"This most recent incident highlights a disturbing trend among rogue elements in all of our factions. Namely that they were not acting independently," Sirzechs explained to them. "We've long since suspected, but some of the correspondence that was salvaged from that mansion confirms. Rogue exorcists, the Old Satan Faction, and now these renegade fallen angels are all operating under a greater umbrella of leadership."

The news came as a surprise to him, but he couldn't help but notice how the Governor-General turned to look at him specifically. His gaze was probing, and it was all he could do to try and not be creeped out by it. So if they were all working together, then what was the motive? Fallen angels and devils were supposed to hate one another. Issei kept silent and waited for the devil king to continue.

"As of late, they've taken to calling themselves the Khaos Brigade. Their goal is to simply oppose the peace that the current mythological factions are striving towards."

"What! Why!? That makes no sense!" Issei cried angrily. "What's these dickbags problems?"

He saw the devil smile slightly, but it was Michael who explained. "Their problem, dear child, is with us. Many of them hold old grudges and vain pride. These prevent them from seeing beyond the past and force them to fight change. They would much rather fight than work towards harmony."

"Much like how Kokabiel wanted perpetual warfare, these terrorists sow discourse between us all," the fallen angel leader said smoothly. "Of course I have absolutely no desire for all that. With peace prospering I can focus on my research. As a fellow intellectual, I am sure you understand why, Issei."

He nodded, but couldn't help the small shiver up his spine. The way he said that… it felt hungry. Like he was trying to bait Issei into saying something. Sirzechs shot a look his way but didn't comment, instead he refocused on the discussion.

"Azazel's former comrade is a minor blip on the radar. Their aims were small, but the Khaos Brigade's are not. They have the power and resources to cause incredible destruction and havoc. The fact that their membership is spread out throughout so many systems means they can strike in any corner of the world, any time."

The tinker hummed and digested that information. It was certainly a predicament to be in. It amazed him that so many people opposed to peace could work together and unify to actively try stopping it. It was a paradox that would've been ironically funny if the circumstances weren't so dire. He guessed that was people for you, though. Issei didn't know a lot - or really much of anything - on supernatural politics and, thus, couldn't really put forth his opinion. Azazel folded his arms and regarded the young devils and human with an even look.

"The world is changing, children. It's no longer the same place we helped shape centuries ago. With it, new ideas and new challenges face us everyday. It is our opinion that perhaps a new generation should be able to have their say," Michael began gently. "The peace you brokered here in the face of such staunch opposition is a microcosm of what we need. We are all very impressed by your actions. Especially you, Mr. Hyoudou."

"M-Me!? Sorry your holiness, but I'm really nothing special. I mostly did what I had to do to save everyone I knew and loved," Issei ran a hand through his hair awkwardly. That was a lot of praise to level on a guy who nearly killed his team and got his arm blown off.

"It's good to be humble, my child, and I think it is part of what makes you so well-suited to this role."

"Role?" Rias asked carefully.

The three leaders turned to one another before resolutely nodding. Issei glanced between them nervously before Sirzechs took the lead and addressed him personally.

"Peace between our factions has always been an incredibly difficult thing. However, since you came into your power, you have managed to tie exorcists, devils, and heroes together for a greater cause than themselves. There are new factions in play now, new people who have the power to shape history. We want- no, need them to work with us if we stand any hope of defeating the Khaos Brigade. To that end, Issei, we'd like to offer you a position."

His heart skipped a beat. Azazel picked up where his colleague left off. "Let's face it, kid. There's a lot of people who still hold grudges, even if they aren't aligned with the terrorists. We need fresh ideas, and someone who isn't going to be bogged down by pride or prejudice. Whether you take credit for it or not, you were the one who established diplomacy between all the different groups in Kuoh Town. We need that kind of mindset."

