Hey everyone... Well, sorry for taking two months for updating. Let's just say I'm having a not so great year, haha. To the story then.
Momo POV
I was walking toward the student council room to report everything that happened last night. I knew that President and Vice President are already there in the morning. True like I thought both of them is currently talking in the room when I arrived there.
"Ah, Momo. Good morning. I didn't expect you to come here this early." Said President.
"Good morning to you too, President. Vice President. I'm here to report something to you."
"Is this about fallen angel again?" Said Vice president.
"Yes. And I'm afraid that they're about to do something serious." After that, I tell them everything from last night. They looked surprised when they hear it but didn't ask any question and let me finish. "-and that's conclude everything happened last night."
"Thank you for your report, Momo. Looks like we need to prepare ourselves against them and I must say you did an amazing job fighting them." Said President.
"Thank you, President. But I believe Ryuji is the one who must be praised here. Since not only he's the one who made the plan but also various skills and leadership that he possesses that save me from that fallen angel."
"...you're really close to him, huh? But I won't deny it. His ability is... outstanding if I must say."
"By the way, if I may ask you... what are you two discussing before I came here earlier?" I ask.
"Ah, about that..." President stopped talking and start looking toward Vice president who's looks... scared?
"I... I was talking about Ishikawa to the President. You remember when he about to shoot me in that fight?" Vice president said before ask me that which I answer it with a nod. "...the look on his face... It makes me scared until this very day."
"Huh? What do you mean, vice?"
"At that time... his expression is terrifying. He was... smiling at me. Just like a killer who finished playing with his prey and I was pretty sure that... I'm really going to die."
"R-Really? I mean, I know that Ryuji personality is different from the first time I meet with him. But I never thought that possible."
"What he looks like when Ishikawa with you, Momo?" Ask President.
"Well, he a serious, funny and calm person. But he was shy, easily flustered and stutter a lot at first. To think he just like you describe is..."
"Hard to believe?"
"Yeah. Even when we fight together last night, he never makes that kind of expression."
"There's something else I forgot to mention. Not only his sinister smile... there's also some purple aura around him when he about to shoot me. T-That aura... makes him more terrifying." Said Vice president.
"Purple aura? I'm sure that I didn't see anything from him at that time. What about you, Momo?" Ask President.
"S-Same here. I never see anything weird coming from him." 'But, is Ryuji really okay? What if he was possessed by something? Or maybe... it's because of his sacred gear? ...I hope he's okay.'
"I hope you can calm yourself before this evening, Tsubaki. If what Momo said about that fallen angel is true then we need to fight and protect this town. Momo tells everyone to prepare themselves while I and Tsubaki will go to ORC first." Said President before she walking out of the room with Vice president.
"Yes, understood." 'Ryuji and his friend will go into hiding, right? I hope they're safe but first I'll make sure to fight with all I got. Just you wait, Ryuji. I will succeed and make this town safer for you.'
Ryuji POV
I currently inside Lavenza shop while reading a document that she gives to me a while ago. She always amazes me in many ways since this information contains the church layout, the exorcists, traps, magic barrier even secret passage. With this, my chance of success is raised dramatically even if I must become a one-man army. 'Since, I'm not sure if Rias and her peerage will show up or not because Asia is not even a hostage right now. The only reason they going to be there is Issei grudge toward Raynare or if this going to be different from the original story and based from what Raynare said last night... they going to attack Kuoh. So naturally, Rias will stop her since that's her job, to begin with.' I ended my thoughts and continue reading the document. I stopped when I see a photo showing a weird machine with something floating on top of it. The design looks different and this isn't the one that Raynare used to extract sacred gear. "Lavenza. What kind of machine is this?"
"I'm still not sure. However, I think that the machine provides some kind of power to the exorcists. There's also some kind of black stone floating on top of it, that I believe is the source of its power." She explained.
"Is this stone... is the one who gives Raynare and her fallen angel friends that mysterious power?"
"Maybe. Maybe not. If you manage you bring that stone to me then I can analyze it or maybe even better."
"Like what?"
"I can use it to increase your power instead... without any side effects, of course." She said calmly but making me frown in process.
'...I hope she's right about that. But if she can do that then I will gladly accept it.' I then flip the page on the document and now is showing the barrier section. "How about this one? So is this mean, the whole church is covered with barriers to prevent any outsider to come in?"
"No, this one is different. This barrier is a sensory type. Meaning it will tell them if anyone passes it without their permission."
"So this one is an alarm for them?" I ask and she nods at this. "How can I get pass through this? I really hope I can take them with a surprise attack."
"I have a solution for that. Here..." She then gives me a watch which I gladly accept. "When you reach the barrier just use this. Don't worry, this watch will start beeping when you get close to a barrier and the sound will instantly be transferred to your earphone."
"I see..." When I try to inspect the watch and I can say it was one weird watch. The screen shows nothing on it and only have one button for me to press. "So... what will happen when I pressed this button?"
"Curious aren't you? Let's try it right now then. I believe you need some practice before you used it later on the job." Lavenza said before she opened the book she usually carries and begins glowing. After a few seconds, I can hear some beeping on my earphone. "I just create a simple barrier for you to practice with it. Try to push the button now."
