Welcome to the next chapter of The Magic Knight, before starting the story. Let's answer some reviews:
Hellspam: I am happy to hear that. Someone like Lance saying 'I am one hell of a butler' would be something that he would say. I think Xenovia running away from Griselda would up going from bad to waaay worse. The incident between Gilgamesh including Lance and Jeanne, will be interesting to say the least.
Guest: Thanks! I'm trying to decide whether or not to make her him Queen, but I'm leaning towards it. I also have someone in mind for the Joker card.
King0fP0wers: Lance is a well-rounded person, but he isn't exactly perfect. An Independent Avatar-Type are actual living creatures as shown in the Slash/Dog – Dog God of the Fallen, so they can all feel the exact same pain as animals. The Azazel Cup is far from happening. That is something that he might do, but I already have something planned. Yea, the irony is everywhere.
Guest 2: I am planning to use the character design from Prototype, but Gilgamesh will have the Gate of Babylon.
DdraigTrueEmperor9: Thanks! Yea that is far from happening. I have something planned for that, but I think that it would be inconvenient for him to return to that size. Yea, but they will have time to finally relax. There will be time for them to show off their light power, I just wanted to show their current level of mastery with their Sacred Gears especially with Lance who just gained the Avalon Drakon. It's not like their minds are filled with impure thoughts, they are just devoted to Lance. Plus there were some ways for Angels to mate without falling as shown with the Miracle Children (Angel-Human Hybrid) and the fact that Lance exists. And can't Sona just have a chance?
Time breaker: I already have an idea what the attraction will be.
Guest 3: I have an idea of what Xander's reasons for being on Avalon would be. That incident already happened in after the Promotion Test during the Vali Team and Gremory Teams battle against the remaining members of the Hero Faction.
The Storm Master 567: Thanks. I am working on the Fairy Tail FanFic.
Guest 4: I think that Arthur more than anyone would call him Lance. The idea of Le Fay calling him sensei sounds like an interesting idea.
Guest 5: Glad that you like that part.
Tail: Thanks. I thought about it, but I don't think that I am.
Guest 6: I have an idea of what to do with that arc. And I already have an idea of what to do with their relationship.
Pacifista: I already know what to do with their fight, they wouldn't be rivals if the fight wasn't intense and difficult for Lance. Gilgamesh would have that kind of infatuation with Jeanne, but if he did say that then it would be to his irritation. Gil would probably only say that to people who he believes are unworthy to be called heroes, but I don't think that he would take it too far. Him getting along with Vali would be interesting. His feelings of them would probably be a means for him to become the strongest hero.
The Neko Sisters
Today was officially the end of the summer, the twentieth of August. Inside the Underworld, a very large yet familiar object was leaving the castle located inside of the Gremory Territory. It was soon revealed to be the former Dragon King and Ultimate-Class Devil, Tannin. The one he was dropping off was Issei Hyoudou, the current Sekiryuutei.
Due to his training over the summer with Tannin, the jersey that he wore was ragged and in tatters only covering up his important parts. Though the tough training his body had become far developed than before. As shown by how thick his chest became along with how dense his aura was compared to before. Looking up towards Tannin, Issei had begun to wave his hand towards him.
"Then, I'll be going now. I'll also be attending the Maou sponsored party. Let's meet again there, Hyoudou Issei and Ddraig."
"Yes. Thank you, Ossan! See you at the party!"
Despite Issei being forcefully taken away by Tannin and essentially tortured, he had unexpectedly gained a great relationship with the former dragon king.
[Sorry, for troubling you, Tannin. We'll meet again!]
"Yes, I also had fun. Since I got to work together with Ddraig. I will contact the Gremory group later for more information about later on."
Just before arriving there, both of them had talked about allowing everyone to ride on the backs of everyone to the party. As Tannin begun to fly away, Issei had waved towards him with Ddraig speaking up afterwards.
[What an easy-going Dragon King.]
"I think he's a good person, Ddraig. When we first met, he was scary, but then I realized that he was cool for a dragon!"
[Me and you are also dragons, you know?]
Ddraig had corrected. Hearing that Issei had scratched the back of his head with a sheepish smile on his face.
"Well, that may be true. But I think that a genuine dragon is large and majestic. While me and you, are just a possessed devil that was a former human and a part of a Sacred Gear."
[Well, I suppose that is true.]
As both partner and dragon were talking with one another, suddenly Issei had heard the familiar voice of a young male.
"Hey, Ise-kun."
Turning around he looked and noticed that Kiba was walking towards him with the jersey that he wore was also tattered. Issei then smirked after seeing just teammate and friend, soon returning the greeting.
"Yo, Kiba."
"…You've gotten a good body."
Kiba had commented without a single bit of hesitation, causing Issei to nervously laugh as he was slightly uncomfortable by the comment made by Kiba. After saying that, Kiba felt someone hitting him at the back of his head with the bottom of a katana causing him to release a slight 'ouch'.
"You see its comments like that, why those disturbing idiots from the Manga Research Club keeps making those idiotic BL manga."
It was revealed to be Van whose jersey was also in the same condition as Kiba's, but he had bandages around both of his arms with Muramasa sheathed on his hit.
Van was also looking towards Kiba with his usual annoyed glare.
"H-How cruel. I was just saying that he built up his muscles nicely."
"We should really work on finding you a girlfriend."
Van had commented with a slight sigh escaping from his mouth. As both swordsmen continued their own conversation with each other, Issei was focused on how much the aura surrounding their bodies developed due to the training. Van's aura was a lot more quieter along with being far more dense, while Kiba's was also more denser than before. Again he marveled about how much his sensory capabilities are developed during the summer in the Underworld.
"Ise-san! Kiba-san and Van-san too!"
Hearing a very familiar and sweet voice, Issei had directed his attention towards Asia who was wearing her nuns clothing. Looking at her smiling sweetly at him, Issei had felt far more elated than before.
"Asia, it's been a while."
Before Asia could say a single word, her was has begun to turn a bright shade of red and she immediately turned her body around covering her face.
"I-Ise-san! Please get dressed!"
She panicked after seeing the stated of his clothing, due to the fact that he was practically nude. Hearing her reaction Issei had laughed nervously as he scratched the side of his cheek.
"Ara, it seems everyone from the group that left had returned."
Hearing another familiar voice, Issei had shot his head in the direction and it was undoubtedly their King, Rias Gremory. Seeing her there, he had lost control of his emotions and he started to tear up slightly.
"Buchou! I wanted to see you!"
Taking note of his reaction both Kiba and Van had started to laugh slightly to themselves, while Asia on the other hand started to pout adorably. Realizing what he had said, Issei had started to blush slightly out of embarrassment.
"Ise…. You've become very robust, haven't you? Your chest is thicker."
Rias had said as she stepped forward and embraced him. During their entire time apart, Issei had almost forgot was it was like to be around Rias and he missed it greatly.
"Now then, everyone. Please come in. Once you've taken a sword and changed clothes. We'll meet to report the outcome of our training."
After hearing Rias say that, everyone could only nod their heads in agreement.
As instructed everyone had took a shower, well those who were training outside in different locations within the Gremory Territory and changed out of the tattered clothing. Once they were all finished, everyone had in Rias' bedroom where Azazel was also waiting for them. Sitting down, they begun to go over the details of their training and through their entire conversations. Issei had realized that he was the only person who wasn't staying in a comfortable place, while he had to live on a mountain with a dragon for the entire summer.