"We would like to nominate you as a Delegate of Peace. A neutral position between our three factions which aims to make contact and broker terms with various factions around the mythological worlds. We are fully prepared to offer our help in this matter. Our expertise, resources, and knowledge would be available to you. In return, you would express our wishes and work against forces such as the Khaos Brigade," Michael finished.

Issei was blown away, and swayed on his feet. He felt Kiba steady him as his mind ran a mile a minute. The immense responsibility they just laid on him was almost chokingly oppressive. And yet, wasn't this what he wanted? Peace had always been his biggest prize, but this was something else. If he took this opportunity, he would never have a normal life again. He may never see Aika again, and who knows when he would be able to talk to his parents. It would separate him from his friends, but it would also do so much good for the world. He couldn't imagine the vast amount of research and data he would garner travelling from one mythology to another. It was the opportunity of a lifetime.

And he didn't know what to do.

"Lord Sirzechs, this is too much to put on him all at once!" Rias stepped in. "Issei is strong, but what you're asking of him is something better fit for a seasoned diplomat!"

"It's due to his youth that we're considering him. Rias, you must know by now that the blood-prejudiced ideals of the noble devils have never truly gone away. Likewise, the fallen angels and angels are opposed to anything the other two do. A human is necessary for this job, and he possesses Innovate Clear. I can think of no better person to handle it," Sirzechs's voice was gentle, yet firm. "But of course we would never demand an answer right away. Please, Issei, consider our offer. We would not extend this opportunity to you if we did not agree you would be fit for it. We'll be here for any questions you may have."

He nodded dumbly and the holograms began to blink off. Anymore and he felt his head would've exploded. Stunned, the tinkerer collapsed onto the couch and just sat their slack-jawed. Rias gave him a sympathetic look and sat down next to him. The devil heiress laid a supportive hand on his shoulder and sighed.

"This must be quite a bit to process."

He barked a laugh.

"I… I think you could be really good at this, Issei. But at the same time I don't want you to get yourself hurt. This would be a lot of responsibility with a lot of far reaching consequences," he groaned. "But that doesn't mean you should reject it out of hand! I just- please do think about it. Whatever you decide, you'll have mine and my peerage's support."

"Yeah dude. You totally kicked ass out there, and I think you'd make an awesome diplomat," Kiba encouraged.

Koneko stopped chewing on her bar of chocolate long enough to simply nod at him. Likewise, Akeno patted his head and tittered as she went to prepare some tea. Maybe they had a point. How often does a chance like this come in life? If he rejected it, he could spend the rest of his life regretting it. Issei wanted to get stronger. He wanted to research more, know more, and become better. He couldn't do that if he stuck around here. He stood up and shook his head. He needed some time away from all this to collect his thoughts.

"Sorry Rias, I think I just need some time to think. And to talk things over with my team," that was going to be another tough conversation.

"Of course. Feel free to contact me at any time. Good luck, Issei."

With that final bit of encouragement, he stepped out the doors of the Occult Research Club and made his way off the school grounds. He wasn't sure where he was going until he spotted a familiar ice cream store.

He did still owe her that third date.

0-0-0-0

Dumb. Dumb. I reiterate, this is dumb, he reminded himself for the umpteenth time as he stood outside Aika's house.

Planning ahead had never been his specialty, even with his Sacred Gear, but this took the cake. To show up, unannounced, to his sort-of-girlfriend's house after being gone for over a week and missing an arm was the sort of stupid that only an exceptional few were blessed with. Even so, his mind and heart were of different opinions on this, and his other head was taking his heart's side in the battle. Outnumbered, he had wandered to her front door before his brain could get things back on track. It wasn't like he was just doing this for possible sex, but… she deserved more.

It wasn't fair for him to disappear for so many days without even talking to her. That was the kind of thing a total chump did. Even with Rias's residual magic covering for him, he suspected that the missing arm would raise questions. And how was he going to explain that?

Bad idea, bad idea. Turn back now. Abandon all hope, ye who enter here! He cried out in his mind as his finger twitched dangerously close to the doorbell.

