Chapter 34: The second term
*Dream*
"Huh?"
I opened my eyes and saw only a pit-black scenery in front of me.
Maybe because I'm sleeping?
But… I felt something wet where I lie. As I lifted my hand up…. Blood!
I immediately get up as I became cautious of my surroundings.
Right now, the place I'm in is a vast realm of darkness, with a sea of luminating blood that has no end. Despite seemingly have no depth, I can walk on this sea as if it's solid ground.
Then, the sky suddenly filled with silver star, as the light shone upon the sea of blood, various statues surfaced, all of them bears familiar appearances…
"Room of Fallen Ones…", I muttered.
Correct, right now I'm standing in one of the most damned section of Inferno. The one dimension where the losers and the fallen ones of this damned anti-verse went to other than the Outside.
And also, the place I faced Mundus for the grand battle of my life…
How nostalgic…
As I walk around, I can see statues of the Cerberus I took out. Another statue of a black lion demon, Beowulf if I remember it correctly?
And there's also that lightning demon, Nevan…
…
Why the hell am I even here? Shouldn't I be focusing on Urizen?
!
"…."
Someone's behind me…
As I turned around, I witnessed an individual I did not expect to see again…
A tall figure, with the primary body being a heavy, obsidian black-colored demonic armor with deep radiant red pulsing lines running across it. A liquid large cape purely made of dark red blood was wavering, despite that there's no wind. His helmet is engraved with a demonized humanoid face that has glowing red eyes. The helmet is also surrounded with a set of 6 curved horns protruding from the sides and went backwards, reminiscent dragon horns. He also has small rounded shoulder pauldrons, which are covered by a pair of demonic flat tusk-like horns that also holds his cape, ribcage-like chestplate that has a small red gem in the middle, and grieves with dual-spiked kneepads.
"This is another nightmare, isn't it?", I said.
There was no answer.
"Throughout most of our lives, we were connected. You were my biggest adversary, my greatest obstacle, as well as my equal. Guts and honor, even the commitment to do what is needed, it's a shame that you served Mundus.", I said.
"I always felt something familiar, too familiar about you. Mundus' handywork prevented me from realizing a thing… until I killed you."
I then continued.
"It was then, you became one of my greatest regrets. And now, you're here to torment me, don't you?"
"Come on, do it, toture me, kill me a thousand times over. That's what you're here for, aren't you?"
SHAKE.
To my surprise, the demonic knight shakes his head sideways.
But then, he suddenly points to the direction on his left.
"?"
As I look to where he was pointing at, a pile of broken statues was there
Suddenly
BOOOOOOM!
They exploded!?
—!
What is this… uneasiness? This… fear?
As the dust settled… I could only shock at what I was looking at.
The kids I'm looking after, they're all… dead. Their bodies lay lifeless on the sea of blood.
—!
What is this feeling!? Why do they feel so real!?
I ran towards them.
"Rias, Akeno, Kiba! Come on! Wake up!"
I shouted upon kneeling down, but there was no response… or so I thought.
Suddenly, the hand of the corpse of Rias grabbed my hand.
"!", I jolted.
"Why… Vergil… Why… didn't you… save us", said Rias as she got closer to me.
She then fells lifeless once again. Her corpse, along with the others, are then absorbed by the blood.
"No no no! This isn't real! It can't be real! You're here!", I shouted at the knight.
But he was no longer there, instead.
—!
I can feel him right next to me, as he came close to my left ear.
"You're the reason they'll die", he said with a husky, distorted voice.
He then forcefully pointed my head to another direction.
A strange-looking machine rose out from the sea of blood, on it was… Asia!?
"V-Vergil-san, H-help m…"
Before she can finish…
PIECE!
An unknown massive shard of metal pieced straight through her heart!
"NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!"
*Nightmare ends. Bedroom, morning*
"Vergil-san. Are you okay?"
"Vergil, is something wrong?"
…Rias and Asia are looking at me with concern, still in their night gown and pajama respectively.
"...Asia, Rias, you two are..."
Thank goodness, they're still here.
"Yes. We're right here. You were screaming really loudly. What happened?", Asia asked as Rias also nodded.
"…"
I held my head with my hand while sweating and breathing hard, hesitant to answer.
"Was it about Urizen?", asked Rias.
…
After a moment, I let go of my head as I answered.
"Not quite, but something similar… if not worse"
"Eh?", surprised Asia.