"Umm, sensei. Was I the only one living a cruel lifestyle…?"
"I was also just as surprised that you could even survive on that mountain with Tannin. I was almost certain that you would've came back halfway through. You were even able to adapt to those conditions…again you've surprised me."
"Eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeh?! What was that…? I-I hunted, judged, baked and ate some weird rabbit looking and wild board looking animals native to the Underworld! I kept water in a canteen after having to boil and sterilize it once in an iron pan that I found on the mountain…."
Issei had begun to tell his tragic tale of his life on a mountain with a dragon.
"That is why I was surprised. You're truly showing the tenacity of those parents of yours. In some ways, you have already surpassed devils."
"How cruel! I lived while being chased around everywhere day after day by a dragon on that mountain. Even when I activated balance breaker he just broke it apart in a matter of minutes! Do you have any idea of how many times that I was close to death?!"
"Poor Ise…. You endured a lot, didn't you? Yes. Ise, you became so much studier…." Rias has said in a very sympathetic tone, with a sudden thought entering her mind. "…that mountain doesn't have a name, but I will name Mt. Ise from now on."
Hearing the compassion coming from his King, while she hugged him comfortably. Issei couldn't help but feel elated.
"No, even so, your physical strength seems to have improved considerably. With this, the time that you can wear the armor in balance breaker has increased greatly. You're making great strides with the Boosted Gear like another Sekiryuutei who was around your age."
Receiving a compliment from Azazel, Issei had begun to settle down a little bit after being upset about being kidnapped then almost killed by a large dragon. A sudden question that entered his mind and Issei had then looked towards Azazel.
"So, did you hear about…?"
"Do not mention that name."
Everyone in the room looked towards Azazel who made an annoyed look on his face as he begun to mumble hateful comments. All that they could make out was 'Smart Alec Bastard' and they immediately knew that it had something to do with Lance. Fully understanding that Azazel was not in the mood to continue to conversation even further, they decided to leave it at that.
The very next day, it was currently evening and the part sponsored by the maou was about to start in no time. Standing there waiting in the parlor was Issei was in his Kuoh Academy summer uniform. As he stood there, Issei begun to stretch his arms after almost sleeping for half of the entire day regaining his stamina that he lost during the training.
"I can see where Lance was coming from with the sleeping thing." Issei had said, releasing a long yawn. "Man, I almost forget what it feels like wearing this uniform."
As he continued to stretch his arms, Issei had looked and noticed the armband that had the Gremory pattern inscribed on it. That itself would allow him to enter the party without a hindrance.
"I wonder why the maids took away the girls."
He wondered out loud as he continued to stand in the same spot. Just a while ago, the girls were taken by the maids for who knows what, but he really didn't bother worrying about it. Well the same thing could be said about Kiba, Van and Gasper.
"Hyoudou?"
As he continued to wait there, Issei had heard a familiar voice. Turning in the same direction, he looked and noticed that it was Saji who was wearing the same thing as him, however with the symbol of the Sitri inscribed on his armband. Seeing his friend arriving there in front of him, Issei had waved towards him with a smile appearing on his face.
"Saji, you came here too."
"Yea, Kaichou will be going to the meeting place along with Rias-senpai and I followed here. So, Kaichou went to meet with senpai and I ended up walking aimlessly around the mansion. And now I'm here—."
Understanding what he meant, Saji had soon took a seat down away from Issei with both of them sitting there in silence. The atmosphere around them both became awkward and tense between the fellow Pawn and friends. Without a doubt it was about the Rating Game that will soon be happening between them.
"The game will be taking place very soon."
"Yeah."
"I trained."
"Me too. I was chased around by a dragon on a mountain every day."
Hearing that from Issei, Saji had smirked with a confident smile on his face and looked towards him with a fire practically burning in his eyes.
"Well, you weren't the only one training with a monster!"
Issei could practically feel the fighting spirit that was coming from Saji and he couldn't help but carry the same feelings as them. After realizing out he reacted, Saji had begun to scratch the side of his cheek with a look of embarrassment appearing on his face.
"Hyoudou. Do you remember the time when the Young Devil gathered a month ago?"
"Yea. What about it?"
"We were serious then…. M-My…dream is still to become a teacher!"
"Yea, you said that during the whole Excalibur Incident. What are you planning on teaching?"
Even though Saji was still slightly embarrassed, he declared it proudly.
"Kaichou is trying to establish a Rating Game specialty school in the Underworld. It isn't an ordinary school. It's an open school for anyone and that accepts devils regardless of whether they are high-class or low-class, aristocrat or commoner. I heard from Kaichou that things like discrimination and traditions have begun to soften in the Devil Industry little by little, but there is still a part the root of it all that refuses to accept these changes. That's why the current Rating Game School only accepts high-class devils from aristocratic families. The games have to be equal for everyone—. This is what the present Maou-samas have decided. Though it's equal, the path of the games is far for low-class devil commoners. That's strange, right? Though even a non-aristocratic devil may be promoted to a high-level devil depending on the method. The possibility shouldn't be zero!"
Saji was speaking out his feelings about their dream of opening a school for anyone in the Underworld.
"Kaichou has told me that she wants to do something about that. That she wants to teach so that even low-class devils can participate in the games. That's why she'll make a school that anyone in the Underworld can enter! Kaichou is even studying in the human world as well for the sake of that! To give a chance to the ones who never got into the spotlight! Even if it's just by 1%! Even if it's almost zero! As long as it's not zero, one might be able to become a high-class devil! Hyoudou! Even we believe in that possibility and try to become high-class devils, right?"
"Yes, that's exactly it."
Immediately he agreed with Saji, he also had his own dream of not only helping Rias attain the Top Ranking in the Rating Game, but he also wanted to reach High-Class status.
"T-That's why, I will work as a teacher there. I'll study a lot, fight in a lot of games, and store up various things. I'll become a teacher who teaches about Pawns with that. Kaichou also said that she wants to help me. Even someone like me may be able to become a school teacher…I-I've only done stupid things in the past. I've also caused trouble for my parents and was disliked by the people around me. But, if it's Kaichou, I can see a dream! I will stay by Kaichou's side and help her for life! Kaichou's dream is my dream!"
While Issei desired to become an independent devil in the near future, Saji planned on staying with and also helping his King for life. After saying all of that out loud, he started to laugh slightly.
"Hehehe. I kept the fact that I became a devil secret from my mother, but even so she cried when I told her about my future dream. 'You, become a teacher!' She may have said that because it doesn't suit me. But, it wasn't bad, the relieved face of my mother."
Fully hearing Saji's desire, Issei had grinned widely and he pointed his balled up fist towards him. Seeing the gesture, Saji smirked and pounded fists with his fellow pawn.
"I think that's a wonderful goal, Saji. Become a good teacher."
"Yeah, it's also for the sake of that goal that we have to beat you guys this time!"
"Ah, I see. Then, it's no good. Since we're the ones who are going to win!"
"No, it's us. Since we acted so stupidly before, we have to prove ourselves with our results."
Both of them making their declaration to one another of their teams' victories in the upcoming rating game, as they continued to stand there laughing a familiar voice had arrived.
