Danzy "most of this stuff was supposed to be included in the last chapter pt.2" Danz

Academy DxD

[Chapter XII]

||Fated Encounter||

When he first convinced Sona to metaphorically skip the tutorial stage, Issei really didn't have high expectations. Getting her to lay off his back if only for a few days was his main reason, because who wouldn't appreciate a degree of privacy? He had some predictions in his head, such as having to choose a Peerage to join or, worse, create one himself. Shudder.

Or at worst, or maybe for the better; he was outright rejected.

Which, all in all, wasn't that much of a let down. He just had to suck it up and probably tire himself trying not to die, given the almost no-break policy of the exam aside from the weekends. Likely to test the examinees' skills to the limit as well as their resilience along with how well they can recover after a battle, as well as their wiseness in conserving their power just enough so that they could still win, and still fight again at the very next day.

By Thursday, there had been a few absentees, and most of them were the winners of their previous battle. Issei might have been a part of it too, despite his heritage, if he didn't wisen up earlier by realizing this wasn't just a test of might.

Nonetheless, it was Friday. The last day for the Individual Exam before the examinees proceed to another form of exam.

But not him.

This caught him off guard.

Practically locked inside one of the karaoke-like meeting rooms underneath the colossal Arena, Issei and his band of misfits idly watched the ongoing battle displayed by the very cool and very expensive and very high-tech projector. It was the girl with the half-mask and the girl with questionable 'battle suit' that was similar to Irina's. Isabela and Xenovia; and he was fairly certain the second of the two was Irina's buddy.

"D'you know her nyan?" Kuroka, as per usual hogging an entire couch for her own body to stretch over, asked for the sake of chatting.

"Not really no." Issei replied blithely. "With that kind of name, I wouldn't forget her if we've met before."

Kuroka snorted. "Heh- yeah. Xenovia— sounds like an alien name… Are aliens real?"

"Aren't we aliens to humans?" Ingvild voiced softly, at the moment sitting atop of Sairaorg's broad back as he was doing push-ups.

"Technically, you're not wrong." Issei added, trying to remain still on top of his muscle-brained friend. "But from our perspectives, aren't humans the aliens?"

"Ooooh!" Ingvild's lavender eyes lit up at the intriguing point of view. It wasn't that intriguing considering Issei gave no deeper thought before saying it, much like any other time he said something remotely funny or unusual for the sake of amusing himself or making others feel a little bit uncomfortable.

"Mmmmno we're not. We can't be aliens. They're all ugly nya. What's that movie where that little freak tried to phone home?"

"E.T? And wow, Kuroka, they might have their own beauty standards you know."

The flippant Nekoshou huffed uncaringly. "That runt looks like melting clay. melting moldy clay. ugly melting moldy clay of a deformed pug."

"You're a meanie you know." Issei commented.

"Alright, you two can get off me now." From underneath, Sairaorg joined in, keeping his hands stretched straight against the velvety carpeted floor as he finished his usual push-ups routine. "Thanks for sitting on top of me—… that's not something I ever expected to say…"

Ingvild hopped off him, giddily giggling. "Yes! You're welcome. That was fun. It's like a thrill ride without the thrill. Thank you Mr. Bael."

"I thought we agreed to stop calling me that. And get off me, Ise, or I'll move."

Issei remained unmoving. "It's rude to ask a person to move from their seat— motherfu—" without his consent, Sairaorg stood up straight, making the Dread Lordling tumble to his feet without the slightest care of the lordling's safety. "Very rude. Bad behaviour is bad civilization. Bad Sai."

While Ingvild quietly giggled "Hehe… bad Sai…", the Bael casually ignored him as he strolled to sit at the couch's arm, not wanting to stain the backseat with his sweat. Very considerate, this man was.

The muscular guy promptly gazed at the screen, watching the class of flaming fists and another kind of Holy Sword, before speaking with a somewhat serious tone, "Why do you think we're all gathered here?"

"We're here so we can get our naughty behaviours corrected." Answered Issei as he walked towards a sink. "Academy not like very naughty boys. Prim and proper we must be."

"I received an email from the Student Board." Informed Ingvild, until she recalled this information wasn't new. "Oh—! Everyone did… we talked about this before didn't we?"

"True, but it's still unclear why." Sairaorg muttered as he caught a towel thrown by Issei. "Pretty sure it's related to you and her-"

"Hey, I'm just an accomplice nyan." Kuroka defended with a defiant tone. "He dragged me into it."

