Broken Rules

by Arrixam

So God won some war and is now purging all supernatural monsters across the globe. Okay. And my best friend is the Devil who turned Kuoh into some refugee camp for them. Fine. But why do I have to be in the middle of their fight! I was just a regular guy minding my own business. It all started the day I finally got a girlfriend...

14. Chapter 14

Chapter 14

It's Not What You Think!

I, Ravel Phenex, am taking a tour of Kuoh town with my fellow Bishop, Mihae.

Honestly… my brother could be such a worrywart. I didn't need an escort. I was the youngest offspring to the Noble and Ancient House of Phenex. The blood of the immortal Phoenix flows through my veins just as much as my brother and King, Riser Phenex. But, it can't be helped. I understand his concerns and welcomed Mihae to accompany me.

I could see Kuoh was still recovering from the aftermath of Heaven's invasion. Today was the first day King Lucifer had declared it safe enough to pull back Marshal Law and allow traffic from the Underworld back into the surface world. As soon as that announcement was made did Riser command us to pack our bags. He was worried about his fiancée, Rias Gremory.

But while brother dearest was settling matters with the Gremory Heiress, I took it upon myself to give them privacy and wander around town. It was the first time being in a human settlement and especially in the only city in the entire planet that welcomed all supernatural creatures. Truth be told, I wasn't all that amazed. I was expecting creatures of every kind to be walking among the streets. But all I've seen so far are humans and creatures pretending to be human.

There were differences between this plane and the Underworld, however. The sun was so much brighter and it ached my skin. And the air was gross to breathe in. Yet… I can't quite place it. All of this felt so… liberating.

It felt like this was the first time I've been let out of the house… excusing Mihae's company and all that.

"My Lady," Mihae spoke softly as we turned another corner and continued with our exploration. "Perhaps we should turn back? Riser-sama might be worried about us."

I waved her off, "If my big brother is so worried about me then he would send us a message. Just a little longer won't hurt us. I still want to see what makes this place so… special."

Cities in the Underworld so close to the capital always try to keep up with human settlements. I always wondered why. Humans, despite their short lives and fragile bodies, have surpassed us in terms of versatility, adaptability, and technology. I didn't want to admit it, but there might be some truth in King Lucifer's judgement to emulate humanity as much as possible.

We do feed off of their greed. I don't think we'd be able to survive without humanity.

But there was another problem. Humanity was considered the chattel of God of the Bible. They were under His direct protection. While we needed humanity to survive, it also put us in danger for wanting to bring the wrath of the Biblical God upon us. It was why my brothers went through extreme efforts in teaching their peerages on how to create contracts with humans.

And among those humans came the Exorcists and Saints. Exorcists were humans who had enough faith in their God to be granted blessings and weapons to fight against anything of the supernatural. And Saints were acknowledged as people blessed by God directly, who were the most dangerous beings our kind had come across. It is said the Saints rival God's Seraphim and the Archangels.

There was one rumor I desperately wanted to follow, however.

One such Saint had turned his back on God. I have heard a legend as of late that was spreading around the Underworld like fire. Rias had confirmed it as soon as we met with her.

Saint Hyoudou, crowned by the Champion of Heaven himself, had fought against the same man who anointed him. And it has been confirmed by Rias herself that this Issei Hyoudou had slain the Champion of Heaven.

I wished to meet this person to see for myself. Do I fear him? Or do I become amazed by him? What is he like? What compelled him to turn his back on God? Was he not a Sacred Gear wielder, let along one of the possessors of a Longinus? How could he have resisted God's compulsion to follow His Words?

That was really why I was here. That was why I begged brother dearest to bring me with him. That was why I was now enrolled in Kuoh Academy.

I wanted to meet this Saint Hyoudou and see for myself.

"Ravel…" Mihae said with more concern. "I think we should turn back now. This isn't a very welcoming area…"

I peered around. There were less crowds the more we wandered. We were getting further away from the Academy and more towards the outskirts of the town. This was where the scars of the Battle of Kuoh remained untouched. Some of the buildings kept the marks of burning and explosions. I recognized them from all the times we've trained for Rating Games.

It was also quiet. I felt the presence of life around us but it was more like they were trying to suppress it. They didn't want to be seen.

Reparations hadn't managed to make it out this far. Most of the containment of the Battle of Kuoh was back in the center of the city. We've traveled far enough to what might be called the poor district. Not quite the slums… but it might as well be called that now since the wreckage was so much.

My eyes took in the destruction around me and my mind replayed the events. I was the strategist in my brother's peerage and I took pride in my skills. I was the one tasked with analyzing both sides of our Rating Games and provide an adequate review on where we need to improve. So when I looked at the deep gash that tore open the street, the gaping hole that took out a chunk of a building, to the skeletal remains of a fire and the stains of blood… I was seeing the colossal difference between our worlds.

Rating Games were controlled. They had rules. They had time to prepare and plans to coordinate. And there was no real threat to them. If anyone was injured then they were ejected out of the game and immediately brought to a medical team.

I didn't see any of that here.

There was no control. All I saw was chaos as one side held all the odds and the other side was in chaotic desperation. The devastation was just as unreal as the top ten players— except all of this was real.

I couldn't help but imagine… this was just the outskirts. This was the least populated area. This was just the scattered leftovers of Heaven's forces. What happened to the main force? What happened when the Academy, the Institution, and the town square were at the center of the invasion? What sort of destruction did Heaven unleash there that the Grigori had hidden?

"A little far from home, aren't you?"

Mihae and I spun around at the same time. Shrouded in the darkness of one ruin was a pair of glowing eyes beneath a hood. I couldn't see their face even as they stood and slowly made their way towards us.

Mihae was in front of me. She kept her calm smile up even as I sensed her demonic aura tense. "We're just passing by. Pay us no mind and there won't be any trouble."

"Trouble…?" hissed the stranger. Literally hissed like a snake. It cocked its head to the side at an irregular angle as its beady eyes blinked. "It would be more trouble to let food go…"

"Try it," I lifted my head and let my wings blaze from my back. Unlike regular Devils who were born with leather wings, the proud family of Phenex were born with the flamed wings of the legendary Phoenix. "And I roast you where you stand."

The creature— whatever it could have been— tilted its head… further. The cracking of bones was heard as its head bent almost upside-down.

"You… are rare," it said. "Hmm. I've never had Phoenix meat. I wonder… can a Phoenix regrow after I've eaten some of its meat? Will you be able to feed me… forever?"

What a disgusting creep.

"Meat?"

"Food?"

"Food!"

"Delicious meat…"

"Food, food, food!"

"Young meat."

"Meat…"

Mihae stepped closer to me and pushed me back slightly. More glowing eyes popped out of the darkness. They had been hiding in this ruined building the entire time. Only after hearing the conversation did they stir from their place and move forward.

I counted twelve of them. I still wasn't afraid of them.

"You should know your place," I said to them without fear. "I am a member to the House of Phenex. Lay a hand on me and you will face the consequences of harming a member of a Pillar Clan. My brother, Riser Phenex, will reduce you all to ash."

They all chuckled in unison. It sent the hairs at the back of my neck at attention.

"If we feared your laws, Devil…" the main one we had met first hissed. "I'd not have become a Stray nor would I bring my children…"

This… This was a Stray Devil. This was a Devil who had been seized by a King and had broken free from its shackles. And it had escaped into Kuoh.

It transformed. The cloak tore into shreds as its body expanded at a frighteningly swift rate. Its head crashed through the wall of the building as it stood up. Red eyes with diamond pupils stared down at us. Its skin shimmered with greenish silver scales and a golden underside. A forked tongue extended out of its mouth as a pair of fangs started to secrete venom.

Neither Mihae nor I could move. We physically couldn't. It had nothing to do with fear— because I wasn't afraid of this insufferable twit. It was something more magical.

This creature was a basilisk. A lowly one that couldn't turn us to stone such as its great ancestors, but one of the legendary creatures that could still petrify a Devil.

"Any last words, spawn of Phoenix?" it hissed at us.

My lips twitched. But that's all I could do. I couldn't get my mouth to work to curse at this thing.

"That's what they all say," it hissed in humor. Its children laughed behind it.

My mind raced. I needed to contact my brother but my demonic energy was even petrified. I couldn't channel anything in order to create a spell. I was stuck. I couldn't call for help. I couldn't formulate a plan for us to get out of this.

It was then did the fear creep up to me.

I was immortal. No, not entirely. I could come back from almost any sort of wound but only if I put my mind to it. I wasn't like my eldest brothers who were practically invincible. I wasn't even anywhere near on par with Riser. I was the youngest of our clan. I could recover from almost anything… if it wasn't lethal.

I don't know if I could survive being eaten and digested in the stomach of this snake. I don't want to find out.

My body began to shake out of fear and desperation. But I couldn't move still. I was releasing a sound in my throat that may have been a whimper, an attempted scream, or a plea for help. I couldn't even turn my eyes away as the basilisk drew its head back and open its maw.

It came at us… but it missed.

I felt the collar of my dress get pulled. I also saw a hand reach for Mihae and pull her away. We were pulled back out of reach of the basilisk. Its jaws slammed shut where we would have been half a second ago. Quickly, it jerked its head up with its eyes narrowing at us.

"Whoa! Nice save!" someone cheered off to the side.

"Look, I get you don't have your perks," a second voice sounded annoyed; it was from the one who saved us. "But we've been at this for a year now. Learn to pay fucking attention."

"Oh hey, it's Ravel-chan! And… I'm sorry, I don't think I ever learned your name…"

The owners circled around us. The first was a short man hardly any taller than me with black hair, dark skin, and a glowing pair of red and blue eyes. There was something mystical about them that I've never seen before. Looking at them counteracted the basilisk's curse. Mihae and I were able to move again.

The other one was definitely native. He was a Japanese young man with clam skin, light brown hair, and hazel eyes. He was much taller than his counterpart despite being younger by almost a decade. And he was…

I can't believe I'm saying this, especially in our situation, but…

He was hot!

He had a hardened face, sharp eyes with a bit of tenderness underneath them, a goofy smile that granted him the illusion of innocence, and a body to die for. He was ripped. Even though he was wearing casual clothes of a t-shirt and jeans, I could see the muscles of his arms and torso practically ripple with each movement.

And he knew me? W-Well, I am Ravel Phenex, the Bishop of Riser Phenex. But, still, to think I gained the attention of such an attractive male…

Right now he was scratching the back of his head with an apologetic expression at Mihae.

"What are you two doing out here?" the shorter man asked. He had a vicious scowl on his face that was practically glaring. "Dressed like that even. You're just asking to be mugged. Or, in this case, eaten."

What's wrong with my dress?! I'll have you know this dress was a gift from my mother! I have several other matching sets but this one is my favorite! It's not like I was going to arrive in Kuoh with anything less dignifying of my status!

And Mihae was dressed in a silken kimono. She's gone native! What was wrong with that?!

"A lot of Strays have been popping up lately," sighed the hotty.

"No shit," the scowling man ignored us to snap at his counterpart. "Think about it. The enemy of my enemy and all that. Strays are hunted by both Devils and Heaven. So what better place to hide than in plain sight?"

"I don't think I get it," the hotty shrugged.

The shorter man groaned. He placed his hands together as if cupping an invisible box to make a point. "See, suppose you become a Stray. The Underworld and Heaven both want you dead. With the way the world is set up you really don't have many places to run to."

"I hope Kuroka-neesan is okay…" he sighed with worry.

…Who the hell is Kuroka?! His girlfiend?! Was this doomed to fail before it could begin?!

"I'm sure she'll manage," the guy waved it off and resumed his lecture. "Your options would be to either hide in a place everyone will look at— like abandoned factories and haunted places. Places with malevolent energies. Or you can be smart about it and—"

"LOOK—" I screamed at the top of my lungs but didn't have the chance to finish my warning.

The basilisk had slowly reared its head back for another strike while the two of them had their backs turned. Even I hadn't noticed with how slow it was moving until it saw it twitch before striking. It moved as fast as a blink.

The boy simply raised his fist nearest the creature. His eyes glowed a florescent green as power, and I do mean that in every possible perception of the word, was unleashed out of his body. His feet sank into the ground half an inch by the sheer pressure he emitted. A wall of air was created by the strength and speed he used to bring his arm up to intercept.

His flesh never even made contact with the basilisk. It was the wall of air between them that did. There was a roar of thunder as soon as the impact was made followed by a storm of carnage. The whiplash of the aftermath tugged at my hair and the hem of my dress. Mihae struggled to keep her kimono intact.

The results were… unreal.

The basilisk was no more. More than two-thirds of its body was blown away by the punch, reduced to nothing but a smear of blood that painted the rubble. There weren't even bones! They had been crushed to the point of disintegration by the blow!

And that wasn't all. His strike had blown away the rest of the building along with the snake. It took out the two stories as well as the basilisk's children. They didn't have a chance to get out of the way. They might not have had a chance to realize what was happening. They were simply gone.

All that was left was an empty lot with a mass of blood to mark the occasion.

