Rin skidded to a halt just as the imposing gates of Kuoh Academy began their slow, metallic groan towards closure. He slipped through the narrowing gap with seconds to spare, his breath catching in his chest. The chauffeur had done his best, but the… morning's delay with Ai had been significant.
He made his way to the gymnasium, a cavernous space already buzzing with the murmur of hundreds of students. The opening ceremony was standard fare: a long-winded speech from the headmaster filled with platitudes about youthful vigor and academic excellence, followed by a surprisingly articulate first-year representative who seemed to have memorized a thesaurus. Rin found a spot near the back, content to observe. His first official day passed in a blur of introductions, classroom navigation, and the general, mundane rhythm of school life. It was almost… normal. Almost.
The "almost" was Ai.
By the next day, Ai had seemingly returned to her usual, impeccably composed self. The wild, almost feral intensity from the morning before was gone, replaced by her customary serene efficiency. However, the system's changes were, as it had warned, permanent. While her professionalism was a public mask, the moment they were alone – in his room, in the car, even in a quiet corner of the mansion's vast gardens – it melted away. She'd shower him with affection, her touches lingering, her eyes filled with a possessive adoration that was both thrilling and slightly unnerving. She'd whisper sweet nothings, praise his slightest achievements, and often, with a coy smile and a suggestive glance, ask for "rewards" for her diligent service.
Their nights became a tapestry of whispered confessions and passionate encounters. The mansion's walls were thick, but not entirely soundproof. Rin often caught the other maids exchanging knowing, slightly scandalized glances in the mornings. He was content, surprisingly so. This new life, with a devoted (if system-coerced) beauty by his side, was a far cry from his previous lonely existence.
Then came the fourth day.
He was walking down a crowded hallway during a class change when he saw them. Three figures that made the already noisy corridor fall into a hushed awe.
Rias Gremory. Her crimson hair flowed like a silken river, her cerulean eyes held an aristocratic confidence, and her figure… well, it was the kind that inspired legends and nosebleeds in equal measure.
Beside her, Akeno Himejima. Raven hair cascaded down her back, tied with an orange ribbon. Her violet eyes sparkled with a playful yet enigmatic light, and her gentle smile seemed to hide a mischievous secret. Her own impressive curves were a match for Rias's.
Rin's jaw nearly dropped. High School DxD characters? Here? In my new life?
Whispers erupted around him.
"It's Rias-senpai and Akeno-senpai!"
"The Onee-samas of Kuoh!"
"They're so beautiful…"
The two then met with a third girl, equally striking. Sona Sitri. Short, neat black hair framed a stern but undeniably attractive face. Her intelligent, magenta eyes scanned her surroundings with a no-nonsense air. She was the Student Council President, a figure of respect and slight intimidation.
A jolt of pure excitement, far more potent than any he'd felt before, coursed through Rin. If they were here, then this world wasn't just a parallel modern Earth. Magic, devils, angels… all of it could be real. The thought of gaining actual power, of becoming something more than just a rich kid with a cheat system, was intoxicating.
But first, as a healthy seventeen-year-old boy, his attention was firmly captivated by the sight of the three peerless beauties conversing. He thought of Ai. He was content, yes. But the idea, a sly, ambitious whisper in the back of his mind, began to form: What if… what if I could have a harem? The thought was audacious, almost laughable, but then he remembered the blue window. He could make it happen.
He focused on Rias Gremory.
Name: Rias Gremory
Affection towards Rin Takakura: N/A (Does not know him) (-) (+)
Learning his lesson from the explosive encounter with Ai, he decided to take it slow. He'd aim for 80/100 on "Romantic Love." A solid foundation. He mentally pushed the plus sign.
[SYSTEM ALERT: Target individual must have personal awareness/recognition of user before affection status can be directly influenced. Minimum requirement: A direct, personal introduction.]
Right. Of course. Can't just magically make strangers fall in love from across a hallway.
Steeling his nerves, Rin walked towards the trio. As he approached, their conversation paused. Three sets of stunning eyes turned to him.
"Excuse me," Rin began, trying for a charming smile. "My name is Rin Takakura. I'm a new first-year student. It's a pleasure to meet you."
Rias and Akeno simply looked at him, their expressions unreadable, though Rin's Mind Reader ability picked up faint traces of annoyance. Another one? Rias thought. He's bold, I'll give him that, Akeno mused, a hint of amusement in her mental tone.
Sona Sitri sighed, a barely perceptible sound, but her face remained composed. Honestly, the nerve of some underclassmen.
