DxD: Devil’s Advocate

3 weeks later

[With Akio]

I adjusted my Gucci sweater's collar as Maria and I rode in comfortable silence through Tokyo's morning traffic. The weight of the diamond-studded chain around my neck felt foreign - another reminder that this wasn't my usual role.

"No matter how many times I see it, these shadow clones of yours never cease to amaze me," Maria said, glancing up from her tablet. "The detail is impeccable."

I shrugged, watching the city drift by. "Seems like the main body had some other things to attend to."

"Important enough to send you in his place for the first official PRISM meeting?"

"You know how he operates." I kept my voice neutral, though my fingers instinctively traced the edge of my Shadow Seal. "Everything has its purpose."

Maria hummed noncommittally, returning to her tablet. We both knew there was more to it, but some things were better left unsaid. Especially with the day ahead of us.

The car turned onto a familiar street, and I caught my first glimpse of PRISM's new building. The renovation team had worked miracles in two weeks - the formerly drab office space now gleamed with modern glass and steel. A far cry from the cramped practice rooms we'd been using.

"They're all waiting inside," Maria said as we pulled up. "Katsuro, Seiichi, Seiji, and Tomio."

"No Hiro?"

"Left the group yesterday. Said something about 'artistic differences' with the new management."

I nodded. One less complication to deal with, though his departure would create its own set of problems. The remaining members already saw me as an outsider - Amon White's childhood friend, riding his coattails to stardom. Losing their leader wouldn't help that perception.

The lobby was empty when we entered, our footsteps echoing off polished floors. Maria led the way to the main practice room, her heels clicking a steady rhythm. I could hear muffled voices behind the door - tension in their tone even through the soundproofing.

"Ready?" Maria asked, hand on the handle.

I straightened my posture, settling into the role. "Always."

The room fell silent as we entered. Four pairs of eyes tracked our movement - some curious, some wary, all guarded. Katsuro lounged against the mirror, trying too hard to look casual. Seiichi stood ramrod straight near the sound system, every inch the consummate professional. Seiji perched on a chair in the corner, watching through his bangs. And Tomio... Tomio studied me like he was trying to solve a puzzle.

"Good morning," I said, keeping my tone light. "I trust you've all had a chance to explore the new facilities?"

"They're impressive," Seiichi answered after a moment. "Though some of us question the speed of these changes."

"Change is necessary for growth." I moved to the center of the room, claiming the space without being obvious about it. "Horizon Media sees PRISM's potential. We're here to help you reach it."

"By pushing out Hiro?" Katsuro's casual pose didn't match his sharp tone.

"Hiro made his own choice." Maria's voice was firm but not unkind. "As each of you are free to do."

That hung in the air for a moment. I let it, watching their reactions. Seiji shifted uncomfortably. Tomio's eyes narrowed slightly. Katsuro looked like he wanted to say more, but Seiichi caught his eye and shook his head fractionally.

"Perhaps," I said finally, "we should address the elephant in the room."

"Which one?" Katsuro asked. "The fact that you're only here because of your connection to Amon White? Or the way this whole takeover feels like a hostile-"

"Katsuro." Tomio's quiet voice cut through the tension. "Let him speak."

I inclined my head in thanks. "Yes, Amon White is my friend. Yes, that connection helped get me here. But I'm not here because of him - I'm here because I can contribute to this group."

"Prove it," Seiichi said simply.

I smiled, stepping to the sound system. "I thought you'd never ask."

The music started - one of PRISM's older songs, but with a new arrangement I'd spent the past week working on. As the first notes filled the room, I began to move.

I danced like I had something to prove - because I did. Every step precise but not mechanical, every gesture calculated but not cold. This wasn't about showing off. It was about showing them who I was, what I could bring to the group.

When the song ended, I held the final pose for a moment before straightening. No one spoke immediately. Seiji had leaned forward in his chair. Tomio's expression had shifted from suspicious to thoughtful.

"The arrangement," Seiichi said finally. "You did that?"

I nodded. "Along with new choreography for the bridge section. I have ideas for updating some of your other songs too, if you're interested."

"It's good," Tomio admitted. "Different, but good."

"That's the point." I looked at each of them in turn. "I'm not here to replace anyone or change who PRISM is. I'm here to help you evolve."

Katsuro pushed off from the mirror, walking over to the sound system. He replayed the track, listening intently. "The bass line in the second verse..."

"Mirrors the original melody while creating counterpoint," I finished. "Makes it feel both familiar and fresh."

He nodded slowly. "Smart."

"I try to be." I kept my tone light, but met his gaze steadily. "Look, I know this isn't ideal. Change never is. But I'm not asking you to trust me blindly - just give me a chance to earn that trust."

Seiichi exchanged looks with the others, some silent communication passing between them. Finally, he stepped forward.

"One chance," he said. "But understand this - PRISM isn't just a name to us. It's our dream, our family."

