Unexpected Bloom [OCs X Highschool DXD]

Chapter 6

The Occult Research Club room, usually a haven of dusty books and forgotten relics, was now buzzing with a strange new energy. Issei, still reeling from the revelation that devils, angels, and fallen angels were real, was now grappling with the concept of servants and the power devils held over them.

"Devils collect power by forming contracts with humans and receiving compensation for it," Rias explained, her voice smooth and authoritative. "Nowadays, no one manually draws magic circles to summon devils, so we hand the circles out to potential contractors. We usually have familiars do it, but as a servant devil, you need to learn the basics. Work hard, and you might get a servant for yourself someday!"

Issei's eyes widened at the prospect. "M-My servant?!"

"It all depends on the effort you put in," Rias elaborated, a hint of amusement in her tone.

"I-If they're servants, they will obey me, right?" Issei asked, a hopeful glint in his eyes.

"Yes," Rias confirmed.

"I can do whatever I want with them, right?" Issei pressed, a mischievous grin spreading across his face.

"Of course!" Rias replied, her smile widening.

"L-Like even p-perverted things?!" Issei blurted out, his voice barely a whisper.

Rias's smile didn't falter. "If they're your servants, why not?"

Aebelle, who had been quietly absorbing the information, suddenly felt a prickle of unease. Her innocent mind struggled to reconcile the concept of absolute obedience with her own strong sense of fairness. She shifted uncomfortably, her gaze flitting between Issei and Rias.

"R-Rias?" she stammered, a blush creeping onto her cheeks. "I... I don't know about this whole servant thing. I don't wanna force anybody who is my servant into anything, if they don't want to."

Rias's smile softened, and she gently placed a hand on Aebelle's head, her touch surprisingly soothing. "Aebelle," she said, her voice a soothing balm, "that's a very kind and considerate thought. You're right, it's important to treat those under your care with respect and not force them to do anything against their will. While the concept of a servant devil involves obedience to their master, it's not about outright dominion or cruelty. It's a bond built on trust and mutual respect, a partnership where both parties benefit. It's not always perfect, and there are certainly those who abuse their power, but that's not the ideal."

Rias's explanation calmed Aebelle slightly. It reassured her that she wasn't expected to become a tyrant, a thought that had been a source of worry for her. "Oh," Aebelle murmured, a small smile forming on her lips. "That makes more sense."

Rias continued to explain, gently guiding Aebelle through the complexities of the devil world, ensuring that the new angel didn't misunderstand or internalize any harmful notions about power and servitude. Aebelle, ever the eager learner, absorbed every word, her innocent mind striving to comprehend the intricate web of contracts, power, and relationships that made up the supernatural world.

(Marinoah's POV)

The familiar warmth of my home greeted me as I finally escaped the confines of Kuoh Academy. My feet, tired from a long day of classes, practically carried me through the door, but I was abruptly halted by a voice. Melvin Larue, a student from my 2-C class, stood there, a curious expression on his face.

"You..." he began, his voice laced with a hint of something I couldn't quite place.

"I know that you're a dragon," he stated plainly, his words hitting me like a sudden gust of wind.

"How'd you know?" I asked, my voice laced with genuine surprise. Dragons weren't exactly a common sight in Kuoh, let alone a hidden truth known to a classmate.