italics - Thoughts
Bold underlined - Spells/Sword Skills
[Bold] - Ddraig
[Ddraig] - Ddraig mental speech
{Bold} - Albion speech
[Issei] - Issei mental speech with Ddraig
[Issei] - Issei speaking with Ddraig
Underlined - Timeskips/Flashbacks
"Bold" - Rating Game Announcement
Disclaimer: I do not own Highchool Dxd, Sword Art Online, or any of its characters. All rights belong to their creators.
Chapter 9:Fenrir, Pt.2
"Ora!" Issei smashed his fist into Fenrir's jaw. With a shriek of pain, it was forced upwards, the son of Loki forced to stand on his hind legs for a few seconds, before he fell to the side. Fenrir quickly recovered from his fall, rolling sideways, before he drew himself back to his feet, narrowly avoiding the tip of the rapier that had been targetted at his exposed sstomach.
Out of the corner of its eye, Fenrir noticed the dark form of Kirito. He had his back to him.
Seeing its chance, it leapt at the dark-haired boy, still recovering from having sent the attack that led Fenrir into the fist of Issei in the first place.
Kirito-san! Issei's eyes widened as he saw Fenrir bound towards the clad-in black boy. "Kirito! Watch out!"
Issei felt his warning was too late. Fenrir had leapt into the air claw outstretched, ready to tear into Kirito and turn him into a–
"Vertical Square!"
*Chink chink chin-*
Four slashes were made in quick succession. Three hits were heard hitting the claws of Fenrir. The fourth one...was not heard.
*Grah!*
Snarling, the large wolf landed heavily on it back legs.
Issei blinked. Hmm…HMMMMM?
Issei took a hot second to process what had happened.
..
After warning Kirito, Kirito had reacted so fast, his body would have suffered severe whiplash had he still been in a human body.
Faster than he could have blinked, Kirito had swiftly turned his body an entire 180 degrees, facing Fenrir, both his sword and body low to the ground. Only, his sword was glowing a bright yellow.
"Vertical Square!"
Kirito leapt into the air, swinging his sword so impossibly fast, even an experienced swordsman would have slight trouble doing the same actions he had done, from the same exact position he had been in.
Then, came the three, clear sounds indicating it had smashed into Fenrir's claw. The fourth never came.
Both enemies fell towards the ground, each bearing their own wounds. Fenrir, a missing claw. Kirito, a gash down his face and arm. A split second later, the cut off claw fell towards the ground landing with a dull thud as it did so.
..
Amazing… Issei was stunned at the speed, the power, and the skill of Kirito.
[You have a right to be amazed, partner.] Ddraig spoke out. [That young one, his skill with the blade is nothing to laugh at. In fact, I would wager he is one of the better swordsman I have encountered over the course of my years.]
"Really?" Issei kept an eye on Fenrir as they spoke. Right now, it was growling and circling the three of them, trying to find a b enough opening to launch an attack without being countered.
[Would I lie or jest about this?] Not waiting or a reply, Ddraig continued. [Anyway, you better ask him to teach you more swordplay after this. If you can use Ascalon as expertly as him…ku ku ku, Albion would be so shocked!]
Suddenly, a whistle echoed throughout the grounds, causing Fenrir to stop his attacks, before he bounded off, kicking up a large amount of grass and dirt, forcing the trio to raise their arms to protect their eyes.
"Where is he going?" Issei blinked(Although, it could not be seen from behind his mask.) in surprise.
"It seems that Loki is calling Fenrir back to him." Asuna popped up beside him, a frown on her face. "But why? Why now?"
"I don't know, Asuna." Kirito too popped up, this time from beside Asuna. "But, we should go."
"Yeah."
The entire party met up back on the small hill they had first arrived at.
"How did you guys fare?" Asuna was the first to ask the question.
"No problem!" Irina jumped up, her happy-go-lucky attitude still in place. "Rossweisse and I managed to bring down Skoll with no problems!"
"Hati is out for now." Kiba summoned a blade from the ground. Picking it up, he faced Loki's direction. "We managed to injure its paws and legs, so it would not be able to move for now."
"What about Buchou?" Issei asked the white-haired Knight. "Is she okay?"
"She's fine." A voice entered their ears. Then, a familiar face dropped down. Literally.
"Rias, Koneko-chan and Akeno-san are restraining the Midgard serpent." Sona hid her wings, fixing her glasses as she spoke. "I'm here to tell you about the current situation. Then, I'll go back to Rias."
"We have to buy a few more minutes for the Maou. Odin is going to be sending over Mjonir in that time, and he said that Issei should have it. Saji will be coming along with Mjonir." Sona looked back briefly, before she continued. "Rias also said that in under no circumstances, should any of you put yourselves at needless risk."
"Hai!" Issei stood up straight. "Message received, Kaichou!"
"Then, go ahead." Sona nodded her head towards the group, before she took flight once more, a magic circle at the ready.
