Chapter 6: The One with a Deal with the Devil
Gilderoy Lockhart stood alone in his office, the only light coming from a single flickering candle on his desk. His hands rested on the ancient book of Kaleidoscopic magic, its worn pages radiating with a power he had only recently begun to master. He had learned much since discovering the Reality Marble, but there were still realms and dimensions left to explore, resources to gather, and power to claim.
Tonight, he intended to go further than he ever had before. The magical world was vast—far larger than anyone at Hogwarts could imagine—and there were artifacts, spells, and knowledge hidden in dimensions that no wizard of this world had ever visited. But Gilderoy was not an ordinary wizard.
While holding a chess piece he whispered the incantation under his breath, feeling the familiar hum of the Kaleidoscope magic stir in his veins. The air around him seemed to shimmer, and the room twisted as if reality itself was bending. A pulse of energy rippled through the space, and before he knew it, the world around him began to shift.
Colors blurred, time seemed to stretch, and with a final tug, the familiar stone walls of Hogwarts vanished. When Gilderoy opened his eyes, he stood in a completely different place—a city, bustling with energy and life. Tall buildings surrounded him, and the modern architecture was in stark contrast to the old-world charm of Hogwarts. Gilderoy smiled to himself, adjusting his robe to blend in. He had arrived in Kuoh City for the second time
He had come here with a very specific purpose. Kuoh City was known for more than just its peaceful, everyday existence. Beneath the surface, it was a hotspot for supernatural activity—where devils, fallen angels, and various magical beings mingled in secret. And at the heart of it all was the Gremory family, a prestigious clan of devils. Their heir, Rias Gremory, had piqued Gilderoy's interest.
He knew of her conflict with Riser Phenex, another powerful devil who wielded the potent Phenex Immortality
As he made his way through the streets, Gilderoy's presence barely drew attention. He had used his magic to create a subtle illusion, one that made people's eyes simply slide over him, as if he were just another face in the crowd. It wasn't long before he found himself standing before Kuoh Academy, the school where Rias Gremory and her peerage operated. He knew it was more than just a school—it was a nexus of power for devils in the area.
The sun had set by the time Gilderoy reached the entrance, casting a dim glow over the impressive gates. A familiar energy rippled through the air—magical wards, no doubt set by Rias herself. But such things were trivial to someone who had mastered the Kaleidoscope. With a wave of his hand, the wards parted, allowing him to pass through unnoticed.
Moments later, he found himself standing in the shadow of the school's grand building. Waiting for him, just as he had anticipated, was Rias Gremory.
The crimson-haired devil stood tall, her long red hair glowing in the twilight, her blue eyes sharp and calculating. She was dressed in the uniform of Kuoh Academy, though the aura of power surrounding her was unmistakable. Standing beside her was Akeno Himejima, her trusted Queen, whose graceful presence was just as formidable.
"Gilderoy Lockhart," Rias said, her voice steady but laced with curiosity. "I recognise you"
Lockhart flashed a charming smile, bowing slightly. "Rias Gremory, I presume? It's an honor to meet such a powerful and esteemed devil. I've come to discuss a matter that could benefit both of us."
Rias raised an eyebrow. "You don't waste time, do you?"
"Not when there's so much at stake," Gilderoy replied, his tone smooth. "I understand you're facing some… difficulties with Riser Phenex. I may be able to provide a solution to your problem."
Rias's eyes narrowed slightly, her interest clearly piqued. "Go on."
Lockhart reached into the folds of his robes and pulled out a tarot card—The Fool. Its surface shimmered with a faint, otherworldly glow. He held it up for her to see.
"This," Gilderoy said, "is a replica of a very powerful artifact called The Fool. When activated, it renders all magic in the surrounding area completely useless. It was once used to neutralize entire covens of dark wizards. With this card, your opponent will be left defenseless—unable to use his regenerative powers, his fire abilities, or any other magical advantage he holds over you."
Rias stared at the card, her eyes widening slightly. She clearly understood the significance of such a tool. If she could use it against Riser Phenex, his near-immortal regeneration from the Phenex Tears would be rendered useless. He would be vulnerable—finally, beatable.
"And what do you want in exchange for this card?" she asked, her voice cautious.
Gilderoy's smile widened. "A simple trade. Five hundred vials of Phenex Tears. I understand they're highly prized in your world, but I have use for their healing properties in mine."
Rias hesitated, glancing at Akeno for a brief moment. The Queen remained silent, but her sharp gaze never left Lockhart. Finally, Rias turned back to him.
"Five hundred vials is a significant amount," she said carefully. "Even for me, that's not a small price to pay."
Lockhart nodded. "I understand. But consider what you'll gain in return. The Fool will give you the upper hand against Riser, something you've been searching for. With him out of the way, you'll secure your freedom and your position."
Rias bit her lip, clearly weighing the options in her mind. She had been desperate to find a way to defeat Riser, and the opportunity Gilderoy was offering was too good to pass up. After a long pause, she finally spoke.
"Very well," she said. "I'll agree to your terms. Five hundred vials of Phenex Tears, in exchange for the card."
Lockhart's smile deepened. "A wise decision. I knew you were a devil who understood the value of a good deal."
With a flick of his wrist, he handed the card to Rias, who took it cautiously, her eyes still fixed on him. The deal had been struck, and both parties knew that they had gained something valuable.
As the night deepened, Gilderoy couldn't help but feel a surge of satisfaction. He had secured the Phenex Tears, a resource that would prove invaluable in his future plans. And in return, Rias Gremory had received the means to defeat her greatest enemy.
But Lockhart knew that this was only the beginning. The world of High School DxD held many secrets and powers, and he had only scratched the surface. There were more deals to be made, more alliances to form. The power of the Kaleidoscope had opened doors to countless realms, and Gilderoy intended to explore them all.
As he prepared to return to Hogwarts, the vials of Phenex Tears safely in hand, he couldn't help but smile. The game was far from over. In fact, it had only just begun.
Author's note:- 1.Phenex tears:The Phoenix Tears (also known as Phenex Tears) from High School DxD are a powerful healing item used by members of the Phenex Clan, a prestigious family of devils with abilities related to the mythical phoenix. The Phenex Clan's members possess regenerative abilities akin to those of the legendary phoenix, and their tears are imbued with immense healing properties.