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[Ddraig talking]
[Ddraig thinking]
{Albion talking}
{Albion thinking}
|Tiamat talking|
|Tiamat thinking|
(Mastema talking)
(Mastema thinking)
Mental Communication
"Regular Dialogue"
Attacks/Spells
Areas, Gehenna, February 15, 2020, 10:00 AM; Current Time: 4 Minutes and 27 Seconds Til Midnight
"Vali, why are we here so early, nya~?" Kuroka asked, stretching her arms. Her yellow eyes darted around the crowd, bored out of her mind. Their match was even supposed to start until later that day. Bikou, Le Fay, Arthur, and Fenrir agreed with her sentiment, expressing their discontent and desire to go back to sleep. Gogmagog just stood behind them silently, looking over at the crowd impassively.
Vali sighed and turned around, running a hand through his silvery-white hair. His hazel eyes rested on Kuroka, who shuffled uncomfortably underneath his gaze.
"I told you. We're here to scout out the crowd and see if we can find our first match," Vali said. "Maybe we might even run into Hyoudou here while we're at it. And Kuroka, don't run off right now. The last thing I need is to put up posters for a stray cat."
"MOU! I'm not going to run!" Kuroka said, her tails standing up.
"You were," Vali said.
"Was not!"
"You were."
"Was not!"
The rest of Vali Team looked on with exasperated looks as their leader and Kuroka had their little back and forth, feeling extremely embarrassed as the rest of the crowd looked at them with strange and pitying looks in their eyes.
"I can't believe time flew by that fast," Issei said as he walked down the streets of Agreas. Lily sat on his shoulders, looking out at the crowds. The girl's hair had grown slightly longer over the past two months and she was starting to open up more. Her smiles were what brought light into the daily lives of the newly formed teams and Vasco absolutely adored her.
Behind them, Team Midnight Dragon Emperor of Crimson Truth, as they had decided to name it, was walking and conversing amongst themselves. Issei smiled. Everyone was getting along really well, though some hiccups had occurred during their team training, everyone came out on top at the end. Issei looked over to Rikka and Bova. The two were the most antagonistic of the two as their personalities clashed often. Bova was in his human form which appeared as a brunette teenage boy about Issei's age. He had heterochromia with one red eye and one green eye and wore a silver jacket with black pants, a yellow shirt, and brown boots.
He remembered having to get Vasco's help to break them apart during a team exercise.
"Watch it!" Rikka said as Bova bumped into her. The two had run into each other during a mock Rating Game in which the entire team was split into different sides. Today's captains were Vasco Strada and Risa, pitting two of Heaven's most brilliant combatants against each other. Needless to say, Issei now contemplated having MagiTech Environmental Generators installed inside the house in order to prevent more paperwork from stacking up on Sirzechs' desk for house repairs.
"You watch it! You were the one getting in my way human!" Bova said, roaring at her.
Rikka didn't look fazed by his attempts at intimidation. Instead, she merely laughed and smirked.
"Nice attempt at trying to scare me. Unfortunately, you're about as threatening to me as a child is to a T-rex," Rikka fired back. "On top of that, you're scaly ass seems to be the weakest link we have on this team. I mean, look at Ingvild. Even though she says she's weak, she can hold her own against an eighty-three-year-old man unlike you!"
"Okay guys," Mica said, walking over. "We just need to stay calm and eep!"
Mica backed away when he saw Rikka giving him the harshest stare known to all life. She turned back to Bova who was shaking. He roared and lunged at her, talons splayed and poised to strike.
Rikka easily dodged his attack, slapping his wrist and sending him sideways. She reinforced her legs with magic and landed a devastating kick on Bova, sending him flying across the room.
"You may have your father's strength but you don't possess his battle intuition!" Rikka said, getting down into a stance.
"HAH!" Bova launched himself at her. He inhaled and unleashed a massive stream of fire.
Rikka formed a blue energy sphere in her palm and unleashed it as a massive beam of blue light.
Issei and Vasco appeared in the paths of the attacks. Vasco, using his sword, dispersed the fireball with a single swing.
Issei held out his hand and called on his power, sending a repulsive wave of telekinetic energy to disperse the energy beam. The energy beam shattered into several blue shards of glass-like fragments.
He crossed his arms.
"Okay, I think it's clear that something about you two needs to be done," Issei said.
"It's her fault! She keeps getting in the way!" Bova complained.
"Kouhai-chan. Please see reason. This ignoramus is a hotshot with no sense for battle and all he does is throw around his strength," Rikka said.
"You bitch! You're a igno… ingora… whatever you just said!" Bova yelled.
"It's ignoramus you nincompoop," Rikka said.
"Issei," Irina said, landing next to him.
"Seven Minutes in Heaven?" Issei asked.
"Seven Minutes in Heaven," Irina said.
"Oh no," Mitsuki said.
"Wait… what's Seven Minutes In Heaven?" Tohka asked.
"Isn't that the truth or dare thing where you have to stay in a closet and make out with someone for seven minutes?" Mica asked.
"No, it was a thing our parents and Irina's parents did whenever Irina and I got into a fight or when Aniki and I fought or when Irina and Aniki fought. They locked us in a room with the other person for a few hours until we worked out whatever it was we were fighting. Irina and I were in a room alone the longest. Seven hours. That's where it got its name from," Mitsuki said.
The three turned back and saw Rikka and Bova being dragged away by Issei, Risa, Irina, and Vasco, presumably to be locked in a blast-proof room together.
"Nii," Lily said, tugging lightly on Issei's hair.
"Hmm?" Issei looked up at her. Lily was starting to get a good grasp of the Japanese Language, being able to speak and read nearly entirely in the language, though Issei and Irina spoke English around her to make sure she never forgets. Not that she would. For all Issei knew, the blood that ran inside both made her omnilingual like other Supernatural Beings.
"Ice cream," Lily said.
"You guys go on ahead," Issei said.
They nodded and waved goodbye as Issei and Lily walked down the streets of Agreas to a small ice cream parlor that Lily had seen while sitting atop Issei's shoulders.
"What flavor do you want to get?" Issei asked.
"Chocolate," Lily said giddily. Issei smiled. When they arrived at the store, it was surprisingly empty. On a day like this, Issei expected more customers than the current ghost town he was looking at. He saw a Devil standing at the counter looking dejected as her eyes looked down at the register. Issei felt bad for her. He gently took Lily off her shoulders and placed her on the floor.