"You can't throw me under the bus like that. That's against the norms of… friendship?"

Kuroka flitted her eyes lazily. "Screw your norms. Friendship ended with Ise."

"It'd still make more sense if they asked for the two of you specifically." Sairaorg muttered, steering back the conversation before it spiralled into another one of their off-topic rambling.

Suddenly invaded by unwanted scenarios, Ingvild expressed her growing worry with a terrified look. "Are we going to be expelled…?"

"Don't worry too much Ingvild. I hardly think they'd round us up if that's the case."

"...What if it is the case?"

Before the conversation could go any deeper, the carved and overpriced mahogany door clicked, and as it swung open, in came the chestnut-colored twin-tailed girl in her slim tight 'battle' outfit.

"Hm? Ikkun? Wait am I in the wrong room?" The room-invader muttered as she checked the room's number on the door, not at all bothered there were four pairs of eyes watching her with shared confusion. "No… it's room A... Are you guys in the wrong room?"

Issei and Sairaorg glanced at each other, meanwhile, Kuroka whispered "Ikkun…?" underneath her breath, trying not to laugh right after.

"Pretty sure we're not. Why're you here?"

"Sona-tan sent me an email." Irina replied as she walked inside. "Wait— did she send one to you and your friends too?"

"Apparently, yeah. This is sus as hell… Although, that said, since it's you who popped up, I guess we're really going to get expelled."

"What's that supposed to mean." Irina pouted. Already the victim of his witticism not a minute after.

"Nooo!" Wailed Ingvild in terror. "...But we aren't accepted yet?"

"He's just being stupid Vivi, ignore him nyan."

Humming as she tried to think, Irina decided that thinking was overrated and headed straight to an empty couch, only to gasp at the sight of her previous opponent as she pointed a finger on his nose.

"Ah!" She yelped, startling Ingvild who flinched her shoulders. "You're that big guy!"

"'Big Guy' huh…? Yes. I am big and I am a guy. I suppose those qualities do make me a 'big guy'." Sairaorg said, sounding a bit defeated but nonetheless accepting of his potential new nickname.

"Ooooh… is that dry humor coming from you, Sai? Very nice."

"Awww… they grow up so quick don't they?" Kuroka added with pouty lips.

"You two are just too infectious, I swear…" Sairaorg palmed his face and brushed back his steely black hair out of frustration. "Sairaorg. Pleased to meet you again. How's your ribs?"

Irina propped up her chest in a boasting manner. "Hmph. I am far sturdier than I look, I tell you that much. Our previous draw has made me realize I needed to be better than ever."

"Draw, huh." "Draw-nya?" Both Kuroka and Issei parroted at the exact same time, which led to the both of them accusing one another and demanding one another to quit saying what they said. They only stop their bickering because Ingvild thought they were genuinely fighting.

"Hahah! That's good to know. We both won all of our battles since then, no?" Sairaorg grinned, ignoring the silly squabble in the background. "How about we hold another then? To settle the score?"

That suggestion made Irina subconsciously shield her stomach by hugging it, and looked to her side worriedly. "W-w-w-well while I'm sure that would be nice, I-I don't think we should spend our energy considering the many trials ahead…"

"You do have a point. It's only going to get tougher from now on."

"Implying we don't get expelled."

"Quit saying that." Kuroka grumbled. "You're scaring Vivi nyan."

"Just trying to consider all possibilities."

And then the door swung open once again, this time somewhat briskier as if the person opening the door had a very bad day and decided to vent it at the innocent door by pushing it with a little bit of force than needed.

While she might not be having a bad day, the blonde-haired ponytailed female human in an unzipped crimson red jacket and exposed midriff did the same as Irina as she made sure she didn't enter the wrong room, and looked quizzed that there were already other people in here.

However, there was a slight difference with Irina's case, and not because she was wearing a rather skin-revealing outfit composed of a white tube top underneath an opened red jacket, leaving her toned midriff exposed, and jeans short that revealed her slim, slender legs.

Nobody knew who she was, or had ever seen her in a fight.

"The hell are you freshmen doing here?"

"Freshmen?" Issei repeated, raising one of his eyebrows.

"Aren't you one yourself nyan." Kuroka blinked, still lying down. "Isn't it even stranger for a human to be here."

