Occult Research Club Room
Riser crossed his arms, observing Rias with interest.
"So why did you offer your virginity to a servant?"
Before Rias could respond, Issei exploded:
"That's none of your business, Riser! Stay out of it!"
Riser's smile widened as he turned to Issei.
"Rias, it seems your servants lack manners. Haven't you learned to keep them on a leash?"
"Issei, silence."
Rias's voice was low but firm. "This conversation is between me and Riser."
The air trembled.
An intense pressure spread through the room. Everyone froze. The floor seemed to vibrate beneath their feet. But the greatest impact fell on Issei, who collapsed to his knees.
"Ddraig…"
"Partner… this pressure… it's pure magic. It's Riser."
Rias paled. She recognized that sensation—similar to Grayfia's when she lost her patience. Her Peerage stood motionless. Only Sona and Tsubaki, accustomed to Riser's presence, remained standing, though visibly tense.
Riser rose slowly. His Haoshoku Haki manifested with brutal yet controlled intensity. He walked toward Issei, his voice sounding like a verdict.
"Issei Hyoudou, learn your place. I am a pure-blood noble. Your insolence will not be tolerated."
Issei lifted his eyes with difficulty. He tried to hold his ground, but the power gap was overwhelming. Riser smiled coldly.
Then, without hesitation, he pressed his foot against Issei's head.
"Don't look at me like that, servant."
[Villain System]
• -200 protagonist luck points for public humiliation.
Riser intensified his assault, kicking Issei with disdain.
• -50 protagonist luck points for being publicly humiliated.
• -50 protagonist luck points for being publicly humiliated.
• -50 protagonist luck points for being publicly humiliated.
• -50 protagonist luck points for being publicly humiliated.
Rias, desperate, shouted:
"Riser, please! Enough! He won't interfere again!"
Sona intervened firmly:
"Rias, control your servant. That's your responsibility."
Rias's Peerage, furious, could do nothing. Koneko trembled. Kiba clenched his fists. But none dared move.
Meanwhile, Riser continued draining the protagonist's luck.
• -50 protagonist luck points for being publicly humiliated.
• -50 protagonist luck points for being publicly humiliated.
• -50 protagonist luck points for being publicly humiliated.
Then, a red light flashed in the center of the room. A Gremory magical circle appeared, and from it emerged Grayfia Lucifuge, cold as ice.
"Riser-sama," she said with authority, "in the name of the alliance between the Gremory and Phenex houses, I request you end this display of power."
Riser stopped kicking but turned to Grayfia with arrogance.
"And is that alliance worth anything, Grayfia? Or only when it suits you? This trash servant disrespected me. I'd have legitimate grounds to eliminate him."
Grayfia, impassive, replied:
"If you do, you'll be fueling a new war between our houses. And I know you don't want that."
Rias stood with difficulty, her voice trembling:
"He'll be punished. I guarantee it. I won't let this slide."
Sona walked to her husband and touched his arm.
"Riser, please. Let's go. That's enough."
Riser took a deep breath, retracting his aura. The atmosphere normalized.
"For you, Sona."
They stepped back. Riser, Sona, and Tsubaki vanished in a teleportation circle.
The tension lingered in the air.
---
After the Confrontation
Grayfia remained steadfast, turning to Rias.
"You are a King, Rias. Act like one. Today, I was here. Tomorrow, I might not be. And he won't show mercy."
Kiba helped Issei to his feet. Akeno approached, concerned.
"Are you okay, Issei?"
Issei nodded, though rage burned within him.
"I'm… Akeno-san… thank you… Kiba."
Rias took a deep breath, regaining her composure.
"I understand, Grayfia. I'll discipline him."
"I'll make my report to Sirzechs-sama. Unless you give me a compelling reason not to."
"Grayfia, please… give me one chance. Just this one."
Grayfia observed her for a few seconds.
"Very well. One chance. But if this happens again… it will be reported."
"Thank you."
Rias turned to Issei.
"You saw what you caused. Never interfere again when facing a pure-blood noble. Is that clear?"
Issei gritted his teeth.
"Yes… President."
Ddraig spoke in his mind:
"Partner… there's a way to get stronger."
Hope reignited in Issei's eyes.
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A new life, a new Clark Kent — with all the memories of his past life intact.