This is the 53rd chapter of the crossover story. I don't own the series of High School DxD or the videogame of Final Fantasy 13.

No flame reviews.

Town of Kuoh

After the discussion about the Middle-Class Promotion, Issei's mind was started to grow perverted, thinking that his road to become a Harem King was opened and being covered in the bodies of a naked women. His thoughts were snapped when Rossweisse stands up.

"Now. Since the discussion is basically finished, I will take my leave." Rossweisse said.

"Are you going somewhere, Rossweisse?" Issei asked curiously.

Virgil and Kuroka knew what was on her mind by putting two-and-two together.

"To Asgard. I'm thinking of returning home for a while." Rossweisse answered while looking far ahead, leaving Issei confused.

"It's about 'that', correct?" Rias inquires, earned a silent nod from her.

"Yes. Currently, I think I'm lacking power." Rossweisse explains. "There are many occasions where the Germory peerage fights strong opponents. At this rate, I will become a hindrance. I'm think about increasing the trait of the Rook."

"Rossweisse." Azazel called her, earned her attention. "Is there something you can rely on in Valhalla?"

"Yes. There is a teacher of mine who is a professional in that department." Rossweisse replied with a confirm. "It seems like getting points at Magical attacks during the Valkyrie candidate test has been in vain..."

Issei and Virgil then remembered the Rating Game. After the battle against Sairaorg and his peerage, it seems like there were things Rossweisse was concerned about, and she has been regretting that she couldn't give her all. Even though, she did leave a first impression in the last match. She defeated Liban and Gandoma, with some help from Koneko from the Bael peerage and even made Sairaorg flinch because of her magic and a diversion tactic. Both magic and demonic powers are similar, but different. Demonic power is a power that only devils from the Underworld use with their own power to create natural phenomenon. Though the downside is that it takes a lot of power to turn imagination into a materialization, but it also requires concentration and high control to use it. Magic on the other hand, makes the law of supernatural phenomenon occur by controlling it with rules and formula. By deploying the magic circle, calculation becomes an important factor so they can calculate the rule and formula every time. Magic was also originally a power so other beings besides devils could use demonic powers by their own law and formula. However, a variation types of magic were created, and it can do things that the demonic powers of devils can't do. There are demonic powers that can't be used by magic, especially the ability and powers that were handed down by the devil genes. Those are powers that can only be used by those from the Houses. Like magic and demonic powers are powers that are similar, but different.

In Virgil's case, he can only use magic by using an ability, 'Paradigm Shift'. An ability that can allow him to use only six roles between in and out of battle, but he can only use one at a time. But the four roles that has magic were Ravager, Synergist, Medic, and Saboteur. Ravager is a role that wields powerful magic spells, dealing damage of fire, ice, lightning, water, and other elemental affinities. Synergist is a role that employ a wide range of abilities to enhance their ally's effectiveness in combat. Saboteur is a role that weakens the enemies. Also includes inflicting status ailments, like 'Poison'. Medic is a role that heals, removing status ailments, and even reviving allies.

That's what Issei was told by Rossweisse, Azazel, and Virgil which he only got the basic information of magic, but he's still had a long a way to do use magic and the trait of a 'Bishop'.

"Looking at the balance of Rias' team, it would be good to have someone who uses magic. It might have been good to use a 'Bishop' or 'Pawn' to increase her strong points." Azazel points out. "Rias' team has overwhelming firepower, but looking at it as a whole, it has shallow defense and can easily be taken down by tricks and techniques. In past games and battles, the opponents aim for those. In other words, the whole team muscles even in their brains. Something like 'Defeat then, before getting defeated'. Covering those parts with magic would be a good thing."

"Last time between their previous games, Sona and her team almost had them beat since they're the exact opposite of Rias and her peerage. In terms, Sona is well-known for using her head to come up with a strategy because she's a tactician. Riser on the other hand is different, he didn't even bother come up with a strategy only because of his so-called talent, overconfidence, and arrogance." Virgil explains, leaving Sirzechs and Azazel impressed. "Sairaorg and his team are formidable, even if they fought hard against Rias and her team. Even though, it's an even match because he and Issei fought with everything they had, but Issei won in the end when he finally unlocks the power within the Boosted Gear."

