"The Evil that was once vanquished shall rise anew. Wrapped in the guise of man, shall he walk amongst the innocent, and Chaos shall consume they that dwell upon the Earth."
"The skies shall rain fire, and the seas will become as blood. The righteous shall fall before the wicked, and all of Creation shall tremble before our wrath!"
[Partner!]
"!"
Awakening from the voice of Ddraig, I opened my eyes and found myself lying on my bed. I was sweating heavily and the white and red [Boosted Gear] had appeared on my left hand and it seems that Ddraig used his physical voice to wake me up from that strange dream.
[You have summoned the Boosted Gear in your sleep; your consciousness began to drift inside the depths of the sacred gear where even I can't reach. Is it possible that you've dream of 'that' again?]
"Yeah, but this time the voice is much vivid. Though I can see images, they were blurry."
In the past few days, I began to dream about those weird words, in a place where all I can see was the blurry images of blue fire along with green lightning. Ever since this dream began, I always seem to hear a dark and cold voice whispering those atrocious words. Every passing day, the dream gets clearer and I am beginning to worry about it.
"Well, I better cook breakfast for that troublesome fellow."
Forcing myself to forget about the strange dream, I tried to remember the things that Lancelot said that she wanted to eat. It's been a week since she moved here and I can say that I'm still not used of her being around. Mostly because I always find myself unable to react whenever Lancelot tells a story about her lifestyle in the mountains, surely even Michael-sama will feel troubled when he's around this unusual girl. Though I feel that I can trust her, I just don't want to entrust my life with a mentally unstable girl who thinks that people are trapped inside the box called television.
"Ah~ good morning Ise! You wake up early as usual, I just finished running around the city skirts."
"As usual you are very strange. I guess it's your habit, well please don't do that here anymore. People will get suspicious that a beautiful girl like you has an unbelievable amount of stamina. Moreover, don't carry that gigantic lance when going outside!"
"?"
I sighed as the girl named Lancelot tilted her head in confusion, seriously, this girl will scare people away because of the 350 kg lance that she was shouldering. Aside from the lance, her monstrous strength was also terrifying, even I cannot lift that heavy lance without doubling my strength by atleast three times, while this girl can easily swirl the lance using only her fingers. That feat alone was enough to prove that this girl was not normal.
"By the way… you're soaking wet… Is that sweat?"
"Of course not! Can't you see that it's raining outside? Geez, its because you're not aware in your sleep."
"Sorry to say, but I'm not as primitive as you. Also, haven't you heard of the thing called raincoat?"
"I do know that! But this rain is a blessing to the lands, that's why we must enjoy the little grace that nature presented to us~"
"… We have enough water stocks that will last for more than 100 years. Besides, it's summer and people in the beach will be annoyed because of the rain."
"Ise, stop complaining about the rain. Don't you love it? The vibrations and sound from the falling drops of water heightens your senses and provides the victory to you. Rain is essentially important for strategy and victory!"
"… Just help me prepare breakfast."
Seriously! This girl is a battle prodigy! It's as if that the reason why she was born was to lead an army to glorious victory or rule an empire or something like that! Even though she lacks common sense, she is a genius, in just a week of staying in Japan, she already adapted to the modern world. Even though her Japanese was poor, it's a surprise, since she never asked me to teach her anything, by listening and observing peoples expressions, this girl managed to understand our language.
"So, Red Dragon Emperor-san do you have something to do today?"
"No, none particularly. Why did you ask?"
"Great! Since this day is good, we can train all day! Our fatigue will lessen because of the cold water and I'll help you train your sixth sense!"
"…I'm in the middle of recovery treatment, I cannot do something like that."
"It's been a week of continuous healing treatment, are you still unhealthy?"
"I already told you, my body has weakened greatly because of the battle with the White Dragon Emperor. I still need a few days of treatment before I recover my usual vitality."
"That battle huh? Even Honored Father said that it was truly bone chilling. The fight between the two Heavenly Dragons, that is."
Lancelot became quite for a moment, she looked outside by the window seemingly observing something. Her eyes showed a dangerous gleam like a hunter scanning the area where its prey is hiding, in that brief moment I saw Lancelot's predator gaze. I was again reminded that even if this girl was a little unstable, she was still a girl that came from the blood of the legendary knight, Lancelot Du Lac.
"What's wrong? You've been staring at me for a whole minute you know?"
"Nah, I'm just wondering if someone like you is still out there. You know, carrying the blood of legendary people?"
"I'm not sure… I don't really care, I just want to enjoy my life."
"By enjoying, you mean training nonstop?"
"Something like that~"
At that rare moment, Lancelot revealed a glamorous smile that can beat those from supermodels. That beautiful smile was full of feminine charm and charisma no doubt that anyone will be drawn in from that smile. Surely that smile fits a princess, for the usually brute girl Lancelot to do that, I was impressed.
