Hello, everyone. This is your author in-progress, ArtLotus. As always, I am here to update the latest chapter of A Problem Devil, Born~

I hope you are satisfied with the previous one because I understand it took quite some time to update it. Don't worry, I am trying my best to finish later chapters. All of you keep me motivated to write more and I will write more. Other than that, I like to finish this story.

So, without further ado, I present to you A Problem Devil, Born~

Ja'ne! ArtLotus out!

Chapter 57: The Faction that is called Hero Faction!

Subway Train Station

Morning

"I wonder how those two are doing..."

The blonde murmured under his breath just as he tilted his head up at the digital clock displaying above him. After looking at the current time, Izayoi glances at his right where the train will be coming soon while he stood in front of the railway line.

"How many months has it been...?" He asked himself out of curiosity about the two kids he will be meeting once again after a long time.

Recalling about his sudden leave, the blonde honestly admit that he really needed time to think for himself. He is been thinking that for a good amount of time lately. Unfortunately, he does not have the chance to.

"Did I mess up?"

He asked himself before getting rid of the doubt in mind. He knew he had to do what he was doing. The moment where everything he experienced came back to him in a burst of memories whilst sleeping one day. He recounted everything, including those from his past. With that, he decided for himself-to leave. But then he thought about the reason he would have to come up just to explain later on. —Then he thought about them. The thought about meeting them came to his mind and he found his answer.

Unfortunately, he was not keen to pay a visit to them. After all, it was a good few years that he did not see them.

Sighing, the blonde tilts his head up to look at the train slowly making its way in front of him. Hopping into the train, the blonde takes the seat to his left and waits for the train to depart. As the train began moving, the blonde decided taking a nap since it would be a good hour to arrive at the place he would be visiting. He hoped that he was not being greeted by a bad crowd, although he knew it would be it.

—The place where he will be going, will no doubt bring back a part of his past.

Meanwhile in Arashiyama, Kyoto…

"I will be your tour guide for the surroundings of Arashiyama."

Kunou smiled in her priestess outfit while she stood in front of Asuka and her group which consisted of Issei, Asia, Irina, Xenovia, Kiryuu, Matsuda and Motohama. Today, Kunou had her ears and tail hidden since she was around normal humans with them. Thankfully, she was not as busy being the Youkai heiress after she temporarily claim to rule in her mother's absence and she was also had been dissuade from the task of governing the state of Youkai in the Youkai world since Shiroyasha had taken the particular duty when Kunou was not particularly familiar what to do. Though Shiroyasha took upon the duty, Kunou had nothing to do except picking up her lesson as a young ruler last time with the exception Shiroyasha is the one teaching her instead of her mother for the moment.

Luckily, the young ruler of Kyoto had plenty of free time in her hand today after she had successfully finished her lesson a few days ago. She had been talked by Shiroyasha that their lesson would be continued two times a week, preferably morning and afternoon. And since she had finished the lesson prior to today, it had left her to accompany her new friends to learn of the beauty of Kyoto and the likes of which she is still fascinated about till this day.

"Shiroyasha-sama has given me permission." Kunou nodded subtly at herself, recalling she had received permission from Shiroyasha to use her free time to accompany her new friends, in which she had given her but lets her off with a reminder; that she will stick close to her friends since she will not have any guards to protect her amidst the current situation they were in.

"Wow—what a cute girl!" Matsuda commented at the likes of her appearance.

"...So loli...really adorable...haha..." Motohama breathed irregularly as he uttered, which caused Issei to back away from him.

"I forgot! This guy's an incurable lolicon!" Issei thought with a surprise revelation as he watches Motohama's glasses giving off a dangerous light. But all of a sudden, Kiryuu pushed Motohama away and hugged Kunou who was surprised by her sudden action.

"Ah—! So cute! How did you and the rest meet her?" Kiryuu asked whilst rubbing her face with Kunou's together. At the troubled look on Kunou's face, she looked very much uncomfortable from the sudden contact.

"Let, let go of me! Don't act so familiar with me, lowly girl!" Kunou said with a hesitant look but Kiryuu got even more excited, much to everyone's unease.

"Protesting using a princess's manner of speech is the best! What a perfect image!"

"Kiryuu-san, I do think you're making her agitated." Asuka spoke up as Kiryuu stopped and looked at her before turning back to the deep frown on Kunou's face. "I hope you understand since you're a stranger, that she is not comfortable with skinship."

"I do agree, Kiryuu-san." Asia added with a sad smile as Kiryuu nodded and pulled away from Kunou.

"Alright, I understand. I'm sorry." Kiryuu apologized as Kunou glances at her and nods a bit before turning to both Asuka and Asia.