"I'm a year above you. Your senior, just so you know." The girl said with a certain fervor that stated she would never back down for anyone, and might be a troublemaker. "Tch- the hell is she thinking putting me with these runts...?" She muttered under her breath, until her eyes fell on one sassy boy. "And you!"

Other eyes fell on Issei, who was just as confused as everyone else.

Sairaorg sighed like a disappointed father. "What did you do this time Ise."

"Wh- I dindu nuthin'!"

The girl's already sharp eyes turned into a daggering glare. "Yeah right you disgusting pervert."

"Whoa. That's a bit too far. I'm not that disgusting." Issei reasoned. He didn't deny he was a pervert though. "What's this about though. What did I do to piss off a Senpai I never knew I had? Other than existing."

"You even had the gall to forget what you did." Said the senior with clear disgust. "What a true felon you are, it's almost impressive."

"Ah yes. It was one of my greatest life achievements. I knew the amount of hard work I put into it would pay off eventually." Having no idea what she was spouting about, Issei, as usual, resorted to sarcasm in dealing with what seemed to be an unreasonable 'opponent'.

But maybe he shouldn't have done that, because the girl now teemed with an anger almost visible. If this was a shounen anime, Issei suspected she would be showing very scary and menacing red aura of anger to build up hype.

"You… you say sneaking into an occupied female's locker room is an achievement in itself…?"

"Oh. OH. Oh that's what you meant." Issei blinked as he and essentially everyone else sans Ingvild realized why this girl was beyond pissed off. "Dang, were you there Senpai? It's just a misunderstanding really. Didn't Sona already clear this thing off? It wasn't intentional you know?"

And just as quick as her anger rose, it doused almost instantly. "Huh? Really?"

"Yeah. I was supposed to be at the gate. My mom instead TP'ed me to the girls' locker room."

"'Tee-peed'?"

"It's gamers for 'teleported'."

The yet to be named senior stared at him with a questioning look.

"Don't mind it. He's just weird nyan. We don't know what he's talking about and we've known him for weeks."

"Yes." Issei affirmed. "'Sides, I didn't catch you there Senpai."

He received another dagger-like glare. "What, because I'm flat? Is that what you're going to say next?"

"..." The fact that Issei avoided to reply and instead peered at an empty wall nearly boiled her blood again, but it was his added and perhaps unneeded comment muttered underneath his breath that nearly exploded her. "...perhaps."

"ALRIGHT!" Irina suddenly yelled, diffusing the situation. "Since we've no idea why we're all here, I think we should introduce ourselves- starting with… me! Shidou Irina. You might've heard of me as the Invincible Irina given my impressive unbeaten record."

"I think it's more impressive that you can say all of that tacky stuff proudly."

Irina pursed her lips. "It's not tacky! It's the truth!"

"Alright, sure. You're one of those Holy Sword kids uhh… what's it again?" Before Irina could complain about being called a kid, the female senior continued. "The Catholic Trio or whatever. What's with your getup honestly? Are you trying to fight or seduce your opponent?"

"I second that question nyan."

"Me third."

The accusation drew a gasp from the virtuous Holy Sword wielder. "H-how dare you! This outfit has been sanctified twice over to give me protection from all the unknown force of evil in this world! Apologize at once!"

"That sure protected you well against his fist."

"Th-that was a fluke! A one time thing! It works, I swear… It's just that he's too unreasonably strong… Like who the hell gets a sword stuck in their chest muscles and can still throw a punch like that?!"

It was rare for Sairaorg to feel his pride swell from an affirmation of his strength, but he couldn't resist a smile. A rather smug smile. Maybe because he rarely received it often.

"Huh… yeah, I did hear there was a freshman who did just that. Was that you?" At her question, Sairaorg nodded with a soft 'yes'. "Impressive. Normally people fall down and die."

"Evidently he's anything but normal people," Issei nodded, before proudly continuing, "which means he's just like me! I knew we were destined to be together, Sai."

The senior was evidently freaked out too, given that her expression changed drastically. Irina started to panic as well, never expecting one of her potential rivals would be a man.

"Stop saying misleading things."

"What you mean 'misleading'? I'll have you know all my interactions have been nothing but genuine. Like 'bottom of my chest' kind of genuine. Are you rejecting my proof of friendship?"

"Yes, and I'm pretty sure it goes 'bottom of your heart', not chest."

"I have no heart."

"Give it up, Ise. You have that cat already."

