This is the 56th chapter of the crossover story. I don't own the series of High School DxD or the videogame of Final Fantasy 13.
No flame reviews
Underworld
After the Mid-Class Promotion test is over, they're celebrating over at the restaurant they reserved which Azazel is drinking mostly since noon, but there's no telling how much alcohol he drank. At the restaurant, everyone, except Rossweisse and Gasper, were gathered and started eating the food. Issei started filling himself immediately, eating like there's no tomorrow after seeing the gourmet of food.
"Um, Issei, you might want to slow down." Virgil warned him with a sweat drop. "You're making a scene and you're about to choke yourself."
"Who cares?! I've worked up my appetite after the exams." Issei retorted, talking with his mouth full.
Virgil couldn't help but sigh in annoyance, wondering why he even bothers. Rias giggled of Issei's remark as she turns to him.
"How was it?" Rias asked, causing Issei to stop eating and gulping as he turns to her.
"Umm, yes. Both tests were worth the time." Issei answered nervously. "This is all thanks to everyone who helped me, but for the practical I overdid it..."
Issei remembered him overpowered his opponent with his Balance Breaker and made a hole in a test stadium. Virgil and Kuroka figured that Issei took that exam very seriously and he acted like he was fighting like his life is on the line. Though, it didn't surprise them since Issei and the others have been in a bad situation before.
"You don't have to worry about it because we will pay for the damage to the broken wall, but you can't go serious against Mid-Class devils if you happen to have an argument, okay?" Rias warned him. "There's quite a difference in power between yours and theirs at this current point of time."
It got Issei shocked because he never could have imagined that there was that much difference between him and the other Low-Class devils. His strength was like a High-Class devil, but he can't really feel it. He does realize his strength, but he still can't feel that he has a power where he can stand on equal grounds to the noble devils. Virgil may have beaten between Riser, Kokabiel, Vali, and Loki, but Issei had a fair share in beating Diodora, Shalba, and Sairaorg by relying on the flow, so Issei never thought about how strong he was among the devils. Issei just trained like crazy in order to make sure he wouldn't lose against the enemies who are after him and in order to catch up with Vali. Ddraig then laughed inside as the green glow appeared.
[Hahahahaha...In your case, you are already abnormal by possessing me and your target is also the strongest Vanishing Dragon Emperor of all time. Your target was already too high to begin with. Even so, you continued to use your power, so it's only natural that you would surpass other devils without realizing it. By the end of summer, you had already surpassed your master, Rias Gremory. That woman isn't weak, either...The growth rate of the Red Dragon Emperor was too overwhelming.]
'Even so, my growth rate is slow compared to the past possessors, right? That part alone makes want to cry.' Issei mentally thought in teary eyes.
[It's certainly slow, but comparing to you who is showing a completely different growth process than that of the Red Dragon Emperor who came before you is a bit...Though the key to that growth is tits...]
'Well, he's not wrong about Issei. He's still had a long way to go if he wants to fight Vali again.' Virgil mentally thought as he then turns to Koneko and Ravel.
"Here Koneko. You should eat this and this." Ravel offered.
"I can eat myself even if you don't grab it for me." Koneko argued in a monotone voice.
"I'm not looking after you because I want to." Ravel retorted. "Virgil, Kuroka, and the three babies will be sad if you're not energetic."
"I understand." Koneko replied. "I will eat...Thank you."
"No, thank you as well." Ravel said with a smile. "If you don't become energetic, I won't be able to compete against you."
They saw a conversation like that happening between Ravel and Koneko. They're opening up to each other, even though they argue a lot.
"...I shall look at Ddraig." Ophis said, staring at Issei while stuffing her face with pasta.