"Ise, sorry for making you wait. Ara, so Saji-kun came."
Hearing a familiar voice, Issei had turned around and saw something that surprised him along with causing him to blush slightly. He looked noticing that all of the girls had their hair done with makeup, and they were also wearing cute dresses. Issei couldn't help but notice that they looked like princesses. His attentions was first caught towards his King who was wearing a dress that was colored the same as her hair, truly looking like a true 'Ojou-Sama'. Next was Akeno who was wearing a black western dress. There was also Asia who looked embarrassed in the dress that she was wearing. But, then….
"Why are you wearing a dress?"
Issei had looked towards Gasper who was also wearing a dress, but with his face he could pass off as a girl.
"B-But, I wanted to wear a dress too."
Hearing the response of his underclassmen, Issei had sweat dropped slightly.
"Hello, Hyoudou-kun."
Issei had looked towards Sona who was wearing a blue dress, seeing her Issei had bowed his head slightly out of respect.
"Hello, Kaichou."
As they continued to stand there, they suddenly felt a very soft tremor that came from the direction of the garden. And before they knew it, a butler who worked for the Gremory Family had arrived in front of them.
"Tannin-sama and his family have arrived."
The butler had told them after bowing.
Soon after arriving outside in the garden, they were almost shocked by what they had saw. Standing outside were a number of ten dragons who were around the same size as Tannin. Issei had knew that Tannin had a Peerage like most Ultimate-Class Devils, but he didn't know that they were composed of dragons.
"I came just as promised, Hyoudou Issei."
"Yea! Thanks, Ossan!"
"While you all ride on my back, I'll place a special barrier around you. With that, your hair and clothes won't get messed up by the wind. Since those things are important to women."
Tannin had told each of them, with Rias smiling and nodding her head in appreciation.
"Thank you, Tannin. We will be relying on you until we get to the meeting place. The people of Sitri are also here, is that okay?"
"Ooh, Miss Rias. You're especially beautiful tonight. Please leave that matter to me."
Each of them who were there decided to fly on top of the dragon's backs and flew through the skies of the Underworld. Meanwhile, Issei had rode on top of Tannin's head, something that was special for him. As he continued to look through the skies in front of him, he begun to smile after seeing the sight that was in front of him.
"Since coming to the Underworld, I never get tired of experiencing this."
[For me to see this scenery from on top of a dragon, it's an experience that can't be described.]
Ddraig had said bitterly. Even without seeing his face, Issei could tell that he was making a bitter smile on his face over the fact that he lost his former body.
"Hahahaha, that is an interesting experience, Ddraig. However, there are only three mighty dragons that are still active left, including myself. No, since I was reborn as a Devil, the only real ones remaining are Ophis and Tiamat. The rest have either been sealed, or have retired. Yu-Long and Midgardsormr never come out onto the surface anymore. And Ddraig, Albion, Fafnir and Vritra have been sealed into Sacred Gears. In all ages, strong dragons have been suppressed. Strong dragons are a fearful existence, after all."
The tone that Tannin spoke in was lonely, due to the fact that all of his former comrades were incapable of coming out in the current era.
"Now that you mention it, why did dragon Ossan become a Devil?"
"One reason is that, in this era where there aren't any big battles anymore, so I thought that I would get to fight various guys if I participated in the Rating Games. And there's another reason."
"Another reason?"
Issei had asked with a curious look on his face.
"…Do you know of a fruit called the Dragon Apple? It's an apple that dragons eat."
"No, it's my first time hearing of it. Rather, it's a very blunt and obvious name."
"There is a certain race of dragons that can only live by eating that dragon apple. However, the ones that grew in the human world have become extinct because of sudden environmental changes. Now, that fruit only grows in the Underworld. But, dragons are hated in the Underworld. They're detested by both Devils and Fallen Angels. There's no way they would give it away for nothing, right? That's why; I became a devil and so the territory that grows the fruit was all made my territory. When you exceed a High-Class devil, you can receive a part of the Underworld from the Maou. I had my eyes on that place."
"Then, do those dragons that have food trouble live in Ossan's territory?"
"Yeah, thanks to that, they avoided becoming extinct. And I also performed research on how to artificially grow the dragon apple in my territory successfully. It's a special fruit, so the research takes time. Still, if it lets there be a future for that race, it's better to continue."
"Ossan really is a nice dragon."
After hearing that coming from Issei, Tannin had started to let out a loud laugh.
"A nice dragon? Gahahahahahahahaha! That's the first time I've been told such a thing! Moreover, I'm greatly obliged to receive praise from the Sekiryuutei! However, boy, the desire for the continuation of one's race is the same among all living beings. It's the same, for Humans, Devils, and Dragons. I only thought of saving my fellow Dragons as well. That is what a dragon who has power does for dragons without any power."
"…Amazing! I just blindly wanted to become a high-class devil. Is this kind of mental attitude no good?"
"That kind of thing is fine while you're young. If you're male, it's inevitable that you come to want women and wealth. It isn't good to overdo it, but it's fine if that becomes the driving force that moves you. However, Hyoudou Issei, it's so wasteful to just make reaching High-Class Devil rank to be your final goal. The problem is after getting both women and wealth…It may still be too difficult for someone young like you to understand."
Hearing that from Tannin, Issei began to think about what he had said.
Several minutes later, they had arrived at the High-Class Rise Hotel where the meeting will be held, which is also located in a wide clearing within a huge area of a forest on the edge of the Gremory Territory. It was so big that even Kuoh Town could fit in it.
"Then, we will be going to the waiting space exclusive for large devils."
"Thank you, Tannin."
"Ossan! Thanks!"
After giving their thanks. Tannin and his family had flapped their wings again moving to another area within the party grounds. All of them were then led inside in the direction of an expensive-looking limousine. Inside of the limo both Asia and Rias had sat down next to Issei, while everyone from the Sitri Group had sat in the back. As they were sitting there throughout the ride, Rias had started to fix Issei's hair along with his collar for the upcoming party since they got messed up from him riding on top of Tannin's head.
"There are also facilities located around the hotel, and the army is also standing by here. It is much stricter here than in the lower urban areas, you know?"
"Buchou, what about Azazel-sensei?"
"It seems that he will head here after joining up with Onii-sama and the others on another route. Since they're really close friends, after all…."
As Issei was smiling after hearing that, Rias had made a serious look on her face.
"Ise, you couldn't hear because you were on Tannin's head, but just before, I declared war on Sona. Saying that, 'We will beat you for the sake of our dream'."
"A school. A Rating Game school. For the sake of building that, Sona studied the school system of the human world while living as a student there. The schools of the human world, which anyone can enter, are important for Sona, after all."
"Buchou, Saji also said it. That he would become a teacher. His eyes were shining as he said it, but it's a serious goal to him…."
"Even so, we will win. We have our own dreams and goals as well."
Issei looked and noticed that Rias' determination was steady. Even if she was going up against a friend, she would not hold back. Eventually they arrived in front of the hotel.
"It seems the party is on the huge top floor. Ise, if you're called out to by any people from distinguished families, make sure to greet them properly, okay?"
"Y-Yes. But, Buchou. Tonight's party…was prepared by Maou-sama for the young devils, right?"