Even though she was mentally unstable (from my point of view) Lancelot was still a high class lady. Since she trained in the mountains and lived secluded to the outer world, she also honed domestic skills, though her cooking isn't that good, it was still better than the ordinary girls from her age. Despite the circumstances and the lack of company in the mountains she was still very impressive in subjects like math and science, though her knowledge in history and technology is very little.
But enough about this, I need to drink another round of those bitter enchanted vials provided by the angel-san named Minerva-san.
"Okay~ time for breakfast, thanks for the food~"
Just like the usual, Lancelot still eats large quantities of food, even for a obese male that amount of food is still way too much. But I guess her training won't make her fat, Michael-sama, why did you raise this girl with extreme gluttony?
Finishing the breakfast, the oblivious girl fell asleep in the couch while I was watching TV and checking the news about the storm. Since it was currently summer, storms are very rare, but maybe because of the global warming things like this are understandable. Though this was my opinion, a part of me was telling that this storm will bring bad luck and something horrible.
Ddraig, though I'm still recovering, can I use the Boosted Gear and train?
[What's gotten into you, partner? Though your body is recovering, please know that there's a healing magic working inside your body. I won't allow training and anything related to battles.]
Geez, if that's what you say Ddraig-sama. I just suddenly feel a bad premonition, that's all.
Ending the conversation with Ddraig, I grabbed an umbrella and headed outside, a sudden urge to visit a certain place struck me. And that place was none other the school that I destroyed a month ago, the school sheltering the Gremory and Sitri households.
I took the train while thinking about the things that recently happened after that nightmare with the first fallen angel woman that I met. I discovered Ddraig inside me and found out that the one who raised me was none other than the angel from the bible. I was involved in an incident that involved a traitor named Kokabiel and after that, I was forced to battle a monster in the guise of human, the strongest Hakuryuukou. I faced him at the pinnacle of my strength ,but I still failed to defeat him even if he was weakened from an earlier fight.
I also met several peoples or rather devils that I never believed to exist, the crimson haired sempai along with the black haired student council president. The sister with brute force and another one with righteous beliefs, the childhood friend that was the owner of a legendary sword, a devil-king with unusual charisma. The leader of angels, the bastard governor of the fallen angels, the devil/dragon battle freak, the weird black haired girl named Graziella and the hopeless Lancelot.
Yes, strange things kept happening after I awakened the power of the Heavenly Dragon. Just when I came to that conclusion, the train has arrived in the destination. I quickly got off and proceeded to walk towards the school that I recently (accidentally but no one believed) destroyed.
A few minutes of walking under the strong rain, I finally arrived at the gates of the school. It looks like nothing happened and everything was restored to normal, from a certain perspective, this seems like an ordinary school. But this is where peace amongst the three great powers was established.
"I thought that you have nothing to do today?"
A sudden voice came from behind, I looked at the source and found the brown haired girl standing. She walked towards me and sheltered under the umbrella that I was currently holding, as usual, this girl forgot to bring any protection from rain.
"How did you found out where I was…?
"I derived your approximate location by tracking your scent in the wind. After you boarded from that transportation thing, I listened to your heartbeat, thus I deducted your current movements. If you want to escape me, you have to do better than that."
"I wasn't trying to escape or anything… I just want to visit here.
"Ku, Kuo—h , Kuoh Academy? What kind of place is this?"
"Uh, it's a learning institution for people; this is where they teach us about various stuffs…"
"Is that so? So this place is a learning institution huh? I bet that it's fun here, to have many peers and activities that you can do together."
As Lancelot spoke her voice let out a hint of sadness, ever since she was a child, she never interacted with anyone besides Michael-sama. She even said that she always talked to animals to feel sane; she spent her time training to force herself to forget about the missing portion inside here. That was friends and family. Learning this truth about the oblivious Lancelot, I also felt something aching inside me…
Fine, you win this time…
"Hey Lancelot, how would you like to attend this school together with me?"
"Eh? Bu-but I'm only your bodyguard, a knight! For Ise, I cannot do such a thing."
Okay! A chance! This is the only time to be good to her, don't mess up Ise!
"It's fine; you're not a bodyguard nor a knight, Lancelot. You're my friend that's why I'm doing this. Besides, won't it be easier to protect me if you're in the same place as me? You could also amuse yourself with the people you will meet, not to mention to enhance your pitiful knowledge about modern civilization, technology and history."
To make this girl feel better, I decided to help her fill the emptiness inside her heart, this is the least I can do to make her life normal. I've also decided that teaching her about stuffs she didn't knew will greatly help her adjust into this world. But for the purpose of balance, I deliberately added some insults with my sentence, something that would reduce her goodwill towards me.
Upon hearing my insult, Lancelot's mouth seemed to twitch by millimeters. It seemed like she was pressing her lips together in an endless line but she was actually curling them. Her cheeks got tainted by a shade of red and in that brief moment, Lancelot revealed a smile full of sincerity and elegance, a smile that befits a beautiful princess in fairy tales.
And with a sound, she drifted over to my side and...
*Pa*
Lightly kissed my left cheek.
