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DN : [405] Demons
🕑 Added 2025-01-06 16:00:04 +0000 UTCWalking through the streets of Itogami Island, August was utterly astonished.
This world boasted advanced technology, yet the supernatural side was equally developed, blending seamlessly with modern innovations. Throughout his journey, August sensed numerous magical auras. These individuals, indistinguishable from ordinary people, lived harmoniously on this peculiar island.
Truly, Itogami Island was a sanctuary for magical beings. Demons, yokai, elves, beastmen, vampires, artificial lifeforms—an endless variety of races coexisted here.
However, August faced a significant problem: he was broke.
It was an embarrassing predicament. While he had an abundance of gold and treasures from other worlds—his treasury was filled with millions of otherworldly coins—this modern society operated on paper currency and digital payments.
Unfortunately, August was an unregistered resident in this world. He had no local currency, and while he did own a smartphone, it was from the High School DxD world and lacked signal reception here. As for Japanese yen or U.S. dollars, those were out of the question. Back in the High School DxD world, August never needed to pay for anything.
He regretted not bringing his two faithful companions, Hilda and Yuluda, who always handled everything for him. Their absence now left him yearning for their assistance.
Suddenly, August’s sharp eyes caught a group of shady figures nearby. Each of them emanated magical energy.
A mischievous grin spread across his face. So even in a two-dimensional world like this, Japan still produced its fair share of delinquents.
Deciding not to disappoint their expectations, August subtly veered towards a less crowded area. Though unfamiliar with the streets, his goal was clear: find a spot without surveillance cameras. After all, this artificial island was covered in them, and August wasn’t looking to attract unnecessary trouble so soon after arriving.
In a dimly lit alley, four individuals surrounded him, blocking his escape.
“Yo, kid. Pretty gutsy of you to wander into our territory. Spotted us earlier, didn’t you?”
“Oh? Keen observation,” August replied, his tone light.
“I’m a beastman,” the leader growled. “Our senses are far sharper than any human’s.”
“In that case,” August said calmly, “you should also realize that I must have some confidence to act as I did.”
The beastman laughed mockingly. “Confidence? Kid, I’ve seen plenty like you—cocky fools who think a little strength makes them invincible. The world is vast; don’t overestimate yourself.”
Hearing this ‘lecture,’ August’s expression turned strange.
He, a ninth-tier transcendent being, the embodiment of one of the Four Great Sins, with a cheat-like system to boot, being lectured about overconfidence? The irony was almost too much.
“Who’s really underestimating their opponent here?” he muttered.
Suddenly, shadows surged from the alley’s corners. Razor-sharp claw-like appendages emerged, encircling the four delinquents in an instant. The tables had turned; the hunters had become the prey.
The beastman leader stared wide-eyed at the menacing claws, nearly breaking into tears. This was no ordinary target; they had picked a fight with the wrong person.
“Now then,” August said, flashing a wicked grin. “It’s time for a little robbery. Hand over all your money.”
“B-Boss,” one of the thugs stammered, “if we had money, we wouldn’t be out mugging people.”
“I don’t mind small amounts. Just give me everything you’ve got.”
“Y-Yes, sir!”
Dejected, the four handed over their meager savings, tears streaming down their faces. August inspected the small pile of cash and sighed. These guys were supposed to be magical beings, yet they were pitifully poor. The amount they gave him wouldn’t even cover a few fast-food meals.
“Broke fools,” August muttered.
The four delinquents swallowed their indignation, their pride trampled. Their day couldn’t possibly get worse—or so they thought.
After collecting their money, August knocked them out cold. To ensure they wouldn’t cause trouble, he instructed the shadows to shred their clothing, leaving only their undergarments intact. Then, he departed, leaving the unfortunate quartet to shiver in the night air.
Strolling around the area, August pieced together his surroundings. He was in the outer region of Itogami Island, where low-tier magical beings and small-time delinquents roamed. It was somewhat similar to Japanese gang territories—not particularly threatening but undeniably troublesome.
Interestingly, despite the late hour, the island’s temperature remained high, hovering near thirty degrees Celsius. While August was immune to such extremes, the sight of people enjoying ice cream stirred a craving in him.
At an ice cream shop, he discovered just how little his newfound funds could buy. The meager sum from those delinquents barely covered a single sundae. Was the store overpriced, or were those thugs simply that destitute?
Shrugging, August paid and found a seat to enjoy his treat. Despite its average taste, the experience was nostalgic and satisfying.
“Um, may I sit here?”
A soft, timid voice broke his reverie. August looked up to see a girl with shoulder-length white hair and striking azure eyes holding a sundae. She appeared embarrassed but hopeful.
“Suit yourself,” he replied.
“Thank you,” she said, seating herself across from him, maintaining a respectful distance.
The shop was bustling, every table occupied, mostly by couples. August paid no mind, but the girl seemed uneasy, occasionally sneaking glances at him before quickly lowering her gaze as though caught.
August wasn’t surprised. As the embodiment of Lust, his very presence naturally attracted others. Any latent affection they harbored would amplify exponentially, a passive ability he neither controlled nor sought to exploit.
Still, the girl intrigued him. There was something familiar about her, though he couldn’t place where he’d seen her before. Her aura exuded a saintly purity, giving him the impression of a genuine ‘holy maiden.’
