Highschool DXD : Gacha Life

Few moments later

The silence in the abandoned church was broken by the whisper of wind through shattered windows. I stood among the carnage, standing proud in Incursio armor.

Then I felt it—that familiar electric tingle that signaled the system responding to my actions. A notification materialized in my vision, golden text hovering in the air like a divine proclamation.

**[Mission Complete ]**

**[Targets Eliminated: 1 Fallen Angels, 19 Stray Exorcists]**

**[Reward: Rank 5 Gacha Ticket]**

**[Activating Gacha Ticket...]**

The ticket dissolved into motes of light that swirled around me like a miniature constellation. When they coalesced, knowledge flooded my mind—not an item this time, but something far more interesting.

**[Born to Blow - Explosive Touch Ability]**

**[Rank: A]**

**[Description: Allows user to mark any surface or object with explosive energy through touch. Marked targets glow with a faint golden light visible only to the user. Detonation is triggered by snapping right-hand fingers, cancellation by snapping left-hand fingers. Maximum of 10 marks can be maintained simultaneously. Explosion power scales with user's energy output.]**

I stared at the notification, my mind racing with the implications. An explosive touch ability that could turn anything into a bomb with just a touch? The tactical applications were staggering. Combined with my other abilities, this could be a game-changer.

"Interesting," I murmured, dismissing Incursio with a thought. The armor dissolved back into its sword form, which I pocketed carefully in the system. I needed to test this new ability immediately.

I walked over to a broken pew and placed my palm against its surface. Immediately, I felt the energy flow from me into the wood, and a faint golden glow appeared where I'd touched—invisible to others, but clear as day to my enhanced senses. The mark pulsed with restrained power, waiting for my command.

Moving to a safe distance, I raised my right hand and snapped my fingers.

The explosion was magnificent.

The pew didn't just break—it disintegrated. Wood splinters flew in all directions, and the shockwave rattled the remaining windows. The crater left behind was perfectly circular, about three feet in diameter and several inches deep. The stone floor itself had been scorched black.

"Holy shit," I breathed, genuine awe coloring my voice. "That's... that's incredible."

I tested the cancellation next, marking another piece of debris and then snapping my left fingers. The glow faded immediately, the explosive energy dissipating harmlessly. Perfect control, just as advertised.

My mind was already working through the combinations. Water bubbles filled with explosive energy, detonating on command. Mark an enemy's weapon and wait for them to bring it close to their allies. Set traps that could be triggered remotely. The possibilities were endless.

"The water bubbles," I said aloud, excitement creeping into my voice. "I can create water bubbles, mark them with explosive energy, and then detonate them at range. Mobile bombs that can be guided and positioned precisely."

I formed a basketball-sized bubble of water and carefully touched it with my fingertip. The golden glow spread through the liquid like ink, and I could feel the explosive potential contained within. It was perfect—invisible to enemies, completely under my control, and devastating when triggered.

The sound of approaching footsteps interrupted my experimentation. Multiple individuals, moving with purpose through the church's outer corridors. I quickly dismissed the explosive bubble and prepared for another fight, but the familiar signatures made me pause.

Devil energy. Specifically, devil energy I recognized.

"Akira?" a voice called out, filled with concern and barely contained panic. "Akira, are you in there?"

Rias Gremory stepped through the church's main entrance, her crimson hair flowing behind her like a banner. Akeno Himejima followed close behind, her usual serene expression replaced by genuine worry. Both devils moved with the fluid grace of predators, their eyes quickly taking in the scene of carnage.

"Rias?" I called out, genuinely surprised. "What are you doing here?"

"What am I—" She stopped mid-sentence, her blue-green eyes widening as she took in the full scope of the destruction. Bodies lay scattered throughout the nave, blood pooled on the stone floor, and the air still reeked of violence and death. "Oh my Satan, what happened here?"

Akeno's violet eyes were scanning the scene with professional interest, her gaze lingering on the various weapons and the patterns of destruction "This is... unbelievable"

"Though I'm still curious how you knew I was here."

Rias's expression shifted from shock to something approaching anger. "How did I—? Akira, I gave you that devil flyer for a reason! You were supposed to summon me if you found yourself in supernatural trouble, not... not take on an entire fallen angels by yourself!"

She gestured wildly at the carnage around us "This is what? And you handled all of them alone?"

"You—" Rias stopped, her mouth opening and closing like a fish. "You killed three fallen angels earlier tonight? And then came here to finish the job?"

Akeno moved closer, her usual playful demeanor replaced by genuine concern "Akira-kun, this level of destruction..."

I considered how much to reveal. Rias and I had developed a friendship, built on mutual respect and shared interests in supernatural lore. She'd given me the devil flyer as a safety net, genuinely concerned about my welfare. But I'd deliberately chosen not to use it tonight, partly because I wanted to handle the situation myself, and partly because I'd wanted the gacha rewards.