Rias' peerage made a bitter smile at between Azazel and Virgil's comment. Rias is also embarrassed when her face blushed with a few shades of red. Even though, they made a valid point about her, her peerage, and her previous battles because they're more likely brawns than brains and lacking between technicality, tactics, and magic. Though, most of Rias' peerage who just went ahead and fight, but getting toyed by technique-types often.

"But there are many fans that prefer teams, like your group." Sirzechs states. "Strategy-type and technique-type teams are hard to judge at first glance and lack extreme fights, but expert fans like them."

"Yeah. So, Rias and Sairaorg's teams should use their flashy fights to attract an audience while improving their strategies." Azazel nods with an agreement. "That way in the future, the professional games will be heated up."

'Oh, so you can look at it that way. So, professionals also need to get an audience as well, I see.' Iseei mentally thought with a ponder.

"Either way, you need a certain support to back up those powers." Azazel adds, then turns to Rias. "So, will it be alright to send Rossweisse to Valhalla, Rias?"

"Yes, it there are certain areas they want to improve, there there's no reason for me to decline it." Rias replies with confirm, making Rossweisse feeling grateful.

"Thank you very much." Rossweisse thanked her with a smile, but remembered something. "Ah! I have also made the test papers for the mid-semester exams, so please don't worry about it."

Rias and Akeno replied with a nod at Rossweisse's words.

"To be expected from her." Rias states.

"Pulled out a last minute, nya~" Kuroka adds.

"Oh, now I remember." Issei muttered as if something clicked his head. "It's about time at the academy for the mid-semester test."

Issei and Virgil now remembered about the events at Kuoh Academy, the mid-semester test is today. For 2nd year students, they have the sports festival, school trip to Kyoto which it went pretty serious because of the Hero Faction, school festival which they were able to pull off the last minute after the Rating Game, and now the mid-semester test is just around the corner.

"Oh crap! There's the mid-semester test! I didn't study at all!" Issei screamed in panic.

Of course, Issei didn't study for the tests because of the Rating Game against Sairaorg and he's already in trouble which he'll be focusing on not only for the Middle-Class promotion, but the mid-semester test. Virgil remained calm because he knows that he didn't study either because of the triplets he and Kuroka were taking care. Though, he'll have to call a babysitter since school is tomorrow.

"Ravel." Sirzechs called her, earned her attention. "Will you accept the earlier discussion I talked about?"

"Of course, Lord Sirzechs!" Ravel complies, accepting his offer.

"What is this thing about an earlier discussion?" Issei asks curiously.

"Yes, I'm thinking of making Ravel become your assistant, Issei. In other words, a manager." Sirzechs explains.

"I think he's probably talking about the children show they kept watching in the Underworld." Virgil points out.

"That, and Issei will also be busy from now on. Both in studies in the human world, and the entertainment industry in the Underworld." Sirzechs adds with a smirk. "Grayfia manages the schedule for the Gremory team, but she's still just one person."

'He has a point.' Both Virgil and Kuroka mentally thought, agreeing to Sirzechs.

"So, matters that she can't handle by herself will appear, especially in simple matters." Sirzechs continues. "So, I thought it would be better to give you a manage from now on. That's why I picked Ravel who is connected and is also studying in the human world."

Issei then remembered what Azazel have told him about having the manager. Apparently, seeing the number of children who came to cheer for Issei at Rating Game, he can imagine how things related to 'Grabbin' Dragon' are important from the high popularity of 'Grabbin' Dragon' in the Underworld. Which it's pretty much a reason why Issei needs a manager.

"I'm sorry for bringing this up all of a sudden, but I want you, Ravel, to support Issei with his Mid-Class promotion test." Sirzechs told her, causing Ravel to stood up.

"I understand." Ravel replied. "Leave it to me! I will definitely make sure Issei gets promoted! I will collect and gather the essential books and such now!"

While Ravel left the room and gather some materials she needs for Issei's promotion, Issei couldn't help but smile because Ravel will be eligible to help him with the promotion.

