Hello, everybody. This is your author in-progress, ArtLotus! I hope that all of you have a good day. If you have a bad day, just hope for the best but sometimes it doesn't end that way. Anyway, I hope you'll enjoy the newest chapter of A Problem Devil, Born~
Ja'ne! ArtLotus out!
Chapter 51: Night Before the Battle!
Kuoh Academy
Occult Research Club
"This is the power of the one who stands above the other young devils?" Issei asked as he and the others watched the recording of the Rating Game between Sairaorg and Zephydor, in which the latter had been easily beaten by the former who punches him downwards to the ground from mid-air.
Suddenly, the recording of the Rating Game stopped and flashes out of existence as everyone focused onto Rias.
"Even though he is a substitute, Zephydor is not weak." She informed everyone as Issei looked at her in curiosity.
"Substitute?"
"The original successor in his family died in an accident." Rias answered to the brunette before she turns her attention to the blonde looking at the space where the hologram screen occupied and showed them the recording of the said Rating Game. "So what did you think, Izayoi-kun? I understand you have something to share with us about Sairaorg's performance overall."
"I praise for his arrogance." Izayoi shrugged off the answer. "But to the community…it doesn't work to praise him only for that, right?" He questioned retaining his smirk ever since the showcase of Sairaorg's performance. "All in all, he'd be quite an opponent for us."
"He'd be quite the opponent for you only, am I correct, Izayoi-kun?" Rias asked quirking an eyebrow knowingly as Izayoi feigned surprise before he smiles nonchalantly.
"I never said such things, Rias. Why are you saying stuffs like that?" The blonde said before he went on. "Although, I would give him a head start but as far as I've watched his performance, he'll be an easy target to crush." He spoke nonchalantly without any sense of worry as everyone looked on in amusement.
"That's pretty arrogant of you, Izayoi-kun. Am I assuming you want to give him an advantage?"
"Yeah, why wouldn't I? It'll be pretty interesting and it might heighten up the atmosphere including the hype of the people watching the fight, correct? I might land a few punches here and there but that's the only thing I will contribute."
"Until?" At this, Izayoi raised his eyebrow as he look at Rias knowingly.
"You'd think I would do such a thing?"
"Considering his passionate to fight you, I would assume you would."
"Nope. Until he could go all out and make a run for my money, I'll contribute a bit more."
"Until he goes all out? That'd be pretty fun to watch, wouldn't you say, Rias?" Akeno asked as Rias smiles with a nod.
"That's to be expected. Although the outcome had already been predetermined, but it'll be fascinating to watch the rising action prior to the climax." The red head explained as the blonde in front of her smiles at her nonchalantly.
"You'll be given quite a show."
"I certainly hope I do." Rias replied.
"I think we all can't wait for that to happen." Akeno added as everyone nodded.
"If you don't give in to your arrogance that is, Izayoi-kun." Asuka sharply commented with a small bemused smile. "It would be kind of boring to see you lose unexpectedly."
"As Asuka-dono stated, that'll be quite unfortunate." Kiba smiled at his blonde senior. "Although I do not hoped for such things, but there'll be such events to happen in an expected fight like this."
"But we will still wish you to gain victory, Izayoi-dono." Sala stated with a nod.
"Yes, I believe you can win, Izayoi-senpai!" Asia added along with Issei.
"That Sairaorg guy won't know what hit him!"
"Win, Izayoi-senpai." Koneko reminded the blonde on his lap.
"Thanks for your undying support, but it's still early to talk about this." Izayoi spoke to everyone who stifles laugh and smiles. "We shouldn't expect more although the outcome is predetermined." He said teasingly as everyone laughs in amusement while Rias smiles at him still.
Suddenly, a magic circle appears behind Izayoi's seat as everyone looks at it in surprise, stopping the moment abruptly.
"A magic circle?" Gasper asked.
"Astaroth." Rias frowned as Issei glances at her before he looks at the being appearing beneath the magic circle.
"Good day, everyone. I am Diadora Astaroth." Diadora introduced himself to everyone as Izayoi glances at him over his shoulder, a small frown smearing the side of his face.
Time Skip
Putting down a few teacups onto the table in between the couches, Akeno pours tea into the teacups before standing up and bowing. She then retreated to stand next to the others as Rias sat onto the couch in front of them, Izayoi sat on the lone chair next to the couches while Diadora sat onto the other couch in front of Rias.
"So, what brings you here all of a sudden, Diadora Astaroth?" Izayoi asked as Diadora looks at him and smiles.
"It's a pleasure to meet you, Izayoi-sama. I am terribly sorry that I couldn't attend your wedding with Rias-sama. I was undeniably busy at the moment." Diadora explained as Izayoi nods before he continued. "…Allow me to get straight to the point. I would like to trade bishops."
"What?" Asuka muttered in surprise before she glances at Sala standing next to her.
"No! Does he mean me?" Gasper asked shaking his head.
"Of course not." Issei answered, knocking the side of his fist against Gasper's head.
"You wish for Asia?" Rias asked looking at Diadora with a small frown.
"You are quick on the uptake. It is not a bad trade. After all, my proposal to you—" Diadora said summoning a hologram of both his female bishops to show to the red head. But before he could continue his speech, he was interrupted by Rias.
"Sorry. I have no interest in doing a trade." Rias said holding up her hand before letting it down on her lap. "Asia is a valuable devil in my household. I also think of her as my little sister." She told Diadora.
"Buchou-san." Asia smiles at the red head.
Meanwhile, Izayoi sat in between the two and observed Diadora, specifically the holograms displayed in front of Diadora.
"Those are…" Izayoi silently thought with narrowed eyes, gazing at Diadora's female bishops for a moment.
"Trying to get the woman you proposed to through a trade. Do you really understand what courtship is?" Rias asked showcasing her wedding ring on her right index finger to Diadora as Issei looks at the strand of hair atop Rias's head which glowed for a second after she spoke.
"Buchou is about to blow a fuse! Of course I would! So would i! " Issei thought whilst Izayoi looked entirely amused at his wife handling the situation.
Staring at the red head in front of him, Diadora kept smiling before he responded with a spread of his hands. "I understand." He said as the holograms dissolved and he stood up from the couch. "I will go back for today, but I will not give up." He said before he walks towards Asia and held her hand, surprising Issei. "Our meeting and our reunion was fate. Even if everything in this world gets in our way. I will be sure to overcome it all. I love you, Asia." He said before Issei grabs the right side of his shoulder, causing him to react by slapping away his hand abruptly.
"Get away from Asia!"
"Let me go." Diadora said harshly to the brunette. "I can't stand being touched by a filthy dragon such as yourself."
"B-Bastard!" Issei called out through gritted teeth at Diadora's smirk.
Suddenly, a slapping sound resounded in the room as Asia slapped Diadora's cheek.
"Please don't talk about Issei-san that way!" Asia reminded as Diadora calmly looked at her with his cheek having held the slapping mark.
"I see. I understand." Diadora said before pointing his finger at Issei. "Red Dragon Emperor, Hyoudou Issei. I will defeat you in the next Game. After that, I hope you will accept my love, Asia." He said to Asia who looks sourly at him.
"There's no way I'd lose to you! Diadora Astaroth! I'll show the power of this dragon you called filthy!" Issei announced with a look of determination.
Time Skip
Izayoi's Home
"Are Issei and Koneko still doing their devil work?" Asia asked sitting across Akeno after she and Issei have been invited to attend dinner. But at a moment's notice, both Issei and Koneko had been requested out of the blue, which leaves Asia to eat with the remaining others.
"Yes. They suddenly got requests." Akeno answered to Asia.
"Being a devil is hard work." Rossweisse commented sitting next to Akeno.
"Even Rias and Izayoi-kun?" Irina asked Akeno who turns to her as Xenovia stops eating to listen.
