DxD: 164/165

Chapter 164: Smart Cat

A few days later.

The Underworld, capital city Lilith.

Sirzechs officially announced the new ownership of the sealed Valefor territory.

A name that immediately caught everyone off guard.

Lynn Valefor.

Fallen Angel Headquarters.

Azazel leaned back in his chair, murmuring, "Valefor…"

Tch.

When Vali had mentioned a devil who could wield holy light, he had his suspicions.

Now the truth was clear.

Hadn't the Valefor clan been wiped out?

How was there still surviving bloodline?

Elsewhere.

The Old Maou Faction flew into a rage the moment they heard the news. Many among them wanted to immediately strike and erase the last remnant of Valefor blood from this world.

That was how deep their hatred for the clan ran.

Shalba Beelzebub's eyes gleamed coldly. "No need to panic. He won't live much longer."

Then he ordered sharply, "Get in contact with that group. I want the location of this Valefor."

Lynn Valefor's name was now stirring chaos across the factions.

But at the center of it all, Lynn continued to live his usual, easygoing student life.


---

Shuchiin Academy.

Yumiko Miura approached Yui with a conflicted expression.

She leaned in close and whispered, "Yui, don't tell me you've actually joined that guy's harem?"

Her voice trembled slightly, filled with disbelief.

After observing over the past few days.

There was no doubt. The Supernatural Investigation Club was the Harem Club!

All beautiful girls.

And the only guy was their President, Lynn.

If this wasn't a harem, who'd believe it?

What bothered Yumiko the most was.

She saw Yui going in and out of the clubroom.

Even that Yukinoshita!

Tch!

So it wasn't a joke that day?

"Ahahaha…"

Yui scratched her cheek awkwardly and muttered, "Well, it's not really… a harem..not yet…"

Even though she was technically in the club…

She wasn't in the harem!

Sigh…

At least she had Yukino with her!

"Not yet?!"

Yumiko raised her voice a little too loud, drawing a few curious stares.

But she didn't care.

What do you mean "not yet"?!

And why do you sound disappointed!?

No way!

This Shuchiin Harem Group must be punished!

At the same time.

A similar situation was playing out in another part of the school.

"Miss, I've gathered everything."

A trendy blonde girl reported to a cool, icy-looking girl.

"What took you so long, Hayasaka?"

Kaguya Shinomiya's tone was frosty, her crimson eyes narrowed on Hayasaka Ai.

Hayasaka didn't flinch. She replied calmly, "Sorry. The situation was more… complicated than I expected."

"Oh?"

Kaguya looked intrigued. "Tell me about that man."

Hayasaka paused briefly, choosing her words carefully, then described everything about the Supernatural Investigation Club in detail.

The more Kaguya listened, the more her expression twisted.

Her usual cold demeanor began to crack. Her lips parted slightly in disbelief.

After a long silence, Kaguya finally managed to speak.

"Harem…"

Hayasaka nodded. "From what I saw, every member has a close personal relationship with him."

Kaguya stared ahead blankly for a moment, then frowned. "And Brother wants me to approach someone like that?"

Hayasaka remained silent.

Kaguya's chest heaved in frustration. After a long exhale, her voice turned icy. "I won't allow that kind of person—or that club—to remain at Shuchiin."

She resolved to report it to the Student Council President immediately.

Hayasaka just kept her mouth shut, lips pursed.

That afternoon.

After school.

A stylish blonde girl appeared in Natsuki Minamiya's office.

"Sensei, I'd like to file a complaint!"

Yumiko stood righteously, eyes blazing with justice.

Natsuki Minamiya: "?"

Supernatural Investigation Club.

Lynn suddenly received a message.

Natsuki Minamiya: Your situation's been exposed.

Lynn: ?

A few moments later.

Lynn's expression turned strange after hearing the full story from Natsuki.

He casually sent a message to Yukino and Yui to handle it.

Service Club.

Both girls stared blankly at the message.

Yui slapped her forehead and slumped over her desk. "Yumiko…"

Yukino sighed and stood up. "Let's go. We'll explain the truth to her."

She emphasized the word truth with particular force.

Yui stared at her in shock.

Yukinon… you've changed.

With Yumiko now handed over to Yukino and Yui, Lynn was free again.

Right on cue, a new request arrived via [Devil Correspondence].

Of course.

It was still Erina Nakiri.

After much inner struggle and continued torment from the Divine Tongue, she gave in once more.

She begged the devil to send more high-quality ingredients.

