?*
Chapter 6
"You came to cook for me?"
The girl in question just nodded as I wrapped my head around what I just heard. Turns out she has come here for the first time. In my memories, I searched for her images in my humble residence but it came up error 404. The only images of rooms that were in my head were the ones in Rias's mansion and the Occult Research Club.
So, the only explanation for her arrival could be my heroic attempt to save her yesterday.
"But why?"
I tried my best to not sound rude. Being woken up early in the morning, especially on a Sunday, does make you want to punch whoever woke you up from your sleep.
She stopped nibbling on her cookie and gazed at me with her usual bored eyes.
"Senpai saved me." Then she resumed devouring the cookie, offering no more explanation.
Well, I guess for a devil who barely shows emotion, that's about as heartfelt as it gets.*
I sighed, running a hand through my messy blonde hair. "Very well, Koneko. Please, come in."
Koneko walked past me into the apartment, her hazel eyes scanning the living space with her usual bored expression.
"The kitchen is this way," I said, leading her over. I opened cabinets and drawers systematically. "Pots and pans are down here. Knives in this drawer. Cutting board here. Spices in this cabinet."
Koneko nodded at each revelation, tracking every item like she was memorizing battle positions.
"Would you like me to assist with the cooking?" I offered.
She shook her head firmly. "...Want to do it myself. For senpai."
There was quiet determination in her voice that suggested this was important to her.
She wants to prove something. That she's not inadequate after what happened with the stray devil.*
"I understand. I'll be at the dining table if you need anything."
I retreated to the small two-person table, watching as Koneko unpacked her shopping bag. She pulled out her phone, propping it up against the wall—a YouTube video titled "Easy Salmon Recipes for Beginners."
Oh no. She's never done this before, has she?*
I watched as she followed the video instructions with intense focus, treating cooking like combat. The problem was, cooking wasn't like fighting. You couldn't just apply the same principles and expect results.
Twenty minutes later, black smoke billowed from the kitchen.
I rushed in, quickly turning off the stove and moving the smoking pan to the sink. I opened the window, waving my hand to disperse the smoke.
Koneko stood there, staring at the ruined pan with an expression that could only be described as betrayed.
"...YouTube said to cook it like this," she mumbled quietly. "So why..."
She's genuinely confused. This is actually heartbreaking.*
"It's quite alright," I said gently, taking the spatula from her hand. "Cooking is more difficult than tutorials suggest. Different equipment, different timing—there are many variables."
Koneko's ears drooped slightly. "...Wanted to thank senpai properly."
Then I remembered: I had Sanji's cooking knowledge now.
"How about this," I offered with a smile. "Allow me to cook while you observe. That way, you'll know exactly how to do it next time. Would that be acceptable?"
She looked up at me, searching for any disappointment. Finding none, she gave a small nod.
I rolled up my sleeves and surveyed the ingredients. Several salmon fillets, asparagus, lemon, garlic, butter, soy sauce, honey, and ginger.
"The first principle of cooking," I explained as I worked, "is calmness. Watch carefully."
First dish: Honey Garlic Glazed Salmon.
I heated a clean pan with a thin layer of oil and seasoned the salmon. While it heated, I mixed honey, soy sauce, and minced garlic.
"The sweetness balances the salt, and the garlic adds depth," I explained, placing the salmon skin-side down. The sizzle was perfect. After a few minutes, I flipped it, poured the glaze over it, and let it finish cooking.
The kitchen filled with a mouthwatering aroma.
Koneko's nose twitched. She leaned in, watching with rapt attention.
Second dish: Lemon Herb Salmon with Butter Sauce.
"Sometimes simplicity is best," I said, searing another fillet quickly. "Quality ingredients don't need to be hidden."
I added butter, lemon juice, and fresh herbs to the pan, creating a light, tangy sauce.
Third dish: Teriyaki Salmon.
"A classic Japanese preparation," I noted, making a quick teriyaki sauce and letting the salmon caramelize in it.
Finally, I prepared the asparagus—blanched and tossed with butter and garlic.
Within thirty minutes, the spread looked restaurant-quality.
I turned to find Koneko staring at the dishes with wide eyes. That was definitely drool at the corner of her mouth.
"Please, help yourself," I said.
"...Can I?" she whispered.
"Of course."
She grabbed her chopsticks and took a bite of the honey garlic salmon.
Her eyes widened. Pure, unfiltered bliss spread across her normally stoic face. Her ears perked up, and she made a small contented hum.
Then she devoured everything at an incredible pace—each dish disappearing within minutes. Her normally impassive face was slightly flushed, with the tiniest hint of a smile.