"Rias is currently planning for the Rating Game in her and Izayoi-kun's room." Akeno answered surprising Asia.
"Don't worry, Asia. Issei will definitely protect you." Xenovia said confidently at the blonde who looks at her.
"Yes, he'll protect you, Asia. We have him on our side. If not, Izayoi-kun would step up without any difficulty." Akeno assured as Asia nodded with a bit of relief evident on her expression.
"Y-Yes. You're right."
"And Irina, about your question of Izayoi-kun's whereabouts…I seem to recall Izayoi-kun leaving for groceries?" Akeno said with a finger under her chin as Irina nodded at her.
"Yes. We're running out a few things in the kitchen." Shirayuki-Hime voiced out as everyone looked at her from her seat next to Asia. "That's why I sent him to get groceries."
"In the middle of the night, Shirayuki-san?" Asia asked out of curiosity. "Why don't you send Izayoi-senpai tomorrow?"
"He'll be too lazy until then to get groceries. Anyway, he told me that he preferred buying groceries at night rather than day. It'll bring a lot more load off of him." Shirayuki-Hime spoke as Asia stares at her in understanding. "Don't worry though, he's got his skateboard."
"Skateboard? Izayoi-senpai has a skateboard?" Asia asked.
"I'm surprised myself. But it's true. He had it hidden away in the storage closet for a while. He just recently uses it." Shirayuki-Hime answered.
"I'm certain it would make his trip at the grocery store and here, a bit more accelerating." Akeno commented smiling.
"I hope he doesn't drop the groceries on his way here. That'll be more trouble for him if he does, and I hope he does." Pest spoke after sipping a spoonful of soup, causing everyone to look at her in amusement.
"I hope he's alright." Rossweisse said as everyone looked at her.
"Worried, Rossweisse-san?" Akeno questioned as Rossweisse looks at her and nodded. "Don't worry, Izayoi-kun wouldn't get in trouble if he doesn't start it first." At this, everyone smiles in agreement.
"Everyone really trusts both Issei and Izayoi-kun." Irina stated as Xenovia smiles at her.
"It's not a stretch to say we're all here because of Issei and Izayoi-kun. More so of Izayoi-kun. Asia is here because of Issei while the rest of us because of Izayoi-kun. Right?"
"Yes. Without Izayoi-kun, we wouldn't be here. He has helped us in more ways than one." Akeno answered recounting Izayoi helping her immensely of recovering her relationship with her father and she did not have the chance to thank him for it, yet. "I feel bad that we haven't really thanked him for all he's done." She spoke.
"Then, you should thank him now!" Irina exclaimed standing up from her seat as everyone looked at her including Pest.
"For what?" She asked as Irina smiles widely.
Outside
Night
"Mr. Morisawa suddenly requested both of us, out of the blue." Issei said cycling towards his senior's home whilst Koneko sat behind him with her arms around his waist.
"It was fun doing a devil comedy duo with you, Issei-senpai." Koneko stated holding onto his waist as the brunette cycles.
"I'm sorry, Koneko-chan. I can jump through magic circles now, but it seems everyone still expect me to visit on a bike." Issei said as Koneko shakes her head.
"No. This is fun too."
"Really? Thanks, Koneko-chan." Issei smiled at her over his shoulder.
"Even if you're perverted, you're still my senior, Issei-senpai."
"I never know such words before…" Issei thought touched before he focuses his attention at his front. "…I wonder if Izayoi-senpai already gotten there ahead of us with his skateboard. Do you want to find out, Koneko-chan?" Issei asked as Koneko looked at him and dutifully nodded. At this, Issei sped up his pace over his bike towards his senior's home.
Meanwhile…
"Achoo! Did someone talk about me somewhere?"
Izayoi asked to himself as he brushes his nose with his thumb while wheeling himself along the city towards the neighbourhood up ahead. One bag of groceries was held in his right hand after he had brought all the necessity of the groceries his maid needed.
"Should I wander around for a bit?" The blonde asked as he breathed in the cold fresh air and felt the cold breeze hitting his face along the way. After a while, the blonde had entered the neighbourhood as a smile drew onto the corner of his mouth and he sped up a little, increasing the ferocity of the cold breeze passing by him. "It'll be quite the waste for something like this." He said to himself before nodding and he turns a sharp corner and sped up forward, feeling adrenaline pumping through his veins at the speed he was going with his skateboard. A nostalgic smile ghosted over his smile as he recounted his time spent playing with the skateboard whilst his mother played with him with another. There were a few times he won surpassing her through these alleyways just to get to the designated location but his mother would always guarantee victory. The only condition was him not using his powers so as to not scare the neighbours.
At the reminiscent memory, the blonde let himself relax by the flow of the cold wind as the blonde casually travel along. And halfway to arriving to his home, a purple magic octagon made itself known appearing in mid-air in front of him.
"Izayoi-kun!" A cheery voice greeted him as Izayoi catches Kuroka appearing from the magic octagon, in his arms.
"…I didn't expect your entry, Kuroka." Izayoi smiled over the black haired nekoshou.
"Nice catch, nya!" Kuroka smiles over the blonde before she snuggles her head against the crook of his neck, purring in peace. "How are you, Izayoi-kun? Feeling better, nya?" Kuroka asked after a moment of silence, fiddling her finger with the rope of the blonde's hood.
Knowing the meaning behind the simple questions, the blonde responded with a nod before adding his answer. "Yeah. Although I didn't finish the job by reducing him to ashes but I'm satisfied." After hearing his said answer, Kuroka looks up at him.
"Really? Are you still hurt?" Kuroka then leans her head over his left ear. "If you are, we could pass by a corner for a quickie. It won't take long…" Kuroka smiles seductively as she whispers her voice over Izayoi's ear before she licks the side of his ear, enlightening a smile on the blonde's face. "You taste delicious as always."
"As always, I'll take that as a compliment." He stated as Kuroka went back to leaning against the crook of his neck.
"…Izayoi-kun." Kuroka uttered against his neck. "I meant what I said. You'll be a great Papa, nya…" She whispered as Izayoi glances down at her before seeing she puts her left arm on her stomach. "…Are you…?" Kuroka glances up at him with curiosity, wanting to hear his answer since she felt slightly guilty for telling him out of the blue when they last met.
"Mad? All in all, I am surprised honestly. Who wouldn't be?" Izayoi glances down at her. "Anyway, how do you know I'd be a great father? I don't think I'm the father material." He asked raising his eyebrow at Kuroka who just responded with a smile before she moves her head to look directly at Izayoi whilst the skateboard still travel along the streets.
"I just know you'll be a great Papa, Izayoi-kun." Kuroka said without any hesitation but confidence during her speech.
"You really think so?" Izayoi asked her to which Kuroka nodded, enlightening a chuckle from him. "Thanks, Kuroka. Since you know, I guess I have to follow along with your nekoshou instincts." He spoke as Kuroka smiles before planting a kiss onto the blonde's lips, causing him to slow down his wheels before kissing back.
After a moment of silence, Kuroka pulls back as she gazes at the man she loves. Before long, a voice interrupted the moment.
"Kuroka onee-sama?" At the presented voice, Kuroka looks at her left to see her little sister standing in front of her.
"Koneko-chan! Wait!" Issei shout out towards Koneko as he appears cycling from her back before stopping next to her. "Huh? Izayoi-senpai? Koneko's onee-sama?" Issei asked in surprise at both their presences before he step off from his bicycle.
"Long time no see." Kuroka greeted as she looks at Izayoi who lets her down and she smiles in appreciation.
"Are you here for Koneko-chan again?!" Issei asked extending his hand in front of Koneko as Kuroka smiles.
"Your face has gotten a lot more gallant since I last met you. Is that because you reached Balance Breaker? Or is it because you've come to know women?" Kuroka stated as she stood in front of him.
