Sleep had been a luxury Kaito couldn't afford.
The crimson warning pulsed in the corner of his vision all night like a countdown to doomsday. [ETA: 10 hours... 8 hours... 5 hours...] Every time he closed his eyes, his newly awakened Mana Sense prickled with the faint, alien presence approaching the estate's perimeter. It felt wrong. Cold. Like static on a dead channel.
When the first pale light of the Underworld's artificial sun crept through his window, Kaito was already sitting up in bed, stretching his enhanced body. His muscles hummed with restless energy.
[Daily Reset: User is well-rested. HP and MP restored to 100%.]
[Passive Ability Detected: "Cellular Regeneration (Clone Trait)."]
Effect: Minor wounds and fatigue heal 50% faster than normal humans. A remnant benefit of the cloned body's optimized biology.
So the cloning actually matters beyond just getting me here, Kaito realized, flexing his fingers. My body is literally built better.
[Alert: Anomalous Energy Signature Status.]
[Current Location: 3 kilometers from Gremory Estate. Stationary.]
[Threat Assessment Updated: Entity appears to be... observing. No hostile movement detected yet.]
"Observing? Great. I have a stalker from another dimension," Kaito muttered. He stood up and caught his reflection in the window. He paused.
His face was the same—sharp jaw, dark hair, brown eyes—but there was a subtle difference. His posture was straighter. His shoulders broader. The lean muscle beneath his borrowed pajamas was more defined than it had been yesterday. The cloning hadn't just given him stats; it had sculpted him.
[Protagonist's Gaze cannot be used on self.]
[Suggestion: Find a mirror and a female companion for validation. Results may be... flattering.]
"System, are you hitting on me now?"
No response. Typical.
He splashed cold water on his face, dressed in the simple clothes laid out for him—a black long-sleeved shirt and dark pants—and stepped into the corridor. The mansion was quiet, bathed in the soft, pre-dawn glow filtering through stained glass windows depicting dragons and devils in battle.
Omelet first. Existential threat later. Koneko's disappointment is scarier than any monster.
The Gremory kitchen was a cathedral of culinary potential. Marble countertops, gleaming copper pots hanging from hooks, and a magical cold-storage unit that hummed with preservation enchantments. Kaito found eggs, rice, and a variety of vegetables that looked mostly familiar.
[Sub-Quest Active: "Koneko's First Omelet."]
[Tip: The System has analyzed target Koneko Toujou's taste preferences. She favors subtle sweetness, fluffy texture, and artistic presentation. A simple ketchup heart may yield bonus affection.]
"Heart. Got it."
Kaito cracked the eggs with practiced ease. Back in his old life, he'd worked part-time at a family restaurant. Cooking was one of the few skills he'd earned without a cheat system. He whisked the eggs until they were perfectly uniform, seasoned them with a pinch of something that looked like salt but sparkled faintly—Underworld sea salt, maybe?—and poured the mixture into a heated pan.
The rhythm of cooking was meditative. Fold, tilt, shape. The omelet came together beautifully—golden, fluffy, and perfectly oval. He spooned the rice onto a plate, nestled the omelet on top, and reached for the ketchup.
"Time for art."
He squeezed a careful heart shape onto the omelet's surface. Then, on impulse, he added two tiny cat ears made of ketchup at the top.
[Cooking Skill Unlocked: "Novice Chef."]
Effect: Food prepared by User provides minor, temporary buffs to those who consume it. Buff strength scales with Affection Level of the consumer.
Wait, my cooking gives buffs now? That was new. And incredibly useful.
"Ara, ara. Someone is up early."
Kaito nearly dropped the ketchup bottle. He spun around.
Akeno stood in the kitchen doorway, her long black hair loose and cascading over her shoulders like a silk waterfall. She wore a simple silk robe—crimson, like Rias's hair—that was tied loosely at the waist, revealing a dangerous amount of creamy skin and the generous swell of her cleavage. Her violet eyes sparkled with sleepy amusement.
