The polished wooden floors of Kuoh Academy's third-floor hallway gleamed under the warm morning sunlight pouring through the large windows.
The polished wooden floors of Kuoh Academy's third-floor hallway gleamed under the warm morning sunlight pouring through the large windows. The building hummed with life as students milled about, exchanging cheerful greetings or rushing to their classrooms before the first bell. Among them, Himejima Akeno walked with a calm elegance that drew the occasional glance of admiration.
Her long, dark hair flowed behind her like a silken ribbon, and the faint smile on her lips conveyed a serene confidence. She'd already completed her shrine maiden duties for the morning, and the training session afterward had left her feeling energized and accomplished. Yet, her thoughts wandered as the [Gamer] system's interface occasionally flickered at the edge of her vision.
The meta-knowledge it provided still intrigued her—especially the promise of features she hadn't yet unlocked. But that exploration would have to wait. For now, she had other matters to attend to. She arrived at the door to her classroom, took a deep breath, and stepped inside.
The classroom was already bustling with activity. Desks were scattered with books and stationery, and groups of students chatted animatedly. Akeno's gaze swept the room until it landed on a familiar figure by the window. Rias Gremory sat in her usual seat, her crimson hair catching the sunlight like strands of fire.
Even seated, Rias exuded a natural grace that turned heads. She casually engaged with a few classmates, and her polite smile and warm demeanor made her seem approachable despite her noble lineage. However, Akeno's sharp instincts caught a subtle stiffness in her posture—a tension that hinted at something weighing on her mind.
Akeno glided over to her desk, setting her bag down before approaching Rias with her signature smile. "Good morning, Rias," she greeted warmly, her voice carrying a playful lilt.
Rias turned her head, her sapphire-blue eyes lighting up slightly as she saw Akeno. "Good morning, Akeno," she replied, her tone polite but lacking its usual vibrancy.
The response confirmed Akeno's suspicions. Something was definitely bothering her friend. She took the empty seat beside Rias, resting her hands lightly on the desk. "You seem a little preoccupied today. Is there something wrong? If there's anything I can do to help, you know you can always talk to me."
Rias hesitated for a moment, her fingers brushing the edge of her desk as she considered Akeno's words. Finally, she let out a quiet sigh and crossed her arms, her gaze drifting to the window. "It's about Hyoudou Issei," she admitted, her voice carrying a mix of frustration and uncertainty. "I'm unsure if he's the right person to join my peerage."
Akeno raised an eyebrow, genuinely intrigued. "Hyoudou Issei? The leader of the infamous Trio Perverts?" She folded her hands neatly in her lap, her tone neutral but her curiosity evident. "What makes you unsure about him?"
Rias leaned back in her chair, her arms still crossed as she stared at the school courtyard. "Koneko mentioned that she sensed a dragon-like scent from him," she began, her voice thoughtful. "That kind of presence is rare and promising. But... you've heard the rumors about him, haven't you? His reputation isn't exactly inspiring."
Akeno nodded, her expression contemplative. "It's true that Hyoudou-kun doesn't have the best reputation," she admitted. "But a Sacred Gear with a dragon's aura could be a powerful asset. Are you considering him because of that potential?"
Rias's lips pressed into a thin line. "Yes, but it's not just about power," she said, her tone growing more serious. "I need someone who can help me with my plans. You know what I'm trying to do, Akeno. Breaking free from my engagement with Riser is my top priority, and every decision I make has to move me closer to that goal."
The mention of Riser Phenex brought a flicker of annoyance to Akeno's face, though she quickly masked it. Rias's disdain for men like Riser was no secret. Unlike her canon counterpart, this Rias was more outspoken about her feelings, unafraid to express her frustrations openly.
Akeno couldn't blame her. Riser was the epitome of arrogance and the thought of someone like him being tied to someone as noble and kind-hearted as Rias was infuriating. However, Rias's hesitation about Issei was understandable. While his Sacred Gear could be invaluable, his notorious reputation as a shameless pervert raised valid concerns.
After a moment of silent reflection, Akeno spoke, her tone calm and measured. "Rias, if you feel that Hyoudou-kun isn't the right person for your peerage, then don't force it. You can always look for someone else."
Rias's gaze dropped to her hands, her fingers lightly tapping the desk as she considered Akeno's words. "I know you're right," she admitted quietly. "But Sacred Gears like his are rare. I don't know if I'll find another candidate with that kind of potential."
Akeno reached out and placed a reassuring hand on Rias's shoulder. "Potential is important, but so is compatibility," she said gently. "If you don't feel he's the right fit, then it's better to trust your instincts. Besides, there's another option you might not have considered."
Rias looked up, her curiosity piqued. "Another option?"
Akeno's lips curved into a playful smile. "Training," she said simply. "Instead of focusing solely on adding new members, why not spend some time strengthening ourselves? We can improve our skills and abilities so that we're prepared for whatever challenges come our way."
Rias blinked, clearly caught off guard by the suggestion. "Training? You mean like sparring and practicing magic?"
Akeno nodded. "Exactly. You've been so focused on recruiting that you've neglected your own growth. Gathering strong pieces is important, but so is becoming stronger yourself. Don't you think?"
Rias opened her mouth to respond but hesitated. A faint blush crept up her cheeks as she glanced away. "I-I haven't neglected anything," she stammered, clearly flustered.
Akeno chuckled softly, her amber eyes sparkling with amusement. "Oh? Then how do you explain those long nights spent binge-watching anime and reading manga?"
Rias's blush deepened, and she glared at Akeno, though her expression had no real malice. "I-it's called relaxation! Everyone needs a break once in a while!"
Akeno held her hands in mock surrender, her laughter ringing softly. "Of course, of course. I'm just saying that maybe a little less relaxation and a little more training wouldn't hurt."
Despite her embarrassment, Rias let out a reluctant sigh and nodded. "Fine. You have a point. I'll admit that I've been distracted lately. But training sounds... reasonable."
Akeno smiled, satisfied. "Good. We'll start this Saturday. Until then, I'll help you plan some exercises to focus on your strengths and prepare for the training sessions."
Rias returned the smile, her earlier tension easing. "Thank you, Akeno. I don't know what I'd do without you."
As the bell rang, signaling the start of class, Akeno leaned back in her chair, her mind already buzzing with ideas for their training sessions. She couldn't help but feel a sense of accomplishment. She subtly altered the course of events by steering Rias toward self-improvement, ensuring her friend's brighter, stronger future.
Deep down, she also felt a sense of relief. Suppose Rias could be convinced to focus on her own growth. In that case, it might prevent the Occult Research Club from becoming overly reliant on Hyoudou Issei—a dynamic that Akeno had always found troubling in the canon timeline.
As the teacher entered and began the lesson, Akeno allowed herself a small, satisfied smile. This was only the beginning.