Motohama: Side character life

Kuoh Academy always looked picturesque in the soft morning light, but on this day, it felt haunted by my lingering apprehension. The echoes of the Fallen Angel's attack remained fresh in my mind, though school life had resumed its normal rhythm in the aftermath—classes, gossip, and students bustling through the corridors. Whatever devilish magic Rias and her peerage had used to conceal or erase the memory of the incident seemed to be working. Most students looked relaxed, as though nothing unusual had happened.

But not me. My heart still pounded when I replayed the previous day's events—the shimmering net from my conjured device, the Fallen Angel's malevolent glare, and Rias Gremory stepping in. I had changed the timeline in a direct way. This morning, I couldn't help noticing that Kiba occasionally spared me knowing glances, as if silently acknowledging my involvement.

"Oi, Motohama, you look like you haven't slept!" Matsuda exclaimed, swatting my shoulder.

I winced. "I, uh…did some late-night reading," I lied. "Couldn't get my mind off certain…things."

He barked a laugh, then leaned in conspiratorially. "Lemme guess—adult videos?"

I rolled my eyes. Typical Matsuda. "No, man. Actual reading for class."

Issei, walking alongside us, was too distracted even to join in the banter. He was beaming from ear to ear, practically skipping across the courtyard. I knew the cause: he had a date with Yuuma Amano tomorrow.

"Issei, you seem especially chipper," I remarked. "I take it things are going well with…her?"

He almost swooned at the mention. "She texted me last night. She…she even called me Ise-kun!"

"Nice," Matsuda said, envy dripping from his tone. "So she's definitely into you."

I forced a small smile. This knowledge gnawed at me: Yuuma was no ordinary girl. She was a Fallen Angel named Raynare, and she intended to kill Issei. I had to prevent that, but I still wasn't certain how.

We strolled toward the main building. In the distance, I caught sight of Rias talking to Sona Sitri (the student council president, and also a devil). Their expressions seemed neutral, but I could guess the subject: the presence of Fallen Angels in Kuoh, and possibly a certain side-character's surprising intervention.

When Rias's gaze slid over to me, I gave a slight bow of my head. She gave me the faintest nod in return, though her eyes were critical. My mind flashed back to how she had thanked me for rescuing that student. I wasn't sure if she fully trusted me—or if she intended to keep me under close watch.

Homeroom began with the usual announcements. However, the homeroom teacher's voice sounded almost muffled to me. My gaze drifted around, anxious as I mentally practiced how I might handle tomorrow's crisis. If Issei truly fell into Raynare's trap, Rias would resurrect him using a devil summoning flyer. I wanted to avoid him actually dying, if at all possible.

But that introduced questions: Would Rias still turn Issei into a devil if he never died? How would that shift the entire storyline? And would it affect Rias's ability to stand against rival devils like Riser Phoenix?

I clenched my pen. Was I overthinking? Or was it my responsibility to ensure Issei followed his destined path, albeit more safely?

"Mister Motohama," the teacher's voice boomed, snapping me out of my reverie. "Pay attention!"

I jolted upright. "Yes, sorry!"

Laughter rippled through the classroom. Even Issei smirked. Sighing, I tried to stay awake and focus. My mind was a swirling mess of dramatic possibilities.

Later, we wandered to the cafeteria. Issei was still starry-eyed about Yuuma, so he didn't notice my tension. Even as we ate, he was going on and on about how he planned to impress her on their date: bring her flowers, buy her a milkshake, maybe head to the arcade.

Squeezing my chopsticks, I felt an urge to speak up and warn him. But what could I say? "Hey, that girl's a Fallen Angel who wants your Sacred Gear." I'd sound insane.

So I defaulted to subtlety. "Just be careful, okay? You haven't known her long."

Issei blinked at me, perplexed. "That's…actually some good advice coming from you, man."

Matsuda snickered. "What's the matter, you jealous?"

I exhaled slowly, ignoring the jab. "Nah, just…looking out for you."

"Oh, well, thanks," Issei said, grinning. "But I'm sure it'll be fine. It's gotta be fate, right?"