"—hide in plain sight," continued the man as soon as the wind died down enough for him to speak normally. He brushed off the dust that had been kicked up and onto his shoulder. "You hide behind enemy lines. Like in a church or in Satan's Citadel. Because most think 'what kind of idiot would hide here?' And most of the time they'd be right. But some of the times…"

"Yeah, I get it now," the boy said after he scratched his head some more. The incredulous power he had drawn out had sunk back into his body. "That explains why this was the third Stray. Think we should tell Rias and Sona?"

"Maybe after we finish cleaning up," the man shrugged. His eyes then returned to us. "Now, you, I want you to go home. Teleport back to your King and make sure to not leave his side. Do you understand?"

I vaguely recall my head bobbing up and down.

"Sorry, Ravel-chan," the boy apologized. "But he's right. It's way too dangerous out here if it's just you two. I can't—"

"She's not supposed to know you, dipshit," the man spat.

The boy slapped a hand to his brow as he realized something. "That's right! I'm sorry! It's just so confusing! I keep mistaking these people with our people! Um… please ignore everything I've just said, Ravel-chan. No! Wait! That's not what I meant! I meant you shouldn't listen to my… no that's not right either. You should…"

"Go home," the man said bluntly with irritation. "Now."

His eyes glowed brighter, giving his face a shadow.

And before I knew it… I was back in the apartment my brother had rented out for our stay. I couldn't remember teleporting here. I just knew I was here safe and sound with Mihae, my brother, and some of his peerage members.

But… that boy. Who was he?

And how can I make him mine…?

0-0-0

Today was my first day of school!

Rias Gremory's Rook shared the same classroom as me so she was ordered to escort me around by her King. However… this damn cat doesn't like me. Nor do I like her. She's always calling me names and giving rather rude comments about me. But she fulfilled her task given by her master and gave me a short tour of the school campus.

…So long it was between the old school building Rias uses and our classroom.

"Philips-san," Koneko ignored me once we entered the classroom. We entered through the back and she went straight for a student sitting in the far corner of the room.

It looked like he didn't belong here. Was he really a first-year like us?!

"Toujou-chan," he put his pencil down to return the greeting. "Good morning. How are you doing after the other week?"

He was tall. Oh so very tall. Koneko could look straight at him from where he sat and it looked like he was uncomfortable fitting into the desk. He was either a genuine foreign exchange student or someone of the occult who used that excuse. His skin was peachy with freckles running from cheek to cheek, short copper hair, and bright emerald eyes.

Koneko paused to consider his question, "We're fine. Buchou asked if you and your club could come to the old school building after."

"If she wants something from me then she should ask me herself," he grumbled with obvious disdain.

It made me blink. Rias Gremory was the most popular girl in school. Mentioning her name drew positive attention. Everyone loved her as far as I've seen.

This guy was the first. His mood soured as soon as Koneko brought up Rias.

"Philips-san…" Koneko muttered.

"Fine, fine," he sighed and waved a hand while holding his pencil between his fingers. "We're supposed to be starting a new project but if Gremory wants to see us I can't ignore her. I'll let everyone know after school."

Koneko nodded.

"So, who's this?" he asked when his eyes flicked over her shoulders and spotted me.

I almost jumped. I hadn't meant to listen in on their conversation. I had followed Koneko because… w-well… I wasn't sure where my seat was and I didn't know anyone else.

"Just some Grilled Chicken Princess," Koneko replied bluntly.

"I have a name, you know!" I snapped back.

The boy kept studying me. His eyes never looked any lower than my chin but it felt like those eyes were scanning everything about me. Not like those two perverts we ran into earlier. He wasn't undressing me.

It was like he was trying to figure out what made me tick. As though I were a machine!

I stepped up next to Koneko and offered an eastern bow, "Hello. I am Ravel Phenex. I just enrolled into Kuoh Academy."

"Artemis," he offered in a voice not as friendly as he gave to Koneko. But it wasn't mean either. I wasn't sure what to call it. Guarded, I think. "Artemis Philips. Give Koneko something sweet and she'll be your best friend for—"

He jerked as Koneko took a step forward and kicked him in the shin. It had him hit his knee against the desk underside.

I blinked. My throat felt dry. "Artemis? Artemis James Philips? As in the Doll Maker?"

Lucifer Almighty. This teenage boy was the magician who had managed to stand on equal grounds against Sir Altoryrigius Pennyworth, the Champion of Heaven. They had fought once in a skirmish and he is the only one ever to have survived against a direct blow from Excalibur. Not even the True Longinus could pull that off!

I shouldn't be surprised someone this important was within the city. But I never thought he was a teenager who attended the Academy. I always thought he was an old man who had spent centuries practicing magic in order to find a way to counter against the Excalibur.

"I don't do autographs," he groaned as he twisted himself so to be able to bring his leg up onto the seat and rub the spot Koneko kicked him. "I don't do parties. And I don't join exclusive underworld cults."

"Philips-san has declined every offer Buchou has given," Koneko supplied. She turned to give me a blunt look through half-lidded eyes.

"Having that said," the Doll Maker's voice softened as he put his leg down. He studied me some more before going on. "I'm not joining any clubs and I don't do contracts. But if you need my help with anything, just ask. Depending on what it is I might be willing to give you a hand. First one's always free of charge."

Huh. I wonder how much someone like the Doll Maker would charge for his magical expertise.

"Thank you very much, Philips-sama," I bowed again with a smile. "I'll remember that. Can I come to you if I need help with academics?"

"Sure," he said. "Toujou-chan and I usually eat lunch together. You can join—"

He winced as Koneko kicked him in the same shin when he wasn't looking. He sent a frosty glare her way. But… he looked away when her eyes bore into his.

The bell chimed then and there. The students chatting in the class went to their seats. There were a few empty desks so I chose to sit at the one closest to Philips and Koneko. I was in an aisle between them but two desks ahead.

"Quiet everyone," the teacher said as soon as he opened the door. "Bell rang a few minutes ago. I need to take attendance before—"

"You?!" I shouted in surprise.

I wasn't the only one. Philips had done the same thing.

My cheeks flushed as I realized what I had done without thinking. Everyone was staring at me, including the teacher. Especially the teacher, I should say. His glare hardened and I could feel his eyes manipulating me with their mystic persuasion to get me back in my chair.

It was the same short brown man from the other day! The only difference was he was in a business suit. It was almost comical seeing someone that short dress up so primly. It was almost like a child being forced into something nice to visit some twice-removed aunt. His scowl sold the image too.

"Me," he said as he approached the podium. His scowl deepened as he gave an audible curse.

…Because only his eyes could be seen when he stepped up to it.

Some of the students snickered at the sight.

Some began to laugh when he pulled a few of the spare text books off the shelf and behind the podium just so he could stand on top of them.

"Good morning class," he said in an irritated tone. His voice was dry and disinterested as though he was more reading off of a cue card than anything. "I am Professor Oberon. I will be your new English and Literature teacher until they find a better replacement."

…Oberon? As in the king of the Faeries?!

Well… that explains why he was so short.

"Um… Sensei…?" one student raised their hands.

Oberon looked her way and pointed a finger at her to continue.

"What happened to Yasaka-sensei?"

"Gone," he replied immediately.

"Yeah, but is she sick or—"

"Gone," he repeated with the same dry tone… and something else that left no room for anything else.

The student didn't ask anything else.

"Alright, now everyone sit still while I fill out the attendance…" he grumbled as he pulled a form out of his briefcase. His eyes flickered once to the sheet before looking back up at me. "You. You're not in this roster. Are you a new student or something?"

"Y-Yes, sir!" I stammered and blushed as heads turned towards me again.

"Come up here and introduce yourself," he said before stepping off the podium and gesturing for me to use it.

Now this was where I thrived. I may live in my brothers' shadows but I was still my own person. I took pride in the Phenex name but one day everyone will know about my name. This was just practice.

I stepped up to the podium (glad there were books already or I would have been embarrassed at my lack of height) and cleared my throat. I put a hand to my chest and used my speaking voice.

"It's a pleasure to meet you, everyone," I said with a broad smile. "I am Ravel Phenex and I am a new transfer student."

I didn't pay much attention as Oberon walked behind me towards the trash bin at his desk.

I went on, "I love watching footage of Rating Games, playing chess, and baking. I have three older brothers who are all successful in their careers. I hope that you'll—"

I, as well as most of the class, jumped and let out squeals of fright.

Oberon had tossed something into the trash that gave a loud booming noise and a bright flash of light. It got everyone's attention.

He looked around the room with an expression that questioned why we were the ones looking at him. He raised a single brow as he studied the silence.

"Oh," he said with his voice dripping in acidic sarcasm. "Did I disturb you? Well, I figured it should be fine if I did something annoyingly distractive and disrespectful seeing as how some of you were already doing that. I thought I didn't have to listen to Miss Phenex's introduction. Maybe…"

He looked at one student in particular, "Text a friend in another class on how snobbish the new kid looks."

The girl blanched. Her phone dropped out of her hands from under the desk and clattered to the ground.

"Try to catch some sleep after staying up gaming. Start hateful rumors after seeing her talk to the… fucking hell Artemis… the King of Kuoh. Or, and this one is my favorite, construct some scheme that'll get her to trim her eyebrows."

Several students flinched. He looked at each one of them with every accusation.

M-My eyebrows? What's wrong with my eyebrows?! I'm a girl! I trim them on a regular basis! I know they're a little on the thick side but they're supposed to be like that! My brothers all agree that's what makes me cute!

"Are we under attack again?!" someone shouted as they almost tore the door off its hinges with how hard it was pushed open.

She was very pretty. And so young. She looked as old as a third-year with silver hair and blue eyes. She wasn't dressed in the Academy uniform, though. She was dressed in a gray and black striped suit with a pair of matching gloves.

"Rossweisse," Oberon greeted in his dry tone. "I was in the middle of a lecture. Is there something I can do for you?"

Rossweisse, another one of the teachers I presumed, looked around the room until she spotted the smoke rising out of the trashcan. She let out a loud sigh of relief as her posture slouched.

"Oberon-sensei…" she breathed out. "Please refrain from making loud noises like that. You'll disturb the rest of the classes around you."

"Noted," he said simply.

She stared at him with a hard look. She wanted to be sure her point was made. But his scowl, considerably more relaxed than it was when I first met him, it was fiercer than the one she was trying to give him. Rossweisse ended up looking away first, excuse herself, and shut the door behind her.

"Children," Oberon placed his hands flat on the desk. He was so short leaning over like that hid most of his profile from the students in the back rows. But his voice was definitely heard by everyone. "I was once your ages. I remember what it was like in high school. You can slack off all you want in my class. But you will treat your fellow students with the respect they deserve. Don't do this again.

"Miss Phenex, is there anything else you'd like to say?"

"…Please take good care of me?" I more begged than asked.

"Take your seat so we can begin today's lesson," he instructed and stood straight.

I leapt off the books and made my way back to my seat. It might not be dignifying… but I was not ashamed to admit I practically ran and dove for it. I wanted to get out of the spotlight as quickly as possible.

0-0-0

"School in the human world is harder than I thought," I sighed (with dignity!) as soon as I took my seat within the Occult Research Club. "Lessons and homework I can handle. But the students are very much different from the prestige institutes in the Underworld. And the teachers don't grovel. Like Oberon-sensei and Azazel-sensei. The former set off an explosion halfway through my introduction! And the latter told us to self-study as he took a nap right then and there!"

"It is a bit overwhelming at first," Rias said to me in a comforting tone. "But you'll get used to it. And I assure you most teachers in the human world don't behave like those two. Those two are an exception."

"Oh I know," I nodded to her and then thanked her Queen when she served me a cup of tea. "I heard Oberon-sama is the substitute teacher for Yasaka-sensei. Would this happen to be the same Yasaka, Matriarch of the Youkai?"

"…It would be," Rias gave a single nod with a saddened look. "She perished during the Battle of Kuoh. And we don't know what happened to her daughter, Kunou."

How awful. Not only did we lose one of the leaders of a supernatural faction, but it was sad to hear her daughter had gone missing. I knew this much without Rias telling me. I had kept up with the news regarding the Battle of Kuoh.

Thinking about that, I wondered what sort of deeds the Doll Maker had performed during the Battle. I didn't hear any news about him. I was surprised to see him here. Maybe he was away on some other venture during the invasion?

That also made me think. He was the only one who could have opposed the Champion of Heaven. But that was no longer true.

"I didn't get to meet Saint Hyoudou today," I stated.

"You will," Rias' Knight answered with his placid smile. "Hyoudou-san is a member of the Supernatural Investigations Group. Philips-san did agree to come with his clubmates, right, Koneko-chan?"

Koneko gave him a thumbs-up since her face was stuffed with some of the snacks left on the coffee table.

As if on cue, there was a knock on the door.

"Places everyone!" announced Rias in a low voice. She waved her hand to command her peerage. They all straightened their selves until they were the image of imperialism. Rias put on her best smile as she called out, "Come in."

The door opened and Philips was the first to step in. Right behind him (which made me fidget in my seat) was Oberon. Behind them were a trio of students.

