"Ise are you okay." He heard a voice as a finger was poking him in the face.
It was Asia poking him as his eyes opened as he made some weird noises. "Huh?" He asked as his vision was kinda blurry.
"You were saying my name in your sleep."
"Oh." He closed his eyes "I did? Weird." He didn't know what to say let alone think. He felt something moving under the bedsheets. When he lifted them two white ears and a white T-shirt crawled up his leg.
Koneko laid on his chest and looked up at him "Nyaa?" She hugged him as he could see her tail hiking up the bottom of her shirt as her ears twitched.
It was far too much of a sensory overload to see something so cute that early in the morning. Koneko decided after the experience in training that it would be best if she lived with them. Issei wasn't going to complain as she was already attached to him as she sat on his lap.
That however was about the only thing that changed as she was still forthcoming about everything. He reached down to the bottom of her shirt and went to grab it "Are you wearing panties under that?" Issei pulled up her shirt as he saw bare skin under it.
"Are you horny Issei?" Hearing Rias' voice snapped him out of it as he let go of her shirt as it hid everything again.
"I'm a dragon who is a teenager. The answer is generally yes to that." He saw that Rias was sitting at the table in the room as she was sorting through papers. "Are you sorting through the mail? At this early of all things?"
Rias sighed hearing that "There's just so much of it here. I get that we were gone for a month but there's just so much of it." He watched as she would see if it was important and if not then she disintegrated with her power of destruction.
Unfortunately, school was back in swing as Issei made it to his desk as he heard Matsuda and Motohama the resident perverts talking about rumors of what people did during the summer. "You know you two talk a lot for being virgins." Issei saw Kiryuu standing in front of them.
"Don't talk trash, you can't back it up."
"Oh yeah?" She looked at the two of them as she held her hand out and cupped her fingers as she moved it up and down "I bet you two spent all summer doing this." Issei smiled hearing that.
"You think it's funny Issei? She's making fun of us!"
"Well, what did you do all summer?" He asked them as they were quiet and didn't answer. "You did that to yourself."
Kiryuu turned to Issei. "Say Asia looks different? I just can put my finger on it."
He shook his head "Outside of her normal innocent nature I can't say anything is different. She's too pure for this world. Maybe that's what you're seeing?"
"No no something is different."
The door to the classroom slammed open as one of the male class members ran "Hey!" He shouted at the class getting their attention "We're getting a new transfer student… and it's a girl." A collective uproar came from everyone as they were excited to see what would happen.
A few minutes later the teacher came in "So I know this is an odd time to say this but we have a new transfer student." Everyone was excited and the boys were even more excited. "You can come in." He said as the door opened.
In the room came in a young girl with chestnut-colored hair and twin tails. The guys were going crazy as Issei was more or less surprised to see her. Issei looked at Asia and Xenovia as they were surprised to see her as well. She stood in front of the class with her school uniform on with a cross, hanging from her neck. She waved at everyone "Hello everyone my name is Irina Shidou."
After the chaos subsided and a break period came around, Issei met up with Irina as she was talking to Asia and Xenovia. "It's been a while everyone." Irina said to them as she hugged Xenovia. "I'm glad that you're doing well Xenovia. I know that things are different now but it's good to see that you're doing well."
"Yes, it has been some time. It's also good to see that you're doing alright." There was some discomfort on Xenovia's face as Irina hugged her. "However that cross is causing some discomfort.
"Oh." Irina backed away.
"So what are you doing here again?" Issei asked her.
"I was transferred here on Lord Michael's orders. I'll give more details later in the club room." She winked at him as she walked away off to do something else.
Issei took out his phone and started typing away 'I take it that Irina being her was your doing?" He sent a message off to Rias and she replied with a smiley face. "Well, then I guess we will see why she smells so different later."
True to her word after school they were in the clubroom sitting around as Koneko was sitting on Issei's lap as it was now her spot. "Welcome to our school Irina Shidou." Rias said to her as she was at her desk.
"Yes Hello everyone. I came here a messenger of the Angels on behalf of Lord Michael." She said as there was some clapping. Irina went on a speech about how great Micheal and the angels were as there were some bitter smiles as their ears were burning.
"Irina." Issei called out to her getting her attention "They are devils. It would be best if you remembered that."
"I know it's just… Oh, I understand now." She turned to them "I'm sorry for that." Rias tried to wave it off.
"Say Issei." Xenovia whispered to him "Do you think she knows?"
Issei shrugged his shoulders hearing that. Azazel took the lead as he looked at her "Are you aware that God of the Bible is dead?" He asked Irina without a shred of hesitation in place of Xenovia.
"Yes, Governor, I am aware of the absence of the lord."
"You must be tougher in your beliefs than I once expected of you, Irina." Xenovia said as Irina smiled at her.
"It was tough, My whole world crumbled away. I cried for a week when I was told the truth." Irina told her.
"Yes, I know how that is." Asia said to her. She was fully aware as that changed her outlook as well knowing that God was dead.
Irina moved over in front of Asia and hugged her. "I'm sorry for calling you a witch when we first met." She looked over at Xenovia "And for everything, I said to you Xenovia."
"I was a bit rash becoming a devil immediately. But I am happy that you are here." Xenovia said as the three of them smiled as they prayed. Just one of the little oddities of three girls from the church now separated by race.
When they finished Azazel asked Irina "Am I to assume you are Michael's messenger?"
Irina nodded hearing that "Yes I am. Lord Michael was troubled because they did not have a person from Heaven's direct side here. He said it was a problem if there was no staff here."
"To think that Michael was this worried that Heaven has no staff here. He's already given us enough support as is. But I guess he decided to send you anyway."
"Wait," Rias said looking at Issei "Don't you report to Michael?"
"No," Issei said to her as he was rubbing Koenko's head. "If he asks me to do something then I would report back to him other than that I don't associate too much with him." Issei thought about it for a second. "Like I've been asked to do something currently but what it's about I'm not going to tell you as it's more of an internal thing."
Azazel scratched his chin "So then Irina you went through the Angel transformation?"
Irina put her hands together as her body glowed a halo appeared over her head and a pair of white feathery wings appeared out of her back. "Angel Transformation, since when?" Rias asked seeing this as this was all new to her.
"It's quite new. Something that happened within the last month. Scientists from both sides figured out how to do it."
Rias looked at Issei "Did you know of this."
"No this is new." Issei had thought about a few things that happened recently but his mind kept coming back to that Saturday. "Thinking of it there was a combat trial in heaven awhile back. And seeing this makes sense now. I just thought it was a test."
"I received Lord Michael's blessing and was reincarnated as an Angel. The Seraphs use the same technology as the Devils to make this possible. Instead of chess pieces, the ten Seraphs decided to have twelve others creating the Brave Saints. The King is the Seraph who acts as the master and the others fill in the position of Queen to Ace."
Azazel was listening to her depiction "Interesting system that was setup. There must be a trump card of some sort. But I can see why a system like this was introduced as there was no way to make more pure angels. So you can reincarnate humans to strength Heaven's force."
"We know that's not 100% true." Issei said to Azazel.
