A Problem Devil, Born

by SecretArtLotus

Ending the Tyranny of the Three-Headed Dragon by himself, thus saving the Underworld from total destruction, what happened to our Hero, Sakamaki Izayoi? Making a promise he once made to a family, will he keep it? A Gathering of Young Devils is approaching, what will unfold in the party? Will 'he' attend the Gathering? Marrying Rias, will he still be able protect her last?

54. Chapter 54: The Unresurrected Phoenix!

Hello, guys. This is your author in-progress, ArtLotus. I am hoping to give you relief for delivering the newest installment of A Problem Devil, Born~

Hoping to see you satisfy yourself while reading, I hope to see you again.

Presenting, A Problem Devil, Born~

Ja'ne! ArtLotus out!

---

Chapter 54: The Unresurrected Phoenix

Kuoh Academy

Morning

Old School Building

Occult Research Club

"I apologise for the sudden visit." Ravel apologized as she sat on the couch across from Rias. Meanwhile Izayoi sat on Rias's chair behind her desk and overlooking their conversation. "Actually, I wanted to ask for your advice regarding my Onii-sama." She said which surprised Rias and Izayoi.

"Riser? You want to talk about Riser?"

"Yes. I assume you've heard the stories about him. Like, how he does nothing but mope since that incident."

"Riser?" Xenovia asked standing a good distance away from her previous position behind Rias. She along with the others were currently standing by and watching the conversation as it unfolds. "I've heard the rumors, too…"

"Who is he?" Irina whispered to Xenovia whilst raising her hand to cover her voice more quietly.

"He's from Phenex Family and Rias onee-sama's ex-fiancé." Asia answered from Xenovia's side whilst Issei stood next to him and listened in on.

"Fiance? How romantic!" Irina stated with a happy look.

"It sounds so noble!" Rossweisse said taking to stand in front of the three.

"Hang on. If he is her ex-fiance, then…" Irina murmured in realization.

"You see, Rias onee-sama was engaged in an arranged marriage with Riser Phenex. But Rias onee-sama doesn't want to marry him and went to agree on fighting against him in a Rating Game." Asia explained. "We were all ready to fight including Izayoi-senpai."

"Izayoi-kun?" Irina asked in curiosity before looking at Xenovia and Rossweisse who held a look of curiosity herself.

"Yes, we were winning by a lot. Everyone did their part on beating Riser's peerage. But all except Riser's Queen and Riser was left. So, Izayoi-senpai took the initiative on fighting against him alone to win the Rating Game." At Asia's explanation, Irina, Rossweisse and Xenovia perked up.

"Izayoi-kun fighting against an immortal Phenex? But how could he…?" Rossweisse asked knowing the basic fact of the Phenex Family being immortal.

"I don't know. But Rias's onii-sama told us that Izayoi-kun completely defeated him in one strike of pure light." Asia said recalling the conversation between Sirzechs and Rias along with them as well at the time during the week of searching for her blonde senior.

"He took him out with one strike of pure light?" Rossweisse asked which perplexed her including Irina and Xenovia.

"What happened then?" Irina asked.

"Grayfia-san announced Riser retired and we won the Rating Game. But there wasn't any news of Izayoi-senpai's return. We were all worried including Rias onee-sama. We search and search but we couldn't find Izayoi-senpai at all in the battlefield."

"Is that true? How can he disappear?"

"We searched for two weeks without any results. Then, Rias onee-sama held a wedding after that."

"A wedding?" Rossweisse asked.

"She held it to commemorate for Izayoi-kun's disappearance." Akeno intervened. "She said that the wedding between him and her would come soon nonetheless." She stifles a laugh before continuing. "So she held the wedding. But during the ceremony, a miracle happened."

"A miracle?" Irina questioned.

"The chapel doors were kicked open, by none other than Izayoi-kun."

"Izayoi-kun?" Irina gasped before closing her mouth to not give any attention to herself.

"Yes. He appeared during the ceremony. Then, both Izayoi-kun and Rias were wedded as husband and wife that day."

"W-Wedded? Izayoi-kun is married?!" Rossweisse asked in shock before she closes her mouth and glances at Izayoi along with Rias and Ravel who looked at her in confusion. "I-I apologize!" She said to them before she looks at Akeno. "B-But Izayoi-kun never said anything of his marriage." She whispered to her while the others listened in except Izayoi, Rias and Ravel.

"Haven't you noticed Rias wearing her wedding ring?"

"That…" Rossweisse muttered in realisation, recounting the times she had seen the ring in the house.

"Don't worry though, Rossweisse-san. We are still chasing after Izayoi-kun's affection." Akeno assured as Xenovia nodded.

"Yes, we do."

"Xenovia, you knew about this?" Irina asked as Xenovia shakes her head.

"No. But Akeno-san said we can still share Izayoi-kun, even though he is already married."

"I've already discussed that topic with Rias." Akeno said as everyone looks at her. "Both of us have reached to a good conclusion that'll benefit us and the others."

"So it's polygamy?" Rossweisse asked as Akeno nodded.

"Yes. That's a prefer term but the usual term to say is a harem. So you shouldn't worry that much, Rossweisse-san."

"Huh? Wh-Why me?"

"We can clearly see your affection towards Izayoi-kun."

"Huh? I-I don't know what you're talking about." Rossweisse glances away as she did not answer Akeno.

"Don't play dumb, Rossweisse-san. We've known that fact for a while now. He was your first boyfriend ever, right? I don't think that date would end without you developing any slight attractions towards our blonde." Akeno smiled a mischievous smile whilst staring at the flustered Rossweisse who was attempting to hide her embarrassment but fails badly. "There's no hiding it, Rossweisse-san. You simply can't hide it."

"…I…I don't know what you're talking about, Akeno-san. I suggest that we focus onto some other topics." Rossweisse suggested.

"Why should we? Rossweisse-san, it's not nice to avoid topics that are worthwhile to listen to, do you know?" Akeno asked with hint of a teasing smile.

"Then I wish that we don't talk about this particular topic. It's irrelevant at this time."

"So you're saying we should talk about this another time?"

"Yes—I mean no!"

"Such a chance wasted upon…" Akeno said in mock sadness before she smiles at the flustered Rossweisse. "It's alright. I understand, Rossweisse-san. I won't perturb this topic—yet." She finishes as Rossweisse looks at her agape. "You don't think I would give up, do you? Fufu, you are underestimating me easily. Maybe if we have time, we shall talk about this over a cup of tea later? What do you say?" Akeno offered as Rossweisse did not respond but her cheeks could be seen heating up. "You don't want?"

"…N-No!" Rosseisse abruptly answered shaking her head furiously whilst her face reddens.

"Ara, ara…" Akeno murmured at the reaction before she nods. "I understand, Rossweisse-san. I am terribly sorry by the way." She smiled at Rossweisse who stared at her. "But it's an opportunity that I cannot pass up." She added teasingly as Rossweisse shakes her head to compose her while the others looked at her in sympathy.

Coughing into her hand, Rossweisse tried composing herself by closing her eyes for a moment. After a while, she opens them and responds to Akeno. "…I-It's okay, Akeno-san." She offered a smile to her as Akeno nodded.

"Thank you, Rossweisse-san. You are very kind. Although, you will have to tell us sooner or later." At this, Akeno stifle a laugh at Rossweisse's cheeks burning up.

"Is there something funny?" Rias asked catching Akeno's attention along with the others standing nearby her.

"No. I apologize if we disturb your conversation in any way, Rias-Buchou."

"Rossweisse-san, are you alright?" Rias asked in curiosity peering over towards Rossweisse who was looking flustered.

"I'm f-fine…Thank you for asking." Rossweisse replied with a reassuring smile as Rias looks at her before nodding. Then, the Gremory turns her attention towards Ravel sitting across from her as everyone started paying attention to them.

"You were saying, Ravel? Riser still hasn't recovered from that, right?" Rias asked with a small frown as Ravel grips upon her skirt.

"I probably shouldn't have come here, but…I only have your place to turn to for this."

"My place? What do you mean?"

"When I was asking for advice on how to help my brother, I was told that he should learn the so-called fortitude that Rias-sama's peerage possesses." Ravel looks up at Rias. "That is what your household is famous for."

"Fortitude?" Rias asked in slight surprise.

"Fortitude, huh…" Xenovia said.

"A certain someone knows all about that." Irina added. "In fact, we're here now because of him." She smiled as Akeno stifle a laugh along with everyone.

"Fortitude, eh? Isn't that too much? We're not that well-experienced to be called that." Izayoi explained with a playful smile while leaning against the seat.

"Well, it is a surprise to me as well." Rias added smiling at Izayoi. "But if others said we're ought to own that title, I don't think we should argue much?" She questioned with matching smiles as the blonde who stared amusingly at here before he turns his attention towards Ravel who shared eye contact with him.

"So, your older brother wants to learn about that kind of fortitude?" Izayoi asked as Ravel nodded.

"Yes. But he didn't directly want for it. It's just people said it would get him better." Ravel explained. "More precisely…He should be ashamed of himself. I can't believe he's been sulking for half a year because of one loss. He even says that he is afraid of light!" She exclaimed to her frustration but much to Izayoi's amusement. "Since then, he hasn't participated in a single Rating Game. Gossip magazines have been writing whatever they want about him. He got traumatized by one battle with Izayoi-sama, and now he cannot touch anything that relates to light." She said turning away with a smile as she mentioned the blonde's name before continuing. "I would understand if he simply holding a grudge against Izayoi-sama. He should man up and learn the experience of that defeat and grow stronger. It's really, really shameful!" She finishes in frustration as everyone watches her.

A moment of silence fell upon Ravel as she thought about her older brother before she grits her teeth and started speaking.

"But…He's still my brother…" Ravel muttered as Rias stated at her sadly followed by everyone, except Izayoi who stared at Ravel extensively.

"You still care for him even if he acts like a piece of trash?" Izayoi asked out of all sudden as everyone looks at him in surprise as Ravel looks at him. "I know of his personality when we first met. We're well acquaintance with each other over that time." He said as Ravel glances away with shame but she stands up and turns to the blonde with a brave face.

"…Yes, I still care for my brother even if he acts like a-a piece of trash! The Phenex Family has been watching his arrogant and unruly behaviour ever since. We were thankful of his defeat by you, Izayoi-sama because he would be given a good experience to fix his behaviour. But you can't ever call him trash! I understand he's not like you but he deserved a little bit of respect for his overall achievement till now." Ravel protested as everyone watches the scene. "I-If you can't accept those conditions, t-then you're a piece of trash too, Izayoi-sama!" Ravel pointed out in slight frustration and anger but then realized what she had said, she closed off her mouth and stared at Izayoi. "….I-I'm sorry, Izayoi-sama! I didn't know what I was talking about…" She said with a look of shame as tears started registering at the corner of her eyes. "P-Please, forgive me…" She said with a pleading look as Izayoi stands up from the seat and walk towards Ravel to stand in front of her. "…I-I'm sorry…" Ravel apologized looking down in shame.

"…Alright."

"Huh?" Ravel looks up to see a smile spreading across his face.

"If that's how much you feel about your brother, I'm willing to help." Izayoi said which surprised Ravel. "But just for your sake, Ravel Phenex. I don't want to deal him if he ever crosses me again. He'll be slumping into another depression if I did so." He smiles playfully at the end.

"Y-You'll do it? But what I said—"

"It doesn't matter. I'm just testing you, Ravel Phenex, to see if you really care about your brother. Fortunately, you just explained it all seconds ago. You've got a sharp tongue, you know that?" Izayoi complimented smiling down at Ravel who stared at him for a moment before she avoided his gaze and her cheeks heated, recalling his compliment.

"Th-Thank you."

"I don't know if we can do something about his fear of light but I'm confident we can get him out of his slump." He playfully grins as Ravel looks up at him before glancing away.

"Well…It does not matter, if you absolutely insist…I-I will accept your help, Izayoi-sama. Please work hard for a high-ranking Devil." Ravel then paused before continuing. "I….I would really appreciate it." She spoke shyly.

"Remember, I'm only doing it for you, Ravel Phenex."

"H-Hai….Anyway, please call me Ravel, Izayoi-sama…" Ravel said glancing up at him before glancing sideways.

