章 16: Crimson Research Club.
Crimson Research Club.
The school day progressed little uneventful for Ren Hinokami, who spent his time in class. Isumi, on the other hand, remained animated throughout, chatting with her friends and exchanging light- hearted banters. Ren, meanwhile, between lunch break he go school backyard garden where he completes his daily mission:
[100 Push- Ups, 100 Sit- Ups, and a 10 Killo- Meter running.] and earning himself [3 system points] in the process.
He felt a mild sense of accomplishment as he wrapped up the task, his body already adjusting to the rigorous regimen.
But, when he wants to walk back to classroom, he again meets those two women, who's he meets few days ago in this garden "Alina Rose, School Nurse" and "Akiko Hoshino, third year classroom Teacher" when he meets them, he greets both respectfully and both greet him back. Then, they have little chat on "How's his day going on? Has he made any friends or not? And about his study?" after little chat he returned his classroom. Then he spent remaining time on his desk.
As the final bell rand, signalling the end of the school day, Ren leaned back in his seat, while closing his eyes and wondering about what awaited him at the Crimson Research Club. Just then, a boy entered the classroom and straight walked toward Ren.
"Hello. Ren Hinokami, right"
Ren looked while opening his eyes, only to greet by none other than Valoris, the school's most popular male student. With his golden- blond hair, charming smile, and striking grey eyes, the classroom girls seemed to collectively sigh in admiration as every girl turned to stare at him.
Ren, who know about him by previous Ren's memories. However, he has different opinion, he looks more famine then masculine. He suddenly feels the cold shiver run through spine, when he thinks something.
Ren then quick glanced Isumi, who stood beside him now. Surprisingly, she seemed to complete unfazed by Valoris's charm, her expression neutral. Somewhere deep inside, Ren felt a wave of relief.
"Yes, I'm Ren Hinokami. And you?"
"I'm Valoris, President Ruby Crimson has requested your presence. She asked me to escort you both to the Crimson Research Club."
Ren glanced at Isumi, who looked little nervous. Ren shrugged, rising from his seat. "Ok, Let's go, Isumi."
Isumi want ask something but choose silent and eventually nodded her head and start to walk with Ren and follow Valoris to out of the class.
The trio made their way through the school ground, eventually reaching at the old school building at the back of other side of campus. This area is little surrounded by trees, the two- story structure exuded an eerie charm.
"This is it?" Ren asked, eyeing the building sceptically.
Valoris nodded. "It may look old, but it's well – maintained. So, come in."
They entered the building, ascending a flight of well- preserved wooden stairs before navigating through surprisingly clean corridors. Ren noted the absence of dust or cobwebs. He said in his mind, "Someone's clearly taking good care of this place."
At last, they stopped before a door with a sign that read: Crimson Research Club.
Valoris knocked gently. "President, our today's guests are here."
A melodic voice responded from within. "Let them in."
Valoris opened the door, gesturing Ren and Isumi to step inside.
The moment they entered, both Ren and Isumi froze in surprise.
The room was unlike anything they had expected. Strange symbol and intricate designs carving pr adorned the walls, floor and ceiling, giving the space a mystical, almost otherworldly vibe. At the centre of the room was a large Magic Circle, its intricate patterns glowing faintly. The air was thick with an aura of mystery and power.
In little distance with magic circle a couch set placed very elegantly. To one side of couch, a petite girl with Short White hair and Golden eyes sat on the sofa, quietly enjoying her snacks. Despite her small stature and emotionless expression, she exuded a calm, almost regal presence.
"Isn't that… Kaira Toujou?" Isumi whispered. Ren nodded, equally surprised to see the first- year student here.
Their attention then shifted to the girl, who sitting at the head of the room – a striking beauty with Crimson Hair that flowed like a crimson waterfall and her blue eyes that sparkled with intelligence and allure. She was seated on a single sofa, her posture exuding authority. Her damp hair suggested she had recently bathed, adding an ethereal quality to her appearance.
Ren's heart beta skipped a beat. Ruby Crimson… He couldn't help but recall their earlier encounter, feeling a mix of embarrassment and determination. Keep your composure, Ren. Don't embrace himself.
Then his eyes fall on other figure who seated on other side of couch, a girl with long black hair tied into ponytail and her purple eyes that held a mischievous glint. Her smile was warm and inviting, yet there was an air of mystery about her.
"Akira Katsuragi" Ren murmured to himself. Her beauty was mesmerizing, and for a moment, he found himself lost in her gaze.
"Welcome, Ren Hinokami and Isumi Hyoudou," Ruby's melodic voice broke through silence pulling Ren back to reality.
After that Ren and Isumi greet Ruby and other member of club, after Ruby gestured to the plush sofa arranged in the centre of the room. "Please, have a seat."
Ren and Isumi exchange a glance before sitting together one side of sofas. And Valoris also settles gracefully onto another side sofa, with his usual and calm smile. Then Akira Katsuragi moved effortlessly across the room, and prepared tea for everyone, after everyone grab their tea and settled on sofa.
