This is the 12th chapter of the crossover story. I don't own the series of High School DxD or the video game of Final Fantasy 13.
No flame review, seriously it's a bad rep and I have no tolerance what so ever.
Unknown Area, Countryside
It was hot and sunny day without a single cloud in the sky within a lush green forest were Rias, Virgil, and her Peerage. All of them walked up on the hill towards the mansion that was at the top of the hill which happens to be smooth and stable, makes it easy to climb up.
Yesterday, Virgil have given his adopted family a call and tell them the situation which Lightning, Snow, and Serah were pretty upset that Rias will have to got through with this and forced to marry Riser and they were disgusted about Riser's behavior and his mannerism. With that, they accept his help and train them in ten days so Rias will participate in the Rating Game and fight Riser and his peerage.
Issei was left behind to carry his bag that was big and heavy as he trudged up on the hill, panting heavily with exhaustion and sweating. Apparently, he was wearing his pink long sleeve shirt, yellow jacket, blue jeans, and still wear his blue sneakers which it's not for camping.
"You're almost there, just a few more feet." Rias encourages him. All of the girls and Kiba wore a camping style clothing, but the three didn't carry anything which they handing them over to Issei, much to his dismay.
"Visualize Issei." Akeno said with a sweet smile.
"Coming." Issei said with exhaustion while sweating profusely as he trudged on the hill.
Asia watch Issei with worry as she spoke to Rias. "Rias, should I get some of those bags for him?"
"He'll be okay, he needs to learn to carry that much on his own." Rias reassured her.
While Issei continues to walk and tried to get to the top, Kiba walked passed him, carrying a plastic bag with herbs, but his bag has the same size as Issei's
"On your right." Kiba told him while walking.
"Seriously!? Did they give you a bag of feathers or something!?" Issei complains.
Koneko soon passed Issei, carrying a large bag that could easily fit everyone inside and carried it without any problems.
"Move it." Koneko nonchalantly said to him.
That got Issei shocked as he fell down to his back while complains which he forgot about Virgil.
'Well at least Virgil's still behind me.' Issei thought as he noticed that Virgil has walking up on the hill while carrying the bag that was the same size like Issei's, but Kuroka was on his bag. What made him shocked was that Virgil gets to carry Kuroka while Issei doesn't.
"Come on!? Why do you get to carry Kuroka!? So you can feel her bresticles on your back!?" Issei complains with jealousy.
"I used my senjutsu to increase the weight on his bag, I'm doing this to help him." Kuroka told him with a glare. "It'll be a matter of time whenever the Rating Game gets to start."
"Also, you need to pick it up, Issei. The sooner you get up there, the sooner we can get started." Virgil told him calmly.
Issei whines with teary eyes while muttered with jealousy. Both Rias and Akeno looked at Issei while Asia looked at Virgil with a pouty face, noticing that Kuroka has been carried.
'You ready, Issei? The propose of this training camp was to build your strength.' Rias thought as Issei continues to make his way to the top of the hill while the others were watching him. 'Soon, you will be stronger than you ever imagined.'
Countryside, Resort House
Once they made their way to the top, they saw a mansion that has a lake along with the gazebo. Of course, they didn't come here for vacation. It was to prepare for the Rating Game against Riser Phenex which she got no experience in the Rating Game and was going up against pro.
"Wow, how beautiful." Asia compliments with awe.
Until the portal opens when they noticed that Lightning, Snow, Hope, Vanille, Fang, and Noel came out of the portal when they noticed that Virgil, Rias, and the peerage were about to get ready for training. Lightning walk towards Rias as she spoke.
"My son told me about what happen yesterday." Lightning told her. "While we don't agree of this forced marriage, we'll help you and your friends to get stronger in the way we can."
"Thank you, Lightning." Rias thanked her with a smile.
"Also, if what Virgil have told us about Riser is true, then he would've learn some manners." Fang said with a smirk. "And how to treat women with respect, otherwise I would give him some ass-whoopin."
Rias, Akeno, Asia, and Kuroka giggled a bit of her remark while Kiba chuckle a bit. Lightning cleared her throat, getting their attention.
"Some of you are aware of who I am, I'm Lightning Farron. I'm Virgil's adopted mother." Lightning introduces herself. "For ten days, we will begin to train you, starting today."
"What!? But we just got here! That's evil and nowhere even close to fair!" Issei whines.
"You gotta problem with that?" Lightning questions with her dark tone while giving him a death glare, leaving Issei's face paled.
"N-N-No ma'am!" Issei shook his head with fear.
"Now, before we begin your training, head inside and get change so we can begin." Lightning told them as they head inside of the mansion to get change.