"Will do, Ravel." At this, it made Ravel's cheeks redden more.

"Then, Izayoi-kun will be in charge of getting Riser out of his slump." Rias smiled as she stands up from the couch to smile at Izayoi.

---

Time Skip

Phenex Family Mansion

"So this is the Phenex Family Household…" Izayoi smiles up at the sight of the huge structural Phenex Family Mansion. Blazes of fires lit up the top corners of the mansion as the blonde whistled with a slight impressive look.

"Thank you for your compliment." Ravel smiled at him before she leads him and Rias along the path towards the entrance. Once they entered, they walked straight towards Riser's room where all his servants were lined along the said path.

"It's nice to meet you again." Izayoi said to one of Riser's Rooks, Xuelan who kept a calm facade as she looks at him before her cheeks redden a little.

"…Yes, it's nice to meet you again." Xuelan muttered as Izayoi raises an eyebrow while staring at her with amusement.

"Izayoi-kun?" Rias called out as she walks to stand next to him.

"Yeah, I'll be right there. I'm just greeting our former opponent, that's all." Izayoi answered the red head before they walked passed Xuelan. "So what's Riser been doing lately? I don't think he'd be sulking all of his time." Izayoi indicated to Ravel standing ahead of them before glancing at the corner of his eyes and waved at IIe and Nel who glances up at him in surprise. Smiling at their expressions, the blonde resumed walking towards Riser's room as Ravel continued leading them.

"He stays in his room all day running Rating Game simulations. Occasionally he will summon people who are good at chess to play with him." Ravel explained before standing in front of her brother's door. Knocking on the door with her knuckles, Ravel speaks out. "Onii-sama, you have guests."

"Ravel?" Riser asked at the other side of the door. "I don't want to see anybody today. I had a nightmare. I don't feel like meeting anybody." At this, Ravel sighed before wanting to speak up but Izayoi beats her to it.

"If you don't come out of there, I'm gonna destroy this door to pieces." Izayoi said out loud enough as the three of them heard a crashing noise at the other side of the room. "I'm counting."

"I-It can't be!"

"Yeah, pray to God if you don't want to see me. But sadly you have to." Izayoi said in return before he gestured Ravel to talk.

"Yes, Onii-sama. Izayoi-sama and Rias-sama are your guests."

"Huh?! Him?! Wait, Rias-dono?!"

"Riser, it's me." Rias said to the door.

"Why come here after such a long time, Rias?! Are you here to laugh at me?! Or maybe you're here to brag about your wonderful fulfilling life with your husband, the Hero of the Underworld, Sakamaki Izayoi?!"

"You know I'm right here if you want to say it that much." Izayoi raises his eyebrow at the door as Rias smiles at him before turning towards the door.

"We want to talk with you for a bit. Let us see your face." Rias stated as silence overcome the door before Izayoi walks towards the door and punches the door, sending the doors away from their hinges as Riser's peerage looks at the scene in surprise.

"I'm done counting. Where are you, Riser Phenex?" Izayoi asked with a small frown before he looks at the said individual on his bottom while staring up at him with his mouth agape. Strangely, a blind fold was tied around his eyes for some reason.

"Izayoi-kun, that is not necessary." Rias smiled at her husband as she walks up to stand next to him before she looks down at Riser. A perplexed expression was visible on her face as she stared down at the current condition of Riser Phenex.

"Wh-What could you possibly want to talk about with the man you rejected?" Riser asked lifting the blindfold a little before his eyes widen at the sight of Izayoi. "Y-Y-Y-You! S-S-Sakamaki Izayoi!"

"Yo. Long-time no see." Izayoi smiled raising his hand in greeting.

"No!" Riser suddenly retreated back to his bed as Izayoi looks at both Rias and Ravel for his behaviour before the three of them walks towards Riser. "Go home! I don't want to be reminded of that time! Such a miserable awful feeling! I can't bear to remind myself! I don't want to experience something like that ever again!"

"Is this really someone who has never lost a game since they were born?" Rias frowned.

Meanwhile, Ravel frowned before approaching her brother in strides.

"For crying out loud…Onii-sama!" Ravel pulls off the bed sheets from the cowering Riser. "Both Rias-sama and Izayoi-sama took the time to come and see you. Please stop hiding under your bed covers."

"L-Leave me alone! Go home!"

"Hey, Riser!"

"Huh?" Riser looked behind for a split second before he started screaming. "No! No! Go home! Please I'm begging you! I don't want to experience that again!"

"I didn't do anything." Izayoi muttered in confusion as he glances at Rias who looks at him solemnly.

"Sorry, Izayoi-sama. Whenever he sees your face, he bounds to be like that. He once sees your face in the magazines and in the news before he started cowering under the bed covers. He would usually act this way." Ravel explained with a small frown, much to the red head and blonde's understanding.

"I didn't think it would hit him this hard from our fight. I don't think this is because of his first loss though. It's much worse than that." Izayoi said with a small frown as Ravel and Rias looked at him. "For now, we'll just have to get him out of this dim-lit room. I mean, is he so afraid of light that he can't open the lights?"

"….Sadly yes."

"What?"

"Onii-sama cannot as so much see light. But he can tolerate the light of fire."

---

Time Skip

"What is this bullshit?" Raiser sat on a ledge of a blaze of fire while a statue of Phoenix stood proudly amidst the flames. He was currently standing behind the vicinity of the Phenex castle. As he curses out for his predicament, Izayoi along with Rias and Ravel could be seen standing a distance away from Riser.

"So what's your plan?" Rias asked Izayoi standing in front of her and Ravel.

"Plan?" Izayoi asked. "I didn't even think about that. I thought that it wouldn't be this worse." Izayoi said whilst wearing a hood over his head to hide his face from being seen by Riser.

"Then what will you do?"

"I don't know. Maybe I can find it along the way." Izayoi assured before sighing. "Anyway, he should be here by now." At this, a large shadow loomed over the area and everyone looks up at Tannin.

"It's been a while since I've seen you guys." Tannin said as he looms over the area before landing in front of Riser who looked up at him. "What might seem to be the problem, Izayoi-dono? It is not every day I get to be summoned by the Hero of the Underworld." Tannin asked drawing a smile.

"Well, it's a long story. But in retrospect, the third youngest son of the Phenex Family has developed quite a fear of me."

"Oho? To what extent?" At this, Izayoi pulls down his hood and instantly Riser begins to fly away.

"No! No! I'm not going anywhere with you! This is bullshit!" Riser said in total fear before Tannin came grabbing him by his claws. "Huh?!"

"I used to watch you with great interest, Riser Phenex. But looking at you now, you seem to have a great problem." Tannin commented as Izayoi jumps onto Tannin's shoulder and stood staring down at Riser.

"You're really not looking like your previous self, Riser. You ain't showing such a good impression to the ones bearing quite a great interest in you. You've built a great reputation over the years and it's fallen through the drains with what you are now." Izayoi explained as Riser stared at him before watching a grin slowly draws within the hood. "Don't worry. With this rehabilitation, you could possibly be yourself without the fear of lights."

"He is afraid of lights too?" Tannin asked just before Riser speaks out loud.

"You don't know! You don't know how it felt like!" Riser exclaimed as Tannin stared confusedly at him before glancing at him.

"I assumed your fight with him has been quite traumatising for him? As I recalled from the news, you've won against Riser Phenex, an immortal without using any Holy items at your disposal. Instead you've finished him with—"

"Light! Yes! You don't know how it felt like!" Riser exclaimed at Tannin who turns towards him.

"Possessing the power to defy the immortality…What kind of human are you, Sakamaki Izayoi?" Tannin asked in thought glancing at Izayoi looking down at the terrified looking Riser in his grasp.

"It looks you're already set to go. If you need help, you can call me, Izayoi-kun." Rias called out from below as Izayoi turns towards her and smiles mischievously.

"I don't think I need help. But if you come to watch, feel free to. You can call the others." Izayoi responded nonchalantly as Rias stifle a laugh.

"We might visit, Izayoi-kun. But until then, you'll have to help him out." Rias said emphasized towards Riser who tried to get out of Tannin's grasp.

"You really don't have to worry, you know? I'll fix him real good." Izayoi grins playfully much to Rias's amusement.

"Take me with you! I want….I want to help with my brother's recovery!" Ravel said with a pleading look yet with determination.

"That girl has good eyes." Tannin commented looking back at Ravel. "What do you say, Sakamaki Izayoi?"

"I'm not going to take care of you while we're up there. Understand? You'll just have to take care of yourself."

"Izayoi-kun." Rias voiced out with a small frown, disapproving the blonde's remark. "Why can't you take care of her in the mountains?"

"If she's adamant to help with her brother, I'm certain she'll have the courage to take care of herself in the mountains. If not, why bother? Anyway, she has to learn how to take care of herself sooner or later. I'd think this is her chance to learn her own 'fortitude'. Am I wrong?" Izayoi asked as Rias looks at him before looking at Ravel who stared at the blonde.

"Ravel." Rias called out. "Do you want to go…?" She asked worried for Ravel about accepting the blonde's conditions. She was not against her husband at all but she felt worry for Ravel's wellbeing up in the mountains later on.

"…I-I'll go!" Ravel answered surprising Rias. "From this point onwards, I'll commit myself to helping my brother as best as I can!" She announced in determination while staring up at Izayoi. "Y-You don't have to worry much about me, Izayoi-sama! I can take care of myself there!"

"…Then why are you standing there? We got a long journey ahead of us." Izayoi smiles within his hood as Ravel smiled in respond before she flew up towards him and changes her clothing to a set of safari clothes in mid-air. Then Ravel landed next to Izayoi as she smiles up at him.

"Thank you, Izayoi-sama!"

Raising his hand in dismissal, Izayoi smiles in return. The blonde then looks down at Rias just as Tannin ascended from the ground.

"Take care!" Rias yelled towards him while waving her hand back and forth. "…I love you." She mouthed the words to Izayoi who smiled before turning around to look at the skies beneath his feet while Tannin had already flew up in the skies heading towards the mountains.

"No!" Riser shouted in agony.

"This is for your own good, Onii-sama! Please go along with it." Ravel stated before smiling at the skies passing by her as Tannin left the Phenex Territory. She then glances at the corner of her eyes to see Izayoi standing with a calm smile visible within his hood and she found herself smiling. Even if she knew that she would encounter problems over at the mountains since she would have to take care of herself, she found that she would overcome it. And it was only by watching the man in front of her smiling.

---

Time Skip

Dragon Mountains

"I have to say this is quite a sight from ordinary." Izayoi commented as he looks around at the mountains which were filled with dragons. Some were flying through the skies alongside them while some were inside their nests which were within the mountains themselves.

"Thank you for your compliment, Izayoi-dono. It is quite a sight up close. This area is the dragon's nest where my brethren live."

"Tannin-sama, you called for me?" A blue coloured dragon appeared right beside Tannin as Izayoi and Ravel looks at him.

"This is a high-level dragon who served under me. I've asked him to help take care of training Riser Phenex. I hope you don't mind his presence. I do not question your ability to train Riser whatsoever."

"Don't worry. This'll be good." Izayoi commented. "I thought I won't be the only one listening to his complain." He said as the blue coloured dragon turns his way to look at Izayoi.

"May I ask, who are you?"

"This individual you're talking to is none other than Sakamaki Izayoi. The Prince of Destruction, Gremory Prince and Hero of the Underworld."

"Huh? Are you serious?" The blue dragon looked at Tannin before looking at Izayoi who raised his hand in greeting. "The Hero of the Underworld came to visit us, dragons. This is quite a privilege."

"This is quite a privilege to me seeing the dragons here for the first or was it second?" Izayoi asked looking up as Tannin glances at him.

"Have you visited us in the past before, Izayoi-dono? I don't recall having met you during those times."

"Wait! Tannin-sama wasn't there an individual came here to challenge you before? There was a time before."

"….When I think about it, yes. I've remember that encounter. That individual was quite strong. What was his reason to come here?"

"I remember it was for—"

"It was just for fun. I know." Izayoi intervene as the blue dragon looked at him in surprise before staring out in realization followed by Tannin who had recalled about the exact sentence voiced out by the same voice he'd heard in the past.

"…You were the traveller, Izayoi-dono?"

