The Red Dragon of Golden Light

by Nosferatu869

In the time Issei spends with Tannin on the mountain, he realizes many things about himself. He cannot accomplish anything the way he is. He must change. He has failed before but this time is different. This time he will become a proper Sekiryuutei. But change is something that happens naturally. Change is growth. Forcing that change upon yourself can have certain...consequences.

14. Chapter 14: Loki

Next one boys, you know how it is. The 'God of Mischief' has arrived! Y'know, if my story was a bit more light hearted than how it is, that would've made a good title for the chapter. But my story is for some sick fucks. Nah, it ain't that bad. Now there is a future story I have in mind, hohohoho. That one's dark.

[Note from the future: He's talking about "Lone Dragon Emperor".]

Anyway, enough of that, time for this shit.

---

-SCENE-

"Hohoho, so I have come to visit."

Odin the geezer— The Norse Allfather— is laughing loudly in the VIP room located in the highest floor of the Hyoudou residence. Apparently, he had business in Japan and came to this town just to pass by. It seems like this place which is controlled by the Three-Great Power of Angels, Fallen-Angels and Devils is much safer than other places.

A God visiting my house…. Something amazing is happening, Grandpa who's in heaven right now...

—Everyone in the Gremory group has gathered in my house. Azazel has showed up as well.

The date with Akeno and the girls was cancelled, like I thought. After that, we reunited with Rias and the others, and we returned home, bringing the geezer with us. Akeno was disappointed, but she was more troubled about meeting her father. She became upset. She doesn't even step forward and she has stopped smiling.

Akeno's father, Barakiel, is also here but Akeno doesn't even look at him.…. It seems the discord with her father is very deep.

—Barakiel... I heard what kind of person he is from Azazel before. He is a warrior-type man who is also a very serious person. I hear that he is so strong that he is on par with Azazel. In terms of attack power alone, he is the strongest within the Fallen-Angels. He must be insanely strong then…

It was a rash decision to try and provoke him. I surely would have been beaten down...

"Here is your tea."

Rias served Odin some tea while smiling. I got my cheek pinched really hard by her just before. She said she needs to discuss something with me very seriously afterwards. It makes me want to escape….

"You don't have to worry about me. But, it seriously is huge~. That one is also huge~."

This shitty-geezer….. He looked at Rias and Akeno's breasts with lecherous eyes! I won't forgive you if you touch them!

"Mou! Odin-sama, you can't look at them with such a perverted gaze! She is the sister of the Maou Lucifer-sama!"

Whap!

The Valkyrie person hit Odin the geezer's head with a fan. Odin started massaging his head with his eyes half opened. Is it alright to hit the head of the Chief God from the North with a fan? I mean, I would've been mad if touched Akeno's breasts, but... That Valkyrie person sure is amazing.

"Geez, you are so hard headed. Sirzechs' sister is famous for being a beauty with a glamorous body, so it can't be helped if I end up wanting to stare at her breasts. Oh, this one here is my escort Valkyrie. Her name is—"

"—My name is Rossweisse. I will be under your care during our stay in Japan. Nice to meet you all."

While cutting off Odin's introduction, Rossweisse-san greeted us. She looks different because she isn't wearing the armour from before, but she sure is beautiful. Is she the same age as me?

She looks like a cool beauty who seems to be good at working, even if she is so young.

"She is a virgin girl where her 'Years she didn't have a boyfriend equals her age'."

Odin gave us extra information with a lecherous face... Rossweisse-san starts to panic a lot.

"T-T-That has nothing to do with this! I didn't choose to not to have a boyfrieeennnd! I didn't choose to still be a virginnnnn! Sob!"

Ah, she fell on her knees and started smacking the floor. Somehow she reminds me of myself so I sympathise with her.

I didn't choose not to have a girlfriend either….

But Rossweisse-san, I thought you were a cool beauty, but right now there is a huge gap between your personality…. At the very least, 'act' cool.

At least if you put up a front, you can try fooling others. In fact, I think you can use it to fool yourself, if you really need to. Sometimes you can use it to get rid of unnecessary emotions or reactions. I've learned that this might be the strategy, ya know?

—But it's also kind of a double-edged sword, ya know?

Because at some point, it'll just cover you and stuff the 'real you' deep below.

Like a sheet or a blanket that shows a picture that works the way it's supposed to on the outside, but there is actually an old, unproductive machine on the inside.

And before you know it, the machine just starts grinding and breaking with steam coming out of it. The picture on the outside will start melting and oiling up the inside. And at some point, you won't know which parts are "real" anymore.

They'll just melt into each other and the picture and the machine will be no longer be the one what's in control. The "inside" and "outside" will clash with each other.

You'll just start doing things you would never do. Thinking things you didn't know you would want to think. You'll be walking and talking in a way you thought only other people would do.

You'll become exactly what you wanted. An image. But then, it'll start to melt. And it won't last. And of course, at some point, the machine just stops working properly, if it ever worked in the first place.

And you'll wonder, "which you is the real you anymore?" —Or maybe— "will the machine ever break"?

Well, I suppose the best and most simple way to put it is: If you keep messing with the foundation, will the building crumble?

(I myself...refuse to learn the answer to that question. Even though it's right in front of my face...)

...

...

What…. What am I even thinking about?...

—I shook my head to snap out of it.

"Well, the business world of battle maidens is also having a hard time. Even if there are those with looks, they are mostly those who are not outstanding. Lately, the number of 'heroes' and 'yuusha' have decreased, and the Valkyrie squad has been minimised because of the lack of funds, so even this one was at the corner of the room until before she became my escort."

Odin says that while nodding his head. Is that so? Funding? Hmm, I really can't understand the world of 'the North'.

Azazel then says it while laughing at the conversation.

"During the time when Geezer will be staying in Japan, it's decided that we will be your guard. Barakiel is a back up support member from the Fallen-Angels side. I also have been busy lately, so I only have limited times I can stay here. During then, Barakiel would be looking after all of you in my place."

"I look forward to working with you all."

Barakiel gave a short introduction.

So we are going to be the Odin's guard, huh…..

"Geezer, don't you think you came a bit early to visit here? The date of your arrival should have been few days ahead. The reason for your visit this time is so you can talk with the Japanese Gods right? Michael and Sirzechs would be the middleman and I would be sitting with you in the meeting…..right?"

Aazazel asked while drinking green tea.

"That's about it. And in our country there is a bit of trouble…. Actually, there is a troublesome lad who is against my ways. I thought I should move things faster before he does something. That's why I want to discuss several things with the Japanese Gods. Until now, we were basically unsociable to each other and we didn't have any connections."

Odin made a sigh while stroking his long white beard. So the God from the North also has problematic issues of his own, huh. Well, it would be natural for each faction to have a trouble or two.

"When you mean trouble, do you mean that you have the [Vanir] after your head all over again? I beg you, don't start the '[Ragnarök]' by yourselves, Geezer."

Azazel puts on a sarcastic smile.

Hmm. There are so many special words that I barely know what they are talking about. I'll have to keep studying various mythologies in my free time more.

But, 'Ragnarök'... I know about that one... Hearing that word sent chills up my spine, for some reason...

"I don't care about the Vanir, that isn't a problem we've had for a while….. Well, there is no point discussing it. By the way, Azazel-boy. It seems like the Khaos-Brigade are increasing the number of those who can use Balance-Breaker. Scary it is. But I heard that those are a rare phenomenon?"

We all became stunned and looked at each other. So you would go into that discussion! Like we thought, the reason why they had Sacred Gear possessors fight against each faction was to make them reach Balance Breaker! Dammit! Why was I so foolish?! I should've known it already! I knew i should've been killing those bastards all this time! I'm already setting myself up for a failure I vowed not to allow!

"Yeah, they are rare. But there is some idiot who used the quickest, yet the most scary and easiest way, by force, to make the rare phenomenon happen. That is something that one who is knowledgeable about Sacred Gear would at least think of once, but it is something no one could do because you would be criticised by each faction. It's definite that you would be heavily criticised, whether you succeed or not."

"What is that method?"

Azazel answers my question.

"Rias's report is basically correct. The plan in which you will eventually succeed when you do it a lot. First, you gather humans who possess a Sacred Gear, by force. It's basically abduction. Then, brainwash them. Next, you send the Sacred Gear possessors to the place which has strong foes gathered…. The crucial places where superior beings reside in. You continue that until you have someone who reaches Balance Breaker. When they reached it, you summon them by force through a magic circle."

So that shadow user reached Balance-Breaker after all…..

Azazel continues.

"These are things no faction can do even if they thought about it. If I, who has an alliance with the angels and devils confronts them and do the same things at crucial locations, then that will signal the start of a war. So no one wished for that. But they were able to do it because they are terrorists."

So if you were to treat Sacred Gear possessors like that, you would be prosecuted by the other factions.

…Huh? I think I trained to reach Balance-Breaker in an inhumane way….. I had a monstrous dragon training after me during summer holiday…..

"Your face is saying that you reached Balance-Breaker in such a way, Ise."

"Of course I am. It's true."

"But you are a Devil. You are tougher than a human, you know?"

"Even so, I almost died. Many times. In fact, I actually can't count that high."

"Aaah, well, it doesn't matter since it's you."

"Oh, go to hell, shitbag."

"Ara, Ise. You should respect your sensei."

"I don't want to hear that from a lazy Fallen-Angel who didn't help for shit with my training."

"Ohohoho~! Witnessing the Fallen-Angel Governor being lashed at by his subordinate Sekiryuutei. Surely, I have lived for too long."

Odin says that while laughing and stroking his beard once more. Looks like Azazel and my bickering entertained him a bit.

"Either way, it's the terrorists, Khaos Brigade's way to abduct humans like that and brainwash them to make them reach Balance-Breaker."

"What kind of people do those kinds of thing?"

Azazel continues to answer my question.

"The regular Hero-faction members are the gathering of the great 'legendary yuusha' and 'heroes'. Their physical bodies don't lose out either, even against Angels or Devils. They also possess Sacred Gears and legendary weapons. On top of that, they have reached Balance-Breaker, and on top of that they have a pushy Longinus which can even slay a God. From the reports, the Hero-Faction has a strong will not to lay their hands on Ophis's snakes, so in terms of their power enhancement it still is unknown."

Either way, the central members are super strong, huh. More like, can heroes and yuusha do such an inhumane thing?

"What are they going to do by increasing those who can use Balance-Breaker, now that's the problem."

Odin isn't even putting on a serious face and says that while drinking the green tea. This geezer is quite the easy going old man. Maybe you can say that he is a courageous person. Even in the battle from the other week, he went against the armies of Mid-Class and High-Class Devils by himself. Something one would expect from a God, I suppose. I can definitely tell how much greater he is compared to me. I can feel the difference in our strength, practically down to my bones.

"Well, this is something which is still being investigated, so nothing will start even if we discuss it here. Geezer, are there any places you want to go?"

When Azazel asked the geezer, Odin moved his fingers with a lecherous face.

"I sure want to go to the Oppai-pub!"

"Haha, you sure have good taste, Chief God-dono! Hell yeah, let's go there right now then! Young girls from my organisation opened up a shop in this town for the VIP's recently. I will invite you there then!"

"Uhohoho~! To be expected from Azazel-boy! You sure know your things! Prepare me a big breasted one right away! I'm going to grope many of them!"