"Loki-sama. Please think this over." Issei's ears caught the voice of a certain silver-haired Valkyrie. He turned his attention to her now, his eyes catching the sight of Rossweisse speaking to the floating Loki, Fenrir growling underneath him. "I am sure lord Odin will still forgive you."
"Don't be confused." Loki narrowed his eyes. "I am the one fixing his mistake."
"Then, it cannot be helped." With her face grim, Rossweisse flung her arms to either side, causing multiple magic circles to bloom into existence. "Hah!"
"Such a futile resistance." Loki waved his hand once, causing a single, large magic circle to pop out. It glowed briefly, before it discharged a hail of ice shards.
Rossweisse's circles also glowed, discharging all sorts of elemental magic. Both sides collided and exploded, creating a smokescreen.
Issei felt his spine tingling. "Rossweisse-san!"
"Kya!" With a short scream, Rossweisse was beaten back by Fenrir's paw, his claws somehow miraculously not gouging a large gash into her armour. As he looked closer, he realized that it was the paw that had its claw sliced off.
"Tch." Loki, also having realized this, clicked his tongue. "It looks like you live another day, Valkriye." However, there was not a hint of irritation on his face. "Fenrir, play with those two." Lifing his finger, he pointed to-
*Graa!*
Growling loudly, Fenrir bounded over to Kirito and Asuna, who were standing a little away from the small group.
"Crud!" Shouting a little, Kirito leapt backwards, away from the small group. Fenrir followed, changing its course from the small group to the small mound of bodies that Kirito had jumped into.
"Kirito!" Issei shouted out.
"Are you sure you should be so unfocused, Sekiryuutei!" Issei heard a voice behind him. Shi-
*Gra-ck*
"Gafuh!" Issei vomited blood, all the wind leaving his lungs. Out of the corner of his eye, he noticed a magic circle near his armour, a large shard of ice embedded in it. With a sharp sound, Issei was blown away from the small group.
"Wha-" Everyone was too shocked, only just realizing Loki had appeared in their midst.
*Doon*
Countless magic circles were brought into existence, forming a barrier around the Norse god. All of them spat out ice shards at a high velocity.
"Gah!"
"Erk!"
"Kah!"
Everyone let out different sounds as they were hit by the shards.
Kiba and Xenovia were blown away, their swordplay and speed not fast enough to deflect enough of the barrage to stay upright.
Rossweisse was forced back quite a distance, only upright due to her blocking with her arms and reinforcing them with magic.
Irina had attempted to fly up, only for her wings and body to be barraged by the icicles.
With a single move, Loki had managed to incapacitate half of the group.
In fact, all of them were lucky. Despite having taken the attacks head on, the icicles had not managed to pierce through any vital organs. As it was, however, all of them had multiple lacerations on their arms and upper body.
Kiba and Xenovia had small holes in their arms and legs, drastically reducing their combat effectiveness.
Irina had major injuries on her legs and wings, but other than that, she was fine.
Rossweisse was the least injured out of all of them. But, her arms were exposed, a part of her gauntlets haven broken under the icicle barrage.
"What a weak bunch." Loki commented as he surveyed the group around him. "All of you failed to block my attacks."
"S-so?" Issei struggled to rise to his feet. Blood dripped from the grooves of his armour and down the lance of ice.
"Which only shows that all of you are too weak for the opening of Ragnarok." Loki sighed. "As I expected, you are all insects. All but those two."
W-what?
Issei looked at the general direction at which Loki was looking at. What he saw, made him rethink how skilled Kirito and Asuna were.
"Do you see?" Loki smirked when he saw Issei's still form. "My son is actually having to exert a bit more effort to kill those two. More than all of you combined."
"Damn it!" Kazuto ducked under a strike from Fenrir's tail. "This monster is real tough! Only Sword Skills work on it! Even though the blades themselves deal no damage."
"And at the rate we are going, we would end up losing before we actually injure Fenrir hard enough to allow us to regroup back with Issei and the rest!" Asuna shouted back to Kazuto, her rapier's glow fading as she back stepped.
It had been a minute since they had begun to fight Fenrir. Although, to Kazuto, it was much longer.
And right now, for the first time in three years, they were fighting a large monster, with their lives on the line.
"Asuna, switch!"
"Got it!"
Kazuto leapt in, his sword glowing, before he swung it down, a light tracer following its movements seconds later. "Sharp Nail!"
*Grah*
Fenrir howled in pain, the three long scratches making a gouge in its exposed flank. Seeing a chance, Kazuto jumped back to Asuna's position.
"Hey, Asuna." As they caught their breath, Kazuto decided to ask Asuna something that had been bothering him.
"Yeah?"
"Do you think that he looks like Waheela the Black Wolf?"
