First fights are always hard...

Part 1

MC's POV

Cat-like vertical green eyes glared at the bloodshot shining red eyes

I could not move. The moment I did it, that thing would attack. That was the feeling I got.

I tried as slowly as possible to get a hold of the frozen devil duo. Grabbing them from the first place I could, the collar of their dresses. Thankfully I did not commit any crimes here.

*GROooWL*

The black hound kept growling in a threatening manner but held itself back.

This thing is hostile, I don't need to use Senjutsu to discern that.

Preparing for the worst, I started to strengthen myself with what I am most familiar with, Senjutsu. I can use Touki but I wasn't able to use it for long periods yet.

Unconsciously, I had let my ears and tail appear again. When they are hidden, my abilities are lowered by a small fraction, and I need to muster all the power I have to survive this time.

Just as I grabbed the two frozen girls, I saw how it pounced at us. I didn't think it twice and while holding the two by their collar, I jumped to the one side with all I had, dragging the two. And while I wanted to land safely just in case I needed to dodge again, I was not able to maintain the right posture when my feet landed on the ground.

The fall was harsh since I could not balance very well while carrying these two. We rolled on the ground for a bit before coming to a stop in front of a tree.

"Argh...". I groaned.

"That hurt...". "Ouch..". Rias-chan and Sona-chan grumbled in pain.

Not only I failed to land well, but I also used too much force when jumping, which contributed to the fall.

It seems that the two girls were not the only ones affected by fear, I had unknowingly put more strength on my foot when I evaded.

That thing-

I can tell that it is not as strong as Kaa-san but its aura is giving me the chills. If I had to describe what I sense, then I would call it a simple feeling of not wanting to be near it.

I take a look at the place where we were standing a moment ago, and I found that thing with its jaw closed tightly at the spot where my head was.

Yeah, that's scary.

"Sona-chan, take Rias-chan with you. Fly as far as you can". I uttered to the bespectacled devil in a strong tone.

I stood up while covering these two behind me. Hopefully, I can grab that thing's attention while they take off.

I started to give the black hound another look. While it might look like a black hound, the aura, and that black smoke makes me think otherwise.

I can't expect that next time I will be able to evade while having these two with me.

I start thinking about what to do. Beating this thing is not realistic, but fleeing is not going to be easy either.

"Wait, Sona-chan! We can't just leave him here alone". I could hear Rias-chan's anxious voice.

Sona-chan is a cool-headed child, so I expected her to understand why I told her that.

There is no way she can carry two people while flying, so one had to be taken while the other had to be left behind. I had also planned to stay here to help them gain some distance while I distracted that thing. Sona-chan said that she was not able to fly that fast so I had to lend them a hand here.

The bespectacled little girl might hesitate for a moment out of kindness, but I had told her to choose Rias-chan over me. It was my decision so I hope that she does not blame herself later.

Just from looking at that thing, I know that she will understand how difficult it would be to survive if they stayed.

I will buy them a bit of time to get far from here before I start to run as well.

Now-

I decided to ignore anything else and focus on what is in front of me.

Evading on my own should be possible unless that thing can suddenly get a power-up in the middle of the fight, just like in video games during boss battles. I better don't say that out loud or I might jinx it.

*GrOOwL*

A short growl was directed at me again and it pounced at me, which I responded by evading the same way as before, but this time landing on my feet.

I started writing in the air several symbols, Youjutsu can be used without them, but that is only for very skilled users. A beginner like me reduces the power too much if he tried to do so.

After I finished-

"Icicle". I chanted the name of the spell in a low tone of voice.

More than ten sharp and long shards of ice appeared on the air in front of me, before they were sent flying at the highest speed I could make them go.

But that thing shifted to one side, making most of the icicles miss.

The ones that hit it were ineffective because they broke upon contact. Damn it, even though I choose the weakest but with a wide range of attacks, the icicles missed. They only managed to-

*GROOOOOOOOWWL*

Enrage that thing, great.

In its furious state, it starts to madly dash in my direction with an even faster momentum than it initially had.

I unconsciously backed away at that sight, with my back hitting a tree, which gave me an idea.

I waited for it to get closer before evading the same way as before, and as a result.

The black hound ran into the tree, shattering it completely.

The sight made me sweat coldly. A hit from that will not be nice. But at least the crash seemed to slow down its movements for a moment. After the hit, it kept shaking its head left and right, it tried to get rid of the dizziness the impact might've caused.

Should I run now? I was not sure if I had bought enough time for those two.

If I continue doing the same thing for a while I should be safe. Although it is very dangerous, its movement pattern seems simple.

After regaining its bearing again, it angrily turns to me and charged at me.

I was already in a position, in case that it recovered faster.

Things looked the same, so I just did the same thing.

Bad idea.

As soon as I moved from the tree, it stopped in place and send its paw my way, along with the claws it had.

I only glimpsed the attack from the corner of my eye so I instinctively used Touki to protect myself. The attack was aimed at my back, which is why I could only twist my body slightly before the impact came.

It transpired as you would imagine. I was sent flying, stopping only when I crashed into a tree.

My left arm and part of my back had claw marks carved over my flesh, which happened to be rather subtle thanks to using Touki at the last minute. Otherwise, it would've been uglier.

