GHK DXD Chapter 20 Different Paths to Follow (Patreon)

Hyoudou Hidden Castle, Library

After several long minutes, the emotional storm inside the library finally began to settle. 

Yukina’s trembling sobs gradually quieted into small, uneven breaths as she wiped at her swollen crimson eyes with the sleeves of her clothes, while Asia sat close beside her doing much the same. 

Henrietta remained near them with one arm gently wrapped around Asia’s shoulders, quietly muttering words of reassurance whenever the former nun’s breathing threatened to hitch again. 

Priscilla knelt beside Yukina, her large hand resting carefully against the smaller girl’s head as she stroked her hair with an almost maternal patience. Run stayed on Yukina’s other side, offering soft encouragement while Furina, despite clearly not knowing how to handle such an openly emotional situation, awkwardly held out a handkerchief while repeatedly insisting that crying in front of companions was “a perfectly respectable dramatic expression.” 

Nyaruko, who had been unusually gentle throughout the entire ordeal, crouched in front of Yukina with her usual overwhelming energy reduced to a warm smile, repeatedly reminding her that nobody in the castle thought less of her for what had happened.

Eventually, the room became quiet enough for everyone to catch their breath. It was only then that Henrietta happened to glance downward toward the carpet beneath Yukina’s feet. Her expression immediately changed. “Oh…” she muttered softly. 

One by one, the others followed her gaze, and within seconds nearly the entire library had fallen silent again for an entirely different reason. Scattered across the carpet were dozens of brilliant crystalline gemstones, each one catching the light pouring through the tall windows and refracting it into shimmering fragments of pale blue and icy white. Some were no larger than marbles, while others were significantly larger, their flawless surfaces sparkling like frozen stars against the dark carpet. 

Yukina followed their eyes downward and immediately stiffened. Her face went bright red as realization struck her. “A-Ah!” she squeaked, quickly dropping to her knees and reaching toward the nearest jewel. “I-I’m sorry! I made such a mess! I-I didn’t mean to—!” She hurriedly began gathering the Hiruiseki with both hands, looking mortified as though she had spilled tea across the library rather than accidentally producing a fortune from her tears. 

“I’ll help too.” Asia immediately crouched beside her to help, only for Henrietta to gently catch her shoulder while Run did the same to Yukina before she could frantically crawl across the floor. “Yukina, Asia please,” Henrietta said kindly. “You have absolutely nothing to apologize for.” 

Priscilla nodded firmly from beside her. “You cried because you were happy and overwhelmed. No one forced you.” 

Run smiled and picked up one of the gemstones between her fingers. “Exactly. If anything, this is probably the prettiest mess anyone has ever made.” 

Furina dramatically lifted another gemstone toward the light, turning it between two fingers as though examining a stage prop. “Indeed! I have seen entire royal treasuries with a less impressive glow!”

That was when the much more complicated realization began settling over everyone. Nobody had intentionally exploited Yukina. Nobody had demanded that she cry with the purpose of producing Hiruiseki. In fact, the exact opposite had happened; the gemstones covering the carpet had formed because Yukina had been so deeply moved by the household’s refusal to treat her like a resource. Technically, they had kept their promise perfectly. Unfortunately, that did nothing to change the fact that there was now what appeared to be an extraordinary amount of wealth scattered across the floor of the castle library.

Kaguya was the first to voice the obvious. The Lunarian princess stepped forward, the hem of her elaborate clothing gliding across the carpet as she delicately picked up one of the larger gemstones between her fingers. She turned it slowly beneath the light, her crimson eyes narrowing as she inspected the flawless crystalline structure. “Well,the gems already exist.” She said after a moment of inspecting the gem. “Throwing them away would merely be stupidity.” 

Several heads turned toward her immediately.

Kaguya continued without hesitation, raising the Hiruiseki slightly. “We agreed that Yukina would not be forced, manipulated for financial gain. But these were created naturally through her own emotions. To discard something potentially valuable simply because we are afraid of appearing opportunistic would be irrational.”

Henrietta hesitated, clearly considering the other princess’s words rather than dismissing them outright. Her gaze shifted toward the vast collection of gems lying across the floor before returning to Yukina. “She does have a point,” Henrietta admitted carefully. “Perhaps we should not make any decision hastily, but… if even one of these could be sold safely, it might help Issei considerably. He spent so much money taking everyone into town yesterday, and we were already discussing how unfair it would be to leave all of the financial burden to him.” 