"I think it's the second one." Izayoi answered nonchalantly with a smile as Issei gaped at him.
"What? Hey!" Issei said in surprise as Kuroka suddenly licks his cheek before she pulls back and looks upwards with a thoughtful look.
"Hm…You still taste like a child, nya." Kuroka commented before removing the taste by planting her finger onto the tip of her lips and brush it down.
"Th-That's none of your business! Izayoi-senpai, do you mind?" Issei asked his blonde senior as he gestured his hand towards Kuroka with an offended look.
Shrugging his shoulders, Izayoi casually answers. "She always took a liking to licking someone without permission." He teases as Kuroka pouted before an idea emerged in her mind and she smiles deviously.
"Ne, ne, ne. Want to try making children with me?" Kuroka asked the gobsmacked Issei who did not respond to her statement. "I want a dragon's child." She said with a teasing tone as she pulls down her kimono to slightly reveal her voluptuous breasts.
"Wh-What? I-Izayoi-senpai…" Issei glances at his blonde senior who only smirks, knowing the reason the nekoshou tease the brunette for. Seeing his blonde senior made no movement to answer, Issei outright answers Kuroka. "—Anyway, a-about that d-dragon child, y-you should ask Vali for that kind of thing!"
"I turned her down!" A familiar voice echoed through the alleyway as everyone looks at the blue magic circle behind Izayoi.
"Vali!" Issei called as he immediately summons his red gauntlet upon the silver haired's appearance.
"Boost!"
"Looks like you're itching for a fight." Vali smiled at him.
"You're the one who unleashed Loki on us!" Issei accused of him.
"Loki did that on his own. We only escorted him to the Underworld." Kuroka explained to the brunette.
"In fact, I think we should be thanked. We saved you all from Fenrir." Vali said nonchalantly before looking at Izayoi. "Including you, Izayoi."
"Me? You're misunderstood. I just let it get to me." Izayoi answered nonchalantly with a shrug of his shoulders, much to Vali's confusion. "I'd killed that mutt the second time if your bespectacled subordinate didn't come for that mutt in the first place. If he didn't, I'd reduced it to ashes by then." Izayoi smirks at Vali who frowns, knowing that statement to be true from what his comrade had told him after they gotten Fenrir.
"…Anyway, I heard you're participating in a Rating Game?" Vali asked avoiding continuing the current topic before moving onto another, that he was here for. "Your opponent is the heir to the Astaroth family. Be careful around him." He warned much to Issei's surprise.
"What?" Issei questioned with a surprised expression.
"I'm sure my words of advice would remain unheeded by Rias Gremory. So at the very least, I thought I'd tell you. Although, your arrival is not planned, Izayoi, but I'm sure you know what I am talking about." Vali stated looking at Izayoi. After that piece of advice, Vali turns around and left via teleportation circle but Kuroka did not follow him. Instead she stayed.
"Oh, and about my want of a dragon's child. That's just a complete lie." Kuroka let out her tongue with a playful look at Issei who adopted a confused look. "I never wanted a dragon's child to begin with." She said jokingly with a shrug. "Because I've found someone that I wanted to have my cute and strong child with, nya~" She told him as she stole a glance at the amused-looking Izayoi. "…And I am absolutely positive that it'll be a whole lot stronger than your dragon child, with that blonde girl you want to conceive with, Red Dragon Emperor." Kuroka confidently smiled as she pointed her hand towards the gobsmacked Issei who stared at her in complete shock.
"—I-I want to conceive with—Asia?!" At this, Issei flew backwards with blood tricked down his nose, thinking about a certain someone for him to conceive his child with.
"Issei-senpai's pervert." Koneko commented with dull look before she looks at her older sister who smiles at her before waving her hand.
Turning around, Kuroka approaches Izayoi and leans up to lick his left cheek, adopting an childlike demeanour. "You taste delicious, Izayoi-kun." Then, a seductive smile appears over the corner of her mouth and she leans up to approach his lips. "And tastes like a man." She finishes before she kisses the blonde for a moment and pull back right after. Then, a purple magic octagon appears behind Kuroka as she gazes at Izayoi. "Bye, bye, koi, nya~" She bid before she disappears in thin air via the teleporting magic octagon.
After she left, Izayoi turns to Koneko and the unconscious Issei lying on the streets with his fallen bike.
"Do you have something to wake him up from his perverted state?" Izayoi asked with a playful smile Koneko looks at him before glancing at Issei who smiles perversely, much to her disgust.
"I think I know."
Time Skip
Izayoi's Home
"Ara, ara. Welcome home, Izayoi-kun!" Akeno greeted smiling as she adorned a transparent see-through shrine outfit which showed off her skin underneath the thin layer of fabric.
"Though the sight is eye catching, should I ask what's going on?" Izayoi asked with a amusing smile.
"Akeno-senpai! Why are you dressed like that?" Issei asked with a perverse smile clutching his stomach as Koneko looked at him blankly.
"It's for a special occasion. Anyway, don't you like it, Izayoi-kun?" Akeno asked as she spins around to show off her black panties from her rear.
"Whatever Izayoi-senpai answer, I like it!" Issei admitted before he turns his attention to Asia who made herself appeared.
"Welcome home, Issei-san!" Asia greeted with a see-through shrine outfit as blood trickled down Issei's nose.
Suddenly, Issei thought about the words by Koneko's older sister from the events earlier and he flew backwards with blood clustering out of his nose.
"M-Me, conceive…with Asia?!" Issei muttered which went unnoticed by anyone except Izayoi and Koneko.
"Issei-san!" Asia rushes over as Izayoi turns away from the couple towards Xenovia who stood next to Akeno.
"Welcome home, Izayoi-kun." Xenovia greeted leaning over at him with a smile as she adorned the same shrine attire as the two others, much to his amusement over the whole situation.
"It was my idea. Everyone wanted to thank you, Izayoi-kun along with Issei. I didn't think they'd go this extreme." Irina said walking down the flight of stairs from the second floor as she smiles sheepishly at Izayoi who looks at her.
"Should it just be a show?" Akeno asked huskily leaning over Izayoi's chest and traces her finger downwards. "Or should we make it a touching event?" She added as Izayoi smiles and cups her chin with his left hand.
"A touching event, eh?" Izayoi asked as Akeno nods before leaning up as their lips were inches apart from each other. "I'd kind of am interested in the second choice." He agreed before Akeno leans upwards to kiss him but the blonde walked passed her as he smiles at her over his right shoulder. "But I have some business to attend to first." He admitted in honesty as he shouldered his skateboard on his right shoulder whilst the grocery bag hung over his right wrist. Chuckling over Akeno's pout, the blonde continued walking before a voice greeted him.
"Welcome home, Izayoi-kun." Rias greeted standing over the stairs as the blonde looks at her, noting her school uniform compare to the others and nods.
"I'm home." He replied before he continued walking pass the stairs and straight towards the kitchen.
As he was out of sight, the red head Gremory looked at her Queen. "May I asked what is the occasion for your attire?" Rias asked raising an eyebrow before smiling knowingly. "Although it practically fail to capture Izayoi-kun's attention. It's a good think I saw it in time." She stifle a laugh over the back of her hand as Akeno frowned before smiling.
"But I'd think he'll be entranced this time by another." Akeno spoke to the red head before she walks towards the kitchen followed by Xenovia, Irina and Koneko, leaving Asia to accompany the unconscious Issei.
Listening to her Queen, Rias's curiosity was piqued and she followed them towards the kitchen. Once she arrived and stood with the others, her eyes trailed to Rossweisse standing in front of the blonde. "Rossweisse?!" Rias stated in surprise looking at the attire adorned by the silver haired Valkyrie.
"W-Welcome home, G-Gokujin-sama!" Rossweisse greeted with a bow at Izayoi before standing upright as she glances away in embarrassment.
