The next morning...

As Issei lies on his bed half-asleep with Serafall, Rias, and Asia, he felt something heavy lying on top of him.

"Huh? Buchou? No, she is sleeping on the right side of me. Sera? No, she and Asia are sleeping on the other side of the bed. Did Akeno-san sneak into my blankets again? Then again, her oppai is slightly bigger than what is on top of me. Dang it! No time for this! Who is underneath my blanket?" Issei finishes rambling in his thoughts and uncovers himself to see Marta naked on top of him.

"MARTA-SAN?" Issei accidentally bursted out.

Rias moaned for a bit before turning, much to Issei's relief.

"Good, she is still asleep. I can't imagine what she will do to me if she sees this. Wait a minute, what is Marta-san doing on my bed anyway? I also don't want Sera and Asia to see this. I am afraid that they might get influenced to do this. Never mind. Sera also does that from time to time, but still! Come on Marta-san, get off of me!" Issei again rambles in his thoughts.

"Huh? You were awake Ise? Good morning." Marta rubs her heavy eyelids before allowing herself to get a good look at Issei's face.

"What exactly are you doing in my bed?"

"My my. Is it so wrong just to get to look at the sleeping face of the Sekiryuutei? Ise, you may not have known, but I have always been fascinated by you since you became the hero of the Underworld. To see you in Ddraig's armor, the way you treat kids, and the sportsmanship you have shown against Sairaorg Bael, I have seen it all through the recordings of you and it only intensifies my desire to meet you. Now that I have, I feel like I want more." Marta puts her hand on Issei's cheeks.

"Wait Marta-san! I don't want any misunderstandings to occur, especially so early in the morning!" Issei becomes desperate.

"Relax Ise, I am not going to have you break off the relationships you've made with the other girls. I am just wondering if you have room for one more."

"One more?" Issei becomes speechless at the thought of Marta becoming his.

"Marta definitely has the beauty of a fallen angel for her. She has a very good figure with a large oppai. He thighs that are currently touching my legs are also very soft. To have my body be connected to hers, that is definitely not a bad thing. Maybe I can..." Before Issei can continue thinking about the pros and cons of having Marta with him, he felt a strong pressure coming from the right side of his bed.

"Marta, just what are you doing with my Ise?" Rias is staring intensely at Issei and Marta.

"Well, well, if it isn't the Crimson Bust Princess. Aren't you supposed to say good morning instead when you see the face of your friend?"

"Someone who calls me by that name and steals Ise is no friend of mine."

"Looks like we have a selfish one here. Do you honestly think that you can keep Ise to yourself? I heard that he is already in a relationship with Serafall-sama, yet you and the other girls are treating him like he doesn't have a girlfriend. I think I have the right to allow myself into this group."

"I am not going to consider you to be part of the Hyoudou Residence just because you live here. There is no way I am going to allow such a person to be near Issei."

"Azazel-sama told me that everyone should get along, but apparently, he never told me that the Crimson Bust Princess could be such an obstacle." Marta teased.

"STOP CALLING ME THAT!" Rias grabbed her pillow and tosses it towards Marta, but she easily dodge simply by moving her head to the side.

"It looks like I will delay my fun for the time being Ise, but I do hope we get to play next time and when we do, I will offer you even more of my service. See you downstairs." Marta gets out of bed and puts on her sleepwear she left on the bed before heading downstairs, leaving Issei puzzled and Rias frustrated.

"Who does she think she is to do this to Ise?"

"They sure do get along don't they?" Sera said.

"Sera? When did you wake up?" Issei asked.

"Around the time you accidentally blurted out Marta-chan's name. She looked like she was having fun so I decided not to bother her." Serafall let's out a small giggle.

Issei checks on Asia and is relieved that she is still asleep despite the whole ordeal.


During training...

"GAH!" Saji takes a blow from Dulio as they spar.

Dulio and Saji continue their match in hopes that the latter will achieve Balance Breaker, but with no luck so far. Issei sees this as a completely one-sided battle with Saji on the losing end.

"Come on Saji. You are going to have to do better if you want to achieve Balance Breaker."

Issei is currently using Aždaja's armor rather than Ddraig's in an attempt to unlock and understand his new abilities despite having yet to master True-Queen, which is essential in mastering his new armor as well.

[If you are going to use my powers for training, keep the level of power of your techniques in moderation or you will pointlessly deplete your stamina like you did when you battled Crom Cruach for the first time]

Aždaja warns Issei.

"I will remember that as I train. Let's see what else I can do."

Issei spreads his wings as they become covered in blue flames and shoots them like bullets.