Yukina’s eyes widened slightly at that, and whatever lingering embarrassment she had been feeling rapidly turned into determination as she quickly nodded several times. “I-I want to help!” She said, clutching her hands against her chest. “If these can help Issei, then… then I want him to use them. He’s done so much for me already. If my tears can actually do something good for him, then I don’t mind at all.”

Before Henrietta could respond, Raynare and Kalawarna exchanged a look from where they had been standing near the shelves. Unlike most of the summoned women, the two Fallen Angels had lived within the supernatural society of this world long enough to understand exactly how such things could potentially be sold. 

Raynare then folded her arms thoughtfully. “There are places where supernatural materials can be traded without attracting human attention,” she said. 

That immediately caught everyone’s interest. 

Kalawarna nodded beside her. “Black markets, hidden auction houses, magical trading posts. They exist throughout the world including Japan. Humans involved in the supernatural world, rogue magicians, Monsters, Spirits, Youkai, independent merchants, even certain Church contacts use them.” Raynare tilted her head as she thought. “There are at least a few within traveling distance of Kuoh. Nothing enormous, but large enough that rare magical materials occasionally pass through them.”

Nyaruko’s eyes instantly lit up. “A supernatural black market?!” she exclaimed, all traces of her earlier gentleness immediately replaced by dangerous enthusiasm. “Ohhh, that sounds amazing! Secret merchants! Forbidden artifacts! Shady people wearing cloaks! Maybe cursed weapons sitting on tables!”

 Lala, who had been quietly watching everything with her usual eerie fascination, slowly turned toward Raynare. “A marketplace where monsters, sorcerers, criminals and creatures of the night gather to exchange objects beyond mortal understanding…” She muttered, golden eyes shining with unmistakable curiosity. “How beautifully ominous.”

Meanwhile Karura cracked her knuckles with a sharp grin, also interested in learning more of the world she now lives. “Are there strong people there?” 

Raynare gave her a suspicious look. “Probably.” 

Karura’s grin immediately widened. “Then I vote we go.” Nyaruko enthusiastically raised both hands. 

“Me too! Maybe someone will try to rob us!”

“Why would that make you more excited?” Henrietta asked slowly.

Nyaruko stared at her as though the answer should have been obvious. “Because then we get to beat them up!”

Karura nodded approvingly. “Exactly.”

“Absolutely not exactly,” Henrietta sighed.

Priscilla, however, did not share their excitement. The tall dragon woman remained crouched beside Yukina, her golden-green eyes fixed thoughtfully on the gems scattered across the carpet. She reached down and picked one up, carefully rolling it between her fingers. “All sounds good, that is if we assume these are valuable,” She said slowly, bringing the argument back toward something practical. “But how could anyone here actually know that? These stones originate from Yukina’s world. As far as we know, nothing identical exists here. Perhaps they are beautiful but worthless.” Her eyes narrowed slightly. “Or perhaps the opposite is true. If they possess properties that cannot be replicated in this world, then their value may be dangerously high.” She looked toward Yukina, her protective expression hardening. “And if someone realizes where they come from, greed may become a much greater problem than money.”

That caused the excitement in the room to dim slightly.

Yukina instinctively lowered her gaze.

Priscilla continued, her voice calm but firm. “In Yukina’s world, people harmed her because these stones were valuable. We should not assume people here would behave any differently simply because this is another world.”

While several members of the group began considering that uncomfortable possibility, Furina suddenly swept forward with all the confidence of someone who had been waiting impatiently for the conversation to reach her preferred subject.

 “Which is exactly why,” She declared, raising one finger dramatically, “we should stop obsessing over jewels and turn our attention toward a far more elegant and a more sustainable source of wealth!” 

Everyone turned to her as Furina placed one gloved hand against her chest and raised her chin proudly. “The arts.” 

Silence followed as many looked at her with doubt. 

“Think about it!” She continued, undeterred. “A grand performance! Music! Drama! A spectacle! The people of this world clearly adore entertainment. Yesterday alone I witnessed countless humans gathering simply to watch ordinary students dance in a plaza. Imagine what they would pay to witness a true performance from someone of my caliber!”

Run immediately perked up. “Actually… I’d do that!” she said cheerfully, clapping her hands together. “Performing sounds fun. We could sing and dance together! Maybe Issei would come watch us!” 