As soon as I noticed my wounds, I started to send Ki to keep them from bleeding and worsening.

I wanted to use Senjutsu but that thing did not give me time. Seeing me laying down and bleeding on the ground, it strolled cautiously, growling with each step it took.

I tried to sit using my other arm while I pondered my options.

My eyes darted around for anything that could come in handy, but I could only see the pieces of the shattered tree on the ground along with several branches that broke when it fell, although that gave me another idea.

I sprang into action as fast as I could.

*GroWlL*

It growled shortly at the sight of me standing up and was preparing to pounce at me.

I needed to evade its charge, but using the same method too often proved to be ineffective.

Writing symbols in the air promptly, I prepared to use a simple spell to help me do this successfully. This time I had to wait until it got even closer than with the icecicle, or it could just evade it.

"Fireball". I once again chanted in a small voice, one of the easiest to learn but most popular spells to use.

Chanting isn't always necessary but it helps you to create a mental image of the attack.

I had no doubts that something of that level would be ineffective, but my aim was its face. I was planning to blind it for a moment.

*GROOOWLLL*

The effect was the intended as it stopped on its tracks while growling from what I hoped was pain from the damage it received, giving me a chance to dash successfully at the location of the rest of the tree.

I kept losing blood but I was already doing my best to reduce the amount that dripped out of my body with Ki.

There was a slight effect of healing the wound, but I could not focus on that at the moment. If I had time, I would use Senjutsu to close the injury as soon as possible.

Sprinting as fast as I could, I got to the place I wanted. There were branches scattered everywhere. I hastily started to arrange the ones I could use to prepare for that thing's arrival.

*GrwOoooOoL*

Which will be soon, judging for the sound.

I held a particular sturdy branch with a size a bit longer than my arm.

I am not sure if I bought enough time for the girls. But I won't be able to face this b*stard for any longer. My injury needs treatment or I will just be getting weaker until I am incapable of resisting. If that thing takes advantage of that time and catches me off guard, I doubt I could avoid a direct hit.

It did not take long for it to come after me.

Come on, get closer... some more, a little more.

As the distance between us decreases, I prepared myself for what is to come.

Youjutsu was not effective on the outside, and trying to hit that thing with my bare hands is a ridiculous idea considering my wound. I also doubted that I would do enough damage anyway.

So I thought that I should try something different.

*GrooooooooooWL*

It was finally where I wanted it so the time to try my idea had begun. I spread my Ki around as much as I can; covering the branches I set up before.

Senjutsu is the power to control the flow of life... and right now, I could use that to do the same I did in the fight with Kaa-san.

I don't need to control the output because I don't care about the safety of that thing.

I had to focus only on making them strong, leading them with Ki to entangle that thing, all in order to get an opening.

Responding to my Ki, the numerous branches grew and grew, taking the back hound's movement away.

*GrOOowL*

It growled at me in annoyance even while it was trapped.

Bad idea.

I took that chance when its mouth opened and without hesitating, I thrust the branch I had on my hand into the gap of its jaws.

Pouring a vast amount of Ki into it, I made the branch grow inside its mouth.

*Whimper*

It first cried-

But later, a rather shattering pain-filled growl was heard.

*GROooooOOooOooWWWLlllllL*

Black blood dripped from the wound inside its mouth.

Even while trapped it tried to free itself, and it partially did. Its tail being what was set free. With an absurd speed, it hit me like a whip from my left side, sending me flying at full speed until I crashed into a tree head first, then bouncing to fall on the ground laying down.

My wound instantly opened up from the hit. I felt dizzy and my consciousness was barely there.

The attack came faster than I could react so it was a direct hit to the unprotected me.

If it wasn't because I already had my Senjutsu strengthening me somewhat, the hit could've killed me.

Jeez, why does everyone use their tail like they were whips, that's cheating.

I look up to see how he could hit me with the tail and finally noticed it. The tail was covered in more strands of black smoke, its length being much larger than I had seen it before. So it can stretch its tail too? How unreasonable.

*Cough* *Cough*

I coughed some blood, and those movements made me wince from the pain.

This looked bad. It was originally trapped because I made those branches grow and entangle on it, but what kept the black hound in place was the strengthened version of those. Losing the support of my Ki, they weakened, finally setting it free.

Still bleeding somewhat, it turned to where I was enraged.

I was doing my best to stand up but I would need some time to be able to do so.

I began sending Senjutsu to every part of my body to heal myself, focusing on the places where I was hit.

I can't move so I concentrated on any injury that impeded my movements.

Kaa-san warned me before how dangerous was to face an enemy for the first time. Those teachings couldn't be more accurate. Lacking knowledge regarding its abilities is deadly.

"*Groan* I should be more careful *Cough*". I groaned before muttering that weakly, although that made me cough more blood again.

That thing was not coming here because is trying to get that branch out its mouth. I put almost all my Ki reserves there so the durability should be higher. That thing still did not die from that though.

Finally, the branch broke and that thing was able to focus on me again.

Coming this way, it seemed wary of me even if I was lying on the ground. But it eventually reached where I was.

I saw it stride my way, but the damage was higher than I estimated originally, making it impossible to flee.

My right hand managed to change my position from laying down to sitting down, but it was just a meter away from me.