"Follow my lead, shitty-geezer! Welcome to Japan! Do you want to untie their kimono obi? That is something you must do at least once when you come to Japan! I will show you the Japanese-style!"

"I can't wait for it~ I can't wait for it indeed~!"

Both of them heated up, and left the room immediately! What perverted leaders! Can you believe that, everyone?! Can you believe that person is a chief-God?! Dammit! I kind of want to go to though~! Well… I can feel Koneko staring at me from behind, so maybe not...

But for such a lecherous Governor and lecherous geezer to be the leaders for their groups..! Aaah, even Buchou has her hand on her forehead while twitching her eye brows.

"Odin-sama! I..I'm also going!"

Rossweisse-san follows after them, but…

"You stay here. It won't be a problem if Azazel is with me. You can stay put in this house."

"No! I'm going!"

They had a conversation like that at the corridor, and she followed them. Hmm... I decided to call out to her due to my curiosity.

"Neh, Rossweisse-san!"

"Eh?"

She turned back to me as they stopped outside the door.

"Is it true that you've never had a boyfriend before?"

"UUEEEEEEEEEEEEHHHHHHHHHHH?!"

I asked that pretty straightforwardly. Rossweisse-san's face immediately turned red and she looked like she was gonna cry.

"W-W-W-WHHYYYYYY?! I DIDN'T INTEND NOT TO HAVE A B-B-B-BOYFRIIEEEND! I HAVE BEEN D-DISGRACED BY THE SEK-K-KIRYUUTEI! UUUWWAAAAAAHHH!"

She dropped down to her knees and began sobbing...

"...Ah… No, I just was really curious, ya know! I'm sorry! I didn't mean to make you feel bad! It's just 'cuz you're real pretty so I kinda found it hard to believe, ya know!"

"UUUEEEEEEEEEEEEEEHHH?!"

Ah, she's still crying with a red face but she's more shocked now.

"Oya, Oya~? Is the Sekiryuutei hitting on this Valkyrie? Four women in such a short amount of time? For a youngster you impress me. Your skills are commendable, boy."

Odin said that while stroking his beard like always.

"Ah, no, I just—. Well, I think it's a bit ridiculous. I mean, I couldn't imagine people ignoring a girl so beautiful, ya know? It's pretty stupid if you ask me."

I said that "bashfully" while scratching the back of my neck. Rossweisse-san gets more red and fumes start coming out of her head. She covers her face with her hands and hunches over.

"Ohohohoho~! You hear that, Rossweisse? You may not stay a virgin after all. The Sekiryuutei is a top candidate, you know?"

"N-NNOOOOOOOOOO! N-N-N-N..! M-M-M-MEEEEE!? NNNNNOOOT MMEEEE!"

Rossweisse-san shook her head to the sides violently while covering her face. This would be adorable, but she is very loud and I feel awkward. But now, for the main reason I did this.

"Psst!"

I made a noise with my mouth to catch Odin the geezer's attention. He made a "Hm?" gesture at me, but then I put a finger to my mouth to emphasise my quietness. Then I waved my hand at them away from us, giving them a gesture to go away.

Odin finally realised with a silent "Oh!" and sent a devious but thankful grin my way. Azazel also realised by tapping his palm with his fist.

The two leaders snickered and began to sneak away, quietly. Odin sent me a thumbs up and I sent one back.

Ah. Azazel also sent me a thumbs up while winking. I sent him a middle finger. Buzz off, lazy governor. I was only trying to help out the perverted geezer, who I happen to find very interesting. You can go back to hell.

—The two perverted leaders then disappeared with that.

"Ah, looks like they left, huh."

"Eh?"

Rossweisse lifted her head and realised that they were gone.

"EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEHHHHH?! ODIN-SAMMAAAAAAA!"

Rossweisse-san was about to run off after them, but I caught her by the wrist.

"Eh, you should just stay here, ya know. I'm sure he'll just find another way to lose you out there and you'll just be alone. You're too pretty for that; I'm sure that lots of creeps would bother you, right? You're safer here."

"Eh?..."

Rossweisse-san didn't answer and just lowered her head with a red face, nodding softly. Huh. She's shaking a lot.

Oh… That might be a problem actually….

..Are?... Wait, wasn't that kinda smooth?...

---

"Akeno, I would like to talk to you."

I was at the kitchen located on the first floor. I then heard a conversation when I was on my way back to the top floor. When I was heading there….I witness Akeno and Barakiel having some kind of argument.

"Don't casually call my name."

Akeno's voice is so sharp and cold that even I have never heard her like this before. She also doesn't have her smiley face but instead has an unpleasant face.

"…What is the meaning of this, that you are seeing the Sekiryuutei?"

Is this trouble about me? This is harsh. The way he says that is odd. I thought it's rude to be eavesdropping, but I would be anxious about this if I were to leave.

"This is my life. Why do I have to have you comment about this?"

"I heard rumours. That he is a shameless dragon that fought Phenex on the grounds of taking a woman's v-virginity. And he has many other names that contradict past actions and attitude…. Not to mention, rumors of his insurmountable increase in strength in such a short amount of time. I can feel that myself. He is not an amazing deal weaker than me….. There have also been rumors of his sheer brutality during his altercation with Diodora Astaroth. In fact, it is said that he is the one who tortured and killed him, not the Devil known as Shalba Beelzebub who was reported as the perpetrator of the attack. Considering his reputation, I am inclined to believe that it is impossible for him not to have brutally beat down the heir."

(—?!)

—What?!

Am I having Barakiel misunderstanding me!? He must've not been in the VIP room to watch the match... Am I having such weird rumours about me going around?! I held my head at the shocking comment.

Who could it be that would've known such a thing?! —Wait! The VIPs! That's right! There were still some VIPs who were watching the match in the VIP room! Among them, only Azazel, Sirzechs, Shishou, and Odin came out to fight. Maybe a couple others. But there were still some others in there! ...So then who was it that said those things?...

I'm sure the moment they realised an attack was going on, they cut the broadcast to the Underworld. So it had to be a VIP...

Hmm… I'm going to have to ask Shishou or Azazel who else was in the VIP room. Rumors like that could become a problem...

Especially if they're rumors relating to how I attacked Diodora... That was...

[Hmph. Rumors? Pathetic. It should be obvious to the world what the might and brutality of the Sekiryuutei entails. Fools. Let them spread their "truths" and their "lies". It will build fear into their meek subconsciouses. They shall see. We shall show them—]

Shut the hell up, Ddraig! Now's not the time!

—After silencing Ddraig, I continued listening closely to Akeno and her father's conversation.

"I'm worried about you. I'm worried that you are receiving embarrassing treatments. Or possibly even...painful ones."

Barakiel said that while looking at Akeno up and down, as if searching for signs of abuse or something...

...For Barakiel to have that reaction, it shows that he isn't necessarily a bad father?... He doesn't seem to be a bad person, even if it does bother me that he's having these assumptions about me...

What happened between him and Akeno?….

"Don't talk about him like that. Ise-kun is lecherous and... Maybe even a bit violent….. But he is a kind and dependable man. And he most certainly wouldn't do such terrible things. Not to his comrades, at least... —So you judge people by rumours and gossip? You are the worst. Like I thought, I can't do something like…..forgiving you….."

Akeno! She's defending me! I feel happy, but... I cannot deny all of her father's accusations….

"I'm saying this as a father—"

Barakiel says up to there, but Akeno cut him off with an abrupt shout.

"Don't act like a father! Then why didn't you come for me back then?! The one who left Kaa-sama to die without helping was you!"

[—?!]

Barakiel became silent with those words…..

Then I, who was hiding in the shadows, and Akeno's eyes met..

"Ise-kun… Were you listening?"

I was caught. No, it is my fault for eavesdropping…. I didn't even conceal my presence properly..

I came out with a serious attitude. Barakiel immediately became enraged when he saw me.

"..Ngh! Shameless! For a man to be eavesdropping! Like I thought, the rumours about you are true! A being who relishes in such brutality cannot have honour, only the pride he so unjustly flaunts! I won't let you hurt my daughter, damned beast!"

My fists clench painfully and my blood boils.

My first instinct was that I want to beat him... I can feel my emotions wanting to overcome me... For Akeno's father to have this kind of misunderstanding... I felt insulted, and I wanted to "punish" him for presuming such things about me and Akeno... But...

(..Somehow, I didn't realise that my urge to beat him was more than enough to prove Barakiel's point in the first place... It was pure irony. I couldn't see that his assumptions were basically true...)

—But still, this has me wondering exactly what Barakiel could have heard to give him this impression...

[What! You say the Sekiryuutei did such heinous things and was commended for it?!]

[Yeah, that's right. During the match with Diodora, he brutally massacred the heir and his subordinates with no mercy. The weaker ones didn't have a chance. Word has it that he didn't even receive authorisation to eliminate. No, even if he did, there's no way they would've given him permission to kill a High-Class Devil heir to the Astaroth Household. Yet, he still did it, apparently. Not to mention, he used the 'forbidden form' of the Boosted Gear and endangered the lives of every being residing within the dimension.]

[Absurd!.….… He is like a monster. And they have named him so! I see... In the end, he is just a brute..! A power hungry, bloodthirsty, brute with no honour! Just like all the others! I would never leave my daughter in the hands such a "demon"!]

I easily imagined a scenario like that. It really seems like that could have happened. And it's troublesome since half of that fits with the rumours..!

"I won't allow you to see each other!"

TZZZZZZTZTZZZZ—TTZZZZZTTZZZZZ!

(—?!)

Barakiel has holy-lightning running through his hand!? I readied my battle stance on instinct.

Is this really gonna happen?! To battle with Akeno's father, right here, right now?! I will surely be eliminated if I don't go all out! No, even if I do, I will still be eliminated by that holy lightning! —Or can I use [Store] to increase the aura of Sekiryuutei to where it overrides my Devil one?! I've never tried that before! Or should I use [Eternal store]?! But, for a situation like this?!

—Before anything dangerous could occur, Akeno comes in between me and Barakiel, and she embraces me as if she is protecting me.

"Don't touch him. Please don't take away this person from me. He is someone who is necessary for me…. That's why, disappear from here! You are not my father!"

…Akeno shouts that with her heart. Hearing that, Barakiel stops his holy-lightning, and then says it while closing his eyes.

"….I'm...sorry."

When he apologised with such short words, he leaves from here. Even though he's an intimidating figure with a large build, walking off like that, his back looks a bit...sad.

"Akeno….."

Akeno hugs me tightly. It seems like she has some feelings she can't tell me inside of her.

"I beg you. Don't say anything... Let me stay like this for a short while. Please, Ise….."

Her voice was trembling, almost to the point of crying...…. I don't know what happened between this father and daughter, but…..

I could only remain silent, and gently hugged Akeno...

Part 2

The next day we, the Gremory group, participated in the event in the Underworld sponsored by the house of Gremory.

"Yeah, thanks."

It was a handshake and autograph event.

A huge row of people is made in front of us, and I give my autograph sheet to each kid while shaking their hands. The kids take my autograph which is written in my bad Devil letters happily, then they shake my hand with a big smile….there are a few grown ups as well. Actually, I'm surprised. I thought the grown ups would all just be parents but there are some adults that just come by themselves. They seem to all be Low-Class Devils like me. Apparently, I'm like an inspiration to them.