"Thank you both." She thanked before she looked at everyone. "My name is Kunou. Pleased to meet you." Kunou bowed her head in greeting with an air of nonchalance.

"We're pleased to meet you too, Kunou-chan." Kiryuu replied as did everyone else. "With the introductions out of the way, how did you really get to know her, Asuka-san?" She turned to Asuka.

"All of us know her." Asuka answered. "We know her through Izayoi-kun."

"Sakamaki Izayoi-senpai?" Kiryuu asked as Asuka nodded. "So he has been in Kyoto in the past?"

"That might be the case. If not, he wouldn't have met Kunou. Right?" Asuka turned towards Kunou who nodded with a wide smile.

"My mother and I love him!" At this, it brought confusion through Kiryuu, Matsuda and Motohama.

"Both of them care about him. It's what she's saying." Asuka interpret to correct the confusion as Kiryuu nodded along with Matsuda except Motohama who wears a gloomy expression. Then, Asuka turns to Kunou and voices out. "Kunou. Since you'll be our tour guide, you will no doubt show us some interesting sights, am I right?" At this, Kunou proudly puffed out her chest.

"I will accompany you all and show you these famous sights!"

"After we toured Tenryuu-Ji, what will you show us next?"

"Nison-in! The Bamboo Path! Jojakko-Ji! I will take you everywhere!" Everyone smiled at her enthusiasm and joy.

"Without further ado, will you show us to Tenryuu-Ji?" Asuka gestured her hand forth.

"Of course!"

Time Skip

"Wow, we really visited a lot of places." Matsuda let loose a sigh of relief as he pampered his sweaty forehead. Currently, the group were having lunch at a tofu hotpot place which was specifically recommended by Kunou.

Although before they arrived at the tofu hotpot place to rest, the group had toured around Arashiyama starting with Tenryuu-Ji, which they looked upon the beautiful garden along with the painting of an Eastern Dragon called Unryu-zu. After leaving Tenryuu-Ji, the group sees the Siddhartha Buddha and Amitabha's Buddha statues worshipped at Nison-in, riding the rickshaws through the Bamboo Path which lets them see Arashiyama's scenery with ease.

"I say, the tofu hotpot here is quite the delicacy." Kunou commented reassuringly as she fished tofu out the pot with her chopsticks and distributed them onto everyone's plates.

"This is—quite the delicacy, Kunou." Asuka hummed right after as she ate the tofu right away after it was given to her.

"This has a very Japanese flavour. Nice."

"Yes, it's very different from the usual tofu. Its taste is very fresh and delicious."

"This tofu is good..."

Xenovia, Asia and Irina commented with their faces full of joy.

"I am glad you like it. I've eaten here several times before. Those of which were with my Okaa-sama and Otou-sama." Kunou told the group with a joyful smile. "Eating at this tofu hotpot place at night would surely be enjoyable rather than in the day." She reminded as she eats a piece of tofu. After she had eaten, she continued. "But I find myself enjoying eating with all of you during the day. So, I hope you can eat till you are satisfied." She hinted a small smile to everyone around the table.

"I've got to say; there is no better way than to eat with family nor friends." Kiryuu said as Kunou nodded in acknowledgement. "It is even better seeing as this tofu is really good than the usual ones we ate at the hotel." She nodded to herself before enjoying herself a piece of tofu in her mouth.

"Issei-san?" Asia called to the brunette.

"Yes?" Issei answered turning to his left before looking at the piece of tofu in front of him. He glances up at Asia trying to feed him and he blushes. Opening his mouth, he waited until the piece of tofu found itself into his mouth and chewed on it. A delightful smile appears on his face. "T-Thank you, Asia-chan…"

"I'm glad you like it, Issei-san."

Meanwhile everyone watches the couple with smiles except Matsuda and Motohama who were looking at him in envy. After that, everyone resumes eating the food laid out to them on the table.

"Ah, I see everyone is digging into the tofu." Someone commented interrupting them as Issei and the others looked upon Kiba standing in front of them.

"Right, you were going to Arashiyama today as well." Issei said to which Kiba nods and turns his body, causing Issei and the others to look at Kiba's classmates having lunch across from them.

"Yes. You guys went to Tenryuu-Ji already?" Kiba turns to Issei.

"Yeah, there was a spectacular dragon on the ceiling of the lecture hall." Issei told him.

"We were planning on going to visit Tenryuu-Ji after seeing the Togetsukyou. I am looking forward to it."

"Togetsukyou? We're going there after we finish here."

"Are you still going to drink in the middle of the day and in front of the students too?" A familiar voice catches both Issei and Kiba's attention including the others.

"Azazel-sensei?!"

Issei exclaimed in surprise to see him sitting next to their table.

"You don't see him, Issei-san?" Asia asked in curiosity.

"You noticed him?"

