MTLNOVEL Chapter 6: Chapter 6: “Shatter the Queen’s Mask”
The moon hung high over Kuoh Academy, casting silver light through the tall windows of my estate. But sleep was the last thing on my mind.
I stood by the window, staring at the faint glow of the city below, a glass of wine in my hand. The Dominion System's faint hum echoed in the back of my mind, displaying my progress like a silent, ever-present reminder of the game I was playing.
[Mission: Shatter the Queen's Mask - Progress: 15%]
[Objective: Break through Akeno's emotional defenses completely.]
[Bonus Objective: Trigger a vulnerable confession from Akeno.]
[Reward: Unique Skill – "Binding Touch."]
Akeno Himejima.
Beautiful. Deadly. A master of seduction and cruelty, hiding something fragile beneath that playful smile.
And I was going to find it.
The Next Day - Occult Research Club Room
The atmosphere felt heavier than usual when I stepped into the clubroom. Rias sat in her usual spot, her posture as regal as ever, but her gaze lingered on me for a second longer than necessary. She wasn't just observing me—she was thinking about me.
Good. Let her.
Akeno stood near the window, her violet eyes reflecting the afternoon light. Her smile was as charming as ever, but I saw through it now. The cracks were there—tiny fissures in her emotional armor.
—"Aiden," Rias greeted smoothly. "We're heading out for a special assignment. Care to join?"
—"Of course," I replied without hesitation. "Wouldn't miss it."
Later That Evening - Abandoned Church Ruins
The mission was simple: eliminate a stray devil causing trouble in the outskirts of Kuoh. But for me, it was the perfect setting—isolated, tense, and ripe with opportunity.
The battle was swift.
The stray devil—a grotesque creature twisted by its own corrupted power—barely put up a fight. Rias's destructive magic and Akeno's crackling lightning made short work of it. But the real battle was happening between Akeno and me, in glances and subtle exchanges.
As we wrapped up, Rias gave orders to the others, leaving Akeno and me momentarily alone near the ruins.
Time to push.
—"You fight like it's second nature," I said, stepping closer, my voice low.
She turned to me, her usual teasing smile in place.
—"It is. Pain and power are… intimate friends of mine."
Her words were light, but there was a shadow in her eyes. A memory. A scar.
I didn't miss it.
—"Is that what the smile's for?" I asked quietly, stepping even closer. "To hide how much it still hurts?"
Her smile faltered—just for a fraction of a second. But it was enough.
[Mission Progress: 40%]
[Emotional Vulnerability Detected.]
—"You think you know me?" she whispered, her voice softer now, lacking its usual playful edge.
I didn't answer. Instead, I reached out, brushing my fingers gently along her cheek. She didn't pull away.
—"No," I murmured. "But I want to."
Her breath hitched, her eyes searching mine for something—maybe a lie, maybe sincerity. But I gave her nothing but the truth wrapped in temptation.
She leaned into my touch, her usual mask slipping just a little more.
[Bonus Objective Progress: 70%]
Later That Night - Akeno's Apartment
I didn't expect her to invite me in, but when she did, I knew she was teetering on the edge.
Her apartment was surprisingly simple. Minimalistic. A sharp contrast to the elaborate facade she wore around others.
She poured us drinks, her hands trembling slightly—a detail she probably thought I wouldn't notice.
We sat on her couch, the tension thick between us.
—"Why are you here, Aiden?" she finally asked, her voice barely above a whisper.
I set my glass down, leaning closer.
—"Because I see you," I replied, my hand gently covering hers. "Not the lightning, not the cruelty, not the seduction. You."
Her defenses crumbled with those words.
She lunged, her lips crashing against mine—not with the playful flirtation she showed the world, but with raw, desperate need. I pulled her closer, letting the kiss deepen, feeling her body tremble against mine.
But this wasn't just about desire.
I broke the kiss, resting my forehead against hers, my hand cupping her face gently.
—"You don't have to pretend with me," I whispered.
And that's when it happened.
Her tears fell—not many, just a few—but they were real.
—"I hate feeling weak," she confessed, her voice shaking. "But with you… I can't help it."
[Mission Complete: 100%]
[Bonus Objective Achieved: Vulnerable Confession Triggered.]
[Reward Unlocked: Unique Skill – "Binding Touch."]
[Dominion Points Earned: 2,000 DP]
I didn't gloat. I didn't smirk.
I just held her.
Because in that moment, I'd won more than just a mission.
I'd won her.
Later That Night - Aiden's Estate
The Dominion System pulsed softly in my vision.
[Mission Update: The Queen's Gambit - Progress: 60%]
[New Objective Unlocked: Break Rias Gremory's Emotional Control.]
[Bonus Objective: Force Rias to confront her hidden desires.]
[Reward: Unique Skill – "Crimson Thrall."]
I stared at the glowing interface, a slow smile creeping onto my lips.
Akeno was the first.
But now, it was time for the real prize.
Rias Gremory.
And she was already halfway mine.
End of Chapter 6