"For Ravel, your promotion will affect her future life greatly." Azazel states with a smirk, turns to Koneko. "And Koneko. While it's understandable that you've got triplets to care while helping Virgil and Kuroka, but just know that it will also help you get the promotion in the future."

Koneko didn't respond which she seemed down, and her mind was elsewhere. Everyone, except Virgil and Kuroka, were left puzzled and it got them worried. However, Issei's mind was somewhere in between the Mid-Class promotion and the mid-semester test which it left him pressured.


Kuoh Academy

Few days later, it was lunch time at Kuoh Academy and Kuroka was back on the teaching since Rossweisse is away to Asgard, but she did leave the test papers earlier which it did help a bit. Both Issei and Virgil were completely exhausted for the studies. There were a few reasons why: One was before the sports festival was Diodora and the Old Satan Faction, the other during the summer break was Loki, then there was a trip to Kyoto was the battle against the Hero Faction and try to bring Yasaka back, and around the school festival was the Rating Game against Sairaorg. For Issei, being a devil wasn't as easy as he thought because the two studies between the Mid-Class promotion and the mid-semester test. And as for Virgil, being a father of the three kids wasn't easy because of the study for the mid-semester test, but of course, he got help from his family to take care of the triplets.

Though Issei usually does the devil's job every night, and after that, he does a study group for the exam. He's studying for the mid-semester test and the Mid-Class promotion while being taught by Rias, her peerage, and Ravel. He's been studying both tests, he felt like his head is being fried like an egg. Apparently, he did want Rossweisse to check on his study progress which during normal daily life, she teaches him and Virgil for studies and other things regularly. Issei just couldn't help but snicker a bit when he got a chance to saw Virgil's face when he carries Rossweisse all the way back to the hotel in her drunken state while back, thinking it's funny. Virgil however, he was glad that he called Xuelan and Griselda for babysitting the triplets because the three babies are quite a handful, hoping they didn't cause trouble.

"Oh look. Issei is studying." Motohama mocks with a smirk.

"It's useless." Matsuda adds. "Even if you feed your brain, you are already a dumbass to begin with so it won't do you any good."

It got Issei's attention when he turned to the two perverts. Virgil just decided to leave the room, not in the mood to beat the two perverts since Issei is already on his own...as usual. Asia appeared and noticed Virgil.

"Hey, Virgil." Asia called him, earned his attention. "Mind if I join you with lunch?"

Virgil was about to say something, but the loud noise can be heard.

"Shut up, dumbasses!" Issei retorted with a shout. "You two have the same grades as me!?"

"At times like this, you should just forget about these kind of things and put your attention to others." Matsuda suggests with a laugh as he pulls a DVD out of his pocket. "Look!"

'You've gotta be kidding me.' Virgil mentally thought with annoyance while Asia couldn't help but blush.

"T-This is...! The really rare and popular DVD which is hard to get now! 'True Big-Breasted Squadron Paiotsujya. The exploding exposed breast-war story'!" Issei exclaims with shock, looking at the DVD. "Y-you got your hands on thisssss!?"

That got Motohama glasses sparkled at Issei's shivering voice.

"Well, I got it from my personal connection. I sacrificed many things to get my hands on this. Even so, this has that much value to it!" Matsuda told him as he puts his arm around Issei's neck. Then, whispered into his ear with a lecherous face. "Hey Issei, let's forget about the test and have a film party at my house. My house is cramped with girls so you can't watch these types of things, can you?"

'H-He's exactly right! I couldn't do personal and private things at my house like before! Especially touching ecchi stuff has become a valuable thing!' Issei mentally thought. 'I spend my nights with Rias and Akeno, and other girls often come to my room to play as well. We often have sudden Game Tournaments in my room. Well, that is also really fun! People might say that even if I couldn't touch erotic things, women's bodies are close to me. But! That is that, and this is this! I want to watch lots of porno! How can you call it a youth if a healthy High School student like myself can't watch porno!'

And just when Issei was about to accept his offer, Virgil pulled him out of the desk and dragged him out of the classroom.

