Welcome to the next chapter of the Twin Dragons. Now, before starting the story let's times to answer some reviews:
ARSLOTHES: I probably won't switch her over to Kazuki.
Hellspam: Yep, I think everyone's waiting for his death. And beware to Serafall, she may soon awaken her full Grayfia.
Ryujomaru15: Thanks, I wanted to work in some funny moments.
Ahsoei: Well, chapters can't all be without some mistakes.
Blue Eyes Pendulum Dragon: Well, I wouldn't exactly say that. Well, I may have one style in mind for him and you're right he isn't the type of person to rely on just one weapon. (Also, I'm not familiar with Shadow of Mordor). I already have something planned for their future development. And same here, I hope that you have a Merry Christmas and Happy New Years.
Zombie-Chan: I have thought about it and I'm not opposed to doing that.
Guest: I haven't really decided to make the similar to those two that's just how everyone who read the story had portrayed them as. And I don't think that would be possible.
Guest 2: I think that I can do that.
ExienFrost290: Thank, I'm glad that you liked that.
Guest 3: I guess that it would be just like how they would normally react when they fight.
Anon: I'm updating it now.
Interview in the Underworld
"High-Class Devil huh…."
Issei wondered out loud to himself during his late-night work as a Devil answering his clients' requests, while riding on his bicycle. Due to his training in the Underworld in Tannin, his demonic powers had grown to the point where he could use the teleportation magic-circle, however…as one of his clients commented, "It's weird having you appear through the normal methods, I'm used to you appearing through bicycle." Hearing that he sighed slightly as he became known as the 'Bicycle Devil'. After wanting to be able to travel through a magic circle like normal, but now stuck riding a bike.
As he rode on his bicycle down the street, he began to think about how he was treated as a Low-Class Devil by the other High-Class Devils born into their status.
"Well, they won't think that about be anymore as soon as I become a High-Class Devil. Yea! Then after that, my dream of becoming the Harem King will come later! I'll show everyone! I'll become a Devil of the Highest Class with just sheer hard work and I'll show them all, but first I should knock some sense into that bastard Diodora."
Issei had declared with a confident smirk on his face. He then stopped his bike in front of a vending machine, after stopping he paid for a sports drink and opened it. Taking a seat on the bench, he began to take a bit gulp of the drink. Issei then let out a large breath of relief.
"Buha! Sports drinks taste good."
Issei had declared with a big grin on his face, as he was about to take another sip. He stopped after sensing a very unsettling presence. Jumping up from off of the bench, Issei had turned around and got into a fighting stance. He looked and was surprised that it was Arthur who was dressed in clothing different from his usual gentlemen attire with Caliburn currently sheathed on his side, however, Arthur returned his greeting with a slight smile.
"Hello, again. Sekiryuutei-dono."
"I remember you, your names Arthur. Why are you here?"
At his question, out of confusion, Arthur had only looked at him with a refreshing smile.
"Well, I came here to escort Vali."
"It's been two months, Issei Hyoudou."
Issei was immediately on alert after hearing the new voice, turning his head against he saw that this time it was Vali who was dressed in a white shirt.
"I heard that you were capable of gaining a greater mastery over your Balance Breaker, I can also tell that your demonic power has risen more. That makes me happy."
Hearing Vali's comment, while he smiled slightly Issei had narrowed his eyes slightly.
"Yo, the Genius Maouryuukou. Do you want to continue from where we left off?"
Issei had asked as he was prepared to activate his Boosted Gear, however, Vali only waved him off.
"You are quite aggressive today, Issei Hyoudou."
"You and the Khaos Brigade are a major hindrance to my plans in the future."
"To become a High-Class Devil. Even if you choose not to worry about it, I think that you will become a High-Class Devil in a few years. With the battle against the rest of the Khaos Brigade maybe even sooner."
Though Issei was slightly happy that he was complimented by one of his rival whom he desired to surpass, but Vali had then added.
"I didn't come here to say that today."
"Then why did you come?"
"I heard that you will be having a Rating Game match. And that your opponent for the match this time is the heir to the House of Astaroth."
Even though he was surprised that he knew about their upcoming match, it didn't really surprise him much.
"What about it?"
"You should be careful."
Hearing that word of advice from Vali, Issei had dropped his stance.
"…What do you mean?"
"You saw the recorded video, right? The match between the House of Astaroth and the princess from the Arch-Duke."