Azazel waved him off "We know that will never happen." Issei snapped his fingers hearing that "So what card are you then Irina?"
She held up her left hand as a black spade with an A appeared. "I'm Lord Michael's Ace. I received a position of such honor in the wake of the lack of our Lord."
"So Michael is the new support pillar in your life then?" Xenovia asked her.
"It is far better than losing myself to despair."
"Funny how you got the Ace of Spades." Issei told her. "Speaking of cards I'm assuming Gabriel got hearts because I doubt she would settle for less."
"You are correct about that." Irina said as she was somewhat surprised.
"Uriel strikes me as a Diamonds person, you know medic and what not. While that leaves Raphael with the clubs." Irina nodded hearing that. "What's next Gabriel has an all-female team?"
"As of now yes. Issei I heard part of your story from Lady Gabriel. Are you sure you are okay?" Irina asked somewhat concerned for him as he was and wasn't the same person she knew from long ago.
"I'm as fine as one gets from this state of being." He paid no mind as he kept scratching behind Koneko's ears as she was becoming more of a lap cat.
"Maybe it will be possible that one-day Rating games will be open to everyone." Azazel said as there were some thoughts about that.
"Churches are scary." They heard from Gasper as he was sitting in a box.
Issei peaked his head over to Gasper "Don't worry about it you pass for a girl so your safe from the church."
"ISSEI!" Irina shouted at him.
He only laughed at it "Deny it all you want but it's a thing." There were more pressing issues on the table than his jokes.
Irina was well-liked by everyone as she didn't have trouble fitting in with the devils or even the humans of the school. Sure she had some quirks but who didn't? "Enough about that." Sona said to Issei and Irina. "We have a party to welcome Irina here."
The following few days were interesting, to say the least. They were outside as everyone was in their gym clothes as the school sports festival had been decided. Issei and Asia were stuck together in the three-legged race all thanks to Kiryuu having administrative oversight thanks to the teacher. It didn't bother Issei at all it was more or less amusing. "What are you doing over here?" Issei heard Saji ask him as his voice was behind him.
"Would you believe me if I said I was watching the vast amount of girls and how their lack of proper bras makes them jiggle?"
Issei heard a sigh from Saji. "You are a bigger perv than you let on to be aren't you."
"You have no idea." Issei looked over at Saji as he saw a bandage over his right arm. "So what's with the arm? Are you into weird stuff?"
Saji unraveled the bandage as crawling up Saji's arms there was a Blacksnake. "I asked Azazel about this and he thinks this happened during our training when I absorbed some of your powers. When I took your power it infused with mine doing something."
"Neat" Issei said, looking at it. "Also I take no responsibility for what happens. Maybe it's one of Vritra's curses."
"Don't say that." Saji was quick to cover his hand as he started wrapping it back up. "So what activity are you doing.
"Three-legged race with Asia. What about you?"
"I got stuck with the bread eating." He slumped over saying that.
Issei chuckled hearing that "Have fun with that. Seriously who wants to eat bread?"
"Saji!" They heard a voice from behind them "What are you doing loafing around. We need to be checking everything." It was Sona as she had Tsubaki alongside her.
"Yes, Mama!" He ran over to them.
"Oh go easy on him." Issei said as Sona looked at him. "Your training for the mid-match is going to be a tough one. And the match is going to be no easier."
"How do you.." Sona tried asking as Issei walked away only flicking his wrist with a wave of goodbye. Issei however moved away from them to some secluded place. "So what do you know about the mark?" Issei asked in his head. "You saw it."
[It's a marking of Vritra.] Ddraig stopped for a moment thinking about it. [Maybe the direct contact awoke something in the Sacred Gear. Vritra's soul was slashed into many pieces and it's possible that drawing in our power kick-started awakening from scratch.]
"Interesting I guess it's akin to giving seed water and soil and watching it grow. Isn't there multiple sacred gears the bare Vritra's powers?" Issei asked as he watched Kiryuu groping Asia as they were playing around.
Ddraig didn't have an exact answer for him and Issei was okay with that. He had a wealth of knowledge but there were bound to be gaps in his knowledge. Fortunately for him, that gave him time to help Asia out of the situation she was in and help train for the race that was coming up.
The following hours later as a group Asia Xenovia, Irina, Katase, and Muraimaya alongside Issei made their way to the club room. When they entered they saw that Rias was sporting a confused yet serious look on her face. "Your face looks funny." Issei said as she looked up at him.
"Yes well, our next opponent in the Young Devil Rating game tournament has been decided." She said as they all sat down.
"Oh, are you fighting Seekvaira?" Issei asked her.
"I think at this point I rather would." Rias sighed hearing this. "The next match is soon. And it's said to be a special event as all four teams will be competing at the same time."
"Wait that can happen?" Katase asked Rias.
"Rating games are built on th idea. It has a lot of people in the Underworld have been questioning how this will work." Akeno said as the lights dimmed in the room. A projection came on as it showed multiple articles questioning how things would be working and matches would be structured.
"This match or round however you wanna call it was announced after the match with Sairaorg and Zephyrdor" Rias said as she was rubbing her head. "Fortunately we have that match to watch to learn from."
"Don't forget to take notes, But I need to find some popcorn." Issei said as Koenko was quick to find snack foods.
Once everything was settled there were some serious faces all around as they watched the match. It was more or less a slaughter match as each one of Zephydor's peerage was decimated from the raw power as they watched Sairaorg single handly. After the hour-long beat down Zephyrdor goaded Sairaorg into fighting him. He got what he wished for Zephyrdor threw all forms of energy attacks at him only for Sairaorg to bat them away with ease. As Sairaorg got close enough he threw a punch. Zephyrdor raised both hands as he crafted barriers to stop the punch but they were far too weak as each barrier that was erected was torn through like one-ply toilet paper. Sairaorg's fist was planted squarely in Zephyrdor's stomach as there was a shock wave on the other side as a large amount of saliva was ejected from his mouth.
"That's a deadly punch." Yumi had a keen eye "Sairaorg Bael is an opponent not to be taken lightly."
"How strong is that Zephydor person?" Katase asked
"He's not weak but the previous heir died in an accident and he is the current participant. As of now, the ranking committee has Bael ranked first followed by Agares Gremory Sitri and them Glasya Labolas." Akeno informed them.
"If he's being ranked lower than Sona he's weak." Issei said getting their attention. "This is a slaughter match at best. Sona has control of the water element and this guy just has a mouth at best. He didn't strike me as somebody with power or potential when he tried hitting on the Agares heir. The real question you should be asking is Sairaorg stronger than Riser?"
Rias thought about that for a moment "Riser is immortal but Sairaorg is a monster."
"Then it sounds like you need to start training hard."
"It's rare for a Pure devil to train." Azazel spoke up "It's not something you see in the devil community due to a stuck-up attitude.
"Sairaorg is no stranger to adversity. He's been nothing but beaten as a child as he wasn't granted talent."
"Ah, the old talent versus skill thing. Devils see talent as the key to power if you don't have it you have nothing. The problem is skill can out-strip talent any day of the week." Issei looked at Rias "How would you fare if you were to fight Zephydor?" He asked her.