The first was a young lady with blue hair. There's no way that could have been natural and how was that even allowed? She was rather pretty and built like an athlete. Her eyes were sharp as she swept through the room.

The second was a young man with blonde hair. There wasn't anything remarkable about him other than the fact he didn't want to be here. It was a grade less than the obvious displeasure Philips had on his face.

But the third student…

I gasped. Heads looked my way.

"It's you!" I said and quickly stood.

The third student… was the young man who saved my life! The one who destroyed the Basilisk with a single punch! He had brown hair, pale skin, and hazel eyes. I could have sworn he was a little… bigger since the last time I've seen him. But that might have been my fantasies about him getting more and more exaggerated as I replayed the memory and—

I did not touch myself while thinking about him sweeping me into his arms and carrying me away like a princess after saving me! That wouldn't be proper as a lady of House Phenex!

"You… You're the boy who saved my brother's Bishop and I from that Stray!"

"…Eh?" said boy blinked a few times as he stared at me.

"Eh?" the blonde boy looked between he and I.

"Huh?" said Philips with his eyes narrowing.

"…Shit," said Oberon with his scowl furrowing until it became a straight line. "You're not supposed to remember any of that."

"So you did do something to my head!" I accused and turned towards him.

He looked away as though never hearing my accusation.

"Sir Rolan," Philips began as he glimpsed over to Oberon, "does this have anything to do with the Stray hunting you did with… him?"

"It does…" Oberon answered as he crossed his arms over his chest with a thoughtful expression.

"Excuse me…" my hero stepped forward and scratched the back of his head. "Have we met? I don't think I've seen you— YEEEAAAOOOWWWW!"

Philips took a step back and stomped on his foot with his heel.

"That's very rude, kid," he said. "Don't you remember running around with Sir Rolan, killing a few Stray, and saving two young girls from one of them?"

"Stray? The last Stray we came across was when Saji and I— FOOT! That's my foot! Philips-san you're crushing my foot!"

Philips stepped on his foot once more and refused to move away this time.

"I didn't get to introduce myself," I said as I stepped forward. My actions got Philips to release him. I grabbed the hem of my dress and gave a curtsey of Devil custom. "I thank you from the bottom of my heart for saving Mihae and I. I am Ravel Phenex, Bishop to Riser Phenex. I and my family owe you a debt of gratitude."

"I don't get what's going…" he began but jumped away when Philips' foot so much as twitched. "Okay! Okay! Geez. Um… hi? I'm Hyoudou Issei. It's nice to meet you too. And, uh, you're welcome? Did this by chance happen during the Battle?"

"…For fuck's sake," Oberon swore below his breath. "Mine isn't this stupid."

Hyoudou Issei. My breathing was caught in my throat.

I was forewarned Saint Hyoudou was a part of this club. But I wasn't prepared to find out the young man who saved me was the Saint Hyoudou. His legend precedes him. He, who defeated that Basilisk in one strike, was surely he who vanquished the Champion of Heaven.

"It was most recently," I said and hoped I wasn't stuttering. Get a grip, Ravel! I couldn't even look at him in the eye. Was the room getting hot in here…? "B-But I understand. Saint Hyoudou must certainly be a busy person. There's no way he can remember the countless faces he's saved. That must be it."

"What the heck, Ise?" the blonde boy whined. "Why is it that you get all the attention? First with Kokabiel and now with Altry? I was there for both times, you know!"

"T-Then you must be Saint Genshirou?!" I stammered, clapping my hands together.

Genshirou Saji was his name. I have heard just as much about him as Saint Hyoudou.

He stood a little straighter and lifted his chin a little higher in pride.

Philips knocked it back down by slapping the back of his head with a paper fan that came out of nowhere. "Don't get ahead of yourself. You've got a long way to go before you deserve that title. Same goes to you, kid."

"…Please stop calling me that already," Hyoudou sobbed. "I thought you said you would start calling me by my given name."

"That was before we decided to continue club activities," Philips retorted with.

"Buchou is unfair…" Hyoudou sighed.

Philips wacked him with the fan.

"Buchou is a tyrant," Genshirou groaned.

Philips wacked him again.

"My, my, Artemis-kun," Rias gave a light giggle from where she sat. "Perhaps you should be a little nicer to them. Otherwise they might run off on you."

"Why Gremory," Philips eyes flashed to something cold and sharp. The Gremory peerage noticed it immediately and tensed. "Is that makeup I see? What on earth happened to your pretty face?"

Rias continued to smile but the light in her eyes died down. She had to close her eyes in order to control the flash of demonic energy she had accidentally released.

I realized Philips didn't simply dislike Rias. He loathed her. He despised her if he was going to use such a disturbing tactic against her.

"Philips-san," Genshirou began while he rubbed the sore spot on his head. "Most girls wear makeup. Even Shitori-kaichou wears a bit."

"Sera doesn't," Oberon pointed out.

Genshirou was quiet for a moment. "You mean Serafall-san? Hey, you know? You're right— N-Not that I've been close enough to her to notice something like that!"

His face had reddened as he studied the ceiling lamp.

"You're absolutely right, Saji-kun," Rias kept her smile as she wagged a finger his way. "We girls are obsessed with looking our best. We like to cover all of our flaws. Even Devils do this. I've just had to put on a little more than usual or else I'd get all sorts of questions in school today. I've even had to apply some of my magic."

A magic circle appeared in her hand. She pressed it to her face, let it remain there for a second, and then pulled it away.

I… had heard the stories. I remember my brother raving about wanting to destroy Heaven for what they did to Rias. Now I understood why.

Rias' face was scarred. Nasty, violent, pulsing red and pink marks were spread all over her face like roots of a tree. It went from the lower half of her brow and crawled its way until the rest was hidden beneath her collar.

It was horrible. Magic had already been applied to heal her wounds. But there were some things our medical techniques couldn't fix. The most common being the toxins left from holy residue left by the forces of Heaven.

Rias had taken a direct blast from Metatron, the Voice of God Himself.

"G… Gremory-sempai…" Hyoudou whispered in horror.

"It hurts a girl's feelings when you look at me like that, you know," Rias said with a teasing tone. But I could see the hurt in her eyes even when she smiled. She pressed the magic circle to her face again and the illusion of her once-gorgeous appearance returned.

"All things considered," Philips shrugged dispassionately, "you still got off better than most people during the Battle. Least you kept your head."

"Funny how you say that," Rias' Queen bit back with a cold smile. "I don't think I heard anything the legendary Doll Maker accomplished that day. Where were you again, Philips-kun?"

So it wasn't just me. Even those who were a part of the Battle of Kuoh didn't know what happened to Philips.

"Relief," he as well as Oberon answered.

"I have to agree on that, Artemis-kun," Rias said with a saddened smile this time. "I lost nothing compared to others. I feel cheated about it. I failed to protect the Academy and all I was punished with were a few red marks. Sona got the worst of it."

"W-What happened to Shitori-kaichou?" Genshirou asked.

Rias blinked up at him, "You mean… Levi— Serafall-sama hasn't told you about Sona?"

Genshirou shook his head, "Serafall-san doesn't like to talk about it. And they didn't permit visitors outside of family. How bad is she?"

Rias was quiet for a single second; a second that stretched too long before answering calmly, "She's out and functioning. I doubt death could keep her bedridden. You should pay her a visit after club activities. She should be in the Student Council office still then."

"Miss Gremory," Oberon spoke up with a pressed voice. "I don't mean to sound rude but we're on a schedule. Is the reason for asking us to come have anything to do with your status as overseer?"

"Yes," she answered and sat up a little straighter. "For you to be here… does this mean you are the new moderator for the Supernatural Investigations Group in Serafall-sama's place?"

"Unfortunately," Oberon nodded with a slight frown.

"Very well, but what I have to say is directed more towards Artemis-kun and his clubmates. It is a message given to me directly by my brother."

Oh my. I got to witness something as important as this? Should I leave the room or remain here? I didn't want to miss out on something like this but I also didn't feel like it was my place to intrude. No, if Rias didn't want me here then she would have asked me to leave as soon I got here.

Philips and Oberon exchanged looks.

"The first is towards Quarta-san," Rias stated.

The girl in the far back tilted her head and gave a slow blink. Her eyes shifted from studying the Knight to Rias.

Quarta…? I've heard that name before. Wasn't that the Strongest Female Exorcist of the Church? Griselda Quarta? This couldn't be the same person. I heard she was returning to the Vatican on security detail. Rumor has it the Red Blur showed up out of nowhere and trashed the place.

As if! Everyone knows the Red Blur is a cartoon character!

Anyways, I wondered who this person was and why she shared the same name.

"The Lord of Darkness, King Lucifer, welcomes you into the city," Rias stated in an imperialistic voice. "He is overjoyed to hear the wielder of the Holy Sword Durandal has chosen to support us."

…She was a Holy Sword wielder?! I don't recall anyone being named Saint Quarta. Not even the Strongest Exorcist was declared a Saint. And this girl was given a Holy Sword without being inducted as a Saint?!

"Durandal?" Genshirou questioned the blue-haired girl.

"Eh, you've heard of it, Saji?" Hyoudou asked.

Genshirou nodded, "Yeah, I've read about it in passing. It was originally the blade of Saint Roland, a paladin of Charlemagne. It's supposed to be made out of the remains of the first Saints and able to cut through anything."

"Quite," Quarta said firmly. She stroked her chin with a look of something bothering her. "It's a little too sharp. Even I have trouble controlling it. I have to seal it in another dimension when I'm not using it."

"I'm surprised you got to keep it when you chose to stay here," Hyoudou commented.

"As am I," Quarta stated. "I was sure my rights for it would be revoked. But I still feel the connection to it. I don't know what this means."

"It means Peter has a plan," I heard Philips say to them quietly. I was only able to hear because I was so close to them.

I didn't understand what he meant. But it got serious looks from the three of them.

"The next is for Ise-kun and Saji-kun," Rias spoke up once they were done talking amongst themselves. "Honestly, you two… I'm feeling so underwhelmed as of late. With the sort of stunts you've been pulling I feel like I should be calling you Hyoudou-dono and Genshirou-dono."

I absolutely agree, Rias!

I was nodding my head at this enthusiastically.

"Please don't," Genshirou pleaded with his shoulders slouching.

"I don't know what to do if you start calling me that, Gremory-sempai…" Hyoudou reiterated.

Rias pouted for a moment but accepted their words, "If you insist. This weekend will house a conference between all the leaders of the pagan factions. The Lords of Darkness will be there. Especially, in this case, Lucifer-sama, King of all Devil Society. He wishes to present to you a reward for your actions during the Battle of Kuoh."

Oh wow! King Lucifer Himself was going to recognize Saint Hyoudou and Saint Genshirou?! Even though they were Saints?! I wonder what sorts of awards they would receive! Maybe a chance to become Devils with high status? A peerage of their own? It must be something grand if King Lucifer is to ensure their loyalties.

"Did I hear this right?" Genshirou questioned. "You said the message was from your brother… Gremory-sempai, does this mean your brother is… Lucifer?"

"Yes, that's quite right," Rias nodded firmly with a proud smile.

"…Huh," Genshirou nodded in acceptance. He looked away with a thoughtful expression. His face looked like someone being able to answer questions that plagued him before.

"But, uh…" Hyoudou glimpsed at Philips a few times before looking back at Rias. "What about Satan? I thought he was the King of the Devils and all that."

Philips looked down at him… and then smacked him with the fan again.

Oberon pulled on his sleeve. Philips looked at him. An exchange happened between their eyes. Philips nodded and handed over the paper fan. Something pulsed out of Oberon's hand and covered the paper fan. He took a few steps around Philips…

…And smacked Hyoudou. Hard. That wasn't the sound of paper flapping. That was the sound of an aluminum bat hitting bone!

"That's a bit much, don't you think?" Rias frowned slightly as she watched the abuse. "Ise-kun, there is no Satan. The original Satan perished during the Great War. I could have sworn we mentioned this…"

She turned away and tapped her chin with a finger in thought.

She shrugged in the end and went back to them, "In either case, you both are being recognized as those who triumphed against the Champion of Heaven. There are witnesses who have given their testimony. And, though I was unconscious and have heard the details regarding the Juggernaut Drive, you are recognized as the vanquisher of Metatron, Ise-kun. No one has delivered such a blow to Heaven. Ever."

"…W…What?" I gasped.

I hadn't heard anything about this! Rias, y-you mean… Saint Hyoudou didn't just defeat the Champion of Heaven…? He slew the Voice of God?! He defeated the Strongest Seraph, he who is second only to God Himself?!

Suddenly… defeating that Basilisk with one blow made so much more sense. It also sounded so silly. Of course he could do something as impossible as that so easily. If he had the power to defeat Metatron then surely a Stray Devil was as taxing as pressing a thumb against an ant.

But instead of taking pride in his merits, Hyoudou looked… sad. Grieved. He looked in pain.