That afternoon, as classes wrapped up, a surprising incident occurred. I was on my way to the library when I heard a delicate voice call my name.

"Motohama…could I speak with you a moment?"

I glanced around to find Akeno Himejima standing in the corridor, her gentle smile both inviting and enigmatic. The moment I saw her, my heart skipped a beat. She was the "Queen" of Rias's Peerage, famously attractive—and famously dangerous. Her black hair cascaded elegantly, contrasting sharply with her white school uniform.

"Sure," I managed. "What's…uh…what's up?"

She tilted her head, gesturing for me to follow her into a quieter hallway alcove, away from the crowd. "Rias would like a word with you, if you're not too busy."

My pulse quickened. So it was happening. They were going to confront me. "Y-Yeah, of course."

Akeno led me out of the main building, across the courtyard, and into the old school building where the Occult Research Club resided. My mind raced as we climbed the creaking stairs. Could I trust them? In the original story, Rias and her peerage were ultimately the good guys, though they had their secrets and devil allegiances. But I already knew them better than they could guess, so maybe I could navigate this carefully.

The moment we stepped inside, a wave of cool air greeted us. The club room was spacious, with plush sofas and a table at the center. The walls boasted shelves packed with tomes on the occult, and a grand symbol of a magic circle adorned the floor. Candles flickered, giving the space a mysterious vibe.

Rias Gremory stood near the table, her crimson hair cascading gracefully, her posture regal. Kiba leaned against a nearby wall, his arms folded, while Koneko sat in a corner, nibbling on a small box of cookies. She stared at me with that piercing golden gaze.

"Welcome, Motohama," Rias said, voice calm. "Thank you for agreeing to come."

I forced a polite smile. "No problem."

She motioned to the sofa. "Please, have a seat."

I lowered myself onto the sofa, and Akeno joined Rias. The pair towered over me, exuding an aura of authority and magical power.

"Yesterday," Rias began, "something happened on campus. A Fallen Angel targeted a student. You intervened."

I swallowed. "Y-Yes."

Kiba stepped forward, his tone courteous but firm. "We're curious how you managed that. Most humans can't even perceive such beings, let alone neutralize them—however briefly."

Now came the crux of the conversation. I decided to offer partial truth. "I… I stumbled upon a tool. It lets me handle supernatural threats. I wanted to protect the student."

"A tool?" Rias echoed. "Like a Sacred Gear?"

"Not exactly," I said carefully. "More like a…like a device I invented."

Koneko's eyes narrowed. "You invented a supernatural item?"

Akeno's smile grew. "Now that's interesting…"

Rias exhaled softly. "You realize, Motohama, that Kuoh Academy is under my family's domain. We do our best to keep the peace here. Your presence, and your ability to create items that affect supernatural beings, is…unique. We want to know where your loyalties lie."

I met her gaze, trying to convey sincerity. "Look, I'm not your enemy. I just want to keep my friends safe—Issei, in particular. I know there are, well, dark forces lurking around."

"Indeed there are," Rias said, lips forming a half-smile. "We share a common goal: protecting this town from unwarranted attacks. If that's all you wish for, then there's no problem. However, I would like to request that you refrain from any large-scale usage of your…device…without notifying us. We don't want to alarm the other students or disturb the balance."

Relief flickered through me. She wasn't threatening me, but cautioning me. I gave a slight bow. "I understand. I'll be more careful."

Rias nodded. "Good. Also, I'd like to see a demonstration someday, to better understand the scope of your ability."

My heart pounded. "All right. If the situation calls for it, you'll see it in action."

Akeno gave a playful smile. "Perhaps we'll ask you to assist in a future incident, if you don't mind."

I nodded, head spinning with the implications. "Sure…I'll help."

Just like that, it seemed I had formed a tentative alliance with Rias's Peerage. Maybe it wouldn't last if they discovered the extent of my knowledge, but for now, it was enough to keep me on good terms. And with the date looming tomorrow, I might need their help if things escalated.

Before I left, Rias smiled. "Thank you again for saving that student. Take care, Motohama."

"Likewise."

Back at home that night, I flopped onto my bed, exhausted but determined. The system glowed in my mind.