In exchange, she'd provide another "reward."

Only…

"Why are the payment requests getting weirder...?"

Erina stared at the reward prompt on [Devil Correspondence], her face burning red.

Seriously…

Were the devils using this system really this perverted?

He actually asked for… an Ahegao photo!

How could she possibly make such a face?!

Pervert. Degenerate. Lust devil!

Absolutely the work of a depraved devil!

"Hisako… just hold it steady…"

Erina blushed furiously, glaring at the camera Hisako was holding.

T-This is the last time!

Hisako Arato: "…" Did Miss… join a cult?

She was having… complicated feelings.

A short while later, Lynn received the new photo from Erina.

"Tsk tsk…"

He admired it briefly, then saved it away.

Feels like she won't last much longer…

Knock knock.

Suddenly.

There was a knock on the clubroom door.

"Come in."

Click—

The door opened.

A familiar figure walked in.

"My Lord Devil, I've returned~"

Kotoko Iwanaga still wore the Shuchiin uniform, with a beret on her head and cane in hand.

Only this time, she had a white cat in her arms.

Lynn gave her a half-smile. "What? You planning to sell yourself to me now?"

Kotoko froze. "Ahahaha…"

She laughed awkwardly. "To be precise… I'm selling her to you."

She raised the white cat with both hands.

It gave her a look full of resentment.

Kotoko acted like she didn't see it and plopped the cat onto Lynn's desk.

"Her name is Himari. A very clean, well-raised female cat~"

That's right.

After relentless persuasion.

Himari had finally caved.

"Himari?"

Lynn raised an eyebrow. Cat youkai?

Without hesitation, he reached out and began petting her.

As Lynn's hand touched her head, Himari's body trembled slightly.

She didn't speak, but her tail twitched nervously.

What kind of master did Kotoko-sama find for me?

Kotoko sat nearby with a bright smile. "She's my top girl, Lord Lynn. Please take good care of her~"

What are you, her madam?

Lynn was speechless, then said, "Don't worry. As long as someone becomes my Peerage, I treat them fairly."

"That puts me at ease."

Kotoko let out a relieved sigh.

Honestly, she felt a bit bad handing Himari over to a devil.

But...

Better Himari than herself!

If she didn't offer Himari, she would've had to sacrifice herself!

So...

Sorry, Himari. Your noble Lady Kotoko will burn incense for you daily in the next life!

"Mrrr…"

Under Lynn's expert touch, Himari's earlier tension completely vanished. Her eyes squinted in pleasure as she rubbed against his hand instinctively.

Kotoko: "…"

Wait—

Didn't you hate this!?

Why are you acting like this now?!

Kotoko's expression turned complicated.

She had never gotten this kind of affection from Himari!

So unfair!

Is the great Goddess of Wisdom just… not good enough?!

She forced a smile. "Lord Lynn's technique is quite… experienced."

"Well, I've raised a few cats myself."

They chatted for a bit.

Then Kotoko sensibly excused herself and left.

Afterward, Lynn turned to Himari and explained the Peerage structure and his Devil System.

The more she heard, the more shocked she became.

Different worlds… Blessings… Hell management?!

Wow...

Kotoko-sama, what kind of monster did you toss me to?!

Still, Himari gulped.

As the saying goes.

A smart bird chooses a good tree. And a wise cat picks the right master!

"Alright, go ahead and take human form."

Lynn tapped her head.

In a flash of light, the cat turned into a young woman with loose black hair, wearing a purple kimono.

She had a refined figure and now sat obediently on Lynn's desk.

"Master."

Himari blinked as she addressed him.

Lynn stroked his chin and observed her closely.

Not quite as voluptuous as Kuroka, but the difference wasn't huge.

He raised his hand, preparing to summon an Evil Piece.

But before he could, Himari leaned in and rubbed her cheek against his hand.

Lynn paused, then naturally continued to pet her. "You've adjusted fast."

Himari opened her eyes and said seriously, "As a member of the cat youkai clan, once we accept a master, we give them our body and soul!"

"Even if master wants to have children…"

Suddenly, her voice faltered, face flushing bright red.

"I-I wouldn't refuse."

Lynn's eyes sparkled.

Cat youkai are amazing!

He loved them!

He immediately sent a message to Inukimi.

Lynn: Does the panther tribe still exist? I suddenly want a cat.

Inukimi: "?"

Why are you asking a dog about getting a cat?!

(To be continued.)

Chapter 165: Yuuki Asuna?

Supernatural Investigation Club.