Furina’s mismatched eyes practically sparkled. “Exactly! At last, someone understands the brilliance of my vision!” 

Nyaruko immediately inserted herself between them. “Hold on! If there’s going to be an idol group, I’m obviously joining too!” 

Furina frowned. “Absolutely not. You would ruin the dignity of the performance.” 

“RUIN IT?! I AM FULL OF DIGNITY!” 

While the inevitable argument began forming behind her, Evangeline had quietly taken one of the Hiruiseki from the floor. Unlike the others, she did not admire its beauty. She held it between two small fingers and stared at it with the intense focus of a scholar examining an unknown magical artifact. 

A faint circle of crimson magic flickered into existence around her hand. Several tiny runes rotated around the gemstone, scanning its structure while Evangeline’s blue eyes gradually narrowed. Another spell followed, then another. The room slowly grew quieter as people noticed that the vampire had become genuinely interested.

Kaguya glanced toward her as she noticed that she was done. “Well?”

Evangeline did not answer immediately. She lifted the stone closer to her face, the magical circle around it changing colors several times as she examined something deeper than its physical composition. Finally, her expression shifted from curiosity into something significantly more serious. “These are not ordinary gemstones,” she said.

“No surprise there,” Karura muttered. “They came from her tears.”

“That is not what I mean.” Evangeline’s tone sharpened. She flicked the Hiruiseki lightly with her fingernail, producing a clear crystalline chime. “This stone contains a special concentrated energy woven throughout its entire structure. Naturally crystallized and extremely pure.” Her gaze moved toward the large collection surrounding Yukina. “If every one of these carries the same properties, then their usefulness extends considerably beyond decoration.”

Raynare’s expression changed immediately. “Magical catalysts?”

“Possibly,” Evangeline replied. “Enchantments. Ritual components. Energy storage. Perhaps even medicine or enhancement depending upon how the material responds to other forms of magic. I would need more time to test it properly.” She closed her fingers around the jewel. “But that means Priscilla’s concern is justified. Anyone with sufficient magical knowledge will recognize that these possess value beyond their appearance.”

Kalawarna frowned. “And black markets naturally attract exactly those sorts of people.”

“Precisely.” Evangeline tossed the stone lightly into her palm. “Selling these carelessly would be idiotic. You might earn money, certainly. You might also have every greedy magician, collector, wandering alchemist and criminal organization asking where the mysterious supply of previously unknown magical gemstones suddenly came from.” Her gaze shifted toward Yukina. “And eventually someone clever would work backward toward the source.”

The library became noticeably quieter as Yukina pulled her knees slightly closer together. Priscilla immediately rested a reassuring hand against her shoulder.

Kaguya, however, remained remarkably unconcerned. The Lunarian princess still held one of the Hiruiseki she had picked up earlier, inspecting it with obvious appreciation before casually slipping it into one of her sleeves as though she had already claimed it for herself. “Then we simply do not behave like fools,” she replied. “We do not arrive carrying bags filled with them. We bring one. We determine its worth. We demand an appropriate price and provide no unnecessary information regarding its origin.” 

Evangeline gave her a flat stare. “And when the merchant asks where you obtained an unknown supernatural mineral?” 

Kaguya lifted her chin. “We’ll tell them it is none of their concern.”

“Yes, because suspicious magical merchants are famously satisfied by arrogant princesses telling them to stop asking questions.”

Kaguya’s eyes narrowed. “Your sarcasm is unnecessary.”

“My sarcasm is always necessary.”

Raynare stepped between the developing argument before it could become another contest of centuries-old egos. “Lady Kaguya is not entirely wrong,” she admitted reluctantly. “Those markets value discretion. Plenty of sellers refuse to reveal where merchandise comes from. As long as we are careful and do not sell too much at once, it may be possible.” 

Kalawarna nodded. “We would need to choose the location carefully, conceal Yukina’s involvement completely, and preferably bring people capable of protecting the group if something goes wrong.”

Nyaruko instantly summoned and raised her crowbar while Karura cracked her knuckles again.

Kalawarna sighed. “People capable of protecting the group without deliberately starting something.”

Both women slowly lowered their hands.

Henrietta looked around at everyone before exhaling quietly. “Then perhaps this is something worth investigating,” she concluded. “Not necessarily because we have decided to sell anything, but because knowing what these gemstones are worth and how this world’s supernatural economy operates would be useful regardless.” Her expression then became firmer. “However, I do not think we should make that decision without Issei.”