How much longer could he put things off without feeling like he had messed up? What did it matter anyhow!? Aika probably wasn't taking this whole "dating" thing seriously either. Yeah, that was it. He could just leave and come back to school later and then-

"Master Blaster?" a voice called to him from above. "Holy shit, Issei, it is you!"

Fuck. He turned upwards to see Aika peeking out her window. Her hair was bereft of its usual braids and her glasses were nowhere to be found. Issei couldn't ignore how the moonlight seemed to highlight the soft edges of her pajamas that turn just the slightest bit see-through. If he focused, he could've sworn he could see the outline of her bra. His brain flopped and he just stammered.

"U-Uh, well, about that- see, it's like- How do I put this?" He took a deep breath. "Hooooow has school been?"

She gave him a flat stare. "Stay there and try not to wake the neighbors. I'll be right down."

"Well I'm not sure-"

The window closed with a soft bang and he heard the thumping of footsteps going down the stairs beyond the door. A moment later, it opened with a gentle creak and exposed Aika in her jammies. She had taken the time to put her glasses on and prepared to level a quip at him but stopped as she noticed his arm. Or rather, the lack thereof.

"Heyyyyyy," he drawled awkwardly.

"Arm."

"Been awhile?"

"Your arm. It's gone."

"Good thing I'm a righty?" he tried.

It was to no avail. He was suddenly dragged inside and rather roughly placed down onto a chair as his jacket was peeled off. Aika was immediately upon the gnarled stump that ended just below his shoulder. The flesh was pale and rough, but otherwise perfectly natural. It was as though he had never had an arm to begin with. The bespectacled girl just stared dumbfounded at him.

"Issei Hyoudou…" she started off.

"In my defense, it was, like, ninety percent not my fault!"

"You're gone for a few days and- and… wait, no. When was the last time I saw you?" her brow furrowed.

Uh oh. Rias had mentioned something about the particular spell she used. It didn't do well against scrutiny. It worked so long as no one had the presence of mind to consider the situation at hand. Anything too sharply contrasting - such as a missing arm, for instance - could snap someone out of their stupor. Aika looked up at him with a mystified, slightly worried look. It made his heart ache slightly and he wasn't sure what to say.

"You've been gone awhile," she said gently. "I guess I didn't notice… somehow. Your arm- Issei, what happened?"

There was a fine line between stupidity and bravery. At that junction, things got blurry. There was no way to explain away his missing limb. And yet, he couldn't tell her without telling her everything. From then on, there would be no going back. Her life would be irrevocably changed. If he didn't tell her, if he walked out here and now and never came back, she would get a chance to live a normal life. Aika Kiryuu would be able to grow up, have a normal career, a loving husband, and maybe a few kids. She would be happier without all this.

But she would be happy without him. There was no room for him in that kind of life. Issei knew he was a pervert. He spied on the kendo club girls, he watched porn with his buddies, and he could appreciate a nice rack when he saw one. Didn't a girl - any girl - deserve someone with more tact? More dignity? Issei had never felt so conflicted, but as Aika brought a hand to his face and trailed a scar along his cheek he couldn't lie to himself.

Issei Hyoudou was a selfish man.

"Alright, sit down. Where're your parents?"

"They're out-of-town at a business conference," she said demurely, as if she were about to be scolded.

He took a deep breath. "Okay… let me start at the beginning."

In a bizarre reversal of where he had been months ago with Irina, Aika sat across from him stunned. It had taken the better half of three hours just to catch her up with everything. Despite that, she seemed to be taking it mostly in stride. Most people would've been calling for the nice men in white shirts to take him away to the happy farm. Aika, however, just chewed on the revelation. Issei was careful not to prod her too much and let her digest the truth in her own time.

"So, let me get this straight, you're like Iron Man."

"I guess I am."

"And you work with devils to protect the town from… fallen angels?"

