Chapter 20. Guest from Various Places (IV)
"... How the progress of the plan?"
"Good... You not need to worry about it, I assure you we will succeed. It just simple matter after all."
"I knew but it was fine if I try to be careful right? Even if it just simple matter but the result would be great."
"Can't argue with that... But you sure this will make him come to us?"
"I'm sure, despite how he looks like and his battle against Kokabiel he still child nonetheless..."
"... I can't argue with that... Well if you say so, you not need to worry, the result already settled after all."
"Very well then... I leave this matter to you."
Well... I must say I the meeting with the Devil quite pleasant... Despite I quite skeptical at them but they not show any offensive sign, during my talk with Sirzechs I also notice he being sincere
All the offer was not trap, he truly offer me to become someone that stand on one of the Ruler of the Underworld side, becoming their partners and considering as their equal as well
I guess I kinda underestimated what I did, true I think my reputation will increase so much after killing Kokabiel but I never thought it will be this big.
No wonder the moles on Bible Faction acting like that, spreading the news to all their network. But for what? What their purpose to did that? Other than increasing my reputation I think it-
"Issei-san?"
I turned and see Asia who stare at me with slight worry look, she have her hair tied into high ponytail and wearing white gym t-shirt with red outline and short red pants that reach her knee, she also wear pair of black sport shoes
"Are you okay? You been silence for quite time." Asia asked me as she now sit on my side at sofa
It was night when meeting with Devil done, since the meeting take time in noon it end in afternoon and now already night
"I'm fine, just thinking about the meeting before..." I said to her who blinked "By the way, you said you going to come as well but I didn't see you and Mittelt."
That was true originally Asia and Mittelt was there and they going to company me to meeting Sirzechs too but I didn't see any of them today
"Ah! It because we have chat with Issei-san parent..." Asia said to me "Sorry we didn't told you."
I see, so they meet with mom and dad huh? No wonder I not see them, those two must be questioned them a lot seeing mom and dad quite curious parent
"Its okay, like I said there no need for you all to escort me. Xenovia presence itself also unnecessary actually." I said flippantly
"B-But j-just in case if something happen." Asia replied, she looks more concern now strangely "I-I mean we don't know how the Devil behave, even if they change but few were not like..." She mumbled under her breath at the last part and I cringed a bit. No doubt she talk about Diodora, it seems that still bring bad memory to her
"Logically they won't attack me, I mean we in middle of city and also there Pendragon family in this city as well. I doubt they wish to risk the important figure such them." I told her, trying reassure her and I mean it. If Sirzechs and I fight I doubt this city will stand, perhaps I will use Juggernaut Drive or unleash Gilgamesh card and I don't think this region or country will exist anymore if that happen
"Even so-"
"Asia." I call her name firmly and yet also gentle at same time "It will be fine, really..." I said once again while smiling this time
Asia stare at me with concern for moment before slowly, she put small smile as well and nodded "If Issei-san said so then..." She responded, the worry still there but I could tell it get smaller and I nodded to her, feeling satisfied that she not worry too much anymore
"By the way, you should take bath. Dinner will be ready soon.." I reminded her as I take note of her slight battered appearance
The nun now do the famous 'blink blink' motion with her eyes before her whole face turned to red "E-Eh?! I-I'm not t-that smell am I?" She asked as she lift her arm up in unlady manner and take sniff on it. Then when she realize I was here she let out another squeak "EEK! I-I'm sorry! I-It just! Zelretch-ojisan really put me and Mittelt into hard training today so..."
Ah... So that's the reason why Mittelt walking to her room like someone just cut one her leg off. Despite have no wound -thanks to Asia obviously- but the soreness and reduced stamina still there, Twilight Healing heal the wounds and injuries but not the lost stamina
"Maa, its okay. You not smell that bad actually." I said while giving her smile and it was true, she not that stink
Asia stare at me with widened eyes, now if possible her face turned to be more red and her mouth opened slightly. However the red on her face now clearly not normal to the point it make me worry slightly
"Asia?" I called, it was I'm the one who concern now "Are you-"
"Ihavetogototakebathbye!"
The supposed sentence made by eight words spoken into one word and followed by squeak that similar like someone just being found out naked in front of person he/she love, how that possible was actually very mind boggling to me but since I had seen stranger things I guess this isn't that much
The girl now already bolted to her room, leaving even trail of dust behind her and show the incredible speed she possess. It seems the Class-card must be already fuse with her huh? Only in a month and it show effect, not surprise seeing her Sacred Gear not Longinus like mine and only ordinary one albeit it still fell to rare level but still, rare and strong was different thing
Xenovia also show sign of become stronger than normal Human. Unlike Asia and I, she had no Sacred Gear, her body free from any influence that could halt the process fusing with Class-card. Give her few weeks I sure she could show some skills already
Though afterward keeping it won't be easy. The hardest part was how you keep that strength in your body, there no easy free power given, you have to earn it. Class card change our body into Heroic Spirit like inside the card but afterward the strength will leaving and depleted in time, in order to prevent that you have to kick your ass and went through Hell training
It worked like some kind of temporary medicine that boost your power, giving you chance to become as strong as the amount of it give to you but like I said, it temporary. By the time it effect gone your growth strength will be back to normal
And if you didn't train your body the medicine also going to depleted with fast, that was clearly dangerous things too. The card would be useless and also wasted
Speaking about card I still don't know what those two class taking. They never told me and Zelretch also said only waiting, for Xenovia I sure she get Saber-class card. I mean what else could be match her? Lancer? Yeah... Right... I don't think she could wield one
Asia? She probably become Caster seeing I often see her use magic like levitation or things like that
I still have fives more card to feed, fives more people to gather. Though have such big numbers could give disadvantage but I can't protest seeing Zelretch probably arguing or ranting
*sigh* really... What a troublesome old man he was...
"My Lord?"
I turned around and see this time it Xenovia who call me, she also like Asia and Mittelt, just come home from training.
"I notice you put annoyed face moment ago. Does something troubling you my Lord?" She asked
"I'm fine just thinking about that vampire." I said and Xenovia stiffened before her face scrunched to scowl. Unlike Mittelt and Asia, Xenovia clearly on agreement with me that Zelretch was annoying and also bastard. Add the fact she often had hunt his kin in past during her job as exorcist make her quite displeased at him too
"That vampire... Truly he someone who I can't decipher, for someone who so old and elder of Vampire he clearly act like Jester." She said in grumbling tone "You sure to trust him my Lord? I did not mean to ask your decision but even I sure you knew he clearly not sane person to be working with..."
"Even blind person could see it Xenovia that he not sane." I grumbled, well maybe I exaggerated a little seeing Asia still quite favor him but still "Yes I sure I could trust him, trust me he won't betray us. The worse thing he could do probably throwing some shit to us but I assure you he won't blatantly taking side with our enemy." At least if he did so there must be reason for that, probably because he bored or he decide to give me test
Xenovia stare at me for moment, her face still shown she displeased by my reply but she give me nod nonetheless "If you say so my Lord, I won't ask your decision then."
I held back sigh and the urge to pinch bridge of my nose hearing her response "Xenovia, cut the crap with that 'My Lord' thing. Seriously you being too formal." I said in disturbed tone
"Does that bother you too much Issei-sama? I mean surely it not since that Phenex girl call you same tittle as well." Xenovia replied to me with small frown
"To be honest no but... You always look so stiff Xenovia, that's why I want you to relax a bit..." I tried to reassure her and she give me another look, her gold eyes seems understand what I try to say
"If that what your wish my Lord but it will be hard for me so-"
"You still could call me like that in front of people but if you spend time with us like this please call me Issei..." I give her smile in here "We are friend after all and we will work together in future."