Several heads turned toward her.

“He is the reason we are discussing this in the first place,” Henrietta continued. “We want to help him, but secretly selling something this valuable while he is away would be irresponsible. We should wait until he returns from school, explain what happened, show him the Hiruiseki and decide together whether visiting one of these markets is actually worth the risk.”

Run nodded almost immediately. “That sounds fair.”

Priscilla smiled faintly. “Agreed.”

Asia, who had remained beside Yukina throughout the discussion, also gave a small nod. “I think Master Issei would want to know.”

Furina crossed her arms, looking mildly disappointed that her glorious theatrical financial revolution had not immediately been approved. “Very well. But when the gemstone scheme inevitably becomes tedious, my performance proposal remains available.”

“It has been noted,” Henrietta said patiently.

Nyaruko leaned backward with her hands behind her head. “Fineee. We’ll wait for Darling.” Her eyes then slid toward the pile of Hiruiseki with a mischievous sparkle. “But if we do go to this black market, I call dibs on coming.”

Karura immediately stepped forward. “I’m coming too.”

“We’re not going there to fight.” Henrietta warned.

But neither of the two answered.

“Girls.”

Silence.

Henrietta slowly narrowed her eyes as she glared at the two which caused Nyaruko and Karura to exchange glances before nodding. 

“…No unnecessary fighting,” Nyaruko finally offered.

Henrietta sighed and rubbed her forehead.

Evangeline, meanwhile, returned her attention to the gemstone in her hand, watching faint magical light pulse beneath its crystalline surface. Her expression remained thoughtful. The others might have been imagining easy money and potential adventures, but her mind had already moved several steps beyond that. A completely unknown magical material had suddenly appeared in her hand, if these Hiruiseki were truly as magically useful as her preliminary examination suggested, their value might be considerably greater than anyone in the room currently understood.

But for the moment, however, the decision was made. They would wait for Issei to come home.

—----------------------------

After School — Kuoh Academy, Student Council Office

The final bell had already rung throughout Kuoh Academy, and the usual flood of students had begun pouring through the halls toward their clubs, after-school activities, or the front gates. 

Issei, however, was heading in the opposite direction of most of his classmates, his school bag hanging loosely from one shoulder while he made his way toward the Student Council office. 

Earlier that afternoon, he had received a brief message informing him that Sona wanted to speak with him privately once classes ended. Considering their previous meeting and the favors he already owed her, Issei had spent the last portion of class wondering exactly what she wanted. 

There was also the possibility that she had learned something new about the supernatural situation surrounding him, which honestly would not surprise him anymore. When he finally reached the familiar door, he stopped, adjusted the strap of his bag, and knocked twice. 

“Come in,” Sona’s composed voice answered almost immediately from the other side.

Issei pushed the door open and stepped inside, expecting to find the usual collection of Student Council members working behind desks or organizing paperwork. But instead, the office was unusually quiet. 

Sona sat alone behind the large central desk, several documents arranged neatly around her, as her violet eyes lifted from the paper the moment he entered. The late-afternoon sunlight poured through the windows behind her, glinting faintly against the lenses of her glasses. 

Issei closed the door behind himself and approached cautiously. “You wanted to see me, Sona-kaichou?” he asked. 

Sona placed her pen down carefully and folded her hands over the desk. “I did. There is something I need to inform you about, and there is also a favor I intend to collect from you.” 

Issei blinked before giving an awkward laugh and rubbing the back of his head. “Actually, I’m kinda glad you called me here. There were a couple things I wanted to ask you too. Including… another favor.” 

That earned an immediate narrowing of Sona’s eyes. The Sitri heiress stared at him for several seconds as if she were processing the audacity of the situation. She had barely begun collecting repayment for the favors she had already granted him, and somehow Hyoudou Issei had arrived asking to increase his debt before she could even present her request. “

You wish to ask me for another favor,” She repeated flatly. “Before fulfilling the ones you already owe me.” 

Issei laughed nervously. “When you say it like that, it sounds really bad.” 

“Because it is.” She sighed and gestured toward the chair opposite her. “Very well. Tell me what you want first.”

Issei sat down and immediately looked slightly embarrassed. “Well… remember how I asked you about enrolling some of the girls here?” 

Sona nodded slowly. “Unfortunately, yes.” 