Apparently, if the restaurant staff finds out that she's the boss of the Khoas Brigade, serious things will happen which it's been kept a secret. It seems like Le Fay is eating sweets in the corner of the restaurant while Kuroka is feeding the babies with warm milk and Virgil gives her a hand. Fenrir isn't showing himself, but he's probably hiding because of Le Fay. Though, it's forbidden to bring pets inside of the hotel. Of course, Kuroka was able to use her Senjutsu to disguise Le Fay and Ophis so they won't get suspicious.
Since it's Kuroka who was able to conceal Le Fay, Ophis, and Fenrir's presence with her Senjutsu. And because of that, they appear in unexpected places by having the ability to sneak around.
"Issei, Kiba, both of you are extraordinary even among the Gremory group." Azazel said in a drunken state.
"You say we are...extraordinary." Kiba exclaims, earned a nod from the Govenor of the Fallen Angels.
"I'm saying that you guys are young devils who hold outrageous potential." Azazel points out. "Issei doesn't have any talent, but he is a man who possess the Welsh Dragon. He raised his power the different way than all previous Red Dragon Emperors and finally manage to awaken a power that is the total opposite to Juggernaut Drive. Even Kiba gained additional powers afterwards, your talent is very high. And both of you are still in the middle of your growth period. It's an unimaginable talent to awaken two Balance Breakers. On top of that, both of you train with each other and are growing even stronger. Maybe you guys will become Ultimate-Class devils before Rias even has her professional debut?"
Issei was shocked when Azazel mentioned them becoming an Ultimate-Class devils before having a professional match which he might pass out and have foams out of his mouth. Having a servant be a Mid-Class devil before the debut is abnormal, so in terms of that they might become a point of praise for Rias.
"I am blessed." Kiba said shyly. "Right next to me the Heavenly Dragon, Issei, and a l'Cie, Virgil, is there. For a training opponents I can't ask for a batter partners. And we are still in the middle of growing. Sparring against Issei and Virgil is an honor."
'How can he say such embarrassing things so openly?!' Issei mentally shouts in disbelief. "Don't say embarrassing thing with a smiley face! Geez, I'm also gaining a lot from our training because my opponent is a genius technique-type, like you. Since my weak point is the technique-type."
"No, you also have another weakness, more like an exposure." Azazel told him, shook his head. "The weakness of the powerful Triana and Cardinal Crimson Promotion is stamina itself. Using either of them involves consuming great amounts of stamina and aura, Issei. Right now, how long can you maintain the Cardinal Crimson Promotion form?"
"The truth is, the power is unstable so there are times when the form disappears after one hit." Issei said with a sigh. "Controlling is very hard."
What Issei said is true, the Cardinal Crimson Promotion is hard to control. What is necessary for stabling the Cardinal Crimson Promotion is increasing specs during the other Triana forms. If he wanted to increase the power output and defense of his Cardinal Crimson Promotion form, it's necessary for him to continue using Welsh Dragonic Rook until Issei get used to it. If he wanted to increase speed of Cardinal Crimson Promotion, then it'll be Welsh Sonic Boost Knight. If its long-range attack, it'll be Welsh Blaster Bishop. The basis for improving Cardinal Crimson Promotion is that he needs to improve the specs of each of the other forms. That's how it is made. In order to increase the strength of the Cardinal Crimson Promotion, Issei needs to train each of the Triana pieces. The awakening of Triana in Kyoto during the fight against the Hero Faction. The awakening of Cardinal Crimson Promotion during the Rating Game against Sairaorg. Thanks to that, the original power of the Heavenly Dragon was released, and it seems like the limits of his Boosted Gear increased. What's left now is for him to train and reach even greater heights. Even if the limit of the Boosted Gear increased, since the possessor, which is Issei, is really weak, then he'll have to get there.
"I have to get used to each of the forms of Triana, and at the same time increase their powers." Issei declared with determination. "Cardinal Crimson is like an overall form."
The improved results will all reflect to the Cardinal Crimson Promotion. The reason why it is unstable right now is because he still needs a lot of training. Issei will probably have to improve the usual Balance Breaker: Chain Mail and Triana. That's what Issei after the fight against Sairaorg and witnessing Virgil's previous fights. It means he still lacks in training with all the abilities of each of the forms.
