This is the 52nd chapter of the crossover story. Okay you know what, I'm gonna continue this story. It's back in business and I'm gonna do it based on Light Novels. So, no more waiting.
And to let you all know, I'm still working on the two stories which it'll be a while.
I don't own the series of High School DxD or the videogame of Final Fantasy 13.
No flame reviews.
Town of Kuoh
Few days have passed since the school festival. Virgil, Kuroka, and Koneko were visiting Issei's house which Rias and her peerage were excited to see the triplets. Mostly Asia, Irina, Akeno, and Xenovia because they felt charmed of the three, but the triplets were causing mischief by pulling Akeno, Asia, and Irina's long hair, accidentally burned Issei's porno magazines, and making messes. Though to Virgil and Kuroka, being a parent is a lot harder than it they thought, but luckily, Lightning, Cornelius, Serah, Griselda, and Gabriel were able to help them.
Both Virgil and Kuroka were very thankful for them for helping out taking care of the triplets while learning how to become a parent. Lightning and Serah were teaching them to become a parent since Virgil have already got the cooking and housecleaning down while Kuroka was still learning, but she got help. However, both Virgil and Kuroka still has responsibility which they need to call a babysitter whenever they're in school.
Rias and her peerage couldn't help but feel sympathy for them since it's their first time for being a parent. Rias, Akeno, Asia, Irina, Rossweisse, Koneko, and Xenovia were able to learn from Lightning, Serah, and Griselda about being a mother, but the girls were getting too much ahead of themselves when they imagined themselves being married to Issei and having babies. However, both Asia and Rossweisse's mind were on Virgil being married to them and having babies.
Issei however, didn't think about being the father which he doesn't have much of a choice but learn from Cornelius and Snow. Though in his mind, Issei was thinking about the promotion that Sirzechs told him after the Rating Game along with confessing his true feelings to Rias.
Virgil can tell something was up with him, but his mind was something else. He was thinking about fighting against Bhunivelze in Valhalla with his adopted mother, and leaving everything behind, like Kuroka and his children. Even though, they wanted to help Virgil, but he doesn't want to put them into danger and only Etro can only call the champions which was him and Lightning.
Now, Virgil just got finish his early morning training with Kuroka, Asia, Koneko, and Gasper. And just as when he was about to head towards the kitchen, Virgil heard a noise that was coming from Issei's room. He decided to let it go and towards the kitchen because Issei deserves it after the fight between the Hero Faction and Sairaorg.
"Oh, Virgil." The voice of Asia said which it got his attention. "Are you heading to the kitchen by any chance?"
"I am." Virgil nods with a smile. "I'm planning to cook breakfast for everyone."
"In that case, I'll join you since you're going to need some help." Asia offers with a smile.
Virgil responds with a nod as he and Asia head towards the kitchen. Asia however, still sad of being rejected by Virgil after she her feelings. Even though Virgil was able to figure it out and became aware of her feelings, but she's not the only one, some of the girls have a crush on the white-haired l'Cie, especially Serafall and Ravel. Kalawarner on the other hand, usually have lustful feelings towards him and they even have sex more than once, but she knows that she has feelings to Virgil.
Ever since Virgil and Asia met, he saved her from Raynare, the Fallen Angels, and Stray Exorcists with a little help from Rias, her peerage, Vanille, and Fang. At first, Asia fell in love with Virgil which he treated her like a sister to him. He even trained her in combat and magic. Asia revealed her true feelings back in Kyoto, but Virgil didn't return her feelings because he was married and have kids, and even thinks about what future holds since he and Lightning will be leaving soon.
"Um, Virgil?" Asia called him, earned his attention. "I know you're married to Kuroka and having triplets to take care, but I want you to know...that I'm not giving up on you."
Virgil widens his eyes with surprised expression on his face.
"Asia..."
