You all remember how I asked you to take part in a poll that would determine the path of this story? Well, you're going to find out the results of this poll at the end of the chapter.


Chapter 30 Part 2: The Price of Power

Despite saying how he'd do whatever it took to win, Issei wasn't exactly sure if he really had a chance against Sairaorg. He'd seen footage of Sairaorg's fights and he was throw rubble around like dumbbells. His speed was also alarming, since he could run a few kilometers in several minutes at full speed. His endurance was also crazy since he got bit by dragons back in Draczal and only got away with some cuts.

Regardless, Issei had to stop thinking like that. He wasn't going to give up. He'd find a way to get through this, even if he had to pull ideas out of thin air.

"Ladies and Gentlemen, for the final battle of this long match, the sole pawn of Vali Lucifer, Issei Hyoudou and Sairaorg Bael, the King of his Peerage, will now face off."

"So, looks like it's gonna boil down to the both of us." Sairaorg grinned.

"Sorry to disappoint you, but you've gotta fight me instead of Vali." Issei retorted.

"On the contrary, I've yet to fight you before, so this is the perfect opportunity."

That was when Issei decided to speak up about something that had been bothering him. He had heard what Kuisha had said earlier thanks to his enhanced senses. When Vali filled her in on what she had said as well, Issei knew that something was up. It wasn't hard to piece everything together, either.

Sairaorg had clearly been upset when Regulus had revealed his lion form, as if it were a secret he wanted none to know about. It helped that Rexis had some info for him too.

"Sairaorg, before we start, I want you to go all out."

"What?" Sairaorg was perplexed.

"You wanted all of us to go all-out as you said your peerage would. Yet, here you are, not doing as you said. You're holding back. I know what Regulus really is, Sairaorg. He's a Longinus, isn't he?" Issei asked.

Sairaorg paled, shocked that Issei knew about it.

"How?"

"I've got secrets of my own. One of them is that I've got a resident adviser inside my Sacred Gear, who isn't Bahamut. He recognizes the Nemean Lion and its sentient form. I also heard Kuisha mutter about your mother."

Sairaorg looked down in guilt. He had kept secrets, yes, but for Kuisha to have pushed herself so much, along with the rest of his peerage, he felt terrible for prompting it all.

"Yes, Regulus isn't actually a full organic being. He's a manifestation of the Regulus Nemea, a Longinus that gained sentience when I crossed paths with it. I was able to tame him and he swore loyalty to me." Sairaorg admitted.

"Then use him, if you can."

"How do you even know I'm holding back?" Sairaorg raised a skeptic brow.

"Because I can see the look in your eyes. I've seen enough fights and I've been on the receiving end lots of times. I know when someone's pulling punches. I'm the same. When I was fighting that Avitur, I had to keep myself in control or I'd have killed countless innocent people in Kunlun. Your mother, your reputation, and your peerage's wishes all hang in the balance. It's dishonorable and shameful to not do everything you can for their sakes." Issei answered.

He had a point. Sairaorg chuckled.

"You've got me there, Issei. I held back because I wasn't sure what others would think. You all are also my friends. I don't want to cause any more harm to you than I have to. However, you've got a point. It's disrespectful and hypocritical of me." Sairaorg nodded.

The two looked up at the VIP box.

"Well? Will you allow our request?" Issei asked.

Rizevim and the Four Satans were silent for a bit. Nobody knew how dangerous Sairaorg would be with a supposed Longinus. Not only that, but a rampage from Bahamut was the last thing anyone could want.

"Why not?" Sirzechs said.

"What?" Ezagyra glared at him.

"Their dreams are on the line. They've both agreed to this. It would trample upon their honor and pride if we denied them the chance to fully fight for their dreams." Sirzechs nodded in agreement to the two.

Sairaorg turned to Regulus.

"Regulus, here!"

The humanoid turned into a golden lion and pounced to Sairaorg's side.

"Issei, in accordance to the honor you've shown me, I won't hold back." Sairaorg smirked.

"Neither will I." Issei nodded.

And so, Sairaorg began.

(Bleach OST: Power to Strive. Play Song.)

"Regulus Nemea, King of the Lions, I command you to my side. Turn your roar into my armor and forge your claws into my weapon!"

"As you command. Balance Break!"

Regulus segmented apart, transforming into armor before placing itself onto Sairaorg. Golden lion armor enveloped his body, giving him a similar appearance to that of a Scale Mail.

"[Regulus Rey Rex]" Regulus announced, much like how Albion would.

Issei felt his aura radiating intensely, having become visible as a fiery gold aura. It was a shame he hadn't unlocked his own Balance Breaker yet, or he wouldn't have felt this worried. The crowd had gone silent, in awe that a full devil was able to wield a Longinus, much less a Sacred Gear.

"And what a revelation! Sairaorg Bael, is able to use a Sacred Gear!" Rotuda exclaimed.

"It's not unheard of. There've been cases in the past where Sacred Gears gained sentience, depending on their wielders. Sacred Gears can change depending on who's wielding them and their wishes. I'm guessing that Regulus Nemea's previous wielder gave it consciousness before they died, or they gave it the spark. Now, the it can lend its help to whoever it deems worthy." Azazel explained.