Waheela the Black Wolf. The floor boss of Floor 25(*1*). It was the first boss that had caused multiple deaths since floor 1. It was also when Kazuto's suspicions of a floor boss being abnormally powerful every quarter up the floating castle was proven right. Back then, we had quite the trouble with him. He had the ability to turn into smoke and move and super fast speeds, and you had to time your parries right, or you would take massive amounts of damage. And, when his health dipped down to a certain level, he would extend his shadow and create spikes, each spike dealing a level of poison of paralysis. Just thinking about the boss from back then made Kazuto's face twitch.
"…Now that you mention it, yes, he does." Asuna pursed her lips, taking a moment to respond. "If you removed those horns at his shoulders, and change his fur colour to a grey-blue instead of a blood red, he would look very similar to Waheela."
"So, that is what my son was called in that game?"
""!?""
Surprised by the new voice, both devils leapt backwards, twisting their bodies in mid-air to look at the newcomer.
Loki did not look disturbed. In fact, he smiled a little. "Both of you reacted very quickly. As expected of survivors of that game."
"…what did you mean by that?" Kazuto thought back to what Loki had said. "About Fenrir?"
"I believe you already know a part of the answer to that, young swordsman." Loki briefly looked at the form of his son. He was pacing around the trio now, letting out a growl every so often. "Ah, it seems that my son hates you. Perhaps, you were one of the ones that defeated him?" Loki shrugged. "Not that it matters too much to me."
"Why are you really here?"
"…Excuse me?"
"Why are you here?" Kazuto asked the question again. "You could have just chosen to mock us from above while bombarding us with spells. Why come down here?"
"I would have done exactly as you said, young one." Loki gave a ferocious grin, but Kazuto and Asuna did not back down. "Except, all those who have overcome, or were a part of that game, intrigue me very much."
"I did not take you to be the scientist type."
"Ah, not in that way." Loki waved his hand. "It is mere curiosity. See, after the game, my son was severely weakened. His muscles had deteriorated from no use after two years, after all. But then, we both discovered something." Loki floated upwards.
"Kirito! Asuna!" Issei's voice could be heard calling their names. Turning, they both looked to see a small group run towards them.
"Ah, perfect. A great way to finish off these weaklings. "Loki smirked. "As I was saying, after that game, we realized something–"
"-Fenrir had new abilities."
It happened too fast.
One minute, Issei was running towards Asuna and Kirito, the group following close behind him. The next, they found themselves standing on shadows.
"What the"
That was all Issei could say, before numerous spikes shot out.
"Gah!"
"Urk!"
Various reaction were heard from the sudden appearance of the spikes. Issei's armour had managed to protect him, the dark pointed ends snapping or shattering the moment it came into contact with the red armour. However…
Kiba and Xenovia had a few small spikes embedded in their legs, their swords having managed to redirect the spikes into a different direction and stopping it from hitting their upper body.
Irina had a few gashes here and there, also from the spikes. It seemed like she had used her angel wings to flap up the moment she saw the spikes appearing, allowing her to escape any serious injury.
Rossweisse herself had a few nicks on her arms, the rest of the spikes having grazed the armour that covered her legs and body. But, instead of blood, a black shadowy-like appearance clung to the wounds. "This is...poison?"
"Oh ho." Loki smirked from his position above them. "All of you managed to escape death. This is a surprise."
A few metres ahead of the group, was Kazuto and Asuna. Kazuto felt sweat dripping across his brow as he heard those words. This is definitely a boon for Fenrir.
Back in the game, Fenrir, or 'Waheela', could only fire those spikes of his in a straight line, so it was easy to avoid. And, they were only released once his health reached certain points, making it easy to avoid once you knew the pattern.
However, now that Fenrir was back in reality, this also mean that his abilities that he had in-game just became much, much more dangerous.
As he had figured out during his testing, his cool downs for skills could be removed if more demonic energy was used. In Fenrir's case, it would be a different energy type or source. So, Fenrir could use this ability over and over again, provided he had enough energy to do so. And it also looked like the range and speed of the spikes had risen dramatically, so that was more dangerous for Kazuto and Co. Not to mention the addition of a new paralysis coating on the spikes.
I knew that there were supernatural beings which were trapped in the game, but who would have thought they would have also gained the skills? Kazuto's blood ran cold. This means that all of us need to be extremely careful, since the player killers in the game might have this ability to replicate sword skill or abilities as well.
"Oh ho. All of you managed to escape death. This is a surprise." Loki's voice echoed in Kazuto's ears.
Looking up, he could see Loki's smirk on his face. "Unfortunately, this is the en–" A bright light shined, causing Loki to pause in his speech. "..what is this?"
A large magic circle had appeared in the sky. It was the source of the light. And from it, appeared-
"Mjonir…" Kazuto heard Rossweisse's gasp as she looked at the extra-large hammer descending from the heavens.
"Mjonir!?" Loki clicked his tongue. "So that old fool is seriously going to stop me…"
"Issei!"
"Got it!" Issei flew upwards, his dragon wings beating powerfully as he soared through the sky.