"I can't accept that," he said. "I wasn't myself when it happened. And I hurt a lot of people who could have been saved. Because of that… I put a lot of strain on Philips-san. Asia could have been saved if…"

His voice died down as he took a very tired breath.

"Gremory-sempai," Genshirou spoke up with a hard voice. "You say Satan doesn't exist. Then who was it that drove off Heaven? Who was it that brought those Sentinels?"

Rias watched Hyoudou sulk for a bit, her expression wanting to go to him but refraining from doing so. She regarded Genshirou, "Sentinels? You mean Oberon-sama's reinforcements?"

"…Come again?" Oberon's scowl deepened for a moment.

"Those… were yours, weren't they?" Rias blinked at that. "Those white soldiers? From what I've heard from Serafall-sama, God and Heaven were driven back because you showed up with an army of Fae soldiers. Was any of this mistaken?"

"I keep forgetting you Devils are closer to humans than any other creature…" he muttered sourly. "The truth stares at you in the face and you do everything in your power to ignore it. Believe whatever you want, Miss Gremory."

Rias smiled at him, "Oberon-sama, surely you don't expect me to believe the rumor of Satan is true. It's an urban legend based on the prophecy written in the Third Text of the Bible."

"Believe whatever you want, Miss Gremory," he said in the same exact tone and pitch when he said those words before. The exact tone and pitch.

"You did scare them off," Philips said.

"Bite me," Oberon grumbled. He eyed the window for a second. "Miss Gremory, is there anything else? It's getting late."

"Just one more thing," Rias stated with a raised finger. "Artemis-kun, I was hoping you could clarify something. My brother told me to give you a specific message. I'm not sure what it means."

"Hit me," Philips said as he took in a breath to brace himself for something.

"Don't let Peter back in," she said.

There was that name again. And just like before, it had made everyone of Philips' group tense.

Philips scowled almost as deep as Oberon. It was more of a perplexed look than something of extreme irritation.

"I've heard you mention that name a few times…" Rias began slowly. "Who is he exactly?"

"None of your business," he snapped almost automatically.

I was starting to lose faith in the Doll Maker. He may have power, but he was being very mean to Rias for no apparent reason. I wonder if they were a thing and she broke his heart. I'd have to ask about it later.

"Based on the message my brother gave me…" Rias frowned and spoke sternly, "it sounds like it is my business as overseer."

"If it was," he pointed out through narrowed eyes, "then your brother would have told you. If that's all, Gremory, we have club activities to finish before the day is done."

Rias stared at him, wanting to challenge him. He met her gaze with one of his own. They were both unbending in their fortitude.

But, though she was the moonlit overseer of Kuoh, he was the legendary Doll Maker. His power transcended hers. There was nothing she could do to make him talk.

"That's everything I had to share with you," Rias relented with grace. "Enjoy the rest of your day. Yuuto, will you please escort them out?"

"Of course, Buchou," her Knight rose swiftly and bowed. His eyes hardened as he turned and stared at Philips.

Philips didn't wait for the escort. Nor did he bother to say any departing courtesies. He simply turned and walked out the door as though he couldn't stand to be in the room any longer.

Oberon looked at the open door where Philips had wandered off. His face was studious for a moment before turning back to a mask of neutrality… with that scowl etched permanently. He turned, nodded at Rias, and followed after Philips.

"Thank you for having us, Lady Gremory," Quarta said with an awkward eastern bow. It looked like she was still getting used to the customs of this land.

"I'm sorry about our dick Buchou," Genshirou offered an apology with a more fluent bow of his own.

"Yeah, Buchou can be a serious ass sometimes," Hyoudou scratched his cheek with a scowl of his own.

"I heard that!" Philips called out from the first floor beneath our feet.

Rias offered a small smile, "I'm sure he has his reasons for his behavior. We all have our baggage. Some more than others. Remember, most of us are refuges. I wish to understand him, but all I can do tolerate it until he decides to open up. I know he doesn't mean any of it. He's helped us a lot and I know he would come running to our aid."

"The Battle of Kuoh says otherwise…" Akeno commented behind her hand.

Rias frowned at her.

"I still don't think he should be treating you or Shitori-kaichou like that," Genshirou offered. "Just because you're Devils… I haven't seen you two do anything to deserve this."

"I'd like to think of it as… a reaction he has no control over," Rias said thoughtfully. "To some sort of traumatic experience. If I had to guess… I'd say someone he really cared for was forcibly made into a Devil. It might be why I've never seen him take a romantic interest in anyone. But that's just my guess based on observation and what little he lets slip."

Hyoudou and Genshirou looked at another.

They knew something that Rias didn't.

Rias noticed but didn't press.

The two apologized again, bowed in unison, and offered their courtesies.

"B-Bye Hyoudou-sama, Genshirou-sama!" I waved at them both.

They smiled at me and gave their own versions of goodbyes before being escorted by Rias' Knight.

As it turns out, I didn't have to ask Rias for answers after all. The Doll Maker hates Devils, who'da thunk?

I figured since he was a magician he would be on the same side as Devils. He wasn't especially rude towards me. Though he did state immediately he had no interest in joining any peerage or making a contract as a magician. He knew I was a Devil right away, as expected of a magician of his caliber.

But… he didn't show as much disdain towards me. I wonder what that was about…

It wasn't too important. Right now…

I GOT TO MEET SAINT HYOUDOU!

I couldn't help but squeal out in delight. I may have even leapt up and down.

0-0-0

"Ise!"

"Azu-neesaaaaaaaan!"

I, Hyoudou Issei, am shedding tears of joy. As soon as we returned to our clubroom was I greeted with a sight that made my heart ache.

Azu'Kurano, the Princess of Heaven, disguised as a teenage Honey Zylor, had been missing all week since the Battle of Kuoh. I've missed her so much. She normally came to my house for breakfast and sometimes dinner. But ever since I became Philips' Pawn she's been mad at me and ignoring me.

I didn't see her in school today. I even stopped by her classroom to see if she was there. Of course I got kicked out by all the girls before I could check but I didn't spot her signature honey-colored hair.

But here she is! She was squatting in our clubroom waiting for us to return!

She jumped out of her seat and almost tackled me to the ground. Waaaaaaah Nee-san! I missed you so much! I thought you were mad at me but these are the same tears I have for you!

"Ise!" she said my name again as she pulled away from her hug. "Quick! Tell me I'm pretty!"

"…Eh?" was all I could say.

"I think you've been with Peter way too long," said Sir Rolan as he shut the door behind him.

My Azu-neesan became petrified. I don't mean she became so scared she stopped moving. I mean she, literally, turned to stone! I watched as all the color from head to toe wash away until she was left completely white! She wasn't moving!

And then she let out an ear shattering scream of complete fright.

"Hello to you too, Honey," Sir Rolan said with a blunted glare and an even deeper scowl. He was the only one who didn't flinch from Azu's screaming.

"Zylor-san… why?" hissed Xenovia.

"Seriously, what gives?!" Saji shouted, more than he should have. All of our ears are hurt from Azu. I didn't know anyone could scream that loud. "That name again! What is the story between all of you?!"

"I've heard many tales about Oberon-sama…" Le Fay Pendragon-chan muttered as she rubbed the inside of her ears. She was sitting at the small table that barely fit in here. "But I also heard from Dragoon-chan Shakespeare's Oberon-sama and this Oberon-sama are two different people."

Aw, Pendragon-chan looks so cute in her middle-school uniform! She must have come here as soon as her classes were let out. I'm surprised she was allowed to come in here. Or she used her magic to sneak in.

The Other Me, who sat around the corner from Pendragon-chan, was too busy trying to pop his ears.

This was the first time I've got to meet him other than the short glimpse I had earlier while I was recovering. I hardly remembered our encounter other than I was sure I was hallucinating it. I mean, just look at him! It's another me!

Another me who has muscles and scars! He looks like what I hope I'll look like at the end of our training before we fight God. And from what I've heard about him, this guy could already take on God by himself and win!

"S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S…" Azu began to stutter and went on for a few more vocals.

"No Sera today?" Sir Rolan ignored her as he looked around. "I thought you said she was going to be here."

"She should be here…" Philips blinked a few times and crossed his arms. "Usually I can't get her to leave us alone. Saji, do you know if she's with Sitri or something?"

Saji looked away as he grumbled, "I… wouldn't know where she is."

Huh. Even I noticed that was a weird reaction. What gives, Saji? Are you and Leviathan-sensei fighting or something?

Geez! Look at you! You get to say the two of you are having fights like a real couple! At least Leviathan-sensei is all lovey-dovey towards you! All Tiamat-sensei does is…

…I don't want to talk about it.

"I thought I told her to stay away from you…" Philips growled in a low and annoyed voice.

"What's wrong with Sera seeing him?" Sir Rolan asked with his brows furrowing. "Because, seriously, this World's Saji isn't a complete loser like ours. And I think it's better if she's fooling around with him rather than…"

He didn't bother finishing the sentence. All he did was stick his thumb at me.

"Hey!" shouted Other Me. He stood from his seat. "Our Saji works just as hard! He joined the Knights of the Round and caught up to our league! And… what's so bad about me dating Serafall…?"

"Things aren't the same here as they are back home, Sir Rolan," Philips said in an annoyed voice. "I don't know how your Serafall acts. But ours is a complete nutjob thanks to Peter."

"Ours is a total freak," Sir Rolan offered in a blunt tone.

My Other opened his mouth to defend her, but he paused when Sir Rolan's eyes flicked his way. Sir Rolan raised a brow, challenging Other Me to carry on with the thought. Other Me frowned, thought a little bit, and then took on an expression of resignation. He sat back down.

"…What's wrong with Serafall-san?" Saji asked.

"Well, ours is absolutely adorable," Sir Rolan began in a rather sarcastic tone. He spread his arms up and half-shrugged. "She likes to dress up as a magical girl, likes to sing songs and dance as a pop idol, and has a seriously disturbing attraction towards her sister. But, that's just the one from our World. How is your Sera compared to ours?"

"Then the rumors are true," Xenovia said. She thumped a fist into her hand and nodded with realization. "I have heard about this underground broadcast regarding the Leviathan. The Church denied its existence."

"She needs help," Philips jumped in with a grim face. "Peter did a number on her. She pretends nothing is wrong and might even not see it herself. But she's broken. Saji, you're young. Very young. And you've never had a girlfriend before."

"…Gee, thanks for the reminder," Saji grumbled.

"Pay attention," Philips snapped. "Serafall only had one relationship. And that lasted for a few centuries."

Saji's face went white. He tried to keep a stern face but I could see his fortitude start to crumble.

…What happened to Leviathan-sensei? What does Saji know that I don't? Does Leviathan-sensei have some sort of dark past?

And how does God fit into this? I heard Philips-san mention his real name. But, seriously, Leviathan-sensei couldn't be in a relationship with God. She hates him! Just as much as Tiamat-sensei does…

Finishing that thought… somehow made my heart skip a beat.

Philips pressed on, "The difference between you two is more than just years. I would consider you the more mature of you two despite how young you are. But you're also inexperienced in this sort of field. Dating an immortal is one problem. Dating a broken immortal is a hazard. Do you know how to deal with someone so with centuries of abuse? Are you aware that if you make the smallest mistake she could break you beyond recognition— or even flood any of the continents with her level of power?"

Saji became more and more unsure of himself the more Philips led on.

"Oh hey, that reminds me," Sir Rolan snapped up as though the rant was starting to put him to sleep. His eyes flashed towards me. "Hyoudou, I heard Tiamat has been trying to pursue you. In fact, her advances are so forward she's spying on us through that little window right there."

He pointed at the window that was only big enough to let light from outside in. As I looked, I could have sworn I saw a flash of shadow in the corner. But it wasn't there when my eyes went to follow it.

"Funny how that works," Sir Rolan went back to Philips. "Isn't it a coincidence the Tiamat of this World underwent the same level of abuse and yet I haven't heard anything about you trying to stop her. Is it because you happen to like Saji more than Hyoudou here? Or is it because, like with Gremory and Sitri and, oh, Sera, you just can't stand the sight of Devils?"

"…I'm not touching Tiamat with a ten foot pole," Philips said but his eyes didn't meet Sir Rolan.

Sir Rolan's eyes flashed. Like, really. The room got a little brighter as they turned from a dull brown to two different orbs of red and blue.

"Artemis," he growled. "Get your shit together. You're being a child. That is not the makings of an Ilyvandri King. This amount of hate for something particular… You're one step from becoming him."

There was something heavy in his voice at the mention of this nameless character. It made a shiver go through my spine.

"Peter?" Philips snorted. "He was the only person I could communicate back in Ilyvander for millennia. He is my one enemy. I could probably say he's my best friend with how well we know each other. So of course he's going to rub off on—"

"I wasn't talking about Peter," Sir Rolan said in a voice so low we had to strain to hear him. "I meant you."

Huh? Philips-san was in danger of becoming… Philips-san? Was this something like how there was me and Other Me?

Whatever it meant, it made Philips blink a few times. He took a step away from Sir Rolan as though the guy was about to hit him.

