Issei's OP gaming system

Chapter 37

As Issei approached his home, he found himself within a mile of familiar area, King Hassan silently trailing beside him.

Despite walking alongside the embodiment of death itself, Issei felt oddly at ease. There was no oppressive aura, no chilling presence weighing on him. Letting out a quiet sigh of relief, he mused, "Things don't seem any different than when I left. Maybe it's been a week at most?" A small smile tugged at his lips as he nodded to himself.

"Well then, to home," he declared, stepping forward with Hassan following in quiet, unwavering stride.

Though King Hassan was physically visible, his sheer lack of presence made him an enigma to most. One could stand right in front of him and still fail to register his existence—a walking shadow beyond human perception.

After a sixteen-minute walk, they arrived at Issei’s doorstep. As he reached for the doorknob and turned it, a sudden weight crashed into him.

Before he could react, a familiar warmth clung to him—Hyuna, his feline companion, had pounced onto his upper body, her arms wrapped around him as she nuzzled her chin against his head.

Standing there, caught in the embrace of an affectionate woman draped over him, Issei awkwardly shifted. "It's great to see you, Hyuna," he muttered, his voice laced with nervousness.

A sharp, lingering glare settled over the room. King Hassan stood unmoving, his silent judgment radiating with an adamant intensity.

"Contractor," Hassan’s deep voice broke the moment, prompting Kuroka to poke her head out from the end of the hallway.

Her golden eyes softened upon seeing Issei. With a slow, deliberate pace, she stepped forward. Hyuna, sensing the shift in atmosphere, let go, allowing Kuroka to approach. Without hesitation, she wrapped her arms around Issei, welcoming him home with a tender embrace and a soft kiss.

The moment he saw her up close, his gaze dropped to her belly. It had grown noticeably larger than when he last saw her.

It hadn’t been just a week.

His expression stiffened. "How long have I been out for?" he asked, returning Kuroka’s embrace with gentle care.

A warm smile graced her lips. "Three months."

Shock settled over him like a crashing wave. His body instinctively leaned forward, slouching slightly over Kuroka. Before he could fully process the weight of the revelation, a firm grip steadied him. Hassan’s iron-clad arms held him upright.

"Hmph… Contractor. To impose thy burden upon one who carries life… Such folly is discourteous. Unjust."

Issei winced at the old man Hassan's stern reprimand, quickly regaining his footing. The moment he straightened, Hassan released him.

Clearing his throat in an attempt to brush past the moment, Hassan then turned his gaze upon Kuroka. His tone shifted, reverberating with poetic tone also carrying a stoicism.

"I greet thee, O bewitching shadowed flower, graced by moonlight’s tender glow."

Kuroka blinked, a slight blush dusting her cheeks at his words.

"HASSAN…." Issei’s voice carried clear jealousy.

"Issei, don’t yell." Kuroka chided, her gaze drifting to the towering skeletal figure. "What's your name?"

Issei instinctively prepared to warn her—to suggest she speak more formally, considering Hassan’s apparent preference for dignified speech. Yet, to his surprise, the old man responded without hesitation, unbothered by her casual tone.

Crossing his arms, Issei averted his gaze, muttering under his breath. "He’s got favorites, huh."

With that, they all moved into the kitchen, where Issei spent a few hours unwinding. Before long, the door swung open, revealing Koneko and Grayfia, followed closely by Akeno and Rias.

Issei had already made up his mind—he wouldn’t be leaving for the realm-like places anytime soon. With Kuroka only a few months away from giving birth, disappearing for another stretch of time was out of the question.

As he shared this decision with Kuroka, Hyuna’s gaze burned into him—intense, heated. There was no mistaking her intent.

But before anything could come of it, Hassan’s gaze met hers.

Cold. Unwavering.

Hyuna visibly tensed, the silent intimidation forcing her to withdraw.

It was becoming apparent—Hassan had taken a liking to Kuroka. And not knowing exactly how she felt about other women approaching Issei with "intent," he had appointed himself as a barrier.

Kuroka chuckled at the sight, while Koneko—who had been glaring at Issei, clearly seeking attention—suddenly found herself at the receiving end of Hassan’s silent judgment as well. She froze in place, hesitation overtaking her.

Grayfia, who had no stake in these "heated" affairs, exhaled a deep sigh. Without a word, she placed a hand over her face, shielding her eyes just as Hassan’s piercing gaze settled on her as well.

"Hassan~ it’s okay," Issei reassured him.

For a moment, Hassan remained silent, pondering. Then, as if seeking approval, he turned to Kuroka. She gave him a small nod, confirming Issei’s words.

Only then did he relent.

Issei exhaled, only to slump slightly as realization dawned on him. "I summoned him, and he's… choosing Kuroka's side over mine~."

With a defeated expression, he closed his eyes, a single tear slipping down his cheek in a comical way.

"Oh, by the way..." Grayfia began.