Reborn as Issei Hyoudou: The Phat to Supremacy

The sparring match with Akeno had ended, but the tension lingered in the air.

She still wore that teasing smile, but her eyes…

Her eyes were different.

She wasn't just amused anymore. She was curious. Intrigued. Excited.

And that?

That was dangerous.

Akeno was sharp. If she got too interested, she might start digging into my secrets.

I couldn't let that happen. Not yet.

I needed to control the narrative.

"Well," I said, rolling my shoulders, "that was fun."

Akeno tilted her head, tapping her chin. "Fun, huh? You really are different, Issei-kun~"

I chuckled. "Gotta keep things interesting."

She giggled. "Oh, you definitely do. I'll be keeping a close eye on you from now on~"

Yup. Definitely dangerous.

I turned toward Rias, who had been watching the fight from a distance. She hadn't said much, but I could feel her analyzing me.

"Not bad," she finally said, her voice even. "But I still have questions."

I shrugged. "I figured."

Rias crossed her arms. "You're improving… too quickly."

Bingo. There it was.

She had noticed. Of course she had. She wasn't just some pretty noble—she was smart.

"I've been training hard," I said casually. "Dying kind of motivated me, you know?"

Rias studied me, searching for something.

Then—

"That technique," she said. "That power you used. It wasn't magic. It wasn't demonic energy. What was it?"

A test.

She was testing me.

I smiled. "Just something I picked up."

Her lips pressed together slightly. "From where?"

I met her gaze evenly. "Let's just say I have… connections."

For a moment, neither of us spoke.

Then Rias sighed. "You're not going to tell me, are you?"

I grinned. "Nope."

She exhaled. "Fine. Keep your secrets, for now."

For now.

Which meant she wasn't done investigating me.

I needed to stay ahead.

I needed more power.

And I knew exactly where to get it.

[Multiversal Chat Group]

The moment I opened the interface, the chat was already buzzing.

[Supreme Sorcerer]: Your precision is improving. But tell me, what's your limit?

[Demon Lord in Disguise]: More importantly… do you want to surpass that limit?

[God of Thunder]: Every warrior must seek strength beyond their own!

[Tactician from Another World]: If you're ready, we can guide you further.

[The Caped Baldy]: Just fight stronger people. That's how I did it.

I smirked.

They wanted to push me further.

Perfect.

[Perverted Dragon Emperor]: I'm ready. What's next?

A new message popped up.

[System Alert: New Opportunity Available]

I frowned. An opportunity?

I clicked it open—

And my breath caught.

[Multiversal Exchange Offer]

A member of the Chat Group is offering you a power exchange deal.

Offer:

• Supreme Sorcerer is willing to grant you Arcane Energy Mastery in exchange for a favor to be named later.

Accept? [Yes] / [No]

Oh.

Oh, this was big.

Arcane Energy Mastery.

If I remembered correctly, this wasn't just basic magic.

This was raw arcane power—the kind used by masters of the mystic arts.

With that, I could combine it with Hakai, refine my abilities even further, and create something entirely new.

But the catch?

A favor to be named later.

I frowned. That was dangerous.

But…

The power was worth it.

I took a breath.

And I clicked—

[Yes.]

[System Update: New Ability Acquired!]

Arcane Energy Mastery: Allows the user to manipulate raw mystical energy, enhancing magical control, spell construction, and power efficiency.

A rush of knowledge flooded my mind.

It wasn't overwhelming like before—it was smooth, controlled.

I understood now.

I could see the flows of energy around me.

This was huge.

I clenched my fists, feeling the power settle into me.

With this… I wasn't just getting stronger.

I was becoming something else entirely.

And when the Fallen Angels made their move?

They were going to regret it.

[Fallen Angel Base - That Night]

In a darkened room, a single black-winged figure sat in silence.

Raynare.

Her fingers tapped against the table, her eyes cold. Calculating.

"He's still alive."

Her voice was flat.

Across from her, Dohnaseek frowned. "The Gremory girl revived him. We expected that."

Kalawarner crossed her arms. "But something is… different about him."

Raynare's eyes narrowed. "Explain."

Kalawarner hesitated. "There's something off. His aura… it doesn't feel like an ordinary reincarnated devil. It's… unnatural."

Raynare leaned forward, her expression dark.

"Then we'll have to deal with him."

She stood.

"Prepare the others. We move soon."

Her lips curled into a cruel smile.

"I'll make sure Issei Hyoudou stays dead this time."