Chapter 29: Cat vs Dragon.
*Back at the mountain*
"Hah!"
[Explosion!]
I increased my power as I was ready for another strike.
"Try dodging this!", said Tannin-shishou as he opened his mouth. He's going to shoot a buckshot flare!
I evaded it with a side flip that leads to a long leap, before firing a massive aura blast that is more than half his size.
"Uoh!"
He got struck and flew back a distance. His fall made all the trees collapsed and the ground gouged a massive trail.
[Reset!]
My boosted power was depleted and I was heaving my shoulder heavily. My jersey is torn, with only my pant still mostly intact, minus some scratches. My whole upper body became exposed.
"Nice shot. Compared to when I first met you, your dragon power has significantly risen. Your physical strength is also nothing to criticise. You've also gotten to the point where you can continuously play with me for a whole week as well.", said Shishou.
"A week huh, well, that's better than just a day", I replied, while still breathing a bit hard.
"Hahaha! You really are strong, despite being weakened. But, it's unfortunate. It might have been possible if you had just one more day. Your training ends tomorrow.", he said.
How disappointing… Even though I regained some levels of other areas… I was unable to obtain my goal of this course, with is Balance Breaker…
*Gremory Castle*
"Then, I'll be going now. I'm also attending the Maou-sponsored party. Let's meet again there, Vergil Sparda and Ddraig."
We're currently in front of the Gremory main residence. I had returned by riding on the back of Tannin-shishou. It only took a short time to fly back here, but the air was very refreshing.
"We'll see you at the party", I said.
[Sorry for troubling you, Tannin. We'll meet again.]
"Yeah, I also had fun. Since I got to work together with that Ddraig. I've lived a long life. That's right; do you want to enter the party by riding on my back?"
"Is that ok?"
"Yeah, it's no problem. I'll take my group and come here on the day of the party. I'll contact the Gremorys later for more information."
Such a sensible dragon, he is.
"Then, I'll come here again tomorrow. Farewell!"
After saying just that, Shishou flapped his wings and disappeared off into the sky.
I saw him off while waving my hand.
[What an easy-going Dragon King.]
'He's a good person. Way better than I am at least. An excellent Dragon'
[Me and you are also dragons, you know?]
'Yeah, but in our case. We're just a possessed Nephilim and a part of a Sacred Gear.'
[Well, that's true.]
"Hey, Vergil-san", said Kiba as I turn to him. His jersey was tattered as well.
"...You've gotten an excellent body. You look even more buff.", said Kiba as he looked at my naked upper-half.
He really needs a girlfriend.
"Okay seriously. Are you sure you're not gay?", I asked Kiba.
"H-How cruel. I just wanted to say that you built up your muscles significantly."
"*Sigh* I see you haven't changed."
"Well, because I have the body-type that has difficulty in putting on flesh. I'm jealous."
"Oh, Vergil and Kiba."
This time it was a girl's voice. It was Xenovia. Wait, why is she had bandages all over?
"What the hell is this, Xenovia?"
Xenovia looked over her appearance again and spoke.
"Yeah. I became like this because I trained, got injured and bandaged myself, and then trained, got injured and bandaged myself again."
I facepalmed immediately. Really? You go this far just to repeat the same steps to become this way?
Geez, she's incomprehensible as usual. But I felt that the aura around her body was quieter and thicker than before. Speaking of which, Kiba's aura was also denser.
So they've all improved, that's a good thing.
"Vergil-san! Kiba-san, and Xenovia-san too!"
Coming from the castle gate was Asia in her nun clothes. She was with the fallen angel sisters.
"Asia, it's been a while."
"V-Vergil-san! P-Please get dressed!", said Asia as she blushed.
"I like it. Senpai looks so dreamy", said Raynare as Mittelt nodded.
"Ara, it seems everyone from the group that went out has returned.", said Rias.
"Rias", I greeted her.
"Vergil… You've become a bit more robust, haven't you? You're chest feels a bit thicker. And these arms.", she said as she embraced me.
Let's not get any stupid thoughts, shall we?
"Now then, everyone. Please come in. Once you've taken a shower and changed clothes, we'll meet to report the outcome of our training.", said Rias as she lets me go.
However, to report that I hadn't attained Balance Breaker—it was truly shameful.
*Vergil's room*
This was actually the first time in over two weeks that the Rias Gremory group had all gathered together like this.
After we had gotten our training plans from Azazel, I went to train with Tannin-shishou, the others had split up after that as well. That's why; this was our first gathering since then.
This is the first time we all went separated. For me, it was my first time in this group, so things that occur before that was a total mystery to me. I'm already familiar with being alone so the separation didn't matter much. Those of us who trained outside took a shower and changed clothes and gathered in my room. For some weird reasons, Rias won't let us near her room. She was blushing heavily and constantly dodging the topic when I asked, as it was a constant loop with no results, I let it slide afterwards.
So, we had gathered and talked about the contents of our training. Kiba gave a detailed account of his training with his master. Xenovia also recounted the contents of her training.
"So my training was the harshest of all.", I said.
"Well I was confident that you could survive on the mountain. It's you after all", said Azazel.
"And here I though the others also had to do survival. Turns out you all been enjoying the mountain cottages and villas of the Gremory huh. So much for being fair."
I said as I saw them look at me with bewildered eyes before looking away.
What? Is it so strange? I have to do that all the time in the past 12 years, you know?
"You're ridiculously sturdy, you know? To fight on equal ground against Tannin, even causing constant earthquakes. You've surpassed Devils in so many ways."
"Put that aside, I did have some fun fighting Shishou. He was strong, I'll give him that. Any normal guys who tried to fight him would be barbeque by now"
"Yes, they would be. You sure have endured a lot, didn't you? Yes. Vergil, you became more sturdy...That mountain doesn't have a name, but I'll name it Mt. Vergil from now on.", said Rias as she pulled my head to her chest, hugging me.
Why the hell do I feel better when this happens? Incomprehensible.
"Try and not name it, at least for now, will you?", I said to remind her.
"I know", she replied, still hugging me. After a while, we let each other go.
"With this, the time you can wear the Boosted Gear Balance Breaker has just about arrived. But you weren't able to attain that Balance Breaker, right?", asked Azazel.
He didn't seem particularly disappointed.
"Well, the possibility of you not attaining it was also within the range of my predictions. Yeah, you didn't receive any shock, Vergil. I mean, it's impossible to attain Balance Breaker when there are no dramatic changes. I thought that something would be changed in you through the survival lifestyle and by coming into contact with a Dragon King-class dragon, but the time wasn't enough, and Tannin seems to not be the big enough threat. If it was at least for one more month…"
"What a blunder for me to make…", I said. Rias patted my shoulder to comfort me. Thanks.
"Well, it's fine. The report meeting ends here. Tomorrow is the party. You're all dismissed for today."
The report meeting ended.
*Night*
It was bedtime, Asia and Xenovia were staying in my room. It had been arranged so that me, Asia and Xenovia shared the same bed. This thing sure is big, it could fit 3 more people with ease.
Putting Asia aside, Xenovia, who was laying a little away from me, seemed to be unable to sleep, as she just stared at the ceiling.