"It's not as if that matters. Zephydor has retired from all future matches. Sairaorg destroyed his will to fight."
Issei was surprised to hear that. "Well, then I guess that makes everything easier." Azazel knew what he was referring to "No need to worry about what-ifs then. Only to worry about your possibilities so far Bael or Agares."
The following few days Aisa had gotten into the rhythm of training on how to walk in step with him for the race. Xenovia decided that it would be best to coach them "Your rhythm looks good if you keep it up the race should be in the bag. Come help me with this." She said to the two of them as she headed to one of the storerooms.
Naturally, the two of them followed Xenovia as she opened up the storeroom. On the top, she pointed to a box "Can you get that?" When Issei went in she shoved him into the room as he tripped over the mess of stuff in the room.
Fortunately, he landed on a foam mat not as if the ground would have hurt him but the door slammed shut as he was in there with Xenovia and Asia. "You know Asia, it's said that girls our age do things."
"What kind of things?" She asked Xenovia.
Xenoiva grabbed Asia's shirt and pulled it up so the bottom was hooked over her breasts showing off a cute bra with a ribbon connecting the two cups "Like having a man play with your breasts."
"Oh." Issei figured out what was going on now. Xenovia had a well thought out plan of getting the three of them in here. She pulled up her shirt and took her sports bra with it letting her breasts hang out leaving only the little blue shorts that covered her panties. "You know if you wanted to have sex all you had to do was ask."
He was largely ignored as Xenovia unhooked Asia's bra and pulled it off with her shirt. The two of them got down next to Issei as Xenovia grabbed his hands and put one on each of their chests. Xenovia got to put her hands on Asia's shorts and pulled on them revealing a small portion of Asia's white panties. Issei let go of Xenovia's breasts and did the same thing only to Xenovia. "Don't you think this going kinda far for school?"
The door ripped open as sunlight flooded the room "What are you doing!" It was Irina as she was standing in the doorway when she saw the half-naked girls on top of Issei. "It's filthy here! At least find a bed if you want to do that." Issei didn't know if she was referring to the dust or the fact that they were not at home when she was referring to filthy but she was at least right about it being dirty.
What Issei was sure of was when night fell he was out watching the girls as they dealt with their devil work. But something about tonight was off. As he wandered the streets as he came across a large area that was darker than normal, almost supernaturally dark. When he entered in there was a single light in the area that illuminated a vending machine. Issei walked into the light waiting for whatever was going to happen. "It's been a while Red Dragon." He heard as he turned to see something that shouldn't be there.
"So what are you doing here Bikou." Issei asked seeing the descendent of Sun Wukong.
"I'm merely here with my partner." He said as out of the darkness Vali came into the light.
"Long time no see Hyoudou." Vali said to him.
"And what brings you to this side of the world yet again?" Issei wondered why he was here.
"I heard about the next Rating Game."
Issei raised an eyebrow at that "Oh yeah? What do you think of it?"
"Interesting to say the least. I will say things are happening." Vali told him as Issei had questions.
"So you're saying the Khaos Brigade is preparing something?" He asked as he didn't get an answer from Vali
Vali motioned to Bikou "Come on. I hear there's a good noodle shop around here.'
Hearing that was all Issei needed as the two of them disappeared and the darkness vanished. Issei headed back home "While brief the plan might be working."
[It seems so, your Rival however is a weird one.]
"Weird? How so?"
[He talks to you more than any other in history has ever. To be fair you have spoken to me the most out of all my possessors as well. So I guess that makes you weird in the same sense. But it's been fun all these years with you.]
"It's nice to know that you care Ddraig." He said as he opened the door to the mansion that he now lives in. When he walked in he saw Rias and Akeno up at the top of the stairs. Akeno had on a shrine maiden outfit that was lacking plenty of features as the sides on the bottoms were gone and only enough cloth to cover her underwear. Her top was no better as it was lacking the structure to hold her breasts. Rias however had on fishnets and a super tight almost one-piece corset and panties. Behind her, there was a thin black tail that when she flicked her fingers around moved in accordance. "Oh? A skimpy Miko and bunny getup, Is this make Issei happy night? Because it's working."
"It's the least we could do for you." Akeno said as she stepped down the stairs he could see her breasts jiggle. "Maybe we can turn it into a show and touch party?"
"Oh yes please do." He smiled at them satisfied hearing that.
The door slammed open as out came Asia and Xenovia dressed in paper-thin white shirts with just as thin super short red skirts that cover just the minimum amount. "Issei!" Asia called out to him as he was now fixed on them.
"This is easy to move in when you are not wearing underwear." Xenovia said standing next to Asia.
"Yes, I can see that." As he could see her nipples through the fabric. He reached over and poked her nipples "Are you having fun with it?"
He felt a tug on his shirt as it wasn't from where Asia was as he turned around and saw Koneko with the same outfit on only her ears and tail were out. "Do I look good in this?"
Issei got down to her level and put his arms around her and lifted her up "Of course you do." When he got up he looked toward Rias and Akeno. "You might not be able to see it right now but I'm kinda excited."
"We expected that Issei." Rias laughed at him.
"Oh good at least you all understand how my brain works." He looked around to see if the others were going to come out. "Sooooo where's Katase, Murayama, or Yumi?"
"You need to level up to see the rest of us!" They heard from the top of the stairs.
"You mean I don't have to pay for the DLC then?" He pointed at the door to his room "Yet's go!" When they got upstairs they saw a board game laid out on the floor. It was just a copy of the game of life as they got everything set up the others came in to play. Katase came in wearing a yellow and white polka dot v cut shirt that had frilly pink accents and the edges of a red and black frilly bra could be seen. Murayama had a black and red waitress outfit that was extremely skimpy. Yumi didn't care much as she just had a T-shirt and a small pair of shorts on. "Fair enough."
"I love board games!" They heard Irina come in as it was a full house.
"Oh, Issei." Rias called out to him "We all have to go to the underworld tomorrow for interviews for TV."
"Sounds like fun." He rolled some dice and moved his figure accordingly.
"You're coming as well."
"Oh." He raised an eyebrow to that.
The following day after school Issei tagged along with them as they hopped through a magic circle and landed in the bowels of a television station. They were immediately greeted by the staff of the Tv station as they were escorted through the building. Going through the building was no different than what was seen in the human world. It was just a large office building where people made television. When they got near the top they were greeted by a man in a suit "I'm so glad that you all are here. Lady Rias Gremory and her servants please come with me."
There were posters of people plastered all around the walls of famous people in the underworld. Rias was no exception as it looked as if they framed one of her magazine covers as she just smiled at everyone who walked past it. Down the halls from them was another group of people as it looked as if they were leaving "Sairaorg I didn't know you would be here today." Rias asked him as behind him there was a tall blonde woman with a ponytail
"We just finished with our interview." Rias nodded hearing that. "We watched your match. You have an interesting family. Compatibility is important but yet there are many unknowns in the rating games. And yet I learned quite a bit from your match with Sona Sitri." Sairaorg looked at Issei "But I wish to fight you."
Issei looked at him "WHy?"
"Call it a hunch." Sairaorg patted his shoulder as he and his peerage left.
