Responding to reviews 101

TGC: No, I don't think I will write about the axiom force. That kind of stuff is too advanced for me to touch on.

Karibanu: Yeah, I think DxD favours devils a lot more as compared to any other faction. Humans are truly wayyy undervalued so yeah. When it comes to Persona, the stuff I write is simply what I interpret it, only the guys at Atlus can confirm what I write is true or not so yeah. I think it's like a temporary imprint, that's my best guess. I'll explain a bit more in the future.

BORDERLANDS 2: I guess it's just me writing and I forget to read between the lines of what I write sometimes tbh. But yes, honestly speaking, my favourite part to write for the last chapter was between Akeno and Akira mostly because throughout this story so far, I've never properly defined their relationship, hence it leads to this situation. And I'm glad you find the character development enjoyable.

Infinity Ninja1000: I didn't, because that would defeat the whole purpose of his power. He achieved what he's done so far, as a human. So why should he be turned? When you pull off something that others can't and you have a disadvantage as compared to them, then why should you become them? You know what I mean?

Shashenka: I did enjoy writing last chapter as well, and I'm glad to see you enjoying it!

ORC Clubroom, Morning

Issei's POV

You'll think that the situation couldn't have been any more awkward than your childhood friend finding out that you are a devil now and said childhood friend was apparently a girl, and you'll be forgiven if you thought that way. Because he certainly wasn't expecting it to get any worse either. However, as the world likes to prove him wrong at every given opportunity, this isn't an exception either.

There are four things that are making it worse.

First of all, Akira-senpai. While he's helpful and a nice guy(most of the time), there's no real prediction as to what he would do. To Issei, Akira is the epitome of unpredictable. It's like nobody knows what he will pull out next. He's like a wildcard if anything. This is the least of his worries because Akira is again, most of the time a nice guy.

The next issue is the fallen angel in the room as well. Who so happens to be the fallen angel who murdered him on that date night. And who so happens to be accompanying Akira-senpai. While he would like to question why, now's not exactly the time.

The third thing is, of course, Rias Gremory herself. The issue between them hasn't been resolved and it has barely even been 12 hours, since they talked. Well, it wasn't much of a conversation. He'd never said more than three sentences. However, it's surprising that Rias looks more normal, as compared to her disheveled self the night before. That's something to ask about later as well.

Lastly, it's surprisingly both Akeno and Kiba. Both of them seem to be troubled, for different reasons. Akeno seems to be wary of the fallen angel, while Kiba looks as if he's got a bone to pick with the people behind him. Thankfully, Asia, is well, Asia.

Throw in all of these factors alongside the exorcists behind him and you've got yourself a perfect recipe for disaster.

"Who are the people behind you, Issei?" It was, of course, the wildcard who breaks the silence.

"I am Xenovia, an exorcist. This is Irina, an exorcist as well. We are here on a mission from the Vatican and we're here to seek out the owner of the territory."

"Please wait for a few minutes, if you do not mind. As you can see, the fallen angel here has come with some rather worrying news and I'll like to deal with it as soon as possible." It's then he notices that Raynare is showing signs of nervousness. She is shifting uncomfortably, for one.

"As for you, Issei, do not do anything rash for now. I know you hold some hatred against her, but we've got bigger problems than a simple grudge right now." Issei didn't realize it until it was pointed out by his senior, but his fist was already clenching up at the sight of Raynare.

"She killed me." Issei points out.

"And she tried to kill me." Akira deadpans back. The retort leaves Issei no chance to respond. "So, sit down and entertain your guests for a bit because we're about to get involved in a potential political disaster."

"..."

"..."

"..."

He listened in, but only understood one thing.

Holy shit Akira was wrong. This isn't a political disaster. It's a political clusterfuck.

And they should, by all rights, be attempting to settle this political clusterfuck as peacefully as possible without anything going wrong because one false step could lead to war. So when the hell did it become this situation? Right, the moment Xenovia spotted Asia, everything went to shit almost instantly.

"To think the former Holy Nun has taken up residence here. In the company of devils no less."

"Quit it." Akira's voice cut through the room, warning her.

"Let me ask you something, Asia Argento." Her voice is full of scorn. "Do you still believe in God?" Every devil winces at the mention of that name.