"Let's get some ice cream," Issei said, smiling. She nodded and the two walked up to the cash register.
"Um, excuse me," Issei said.
The devil looked up and her eyes widened at the sight of him.
"O- Opp- Oppa," she stuttered out.
"Yeah, yeah, it's me. Um, listen, can I get a Mintchip and two scoops of Chocolate?" Issei asked, looking down at the available flavors.
"O- Of course right away!" she said, fumbling for a scooper.
"Lily, do you want sprinkles on yours?" Issei asked.
Lily nodded in response.
"Hey, um, can you put sprinkles on the chocolate?" Issei asked.
"Yes, sir!" she responded.
As they waited, Issei heard the bell on the door chime and glanced around to see who it was. He smiled at the familiar white hair and black jacket.
"Vali! What's up-!"
"ISSEI!"
Issei felt a dark missile crash into him, sending them both to the floor. Lily yelped and ran towards Vali, hiding behind his leg. Vali and the others looked on with deadpan looks as Kuroka snuggled herself into Issei's chest, the aforementioned person groaning on the floor in pain.
Lily tried to put on a brave face as she peeked out from behind Vali's leg.
"L- Let him go!" she said, raising her hand shakily.
Vali looked down at the girl in amusement.
"No, you're doing it wrong. You have to attack Kuroka first then tell her to let him go," Vali said.
"R- Really?" Lily asked.
Vali nodded as Bikou snickered and the Pendragon Siblings shook their heads. Lily aimed her hand at Kuroka and fired a gust of chilling wind, startling the Nekoushou and making her jump to the ceiling.
Kuroka looked down and saw the little red-haired girl next to Vali.
"Thanks for the save," Issei said, getting up.
"Here's your ice cream," the devil ice cream shop owner said.
"Thanks," Issei said, pulling out a large amount of cash. Well, it wasn't large per se but it was more than the average cost of an ice cream cone let alone two. The devil waitress gawked at the amount of money Issei had handed her and was about to give it back when Issei smiled.
"Please keep it. It looks like everyone is more focused on the fight than to have nice old ice cream," Issei said.
The devil beamed at him and nodded.
"Issei, nya!" Kuroka hopped down from the ceiling and wrapped her slender arms around him.
"Kuroka," Issei said.
"Ne, ne, Issei-kun! Did you know? That I am now a-!"
"Kuroka," Vali said, interrupting her mid-sentence. "Let Issei go. He's probably going to be late to his match."
"Mou, Vali! I wanted to tell him, nya!" Kuroka complained.
"You can tell me later. If we don't get eliminated, we're going to celebrate at my house. You guys are invited if you want to come," Issei said.
"Maybe after our match. Who's your opponent?" Vali asked.
Issei grimaced and pulled out his scroll. Vali's eyes narrowed when he saw the name on the screen of Issei's scroll.
Contestant Name: Thor
Other Aliases: TheLegend27, God of Thunder
GPS Ranking: BBB-Rank Deity Class
Vali whistled. "Thor. He's one of the strongest beings in the world, qualifying as the strongest Norse God with his level of skill. While there's a vast power difference, he's known as the Indra of the Norse Pantheon," Vali said.
"Is he stronger than Odin?" Issei asked.
"No, Odin at full power is much more powerful. I would know," Vali said.
"Good luck," Bikou said, clapping Issei's shoulder.
"Thanks, I'll need it. Oh! Vali, can you look after Lily while our match is going on?" Issei asked.
"Yeah sure," Vali replied.
Issei looked down and kneeled in front of Lily. She had a curious look on her face when she saw Issei smiled softly at her.
"Lily, I need you to stay with Vali-nii-chan for a bit while your sister and I go to participate in our match," Issei said.
Lily nodded.
"Good luck Nii," Lily said. "And Nee too."
Issei ruffled her hair then turned to look at Vali. "You guys going to be sitting with the Maou?"
Vali nodded.
"Well, I'll see you in a bit, Lils," Issei said.
Lily nodded and grabbed Vali's hand. Kuroka cooed at the sheer cuteness of the girl and began to shower her with affection as Issei left the ice cream parlor.
Issei walked down the hallway to the room their team had been assigned to wait in before their match. Issei had the luck of being drawn as one of the first matches of the evening and against an extremely powerful team as well. While he didn't doubt his team's strength, the fact that they were going up against a God right off the bat was extremely unnerving for him as a leader. He sighed.
[Nerves getting to you?] Ddraig asked.
"Yeah. Thor huh?" Issei said.
(Thor? Hah, I remember him! The guy is nice if not a bit… arrogant. I wonder if he mellowed out.) Mastema commented.
|The most important thing is to remain calm. Thor is a powerful God and a brilliant fighter but you just have to out-think and outwit him. Rating Games aren't all about just strength. They're a battle of wits between two kings. Remember Issei, powerful weapons may give one advantages but every Death Star has a weak point that can be exploited| Tiamat said.
"Thanks, Tiamat. I keep forgetting that you administered the Rating Games," Issei said.
|Hmm, it's no big deal. Anything for our little whelp| Tiamat said.
Issei entered the room and immediately felt the mood. The oppressive pressure that was the hopelessness that he felt coming from his team was thick and if one were to have a knife, they could cut through it as if it were solid.
"Guys? Who died?" Issei asked.
"Someone might as well have, Kouhai-chan," Rikka said.
"Oh, so you saw them on the way in," Issei said.
"Thor-sama's team… it's composed of some of the best warriors in Norse Mythology," Mica said.
"I know," Issei opened his scroll and projected the screen onto the large TV in the room. "But winning a war isn't just about weapons. A brilliant strategy is key as well."
"Hmm," Vasco said, looking at Thor's Roster.
Thor (King)
Sif (Queen)
Leif Erickson (Pawn)
Geir (Bishop)
Hervor (Knight)
Sigurd (Knight)
Erik the Red (Pawn)
Eric Bloodaxe (Rook)
"Hmm, we seem to have a similar number of people on our side. Judging from the fact that I see Lady Sif on his team, I can assume that she will be the brains behind this entire operation and Lord Thor and the others would just be following her strategy. This will be an extremely tough match. Lady Sif is known as a tactical genius throughout the Pantheons," Vasco said.
"Got anything to counter her?" Rikka asked, looking at the roster.