"System, open status," I whispered.

A translucent panel materialized before me:

Name: Motohama (Reincarnated Earthling) System Level: 1 Abilities: Basic Item Creation (Small to Medium Items), Basic Energy Manipulation

Below that, I noticed a progress bar with the label "System Experience." It had inched forward from my prior usage.

"So using the system in a real combat situation boosted my experience," I mused. "Perhaps if I continue to use it effectively, I can unlock more advanced abilities."

I mulled over how to prepare for tomorrow. The biggest challenge was ensuring Issei survived Raynare's attempt on his life. If all else failed, I might have to let Rias handle it—but I couldn't stand by and do nothing, either.

Perhaps I could create a gadget that would shield Issei from lethal attacks, or at least buy time for a rescue. Something that could be discreet, easy to carry, and activate automatically if he were mortally injured.

"System," I murmured, "can you create an item that protects its wearer from lethal attacks once, like a one-time magical barrier?"

"Processing… Requirements for item creation: Clear mental blueprint, system energy. System energy is limited at Level 1. Attempt creation?"

"Yes, attempt."

A swirl of lights manifested in my bedroom. I pictured a small, inconspicuous charm—a protective amulet shaped like a simple black ring. The lights coalesced into a ring that dropped onto my bedspread. I picked it up, noticing faint runes etched along the inside.

Item Acquired: 'Guardian Ring'

I slipped it onto my finger, feeling a slight tingle. The system's interface confirmed:

Guardian Ring (Prototype): Generates a single-use shield against deadly force. Once used, the ring breaks.

Relief and pride welled up in me. This was it. I had a shot at saving Issei's life without derailing everything.

Saturday arrived, warm and bright. I was up early, checking the ring in my desk drawer. My plan was simple—slip the ring to Issei without him noticing or suspecting anything, so if Raynare attacked, he'd stand a chance.

I arrived at the meeting spot near the central shopping district. I hung back discreetly behind a storefront awning, scanning the area. My spectral glasses—the "Spectral Lens"—were in my pocket in case I needed them, but for now, I used normal eyesight.

Eventually, I spotted Issei standing outside a modest ice cream shop, fiddling anxiously with a small gift bag. Yuuma—looking as enchanting as ever—appeared soon after, greeting him with a radiant smile. The sight of her made my stomach twist. She might be wearing a mask of kindness, but I knew her lethal intent.

They walked off together, talking and laughing. The tension in my chest surged. It was time to act.

As Issei and Yuuma rounded a corner, I made my move, slipping through the crowd as quietly as possible. I had to get close enough to plant the ring on him. But how?

They strolled into a small arcade. Perfect. I pretended to browse a prize machine, keeping them in the corner of my vision. Yuuma giggled, pointing at plush toys. Issei looked adorably flustered.

When they moved to a claw machine, I saw my chance. I switched to a new machine near them, then, feigning excitement, I "accidentally" bumped into Issei.

"Ah—sorry, man!" I said with a sheepish grin.

He recognized me immediately. "Motohama? What are you doing here?"

"Oh, just…hanging out," I lied. I discreetly pressed the ring into his blazer pocket. My heart hammered. "Wow, you guys on a date?"

Yuuma smiled softly, but there was something in her eyes—dark suspicion. I tried not to shiver. "Nice to meet you. Ise-kun's friend, yes?"

"Yeah," I said, trying to sound casual.

Issei seemed oblivious to any tension. "Well, good luck with your prizes. We're heading to the park soon."

I scratched my head. "All right, see you." I gave him a meaningful look, hoping he'd interpret it as concern, and took off before Yuuma could ask more questions.

Once outside, I exhaled, pulses of anxiety throbbing in my temple. Mission accomplished—assuming he didn't notice the ring and toss it aside. The next step was to remain nearby to intervene if needed.

I killed time around the district, browsing shops until early evening. By then, the sun had dipped below the horizon, painting the sky in hues of orange and red. I sensed a growing heaviness, a foreboding that matched what I knew was coming.

