The clouds loomed heavier than usual over Kuoh Academy. The halls were the same—laughter, lectures, footsteps—but there was a current of tension in the air… and Leon felt it clearly.
As he stood by a window, watching raindrops slide down the glass, his thoughts weren't on the sky.
"They're making their move."
A week had passed since his refusal to join Rias's peerage, and since then, the undercurrents surrounding her had begun to shift.
Student Council Room – After School
Sona Shitori, known to the school as the calm and intelligent Student Council President, pushed up her glasses as she reviewed a letter. Across from her stood Rias Gremory, arms folded, frustration in her eyes.
"Riser's peerage is already preparing," Sona said quietly.
"I haven't agreed yet."
"Your brother has."
Rias scowled.
Leon listened from outside, unseen. The moment they left the room, he stepped in. There it was—an opened letter still glowing faintly with hellfire magic.
[System Notification: New Subplot Branch Unlocked – "Phoenix Game"][Riser Phenex has taken notice of your existence.]
[Optional Quest Available – Interfere with the Engagement Duel]➤ Prevent Rias Gremory from being married to Riser.➤ Bonus Objective: Humiliate the Phoenix Clan publicly.
Leon smirked.
"Optional?" he muttered. "No. That's personal."
Later – Abandoned Church
The evening was quiet. Rain dripped from the broken ceiling. Inside, Asia was studying, and Raynare was finishing her cleaning silently. Leon stood in the corner, his crimson gauntlet glowing dimly.
[Time-Snare: Level 1 – Activated]
Everything slowed.
Raindrops paused mid-air. The sound of wind muted. Even the flickering candlelight froze in place.
[Forbidden Balor View Sync: 12%][Current Ability: Slow Local Time Field – 2 meters radius | Duration: 5 seconds]
He clenched his fist.
"I can already do more than the original wielder… and this is just the start."
[Boost!][Boost!][Boost!]
The familiar pulses of Ddraig's power surged through him, layering over the stolen time-space control.
"I don't just steal power," Leon whispered. "I make it mine."
Meanwhile – A Devil Arrives
Back at Kuoh Academy, a new transfer student was introduced.
Tall, elegant, with golden eyes and fire-imbued aura—he smiled politely at the class.
"My name is Alden," he said. "I'm visiting from a private school overseas."
What no one knew—except Sona and Rias—was that Alden was one of Riser Phenex's elite knights, sent ahead to observe Leon.
After school, he cornered Rias.
"Your little pet swordsman… he's not a normal stray. Riser is curious. And if he interferes—he will burn."
Rias didn't respond.
But her heart skipped as she recalled the way Leon had turned down her offer—cold, regal, absolute.
He wasn't someone easily controlled.
And he wasn't someone who bowed.
Night – Edge of the Town
Leon stood alone on a rooftop, staring out into the distance.
[System Quest Completed: Steal Forbidden Balor View – Bonus Achieved.]➤ Reward: New Skill Path – Crimson Timebreaker (Locked)➤ Side Reward: System Store Tier Upgrade – Legendary Class Unlocked
He opened the store silently, scanning weapons, artifacts, and time-based enhancements.
"Still too early," he said. "I need a field test."
Behind him, a shadow moved.
Raynare landed silently, bowing.
"Master. That Riser scout… he's already watching you."
"I know."
"What do we do?"
Leon smiled faintly.
"Let him."
He turned, eyes glowing.
"We'll burn his curiosity into fear."