Yes! Kazuto cheered internally. With this, we have a chance of stopping Loki! Kazuto looked up, preparing to move he need be, only to see that Loki did not look disturbed. Only irritated. Why isn't he worried? He felt a growing sense of discomfort and foreboding.
A shadow crossed over hiss head. "Issei! Look–"
"Eh?"
*Crunch*
Kazuto's warning never made it on time.
"Gaaaaarrggh!"
It hurts... it hurts soo muchh! Issei screamed in his mind.
One minute, he was floating in the air, the next, he was on the ground, his entire body in the large jaws of Fenrir.
Issei felt detached from his surroundings. In fact, it would not be a stretch to say that he was feeling an out of body experience.
Gaahhh! Issei could only scream in pain, not even having enough composure to form a single sentence in his mind. Fenrir bit down harder, making even more holes in his armour.
Buchou...I'm sorry... Those were Issei's last thoughts before he fainted.
"Ise!"
Rias's shout drew Kazuto's eyes away from the falling boy, instead focusing on the red headed girl who had shouted.
"Rias-san! What are you doing here?" Kazuto looked back to where Akeno and Koneko were. The large snake was thrashing about, but it seemed to be preoccupied. So, there was no danger from it.
…For now.
Rias did not hear Kazuto's question. "Ise..." She rushed towards the downed dragon emperor.
"Only the Red Dragon Emperor is strong enough to wield the hammer." Rossweisse fell to her knees, shock and despair on her face. "Without him…"
There is nothing we can do... Kazuto finished the morbid sentence in his mind. He too was feeling numb with shock. This was not the first time he had seen someone die, but that in itself was not something anyone could get used too. And, with he last deaths he witnessed being a year back...
With a dull crash, Mjonir crashed into thee ground heavily, the dirt and mud being displaced by the heavy weight of the legendary hammer, creating a large crater around it.
Out of all phoenix tears they had been given, one had been used to heal Issei after his first confrontation Loki. The other two were used on Akeno's and Koneko's injuries from their fight with the Midgard serpent. Leaving 0 tears left. Asuna made to follow Rias, but found her way blocked by Fenrir, who growled menacingly.
"Ragnarok will begin soon." Loki raised an arm into the air, magic circles popping into existence left and right. "Perish in the twilight of the end. Fenrir," he added, looking at his son briefly. "destroy that distasteful hammer."
*Awoh!*
Fenrir used his tail to sweep both Asuna and Kazuto away, before he leapt off to where the hammer was last seen.
"Grk!" Kazuto and Asuna managed to block the attack, but Asuna's beloved rapier snapped, leaving her weaponless. As for Kazuto, he was forced to one knee, his entire body drained of demonic energy. S-shit...
All seemed to be lost for everyone.
But then-
"What a dreary sight."
{DivideDivideDivideDivideDivideDivideDivide}
Suddenly, countless 'divide's were echoed on the battlefield. With each 'divide', the magic circles became smaller and smaller, until it was the size of a human.
"So, my rival has fallen into this sorry state?" A scoff. "How commendable, and yet, so pitiful."
Kazuto looked up. There, he saw a white-armoured figure, its blue wings, translucent wings keeping it afloat.
Darkness threatened to engulf him, and he tried to stay awake, but his mind gave out.
Dimly, he saw Asuna's form collapse on the ground, she too having been drained of energy. The last thing he heard was Rias's voice shouting a name.
"Vali!"
Issei was in a large amount of pain. Then, he felt warm hands wrap around his body. "Ise…"
Blearily, he opened his eyes. Through his hazy vision, he could make out a figure with blood-red hair, and a busty figure. "Buchou…"
"Ise!" His vision cleared, allowing him to see his Master's tearful face. "Hang in there! You will be fine! I promise! Wait for Asuna to arrive. She will be able to heal you!"
"Buchou…" Issei knew that Rias was trying to comfort him. I have to stop Loki. With that thought in mind, he put strength into his muscles, attempting to get into a sitting position, but pains shot up his nerves, forcing him back into a laying one instead. "Ah..."
Out of the corner of his eye, he saw a large hammer come crashing down, its weight creating a small crater around it. "The hammer..." He feebly raised his hand. Numbly, he realized that his armour had been dispelled, showing his bloody and beaten body to the world.
"Stop, please, conserve your energy." Rias forcefully, but gently, pushed Issei's hand down. "You are too injured to stand! Just wait until Asuna comes!"
"Ragnarok will begin soon." Loki's voice echoed dimly in his ears. "Perish in the twilight of the end. Fenrir, destroy that distasteful hammer."
*Awoh!*
With a loud howl that shook Issei's heavily injured body, Fenrir bounded towards the hammer, its heavy footfalls shaking the ground. Ah, so is this my end?
Issei felt shame and anger fill his heart. No! What am I thinking? I have yet to achieve my dream! And, what about Buchou? She has yet to fight against Kaichou! If I fall now, how will Buchou feel?