"...Can't sleep?", I asked her.
"…Yeah. When I think of it, I'm not used to sleeping with a man yet. Even if there isn't a sexual meaning to it…I'm tense…"
"No surprise, the church has strict rules, so it's natural for you to be uneasy"
"I-I see. So this is natural, huh? But Asia is amazing. They seem to be sleeping so peacefully."
"It's because Asia…is always sleeping with me and Rias at home. She was embarrassed at the beginning, but now she's used to it. Although they can be a nuisance at time…"
"…Vergil-san, please don't leave me…Munya…"
Asia murmured in her sleep…
"Fufufu, I understand the reason why Vergil and Buchou think that Asia is cute."
Xenovia said that while giving a wry smile.
And then, before I knew it, my consciousness also slipped away…and I gave myself into the night.
*Evening next day*
I'm wearing my usual clothes as I waited at the parlor. Tonight was the party. I also have an armband with the Gremory symbol. The girls were preparing for the party and Kiba and Gasper was off somewhere.
"Vergil-senpai?"
When I turned to look towards the familiar voice—Saji was there. Why was Saji here?
"Saji huh, why are you here?"
"Ah, Kaichou will be going to the meeting place along with Rias-senpai and I followed her here. So, Kaichou went to meet with senpai and after that I inevitably ended up wandering aimlessly around the mansion, until I arrived here."
This main residence really is wide inside as well, after all. So he arrived here after losing his way.
Saji took a seat a little bit away from me and spoke while wearing a serious expression.
"The game will be taking place very soon now."
"Yeah."
"I trained."
"You're not the only one. The other day, I was still sparing with a dragon, you know?"
"I-Is that so? You've had a hard lifestyle as usual, Senpai. Well, I also did an extremely hard menu."
I see. He also put forth great effort in his training. Naturally, it will affect both team's victory or defeat.
"Senpai, do you remember the time when the young devils gathered a month ago?"
"Yeah. What about it?"
"We were serious then….M-My…d-dream is to become a teacher!"
All of a sudden, Saji said that with a red face.
"Hoh? So what will you teach, Saji?"
Even though he was flushed red, Saji answered my question sincerely.
"Kaichou is trying to establish a Rating Game specialty school in the Underworld. It isn't an ordinary school. It's an open school for anyone and that accepts devils regardless of whether they are high-class or low-class, aristocrat or commoner. I heard from Kaichou that things like discrimination and traditions have been softened in the devil industry little by little, but there is still a part at the root of it all that refuses to accept these changes. That's why the current Rating Game School only accepts high-class devils from aristocratic families. The games have to be equal for everyone—. This is what the present Maou-samas have decided. Though it's equal, the path of the games is far for low-class devil commoners. That's strange, right? Though even a non-aristocratic devil may be promoted to a high-level devil depending on the method. The possibility shouldn't be zero!"
This kid looks seriously towards the future in his own way, huh.
"Kaichou has told me that she wants to do something about that. That she wants to teach so that even low-class devils can participate in the games. That's why she'll make a school that anyone can enter in the Underworld! Kaichou is even studying in the human world as well for the sake of that! To give a chance to the ones who never got into the spotlight! Even if it's just by 1%! Even if it's almost zero! As long as it's not zero, one might be able to become a high-class devil!"
He then continued while feeling embarrassed.
"T-That's why, I will work as a teacher there. I'll study a lot, fight in a lot of games, and store up various things. I'll become a teacher who teaches about [Pawns] with that. Kaichou also said that she wants to help me. Even someone like me may be able to become a school teacher…I-I've only done stupid things in the past. I've also caused trouble for my parents and was disliked by the people around me. But, if it's Kaichou, I can see a dream! I will stay by Kaichou's side and help her for life! Kaichou's dream is my dream!"
"Well, work hard for it. Maybe Sona will realize your feelings", I said.
"Yeah, it's also for the sake of that goal that we have to beat you guys this time!"
"I know. But don't expect me to hold back, kid. Even I have a goal to accomplish"
"Yeah.", said Saji firmly.
"Vergil, sorry for making you wait. Ara, so Saji-kun came.", said Rias.
Everyone else showed up. The girls were all wearing beautiful dresses and makeup. Rias looks like a princess and Akeno is wearing a western dress. Raynare was wearing a dress that reveals a lot of her cleavage. Xenovia was feeling a bit uncomfortable in her dress, but she was sufficiently taught on proper etiquette. Asia was embarrassed, but the dress suits her. Koneko and Mittelt both wore small dresses.
As for Gasper…
"Why are you also wearing a dress?", I asked Gasper.
"B-But, I wanted to wear a dress too.", he said as I facepalmed.
"Ara, Vergil-sama, Saji", said Sona who is also dressed-up.
Soon a butler came and spoke to us.
"Tannin-sama and his family have arrived."
So shishou has arrived.
When we went out to the garden, he was already standing firm.
Along with Tannin-shishou, there were 10 dragons about the same size as him.
"I came as promised, my student, Vergil Sparda"
"Thanks for arriving, Shishou"
"While you all ride on my back, I'll place a special barrier around you. With that, your hair and clothes won't get messed up by the wind. Since those things are important to women."
"Thank you, Tannin. We'll be relying on you until we get to the meeting place. The people of Sitri are also here, is that okay?"
Ooh, Miss Rias. You're especially beautiful tonight. Please leave that matter to me."
Thus, we got on the dragon's back and flew off into the sky of the Underworld. I myself got an exclusive seat on Shishou's head. Since he urged, I guess I can't refuse.
[For me to see this scenery from on top of a dragon, it's an experience that can't be described.]
Ddraig gave a rare bitter smile. Ddraig originally had the body of a dragon too, after all.
"Hahahaha, that is an interesting experience, Ddraig. However, there are only three mighty dragons that are still active left, including myself. No, since I was reborn as a devil, the only real ones remaining are Ophis and Tiamat. The rest have either been sealed, or have retired. Yulong and Midgardsormr never come out onto the surface anymore. And Ddraig, Albion, Fafnir and Vritra have been sealed into Sacred Gears. —In all ages, strong dragons have been suppressed. Strong dragons are a fearful existence, after all."
Tannin-shishou said that in just a slightly lonely tone.
"Now that you mention it, why did Shishou become a devil?"
He seriously responded to my question.
"One reason is that, in this era where there aren't any big battles anymore, I thought that I would get to fight various guys if I participated in the Rating Games. And there's another reason."
"Another reason?"
"…Do you know of a fruit called the dragon apple? It's an apple that dragons eat."
"I think I've read about it somewhere before. Rather, it's a very blunt and obvious name."
"There is a certain race of dragons that can only live by eating that dragon apple. However, the ones that grew in the human world have become extinct because of sudden environmental changes. Now, that fruit only grows in the Underworld. But, dragons are hated in the Underworld. They're detested by both devils and fallen angels. There's no way they would give it away for nothing, right? —That's why; I became a devil and so the territory that grows the fruit was all made my territory. When you exceed a high-class devil, you can receive a part of the Underworld from the Maou. I had my eyes on that place."