"Rose…" Izayoi called as he looked at her with surprise at the attire she worn; a maid outfit. Unfortunately, the said maid outfit consist of a short skimpy pink dress that slightly revealed the middle section of her chest, showing off her voluptuous cleavage. Below the pink dress, a white apron was tied around her waist whilst impressively the pink short transparent skirt that barely hid her rear from being shown, exposed her pink panties. Around her wrists were small white wrist cuffs and she wore black high heels. Lastly to finish up her maid outfit was the white maid headband over her head.
"I hope you like it, Gokujin-sama." Rossweisse said as she look up at the blonde shyly, knowing very well that her attire was attracting a lot of attention but it was ignored by the blonde's gaze upon her which embarrassed her more. "D-Do you like it, Izayoi-sama?" She asked glancing up at him.
"Like is an understatement. I think it is more of the lines of love." Izayoi grins in amusement as Rossweisse blushes, her face redden to the point everyone could see her red face. "Anyway, is this also part of your plan, Irina?" He asked glancing behind his right shoulder towards Irina who shakes her head furiously.
"It's not me! I swear!" She shakes her hands also to deny the claim.
"It was me, Izayoi boy." A familiar voice appeared as Izayoi looks up at the counter top of the kitchen which had someone sitting over it. "It took a bit of time but I managed to do it. I have to say you're attracting quite a few beauties to be fit into such worthy clothing." Shiroyasha smiles over her fan.
"Shiroyasha?" He asked in curiosity of her sudden appearance.
"Yep. Surprised to see me after so long?" Shiroyasha asked with a smile before she looks at Rias and a glint of amusement shone in her eyes. "Yes. Yes. She will do." She stated to herself. "Rias, may I have your help on something?" She asked as Rias slowly nods and walks over towards her. Shiroyasha jumps down and she gestured the red head towards a room situated nearby. Rias looks over at the blonde for a moment before she followed the short white haired towards the room. As everyone heard the closing door of the said room, Izayoi looks at Rossweisse.
"Did she make you to dress that way?"
"Y-Yes. Irina-san said we should cosplay for you as an act of appreciation. I wanted to try it out but then Shiroyasha-san appeared and helped me."
"She appeared?"
"Yes. She was having a conversation with both Pest and Shirayuki-san in the kitchen after we had dinner. That was when she introduced herself to us and volunteered to help us after we told her. Akeno-dono stated she had everything planned for her along with Xenovia and Asia, so she did not need the extra help. Then, Shiroyasha-san decided to help me since I have no knowledge about cosplaying. I was hesitant at first but she assured it would satisfy you more." Rossweisse spoke with a tint of embarrassment at the end of her statement.
"I gotta say, it does." Izayoi answered her last statement whilst smiling playfully at the silver haired Valkyrie who gazes down with her redden face.
"So it seems you have a maid fetish. Is that right, Izayoi-kun?" Akeno asked to her amusement as Izayoi turns his body halfway to look at her.
"It depends on the person." Izayoi answered before he turns to Rossweisse. He grabs his skateboard with his left hand from his right hand which extended forward towards Rossweisse who looks at the bag of groceries and she nodded in understanding.
She then accepted the bag of groceries and moved to set it onto the kitchen top whilst the blonde followed the transparent pink skirt that sways accordingly to Rossweisse's movement towards the kitchen top.
"I didn't know Rossweisse-san could demonstrate such beauty." Xenovia stated in slight envy. "She managed to capture Izayoi-kun's attention right away compare to us. She is a formidable foe indeed." Xenovia explained as Akeno nodded in agreement.
"I'd think I might underestimate her capability." Akeno muttered.
"You two are absolutely beautiful! Magnificent!" Shiroyasha's voice could be heard from the room nearby as everyone looked at the direction of the room. "Now this is how you cosplay!" She stated before the sound of the door opening gains everyone's attention.
As Shiroyasha rounded up a corner and stood in front of everyone in the living room nearby the kitchen, she gestured her hand right next to her.
"Presenting, the two beauties that will-?!" Shiroyasha was cut off as a flood of water strikes her from the right direction and swept her towards the wall at the opposite direction.
"Are you kidding me? I'm a goddess as pure as the white snow...I…I will not agree to appear before others in this sort of disgraceful appearance, especially Izayoi-sama!" Shirayuki-Hime voiced out her frustration as she step into the scene with a frustrated look and glared directly at the smiling Shiroyasha who had gotten up from the flood.
"You know you'd better clean this later, right?" Izayoi asked Shirayuki-Hime who heard his statement.
"I know!" Shirayuki-Hime shouted at him oblivious before her eyes widen in realisation at the blonde's appearance. "Izayoi-sama!" She called out before she drops down onto the wet floor with a shy look whilst blushing in embarrassment.
"Is this your outfit for cosplay?" Izayoi questioned in amusement at the blushing Shirayuki-Hime. "Where's Rias?"
"I cannot lie but I am quite fond of this attire." Rias said as she walks into the living room as everyone looks at her wearing the same kind of outfit as Shirayuki-Hime albeit with different colors.
"What are they wearing? A kimono?" Akeno asked out of curiosity.
"Yes. But no, it's a one-inch super-short mini-skirt Kimono with garter-belt." Shiroyasha said standing next to Shirayuki-Hime while puffing up her tiny chest smugly.
Both Rias and Shirayuki-hime adorned a very tight kimono that clearly highlighted their voluptuous bodies while the modified kimono was truncated from their thighs onwards. And from the shoulder to the cleavage, there was a wide open area to show them in their full glory. Other than that, adorning laced black stockings and garter belts.
"It is as you say, Shiroyasha. Magnificent." Izayoi commented as Shiroyasha puffed her chest proudly.
"Although I am fond of this attire, but why do I feel embarrassed wearing this kind of clothing?" Rias asked herself with a small blush dusting over her cheeks as she looked at herself which automatically make her feel embarrass.
Smirking at the red head's innocent confusion, Izayoi walks towards Rias who looked at him and immediately avoided his playful gaze.
"I don't think I felt this embarrassing before...What's wrong with me?" Rias asked under her breath as Izayoi answers it for her.
"Unfortunately, it's not yourself that's the problem."
"You mean this?" Rias asked gesturing to the kimono she adorned as Izayoi nodded.
"Yes and also the power of imagination. There's nothing fascinating than watching such art as fine as this." Izayoi commented to which causes Rias to blush followed by Shirayuki-Hime who hugged her body on the wet floor.
"I design the outfit so I know the feeling it may give you, ladies." Shiroyasha said smiling. "But it is quite comfortable to wear, ain't it?"
"Comfortable? Who said anything about comfortable if I can't stand up?" Shirayuki-Hime asked glaring over Shiroyasha's form.
"Well, I've warned you. It's your fault for wanting to cosplay for your master." Shiroyasha shrugged her shoulders as Shirayuki-Hime looked at her with surprise before that surprise turned to anger.
"You've forced me into wearing when I did not want to! You've made up that excuse out of pure conscious!"
"Maybe I am. Maybe I am not. Anyway, why can't you enjoy it as Rias? She seems able to be comfortable and she is fond of the outfit. You should have the same interest with her on clothing that represents arts such as this!" Shiroyasha proudly gestured to the kimono both of Rias and Shirayuki-Hime worn.
"...S...Shiroyasha!" Shirayuki-Hime shouted before attacking Shiroyasha with a flood wave that swept the white haired loli to the wall and forced the water into her throat.
"H-Help!" Shiroyasha gurgled as Shirayuki-Hime glared at her.
"There's no mercy for you!" While this was happening, everyone laughed humorously.
Asuka's Home
Night
"Here you go, Asuka-san." Sala gestured putting down the warm soup in front of Asuka at the dining table. Currently adorning a peach coloured sleeping gown, Sala pulled away her hands from the rim of the soup. "I assure you that I have improved on my cooking skills." She stated to her as Asuka smiles bemused.