Lynn locked the door with magic, then gently patted Himari's head and said, "Take it off."

At those words, a blush instantly rose up Himari's neck, and her feline ears popped out uncontrollably.

"Y-Yes, Master!"

Himari's voice trembled slightly.

She hadn't expected something this exciting so soon after swearing loyalty to her new master.

However, Lynn had already explained.

The reincarnation ceremony required the engraving of a Blessing.

She took a few deep breaths, then turned around and slipped off the upper part of her kimono, exposing her smooth back.

Anyway… she'd eventually belong to him either way…

Himari flushed as she tried to comfort herself mentally.

Then she stammered, "M-Master, please engrave your mark on me…"

The moment the words left her lips, she felt a cool sensation press against her back. Something warm followed immediately after, as if slowly seeping into her skin.

"Nya~"

Himari raised her chin slightly, her eyes fluttering closed as a soft moan escaped her lips.

At the same time, a system notification sounded in Lynn's mind.

[Ding! Congratulations, Peerage member Himari acquired!]
[Ding! Peerage member Himari has reincarnated as a special-type devil!]

As the prompt echoed, a soft glow radiated from Himari's back. Her Blessing information appeared in Lynn's view.

---
[Himari]
Rank: Mid-Class Devil
Race: Cat Youkai
Owner: Lynn Valefor

Stats:
Strength: i0
Agility: i0
Durability: i0
Magic: i0

Innate Skills:

[Gaze of the Demon Cat]
Shrinks pupils vertically to lock onto the enemy's weak point. The next attack will be a guaranteed critical hit.

[Demonic Power Resonance]
Absorbs leyline energy to passively heal minor injuries. During the process, temporarily transforms into beast form.

[Guardian Devil]

Cat Swarm: Summons 3 spirit cats to orbit a designated ally. Each cat can block 1 attack. Upon being destroyed, they explode and stun nearby enemies for 1 second.

Lifeline Usurpation: When an ally is dying, consume 1 of Himari's own lifelines to redirect the fatal damage to the nearest enemy, restoring 40% of the ally's health.


[Devil Transformation: Nine Lives]

---

After reading through her Blessing, Lynn nodded with satisfaction.

"As expected of a guardian-type cat girl."

Himari: "?"

She blinked in confusion.

Lynn copied her Blessing data and handed it to her.

After reading through her [Guardian Devil] skill, Himari finally understood what he meant.

"Guardian Devil…"

Himari repeated the term softly, then broke into a smile.

"I really like this ability!"

She looked up at Lynn with shining eyes. "I'll definitely protect Master and everyone in the Peerage!"

"Hmm…"

Lynn rested his chin on his hand and smiled. "I can feel your resolve…"

"So…"

"Put your clothes back on first."

"Nya!!"

Himari yelped, face flushed deep red.

In the next moment, she reverted to her white-haired feline form and curled up on the desk, softly whimpering in embarrassment.

Seeing that, Lynn chuckled.

A moment later.

---

[Ding! Guardian cat girl Himari has joined the group chat!]

Inukimi: ?!

----

In the Warring States Period, Inukimi stared blankly at the notification.

She was away on business for just a short while and her house got robbed again?

Even worse.

"Another damn cat?!"

A surge of alarm rose in Inukimi's heart.

"No! I can't let cats dominate Master's Peerage!"

"This means war!"

Her eyes turned serious.

She needed reinforcements.

Where were the dog girls?!

The group chat continued to buzz.

----

Kasumigaoka Utaha: Congrats on acquiring another pet, Master.

Midori Fuse: Welcome.

Youtsuya Miko: Another fine warrior joins the Cult of Cats. Welcome.

---

Tokyo. A café.

Utaha put down her phone.

After finishing things in the Demon Slayer world, she had taken a short vacation.

She was currently having coffee with Machida Sonoko.

"Illustrator?"

Utaha casually waved a hand. "Just grab someone random."

Money didn't interest her anymore.

Since Haruno took over Peerage finances, everyone got a steady monthly allowance. Her novel royalties were nothing in comparison.

She still wrote, but it was purely for fun.

That said…

An idea came to her.

"How's Shiina Mashiro doing lately?" Utaha asked.

Machida Sonoko flinched. "Utaha, we're just a light novel publisher. We can't afford a world-famous artist!"

Utaha smirked.

We're from the same Peerage. What's impossible?

But she kept that thought to herself.

Machida Sonoko patted her chest confidently. "Don't worry! I already arranged someone you'll definitely like!"

