Highschool DxD: I have a Dimensional Travel System

Chapter 17 - Rias: Can You Come To The Clubroom?

"Teleportation Magic? That sounds impressive."

Hearing Rias' answer, Mahiro pretended to be thoughtful and then asked, "There are rumors in the school that Rias-senpai is a noble from a European country, and Europe has various magic legends."

"Rias-senpai, are you really from a magician family like in those stories?"

To avoid unnecessary explanations and trouble, Mahiro pretended to be a novice with limited knowledge. Otherwise, many things would be difficult to explain.

"Magician family, is that what you think, Mahiro?"

Rias showed a meaningful smile.

"If not, then what?"

Mahiro spread his hands.

Rias's mouth curved into an elegant smile. "Though it's a bit different from what you guessed, my origin is somewhat related to those families."

In fact, most of the magic in High School DxD originates from devils, so Rias wasn't entirely wrong.

"Mahiro, may I ask you a question?"

Rias asked politely.

"Of course."

Mahiro nodded.

"The corpses of the stray devils we found in the abandoned factory and the forest, you must have killed them too?"

Although she was already certain, Rias wanted to confirm it just in case.

"Those monsters? Yes, I did."

Mahiro admitted.

"Can you tell me why you are hunting these stray devils?"

"There's another question."

Mahiro said with a half-smile.

"Boys who ask too many questions aren't very likable."

Rias joked.

Mahiro glanced at Rias and smiled. "So, if I act more openly, will I have a chance to win your heart, senpai?"

Rias gave Himejima Akeno a playful look. "Your real girlfriend is here."

Himejima Akeno narrowed her eyes and said generously, "I don't mind. If it's Rias, I'll agree."

Mahiro didn't want to worry about this issue and instead asked, "Stray devils, is that what you call those monsters?"

Mahiro asked knowingly.

Since he intended to pretend to be a novice, he couldn't appear omniscient.

Even if he understood the division of forces in the DxD world, he needed to show some curiosity.

"Uh...you don't know?"

This time, it was Rias's turn to be surprised.

Mahiro shrugged.

"…"

Seeing Mahiro's calm expression, Rias was startled.

Does he really not know?

"Mahiro, since you don't know this, how did you think to hunt the stray devils?"

Himejima Akeno voiced Rias's doubt. It could be bad luck to encounter one, but killing three in one night was definitely not accidental.

"If it's because of interest, would you believe it?"

Mahiro said jokingly.

"Do you think we would believe that?"

Rias stared at Mahiro.

"Mahiro, you may not know, but these stray devils you hunted today were actually our targets."

Himejima Akeno explained, "We didn't expect you to take the lead, leaving us to clean up the mess. Rias was a bit upset and even planned to confront you."

"Shut up!"

Rias glared at Himejima Akeno.

Himejima Akeno wasn't intimidated but said with a smile, "Just telling the truth, Rias, no need to hide it."

Rias didn't speak, tacitly agreeing with Himejima Akeno's words.

"Mahiro, do you know about devils?"

Rias patiently began to explain.

"The devils in myths and legends are often seen as disasters for the world."

Of course Mahiro knew, but he held back the urge to roll his eyes.

Aren't you all devils?

"Right."

Rias nodded, "But compared to the legends, most devils aren't so scary. They have their own order, abide by rules, and can't do anything they want. However, stray devils are lawbreakers, closer to the image of devils in the legends."

"They're like criminals among humans."

Himejima Akeno added.

"So, I just punished the wicked and eliminated evil?"

Mahiro said with a smile.

Rias shook her head. "Actually, this is very dangerous."

"An enemy of monsters?"

"Not just that."

Rias sighed and continued, "Akeno mentioned that our targets were the stray devils you hunted. To be precise, Kuoh Town is my territory under my jurisdiction, and dealing with stray devils here is my responsibility."

"What you did tonight was taking my prey, which can be seen as a provocation."

"Luckily, you met us. Otherwise, the territory's owner might treat you as an enemy."

"Really?"

Mahiro smiled nonchalantly. If it wasn't so coincidental, who knows what the situation would be if we hadn't met?

"However, Rias-senpai, it seems like you're not managing your territory well. Otherwise, I wouldn't be able to take the prey."