"I can't say for certain but the current plan right now is to prevent Issei from being eliminated. If he's eliminated, we lose the match. Do you know where our fight will take place?" Vasco asked Issei.
"New York City. Specifically Manhattan," Issei answered.
"This works out perfectly," Vasco said. "Alright, everybody!"
Everyone in the room turned to the elderly priest, who had a smile and a twinkle in his eye.
"Here is the current plan," Vasco said.
"Welcome to the second match of today folks! For those of you just tuning in now, I am your host for the Azazel Cup, Naud Gamigin!" a man with violet hair said.
Rikka blinked when she laid eyes on him. She glanced over at the others who were waiting to be teleported into the arena.
"Um, doesn't he look kinda like the guy from the Hunger Games who does all the announcements?" Rikka asked.
The others blinked and Issei narrowed his eyes at Naud and a look of recognition passed over his face.
"Huh…, he does. I never really thought of that," Issei said.
"This is the third match of the evening! This match comes off as a surprise to most people though we here in the Underworld expected this to happen one day! On one side, we have the Oppai Dragon, Issei Hyoudou and his Team Midnight Dragon Emperor of Crimson Truth!" Naud said.
The screen flashed to Issei's face, which morphed into a surprised look upon seeing himself on the screen.
"Look, Ise-kun, you're on TV… again," Irina said, snickering at his shocked look. A tick mark appeared on Issei's face as he pulled her cheek, causing her to cry out.
"And on the opposite team! We have him! He who slew a million Giants in their first attempt at trying to overthrow the Asgardians! He surpassed Odin as the strongest deity in Norse Mythology! The Enemy of Jormungandr himself! THOR!" Naud announced.
Cheers erupted throughout the stadium as the image of a man with shoulder-length blonde hair with electrifyingly blue eyes and a short beard appeared on the screen. He wore a dark blue chest plate with silver chainmail long sleeve shirt underneath. He had a fierce grin on his face as he responded to the cheers.
(Hmmm) Mastema hummed as her eyes narrowed at the sight of him.
"ARE BOTH TEAMS READY!?" Naud asked.
"You know what to do the minute we get in right?" Issei asked.
Everyone nodded.
"Alright then… Team MIDNIGHT! ABOUT FACE!" Issie ordered as they were teleported into the arena.
"I've never been here before," Bova said as he walked down an empty road. The skyscrapers of downtown Manhattan towered above him.
"Yeah, New York is a really big place. Good thing we're only in Manhattan," Rikka said, scanning her surroundings.
"Why were we paired together again?" Bova asked, placing his hands behind his head.
"Because the others thought it would be a good team-building exercise to put us on the same team. Honestly, just don't get in my way," Rikka said.
"I was about to say the same to you," Bova said as he poked a newspaper dispenser.
"I'm surprised at the detail they put. They even got the Prometheus statue in front of the Rockefeller Center," Rikka said as they passed by the base of the Rockefeller Center.
"I want to see the real thing one day," Bova said, eyeing the statue.
Rikka suddenly went on guard, her hand flying to her katana. Her eyes narrowed. Without warning, Rikka shoved Bova to the side and drew her Katana deflecting three flaming arrows.
Bova's eyes darted to the fifth floor of the Rockefeller center and saw a woman with a bow trained on them.
"Fifth floor," Bova said, spreading his wings.
"Gotcha," Rikka said as she sheathed Obsidian Rite. She summoned two talismans.
"Lion's Fist of the Asura! Iron Wall Charm! Rasai Senkan!" she chanted.
A matrix of glowing Kanji spread throughout Rikka's body before disappearing.
"Behind you!" Bova called out.
Rikka immediately leaped into the air as a massive ax slammed down on the concrete where she used to stand. The cement shattered, sending dust and debris everywhere as the entire block shook. Bova took to the skies, observing the ax-wielding warrior that had appeared before them.
"Rikka! You okay!" Bova asked.
"I'm fine! Go get the archer!" she said. Bova nodded and made a beeline for the fifth floor of the Rockefeller Center.
"So… which one are you?" Rikka asked as she gripped the hilt of Obsidian Rite tightly.
"I… I am Eric Bloodaxe," the man said as he walked out of the dust cloud. The man was tall, possibly even as tall as Vasco Strada. He was extremely muscular with arms and legs as thick as a telephone pole. He wore only black pants with dark fur boots and a black fauld. His arms were wrapped in thick iron and fur gauntlets. His eyes were blood-red with light red hair and a thick beard. In his right hand was large dark steel ax wit pulsating red veins that made Rikka's skin crawl.
"Eric Bloodaxe… the legendary King of the Egil Saga whose name was Eric Haraldsson," Rikka said.
"The very same lassie," Eric said as he took slow steps towards her.
"So they pulled you out of Valhalla for this tournament then?" Rikka asked as she began to take a few steps back.
"Aye! Even gave me ax a little of an upgrade!" Eric said as he charged at her. Rikka narrowly dodged as he swung the ax. The building behind her was sliced apart as a pressure wave tore through the entirety of the pillars on the ground floor.
Rikka quickly countered by kicking him in the chin, sending him crashing into the fountain in Rockefeller Plaza. She dashed towards him as the building behind her began to fall.
"BOVA!" Rikka called, forming a CC.
"Kind of busy! Her arrows! They're not normal! SHE'S A DAMN VALKYRIE!" Bova said.
"Well, my guy's a genuine article! He's Einherjar from Valhalla!" Rikka said as she swung Obsidian Rite. Eric blocked her katana with his ax, locking them in a deadlock.
"Shit! I'll call back!" Bova said before severing the link.
"Bova? BOVA! FUCK!" Rikka called as Eric pushed back, sending her skidding across the concrete.
Above them, a blast of fire exploded from the Rockefeller building as the skyscraper was hit with the collapsing building that Eric destroyed.
"Tch! Rin! Kyo! Toh! Sha!" Rikka dodged as Eric slammed his ax into the ground. Pain coursed through her body as the Viking Chief slammed his foot into her stomach, sending her crashing into the wall.
Rikka shakily got to her feet as she clutched her side.
"My fucking ribs," she panted. She coughed, sending blood onto the pavement. "Finish the chant, Rikka…"
"ROOOO!" Eric charged towards her, his ax poised to strike the final blow.