"Of course I do."

"Then you don't mind if I cut you down in the name of God, right? If you still have faith in him, that is." Xenovia is ready to unsheathe the sword behind her back.

"If you wish to cut her down, you'll need to go through me first." It is Akira who comes to her defense first, before Issei himself was given any chance.

"You would defend a heretic?"

"Just because the Church calls her one for healing a devil, you're willing to join them as well?"

"Don't presume to interfere in such matters."

"I told you, if you want to cut her down, you will need to get past me first." Issei is about to count himself in as well, but Kiba is even faster.

Akira's POV

"You don't have to fight, Kiba." Akira tries to persuade him.

"No, let me. I have to do this." Given how there seems to be no persuading Kiba, he decides to let it go.

"For the record, I just wish to see how strong these 'Excaliburs', as you call them are. Think of it as a curiousity of mine." Akira twirls his dagger with practiced ease. It is also a taunt of sorts.

Kiba was more straightforward and forthcoming with his intentions. "I wish to see if I'm strong enough to destroy the Excaliburs." So that explains, even if it's just a bit.

Xenovia unsheathes her 'Excalibur'.

"This is Excalibur Destruction." This... this has to be a joke, right? He doesn't let any emotion show on his face, however.

"Begin!" She leaps towards him with an overhead strike, putting down her weight in that strike. Sure, she is somewhat fast, but reckless at the same time. The durability of his dagger is undeniable, yes. No, he doesn't want to parry the strike. Revealing his cards now isn't going to do him any good and in fact, it's only going to draw attention to him. The most he'll display now is his swiftness. As expected, the sword impacts the ground, forming a crater.

She swings it again. He dodges this time. She swings. He dodges. This pattern repeats, giving Akira the time to analyze her combat style while putting in little to no effort to dodge. For some reason, she keeps making rather wide swings, making it rather easy to dodge. If it was a slower opponent, no doubt they would have been dead, crushed by the sword given the damage it is making to the ground right now. But he alone is naturally swift and flexible even without the help of his Personae amplifying his ability, having been forced to perform many stunts during his various stints in the Palaces.

He snaps his fingers in understanding, having understood the trick behind the sword. "I see. Excalibur Destruction converts your momentum and amplifies it to cause the so-called destruction it's known for." It is simple reasoning. There has to be a reason why she's making such wide swings, even if she doesn't need to at times. Either that or her fighting style is more suited against multiple opponents. "It doesn't deserve the title of Excalibur if it uses such a cheap trick."

Xenovia bristles in anger, swinging even more at him as she falls for his taunt. All of which fail to hit him.

Many of the Personae who dabble in magic could easily reenact such a shoddy enchantment when needed, to be honest. Such as Scathach with her Primordial runes, Thoth with his knowledge. Heck, such a thing could be easily explained with science. The kinetic energy generated from her wide swings basically gets converted to potential energy which is then turned back into kinetic energy again upon impact and said energy is transferred from the sword to whatever it hits, hence giving it that destructive effect. In fact, the first two stages are practically similar to how dams work.

And there are weapons out there with much better effects that cannot be explained so easily with science, such as the Peerless Sword, Durandal that is said to be able to recreate three miracles. To be hyped it up like this by several people including Azazel himself then get such a poor experience, it kind of feels like he has been cheated. Now he can see why Oberon was so proud of the original Excalibur.

They named it in honor of the original Excalibur? In honor? This Excalibur Destruction is nothing but a mockery. It is quite weak, in all honesty. This sword also seems to have a "holy" effect to it as well, but since he isn't a devil, it wouldn't work on him. Pretty sure Oberon could give more details on Excalibur itself, but all in all, this was a pretty disappointing experience.

Time to end this. With a burst of speed, he moves past Xenovia when she's preparing another wide swing that left her open in the first place, ending up behind her before she can blink. The attribute of this Persona was most famous for, was speed, not strength after all. "You've lost." He didn't even bother asking for the other party's surrender. After all, when it is a foregone conclusion, why bother delaying it? For emphasis, he pricks her nape with his dagger, drawing a single drop of blood. Her arms slacken, accepting her defeat. Clearly, she would have died if this wasn't a friendly spar.

