Chapter 39: Peace… or pain?
*Kuoh University*
I was having my bento with Alex during the lunch break.
"I heard that it's almost time the high school division to prepare for the school trip", said Alex.
"You know that we don't even have a thing to do about that right?", I replied.
"Is it hurt to know?"
"No, but what's the point of knowing when we aren't going to be there at that time? It's the kids' school trip, let them have fun on their own."
"Who knows, maybe we'll get special assignments to go there perhaps.", said Alex.
"One: Doubt that the university have any assignments that involve us going on a trip. And Two: If you're talking about the Three Factions, then I have no interest interfering with political affairs", I replied bluntly.
"Touché"
We then proceed to finish our lunch bento.
After a few minutes, we finished and…
… By the way, what have you been doing recently? You barely answered my calls.", suddenly Alex asked.
"…"
I was silent due to his question.
"Look, the girls even said that you've been occupied in the recently-made workshop at home since after the incident with Diodora Astaroth. Hearing that, even I'm worried."
…
So he noticed huh…
To be expected from him…
"To be honest… I was going to tell you… but knowing you, or Azazel, or Sirzechs, you all would object fiercely if even one of you heard of this", I said.
"Huh?"
Alex was confused for a moment…
"!"
…But he immediately recognized what I was saying.
"Vergil, I know that you are in need to take down Urizen. But even if that form, [Juggernaut Drive], is powerful, it's not the solution.", he said seriously.
"I knew you were going to say that", I replied.
"Then why even focusing on it? Don't you consider their feelings?"
"I do. That's exactly why I'm doing it."
"You think that's what they wanted?"
"No, that's what that is needed to be done."
"What's the point of doing so if you're going to lose your life?"
"What's the point of gaining strength if you can only think of the consequences that can happen if you do it? How about the consequences if you don't do it?"
"…"
He was unable to retort.
…
Silence blanketed us for a good while.
After that, Alex suddenly took a deep breath before turning to me.
"You won't give up even if I insist, will you?", he asked.
"You know me well enough, Alex. I NEVER give up.", I replied.
"*Sigh*… of course, you've been like that since we were kids."
He then took another deep breath.
"Fuuuu….. Then at least… let me join you."
…
This is definitely out of expectations.
I shook my head to the sides.
"I can't ask you to do this Alex."
"Well I didn't ask for your permission. I'm not going to be the one to take care of those kids, especially the girls. That task can only be accomplished by you, and only you. So I'll be joining in, whether you like it or not"
"Huh… and you called me stubborn", I retorted lightly.
"Touché again… anyway, what's your plan in controlling it? I hope you do have one"
I make a displeased expression.
"Who do you think I am? Of course I have a plan. It'd be better if I show you."
I then took out my iPad in my bag. I then put my hand on the screen.
"Really, Vergil? You put a national security grade biometric scanner on your personal iPad?", said Alex with his eyes half-shut.
"Why not? This is nowhere even near half of the house's current security system"
After the renovation, the mansion for some reason, received a security upgrade, to a degree almost equivalent to the Underworld's national security grade.
Rias said that it was the request of the current Maous for the modifications to take place. Basically… our house just got turned into a secret conferential building.
"Anyway, here.", I said as I gave him the iPad.
There's a detailed blueprint displayed on the screen.
Alex received the iPad and looks at the blueprint for a good while, then…
"!... This is…"
"A Quantum Neuro particle multi-purpose harvester. A device designed to harvest and convert Neuro particles, perpetually produced by emotions, into pure fusion energy"
"Are you seriously thinking of using your emotions!?", said Alex angrily. No surprise, a fully expected first reaction.
"Relax, I'm not the source", I replied.
"Huh? But…"
"I just said it, I'm not the source"
"Then what is the sourse? You can't find emotions anywhere"
"That's why this is the good part. It's…"
We then had a long conversation, mostly with Alex listened to my explanation….
*Later, ORC clubroom*
This is supposed to be the time when students go home after a day at school. But we got a text from Rias to gather at the old school building.
Alex and I, we just arrived at the place.
"You know, you really should have started with that", said Alex.
"Are we really gonna talk about that?", I replied as he shrugged.
We walked through the corridor of the old school building to enter the clubroom.
As I opened the door…
"Ara, Vergil, Alex"
Rias was sitting on her desk, greeting us.
"Rias"
"Hello"
We greeted her back.
I look around to see all the members are available, except Azazel.
"Where's Azazel?", I asked.
"He didn't come today because he had to return to the Underworld to discuss something.", said Akeno.
Hmmm, to be expected of the leader of the Fallen Angels, he was often tied up with various things. Even so, he still shows up at school, so school life must be fun for him.
"If I remember, it's about time for the second years' school trip."
Rias said while drinking green tea elegantly.
"Where did you two go last year?", I asked Rias and Akeno, who are 3rd years.
Akeno answered my question.
"We also went to Kyoto, and I explored Kinkaku-ji, Ginkaku-ji and other locations with Buchou."
Rias nodded and continued,
"Yes. But there are only a limited number of places you can visit within three days and four nights. You should therefore keep in mind the places you'll be visiting, make a plan beforehand and act accordingly. If you don't include enough time for eating and sightseeing, you'll regret it and as you'll mainly travel from one place to another by bus or train, lots of time will be wasted while travelling too."