"Alright." When I pressed it the watch suddenly turned on and produce a hologram that appears on top of it. There's also a blue magic circle with some ancient letter that suddenly appeared in front of me that I assume the place where the barrier is. I then realized that the hologram is producing the same magic circle that appeared near me only it was... kinda different? Like the order of the magic circle is wrong or maybe get randomized if that makes sense. "So what I need to do with this?"
"Use your hand to match the one from your watch like the barrier in front of you. Try to turn it around."
Following Lavenza guide I then slowly use my hand to turn it and a quarter of the magic circle start to move. I then try to do the same on the edge of it and another quarter is moving, leaving the first one to stay still on its position. "So based on this I need to match it with the barrier and then I able to pass through it?"
"Yes. When a part from your watch is matching with the barrier it will start glowing so you don't have to worry if you miss it."
"That's will save a lot of time. Thanks, Lavenza."
"No need to thank me yet. Let's start practicing then."
"Okay." 'This just like one of the puzzle in Skyrim when you need to rotate a dungeon door with some pictures on it and match it with the craving on an ancient claw. Though, this one is harder since I need to look carefully.' "This going to take a while. But before that..." I said before taking out my phone.
Occult Research Club, Morning.
Rias POV
I was sitting on my desk after hearing Koneko story about some fallen angels that attacked her. Based on her report it was the same fallen angels that attacked Issei-kun and Ishikawa-kun that day. When I realized it I started to feel guilty since it was me that drag us to this mess. 'If only I eliminate them before this ever happened then I won't be blackmailed by Ishikawa-kun and we can have a better relationship than this or maybe even better.' I then sighed before messaging my temple.
"Something on your mind, pres?" Ask Akeno while putting a cup of tea in front of me.
"Just... regretting something. *sigh* Akeno, did I really weak?" I ask.
"...pres, are you still thinking about what Ishikawa-kun said that time?"
"I can't help it. Since he manages to beat Sona queen and still alive after fighting the fallen angels... what kind of training he been through to became that strong?"
"I honestly don't know but I'm certain that he's special. Everything he pulled off is something beyond human capabilities not to mention the weird thing that happened with Issei-kun sacred gear. I started to think that he's not even human anymore or maybe he wasn't one, to begin with." She said.
"...well, when you put it that way-"
*knock knock*
"Rias, can I come in?" Said someone behind the door.
Someone suddenly knocking the door and immediately who's that is. Based on the voice there's no doubt it was Sona.
"Sure. Come in, Sona." I said and the door is opened revealing Sona and Tsubaki who now walking inside the room. "Tsubaki, you look pale. Are you all right?"
"I-I'm fine. Don't worry about me." She said.
"Rias, I believe you already know those fallen angels will try to attack Kuoh right?" Said Sona which I answered with a nod. "I hope your peerage is also ready for this since based on the report we know that they're getting stronger."
"Did you have any plan, Sona?"
"I have. My peerage will create a barrier around their base so we can minimize the damage caused by them. They also going to fight any exorcist that try to assault Kuoh. Meanwhile, we and your peerage are going to their base and fight them there."
"You sure this was a good idea?"
"Don't worry, after my peerage makes sure that there's no other exorcist that going out from their base they will also join our attack. Our job here is to make them focus on their defense so we can corner them when the time is right." Explained Sona.
"That's clever, Sona. But did you know where's their base is?"
"I don't, that's why you need to use your familiar to locate them. We will also help after all my peerage arrives at the student council room."
Our conversation was interrupted when someone barges into the room and slamming the door open. When we see the person we saw Issei-kun who panting since he was running here.
"Prez! Is Ryuji alright!? I heard he got attacked last night!"
"Calm down Issei-kun. Don't worry he's fine and based from Koneko report he's currently hiding somewhere until we solve this problem." I said.
"Really!? Phew, thank god-Ouch!" He said only to get struck by a headache since he subconsciously saying 'his' name.
"You sure you're okay?"
"I'm good. Kind of forgot about that little thing but never mind that! What should we do about those fallen angels, prez!"
"We are currently discussing that and we agree to attack them tonight. This will become a joint operation between us and the student council so you must prepare yourself Issei-kun."
"Hell yeah! Don't worry about me prez since I was waiting for this moment! They're going to pay for attacking me especially the one who killed me! Not to mention that crazy priest and they attack Ryuji too I'll make sure I give them a good beating!"
I smiled at Issei-kun declaration but it's also bitter when he called Ishikawa-kun name like that. 'But, it's not the time for me to sulking around now. I have a town, peerage and friend that need to be protected first. After we end this problem... I'll make sure to apologize to him. He was right, I'm still weak and my actions toward him not helping either.' I ended my thoughts and then clapped my hands to gaining everyone attention in the room. "Well said, Issei-kun. I assume you have been training this whole time then?"
"Of course! Can't let my rival went ahead from me and become a harem king first!"
"That's good. So now we only need to locate their base, right?" I then summoned my bat familiar and she sits on my shoulder. "Without any lead, it'll take some time to find them in this city since they can be anywhere."
"True. I wonder if Ishikawa knows anything about it? If only we can ask him..." Said Sona.
"That won't be necessary."
When we looked at the source of the new voice we see Momo at the doorway. She then walking toward us before begin talking.
"Pardon the intrusion, President and Gremory-san. I have something to tell you and before you ask it's about the place that those fallen angels use as a base operation." She said calmly which made all of us surprised.
"How did you know, Momo?" Ask Tsubaki.