Eventually, I tracked them down in a quiet park on the outskirts of town. It was mostly deserted—an ideal setting for a clandestine assault. Hiding behind a large oak tree, I glimpsed Issei and Yuuma crossing a small wooden bridge. My heart seized. This was likely the moment she'd reveal her Fallen Angel wings.

I saw them stop. Yuuma said something, looking uncharacteristically solemn. Issei tensed. She moved close, placing a hand on his chest. Then, in a flash, black feathers and dark energy radiated around her, the illusions dropping like a mask.

I needed to see how the ring would kick in. Summoning a pair of binocular-like goggles from my system inventory—my second upgrade to the "Spectral Glasses"—I zoomed in. Sure enough, Yuuma (Raynare) raised a spear of light, aimed directly at Issei.

The Critical Moment

Everything happened in slow motion. The spear plunged toward Issei's heart. Fear and confusion twisted across his face, paralyzing him.

Then, a faint ripple of magical energy burst from his blazer pocket. The Guardian Ring I had planted on him activated. A translucent shield sprang into existence, intercepting the spear inches from his chest. The spear shattered, scattering sparks of light.

Raynare's eyes went wide. "What?! That's impossible. You're just a low-level…"

I exhaled in relief, but it wasn't over. She snarled, conjuring another spear. "You think one shield can save you?!"

I realized I had no choice but to act. If she kept attacking, the ring's single-use barrier wouldn't hold. And Rias might not arrive in time. My system flared to life as I conjured a new item: a small drone-like device armed with a flashbang. I tossed it forward. It zipped silently across the park.

With a snap of my fingers, the device unleashed a blinding light. Raynare screamed, momentarily disoriented. That was my cue. I bolted out of my hiding spot, grabbing Issei's wrist.

"Move!" I shouted.

He stared at me, trembling. "Motohama?! You— What's happening—?!"

"No time, let's go!"

I dragged him away. Raynare, still dazed, hurled another spear of light in our direction. We dove behind a thick tree trunk, the spear carving a deep groove in the bark.

Issei panted, his eyes wild with terror. "She—she was an angel or something…"

"Fallen Angel," I corrected, bracing my back against the tree. "She wants something from you. We need to get out of here or we'll die."

He nodded, shock etched on his face.

Behind us, Raynare's voice rang out, furious. "You meddling fool! You're just a human. Don't you dare interfere!"

I took a shaky breath, whipping out the energy pistol I had used previously. "Issei, when I say run, run. I'll distract her."

He looked about to argue, but fear took over. "All right."

With a lunge, I emerged from cover, firing blasts of constricting energy. Raynare dodged them midair, black wings flapping. She sneered, brandishing two spears now.

"How dare you. You'll both die!"

Before she could dive-bomb us, a swirl of crimson demonic power materialized in the park. Rias Gremory, accompanied by Kiba and Akeno, stepped through a glowing magic circle. She wasted no time flinging a blazing sphere of destruction at Raynare.

The Fallen Angel hissed, forced to break off her attack. She glared hatefully at Rias. "This isn't over. I'll be back for the Sacred Gear!" In a burst of black feathers, she vanished into the dark sky.

Issei collapsed to his knees, trembling. I rushed to his side, while Rias and her peerage approached.

"Issei," Rias said softly, her expression full of concern. "Are you hurt?"

He shook his head, eyes clouded with confusion. "R-Rias-senpai…?"

She knelt, placing a reassuring hand on his shoulder. "Don't worry. You're safe now."

I watched Rias with gratitude. She had come just in time. Glancing at me, she gave a slight nod. I understood—she knew I had tried to save Issei myself, and that meant something to her.

Kiba stepped forward. "We should handle his injuries."

"He's not badly hurt," I said. "But he's in shock."

Rias placed her hands on Issei's temples, murmuring soft words in a demonic language. A gentle glow enveloped him, likely an attempt to calm his mind or heal any minor wounds.

When she finished, Issei stared at her with wide eyes. "W-What are you? What was that woman? What's happening?"

"This is a lot to explain," Rias said gently. "But if you trust me, I'll guide you. For now, let's get you somewhere safe."

Still shaking, Issei nodded. "I… I trust you."