"I wouldn't want it any other way."

Maria cleared her throat softly. "Perhaps we should discuss the upcoming schedule? There are several opportunities we'd like to present..."

The tension in the room didn't disappear entirely, but it eased enough for actual work to begin. We spent the next hour going over promotional events, television appearances, and new song concepts. Gradually, the others began to contribute more freely - especially once they realized their input was genuinely valued.

"One last thing," Maria said as we wrapped up. "The company would like to schedule individual meetings with each of you to discuss your career goals and any concerns."

"Individual meetings?" Seiji spoke up for the first time. "With who?"

"Amon White himself," I said, watching their reactions carefully. "He wants to ensure everyone's voices are heard."

That sparked another round of silent looks between them. I pretended not to notice, gathering my things as Maria scheduled the meetings.

"Same time tomorrow?" I asked casually. "I'd like to start working on the new choreography."

Seiichi nodded after a brief hesitation. "We'll be here."

As we left the building, Maria waited until we were in the car before speaking. "That went better than expected."

"They're professionals," I said. "And they're smart enough to see the opportunities being offered."

"Still, there's work to be done."

"There always is." I watched the building recede in the mirror. "But they'll come around."

"You sound confident."

I smiled slightly. "Let's just say I have inside information."

Maria raised an eyebrow but didn't press. She knew better than to ask certain questions - just as I knew better than to volunteer certain answers.

The car merged into traffic, carrying us back toward the office. "Sometimes," Maria said, watching me, "I wonder which of you is really in charge."

I just smiled. After all, some questions were better left unanswered - even if you knew the truth.

Or especially if you did.

[With Amon]

I raised my hand, and four identical shadows dispersed into mist. Sweat dripped down my temple as I caught my breath. The training room's barriers flickered, then faded - their purpose served.

"Well, that was educational," I muttered, grabbing a towel. Each clone had wielded a different type of magic: fire, water, wind, and earth. Basic elements, but the applications had been... interesting.

『Shadow Clone Combat Analysis Complete:

Fire Clone: 47% power efficiency

Water Clone: 52% power efficiency

Wind Clone: 44% power efficiency

Earth Clone: 49% power efficiency

Overall combat effectiveness: Improving』

I wiped my face, considering the numbers. "How are my demonic energy levels looking?"

『Current Demonic Energy Status:

Base Power Level: Growing steadily (+15% from last week)

Energy Efficiency: +23% improvement in conversion rate

Note: Advanced magical techniques would benefit from using this world's existing magical systems as a proxy. Current direct demonic energy usage is... suboptimal.』

"Makes sense," I said, rolling my shoulders. "Different world, different rules. The 72 Pillars might think demonic power is the only true path, but..."

I trailed off, remembering something I'd read in the mansion's library. A text on divine magic systems, gathering dust on a back shelf. Most devils wouldn't touch it with a ten-foot pole.

Their loss.

『Detecting increased neural activity. Have you formulated a new strategy?』

"Maybe." I tapped into my clone🙃, checking Akio's latest update. The PRISM situation was progressing nicely - exactly as planned. "This world has multiple pantheons, multiple power sources. Why limit ourselves to just one?"

『Analyzing available data on local divine power systems...

Warning: Traditional devil doctrine strongly advises against-』

"Traditional devil doctrine got forty clans wiped out," I cut in. "I'm not interested in tradition. I'm interested in survival."

『...Point taken. Shall I compile information on accessible power sources?』

"Please." I grabbed my water bottle, mind already racing through possibilities. "Focus on systems with documented interaction with demonic energy. There has to be precedent somewhere."

『Processing request. Initial results suggest several promising avenues:

Eastern mysticism

Shinto practices

Buddhist energy work

Norse Magic』

"Start with Shinto," I said, heading for the shower. "It's the most established system in this region. And check if there are any shrines near-"

A spike of pain shot through my temple. I steadied myself against the wall, waiting for it to pass.

『Warning: Neural interface experiencing minor strain. Recommend reduced processing load for next 47 minutes.』

"Noted." I pushed off the wall, continuing to the shower. "Just keep the shrine data ready. We'll review it after I rest."

『Acknowledged. And the shadow clones?』

I glanced back at the empty training room. "Keep the current configuration. But next time, let's try something less... conventional."

『Define 'conventional.'』

I smiled. "That's half the fun, isn't it? Finding out."

The hot water helped ease my muscles, but my mind kept working. Devils, gods, humans - all drawing power from the same world, just in different ways. The 72 Pillars saw that diversity as weakness.

I saw opportunity.

"Perfect." I stepped out of the shower, grabbing a fresh towel. "Everything's falling into place."

『Query: Are you referring to PRISM, the power research, or your larger plans?』

"Yes."

『...That was not a binary question.』

"I know." I checked my reflection, adjusting my hair. "But the answer's still yes."