“Right. So, uh…” His fingers scratched awkwardly against his cheek. “Could you enroll one more?” 

The silence that followed was almost impressive. 

Sona’s violet eyes stared directly through him. “Another one.” 

“Yeah.” 

“Another mysterious girl has suddenly appeared around you since our last conversation?” There was a distinct layer of dry sarcasm beneath her normally controlled voice now. 

Issei winced as Sona leaned back slightly in her chair. “Should I assume this one is yet another woman destined to become your wife?” 

Issei opened his mouth instinctively to deny it. Normally one of the girls would have immediately jumped in and given some absurd explanation on his behalf, but he was alone this time, and lying convincingly had never been one of his talents. “Not… exactly,” he admitted. 

Sona raised an eyebrow. “That answer inspires tremendous confidence.” 

Issei hurriedly waved his hands. “No, seriously! She’s more like a guest. She needed somewhere to stay, and I told her she could live with us.”

That explanation only made Sona more suspicious. “And who precisely is this guest? Or is her identity another mystery I will be expected to uncover myself?” 

Issei immediately shook his head. “No, no! I can actually talk to you about her.”  

Sona almost looked surprised by that achievement as Issei continued before she could comment.  

“Her name is Asia Argento. From what Kalawarna explained, she was involved with the Church but got excommunicated. Apparently she ended up helping heal a devil and was kicked out because of it. She then ended up around the wrong crowd of people afterward and somehow got caught up in the Fallen Angels’ mess. She didn’t really have anywhere else to go, so she’s staying with us now.” 

Sona’s expression became noticeably more serious. The name was unfamiliar enough that she mentally filed it away for later investigation, but the description alone raised several immediate concerns. 

“An excommunicated nun formerly associated with the Church is now living in Kuoh.” She summarized carefully. “Do you genuinely believe allowing her to go to this school is a good idea?” 

Issei frowned slightly. “Why wouldn’t it be?” 

“Because this is a school run by Devils, Hyoudou. I and so are the students serving beneath me are Devils. The Church historically regards my race as enemies. If she has been trained under their doctrine, there is no guarantee she will respond peacefully when she learns exactly what we are.”

Issei shook his head almost immediately. “Asia wouldn’t hurt anybody.” His response came with such confidence that Sona paused. “She seriously wouldn’t hurt a fly. She’s probably one of the nicest people I’ve ever met. She gets nervous just thinking she might inconvenience someone. When she found out she was allowed to stay with us, she nearly cried because everyone was being nice to her. I really don’t think you need to worry about her attacking you.” 

Sona studied his face for several moments, searching for uncertainty or exaggeration, but Issei seemed completely sincere. Eventually she adjusted her glasses. “Very well. I will accept your judgment for now. However, I will investigate her history before approving anything formally. If she truly was connected to the Church, there should be some record of her existence somewhere.” 

Issei nodded rapidly. “That’s fair.” 

Sona picked up her pen and made a small note. “Assuming there are no serious problems, I can arrange her enrollment alongside the others and have her starting Monday. Make sure to bring her and the other girls enrolling Friday so I can explain everything that will happen when they enroll.” 

Issei immediately brightened. “Seriously? Thanks, Sona-kaichou!” 

“Do not celebrate yet,” she warned. “This will count as another favor.” 

His smile faltered. “Right. I’m building up a pretty dangerous tab here, aren’t I?” 

“Indeed.” Sona then set the matter aside and folded her hands again. “You mentioned there was something else you wanted.” 

Issei’s expression immediately changed. He glanced away from her, shoulders sinking slightly as embarrassment replaced his earlier relief. 

Sona noticed the shift and narrowed her eyes. “What did you do?” 

“Nothing!” He protested quickly. “Why do you immediately assume I did something?!” 

“Experience.” 

Issei groaned before scratching his head. “It’s just… kind of embarrassing.” 

“Considering your reputation, Hyoudou, I find that statement alarming.” 

“Hey!” He yelled before sighing and finally forced the question out. “Do you know any good way to make a lot of money?” 

Sona blinked. Of everything she had expected him to ask, that had not been particularly high on the list. “Money?” 

“Yeah. Like… a lot of it. Preferably pretty quickly.”

Sona leaned back slightly, studying him with renewed interest. “Why exactly do you suddenly require a significant amount of money?”

 Issei slumped deeper into the chair. “Because I’m almost broke.” 