"I'm not one to come disturb your kin but I wanted to face one of the former Dragon Kings at that time. It was a good fight to begin with. As I recall, you held the advantage."

"Advantage? I wouldn't call it advantage when you clearly defeated me fair and square. All of my brethren had witnessed that fight long before. They were astonished as me that you could fight a dragon toe to toe, Izayoi-dono." Tannin recalled the said past events with a smile, knowing himself that he thoroughly enjoyed the fight against the blonde. Although he didn't know his identity up until now, but when he thought about the blonde's origin as a human informed by Sirzechs, he let out an impressive smile to himself. "Human or not…You are quite a strong opponent, Izayoi-dono." Tannin voiced out as Izayoi turns towards him.

"Thanks. I appreciate that coming from one of the former Dragon King."

"Hahaha! Don't let it get to your head."

"I think this is the only chance I have." Izayoi snickers before turning his attention towards the blue dragon. "I hope you don't mind listening to him complain for the rest of the week or so." Izayoi smiled under his hood.

"Complain, huh?"

"You'll see soon enough."

"It'll be quite an enjoyable time working with you, Izayoi-sama."

"I have to say the same thing." Izayoi draws a smile within his hood as he shares it with the blue dragon who nods his head at him. Meanwhile, Ravel look on at the blonde and lightly smiles.

---

Time Skip

"Here."

"Huh?" Ravel asked looking down at the flashlight in her extended palms. She then looks up at Izayoi who pocketed both his hands inside his hoodie pouch.

"It's for your brother. You're going to monitor him for a while as part of your job, alright?"

"Alright." Ravel nodded her head. "But what are you going to do, Izayoi-sama?"

"When he has enough, bring him to me. I'll be waiting right here." Izayoi instructed to Ravel who nodded. "Don't hold back. Just use the flashlight on him if ever complains or just annoys you." A small smile quickly spread across Ravel's face at his remark.

"I can definitely do that. I won't show any mercy. This is maybe the only time I can berate my brother." Ravel stated as Izayoi chuckles before he stops.

"Right." Izayoi responded before watching the blue dragon waiting behind the two while guarding Riser from escaping. "You should probably go."

Turning to look at the blue dragon waiting for her, Ravel nodded before looking at the blonde. "Thank you, Izayoi-sama. For accepting to help my brother even if he did you wrong."

"Don't thank me yet. We're not even halfway curing your brother." Izayoi said to her as Ravel stared at him before smiling and running off towards the blue dragon. Izayoi watches Ravel flew on top of the dragon's back and told the dragon what he had told her.

"…Now start! Go!" The blue dragon instructed Riser who looked up at him before grumbling and started jogging away. With that, Ravel and the blue dragon followed him closely as Izayoi watches them leave to trek around the mountains.

As they left, Izayoi looks around at the rough terrain around him which was fully engulfed in snow and rough winds were blowing furiously over everywhere in the vicinity. Staring out for a moment, the blonde started trekking towards the cave behind him, knowing that the day was only beginning, much to his slight annoyance.

Meanwhile…

"Come on, Onii-sama! Just say light! Light! Light!" Ravel encouraged her brother trekking around the rough snowy terrain.

"No! I don't want to say it!" Riser begged as he treks through the valley within the rough winds blowing everywhere.

"Say it!" Ravel said as she pointed the flashlight given by Izayoi and shines it in front of Riser who stopped and gasped at the light.

"I-Izayoi-dono?! I-I apologize! Please don't!" Riser pleaded as he jumps out of the way and curled into a ball on the snowy ground. "Don't! Please don't! I'm so sorry!"

"This is…going to get tough." Ravel grumbled as she watches her brother squirmed.

"I can see why Izayoi-sama does not want to accompany us." Nodding at the remark, Ravel heard the blue dragon speaks out towards Riser.

"Come on! We barely started trekking!" The blue dragon said as he breathes out an ice breath that suddenly shakes Riser out of his stupor.

"Huh?" Riser looked up at the two before he nodded his head furiously and started continuing trekking while the blue dragon and Ravel followed him behind his back.

---

Time Skip

"I-I've had enough! I don't want to do this! This is bullshit!" Riser complained as his face buried in the snow before lifting up his face from the snow. A deep scorn was visible on his face.

"Get up! You haven't finished yet!"

"Well, I don't have to finish it!" Riser yelled at the blue dragon before sprouting his flame wings and ascended towards the skies. But before he could get away any further, he was caught by surprise at the blue dragon flying past him and stood in front of him. Then a white light obscured his sights and Riser immediately begin backing away before his fear overcomes him; his wings dissipated and he fell to the ground. "Don't! Don't! I beg of you!" Riser pleaded obscuring his eyes from seeing the light that was invading his sight.

"You have to do this, Onii-sama or not you will not get any better!" Ravel scolded her squirming brother from on top of the blue dragon.

"O-Okay! I'll do it! Please don't point it at my eyes!" Riser begged before Ravel sighed and switches off the flashlight.

"Alright, Onii-sama. I've—Hey, Onii-sama! Where are you going?" Ravel shouted back as Riser immediately flies back towards where they come from. Looking at where he flew away, Ravel looks down at the blue dragon that looks at her before the two immediately pursue Riser.

"Why should I do this kind of thing? It's unnecessary of. Practically it's a waste of time." Riser grumbled under his breath as he flew in the air and headed towards his home. But along the way, something hit past him and he backed away. "Huh?!" Riser looked around him before a voice registered towards him.

"I would've guessed you complained and ran off."

Instantly, Riser looks down at Izayoi standing below him with his hoodie over his body while the hood obscured his face from view.

"It's all because of you! Wh-What is all of this?! Some kind of joke?!" Riser bellowed out at the blonde who shrug off his anger.

"…Hey, you're acting stranger than before. You weren't acting like this when I came to meet you. What's with all the anger? Usually, you'd be scared half to death not to speak with me. But now you're bellowing out on me. That's great improvement. Maybe this isn't a bust after all."

"You'd think this is some kind of fun joke to you?" Riser yelled out as fire engulfed his fists.

"Yeah. I would think so. I would've thought you'd take the blow like an arrogant fool you are. I would've thought you'd send me letters to fight it out again and again to determine the winner. But all I get is you locked up in your room whining." Izayoi explained nonchalantly as Riser grit his teeth throughout his explanation.

Suddenly, a burst of fire rolled out of Riser as Izayoi enlightened a smile to see him emblazed in flames with a look of pure anger.

"You arrogant blonde! Who do you think you are?"

"I'm not some arrogant prick that locked up in his room for losing one game ever since he was born. But it looks like you are." Izayoi commented as Riser summons forth fireballs in his hands.

"You'll pay for that!" Riser shouted as he immediately shoot forth fireball after fireball towards Izayoi. "You're not gonna dodge this!" He stated out loud as he quickly shoot forth fireballs towards Izayoi who stood in his spot.

"I don't need to. I'll gladly do this instead!" Izayoi retracted his right fist and punches the first fireball, causing a burst of fire flakes to fly past him as all of the fireballs begins to crash into the first fireball and accumulate until forming a big fireball. Smirking, the blonde punches it full towards Riser who looks at it in surprise before it collided with him and exploding with a ferocious explosion.

"Argh!" Riser yelled out in pain as he fell from the explosion and crashes to the snowy ground where it lessen his impact force. But nevertheless, the Phenex groaned in pain after hitting the snowy ground.

"Onii-sama!" Ravel shouted as she arrived with the blue dragon to see Riser groaning in pain on the ground while Izayoi stood a distance away.

"Izayoi-sama." The blue dragon called out. "I apologize—"

"No. It's okay. It looks like he's improving already." Izayoi smiled as Ravel looked at him in surprise. "He's gotten quite nasty compare to when he desperately wanted to avoid me." He explained smiling before walking up to Riser who shakes his head to stop his throbbing head. Just as the Phenex finally had calmed the said throbbing feeling, he looked up at the blonde through gritted teeth before his face contorted to fear as he looked into the purple pair of eyes visible within the hood along with the entirety of his face. At the sight, Riser immediately backs away as Izayoi frowns at the reaction before sighing. "He's still not over yet."

"Should we continue?" Ravel asked him as Izayoi looks up at him before glancing down at the terrified looking Riser.

"Why should we stop?" Izayoi asked with a hinted smile as he looks up at Ravel. "We'd just started day one. We have to make it all count." At this, Ravel smiles and nodded in agreement.

"Onii-sama. If you will follow us." Ravel asked as Riser only had time to look up before he was scoop up by the blue dragon's claws.

"As Izayoi-sama said, we only started our training. We cannot stop here. It'll be a waste of time to fled from this perfect time to train underneath this condition." After that, the blue dragon flew towards the way where they came from to continue the trekking.

A satisfied smile spread across Izayoi's face as he watches Riser squirmed within the dragon's grasp before he heard him shout.

"No!" Riser yelled out as his shout could be heard echoed throughout the mountains.

---

Time Skip

Next Day

"Keep climbing, Onii-sama!" Ravel encouraged Riser climbing a mountain. She watches him climb with hiking gear on, step by step using the rope that goes all the way to the top of the mountain. "You can do it!"

"Shut up! I'm trying to concentrate!" Riser remarked before cursing out loud as he grabs the wrong part of the mountain and falls backs down slightly. "Ugh!" Riser yelled as his body hit the mountain side.

"Come on, Riser Phenex! You can do better than that, right?" A nonchalant voice made its appearance as Riser look up irritatingly at the smiling Izayoi sitting atop the mountain's edge above fifty feet from his position.

"Shut your mouth!" Riser shouted at him before proceeding to climb ahead. Though during his ascend, he had a few mishap by grabbing onto the wrong part of the mountain which causes his descend a few times over. As Riser started to climb over his recent mishap, he punches the mountain with the side of his arm before sprouting his wings and ascended towards the blonde sitting idly at the mountain's edge. "Come here, Sakamaki! You'd think you better than me?!" He shouted as Izayoi looks down before flipping back to avoid a punch of flames to his face.

"I definitely am!" Izayoi said standing across from Riser while crossing his arms over his chest. "Didn't you remember I beat you senseless the first time?"

"Bastard! That's just—a lucky shot!"

"Lucky shot? I don't think I recalled that kind of term to describe the situation at that time."

"I've had enough of you!" Riser growled before attempting to attack the blonde by sending an ark of flames with a swing of his hand. But just as he would have it, the ark of flames dissipated by another blast of flames coming from above. His face turned surprise as he saw his little sister, Ravel landing before him after she disrupted his attack.

"Onii-sama. That's not nice to fly away like that!" Ravel stated to Riser in a scolding tone. "You're not even finish."

"I don't care if I finish it or not! I'm gonna beat down that Sakamaki once and for all! He always gets on my nerves!"

"You should think that as inspirational support from your former opponent. I didn't volunteer willingly to this, you know?"

"Huh?" Riser asked.

"Your sister asked me; to get you into shape and whatnot. She seen what you have become and she didn't want it to last any longer it seems." Izayoi explained with a shrug of his shoulder. "Now you know the whole story." He smiled nonchalantly as Riser looked at him before turning to Ravel who blushes in embarrassment.

"It doesn't matter! Come here, Sakamaki! I'm gonna roast you! I didn't even show you my full strength when we last fought!" Riser indicated.

"I don't think I'll accept. But thanks for the offer."

"What?" Riser asked as Izayoi snaps his fingers and immediately a large shadow loomed over Riser's back. Sensing the presence behind him, Riser slowly turns around before yelling out as a claw grasp onto his body.

"Ah!"

"Where do you think you're going?" The blue dragon asked Riser within his grasp. "As Ravel-sama had stated, you're not even finish. As punishment, restart back."

"What?!" Only after sounding his confusion, Riser could only watch as the blue dragon flew downwards towards the down part of the mountain whilst bringing him along. "No! What the hell is happening?!"

Meanwhile in a hot spring in the Underworld…

"Hot springs are so nice~" Rossweisse moaned in satisfaction as she stretches her arms in the air as her breasts bounces. "I can feel the stress being washed away."

"Why do you feel so much stress?" Rias asked in amusement sitting next to Rossweisse along with Asia.