"A little while ago Ryuji just send me a message and telling me the location. He said, they at an abandoned church on the edge of the town. There's a lot of exorcists waiting for us there and they also become more powerful just like the fallen." Momo explained.
"How can he knew... are you sure he's really hiding right now?" I ask.
"He said so and Gremory-san he also giving you a message."
"What is it?"
"I'll be watching you, Gremory-Senpai. I hope you won't make me disappointed. That's what he says."
'Looks like he wants to judge me based on my actions on this... I can't mess up again or he will blackmail me for sure this time.' "Well, it seems he had an eye somewhere. He's clever... way too clever."
"What should we do then, Rias?" Ask Akeno with a worried look on her face.
"We show him that we're going to finish this without a problem. Sona, I will check the location first using my familiar and tonight we will strike them down."
"All right. We'll meet up again here later and I'll bring my entire peerage as well. Be prepared Rias, this maybe will be good practice for later." Said Sona.
"I know... thanks for reminding me." I smiled at her while she, Tsubaki and Momo walking to the door. 'I can't mess up again. Not anymore.'
Timeskip
Ryuji POV
Lavenza shop, Evening.
"It's almost the time, huh?" I said before bypassing another barrier that Lavenza made for me. "Well, looks like it's enough for today practice."
"I agree. You seem pretty used to it now. I can say you're a quick learner."
"Thank you, Lavenza. Can't do that without your help though." I said before checking my money.
Money: 85.700 Yen
"I think it's time to change my armor now. Lavenza any recommendations?"
"Sure, let me bring it to you." She said before walking toward one of her display and after a while, she's back with floating small leather armor. "How about this?"
Light Leather Armor (Defense +64)
An armor that made fully from a leather. Even then it can absorb the impact of enemy attacks quite well. Made from unknown leather.
'So what kind of animal this was made from?' I set aside my thought and then putting the armor before it disappeared. "The design looked like body armor from the military though it was made from leather. Did you the one who made this, Lavenza?"
"No, it wasn't me. My elder sister and brother who made this equipment since lately they having fun with this kind of thing."
"I see, can't wait to use more of their creation." I smiled at her.
"That's why you must overcome this ordeal and come back safe. I wish to increase my bonds with you as well, my dear customer. Since I want to know how strong your potential as a wild card."
*Ping!*
You can feel Lavenza affection towards you!
Magician Arcana increased to rank 2!
All passive on ? now has 75% effectiveness when not transforming!
"Is there anything else you want to buy, dear customer?"
"Hmm... did you sell explosive device?"
...
Now playing: Persona 5 Ost, Life Will Change Instrumental Version.
"The sun was set, the night is young and the mission will begin... now."
I was standing on top of a building using my Arsene outfit and currently preparing myself for my mission. I didn't go to the church in advance since I want to know the situation first and to see how the devil deals with it. After taking a few deep breaths I then jump from the building and using Arsene Agility to leap to another building while keep running towards my destination.
'Knowing Sona she might be using her peerage to create a barrier around them. That's not a problem anymore since I can bypass it but the real problem is how they deal with the fallen angels?' When I nearly reach the place I then activated Arsene passive Eye of Greed to locate the barrier and looks like they manage to cover most of the area. I then jump down from the building when I see some of Sona peerage that currently fighting the exorcists. 'They're strong enough to beat the powered up exorcists, that's good.' I then start approaching the barrier and use my watch to start bypassing it.
*Beep!*
The moment I pressed the button a magic circle started to appear just like when I'm practicing. The difference is this one has Sitri crest on it and more complicated than before. 'Alright, let's see...' I then begin rotating the watch hologram and since I already got used to this I manage to bypass it in short amount of time.
*Beep!*
The barrier then slowly create a small entrance for me to enter and I didn't waste any time to enter before begin sprinting to the church. 'Twelve seconds. Not bad but it can be better.' When I'm running I keep my distance from the exorcist and Sona peerage while constantly using shadow that the trees provide to make it smoother. I stopped on my track when I noticed three red dots and four white dots on my minimap and the size of the red dots is slightly bigger than others. 'It seems I found my target.' With that said I then start approaching them but keep hidden since I planning to do a surprise attack.
When I arrived I can see the scene I familiar with. Just like the original, right now the three fallen angels are fighting Rias and Akeno. But this time is different because there's also Sona and Tsubaki who join the fight. I can't say that I'm surprised since I expect something will be different because the fallen is also stronger than they should be. 'I need to defeat one of them with one strike. That would be hard though so I will try to use the devil's attack to improve my success.' I thought before searching a good position to attack.
Despite the difference in number, the fight is even for both sides. Rias creating a ball of destruction to attack them is good... if she can land it to the enemy. Even if her attack is powerful that will become useless if she can't even hit them. Akeno using her lighting spell to corner the fallen angel but when one of them manage to get pass through the attack she having a hard time dealing with them on close combat. Sona also using her water magic to do the same as Akeno and her problem is also same. Caster type can't do much in a close range not to mention her enemy is way stronger so that only make the situation worse. While Tsubaki is the only one who attacked them with melee attack but cannot focus since she needs to divide her attack and keep the fallen angels from approaching the caster.
