DxD: Wrong Way

Only by mastering a spell, even something as basic as a fireball or water arrow, could Aoki feel that he had truly become someone with extraordinary abilities.

It was akin to the leap from D-level to C-level; while not a massive improvement, it represented a significant threshold. Key magic was essential.

He was tired of relying solely on his fists, which didn't quite fit his pretty-boy image.

Himejima Akeno pondered for a moment before saying

"Well, now that you've nearly mastered hand-to-hand combat, it's time to start exploring magic. Plus, you can tap into your magical talent earlier."

Aoki nodded enthusiastically, hoping for personal guidance from the red-haired, busty older sister.

"Here, take this book first. It contains a wealth of low-level practical magic."

Himejima Akeno produced a black-covered book from her chest and handed it to Aoki.

"These spells are quite simple. Once mastered, they can play an unexpected role in battle."

As Aoki glanced at the book, he was momentarily taken aback by Himejima Akeno's ample figure and how she managed to conceal such items within it.

"Why are you so stunned? Keep going," she said with mild annoyance as she lightly tapped Aoki's head with the corner of her book.

"Don't get distracted; you won't learn this trick."

Aoki chuckled and accepted the magic book, which still carried a faint fragrance.

The dark cover bore a five-pointed red star magic circle that exuded an air of mystery.

Even before opening it, he sensed that this book was special.

For ordinary people, learning low-level magic is challenging.

Magic apprentices typically learn from their teachers one spell at a time.

The spells contained in this book had been accumulated over the years by the Gremory family.

If it were truly ordinary, Himejima Akeno wouldn't carry it around with her.

Despite her strength reaching A-level, there were still some spells she hadn't fully grasped.

Magic requires both talent and aptitude. While Akeno excelled in thunder attribute magic, even those less adept must learn various types because some spells are genuinely useful—like space magic.

Whether for long-distance teleportation arrays or logistics storage spaces, all rely on space magic.

Although easy to use in theory, space magic is among the most difficult types to master.

As Aoki opened the magic book, the fragrance intensified.

He touched his nose and remained calm; real boys had already played with him before

This temptation wasn't enough to rattle him.

Aoki focused intently on studying the contents of the book.

The first page detailed low-level attack spells like fireball, water arrow, lightning strike, wind sword, and ground stab—all varying in attributes.

Following these were transfiguration spells like swamp creation and charm—somewhat more complex than the initial offerings.

As he progressed through the pages, he noted that the spells became increasingly difficult but also more powerful and applicable.

In addition to printed instructions for each spell were handwritten notes left by Himejima Akeno during her own studies—a treasure trove of insights and experiences from her learning journey.

While immersed in his studies, Rias finished her bath and emerged wrapped in a towel. She cast a casual glance at Aoki but paid little attention to his presence as she retrieved new underwear and her uniform to change into. Unfortunately for Aoki, he was so absorbed in the mysteries of the book that he missed witnessing Rias's beauty during this moment.

By the time he regained his senses, Rias had already changed into her clothes and was seated at a table sipping black tea.

Aoki closed the magic book excitedly and exclaimed, "Akeno-senpai! Thank you so much! I want to study this book for a while."

"This book is yours," came Rias's voice—not Himejima Akeno's response. Magical knowledge belonged to the Gremory family.

Only Rias could make such decisions regarding its distribution.

In truth, if Rias hadn't held special feelings for Aoki, Himejima Akeno would never have given him this valuable tome.

Magic knowledge is an intangible asset; especially one containing notes from Himejima Akeno herself would undoubtedly incite fierce competition among aspiring magicians if made public. For apprentices seeking advancement in their craft, possessing such a resource could pave their way toward becoming mid-level magicians.

Aoki felt elated:

"Thank you so much, Buchou!" He suspected that this book was extraordinary but had no idea just how invaluable it truly was

Countless aspiring magicians would dream of having such an opportunity.

He brought the magic book closer to himself and asked curiously: "Buchou, when did you arrive?"

"I've been here; I just took a shower," Rias replied casually.

After chatting for a bit longer with Rias and Himejima Akeno about various topics related to magic training and combat techniques

Aoki finally got up to leave.

With his newfound skill book in hand

He couldn't wait another moment! Imagining flames dancing in his left hand while thunder crackled in his right as he struck down enemies filled him with confidence as he began learning his first spell.

Three hours later…

Feeling drained of magical energy after intense practice left Aoki feeling disheartened; he realized that his magical talent was rather average at best!

The so-called "magic genius" label stemmed primarily from his ability to extract skills directly rather than any innate prowess.

After three hours spent exhausting all available magical power within himself—he'd only managed to successfully cast one spell! That single fireball had spiraled out of control almost igniting an actual fire!

Comparing his results against Himejima Akeno's notes revealed harsh truths about his true magical aptitude

Not particularly strong but certainly passable!

If he wasn't better than those above him

At least he surpassed those below!

Had there been no prior expectations placed upon him—Aoki might have accepted these results without complaint—but hearing all those praises about being gifted made facing reality sting even more painfully!

Especially when juxtaposed against how naturally talented he felt during close combat training—it left him feeling uncomfortable indeed!

"Maybe it's because fire isn't my element," he mused after restoring some magical energy before continuing attempts without losing faith entirely:

Water system…

earth system…

wind system…

Each attribute yielded similar results overall!

Among them—the spiritual attribute showed superior compatibility while earth proved least compatible overall!

This good affinity towards mental attributes didn't arise from exceptional talent alone; rather due largely thanks absorbing remnants left behind by predecessors whose souls lingered within him granting enhanced mental fortitude!

Ultimately—it became clear that all talents lay along reckless paths instead of elegant displays befitting traditional mages wielding flashy effects whenever raising hands high above heads!

After reflecting throughout one night spent dreaming fondly about soft bodies belonging Takamine sisters

Aoki finally convinced himself:

Since raw talent fell short

Why not shift focus elsewhere?

Instead pursuing elusive mastery over arcane arts requiring immense effort

It'd be wiser investing energy towards charming lovely girls instead! Not only might doing so attract potential partners possessing magical talents leading toward genuine genius status

But also allow direct acquisition skills enabling rapid mastery over desired magics too!

Strength may fluctuate temporarily—but looks remain timelessly appealing throughout life itself!

Thus resolved—to become noble yet elegant magician worthy admiration!

However—Aoki held no intentions abandoning hand-to-hand combat altogether either; serving well as trump card option should circumstances demand such measures arise unexpectedly during battles ahead!

His encounter against Tetsuya Hatada underscored importance having reliable trump cards ready at disposal since even single key skill could alter entire course unfolding conflicts dramatically!

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