Sona stared as she waited for him to explain more. 

Issei sighed heavily and began explaining. “Yesterday I took everyone around Kuoh. We went shopping, ate food, went to the arcade, bought some stuff… you know, normal things. Except I forgot that doing normal things gets really expensive when you’re paying for more than ten girls at the same time.” He rubbed both hands against his face. “I burned through a huge chunk of my savings in one afternoon. And that made me realize something pretty important. All these girls are living with me now. They need clothes, food, school supplies, whatever else comes up. I can’t expect my parents to pay for all of it, and I definitely don’t want the girls feeling like they have to survive off nothing.” 

His expression became more serious despite his embarrassment. “They’re my responsibility. Or… I guess we’re all responsible for each other now. Either way, I need money to help provide for everyone.”

For a brief moment, Sona said nothing. Her expression softened almost imperceptibly. She had expected some foolish explanation involving manga, games, or his infamous hobbies, but instead Issei was genuinely worried about supporting the people who had unexpectedly become dependent upon him. 

“The obvious answer,” she finally said, “is employment. You’re almost seventeen years old. There are numerous establishments around Kuoh that hire students part-time.” 

Issei nodded. “I know, and I’m probably going to get a job anyway. But convenience-store wages or something like that aren’t gonna cover fourteen people anytime soon. I need something that can bring in more than normal part-time work.” 

Sona tapped one finger against the desk thoughtfully. “There are several possibilities.”

Issei immediately leaned forward.

Sona’s lips curved slightly. “You could accept my earlier offer.”

His excitement vanished instantly. “Your offer to join your peerage?”

“Correct.” Sona adjusted her glasses calmly. “If you were reincarnated beneath me and became an official member of the Sitri household, you would receive compensation appropriate to your position. The Sitri Clan does not expect members of our household to survive on ordinary human wages. Housing expenses, equipment, education, travel, medical support and personal allowances are all provided. Additional compensation is earned through contracts and supernatural duties.” 

Issei had already begun shaking his head. “Yeah, no. The girls would absolutely murder me if I came home and told them I turned myself into somebody else’s servant for cash.” Then curiosity got the better of him as his head slowly stopped moving. “…By the way, how much money are we talking about?”

Sona calmly stated the approximate monthly allowance and equivalent value of benefits.

Issei immediately choked. “WHAT?!” His voice echoed through the otherwise empty office.

Sona did not even blink. “That is before performance incentives, contract commissions or advancement within Devil society.”

Issei stared at her with the expression of someone whose entire moral foundation had just been placed under severe financial pressure. Images began racing through his head: enormous grocery bills disappearing, an unlimited supply of manga, enough money to take everyone around Kuoh without checking every price tag, maybe even buying a gigantic television for the castle. “That’s… that’s…” He swallowed. “That’s a ridiculous amount of money.”

“It is an appropriate compensation.”

Issei genuinely went quiet. For several dangerous seconds, he was actually considering it.

Which Sona was quick to notice as her eyes sharpened with subtle amusement. “Tempting?”

“Extremely.”

“I would not mistreat you, Hyoudou. Nor would you be treated as disposable property. Members of my peerage are members of my household and my responsibility. You would receive training, protection, resources and financial security.”

Issei's face twisted with visible internal conflict before he suddenly slapped both cheeks. “Nope! No! Bad Issei! Think about what happens when Kaguya hears you sold yourself to another woman! Or Nyaruko! Or Evangeline!” He shuddered violently. “Actually, Evangeline might just call me an idiot and then let the others kill me.” 

Sona sighed through her nose. “So your answer remains no.” 

“Yeah.” Issei smiled apologetically. “Sorry. Seriously, though, that number almost got me.”

“Noted.” Sona was silent for another moment before her expression became more serious. “There is one other occupation available to someone with supernatural combat capabilities. It is substantially more dangerous than ordinary employment, but the compensation can be significant depending upon the assignment.” 

Issei immediately perked up. “What kind of job?” 

Sona studied him carefully before answering. “You could become a Hunter.”

Issei blinked. “A Hunter?”

“Essentially a supernatural freelancer,” Sona explained. “I only became properly familiar with the organization last year through Tsubasa Yura. Apparently she encountered several Hunters and joined them before joining my peerage and later explained their system to me. They are independent mercenaries who accept supernatural assignments that individuals, clans, groups and organizations either cannot handle directly or consider too small to justify deploying official personnel.” 