"Hey who says I'm his? I did him out of pity." Kuroka huffed unenthusiastically, lounging still, looking both ticked off and about to fall asleep in ten seconds. "No one's as charitable as me in this place nyan."

"'Did him out of pity'?" Ingvild parroted questioningly. "What does that mean?"

"It means I slept with him, Kitten." The Cat answered with as much tact as an antisocial mule.

Ingvild's lavender eyes lit up. "Oh! Like a sleepover? I've always wanted to participate in one."

"Well I mean I'm always up for a threesom-"

"Don't corrupt her any further." Sairaorg chided before Kuroka could finish her sentence, practically begging. Ingvild had been his only anchor to keep himself grounded from completely joining the duo in their snarky antics. "I need some semblance of innocence to stay operational in this group."

"You're such a dad-nyan. Dad Sai."

That popped an amusing idea in Issei's head. "How creeped out will you be if I start calling you 'dad'?"

"Please don't."

As usual, their group conversation descended into further chaos that was now a tradition among them, but not for the two outsiders. The senior, although disgruntled at the current topic, didn't seem to really care other than for this meeting to be over with as soon as possible. Irina, on the other hand, had to do her best to not look like she just had her heart split in two.

She kept it to herself well, all things considered, blaming no one but herself. After all, it wasn't entirely his fault that he never realized her feelings… not like she tried to make it show either during their high school years, which might have led into him thinking their closeness were strictly as friends.

Still, it was kinda hurtful. Not the time to be gloomy though! Irina Shidou would never let her gloominess show, at least not when she wasn't alone in her room.

"You people are a bunch of weirdos. I didn't even think I'd find someone like you in this prim and nauseatingly proper place as chaotic as you lot. NOT sure if that's a bad thing or not." The senior college student commented, an amused, cheeky grin on her tomboyish features.

"Embrace variety." Issei dryly commented, though not taking any offense since what she said wasn't far from the truth. Nobody took offense, rather, as none of them were that sensitive about their status as the odd ones out.

"Only saying it as it is." The girl shrugged. Blatant honesty was something Issei could appreciate as long as it wasn't completely insensitive. "Anyway, I'm Mordred. Second year. Considering I haven't got the urge to lob your head, I don't think I'd mind getting acquainted with you people."

The name sounded familiar in his head, but Issei couldn't quite put it. If he had heard of her name, however, Issei was pretty certain he would remember someone with the name like 'Mordred'. Certainly wasn't Japanese. Might be German, but heck if he knew.

"Stay with them for a few more minutes and that might sway your opinion the other way around. Sairaorg Bael. Nice to meet you."

"He's waffling, don't listen to him." Issei urged, successfully convincing no one. "Hyoudou Issei. People like to barge in my room unannounced and think it's alright."

"Kuroka." The Nekoshou followed suit with her trademark sleepy Cheshire cat grin. "I at least let him know if I wanna crash in his place."

"Leviathan Ingvil— I-I mean… Ingvild Leviathan." The shrinking violet corrected herself. Self-introduction wasn't exactly something she did often. "Umm… pleasure to meet you, Ms. Mordred."

"Eugh- I'm a knight, not a lady." Mordred grimaced. Though being a woman mattered little in Hell -as everyone determines one's worth from power-, it irked her still. Should Ingvild appear any less harmless and pure, she would have brandished her Clarent and threaten to cleave the girl in twain.

"A Knight? So you've already gotten your Piece? I guess you are a second year, I suppose." Sairaorg lobbed a question with a term that was often used among the Lucifash students, but less so in his small band of misfits since nobody really cared about it as much as they probably should.

"What? Piece as in Knight, Rook or any of that? No. I'm a knight. The kind that has to be knighted by a king."

Issei blinked, and turned to Irina. There seemed to be a connection between being blonde and being whimsical. "Well that makes you both self-proclaimed something."

"What's that supposed to mean?! I AM a Holy Knight!"

"What's a Holy Knight doing in Hell?" Kuroka pipped.

"Best place to find unholy things." Boasted Irina, proudly.

"Except I am a Knight, mind you." Mordred took offense to that, bringing back the murderous glare from earlier, scaring Ingvild for good seconds, and annoying Irina because she didn't buy her words. "Well. Was a Knight. Not sure if you get to keep your titles after you die."

Ingvild tilted her head to one side. "You were a knight? And died?"