"I know you had a reason to reject me, and I can understand that...but I still love you and I really want to become a good wife." Asia continues. "I even have a talk with Kuroka when I told her about it, she doesn't mind of you having more than one girl. Lightning even trusted me and Koneko of protect you."
"But why me, Asia?" Virgil asks. "Why not Issei? Harem is his thing, not mine. His dream is to become a 'Harem King'."
"True, but some of the girls have a crush on you." The voice of Issei said when Virgil and Asia turns to him, noticed Rias and Akeno were next to him. "I mean come on; wouldn't it kill you to have a harem?"
"How long have you heard?" Virgil asks.
"Long enough." Rias answered. "But you know he's right, these girls in the Underworld have a crush on you."
"More like they're trying to either recruit me or coming after what's inside of my pants." Virgil points out with a deadpan expression, causing Issei to face-first down to the ground while Rias and Akeno sweat dropped.
"Well, you're not wrong about that, but that isn't quite what we had in mind." Rias told him. "What I'm trying to say the reason why they have a crush on you is because you're strong, smart, mature, and even independent. You even got the traits between Griselda, Lightning, and Serah."
Virgil even agreed to what Rias have told him since she made a valid point. They then noticed Kuroka was pushing a baby stroller with the triplets.
"She's right, but Virgil, I wouldn't mind you having more than one girl." Kuroka told him. "You even have sex with Kalawarner, remember?"
That got Virgil's face red as a tomato, knew that she's not wrong. Even Issei just snickered a bit which he finds it funny to see the white-haired l'Cie blushed.
"But still, you may not think about having a harem right now because of our kids and the future, but at least think about it." Kuroka suggests.
Virgil couldn't help but sighed as he gave his wife a nod while heading towards the kitchen to cook up. However as soon as they went into the kitchen, they noticed Issei's parents already here first.
"Good morning, ladies." Issei's father named Gorou greets with a smile while reading his newspaper, but noticed Virgil. "Who's this young man?"
"This is a friend of ours, Virgil Farron." Rias told him. "He's a second-year student and a foreign exchange student."
"Well, it's nice to meet you, Virgil." Gorou said. "Why don't come and take a seat? So, we can have a talk."
"Um, I was planning to cook something for breakfast after my morning training." Virgil suggested. "I've always done that."
"Nonsense, you deserve a break." Issei's mother named Miki said with a smile. "Why don't you let us handle it while you have a good talk with them?"
Virgil didn't like the idea of taking a break, but decided not to pry as he took a seat while Issei sit next to him.
"So, Virgil, where do you usually live before your transfer in Kuoh Academy?" Gorou inquires.
"I live up in the Isle of Samoa and helping my parents out at the beach resorts, just for the finances and to earn money to go to college." Virgil explains which was a lie.
Apparently, Virgil doesn't want to tell them that he was actually an orphan and raised by Lightning, Serah, and Snow from Gran Pulse, mostly learned combat, survival training, magic, swordsmanship, and marksmanship. Issei and the others can tell that Virgil made a lie, but they can understand that.
"Issei even told us that your cooking is off the charts, they even told us about it, too." Miki states. "I was surprised about it."
"Yeah, I learned how to cook from my aunt when I was younger. I did make a mess up things at first, but she even teaches me how and not to make a repeat." Virgil nods while carrying his son and feeding him with the baby bottle filled with milk. "It wasn't easy, but I have to grow up fast and learn to become independent."
Miki and Gorou can understand that, and it left them surprised that Virgil was raised differently. Miki decided to help the girls cook up some breakfast while setting the table. Virgil, Gorou, Kuroka, and Issei were in the living room, taking care of the babies. Of course, Issei even told him that they'll be having Japanese menu, even explaining that they're doing a rotation in between Japanese, European, and Chinese food for breakfast. All of the girls were working hard on making them, but Virgil can tell the two were excited.
"You know. Daddy's favorite time is when we have food." Gorou told his son with a smile while eating. "Everyone is good at making food, so they are all delicious. Women say 'The way to a man's heart is through his stomach'. You know what I mean, Issei?"