A different man came toward them "I'll be the one conducting the interview. It's good to meet all of you. Please come inside and we will get everyone seated so we can begin."
The staff started calling out names as they were sitting everyone down where they wanted them to be for the camera. All the chairs were filled out "Excuse me but who are you?" They asked Issei.
"Issei Hyoudou? I was dragged along I'm assuming as a chaperone?"
"No no no." They were flipping through papers "You are needed in another building."
Issei was escorted out of the room and down the halls "You are quite famous in the underworld." The female staff member said as she lead him to another studio. "The fact that your a dragon and you talked about women's breasts has garnered plenty of attention from the children."
He was led into a room and handed a script "I'm getting a feeling that this is a bad idea."
"Trust me it will be fun. Oh and keep quiet about this for the time being." She told him as she left the room.
Fortunately for him, the pain only took about half an hour but he had plenty of time to kill as he had to wait for the others. "Are you sure you would like to be in I still have time to change things?" Issei asked as he was sitting in the little room they gave him. He was talking to a girl a little younger than he is as she had long blonde curls in her hair.
"I don't mind it at all."
He looked over at Ravel "LIke it's gonna be full rope and everything."
"That's fine it's just a reenactment."
Issei had his answer he was looking at her as in his hand a small badge appeared and he tossed it to her. She caught it "Be there one hour early for stage prep. She didn't have any pockets to store anything on her dress as she sent the pass away via magic to one of her hiding spots.
A knock was heard on the door as it opened up as all the girls came in. "So how was your time Issei?" Rias asked as she saw Ravel sitting on the couch. "Ravel Phoenix what are you doing here of all places?"
"My second oldest brother is on a television program today and unfortunately it's a longer episode today. So I needed something to do during this time." She smiled and nodded her head towards them. "I look forward to your matches that are upcoming." Ravel took her leave as they looked at Issei.
"So what's in the basket." Akeno asked as there was a small brown basket on the table.
"Cake apparently." The mood darkened as they were all looking at him as if an aura of death encompassed the room. And that Aura was directed at Issei as he fucked up royally as all of them were suspicious of him now.
Issei would escape the wrath that would be attempted to be brought down on him. But it was only for a short time as they had bigger things to worry about as tomorrow was game day. And for them, it came quicker than they wanted. Issei however was walking in a hallway full of rooms. When he reached the door he was looking for he opened it up and he could see sound video equipment all around as there was a man inside. "Are you Issei Hyoudou?" He asked.
"I am, Your Naud correct?" Issei got a nod from him. "Good, are you broadcasting yet?"
"No, we have a few minutes before we go live."
"Perfect." Issei walked up to the desk and he took off a jacket that he was wearing as Naud saw something that wasn't right. On Issei's hip, there was a gun as it wasn't something the devil's dealt with.
"Don't you think something like that is a little unnecessary for an announcing gig?"
"No." Issei shook his head. "Tonight's game is an exhibition match at best as you have no doubt read the script. But it's a scam at best. The Satan's have authorized this game to be used as bait to lure in the members of the Old Satan Faction." Naud's eyes were focused on what he was hearing "If they take the bait the match gets canceled and we deal with the intruders. If it doesn't happen then everything is played out and points are awarded to determine the following matches."
"When you say we will deal with them you're not referring to…"
"No, you will not be fighting." Issei connected the wires he needed for controlling everything that was going to happen. "What you will be seeing is something the Devil community has forgotten about."
Once Issei was set up and the appointed time had struck the hour they have video feeds of everything that was to come. "Hello, ever I am Naud Gamigin one of your hosts for tonight's special event."
"My Name is Issei Hyoudou the crafter of tonight's crazy event. And I would like to welcome you to a one-time-only special event. The Young Devil's Rating game tournament has been going strong with excellent matches from Rias Gremory, Sona Sitri, and Sairaorg Bael. But dude to Sairaorg Bael's recent match with Zephyrdor Glasya-Labolas he has withdrawn from all further events."
Rias, Sona, Seekvaira, and Sairaorg and their respective peerages were all standing in a massive white void as they could hear the commentators. "I had a feeling he was in on this." Sona said hearing them talk.
"Unfortunately Seekvaira and Zephyrdor were going to be fighting next so we had to spin up this special event as there are only four competitors left. As for this match, it is something that has never been seen in the Rating Games. Rating games have been used as a way to train people for battle in a one-on-one team format. But something has been lost in its use of the games. While it trains people for war it never teaches them how to work with others outside their own peerages. Devil society has seen to it that a 1v1 system is best and I plan on showing that there are other ways." Issei held up his left hand as the cameras showed his Boosted gear. "I am the host of Ddraig, The Red Dragon Of Domination. My predecessors and I have seen combat all through the ages. War does not discriminate as most of my predecessors have served in some of the bloodiest battles humanity has seen. All of them have died horrible deaths and endured awful lives. What you will see here tonight is how four teams must work together to navigate some of the worst things experienced in the wars. While what you see here tonight will be toned down from the past viewer discretion is advised."
Down on the stage pictures and life-altering events flashed past them as they ticked down in the years. "In 1935 there was a small war between Ethiopia and Italy. From 1936 to 1939 a civil war broke out in Spain that sent them spiraling out of control. In 1937 the Japanese invaded China in what is now called the Second Sino-Japanese War, at the start of the 1930's Japan was involved in border conflicts with the at the time Soviet Union. And after 21 years of waiting and preparing on September 1 of 1939 Germany invaded Poland sparking the largest War that engulfed humanity into another spiral of death."
The landscape changed as they were on a boat approaching a beach. They could see houses near the beach as it was lined with barbed wire and giant metal crosses buried into the sand. "June 6, 1944, Operation Overlord was carried out as one the largest counteroffensive operations that musted after the United States joined the war. Ahead of you is what was dubbed Juno beach. The Canadians offered their services in repelling the Nazi invasion and this was their job to secure the beachhead so the push could continue along with capturing the airfield and railway." A massive explosion rocked the area it was the first of many that began pummeling the ground in front of them. "Your objective is to secure a foothold in the villages of Banville and Sainte-Croix-sur-Mer. And before any of you ask the guns are real but the ammunition they are powered by magic or demonic energy. Live bullets while would be interesting this makes it easier to heal any of you that will be retired." There was an audible click Issei's voice disappeared.
"What have we gotten into?" Rias asked looking around at everyone as the boat was still some ways out from the beachhead.
"Whatever, we have to play his game." Sona said as she held her hand out as one of the few things they were given was a map of the area. "The area is full of spots that we can be ambushed at."
"If this is a test to see how we would work together this operation is one of the best of the major ones to use. Records showed that the Canadians had the lowest casualty count of all of them. This could be the start of something easy." Seekvaira pointed at the map "Our objective is here." She flicked her finger down to the bottom of the map where the ocean was. "The quickest way is right through the center but that's not the smartest way."
Outside of the game Naud and Issei were talking to the people watching at home. "Is it honestly that simple?" Naud asked him "Would they just be able to fly to the designated point and capture it and win this round?"