"That is the official stance. In truth, people won't get very excited even once we enter the room. This is an annual custom. If anything, it's more like a gathering for the members of all the distinguished families to meet. We, the next family heads, are just extras, while it's really a party for our fathers to enjoy themselves. In reality, they've made reservations at the nearby facilities until the fourth or fifth after-parties. Proof of that is that they arrived at the meeting place separately from us. They probably gathered together before the young people arrived and may have already finished their alcohol."
Rias had grumbled out with a very displeased look on her face, along with Akeno, Kiba and Van. This was the kind of party that she wasn't exactly into due it being just for their fathers. Soon the elevator had arrived and they were led inside of a gorgeous hall where there was a huge chandelier. Inside of the room there were a large number of devils and various delicious looking foods for them to eat.
[Ooh.]
As they were standing at the entrance, everyone had noticed Rias and some of them had let out breaths of admiration.
"Princess Rias. You've become more and more beautiful…."
"Sirzechs-sama must also be proud."
Despite her saying that no one would be excited about seeing them, they were currently looking towards Rias with look of admiration. After seeing the many looked that were directed towards them, Gasper had begun to stick behind Issei's back.
"Uuu, there's so many people…."
Normally he would have ran away, but due to the Hikikomori Training that he went through over the summer break he was capable of staying in a room like this without running away. As Issei was silently congratulating his kouhai, he suddenly felt Rias grabbing onto his shirt gaining his attention.
"Ise, we're going to make our rounds of greeting."
"Alright, Buchou."
Issei had agreed. As the possessor of a legendary dragon and only pawn of one of the four rookie devils, there were a lot of high-class devils that wanted to meet him. For couple of minutes, both him and Rias had walked around the party talking to the devils there.
"Ah, I'm so tired."
After a while, Issei and Asia had finally sat down in the chairs that were prepared in a corner of the floor. As he was sighing Issei had noticed that both Rias and Akeno were talking with female devils, while Kiba was being surrounded by a group of female devils.
"Huh, even in the underworld Kiba is surrounded by a group of girls."
Issei had stated releasing a slight laugh. He then looked towards Asia who was releasing a slight sigh.
"Are you alright Asia?"
"A-Ah, yes. Ise-san, It's my first time doing this kind of thing, I was nervous and my thought got dry…."
"Here you go, Asia-senpai."
Turning towards the direction of the familiar voice, Asia looked and noticed that it was Gasper who was holding a glass of juice. Looking towards him with a smile on her face, Asia had gladly accepted it.
"Thank you, Gasper-kun."
Asia had thanked him as she begun to take a sip. Issei's attention was then caught towards a sight that he found odd. In the direction, Van was in front of a female devil who appeared to be around the same age as him and has slightly dark pink colored hair. From the looks of it, the pink haired girl had appeared to be scolding him about something. But what got to him was the nervous look that was on Van's face as he was being scolded by her.
"Wh-Who's that?"
Issei had asked in shock, due to this being the first time that he has seen Van act that nervous around anyone before.
"Who're you talking about Ise-san?"
"The girl talking with Van."
Facing the direction that Issei was pointing in, Asia had turned there with a slight look of confusion on her face.
"Uh, I don't. But I've never seen Van-san act like that with anyone."
Suddenly as they were wondering who that was, Issei had caught that sights of someone who he definitely remembered.
"Ah, I know you."
"It's been a while, Sekiryuutei."
"Your names Ravel. The sister of that yakitori bastard."
Indeed it was the blonde haired younger sister of Raiser, Ravel Phenex. Hearing that he remembered her name, she had blushed slightly.
"Y-You remembered my name." Ravel had said slightly happy before returning to her normal demeanor. "N-not that I care of anything. It'd be a shame if you didn't that much."
Issei had looked at her with an odd expression on her face.
"Okay. So, is your brother doing well?"
"…Thanks to you, he's been in low spirits. It seems that his defeat and having Rias-sama stolen away by you was a great shock. Well, since he had always relied on his talent and got cocky because of it, it should have been a good lesson for him."
Ravel had scolded her brother who wasn't here, while releasing sigh.
"Hahahaha…You're pretty merciless. You were also part of your brother's group, right?"
"About that, I've currently finished trading, and I've now become my mother's servant. My mother traded away an unused piece she had in exchange for me. Since my mother said that she would trade me again when I found someone whose family I want to become part of, I'm essentially a free Bishop now. Since my mother doesn't participate in the games."
Ravel had explained. During the summer break, Issei had already learned that trading meant other High-Class Devils who are ranked as Kings trade their pieces between each other. Since there was a question that was on his mind, he decided to ask.
"By the way. Do you know who that is?"
Issei had asked, while pointing towards the girl who was currently talking with Van calmly. Recognizing her, Ravel had shook her head in agreement.
"That would be Lacus-san. I don't know her personally, but I know that she is a free Bishop like me and that she has history with Rias-sama's Knight. Apparently she was involved in an incident that branded him with the title Dark Knight."
Ravel had answered his question, but it had raised others for him.
"B-By the way, Sekiryuutei—"
"Please stop it with the Sekiryuutei. My name is Hyoudou Issei. You're the same age as me, right? Then, speaking to me normally is fine. Everyone calls me Ise, you know?"
Issei had explained with a slight motion of his head.
"I-Is it really okay for me to call you by your name?!"
"*Cough*. T-Then, I'll oblige and call you Ise-sama without reservation."
"Sama? No, no, it's fine without such a thing."
After hearing the answer that she gave him, Issei begun to laugh slightly nervously. Another familiar person that he remembered from the rating game match.
"Ravel-sama. Danna-sama's friend is calling for you."
"I understand. Ise-sama, the next time we meet, would you like to have some tea with me? A-A-A-And if it's okay with you, would you like to have a homemade cake p-p-prepared by me?"
Ravel had suddenly raised the hem of her dress and bowed slightly before walking away.
"Hey, Hyoudou Issei."
"You are Isabella-san of the Phenex Family, right?"
Again another person from the fight between them and Phenex. Except this time, she wasn't wearing a mask that had the other part of her face covered.
"Yes. You gave me a good blow back then. I still remember it. It seems you've become even stronger. When you become even stronger, I'll be able to boast about my story as well."
Isabella had stated with a confident smirk on her face.
"So, are you that Ravel's escort?"
"Well, something like that. Because that girl has things that she can't grasp as a child, like our master Raiser-sama…. Since that battle during the engagement party, Ravel has only talked about you. She seems to have found the fight between you and Raiser-sama very impressive."
"Isn't she just complaining? Since I interfered in her brother's engagement and made some thoughtless remarks to her too."
Issei had commented replaying the events after he defeated her brother, along with the comment that he made to her. However, Isabella had looked towards him with a slight smile on her face.
"…No, it's the opposite. Well, it's fine. You'll understand eventually."
"In any case, please tell her that having tea with her would be okay with me."
"Really? Thank you for that. Ravel will be happy. Now then, please excuse me now. Please have a good time at the party. Would it be okay if I called you Ise?"
Hearing the question, Issei had smiled with a slightly wide grin before nodding his head in agreement.
"Sure thing I don't mind."
Saying that to her, while smiling towards her. Isabella had blushed slightly before heading in the direction of Ravel.
"…Ise-senpai, you surprisingly have a lot of devil friends…"
Issei had heard Gasper's comment coming from behind him, who was speaking in admiration. As Issei was thinking about what he said, a familiar figure caught his sights. It was revealed to be Koneko who began to walk out of the building.