"I do! I really do understand, dad!" Issai nods with a smile.
'Oh brother.' Virgil mentally thought with annoyance, rolled his eyes.
Of course, Issei was surrounded by girls while eat food made by girls, even chatting with girls while eating which it's his ideal.
"This is your bento, Issei." Rias said with a smile, placing a lunchbox in front of Issei.
Issei and Gorou even explains to Virgil that Miki, Rias, Asia, and Akeno rotate their shifts for making lunch earlier. Though, Koneko, Irina, and Rossweisse mainly eat so they don't participate. They sometimes go to the kitchen, but they can't compete with the 'Four Heavenly Kings' of the kitchen. The four-kings were Miki, Rias, Asia, and Akeno, but to Virgil, they should be known as the 'Four Heavenly Queens' and not the other way around. Especially Asia, who has learned how to cook from Virgil because she had something special in her cooking and is said to be the number one candidate for being down the taste by Miki. And like that, they rotate making food for the bentos. But lately, Rias is the one making lunch for Issei. Virgil can tell something was off about Rias and it didn't take long for Akeno to figure out.
"Virgil, can I have a word with you, in private?" Akeno inquires.
Virgil can tell it's serious as he and Akeno walked out of the kitchen which it left Issei and the others confused. As soon as they're out of the kitchen and away from the others, Akeno was the first to speak.
"I can tell with that look on your face, it's about Rias, right?" Akeno inquires.
"For a Queen of the House of Gremory, you're still sharp as ever." Virgil told her. "Care to fill me in on what was going on with Rias? I noticed she was calm a few days ago, but I can tell something was off about her."
"Ara, ara, you noticed? Well, even if she's acting like that, she's pushing herself." Akeno explains, leaving Virgil surprised.
"Did Issei knew about this?" Virgil inquires.
"He did. I even told him about it." Akeno nods. "And to tell you the truth, in the last Rating Game, she felt that she was a burden to Issei because of the fact that she couldn't be of much use, and it resulted her being like that."
Virgil begins to understand why, it's because of the match against Sairaorg and Regulus. Of course, it's never easy fighting against someone who's strong and formidable, even Rias didn't stand a chance against the Sacred Gear with a will of its own and received a fatal wound.
"Rias can't forgive herself because she held him back in the fight and is concerned about it." Akeno continues.
"Not that Rias is weak or anything, but she still hasn't been able to fully harness her powers." Virgil points out. "True that she's been making up for it by coming up with strategies, but it wasn't enough to go up against strong opponents in the Rating Game."
"That is something we both have to agree on, but in terms of strategies, the match between Sitri and Agares received more attention." Akeno agrees with confirm. "The battle they had was a match of taking each others flag called, 'Scramble Flag'. It wasn't a flashy fight, so it wasn't recognized by others that much. But it received a high rating from the critics as a 'hidden professional game'."
Now that she mentions it, the magazine that was recently released in the Underworld, there was an article about the match between the Sitri and Agares which it was ongoing with high praises. However, the article about Bael and Gremory was more popular than the other.
"Rias will need to learn many things as 'King'." Akeno continues. "First of all, she asked for advice from Sirzechs, and has started researching about the Power of Destruction even more seriously."
"Is there a difference between the two?" Virgil inquires with a ponder.
"It does, both Rias and Sirzechs have the same demonic power, but the nature...or should I say 'characteristic' is different." Akeno explains. "Sirzech's power is said to be an Ultimate Wizard-Technique type, he can control that power like his hands and feet. So, his technique is said to be the best or second best amongst devils. Instead, Rias' power is a Wizard type which is much closer to a Power type. So, you can say that she is blessed with power rather than technique. But...She's lacking something 'decisive'. To put it simply, she doesn't have that one power up, that destructive power that you call a 'certain kill move'."
