The summons from Rias Gremory came a few days later, delivered by a composed Kiba Yuuto during a quiet moment in the school courtyard. "Takakura-kun," Kiba had said, his friendly smile firmly in place, "Rias-buchou would like to formally invite you to an Occult Research Club meeting this afternoon after classes. She wishes to discuss your… unique situation further, and perhaps offer some clarity on the matters we touched upon previously."
Ren's stomach did a familiar flip-flop. Clarity sounded good. More involvement with actual Devils? Less so. But Reborn's earlier words about navigating alliances echoed in his mind. Refusing felt like a missed opportunity, or worse, an act that might be misinterpreted as hostile.
"Alright, Kiba-senpai," Ren had replied, trying to sound more confident than he felt. "I'll be there."
And so, after the final bell, Ren found himself once again walking towards the old, secluded building that housed the Occult Research Club. Reborn, naturally, was with him, nestled in his carrier, ostensibly napping but undoubtedly listening to every word, every nuance.
The atmosphere in the clubroom was different this time. Less like an initial, cautious assessment and more like… a recruitment pitch, albeit a very subtle and elegant one. Rias Gremory sat at her ornate desk, a picture of regal composure. Akeno Himejima lounged gracefully on one of the plush sofas, her smile as alluring and enigmatic as ever. Kiba offered Ren tea with his usual princely charm, while Koneko Toujou sat curled in her favorite armchair, munching on a yokan bar, her golden eyes fixed on Ren with an unblinking, analytical stare.
"Welcome back, Ren Takakura," Rias began, her voice smooth and melodious. "We appreciate you taking the time to meet with us again. We've had some… discussions… since our last conversation. And we believe we might be able to offer you something more concrete than just vague promises of guidance."
"Oh?" Ren asked, trying to keep his expression neutral.
"As you now know," Rias continued, "we are Devils. This territory, Kuoh Town, is under the protection of the Gremory clan. It is our responsibility to maintain the balance, to deal with threats that arise from the supernatural world – Stray Devils, rogue Fallen Angels, and other such… inconveniences." She paused, her gaze intent. "Your abilities, Takakura-kun, while clearly untrained and somewhat… volatile… are undeniably potent. And your unique nature, your apparent reincarnation, makes you a figure of considerable interest."
Akeno giggled softly. "Ara, ara, what Buchou means to say, Takakura-kun, is that you're a fascinating anomaly. And we like fascinating anomalies."
"What we are proposing," Rias said, cutting smoothly through Akeno's teasing, "is a more formal association. Not necessarily as a member of my peerage – your existing powers and unique status make that a complex issue. But as an ally. Someone who can work with us, learn from us, and in turn, lend your strength to our cause when needed. We can offer you training in controlling your abilities – Akeno and I have some experience with energy manipulation. We can offer you information about the world you've stumbled into. And, most importantly, we can offer you a measure of protection. As you've already discovered, your powers are attracting unwanted attention."
Ren thought of the Stray Devils, of the unsettling feeling of being watched. Protection sounded good. But at what cost? "And what would you expect from me in return, Gremory-senpai?"
"Loyalty," Rias said simply. "Cooperation. A willingness to stand with us when threats arise that concern us all. Kuoh Town is our home. We protect it. If you choose to make it your home as well, then our interests align."
It was a tempting offer. A path to understanding, to control, perhaps even to safety. But Ren was wary. He was already entangled with Reborn and the Vongola, a shadowy organization whose motives were still largely a mystery to him. Could he afford to pledge allegiance to another powerful, supernatural faction?
Before he could formulate a response, the door to the clubroom opened, and Kiba Yuuto, who had briefly stepped out, returned, his usually cheerful expression replaced by a look of grim concern.
"Buchou," Kiba said, his voice urgent, "I've just received a report. There's been… unusual activity sighted around the old church on the hill. Increased Fallen Angel presence. And some… disturbing rumors about the nun who resides there. The one named Asia Argento."
Ren's blood ran cold. Asia. He'd had a bad feeling about her situation ever since he'd met her.
Rias's expression hardened. "Fallen Angels? At the church? What are they planning?"
Kiba shook his head. "The details are unclear. But my informant mentioned something about a… ritual. And a Sacred Gear. Twilight Healing."
"Twilight Healing?" Akeno murmured, her playful demeanor vanishing, replaced by a look of serious concern. "That's an incredibly rare and powerful Sacred Gear. Capable of healing any wound, even those inflicted by Devils or Holy Swords. If the Fallen Angels were to get their hands on it, or worse, find a way to extract it…"
The implications hung heavy in the air. Ren thought of Asia's sweet, innocent face, her gentle kindness. The idea of her being harmed, of her power being stolen or misused, filled him with a cold, sickening dread.
From a dimly lit, makeshift command post hidden deep within the catacombs beneath the abandoned church, Raynare, the Fallen Angel, smiled with cruel satisfaction. Her subordinates, Kalawarner and Dohnaseek, stood by, awaiting her orders. Freed Sellzen, the gleefully sadistic Stray Exorcist, was currently "entertaining" their captive, Asia Argento, in one of the lower chambers, his delighted shrieks echoing faintly up the stone corridors.
"The preparations are almost complete," Raynare announced, her voice smooth and confident. "The ritual to extract Twilight Healing will commence on the next dark moon. That foolish little nun has served her purpose, luring out any potential Sacred Gear users in this town with her indiscriminate healing. Soon, her power will be mine. And with it, I will gain considerable favor with Lord Azazel." She paused, a flicker of annoyance crossing her beautiful features. "The only minor complication was that human boy who interfered in the park. Dohnaseek, you and Kalawarner will ensure he poses no further threat. Eliminate him if necessary. He's an unknown variable, and I don't like unknowns."
"With pleasure, Lady Raynare," Dohnaseek sneered, cracking his knuckles. Kalawarner merely nodded, her expression cold and predatory.
The storm was gathering, the shadows converging around the unsuspecting Asia Argento. And Ren Takakura, along with the Devils of the Occult Research Club, were about to be drawn directly into its heart.