Just as Issei resolved to get up, even if it killed him(which was more likely to happen, seeing as he had a holes in his body the size of an arm), a few things happened at once.
{DivideDivideDivideDivideDivideDivideDivide}
*Klankklankklanklank*
A familiar sound resounded in his ears, as well as the sound of chains. And lastly, a case dropped onto the ground.
"This is…" Wide eyed, Rias looked at the black case that had slipped out of Issei's torn school outfit.
"Hmm, so this is the state that my rival ended up in?" A male voice entered her ears. "I want to commend him on making it this far, but his pitiful state is making me want to retract my words."
Rias looked up, meet the hazel eyes and dark silver hair framing a handsome face. "Vali!"
"Nyah~" Yet another familiar voice entered her ears. "So, Shirone has accepted her heritage?" A black Kimono, and cat ears, made its way into her peripheral vision."
"What is the meaning of this, Vali Lucifer?" Loki shouted out in an enraged voice. "Are you betraying me?"
Rias looked up, and saw chains binding the large wolf, keeping him in place.
"Lord Loki, we will be taking Fenrir with us." Arthur appeared from behind Kuroka.
"What did you say!?" Loki's face erupted into myriad of expressions. "You are betraying me, Vali!"
"I just wanted to have Fenrir by my side. There is no betrayal. Only a wish to get the fangs that can kill gods." Vali smirked. "Arthur, if you will."
"You tricked me!" Loki's face contorted into a fierce scowl, as Arthur slashed the space behind him, creating a rift.
"Well, then it would be your own fault for being tricked, Loki-sama~" Kuroka giggled.
"Well everyone, have a good day." Arthur bowed, before he walked through the rift. Fenrir followed close behind, as did Vali.
"Ah, Rias~" Kuroka purred at the heiress. "Please tell Shrione this. We are a species that cannot find peace in our hearts. Also, since I am in a rush toady, I'll pick her up another time!" She wined at her, before jumping backwards and through the portal.
[Boost!]
"What?!" Loki spun in mid-air, and faced the source of the noise. "How?"
"A gift from a young lady of the Phoenix family." Rias stood up from her sitting position. I must thank Ravel for this, even though I am vexed she did this action. Well, it saved Ise's life, so I will overlook this one.
"I thought it was a jewel, so I did not bother opening it up." Issei shouted at the floating Norse god. His shirt was completely torn, and there was blood splatter all over it. Yet, his wounds had been healed, and he was standing up. "Ddraig!"
[Boost!]
Issei grasped the hammer with his left hand. "It's...heavy...but, I can do this!"
[Boost!]
"Curse you, Sekiryuutei!" Loki thrust his hand up, causing multiple magic circles to pop out. All of them summoned more copies of the Midgard serpent.
More of those serpents? Rias looked worriedly at the appearance of them. Thankfully, they seem smaller and weaker than the first one we fought, but with this, Loki would be able to escape!
Then a black flame was smashed into the ground.
"Ku! What is this fire!? I can't move…Ngggh! My powers are being taken away gradually!? I-Is this the power of that black dragon!? I have heard that there is a Dragon-king, but don't tell me this is it!?" Loki shouted in a panic, the black flames wrapping around his arms and legs. Meanwhile, all the summoned Midgard serpents had been swallowed by the flames, turning into ash.
W-what is this? Issei looked at the scene with an amazed expression. At first, when the serpents had came out, he was very worried. He was still very weak. Even though the Phoenix tears had stopped him from dying, it did nothing to restore a person's stamina. And, his time limit had been severely reduced, due to having taken heavy damage from Fenrir's fangs earlier. As it was, it was all he had to be able to manifest Boosted gear.
But, with the black flames, he was thankful that the serpents were being heavily restricted, but he did not know if said flames were friend or foe.
[Hmm?] Ddraig spoke for the first time. [This is…]
"What is it Ddraig?" Issei glanced down at his gauntlet.
[This flames...they remind me of Vitra. What's more, I can sense his presence within those black flames.]
"Who is Vitra?"
[He is one of the 5 Dragon kings, besides Fafnir, Tiamat, Yu-long and Midgardsormr ] Ddraig explained. [And, I can sense the presence of a young devil in there.]
"Who would–" Issei recalled something Azazel said. "You mean Saji is in there?!"
[It would seem so.]
"Can we talk to him?"
[Hmm, perhaps you may be able to do so if you talk through me.]
"Yosh! Then, let's give it a try." Issei tried it out. [Saji, can you hear me?]
"Urk..."
Yes! There is a response! Issei was excited. [Saji. It's me, Ise.]
"Hyo-Hyoudou? What's happening to me right now...? I don't know why, but my body feels so hot that it might burn out…"
[Get a hold of your consciousness! You came in with a cool entrance, so fulfill your role till the end and then go down!]