"Kai! Jin! Retsu! Zai! Zen! HAYA-KUJI!" Rikka swiped her palms in a cross-motion in the air as Eric brought down his ax. A kuji-kiri appeared on the Einherjar's chest, freezing him in place. His eyes widened as he looked down at her in shock as she grinned.
"Einherjar or not… a spirit is a spirit," Rikka said. "And spirits can be affected with Exorcist techniques of any mythology."
Lightning began to crackle on her fingertips.
"Rikka!"
"I got her!" Rikka called.
The entire seventh floor of the Rockefeller building exploded and Bova burst through grabbing a woman by the face. He flew upward and roared as he threw her towards Rikka.
"I can't believe I'm using his powers," Rikka said. She raised her palm and fired a blast of lightning at the woman. The blast hit, causing the woman to scream as volts of electricity coursed through her body. Eventually, she passed out from the pain as her body began to dissolve into particles of light.
"YOU!" Eric roared as he tried to move towards Rikka to no avail.
"Goodnight old man!" Bova said as he slammed a flaming fist on top of Eric's head. Eric's eyes rolled back as he collapsed onto the pavement, his body dissolving in the same manner as the woman's.
"Astounding! Team Midnight Dragon Emperor of Crimson Truth is in the lead already! One Rook of Thor has been eliminated! One Bishop of Thor has been eliminated!" Naud announced.
"Good job, making you the Rook was probably for the best to enhance that strength of yours," Rikka said.
"You seem to play Knight really well," Bova said in return.
"Come on, let's go. I doubt they'll let us keep this lead for long," Rikka said as the two took off running.
"Damn!" Vasco said, grinning. He was currently locked in a struggle with who he could honestly call his Norse Counterpart. In front of him stood a woman. A woman of such beauty that if he were younger, he would honestly court her. He wasn't Catholic so it didn't matter if he got married or not.
Her ruby red eyes bore into his dulling blue ones, a similar bloodthirsty grin gracing her divine face. She brought her foot up to kick the side of his neck, only for Vasco to counter her and send her, skidding back.
"You're not half bad for someone from this day and age," the woman said as she leveled her sword at him.
"To think that your blade can block the full strength of my Durandal Replica," Vasco said as he swung the Holy Blade.
"Of course. Don't expect anything less from the blade, Tyrfing," she said as she dropped into a stance.
"Tyrfing? And here I thought the boy from the Gremory Peerage wielded the blade," Vasco said.
"Are you two done flirtin?" a man said as he landed next to her. He wore black armor and had blonde hair that was beginning to recede. His mustache was short and he had blue eyes. In his left hand was a short sword that had a violet aura coursing through it.
"Let me have my fun, Erik. We Einherjar don't have a purpose anymore anyway," she said.
"I'm just tellin' you, Hervor," Erik said as he tightened his grip on his blade.
Risa landed in front of him, a katana poised and ready to strike.
"This group means business," Erik said.
"I can see that," Hervor said. "Well then, let's see if you have as much skill with a Durandal knockoff as I do with this Tyrfing knockoff, shall we?"
"Knockoff?" Vasco asked.
"This is a mere copy of the original. Lord Odin managed to get the dwarves who forged the Original Tyrfing to create a copy. While it's not the Original, it merges with me really well. I suppose you could say that my soul has found something to fill the void left by my precious sword after I lost it upon death," Hervor said.
"I see," Vasco said.
"Sorry to interrupt your monologue," Risa said. "But we have a fight to finish."
"Aye. The lassie's… err, what's yer name?" Erik asked.
"Risa," she answered.
"Well, then Risa. Let's let these two lovebirds fight while you and I can dance in the corner over there," Erik said, appearing in front of her. Risa's eyes widened as she quickly blocked Eric's sword.
"I see they're continuing… how about we continue ours?" Hervor asked as she channeled magic into the blade.
Vasco narrowed his eyes and raised his guard.
"Shock to Kill," Hervor uttered as she sped towards him. Vasco's eyes widened as he found himself blocking an onslaught of strikes from Hervor.
Vasco roared as he swung Durandal, interrupting her strikes by parrying one of her blows. Hervor's eyes widened as Vasco's fist collided with her, sending a shockwave that shattered every window within their vicinity.
"Heh, nice punch," Hervor said, holding it back with her hand.
Vasco's eyes narrowed as he tried to push against her, sending her back a few centimeters.
Hervor directed the hand towards the concrete, sending Vasco's fist into the ground and shattering it. She jumped into the air and brought her foot down in a dropkick, which Vasco easily blocked.
Hervor narrowed her eyes as she jumped off his hand and dashed towards him again, sending a multitude of strikes. Vasco parried and blocked every one of them, sparks flying everywhere as the two swordmasters danced a deadly dance of blades.
"Shit!" Erik said as he glanced at Hervor and Vasco.
"I'd pay attention if I were you," Risa said, planting her foot into his stomach. Erik coughed up blood as he was sent crashing into a nearby store.
Risa raised her hand and formed several light spears and sent them in Erik's direction.
The light spears all met their mark as a thunderous explosion tore apart the streets.
Risa narrowed her eyes as she eyed the cloud. Suddenly, a stream of thunder rocketed towards her. She drew her katana and sheathed it. In the blink of an eye, the thunderbolt was sliced apart by a black line that quickly vanished.
"Nice sword you got there," Erik said, walking out of the store with a few burn marks and scratches.
"And your sword. It's nice. Armor too," Risa said. "Where'd you get it?"
"Unlike dear Hervor, our weapons had to be custom ordered and made. A legendary smith who resides within Valhalla. Volund," Erik said.
"The Blacksmith who forged Beowolf's weapons and armor? And those weapons are from him?" Risa asked.
"Yes," Erik said.
"I see," Risa replied.
"And your sword? What's the story behind that?" Erik asked.
"I'll tell you if one of us wins. Just know that it's called Tatsumasa. In my language, it means Correction," Risa answered.
"Oho," Erik said, raising an eyebrow as he gripped his blade.
"Let's continue!" he said as he dashed towards her.
"Tohka!" Ingvild said as they flew through the air. "How is everyone?"
"Everyone's encountered someone except us, Issei, Mitsuki, and Irina," Tohka said as she hovered in mid-air. She was currently clad in midnight-black armor with a red rose embedded in the center. Her violet eyes darted around the New York Skyline.
