Chapter 3: First Recruitment
A week after receiving her evil pieces, Rias sat in her private study, reviewing the latest notifications.
[Daily System Report]
Training Progress:
Power of Destruction: +3 levels, Evil Pieces Mastery: +2 levels. Total EXP gained: 15,000 Current Level: 16
[New Feature Unlocked!]
Peerage Candidate Detection
We can now see potential compatibility ratings for possible peer members. Special traits and hidden abilities can be revealed through Observation.
The timing couldn't have been better. Her brother had just informed her about an interesting situation in the human world—a potential sacred gear user who'd recently lost their parents.
[Quest Alert!]
Title: The First Piece
Description: Investigate and potentially recruit your first peerage member
Time Limit: 48 hours
Rewards:
Unique Recruitment Strategy Skill 10,000 EXP Increased Peerage Management proficiency
Accept? [Yes/No]
"Yes," Rias said firmly, already preparing for her first real recruitment mission.
[Transportation Circle Ready]
Destination: Tokyo, Japan
MP Cost: 500
Estimated arrival time: Instant
Before departing, she checked her equipment and stats one final time.
[Status Window]
Name: Rias Gremory
Level: 16
Title: Crimson-Haired Ruin Princess, Young King
Race: Pure-blooded Devil
Base Stats:
STR: 28
VIT: 33
DEX: 31
INT: 49
WIS: 40
CHA: 45
The human world materialised around her as she emerged from the magic circle in a quiet alley. Rain fell steadily from dark clouds, and her Observe skill immediately activated.
[Location Analysis]
Area: Residential District, Tokyo
Time: 3:47 PM local time
Notable Energy Signatures: 1
Sacred Gear presence detected (400m Northeast)
Following the signature, Rias made her way through the rain-slicked streets. Her Devil Magic Affinity automatically kept her dry, a minor quality-of-life feature she appreciated.
[Target Located]
Name: Akeno Himejima
Level: 12
Race: Human/Fallen Angel Hybrid
Status: Grief-stricken, Exhausted
Potential: Exceptional
Sacred Gear Compatibility: 95%
Queen Piece Compatibility: 98%
Rias's heart skipped a beat. Those compatibility ratings were almost perfect. But more than that, she could see the pain and loneliness radiating from the girl huddled under a temple archway.
[Emotion Reading skill has been created through a special action!]
Current Level: 1
Allows a basic understanding of others' emotional states
Accuracy: 60%
"Hello," Rias said softly, approaching with her Noble Etiquette skill active to appear non-threatening. "You're soaked through."
Akeno looked up, her violet eyes wary but desperate for kindness. The system provided immediate feedback:
[Relationship Status Established]
Initial impression: Cautious but hopeful
Trust level: 15/100
Potential Bond Strength: Exceptional
"Who... who are you?" Akeno asked, her voice barely a whisper.
[Multiple Choice Response Available]
Direct approach (Reveal devil nature immediately), Gentle approach (Offer help first, explain later), Strategic approach (Use observed emotional state to build trust)
Rias chose option 3, her newly created Emotion Reading skill guiding her response.
"Someone who understands what it's like to feel trapped by circumstances beyond your control," she said softly. "And someone who might offer you a different path."
[Speech Check Success!]
Charisma bonus applied
Trust increased: +10
The rain continued to fall as Rias sat beside Akeno, carefully maintaining a respectful distance while her system analysed the situation.
[Sacred Gear Analysis]
Type: Lightning-based
Potential: High
Current Status: Dormant
Awakening Probability: 89% under devil influence
"They... they killed my mother," Akeno suddenly said, her voice cracking. "Because of what I am. Because of my father..."
[Quest Update]
Objective: Help Akeno process her trauma while offering a new future
Bonus Objective: Begin the healing process for fallen angel heritage acceptance
Rias took a deep breath, accessing her Evil Pieces Mastery skill for guidance.
[Queen Piece Resonance Detected]
Compatibility factors:
Magical Potential: Outstanding Loyalty Capacity: Exceptional Growth Potential: Unlimited
Recommended Action: Immediate recruitment
"Akeno," Rias said gently, "what if I told you there was a place where you are doesn't matter? Where do your strength, heart, and choices define you?"
A small magic circle appeared in her palm, casting a warm crimson glow between them.
[Relationship Status Updated]
Trust level: 35/100 (+10)
Interest level: High
Fear level: Decreasing
"I am Rias Gremory, a devil of the House of Gremory. And I'm offering you a chance to write your story as my Queen."
The Queen piece in her pocket hummed with energy, responding to Akeno's presence.
[Queen Piece Status]
Resonance: Maximum
Adaptation: In Progress
Special Feature Unlocked: Heritage Integration
It can help stabilise and enhance the hybrid nature. Protects from harmful bloodline effects
Akeno's eyes widened as she felt the piece's power calling to her. "A... devil?"
[Critical Moment Detected!]
Success chance: 75%
Factors affecting outcome:
Current trust level, Emotional state, Timing, Charisma check
"Yes," Rias confirmed, her voice warm but confident. "But more importantly, I'm someone offering you family. Real family, where you'll be accepted completely for who you are."
She held out her hand, the Queen piece now floating above it, glowing with promise.
[Choice Offered]
Accept Rias's offer and become her Queen
Gain protection and purpose. Join the House of Gremory. Begin a new life as a devil.
Or
Remain alone, continue current path, face uncertain future, maintain human status.
The rain paused as Akeno stared at the offered piece, her destiny hanging in the balance.
[Relationship Status]
Trust level: 45/100 (+10)
Bond Potential: Crystallising
Fate Threads: Aligning
"Will... will you accept all of me?" Akeno asked, her voice small but hopeful.
Rias smiled, her Emotion Reading skill telling her they'd reached the crucial moment.
"Every part," she promised. "Your light, your darkness, your past, and your future. In the House of Gremory, you'll never have to hide who you are again."
[Perfect Response!]
Charisma check: Critical Success!
Trust level: 70/100 (+25)
Slowly, Akeno reached for the Queen piece.
[First Peerage Member Acquired!]
Queen: Akeno Himejima
Special Bonuses Unlocked:
Enhanced Lightning Affinity, Improved Sacred Gear Integration, Strengthened King-Queen Bond
Multiple notifications flooded Rias's vision as the piece merged with Akeno:
[Quest Complete!]
"The First Piece" successfully concluded
Rewards:
Unique Recruitment Strategy Skill gained 10,000 EXP Peerage Management level increased
[Level Up!]
Now Level 17
All stats increased by 2
New Skill Point available
[New Title Earned!]
"The Compassionate King"
Effect: +20% to trust building with potential peerage members
But most importantly:
[Breaking Fate's Chains - Progress Update]
15% Complete
Note: First significant milestone achieved - acquiring a Queen of exceptional potential
As devil wings sprouted from Akeno's back for the first time, Rias knew she'd taken her first real step toward changing her fate. With Akeno at her side, her chances against Riser improved dramatically.
"Welcome to the family," she said softly, helping her new Queen to her feet.
[Permanent Bond Established]
Rias Gremory ↔ Akeno Himejima
Bond Level: 1 (Growing)
Special Effect: Perfect Synchronisation Potential
The rain finally began to ease as they prepared to return to the Underworld. Rias's first recruitment had succeeded, but it was just the beginning. She needed more allies, strength, and time to prepare for the challenges ahead.
But for now, she had her Queen. And that was one hell of a good start.
[System Message]
Tutorial Phase Complete
Advanced Features Unlocking...