Highschool DXD : Gacha Life

Three days had passed since my meeting with Chysis, and the anticipation was beginning to gnaw at me. I'd thrown myself into training with Valerie and Asia to keep my mind occupied, but even the satisfaction of watching their steady improvement couldn't fully distract me from what was potentially the most important negotiation of my new life.

The morning sun filtered through the kitchen window as I prepared breakfast, the familiar routine helping to calm my nerves. Asia was setting the table with her characteristic precision, while Valerie sat slumped in her chair, still half-asleep despite being awake for the past hour.

"Do you think they'll say yes?" Asia asked quietly, glancing at me with those gentle green eyes that seemed to see right through my carefully maintained composure.

I paused in my stirring of the scrambled eggs. "Honestly? I have no idea. What I'm asking for isn't exactly small."

Valerie perked up slightly at this, her blonde hair falling messily around her shoulders. "What's so special about these Evil Pieces anyway? You've mentioned them a few times, but you never really explained what they do."

I considered how much to tell them. They knew about the supernatural world now, but there were still limits to what information was safe to share. "They're... tools that allow devils to create their own groups. Think of them as a way to form unbreakable bonds with trusted allies."

It wasn't technically a lie, just an oversimplification. The reality of the Evil Pieces system was far more complex and potentially controversial.

My phone buzzed against the counter, and I nearly dropped the spatula in my haste to check it. A message from Chysis: *"They've agreed to meet. Tonight at 8 PM. Dress formally—you'll be meeting all four Satans."*

My heart hammered against my ribs as I read the message twice to make sure I wasn't imagining it. This was really happening.

"Good news?" Asia asked, noticing my expression.

"The best," I managed, though my voice sounded strained even to my own ears. "Looks like tonight's the night."

---

The Underworld was nothing like I had expected.

Chysis had teleported me directly to what appeared to be a massive conference chamber within the Satans' governmental building. The architecture was a stunning blend of classical grandeur and modern efficiency—soaring stone columns supported a vaulted ceiling painted with intricate murals, while magical lighting cast everything in a warm, golden glow that somehow managed to feel both imposing and welcoming.

At the center of the room sat an enormous circular table made from what looked like polished obsidian, its surface reflecting the magical lights like a black mirror. Four figures were already seated around it, and as Chysis led me forward, I had to consciously steady my breathing.

I recognized them from the descriptions I'd read, but seeing them in person was an entirely different experience.

Sirzechs Lucifer sat with the casual confidence of someone completely comfortable with absolute power, his crimson hair catching the light as he studied me with curious blue-green eyes. Despite his relaxed posture, there was an unmistakable aura of immense power radiating from him that made my instincts scream warnings.

Beside him, Ajuka Beelzebub appeared exactly as I'd expected—analytical and calculating, his green hair neatly styled and his sharp eyes already dissecting every detail of my appearance and demeanor. If Sirzechs was the charismatic face of devil leadership, Ajuka was clearly the brilliant mind behind their strategies.

Serafall Leviathan's presence was like a splash of vibrant color in the formal setting. Her black hair was styled in elaborate twin tails, and she wore what could only be described as a magical girl costume complete with frilly skirt and sparkly accessories. The contrast between her playful appearance and the undeniable power I could sense from her was jarring.

Finally, Falbium Asmodeus looked as though he'd rather be anywhere else. His long black hair hung somewhat messily around a face that spoke of chronic exhaustion, and he kept glancing longingly at what appeared to be a very comfortable-looking chair in the corner of the room.

"Ah, you must be Akira," Sirzechs said warmly, rising from his seat with a genuine smile. "Please, have a seat. Chysis has told us quite a lot about you."

I bowed formally before taking the indicated chair, acutely aware that I was probably the first human to sit at this particular table in centuries, if ever. "Thank you for agreeing to meet with me. I understand how valuable your time is."

"Nonsense," Serafall chirped, bouncing slightly in her seat. "Anyone who can create something that amazing deserves our full attention! The way Misla-chan just popped right up after drinking your potion was like something out of an anime! So dramatic and wonderful!"

Ajuka shot her a mildly exasperated look before turning his attention to me. "Before we discuss your proposal, I have to ask—are you affiliated with any of the major factions? Angels, fallen angels, gods from various pantheons?"

The question I'd been dreading. I met his gaze steadily, keeping my voice calm and measured. "If I were affiliated with any faction, why would I be here offering to help devils? Why would I be trying to cure your people of their greatest curse?"

It was a deflection rather than a direct answer, but it seemed to work. Ajuka nodded slowly, apparently satisfied with the logic.

"He has a point," Sirzechs mused. "Anyone working for another faction would hardly be interested in solving the Devil's Sleep Disease for us."