"…What should I do?" Saji's voice asked, his tone a firm one. It seemed that his consciousness was starting to take hold firmly now.
[What can you see around you?]
"Inside a black fire, I can see giant wolves, and long-skinny big dragons…"
[Continue to restrain them like that. I think it would be okay if you think like that. Anyway, think strongly! Also, can you see a humanoid enemy?]
"Found him… I can sense a mysterious magical power from him...And he's trying to get rid of the fire with it…"
[That guy is the boss! Don't let him erase it! Think strongly, and keep restraining him! I will do the rest! I will settle this!]
Issei stooped communicating with Saji, instead firmly grasping the hammer, this time with both hands. "Ddraig, how many Boosts have we got?"
[7 Boosts.]
"Transfer them to the hammer!"
[You got it, partner!] Ddraig responded strongly. Issei could even sense a bit of excitement in his voice. [Transfer!]
*Doon…Doon…DOOON!*
With three large, yet dull, sounds, the hammer expanded, until its shaft now looked like a tiny toothpick in comparison with its head.
"Mere, weaklings should know their place!" Loki roared out, breaking through the black flames like it was paper. Shit! Even if he is super rotten, he is a God! But, thanks to that, the severely weakened clones of the Midgard serpent were eradicated, so there was one less headache for Issei.
"No, you won't!"
With those words, everyone launched a ranged attack.
Irina swung a large ring of light, aiming it at the god.
Rias shot some spheres of Destruction.
Rossweisse gave a barrage of spells at the god.
And Koneko launched white spheres at him.
"Grak!" Loki let out a sound unfitting of a god, as each attack hit the god.
"With this, it's over!"
As Issei shouted that, he leapt up, swinging the overly-large hammer down on the battered and weakened Loki.
*Ba-toom*
With a tremendous sound, the hammer struck the earth, creating spider-web cracks in the earth. When he lifted the hammer, now back to its regular size, he could see Loki's body in the middle of a crater.
Loki's body has many tendrils of smoke coming out from it. He was still standing, but only barely. All worn out, he falls to the ground.
"The reason why the God recorded in the Bible left a phenomenon called Balance Breaker...and a weapon called Longinus which can kill God without getting rid of them...Did he know something like this could have happened? Why did he leave humans a method to kill a God?"
After saying that, Loki lost his consciousness completely, his neck no longer having the strength to lift his head.
They had won.
"Yo, Saji."
Issei woke his friend who was unconscious at the centre point of the battle field. Around him, the grass had been withered to a dark grey, instead of being charred black.
He already reverted back to his original appearance from the black-dragon state.
"Naa, is that you Hyoudou? What happened to the battle?"
He had already fully regained his consciousness, but it seems like his body can't move.
"It has ended. Many things have happened, but it is our victory."
Saji smiles at his answer.
"I see… I wasn't very conscious that time...Then I heard your voice. I was happy. While I was suffering as if I was having my body burned, your voice came to me. It gave me lots of moral support."
"Hahahaha, you can depend on me. But it will be hard if you were to go on a rampage like that."
"Are you serious? Was I going crazy?" Saji gave a shocked look.
"Yeah, very much. But thanks to that we won. You were an amazing support."
Saji gave a relieved look. "…Then I don't care. But."
Saji looks around the aftermath of the battlefield. The place was in ruins. There are several craters on the ground and it wasn't the same as before. In fact, it really looked like a place after a war.
Everyone was in joy because of their victory against Loki. Xenovia and Irina are exhausted and sitting on the ground.
Loki had his power sealed by Rossweisse who used many Norse magic seals on him after he was captured.
Asuna and Kirito were being tended to by Akeno and Koneko. They had fainted shortly after Vali had arrived. It seemed that they had been nicked by the poison from the shadow spikes that Fenrir had used, and they had not noticed until it was too late. Thankfully, the poison was only meant to incapacitate a person, so they were fine.
As for the hammer…
The hammer called Mjolnir had amazing power even though it is just a replica. Well, it was also due to my multiplied powers as well, but I was able to defeat a God with it.
"You've been fighting in a battle like this numerous times, right? Things like God, Maou, and Two Heavenly Dragons and such."
Saji said it as if he admired Issei.
"Well, so many things happen in our group. People say that maybe the power of the Sekiryuutei is calling them, but I almost died many times. Geez." Issei shrugged as he spoke. Now that I think about it, Aren't I fighting against legendary beings a lot? Cold sweat dripped down his back, unseen. I won't survive even if I have multiple lives at this rate!
"That is the reason why you are amazing. I was really scared before doing the training that I was trembling. I really wanted to go home. But, if I ran away I wouldn't be able to face Kaichou and the others…"
"I'm in a similar situation as well. I'm scared that I can't continue." Issei looked at Saji. "But I have to do it. It seems like my road to becoming a Harem-king is rough, so I have to break every single obstacle on my way. For that, I will have to adapt to the power of the Sekiryuutei and other kinds of power and make them my own...There are many things I want to make into reality and many things I want to protect. I have to walk right ahead no matter what."