"I see. That truly is a phenomenon." Rotuda nodded.

All voices hushed as everyone watched the final battle. Issei manifested the [Abyssal Aura], wreathing Bahamut's visage around him as an aura.

"Let's begin." Sairaorg charged.

The two flew at each other, their fists clashing. Issei could feel his hand tremble from the sheer force of the clash. He raised his other fist, but Sairaorg kicked at him. Blocking the attack, Issei tried to knee him in the stomach, but Sairaorg jumped away before charging forward again. Each time they made contact, a shockwave boomed, vibrating the air and cracking the floor.

"You've grown different. You deviate from Vali." Sairaorg noted.

"How so?"

"As far as I'm aware, Vali and I are of equal skill and power. This whole time, Vali held back because she could afford to. Not just that, but she did it out of concern for hurting others. Yet, when you throw a punch, you're not holding a thing back." Sairaorg smirked.

"It's as we agreed. No holding back." Issei said.

"Exactly."

Again, the two charged at each other. Issei threw a punch at Sairaorg, who dodged again. Crafting a sword from his armor, Issei slashed at his left shoulder. Catching the sword, Sairaorg was about to attack until Issei let go it, uppercutting him in the jaw.

Jumping back, Issei activated the [Abyssal Nexus]. Detaching the [Satellites] or bones of the wings, they flew in the air, firing at Sairaorg with navy beams. Punching and kicking them off-course, Sairaorg smirked. Issei's attacks really did pack a punch. They were enough to give him that rush he looked for in a genuine fight.

He punched the ground, splitting it in half, forcing Issei into the air. Sairaorg jumped after him, kneeing him in the stomach before stomping him in the stomach. Issei crashed into the floor. He didn't have time to lay there, as Sairaorg immediately came flying down to continue attacking.

Issei rolled out of the way, slashing at Sairaorg with another sword. With a punch to the ground, Issei sent out a shockwave at him but in reflection, Sairaorg used his aura to cancel it out with a shockwave of his own.

Raising his aura to the max, Sairaorg dashed forward, closing the distance between them within several seconds. Issei crafted a thick shield from his armor but it shattered when Sairaorg struck it. Knocked back into the wall, the force smashed into Issei from behind as his opponent's attack struck him in the front. Gagging out blood, Issei fell to his knees. His entire body was in agony. His bones were shaking, his muscles felt torn, and blood was dripping from his nose like a leaky faucet.

Issei wiped the blood and resumed.

(Bleach OST: Power to Strive. End Song.)


"Well, the dark horse truly is showing his colors. Despite his quirks, Issei is holding himself up quite well. Sairaorg Bael and Vali Lucifer were both the top favorites for this tournament and now comes a new contender that rivals them, for now." Rotuda remarked.

"The twist is that the boy doesn't have his Balance Breaker yet." Azazel said, amused.

"The Lucifer Family truly does have an eye for talent." Rotuda noted.

"Indeed.

"However, there has been some news recently." Rotuda said.

"What kind of news?" Azazel asked.

(Final Fantasy XV: Episode 3 OST – Ardyn III. Play Song.)

"There was a recent press release about how Rintilr and Ileana Lucifer are alive and are being housed by the Lucifer Clan." Rotuda revealed.

Azazel's gaze shifted to Rotuda, who looked at him obliviously.

"It was revealed a short while ago that the two were also former members of the Khaos Brigade and had subjected Vali Lucifer to severe abuse before their failed execution." Rotuda added.

Murmurs and whispers grew more and more intense around the Arena. Many dark gazes were cast at Vali. She recoiled at the sneers and hateful looks she was getting. Bikou and Arthur went to her side. They knew she was terrified of rejection and being hated due to her abusive past. These looks were like terrible flashbacks for her.

Things were starting to spiral out of control. Issei and Sairaorg stopped, caught off-guard by this chain of events.

"Boo!"

"They're housing terrorists!"

"They're liars!"

Several people began to cry out from various points across the Arena. There was so much negativity that Issei felt Bahamut stirring up. He felt that rage and hatred firing up like a compress inferno.

The moment cries of indignance and hate came, people started getting on the bandwagon.

"How could you?!"

"They'll never turn around! Execute them!"

"They'll never fix everything they've done!"

Vali seemed to lose more and more of her calm composure as people continued to denounce her family. What was worse was that they couldn't do a thing to stop it without making the situation worse.

(Final Fantasy XV: Episode 3 OST – Ardyn III. End Song.)


Issei and Sairaorg ignored them. Right now, the two were trapped in their own world, pitting their wills against each other. Oddly enough, Issei decided to channel that irritation into his attacks.

"[Vacuum Burst]"

Issei detached the [Satellites] on his wings and activated the power of the [Abyssal Echoes], the [Abyssal Nexus]. All at once, he fired 10 beams at Sairaorg, adding a shockwave property to them to explode on contact instead of being like lasers.