I then continued.
"It was a nightmare, but also felt like some sort of… premonition."
"What was it about?", asked Rias, again.
"I was walking in the Room of Fallen Ones"
"The place where fallen demons went after death for their torture?"
I nodded as I continue.
"While in there, I reminiscent lots of things happened in the past… and then I saw all of you, each and every one of the Gremory group, except me, laying as lifeless corpses in the middle of the sea of blood."
The two became shocked.
"The last thing I remembered… was Asia being strapped onto some strange machine, and the she got skewered through the heart"
I said as I held my head again.
After a moment, I felt the two hugging me.
"Poor you, it must be the stress these days that has been getting to you. Especially that mess with Urizen", said Rias as she also pats my head.
"Fufu, Vergil-san is such a worrywart, It's okay. I know you will protect me.", said Asia with a smile.
A worrywart huh… how can I not be when your lives are threatened…
"…Unya."
"?"
Something is moving under the sheets?
As I uncover the sheets, it was Koneko. When did she get in here? Her cat parts are out as well.
Koneko wipes her sleepy eyes, then wrapping her arms around me she went back to sleep. She legit looks like a kitten.
"…Nyan."
Her cat ears are twitching with her white tail tracing patterns in the air. She must be having a pleasant dream… unlike mine.
RING RING
Suddenly, the doorbell rang off. We all except Koneko get off from the bed as we change our clothes and go downstairs.
Rias was the first to open the door, she then came back in with a letter, behind her were huge envelopes that has yet to be carried in.
I facepalm immediately upon seeing those.
"Again?", I asked with a bored face.
"Yes… The person who sent them is... Diodora Astaroth. It seems like they're love letters. Other than that, there are movie tickets, invitations to dinner and product tokens. He also sent big products and they're at the entrance. How many times has it been now already?", said Rias as she sighed.
"Let's burn all of them", I said as she nodded and we both disintegrate all the stuff being sent.
It has been 2 weeks since then. That little creep has been sending these continuously. More than that, he's been stalking Asia nonstop, so obvious that I can noticed even when I'm sleeping. I already have tons of things to do by this new semester at the university, not that they are a big problem or anything. but that brat really starts to challenge my patience. Somehow, this problem is just as irritating as that with Urizen.
Also, about the latter case, after we came back from Urizen's domain, I was treated of my wounds and the Gremory group, who all were gathered due to the situation, was briefed with details about the new Demon King. Hence, all of the kids, particularly Rias, already knew of the true circumstances behind my condition.
Two days after that, I had a proper conversation with both Azazel and Sirzechs. According to them, Urizen emerged more than a year ago, coincidentally, around the same period of time I was found at the orphanage. The mysterious new Demon King astoundingly managed to claim dominion over all the primitive Hell, Inferno, using the powers he stolen from me.
His current domain is that of the Qliphoth, a bedtime story I never had a chance to encounter, but I know it was real, due to Mundus' and Argosax's existences. The Qliphoth is the ancient demonic Tree of Life that came at the same time as Inferno, it comes in many names, but more well known as the Spine of the Great Darkness, the entity who is said to be the opposite of God. That brings quite the contrary to what I've encountered, the Shadow.
[The Great Darkness is indeed the original entity that ruled the Outside. At the beginning of time, God and the Darkness fought in what you can call, the first of all battles. God won, and the defeated Darkness was reformed to be the hellish anti-verse you would call Inferno, the primordial hell. The Qliphoth tree, the polar opposite of the tree of life, Sephiroth, is said to bestow any demon who've proven themselves, with a fruit that upon consuming, can grant the aforementioned demon with divine power, possibly generated from the remains of the Great Darkness. Only one fruit can grow every few thousand years. The last being to consume the fruit was Mundus, and in doing so he became King of the Underworld. Urizen must be after the same thing if he wants to truly be the Demon King, especially when he has your powers]
That was Ddraig's explanation that went in sync with Sirzechs and Azazel's discriptions, as well as the story I've heard. Also, one thing to note, the tree was cut off from its' source of nourishment when my father, Sparda, severed all the gateways to Inferno, hence, there was no fruit for more than two thousand years. Urizen must have undone the seal, with Yamato in his hands, such a thing is as easy as pie. After all, it was with the same sword that father managed to sever all those Gates of Hell.
Well, at least we're still lucky, by the looks of it, the tree seems to have only recently came back to life, so the time for the fruit to nourish enough is far away. We got time, so we'll have to make use of it.