"Something like that," he smiled proudly. "I like to think of myself as pretty good at my job. But if my word isn't enough, check this out."

He stood up and pressed a button on his watch. At once, the suit appeared around him in flashes of blue-white light. He stood there in his full regalia, lights flickering along the trim of his armor. Aika leaned back and clicked her tongue.

"Red and gold, huh? Kinda gaudy."

He deflated and dismissed the suit. "Ouch. So… I guess this is a lot to take in?"

"What? That my boyfriend is a magical superhero who fights villains to protect the town?" she snorted. "No, I think I can handle that. Really, it's nothing."

"I really didn't mean to dump all this on you, it's just- shit, I dunno how to even say this. I just care about you, okay? You were the first person to, I dunno, treat me normally and offer some genuine help after the incident. I guess I got kind of attached. Then you were so much nicer, and cuter than I ever realized and I just thought I could hold onto it. That I could lie to you and it would somehow all turn okay. Then I just disappear all of the sudden, come back missing an arm, and dump that bombshell on you. I-I know you must be angry, it's just-"

"Shut up, Issei," she leaned in and planted a kiss right on his lips.

After a brief moment of shock, he leaned into it and returned it with as much passion as she did. When they separated, there was a misty look on his girlfriend's face. Acceptance, and love in spite of his deceit, bloomed across her face. He felt his spirits lift as tears stung at the corners of his eyes. Losing Castor, being offered this new position, losing his arm, all of it had begun to weigh so heavily on his mind. But here and now, he might as well have been floating on cloud nine.

"I never did know what I wanted to be in life. I guess 'trophy wife to a superhero' is a pretty good one."

"Trophy wife? You telling me I won't be the stay-at-home dad while you go save the day," he snickered. "You can even borrow my keys to the suit."

"Cute. Come here," she pulled him into a tight embrace and wrapped her hands around his bulk. "Geez, who knew a horndog like you could be so complicated? When I first started loving you I could've sworn I was in for more hot, sloppy sex and less magical demons."

"Ooh! I could make you a Magical Girl!"

"Issei Hyoudou, I will pull out the fly swatter."

The two lovebirds rolled over and swapped places so that Issei's back was on the ground. The two tittered as they poked each other back and forth. It was a welcome dose of normal in the midst of this sea of chaos. After a moment, they calmed down and she let out a dreamy sigh. Issei went spread eagle on the ground and resigned himself to being pinned beneath his girlfriend. He went to make a comment but stopped as he saw the furious blush on her face, and the hungry look in her eyes.

"As far as third dates go, this is somehow more and less exciting. But I am a girl of my word, Mr. Hyoudou," she leaned down and planted a searing kiss on his cheek. "You deserve a reward, my big, strong hero."

"A-Aika, do you mean-"

"Upstairs, soldier."

"I-I-I need to run to the store! For protection!"

"'Know where my dad keeps his. C'mon," she hauled him up, took him by the hand, and led him up the stairs. "I finally get to use those whips I bought."

"W-Whips?"

That night, Issei was thankful for the lack of parents in her house. Not that it spared the neighbors anything…

0-0-0-0

Consciousness returned with a long, painfully exhausted groan. Issei went to roll over but was suddenly jerked back by the handcuff still attached to his sole remaining , he focused on the digital clock nearby and saw that it was already past noon. He looked over to find Aika still sleeping and so resigned himself to waiting in bed until she woke up. Scratches, red and raw, criss-crossed his torso and back creating an uncomfortable tingly sensation against the sheets. He'd been through life or death struggles that felt less exhausting than this. Even so, he'd finally done it.

The far-flung fantasies of his boyhood had been realized! He'd lost his V card and officially upgraded from permanent loser. Leave it to Aika not to go easy on an amputee, though. Who knew the girl was so… kinky! That was a little more intense for his first time than he had envisioned. The girl mewled quietly and rolled over, snuggling up against his shoulder with a content grin.