"I get the idea of it, but it's no different from the idea of the airborne divisions that were employed. The question is will they take the point by air or will they go on foot? For them, the Objective is not to reenact what combat happened or to find the identity of who held the boosted gear. It's about working as a team to clear the objective given to them. There are no Kings, Queens, Pawns, and everything in between in this. They are people who have to work together to complete the mission given to them."
"I see." Naud scratched his chin "This is something that is very different from the standard rating games. But for the viewers at home is there anything else they should know?"
"Everything you see is historically accurate to what we know what happened and the host at the time. If there were anti-aircraft guns in the area then they are manned and useable. But like I said earlier we are using magic and demonic power as ammunition that's the only difference."
Once Issei was finished the team decided on a plan as they took to the air. One in the air sirens were going off they could see magical bullets flying at them. Ground crews were manning machine guns and firing them in the air as magical walls of lead were aimed at them. Soon they heard loud explosions off in the distance as around them large black clouds peppered them as everyone had to put up a magical barrier to defend themselves from the shrapnel. "Kuisha!" Sairaorg called out for her.
"On it." She said as Black holes appeared all around them as the bullets flew into them along with the other explosions. When they disappeared she opened up another hole and opened up on the closest group of enemies as the bullets rained down. They watched as the blue retirement lights were popping off left and right as squads of soldiers just disappeared as there was now a gap opened for them.
(With a swift use of Kuisha Abaddon's 'Hole' the first wave of attackers has been fought off opening them a point to begin progressing. But what lies next in the town?) Naud was spouting off to the television audience.
As a group they began advancing straight towards the objective, anything that came in their way was dealt with as Sairaorg and Rias' peerages attacked with Seekavarig and Sona's teams acting as the defensive wall holding up a moving barrier as they progressed.
(Bold strategy of them to advance right down the middle of them.)
[Bold indeed. It seems as if nobody in the group is as familiar with who was in that area. Field Marshal Erwin Rommel the man that tore North Africa apart with his command of tanks.]
Loud explosions could be heard as buildings crumbled. Off in the distance, they could just make out a tank advancing toward them. When it fired they could see glass shattering from the shockwave. "That thing needs to be dealt with!" Sona shouted, "It will tear us apart if we stay here."
"Kuisha send its attack back at it, that should give us some time to move."
She did the same thing as before as the tank shell came close it was swallowed by the black hole and redirected back at the tank. The shell zipped through the air faster than it was fired as it hit the front of the tank. They watched as it smashed into pieces sending the fragments into the air. There was a black mark on the tank from the impact but other than that it was in perfect working order as the turret readjusted its aim to fire another round.
"SCATTER!" There was a shout as everyone got out of the way and hid on the sides of houses.
"That thing needs to be taken out of commission. Burn it, freeze it, I don't care how."
"I have a better idea" Seekvaira held her hand out as a few Gundam figures appeared as they flew towards the tank.
"I don't see how toys are going to help us!" Saji shouted at her.
The tank fired its shell as the sound wave stopped just as it started. Around the tank it was frozen in place as the round fired was hovering in places. There was a thin green barrier around the tank as it looked as if everything inside was moving in slow motion. "Let's move we can get to the objective."
[I'm sorry, did she just stop a tank with Gundam figures?] Issei was surprised to see something that absurd.
(The Agares family can craft barriers that slow localized time.)
[I'm familiar with the devil clan's fancy powers. I guess it's the fact that she used Gundam figures as a medium to cast her powers. Let alone that they were able to fly on her orders. It's like she breathed life into plastic models.]
With the time around the tank stopped, and they continued to push forward removing any resistance that got in their way. It didn't take long for them to come across a large empty field. "There's nothing here?" Akeno asked as she looked around "The map had houses on it but it's just flat.
"Congratulations for passing round one." They heard Issei's voice "Securing a way through the town was trivial once you were able to get past the tank. Sure you left plenty of enemies in the houses but when your greatest threat was removed from the operation cleanup could begin. But you are off to your next trip through History." The field began to shift as images of history rolled back on them. "Once again we shift back in time. On June 28, 1914, Archduke Franz Ferdinand the next heir to the Austro-Hungarian Empire was shot while on a visit to Sarajevo in what we now know as Bosnia and Herzegovina. Unfortunately, I don't have enough time to explain what caused the uprising to The War to End all Wars. But just know that most of Europe was constantly at war from 1887 to 1914 and each one of those wars built on top of each other that caused it to create the First World War."
Around them, the ground changed into the sand as the sun beat down on them. "Welcome to Ottoman Empire." For miles upon miles, there was nothing but sand and rocks and the sun beating down on them. "I guess to be accurate you're in the deserts of Saudi Arabia. Far to the north lies Damascus and to your south Medina. And before you is the Hejaz railway built by the Ottoman empire. And yes before anyone says anything I know we are dealing with the Arab world and it can be a touchy subject for some people. But let's be real most of you old folks helped finance the World Wars."
Far down the railway, there was a plume of black smoke that billowed out "Thomas Edward Lawrence better known as TE Lawrence the only European in World War 1 who had grasps on the Arab armies set foot here. Days of traveling through the desert as the heat tortured them all for a singular purpose, hit and run strikes on the Ottoman Empire to create an Arab revolt and move resources away from Europe to fight a war on different fronts. But that train has something you want. What is it? I know but you need to figure it out, Oh and don't think the same plans will work twice. As for whatever it is take it to a fort to the south once found."
They watched as the train navigated the tracks "I'm familiar with this." Tsubasa held her hand up as everyone looked at her. "They derailed the train with mines and any other explosives they could get their hands on. And once they derailed it the Arabs slaughtered everyone inside and looted the train."
"Do I want to know how you are aware of this?" Sona asked her Rook.
"There was a movie about it."
"I assume it was gold on the train at the time." Tsubasa nodded hearing that. "I doubt we're looking for gold. Documents or a VIP is my guess that would be something that would be carried by train."
"Why don't we just decouple the engine from the rest of it. Should be easy to take out a large latch and the rest is ours." Sairaorg said to them.
"Are you volunteering then Sairaorg?" Sona asked him.
"Sure why not. I should be able to get on it with ease."
"If you stop the cars we can board them all at once. We should have enough people to do in one stroke." Seekvaira said as she was looking at the train as it was coming into view. "Or not it's hauling over thirty cars and it's getting closer."
"Let's move then. We have a good distance to cover." Yumi said to them as there was no objection to that.
They walked down the dunes as it was hot as sand was getting everywhere. There was a collective thought on how they were going to punish Issei for putting them through this. But that had to wait as Sairaorg moved well ahead of them as he was flying towards the train. When he landed on the train it was quiet as he got to the engine as nobody was driving it.
Seeing that nobody was inside of it he went in and looked for a lever of some sort. There were many of them as he grabbed every single one of them and pulled on them trying to slow the train down. One of them worked as there was a grinding noise and metal on metal was screeching away. When the train came to a stop Sairaorg jumped off "Nobody was driving it."
"Shields up" Seekvaira shouted at everyone as a barrier around them formed "This smells like a trap."