"Buchou wanted to go everywhere but unfortunately we didn't keep track of time we spent while travelling and thus we weren't able to go to Nijou-jou which we were planning to see last. She was literally stomping her feet at the railway station."
When Akeno said that with a small laugh, Rias' face turned red.
"Geez, you promised me that you wouldn't say that remember? I was in high spirits and for a Japan lover like me, visiting Kyoto was bliss. Therefore, I had my eyes taken away by the town and souvenir shops more than necessary."
She then started to walk pleasantly in her memories. Well, she's a Japanese enthusiast after all.
"Hadn't you been to Kyoto before the school trip? You could have used the transport magic circle."
But Rias said "no no" with her fingers in response to my proposal.
"You don't understand, Vergil, how wonderful it is to visit Kyoto for the first time on a school trip and I would definitely not do something as tasteless as visiting through a magic circle! It was the very Kyoto that I longed for, I wanted to walk around with my own feet and feel the breeze with my own skin."
She gets even more dreamy, even her eyes are sparkling.
She's like a kid now.
She did say she wanted to have a lifestyle which involved going between Japan and the Underworld even after becoming the head of the House of Gremory.
After finishing her tea, Rias changes the topic.
"The trip is important, but we also need to discuss what we need to do for the School Festival."
"At our school, there isn't much of a delay between the sports festival, school trip, and school festival, so they occur consecutively. When I think about it that way, second years like us are certainly busy.", said Kiba.
Rias received a sheet from Akeno and placed it on the table.
"That's why we need to discuss about the school festival now and prepare for it. If it is decided before hand, the third year and first year members can prepare for it while all of you second years are away. There are so many members this year so it will be a big help. Vergil, Alex, I know that you two are from the university, but can you make some suggestions?", she asked.
"Unfortunately, I'm not knowledgeable in those parts"
"Sorry, that's outside our field"
We both apologized while shrugging our shoulders.
"I see…", said Rias a bit saddened.
Oh come on, don't make that face.
"Come on, it's not like that you all don't have any good ideas. Just think thoroughly, and you'll have good ones eventually", I said.
"I guess that you're right", said Rias as she brightened up again.
"School festival! I'm looking forward to it!"
Asia seems like she is looking forward to it.
"Yeah. I enjoy high school events too. The sports festival was also great."
Even though her expression hasn't changed, Xenovia's eyes are sparkling. She also made a big rampage at the sports festival and claimed first place in everything. After the sports festival, each sports club tried hard to have her in their club.
"It will also be my first time being involved in club activities so I'm looking forward to it. I sure did transfer in at a good time! This is also the guidance of Michael-sama!"
Irina says while making a pose to pray to the heaven. The Church-trio seems like they are really looking forward to the school festival. It might also have to do with the fact that they didn't have any chance for these sort of things due to the customs of their religion.
"Last year….. Was the haunted house, right? I heard the students around here talk about that a lot", I said.
"Yes. We did use real ghosts after all, so it should have been scary."
Rias says this as if it were nothing.
…
Why should I be surprised? It's her after all.
"Real thing?", I asked with my eyes half-shut.
"Yes. I requested it to the Youkai, which don't cause harm to humans, to have them do the role of scaring people. Those Youkai were also troubled because they didn't have a job, so it was good for both sides. Thanks to that, it was a great success.", said Rias as she and Akeno laughed like a pair of elderly women.
"We were scolded by the student council afterwards. Sona-kaichou who was a vice-President at that time yelled at us by saying 'Using the real thing is more than just ignoring the rules!'"
Well, that was no doubt an ignorance of the rules…
"Hmmm… in that case, how about doing it again? Or should we come up with something using a Vampire-in-a-box?", said Alex.
Gasper made a weird face and started hitting my head.
"Alex-senpai is a meanie! You always use me as a joke!"
Hmmm, not that he mentioned it, I did hear that Alex frequently make jokes about Gasper. Not a bad thing though, since it's not like these jokes will kill the kid.
"Maybe we should do something new...", said Rias.
Suddenly, our phones rang at the same time. A new mission huh…
Rias took a breath and said with a serious voice.
"-Let's go."
*Abandoned Factory, somewhere in town*
Those of us in the Gremory Group plus Irina, Alex, and the Fallen Angel sisters made our way to the abandoned factory in town. The sun has already set and it's getting dark fast. My "Eidos Senses" picked up several presences. From what I sensed, they were mixed with hostility and killing intent.
By the way, during the battle against Diodora Astaroth, my "Elemental Senses" showed signs of manifesting Eidos-written text that displays enemies' actions before they even act. Azazel explained that due to Urizen's and Sangue Angelo's mental interferences on me using Eidos waves, my abilities were affected by those waves and received a boost for evolution. Apparently, [Juggernaut Drive] completed the process. The result is me regaining some of my abilities, as well as some upgrades. Most prominently, my "Elemental Senses" evolved into "Eidos Senses". Rather than normal advanced sensory capabilities, natural and supernatural alike, I can now see the flow of information of Reality itself. It's actually extremely handy, as we were able to track down the recent intruders to the town rather too easily. And they have no idea how.