Virgil, Issei, and Kiba were heading towards the room to get change. Virgil overheard the conversation in between the two talking about Kiba having hatred of Fallen Angels which he haven't told him about it, but Kiba decides to drop the subject and told him to focus on the upcoming Rating Game.
After they got done changing their clothes, Lightning began to speak.
"Alright, let's get started." Lightning said. "Koneko, Issei. You two will be in training with Snow and Kuroka."
Issei didn't like the idea for Snow as his personal trainer, remembered that he got in trouble from Snow while he gave the pervert a beat-down. Snow walk towards them and spoke.
"My name is Snow Villiers. I'm Virgil's uncle, Lightning's brother-in-law, Serah's husband, and Nora's father." Snow introduced himself. "I need you two to come with me and Kuroka."
Koneko silently obliged while Issei paled until it was as though he was a sheet of paper before trembling after Snow. With that, they began to head towards the forest so they can have the area to train.
"Well, this is a good spot." Snow muttered as he turned his head to them. "Alright, let's stop here."
The two stopped as instructed while Snow was rummaging through the bag. What he took out was the protective headgear and training gloves.
"Put these on." Snow instructed as he tossed a set to each of them. He waited for them until they were equipped. "Alright, for starters, Issei. We'll start with you, we're going to work on your stamina. It made it clear that you have been running countless times by a group of angry girls, it still pretty stupid."
That caused Issei to act as though he was struck through the heart as Snow turned to Koneko.
"Koneko, you also need to work on your stamina. What Fang and Vanille told me was that, your offense and defense were pretty impressive, but you need to be able to think fast too." Snow explains. "Also, Kuroka will be able to help you out tapping your Senjutsu since your sister told me about your ability."
Suddenly, Issei have gained an unexplainable sensation of dread with anticipation of what was going to happen next. Koneko however, began to feel a slight satisfaction, getting ready to see what happens next. Snow and Kuroka gave a predatory smirk as he turned to Issei.
"Koneko, chase that pervert and strike him as many as you can. Issei, run, dodge, and...just don't die from her wrath." Snow said.
"NNNNOOOOOOO!" Issei shouts.
"GO!" Snow commanded.
Issei couldn't say any further as he been pursued by Koneko since she was determined.
Snow was laughing at this situation since he was training them.
"You were just doing that on purpose for having this tit-freak a run for the hills." Kuroka said with a smirk.
"Yep, that's what he gets for being a pervert." Snow admits.
With that, both Snow and Kuroka were watching this display of Issei being chased by Koneko which to them, it was entertaining.
Meanwhile, Lightning turned to Kiba as she spoke.
"Kiba, you'll be in training with Fang." Lightning told him as Fang approaches him.
"It's been a while since we fought together in the abandoned Church to fight those little buggers." Fang said with a smirk.
"Indeed it has, Fang." Kiba nods.
"Now, I need you to listen carefully for what I'm about to tell you." Fang told him, getting a nod from him. "Due to your abilities, you offense and stamina are highly commendable. However, what you are lacking was defense and power. Rather than to avoid my attacks, I want you to let me deliberately hit you every now and then, it'll improve your defense. And don't expect me to easy on you just because you're good with your sword."
Kiba nods with an understanding while he unleashed his sword and Fang pulls out her Bladed Lance.
"Okay, I'm ready." Kiba said with determination.
"Good, because this training starts now." Fang told him as they began to clash against each other. Kiba used his speed while Fang set-up her defense while counter.
Turning to the others, except Virgil, looking at them with awe, Lightning cleared her throat to get their attention as she turned to Akeno.
"Akeno, I want you and Vanille to teach Asia about magic." Lightning told them as she turned to Asia. "Asia, I would recommend you to learn a method to protect yourself and your allies."
They nodded with an understanding as Akeno, Asia, and Vanille went to their own area to train. Lightning turned to Rias.
"Rias, you'll be in training with Hope." Lightning told her, getting a nod from her as Hope walk towards Rias.
"From what I noticed, you have the King's Piece." Hope said with serious expression. "To be specific, you need to be strong enough to fight and defend yourself."
Rias nodded with an agreement.
"What should I do?" Rias asked.
"First, I need to see your magic so I can evaluate." Hope answered.
Rias nods as she created an orb and maintains it. Hope walked closer to her and began to examine the power.
'As far as I can tell, it's powerful but the main issue was that it's unstable which she wasn't trained properly.' Hope mentally thought and gave her the verdict.
"Your powers are very strong, Rias. However the issue was that it's unstable. If I'm right about it, whenever you use that, it'll wear you down pretty quick." Hope verdicts, leaving her shocked from those words.
"What I recommend was you need to focus on stabilizing your power and build up your reserves and stamina." Hope explains.
"How should I do that?" Rias questions as Hope activates his paradigm shift to use ravager while drew out his Airwing.