I would not be able to evade it in my current position.

Many thoughts quickly went through my head; some blamed me for putting those girl's safety before mine, how stupid it was, and how this was the result.

I could only bitterly smile at that.

I truly didn't want to have any regrets in this life so abandoning them was never an option.

I gathered my remaining Ki to prepare for its attack but I stopped what I was doing when-

That thing received a direct hit from coming from its left side.

It came in the form of something I only saw in a certain anime. A burst of demonic power colored red and black, no, instead of red, it would be more accurate to call it crimson. I only knew of one person (devil) who could be nearby and be able to use it.

I turned my head in the direction of that attack and found the devil duo flying.

Sona-chan was carrying Rias-chan, who was the one who attacked just now.

Those two-

3rd Person POV

Minutes later after Nora started to fight the black hound.

A certain flying devil could be seen carrying another one who seemed to be struggling from the former's grip.

"Sona-chan, let me go!" The crimson-haired devil, Rias, exclaimed. "He must help him!"

Flying with much difficulty due to Rias flailing her arms in a sign of protest, the black-haired devil, Sona, tries to calm down her friend.

"Rias, stop it. Even if we stayed there, we would've been more of deadweight for him". Sona explained with a pained expression.

While she felt terrible leaving him behind, she knows her limitations. That thing terrified her. At that time, it wasn't for Shiki timely moving her and Rias out of the way, the first attack that thing would've been enough to severely hurt them or even kill them.

Devils might have a much sturdier build and higher strength than humans, but there was a limit to that. Not to mention that both Rias and she are still young girls. They were not the type to particularly train their bodies so they were only slightly stronger than human children. How could they hope to match that thing as they are?

One of the biggest concerns is how lacking she is in firepower, while her friend does not have proper control of her Power of Destruction even though it has more than enough power. They would do more harm than good if they stayed.

"But you saw that thing! He is facing that alone!" Rias refuted in a strong tone.

Sona understood her point. However, even though it was like that, Shiki told her to take Rias and run. He did it because he might be able to escape on his own or so she wants to think.

Sona was truly scared, not only her safety would be in danger if they stayed, but her friend's as well.

Many might refer to them as 'High-class' devils, but that was more of a title than the representation of their strength. In other words, they were weak.

The crimson-haired devil, noticing how her best friend kept silent while biting her lips, understood how she felt, Rias was aware of how naive she usually acted and how everyone around her tried to cover for her. As a noble's daughter, she has already caught a glimpse of the ugly side of people even though her caring parents and her doting older brother try to keep her in the dark from such a thing at an early age. However, she believed that there were a lot more people who had a radiant heart than a murky heart. That is why she was able to keep smiling brightly, but now she cannot do so.

She was aware that Sona was doing this for their own good, taking the heartless decision of running alone. She was doing it because she wanted to protect her. Acting cool and collected is just so she doesn't worry anyone else. However, Rias knew how kind her friend was and how this decision will cause her distress.

Rias and Sona might've met the nekomata today, but they had already become friends in a short time. He acted somewhat reserved at the beginning but they later hit off while playing chess, he was even considerate of their feelings while playing by going easy on them during their matches. Something that made her and Sona somewhat mad, although he probably did it without any bad intentions. He would sometimes say something weird like the words he said when they met. Really, who would ask if they believed him not being suspicious when he suddenly appeared like that?

He also went along with her reckless outing. Rias couldn't help but smile wryly.

In her family is normal to deeply care for their friends and servants. You could say it is their pride to see those close to them happy. That is why, for the sake of her best friend Sona, for the sake of their new friend Nora. They have to go back for him. She might be naive by thinking of risking their safety for him but that is what she believes.

With a newfound resolution-

"Sona-chan, we need to go back. I know what you are thinking, but we can't leave just like this". Rias said in a serious tone.

The black-haired devil just kept flying and she did not bother to reply.

"We might've met him today, but he is already our friend. There has to be something we can do for him. If... if I try hard enough, I think I can use my Power of Destruction to help him. There is no need to fight that thing with our fists". Rias argued.

At the word 'friend', Sona began to lower her flying speed. The black-haired little girl knew what her friend meant to say when she called the youkai, their 'friend'.

Both of them have always disliked how a lot of High-class devils behave towards their people. It is an extremely cold treatment that some servants are subjected to. Acting based only on profit, they can abandon their allies and friends if the situation calls for it.

This is one of the reasons why she became friends with Rias. Besides the good relationship their parents share, the two of them found their personalities likable. And while she finds the crimson-haired somewhat selfish, Rias is someone who cares for other people well being as much as her. Not I mention that they also have many things in common, like their interest in books and the like.

Stopping in place, Sona internally struggled to decide what to do. Anxiousness mixed with fear is what she felt right now.

"I... I... you might be right..." Sona started talking.

Rias just waited for her friend to resume talking without saying a word.

"...Isn't it too late? He might be disappointed in me because I left him alone". Sona said in a downcast tone.

The black-haired devil forgot for a moment that Nora was the one that told her to take Rias and leave. Even though she might try to keep a cool head, she is still just a child who is feeling insecure about all that happened.

Although his well-being weighed on her mind, she seemed more afraid of the reaction her new friend might have for her actions.