Using all his aura to defend, Sairaorg stood his ground. He felt his armor shaking, denting, and cracking at the sheer power of Issei's attack. Stray beams bounced off, tearing the arena apart as the entire stadium shook violently.

When the beams stopped, Issei was alarmed to see that Sairaorg was still standing. He had several cuts and cruises as well as a few small cracks in his armor, but he was fine, otherwise.

"What?" Issei was astounded.

"No wonder Lefay got retired from this attack." Sairaorg wiped a drop of blood from his lip.

Issei grit is teeth and charged at Sairaorg again. He slashed away at him with weapons, fired beams, used point-blank shockwaves, and all of them weren't enough to bring him down.

Was this it? Was this all the strength he had? How could he have said all that to Vali and the peerage when he wasn't even strong enough to cause significant damage to Sairaorg?

Sairaorg drew back before walloping Issei in the chest several times with his fists. He could've sworn he felt some bones shatter. Issei finally managed to catch one fist before landing a hit in Sairaorg's sternum, knocking him back several feet.

Issei continued, punching, kicking, and dodging. Sairaorg whirled around and kicked Issei in the wing, knocking him away before punching a blast of energy at him.

"This is it, Issei!" Sairaorg amassed his aura and came barreling right at him.

Issei fired up the [Abyssal Aura] and routed all of his remaining mana into several beams, firing them at Sairaorg. The Bael heir kept marching forward, albeit struggling to push through the attack.

"I won't lose. I can't afford to lose." Sairaorg muttered to himself.

Issei was a dear friend, but he couldn't let that get in his way. He had to save his mother's life. He had to make the wishes of his peerage come true. He also had to get to his dream of becoming a Satan, all for the sake of making sure that there wouldn't be more people who'd suffer like him.

"I have to win!" Sairaorg decreed.

Regulus responded to his desire, giving him all the power it could. A lion's aura appeared around his fists, biting and roaring through Issei's beams.

Issei realized that it was futile far too late. Sairaorg had torn through the navy beams in front of him with his golden aura. Two powerful fists smashed into his torso, sending him rocketing into the air and violently cracking the barrier protecting the audience.

Issei vomited at least 2 ounces of blood and then some more when he fell flat onto the ground.

He felt his strength waning, too exhausted to even try and get up. He raised a knee but immediately fell back down. He felt so heavy, his eyes couldn't stay open for another minute. His head was also spinning, his brain beating against the inside of his skull as blood trickled from his mouth.

Was this it? Was this the end? All that talk and this was all he could do? It was shameful.

All around him, he heard the cheers and boos echoing. It was so loud that Issei could feel the vibrations. It was sickening to watch this bandwagon. These people were persecuting innocent people. They didn't even know anything and yet, here they were, ready to execute two innocent people because they felt morally superior when they really weren't. Not only that, but it would all doom Vali's desire to save her parents from further persecution.

'You need power…Take it. Use your rage and disdain and fuel your power. In exchange for power, you must teach those parasites a lesson. Teach them the wrongs of blindly pursuing rage that belongs to others. Show them the error of their ways through retribution.' That cold, deep, and terrifying voice came again.

Issei could only assume it was Bahamut.

'Issei, don't listen to Bahamut's thoughts! Don't do it! He's trying to get you to use [Doom Bringer] again!' Rexis warned him.

Issei felt tempted. He felt his consciousness being pulled somewhere dark and cold. Just then, his eyes wandered to Vali.

(Attack on Titan OST – Zero Eclipse. Play Song.)

He saw the tears in her eyes, her lips pursed in distress. She saw him look at her. She shook her head furiously.

'Please, stop, Issei. You don't have to continue. Don't get hurt anymore.' Vali seemed to say to him.

That was the one thing Issei never wanted to see. He hated watching her cry. He hated it when she was sad or scared. He wanted her to be happy. He wanted her to live happily with all of the people that she loved. He didn't care what kind of suffering he'd have to endure. He didn't care if people would hate him from this day forth. He saw how happy she was to be with her completed family again. Her smile and laughter was all he needed and wanted. Thus, he was going to do everything he could to keep her happiness intact.

Issei gagged out more blood.

"Issei…that's enough."

Sairaorg dropped his stature as an opponent. He was now worried for Issei. Earlier, he felt Issei's ribs break, something that he immediately regretted doing.

"I'm sorry, Sairaorg." Issei wheezed.

As soon as he stood up, he winced and jerked upright as blood puffed out of his mouth.

"Issei!"

"Issei!"

Vali and Sairaorg cried out in worry.

"Your dreams, your mother, your peerage's desires are on the line, just as I said. The same can be said for me. I can't lose here, even if I have to lose my limbs. For the sake of Vali, Bikou, Kuroka, Lefay, Arthur, Elaine, Lianshi, and Izalana…I have to win."

Issei flared his aura up to the max. With it, immense pain and agony devoured every single cell in his body.

"Agh! Aaaaahhh!" Issei roared in excruciating pain as his own aura began to harm him.

"Issei…" Rizevim muttered in worry.