"Tch."

On the other side, Kiba is forced to kneel, having received a single wound that rendered him unable to fight.

"Raynare, leave first." He commands, with a tone that leaves no room for argument. Without any hesitation, she's out of hearing range within a few seconds thanks to her wings.

He faces Xenovia, the culprit who began this whole pointless duel. "You know, I should cut you down where you stand for insulting Asia. She is the one who had no choice in the matter."

"It just means-"

"Even now, you still hold on to that line of reasoning? The so-called faith that you speak of has made you blind. If faith alone was enough for one to survive in this cruel reality, then everybody would live forever and not die. The way I see it, you haven't experienced the harshness that the world has to offer."

The World is harsh, yes. This harshness comes in many forms, be it a natural disaster, war, or even a personal problem. Those are just three of the multiple ways that one would have to face. Yet, it is also within the world that there are things that make it worth living for. This delicate balance is what makes the World, the World.

"What do you mean?" Rias shifts uncomfortably at the side upon Xenovia's demand for knowledge, knowing what Akira is implying. After all, hasn't she been on the receiving end of it recently? It just so happened that the harbinger happened to be the Persona User himself.

"No amount of explanation would prepare you for what you will face." Even if he were to tell them again that Kokabiel is the true mastermind behind the scenes, the chances of them actually leaving this town alive without any help are close to nil. They would still continue with the mission, if their minds are set like this. It's better for them to realize it by themselves first before lending them any assistance.

"I've said what needs to be said. And watch your words around Asia, because she is an innocent person who did not deserve any of this." He leaves the threat unsaid, knowing that the message has been sent. Without any unnecessary words, he leaves, ready to begin what will most definitely be another arduous day at school.

Rias' POV

She slumps back into her seat back in the ORC. Finally. All of them are gone.

When she heard that she was receiving guests in the form of the fallen angel who killed her Pawn and whom she decided in her mind was more of a monster than anyone else she'd ever met this morning, her heart nearly leapt out of her body. Why was he coming? And with such a person no less?! Did they want to mock her even further?

"I'll ask Sona to excuse you for the rest of the day." She absent-mindedly thanks Akeno for her ever so on point actions.

Seeing her Pawn again, she couldn't exactly find the proper words that she wanted to speak to him. But she knew that an apology would be worthless in his eyes. He'd say it himself, after all.

"Akeno, what do you think I should do?" Trying to justify her own actions wouldn't work. Akira had simply brushed off all her excuses that time.

"I can't say for sure. But you're too wilful and spoilt. That's why you ended up in this situation." Immediately, her Queen has pointed out her flaws.

"Am I really?"

"Look, think about it." It was the first time she saw such an exasperated expression on her Queen's face. "Did your brother ever turn down any of your requests?"

"Not really..." Except for the marriage thing, but that was apparently out of his power. Even though she was bound by the marriage contract, he still somehow allowed her to go to Kuoh to find suitable pieces for her peerage, rather than limiting her to the Underworld, where good pieces were a scarcity, as everyone, be it noble families or reincarnated devils who held King pieces, would make a mad dash for them once one showed up.

"Think about it. You've never suffered a setback or faced any real consequences for your actions, because your brother was always there to mitigate any damage." Akeno was right, but Rias didn't exactly want to say it out loud. Most heirs should have more proficiency in their trademark clan power, but she ended up slacking and spending all her time on her manga obsession. Honestly speaking, at best, her current power only rivaled Akeno at best. She could defeat her Queen, but that's only because the Power of Destruction is the concept of Destruction itself, which makes her raw power much stronger than other devils in her generation.

However, there are several drawbacks to her power. One of it is that it takes too long to charge it up. She'd seen her brother fire it off in an instant, but no one ever told her that it was through centuries of hard work and effort.

As a result, her power level is severely lacking when going up against even the likes of Raiser Phenex. The Pillars cannot display weakness. That is a fact. To display weakness is to leave your Pillar vulnerable to attacks, no matter if you're a Duke or even a Great King. Yet, she'd been allowed to get away with stagnation for so long. Thanks to her brother.

"Y-" She can't say it.

