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 18: Their battles for personal gains Pt.5

Previously...

But, just as she was about to deal the finishing blow, the hood that was covering one of them fell off, revealing blonde hair framing blue eyes. A metal in the vague shape of a cross was pinned to one side of her head, clipping her hair to one side.

Joan?

*Crack*

"Ufgh" The blonde girl let out a gasp of air before she fainted, impacting the floor so hard, it created spiderweb cracks all around her. Similarly, the Rook next to her was forced deep into the ground, out cold.


A few minutes later...

Cautiously, Xenovia placed a few fingers with practised ease on the tied up girl. When she felt the pulse, she breathed a sigh of relief.

Xenovia could not stop her blade from hitting the Rook, but she was able to turn the blade just enough it broke a few bones instead. A large improvement(and since every time she swung her blade full force it turned her enemies into practical mince meat, that was saying something).

And, at the same time Xenovia knocked out the Rooks, Kiba had just finished up with dealing the Knights. From what Issei told her, Kiba had tripped the two Knights up by launching a few swords into the ground behind them. When they fell, he quickly pinned them with shorter, but sharper blades that sucked vitality from them.

Currently, they were wrapped around a pillar, together with the Rook.

The other one, the one that Xenovia was caring for, was on the ground instead.

Joan… Xenovia lightly brushed the blonde's head.

"Someone you know, Xenovia?" Rias had noticed Xenovia's change.

"…yeah." Xenovia nodded slowly. "She was a former holy nun. We were…kindred spirits, in a way. Our faith were very similar: Unrelenting, always believing the words of the Church, yet willing to bend a few rules for the sake fo completing an objective."

"A former nun?" Xenovia could tell that Rias was frowning behind her. "…this gives some of the rumours around Diodora some weight."

"Rumours?" Issei asked.

Xenovia would have pushed the issue, but the girl below her stirred, prompting everyone to be on high alert.

"Urgh…" Joan groaned. Her eyes opened slightly, staring at the ceiling. Then, she saw them focus in her. "Xe…ovia?"

"Yes, Joan. It's me." Xenovia lightly clasped her hand. "Why are you under Diodora's Peerage? What happened? Last I heard, you were spreading the Lord's words in America."

"The Devil's Temptation, Xenovia." Joan weakly smiled. "All of us were tempted by that vile bastard."

"Diodora?" This time, Rias stepped forward.

"Yes." Joan coughed. "…Did you hear the rumours about our…master?"

"My Peerage didn't. Not yet, at least." Rias answered her question.

"I…see." Joan closed her eyes. "Then, let me tell you. About our master."

"Diodora Astaroth…he tempted us. All of us." Tears slid down her rosy cheeks as Joan recounted her story. "All of us, all of those who are part of his Peerage…were former holy maidens or nuns from various areas."

"What?!" Xenovia was stunned. "The Church never received information about this!"

"The Church?" Joan gave a bitter laugh. "The Church kept quiet because Diodora paid them enough to look the other way. At least, the branches where we came from anyway. Then, he would visit the churches we were in, slowly whispering words into our ears until we let our guard down long enough to bring us to his place, where he would…" Joan closed her eyes, whispering the last part. "…break us in."

"…what happened to the girls?" Xenovia reigned in her anger. She had to listen.

"All of us received the same treatment. Some more than others." Joan pulled down her arm.

With a start, Xenovia realised it was a skin-coloured piece of fabric. And below it, hid numerous scars.

"Thanks to Phoenix Tears, we would not die. So, he would torture us many, many times. Sometimes to vent, other times to relieve his boredom." Joan quickly pulled the sleeve back up, no longer wanting to look at the cause of her pain. "After a few dozen times of defiling us, the less weaker ones broke and became loyal to him. In the end, I was the last one who did not have her will fully broken. After forcing us to swear loyalty to him, he would use his Pieces to reincarnate us a devils…" Joan let a lone tear fall from her eyes. "But because of his perverse nature…most of us got replaced…including the younger ones…"

*crack*

Something within Xenovia snapped.

*KA-DOON*

With a roar, Xenovia smashed Durandal into the ground next to her, easily destroying the marble that paved the floor. None of the devils from the Gremory Peerage even flinched at the action.

"It's okay now." Xenovia finally allowed the emotions she was supressing to burst forth. Crying, she grasped the former pure holy maiden in her arms. "It's okay..."