Ezagyra gripped his hand, trembling as the two watched Issei push himself further into harm's way. He was bleeding even more now, his wounds opening larger.

"BALANCE BREAK!" Issei roared.

A navy aura completely enveloped Issei, drowning the arena in a dark-blue essence. Sairaorg could hear metal clanking as a dragon's growl reached his ears. When Issei's aura subsided, he saw the transformation occurring.

Navy, silver, and black armor began to click in place on Issei's body as Bahamut's aura shrunk, conforming to outline Issei's armor. All of the pieces of Issei's armor remained the same, but now, he was covered from head-to-toe in armor, with a pair of glowing red eyes on his helmet.

"Balance Breaker! [Calamity Bringer]!" A deep voice echoed from Issei's armor.

A massive burst of aura sent Sairaorg flying away, smashing into the arena as well.

"Grgh!" He coughed.

'You don't have much time to use this, Issei. Your body's already in terrible shape. At most, you've got 5 minutes.' Rexis warned.

'Got it.' Issei panted.

"Let's finish this, Sairaorg." Issei said.

Sairaorg smiled.

"Yeah, let's end this, man-to-man!"

This time, neither of them were restraining themselves. This time, when Issei's punch connected with Sairaorg, the Bael Heir was sent rocketing into the wall. Issei charged, only for an aura-covered kick to bash his stomach, sending him flying back.

The two continued punching and kicking away at each other. Issei couldn't even resort to firing beams and using his other abilities since he was already in poor shape after going into Balance Breaker. Not only that, but he could feel the armor eating away at his stamina rapidly. This was even worse than when he used the [Abyssal Aura].

Even so, he had to try and finish this as soon as possible.

"[Sky Razer]"

Issei spread his wings, dozens of beams from them. Like when he'd gone berserk against Shalba, Issei's wing beams continued to move like lasers, dragging across the ground and tearing apart everything it touched before disintegrating them.

"[Earth Splitter]"

Sairaorg wreathed his arm in is golden armor before chopping it down at Issei, creating a gigantic wave that literally split the ground where he stood.

Issei charged at Sairaorg, who dodged to the side. He gripped both of Issei's wings and tore them off, kicking Issei away.

Issei rolled onto his feet, stampeding right back at him. Again, their fists met, but Issei manifested a hammer from his armor, smashing Sairaorg's jaw from below. He rocketed into the air but when Issei pursued, he put both hands together, crashing them down on Issei's head. Each time they struck at each other's face, they spat out teeth and blood, splattering on the ground. Every time they struck each other's armor, they cracked and shattered. Pretty soon, both were drawing towards the end.

Issei was throttled onto the floor with an elbow to the back of the head. Luckily, he managed to get up before Sairaorg could smash his knees into his stomach, retaliating with a backhand to the face and a mana blast to the stomach. However, Issei didn't get away either. Just before Sairaorg went into the other direction, he pierced through Issei's torso with his claws, drawing blood. He whirled around again, slashing away at Issei, as Issei cleaved into his chest with his sword.

The two crashed painfully into opposite sides of the arena, the barrier protecting the spectators shattering.

"You really are one tough bastard." Sairaorg chuckled.

"My only redeeming feature." Issei retorted.

"So, this isn't gonna end till one of us is truly messed up." Sairaorg concluded.

"I wish there was another way, but neither of us is backing down. My peerage…my family…some of them lost their homes. Some of them lost people. They've suffered a lot. Only now, has life started to turn around for them. Most of all, they're the people I care most for. I can't lose, not when so much is stake. Vali needs that wish to free her parents. She's the one who saved me. She gave me a new life when my old one got burned away. It'd have happened sooner or later, too. All her life, she'd been starving for love and affection because of the enemy's machinations. She faced prejudice, was abused, and lost people she cared about. Her parents were framed and condemned, and no one knew about it. After today, they just might lose their loves and everything will fall apart again. I can't let that happen again. Over my dead body. That's why I can't lose, Sairaorg." Issei panted.

Blood was freely drooling from his mouth, his right left arm was bleeding profusely, and his vision was getting blurry. Still, he didn't care. Too much was at stake. When he stood up and the dust settled, it was revealed that his left arm had been severed. Blood was dripping like a river from his roughly amputated arm. As for Sairaorg, a massive gash exposing some bone in his chest was visible, with a waterfall of blood running down his front.

To boot, their Sacred Gears disengaged, leaving them in their normal states. They limped closer toward each other, both too wounded and exhausted to keep going for much longer.

Vali and Kuisha gasped audibly. Everyone else paled, horrified at the lengths both of them were willing to go. Vali instantly felt terrible, blaming herself. She had put Issei up to this. If she hadn't professed that she wanted to save her parents, if she hadn't said a thing, none of her servants would be suffering like this. Some leader she was. She knew what Issei was like too. If someone else dearly wished for something, he'd do whatever he could to help them.

'I'm so sorry, everyone. If I hadn't been so useless and stupid, none of you'd be hurt.' She thought to herself, tears at the corners of her eyes.

"This is the end."

"This is the end."