Issei had thought about what Vali had asked him. Soon after the memory of them viewing the match had come back into his mind. Even though Diodora had won, there was something off about how he won his one-on-one match against Seekvaira. During the match, Seekvaira originally had the advantage over him, however, within the climax of the battle he suddenly gained a sudden power-up and begun to overwhelm Seekvaira and her Peerage, while originally being supported by his own servants.
Seeing the match, everyone had gained their own suspicions about him suddenly gaining a drastic increase in his demonic power during the climax of the match. Even showing off demonic power that surpassing Rias' own.
"Well, it won't get through the skulls of those High-Class Devils if it's coming from my mouth. So I thought that it might be okay for you to know it."
"So you're saying that something that happened during the Rating Game match that the higher ups don't know about?"
"I'm positive that Azazel and the others had already realized it. I'm even more sure that your brother realized it since he's already familiar with that kind of method."
Vali had answered to Issei, who then only looked towards them with a wondering look on his face.
"But, there is one thing that I'm confused about."
"What is that?"
"I was certain that Bikou would be the one with you, but I'm actually shocked that it was him."
Hearing that come from Issei, Vali had laughed slightly along with Arthur who then looked towards him with an answer for that.
"Well, you see Sekiryuutei-dono. The answer to that is…."
Meanwhile at Kuoh Academy, inside of the gym, the members of the basketball club were all currently leaving after they were done practicing. But one of them had stopped and looked towards Kazuki who had remained after their practice was done.
"Oh, Kazuki are you cleaning up? Do you want any help?"
"It's alright, Kei-kun. This won't take long. So you guys can just go home."
"Thanks, Kazuki. Hahaha, but I guess that we should be calling you Taichou."
After hearing him calling him their captain, Kazuki had become slightly embarrassed since beforehand he was already elected as their captain. Shaking off the embarrassment, he had smiled towards his fellow player and waved him off.
"Just make it home, I can take care of everything from here."
"Yea yea, later. Kazuki-Taichou."
Kei had walked off with a slight smile on his face, as he slung a duffel bag over his shoulder. After he noticed that everyone had officially left the area, he had kicked the basketball up into the air and caught it in the palm of his hand. Throwing it up into the air and catching it in his hand for a while, until he finally turned around and threw it hard at whoever was standing further away from him.
With a single hand, that person had caught it with one hand.
"It's been a while, Hakuryuukou. Or do you prefer Taichou?"
The person standing behind him was revealed to be Bikou who was dressed in normal clothing aside from his Chinese armor. Even though he was looking at Kazuki with a natural look on his face, Kazuki in return only gave him a calculating look.
"What're you doing here? Just so you know Kuoh Academy as a very strict no animal policy."
Kazuki had plainly stated with a slightly unemotional look on his face.
"Hahaha! I just came here to…."
Just as he was about to say something, Bikou had noticed that Kazuki had vanished with a single movement forward. Sensing an attack coming from behind him, Bikou had ducked dodging a roundhouse kick by Kazuki from behind.
"Whoa, that was fast."
"You haven't seen anything yet."
Kazuki had declared as he charged forward towards Bikou, he began using very fluid movements in close quarters combat against Bikou. In response, Bikou began to either dodge or deflect the several attacks that Kazuki was throwing at him. Stepping close enough to him, Kazuki had placed the palm of his hand on his closed fist and thrust his elbow forward. Before Kazuki's attack could reach him, Bikou had stepped back gaining some distance away from him.
"Hahaha! It looks like my former student learns some martial arts! I'm so proud."
"You know if you weren't mind boggling annoying that would sound more endearing."
Kazuki answered as he pushed him backwards.
Currently with Issei, Vali and Arthur. Arthur suddenly became suspicious sensing someone coming in their direction.
"Who's there?"
Taking note of Arthur's suspicions Vali turned in the same direction. A shadow appeared in front of the three of them, with Issei already knowing who it was. It was one of his 'odd' regular customers, a "daughter born from a man" with unbelievable amounts of muscles and wearing a gothic Lolita clothes along with cat ears on his head. It was Mil-tan?! Seeing his sudden arrival both Vali and Arthur had to look at him twice.
"Nyo."
Raising his hand up, Mil-tan greeted raising his hand in the air.
"Judging from its ears, is he a Nekomata? Even I couldn't sense him until he came closer. Is it senjutsu?"
"No, that is…. I'm having some suspicions about this."