"…as much as I would like for us to let Joan-san to rest, we need to move now." Rias said. Xenovia could hear her Master grounding her teeth together. Hard. "That sick traitor might try to escape when he realise we are overpowering him. Especially when he felt that holy aura that you let out, Xenovia. Bring Joan with us as well. It would do her good for her to spend some time with someone she knew. Someone who faces the same situation as her."

"Yes, Buchou." Xenovia held Durandal in her left arm. With her right, she lifted Joan up, allowing the girl to stand on her two feet for a moment, before she made use of her Knight speed to quickly support the poor girl.

"Same situation?" Joan asked, confused.

"I too was excommunicated, Joan. But it was for different reasons compared to yours." Xenovia walked. Joan struggled to follow, but after some Boosting from Issei, she had enough strength to walk. Her fighting strength increased, but that was of no consequence. Especially since she was among Xenovia's companions.

"What happened?"

"The truth, Joan." Xenovia felt sadness course through her veins when she recalled what she had learned. "The truth that only the higher ups knew. That the Lord-ow- was gone."

"…what?" Joan's voice came out as a tiny whisper.

"I learned of the truth when me and my partner, Irina, were tasked with the recovery of the Excalibur fragments that had been stolen." Xenovia briefly closed her eyes as she recalled the last mission she went on for the church. "We were working with Buchou and her Peerage to stop a war that Kokabiel wanted to unleash between the three factions, when he told all of us that the Lord -ow- was dead. Because I learned of this secret, the Church had to excommunicate me, for fear I would spread this information to the others. So, I decided to join Buchou."

"…Do you regret joining Rias Gremory's Peerage?" Joan asked.

At first, Xenovia was surprised by the question, but she quickly realised that the way she said it seemed like she was reluctant at the beginning.

"Not at all." Xenovia smiled. "Asia was someone who is in a similar predicament to yours, Joan. Excommunicated for healing a devil, and treated as a heretic. Yet she was happy. Because she found peace, and she found someone she loved. Like me."

"…I see." Joan whispered, before she smirked, much to the surprise of Xenovia. "You must tell me all about this guy you love."

"Wha-" Xenovia's surprise turned to shock, before it made way for embarrassment. "J-Joan!"

"You owe me this, missy." Weakly, Joan raised her hand to poke Xenovia's cheek. "I considered you a friend, but you did not. I may not have recognised you at first due to how much you had changed your hairstyle and how much you had grown, but I still remember what you said."

"Grk!"

"And I won't let you go that easily too." Joan pouted. "I waited for you to visit or send a letter! And yet, not even a single hint of you came up!"

"Arg!" Xenovia felt that blow deeply. Why Joan!

..

Now, if a person who knew Xenovia saw her acting like this, many would have been very surprised by how she was reacting to Joan's actions. But for those who consider her a friend(and sadly, she did not reciprocate their feelings because of her motto of 'all you need is God's love in life'), they knew that Xenovia was weak against favours and bonds with others. Especially if she had not been in touch with them for long periods of time with no good reason.(She was especially weak because of the same motto, only through a different interpretation: All meetings had a purpose. It is God's will, be they for the benefit of Him, or for the benefit of His believers and followers)

And Joan was one of the few individuals that knew how to re~ally exploit these weakness of Xenovia. Hence, her reactions until now.


"We have reached the next arena for our battle." Kiba announced to the group. Standing before them were two girls. Presumably the Queen and Bishop, seeing as they were the last members of the Astaroth Peerage that they had not met.

But Issei was not really paying attention to their Knight, or their surroundings.

Why?

Because he was busy trying to imprint the scene of Xenovia being a embarrassed girl into his brain. Plus, the new girl they had with them, Joan was being very close with Xenovia.

…What? Even if he had become less perverted, that does not mean he had gotten rid of ALL of his perverted nature. It was part of who he was!

Plus, he had a few fantasies to imagine of. And right now, one of them was close to being fulfilled! Save this to the folders on yuri. Saved it!

Noticing their arrival, one of the hooded figures stepped forwards, speaking to them. "We were waiting for you, Rias Gremory-sama. I am Diodora-sama's Queen."

As Diodora's Queen spoke, she took off her hood revealing her face. "But unfortunately, this is where you would fall."

Oh! A blonde, blue eyed beauty! Issei was surprised. He had been expecting someone younger, but this one looked like she was in her mid-twenties. Just like Rossweisse.