Issei and Sairaorg said at the same time. They powered their aura to max for the last time, focusing in their arms. Issei's navy aura and Sairaorg's golden aura clashed as their fists connected. Issei's landed in Sairaorg's gut as Sairaorg's landed on his sternum.

The two stood frozen, both trembling in horrific pain.

"It's your win, Issei. I'm proud that the one I lost to, was someone who's will was as strong as mine." Sairaorg wheezed as he fell over, retiring.

Issei took a deep breath, but that had been a mistake.

He fell to his knees, gagging and coughing up even more blood and bile, forcing him to balance himself with his remaining limb.

"And the winner is Issei Hyoudou!" Rotuda declared.

Even so, the cheers barely came. The voices of doubt and hate still kept coming. Issei had had enough. His memories of how humans and other creatures acting like this, only made it worse.

"Alright, enough!" Issei's voice echoed.

Everyone went silent. They looked at Issei's eyes, which were now glowing red.

"I've had enough of this gullibility. I'm going to dispel all this chaos and all these lies right here and now!"

"Why should we listen to you?" Someone from the crowd asked.

"You're just a dog of the Lucifer Clan!" Another barked.

"I am the Host of Bahamut! My word outstrips yours!" Issei roared.

The entire arena went silent. Some were aware of Bahamut's legacy and most of the others were terrified of the aura he was now projecting. The aura felt electrified and cold, as if fear was starting to pool above everyone.

"I have already released a testimony about Rintilr and Ileana Lucifer. The Grigori Institute and Ajuka Beelzebub himself, have already performed tests to see what has happened to them. When I fought and defeated them, I'd discovered that the two were being controlled. That control lasted from long before their execution until they'd been defeated with Bahamut's power. All that they had done, was not of their choice. Someone manipulated them behind the scenes. So, before you all continue, you should know that you're putting the blame on the wrong people." Issei said.

"And how do we know these aren't all lies? Who do we blame?" Rotuda asked, though he sounded calm, almost as if going along with him.

"You see, that's the thing. So many people ask for the truth, but when the hear it, they call it lies because that's not what they want to hear. I was there. I fought them. I saw how they were when they were controlled. I've seen who they are now. Not a single connection, not a single trace of those evil personalities remains. The people who knew Rintilr and Ileana from before all this can attest to this. Rintilr and Ileana are innocent. They were manipulated pawns because someone wanted to start the Old Satan movement again. Their motives, their alignments, and their circle of followers, all of them traced back to the loyalists to the Old Satan Faction." Issei said.

He had to withhold information about the Aviturs. The last thing he wanted, was to start a mass panic at worst with the mention of gigantic monsters that could destroy the world.

"Weeks ago, this information was confidential and wasn't going to be released to the public until sufficient time had passed after the end of the Khaos Brigade. However, someone behind the scenes released this information and twisted it to paint the Lucifer Clan in a bad light to defame and ruin them. Obviously, this was done by political rivals. So, now that we've gotten that out of the way, let me ask you all some questions since all eyes in the Underworld are here." Issei said.

"Once, has anyone from the Lucifer Clan, starting from Rizevim and Ezagyra Lucifer, done anything cruel to the Underworld? Have they consorted with any enemies? Has there been any reason to doubt them after all they've done for you? From what I remember, they gave their wealth to you. Rizevim and the Four Satans created plans to save your kind and on your own, you twisted it as well. Your nobles and aristocrats used the Evil Piece System to try and create a new slavery system. So, tell me, who're really the horrible ones? The people who just sit there and don't know anything who point fingers because someone put them up to it? Or the people who've been framed and persecuted even after all the good they've done?" Issei asked.

Issei turned to look at everyone around the arena.

"And if anyone is trying to hurt the people I love, you can come down here because I'll take you down too. It doesn't matter who or how many." He dared them all.

(Attack on Titan OST – Zero Eclipse. End Song.)

Guards appeared at the doorway, ready to apprehend certain targets. Azazel raised a hand to deploy. This was a perfect opportunity to settle all this. He'd been hoping for it actually. Now, he could help put down the trouble-makers in the press.

Someone jumped from the seats, silently rushing at Issei for assassination.

Issei got ready to fight again, despite his depleted state.

Suddenly, Rotuda appeared from nowhere, knocking Issei's would-be assailant to the ground with a blast of magic.

"What?" Issei was flabbergasted.

"I apologize for starting all this. It had been a part of the plan."

"Plan?" Several people in the crowds started muttering.

"Allow me to explain. Over the past few weeks, the Alliance has been experiencing some controversy and framing. Someone's been going around spreading rumors and twisting facts into the negatives so that they could frame and dethrone leaders in the Alliance. Remnant of the Khaos Brigade spies, really." Azazel said.

"And as it turns out, the spies on the devil's side, are the Glasya-Labolas." Rotuda hoisted the assailant by the collar, pointing out the seal branded on his chest.

"We've already gathered the evidence needed to deal with the Glasya-Labolas, but I figured it was better to do it in public so that everyone could see you for what you really were." Azazel chuckled.

Several people in the crowds sneered, readying to run away.