"-Gremory group huh. You guys came fast."
A guy in a black coat appeared from the darkness. From the darkness around him, black masses with the shape of humans show themselves. Not just a dozen, but hundreds of those humanoid monsters appeared in the factory.
Rias took a step forward and asks with a cold tone.
"Khaos Brigade. –I presume you are from the Hero-faction? Hello. My name is Rias Gremory. I'm a High-class devil which was asked to look after this town by the Three Great Power alliance."
After hearing Rias' greeting, the man smirks.
"Yes, I do know you. Sister of Maou. Our aim is to purify you devils and to save this town."
The brat looks at us as if he's looking at garbage.
Yes, that guy was a member of the group called the 'Hero Faction' of Khaos Brigade who had been making small scale assaults in our town lately. More like there are many incidents where people from the Hero-faction are assaulting important places for each of the factions.
Lately we have been taking care of them but our opponents had been humans in most cases….
Two humans appeared next to the man. One was wearing sunglasses and the other was wearing a Chinese native costume. All three of them were foreigners.
FLASH!
My gauntlet glowed red. Although I haven't started the countdown yet, by the looks of their strength, they won't even worth a time with Balance Breaker.
"Takeru-senpai, please step back and watch. There's no need for you to waste your time with them"
Oh, how nice of him. Obviously, he's addressing me that way to hide my identity from the enemies.
"You sure?"
"Yes, please leave it to us", said Kiba.
"Don't worry, I'll be your replacement this battle", said Alex as he steps forward.
"Hmph, then I'll leave it to you", I said as I take a seat on a container nearby, and leaned to the wall that the container was put next to.
I guess I'll just be the observer this time. Obviously, it would be bland if I take them out quickly. Let the others have fun.
With that, the battle starts…
*Kiba's POV*
I, Kiba Yuuto, are now facing the combatants of the Hero Faction alongside my comrades, the Gremory peerage and the other ORC members, Raynare-san, Mittelt-chan, Irina-san. Alex-san and Vergil-san are additions from the University.
I just requested Vergil-san to sit back earlier, since he's very powerful, we can't risk having his identity and capabilities being exposed to the enemy. Alex-san had also proposed to take Vergil-san place in this moment.
The black abnormal monster seems to be the Hero Faction's combatants. Even if they were combatants, they were too strong to be taken down by low class Devils. It required the power of a mid-class devil or higher, and luckily in terms of power we were between mid-class devils to high-class devils. That's also why Vergil-san won't need to join, since if it's him, he'll take them out to easily.
Xenovia received Ascalon from Vergil-san earlier and are making her stance against the enemy.
The two-main vanguards would normally consist of me in Balance-Breaker and Vergil-san standing at the very front, but today, Alex-san will take his place. A bit further away from us was Xenovia. Her role was to support us and at the same time attack the enemy as the vanguard.
The middle guards are Irina-san, Koneko-chan, Gasper-kun and Mittelt-chan. They support the vanguard and guard the rearguards, also doing middle management support. Koneko-chan's job is to take care of guys we forget or breach through.
The rearguards were Buchou, Akeno-fukubuchou, Raynare-san and Asia-san. Buchou was the leader and did supporting attacks. Akeno-fukubuchou and Raynare-san also supported us by attacking from the rear with demonic-powers and spears of light. Asia-san's role was to send the healing aura to the vanguard if we were to take damage.
We have a rather large group due to the new members, a 3-4-4 formation. Normally, Koneko-chan would also step forward and make a 4-3-4 formation. During Rating Games however, our formation is different since we'll use smaller numbers.
When the enemy saw our formation, the black coat guy made a white flame from his hands.
"-! Another Sacred Gear possessor.", I said as I narrowed my eyes.
Another one, just like before. We seem to be fighting those with Sacred Gears lately.
"This is a problem. Lately, we have been fighting Sacred Gear possessors.", said Buchou as she sighed. But her eyes showed determination.
As soon as the guy with the flame approaches us, Alex-san fired several spheres of light. The guy dodged them all, he seems to be very skilled. But we have the upper hand in this fight since they're not too much of a threat.
"Be careful with the Sekiryuutei's power! Even though he is sitting back, we will get killed even from a single attack!"
So they knew that Vergil-san can destroy them with ease. As expected, his presence here alone can pressure the enemies' minds.
Alex-san then makes another dense sphere of light and projected it at the enemy. Such density… It will be a lethal attack if hit…..
ZOON!
The sphere disappeared!? The moment when it was about to hit the enemy, it seemed like the shadow within the factory stretched and devoured the light sphere. No, maybe it was actually like that? The ability to control shadow?
The one who had done it was the man wearing glasses. So it's that man's Sacred Gear….
SWIFT!
I dashed forward. The holy-demonic sword swung down at the man wearing glasses but… the shadow from before devoured my sword by moving fast! Then…..!
SPIT
From my shadow, the blade of the Holy-demonic sword came out! I twitched my body and dodged it and then stepped back.
"-! The ability to release things it devoured from a shadow to another shadow as it wishes….. It's not a direct attack type. It's a defensive type which changes the flow of an attack. It's a troublesome type of Sacred Gear."
I once again narrowed my eyes.