There was even one guy who got real emotional about it…. I can't lie, I almost teared up. I definitely shook his hand and even took a picture with him which caused some commotion amongst other guests behind him who wanted the same. My "PR manager" lady advised me not do that again.

"Yeah, thanks."

Back to the event.

The next boy gets his autograph.

"Shining Dragon! Fight!"

"Yeah. You too, boy. You…. Uh…"

I was trying to think of something inspirational to say to him while having a confident smile on my face. Something that would make a positive impact on him...

—Quick! Say something inspirational! Anything!

UH, UH, UH..!

"W-Walk tall, my son..."

Ah, I stole that from a videogame.

...

...

What're you fucking kidding me?

"Yes!"

Ah, the kid's eyes sparkled and he responded ecstatically.. He ran off with his autograph and mother happily...

It worked….

The line that I ripped from a Final F*ntasy video game actually worked…

That line was said to the protagonist by his father before his journey….The father also died shortly after… None of what I just did made sense. Thanks, brain.

Oh... Now everybody is looking at me weirdly...

..Guys…. Please don't look at me with such admirable expressions. I did something stupid just now. I am a bad example. Seriously, Gasper. I see your eyes sparkling out of your bag most of all. Don't take inspiration from this..

I'm glad my armour's on so no one can see my stupid fuckin' face..

"Hua!"

From my side, I hear a quick shriek that I instantly recognised without even looking.

—Asia!

My instincts immediately go off and I whipped my head towards Asia's direction, ready to kill whatever threatened her.

...But when I turned, all I caught was a quick moment of a young boy giving Asia a peck on the cheek and running away…

[—?!]

"Oi! Come back here, kid! Ya need some disciplining!? Asia is mine, ya hear?! You ain't gettin' no autograph like that, boooy!"

I shouted that while standing from my seat, angrily. I was so angry that I sounded like a dirty country local from the Kantai region or something.

The kid turned and smiled at me as he was running. He was holding up a signed autograph.

..Gasp! He must've already gotten his autograph and waited in line patiently for his chance to strike! He must've accounted for Asia's ignorance and said something like "let me tell you a secret" or some shit like that!

Little smartass!

"Ehehehe~ Ise-san, you shouldn't get so mad. He's a little child."

Asia said that with a smile from next to me.

Grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr! But when Asia says it like that, it's only gonna make me more mad that someone besides me got a kiss on Asia! I haven't even kissed Asia yet!

Okay, well, once, after our return home from the sports festival... But that's not enough!

NO! Unacceptable! I must do it! I will do it! Today! There's no way I'll let that slide! Kissing Asia— Asia's lips— THEY'RE MINE!

"Haaah..!"

I sighed heavily and slumped back down into my seat.

Look at me... Getting mad at a kid…. Am I really this pathetic?….

(..Is my possessive nature starting to get out of control?..)

Haaaah.. Well, at the very least this means Asia is popular..

Accordingly, Asia seems to play a very important role within both shows. It's really odd. It's almost like Azazel, who apparently plays a hand in both shows, is trying to imply something with her significance….

Anyway, other characters like Kiba are also popular. If I look at Kiba's line, it's practically all women. Dammit! Even though I can definitely see some young women in my line, compared to Kiba's, it's nothing! He just has way too many women! They're basically all women with like, 3 little boys!

Also, there are some mother's in my line with their kids, but... for some reason, their kids don't look interested... It seems like they aren't here for their kids...

I mean, one mom has her baby with her... I know he doesn't watch my show, he literally can't... Then there's another mother with a kid who is complaining and wants to go to Koneko's line... But the mom wants him to stay in mine... And then there's the mom with a kid who's asleep and already has the autograph he wanted from Kiba...

Did I... Did I actually become popular with moms like I wished?...

Maybe I'm over thinking things...

Anyway... Kiba has the role of the "Darkness Knight Fang" who is the enemy from the television programme. His appearance is that of a leader from the enemy forces wearing chivalrous armour. Of course, he's only the enemy in the kids show. In the adult show, he's on our side, like in real life.

I was originally hoping to become that cool looking bad guy! My first dream disappeared due to the kids support, but Kiba has obtained the thing I originally wanted!

Well, I suppose I can't complain. My character in the show is still a very cool 'Shonen' protagonist-like character. Plus, they made me super strong. Way too strong. Like, I never lose. In the adult show, I lose because it is more realistic. But in the kids one, I always win no matter what, right after saying something stupid like "Justice always wins!"...

And in front of Koneko, who is wearing a cute beastly costume, many of her "big friends" are lining up. Koneko also has the role as the "Hellcat-chan" who is on the good side along with the Luminary Sekiryuutei. Koneko didn't hate this role and was giving them proper responses.

What a pro! I saw the spirit of a professional coming from Koneko-hellcat-chan!

"Sekiryuutei-sama! Look this way!"

"Shining Dragon! Here, Shine!"

Eh? I turned around and there were two odd people at the front of my line. They both have cameras. Two women. They look like twins. Huh? They're taking pictures of me?

"Here, come on! Give us a smile!"

"Pose! Pose!"

Eh? —Paparazzi?! Are these Paparazzi?! Eh?! Uh, uh, what— What do I do?! Eh, uh..!

Whoosh!

Not knowing what to do, I struck a cool pose with my left gauntlet raised high in the sky, just like they asked.

"Oooh! Nice, nice~!"

"Ok, this way! Mask off, please!"

"Uh, okay..!?"

I deactivated my mask.

"Yes, that's it! Now, smile! This way!"

"Ah, ah, ah! This way! This way! Confidence! Confidence!"

"Wha..?! Uh..!"

I started doing a variety of poses that were very "superhero"-esque with a strained smile of "confidence".

Tka! Tka!

The girls were taking a lot of pictures from different angles. Hehe… I'm kinda having fun doing this. Feel's like my ego's being stroked..

"Beautiful! Beautiful! Up, up!"

"Wings, baby! Shows us those wings!"

"Perfect! That's what I'm talking about~!"

"Stretch them out! Stretch out those limbs, baby~!"

Before I knew it, I was just doing a bunch of picturesque poses for the two girls. They didn't even ask for autographs. I don't even know if they're Paparazzi or just photographers. And I don't know why I'm doing this. I'm just showing off at this point.

Uh oh. Actually, it looks like this is starting to cause a ruckus as the girls began holding up the line. Many Devils started outwardly complaining about it.

Next thing I knew, security people were going to remove them from the line.

"Ah! Wait! Sekiryuutei-sama! Our card!"

The girl tossed me a card that I caught instinctively. Hm? Ah... They were photographers... I sweatdropped.

---

After the event was over, we returned to our dressing room.

With this, the event has finished! It's mission accomplished!

Man, I'm tired~. I deactivated my armour and returned to my base form. Then a staff member approached me.

"Ise-sama, thank you for your hard work."

The one who came bringing me a towel is...the Oujo-sama with the drill hair-style, Raiser's sister, Ravel Phoenix.

"Oh, Ravel, thanks."

I took the towel and wiped my sweat.

When Ravel heard that we would be participating in an event in the Underworld, she came to help us out.

"T-This is also part of my training! And I think giving dreams to the children of the Underworld is a wonderful job, that is why I am helping! I-It's not like I am doing this for Ise-sama and the Gremory group!"

She says that, but she did her task very seriously.

I don't quite understand her, but I think she is a good girl. When I first met her, she had a very proud attitude, and I only thought of her as an ojou-sama character. I didn't really like her because she looked down on me, but now she can talk to me normally. I can at least call her a friend at this point.

Sometimes I feel a gaze of admiration from her...

(..Though, I'm still the last person who should be receiving admiration from anyone..)

"I started to think that giving dreams to the kids is not a bad thing lately."

"All the children have their heads full about you."

"Yeah. They came to shake my hand very seriously. So I felt that I need to protect their dreams seriously as well."

Yeah, I don't know how much I can do for them, but I'm thinking of being 'The Luminary Sekiryuutei' for them as much as possible.

"Ise, it's about time to return to the human World."

Rias comes into my dressing room.

"Ah, that's right. Today, we have to guard Odin the geezer after this."

That shitty-geezer keeps on asking impossible things since his arrival. He goes to an Oppai-pub, and hits on girls walking in the streets, and he does whatever he wants!

I want to hit his head with a fan just like Rossweisse-san does, at least once! Even though a certain part of me also really likes him for some unknown reason... Why do I feel this vague connection to him anyway?..

"Yes, we need to return quickly. Good work to you as well, Ravel. Thank you for today."

"T-That's all right, this is all for my learning."

Ravel cheeks turn red when she was thanked by Rias.

"Then, see you next time."

"Yes, please call me for the next event. If you n-need me then I will definitely help you out."

After having a conversation like that with Ravel, I returned to the human world with Rias and the others.

Man, a handshaking session. What an interesting event.

But... For some reason...

..I feel something...foreboding, looming over me...

Part 3

The event in the Underworld ended, and after having been dragged around by Odin the geezer for his tour in Japan, me, Kiba, and Gasper of the men's team were battle practising.

Shyooooom!

I am in Balance-Breaker form and I have fire coming out of the thrusters on my back, and I am chasing after Kiba who is moving around in a zigzag at great speed. Kiba who is a 'Knight' has faster legs than me. But..!

[Boost Boost Boost Boost Boost Boost Boost Boost Boost Boost Boost Boost Boost Boost!]

I can go past him directly if I multiply my power and increase my dash!

The boosters on my back give the maximum output, and I close my distance with Kiba immediately!

ZIN!

Kiba wields his holy-demonic sword, and I made my Ascalon appear to block his attack!

GIN! GIIN! GIIIIN!

Both of us move in various directions while moving at a high velocity. During that time, Kiba was wielding his sword while not showing even a slight opening.

…Shit. Fighting him using a sword will be disadvantageous for me. I started to get pushed back, and Kiba's blade started to reach me.

The speed of the holy-demonic sword is increasing! I start to lose the sight of his blade with my eyes. When Kiba reaches his top speed, he will definitely come against me at once. Our speed stats aren't that far from each other at all, as I thought.

—So there is no option but to fight him with my fists while closing the distance to him even more!

Shyoom!

I made the booster on my back go on once and went within his range!

A body blow from a short-range! Unlike me, Kiba has nothing on his body. In terms of defence, I have an overwhelming advantage. I also have higher attack power as well. If it hits, then my chance of winning will increase dramatically.

But…

GAKIN!

I heard the sound of metals colliding. Kiba made the pommel of his sword strike like a bowling ball, and he tried to smack my helmet from the side. I blocked it with one of my arms.

Maybe he foresaw my body blow, so Kiba used a counter on me!

If that blow had landed it may have discombobulated me slightly.

So if he can't hurt me with a direct blow to the outside of my head, he decided to aim for the inside instead, huh. Kiba's counter is very effective for close-range fighters. I have received it many times, and Xenovia also received it many times as well.

I'm always on alert, but I can't predict how and where he will counter from because it always changes. I practically always have to use my instincts to their fullest extent to focus and counter every attack.