"And we've already seen just who the perpetrators are too, given all the people throwing hate comments from the audience." Rotuda smirked.

"Bye-bye." Azazel said as guards flooded the seats.

Issei laughed. They all got played by the Fallen Angel Governor. It was done in a less-than-savory way, but he wasn't complaining. The people who'd started this whole scheme had just shot themselves in the foot through incompetent servants. Now the grave had been dug even deeper.

The trouble was over for now.

As soon as Issei turned around, he felt the consequences of the battle immediately occur. A shame since the moment he got to unwind, his body realized the state it was in. He lost feeling in his entire body. His vision got weak and his head started beating rapidly and painfully. The pain of his lacerations started coming in and the dizziness in his head grew even stronger. His missing left arm was also starting to act up. Words and yells couldn't even express how much pain he was in.

He fell over, only for two gentle hands to catch him.

"Who's there?" He weakly asked.

"It's me. I'm so sorry, Issei." Vali cried as she gently stroked his face.

"No crying…everything will be fine." Issei weakly said as he wiped a tear off Vali's face.

He'd made a decision. As soon as he woke, if he survived this...he was going to confess his feelings to Vali. He was going to take the plunge and see where it would lead.

Not a moment later, he faded into the green light of the Rating Game's retirement system.


Issei awoke after some time, his body in writhing agony. He looked at himself and was amazed. The wounds on his body had closed up and…his left arm was back!

"What?" He asked in amazement.

'Your regeneration kicked in, stupid fool.' Rexis growled.

'What happened?' Issei asked.

'You retired. The staff brought you here, performed 4 operations and let your regeneration do the rest.' Rexis explained.

'Ah, makes sense.'

Issei then paused. Rexis had gone silent.

'Rexis?'

Again, no reply came. Was Rexis ignoring him? Issei's attention was taken when Vali and the rest of the peerage came into the room.

"Thank goodness." Ezagyra said in relief.

Vali quickly walked over to his side.

"How are you feeling?" She asked in a panic.

"Pretty good. My regeneration's taken care of everything."

Vali breathed a sigh of relief.

"You've been asleep for a week, dude." Bikou shakily said.

"Every time, something happens that can give us a heart attack, it's gotta be you." Rizevim glared at him.

Issei didn't have a comeback for that one. The last time this happened, he'd gone berserk and transformed into a dragon.

"Sorry." Issei could only bow his head.

"Stupid…"

Issei looked up to see Vali glaring.

"Do you have any idea how worried we were?" Her voice shaky.

"The doctor's honestly thought it was going to be over for you. The entire time you were giving out that speech, you were bleeding out. If you weren't going to die, then your time as a warrior would be over." Arthur explained.

Elaine slapped his arm for his bluntness.

"I'm sorry, Issei. I'm sorry, everyone. If I hadn't pushed you all into fighting and done that begging…none of you would've gotten hurt." Vali lowered her head in shame.

Issei only chuckled.

"It's like we said. We're all here because of you. Whatever your heart desires, we're honored to accomplish it." Issei smiled.

Vali only nodded.

"Now, then, let's let Issei get some more rest. We'll beat him up and scold him once he comes home." Rizevim ushered everyone out.

'Tell Rizevim to lock down the room.' Rexis said.

This time, it wasn't his calm tone being used. He sounded serious, commanding.

"Hey, guys, could you lock the door on your way out? Maybe try and keep the area clear, if you can?" Issei asked.

He chose not to question Rexis. He decided to only listen and follow.

"Sure thing." Rizevim nodded.


Issei used a spell to sound-proof the room, courtesy of one of his past lives being a mage.

"So, what's wrong?" Issei asked.

There was a long, suspenseful pause. Issei felt his gut lurching around due to nervousness. Rexis' obvious uneasiness and silence weren't making him feel good about what he had to say

"Issei…I want you to stay calm. What I'm going to tell you…it's not easy to say."

Issei's gut fell, his heart cracked and sunk as he closed his eyes in silent anguish. He got up and started pacing. He could already tell where this was going.

"I'm dying, aren't I?" Issei asked.

(Seraph of the End OST - 1hundredknight: M. Play Song.)

All the pieces connected. Jeanne's prophecy, Rexis' warnings and now this…it just made sense. It was the first guess that popped into his head.

"I'm sorry, Issei. It was only after you achieved Balance Breaker that I was able to remember how I died, how many of us died. The stress of Bahamut's power on a human body…it's just too much for it to handle."

"How?" Issei asked, his voice cracking a bit.

"It started the night you killed Kokabiel. When the Abyssal Aura was activated, your body was unused to the strain and began working overtime to keep up with the power that Bahamut's soul exerted on you. After that, every time you used the Abyssal Aura, it chipped away at your life force without you knowing. All those times you felt your body spasm in pain? Those weren't adjustments. That was all backlash from the strain placed on your body. It wasn't your body getting used to it. You were already dying."

Issei took a deep breath, taking all this in.

"When you awakened your Balance Breaker, that sealed the deal. It drained even more of your life-force. Now, your body will slowly degrade as your lifespan teeters to a halt. At this point, you've got 16 months before you die."