"Well, I devoted myself to my boss, yet he abandoned me and left me with nowhere to go." Rossweisse answered before she drops her head down to water level. A small mischievous smile spreads across her lips. "I will never forget what he did." The last words she said were drowned out by the water.

"Ara, ara. So scary." Akeno stated. "But I don't think Rossweisse-san is stressed out by that only. Right?" Akeno smiles down at Rossweisse who heard her and she lifted her head up to look at her.

A small blush blooms over her cheeks as Rossweisse realized what she said.

"…I don't think I'm stressed out by that—"

"I don't believe you one bit, Rossweisse-san. You were well stressed out earlier." Akeno giggled right after as Rossweisse drops half of her face into the water, hiding her red face of embarrassment.

"I wonder how Izayoi-kun and the others are doing. I hope they are doing well," Xenovia stated as Asia nodded.

"Yes. I wonder how Izayoi-senpai would help Riser-san…" Asia wondered out loud as she looks up with a thoughtful look. Meanwhile, Rias smiles at her.

"I wondered about that too. But I don't think we should worry about that yet. Maybe they're getting along just fine." Xenovia indicated.

"I don't think they'll settled fine." Rias intervene with a smile as she looks down at the water. "They might end up fighting each other over the course of the training. Knowing Izayoi-kun, Riser would likely initiate the first fight."

"That would be true." Akeno smiled along as Rias thought about her husband and decided something to do whilst everyone relaxes around in the hot spring.

Meanwhile in the mountains…

"He really got a loud voice." Izayoi commented hearing Riser's loud voice echoing from below the mountain as Ravel turns around to look at him. "Besides that, I could handle that back there."

Knowing what he meant, Ravel nodded. "I know, Izayoi-sama. But I cannot let my brother do his own things uncontrollably. I am here to supervise my brother, correct? You're the one who bestowed me my position, yes?"

"….Good work." Izayoi answered with a small smile as Ravel smiled back before she heard an explosion down towards the mountain. Giggling at the sound of her brother yelling out in complaint, Ravel sprouted her wings.

"It looks like I am needed. I can't let my brother do this all alone." Ravel stated smiling at the blonde as she ascended in the air before she turns around and left the blonde standing on top of the mountain.

Suddenly, a tiny magic circle appears over his right ear as Izayoi glances through the corner of his eyes at the magic circle. Then, a voice speaks out of the magic circle which causes him to smile.

"How is your day, Izayoi-kun?"

"Ara, ara. This isn't the time to speak with Izayoi-kun now is it?" Akeno's voice could be heard over the magic circle as Izayoi listened in on. "We have the bath to ourselves. Let's not disturb Izayoi-kun."

"Izayoi-senpai is there?" Asia's curious voice spoke.

"Izayoi-kun? Are you training Riser Phenex?" Xenovia asked.

"Girls, I don't think it's polite to interrupt." Rossweisse stated in the background.

"Yeah. We shouldn't bug Rias." Irina stated. "But since we've already made such a nuisance…How are you, Izayoi-kun? Are you having fun? I've been meaning to ask you that question for a while, you know?"

"Define fun." Izayoi answered to which cause laughter in the bathing hall.

"Poor Izayoi-kun….If you want some company, you can always call me." Akeno indicated.

"I'm questioning myself why I haven't yet."

"It isn't any trouble if you call me. I've been meaning to continue our date."

"Since when I gave you permission, Akeno?" Rias asked.

"Now, now, Rias-Buchou. It's entirely up to Izayoi-kun if he wants to. If he agrees, I don't think you can stop me from going."

"Akeno…"

"Ara, ara. You're getting a little red there, Rias."

"It's good you've called. It's been quite quiet here." Izayoi said before hearing Riser's screaming down below the mountain.

"What's that?" Asia asked. "Is that Riser-san, Izayoi-senpai?"

"Yeah. He's currently getting into shape."

"What is your job then, Izayoi-kun? I imagine that you're handling Riser's training."

"I'm just an observant. Don't worry I'm a part of the training course as it is. Although it's quite boring to stand around for a while and observe but I do tend to jump into some actions once in a while."

"Really? I would imagine Riser wouldn't dare face you without seeing your face. Am I right?"

"Right. Sadly he can't get over that." Izayoi answered as wind blows his hood back and forth while he stares out into the open sky. "I'm questioning if this is permanent."

"Don't worry, you'll find a way. I trust you and so is Ravel."

"So far it isn't going anywhere."

"You'll find a way."

"Can I trust on your judgement?"

"Do you question your wife?"

"…Alright. I'll think of something along the way." Izayoi answered with a small smile as Rias smiled back before speaking up on another topic.

"By the way, we're going to visit you soon. We'll be going to the hot springs around there before we meet you."

"Yes. Why don't you join us in the hot springs, Izayoi-kun? It'll be very relaxing to have you here with us." Akeno smiles as she suggested while everyone looks at her in surprise.

"I don't think I should interrupt." Izayoi answered laughing as Akeno pouts. "But I might change my mind in the long run." He added lastly as Akeno smiled.

"Please do." Akeno replied.

"Izayoi-kun! Don't you dare go!" Asuka intervene speaking out loud for her words to come across Izayoi's ear.

"Ojou-sama?" An amusing smile lit up on Izayoi's lips.

"Do not go."

"Alright…I'll definitely go." He spoke nonchalantly.

"What?"

"You're tempting me, Ojou-sama. I cannot resist." Izayoi said between laughs as Rias stifle a laugh at Asuka's cheeks blooming red in embarrassment.

"Then, I hope we'll be seeing you real soon, Izayoi-kun." Rias reminded smiling before she closes her eyes as the magic circle hovering over her left ear disappears.

"If I didn't know better, I'd said you were tempting him like a Devil, Asuka-san." Akeno complimented towards Asuka who looks at her in surprise. "You are a very persuasive woman." She teased.

"No, I'm not!" Asuka replied with blushing cheeks while she held onto the ends of her towel over her body as she recently came inside the bathing hall.

"Can you persuade other boys or only Izayoi-kun?"

"Akeno." Rias said pointedly at the teasing Akeno before moving on to see Asuka sighing. "Anyway, we can't change his decision. We have to be ready for the time he's coming." She smiled at everyone who held blushes except Akeno and Xenovia.

---

Time Skip

Dragon's Mountains

"Today we're going to do something different." Izayoi spoke as he stood in front of Riser and Ravel along with the blue dragon.

"Different? What kind of different? Climbing mountains without the use of legs?" Riser grumbled as Izayoi smiles mischievously.

"I reckon you want to do that?" At the question, Riser immediately looks at the blonde in surprise. "I can do that if you liked climbing mountains so much."

"No!" Riser immediately declined. "So what's this different thing we should do, huh?" He demanded. "I can't wait to hear it."

"Heh, alright." Izayoi stifle a chuckle which annoyed Riser.

"Stop chuckling. Do you think it's funny?!"

"Yes. As a matter of fact, it is funny for me." Izayoi affirmed before he went on. "Anyway, we're not gonna do any kind of training for you."

"What?" Riser asked out of surprise.

"If not, I would be laughing all the time and I can't concentrate on helping you like I intend to. So to help you; we'll settle this matter straightforwardly." Izayoi offered a smile towards Riser. "Fight me."

"What?" As Riser stood in surprise, Ravel looks at Izayoi who glances at her and swiftly nods.

At the motion, Ravel sprouted her wings and ascended in the skies followed by the blue dragon.

"So Izayoi-sama intend to fight Riser-sama to rid of his fear? I understand." The blue dragon commented with an understanding nod before he settled on watching the soon to-be fight in mid-air alongside Ravel. "Ravel-sama, is this what Izayoi-sama planned to do from the start?"

"I didn't get any information about that yet. This is my first time hearing it." Ravel told as she landed on top of the dragon's shoulder to look down at the two individuals standing across each other.

"Why are you gaping like a fish, Phenex? Aren't you a bird? Then gape like one." Izayoi joked as Riser grits his teeth at the comment. "Come on, isn't this what you wanted from the beginning? Let's think of this as a Rating Game. You want to win desperately, right? So why the hesitation?" Izayoi asked whilst waiting for the Phenex to retaliate. "…This is pathetic. What are you waiting for, Riser Phenex?! Are you scared that you can't even fight a mere human? You're more pathetic than I thought!"

"Shut the hell up, mortal‼ Do you think you're superior to a Phenex?!" Riser bellowed out as he sprouted his wings as he ascended in the skies and looks down at the blonde smiling at his outburst.

"You've asked the wrong question. I'm not superior to a Phenex. As a matter of fact, you are the one who's inferior to be a Phenex!"

"What did you say?"

"You heard me the first time, right?"

"Why you bastard‼ You're gonna pay for that!" Riser exclaimed before smirking and flies down instantly towards Izayoi. "I don't know if you've heard this but I am superior in aerial than you, mortal!" He said as his hands engulfed in flames before he swings forth both hands, shooting out two arks of flames to head towards Izayoi. Then, Riser stops to back away before sending a large burst of flames towards the hooded blonde.

Large flames reflected on the blonde's pupils as Izayoi watches the flames in slow motion before a smirk slowly spread across his lips.

A large explosion detonated where Izayoi stood and Riser let out a horrendous laugh.

"Ha! Ha! Do you see that?! You can't even survive a weak attack like that!" Riser grins in victorious as a strong feeling overcomes him and he felt superior. But just as he basked in the glory for a moment, the spectators watching in the skies notices something amidst.

"What…?" Ravel asked as she watches something strange amidst the smokes and flames that scattered around the area. Her eyes widens as a large burst of golden flames came out from the smokes, dissipating the smokes and nearby flames.

"What in the world?!" Riser asked in shock as he watches the scene in front of him.

"…Since you're afraid of light but not afraid of flames. I'm afraid I have to try a different approach." Izayoi let out a smirk as his hood was pulled down by the large force of the golden flames obscuring his whole body. "Fighting fire with fire, as they say." Izayoi stated as he step into a fighting stance as the large burst of golden flames lessen into flickering around his whole body. But the entire area around him had melted the snow which exposed the barren ground below.

Meanwhile, Riser looked at Izayoi in shock before a wide grin spread across his face and a large burst of flames burst out of him.

"Fighting fire with fire, huh?! I like it!" Riser admitted as he hovered above the ground. "But my fire is more dominant than you, I'm afraid!"

"We won't know for sure, right?" Izayoi asked as he stared into Riser's eyes before the two instantly dashes forward. Him dashing whilst Riser flies. A clash between Golden Wing flames and Phenex flames.

"Woah…!" Ravel gasped as she watches Izayoi and her brother clashes within the area. The two of them clash each other in one place before moving onto another place. The cycle repeated itself as Ravel watches the scene in amazement. The blonde Phenex did not believe that her brother looked determined right now than he previously was. "Onii-sama." She murmured with a small smile of joy.

---

Time Skip

"Where are you going, Phenex?!" Izayoi shouted as he kicks down at the ground where Riser had flown mere moments ago. Immediately the ground parted ways behind the force of the kick as Izayoi looks up at Riser standing in mid-air. "Why don't you come down? It'll be more challenging for you and you might improve than running away."

"I'm not running away, fool."

"If you're not running, what are you doing then?" Izayoi questioned crossing his arms over his chest. "You're immortal. You can take the hit without suffering any losses, am I wrong?" A mocking smile crosses his face as Riser grits his teeth at his insult.

"He's too powerful…" Riser thought in frustration. "It's just like before. Where is his weakness?!" He questioned himself as he determined to find any type of weakness on the mocking blonde. The situation now reminds him of his previous fight with the blonde. He searched for any weakness that he could find and take advantage on against the blonde in the Rating Game But before he could continue his search, he was utterly beaten around. He was consumed by his anger and frustration upon going up against Sakamaki Izayoi; a human that he never encounter before in his life. The human which bares the same blood as his kind. The exact same human that could best him in a fight. The thought of which has haunted him during the duration of his deep slump. Just as Riser was busily thinking about it, he was shaken out of his stupor and looks down at Izayoi.

"Come on, Riser Phenex. You're not the type to run away like a coward right?" At this, Riser gritted his teeth hard.