The fallen angels are stronger than them because of black aura that produced from their body. I then use Eye of Greed to detect anything unusual and just like Lavenza said, something is glowing inside their body. It placed on their chest or maybe near their heart so the only way I can extract them is using Arsene unique skill, Phantom Steal. 'Rias attack is the most effective one to knock them out in one hit. I just need to prevent one of them to dodge it while adding my attack as well.' I ended my thoughts before start casting all my buff and debuff without making the fallen angels suspicious.
"Is that all you got devils!?" Yelled Kalawarner before slashing Tsubaki and make her pushed back from the attack.
"Tch! How can they be so strong!?" Tsubaki then throws some magic ball to Mittelt that about to attack Rias before charging to Kalawarner.
Rias then using that moment to attack Mittelt but was interrupted by Dohnaseek and force her to jump away to dodge. "It must be from that aura!" She then creates a smaller version of her Power of Destruction and barrages the fallen angels only for them to block it using their light spear.
Akeno then tries to attack Kalawarner but she manages to dodge all of them after sending Tsubaki to a tree and approaching her in high speed but was pushed back by Sona water magic before she manages to land a hit on Akeno.
"Thanks, Sona."
"Don't mention it." Sona said before blocking a light spear using her magic which was Mittelt doing. She then continues attacking Sona until Tsubaki try to slice her but she still manages to dodge it.
This time Rias use this chance to attack Mittelt using a giant ball of her power but Mittelt notice it and she then uses her wings to fly away from the attack. "Haha, you miss! You stupid devil-wha-!?"
Deal 320 physical damage to the enemy!
You've gained +65 HP +32 SP from Lifesteal/Spiritsteal!
I instantly use this chance to cut her escape by jumping above her and deliver an axe kick to her head before using my pistol for some extra damage. 'Charge! Snap!'
*Bang!*
-32 HP for using Snap!
Critical hit! Deal 680 physical damage to the enemy!
Mittelt instantly shot down by my bullet and before she reaches the ground Rias attack is there to finish the job.
*Boom!*
She was pushed to a tree which instantly breaking down because of the impact. Mittelt still not finished since she still alive and about to stand only for me to instantly approach her and using Phantom Steal.
"Show me your true self!" I yelled before my hand coated by red energy and went easily to Mittelt body without making any physical contact with her skin. It just like I took something from water and when I finally reach it I pulled my hand out from the body which makes her scream and thrashing around.
"Aaaaahhhhh!"
Mittelt instantly went unconscious after that and I decide to look for the source in my hand which make me surprised. It was a small black stone that radiates the black aura. I instantly put it on my inventory before looking back to see everyone shocked face.
I just smiled before slowly turn around and summon my cane on my hand. "My, my sorry for crashing your party. Don't take it personal alright? I'm just doing my job." I said with more deep voice probably because of Arsene transformation.
"W-Who are you?" Rias said.
"Not the right time to talk, lady. Now focus on the fight first and I'll explain." I then pulled out the blade from my cane and summon three Dream Needle on my left hand before throwing it towards Dohnaseek.
-31 HP for using Dream Needle!
He dodges the neddles but I already predict that and close the distance before using another skill to attack him again.
'Double Fangs!'
-28 HP for using Double Fangs!
The first hit was blocked but the second one manages to hit Dohnaseek right on his stomach.
Deal 247 physical damage to the enemy!
You've gained +26 HP +18 SP from Lifesteal/Spiritsteal!
"Guh! Don't get too cocky!" He then tried to slash me but I sidestepped from the attack. I block a few more of his attack before suddenly a lightning bolt hit him on his back and I use that chance to kick him away from me.
Deal 67 physical damage to the enemy!
You've gained +17 HP +7 SP from Lifesteal/Spiritsteal!
Before Dohnaseek manages to recover Rias manage to sent some of her magic and hit him a few times but he still standing because of that black aura. When I look to another direction Sona and Tsubaki now manage fight Kalawarmer without too much trouble like before. Probably because now Tsubaki can more focus without the need to keep the others fallen angel at bay and also my debuff on them. I decide to not giving any of my buffs to the devils since I want to see their power.
'If I can guess... their HP is about 2000 or so. I only can use my unique skill when their HP is at 15% since that's when the glow inside their body starts acting up.' I then pull out my pistol and prepare for another attack.
'Elemental Bullet, Wind!'
*Bang! Bang! Bang!*
I instantly send a barrage of bullets towards Dohnaseek which make him panic and can only defend himself using his light spear. Sadly to him the bullet still manages to get pass through the light spear since it was coated by wind magic which adds defense penetration.
Deal 110 wind damage to the enemy!
Deal 107 wind damage to the enemy!
Deal 121 wind damage to the enemy!
"You damn brats!" Dohnaseek yelled before charging at me with fury in his eyes. "I'll teach you some manners!" He then starts attacking me recklessly which resulted by easily I dodge his attacks.
'Analyze.'
Name: Dohnaseek
Race: Fallen Angel
Status: Berserk (04.59 Left), Awakening, Agility Down.
Level: 38
HP: ?/?
SP: ?/?
'He got Berserk status without me using Provoke skill? Well, that's saving me some time.' I smirked and keep dodging his attack without any effort to mock him even more. "You need to calm down old man. What if you hurt your back?" I said before making a jump to dodge a sweep attack from Dohnaseek.
"Stay still!" He about to slash me again only for be zapped by Akeno lightning bolt which makes him paralyzed in his spot. Rias didn't waste her time and send another ball of destruction which hit him straight in his body.