Issei marveled on the expressions that were on the perplexed faces of Vali and Arthur. And soon again, he became amazed by Mil-tan.
"Well, who cares. Let's return Arthur."
Saying that both Vali and Arthur began to walk away before being stopped by Issei.
"Wait. You came here just to tell me that."
"I was nearby, so I decided to warn my future Rival-dono."
"So long, Sekiryuutei-dono."
After saying his farewell to Issei, both Vali and Arthur walked away. Issei made a wondering look on his face after seeing how they could just appear in front of him and just walk away just like that.
[Your rival is a weird one.]
I also think so!
[Well, you are also quite weird as well.]
Issei fell slightly after hearing his partner saying that rudely.
[But, I'm having fun.]
What's this all of a sudden?
[It feels like you speak to me the most out of all the possessors I ever had. You are the first host whom I think I have fun having conversations with.]
That's because I'm clueless and I need to ask many things, or else there are lots of things
[…Maybe that's a good thing. You don't treat me like a tool, but as a single being.]
You aren't a being!? I'm rather shocked at that instead! Ddraig, you are a Sekiryuutei are you not? A-Am I wrong?
[Kukuku. You sure are a weird one.]
Sighing at what his partner said, Issei begun to walk home after saying goodbye to Mil-tan.
"I see. So that's what Vali told you."
After arriving home, Issei had gone inside of his bedroom sitting next to Rias near the bottom of his large bed. Taking in what he said, Rias put her hand under her chin with a wondering look on her face.
"…If he entered this town, then we should have known about it…. But we can't find them at all. A technique to eliminate your own presence? A certain application of the senjutsu? Or did they use Kuroka's space barrier?"
After she said that, Rias activated a magic circle in her hand beginning to contact someone with it.
"I will report this to Onii-sama and Azazel just in case."
Reporting everything that she was told about what had happened to her older brother and Azazel, she ended contact with them afterward. After ending the contact with them, the door to Issei's bedroom had opened revealing a sight that he quite enjoyed.
"Ara ara, Ise-kun. Welcome home."
It was Lucia who was wearing the costume of a character from a certain game that he played. A miko costume that revealed her whole thighs and he breasts were exposed a lot to the point where it only hid the most important parts. Seeing how she was dressed Issei's perverted expression had begun to show. Issei could also tell that she wasn't wearing any underwear.
"Ufufu. I asked for Akeno's opinion and she helped me to put this on. …Do you not find this to your liking?"
Lucia had said approaching Issei with a sultry smile on her face.
"O-Of course I do! It's the best!"
"I'm glad. Ufufu. Now, what should we do? Should we have an observation party? Or~?"
Lucia began to send him an erotic gaze while squeezing her breasts.
"Do you want to have a private party on the top of the bed with touching allowed?"
She asked as she used her power of space to appear in front of him with her breasts pressing up against his chest and her index finger under his chin.
"We didn't get the chance to finish what we started at school."
Lucia had whispered sensually in his ear.
Before Issei could shout 'yes' his body froze by the killing intent that he felt. Hesitantly turning his head, he looked and noticed Rias sending Lucia a dangerous smirk.
"…Lucia? What are you doing?"
"Oh, Rias. So you were here."
Lucia had said innocently, however it only caused Rias' killing intent to rise.
"I am here since this is Ise and my room. It's obvious that I'm here."
"I see. Then wait there for a bit. I'm trying to have Ise-kun get some fun. And you being a hindrance as usual."
Hearing her bold statement Rias froze up while smiling.
"…...Hind…rance…...?"
Rias was wrapped in a red aura, sensing the danger Issei had wanted to run away, but Lucia had a tight grip on him.
"Yes, a hindrance."
Lucia answered with an innocent face, as she was wrapped in a silver aura and let go of Issei.
"Is anyone's being a hindrance it's you!"
"Oh, are we getting feisty now? Now, we wouldn't want the camels to come after you, now would we?"
"D-Don't mention that! How about I just call Lucina again?!"
"Sorry, that won't work. She's with Kazuki-kun at that moment."
Aside from the intensity being released from both of the female devils, Issei sensed several more presences coming from the corner of the room. What he saw caused his eyes to widen. It was Kalawarner, Asia, and Koneko wearing the same thing as Lucia though their designs were different.
"Hmmm, it's not something that I would normally wear. But it is easy to move around in…since I'm not wearing anything under this~"
Kalawarner had said the last thing in a sultry tone, Issei could see that her large breasts were far more exposed than they were before.