"Long story." Mordred replied pensively, taking a seat next to the chestnut-haired girl and throwing her hands behind her head, not at all interested in furthering the subject about herself. "So. Any of you have any idea why I'm here?"

"All about you is it." Issei muttered low and dry, loud enough for Mordred to hear and ignore. "We've zero idea either, honestly."

Three knocks on the door diverted their attention away as it swung open smoothly without a sound.

In came another senior with platinum blonde hair, albeit a few shades lighter, dressed in the stylish and official S.E.B. white and blue uniform, Claudia Enfield. Following suit behind her was Saji, whose expression was one of someone who didn't want to be here, made less subtle the moment his eyes made contact with Issei, who smiled teasingly in response.

"Good morning," Claudia addressed with a genial smile easily found in her lips, "we hope we didn't keep you waiting too long— Mordred, please take your feet off the couch."

"No."

"Oh my…" her smile curled into a tiny frown, "I suppose if a Knight stayed long enough in the Underworld, they'd come to lose their chivalric values."

"..." Ruefully complying, Mordred made a click with her tongue and turned her sight away from her. She didn't like Claudia's kind of people. The type that could sway others into doing what they want simply from words alone. She didn't like diplomats in general, or anyone who was clever with words, but Claudia had that air of mischievousness around her that she couldn't trust, as if she was always wearing a mask to hide her true intentions.

"Morning."

"Good morning…"

"G'morning! Heya there Saji-kun. Sona-tan kept you busy even in the morning huh?"

Sairaorg, Ingvild, and Irina were the only people who replied with words. Issei gave only a nod, and Kuroka was too listless to bother.

"Yo, Irina." Saji waved a hand. "Yeah. You know how it is." He immediately panicked once he felt Claudia's smiling gaze. "N-not that I was complaining or anything… don't tell Sona-senpai please..."

"I don't see why I should." Claudia smiled, casually taking a remote and turning off the projector, killing the sound of the roaring audience in the background. "Or shouldn't."

Saji knew he shouldn't have agreed to come along.

Claudia, now standing at the center front end of the room, took her time to glance around, checking the occupants, before subtly frowning.

"First of all, thank you for gathering here. I'm Claudia Enfield and he's Genshirou Saji, members of the Student Executive Board. We won't take too much of your time, I promise. Secondly, are we missing any people here, Saji-kun?"

"Uh…" Saji took a glance to count inside his head, furrowing his brows as he tried to recall the absentees. "We're missing two more people, seems like. Hold on, I'll check." He then conjured a small PDA, just the size of his palm, as he browsed through it briefly. "Uhh… how do you even say this name again… J-Jeannu… D… Dark?"

The image of the violent violet armor entered Issei's mind. "She's dark alright."

"Jeanne D'arc." Claudia resaid with the proper pronunciation. "And the other one would be Atalanta, no?"

"Atalanta, yes. Should I go look for them?"

"Hmm… no. It's alright. We'll see them later. Thank you, Saji-kun."

"Are we in trouble here, Senpai?" Asked Issei. "We won't be naughty from now on, promise."

"He dragged me into it." Kuroka told her, having no moral qualms with throwing anyone under the bus for the comedic effect.

"Hm? Oh no, no. This isn't related to that at all. Well… it is, in some way or another… but you don't need to worry about it. 'Might makes right' is more of a norm here. Although… 'might makes' isn't far from the truth either, I suppose."

It bothered Irina greatly that nobody denied or even looked the slightest bit put off by her claim.

"What's this about then?" Sairaorg prodded, to which Claudia smiled.

"Yesterday, we received a word from Headmaster Zekram Bael regarding your proposal, Issei-kun."

All eyes were on him now, at the person who looked clueless.

"What d'you mean. What proposal?"

"Hm? The one you had discussed with Sona a few days before, I believe."

"Oh. Oh yeah, what about it?"

"What're you talking about?" Asked Sairarog, representing the curiosity from the others.

"I basically asked if I can skip the exam."

Mordred snorted. Sairaorg was about to laugh from the sheer audacity of his request. Saji seemed frustrated for whatever reason, whereas Kuroka complained instantly with, "I didn't know you could do that. Did you ask about me too?"

"Oh. I kinda forgot."

"Hey, hey, please listen first before asking more questions." Saji said before Kuroka could complain further and possibly steer the topic away,, not expecting much. Surprisingly, the group obeyed.

