The Beginning, Noah's Home Ground

(Heartfelt thanks to 'I Really Was Just Passing By,' 'Starlit Life,' and 'Pokémon' for their donations!)

Grayfia and Raiser had come to the Occult Research Club to see Rias in the morning.

At that time, Kuoh Academy had not started classes yet, so everyone could gather in the Occult Research Club.

After Grayfia and Raiser left the Occult Research Club, Asia and Koneko left first because they had classes to attend. Only Rias and Akeno took leave and stayed behind.

Therefore, when Noah came out of the Occult Research Club, no one was accompanying him.

However, on his way to the school building after leaving the Occult Research Club, Noah encountered someone.

"Hm?" Seeing the girl leaning against the trunk of a tree by the academy avenue, as though she were waiting for someone, Noah stopped. His brows lifted slightly, and a faintly amused smile appeared on his face.

"For the student council president to skip class during school hours... that's quite rare."

That person was none other than Sona Shitori.

"That's why I didn't even bring Tsubaki." Leaning there as though dozing, Sona slowly opened her eyes. Through her bright glasses, she looked straight at Noah, her expression as stern and cool as ever.

"I've heard all about it, Teacher. Are you really planning to challenge that young master of the Phoenix family?"

"If you've already heard about it, then it can't possibly be false, can it?" Under Sona's gaze, Noah shook his head with a laugh.

"What? Do you also think it's unbelievably arrogant of me to challenge that firebird?"

"No. I don't think so." Sona denied it outright.

"Unlike Raiser, I know that Teacher possesses strength no less than that of a High-Class Devil. Your true strength may even exceed that of a High-Class Devil. Otherwise, you