"Asia, Gasper, please wait here."
"Ise-san, what's wrong? The Maou-sama's greeting will be starting soon."
"No, there's a little acquaintance of mine here that I want to go see. I'll return by the time of the greeting."
"Alright. We'll stay here."
"Yea!"
Finishing the small lie that he had told both of them, he begun to head in the direction of the elevator inside the building. Getting there he noticed that Koneko was heading down one of them, finding another one that had opened he headed inside of it. Before the doors closed, the door was stopped and was revealed to be Rias who followed after him.
"What's wrong? Your expression changed."
"I saw Koneko-chan suddenly leave as if she was following something."
"I see, so you were worried. I understand, I'll go too."
"Yes! But, how did you know that I was going to board the elevator?"
Hearing the question he had asked, Rias had smiled towards him.
"It's because I'm always watching you."
After stepping outside of the elevator, they followed the directions that other devils had given after they described Koneko's appearance. Stepping outside of the building, Rias called her bat familiar who had then began to track down Koneko, while the waited.
"As I thought, Koneko-chan's behavior is abnormal."
"Yes. However, what was Koneko following all the way out here."
As both continued to wait there for her familiar to come back, Rias' expression had become even more grimmer. Later on, Rias' familiar had eventually returned to its master and instructed her of Koneko's location.
"It seems it found her. She's gone to the forest surrounding the hotel."
After saying that, both of them had started to head in the direction of the forest around the hotel. As the had advanced through the forest for a several minutes, they finally made it to where Koneko was. Instead of them going out there to meet her, they decided to hide in the shadows and peaked out.
"It's been a while, hasn't it?"
Suddenly they heard an unfamiliar voice.
Looking in the direction of the voice, that appeared without making a single sound.
It was revealed to be a beautiful and attractive young woman possessing a voluptuous figure, with long black hair that had a split bang, gold eyes with cat-like pupils. Wearing a black kimono opened at her shoulders that gave a great view of her enormously large breasts that rivaled Rias and Akeno with a yellow obi. What gained their attention were the black cat ears on her head and two cat tails. Seeing her, Koneko's body had started to shake in violent surprise.
"…You."
"Hello, Shirone. It's me, your onee-chan."
"Kuroka-nee-sama…."
Hearing the comment that Koneko had made, the expression on Issei's had become shocked. That the person who stood in front of Koneko was indeed her older sister. Near the feet of Kuroka there was a small black cat that snuggled at her feet.
"Onee-chan is very impressed that you came this far following after this black cat that sneaked into the party ~Nya."
"…Nee-sama. What is this about?"
This was one of the first times that they've heard this much anger in Koneko's voice.
"Don't make such a scary face. I just had some minor business to take care of. I heard that the devils were holding a big party here, you know? That's why I was a little interested. Nyan "
Kuroka had waved her hand like a cat and wink cutely.
"Hahahaha, could it be that you guys are members of the Gremory Group."
There was another voice had come from behind both Rias and Issei. It was revealed to be Bikou who still wore his ancient Chinese armor, along with his Nyoi-Bo in his hand.
"Even if you erase your presence, it's unless. With people like me and Kuroka who knows Senjutsu, we can approximately detect you with just a slight variation in the flow of your spirit."
Realizing that there was no point in hiding anymore, both Rias and Issei had readied themselves after they came from the shadows. Koneko had looked towards both of them with a surprised look appearing on her face.
"…Ise-senpai, Buchou."
"Yo, damn monkey. Is Vali doing well?"
"Hahahaha, pretty much. As for you…. Heh, so you've become stronger, huh?"
Issei was slightly surprised that he could tell that much with just a single, but then he remembered that he said that he learned Senjutsu.
"Didn't I tell you? I also have an interest in senjutsu, and I know the flow of your spirit to a degree. The volume of aura that covers you has risen since we last met."
"I think I remember hearing about that. Isn't it different from magic and sorcery used my Magicians."
"Yes, senjutsu is different from magic and sorcery. The biggest difference is that senjutsu stresses the importance of something called chakra, the aura that is the great original power that flows into one's spirit, in other words one's life-force, and turns it into a constant current. It's a power that is both similar yet different from the magic of demons and the light power of angels. Its direct destructive power can't match that of magic or the power of light, but senjutsu can make use of the unknown part hidden within plants, animals and people. For example, if one learned senjutsu, it's said that they excel at reading the flow of someone's spirit, of their aura, and that they can also grasp the movements of a faraway target to a certain degree."
"We can also control the flow of spirit and can reinforce both the interior and exterior of our bodies, or disturb the spirits of all the surrounding trees, make them bloom, or make them wither ~Nyan. Senjutsu is a skill that manipulates the flow of life, after all. We can disturb our opponent's spirit, and inflict damage to their life-force by cutting it. Because the methods for repairing the disorder to one's life-force is limited for the magic of demons and the sorcery of magicians in comparison, this attack method almost always results in death ~Nyan."
Kuroka had finished where Rias had left off, while she winked slightly. Issei had become surprised by how brightly she was acting, while giving off a dangerous presence.
"Why are you here? Is this a terrorist attack?"
"No, we didn't come down here for such a thing. It's just that a standby order has come out in the Underworld. Me and Kuroka are off-duty right now. When the order was given, Kuroka suggested visiting the Devils' party. Since she likely wouldn't return easily, I came along with her too. Okay?"
Bikou had answered Issei's question in his normal playful demeanor.
"Bikou, who is this boy?"
"That is the current Sekiryuutei."
"Really ~Nyan? Heh~. So this is the current breast-loving Sekiryuutei who repelled Vali before."
"Yea, that's right so… Wait, what did you just say?!"
Issei had started pointed back at her, but stopped after hearing 'Breast-Loving Sekiryuutei' and he begun to glare slightly.
"Kuroka~, let's go back. Since we can't participate in that party anyway, it's a waste to stay here."
"Yes, let's return. But, I'll take Shirone with me ~Nyan. Since I didn't bring her with me that time "
"Arara, if you bring her back with you of your own accord, Vali might get angry, you know?"
"When they know that the same power as mine flows within her, both Ophis and Vali will be convinced, right?"
"Well, that may be so."
Kuroka had answered while smiling widely, while also narrowing her eyes slightly. Seeing that, Koneko's body had started to shiver out of fear. Seeing how scared Koneko was, Issei had stepped in front of here and he declared strongly.
"This girl is an important friend among us the Gremory Group. I won't allow you to take her away."
Seeing him declare that both Bikou and Kuroka had released a laugh.
"No, no, that's very brave of you, but do you really intend to make me and Kuroka your opponents? This time, we'll leave immediately once we take this girl, so it'll be fine for you, right?"
Hearing the comment that Bikou was saying, Rias had stepped forward with an angered look on her face.
"This child is my servant. I won't let you lay even a single finger on her."
"Arararara, what are you saying ~Nya? She's my little sister. I have the right to love her. A High-Class devil like you doesn't have that privilege."
Biri. Before they understood what was happening, the atmosphere had completely changed. And both Rias and Kuroka continued to glare at each other.
"Since you're so troublesome, I'll kill you ~Nyan."