There's no way I'm going to let that thing succeed. He soiled father's efforts, and stolen the only memento I had left. He'll pay, dearly.
*Kuoh University*
The summer has ended, and it's already a new term - The second term.
The opening ceremony has already ended and unlike the high school division that is preparing for the Sports Festival, the Kuoh University has simply begun the new semester of September.
Today is a bit special, because Alex is enrolling in my class.
As all the students got to their seats, Tomiya-hakase, our major's manager, spoke.
"Alright, everyone, today is rather a bit special, I'd like to introduce a new member to our class"
"A new member?"
"Ooh ooh, is he a boy, a girl?"
Talks keep going in and out like that between students.
"Ok, settle down now everyone, he's here, let me introduce you, Alex Nash-kun"
Hakase tamed the class as he introduces Alex, the latter comes in, as he greeted Tomiya-hakase, he then faced the class.
"Hello everyone, my name is Alex Nash, I'll be accompanying you all for the next 5 years, please take care of me.", he said as he bowed.
"Ooh, another foreigner, like Takeru", said a male student.
"Kya! He is so handsome", said a female student.
"Now then, Nash-kun, which seat do you want to pick", asked Hakase.
"Hmmmm, if I have to pick…. ah", said Alex as his gaze caught my spot.
He then moves towards me
"Oh, interesting", said Tomiya-hakase as the whole class have their eyes on Alex.
He then extends his hands out.
"I'm Alex Nash. May I ask what your name is?"
After a short moment of inaction, I also extended my hand.
We have a handshake,
"Takeru Silver", I plainly said.
"Oh, so it's you. I've heard of you, Takeru-kun. You're the top alumnus of Kuoh Academy, who made it into the university with the 3rd highest score."
"Yes, that's me", I replied.
"Do you mind if I sit next to you?", asked Alex.
"Sorry, but I prefer to be alone, but you can take any seat around."
"Now that won't really do for me… Oh I know, how about you and I have a little contest?"
"Contest?"
"Yup, we'll have a little test, if you gain more points than I am, then I'll be sitting in any spot you told me to, but if I win… I'll sit next to you.", said Alex.
So he has to propose a challenge huh.
"*Sigh*, very well.", I consented.
"In that case, I'll be the referee", said Tomiya-hakase.
"You sure, Hakase?"
"It's fine, Silver-kun. Besides, our class is going to have a test right now anyway, so it's a win-win", said Hakase.
I can see that the students other than me and Alex are all frowned.
With that, it is decided that while the class will go with the test normally, Alex and I will have a little race.
*30 minutes later*
30 minutes have passed, Alex and I handed our test sheet to Tomiya-hakase. The rest of the class is still having another half an hour till the test is over.
Tomiya-hakase only took a few seconds to assess our sheets, as usual, he was astounded.
"I seriously am without words… you two got equally perfect score", he said as he sighed.
"Well, this is awkward", said Alex.
Hmmm, let's not escalate this further. Hakase seems like he wants it to stop.
"Hakase, let him sit next to me"
"Yes, please take care of him, Silver-kun. Also, you two can have the early break.", said Tomiya-hakase.
"Come on, I'll treat you a drink", I said to Alex.
He nodded as we leave the class.
After having walking away for a while, Alex then spoke immediately.
"You know, it would've been easier if you've just accepted"
"Can't be helped, more questions will pile up on our relations. For as far as normal human knows, "Takeru Silver" and Alex Nash had no relations to each other whatsoever. It's better this way"
That's right, the contest between me and Alex earlier, was nothing more than a play to ensure there won't be any unnecessary questions from the others. I felt sorry for Tomiya-hakase, but it has to be this way.
We went for a nearby vending machine, I picked orange juice and Alex got some chocolate milk.
"Oh, by the way, do you know that Irina transferred to the Kuoh Academy today?", asked Alex.
"Now that's new", I replied.
"Yeah, she just went to her class this morning."
"Hmmm, we'll meet her later, it's not break time at the academy yet."
RING RING.
In that moment, my phone rang. I pull it out to check, it was Rias. She texted me.
- Vergil, can you and Alex make time to come to the ORC clubroom, there's a new member that wants to meet you –
"10 bucks on it being Irina", said Alex pleasantly.
"Why do you even bet at this? It's obviously Irina", I replied.
