Highschool DXD : Gacha Life

My backyard was enveloped in morning sunlight, as the rhythmic sound of wooden swords cutting through air filled the area. Valerie and Asia stood side by side, both drenched in sweat as they performed the basic forms from the Hiten Mitsurugi-ryū scroll.

"Overhead strike, focus on your stance, Valerie. Asia, keep your grip firm but not rigid," I called out, demonstrating the proper form with my own wooden sword. "The power comes from your entire body, not just your arms."

Both girls adjusted their positions, though I could see the strain beginning to show. We'd been at this for nearly two hours, working through the fundamental techniques over and over until muscle memory began to take hold.

"Alright, take a break," I announced, and both immediately lowered their swords with visible relief.

Valerie collapsed onto the grass with dramatic flair, her blonde hair spread out around her like a halo. "This is torture," she groaned, wiping sweat from her forehead. "I thought sword fighting would be more... elegant? Graceful? Not this endless repetition of the same movements."

Asia settled down more carefully beside her, though she was equally exhausted. Being too polite to complain outright, she simply nodded in agreement while trying to catch her breath.

I chuckled, sitting cross-legged in front of them. "You know what they say—the more you sweat in training, the less you bleed in battle. Besides, this is just the warm-up."

"WARM-UP?!" Valerie's voice cracked as she sat up abruptly, her eyes wide with horror. "We've been swinging these things for two hours straight!"

A sweatdrop formed on her forehead as she stared at me in disbelief. Asia looked equally dismayed, though she tried to hide it behind a weak smile.

I clapped my hands together, standing up with renewed energy. "Alright, ladies. Break time's over. Another hundred swings each, then we'll move on to footwork drills."

Both girls let out synchronized groans but dutifully picked up their wooden swords again. As they resumed their training, I began practicing the more advanced techniques from the scroll, my mind wandering to other matters while my body moved through the familiar motions.

The Holy Water of Life I'd given to Chysis... what would happen when word spread about its effectiveness? If it truly could cure the Devil's Sleep Disease, the implications would be staggering. Every major faction in the supernatural world would want to get their hands on it.

Had I made the right choice in giving it to her? The question had been nagging at me since last night. On one hand, if people were genuinely helped by it, then that was undeniably good. But on the other hand, I'd potentially just introduced something that could completely upset the balance of power in the supernatural world.

No, I decided, executing a perfect Ryūtsuisen downward strike. Gaining Evil Pieces was crucial for my long-term survival and success in this world. And to get something valuable, you had to give something valuable in return. That was just how negotiations worked.

The real challenge would be convincing the devils to actually give me Evil Pieces. Even if I could use Azazel's help to modify them for human use—which would require building substantial trust with him first—there was no guarantee the devil leaders would be willing to part with such precious resources.

My phone buzzed in my pocket, interrupting my brooding. A text message from Chysis appeared on the screen: *"Could you come to my mansion? We need to discuss something important."*

My heart rate picked up slightly. This was it—the moment of truth.

"Alright, you two," I called out, sheathing my wooden sword. "That's enough for today. Keep practicing the basic forms, and we'll work on combination techniques tomorrow."

Both girls looked relieved as they set down their weapons. "Where are you going?" Asia asked curiously.

"Just some business to take care of. I'll be back in a few hours."

---

Chysis was waiting for me in her study when I arrived, that same elegant smile on her face that seemed to hold a thousand secrets. The crystal bottles from yesterday were nowhere to be seen, which I took as either a very good sign or a very bad one.

"Akira," she said warmly, gesturing for me to take a seat across from her desk. "Thank you for coming so quickly."

I settled into the chair, trying to keep my expression neutral despite the anticipation building inside me. "So... how did it go? Did it work?"

Her smile widened, and she nodded slowly. "It worked beyond anything I could have imagined."

Relief flooded through me, followed immediately by excitement as she began recounting everything that had happened in the Underworld. The successful awakening of Misla Bael, the stunned reactions of Sirzechs and Grayfia, the complete restoration of the woman's health—it was everything I'd hoped for and more.

"The demand for more of these potions will be enormous," she continued. "I would be more than happy to provide whatever ingredients you need to create additional doses."

I leaned back in my chair, considering my response carefully. This was the crucial moment—time to make my move.

"I wouldn't mind creating more," I said slowly, "but something this valuable... I can't just give it away for free. I need something in return."

Chysis raised an eyebrow, clearly having expected this. "What did you have in mind?"

I took a deep breath. "Evil Pieces."

The words hung in the air between us. Chysis's expression shifted from curiosity to surprise, then to something more calculating.

"Evil Pieces?" she repeated. "That's... quite a significant request. May I ask why you need them?"

"I find them fascinating," I replied, which was true enough. "I'd like to own a set if it's not too rude to ask. This potion is extremely sacred and scarce—I can only create about seven doses per month at most. I think that makes it a fair trade."

Chysis was quiet for a long moment, studying my face with those perceptive eyes. "I don't mind the request itself," she finally said, "but this isn't a decision I can make on my own. I'll need to discuss it with the Satans before any arrangement can be finalized."

I nodded, having expected as much. "I understand completely. Take all the time you need."

"Excellent." She stood up, smoothing down her elegant dress. "I'll contact them immediately. In the meantime, is there anything else I can help you with?"

I hesitated for a moment, then decided to push my luck. "Actually, there is one more thing. Would you be willing to teach me some magic? I'm still fairly new to all of this, and I could use the guidance."

Chysis laughed—a genuine, delighted sound that filled the room. "Magic lessons? Of course, I'd be happy to help. Though I have to ask—where exactly are you hoping to get teleported to this time? Last time you ended up in vampire territory, if I recall correctly."

I felt heat rise to my cheeks. "Hopefully nowhere this time. I was thinking more along the lines of basic energy manipulation and defensive spells."

"Much safer choices," she agreed with amusement. "Very well, we can begin tomorrow if you'd like. But for now, I should contact the Underworld and arrange a meeting with the Satans."

As I left her mansion, I couldn't help but feel a sense of cautious optimism. The Holy Water of Life had worked exactly as intended, Chysis was willing to negotiate for more doses, and I might actually have a shot at getting Evil Pieces.

Of course, there was still the matter of convincing four of the most powerful beings in the supernatural world to give me what I wanted. But one step at a time.

First, I had to get back home and make sure Valerie and Asia were still practicing their sword forms. Something told me they were going to need every bit of training they could get in the days to come.

. . .

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