"Then, do those dragons that have food trouble live in your territory?"
"Yeah, thanks to that, they avoided becoming extinct. And I also performed research on how to artificially grow the dragon apple in my territory successfully. It's a special fruit, so the research takes time. Still, if it lets there be a future for that race, it's better to continue."
"Hmmm, you are surprisingly caring for a dragon. Going such lengths to save an entire race, an admirable quality, truly that of a king.", I complimented him.
"Gahahahahahahahaha! I'm greatly obliged to receive praise from the Son of Sparda who is also the Sekiryuutei! However, the desire for the continuation of one's race is the same among all living beings. It's the same, for humans, devils, and dragons. I only thought of saving my fellow dragons as well. That is what a dragon who has power does for dragons without any power."
"Pardon me for my lack of knowledge and experience. After all, the race of Dragons, like you said, are detested so much for their prideful and sometime, selfish nature."
"It's alright. Can't blame you for that. After all, even our founder hated us for such attitude after all", said Shishou with a bitter smile.
"Founder?"
"It's better if you ask Ddraig or the Fallen Angel Governor. Besides, the story will perhaps be for another time. We're here."
It seemed like we had finally arrived at the meeting place.
*The party*
We closed into a high-class high-rise that was the meeting place. It looks huge, and the grounds was probably the size of a small town.
The dragon we were riding on alighted down to a place that was like the grounds used for a sports match. When Shishou came to the skies above these match grounds, lights were simultaneously concentrated on him from below.
"Then, we'll be going to the waiting space exclusively for large devils."
"Thank you, Tannin."
"Thanks, Shishou."
Rias and I gave our thanks to Tannin-shishou. he and the other dragons then flapped their wings again and moved towards another area of the party grounds.
Then, we were led by the hotel employees who had come to pick us up at the sports grounds, and got into an extravagant limousine.
Rias and Asia sat down next to me. The other from the Sitri group sat in the back of the limo.
"There are also facilities located around the hotel, and the army is also standing by here. It is much stricter here than in the lower urban areas, you know?", said Rias.
"Hmmm, what about Azazel?", I asked.
"It seems that he will head here after joining up with Onii-sama and the others on another route. Since they're really close friends, after all…"
So now they hit it off well with each other as mutual powerful leaders huh…
Then, I saw Rias got a serious look.
"Vergil, you couldn't hear because you were on Tannin's head, but just before, I declared war on Sona. —Saying that [we will beat you for the sake of our dream]."
"I know, it does sound like you to do that", I said,
"A school. —A Rating Game school. For the sake of building that, Sona studied the school system of the human world while living as a student there. The schools of the human world, which anyone can enter, are important for Sona, after all."
Saji also said the same thing.
"Saji also already talk about it. His eyes were sparkling when he talked about it."
"Even so, we will win. We have our own dreams and goals as well."
"I know"
Yeah… I know…
We then arrived at the hotel. When we came out, we were welcomed by the employees. We then went into the elevator after Akeno confirmed us at the front desk.
"It seems the party is on the huge top floor. Vergil, if you're called out to by any people from distinguished families, please make sure to greet them properly, okay?"
"How troublesome. If I recall, the party being sponsored by the Maous for the young devils is the official stance, right?"
"Yes. In truth, people won't get very excited even once we enter the room. This is an annual custom. If anything, it's more like a gathering for the members of all the distinguished families to meet. We, the next family heads, are just extras, while it's really a party for our fathers to enjoy themselves. In reality, they've made reservations at the nearby facilities until the fourth or fifth after-parties. Proof of that is that they arrived at the meeting place separately from us. They probably gathered together before the young people arrived and may have already finished their alcohol. I'm sure that you'll be even more agitated than you already are", said Rias with a displeased face. Next to us, Akeno and Kiba were giving bitter smiles.
Believe me, I don't even want to participate, but I'll be here to look after you kids, That's the promise I made.
The elevator arrived, and when we stepped out, the entrance to the meeting place also opened.
We were led into a gorgeous hall. On this massive floor there was a crowd of devils and various cuisines. The ceiling had,as expected, a huge chandelier.
[Ooh.]
Looks like we grabbed some attention.
"Princess Rias. You've become more and more beautiful…"
"Sirzechs-sama must also be proud."
Everyone looked at Rias. Guess she was wrong about the 'not getting excited' part.
"Uuu, there's so many people...", said Gasper as he held onto my back.
I wonder how this kid can be here, even though he's a hikikomori. At least he's improved a bit as he doesn't run away from those curious gazes.
"Takeru, we're making our round of greetings."
"Right right"
And here we go with the array of annoyance…
*A few minutes later*
"Finally.", I said as I sat down on a chair in a corner of the floor, Asia and Gasper were next to me.
This is stupid. I feel like a clown.
I can see Rias and Akeno talking to other female devils, that Agares girl is with them.
Kiba was, of course, surrounded by girls. Raynare and Mittelt are enjoying themselves. Alex went back and forth with Xenovia doing something.
"Takeru, Asia, Gasper, I've gotten some food, eat up."
"Eat up, you all need it"
Xenovia and Alex came in with food. They were skillfully holding a massive quantity of dishes. All look extravagant.
"Sorry about this, Xenovia, Alex"
"No, it's nothing. This amount is inexpensive. Look, it's better for Asia to have a drink too."
"Thank you very much, Xenovia-san…Since it's my first time doing this kind of thing, I was nervous and my throat got dry…", said Asia as she got the glass of juice from Xenovia and started drinking.
I started on the dish I was given. They even come with chopsticks, probably for the convenience of the reincarnated devils.
And then, there was a silhouette in front of me. It was a young girl wearing a dress. She was staring at me really hard.
"You are…"
"I-It's been a while, Sekiryuutei."
"Oh, that turkey's little sister."
It's been several months since then huh…
"It's Ravel Phoenix! Geez, this is why low-class devils are so slow and disagreeable."
She said angrily. I only lifted an eyebrow, but she jolted immediately.
"Sorry. Anyway, how's that chicken doing?", I asked.
"…Thanks to you, he's been in low spirits. It seems that his defeat and having Rias-sama stolen away by you was a great shock. Well, since he had always relied on his talent and got cocky because of it, it should have been a good lesson for him.", said Ravel as she sighed.
Hoh, cut ties immediately huh. What a sharp tongue she has.
"That's quite a new sentence coming from you. I thought you were also part of your brother's group?"
"About that, I've currently finished trading, and I've now become my mother's servant. My mother traded away an unused piece she had in exchange for me. Since my mother said that she would trade me again when I found someone whose family I want to become part of, I'm essentially a free [Bishop] now. Since my mother doesn't participate in the games."
"Trading?"
"Huh? Don't you know? Trading, according to the rules of the Rating Games, it's possible to exchange pieces between devils [Kings]. On the condition that they're the same kind of piece."
Don't really have time to care about it.
"B-By the way, Sekiryuutei…"
"No need for the unnecessary formalities. Just call me by my name"
"I-Is it really okay for me to call you by your name!?"
What's with that reaction? She's a bit happy? Impossible.
"*C-Cough*. T-Then, I'll oblige and call you Ve… Takeru-sama without reservation."