"That's the sign of my thanks~ this is the first time that Lancelot has been moved by words. Moreover, Ise said that he is a friend of Lancelot…"
"Y-yeah…"
Again, Lancelot beamed a smile, tears were welling up in her eyes and it definitely looks like they will fall anytime soon. What? Did she got moved by such cheesy line? Oh no, maybe this girl is a lot more hopeless than I calculated. But still, seeing her smile naturally made me somewhat happy. That kind of smile is very precious, something that I must protect—
"….and all of Creation shall tremble before our wrath!"
"Ise? What's wrong? You look different from the usual…"
"N-no, don't mind me…"
My earlier thoughts were erased when that familiar dark voice resounded in my head. Lancelot immediately noticed the change and she worriedly asked me. But I shrugged it off while regaining my sense of rationality. Though Lancelot looked like she wasn't going to let go of this topic. But thankfully she got distracted when someone tripped miserably in the wet ground. I looked at the familiar boy with the brown hair who was glaring harshly at me.
"…Genshirou?"
"Damn you Hyoudou! I thought that you were here to help us from the destruction you cause last time! But instead, you brought a cute girl to make fun of me!? And why is she clinging on your arm like that? Is your girlfriend? Darn it! To get a foreign bishoujou, you already have many girls here you good looking bastard!"
"You're muttering those things again, Lancelot is not my girlfriend."
I said clearly to the boy, who was crying while rolling in the muddy ground, but another voice let out a dissatisfied tone, it was Lancelot.
"What do you mean Ise? Am I not a girl? Also not a friend? You said it just a minute ago! And to think that we have deepened our bonds with that promise!"
"Wha, what!? What did you promise to that innocent girl Hyoudou? And deepening your bonds? Did you two kissed?!"
"Wai, wait it's nothing like that!"
"Eh? Didn't I kiss you a moment ago? Why are you denying it?"
"Argh! Hyoudou you bastard of a Casanova!"
Thus, my problems became heavier because of the two idiots that were questioning me. This day couldn't possibly get worse, but still, I guess this kind of things is refreshing sometimes, to have an stupid argument with a stupid people you call friend. I thought as I noticed that summer break is coming into an end.
"Hey, Hyoudou! Have you heard of the new transfer student? I heard that she was a hot chick that came from England!"
The boy behind me named Sarayashiki told me as he revealed an excited smile, the rumors that a foreigner will be transferred here was already out, and people were wondering about the strange foreigner students, just like Asia Argento and Xenovia who didn't tell her surname. As the teacher gestured someone to get in, the transfer student with brown hair and clear blue eyes walked elegantly towards the classroom and performed a polite bow. My male classmates began to cheer at the beautiful girl in front of the class.
When the teacher told her that her seat near the windows, the transfer student frowned as she walked towards my seat and declared—
"To begin first, I shall explain: I, Lancelot Du Lac, have someone I have sworn to share my destiny and life with, to be close at all times, this gentleman, Hyoudou Issei."
She had a magnificent tine of voice, her words spoken like performances in classical English drama.
"What is she saying all of a sudden?" "Kyah! Hyoudou-san already promised someone?" "Tsk, that bastard!" "…Chance, gone…"
My classmates all made expression like that, Lancelot continued her address, as usual, she's the oblivious girl that's making other peoples misunderstood our relationship. If we ever had one.
"The place that I should seat at cannot be anywhere other by his side. I would like you to think about helping me with my mission and pardon my selfishness."
Suddenly the surrounding students had gotten up from their seats and started changing seats to grant Lancelot's firm request. At that time, I can guess that Lancelot's absolute command had strike my classmates' hearts. Even the teacher stood like a military personnel.
Thus when the class started, the gazes of my classmates were naturally fixated at me and Lancelot. If Genshirou hears about this, he'll rampage even more, small things later, I need to check Rias-sempai and the occult research club. It seems that I also need to introduce the self proclaimed knight, Lancelot.
"Hey Hyoudou, where did you met such a beautiful girl?" "Can you introduce us to some of your friends?" "Damn Hyoudou! You again caught another innocent girl!"
As lunch started I was attacked by different questions and complaints from my male classmates, their eyes were full of intense hope/hatred against me. If those gazes can kill, they, they would be able to kill me with their stare! But more importantly, Lancelot was enjoying herself while talking with some girls who came at her seat.
"Lancelot-san, what a strange name."
"Hey Lancelot-san, is it true that Hyoudou-san is your boyfriend? How lucky!"
"Eh? Hyoudou-san has already Lancelot-san? But wasn't the rumor a month ago says that Rias-oneesama and Akeno-oneesama have an affair with him? Kyah!"
"If that's the case, then I don't mind being his concubine!"
"Lancelot-san would you like to join us for lunch?"
The attack of the surrounding girls were nonstop, even the cheerful and oblivious Lancelot cannot comprehend the current situation, but it seems that she understood the last question as she declared—
"I'm sorry everyone, but I will only eat lunch together with Ise, I must always be on his side no matter what.
