Chapter two: Liabilities

"HUH! HUH! HUH! HUH!" Issei panted as he was hard at work slamming his fists into a suspended punching bag, each blow creating a lasting dent in the dark blue sack. "Grrrr…" Issei growled and his blows started to intensify as Issei began to picture his former king Riser Phenex's face on the bag. "HAAAAAAAHHHHH!" Issei roared as he reeled back and he delivered a vicious punch to the center of the bag that knocked it down off its suspension.

"Ughhh…" Issei let out a frustrated groan as he dropped down onto a workout bench, he then pulled a water bottle out a small workout bag and took a long drink of the cool liquid and while Issei was preoccupied the television in the gym seemed to miraculously turn on and once again it was on a sports station where Issei seemed to be the main topic of conversation.

The program seemed to consist of two men, an older, balding man who wore glasses and a much younger man with a slicked back hair cut, sitting at a large table, both dressed in professional suits as they talked about the sports topics of the day.

"Let's get straight to the point. The way Issei Hyoudou acted in my opinion displays an utter lack of maturity and if Issei Hyoudou is somewhere out there listening then I have a piece of advice for you young man." The old man said getting Issei to lift an eyebrow. "First thing you need to do is apologize to lord Phenex I mean that's just a given. Second, I think Issei hyoudou needs to take some time away from the games and mature a little bit. Furthermore I-" Before the rambling old man can finish the Television was suddenly shut off.

"Ya know I think I agree with him on the whole maturity thing." A blonde, well built woman dressed in workout clothes said as she entered the gym holding the Television's remote. "I wish you would've texted me if you were coming in to workout. I am supposed to be your trainer, if you workout on your own then I'm not getting paid."

"I'll have you know, that guy has never liked me." Issei changed the subject as he pointed to the dark television screen where the old man had previously been on. "He talked crap when I signed that first big deal with Riser, he talked crap when I was promoted to a mid-class devil. Probably cause I refuse to go on his stupid show." Issei ranted but the blonde girl didn't seem to care as she walked over to the dismounted punching bag and unzipped its leather blue skin to reveal a massive block of silver metal that was covered in hundreds of dents.

"Jeez Issei. The metal blocks cost good money, you know." She said slung the seemingly heavy piece of steel over her shoulder and promptly disposed of it before returning to the gym and picking a large medicine ball off its rack, the weight read 450 kilos and she leisurely tossed it at Issei who barely managed to catch it in time. "C'mon breaks over, there's no way I'm letting you leave here with a free workout. Chest passes, let's go."

"Fine." Issei groaned as he wiped the sweat from his previous workout off his forehead and joined in the back and forth tossing of the heavy ball. 'This is Alexis Venal, she's the daughter of my agent Broderick "Brody" Venal and she currently serves as the lead trainer for all of the talent he represents.'

"So what do you think you're gonna do going forward?" Alexis asked as she caught the ball in her chest, the impact of Issei's throw causing her respectably sized breasts to shake under her sports bra.

"No idea." Issei muttered. "I have a meeting with your dad this afternoon but there is something I think I'd like to do and I hate to agree with that wrinkly dude on the TV but there was something he said that I agreed with."

(Later)

"WHAAATTTT?!" A unfortunately circular man (In the sense that he was both unfortunately short and unfortunately fat enough to resemble a circle) Shrieked at the top of his lungs and in the process he managed to spit all over Issei who sat directly in front of him. "TIME OFF?! WHY THE HELL WOULD YOU WANNA DO THAT?"

"I don't know Brody, it just feels like something I need to do." Issei said as he wiped the spit off his face. "You're the one always telling me to trust my gut so that's what I'm doing. That year with Riser wasn't worth ten times what he was paying me, I need time away from all those douchey High-Class devils."

"I'm a high-class devil kid so try not to lump me and the rest of us with the Riser Phenex's of the world." Broderick said as he rubbed his forehead. "Look if this whole thing is about your rep I've alway told you there's no such thing as bad press. If anything this story has been good for you." Brody pulled out a thick paper folder and threw it down in front of Issei causing dozens of devil contracts to fly out on the high ranking devil's large desk. "I've got more then seventy different offers for you that came in this morning, the lowest of which would pay you triple what Riser was paying you. Those media jerks are gonna be on your ass for this for a while but there are plenty of high ranking families who not only have it out for House Phenex but also appreciate that fiery personality." Brody fished a particular contract from the pile and handed it to Issei. "This is an extremely generous offer made to you by Rudiger Rosenkreut who I'm sure you're familiar with. Not only is he seventh ranked king in the professional circuit but just like you he's a reincarnated human. I knew he was looking for a power type on his team so I've been pitching you to him for a while now but he wanted nothing to do with you before last night. This is your chance to make it big time, to fight for a real contending team. Not only that but they play lord Riser's peerage in a few months. Trust me, this is a once in a lifetime offer."

