DxD: Chapter 62/64

Chapter 62: Life Devil

As expected, she reincarnated as a devil.

Lynn was still a little surprised that Yuuko had successfully completed her reincarnation.

Although the Evil Piece had confirmed it long ago…

Ghosts, after all, were beings without physical form.

It felt like there were still hidden mechanics within the Evil Piece that even he hadn't fully explored.

"Ghost Devil…"

After reviewing the skill description, what caught his attention most was the Earthbound Spirit ability.

Inherent barrier.

This was the first time Lynn had seen this type of ability.

He tried to sense it himself.

Then his expression turned a little strange.

It was… the old school building.

As for Will-o'-the-Wisp, it didn't seem particularly useful, though it did expand his toolkit.

Additionally, he seemed to have gained a new state.

One that was similar to Yuuko's ghost state.

Meaning…

He could phase through walls now?


---

On the other side.

Yuuko was still playing with her devil wings in disbelief.

"I really reincarnated…" she muttered in awe.

But then she looked at her body, confused.

"It still feels like I'm a ghost."

Even after becoming a devil, her ghostly traits hadn't disappeared.

Lynn handed her a copy of her Blessings info.

"Just check your skills. It'll make sense."

Yuuko browsed through it.

Skipping the currently irrelevant basic stats, her eyes landed on the title:

"Ghost Devil?"

She smirked.

"So I'm both a ghost and a devil now?"

"That's about right," Lynn replied.

"Okay."

Yuuko accepted it quickly.

"Will-o'-the-Wisp…"

She muttered to herself, "Could it be what I think it is?"

She closed her eyes and guided the power within her.

Fwoosh!

A series of blue flames suddenly ignited in the air around her.

Yuuko laughed, her lips twitching slightly.

"Now I've got all the characteristics of a classic ghost."

And the Earthbound Spirit skill…

Was it symbolic of something?

Still—

The result was what mattered.

At the very least.

"I don't feel any more connection to the old school building!"

Yuuko looked stunned.

That meant…

She was no longer trapped.

She could finally leave this cage she'd been bound to for decades.

Well…

Technically, it wasn't that she left the school building…

The school building followed her.

Lynn debated whether or not to tell her.

Forget it.

Let her figure it out on her own.

"Alright, next—Hana."

"Here, here!"

When her name was called, Hana raised her hand excitedly, though there was nervousness in her expression too.

She hadn't expected that reincarnating as a devil would require… stripping.

But—

She didn't want to be separated from Miko!

Her eyes firmed with resolve.

She quickly removed her school uniform, leaving only her camisole.

She hesitated.

"Umm… Should I put it on the front too?" she whispered.

Miko's engraving had been on the front, right?

She sneaked a glance at Yuuko.

But…

The front was… too much!

Even for someone as carefree as her, she was still a high school girl!

Lynn noticed her hesitation.

"It's fine. Just show your back."

He wasn't some kind of deviant.

He'd never force someone to have their Blessings engraved on the front.

Relieved, Hana let out a breath.

Then she turned around, loosened her back collar, and exposed her smooth back.

Seeing this, Lynn placed the Evil Piece onto her skin.

"Hnn…"

The cold sensation made her body twitch slightly.

Buzz——

[Ding! Yurikawa Hana has been added to your Peerage!]
[Ding! Your Peerage member has reincarnated as a special devil: Life Devil!]
[Ding! You have acquired the skill: Life Energy, Life Devil!]
[Ding! Your overall power has increased slightly!]

The screen displayed Hana's Blessings:


---

Yurikawa Hana
Rank: Low-Class Devil
Race: Devil
Peerage: Lynn Valefor

Strength: i0

Agility: i0

Durability: i0

Magic: i0


Inherent Skills:

[Life Energy]

Life Drain (Absorbs life energy through eating)

Accelerated Stamina Recovery


[Life Devil]

Regeneration (Consumes life energy to heal. The greater the energy used, the stronger the effect.)

Life Flame (Converts life energy into flames)

Devil Transformation: Life Plunder Mode




---

The ninth Peerage member, secured!

And it was another specialized devil.

Lynn focused on Hana's skill set.

[Life Energy]!

Just like Miko's [Yin-Yang Eyes], it was a rare talent with built-in abilities.

That said, he'd already expected this.

Hana's immense vitality had stood out to him from the start.

Next was…

[Life Devil].

After reading the skill description, Lynn's eyes gleamed.

Regeneration!

Now that was a rare one.

He didn't have many healing-type abilities in his Peerage.

Healing by consuming life energy.

Interesting.

It seemed [Life Devil] and [Life Energy] were interconnected skills.

That made them even more efficient.

What was once just a source for grilling cursed spirits…

Could now be used in other ways.

And beyond that.

[Life Flame] was particularly exciting.