Wearing a white gown as sleeping attire, Asuka responded. "I'll be the judge of that." At this, Sala nodded before sitting down next to her where another warm bowl of soup had occupied her eating space. Taking a dip of the soup with her spoon, Asuka smells the aroma of the soup before she puts it into her mouth, enlightening a moan. "I believe you just proved yourself, Sala." She said turning to look at Sala.
"Thank you. I've learned a few things from the cook book along with some detailed notes I've found in the web." Sala explained recounting the research she had done by reading the cook book and the said notes in the web repeatedly to understand a bit more than she already know.
"Your hard work has already been paid, am I right?" Asuka asked Sala who nodded. "Well, since we have an entire giant bowl to finish, we might as well start eating before it gets cold." She reminded glancing at the big bowl standing in between the two on the dining table.
"You're right." Sala said smiling before the two started dining their dinner.
Time Skip
"Let me clean it. It's my turn tonight." Asuka said to Sala who had gathered the utensils into the empty bowls that were stacked on top of each other.
"Alright. How about we both clean tonight? You'll get the big bowl while I handle these little ones." Sala gestured as Asuka looked at her before undoubtedly nodded and proceeded to take the empty big bowl in her arms and head towards the kitchen, followed by Sala who already collected the bowls and utensils.
Spinning the water tap open, Asuka started cleaning the big bowl with a pink sponge inside one of the double sink, whilst Sala clean the bowls and utensils in the other sink right next to it.
During brushing off the stains inside the big bowl, Asuka was having some thoughts to herself and she was disturbed by them. Amidst her thoughts, she closes the water tap to allow herself to think about it clearer. But she was unaware of the attention focused on her just as she closes the water tap.
"Asuka-san? Is something the matter?" Sala asked out of concern for the girl who looked down at the sink in deep thought.
Hearing the question echoing in her right ear, Asuka answered the red head's question. "Will we ever see Leticia again?"
Surprise could be seen etching on Sala's face at the shocking question.
"It's been a while since we've saw her. Ever since the Gathering of Young Devils, we never saw her again. Despite that, we didn't get any hints to her whereabouts or useful leads to her disappearance. There are witnesses that saw her leaving the hall towards the restroom but there were no witnesses that saw her being kidnapped." Asuka voiced out her confusion and frustration. "Isn't that weird?" She asked turning to Sala.
"...I have some doubts about that case. But Sirzechs-dono had done his best to find any traces of Leticia's disappearance. We, especially the others been searching the building for hours. But we couldn't find anything to justify the identity of the culprit whatsoever. We've done our best too, Asuka-san. It was fruitless." Sala explained while recounting the search for the blonde vampire right after the Gathering.
"Yes, it was fruitless..." Asuka uttered with a frown. "But moving on like nothing ever happened without Leticia is...not the same. Even if we live in this house after her disappearance, it doesn't feel the same without her."
"Everyone is feeling the same thing, Asuka-san. You're not the only one." Sala said as Asuka nodded in acknowledgement. "Although we won't know for certain what the mystery behind Leticia's disappearance is...But I doubt that they'll keep her in their grasp forever."
"Do you mean...she's being held for something?"
"That is the possibility. That is the only possibility. Even Izayoi-dono think so too."
"Yes. He said that it might be related to the Three-Headed Dragon's tyranny." Asuka said frowning at the mentioning of the dragon. "The Three-Headed Dragon that nearly took Izayoi-kun life...They must be up to something by using Leticia." She concluded before realization took ahold of her and she turns to her Sala. "I think we've talked enough. How about we'll clean this up first?"
"Yes. We should."
Time Skip
"Sala. You never told me how other occupants might arrive in Little Garden." Asuka told Sala as the two of them sat onto the couch in the living room. "The farthest you've told me was about the occupants belonged to different timelines." She said recalling their conversation about Little Garden and those that inhabits within.
"The occupants are 'invited' into Little Garden. Although I don't know the specific details of the types of invitations but there will be a time where the occupants will be invited. It does not matter whether they are in the past or future."
"So if they get invited to Little Garden, can they leave?"
"Yes. But unfortunately, you have to be invited in to return."
"...Is there any chance that you would return, Sala? To Little Garden?"
"Me? I don't have the slightest clue. But if there is a chance that I would able to return, I would."
"Because it's your home?" Asuka asked with a sad smile.
"...Yes. Aside from family matters, I am the leader of One Horn. There is a time that I want to return to see what had transpired over the past time." Sala muttered spacing out ahead of her as Asuka stares at her. "But I admit living here; it's more peaceful than in Little Garden. I enjoyed the time that we spent together, Asuka-san." Sala spoke turning to her with a smile, which causes Asuka to smile in return. "Living a life like this, it is not bad." She stated before she stood up from the couch. "I also think we should sleep for the night." She said glancing behind at the clock hanging over the top of the television before she turned back towards Asuka to see her deep in thought. "Asuka-san?"
"...What if I get invited to Little Garden?" Asuka looks up at Sala who only stared in surprise. What if both Izayoi-kun and myself get invited to Little Garden one day?"
"What do you mean, Asuka-san? And why does Izayoi-dono fit into all this?"
"Both of us are humans." Asuka answered. "But at the same time we possessed unordinary powers that no ordinary humans have." She looks at Sala. "You've said the occupants invited Little Garden are beings that possessed tremendous physic powers, am I right?"
"Yes." After Sala answered, Asuka held up her right hand showing her red wine Gift Card.
"Izayoi-kun and I, received these Gift Cards from Shiroyasha some time ago. Just before we got summoned to Little Garden by Pest. Why Shiroyasha would have given us these for no reason? Why had she given us these Gift Cards to store Gifts? What kind of Gifts would we received? I didn't get anything out of it until we've got summoned to Little Garden." Asuka paused. "That's when I started questioning myself. What if these are our tickets to be invited to Little Garden? Our tickets, our beginning?"
"...I don't know how to answer that, Asuka-san." Sala answered. "I admit that both you and Izayoi-dono possessed incredibly tremendous powers that no ordinary humans possessed. But do you really believe that you will get to be invited to Little Garden based not those facts only? I do not mean to be rude but that is how I view the situation. It might relatable but for now, it is vague to believe."
"...I don't know..." Asuka sighed, dropping her head down. "We've been in Little Garden before to help against fighting the community, Grim Grimoire Hamelin. But after thinking about that, why were we summoned for that? There are no relating facts that could bind us to the cause." Asuka sighed before looking down at her Gift Card. "...I want to believe that we would get invited but I don't want to believe at the same time. If we go, we'll abandon everyone. I don't know if I have the strength to leave this all behind and to leave you along with the others." Asuka admitted looking up at awe-struck Sala.
"Asuka-san." Sala muttered as she watches Asuka stood up from the couch and brushes the tears registered on the corner of her eyes.
"I've been working myself to the ground to be myself without the use of my powers. I don't like using my Gift to control others just to get what I want. But when I was introduced to Izayoi-kun and the Occult Research Club, I felt there is a reason to help with my Gift. Although I don't get to fight much but I like to support them whatever way I could."
"I did not know you felt so strongly about this, Asuka-san."
"I didn't know I had it in me. Though Little Garden sounds very much alike fun but I don't think I can abandon everyone to do that." Hearing her bold statement, Sala smiled at her.
"I understand your reasoning, Asuka-san." Said girl nodded at the red head before smiling and stretching her arms over her head. "I guess you're ready to head off into your bed?"
"Yeah." Asuka said as she and Sala head upstairs to sleep.