"Indeed," Falbium added, though he looked like he was fighting to keep his eyes open. "The question is whether we can trust someone whose background we know so little about."

I leaned forward slightly, choosing my words with care. "I understand your concerns completely, and I'm not asking you to trust me blindly. But I am asking that you consider what I'm offering. Seven doses of the Holy Water of Life per month, guaranteed, in exchange for one set of Evil Pieces."

"And why exactly do you want Evil Pieces?" Ajuka pressed, his analytical nature clearly not satisfied with my earlier vague explanation to Chysis. "They're not exactly common curiosities."

I had prepared for this question, but that didn't make answering it any easier. "I find the concept fascinating from a magical perspective. The ability to create such strong bonds, to share power and strengthen allies... it's incredible magic. I'd like to study how they work, perhaps even see if similar principles could be applied to other forms of magic."

It wasn't entirely untrue—I was genuinely curious about how Evil Pieces functioned. I just wasn't mentioning my plans to have them modified for human use.

Serafall clapped her hands together excitedly. "Oh, that's so interesting! Like reverse-engineering super magical girl transformation devices!"

"Something like that," I agreed, grateful for her enthusiasm even if her comparison was... unique.

Sirzechs leaned back in his chair, his expression thoughtful. "The Holy Water of Life is indeed incredibly valuable. What Chysis showed us... I've never seen anything that could completely reverse the effects of Devil's Sleep Disease so quickly and thoroughly."

"Seven doses per month would allow us to save a significant number of our people," Ajuka added, though his tone remained cautious. "However, Evil Pieces are also extremely valuable and difficult to create. Each set represents months of work on my part."

I nodded understandingly. "I'm not asking for them to be given away lightly. But consider this—how many devil families have members suffering from Devil's Sleep Disease? How much would they be willing to pay, in terms of favors, resources, or political support, to have their loved ones cured?"

The four Satans exchanged glances, and I could practically see the political calculations running through their minds. A cure for Devil's Sleep Disease wouldn't just be medically valuable—it would be a massive source of political capital and influence.

"You make a compelling argument," Sirzechs admitted. "However, I do have one more concern. If word of your abilities spreads—and it will, given the nature of what you're offering—you'll become a target for every major faction in the supernatural world. Are you prepared for that level of attention?"

The question sent a chill down my spine, but I forced myself to remain calm. "That's exactly why I'm hoping we can keep my identity as quiet as possible. I'm not looking to become famous or to attract attention from other factions. I just want to help people while securing something valuable for myself in return."

"A reasonable request," Falbium said, though he still looked half-asleep. "We can certainly ensure your identity remains confidential within our circles."

Serafall nodded eagerly. "Oh yes! We're super good at keeping secrets! Well, except for that time with the—"

"Serafall," Sirzechs interrupted gently, and she giggled, making a zipping motion across her lips.

Ajuka drummed his fingers against the obsidian table, clearly still processing everything. "The arrangement you're proposing... it's mutually beneficial, I'll grant you that. Seven doses of Holy Water of Life per month in exchange for one set of Evil Pieces and our discretion regarding your identity."

"That's correct," I confirmed.

"And you can guarantee the quality will remain consistent? The doses Chysis brought us were remarkably pure and potent."

"Absolutely. Each dose will be created with the same care and attention as the ones that cured Misla Bael."

The four Satans fell silent, and I could sense them communicating through some form of mental link. The wait felt eternal, every second stretching as I tried to read their expressions for any hint of their decision.

Finally, Sirzechs spoke. "We've reached a decision. Your proposal is accepted."

Relief flooded through me so intensely that I had to grip the arms of my chair to keep from sagging. "Thank you. I won't let you down."

Before we could finalize anything, I reached into my jacket and carefully withdrew five crystal bottles, each one glowing with that distinctive golden light. "I brought the first batch with me," I said, setting them gently on the obsidian table. "Five doses of Holy Water of Life, as promised."

The bottles seemed to capture and reflect the magical lighting in the chamber, casting dancing patterns of gold across the dark surface of the table. All four Satans leaned forward slightly, clearly remembering the miraculous effects they'd witnessed.

"You mentioned Chysis tested one on Misla Bael," I continued, "but what you might not know is that she tested another dose as well—on herself. She had some old injuries from a battle centuries ago that had never properly healed. The Holy Water took care of those completely."

Sirzechs' eyebrows rose. "She didn't mention that."

"Chysis is modest about her own wellbeing," I replied with a small smile. "But yes, it works just as effectively on any form of supernatural ailment or injury, not just Devil's Sleep Disease."

This revelation caused another round of meaningful glances between Satans. I could practically see them recalculating the value of what I was offering.

Satisfied with their reaction, I settled back in my chair. "So that's seven doses accounted for from this month's batch—two for testing, five for you to use as you see fit."