"You've got other prior engagements to work on, Issei, remember?" Virgil informed him. "Sorry guys, you two will have to watch it yourselves. So, we've got some studies to work on."

And no sooner as they made it to the economic room, Issei was pretty upset for not going to watch some porno movies with his friends. Then, Issei pulled out his phone and alerted him it's time. Issei made his Boosted Gear appear and took out a small bottle at the sink. He sprinkled the fluid inside it to the jewel.

"How is it, Ddraig?" Issei inquires.

[...Yeah. It feels like my feelings are becoming relaxed.]

Ddraig seemed to have calm down a bit. According to what Issei have told the white-haired l'Cie, Ddraig had a heart disease because the Red Dragon Emperor have been powering up with breasts related things continuously. When he showed Ddraig to the counselor introduced by Azazel, he was prescribed to use the medicine. He has his consciousness, but apparently a sealed dragon is a special existence. So, Issei used the medicine for dragons that will calm their stress down to test it, and it seems like the medicine worked and Ddraig seems to be more relaxed before. A dragon sealed in Sacred Gear should be rare, but a medicine used for that kind of dragon seems rare to both Issei and Virgil. Issei really is troubling Ddraig so much that he had to get a counselor check up on him. Neither of them imagined that a Heavenly Dragon had a fragile heart so Issei did too many reckless power-ups.

"That's what you get for being a pervert." Virgil told him.

"Hey!" Issei remarked, resented that.

[...I started to get back to myself after receiving the medicine. But a Heavenly Dragon who needs medicine...What would the White One think if he finds out...]

'Albion would probably be ashamed if he finds out.' Virgil mentally thought while hearing Ddraig laugh.

Though, Issei need to have a counselor look at Draig once a week. And have the medication on him 3 times a day.

[Medication for ten thousand years, huh...]

Issei kept mentally tell him that he was sorry, mostly because of him being a pervert since the things about Ddraig is serious.

[And Virgil, I've overheard of your objective a while ago after the fight against the Old Satan Faction. If you ever answer the call of Etro, survive and fight against Bhunivelze. I may not be aware of his powers nor his agenda, but you have to win this fight, with or without us.]

Virgil already figured that Ddraig have overheard which it doesn't surprised him. Issei didn't like the idea of Virgil leaving for Valhalla to protect the realm and Etro while leaving everything behind after the serious discussions they've been having a while back at the Underworld. Lightning told them that only the champions of Etro will come to Valhalla which neither of the Factions like the idea, but they have no choice but to accept it and hoping for the two to back alive, no matter how long it takes. Just as soon as Issei and Virgil left the economic room, Saji noticed the two as he approaches them.

"Hyoudou, Farron." Saji called them.

"Ah, Saji." Issei greets him.


Student Council Room

Few minutes later, Virgil, Issei, and Saji have meet up at the Student Council Room since Sona and her peerage aren't here.

"You were making the Heavenly Dragon cry that much?" Saji asks with a sigh since he heard about the issue with Ddraig. "If the Heavenly Dragon doesn't stay stable, then serious things will happen when Vritra goes berserk."

"It means that dragons are sensitive and hard to control." Issei points out.

"Yeah, you're right." Saji agrees, drinking the oolong tea, then remembered something. "Oh yeah, I heard that you were recommended for the promotion. Congratulations."

"Yeah, thanks." Issei replied surprisingly. "It was all rather sudden. To tell you the truth, I still can't believe it."

"Well, I think it is appropriate recommendation. You went through lots of life and death situation, right? I participated in the battle against Loki and the battle at Kyoto so I understand it. But Virgil, he fought in many battles than me which it's a different story. You will die in battles like that. Normally, you would die, how many strong foes have you had as your opponents? They are all opponents who come from mythologies or are recorded in history." Saji points out. "You survived through those battles and achievements. So, I would say it's an appropriate thing. Are you going to skip through ranks? Don't you guys already have the power of the High-Class devils already? Like you and Kiba for example?"