She was right as the boxcars exploded sending wood and metal flying everywhere. Second, came a wave of bullets as most were bouncing off the barrier or dissipating but some could make small incisions in their barriers and pass through. There was a mad scramble as nobody wanted to get hit but there was also no cover for them. It was decided then and there that they had to take them out as magic spells went flying around trying to strike anything and lessen the fire they were taking.
The ground shook "EARTHQUAKE!" There was a shout from one of the devil actors.
(Did you plan for an earthquake?) Naud asked
There was some typing on a keyboard [Can Rating game dimensions even have earthquakes?] Issei asked as the building they were in swayed as they heard a loud explosion outside of the announcer's booth. Issei flicked his hand over at Naud motioning him to move over.
A shadow was cast over the train as everyone stopped to look up in the air. "That's not part of the plan." One of the devils on a machine gun said as he pointed it up in the air.
"What do you mean that's not part of the plan!" Rias shouted at the poor man.
"Yeah uhhhhhh…" They heard Issei's voice "That's not part of the plan at all. Whoever that is deal with it."
Issei grabbed his stuff as he was going to leave the booth as the door swung up. "FOR LORD SHALBA BEELZEBUB." There was a loud pop Issei shot the guy in the leg as he tumbled to the floor.
"No." A light squeeze of the trigger pulled a few more rounds out as the devil was dead on the floor. Issei kicked the corpse out into the hallway as he closed the door, he saw the hallway full of people wearing animal masks with horns coming out of the forehead as they were holding onto halberds with a large ax section and pointy red tips. "This just in firearms are dangerous." He raised the gun and pulled the trigger they made barriers to stop the bullet. But unfortunately for them, the projectile passed right through the barrier with ease striking the first person in the shoulder. "The lesson you forgot is when the caster is stronger than the barrier the barrier breaks."
"Charge him!" There was a stampede of enemies as there were loud pops that echoed through the hallways.
It took a good minute to wade through the bodies as Issei opened one of the doors in the room inside there were Sirzechs and Azazel along with plenty of other gods. "So uh there's plenty of corpses out there."
"Do you want me to clean it up?" Sirzechs asked him as the room they were in was in disrepair it looked as if there was a fight in the room as well.
"It would be nice. Burning corpses inside isn't a great idea. Burning anything inside isn't a great idea if I'm honest. That and I need to deal with the intruders."
There was a laugh from an old man as Issei looked over at Odin "Well if there's more fighting to be had then I think I'll tag along."
"Oh good, there's plenty of people to deal with inside the area." Issei's red magic circle lit up the area. "And I mean a lot, like a small army's worth."
Odin stepped in with Issei "Then it seems like fun." He said as the two of them disappeared. When they came out on the other side they were on top of a dune that looked down on the battle as they were at a small fort. "Why are we so far away."
"Something is messing with teleportation would be my guess. We should be next to the train."
Odin laughed at that "Didn't they leave a hole in the barrier for them to invade?"
The two of them started flying over to the battle "We did it's kinda large as well. But I need to deal with this map's objective." Issei flew off leaving Odin behind. He flew across the battlefield as his contestants were fighting off the army that thought it was a great idea to invade. Landing at the rear of the train he opened the door to the car and saw the game's prize inside of it. "Does the hostage need a rescue?" He asked as there was a little blonde girl with a light brown button-up shirt and matching short shorts with a small domed hat on her head.
"Oh you know once would be nice. But I wasn't expecting you."
"What can I say?" Issei walked in as he started to untie her from the chair
"So why are you here and not the competitors?" Ravel asked him but before he could answer the train car shook as a hole in the roof behind them and a body fell into the car.
"Uhhhh you see terrorists like sand." Issei pulled something out of his ass for an answer.
Ravel wasn't enthused to hear that "So your plan went off early then."
"I don't exactly get say in when they invade only a hope that they would take the bait." He pulled the last set of ropes off her as he picked her up and ran out of the train car. "Sometimes things just happen." He said to her as they looked at the bigger picture of what was to come. "You can see it as cruel but it is a solid plan." They moved over to the circle of people.
"Issei what the hell are you doing here?" Rias asked him as she saw him. "Wait we were looking for Ravel?"
His right hand teetered back and forth "Yes she was the person you were looking for. But I found her so you don't have to look for her anymore!" He tried to liven it up.
They heard a high-pitched scream as they looked over and saw Odin as they saw him holding up Akeno's skirt showing off a thin pair of black panties. "Yes yes, that is a nice figure something only the younger ones have."
"That that that is far too revealing." Ravel stutter seeing Akeno's panties
"Oh, that's quite tame Ravel. There are much more revealing things out there." He patted her on the head "You will understand eventually." Issei looked over at Odin "So Odin we are still on TV. And after that, I doubt your wife will be sleeping with you."
There was a laugh from Odin as he heard that "That ship sailed long ago young man."
"Let me guess you harass strippers then?" Issei asked as Odin shrugged.
"Does somebody want to explain what's going on?" Rias said as combat had stopped as the intruders were in awe of Odin.
"Different factions are cooperating to deal with the Khaos Brigade. And they happened to fall for the trap." Odin walked forward past all the kids as he held out his hand as a rounded trident appeared in his hand "So what one of you wants to take the glory of being the one to slay Odin of the Norse." There was a collective Roar as the attackers grew a started the assault on Odin.
"We were used as bait." Sona said pushing her glasses up.
"Yes." Issei didn't bother denying it as explosions rattled off as corpses were flying around "It's not as if you were in danger." He looked over past them "Hey Odin, that one is mine."
"Yeah Yeah" He said as he was stabbing people with magic flying around everywhere.
Seekvaira looked down slightly at Issei "And do tell us who that person is."
Issei looked up at the woman seeing mainly her breasts in front of him as he smiled "Well maybe if you tell me how you animated those Gundam figures. Oh, wait that gives me an idea." He head his hand up stopping her before she could say anything. He pressed the left side of his collar bone and spoke into a small microphone "And By the way, you are stuck in this dimension with us. You might be hiding behind one of the many dunes or even a building out there. But you stuck in here with me so please come on out." His voice echoed over the area he was still broadcasting to a Television audience.
"Through my clan's demonic power"
Issei snapped his fingers hearing that "That's no fun. All I got was the fancy ability to master fire." On the tips of his fingers, they saw that they were on fire as he point at her. "Demonic power is such a fickle thing." He waved his hand back and forth as the flames dissipated. "Shalba Beelzebub"
Hearing that name there was a collective groan from the four kings. "And just why are you wanting to fight a descendant of a Satan?"
"Well, you see when a tree grows you need to snip out the infection before it festers. But unfortunately, that infection has been left to fester for far too long. And it needs to be dealt with, and fortunately, this one isn't that bright."
"Because he walked into an all too obvious trap with an army." Sona said, understanding exactly what happened.
"Exactly, this Khaos Brigade is great at causing problems but they seem to be quite stupid." Issei waved his hand over to the other side of the train "He's somewhere over there watching as Odin slaughter's his army. Probably waiting to get the jump on the old man and take the big W for his cause."
"So what do we do in the meantime then? Any battle prep for the upcoming fight?" Rias asked him.
"We wait? Or we can force him out." Issei shrugged saying that "Honestly both plans work for me." That's when an idea hit him "How about we mess with him?" Issei held his hand out as it showed a map of the field they were in. He poked at a few squares as things started moving around on the field while they could see sand falling from the sky off in the distance.
