"I just remembered something. I'm heading back to class now. See you later."
Kenzo waved a hand and walked out of the office like nothing happened.
Watching him go, Natsuki Minamiya sighed quietly and said nothing more.
She pulled open a drawer, retrieved a file, flipped it open, and scanned the page.
[Kanzaki Kenzo: Artifact holder. Two weeks ago, during a family outing, the artifact in his possession emitted an aura that drew in a Grade 2 Cursed Spirit. The resulting attack led to the deaths of both parents, while the boy survived with psychological trauma.]
"Judging by his demeanor, he's recovered from the trauma—but it feels like he's gone to the opposite extreme."
Natsuki narrowed her eyes in thought before picking up her phone and dialing.
"Rias, if you're not too busy, I have something I need you to handle."
…
On the other side of the building, Kenzo walked toward his classroom. Before he made it halfway, a shout rang out from down the corridor.
"Hyoudou! Get back here, you bastard!"
"We said we'd stick together and face it! You bailed and left us behind!"
"You two set me up last time! Don't act innocent!"
Kenzo turned his head and saw three boys his age racing down the hall. The one in in the front with brown hair was none other than Issei Hyoudou.
As he ran, Issei looked back, shouting at the two boys chasing him. But when he turned forward again, his eyes went wide.
There was someone in his way.
"Oh crap!"
Panic seized Issei instantly. "Move, I can't stop—"
BAM.
The world turned upside down for Issei. Pain exploded through his body as he slammed to the floor.
When he came to, he was pinned to the ground. His arms twisted behind him, and someone's knee pressed down near his neck.
"It hurts! It hurts! Okay, I give up! Let me go!"
"Sorry. Reflex," Kenzo said as he let up.
Lately, along with sword training, Kenzo had been practicing close combat techniques. When Issei crashed into him, he took it as an opportunity to test things in real action.
The results were… satisfying.
"Need me to help you?"
"N-No thanks."
Issei scrambled to his feet, backing away like a startled cat.
After giving a quick wave to his two friends, the trio headed toward the infirmary.
Kenzo didn't go to class immediately. Instead, he focused on the air in front of him.
[Congratulations. You've defeated Issei Hyoudou and obtained the Legendary Entry: Boost.]
[Boost (Legendary): Once activated, strength doubles every ten seconds. Maximum multiplication depends on physical capability.]
"Well, that's a pleasant surprise."
Turns out, defeating opponents could earn new entries.
Kenzo's eyes lingered on the new skill, lips curling into a grin.
The Legendary Entry wasn't as rare as Mythical or Divine, but it was powerful. In the original story, Issei used this exact ability—Boosted Gear to battle devils as a regular human and still win.
"If I remember correctly, the Red Dragon Emperor could stack the multiplier dozens of times…"
A bold idea sparked in Kenzo's mind.
But now wasn't the time. They were still in school. Causing a scene wouldn't be ideal.
Back in class, Kenzo sat down and nodded to the girl beside him.
"Morning, Kato."
"Good morning, Kanzaki-kun."
Megumi Kato blinked, surprised that he'd actually spoken to her.
"Yo, Kenzo, long time no see."
Yuji Itadori turned from the desk in front.
"Heard you were in a car accident. You okay now?"
"Yeah, I'm fine."
"You sure?"
Kenzo raised his hand. "Wanna test it out?"
Yuji smirked, grabbed his hand, and gave it a twist.
"Damn, you've gotten strong!"
Ten seconds passed. The doubling kicked in.
Kenzo flicked his wrist, and Yuji, caught off guard was floored instantly.
"Whoa! What was that?"
Yuji stared up from the floor in disbelief.
"Just been working out."
Kenzo smiled.
Yuji didn't understand, but before he could press further, a petite figure stepped into the classroom.
"Quiet down. Class is starting."
Natsuki Minamiya gave Kenzo a brief glance before beginning the lecture.
Kenzo, eyes half on the chalkboard, half on his system panel, tried checking for new entries.
Nothing.
Looks like arm wrestling doesn't count as defeating an enemy.
"We move to Plan B."
After a quiet day of classes, Kenzo found his next target.
"Hyoudou-san, can I speak with you?"
…
Behind the school, in a grove shaded by tall trees, Issei looked nervous.
"Uh, Kenzo-kun, what's this about?"
"I need a favor."
Kenzo rolled his shoulders. "Fight me."
"Fight you?!"
Issei jumped back. "No way! I can't beat you! This morning was enough!"
He still remembered how quickly he'd been flattened.
"I'll hold back. You won't get hurt."
Kenzo held up a finger.
"I'll even pay you. One hundred thousand yen."
"It's not about the money—"
"Three hundred thousand."
"You don't understand…"
"One million yen."
"Deal!"
Money broke his resolve.
Issei, from an average household, barely got by with his allowance. One million yen could buy games, magazines, even cover expenses for years.
"I'm ready."
Striking a pose he'd seen on TV, Issei braced himself.
Kenzo lifted his finger and motioned him forward.
"Come at me."
"Don't say I didn't warn you!"
Issei lunged.
Two seconds later, he hit the ground again.
"I thought… maybe this time I'd last longer…"
He winced but got up, brushing himself off.
Kenzo had gone easy this time.
"Wanna go again?" Issei asked. "It feels wrong taking a million yen for that."
"No need."
Kenzo handed over the cash, frowning slightly.
No new entry.
Defeating the same person again didn't yield more rewards.
According to the system, entries from the same target had a cooldown.
It'd be a month before Issei could drop anything again.
###
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