"It will be alright, Nora-chan won't mind it. But we need to go now. He needs our help" Rias tried to encourage her friend.

Both stayed silent for a moment until Sona finally changed directions, heading back.

Whether Sona calmed down on her own or by her friend's words, the little girl doesn't know. But there will be more than enough time to think about it later.

Going at the fastest speed she could, they arrived a good time later, just to hear the sound of battle mixed with the cries of that thing. They naturally became nervous about what happened.

What they found was Nora being sent flying by a strike of that thing's tail.

"Nora-chan!" "Shiki-san!". Rias began flailing again, while Sona was frightened of the worst possibility.

Worried about Nora, Rias wanted to rush at once, yet Sona did not budge.

Turning to Sona again, Rias was going to say something but-

"Listen, Rias. You need to calm down. We can't rush just like that. If you truly want to help Shiki-san, you have used your strongest attack in that thing. Now that it is not paying attention to us is your best chance". The black-haired devil spoke.

Sona felt that the situation was dire, but going there recklessly would only add to the counter of people laying on the ground. They were still some distance away so they had not been noticed yet. They had to use this opportunity wisely, while it was distracted with something else to attack, they would deliver a severe blow to it.

"...hmm". Rias bit her lips but accepted her friend's idea.

She knew that the only reason that it had to be like this. She was lacking in her ability to use her Power of Destruction. Rias felt inferior to her brother and did not take serious her practices because she didn't found much meaning in them. As she kept comparing herself to her brother, Rias found that the gap was too wide and she was discouraged, but now she regrets it.

Gathering as much demonic power as she could, she prepared to do her best.

She did not think about those times her spells failed, or when the power was pitiful and the attack did not cause much damage. Rias had to imagine it, a strong attack, one that destroys that hateful thing that scared them before, that hateful thing that hurt her friend.

She kept her eyes closed without caring about anything else.

A strong desire, a strong belief.

Rias was so focused that she did not notice when Sona got close enough to guarantee a sure hit.

She focused and focused, and then she opened her eyes when she thought she was ready and she happened to see that thing getting closer to Nora.

Anger was added to fuel the attack when she saw her friend's state so Rias just unleashed all her demonic power in the attack.

A huge burst of Power of Destruction came out of a magic circle to directly hit that thing.

The result was simple.

*GROOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOWL*

A cry mixed with resentment and pain was heard from that thing.

MC's POV

I watched as a burst of the famous Power of Destruction directly hit the side of the black hound.

Regardless of the pained cry I heard, I could see that the creature still seemed to be alive.

A good part of its side along one of the front legs was erased during the attack just now, but the thing was still among us. It has extraordinary vitality. If you think about it, the branch which I used to attack it probably pierced its brain but it did not die at that time either.

Truly a monster.

Even when all that happened I did not stop healing my wounds with Senjutsu. Having a little break from facing it gave me enough time to take care of the damage I received when I hit my head. Taking my eyes off that thing, I turned to see my saviors.

The two little girls were in the air flying.

Rias-chan seemed somewhat tired from that attack but her expression was still bright, while Sona-chan was sighing in relief.

I should warn them just in case.

"Don't let your guard down, it is still alive". I yelled.

The two turned to look at me and nodded while they got closer.

I suppressed the urge to cough more blood as I probably aggravated my wounds with that yell.

*GrrrroOoowLl*

Even while it weakly and pitifully growling, I would not lower my guard. The missing leg gave it problems standing up but it wasn't enough to pin it in place forever.

While I had kept healing myself all this time, that did not mean that I am completely recovered.

This can count only as a first-aid due to my level of skill along with the fact that I am not doing a meticulous recovery, just enough to be able to move.

The amount of Ki I have left was rather small compared to my full amount.

Even when my Ki was compressed, making my full reserve being smaller in comparison to other youkais as Kaa-san explained, there was a difference in quality which made even a tiny bit of my Ki as effective as a large amount from other youkais. However, even then, I had a pitiful amount right now so I could not be wasteful and use it sparingly.

There was no much time, but I would prefer to finish this thing if I could. The problem is that I might not be able to as I am now. Putting my injuries state aside, I didn't have a finisher. Seriously, lacking a proper finishing technique can be troublesome.

"Nora-chan! Are you alright? Ahhhhhh, you are bleeding!" I heard Rias-chan exclaim behind me, when did she get this close?

As I turned to the voice, I saw her with watery eyes almost about to cry.

Girl, the one who wants to cry is me. I think I broke a few bones during that hit and now that the numbness from the impact is disappearing I starting to feel the pain. But I can't just say that to her, Sona-chan who is standing beside her is trying to hold back her tears too. Argh, I did not want to show this bloody scene to them, there was nothing I can do about it now that they saw me like this.

"It's ok, it isn't as bad as you think. That aside, we need to leave" I spoke.

I considered asking why they came back when I told them to go, but they saved me which was probably their purpose. Lecturing them about not listening to me can come later.

"Shiki-san, that thing is still alive. Will it chase after us?" Sona-chan questioned in a doubtful tone.

I had the same concern as her.

Dealing with that would be the best, but Rias-chan is the only one who has enough power to do so, and while that last attack saved me, I feel reluctant to ask a little kid to kill in my stead.