『Sometimes I question the efficiency of your communication methods.』

"And sometimes I question the necessity of yours," I countered. "But we make it work."

『Indeed. Though I must point out-』

Another spike of pain, sharper this time. I gripped the sink, breathing through it.

『Neural interface stability at 82%. Strongly recommend rest period.』

"Fine," I conceded. "Wake me in two hours. We'll start the shrine research then."

『Acknowledged. Rest well, Amon Beleth.』

I made it to my bed before the exhaustion hit. Creating and maintaining four combat-capable clones while testing different magic systems - not my smartest move. But the data had been worth it.

It was always worth it.

As I drifted off, I felt Akio's distant presence through our connection. He was handling the idol group perfectly, laying groundwork I'd use later. Another piece in place, another step forward.

The 72 Pillars thought they knew power. They'd built their entire society around one source, one way of thinking. They'd grown strong, yes, but also rigid. Predictable.

I planned to be neither.

Let them cling to their traditions. I'd take every advantage I could find, every system I could learn. Because in the end, power wasn't about purity.

It was about survival.

And I intended to survive.

『Full Neural Interface Diagnostic:

Memory Processing: 97% efficiency

Cognitive Function: 94% capacity

Reaction Time: 0.23 seconds

Strategic Analysis: Operating at peak performance

Current Time: 21:38』

『Physical Status:

Muscle Fatigue: Minimal

Demonic Energy: 78% restored

Caloric Intake: Dangerously low

Dehydration: Moderate

Recommended Action: Immediate sustenance』

"I know you're awake," Maria's voice came from above me. "Your breathing changed."

I opened my eyes to find her straddling my stomach, still in her work clothes minus the blazer. Her hair fell around us like a curtain.

"Seven hours," she said. "I called three times."

"Akio would have-"

"Dissolved if something was wrong. Yes, he told me." She poked my chest. "That doesn't mean I can't worry."

I caught her finger before she could poke me again. "You're supposed to be the responsible one."

"I am. That's why I ordered food." She gestured to the nightstand where several takeout containers sat. "You haven't eaten since breakfast."

"I was busy."

She leaned closer. "You're pushing too hard."

"I need to be stronger."

"You need to be smarter." Her lips brushed my ear. "And right now, you need to eat."

My stomach growled, proving her point. She sat back, looking entirely too pleased with herself.

"The food can wait," I said, reaching for her.

She caught my hands. "No."

"No?"

"Food first." She climbed off me, ignoring my protest. "Then we can discuss your... other appetites."

I propped myself up on my elbows, watching her retrieve the takeout containers. "When did you get so demanding?"

"When did you get so reckless?" she countered, setting the food between us. "Besides, I'm the only woman in your life right now. Someone has to keep you in line."

"Is that what this is?"

She broke apart disposable chopsticks. "Among other things."

I accepted the container she handed me - some kind of noodle dish that smelled amazing. We ate in comfortable silence for a while, Maria occasionally stealing pieces from my container despite having her own.

"The PRISM situation?" I asked between bites.

"Proceeding according to plan. Akio handled the initial meeting perfectly." She stole another piece of chicken. "Though Katsuro might be an issue."

"He'll fall in line."

"Because you say so?"

"Because he's smart enough to see the opportunities we're offering." I set down my empty container. "And because Seiichi will convince him."

Maria hummed thoughtfully, finishing her own meal. "And the other project?"

"Can wait until tomorrow."

"Can it?"

I pulled her closer, taking advantage of her momentary surprise. "Some things are more important than research."

"Like eating?" she teased.

"Like showing proper appreciation to my most loyal servant."

Her breath caught as I traced her collarbone. "Is that what this is?"

"Among other things."

She laughed, the sound turning into a gasp as I found that spot behind her ear. "You're impossible."

"You love it."

"I love you," she corrected, then froze.

We'd never said those words before. Not directly. They hung in the air between us, heavy with implications neither of us was ready to face.

I kissed her instead of answering. She melted into it, perhaps grateful for the escape. We were both cowards in our own ways.

Later, as she slept curled against my side, I stared at the ceiling and thought about power. Not the kind that came from magic or training or clever schemes. The kind that came from three simple words, spoken in the dark.

『Query: Shall I compile data on emotional power dynamics?』

Not now.

『Acknowledged. Though I feel compelled to point out-』

"Don't."

『...Very well. Scheduling shrine research for 0900 tomorrow.』

I pulled Maria closer, feeling her unconsciously respond. The 72 Pillars had theories about power - elaborate hierarchies and complex systems. But maybe the real power lay in simpler things.

Like a woman who ordered takeout because she worried.

Like three words neither of us was ready for.

Like the quiet dark, and the warmth of another person who chose to stay.

『Your heart rate indicates elevated emotional-』

"Goodnight," I said firmly.

『Goodnight, Amon Beleth. I'll wake you at 0800.』