"SIR ROLAN!" Azu-neesan finally screamed his name after her continuously stammering.

"There it is," Sir Rolan flicked a hand her way with dispassion.

Azu hid behind me, keeping her head between my shoulder blades. I could feel her shaking pretty badly as she put me between her and Sir Rolan.

"Gremory-sempai thinks someone close to you became a Devil by force," I added to the conversation. "I know that, um…"

"Falbium Asmodeus," Saji added.

Thank you Saji! I couldn't remember a crazy name like that to save my life! Just look how long it took for me to get Altor… Altryri… Altoryig…

Altry.

…Dammit.

"That guy," I pointed at Saji's cue. "That guy turned you into a Devil against your will. And that he forced you when you could fight God. And then you built the barriers around this city and all that."

"…What's your point?" Philips asked me with a mean glare.

Yikes. It really was mean. There were some things that could get him this angry. And talking about Devils was on the top of that list.

"Yasaka-sama was left defenseless when you weren't able to return to her," Pendragon-chan spoke up clearly. "The Youkai were the first to find you after God invaded in the Battle of Kyoto. And He never returned until after the Battle of Ragnarok. I heard God personally stormed the halls of—"

She let out a yelp as the air became hot and heavy. It felt like a heated lamp was turned on while a pressure pressed down on my shoulders.

The veins on Philips' arms were glowing as he was breathing hard. His eyes were blazing with wanted murder at Pendragon-chan.

The pressure he was giving out was countered. A different signature buzzed through the room like an electric current. It came from Sir Rolan, as his eyes were glowing bright enough to give his face a shadow. He was able to lift whatever pressure Philips was creating.

Plus, Philips looked over at Other Me. Other Me had hardly moved. In fact, he remained where he was sitting. But his entire body language screamed he was ready to lunge at Philips if he didn't control himself.

Whoa. Go Other Me. What kind of things did you have to face in your world to give off a killing aura like that?

"Yasaka, the Matriarch of the Youkai," Sir Rolan breathed out. His eyes kept glowing as he gave off a fierce look. "Fucking hypocrite."

That was all he said. He released whatever pressure he had from his supernatural powers and looked away. Everything in his body said he was done with the conversation.

"You and you," he snapped, pointing at Saji and Pendragon-chan. "You're with me today. Hyoudou, you get Lesser You and Quarta. We can switch off tomorrow."

I know I'm nothing compared to Other Me. Just looking at him makes me realize how weak I am. But did you really have to call me that?

"Oh thank God…" Azu breathed out… and I'm sure she was crying too. "We're not with Sir Rolan today. We're not… with Sir Rolan…"

"Um, no, you're way too much of a distraction," Sir Rolan snapped at here. "Go stand in the corner and just watch. Better, go home and take a shower. You reek."

…Ah. So it wasn't just me. I didn't want to say anything about it.

But, uh, Azu-nee, I love you very much but you really do smell.

So what Philips-san said about her sleeping in a park bench with a newspaper blanket was true? I thought he was just being mean!

"Thank you, Ise," Azu-neesan whispered.

Suddenly, she didn't stink so much. She spun around to my left (still trying to keep herself as far away from Sir Rolan as possible) and clung onto my arm. Her hair was shining, her skin looked clear, and her Academy uniform was bright and colorful.

"I don't know what you thought about me but I'll take it!" she said with cheer. "You're really a lifesaver, Ise. There's only so much a girl can do with the faucets of a park bathroom…"

Azu-neesan! No! Come home with me, please! Don't make me worry after saying something like that! I'll let you use my shower whenever you want and not peep on you like I always tried to! I promise! Just please take better care of yourself!

"Can I just know something?" Saji raised his hand.

Sir Rolan gave him a blunt look, stared, made Saji shuffle uncomfortably long enough, and then eventually nodded.

"I probably don't need to know but…" Saji tried to find the right words. "Who are you? You're seriously not King Oberon. You have a history with Philips-san and Zylor-san."

"I am curious myself," Xenovia muttered. "I have heard that God is this Storm King P'Zylor and Satan is called Godking Dalang. I wish to learn more about the Ilyvandri legends these two originate from."

"I am King Oberon," Sir Rolan assured with a firm voice. "I'm also the Commander of Legions to the Tepes Vampires, Knight of Honor to Queen Regent Elizabeth of the British Isles, Lord Archmage of Los Angeles, Viceroy of California to the—"

"Rolan," Other Me interjected.

Sir Rolan sighed and rolled his eyes. "I am also… Sir Rolan the Black Sun according to these Ilyvandri fucks."

Azu squeezed my arm as she made a small noise. It reminded me painfully of something like whenever Asia tried to pray to God and was hurt in the process. Sir Rolan muttering his title did the same affect to Azu. Even Philips was looking uncomfortable.

"The story goes there was this girl named Snow who obtained the almighty power of the sun," Sir Rolan went on in a dull voice as though he had said this story a million times before. "She went crazy with power. Tried to take over the world with it. Well, all worlds, really. So I stepped in and killed her. But the end result had killed the sun as well. That's why there's no life in Ilyvander. There's no sun. Peter's terrified of me because he couldn't do shit against Snow. And then here I come in and do what he couldn't. Artemis wasn't even there when it happened. He's what you might call a second-generation Ilyvandri King."

"Snow was more than just that…" Azu muttered. She lifted her head over my shoulder as she dared enough to tell him.

"That's the Sparknotes version," Sir Rolan cut her off. "That's all they need to know."

"But…" it was Pendragon-chan's turn to ask. She tilted her head and tapped a finger on her chin. "If Philips-sama wasn't there… how do you two know each other?"

"Well," the first smile I've seen the guy have flashed. It wasn't even a smile. It was a tiny curve of his lips that was more a thin line instead of his usual grimace. "For starters, I knew Honey before she was Peter's… daughter. Which is total bullshit, by the way. Peter was once a magician. He summoned her out of nowhere and made her into his apprentice. He was once a man like everyone else.

"About… five years ago, back on the Earth Hyoudou and I come from, there was a little problem. Artemis' father went missing. He left Ilyvander and found his way to my World. His dolls came looking for him, caused a huge ruckus, and that's how I met Artemis. Honey was there too… I think she was forced to do humiliating things to get the Singing Sword back from Archibald's kid."

Huh. You know, I think I remember something about that. I remember Azu-nee mentioning being able to go to school a while ago, back when we first met. Was that the task she had to accomplish while she went to school?

"Excuse me," Xenovia scowled. "Five years ago? But… I thought Satan has been here for at least ten."

"Time works differently in every World," Philips answered in a quiet voice. "To Sir Rolan, I've only been gone for five years. Five years… I wish it was that short. But in Ilyvander's time, I've been Godking Dalang for at least a thousand. At least. Time doesn't exist in Ilyvander thanks to Sir Rolan. Even when I've been in this World for almost ten years, to Sir Rolan it's still only been five."

"Yeah, I don't get it either," Other Me said from the table. He put his cheek against his palm as he sulked, "We've been traversing dimensions for probably a year now. But Rolan keeps saying we'll get back when we'll get back. We could either be back at the same exact time we got kicked out… or a hundred years from now. It's kinda why we're just sticking around for this before we go. We don't get a choice when we reenter our World."

"A thousand years…?" Sir Rolan looked at Philips. "A thousand. So that's why you're such a little bitch. I was also wondering why your lovers weren't around."

Philips' face went as hard as stone.

"WAIT A MINUTE!" I shouted.

"Fucking hell…" Sir Rolan grumbled. He slapped his forehead as though he had forgotten about something. "I was wrong. I had thought that maybe this Hyoudou wasn't as perverted as the other."

"Philips-san!" I would have strangled him if Azu-nee didn't hold me back. Probably because Philips was still right next to Sir Rolan. "Lovers?! Plural?! As in more than one?! All this time… you had a harem and you didn't tell me?!"

"Wow, seriously?!" Other Me jumped in. "Hey, Philips-san, do you mind if I ask you a few questions then? I could seriously use some advice."

Heads turned. I gawked at him.

Tears filled my eyes.

Look at him! Not only is he strong enough to take on half of Heaven's forces on his own but he's manly enough to have his own harem?! Did I hear that right? Other Me has a harem?!

"…I'm not having this conversation," Philips said without emotion as he turned away from us. He made himself busy by using his magic to push the back wall, stretching the room to give us more than enough room to spar. I'd seen him do it a bunch of time but it never gets tired.

"Firsthand view of Philips-sama's magic!" Pendragon-chan squealed like a fangirl. She had a notepad in her hands as she was scribbling ferociously. I don't know what she could be writing. Philips' magic wasn't flashy at all. All he did was crack his twirl his fingers. It was so anticlimactic compared to some of the magic stuff I've seen on television.

"Good," Sir Rolan said while looking at her. "It means you're interested. You'll make a good student."

Pendragon-chan blinked at that.

"Sir Rolan…" Philips muttered in a low and tense voice. "What exactly are you going to be teaching them?"

"Magic," Sir Rolan said bluntly.

Philips stood a little straighter after that. "Magic? Secret knowledge passed from Sun King Snow herself…? That's… No, Sir Rolan. You can't do that. You don't exactly have the best reputation with the Guardians. Do you know what will happen if you introduce foreign magic into their system?"

Sir Rolan looked at him squarely. "I heard you taught these two how to use Gears."

"Gears are found anywhere in any world among any person!" Philips argued.

"The same goes with magic," Sir Rolan shrugged. "The Traveler's Code suggests I not bring things from one World into the next. If anything, both you and Peter broke that rule just by being here. You brought your Djinn along and the Sun Spheres. You also converted Hyoudou and Saji into Spirit-enabling individuals. So, I'm going to teach Saji how to use Spirit. If Le Fay happens to hear while I give out the lecture…"

He gave another shrug and went to the table. He gestured for Saji to take a seat.

Other Me stood up and circled around. He went into the open space Philips-san had created. His head turned around, gazing with almost calculation on the dimensions of the space he had to move.

"I'll be… there if you need me," Azu-nee said and pointed to the furthest side of the room.

While Sir Rolan began to give the starting steps of magic— Saji you bastard! Getting to learn magic!— and with Philips inching closer to the table to hear, Xenovia and I followed Other Me into the open area.

"This is kinda weird…" he said to me.

"I'm the one who should be saying that!" I countered.

Xenovia nodded. "It is rather… peculiar. I am still having difficulty wrapping my head around the theory of parallel worlds. Much less the fact another Saint Hyoudou will be our instructor."

Other Me frowned a little at that, "I'm not a Saint. I'm actually a Devil. I'm a Demon Lord back in my world."

"You… actually accepted becoming a Devil?" I asked.

"It's a little complicated," he said with a nervous smile. He also looked away. "But never mind that. I'm saying this is weird because… well, I always dreamed about this moment. I always had fantasies about going into the past and preparing my younger self. It's not the exact same… but I'll take it. I still get to teach another me everything I know."

There was a sad smile on his face. He had the look of someone with a lot of regrets.

I see. Yeah, I could relate with that. We lost Asia. I still hate myself for that. If only I was a little stronger. If only I had the power to defeat Metatron before she was taken from me. If only I could unlock the Juggernaut Drive before she was killed.

Right in front of me.

But I didn't react until after she was hurt. I can't forgive myself for that. I mean, if I had that kind of power to defeat the Voice of God, then I should have been able to use it from the get-go. Instead, I watched him kill Asia. And only then did I do something about it.

"I want to know about you," I said to him. "But more than anything, I don't want what happened in the Battle to happen again. Will you promise to tell me everything?"

"That's why I'm here," he said with a ferocious smile.

Holy shit. He had fangs.

[T-That power! That should be impossible! I heard this was another you from another world but… He reeks of Dragon. But I don't sense another me within him.]

"First thing's first," he said as he began to assume a fighting stance. "Learn how to fight. This stance is called Assaulter. And this…"

He twisted his body and changed his stance once more. It was so fluent it came as easily to him as breathing.

"This is Defender. I want you to learn them. We're going to spend all of today switching back and forth until you've gotten comfortable in them."

And that was how practice for today went. Other Me instructed Xenovia and I about these martial poses. They looked really cool! Assaulter was used only for attacking and Defender was only for protection— hence their names.

Xenovia asked all sorts of questions. And Other Me struggled to answer him, mostly falling on his experiences and second-hand guesses. Xenovia was an Exorcist and she has all sorts of experience on the field plus legitimate training.

Other Me said he developed the stances through trial and error after fighting wickedly crazy monsters. He also said they weren't perfected until he met his world's Tiamat.

He walked between us, watching us move in a rhythm from Assaulter to Defender and back again. He said the point was to brand it into muscle memory and be able to switch between the two in a flash.

Meanwhile, Saji and Pendragon-chan were going over magic theories given by Sir Rolan. It sounded seriously complicated. I was able to hear a few words that I could understand every now and then but it was way over my head. Even Pendragon-chan, who had been the top of her class in the academies of the Magic Association, put on a hard look of intense focus.