[Fire can take on many forms Ise, but the power remains the same so don't just rely on it as one of your main attacks. If long range attacks are needed, there is still a variety you can use as mentioned before.]

"Sekiryuutei-dono, you better watch out when using Aždaja's fire. Blue flames are a lot hotter than regular so try not to burn down your own house." Dulio warned.

"Right. I will take note of that." Issei then accidentally summons a black shield, but at the cost of his tail.

"What the?"

"It seems as though Ise-kun can also make weapons from Aždaja's armor. It looks like what I was told about the variety of abilities of this dragon is true." Sona explained.

"Yes, but there is no telling what more I can do considering that each ability I use drains my stamina."

"I suggest you switch back to Ddraig and train using True-Queen to work on your stamina. After all, you haven't unlocked all of Ddraig's abilities as well."

"I will do so." Issei then switches back to Ddraig's Balance Breaker and transforms into True-Queen.

[I see that you have been too busy using Aždaja's power instead of mine.]

Ddraig sounds displeased.

"Sorry Ddraig. I just wanted to get more used to the armor."

[It's definitely a good thing trying to adapt to the changes, I will admit, but it won't do any good if you try to force it like you did in battle.]

"I know. Let's just get this done." Issei then proceeds with his training as Sona watches both him and Saji.

"It seems like Sun Wukong and Vali are making decent progress, although none of the Hakuryuukou's attacks are hitting Sun Wukong." Marta approaches Sona.

"Ise-kun is making progress as well with his new powers, but hasn't fully adapted to it yet due to lack of stamina. He is currently training with Ddraig to get around that."

"I see. It looks like is very clear on who is the stronger of the two Heavenly Dragons, but Ise definitely has a few advantages over Vali, especially since that he can use True-Queen during training."

"Agreed. By the way, do you have any information regarding the Khaos Brigade? Azazel seems to trust you in order to let you be our strategist so I suppose you have some knowledge of the situation."

"I was told how sharp you from Azazel-sama and for you to deduce this just because of his approval is very impressive. Yes, I do have some new knowledge of the Khaos Brigade from a source."

Sona becomes curious. "A source?"

"Before I was sent here, the Grigori decided to sent a spy to join the Khaos Brigade to figure out what their goals are and the methods they plan to use to achieve that. What we did find out from him was that the summoning of 666 is actually a very slow process and that has yet to begin so we will be given some time to prepare. He wasn't able to find what method is needed to undo the seal as of this moment. Our spy also has yet to meet Rizevim, but promises to tell us when he does. For now this information is classified so we have to keep it a secret from the rest until information is gathered."

"I see."

"Aaah!" Murayama's scream was heard.

Murayama and Katase are lying on the floor exhausted with their shinai beside them after apparently losing to Sun Wukong's shikigami, who takes a form of a human and is just standing there calmly with a disappointed look on his face.

"You two definitely exhibit the basic skills needed to use a sword, but in order for you to defend yourselves against the Khaos Brigade, you are going to need to be at least 10 times better than what you are showing now."

"Sheesh, we are only human. We can't be as strong as Devils like Hyoudou and Kiba-kun." Katase complains.

"No doubt that humans are weaker in terms of raw strength, but that alone isn't what makes you strong. Some members of the Khaos Brigade are human and are strong enough to keep even the Sekiryuutei at bay. We want you to at least achieve part of that since your magic is still very limited as you are only able to summon Hræsvelgr as your only technique in that area."

"Le Fay is currently training us in magic so that we don't have to rely on Hræsvelgr to do our battles. Summoning him is practically the last thing we wanted to do."

"Yeah. The price of summoning that bird was horrible."

Both Murayama and Katase shriveled at the thought of summoning Hræsvelgr again.

After Issei spars with both Dulio and Serafall, with the former ending up as a frozen popsicle both times due to their abilities, the day of training ends with most showing signs of exhaustion except the trainers and Ophis, who was sitting next to Sona to watch.

"...I will help if needed." Ophis told Sona before leaving.

"Is the information on who the spy is classified as well?" Sona asked.

"Yes. It will be dangerous for him if everyone here knew who he is. We can't risk his identity being found out by such a dangerous terrorist group. Even if you meet him, you must treat him like an enemy at all cost as he will do the same. That is as much as I can tell you."

"That information is good enough."

"Well then since taking a bath is the next thing after hours of training, I guess it is time for me to wash Ise's back. Talk to you again later." Marta softly giggles.

"WHAT?" Sona yelled in shock as Marta runs towards Issei.

"She is just like Akeno." Sona said in her thoughts.