"Touché"
*ORC clubroom, Academy's break time*
Right now, all the members of ORC, along with me and Alex, are gathered in the clubroom.
Shidou Irina. My childhood friend alongside Alex. She moved to another country when she was little, received a blessing from a Church, and became a Holy-sword wielder under the Protestant Church.
A few months ago, there was an incident where the Excalibur that was under the care of the Church was stolen by one of the Fallen-Angel leaders. She and Xenovia came to this town to deal with this incident. Xenovia learned the truth about God, and remained in Japan by becoming a devil. Irina, on the other hand, returned to where she originally came from. We haven't seen her since…. But I never thought we would have a reunion like this….
"It has been a while, Vergil-nii, and also Xenovia!"
HUG!
Irina hugs Xenovia.
"Xenovia! I'm glad you're doing okay! It might be awkward due to our positions, but I'm truly happy!"
"Yes, it has been a while, Irina. I'm glad you are doing alright yourself. Is your cross's dealing me some minor damage some sort of divine punishment…"
The reunion of the former holy-sword wielder duo. Xenovia is also showing a smile.
"Irina, didn't Alex tell you to be careful with the cross when around?", I said.
"Oops, sorry."
She said as she puts her cross away.
"What brings you here?", asked Xenovia.
A simple yet straight question.
"I transferred here by Michael-sama's order and Alex-nii suggestion.", said Irina with a wink.
Right now, all members of the Occult Research Club and Sona gathered to welcome Irina. For some reason, Koneko is sitting on my lap, which irritates Mittelt.
"Shidou Irina-san. I welcome you to our school.", said Rias.
"Yes! Everyone! Well, there are people I'm meeting for the first time but most of you I have met before. My name is Shidou Irina! Church... No, I came here to Kuou Academy as a messenger of the angels and Alex-nii's assistant!"
CLAP CLAP CLAP.
Everyone gave her an applause. So she is here to help Alex with tasks from Heaven. I noticed Irina giving her speech about "Gratitude to the Lord" and "Michael-sama is great". Everyone but me and Alex gave bitter smiles. Though, if she's here, then she must have heard of what happened about God's existence.
"You do know about the death of 'God from the Bible" right?", asked Azazel.
"Of course Governer-sama of the Fallen-Angels, I learned it from Alex-nii, who I was also shocked to know that is alive. Don't worry Vergil-nii. I already know about the absence of the Lord.", said Irina. I then notice Xenovia look a little down.
"You are quite tough. I never though Irina who has such a strong belief in the teachings, would come here without being shocked at all.", said Xenovia as tears came out of Irina's eyes.
"Of course I'm shocked! My spiritual support! The center of the world! Father of all creation dieeeeeeeeed!? I was living while believing in all of the teachings so I spent 7 days and 7 nights sleeping when I heard the truth from both Michael-sama and Alex-nii! Aaaaaaaaah, Lord!", said Irina as she now cried while hugging the table.
What a strong believer, her devotion to grandfather is surely without bounds.
Yes, Michael is my uncle and my other mother is Gabriel, so God is pretty much my grandfather. I never got a chance to meet him for obvious reason. But still… it would've been nice to know my family beyond the scribbles of the Church.
"I understand how you feel."
"I know."
Asia and Xenovia gently said that to Irina. The three hugged each other. Asia and Xenovia still pray to God till this day. I think they still are grateful to God.
"Asia-san! I'm sorry for calling you a witch last time! I even said horrible things to Xenovia when we said our goodbyes! I'm sorry!", said Irina as she apologized to them.
"I don't mind. I'm hoping we can get along since we all love the same Lord."
"Same as me. That was also my fault for acting without thinking properly. I turned into a devil immediately after all. But I'm happy that we are reunited like this."
Asia and Xenovia smiled at Irina. I guess those three made up.
[Ah Lord!]
The three girls started praying. At least now, those three are friends.
This maybe the start of the Church-Trio. I noticed Raynare and Mittlet look a bit happy for Asia. Well, those two do get along well with Asia, so they must be a bit happy. Though, two of the trio are devils.
"Can I assume that you are Michael's messenger?"
Irina nods to confirm Azazel's question.
"Yes, Azazel-sama. Michael-sama was troubled because not a single person from the Heaven's side is here. He said it's a problem if none of the staff is in this area."