Thus, another misunderstanding was caused by Lancelot and her obliviousness to the human society.
After we ate lunch, a familiar face appeared, it was Yuuto Kiba-san. As usual he's face had the refreshing smile that attracts all of the girls in the school, I secretly stole a glance at the girl beside me, she was still showing the idiotic smile on her face and it seems that she hasn't fall in love with Kiba-san. It'll be bad if she did, many girls have fallen for him and it'll be a war if Lancelot joins the fray.
"There you are Ise-kun. I was ordered by Buchou to pick you up. I know it's rude to ask, but who is the lady over there?"
"Greetings, I am Lancelot Du Lac and I am Ise's bodyguard. Devil, I don't know what you want but I shall not let you influence the Emperor."
With a rough voice, Lancelot introduced herself and threatened Kiba at the same time, though she was smiling, I can see a horrible intent behind. Even Kiba was terrified by the strange greeting that Lancelot gave.
"Hey hey Lancelot, don't act like that! They are our comrades please don't do anything that may cause another conflict."
As I scold her, Lancelot calmed down, but her eyes weren't showing any signs of agreeing.
I was invited by Kiba to go in the occult research club since Gremory-sempai said that she has a favor to ask me. Kiba was still wary about Lancelot who was following me, her killing intent hasn't vanished yet and she was examining whether Kiba is a threat or not. This girl suddenly turned 180 ever since a devil approached us, it can't be helped huh?
As we reached the room, a sudden strange aura filled the building, no doubt that aura was from a devil, but I don't know who it was. From my knowledge, only the Gremory and Sitri are the only devils staying here, so who's the new party?
On a side note, the reason that I was able to sense the aura though I'm wearing the ring of Andevallie, was because it got appraised by Shemhaza-san. Apparently, Azazel gave it to me without any knowledge that the ring also blocks the ability to sense. But thanks to the spell that Shemhaza-san use, I was again able to sense any presence even though my aura is concealed.
As Kiba opened the door we were greeted by a strange devil symbol. There were flames coming from the magic circle which ignited throughout the whole room, the other members got slightly burned, even Kiba and Lancelot was defending themselves, but for some reason, I wasn't affected by the flames. Even though I was directly touching the flames, I wasn't feeling anything at all.
There was the silhouette of a man behind the flames. When he spread his arm across to the side, the flames disappeared.
"Fuu. I haven't come to the human world for a while."
The guy that appeared was a man in a red suit. He wore his suit casually so he didn't have a tie and his shirt was opened till his chest. He looked like he was in his early 20's. He was handsome but he seemed more of the bad boy type. If Kiba was the gentle type, then this guy was the wild type. The guy looked around the room, and then smirked after finding Buchou.
"My lovely Rias. I came to take you."
...My lovely Rias...? What kind of relationship does this guy have with sempai? Sempai looked at him with her eyes half closed. She didn't seem like she was welcoming this guy. But the guy didn't seem to care and approached sempai.
"Then Rias. Let's go and take a look at the ceremony hall. The date of the ceremony is decided so we need to check it before then."
Okay, I don't have any idea on what this guy is saying, but from the looks of it, I shouldn't interfere, it is a devils business after all and I don't want to trouble myself any more. But if sempai asks from my help, I will do it as long as it's within my power.
"By the way, who this brown haired beauty? I would welcome her to my servants even though my peerage is full."
Noticing our presence, the frivolous devil immediately doted on Lancelot, but the latter ignored the handsome devil while maintaining a close proximity to me.
"Hey you, don't go being rude towards this girl. I assure you that her wrath will be your end."
I said it clearly to him. When the guy looked at me, I could tell he was looking at me as if he was looking at some trash. Man, this guy is pissing me off, you should be grateful to me since I am currently holding Lancelot, if I didn't you will surely be pierced by her gigantic lance.
"You, who are you? I don't feel any aura from you, even a human's aura cannot be felt."
He said it with a displeased voice. It was totally different from the sweet voice he had towards Rias-sempai and Lancelot. He was definitely looking down on me. I could feel his hatred towards me. But I don't really care about his opinion.
"I am Hyoudou Issei of the Sekiryuutei."
"!"
The man let out a gasp as he heard my introduction, he looked doubtful as he examined me from head to toe. Then he looked towards Rias-sempai and asked if what I said was true.
"That's right Raiser, this boy is the Sekiryuutei who defeated Kokabiel and fended off the Hakuryuukou during the peace meeting."
Upon hearing what Rias-sempai said, the devil named Raiser looked even more doubtful. He checked me again and chuckled as if he was looking at a clown wearing gothic clothes.
"Fuwahahahahahaha! That was funny, to say that this thin kid is the Sekiryuutei hahaha!"
Like a madman, Raiser laughed to his hearts content, even though I do not mind being looked down, Lancelot on the other hand was increasing her killing intent. Her killing intent was so strong that it made Raiser stop laughing and put an icy cold aura in the whole place, even I who is used to her became extremely silent.