Marta's actions soon got Issei into more trouble with the other girls once they are in the bath.


Meanwhile in Romania...

"Master Lucifuge, I just received word that Marius' death has given a huge advantage to the Carmilla Faction. Soon enough, they will acquire all the territories they desire." The messenger spoke to Euclid.

"It matters not who wins or lose. What really matters is the progress of our plan. Has there been any word from our oppositions?"

"Your involvement in the human world has alerted those beyond the Three Factions. You must plan your actions carefully as they are now allied together against us."

Euclid remains calm. "They won't be much of a problem after they are eliminated. After all, for us to summon the Great Red, something bigger must be freed."

"How exactly are you going to free 666 when the seal was made from the God of the Bible himself?"

"It's a slow process, I will admit, but every journey begins with a single step. The first step will be a sacrifice."

Euclid then opens the curtains behind him. Behind those curtains was a young vampire girl restrained heavily on the arms and legs with her mouth tied up. Euclid takes a knife and makes a small cut in her arm.

"Mmph!" The girl makes a small cry.

The blood drips on a symbol below her, which then glows briefly and stops.

"The blood of a pure-blooded vampire is always welcome as a sacrifice. Now that the girl knows of our plan, I suppose that a quick and merciful death will suit her."

Euclid then begins releasing a spell, which takes the form of a miniaturized sun.

"Mmph! Mmph!" The girl grunts painfully before her body quickly turns black and fades away.

"If that is something you didn't like to see then don't worry. We needed only her as a sacrifice. The rest of the plan will be acquired through other means."

"Yes Master Lucifuge!"

"Come. There is something I must attend to."

Euclid then leaves the room with the messenger following behind.


The next day in the Hyoudou Residence...

Valerie is currently adjusting to her new lifestyle. Since her soul has been broken due to the overuse of the Holy Grail, she often requires assistance from the other residence. Gasper shows the most concern for her condition, but is happy that she will be staying with him as a safety precaution from the Khaos Brigade.

"Ehehe. It seems like you've made quite a life for yourself Gasper. Compared to me, it looks like you had the better end of the deal."

"Your hard life is over Valerie. Senpai is a kind person and I know that he and everyone else will treat you well." Gasper said.

"Oh my. You have grown after all for you to be this confident. I guess you really made the right decision to be with the Gremory Clan."

"I didn't choose to be with them. I was actually found by them and they took me in first before meeting the rest of them. You are right, however. I felt like I was becoming stronger thanks to my friends who are there to support and with the Khaos Brigade on the loose, I need to get even stronger."

"I am sure you will. Ah!" Valerie suddenly grabbed her head out of pain.

Gasper panicked.

"Valerie! What's wrong?"

"Don't worry. It's just the dissipating effects of my Longinus. It will take a while before the effects fully wear off considering how long I have been using it."

"Valerie, don't push yourself. You only started recovering from your broken state so you need to be careful."

"I was told what happened to Valerie through Buchou and all that did was made me more determined to defeat the Khaos Brigade." Issei said as he approaches Gasper and Valerie while holding a cup of some kind of hot beverage.

"Senpai!"

Issei gives Valerie the drink. "This tea is something I learned from my mom. It will help relax both your body and mind, hopefully."

"Thank you." Valerie takes a sip from the tea and suddenly becomes surprised as the tea enters her mouth.

"It's good. What did you add in this?"

"It's a special kind of tea leaf I bought that are often used to make Chinese medicine. My mother would often have me drink this tea or miso soup with crushed ginger whenever I am sick. I know you are not sick, but I think it will help you recover faster once your mind calms."

"I see. Again, thank you very much Sekiryuutei."

"My name is Hyoudou Issei, but feel free to call me Ise like the rest of my friends."

"Very well Ise-kun." Valerie gave Issei a genuine smile, causing Issei to feel embarrassed.

"Thank you for caring for Valerie, Senpai." Issei responded to Gasper's gratitude by petting his head.

"You're welcome Gasper. With more people in the house, lets get stronger together!"

"YEAH!" Both Gasper and Valerie agreed immediately.

Just as Issei was about to leave the room, Marta approaches him.

"Marta-san?"

"Hello Ise. Flirting with Valerie after she just recovered?" Valerie lightly blushes after hearing Marta.

"No! I was just thought that maybe since Valerie is a new member of the house, I thought I should help her since is still affected by her Longinus." Issei immediately denies it.

"So you are truly as caring as they say you are. It's okay to flirt with all the other girls, but just don't leave me out, okay?"

"What? Again?" Issei becomes dismayed.