"You cook, you fight, and you have mysterious powers," Akeno purred, stepping closer. "Kaito-kun, you're full of surprises."
[Affection Check: Akeno Himejima - 25/100 (Interested).]
[Opportunity: Complimenting her appearance may yield bonus affection.]
"Good morning, Akeno-san," Kaito said, forcing his voice to remain steady. "You're up early too. And... you look beautiful. Even at dawn."
Akeno's cheeks flushed—just barely, a faint pink that made her look momentarily vulnerable. Then her signature smile returned, sharper and more pleased. "Ara. Saying things like that so early... You'll make a girl's heart race, Kaito-kun."
She glided toward him, her silk robe swaying, and peered at the omelet. Her eyes widened. "Cat ears? For Koneko?" A genuine laugh escaped her lips—not her usual teasing giggle, but something warmer. "She's going to love it. Or pretend not to. But she'll love it."
[Affection Update: Akeno Himejima +10. (Current: 35/100 - Warmly Amused).]
"Would you like one too?" Kaito offered.
Akeno tilted her head, her violet eyes studying him. "You'd cook for me?"
"You're part of this household. And you've been kind to me."
Something flickered in Akeno's gaze—a crack in her teasing facade. She reached out and gently touched his cheek, her fingers warm and soft. "You're a dangerous one, Kaito-kun. The kind of dangerous that makes a girl want to keep you all to herself." She withdrew her hand and smiled. "Rain check on the omelet. I have a feeling breakfast is going to be... eventful."
She glided out of the kitchen, pausing at the door. "Oh, and Kaito-kun? Whatever is approaching the estate—Buchou knows about it too. Be ready."
[Warning: Akeno Himejima is aware of the anomalous presence. She is testing your composure.]
Of course she is. Nothing slips past the Priestess of Thunder.
The dining hall was already occupied when Kaito arrived, carrying the covered plate.
Rias sat at the head of the table, her crimson hair immaculate, her posture regal. Kiba stood by the window, arms crossed, his silver hair gleaming in the morning light. His expression was serious. And Koneko sat in her usual spot, golden eyes fixed on Kaito like a cat watching a mouse.
"You're late," Koneko said flatly. "...By thirty seconds."
"Perfection takes time." Kaito set the plate before her and lifted the cover with a dramatic flourish.
The omelet sat on its bed of rice, golden and glistening. The ketchup cat ears and heart were pristine. A tiny wisp of steam curled upward.
Koneko stared. Her expression didn't change, but her golden eyes widened by a millimeter. A monumental reaction. She picked up her fork with the solemnity of a knight drawing a sacred sword. She cut a small piece, lifted it to her lips, and took a bite.
Silence.
Kaito held his breath.
Koneko chewed. Swallowed. Set down her fork. She looked up at him, her face still blank, but her eyes... her eyes were shiny.
"...Good. Fluffy. Sweet." She paused. "...The cat ears are acceptable."
[Quest Complete: "Koneko's First Omelet."]
[Reward: 200 XP. Koneko Affection +30. (Current: 45/100 - Trusted Chef).]
[Bonus Reward: Skill "Feline Favor" unlocked.]
Effect: When cooking for beast-kin or nekomata-type individuals, buff effects are doubled.
Koneko took another bite, then spoke without looking up. "...You can stay."
Rias clapped her hands together, beaming. "Koneko's seal of approval! Kaito-kun, you've passed a trial few survive."
"I'm honored," Kaito said, grinning.
Kiba pushed off from the window, his expression grave. "Buchou. The perimeter wards. The signature is moving again."
The warm atmosphere chilled instantly. Rias's smile faded, replaced by the calm, commanding presence of a King. "I know. I felt it at dawn." She rose gracefully. "Kaito-kun, I had hoped to give you a gentle first day. It seems fate has other plans."
[Quest Updated: "The First Sunrise."]
New Objective: Investigate the anomalous presence approaching the estate. Survive first contact.
Reward Increased: 1000 XP, Skill Upgrade Token, Increased Affection with All Peerage Members.
