Bound by Infinity

Chapter: 12

The Next Day

"So…you're telling me that you gave Asia two powers, one of which includes a second personality, and you didn't even tell me?" Rias stood in front of me, arms crossed and a slightly exasperated look on her face.

"Now, now, hear me out…" I said, lifting my hands in defense. "The powers I gave her actually make a lot of sense."

Rias arched an eyebrow. "In what way?"

"Well, the first ability, Reject Reality, is based on the Shun Shun Rikka—Orihime's ability to reject phenomena. But I tweaked it so it's not just limited to barriers and healing. This way, Asia's healing capabilities are enhanced, which should really help her as a healer."

"And the second ability?" Rias pressed.

I cleared my throat. "The second one is called *Index*, and it includes a secondary personality named, well, *Index*."

Rias sighed, clearly trying to understand. "And why, exactly, did you decide to give her this Index personality?"

I scratched the back of my head, a bit sheepishly. "Well… Asia reminded me of Index from *A Certain Magical Index*, you know? She's a forsaken nun with abilities that others either want or fear."

Rias gave me a skeptical look. "Is that really your only reason?"

"Well, no," I admitted. "Asia reminded me of her, yes, but I also thought ahead. Asia's gentle; she wouldn't use these powers to defend herself in a fight. So, I gave her a second personality—someone who wouldn't hesitate to protect her when needed."

"So you wanted to give her a way to protect herself?"

"Exactly."

Rias sighed again but seemed to understand. "Alright, but next time, just tell me about something this big, okay?"

I nodded. "Yes, ma'am."

She shook her head with a slight smile before teleporting away to the clubroom.

From behind me, I heard a small snicker. "Wiped the floor with you, didn't she?" Mittelt teased, barely containing her laughter.

I turned to her with a glare, though I couldn't hide my amusement. "Do you want me to send you to Akeno?"

Her face blanched, and she straightened up immediately. "No, Kouki-sama!"

"Good," I replied, standing up. I noticed Ophis by my side, giving me her usual blank stare. "Hey, Ophis, want to go get some ice cream?"

"Yes," she replied in her tone, a little bit more expressive than usual.

"Alright, let's go." I gestured to Mittelt. "Keep an eye on the house while we're gone, alright?"

"Yes, Kouki-sama," she muttered as I closed the door behind me.

That Evening

Later, I returned to the ORC clubroom after dropping Ophis off in her room. As I sat down on one of the couches, I noticed Rias explaining the concept of familiars to Issei and Asia. Watching them, I couldn't help but wonder if I should get a familiar of my own.

I heard a knock on the door, and Rias called out, "Enter!" The door opened to reveal Sona Shitori and the rest of the Student Council. Sona, or rather, *Sona Sitri*, was a bespectacled girl with a composed aura, violet eyes, and a no-nonsense demeanor. Her bob-cut black hair framed her face neatly, giving her an elegant but strict appearance.

I observed in silence as Rias and Sona introduced their newer peerage members. After a while, I decided it was time to announce my presence.

"Good afternoon, Sona," I said, drawing everyone's attention to me. "How are you?"

Rias merely shook her head, suppressing a smile. "Kouki, I was wondering when you were going to say something."

Sanji, one of Sona's peerage members, looked at me in surprise. "When did you get here?"

"Oh, I've been here for about five minutes. Why?"

He blinked, then his eyes narrowed slightly in realization. "Wait…are you part of Rias-senpai's peerage too?"

"Nope, but Rias does live with me," I said with a casual shrug. "Anyway, Sona, you didn't answer my question. How are you?"

"I'm doing well, Kouki. Still not interested in joining the Student Council, I take it?"

"Afraid not, Sona-san," I replied, smiling politely.

She sighed with a small, knowing smile. "I see."

I turned my attention to Tsubaki, Sona's Queen and right-hand. "Tsubaki-san, how are you?"

"I'm well, thank you, Kouki-san."

I nodded approvingly. "That's good to hear."

Another voice interrupted, sounding slightly incredulous. "If you're not part of Rias-senpai's peerage, then what are you doing here?"

I turned to face the speaker, locking eyes with him and speaking in a slightly threatening tone. "Because I'm allowed to be here. Do you have a problem with that?"

He stammered, clearly uncomfortable. "N-no…"

"Good."

Sona adjusted her glasses and gave me a reproachful look. "Please, Kouki-san, no need to intimidate my peerage members."

I put a hand over my chest with mock hurt. "Oh, Sona, you wound me." I grinned, then turned to Rias and Sona. "So, this whole thing about needing familiars—what's the issue here?"

Rias explained, "Only one peerage can visit the familiar forest at a time. We're both interested in going."

I frowned. "Well, that's pretty inconvenient."

Sona nodded in agreement. "It is."

Rias looked thoughtful. "So, Sona, how do you suggest we handle this?"

Sona smiled, an excited glint in her eyes. "How about a competition? We are high school students, after all."

I chuckled quietly to myself. "This ought to be interesting."

Seeing it was about time for me to go, I stood up and gave Rias a nod. "Alright, I'm heading home now."

"See you at home," she replied, smiling.

With a final nod to Sona, I teleported back to my living room, where I found Mittelt lounging on the couch, watching TV. Smirking, I walked over and gave her a light flick on the forehead.

"Ow! Who—" She stopped mid-sentence as she saw me standing there, smiling down at her.

"Good evening, Mittelt. Are you ready for training?" I asked, letting a sweet smile that was anything but spread across my face.

Her eyes widened in terror. "Mercy?"

My smile didn't waver. "No."

Chapter 12: En