"Our fun just keeps getting ruined by the other girls like in the bed and just earlier in the bath. For once, I hoped I get to have my way with you Ise."

Issei is at a loss on how to react, which Marta finds amusing.

"Hehehe, just kidding. You are probably already tired of getting in trouble with the other girls so I will leave it at that for today, but don't think I am going to give you up so easily just because your girlfriend is a Maou, understand? I will see you soon." Marta gives Issei a wink before leaving.

"Oh yeah, I forgot to tell you some things about Senpai. Senpai is a very kind person who also attracts a lot of girls around him. He also likes women's breasts a lot." Gasper told Valerie.

Issei panicked after Gasper told Valerie one of his bad points. "Gasper, you didn't have to tell Valerie that!"

Seeing Issei like this caused Valerie to make a small laugh. "Hehehe. Don't worry about it Ise-kun, everyone has their bad points. Besides, if those girls are attracted to you, it must mean that you have more good points as well and one of them is being brave like Gasper said. You did take on the strongest Evil Dragon and to do such a thing, you have to be really brave."

"Is that so? Hahaha." Issei gives out an embarrassed laugh.

"Besides, I don't mind if Ise-kun likes women's breasts. That just proves he is a man since I heard men are turned on by such things."

"W-What are you saying? Issei begins stammering.

"If you were to find me naked while I was taking a bath or something, I wouldn't mind."

Issei suddenly imagines Valerie's naked body in the bath talking in a sexy voice, telling him to come. He then has a small nosebleed, which Valerie and Gasper takes notice of.

"Just kidding. I prefer it if men don't try to peep at me, but I still don't mind though. I just wanted to poke a little fun at you, but I will give you a little reward for protecting me and trying to treat my current state."

Valerie gets up and gives Issei a kiss on the forehead, causing the latter to blush.

"Anyway, I am going to go explore the rest of the house. Make sure to take care of Gasper for me."

"Right..." Issei could not respond in any other way as Valerie left.

"Sorry Senpai. When we were kids Valerie has a tendency to play with me every chance she gets in order to deal with the tough environment back in Romania. She doesn't really flirt with men like Marta-senpai, but she can be just as playful and she doesn't take kindness for granted considering that no vampire in Romania was ever kind to me and her." Gasper told Issei.

"Is that why she kissed me?"

"Yes, because it is the first time that someone has risked his own life for her and she didn't feel right about not returning it. I hope you don't mind that part of her."

"Of course not. She is your friend and that alone is enough for me to allow her to stay."

Gasper smiled brightly at Issei. "Thank you Senpai! I am going to go train to get stronger so I can fight alongside you." Gasper immediately heads to the training room Issei was using.

"Of course, I also liked the reward." Issei gives a lewd smile after remembering Valerie's kiss.


In Marta's room...

"Hello, it has been a while since I've last heard from you. Did you learn anything new?" Marta is speaking with someone through a magic communication circle.

"Euclid has already began taking steps to undo the seal. They have already accomplished the first one by taking the blood of a pure-blooded vampire that had been affected by the Holy Grail."

"How long do we have before all of their steps are completed?"

"The process is very slow. I would say no less than 8 months, maybe about a year at least."

"Team DxD is currently training to the max in order to catch up to the Khaos Brigade. Do not blow your cover until we are ready."


Back in Romania...

"Understood. I will keep playing my role. I will also make sure to keep you updated. See you soon." A Fallen Angel shuts off his magic circle before going through the door behind him.

Behind that door was known other than Euclid and Crom Cruach.

"Looks like our messenger has returned." Euclid remarked.

"What is the next step Master Lucifuge?"

"You will know soon enough. For now, let's try to draw the attention of the Carmilla Faction away from us and once that is done, our enemies are next."


Sorry it took a really long time for this chapter. I have been having a bad time regarding one of my college classes and suffered a mental breakdown. I decided to withdraw from the class to save my GPA from getting hurt, but I am still kind of afraid, because it felt like my road up could end any second even though I was assured that it won't. Anyway, in case you people felt that this is similar to the Light Novel, I won't deny that I am keeping the theme and some of the general outline of the Light Novel in the story, but I am also trying to slowly divert from it to make it its own story. As with Valerie, she is not falling in love with Issei at this time since it is too soon. I figured that since she hasn't been exposed to any form of kindness except for Gasper, Valerie doesn't really know how to react if someone else is kind to her, but prefers to show gratitude when she can. That would explain the kiss scene so i hoped you enjoyed this chapter. Releases for each chapter will be inconsistent due to dealing with school and stress of having to make tough decisions so please understand, but I promise I won't quit this fanfic so look forward to the next chapter.