"Akira, you just single-handedly eliminated an entire fallen angel operation. It's strength at the level of a High-Class Devil!"

"Are you injured?" Akeno asked, her healer's instincts kicking in as she moved to examine me for wounds.

"I'm fine" I assured her, though I appreciated the concern.

Before I could answer, the sound of approaching sirens echoed through the night. The human authorities, finally responding to the explosions and supernatural energy discharge. It was time to leave.

"We should go," I said, already moving toward the side exit. "The last thing any of us need is to explain this to the police."

"Oh no," Rias said firmly, blocking my path. "You're not walking away from this conversation. We're going back to the club room, and you're going to explain everything. What you are, how you did this, and why you didn't call for help when you clearly needed it."

"I didn't need help," I pointed out. "As evidenced by the fact that I'm standing here uninjured while they're all dead."

"That's not the point" she sighed

Akeno giggled softly, some of her usual personality returning. "Ara, ara. It seems our mysterious Akira-kun has been keeping secrets from us"

"Secrets that nearly got him killed," Rias muttered, though her annoyance was clearly born of concern rather than malice.

The sirens were getting closer. I could see the flashing lights through the broken windows, casting red and blue shadows across the blood-stained stone.

"Look," I said, "I appreciate your concern, I really do. But right now, we need to leave before this becomes a diplomatic incident between the supernatural factions. We can have this conversation somewhere more private."

Rias looked like she wanted to argue further, but the approaching authorities made her decision for her. "Fine," she said "But we are having this conversation. Tonight. In full detail."

"Fair enough," I agreed. "Though I should warn you, the truth is going to be harder to believe than what you're imagining."

"After seeing this," Akeno added "I'm prepared to believe quite a lot."

We made our way to the side exit, moving quickly but carefully to avoid the approaching police. As we stepped out into the night air, I couldn't help but smile. The evening had been far more productive than I'd hoped.

New abilities acquired, enemies eliminated, and friends who cared enough to come looking for me when they sensed trouble. All in all, it had been a very good night.

Though I suspected the interrogation waiting for me at the club room was going to be far more challenging than anything I'd faced in the church.

"Oh, and Rias?" I said as we disappeared into the shadows. "You might want to prepare yourself for a very long conversation."

Her expression promised that she fully intended to get every detail out of me, one way or another.

This was going to be interesting.

. . .

The Occult Research Club room was exactly as I remembered it—warm, comfortable. The familiar scent of old books and expensive tea hung in the air, creating an atmosphere that was both scholarly and mysteriously inviting.

What I hadn't expected was the additional company.

Sona Sitri sat primly in one of the chairs, her violet eyes sharp behind her glasses as she observed me with the calculating gaze of someone accustomed to analyzing complex problems. Beside her stood Tsubaki Shinra, the tall, elegant woman maintaining perfect posture as she regarded me with polite but wary interest.

I knew exactly what they were, of course. Devils, just like Rias and Akeno. But playing ignorant had its advantages.

"President" I said, genuinely surprised to see the Student Council President here "I wasn't expecting to see you tonight."

"Akira-kun," she replied with a slight nod, her voice carrying that familiar tone of measured authority. "When supernatural incidents of this magnitude occur in our territory, it tends to draw attention from all interested parties."

Territory. Our territory. I maintained my expression of mild confusion at her phrasing.

Rias moved to pour tea, her movements precise despite the tension radiating from her. "Akira, there are some things about Sona and Tsubaki that you should know."

"Oh?" I raised an eyebrow, playing my part perfectly.

"Sona Sitri is a High-Class Devil and the heiress to the Sitri family," Rias explained matter-of-factly. "She's also the devil responsible for managing the other half of Kuoh's supernatural territory. Tsubaki Shinra is her Queen."

I let surprise cross my features, though internally I was noting how casually Rias had revealed this information. "Devils. Both of you."

"Indeed," Sona confirmed, adjusting her glasses slightly. "And now, Akira-kun, I find myself in the rather unusual position of trying to understand a human student"

"Did you really kill them all by yourself" Tsubaki's expression remained neutral, but her voice carried curiosity.

I settled into the chair across from them, accepting the tea Rias offered "I suppose I should explain what happened"

"Please do," Sona said simply.

"Three fallen angels ambushed me in the park earlier tonight," I began, keeping my tone factual. "They were after my Sacred Gear. Apparently, they'd been watching me and decided I was either a threat to be eliminated or an asset to be recruited."

"Ara, ara," Akeno interjected, her voice carrying that familiar musical quality. "And now that mistake has led to quite the massacre."

Sona's eyebrows rose slightly. "You were offered a place in a devil's peerage and refused. Did you?"

"I did" I confirmed "And I stand by that decision. Tonight proved, I can handle supernatural threats without becoming anyone's servant."

"Most humans would consider such an offer the opportunity without a thought "Tsubaki observed.