Issei felt even more defeat sink in. He shook his head in disbelief.

"So…what to do now?" Issei asked himself, staring out the window.

"Issei…I think it's best to drop all of this. Live out the last year and a quarter of your life in peace." Rexis advised.

Issei didn't respond. The shock was now working its way out of his system. Now, the anger was setting it. He could feel it boiling like a pot about to burst.

"It's just one thing after another, isn't it?" He said to himself.

"Forget the Aviturs, forget all the fighting. You should confess to Vali and try and pursue a relationship with her." Rexis said.

"You know I can't do that." Issei shook his head.

His hopes were now dashed.

"What do you mean?"

"Vali's affection is directed at Sairaorg, Rexis. I'm just her best friend. You and I both know what it's like to be in love. In this case, it's the starting signs."

"What're you getting at, Issei?" Rexis asked.

"I'm saying…that I'm going to help them together." Issei said, taking a deep breath.

Just imagining it…he could feel it killing him even faster, whether it was literal or not.

"Issei, is this your endgame? Just give up and let some other guy have her?!" Rexis asked, incredulous, even angry.

"What do you mean?"

Issei paced back and forth, feeling his temper rise. He knew exactly what Rexis was talking about. How could he not? They were almost the exact same person in a way. Rexis was one of his past selves, after all.

"So, that's it? You're just gonna let her go?" Rexis asked.

"Why do you sound so bothered?" Issei asked, remaining calm.

"Issei, why're you setting up the woman that you love with another man?" Rexis demanded.

After hearing that question, Issei felt his temper rise higher than before.

"Sairaorg and Vali knew each other long before I was around. Their affection for one another is clear, so drop it, Rexis." Issei growled.

"Issei, you have just as much a chance as Sairaorg. She also cares for you too. Stop lying to yourself!" Rexis fired back.

"What the HELL do you want me to do then?!" Issei roared, snapping.

Breathing heavily, the young man finally let things loose.

"Why do you think I'm letting her go, Rexis?!" Issei asked.

Rexis didn't respond, but then again, Issei didn't give him a chance to.

"What do you want me to do?! Go up to her, confess, and hope for the best?! Then, what?! Maybe she accepts. BUT! THEN! WHAT?! I'm going to die in 16 months, Rexis! Do you think I have it in me to make her fall in love with me, just to leave her behind 16 months later!? Don't you realize it?! IS IT THAT HARD FOR ANYONE TO UNDERSTAND?! When I die, it'll hurt her even further! She'd wallow in that memory and hurt herself even more! That's why I can't do this! I'd be leaving her behind and become another painful reminder for her! If I die as just a friend, then that pain will be lessened, if I even die in front of her. You and I both know what it's like to lose people close to us, people that we've loved! We both know the suicidal and fatal pain that loss can bring! Do you want her to go through that?! Issei shouted.

"Do you honestly think I want to do this, Rexis? I don't. I want to spend all of my time with her. I want to live happily with her. I want to let her know how I feel. I want to take her wherever she wants and make her dreams come true. I want to have a life with her, but I can't! If I get with her now, and die in 16 months, then it'd leave her alone. She's already been hurt enough. I know what it's like to be truly alone. I don't want anyone else to feel that pain, especially Vali." Issei heaved, his emotions raging.

Again, Rexis remained silent.

"I also have a duty. Only I can kill the Aviturs. I can't let them roam around and do as they please, not after what happened in Kunlun. I have to stop them." Issei leaned on a table.

"But what of you? What of your desires?" Rexis asked, finally.

"Isn't it obvious?" Issei chuckled derisively, sneering at his own fate.

"I don't want to die!" He roared out to the universe as he slammed his desk into the wall.

Issei hunched over, needing to lean on something for support, even if it were his own knees. His emotions were now completely overriding everything. His logic, his goals, his body, and his heart were all being washed out.

"I don't want to die. I don't want to go. I don't want to leave them behind. I want to live. I want to see everyone's lives develop. I want my own life to develop." Issei tearfully said as he sank to his knees.

He tried to keep himself together as best as he could but that was pointless. He'd lost the reins. He leaned back against the wall, sinking to the bottom of the floor, having lost the strength to even stand.

Rexis silently watched Issei from within his mind and only stayed silent. It was heartbreaking to see him like this. Issei Hyoudou, the boy who'd fought villainous foes, defeated ancient beasts of catastrophe, and championed the tournament of the Underworld, was now powerless against time. He only had 16 months left to live and had so much he wanted to do. It was such a waste for the young and kind to die so early and so helplessly.

When Issei had calmed down a little, he stood up. After some time was taken to wallow in self-pity, Issei had come to a conclusion.

"Still, that doesn't matter now. If I'm going to die…I'll die on my own terms. I'm going to do everything within my power to set everyone else on a path towards happiness. No matter what I have to do or where I have to go, I'm going to make sure that the people that I love, find their start on their happy endings that they deserve before I die." He declared.

"And how do you plan on making everyone happy? It won't last forever." Rexis said.