The three exchanged a quick glance. Sona then offered a polite, if somewhat strained, smile. "Takakura-kun, was it? Welcome to Kuoh Academy. We hope you find your time here fulfilling." Her tone was professional, but Rin's Mind Reader picked up the underlying message: Please state your business and leave. We are busy.
[SYSTEM ALERT: Requirement met. Affection status can now be influenced for Rias Gremory, Akeno Himejima, and Sona Sitri.]
Perfect.
While Sona was still speaking, her words subtly trying to guide him away, Rin focused his intent.
Rias Gremory: Romantic Love -> 80/100.
Akeno Himejima: Romantic Love -> 80/100.
Sona Sitri: Romantic Love -> 80/100.
Sona's polite dismissal faltered mid-sentence. Her eyes, which had been coolly professional, widened slightly, a flicker of confusion and something else… something warmer, softer, appearing within them. The smile on her lips became genuine, almost dazzling.
He… his voice… Why does my heart feel so… strange? I need to talk to him more. I need to know more about him.
Rias, who had been about to turn away, found her gaze drawn back to Rin. The faint annoyance she'd felt evaporated, replaced by a burgeoning curiosity and an unexpected flutter in her chest. He's… actually quite handsome up close. And there's something about him… I want to hear him speak again.
Akeno's playful smile deepened, but the amusement in her eyes was now tinged with a possessive spark. Ara, ara… Takakura-kun, is it? He's far more interesting than I first thought. I wonder what kind of boy he truly is. Perhaps I should find out… personally.
Sona, recovering slightly but still visibly flustered, continued, "Is there something specific we can help you with, Takakura-kun? As Student Council President, I—" She stopped, her thoughts racing. No, don't let him go! Keep him talking! He can't leave yet!
Rias smoothly interjected, her voice like velvet, "Indeed, Takakura-kun. It's not often we get to meet new students so… directly. Tell us, what are your first impressions of Kuoh?" Sona, what are you doing? Don't hog him! I want to talk to him too!
Akeno chuckled, a melodic sound. "Yes, Rin-kun~ May I call you Rin-kun? You seem like someone who's going to make quite an impression here." Her eyes locked with his. He's looking at me! Rias, Sona, don't think you can have him all to yourselves!
Rin watched, fascinated, as the three top beauties of Kuoh Academy, who moments ago were subtly trying to dismiss him, now vied for his attention. Their spoken words were polite, inquisitive, but their thoughts, a chaotic symphony only he could hear, were a delightful clash of burgeoning affection, possessiveness, and nascent rivalry. They didn't understand their sudden, intense feelings, only that they desperately wanted to be near him, to talk to him, to have his attention focused solely on them.
The impromptu gathering was broken by the arrival of the rest of the Student Council members. Tsubaki Shinra, Sona's Queen, led the group, her expression as stoic as ever, though even she gave Rin a curious second glance.
Sona, visibly reluctant, straightened up. "Ah, Takakura-kun, it seems my duties call. It was… a pleasure meeting you." Her eyes lingered on him. I have to go, but I'll find him later. I need to. She introduced her council members, who offered Rin polite bows and nods.
Rias sighed dramatically. "And I suppose we also have matters to attend to, Akeno." This isn't over. I'll see you again, Rin Takakura.
Akeno pouted prettily. "Such a shame to cut our conversation short, Rin-kun." Don't worry, I'll make sure we have plenty more time together soon~
"Goodbye, Sona-senpai, Rias-senpai, Akeno-senpai," Rin said, giving them his most charming smile. "I look forward to seeing you around."
As the three girls departed, each casting lingering glances back at him, Rin felt a thrill of triumph and anticipation. The mental cacophony of their desires had been exhilarating.
He needed an outlet for this sudden surge of excitement.
His gaze scanned the hallway. Ai. He needed Ai.
Spotting her near his classroom, chatting with some other girls (who now looked at her with a mixture of envy and curiosity, given her increasingly public displays of affection towards Rin), he strode over.
"Hayasaka-san," he said, his voice low and urgent. "A word, if you please."
Ai, ever attuned to his moods, especially now, excused herself immediately. "Rin-sama?"
He leaned in, whispering, "Male comfort room. Five minutes. Don't be late."
A blush stained Ai's cheeks, but her eyes lit up with that familiar, possessive fire. Yes, Rin-sama!
This new life, Rin mused as he headed towards his rendezvous, was becoming exponentially more interesting. And a lot more complicated.