Claudia continued. "And it appears he agreed, Hyoudou-kun, but in condition: you must enter and participate in the Academy's internal Summer Tournament, which should take place within the next two weeks. The term applies to all of you, including Jeanne and Atalanta who aren't present but will be notified. If you agree, then you will be registered as a new Peerage, and you may discuss whoever takes a Piece as you'd like. If you don't, then you will have to continue the exam as intended."

"Wait— what about me? What if I say no?" Mordred asked, sounding a little bit annoyed.

"Unfortunately for you, you must enter whether you like it or not, Mordred-kun. However, you may join any other Peerage that enters the competition, but you must participate if you want to move into the third year. You're the only Senior who is yet to join a Peerage."

"Tsk. How is that my fault..."

Claudia gave a giggle. "You can always go back to be a rogue knight afterwards, though that may leave a bad taste to your Peerage…"

"Why're you saying it as if I want to be one?" Mordred snarled. "I don't need you guilt-tripping me before I've even done anything."

Issei blinked. The term was… surprisingly agreeable, all things considered. He didn't expect it to be approved, first of all, and if it did, he expected he would have to be Sona's slave in the students board. More to that, it sounded even better when he realized he could piggyback on someone's back that he knew already.

"Do we have to win? Reach a phase or anything?" He asked.

"Nope~ all you need to do is enter it and promise to do your best. I'd recommend completing your Peerage, however, because there are values in numbers still, no matter how talented you are."

Not at all a surprise, considering only the second year or above may enter it. Having the Exam closeby to the tournament was for any Peerages to find someone to fill in their gap, and they likely have.

"So what happens afterwards?"

"You will return to your studies, of course." Claudia continued with her ever-present smile, trademark of all 'ara-ara' characters. "Then you will be placed in the S-Class regardless of your result. Given all of your performance to date in your Individual Exams, the Academy holds all of you in high regards. You can say it's a preferential treatment for the strong."

Studying his friends' faces, it was easy for him to tell Sairaorg was the most eager. He was practically grinning like the main character of a silly shounen battle anime. Second would be Irina. Fitting, since entering a Tournament would likely be the fastest way to gain recognition. Kuroka didn't look like she cared enough but likely would tag along with. He would do the same, in all honesty. Issei never was a hound for glory and-or recognition. He just liked ticking people off by humiliating them publicly legally.

"Oh, we will need your answers today. Preferably before eight in the evening, if you would. You can send an email or contact any of the Student Executive Board members. As for your Peerage structure, please inform us within ten days. You can invite another member or change your Pieces two days before the tournament starts, but once registered, you're not allowed to be absent unless for a special reason."

Briefly, Claudia glanced at Saji, and received a nod.

"And that would be all from me." She said. "I would need to find the other two. If you have any questions, please ask Saji-kun. Thank you for your time."

As Claudia walked towards the exit, she was halted back by a tiny voice.

"Thank you and bye-bye, Ms. Claudia."

"Hm? Oh my, how rude of me. Bye-bye Ms. Ingvild." Claudia would then giggle outside, surprised herself that her day could be brightened by just that simple, albeit endearing, farewell.

"So…" Saji muttered, taking a seat at the only empty couch remaining. "Discuss away. Just ask if you got anything to ask."

"What's it like working with Sona-tan now, Saji-kun?"

"How is that related to this."

Irina looked offended. "Well you said to ask any questions!"

"Personal questions are out of the question!"

"He's been serving her for four years." Issei added. "He's like a corporate slave at this point."

"Four whole years? Under the same person?" Even Mordred couldn't help but be surprised. "Are you a questing knight or something?"

"White knight more like." Quipped Issei.

"Hey! You can learn much from her!"

"See what I mean."

"I'm all in for this." Sairaorg then said, reeling back the topic to something they really should be discussing at this very moment. "What about the rest of you?"

"I-I think it would be nice if we can be in a Peerage together…" Ingvild voiced her opinion, subconsciously giving puppy eyes to both Kuroka and Issei interchangeably, and going by the unchanging expressions on Issei's face, it wasn't that effective. "B-but I wouldn't impose or demand anything from anyone…"

Sairaorg grinned. "That's what I'm thinking as well. More or less. Obviously I'd appreciate it if you two agree, but I won't hold anything against you if you don't. "

"Well, well. What do here, Kuroka? It seems like they'll miss us if I say no." Said Issei as he skimmed over to Kuroka, whose eyes were no longer opened. "Great. She's asleep."

