Chapter 45: Road to Kyoto.
*Gremory Castle*
"In the future, I would like to establish a Norse magic school in Gremory territory and start a business training new Valkyries out of Devil females."
Rossweisse was describing her plans for the future.
"As an Angel, I never thought I would visit the home of the upper-class Devils, what a supreme honour! This must be the grace of the Lord and...Maou-sama!"
Irina was also very happy.
"This visit to the Gremory family would've been nice if it hadn't been for a certain someone here.", said Serafall as she glared at a certain individual.
"Ara, why is that Serafall? They welcomed me like a guest. Also, my little Vergil is here, of course I'll be here. Don't tell me you're jealous.", said the individual as she is hugging and patting my head.
"Mother, I'm not a kid anymore", I said with my eyes half-shut.
"I know, but Vergil is still little in my eyes~", she said with a radiant smile
…
Yes…
The woman who Serafall is glaring at, as well as the one patting my head… is none other than Archangel Gabriel, my second mother.
We met each other for the first time in more than a decade, during the Sports day of the Three Factions. The latter which ended like both a heated festival… and a dumb mini war.
We… did not have a good conversation at the end the event…
So I… was rather troubled to meet her here. She came here on her own, and was greeted by Lord Gremory and his wife, Lady Venelana Gremory, by the way.
…
At first… I didn't even know how to interact with her…
…
Yet now… my expectations were thrown right out of the window.
She cuddles me like I'm a little boy. While the others took pleasure in taking pictures for the past whole hour…
…
This is bloody torture…
As the date of the Kyoto trip loomed near, I and the Gremory servants plus Irina, Alex and the Fallen Angel sisters, were chatting with Rias' parents while having tea in the dining room of the Gremory castle.
To commemorate the completion of her team, Rias needed to reintroduce us all to her parents. It must be a hobby for the high-class to elegantly sip tea while chatting.
"Hahaha, Gabriel-sama and Vergil-sama are indeed a unique pair of mother and son, and Rossweisse-san seems very interested in Devil industries. As the head of the Gremory family, I will look forward to your contributions."
Rias' father, Lord Zeoticus Gremory laughed openly. As always, he acted full of noble flair. Her mother, Venelana Gremory, sipped some tea, put down her cup, and changed the subject.
"By the way, Vergil-sama, Alex-san and all the second years will be going to Kyoto soon, right?"
"Yes, according to the plans, we will be leaving for Kyoto immediately. Even though we're on the same train, our tasks are different."
I replied casually, this is more than enough formality, I can care less about the over exaggeration of the Devils' aristocratic society in manners.
"Last year, Rias brought back some Japanese pickles from Kyoto which were quite tasty."
Hmm… Japanese pickles? Now that she mentioned it, Rias ate them all the time at home.
"If you like, then we'll bring you a package back, if we can find it.", I said.
"Ara... that's not what I meant... I apologize, you really don't have to do that, no?", said Venelana as she blushed slightly and brought her hand to the corner of her mouth.
After more trivial chatting, the team completion commemorative tea party ended successfully.
Mother and Serafall left after having a bit of a longer chat with the Gremory couple. They both took a copy of the photos the others took before they left, but not without a small fight.
After the tea party, we were prepared to go home until Sirzechs returned suddenly to the Gremory castle. We had to go greet him before leaving.
"I will go too!", said Millicas as he went with us to see his father.
On a special path used only when Sirzechs returned to the castle, he was meeting with someone.
It was Sairaorg Bael in his noble attire.
"Thank you for your hospitality. Looking good, Rias and the Sekiryuutei."
An overwhelming presence for some one of his age. His violet eyes were shining with spirit and determination.
"Yes, it is great that you came to greet us. You too, look wonderful. —But let me apologize for my delayed greeting. Onii-sama, salutations. We heard you returned home and came to greet you."
"Don't sweat the formalities, it makes me uncomfortable. Thank you all.", said Sirzechs as he picked up Millicas in his arms and smiled.
The reason he returned had to do with Sairaorg? If that was true, then it must be related to the upcoming match.