But Sir Rolan seemed to be pretty patient despite his mean look. Seriously, the guy looks like he was ready to throw someone out the window just for saying hi. He gave examples, pretty down to earth examples at that. And he went over the material again if he ever lost them.

Azu-nee, meanwhile, sat in the corner watching us. She didn't say anything the entire time. Her eyes flicked between me (giving me an assured smile) to Sir Rolan. She was clearly frightened of him and would have run away. But I think she stayed because of me. I don't know why.

0-0-0

"Hey Saji, how have magic lessons gone?"

"Ugh…" he groaned. "What about you? How have the sparring matches gone with Other You?"

"Ugh…" I groaned back.

A week had gone by. It was now Friday. There wasn't going to be any club activities on account today was Parent's Day. Both Saji and my parents were coming to school with us today. It was a yearly thing and they embarrassed me last year.

Right now both our parents were talking to each other at the front gates.

"I didn't get to learn much," I said to him. "My whole body feels like it's made of jelly. I haven't gotten as good as being able to switch between Assaulter and Defender. Xenovia-san is better at this than me. All I'm good for is getting flung around. I've been practicing at home, though. I probably would be better if I didn't have to spend the rest of my time with Tiamat-sensei…"

I shuddered.

I will not explain all the things Tiamat-sensei put me through this week. See, because a lot of my life energy was drained due to the Juggernaut Drive, Tiamat-sensei has been trying to replenish the fuel within my soul.

This required us being naked. Now, that might sound awesome. It was awesome at first. I got to see her boobies and they are really nice. But, that was only for the first five seconds.

…I can never be a bride.

Saji scratched his head with another sigh, "Yeah, things aren't going as good for me too. I get the basics. Magic is a different expression of energy conversion. Anything done in the universe can be replicated by magic. But hey."

"Huh?"

"I learned the Kamehameha wave is possible. I asked how and didn't get much of an answer. Rolan-sensei and Philips-san got into a heated argument over theories. Pendragon-chan recorded their argument. I think she understood a lot more than I did."

I don't know, Saji. You sounded like you understood a bit there. That first line I couldn't get at all. That just proves how much smarter you are than me.

"So, uh…" I began. "How's it going with you? We've been pretty busy this week. I haven't seen you since Monday."

He scratched his head again, caught what he was doing, and dropped his hand. "I've been alright. I saw Shitori-kaichou earlier this week."

"Yeah? How is she?"

He was quiet for a moment. He frowned. "Good. I think. Probably. That douche bag won't fix her because she's a Devil, though. Just like with Gremory-sempai, Shitori-kaichou got hurt. Badly. Her legs are corroded with holy residue. She can't walk."

Oh.

I'm sorry, Saji. I know you like her. I don't know how you must be feeling to see her like that. I'm not sure what I should say about this.

"She's alright," he said with a shrug. "Serafall-san is there most of the time to help her since school reopened. They have her officially as her aid. I think Serafall-san is just using that so she can spend more time in the school. But… figures. The students think that's the reason why she stopped teaching. It's a good excuse, don't you think?"

I don't think that's fair. But, at least Leviathan-sensei gets to save face. Only the higher ups plus us know what's going on with her. Everyone else just thinks she's spending most of her time with her sister.

I wanted to tell him this. But that's not what I really wanted to say.

"I haven't seen Leviathan-sensei around…" I opened with. "Hey, uh, Saji? What happened when we left your place Sunday?"

He looked away, putting up a thoughtful look but I knew my best bud better than that. He was hiding something from me.

"Not much," he said. "Serafall-san and I talked for a bit. She left shortly after. Gabriel-san just stays up in my attic. I bring her food from dinner. I have to tell my parents I'm busy studying for midterms. Which isn't a lie, really. She keeps trying to reject the food but I know she hasn't been eating. I can understand, really. Even I have difficulty with normal things after Asia…"

Both of us became quiet.

Saji was hurting just as bad as me. Yeah, my parents caught my change in habits. Eating is hard. I've even skipped lunch a few times. Dinner is almost impossible to keep down. And my sleep has been dreamless. I probably wouldn't be sleeping at all if this week hadn't been so exhausting.

I really hate myself. I really do.

God really is a monster. How could someone like Asia…?

I shook off those nasty thoughts. Ddraig says it's no good to dwell on things like that all the time. That they should be used when it matters the most.

Like during training. And when we're going to face off against God.

"Hey, Saji, we're friends right?" I asked with a serious look.

He looked back at me, frowning slightly at the look I was giving him. "Yeah…?"

"Is what Philips-san said about you and Leviathan-sensei true?" I asked. "I think it's unfair someone like you gets someone like Leviathan-sensei. I'm the one who wanted the harem… But, it looks like this is bothering you. What's up? For real."

He sighed and crossed his arms. He looked at the ground. "I don't know. I really don't. When you guys left, Serafall-san and I talked. I told her I wasn't comfortable with the way she was treating me. I thought she was just being nice. You know, helping me cope. I already figured some of the things Philips-san said; like how she was much older than me and… and she thinks differently. I thought it wasn't anything serious. So I told her what I thought."

He paused for a moment.

"I made her cry. I didn't get it. So I stopped her from leaving. And… she kissed me."

Ah. That… That's some heavy stuff, man. I can't even be mad at you. I can barely understand the craziness that was Tiamat. You have it just as badly as I do.

"I think she's been avoiding me," Saji said. "And… I think I have too. I don't know what to think about her. Ise, you're my mate. We've been through a lot of shit together. So I was rooting for you and Asia to get together. Even when I did like her. But I accepted she was all for you."

I can see where this was going.

"So when she confessed to us…" I drew up the thought.

He nodded, "Yeah. I couldn't let those feelings die. A part of me thought that… maybe— The point, Ise, is I don't know what to think. I don't know what to think of Serafall-san. I don't know if I like her or if I should try or if I should turn her down or if I should…"

He gave a very long sigh after that.

I thumped my fist against his arm. I didn't have to say anything. Saji got it. I had his back no matter what. In battle and in things like this.

We didn't say anything else as we joined back with our parents and began the chaos that was Parent's Day.

And you know what? Compared to everything going on lately, a few embarrassments from our parents were nothing. We got this!

0-0-0

…We totally don't have this.

As I mentioned earlier, I've been spending a lot of my time with Tiamat-sensei. Tuesdays and Wednesdays are my days with her. But she took it to the extreme. She kidnapped me from my bed Tuesday morning and we've been having… sessions nonstop on both days. It was so bad I blacked out through all of Thursday!

But, apparently, I was in school for all three days absent. I didn't understand it at first until it dawned on me.

Other Me had taken my place!

"G-Good morning Hyoudou-san!" one of the boys who used to hate my guts stood at attention. He and his friends all stiffened as soon as I walked down the hall. "Everything is fine, sir! Is this your family? My they look lovely. Right, boys?"

Heads nodded in frightful haste.

"If that'll be it, we've classes to attend!" the guy in the front said quickly before speed-walking away from me. His friends followed after him.

"Friends of yours?" Tou-san asked me.

"…I'm not sure what that was about," I said while scratching my cheek.

Other Me, what did you do while I was gone?

I showed my parents to my classroom. I immediately wanted to shut the door and run off home.

I know I'm not the best guy in school. In fact, I'm still pretty hated even when I haven't done anything perverted in a month. I've been a good boy, I swear! But that was more because I was distracted by 'club activities'. Things like finishing a Stray Devil, fighting against a high-tier Fallen Angel, dealing with representatives of the Church, the baseball match against the Institution, and then there was the Battle of Kuoh altogether.

Really, I haven't had time to hang with my buds and peep on girls. I've been too busy.

Still, I had a whole history of explorations of perversity. That was a whole year before I've been in Kuoh that I've made a name of myself. Me and my buds were known as the Perverted Trio. And we've sacked every locker room, every bathroom, and every stairway to look at the hidden wonders of girls' underclothes!

So, yeah, everyone hated me in school. And my parents knew it.

I was prepared for the animosity. I was prepared to have my parents see what I had to deal with on a daily basis. I braced myself for the impact as soon as I opened the doors to my classroom.

"Oh hey, it's Hyoudou!"

…I wasn't prepared for cheering.

I was ready to get knocked off my feet, only to find the rug had been pulled from under me.

What the hell is going on?!

"Hmm? You seem different today…" Kiriyuu Aika, a classmate of mine, strolled up to me. She adjusted her glasses as she looked at me from head to toe while circling around me. "Is it just me or did you shrink or something? Nah, that couldn't be it. After all…"

I suddenly felt very sensitive as she eyed my crotch. That smile of hers made me feel violated.

"You're still packing some heat. So you must be the same person…" she said with an evil glint of approval in her eyes.

"Ise," Kaa-san tapped my shoulder. "Introduce us to your friend."

"She's… not my friend," I said wearily.

"Now don't be like that, Hyoudou-kun," Kiriyuu waved that away as she turned towards my parents. "I'm Kiriyuu Aika. It's nice to meet you. I sit next to Hyoudou-kun in class."

My parents returned the greeting and thanked Kiriyuu for taking care of me. As if! If anything, she's so weird! She's one of the few girls we refuse to ogle because she's so weird!

Plus her boobs are kinda small. Just saying.

"Ise!" Motohama bellowed as soon as he spotted me from the front of the class. He dashed over to me and gripped me by the shirt. There were tears in his eyes, "What gives, you?! Why have you been ignoring me for the whole week? We've been buds since middle school! Putting Matsuda in the hospital is one thing! But to pretend our pact of brotherhood never happened?! You've become a monster since joining that club with the King of Kuoh…"

…Huh?

"W-What was that about Matsuda?" I asked.

"You mean you don't remember?" Kiriyuu turned to give me a quizzical look… along with that mischievous smile of hers. "Well, he's nothing but a scrub so it's fine if you've forgotten. First thing you did when you saw him Tuesday was punch him in the face. You hit him so hard he flew out the window. That guy; remember now?"

She pointed to the window where Matsuda usually sat at. The glass had been replaced but I could see the splints where the window had broken.

…Other Me, what have you done?! What did Matsuda ever do to you in your world?!

And to forget about Motohama?!

"Last I heard he was in the hospital recovering," Kiriyuu said with a shrug of dismissal. She didn't care about him at all! "Honestly, Hyoudou-kun, to act like that to your best friend. It's almost like you were a completely different person."

I was sure I was sweating at this point. Kiriyuu is too sharp. Either she was a part of the supernatural or was really perceptive. I know Other Me and I look somewhat different— the muscle mass is obvious. She must have figured out we were two different people.

"I'm sorry, Motohama," I turned away from her, too afraid to reveal anything with my nervous face. "I've been out of it all week. Buchou's been giving us a lot of work lately. Plus I've been… tutored by Tiamat-sensei. I'm under a lot of stress…"

Tutoring. That was the excuse she gave my parents. It wasn't a complete lie. She was supposed to be teaching me the ways of a Dragon. But that was so long ago and I haven't learned a single thing about Dragons. Ddraig has told me more about them through our limited conversations compared to her!

The first bell chimed. Motohama decided to accept that excuse and went to his seat. My parents waved at me and joined the rest of the parents in the back.

I yelped and probably jumped a few feet in the air.

Kiriyuu… s-she totally just pinched my butt as she walked by me!

Other Me, what evil have you brought upon my life?!

0-0-0

"Haaaaaaaaaah…" I sighed while slamming my head against the table.

"Long day?" Philips-san asked me. I know he didn't really care. His tone said everything. He only asked out of politeness.

I answered anyways. I lifted my head until I could rest my chin against the table while sulking, "Yeah. Seriously, what did Other Me do while I was away? I don't know what's worse. Him making a mess of things or my sessions with Tiamat-sensei…"

Both Shitori-kaichou and Gremory-sempai approached me while I was with my parents on their own. Shitori-kaichou wanted to thank me for helping out with the Student Council on Tuesday. Gremory-sempai wanted to thank me for helping the Occult Research Club on Wednesday. Both girls caught what the other said and tried to make it into an argument. Both of them thought they had an advantage over the other for me. They still wanted me to join their peerage.

Both my parents were crying. They thought Shitori-kaichou and Gremory-sempai were fighting for my affections. They were both overjoyed at the improved chances of getting grandchildren of things between Tiamat-sensei and I didn't work out.

I also met someone. I met Gremory-sempai's Tou-san. He was a good looking guy who couldn't be any older than thirty. But Gremory-sempai told me that was because Devils can modify their age. So, yeah, he looked young on purpose when he was really a few centuries old.

And along with him was another person who could be a masculine version of Gremory-sempai.

His name was Sirzechs Lucifer. He was the Lord of Darkness residing over Pride.

And he asked if he could shake my hand!

"Where is Other Me, anyways?" I asked.

"Hiding," answered Sir Rolan as he fiddled with the coffee machine he installed on the counter. "In our World… he doesn't have parents. They were murdered in front of him. We don't know how he would react at the sight of your parents. We agreed it would be best if he stayed away from them."

I sat up at that.

Seriously? Other Me lost his parents? Kaa-san and Tou-san were murdered? But… he was so powerful. What kind of monster did he face against to be able to kill our parents?