"You'll be training under me since I'm gonna teach you of using magic." Hope answered. "Also, it'll improve your stability and stamina which I will throw you with my magic."
Rias nodded with an understanding as the two began to use magic on to each other.
Lightning turned to her son and spoke.
"Virgil, you'll be training under me and Noel." Lightning told him. "We have to get you to hone your skills so that way if you were able to fight against Riser or not."
Virgil nods with an understanding as they drew out their gunblades while Noel draws out his Flame Fossil.
"In this battle, whenever you fight either one enemy or more than one enemy, you have to be coordinate." Lightning explains. "We may have trained you since 12 years ago, but you have to grow stronger which I noticed that you've trained every day."
Virgil nods with an agreement.
"Also, due to your fights against the Fallen Angels, Stray Devil, and Stray Exorcists, it was impressive." Noel compliments. "However, what you'll be fighting was a demon who was known as Riser who was the third heir to the House of Phenex you were talking about. Fighting against him will be hard due to his healing ability, but you have ice magic and water magic which it'll be his disadvantage when he was know for using fire magic."
"Also, there was another magic that you might be able to use light magic which we know that Riser may able to heal himself, but he's still a demon." Lightning added.
Virgil nods with understanding as they began to clash against each other which Virgil knows that it was 2-on-1 fight and he needs to be coordinative whenever he fights against more than one enemy.
Both Snow and Kuroka continues to watch Issei getting mercilessly chased by Koneko until they decided that the pervert had withstood enough torture.
Snow whistles as Koneko stopped while Issei was collapsing down the ground to regain his breath.
"Th-Th-Thank...you...for...saving...me.." Issei thanked him while wheezing and trying to calm down his breathing rate.
Kuroka approaches to her sister and spoke.
"Well, seeing this display was quite entertaining." Kuroka said with a smirk. "Anyway that aside, I'm going to teach you of how to use Senjutsu. It'll help you enhance your abilities due to your Rook Piece and you'll be eligible to have your advantage when you're fighting against your opponents."
Koneko nods as she revealed her cat ears and cat tail while begin to learn to use Senjutsu from her sister.
'So, she's a cat-lady too? Didn't see that coming.' Snow thought with a small smile as he noticed that Issei was recovered.
"Hey." Issei greeted.
"Hey yourself." Snow replied back. "Listen up, since you're now physically worn out, I'll let you carry on your physical training."
He then noticed that Issei's expression was pale as he chuckle a bit.
"Relax, it won't be with Koneko, unless you have a death wish." Snow assured him, causing the color to return to his face. "Anyway, go over to where Vanille, Akeno, and Asia were at and get busy with your magic. Though I haven't seen it yet, but I can tell it's awfully low it's ridiculous."
That really jab Issei from his last sentence, but he listens nonetheless as the pervert began to trudge over to where the girls are at. Snow decides to cut him some slack which he can tell that Issei has been trudging up on the hill and having being chased by Koneko which he finds it hilarious.
Things went on for about an hour and a half. Some of them progress slowly which they sometimes asked for tips and advice. Lightning let them take a 30 minute break which it wasn't good to push them further. They weren't ready to fight against strong opponents, not yet, so it's produce adversary effect.
Resort House, Dining room
Night has fallen and Virgil have already taking a bath early to get himself cleaned up before he heads over to the kitchen to cook dinner. When he got there, Virgil began to work in the kitchen to cook something, but Kuroka, Asia, and Akeno decided to give him a helping hand only because they insisted and Asia had unintentionally given him a puppy-eyed look on her face. Of course, it's really hard for him to say no to that face while Akeno pressed her breasts on his back and tried to seduce him, but Virgil bonked her head pretty hard, leaving a bump on her head while he tried to focus on cooking, much to Akeno's dismay.
Of course, any men would fall to her knees whenever she seduces, but not Virgil, he was calm, cool-collected, and serious. He already done told Akeno that she wasn't his type no matter how many times he kept telling her, but she just won't give up, much to his annoyance.
When they finished their cooking and placing the variety of food on the table, Rias, Issei, and Kiba were very surprised to see the food looked very appetizing and just want to eat it. Lightning, Snow, Hope, Fang, and Vanille were impressed to see that Virgil was progressing pretty quick and got a helping hand from those three girls.
"Whoa! There so much and it look so delicious too!" Issei exclaimed with joy.
"Calm down, Issei. I made plenty for everyone." Virgil chided with small smile.
"Wait!? You made this!?" Issei shouted with disbelief. Rias and Kiba looked at them with surprised looks on their faces.
"Well, I got help from Akeno, Asia, and Kuroka." Virgil admits. "That's what I mostly carry in the bag was ingredients."