"Onii-sama, Sairaorg came because...?"
"Yes, he came expressly to deliver some fruit, a specialty from Bael territory. How thoughtful of our cousin. We were talking about how Rias should visit the Bael household to express our gratitude some time.", said Sirzechs.
Yes, Rias and Sirzechs are cousins of Sairaorg. Their mother was of the Bael side before became Lady Gremory. This means that his status is rather high, in this society that is.
Still, that means nothing on the real battlefield, where strength, mind, and determination will decide everything. Sairaorg knows that too well.
"We were talking about a few things about the next match. Rias, he has no special requests about the rules, except that all complicated restrictions be lifted from the rules of combat."
"—"
Rias was surprised by Sirzechs words. But her eyes became serious.
"Sairaorg, that is to say, no matter how many uncertain elements there are on our side, you will accept them all, is that what you mean?", asked Rias
Sairaorg simply gives a fearless smile.
"That is correct. Whether it's the Vampire that stops time, or the Sekiryuutei who possesses godly strength, I will take them all on. If I cannot handle your all-out attacks, how can I call myself the heir of the Bael family?"
[—!]
The others became surprised as Sairaorg declared that he'll accept all our attacks.
Hoh? so he'll even except mine?
Such a commendable spirit and determination. He really wants us to go all out on him. With piercing eyes, he gazed at Rias and then to me. It was a solemn and immense presence fill with nothing but battle spirit. It's like Vali's, but there's no evil intent in it.
"...So scary. T-there actually exists someone who wants to take on my power so actively... This makes it even more scary!", said Gasper as he hid behind me with a scared expression.
Willingly taking on rule-breaking abilities without a slight sense of fear or hesitation. A clear vestige of a true man, too rare in these worlds right now.
In that moment, Sirzechs made a suggestion.
"Yes, there is no better opportunity than this chance encounter. Sairaorg, you once said you wanted to spar with the Sekiryuutei—Takeru-san, right?"
"That's right, I did say that before..."
"Then, let's just have a friendly match. Don't you want to experience the fist of the Heavenly Dragon?"
…
Not what I was expecting.
But still, this would be a good opportunity to get a clear grasp of the strength of the current Strongest young Devil.
"Rias, what do you say?"
Rias thought for a moment, then answered with determination.
"...Since Onii-sama... No, Maou-sama says so, then naturally I have no reason to refuse. Takeru, is that ok?"
"I don't mind. It's also a good change of air after the tea party"
Especially after the torture delivered by mother…
Sairaorg and I exchanged glances as Sirzechs nodded in agreement.
"Then show me the fists of the first amongst the new generation of devils and the Sekiryuutei.", said Sirzechs.
Hearing that...
"Thank you for the opportunity. I will show you clearly, my fist...!", said Sairaorg as he showed a bold smile.
In the basement of the Gremory castle, there was a vast training hall, easily large enough to house the entire Kuoh Academy stadium. We of the Gremory and Sairaorg went over there together. As for Millicas, Grayfia took him somewhere else to wait. In front of me, Sairaorg took off his noble attire, leaving his gray shirt on.
A huge body with muscles honed to the limit. His presense alone puts the world most ripped bodybuilder to shame. As expected from the next heir of the clan of Bael.
"Ddraig, let's go."
[Leave it to me.]
I summoned the gauntlet on my hand and the Balance Breaker countdown began.
Sairaorg simply stood there and wait. So he wants to fight me at my current fullest huh. An honorable man indeed.
By the way, my countdown, after all three times of me using [Juggernaut Drive] has been reduced to a mere 20 seconds. My time limit extended further with a total duration of 14 hours, a massive time limit increased, even though not at Vali's level, it's reasonable since I'm currently above Vali in attack power. In other areas though, the kid is still 2 steps ahead.
The countdown ended.
[WELSH DRAGON SUPER BALANCE BREAKER!]
As the gauntlet sounded out, it gave off a flash of red light, covering my body. The red aura took on the form of armor—Boosted Gear Scale Mail Omega.
PAK!
Giant dragon wings spread from behind my back and I readied for attack. With a flowing motion, Sairaorg also entered a stance.