"…It looks like I'm no match for you. Even though you are a sukebe(*2*)."
Like this, they chatted until some devils arrived to treat the severely injured, as well as Asuna and Kirito, who were out cold.
"So, how is he?"
In a unknown part of the world, Team Vali was looking at their new spoils, and possible new teammate. Fenrir, the son of Loki.
"He is fine." Arthur took out the sword he had embedded inside the wolf's head.
"As expected of the last fragment of Excalibur, the ruler of control." Vali commented, dispelling his armor.
"So, what about that strange ability of his? That shadow one?"
"I have locked it for now" Arthur sheathed Excalibur Ruler. "We have no idea on its uses or its weakness, so for now, I sealed it. If you wish-"
"Its fine." Vali smiled when he saw Fenrir shrink down and go to him. "For now, we shall see the extent of its capabilities. Afterwards, we will explore his shadow ability."
Not too far from them, Kuroka was sitting at the edge of the rock cliff they were on. Below them was an expansive forest that stretched on for miles.
"Enjoy your dream for now, Shirone." Kuroka gazed at the moon, her feet dangling at the rock's edge. Her eyes contained many emotions, but the most prominent one was sadness. "But, you will definitely…"
Timeskip, two weeks later.
"Well, then. Father, mother, Millicas. We are going off."
"Big sis Rias, are you going off already?"
"I'm sorry Mililcas." "We have to get going now. We will come and play again next time, okay?"
"Okay…" Millicas gave a sulky expression.
"Now, Millicas." Grayfia placed a hand on the boy's shoulder. "Lady Rias is quite busy. You mustn't be unreasonable."
"Okay, Okaa-sama."
""Eh!?"" Five voices gasping could be heard.
"O-okaa-sama?" Issei stuttered.
"Then-" Asia looked at the maid and- nay, the wife and son.
"Lord Sirzechs wife is-"
"""Eh…""" Grayfia only smiled at them, not answering their question.
..
..
"Urm, Koneko-chan?"
Everyone looked at Issei's seat. Lying on his lap, was the white-haired Rook of the Peerage.
"This is the place I find the most peace." Koneko said, before she made herself even more comfortable on the Pawn's lap. The two newer female devils giggled at the sight.
Not too far away from them...
"To think that Sirzechs wife was actually the maid and his Queen..." Kazuto sighed out. Right now, they were relaxing on the train. It was heading back to the human world. "But, that is not the only surprise, eh, Asuna?"
"Indeed." Asuna nodded, sipping her tea. Both gazed at the small event that was happening in front of their eyes.
So many things happened. Especially those fights. Kazuto picked up his own cup of tea as well, thinking back to the events that had transpired after Loki's detainment. We fought with Sitri-san's peerage, discovered that I had a Sacred Gear, and then, the fight with Argo.
Flashback(Discovery of Sacred Gear.)
"Asuna!"
Kazuto's heart felt like it was dying all over again. He had hoped Asuna's status of being a level 50 Clearer would stop her from dying, but that small hope of his died along with his feelings when he heard the announcement made by Grafiya.
No... Kazuto stared at the remnants of light that represented Asuna's departure. A small part of his mind tried to tell him that she was fine. That she was not actually dead, nor was she in serious condition. That she was currently in the infirmary, resting up even though the game was still ongoing.
But he had never gotten used to Asuna's death in SAO.
In SAO, when you died once, you died in real life. No do-overs. In ALO, the death animation was very different compared to the one in SAO, so he was able to cope to a certain degree when he first saw Asuna die in the game. After a while, he got immune to Asuna's death in ALO. But, all of them still took care to not just go and die in the game, even if it would not harm them in real life.
He thought he had managed to get rid off the trauma of Asuna dying once in SAO.
He was wrong. So wrong.
Something in him snapped. And another thing in him crumbled down, like a dam bursting.
Kazuto felt a haze surround his mind. And then–
Flashback end
Back then, we had already lost Xenovia-san, Gasper-san, and Issei. Kazuto frowned as he thought back to the fight. And Asia's healing being turned into a weapon against us was something none of us saw coming. And, that had been the final straw that caused me to awaken my Sacred Gear.
It turned out, Kazuto was a nasty berserker when he used his gear. All his sword skills and abilities were increased nearly four-fold when he equipped it. His gear also had the function to give him armor, and replicate the abilities he had in SAO.
Including his skills and passive regeneration.
Turns out, the regeneration level, although it was only healed fraction of his health in SAO(before the game was cleared)and helped him out when in a pinch(but generally, it was useless in boss fights, as his Hp was in the low 20,000s, while his regeneration rate was around 900 per 3 sec), its effects were devastating in IRL. His body could weather most blows, dismembered body parts could grow back(albeit, very slowly), and, his wounds that gave deep wounds healed within a matter of minutes. Honestly, he wad the very definition of a high-spec boss.