"Rearranging the field on the fly?" Sairaorg asked as he watched dust clouds form.
"Normally you can't for safety reasons. But I had these set-piece ideas in place and needed to move things around without the illusion of magic." Issei pointed out where they were on the map and where he was approximate as he brought up a list of items they had prepared "What should we use next?" He asked looking for suggestions.
"What about some bombs?" he heard somebody ask.
"Ohhhhhhhhhhh" He scrolled around showing off the list of stuff they had "It's just magic but it's a good show effect."
"Why do you have firebombs?" Katase asked him seeing the list.
"Because fire is cool. It's just not as effective as a person were to cast it. Still cool." He said as people were pointing out suggestions for what to do. A collect push for everything was sent as off in the distance they could hear whistles and explosions as fireballs were sent into the air. The shockwaves rattled the area as Issei laughed at them "I think some of you people might be a bigger pyromaniac than I am.
It didn't take long as the shelling stopped as they saw a man with brown hair that went down to his shoulders and a large cape that covered his clothes "The fuck is wrong with you people." He said to them.
"Look who it is, the dead man of the hour." Issei was glad to see that Shalaba was wanting to play ball.
"This is not how you treat your true ruler. I am the true successor to the title of Beelzebub." He looked down upon them as if he was their one and hope.
"Arnt you officially a prince?" Issei asked him. "Better yet aren't the four of you Prince and Princesses?" He looked at the kids getting a flimsy answer from them.
"ENOUGH!" Shalba shouted as his right arm came out from under his coat as it was plated in all black with a futuristic cannon on his right arm as he fired off an attack at the group. Who the target was was unknown.
Everyone moved out of the way as the area turned dark as they saw something covering them. It was a massive wing that stretched out and the source was Issei. "Come now Shalba. Did you think I was going to use them as bait and let you harm them? You must be crazier than I thought." The wing swept backward sending a chunk of sand into the air.
"Fine." Shalba threw off his coat revealing he was dressed in all black armor with a few purple connecting points. "I guess I have to kill you before the brats."
Issei was excited to hear that as he raised his fists with a smile on his face. "I don't get to fight that often as much as I used to. But do I need my armor? I shouldn't but it looks cool." HE was mumbling to himself at the end. His wings extended out as he floated up in the air "Yeah it's still cool."
[WELSH DRAGON BALANCE BREAKER!]
Clad in his red armor as he radiated power he looked at Shalba "Come now oh might descendent of Beelzebub. Show me your worth or are you nothing but hot air that resides in the desert?"
Shalba held his hand out as a green magic circle appeared out of it came a swarm of angry bees as they rushed at Issei. Most of them got in close quarters as Issei swung his arms around in an open hand style, slicing anything that he came into contact with. Some exploded with Demonic energy as they were cut into blowing up like bombs while others stayed back shooting explosive needles at him. Shalba keep streaming out as many of the bees as he could as he kept the pressure up.
Issei however was having fun just swatting everything down as the corpses were piling up in the sand. "Don't tell me this is all you can do?"
"You're just defending from my bees. Your abilities have been overhyped."
They heard Issei laugh "Yeah that tends to happen." His right hand lit on fire with a dark red fire as there was a flash as everything fell to the ground. "I'm sorry, what was that again?" Issei waved his hand in front of his face "Oh man it smells like burning flesh."
Shalba held up his right hand as a black and purple crest appeared with the infinity symbol. He crushed it as his body glowed with a black hue as his power was rising. "Pitty I have put you down, you could have been useful."
Issei laughed at that "Yeah right, the only thing of use would have been that Leviathan chick. She would have made a great maid but she was as dumb and maybe even dumber than you walking into armed strongholds thinking she would win."
"SHUT UP!" Shalba shouted as he fired out a large green wave of energy.
Issei wanted to see how strong Shalba was as he just waited for the energy to hit him as put up a guard for the attack. It crashed into his armor as it was a blast that carried actual weight to back it up. "Color me impressed. But how much of that power is yours and not its?" He asked as he closed the gap striking Shalba in the face. Spit was sent out of his mouth as Issei's fist collide with his face.
Shalba swung back instantly trying to hit Issei in the face but as he did Issei pushed him away as the attack missed. He grabbed his jaw, moving it back into place. "What kind of freak are you?"
"Oh, you know." Issei disappeared for a moment as he reappeared in front of Shalba and with an open hand like he was going to slap him but it was a sharp claw. He slashed down, cutting into Shalba's armor and cutting his chest. "One of my circumstances." Issei was quick to act again as he hit Shalba once again knocking him to the ground. "SHOW ME THAT POWER YOU CLAIM TO HAVE!" He shouted as he inhaled in deeply as the slot on his mouth opened up as when he exhaled it was nothing but a deep red like cherry-colored flames came out he bathed the land in front of him in nothing but flames as it turned from the sea of sand to fire.
There was a green barrier around Shalba as he was able to defend himself from the initial contact but the heat was building up as the sand was cooking. Out from the barrier came a wave of the elements as they pelted Issei. Shalba was more than proficient in how to use multiple elements as they bounced off his armor. It was quite unfortunate that Issei was seeing the extreme end of Shalba's power. While he thinks he has the power of a Satan yet it was only a joke. "It's quite sad, Shalba. Even with its power that is all you can muster? And you think you have enough power to rule the underworld?" Issei asked as he descended to the ground.
"Fuck you." Shalba shouted at him as Issei's feet touched the floor a massive magic circle appeared "Taste the light of Judgement!" Issei was engulfed in a pillar of green light.
It looked to be his last ditch attack that bathed the area in a green glow. It wasn't a weak attack as it was cracking his armor but it wasn't strong enough to do anything much past that. Issei swung his arm down cutting the energy as it was disrupted "Well it was fun while it lasted." He said as he rushed through what was left of the attack with his right hand he clamped down on Shalba's right shoulder and with his left hand, he pulled on his arm with one tug he ripped the arm right out of the socket and cut everything in half.
Shalba screamed in pain and blood splattered everywhere as an arm was tossed away. That was only the start as claws sank into the shoulder and punctured everything destroying all the muscle tissue. Shalba's one good arm was punching Issei in the face and detonating magic spells point blank as he flailed around in pain. Removing his claws from the shoulder he sliced off Shalba's other hand as he grabbed his throat holding up by it. "Well, Shalba it's been fun. I have one thing to ask you and there are no wrong answers for this one." Issei whispered in his ear "Tell me what you know of a woman named Miki Hyoudou."
Shalba tried to laugh hearing that "No"
"I told you there was no wrong answer. But you picked the wrong one. And for your crimes against the underworld attempt to murder heirs of families and treason. Your death warrant was signed long ago." At first, Shalba could feel a tingling sensation but it soon erupted into a burning one as he was dropped to the floor only to scream in pain. Black flames overtook him as his skin cracked and folded in, his blood boiled as it came to the surface as his internals cooked off. Issei watched as the flames ramped up and the body started to melt away.