I got it now. When the attacks get devoured by that shadow, it comes out from a different shadow…. Then the light sphere Alex-san shot before is….
BOON!
Along with the air vibrating, I felt holy aura from the shadow within the building! When I looked, a dense holy light sphere is coming out!
Its' target is… Asia-san! Xenovia who was slaying many creepy combatants sensed Asia-san's danger as well.
Suddenly…
WHOOSH.
The light sphere dissipated immediately right before it hits Asia-san. I then noticed that Vergil-san, who was watching from the rear, manifested a magic circle on his extended hand.
He nullified that attack! As expected from Vergil-san!
"I won't let you lay a finger on Asia!"
"I won't forgive you if you hurt Asia-chan!"
Xenovia and Raynare-san acted as Asia-san's protectors. I know Xenovia alone could handle it, but with Raynare-san, Asia-san's defences are solid. Protecting Asia-san is something we have decided. It's also because she barely has any combat ability, but she is the key of the team and a valuable healer. We can't let her get taken down in a team battle.
In the event that she faces danger, it's decided that the one who can respond to her danger would defend her. This time it was Xenovia.
PUUUUUU!
Inside the blast, I saw something glowing in blue-light. When I looked…the one wearing a native costume was holding onto a bow which looked like it was made of light, and he was about to shoot it!
Light… This is bad! For us devils, power of light is very poisonous! And it's an attack from a Sacred Gear with many mysteries! We don't even know what kind of abilities that bow has!
The arrow made from light was released! And it changed its direction in mid-air! So it has the ability to change its direction after being released!
SPARKLE! SPARKLE!
Several light attacks also came from the direction behind me.
"Irina!", said Alex-san.
"Yes! If it's a light-attribute attack, then leave it to me!"
When I turned around, Irina-san made lights within her hand. Irina-san, who was a reincarnated angel could use attributes of light. She cancelled the attack of the enemy by using the spear of light.
FREEZE-FREEZE! WIND-CUT!
The sound of something getting frozen along with the sound of the wind!
Akeno-fukubuchou released spears of ice towards the light-user without any pause. But the shadow from before stretched and devoured the spears. The ice then comes out from Buchou's shadow, but she dodged it with grace. As expected from the [King] of the Gremory peerage.
…Then the shadow appeared around the light-user, and started to create a wall. Then many arrows of light come out from the shadow-wall. Also the fire attacks of the flame-user came out from the wall as well!
"Gasper-kun! Did you get the data of it!?", I said while keeping my attention at the enemy.
"Y-Yesssssss! I-I got it! The flame Sacred Gear is called Flame Shake! And the defence-counter type Sacred Gear, Night Reflection! Lastly, the light-attack Sacred Gear is Staring Blue!", said Gasper-kun.
"Like I though, it's just like before. They're a team based on countering devils.", said Raynare-san.
Gasper-kun has a machine made by Azazel-sensei to find out about the enemies Sacred Gear and Raynare-san can tell us what type of team the enemies are based on. It's very effective in fights like this.
"Gasper, once you're done, drink", said Vergil-san.
"Y-Yes!"
He must be talking about Gasper-kun drinking his blood. Normally in a battle inside the town, we make Gasper-kun turn a section of his body into a bat and make it fly around the whole battle area to find if there are hidden enemies. Koneko-chan also uses Senjutsu to search for the 'ki' in the areas. The two First-years have the job to search around the area.
Gasper-kun's eyes are indeed powerful, but in the battle against Sacred Gears, it can't be used that effectively…..
It seemed like they knew about his ability, so when Gasper-kun showed his glowing eyes and tried to face them, a combatant reacted and became the shield for the Sacred Gear possessors and kept them from being 'stopped'.
They know about my powers, and also about Asia-san's healing ability. The reason why there is a light-user with them is because they probably predicted that it would be us, the devils, who would come to fight them….
"The stronger we get, the more likely we would become their 'target,' and the methods to take us down would be researched thoroughly. Probably something like that, I think."
I can only say that while smiling sarcastically.
Buchou then gave her orders.
"I will now give the orders to the vanguard team of Alex, Yuuto, and Xenovia. Alex will take on the flame-user. Yuuto, you aim for the shadow-user! And Xenovia will eliminate the grunts to make a path for the two of them! Middle guard and rearguard will support the vanguard with all of their powers! We will eliminate all of the grunts!"
[Roger!]
Everyone responded and moved out all at once!
Xenovia moved forward and started annihilating the grunts! To be expected from a Power-type! Her power sure is different from others! After the grunts perished, Alex-san and I saw our targets!
I shortened my distance to cut down the wall protecting the light user. My blade strikes the barrier, but…
GULP!
The blade of the holy-demonic sword was devoured!
SPIT!
It then came out from an unnatural shadow… and head towards Alex-san!
"Alex! Dodge that and shoot a light sphere to the shadow!", said Buchou.
"Are you sure?", Alex-san asked.
He must be considering our stakes due to our weakness towards light attributes.
"Trust me!", Buchou replied.
Having nodded, Alex-san fired a dense sphere of light towards the shadow, as expected, the sphere got absorbed.
"Yuuto! The shadows are connected so the sphere of light would come back at you! Cut the sphere in half inside the shadow and make it explode before it appears!"