In a one on one battle, I will surely win. But if Xenovia were in this match too, I may have lost. Xenovia and Kiba would both exploit my need to focus on Kiba separately. Kiba knows that once I have all my focus on him, there's no way he can win against my instincts, but he also knows that if someone were to sneak attack me while we were fighting, it would most likely work. So the only real way I could win against two opponents like Kiba and Xenovia would be if I simply used overwhelming power and attacks like Dragon shot to destroy them entirely. In other words, in a regular spar with those two, I can't win. I could only win by going all out and killing them.

Nevertheless, Kiba has become an extraordinary fighter. Maybe it's just because he's been training with me every time he gets the chance, but he's become somewhat of a monster himself. He's become an opponent I have to take seriously. He always comes at me with the intention of taking my head. And I can't help but feel excited at the prospect of fighting him. Not to mention, honoured.

Though, for some reason, he asks me for a spar whenever he gets the chance, which is very often. Even now, Rias suggested we don't train, but considering that Kiba requested it, I decided to supersede her judgement and train with him and Gasper anyway.

….I suppose I'll apologise later about that….

Anyway, Kiba is a great fighter. He's definitely the best sparring partner I have now. The only one I can think of better is Shishou himself. Kiba's improved magnificently. Only a bit more and his growth would rival mine….. How terrifying, my friend.

But I never thought he would use his pommel like that…. I thought that by closing my distance with him to where he wouldn't be able to wield his sword, it would stop him from responding to my attack…..

I can't be hit with a hit like that too much, so I decided to leave my current position and step back. But—

Piiiikka!

Suddenly, my foot was covered in ice, and I had myself connected with the ground.

"—It's the holy-demonic sword of Ice."

Kiba has a sword made from ice within his hand. With this, I got my legs sealed and I won't be able to escape!

If it was normal ice, I would be able to escape easily, but Kiba has been increasing his affinity with elemental swords, especially Holy and ice! The perfect counters for me! Not to mention, sometimes I see him bring out a similar sword, and everytime I see it, I feel slight chills and I don't know why. But it's the sword he uses most.

I want to burn this ice, but he's closing in with incredible speed! It's only my instincts that make it feel like time is slow, but my body itself can't react fast enough, so the best choice is out the window! He was only a few meters away originally, so now he's close. But if I activate my fire at this range to burn out the ice, Kiba would surely sustain intense damage! Some of it, he may not be able to fully recover from!

—I then had an unpleasant memory crash into my mind.

("Had it not been for Asia-sama, Kiba-sama's eye surely would have—")

FUCK OFF!

BUZZ!

In Kiba's other hand, he has a holy-demonic sword covered with electricity! A holy-sword of lightning! So he's planning to use that to electrify me inside my armour!

Then! I will also show it! My little technique!

Foom!

A pair of red dragon-wings appear from my back. On both wings, there is a small claw hands just like those of a Pteranodon!

It's a new thing added to me due to the influence of [Juggernaut-Drive]. If they weren't so creepy looking, they might've been cute.

—I moved my wings very precisely, and had the claws on my wings grasp hold of Kiba's hands. I caught both his hands!

"Your guard is down!"

I try to hit a strong blow to his stomach since his stomach is defenceless!

Even though his arms are sealed, he made a blade appear from his right foot, and he tried to kick with it! So you can create a sword even there!?

When my blow and the holy-demonic sword on Kiba's leg was about to collide, a heavy sound was made.

"T-Time's up~! That's the end of the time! It's a s-stop!"

Gasper was jumping around while carrying a large bell.

—Kiba and I stopped our attacks just before they hit.

There is a time restriction for practice battle. Kiba and I draw ourselves back while making a bitter smile.

"Haha! Today, it is a draw."

I said that as I deactivated my armour. But Kiba just turned to me with a smile.

"No, it is surely my loss."

"Hah? No way. We didn't even get to finish."

"Yes, but Ise-kun had won from the start."

"Huh? How so?"

He smiled brightly at me.

"Because with Ise-kun, it is never a matter of whether I can win or not, it is a matter of how long I can fight him."

…..Kiba said that with a carefree and honest attitude...

...Why?... Why can he say such a thing so easily?... Putting himself down like that...

...Is it confidence?... Is that the problem?... But Kiba has never had a problem with confidence before, so…. And for him to say that with such a smile…. It cannot be a lack of confidence…..

..So then why?...

---

"There are times when I can't keep up with Ise-kun's training loads."

After the practice, Kiba says that with a smile while gulping a sports drink.

After the practice battle, each of us do our own training.

Kiba is resting. Gasper is training by stopping a small sized robot flying in the air using his eyes. The robot is Gasper's personal use training item created by Azazel.

I had deactivated my armour and made a bitter smile at Kiba's words while doing a squat.

"Maybe I had some insane powers released from me after going into [Juggernaut-Drive], but I can't use them anymore because I will die. But if Asia was to… No, my comrades might be put in a dangerous situation. Even if I can't use [Juggernaut Drive], that doesn't mean I'm done for. –I will become stronger in another way. If I don't have talent, then I can make it up by working harder. If I lack demonic-powers, then I can make up with my stamina. I won't give up. I heard that Sairaorg also obtained his place as the heir in the same way. If someone has accomplished that before me, then I can work even harder for it. I will reach that high place."

Yeah, even if an idiot like myself had his life shortened due to [Juggernaut-Drive], there is no point for me to stay there and wait to rot.

I have to get stronger. I have to become better. I have discard my weakness.

(I have to discard my worthless self...)

"But in terms of speed, I can't beat you, Kiba."

When I said that, Kiba shook his head to the sides.

"The instant dash you did when you used the booster on your back has the same speed as me."

"Only at direct speed. Even if I close my distance with you directly, you can dodge it the majority of the time. It seems like I would have to move around in a zigzag like you, but using my blaster as fluidly as you move your legs takes a lot longer than a month to perfect."

"You have to get used to it. But in terms of power, you overwhelm me. Also, having the Sekiryuutei as my opponent puts a lot of pressure on me, and I get chills every time your punch comes at me. No matter how many lives I have, it isn't enough."

Well, thank you for that then. But it takes time for my attacks to hit him. Kiba also counters, so I hesitate because I have to think on how to attack him. In the end, his technique trumps mine and forces me to rely on instincts. I may win, but that is besides the point.

Lately me, Kiba, and Gasper have been training in this sturdy battlefield created by Azazel and Sirzechs. It's made in a certain basement in the Gremory territory of the Underworld.

Me and Kiba can't train to our hearts content due to our abilities. If we get serious, we will destroy landscapes or fill the area with swords.

We were having troubles because there were only a few places we can train at.

Then we got a present from those two people!

Apparently, it is a present because of our achievement for the incident involving Diodora.

...Though, I feel odd receiving a present for my actions, considering what I did to the heir of Astaroth...

—Anyway, we transferred from the magic-circle located at my house and came here. It's made quite specially, so apparently it won't be sensed by terrorists.

It seems like High-Class Devils who participate in the Rating Games have similar places as well, and we, who are youth Devils, received it as an exception.

It seems like the ones who have this exception within the youth devils are us and –Sairaorg Bael's team.

Other members also use this place quite often. This time we wanted to do this with just guys, so we are the only ones here right now.

"We are all getting stronger, right…..?"

I ask Kiba while doing a squat. I know my strength and growth well, but I want to know how everyone else has been doing in comparison, considering I haven't been able to train with everyone after that initial brutal spar with Kiba in the Gremory backyard….

...After that happened, I was unsure of whether I had the proper control over my power and I kept myself from sparring with them... But Azazel said it was inevitable that we would need to train together. Especially since training with me will make everyone else stronger... But thanks to Kiba's eagerness towards training, I can now feel comfortable sparring to a certain extent…..

...But unlike Kiba I can never come at them with the intent to kill…. I… I won't take a chance like that this time...

"Of course. I know this is rude to say, but you and I have surpassed Buchou and Akeno-san. We probably can overwhelm average High-Class Devils now. You can probably handle even more, thanks to facing off with Tannin-sama and other enemies, but we still can't let our guard down."

"Yeah, since my abilities and yours are known by many, it's easier to deal with us, right?"

Kiba nods at my words.

Yeah, my ability and Kiba's ability was shown throughout the Rating Game which was broadcast throughout the whole Underworld. Not to mention, I practically gave a full lecture on my own abilities for the purpose of showing off and demoralising our future foes. Since that happened, other High-Class Devils would make a counter plan or a proper strategy to defeat us.

—My weaknesses are that I usually won't be able to stand up against insanely powerful attacks without Balance Breaker. I can, to a certain extent, thanks to Shishou shooting unbelievably powerful attacks at me while being fully boosted in my base form, so my endurance is way higher than normal Devils. But, even so, my endurance in base form still doesn't compare to my Balance Breaker form's endurance, which can take almost no damage from basically any attack that isn't Holy, Dragon-slaying, or high level.

The second thing is my power increase is easily sensed by other people. When it increases, the aura around my body increases drastically at once. If the opponent senses "Ah, he increased his power", there is the threat that they would avoid me or run away. It would be bad if they make me consume my stamina randomly. Though, I will usually catch up with them and take them out.

To chase the opponent who fled away, destroying the battlefield would be okay, but if a special rule is created like the time in the Sitri match, I wouldn't be able to do that easily.

Kiba's weaknesses are that his defence isn't that high since he has nothing protecting his body, and also his legs. Legs are part of Kiba's speciality, but it is also his weakness. He would be out if they aim for his legs. Like I thought, the Rating Games are really deep. Or more like, combat is pretty deep in general.

"For example, there is apparently a Sacred Gear which slows down the opponents legs, so I would also be in danger if I were to encounter such a foe. It will be alright if I don't get hit by it, but we won't know what will happen in the actual thing."

Kiba says that while drinking the sports drink.

So that is Kiba's natural enemy, huh. I also have a natural enemy as well. And that is a Dragon-slayer.

"Even I would have to be on alert if I was to encounter a Dragon-slayer."

"You are right, so it would be dangerous if you were to be hit even once. There is also compatibility during a match, so if someone with a Dragon-slayer were to show up then we will take them on. Though, we would have to depend on Ise-kun for other opponents."

I still haven't received a Dragon-slayer's attack with my body, but it must really hurt just like the damage from light. Or probably more. According to Ddraig, I am more Dragon than anything else at this point. That's not to say my body is not that of a Devil. My base form is 'Reincarnated human', putting me quite a bit below pure blood Devils in terms of stats. But still I have most of the Devil attributes. It's just that, at this point, my Dragon power has been influencing my body to the point where I can hardly be classified as a normal Devil and might as well be called a Dragon type instead. Practically every bit of my aura is that of the Sekiryuutei. Not really a tinge of Devil left in it, since my demonic power is tiny. And I hardly use my demonic power anymore either, preferring to rely on my natural Dragon power anyway.

Ddraig said that I've had a lot physical changes influenced by the aura as well. And he's right! If I properly look in a mirror, or monitor my own mannerisms, my body has changed a bit. Not just because I am more fit, but because I have 'Dragonic attributes' assigned to me.

I have sharp canines for incisors, my eyes have gotten lighter in colour instead of the shitty brown I'm used to, I'm taller, my body releases an odd animal like scent when I'm training that is not like before, certain wounds on my body heal much faster than before (albeit nothing crazy like that Raiser bastard). And at times, I notice some others like my stomach. I eat a lot more now! I thought that was just because I train a lot, but apparently the amount I eat is inhuman. So my appetite is big..!