"How dare you?! Me, a coward?!" Riser exclaimed as he descended down and hovers slightly over the ground. "Take this!" Riser shouted shooting off fireballs upon fireballs towards Izayoi who smirks and punches the ground, enlighten a burst of golden flames bursting out from the ground and eradicate all the fireballs in one go.

"You have to do better than that! Let me show you one!" Izayoi said as he punches the burst of golden flames which causes it to spiral into a vortex and heading towards Riser who was immediately caught up into the vortex.

"Wh-What is this?!" Riser asked in shock as he felt his entire being burning like never before. Before he could think about those thoughts, he fell to the ground with scorching burns all over his body. "What was that…?" He asked himself wincing in pain as he surveyed the damages and he fell into surprise to see his wounds were not healing. "I don't believe this..." Riser murmured before he looks up to see Izayoi gesturing mockingly towards himself.

"I have to say; you're more energetic than the last time we fought. I remember clearly that you acted like a ragdoll. Without a doubt, you were a weakling."

"What was that?!" Riser asked clearly looking offended. Gritting his teeth at the insult, Riser summoned a burst of fire that engulfed his arms.

Smiling at the expression visible in front of him, Izayoi pulls out a small flashlight from his pocket pants and shines it over Riser's eyes. At the action, Riser winced at the light presented towards his eyes before he swings his right arm in an ark, which shoots off a wide ark of flames that blows of snow and melted them.

"No more games, Sakamaki! I'm gonna show what a Phenex can do at this point when he's pissed!" Riser said through gritted teeth.

"Weren't you always pissed off?" Izayoi asked pocketing the flashlight with a satisfied smile before stepping into a fighting stance. "I assumed this will be it?" His eyebrow rose in expectation.

"You can count on that, Sakamaki! I'll make you experience crucial pain!"

"Why don't you show it then? Entertain me!" Izayoi spoke out loud before Riser flies forward as he followed by dashing along. As the two neared each other, Izayoi clenches on the back of his heels to punch the ground, shooting out a chunk of earth into the air, surprising Riser who slowed his pace.

"What?" Riser looks around the stones flying upwards to search for the blonde that seemed to disappear.

"Up here, Phenex!" A voice called out as Riser gritted his teeth and flies upwards towards the chunk of earth in the air before landing on it. He looks around his surroundings which consisted of small and big chunks of stones in mid-air. Just as he focused himself on searching the blonde, he was taken by surprise as the chunk of earth immediately exploded sending him away before Riser looks up at the blonde in front of him. "You did well but not well enough." Izayoi reminded before proceeding to kick Riser down, shooting him forth to crash into the ground with a loud explosion which sends a huge shockwave to spread across the area.

"Woah!" The blue dragon exclaimed in surprise at the shockwave shifting his weight in mid-air. "That's a powerful attack." He commented in astonishment whilst Ravel looks down at her brother before flying down towards him.

"Onii-sama!" Ravel landed on the edge of the crater before she watches Izayoi walking towards Riser lying down on the centre.

"Well, Phenex?"

Riser looked up at the blonde hovering above him. Frowning deeply at the sight of the blonde, Riser sighed before leaning down his head. "…What are you, Sakamaki? I've always asked that question over and over again. But I can't figure it out…" He admitted.

"Then, the answer you're thinking about will repeat itself again and again, no matter how many times you've asked yourself that question."

"Bastard…" Riser opens his eyes to look up at Izayoi before sitting up. A groan of pain comes out of his throat as Riser curses and grabs onto his right shoulder. "Why am I in this damn situation again? I've always forgot that I would've break something after a fight with you, Sakamaki." Riser glared up at Izayoi. "No matter what, I will always break something."

"What are you complaining about, Phenex? You're immortal, deal with it." Izayoi smiles nonchalantly as Riser sighed before a small smile drew at the corner of his lips.

"I really gave in to your provocation, Sakamaki. That's why I'm always into these situations."

"Don't you know it?" At this, Izayoi laughs as Riser sighed before a small chuckle comes out from his throat.

"Damn you, Sakamaki…"

"Onii-sama…" Ravel murmured as she watches her brother smiles. A wide smile spread across her face before she flies towards them. "Onii-sama!" She shouted as Riser looked up at her landing in front of him.

"What are you smiling about, Ravel? Are you happy that I got beaten by Sakamaki?" Riser grumbled as Ravel smiled and laugh, adding to his frustration.

"No, no. It's not that, Onii-sama. You're alright now." Ravel spoke as Riser looked at her in confusion before a small light flickers at his eyes and he drew a frustrated frown.

"Would you stop that, Sakamaki? Do you want a beating again?!" Riser exclaimed as he glares up at the smiling blonde holding up the flashlight before closing off the switch.

"You're alright now, Onii-sama!" Ravel exclaimed as Riser sighed, not knowing what Ravel was so happy about. The only thing he knows is his frustration over the smiling blonde standing in front of him.

"Someday, I'll beat you Sakamaki." Riser spoke looking up at Izayoi. "I'll beat you in an instant you'll never going to do anything, especially summoning that light once again…" At the last statement, Riser's pupils held fear over the recount. Meanwhile, Ravel frowned slightly noting her brother's behaviour changed momentarily.

"If you don't want that to happen, you'd better start proving yourself." Izayoi stated which brought Riser into reality as he looks up at him. "And the only way to prove yourself is getting yourself out of your slump, Phenex." A playful smile plays on his lips as Izayoi looks down at Riser who stared at him for a moment before slowly standing up.

Turning towards the smiling blonde, Riser only spare a look before he walks away while clutching his shoulder.

"Onii-sama." Ravel muttered over seeing her brother walking away but she soon watches him stops and looks over his shoulder.

"Watch yourself, Sakamaki. You'll get your ass beaten by me sooner or later." Riser smiles showing teeth before he walks away as Ravel smiles at him.

"You should go take care of him. He'll be complaining about his injuries in a second." Glancing at Izayoi, Ravel nodded with a smile before soon following her brother to treat his wounds.

---

Time Skip

"Why am I doing this again?!" Riser yelled out as he runs from the blue dragon giving chase behind him. "I thought we're over this already!" His voice echoed throughout the mountains.

Over a good distance away from Riser's position, Izayoi sat upon a chair across from Ravel. A table set between them as a red parasol stood above the table. On top of the table was a vase of red flowers and freshly baked pancakes with syrup, butter on top and blueberries on two plates. Alongside the plates were various pitchers filled with syrup, water, and tea. A small bowl filled with sugar cubes positioned nearby the pitcher filled with syrup.

"It's been three days since the training started. How's Onii-sama doing?" Ravel asked looking up as she adorned a red dress which complimented her developed body.

"You've seen it for yourself right?" Izayoi asked with a knowing smile as Ravel smiles back.

"I know. But I just wanted the confirmation from you, Izayoi-sama."

"Hm?" Izayoi stared at her before pulling a thumb up. "Riser's will be up attending Rating Games in no time. Is that enough confirmation?" Izayoi asked at the last part as Ravel laughed slightly before nodding.

"Yes, that is much appreciated. Thank you, Izayoi-sama. That makes me feel relieved." Ravel stated before she sneezes due to the cold atmosphere around her. Though the atmosphere was calm and did not blow furious winds at them like before, the atmosphere was cold to the touch.

"If you're cold, why wore a dress?" Izayoi asked in slight confusion.

"I'm…I'm not cold at all!" Ravel assured before her cheeks turns slightly red. "It's only proper for a lady from a noble family to wear a dress to morning tea." She said brushing off her blush as she indicated before she sneezes once again. Then, Ravel looks up to greet a hoodie extended towards her as she looks at Izayoi offering his black hoodie.

"Here. I don't want to be the loser if I can't treat a lady correctly. That's one of the ethics, right?" Izayoi asked with a smile. "Though I am questioning your ethic of wearing a dress to morning tea in whatever condition you're in." He added as Ravel stared at him before looking down at the extended hoodie. "Wear it."

"But you said I have to take care of myself. I am fully capable of withstanding this cold atmosphere, Izayoi-sama." Ravel assured the blonde before she sneezes.

"You're saying?"

"But I can't."

"Wear it. I insist." At this, Ravel looks at offered hoodie before she takes it by the hand and wore it over her. A sense of warmth quickly spread over her entire body once she adorned the hoodie. "I see you like it." Izayoi commented as Ravel looks up at him and smiles shyly with a small blush.

"Th-Thank you, Izayoi-sama."

"No worries." Izayoi replied before cutting a piece of pancake and puts it inside his mouth. Chewing on it for a moment, Izayoi swallows it and he raises his eyebrow at Ravel. "I gotta say this is good."

"Do you really think so? I got everything from the dragons, but there were some ingredients I couldn't find…But I wasn't satisfied with how they turned out."

"You aren't? I'm satisfied with how these turned out." Izayoi said before eating the whole piece and chew on it.

"You know, you can count yourself lucky that you get to eat my handmade pancakes. You should be thankful." Ravel boasted about herself as Izayoi chuckles.

"What's with that, Izayoi-sama? Jeez, and I woke up so early this morning too…" Ravel said without realizing the mistake in her statement.

"You woke up early? For what?" Izayoi asked as Ravel realized and she started cutting a piece of her pancake.

"N-No. I can make dozens of pancakes in a short amount of time. I just happened to wake up early this morning." Ravel explained picking up a piece of pancake and putting it in her mouth whilst Izayoi observed her before he continues eating. Just as Ravel continue eating, she then realizes something and she glances up at Izayoi wearing a red zip up vest without his hoodie which was currently around hers. Gulping down the nervousness in her throat, Ravel coughed in her hand as Izayoi look up amidst his chewing. The blonde watches as a magic circle appeared above Ravel's lap. He cannot see what was going on since the table obscured his view. "Ano…Izayoi-sama?" Ravel called out as she looks up at him while the magic circle disappears.

"Yeah?" Ravel slowly raises her hands and extended them forward towards the blonde who looks at the object presented towards him. A calculative gaze fell upon the blonde as he stared at the object. "What is this?"

"This is a symbol of our friendship." Ravel answered as Izayoi grabs a hold of the object and stared at it. "This is normally a gift for High-Class Devils. But since you're far stronger than a High-Class Devil and are known throughout the Underworld. Th-This is a gift for you, Izayoi-sama. I hope you graciously accept it."

"Alright. I accept your token, Ravel." Izayoi answered much to Ravel's surprise as she watches Izayoi pocketed the case. "If this is normally given to High-Class Devil, I might as well accept it right? What privilege it is to receive a gift as a human? What are the odds?" Izayoi stated as Ravel smiles at him. "But what exactly is it? Can you tell me?"

All he got was a shake of a head as Ravel smiles.

"It is useful on the battlefield. I can assure you on that and that is all I can tell you about it." Ravel explained as Izayoi nodded.

"Either way, thanks." Izayoi replied before continuing to eat followed by Ravel who steals a glance at him whilst eating.

"Ne, Izayoi-sama."

"Huh?"

"How is Kuoh Academy?"

"Why the sudden question?"

"I'm just curious. At some point, I'd like to try on the Kuoh Academy uniform."

"Really? Well if you did, what year will you be in?"

"Just for you, I will answer your question. I would be a First-year student if I went to a human high school." Ravel answered as she gestured to herself as Izayoi nodded in understanding.

"You might be good wearing the uniform."

"Of course! It is me that we're talking about." Ravel spoke before she glances up at Izayoi as her cheeks blooms pink. "C-Can I visit your clubroom again in the near future?"

"It's not my clubroom but I think Rias would allow it. If you like, you can visit to my house." Izayoi said nonchalantly as Ravel smiles widely.

"Th-Then, I will visit without any reserve!" Ravel told him before she picks her teacup and drinks from it. After a moment, she pulls back her teacup. "After all, it is also a High-Ranking Devil's job to learn about the ordinary life of humans." Ravel explained before she looks at the blonde across her. "Oh, by the way, I heard Rias-sama and the others will be up here in the mountains tonight. Apparently there is a nice hot spring around here."

"Tonight?" Izayoi questioned never receiving the exact time of visiting the hot springs from Rias. "Maybe she'd forget." He concluded in mind.

"Yes."

"If you don't mind me asking, can you show me the way to the hot spring? A hot spring is what I need these days."