Xenovia taking thoughtful expression earing that, slowly she have pleasant smile in her face and nodded "Very well then, I will call you Issei if we alone." She said and I blinked
That... That sounds wrong for some reason but I can't put it where the wrong part...
Doesn't matter anyway, the matter was settled so I guess it fine. *Oh how I going to regret it in future* "Xenovia you also need to take bath, dinner will be ready soon."
"Yes Issei..."
As I watch she leaving I only shook my head, normally she will go home in worse condition but seeing tomorrow Griselda will come here she decide to not exhaust herself too much. She still follower of Church technically so she will stand at her side tomorrow
...
Meeting with Church huh... I guess they will be the last guest I accept... I should think how I going to leave from this city now
No one in this city save for my group aware that I will leave, I guess I will tell them just when I about to leave so they can't make any attempt to stop me...
Suddenly I heard my mobile phone ringing in table, indicating there call in. I blinked once before leave my skillet to my pan first before walking to table and take it
I narrowed my eyes when see the number that call me was foreign to me, but I still accept it and brought the device to my ear
"Yes, who is this?" I asked before grip the phone to my ear and my shoulder while goes back to cook
(Hello, is this Hyoudou Issei?)
The voice was masculine and quite deep, no doubt the one that speak was male and probably on his middle or late twenties
"It was proper manner to introduce yourself first before asking someone question." I replied simply
(Hahaha! True! True! Judging by your response it seems indeed you are Hyoudou Issei!) He said and I could tell this man grinning now through his phone (Allow me to introduce myself then, I'm Governor of Fallen Angel, Azazel the Scapegoat.)
There utter silence the moment he declared his name, even I paused in middle of my cooking and my face was completely dull. Did this man just... "And you expect me to believe you just like that?" I asked flatly
The self-proclaimed Azazel only laughed at my deadpan response before he answering (Honestly? Yeah, I mean who else crazy enough to proclaim himself as Governor of Fallen Angel?)
"I could name few actually..." I replied with skeptical tone
(Touche..) He chuckled (Anyway, you had no reason to not believe me, trust me I'm the real deal. To tell the truth I want to come to your place by my own but there Boundary Field in there and it very strong one too)
I narrowed my eyes at that Zelretch Boundary Field despite it very hard to break it also quite hard to notice, so you should cut me some slack when I found Le Fay, girl who just in middle school age able to sense it and even try to meddle with it, that girl must be very talented to be able to sense it as expected from someone who are descendant of Morgan Le Fay
"And your point? That still not give any reason you are who you claim as."
(That's the point kiddo... If you catch my words previously you should knew I said 'Very strong'.) He paused and hummed slightly (I had seen thousand or even million Boundary Field but to be honest I never seen this one in millenia kiddo, it make me wonder does it created by God rather than Human.)
It was after that I realize this man is the real deal. The way he speak and the way he spoke clearly he had dig to the Boundary Field deeper than I thought, and the fact that the field itself not even alarm me was more than enough to show this man very, very skilled, to be able meddling with such level Boundary Field and remain undetected
(I plan to enter bluntly but if someone at my caliber suddenly sensed in your field it will caused panic and I don't want you shot some sword to me.) He continued while chuckling (Really, you now start to become Boogeyman in Grigori with rumor that you could spam hundred of legendary weapon and rain it to your enemy, some even say you God in Human disguise.)
I found the part of 'spam hundred of legendary weapon' ironic seeing I practically could do that, even I only could rain fifty bordering to seventy but it very close. And God in Human disguise? Really? That was quite exaggerated
But that's not the thing I should think or talk about
"Let just say..." I lick my lips to wet the dry part. "I believe to you, what you want? Revenge?" I asked
That's right, it should be the thing I worry about in first place. It could be without doubt that he want to extract revenge to me for killing his friend, judging by Kokabiel character I doubt he disliked in Grigori. He looks like man who get along with other with easy after all
(... ... The idea sounds tempting but no... I did not wish to extract revenge upon you... Kokabiel was good friend, but what he did was something that crossed the line. Even if he survive he will be punished quite harsh... And knowing him he will kill himself first rather than subjugate himself to the punishment.) He sighed and I could tell there sadness on his voice (Oh don't get me wrong Hyoudou-san, I did not like you, Kokabiel was my friend and comrade, my brother and you just kill him. Even if you did the right thing doesn't mean I like it.
(And as much I loath and hate it, technically you just save our faction from war that caused by him so as the one who have his subordinate went rogue it my duty to congratulate you... So I wish to meet you personally to discuss the gift I going to give to you.)
I'm not surprise Fallen Angel going to contact me but what surprise me was the fact the Governor himself the one who come, I expect it will be another Cadre or the Vice-Governor but to think he will come by himself
It seems I still underestimating the deed I just do, clearly I need to be more careful. In future about my act and- ah who I'm talking to, I sure as hell I won't be surprise if in future one of Elder God like Zeus or Odin wish to meet me personally due to my act
"Tomorrow 09:00PM, think the place where you want to meet then we will talk." I stated, to be honest I want to meet in here too actually but seeing he already able to meddle with this Boundary Field I don't think it wise if I let him see it more close, even if it made by Zelretch
(Hoo? That soon? Doesn't you have meeting with Church tomorrow?) He asked
"I might as well finish everything tomorrow, I have something urgent to take care about off..." I said, for some reason I'm not surprise he knew I going to meet with Church tomorrow
(Really? Does that mean you have some kind of boss or thing like that? If yes then which faction he-)
"No, I did not have boss or thing like that, I'm on my own side." I cut him while narrowing my eyebrow and flip up the egg I made "I just wish to end it soon, now if you done talking what you need to could we continue it tomorrow? I'm busy right now.." I said while glancing at the salt and plate that far from me, I need to move freely in order to get that and with mobile phone between my shoulder and ear it hinder my movement
(Busy? Oh really? I heard you living with three beautiful woman, does you now-)
Whatever he said clearly being cut as I hung up the phone immediately. I don't want to listen pervert talk from him, Kokabiel already enough and if I recall he said Azazel was more better than him in that part
If Fallen Angel who could make stranger woman melt to him just by using few words I don't want to know the one that more advanced than him, just thinking what insanity he going to speak already give me headache
But still... Meeting with Governor and people from Church in one day... If I recall Pendragon House still not leaving as well, I guess I better inform them to make their decision as soon as possible
"Sorry for being late Hyoudou-san, truthfully this actually surprise for me as well." She said as she sent me apologetic look and glare to the person on her side
"Its okay, you actually not late that long." I replied while giving her small reassuring smile
The meeting was supposed to be 03:00PM however the time now was 03:30, she late for thirty minutes
The reason of her late obviously was. The man on her side that she glared who looking sheepish while scratching back of his head like child that got caught hiding cookie jar behind his hand
Sitting in front of me was two person instead Griselda alone. Griselda herself is a woman with someone at appearance in her early thirties, I must say she seems younger than what I expect seeing she supposed to be Xenovia legal guardian. She have long, pale blonde hair that reach her back and show she clearly foreigner. Pair of blue saphire colored eyes that almost like ice block and garbed in nun outfit instead the one that Xenovia and Irina wear when they come here
On her side was young man, he looks about just reach his twenties, in middle perhaps. He have middle length blonde hair; two bangs of his hair framed each his side while the front turned to spike that reveal his forehead, strangely there diamond shaped mark on it, is that some kind of tattoo? Like Griselda he not wear combat attire instead he garbed in priest clothes
Xenovia and Asia who technically someone from Church also sit with them as well, while the latter smiling to me and the first only keep her face stoic like first time when we meet
"To be honest I didn't come here with any intent other than have some food that Hyoudou-san here made." The man said to Griselda while have both hands raised up in defending manner
"That still no excuse! Really Dulio, what were you thinking? Coming here without any announcement like this. You knew this city one of limited place for us!" Griselda chided the man
To my astonishment the man actually pouted, despite he older than me in few years but he still able to show such expression "Aw come on Nee-san! It won't be that bad! I mean the current Maou also laid back right? The Leviathan herself often dress like Magical Girl and I heard the Lucifer fan of Super Sentai!"