A power system independent of traditional magic.

Though likely better suited for close combat.

Hmm…

He'd have to find a good way to refine and upgrade it.

Maybe borrow more coins.

Or better yet…

Snatch them from Rias?

Lynn rubbed his chin, eyes glinting.

Wait.

Didn't Natsuki-chan have a human magician junior?

Sasaki Misaki.

He clicked his tongue.

Getting anything out of Natsuki Minamiya was going to be tough.

Better save that thought for later.

Lynn saved Hana's Blessings info and handed her a copy.

Hana quickly got dressed and took a look.

But then scratched her head.

"Hmm… I don't get any of this."

She looked at Miko with teary eyes.

"Miko~ Help me read this!"

Miko gave her a helpless smile.

Hana, you really are clueless sometimes…

But once she saw Hana's Blessings—her expression shifted.

This fool… is actually that strong?!


---

With the incident at the old school building wrapped up, Lynn brought Yuuko and Hana to the Supernatural Investigation Club.

Yuuko turned to glance at the old school building behind her, feeling a strange mix of nostalgia and disbelief.

After all, she'd spent sixty years trapped in that place.


---

Supernatural Investigation Club.

Hana was filling out her club application.

Yuuko shouted from the side, "I want one too!"

Utaha gave her a side glance.

"Why would a ghost like you join the club?"

"Ghosts don't have human rights now?" Yuuko puffed her cheeks.

Lynn cut in before the bickering got worse.

"Alright, time to start club activities."

"Club activities?"

"What are those?"

Hana and Yuuko looked at him, curious.

"Well… heading to another world to fight monsters and level up."

"Eh?!"

(To be continued.)

Chapter 63: What Are You Doing Utaha-Senpai

Zombie World.

After Hana and Yuuko stepped through the door, they were surprised.

"Is this really another world?"

They looked around.

It didn't seem that different from the modern world?

Lynn called Rei and asked her to guide them around the Zombie World and have them fight a few zombies to test their abilities.

As for Lynn.

He was preparing to update the blessings of Utaha and the others.

But...

"Where's Utaha?"

Utaha had secretly put her things away earlier and rushed back in a hurry.

Lynn looked at her suspiciously.

He had a strange feeling that Utaha was acting a little off today.

Ever since they were at the Supernatural Investigation Club...

Being stared at by Lynn, Utaha averted her eyes, her cheeks heating up.

Tonight, she would become Lynn's woman...

Her face grew even hotter at the thought.

"Alright, I'll update your blessing and check your stats."

Earlier today, they worked together to take down a Grade 1 cursed spirit. He had a feeling they'd grown quite a bit.

Lynn's bedroom.

"You first, Utaha."

Utaha nodded and casually removed her top.

Having gone through this process several times, she was still a little shy, but she had gotten used to it.

Lynn manually updated her blessing.

"Hmm~"

Utaha felt Lynn's fingers brushing against her back, and she instinctively squeezed her thighs together.


---

Kasumigaoka Utaha
Low-Class Devil
Race: Devil
Master: Lynn Valefor
Strength: a823
Agility: a877
Durability: a827
Magic: s999

Inherent Skills:
[Devil Tome] (omitted)


---

Lynn raised his eyebrows and copied her blessing info.

He said, "Utaha, your magic has already reached the limit, and the other stats are close too. Are you ready to upgrade?"

Without Saeko's [Yearning for Killing], this was about the limit Utaha could reach.

The buildup from before, plus today's Grade 1 cursed spirit hunt, had pushed her right to the upgrade threshold.

Utaha looked over her blessing information, realizing there wasn't much room left for growth.

Aside from magic, the rest weren't her strong points.

"Then let's upgrade."

Lynn continued the process.

Utaha's blessing data refreshed.


---

Kasumigaoka Utaha
Mid-Class Devil
Race: Devil
Master: Lynn Valefor
Strength: i0
Agility: i0
Durability: i0
Magic: i0

Inherent Skills:
[Devil Tome]

Can record magic, mystical arts, and other abilities, then release them through the Devil Tome. The more detailed the information, the more complete the replication.

Devil Transformation: Merges the body and the Devil Tome into one, allowing the user to wield all stored abilities.

Accelerated magic growth.


Development Ability: Thunder Strike


---

There wasn't much change to the Archivist Devil's core abilities.

The only new development was Thunder Strike, likely the result of her frequent use of lightning-based attacks.

Utaha's level advancement didn't affect Lynn directly.

The skill [Evil Piece] also showed no change.

However, Lynn still received feedback from Utaha's level-up.

He now had access to the Thunder Strike development ability as well.

Not bad. Better than nothing.

Utaha reviewed her upgraded blessing information.

Seeing her status as a Mid-Class Devil, she smiled slightly.

She whispered, "Finally... I've caught up with Saeko."