'It makes sense since Rias has been a spoiled brat in all of her life and didn't even bother learning how to use that Power of Destruction. Even with the help from Hope, she was able to learn more about it, but she's still barely scratching the service.' Virgil mentally thought.
"But it seems like she's finding it. Even I also had a shameful match..." Akeno said sadly.
Virgil can tell by the look on her face, she was even talking about the match between her and Kuisha. He even remembered of Sairaorg's explanation about the House of Abaddon, they were very well-known devils that are claiming to be powerful that had a power called 'Hole', a magic that can create portals that expand and retract to the user's will, and is able to absorb attacks and reflect them right back. Kushia even demonstrates of her power at the Rating Game which it's very powerful.
"...I have to do something about that myself from now on." Akeno said, but smiled a little. "But let's forget about that for now. Let's head back to the kitchen and finish eating."
Virgil nods as he and Akeno head back to the kitchen, but little did they know Issei overheard their conversation and he knows that the white-haired l'Cie was able to figure it out after the talk. Issei knows Virgil too well because they've been friends for months.
As soon as they went back to the kitchen, Kuroka knew that the conversation between him and Akeno was serious which it was about the Rating Game.
"Did something happen?" Irina asks curiously.
"It's nothing serious." Virgil answered quickly.
"Well, you should know, Issei got a bento that is only made by Rias." Gorou states, turned to his son. "You're doing well, Issei."
'A bento made from a beloved wife! That's what I would like to say, but Matsuda and Motohama also said, 'Did your wife make that bento?!' by looking at a bento made by Asia and Akeno as well.' Issei mentally thought, imagined about the two perverts being jealous and questions him which it got him snickered a bit.
"Maybe you'd call it, 'A bento made from the legal wife'." Rossweisse said while putting her hands on her chin. "Since I'm living in the Hyoudou residence as well, there might be a time when I have to show the cooking of my motherland."
Issei was curious of what kind of food does Valhalla have, but Virgil can figure that it might be Norwegian based food. They then noticed Ravel is in the kitchen filling food in the bento, but it's not the bento she was using.
"Hey, Ravel. Whose bento is this?" Issei asks curiously.
"This is a bento for Gasper." Ravel explains. "It seems like he's doing morning training earlier with Virgil, Asia, Koneko, and Kuroka."
That got Issei shocked when she told him as he then turns to Virgil.
"Since when did he trains in the morning!?" Issei exclaims. "Why didn't you tell me?!"
"First off, Gasper asked me to train him before the Rating Game begins. Second, you didn't ask." Virgil answered. "Gasper told he about it a while ago and he wanted me to train him. After the Rating Game was over, Gasper said he felt his lack of strength. So, he's mostly doing his own training while remembered his daily basis besides training me, Koneko, Kuroka, and Kiba. Gasper is right now training without us."
Issei now fully understands what Virgil is telling him, even Rias and the others can understand that. They even remembered the last match when Xenovia and Gasper fought against Ladora and Misteeta. Last time at the Rating Game, Gasper was able to make a seal and sacrificed himself to buy time while allowing it to dispel the curse for Xenovia to defeat them and win the fight.
Gasper was right now concerned about the last match, like Akeno and Rias. Virgil and Issei can understand that because of everything he lacks and with no formal training, but they're going to help him as much as they can. As guys of the group, Virgil, Issei, Gasper, and Kiba have to be strong enough to protect the girls.
"Yes, he is a man." Xenovia said seriously. "He will definitely get strong."
The only one who received the support from Gasper the most was Xenovia. The one who saved her who's cornered was Gasper.
"I don't want to imagine him being all muscular." Issei muttered with worry, imagined Gasper being all muscular like Mil-tan.
"I wouldn't go that far, Issei." Virgil told him, making Issei snapped out of his thoughts. "We should let Gasper do it at his own pace."
Issei gives him nod, knows that the white-haired l'Cie is making a valid point.
