Volume 1: The Rating Game Arc

Lore & Background

The world operates on a balance between Heaven, Hell, and the Fallen Angels. Devils are reborn using chess pieces to form peerages under a Master's command. Issei Hyoudou possesses the Boosted Gear, a Sacred Gear unique for housing the spirit of the Red Dragon Emperor Ddraig. This power draws unwanted attention from factions wishing to exploit or destroy it. Rias Gremory, a Great Devil and heiress to one of the Seven Satan families, chooses Issei as her Pawn due to his potential. Her decision violates standard protocol but highlights the shifting dynamics within the Underworld. The Occult Research Club serves as their public cover, allowing supernatural activities to occur under the guise of student club life.

In Their Own Story

Issei stared at his trembling hands, the red aura fading from his skin. The classroom was empty save for Rias, whose crimson eyes held a mix of authority and kindness. He had died minutes ago, only to be pulled back into existence by her will. Now, a new destiny waited in the shadows of Kuoh Academy.

Reader's Guide

Issei Hyoudou begins as a lecherous high school student until his life ends abruptly during a date with a mysterious girl named Raynare. Unbeknownst to him, she is a Fallen Angel seeking to destroy his Sacred Gear. After his death, Rias Gremory resurrects him as a Devil Pawn using her powers. This volume focuses on Issei adjusting to his new supernatural existence within the Occult Research Club. The primary conflict involves protecting Issei from other Fallen Angels who wish to claim his Boosted Gear. The resolution sees Raynare's betrayal exposed and her defeat by Rias, solidifying Issei's loyalty to his new master. While the formal Rating Game tournaments commence in subsequent volumes, this arc establishes the peerage structure essential for those battles. Key characters introduced include Akeno Himejima, Kiba Yuuto, and the antagonist Raynare. No major permanent deaths occur among the main cast during this specific volume, though Issei technically dies once to begin his journey. This timeline segment advances the overall story by shifting the genre from slice-of-life to supernatural action fantasy.

Did You Know?

• Issei's Sacred Gear is unique because it contains a dragon spirit named Ddraig.
• Rias Gremory belongs to one of the Seven Great Satans families in the Underworld.
• The Occult Research Club serves as a public front for Devil activities at Kuoh Academy.