Great, now he really was stuck.

Somewhere, he could imagine Matsuda and Motohama either cursing him or singing his praises with the angels. A distant thought occurred to the tinkerer. If Heaven and Hell were both real, was it possible he could go see his friends without needing to die? Maybe he could ask Lord Michael about all that. The thought faded with an uncomfortable realization that Aika was not going to be waking up anytime soon and his wrist was beginning to chafe. To make matters worse, he realized that he really needed to pee.

By the time Aika roused enough to free from his shackles, he was at his limit. One bathroom break and some clothes later and the freshly consummated couple sat at the kitchen table. Aika had offered to cook him some breakfast which was surprisingly good. He tore into it voraciously, ignorant of the look she shot him.

"Reminds me of last night, Master Blaster," she smirked.

"Growfth," he mumbled through a mouthful of bacon. "Thath growfth."

"Didn't bother you last night."

He rolled his eyes and swallowed. "So what now? I have to take care of some stuff today, but I'm free for the next few hours."

"Mmmm, I guess I don't have anything better to do. Ooh, do you think Asia is free? I so wanted to take her dress shopping again! I saw the cutest little thing at the place down past the Cold Front," she spoke excitedly.

"I'll call Irina and see. I'm sure she'd be up for it."

"Excellent, let me get dressed!"

Fifteen minutes later, they stepped out of the house and into the slightly crisp mid-afternoon air. Winter was coming soon, and the chill had begun to make itself known. The fellow watering his plants next door gave Issei a knowing wink as they passed by. A fierce blush bloomed across the young boy's face, but he still smiled and waved. It still boggled his mind that he, a hopeless pervert, managed to land a girlfriend and lose his virginity. This time last year he would've thought he'd have to sell his soul to do that!

Back then, he and his friends would've been talking about all the new porn magazines Matsuda had acquired. Or they would be sizing up the Kendo Club's new recruits using Motohama's scouting sight. His step slowed as he recalled those borderline idyllic days. Sure, looking back, it had been a bit immature, but it was like his grandpa said: "growing old is required, but growing up is optional". He really did miss them. But, if anything, knowing what he did now he would be reunited with them at some point, right? If that was true, then there was no reason to feel sad. The two walked towards the church as he dialed Irina's number.

The phone buzzed twice before it picked up. "Hey, Issei! What's up?"

"Is Asia there? Aika and I wanted to see if she could hang out?"

"Of course! We were just- wait. You and Aika? Last I checked you were still down an arm. She didn't think that was weird?"

"Well," he chuckled nervously. "I kinda, sorta, maybe… told her everything?"

"... Issei, you are going to kill me. You are going to kill your poor childhood friend. Why the hell did you do that!?"

"She deserved to know!" Aika shot him a look and he just smiled helplessly. "Didn't feel right to keep her in the dark."

He heard her sigh mournfully. "Alright, alright. I guess that's your battle to fight. Just… I hope you realize the magnitude of what you've done. You're responsible for her now, you know! I expect you to take responsibility."

Lord, when the day came he heard that out of someone's mouth seriously. He nodded, needlessly, and just laughed sheepishly. There would be no avoiding her true ire when he arrived at the church. He hung up and resolved to explain things much more clearly in person with her. By the time he arrived, Issei noticed there were actual parishioners entering the holy place. The last time he had seen that was when he was a kid and Irina's parents still tried dragging him to church all the time. Confused, he stepped through the large double doors as people weaved between the pews to get a seat.

"Welcome. I don't believe I've seen you before!" a warm voice greeted them. Issei turned to see an older gentleman with greying hair smiling at them. "Is this your first time here?"

"U-Uh, not quite. My name is Issei Hyoudou, Father…?"

"Father Ricardo, please. Ah yes, I've heard much about you Mr. Hyoudou. Irina is waiting downstairs for you. I do hope you stay for the service. Until next we meet," the man shuffled off with a wave.