I kinda understood him a little more now. I understood why he had such sad eyes. He really had a ton of regrets and that had to be one of them.

I can't imagine what life would be like without my parents.

There was a knock on the door before it opened.

Xenovia-san entered with someone behind her.

"A-A-And in here is m-m-my clubroom…" she said stiffly, moving aside and gesturing with a wave of her arm like an animatronic doll.

Her face was pale and her smile was frozen on her face. She looked terrified. It was the first time I've seen such any emotion from our blunt swordswoman!

"It's quite cramped…" commented a beauty with blonde hair in a priest's cloak. She couldn't be any older than thirty! Maybe even younger! And that cloak… She was a member of the Church?!

"My budget hasn't gotten approval yet and this was the only spare room available," Philips said as he stood up to greet her. "Hello, Griselda. I didn't expect you to show up."

He approached her and offered his hand.

This guy! Actually showing decency for a change?! That must mean this person was really important!

I stood up as well.

"Hello there, Artemis," the woman, Griselda, smiled brightly and shook his hand. "You look healthier since last I've seen you. You look… brighter. So the rumors are true after all. You are no longer a Devil. As expected of the one we deem Satan."

"Coffee?" Sir Rolan offered as he poured himself a cup.

"No thank you," she said with a gentle shake of her head. She didn't give him a greeting in return. I guess they had already met if she was here for Xenovia and Sir Rolan being a teacher. "It took me pulling some strings and favors. But the title of Strongest Exorcist holds some merit. I had to show up to see what convinced Xenovia to remain in the citadel of heathens."

Xenovia stiffened at that.

S-Strongest Exorcist?! Then, this person was the best Exorcist of the Church? Oh man. I feel like we really messed up somewhere.

"Watching Heaven kill mortals will normally do that," Philips said as though he were discussing the weather. "I'd have sent her back personally if she didn't get any reaction out of that."

"Yes, I certainly agree," Griselda nodded sincerely. "I am relieved to find my Xenovia has never abandoned the teachings. So long as she serves humankind I am content with this. But I have an obligation as an Exorcist, you must understand. Today I will look the other way. But tomorrow…"

Philips nodded once gravely.

"Where are my manners?" Griselda said with a smile as she looked towards me. "I recognize you, young man. You must be Saint Hyoudou. I am honored to be in your presence. I am Griselda Quarta, the Strongest Female Exorcist. How do you do?"

She gave an eastern bow from the waist.

"U-Uh… H-Hello…" I said stiffly and bowed back. "It's nice to meet you too! But… I don't want to be recognized as a Saint. I mean… I did a lot of harm against Heaven."

"Normally, yes, you would be considered a pagan at least or a traitor at worst," she said with a tilt of her head. Wah, it made her look so cute! "You did defeat Lord Altoryrigius and slew Lord Metatron. But I believe God has a purpose for you. The Church still recognizes you as a Saint. What that purpose is shall be revealed in due time."

I didn't like the sound of that. It sounded as though God was still planning on using me for something. Like how he wanted me to be recorded in the new Bible as some demon slayer. I don't get politics or the propaganda that sway them. But, seriously, I am a servant of Satan! I'm his Pawn! When will God take a hint?!

"Is Saint Genshirou not present?" Griselda asked next while looking around the room.

…There wasn't much to look at. Even with this few people we were a little packed tight.

"Ah, I think Saji was helping the Student Council clean up…" I answered. "Things were pretty crazy today."

Griselda giggled at that in understanding.

"Don't you have somewhere you need to be?" Sir Rolan asked me.

"Huh?" I blinked at him. "No, I don't think so. But… I guess I can leave if you need to use the room for—"

"Oh, right," he groaned before swearing under his breath. He walked sideways against the counter until he came across a basket placed in the corner full of little cakes. He lifted it, revealing an envelope hidden underneath, and then slid back to hand it to me.

"Wrong person," he offered in explanation. "Ravel came here yesterday and wanted to give you that. She's been baking you cakes all week and the other idiot has been accepting them on your behalf. You might want to reply to that as soon as possible."

I blinked at him a few times and flipped over the envelope. There wasn't anything remarkable about it. But… I could smell the faint scent of baking goods and… perfume? She probably sprayed it with perfume and the smell of cake was what stained it from being under the basket this whole time.

I opened it and began to read.

But Sir Rolan kicked my backside a few times.

"Out, out, out!" he said while continuously kicking me. How can someone so short be able to reach that high?! "Don't read that in here!"

He kicked me a few times until he, literally, booted me out of the room.

I ended up falling flat on my face with him slamming the door shut behind me.

"Geez…" I groaned while picking myself up. I don't get that guy at all. I really don't.

I opened the letter anyways, ignoring the muffled words of conversation behind me that slipped through the door. They were talking about me and I could hear Griselda's voice of concern and Philips' lack of care attitude.

Dear Isssei Hyoudou,

The letter read and was written in Japanese. But Ravel chose to address me in a western style. Huh. I kept reading.

I cannot stop thinking about you. Ever since you saved me from that Stray Devil the image of you has filled my mind. There is a pain in my chest that will not go away and it grows the more I see you. The sound of your voice and the gentle words you've given me have been a godsend. I cannot deny my feelings any longer.

I am in love with you.

Please meet me tomorrow, after Parents Day concludes, at the top of the main school building. I wish to convey my feelings to you in person as a letter like this is too impersonal. If you cannot meet with me, I understand. You are a significant individual and I understand if you cannot make time for someone like me. But I shall await for you with hope.

Your greatest admirer,

Ravel Phenex

…This was a love letter.

The Other Me received a love letter from that Ravel girl.

"What did you do while I was gone?!" I shouted, not caring if anyone else had heard. But no one else was around. No one ever comes out this way to this hallway. It was how we were able to get away with Azu-nee's scream of utmost terror.

The Other Me is too much. Just what the hell?! Not only is he strong, not only does he have a harem of his own, but he can also score a total cutie like Phenex-chan like no problem?! She's only been here for a few days and look already how much has happened!

Still, I can't ignore her. She addressed the letter to me even if her reasons are misguided. She thinks Other Me was the one who did all the impressive things. I can't tell her all about that but… I should at least tell her something.

My heart was beating at that. I finally got a love letter but… it didn't feel right. It didn't feel like I deserved it.

It feels like with Yuuma-chan all over again.

"Excuse me, young man," someone said.

I probably lost a few years of my life. I hadn't seen this guy at all! He practically came out of nowhere!

Then again… I had my back facing one way. And I was lost in thought. So of course I could have missed him coming.

"Er… yeah?" I asked while looking at him.

He was taller than me. And, like Griselda, couldn't look any older than thirty. I wonder what was up with that magic number. Did everyone who was somebody have to look that young?

He was impressive. Just standing near him made me realize this. He was very good looking— a mix between a rich guy who had a supermodel wife and a young man who went out frequently to parties. He also had a strong aura around him. Like someone who went to the gym, who could sing and dance when needed, and who could throw down against guys twice his size.

He also had a fierce smile. Right now it was nothing more than a grin. But it felt like he knew things about me that even I wasn't aware of. Not mischievous. It felt like I've known him all my life.

Blonde hair combed neatly with a trimmed beard. Bright blue eyes as clear as the sky. And pale skin belonging to someone who worked indoors most of his adult life.

"Would this happen to be the Supernatural Investigations Group?" he asked. His voice was strong yet friendly. Like I could be best buds with him if I just asked.

"Uh… yeah?" I nodded slowly.

"Ah, wonderful," his smile broadened. "Would Artemis happen to be in? Or would I need to procure him elsewhere?"

"Philips-san is inside…" I said and then forced myself to snap out of my stupor. "Um. Who are you? Are you here with Griselda-san?"

"I did happen to come here with Griselda, yes," the man nodded as he put a hand on the door. "But, no, we are not together. Nuns. They give themselves to me but refuse to share my bed. I'll never understand them."

…I suddenly realized who this man was.

"God…" I whispered. The letter fell out of my hand.

Peter Zylor quirked a brow. He took one step towards me, bent over, and picked up the letter to hand back to me. "Thank you for taking good care of my P'Zuzu. It was a pleasure to finally meet you, Mister Hyoudou. Now, you mustn't keep a lady waiting."

He didn't give me the chance to say anything. I couldn't anyways. I was too stunned to do anything. He opened the door, stepped inside the clubroom, and shut the door behind him.

I felt my legs wobble a bit as I put a hand against the wall to brace myself.

[So that's the new God…] Ddraig whispered in my head. [It's a good thing you didn't do anything, Partner. I don't think you'd have been able to harm him, even with Juggernaut Drive.]

That was God. That man was God!

That was Peter Zylor!

I looked at the letter in my hand.

He said I shouldn't keep a lady waiting. Did that mean… Did that mean he knew about Phenex-chan?

I took off running as fast as I could.

0-0-0

"PHENEX!"

"Y-Yes?!" she leapt up from where she had been sitting.

I was panting. And not just from having to dash across the Academy and climb three stories of stairs.

…Okay, that had something to do with it. But that wasn't the real reason!

I was worried. I was almost afraid. I had thought God had gotten to her or was planning to do something. The guy was my enemy because he was Philips-san's archrival.

But nothing had happened. Phenex-chan had been sitting on one of the benches on the roof, waiting for me. I startled her a bit by kicking open the door.

I didn't actually kick open the door. I tried. It didn't work. I had to open it the old fashioned way by turning the knob and then step outside.

"…I'm here," I sighed with a lot of emotions leaving me. Man, I'm tired. I'm more tired than I should be. The panic of it all really got to me. Plus doing such an intense physical feat in a few minutes.

"Hyoudou-sama, are you okay?" she said as she hurried towards me. "You shouldn't have rushed on my behalf. I would have stayed a little longer. Do you need to sit?"

I lifted my hand to waved off her suggestion while I panted some more. I leaned forward, putting my hands on my knees, and tried to catch my breath.

I was like that for a bit.

"I, uh, got your letter," I said while raising the envelope I had crumbled because of my haste to get here.

I saw her blush and look away. It made her look really, really, really cute. To think someone like her could get so flustered over someone like me. But… it wasn't really towards me. It was more towards Other Me.

"Listen, um, Phenex-chan—"

"Wait," she said suddenly. Her eyes looked back at me and there was a fire in them. She still blushed, though. "Hyoudou-sama, before you reply, I would like to convey my feelings. Will you permit me?"

I wanted to continue what I was going to say. But… the look in her eyes… How can I tell her no?

I nodded.

She took in a quick breath to calm herself. Afterwards, there was a lot more resolve in her look. She looked at me straight in the eye with her chin raised. "Hyoudou-sama, I meant what I said in that letter. It is true… I did admire you after hearing about your legend as a Saint. I was baffled by the idea of someone from the Church choosing to fight on our side. It was the reason why I wanted to enroll in Kuoh Academy and meet you.

"After I've met you… both my perceptions of you were confirmed and destroyed. You are the hero I always believed you to be. But I've seen something more than just a hero. I see another person. You're very kind. You're very gentle. And you're so mature for someone your age. I can see it in your eyes what that level of maturity has cost you. It is what's turned my admiration into… i-into… l-love…"

Now, she broke her stare as her blush reached her ears.

"…I think you have me mistaken for someone else," I told her. "I'm not any of those things. I'm not a hero. I didn't kill Kokabiel. We lost that fight actually. And we only beat Altry because he wasn't using Excalibur. And… I don't know what I might have said to you these past few days but… I wasn't exactly myself."

She eyed me briefly. Her voice was small, "You're very modest, Hyoudou-sama. Even if what you say is true… I've gotten to know you as a person. I like you very much. I'd like to keep knowing you. Which is why…"

From her skirt pocket, she pulled out a red piece from a Chess game. It was in the shape of a queen.

"I… I took the exams!" she blurted out quickly in explanation. "As soon as we met I asked to become a King. I succeeded and received my own Evil Pieces. Hyoudou-sama… please accept this. These are my true feelings for you! Please become my Queen! Please join my side! I will give you everything I have! E-Everything!"

She bowed her head while keeping her hands extended towards me with the Queen Piece in her grip. She kept her head bowed, waiting for my response.

Phenex-chan was a very cute girl. I only met her the one time in the Occult Research Club and I didn't get a chance to share a conversation with her. But she seemed pretty nice. She was totally my type— blonde hair and blue eyes. But I didn't know anything about her.

And she was asking me to become a Devil and join her peerage. She was asking me to become her Queen.

Notwithstanding the title should belong exclusively to women, but I at least understood how much that meant. The Queen was the most important piece in the game of chess. From what Gremory-sempai and Philips-san explained to me, the Queen is the right hand of the King. They were practically equals.

So, wait… was this a marriage proposal?!

Fast! Everything was happening way too fast!

"I… I can't accept," I said.

I saw her twitch. Slowly, she stood up until our eyes met again.

I bowed to her in apology, "I'm sorry, Phenex-chan. I'm very happy to hear all of that about me. But I can't return your feelings. And I have to refuse your offer to become your Queen."