"Rikka and Bova eliminated two of Thor's Pieces," Mica said as he floated next to her. "That gives us a slight lead. Looks like Vasco's plan of having us scatter and play on Thor's confidence on his team is working. Thor's team is scattered across the entire arena."
"Yeah but for all we know, they might have been scouts. And remember, Rikka said that they were Einherjar," Ingvild said, hovering next to them.
"Get down!" Tohka said as she raised her hand. A massive golden barrier appeared around Mica and Ingvild, blocking a green beam of energy. The energy beam began to crack Tohka's barrier as she struggled to maintain it.
"Summon your MagiTech and Sacred Gear!" Tohka ordered.
"Right! Summoning Great Moonlight Blade now," Mica said, summoning a silver tomahawk from a magic circle.
Ingvild's eyes bled red as a violet bar appeared inside her pupil. She formed two magic circles at the palms of her hands.
Tohka poured more power into her barrier, deflecting the blast. The energy beam traveled and landed in a random portion of Manhattan, destroying it.
Tohka dispelled the barrier as Mica and Ingvild kept their guards up.
"There," Mica said, sensing energy over from one of the buildings.
A man with a mix of white and black hair wearing dark armor stood at the roof. His eyes were icy blue, possessing a wicked gaze akin to that of the Devils of Old. His expression was calm and inviting but the three felt the power behind his calm. It was as if he was holding back a tidal wave.
Next to him stood a man wearing a thick fur tunic with a shoulder-cape like clothing on his shoulders. He had wavy blonde hair that blew gently in the breeze. His face was chiseled as if he was made entirely out of marble. His blue eyes looked at them with a hint of boredom as he crossed his arms. Two small daggers hung on his belt.
"Who are you?" Ingvild called out, not once taking her eyes off them.
"Us? I heard from Brynhildr that nowadays, it's rude to ask without introducing yourself first," the armored man said.
"Brynhildr?" Mica said.
"Remember what Rikka said… they're not humans nor demigods. They're not even Gods. They're Einherjar from Valhalla," Tohka said.
"I'm Tohka Thyella. A Demigod. Friend of the Red Dragon Emperor and-"
"Cut the shit!" the blonde man said.
"Excuse me?" Tohka said.
"You're not a Demigod. You feel too different," the armored man said.
"...," Tohka remained silent.
"Not gonna talk? I'll respect your secret," the man said. He slapped his breastplate as he introduced himself. "I am Sigurd!"
"Nothing else?" Ingvild asked. "No titles like Slayer of Fafnir or Lover of Brynhildr?"
"What no? Why would I have that title?" Sigurd asked.
"You… killed Fafnir," Mica replied.
"And? That's not something we should celebrate. Fafnir was a dear friend of mine… before… before his fall into madness," Sigurd said, clenching his fist.
"Er… sorry," Tohka asked.
"I'm Mica. I am the heir of Mica," Mica said.
"Ingvild. Ingvild… Leviathan. Descendant of the Original Leviathan," Ingvild said.
"Ho? Leviathan?" the blonde man said.
"Yes, and you are?" Tohka asked.
"Erik! Erik the Red!" he said, grinning from ear to ear as he drew his knives. "I'll tell you the real reason I got that name by eliminating you in the name of Thor! Praise his name heretics and prepare to the coming of his millennial kingdo-!"
Sigurd silenced Erik by slapping the back of his head.
"Let's begin shall we?" Sigurd said, summoning a black blade. The blade seemed to be covered in an eternal shadow with red markings etched on both sides. Its hilt was decorated in green jewels that glimmered ominously in the artificial light.
"Is that…?" Tohka asked.
"No. But I almost had you there. I requested that the blade look like Gram due to my attachment to it. I'm thinking of calling it… Ragnarok," Sigurd said. Without warning, Sigurd appeared in between the three and swung his blade, sending them all flying apart.
Issei, Irina, and Mitsuki crossed through the entrance to one of Manhattan's most iconic locations. The green hills and wilderness amidst the bustling urban jungle that was outside those gates would be filled with people. But sadly, this was but a replica of the original. A convincing one at that.
"Central Park. This is where the energy signature was coming from," Mitsuki said.
"Why did Vasco send us directly to Thor?" Issei asked.
"Vasco-oji has his reasons. Don't forget… he's the most powerful exorcist in the Church. He's been winning battles before our parents were even conceived," Irina said.
"Yeah, but," Issei said, looking up at the sudden appearance of thunder clouds.
(It looks like Thor knows you're here…) Mastema said.
As if on cue, the sound of a thunderclap accompanied by a bolt of lightning crashed in front of them, sending winds that pushed back Issei, Irina, and Mitsuki. Thor walked out of the lightning bolt, accompanied by a woman with rich blonde hair that the three almost mistook it for gold. Her eyes were a soft shade of blue that reminded them of a clear sky. She wore blue and grey armor with black leggings made of a fluid metal-like substance.
"Red Dragon," Thor said in a gruff voice that had the force of a Category V Hurricane.
"Thor-sama," Issei said, summoning the [Boosted Gear].
"It's a little odd for you to target us off the bat," the woman said in a smooth, silky voice.
"Well, we kind of expected you to be alone," Mitsuki said.
"You were wrong in your assumption though I have to admit. Your team is powerful, considering they were able to defeat Geir and Eric Bloodaxe," Thor praised.
Issei glanced at Irina and Mitsuki and nodded at each other.
[|Wesh Dragon Balance Breaker!|]
Issei dashed towards Thor, his fist cocked back to strike. Sif appeared in front of Issei, blocking his attack with her sword. Mitsuki and Irina appeared next to Sif, causing her eyes to go wide and launched her into the sky with a combined kick.
"Go!" Issei said.
The two nodded and darted toward Thor's Queen.
"Now that we're actually alone," Issei said, summoning [Ascalon].
"Well then… let's fight," Thor said. A bolt of lightning crashed into Thor's hand. A small silver hammer appeared in Thor's hand that Issei recognized immediately.
"Mjolnir," Issei said.
"You were worthy of wielding this against Loki. Now, let's see how you fare when you're on the receiving end of it," Thor said as he raised the hammer. Electricity crackled across the hammer's surface as Thor pointed it towards Issei. A massive bolt of lightning shot forth from the hammer which Issei narrowly dodged.
Issei glanced behind him wide-eyed as a massive scorched trench stretched on behind him.
[Issei. Now's not the time to lose your nerve!] Ddraig urged.
