High School DxD: Lustful Ascension

Qingqiu gazed with curiosity, taking in their appearances. Their exquisite features remained unchanged, with no devil horns to mar their beauty. If anything, revealing their true forms only enhanced Rias and Sona's allure, adding a layer of mystery with their elegant wings and tails. Under the imposing aura of high-class devils, their perfect figures appeared even more enticing.

Initially awed, Qingqiu soon felt the pressure of their presence. It wasn't that they were targeting him directly; the sheer power disparity was simply overwhelming. He maintained composure and asked, "So, when you mentioned 'Pawn' earlier, you meant using devil pieces to convert me into a lower-class devil and make me your retainer?"

"Yes, both Rias and I still have pieces available."

"But I'm just an ordinary person who recently learned to extract mana. Why choose me?"

Qingqiu hadn't expected to be recruited by both of them so soon after stepping into the supernatural world.

"As mentioned, stronger individuals require more pieces," Sona explained. "Having fifteen pieces doesn't mean you need fifteen retainers. The stronger the individual, the more pieces are required for conversion. Additionally, retainers nurtured personally tend to cooperate more seamlessly."

They didn't mention mutation pieces, Sacred Gears, or Fallen Angels, as Qingqiu hadn't agreed to become a retainer yet. Moreover, his current strength was too low for such information to be useful.

Qingqiu didn't respond immediately, contemplating before asking, "There must be some limitations after becoming a retainer, right?"

From his memory, he didn't recall any restrictions; retainers seemed more like companions. Yet, could anything involving devils be that simple? Why wouldn't they worry about loyalty after conversion?

"Yes, after conversion, there's a natural sense of closeness between the King and their retainer. The devil blood within the retainer is effectively inherited from the King," Rias explained, brushing her red hair aside with a smile. "Devil pieces are valuable, and sometimes, the bond between the King and their retainer is stronger than familial ties."

Qingqiu noted the key phrase 'inherited blood.' It sounded akin to vampires converting kin, albeit with potentially less control.

His mind calmed as he realized it was unwise to rely solely on vague memories. He decided to delay becoming a retainer. While he was indeed tempted by Rias—and Sona wasn't bad either—joining them as a retainer promised rapid growth.

The pureblood devil families were immensely powerful, and Qingqiu vaguely recalled Rias' elder brother was one of the current Four Great Satans. With their full support, even an average person could soar to great heights.

However, his strength lay in his dual cultivation ability. His supposed high magical aptitude was a facade created by this ability. Constantly surrounded by much stronger individuals would not only increase the risk of exposure but also restrict his freedom. No matter whose retainer he became, he wouldn't be allowed to "fool around," limiting the effectiveness of his dual cultivation.

Most critically, he was uncertain of the control the King had over their retainer. Even though he desired to become a high-class devil and obtain devil pieces to gather his own retainers, if it meant being restricted, he'd rather grow quietly.

If Beelzebub could create devil pieces, Qingqiu reasoned that once he reached a similar level of power, crafting something with comparable effects shouldn't be impossible. The thought of having a harem of long-legged beauties, legal lolis, and mature women was tantalizing.

With these considerations, Qingqiu decided against making a hasty decision.

"Rias-senpai, President, I need time to think," Qingqiu hesitated. "I don't know who to choose when you're both inviting me."

Refusing outright was not an option; this was a chance to build rapport with Rias and Sona. Beyond them, their retainers included many beautiful women who could be potential resources for his growth.

Understanding Qingqiu's underlying message, the two realized he was open to whoever offered better terms.

"Uesugi-kun, the bond between a King and their retainer is like family. I'll take good care of you," Rias assured, emphasizing the word 'care.'

Not to be outdone, Sona hinted, "If you become my retainer, not only I, but Tsubaki will care for you, and there are many pretty girls in the student council."

Unable to compete on quality, she leveraged quantity.

Rias frowned, cursing Sona's lack of scruples.

Under pressure, Rias had to up the ante. "Besides me, Akeno will care for you as a senior, just like now."

Akeno blushed, remembering Qingqiu still nestled in her embrace, his mischievous hands exploring beneath her skirt and shirt.

Feeling the warmth and smoothness in his hands, Qingqiu was tempted to agree. He glanced between Sona and Tsubaki, then Rias and Akeno, hesitantly asking, "Can I be both your retainers?"

"..." ×4

"Tsk, scoundrel." ×4

"No, you must choose one!" Rias insisted. "Rest assured, no one will trouble you regardless of your choice."

Rias and Sona were not only rivals but also friends. Qingqiu pouted, muttering, "Why not? There's no rule against one person having two retainers."

His muttering wasn't quiet to the four present, leaving them momentarily stunned.

"Indeed… While it's unprecedented, there's no rule against it," Sona pondered the possibility.

"If Uesugi became both our retainers, as long as we don't engage in ranking games simultaneously, it wouldn't matter."

Rias couldn't accept the idea. "Even so, do I have to notify you before I play a ranking game?"

"You have a point. It's manageable now while we're at the academy, but it won't be feasible later."

Retainers were lifelong bonds, with no option to change or sever ties. If a retainer died, the used piece wouldn't return.

Rias interrupted Sona, "Let's drop this idea. I won't agree to it."

She valued Qingqiu, but not to the extent of sharing a retainer with someone else. As the Gremory princess, she wouldn't stoop to that level.

"I don't support it either," Sona concurred, facing Qingqiu. "Consider carefully. We'll both treat you sincerely, regardless of your choice."

Qingqiu fell silent.

Why did it feel like a marriage proposal? It made him seem like a jerk, though he kind of was...

[•———•——•———•]

𝙥𝗮𝙩𝙧𝙚𝙤𝙣(.)𝙘𝙤𝙢/𝙂𝙤𝙙𝙊𝙛𝙍𝙚𝙖𝙙𝙚𝙧

✨ • 𝗘𝘅𝗰𝗹𝘂𝘀𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗔𝗰𝗰𝗲𝘀𝘀: 𝙂𝙚𝙩 𝟲𝟬+ 𝙖𝙙𝙫𝙖𝙣𝙘𝙚𝙙 𝙘𝙝𝙖𝙥𝙩𝙚𝙧𝙨 𝙖𝙝𝙚𝙖𝙙 𝙤𝙛 𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙮𝙤𝙣𝙚 𝙚𝙡𝙨𝙚.