She was quiet as she clutched the game piece close to her chest. She offered me a smile but it was nothing but a front. She was hurting badly by the rejection.

"Can I know why, Hyoudou-sama?" she asked.

Really, it was because I was already Satan's Pawn. I wasn't exactly a Devil, but I was a part of Philips-san's peerage. I was one of his Champions. I couldn't tell her that, though.

"It's just…" I struggled to find an excuse. "I hardly know you. We just met. Don't you think this is happening a little too fast?"

She considered the question but took a step forward. "B-But! If you become my Queen you can get to know me more! I know Hyoudou-sama is a valiant man. You would be remarkable as a Devil! Your dream is to have a harem, isn't it? Then let me be your first addition!"

T-Those words! Those were strong words! They had a critical impact!

She stepped closer. "Hyoudou-sama has already done so much against the Church. Whatever your reasons may be, let me support you. I can give you everything. My family has wealth and resources. Whatever you may want, we can give you. Or… am I not good enough for you… Hyoudou-sama?"

"It… It's not that…" I said when she started to look sad.

She looked up at me, her eyes were bright and watery. She looked on the verge of tears. But she stepped closer to me still. She was close enough to reach me.

She put her hands on my chest. It made my heart skip a beat and I was sure I was blushing as hard as she was.

I could also feel the Queen Piece against my chest.

"Let me fulfill your dreams, Issei Hyoudou."

I felt a heat at my chest. It was coming from the Queen Piece. It was glowing with demonic energy as soon as she said my full name.

I didn't understand what was happening.

Well, actually, nothing happened.

Phenex-chan blinked a few times. Her head snapped down at the Queen Piece.

"Issei Hyoudou," she said again. And again the Queen Piece lit up dimly. But nothing happened as the light within it died down.

"I… I don't understand," she said in a somewhat panicked voice. "It should have worked. It's the same procedure my brothers have done. So why isn't it working? Did… Did King Beelzebub accidently give me a faulty Piece? Or, n-no way. Is Saint Hyoudou worth more than a Queen Piece?!"

"No, it's because he's mine."

I heard Philips-san's voice. It was dead. It was a low voice that I had heard so few times. And both times made me realize why he was such an important figure.

They also made me realize why he was so dangerous.

Phenex-chan screamed as an invisible force pulled her away from me.

Philips was standing at the center of the rooftop. He had a hand outstretched as though reaching for her. She flew into his grip. He had his fingers wrapped around her small neck, squeezing tight.

"P-Philips-san!" I cried out to him. "What are you—"

I didn't get a chance to stop him. He didn't hesitate.

I heard… something I can never forget again. It was a sound similar to knuckles cracking. It was the sound of bone breaking. Muffled by skin but audible enough to be heard on the quiet rooftop.

All it took was a tiny twitch. Philips' fingers tightened and he twisted his wrist.

And then Phenex-chan's body went completely limp. The Queen Piece fell out of her dead hands.

Philips let her drop to the ground. His eyes were cold with heavy disgust. He climbed over her, only pausing to pick up her Evil Piece, and made his way towards me.

I was too numb to say anything. This guy… he just killed her without a second thought.

"…Why?" I could barely hear my own voice.

His eyes were dead when they looked at me. His only answer was to lift the Queen Piece my way.

Suddenly, I heard coughing coming from Phenex-chan's body.

We both turned to look at it. I saw tiny flicks of flame come out of her mouth. The bruising left from Philips' grip were starting to return to her normally pale color. She croaked and started to lift her body from her hands flat on the floor. She coughed a few more times and then rubbed her throat.

She sat up enough to turn and look at Philips. Her throat was hoarse. "W-What gives? Why? What would you have done if I wasn't a member of House Phenex?"

Phenex-chan… was alive?!

"Oh…" Philips said through a sharpening voice. He turned fully to face her. "I didn't know you could heal like that."

My heart dropped to my stomach. I wasn't the only one.

Phenex-chan realized the same thing. He really meant to kill her.

And he was going to do it again.

I saw his fingers twitch. Orbs of condensed sunlight sprouted around him and quickly molded into arrows. They floated around his body as each tip aligned itself to point directly at Phenex-chan.

[Boost!]

I didn't let him finish his spell. Without thinking, I slammed myself into his back. His head snapped and I was able to push him. But the guy was so much taller than me and stronger. I barely made him stumble before he got his feet back under him.

I heard Phenex-chan scream as a barrage of sunlight arrows flew her way. Some of them hit the ground around her while others flew over her head.

I had managed to get Philips to miss her!

"Phenex-chan!" I shouted while I held Philips in place. "Run! Get out of here!"

She didn't think twice. A magic circle glowed under her with the light increasing.

Philips let out a wordless shout of protest. He lifted his arm while pointing his palm in her direction. I don't know what else he would have done but I wasn't going to let him have it.

[Boost!]

With the Boosted Gear gauntlet, I punched him in the kidney. He let out a moan of pain.

I felt his elbow slam into my temple. I was seeing white and I almost fell to the floor. But I still held on to him. And my awkward position made him lose some of his balance.

Whatever he was about to do failed. The magic circle Phenex-chan created lit up at its peak. There was a flash and then she was gone.

Philips snarled in frustration and turned his attention to me.

He twisted his body, was able to grab me, and swing me around to slam my back onto the ground. The air left my lungs.

I had expected him to attack me. Either with his magic or just wail on me with his fists. But he didn't. He just stood there with his hands on his hips and a deep scowl on his face.

He threw the Queen Piece at me before storming away.

0-0-0

"So then what happened?" Saji asked.

It was Saturday after school. Saji and I were asked by Gremory-sempai's Knight, the damn handsome Kiba Yuuto, to accompany him into the school auditorium. The whole place was renovated with a large conference table at the stage and a bunch of chairs set up a few meters away from it. This was where the leaders of Kuoh were going to gather for some big discussion. The teachers were already present and had taken their seats. Even Sir Rolan was there, decked out in some super flashy colorful suit with a shoulder cape and floral crown.

The rest of the teachers were also dressed in their best clothing.

Saji and I were given front-row seats. We got to sit next to Rossweisse-sensei, who was dressed in her Valkyrie armor. It was skintight and showed off her legs! It was amazing!

She didn't approve of my staring, though.

The others who got to sit near us were Gremory-sempai and Shitori-kaichou. Their peerage were able to sit in the row behind us. I should mention Xenovia Azu-nee were sitting behind us with them. The others in the front row were a bunch of people I didn't know or recognize.

I didn't see our club president anywhere. I haven't seen him all day.

…Nor have I seen Phenex-chan, for that matter.

I was busy telling Saji everything that happened yesterday.

"Nothing," I said back to him. "He just walked away. Oh, that reminds me, Gremory-sempai. Can you do me a favor and return this for me?"

I pulled out of my pocket the Queen Piece. I held it out for Gremory-sempai to take it.

She raised a brow as she leaned forward to see me over Saji's form. She didn't pretend to have not listen on our conversation. "Are you sure I should be the one, Ise-kun? I think it would be better if you give something that important to her personally."

"I did want to…" I said slowly. "But, after what happened yesterday, I don't think that's a good idea. I'm worried she might be too afraid to talk to me. I figured you would know where to reach her to give this to her. I also want to tell her I'm sorry."

"…You did nothing wrong," Shitori-kaichou said beside Gremory-sempai.

The entire Student Council nodded in agreement.

At least pretend to not be eavesdropping!

"I will if you ask," Gremory-sempai said as she took the piece from me. "Riser is very upset over it all. He said she came crying to him about what happened. But I didn't hear about how Artemis-kun tried to kill her."

"Rias, I think this is going a little too far," Shitori-kaichou said. "His distaste for our kind is getting out of hand. Could you have imagined if it was one of us?"

Gremory-sempai looked unsure. She crossed her legs and I tried to not peek at them because of the seriousness of the topic. "I… don't think he would have done that if it were us. But I see your point. On all accounts… he did break the law. We have no choice but to mark him as a rogue magician…"

I guess so. He did try to kill Phenex-chan.

I really hope she's doing alright.

There was the sound of knocking. It came from a gravel hitting a wooden block on the grand table.

Four figures stepped onto the table, coming from the backstage entry. I saw Sirzechs walking in front of them decked out in demonic-looking armor and a long cape. Beside him was a silver-haired beauty with an icy stare and dressed in black robes. Behind them were a pair of men. One with turquoise hair with a sharp clinical look in his eyes. And the other with half-lidded eyes of extreme boredom… like the stare of a child who didn't want to be there.

They all took their seats with Sirzechs taking the head of the table. The table was curved so everyone sitting there could see the other while never looking away from those permitted to observe the exchange. I heard only those invited could attend this conference. I think Saji and I were only here because of all the hoopla about us being Saints.

"Is everyone present?" Sirzechs asked aloud.

"The Doll Maker isn't," Azazel answered, gesturing towards the one empty seat at the furthest end. I'm guessing that belonged to the least important figure considering the one who took up the other table's edge was Leviathan-sensei. And that was probably because she lost her job.

…So, should I stop calling her Leviathan-sensei after all? Her name isn't Leviathan anymore. And she's not a teacher…

"…Very well," Sirzechs said with a slight tinge of disappointment. "Let us proceed as scheduled then. King Oberon, if I can have your first—"

There came fanfare from trumpets and horns blaring. A song was being played. A really beautiful song that had to have come from instruments built for this such purpose. Not like instruments that could play any other song. I mean instruments that were deigned to only play this exact song.

It was so beautiful I almost forgot about everything that has happened since yesterday.

I was rudely brought out of it by the arrival of light.

There were seven pillars of light that blazed down from the ceiling of the auditorium. The stage itself seemed to stretch to make room for them. Out of the light came seven figures. Most of them had twelve feathery white wings. At least two of them had six wings blazing with golden energy.

They were Archangels and those fake Seraph.

"Is that…?" Saji whispered to me.

"I… I think so…" I blinked a few times.

The one standing at the center of the group in gold and white plated armor, white robes, and a sword strapped to her hip, was… of all people… Irina. She had six wings blazing out of her back as she stood at attention with her usual chipper smile.

"M…Murderer…" the one with the gold-plated mask over his head muttered below his breath. He couldn't see past it but… his head had turned towards the table.

All the teachers were standing in alarm.

One of the figures with six wings stepped up to the front of the group.

I swear… all time froze. I stood as well and almost took a step forward. Rossweisse-sensei was there to stop me from jumping onto the stage. Saji almost did much the same if Gremory-sempai wasn't there to stop him.

The one who had stepped to the front of the group was…

Asia.

It was Asia!

She was dressed in red and white robes with a golden floral crown over her head that shone like a halo.

She smiled brightly towards the teachers and leaders of the pagan factions. She gave a graceful bow as she announced in her voice.

…But it wasn't her voice. It didn't have the warmth and love from it. It didn't have any of her cheer.

This voice sounded… wrong. Like someone had recorded every word she had ever spoken and had stuffed it into a speaking program. It didn't have what made Asia Asia.

"Legions of the Underworld, I, Metatron, the Voice of God, announce the arrival of the Lord of Heaven. May His presence be welcomed!"

There was another pillar of light that crashed down from the ceiling. It was brighter than any of the other flashes. Six wings of gold and white extended out of the pillar of light. They stretched out wide enough to almost envelop the entire room.

They folded back on themselves as the light faded. There was a throne where the pillar had been, erected and raised up to see over the table and auditorium audience. It was made out of gold and wood with velvet cushions and elaborate decorations of symbols.

A man sat upon it. He was dressed entirely in gold and white armor that overshadowed everything else. His presence was grander than the Angels blazing below him. His helmet completely covered his head with only two slits of glowing orbs piercing through. It was faceless.

"Thank you, my dear Metatron," God announced with a curt nod. "Come and join me at my side."

Asia— if it really can be called Asia— smiled brightly at him and climbed the steps of his throne. She tucked her legs under her to sit at his right side.

"I believe we are missing someone," God noted as he raised a finger. "How very unlike him to be this late. Where is your master— Ah! Speak of the Devil and He shall appear!"

In contrast to the pillar of light, there was a wave of darkness that bellowed and blew like a tornado.

A tornado on fire!

Fire and darkness blasted out of the ground on the opposite side of the stage, in exact opposite of God's side. Reality warped in order to make room.

There was a rumble like a beast being stirred out of its slumber. There was a howl like a monster on the verge of a hunt. And there was the faint screams of the damned being tortured.

Another throne was erected and raised. This one was made out of obsidian and gold. It was just as beautiful as the one God had created. Only, it was something frightening to look at.

I knew it was Philips-san sitting at that throne.

He was decked out in silver and white armor. Magic markings lit up the armor that breathed, wiggled, and pulsed. They lit up in every color of the rainbow from head to toe. Sunlight blazed out of his chest, filling the room with light and heat.

"I am here, my adversary," Philips announced with an impatient tone. "I wouldn't have missed it for the world."

I just realized something. Something that made me realize how insignificant I was to the grand scheme of things.

God and Satan were in the same room and they were about to throw down.