Chapter 9 - Rias: Huh!? How's she this strong?
"What, you're happy I can't fill my peerage?"
Rias shot him a suspicious glance.
She could practically feel the impure thoughts radiating off him.
"How could I be?" Cain chuckled, smoothly changing the subject. "Actually, there's something I wanted to ask about Shiho."
"Go ahead."
"She only became a devil yesterday and has zero combat experience. I was hoping your people could give her some guidance." He paused, then added with a grin, "And if you felt like teaching me a few advanced demonic techniques while you're at it, I wouldn't complain."
He had zero patience for teaching step by step.
Rias rolled her eyes. "Keep dreaming."
This guy wanted everything handed to him on a silver platter.
Cain just blinked, looking entirely serious.
The Lucifuge Clan was prestigious, but its demonic techniques couldn't compare to the Gremory clan's especially when it came to advanced techniques. Those were closely guarded clan spells even among the 72 Pillars.
And with Shiho's Heart of Magic?
She'd master anything taught to her in no time.
Zero risk and massive profit.
Rias's mouth twitched, but she didn't refuse.
It wasn't as if she hadn't shared clan spells with Cain before.
She sighed. "Fine. Let's see what element suits her first, then I'll handle it."
"For now, Akeno, why don't you give her some basic training?"
"Yes, President."
Akeno nodded gracefully and walked over to Shiho.
"Miss Shiho, please attack me with everything you have. I want to see your current level."
Shiho's eyes lit up. "Then please take care of me, Miss Akeno."
She'd spent all last night mastering spell after spell. Finally, a chance to test them.
Demonic power surged silently, making the air itself tremble.
"Wait!"
Akeno quickly raised a hand to stop her.
Are you serious?
She became a devil yesterday and she's already putting out Mid Class pressure?
If they actually fought indoors, the entire old schoolhouse might get demolished.
Rias and Koneko wore identical expressions of disbelief.
They weren't rookies. They knew the devil hierarchy inside out.
Unless someone was reincarnated from an inherently powerful species, every new devil, especially a former human, started at Low class.
Yet the girl in front of them, an ordinary human just twenty four hours ago, was already a Mid class.
This was straight up cheating.
Rias turned to Cain. "How?"
"Because she has an excellent Master, of course." Cain's tone was utterly serious. "If you became my servant, you'd be strong up just like that."
As if!
Rias rolled her eyes. She didn't believe a word.
More likely Shiho had some hidden special bloodline.
From that angle… Cain had really lucked out.
After a brief silence, Akeno spoke. "Shiho-san, let's take this outside."
"My apologies. I got carried away," Shiho said, realizing the issue.
It definitely wasn't smart to blow up the clubroom.
"It's my fault for not suggesting it sooner," Akeno replied, shaking her head as she led the way.
Behind the old schoolhouse lay a wide, open training field, the usual spot for Rias's peerage drills.
Shiho and Akeno faced each other across the grass.
"I'm starting, Miss Akeno."
Shiho extended both hands. Demonic power flared.
Buzz.
A magic circle materialized in the air.
The next instant, several razor-sharp wind blades tore forward and surrounded Akeno.
"Wind blades?"
Akeno's eyes sharpened.
Basic spell, yes, but the precision and control were flawless.
Was this really someone who'd been human yesterday?
She reacted instantly and countered with her own magic.
Bang! Bang! Bang!
Explosions of smoke and pressure rolled outward as the spells collided.
Rias watched and murmured, "You really did pick up a treasure."
Cain stroked his chin and smiled faintly. "And this is only the beginning."
"!?"
Rias looked utterly confused.
"Miss Akeno, let's keep going!"
"Very well."
Shiho mirrored Akeno's earlier gesture and cast again.
Buzz.
A new circle flared, this time crackling with electricity.
Brilliant sparks erupted.
"No way…"
Rias's eyes widened.
Lightning magic too?
Two completely different basic elements mastered in a single day?
And clearly not her limit.
Moments later, the answer became obvious.
Boom! Boom! Boom!
Shiho unleashed a relentless barrage: fire, ice, wind, lightning, even barrier spells, and she switched seamlessly between them.
Rias was stunned speechless.
This wasn't just learning in a day.
This was beyond broken.
Outrageous.