"It's fine without the "sama"."
"No, this is important!"
…
*Sigh*
Once again, I have no idea what women thinks.
Also, judging by the fact that she almost called me by my real name, she must've been informed by her parents, who are the current lord and lady Phoenix. Logically, The chicken have also been informed as well.
"Ravel-sama. Danna-sama's friend is calling for you."
I remember her from that Rating Game back then. A good fighter, though not enough.
"I understand. Takeru-sama, the next time we meet, would you like to have some tea with me? A-A-A-And if it's okay with you, would you like to have a homemade cake p-p-prepared by me?"
Ravel suddenly raised the hem of her dress, curtsied and then left.
"Hey, Takeru Silver."
"You're Isabella of the Phoenix family, right?"
"Yes it has. You gave me a good blow back then. I still remember it. It seems you've become even stronger. When you become even stronger, I'll be able to boast about my story as well."
"I see. So you're that girl's escort for tonight, right?"
"Well, something like that. Because that girl has things that she can't grasp as a child, like our master Riser-sama…Since that battle during the engagement party, Ravel has only talked about you. She seems to have found the fight between you and Riser-sama very impressive."
"And here I thought she was going to complain."
"...No, it's the opposite. Well, it's fine. You'll understand eventually."
I lifted my eyebrow once again. What does she mean by that?
"In any case, tell her that I'm fine with tea party"
"Really? Thank you for that. Ravel will be happy. Now then, please excuse me now. Please have a good time at the party."
With that, Isabella waved her hand and left.
"...Vergil-senpai, you surprisingly have a lot of devil friends...", whispered Gasper with admiration.
"Not exactly accurate to call them friends, just people I know, incidentally", I replied.
I don't have many friends to begin with… even as a kid…
Suddenly a little figure came into my sight. It was Koneko.
For some reason, she was quickly heading out of the party room. Her expression seemed absorbed in something.
—!
Something's wrong…
"Asia, Xenovia, Alex, wait here."
"Vergil-san, what's wrong? The Maou-sama's greeting will be starting soon."
"No, there's something I had to do first. I'll return by the time of the greeting"
"Alright. We'll stay here."
Alex only gave a simple nod.
"I know"
I had to lie to those three as I knew things are about to get loud. I followed Koneko as she went towards the elevators. Once I confirmed the elevator next door opened, I boarded it.
Then, someone else got on the elevator. When I turned around, it was Rias.
"What's wrong, Vergil? Your expression changed."
"I saw Koneko suddenly leave as if following something."
"I see, so you were worried. I understand, I'll go too."
"I guess you followed me, huh."
"Yes. Because I'm always watching you."
*Later*
The elevator arrived at the first floor. After we stepped out, we asked around if they saw the figure of Koneko we described. Everyone we asked said that she was going outside. Rias then summoned her bat familiar and flew off to find her. We both waited by the fountain until the bat returned.
"As I thought, Koneko's behaviour is abnormal.", said Rias.
"If I had to guess, this has to relate to her sister, right?", I asked.
Rias brooded deeply at my guess. But as soon as she showed the expression of realization, she nodded immediately.
So it related to the black cat huh…
After a little while, Rias' bat returned.
"It seems it found her. —The forest? So she's gone to the forest surrounding the hotel?"
We then both started running after the bat.
After leaving the familiar places behind, we ran into the forest in the dark night. I have no problem running in these rough terrains, but Rias constantly falling behind due to her weaker physically strength. That's why right now I'm princess carrying her, she was blushing madly.
We went through the forest for several minutes until Rias pulled me and made us hide in the shadow of a tree. When I peeked out, I saw Koneko.
She was restlessly turning her head back and forth in the middle of the forest as if looking for something.
Then, she noticed something and turned her gaze in that direction. We also followed Koneko's gaze and looked.
"It's been a while, hasn't it?"
An unfamiliar voice.
Appearing without making a noise…was a woman wearing a black kimono. Wait, she had cat ears on her head? That must be…
"—! …You.", said Koneko as she shook in violent surprise.
"Hello, Shirone. It's me, your onee-chan."
"Kuroka-neesama..."
Koneko's voice squeezed out those words. So I'm right. This is the sister who left her behind to take the blame, Kuroka.
"Onee-chan is very impressed that you came this far following after this black cat that sneaked into the party-nya."
So Koneko followed a black cat.
"...Nee-sama. What is this about?", said an angry Koneko. Kuroka just smiled.
"Don't make such a scary face. I just had some minor business to take care of. I heard that the devils were holding a big party here, you know? That's why I was a little interested. Nyan.", said Kuroka as she waved her hand like a cat and winked.
"Hahahaha, could it be that you're a member of the Gremory group?"
I heard another familiar voice. It's Bikou.
So is this a terrorist attack? I then noticed his gaze come towards us.
"Even if you erase your presence, it's useless. With people like me and Kuroka who know Senjutsu, we can approximately detect you with just a slight variation in the flow of your spirit.
Tch! I guess we've been found out.
We stepped out and readied ourselves. Koneko was surprised to see us.
"...Ve..Takeru-senpai, Buchou."
"Yo, monkey. So, is Vali doing well?"
"Hahahaha, for the most part, you did beat him to a bloody mess though. As for you…Heh, so you've become even stronger, huh?"
"Hmmm, Senjutsu, I presume?"
"Yup. The volume of aura that covers you has risen since we last met."
"So are you here to crash the party for your little terrorist attack? Or is it something else?", I asked as the two smiled.
"No, we didn't come down here for such a thing. It's just that a standby order has come out in the Underworld. Me and Kuroka are off-duty right now. When the order was given, Kuroka suggested visiting the devils' party. Since she likely wouldn't return easily, I came along with her too. Okay?"
"As if I can believe the words of a monkey", I said as he just shrugged.
"Rias, how much do you know about Senjutsu?", I asked her.
I only know that Nekomata, particularly the Nekoshou who can use it to the fullest. Not much about the rest.
"Yes, Senjutsu is different from demonic power and sorcery. The biggest difference is that Senjutsu stresses the importance of something called Chakra, the aura that is the great original power that flows into one's spirit, in other words one's life-force, and turns it into a constant current. It's a power that is both similar yet different from the demonic power of demons and the light power of angels. Its direct destructive power can't match that of demonic power or the power of light, but Senjutsu can make use of the unknown part hidden within plants, animals and people. For example, if one learned Senjutsu, it's said that they excel at reading the flow of someone's spirit, of their aura, and that they can also grasp the movements of a faraway target to a certain degree."
"We can also control the flow of spirit and can reinforce both the interior and exterior of our bodies, or disturb the spirits of all the surrounding trees, make them bloom, or make them wither-nyan . Senjutsu is a skill that manipulates the flow of life, after all. We can disturb our opponent's spirit, and inflict damage to their life-force by cutting it. Because the methods for repairing the disorder to one's life-force is limited for the demonic power of demons and the sorcery of magicians in comparison, this attack method almost always results in death-nyan~"
Said Kuroka as she winked again. What are you trying to accomplish doing that?
"Hey Bikou, who is this man?", she asked while pointing at me.