"Talk about friendly," his girlfriend muttered.

He shrugged. "I guess Rias was okay with a bit more church representation now that things have calmed down. Irina must've told him about me."

"So he's one of those exorcist types too?"

"I don't think so. I didn't sense much power radiating off of him. He is from the Vatican though. Did you hear that accent? No way is he local."

Which meant he was apprised of what happened. Maybe he was supposed to oversee the newly founded "Church Trio" of Kuoh Town. Issei and Aika slipped through the back door and descended the stairs to the basement. It was remarkably more homely now. Rugs and paintings of religious figures adorned the floor and walls. No longer was it the staging grounds for an exorcist's missions, but now something more natural. He saw Irina at the table, reading through what appeared to be a pocket bible as Asia turned towards them both and smiled.

"Issei!" she cried out. "So good to see you again!"

The petite nun ran up to them and threw her arms around him. Adorably, her arms seemed just short of being able to encompass his bulk and he laughed when he realized it. She didn't give up though and squeezed harder until her fingertips just barely touched. With an explosive sigh she let go and smiled up at him.

"Hey dum dum," Irina greeted him.

"Hey troublemaker," he held out a fist for her to bump, which she did. "What's with the new hire upstairs?"

"Orders from the top. They want to establish at least some religious presence here that isn't combative. We got the okay from Rias to have this small bit of faith in the town. Supposedly it's supposed to build bridges. Or mend them. I forgot which."

"I guess it doesn't matter, so long as people get along. Father Ricardo seems nice."

"He's super cool! He was one of the Vatican's top scholars on theological history! Not just Christian, but all sorts of religions!" she bounced excitedly. "I've been having him educate me on the history of the church."

"Me too. He's really such a nice man. But I didn't get why you guys came here," Asia cocked her head to the side.

"Because we wanted to invite you out, kiddo. I figured you could use a bit of dress shopping. I love the nun outfit but, sweetie, please, you need some new clothes. Irina, of course, I will also need your expertise."

"Gladly. I was getting a bit of cabin fever staying cooped up in here."

Issei looked around. "Where's Xenovia?"

"Oh, she's off training at the moment. Despite the fact we spent most of our time unconscious, the higher ups were pretty impressed with us. According to her, they're thinking of giving her a new holy sword," Irina told him. "It's a pretty high honor to receive."

"I bet! What about you though? You fought pretty hard as well."

She shrugged. "Eh, she and I… I guess we're gonna be moving up in the church at some point. According to the grapevine, they're bringing some of the older names out of retirement to train exorcists. The current situation with all these terrorist attacks has gotten out of hand enough that they feel like they need more specialized warriors."

Terrorists again, huh? Now that he thought of it, wasn't that what that Olympian soldier called him? Issei rubbed his chin and thought to himself. Color him unsurprised, but he had a feeling there was more going on than met his eye. He needed to find out more about these so-called terrorists, specifically their name: The Khaos Brigade. It had cropped up a few times, but no one had told him much of anything. And yet Issei couldn't help but feel it was a large piece of the bigger picture. A terrorist group of different ideologies held together by, what, a desire to destroy everything else? He didn't quite buy it.

"Master Blaster," Aika tugged at his sleeve. "Dreaming of scantily-clad genies or something?"

He rolled his eyes. "Alright girls, who wants to come with us?"

"U-Uh, I would like to. I-If that's okay with you, Miss Irina," Asia raised her hand demurely.

"Of course it is, Asia! And you know you don't need to call me 'Miss Irina'. The higher ups care more about all that rank stuff than I do. C'mon, I think we earned a day out on the town!" Irina pumped her fist in the air as she brought the other blonde churchgoer into a one-armed hug.

As a tittering trio, the three of them dragged Issei out the door right as the service began. He was virtually dragged behind them as they raced towards the marketplace and the surrounding businesses. On and on, he watched as the pile of boxes and bags he was forced to hold began to increase incrementally until he was trying to balance a mountain of dresses, makeup, and other items Aika "insisted" the others buy. It seems his girlfriend took personal offense to the church's lack of glam for its female members and set about remedying that as fast as possible.