"…Fine."

Utaha stirred her coffee lazily.

A few moments later.

A girl with twin blonde pigtails came running in, panting.

"Sorry, sorry! The traffic was awful so I'm a bit late!"

Utaha raised an eyebrow. "First-year, Sawamura-san?"

"Huh?"

Eriri blinked in surprise, then looked up.

Seeing Utaha, her eyes widened. "Second-year... Kasumigaoka-senpai?!"

Utaha's lips curled slightly.

The evil piece within her, tied to Lynn's authority, pulsed.

It was indicating something.

This girl—Sawamura Eriri—had potential as one of Lynn's future harem members.

While Eriri and Machida chatted, Utaha posted in the group chat:

---

Kasumigaoka Utaha: Ah~ I accidentally discovered another future harem candidate for Master.

Inukimi: ?

Yotsuya Miko: …

The group went silent.

---

Shuchiin, Student Council Room.

A refined girl with chestnut brown hair sat in the seat of authority.

Across from her, Kaguya Shinomiya held her teacup with a frigid expression.

Sitting nearby, a large pink-haired girl took a sip of tea, then suddenly yelped, sticking out her tongue.

"Hot!"

Yuuki Asuna chuckled at her antics.

Bang!

Kaguya suddenly slammed her cup down on the table.

"Asuna, what do you think about the Supernatural Investigation Club?"

Her voice was icy, chilling the entire room.

Yuuki Asuna blinked, a little taken aback.

The Supernatural Investigation Club?

She had heard of it.

It was hard not to, considering how all its members were gorgeous girls… and it had a very infamous nickname.

The Harem Club.

Her expression turned odd. Why had Kaguya brought it up all of a sudden?

After thinking for a bit, Asuna smiled gently. "I've heard of it. But I don't know the details."

Her voice was as warm as sunlight, melting the tension in the room.

Fujiwara Chika, caught between the icy chill and gentle warmth, suddenly had a genius idea.

In summer, stay near Kaguya. In winter, cling to the president!

Cool in summer. Warm in winter. Perfect!

She beamed.

Meanwhile, Kaguya's expression didn't thaw in the slightest.

She said coldly, "You've heard the rumors about the harem, haven't you?"

Asuna rested her chin in her hand and nodded.

"That's no rumor," Kaguya declared sternly.

"There are eyewitnesses. The club's improper relationships with their male minister are real."

"Such a club is a disgrace to Shuchiin's reputation!"

Her passionate rant left both Asuna and Chika stunned.

But…

Having known Kaguya for a while, they couldn't help but feel something was off.

Maybe…

Someone in the Supernatural Investigation Club offended her?

Asuna coughed lightly and said, "I understand."

"So, do you want the Student Council to disband the club?"

Kaguya remained silent, but her expression said it all.

Asuna smiled again. "If what you say is true, then yes, such a club can't be allowed."

Kaguya nodded, satisfied.

"But—"

Kaguya: "?"

Asuna changed her tone. "Without proper investigation, we can't act."

As president, she couldn't just disband a club on hearsay.

"How about this…"

After thinking it over, she said, "I'll go to the Supernatural Investigation Club myself tomorrow and conduct a full inspection."

"If the allegations are true, they will be disbanded immediately."

Asuna's tone was firm.

Kaguya pursed her lips but didn't object.

Though it wasn't immediate, the result would be the same.

After all…

In her eyes, the club's relationships were far too indecent.

At the side, Chika's eyes lit up.

The Supernatural Investigation Club…

Where have I heard that name before…?

Bang!

Suddenly, the student council room door flew open.

A petite girl with long black hair walked in.

She paused at the atmosphere in the room, then grinned. "Looks like I missed something fun."

"Ahem!"

Yuki Suou cleared her throat, drawing attention as she stepped in. "So, who wants to catch me up on what's going on?"

Asuna smiled and quickly filled her in on everything regarding the Supernatural Investigation Club.

After hearing it all, Yuki Suou narrowed her eyes.

"The president of that club…"

"His name is Lynn, right?"

Asuna blinked. "You know him?"

Yuki Suou suddenly smiled like a mischievous noblewoman. She looked at Kaguya with a strange glint in her eyes and patted her shoulder.

"Kaguya… you're quite brave."

Kaguya: "?"

She frowned, clearly annoyed. "What are you even talking about?"

"Ah!"

Chika suddenly shouted. "I remember now! The old school building incident—that was solved by the Supernatural Investigation Club!"

(To be continued.)