Moments later, Rias directed Kiba to carry Issei to the nearby abandoned church, ironically, or perhaps to the Occult Research Club. Actually, in the official storyline, Rias would bring him to her clubroom. Let's be consistent: She'd bring him to the club. Ok.

In a swirl of devilish magic, they transported themselves away, leaving me alone in the park. My heart hammered from the close call. The ring had worked—Issei was alive. But now, events had definitely diverged from the original timeline. He hadn't died, so Rias hadn't forcibly reincarnated him on the spot. Or maybe she still would. The question was how.

I sighed, thinking about what came next. Without Issei's death, the entire origin of him being reborn as a devil was up in the air. The ramifications would be huge.

As I prepared to leave, a whisper cut through the night air: "That was quite the show."

I spun around. Another Fallen Angel, but this one wore an amused expression rather than hostility. He had short white hair and a decorative outfit.

"Dohnaseek?" I muttered, recalling one of the lesser Fallen Angels from the storyline.

He tilted his head, intrigued. "You know my name?"

I froze, realizing I'd slipped up. "I, uh, overheard it somewhere…"

He didn't press the point. "You're a fascinating human. Or maybe you're something more. Raynare's attempt failed because of that ring you planted on the boy, right?"

My hands clenched into fists. "If you're looking for a fight—"

He chuckled softly, raising his palms in a gesture of peace. "Not tonight. I merely came to observe. We'll be watching you, though. Be careful, Motohama."

In a flurry of feathers, he vanished, leaving me to brood in the empty park. Clearly, the Fallen Angels had me on their radar now. This was going to get dangerous—fast.

That night, I lay in bed, staring at the ceiling. My phone was silent, no calls or messages from Issei or anyone. I wondered if Rias had decided to reveal her devil identity to him. Probably. She needed to bring him into her household, or at least keep him safe. My own role in the story was becoming more prominent than I'd ever anticipated.

I whispered into the darkness, "System, how do I level up further?"

The answering text materialized in my mind:

"Engage in significant events or battles. Expand your mastery over the supernatural. Each success or new discovery will grant experience."

I exhaled. So far, I'd done enough to fill maybe a quarter of that progress bar. If I wanted stronger abilities—like conjuring advanced magical items or even replicating Holy or Demonic swords—I needed to keep pushing the boundaries.

But the more I involved myself, the more I put myself—and others—in danger. Was it worth it? The answer, for me, was yes. I had a moral obligation to protect my friends, especially after forging friendships here.

Sunday morning arrived, bright and calm. No sign of chaos outside my window. I decided to do something normal for once: I pulled on some casual clothes and headed to the local convenience store. My refrigerator was nearly empty, so picking up groceries seemed like a good call. There was some comfort in performing mundane tasks amidst the swirl of supernatural crises.

As I paid for my items—milk, bread, instant noodles—I noticed Issei's mother across the aisle. She looked tired, scanning the shelves for produce.

"Ah, Motohama-kun!" she greeted cheerily. "Buying groceries for your parents?"

I froze, suddenly remembering that in this world, Motohama might not live alone. "Uh, yes, ma'am… Actually, they're away on a business trip."

She nodded sympathetically. "That's tough. Stay well, all right?"

"Thank you," I said with a polite bow. "If you see Issei, let him know I said hi."

She gave me a curious look. "Ise left the house early this morning. Didn't say where he was going."

I suppressed a frown, hoping that he was with Rias. "I'm sure he'll be fine."

A Visitor

When I got back to my apartment, groceries in hand, I found a small envelope slipped under my door. No name on the outside. Carefully, I opened it.

Inside was a single note, penned in elegant script:

"Meet me at the old school building. –R.G."

Rias Gremory. I let out a breath. No rest for the weary.

A Second Summons

By mid-morning, I was standing in front of that familiar old building again. The door opened to reveal Akeno, who ushered me in with a smile. I stepped into the clubroom, where I found Rias, Kiba, Koneko, and… Issei.

He looked dazed, but alive. Relief washed over me. He didn't appear to be grievously injured or traumatized. Instead, he stared at me with a mix of wonder and confusion.