Outside School

Raynare's POV

She didn't know what to exactly think of who's essentially her new boss, as she flies back to the new base of operation, a simple two-room apartment.

Akira Kurusu. Calls himself a human. A human who also apparently holds the souls of not just a fallen angel but potentially other beings within him as well. He didn't even try to deny Azazel's words. There is no way he's just a normal human, if he's got many souls like that. Her lifespan as an Angel and Fallen Angel can be considered lacking when compared to the majority of her peers, but in spite of that, she's witnessed and experienced a lot of different things.

None of those experiences, however, could have prepared her for the storm that was the 'human'. The first time he showed up at the church, she'd been embarrassed, as well as angry. The fact that a mere human could escape unnoticed in her presence was something she took offense to, but it was easily made up by the sadistic glee that he had been forced to scurry away like a cockroach, like a pathetic prey before a superior predator.

Still, she couldn't help herself the second time he showed up, as well as their first proper meeting. When Dohanseek brought the very same human back, she'd made it her goal to break him. After all, what's one more compared to the numerous ones that she'd done the same to? He's just a normal human, just a few others would miss him and that would be about it.

Or so she thought. Whatever force was in play, it apparently decided that she deserved to be punished, because ironically, it was by her own inclination of sadism that came back to bite her in the ass. She wasn't expecting him to be packing a fallen angel's soul, one that he could apparently summon. Then again, no human should be able to do so, especially one that was already dead. The amount of power she'd felt at that time was nothing short of just... No. Horrifying couldn't even begin to describe it.

The sensations that she had felt were still clear and fresh in her mind. The amount of raw malice he had before pulling out Satanael sent shivers down her spine, promising nothing but endless pain for daring to even touch a single hair of his. And she and her comrades had done much more than just touch one hair. It was, however, to her surprise that she didn't meet her demise right there, because the sheer malice radiating off him had suffocated her. Even if the power wasn't that much compared to the malice he'd let out, it still didn't do his power any justice.

She'd observed him when they were getting an apartment. He sure had the skills to bargain, for one. He seemed to be normal, did things like any other teenager would. Cook. Eat. Talk to his cats and take them out. At least that's what she observed from a bit more than twelve hours of being around him. How could a human who seemed to act like a normal teenager at his age induce such a primal fear in her? The fact that she'd made it out alive back at the church was a miracle because she should have clearly died. Instead, he showed mercy for some reason.

Only to learn that her fate would be to be still under his mercy, all over again. Funny how life works out.

She spots a tuft of brown hair approaching her. Granted, she isn't exactly that far from the school. Just down the street at the moment. "For the record, I'm not apologizing." Yes, she isn't. Why should she? He'd been reincarnated into a devil anyway, which is probably the best-case scenario for Sacred Gear users.

They get a long lifespan, their physical abilities get pumped up, their looks improve, basically anything that they once had before they get reincarnated? It just improves. Time. Wealth. Love. All for the cheap price of servitude to one person. Of course, there are those who dislike being under others, as well as those who have less than desirable Kings. But even that can be taken care of, by becoming a King themselves, given enough time. Compared to the devils, being a Sacred Gear wielder in other factions are clearly way less beneficial.

"I didn't expect you to." Good. It would have been a pain in the ass to do so. "I just want to know one thing. Why?"

"It was a false order." No point in hiding the truth. "Someone wanted you dead, he used his position to give the order and you were killed before Azazel-sama found out. Happy now?" There. Now hopefully he goes away.

"So all this could have been avoided?"

"Doubt it. It could also have been someone else." Who would have murdered him without even batting an eyelid. The only reason why she even bothered setting up a date on her own accord was mostly that it was the most effective way for a pervert like him at that time. Fallen have to be resourceful to get an edge over other factions, it's one of the things they've picked up over time. She takes solace in his change of character. His eyes are no longer wandering all over his body, instead focused on her eyes, she'll give him that much.

"Tell me, Yuu- No. Raynare. Was it really a lie?" The alias she used to approach him for the date. Why he'd have to bring that up now?