Time Skip
Izayoi's Home
First Floor
Guest Room
"I am well aware of your confusion for my sudden visit but I digress." Shiroyasha said sitting on top of the tatami mattress whilst facing both Izayoi and Rias sitting in front of her. The latter changed out of her kimono for her school uniform. A small but disturbing frown curved the corner of her mouth as Shiroyasha opens her eyes to look at the couple. "Recently, tragedy struck in Little Garden."
"Little Garden?"
"The Three-Headed Dragon." Shiroyasha said as Izayoi's expression turns serious whilst Rias looked on in surprise. "I am certain you are aware of its existence in Little Garden. Rest assured it did not escaped the portal that you've temporarily put it in."
"Temporarily?" Rias questioned.
"It will bound to escape no matter what." Shiroyasha answered. "Before the night that Demon Lord came to the Underworld, it was sealed in the past deep beneath Kouen City in the North Side of Little Garden. Unfortunately, a community by the name (Ouroboros) releases the Demon Lord from its slumber."
"Ouroboros?" Izayoi muttered the community.
"Yes. The Community released the Three-Headed Dragon and teleported that being within Underworld. Although damages had been done prior to its appearance in Underworld, preservation is in order as might Underworld, I presume?" Shiroyasha said to Rias who nodded.
"Yes, the damages around the Gremory Territory have now been repaired. There were no casualties amongst the citizens after my older brother had evacuated them prior to the Three-Headed Dragon's arrival. We've also managed to save those that were trapped during Izayoi-kun's fight against the Demon Lord. With that, there were no such casualties."
"That's good to hear. I hope I can say it for the citizens of Kouen City." Shiroyasha sighed before she looks at both Izayoi and Rias. "Anyway, that tragedy happened. But Ouroboros are still around, unfortunately. Although I don't know what their next move will be but stay on your feet. This community is not to be trifled with. If releasing a Demon Lord such as Azi Dahaka that is sealed a long time ago, this community is proving to be much stronger than I thought." Shiroyasha explained as Izayoi nods whilst Rias held a disturbing look and turns to her husband.
"Izayoi-kun, do you think the community, Ouroboros, is connected to Leticia?" Rias asked the blonde right next to her while Shiroyasha looked confused.
Hearing the question from his wife, Izayoi frowned. "It might be possible." He answered thinking about the possibilities of the said community involvement with Leticia's disappearance as of late.
"Might I ask what happened?"
"Just after I arrived in the Underworld, Leticia disappeared soon after. We don't know who the culprits are or what their motives by capturing her. But judging how this community, Ouroboros are somehow related to the Three-Headed Dragon's summon which recently happened. It might be them. They're the only ones that know of Leticia's identity in Little Garden." Izayoi explained as Shiroyasha frowned over the blonde's explanation.
"They're already started to move?" Shiroyasha gazes down at the tatami mat. "This might not be good...Although the threat will not be enormous of a threat than the Three-Headed Dragon but it will be a big threat nonetheless."
"Do you know what they could possibly be doing with Leticia, Shiroyasha?" Rias asked as Shiroyasha crosses her arms.
"I can't possibly know but if this involves Leticia, it might be related to her overall." Shiroyasha answered frowning for a moment before looking at Izayoi and Rias. "Anyway, be alert from this point onwards. We are still at a disadvantage from not knowing their true plan. We might be picking hints of it but we can't paint the full picture." Shiroyasha stated before she stands up. "And that is all I came here to discuss. I can't disturb your life whenever I wanted. If that certain moment of life is quite something to disturb into." Shiroyasha smiled with a hint of perverted essence.
"I don't know what you're talking about." Izayoi said nonchalantly with a playful look as Rias blushes, knowing the meaning behind the words.
"Well, i guess I'll be taking my leave." Shiroyasha said as she smiles while Izayoi and Rias stand up before escorting her towards the front doors. Just as they arrived to the front doors, Shirayuki-Hime stood nearby the doors before unlocking them and pulled one of the doors ajar. "Thank you for your kind hospitality." Shiroyasha thanked Rias and Izayoi. "And I am thankful for your admiration as well, Rias. There is no other woman who admires the clothing that I have for them. It is such a pity." She smiled before glancing behind at Shirayuki-Hime who twitched her eyebrow at her last statement, enlightening an amused smile at the corner of her lips.
"Your clothing is anything but something to admire. I really enjoyed our time, Shiroyasha." Rias smiles gently as Shiroyasha smiles.
"I've enjoyed my evening with both of you, Shirayuki-Hime and another one of yours. What is her name? Ah, yes. Rossweisse. Is that right?"
"Yes, that is her name."
"I gotta say I applause at your handy work on that one." Izayoi smiled shrugging his shoulders. "She fits well as a maid than I ever thought."
"Surprise much? Who are you standing in front of, boy?"
"A Japanese clad loli?" Izayoi raised his eyebrow knowingly as Shiroyasha smiles at him before looking at Rias.
"Take care of him, Rias Gremory. This boy would cause problems whenever and wherever he goes."
"I know of that particular trait of his. Don't worry, Shiroyasha." Rias assured as Shiroyasha turns her attention to the blonde next to her. She did not say anything but nodding at the blonde about something and then turns around to leave. Just as Shiroyasha arrived near Shirayuki-Hime, she was about to greet her until the maid interrupted.
"If you're saying anything other than cosplay, I'll sweep you off into a flood through this door." At that reasoning, Shiroyasha awkwardly laughs before waving her hand back and forth, unfurling her fan to cover her smile.
"Mah, mah. It is all in the past, Shirayuki-Hime. Do not fret." Shiroyasha said before walking through the doors as Izayoi and Rias watches her along with Shirayuki-Hime who glances at her through the corner of her eyes. "The moon shines ever so brightly today." Shiroyasha muttered staring at the moon up in the skies before glancing behind at her spectators.
After a moment, Rias blinks in surprise before finding out Shiroyasha had disappeared from her spot instantaneously. She then watches Shirayuki-Hime closes the door before addressing to stand in front of them and bows her head.
"I'll be within the kitchen if need be." Shirayuki-Hime stated before walking away from the pair.
Looking at his maid leaving, Izayoi started speaking with his wife.
"Along the way here, I've met a certain someone named Vali."
"You've met him? During your return from the store?" Rias questioned frowning as soon as the name was spoken. "What did he visit you for?"
"Aside from the Ouroboros case, we'll have to keep our eye for Diadora Astaroth in the upcoming Rating Game." Izayoi paused before continuing. "You must have noticed his relaxed expression when he strolled into the room uninvited. Something is wrong about him and I think we'll about to find out soon enough." He explained as Rias sadly nodded.
"It seems so. Diadora's relaxed attitude bothers me as well. But if Vali's appearance to pass on about a warning around him, I can conclude that it is a serious matter." Rias said seriously whilst the blonde smiled.
"He said you wouldn't heed his word, you know?"
"Huh?" Rias looks up before smiling. "Ever since I'm with you, I get to see everything from a different perspective and I tend to act out of my immaturity to want to know the situation at hand."
"Is that good?" Izayoi asked raising an eyebrow before smiling teasingly as the red head slaps his arm and pouts.
"Mou, Izayoi-kun. That is good, you know?" At this, the blonde shrugs his shoulders.
"I just wanted to see if it's okay with you. Since its alright, I'll be heading in for the night. You coming?" At the gesture, Rias smiles before nodding.
"Yes! But before that, I have to talk to Sirzechs about the warning. I think he should have this kind of information." She said to the blonde who nods. .
"Go ahead." Smiling at the blonde, Rias begin performing contacting her older brother as Izayoi waited before a magic circle was presented in front of them and a holographic Image of Sirzechs appears above the magic circle.
"Yes, Rias? Izayoi? What happened?"
Time Skip
Azazel's Home
"Sorry for not speaking with you in person, Sirzechs. About the accidental death of the heir to the Glasya-Labolas family and Diadora Astaroth's sudden increase in demonic power..." Azazel frowned upon sitting on his chair as a communicating magic circle hung onto the left side of his ear.
