Chapter 20 - Replicating Kiba's Talent
"Roy, isn't this place a bit pricey? An ordinary restaurant would've been fine," Kiba looked a bit embarrassed, as they arrived at the upscale restaurant.
Having attended high school in Kuoh Town for a year, Kiba knew the local scene.
This restaurant's steep prices were far beyond a student's budget.
As a reincarnated devil, his living expenses barely exceeded those of an ordinary teen.
A meal here could leave him scraping by for weeks.
"I read online that this place has great food, so I picked it," Roy said with a nonchalant smile.
His bank card held more money than he'd earned in his previous life combined, so cost was no concern.
Kiba's reluctance was exactly what Roy had hoped for—it made his generosity seem more genuine.
"It's rare for me to treat someone," Roy added, sliding the menu toward Kiba with a playful grin.
"Next time, it's on you, so you'd better eat your fill now."
"I might start mooching off you regularly."
"Haha, alright, I won't hold back then," Kiba laughed.
He ordered two signature dishes from the menu, then handed it back to Roy.
Roy added two more dishes—enough for two teenage boys.
As they waited, Roy steered the conversation, quickly building rapport with Kiba.
"By the way, Kiba, you seemed preoccupied earlier."
"Something troubling you?" Roy asked casually.
"Is it that obvious?" Kiba looked startled.
Nearly caught off guard.
He hadn't expected Roy to pick up on his unease.
"I'm just good at reading people," Roy replied with a smile.
"I didn't peg you for that skill, Roy," Kiba said with a wry chuckle.
"It's just a club issue. We've hit a snag with something tricky, and it's got everyone stressed."
He kept it vague, avoiding any mention of the incident.
"A club matter, huh?" Roy nodded, feigning curiosity.
"If you're okay with it, you could share more. Maybe I can help?"
'Better yet, introduce me to Rias and the others.'
'That's a jackpot of Dimensional Points,' Roy thought.
"Thanks for the offer, but our club's… unique," Kiba shook his head.
"Only members can get involved in our activities. Outsiders aren't allowed."
"Sounds like a pretty exclusive club," Roy said, nodding knowingly.
'A Devil's club, obviously. I'm just after your Dimensional Points.'
"It's one of the more independent clubs at school."
"Seems interesting. Once I enroll at Kuoh Academy, I'll swing by your club to check it out."
"Any chance you're recruiting?" Roy asked, keeping his tone light.
"Sure, when you're enrolled, I'll introduce you to the members."
"You'll be surprised," Kiba smiled.
"But joining? That depends on the President."
'Not that we're actually recruiting—unless you're special, Yuuto thought.
"Deal," Roy gave a faint smile.
He had no intention of joining the Occult Research Club or becoming a devil.
All he wanted was the dimensional points.
His plan was simpler: display a hint of extraordinary talent and strength after enrolling.
Rias would likely come to him, drawn to his potential.
An hour later, the two finished lunch, said their goodbyes, and parted ways.
'System, replicate Yuuto Kiba's Kendo talent, Evil Piece: Knight, and magic power conversion."
[Consuming 10,000 Dimensional Points. Evil Piece: Knight replicated successfully.]
[Consuming 20,000 Dimensional Points. Magic power conversion replicated successfully. Use now?]
[Consuming 100,000 Dimensional Points. Swordsmanship talent replicated successfully. Use now?]
Roy returned to the hotel to integrate the new abilities.
"Start with magic power conversion," Roy commanded.
A surge of knowledge flooded his mind— and the entire demonic power he had converted into so called Mana or magic power.
Next, he used the kendo talent.
The integration added insights—fighting principles, moves, and instincts.
Unlike the Hell Fire replication, which granted immediate combat prowess, this felt more like learning.
"No feeling of swinging a weapon like a master," Roy mused.
"Compared to Hell Fire, it's a little weak."
[Kiba's talent included his exceptional aptitude, unique insights, and commonly used techniques.]
[But it's an experience, not a plug-and-play like the Hell Fire.]
[The host need to forge his own path.]
"I get it."
The replicated talent required training to unlock its full potential.
Unlike Hell Fire, kendo talent demanded practice to shape into Roy's own style.
The solution? Simple: swing a sword, train, and fight.
Over time, Roy would develop his own techniques, unshackled by Kiba's limits.
Kiba had honed himself over a decade to reach his current level.
With the replicated talent, Roy estimated he could match that in five or six weeks.