"Oh yeah, Michael did say something like that. This location is active with the power of those from either Heaven or the Underworld, but the ones who are actually working here are Rias and Sona Sitri's group, and a small number of other people including myself. Well, it's functioning well enough with us, but Michael said something so serious that he thinks someone from Heaven should also work here and said he would send someone. Heaven has already given a lot of support, which is more than we can ask for. I said we don't need anyone, but he said that he won't accept that, other than Alex, the one he decided to send is her.", said Azazel as he sighed.
Well, with Irina here, Alex doesn't have to handle everything from Heaven alone. Although his responsibilities are still immense due to being Michael's attendant.
This place is certainly has become crowded. To think that the day Angels, Fallen-Angels and people from the Church come and have natural laughs. I guess peace isn't so bad.
If it not for that thing that is still around…
Irina suddenly got up and started to pray. Then her body glowed and white wings appeared from her back? Did she become an Angel?
The members except me, Azazel and Alex got shocked, but Azazel calmly asks Irina while putting his hand under his chin.
"Your name is Shidou Irina, correct? Did you go through the Angel transformation?"
"I already know that Alex is the special case caused by me, but how is this possible?", I asked.
"It's something that was made from a theory that was discussed between the scientists of Heaven and the Underworld...", said Azazel.
Irina nods at Azazel, who sharpened his eyes and had a thought.
"Yes. I received Michael-sama's blessing and became a reincarnated angel. I heard that the Seraphs used the technologies of the Devils and Fallen-Angels and made it possible. Alex-nii also helped out on the research."
So Alex was involved in this. No wonder that he's been absence for the past two weeks, he was finishing the research in Heaven. Guess more Angels will be around here soon.
"Four Great Archangels and the Seraphs. The total of ten Seraphs decided to have twelve subordinates called Brave Saints each with a position from an Ace to a Queen of the cards. The cards of King will be the position of the Angel-sama who would be the master.", said Irina.
Seems similar to the evil-pieces technology. I noticed Azazel was interested in what Irina said.
"I see. The evil-pieces technologies. So they used the technology of the evil-pieces and the artificial Sacred Gears of the Fallen-Angels, huh. Man, Heaven sure did create an interesting thing right after we gave them our technology. If the devils are chess, then the angels are cards, huh. Well, cards also have the meaning of "trump card" in them. After God's death the increase of pure angels became impossible. So increasing the number of reincarnated angels would connect to strengthen their forces. Though, Alex being an angel after his death was an odd occurrence, even if Vergil indeed involved in the process.", said Azazel.
"If you are using such a system then it seems like there will be someone strong called a Joker hiding. The twelve members also represent the twelve apostles. Man he sure does entertain me, that Elder Angel-sama."
Joker, the wild card? I wonder who will have that card.
"So what card are you, Irina?", I asked.
"I'm an Ace! Fufufu, as Michael-sama's Ace. I received an honorable position! I can even die! Even if the Lord is gone, I can continue to live if I'm Michael-sama's Ace! Also, Alex-nii is Michael-sama's Jack!", said Irina confidently.
"When did this happen?", I asked Alex.
"Less than a week after the alliance meeting, it was decided that I would be Michael-sama's Jack. I guess it's better to manage your own team through the new system", he said.
"So the new support of your life is Michael, huh.", I said as Xenovia responds.
"Yes, it's better than losing yourself."
Indeed.
"Also, Michael-sama said he can see a special Rating Game between evil-pieces and Brave Saints happening in the future! He also said that right now only the angels of Seraph have them but in the near future, High-level angel-sama besides the Seraph would be given this system and is hoping for them to battle each other just like the Rating Games of the devils!"
Azazel made an expression of delight.
"There are those among angels and devils who are against the decision made by the top people. We had a relationship where we had wars against each other for a very long time, so there would be those who feel uneasy if we suddenly tell them to get along. But Michael sure has thought about it. Like that, he's preparing a representative war where they can make their arguments into battle techniques and they can release them. It's just like the World Cup or Olympics of the human world."
Which is also potentially the new way to solve issues without open wars.
"So there's a chance we might face Angels in the future?", I asked.
"Yes. Even if I say that, not right away. At least ten years...or maybe twenty years. Well, around then would be a good time for you devil rookies and you will be able to enjoy it.", said Azazel.
"Looks like we are able to enjoy it.", said Kiba. He looks interested.
"C-Churches are scary..."
