The Gremory castle stood tall against the twilight sky, its spires casting long shadows over the sprawling grounds. Inside its walls, a quiet yet intense atmosphere lingered. Ahmed Gremory, the youngest sibling of the family, wiped the sweat from his brow as he reviewed his system screen.
His proficiency gains for the evening were satisfying, but he couldn't shake the feeling that he was still far from his goals. The weight of potential and expectation bore heavily on him, but Ahmed welcomed it.
---
Koneko's Arrival
Meanwhile, inside the main hall of the castle, Koneko Toujou sat quietly on a plush chair near the hearth. The warmth of the fire contrasted starkly with her cold, emotionless demeanor. She gazed at the flames, her mind distant, replaying memories she wished she could forget.
Her older sister, Kuroka, had once been her whole world. They had endured so much together—the experiments, the pain, and the fear. But everything changed when Kuroka took the blame for a crime she hadn't committed. To protect Koneko, her sister had abandoned her, leaving her to be taken in by the Gremory family.
Sirzechs Lucifer himself had intervened, ensuring that Koneko would be cared for and protected. But even now, Koneko struggled to trust the family that had so graciously offered her a home.
---
Ahmed's Training Continues
Ahmed was outside again, this time working on his Throwing skill. He had gathered a pile of small stones and marked targets on several trees. His goal was simple: increase his accuracy and power.
> [Skill Progression: Throwing – Proficiency 32%]
The stones hit their marks more consistently now, and Ahmed could feel the improvements with each throw.
> "At this rate, I'll max this skill in no time," he muttered, smiling to himself.
He decided to try something new. Instead of throwing stones, he summoned small Destruction Orbs. The orbs flickered with unstable energy, but Ahmed focused on compressing them, reducing their size until they were no larger than a pebble.
He hurled one at a target, watching as it obliterated the bark on impact.
> [Skill Progression: Minor Destruction Orb – Proficiency 45%]
> [Skill Synergy Discovered!]
- Throwing + Minor Destruction Orb = Orb Precision Throw
- Effect: Increases accuracy and power when throwing destruction-based projectiles.
Ahmed's eyes widened as he read the notification.
> "Synergies? This system keeps surprising me."
---
Rias's Thoughts
From her window, Rias watched her younger brother with a mix of pride and concern. Ahmed's growth was undeniable, but his solitary approach worried her.
> "He's so focused on strength," she thought, her crimson eyes narrowing. "But is it because he feels he has to prove himself?"
Rias's thoughts were interrupted by a knock at her door.
> "Come in," she called.
Sirzechs entered, his imposing presence filling the room. Despite his title as Lucifer, his expression was warm, almost paternal.
> "How is Koneko settling in?" he asked.
Rias sighed.
> "She's still distant, but that's to be expected. After everything she's been through…"
Sirzechs nodded solemnly.
> "I've been thinking about her future," he said. "She has potential, Rias. With time and guidance, she could become a valuable member of your peerage."
Rias tilted her head.
> "You mean… making her one of my pieces?"
Sirzechs smiled faintly.
> "A Rook or Bishop would suit her well. But it's up to you, of course."
Rias considered this, her gaze drifting back to the window.
> "If she agrees, I'll welcome her," she said softly. "But it has to be her choice."
---
Koneko and Ahmed's Interaction
Later that evening, Ahmed returned to the castle, his body aching from hours of training. As he passed through the main hall, he noticed Koneko still sitting by the fire.
She didn't acknowledge him at first, her golden eyes fixed on the flickering flames.
> "You've been sitting there all day," Ahmed said, approaching her. "Aren't you bored?"
Koneko glanced at him, her expression unreadable.
> "No," she replied simply.
Ahmed sighed, sitting on the armrest of the chair opposite her.
> "You're not very talkative, are you?"
Koneko shrugged, her small frame barely moving.
> "Talking doesn't change anything," she said quietly.
Her words caught Ahmed off guard. He studied her for a moment, noting the faint sadness in her eyes.
> "You've been through a lot, haven't you?" he asked gently.
Koneko stiffened, her gaze dropping to the floor. She didn't reply, but her silence spoke volumes.
> "You don't have to tell me," Ahmed added quickly. "But… if you ever want to talk, I'm here."
For a moment, Koneko looked at him, her golden eyes searching his face. Then, she gave the faintest nod.
> "Thanks," she said, her voice barely above a whisper.
---
Ahmed's Late-Night Training
Unable to sleep, Ahmed returned to the clearing for another round of training. This time, he focused on combining his skills.
He activated Dash, weaving through the trees with increasing precision.
> [Skill Progression: Dash – Proficiency 25%]
He then combined it with Throwing, hurling compressed Destruction Orbs at his targets while on the move.
> [Skill Synergy Bonus!]
- Dash + Throwing = Precision Strike
- Effect: Increased accuracy and critical hit chance while moving.
Ahmed grinned as he reviewed the notification.
> "This system is amazing," he muttered. "The possibilities are endless."
---
The Next Morning
As dawn broke over the castle, Ahmed returned, exhausted but satisfied. He didn't notice Koneko watching him from a nearby balcony, her golden eyes thoughtful.
> "You're strange, Ahmed Gremory," she murmured. "But maybe that's not a bad thing."
---