Well... If he put it that way... Rather than group of terrifying existence that embodiment of sin, the Maou certainly more like some kind of group of Otaku that do whatever they wish
I see Griselda eyebrow twitched at his response, either it from annoyance of Dulio dare to talk back or losing in argument you can pick whatever you like, I, myself think it both. What he said not completely wrong I guess, true there will be small ruckus but I guess that's it. As long Dulio didn't do anything there won't be any problem
But still... Dulio name seems familiar, I swear I had read someone with that name in file Zelretch give to me...
My eyes widened when my mind recall the data I read. Dulio... Now I recognize it, this man can't possibly be-
"What you said is true Dulio, but that if it ordinary exorcist! If it for someone like your status I sure there will be chaos and problem!" Griselda continue her chide was the only answer I need to make sure who the man in front of me
Yep, he were Dulio Gesualdo. The strongest Exorcist in current generation and the current possessor of Zenith Tempest, the Longinus that said to be second strongest after the first one, True Longinus
"Well..." I mused out and dry smirk plaster my face "I never thought Dulio Gesualdo himself will come here..." I remarked, gaining both exorcists attention
"Hoo? You know me?" Dulio asked as he pointed to himself, he doesn't sounds proud or anything but simply curious
"It hard to not know someone at your caliber. Especially the weapon you possess." I answered as I narrowed my eyes up, down to him
Unlike Boosted Gear or Divine Dividing, according to the data Zenith Tempest grant the user control over element and weather, it said that in record the most talented possessor could drown the entire continent into sea by creating endless rain and storm
The reason why Boosted Gear and Divine Dividing only ranked Mid-tier despite it absurd power is because the power were focused to individual, to the user itself and it depend on the user power. However High-tier like Zenith Tempest influence not just one, but it affect the entire World, it have power that can cause the World become imbalance and led it to destruction
For example, give Boosted Gear to normal person, he probably only could boost himself five times before reach his limit and only five times stronger than normal person. But give Zenith Tempest to him, destroying city around Kuoh Town size was not hard for him
Like I said, Zenith Tempest give the user control over element and weather, creating endless rain in middle of hot dessert is easy thing for the use. Heck! Turned the whole dessert into winter place even not hard! It contain such dangerous power and I heard it could even produce flame that rivaled the one in sun temperature and ice that even could freeze Dragon flame like it some kind of candle
And the man in front of me clearly not just ordinary possessor but must be master one seeing he even get called the Strongest Exorcist
"Hahaha! I'm flattered! But really I guess my reputation not as great as you, Jinrui no Ken (Sword of Mankind)." Dulio said to me while laughing cheerfully and give me toothy grin
I blinked when hearing the last part, clearly taken back and confused "Jinrui no Ken?" I asked curiously while furrowing my eyebrow
Dulio chuckled and he shrugged "Jeanne call you that, she spoke very fond to you as well. Your friend Irina also same, she not stop talking about you straight for three days you know?"
They did? Now that actually not surprising but to give me title like that was something else. And Irina, for some reason I'm not surprise, she too cheerful and no one could stop her in that part.
Jinrui no Ken huh? Somehow I love how it sounds
"You just think how cool that sounds right?"
I see Dulio grinned at me cheerfully, how did he-
"Don't be surprise, I also think it cool in first place!" He laughed again "I mean, Sword of Mankind? That was pretty neat! Wish mine like that!"
Well... If he put it that way, it does sounds pretty cool. It seems Dulio not someone who care too much about his status, he also looks like normal teenager rather than Strongest Exorcist
"Anyway, like I said I didn't have any intent other than eating the food you cook, I heard from Irina and Jeanne you could cook food that even please God." Dulio said and he drooled a bit while have dreamy look on his face
This is the Strongest Exorcist? Really? Until now all strong existence I meet never normal, one or two they must have some flaw in their mind. Sirzechs Lucifer who love Super Sentai, Zelretch who have mind that make insane people look sane, Kokabiel who have complex with Mankind. What next? Azazel was Chuunibiyo?
Sounds of 'thwack' echoed in living room, followed by yelp from Dulio that just got smacked by Griselda. The Exorcist/Nun now giving her fellow blonde glare make he grimaced, she turned to me and give sheepish smile
"Sorry for his manner, as you can see Dulio wasn't supposed to be here but he try to sneaking in here and would succeed had I not suspicious from few days ago." Griselda apologized to me
"Its okay." I waved my hand, normally I going to make remark about this but seeing I wish to flee from this city as fast as I could "I will go to the point, what Church want with me?"
"Oh? Rather blunt aren't you?" Griselda remarked as she smiled slyly
"Forgive me for that but in this late three days the guest that come visit me had surpass the number of fingers in my hand. And to be honest I began to get bored..." I stated in same blunt manner, I was being honest, I start to get bored with this meeting thing
Griselda smile now turned to dry a bit, it seems she understand what I went through "Well then I will go to the point. We, the Church wish to invite you to our place, if you accept it in there you will-"
"Denied!" I cut her instantly, knowing where this will be going "I don't care even if you going to offer me becoming Pope himself but I absolutely deny whatever position you offer to me." I crossed my arms in 'x' manner while saying this, my face was also completely deadpan
Griselda blinked, her face conforted to surprise, it was clear she not expect instant decline "You deny it without hearing our offer first?"
"To be honest I doubt what you offer going to be more tempting than Devil." I shrugged "Not mean to be rude but the Devil offer me to become Magician that make contract with one of their Maou." Griselda eyes widened is more than enough to answer my reply, even Dulio eyes narrowed "I take it you three knew what it mean? And to answer your question before you ask, my answer to them is no." I give them dry look "If they, who offer Kingdom to me refused then what make you think I going to accept yours?"
Griselda only silence as she staring at me, her pretty face held no emotion and her pale ice blue eyes look to me as if I some kind of lab rat that ready to be dissected. I must say normal men even going to be intimidated by it but sadly for her I'm not normal men
"Did you know what kind of crime their races had done to us?" She asked
"And did you know what kind of crime our race made to our own kin?" I asked back "They are creature of sin, I knew that and they will always made sin because that's their nature, but how about us? Are we innocent too? Before you speak how good and how noble Church are please tell me does exiling Asia here who manipulated by Devil was noble?"
Griselda twitch on her right eyebrow was quite satisfying, Dulio meanwhile openly blanching, not even try to hide his dislike about it. Asia also flinched, it seems she still feel bad about it
"And we able to save her, recruit her back to our rank and restore her name and reputation."
"Because I save her." I simply said back "Had I not do that she now already become Devil, and worse, slave to Diodora Astaroth." I not even bother to hide my snort "Yeah, you all clearly did pretty good job saving her." The sarcasm was not hided, I clearly made no attempt to hide my displeasure to them
Griselda only silence once again, her face still calm and no anger or any displeasure expression despite being assaulted verbally by me. She open her mouth to speak but she close it, she also close her eyes for moment before open it
"I'm sure you knew why we did that precisely. Someone like you should realize it already." She stated to me
I narrowed my eyes at her, I knew what she mean. She must be talking about the dead of God, it was quite surprising actually. The death of God was something that very secret, I sure the number of people who knew about it was less than fifty in Church -that was very small considering their numbers reach thousand or more perhaps-. I also sure Ewald and someone who held same position with Vasco knew the truth about God demise
But Griselda knew it? How? According to Xenovia, Jeanne and Irina report only their mission and my ability but they not tell anything about the news they knew about death of God -if they did there chance they will be labeled as Heretic or exiled due to know something dangerous-
It seems Griselda sharp person, rumor about her clearly suit her well
"I do... But that still doesn't justify your act, did you know that The Road to Hell Is Paved with Good Intentions?" I asked while quoting the proverb that quite famous
Once again Griselda silence was more than enough for me to consider this as my victory. Normally I sure she still have argument in her mind and words she could use but she held herself back since there Xenovia and Asia who she think doesn't know about God demise
So instead arguing, she let out sigh and shook her head then she smile bitterly to me "You really hate us aren't you?"