Issei leaned forward with growing interest while Sona continued. “Despite the name, hunting monsters is only one aspect of their work. Assignments range considerably. A Hunter may be hired to eliminate supernatural creatures attacking civilians, track rogue magicians, investigate hauntings, locate missing magical artifacts, escort supernatural individuals through dangerous territory, resolve incidents involving Youkai or spirits, capture criminals, cleanse cursed locations, gather information or investigate unexplained supernatural phenomena.”

Issei’s eyes gradually widened. “So… basically some kind of spirit detective?”

Sona paused. “That is unexpectedly an adequate comparison.”

Issei grinned. “Seriously?! That actually sounds awesome.”

“It sounds exciting because I have not yet emphasized the mortality rate,” Sona replied dryly. “Hunters frequently operate without the protection afforded to members of established factions. If they misjudge an assignment, accept something beyond their capabilities or encounter an unexpected threat, they can die. The higher the danger, the greater the compensation.”

That tempered Issei’s excitement slightly, but did not eliminate it. “How do they even get jobs?”

“There is a network used by registered Hunters,” Sona explained. “Apperently this group of freelancers operates in a modern setting with an ordinary website, with users being able to access contracts posted by independent communities, magical families, Youkai groups, smaller noble houses, human organizations and occasionally major factions looking to maintain plausible deniability. Every request has an assigned danger classification and corresponding payment.”

Issei stared at her. “There’s seriously a supernatural monster-hunting job website? That might be the coolest thing I’ve learned all week.”

Sona gave him a flat stare. “You discovered that you possess one of the Thirteen Longinus less than a few days ago.”

“Okay, second coolest.”

She ignored that. “There is one limitation. You will likely find very little work inside Kuoh itself. Rias and I divide responsibility for this territory, and our peerages already respond to most supernatural disturbances that occur here. You would need to accept cases outside our jurisdiction.”

“That’s fine,” Issei replied quickly. “Would I be able to sign up?”

Sona considered him carefully. “You can as there is there really isn’t much restriction to joining as apparently anyone can join as long as you find that website. But whether you should is another matter.”

“Ehh, I’m sure it will be fine, I’ve got the Boosted Gear, plus I’m sure some of the girls would love the thrill and action.” Issei said, looking down toward his left hand.

Sona nodded and then after another moment, she reached for a small piece of paper and carefully wrote down the name of the network along with the instructions necessary to reach its public entry point. She slid it across the desk. “Do not attempt to accept anything above the lowest classifications until you understand how the system works.”

Issei snatched the paper with visible excitement. “Thank you, Sona-kaichou!” Without thinking, he shot out of the chair, rounded the desk and threw his arms around her.

Sona completely froze. For perhaps the first time since Issei had known her, the perfectly composed Student Council President looked utterly unprepared for what was happening. Her violet eyes widened behind her glasses as Issei hugged her tightly in an impulsive burst of gratitude. Heat immediately climbed into her cheeks. “H-Hyoudou!”

“Seriously, thank you!” Issei said, completely unaware of the damage he was doing to her composure. “You’ve helped me out so much lately!”

“Release me!”

Issei instantly realized what he was doing. “AH!” He jumped backward so quickly he nearly collided with the chair. “S-Sorry! I got excited!”

Sona straightened her uniform, her cheeks still noticeably pink as she pushed her glasses higher against the bridge of her nose with significantly more force than necessary. “Do learn to control yourself.”

“Right! Sorry.” Issei rubbed the back of his head, his own face flushing now. “Still… seriously, Sona-kaichou, you’re way nicer than people make you sound.”

That only worsened the situation as Sona’s blush deepened. She immediately reached for the safest possible defense mechanism available to her. Business. “Now that your requests have been handled,” She said sharply, forcing her voice back into its normal professional tone, “we can address why I originally called you here.”

Issei sat back down almost automatically. “Right. The favor.”

“Correct.” Sona adjusted her glasses again. “And conveniently, the assignment I intended to give you may serve as a practical introduction to Hunter work.”

That instantly reclaimed Issei’s attention. “What do you mean?”

“Tomorrow night,” Sona said, “you will assist in eliminating a Stray Devil.”

Issei’s excitement vanished. “…A what?”