When his body was pushed from the impact I instantly use that to appear beside him and use Phantom Steal once again.
"Let me take this from you!" Like before my hand was coated by red energy and went easily to Dohnaseek body before I grab the same black stone. Because I do it while he was in mid-air Dohnaseek just instantly crashed to a tree before went unconscious. 'One more!' I then swift my attention toward Kalawarner direction only to see she was getting pushed back by Sona and Tsubaki effort. 'Good, they also winning their fight. My debuff really take a toll to Kalawarner, huh? Or maybe that Awakening status also had some side effect? Since they're kinda... sluggish than before.'
After getting hit by Sona water magic Tsubaki then follow up her attack by using her naginata. Kalawarner still manages to block it and with incredible strength, she pushed away Tsubaki before went to Sona and attempted to attack her.
'Dream Neddle!'
-33 HP for using Dream Needle!
Deal 241 physical damage to the enemy!
After got hit by my Dream Neddle and got interrupted on her track Sona instantly use this chance to create another attack which successfully pushed Kalawarner away from her. Before she manages to recover I approached her before using my cane to attack.
'Charge! Cleave!'
-27 HP for using Cleave!
Deal 361 physical damage to the enemy!
You've gained +31 HP +24 SP from Lifesteal/Spiritsteal!
"Gahhh! Damn you-!" Kalawarner is about to attack me but in a swift motion, I then use Phantom Steal on her before she manages to do that.
"I think not." I said before finally take the mysterious black stone from her body which resulting Kalawarner screaming in pain while holding her head.
"AAHHHHH! N-NOOO IT HURTSSS!"
After a while, she finally went unconscious just like the rest of them. I then put away the black stone to my inventory before it causes any more trouble. "Not a bad fight... for a king and heiress." I said before looking towards the devil's direction who's currently recovering from exhaustion.
"Y-You... who are you?" Ask Rias.
"The name Arsene, a pleasure to be an acquaintance miss Gremory and miss Sitri." I said before slightly bowing.
"How do you know?" This time was Akeno who ask the question while keeping her guard up. "Are you have any relation with them?"
"How rude. I'm here because of my job and no, I work alone."
"If I may can I ask you something?" Said Sona.
"Go on."
"Are you the one who responsible for a massacre that happened in an abandoned building? Since you know, you use the same needle that we found there."
"Yes, that was me." I smiled at her which make them more nervous. "Don't worry ladies, I'm just doing whatever my client wants me to do. So, as long you didn't paint a target on your back then the chance that I'll get a job to deal with you is almost none."
"W-Well, if you said so. How about those fallen angels? Did you kill them?" Ask Rias.
"No, I just simply make them unconscious. Before you ask I'm here because I need to investigate the mysterious power those fallen angels had for this past few weeks. I manage to get the source from them..." I then summoned one of the black stone on my hand and show it to them. "Which is this stone."
"That stone... is somehow made feel unpleasant." Said Rias.
"I agree. Those weird aura is also giving me a chill. What are you going to do with it?" Ask Sona.
"Analyze it, track its origin and finding who the one who made it. So I want to ask you to not kill these fallen angels first."
"Why?"
"I need information from them. They might be know something about it and I won't let this chance go. So I hope all of you won't mess it up, right?"
"...fine. You have my words." Said Sona which make the rest of them surprised.
"S-Sona? Are you sure?" Tsubaki said.
"We've already seen how dangerous this person is so it is wise to not get on his bad side. Not to mention we still didn't know what kind of trick did he have if we decide to do that." She explained.
That makes all of them thinking for a while before nodding in agreement. I smiled at them since I don't need to waste more energy to deal with them.
"Flattery won't get you anywhere, ladies. Now, please watch over them since I still have one more person left to deal with. See you later, devils." I said and instantly dash toward the abandoned church before they manage to say anything to me.
...
Level Up! You reached level 37! Your stat increased by Mag +4 Agi +1 Luck +4!
Tarukaja and Rakunda now can be used!
'Nice. That's what I need.'
After dispelling a few more barrier around the church I finally reach the place without alerting anyone. The church has several exorcists who patroled around them but I manage to get past them easily since there's a lot of shadows that covering the area. Using the information I got from Lavenza I started to look around for a secret passage which leads me to the church basement where the machine located. "Let's see... it should be around here..." I said while poking around the sidewall of the church and when I pressed the right stone block the wall around it started moving and create an entrance. "There. Luckily it doesn't make a lot of noise." I instantly use the entrance before it closed right away.
Inside the secret passage is a hallway with a lot of dust and spider web. Looks like they don't even know about this place quite well which helped me a lot.
I continue sneaking around the place before finally reach the place where Asia originally killed by them. The difference is there's another machine just in like Lavenza document and also a lot of exorcists guarding the area. 'Looks like I finally found the treasure. But with all the exorcist here I can't get close with the machine and snatch that stone. Well... time for plan B.' I said before slowly approaching an exorcist who standing around a corner to take him out in an instant.
"Wha-mphh!"
"Shh. Don't make a fuss now." I said before snapping his neck and drag him into the shadow. 'I only need to take out the exorcist near the building foundation. I think four should be enough.' After finished hiding the body I continue sneaking around, avoid any unnecessary takedown and placing an explosive device on the building vital spot. 'There. Now just need to place three more...'