Not to mention that what we have to do now is to remain safe, this was not a game where we have to kill that thing or we can't move forward.

"It should have a hard time following us like that and it would be dangerous to face a cornered animal. In the end, our safety comes first. So leaving now while we have the chance is the best we can do. Sona-chan, you should carry Rias-chan and leave by flying". I said.

Even while I tried to explain to them that, that thing warily kept its eyes on us. Somehow, I was starting to feel a chill.

Rias-chan wanted to say something more but Sona-chan stopped her.

"Rias, we should leave as he said. We are still far from home, and there might be more dangerous creatures roaming around here". Sona-chan reasoned. "Shiki-san will leave as well, right?"

That sounds like a terrible death flag, little missy. But, she used quite a stern tone at the end of her words, and the glare she gave me did not leave me a way out.

Nevertheless, there was something that she said that bothered me.

More creatures?

I turn to observe closely the black hound and I finally found the reason for my bad feeling from earlier.

"We need to leave quickly, like, right now. This thing is different-". I hurriedly tried to speak but something interrupted me.

*GRrrRrOoooooooOLl*

There was the sound of growling coming from nearby. But one look at the thing we fought and it is easy to tell that it did not make the sound this time.

That's right.

There were some signs before but I did not bother to consider them given our situation at that time. However, upon closer observation earlier, I noticed that the black hound is a size smaller than the one I saw using my ability.

When we found the black hound, it wasn't because it had caught up with us. It was a different one altogether.

Damn it.

Now there are a half-dead and a healthy one here.

Can't I go home now?

I shook my head to get rid of any nonsensical thought, and then I glanced at Rias-chan and Sona-chan. They are pale but they are not frozen like last time.

Good.

"There is no time to waste you two. Before they start attacking us, we must leave". I urged them.

They both look at me then at the creature that appeared just now. Rias-chan wanted to take my hand and bring me to Sona-chan, but I couldn't do that.

If she tried carrying both of us, that thing will catch us quickly.

"Nora-chan, let Sona-chan carry you. You are injured. I can-". She tried to reason with me but I was not going to have that.

"They will catch up to you in no time if you went alone, and she obviously can't take both. Don't worry; I took care of my injuries for now. I told you that I can use Senjutsu, and it can be used to heal wounds. Besides, I can run pretty fast". Even when I explained this to her, I walked behind her and pushed her gently to Sona-chan.

Sona-chan wanted to say something more seeing my wound, but I shook my head. She should focus on Rias-chan.

I turned one last time to see what those two creatures were doing and came to a stop when the healthy one started to prey on the injured one.

*Crunching noises*

I unconsciously gulped at that sight, but the most bizarre of the situation was that there wasn't any sign of resistance or even cries of pain from the other creature.

Once more, I felt the chills while looking at that existence.

Close to the two devil girls, I had them turn their heads when the sounds picked their interest and I warned them.

"Don't look; we have the green light to leave now". I urged them more strongly this time.

Perhaps because I sounded somewhat anxious this time or maybe the noises were bothering them. But they obediently did as I said.

"Don't turn back; I will go after you two leave". I said before any of them could think of asking.

I began my preparations after they took off.

Coating my body in Touki, as Senjutsu coursed inside my body to reinforce it the best I can, I started to run in the direction of those two left, leaving behind the two-soon-to-be-one creatures.

I had some experience in running through the forest at full speed thanks to my training with Kaa-san so the terrain posed no problems for me.

Usually, by flying you can cover a good distance easily but I caught with the two pretty fast.

They were flying somewhat slowly and glancing bellow from time to time, even though I had told them to not look back.

By chance, Sona-chan caught sight of my running figure and came to a stop, signaling Rias-chan my direction. The girls seemed to be talking about something.

I was getting closer to them until they came down again.

Aware that they were flying slowly because they were waiting for me, I was not sure why they came to a stop now that I caught up so I stopped in place, and while feeling the pain I suppressed as I ran, slowly spreading, I waited for them to talk.

"Where should we go?" Sona-chan inquired.

That is a good question.

I thought of answering 'home' but I feel like the black-haired devil will not take well my joke at this kind of time.

Instead, I began asking a couple of questions I had.

"I recall that you said you were not sure exactly where we are. However, isn't there some kind of indicator that could give us even the slightest idea where is the best place to go?" I asked.

After teleporting, I had asked questions regarding our location but both of them were unfamiliar with the place and could not tell me anything useful.

"I am afraid not when we took off the first time and this time I did not find something that could give me a hint. The Underworld is a vast place so I don't know every little part of it". Sona-chan replied in an apologetic tone.

Figures, I expected as much. But even when they traveled some distance away they found nothing useful. Are we that far away? I have no idea which direction would get me closer to Kaa-san, that way it should easier to locate her.

"Do you think we should stay close to where we were teleported? If someone were to come to look for us... they might come from there". Rias-chan suggested after thinking for a moment.

I shook my head at that.

"That could be dangerous". I muttered.

Recalling that maid who sent us here, I doubt who teleported us here will be an ally.

Someone sent us here, intending to have those hounds deal with us. But I didn't understand why that someone did not try to kill us by themselves.

"Let's continue getting as far from here as we can for now. If that thing comes after us then we will be in danger. You don't have to mind me and go, you already saw that I can run pretty fast". I declared.