My master's order is something I can't refuse.
"Roger that!"
I then wielded my sword in the shadow.
…
!
There it is!
SLASH!
I swiftly cut the sphere in two before it made it out of the shadow.
DOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOON!
"Guwaa!"
Along with the sound of explosion, there was a scream! When I looked, the shadow-user was blown away!
"I tested to see what will happen if the attack explodes inside the shadow, but it seems like he couldn't take care of it and it returned the explosion back to him. Even though he can change the direction of the attack, it seems he can't change the impact of the attack."
Buchou was putting on a smile of victory. What foresight! To be expected from our [King]!
But suddenly, an arrow of green-colored light was flying at me!
"-!?"
I got shocked at the sudden attack. I somehow dodged it, but another one came from the direction where I don't sense any enemies from! And another one! Everyone was also shocked at the sudden attacks. Buchou then looked at the shadow within the factory.
"Looks like there is one more enemy. Using the shadow as intermediary, the enemy attacked from outside which is the safe zone. Even if we took down the shadow-user, looks like the ability will still remain for a short while…"
So there's another enemy sneaking from the outside…
We then prepared ourselves for another attack, but…
The arrow attacks stopped for some reason…
"If you're worry about the little coward that has been sneak attacking. Here he is"
It was Vergil-san's voice.
As we turned to his direction… he was holding a bloodied individual while remaining at his seat!
"This idiot seems to have gotten too excited, he didn't even know that his position is exposed to me", said Vergil-san as he tossed the individual aside.
Amazing…
He dealt with the new attacker immediately…
We then noticed the surrounding shadow slowly dissipating.
Looked like the ability died off because the possessor was defeated. Gasper-kun then said while looking at the device.
"A-Amazing! The data came out just from the attacks! That was the [Staring Green]!"
Vergil-san then stood up.
"Well, guess I'll handle hothead here.", he said.
"Go for it pal", said Alex-san as he steps back.
"Hothead!? Damn Sekiryuutei! Burn!"
Due to Vergil-san's taunt, the fire user fires his flame.
Suddenly, Vergil-san' eyes glowed red, symbols appeared on his irises and pupils…
!
They are the same symbols when he was in [Juggernaunt Drive!]
Then, a laser came out from each of his eyes! He can shoot lasers out of his eyes!?
PIIIIIIIIIIIII!
The lasers completely nullified the flames, and blows the fire-user's right arm off!
"Gyaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!"
The latter makes an agonizing scream. Vergil-san then immediately delivers a pleasant, but crisp punch to the guy's face, knocking him out completely.
Looks like we won. Or so we thought.
"Nggggggggggggggggggh!"
The shadow-user is back up and he was screaming. the black thing started covering his body. The shadow spread even more and started to cover the whole factory. I then noticed at his feet, a magic circle, one I haven't seen before. It looks like a transport type, but not of devil origin. And I don't think it's fallen angel either. The shadow-user then disappeared after being enveloped by that light.
After the flash, the shadow-user disappeared…
*Back to Vergil's POV*
As just now, the Gremory group, alongside Irina, Alex and the Fallen Angel sisters have defeated the group of the Khaos Brigade's Hero Faction members. We took out most of them, but the last one, being the shadow user, escaped.
"I guess were done here.", I said.
The combatants all perished. The remaining ones vanished as soon as the shadow-user disappeared.
"Go to sleep~ Go to sleep~"
Gasper used his vampire power to put the Sacred Gear possessors to sleep. Rias and Akeno made a magic circle to send the three men we captured to the Underworld.
"Now the transmission to the Underworld is done. Well, we probably won't get any information this time as well."
We had been sending Sacred Gear possessors to the Underworld using the magic-circle, but apparently their memories while being in the Hero-faction had been erased. We sent them just in case we can have them checked, but I thought there was a high probability that we won't get any new information. It seems they put up a program on the Sacred Gear possessor's memory when they're sent out on a mission which deletes their memories. Obviously, it's near impossible to retrieve the deleted memories.
"Battling without breaking as much things as possible is something really harsh for the team which is the super-attack type.", I said.
"It can't be helped. We have powerful abilities, so if we don't fight while suppressing our powers, then this town will collapse.", said Kiba with a bitter smile.
Indeed, especially mine.
"Yeah, I guess this like that match with Sona.", I said.
"Yes. If we think of this as a rule for the Rating Game, then it would be a good experience. We did suffer this once.", said Kiba.
At least now, I can use Ddraig's power to a much better degree. But I have to finish the project, so that [Juggernaut Drive] can be realized in my own vision.
"By the way, Vergil-san."
"Hmm?"
"I didn't know that you can shoot lasers from your eyes. I thought that was only available in "That" form?", Kiba asked.
So it's about that huh.
"It's one of my original abilities, and also the main reason why my eyes are like this. The Demonic Eyes of Extinction.", I replied.
"What is that?"
"These eyes of mine allow me to disintegrate whatever I look at including my opponents' mind and magic itself. It wasn't supposed to be laser beams like just now. But it seems like this is the natural result, due to my weakened state.", I said as I manifest the glyphs on my eyes again.