I remember when Rias, Akeno, and Asia argued over who got to cook a main course of my dinner when we returned home from the Underworld and I just told them they could all each make me one….. They had really shocked faces when they saw me gulf it all down no problem. My mum also scolded me for eating some of the pasta and messier dishes with "no dignity". Well, to be fair, I did stuff my face in and got sauce on my face. Oddly enough, I didn't feel embarrassed doing that. Some part of me thought the old me would've died of embarrassment, but I don't see why at this point.

It's just food. I like it, so of course I stuff my face. I appreciate it. She was probably bothered by my conduct more than my actions, I'm guessing.

Some other parts of me have changed too. I am more emotional, obviously. But I realise that I am a bit possessive. When it comes to Asia and Koneko, I feel a crazy need to always protect them. I always feel like I want to tell the world "They are mine, so don't come near them!", or something like that.

I'm more confident and assertive too. Ddraig says those things are necessary. I agree. If I want to get anywhere with enemies, or women, I need those. Sometimes, I build up courage and give a quick kiss to Koneko's neck while she sits on my lap at the house, and she usually just lays back onto me. So, yeah, I definitely am gonna need those two traits for the future. Especially if I wanna be able to tell guys to fuck off from them.

I asked Ddraig if the 'pride' I happened to be feeling was also necessary. He said it wasn't necessary, but rather it was "inevitable". It's just something that always happens with Dragons. Almost like they are the representation of it. That is, if they already weren't the representation of power…. Hm…. In that case, maybe all that pride isn't misplaced.

(..Or maybe I'm just trying to rationalise my bad attributes..)

I also told Ddraig about the feeling of "wanting to fight" and stuff. "Unavoidable as well", apparently. Well, I suppose that's fine. I used to be afraid to fight and wanted to avoid it as much as possible. But now, that feels quite pathetic to me.

Now, I want to fight different enemies. But I also want to win. Ddraig told me that everyone takes defeat differently, but he speculates I would take it harshly….

—[Mm. You cannot handle it. With every defeat, you react in a similar way. An unhealthy way. Tannin once told you that desperation is not the greatest motivator, you took his advice at face value and continue to let your desperation overcome you time and time again. And though it may succeed sometimes, it won't always remain that way. Besides, that desperation of yours is only further evidence that your fear is what truly rules you. So, in that sense, your fundamental weakness remains.]

That was the thing I remembered, what Ddraig told me...

"...Tch.."

—I shook my head to forget about that subject.

Anyway, the only thing that really bothers me about wanting to fight is that it kinda makes me forget about pain. There are times where I forget that pain is happening and just keep hitting till I see more and more damage on my opponent. Essentially, I become too reckless. Ddraig said that could become a problem if it's too extreme. There could be a day where I'm hit with holy light or Dragon-slaying magic and I don't feel it. That wouldn't be good at all...

"W-W-W-Will I be of any use….?"

Gasper knocks me out of my thoughts and asks while raising his hand timidly.

"In your case, rather than fighting individually, it's more wise to fight while pairing with us, isn't it?"

When I said it while looking at Kiba, Kiba nods.

"That's right. Gasper-kun's power is adapted for supporting, so its real potential will be unleashed only when pairing with someone from the group. As long as we continue to live as Devils, it is necessary to get adapted to team battles, so covering each other's weak points would be an obvious thing to do."

"Well, becoming strong by yourself is good, but we won't know how effective that will be against strong teams."

"Yeah. Ise-kun especially needs to be careful since you are trying to become a 'King' by leaving Buchou in the future."

"It would be Game-over if the 'King' is to be taken down, huh. Yeah, I know that really well. So I will get used to team battles as soon as I can. Though, it might be good if I can fight like Sairaorg by the 'King' stepping forward and fighting."

"But if a strategy was made to counter that….. We are also thinking of tactics to take on Sairaorg-san individually, but if we were to fight like how he does then we would be…"

"Out, huh. Man, this is hard. The world of Devils and such, that is. I got it then, when I become a 'King' I will think carefully about my actions besides certain times."

Like this we, the men's team, gather here daily to train and discuss about game strategy. If I remain on saying "I don't know!", then my future ahead will be unstable so I study really hard about this with Kiba and others. Thanks to that, I'm able to discuss about these things pretty well.

"Looks like your knowledge about tactics has become sharper."

Then a new voice is heard. When I turned around, it was Azazel.

"Here, I have some food. It's onigiri hand made by the girls."

Us guys were in joy and stuffed them into our throat immediately. Yum! This onigiri has a taste of Asia. It has a 'kind' taste to it.

Azazel sits next to us who are taking a break and then laughs.

"Looks like your body is in perfect shape, Ise. Kiba is looking better as well, I had thought he couldn't change that. But I can tell that it is due to training a lot by the looks of it."

"I won't be able to become the ultimate 'Pawn' if I don't get even stronger. It's something I promised Rias, so I need to fulfill that before I become independent."

Besides, being strong and powerful is my top priority anyway. It's the only way avoid failure, after all.

"Oh yeah, I heard. When the time comes for you to become independent from Rias, you are taking Asia and Xenovia with you, right?"

He heard it from Asia? Or from Xenovia? Well, that doesn't matter I guess.

"Well, yeah."

"You did it."

"Well, I don't know how to put it, but I promised Asia I will always be with her. I want to stay with Asia too. I also think it might be fun to do Devil's business with Xenovia as well, I suppose."

I don't want to separate from Asia after all. Or actually, I won't separate from her. We are both required to stay by each other's side. We agreed.

Azazel then says it while roughly patting my head.

"One thing, Ise. If you are going to become a 'King' in the future, then there is one thing you must remember."

"What is that?"

Azazel suddenly put on a serious face and says it.

"—It's 'Sacrifice'. During the game, there will definitely be a time when you have to abandon your 'pieces'. How will you cope with it when that time comes? Your value as a 'King' will be tested then."

"…So you are saying I should abandon the option to save them?"

I couldn't help but feel a dark sensation come over me as I said that. Azazel shook his head at my question.

"You can save them. If you can save them, then you should do that. In real battle, it is a serious thing, saving your comrades, that is. –But it won't be like that during a game. Since there is a transportation when you retire, chances of you dying are slim. That being the case, you may have to abandon a critically injured comrade, and move on to the next step."

"…You sure ask me for a difficult option."

I can't abandon my comrades. If my comrades are in a pinch, then I would go and save them immediately. The only one I wouldn't go out my way to save would be Kiba. His honour is too high. If he loses to his opponent, then to save him would be a disgrace to his honour as a warrior.

"You have the greatest affections with your comrades in this group. And that will turn into an obstacle in future games. –Kiba."

He then moves his gaze from me to Kiba.

"Yes."

"During the game, in the worst case, who would you choose between Rias and Ise?"

"I will choose Buchou."

Kiba answers him without any hesitation. Yeah, that's the right answer. Even I would have hit him if he chose me instead.

I'm not the one who has to survive in the worst case during the game. That would be the 'King', Rias. If the 'King' was taken down, then all is done for.

Azazel continues after confirming that.

"Other members also need to hold that determination as well. Maybe it's because you guys are the Gremory group, but your love towards your comrades is strong. Your affections towards your comrades are amongst the top-class within the Devils as well. That will be your weapons, but also your weak points. If other Devils learn that "These guys won't abandon their comrades", then they will build their tactics aiming for that point. Continuing to lose the matches due to saving your comrades will lower your ratings. What you guys need in the future games is the resolve to abandon your comrades who go down in front of your eyes. Sona Sitri has shown you that during the game in the summer holiday. I'm not telling you to abandon your comrades during the real battle. But keep that in your heads during the games. Ise especially needs to understand that if you are planning to go independent. –The one who has to survive till the end in the game when you are the 'King' is you, and not your servant Devils."

—The resolve to sacrifice my future comrades, huh.

…Yeah, he's right. I need to understand that. Even I, who haven't become a 'King' yet, am suffering this much just by thinking of it, so I won't be able to completely understand what's going inside Rias heart.

Rias. Do you have the resolve to abandon me and Kiba? Can you do that? If Rias can win the game, then I will happily give up my body….. But it would be hard for her?... I really should apologise to her later...

I also need to hold my own resolve for that in the future.

It's frightening. The courage to make your comrades into sacrificial pieces…. I would want to somehow avoid that…

But when it comes to a real battle...

—The image of my allies deaths came into my mind. Even the image of my love's death.

"..Kuh.."

I could feel myself being overcome with a dark sensation while imagining that..

...I refuse... I refuse to let that happen... I must eliminate that possibility... I cannot allow such a possibility to exist... No matter what, I must prevent it... Even if that means going too far sometimes... Even if that means removing the parts of myself that make that possibility likely to happen... Even if that means removing integral parts of myself...

(...Even if that means becoming someone else entirely.)

I took a breath, and then said it to Kiba and Gasper.

"Kiba, Gasper. It seems like we have to be resolved."

Kiba nods.

"You mean the resolve to abandon our comrades who fall in front of us during the game right?"

"Huh? —Oh, I mean, Yes. Yeah, we need to make sure Rias wins the Rating Games."

Gasper also responds to my thoughts while having rice around his mouth.

"Y-Yes! That's exactly right~!"

"That's why, let's be defeated while smiling for Buchou. Except we are to be taken down after giving it our all, and let's be defeated while taking on the enemy head to head. We would look uncool if we were to show our back to our enemy. Let's take them on face to face and fair and square and then be defeated."

"Yeah."

"Yes!"

That's right. If we were to be taken down, we, the men's team, will go down looking cool. While protecting Rias.

But more than that, lets win. We can't discard the feeling of wanting to win. We have to win.

Azazel was scratching his cheek next to us.

"You are saying something cool, but you know, Ise? Can you do something about yourself when you fight women….? I know that dress-break is effective, but if you just concentrate on using that, they will aim for that point. More like, the weak point of it is easy to tell. If a half-naked woman appears, what will you do?"

"Eliminate them."

Azazel made a surprised "Oh" movement with his mouth when I responded immediately. Looks like he wasn't expecting that. He rubs his chin.

"Is that so? Why's that?"

"I'm not interested in the body of any random girl. They aren't worth my appeal."

"..!"

Now he really looks surprised. Then his face turns into a weird expression. At first glance, it seems a bit dark. His eyes are half closed and have slight shadows covering them. But if I look carefully, it's a calculative look. He's..."reading" me? Or is he examining my words? Regardless, he's in some sort of detective mode. I can't read him at all. He's always thinking about things I don't understand. Though, I didn't expect my words to catch him by surprise like this.

"Okay then, Kiba, Gasper! Lets do another round of sparring from the beginning then!"

Well, I shouldn't think too much about it, and train for now!

When I tried to spar with Kiba once again, Azazel tells me to come to him by gesturing with his hand.

"Ise, come here for a bit."

He had a lecherous expression. He thought about something again, huh.

"What is it?"

"The thing is, another prototype for the Luminary Sekiryuutei again. Check it out."

When I approached him, he got something out of his pocket.

"W-What is this…..?"

The thing Sensei took out is…..a small figure.

"It was decided that 'Shining Red Dragon' was to collaborate with a hamburger chain in the Underworld. It's a toy which comes when you order the kids meal. This one is the toy of you. This one here is the toy of Kiba, 'Dark Fang'."