Having seen the battle record between the Bael's peerage and the Glasya-Labolas peerage. I can see that his speed is something beyond what the records had shown. Even Kiba who is a rather exceptional [Knight] would feel threatened by this speed.
Hmm… let's test him out, with a simple, head-on blow.
[JET!]
GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOON!
The boosters on my back fired at full power, and I charged forward. As I prepared a fist brimming with raw physical power…
Hmm…
…
He seems to have no intention to dodge…
Fine, have it your way.
DOOOOOON!
"Guh!"
With a deafening sound, my straight right punch made contact with Sairaorg's face, and he got blown away considerably!
BOOOOM!
He crashed to one of the pillars of the training hall, destroyed it completely!
As the dust settled, he stood up, with only minor injuries, notably a clear dent on his cheek where I struck and his nose and mouth are bleeding lightly.
Hoh… even though I didn't use [Boost], and I wasn't exactly holding back either… but he survived that. Impressive.
Sairaorg smiled as he rubbed his cheek.
"An excellent punch. Straight to the point, a pure punch full of strong will. Even left a clear mark on me and made me bleed. Any ordinary Devil would have certainly lost to such a punch. But-"
He vanished before my eyes!
"- I, am no ordinary devil.", he said from behind me.
Sairaorg's fist pounded towards me. I perceived his movements beforehand, and raised one of my arms to defend.
CRASH! KACHING!
Such heavy impact. It even cracked my Gauntlet all the way to the elbow!
I got pushed away decently. My feet gouged the floor.
How fascinating…
My hand felt some slight tremble… of not just the impact, but also a slight sense of excitement.
'Ddraig, repair the gauntlet. And start prepare "that".'
[Ah, understood.]
Red aura surrounded my arms and the gauntlet was repaired. I then saw Sairaorg give an impressed smile.
"Hoho. You didn't get sent flying. Well, that was just a hello punch."
So was mine, didn't you get sent back so much, your body destroyed the pillar?
"I have three weapons. Strongly built body, fast legs, martial arts—Here I come!"
He vanished again!
He will be attacking… the side! I backflipped at the last second to avoid the attack…
HOWLING!
It was the sound of the punch breaking through the wind.
CRACK!
A blunt sound goes off as a decent crack appear on my abdomen.
So you can go that far huh… Still.
"Fool!"
I shouted as I delivered a corkscrew kick in midair, once again sending him backwards a considerable distance.
However
GO!
Feeling a counter, I strafed at the last second to avoid the incoming attack. The vigorous sound of air rushing was heard. Sairaorg's kick missed...but the force of the missed kick caused huge cracks to appear from the center of the training hall that rose along the four walls. If I was to get hit in my normal condition, I would have received great damage. For this guy to be in the same generation as Rias and the other youth devils, he's really something.
[Ah, this really surprises me. This man from the Bael family has trained his power to the max. Using Rating Game types, this is a power type who has kept increasing offensive power again and again. How interesting. A man who pursues pure destructive power. Totally extreme. It makes me very interested.]
Hmm, for Ddraig to show interest in someone other than the Maous and Dragons, he might be an outstanding being in the future. The Devil born in the Great King's family without inheriting the Power of Destruction. With nothing but his body, his only choice was to train his body and successfully became the heir. This power doesn't come from half-assed training, but a long life filled with pain and suffering that can easily kill someone normal. Rias truly was in a difficult situation to compete with such a person. He is, without a doubt, the current biggest obstacle to her dream as the Empress of the Rating Games.
"Impressive, I'm actually enjoying this", I said with an amused tone.
"Hahahahaha! I'm glad you are. So am I.", said Sairaorg.
Because of that, let me give you a give then.
"Promotion to [Rook]."
Yes, I used [Rook], not [Queen]. Right now, my offensive and Defensive capabilities have been augmented significantly.
"The Rook?"
Sairaorg showed a surprised expression towards my promotion. He must have expected me to promote to Queen.
Once again, he disappeared. Oh I'm not going to dodge this time, for the gift won't fulfill itself if I did. I wrapped my body in immense aura.