Still, the other one is keeping their hood down. Issei's eyes were drawn to the other hooded individual. I can't really remember of it is a guy or girl under there, but their supporting skills are top notch. In terms of demonic power, they are superior. But Gasper and Asia are better in the Support department though. Although, this is somewhat bad for us. Since even if they are one less Bishop, this would be a bad fight.

This Queen-san was fighting against the Queen from the house of Agares head-on, and she won in the end. Issei narrowed his eyes when he recalled the recording. I still remember that her fire demonic-powers were amazing.

"Ara-ara. I will be going then."

As she said that, Akeno stepped forwards-

"No, let me Akeno." -But Rias stepped forwards as well

Eh? Buchou?! You too!? Issei involuntarily allowed his jaw to drop. The Two-Great Onee-sama have lined up together!

"Ara, Buchou. It would be enough with just me."

"What are you saying. Even if you learnt how to use holy-lightning, over doing it is a taboo you know? Rather than receiving damage here, it's better to go at them with more power to minimise our damage."

Geez! The two of them are overkill, no matter how you look at it. Issei thought. One of them has the power of holy-lightning, a super-effective move against devils! Another is the Power Of Destruction, an attack which can destroy anything! If the both of them go out, this would be too much for the enemy...

Hm? Issei felt something poking him. When he looked down, he realised the perpetrator was Koneko. What's wrong Koneko-chan?

Koneko, seeing his questioning gaze, made a 'come here' motion with her hands.

Okay… Bending down, Issei listened as the little Rook whispered into his ear.

*whisper whisper*

Hmmhm…I see… Issei frowned a tiny bit in his heart.

"Just that?"

"…Yes. Akeno-san will power up with that." Koneko spoke softly so as to not alert the two girls who were arguing.

Geez, I don't think this would work. I know I admire them and like them very much, but I doubt Akeno-san would be super motivated when she hears this. Issei though in his mind. His goal was to be a Harem King, but he very much doubted he would get a harem so early on: He was a weakling!

"Akeno-san."

Issei called out to her, but Rias and Akeno turned towards Issei, stopping their argument for a second.

"Hmm, if you were to defeat those people with ease, let's go on a date next Sunday! -Will this really work Koneko-chan? I don't think Akeno-san will get stronger with just having a date with me… " Issei whispered the last bit towards the white-haired girl. Like, really! This is not some ecchi series where the girl would instantly get super motivated because she was going to be rewarded with a date with–

*BZZT~*

At that exact moment, electricity started sparkling in this area, cutting off Issei's train of thoughts. When he looked at Akeno, disbelief etched on his face…he saw that she was wreathed in an aura of holy-lightning!

"…Ufufu. Ufufufufufufufufufu! I can have a date with Ise-kun!" Akeno practically radiated happiness as she spoke. Holy lightning wads practically raining down all around the whole area as she smiled.

I can't believe that actually–

"You are horrible Ise! You have me, and yet you only ask Akeno out!" Rias pouted, her cheeks puffed out, showing exactly how dissatisfied she was.

Eeeeeeeeh!? This time Buchou is making such a claim with teary eyes?! Issei thought in his mind. I really don't know what is going on!

Actually, Buchou looked really cute when she pouted…

"Ufufu, Rias. This is proof that my love has finally been received by Ise-kun. Seems like you have to give up now, yes?"

"W-W-What are you saying! I don't want it to be said from the vulgar Akeno who sparkles her lightning from just a single d-d-date!"

"What did you say? I don't want it to be said from you, who doesn't seem like you will be getting love from him anytime soon."

"T-That is not true! E-Even a while ago he…..!"

"What happened a while ago?"

" …He touched my breast a lot on the bed."

" …Isn't it just that Ise-kun had a bad sleeping posture and that happened?"

" …We also k-kissed. Twice."

What on earth is going on?! Issei was very intrigued by the argument(?) that the 'Two-Great Onee-sama of Kuoh' were in. But at the same time, he was feeling very confused. So, so, confused. And did they really start to argue because of me promising to go out with Akeno for a date?

… …wait, does that mean they like me?

[… …my goodness. Partner. you sure are very thick, aren't you?]

Eh? Ddraig? Why are you calling me thick?

[…Partner, you figure that out yourself. Or rather, take a hint already!]

E-eh? Issei felt Ddraig cut off their mental link for a bit. D-Ddriag? Please give me a hint at least!