"B-But, sensei if we don't wear a bra, then….it can be see through…."
Asia has said that shyly while hiding her breasts, but he couldn't help but look at the top of her breasts as they were revealed by the outfit. Issei's nose begun to bleed as he covered his nose in an attempt to control himself. While he was getting excited by that, he heard some footsteps beginning to approach him and he turned his head noticing that it was Koneko. She wore something that is usually only by beast characters in a game or anime. With her white cat ears and tail revealed. Koneko was fidgeting slightly at the look that he was giving her.
"…Do I look good in it? Nyan~"
Koneko asked while doing a pose only done by an actual cat.
Seeing the adorableness of Koneko, Issei had begun to gush from the sheer cuteness. Seeing the look that Issei was giving Rias became teary eyed at the feeling of being left out.
"…I will also wear it!"
Rias exclaimed and ran into the changing room where each of them had the cosplay costumes. After almost minutes….
Open!
Rias had stepped outside of the changing room wearing an erotic devil costume, with her real devil wings flapping adorably. Seeing what she was wearing Issei's perverse look begun to show.
"Now, Ise. I look better, don't I? I know what kind of costume Ise likes."
Rias declared with pride, she did a pose that caused her breast to shake.
"Yes! You look good in it!"
Hearing him say that Lucia had made a slightly annoyed look.
Both Rias and Lucia stared at each other, with sparks started to fly between him.
"…."
Lucia walked into the changing room. She comes out wearing something that couldn't even be considered as clothing.
NOSEBLEED!
Issei couldn't help but get a nosebleed since he could practically see her nipple and her curves were seen before his very eyes.
"Ise-kun likes costumes which have this much exposure, right?"
"Ise-kun. Put your hands up and have your fingers pointed upwards as well."
Doing as she informed him, Issei held his hand up with his index finger pointed outwards. Lucia took his hands and make it go to her breasts.
ZOOM! Mnyuuuuuuu!
Issei's index finger was pressed into her breasts and were getting sucked into them, something that caused him to smile perversely. Even though he has felt them before, he still couldn't get over the softness that he felt as he continued to feel. Having his finger pressed into her breast, Lucia had let out a stimulating breath.
"Aaan…. …This is…amazing…. Ise-kun's finger…."
Lucia moaned out.
Hearing her voice again, Issei couldn't help but enjoy this situation completely.
"…."
With an upset look on her face, Rias took Issei's other hand and placed it on her own breasts. Right now he was feeling the breasts of two onee-samas that he carried a great infatuation for.
"…Nuu…. Like I thought, my chest gets hot…when I'm being touched by Ise…. What is this comfortable feeling…. It increases the more I get touched by Ise…. So I end up releasing noise…. Aaaan…."
His nose started to burst like a waterfall with Rias' sweet sound. No matter how many times he touched her breasts, he never gets bored of it. Her smooth skin that was like silk and elastic so soft that it can bounce and bounce. Issei couldn't help but sink his five fingers into them, both Rias and Lucia began to release soft sounds as they were being groped by him. Their breasts were both satisfying to him, but he couldn't help but think that Rias' were just a little better.
As both of them continued to be groped, both rivals for his heart begun to glare at one another.
"I won't lose Lucia!"
Rias declared as she went into the changing room.
"No, I can definitely show a better posture to Ise-kun than Rias!"
Lucia declared as she ran into the changing room with her.
"No, I can definitely show a better posture to Ise-kun than Rias!"
"Ise said that I am attractive!"
"That isn't true! Last time Ise said my body feels good!"
"You probably made him say that by force! Wait, did you call my Ise casually with his name!?"
"Why can't I!? Ise! Ise! Ise! Ise! Rias, you dummy!"
"Lucia you stubborn head! Today I won't forgive you!"
Everyone there who were in the room could hear both of them as they continued to argue with one another.
"…Ise-senpai. Here is the tissue. You need to stop the nosebleed."
Koneko reached out and handed Issei a tissue, which he thanked her for. He then began to settle down the blood flow.
"This isn't good. When both start their fight, we can't stop them. Even the other teachers agreed on that during our break. Well, come along my students."
Kalawarner had said releasing a slight sigh.
"So the match is in five days."
Joining them inside of the room next door was Xenovia who spoke out first.