"Are you sure you don't want to rest even for a moment? You look pale..." Sona-chan spoke in a concerned tone.

Pale? That's probably because of the blood I lost.

I shook my head at the suggestion.

It was something I would like to do but we can't stay here for long.

"Not here..." I responded.

With that, I started walking in the opposite direction from where we left the black hounds.

Reinforcing my body with Senjutsu and Touki I turn one last time to tell them.

"We wasted quite a bit of time here, I know that you are getting tired but let's move away". I talk to the duo, in particular Sona-chan who is doing the effort in flying.

I am not the only one getting tired, those two are getting weary. Even Rias-chan who used that attack was showing signs of fatigue.

We need to rest soon or we won't last too much.

Part 2

Saya's POV

Although she did not enjoy being carried by this woman, Saya had no other choice. She was currently trying to locate her son and the two other devils that were with him.

Coming with her, the maid from before, Grayfia, was carrying her by flying.

After talking to Venelana about the special token she had with her. They both concluded that using it they could track easily the location of the children, but going on foot would take too long in case that they were in some sort of danger.

That much Saya already knew, and Venelana offered her a solution that came in the form of lending a hand. It was to have Grayfia coming with her as support.

While she disliked the maid, she was a powerful Ultimate-class devil and with her tagging along, they should be able to handle most problems.

However, when they were going to depart, the maid asked her if she was able to fly fast enough.

While Nekomatas could not fly naturally like devils because they lacked wings, she had learned flight magic.

It all started when she confidently said that she could it. Grayfia took off first, but Saya could not catch up to her.

Thus, this was how things ended up.

Putting aside her petty grudges, Saya kept using the token to navigate.

Although things were not that easy, the range of the token was pretty large, and while it could still catch the other's side signal, it was still faint, meaning that they still had a long way to go.

Saya was anxious, but it was not time to let those feelings show for now.

Suddenly a voice pulled Saya out of her thoughts.

"Should I continue going in this direction?" Grayfia inquired.

Saya looked at the token once more before answering.

"Change directions to that place". Saya replied while pointing to the place they should go.

Without saying any words Grayfia changed the course. None of the two spoke more than necessary. There was no need.

MC's POV

We continued moving forward for some time as we tried to cover as much ground as we could, but we had to eventually stop because Sona-chan could not fly anymore due to fatigue.

I was not in the best shape either; the blood loss had weakened me considerably.

I could still move because I used Senjutsu and sparingly Touki to keep me going, allowing my body to move forward.

With no other choice, we decided to take a rest near a small pond Sona-chan and Rias-chan found while flying.

Exhaustion was written on Sona-chan's face while she sat leaning on a tree. Rias-chan had also used a somewhat large amount of demonic power during her attack she was tired, but she was in a much better shape considering that she got to rest while they were both flying.

As for me, I was covered in a cold sweat. Aggravating wounds is never a good idea, I kept recklessly running but now I am paying the consequences of that.

Leaning on a tree in the same manner as Sona-chan, I was trying to catch my breath. Pressing with my right hand the area between my ribs, I was doing a self-diagnostic.

It was rather easy to tell that I had a few ribs broken, but dealing with that was beyond my current abilities. Using the scarce amount of Ki I had, I eased the pain somewhat.

Distracting myself by observing my other companions in this 'adventure', I saw Rias-chan coming from the pond with a wet handkerchief using it to wipe her friend's sweat. A sight that brought a smile to my lips until the pain erased it.

Searching in my sleeve, I found the token again. Quickly activating the 'map' function, I could see that the arrow was getting a lot clearer than before, which means that Kaa-san must be getting closer. However, I noticed that we were going in the opposite direction she was coming from.

I would laugh if doing so did not worsen my injuries.

Hopefully, she gets here faster because that thing will catch up to us sooner or later.

I don't think that those creatures were here by mere coincidence, not to mention that their existence feels wrong, or at least that what I felt when I sensed their presence with Ki, although what bothered me was a simple question. Why do they use those things when coming by themselves would guarantee an easier job? Sure, if those things attacked together then wiping us out is easy, but they were separated and that allowed us to put up a fight with one of them.

My thoughts come to a stop when I felt something cold on my face.

Turning my head to see what this is about. I saw Rias-chan wiping the sweat on my forehead with a handkerchief.

"This is the least I can do. I have done nothing so far". Rias-chan muttered crestfallenly.

I smile wryly at her words.

"That's not true; you did save me back there". I tried to offer words of comfort.

But it did not work too well this time.

"But you and Sona-chan did so much if you two had not been here" Rias-chan mumbled weakly.

When people get tired, they usually tend to be negative. In cases like that, the emotions that they tried to keep hidden are shown.

"Listen, this is not about who did more or who did less. While it is true that equal relationships require an equal amount of effort, friendship is not about keeping in check such a thing. Helping each other is what friends do". I pause at her blank look. "You look like you don't get me huh. Just take it as something natural between friends, but if you still feel guilty, then you can act like before. I like seeing you smile; it helps me to look at the bright side of things."

While I tried to explain to her something that I am not completely sure about myself, she seemed lost because my terms were maybe too hard to understand, however, at the end of my explanation, she regained her energy back.

