A dull ache throbbed at the back of Rin's head as he slowly regained consciousness. He blinked, his eyes adjusting to the dim light of an unfamiliar room. The walls were plain, unadorned stone, and a simple cot occupied one corner. He didn't remember much after blocking that first attack in his mansion, but it was clear he had lost consciousness. Despite the jarring circumstances, a serene calm settled over him. His first thought wasn't panic, but a quick assessment: I didn't wake up in the Tensura world this time. Good. The thought, however, was immediately dismissed as a soft click echoed, and the heavy wooden door creaked open.
A girl stepped into the room, her elegant blonde hair framing a face that was both refined and subtly arrogant. Ravel Phenex. Rin recognized her instantly. She carried a tray of food, which she placed carefully on a small, rickety table near the cot.
"Are you... hurt?" Ravel asked, her voice even, almost detached. Rin heard her thoughts: Just asking because I can. Not that I actually care about this pathetic human.
"I'm fine," Rin replied, his voice calm, a faint smirk playing on his lips. "Though I can't say the same for your brother. He really doesn't know what he's doing to himself."
Ravel froze, then let out a short, incredulous laugh, a sound devoid of genuine amusement. "You... a mere human, truly believe that?" She shook her head, a patronizing smile gracing her lips. "Fine, I'll entertain you for a moment. I know who you are, Rin Takakura. You come from a wealthy family, far wealthier than ours, even in the human world. But that's all you are. A human. We are devils. Our hierarchy in the supernatural world... I assume Rias Gremory has already enlightened you?"
Rin remained relaxed, his expression unreadable. He simply watched her, absorbing every detail. Ravel continued, listing facts about the Phenex family's power and ancient lineage, attempting to gauge his reaction. Yet, Rin remained unfazed, his composure unwavering.
Where does he get this confidence? Ravel wondered inwardly, a flicker of genuine curiosity cutting through her indifference. He doesn't have an ounce of magical power in his body. Is it just ignorance? She decided not to dwell on it, dismissing it as the arrogance of a pampered human. She glanced at the food. "My brother wants you to suffer," she stated, her voice flat. "He told me not to give you food, but I brought it anyway. Don't tell him." She turned to leave, needing to go before Riser caught her.
As she reached the door, about to step out, she suddenly felt a light pressure on her shoulder. Ravel spun around, immediately adopting a defensive stance, her hand instinctively going for a spell. But she didn't attack. Her eyes widened. I... I didn't feel him move! How did he—
Rin's smirk widened. "See?" he murmured, his eyes glinting with a knowing amusement.
Ravel didn't stay to process it. With a sharp gasp, she pulled her shoulder away and practically bolted out the door, locking it with an audible click, the sound echoing in the small, confined space.
Rin watched her go, then settled back on the cot. He had intended to manipulate her into falling for him, just enough to secure his immediate release. But a new thought had sparked in his mind, something far more interesting. Her reaction, that brief moment of shock... it means my basic physical attributes are already enough to surprise them. Excellent. He considered a new approach, a more elaborate manipulation. An idea, dark and deliciously wicked, began to form. It wasn't something he could ever use on innocent people, but on his enemies... oh, on his enemies, it would be perfect.
A few hours later, the room shimmered. A magic circle flared to life on the floor, and one of Riser's peerage, a succubus with bored eyes, appeared. She gestured curtly towards him. "Come."
Rin stepped into the circle. The world spun for a moment, then solidified. He found himself standing in a familiar place: the Occult Research Clubroom. Rias Gremory, Akeno, Kiba, Koneko, Issei, and Asia were all there, their expressions a mix of grim determination and suppressed anxiety. The succubus vanished as quickly as she appeared.
Rin's gaze swept over the room, taking in the tense atmosphere. He was a hostage. Riser wasn't just fighting for his engagement; he was using Rin's life as a pawn. He saw Rias's eyes, wide with immense relief, and Akeno's, softening visibly as they both realized he was unharmed.
A sigh escaped Rin's lips, a mix of disappointment and self-reproach. He had let them worry. He had let them cry. Riser Phenex, Rin thought, a cold, predatory glint in his eyes, you are going to experience a hell far worse than anything you can imagine.