"Um, Virgil?" Miki called him, earned his attention. "I was curious about something, was your hair always white? Because yours is like Koneko's."
"I was born like that." Virgil answered simply. "Why? Do you think I should change my hair color to pink?"
That got Issei and the others burst with a laugh of his question.
"Please don't." Rias begs with a laugh. "Because if you do, you'll stick out like a sore thumb."
"I agree on that." Issei agrees with a laugh. "White hair is better than pink."
"Hey, my mom and aunt have pink hair and I grew with them when I was a baby." Virgil remarked.
"True." Rias said, couldn't argue of his remark.
While they continued to eat and talk, Koneko was the only one who hadn't touched her food which it got Ravel's attention.
"Koneko?" Ravel called her when she noticed Koneko's face was all red. "You don't look so well."
"It's nothing." Koneko replied immediately.
However, Kuroka and Virgil realized why Koneko was like that in which, it's mating season at this time of year. Virgil even remembered that Nekomatas can have a mating season where they go into heat which it just so happens that Koneko went into heat. However, despite her age, she's still too small to give birth to a child and if that happens, she'll die.
"But your face is a bit red." Ravel protests, placing her hand on Koneko's forehead. "Is it a flu? Then, I will make a special apple sorbet that has been passed down from the House of Phenex for you. Apples made from our family's territory have arrived from my house. Using that, I will make it for you!"
Koneko just moves Ravel's hand with a glare.
"That's an unwelcome favor." Koneko growled which it got Ravel mad.
"To reject the good intentions of other people! Cats must feel good because they can live how they want to!" Ravel insults which it got Kuroka and Koneko feeling offended.
"I don't want to be told that by a bird-brain like you." Koneko retorted.
"Bi-Bird-brain?!" Ravel exclaims, feeling insulted as she growled. She then remembered. "If I remember in Japan, 'bird-brain' is someone who forgets things right away, correct?"
"It seems like you are studying very well, so I will praise you." Koneko said sarcastically, more of an insult.
"This cat girl...!?" Ravel growled as she stormed out of the kitchen.
Of course, it didn't surprise Issei and the others at all since their quarrel became a regular daily basis because they argue all the time, but they usually help each other and argue like cats and birds. While they were looking at Koneko and Ravel, Miki approaches next to her son.
"By the way, Issei." Miki whispered to his ear, earned his attention. "When can I see my grandchild?"
That got Issei spit out his water when she ask.
"Wha...Wh-wh-wh-wh-wh-wh-what are you saying?!" Issei exclaims with shock.
"That's because...In this house, you called her name, 'Rias'...So that's what it is, isn't it?" Miki asks. "I think my grandchild can also have a Japanese name. You know there are Japanese names that don't sound weird even in other countries. So, by having a girl she could have a cute name like that! For example 'Eri' or 'Mari'!"
Issei was completely stunned when his parents thought ahead of having grandchildren. Though, it didn't surprise Virgil because he felt the same way when his biological parents and his adopted family wanted his grandchildren a while back, but his family got their wish and they've got three grandkids. Issei just confessed Rias few days ago which he wanted their relationship to progress before they go any further.
"I'm saying that it's too early for a grandchild and their names!" Issei shouts with an embarrassed blush, then turns to Rias, who is blushing. "I-I'm really happy right now! Right now, I don't care about a grandchild! I only care about Rias!"
"I-I'm also happy right now. Just being next to Issei...makes me really happy." Rias adds with a smile, holding Issei's hand.
"...Rias."
"...Issei."
Both Issei and Rias stared at each other eyes with a loving smile.
"Geez, get a room you two." Virgil groans with annoyance.
"This is what you call an 'Idiot-Couple'." Rossweisse stated calmly, drinking her coffee. "But try to act normal at school."
Koneko then stares at Rias and Issei, turns to Virgil and Kuroka taking care of the triplets. She then looks down.