"The Sekiryuutei."
When she heard that, her eyes widened.
"Really-nyan? Heh~. So this is the current wrathful Sekiryuutei who repelled Vali before."
Bikou spoke while yawning.
"Kuroka~, let's go back. Since we can't participate in that party anyway, it's a waste to stay here."
"Yes, let's return. But I'll take Shirone with me-nyan. Since I didn't bring her with me that time~"
"Arara, if you bring her back with you of your own accord, Vali might get angry, you know?"
"When they know that the same power as mine flows within her, both Ophis and Vali will be convinced, right?"
"Well, that may be so."
Kuroka smiled widely with narrowed eyes. Koneko shivered on the other hand. She scared. I had to step in.
"You want to take this little girl. You gonna have to go through me", I said as I glared at the two.
But they laughed.
"No, no, that's very brave of you, but do you really intend to make me and Kuroka your opponents? This time, we'll leave immediately once we take this girl, so it'll be fine for you, right?", said Bikou.
"This child is my servant. I won't let you put even a single finger on her."
"Ara-ara-ara-ara, what are you saying-nya? She's my little sister. I have the right to love her. A high-class devil like you doesn't have that privilege."
I then noticed the atmosphere change. Rias and Kuroka were glaring at each other. Kuroka stopped first and made a wide grin.
"Since you're so troublesome, I'll kill you-nyan."
At that instant, I felt a disturbing sensation. This… feeling of having transported to another space. Even though the scenery hadn't changed, the atmosphere has.
"…Kuroka, so you learned not only senjutsu, youjutsu and devil magic, but also the skill to control space?", said Rias making a sour face.
"I didn't go as far as learning how to control time, but I have fairly picked up on how to control space. If I use the essentials of barrier techniques, it's relatively easy, after all. I covered this entire forest with a barrier and isolated it from the outside world-nyan. That's why even if we do flashy things here, it won't leak outside and devils from outside won't come in. You're going to get pleasantly killed here by us and say goodbye-nya.", said Kuroka.
You little…
Suddenly, from the high sky, a voice was heard.
"When I received information that Miss Rias and Takeru Silver had come to this forest and I quickly came to look, to think I would be sealed in by a barrier…"
When I looked up.
"Shishou!"
It was Tannin-shishou.
"What an ominous aura. These visitors aren't suitable for this party."
"Oh, oh, oh! If it isn't the former-Dragon King Blaze Meteor Dragon Tannin! So you came! This is already a big problem, Kuroka! We have no choice but to fight now!"
"You seem happy, monkey-san. Very well. If we take down two necks that are above Dragon King class, Ophis will also be silent on the matter."
Two necks? I guess she also means me.
"Kintoun!"
A gold cloud appeared at Bikou's feet and flew off into the sky to where Shishou was.
"Nyoi-Bo!"
A long staff appeared in his hands and he released it while aiming at Shishou.
"Exteeeeeend! Nyoi-Bo!"
The staff extended to hit him, but he evaded the blow. That speed clearly doesn't fit his size.
"Once more!"
Bikou tried to hit Shishou again, but he missed as Tannin-shishou rotated and opened his mouth.
Oh I know where this is going.
GOBAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!
A large mass of fire covered the entire sky. As expected from the former Dragon King, he doesn't mess around when facing his enemies.
After the flames faded, Bikou appeared from the smoke.
"Ahaha! Not bad! Former-Dragon King!"
His armor and clothes were burned, but his body was fine.
"Hmph! I was wondering what kind of person this Son Goku was! You seem quite happy to have received an attack from me, Tannin!"
"The name's Bikou! Nice to meet you, Dragon Boss!"
"Kukukuku. You talk like a true monkey. Do you really understand who you have made your opponent right now?"
"I'm also descended from a legendary demon, you know. I can't afford to lose so quickly."
"In any case, I'll be your opponent, monkey. Meanwhile, Miss Rias and Takeru Silver will defeat that cat. —They're the master of the Sekiryuutei and the Sekiryuutei, you know? You'll have to overcome them."
Yeah, already on it.
"Hahahah! You've really gone out big! I'm fine just by myself!"
"Don't speak so arrogantly, monkey. You're just a single monkey. You won't be any trouble! Besides, what happened to the pig and demon sage? Did you break up with them?"
"You mean the descendants of Hakkai and Gojou? Hahahaha! They, including the people of my family, are all conservatives! Every last one of them is satisfied with the current state of things! However, I love things that are fun! That's why I happily accepted the invitation to join the Khaos Brigade and now act together with the Hakuryuukou Vali!"
"Hmph! Your temperament may be the closest to the first generation of Son Goku, but what are you scheming with the Hakuryuukou? According to rumour, only your unit is permitted to move separately from the rest! I also heard that you're the only team that didn't accept Ophis' snake!"
"If you'd like to know, beat me!"
"Watch what you say, damn monkey! This place is the hell-like Underworld, called the world of the dead! Know that this is the best place for small fry like you people to repent!"
The two began to fight fiercely in the sky.
At least we can have our attention on Kuroka, but...
"Nyan~"
Kuroka's bewitching smile and that dark ominous aura.
Azazel's aura was also black, but his had more of a feeling of vice than evil. Kuroka here has a strong malice and killing intent directed at us.
"...Nee-sama. I'll go with you. So please overlook these two people!", said Koneko.
"What are you saying-", I spoke out but,
"What are you saying!? Koneko! You're a servant of my group! I won't allow you to do as you please!", said Rias as she tightly embraced Koneko, but she just shook her head.
"...It's no good. I understand best nee-sama's power. Nee-sama's power rivals that of an ultimate-class devil. For Buchou and Senpai...Even with the power of a former-Dragon King, I don't think you can capture my sister who excels in both genjutsu and senjutsu..."
"No, even so, I absolutely won't hand you over to that person's side! To this nekomata that didn't try to help Koneko who cried so much!"
Kuroka smiled at Rias' anger.
"It's because a youkai cannot help another youkai. However, this time, I simply want Shirone because I want another piece under my control. I can understand Shirone's power better than a red-haired onee-san like you, you know?", said Kuroka as Koneko shook her head.
"...No...I don't need that kind of power...I don't need a dark power like that...I don't need a power that brings misfortune to people like that...", she said as she trembled and started to cry. Rias hugged her even more tightly.
"Kuroka…You who had been blinded by power left a wound on the heart of this girl that won't disappear for her whole life. After you killed your master and left, this child saw hell. When I first met her, there were no feelings left in her. Koneko was betrayed by you, who was her only family to her, lost a future to rely on, and was despised and abused by other devils, to the point where she was going to be disposed of…She saw many harsh things. That's why I will show her many fun things! This girl is Toujou Koneko, Rook of Rias Gremory's group! My important servant devil! I won't let you put even a single finger on her!", said Rias as Koneko overflowed with tears when she heard that.
"…I don't want to go…I am Toujou Koneko. Kuroka-neesama, I don't want to go with you! I want to live with Rias-buchou! To live!"
That remark made Kuroka show a bitter smile and then gave a derisive laugh that made me shudder.
"Then, die."