It certainly looks like a deformed toy of me in a Balance-Breaker…. This one here is the toy of the cool masked Kiba. Haa, it certainly is made delicately. It even has a sword. It looks cool, I guess.

"There is also a gimmick to it. You get a bonus when you collect both of them. When you attack Fang with your figure…."

He moves the hand of the toy of me and hit the sword of Kiba. Then….

[DIN!]

[ORA!]

[Futile!]

[Haha! Is that all you got?!]

….

Are you fucking kidding me?! Our voices echoed from those toys! What is this!?

"Like that, it makes a sound."

Azazel said it while putting his chest forward proudly.

"What is this!? Uwaah! This will definitely be a hit product!"

I took the toys into my hand while my body was shaking.

Y-You can actually make these sorts of things!? I feel like I'll die of embarrassment!

"Hahahaha, right!? Even Sirzechs praised that "It is a world-shaking toy!"! I love thinking about these kinds of things! Listen, if you want to become a High-Class Devil, then you have to value your ideas!"

Azazel laughs proudly and looks so bright!

I did think this person was a genius, but never thought that he was a 'genius' of this calibre…..

Terrifying idea indeed. To make a business by using a single idea of Inspiration…. No wonder Sirzechs would be in joy...

"The future of the Underworld is going to be bright! And I am going to be that light! Though it's so embarrassing!"

"Hahaha! That's a good phrase! I may take that!"

Hahaha…. You're joking, right? Hehe….

"Listen, Ise. Life is filled with dreams. So let's show them to the kids. There are dreams which grow using that light."

"Y-Yes! A business using inspiration is the best!"

I was making the toys cry out "Haha!" & "Futile!" continuously, but then Azazel tells me with a serious face.

"—Ise. Can I leave Akeno in your care?"

(—!)

I widened my eyes at the sudden request. He continues as if he is telling me something profound.

"You probably know, but Akeno hates Barakiel and the Fallen-Angels. Since Barakiel came this time, she won't listen to me as well. The only man who can talk to her properly is you. –If something happens, please support her. I can feel safe if it is you."

"I don't mind, but… I don't quite understand her situation, you know?"

"Want to hear it? –Though if you hear it from me, I would talk as if I'm supporting the Fallen-Angels side since I'm the governor of the Fallen-Angels. At the same time, if you hear it from Akeno, it will be full of hatred. If you want to hear it, then hear it from Sirzechs or Grayfia. Those two will tell you from the proper perspective."

I see. Akeno is part of the Gremory-group. It certainly might be better to ask those two who know about the servants of the House of Gremory...

He continues on.

"…..I'm sure you realised it after living with her, but there is a part in Akeno where she is emotionally weak. Usually, she acts as the admiration of the school students, one of the two great onee-sama who is covered with elegance. But when that is removed, the one there would be a girl similar in her age. The most obvious time was when you supported her in the match against Sitri. The 'Queen' who has to be the most calm acted differently to that of the King's tactics. She showed confidence in her abilities and became serious."

I kind of know what he is saying.

Akeno is usually an elegant and confident onee-sama who says things like "Ara ara" and "Ufufu". But at times, she has a side when she acts as a maiden, and when that side comes out she looks very fragile.

She is a dependable onee-sama, and I think that the true Akeno is one of those girls around there..

Azazel puts his hand on my shoulder and said it with sad eyes.

"There will be times when she shows those sides of her to you, so try to do something about it when that happens."

"What do you mean by something?…"

"This will test your ability as a man, Ise. It's nothing much, girls will feel safe when you embrace them and kiss them once or twice."

My ability as a man….. That's something I'm most lacking at! If I was man enough, I would have done a threesome with Rias and Asia who sleep with me every night already! I can take on an enemy stronger than me, but I don't feel totally confident with women yet.

Am I gutless for not doing anything at the most important part…? I don't want to admit it! B-But! I almost did something with Koneko, ya know?! I was really close! I can do it if I try, I think!

Though, that was more because I was overcome with emotion... So, again, that rather serves to prove that I control myself instead... That my emotions control me, above all else... And sometimes, that means...

"Also about the [Juggernaut-Drive]."

—Just as I was thinking about that, Azazel starts talking about the 'Drive'... It was almost like some sort of irony...

"I won't use it. I don't want to die after all."

"Well, that's obvious but it has awakened once, so I'm thinking of looking into the power of the Sekiryuutei from a different perspective."

Different perspective? There is another way then?

"How would I do that?"

"Because of the influence of Juggernaut-Drive, it should be in the state where the thoughts of the past Boosted-Gear possessors are released. I asked Ddraig, and found out that the negative feelings of them are trapped within the Sacred Gear. It is basically like a curse, and it seems like they are trying to use the power of darkness to control you and rampage so they can drain your life to the Sacred Gear."

"That certainly is a terrifying story….."

Negative feelings. A "curse"… This Sacred Gear is more like a type of horror item than I thought….

If I think about it, I still don't know that much about this Sacred Gear. I just use its power, basically. There are still many unknown factors about it.

"They say that the families and people close to the past possessors have become unfortunate due to the curse. That's why if you eliminate the curse… the negative feelings, then instead of the Juggernaut-Drive, I made the logic that you might be able to attain a power that rivals Juggernaut-Drive without trimming your life. For that, you have to go deep into the consciousness of the Sacred Gear and release the thoughts of past Sekiryuutei from their negative feelings."

"So I have to put to rest the fragments of the past possessors thoughts who are residing within the Sacred Gear, and then create a new powerful and safe power which isn't a 'Juggernaut-Drive'…..?"

"Well, that's basically it. Putting to rest the thoughts of the past Sekiryuutei, try to do that. Ddraig, help him out with it."

[Yeah, that's okay, but the thoughts of the past Sekiryuutei are so covered in deep darkness that even I won't be able to approach them.]

"The Luminary Sekiryuutei, Hyoudou Issei-kun, will do something about that."

I still have to test whether I can do that at all.

But I won't be able to use the current [Juggernaut-Drive] anymore. Not just me, but it might make those around me unlucky, so that's even more reason not to use it. Looks like I have to believe in Azazel's hypothesis, and find the new power that way. The Drive's influence is "infectious"...

"Ise. I believe in your chances. Each one of the past Sekiryuutei was devoured by the power. Your talent must be the lowest in history. But I believe you are the embodiment of possibility since you attained Balance-Breaker with pure determination, and reverted back from a berserk state with a woman's voice. 'Shining Red Dragon'! That's certainly something. You know that it has been a while since a dragon reached such a unique name, right? Even if your physical body and demonic-power is lower than Vali and other legendary dragons, you can still get used to the power of Sekiryuutei and become even stronger in your own way. From now, show your actions with your efforts, guts, and unexpected ways."

"Yes!"

Looks like I have to believe in Azazel, believe in Ddraig, and believe in my chances.

I will become stronger in my own way. I will become better in my own way.

On top of that, rather than being used by this Sacred Gear, I want to achieve using it instead! I have created my own powers! Because this Gear is mine! I can't forget that!

[The man who understood about the Boosted Gear the most in the history]. —I also think having such a title would be awesome.

I can become stronger. I can become 'better'. I can become different. I can become someone greater.

(I can become someone else.)

—With that, I found a new determination within myself and pressed on.

---

Part 4

On a certain night, several days since Odin the geezer's arrival.

We Gremory, Azazel, Odin, and Rossweisse-san were inside the wagon of the eight-legged war horse named [Sleipnir].

And we are flying, if I may add. We are moving in the sky during the night.

Maybe its because the warhorse is big, but the wagon is also large.

Kiba, Xenovia, Irina, and Barakiel are flying outside as a guard. This is done so we can take on the terrorists immediately, if they show up.

"The Japanese 'Yamato Nadeshiko' sure is good~. Geisha girls are the best~."

Odin was laughing "hohoho" while putting on a satisfied expression.

Damn it! Think of us, your guard! Lately, we have been dragged to various places in Japan with this giant warhorse. We went to the Kyabakura located in the metropolitan area, we went to amusement parks, and also went to sushi restaurants. We were sightseeing Japan as the geezer wanted to.

Because we are under age and high school students, there were places we couldn't enter, so we had to be on standby near the entrances!

Damn you, old man! Stop enjoying things we cannot enjoy!

—When I looked, all the group members had an exhausted expression. Beside me, Asia is leaning her head on my shoulder and is sleeping! Haaah~! Adorable!

Akeno on the other hand is….. It looks like her mind is elsewhere. She was emitting an aura from her body which is saying not to talk to her.

But taking care of the geezer sure is hard. When I get mad, he says such things like "I'm deaf so I can't hear you~" or "Azazel-san, is the oppai not ready yet?" and avoids me so obviously! He is indeed an outrageous old man!

But, this old man is an important guest. So we didn't complain to him that much and followed him quietly.

Plus, for some reason, I can't help but feel some vague connection to this old man! Why?! Is it because we're fellow perverts! I'm trying to move past that, so it can't possibly be that simple!

"Odin-sama! It's almost time for the meeting with the Gods of Japan, so please lose that mindset of being on vacation. At this rate, you will be yelled at by other people when we return to our homeland."

The past few days, Rossweisse-san responded calmly and followed Odin, but it seems like she is at her limit and is about to explode.

"Geez, you are a woman who doesn't know how to lighten up. How about you relax a little? That's why you can't even get a single man. Look the Sekiryuutei is right there. Act girly."

"This has nothing to do with me not having a b-b-boyfriend! I'm not s-single because I want to be!"

Aaaah, there she goes, crying again while hiding her face from me specifically. People from the North sure are hard to handle….. I hope they leave soon….. That's what I started to think.

—Then, suddenly, the wagon was halted with an almost violent crash.

KAKUN!

HIHEEEEEEEEEEN~!

The wagon stopped with the loud whine of our horse, and the impact of the cargo stopping hits us. Everyone lost their balance at the unexpected event.

"What happened!? Don't tell me it's a terrorist!?"

"I don't know! Though, when things like this happen, it's never anything good!"

Rossweisse-san and Azazel were on alert. I can feel something big coming from outside. My aura seeped off my body instinctively as I held onto the now awoken Asia.

"What is it, Ise?"

Azazel asked that, noticing my alertness.

This amount of power, this 'stench', this aura.…. Could it be?... No. There's no doubt... I could feel that certainty in my bones... The presence of a being that high above our own... The presence of a God...

No, it's more than just that... I don't know why I knew it, but somehow it felt as natural as saying my own name... This is...

"—A God of the North..."

I said that darkly. Before, I heard the cry of the horse. It means something happened to that big horsie.

When I looked out from the window of the wagon… Kiba, Xenovia and Irina were in battle positions while having Barakiel positioned at the centre.

I opened the window of the wagon, and looked ahead with Rias and everyone else. At the same time, I activated my Balance-Breaker.

[Welsh Dragon Balance Breaker!]

I don't know what'll happen, so it's good to be prepared just in case.

—Then, I noticed him.

…Up ahead, a young looking man was floating in the sky. He's a good-looking man with slick black hair who has a bit of an evil looking eye.

The thing he is wearing resembles the robes the geezer wears when he is dressed up properly. Though the main colour of it is black and some green.

Rossweisse-san realised who that man was and put on a very shocked expression, while Azazel made a sound with his tongue. ...What is it? Who is he?..