No response.

Geez. Issei sighed. …still, Buchou's tone just now sounded insanely cute. She was acting completely like a normal girl.


Same time…

[Partner...]

Inside the Boosted Gear, Ddraig looked at his host.

The Welsh Dragon was many things.

Selfish.

Arogant.

Pridfeful.

And, he was also called many things, and by many titles.

Y Ddraig Goch.

The Dragon of Wales.

Red Dragon Of Domination

The Red Dragon Emperor.

One of the Heavenly Dragons.

The Breast Dragon Emperor.

The last one actually caused a severe pain in Ddraig's heart. [To think my current host would land us such a nickname…]

Ddraig quickly shook his head. [no, that can be ignored for now. Perhaps that nickname would go away quickly. After all, only the younger children know about this and would spread it around. Yes, it would go away in due time.]

…poor Ddraig became crestfallen as he tried to convince himself of that names fleeting popularity.

[My latest Partner is the most interesting out of all my past hosts.] Ddraig forcefully brought himself back to the issue he had realised about his host. [But, he has some…what do they call it? Trauma?]

Something replied to Ddraig, although it was muffled.

[Yes. Thank you pointing that part out.] Ddraig seemed to agree with whatever was with him.

..

At first, Ddraig had thought that Issei was being a perverted idiot when he(Ddraig) saw the things that the females were doing with him(Issei).

But, after conversing with two of his favourite past hosts, he changed his perspective. Especially when they both brought up a valid point.

Now…he hoped his host would resolve the problems that were going through.

[Partner, I hope you realise it soon. For everyone's sake.]

… …although he wanted that horrible nickname to disappear quickly…


"-Then I will tongue kiss him right now. Three times, right in front of you Rias."

"Akeno! No! No! I don't even want to imagine your tongue going inside that boy's mouth! His mouth belongs to me!"

… … …What kind of things are you discussing, my two Onee-sama.

Issei managed to get out of his thoughts, only to see that the two still in the middle of their quarrel.

Are they still quarrelling about me as their servant? Hmmm, I feel happy but also embarrassed… …

Even the enemy Queen and Bishops looked confused and didn't know how to respond to this situation. If Issei had a timer, he was sure that their King and Queen had been quarrelling for a straight five minutes.

Either way, the Queen couldn't endure this sudden situation. Becoming angry, she covered herself in a aura of fire

"You two! Stop this, for Maou's sake! Don't ignore us for fighting over a man! That is just-"

""Shut up!""

*DOOON*

–to disastrously bad results for the Queen.

..

Sometime in the middle of their quarrel, Akeno and Rias had started to fight with their powers. It had grown in intensity. Up until the Queen decided to butt in, that is.

The Queen put up a decent defence against the sudden combination attack that was unleashed at her. And if it were any other devil she was facing, she would have come out a little drained, but fine. After all, she had gone toe-to-toe with another Queen and survived quite easily.

But when the attack she had to block was a fusion of Rias's Power Of Destruction and Akeno's Holy-lightning?

Even if she had four Bishops supporting her, she would be unable to defend against the attack properly.

The Bishop and Queen lay on the ground, smoking. Some parts of their hoods were charred black, and patches of their skin were an angry red colour. Their entire body was covered in a fine layer of soot. And to top it all?

The area surrounding the where the Queen and the Bishop once stood was practically a crater.

Uwa…No matter how you look at it….they won't be able to fight anymore… And this is the result of interfering in their argument…. Issei glanced back at the two quarrelling girls, who had went back to their argument. It would be weird if it's coming from me, but it was a horrible match. More like it is scary to make the two Onee-sama angry. And their quarrels haven't even ended yet!

"To begin with, do you even know all of Ise's body, Akeno!? I know it even to the tiniest details you know!?"

"You just know it, but you haven't touched it or received it. Rias is always talk! I'm already prepared to accept him whenever and anywhere!"

"Nggggggh! …Well, I will stop at there. I will discuss about this with you slowly after we save Asia. Asia's rescue comes first."

"Yes, I know. Asia-chan is like a little sister to me too."

Oh! They have the same opinion! Issei could see the end in sight.

"Then, let's go to where Diodora is." The two girls nodded, before they walked off.

Issei felt a small tug on his shirt. Hmm? Is it Koneko-chan again?

When he turned towards the source, he involuntarily took a step back. Why?