"Ufufufufu, it wasn't really that much. You did most of it Virgil." Akeno said with a smile. "Me, Asia, and Kuroka have contributed a bit."
"Yeah! You really did the most of it." Asia backed her up.
"Actually, I did help him out a bit and try to improve some culinary cooking." Kuroka said.
"Did you now?" Fang questions with a smirk.
"Yes, he began to teach me how to cook when I live in his home, nya~." Kuroka answered.
Akeno was shocked of hearing that Kuroka was living with Virgil, but she felt jealous of her learning from him.
"Well, let's not stand here while we wait, let's dig in." Snow suggested.
Lightning, Snow, Hope, Fang, Vanille, and Virgil say grace to the Maker while they enjoy their meals. Rias and her peerage began to savor the taste in their mouths, but their tastes went into a state of bliss and a delightful sensation of flavor began to spread across their taste buds.
Virgil was looking at their emotionless expressions with worry.
"Uh, guys?" Virgil asked with concern.
"This..." Issei began to speak. "IS THE BEST THING I'VE EVER TASTED IN MY ENTIRE LIFE!"
He then proceeded to scarf down the rest of his food with great relish. He looked at Virgil with stars in his eyes.
"How did you make it this good?" Issei asked. "I've eaten those food at the convenience store and at home, but it can't compare to this!"
"I've learned how to cook from Aunt Serah." Virgil answered with calm demeanor. "Even though it took a while to get the hang of it."
"Well, you've got help from Serah." Lightning told him with a smile. "And I also helped you since you were a kid."
"Yeah, Serah didn't take it well since she did give you an earful." Snow added. "I tried to calm her down and told her that you were trying to make something nice."
Virgil winced of that reminder of his first time of cooking when he was 7 years old from Gran Pulse which it ends pretty bad and Serah give her nephew a good scold.
"Well overall, it was amazing." Rias said with a smile. "I can't even find a proper words to describe it."
"This is incredible." Kiba complimented with an awe.
Kuroka, Asia, and Koneko proceeded to immediately eat their food at a quick pace. Of course, the three were no stranger to Virgil's cooking.
"Virgil's...cooking...is...delicious...as always." Koneko said while scarfing her food.
"It was so delicious. I'm really blessed to have such cuisine." Asia added while eating.
Virgil was a bit surprised about it while the six heroes from Gran Pulse were obviously shocked and surprised that they liked Virgil's cooking.
"Ara, ara, whoever marries you would be lucky, I would love to marry you and be able to have your food on the regular basis." Akeno commented, much to Virgil's annoyance.
"Is that so?" Lightning questions with an amusing smile while her eyes closed, but her smile became wicked with her teeth gritting. "The girl with big assets, who tried to seduce my son with your body and been in too much of S&M. I will not let you marry my son nor have you as my daughter-in-law."
Issei, Asia, Rias, and Kiba were really frightened of Lightning while Akeno's smile dropped drastically into a fright look on her face. She was really afraid of Lightning and hearing what she said about not marrying Virgil, it wasn't a good start.
Lightning was satisfied for intimidating her as she continues to eat her food while Issei turned to Virgil.
"Dude! Your mom is scary." Issei whispered to him.
"Well it can happen to you too, if you try anything perverted." Virgil warned him, making Issei nodded frantically.
"Guess that can happen to any other girls." Snow chuckled.
"I'm just glad someone give Akeno a scare." Virgil said with a smirk. "And I'm sorry it wasn't me."
That got everyone, except Akeno laugh of his remark. It took a few minutes to get them to calm down as Rias spoke.
"So how was it? How do you think it went? Have any of you learned anything?" Rias asks with a smile.
"I did." Issei answered with depression. "I learned I'm the weakest link on the team."
"Knowing is hath the battle as they say." Rias told him. "You shouldn't feel entirely useless though. Between Asia's healing power and your Boosted Gear, the two of you would become assets. Your opponent will always be aware of this, so I need you both to gain at least enough power to escape from any situation so that you won't slow the rest of the team down."
Both Issei and Asia gave her a nod with an understanding as Rias looked towards Lightning and her friends.
"I want to thank you all for helping us." Rias thanked them with a smile. "It means a lot both me and my peerage."
"It's no problem." Fang said. "But one thing you need to remember was that pride won't let you guarantee your victory. We may never met Riser, but what we learned from Virgil was an arrogant playboy who only thinks for himself. Also, he may be battle-experienced from the Rating Game you called it, but with the right amount of training, you might be able to beat him."
"But the big thing was that he's very well-known for using healing abilities and fire magic which he's a dangerous opponent." Hope added. "But you have to keep your pride in check like I advised you to."
"I'll do my best." Rias said with a nod.