Yeah, like Kiba said, I did hear that I manifested them during [Juggernaut Drive], it seems that even then, it also appeared as laser. Normally, everything in my field of vision would be disintegrated. But it seems to have degraded to being laser beams, nevertheless, the destructive effects still apply upon the beams' hit. Hmmm, "Extinction vision", let's go with that.
"… You are unbelievable, Vergil-san", said Kiba, smiling bitterly again.
Whatever.
"But it certainly is troublesome."
"You mean the shadow-user?"
"Right. They been sending those who use special techniques amongst the Sacred Gear possessors. If we say it in a way of devils, it means those who specialize in techniques and support-types started showing up. The ones sent first were all either power or wizard types. … Have they started to grasp hold of our battle styles?"
"I believe so. But something does seem off. That shadow-user. Something happened to him.", said Raynare.
Well, the times we fought against the Hero-faction member did increase. The attacks were simple at first, then they started sending the more complex ones like the shadow-user.
"...Sensei also did say it. That there are many unknown things about Sacred Gears.", said Koneko as Rias agrees with her coment.
"Yes, that's why they devoured the power of Sekiryuutei and Holy-demonic sword using the ability from just before. They must have realised that if blocking the attack is impossible, then you can just do it with a different method."
"U-Umm there is something I feel suspicious about….. Can I give my opinion?", asked Irina.
"Yes, please."
"I think the actions of the Hero-faction are 'weird' if they came to research about us or to defeat us."
"Weird?", asked Xenovia as Irina nodded.
"Because if they really are planning to defeat us, then I think they would have made battle tactics after 2 or 3 battles. Then they would attack us seriously in the fourth battle right? But even in the 4th or 5th time they attacked us, nothing changed. I did think they are just being very cautious but… How should I put it….. It seems like their bosses are doing some kind of experiment."
"Experiments? Do you mean about us?", asked Akeno.
"More like….. It feels like they are experimenting on the Sacred Gear possessors….. It's just my gut feeling so I can't express it properly… They are sending their forces apart from this town which belongs to the other factions, so maybe they are just sending their forces to the places where the ones with strong abilities are at."
Hmmm, indeed, this is way beyond the amount of time they can apply a strategy to try and take us out. Just like Irina said, they must be experimenting. In that case…
"Raynare, didn't you just say something about the shadow-user?", I asked.
"Yes. I felt his power grow a lot.", replied Raynare.
"...A sudden change.", said Koneko.
"Then they are indeed experimenting, using us as tests. If I deduced this correctly, then they are trying to get their Sacred Gear possessors to gain Balance Breaker", I gave out my conclusion.
Hearing that, Rias' eyes sharpened.
"…..Sekiryuutei, the one who controls holy-lightning, Holy-demonic sword, Holy-sword Durandal and Ascalon, the time stopping vampire, Nekomata senjutsu-user, and also an exceptional healer….. Vergil, you are right. From the enemies' viewpoints, I think they see us as irregulars and as very powerful opponents. More than winning or not, to humans fighting us is something not normal."
Well, this group as a whole is a complete collection of rare mythical beings after all.
"But you can say that their methods are too forced and messy.", said Irina as Kiba continued.
"It feels like even if dozens or hundreds of their allies are killed, it would be okay as long as one of them reaches Balance-Breaker. We have so many opinions about them now, so I think they know that we are getting a grasp of their true aim."
That could be the case, but we have no conclusive evidence.
We decided to head back to base by magic circle. When we took a breath after returning, I noticed Akeno was humming and singing while getting ready to go home. She's really happy.
"Ara, Akeno. You seem to be in a good mood. Did you find something which will satisfy your S-personality?", asked Rias as Akeno made a big smile.
"No, that's not it. Ufufu. It's tomorrow. I can't help myself from smiling. The date. Tomorrow, Vergil-san is my boyfriend."
And once again, the girls glared at me for no reason…
*Home*
We returned home after the battle.
"…How is it?"
Koneko who came into my room asked me. She was in Nekoshou form and was embracing me.
"Yeah. It feels better."
Koneko was using her whole body and…her Senjutsu on me.
Lately I get my fatigue taken away by Koneko who uses her Senjutsu on me.
She is wearing a thin white cloth. Apparently, it was given to her by Akeno because it purifies one's body and will be easier to use 'ki'…. But this white cloth is so thin so I can feel her petite body directly.
"…At the same time I'm removing the fatigue you have. The life energy which was consumed by [Juggernaut Drive] can be healed bit by bit if I use the healing-type Senjutsu on you."
Koneko says that to me while smiling. Maybe the reason why her face is a bit red is because she is being embraced by me.
"Yeah, it seems like the years in my life has been taken away quite a lot by [Juggernaut Drive]. I heard that I would be in danger at this rate."
[At this rate you won't live longer than 500 years.]
After the sports festival I was told that by Azazel. When I was unconscious, he talked to Ddraig regarding my body.
Even if it was incomplete, due to the effect of [Juggernaut Drive] my lifespan was shortened drastically and I was finally told that I won't live more than 500 years.
So even the irregularities of a Nephilim couldn't completely nullify it huh…
Using the [Dividing Gear] was also forbidden. I will also die if I use it in this state as well. It seems like even absorbing the opposite power will trim down my lifespan so I won't be able to do that anymore.