Though, Saji does make a valid point since Issei still survive through battles, mostly because of Ddraig, Rias, her peerage, and Virgil who he can depend on. Many of battles they fought were intense, but Virgil did fight against strong opponents for the most part, especially fighting against two Heavenly Dragon wielders.

"No." Issei answered. "In terms of promotion, we have to become Middle-Class devils first."

"He does have a point there, Saji." Virgil agrees. "When it comes to promotion, there's no easy route or shortcuts."

"Hmm, so the higher ups don't have the good will to do what's right." Saji pondered. "Sona said that you, Kiba, and Akeno have the power to become High-Class devils by skipping through ranks. Since it's the Red Dragon Emperor, Holy-Demonic swords, and Holy Lightning."

Again, Saji does make a valid point which some people saw them like that. Even Azazel and the others said it's a matter of time until they become a High-Class devils which basically, they're getting treated like that.

"You, Virgil, and Kiba are especially crazy strong." Saji continues. "I mean look at Virgil, you can tell how strong he is firsthand during the fight against Kokabiel, Vali, Loki, you, and the Hero Faction. It's almost like he's a one-man army."

"Maybe so, but Saji, that don't mean I fought alone." Virgil points out. "I even have my losses, too. I couldn't even beat my adopted mother, no matter how strong I get."

"Wait, you spar against Lightning before?" Issei asks shockingly.

"I did, but I always lose the spar. Uncle Snow, Hope, and Noel knew that I'm strong on my own, but I couldn't beat either of them." Virgil told them. "Mostly because they're more experienced than me."

"Hmm, sounds about right. But hey, you're still strong in my book." Saji told him, changing the subject. "Now, I asked Kiba to spar with me last time, he was too strong. My attacks couldn't hit him that much. Kiba is like a role model of a technique-type in my opinion. And you have been in training with Kiba every day, right? You do know that you guys are monsters, right?"

Neither Issei nor Virgil wants it to be said by Saji who can transform into a Dragon King. Though, Virgil did spar with Kiba once and for the result, he really overwhelmed the 'Knight' with his tactics and swordsmanship and did win the spar. Issei on the hand was inexperienced in swordsmanship the last time at training with Kiba before the Rating Game against Riser, but he only learned the basics from him.

"I also want to get a promotion, but before that I need to get stronger." Saji states with a bitter smile.

"You are pretty strong enough." Issei protests, waving his hand. "You do have the Dragon King, Vritra, with you."

"No, not just me. I want to get stronger with the other Sitri members as well." Saji points out. "Lately, our Student Council President has been discussing it with Azazel about the Artificial Sacred Gears."

That got both Issei and Virgil surprised when Saji told them about the Artificial Sacred Gears. Apparently, Azazel does have a thing about Sacred Gears and making his own gears.

"Artificial Sacred Gears?" Issei repeats.

"Yes. We, the Sitri group, often participate in the experiments of Azazel." Saji explains. "As a result, next time one of the non-Sacred Gears possessors of our group is going to be equipped with an Artificial Sacred Gears."

"Wow, that's amazing." Issei states, amazed.

"Is there a difference?" Virgil inquires.

"Well, even if I say Artificial Sacred Gears, the power output isn't as stable as the Sacred Gears and there are limits on the number of times they can be used." Saji explains. "There are many things that still need to be fixed. But it's certain that we can become stronger, so it won't be in vain if we use it. And if the research on the Artificial Sacred Gears improves, then in the near future it will become the power for devils as well. Also, 'Reverse' isn't used anymore. The burden it has on the body is large and they say those Sacred Gears near them might touch them and bad things might occur."

Virgil then remembered one of Sona's peerage have the 'Reverse' Artificial Sacred Gears which happens to be Reya and Tsubasa when they use them to slow Freed down back at the Holy Sword incident. Apparently, Sona and her peerage were helping the experiments with Azazel for the Artificial Sacred Gears and learn how to use them. Saji on the other hand, learned a thing or two of his Sacred Gear while try to get stronger.