"So it's true," he said softly. "You…you saved my life last night, with that ring?"

I gave a shrug, awkwardly rubbing the back of my neck. "Well, I tried. Rias and the others helped too. Are you okay?"

He nodded slowly. "Yeah, but…my life's never going to be the same."

Rias cleared her throat, drawing my attention. "Issei is…one of us now."

My eyes widened. One of us? "You reincarnated him? But he didn't actually die."

She gave me a small smile. "He was critically injured when Raynare attacked. Your barrier lessened the blow, but the shock nearly stopped his heart. I used my Evil Pieces to save him."

Kiba nodded in confirmation. "Hyoudou Issei is now a Devil in the Gremory household."

That explained it. The ring kept him from dying outright, but apparently left him vulnerable enough that Rias stepped in. So, ironically, events had realigned with the original storyline after all. He was on the path to becoming a devil, to awakening the Boosted Gear in earnest.

Issei took a shaky breath. "I owe you big time. If you hadn't done that…thing with the ring, I might've died on the spot before Rias-buchou arrived."

I forced a reassuring smile. "I'm just glad you're safe."

He smiled back, then let out a hollow laugh. "So…any chance you can tell me what's going on with you? How did you know that woman was dangerous?"

Rias shot me a look, cautioning me not to divulge too much. I nodded subtly, continuing with my half-truth approach. "I've got some knowledge about the supernatural, that's all. And I have a unique ability to create helpful items."

Issei accepted that, though I could tell he had more questions.

Rias leaned forward, her hands clasped. "From now on, Issei will undergo training to master his new powers and fulfill his duties as a devil. This includes certain…contracts and responsibilities. We'll be guiding him. Considering you have your own abilities, Motohama, I'd like you to keep an eye on him, too. He trusts you."

I blinked. "You…want me to help with his training?"

She inclined her head. "Informally, yes. You won't be joining my peerage—at least not yet. But you have proven yourself capable. It would be beneficial if you continue to watch over him, especially considering the Fallen Angels' interest."

My thoughts raced. This was a chance to stay close to the main storyline and protect Issei from future threats. "Of course. I'll do what I can."

Koneko, who had been silent, spoke up softly. "Don't meddle too much. You're still a human."

Her blunt tone stung, but I nodded. "I'll be cautious."

That evening, after a lengthy discussion about devils, Fallen Angels, and Issei's new life, we adjourned. As Issei and I walked out together, I spotted the faintest glow of a brand-like marking on his left hand—proof of his Evil Piece. He looked overwhelmed, but also determined.

"You sure you're okay?" I asked.

He stuffed his hands in his pockets. "Not really. Everything's crazy. But Rias-senpai's been kind…she gave me a second chance. I'm still me, but now I have these…devil powers. I guess I just need to roll with it."

I put a reassuring hand on his shoulder. "Right. You're not alone, remember that."

He gave me a grateful look. "I appreciate it, man. You're…different somehow. Not just the ring thing, but you act more serious these days."

I laughed awkwardly. "I guess I'm just growing up."

He smiled, albeit a bit tired. "Yeah, sure."

Parting ways, I made my way home. The city lights glowed softly, and a gentle breeze rustled the leaves overhead. My mind swirled with speculation: how would the Fallen Angels retaliate? What about the upcoming conflicts with other devils, or even the church? I had knowledge of major future events, but the path was shifting with each choice I made.

Unlocking my apartment door, I dropped my keys on the table and slumped onto the couch, letting out a long breath. My phone buzzed, startling me. I flipped it open—an unknown number.

A single text read: "The real battle is just beginning. If you want to survive, get stronger."

No signature. But I had a sinking feeling it was from one of the Fallen Angels—or maybe some other mysterious force. A chill crawled down my spine. Everyone wanted to see how far my system would go, or whether I'd become a threat.

I flicked off the phone and stared at the city lights through my window. "Stronger, huh?"

In the original storyline, Issei soared to staggering power levels because of his Boosted Gear, forging unbreakable bonds along the way. If I wanted to stand beside him and protect him, I had to keep up—and that meant leveraging my system to its fullest, forging new gadgets, new powers, and new alliances.