—When the man lifts his robe, he made a smirk and spoke in a haughty tone.

"Nice to meet you, everyone! I am the Evil-God of the Northern Faction! The mighty Loki!"

[!?—?!]

Loki?! The Norse God, Loki!? The God of Mischief!?

If he's from the North, then is he from the same place as Odin! He is a God of the Norse pantheon!

—Everyone held an expression of disbelief and shock.

Azazel flaps his black wings and exits the wagon.

"…Loki. A Norse God."

Rias says that next to me.

The Norse God Loki... What did he come here for? Somehow it feels like it's nothing good...

"If it isn't Loki-dono. To meet you in a place like this... Do you have some business with us? On this wagon is the chief-God of the North, Odin-dono. Your action is something done while knowing that, no?"

Azazel asks him in a calm manner... But my instincts were communicating to me that such a thing will not remain this way...

The Norse God, Loki, then spoke while crossing his arms.

"Nothing much. Our chief-God left our organization to get in touch with other factions, and that is very painful to endure."

His petty declaration made him sound completely like a villain!

—Hearing that, Azazel changed his speaking manners.

"You are quite arrogant to say that upfront, Loki."

Azazel's voice is also mixed with anger. Even if he looks like that, Azazel likes peaceful days, so he seems to hate those who come and selfishly disrupt the peace.

Hearing Azazel, Loki laughs with enjoyment.

"Fuhahahaha, if this isn't the Governor-dono of the Fallen-Angels! Normally, I wouldn't want to meet you lowly beings or the filthy Devils, but it can't be helped. –Along with Odin and the others, you shall receive my punishment."

"So it's okay for you to get in touch with other factions? That's contradictory."

"It's okay if it is to destroy other factions. I don't agree about having "peace". It is your religion which stepped foot on our soil and spread the bible after all."

"…..There's no point saying that to me. Say that to Michael or the deceased God from the Bible."

"Hmph. Either way, it is a problem for the chief-God Odin to negotiate with the Gods of the Far East. Then we won't be able to have the day of 'Ragnarök'. –What is it you wish to obtain by trading for the information regarding [Yggdrasil]?"

Azazel does not answer, but instead points his fingers and demands.

"I will ask you one thing! Are your actions connected with the Khaos Brigade? Wait, if I remember, you weren't an Evil God-sama who would answer honestly."

Loki replies back without much care.

"I feel sickened that you would mix my opinions with those foolish terrorists. –I came here of my own will. And Ophis has nothing to do with this."

Hearing that answer, Azazel loosened the tension in his body.

"…So you are not from the Khaos Brigade. But this is also a problem in its own way. I understand, geezer. So this is the problem that the North faction carries, huh."

When Azazel looked towards the wagon, Odin just got out of the wagon with Rossweisse-san. Odin activated a magic-circle under his feet, and he moves in the air along with the magic-circle.

"Hmm. There are still hard-headed people and that's the current situation we are facing. There are fools like this one, who come out like this."

Odin says that while stroking his white beard.

"Loki-sama! Your actions exceed your authority! Doing something like pointing your fangs towards the Chief-God..! This is unforgivable! You should make an argument at the official meeting!"

Rossweisse-san changed from the business suit to armour immediately, and then said that to Loki.

—But the Evil-God did not listen.

"A mere battle-maiden shouldn't get in my way. I'm asking Odin. —Are you still planning to continue doing something which is outside our Norse world?"

Odin, who was urged to answer, replied quite normally.

"Yup. Talking to Sirzechs and Azazel is ten thousand times more interesting than talking to you. I want to know about Japanese 'Shinto'. They also have an interest in our Yggdrasil. After we make peace, I'm thinking of exchanging our cultures by sending out each of our messengers."

Hearing that, Loki smirks.

"…I have confirmed your plans. Such a foolish act. –Let's have a display of powers here then."

CHILLS…

(—?!)

I suddenly felt uneasy. An overwhelming hostility starts to pierce through my skin...

The God Loki was releasing his hostility towards us… No, I can understand he is aiming his hostility specifically at Odin... We're just accessories to this...

"So, I can take that as a declaration of battle, right?"

Loki also smirks at Azazel's last warning.

"Take it as however you want it to be."

—The moment Loki said that, he was suddenly hit by a wave of power.

DOGAAAAAAAAAAAAAAN!

[—?!]

When I looked around to see what happened, it seemed like Xenovia swung her Durandal! There is a massive amount of aura rising from the holy-sword.

"Victory goes to one who makes the first move."

Xenovia says that calmly! You act too fast, Xenovia! That's such a head start! Don't you know that against an enemy of that calibre it won't work!?

"It seems like it didn't work. To be expected from a Norse God."

I looked back after Xenovia said that, and…. Loki was standing there as if nothing happened.

Obviously..

"A 'Holy-sword', ey? It has impressive power, but it isn't enough to take on a God yet. It's no different than a gentle breeze."

Kiba creates a holy-demonic sword in his hand, and Irina also creates a sword of light in her hand. Loki just laughs seeing that.

"Fuhaha! Futile! Even if I look like this, I'm a God. A mere attack from a Devil and Angel is nothing."

Loki pointed his hand towards us slowly... My instincts understood that some unknown pressure is gathering at his hand.

Allowing him to shoot that is…bad!

[Jet!]

SHYOOOOM!

—A red aura envelops around me and I boost towards Loki.

Ddraig! I will leave the power output to you!

[Yeah, leave it to me.]

I close the distance between Loki and i immediately, and try to release my punch, but it was dodged swiftly. My punch just passed his nose and missed! I then shout at the same time.

"Rias! I will be using promotion!"

Receiving Rias's confirmation, I promote to the [Queen] right away. I felt power flow inside me.

Uuoooooooooooooooooooohhhh! I haven't promoted since before the mountain! This power..!

"—Oh. That's right. I forgot that the Sekiryuutei was also here. You have quite some power on you. If I were not a God that would surely be troublesome –But."

Glowing particles of light gather at Loki's hand! I can tell just by looking at it, he is compressing overwhelming power and he is trying to release that at me! A direct hit from that would be bad!

"It's still too early for you to take on a God!"

"SHUT THE FUCK UP WITH YOUR GOD SHIT!"

I shot my dragon-shot with my maximum power towards the wave of power Loki is about to shoot. The two powers collided and caused a massive explosion in front of me.

[Boost Boost Boost Boost Boost Boost Boost Boost Boost Boost Boost Boost Boost Boost!]

DOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOONN!

Shit! I can't see!

—The dust and wind from the intense explosion threw me back as I guarded. I was only caught by my wings spread widely while flapping violently.

So this is the power of a God, huh!

The remaining dust cleared and revealed an undamaged Loki. Red smoke dissipates from Loki's hand. It seems like my dragon-shot worked just a bit then.

Loki saw that and made a smile.

"…It's not like I held back completely. This is truly amusing. It certainly makes me happy. So I will have a laugh then. Fuhahahaha!"

I'm not happy at all! If that wasn't him being serious, then he is an opponent who would be very hard to handle by myself!

Taking on a God with the power of Sekiryuutei might be hard! I will need to go all out! No, even then, I won't win!

Rias and Akeno spread their wings and came out of the wagon. Rias is covered in crimson aura and she's in a battle mode.

"Crimson hair... House of Gremory, was it?.. You must be the blood relative of current 'Maou'. Two leaders of the Fallen-Angels, one Angel, many Devils, and on top of that the Sekiryuutei is with you. Odin, for a mere guard, this is a bit overboard, don't you think?"

"A fool like yourself ended up coming here. It turned out to be the right decision after all."

Loki nods at Odin's words and made an even stronger smirk.

"Very well. Then I will call [it]."

Loki said that last part as if emphasising on something... He then spreads his robe and announces it loudly.

"Come out! My adorable son!"

After a moment of silence left by Loki's shout… a rift is created in space.

What is this? Did he call something?

Nuuuuu….

A noise….like vibrations...

Then... The thing which appeared from the distorted space, with a deep, menacing growl is…

Nrrrrrrr...

(—?!)

An ash-grey dog! No, a wolf! A wolf who's description looks similar to what I've been told before! I-I know that beast..!

..Glowing yellow eyes. Dark grey fur, like ash from a burned corpse. Sharp, large canine teeth that glisten in the moonlight. A giant wolf which looks like it is 10 meters tall appears in front of us. This beast is...

—Then, the eye of the wolf shines with a deep, yellow glow, and I realised that it was staring at me.

CHILLS!

Wh….. W-What is this….. This u-unreal pressure…... The moment the wolf glared at me, my body was unable to move as if I was paralyzed…..

Next, I felt a cold thing running through my body. I felt more; fear, killing intent, urges to run away, and sense of my heart being grasped more than when I was confronting Loki.

….Shit. My hands are shaking…!

When I looked around, not only me, but other members of our group have their bodies shaking as well. Rias, Kiba, and also Xenovia. Even our members who are daring, are frightened at the unseen pressure that the wolf is giving out.

Nrrrrrrrrrrrrr…..

It growled from its belly. A deep growl from a true monster….

And yet despite being frightened, I also feel a sense of urgency to attack it with all of my might. —I want to kill it. No, I must kill it. My instincts keep telling me that I cannot allow such a beast to continue living. It's as if its very existence is a threat to everything I hold dear... Is this a "fight or flight" response?..

W-What is that wolf..?! What on earth is that…..?!

—The wolf doesn't show any sign of moving. It was just piercing us with its eyes.

[…Partner, that beast is dangerous. If you can, you should avoid him at all costs.]

Even Ddraig who is called the Sekiryuutei is saying something like that.

So it means that wolf is such an opponent, huh….. That wolf is definitely way stronger than Loki!

"This is bad…. You guys, don't lay your fingers on that giant wolf! Ise, keep your distance from it!"

Azazel's expression is so nervous that I've never seen him like this. The daring Azazel who didn't even back down when taking on the old-Maou is saying that…

"Azazel! That wolf, what on earth is that?! Don't tell me it's that one from legend..!"

Azazel answers my question as if he can barely slip a sound from his mouth, confirming by beliefs.

"Yeah...—It's [Fenrir]."

[!?—?!]

Everyone became shocked at Azazel's answer, but also at the same time they seem to understand the reason for their trembles. Just as I thought! Fenrir! The "God killer"! The beast from legend which is prophecised to kill Odin himself..! That beast, it's here in front of us!

"Fenrir! Impossible, in a place like this!"

"…This is certainly bad."

Kiba and Rias both understand about the enemy, and they were on high alert.

"Ise! That is one of the worst and greatest creatures! It has the fangs which can definitely kill a God! If you get bitten by it, even that armour won't last!"

"I KNOW!"

No wonder Ddraig told me to avoid it! Of course it would have that power! Perhaps, we won't be able to defeat it even if we were to go at him at once!?

Loki says it while patting Fenrir.

"That's right. You should be careful. This one is among the top-class of the worst monsters that I have created. After all, this one's fangs are something which can kill any God. I haven't tried it, but it should be effective against Gods from other religions. It can give mortal wounds whether you are a High-Class Devil or a legendary dragon."

Loki then directed his finger to Rias

"I actually didn't want to use the fangs of my Fenrir on those not from the Norse… Well, having this child learn the taste of the blood of those outside the Norse world might be a good experience for him."

