Chương 35: First Contact

Within Clan Gremory's territory lay vast stretches of shaded forest and towering mountain ridges. One of those peaks rose higher than Mount Fuji itself, reaching nearly four thousand meters into the sky. Nearby rested a massive lake, where Lilitifa Vepar had once settled. Back in Kuoh Academy, the second girl who had entered the classroom alongside Rias was equally eye-catching. She possessed a voluptuous figure, very long black hair, and deep violet eyes.

Her hair was tied into a long ponytail that reached down her legs, secured with an orange ribbon, while two loose strands framed her face. Like most of the girls at Kuoh Academy, she wore the standard uniform along with black calf-length socks. Gilgamesh recognized her immediately. Akeno Himejima. Rias Gremory's Queen. Without hesitation, Gilgamesh activated the [Eye of God]...... [Name: Rias Gremory] [Lineage: Pure Devil] [Title: Crimson-Haired Princess of Ruin] [Sacred Gear: None] [Level: 26]...

HP: 26, 000 / 26, 000 MP: 33, 000 / 33, 000 STR: 90 VIT: 330 INT: 200 DEX: 150 LUCK: 100... [Story:] Rias is the second child of House Gremory and became heir after her brother Sirzechs ascended as Lucifer. She previously became entangled in an engagement with Riser Phenex. As a child, she developed a deep fear of camels after being attacked by one. Before the current timeline, Rias reincarnated Akeno Himejima, Koneko Toujou, Yuuto Kiba, and Gasper Vladi into her Peerage.

She first met Akeno in Japan, saving her from execution by her own clan. She later took in Koneko after Sirzechs rescued her. Yuuto was saved from the Holy Sword Project, while Gasper had been hunted by vampire hunters. Two years ago, Rias entered Kuoh Academy with Akeno, Sona, and Tsubaki, reviving the Occult Research Club and becoming its president...... Gilgamesh couldn't help feeling disappointed. For Sirzechs' sister, her overall level was lower than he expected.

If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, it's taken without the author's consent. Report it. She clearly had talent—but she hadn't refined it. He recalled Riser's incident: eight full years to prepare, yet instead of honing herself, Rias had relied on gathering powerful servants. He shifted his focus...... [Name: Akeno Himejima] [Lineage: Fallen Angel / Devil Reincarnated] [Title: Priestess of Thunder] [Sacred Gear: None] [Level: 25]...

HP: 25, 000 / 25, 000 MP: 32, 000 / 32, 000 STR: 100 VIT: 320 INT: 190 DEX: 170 LUCK: 100... [Story:] Akeno is the daughter of Shuri Himejima and Baraqiel, a Fallen Angel leader of Grigori. After witnessing her mother's death, she blamed her father for failing to protect her. Rejected by her clan for her Fallen Angel blood, Akeno wandered Japan alone for over a year, surviving by purifying evil spirits using techniques taught by her mother.

Eventually, she encountered Rias Gremory, who intervened when Akeno's relatives attempted to kill her. Rias negotiated Akeno's survival under two conditions: Akeno would never enter Himejima territory, and she would remain by Rias' side. Akeno later became Rias' first servant and closest friend. Together they rebuilt the Occult Research Club, with Akeno serving as vice president..... Gilgamesh sighed inwardly.

Akeno was skilled—but if she fully embraced both sides of her heritage, her potential would be far greater. When Rias and Akeno finally noticed him, both froze for a moment, clearly taken aback by his presence. Gilgamesh simply looked away. That reaction alone left both girls briefly stunned. They moved to their seats, and soon afterward Sona and Tsubaki entered as well, each pausing when they noticed him before quickly taking their places. Not long after, the teacher arrived and gestured toward Gilgamesh.

"You're new. Please introduce yourself." Gilgamesh walked to the board and wrote his name.

"My name is Gilgamesh. I was born in Italy, though my mother is Japanese. I don't have any particular likes or dislikes. That's all." The girls immediately began whispering among themselves. He had only given his name. When the teacher asked if anyone had questions, nearly every hand shot up—except those belonging to the devils.

"Do you have a girlfriend?" one girl asked. Gilgamesh nodded. That single motion sent ripples through the classroom. After the questions ended, he returned to his seat and spent the rest of class quietly taking notes, despite already knowing the material. Soon, the bell rang for the next period. He noticed Rias and Akeno approaching.

"Gilgamesh-kun, I'm Rias Gremory. It's nice to meet you," Rias said warmly.

"The pleasure is mine, Gremory," Gilgamesh replied calmly, meeting her gaze.

"Please, call me Rias. And this is my friend, Akeno Himejima." Gilgamesh inclined his head.

"I understand." Akeno smiled playfully.

"You can call me Akeno, Gil-kun."

"I see. Did you need something?" Rias hesitated slightly.

"We were hoping to get to know you better." Gilgamesh studied them for a moment, then gave a polite smile.

"I don't mind." The surrounding students watched intently as the three spoke. After a brief exchange, Akeno excused herself back to her seat, still smiling, while Rias followed shortly after. Gilgamesh returned to his desk...... Later, during lunch, Gilgamesh ate on the terrace with Mordred, listening to her animatedly recount how she'd scared off several troublemakers and somehow earned admiration from half the Kendo Club. After school, they headed home together.

Gilgamesh sensed several magical signatures trailing them—Tsubaki, Koneko, and even Rias' bat familiar. Once home, they trained in the dungeon with the others, then began Valerie's first serious session with her Longinus. By the time Gilgamesh finally returned to his room, night had fallen. He lay back on his bed, staring at the ceiling. Tomorrow would undoubtedly be interesting.