Gasper seems troubled. It must be from the vampire hunts that are still going on. The negotiation with the Vampires hasn't happen yet. the Churches are still operating as normal with the same teachings, but in reality they are cooperating with the devils and Fallen-Angels. There's also the new investigation team to make sure new types of evil aren't born. The Gremory and the Sitri group gained that info. In other words, we can take down anyone who acts suspicious within the alliance, though caution need to be taken to not make any mistakes.
As for that international Rating Game…
"Hmph, that might work for me, if I don't have to worry about that thing", I said while narrowing my eyes.
…
All became silent upon my words.
It's the truth, unless that thing, Urizen, is gone, let alone the games, there's no way this peace will last.
…
"Anyway! Let's stop these types of discussions here and start today's welcoming party for Shidou Irina-san.", said Sona with a smile.
"All of the devils! I have been looking at you as my enemy and have been eliminating some! But Michael-sama said "We have to get along with them from now on, okay?", so I also hope I can get along with everyone! The truth is I personally wanted to get along with everyone! I would like to work hard as the representative of the Church! Please take care of me!", said Irina as she looked at everyone.
*A few days later*
Another day in class, Alex and I are discussing small things. The others found it surprising that we got along well. Putting the excuses aside, it's obvious, since I already knew Alex.
"So Irina is being very active in class huh…"
"Yeah, she is in the same class as Asia, Xenovia, Raynare and Mittelt. She'll also be their class participant in the 'Item borrowing race'.", said Alex.
"So she's also having fun, I'm glad for her.", I replied.
"Hey, don't talk like you can't have fun. I know that you have that thing to worry about, but just… at least, enjoy a bit, relax your head. Maybe you'll find out a way to put an end to it."
"Hmmm… maybe you're right", I said, closing my eyes.
*Next day*
The next day, the whole Academy was practicing for the Sports Festival. I came with Alex to see the kids' training, since we had nothing to do, having finished the classes so early.
"I challenge you, Xenovia!"
"Bring it on, Irina!"
Irina and Xenovia are running at the grounds. Their classmates are also cheering the both of them on. I hope that they'll keep in mind that they can't reveal themselves as an Angel and a Devil.
I then saw Saji approaches.
"Saji"
"Hey, Senpai"
"So how is your recent work at the lab"
"Yes! We had a lot of fun experiments, some were a bit out of my capabilities though…", said Saji as he makes a bitter smile.
"Just take it easy, kid, you're still just a high school student. Also, what's with the bandage?"
I asked as I saw Saji had bandages around his right arm. A wound?
"Hmm? Oh, this."
He unwraps the bandage a bit. Then there were many marks that looked like a black snake.
"How did it get like this?", I asked.
"When I asked Azazel-sensei, he told me the cause of this happened when I had a battle with you in the last game. Apparently, connecting myself with you - the Sekiryuutei, who reached Balance Breaker - and taking your blood had an influence on my body. It seems like the line which was disconnected from my body also reflected the information of the Sekiryuutei it had taken data of."
"Hmmm… let me see."
"Don't worry, Senpai, it doesn't seem like a bad influence. It's just that it's appearing on my body. Like this, for example.", said Saji as he showed me his Sacred Gear.
I saw what looked like the jewel you would find on dragon-type Sacred Gears. Like the ones from Vali's, Azazel's and mine. Is he evolving?
"What do you think, Ver… Takeru-senpai", asked Saji.
So some of them still unable to call me with my other name huh. Anyway…
"Hmmm, fascinating. I thought that my blood would have negative influence on you, which might escalate since it's Vritra inside of you."
When I said that, he made a really frightening face.
"Uwaa….. Don't say something which I was having concerns about… Did you know that Vritra didn't leave that much of a good legend?"
"Don't worry, you're aren't in any danger. By the looks of it, you might gain a balance breaker similar to mine"
"Can I really!?", asked Saji in excitement.
"Not sure yet, but it's likely. Though you'll have to work hard for it", I replied.
"That's amazing!", said a further excited Saji.
"So what are you two doing here today?"
"Oh, we just came here to see the kids' training, since we had nothing to do, with us finishing the class so early", said Alex.
"Saji, what are you doing? We will be checking the setting of each of the tents, so follow us quickly."
"We, the student council, lack manpower anyway so please work."
It's Sona and her [Queen], Shinra Tsubaki, the President and Vice-president of the Student Council. Both of them are calling Saji.
"Y-Yes Kaichou! Fukukaichou!"
