After a round of formal greetings, Kenzo took his seat on the plush sofa of the Occult Research Club room.
"Here."
Akeno Himejima poured a cup of tea and handed it to him with an elegant smile.
Kenzo took a sip. The flavor was deep, smooth, refined.
"I've heard your tea-making skills were incredible, Akeno-senpai. It lives up to the reputation."
"You flatter me."
Akeno's lips curved upward.
"Akeno, sit with us," Rias said, motioning her over before turning her gaze back to Kenzo.
"I've heard from Koneko about your reason for coming. You're looking for battle partners who can match your strength. Correct?"
Kenzo nodded. "That's right."
"I can arrange that," Rias said, crossing her legs with practiced grace. "But contracts with devils require compensation."
"I've already prepared a reward," Kenzo said, stretching out one arm as if warming up. "I'll act as your enforcer—eliminating cursed spirits/stray devils or any threats in your jurisdiction. Think of it as payment in labor."
"You've thought this through."
Rias saw right through his strategy.
By signing contracts, he could spar with devils, refine his techniques, and face opponents of varying strengths. The deal worked both ways. He trained and gained entries. They received assistance in their work.
No loss for him. A tidy profit.
"What? Is it not enough?" Kenzo asked.
"Oh, it's enough," Rias said, eyes glinting. "But I have a better idea."
Kenzo raised an eyebrow. "I'm listening."
"I want to invite you to become my servant," she said, retrieving a glowing evil piece from her storage.
Kenzo studied the piece.
Even after just a week of training, he had defeated Koneko Toujou. That alone was a testament to his power and potential. Rias had no intention of letting such a resource walk away.
"There are many benefits to becoming a devil. For starters, your lifespan would be nearly endless."
She leaned forward slightly, voice steady.
"You'd be granted a plot of land in the underworld as your domain. Or, if you wish to remain in the human world, you could join the Gremory family's business and rise through the ranks quickly. Promotions, benefits, bonuses—our standards are high."
Kenzo stroked his chin thoughtfully. "That's… not bad at all."
He didn't think Rias was bluffing. As the heiress of the Gremory clan and sister of the current Demon King, her status was beyond doubt. Even the perks she mentioned probably didn't scratch the surface of the advantages he'd receive.
If strength was his only goal, this offer was perfect.
"There's more," Rias said with a smile. "As my servant, you'll be free to enter and exit the underworld. During summer break, we'll go there together. You'll train with Gremory devils, and if that's not enough, I can invite devils from other houses."
Kenzo nodded once.
"Deal."
Rias's smile deepened. "Welcome to the team, Kanzaki Kenzo."
She brought out a full set of evil pieces and laid them on the table.
"These are the ones I have left. Choose."
"Whichever works best."
"Then… the Rook."
The Rook piece was equivalent to five Pawns in value and ideal for someone with physical prowess.
Rias activated the Rook's energy and sent it toward Kenzo's chest.
A second later, it was ejected violently and clattered across the table.
"…Huh?"
Akeno blinked in confusion.
"His potential… it must exceed the upper limit allowed for that piece," she said.
"Looks like you're not a Rook," Rias murmured. "Let's try something else."
"Pawn is fine," Kenzo offered.
With that, he temporarily unequipped Endless Potential from his entry panel.
Rias activated the first Pawn piece. This time, it entered his body smoothly.
[External force detected. Convert to common Entry?]
Before Kenzo could process the prompt, the system absorbed another Pawn.
[External force detected. Convert to uncommon Entry?]
He narrowed his eyes.
Can it keep upgrading?
Curious, he let the process continue.
By the fourth Pawn, it was Rare rank.
By the eighth, it hit The Epic rank.
Rias was watching closely.
"Still no result?" she asked, her voice laced with disbelief. "That's eight Pawn pieces. It should've converted even red dragon emperor— Ddrag by now."
"Relax," Kenzo replied calmly, pressing the system's confirmation.
All eight evil pieces vanished from within him and coalesced into a new entry.
[Pawn (Epic): Converts the user's race to devil. Significantly enhances physical ability.]
Finally. A physical attribute boost.
Kenzo slotted it into his entry panel without hesitation. At once, a dark aura surged from his body, and a pair of black wings unfurled behind him.
"It worked."
Rias exhaled, relief on her face.
For a moment, she thought he'd failed again. That would have left her helpless.
"I'll need to make time for flying practice."
Kenzo dismissed the wings and reequipped Endless Potential.
[Name: Kanzaki Kenzo]
[Race: Devil]
[Strength: Level 2]
[Entries: Healing Bracelet (Rare), Pawn (Epic), Immortal Arts (Epic), Boosted Gear (Legendary), Endless Potential (Divine)]
"Turns out you just need to meet more people."
Kenzo stared at his enhanced entry panel, satisfied.
He opened his mouth to ask Rias for a duel, but before the words left his lips, the door clicked open.
"I'm back."
Yuto Kiba entered, brushing dust from his sleeves. He'd just returned from a spirit extermination mission.
"Perfect timing," Rias said. "We have a new recruit."
She filled him in, then turned to Kenzo.
"Kiba, this is Kanzaki Kenzo. He just joined as one of our Pawns— someone who took 8 pieces."
Kiba's eyes widened slightly. "Eight pieces? That's impressive. No wonder you defeated Koneko."
"Kenzo's joined us mainly to find stronger opponents," Rias added. "If you have time, spar with him."
"Of course."
Kiba bowed politely, then turned to Kenzo.
"Do you have time now?"
Kenzo cracked a grin.
"Let's go."
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Well, those who've read the author review & expected this, welcome once again & those who haven't read it and find this peerage thing him being a slave and about to trash talk this fic? Bye, hope you find a fic that's up to your taste.