A thin mist-like substance sprung out from Kuroka. Both Koneko and Rias knelt down while covering their mouths.
I employed "Elemental Senses"… It's poison!
As I projected my hand toward the two, I tried to cast detoxification magic, but…
I can't cast it? What's wrong?
"Hmm, so this mist doesn't work on you because you're the Sekiryuutei, huh? It's a poison mist which only works on devils and youkai-nyan. Because the poison is thin, one suffers a little while it spread throughout the body. I won't kill you quickly. I'll kill you all gradually-nyan~", said Kuroka as she was now on a tree branch.
Rias fired a mgic shot at her only for her body to vanish. Was that a clone? An afterimage?
"That was a good attack. But it's useless, useless. I can easily make a clone of myself with the essentials of genjutsu.", said Kuroka as her voice echoed through the forest. We were then surrounded by her clones. I can see auras on all of them, but thanks to "Elemental Senses", I know that they're all fake.
Rias and Koneko are having a hard time breathing. Did the poison do enough to just cripple them, or is the poison still getting through somehow?
"…If you can't read the flow of spirit, you can't deal with genjutsu used by skilled practitioners."
This is getting bad. I'll need more power if I want to handle them.
"Boosted Gear!"
I made it appear on my left arm, but it gave off a weird sound. The jewel on the Boosted Gear looked a bit dark. What's wrong?
[…Partner, the Sacred Gear won't move. It's also preventing you from using your natural magical power]
What!? Why now!?
[The Sacred Gear has entered an ambiguous state.]
Ambiguous?
[With that training, you reached a crossroad. I think the Sacred Gear will change with one more push, but I don't know whether that change will be a normal power-up, or Balance Breaker.]
In other words, my Sacred Gear has stopped before a crossroads, and is wavering between a normal power-up and Balance Breaker?
[If you put it simply, yes. In a situation where the choices have multiplied, the Boosted Gear's own system is confused on which option to follow.]
So it's a 50 – 50?
[Yeah. If it does a normal power-up, you may be able to achieve victory in a flash, but if a dramatic change isn't born inside you, you won't be able to attain Balance Breaker. But remember this. Right now, you only have a chance to attain Balance Breaker. The rest depends on you.]
"Arara, is Sekiryuutei-chan unable to activate his Sacred Gear? But, I'm going to shoot-nyan~"
Kuroka said as one of her illusions stuck out its hand and fired magic shots at Rias and Koneko who were suffering from poison.
I jump into the line of fire and blocked the blast using the Boosted Gear as a shield.
"Arghh!"
I grunted as I got pushed back. My black coat got torn at the left sleeve.
"Takeru…"
Buchou tried to move forward, but because of the pain, she couldn't stand up well
"DON'T MOVE! The poison will only spread if…"
Before I can finish…
DOOOOON!
I got hit by another shot.
"Enough!"
I shouted as I punched the ground, created a shockwave of dirt and rock that went towards Kuroka. But she evaded it with ease.
"Ara, you're quite aggressive nyan~. But it's futile"
"Damn you…", I growled.
"Senpai", said Koneko.
"It's okay, Senpai… You don't have to be stronger. Did you know? Most of the previous Sekiryuuteis were people that drowned and lost their heads in their power…I think that they were swallowed by the enormous power they had…My nee-sama is the same…Even if one has power…if they don't have kindness…they'll definitely go out of control…Senpai is a gentle Sekiryuutei…That's why…"
Koneko smiled even though she was in pain from the poison. It was a dazzling smile.
"Please become a gentle [Welsh Dragon]… And realize your wish…"
…
My wish…
…
I closed my eyes for a moment, before going in front of Rias.
"Takeru?", asked a puzzled Rias.
"Rias… I'm really sorry", I apologized to her.
"Eh?"
GULP
It was then both Rias and I shared a deep kiss, but this time… I'm the initiator.
…
After a while, we let each other go. Rias was both surprised and blushed heavily.
This is so shameful… What was I thinking?
—!
*Dream*
Suddenly, I got drawn into a green landscape, as I look to a direction, a familiar scenery caught my eyes…
Yes…
It was the Sparda Manor, my old home…
I then saw the familiar scene of our family joined together for a meal…
But, this is different…
The me who is in there is an adult… and next to me… was Rias?
I see…
This is my wish…
A normal, happy life… with the woman I love… Not the fighting I had all those years ago…
…
Suddenly….
BOOOM!
An attack occurred, and my family was seized by Demons!
I tried to go and save them, but no matter how much I ran, I never left the spot I stand!
And then, the unbearable happened…
They are all dead, killed… because I was weak… because I wasn't strong…
No more…
I do not want this…
That's why…
*Dream ends, 3rd person*
Having shared a deep kiss with Rias, Vergil now stood up slowly. An overwhelming aura was overflowing his whole body.
"Kill them you say…", he said with a cold voice as he slowly turns around.
"Nyan?", confused Kuroka.
DOOON!
Suddenly, his aura rose on even greater heights.
RUMBLE RUMBLE RUMBLE.
The pressure he emitted was causing a violent earthquake.
Kuroka then surprise as she saw Vergil's eyes.
They became demonic, with his scleras became black and his pupils and irires became blood red. They gave off a menacing glow…
"YOU'RE NOT TOUCHING THEM!", he growled a demonic distorted voice.
In that moment, the Boosted Gear regained its' radiant glow, the jewel shone brightly as the words of power echoed loudly:
[WELSH DRAGON BALANCE BREAKER!]
Vergil then violently rocketed to the sky, before he stopped at an attitude and released an incredible shockwave of energy that obliterates everything in vicinity: trees, rocks, even the mountains afar.
"Hahahaha! It's been a long time since I've seen that! Takeru Silver! An entire mountain far away from here completely vanished just now, let alone this forest! Also, the barrier covering this area has been blown off as well!", said Tannin.
Yes… right now, before the eyes of the two ominous terrorists. The current Sekiryuutei has fully awaken, he has achieved his true Balance Breaker.
*Vergil's POV*
Having return from my dream turned nightmare, I'm now flying above the forest with the armor of the Red Dragon Emperor, the Welsh Dragon's Scale Mail.
Such power… so this is the true Balance Breaker of the Boosted Gear…
'Ddraig, you're there?'
[Hahahahaha! For you, partner, always! You really managed to obtained it!]
'I see, so how's my time limit?'
[You can maintain Balance Breaker for 3 hours. The results of your training have come out. For the first Balance Breaker state, that's an excellent time limit.]
'And my doubling limit?'
[I think that each time will be used up within 6 or 8 minutes if you release it at max. You can do 20 at the most. It's the same when you use the transfer ability too.]
'Last question, is the power I have right now enough?'
[Please, you won't even need 5 minutes, look around you, you literally turn the whole forest into a fire pit just by transforming]
Hmmm, good.
—!
In that instant, I felt an attack coming from my right.
"Oryaa!"
It was Bikou, he tried to hit me with his stick.
But… he's too slow.
I caught the stick at the tip section with my hand.
"!"
He was surprised, but he didn't stop there.
"Extend!"
He tried to extend the stick to hit me with a surprise attack. But.. the stick didn't obeyed the command.