"A-Alright, Izayoi-sama." Ravel nodded before she thought about something and decided to speak her mind. "By the way, Izayoi-sama. C-Can I wash your back in the hot springs?" Ravel stuttered at the start due to the nervousness of asking the question. "I-I mean it is okay if you don't want to."

"If you like to. I don't mind." Izayoi answered nonchalantly with a shrug as Ravel looks up at him in surprise before directing a smile towards him. "Who would decline such an offer from a girl like you?" Izayoi asked raising his eyebrow in amusement as Ravel blushes at his compliment.

"T-Then, I will do my best, Izayoi-sama!"

"I expected it to."

---

Time Skip

Night

Mountain Hot Springs

"Where is Izayoi-kun, Rias-Buchou?" Akeno asked Rias sitting next to her as the two of them and the other girls were relaxing in the hot spring hall. "I thought he would arrived by now." She stated before Rias gasped in realization.

"Oh my. I don't think I told him we're gonna be in the hot spring tonight. I forgot to tell him earlier." Rias spoke much to Akeno's surprise.

"Then, Izayoi-kun would not be able to visit us after all. This is unfortunate indeed." Akeno pouted.

"I think it's good that he isn't here." Asuka told as she sat next to Xenovia. Beside her was Sala who was combing her hair with her hand. "Why would we allow him to be in the same hot spring as us?"

"You tempted him to, Asuka-san. Don't you remember? I think everyone clearly heard it." Akeno explained as a small smile appears over her face.

"Well, he isn't coming here, so that conversation did not happen at all." Asuka concluded before sighing. "It'll be much better without him." She added as she sighed contently at the warm water enveloping her body. "Don't you remember that we're here only to relax before we'll visit him tomorrow?"

"Yes, that is true." Rias agreed. "We'll relax in the hot springs tonight and check in with Izayoi-kun tomorrow." She spoke to everyone.

"Ara, ara. Then we should clean our bodies really well." Akeno said smiling before a voice interrupted the moment of silence in the hot springs.

"I didn't think it would be this large of a hot spring. It's quite impressive."

Rias look up at the voice with surprise along with the others who stopped doing whatever activities they were doing before they looked at the direction where the voice was originating from.

"How?"Asuka asked in surprise while keeping a hand over her mouth to lower her voice. A small blush could be seen blooming on her cheeks. "How does he know we're here tonight? Nobody told him of that particular information."

"…Where's Ravel? Shouldn't she be with us this evening?" Rias asked in confusion as she search for the youngest Phenex amidst the area but found she cannot find her.

"It is impressive by its own standards. I'm amazed that there is a hot spring in the mountains in the first place." Ravel's voice could be heard as Rias looked surprised at her voice.

"Ara, ara. So the culprit is none other than Ravel who told him about the time." Akeno smiled at the fact. "Perfect." She murmured with a sweet smile as the others looked at her. "What are we waiting for? Shouldn't we greet them graciously?" She asked the others before Rias held her arm.

"I don't think anyone is ready for that, Akeno." Rias spoke quietly at her as Akeno looks at her.

"…So we're gonna spy on him?" At the confused expression presented towards her, Akeno smiles mischievously. "Why do you think Ravel is with him rather than with us? She could have just accompanied us than showing Izayoi-kun to the hotspring." Akeno explained as Rias looked at her in slight surprise before they turn towards the direction where they felt the water rippled towards their way, meaning Izayoi and Ravel has entered the water. "So what's it gonna be? Are you gonna stay hidden here or stay hidden while spying on them?" Akeno asked the girls as they looked at her.

"I'll volunteer." Xenovia muttered as Akeno smiles at her and she motioned for her to follow her. The two of them slowly moved towards where Izayoi and Ravel were. Meanwhile, the others watches them go before Rias and Koneko followed suite.

"Why is everyone…?" Rossweisse asked out of surprise as Irina went to move ahead of them. "Irina-san, are you going with them?"

"Sorry but I can't help my curiosity." Irina answered sheepishly. "Anyway, Izayoi-kun wouldn't find us. We're well hidden amidst this fog. It's totally fine. You should come along, Rossweisse-san." Irina motioned her hand at Rossweisse to come along. The silver haired woman looks at her in reluctance before she nods slowly. "What about you two?" Irina asked both Sala and Asuka.

"I don't think it's proper to eavesdrop on someone." Sala said looking at Irina.

"Yes, I agree. How can we know Izayoi-kun wouldn't find us?"

"He won't find us. We are well-camouflaged in the fog around the hot spring." Irina assured.

"It's alright, Irina-san. We are comfortable here." Asuka indicated as she smiles in reassurance. "You and Rossweisse-san should go. You can tell us what happen after that, alright?" She stated as Irina nods.

"Alright. Let's go, Rossweisse-san." Irina gestured Rossweisse forward as the two followed the direction where the others had gone to.

Meanwhile at the other side of the hot spring, Izayoi sat in the water with his towel wrapping around his waist till his upper thighs while Ravel sat behind him whilst a towel wrapped around her figure.

"May I, Izayoi-sama?" Ravel asked peering over his shoulder to hear his answer.

"You may." At the answer, Ravel smiles and starts washing his back. A look of astonishment came over her as she stared deeply at the markings etched on his back.

"Izayoi-sama, I have heard that the water from this hot spring is really good for your skin. Do you know that?" Ravel asked the blonde who perked up.

"Really? Is that good for male?" Izayoi asked a smile playing on his lips.

"If you want to know, your skin is already good, Izayoi-sama." Ravel stated in obliviousness before realizing what she said much to her embarrassment.

"Do I?" He said in between chuckles as Ravel blushes before resuming washing his back.

"What is this strange symbol?" She asked in thought as she stared at the strange markings and thinks to herself what the meaning of the said markings.

"I'd thought we were well away from hearing…" Asuka closes her eyes with a sigh as she heard Ravel's voice echoed across the hot spring halls. "I guess not. Anyway, what is she doing? Why did she call him Lord?" She asked herself in slight curiosity.

"You know you can just call me by name, right? There's no need to add any formalities to it." Asuka perked up in surprise as she thought how the blonde could hear her mind but banishes the thought whatsoever before she starting listening to Ravel's answer.

"W-Well," Ravel started as she slowed her pace of washing the blonde's back. "I wanted to. I think you deserved to be called Lord, Izayoi-sama."

"Really? Is that all the reason?"

"Y-Yes. Anyway, you saved the entire Underworld, Izayoi-sama. By that achievement, you should deserve respect." She reasoned to which took Izayoi by surprise before a light smile appear over his lips.

"Alright." Izayoi glances over his shoulder to direct a smile towards Ravel who blushes at his gaze. "I appreciate your reasoning."

"Th-Thank you, Izayoi-sama." Ravel nodded before she continues washing his back while admiring the strange markings over his back.

"Ara, ara. Isn't this quite a sight?" Akeno murmured watching the whole interaction with amusement. She along with everyone except Sala and Asuka were quietly observing them. There was a good distance covering between them and the fog around the area helped hiding their whereabouts from where they stood. "I do think a certain Phenex has gained quite an infatuation over our blonde." Akeno murmured as Rias shakes her head at this before she looks up at Ravel washing Izayoi's back. A content smile was clearly visible on her lips as she watches his back.

"Oh my!" Irina thought with a gasp as she sees Izayoi's naked upper body. Her cheeks heated up in intensity as she stares at them before covering her eyes from looking. "I cannot! I cannot taint myself with such fantasies!"

"…Th-This is wrong!" Rossweisse thought with an intense blush as her eyes trailed over the water drops glistening over Izayoi's upper body. The water drop fell from his neck, to his chest and lastly to his abdomen where she could visibly see the form of the six pack abs. Shaking her head to rid herself of the imagery in her mind, Rossweisse waited for a moment to calm her raging heartbeat. But just as she started calming down, she cannot seem to rid herself of the imagery embedded in her mind. "…I-I can't…This is!"

"Ravel."

"Yes, Izayoi-sama?" Ravel questioned with a smile.

"Since we're here, where the others? Shouldn't they be here?" At this, Ravel look on in realization before looking around her, searching for any signs of the others.

"Y-Yes, you are right. The others should be here right about now relaxing. I can't seem to—" Ravel stopped as she senses something beyond the fog.

"You've sensed them, right?" Izayoi hid a smile with closed eyes as Ravel turns to him.

"Do you sense them, Izayoi-sama?" Ravel questioned with a surprise look.

"The moment we entered, I've already know they're here. Anyway, it looks to appear they're spying on us."

"Spying? Why?"

"I can think of multiple answers for that. But I don't want to confuse you. Let them be." Izayoi told Ravel who looked at him before nodding. "I'm fully content staying here than standing up to greet them." Hearing his remark made Ravel smile widens as she washes his back without a sense of fatigue.

After a while, Ravel stops washing and rinse off his back with a washing bucket lying at the ledge behind them. "I'm done, Izayoi-sama." She stands up before watching him standing up and facing her.

"Thanks. Feel free to clean up, if you want. I'll stay around here." Izayoi spoke with a small smile as he walked past Ravel and sits down against the ledge. Leaning his head back, he spreads out his arms onto the ledge and sighed. He closes his eyes and felt his muscles relaxed at the water.

Looking down at him, Ravel felt her cheeks heated up before she drew breath and slowly opens the towel wrapped around her chest and she sneaks a glance at Izayoi, noting his eyes were closed. Sighing in relief, she sits upon the ground and started washing herself. Her hair wet, she combs through the strands to straighten them up. While she was doing this, she steals a few glances at Izayoi before she steals a glance at where everybody stood amidst the fog. After a while, Ravel moved towards Izayoi and sits next to him, the towel forgone to lay behind her as she leaned her head against his outstretched arm. A deep blush painted her cheeks as she thought about the act she was doing. Drawing a breath, she steals a glance at Izayoi and was taken by surprise as she saw his left eye peeking. An amused smile played on his lips.

Her face reddens as she thought about the excuses she wanted to voice out to him for her actions. But all she got was Izayoi moving his head towards her and she addresses him.

"Play along." He whispered as Ravel looks at him before stealtily nodding.

Before long, she felt his head leaning against her shoulder blades right above her breasts. The wet strands of his hair slides down to her shoulder blades and her breasts. At the action, she suppressed a moan as she lifted her head up and covered her mouth in control.

"Ara, ara. What are you two doing?" Akeno asked walking towards the two in slow strides.

"Huh?" Ravel turns towards her as she adopted a surprised look at the woman's presence. "Akeno-san? How are you—?"

"I don't think you should be the one asking me. I should be the one." Akeno spoke with a sweet smile as Rias and the others walked out from the stone they were hiding behind and Ravel looks at them in surprise. "How truly surprise I am when the youngest of the Phenex Family is doing such an naughty act."

Meanwhile, Rias looks towards Ravel and she spotted Izayoi looking at her over the Phenex's shoulder. She smiles at him as he winked at her before resuming his position. After that, Rias looks towards Akeno who was addressing Ravel.

"Akeno-san, we didn't do anything." Ravel said frowning as Akeno raises her eyebrow with a knowing smile.

"I don't think watching you moan is not something?"

"Th-That's—" Ravel begins to get flustered as she tried to come up for the excuse.

"That was all a way to get your attention." Izayoi explained as he lifted his head from Ravel's right shoulder blades and smiles playfully at Akeno's surprised look. "Do you think we can't sense you all the way over by the rock?" He asked raising a knowing eyebrow as Akeno's cheeks heated up from embarrassment.

"It looks like we've been found out right at the beginning after all." Rias said chuckling as she walk in step right beside Akeno before she sits at the other side of Izayoi. "It looks like they got you, Akeno." Rias smiled at the woman who pouted for a moment while Izayoi grins up at her followed by the smiling Ravel.

"It wasn't that hard to sense you in this remote place, you know?" Izayoi asked before sharing a few laughs as Akeno stifle a laugh.

"…You've really fooled me, Izayoi-kun."

"Thanks." Izayoi replied before his eyes trailed over her and the others who stood behind her. "This is a quite the sight for me. I don't think few would die for such a sight presented in front of me." Izayoi smiles, his eyes gazing pointedly at each of their bodies.

"Thank you for your honest opinion, Izayoi-kun." Akeno smiled sweetly standing in front of him.

"Izayoi-kun! It's impolite to look!" Rossweisse covered her chest with both hands. Her cheeks flustered with embarrassment.