"...Grandchild...Baby...Happiness..." Koneko said in her low tone.
While Issei remained oblivious when he looked at Koneko, Virgil and Kuroka noticed her gone into heat.
Few hours later, Sirzechs, Grayfia, and Azazel arrived at Issei's house and they're gathered in the VIP room located on the top floor of the Hyoudou residence. Though, they were on a serious straight face which they knew it was a discussion when Rias, her peerage, Virgil, Kuroka, and the triplet were gathered. Sirzechs made Issei, Kiba, Rias, and Akeno sit in front of him.
"Just as I told the three of you last time, Issei, Kiba, and Akeno have accomplished many achievements; so the topic about you three getting a promotion has been decided by us, the Four Great Satans, and the other top council members." Sirzechs explains.
Issei and Virgil figured it was something like that. It was discussion that happens to be a promotion between Issei, Kiba, and Akeno when Sirzechs mentions the two after the match against Sairaorg and his peerage. Issei was confused about it at first, yet excited about the promotion. Though, they never thought they would get promoted so soon which they've had a previous fight between the Khaos Brigade, Kokabiel, Loki, and the Hero Faction which it was an achievement. Virgil had a fair share with them, and he helped them many times, especially fighting against them which he had achievements of his own.
Also because of that, they get involved in those matters and getting through those incidents has become an achievement. Issei thought that they should get praised for surviving such crisis where it wouldn't have been weird, but he wasn't expecting that they were thought so highly, let alone getting a promotion.
"About the promotion, it would be natural that you three should get a promotion to High-Class devils by skipping the Middle-Class devil exam." Sirzechs continued. "But because of the promotion system, we would like you to go through the Middle-Class devil exam first."
'Middle-Class promotion test...Wait! High-Class?! We are thought to be at a Top-Class devil level?! Are you serious?! High-Class...Really! I really can't understand what's going on right now!' Issei mentally exclaims with shock which Kiba and Akeno were also in shock, but not as much as him.
"It won't be weird for Issei, Kiba, and Akeno to become High-Class devils, judging from your achievements." Azazel cuts in with a smirk, drinking his sake. "But it seems like there are steps even in the world of devils. Especially the higher-ups are noisy about it. They acknowledged the special promotion for you, but they are also saying to follow the proper procedures. That's you will become Middle-Class devils and be active in that rank for a while. Then soon after you will receive a promotion to become High-Class devils from them. You guys can plan about what to do when you become High-Class devils during your time as Middle-Class devils."
"Mi-Middle-Class and High-Class devil! Yo-you're telling me that I have the right to become one?!" Issei asks, earned a nod from him.
"Yes. Defeating Loki and the Khaos Brigade are big achievements." Sirzechs told him with a smile. "And you have shown magnificent fighting skills in the last match against Sairaorg. Even more than that Issei, you are the popular 'Breast Dragon Emperor'. It won't be weird if the topic of promotion comes to you. No. I should say that this is an expected result."
Issei now realizes the reason for it, he thought it was a profit-making plan down by the Gremory while recently being called as the 'Grabbin' Dragon' which was released.
"Congratulations on your promotion recommendation Issei, Akeno, Kiba." Rias praises them with a satisfied smile. "All of you are servants that I can be proud of. I am really blessed."
"Issei, Akeno, Kiba. Congratulations!" Asia adds with a smile.
"Yes, it's good news. You guys are comrades I can be proud of." Irina adds with a smile.
"Devil's Middle-Class promotion! I'm very interested in it!" Xenovia adds with a smile.
"I-I also want to improve, just like Issei and Virgil!" Gasper declared with a bright smile.
"I also want to get a promotion quickly and have a stable and luxurious life!" Rossweisse said with a realistic dream.
"This team has become a group where Raiser's group can't compete against anymore." Ravel points out.
"The oldest son in the House of Phenex is a top player in Rating Game. His team has a good balance." Azazel states.