'Maybe understanding that will relate to decreasing the huge stamina usage?' Issei mentally thought with a question, pondered.
"Even if you were able to stabilize the power, it might not solve the high consumption." Azazel continues. "It's a new power that doesn't hurt either the body or the soul, but either way, the consumption is intense. It must consume more stamina and aura because it doesn't eat away at your lifespan or put your body in danger."
"So, in other words, using either Triana or Cardinal Crimson Promotion is like holding a double edge sword?" Virgil guess, putting two and two together when he listens to their conversation.
"That's right." Azazel nods in confirm. "Issei needs to make up for the consumption with a lot of amounts of training in order to get use to the forms of Triana and the Cardinal Crimson Promotion."
Issei then realizes that it has a high consumption because it doesn't have the price that would cut down his lifespan. He needs to find a way to make up for the high consumption. Otherwise, it will be impossible to fight in Triana or Cardinal Crimson Promotion form during a battle. His opponents are all legendary beings, and it won't be a problem if it is a short battle, but his opponents won't let him defeat them right away, so it will be natural for him to prepare for long battles as well. The time limit of his Balance Breaker form increased quite a lot, so it won't disappear unless something extreme happens. Though, that very thing is Triana itself. If Issei uses a combo, it will consume a large portion of his stamina. The fatigue he gets following the battle isn't normal, but it's better than Juggernaut Drive which would continue to go berserk until he dies.
Virgil figured out of Issei's weakness because the Red Dragon Emperor has more than one. Even though, he was trained by one of the Six Heroes of Gran Pulse while learning his own strengths, weaknesses, and limits. Virgil has been trained in daily basis along with the Nekoshou sisters, Asia, and Gasper, but they'll be facing against the legendary beings in the future battles. Even though, Virgil will be fighting against Bhunivelze in the future, so he'll have to get stronger in order to protect Valhalla.
"Oh yeah, the independent Longinus that's under Sairaorg called Regulus can also do something like 'Juggernaut Drive'?" Issei questions, turns to Azazel. "Didn't you tell me that Sacred Gears with strong creatures or dragons sealed inside them can do something similar to Juggernaut Drive?"
"Judging from the system, it is possible." Azazel guessed with a ponder. "If it's Regulus Nemea or a creature-type sealed in a Sacred Gear, it will be called Breakdown the Beast, which is written as 'Beast of Domination' in Japanese. Though, the Heavenly Dragons Juggernaut Drive is more powerful. That is special. Well, these are very dangerous so you shouldn't use them even if you can. Just like Juggernaut Drive, it will drain your life force and eventually kill you after going berserk."
'Ah, so it's the same. The it will be hard to use.' Issei mentally thought.
"The Longinus need to be reported to the higher-ups of the Three Factions when they are found due to the alliance, right? But you didn't know that the lion was under Sairaorg. Isn't that a breach in the alliance done by the Bael territory?" Rias questions.
Both Issei and Virgil have doubts about that. The higher ups of the Three Factions who searched and have surveillance on Longinus possessors. Regulus would be siding with the devil's so they thought it would be natural for Sirzechs and Azazel to receive a report about it. But they don't think that Sairaorg would keep quiet about it on purpose. They started to think that there might be something behind it.
"It seems like Sirzechs also didn't know about it." Azazel states with a sigh. "It sounds like those guys from the Great Royal Faction told Sairarog to hide the identity of his Pawn. But Sairaorg was insistent in telling the Four Great Satans about it. If he is to be the next heir of the Bael House, then his actions will be restricted by the current head. On top of that, the Great Royal Faction members were telling him to hide his identity completely, even in the Rating Game. Even if he was to send it out, they told him not to reveal his identity."
"But it came out in the end, and he revealed his identity." Issei told him.