In truth, she often felt a little pathetic.

She was Lynn's first Peerage member, yet she'd been surpassed in everything.

Whether it was strength, or the pace of her relationship with Lynn.

It was a total defeat.

But tonight, things were finally different!

While Lynn was updating Saeko's blessing, Utaha casually asked, "Master, have you been going to Saeko's room every night lately?"

"Hmm?"

Lynn looked at her in surprise and said with curiosity, "You didn't know?"

"...?"

"You're the one who stands outside the door eavesdropping every night."

"...!"

Utaha's beautiful eyes widened, and she stammered, "W-What?! T-That's... I didn't... I wouldn't..."

The more she spoke, the more flustered she became.

"I-I just remembered something I haven't done yet. I'll head out now!"

Utaha hurriedly got up from the bed, completely embarrassed.

Lynn said flatly, "Put your clothes on first."

"...Hmm."

Utaha paused, then obediently got dressed.

Miko and Mahiru exchanged glances, both noticing the strange atmosphere.

Utaha-senpai... so this is what you're like!

A little while later, Lynn also updated Miko and Mahiru's blessings...

"Miko's stats are close to the limit. She should be ready to upgrade in a few more days."

"Mahiru hasn't been in the Peerage for long, so it's normal for her stats to still be low."

Lynn patted Mahiru's head gently to comfort her.

"Hmm..."

Feeling Lynn's warm hand on her head, Mahiru's face turned red.

She then recalled the magic replenishment earlier today.

She glanced at Lynn's lips involuntarily.

Thin, soft...

But since it happened in the middle of battle, she didn't feel like she'd really experienced it.

Also...

At the time, there were the scents of Utaha and Miko too...

Maybe... let's do it again...

"Master Lynn, Mahiru will work hard to level up!"

Mahiru's eyes shimmered slightly as she spoke with determination.

Then she added in a whisper, "After Mahiru levels up... could Master give Mahiru a little reward?"

Her face turned even redder as she said it.

Who knows what she was imagining.

Miko's eyes widened in shock, staring at Mahiru.

Mahiru... you're that bold!?

She always thought Mahiru was the gentle type but she was actually so forward!

Lynn pinched her soft cheek with a smile.
"Don't worry. Even if you don't level up, you can still ask me for a reward anytime."

Lynn had always been generous with his Peerage.

"Really!?"

Mahiru's eyes lit up.

Then she said shyly,
"T-Then... can I request magic replenishment?"

"The first time... I didn't get to experience it fully..."

Lynn froze for a second.

Mahiru was... surprisingly bold.

"W-Was that too much?"

Seeing Lynn not respond, Mahiru lowered her head in disappointment.

She started getting anxious.

Lynn pinched her cheek firmly, causing her to yelp in pain.

"Didn't you want a reward?"

Mahiru looked up in surprise, then leaned in closer.

"Hmm~"

Yes, this scent, this warmth, it was Lynn's alone.

Miko watched silently, her expression complex.

Shouldn't I... be making a move too...?

If things keep going like this, there won't be any place for me in the Peerage!

Utaha-senpai, what are you doing!

Weren't we the ones who joined first!?

(To be continued.)

Chapter 64: New World?

The next day.

Early in the morning.

At the dining table, Utaha absentmindedly poked at the food in her bowl, looking a little down.

No appetite~

She shot a resentful glance at Saeko.

As if to say: Why didn't Lynn go to your room last night?

Saeko smiled calmly. "Nothing I can do about it. No one can predict where Master wants to go."

She recalled, "I remember one time, Master did not even come to this world at all."

Utaha paused for a moment, then remembered it.

And her mood sank even further.

That day, Lynn had spent the whole night playing video games with Koneko.

She hadn't realized Lynn and Koneko were that close!

Could it be…

The women in the Peerage could no longer satisfy Lynn?

Utaha's thoughts spiraled, eventually circling back to herself.

She couldn't keep going on like this.

She was willing to give, was there anything she couldn't give?

But the courage she'd finally built up…


---

Weekend.

Higurashi Shrine.

Yukino and Yui stood beneath the torii gate.

"Yukinon, will this really work?" Yui asked nervously, trying her best not to look around too much.

It had been a few days since the incident at the old school building.

After experiencing multiple encounters with cursed spirits, she'd gotten slightly better at dealing with them.

But…

It was still terrifying!

They lived in constant fear every day.

Physically and mentally exhausted, dark circles had formed under their eyes.

Their energy was completely drained.

There were even times when they felt like they might die from fright.

The cursed spirits were cunning, disguising themselves and using deception.

Several times, they thought they were going to be exposed.

Hmm…

If this continued, it wouldn't be any different from death.

Yukino also looked worn out, her lips pressed tight. "This is the last shrine nearby. If this doesn't work…"

We'll have no choice but to ask Lynn for help.