"Lose my nerve? Are you kidding me?" Issei said. "My blood is pumping right now!"
Ddraig and Tiamat smiled inside their gear.
Issei raised his right arm.
|Boosted Gear Shift: Calamity Gear!| Tiamat announced as the gem on Issei's right gauntlet shifted to blue.
"Let's do this," Issei said. He dashed towards Thor, beginning their fight.
"Gahk!" Ingvild felt one of her ribs break as she slammed into the side of a skyscraper. She looked at Sigurd, her vision swimming, as he raised Ragnarok, prepared to eliminate her from the game. He brought his sword down only for a violet barrier to appear in front of Ingvild.
"Hey!" Tohka said, her hand outstretched. Erik appeared behind Tohka, his daggers were drawn to strike at her undefended back when Mica appeared next to him and slammed his tomahawk into his side, sending Erik careening into the roof of a skyscraper.
"MagiTech Release: Bloodletter!"
Mica's tomahawk transformed into a massive black battle-ax. He raised the ax above his head and swung it, sending a wave of compressed air at the downed Erik. Erik rolled out of the way as the wave cut through the building, splitting the skyscraper down the middle.
Tohka glanced at Mica and smirked.
"MagiTech Release: Onyx Storm Armaments: Code Ketus!" Tohka's armor shifted as her left gauntlet transformed into a cannon. Aiming it at Sigurd, she began to charge energy.
Sigurd, feeling a spike in power, dashed towards Tohka with Ragnarok ready to strike.
"Dawn Strike Formation: Epoch Cannon!" Tohka said. A massive beam of red energy fired from Tohka's arm cannon.
Sigurd swung Ragnarok, blocking her energy beam, sending stray blasts in all directions.
"Ingvild!" Tohka cried as she tried to push against Sigurd's blade.
"Right!" Ingvild raised her hand and summoned a massive blue magic circle. She threw her hand down, sending an onslaught of water dragons at Sigurd.
The Einherjar's eyes widened as the dragons sped toward him.
Erik appeared in front of Sigurd. He swung his daggers rapidly, dispelling the dragons.
"Tsujigiri!" Erik's eyes widened as he felt something cut deep into his back.
"Rikka!" Ingvild said in relief.
Rikka kicked off Erik's back and stabbed Obsidian Rite into the building, stopping her fall.
"You alright?" Rikka asked.
"Yeah, those two," Ingvild said.
"Sigurd and Erik the Red," Rikka said. "I might have to release my MagiTech's abilities…"
"No… you don't," Ingvild said. Ingvild's eyes began to glow. She raised her palm, gathering red energy at the center. "Time to knock Erik out… Scarlet Serpent Annihilation!"
A small condense energy missile sped towards Erik and Sigurd. Erik's eyes widened as he kicked Sigurd out of the way, releasing his lock on Tohka's attack. Tohka and Ingvild's attacks collided with Erik, producing a bright red explosion that could be seen across the entire city as everyone felt the shockwave.
"Pawn of Thor has been eliminated!" Naud announced.
"We did it," Rikka said. "Ingvild?"
Her eyes widened when she saw a dagger embedded into Ingvild's torso. Ingvild looked down and smiled as her eyes began to flutter.
"Tohka!" Mica cried out as he flew over and caught her. She had Erik's other dagger stabbed into her side. "Heh… I guess I didn't see that one coming…"
"Tohka…," Mica said.
"I'm not dying… just gonna pass out from blood loss. Bitch's dagger severed an artery," Tohka said as her eyes fluttered shut. Her body dissolved into particles.
Rikka watched as Ingvild's body dissolved as well.
"A Bishop and a Pawn of Issei Hyoudou has been eliminated!" Naud announced. "What a stunning display! Erik the Red has taken his opponents with him!"
"Mica," Rikka said.
"Yeah… let's not let their elimination be in vain," Rikka said.
"Yeah," Mica answered, tightening his grip on the Great Moonlight Blade.
Without warning, the two charged at Sigurd to continue.
Vasco and Risa let out slightly winded breaths as they continued to stare down their opponents. Cuts and bruises littered their bodies. Their opponents looked no worse for wear, having the same injuries as they did. Hervor and Leif Erikson also let out small heavy breaths with grins on their faces. The two duos charged at each other again, continuing their dance of blades.
Risa hopped on the flat of Vasco's Durandal Replica as he launched her towards Hervor/ Leif Erickson hopped in between them and parried Risa's blow. She growled as she lifted her hand towards the sky, throwing Leif Erikson into the air with a telekinetic wave of energy.
Her eyes widened as she bent backward, barely dodging Hervor's Tyrfing Replica.
Vasco appeared behind Risa and slammed his fist into Hervor's side, sending her flying through a building. Risa smiled and took off towards Leif. Leif righted himself in mid-air as he was falling and saw Risa flying towards him. The two collided in the air as Risa kicked Leif to the ground.
Leif landed on his feet and blocked Risa's slash.
"Tch, Vasco! How are you holding up!?" Risa asked as she staggered Leif. She swung Tatsumasa in an attempt to land a finishing blow but failed as the nimble Einherjar ducked out of the way.
"This woman won't go down!" Vasco said as he slammed Durandal R on Tyrfing.
"Watch out old man!" Vasco jumped out of the way as a blast of fire rocketed towards Hervor.
Hervor's eyes widened as she swung Tyrfing R and sliced the fireball apart. Her eyes narrowed as she saw a dragon flying at rapid speeds towards her. She jumped into the air, dodging him as he bulleted towards her.
"Bova!" Risa and Vasco said.
"I'm here to help," Bova said as he hovered in front of Hervor.
"My, my… what is the social norm these days? Take me to dinner first before double-teaming me?" Hervor said as she dropped into a stance.
"OI!" Bova said, a crimson blush staining his cheeks. He barely blocked as Hervor appeared in front of him and kicked him. Bova pushed her back and grabbed her leg, throwing her towards Vasco.
Vasco jumped at Hervor to attack, however, Hervor anticipated this and twisted her body, swinging Tyrfing R and slashing Vasco's back. She landed and slashed her sword once more, sending a wave of energy towards Vasco and Bova. Vasco, despite his injury, cut the energy wave apart. He and Bova sped towards Hervor
Hervor kicked Bova out of the way, sending him crashing into a building. She backflipped as Vasco swung Durandal. Not letting her have any room to recover, Vasco continued his relentless onslaught on Hervor.