Ajuka stood and walked to an ornate cabinet built into the wall, retrieving an elegant wooden box that seemed to hum with contained magic. "One complete set of Evil Pieces, created by my own hand," he announced, setting it carefully on the table. "Sixteen pieces total—one King, one Queen, two Rooks, two Knights, two Bishops, and eight Pawns."

He opened the box, revealing the pieces nestled in velvet-lined compartments. Each piece gleamed with an inner light, but something about them felt different from what I'd expected. The magical signature was similar to what I'd read about Evil Pieces, but there were subtle variations that suggested significant modifications.

"These aren't standard Evil Pieces," Ajuka continued, his analytical mind clearly enjoying the opportunity to discuss his work. "I've spent considerable time modifying the fundamental magical matrices that govern their function."

I leaned forward, intrigued despite my attempt to appear only casually interested. "Modified how?"

"Standard Evil Pieces are designed to work exclusively with demonic power," he explained, his green eyes gleaming with scientific enthusiasm. "They transform the user into a devil and bind them to their King through demonic magic. These pieces, however, have been redesigned to work with pure magical energy instead of specifically demonic power."

My heart began to race, though I tried to keep my expression neutral. "What does that mean in practical terms?"

"It means," Ajuka said with a knowing smile, "that a human with sufficient magical ability could theoretically use these pieces to create their own peerage without requiring transformation into a devil. The bonds formed would be based on magical resonance and willing partnership rather than species conversion."

The implications hit me like a lightning bolt. He knew. Somehow, this brilliant devil had figured out exactly what I wanted these pieces for, and he'd actually modified them to make it possible.

"I... that's incredible," I managed, not having to fake my amazement. "The magical theory alone must have been incredibly complex."

"Oh, it was," Ajuka replied, clearly pleased with my appreciation. "Months of work to completely restructure the binding matrices, redesign the power distribution networks, and create safeguards to prevent magical incompatibility. But the theoretical applications were too fascinating to ignore."

Serafall clapped her hands together. "Ajuka-chan is the best at making impossible magical things work! He could probably make magical girl transformation items if he really wanted to!"

"The principle is similar," Ajuka admitted with what might have been mild embarrassment. "Though significantly more complex in execution."

I stared down at the modified Evil Pieces, hardly able to believe what I was seeing. "This is far more than I expected. Thank you doesn't seem adequate."

"Consider it an investment in future magical research," Ajuka replied. "If you do decide to experiment with creating your own peerage using these pieces, I'd be very interested in documenting the results. The data could prove invaluable for advancing our understanding of magical bonding theory."

I looked up at him, reading the clear invitation in his words. "You mean you'd be willing to help if I decided to pursue that path?"

"Absolutely. Contact me when you're ready to begin the process, and I'll walk you through the proper procedures. There are certain rituals and safeguards that need to be observed, even with modified pieces."

The other Satans didn't seem surprised by this offer, which suggested they'd discussed it beforehand. I was being invited into something far more significant than I'd originally imagined.

"I... thank you," I managed, carefully lifting the box. It was heavier than I'd expected, the weight somehow suggesting immense potential rather than mere physical mass.

"Now then," Sirzechs said, his businesslike tone shifting back to something warmer, "when can we expect the next monthly delivery? You've already provided this month's allotment."

"I can have the next seven doses ready within four weeks," I replied, my mind already racing with plans. "Should I continue delivering them to Chysis, or would you prefer another arrangement?"

"Chysis will work perfectly as our intermediary," Sirzechs confirmed. "She's already proven quite capable of handling sensitive magical materials."

Serafall bounced in her seat again. "Oh, this is so exciting! We're going to be able to help so many people! It's like the best kind of magical girl ending where everyone gets saved and becomes friends!"

Despite everything, I couldn't help but smile at her enthusiasm. "I hope so. That's certainly the goal."

As the meeting began to wind down, Falbium finally spoke up again. "One last thing. If you ever find yourself in serious trouble—the kind that might threaten your ability to continue creating the Holy Water of Life—contact us immediately. This arrangement is too valuable to all parties involved for us to let outside interference destroy it."

The implication was clear: they were now invested in my continued survival and success. It was both reassuring and slightly terrifying to know I had the protection of the four Satans, but also the responsibility that came with it.

"Understood," I said, standing and bowing formally once more. "Thank you all for this opportunity. I won't waste it."

As Chysis prepared the teleportation circle to send me home, I clutched the box of Evil Pieces against my chest and tried to process what had just happened. I'd done it. I'd actually convinced the four most powerful devils in existence to give me what I needed.

The familiar sensation of teleportation magic enveloped me, and the last thing I saw was Ajuka's knowing smile before the Underworld faded away, replaced by my own backyard and the comforting sight of home.

. . .

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