"Hate to break it to you, but you're not my kind of guy. Maybe the nun would appreciate it more, but not me." She snorts. The date was pretty bad, honestly. No girl wants a guy to look and act so enthusiastic during their date. Rather, it simply comes off as him looking desperate and creepy, as if he's trying to get laid on the first date. If she wanted a better date, there were definitely better options out there that she can get with ease, given her beauty. In fact, there would be many who would no doubt fall over just to have a chance for a date with her.

However, she didn't exactly crush his hopes. Issei was definitely growing on the nun, after all. "I see. Thank you."

She looks at the clock of the school. Tch, it's only 9am and she's already being made to reflect on her conscience. Isn't that kind of thing supposed to be for nights only? She decides to walk to the nearest convenience store. After all, some alcohol might help.

School, Evening

Akira's POV

"No."

"B-but-"

"I will not help. Not yet, at least."

"Why?"

"I'm the only person who can rival Kokabiel in the city as of now. I show my hand too early, the whole gig is up. The town will be in shambles and you will be dead by then. I can only be in one place at one time." It is not a scare tactic. It is simply a fact. Issei would be targeted for two things. One, the Boosted Gear. Letting someone who not only holds a God-Slaying weapon but high potential as well live is just asking for trouble. Issei is also part of Rias' peerage, so he wouldn't be spared, he would also be most likely killed off to make a point.

If he went into a fight against Kokabiel's minions, the town wouldn't last. As long as someone got away and reported his presence, they have lost. That is the losing condition in that scenario. Kokabiel is most likely strong enough to level the small town, being a ten-winged Cadre. The fallen angel's tactical mind most likely wouldn't leave it to chance that Akira is someone weak and would rather deal with the unpredictable variable, aka, him or go through with the plan as soon as possible. All it would take is an assassi-

Wait. If all Kokabiel needed was to assassinate the two Heiresses in Kuoh Town with the Holy Swords, then why hasn't he already done so? Something's wrong. Pride? No. Pride did not matter when it comes to a strategist's heart. Their only goal is to win. Pride? Their pride would come from executing a strategy successfully, no matter how depraved it is. Pride comes in all forms, from the perspectives of a myriad of people. The source for some is by honest means, others via less savory means.

Why the hell does he know it so well? He didn't really care when he had to fake his own death, after all. He would never admit it out loud but outsmarting Akechi with a plan and actually managing to pull it off had a nice feeling to it, even if his final moments were heart-wrenching.

"There's something fishy about this as well. I need to do my own investigation before doing anything." In his mind, he has established the win condition. But the question is, how to go about achieving it? Kokabiel needs to reveal his presence to enact the plan. If it's lower-ranked personnel who acts alone, it can be dismissed as a single person dissatisfied with the status quo and it can probably be repaired with compensation and handing the culprit over, a war won't start that way.

No, Kokabiel must show up as well as leave traces of his presence to truly cause a war. That would be part of the enemy's win condition. The problem is, he wouldn't appear anytime before that. There is nothing of real significance that would bait him out, given the limited information he's working with. The only way he can think of is if the devils find out his hiding spot... No, too risky. The issue with the Church's exorcists as well as the Holy Swords is also keeping them busy.

Now he can see why Kokabiel's tactical intelligence is not for show. Even without announcing his presence, he's being forced to play the Fallen Angel's game. If he tried to search every corner, Kokabiel would catch him sniffing about. That's akin to asking for his defeat. Upturning the entire town isn't an option either. It'd take too much time as well. The only option now is to wait and intervene the moment Kokabiel acts.

"Alright then..." Issei leaves, dejected. While he doesn't want to reject, he is now forced to consider the consequences of every action he makes now.

"One more thing, before you leave. You approached Raynare today?"

"Yeah, why?"

"No, just asking." Maybe the boy got the closure he needed. Maybe he didn't. He won't pry. For now.

Seriously though, since when did he have to start dealing with teenage angst and helping to mend broken hearts while also getting involved in politics? Things were way simpler when all he had to do was to steal some hearts and actually bond with people.

A/N: Shorter chapter before stuff happens I guess. Not much to say here, but I'm not sure when I'm updating again so yeah.

Anyways, I hoped you guys enjoyed this chapter and leave a review if you guys think that there's room for improvement that you think is possible! Feel free to PM me if you want. On that note, peace out people!

322n