"There are also a lot of variations in Artificial Sacred Gears as well." Saji continues, enjoys boasting. "It's not like I'm receiving it, but it's fun to know about them, you know? It begins with Power of Support-type. For types it has: Element-types, Counter-types, Barrier-types, and like that it has many variations. And just like our Sacred Gears, well except Virgil's, there are ones that have monsters sealed in them, even by contract as well."

Virgil figured that both Tsubasa and Reya's Artificial Sacred Gear were Barrier-types. He and Issei also remembered Azazel's Artificial Sacred Gear called 'Down Fall Dragon Spear' which was a Contract-type. Azazel made a contract with one of the Five Dragon Kings, Fafnir, that was sealed inside of the gear and used it to equipped himself in a golden armor and fight against Cattleya back at the Peace Summit being interrupted by the Khaos Brigade. Issei was thinking about learning more about his Sacred Gear and try to understand it, probably ask Azazel. When Issei was thinking about it, the rest of the Student Council members come into the student council room.

"Ah, it's Hyoudou and Farron!" Reya exclaims. "Congratulations for you promotion recommendations, Hyoudou!"

The student council members did the same by congratulation Issei for the promotion.

"Thank you." Issei thanked her. "First of all, I will try my best for the test."

"Genshirou, the Student Council President said to get 'that' documents." The first-year student named Ruroko Nimura informed him.

Ruroko is a short girl with brown hair in long twin ponytails and green eyes. She wore a Kuoh Academy school uniform, a pair of green clips in her hair, and striped green stockings.

"Ah, that. Roger that Ruroko." Saji replied.

"Genshirou, I also have business from the Student Council President." Momo informed him.

"Are you serious, Momo?" Saji asks in annoyance, sighed. "Looks like I have lots of things to do...First of all, let's do the ones that are easier to finish. Hyoudou, Farron, I'll be going then. Just relax by talking to the others."

Saji leaves the room with Momo and Ruroko after saying that. They heard from Tsubasa and Reya that both Momo and Ruroko were butting each others heads for having Saji's attention.

"I guess you're not the only own who's starting a harem." Virgil told him which it got Issei's attention. "Besides Kiba, Saji may have his heart for Sona, but he doesn't know that he's forming a harem. Maybe you ought to try to give him a tip or two about harem."

"What?! Virgil, seriously?!" Issei exclaims shockingly.

"No, I'm being sarcastic." Virgil answered in deadpan expression. "Anyway, it might be because of the dragon traits he had, like you. And I think it does explain why you formed a harem since your goal is already came true."

And that got Issei shocked which the white-haired l'Cie does have a point. Though, Issei does remember of the Rating Game against the Sitri which they're able to even the odds against each other because of the strategy that Sona have come up, but the Gremory win in the end. However, what they noticed was that Momo was originally Kiba's fan, but she can distinguish between dreams and reality, and she realized that Kiba is someone who she can't reach so she had her heart taken by Saji who continued to work hard. Ruroko on the other hand has been beside Saji and has been supporting him with the student council work and devil-related works. Because of that, Ruroko apparently fell in love with Saji, who takes everything seriously. While they're thinking about it, Tsubasa came to Issei with an autograph paper.

"Hyoudou, can I have your autograph?" Tsubasa asks excitedly.

"Okay. But are you sure you want mine?" Issei inquires, confused when Virgil elbowed him in the rib. "What?!"

"Of course." Tsubasa answered. "The battle against Bael. I saw the recorded video and became deeply moved by it. That was the best fist fight ever."

Tsubasa is a fan of Issei because of the Rating Game. Last time, there was a discussion about who the girls types are amongst the devils attending the school Issei, Kiba, Gasper, and Saji when he talked to Tsubasa and the others. Tsubasa likes a boy who seemed to be covered in mud, but in Virgil's case, she likes a boy who gets his hands dirty. Tsubasa liked Issei, but she likes Virgil the most. Then, there was a second-year student named Tomoe Meguri who likes young boys, like Gasper.

Tomoe is a beautiful girl with shoulder-length, reddish-brown hair and brown eyes. Her hair features swept bangs and a single strand of hair sticking out from the top. She also wore a Kuoh Academy uniform.

"Young boys are good." Tomoe states seriously.