"I don't understand very well, but you are right. Friends are supposed to help each other" Rias-chan spoke after pondering for a moment. "Smiling is a piece of cake; I enjoy my time with you so I don't mind doing it"

She added as she flashed me a bright smile. I think this was going to be troublesome later, but I didn't know why though.

"That's more like it". I nodded.

As long as she is happy then everything was ok.

"Hmmmm, I wonder if I can do something else for you guys though". Rias-chan uttered feeling lost.

Why do you ask me? I am not an expert in friendships.

"Let's consider that when we are safe". I replied at last.

Then, I closed my eyes to meditate for a little. I will try to gather some Ki now that I got the chance.

It is not because I am trying to run away to avoid answering her. Yeah.

Our little rest was cut short when there was a sound coming from the distance.

I thought of giving my ability a try, but I did not see the point when I already knew what was coming. I needed to save my strength the best I could.

"You two, come here". I called the devils that were already standing nearby in an alerted state.

The noise already had them on guard.

"Can you continue flying some more?" I asked Sona-chan.

"I might be able for a little but not like when we got away earlier" The bespectacled devil shook her head.

I expect as much, we did not get to rest for that long.

"How about the attack from before? Can you do it again?" I turned to Rias-chan this time.

"I don't think it will have the same power as before, but I can still try". Rias-chan said her tone full of determination.

That last attack did not kill the creature so a weaker attack will not be able to put it out of commission either, although her determination is remarkable.

Me? I am not in my best shape either. One hit and I probably won't be able to move again. My Ki reserves did not rise that much since I kept treating my injuries albeit little by little.

The question is how long we can last with our current abilities against that thing.

I could make the two leave again as I buy some time, but I doubt they would listen to me. Not like I would be able to distract that thing for too long as I am now anyway.

"Let's wait for that thing from the other side of the pond". I said.

We were on the side of the pond where that thing will be coming, by going to the other side we will have some time to observe it better.

I take out the token one last time before the last fight starts.

Confirming that the arrow was much clearer, I wondered how much longer it will take for help to arrive but soon stopped doing it. My focus should be on what is to come.

"Sona-chan, take this. Don't lose it". I said while I handed the token to Sona-chan.

She looked at me before taking the object in question.

"What is this?" Sona-chan asked as with her head tilted, a curious expression on her face. Rias-chan besides her was also curious and her ahoge had taken a question mark form.

They looked adorable, but there were more pressing matters.

"Our home ticket, keep it close". I only said that.

"*Gulp* ...ok". Sona-chan nodded nervously.

I gave this to her because I will probably need Rias-chan help later and she will be quite free, having nothing to do can be difficult sometimes.

*GRooooOooOwL* *GrOoooOwL*

Taking my action of handing Sona-chan the token as a cue, that's thing appeared between the trees.

"That is not fair...". I weakly muttered in a dispirited voice.

The damned creature was bigger than before. Given what I saw it do last time I expected it, but I did not imagine that it would get a new head as well as a new tail.

What the heck?

Did I get into some strange game and the difficulty was set at nightmare somehow?

We could barely face the 'normal' one.

"This will be harder than before. Are the two of you still thinking of staying?" I asked one last time just in case.

"Running away is impossible, don't you think?" Sona-chan spoke in a resolute tone.

"I can't leave you alone like that". Rias-chan said in a bold tone.

They were somewhat scared. However, both had decided to stay.

"Sona-chan should take Rias-chan flying and wait for the moment to attack. Aim at one of the heads or front legs. That should be better than going for some other place, I leave the timing to you two". I instructed.

I did not want to make them fight, but now there was no choice.

"What about you?" Sona-chan inquired.

She looked worried.

"I will give you an opening..." I responded.

Sona-chan wanted to say something else but the two-headed creature was not going to wait.

*GrrrooooOoooOwl* *GrOooOooOoOowL*

With a strong growl from both of its heads, it charged full speed this way, circling the pond quickly.

When you use spells, having a medium makes the use of said spell easier.

While I am not that good at spell craft because I lack proper practice, I can at least do some things.

Close by, I had a good amount of water and it would be useful.

Hastily writing the corresponding symbols in the air, I prepare to use Youjutsu. I was planning to use two spells.

The best outcome would've been having Sona-chan take advantage of the water here, but it was too risky to have her do it given that she would have to carry Rias-chan and cast the spell at the same time. If that thing targeted them and she did not evade because she was focused on something else, I doubt they would be able to take the hit so I was not going to have her do it.

Even while thinking, it kept getting closer.

Water alone was not going to stop it, I was not adept at using it for attacking, but it could become something that might hinder that thing's movement given you were a little creative.

When it was close enough, I activated one of the spells I had prepared before.

Without time to even mutter the name of the spell, I took control of a good amount of water and moved it to block that thing's path.

Seeing how it was only water, it did not stop its charge, probably planning to go through it.

When I saw how it did not stop, I used the second spell. The water started to freeze, forming a big chunk of ice.

That thing did not have enough time to change course or stop, and the two-headed creature crashed into it headfirst.

The hit stunned it for a moment. And I had started to write more symbols to use the other spells I had in mind.

I would not make it before that thing was free from the effects of the crash, but it was not my turn to attack it. There was already someone else on stand-by.