"…Kuroka, so you learned not only Senjutsu, Youjutsu and Devil Magic, but also the skill to control space?"
Rias had stated as she examined the change in the atmosphere around them.
"I didn't go as far as learning how to control time, but I have fairly picked up on how to control space. If I use the essentials of barrier techniques, it's relatively easy, after all. I covered this entire forest with a barrier and isolated it from the outside world ~Nyan. That's why even if we do flashy things here, it won't leak outside and devils from outside won't come in. You're going to get pleasantly killed here by us and say goodbye ~Nya"
Kuroka had threatened both Issei and Rias who were both standing in front ofKoneko, but as they were about to start fighting a familiar voice had spoken out.
"*Yawn* Man, I can't have a single day without something happening."
Turning towards the direction of the voice, everyone had turned around and noticed that it was Lance who currently wearing his combat suit without the green jacket on.
""Lance!""
"…Lance-senpai."
Issei and Rias had called out, with Koneko finishing.
Lance was currently walking towards them, while releasing a long yawn from his mouth and he began to rub his eyes with one hand. Looking towards him, Bikou had spun his staff around his hand.
"Lance did you follow us here?"
Hearing the question that came from Issei, Lance had shook his head slightly much to their confusion.
"To be perfectly honest, I kind of have no idea what's going on right now. The only reason that I even came to the Underworld was because Xenovia, Yumi-Chan and Jeanne-Chan wanted to talk about something in private…so basically they kicked me off the island. Then I remembered that you guys were supposed to have a party, so I thought that I would swing by."
"Then why're you in the forest?"
Issei had asked him with a slight sigh, with an answer already entering his mind.
"I was just out here taking a short nap in a tree. The next thing that I know there is a barrier around the area, I got suspicious and so I suppressed my aura." Lance answered scratching the side of his cheek., before looking in the direction of both Bikou and Kuroka. "So, I know that monkey guys from back at the conference. Yet I have no idea who the beautiful yet incredibly adorable Nekoshou is?"
Lance had stated out loud as he pointed towards Kuroka, who was slightly taken back by that out of nowhere comment.
"Bikou, who's this?"
"That's Vali's rival by heritage, his mother is Gabriel the Seraph. His names Lancelot Du Lac, the descendant of Sir Lancelot and Merlin."
Bikou had answered, as he pointed towards him. Hearing his answer, Kuroka had started to get a good look at Lance, from his face, his body, arms and sensed the aura around his body. Afterwards, Kuroka had truly made a cat-like smile benefiting her Neko nature.
"Hmm…he has good looks, good lineage and power. Onee-chan likes ~Nyan."
Kuroka had mumbled out to herself.
After Lance further continued to examine Kuroka, he had then looked towards Koneko, the looks and he finally hit his balled-up fist on the palm of his freehand.
"Ah, I see what's going on now." Lance had said as he begun to crack his knuckles. "If you want someone to come with you, then attempting to kidnap them…isn't really the best solution. Besides I don't want you to take away my adorable Kouhai."
"Oh oh oh! I've always wanted to see what the so-called Magic Knight could do."
"Well, you know the old saying…be careful what you wish for!"
Pressing his foot up against the ground, Lance propelled himself at speeds that Issei or the others could barely keep up with. In a single instant, he appeared in front of Bikou and launched his foot forward in his direction. In a single instant Lance appeared in front of Bikou launching his foot towards him, which Bikou blocking using his staff before jumping high into the air.
"Kintoun!"
Shouting that out loud a golden cloud had appeared at Bikou's and then he flew off into the skies. He unfolded his ten wings, Lance had charged after him into the skies. Turing around Bikou pointed his long staff towards him, before shouting.
"Exteeeeeeend! Nyoi-Bo!"
Responding to his command, the staff had extending fast towards him. Lance used his high speed to avoid the attack.
"Once more!"
Swinging his Nyoi-Bo horizontally aiming for Lance's side, while it was still extended and chased after him. In that instance, Lance skillfully used his angel wings to rotate his entire body around in mid-air dodging the attack. Rotating in the air, Lance placed both his hands together gathering large amounts of light particles between his hands creating a sphere of light. Continuing to grow in terms of both size and radiance, the light from the sphere began to glow through his fingers.
Lance released the large sphere of light forward towards Bikou, after being released a large amount of light covered most of the sky above those who were the ground. Issei and the others could feel the light from the attack on their skin.
Whoa! Lance certainly got stronger over the summer.
[No. I'm sure that he was holding back slightly on that light attack. That friend of yours has become far in tuned with his powers than when he fought against that Leader-Class Fallen Angel.]
After the light from the attack had subsided, Bikou was shown coming from it emitting smoke and his clothing and armor was slightly burned. Despite the attack, Bikou was laughing like the monkey that he was.
"Ahaha! Not bad! Magic Knight!"
A look of shock appeared on the face of Issei, despite being attack like that…he was still laughing.
"Well, I was wondering how strong you were in combat. I know that Vali doesn't just pick anyone to be on his team."
"I'm also descended from a legendary Demon, you know. I can't afford to lose so quickly."
"Then let's see how much I have to beat you before you stay down!"
Declaring that Lance had covered his body in a large amount of aura different from what he had before the summer started. Both charged towards each other continuing their aerial battle against one another.
"Nyan "
On the ground, Kuroka had gave out a bewitching smile. But, Issei could tell that the aura that she was giving out was dark and ominous. Understanding that the situation would escalate out of control, Koneko had stepped forward.
"…Nee-sama. I'll go with you. So please overlook these two people!"
Hearing what she had said, both Issei and Rias looked towards her in shock.
"What are you saying—"
Issei spoke out, but was overshadowed by Rias who wrapped her arms around her white-haired rook.
"What are you saying?! Koneko! You're a servant of my group! I won't allow you to do as you please!"
"…It's no good. I understand best nee-sama's power. Nee-sama's power rivals that of an ultimate-class devil. For Buchou and Ise-senpai…. Even with the power of a Lance-senpai, I don't think you can capture my sister who excels in both Genjutsu and Senjutsu…"
"No, even so, I absolutely won't hand you over to that person's side! To this nekomata that didn't try to help Koneko-chan who cried so much!"
"It's because a youkai cannot help another youkai. However, this time, I simply want Shirone because I want another piece under my control. I can understand Shirone's power better than a red-haired onee-san like you, you know?"
"…No…I don't need that kind of power…I don't need a dark power like that…I don't need a power that brings misfortune to people like that…."
As she said that out loud, while she began to tremble and in tears. Rias' arms that were wrapped around her begun to tighten as well.
"Kuroka…. You who had been blinded by power left a wound on the heart of this girl that won't disappear for her whole life. After you killed your master and left, this child saw hell. When I first met her, there were no feelings left in her. Koneko was betrayed by you, who was her only family to her, lost a future to rely on, and was despised and abused by other devils, to the point where she was going to be disposed of of…. She saw many harsh things. That's why I will show her many fun things! This girl is Toujou Koneko, Rook of Rias Gremory's group! My important servant devil! I won't let you put even a single finger on her!"
Hearing the words of her king, Koneko finally broke out into tears. This also included Issei who was brought to tears by what his kind had said.
"…I don't want to go…I am Toujou Koneko. Kuroka-nee-sama, I don't want to go with you! I want to live with Rias-Buchou! To live!"