'She's definitely a shotacon.' Issei and Virgil mentally thought with a sweat drop.

"I definitely prefer between Virgil and Kiba!" Reya argued.

Of course, Reya is a big fan of Kiba and Virgil. Also, Tsubaki was also a fan of Kiba, or better yet, she fell for Kiba after losing the Rating Game.

"Reya." Issei called her, earned her attention. "Do you want me and Virgil to introduce you to Kiba next time?"

"Really?!" Reya exclaims excitedly, but remembered something. "But can you two introduce Tsubaki first? She's seriously in love with Kiba."

Though, she's not wrong about Tsubaki fell in love with Kiba, but he's already in a relationship with Tosca. Apparently, Kiba didn't have a single girlfriend ever since he's part of Rias' peerage and being enrolled as a second-year student in Kuoh Academy. And a few months back, Tosca and Kiba managed to patch things up with each other, and made love to each other.

"Issei, remember about Kalawarner's discussion about having a harem in the Underworld back at the train during a summer break?" Virgil inquires while whispered to his ear.

"Yeah, but what-"

Issei stopped in mid-sentence, realizing where Virgil is getting at.

"Oh, I get it, Kiba is devil, and he can form a harem of his own. I gotcha." Issei muttered.

"So, Hyoudou and Farron are here, I see." The voice of Sona said, approaching inside of the student council room which it got their attention.

"Ah, we're pardoning ourselves." Issei states, earned a nod from her.

"The guests are here, but I want everyone to do an errand for me." Sona informed them. "Tsubaki is having a hard time against the clubs!"

"Yes!" The student council members replied as they said their goodbyes to Issei and Virgil and left.

It's probably the first time that Issei and Virgil were alone with Sona. Though, Issei was pretty nervous while Virgil kept his calm poker face when Sona sat on her seat, looking through the documents. Just as when Issei was about to leave...

"I heard you confessed to Rias." Sona told him, leaving Issei shocked.

"Did she tell you?" Issei asks.

"Yes. I have been friends with her since we were small. Lately, I hear about her love life by communicating thorough a magic circle." Sona explains.

"Umm, yeah..." Issei said with a nervous chuckle.

"It seems like you two can do everything that I couldn't do." Sona states with a straight stare.

"What do you mean?" Issei inquires, confused.

"I think I have a pretty good idea what she means." Virgil states.

"Sharp as always." Sona said. "And yes, I mean the engagement, the incident with Riser. The case with Kiba Yuuto. The case with Gasper. The case with Koneko. Kuroka's innocence. The case with Akeno. You made the burden that Rias carries lessen, I have been beside Rias longer than the both of you, yet I couldn't do anything even though I'm her friend. 'Because I'm a High-Class devil'. 'Because it's the devil custom'. I couldn't overcome these obstacles because I was captured by those facts. I couldn't do anything because of the place I stand at and the way people around me will look at me."

It got Issei and Virgil surprised when Sona was thinking about Rias in her own way. They're friends since they were younger and rivals at the same time.

"You two solved them without thinking about the facts." Sona continued. "I was very happy about it, and I was also very jealous about it. You can solve every problem I couldn't. That's why I want to give you two my gratitude. Thank you for saving Rias."

Then, Sona's calm yet stern expression softens as she sighed.

"Hyoudou, Farron...No, maybe I should call you Issei and Virgil at private times." Sona suggests, turned to Issei. "And Issei, please take care of Rias. She can be stubborn and short-tempered at times, but she's more delicate than anyone. She needs someone who can support her by her side. That's why I want to leave this task to you."

"Yes! Leave Ri-I mean Ms. President to me!" Issei replied, causing Virgil to facepalm his forehead with a groan.

"You can call Rias by her name when it's only us." Sona told him. "If you are the person she is in love with, then that makes you my friend as well. Yes, you can call me Sona."

"I-I think that's a bit hard for me!" Issei exclaims, causing Sona to sigh.

"You receive dissatisfaction from Rias and Akeno about how you speak to them at private times, don't you?" Sona inquires.

"H-How do you know that?!" Issei exclaims shockingly, causing Virgil to bonk his head.