"Woah…" Issei muttered as he lifted the contract in his hands as his eyes scanned the wording he eventually came across the value and his eyes nearly bulged out of his head but his excitement faded and he put the contract down on the desk. "I can't, take this deal. I'm sorry."

"You're really serious about taking this time off huh?" Brody asked and Issei replied with a strong nod. "Well that's disappointing but if you're serious about it then there's nothing I can do to stop you."

"Thanks for understanding." Issei bowed before he began to head for the door.

"Wait! Before you go!" Brody called out, getting Issei to stop with his hand on the doorknob. "Look I understand your decision and everything and I promise I won't pressure you or nothing but there's actually someone here to see you and I think it would be polite if you met with them at the least." Issei responded with a disinterested eye roll that got his agent to smile. "Don't worry about it kid, I think you'll like this one."

(Later)

Issei followed his agent into another workout facility, this gym differed from the one Issei had used previously because it lacked the punching bags, exercise benches or any of the other equipment from the other location but it was replaced by a massive, indoor boxing ring.

Waiting for them was a young man with an imposing physique, he was a tall boy standing at over 190 cms and he had violet eyes and short black hair with sideburns that seemed to curl upwards the longer they grew longer. He wore a tight black and red T-shirt that did little to conceal his impressive physique; he also wore a confident smile that seemed to draw Issei in.

"Issei, this is Lord Sairaorg from the Bael family and Lord Sairaorg I know you're familiar with my client here Issei-" Brody attempted to make introductions but Sairaorg wasn't going to wait for introductions.

"Issei Hyoudou, or should I say Red Dragon Emperor, it's a pleasure to meet you." Lord Sairaorg extended one of his massive hands out to Issei but the Mid Ranked devil was hesitant especially after Sairaorg made mention of his particularly rare sacred gear and the title that came with it but Issei, remembering his manners, proceeded to shake hands with Sairaorg. "I'm an enormous fan of your style, I'm especially impressed with how well you performed given the role you served in Lord Riser's peerage."

'Huh?' Issei thought as his hand shake with his muscular, new acquaintance. 'I played two rolls in Riser's peerage occasionally I'd play what we like to call the battering ram roll where my job would be to take out or weaken the most powerful piece on the other teams board usually in one on one combat but more often than not I played the grenade roll where I would try my best to take out as many pieces as I can but it would often lead to my own defeat. It's a very primitive but still effective strategy especially against teams who fill up their peerages with weaker pawns and support bishops but the roll itself is often considered a selfish position. The media heads often considered me a stat padder because I would always have one of the highest kill counts on Riser's peerage but I'd also usually end up eliminated once I ran out of stamina. Kings with a more modern mindset usually don't implement the grenade roll on their peerages and it's refreshing to know that Lord Sairaorg seems to share those sentiments.' "Yeah well I try to make the best of whatever situation the game puts me in." Issei answered, spoken like a true professional.

"Don't worry Issei, there are no cameras around here you can be honest with me." Sairaorg said with a reassuring grin.

'Man, this guy might actually be cool.' Issei thought as he tried to gather his true feelings. "I often disagreed with Lord Phenex's strategy. He gets this reputation as a master tactician because he's popular with the older devils and they often control the media's interpretation of particular teams. If you ask me Lord Riser is more concerned with the type of cosplay his servants are dressed in rather than the strategies his opponents would implement."

"HAHA! That's more like it!" Sairaorg let out a hardy belly laugh as he appreciated Issei being candid. "I always suspected that smooth persona he's built up for himself was a facade. Between you and me, he always came across as a pervert. My poor cousin, I don't envy any woman who has to marry that man."

"You're cousin is his fiancee?" Issei asked with a creeped out face. "Poor girl…"

"Yeah but that's not important, neither is Lord Riser really." Sairaorg, now feeling comfortable, placed his arm on Issei's shoulder as he readied his proposition. "I have something I'd like to ask you but before that, there's something I need to confirm."

"Confirm?" Issei pondered for a moment before answering. "I guess that's okay…"

"Excellent!" He said while making an enthusiastic fist. "Now Issei if you would, please step into the ring with me!"