Just when the thing moved its two heads in my direction, a burst of demonic power attacked it again.

Rias-chan who was being held by Sona-chan in the air had attacked.

Black and Crimson were made the colors of the attack, Rias-chan burst of Power of Destruction hit it in one of its heads, erasing it.

*GROOOOOOOOWLL*

A pain-filled cry was heard.

Although like before, it was not enough to completely deal with the creature. But the attack had bought time for my spells to be ready.

Once again, I controlled the water from the pond. I used it to cover its legs and froze them.

This should be able to keep it in place for a little.

While I did not recover that much Ki, having the water already here saved me in cost so I was able to last longer. That said, I doubt I can hold it there forever. Even now, cracks keep appearing on the ice.

"Nora-chan! Sona-chan says that the token is acting weird". I heard Rias-chan yelling from behind me.

Wait? Weird? I don't recall anything about that. What comes to mind is-

Distracted by what Rias-chan said, I forgot to pay attention to that thing.

Once I looked at it again, its tail had already changed in length again.

I gulped, fearing for what was to come.

Hastily jumping backward, I managed to barely avoid the whip-like hit coming from the tail, but I had also broken the spell in the process.

While I avoided the hit, I had allowed that thing to get free so I inwardly cursed.

I gulped again.

It looked angry and it was still healthy, whereas I was even weaker than during our first clash.

It began to stride forward.

I reinforced myself with Senjutsu and Touki to avoid whatever it would do next.

But there was no next action for the black hound.

A large barrage of familiar-looking bullets came raining on top of it. I was pretty close so I could see how strong the bullets hit it.

That got to hurt.

I turned my head to see the one who attacked and saw Kaa-san being carried from behind by Grayfia-san.

Jeez, she's finally here.

The tension finally left my body. Relaxed at least, my body started to fall.

I might've overdone by moving in my condition, but now things will be alright so I can sleep for a little right?

While falling, I could Kaa-san pushing Grayfia-san away to be released, ah, Kaa-san probably won't be able to get along with Maid-san like that.

Please don't make that face, I am ok. So, don't look like you are about to cry.

I wanted to tell her that, but I had no energy for that.

Part 3

Watching the Nekomata woman Saya landing and running toward her fallen son, Grayfia focused on the reason she came here.

Flying closer devil duo she was looking for, she spoke.

"Are you two alright?" Grayfia asked in a concerned tone.

While she tried to not show her feelings too much during her work mode, she can't help but worry about the safety of Rias whom she treats as a little sister and her best friend Sona whom she also takes care of sometimes.

But the attention of both devils was somewhere else.

"Nora-chan!? Sona-chan, let's go and check what happened to him". Rias said urgently.

"Right!" Sona spoke with an equal urgent tone.

The two pretty much ignored her and went to see the condition of the child being treated by that woman.

Grayfia was honestly surprised at their reaction, she expected them to be worried about him but they even ignored her, and while it made her slightly upset, she was more curious about why it happened.

So she followed after them.

Looking at him, she could see how bad his state was. Just the dried blood on his clothing was proof of how hurt he got. The external wounds were almost taken care of, but considering the anxious state that Saya was in, there must be considerable damage inside him as well.

She turned to look to the other pair that had an anxious look.

Neither Rias nor Sona had a single wound on them, and while their dresses had tears here and there, they were not hurt. Grayfia considered all that and concluded what probably happened.

That child, Nora-kun kept the two of them safe.

She did not expect that things would turn out like this after meeting the Nekomata pair earlier.

Despite the fact that she acted kindly to him as thanks for covering for her error in judgment. She allowed him to call her name as he liked, only to bother that Nekomata woman.

At the meeting, she found him adorable when his mother made him turn into a cat, but that was a different point altogether.

Later, when she took him to meet those two, she wanted to test whether he could be their playmate. Yet, he did nothing that could be called bad, he remained standing meekly by the door even when Rias and Sona were alerted and were even prepared to attack him. He did nothing threatening to them.

Even now, those two were in one piece because of him so he felt regretful for trying to test him.

This is something that she needs to apologize for, even if she has to take a day off later.

Putting her thoughts aside, she decided to use her time more efficiently than standing without doing anything.

While she could offer to heal him with magic, that woman is doing a better job than what she could do, proving her competence.

Grayfia decided to inspect the remains of the creature, whose body was inside a crater that the barrage of bullets from the Nekomata woman had made.

Even for her, Grayfia found the sight slightly exaggerated. Saya attacked with no intentions to leave the creature alive.

Upon closer look, some parts were still moving. The head was somewhat spared and was still twitching, displaying a really strong vitality. However, when Grayfia thought of finishing it off, it stopped moving. All the blackened parts started to evaporate. There were traces of that before it stopped moving but this time, all the black parts just evaporated and what was left was parts of a creature, but much smaller.

It looked like a dog, but it did not seem to be an animal. The feeling it gave was similar to youkais.

With that thought, she immediately turned warily to where the woman was, but she did nothing else.

Recalling the state of that child, she decided to not act hastily and make a judgment simply from the current evidence. Having made up her mind, she contacted her king. While he can be rather playful sometimes, he is still one of the four strongest beings in the Underworld, the Maou, and someone who has good insight when it is required.