"Well, I think we had enough training for tonight. I think we should get some good night sleep and be ready for more training tomorrow." Snow suggested as he, Lightning, Hope, Fang, and Vanille decided to turn in for night as they headed to their rooms to get some sleep.
"I should go get some sleep too." Virgil said as he was about to get some sleep.
"Hold on, I think we should head to baths now." Rias told them.
"Hate to say it, but Mom, Uncle Snow, Mr. Esthiem, Fang, and Vanille had their baths early which they pretty much beat you to it." Virgil told her.
"Well that's too bad." Rias said with a sigh.
"You're all going together!?" Issei exclaimed, stood up from his seat with a blush.
Virgil didn't like what this was going. He noticed that Issei was given off of his perverted grin and getting up to his antics again.
"That would be the plan." Rias answered with a smile. "You're such a silly goose, would you like to come along? You wanted to see naked together, don't you? I don't mind."
'What kind of an idiot willingly lets a pervert take a bath with her? Then again, since Issei's being invited, I can't do anything about it.' Virgil mentally thought with annoyance as Rias turned to Akeno.
"You Akeno?"
"No, I think it sounds like fun. We can bathe him, too." Akeno answered with a smile as Rias turned to Asia.
"Would you mind if it came Asia? I wouldn't want any of us to feel uncomfortable." Rias asked.
"N-N-No, I d-don't want Issei here in the bath." Asia answered with a blush, making Issei face burst down the floor.
'Atta girl, Asia.' Virgil thought with a smile.
"AW, Come On!" Issei shouted, complaining as Rias turned to Koneko.
"Well, since Asia won't be joining us. What about you?"
"I'd rather die." Koneko answered simply.
"Oh well, sorry." Rias apologized in a teasing manner while Issei fall down the floor with teary eyes. "Well now that's just melodramatic."
Koneko then turned her eyes toward Virgil with a small blush. "Though, I won't mind if it's Virgil joining us."
Issei began to actually cry with misfortune while Virgil sighed with annoyance, didn't like the idea and Kiba gave an awkward chuckle.
Rias turned to Virgil.
"Well, you heard her, come along Virgil." Rias said as she got up and about to grab him, but Virgil activates his paradigm to ravager while using his lightning magic to shock Rias hand.
"Ouch!" Rias said with a wince while pulling her hand away.
"Sorry, but I already had a bath early." Virgil told her. "Besides I'm not allowed in the women's bath if I have a death wish."
With that, Virgil left the dining room and heading to his room to get some sleep. Kuroka knew that this would happen which she can't blame since Lightning and Serah have taught him well about decency.
Few days later
The training have continued in the past few days, with Lightning, Snow, Hope, Fang, Vanille, and Kuroka overseeing and instructing Rias, Virgil, and the peerage on what to do. They'd been making each member focus on one main issue, but did shift them from time-to-time. Virgil would train them since he's beginning to hone his skills. However, only one thing that needed work the most was none other than Issei.
The pervert does have potential which they noticed that much, but in his current state was terrible. It was like Issei was doubting himself and holding himself back. Snow couldn't bare the thought about it as he make his way towards him which Issei was hold his knees and panting since he just got done sparring with him for half an hour. Issei didn't notice that Snow approaches him.
"You feeling alright?" Snow asked him.
"Yeah, I'm fine." Issei answered as he stood up properly. Snow could tell that Issei was hiding something.
"Issei, what's on your mind?" Snow assured him. "I won't bite."
"How did Virgil do it?" Issei inquired. "How did your nephew get so strong?"
Snow looked at him for a moment as he thought about it.
"Could you try be a little more specific?" Snow asked casually.
Issei released his breath and told him.
"I realized that I'm the weakest member here. I thought I can do what I want and beat up that Peinex breath with my Boosted Gear. But back at the Occult Research Club, I noticed Virgil used his magic on that playboy douche-canoe. And I noticed that he fought against those Fallen Angels, Stray Exorcists, Stray Devil, and those monsters that was called a Cie'th, I realized that I was nowhere near his level and he didn't even look at it with fear. He was just looking at them with his serious look on his face." Issei then moved his gaze from his hands and looked at Snow. "I want to help Rias, I really do. I'm just useless."
Snow nodded with an understanding of this situation.
"Actually, it happened 12 years ago back in Gran Pulse." Snow told him, getting Issei's attention. "He asked Lightning to train him, he's pretty determined."
"Why?" Issei asked.
"Well, he heard from everyone about me and Lightning as heroes which he's pretty jealous of us." Snow told him, leaving him surprised. "Both of us had the courage to try and save Serah when she was captured by Fal'cie and we were fighting for a goal and what we believe in...But Virgil didn't have any goals."