"What is it?" Kaito asked.
"Unknown," Rias admitted. "But it's powerful. And it's not hiding anymore. It's approaching directly." She looked at him, her blue-green eyes searching. "You felt it too, didn't you? Your Sacred Gear sensed it before even my wards did."
Kaito nodded slowly. "My Gear... it gave me a warning last night. Crimson text. It said the entity wasn't part of the 'original world-line calculations.'"
Rias's eyes sharpened. "World-line? Your Sacred Gear perceives fate itself?" She shook her head. "Later. Right now, we move. Kiba, Akeno—defensive formation. Koneko, protect Kaito if things go badly."
Koneko paused mid-bite, gave Kaito a long look, then nodded. "...He made omelet. I'll protect him."
"Touching," Kaito muttered.
They moved through the silver-leafed forest at the estate's edge. Kaito's Mana Sense was screaming. The approaching presence felt like a cold void—an absence of warmth rather than a presence of malice. It was deeply wrong.
Akeno walked beside him, her playful demeanor replaced by focused intensity. Tiny sparks of violet lightning danced between her fingers. "Stay close, Kaito-kun. If this is what I think it might be... this is beyond Stray Devils."
"What do you think it is?"
"A Wandering Soul. A being that doesn't belong to this dimension. They appear sometimes—lost, confused, often hostile." Her violet eyes met his. "Like you, Kaito-kun. But older. Colder. And without a body."
[System Alert: Analysis Complete.]
[Entity Identified: "Void-Touched Stray."]
[Threat Level: Moderate-High.]
[Weakness: Physical core must be shattered. Core is hidden within an intangible mist form. Physical attacks will phase through unless infused with mana.]
[Recommendation: Use newly acquired Mana Sense to locate core. Coordinate with peerage members.]
They reached a clearing. And there it was.
A swirling mass of grey mist, roughly humanoid in shape, hovered a meter above the ground. Where its face should have been, two pinpricks of cold blue light flickered like dying stars. The air around it was freezing, and the grass beneath it had wilted and turned black.
[Protagonist's Gaze Activated on Entity.]
[Hidden Weakness Detected: "Core is located in the chest cavity, but constantly shifts position within the mist. Requires a simultaneous attack from two directions to pin and shatter."]
"Buchou!" Kaito called out. "Its core is in its chest, but it moves! We need to hit it from two sides at once!"
Rias's eyes widened. "Your Gear analyzed it already? Impressive." She raised her hand, crimson magic flaring. "Kiba! Akeno! Pincer formation!"
Kiba moved like liquid silver, his sword materializing in his hand—a beautiful blade that hummed with holy energy. Akeno lifted her hands, violet lightning crackling. The Void-Touched Stray let out a sound like grinding ice and lunged toward Rias.
"Now!" Kaito shouted.
Kiba struck from the left, his holy blade slicing through the mist. The creature shrieked and recoiled, its form destabilizing. Akeno's lightning struck from the right, a concentrated bolt that pierced the grey fog. For a split second, Kaito's Mana Sense flared—he could see the core, a pulsing black orb, pinned between the two attacks.
It was exposed.
Kaito didn't think. He moved.
His enhanced legs propelled him forward. He channeled his mana—clumsily, desperately—into his right fist, feeling it tingle and burn. The System highlighted the core in brilliant red.
[Mana-Infused Strike Detected.]
[Damage Multiplier: 2.5x against intangible targets.]
His fist connected.
CRACK.
The sound echoed across the clearing like breaking glass. The Void-Touched Stray let out one final, ear-piercing wail, and then its form dissolved into harmless grey mist that scattered on the wind.
Silence.
Kaito stood in the center of the clearing, breathing hard, his fist still extended. His knuckles smoked faintly.
[Combat Complete. XP Gained: 800.]
[Level Up! User is now Level 4.]
[New Skill Unlocked: "Mana Strike (Basic)."]
Effect: User can channel mana into physical attacks to damage intangible or magically resistant foes.
Kiba lowered his sword, his expression a mix of surprise and respect. "You... just punched a ghost to death."
