Bound by Infinity

Chapter: 3

Walking into my classroom, I slipped into my usual seat in the corner by the window. Class hadn't started yet, and normally, I'd use this time to go over what I'd learned yesterday. But today, I didn't have the energy. I sighed, gazing out the window at the scenery, letting the morning light soak in. Absently, I listened to the chatter around the room—though it was the usual mix: girls gushing over me, whispers about my "Second Prince of Kuoh" nickname, and more unnecessary ships between myself and Kiba… along with some other random students. 

I chuckled inwardly, questioning how it ever came to this. I mean, sure, I guess the "Second Prince" thing has a certain ring to it, but it brings way more trouble than it's worth. Just as I was thinking about how ridiculous high school gossip could be, the classroom door opened, and the teacher walked in. Everyone shuffled to their seats, pulling out textbooks as we waited for instructions.

"All right, everyone, turn to page 112 in your math textbooks," the teacher announced, settling us into a predictable rhythm.

A few hours later, the bell for lunch finally rang, and students flooded out of the room. I walked at a relaxed pace, blending into the bustling crowd on my way to the cafeteria. As I strolled, I felt a light pat on my back, turning to find Kiba walking alongside me, a friendly grin on his face.

"Oh, hey, Kiba. How's it going?"

"I'm doing well," he replied. "And you?"

I shrugged. "A little sore. Sparred with Rias this morning, and my arms are feeling it, but otherwise, I'm fine."

Kiba chuckled. "She doesn't hold back, does she?"

"Not in the slightest," I laughed, shaking my head.

We continued our walk toward the cafeteria, ignoring the group of whispering girls who trailed a few steps behind. Their giggles and glances were impossible to miss.

"Do you ever get used to this?" I asked, gesturing subtly to the small crowd watching us.

Kiba chuckled again. "You learn to live with it." He gave a friendly wave to one of the girls, which only seemed to fuel the whispers.

"So you say," I muttered with a smirk.

Once inside the cafeteria, we grabbed our lunches and found a table. Just as we were starting to eat, we were joined by a familiar presence. I looked up and smiled as Koneko settled across from us.

"Hey, Koneko. How's it going?" I greeted her.

"...Fine," she replied in her usual quiet tone.

"Hm," I nodded, taking a bite. "Anything interesting happen today, Koneko? Kiba?"

"...No," Koneko replied simply.

"I've got a client later," Kiba chimed in. "But that's pretty much it."

I looked at Kiba with a grin. "How long do you think it'll take?"

"One or two hours, maybe. Why?"

"I'm starting Rias on swordsmanship training later, and I'd like your input. You too, Koneko."

Koneko's eyes flickered with interest but stayed silent.

"There's a strawberry cheesecake in it for you," I added with a smile.

She hesitated but then nodded. "...Fine."

I turned back to Kiba. "So, what do you say?"

Kiba shrugged and nodded. "Sure. Why not?"

"Great. See you all later, then."

We ate in companionable silence, the quiet hum of the cafeteria around us. Once finished, we parted ways, and I took a stroll around the school grounds, eventually wandering over to the kendo club building. But before I reached it, I heard faint, unmistakable giggling coming from the side of the building—perverted giggling, to be exact.

"Issei," I muttered, rolling my eyes.

Curious, I followed the sound, turning the corner to find Issei and his friends huddled near a window, peeking into the kendo club room. A mischievous grin spread across my face as an idea came to mind. I cleared my throat and called out loudly.

"Girls, Issei and his friends are peeking on you!"

The boys froze, turning to look at me in pure horror as the sound of stomping feet filled the air. Matsuda and Motohama tried to bolt, but I stepped in front, blocking their path with a smug grin. Issei glanced back at me, terror in his eyes as I gave him a dangerous smile that said, "Don't even think about running."

And right on cue, the kendo club girls stormed outside, brandishing their bokkens with vengeance in their eyes.

"They're all yours, ladies," I said, stepping back.

"Thank you, Kouki!" they chorused.

"No problem," I replied with a mock bow, hearing Issei and his friends shout "Traitor!" just before the kendo girls descended on them.

I walked away, feeling rather pleased with myself. But then, I stopped mid-step as I remembered why I'd come to the kendo club building in the first place.

"Damn it. I forgot to ask them for what I needed… Oh well. I'll get it later," I muttered, shrugging.

As I turned to head back to the main building, I caught a flash of red hair at one of the windows of the old school building. Rias was leaning out, looking down at me with a knowing smile.

"You look rather pleased with yourself. What did you do?" she called.

"Nothing much," I replied, feigning innocence. "Just giving a group of perverts their due punishment."

Rias chuckled, shaking her head. A second face appeared next to hers, this one with dark hair and a mischievous smile.

"Akeno," I nodded. "How are you?"

"I'm well, Kouki," she replied smoothly. "Enjoying the show, I see?"

"Always." I gave her a mock salute. "Anyway, I've got to get back to class. See you both later."

"Bye," they chorused, waving.

As I walked back, the rest of the day went by smoothly. Classes were nothing out of the ordinary, and soon enough, the final bell rang. I made my way home to get ready for Rias's swordsmanship training. By evening, everyone had arrived in my backyard, ready for the lesson.

Kiba, Koneko, and Rias stood across from me, each of them relaxed yet focused.

"All right, Rias. Today, we're working on sword basics," I said, handing her a practice sword. "You've got raw power with your Power of Destruction, but learning control will give you an edge. Kiba will demonstrate some techniques, and Koneko and I will help correct your form."

Rias took the sword, giving it a few testing swings as Kiba stepped forward.

"First, we'll go over stance and balance," he explained. "If your footing is off, you'll lose power in your strikes."

He took his stance, moving slowly to show Rias the positions. She mimicked him, her eyes narrowing in concentration as she adjusted her feet, following his guidance.

"Good, but widen your stance a little more," I advised, stepping in to adjust her posture. "Keep your weight centered."

Rias nodded, her eyes determined. We went through the drills, practicing basic swings and footwork. With each movement, her control improved, though it was clear she was still learning to channel her usual ferocity into more disciplined strikes.

"Remember, Rias," Kiba said, "it's not about swinging as hard as you can. Focus on precision. Power will come naturally."

Rias nodded, adjusting her grip as Kiba demonstrated a parry. She watched intently before attempting it herself, managing to block his swing. A small smile broke through her concentration.

"Nice work," I encouraged. "Keep it up."

Koneko watched quietly, occasionally stepping in to correct Rias's form. As the sun dipped lower, casting a warm glow over the backyard, Rias's movements became more fluid, her strikes sharper.

After an hour, we finally wrapped up. Rias was breathing heavily, a bead of sweat trickling down her brow, but there was a spark of satisfaction in her eyes.

"Not bad for your first session," I said, offering her a water bottle.

"Thanks," she replied, catching her breath. "And thank you, Kiba, Koneko. Your help made a big difference."

They both nodded, pleased with her progress.

"We'll keep at it," I promised. "By the time we're done, you'll be a force to reckon with, both in magic and swordsmanship."

Rias grinned, determination flaring in her eyes. With a satisfied smile, we gathered our things and made plans for the next session.

Chapter 3: End