Issei was sad about hearing Virgil didn't have any goals when he was a kid.
"Of course, Lightning did taught him Math, Science, English, Cocoon, History, Japanese, and Physical Education. What she didn't taught him was how to fight like she did in the past, but she felt bad for not teaching him that which he had determination." Snow continues. "She did give him decision which he accepts with his head held high. I did also train him, but hey, I strong too and I couldn't say no to my Mini-Man. Plus, I did help him out follow the 'Hero's Will.'"
Issei was happy to hear that Virgil did get a chance to be in training with her along with the other heroes from Gran Pulse.
"But let me tell you something, your heart's in the right place. However for a pervert, you did have the wrong time which you always get yourself into trouble." Snow told him, leaving Issei depressed. "But what's holding you back was your fear."
"Huh?" Issei replied.
"You did made some friends and you want to protect them who are much worth protecting like Virgil did." Snow said. "Lightning did give Virgil some advice, but I'm gonna give you an advice: Face forward, don't let fear stop you, and put your life on the line in any battle, you understand?"
Issei looked at Snow in shock as he regain his composure.
"I think I do." Issei nods.
"Good." Snow said with a chuckle. "You're one of the guys in your group. You gotta protect those who are worth protecting and help them however we can. Get strong, help Rias escape from that flaming hot-head and protect her."
"Yeah, I think I get it now." Issei agreed with resolve in his eyes.
"Good, now let's get to work on you getting stronger. About an hour, go train your magic with Akeno, Vanille, and Asia." Snow instructed as he used his paradigm to sentinel.
Issei nodded as he began to spar with Snow once more with determination.
Few hours passed as night has fallen, they began to have a early before dinner which of course, Virgil have to cook in the kitchen and began to cook, with the help of Akeno, Asia, and Kuroka. However, Akeno didn't seduce Virgil this time only because of Lightning gave her quite a scare and she won't get a chance to marry him.
Apparently, everyone was shocked of seeing that Issei was progressing pretty well after the training. Everyone in Rias' peerage and Virgil were getting stronger over the past few days, even Asia. She could now make a barrier to form around herself that could block attacks and she even progress through training with Virgil in combat which she even learning the basics and how to use magic in combat.
Issei's magic reserves have improved quite a bit. Since his training in day one, his magic was about the size of the flea, but now it was the size of a marble. Of course, his great improvement was his physical attributes, but he was secretly planned on making a special move for tomorrow night, one that would even the odds in the upcoming fight, while satisfying his perversion.
When they finished their dinner, Rias began to explain about the history of the Three Factions.
"For some of you may not know this, but it's been dated back quite a bit. Some what say it was close eternity ago: Devils, Fallen Angels, and Heavenly Angels were at war." Rias explains. "It was a mass of destructive three-sided battle which ultimately ended in neither victory nor defeat. Every single battle ended with several of our members wiped out or missing. Our lifespan since Devils have very low-birth rates are nearly eternal to ensure our population, yet our existence as a specie is at risk due to the impact of that war. Most of the family lines consisted of Pure-Blood, Upper Class Devils that made up what is known as the 72 Pillars, the war then claimed all but three: Mine which is the House of Gremory, Sona, the House of Sitri, and Riser, the House of Phenex. Out of 72 Pillars, we are the only survivors. It was then the Devils first began recruiting humans to replace the numbers in there Houses. After that, the Rating Game came about. This allowed Devils that were the Masters of the Households to provide recently converted humans with combat experience, as well as show off the other abilities. Nowadays, still has quite in impact, once record in the Rating Game had the huge influence nobility and status."
Rias then concludes the history of the Three Factions and the Rating Games which it was quite a bit of history on Earth.
"Okay I think that's it, you guys look pretty tired. What do you say we take a break and have some tea?" Rias suggested with a long sigh of that long history lesson she gives them.
"Sounds good, I'll go make some." Akeno agreed as she stood up and head towards the kitchen while Asia was about to help.
"Asia." Rias called, getting her attention. "I almost forgot, I'd love to know more about your former life as a holy sister.
"You mean right now?" Asia replied with a question. With that, she gathered those items from the Church that she still have.
"Let's see, I did a lot of exorcism so I guess we can talk about that." Asia said as she began to explain. "There are two things you need: The most important one, is holy water. That Devils need to be careful, it's vital that you never actually touch it."
"Is it gonna make us melt?" Issei asked curiously.
"It will do something bad." Asia answered.
"I figured that much." Issei said. "I don't know why you're leaving out all of the cool parts of the story."
"It isn't just us, this goes for you too." Rias told him as she turned to Asia. "You're a Devil now, remember?"
"Yeah I know." Asia replied, being reminded. "I guess there's no point talking about how to make it. So let's just move on with something else."