[BOOSTx10!]
Having powered up both my armor and fists. I waited for the attack…
DONG!
Sairaorg appeared in front of me and sent a heavy punch to my abdomen!
A strong impact, as usual. The force actually managed to went through my body, but I held on.
However, unlike his previous blows, this time, his punch only creates a loud sound of a Dong bell being hit.
"!"
He was surprised that his fist did not deal much damage to me. At this point he has noticed the change on my armor. Still, counter time.
"You're wide open!"
DOON!
"Guh!"
I said as I delivered a palm strike. And sent him back considerably again. Fresh blood once again leaked from his mouth and nose, he also held his chest with a slightly hard-breathing expression.
But then he wiped away the blood, with a very delighted expression, he said.
"...Promotion to [Rook] eh? Looks like it wasn't a wrong decision. I put quite a bit of power into that punch. Your attack and defense were excellent as a [Rook]. I can even see that you as a Queen would be more effective since you're an all-rounder. Why did you choose Rook over Queen anyway? And what is that change in your armor? It's like it has… shifted", he asked.
Just like he said, my armor has shifted, the abdomen area that received his punch earlier is now silver, with red glowing demonic/draconic tatoos.
"Hold on… is that… Gilgamesh plating?", exclaimed a surprised Alex, who is watching our battle.
A part of my armor has shifted from Dragon magic plating to Gilgamesh metal plating. There's actually a good story behind this development.
*Flashback*
(Vergil, sitting in his workshop, talking to Ddraig while looking at his still abundant storage of Gilgamesh)
[Well, the Harvester was definitely a success. But what about the leftover Gilgamesh? How do you plan to use it, partner?]
"Well, we've already modified the inner frame of the Scale Mail Omega to be made of Gilgamesh. The armor certainly has become much more durable, but it seems that the compatibility between Gilgamesh and the dragon armor is…"
[… terrible. I know, putting the inner frame which is part of the Sacred Gear that was made by your grandfather, God, that is adaptable, aside, most of the armor's compositions are made using my power. The compatibility issue might have stern for our natural conflicted nature.]
"Hmm… in that case…"
(Vergil access a file in his computer)
[Hoh… this is…]
"A little application of nano technology"
*Flashback ends*
Yes, I've integrated nanomachines made of Gilgamesh that we collected after that Hawaiian mission, into the molecules of the Scale Mail Omega armor. They respond upon physical trauma, especially strong ones, by realign themselves into nano plates of Gilgamesh armor that reinforce that specific area of impact, during the last couple seconds. Gilgamesh has a very unique property of being able to create energy shockwaves, which I took advantage to create nano-scale energy repulsion shields on each of the nanomachines. Hence this defensive mechanism employs not only the natural almost Adamantium-like durability of Gilgamesh, but also its' natural property to create energy repulsion shields on a molecular level, each of these two defensive properties lessen the other's burden.
One might think that it's pointless to make this, since the armor when released, would dissolve back into magic energy and scatter, which means that every time you put the armor on again, the process of integration has to be done, again.
However, that is quite wrong. It would have been the case, had it been the normal Scale Mail, but the Scale Mail Omega, unlike its' predecessor, while dissolves into streams of magic energy upon release, also returned to the Boosted Gear in this form. Thanks to Gilgamesh's own supernatural nature, not only that the nanomachines would be sucked into the Sacred Gear as well, it also eliminates the need of maintenance, due to the re-manifestation of the armor will also restores the nanomachines back to their prime condition.
Still, I did make preparations, just in case.
I then moved to answer Sairaorg's question.
"I don't like leaving my weapons on the shelves to eat dust. Relying too much on [Queen] can be dangerous."
"I see, you're right. Always use everything you got for a fight. This is the first time I've been punched to several knockbacks and bleedings. I know not to underestimate you since you can survive and win a direct battle against the old Maou faction as well as Loki the Norse god of evil. Fighting you sure makes me happy. Your punch must have been thoroughly trained. It is something that can be understood after being hit… Don't worry, try to hit me with your full strength.", said Sairaorg.