"That's because Sairaorg has reached his limit of keeping quiet about it, which it's something I understand." Virgil cuts in. "He was planning to use it whenever an opportunity to use it appeared. Nobody expected the last Rating Game to go like that, but it was revealed because of that. Thanks to that, the Great Royal Faction members are being questioned a lot by the Four Great Satans. Though, the Grigori and the Heaven Faction are also making complaints to the Underworld due to the alliance."
That got Issei realized something like that happened during the Rating Game. For the higher-ups of the Great Royal Faction to tell Sairaorg not to use Regulus, but he didn't have a second thought about using that Nemean Lion for the battle. Though, Issei is praying that it won't turn into trouble like what happened with the Old Satan Faction. He then remembered after hearing about the Longinus' abilities.
"Azazel, how about True Longinus' Truth Idea?" Issei questions. "Does that also have a phenomenon similar to the Juggernaut Drive of Breakdown of the Beast? Does it also have a creature sealed in it?"
"It's not that a creature is sealed in that spear. What's sealed inside it is like a will of the 'God of the Bible." Azazel answered, leaving Issei and Virgil shocked.
'A will?! That also gives an incredible image of me! Hmm, so the ultimate spear also has an unbelievable thing hidden in it then?' Issei mentally thought with a ponder.
"A spear that can kill a being called God. The beginning Longinus. The God from the Bible left in the current World. And as a human's ability, the Sacred Gear." Azazel explains. "Though, the reason for it is split between different opinions in my organization. Something like even if God died, the believers can spread their teachings and the weapon can be used for invading since it can kill the Gods from other regions. Also, something like a defense weapon for his believers in case of an attack from the Gods of other regions. Or it was just made for no particular reason. Like that there are different opinions. The Heaven Factions don't have a conclusion either. Either way, other powerful Sacred Gears were found after that spear, and things like Longinus were defined."
'So, the beginning Longinus, huh...My Longinus was defined after that spear.' Issei mentally thought.
"In this age, each of the Longinus are showing different changes than in the past." Azazel continues. "We are in a flow where it's not weird for other Longinus besides the 13 Longinus to appear, maybe a 14th or 15th Longinus could also be found."
A new Longinus might be born as one who has possession of a Longinus, which both Virgil and Issei can understand that this would be very dangerous. Apparently, the Hero Faction who possesses Sacred Gears are dangerous to begin with which Issei is scared while Virgil scowled.
However, Asia who is sitting close by is thinking about something, and she hasn't eaten much either because she's only been drinking her juice.
"What's wrong, Asia?" Issei asks.
"Something on your mind?" Virgil adds.
"I thought that I should understand more about the Sacred Gear." Asia answered quietly.
"Is it to increase the healing ability?" Issei inquires, earned a nod from her.
"Is there a reason?" Virgil asks.
"I heard that Gasper went to Azazel's research institute to know more about the Sacred Gear." Asia explains. "So, I thought I should go next."
After that match against Bael at the Rating Game, everyone started to face up to their powers and even Gasper who makes up for combat prowess and magic with Virgil and Koneko went to the Grigori to train himself while working out his physical abilities. But Asia's healing ability is already powerful, along with magic. It shows remarkable support both at close and long range. Even so, Asia seems like she isn't satisfied with it. She has a more serious expression than usual. Asia who is always putting on a gentle smile has strong eyes right now.
"Azazel, I would like to ask you two questions." Asia said, turns to the Govenor of the Fallen Angels. "Is it possible for Twilight Healing to attain Balance Breaker? Am I also able to attain the Balance Breaker? I would also like to know these two answers."
"For the first question, there is." Azazel answered while drinking his alcohol. "It is predicted that there is a Balance Breaker state for Twilight Healing. It's also yes for the second question as well. If you are close to the Red Dragon Emperor Issei who makes lot of irregular phenomena occur and Virgil who's also the same, then by training you will be able to reach it depending on how hard you work. It's also possible to make it into a subspecies Balance Breaker depending on your taste as well. But Asia, your ability has already reached to perfection."