I was about to continue making my way to another spot when suddenly there's a quake from above and made the exorcist panic. 'Is Raynare fighting Issei right now? It's about time he appeared.' I swiftly moving around the shadow since some of them is now guarding the entrance to the basement which make my job easier. Taking out another one who stands below the spot and placing another explosive before moving to the rest of it.
The third spot has two exorcists guarding it so I secretly summon Dream Needle and throw it to one of them to kill it instantly. Of course, I using Charge first for a sure kill.
-27 HP for using Dream Needle!
Critical hit! Deal 801 physical damage to the enemy!
"Wha- Intru-mmph!" The other one is about to yell but I instantly dash at him and cover his mouth while stabbing his heart in the process. Both of them then falls to the shadow so I don't have any problem to hide the body.
'Alright, last one.' I said after placing the third explosive.
The last spot was the easiest since there's no exorcist guarding it. Or I should've thanked Issei for that since the last spot was the hardest one if he didn't make that quake. 'Done. Now just need to get out of here and see the fight on the surface.' I thought before falling back to where I came from only this time I use another route for another secret passage. 'This one leads to the main hall. I just hope no one will notice that I'm using it.'
...
Abandoned Church, Night.
When the secret passage opened I instantly hide behind a pillar to witness something... crazy. Raynare is floating in the middle of the room but that's not all. Her hair and wings have grown significantly she also wears a skimpy black robe instead of her usual outfit but the bottom part are also long as heck. But the most important thing her eyes doesn't have any pupils. 'Don't tell me the black stone is taking control of her body!?'
Raynare was summoning several giant light spears around them before sending it to Issei, Kiba and Koneko.
"Watch out!" Yelled Kiba.
They tried to dodge the spear and fortunately still manage to do it without any scratch. Koneko then throws a bench to Raynare but hit something before it manages to reach her.
"She using some kind of barrier!" Said Koneko.
"Damn it! What should we do!? Even after my sacred gear evolved I still can't break through it!" Said Issei.
Raynare then create another light spear and about to shoot them again. "Foolish, brats. Now you see that I'm the one who will win." Raynare said but her tone was eerie not like her usual self. She then sends another barrage of the light spears which they try to dodge it again. Only this time Koneko was hit on the leg which makes her unable to dodge another incoming light spear.
"Koneko!"
"Tch!"
'Time to move.' After buffing myself I instantly make a dash towards Koneko and carry her before she gets hit by the light spear. I then put her down near the church entrance which made her look at me suspiciously.
"Who are you?" She asks.
"Someone that will help you dealt with that." I said before facing myself toward Raynare. 'The barrier should've been from that machine. The question is... how much HP did she have and is she also can heal herself using the black stone?' I thought before starting analyzing Raynare.
Name: Raynare
Race: Fallen Angel/(?)
Status: Awakening, Barrier, Regeneration, Agility Down.
Level: 41
HP: ?/?
SP: ?/?
'That answer my question.' "Hey! You with a red gauntlet!"
"M-Me?"
"Yes, you! How many times you can use that?"
"Three or maybe four. Why?"
In the middle of our talk, Raynare just sends another barrage of the light spear to us but make a lot of misses since I already use Sukunda on her.
"Just get over here and I'll explain! Hey, blondie! Try to make her busy!"
"I assume you have a plan then?"
"Yes, I am. Now do what you can."
As Issei makes his way toward us, Kiba starts slicing Raynare to gain her attention. Of course, he only manages to hit the barrier but that's is enough to make Raynare stop targeting us for a while.
"Alright, I'm here! What's the plan?" Ask Issei.
"You do that thing with that gauntlet and you girl, protect him so he can use the gauntlet four times."
"What about the barrier?" Ask Koneko.
"Heh, you'll see." I then charge towards Raynare to help Kiba distracting her. 'Just need to dodge her attack. It should be easy since the weird transformation she uses is only enchant the damage but at the cost of her Agility.' I thought before start dodging every single light spear she sent to me.
"You're pretty fast. Just who are you?" Ask Kiba in the middle of dodging. He also occasionally uses his sword to block the smaller light spear.
"Just ask your King. I believe she's more than willing to tell you." I said before summoning my pistol and use Elemental Bullet once again.
'Elemental Bullet, Wind. Let's see if this can penetrate the barrier.'
*Bang!*
The bullet hit the barrier for a while before manages to went through it. But the power is reduced significantly and the bullet just disappears before it gets through the barrier. 'Harder than I thought.'
"Hey, blondie. Can you slice the barrier a few times in the same spot?" I said after landing from a jump and do some backflip to dodge another light spears.
"Where do you want me to do it?" He said after ducking from a light spear and charging toward Raynare.
"Near her wing. Choose whichever you like."
"Got it." Kiba then jumps and slice the barrier near Raynare left wing.
I instantly use this opportunity to get some angle by using one of the pillars to boost my movement. 'Alright, I need to shoot at the exact same spot to raising the success rate.' I aim my pistol right on the small crack that Kiba made before shooting it.
*Bang! Bang! Bang!*
Unlike before the bullet went in one straight line instead of different spots. I never thought I can do that, to be honest. Not to mention I was currently flying in the air. The first bullet didn't do much, the second one manages to get the crack bigger and the third one are hitting Raynare wing and made her cry in pain.