"What's wrong, Nyoi-Bo!?"
He then looks at me to find the cause. As he found out, he got shocked even more.
Obviously, the stick is still trying to extend, but I already had my thumb on the epicenter of the tip, and my strength is preventing it from extending.
"Get lost", I said coldly.
DOOON!
A crisp, roundhouse thrust kick delivered to Bikou's abdomen.
"Guha!"
Unable to endure the force, he got launched down to the ground. His body gouged the soil, created a huge trail of mud and rock.
After a few seconds of stopping, he stood up, but fell down on his knees. His head was bleeding and he puked a bucket-worth of blood.
"What is this monstrous strength!? Isn't this guy at lower-tier God-class already!?"
Hmmm, lower-tier God-class huh… That's a surprisingly huge leap.
[I told you already remember? You're the strongest Sekiryuutei in all history]
'No, WE are'
[Hahaha! That's true indeed!]
"Ahahahahaha!"
Kuroka laughed at this development.
"Ha! how interesting! Then, I'll also show you a mixed shot of Youjutsu and Senjutsu!", she said as her hands began to be clad in two different powers each.
DOU!
Just like that, she started to shoot two different kinds of surges from both her hands. They conjoined and became a pale blue fireball. I received it right in the front.
But…
I didn't even feel the impact, and the Scale Mail was completely fine, not even a single ounce of smoke rose from the surface.
"Is that all?", I asked as Kuroka was shocked.
"It didn't work!? No way. I built up a considerable amount of spiritual power!"
I then closed the distance between me and Kuroka. She fired more shots as I approached her, but…
[Blade!]
I pulled out the Ascalon and with the flow of the shots' wavelength, I gathered their energy around the blade. As Kuroka desperately firing more, the blade became more coaxed in dense aura of Youjutsu and Senjutsu, and soon, the pale blue flame transfomed into intense Crimson demonic flames.
I lunged forward with a blade thrust, but I stopped right before it hits her. The immense pressure of the fiery blade and my own aura causes the wind to mess with Kuroka's clothes and hair. I then lightly tick the blade tip onto her forehead. Kuroka rubbed her forehead from the tick and had watery eyes.
"Don't you dare make them cry"
"!"
"Try aiming at them again, and I'll rip your heart out with my bare hands. Kokabiel already went through with that, you know?", I said coldy as I glared at her with my demonic eyes.
"How dare you treat me like a kid!", said Kuroka as I saw fear in her eyes.
"Hyahahahahahahaha! This is really interesting! Now there are two dragon bosses! It'd be a lie to say I'm not enjoying this!", said Bikou. As expected from an idiot, no wonder why he's with Vali, they both enjoy fighting despite got plummeted.
Suddenly, a tear opened in front of us.
Appearing from out of the tear was—a man. A young man wearing a suit. He held in his hand a sword that was releasing an immense holy aura that stood out completely.
Suddenly, I saw the magic formation of ZEA shone. A sword among the five remaining generic looking swords changed.
A sword with a grip long enough that appears as a two-handed sword with a round pommel at the end, a huge cross-like shaped guard and a long blade.
This shape…
"That's far enough, Bikou, Kuroka. The devils have noticed."
Wearing glasses, the young man said this to Bikou and Kuroka. Is he their comrade? If he's here to pick these two up, then he's also with Vali.
"Aren't you Vali's attendant?"
The man pushed up his glasses and spoke.
"Because Kuroka was being slow, I came to see. And even Bikou is here. Geez, what are you two doing?"
He sighed.
"Everyone, don't get near that guy! The thing he's holding in his hand is really troublesome!"
Shishou shouted at us.
"The holy king sword Collbrande. Also known as Caliburn. For Caliburn, called the beyond strongest holy sword, to be with the Hakuryuukou is…"
He gave a bitter laugh.
Wait. Caliburn!? The Holy Royal Sword!?
Then this young man is the descendant of King Arthur Pendragon?
But I see a second sword. If he's Arthur, then is that...?
"Hey, the sword that is on your hip. Is that also an Excalibur?", I asked as he nodded.
"Yes. This is the final Excalibur that was recently found, the strongest of the seven Excaliburs. Excalibur Ruler."
Hmmm, the last and strongest of the seven Excalibur is in Khaos Brigade's hands huh… This is troublesome.
"To be talking like that, you're pretty calm, aren't you?", asked Kuroka as Arthur nodded.
"Yes, the truth is that I also have a lot of interest in the comrades of these guys. Current Sekiryuutei-dono, could you please give my greetings to the holy demonic sword user and the holy sword Durandal user? I'd like to face them sometime as fellow swordsmen—you know? And you as well."
What an audacious attitude. I wonder what Kiba and Xenovia will think of this when I tell them.
"Now then, let's retreat."
The man then cut the air with the Holy King Sword Caliburn and another spatial tear appeared and spread out, one that several people could pass through.
"Goodbye, Sekiryuutei."
The man left with just those words and the other comrades of Vali also disappeared into the spatial tear.
Tch! They escaped.
Does matter, Rias and Koneko are the current priorty.
I activated "Elemental Senses", but the distortion caused by my earlier transformation makes it a bit difficult to locate them.
After a short while, I found them.
Thank goodness, they are still fine.
I landed in front of them as they were surprised.
"Are you two alright?"
"Vergil-senpai…", said Koneko
"Vergil…", said Rias as she then hugged me.
"I guess that… oh, your leg", I said as I saw Rias' ankle got sprained.
"Let me see", I said as I inspected.
"Auu!", she yelled lightly as I touch the wound.
"Ooh, this is serious… Let's get both of you back to Asia. Her healing would be more effective.", I said and they nodded.
I then carried them with Rias in my arms and Koneko on my back and flew back to the Hotel.
After that, we were cared for by all the devils who had detected trouble, and the Maou-sponsored party was hurriedly cancelled because of the [Khaos Brigade] attack.
*Extra chapter: Odin*
"What a blunder."
That was the first thing my Vice-Governor Shemhazai said in the conference room within the Maou's territory.
While thinking "That's an understatement" inside, I - Azazel - drank some tea.
On the day of the Maou-sponsored party, the devils had received an attack from the [Khaos Brigade]. To put it accurately, it would be better to say that, "That was what the result became".
That the SS-class exiled devil "Kuroka" who is wanted throughout the underworld would use a familiar to watch the party was outside of everyone's expectations.
After that, Rias Gremory's family and the ultimate-class devil Tannin came into contact with her. And drove her away.
The situation was settled with minimum damage, but—the breach into the party hall was making the other powers question the wariness of the devils.
Just as anyone could see, Shemhazai-kun from the Fallen Angels' side and the Seraphim of the Angels' side were angry. Well, I myself couldn't say anything about them either. I also would never say that I, the Governor, was engrossed in cutting loose at a casino at the time either. Having the treaty violated right away was a grave matter. It was a serious problem.
Shemhazai reported more.
"The opponents were members of the [Khaos Brigade]'s independent special unit, the [Vali Team], consisting of Son Wukong [Bikou], Nekoshou [Kuroka] and also the user of the holy king sword Caliburn. That three people from a team of people endowed with tremendous power would come is… Also, the management ability of the devils is…"
Ah, when this guy starts scolding, it takes a long while. Now we're done for.