Because a girl was looking at him with dead eyes!

"…playboy."

Why?! Issei took more damage than he thought. I mean, I want to have a harem, but having a harem with girls that I like and girls that like me, but being called a playboy is degrading!


At the same time, in another place…

"Ha…" Azazel sighed. Currently, he was flying off to a certain situation. Why?

Because of the jewel he used for his artificial Sacred Gear, the one with Fafnir residing in, was reacting strangely. And he knew reason why. I took care of quite a number of devils from the Old-Maou faction in the Rating Game field. The rest of them should be easily taken care of by my subordinates.

As he flew closer to the source of the disturbance, the jewel glowed brighter. As he got closer, he started to feel a hard to describe feeling. Like he was being crushed, yet having his entire existence, all his secrets, being exposed to the world. It was relieving, yet oppressive at the same time. This aura…

In no time at all, he stood before the disturbance. The source of the aura he felt.

A little girl who has her black hair down till her hips. She was wearing a black one-piece, and one could see her thin limbs. The little girl had a graceful face, but she was looking at the centre of the field which had many temples lined up.

Sharpening his eyes, Azazel slowly descended behind the girl. "…I never expected you to come here personally."

She reacted to his voice. Laughing lightly, she turned to face him. "Azazel. It has been a while."

"Didn't you have the appearance of an old person before? Now you have the appearance of a Bishoujo-sama, you definitely have my respect. What are you plotting. –Ophis."

"Observing. Just that only." With that response, she returned to her original position, earnestly looking over the battlefield.

That creepy aura that you can't describe only belongs to her. The Uroboros Dragon, Ophis. Azazel tensed up. No mistake about it. That's the boss of the Khaos Brigade. And the last time I met her, she was in the form of an old-man, but this time she has the appearance of a black haired girl… …Well to her, appearance is only a decoration. She can change as much as she wants. And for her to personally come here, this means that this much terror is important to her. As Azazel thought this, he acted.

"Sightseeing from such a good place aye….. But for the Boss to appear huh. Will the World be peaceful if I defeat you here?" Azazel immediately summoned a spear of light and pointed it at the humanised dragon, a bitter smile on his face. Yet in response to the obvious death threat, Ophis merely shook her head. "Impossible. Azazel can't defeat me."

Like I thought. I won't be able to defeat her by myself. I know that. But it's certain that the Khaos Brigade will get critical damage if I defeat her here. Azazel tightened his grip on his spear.

"Then how about with the two of us?" Flapping his large wings. an enormous dragon descended, landing next to Azazel.

"Tannin!" Azazel was thankful for the backup. He was supposed to eliminate the Old-Maou faction within the game field, but it looks he finished up his work easily.

The former Dragon-king glared at Ophis with his big eyes. "The young devils are betting their future, and they are standing on the battlefield. I don't like the fact that you came to interfere in it! For you, who didn't take any interest in the world to become the boss of the terrorists!? What made you become like that!"

"Don't tell us such a dull reason like 'It was just for killing time.'. Because of your actions, there have been many casualties in each area." Azazel frowned as he asked Ophis this question.

..

The leader of the Grigori was curious. This being was one the symbol of Infinity. Her power would have easily allowed her to do anything she wanted. Yet, here she was, standing as the op of a terrorist group called the Khaos Brigade. She lent out her power to all these dangerous guys, bringing casualties to numerous factions. With every passing day, the body count rose higher and higher. What drove Ophis to act and make herself the top brass of a terrorist group? What sort of existence would make someone like her, who stayed silent about the World, to decide to act now?

..

"The silent World."

what? Whatever Azazel was expecting, it was not this answer. "Huh?"

Ophis looked at them straight this time, and said it again. "I want to return to the dimensional gap, and attain silence. That is the only reason."

" ….I would laugh because your reason is being homesick, but the dimensional gap huh. If I remember, over there at the dimensional gap….."

Azazel finally understood. Why she was acting the way she was.

The dimensional gap. Simply put, it a boundary. THE boundary that separated the World into different areas. The human World, the underworld, and Heaven…all of them were separated by the dimensional gap in some way or the other. And in this boundary… …nothing existed there. Which was why it was also called the 'The world of nothingness'. I knew that she was born in there, but to think...

Ophis nodded at Azazel's words. "Yes, Great Red is there."