Hearing that it my turn to give her surprise look "Hate?" I repeated with dry look "That was very strong word. No, I did not hate you, true I dislike you but it not strong enough to make me hate the entire Church neither I hate Devil nor Fallen Angel."
"Really?" Dulio the one who speak now, sounded surprise slightly "But-"
"I knew what you did is wrong, but at same time it also necessary. Imagine what kind of chaos the whole World will suffer if you blabber it out." I told them gravely "Make no mistake, while it true looks bad but the result was good. But even if it good doesn't mean I have to like it. Had I was on your position I probably going to do the same, though I won't exile Asia that easy.."
Both representation from Church stare at me with taken back expression, then Griselda let out chuckle, her eyes now filled with mirth. "It seems you really more than I thought Hyoudou-san, very well then we could accept you deny our offer about becoming officer in our rank. Then how about becoming smith for our weapon?"
At that my ears perked up in interest, I actually expecting this as well but hearing it still something else "You wish me to be your smith?"
"Indeed." Griselda nodded "It become our attention that you able to create Holy Sword that could be compared to legend weapon, Excalibur Fragments."
While they indeed part of legend but the way you forge them back was very insulting you know? I sure Saber will rolling in her grave if she see her beloved sword reforged in that manner
Oblivious to my thought Griselda continuing "And as you see in last battle the rest of the fragments of Excalibur was destroyed, they not broken but destroyed." She grimaced a bit in here and I barely notice it "Completely destroyed without any trace which mean there no chance to reforge it anymore...
"Those swords was legendary items, one of sacred treasure. To be honest while those swords true quite fragile but their efficiency and abilities by any mean not child play, in hand of professional those swords could become very deadly."
I can't argue with that one, despite they quite fragile but those fragments very effective against Devils, not to mention they provide their wielders quite abilities. Excalibit Rapidly for example give you speed that able to match Middle or High-class level Devil, and if the user quite skilled he/she can goes faster and also more dangerous. Excalibit Transparency able to give normal Human D rank Presence Concealment, and like it other sister, in hand of expert it could become very dangerous as well
"According to Jeanne report you somehow able to create those fragments, not just one you even create multiple of them at same times using..." Griselda lips pursued into small thin line "Magic... Your own branch Magic, using it you not just create one Excalibur Fragments but multiple of them." There twinkle in her eyes as she spoke this "I would like to see it by myself if you willing to show it."
"Then sorry but I'm not willing to." I answered instantly "I don't want to show how my ability work in front of people who could analyze it, please noted that as Magician I have my own secret. I'm not willing to just flaunt my ability like some kind of moron."
"I see... Pity, but I could understand what you mean." Griselda replied, there hint of small disappointment in her tone "Then how about the one that already made? As you can see we wish you to become our smith but we at least need proof of how our weapon will be made lat-"
She cut herself from speaking and immediately lift her face upward, Dulio also did at same time when she bend her neck. No doubt they sense it the moment it appear but it quite late, when their faces narrowed to above them, the blue light that floating already formed to sword, not just ordinary sword but their sword, the familiar glowing long kris-like sword, Excalibit Rapidly
The sword floating in air as if invisible hand grab it, lifting it in air before slowly the blade come down to them like a hawk that landed to stare at it spectator and showing it might. Griselda watched the sword that come down to her with fascination in her eyes, even Dulio also show hint of astonishment.
The blonde haired exorcist broke out from her awe instantly and she send me questioning look, knowing what she mean I make gesture 'Go on' with one hand to her. She then rise one hand and slowly grasp the pommel of the sword, her grasp was similar like how Arthur touch my Caliburn yesterday, slow and very careful as if thing in front of her was treasure from God
And the moment she grab the hilt, she bring the sword close to her, her fingers trailing it edge and her blue eyes narrowed up, down few times as if dissecting the sword with it. She rubbed the sword with her hand like it some kind of pet then she moved
Fast!
To normal people it almost like she teleported from her position but to me she was like a line, a blur line that moved with fast. In less than one second she already circling the sofa where we sit one time and now standing behind me
While Dulio not having hard time tracking here but was no doubt that Xenovia and Asia also able to catch glimpse of her, small maybe but their eyes moved to her direction the moment she move -which proof that their training taking effect-. And I also could sense their whole body went stiff for moment and it only caught by me because I reinforced my eyes
Despite the edge of the sword I just made now pressed on my neck I not even show any sign of nervousness, my posture still relax and nonchalant as if I drinking some coffee now rather than having blade threatened to slice my neck
"Jeanne and Irina clearly not exaggerated about you." Griselda speak from behind me, her voice still soft but there amusement on it
"I defeat Kokabiel not without skill." I replied simply
They was there, the reason why I so relaxed. Floating in air and there five of them, poising and aimed at her head, neck, spine, liver, and jugular from behind Griselda who have Excalibit Rapidly pressed to my neck. They are nameless swords but they have ability of the sword she currently held, they are the same sword I create for Ewald when we work together
I make sure I create them fast enough that even Kokabiel would be have hard time analyze them and it not hard actually, despite having abilities to boost their user speed but they only steel, strong perhaps but there no element inside it so creating them in less than second was not hard
Finally I feel the sharp steel removed from my neck, followed by sounds of something moved in empty air and in instant Griselda already back on her seat, the sword rested on her lap akin like a pet
"Satisfied?" I asked
"Very..." Griselda answered, small smile adorn her face "The sword working very well and I must say the feeling when I grasp it was very same like when I wield the original..." She push her lips to polite smile this time "Then would you agree to become our smith?"
"Depend on how you willing to pay me." I replied, this actually quite opportunity
"Well..." She give me small smirk "I'm only a buyer, I need to know the prize first. Let just say I wish you to forge three Excalibur Fragments that destroyed back, how much it going to cost us?"
"Hmmm... That was some request..." I set my face into thoughtful expression and rub my chin "Forging legendary blade won't be easy and of course it not cheap."
"We willing to pay you handsomely, just name your prize.". She stated
"Hmm... Pay me handsomely huh?" I observe her while saying this, studying her body language to sense any nervousness or such things but I found none, calm and confidence
Unfortunately Griselda seems taking the way I look her into whole different level
"Ara?" The Exorcist blinked, small pink hue adorn her face "Hyoudou-san I'm flattered that you see me like that but you too young for me." She said in shy manner like highschool girl that meet her court "Not I don't want you, you have nice figure and manly look for someone at your age, and also-"
"Griselda, stop it. You make the kid here scared!" Dulio cut her as he give her unease look
Indeed, while my face stay calm but my face clearly red, not enough to make me like tomato but it still red. What Dulio gesturing was Xenovia and Asia, both their faces resembling fish with mouth that open and close few times. However what caught my attention was Xenovia, the blue haired girl clearly have horror in her face and also looking sick slightly, no doubt imagining her legal guardian having intimate time with her leader give some trauma to her mind
Deciding to not give Xenovia further mental attack I let out snort, my blush now completely gone and I give Griselda amusing. Look
"While I admit you are far from standard or ugly but I have no intent to make intercourse with you as payment." I said to her who shot me amusing look "The prize then, well since you request three so I wish to have three wish as well. First, I want to have permission to enter Church territory whenever I want without getting investigated or assaulted."