"Let's go."

Yukino took the lead, stepping up the stairs.

As they climbed toward the shrine, they kept scanning the area with their peripheral vision.

"Yukinon, I don't think there are any cursed spirits here," Yui whispered, a little excited.

Yukino's eyes also brightened slightly, hope rising in her chest.

Maybe this shrine really can protect us…

After a while—

The two of them finally reached the top.

They stood just outside the shrine.

"Welcome. Are you here to worship?" Kagome Higurashi, dressed in a shrine maiden outfit and holding a broom, looked at the two girls curiously.

Something about them…

Didn't seem quite right?

Yukino hesitated a moment, then replied, "Yes. We're here to worship."

Kagome smiled gently. "Alright, please follow me."

Yukino and Yui glanced at each other and walked in.

This shrine is so clean…

Maybe—just maybe!

Just as Kagome led them around a corner, passing by a small, somewhat hidden shrine.

"YAAAAAH!!"

A terrifying shriek rang out from beneath the shrine.

Yukino and Yui froze on the spot.

W-What was that!?

Why… why did it sound like something was screaming?

Yukino tried to look around discreetly, only relaxing slightly when she didn't see anything suspicious.

It's probably just an illusion…

Must be the stress lately playing tricks on me.

Just as she started to breathe easy.

Bang!

Bang bang!!

Yukino froze again.

"Ahaha~" Kagome scratched her cheek awkwardly as she looked over at the sealed well.

Recently, strange noises had been coming from there, scaring off all the shrine's visitors.

Sigh…

If this continued, the shrine might really go bankrupt!

"Uh… It's fine, really! Nothing to worry about, just... just…"

Kagome stammered, clearly flustered.

She really wasn't lying.

Even though the well had been making strange noises, nothing unusual was found whenever they opened it to check.

And so far, nothing abnormal had occurred at the shrine itself.

But…

Visitors were still terrified.

Seeing Kagome's awkwardness, Yukino turned toward the direction the sound came from.

It didn't seem like it was a cursed spirit...

But it was definitely weird!

Let's just finish worshipping and leave quickly.

Hopefully this place works…

Some time later—

They each took a fragment of the Shikon Jewel and left Higurashi Shrine.

Then—

"…It didn't work?"

Yukino and Yui looked at each other in silence.

The reason there were no cursed spirits at that shrine…

Was probably because of the scary noises coming from it, right?

Higurashi Shrine.

Kagome grumbled, "Mom, if we don't fix this, the shrine's going under!"

"I don't know what to do either," her mom replied. "Why don't you think of something, Kagome?"

"Ahh…"


---

Monday.

Shuchiin Academy.

3 PM, Supernatural Investigation Club.

Yukino bowed deeply. "Please, President Lynn!"

Lynn showed no particular expression upon seeing Yukino again.

Judging from her condition, she must've had a rough few days.

"Exorcism services outside of school start at 5 million yen. Just prepare the money."

Lynn had finally reopened the exorcism business that had been shelved for some time.

Five… five million!?

Yukino's face went stiff.

5 million yen… Her sister and mother could afford that.

But just because they could afford it didn't mean she could.

Should I ask my sister…?

Yukino hesitated.

She didn't want to involve her family in supernatural matters because of her.

But...

There was no other way.

"…Wait a moment."

Yukino left the Supernatural Investigation Club, bit her lip, and called Yukinoshita Haruno.

"Well now, this is a surprise. Yukino actually called her big sister?" a playful voice answered the phone.

"…Sis."

On the other end, Haruno paused, set down what she was doing, and narrowed her eyes.

"Yukino's voice… something's not right."

"Did something happen?"

Yukino was silent for a moment, then said, "…It's nothing. Um… Can you transfer 5 million yen to me?"

Haruno went silent.

5 million yen wasn't much for her.

But she wanted to know what Yukino needed it for.

Something felt… off.

She took a deep breath, then teased in a joking tone, "What's Yukino going to do? Hire a boyfriend?"

"..."

The silence on the other end said enough. Haruno sighed. "Knew you wouldn't answer."

"I'll transfer the 5 million, but!" Haruno's voice sharpened. "I will find out what it's for."

The call ended with a sharp beep.

Yukino sighed softly.

"Knew it'd turn out like this…"

But—

This was the only option left.

At the very least, she couldn't let Yui continue to suffer.

The cursed spirits roaming the streets were beyond them.

At least their homes should be safe.

She put her phone away and walked back into the Supernatural Investigation Club.

"…The money is ready."

Lynn looked up and said, "Miko, go with her."

Five million yen wasn't even enough for him to splurge.

Especially for a simple exorcism.

Utaha and Miko would be enough to handle it.

He had more important matters to attend to.

The [Devil's Summoning]… had finally activated!

(To be continued.)