"My oldest brother is the next heir of our house." Ravel told him. "We will be troubled if he isn't strong. Putting that aside, this is something great. To be expected from Rias' servants. For three people to get a promotion in such a short time. Isn't is so, Koneko?"
"...Of course." Koneko answered with a smile, but with low tension. "Congratulations Issei, Kiba, Akeno."
Virgil and Kuroka gave them a nod with a smile on their faces.
"Though soon other guys besides these three will also receive a promotion as well. What you guys did is really magnificent." Azazel told them. "In terms of power, basically everyone is at a High-Class devil level. Having servants like that in one group is rare."
Apparently, Azazel does have a valid point since there are other devils in different Houses might have a chance for promotions. It will be weird if the Gremory group were the only ones getting acknowledged when they've been through the intense battle. Akeno and Kiba stood up and bow to Sirzechs.
"Thank you very much for the promotion recommendation. This is a great honor which is too great for me." Kiba thanked him. "Lord Sirzechs Lucifer, I will take this promotion as a 'Knight' of Rias Gremory's group."
"I will also accept it as the 'Queen' of the Gremory group." Akeno adds. "I thank you deeply for acknowledging me for this promotion."
Sirzechs nods and then turns to Issei.
"How about you, Issei?" Sirzechs inquire, causing Issei to stand up and bow to him.
"I will take it of course! Thank you very much!" Issei thanked him. "To tell you the truth, I'm still shocked because it's something that I only dreamed about...But I would like to overcome it for my dream! I'm satisfied that I was able to live up to Ri...Ms. President's standards!"
Virgil couldn't help but facepalmed his forehead since the atmosphere is getting pretty awkward. It also made Sirzechs give off a naughty smile.
"Hey, hey, Issei? You can call Rias by her name even in front of me." Sirzechs suggested.
"No, but..."
"More like I'm telling you to call her by her name!" Sirzechs interrupts with a laugh. "I'm also happy and looking at you two makes me feel at peace."
"G-Geez! Sirzechs! Please don't play with us!" Rias shouts with a blush on her face while stood up.
"Why not?" Sirzechs asks with a laugh, turns to his wife. "Right, Grayfia?"
"Will you knock it off, Sirzechs?! Not in front of the children!" Virgil shouts with annoyance while using thunder magic at Sirzechs.
Sirzechs then turns to Virgil and realizing that there's triplets next to him and Kuroka, who're sleeping. Grayfia then turns to her husband with annoyance.
"Sirzechs, you are going overboard in a situation like this." Grayfia informed him. "One day. It will be alright if he calls you that next time."
"...Y-You're right, maybe rushing things is the bad part of the males of the Gremory." Sirzechs states with a cough to recompose himself.
"So, like that next week, the three of you will participate in Middle-Class devil promotion test in the Underworld." Azazel informed them with a chuckle which got them shocked.
"Next week. That's all of a sudden." Kiba points out.
"If I remember correctly, the test for Middle-Class devil promotion includes writing a report, a written test, and practical correct?" Akeno inquires. "Putting that aside, I wonder if we will be alright with the report and written test?"
'There's a report?! Oh man, it even sounds like there is a written test! Will I be able to do it?!' Issei mentally exclaims nervously, but remembered something. "Wait, what about Virgil? Does he ever get something like that?"
"Not exactly. It's true Virgil have helped you out many times and made achievements of his own, heck he even fight against Sairaorg before the Rating Game." Azazel answered. "However, Virgil does have a future battle of his own after we were informed about Bhunivelze and protecting Valhalla. But Issei, just to let you and you guys know, only the champions of Etro would go to Valhalla."
Issei and the others felt stunned even after what they told Virgil, but since Etro chose him and Lightning, there's no other options. They hope Virgil and Lightning did beat Bhunivelze and return home, but they don't know how long are they planning to stay and protect Valhalla.