I see…So, Ophis wants to get rid of Great Red so that she can return to the dimensional gap… A thought entered his head in a flash. …! Wait! Don't tell me with that objective…the requirement was to get rid of Great Red, then she would share her power with those devils in the Khaos Brigade and those other dangerous guys from the various faction!

that would mean… Azazel's mind went to his old student. -I see now, Vali. Your objective was to fight one of the strongest dragons in the world, isn't it!

At that moment, a magic circle appeared next to Ophis. Someone's coming…

The one who appeared is a man wearing the clothes of a noble. Seeing Azazel, he bowed towards him, before he put on a smile. "It is my first time meeting you. I am the one who carries the blood of the true Asmodeus. Creuserey Asmodeus. I came here to ask you, whom are the Governor of fallen-angels, for a battle as I am the member of the True-Maou faction of the Khaos Brigade."

..Hahahaha, look what we have here…. It's the appearance of one of the masterminds. Scratching his head, and with a wry smile on his face, Azazel spoke to the newly appeared devil. "Looks like the Asmodeus of the Old-Maou faction showed himself."

*DON*

The moment those words left his lips, Azazel felt and saw a demonic aura surrounding Asmodeus, the aura running through his body. The colour is deep black. So this guy also received Ophis's power, eh.

"It's not the 'Old Maou!' I am the blood inheritor of the True Maou! I will avenge Cattleya Leviathan right here!" The devil with the blood of the Old Maous grit his teeth, anger seemingly carved on his face like a statue.

Is he Cattleya's man or something? More amused than anything, Azazel thought to himself as he observed the enraged devil before him. Well it doesn't matter. If I can defeat the mastermind of this terror, then I can't ask for anything more. "Fine then. Tannin. What will you do?"

"I'm not a rude guy who would interfere in a one on one. I will have myself watch over Ophis."

What a waste. Azazel sighed. This guy is really a warrior type of guy. Too bad he is a dragon. He is feared just because of his race alone. Without that, I am sure many guys would love to brawl with him like old friends. "I leave it to you. It has got chaotic, but it's about time my students reached Diodora's place safely."

When she heard Azazel, Ophis shook her head. "I also gave my snake to Diodora Astaroth. If you consume it, your power increases drastically. Defeating him won't be easy."

Really? That confirms things we had suspected. Good thing that I warned them just in case. "Ha ha ha~!"

Azazel could not help but laugh out loud.

"Why laugh?" Ophis tilted her head, more confused than angry at the sudden burst of laughter. Meanwhile, her 'partner' became even angrier when he saw the laughing leader of the Grigori.

"Snake huh. That seems powerful. But unfortunately, that won't be enough."

"Why? My snake, it grants enormous power if you consume it."

"Even so, that won't be enough. In the game before, due to the rules, he couldn't use his power completely."

"He?" Ophis looked lost. Well, that can't be helped. She does not know that I am talking about Issei after all.

The training with Tannin, and how serious it was. Diodora Astaroth will find out soon enough with his own body. Azazel smirked at the two, recalling Issei's miserable looking figure when he came byto watch his training from hell. Even if he is the former dragon king, a legendary dragon that is still active was chasing around a single brat. Even though he held back, you would be dead normally. Dying in the process would have been normal.

But, he endured it. He returned alive, and reached Balance Breaker! You guys still don't understand what that means! Reaching into his stomach, Azazel took out Fafnir's jewel, and made a stance with the artificial Sacred Gear.

"Now, Fafnir. I will have you tag along with me. Our opponent is Creuserey Asmodeus! Let's go, Balance Break!"

Jus as Azazel was trying to show off, a new magic circle intruded between him and his two opponents. That crest is…

Coming out of the newly appeared magic circle was–

"Sirzechs, why did you come?"

–Sirzechs Lucifer.

In response to Azazel's question, the Crimson haired King narrowed his eyes.

"For this plan I got my little sister involved in the political matters of us adults. So I need to come forward as well. I thought it would be bad if I leave everything to Azazel every time. I want to persuade Creuserey. If I can't even do that, then I won't be able to face my sister."

"…..You are such a Mr. Nice guy. You know it will be a waste?" Azazel could not help but ask.

"Even so, I wanted to ask them directly as the current King of the devils."

Man, this guy is really… Sighing, Azazel pulled away his spear. As for the devil they were talking about...

The moment he saw Sirzechs, Creuserey's expression turns to that of rage.