Using the power of the Sekiryuutei won't be a problem, but by using the power which surpasses the limit will also start to shorten my life span.
Vali uses the enormous demonic-powers within him in place of his life and somehow manages that, I should have been able to do the same, yet why was my lifespan consumed instead? Is it another one of Urizen's meddlings?
No point thinking about it now. The project, if successful, will solve this issue.
Also, Azazel said that there's the way to return the lifespan lost bit by bit. And that would be the healing method by Senjutsu. Losing my lifespan is one of the consequences for using [Juggernaut Drive], and if the core of life energy is broken or hasn't been broken, then by using Senjutsu on my body it can gradually return back to normal.
"…There will be many people saddened if Vergil-senpai was to die. …I would also hate it if Senpai dies. That's why I am doing this to retrieve the life energy which has been lost, bit by bit. …..I will spend all my life trying to heal it… So please don't turn into that form again…."
Koneko says it with teary eyes as if she is begging me.
I can only pat her head to comfort her.
Sorry Koneko, but I can't abandon that card. Now that I have discovered the possibility.
Suddenly, her face reddened.
"…Senpai, there is actually a much faster way."
"Hmm, how do you do that?"
"…..It's Bo…Bouchuujutsu."
"Huh?"
"…..A woman who specialises in using the 'ki' has to share her 'ki' to the man, and it heals the life core greatly."
"I don't really understand"
Seriously, she is literally speaking gibberish right now with her stuttering voice.
"…The man and the woman…..have to become 'one'… It's a 'jutsu' where the woman has to send their 'ki' directly to the man's body….."
…
Are you for real?
I facepalmed immediately.
"Are you dissatisfied with me...?", she asked me sadly, having seen my reaction.
"That's not the point. You have no need to go that far. That can lead to consequences that neither you or I want."
"The female Nekomata normally mate with the male of different race…. Mainly, it often happens with human males."
So the topic changed to the issue about Nekomata huh…
"Aren't there any male Nekomata?"
My question to her. Yeah, I need to keep the topic of sex as far away as possible, by changing it the topic of population of the youkai.
"…The number of them are low, but there are….. ….But female Nekomata mate with males from different races due to the old teachings."
So they have a tradition like that, huh. Even if she is a youkai, I wonder if they have different ways to keep their kinds.
"….My kind is the rarest, so it's certain that I need to leave offspring… I have reincarnated to a devil, but I do want a baby….."
She seems shy but she has determined eyes.
"…My b-body and breasts are small….. But I still can have s-sex properly… I can still make b-babies….. And if Sensei really does come into danger, then I would have to perform Bouchuujutsu by force…. I am already prepared for it…Besides, I...I love you.."
…
…
I immediately pick her up and put her down before walking away.
"Leave, Koneko."
"B-but…"
"You've done your part well today, thank you."
"… Then… Good night, Senpai…"
She then timidly walks out of my room, the door gently closed.
…
Love?
…
Why me, again?
As the night goes, so as my conflicted thought…
*Next day*
I was standing at the convenience store near the station where we are supposed to meet up at.
A date with Akeno…
SHAKE.
Don't think much… just see it as a day out with a friend, Vergil, that's all.
I look around to see that autumn is setting in, but it still feels like summer.
When it was about to become 10 o'clock, the time we promised to meet at, a girl younger than me wearing a one-piece with a frill on it stops in front of my eyes.
"Akeno?"
It was Akeno.
"I'm sorry, did I make you wait?"
"No. Not at all."
…
This is… curious.
Her hair is down. Her clothes are probably those that girls of her age wears. And she's wearing boots. I actually thought she would wear sophisticated clothes more mature women would wear.
"I... I feel shy if you look at me like that. ...Do I look weird today?", she asked.
"No, you look good. It just… quite a change, seeing you in casual clothes"
I saw her get embarrassed but also seems to be happy from my opinion. Also, she acts more like a maiden than her usual "Ara ara" Onee-sama self.
"Today Vergil-san will be my boyfriend for the whole day. Can I call you Vergil?", she asked with moist eyes.
"Of course."
Akeno then made a big smile.
"Yay! Thank you, Vergil."
She's… rather cute today.
?
I then felt someone's killing glare. When I looked...
A crimson-haired girl in makeshift disguise, a blonde girl with teary eyes while wearing glasses, a small built girl who has cat ears growing out from the mask worn by wrestlers. And a kid wearing a paper bag on his head.
It's Rias, Asia, Koneko and Gasper. Such lazy disguises.
The only one who doesn't wear anything suspicious is Kiba, he is dressed like he usually does, and waves his hands apologetically to us.
"Ara ara. For checking on whether we are having an affair, they sure have too many people to check up on us.", said Akeno as she made a small laugh.
She then got closer to me as if she wanted to show her affection to me.
Hmmm, the scent of perfume and shampoo of her hair is nice.
CRACK
I heard a dull sound behind me. When I turned around… Rias who is filled with rage made a crack on the telephone pole.
"Well, shall we go then?"
"Yes."
Like this, Akeno and I headed towards the town.
Three hours have passed.
During that time, Akeno was acting like girls of her age. When we went inside the brand clothes shop, she would ask me things like "Hey, Vergil. Do I look good in this?" and "Or do I look better in this one?" just like an ordinary girl. Her speaking manners are just like normal cheerful girls.
