Everything is Anime!

Kuoh Academy has two school buildings in total. Even though the new facility is now in use, the old one hasn't been demolished; rather, it serves as a space for club activities. To the left is the Occult Research Club; to the right, the Student Council.

After school, Koneko led Hikaru there. The old building stands amid a cluster of trees. Usually, no one comes by, and there are even rumors of "The Seven Wonders of the School" floating around. Though it only has two floors, both the exterior and interior corridors are kept meticulously clean.

On the second floor, Koneko walked ahead and opened a door, allowing a glimpse inside. The room's interior looked like a study. Several bookshelves lined the walls, while the center had an office-like feel. But aside from the furniture, the walls, floor, and even the ceiling were covered in esoteric symbols—devil runes scattered throughout every corner. Most eye-catching of all was a large red magic circle dominating most of the floor. Hikaru knew it was a dimension array connecting directly to the Underworld. With permission, one could travel there instantly via this circle. Ordinary devils couldn't use it; only high-class devils qualified to have one.

"Welcome, welcome."

As Hikaru stepped in, a red-haired beauty approached. Her fiery hair shimmered like embers under the lights, and her voluptuous yet shapely figure was truly captivating—even in a standard school uniform, she radiated a unique allure.

Rias Gremory.

Her emerald eyes held a hint of a smile, not necessarily because she was thrilled, but more so as a product of her refined upbringing. Behind her stood a dark-haired woman whose figure was no less striking. In contrast to Rias's western features, this woman seemed more reserved. When she smiled, her eyes narrowed to gentle slits, creating a graceful impression. Her bare legs extended from beneath her skirt, drawing the eye with their slender elegance.

"We meet again, Hikaru. I suppose we don't need introductions, do we?"

Rias politely nodded her greeting. Respect goes both ways—and Hikaru, though human, had power enough to warrant that courtesy. Hikaru likewise assumed a polite, businesslike manner. He shook her hand briefly and let go.

"I don't think so. I'm just a nobody, after all, whereas you, Rias-san, are the heiress of the House of Gremory. And with your looks, you're not easily forgotten. Next time, if there's a chance, you could visit my place."

Hikaru never hesitated to treat a truly beautiful woman kindly. Besides, he had no quarrel with Rias, and he knew plenty of future plot developments would involve her. Rias seemed to pick up on the unspoken meaning in his invitation but didn't refuse. She nodded in acknowledgment and said:

"Akeno, the tea, please."

"It's already brewed—some excellent West Lake Dragon Well imported from the East."

Akeno presented the tea with a warm smile. Her demeanor mirrored Rias's: for a welcome guest, they showed equal hospitality. Besides, Hikaru was rather famous at school, and Akeno greatly admired his abilities—even putting aside everything else.

"Rias-san, do you enjoy tea?"

Hikaru asked.

"I had trouble at first. But ever since you rejected me that time, I've grown to like the bitterness."

Her subtext was obvious. Even though several months had passed, Rias still hadn't gotten over Hikaru's initial refusal. It was plain that she hadn't given up on inviting him to be her servant. But for the moment, she had no suitable reason to press him again.

Forcing him was out of the question—that was something Rias would never do, which in turn was why Hikaru was willing to hold a conversation with her. As for enticements... Rias had already asked Koneko to persuade him, promising comfortable employment in the Underworld, lifetime benefits, flexible hours, generous perks, and low work intensity, etc. None of it tempted Hikaru much. If Rias had offered herself as a concubine, he might have considered it—but that obviously wasn't on the table.

After some pleasantries, Hikaru sipped his tea and got straight to the point:

"So, what's the reason for inviting me here this time?"

"It's like this..."

Seeing him initiate the conversation, Rias wasted no time and posed her question directly:

"Recently, I've received many reports from my familiars about murders. Every victim had blade-inflicted wounds. I suspect you were responsible—yes?"

"That's me."

Hikaru admitted without hesitation.

"But let's be clear, I didn't kill people; I killed monsters."

"Right, I know. Otherwise, you can be sure I wouldn't be greeting you so warmly."

Rias gave a quick nod and a smile. As the manager of Kuoh Town, there was no way she'd let a true murderer roam free.