Sitting in the room was Koneko and Asia, joining them inside of the room was Kazuki who was dragged in by Xenovia along with Lucina and Akeno. Taking her special spot on Issei's lap was Koneko. In front of them was the Underworld version of Game of Life.
"I'm sure that you guys won't have as much trouble with Diodora as you did with Sona-chan."
Kazuki was the next to talk after taking his turn on the game.
"But, that doesn't mean we shouldn't be careful. He was capable of taking on the Arch-Duke."
Xenovia stated.
Hearing what Xenovia said, Kazuki's mind went back to the replay of the match and there was something that he found odd about it.
"…I don't know about that."
He mumbled out to himself.
"What're you…?"
"~!"
"~!"
From where they sat, they could still hear their voices even through the walls, with Lucina sighing slightly by how her sister was acting.
"Onee-sama."
KNOCK KNOCK
Everyone heard a sudden knock at the door, after getting a response Irina had walked into the room with a slightly tired look on her face. Due to some business at the Church, she had to leave for a while but was only now allowed to come back.
"Waa, when I got home Rias-san and Lucia-san were having a big fight. I was surprised. Ah! Is it the Game of Life? Let me join too."
Saying that energetically, Irina had come towards them to join in. Looking down at what type of game it was her interest was piqued.
"Devil-style one? Waa, I'm interested in it! For a reincarnated angel like myself, I think I can enjoy it with a mix of feelings since I will be able to experience a fake life of devil!"
Hearing how energic she was about it, everyone couldn't help but smile. But seeing how everyone around her was having fun, Asia had let out a slight laugh.
"Hmm? What's wrong, Asia?"
"Yes. I thought that this is fun."
"Yeah, it is fun. But why all of a sudden?"
"Ise-san. I love my current lifestyle. And I love everyone as well."
"I know. Don't worry about the next Rating Game. We just need to do our roles normally."
Issei answered with his usual dependable smirk on his face.
"That's right Asia. Asia and I are friends. I will become your sword and beat anyone who will cause harm to you."
Xenovia added with confidence coming from her.
The atmosphere in the room had changed back to its normal degree.
"Asia, let's finish the game quickly so we can get first place in the three-legged race!"
"Yes."
Asia made a big smile on her face, something that spurred the determination within Issei even greater than before.
They heard the door to the room opening, but before Kazuki could turn around he was stopped by Lucina who reached her hands out before Akeno, Xenovia, and Irina. Coming from the room were both Rias and Lucia who were dressed in bunny outfits.
"I'm sorry all of a sudden. But."
Everyone in the room was confused by what she meant.
"We are getting interviewed. We will be appearing on a television program in the Underworld. We will be appearing as the youth devil and get interviewed. Along with Kazuki who is the Hakuryuukou and Joker of the Brave Saints."
[Television Program?!]
After a while, everyone in the Gremory Group + Kazuki were all teleported to the Underworld for the interview using the personal magic circle located in the Hyoudou Residence. Arriving there they were all greeted by the staff members with open arms.
"We are glad you are here. Rias Gremory-sama. Her servants-sama. And Kazuki Hyoudou-sama. Please come this way."
After their greeting, they were led by the one who they assumed was the producer. As they went in using the elevator, everyone noticed how the building looked a lot like those in the human world. Except for the machines that worked using demonic power. Near the end of the corridor, they saw a group of ten familiar people who were accompanied by their king.
"Sairaorg. So you were here too."
Rias called out their king, who was without a doubt her cousin Sairaorg.
The next head of the Bael Clan with a noble jacket resting on his shoulder. From anyone's point of view, he looked to be a person without a single opening. Standing beside him was his Queen who was a beautiful young woman with a ponytail.
"Rias. Are you also getting interviewed?"
"Yes. Have you already finished Sairaorg?"
"I will be getting interviewed now. Most likely a different studio from you guys. I saw your match."
Hearing that from him, Rias had risen his eyebrow a bit.
"No matter how much power you have, you will lose if you get trapped. They will aim for the slight opening with full power. Above all, there are many unknowns in a Sacred Gear. We won't know what will happen, and what it can do. Compatibility is also important in the Game. I have learned many things from the match between you and Sona Sitri. However…."
His attention was then caught towards both Issei and Kazuki who were both slightly confused, but what shocked them was him placing his hand on their shoulders.
"I desire to fight you both with only pure power."
After saying that to them, Sairaorg removed his hand and begun to walk away along with the rest of his peerage. Everyone Parting ways with him, everyone then went inside the dressing room where they then left their belongings. Afterward, they were taken to a studio.