Huh?" Irina asked looking down at her naked body before she immediately sits down and covered her chests with both hands. "Mou, Izayoi-kun!" She pouted wih a blush as Izayoi laughs. "Y-You need to confess your sins!"

"How am I when you're literally displaying it without a care?" Izayoi asked as Irina mock glares at him before pouting.

"B-Baka, Izayoi-kun."

"Don't worry, you're not the only one to share the embarrassment." He smiled teasingly at her as Irina glances away in embarrassment while the others followed suit in their own way. Rossweisse looks down at the water with a deep blush while Koneko followed along. Asia sat next to Irina and she blushes as well at her senior's remark. Lastly, Ravel looks down at her own body before she caught a glance of Izayoi and she covered her breasts in urgency. She blushes a deep shade of red as she looks down at the water and avoided the blonde's playful gaze.

All of them sat on the ground to cover themselves except Akeno and Xenovia. The said two stood without any embarrassment whatsoever and were smiling down at Izayoi.

"I would be given a full package if you were in it on the fun, Ojou-sama!" Izayoi shouted as the others looked at him in surprise. "Why are you and Sala hiding?"

"We're not hiding, Izayoi-kun! We are well aware of our situation! We'll stay here until you leave! You shouldn't be here in the first place!"

"You tempted me to do so!"

"I did not directly do that! You assumed I did!" Asuka shouted back as Izayoi snickers. "Huh? Sala, where are you going?" She questioned a moment later as Izayoi and the others watches Sala lead Asuka from the other side of the hot spring towards them. The two of them were clutching their towels wrapped around their bodies.

"Since everyone is gathered here, it is only natural that we spend our time here, right?" Sala asked Asuka who looks at her before sighing.

"Yes, it's true." Asuka answered before glaring at Izayoi who looks amused at her. The next thing he sees was a bucket flying towards his head and hits his face directly. The action causes him to laugh as Ravel looks at him in surprise before she looks at the glaring Asuka who had thrown the bucket in the first place.

"P-Pervert!"

Stifling a laugh, Rias leaned her body against Izayoi's right arm that was spread across the ledge. She smiles at Izayoi who shakes his head before glancing at her and returned the smile. Sneaking a glance at Asuka and Sala who were sitting down in the water and started conversing with Irina and Xenovia, the blonde relaxes himself against the ledge.

"Ravel." Rias called pulling away from her husband's arm as Ravel looks at her. "…How is your brother doing?" She asked.

"He's doing well than ever before." Ravel answered with a wide smile. "Now, he could tolerate of seeing Izayoi-sama again."

"What about…?"

"Yes…He's now tolerating the presence of light from a flashlight. He tolerates it because it did not seem harmful to him lately than he realizes." Ravel explained. "But he requested that he does not want to see that 'light'." She finishes.

"Really…Well it's good enough that he could tolerate the presence of light at least."

"Onii-sama is now resting in the confinement of his room. Tannin-sama brought him home prior to the completion of his training." Ravel smiled before smiling at Izayoi. "It is all thanks to you, Izayoi-sama. Thank you."

"I don't think I helped much."

"No. You helped him as far as I've seen. So thank you very much." Ravel smiled widely whilst Rias looked at her husband before leaning her back against his right arm.

"What a day this turn out to be…" He let out a smile as he looks up.

"Are you sure you're going to be alright, Asuka?" Sala murmured.

"What? For the Sports Day? It'll be just fine. I've practiced all that I can. Anyway, I don't mind if we lose." Asuka waved off the last statement. "It'll be alright for both of us if Asia and Issei win."

"Are you sure?" Irina asked this time. "But doesn't that count as unfair? I mean, you should do your best in a competition."

"Izayoi-kun wouldn't mind at all." Asuka answered waving her hand before she steals a glance at the said blonde who was relaxing by the ledge. "He wouldn't mind."

---

Time Skip

Kuoh Academy

Morning

"You cheated." Koneko said frowning as she looks at Percher standing next to her while Gasper stood behind her.

"What? Why would you assume something like that?" Percher asked lifting an eyebrow before smiling mischievously. "Are you jealous that I have won instead of you whom placed second? Do you want to be the first?" She asked as Koneko looked pointedly at her. "Don't worry. You can do this stuff next year." Percher waved it off. "I'm gonna tend to the next event." She grins at her before walking away just as her event had been announced by the commentators.

"Koneko-chan." Gasper called. "She did win the bread eating contest." He added as Koneko furrows her eyebrows.

"I know she clearly cheated."

"How do you know?"

"I have a feeling." Gasper throws her a confused frown.

Meanwhile…

"It would seem we're innevitable to battle." Rias smiles challengingly as she stood with her arms stretched while Akeno along with a few of her classmates supported her weight. Across from her was Sona who was supported by Tsubaki and a few Student Council members.

"It would seem so." Sona said with a serious look. "Unfortunately, we had lost the first one. May this be considered the second battle that we will redeem ourselves."

"You can try." Rias offered. "Alright, girls!" She stated as the ones supporting her weight charges forward and Rias stood ready to grab onto Sona.

"Move forward." Sona said as Tsubaki and the others moves forward. A small smile appears over Sona's face as she stared at the smiling face of her red headed rival.

---

Time Skip

"This is it."

"What?" Asuka turns her attention towards the blonde senior standing next to her. Both of them were wearing gym clothes and were warming up amongst the other Second-Year students. They were warming up for the Three-Legged Race that is being held right now.

"We're going to win this thing."

"Huh?" Asuka asked in surprise.

"Do you think we should lose to the couple over there?" Izayoi asked pointing to the smiling Issei and Asia standing ways from them.

"Izayoi-kun, it's just a competition." Asuka waved it off.

"A competition to have fun and lastly win. Come on. You have to do your part as well, Ojou-sama. If I find out you're dragging me behind, you're in it for a surprise." Izayoi smirked as Asuka looks at him disturbingly. "Anyway…What happen to you, Ojou-sama? The last time I remember, you were eager to win and take it all."

"Well, that's…" Asuka murmured before turning her gaze towards Issei and Asia. Upon catching her gaze, Asia smiles at her and runs towards them.

"Asuka-san." Asia said before holding her hand out towards her, causing surprise to the other. "Even if I lose, I want to know that you'll do your best. Alright?"

"…Are you sure?"

"Don't worry. If you win, we'll take second place. I know Issei-san and I had trained for this day but we know you'll have a better chance of winning first." Asia said in honesty. "So do your best alright, Asuka-san?"

"…Yeah." Asuka let out a smile as she nods and grasp Asia's outstretched hand to shake it firmly. "We'll win this." She said with a look of determination as Asia nods and they pulled their hands away from the handshake. Asia bid goodbye to her and Izayoi before she goes to Issei.

"So what will it be, Ojou-sama? Suffer a shameful defeat or take the victory for real this time?" Izayoi asked glancing at Asuka who turns towards him and smiles.

"We'll break the record." At this, Izayoi match her smile before an announcement was made.

"Those ready; line up at the starting line with your partner. We're going to start handing out the cloth." At the announcement, Izayoi and Asuka looked at each other before they proceeded moving towards the starting line followed by the other participants. Once they arrived at the starting line, they were then greeted by Rossweisse in a sports attire.

"Here." Rossweisse smiled at them as she handed them a piece of cloth and Izayoi accepts it by his hand.

"Thanks, Rossweisse-sensei." Asuka thanked as Rossweisse nodded. "I am surprise that you're the civics teacher in Asia's class. I've heard the rumours about you from several girls in my class." She told Rossweisse who looked surprise.

"Believe it or not, there were some talking about you in my class." Izayoi added as Rossweisse turned her attention to him. "You're probably the most one getting talked about in the whole school for now." He smiles nonchalantly.

"Is that what the students were whispering whenever I went around the halls?"

"Probably. Anyway, you shouldn't be slacking off, Rose. I think there are others waiting to get that single piece of cloth." Izayoi smirks playfully as Rossweisse looks towards the other contestants that were looking curiously at her.

"Oh my! I'm sorry! I'll get to all of you!" Rossweisse apologized before she looks at Izayoi. "By the way, thank you for your guidance, Izayoi-kun, on my first day."

"I didn't guide you a lot." Izayoi raises his eyebrow with a smile as Rossweisse shakes her head before returning a smile.

"Yes, but I'm still thankful for it."

---

Flashback…

"I am your new teacher for civics class, Rossweisse." Rossweisse introduced to the class.

"Woah!" Matsuda exclaimed.

"A platinum babe appeared!" Motohama exclaimed. "It looks like the age of older women has arrived, companion."

"The new teacher Rossweisse is our true Venus!"

"Although she's a Valkyrie, not a Venus…" Issei thought with an awkward look while glancing at his friends.

"I am inexperienced, but please take care of me." Rossweisse bows her head to the class.

"So you're the new civics teacher, Rose?"

"Huh?" Rossweisse turns around to look at Izayoi standing at the doorway with a nonchalant smile. "Izayoi-kun?"

"During recess, meet me at the teacher's office. The teacher asked me to relay this to you."

"Y-Yes! Thank you, Izayoi-kun!"

---

Present

"Have a nice competition!" Rossweisse bid before she attended to the other contestants. "I am sorry for the wait!" Meanwhile she was busy attending to the other contestants; Izayoi crouched down and tied both of his right leg to Asuka's left leg.

"Are you ready to win?"

"I don't think losing is a choice." Asuka answered him as Izayoi returned her smile with his own.

After a while, the other contestants ready themselves at the starting line.

"Ready?" Rossweisse asked the contestants before raising the shot gun upwards. With closed eyes, she pulls the trigger and immediately, Izayoi and Asuka takes the lead.

"It seems you've really been practicing with Sala these days."

"What?" Asuka asked looking at Izayoi in surprise. But the action did not interrupt their pace as they continued taking the lead while Issei and Asia were behind them.

"You don't think I noticed, Ojou-sama?" Izayoi asked before chuckling. "Anyway, let's pick up the pace, huh?" At this, Izayoi grips upon Asuka's back and slightly pushes her forward to match his current pace.

"Woah! Izayoi-kun!" Asuka scolded right after as the blonde laughs. Before long, she followed his laughter and the two continued pacing forth before pushing through the finishing line. As they stopped, they looked behind them to see Issei and Asia crossing the line in second place. Issei and Asia looked at them and approaches them.

"Asuka-san, congratulations! You two were so fast!" Asia commented as Asuka smiles.

"Thanks. Congratulations to you too."

"Thank you."

"Both of you did great." Rias commented as she walks over towards the four of them with Akeno behind her.

"Thank you, Rias onee-sama." Asia bows her head in appreciation. But then, Issei crouches down as he felt a slight pain in his legs. A sense of numbness could be felt in his legs.

"Did I overdo it?"

"Issei-san, are you alright?" Asia asked crouching down to look upon his state.

"I think I got a little bit too excited during the competition." Issei admitted sheepishly.

"Issei, Asia." Rias called out as the mentioned pair looked at her pointing towards the gymnasium with a smile on her face. "No one is behind the gymnasium. So heal him with your Sacred Gear, Asia."

"Y-Yes!"

"I'm sorry, Buchou…"

"Don't worry. You were in a lethargic state for a while and you didn't do any extensive movement over the past days. It might be the after-effects." Rias assured the brunette as Issei borrowed Asia's arm to support himself with.

As Issei walked passed Rias with Asia, he heard something between the former and latter.

"Asia, do your best."

"?!" Issei thought with a weird expression but he did not paid heed before he turns to look over at Asia turning red.

"Don't waste this opportunity." Izayoi added nonchalantly as Asia turned more redder while Issei looked even more confused.

But before he could question why, Asia tugged on him and they both moved towards the back of the gymnasium. During their walk, Issei looks over his shoulder to see Asuka, Izayoi, Rias and Akeno smiling at each other. The brunette did not know what will happen to him soon.

"Huh…" Issei sighed at the refreshing feeling of Asia's Sacred Gear healing washing over his legs as he lies down against the wall of the gymnasium. After a while, Issei felt his legs return to normal with the numbness gone. He stood up and address Asia. "Thanks Asia!" He thanked.

"Issei-san!" Asia called out suddenly as Issei opens his eyes in confusion.

