Chapter 2: Discovery and Invitation

Ayush had planted the seeds, and now he could see them starting to grow. Every time he passed by Rias and Akeno in the hallways or saw them in the courtyard, their gazes would linger on him for just a moment longer than they should. The subtle shifts in their body language, the occasional stolen glances—it was all confirmation that the artifact's power was working.

But Ayush knew better than to rush things. He had learned long ago that true power came not from brute force but from patience, from watching and waiting for the right moment to strike. And with the artifact now amplifying his natural charm, all he had to do was will it, and those around him would be drawn into his web.

His next encounter with Rias came after school, in the quiet of the library. Ayush had spent the afternoon studying, his mind half-focused on the books in front of him and half on the growing influence he held over the two women who, just days ago, had seemed untouchable.

As he sat at a corner table, his eyes scanning over ancient texts, he felt it—the familiar pulse of the artifact. Rias had just walked into the library, her presence a subtle shift in the energy of the room. She was alone, dressed in her school uniform, her crimson hair catching the last light of the setting sun as she moved between the aisles of books.

Ayush willed the artifact to draw her attention to him, focusing its power like a spotlight on his very presence. He didn't look up from his book, but he could feel her eyes on him from across the room. Rias hesitated for just a moment before making her way over to him, the sound of her footsteps quiet against the wooden floor.

"You seem to always be where I am," Rias said, her voice light but curious. She stood at the edge of his table, her arms crossed over her chest, a small smile playing on her lips.

Ayush looked up, meeting her eyes with a calm, confident expression. "I could say the same about you," he replied, his voice smooth, as if the encounter had been purely coincidental.

Rias chuckled softly, though her eyes remained on him, studying him as if she were trying to figure something out. "You're a mystery, Ayush. You're new, but it feels like you've been around here forever."

Ayush smirked, leaning back in his chair slightly. "Maybe I just have a way of fitting in." He let the artifact's power hum beneath his words, amplifying the subtle attraction that was already starting to take root.

Rias tilted her head, her smile growing as she regarded him. "Is that so?" Her voice was low, playful, but Ayush could see the curiosity burning in her blue eyes. She wasn't just talking about his presence at Kuoh Academy—she was talking about the way he seemed to have slipped into her thoughts so easily, despite only knowing him for a short time.

"I like to think so," Ayush said, keeping his tone casual, though inside he could feel the power building. "But maybe it's more than just fitting in. Maybe there's something here worth staying for."

Rias raised an eyebrow, clearly intrigued by his words. For a moment, she seemed about to say something more, but then she hesitated. She smiled again, softer this time, and nodded. "We'll see," she said, her voice still playful but now with a hint of something deeper. "Maybe there is."

And with that, she turned and walked away, leaving Ayush with a sense of satisfaction. She was hooked, even if she didn't fully realize it yet.

A few days later, Ayush had a similar encounter with Akeno.

He had noticed that Akeno often spent time in the school courtyard during breaks, sipping tea under the shade of the trees. Today was no different. She sat at her usual spot, the soft breeze ruffling her long black hair as she sipped delicately from her cup.

Ayush decided it was time to push things further. He willed the artifact to focus on Akeno, amplifying the attraction she already seemed to feel for him. As he walked past her, he could feel her eyes follow him, the familiar hum of the artifact letting him know it was working.

"Ayush," Akeno called out, her voice smooth and inviting. "You're always so serious. Why don't you come sit with me for a moment? Take a break."

Ayush smiled, turning toward her. "I didn't think you'd want company," he said, though he made his way over to her without hesitation.

"I enjoy company," Akeno replied, her voice teasing as she patted the seat next to her. "Especially when the company is... interesting."

Ayush sat down beside her, his heart steady and his mind focused. Akeno had always been more direct than Rias, her flirtations bolder and more dangerous. But Ayush was ready for it. He had to be, if he wanted to pull her deeper into his influence.

"Interesting?" Ayush echoed, leaning back in his chair, his eyes meeting hers. "I'm not sure I've done anything that interesting yet."

Akeno laughed softly, her dark eyes glinting with amusement. "Not yet, maybe. But you're mysterious. That makes you interesting." She took another sip of her tea, her eyes never leaving his. "And I like mysteries."

Ayush let the artifact's power surge again, focusing on Akeno's desire for excitement, for something different. He could see the way she looked at him, the way her lips curled into that teasing smile she always wore when she was testing someone.

"Maybe you'll figure me out," Ayush said, his voice low, letting the words hang between them.

"Maybe," Akeno replied, her voice equally soft. There was a spark in her eyes, a challenge hidden beneath the surface. "Or maybe you'll surprise me."

The next week, Ayush noticed the change. Both Rias and Akeno had started paying more attention to him. It wasn't overt—not yet—but it was clear they were curious. Their glances lasted a little longer, their conversations with him grew slightly more personal, more intimate. The artifact was working, slowly but surely drawing them in.

And then, one afternoon, it happened.

Ayush was walking down the hallway after class when he spotted Rias and Akeno standing together near the entrance to the Occult Research Club. Issei was nowhere to be seen, which was rare. Normally, he was glued to their side like a puppy, always trying to insert himself into their conversations.

Rias caught Ayush's eye and smiled. "Ayush," she called out, her voice warm. "Do you have a moment?"

Ayush approached, his heart racing slightly. This was the moment he had been waiting for.

"Of course," he replied, his tone smooth. "What's up?"

Akeno grinned, her usual teasing smile in place. "We've been talking, and we think you might be interested in joining our club." Her voice was playful, but Ayush could sense the underlying seriousness.

Rias nodded, her expression more composed but equally intrigued. "You've been... interesting to us," she said, choosing her words carefully. "And we think you might fit in well with the Occult Research Club. We deal with... things that are a little outside the ordinary, and I have a feeling you're not exactly ordinary yourself."

Ayush smiled, inwardly thrilled but keeping his composure. "I'd be honored," he replied, letting the artifact's power hum just beneath the surface, ensuring they remained intrigued by him.

Rias and Akeno exchanged a glance before Rias nodded. "Good. You're welcome to join us for our next meeting."

"I look forward to it," Ayush said, his eyes lingering on both of them for just a moment longer than necessary.

As he walked away, Ayush couldn't help but smile. The pieces were falling into place. He had earned their curiosity, and now he was officially part of their world. From here, it was only a matter of time before he took what was rightfully his.