"Huh?..."

(Moments later)

POP! Sairaorg cracked his knuckles as he stood opposite Issei in the large boxing ring, preparing for combat. "Now Issei by no means are you to hold back, you understand? I want to get an appropriate gage of your abilities."

"Yeah I got it!" Issei called back with an answer that satisfied Sairaorg but Issei's thoughts told a different. "Yeah right. No offense Sairaorg but high born devils aren't usually big on getting their hands dirty. I like you dude I don't wanna cream you, I think it's best if I dial it back a bit.' Issei lifted his left hand into the air and summoned onto it a massive red gauntlet covered in golden spikes and green gems. [BALANCE BREAK!] In a huge flash of red light Issei's dragon-like armor formed around him and he took a battle stance. "I'm ready when you are!"

"Fantastic!" Sairaorg took a battle stance of his own and by the simple flexing of his muscles a surge of powerful wind erupted from his body. "Issei! I want you to take the first punch! Make it count!"

'Is this guy crazy? Oh well. Sorry Sairaorg even though I'll be holding back, this one's gonna sting!' Issei then started to charge Sairaorg at the same time he cocked back his fist but before he had a chance to strike Sairaorg seemed to suddenly vanish before suddenly appearing to Issei's left. "So fast!" Issei muttered before WHAM! "AAAHHHGGGG!" Issei roared in pain as Sairaorg buried his fist into Issei's side and sending him flying only yo be saved by the ropes of the boxing ring. When Issei tried to stand back up his legs wobbled and he spit up a mouthful of blood. 'Woah! What the hell!' Issei thought as he wiped his face with his arm. 'This guy isn't playing around. I've never been hit that hard in my life.'

"My apologies Issei." Sairaorg growled. "I promised you the first punch but I could tell immediately how little effort you were putting into it and it infuriated me to the point where I couldn't hold back my rage. I'm sure you didn't mean to be insulting which is why I'll give you another chance but if you try to hold back again, you won't be getting another chance!"

'Okay so this guy is actually really fucking strong and he's one of those honor, hit me with everything you got because I bet I can take it, type guys. Damn it! I feel like he broke something but who cares right?! An Eye for an Eye, right?! He broke a rib, I'll break his jaw!' The green gems on Issei's armor began to glow before a booming voice announced [BOOST!] Followed by multiple subsequent [BOOST! BOOST! BOOST! BOOST! BOOST!] As the boosting piled up a burning red aura began for form around Issei until after nearly 20 Boosts he finally made his move [JET!] The spikes on the back of Issei's armor opened up and began to propel him forward but before as he approached Sairaorg he slammed his feet down hard onto the ground, shifting all the momentum he built up into his fist and the second before his fist made contact he unleashed all of his stored up energy. [EXPLOSION!]

Issei's punch collided and the excess force created a massive shockwave that shattered all the windows in the gym at once. Issei's blow also sent Sairaorg back a few feet and left a trail of smoke emanating from the high-class devil's bruised chin. "Not bad…" A smile formed on the muscular devil's face and as he lowered his head back down to meet Issei's eyes he spit out a mouthful of blood as well. "Now let's get started for real."

Sairaorg planted his foot into the ground with enough force to crack the bottom of the ring before propelling him forward but unlike before Issei saw this attack coming and managed to throw up a block before impact but nevertheless Sairaorg's attack was so powerful that Issei's block did little if anything to protect him, the precious armor that shielded his even cracked do to the force but the damage quickly repaired itself.

Issei quickly retaliated with a quick One Two combo but his first attack was blocked by Sairaorg's steel-like arm and his second attack was caught in an elbow lock but Issei had a secret weapon. His whip-like tail shot up and wrapped itself around Sairaorg's neck and through him down onto the floor. Issei then stood over the fallen Sairaorg and pointed an open palm in his direction, suddenly a small ball of energy formed in his open hand. "You said not to hold back right? So don't blame me, ok. You asked for it."

Before Issei could fire his blast Sairaorg lunged upwards grabbing Issei by the extended arm and throwing him down on the ground forcing him to waste his blast blowing a hole in the bottom of the ring. "Gaaahhh! Why you!" He turned to continue the fray but was met with a swift chop to the neck that sent him to the ground.

"We better stop here." Sairaorg said as he stood up and dusted himself off.

"No way!" Issei growled as he struggled to push himself up. "I CAN STILL FIGHT! Waaahhhggg!..." Sairaorg kicked Issei in the stomach and quited him down.