"You idiot. She's talking about being a gentleman. It means gentleman who can separate the way they talk to ladies are more wonderful." Virgil points out with annoyance.

"So, it's like that." Issei groaned, rubbing his sore head which Sona nods with an agreement.

"Maybe I should also get a boyfriend." Sona suggests with a sigh which it got the two surprised.

"How about Saji?" Issei suggests, wonder if Saji has a chance.

"I would call him my little brother perhaps." Sona told him. "Also, there are servants of mine who have feelings towards him so I wouldn't think of laying my hand on him."

'Ouch, that bites. I guess his dream is far away.' Issei and Virgil mentally thought.

"Also, about the game, it was magnificent." Sona praises the Red Dragon Emperor. "For you to defeat that Sairaorg Bael, your growth sure does astonish me."

"Y-yes, thank you very much." Issei thanked her nervously. "But we were able to finally beat him with four people. He was a strong foe."

"Even so, it was your team's victory. I can only say it was splendid." Sona told him, then turns to Virgil. "And Virgil, I know you've had your fair share against Sairaorg. It really astonishes me that you're able to match his strength and try to outsmart him, like you did with the other opponents you faced."

Virgil couldn't help but blush with embarrassment while Issei quietly snickers a bit.

"However, I don't like the idea of you leaving." Sona continued. "Though, it's clear that only the champions of Etro can enter Valhalla and protect the realm. No matter how long it takes, come back alive."

Issei was surprised that Sona just praised him, but he doesn't like the idea of the white-haired l'Cie leaving which it got him worried. Sona's group may not be complete, but they make up for it with strategy and yet, she manage to defeat Seekvaira. Sona then turns to Issei while changing the subject.

"So, I will leave Rias to you, Issei." Sona told him. "Also, congratulations on your promotion recommendation. I will also congratulate you as well."

"Thank you very much!" Issei thanked her. "Leave both Rias and the test to me!"

"Yes. I have high expectations for you. Do your best." Sona said with a smile. "Also, for the exam as well."

With Issei now in high spirits, he and Virgil then left the student council room, leaving Sona alone. Sona goes through the documents, but she couldn't but sigh with worry which apparently, she was worried about Virgil leaving and not coming back because of protecting Valhalla and fighting against Bhunivelze.


Town of Kuoh

After school was over, Virgil, Kuroka, and Koneko went back home to get supper ready while the white-haired l'Cie was studying the mid-semester exams and take a break for taking care of the triplets. Even though, Xuelan and Griselda were having no problems of taking care of the three babies which they're thankful that the house isn't a mess like last time. Rias told Koneko that she can have a day off because of the nekomata being in heat which she doesn't noticed it.

Apprently, Issei and his friends went home to do a study group between Middle-Class promotion and mid-semester test which he'll be in for a rough night. Luckily, he got a lot of help from Ravel when she arrived with the books about the Underworld along with Akeno and Kiba since they know about them more than he does. He also got Asia, Xenovia, and Irina, AKA the Church Trio, to study with and they're helping each other. Virgil however, decided to study on his own while help taking care of the triplets if needed.

As soon as Virgil finished studying for the mid-semester exams, he helped Kuroka sent the triplets to bed and head to bed to get some sleep. He was mentally exhausted for studying and taking care of the babies, but he got help. Virgil and Kuroka then heard the door opened as they turned around and noticed Koneko was wearing a white cloth, but she's in nekomata mode.

Koneko approaches the white-haired l'Cie as she got onto the bed and hugs him. She's starting to breath heavily and her body is starting to sweat, touching his body with hers.

"Virgil...I can't control it." Koneko pants heavily as she takes his hand and puts it on her breast, causing him to blush. "Nya~!"

"Koneko, get a hold of yourself!" Virgil protests. "You're too young to have a baby!"

"I want...Virgil's..."

"Sleep" Virgil then uses his spell to put Koneko to sleep, after using the role of Saboteur. "We need to let Rias and the others know about it."

Kuroka gives her mate a nod with an agreement as she starts using a magic circle to call the others.

That's it for the 53rd chapter.