"Ooh! Look, a boba tea shop!" Aika suddenly pointed. "How about we stop for a bit?"

"Boba tea?" Asia cocked her head.

"Ah! She's so cute she's like a martian. Come along, my sweet, let me show you how to properly drink boba tea. Issei, you coming?"

"I think I'll just catch my breath out here," he grunted as he set down the boxes. "Get me something, please?"

"Sure babe."

He let out a grateful sigh at the brief reprieve he'd been given. Who knew teenaged girls could be so… energetic! He was pretty sure they weren't going to use half this stuff anyhow. His head leaned against the cool glass, and he breathed deeply to clear his mind. A part of his mind, a deceptively brutal one, warned him he should enjoy while he could. In this line of work, it was natural for people to grow apart, to die. Maybe telling Aika hadn't been a smart choice. It meant she was stuck with him now. She knew things other people didn't, and as such she was "fair game" for the rest of the supernatural world.

"Mighty deep sigh you nutrag," someone tapped his cheek. "Guess she must've used the strap-on last night?"

"Eugh, you're nauseating Beau," Issei opened his eyes and turned to his friend. "How did you even know about that? It's only been a day."

For once, Beaufort wasn't dressed in his usual black trenchcoat. Instead, he'd donned a more casual hoodie and jacket to hide his scars. With a braying, hyena laugh he sat down next to him and eyed the mountain of purchases at his side.

"Ehhhhh, news travels fast. I make it a habit of picking up the juiciest gossip. And when you've already got people talking through the rumor mill, it's almost too easy," there was something off with his tone of voice. Casual, yet tight and stern.

It took Issei a moment to realize why. In a low voice, he whispered back. "Someone's spying on me?"

"Us," he nodded back. "Don't ask why, DV, but this ain't a social call. Heard Ajax talking to someone in his office. He mentioned you by name, you're real name, and said you couldn't be allowed to know the truth."

"What truth?"

He shrugged. "I dunno, but it had something to do with this so-called 'Khaos Brigade'. He mentioned you copying some sensitive files."

The Khaos Break research! Issei's eyes widened, but he tried to remain a relaxed demeanor. The tinkerer leaned back and folded his arms. "How did you know?"

"After… everything, I learned to question authority. Ajax was acting weird since you left to go talk to the devils," the word was laced with venom. "And we promised to look out for each other, right?"

"You could get in trouble for this, Beaufort. What if they find out?"

"Take it easy. If they haven't struck yet it's because you're too valuable. Just be aware of their intentions going forward. If it seems too good to be true, assume they're baiting you," he said in response.

Issei turned to him. "Who's 'they' in this context?"

"The President and his Board. They're some scary motherfuckers."

The girls exited the tea shop, already chatting up a storm, but slowed as they saw Issei next to Beaufort. Asia and Aika seemed confused while Irina plastered a worried expression on her face. In an instant, Beaufort's mood changed and he stood, patting Issei on the shoulder.

"Good talking to ya broski. And remember dude, you owe me that guy's night out!" He shot a pair of finger guns at him.

"You know it, dude. Catch you later!" Issei waved at him as he left, a smile belying the intense worry he now experienced. "Sorry about that, work friend."

"Should I be jealous?" Aika teased.

He snorted and took the offered cup of tea before chugging four fifths of it in one go. His mind was racing at a mile a minute. He needed to get back and transfer the data he had about the Khaos Break to an external hard drive and give it to Sirzechs. In the pit of his stomach, he knew the truth of things. Them attacking the Greek temple hadn't been just a normal mission, and the research they grabbed wasn't for nothing.

The Hero Faction wasn't allied with the Khaos Brigade, they were a part of it. And that mean Issei was a wanted terrorist.