"Heh, a pretty impressive killing intent for a mere human. I'll gladly welcome you to my servants, I will also honor you by giving you an opening ceremony, if you know what I mean."
The devil named Raiser said vulgar things and Rias-sempai didn't remained silent. But before she can speak, I threw a glare at Raiser.
"The devil over there, if you said one more thing that annoys me, I won't show you any mercy,"
"Meh, do you also want me to praise you? Sorry, but your killing intent is not enough to unnerve me."
"Raiser if you want to live longer, I suggest that you should show respect to the Sekiryuutei. Do you want to incur an [Emperor's Wrath]?"
Rias-sempai immediately intervened and stopped Raiser from fighting me, she must've realized that we cannot begin a fight Even if we can, I'm not that careless to unleash the power of the Sekiryuutei in this kind of place. Gabriel will surely torture me if I did.
"Whether you're the Sekiryuutei or not, I can beat you to pulps using my phoenix flames, so don't act like a supreme being you simpleton."
"I don't want to receive orders from a talking fried chicken."
"You brat! Do you want to be taste my absolute power?"
"I'm sorry but, I had enough chicken for today. But if you want a fight I'll gladly give it to you."
As I said that remark offhandedly, Raiser showed a smirk as the floor of the room suddenly changed it symbol. A new devil mark appeared and the floor.
"Then let's have a game! Rias, a day ago you proposed that you will cancel our wedding if you win against me in a rating game. I accept your challenge, but since your servants are not enough, I'll allow the Sekiryuutei brat to join you. If you win against me and my servants, the wedding will get cancelled and the brat can have one wish of whatever his heart desires, however, if I win, we will get married as soon as possible and I'll take the beautiful girl beside the dragon brat, what do you say!?"
Raiser declared as he snapped his fingers and the magic circle on the floor glowed. Shadows appeared from the magic circle. One, two, three… I stopped counting after I saw the number of shadows that appeared.
"And these are my cute servants."
There were 15 people that seemed to be Raiser's servants around him. There was a person that looked like a "Knight" who was wearing armor. There was someone that seemed to be a magician who was wearing a hood. He had the maximum number of servants! The servant devils, just like in real chess, can be a maximum number of 15 servants. High-class devils receive 15 "Evil Pieces" from the Demon-lord. Using that to choose who you wish to make your servants forms the master and servant relationship. If the person you wish to make your servant has high potential capacities, then the chess consumption doubles.
"What do you say, Rias and dragon brat? Do you accept the conditions?"
Raiser asked us, the sudden declaration of a battle seemed to sacred Asia while Xenovia readied her stance and was in the brink of summoning Durandal, but Kiba-san stopped her while as he shook his head. Gasper, the cross dressing vampire that caused a lot of trouble in the past hid in the box, while Toujou-san glared at Raiser. Himejima-sempai was smiling, but I can sense hidden malice behind that smile.
"I'm fine, but even if I only have six servants I can win. Still, if the Emperor wants to join the battle, I will not refuse his assistance. Fighting in the side of the Red Dragon Emperor will be an honor, especially if we have the common goal of beating you to pulps!"
Seems like Rias-sempai accepted Raiser's request, darn I don't want to fight but if they battle, Rias-sempai will lose even with Xenovia. More importantly, she will marry this chicken, and if that happens, the times where this chicken will visit here and flirt with Lancelot will increase. I don't want to receive Michael-sama's sermon because I let the child that he raised, ended up in being a slave of a devil chicken.
"Well, as much as I hate having a negotiation with you, I'll accept it. Lancelot, will you agree?"
I asked the brown haired princess who was glaring at Raiser and his peerage.
"Yeah, I will also join the battle, I trust that Ise will not lose to some devil with that attitude."
Okay, all of us agreed in the arrangements. So, the only problem that we have is the time and place of the battle.
"Rest assured, Dragon-brat. I will fix the place where we will fight, I'll also invite high class devil to let them witness the even where I will beat the Red Emperor Dragon, who is rumored for his great achievements despite his recent awakening. The battle will happen three days from now, I expect all of you to be in good shape by then,"
Just like that, Raiser returned in the underworld, leaving me and the Gremory devils, in great tension.
"Geez, what a troublesome situation. Anyway, is your body in a good condition? I'm sure that you haven't recovered from your last battle with the Hakuryuukou, and the woman there named Lancelot, is she serious about participating in the fight?"
"Though my body hasn't fully recovered my vitality, I'm 90% better now. Lancelot here is pretty tough even though she looks, idiotic and fragile… Ooof!"
The reason why my sentence was stopped, was because of Lancelot stepping on my feet while showing a look of displeasure. From her expression, she was clearly saying that 'Let's get out of here already! I cannot stand staying here any longer!'
Thus, Lancelot and I took our leave. Because Lancelot have a displeased expression, I need to cheer her up. But how can I cheer a girl who doesn't like technology or material things like ordinary girls do.
Of course that's the only thing that can cheer her up.
