Chapter 19: Chapter 19: The Red-Haired Princess of Destruction
If people could wield superhuman power without joining, Kuoh Academy would have been in chaos long ago.
"Of course, joining comes with benefits," Tsubaki reassured, her tone softening. "Inner academy students don't pay exorbitant tuition fees. The money you've paid will be refunded, provided you meet the monthly test standards and stay until graduation."
"That's it?"
While tuition was a significant sum, it didn't seem particularly enticing on its own.
"There's more. Monthly rankings come with resources, and you can use some tools for free, publish tasks, accept missions, and more. Someone will explain it all to you later."
Qingqiu inwardly grumbled at the lack of information. Tsubaki, as vice president, wasn't responsible for such details, and learning a day early or late made no difference. She was more eager to report back to Sona Shitori.
Initially, she wanted to verify Qingqiu's ability to boost women's strength and decide the next steps. However, Qingqiu's displayed talent convinced her that even if the ability was a hoax, he was still worth pursuing.
As for his succubus bloodline, she had completely forgotten about it. As Sona Shitori's primary retainer and a disowned exorcist family member, she knew more than Hamazaki Reina's group.
Years ago, a great war led to the extinction of many pureblood families among the 72 pillars of demons. To bolster demon forces, Beelzebub developed demonic pieces for reincarnation. Humans, fallen angels, and dragons, upon reincarnation, became demons.
Technically, they were hybrids. With reincarnated demons around, whether Qingqiu had succubus blood was irrelevant. His exceptional power and ability to enhance partners' strength could stem from an artifact or a unique talent.
His high natural aptitude was another possibility, albeit slim. The world's power ceiling and chaos far exceeded Qingqiu's imagination. Unless he revealed the true nature of his dual cultivation abilities, no one would suspect talent copying or target him for it.
If someone attacked Qingqiu, it was more likely due to his protagonist template, with rival suitors seeking to eliminate him and claim his women.
"That's all for now. Don't forget to come to the student council tomorrow," Tsubaki said, departing swiftly.
Qingqiu opened his mouth to protest, but she was gone before he could ask for a healer. He recalled that Sona Shitori should already have a bishop retainer by now. Left with no choice, Qingqiu hobbled painfully to the infirmary.
Enjoying a massage from the pretty school nurse, Qingqiu remained unaware that he'd missed another chance to learn the secondary effect of his dual cultivation ability.
The next morning, as soon as Qingqiu entered the campus, he felt all eyes on him. Curiosity, envy, desire, malice... the complex emotions gave him chills.
Confused, Qingqiu wondered why so many people were watching him. Typically, only girls snuck glances, but today everyone seemed to be staring.
"Follow me."
His confusion was short-lived. After dropping off his bag, Shinra Tsubaki found him, leading him to the student council room.
"Senpai, why does it feel like everyone's watching me today?" Qingqiu asked, believing in the value of asking questions.
Tsubaki kept her gaze forward, replying quietly, "We'll discuss it at the student council."
The secrecy piqued Qingqiu's curiosity, but he maintained his obedient persona. Recently, he'd discovered another benefit of his protagonist template: when playing the role of a well-behaved student, it was easier to gain female favor and remain inconspicuous.
Coupled with his Disguise talent, he was harder to read. Being a flirt and scoundrel didn't conflict with being obedient and polite.
Suppressing negative effects and maximizing positive ones allowed him to avoid trouble while efficiently charming girls, quickly enhancing his abilities. This was the right way to utilize the protagonist template.
Upon reaching the student council room, Qingqiu found Sona Shitori and two familiar faces: Rias Gremory and her Queen retainer, Akeno Himejima.
"President, I've brought him," Tsubaki announced.
"Thank you, Tsubaki," Sona replied.
Tsubaki shook her head, joining her friend Akeno to leave the two "kings" some space.
"Good morning, President Sona and Rias-senpai," Qingqiu greeted.
Rias' presence caught Qingqiu off guard; he hadn't expected to meet the Red-Haired Princess of Destruction so soon. Among those he might encounter, Rias was possibly the most powerful.
Stealing a glance at the voluptuous redhead's ample bosom, Qingqiu remembered her other nickname. Indeed, the Red-Haired Busty Princess was aptly named; even adult anime heroines couldn't compete.
The tantalizing glimpse of cleavage made Qingqiu swallow hard several times.
"The rumors aren't entirely false—a little lecherous, aren't you?" Rias teased, unfazed by Qingqiu's gaze. Her presence often invoked impure thoughts in men, but Qingqiu's directness was refreshing, even charming.
Disguise + Protagonist Template = Special Effect on Women (Doubled for Older Sister Types)
I'm not small; if you don't believe me, you can check for yourself. Qingqiu could only retort mentally to Rias' teasing.
"Sona, let me have him. I have no pawns right now," Rias proposed. "Clearly, Uesugi-kun prefers me."
Sona remained expressionless, adjusting her glasses. "Would you pay such a price for a single pawn?"
"Who knows?" Rias crossed her legs, casting Qingqiu a seductive glance.
Sona had little leverage over Rias and shifted the topic. "Who leaked Uesugi's information?"
On serious matters, Rias dropped her smile. As pureblood high-ranking devils, they were friendly rivals.
"I don't know. The news spread quickly by the time I heard," Rias replied.
A potential retainer's hidden potential was a trump card, capable of turning the tables. Qingqiu's potential was evident; they trusted Tsubaki wouldn't err on such matters.
[•———•——•———•]
𝙥𝗮𝙩𝙧𝙚𝙤𝙣(.)𝙘𝙤𝙢/𝙂𝙤𝙙𝙊𝙛𝙍𝙚𝙖𝙙𝙚𝙧
✨ • 𝗘𝘅𝗰𝗹𝘂𝘀𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗔𝗰𝗰𝗲𝘀𝘀: 𝙂𝙚𝙩 𝟲𝟬+ 𝙖𝙙𝙫𝙖𝙣𝙘𝙚𝙙 𝙘𝙝𝙖𝙥𝙩𝙚𝙧𝙨 𝙖𝙝𝙚𝙖𝙙 𝙤𝙛 𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙮𝙤𝙣𝙚 𝙚𝙡𝙨𝙚.