"Hello, it is my first time meeting you. I am the announcer of the Underworld Broadcast studio 1."
"Same goes to you. Hello."
Rias responded to her with a smile.
"I'm sorry all of a sudden, but for the interview…."
Rias began to get into a conversation with the staff about the interview. As they stood there, they could see the people inside of the studio and most people in the group became a bit nervous. Except, one was more nervous than them….
"…I…I…I…I…I-I…I want to go hooooome…!"
Gasper who was frightened made an attempt to run away but was stopped by Issei and Kazuki who grabbed him by his shoulder. Both tried to calm down the hikikomori.
"There will also be questions asked for other group members, but please don't be too nervous about it."
"Ummm, is Kiba Yuuto-san, Himejima Akeno-san, and Hyoudou Kazuki-san?"
"Ah, that would be me. I'm Kiba Yuuto."
"I am Himejima Akeno."
"And I am Hyoudou Kazuki."
The three of them spoke out.
"I think there would be quite a number of questions asked for both Yuuto-san and Akeno-san. Both of you have increased in popularity. While there are people curious of the youngest of the Twin Dragons and who also became Heaven's Joker."
"Are you serious!"
Issei spoke out in shock.
"Yes. Kiba-san is getting more female fans, while Akeno-sans is getting more male fans. Though I guess that you can say that Kazuki-san is getting quite the number of female fans."
The woman answered, which caused Issei to glare at both of them.
After hearing about Akeno becoming more popular with the male fans, Kazuki had made a somewhat unhappy expression.
"You don't have to worry. I only have eyes for Kazuki-kun. So, I won't go to another person."
Akeno said sweetly as he took his head.
Hearing her say that, Kazuki had blushed slightly with a smile appearing on his face.
"And who is the other person, Hyoudou Issei-san?"
"And, that would be me."
Issei pointed to himself, but seeing him the staff woman made a confused look.
"…Ummm, you are…?"
"Um, I am the Pawn, Hyoudou Issei. I'm also the Sekiryuutei as well…."
Issei answered.
"Ah! You are?! Your armored form had a strong impression, so I couldn't tell Hyoudou-san in a normal state."
She answered with a confused look on your face, something that he understood since he wore his balance breaker scale mail most of the time.
"Hyoudou-san will also have an interview in a different studio. You are famous as being the Chichiryuutei."
"Chichiryuutei?!"
Issei was shocked by what he heard,
"You have become very popular amongst children. It seems like you are called "Oppai Dragon" amongst children. You screamed out "Oppai" in the match against Sitri correct? That was broadcast during snack time in the Underworld. And it became very popular among the children who saw that."
Hearing that from her, Issei made a shocked look on his face. He wouldn't have thought that he would become popular with children and it wasn't exactly the attention that he had in mind.
[U-Uoooooooon…!]
Ddraig had begun to cry inside of Issei.
Hey hey hey. What happened?
[I, who was called the Heavenly Dragon…. I, who has been feared as the Sekiryuutei.]
He was shocked that his partner had begun to cry inside of him, but before he could say anything else he was interrupted.
"Then Hyoudou-san, please follow me to the different studio. I will guide you."
After receiving a personal script from the staff, he began to cheer up Ddraig.
"Man, I was nervous."
After the end of the recording, everyone began to relax inside the dressing room. It was evident from the looks that were on their face that everyone was obviously tired from the day. The questions that were asked by Rias were: How was the match against Sitri? What will you do from now? Is there any youth devil you have your attention on? Such questions like that. Rias just answered the questions with a smile on her face.
Moving onto Kiba, the questions were somewhat drowned out by the sound of female fans who were all screaming their names. It was the same with male fans after moving onto Akeno. As soon it was Issei's turn he heard the sounds of kids screaming out "Oppai Dragon" and "Chichiryuutei". He still couldn't get over the fact that he was popular with children.
"Still confused by how you got popular with kids?"
Kazuki's sudden question got to him.
"Y-Yea, I never thought that I would get attention from kids."
"Well, sometimes they do enjoy seeing someone fire off techniques as flashy as yours." Kazuki said with a slight smile on his face. "Of course, I guess I could relate somehow."
"What was that?"
Issei couldn't hear the last of what Kazuki had said since he mumbled, but he just shook it off by shrugging his shoulders. The questions that were for Kazuki were: What was it like to be an Angel? What did it mean to be a Joker? What was Heaven really like? And what were his plans for the future? Kazuki answered each of the questions honestly with a kind smile on his face.