Sona’s expression hardened, the atmosphere shifting immediately from playful embarrassment to a serious shift. “Stray Devils are reincarnated Devils who have abandoned their masters. There are numerous reasons this may occur. Some flee because they resent their King. Some desire independence. Others become obsessed with power or commit crimes severe enough that they choose to escape regardless of the punishment. Regardless of the original motivation, once a reincarnated Devil becomes a Stray and begins using their abilities irresponsibly, they become a serious threat to both supernatural society and ordinary humans. Reincarnated Devils receive supernatural abilities through their Evil Pieces. Their Kings are responsible for regulating, training and controlling that power. Without proper guidance or restraint, some Strays become unstable. Others deliberately prey upon humans or weaker supernatural creatures. When that occurs, they are hunted.”

“Hunted…” Issei repeated. “And what happens when you find them?”

Sona met his eyes. “They are usually executed.”

That answer hit much harder than Issei expected. His earlier excitement surrounding the Hunter network evaporated almost entirely as the reality of supernatural work suddenly became considerably clearer. Hunting wasn't necessarily some exciting adventure where he fought monsters and collected money afterward. Sometimes his target would be a person.

“Is that really necessary?” he asked quietly.

“Sometimes,” Sona replied. “Not every Stray Devil deserves immediate death simply for abandoning their King. Circumstances matter. But this particular Stray has already attacked civilians and resisted attempts at capture. There is no longer any ambiguity.”

Issei slowly clenched his hand. “When?”

“Tomorrow night.”

“Where?”

“I will provide the location once the operation begins.” Sona paused. “You may bring members of your household with you.”

Issei looked surprised. “Really?”

“I would prefer that you do.” What Sona did not tell him was that this assignment served more purposes than repayment of a favor. She wanted to personally see him fight but more importantly, she wanted to see them fight.

Ever since Issei’s bizarre household had appeared inside her territory, Sona had possessed almost no reliable information regarding their true abilities. She had witnessed fragments from Reya, and sensed enough power to understand that several of the women surrounding him were extraordinarily dangerous, but that was not the same as observing them under combat conditions. A Stray Devil operation provided the perfect opportunity. The target was dangerous enough to force Issei and whichever companions he selected to reveal at least some of their abilities, but not powerful enough that Sona expected genuine catastrophe. She would be present personally, along with members of her peerage, allowing her to intervene immediately if anything went wrong.

And perhaps most importantly, she would finally see what Hyoudou Issei himself could actually do with the Boosted Gear.

Issei knew none of that. Instead, he took a deep breath and nodded. “Okay.”

Sona raised an eyebrow.

“I promised I’d repay you,” Issei continued. “And if this Stray Devil is actually hurting innocent people, then… yeah. I’ll help.” He gave her a determined smile despite the nervousness clearly visible behind it. “I won’t let you down.”

Sona regarded him quietly before giving a small nod. “We shall see.”

Issei stood and adjusted his school bag. “Then I guess I should get home and tell everyone what happened.” He then walked halfway toward the door when Sona spoke one final time.

“Hyoudou.” Issei stopped with his hand on the handle and looked back. “There is one more matter you should be aware of.” Her expression had become serious again. “Rias now knows about you.”

Issei blinked. “Uh… she already knows me. We go to the same school.”

“That is not what I mean.” Sona leaned back slightly. “She now knows about your supernatural circumstances. Your companions. And, most importantly, she knows that the Sacred Gear within you is the Boosted Gear.”

Issei slowly stared at her. “Oh. So I’m guessing she’s going to want to talk to me.”

“Almost certainly.” Sona folded her hands together. “Rias is the other territorial overseer of Kuoh alongside me. Given the number of unknown supernatural entities currently residing within our territory and the fact that you possess one of the Thirteen Longinus, she would be irresponsible not to investigate.”

Issei rubbed his forehead. “Great. Another meeting.”

Sona almost smiled. “That is all, Hyoudou. See you tomorrow.”

Issei nodded before opening the door. “Alright. Thanks again, Sona-kaichou. For everything.”

Before she could respond, he disappeared into the hallway and gently closed the door behind himself.

The office became silent again as Sona remained completely still for several seconds. Then her fingers slowly touched the part of her uniform where Issei had unexpectedly hugged her. A faint trace of pink returned to her cheeks.

I’m stopping here as I’m giving you a choice for what should happen next. Think of this as something new as I’m letting you guys make a decision for which direction this story should go as this will lead to different arcs that I will be working on. Give any other suggestions and tell me what else should happen next?