"Hm, what?" Kuroka gurgled out her sleep, phasing out from her quick nap. "What d'ya want."

"You sleep wherever whenever don't you."

"Tsk. Lay off my back. This couch's comfy and I couldn't sleep last night." Hard to sleep when she kept wondering how her little sister was doing and if she could ever rebuild their burned bridge.

She stretched her back, lifting her rump like a cat would as she yawned. An ordinary sight for Issei's group, but nonetheless a sight that was far above enticing for someone who spent their days slaving away in a room filled with good-moraled people.

Such as Saji, who couldn't hide his fluster from the Nekoshou's frivolous moan-like yawn, wondering to himself why no other male was as flustered as him.

"So are you in or nah." Issei reasked.

"In what."

"The thing."

"Oh. Well are you guys in?" Kuroka lazily responded, still lying on her arms, her body full flat on the couch.

"Ye."

"Then same." The cat grumbled, shutting her eyes again, unaware of Ingvild's jovial smile. "Now buzz off and let me… mnn..."

With a flick of her left feline ear, Kuroka had returned to her dreamland.

"I'm jealous how she's able to go back to sleep that quickly." Mordred admitted, impressed nonetheless. "You lot are pretty close with each other huh? You know each other before here?"

"Nah. We all met here. First day of the exam. I met him like… a week before, I think." Told Issei, accompanied with Sairaorg and Ingvild's nods of confirmation. "I went to the same highschool as him and her," he pointed his eyes towards Saji and then Irina, "though I knew Irina from… pretty sure from preschool or before."

"Mhmm, mhmm." Irina nodded, for a reason looking smug as she just won her made-up contest of 'who knew Hyoudou Issei the longest'. She then made herself depressed upon realizing someone who knew him for at most a few weeks had slept with him.

"Huh? Really? Am I the only outsider here?"

"Not having a connection with him is actually a blessing, really." Saji commented. Issei somewhat agreed.

"We haven't met the other two, though." Sairaorg said. "Jeanne D'arc and Atalanta… do you know any of them?"

"Haah…? What makes you think I know any of them?"

Sairaorg, without thinking like the beefbrain he was from time to times, said, "You both have unusual names."

Her right eye twitched. "Are you saying my name's dated?"

"Not at all, just peculiar. Did I offend you? If so, I'm sorry. I've spent too much time with him, it seems."

"Wha- why am I getting bullied all of the sudden. Ingvild, please tell Sai off."

"Oh, um… Please don't bully Mr. Issei, Mr. Sairaorg."

"Yea. Tell him off Vivi. Tell him I'm the only one allowed to bully anyone."

"...The Lucifash Academy doesn't tolerate any forms of bullying, just so you all know..." Saji stated in a matter of fact kind of manner - a statement that only Ingvild paid any attention to - just in case anyone started to think bad about the Academy's integrity. "Anyway, get on with it. I don't have all day. Are you in or not?"

As much as he would love to tease the living out of Saji, especially after their 'deal' not a few days ago, specifically during the evening where Saji texted Issei to ask further details regarding specific kinks for a specific girl, Issei chose to spare him. For now.

"I'm in." Sairaorg answered first, then Ingvild followed with a quiet 'me too' and lastly Issei with 'same' that represented him and Kuroka, leaving only the two blonde girls.

"What about you, Shidou?"

"As long as I don't get third-wheeled, I'm in!" Irina chirped.

Saji then turned towards Mordred. "What abo— oh right. Yours is mandatory. Well, that's all from me then. Just text me if any of you want to ask something later."

"Tsk. This is stupid. Why am I forced to join."

"Well… Senpai- I mean… this is a uni centralised on Rating Games…" Explained Saji, just as he was about to get up and leave. "Everyone's expected to participate at least once— though they always do it anyway even without being told to. I don't know why you haven't joined any Peerages. Sure you got your reason and such, but you could've joined any Peerages and then left them later, you know? Better that than being held for this reason, in my opinion."

"Hmph. I'd rather not join any if I have to leave them eventually."

Saji simply shrugged. He was curious, but not that curious. "Eh well. I'll take my leave then. Don't cause any trouble, Ise."

"What're you acting all high and mighty for you pillock? That's not how you should treat your only reliable supplier."

Saji sweated. "...Look man, I'm just playing the part… SEB members and all that y'know? Gotta act tough and… stuff. Yeah. Ahahaha— anyway see ya!"

And so, he took his leave.

