[System Notification]
New Choice Event: "Join Rias's Peerage?"
• Accept: Gain Rank within the Gremory Peerage. Unlock Faction Perks.
• Decline: Remain Independent. Future consequences unknown.
• Negotiate: Alter the terms of the offer. Potential to gain more benefits.
Training Grounds – Kuoh Academy
Naruto wiped a bead of sweat from his brow, his heartbeat slowing as his body adjusted to the battle's aftermath. Despite lacking chakra, his instincts were sharper than ever, and thanks to his new skill, he had held his own against Koneko.
But now?
Now, he had Rias Gremory's full attention.
The crimson-haired beauty regarded him with an intrigued expression, arms crossed over her ample chest. The way she observed him—it wasn't just casual interest. It was calculated assessment.
"You're strong," Rias stated. "Stronger than a typical Bael castaway should be."
Naruto smirked. "I'll take that as a compliment."
She took a step forward, closing the distance between them. "I don't believe in wasting talent, Naruto. That's why I'm offering you a place in my Peerage."
Silence fell over the training grounds. The rest of the Occult Research Club, including Kiba and Akeno, waited for his response. Koneko, now standing to the side, merely watched with her usual unreadable expression.
Naruto's eyes flickered toward his System Interface, the choice hovering in front of him.
"Join her Peerage, huh?"
He could already imagine the advantages—being part of Rias's group would give him status, protection, and resources. He would gain a structured path of power progression, something that could be incredibly useful in this new world.
But on the other hand…
Naruto wasn't someone who liked being controlled. He had spent his entire past life chasing freedom, forging his own destiny.
So instead of answering right away, he smirked.
"Tempting offer," he said lazily, "but I'm not one to jump into contracts blindly. What exactly are you offering me?"
Rias raised an eyebrow, clearly not expecting a negotiation.
"Joining my Peerage means becoming one of my Devils," she explained. "You'll gain power under my authority, be trained in proper Devil magic, and have my support should you ever need it."
Naruto tapped his chin. "Sounds nice and all, but what do I get out of it?"
Akeno let out a soft chuckle. "Ara~ Most would be honored to serve under Rias-sama, yet here you are bargaining."
Rias, instead of being annoyed, smiled slightly. "You would be under my protection. That alone keeps you from being targeted by other noble houses."
"Mm… true," Naruto admitted, "but if I wanted safety, I wouldn't be here fighting for fun."
His words made Kiba chuckle, while Koneko simply nodded in understanding.
"So, what do you propose?" Rias asked, folding her arms again.
Naruto grinned. "A contract between equals."
The entire club went silent.
Rias blinked. "Excuse me?"
"I don't do servitude," Naruto said, his voice calm but firm. "I've lived my life under my own rules, and I don't plan on stopping now. If I'm joining you, it's as an ally, not a servant."
Rias's eyes narrowed slightly, considering his words. Devils typically didn't function that way. A King's Peerage was their to command, and yet Naruto was demanding equal standing.
A few tense seconds passed.
Then, to everyone's surprise—
Rias smiled.
"I suppose that's fair," she said. "Very well, Naruto. If you prove yourself worthy, I'll recognize you as my equal in power, rather than a simple servant."
Naruto's smirk widened.
"Now that," he said, "I can agree to."
[System Update!]
New Status: "Independent Knight of the Gremory Household"
• Rank: Special Peerage Member (Knight-Class)
• Faction Perks: Access to Gremory Resources, Devil Magic Training
• No Ownership Restriction: Free to make personal alliances outside the Peerage
Rias turned to the others. "With that settled, I'd like Naruto to start training with us. He still needs to learn proper Devil magic, and who better to teach him than Akeno?"
The lightning-user smiled at the mention of her name. "I'd be delighted~"
Naruto, however, focused on something else.
New Quest Appeared.
[System Quest: "Unlock Your First Power"]
Objective: Master a Devil Magic technique within one week.
Bonus Objective: Defeat an opponent using only magic.
Rewards: 500 XP, First Active Skill Unlock.
"Alright then… time to get stronger."
Scene Change – Training Room, Occult Research Club
Later that evening, Naruto found himself in a private training room inside the Gremory mansion. Akeno stood across from him, her usual mischievous smile in place.
"Alright, Naruto-kun, let's see what you've got," she teased.
Naruto exhaled, focusing. He could feel the power inside him, waiting to be unlocked. Unlike chakra, which he had spent years refining, demonic energy was wild, untamed.
Akeno raised her hand, letting blue lightning crackle between her fingers.
"Demonic power is fluid," she explained. "You can shape it into whatever suits you best. Some use it for elemental magic, some for illusions… and then there's destruction."
At the word, Naruto felt a deep pull within his very core. His blood boiled, as if something ancient was demanding to be awakened.
"Power of Destruction…"
"Now," Akeno continued, "try channeling your magic into your hand."
Naruto exhaled, spreading his fingers, focusing inward. A spark of red-black energy flickered in his palm—unstable, but there.
Then, suddenly—
[Skill Unlocking…]
New Skill Acquired: "Demonic Eruption" (Basic Destruction Magic)
• A concentrated blast of destructive energy.
• Weak at first, but evolves with mastery.
Akeno's eyes widened as the air shook around them. Naruto's magic flared violently, cracking the stone beneath his feet.
"Well, well," Akeno murmured, impressed. "Looks like you do have some Bael blood in you after all."
Naruto chuckled. "Guess so."
Then, his System chimed again.
[Quest Completed!]
• First Active Skill Unlocked!
• Bonus Objective Pending: Defeat an opponent using only magic.
As his power settled, Naruto grinned.
"Looks like I'm finally getting started."
To Be Continued…