"Seems to be my thing," Kaito said, flexing his sore fingers.
Akeno giggled, the tension breaking. "Ara, ara. Kaito-kun, you're full of surprises. And quite... forceful." Her eyes sparkled. "I like that in a man."
[Affection Update: Akeno Himejima +15. (Current: 50/100 - Impressed).]
[Affection Update: Kiba Yuuto +10. (Current: 35/100 - Respectful Ally).]
Rias stepped forward, her expression unreadable. Then she smiled—a warm, genuine smile that made Kaito's heart skip. "Kaito. You continue to exceed my expectations. You sensed the threat, analyzed its weakness, and delivered the finishing blow. All without any formal training." She placed a hand on his shoulder. "I am very glad you fell into my garden."
[Affection Update: Rias Gremory +20. (Current: 85/100 - Deeply Impressed).]
[Milestone Approaching: Affection Level 100 with Rias Gremory. Significant event will trigger upon reaching 100.]
Kaito grinned. "Glad to be useful, Buchou."
Koneko walked up to him and stared. "...You punched a ghost. And you made omelet." She paused. "...You're weird. I like weird."
[Affection Update: Koneko Toujou +10. (Current: 55/100 - Fond of Weirdness).]
As they walked back toward the mansion, Kaito's System pulsed with a new notification—this time in neutral white.
[Quest Complete: "The First Sunrise."]
[Reward: 1000 XP, Skill Upgrade Token x1, Increased Affection with All Peerage Members.]
[Skill Upgrade Token: Can be used to evolve one existing skill to its next tier.]
[Available Upgrades:]
Harem Enhancement (Lv.1 → Lv.2): Synergistic boost increased from 20% to 35%.
Protagonist's Gaze (Passive → Active/Passive): Gain ability to briefly glimpse a target's immediate combat intentions in addition to hidden desires.
Mana Strike (Basic → Intermediate): Mana infusion efficiency improved by 40%.
Choices, choices, Kaito thought. I'll save this for now.
They reached the mansion's back entrance. Rias paused, turning to face the group. "That Void-Touched Stray was not a random occurrence. Something is stirring in the dimensional boundaries. I'll need to report this to my brother." Her gaze lingered on Kaito. "Rest for now. Tonight, we begin your formal training. If more threats are coming, I want you ready."
"Training sounds good," Kaito said. "I have a lot to learn."
Akeno sidled up beside him, her shoulder brushing his. "I'd be happy to give you... private lessons, Kaito-kun. I'm an excellent teacher." A tiny spark jumped to his arm, making him shiver.
"Behave, Akeno," Rias said, though she was smiling.
"I'm always behaving," Akeno purred. "Just... badly."
As the group dispersed, Kaito's System pulsed one final time—not crimson, but a deep, thoughtful gold.
[System Notification: User has successfully integrated into Gremory Household. Affection levels with all core members exceed 35. Combat capability proven.]
[Hidden Condition Met: "Foundation of the Harem King."]
[Title Unlocked: "Budding Harem King."]
Effect: When fighting alongside female allies with Affection Level 50+, all stats increased by 10%.
[Next Milestone: Achieve Affection Level 100 with one peerage member to unlock "Bond Skill."]
Kaito stared at the golden text. A title. An actual title with a combat buff. And a promise of something called a "Bond Skill" at Affection 100.
He was 15 points away with Rias.
Suddenly, a new notification appeared—small, unobtrusive, but written in a font that seemed to tremble.
[Alert: The Void-Touched Stray's death has been... noticed.]
[Source: Unknown. Location: Beyond dimensional boundary.]
[Message Detected: Faint. Fragmented.]
[Transcription: "...interesting... a new player... the Harem King candidate... we will watch... we will test..."]
[End Transmission.]
Kaito's blood ran cold. Something was out there. Something that knew about the System. Something that was watching.
He looked up at the crimson sky of the Underworld. Somewhere beyond it, in the void between dimensions, a presence stirred.
And it had his name.