The rain debilitated itself into a drizzle. Together with Lancelot who didn't bring an umbrella as well, we fled towards the nearby family restaurant out of school. Putting aside her chivalrous and hopeless personality, Lancelot looks like a beauty that appears in western fantasy movies. Her mere presence is eye-catching.
Anyway, I, who dislikes attention, swiftly ordered two drinks and pulled Lancelot towards the serving machine. I proffered a cup to Lancelot. She knitted her brow upon receiving it. She stared at the machine.
"What kind of machine is this?"
Oh right, this girl grew up in the mountains without technology and common sense.
"You press it like this, and drinks will pour out. There are a total of 10 drinks to choose from. There's a number that comes with the picture. See it?"
I showed her how to use the serving machine, in that moment, her eyes gleamed while asking me what kind of magic was used to do that. I simply sighed as I told her the most basics of the modern human inventions, thankfully, Lancelot stopped asking questions as she nodded at my explanation.
"Ise, what should I press?"
"Whatever you like. It's bottomless."
"Bottomless? What do you mean?"
"It means, you're free to drink how much
"No matter how much?"
"Yup."
"Really? What if... I drink 100 liters?"
"...Feel free. That's still okay."
"There's no way I can drink that much. Are you an idiot?"
I almost tripped myself from how Lancelot seriously asked me that dumb question. Seriously, Michael-sama, why did you sent this girl into this country without teaching her the most common of the simplest knowledge. Thanks to that, I'm suffering because of this girl.
We searched for a location where there were no people around. We occupied the 2-person table in one corner. I noticed that the iceless tea that Lancelot had brought had ice floating in it already. I dared not to sweat the details. If I'm correct, Lancelot specializes in ice magic. Now that magic is brought up, why didn't I felt hot when I touched the flame that Raiser produced earlier?
[Like I said partner, you have the strange affinity for fire magic. The flame earlier was the Phoenix's flame, it is known as the fourth strongest flame, yet you touched it directly without being burned.]
I see, but isn't this common to Dragons?
[Yes, it's common to fire dragons to have high immunity against flames. But it's a different case even if you're a Sekiryuutei, the past possessors can only fires while wearing the balance breaker armor. They even got hurt by the most common flames used by humans.]
Is that so? This is definitely weird, but I can use it to my advantage. Ddraig, in the next three days, help me to learn fire magic! I can't always rely to your power, if I want to be stronger, then I need to create my own power!
[Kukuku, finally decided to learn the basics eh? Fine, this Welsh Dragon shall teach you how to use the strongest fire attacks that I know!]
As if impressed by my resolve, Ddraig replied in a rather cheerful tone, while I was burning my will to learn the simplest of the fire magic's from the Heavenly Dragon-sama.
"Hey Ise, are you talking to that dragon again? You're clearly not listening to me!"
From the opposite side of the table, Lancelot complained, she must've been talking about some nonsense again so I better ignore it. But I need to change the topic if I don't want to get bored to death by her stories.
"By the way Lancelot, why are you acting weird earlier? Are you not comfortable with the devils?"
"…That's right, I don't like the feeling when I'm close to a devil… The truth is, Lancelot hates it when she is near a devil, something inside me just hates them for a reason."
"I see, I cannot judge you, after all, you were raised by Michael-sama. But don't go harboring the thoughts that all of the devils are evil. Majority of them are nice and civilized, though some of them have the same attitude just like that fried chicken bastard."
"…I know that. I know that the devils in that building were all nice, except for the male with flames. But, I just can't get rid of the feeling to be wary of them…"
"I understand, that why I won't push you to go in the devils territory. As for the future battle, you don't need to come. I promise you that I wouldn't lose to that bastard."
"No, I'll come with Ise. It is Lancelot's job to protect him… and I don't want to be separated to my friend."
(Three days later)
Life 7: A symphony of Frost and Flame
On the day of the decisive battle
"Emperor, I am ready for the battle that will happen."
While I was on my room preparing for the battle that will happen an hour from now, Lancelot entered while wearing a medieval western armor. With a white breast plate cuirass and greaves, she was even wearing a skirt-like
Fold and curved gauntlets. Though her armor reveals a lot of her waist, Lancelot looked like a princess warrior. Her lance wasn't the common that she carries, it was now 2 meters long completely made of silver, the aura that it was releasing was truly powerful.
"Lancelot, that lance…"
"So Emperor have noticed? This is the lance of Olyndicus, the legendary lance that was owned by Olonicus the Celtiberian warchief who led a rebellion towards Rome. It was said that this spear was sent to him by the Persian God, Mithras who was on par with Verethragna-sama and Indra-sama. I assure you that a swing from this lance is enough to kill even middle class devils. Just like the Holy Spear of Longinus, Spear of Triam, Spear of Tonbogiri and Spear of Rhongomiant, this spear also carries a holy aura granted by the God of Light, Mithras."
"I see, that spear is truly dangerous… By the way, your armor reveals a lot of your skin in the waist are, is that fine?"
