Issei's POV
Several days had passed since the battle with those Fallen Angels. Well, actually, when I went there all fired up, it was pretty much already over...
This afternoon, I was in the Occult Research Club room. I wasn't alone. Kiba was sitting next to me with his usual irritating pretty-boy face, and Koneko was quietly reading. Meanwhile, Akeno was preparing tea with her usual smile for the guests who would be arriving soon.
As for the President, she had gone to personally welcome those guests. Those guests were none other than Kanzaki and Asia.
Why is Asia at Kuoh Academy? It's thanks to the President's arrangements. She welcomed Asia, who could no longer stay at the church, into this academy. For the President who essentially controls the academy, getting one girl transferred in was no big deal.
So Asia, who's the same age as me, ended up in my class. The cute girl quickly fit in with the class, but then those guys... Matsuda and Motohama naturally approached Asia. Having anticipated this, I protected Asia from them with all my might. I couldn't let her fall prey to those perverts! ...You're saying I'm one of them too? Shut up! This isn't about me right now!
Besides, I'm not foolish enough to challenge a battle where I already know the outcome. Asia constantly talks about Kanzaki-senpai. Anyone would understand after hearing that much.
While I was thinking about this, I heard multiple footsteps approaching the clubroom. They stopped right at the entrance, and immediately after, the door opened and the President entered.
"Please, come in."
"Excuse us."
"E-excuse us!"
Following the President, Kanzaki-senpai and Asia entered the clubroom. Asia seemed nervous, but senpai was looking around everywhere. It's like when I first came here. He's probably seeing magic circles and stuff for the first time in real life...
"Sit wherever you like. Akeno will serve tea now."
The two sat on the sofa. At the President's signal, Akeno elegantly prepared tea. Two cups were placed in front of senpai and Asia respectively.
"Thank you."
"I-I'll have some."
Senpai and Asia drank their tea. Then, after a brief pause, the President finally got to the main topic.
"Kanzaki-kun. I've heard most of the story from Asia. However, there's something I absolutely must hear directly from you."
"...If it's something I can answer."
Amazing, Kanzaki-senpai. To be so composed in front of the President. If it were me being stared at directly by the President, my eyes would inevitably drift to those magnificent breasts... Wait, I should really hold back on the pervy thoughts right now!
"Thank you. Then I'll ask. That day... why were you at the church?"
Kanzaki is human. The President said there's no doubt about that. But then, why was senpai, an ordinary person, at the Fallen Angels' stronghold? We suspected he might be affiliated with the church, but senpai himself denied it.
"Don't lump me together with those people!!"
...It was the first time I'd seen it. Senpai showing his emotions so openly. Honestly, it was a bit... no, it was really scary. President's suspicion had apparently touched something that shouldn't have been touched.
Kiba broke out in a cold sweat, and Koneko-chan looked frightened. Even Akeno's usual expression faltered. When President immediately apologized, senpai returned to normal, but I don't think I'll forget that moment anytime soon.
"Let's see... where should I start?"
I stopped reminiscing and focused on senpai's story. What kind of story would be told? I was both scared and excited.
"A few days ago, I happened to meet Asia-san and became friends with her."
"That day, I went to that church to visit her. And then... I was attacked by a priest there."
What!? Could that be him!? I involuntarily stood up, and everyone's attention focused on me.
"What's wrong, Issei?"
"Um, senpai! Was that priest perhaps a man with white hair and completely insane behavior!?"
"Yeah, I think he was that kind of guy."
"I knew it!"
That bastard Freed! So he was there after all! I'll never forgive him for hitting Asia. Someday, I'll definitely punch him!
"It's good that you're safe, senpai."
Even Kiba was surprised, his usual pretty-boy face filled with shock. But Kiba's right. Freed is dangerous. To be attacked by him and come out unscathed...
"Well, I was certainly surprised when he suddenly started swinging a sword around. But when I broke it, he quickly went somewhere else."
...Did I hear that wrong? If not, senpai, you just said something incredible, didn't you?
"B-broke it!? That sword the Exorcists carry!?"
This time Kiba was flustered. Not just Kiba. All of us except Asia had the same reaction. The light swords that Freed and other Exorcists carry are the worst thing for us Devils who are weak to light. Of course, not just Devils. Even humans would die easily if cut by those swords. And he broke it...
"H-how!?"
"I just gripped it a bit and it broke easily. I told the priest too, but a toy of that level, anyone could break it if they wanted to, right?"
No no no no! That's impossible! We'd die! Senpai, are you really human!? Please stop. You're making me, who struggled against that toy, look bad...
"May I continue the story?"
All we could do was nod, overwhelmed. Even the President's face was twitching at senpai's outrageous story. Well, even that expression is beautiful though!
"As he was leaving, that priest told me Asia was underground. I had a bad feeling, so I headed there... and there were many humans and Raynare's group. And... Asia crucified."
Asia's body trembled. She must have remembered that time and gotten scared. Senpai gently patted her head. So gentlemanly. Ah, those casual gestures must be the secret to being popular with girls. In fact, Asia stopped trembling and instead dyed her cute cheeks a light pink.
"The moment I saw that scene, I understood everything. In my anger, I crushed those people and rescued her. Right after that was when you and the others appeared..."
How many times is this person going to surprise us? To face all those Exorcists alone. Just to save a friend... for that reason alone.
"Weren't you... scared?"
Koneko asked. In response, senpai answered with completely straightforward eyes.