Of course I've trained… for my whole life…
"Come! Takeru Silver! Just focus on beating me! Show me the power of the Cosmic Sekiryuutei!"
"Hmph, I should be the one to say that"
DOON!
I said amusingly as I drove my fist, cladded in crimson flames to the ground. A huge shockwave of boulders and crimson hellfire was approaching Sairaorg.
"Haaaah!"
He deflected it into the walls of the training room. His hand burned considerably. Normally, a [Rook] or [Pawn] promoted into [Rook] would gain enhanced offensive and defensive capabilities at the expense of magical power storage and output. However, as my base level magic energy storage and output are already high to begin with, using [Promotion] didn't really change much of my capacity, other than decently enhance the specific areas that correspond to each type of Evil Pieces.
Even though his hand was injured, he did not flinch.
Interesting indeed.
I then went into a martial stance with my fists.
"—! You want to exchange blows with me! Interesting! Just try it!"
As Sairaorg roared at me, I leaped forward.
"Grhhhhhh!"
"Haaaaah!"
We both roared at one another. As we were about to meet each other in a mutual Cross Counter…
"Takeru-san!"
Our respective fists were only inches away from hitting each other in the face.
Suddenly, Asia cried out. What happened? I shifted my gaze over and Asia continued.
"R-recharge! After k-k-k-kissing, Takeru-san will become more powerful!"
The others became shocked by Asia's words. And then, Xenovia went 'Hah!', as if she understood, and continued from where the conversation left off.
"Yes, that's right! Ve…Takeru is the Oumaryuutei! His power surely increases after a kiss from the princess! Buchou! Please fulfill the duty of the Switch Princess right here!"
"Rias onee-sama! I-I won't mind! Please, give Takeru-san your power! If this continues, he will lose!"
…
Do I look like I'm losing? I didn't even go all out, you know?
Rias showed a troubled expression due to the sudden request.
Asia, Xenovia… although it… might be true that the kisses I had with Rias did motivated me to go to greater heights of the strength of Sekiryuutei… don't say it aloud like that…
It is so… embarrassing…
"T-that's the truth! As long as he has Buchou's kiss, Senpai can become infinitely powerful!"
Why even you too, Gasper?
"Yes! Love is Ve…Takeru-san's source of power!"
…
Love…
…
"...Really, kissing will give a power up? I thought it was just a rumor.", said Sairaorg as a question mark appeared on his head.
"...It's true.", confirmed Koneko decisively.
…
"Ufufu, what are you going to do? Rias?"
Akeno was smiling at Rias with a subtle expression.
"Rias-hime, you really need to take the initiative", said Raynare as Mittelt nodded.
"...D-do you want to kiss...? I-if you want to become stronger, I-I can..."
I can see Rias' face reddened heavily, like a furnace, as she asked me.
"Is this how it works every time? Hmm, I've never seen such a custom among the Asgard."
Rossweisse was speaking with a frozen expression. A very big misunderstanding, Ms. Lonely Valkyrie.
I then heard Kiba laugh awkwardly and Alex laughed joyfully.
Haha, very funny.
"Pu, puhahahahahahahahaha!"
I heard Sairaorg laugh heartily, as if he found it amusing.
"So that's the case, his strong emotions will make him stronger. And even has a catalyst like kissing. Hohoho, I will remember it, Sekiryuutei, let's continue this another time.", he suggested.
"Yeah, let's do that. I'm perplexed by this change of event right now", I replied with a bored tone.
"Now don't be like that. Your spirit is great. I can tell we both can still fight, but if this continues, I won't be able to stop myself. I will fight to the very last blow. Which would be quite a shame. After all, aren't you in the process of awakening something inside you?", said Sairaorg.
So he saw that I was trying something with the Sacred Gear? He's sharp, but his looks can be deceiving.
He then put on his nobles' attire, walked up to me, and placed his hand on my shoulder.