After hearing those words from her younger sister, Kuroka had showed a bitter smile and gave out a slight laugh.
"Then, die."
Suu.
A thin mist begun to spring up from Kuroka, gradually spreading throughout the entire area before it reached out to them. An ominous feeling could be felt from each of them who were caught up in the middle of it.
"Ah."
Rias let out slight noise before falling to her knees.
"…This is."
Next Koneko fell down the ground, while covering her mouth with her hands.
"Hmm, so this mist doesn't work on you because you're the Sekiryuutei, huh? It's a poison mist which only works on devils and youkai-nyan. Because the poison is thin, one suffers a little while it spread throughout the body. I won't kill you quickly. I'll kill you all gradually-nyan "
Hearing the comment straight from the caster, Issei's expression had become both annoyed and angered by her statement. While on the ground covering her mouth, Rias held up one of her hands and fired off a magic bullet towards. Rias' attack made actual contact with Kuroka, but said target's body vanished without a trace or resistance.
"That was a good attack. But it's useless, useless. I can easily make a clone of myself with the essentials of genjutsu."
Her voice begun echoing throughout the forest, with several copies of Kuroka appearing all around her with each of them possessing the same auras.
"…If you can't read the flow of spirit, you can't deal with genjutsu used by skilled practitioners."
Getting the explanation from Koneko, who soon fell on all fours in pain due to the poison. Issei couldn't think of what to do with the poison that was affecting his king and kouhai.
"Lance!"
Looking up towards Lance who was fighting against Bikou, who was currently blocking his Nyoi-Bo with two light spears in his hands. Hearing his voice, Lance stepped away from Bikou aiming his foot towards his abdomen. The sudden attack had sent him flying back a couple of inches.
"What up? "
"I need a little help here!"
"Well, I can only help with one of those things. As I am kind of busy!"
Taking the opportunity Bikou had charged towards him with his Nyoi-Bo now covered in senjutsu to increase its strength. Bringing it downwards onto Lance who blocked it with his two light spears in hand, but after they coming into contact with it.
Crack!
A cracking sound came from both spears in Lance's hands begun to shatter. Without time to block the attack, Lance was sent flying towards the ground with a large cloud of smoke being generate from the impact.
"Lance?!"
Worried for his friend, Issei looked towards the cloud of smoke with a look of shock on his face.
"Dammit that stung! What?"
Coming from the cloud of smoke was Lance who was currently rubbing his head, with a faint amount of blood coming down from his forehead. Almost like nothing had happened, Lance had looked towards Issei with his normal expression on his face.
"Are you sure you're alright? "
"Yea, I've taking attacks from my grandma. But the added Senjutsu caused my head to be a bit of swimmy." Lance had stated, wiping the blood from his forehead. "So…what did you need?"
"How do I get rid of this mist? And how do I find her?"
"I can only help you with getting rid of the poison mist. Since the itinerary of my training didn't include learning Senjutsu."
"Now is not the time for that smart alec attitude."
Hearing the tone from Issei who was sending him an angered look, Lance shook his head before looking towards another part of the forest.
"Well, I thought it might be a good idea to bring him along…I mean aside from rubbing it in Azazel's face." Lance said, with a slight smirk on his face. "Avon mind lending Ise a hand?"
Calling that out, Avon had come flying fast in their direction and landed on the ground in front of them.
"A small dragon…?"
[Did you need something?]
"Can you help Ise, while I deal with the monkey?"
After requesting that of Avon, Lance had flown in the skies towards Bikou and continued his battle against Bikou. Meanwhile, Issei was still looking at Avon with a wondering look on his face.
"So, are you Lance's familiar or…?"
[Long story, but that will be for later. But, for now….]
Avon had approached both Rias and Koneko, the jewel on his forehead begun to glow with a bright radiance. Soon enough a barrier was erected around both Rias and Koneko, which begun to purify the poisonous mist that was around them. Issei had looked and noticed that both Rias and Koneko begun to move normally again.
[I wouldn't move if I were you, I could only purify some of the poison, but it'll take a while before it's all gone.]
"Arara, so the baby dragon was able to purify my poisonous mist. But, I'm going to shoot-nyan "
One of Kuroka's illusions had held their hand up and shoot magic bullets in their direction. In response to the attack, Issei held his hand out summoning Boosted Gear.
[Boost]
The announcement sounded signifying his double in demonic power.
"Dragon Shot!"
Calling out his attack, Issei fired off his signature red beam of energy and it canceled out the attack. After seeing him counter her attack, Kuroka made a slight look of surprise.
"You may be Koneko-chan's onee-san, but…I won't forgive you for making Koneko-chan cry…!"
Issei declared with a look of anger appearing on his face. Taking note of the change in his expression, Koneko looked up in his direction.
"…Ise-senpai."
"Koneko-chan…even though I possess a legendary dragon in my body, I couldn't do anything. …If I had gotten strong in the past with Asia…if I had displayed my dragon power then Asia wouldn't have had to suffer so much. I'm useless."
Issei had declared smiling bitterly.
"…Ise-senpai isn't worthless. …Did you know? Most of the previous Sekiryuutei were people that drowned and lost their heads in power. …I think that they were swallowed by the enormous power that they had…. My nee-sama is the same. …Even if one has power…if they don't have kindness…they will definitely go out of control...Ise-senpai is a gentle Sekiryuutei…. All those times before, you've always been there protecting and helping everybody. Helping Asia-senpai not feel alone, Rias-Buchou during the Rating Game against Phenex, Yuuto-senpai with his rage against Excalibur and Akeno-senpai fear of her Fallen Angel power. Those are wonderful things. …You're surely the first among the previous ones to be a gentle Sekiryuutei. That's why…."
What shocked and elated Issei's heart was the first bright dazzling smile that he has ever seen grace her face.
"Please become a gentle Welsh Dragon."
What she said next caused Issei to shed some tears. Wiping away the tears that stung his eyes, Issei had turned to face Kuroka with a smirk appearing on his face.
"Let's go! Balance Break!"
[Welsh Dragon Balance Breaker!]
Douuuuuuuuuuun!
Calling forth his Balance Breaker. His entire surroundings were blown away by the red aura that was soon released from his entire body, soon enough it turned into a red dragon armor. The power from his balance breaker scale mail the power also created a small crater under his feet.
"So, how is my state?"
[Due to the training with Tannin, you can maintain this state for a whole three days. The results of your training have come out.]
"How many times can I do my max doubling?"
[I think that each time will be used up within five minutes if you release it as max. At most you can do it eight times. It's the same when you guys the transfer ability.]
Understanding what Ddraig meant, Issei held his hand out and started to gather demonic powers. Soon enough he fired off a blast of demonic power that sailed in her direction, but it only hit one of her illusions and passed by her. At that moment, they saw a bright flash of red.
Doddoooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooon!
"Whoa! Ise! An entire mountain far away from here just completely vanished! Also, the barrier covering this area has been blown off as well!"
Lance had called out loud in the air. Issei made a shocked look on his face by what he had just heard.
"S-Seriously an entire mountain?!"
[It's the type of attack that fires the collected power from your whole aura through your hands. Since the amount that you can store is still little, you can't fire it consecutively, though.]
Issei had nodded at what Ddraig had said, but he redirected his attention towards Kuroka.
