Chapter 10 - Kiba: Don't give up!
Under Roy's curious questioning, Kiba began to talk about Souna.
Of course, he only described her as a human student to Roy.
Naturally, he couldn't reveal her life as a Devil.
That was a world ordinary humans couldn't touch.
"I didn't expect Souna to be so impressive. She must have tons of admirers at school," Roy said with a wry, helpless smile after hearing Kiba's explanation.
It was the kind of expression a boy might show when realizing how extraordinary the girl he likes is—full of admiration tinged with self-doubt.
"She's definitely very popular," Kiba agreed with a nod.
"Souna is the idol of many underclassmen. Nearly half the school respects her, and there's even a group of girls who admire her leadership."
"That's incredible. She's practically a campus icon," Roy said, sounding a bit discouraged.
"Does she have a boyfriend? Do I even have a chance?"
Kiba gave an awkward chuckle, unsure how to respond.
Sona Sitri, the heiress of the Sitri clan, existed in a completely different world from ordinary humans.
No matter how hard Roy tried, catching up to her seemed impossible.
Roy's feelings, it seemed, were destined to remain unrequited.
"Don't give up!"
He liked Roy and didn't want to discourage him outright.
Instead, he offered vague encouragement, hoping Roy would eventually move on after realizing his efforts wouldn't bear fruit.
"Thanks for the support," Roy said with a grin.
"If Souna ever becomes my girlfriend, I'll owe you a huge thank-you gift."
Kiba laughed, though his smile felt a bit forced.
He didn't know how to respond to Roy's optimism.
"Sorry, Roy, I'm running out of time," Kiba said, glancing at his watch.
"I need to do club activities, so I can't show you around anymore."
"No worries, we've covered most of the school already," Roy replied with a grateful smile.
"Thanks for spending so much time guiding me."
After exchanging polite farewells, they swapped contact information.
Roy insisted he'd treat Yuuto to a meal sometime, and Yuuto offered to play host and show Roy around Kuoh Town to help him get familiar with the area.
"I'll head out now."
"I'm about done too. I've seen everything I wanted to check out."
"I'll come back to get more familiar once school starts," Roy replied.
Kiba escorted Roy to the school gate before turning toward the Old Schoolhouse.
Watching Kiba's retreating figure, Roy silently looked at the system.
===
Yuuto Kiba
Full Replication: 310,100 Dimensional Points
Sacred Gear: Sword Birth – 150,000 Dimensional Points
Kendo Talent: 100,000 Dimensional Points
Magic Conversion: 20,000 Dimensional Points
Evil Pieces (Knight): 10,000 Dimensional Points
Middle-Class Demonic Power: 30,000 Dimensional Points
Kuoh Academy Uniform: 100 Dimensional Points
===
As expected of main characters.
While not as powerful as the Phenex siblings, who appeared as minor antagonists, Kiba's Dimensional points were impressive.
Roy wasn't particularly interested in Sword Birth.
His true target was Boosted Gear.
However, Kiba's kendo talent was something Roy desperately wanted.
It would quickly enhance his close-combat skills and compensate for his weaknesses.
The problem was his lack of Dimensional Points.
Roy checked the points and, after a moment of thought, instructed the system, "System, replicate Yuuto Kiba's Middle-Class Demonic Power."
He could save up more Points and replicate the demonic power of a High-Class later, which would be more cost-effective.
But right now, saving points wasn't as practical as boosting his strength.
Compared to abstract Dimensional Point numbers, immediate power growth was far more valuable.
[Consuming 30,000 Dimensional Points. Middle-Class Demonic Power has been replicated. Would the host like to use it now?]
"Not yet," Roy replied, shaking his head.
He needed a quiet place to use it.
Who knew if using Middle-Class Demonic Power would cause a commotion?
Making a scene in public would only expose him.
For now, Roy had no intention of revealing his abilities—not until he acquired the Boosted Gear.
It was better to lay low and develop his strength quietly.
Leaving Kuoh Academy, Roy headed back to the hotel.
***
The Old Schoolhouse exuded an air of history, its architecture reminiscent of the previous century.
Though students had moved to the new building, this one wasn't abandoned.
Spare classrooms served as activity rooms for certain clubs, and every corner was kept spotlessly clean.
Still, the atmosphere felt dim.
For some reason, the building's design didn't allow much sunlight, leaving it perpetually shadowed.
In a room marked "Occult Research Club," Kiba pushed open the door and stepped inside.
The room was dimly lit, with heavy curtains drawn, but its lavish decor evoked a medieval noble's parlor.
Three people were already inside.
A girl with long crimson hair sat on the edge of a desk.
Another girl with long black hair tied in a ponytail was pouring tea for her.
A petite girl with short silver hair sat on a central sofa, nibbling snacks with a blank expression.
"Sorry, President, I'm a bit late," Yuuto said apologetically as he entered.