"What?" Just as he asked, Asia tip toes and her lips overlaps with Issei's. The brunette was in total shock and did not know what to do. After a silent moment, Asia pulls back and tilted her head adorably.

"Issei-san. I love you. I will always stay beside you…" She confessed as Issei looks down at her with a wide smile before he felt the feelings of his legs go numb again and the last thing he succumbs to was Asia's concern look.

"I'm so happy‼!" He thought lastly before slumping against the wall.

---

Time Skip

"Next is the male hurdles. Contestants take your place."

"May you achieve victory, Izayoi-dono." Sala smiled as she stood in front of Izayoi whilst they're standing near the starting line.

"Thanks. You too, as well. You're up after this." Izayoi said patting her left shoulder before he turns around to and get into a sprinting position. Seeing this, Sala backs away to give him space.

As the other contestants got into positions, Rossweisse pulls the trigger afterwards and immediately Izayoi sprinted past the others. He jumped across the first hurdle from a good distance before landing behind it and sprinted towards next hurdles only to successfully jump over it.

"Go! Izayoi-kun!" Rias shouted in encouragement. "Take first place!"

"Izayoi-kun!" Akeno followed along to cheer.

"Izayoi-senpai is really fast." Issei stared in awe and before he knows it, the blonde senior has already crossed the finishing line.

"He broke the record!" The announcer stated over the microphone. "Sakamaki Izayoi has broken the record of the male hurdles by 6.07 seconds."

"Broke the record?" Izayoi asked as a smile draws onto his lips. "Should have I gone faster?" He added in mock curiosity.

After the other contestants had crossed the finish line, it was the female hurdles.

"Ready?" Rossweisse called out before pulling the trigger and Sala took the lead by her fast sprint. At the first hurdle, she jumped over it well but she slightly went ahead of the distance to jump to the second hurdle.

"Oh no!" Asuka exclaimed with surprise.

"Will she be alright?" Asia asked as the two watches Sala landed before taking a few steps and immediately jumped over the second hurdle with ease.

"Go, Sala!" Asuka cheered by the side-lines.

"You can do it, Sala-san!" Asia cheered raising her hands to cheer.

"Come on!" Issei cheered standing next to Asia.

Overlapping the hurdles in seconds, Sala finally jumps over the last hurdle before sprinting forward and crossing the finish line. Not a moment later, the second and third runner crossed the line.

"Sala-san has broken the record for the female hurdles! 8.37 seconds!"

"You did well and you break the record in spite of that."

"What?" Sala turns towards Izayoi giving a thumbs up in front of her. "Thank you, Izayoi-dono. I appreciate your compliment." Sala nodded smiling.

"Anyway, you should go to the others. They might be waiting to congratulate you."

"Huh? Where will you go in the meantime?" Sala asked in slight confusion.

"I don't know why. But somehow the single men's running has been rescheduled to be the last event, when it should've be done before the single female's running. Weird, isn't it?"

"It is weird, indeed. Have you asked them why they rescheduled it for that particular event?"

"No. Why would I bother?" Izayoi asked shrugging his shoulders.

"The final event of the Sports Day that is awaited for; the single men's running event! It will be up next!" Akeno's voice announced to everyone. Both she and Tsubaki were now sitting in the announcer's seats rather than the previous ones who dealt the majority spectating the events of the Sports Day. Both of them had taken turns with the previous pair as discussed earlier prior to the start of the Sports Day.

"Attention to all participants. You must be present near the starting line. Thank you very much." Tsubaki's voice announced as Izayoi looked up at the announcement.

"It looks like I've been called." He stated before walking past Sala but stops. "Don't you want to give any inspiring words before I go?" Izayoi asked turning his head over his shoulder to look at Sala.

"I don't think I have to give inspirational words for you, only to know you will going to win in the end."

"How would you know?"

"It is not like you to lose, am I right?" Sala asked crossing her arms with an amused smile drawing on her lips.

"You know me so well." Izayoi replied smirking before he leaves Sala to head towards the starting line.

Looking at him, Sala then goes towards the sidelines where the students were positioned on sitting to watch the events held at the track field.

"Sala-san!" Asia called out waving her hand to get her attention as Sala spotted her and head towards her.

The red head spotted her and Asuka standing next to each other as they greeted her with smiles.

"Congratulations, Sala." Asuka greeted as Asia nodded along.

"Yes! You were great on hurdles, Sala-san! You broke the record too!"

"Thank you both of you." Sala said back before Issei appeared at Asia's side and brought her a bottle of water.

"Th-Thank you, Issei-san." Asia thanked with a slight blush on her cheeks while Issei scratches his head with a prominent blush.

"No problem." At the interaction, Asuka hid her winning smile with her hand while Sala looked at her in confusion before Asuka waved it off.

"I'll tell you later."

"I assumed you gathered here for the grand finale?" Kiba asked appearing to the four as they looked at him along with Koneko, Gasper and Percher.

"You could say that." Asuka replied with a nod. "This is the perfect spot to look at the final event to be."

"Then, you wouldn't mind we joined in?" Kiba asked as Asuka nods.

"We don't."

"Let me join in as well." Rias spoke as everyone looks at her arrival.

"Rias onee-sama." Asia called out. "You can sit with us. We don't mind at all."

"Attention to everyone. The single men's running will start soon. I asked of you to keep your eyes open since it could be over just as it started." Akeno announced.

"To all students; please be mindful of walking nearby the track. We don't want to have any mishaps while the final event is ongoing. So i asked of you to stay away from the track." Tsubaki warned.

"Without further ado, we shall begin the final event; the single men's running."

"Just as the right time." Rias smiled at the announcement before turning towards everyone. "Shall we?"

"Participants. Please prepare yourself before stepping into position." Tsubaki said as Izayoi and the other running male contestants readies themselves. Izayoi stood at the starting line without doing any stretches whilst the others were stretching their arms and legs. "If ready, participants shall take their places each. As the rule goes, do not race in your opponent's runway. That would go against the rule and we will disqualify you from the competition. If understood, step into position." With that, the runners crouch except Izayoi.

Seeing the scene, Rossweisse approaches the blonde with a concern look.

"Is something the matter, Izayoi-kun?"

"Rose."

"Yes?"

"Can you get something to blindfold me?" Izayoi glances at her with a smile as Rossweisse looked at him in surprise. She then glances off her eyes towards the spectators before she turns to Izayoi.

"May I ask why, Izayoi-kun?"

"I'll tell you after you blindfolded me. Is that fair, Rose?" Izayoi asked a smile playing on his lips as Rossweisse looks at him before she goes towards the designated tent nearby the track. It was a while before she was seen returning back to the blonde with a single piece of cloth. "You can't help your curiosity?" Izayoi asked as Rossweisse started blindfolding him from his back.

"It-It's because you asked of me." Rossweisse excused as the blonde lightly laughs. After she was done blindfolding him, Rossweisse steps back before awaiting for the answer from the blonde.

"You should get into your own position, Rossweisse-san." Tsubaki stated as Rossweisse looks at her before bowing her head in embarrassment and quickly goes over her previous spot.

"What is he thinking?" Asuka asked out loud in confusion. "Why is he blindfolded?"

"Will Izayoi-senpai be alright running blindfolded?" Asia asked in slight concern of her senior.

"He'll be alright. Izayoi-senpai can do anything." Issei assured Asia who looks at him smiling.

"If Izayoi-senpai knows what he is doing, I do not think we should question his intention at this point, correct?" Kiba asked.

"Maybe the blonde will lose this time." Percher indicated with a small mischievous smile as Koneko shakes her head at her. "It is a possibility that I am willing to see."

"Izayoi-senpai can win." Koneko said watching her blonde senior.

"If anything, he's making the competition more fun to watch." Rias smiled observing the said blonde.

"Don't worry about anything, alright? This would be a short event. So don't think about anything else and do your absolute best. Especially you, Izayoi-kun." Akeno reminded the participants who nods except Izayoi who stifle a smile while he crouched down into position.

"Will do." Izayoi muttered as he glances up. The blindfold limited his sights but he knew his goal was to move forward. "You don't mind, right?" He asked to the other runners next to him without turning his head to address them.

"You'll think you can win blindfolded, Izayoi-san?"

"I'll take the win, if you don't mind."

"Thanks for the handicap, Izayoi-san."

After hearing the compliments and the other ones from the other four, Izayoi stifle a laugh.

"Don't worry. I'll make it up to you guys." At his message, the runners were confused before they readied themselves.

"We will leave the count to you, Rossweisse-san." Akeno said as Rossweisse nods and she got into her position next to the track.

"Ready?" Rossweisse asked as she raises her pistol. "Set…"

"Rose." Izayoi called at the last moment as Rossweisse glances at him from the corner of her eyes.

"Would you believe me if I did this to have a bit of fun?" Izayoi asked with a nonchalant smile.

A small smile spread across Rossweisse's lips as she closes her eyes. "Go!" Pulling the trigger, Izayoi instantly sprinted past her causing her to back away. In slight disarray, Rossweisse turns to the finish line and watches the blonde nearing the finishing line while the other participants were only halfway running along the track.

Gradually stopping, Izayoi looks behind him towards the other runners who were running halfway through the track and were heading towards him. With a playful smirk, the blonde continue walking forward before feeling the ribbon in his right hand. He then puts his finger below the ribbon and moves ahead while pulling on the ribbon. As the ribbon fell from the students grasping it moments ago, Izayoi heard the runners approaching him at a fast pace. Before long, the runners panted as soon as they crossed the finishing line and were looking at Izayoi in awe and surprise.

"I did say I'll make it to you guys, right?" Izayoi asked with a playful smile playing on his face as he brings his right finger to drag the blindfold down towards his neck. "How does it feel?" He asked raising a playful eyebrow before started laughing at the defeated looks of the runners.

"The winner of the single men's running event is Sakamaki Izayoi-kun! Ara, ara. I am surprise that he took the win with blindfolds."

"I don't think you were surprised enough, Akeno-san. You don't look too surprised about it. I suspect that you thought Izayoi-dono to win?"

"Yes, I can't say I lie but I suspected Izayoi-kun winning in this event. What about you, Vice President?"

"I suspected Izayoi-dono would win also."

"Our expectations are the same, it seems."

"I highly doubted he would lose when he has the spirit to win." Tsubaki commented as Akeno stifle a laugh.

"That is true."

"That was over fast. I thought you would slow down a bit so we would've done our cheering." Rias stated appearing in front of the blonde's sights along with the others gathering in front of him.

"I did slow down at the end, right? But I didn't hear the cheering though."

"It was anti-climactic, you know?" Asuka asked. "Why would we cheer since you'll more than likely to cross over that line a couple of steps over?"

"I'd thought it would do to have some support."

"Well, you ended it sooner than we expected. What should we do to support?"

"You could start by cosplaying—"

"I'd decline."

"That's no fun then, Ojou-sama." At this, the blonde laughs before everyone followed soon with smiles on all their faces.

To Be Continued…

---

Unfortunately, that is the end of the newest installment of A Problem Devil, Born~

I hoped that all of you were satisfied until this point. So setting a preview of this; Ravel Phenex requested Rias to help with her brother's deep slump situation. Both Izayoi and Rias went to visit Riser in the Phenex Family Fortress. After that, Izayoi along with Ravel went to the mountains with the help of Tannin to help Riser. A three-four days training commenced for Riser. Frustrations grew amidst Riser's mind and he could tolerate Izayoi by the end of the training. But he was still afraid of the light albeit if the blonde intend to show it. We then skip over to the Sports Day where everyone had their own share of participating in the sports events. Albeit some because I didn't show everyone participating in their own event. Sorry. And also, Issei got his first kiss from Asia! I thought this chapter is the highlight for him and the next step for his relationship with Asia. I hope you are all satisfied with this development.

Anyway, that is all I have to say. If one of you wants to suggest something, feel free to do so.

Make sure to leave a Review down below on what you think about the long chapter along with Favoriting and Following this story. That will be much appreciated. And also, a warm Thank You to the recent readers who had followed and favorite this story the past weeks. Thank You Very Much!

Stay tuned to the next chapter where we'll delve into the new arc of A Problem Devil, Born~

Ja'ne! ArtLotus out!