"Ha! How interesting! Then, I'll also show you a mixed shot of youjutsu and senjutsu!"
Kuroka's hands begun to gather two different powers together into a single form before finally launching it towards Issei.
Dou!
Issei received the attack of both youjutsu and senjutsu. Despite feeling the impact there wasn't a single bit of damage done to his armor. Kuroka's expression changed after seeing that her attack didn't do anything to his armor.
"It didn't work!? No way. I built up a considerable amount of spiritual power!"
Issei leaped forward towards Kuroka immediately closing the distance between each other almost instantly.
"Don't get carried away!"
Responding to his attempt at getting any closer, Kuroka began firing off countless amounts of senjutsu and youjutsu attack. However, Issei continued to plunge through the attacks that were launched in his direction or deflecting them with his hands.
Buuuuuuuuuuuun!
Issei lunged his fist forward in her direction, but stopped in front of her nose. The surrounding air had trembled from the aftershock of stopping it and the surrounding plants shook greatly. In front of Kuroka who was frightened by his fist attack, he spoke.
"Don't make my cute kouhai cry."
"—"
"If you aim at Koneko-chan again, I won't stop my attack next time. You may be a woman and Koneko-chan's onee-san, but you're my enemy!"
Issei declared has he pulled his fist away from Kuroka who immediately stepped away from him to put some distance away from them.
"…You damn brat!"
Cursing at him, but there was still some hint of fear in her eyes. Bikou laughed loudly when he saw that.
"Hyahahahahahahaha! This really is interesting! It'd be a lie to say I'm not enjoying this!"
Hearing him declare that, Issei truly realized how much of a battle maniac he really was compared with Vali. Soon enough he landed on the ground next to Kuroka along with Lance who landed next to Issei.
"Man, you really are just like Vali. Well, if you want a serious fight then I can accommodate that."
Lance soon declared as he got into his fighting stance, while raising the quality of his aura. But, as they were prepared to attack each other —a tear in space appeared before everyone who were there. The one who appeared from inside of it was a blonde spectacled young man wearing a suit. In his hand, there was a holy sword that released its aura to the max.
"That's far enough, Bikou, Kuroka. The devils have noticed."
The spectacled young man had told both Bikou and Kuroka. Hearing that Issei had concluded that he was one of their allies.
"Aren't you Vali's attendant?"
"Because Kuroka was being slow, I came to see. And even Bikou is here. Geez, what are you two doing?"
Answering Bikou's question, while also releasing a slight sigh.
"Hey, who're…?"
"Yo, Arthur. How've you been buddy?"
Issei's unfinished question was overshadowed by Lance who passed by him, while waving his hand towards the direction of the blonde haired young man now named Arthur. Noticing Lance standing there, Arthur had returned the greeting with a slight smile.
"Hello, Lancelot. It has been a long time."
"You know you can at least keep in contact. You just vanished off the face of the earth, along with Fey-chan. Though I didn't think that you would join Vali."
The conversation between them begun to lighten the dark mood that was around them, with Issei and the others looking at the two of them.
"Well, I would like to catch up. But…."
"How do you two know each other?!"
Issei had interrupted with a look of confusion on his face.
"Well, that was kind of rude Ise." Lance responded looking towards him with a deadpanned look. "His name is Arthur Pendragon, the descendent of King Arthur and Morgana Le Fay."
"Then that sword is the…."
"The Holy King Sword, Collbrande. Also known as Caliburn."
"Aside from possessing the holy sword that's beyond any other in existence. His skills as a swordsman are also beyond that of either Kiba, Van Xenovia, Yumi-chan, and Jeanne-chan. Even I would have trouble keeping up with him."
Lance declared, while wearing his usual smile. Issei on the other hand looked towards the second sword that was sheathed on Arthur's side.
"But, two swords? The one that's in a sheath is also a holy sword, isn't it?"
Taking note of his curiosity, Arthur unsheathed the sword and allowed Issei to fully see it.
"This is the final Excalibur that was recently found, the strongest of the seven Excaliburs. Excalibur Ruler."
"I always wondered what happened to that piece. The strongest of the holy swords that controls all things that the wielder wishes ending up in the possession of the hands of the strongest holy sword…must be fate."
While Lance was in his normal mood. Issei was shocked over the fact that what he was looking at was indeed the final piece of Excalibur.
"To be talking like that, you're pretty calm, aren't you?"
Arthur nodded at what Kuroka had said.
"Yes, the truth is that I also have a lot of interest in the comrades of these guys. Lancelot and Sekiryuutei-dono, could you please give my greetings to the holy demonic sword user, the holy sword Durandal user, the Muramasa user, Masamune user, and holy sword maker? I'd like to face them sometime as fellow swordsmen you know?"
Saying that to both Lance and Issei, Arthur had turned towards his two comrades.
"Now then, let's retreat."
Arthur cut the air with Caliburn and a spatial tear appeared in front of them and it spread outwards so others could enter.
"Goodbye, Lancelot."
Arthur said his final goodbyes and left through the tear in space. Seeing that they have left, Lance and the others exited from their fighting stances. Relaxing Lance had rested both his hands behind his head while looking towards them.
"Well, that was an interesting development."
Lance stated with a smile on his face.
"Okay, really need to explain how you know that Arthur guy?"
"Is it really so hard to believe that I the descendant of Sir Lancelot know the descendant of King Arthur?" Lance had asked as he looked towards Issei. "I'll explain after we meet up with Azazel."
"That brings me to the next question of who is this dragon."
Rias had asked pointing towards Avon.
"Well, this is the Independent Avatar of the Sacred Gear Avalon Drakon. But, you can call him Avon." He had explained to them. "He was what was inside of the jewel that Michael-oji-san, but the rest can be explained later. I think that you guys need some time by yourselves."
Lance had said as he begun to walk forward in the direction of the party being sponsored by the Maou with Avon following him, while Lance waved towards them. Seeing that he was gone, Koneko looked towards both Rias Issei with a smile on her face.
"…Thank you for coming after me. Rias and Ise-senpai."
Koneko thank both her king and senpai. In response to that, both had smiled towards them.
"I will always be there for you Koneko. That is what a King's for right?"
"As a sensei and comrades, I'll always be there for—"
Before Issei could even finish,Koneko had already approached him wrapping her arms around him with a smile appearing on her face. Understanding that there wasn't any more to be said, Issei had only smiled and begun to patKoneko on her head.
A/N: And there goes the Twenty-Four of The Magic Knight. This chapter had showed the end of the summer break and everyone returned from their own training. Including the start of the party that was sponsored by the Four Maou with an interesting character being introduced into the story who appears to have history with Van, but their relationship will be explained later. Kuroka made her appearance along with Bikou with Lance already meeting her and was already him commenting on her combination of beauty and cuteness. Ending with Arthur being the last to arrive and reunite with Lance.
Lancelot's Harem: Yumi, Jeanne, Irina, Xenovia, Le Fay, Sona, Serafall, Rossweisse, Valarie, Seekvaira, Kuroka, Yuuma, Griselda, Yasaka, Lavinia, Liu Bei, Tiamat.
Issei's Harem: Rias, Akeno, Koneko, Asia, Ravel, Tsubasa, Aika, Isabel, Katase, Murayama, Mira, Kunou, Kiyome, Elmenhilde, Bennia, Reya.