Asia placed the holy water on the table while grabbing the Holy Bible.
"The second item is, the Holy Bible." Asia told them as she explains. "I used to read it constantly when I was a little girl. It was my favorite, but now every time I start a Verse, I get a terrible headache and I can't get through it."
"Because you're a Devil." Rias told her.
"You're one of us now, Asia." Kiba added.
"You should write it down." Koneko suggested.
"Probably not a good idea." Akeno said with a smile.
"I just want to read one Verse, it was always my favorite." Asia said desperately as she opens the book, Virgil stopped her.
"I wouldn't do that if I were you." Virgil warned her. "I think you have enough headache for today."
Asia was depressed that she won't read the Holy Bible as she heads back to her seat as Rias spoke.
"Virgil." Rias called out. "I'd like to know about you abilities since due to your capabilities."
With that, Virgil began to explain of his ability that he learned since 12 years ago in Gran Pulse.
"The ability I've learned was called 'Paradigm Shift' but it was also known as 'Optima Change.' Virgil explains. "It's the ability that allows you use only 6 roles during battle. The roles are: Commando, Sentinel, Ravager, Synergist, Saboteur, and Medic."
"How come you were able to use magic when you were fighting?" Kiba questions.
"Paradigm Shift can allow you to use different abilities in a different roles. Also, it allows you to switch roles during in and out of battles." Virgil answered, leaving Rias and her peerage shocked.
'That explains about the magic he used which that really surprises me.' Kiba thought, pondering.
'Dude that was badass! He was able to use magic and fight at the same time!? I wish I had that ability right now!' Issei thought.
"Anyway, it'll be best that I explain the roles." Virgil told them, getting their attention. "The first role I'm gonna tell you is Commando. It's much of a straightforward offender, it allows you to attack and let's you use Ruin. Also, it can let you stagger your enemy. The second role is Sentinel, it's a role that can defend your allies against your enemies with enhanced defense abilities."
"That make sense about the two roles, but what about the magic that you used?" Rias asked.
"Well, the third role that you saw was Ravager." Virgil continues. "It allows you to use element magic like Fire, Water, Blizzard, Aero, and Lightning. Basically, it let's you use offense magic and allows you to use elemental physical attacks."
Rias nodded with an understanding.
"The fourth role is Synergist. It's a role that allows you to use support magic which basically enhancement." Virgil told them. "However you can only enhance to each ally one at a time. Plus you may also cast it on to yourself. But the fifth role Saboteur is a little different, this role allows to weaken your enemy through debuff and debilitating. And lastly, the sixth role is Medic. This role allows you to heal your allies and yourself, remove ailment status, and even revive your allies whenever they knocked out."
"When you use that magic to heal me, was it that Medic power you've used?" Kuroka asked.
"Yeah." Virgil nods.
'So that's how he used healing powers, it's similar to Asia's Twilight Healing.' Kuroka thought when she realized of Virgil's ability.
With that, Rias and her peerage finally understand about Virgil's ability which it explains of how he able to fight against his enemies. Lightning told them that it's starting to get late which they decided to head to their rooms and get some sleep.
Few days later
It was currently morning and they'd been training intensely for the past seven days now and everyone have made great leaps in their progress, even Issei. He told Virgil that he'd been working on his secret technique which the white-haired l'Cie didn't care about it, but he also told him that he heard a voice in his sleep for the past few days.
As for the peerage, Rias had manage to stabilize her powers while improved her efficiency thanks to Hope. Akeno was now able to recharge her magic reserves and was also more efficient in expending it when she was using magic. Koneko's stamina was improved a good deal, but not on Kiba's level. However, she was able to read movements to her opponents speed and with Kuroka's teachings, Koneko was able to use Senjutsu but not on her sister's level. However, she might be able to use fireballs and enhance herself with Youki. Kiba's defense had improved a good deal, he can now withstand a few good hits from a rook class. Asia's barrier have gotten stronger and her combat abilities have improved, to the point that she was able to defend herself against Issei. Virgil have improved a good deal, he was able to withstand against multiple enemies and his abilities have improved while the crystal was growing bigger.
Lightning have given Rias a suggestion, just to see how Issei progressed which the Rating Game was just around the corner.
Virgil and the others were standing, except Issei and Kiba, who were standing in front of them.
"Alright, Issei." Lightning called him, getting his attention. "I want you and Kiba spar with each other. Issei, you can use your Boosted Gizmo. Kiba, take this. In case if the wooden sword breaks, you can use your Gizmo."
Lightning tossed a wooden sword to Kiba, which he caught it.
"Both of you get ready." Lightning told them,
The two took their places opposite to each other. Issei summoned his Boosted Gear while Kiba gets into his fighting stance.
"GO!"