"By the way Ise. What were you asked to be filmed at the other studio?"
Rias asked him, while eating a snack.
"It's a secret. The staff also asked me not to tell people who are close to me as well."
"I understand. I will be looking forward to it."
Rias responded with a slight smile on her face.
The door to the room opened and someone entered the room. It was a girl–a bishoujo who's hair braided in a roll and wore a dress worn by a true Ojou-sama.
"Ise-sama here?"
"Ravel Phenex. What brings you here?"
After both, his and Ravel's eyes met, her face had become brighter for a moment. Shaking it off, Ravel pushed a basket towards him.
"T-This! It is a cake! My second eldest brother has a television program in this studio so I came to give you this since I had time!"
Taking the basket, Issei checked inside and noticed that it was a delicious chocolate cake, which looked very splendid.
"Did you make this?"
"Y-Yes! Of course! I have confidence if it is cake! A-And I promised you that I would make you a cake!"
"Thank you. But you could have made it for me when we have tea like we promised."
"I won't do anything to disturb you. You have a match with the House of Astaroth coming up soon correct? So I won't waste your time. But I thought maybe I can just give you a cake. You should be grateful!"
Ravel spoke in an innocent tone, but switched to a more tsundere one.
"T-Then I will be leaving here…."
As Ravel was about to leave.
"Wait a sec! Kiba!"
Issei stopped Ravel from leaving and looked towards Kiba who immediately understood his motives. Kiba had created a small knife in his hand and handed it to Issei who cut a bit off the cake off and took a bite of it in his mouth. The sweet taste of the chocolate spread inside his mouth. The cake at the right taste and wasn't too sweet.
"It's delicious, Ravel. Thank you, I will eat this at home. Hahaha, I don't know when I will see you next, so I thought I will give you the comment for the taste now. I will make sure to arrange to have tea with you on a different occasion. If it is me that you would like to have a drink with though."
"…Ise-sama, for the next match, I will be cheering for you!"
Ravel's face turned red to the max as she ran out of the room. Well, it was something that he didn't expect at all. Looking around the room with a response, he noticed that Rias had her eyes closed with her eyebrows was displeased with her normal expressionless look. While Asia was teary eyed, while she was pouting. He looked towards Kiba and Kazuki for an answer, but both just laughed nervously while looking away in an attempt to get out of this situation.
Hyoudou Residence (First Floor Basement)
After exiting the big bath that was located there, Kazuki with a towel around his neck with his phone placed in his ear and a bottle of milk in his free hand.
"Hmm, so you think that he might do something during their rating game?"
[Yea, and if he does. I want you and your team to be on standby just in case. If I'm right, then 'they' might just show up.]
It was Azazel who was conversing with Kazuki about a meeting that he had with Sirzechs some time ago and Kazuki had already thought of his intentions.
"I see. So you're using the Gremory Group who is led by the younger sister of the current Lucifer as bait to them in. The Old Maou Faction. If your guess about Diodora is correct, then he affiliated himself with them and then received a snake from Ophis-san to increase his demonic power to such a level that he was capable of defeating Seekvaira-san. But, I guess that they had to act quickly it would be the perfect chance for them to attack. Killing not only their hated enemies' sister, but also weakening the three faction's main attackers."
[I didn't even tell you that much, yet you deduced that much. Damn, I should've recruited you when you found out about your sacred gear. You don't see many humans like you these days. So, can I rely on you for this?]
"Sure thing, though I'm a bit hesitant to keeping a secret like this from everyone. But, if we can get to them quick enough then I guess everything would be alright." Kazuki answered. "Well, I'm curious about why you asked me instead."
Kazuki was curious to why Azazel had told him this if it was a secret plan.
[Because you're less likely to overreact and act calmly in a situation like this.]
"Well, I do like to act more subtly compared to most people."
[Plus, if you do a great job here. Then the next few jobs that I have might have a good pay in it.]
Azazel had said cheerfully over the end of the phone, something that Kazuki smiled at.
"Alright, so I'll talk to the rest of my team about it. Later."
[Later.]
After hanging up the phone, Kazuki placed his phone in his pocket. Opening the bottle of fruit milk in his hand, he began to gulp it down. He enjoyed the taste of milk after a bath like that.
"I'm glad that they added this to the new renovations. I could go either way with fruit or coffee milk."