"So they're related, after all."
"It's likely."
"Then, it seems that both Rias and Izayoi's report on Vali's warning should not be taken lightly." Sirzechs said after talking to both her sister and brother in-law about the said warning.
"Like us, they aren't a monolith that all think alike."
"It seems we'll have to put your plan into motion."
"Michael and old man Odin have accented as well. Though I feel bad doing this to those kids..."
Time Skip
Next morning
Occult Research Club
"Have a good trip."
"Good luck." Both Rossweisse and Irina bid as Izayoi and Rias along with her peerage stood in front of them before teleporting away towards the battlefield of the Rating Game.
"Well, we should go as well." Azazel said appearing behind Rossweisse and Irina that turns to him.
"Michael-sama ordered me to go with you to the underworld, but..."
"Why are we keeping it a secret from the others?"
"If nothing happens, we can just say we came as a surprise and cheer them on. If something does happen...Well, I'll just be hated. I can't imagine Izayoi's reaction if he managed to hear about this though."
"I thought you were hiding something, Fallen Angel." A voice intervened as Azazel looks at the front doors leading to the room and to his surprise, greeted Pest with Asuka and Sala.
"What are you doing here?" Azazel asked as Pest crosses her arms with a frown whilst quirking an eyebrow.
"We're part of the club. Don't you think you remember that piece of information already?" Pest asked as Azazel awkwardly smiles.
"Sorry to intrude, Azazel-sensei." Asuka said. "But we came here on Izayoi-kun's request."
"Izayoi's request? What kind?"
"He called us earlier to check up on you after he's gone. Since Izayoi-kun and the others are gone, I reckon there's a back story to this Rating Game, am I right?" Asuka asked.
"Izayoi-dono told us of Diadora Astaroth and he detected suspicion upon his appearance as did all of us." Sala explained.
"What kind of information did he tell you about Diadora Astaroth?" Azazel questioned.
"It may be not be much, but the reason he's affectionate about Asia...He may of wanted to add her to his 'collection'." Sala frowned by the end of her statement.
"Collection?" Rossweisse asked in confusion as she glances at Irina who glances back. "What are you talking about, Sala-dono?"
"Izayoi-dono suspect Diadora Astaroth's peerage to be consist of famous priestess and saints from various lands."
"What?" Irina asked in shock.
"Izayoi-kun recognized two Bishops from Diadora Astaroth's peerage the moment he showed us. At that moment, he started thinking about Diadora's affectionate side of Asia, who is a former priestess, correct?" Asuka explained as Irina nodded.
"Yes, that's right!"
"That is maybe why he is trying so desperately to get his hands on Asia." Asuka said before shaking her head. "Unfortunately, that is all we got about him."
"Your facts are somewhat true. But this Rating Game may be much of a bigger plot to set up the stage surrounding Diadora Astaroth." Azazel explained to the five girls. "In anyway, we'll have to ready for it."
"I'm guessing I'm finally getting in some action." Pest said smirking.
"If it is, you can let out your all. No drawbacks." Azazel smiles.
"Now that's what I like to hear."
Distorted Dimension
Battlefield
"Did we arrive?" Issei asked as he and the rest of them were teleported to a vast location. The place is lined up with thick pillars. The ground is made from rocks. Ahead of the group was a big entrance of a shrine at far.
"Is this the main battle area?" Kiba questioned.
"Strange." Rias said narrowing her eyes, sensing the strange quiet atmosphere. "Izayoi-kun..."
"Yeah...This is too strange to be a coincidence." Izayoi silently observed the surroundings.
"There's no announcement from the referee." Akeno stated.
"M-Maybe some kind of problem occurred?"
"Magic circle?" Asia exclaimed turning behind to see a magic circle appearing in the sky.
"And it's not the crest of Astaroth's. Be careful." Rias advised as everyone readied their fighting stance as multitude of magic circles appears above the skies. "If I remember correctly, this crest...they are devils loyal to the Old Satan Faction in the Chaos Brigade." Just as she said that, a group of devils appears out from the magic circles. There were not tens. Rather there were hundreds of them in number as they surrounded the ORC group.
"So they're terrorists?" Xenovia asked.
"The despicable and fake royal family, Gremory. We shall eliminate you here." One of the devils announced in midair.
"What's going on?!" Issei asked before a scream shouted and he turns around to see an unconscious Asia engulfed in green glow and was floated upwards towards Diadora who stood in mid-air with a smile as he held up his hand which controlled Asia's levitation.
"Hey there, I'll be taking Asia Argento!" Diadora exclaimed smiling down at the ORC group.
"What are you doing to Asia?!" Issei shouted baring his teeth.
"What is the meaning of this?" Rias asked.
"You all are going to be murdered here by the Chaos Brigade." Diadora answered.
"So you've sided with the Chaos Brigade. You're the worst! And you defiled the sanity of the game! You deserve death! Most of all, you dare touch my sweet Asia!" Rias announced as red aura engulfed her entire being while distinguishing an intense glare towards Diadora's nonchalant look.
"Well, have your last struggle against these numbers. During that time, I'll be united with Asia at that temple. Do you understand my meaning, Red Dragon Emperor?" Diadora smiled wickedly. After that, Diadora initiated his first attack by shooting off energy beams at the ORC group who watches Izayoi stepping forward to face the approaching energy beams. As the nearing energy beams appeared in front of Izayoi, he looks up and punches his right fist forth, destroying the entirety of the energy beams, surprising the group of devils flying in mid-air. A small frown curved downwards on Diadora's mouth as he stares down at the blonde looking up at him.
"I would've guessed you'd do something like this." Izayoi stated smiling with a shrug. "But I didn't think you would resort to such cowardly acts."
"Oh no, this is not cowardly-"
"This is without a doubt cowardly. You're letting someone fight your battle while you're hiding behind closed doors. I didn't think this was the heir to the Astaroth's family. I've been quite impressive about your brother but you're just a tad lower than him, I suppose. And honestly, I'm disappointed." Izayoi shrugged his shoulders as Diadora's frown deepens. "But since you've called your cavalry, I guess there's no point than to finish them all along with you." He announced with a small smile as Diadora replaces his frown with a smile.
"I am aware of your achievements, Izayoi-dono. But you can't compete when you're fighting against numbers!" Diadora shouted in superiority whilst spreading his arms. He then grabs a hold of Asia's legs and smiles at him along with the others before vanishing into light. "May I'd be excuse, Prince of Destruction?"
"Izayoi-senpai, why did you let him go?!" Issei asked in frustration, knowing full well the blonde senior could return Asia in an instant.
"You'd think it's my job to be the knight of shining armor for Asia?" Izayoi asked turning his head halfway to look at the surprised Issei. "You're supposed to be that knight, Hyoudou Issei. Did you forget? It's your duty, not mine's. Anyway, all of you should go towards that shrine. I'll handle everything from here." Izayoi spoke as he turns to look at the group of devils powering up their weapons for an assault.
"You can't handle them all by yourself, Izayoi-kun." Akeno said in concern before Izayoi snickers.
"Akeno, we should trust in Izayoi-kun." Rias assured her as Akeno looked at her. "Against these numbers...I'm not sure if you and I can defend their attacks completely."
"You'd think you can believe all of his words, Akeno?" Izayoi spoke up as Rias and Akeno looks at him along with the rest of the ORC members. "One on one, one against two, one against this multitude...Isn't a problem for me!" Izayoi said smirking before he looked back at the others with a smirk. "Go."
"We leave everything to you, Izayoi-kun." Rias told him with a nod as she looked at her peerage. "Let's go, everyone!" She ordered as everyone reluctantly nodded before Akeno screamed.