"….Sirzechs! The hated fake existence! To appear here personally! Because of you… Because of you guys, we….!"

Look, look. This is reality Sirzechs, they hate your existence. It's something they absolutely despise.

"Creuserey. Can you lower your weapon down? If it is now, I can still prepare for negotiation. For having the descendant of the previous Maou be further away from the spot light, and drove them to the corner of the Underworld. Even now I think 'Maybe there was another way?' at times. I want to prepare a negotiation with the descendant of a former Maou. More than that, I would like you to talk to the current Maou Asmodeus. Falbium."

… …Sirzechs words are polite–

"Don't speak nonsense! Not only the fallen-angels, but you have allied with the angels, so I don't want to hear you who have become a filth talk about devils! Not just that, but are you telling me to talk to the impostor!? That is enough with your nonsense!"

–yet, they only serve to anger Creuserey even further.

It's useless Sirzechs. To begin with, your words would not reach these guys. Azazel could understand Sirzechs reasoning.

But understanding and knowing what to do were two different things. Even if you were the Maou, even if you were born the same as them, your words would never reach these guys. It's naive thinking...but, it's also the thinking of putting the people before one's desires.

You are a good Maou. Even if you are a Siscon. Azazel sighed, before he spoke to Creuserey. "Like you are in the position to say that. You guys, the Khaos Brigade, have the dangerous heretics of the Three-Great-Powers gathered."

Creuserey merely smiled. "We are not cooperating. We are using them. The hated fallen-angels and angels are beings who are only a tool that we use for us devils. Understanding each other? Peace? No! We, the Maou, are the ones who have to become the Kings of the World! By using Ophis's power we will destroy the world, and create a new World of devils! For that, you imposturous Maou are in our way!"

Ah, this is bad. It's the mind of bosses of grunts that comes up in books. The devils are already in danger of continuing their kind already, so what are they thinking? … …Sirzechs. You might have mixed feelings, but you are doing a better job as a King you know? Because Old-Maou were like these guys, the devils were heading to the path of self destruction. Their thoughts. Their beliefs. They do not match. The gap between both sides is big, and it will never get fixed. Sirzechs then says it with sad eyes.

" Creuserey. I just want to protect the seeds of devils. I need to protect the civilians, or else our kind will not prosper. I don't care whether you call me naive. I want to lead the children with the future. –We don't need War in the current Underworld."

"Naive! More than that it is a foolish reason! Do you think that will be the end of devils!? Devils steal the souls of humans, we lure them to hell, and we exist to eliminate God and angels! There is no need for negotiation anymore! Sirzechs! The fake King with the fake kindness! —A Lucifer! A Maou! They are a being which annihilates everything! Even though you have the power of destruction, why don't you use it against the fallen-angel beside you!? Like I thought, you don't have the right to call yourself a Maou! I, Creuserey Asmodeus, who am the true Maou will annihilate you!"

With that, both of them stopped speaking, merely looking at each other. One with undiluted hatred and jealousy. The other, with sadness and dying hope. Then, Sirzechs turned towards Ophis. "…..Ophis. Is a negotiation with you also impossible?"

"Only if you consume my snake, and make an oath to me." As if as an afterthought, Ophis added. "…One more thing. Hand over the ownership of the dimensional gap around the underworld. I will take all of it."

Obedience and closure of the underworld, huh. Azazel watched as Sirzechs looked up and closed his eyes. there is no way a Maou who carries the underworld on his back would accept that condition easily.

When Sirzechs opened his eyes again…there was no more of that hope or any positive feelings… …it was just filled with such freezing coldness that it gave Azazel chills.

"Creuserey," He began. "for the species known as devils, OUR species, to continue it's existence, war is unnecessary. It is merely baggage that hinders our survival." Slowly, Sirzechs raised a hand. Azazel could sense the demonic power gathering on that outstretched palm.

Upon seeing that, Creuserey immediately distanced himself from the current Maou, creating large blocks of demonic power in both of his hands.

"Yes! That's it! That is easier to understand, Sirzechs!" A ferocious grin was on Creuserey's face. As if he was hoping for this event to pass the whole time.

"Creuserey, I will eliminate anyone who becomes a threat to the Underworld as a Maou."

"You! Don't you dare use the name Maou!" Creuserey shouted as he released the huge demonic power blocks from both his hands, both of them flying towards the red head with the black and gold armour.