This sight is worth getting my sleep disturbed on a Sunday morning.*
By the time she finished, every plate was clean. Koneko sat back, her small hand resting on her stomach, looking completely content.
"...Delicious," she said quietly, unmistakable warmth in her voice.
"I'm glad you enjoyed it," I replied.
Then I looked at the table. Plates. Pots. Pans. All dirty, all waiting to be washed.
Enjoying food is all fun until you have to wash the dishes afterward.*
"Senpai?"
I looked up.
"...Need more? Can cook more for you."
She shook her head. Then getting up, she walked over, her expression returning to neutral. But there was determination in her eyes.
"Senpai," she said quietly but firmly. "...Want to train together."
I blinked, surprised. "Train together?"
She nodded. "...Don't want to be a dead weight. To you. To the others in the peerage."
Her hazel eyes stared at me, and I could see vulnerability there—something I hadn't expected from Koneko.
She's blaming herself for what happened. She thinks she's not strong enough.*
Before I could respond, a familiar blue screen materialized.
[Quest: Train Your Kouhai!*
[Objective: Train with Koneko for at least a week. It will only help in the Rating Game later, so you better not reject her request. Besides, why would you reject her offer...*
[Reward: 1 Character Card*
Training with Koneko would benefit both of us. And if I can help her overcome whatever's holding her back...*
I knew from the anime that Koneko had serious trauma related to her past. If training together could help her work through even a fraction of that, it would be worth it for the upcoming Rating Game.
I smiled and nodded. "I would be happy to train with you. Having a training partner will help me refine my techniques as well. When shall we start?"
"...Tomorrow," Koneko replied immediately. "After school."
"Sure thing"
For the briefest moment, Koneko gave me a small, genuine smile.
"...Thank you, senpai."
"Now," Koneko said, turning toward the sink. "...Help wash?"
"That won't be necessary," I said quickly. *No way I'm letting someone with Rook-level super strength handle my dishes.* "You've already done more than enough by bringing the ingredients. Please, head home and rest—we have school tomorrow, and training right after."
Koneko studied me for a moment, then nodded.
"...Okay. See you at school, senpai."
"Until tomorrow, Koneko."
She gathered her things and left. I closed the door and collapsed onto the couch with a heavy sigh.
I just had breakfast with Koneko Toujou, and now we're training partners for the foreseeable future.*
I stared at the ceiling, then at the pile of dishes mocking me from the kitchen.
I need to learn a cleaning skill ASAP* I thought desperately.
I forced myself up and approached the sink.
One dish at a time. You've faced a stray devil. You can handle some dirty plates.*
Monday morning arrived with the reluctance only school days could inspire. I'd spent most of Sunday practicing alchemy, but that wasn't enough for me to beat someone like Riser, and my hope was still far from breaking apart.
Now, walking toward Kuoh Academy, I found myself thinking about the future events until I was about to turn the corner toward the main building when I heard it.
"WHAT?!"
"No way!"
"You've gotta be kidding me!"
I paused at the corner, staying just out of sight, and peered around.
There he was.
Issei Hyoudou, standing with the smuggest expression I'd ever seen. Next to him stood a girl with long black hair and purple eyes—Yuuma Amano. Or rather, Raynare in disguise.
Standing around them were his other two friends—the Perverted Trio's remaining members.
"Issei, you lucky bastard!" The bald one shouted.
Glasses boy added "How much did you paid her?!"
Issei grinned wider "I told you guys I had game!"
Yuuma giggled and clung to Issei's arm "Ise-kun is very sweet. I'm lucky to be his girlfriend!"
I watched from my hidden position as Issei basked in his friends' jealousy, completely oblivious to the fact that his "girlfriend" was a supernatural being with murderous intent.
This is it. The plot is beginning. Within few days, she's going to ask him on that date. And then...*
Then Issei would die. Or he would have, in the original timeline. Raynare would kill him, and Rias would resurrect him as a devil.
But I'd already decided to change that. No Issei in the peerage meant no Boosted Gear, which meant finding another way to beat Riser.
And I'm determined to live with every consequences*
I'd have some days before the assassination attempt. That was enough time to come up with a plan that didn't blow my cover.
For now, all I could do was watch as Issei enjoyed what he thought was his first real relationship.
Poor fool has no idea what he's gotten himself into.*
I turned away and headed toward the main building. I had classes to attend, a training session with Koneko to prepare for, and a plot to derail.
The plot is finally beginning* I thought as I walked through the gates of Kuoh Academy. *And I'm about to drive it completely off the rails*