highschool dxd: gamer system

Title: Shadows of Growth

Word Count: ~4,30

The sun rose over the Gremory estate, casting golden light on the lush grounds. Inside the training courtyard, Ahmed stood with his arms crossed, surveying the area. His body still ached from the night before, but the soreness only reminded him of his progress.

> "System, show my stats," he commanded.

The familiar blue screen materialized in front of him, displaying his current progress:

[Ahmed Gremory – Status]

Level: 3

Skills: Sprint (Proficiency 15%), Throwing (Proficiency 38%), Dash (Proficiency 28%), Reflexes (Proficiency 10%), Orb Precision Throw (Synergy, Proficiency 12%).

Special Ability: Minor Destruction Orb (Proficiency 50%).

Ahmed's lips curved into a smirk.

> "Slowly but surely," he muttered, closing the screen. "Let's see if I can push these numbers higher today."

---

Koneko Joins Training

Just as Ahmed was about to begin, he heard soft footsteps behind him. Turning, he found Koneko standing at the edge of the courtyard. She had changed out of her usual dress into more practical attire—simple pants and a fitted top.

> "What are you doing here?" Ahmed asked, raising an eyebrow.

Koneko shrugged, her expression neutral.

> "Watching."

Ahmed chuckled, shaking his head.

> "You don't seem like the type to just 'watch.'"

Koneko crossed her arms, her gaze unwavering.

> "You train hard," she said simply. "I want to see why."

Ahmed paused, studying her for a moment.

> "Fair enough," he said. "But don't expect anything fancy. I'm still figuring things out."

Koneko gave a small nod and leaned against a nearby tree, her golden eyes fixed on him.

---

Ahmed's Training: Advanced Throwing

Ahmed resumed his practice, this time incorporating new elements into his Throwing skill. He set up moving targets using enchanted dummies that hovered and shifted unpredictably.

Summoning a series of small Destruction Orbs, he began throwing them in rapid succession.

> [Skill Progression: Orb Precision Throw – Proficiency 25%]

The orbs hit their marks more often than not, but a few missed, exploding harmlessly in the grass. Ahmed gritted his teeth, focusing on adjusting his aim.

> "Come on… focus," he muttered.

From her spot, Koneko observed his movements with a critical eye.

> "You're too tense," she said suddenly.

Ahmed glanced at her, confused.

> "What do you mean?"

Koneko stepped forward, her expression calm but firm.

> "Your shoulders are stiff," she said, gesturing to his posture. "Loosen up, or your aim will always be off."

Ahmed blinked, surprised by her insight.

> "Alright, sensei," he said with a smirk, adjusting his stance.

Koneko watched as he tried again, this time with more fluidity. His accuracy improved noticeably.

> [Skill Progression: Orb Precision Throw – Proficiency 40%]

---

A Meeting with Sirzechs

While Ahmed and Koneko trained, Rias and Sirzechs were in the main hall discussing Koneko's future.

> "She's settling in better than I expected," Rias said, sipping her tea. "Though she's still guarded."

Sirzechs nodded, his expression thoughtful.

> "That's to be expected, given her past. But I've seen how she observes Ahmed. She's curious about him."

Rias raised an eyebrow.

> "Ahmed? What does he have to do with this?"

Sirzechs leaned back in his chair, a small smile on his lips.

> "Ahmed's training and determination might be what she needs to open up. Perhaps he could be a catalyst for her growth."

Rias frowned slightly, unsure.

> "You think she should bond with him?"

Sirzechs shrugged.

> "It's worth a try. Besides, if she becomes part of your peerage, she'll need to trust the family."

Rias sighed, setting her cup down.

> "I'll talk to her about it. But only if she's willing."

---

Koneko's Challenge

Back in the courtyard, Koneko was watching Ahmed practice dashing between targets. His movements were quicker now, his reflexes sharper.

> [Skill Progression: Dash – Proficiency 35%]

[Skill Progression: Reflexes – Proficiency 15%]

> "You're improving," Koneko said, her tone neutral but slightly impressed.

Ahmed grinned, wiping the sweat from his forehead.

> "Thanks. Want to try?"

Koneko blinked, surprised.

> "Me?"

Ahmed shrugged.

> "Why not? You're already here. Might as well join in."

For a moment, Koneko hesitated. Then, with a small nod, she stepped forward.

Ahmed handed her a small orb of destruction energy.

> "Think you can hit the target?" he asked, gesturing to the hovering dummies.

Koneko frowned, examining the orb in her hand. It felt unstable, but she focused, compressing it as she had seen Ahmed do.

She hurled it at a dummy, her aim surprisingly accurate. The orb hit the target dead center, exploding on impact.

Ahmed's jaw dropped.

> "First try? Seriously?"

Koneko gave a faint smirk, the closest thing to a smile he had seen from her.

> "I'm good at throwing," she said simply.

---

Nightfall

As the sun dipped below the horizon, Ahmed and Koneko sat on the grass, exhausted but content.

> "You're not bad," Ahmed said, glancing at her. "For someone who doesn't train much."

Koneko shrugged, her golden eyes reflecting the stars above.

> "I've had practice. Just… not like this."

Ahmed leaned back, staring at the sky.

> "Well, if you ever want to train again, you know where to find me."

Koneko glanced at him, her expression softening slightly.

> "Maybe," she said, her voice barely above a whisper.

---

Sirzechs' Decision

Later that night, Sirzechs stood in his study, gazing out the window at the training courtyard. His thoughts were heavy as he considered Koneko's future.

> "She's stronger than she realizes," he murmured. "But she'll need guidance to reach her potential."

He turned to a chessboard on his desk, picking up a small Rook piece.

> "Rias, I hope you're ready for this responsibility."

Placing the piece back on the board, Sirzechs made a silent vow to protect both Koneko and the family that had taken her in.

---