"Let's wait until you finish your awakening. Fight in your best condition. That is the fight I am looking for with the Sekiryuutei. Our duel will conclude within the future Rating Game. In front of all the VIPs as well as the common crowd to determine our ratings.—Whether it is you or I, we both have our own dreams, so let us meet again at the match. Rias and Rias' servants, see you next time, that is on the stage carrying our dreams.—Come with everything you've got and I will beat you with my full strength.".
Leaving those words, Sairaorg took his leave with Sirzechs and departed. The tension of the battle dissipated as I released the armor. Sirzechs came over and asked.
"How were his attacks?"
"Strong, somewhat similar to mine", I replied.
Sirzechs smiled as he nodded.
"Yes, somewhat the same as you. In order to compensate for his inadequacies, he trained with everything he had. This is how he obtained such power. Completely direct attacks. This is what Devils lack in general."
Yeah, we're both straightforward in solutions, and we understand the meaning to train, to refine. I can understand him easy enough.
"By the way, in the fight just now, he already cast seals to apply heavy loads on both his arms and legs."
Hoh, so he's even stronger than that? To be able to send the impact of his blows straight through the enhanced Scale Mail Omega while in his sealed state… There will be a need to recalibrate the defensive shields. Ddraig, please handle the initial calibrations.
[Got it]
"He has already reached the level of experienced Kings in the Rating Game. He has also stopped the terrorist activities of the Khaos Brigade many times. As expected from Sparda-sama's son, Vergil is amazing as one of the few who fought against Sairaorg without losing their will to fight at all, an outstanding case to say even. There have been numerous cases where Sairaorg's opponents have completely lost their will to fight ever again. Finding their prized demonic powers useless against him, these proud Devils take a huge hit to their self-esteem when they are defeated by a bare physical body. Upper-class Devils have a lot pride, but find it difficult to recover when faced with defeat."
"Hmph, that's the inevitable result for High Devils of an outdated society that is bounded to past ideas, when being hit by a storm of the new generation.", I said bluntly.
"Yeah… you're right.", said Sirzechs with a bitter smile.
As for the Rating games, I have little interest in them.
But… at least, I'll help Rias realizes her dream.
And… those matches with those guys… maybe it'll be a good change of air…
Once… I've finished with my…
*Several minutes later, before the departure to go home*
"Vergil-oniisama. Will you be more progressive with Rias-oneesama after she graduates?"
Just as I was about to go home, little Millicas tilted his head, asking that question.
…
More progressive huh…
…
*Next day, train station*
It was the day of the trip.
I couldn't sleep much yesterday since I was busy checking the equipment that was sent to us by the Grigori for the mission.
By the time I woke up after the short sleep, I realized that Rias and Akeno were holding my head, the whole room showed signs of fighting. So they were fighting for the sides of my bed…
Putting that aside, right now, Alex and I, along with the kids, are in the waiting area of the Tokyo bullet train. The kids' group gathered in a corner, out of earshot of the others. Even though we're on the same train, our personal cabin and the kids' train car are 3 cars apart from one another.
Of the ones staying behind, only Rias came to see us off. Though Akeno, Koneko, Mittelt and Gasper wanted to come, the first and third years had normal classes. Since they were not allowed to fall behind in school, only Rias came to the station. About the preparations for the school festival, the first and third years have no choice but to cover the shares of the second years. As for what the Occult Research Club plans to do for the festival, it is a secret.
"Here, this is a pass for each of you."
As the second years were about to leave, I see Rias was handing out to them something like a card. Everyone took one and confirmed it.
"This is the legendary...?"
Kiba asked and Rias nodded.
"Yes, this is required for Devils to enjoy Kyoto, the so-called 'free bus pass'."
Since most of Kyoto's sights are temples, or in other words, Kyoto is full of sites heavy in spiritual power, this normally caused all sorts of inconveniences for Devils. After all, shrines and temples are normally taboo for Devils. However, Devils can move freely using this pass which was issued by existences (like Onmyoji and Youkai) from the Kyoto office in charge of affairs there. Of course, a valid reason was required beforehand.
Not that I or Alex need it since we are practically immune to passive Holy effects of those wardings.