Deal 187 wind damage to the enemy!
'Nice!'
*Ping!*
'Huh?'
You gained new skill through special action!
Triple Shot now can be used!
'That was unexpected.' I finally land to the ground before looking toward Issei direction who currently focus on boosting himself while Koneko using the church bench to block any incoming light spear. "How many time you use that thing now?"
"T-Three times! Give me another minute!"
"Blondie, attack her back!"
"On it!"
We continue doing our best to stall Raynare while Issei powering up. The barrier and the wound on Raynare wing are fully recovered but I do the same thing as before to make her busy. Kiba is also repeating the same method I just told him earlier which make it easier.
'Charge! Triple Shot!'
*Bang! Bang! Bang!*
-44 HP for using Triple Shot!
Deal 389 wind damage to the enemy!
Like before only one bullet that manages to hit Raynare but that's enough to make her stop the barrage.
"I'm ready!" Yelled Issei which is my cue to the next step of my plan.
"Blondie, fall back!" I yelled before making my way to the church entrance with Kiba who following me. I then pressed the detonator for my explosive and a second later a giant explosion happened below the church.
*BOOM!*
The walls start to crumble, the roof is falling apart and the floor beneath Raynare is destroyed.
"AHHHH! YOU! YOU'LL PAYYYY!" She said as she screaming in pain and the barrier slowly gone.
"Girl! Throw him with all your might toward that monster!"
"E-Ehh!? Wait wait wai-AHHH!"
Issei was thrown by Koneko toward Raynare but before he reaches her I cast Tarukaja on Issei while also giving Raynare Rakunda.
"AHHH! This one for killing me you BITCH!"
The punch hit her right on the face and made Raynare hit the wall on her back before destroy it. She then falls and now lying on her back while the black aura starts to disappear. Her feathers also start falling down from her wings and she started coughing blood in the process. "Y-YOU! HOW COULD YOU-"
I then appear on top of her to take my treasure. "Show me your true self!" Using Phantom Steal like before I then use my hand to take the stone from her heart. But when I touch it, something happened.
"Everyone thinks they all better than me!"
"I'll show them that I stronger than every one of them!"
"They will be sorry when I finally got stronger!"
"This is for Azazel-sama! I'll crush everything on my way!"
"No one will ever defy me! No one!"
"!?" I instantly pulled the stone from her body and put it inside my inventory. 'What the hell was that? Raynare memories?' I ended my thoughts when Raynare is engulfed by the black aura which makes me jumping away from her. But, after that, I can see that Raynare back to normal. No skimpy dress, no extra wing and no freaking long hair.
I then fixed my glove and turn around to face the devils. "Mission complete."
Lq8401i: Another skill will be acquired later since Ryuji manage to get the mysterious power source. And about Roseweisse let's just see on later chapters since I still don't have any plan for it.
M2R: Thank you. Just wait until Ryuji is ready to go back to Kyoto and reveal the previous Ryuji past.
Dxhologram: Ryuji will talk about it again with Koneko later since he already got a social link with her. Hopefully in the next chapter.
Gen2324: I just hope I can reach that arc without any problems. Well... I'm starting to doubt that, haha.
Shen: I almost reach the next arc but the fallen angels still alive since Ryuji need that information from them.
FandomBard12: Thank you!
Shiroyasa Rises: Well, let's just hope that Lavenza can help him to make his apartment more secure.
Journey to the End: Haven't checked FGO for a while so I didn't know anything about it. I'll try to check it later on youtube since I kinda stopped playing FGO now.
Boomman: Thanks for the suggestion. Ryuji summoning his persona is a great idea but I'll consider it for later maybe when he reaches a certain rank on his arcana. For harem... well let's just see how it will go but I won't genderbend anyone since a lot of people seems against it.
Metron: Well, maybe not all at once but he can change it simultaneously like Yu Narukami when fighting the shadow giant baby. But like I said above I'll consider it.
Guest: Okay I won't genderbend anyone.
Guest-Questioner: Haha, sorry. It meant a lot for me when you said my story is good. I'll try to not rushing when I write this.
fruitspunchsamurai-987: Don't worry he will explain it later to Koneko since he finally can trust her. Not to mention since she also one of his confidant so he won't hide anything from her. Except for his game ability of course.
Kensei-1085: Rune magic huh? That's a great idea. Hmm... so I guess Ryuji will get caster Cu Chulainn first and Scatach later? Or maybe I even can combine it with GBF Runeslayer magic? Time to read Cu Chulainn and Scatach bio!
Doortolight47: Dual wield... Hmm... I wonder where Ryuji will get that skill? Since it can be really useful though he needs to buy an extra gun if he wants to use it, haha. Archery club looks like a free bow mastery for Ryuji thanks to Marin Karin.
Shinta: Social link with Akeno will be added on the future chapter. Can't say next since I'm still uncertain but maybe that can happen if possible. Let's just wait and hope.
Lu: How about this purple aura? But I won't tell you anything about it for now or how come to only Tsubaki that can see it. Don't worry, he can control his aura and shows it to other people at will when he becomes stronger.
Kaori: Giving false information is the only way Ryuji can do at the moment. Since he still not trusting Koneko at that time but that changed since he got an arcana with her. About a problem with Issei... well, we save it for later.