Ren accept a cup of tea with slight bow. He took a sip and blinked in surprised. "This… this is best tea, I've ever had," he said, his voice filled with genuine appreciation.
Akira smiled at him, her yes gleaming with amusement. "Thank- you, Ren. I am glad you like it."
Once everyone was settled, Ruby folded her hands elegantly and leaned slightly forward her crimson hair flowing like silk. "You must be wondering why I called you here," she began her tone is calm yet commanding.
Isumi glanced at Ren, who remained silent, his expression is very unreadable. "Yeah," Isumi said, her voice steady despite the weight of the situation. "That thought did cross my mind."
Ruby nodded. "First, I have a question for both of you. What do you think about supernatural beings, their existence and their world."
Isumi furrowed her brows on her question, but her gaze thoughtful. "I read a story and watch anime on supernatural being, yeah, I fascinated by their world and existence, or if I have chance so I want live a life like that with magic and super- power. But… they are just myth and Fictional stories, In real world this not possible."
Ren stayed quit, his calm demeanour not going with unnoticed by Ruby. she already tells Ren about being devil and now saw his calm expression, she nodded her head in appreciation.
Ruby then turned her attention toward Isumi, she sighs softly. "I supposed it's time to stop beating around the bush." She said with very straight forward. "Isumi, you and Ren are not human any more…. You are now devils."
When Ruby said this, Ren expression not change little bit, because Ruby already tells him in the morning about being devil. But Isumi's reaction is something different, he stood from couch in disbelief and her eyes widened in shock. "W- What did you just say?"
Isumi trembled, disbelief etched on over her face. "What you mean by…. I'm Devil?!" her voice tremble as she tried to process the words.
"Yes," Ruby confirmed. "What Is mean is you are become devil."
When she herded her voice she instinctively, turn toward Ren, and when she looks his calm expression. She became shocked and with voice full of pleading of explanation she asked. "Ren? Did you know about this… being devil stuffs?"
Ren felt pang of guilt when he looks her eyes, but when Ren want open his mouth for explain her something. Ruby stepped in, making things easier for him. "Last night, Ren was attacked by a Fallen angel. I saved him, and this morning, I explained everything to being devil to him."
Isumi gasped. "Attacked… Ren is attacked? By who….?"
"A fallen Angel," Ruby said, her voice is solemn. "And you are already attacked by those beings."
"Me?" Isumi's voice was barely above a whisper. And in confusion she looks toward Ruby.
Ruby nodded solely. "Yes, previous weekend when you go date with that guy… So- Hua, he is also a fallen angel. Who want to kill you and he successfully kill you… on that day he not only kills but kill Ren also, who want to help you and… if not me that day save both of you and turned into devil… you both would have anything but alive today…"
Isumi's face paled. "So- Hua… that dream… No, that wasn't a dream, was it?" her voice broke as realization dawned. "You mean that really happened? And you… turned us into Devil [Demon] to save our life." She said while looking into Ruby blue eyes.
Ruby nodded her head and said simply "Yes."
Isumi try to think on situation and after brief silence and slowly but try digest her new identity. She asked, "Why did that Fallen Angel want to kill me?"
"That's because you possess a Sacred Gear," Ruby explained, her tone heavy with meaning. "A powerful artifact embedded within certain humans. Most of the Sacred Gears have functions that are only usable in the human society. But there are exceptional Sacred Gears that are a threat to us, the Devils, and Fallen Angels and even gods."
Valoris added, "Sacred Gear is an irregular power that is bestowed to certain humans. Throughout history, many influential figures were sacred Gear users."
Katsuragi Akira -senpai also added, "Presently, there are people who possess Sacred Gears within their bodies. You know those people who play an important role in supernatural- world.? Most of those people possess a sacred- gear is very important member of their factions.
"Sacred Gear…" Isumi whispered, the term feeling foreign yet oddly familiar. Other side, Ren who lister all information very carefully because some information he knows from help of system but some information is new here.
Then Isumi think about this new information and asked Ruby about fallen angel. Then Ruby said, "That's a Fallen Angel. They are former Angels who served God, but they are beings who have fallen to hell because they had evil intentions. They are also the enemy of us Devils."
"We, the Devils, have been at war with the Fallen Angels since ancient times. We have been fighting over the possession of the Underworld, which is also known as Hell in the human world. The Underworld is split into two areas, one for Devils and one for Fallen Angels. The Devils form pacts with humans and receive their sacrifices and increase their Strength. The Fallen Angels on the other hand control humans to eliminate Devils. At this point the Angels come in to destroy these two races on God's orders, which creates the three forces. This has been going on since ancient times."
Isumi nodded her head when she heard about fallen angel. And this information also new for Ren, so he also starts to think about this.
But both thinking was interrupted by Ruby's voice, "Both of you have sacred Gear. Now let's activate your gears. Isumi, first let me guide you how to awaken yours."
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