"What do mean by that?" Asia asked skeptically.
"It's just like I said, your healing ability is already high and mastered." Azazel explains. "Just like you can see, because of your ability Issei, Virgil, and the others have overcome dangerous situations countless times. I could say that already you are already using your Sacred Gear to the fullest. Even comparing you with other Twilight Healing possessors, your level of healing ability, time needed to heal, and other parts are all top notch. Even the healing from long range shows a result that far surpasses average numbers. Even if you were to get Balance Breaker, it will just be a scale up to those aspects."
Azazel gave her such high praise which both Issei and Virgil thought the same. Asia's ability is quite high even at the current point. As long as she doesn't targeted while fighting back, they can fight with relief. That's because even if they're being injured, they know that they can return to the battlefield as soon as they are healed by Asia. Being so highly praised by Azazel, Asia has a complicated expression instead of wanting to become stronger.
"Asia, you are the keystone of this group. A healing member is valuable and important." Azazel continues. "Out of the Gremory group...No, out of everyone here, you are the most important one during the battle. You will know that if you ask everyone else, and you, yourself should realize that as well, right?"
Asia nods at his words.
"Then do you know what is your weakness?" Azazel inquires.
"Is it the fact that I'm not useful besides healing?" Asia guessed when Azazel shook his head.
"No, it's a bit different. You should just concentrate on healing." Azazel points out. "You can leave the rest to Issei and the others, but you'll still be targeted. We will receive a major blow if we lose our healing support. If that happens, we would need an attacker who can protect you or the rear guard would have to defend you. That would disturb the formation and could lead to breaking the rhythm of the battle. You were able to learn in between magic and combat by Virgil, yes, but magic can only consume in mana. You still have long ways to go to defend yourself. Also, you can make up for it in using other methods, like barriers, illusions, demonic power to summon, and you got the magic down. If you make a pact with creatures who can act as your shield summon them, then Issei and the others don't have to defend you. Rias, Asia made a pact with the hard to please Sprite Dragon, right?"
"Yes, it has become Asia's familiar." Rias nods with confirm.
The same dragon that Issei got electrocuted and that Asia caught at the Familiar Forest. It plays with Asia quite often while continued to train with Virgil since that dragons specialty is lightning. When that grows, it will become the same size as Tannin or any other dragons.
Azazel now started to talk to himself with enjoyment about improving Asia's ability, causing her, Rias, Virgil, and Issei to sweat drop which to them, it's creepy. However, they agree that Asia's combat prowess, magic, and summoning a dragon who could become a shield would be useful. At the last group battle during the Rating Game against Sairaorg, the reason they didn't let Asia participate is because that didn't have the flexibility to protect her. Since Asia would be healing them, she would be targeted, and they didn't have the flexibility to attack and defend so it would've been too high of a risk. If Asia can defend herself between combat, magic, and summoning, then the last fight would be different. Somehow since they arrived, a plan for improving everyone in the group has been established. Though, there are still members who are keeping their improvement plans a secret, but the reflection they had during the Rating Game against Bael will greatly influence their growth. Even Gasper and Rossweisse who aren't there will return to then even stronger than before.
'I can't lose to them, either! I need to get stronger! Since all my rivals are incredibly strong, do your best, me!' Issei mentally shouts with a new resolve, determined.
Until, the atmosphere changed immediately, and they felt a sensation like they're teleported to a different place which it happened back in Kyoto. Azazel and Virgil also felt a sensation and made a serious expression as they look around the restaurant. Virgil knew someone is coming and he recognizes that power as he drew out his gunblade.
"You feel that too?" Kiba asked seriously.
"Yeah, and there's only one person who pulled that off." Virgil replied. "...Cao Cao."
That's it for the 56th chapter.
Happy Thanksgiving everyone!