As he continued to walk forward, he stopped after seeing an open door. Out of curiosity, he walked in the direction of the room and looked inside. Inside was Xenovia was practicing wielding a practice sword and she was completely being serious. He could tell that there were beads of sweat dripping down her face from how intense she was training.
"…Kazuki."
After being discovered he walked into the training room with a normal look on his face.
"Hey. I noticed the light were on in this room so I wanted to check it out. So, practicing?"
"Yeah, since the game is coming up."
"But, didn't you train quite a lot before dawn as well?"
Since the end of the rating game between Sitri, Xenovia increased the amount of training that she would normally do. Even during their normal sparring session, Kiba seemed to be overpowered by her high spirits and he came to one conclusion.
"You're still thinking of the match between Sitri, aren't you?"
"I am…. I'm weaker than Kiba after all."
Xenovia said with straight eyes.
Her mind drifted back to the recording of their match against Sona and her peerage, after seeing how much control Kiba had over Durandal compared to herself. That itself caused her fist to tighten out of frustration.
"Even on the video, Kiba showed that he could use Durandal better than me. In terms of simple talents, Kiba has more talent than me."
Xenovia's eyes became cloudy after saying that.
"From my point of voice, both you and Kiba's talents are the same. It's just that your styles are different is all. So, you shouldn't doubt yourself. I believe in the future that you can master Durandal in your own way."
"Thank you. But the thing I can't forgive the most…is myself who lost in the previous match without doing anything…. That's why I am training so I won't let my guard down anymore."
She didn't want to let her guard down after what happened during her match against Tsubaki a technique-type who possessed a counter-type ability. It was then that the Gremory Group a group mainly filled with power-types, discovered just how dangerous a technique-type opponent could be.
"No matter how strong you are or how awesome your abilities are…it's pointless if you're trapped. In the rating games teamwork with someone who compliments each other's styles. Like a Knight + Bishop. The Rating Games really is interesting."
Kazuki began to mull over the rating game with a smile on his face.
"Do you want to become a Seraph, Kazuki?"
"Yea, the thought had crossed my mind. But, I guess that it matches my goal in life. –To become the ultimate white dragon and surpass my predecessors."
"In the future, you will be going solo from Gabriel-sama right? To stand at a great height."
"Technically, I am solo. A joker doesn't belong to any of the four types of cards and besides Gabriel-san did say that I could do whatever I wanted…as long it was legal and that it wouldn't cause trouble. If she did have a request for my I will fulfill it wholeheartedly as she is still my king, but I would like to become my own king one day. Who knows, I may even start my own group like Grigori one day."
"If so, then would you take me along as well."
Xenovia's sudden answer caused him slight confusion.
"But, why would you want to do that? I thought you would want to stay with Rias, unless you're thinking of becoming a Free Knight."
"It would be fun being with you."
Hearing her say that, while wearing a smile on her face caused his heart to beat slightly faster, but he smiled.
"Yea, I wouldn't mind you tagging along."
"Thanks. Somehow, talking to you made the nervousness inside me disappear."
After saying that Xenovia had approached him and kissed him on his cheek, something that caused his face to redden slightly.
"It's my gift to you. Should I give it to your lips next? Fufufu. Irina would be mad if I tried to kiss her boyfriend. Then I will be resting for today now."
Xenovia left the room after saying that, after she left the room Kazuki smiled slightly.
"I hope that you guys will be more careful, this may get ugly."
A/N: And there goes Chapter Thirty-Six of the Twin Dragons, not much happened here. Issei meeting with Vali and Arthur who replaced Bikou, the cosplay battle between Rias and Lucia, and eventually the interview. Plus the moment between Kazuki and Xenovia. So, next chapter will be the official start of the Rating Game between Gremory and Astaroth.
PS: Sorry for the late update, I was kind of busy with some other things. So, didn't have time to update.
Issei's Harem: Rias, Asia, Koneko, Ravel, Lucia, Kiyome, Aika, Kalawarner, Serafall, Elmenhilde, Kunou, Jeanne, Katase, Bennia, Isabella, Minako (Oc), Mari (Oc), Tsubasa.
Kazuki's Harem: Akeno, Raynare, Kuroka, Irina, Sona, Xenovia, Yumi, Lucina, Le Fay, Gabriel, Tiamat, Ophis, Rossweisse, Yasaka, Murayama, Kiyoko, Valerie, Seekvaira.