Griseld eyes narrowed hearing my prize but I didn't see any hint of taken back, no doubt she already think I would make demand thing like that
"That quite bother actually, the higher clearly won't like it if they have some random person who learn pagan art under their territory." Griselda stated with small scowl
It wasn't surprise that the Church and Magus Association not get along, even if this World different than EMIYA but the basic was same, Magic believed to be come from Demon power, it was founded by Merlin who was half incubus and half human after all. True there several Magic user that get their power from blessing of Gods but most Magician use the power they get by made contract with Devils or the one that Merlin set in first place
And while true in this World Magic are more easier to use but the one that researching it also could be more dark, the numbers of the Stray or Dark Magician also actually bigger than the normal one and even the normal one also not good people, they are Magus, someone who researching about Magic and try to become people who surpassing normal mortal, even if they have to take life and use dark path
"But I believe as long you had no malice intent or things that went crossing moral code we won't have any problem and knowing you." Griselda give me reassuring smile "You won't act or did things that out of moral, so for you I guess we could give such permission, you more like Spellcaster rather than Magician after all."
Well, what she said is true I won't become someone who experiment on puppy or living things just to increase effectiveness of my Magic, I already satisfied with my current condition
"Then if you accept it I will move to the second." I give her slight look in here "When I hunting or doing my things and the Church crossed with my path by any mean I won't accept any order from you, I'm not your subordinate, I'm on my own. If we happen to be opposite each other then we have to solve it with talk first.."
At my second prize Griselda eyes sharpened, even Dulio also stare at me with analytical look the moment I finish my words, while Griselda putting small grim look Dulio still try to look nonchalant but now he look like lion that watching intruder to it nest
"That quite prize Hyoudou-san." Griselda sai, her tone also change from polite to serious "What you ask was something on different level this time, it just same like you wishing to become Pope for us in your own way."
"You exaggerating." I snorted "What I ask was just so I could prevent something that happen to Asia again, there no guaran-damn-tee you won't make same mistake."
"Not all exiled people are like Argento-san here Hyoudou-san." Griselda said sharply
"Excuse me? You exiled more than dozen Holy Maiden/Nun already without investigating it properly and thanks to that they turned into slave of Devil." I spat to her with narrowed eyes "While I knew there many who really deserve to be exiled but the one that not deserve it not just innocent but they also kind and pure." My mind drifted to the moment when I read data that Ewald lent to me, I remember all their faces, my mind not even forget their names and the reason why they exiled
It make me angrier more
"Those are fifteen people like Asia, few of them even maybe more kind... What kind of sin those people made so they turned to whore of Diodora?!"
"Issei!"
It was Mittelt voice that echoed in room after that. So loud that it almost like drum war that punched, echoed in my mind as well and halt any further rage that gnawing inside me
I turned and see Mittelt now stare at me with wide eyes, hands on my shoulder and arm as if preventing me from stand, fear and concern very clear on her face as if she see me as beast that ready to strike anyone at it sight
"Issei... Please calm..." Mittelt said, her tone was soft and very careful
It was then I realize the people from Church already stand, there no weapon drawed out but their muscle obviously very tense and ready, I also notice the pang of shame and regret from them
... ... Okay... I maybe taking about that more personal than I thought... It seems the feeling of fury inside me when I knew I can't save those girls was more big than I predict
I take deep breath and forced myself to calm, no good, can't lose my temper like this. It take less than few seconds for me to calm myself and I leaned back in my sofa while relaxing slightly
"Sorry... It seems I taking it little too far." I apologized to them sincerely
When I said that Xenovia and Asia instantly relaxed back, the latter let out breath she hold and give me mixture of reassuring and relief smile. However the two other still tense, Griselda give me analytical look and her blue eyes seems become more cold for some reason and the sword she held also now glowing in power
And Dulio
His face was calm and stoic, not move, not even an inch. There no any single movement of his body save for his fingers that twitch once but now I'm not clouded in anger anymore I could sense raw Mana already gathering around us, it covering the whole room or possibly whole house akin like Boundary Field. The Prana he exclude was faint, very faint and I almost not sense it and I only could because I'm inside Boundary Field Zelretch made that make my sense sharpened, but it effectiveness was utterly terrifying, only small amount and he able to manipulate the whole Mana inside this place
It was at this moment that I knew Dulio can kill me right away if he wish, right now and at this moment, and it also make me realize just how powerful is he. The raw Mana he gather and manipulate now was potent, it maybe not enough to take down being like Kokabiel or Sirzechs but it enough to take me down. Even if I stronger than normal Human but I sure his attack will caught my guard, weakened me and make Griselda able to finish me
The Strongest Exorcist.
That title not joke nor it bluff... Dulio Gesualdo truly very terrifying existence... I'm sure even Kokabiel could lose to him if the Angel of Stars not careful.. He even could be considered as Ultimate-class entity or more despite he only Human.
"Its okay..." Griselda speak, responded to my apologize and her body slowly relaxed, Dulio also did the same as I feel the shift of Mana in the room now slowly back to normal "You mad for what happen to them I can understand..." She allow her body to leaned in sofa once again as she stare at me "Though I must say I'm kind of surprise you this angry..."
What she said was right... I actually never expect I will be this mad... But that's not the things I should talk now
"So about my second demand?" I asked again, moving away from the topic
Griselda nodded, it seems she also get what I trying to do "That actually hard... Very hard... I can't straightly give you answer, I need to ask confirmation from them and-"
"Tell them they have three days at most." I cut her firmly "I didn't mean to be rude but I have urgent matter to do, they have three days to give me the answer."
Griselda stare at me while furrowed her eyebrow, her glance still sharp like before when she prepared to strike me "You are very greedy person Hyoudou-san..."
"Greedy?" I snorted "Considering the item I going to forge are legendary and sacred I guess it just the right prize..."
"But you not even have hard time to create those weapon."
"True, but the fact it still legendary not changed. It still mighty Holy Sword and fragments of the original Excalibur, a sword that forged by God." I rebuked sharply and Griselda lips set into thin line at that "I'm maybe good person but I'm not stupid, and I certainly not a Saint." I said to her stoically
The woman not even change her gaze, her face also stoic as she meeting mine. There silence for few seconds and the atmosphere in the room become tenser, it was clear Griselda not pleased at my answer but I won't be intimidated after stand in front of Ddraig I won't back down in presence of Human at her caliber
Then, she finally giving in. She close her eyes and let out sigh "I will tell the Higher about this... And your last condition?" She asked, there small tired in her voice, indicating she seems resigned to whatever it is
"Money..." I bluntly said make she blinked "What? You expect me to demand what else? That's all I need from you, other than that I need money to surviven I still Human that eat rice and food in order to live."
Griselda must be not expected that as she did 'blink blink' motion with her eyes, then her lips curled upward and she let out small chuckle "Indeed... Indeed you are right Hyoudou-san..." She give me look of amusement "Then please give the numbers Hyoudou-san..."
"Nine Billion USA Dollars." I said instantly make her blinked
"That was large amount of money for single sword." She replied
"Legendary sword.." I corrected her and her eyebrow twitched
"5 Billion."
"10 Billion."
"6,5 Billion."
"11 Billion."
Griselda open her mouth again before she close it when she notice my smug look, then she speak with the most dull tone I ever heard in first time "You going to increase the numbers everytime I try to tone it down aren't you?"
"Duh!" I snickered, even Dulio also snorted. To be honest I doubt the Church don't have that much of money, in mundane perspection it maybe large, screw large! For one man it would be enough for you to live for hundred years!
