DxD: Hero x Gacha

The third day dawned crisp and clear, a veil of thin clouds streaking the morning sky above Kuoh Academy. Sam approached the gate with a slower, more aware pace than previous days. The aches from the brawl two nights ago had fully faded, his body humming with a steady vitality he had come to associate with the Vial of Lifeblood and the Enhanced Vitality trait. No twinges in his ribs. No lingering soreness in his joints. It was almost like the fight hadn't happened—almost.

The faint warmth in his chest, that strange divine glow of holy energy, had yet to leave him. It hadn't flared up in front of anyone yet, but he remained conscious of it, hiding it beneath his uniform like a spark under glass.

Kuoh Academy itself was a polished blend of modern and traditional. Well-maintained cherry blossom trees bordered the main path, their petals stirring in a soft morning breeze. The air was crisp, and the subtle perfume of blooming flowers hung in the atmosphere. Sam passed beneath the school's arching gate, the sunlight catching his eyes as he took in the students milling around the courtyard.

He noted the usual stares from a few uniquely dressed students—members of the Occult Research Club, perhaps?—and a pair of elegant-looking girls walking in lockstep through the main corridor. One had long crimson hair that shimmered like fire in the daylight, the other wore a more subdued expression but carried herself like royalty. Sam didn't know who they were, but something about them pinged his "plot senses."

Tiche's voice echoed in his mind, faint but clear. Merged into his shadow, she spoke without alerting others.

"They're not just students. Keep your distance until you know more."

"You say that like I'm about to poke the bear," Sam murmured internally.

"You tend to do that."

He smirked faintly.

Homeroom passed without incident, his classmates mostly leaving him alone. He caught the occasional glance from the tall, quiet girl with glasses who sat near the window—sharp-eyed and observant. He didn't know her name, but something about her posture reminded him of someone who always had a plan.

During the morning break, Sam stepped out into the school courtyard. He passed by the small vending machine alley where a few students huddled, laughing over canned coffees. As he rounded a corner, he almost walked into a small, white-haired girl.

She was petite—barely five feet tall—with golden eyes that flicked up to meet his. Her expression was blank, but something in her gaze felt... ancient. Dangerous.

"Ah—sorry," Sam said, taking a half-step back.

The girl said nothing, merely walking past him without acknowledging the apology.

That same moment, the holy warmth in his chest pulsed.

Just once.

It wasn't violent. It was quiet. Almost... recognizing.

Sam stood there for a few moments, watching her disappear around a corner. A lingering chill ran down his spine.

"You felt that?" he asked silently.

"Yes," Tiche answered, her voice low. "Something inside her echoes power. A slumbering force. You should avoid her for now."

He exhaled slowly and moved on.

Lunchtime brought its usual chaos of voices and footsteps echoing through the halls. Sam had just stood to leave the classroom when a familiar silver-white-haired girl blocked his path.

"Sam," Momo said, voice neutral but tone slightly warmer than before. "The student council would like a word with you."

He raised an eyebrow, feigning mild surprise. "The whole council, or just the parts that can glare holes through steel?"

She blinked, almost amused. "Please come with me."

As they walked the hallway, he let his gaze linger on her briefly. She walked with precise steps, her posture upright, confident. Her uniform was immaculate, and her expression sharp, but not cold.

"You always so formal, Momo? Or is this your way of pretending not to smile?"

Her eyes narrowed, but the corner of her mouth twitched—barely. "You talk too much."

"I've been told I have my uses," Sam replied smoothly. "Some people find me charming."

"I'm not one of them," she said, but her pace slowed, and she didn't move away when his hand brushed hers lightly.

He let the moment pass.

The student council room was clean, precise, and faintly intimidating. Bookshelves lined the far wall, filled with thick tomes and neatly filed documents. A large circular emblem was painted onto the tile beneath the main table, though its meaning was lost on Sam.

Sona Sitri regarded him from behind her desk, her cool violet gaze searching. She wore her uniform with the same strict elegance she carried in her posture. To her left stood Tsubaki Shinra, her tall, composed Queen, a figure of silent strength with her long black hair cascading smoothly down her back. Momo stood at her right. Near the window, leaning against the wall, was the tall, teal-haired girl Sam had seen in passing—Tsubasa Yura.

They asked him mundane questions first. His schedule. His impressions of Kuoh. His intentions while attending school.

Then Sona leaned back in her seat.

"You seem to attract attention."

"I'm new," Sam replied. "People stare."

"More than that," Sona said, eyes narrowing slightly. "You stood out the moment you arrived. And since then, others have noticed… changes."

Sam shrugged. "I try to keep things interesting."

A silence fell over the room. Not hostile—just measured. Like a net waiting to close.

"You're aware," Sona said, "that this school isn't… ordinary?"

Sam's brows rose. "You could say that. I'm just waiting for someone to hand me a sword and declare me the chosen one."

Yura actually chuckled. Momo didn't. But her gaze softened just a little.

Sona studied him further. "You're… different. Be careful, Sam. Kuoh Academy can be complicated."

He nodded slowly, tone light but serious. "I'll do my best not to break anything important."

Once Sam left, the council remained quiet for several seconds.

"He's hiding something," Tsubaki said calmly.

"We all are," Sona replied. "But he's not dangerous. Not yet."

Yura tilted her head. "He's interesting. I wouldn't mind sparring with him."

Sona's lips thinned slightly. "Monitor him. But don't engage unless necessary."

As Sam exited the room, Momo followed him into the hallway.

"Try not to get into trouble," she said quietly.

He smirked. "If I do, I'll make sure it's the fun kind."

A pause. Then:

"You're impossible."

"And yet here we are."

He walked off with a backward glance and caught a rare flicker of a smile from her.

[Ping!]

Chaos Gacha System Objective: Gain the Trust of the Devils Within Kuoh.

Reward: 1x Advantage Ability Silver Ticket.

Sam blinked and whispered, "So I'm not imagining the devil thing."

Tiche's voice whispered again.

"No. And Sona is more important than she lets on."

[Sub-Objective Unlocked: Gain Sona Sitri's Trust.]

[Bonus Reward Pending...]

Sam exhaled and rubbed his temple.

"I'm definitely not in Kansas anymore."

He made his way back toward the main hallway when he noticed a familiar tall figure approaching. Long dark hair. A playful smirk. Lightning in her stride.

"Sam-kun," the violet-eyed beauty said, tilting her head. "You've been making waves."

He didn't know her name. But her presence was unforgettable.

"Have I?" he asked, cautious.

"Mmm." She leaned in slightly, voice dropping just enough to be intimate. "Rias would like to speak with you. After school."

"Should I bring a notepad?"

"Only if you plan to take notes on charm." She winked. "See you then."

She turned, skirts swishing, and disappeared into the hall.

Sam stared after her.

"...Yup. Definitely not in Kansas."