When we bought a crepe from the booth, she said "This is delicious, right Vergil?". We were holding hands while walking in the town, and the way she gripped onto my hand tells me that she is relying on me.
How pure… and warm…
Let's make today enjoyable then.
"Akeno. Let's go to the Aquarium and game center."
Akeno was shocked, but replies with a bright smile.
"Yeah."
Yup, she's definitely very cute today. Huh, so even I now know what "cute" is… Guess that these kids are really rubbing on me…
"There are so many weird looking deep-sea fish aren't there."
Akeno said with enthusiasm after exiting the aquarium. We went to the aquarium after having some fun at the game center. The aquarium in the town is small but it has a good atmosphere.
Since the beginning of the date till now, I had been holding hands with Akeno. Every time we saw a funny looking fish, she pointed it out and laughed. Maybe from the perspective of others around us…we might look like lovers…
Lovers…
…
No, it's not Koneko's fault…
But I might have relished that…
Had it not been for myself…
"?"
Oh, right, there is a bunch led by the crimson-haired girl who was following us… they somehow gave off intense pressure. Akeno then confirmed their presence after we left the aquarium. She knew they were following us since the start of our date, but decide to do something about that now. I noticed a mischievous smile and we started running after she took my hand.
"Let's shake off Rias and the others!"
We then started running. Rias and the others also started running after they found out we are running away from them. We took multiple corners to lose the others.
After a few minutes of running, we hid ourselves after entering a small road.
After seeing Rias and the rest go past us from the shadows, Akeno and I came out to the main road.
"Ufufu, looks like we lost them."
Akeno stuck her tongue out and she seems like she enjoyed it.
Well, there's definitely going to be a hassle afterwards. But Akeno is happy today, so it's a win.
But because we ran without thinking, we didn't know where this place is. How much of a distance did we run for?
Then when I looked around…..
I saw signs which said [Rest for ? Yen] or [Night for ? Yen]
…
This is a love hotel street…
Definitely not a place to be in.
"Akeno, let's go, before they double-check."
It happened when I was trying to leave here quickly. Akeno was holding onto my sleeve…
"Akeno?"
I turned to look at her. Her face was very red and said this timidly.
"...I'm okay with it."
Okay with it? With what?
"….If Vergil wants to go inside, then I don't mind. ….I'm okay with it."
…
…
This again…
…
—!
An ominous presence closed in behind me. Akeno doesn't have any reaction.
So only I can feel it huh…
You're the reason they'll die…
A quote from a familiar voice…
…
You think I don't know that?
Begone, you're just a dream, a nightmare.
Am I really?
!
It responded?
The irony of all thing, is that we are always connected, even in death.
…
After all, aren't we supposed to be born as equals?
…
…
Yes…
We were supposed to…
Yet you…
"Vergil? Vergil-san?", Akeno called me, while shaking my whole body.
Somehow, I was broken from that conversation.
"What's wrong, Vergil? You blacked out for a moment there"
"Huh? Ah, no, it's nothing."
Yeah… nothing…
Suddenly, I heard a familiar voice.
"Geez, trying to make love to a woman at noon. You sure know what to do, Son of Sparda"
I turn to see an old geezer wearing rough clothes and a hat. The eye is what gave him away as to who he is. There was also a man behind him and a woman who I think I'm familiar with.
"Odin?", I asked.
"Hohoho, yes, it's been a while. It is I. I came here from the far North."
"Why are you here?", I asked as I cross my arms.
Then, the woman who accompanied him started yelling.
"Odin-sama! I would be troubled if you wander in a p-place like this! You are a G-God so please act proper!"
?
Oh, she's the Valkyrie who smacked Odin with a Harisen when I was in the hospital room after the match with Sona.
"Let me, Rossweisse. You are a Valkyrie who has to take care of Heroes, so you need to learn about these kind of places."
"I am a Valkyrie who has no appeal after all. You two also shouldn't come here during noon. You two are high school student and a university student, correct? Go home and study."
Is she really bossing me around? Then again, her tone suggested that she is very educated, to the extreme.
Suddenly, I noticed an intense, but familiar presence. It was from the man behind Odin. The man came up to Akeno. Now that I think about it, he looks familiar.
"...Y-You are..."
"Akeno, what is the meaning of this?"
He seems to be mad…
Wait…
Is that Baraqiel?
"...It's none of your business! M-More than that, why are you here!?", said Akeno as her eyes sharpened.
Akeno became angry at the sight of her father.
"That doesn't matter! Anyway, get away from here. It's still too early for you."
He then grabbed Akeno's arm and tried to take her away by force.
"No! Let me go!"
I immediately grabbed Baraqiel's shoulder.
"Let's not make a ruckus around here, shall we, Baraqiel? Besides, you can clearly see that Akeno doesn't like it"
"Vergil, Son of Sparda huh, it's been quite a while since we last met. I'm not here to cause any ruckus. I'm here as Odin-dono's escort today."
So he is currently Odin's personal guard. Somehow, I feel that something big is coming…
Author's note: I know, I'm making Vergil more like Superman, it's just for the time being, the reason is already stated above. Next Chapter: Chief Odin.