But in Supernatural World? Where creating ore that could be more beauty and harder than diamond, where producing such things was not hard? That wasn't hard, granted I didn't need them in first place since I could create weapon and sell it but hey! It better if I have money ready anytime
And Griselda knowing this too as she sighed "Very well... The last while quite large but I believe we could pay it and now come to the last thing." She then narrowed her eyes "You could take back this sword easily aren't you?"
So she knew... Does it reported by Jeanne and Irina? I really tempted to ask but it sounds stupid, Griselda must be sharp enough to know or analyze how my power work
"Yes... You not need to worry, we will make deal that sealed by Geass later when I give the swords to you to ensure I won't cheating." I said and its true, I really willing to do that. The thing about betray them sounds tempting but hey! I'm not that kind of guy
Griselda nodded, seems satisfied at that "Well, I guess then we come to temporary deal. I will inform the Higher soon, you can expect answer tomorrow or next night."
"That fast?" I asked as I furrowing my eyebrow
"The only reason why we take time to confronting you was because this is territory of Devil and sending someone at high status not easy too." She paused and her face scrunched to grimace a bit "Not after the last one in here try to kill sisters of Maou..."
Ah... I see... Politic really troublesome things huh?
"But since that already done and we have representative in here that talk with you, then things would be more faster." Griselda stated with reassuring smile to me
"Good then... Well..." I take a look at the clock and notice it was 04:00PM already, I promise to meet Azazel at 9:00PM after dinner so... "I guess since we done then why don't you two stay here a bit for some food? Gesualdo-san here come from far to taste my cooking after all." I said as I sent look to Dulio who beamed at mentioned of food
"Yep! Food definitely good thing! I quite hungry actually since I leave in hurry pursuing the plane!" Dulio laughed shamelessly "Call me Dulio Issei-kun -I will call you that kay?- Gesualdo-san too formal."
"Well, suit yourself then. What about you Griselda-san?" I asked
"Hmm..." Griselda tapped her chin with her finger and let out hum "Food sounds appealing, Irina and Jeanne also said you very good cook. I guess I willing to taste it then..." She said as she give me nod
"Don't worry Nee-sama." Xenovia suddenly spoke and she puffed her chest in proud manner "Issei-dono cooking was very good to the point it even going to satisfy Archangel in Heaven!"
It been few hours ever since my meeting with the Church, after my meeting with them done Xenovia and Asia go with them. Normally it just Xenovia who supposed to be leaving, Asia could stay but the blonde girl said she want to company Xenovia
Xenovia told me she wish to talk to Griselda first about her decision to leave from Church, she will give Durandal back to Church before leaving with me since she can't just carry Legendary Sword that belong to Church when she no longer related to them
Of course I could create one for her if she wish, that huge sword already planted inside my mind and could be created anytime. Though I'm surprise at it size, while EMIYA World Durandal looks elegant, beauty and peerless, mine look big and strong, a sword that looks like can cut anything just like it reputation and legend
While Asia and Xenovia leaving, Mittelt went back to Zelretch. She said she need to ask something, though actually can't find that old man, it was he who found you. When they train Zelretch always come to pick them, even if you in middle of privacy he will pull your ass out
I still remember when that happen, it was poor Mittelt who got pulled. We were relaxing in house that time, she said she was in middle of taking bath when suddenly hole appear where her stand and suck her in
When I barging to her bathroom due to her scream I only found note written 'Mittelt went to her training, don't wait for her'. The writing clearly belong to Zelretch, there no mistake and even if I doubt it, Mittelt who grumbling about pervert Vampire when goes home clearly erase it, apparently when we were on his Boundary Field that old man could teleport us to his place in instant
So right now I go alone to place where I and Azazel supposed to meet. I wearing my black leather jacket on top of my black armor, I also keep my sense alert until now to make sure he not place trap or ambush party waiting for me
The place actually in city, in crowded part in fact. He probably invite me to there so I won't be suspicious but unfortunately I still. I mean, he even said he dislike me through the phone, I knew it was fool of him if he make move in this place but he are Azazel. The Governor of Fallen Angel and the one that able to defeat Archangel Raphael despite he weakened because just flee from his prison
It wasn't long before I arrive in place where I supposed to meet with the Governor of Fallen Angel, and when I see the place I can't help but deadpanned
Welcome to Bunny Sweety Cafe
A brothel... A fucking brothel... He invite me to brothel... Does that man knew I'm underage for this place? True my face probably won't make people suspicious at my age but...
Sadly for some reason I'm not surprise he wish to meet in here, Kokabiel after all mention Azazel was more womanizer than him.
As I stare at the door of the cafe, part of my mind yelling at me, demanding me to be flee from here and tell Azazel to buzz off. It tell me that if I enter this place there something that will threatened my sanity, just like when I meet Kokabiel
And this time I did obey it, I about to turn around to leave but then his voice come
"Ah! You there! Hyoudou Issei!"
The familiar voice I heard from my cell phone yesterday make me turned to it unconsciously and I see him. Kokabiel was utterly beauty, he was perfect definition of Pretty Boy that even going to made any actor/actress envy to his beautiful face
But Azazel is not...
His appearance instead is the most Human like I ever seen from all Supernatural Being. Black abyss hair like Kokabiel's that mixed with blond on part of his bang that covered his forehead, violet colored eyes that darker than Sona's, face like people in his late twenties and black goat. Garbed in brown-red high collared, long sleeved coat where the zip opened slightly to reveal his chest, wearing long gray jeans and black shoes
When I meet Kokabiel, Sirzechs, Serafall, Sona, Rias and other supernatural being they all actually possess special trait, no matter how they Human like but they all not. They must be more beauty or handsome than normal one, none of them actually ugly, all of them possess specialty that make them look attractive
But Azazel not... He exactly look like normal people, his face can't be called handsome nor ugly. He exactly looks like how Human looks
And that... Actually unnerving me...
The Fallen Angel have expression that similar like someone who meet his old friend, he smile slightly at me and yelled "Oi! Issei! Its me!"
I only stare at him blankly, part of my mind still yelled to flee from him. Tell me to pending the meeting and change the schedule, or place, anywhere but here
That part of mind crushed when I feel something push me from behind and it in that moment I realize Azazel already behind me and pushing me playfully like I some kind of groom who nervous
"Come here, my Boy! I'm so glad you finally come! We have much to talk!" He said as he laughed while pushing me
"Halt!" The guard of the brothel stop Azazel "You can in but are you sure this boy can? He seems too young." He stated
"Too young?" Azazel eyebrow narrowed "This boy was natural charmer! He had enter place like this many times!"
The guard scoffed, obviously not believe to the Governor, however before he could speak further, he were halted when mob of womans come out from the brothel, all of them clearly wearing very, very revealing outfit!
"Azazel-kun, you come out without telling us and-Is that Issei-kun?" One woman, who have black hair and wearing purple revealing dress had her eyes widened when notice me
And she not the only one who surprise, me too. I don't know her so how did she-
"Issei-kun? The one that Azazel-kun talking about?"
"Ohhh! He handsome! More than the picture!"
"Hyoudou Issei? Aren't he the one who always try to helping people? I heard from Asuka he save her from robber!"
"Oh my! Its him!"
So it Azazel who told them... And well... Maybe my reputation in Kuoh also helping? Well in past before I get my power I often helping people, I even take care few of street gang in this city
And before I could said anything the group of the womans now already on me! They all-OH MY GOSH! WHO PINCH MY-
"He have sexy ass." One woman said sultry
Oh God! Their hands! Wait that's was-!