"We're on a war, Emperor; this is not the time to worry about someone's waist. Also, only the side parts are visible due to the cuirass, so it's not a problem."
"Why are you calling me an Emperor? Moreover, this is not a war…"
"You talk funny, it's normal for a knight like me to call my master Lord, but since you're a Japanese, isn't it fitting to call you Emperor? As for the second statement, every battle is a war milord, one shouldn't treat war so casually."
"I get it now, please refrain from calling me Emperor and other stuffs."
"No can do, I, as the knight of Lord Ise, cannot address my master by his name in times like this. If you don't like the title of Emperor, I shall address you as Lord Ise."
I sighed as I listened to this girl that belongs to the thirteenth century, on a side not, we are already at the building where the battle will take place. In other words, we're in the underworld, the homeland of the devils. We we're transported here by the silver haired maid who will act as the arbiter of the match, I think her name was Grayfia-san, the maid which was also present during the peace meeting.
"By the way milord, you look dashing on you clothes. Though you don't have the aura of a warrior, you definitely carry the nobility of a hero."
Lancelot praised as she examined me from head to toe, I was currently wearing a black leather coat with a gray long sleeve. Black comfortable pants and a red gauntlet on the right hand, the reason for this was to hide my hand that was full of wounds from the training that I did. My left hand was clad in a similar gold gauntlet, a modified version of the ring, Andevallie. Once I summon the [Boosted Gear], the black gauntlet will transform back into it's ring form.
"Do wearing this kind of outfits really suit me?"
"Mn! Milord really looks stunning, let me fix your hair to match your clothes, leave it to your humble knight milord!"
Just as she said that, Lancelot started to ruffle my brown hair and pulled them downwards, she used a light ice spell to make my hair easier to fix. Though I am vehemently against changing my usual hairstyle, Gabriel-san did say that my hair should be longer so she could caress it. But I don't really like my hair covering my vision.
"There! Milord's hair is now pulled downwards and you really look dashing! Though you should change your normal expression into a serious one, milord's face is definitely full of charm, but if you maintain that kind of expression your charisma will only work for kids and girly girls."
"Lancelot, I only allowed you to fix my hair, you're going too far."
Mn, this cannot do. Milord needs to listen more to his subordinates' suggestion."
"I never asked for your suggestion."
As I coldly answered Lancelot's question, another person entered the room. It was Rias-sempai along with Himejima-sempai, the red haired onee-san was wearing her usual Kuoh Academy uniform while the black haired sadist was wearing priestess clothes. It was more like a Miko's traditional clothes.
"Ara, you two are already dressed? Well, let's do the waiting in the main hall, the Maou, Lucifer-sama wanted to see the Sekiryuutei again."
Himejima-sempai said as she lead the way with me and Lancelot following, I remember meeting the Maou, Sirzechs-sama when I was still recovering. He was unusually cheerful and laid back, most of all, he was truly a charismatic leader. Even the angel-san who was doing the healing magic was attracted to him, she almost fell.
"Ah, Ise-kun, looking good there."
As we arrived in the main hall, a crimson haired man called onto me, he was slim yet trained, and he greatly resembles the Crimsoned Ruin Princess, in other words, this man was the brother of Rias-sempai. He was also the Maou carrying the title of Lucifer.
"Sirzechs-sama, it's nice too see you again."
The handsome man smiled as he approached nearer, Lancelot on my side was shaking nonstop, her face full of tension and it looks like she will erupt in any moment. I held her hand clad in armor to calm her down and it certainly did its work. Seems like she her circuits got messed up when she heard that I was called by a Maou, if I didn't held her hand she'd probably summon her lance and destroy anything that moves.
"Sorry about her, Lancelot isn't used to the aura of devils."
"Ah, don't apologize. I'm the one who must apologize, bringing her in a place where devils live. I'm truly sorry, Lancelot-san."
"….."
Not good, Lancelot will erupt!
Because of Lancelot, I excused myself to Sirzechs-sama and proceeded in the waiting area. I calmed the poor girl as I waited for the match to begin; besides us was the Gremory group, Kiba-san who was wearing a light armor, Toujou-san who was wearing gauntlets, Asia-san was wearing a nuns clothes while Xenovia was wearing her combat attire which revealed a lot of her legs.
[The match between Rias Gremory and Raiser Phenex will begin shortly. All of the participants, please go into the assigned area, you will be transported shortly.]
In that short moment, we were transported in a familiar place, this was definitely the room inside the old school building. I've heard that devils can create a space where they replicate places from the human world for their matches in the rating game, this might be one of those places. Still, why would they copy the Kuoh Academy?
[The location where both teams were transported will be their base. Rias-sama's base would be the Occult research club room located in the old school building. Raiser-sama's base would be the student council's room located in the new building. For the "Pawns" to use "promotion", please go to the enemy's base.]
In this game, Lancelot and I will fill the place of the vacant servants of Rias-sempai, Lancelot will fill in the place of the rook, while I will fill in the position of the pawn, because I was the Sekiryuutei it was decided that I will fill the place for 8 pawn pieces. While since Lancelot was a pure human, she will fill the position of a rook equivalent to one.
