Setting: Late afternoon. ORC room. Rias and Sona’s chess match is paused; tea and snacks are out. Barrier is active but idle
Rias Gremory (focused on the board): “…If you move there, you lose the rook.” Issei Hyoudou (lounging): “Eh? That’s totally fine—” Akeno Himejima (pouring tea, smiling): “Ara ara, confidence before defeat.” Asia Argento (placing snacks): “I-I made enough this time…” Kiba Yuuto (by the window): “Perimeter’s quiet.” Koneko Toujou (eating): “…Mm.”
Rias Gremory (sharp, rising): “…That presence—everyone, stop.” (crimson power leaks) “This isn’t registered.” Issei Hyoudou (shoots upright): “H-Huh?! Why does it feel like I can’t breathe?!” Akeno Himejima (cup lowers, eyes alert): “Oh my… walked in without fear.” (lightning crackles) Asia Argento (steps back): “I can’t read them… at all…”
Kiba Yuuto (instantly in front of Rias): “That wasn’t hostility. They’re testing us.” (swords form) Koneko Toujou (stance lowers): “…Heavy.” (glances at cracked tile) “Very.”
Rias Gremory (calm, absolute): “This is the Occult Research Club.” (hand lifts) “Advance again and this space disappears.”
Issei Hyoudou (Boost Gear manifests): “HEY—say something!” (swallows) “Ddraig?” Ddraig (serious): “Do not provoke.” Issei Hyoudou (stunned): “Since when are you careful?!”
Akeno Himejima (soft laugh): “Ara ara… how intriguing.”
Koneko Toujou (bursts forward): “…Testing.” (Her punch stops short, repelled.) Koneko Toujou (eyes widen slightly): “…Didn’t move.”
Kiba Yuuto (grim): “Not magic. Pure force.”
Rias Gremory (fully serious): “So you’re not here to fight… but you’re not harmless.” Asia Argento (quiet, shaking): “It feels like we’re being judged…” Issei Hyoudou (Boost Gear glowing): “Rias—if they move—” Rias Gremory (firm): “Hold.”
Akeno Himejima (eyes sharp): “Oh? You’re aware.” Rias Gremory (measured): “…An intrusion without malice.” Koneko Toujou (low): “…If they wanted us gone, we’d be gone.” Kiba Yuuto (steady): “They’re holding back.”
Rias Gremory (without looking away): “Then we stay ready. No one relax.”