Saji rushed and went to their sides.
[…Vritra, huh.]
Ddraig?
[No. Don't worry about it. But it looks like the direct contact with me has fastened it greatly. No matter how many pieces his soul was cut into, it will be a different story when it has a "start". Close to you, there are Fafnir and Vritra. And you have met with Tannin. Looks like this host has strong ties with each of the Dragon-Kings.]
Hmmm, whatever, as long as they don't get in my way. Tannin-shishou is the exception though.
In the distance, I saw Asia getting harassed by Kiryuu
"Asia! Did you oppai develop during the summer holiday?"
"Kyaa! Kiryuu-san! Please don't grope them!"
What the hell is that brat doing?
"Vergil-sama"
"Sona…", I said while facepalming.
"! I-I'm sorry", she stuttered while bowing continuously.
"It's fine, just don't repeat it, ok? So, what do you want to ask?"
"Y-yes, my sister, Maou Serafall Leviathan, was talking about you continuously"
"Huh?"
"I-it just that I find her weird"
"Isn't she already weird?"
"No, even weirder than usual"
"Then I have no idea"
"I understand... though if things go well, you might become…", said Sona as she blushed a bit.
"I might become what?", I asked.
"N-no, it's nothing. Let's go Tsubaki", said Sona as she hurriedly left.
Tsubaki bowed to us and left with her.
"I have no idea what she's talking about", I said while shaking my head.
"It's not her that you should worry about, Vergil", said Alex as he patted my shoulder and nodded his head continuously.
What does that suppose to mean?
Nevermind, I see that Kiryu still harassing Asia.
"Oi! What are you doing?", I said I and Alex approaching them.
"T-Takeru-san? Alex-san?", said Asia in surprise.
"Fufufu, so the prince is… Auuu!"
Before Kiryu could finish, I hit her in the head.
"Do you really have be that hard on them?", said Alex with his eyes half-shut.
"Yes", I replied. He just sighed.
"So what are you doing, Asia?"
"Yes, we're practicing the three-legged race, I'm paired with Kiryu-san", said Asia.
"I see. Well, I can't help you with this. We're university students, so helping high schoolers isn't a choice. Besides, this game requires sync with your partner, so you have no choice but to practice."
"Yes. But… I'm not good with sports.", said Asia, feeling down.
…
…
Oh screw it…
"*Sigh*, since I don't have anything to do at the moment, I'll coach you two then, get ready", I said as I saw Asia brightened up.
"Yes!"
She and Kiryu then went away to finish their preparations.
As they came back…
"Ready?", I said as they nodded.
"Now, one, two, one two..."
They started out rather well.
As Asia and Kiryu moved for a few more feet forward, they slipped as their legs got tangled.
""Kyaa!""
They both fell on the ground.
"Hmm, Asia has problem syncing. Kiryu, match your rhythm with Asia for now, then both work your way up. It's teamwork", said Alex as he moved in instructed them.
Indeed, since Asia is physically weak and her reaction speed is also slow, it's natural for her to not work well in syncing.
"T-Teamwork?", said Asia as she tilted her head.
"Yes, teamwork. Move step by step slowly, then pick up the pace. You'll be running when we get used to it.", said Alex.
"Yes", said Asia.
"I understand", said Kiryu as she fixed her glass.
"Alright, let's start over!", I said as I clapped my hands.
""Yes!""
They agreed in unison as they continued training.
"You really have a soft spot for Asia huh", said Alex.
"Maybe", I said while looking distant.
"In a sense… she kind of reminds me of Mia…"
"I see…"
Alex and I kept on coaching them. As it went on, we started to get the rhythm right for them.
*Clubroom, after Academy's class*
After the classes of the Academy was over that day.
I make my way to the clubroom along with Alex. Asia, Xenovia, and Irina. The other members, including Rias, who arrived before us are wearing serious faces.
Hmmm… Did something happen?
"Did something happen?"
When I ask, she answers.
"Yes. Our next opponent for the Youth Devil Rating Game has been decided."
Hoh. So it's already decided. Starting from the Gremory vs. Sitri match, there were games between the six households. So the Gremory group also has to battle all the other houses besides the Sitri group. It wasn't surprised about it, but I understood the reason for the others' reactions after Rias' next words.
"Our next opponent is… Diodora Astaroth."
"…"
I narrowed my eyes as I can only felt something wrong in this next game.