"Everyone please put this transceiver in your ears."
Himejima-sempai gave everyone a earphone type transceiver. Rias-sempai said that while outing it in her ears,
"In the battlefield we will be using this to communicate with each other."
So we receive the orders through this transceiver. It's important equipment so I have to make sure I don't break it. While Lancelot was clueless about the device she received, I assisted her and explained how the transceiver works, she seemed less surprised in this kind of things, while she was overwhelmed when she heard the thing called faucet and the serving machine. What a hopeless girl.
[Now it's the time for the commencement of the battle. Now this match will continue till dawn in the humans time. Then, Game start.]
[RING]
The school bell rang. So this is the ring for the start of the match. Like this, our first "Rating Game" started!
"First we have to take down Raiser's "Pawn". It will be troublesome if they all promotes into [Queen]."
Rias-sempai said it while sitting on the sofa. She was quite confident. Himejima-sempai started to prepare tea. Hey, we are in a middle of a match you know. Just when I'm thinking about that, Lancelot on my side whispered—
"Milord, this battle seems like it was based on the human game chess. It means that both players should take their time and plan each of their movements. So, this game must take a lot of time, we can only wait for the orders of the strategist, in other words, the crimson haired devil."
"Is that so? I think, you used your brain this time huh?"
"How mean, do you thought that I'm a girl who goes by her instincts? Didn't I told you that when I was in the mountains I always make a strategy when putting traps and hunting wild animals."
Just when Lancelot was about to tell her story, Rias-sempai commenced her first move.
"Yuuto and Koneko. You two set a trap in the forest. Take another map with you and mark the places where you set the trap in. I will make a copy afterwards and give it to everyone."
"Yes."
"...Roger."
Toujou-san and Kiba-san left the room straight away and took a map and a weird tool box with them. Himejima-sempai served tea while Gasper will be left her with Asia, Rias-sempai decided that Gasper might be Raiser's first target and his power is not stable yet. Asia is the lifeline of the team, should she retire then the Gremory will be in a bad state. The only attackers besides the two sempai are Xenovia, me and Lancelot.
"By the way Ise, I already told you about Raiser's ability, have I not?"
"Yes, the power of regeneration and his Phoenix flames."
"Yes. There are two ways you can defeat him. One is to beat him down with incredible power and the other one is to keep on taking him down until he loses the will to fight. The first method requires the strength of a God. The second one is to save our stamina until Raiser loses his will to fight. If we can crush the soul of Phenex, then it's our win. Then their resurrection will stop and they will fall. Well, the easiest way is to defeat him with a power that is on par with God that crushes him down with one strike."
"I don't think that he will just simply lose his will and say "I resurrected so much that I lost the will to fight so please forgive me" so this strategy is not effective. But If we continue to strike him down until he uses all of his stamina, we might have a chance."
"So, you're gonna go with the [Strike him with a Gods power]?"
"I don't have the power to match Gods, however, I am pretty sure that his flames will not work on me. That's why the fight will most likely end up in a all out brawl, my body won't be able to withstand without the armor, that's why I must use some tricks that I learned from the past three days."
"You plan to take on Raiser alone?"
"Well, yes. Even though Rias-sempai's power is destructive, it will consume a fair amount of stamina. And I doubt that you can beat him with just that, right?"
"Yes, even though I hate to admit it, the current me won't be able to do anything against someone of his caliber. I simply lack the experience and power. While Raiser had been fighting in the professional's game for more than three years. I'm sure that he has a plan to counter my power."
"That's why we're here."
"Eh?"
"To ensure Sempai's victory, that's why Lancelot Du Lac and the Red Dragon Emperor are here."
The moment I declared that, Rias-sempai's face turned red. While Gasper on the other hand was saying something like 'Ise-sempai is so cool!' Xenovia nodded with confidence and Asia was smiling while encouraging sempai.
"Ara ara? Seems like Rias gathered promising servants, and she also gained a knight and shining armor~"
Himejima-sempai teased as she served the tea, in that moment the voice of the arbiter resounded in the whole place.
[Raiser-sama's 4 pawn 1 knight retires.]
[Rias-sama's knight 1 rook retires.]
"Kiba has already retired!? He already managed to achieve balance-breaker, but he was still defeated?"
"That's to be expected, our enemy is a professional after all. But he already took down, 5 enemies, so only 10 remains. We should be thankful to him. But Yuuto and Koneko's lost is a big disadvantage for us. Now we only have five active members who can fight. Akeno and Xenovia, infiltrate the [Pawn] that plans to promote. Ise, you can go with Lancelot to stop the others."
"""Yes, Sempai!"""
All of us replied together and headed off! Himejima-san, Xenovia, Lancelot and I, left the old school building.
I would like to thank Randomftw42 for being the beta for this story. That also goes for Asmo-chan who gave me suggestions and names for the characters.