"I agree" I replied calmly, shifting back the conversation to topic "Besides, the ambush didn't go as the fallen angels planned. I killed all three of them. But before the last one died, she mentioned others—more fallen angels and stray exorcists operating at old church. She made it clear they wouldn't stop coming after me."

"So you decided to eliminate the threat entirely" Sona said, her tone neutral but calculating.

"I decided to ensure my safety," I corrected. "They made it a kill-or-be-killed situation. I simply chose to be the one doing the killing."

Sona mused "That's a significant feat"

"It was," I agreed. "But not significant enough, apparently."

Akeno's eyes gleamed with something that might have been approval. "Ara, ara. Such confidence."

"Confidence backed by results," I said simply.

Rias leaned forward, her expression serious. "Akira, do you understand what you've done? You've eliminated what amounts to a fallen angels operating in devil territory. There will be political ramifications."

"From their end, perhaps," I replied. "They came after me first. They threatened my safety and made it clear they would continue to do so. I responded accordingly."

"The fallen angel faction will want answers," Tsubaki said quietly. "They may demand retribution."

"Let them," I said, my tone calm but carrying an edge of steel. "I've demonstrated what happens to fallen angels who threaten me. If they want to test that lesson, they're welcome to try."

The room fell silent for a moment. Sona was the first to speak.

"Your confidence is noteworthy," she said carefully. "But confidence won't protect you from the political consequences. The fallen angel faction will demand explanations from the devils responsible for this territory."

"They can demand all they want," I replied. "The simple fact is that their people initiated hostilities against me. I responded in kind. If they have a problem with that, they should have taught their subordinates better judgment."

"He's right," Rias said firmly. "Akira was acting in self-defense. The fallen angels initiated the conflict by targeting him for his Sacred Gear. Everything that followed was a direct result of their aggression."

Her voice carried the authority of her noble lineage as she continued. "Moreover, Akira is my friend. I will not allow the fallen angel faction to make him a scapegoat for their own people's poor judgment."

"Buchou makes an excellent point," Akeno added, her smile carrying a dangerous edge. "If the fallen angels want to press this matter, they'll have to explain why their people were operating in devil territory without permission."

Sona observed this exchange with keen interest. "You're claiming protection over him?"

"I'm stating fact," Rias replied. "Akira is my friend, and friends protect each other. If the fallen angels want to escalate this matter, they'll find themselves facing more than just him."

"Even someone who refused to join your peerage?" Tsubaki asked.

"Especially someone who refused to join my peerage," Rias said with a slight smile. "His independence doesn't change the fact that he's my friend."

I felt genuine appreciation for her loyalty, though I kept my expression neutral. "I appreciate the support, but I'm perfectly capable of handling any consequences that arise from tonight's actions."

I believed in Azazel, he wasn't crazy enough to not understand, how it turned out tonight. He was far more reasonable than Raynare and her fellows.

"I'm sure you are," Sona said, her voice carrying a note of dry humor. "The evidence of your capabilities is quite clear. But sometimes it's not about who's right or wrong, but about who can be blamed without starting a larger conflict."

"Then perhaps," I said, leaning back in my chair "they should consider whether starting a conflict over this incident is worth the potential casualties."

The casual way I delivered that statement seemed to give everyone pause.

Sona studied me for a long moment. "You're more than you appear to be, aren't you?"

"Maybe" I said simply.

"Ara, ara" Akeno murmured, her voice carrying that familiar musical quality.

"The point remains," Rias said, steering the conversation back to practical matters, "that Akira acted in self-defense against an organized supernatural threat. If the fallen angels want to make an issue of it, they'll have to explain why their people were operating in devil territory without permission."

"Exactly" I agreed "This entire situation exists because fallen angels decided to operate outside established protocols. They initiated hostilities, they escalated the conflict, and they suffered the consequences"

Sona nodded slowly. "A valid point. The fallen angels will be in a difficult position politically if they try to seek retribution for an incident they initiated."

"And if they do try to escalate matters," Rias added, "they'll find themselves facing the consequences of breaking law in devil territory."

"Though we should be prepared for the possibility that they might not approach this situation logically," Tsubaki said quietly. "Fallen angels are not known for their diplomatic restraint."

"Let's hope it turns out well" I said simply.

The confidence in my voice affected everyone differently. Rias looked determined, Akeno appeared intrigued, Sona seemed thoughtful, and Tsubaki maintained her careful neutrality.

"Well then," Sona said finally, adjusting her glasses, "I suppose we'll see how the fallen angel faction chooses to respond. In the meantime, Akira-kun, I trust you'll inform us if you notice any unusual supernatural activity."

I nodded, as it wasn't too much of a trouble for me.

As I prepared to leave, Rias spoke up. "Akira, thank you for trusting us with the truth. Whatever comes next, you won't face it alone."

I looked around the room at the four devils who had, in their own ways, offered me their understanding and support.

"Thank you. All of you."

"Sigh!" Sona said with a tired expression "Something tells me life in Kuoh is about to become much more tiresome"