Inside the Occult Research Club room, Ryuichi sat across from Rias Gremory, who was patiently explaining the details of the so-called Promotion Exam.
"The hierarchy of Devils," she began, raising two slender fingers, "is divided into four main ranks — Low-Class, Mid-Class, High-Class, and Ultimate-Class. But strictly speaking, when we talk about a Devil's 'rank,' we're actually referring to two separate systems."
Ryuichi tilted his head. "Two systems?"
Rias smiled, clearly pleased by his curiosity. "That's right. One is based on actual strength. The other is based on social rank — the official title or position a Devil holds."
Ryuichi blinked. "So what's the difference?"
"Most of the time, Devils judge each other by rank titles," Rias explained. "For example, I'm a High-Class Devil. Akeno and Koneko are Mid-Class. You, Ryuichi, are still officially a Low-Class Devil. You already knew that much, right?"
"Yeah, I figured."
He'd heard it plenty of times — usually from enemies sneering that he was a "pathetic low-class Devil." Not that it bothered him. Everyone started somewhere, after all. You only became strong by climbing step by step.
Rias continued with a soft, knowing smile. "But I'm sure you've wondered before — why is Akeno still a Mid-Class Devil even though her combat power rivals mine?"
That had indeed puzzled Ryuichi for a long time. Akeno Himejima's strength was unquestionably at the High-Class level.
Now, after hearing Rias's explanation, the pieces finally started to fall into place.
"So even though Akeno's power is already on par with a High-Class Devil," he said thoughtfully, "her official title hasn't changed because she hasn't passed the Promotion Exam. So one's about raw strength… and the other's about status, right?"
"Exactly."
Rias nodded, clearly pleased. "You've got it."
Ryuichi sighed, half amused. "So basically one's a strength ranking and the other's a bureaucratic title. Figures."
Rias chuckled, eyes sparkling with mischief. "Hehe, that's one way to put it — and not entirely wrong."
She slipped closer, hugging his arm with a teasing smile. "But don't underestimate that 'title.' Only those who've been formally recognized and granted a High-Class rank by a Maou can receive their own set of Evil Pieces."
Ryuichi blinked. "You mean… the same kind of pieces you used on us?"
"That's right," she said, her tone bright. "And that's the real purpose of the Promotion Exam. Even you, Ryuichi, could become a High-Class Devil one day — and form your own peerage as a King."
Ryuichi laughed softly. "But I'm already part of your peerage."
Rias's eyes curved like crescents as she smiled. "Exactly. Once you ascend to High-Class, you'd become independent — free to lead your own team."
Ryuichi let out a quiet laugh. "That sounds like something far off. I'm perfectly happy serving under you for now, Rias. No need to rush."
Hearing that, Rias's expression softened. "You should still be ambitious, Ryuichi. Even if you become independent, you'll always be my favorite person, no matter what."
"Oh my, oh my~ is that a confession I hear?" Akeno teased with her usual singsong lilt.
At that, Rias froze for a heartbeat. Her smile faltered, her eyes dimming slightly.
It wasn't that she didn't have feelings for Ryuichi — she did, and deeply so. But right now, she didn't feel she had the right to voice them aloud.
After all… there was still that matter with her family.
A shadow flickered across her gaze at the thought.
Ryuichi noticed, of course. He knew her situation — the weight of a fiancé chosen by the Gremory household still hung over her.
"Don't think too far ahead," he said quietly. "Focus on what's in front of you for now."
The words were gentle — and meant as much for himself as for her.
Rias exhaled softly, then forced a small smile. "Anyway, that's how it works. Your current power is already on the level of a Mid-Class Devil, Ryuichi. But without passing the exam, you'll still officially be listed as a Low-Class. That's just how the system is."
So the Promotion Exam wasn't as simple as it sounded.
But instead of worrying, Ryuichi just shrugged. "Is it really that hard to pass? If it's troublesome, I don't mind staying a Low-Class for now. It's just a title. Doesn't bother me much."
For him, only strength truly mattered.
As long as he was powerful enough, the rest was just decoration.
He didn't envy titles or ranks. He could crush so-called High-Class Devils even as a Low-Class. That was enough for him.
If he admired anyone, it was those whose strength alone made them worthy of respect.
Rias let out a soft laugh. "To take the Promotion Exam, you either need to accomplish something extraordinary — or perform exceptionally in the Rating Games. These systems exist to strengthen Devil society as a whole. So, even if it's tedious, you should still aim for it."
Her tone carried a mixture of warmth and encouragement. It was clear she genuinely wanted him to advance — not just for prestige, but because it represented recognition of his worth, even among angels and Fallen Angels.
Ryuichi nodded. "Got it."
"That's the spirit," Rias said, smiling brightly. "Work hard, sign a few major contracts in the human world — those count toward your evaluation too. Oh, and make sure to keep your relationship with your celebrity girlfriend going smoothly!"
Her expression was perfectly calm as she said it — but Ryuichi could see the faint glint of jealousy in her eyes.
Asia, meanwhile, looked like she'd just been struck by lightning. Her emerald eyes shimmered as tears welled up. "Ryuichi-san… you're dating your contract partner? B-but… I could've— I mean— I'll just have to try harder!"
Koneko, ever the straight shooter, muttered under her breath, "What a hopeless flirt."
Caught in the middle of the sudden chaos, Ryuichi could only sigh in exasperation.
"Honestly," he muttered, "Mai's the one giving me headaches lately. She still can't quite accept all this Devil–Angel–Fallen Angel stuff…"
He rubbed the back of his neck with a wry smile. It really was a problem.
Rias, however, arched a crimson brow.
"You do realize something important, don't you?" she said softly. "Your girlfriend is human. Her lifespan, at best, is around eighty years. But you, Ryuichi — as a Devil, your life is eternal."
Ryuichi's expression grew distant. "…Yeah. I've thought about that."
He let out a long breath, his eyes softening. "Which is why… I guess reaching High-Class status isn't just about rank for me anymore."
Only a High-Class Devil with their own Evil Pieces could reincarnate others as Devils — to live alongside them forever.
Rias's lips curved in satisfaction. "I'm glad you understand. So from now on, work hard. Expand our race — and maybe, someday, you'll create your own peerage."
Ryuichi couldn't help laughing. "Whoever invented the Evil Piece system was a real genius."
Rias giggled, her mood lifting instantly. "Hehe, isn't that the truth?"
Then, with a bold glint in her eye, she stepped forward and — right in front of everyone — leaned in and kissed him lightly on the cheek.
"Now," she said playfully, "make sure you finish tonight's job properly, okay?"
Ryuichi blinked, momentarily stunned — while Akeno covered her mouth with a knowing smile, Asia froze mid-blush, and Koneko muttered something that sounded suspiciously like "show-off."
The room's air filled with laughter, warmth, and just the right amount of chaos — another perfectly ordinary day for the Gremory household.