…..This bastard. Don't tell me…that he's….!

—My bad premonition then became true through Loki's words.

"The blood relative of Maou... Tasting that blood will also become useful for Fenrir. –Kill her."

OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOUUUUUU!

Under the abyss night, the ash-grey wolf released a powerful howl that shook the air.

That howl was enough to make our whole bodies shiver, and our bones shake, yet it sounds so beautiful that our hearts were attracted to its howl.

FWOOSH!

A single flow of wind. The wolf in front of me disappeared from my sight…..

—That moment, my body moved before my brain did.

[JET!]

I won't let you... I will never let you!

Rias…! Don't! You! DARE!…..

"DON'T FUCKING TOUCH HEEEEEEEEER!"

DOOOONN!

I dashed in front of Rias before the wolf did, and I punched the wolf's face who came at her with godspeed!

—I became shocked at my own decision. That's because I didn't move my body with my head just now. It's just that the giant wolf was about to head towards Rias, so my body told me that I must protect Rias.

When I realised it, I had hit the wolf right in its fucking jaw with all of my might! Sharp winds were created from the force of my punch, and the wolf was sent back a bit!

"Ise…"

Rias also seems shocked.

"..Rias! Are you okay?! Are you hurt?!"

"N-No, I'm okay. Thanks to you protecting me..."

I became relieved and breathed out.

I don't know what actually happened, but it seems like I was able to protect Rias. That shitty wolf was trying to bite and then kill Rias! I could feel my blood boiling from an intense rage. My flight response is out the window. I want to kill this fucking thing.

—The wolf which I had hit looks at me, his face completely unscathed.

…..It didn't work? Tch! This wolf is a tough one!

Nrrrrrrrrr….

He growled at me quietly. I felt like the rumbling of his growl rattled my bones.

"GRRRRRRRRRRRR….!"

I gave him the best growl I had with a deep bellow, thanks to my armour. I imitated one similar to Shishou's.

His glowing yellow eyes pierced through me. I glared at him with my green ones. Until—

"..Gough..!"

H….Huh? I had just vomited out a blood. What….?

I then realised the weird change in my body, and when I looked at the area around my stomach…. There was a hole in the armour and a deep bloody gash in my belly...

Ah.. Tissue?... I think it's cut ope….n

—The moment I saw that, I vomited out even more blood from my mouth. Then intense pain comes to me.

"Ise!"

"Ise-kun!"

Rias and Akeno made a scream like cry.

My stomach is hot… Ouccccch….. W-When was I wounded…?

When I looked at the wolf, the claws on its front left leg were covered in blood...

…..Did he also pierce through my armour just before I hit him…?

—My body wavers unsteadily while in the air.

GRAB!

My body was about to collapse down, but Kiba supports my weight.

"Ise-kun! Let's heal it immediately with Asia-san's power!"

"Ise-san! Please come here, quickly!"

...Asia who is our healer says it while crying from the wagon. She's creating a healing aura in her hands. She must be trying to send the power of healing to me.

Ah, no…. Stay away…. I'm okay...like this...

"No, I won't let you. Sekiryuutei, even if it was just for a moment you were able to follow Fenrir's movement. This is truly terrifying. I will get rid of you before you become a threat."

—Loki tries to give an order to Fenrir again. At the moment, my instincts went on high alert again.

[—!?]

Being attacked again will be bad!

I can't dodge it! If I dodge, then it will hit Rias! I can't do that! I have to protect her! I'm scared of dying! But more than that I can't let Rias Gremory die!...

I weakly tried to let go and get in front of Kiba covering him with my arm. He said nothing, but puts one of his arms around my waist to hold me up, and got in front of me with his sword extended. He is protecting me. I wanted to stop him, but I was too weak.

No..! You fool..! Move aside..! Let me be..! You can't die with me..!

"Loooookkki!"

Azazel and Barakiel each released a spear of light and holy-lightning at Loki with maximum output.

"Even without using Fenrir, just two mere Fallen-Angels won't be able to stand a chance against me."

A magic-circle with an equation I've never seen before becomes his shield which expands throughout the sky.

Azazel and Barakiel's attack were easily blocked.

"..!? Norse magic! If I remember, their magic is more advanced than the magic of our religion! Just to be expected from the World that has greater magic and sorcery than our World!"

Azazel says that with disgust.

The two fallen angel leaders attacked at the same time, but it didn't work…! So this is a God, huh!...

"Then I will use the same magic!"

BIIIIIIIIN!

Rossweisse-san activated many magic-circles which had the same equation as Loki's magic-circle, and released many attacks from them randomly.

It seems like it's a full-burst attack..! It has a shocking power output! So Rossweisse-san is also quite a fighter! She is Odin the geezer's bodyguard, so it wouldn't be weird for her to have that much power… Amazing. That person, is she talented at things like magic and sorcery?...

BA BA BA BA BA BA BA BA BAAAAN!

—But even so, Loki's defence magic-circles are activated around his whole body to defend him, and it easily blocks Rossweisse-san's attack...

It's even useless with the same magic!?

"Now, it is my turn."

Loki tries to swing his hand to the side…..

Fenrir's murderous intents increased along with it. Its emotionless and cold eyes are directed at us….

Koneko and Xenovia step in front of the injured me and their master, Rias, to act as our shield.

NO! Stop! It's useless! That's a wolf that cracked open my armour! Both of you won't be able to endure it!...

My comrades are about to be killed!

[—?!]

No! I don't want that! At this rate, we will be annihilated! I don't want that! To end like this…!

—Then, with the image of my friends' deaths, my fear reached its peak. In one instant, I was bombarded by the traumatic memories of all of my failures. Along with the horror of the inevitable failure to protect my friends.

No...

("Ise-kun. Together, we must always protect the girls of our group.")

Not again..

("Alright my cute little servants. Go and win this game, for me!")

I can't fail! Not again!

("...If I was born again a different person, would you still be my friend... Ise-san...")

NOT AGAIN!

….

...

...

("We'll always be together, won't we, Ise-san?")

.

.

.

..Yeah...

[BOOST!]

..Forever..

.

.

.

.

.

.

《—I... Who is about to awaken…..》

—SHIIN!

But suddenly, A light whipped past the members of our group, and went past the wolf at the speed of light.

[Half Dimension!]

[—?!]

WOBOWOBOWOB!

—The space distorts while having the Fenrir in the centre of it. Fenrir also has his movement sealed by the space distortion. But soon, it bites and tears apart the distortion made in the space with its fangs.

A white-silver thing descends down between us and the wolf.

"Hyoudou Issei, are you okay?"

"V..Vali…."

The one that appeared in front of us is the Hakuryuukou, Vali..!

"Oy oy, was the "Shiny dragon" wounded? Geez, he sure is a guy who I can't tell whether he is strong or weak!"

The one who came from the side riding on a golden cloud is Bikou.… Why are these guys here?..

"Oh my, so it's the Hakuryuukou, huh!"

Loki smiles happily at Vali's appearance.

"How do you do, God of Evil, Loki-dono. I am the Hakuryuukou Vali. –I came here to eliminate you."

Hearing Vali's declaration of war, Loki makes an even more stronger smile….

"I am satisfied after seeing the Two Heavenly Dragons. –I will retreat for today!"

Loki brings the wolf back to him.

When Loki turns his robe, a big distortion is created within space, and it envelops Loki and Fenrir.

"But, on the day of meeting the Gods of this country, I will come here once again! Odin! Next time, Fenrir and I will definitely tear the chief-God's throat!"

When Loki and Fenrir disappeared, my mind went off….

I have been losing blood a lot lately….

"...Ise-san!..."

Ah…. Yes, my love…. I hear you…. I hear…..

---

...

…When I woke up, I was being healed by Asia. A warm green light envelops me, and it took away the pain in my stomach completely.

"..Ah... Asia, thank you…..."

I thanked Asia while looking in her eyes. Because I woke up, Asia sheds a tear.

"Ise-san! I'm so glad!"

"….I can't die while leaving Asia, right?"

I hugged Asia back who started hugging me.

..But I also felt the shame of the hypocrisy behind my statement...

"….Senpai, I'm glad you are safe."

So Koneko also stayed with me. Since her hands are covered with ki, she must have been strengthening the natural healing ability within me. She looks like she may have shed tears as well.

"Thank you, Koneko."

I pat Koneko on her head.

"…..Nyaa. Senpai…"

"Yeah. I'm okay now. –And where are Rias and others?"

Only me, Asia, and Koneko are inside the wagon.

"Rias-oneesama is talking outside with everyone. ….Also Hakuryuukou-san as well."

That's right..! Vali appeared at the end of the battle against Loki..!

I lifted my body up slowly and left the wagon. It had already descended to the ground, and it was in the park near the Kuoh Academy. Since it's still night, there is no presence of people.

I walked towards the location of Rias, Azazel, Odin, and everyone else.

—I then heard Vali's voice.

"To make Odin's meeting successful, you will need to take down Loki, correct?"

Vali says it without hesitation after looking around at everyone.

"You won't be able to fend off Loki and Fenrir with just these members. And also because of the Hero-faction's attacks, the Underworld, Heaven, and Valhalla are in a ruckus. So they won't be able to send more people to your aid."

No one can argue back against his claim.

My eyes and Vali's eyes met. Vali makes a bitter smile, and everyone looks at me after seeing where Vali was looking.

"Ise! Are your wounds okay?"

"Yes, Rias. I'm okay now. More than that…."

I looked at Vali. When I looked, Bikou and Arthur, the Holy-King sword wielder, were behind him. And also Kuroka as well. It seemed like they were looking at our response.

"Are you telling me that you will defeat him?"

When I asked with a low tone, Vali shrugged his shoulders.

"It's unfortunate, but even the current me won't be able to take on Loki and Fenrir at the same time."

Tch… And that's your answer? You were talking proudly just now. He's useless since he said he can't defeat him by himself.

"But…."

Vali looks directly at me.

"It's a different story if the Two Heavenly Dragons were to join forces."

Everyone including me became shocked at Vali's suggestion. The only ones who aren't shocked are Vali and his comrades.

Of course we would be shocked. I never thought that he, of all people, would say that.

We became so shocked that we couldn't speak and Vali continues.

"For this battle, I'm saying I don't mind fighting alongside Hyoudou Issei."

After Vali said that, I stared him down…. A moment of silence passes, then I stepped towards him..

"I'll ask once more…. Are you going to defeat Loki?"

He only raised a brow at my statement.

...A few second of silence pass. I lift my fist at Vali. He looked down at it curiously, until..

"Pfff."

He scoffed and had a sly smirk on his face. He met his fist up with mine.

"Loki— is mine."

"Hmph, is that so?"

We fistbumped. It seems a temporary alliance has been formed.

"Hohohoho~ Never in all of my years would I think to experience an alliance between the two Heavenly Dragons. This generation truly is special. Surely, I have lived too long."

Odin laughed wholeheartedly. Well, let's hope we can keep you alive a bit longer, old man.

---

END

Woo. Another long chapter. Sorry for the wait guys. Told you, life comes at you fast. Anyway, I'm back. Be updating my other story soon as well. Tell me what you thought about this chapter. Or Loki. Or Issei's still developing character. Or whatever ya want.

Read, Rate, Review, go crazy.

Stay frosty.