"I felt no fear. I just wanted to save her. For that purpose, no matter how many of those people stood in my way, I would defeat them all."
...Cool. I genuinely thought that. Amazing, senpai. You're truly a hero. I thought you were just cool, but you actually have such a passionate heart. Damn... I'm supposed to love girls, but I inadvertently felt my heart skip a beat.
Looking around, the President and others' faces were red. Well, even if it wasn't about them, hearing something so straightforward would make anyone feel embarrassed.
But Asia's eyes were really something after senpai's words. It's like I could hear the "sparkle sparkle" sound effects. ...Goodbye, my first love.
"That's why I was there. Are you satisfied?"
"Y-yes. I understand well."
President, why are you looking away from senpai? ...Wait, could it be that some kind of flag was just raised!? No way... that can't be! I won't accept it!
"A-ahem. Then the next question. Kanzaki-kun, where did you meet Raynare and the others?"
Ah, that's something I was curious about too, President. What's the relationship between senpai and those three he saved even by prostrating himself?
"I met them at the park. It started when Mittelt, interested in the cream puff I bought, stopped in front of me."
The story that followed made me doubt my ears again. I mean, what were they doing, mooching sweets off a complete stranger...
Those Fallen Angels apparently told senpai about their plan. Of course, in a somewhat vague way. The President was surprised by this. She couldn't believe that Fallen Angels, who tend to look down on humans, would tell their plan to senpai, even if not everything.
"By the way, what happened to them?"
"As promised, I handed them over to the appropriate place. ...Oh yes, I also have a message. 'No matter how pathetic, no matter how miserable, we'll atone for our sins and definitely come to fulfill our promise.'"
"I see..."
Senpai didn't say anything more. But I don't think it was just my imagination that his face looked somewhat happy.
"Well, that's the end of my questions. Do you have any questions?"
"Then conversely, could you tell me why you all appeared there?"
"A natural question. Yes, I'll tell you. Let's see... everyone."
At President's signal, Kiba and the others all manifested their Devil wings. Understanding what was happening, I hurriedly followed suit.
"Before that, we need to tell you our true identities. Kanzaki-kun... we are Devils."
"...Eh?"
At President's revelation, senpai reacted with a somewhat dazed expression. If I took a picture of senpai's face right now, I wonder how much I could sell it to the girls for...
While I was thinking such vulgar thoughts, the President was explaining various things to senpai. About us Devils, the opposing Fallen Angels, and the Angels who try to destroy both. Basic explanations about how the three have been fighting since ancient times, how I, who was human, became a Devil through something called Evil Pieces. The reason for that, the Sacred Gear. She conveyed various things to senpai.
"That's about it. How is it? You might be confused by the sudden information, but do you understand?"
"Yeah. ...But there's one thing that doesn't make sense."
"What is it?"
"Why are those three races fighting? Didn't they fight together in the past?"
"...!?"
President looked shocked at senpai's casual words. I received the explanation too, and certainly as senpai said, the conflict between the three factions once ended due to the intervention of a certain existence. Though I haven't been told what that was yet.
Instead of the President who didn't answer, Kiba answered senpai's question.
"You're right, senpai. But how do you know that fact...?"
Senpai didn't say anything. Instead, he seemed somehow convinced.
"...Kanzaki-kun. Have you ever heard the word 'Fury'?"
"No... it's the first time I've heard it."
"...I see."
It was the first time I'd heard that word too. I'll ask President about it later.
"Then, is there anything else you want to ask?"
"No, nothing in particular."
"Then that's fine. By the way, Kanzaki-kun... don't you want to try becoming a Devil?"
"President!?"
We all widened our eyes at the President's sudden words.
"Me become a Devil?"
"Not just you. Asia... you too."
"Hueh!? M-me too!?"
"Yes. Your Sacred Gear is very attractive. Someone with ill intentions might come after you again to get it. But if you become my servant, I can protect you from such people."
Saying that, President now turned to face senpai.
"Kanzaki-kun... no, I won't beat around the bush. I want you."
What a straightforward invitation! President, you mean because senpai's combat ability is attractive, right!? It's definitely not an invitation based on romantic feelings, right!?
"...What will you do, Asia-san? Personally, considering that people like those from the church might appear again, I think it would be better to have her protection."
"I-I... I might have to abandon my faith, but if Ryouma-san, my lifesaver, is doing it, then together..."
"I see... Then. Please make me a Devil first."
"I'm happy, Kanzaki-kun. Then, I'll grant you the Knight piece."
Knight, huh... That seems perfect for senpai. President began chanting while placing the piece against senpai's chest. Eventually, as the chant ended, the Knight piece was absorbed into senpai's chest... and immediately flew back out forcefully.
"Did it succeed?"
In front of the puzzled senpai, President was flustered, completely lacking her usual elegance.
"I-it rejected the piece!? No, the piece came out on its own!? What's going on!? This has never happened before!"
Apparently it was unexpected even for President. The only thing that could be said was the result: senpai couldn't become a Devil.
In the end, since senpai wouldn't become one, Asia also refused to become a Devil. But even if she doesn't become a Devil, I'll beat up anyone who tries to hurt my friend Asia! Besides, senpai said he'd look after Asia too.
With that, we disbanded for the day. However, even after senpai and Asia left, the President remained depressed, which left quite an impression.
...You were really shocked, weren't you, President? In the clubroom with its subtle atmosphere, we all looked at the President with sympathetic eyes.