Sirzechs didn't even flinch, instead changing the demonic power in his outstretched pam into smaller spheres, before shooting them forward.

..

Azazel did not need to be one of the leaders of a faction to know the outcome of this match. If it could even be called one.

Creuserey's demonic power perished after it touched Sirzech's demonic power, as if it was ground away. The demonic power released by Sirzechs moved as if it has its own mind, quickly eliminating the larger blocks of demonic power and eliminating them from existence. The smaller ones and the ones that the spheres did not eliminate, Sirzechs just dodged them, not needing to expend any of his power to get out unscathed.

One of the spheres of power of destruction goes into Creuserey's mouth.

*Poof*

The moment it did, the pure-blood devil immediately swelled up, before he shrunk down, back to his original size. At the same time, Azazel sensed Creuserey demonic power reserves shrink by a large amount. Did Sirzechs get rid of the snake Creuserey consumed?

"What did you do?!" Spit flew from Creuserey's mouth as he shouted, eyes wide at the sudden loss in power. His earlier confidence was gone, replaced instead by impatience.

"Rune the Extinct." Sirzechs unveiled his attack, showing his confidence towards the enemy. "I got rid of Ophis's snake in your stomach. With this, you won't be able to fight with that enormous power."

Azazel was intrigued, but not as much as one would expect from hearing such a attack.


Actually, it was Azazel's first time seeing Sirzech's fight, but he knew of the Maou Lucifer's power.

The same as Rias's, the Power Of Destruction. But, unlike Rias, Sirzechs's was on a whole different level.

Rias's Power Of Destruction was imature, despite it's powerful output. She still had to train to raise it's overwheleming attack, as well as to control it.

But for the current Maou of Lucifer, even a small bead the size of a marble had outrageous power. He didn't need to overuse the absolute power of destruction (like Rias had to with her immature control over her ability), nor did he even need to increase its mass. He just kept it to a small size, and he is able to control several of them like his own limbs. A technique which requires delicate control and a great level of talent. Something Sirzechs had.


"Damn you! Just like you! And just like Vali! Why do those who carry the name of "Lucifer" are blessed with powers, yet both of you clash with us!?" Creuserey cursed out loud, trying to release more shots. His face was full of impatience, but Azazel could detect a hint of fear in them.

*KUUBAN*

But a singular sphere the size of a softball shot forwards, destroying all the blacks of demonic power that Creuserey had been throwing, before finally taking away his entire stomach.

The moment it touched anything, it would eliminate everything in its surrounding. That was what the Bael bloodline's Power Of Destruction did.

"…..W-Why…. Why does the real one have to lose against the impostor…" With blood slowly dripping down his mouth and cheeks, Creuserey tried to fire off one more shot at Sirzechs–

*Toon*

–Only for his arm to disappear with the sound of air whistling by. A new sphere had smashed into his arm, dissolving both the arm and sphere into thin air.

Closing his eyes, Sirzechs slowly swung his arm to the side slowly.

Azazel understood why the second his arm reached the end of it's arc.

Without a single sound, not even a single whimper, Creuserey turned to dust, starting from his chest, before it rapidly moved outwards, turning his entire body into grey dust that quickly disappeared in the wind. It was a tad too gruesome an end for someone who wanted to talk with his enemy into being peaceful.

Sirzechs…there was no way that your words would have reached him from the beginning. You should have known this. Azazel watched as the grey dust slowly dispersed in the air. Similarly, he could see Ophis doing the same thing he was, only with a bit more interest. Even still, you wanted to talk to him. Your thoughts, and the thoughts of the underworld, that is. Did you manage to convey what it was you wished?


AN

Welcome one, welcome all! To the second part of the two chapter release Christmas special!

This chapter is a little on the dull end, especially since it is a 'Christmas special'(sort of). So, it is a good thing that this is a double release!

..

right?

Anyway, here is something that is actually important.

The poll for the next 'arc'!

Well, this has been around for nearly 3 months, but only 3 responses? That's super sad. Well, this also affects the story, so please do it! The poll it for the next arc. Do I make a super duper extra long chapter(easily 10k words) doing the Gremory V Sitri game? Or do I make it a multi chapter interlude? Or do I just make a random event(This chapter would be around 2 to 5k words)?

Here is the Poll(Remove the spaces): forms. gle/ ijHUwj7GuNKCQGpD8

Anyway, Anime is Life, and please review!