Hajime: Hopefully Ryuji can reforge Excalibur when he possessed King Arthur or Lady of the lake later. Still haven't finished with Raynare since he needs some information from her but hey at least he doesn't need to fight with her group anymore.
Gina: Well, at least Rias here realized that she's weak. If she needs to be reminded Ryuji will be more than happy to do it.
Naomi: And Ryuji can also cast some debuff on them without anyone noticing. A free turn for Ryuji if this a turn-based system, haha.
Dei: Let's hope Ryuji can fake it until he makes it. At least until they ready to know what happened to the real Ryuji or make them believe that he still the real one.
Meek: And a lot of Ishtar meme. I think I always see that meme anywhere or maybe that just me, haha.
yogaratw607: I think I saw my friend play it once. I will try to ask her later.
Shinsuke: Ryuji interacting with his Persona is something I will do since he needs more teacher to teach him the weapon, magic or even gun mastery. For Merlin, I think he will get it a few chapters after he reforges Excalibur even if still not complete yet.
Nio: Yup, I planned to do that. For summoning them well, let's just hope I can do it later. I'm currently searching for more info for Scatach and I'll try to look up for Chiron later.
Gladios: When in a real battle Rias and Sona need to know that right? Since they can't expect that everything will go smoothly like their plan.
nahariyanash: 1. All right. I will follow your suggestions about adding people wives and for the rest of them, I'll try to do it. Unfortunately, I'm still not sure about adding Kasumi to the story though. 2. Just a few personas that will change Ryuji clothing most of them just giving him some attachment or accessories. About summoning I'll consider it down worry.
Ammu: Let's see if I can do it.
Lu: Thanks for the idea! Though it will need a lot of chapters for me until I reach that arc. His relationship with Kunou will also create an arcana since based on your idea Ryuji will be the one who helps her when Yasaka is not around. Maybe I'll add another arcana for Yasaka but maybe I just combine it with Kunou? Well, let's just see it later.
Denzel: They going to be shocked when Ryuji manage to do that. Let's hope he can do it without waiting for the final boss to appear.
Van: Yes, Ryuji will surely be overpowered. But I'm going to make him progress a lot of training, challenge or quest to achieve it. About elemental resistance, I already have done rebalance those skills. Just need some... trigger to make Ryuji have it.
Sengoku: Well, if you like it then I won't change it. Since Ryuji will also be like them when he reaches max arcana rank with the girls. XD
Lamia: Don't forget about passive skills. Those things overpowered when you have a lot of it. Like Maple.
Springer: I planned to. But sadly I can't do it on this chapter since my brain it limits, haha.
Meito: Of course. No one will handle that can of a burden especially alone. Not to mention that he also just someone who has a normal life before he reincarnates to DxD world. In the first place, Arsene memory is the main reason that he can handle killing someone.
Maron: He won't be that dense... at least, not like Ichika from infinite stratos. No just... no. Ryuji might like... unsure what to do since he never been in any relationship before even from his previous life.
Olm: Okay! It's going kinda difficult with Akeno though. Since they started off on the wrong foot so they might have a rough start on their relationship.
Orion45: Guilty as charged. Sorry about that.
Guest: Thank you!
Merry: And Ryuji will say... "I can do this all day!"
Ark: Yup! When he gets more Persona he will gain access to their memory and can make them train him on his mindscape. Of course, the game system also helps him a lot for enhancing his body by a questionable amount which anybody can't explain.
Nero: I do that, I'm just not explaining what or which skill will he got from Persona that he has and just make it obtainable without telling him the skill origin when he's gain more level.
Barry: Ahh... looks like I'm just confused myself there. Still can't get used to writing a chapter that long.
Carrie: The game system is a cheat ability, to begin with, and I agree with that. That's why Yuzu and Kiri are surprised when he can just master everything they teach in a short amount of time. Even when Ryuji itself didn't understand much what's he doing in the first place. Can't wait to see other supernatural reaction when he also does that to them.
Guest: What do you think about the new watch Ryuji just obtained to bypass the magic barrier? I'll make the Arsene in DxD like historical figure in the supernatural world but only a few who know about it. What do you think?
belamy20: I know right?
OechsnerC: Here is it. Sorry for a long delay though.
Shinsuke: Haha, don't worry about it.
Lars: You will see it when an important battle happened later.
The Loud Persona: Well, kinda different from Persona 5. As you can see in this chapter. But don't worry he will just kill anyone worst than trash without any remorse later.
Guest: Really? I'm just want to make sure that he won't be taller than Issei but maybe I'm going to make him had the same height as him then.
nahariyanash: I haven't played it or know about it to be honest. But since you just giving me the ideas then I guess I will try to watch it later. Thank you for the ideas as always!
dj max: Thanks! Another reason I focused on character development is also because of Persona game itself. It's really good when you read every character story and in the end, when we reach a max social rank with them, they become someone better than before.
Aiko: Yes I also think that bow and arrow is the most versatile weapon if combined with magic. Since there's a lot of skill available in almost every RPG video games that have a character who used that weapon. Special mention... STELLAAAAA!
Scurra71900: You're welcome!
Guest: Going to change that now. Thank you for telling me.
Green223: Sure, but just wait and see.
Guest: Yup, sorry for taking this too long.
Guest: Haha, sorry. Just having some problem for this past few weeks.
That's it for now guys. Let's just hope the next chapter won't take me a full month or two for me to finish it. Ciao~