"Kyaa!" Everyone looks at Odin appearing behind Akeno and lifting her skirt to see her dark blue panties.
"Hm. What a nice ass. This youthful resilience is irresistible." Odin commented upon looking at Akeno's butt.
"Ojii-chan?!" Issei exclaimed.
"Odin-sama?" Rias called in surprise as she did not expect his apparent arrival.
"What are you doing here, old man?" Izayoi asked raising his eyebrow as Odin pulled away his hand from Akeno's skirt and faces everyone.
"We found that Diadora Astaroth was making deals in the dark." Odin explained to them before he spread his arms ajar. "Come now! I am the great Father of the Norse! If you take my head, you will gain infamy!" Just as Odin finishes, the group of devils launched their attack simultaneously at him. Smirking at them, Odin taps his cane at the ground erecting a barrier that stretches across the entire area, destroying the energy beams whilst wiping out the group of devils. "The brat Azazel wanted to take care of them all in one fell swoop." Once the group of devils were eliminated, Odin turns to Rias and the others.
"Then, this game...We were used as bait." Rias stated frowning at the fact.
"Hurry and go. This old geezer will hold the front lines for you. You should think yourselves lucky."
"But we can't let you fight all alone..." Issei said as Odin hit his head with a tap of his cane.
"A baby who has only lived a little over a decade is 1000 years too early to worry about me!" Odin said as Izayoi looks at Rias who stares at him and nodded.
"Let's go everyone!" Rias commanded to her peerage.
"Hai, Buchou!" With that, Rias and the rest of her peerage immediately head towards the shrine, leaving Izayoi and Odin to their own devices.
"You're not going with them, lad?" Odin asked raising an eyebrow at the blonde who faces him over his shoulder with a playful smirk.
"I'd think I'm more than good to be here rather than dealing with the heir to the Astaroth family. It would be a privilege to fight alongside you, old man. Wouldn't it?" Izayoi asked as Odin smiled amusingly at him.
"Alright, lad. If you're going to stand side by side, I suggest you let me initiate first." Odin said as Izayoi looks back at the group of devils charging towards the duo.
"It's all yours, old man." Izayoi stated before sidestepping and gesturing him forward.
At the gesture, Odin steps forth before he shouted.
"Gungnir!" At the calling, a wave of water appeared around Odin and gathered behind him. He stretches his right hand to which causes the condensed water to push out the spear, Gungnir, into his hand. Spinning the spear around in his hands, Odin pointed the spear in front of him before shooting out a wide beam of light from the tip of the spear, decimating the charging group of devils.
"Nice going, old man." Izayoi commented. "But I wonder why you're here in the first place? There's not a reason for you to be here."
"There is a measly reason for me to be here. This old man needs to get some exercise once in a while." Odin reasoned before looking at the blonde and gestured his free hand forward. "Care to show me what you've got, sonny?"
"I'm way ahead of you, old man!" Izayoi smirked as he saw multiple groups of devils appearing before him. "Rather than decimating majority of them, you should finish them all at once!" He said before his body was instantly emblazoned with golden flames.
"Impressive." Odin said looking at the golden flames bursting out from the blonde. Before long, Odin watches the blonde disappears within sight and he looks up. Much to his surprise, he saw the blonde appears in the middle of the large amasses of devils in mid-air. "You've got guts, boy."
Looking at the devils around him for a split second, Izayoi falls head first to close in towards the large amass of devils pointing their spears towards him in an effort to attack. At the incoming attacks along with the devils gathering around him, the blonde switches position as he turns his body previously. At the middle of turning his body, he smirks as he turns around before kicking forth his right leg in an ark, shooting off a large ark of golden flames that envelopes the incoming attacks and engulfed the large amass of devils before promptly exploding, enveloping everything in the skies.
"Woah?!" Issei exclaimed shielding himself from the range of the blast in the skies. Though, he could somehow feel the heat waves all the way from the blast which was overwhelmingly hot. "Argh! How can I feel the heat all the way here?" Issei questioned before showing surprise at his redden left hand.
"Issei, are you alright?" Kiba asked crouching down next to the brunette before he expressed similar reaction to discovering the brunette's redden left arm. "Buchou, he's experiencing high degree burns." He said to Rias who took note of the fact before she and Akeno erected barriers over their heads which protected everyone.
"It would seem Izayoi-kun has a little bit more fun with his newly acquired powers." Akeno smiles. "Strangely, we shouldn't be able to feel the heat waves from the blast according to the range in between us. But somehow I am overwhelmed by the tremendous high degree of heat stunningly reaching all the way here." She explained feeling her skin slightly burn from the heat waves of the blast. "I don't think we ever experienced this kind of tremendous heat before during our battle against Loki, Buchou." Akeno commented as she recalled feeling slightly burn during the blonde's assault of summoning the golden flames that enveloped the Midgardsormr clones all at once and destroyed them.
"Yes, the one we've previously felt was no equally to this. But considering the range we've stood, it is no wonder we'd get caught up slightly by the released heatwaves." Rias explained recounting the experience of feeling the golden flames heat waves when her husband destroyed the Midgardsormr Imitations in a furious attack that resembled a hellfire.
"Are you alright?" A voice appeared in Issei's mind as did the others.
"Azazel-sensei!" Issei exclaimed at the presence of his voice.
"It seems Izayoi is really fired up at the moment, eh? You know I was going to ask you to tell him to quiet down his flames show but I don't think you're anywhere near him. I can tell these golden flames are beyond touchable." Azazel stated over everyone's minds. "Believe it or not, I'm having a hard time keeping up with the heat."
"How do you know? Wait, are you here, Azazel-sensei?" Issei asked.
"I'm sure you have things to say, but listen for now! Not only the field, but even the area around the vip room is under attack from the old Saran faction. We planned for this as well."
"Planned, huh?" Rias asked.
"Various units we've placed in the area are fighting back. Due to the battle plans, I couldn't tell you all what was going on."
"Wh-What if something happened to us?!" Gasper exclaimed with a frighten expression.
"Do you want to worry about that? You've got a really powerful senior at your side. I don't think he'll let such things happened to you. Anyway, I'm the strategist of this battle and if such things happen, I'll take responsibility. But it's just a possibility. Well, my head alone might not be enough to quell your anger."
"You prepared yourself for death." Xenovia stated as everyone had stopped running after hearing the last statement from Azazel.
"When you used us…" Koneko told.
"Anyways, stay hidden until the battle ends. We'll take care of the terrorists."
"You're in the battlefield, too?" Kiba asked.
"I'm on the same field. Though the area is large, so i'm pretty far from you guys."
"We can't hide! Asia! Asia was kidnapped by Diadora!" Issei exclaimed to Azazel.
"What did you say?!"
"We have to go save Asia, right now! Sensei! Asia is my comrade! She's my family! I-I never want to lose her ever again!" Issei spoke.
"We will go and save Asia. I have to teach him how foolish it is to take someone from my household!" Rias spoke in conviction.
"Well, I expected as much. I'll take care of the rest! Go rampage your hearts out!"
"Sensei!" Rias nods.
"Thank you, Azazel-sensei!" Issei thanked.
"Listen, Issei! Show that betraying brat the power of the red dragon emperor! Make sure to bring Asia back!"
"Sure!" Issei exclaimed before he and the others races up towards the path leading towards the shrine far up.
To be continued…
Unfortunately, that is the end of the newest chapter of A Problem Devil, Born~
Anyway, what do you think about the chapter? Was it up to your satisfaction? If it is, then thank you for reading! Don't forget to leave a Review while you're at it and follow plus favorite this story because I really helps me out if you do so. And also, feel free to give an intake of what you think of the chapter. I don't mind because I want to hear your opinion.
So that is it for this chapter. I hope all of you have had a nice day because I am not. Stay tuned for the next chapter coming soon!
Ja'ne! ArtLotus out!