School started as usual. The sun was already shining through the window panes, and Mephisto was sitting in his seat, resting his chin on his hand, when the teacher began taking attendance. Next to him, Issei was busy with something on his phone—probably a new collection of pictures he wouldn't exactly show in polite company.
"Still living in your own little world, Hyoudou?" I chuckled quietly.
Issei flinched, turned, and grinned. "Hey, art deserves appreciation."
While the others talked about the usual things—tests, food, and girls—Mephisto sensed more. The air felt different. Something was changing, slowly but surely. And even though he acted like it didn't concern him, deep down he knew this school wouldn't stay ordinary for long.
During lunch break, Mephisto found himself on the rooftop, his favorite refuge where he could enjoy some peace. But this time, he wasn't alone.
Koneko. She sat leaning against the railing, lunch on her lap, eyes closed.
"I thought this place was mine alone," Mephisto said calmly.
Koneko opened one eye, looked at him, and said nothing. She simply continued eating her lunch.
After a moment of silence, she spoke: "You're not too noisy. I like that."
"Thanks, I guess that's a compliment. Probably."
They sat there in silence afterward, occasionally exchanging brief remarks. Koneko was strange. She didn't seem like someone who wanted to talk, yet the presence of another didn't seem to bother her either.
The next day played out similarly. Issei had his head in the clouds, still going on about his Sunday date. Mephisto listened, but his mind was elsewhere. He noticed how Akeno occasionally glanced at him, smiling in a way that was clearly meant to stir still waters.
During gym class, Akeno approached him.
"Your posture is impressive. Do you train?"
"I just try not to fall," Mephisto replied calmly, with a faint smile.
"Oh, but there's beauty in falling too... if you know how to do it right."
Her tone was teasing, and her eyes sparkled. Mephisto didn't look away. "Do you fall often, Akeno?"
"Only when I want someone to catch me," she whispered before turning away, as if nothing had happened. It was a game. And he had just started playing it too.
The day after that, once classes ended, Mephisto didn't head to the rooftop for his usual solitude. Instead, he went straight to the classroom where Rias and Akeno were waiting. It was a peculiar room—quiet, but with the feeling that something more was happening beneath the surface.
Rias sat by the window with a book in hand, while Akeno leaned against a desk.
"Mephisto," Rias greeted with a soft smile, as if she'd been expecting him.
"I'd like to accept your offer," he said calmly.
Akeno smiled the way only she could—mischievously. "I'm glad to hear that. I had a feeling you'd make the right choice."
Rias closed her book and stood up. "Then we'll expect you at the clubroom tonight. So we can make it official."
"I'll be there," Mephisto nodded and turned to leave.
Akeno stepped closer and gently touched his sleeve. "And if you feel like it... you could come a little earlier. I'll show you some of the interesting things—before the others."
"Aren't you afraid that might get... too personal?"
She leaned in, her lips nearly brushing his ear. "I'm not afraid of personal."
Mephisto simply smiled and walked out. It was another step forward.
Later that evening, as promised, he arrived at the clubroom. The atmosphere was quiet but intense. Kiba greeted him with a simple nod, Koneko just gave him a brief glance. Rias welcomed him officially as a member, though no one had yet explained why—or what was expected of him. For now, it was the calm before the storm.
On his way home, he passed Sona again, along with several members of her noble family. He greeted them politely, to which she responded with a nod. Something in the way she observed him reminded him—there are more than just humans in this world.
At home, he lay on his bed and let the events play through his mind again.
Tomorrow would be different. He wouldn't be just an observer anymore.
Sunday came faster than expected.
Mephisto leaned against a wall near the park, where Issei was supposed to meet for his first date. He watched as Raynare—the girl with the too-perfect smile—approached and greeted Issei.
At first, it all seemed innocent. Laughter, flirty gestures. But Mephisto could feel the tension, like the air had thickened. He wanted to say something but stayed in the shadows.
Later that evening, as the sun dipped below the horizon, the sky grew dark. Mephisto was back home, and he knew what had happened. His new friend Issei would become a devil today. A part of Rias's noble family—and the newest member of the Occult Research Club.
A smile crossed his face. "It all begins now..."