The Einherjar gritted her teeth as she found his swings harder to counter and dodge. She roared and swung Tyrfing with enough force to stagger Vasco. She grinned as she dug Tyrfing through a non-lethal area in his torso. Vasco spit out blood as he looked down.
"This is over," Tyrfing said. Vasco's hand wrapped itself around her head. Tyrfing's grin grew wider as a beam of energy shot out of Vasco's back causing him to fall to one knee in pain, still holding Hervor's face.
"It's done," she said as she moved to take Vasco's hand off her face. In doing so, she lowered her guard and Vasco, seeing the opportunity, tightened his grip and swung her, slamming her onto the concrete five times.
Hervor looked up at him with wide eyes as pain wracked her entire body. He slammed his massive foot on her torso, knocking her out.
"Knight of Thor has been eliminated!" Naud announced.
Vasco grinned and fell to his knees. He placed his hand on his torso and looked at the blood that now stained his hands.
"Old Man," Bova said, limping towards Vasco.
"Go, help Risa," Vasco said. "I can't fight with this wound. That energy beam managed to damage some of the organs in my body. I retire…"
"Old Man," Bova said.
"BOVA!" Risa cried out as she and Leif were locked in combat.
Bova closed his eyes and took off to help Risa. Vasco's eyes closed as he smiled.
"The youth of today… how interesting," Vasco said as he dissolved into a stream of yellow lights.
"V- Vasco Strada has been eliminated! Rook of Issei Hyoudou has retired!" Naud announced.
"Rook of Issei Hyoudou has retired!"
Issei froze when he heard those words. Vasco was quite possibly their strongest piece and he was eliminated? What kind of monsters did Thor have on his team?
"Pay attention!"
Issei cried out in pain as Mjolnir slammed into his chest, sending him through fifteen buildings. Issei crashed into the face of the Empire State, groaning in pain.
(Issei! Look out!) Mastema yelled. Issei rolled out of the way as Thor crashed through the building. Issei jumped off the wall and hovered in front of the hole.
[Boost!] [Boost!] [Boost!] [Boost!] [Boost!] [Boost!] [Boost!] [Boost!] [Boost!] [Boost!] [Boost!] [Boost!] [Boost!] [Boost!] [Boost!] [Boost!] [Boost!] [Boost!]
|Umu Taburuttu!| Tiamat announced. A beam of blue energy shot into the wall, creating a large explosion.
Issei flew out of the way as a massive thunderbolt exploded from the Empire State. Issei barely blocked Thor's punch as Thor appeared in front of him.
Issei gritted his teeth. His eyes glowed and Thor was sent rocketing back into a building.
[You're getting better with that telekinesis of yours] Ddraig said.
"Thanks," Issei said. "I think I might need it… and a Phenex Tear after this. The guy broke five ribs I think."
|Gotcha| Tiamat said.
[|Crimson Moon: Full Drive|] the two dragons announced. Issei was clad in black armor with red and blue gems. He flew towards Thor in a burst of speed that surprised the God. Thor felt Issei's fist impact the side of his face, sending him flying through the Empire State. Issei appeared behind him and performed an ax kick, sending Thor into the streets below.
The entirety of the arena shook as the Thunder God crashed into the ground.
Issei raised his hand and began to channel his Miasma into a single point.
(So you're going to use it?) Mastema asked.
"I have no choice! If I don't end this fast, Thor will get the better of me… without DxD G or Pseudo DxD, there's no way I can fight on par with deities like him. Other deities yes but those like Thor…," Issei said.
(Until you can master the Ultimate Form of your Miasma Enhanced Forms, I guess using your powers in conjunction with this form is all you can do) Mastema said.
Issei gritted his teeth as pain shot through his body.
In the VIP booths of the arena, Zekram's eyes widened when he saw a black and red sphere forming above Issei's head.
Sirzechs and Venelana recognized it as well, alongside every other occupant in the room.
"How!? How is he using the Power of Destruction!?" Lord Bael demanded.
Michael narrowed his eyes. No… that's not… is it? It can't be, Michael thought as he watched Issei fight.
"Eat this!" Issei said as he launched the crimson sphere at Thor.
Thor looked up and grinned when he saw the massive black and red sphere.
"Power of Destruction? I didn't know you were a Bael," Thor said. He spun Mjolnir and swung it, slingshotting himself towards the sphere. He slammed the hammer into the ball of destructive energy.
Thor's eyes widened when he felt the power behind it.
"He's boosted it?" Thor grinned as he poured more power into Mjolnir.
Thor pushed with all his might and shattered the sphere, sending countless bolts of energy impacting the cityscape.
Issei's eyes widened as Thor slammed Mjolnir into his stomach and then elbowed Issei's spine sending him crashing into a building.
Issei shakily got on his hands and knees and opened his visor. He coughed, sending a massive glob of blood onto the pavement.
"He's… too strong," Issei said.
(He has enough power to shatter that Final Element Sphere. It seems that you need more training after this) Mastema said.
"N… No kidding," Issei said. His gaze traveled to the hovering Thunder God. As he was about to get up, Issei heard an announcement that made his heart drop and his blood boil.
"Queen of Issei Hyoudou has been eliminated," Naud announced.
"It seems that Sif has gotten serious," Thor said, eyeing the golden storm in the distance.
"Mitsuki," Issei said, following Thor's gaze.
[Issei. You need to finish this before Sif and Mitsuki finish their battle. If Sif defeats your sister, your chances of winning are gone.] Ddraig urged.
"I know that," Issei said.
|Issei, we have to use it.| Tiamat said.
"It's not ready. I can't even last five minutes in that form," Issei said.
(You have no choice. As it is right now, that form is the only form that will allow you to fight Thor on near-even grounds) Mastema said.
"Give your strength," Issei said as he shakily got to his feet. Thor raised an eyebrow when he noticed a dark red aura surrounding Issei.
"This form is new," Issei said. "I got it through my training but I have yet to extend its time limit."
Issei panted as he fell to his knees. Mastema's training regimen was taking an immense toll on his body. His new powers. He marveled at its versatility. His favorite of them all thus far was the Power of Destruction. However, Mastema referred to it as the Final Element or one of its applications.
(We're not done. Continue) Mastema said.
"Haaah!" Issei entered his [Balance Breaker] which quickly shifted into his [Crimson Moon: Full Drive].