The flames receded as Issei walked toward the group "Go home." He waved them off "The final set of matches will be announced soon. When and where will take some time to sort out. But for now, train hard and show that you are the peek of your generation." Issei said as he sat down on what was left of a train car looking out to the sea of charred sand.
Sairaorg and Seekvaira were quick to leave and Rias and Sona waited to see if anything would happen. As such it was best that they did wait as they saw a little girl dressed in a black and purple gothic dress with white edges. She stood next to Issei looking at him as Sirzechs and Azazel "Why are you here?" Azazel asked as they got close to Issei as everyone else followed.
"I've felt that stare of something watching." Issei said as he looked over to see Ophis "So what is it that you are looking for?"
A portal appeared next to her with the crest of Lucifer as out of it Vali walked out seeing Ophis looking at Issei. "Join me Ddraig."
It wasn't too surprising to Sirzechs or Azazel that Ophis would try and recruit him. But out in the open was another story. The girls however found it surprising that it even happened. "Pass." He waved her off as he looked over and saw the little girl looking at him. "My name isn't Ddraig as well."
Ophis pointed at him tilting her head. "But you are Ddraig."
"Nope, not Ddraig. Only his host." Issei looked down at her "What is your goal, Oroboros?"
"Silence."
"Then put your hands over your ears." Issei said as he sat down again.
He watched as the sky ripped apart as out a massive red dragon floated through the area. Ophis pointed at the Dragon "Great Red. I will have my silence."
Seeing the dragon Vali spoke up "This is why we came here today. To see if the rating game fields were in a barrier in the dimensional gap. Shalba could do whatever he wanted. His plan was of no use to us."
"And where did you think these matches took place?" Issei asked Vali "In the sky over some random area in the underworld?"
"Speaking of a Shalba. Where is he?" Azazel asked.
"Over in the sand somewhere. He's not dead if that's what you're asking." Issei looked back at the group of kids. "Your training needs to step up a few notches. Both groups need to gain power at a large rate."
"What do you have in mind?" Sirzechs asked him. "Also what do you mean he's not dead?"
"Well, I could use a fancy dimension like this to train them. You know, so I don't destroy the town while they piss themselves."
Azazel laughed at that "What kind of demented training did Gabriel put you through?"
"In retrospect, it wasn't that bad." Issei waved it off as if it was nothing. "As for Shalba, he got away somehow. Body duplication or husk of flies I have no clue but I am impressed that he was able to do it. I didn't notice he was gone till after the fact. He's missing a whole arm and his other hand."
"Right" Azazel shrugged at that as he looked towards Vali "Shalba is going to be out of the fight for a while so the Old Satan faction is gone for the most part. I've heard that there is another Faction called the Hero Faction that is made of descendants of heroes and Sacred gear users."
Vali didn't answer "We're leaving" Ophis said as the two of them disappeared into the void.
"I think that answers your question Azazel." Sirzechs joked with Azazel seeing as Vali disappeared with the Ouroboros Dragon. "You all can take your leave." He said Rias and Sona.
Sona bowed, hearing that as Tsubaki teleported them out of the Area. "I'll meet you all back at home." Issei said as Akeno did the same, teleporting them out of the arena.
"It seems as if your plan worked." Azazel said knowing that there was one less threat in the world.
"It might be controversial with the viewing crowd, but it did show that it can be used as a battle simulator rather than a 1v1 game." Sirzechs said the sand started to drain away making a sand whirlpool in the desert. "Speaking of this little scenario of yours, who was the Host of Ddraig during this time?"
Issei rubbed his hands together hearing that "Would you believe me if I told you he was famous?"
"Considering that nobody found the Boosted Gear during the first world war, that surprises me a bit." Azazel told them
"A Red Biplane swept through the skies of France. Shooting down whoever came close as he pioneered the art of combat Aviation. Manfred von Richthofen the Red Baron, Ironic when you think about it."
Azazel chuckled hearing that "Hearing that I can understand it now."
Issei pointed out where Shalba's body was as they headed out. "Fate has been quite cruel to all of us. The Story that is spread around about the hosts of Ddraig and Albion is far from the truth. Most of the early hosts were born in war and had been killed in wars before they were 15 or did the killing. Some were deranged Psychopaths, most were scarred from combat, and having a dragon speak to them didn't make it better. The Women were no better, how Elsha stayed sane she never has told me."
Sirzechs looked at Issei as if this was all news to him. The inner working of the boosted gear was something that only a few knew the exact details of and others had some knowledge. "And what of the others? Are they still around in some form?"
"Oh no." Issei waved it off. "I purged the crazy ones who wanted nothing but death and destruction. I kept the cool ones for a few years and learned their stories from them. Most of them have passed and only Elsha is barely around and she dragged out that Belzard guy once."
"Belzard was one the strongest hosts and Elsha was the strongest female host." Azazel said as he knew those names quite well.
"Were" Issei kicked the body of Shalba "The real one is in plenty of pain right now." Shalba's body was burnt to a crisp as there was still some steam seeping out from his insides. I say we just collapse the field and let it fly into the gap. It will break down with some time."
"At least the Old Satan faction has been deferred for now." Sirzechs said seeing the state of Shalba's corpse. "I'll get to work on getting a training dimension set up for them." Sirzechs teleported away, seeing that everything was done.
"Let's just hope the last one stays out of this."
Issei did a double take hearing that "Wait, is he still alive?"
Azazel shrugged "Who knows it's possible. Go home for now I guess."
After a few days, Issei and Asia were in the school race and everyone was cheering them on. While they did, Azazel watched as Asia dragged Issei off to a secluded area. He chuckled seeing that as he was watching from a distance. "You know Mikey we have everything made. Just need you to sign off then your teams can prepare it." Azazel said as he looked over at the man standing next to him.
"Are you sure about all of this Azazel?" It was Michael in his golden robes as they watched the sports festival from a distance.
"With some blessing and testing, it could be operational in say two months depending on how it goes with the tests. Besides, your faction requires this more than you want to admit. The Brave saints are an amazing addition of blood but you need to diversify and add new members."
"Outside of my Ace, who would be given access to that?" Michael asked as it was a daunting task to see who would advance their species.
"As a man, it pains me to say this but I think the answer is clear. Two rooms for two angles that would be with the same person." Azazel knew it was a hot take but who else would be a capable suitor for her. "That will take some time to even convince her if it is even possible."
"Issei already has a little harem of devil girls and he didn't do much to attract them to his side. What's the harm of hooking him up with the most beautiful woman in heaven who he will do anything for as is?"
"Where is she taking him to?" Michael asked, referring to Asia as he watched her pulling Issei.
"My guess is behind a building as doing it in front of others would be too embarrassing for her." Azazel laughed at the thought of it. "Look…" Azazel said, trying to sway the topic in another direction. "Your faction is more important than mine is. And getting fresh blood into the pool through reincarnation or creation isn't something that you can just avoid."
"I'm well aware of this. We have already had a few instances of just that. But if we were to do this then we would need to prepare some way to take care of these children." Michael looked towards Azazel.
"Oh no." Azazel waved him off "I had to deal with Vali and that was already enough. I was lucky to have a few women around who already had kids to help with that mess."