With that, Kiba rushed towards Issei, taking advantage over his Knight trait. Issei blocked the wooden sword with his Boosted Gear.
"What the hell!? At least give me a warning here!" Issei screamed.
"In battles, the enemy won't give you any warnings." Fang told him with a smirk. "And there's no hesitations, either."
This fight continues for some time which Kiba attacks while Issei blocks and dodges them. However, Issei was responding a little better whenever he attempts to strike, but Kiba avoided that. What they noticed was that Issei's Boosted Gear was given him more boosts.
"Alright, here goes!" Issei exclaimed as his tenth boost occurred.
[EXPLOSION!]
The jewel of the Boosted Gear lit up as the yellow aura and sphere briefly appeared around him.
Suddenly, Issei rushed towards Kiba with his strikes. Kiba managed to block them all, but his wooden sword was getting more cracks and Issei finally shattered it.
Kiba immediately leaped back as he drew out his Sacred Gear as he rushed back to Issei, slashing horizontally at his midsection, but Issei deflect his attack with his dragon gauntlet. He was about to punch Kiba in the gut, but he managed to jump back.
"Okay Issei, use your magic!" Lightning ordered, getting a nod from him.
Issei thrust his left arm forward and gather his magic power in front of his left palm. It stopped as it was the size of the golf ball.
"Shit, I'm still lacking magic!" Issei commented himself. "Well, it's all or nothing!"
He reared his left fist and punched the red sphere. What shocked them was that it turned into a huge laser beam attack, which Kiba frantically threw himself to his side to avoid. It carried on past Kiba and hit the mountain. As soon as the contact was made, the tower of rock exploded.
"Looks like he did it." Akeno said with a smile.
"He broke the mountain." Koneko added.
"Damn, I wasn't expecting that." Snow said with a whistle.
"No kidding, also this might be his trump card." Virgil agreed as he turned to Issei. "Nice shot, man."
"I can't believe that came out of Issei." Asia exclaimed.
"Looks like you're improving a bit, Issei." Fang said with a smirk.
"Yeah, congrats." Vanille congratulated him with a smile.
"Whoa, that did a lot more than I thought it would." Issei said as he collapsed to his knees.
"Looks like he used up all of his energy." Hope said. "He's still gotta long way to go."
"Yeah you're right, he used up all of his strength on his ability." Rias agreed.
"What was your opinion of this, Kiba?" Lightning asked.
"To be honest, I thought I could end the fight with the few of my strikes, but he either kept avoiding or blocking." Kiba replied. "Even when he blocked, he won't budge, despite me putting so much force the wooden sword couldn't withstand so much abuse it cause some serious strain and cracks which he broke it with raw force."
"Well there you go." Snow said with chuckle as he turned to Issei. "See? You've gotten stronger Issei."
"Yeah, I guess I have." Issei agreed. "It was all thanks to you, Snow."
"Hey, just glad I can help out. I couldn't leave anyone hanging, now would I?" Snow said with a smirk.
Suddenly, a white magic circle appeared as they turned towards it and it revealed to be Grayfia.
"Grayfia, what are you doing here?" Rias asked.
"Greetings Lady Rias, and everyone." Grayfia greets. "I've come here regarding Mr. Virgil Farron's request."
"Just Virgil is fine. I'm not into formalities." Virgil told her.
"Very well. As I was saying, I have looked into what you have requested."
"What did you find out?"
"Apparently in the Rating Game, each team was allowed to have two treasures with them." Grayfia explains. "However, if the peerage doesn't have a complete set, like Lady Rias, then they are able to bring one additional person onto the team in exchange for not being able to take any treasures. Also, the additional person doesn't have to be the Devil, it could be anyone."
With that, they were happy to hear that Virgil would be able to help in the Rating Game.
"Fine by me, thanks Grayfia." Virgil thanked her.
"You are welcome." Grayfia replied.
Grayfia then to use her magic circle to return to the Underworld.
"Hey, did you hear that? You get to fight against Riser." Snow said as he give his nephew a noogie.
"Uncle!" Virgil shouted with a laugh while released himself from his hold as he turned to face the Devils.
"Alright guys listen up, I'll be joining you in the Rating Game to fight against Riser." Virgil stated. "That doesn't mean we stop training, we need to be as strong as possible."
"Hey, I got no problems with that. After all, I am going to be a Harem King someday!" Issei declared.
"Yeah good luck with that, funny man." Fang said sarcastically.
"I don't think any of us have the issue with getting stronger, Virgil." Akeno said with the smile. The rest of the peerage nodded with an agreement.
"Alright then, let's get to it!" Lightning ordered.
They all nodded with an agreement as they continue the training.
That's it for the 12th chapter. Sorry about the delay.