"Nah we're done. We wouldn't want to do any more damage to the ring." Sairaorg pointed out and Issei observed the damage done to the ring and windows and the look of terror on Broderick's face and began to understand where he was coming from. Sairaorg then offered Issei a hand up to which Issei happily accepted. "It was a good fight Issei. I got everything I needed to know from our battle and now I'd like to make a proposition."

'Yeah… Here it comes.' Issei thought as he kept a happy expression on the outside. 'Sairaorg's a really cool guy and I already know what he's gonna ask. It's too bad I already made up my mind about refusing his request. He's the type of guy I don't think I'd mind fighting for, if the circumstances were different that is.'

Sairaorg continued his proposition not knowing Issei's mind had already been made up."Issei Hyoudou, I'll be blunt, I'd like for you to join my peerage. I appreciate what you bring to the table and I think our fighting styles would complement each other well. Unlike your previous king I promise to make full use of your skills as a fighter. So what do you say? Will you fight with me?"

"I'm terribly sorry Lord Sairaorg." Issei answered immediately, taking a respectful bow in the process. "It's nothing personal, you seem like a great guy and all. It's just that I had already made up my mind that I would be taking some time off and I would not be fighting in a rating game for at least the next few months if not the whole year."

"So you won't be fighting this year huh?" Sairaorg said as he began scratching his chin before forming a large smile and breaking out into another hardy laugh. "HAHAHA! Well that's just perfect and to think I was worried that you wouldn't be willing to wait that long."

"Wait? What do you mean?" issei asked back but Sairaorg was too busy laughing to answers so Brody picked up his slack.

"You see…." Issei agent managed to get out through his mournful sobs. "Sairaorg is currently too young to compete in the professional rating games so he was hoping you'd be willing to wait the extra year it will take before he can participate."

"Uh.. Well…" Issei couldn't come up with an answer as his mind was preoccupied. 'Too young, he looks like grown man if you ask me…'

"Hahaaha…." Sairaorg wiped away his tears of laughter as he slowly began to calm back down. "You don't need to answer me right away. If you need time away to sort through your thoughts then I won't put any more pressure on you for now but I'd like you to have an answer for me by this time next year. Remember that money is of no concern, so please promise you'll consider my offer."

"Of course." Issei didn't need much time to think about Sairaorg's request because he was already considering his offer.

"Well then I'll take my leave for now." Sairaorg waved goodbye leaving Issei with a lasting impression.

(Later, Issei's apartment)

"Ughhhh…." The brown haired boy groaned. "My everything hurts…" He was currently lying on his couch, recovering from his earlier bout with Sairaorg, he had two separate ice packs one on his right arm and the other on top of his stomach. 'That sairaorg was really something else huh? He's so strong and confident and the whole time he didn't look down on me or treat me like a lesser person in any sense, almost reminds me of…' Issei's mind filled with thoughts of long green locks of hair but he quickly shook those memories out of his head. 'Anyway. I don't think I'd mind fighting for a team where the king treats you like that but that decision can wait. I've got myself the year off I seem to think I need so badly. Question is just what am I

planning on doing with it?'

DING! DONG! Almost as if to answer his question there was a ring on Issei's doorbell and the bruised devil slowly managed to pick himself up and walk towards the door, keeping the Ice Bag on his stomach as he moved. "Hey, is my Ramen here? That was fast." Issei said as he opened the door. "You sir, you deserve a… tip?" When Issei looked through his open doorway he did not find the Ramen delivery man, rather a girl with messy brown hair, a short red and black dress and a small pair of bat wings stood there holding a small white envelope with a crimson red seal.

"What? Fan mail?" As soon as Issei took the letter the girl carrying it sprinted away from him and seemed to have disappeared upon turning the corner as there were no more footsteps after that. Issei closely examined his letter until he came to its seal which particularly intrigued him, it was a crimson rose surrounded by four different circles. "I recognize this symbol but from where?" Issei wasted little time opening the letter which would prove to be a mistake because as soon as he broke the seal rays of red light began to poor from the letter and started to surround him. "Hey! What the HELL?! What's going o-" Before Issei could finish he was completely enveloped in light and suddenly disappeared from his apartment, leaving the doorway open wide just as the Ramen delivery guy arrived.

"Uh?! Hello?! Ramen Delivery!... Anyone home?!... Do just want me to leave it on the table or?... I'm not getting a tip am I?..."

(end)