"That aside. If it's a written test, then Akeno and Kiba will have no problem. It's basic knowledge and application problems for devils. And also questions relating to the Rating Game, so it's not something new." Azazel said while changing the subject, then turns to Grayfia. "For the report, what do they have to write about?"
"The report that has to be submitted on test day can be broken down to 'What will you do when you become a Middle-Class devil?' and write about your aim and greed as a theme." Grayfia explains, stepping forward. "It's also popular to include about 'What did you gain until now?' in it as well."
Issei then thought about it, realizing that they have to write about their aim and what they have to gain. Though, he can't write anything too complicated which it got him wondering if he can write something simple.
"Somehow, it seems like a test in a human world." Issei said with a ponder.
"Well, they are using it as a model I guess?" Azazel asks when he turns to Sirzechs, earned a nod from him.
"The majority of the devils taking the Middle-Class promotion tests are reincarnated devils. Because of that, we use the tests in the human world as a model and apply it on the promotion test." Sirzechs explains, made Issei realize it. "Anyway the report will be due on the test day, so have that as your first priority. But Issei!"
"Y-Yes?" Issei said nervously.
"Besides the report, you on the other hand, have to study for the written test!" Sirzechs informed him. "Rather than the common knowledge, train your brain in a week so you can answer application question! Rest assured, there are intelligent girls and guys around you."
Rias then put her hand on his shoulder.
"Leave it to me, Issei." Rias said with a smile. "I will teach you lots of things."
"Issei, I also want to check through the questions, so lets study together." Kiba suggested.
"Ara, ara, then I will also study together as well." Akeno adds with a smile.
Issei was surprised that he got some strong support from Rias, Akeno, and Kiba which it reassured him because he got friends to help him.
"Ummmm, then what about the practical?" Issei asks, turns back to Sirzechs which he, Grayfia, and Azazel made a weird faces when they turned each other for a few seconds, turns back to him.
"I don't think you need to worry about it." Azazel assures him.
"Eh?! But in my case, it's something I can gain the most points in so I was thinking about training for it!" Issei points out.
"Issei, you need to calm down." Virgil cuts in with a sigh. "Like Azazel said, you don't need to worry about it. Just focus on the practical test. You'll never know when the test will come."
"He's right." Azazel nods with an agreement, turns to Akeno and Kiba. "Akeno, Kiba, you guys also don't need to worry about the practical so concentrate on the report."
"Yes." Akeno and Kiba replied in unison.
'Eeeeeeh?! Both of you are alright with that?! Are you serious?' Issei mentally exclaims with shock, but knowing that he needs to study for the practical if he wanted to get promoted to Middle-Class. Though, he still wants to train for the practical, but if he couldn't do anything for practical on the test, it'll be a loss. "Umm, one last thing...I know it's really embarrassing thing to ask, but what would happen if I fail in it? Would we lose our recommendation?"
"No, that won't happen. Once you receive a recommendation, you will not lose it even if you fail the test next week. You can redo it as many times as you want. You won't lose your recommendation unless you receive a very bad result." Sirzechs explains, leaving Issei sighed with relief. "Also, I know you will pass in next week's test, Issei. You might be feeling uneasy because of the sudden recommendation, but there's nothing you have to worry about it."
'Is it true? Can I actually pass it? But I received a recommendation! I will live up to their expectations and I will take the test! And getting a promotion was supposed to be my aim! It happened while I was doing things without thinking, but this is an important chance! I will just go ahead and pass!' Issei mentally thought with determination, so determined to pass. "I will do my best! I will definitely become a Middle-Class devil! And one day, I will become a High-Class devil!"
And that's it for the 52nd chapter.
I am very, very sorry about it. It's just right now, I couldn't wait for the DxD Season 5 any longer. Right now, I'm just focusing on the light novels from now on. Even though, the founder of DxD was having health issues which it'll take longer than I thought it would be.
So, here's the chapter and I hope you get to like it because this story is back in business.