The incident had been taken under control. Rias and Koneko had been exposed to poison, but thankfully the detoxification had been completed right away and they only had a minor illness. Rather, since everyone was safe, it was a happy miscalculation that Vergil had attained Balance Breaker. Everyone here seemed to understand in their hearts.
The Maou's younger sister Rias was safe. The Sekiryuutei had taken the first huge step forward. The party had been canceled, but when looking at the big picture, it had been a big gain for us.
Far away from me, Tannin, who was attending in the form of a mini-dragon, and the other seniors were anticipating the battle between Rias and Sona Sitri that would be held soon.
"I'm going to cheer for Miss Rias. Since the Sekiryuutei I personally trained is with her. Kukuku, he's an interesting kid. To rise to such degree of strength in such a short time."
"The knowledge that Azazel has brought seems to be bringing about a revolution in the Rating Games. If handled poorly, there may be a change within the high-ranked group within half a year."
"That would be good. Since the top ten haven't changed in the last ten-odd years. With this, it seems like we'll be able to see some interesting games."
Hahahaha, after finishing the arrangements, there was no air of tension here. Were the Three Great Powers really okay like this?
At that time—. The room's door opened. The person who appeared there made everyone dumbfounded.
"Hmm. So you youngsters can't greet an old man like me, huh?"
It was a one-eyed old man wearing an old-looking hat. He had a white beard, which was so long that it seemed to touch the floor. His clothes, rather than being luxurious, also consisted of just a single robe. He held a walking staff, but he didn't have it because he hurt his lower back.
"—Odin."
Yes, this guy was actually the king god of all the Norse Gods—Odin! There was also an armour-wearing female warrior Valkyrie that had arrived along with him.
"Oh, oh, it's been a while, hasn't it, old geezer of the northern countryside?"
As I rudely called him that, Odin rubbed his beard.
"It's been a while, Fallen Angel brat. It seems you've become intimate with the people you fought with for so long, but… Are you still thinking of something crafty?"
"Hah! Unlike countryside gods that honour old-fashioned bonds according to conventional practices or whatever else, we young people have flexible thoughts. Rather than sticking to troublesome hostile ways of thinking, we place more value on growth and progress."
"That's a loser's mindset appropriate for the weak. After all, you're a gathering of brats that have lost their founding God and Maou."
This geezer… As usual, his mouth doesn't abate at all.
"It's called becoming independent and standing on our own, geezer."
"Seeing a bunch of brats doing a play meeting like this, I can't help but laugh."
Tch. At this rate, we won't come to a settlement. Sirzechs then left his seat and greeted the geezer.
"It's been a long time, King God of the North, Odin-dono."
"Sirzechs. I came here on the invitation you gave me to watch the games. However, you've also had it hard. The descendent of the original Lucifer is now the Hakuryuukou. Moreover, he became a terrorist. The future of devils isn't going to be easy."
Odin made those sarcastic remarks, but Sirzechs simply gave a smile.
The geezer's gaze then shifted to Serafall sitting next to Sirzechs.
"By the way, Serafall. What's with that appearance?"
Serafall was dressed up as a magic girl like in Japanese television anime. This geezer is also a cosplay-lover, after all.
"Ara, Odin-sama! Don't you know? This is a magical girl's outfit~!"
She turned sideways and posed with a peace sign. You're talking to the God of the North, you know?
"Hmm. So this is what's popular among the young people these days. Not bad at all. Yes, yes, quite nice."
Damn perverted geezer. While putting a hand to his chin, he looked down at Serafall's panties and legs.
There was a silhouette that intervened there. The aforementioned female warrior Valkyrie.
"Odin-sama, you mustn't do such indecent things! The reputation of Valhalla will cry!"
"Geez, you're so stuffy. That's why you can't get any heroes as a boyfriend."
The Valkyrie immediately broke into tears at Odin's words. Hey, hey, what's with her?
"A-At any rate, I'm just an aged female warrior with a history of no boyfriends! I too want to have a boyfriend! Auuu!"
Odin also sighed. Old man, one should only make a young woman cry when on a bed.
"I'm sorry. This person is my current assistant. Although she's good-looking, she's too stuffy. She can't get a man either."
I can't understand how the geezer selects his staff. How can a person like that protect you? Well, it's fine to quip about other people's business. Odin then spoke to Sirzechs.
"I heard about it. Sirzechs, Serafall, your family members are fighting each other, right? Geez, making your precious younger sisters face each other even though they're close friends. You people are so bad. You really are devils."
"If she can't break through this much, then her hopes for her future as a devil won't be born."
"It's already decided that my Sona-chan will win~!"
Each Maou-sama believed that their sister would win, after all.
Odin sat in an empty seat and spoke brazenly.
"Now then. The matter of the [Khaos Brigade] is all well and good, but I have come to watch the Rating Game. —When is the appointed date?"
The talk on the matter at the party was left for another day, and the topic shifted to the game that would soon be held. Lots of important people from each of the powers had been invited to watch the game, after all.
I stood up from my seat for a moment in order to take a break, and I went to rest on a sofa in the hallway. This discussion and conference with VIPs was making my shoulders stiff.
When I sat down on the sofa—Sirzechs appeared there. What's with this, did he also slip out? He sat down next to me and spoke.
"Azazel, can I ask you one thing before the games starts?"
"What is it?"
"If you were facing Rias as an opponent, who would you definitely remove among the Gremory group?"
"Vergil, of course. Everyone in Rias' team should feel it one way or another. —That Vergil is the one who maintains the tension and spirits of the family. He's also the most dangerous opponent in all areas"
Tension was important in battle. It was often the case that the balance would crumble by a single change in that, and one side would quickly lose as a result. The reverse was also possible. It's also Vergil we're talking about, if he wanted, he could solo the whole enemy team.
Vergil was an emotional pillar for Rias and the others. The reason for that could also be understood. He always runs swiftly forward without giving up, no matter what it is or where it is. That behavior of his also became the dynamic energy of the other servant devils in part. Even Rias depended on him.
…It was usual for a dragon to attract others.
Vergil wasn't an exception to that either. That was a result of people being attracted to the dragon that was lodged inside him as well. After all, he managed to get through a pinch with that power this time. But to think he would reach God-class… He's crazy!
Sirzechs joined his hands together and spoke with a serious look.
"…Sona will aim for that."
He was worried for his younger sister, huh. I spoke honestly.
"Yeah, the problem is when they remove him. Will their willpower rise, or will it fall? Since they had yet to see Vergil as the [Sekiryuutei] taken down right before their eyes."
Which is highly unlikely to happen, consider the kind of monster he is now. But one can only guess so much…
Author's note: Finally, our boy has gained Balance Breaker! And it's God-class! Don't worry, the value of enemies in future volumes won't be decreased much. Also, about the energy shockwave he unleashed. Just think of it as the same electro-wave that was unleashed by Doomsday in the DCEU movie: Batman V Superman: Dawn of Justice. Now, enjoy.