"I know it won't. But…for as long as possible, I want them to be happy and smile. I want to make sure that their problems are solved. I want things to be as bright as possible before I go away. You and I both know what it's like to go die alone, stuck in a ditch where nobody knows about. We both know how painful it is, being alone, with a mountain of problems in your face." Issei croaked.

"We do." Rexis agreed.

"That's why, after this moment, I can't waste any more time. The clock is ticking and I'm going to beat it." Issei declared.

(Seraph of the End OST - 1hundredknight: M. End Song.)

Issei, after getting himself dressed, managed to convince the doctor to let him leave. His first order of business was to go and see Kuisha. Luckily, he found her finishing a routine visit with Misla, who was still comatose.

"Issei?" Kuisha was surprised to see him there.

"Hi, Kuisha. There's something I wanted to talk about."

The two went to a hallway, with Issei getting her a drink.

"I'm sorry." He started.

"About what?" Kuisha asked.

"I'm sure Sairaorg's in a lot of trouble because of me." Issei said.

"Actually, he's fine. Rizevim's taken up to replacing all of the people who abandoned him. A lot of other people were impressed with his determination and people are starting to flock to him. Although, a lot of people did abandon him." Kuisha admitted.

"Still, Sairaorg will bounce back. He's strong, very strong. I don't have any doubts that the people who dropped him will come crawling back." Issei said.

"So, what did you want to talk about?" Kuisha asked.

"I wanted to know more about Lady Misla and what you all meant when you said that her life was on the line." Issei elaborated.

Kuisha sighed, summarizing it all in her head.

"Well, a long time ago, when Sairaorg was almost a pre-teen, Lady Misla contracted an illness. It's common amongst devils, but the severity of her illness is a rare case. Sometimes, devils with her disease go into a coma. Some wake up, but a few don't and die as their bodies shut down. The doctors all speculate that Lady Misla will soon die. Her body has already deteriorated to a terrible degree." Kuisha said.

She looked at the sun, as if wondering when it'd set for the last time.

"However, about a week ago, Sairaorg received news. There's a fruit in Purgatory, called the Fruit of Penance. It's a consolidation of the penance developed there, since Purgatory is where many sinful souls go to be redeemed before ascending to Heaven, that is, if they don't go to Hell. The Fruit can cure Lady Misla. However, it's too dangerous for anyone to venture into because there's too little information to prepare anyone with. Nobody knows what lives in there or what kind of peril exists. Thus, Sairaorg has been asked to wait until a safe method of navigation is found. The problem is…nobody knows when that'll happen."

"And Sairaorg's wish was to monopolize it?"

"Not exactly. He just wanted her to be one of the first to receive treatment. Nobody knows if she'll be one of the first to get treatment, so Sairaorg wanted to place her at the top of the list for cures and treatments. That was why he was so desperate." Kuisha sadly said.

Sairaorg had given it his all, but it wasn't enough.

"I see. Thank you. I was curious as to what this was all about. Now I know." Issei thanked her before leaving.

"Issei…"

Said young man turned around.

"Please, don't feel guilty for what happened. I'm sure Sairaorg is still waiting for you to come over and visit again." Kuisha smiled at him.

"I will. Count on it." Issei returned the expression.

As he walked away, he decided what his first step to his final plan was going to be.


And now you know the results of that poll.

The poll that I had set up asked: "Who read the original "Heroic Calamity" and liked the love triangles that I wrote into it and are fine with it's possible return? Click "Yes" if you did. Click "No" if you didn't and don't like the idea of its return.".

There were 52 people who took part in the poll.

29 said "Yes"

23 said "No".

So, of course, it showed me that people didn't mind the return of that plot point. Now, before anyone starts commenting and reviewing, let me say this. If you didn't like the idea of the Sairaorg and Vali thing, then let me ask, did you vote? If you didn't, then you shouldn't be complaining. I gave everyone a shot, and a majority ruled that they were fine with it returning.

At that point, I could've made the plot go in either direction, since I've got two different plot paths set up.

Now, just because this happened, that doesn't mean it'll stay this way. Nothing is set in stone with certain events. Don't jump the gun. However, that doesn't mean things will change either. It's still gonna be a while until Issei's definite love interest is revealed. So, be patient, if you can.

However, I won't be handing out spoilers either. Even though I've said this a lot, people STILL PM me for spoilers. They STILL ask or straight demand that I make certain things happen in the story, thinking they can push me around. Some people have gotten the idea that they can tell me what to do. At the end of the day, I'm going to be the one writing the story and spending my own time working on it. I'm the one that has to think up the plot and dialogue. I'm the one who has to make sure the plot makes sense and everything. I'd rather not have regrets about it. Last but not least, I'm not on this site to write XXX stories. I said it a dozen times before, I'm just not comfortable with that. Nor am I here to write your stories for you. I'm also an individual and human being. I also have my own desires on how I want the story to go.

Anyways, that's all I've got to say.

Thanks for reading, I hope you felt something while reading this 2-part chapter, and I'll see you next time, hopefully.