"H-Hey! W-Wait! E-Everyone!" My face was full red as they now practically smoothering me like group of lioness seeing piece of meat
Azazel watched with pervert grin on his face as he see Issei dragged by group of womans inside the brothel, the poor boy was bumbling mess while have his face rivaling tomato and get groped many times
He turned to the guard who send dark glare to Issei, no doubt jealous
"You were saying?" He asked in mocked tone
Despite having EMIYA experience Issei without doubt still have one problem, the problem that shared with the white haired Archer himself
Woman
Having his experience and had see it was different from experiencing it, that's why his Eye of the Mind rank was low and false instead true, because Issei himself actually not have much experience in battlefield
Same thing occur to his current problem
Woman
Add the worse, EMIYA himself also not have much experience with woman feeling, true he knew the basic and moderate level but advanced one? Come on, this guy even dense enough to not notice his friend feeling for years! And said the friend always come to his house and help him make breakfast everyday! What you call woman at your age who come to your place everyday only to cook breakfast for you?! Your Mother?!
It just half hour after Issei enter the brothel, half hour he found himselft surrounding by woman who look at him like he piece of meat and half hour those woman seduce him and groping him endlessly
To be honest, he could make them go away with Magecraft and he did try it, however that blasted Azazel have give the womans charm! A protector charm from hypnotic or such things Magecraft!
Needless to say, Issei was far from amused
But Azazel certainly very amused
So we found Issei now glaring murder to Azazel as both of them sit in bar. It take time but Issei finally succeed make all the woman that gathering on him go away
Of course since he can't use Magecraft it mean he have to use mundane way which mean he have to humor them and talk to them -which be more hard especially those womans just grope you shamelessly and few even offering their service-
"Well I disappointed." Azazel scowled to him "The way you handle those woman as if they are plague rather than living being." He chided
"Well forgive me then your Eminence." Issei spat with sarcasm on his voice "I'm not a man who love to toy with Woman hearts." He stated to the man who snorted, the Governor if offended he not show it
"Oi! For your information I'm responsible man! All the woman I capture always get happy ending in the end!" Azazel defended himself while putting smug face
"Happy ending... Yeah..." Issei deadpanned, his voice clearly show his disbelief
"I'm not joking." Azazel stated seriously "Let me tell you one story, once there some woman, let call her... Mary, Mary was wife of some rich guy, not just rich, he's handsome, kind and everything that woman could wish for as Husband. Sadly he lack one thing, he have problem with his genital organ
"So because of that Mary become quite awkward to her Husband, her lust can't be fulfilled and she afraid that one day because of that she will do something that hurt her husband."
Azazel paused, then his smile becoming smug. And he pointing to himself while puff out his chess
"That's where I come. I offer her to release herself, I also said if he have sex with me his Husband will never found out, I, after all Governor of Fallen Angel. There no way a mere civilian could find out about my and Mary relationship. If he did I just could replace his memory!
"And so, Mary no longer feel sad, she had found way to spent her lust and at same time also still live in happy with her beloved Husband, all thanks to the Governor of Fallen Angel, Azazel."
By the time Azazel had finish his story Issei expression was like a fish that swimming, the mug he hold now clattering on table, his brain processing what he just heard and see few times before he stared at Azazel
"Did you just tell me you seduce someone wife and have affair with her, not just once but repeatedly until she died and instead ashamed or feeling guilty you feeling proud?" Issei asked in the most bewilderment tone he ever use
Instead showing shameful face Azazel blushed, he grinned and rubbed his back head while turned away like tsundere girl that just praised "Psh! Stop it! You make me blush!"
'That's not a compliment!' Issei roared in his mind, outward he only close his eyes and pinching bridge of his nose, he already get headache the moment he enter this place and now
Deciding it better if he go to the point and flee from this insanity he start to talk to switch the topic "Anyway, let's get to the point. I-"
"Azazel-san? Is that you?"
New voice interrupt Issei's, gaining both supernatural aware people attention as they turned and see the speaker. It was man, possibly in middle of twenties, clad in clean brown suit
"Ah! Keita-kun!" Azazel greeted back in jovial manner "Fancy meeting you here."
"Yeah! Same to you Azazel-san!" Keita chuckled "Looking for proper girls?"
"Hahahaha! You knew me!"
It was then Keita notice Issei presence, upon seeing the boy he put small polite smile to him "Ho? Who is this?"
Azazel grinned, and before Issei could speak he scoop the boy with one arm in bro manner "This is my young apprentice! Hyoudou Issei!" He declared proudly
'Apprentice?'
"Ohhhh!" Keito make voice of person who just seeing model, his eyes also gaining new light "Really? Then boy! You in luck! Azazel-san here's man among man! You will soon have any woman melted in your hand!" He then give small reassuring smile "Please noted that his method may sounds strange but it work too!" He told the boy who still in shock of Azazel claiming him as his apprentice, then he turned to Governor again "I will take my leave then Azazel-san! Take your time!" He said as he grinned to him
"Yes! Yes! Have a nice night Keita-kun!" Azazel responded in same jovial manner as he wave his hand and seeing the man leave to the crowd
"Apprentice huh?" Issei muttered bitterly while giving him look that said 'I'm not amused'
"Hahaha! Don't be like that, you should be thanking me! If not it will take longer for him to leave." Azazel replied in still jovial manner "And you must be wish to know what he mean by strange method!"
Issei eyes widened instantly, his mind yelled to cut Azazel quickly and he knowing that if he didn't follow it there will be consequence, instantly he tried to cut him
Keyword : tried
"It easy! I just put the girl he wish to locker room then throw him inside and lock them together straight for six hours!"
...
...
"You what?" Issei deadpanned as he stare dully at the man
"I'm locking him with the girl he love in one room straight for six hours!" Azazel grinned "And when they come out, they went for few date then now they are lover!"
Issei stared, he stared and stared before he finally grip the mug he grip and gulp it down with single dunk. And that proved to be the right thing to do as he feel his headache lessened slightly
"Let just... To the point, I don't think I will stay sane any longer if I spend time with you further." Issei said dryly, it seems he finally realize why Kokabiel went rogue
"Aww you did it again Issei!" Azazel speak in 'aww you praising me too much' tone while rubbing his back head again
"THAT'S NOT COMPLIMENT MORON!" Issei shouted to the Governor angrily, apparently his mind finally decide to have enough. Thankfully it was quite crowded in there so no one paying attention to him even if he yelling
Azazel only laughed at Issei response "Geez! You are too serious Mr Hero! Lighten up a bit!"
At that Issei glaring at him before he sighed "I would had you not pull that stunt before." He grumbled in irritation make Azazel snorted
"Anyway, you said you wish to the point right? Well I guess I will straight to the point." Azazel said as he pull out some bracelet from his pocket and place it in the table make Issei eyes narrowed "I heard you have problem controlling your Sacred Gear power, that thing will help you..."
Issei stare at the bracelet that offered to him warily, for all he knew that item could be bomb rather than gift actually. He immediately cast Structural Grasp on the bracelet, scanning the accessory and how it work.
It was seal
A limiter...
Sacred Gear work very similar like Noble Phantasm, they are weapon. But Issei can't trace them, he can't copy them. Yes, he could copy the form and copy the shape but when it created it couldn't active or work. Why? Because what he copy only the weapon, the difference between Sacred Gear and Noble Phantasm are the first have soul inside it
Even if it only low-class one but it still does have, for example Twice Critical have soul of Dragon inside it and Flame Shake possess soul of Flame Spirit, the Elemental Spirits that live
The limiter in front of him will suppress the power that surge out from his body, it going to put strain on him by doing that but the strain won't be bad, it could be setting how big the strain he wish for and when he accustomed to the first level he could increase it, make him start new training to adapt to Ddraig power and it keep going until the end he able to Master the Welsh Dragon power itself
It was very advanced technology
Issei knew Azazel would able to make things like this, but to see the item directly now...