"...Did you just blackmail a member of the Students Board?"

"No I didn't. I only gave my highschool friend a warning." Issei corrected. "'I'll take my leave then'. Slaving away those years for Sona really did a number on him. Soon enough, he'll start brushing his hair to the side."

"Hey, rude!" Irina immediately chastised Issei, her twin-tails swaying due to the snappiness of her head. "You can't say that!"

"Sure I can. I just did." Issei cackled. He was in a good mood today. Possibly because this was essentially a long weekend for him. No fighting for at least two weeks? That was a blessing. Who would've thought he would be drilled like a gladiator at his first very week of entering?

...His mother would, actually.

"But Irina, I thought you were already in a group, honestly." Issei said, and the attention shifted towards the two childhood friends. "You hung out with your own crowd and everything. I swear I saw Rias talking to you?"

"Wh- you knew? She actually did ask me and my friend to join her, buuuut I haven't made up my mind. She recruited Xeno-tan pretty easily though..." Irina really couldn't bring herself to admit she refused Rias because she was hoping to be able to team up with whoever Peerage managed to nab Issei. "A-anyway, how are you already on a first-name basis with her?!"

"Calm down you weeb. Everyone's on a first-name basis over here. And who the heck is 'Xeno-tan'?"

"Xenovia— but her name's not important! I still call Gremory-senpai with 'Gremory-senpai' or 'Senpai' even after all these years…" Pouted Irina. "I wanna be on a first-name basis with her too."

Issei narrowed his eyes. "I used to think you'd have higher dreams than me. What are you, one of her fanboys?"

"Fanboys?" Ingvild repeated with a questioning flair. "What're fanboys?"

"Admirers who are boys. There's the star of the school and then there's the star of the school. No one ever shuts up about her. There's a girl back in highschool who fainted when she said 'hi' to her."

"Seriously?" Sairaorg raised one of his thick eyebrows. "Did she charm them? As in, put a spell?"

"You really think she needs to use magic to charm anyone? Dude, she's the highschool diva. Her along with Akeno. I'm pretty sure half of the students in my year went into depression after they graduated."

Even Mordred felt uneasy upon hearing that. "Huh? Don't they have anything better to do?"

"I wish he was only joking, but it's true." Irina added. "But it's because Gremory-senpai and Himejima-senpai are so pretty! And smart! And athletic! And nice! And everything else that's good!"

"And huge fuckin' bazongas."

Issei then flinched as his arm was hit. Sairaorg had to cough to prevent himself from laughing.

"ISSEI!"

"Ow- don't whack me you muppet! But they do though!"

"Doesn't mean you're allowed to say things like that out loud!"

"Why not? We're in Hell. When in Rome, do as the Romans do amirite? Screw your earthly morals you pleb."

On the sideline, safe from the bickering, Ingvild glanced towards Sairaorg, curiosity lining in her eyes.

"Mr. Sai?"

"Yes, Vivi?"

"What is a 'bazongas'?"

"...Well.. erm…"

Irina had never been so mortified. "N-no! Don't say that— see what you did Issei? Don't corrupt someone as pure as her!"

"You just met." Issei said.

"Yeah but she's like- radiating this pure energy vibe kind of thingy— y'know! She's like… she's like… I mean look at her!"

Though she was a blubbering mess trying to explain the peculiar desire to protect the moment her eyes fell on Ingvild, everyone in that room understood what she was trying to say.

Everyone aside from Ingvild herself, who couldn't look more clueless even if she tried.

"What the hell are those two idiots muttering about..." Mordred muttered, struggling to comprehend the scene she had been bestowed to experience for the first time in her lifetimes. "How did they even get here…"

To be continued...

So in the past months, two of my uncles passed away. One from a heart attack and the other from covid. And few weeks ago my grandmother had chemo. It was very not epic :c

I'm not gonna use their passing as an excuse for my awesome updates that takes very very long, since I really just don't write as much anymore. Not that I'm losing interest or anything, it's just I'm dealing with plenty of things right now and no longer have as much free time as I used to. And when I do have some free time, I plae gaems, not write.

Because after all I'm still an epic gamer, not a writer B)

As for any of you who follows my other stories, which you have to read, because it's like- mine, they're all still being updated with this much progress:

Death's Chosen - 2k words
Everyday Life - 2k
Archdevil among Heroes - 3.3k
Last Guardian -6.5k

Ok bai umu