Bab 5: First Transformation..3..

Interesting? The word sent a chill down my spine, and I wasn't sure if I liked where this conversation was going. Rias Gremory was known for being more than just the head of the Occult Research Club; she was a devil of high status. If she found me interesting, it could mean a lot of things—most of them not good for someone trying to stay under the radar.I forced a casual smile, trying to match her nonchalance. "I'm just a regular guy, really. Nothing too interesting about me."Her smile didn't waver, but I could see the glint in her eyes that told me she wasn't buying it. "I've seen enough regular people to know when someone stands out," she said, her tone light but pointed. "You're different, Ren. There's something about you… something I'd like to know more about."She took a few steps closer, her presence somehow filling the entire rooftop. I tried to maintain my composure, but it was hard not to feel like a cornered animal. If Rias Gremory suspected something—anything—it wouldn't take long for her to dig up the truth. And if she discovered the Omnitrix… well, that could be disastrous.Still, I couldn't let her see my fear. I had to play it cool."I'm flattered, but like I said, I'm just aa regular guy. Nothing special." I shrugged, trying to downplay the growing tension. "Maybe you're mistaking me for someone else."Rias chuckled softly, the sound almost musical. "Perhaps. But I have a good eye for these things, and you… you're different."Her words, though seemingly innocuous, carried weight. The way she looked at me made it clear that she wasn't just making small talk. There was a sharpness to her gaze, an intensity that told me she was trying to peel back the layers and see what was underneath.I could feel the warmth of the Omnitrix flickering in response, like it was sensing the potential danger. My pulse quickened, but I forced myself to stay calm. If I let her rattle me, it would only make her more suspicious."Well, if you figure out what makes me so interesting, let me know," I said, attempting a bit of humor to deflect. "I've been trying to figure that out myself."Rias smiled again, but it didn't quite reach her eyes. "You'll be the first to know," she said, her tone almost teasing, but there was an edge to it. She stepped closer, closing the distance between us. "In the meantime, if you ever want to talk… or if there's anything you need help with, you can always come to me."Her words hung in the air, and I couldn't help but wonder what kind of help she was offering. It was clear that this wasn't just a friendly gesture. Rias Gremory was testing the waters, trying to gauge my reaction. She was offering a connection, but one that came with strings attached.I didn't want to get tangled up in whatever game she was playing, but I also knew better than to outright refuse a devil's offer, especially one of her status."Thanks, I'll keep that in mind," I said, maintaining my casual tone. "I appreciate it."She studied me for a moment longer, her eyes narrowing slightly as if she were trying to read something written on my face. Then, just as quickly as she'd approached, she backed off, her expression softening into something more neutral."Well, I should be getting back to my club," she said, turning to leave. "I'll see you around, Ren."With that, she walked away, her long red hair swaying behind her as she headed for the stairs. I watched her go, resisting the urge to let out the breath I'd been holding.As soon as the door clicked shut behind her, I slumped against the wall, my heart still pounding in my chest. That was too close. Much too close. Rias Gremory had come dangerously near to seeing through my facade, and I had no doubt that this wouldn't be the last time she tried to corner me.I rubbed my temples, trying to ease the tension that had settled there. I couldn't afford to let my guard down. If Rias suspected anything, she'd dig deeper, and that could lead to all sorts of trouble—not just for me, but for Akira, Mom, and everyone else in my life.I couldn't let that happen. I needed to stay out of her sight, blend in as much as possible, and avoid drawing any more attention to myself. But at the same time, I needed answers. About the Omnitrix, about my place in this world, and about the strange connection I'd felt during my transformation.The problem was, the more I tried to stay in the shadows, the more this world seemed determined to pull me into the light.I let out a sigh and pushed myself to my feet, brushing the dust off my pants. There was no point in worrying about Rias now. I'd deal with her if—and when—she came back. For now, I had more immediate concerns, like getting through the rest of the day without any more surprises.As I made my way back to class, I couldn't shake the feeling that things were going to get a lot more complicated from here on out. The world of devils, angels, and fallen angels wasn't something I could avoid forever. And with the Omnitrix stirring inside me, it was only a matter of time before I was dragged deeper into the supernatural conflicts that surrounded Kuoh Academy.But no matter what happened, I had to stay in control. I had to protect my family, keep my secrets hidden, and learn to harness the power of the Omnitrix before it consumed me.Because I knew, deep down, that this was just the beginning.