Well, he was finally taken down after a combined effort from Akeno, Koneko and Rias, so he had to thank them for snapping him out of that state.
Anyway, after some experimenting, he found out that his gear was very powerful in his hands. It had replicated his abilities to a large extent, including his tracking and personal inventory(surprisingly), could make his armour(Blackwyrm Coat), had the ability to see how much of the demonic energy he had left, status check(Poison, paralysis, disease, etc.), and, most surprising of all, make any weapon he had used or seen.
There were a few restrictions, such as needing to have met certain environment or material requirements, as well as a chant and a few other things, but the results were very devastating, to say the least.
Each weapon he created had the cutting and durability of his weapons before SAO was deleted. AND, it could be upgraded. So, it would be able to become even MORE powerful than what it was originally.
Just to be clear, his new blades, Elucidator and Dark Repulsor, could slice cleanly through multiple shields enhanced by magic. Making it on par with a Holy sword's cutting ability. By the way, Dark Repulsor was made with Issei's blood, while Elucidator was made from Fenrir's claw, which had somehow made its way into his inventory.
..
Then after all that fiasco with his gear, came the fight against Argo.
Needless to say, it was a bloodbath.
Armed with her new rapier, Wind Fluret(Courtesy of Kazuto's gear, which has been dubbed 'Golden Vise'), Asuna single-handedly demolished Klein, Suguha(Leafa), and Ayano Keiko(Silica).
Kazuto wiped the floor with Shino Asada(Sinon), Argo and Lisbeth. And both of them were not even Promoted!
"Yeah, things sure have changed, haven't they." Kazuto softly muttered to himself.
3 and a half years ago, he was a friendless NEET gamer, who was disconnected from his family, having found out that his real parents had died. Then, he put on the NerveGear and became one of the 10,000 players trapped in a death game. In the next two years after he put on the headgear, he would be shunned and detested, he would find love, get a girlfriend, wife, a daughter, and finally, clear the game.
Two months after clearing the game, or 13 months ago, he would dive back into VR gaming to save Asuna. Along the way, he would find out his sister was also an avid VR gamer.
half a year plus after that, or a little over 8 months ago, he would work with the government to solve a case of murders. From there, he would be forced to remember, and come to terms, with murders he had done with his own hand. It would also mark the beginning of his fanbase due to his girl-like avatar(he actually played along, something he would deeply regret in the coming weeks,), the meeting and arresting of a few Laughing Coffin members, and a new friendship with the blue-haired sniper, Sinon. He would also help her with her PTSD, but that was something that he had done unknowingly.
And then, 2 months ago, his sister/cousin moved to Kuoh Academy, where he and Asuna would turn into devils.
And to think I am only 17... Kazuto could only laugh self-deprecatingly when he thought about all the things he had gone through, before he brightened up. Well, I got a girlfriend/wife, an A.I. daughter we both love, and a close circle of friends. Plus, sandwich-kun. Yep, yep. Must not forget about sandwich-kun!
While Kazuto was having these thoughts…
"To think koneko had opened her heart to Issei." Akeno looked over the group fondly. "It would have been unbelievable had it been a few months ago, just when Issei joined us. Right, Rias?"
"Yes, so true." Rias observed the small gathering of devils with a small smile on her face. Both of them were standing a small distance from the gathered devils, merely content with looking at them for now.
"Ne~, Rias," Akeno looked at her King.
"Yeah?"
"Could you loan me Issei for a day? When we get back?"
"You know, he's not something that you can-" She stopped halfway, a look of understanding crossing her face. "I see. So, you will tell him?"
"Yes." Akeno peered out the window. Her sad gaze reflected back at her, mirroring the feelings in her heart. "I have come to terms with my powers. Somewhat, that is."
"In the end, everyone is saved by Issei."
"So true."
Both girls looked at the chattering group of devils (Asuna and Kirito having joined at some point) enjoying the mood for now they had going on.
(*1*) - In canon, Waheela is floor 28. However, for this fic, I'm changing it to be floor 25 instead for the story.
(*2*) - A lewd person, basically.
AN
So, how was this chapter?
Honestly, this entire part was re-written. But since the update is every month, there was not too much trouble in updating the story.
How did you like my version of the Loki fight? It's actually a mix between the LN, and the anime. Both are pretty good, but if I wanted to include the SAO cast, I had t do some changes. And what better way to do these modifications then to take some inspiration from the LN, anime and some fics?
The last bit is actually a summary of the Sitri fight. I had a total of three chapters for that bit, but I scraped the thing altogether. But, I'll post the heavily modified version as a separate story(This will be in around a month. Since, originally, the Sitri fight was before the Loki fight, and honestly, this way flows much better. I have a copy of the fight, unedited. That meets I would need to modify it to fit the current timeline.)
Well, hoped you like this chapter, review(with name pls, or a handle if you are a guest), and Anime is Life!