Mahiro said casually.

"Uh..."

Rias didn't expect to be questioned and fell into an awkward situation.

Because Mahiro was right, hitting her weak spot.

"Didn't Akeno just ask why I was hunting stray devils?"

Mahiro smiled and began to explain.

"I saw some information online and wanted to see my strength."

Naturally, the system's existence couldn't be revealed, but there was no need to hide some things. Mahiro's words seemed true enough.

"Online?"

Rias looked surprised.

"Isn't there a lot of news about missing people recently? People are discussing it online, so I searched for some suspicious locations. I didn't expect to actually encounter these monsters."

Himejima Akeno opened her mouth in surprise. "Isn't that too bold?"

Even Toujou Koneko and Kiba Yuuto felt the same.

Ordinary people wouldn't feel lucky encountering a monster like a stray devil.

And Mahiro did it three times.

It seemed abnormal, even Koneko and Kiba didn't meet so many stray devils in one night.

Nowadays, the internet is very developed, and information circulates quickly.

Moreover, demonic activities in the human world are also active today, so ambiguous information can indeed be found online.

However, relying on uncertain information alone...

It's not just daring, it's reckless.

"It's so bold of you."

Mahiro joked, "These monsters look terrible, but their strength is within my range. Besides, this is the city I'll live in for the next three years of high school. I don't want the whole city in a state of panic. Dealing with these monsters makes it more stable."

"I didn't expect Mahiro-kun to think like that."

Himejima Akeno's eyes sparkled.

"Too arrogant."

Toujou Koneko muttered.

Mahiro smiled unconvincingly.

His seemingly reckless behavior was calculated.

The system determined his strength around a Low-Class Devil, and with his knowledge of the plot, he had a general understanding of the strength range of stray devils, which was similar to his own.

Therefore, if the difference in strength wasn't too big, even if Mahiro was defeated, he could retreat safely.

With this consideration, Mahiro took the risk of hunting stray devils as his mission target.

Rias and the others didn't know this, so Mahiro's behavior seemed reckless in their eyes.

"My mistake."

Rias sighed and apologized. She neglected the security in her territory while selecting suitable family members, so she had an unshirkable responsibility.

"By the way, I have heard Koneko call Mahiro a big pervert."

Himejima Akeno said lightly, smiling as she changed the subject to relieve Rias from the awkward situation. "Is there something between you two?"

Toujou Koneko was stunned. She didn't expect the topic to shift and immediately denied it: "No!"

"Some unpleasant experience."

Mahiro admitted frankly.

"Oh, it looks really tricky."

Himejima Akeno covered her mouth, glancing between the two as if discovering a new world.

Toujou Koneko glared at Mahiro fiercely.

"The time is almost up, Mahiro. Though I'd like to explain more about our world, we still have tasks to complete."

Rias remembered the tasks they still had tonight, suppressing her desire to continue talking with Mahiro.

"Mahiro-kun, we're going to continue hunting stray devils. Do you want to join us? I'd like to spend more time with you."

"I'm not going. I've used up too much energy tonight and want to rest."

Mahiro shook his head, refusing Himejima Akeno's invitation. His task was completed, so he didn't need to continue running around.

Himejima Akeno said disappointedly, "Oh, what a pity."

"Alright."

Rias nodded understandingly. Hunting three stray devils alone in one night was indeed exhausting.

"By the way, Mahiro, how much do you know about yourself, about us, and about the world of mythical creatures?"

As the magic circle lit up, Rias asked.

"Not much, just a state of ignorance. A lot of it is based on information online. Today was the first time I saw a legendary creature like a stray devil."

Mahiro's words were true. It was his first time seeing a stray devil in reality.

"I see."

Rias was thoughtful.

"If you have time, can you come to the Occult Research Club tomorrow? I can give you more detailed answers."

Rias invited.

"Tomorrow, sure."

Mahiro thought for a moment and nodded.

"Have a good rest tonight. See you tomorrow, Mahiro-kun."

Himejima Akeno waved playfully.

Kiba Yuuto also politely said goodbye, while Toujou Koneko continued to ignore him.

Seeing Rias and the others stepping onto the magic circle, Mahiro also left, heading home to rest.