Blood poured from Issei's eyes as the sclera turned black. An explosion of black and red aura poured forth from Issei's armor as tremors rocked the entirety of Kuoh.
[|Crimson Chaos Breaker: Satan Drive!|]
Issei's armor had changed. It was no longer like any of the previous transformations Issei had undergone. His entire body appeared to be a demonic mockery of the [Boosted Gear's] former [Cardinal Crimson Promotion]. Issei's armor now resembled that of solid magma that solidified, giving off the appearance of a coat. A small crown of curved horns sat atop his visor. Red lines pulsated across his chest. Five pairs of feathered black and red energy wings appeared behind Issei.
"This is new," Thor muttered as he prepared himself. He blinked and saw that Issei was no longer there. He whirled around, scanning his surroundings.
Thor's eyes widened when he felt something slam into his neck. His eyes rolled over to see Issei slamming his leg into the back of his neck.
Thor cried out in pain as he crashed through the building and skidded across several hundred feet of pavement and dirt before crashing into one of the artificial ponds of Central Part.
"Time to end this. I don't have much time left," Issei said, disappearing in a burst of speed. He appeared in front of a surprised Thor as he uppercut the deity, sending him into the air.
Thor stabilized himself and threw Mjolnir at Issei. Issei darted to the right and held his hand out.
[Issei. You're going to use the Power of Destruction again?] Ddraig asked.
"It'll be our final gambit! Boost it as much as you can for me!" Issei said.
|We'll try hatchling!| Tiamat said.
[|Boost!|] [|Boost!|] [|Boost!|] [|Boost!|] [|Boost!|] [|Boost!|] [|Boost!|] [|Boost!|]
Issei charged towards Thor as the sphere in his hand increased in power.
"Oh no, you don't!" Thor said as he summoned Mjolnir into his hand.
Hearing a whirring sound, Issei glanced back and saw Mjolnir heading towards him. He ascended, barely dodging the hammer but never lost ground.
Thor channeled his divine energy into the hammer and shot towards Issei.
"This is our last gambit!"
[|DEEP CRIMSON SPIRAL!|] Issei thrust his palm towards Thor as the massive sphere of destructive energy expanded to the size of an eight-story. Thor slammed his empowered Mjolnir into the sphere, sending a massive shockwave across the entire arena and beyond as Agreas shook underneath the force of their blows.
"COME ON!" Issei roared as he kept boosting the sphere.
Thor growled as he tried to push back to no avail. Thor's eyes widened when he saw Mjolnir being pushed back. Eventually, the lock broke with his lightning being consumed by Issei's Crimson Spiral. Thor grinned as his entire body was consumed by the sphere.
Issei fired the sphere, sending it flying through the Manhattan Skyline before curving upward. The sphere reached the barrier surrounding the Rating Game Arena and broke through it before rupturing the skies of Gehenna in a thunderous explosion.
The entire crowd was shocked. None more so than the VIP Booth which was filled with various Pantheon Leaders from across the Earth. Odin smiled, a little disappointed that Thor had lost so early in the Games but felt pride at witnessing Issei's win.
"I… uh… I can't believe it!" Naud proclaimed. "Thor has retired! THE MATCH GOES TO TEAM Midnight Dragon Emperor of Crimson Truth!"
Issei's armor dispelled as he landed. He fell to his knees and panted heavily as he heard the cheers around him. He smiled a bloody smile as he waved to the crowds.
"Our first win…," Issei said as he dissolved in a shower of lights.
In a different booth, the Gremory Peerage sat with mixed feelings as they cheered for Issei's win. Rias smiled at the prospect of being able to face her ex-lover in a match but also felt nervous. Issei was stronger than her by miles. Her new abilities with her eyes might be able to even the odds but she never knew by how much. Her thoughts were interrupted when Akeno tapped her shoulder.
"Hmm?" Rias asked, glancing at Akeno.
"I'm going to go get something to eat," she said.
"Just be back by our match against Team Mammon," Rias said.
Akeno nodded and left the room. As soon as she closed the door, her eyes shifted color briefly to yellow. A sadistic grin appeared on her face before composing herself and walking down the hallway. Akeno walked down the stairs to an unseen corner of the arena and entered the kitchen. She snapped her fingers, causing a haze to appear over the eyes of the chefs as she walked through. She opened the back door of the kitchen and stepped outside.
"Beelzebub," a voice said.
Akeno/Beelzebub's eyes changed from violet to yellow as he turned to greet them.
"Naamah. Have they reported in?" Beelzebub asked.
"Yes, they have. They located it," Naamah said.
"Hmph, tell them to acquire the Gun at all costs. Kill all witnesses," Beelzebub said.
Naamah nodded but then remembered something.
"Beelzebub… the gun only has six bullets left," Naamah said,
"We don't need the bullets. Just the gun. And one of them," Beelzebub said.
"Do you believe that he's the one?" Naamah asked.
"I do," Beelzebub said. He glanced at her, sending shivers of fear down her spine. "If Elder Sister believes he is the one, then he is the one."
Naamah remained silent as she walked past Beelzebub.
"Apollyon and I are slated to go next after him. I'll contact you later," she said, disappearing before his eyes.
"Soon, Issei. Soon," Beelzebub said, his eyes glowing ominously as he walked back into the stadium.
Reviews:
AnimeFan0216: Mastema is going to be a very important character to Issei in the coming chapters so their mother-son relationship will develop throughout the rest of this season and the next one.
Scrumblenut: Ah, yes, thanks for your Midnight suggestion! I was able to form a team name with it almost immediately.
Rhongomyniad: Hmm, since I had Lucifer create the Progenitor Demons, I also had her create their spouses when they were ready. I came up with this idea when I was typing up Beelzebub's history. So she made two Leviathans but she made the male one before the female one. The female one came later. It'll be explained more when we learn more about Beelzebub's history.
Anon: I will have Grayfia teach Lily since Lily has the Grayfia Family Power.
Haha! Didn't expect that to happen during the match, did you! Did you? Ahh yes. Anyway, if you noticed the difference between this and the Original Version is that Thor's team has drastically changed. For example, I put Brunhilde back on her canon with Typhon. And the Demons are starting to make their moves which means that... we're coming back up on the Original! I hope you like the new powers I gave Issei. Alright everyone, have a great day/night or not. The choice is yours~!