"We used the same kind of pass last year. As long as there is a legitimate reason, they will issue passes even to Devils. Gremory servants, Sitri servants and Heaven's messenger, do you realize how fortunate it is to have certain forces backing you all?"
Rias winked
"You will be able to visit the temples there with these passes. Just keep it in your pockets and you will be able to enter those famous sites. Enjoy your sightseeing there."
[Yes!]
The kids put the cards into their pockets, then Asia's cell phone rang.
"Hello. Kiryuu-san? Yes. Xenovia-san, Yuuma-san, and Irina-san are together with me."
So Aika Kiryuu called. Asia then bowed to Rias after taking the call.
"Then, Rias onee-sama. We will be taking our leave!"
"We are going."
"We are going now!"
Yes, take care."
Asia, Xenovia and Irina bid Buchou farewell and turned to leave. They then make final confimations, all seem to have packed handkerchiefs, tissues and underwear properly.
"Then it's about time for me to go. I will bring souvenirs back.", said Kiba as he bowed and went back to his class.
"Well, it's time for us to go as well", I said.
"Agreed, let's go", said Alex.
As we were about to go…
"Vergil"
Rias called me. I turned around to see her running towards me.
"You go in first, I'll follow a bit later"
"Hehe, got it", said Alex as he makes a mischievous smile.
Don't you dare try anything funny.
As I approached Rias, she hugged me.
"Rias?"
"...Even though I've been trying to hide it, I am the same as Akeno. I will be very lonely the days you are gone. Still, even if it's like this I have improved a bit? In the first term I really couldn't bear having you away from my side, but now I can at least endure not seeing you for a short while."
Hmm…
She treats me like I'm family to her…
Or more like… a normal girl would be with a normal guy.
I held her hand and say.
"That's a bit exaggerated. Even if I'm not here, there is the Kouhai, you know?"
"I know. But...you still haven't realized your own attraction. But then again, I like that about you too."
As Rias smiled bitterly, she drew her face near—and our lips pressed together.
"—"
…
I stopped thinking for a short while. A sudden kiss.
Seeing me blinked for a few times, Rias smiled cutely and stuck out her tongue.
"This is a goodbye kiss. Why are you surprised? It's not even the first time we kissed. Let's just say, even if you were to initiate the kiss, which you did once, it's totally fine.", she said.
Well, it's not like you would get a sudden kiss every day, wouldn't you?
"I am satisfied with this. Even if you are at Kyoto, I will be able to endure the loneliness. Take care of yourself and the others during the mission, Vergil."
"Don't worry. I'll make sure they'll all come back, happy of their experience.", I said to affirmed Rias.
After that, I went into the train and make my way to our personal cabin.
As I opened the door…
"Bro, nice kiss.", said Alex as he teases me.
"Don't even think about saying another word about that", I said.
"Oh come on, it's not like that…"
He became silence as he saw what I was about to do.
"No no no, not again", he said as he freaked out.
"Yeees… yes, again", I said rather leisurely.
Then…
STRANGLE.
Yup, I once again… strangling Alex in a headlock.
"Pass…pass…pass…pa…"
He blacked out almost immediately. I then lay him on the couch of his side, and then sit on my couch on my side of the cabin.
I put my hand on my cheek as I look out to the window.
…
A warm kiss, again…
Like a call of the light…
To a fool who don't deserve it…
…
Author's note: Well, let's begin Volume 9, shall we? I know that all of you will have at least 2 questions:
1, Why did I make Vergil and Sairaorg on equal ground in this fight? Obviously, this fight was made with equality in mind, the middle point where both of them can clash with one another without feeling one weaker than the other. Even though Vergil is obviously above Sairaorg for having god-class strength, he can't fully ultilize it, as it'll bring the whole place down, so even though he didn't hold back, he didn't go all out either.
2, With Vergil having conquered [Juggernaut Drive] in a manageable sense, how will this volume proceeds? Simple, anyone who have known [Juggernaut Drive] well enough should already know of the drawbacks it possesses other than the former life-threatening curse. Therefore, the Illegal Move Triana will still have its' use, all is according to the plan.
Stay tune.