Azazel was Fallen Angel who teach Human about war, he teach them how to make shields, create swords, forging armor and knives. He the one that supply them with weapon and even rumored to teach them witchcraft. For some being like that, creating thing like this shouldn't hard, he was after all the one that teach mankind about them
Once again Issei reminded that the entity in front of him now is someone who far above him, someone who even surpassing Kokabiel who barely he able to beat, someone who lead the millions of Fallen Angel
"Well, that's it. Take it, I'm not put bomb on it, you have my swear as Governor of Fallen Angel..." Azazel said while drink his mug
Issei stare at him for moment then without word move his hand and take the item, he cradle it on his arm and look at it 'This will be useful...' He thought as he already formed plan in his mind to use it "Thanks..." He grunted
"No problem. That item act like limiter but be warned you can't bring it in battle, that thing not made for it." Azazel warned as he glanced at him "Surely you knew using it while training won't be risky but use it in battle was something else."
Issei knew what Azazel mean, when he enter Balance Breaker it increase his strength and when he Boost once his power skyrocketed, making him hard to move because if he did it recklessly he will destroy anything on sight. But since the item was latched to him and it part of his body it will save, however if he bring it in fight. Well, that was different matter
When he facing against army of Fallen Angel was proof of that, he tired fast because his mind trying his best to stay in control, to balance all the power he possess that time. Had he possess better control he could use Boost to his body rather than forcing strength of Heracles to his body while performing Nine Lives : The Shooting Hundred Heads
"I guess our meeting done then, you could leave if you want." Azazel said nonchalantly while ordering new drink make Issei rose his eyebrow
"That's it? You don't want ask or said anything to me?" He asked, to be honest this meeting was the shortest that he have until now -if there no one interfere it actually was-. So he can't help but asking that
Azazel who hearing that glanced at Issei while drink his mug that just refilled, after a moment he put the mug down and he give Issei look
No... Not normal look...
The moment Issei see Azazel dark-violet eyes his whole body tensed, his instinct and experience screamed at him in instant. His hands even moved unconsciously, hair at the back of his necks stand and adrenaline flowed to his whole body
Because that dark-violet eyes contain nothing but promise of death
"Let me tell you Hyoudou Issei..." His voice was blank, there no emotion like tone that belonging to death who approach it prey "I had said it yesterday I didn't like you and its true, but that not reason why I should act ass to you since you save us from another Great War. But you must know I still don't like you, you kill my Brother after all."
He shifted from his position, body moved to face Issei directly now and yet his dangerous eyes never move away from the boy in front of him and Issei stare back at him, despite the coldness that struck him in core he still able to notice that everyone now looks like blur, everything around him seems like illusion, and it in that moment he realize Azazel had created Boundary Field for sometime, when he did that Issei clearly don't know
"We, Fallen Angel are being that cursed much like Devils and let me tell you, when we hate something it won't be half-baked hate.
"Right now we can laugh together, joking together, insulting each other like we are best friend but at same time right now I also really, really tempted to create thousands spears and rain it down to this brothel in order to kill you. And had I'm hundred years younger I going to do that immediately.
"And trust me, despite we just joking and laughing together, if I kill you now I still going to smiling when I see your mangled corpse below my feet."
The death threat and his blank voice manage struck Issei to the core, for once he feel fear, pure fear just by standing in near of someone or just seeing him. Even if he had facing Ddraig but deep down Issei knew the Dragon won't harm him, they are partner after all and while Ddraig not held back his intimidating aura Issei still knew Ddraig will pull it back the moment Issei can't hold it
But Azazel not, he are different person, he clearly going to kill Issei if he make slight mistake, he will destroy him if he offend him too much and he will completely eradicate him if he attack him first
This is the Governor of Fallen Angel, Azazel of the Scapegoat, the one that rumored as Archangel of Doom
"Now if you done then you may leave Hyoudou Issei." Azazel spoke again after moment of silence before turned back to his drink
Then everything back to normal
The blur around him gone, sounds of people singing and yelling in party followed by music of the bar return, everything back to normal as if there nothing happen few seconds ago
Issei trying his best to calm his breath, even now adrenaline still not leaving his body as he stare at the Fallen Angel who drinking his mug. Slowly, like a rabbit that trying it best to flee from snake that caught sight of it, he moved and stand
Without words, he turned away, walking slowly and as calm as he can to the exist door. And just when he reach it, he turned around to get last look on his predator
The Fallen Angel staring back at him, his face no longer blank and there no more gleam on his dark violet eyes, instead he now smiling goofily while rising his mug to him as if he was his old friend. There no any sign that he just threatened his life, in fact, it as if he never was in first place and they indeed very close friend
And that actually make Issei more afraid to him
He already outside without realizing, now he was in middle of his way to his home. And just when he realize he finally far from the brothel, he gasped. Heavy breath followed by bullets of cold sweats out from his body
Even when he no longer see the Fallen Angel but the terror feeling still there, his body still produce adrenaline as if the Fallen Angel was behind him. It only end now, when he very far from the brothel
'Never in life I feel terror like that...'
He trying his best to calm but it still fail, it take few minutes for him to calm himself and he found he now leaned on the wall while breathing softly, his hand clutching to his chest like someone who suffering asthma
He then let out short breath before inhale as much air as he can through his nose then exhale it through his mouth afterward, he open his eyes and once again his steel gray eyes show calmness and sharpness like usual
"Okay... I'm calm now..." He said to himself, as soon he said that he quickly stand firm. Now he calm he could go home without make people worry about him if they see his panic state
However not long after he began to walk his mobile phone ring once again, ramming his pocket he pull it out and see it from Shizune. He narrowed his eyes, it already 10:13 PM. Why Shizune call him?
He accept the call and brought the phone to his ear
"Yes? Shizu-chan? What's wrong?"
(This is Hyoudou Issei?)
Instead the usually bubbly and cheerful cute voice, it was male and certainly adult one that greet him
He almost freeze once again but he able to handle it, his face though confroted to grim expression "Who is this?" He asked stoically but there still skeptical in his voice
The one who call him seems able to sense it and he try to calm him down (Do not worry sir, my name Kayaba Kazugaya, I'm Local Police.) That seems work as Issei body relax slightly but somehow there dread feeling on his stomach, why police call him in this late? (I... I have grave news sir... It about your friend and her mother.)
For the second times in this day, Issei freeze in terror
Yo! Hello all! How. Are you?! Its been a while isn't it? Hahahaa. Sorry for long update, I'm busy lately and still busy actually now, I have exam and also need to study since my grade was bad lately
Anyway, there nothing much in this note. As you can see this is the last part of Issei meeting guest that related to Bible Faction. The next would be guest from Youkai faction but don't worry the conversation will end soon and we will enter action part of this arc
How the meeting with the Church? I hope you like it, and yeah! Dulio was here! What? You shouldn't surprise about that giving his reputation who often to traveling and gone the moment hear delicious food. To be honest that man really looks like cool guy, and yep! He without doubt strong, title of Strongest Exorcist fell to him not without reason you know!
Now as you can see Azazel didn't like Issei, that actually shouldn't be surprise seeing Kokabiel one of his good friend, they was brother who fight side by side after all and survive together through Great War. True Azazel knew what Issei did is right but he won't just become 'Okay, you did the right thing so we become friend!' Seriously people often look down to him and often forget that he are Fallen Angel, a being that cursed and exiled, there reason why he feared you know
I hope you love this Azazel, he still the same guy we knew except he could be more vicious and cold. He, after all Fallen Angel and have his own curse
In this chapter I also show Issei feeling fear, it mean to show that he not perfect protagonist that always get what he want, while he have EMIYA experience but he still counted as young man and only get his experience through dream (or false)
And what happen to Shizune?! Oh my! What going on to our cute and beloved Shizu-chan?! This is cleaaarly baad!
Next chapter would be out next week or longer perhaps since I'm kinda busy. This is it for now, I hope you love this chapter! Please give Favorite, Follow, and Review
Ja Ne! XD