"Everyone did." Kiryuu spoke up. "Except you, apparently. When we came in, you were busy looking at the menu to even see him. Plus you were sitting in front of him. Of course, you didn't notice him."

"R-Really?" Issei awkwardly smile to himself.

"Sorry, Issei. I didn't mean to ignore you however I have to attend to my drink." Azazel smiles sheepishly as Issei looks at the empty sake bottles near the table.

"I didn't know you came too, Azazel-sensei..." He then stared at the sake bottles. "Um...Isn't it bad for teachers to drink during the day?" He asked as the others stared disapprovingly at Azazel who sheepishly smiles.

"This is just a short break after investigating Arashiyama. I have to renew my energy to continue." Azazel answered as Issei shared eye contact with the others.

"This person, I don't know how many times I've told him but he just won't listen! I keep telling him not to act so irresponsibly in front of the students…" Sitting a good distance from Azazel was none other than Rossweisse who held a frustration look upon her face.

"I have a question for you, Rossweisse. Do you really act this way around Izayoi when he drinks sake?" Azazel questioned much to everyone's surprise including those hearing nearby who knew Izayoi.

"Izayoi-kun does not drink!" Rossweisse said adamantly adopting an offended look at her colleague's nonchalant comment.

"Really? How do you know if he went through the night on some days to drink sake? You wouldn't know right?" Crossing his arms once he finishes, Azazel waited for the respond.

"That's right. But what does Izayoi-kun have to do with your irresponsible image shown right now?"

"—Uh…I haven't got a clue." Azazel replied much to everyone's confusion. Looking at their confusion, Azazel shrugs his shoulder before sipping sake from his small cup. "I need to have him justified for some occasions he apparently is doing wrong for his image."

"Izayoi-kun does not do any kind of things that stain his image." Rossweisse shakes her head. "—Unlike you who is displaying such an attitude in front of the students that are supposed to look up to you."

"Whatever." Azazel said pouting as he sips his sake before putting down the cup onto the table. "That kid always has people looking out for him…Why not me?" Azazel mumbled to himself, oblivious that everyone can heard him and the students sweat drop at the scene.

"Then, I will not disturb you any longer from your lunch." Kiba said turning to everyone after turning away from Azazel. Sending his smile to them, he continued. "It is better for all of you to continue your tour when the day is still bright out." Everyone nodded at his saying. When Kiba bid farewell and eats with his group across them, Rossweisse stands up.

"Rossweisse-sensei?" Asia asked as she watches the silver haired teacher moved away from her table to sit next to theirs.

"It's a bit hard to eat when you're surrounded with alcohol." Rossweisse reasoned as everyone nodded in acknowledgement.

"Nothing's better than to drink all your sorrows with some alcohol in your system…" Azazel shrugged off the ignorance of his students, drinking his sake cup. He sighed blissfully once he pulled the cup away. "Yep, alcohol is what I need these days."

Meanwhile…

—Arriving in front of a five storey building, a pair of eyes looked at the displayed label upon the building. The five storey building was blindingly white against its surroundings, Izayoi looked up at it.

CANARIA Foster Home

Looking at it for a while, the blonde held a longing smile before looking around to see if anybody was around. When they weren't, Izayoi took the step to walk forward and carefully navigated himself through the gates and found himself standing in front of the front door. Just before he knock, the door opens and he was greeted by a bespectacled brunette. The said brunette had her eyes closed before she bump into him and causes her to step back and opened her eyes to look at him. Surprise etched to her face as she looked at the blonde.

"-Sakamaki Izayoi-kun?!"

"Hey. Long time no see." Izayoi greeted back with a nonchalant smile, before noticing her street attire. "Are you busy?"

"Huh? O-Oh no! I was just about to get something from the nearby grocery store. I can get it later. But of course, you...I haven't seen you for quite some time, Sakamaki-kun." The bespectacled woman watches the blonde motioned his hand forward.

"May I?" He gestured inside as the bespectacled woman nodded before moving out the way to let the blonde inside. When she followed him inside, she looks at him and noted the changes immediately. She smiled in nostalgia before seeing him looking around the interior. "It looks like nothing changed drastically since I left."

"No. The only thing that changed was the added accessories to the house. There's not really much changes. Anyway you once visited shortly at the start of the year so I don't think it was too long." A few chuckle escaped the blonde's mouth.

"—How long has it been since I literally left?" His question caught the woman by surprise. It was a brief moment before the woman shakes out of her stupor, thinking about his question before answering like he requested.

"Nearly three years since you and Canaria moved out, if memory serves me right."

"Eh..." No responce could be uttered from the blonde as the woman frowned, knowing she mentioned a name she knew she shouldn't use.

"I'm sorry—"

"No. Don't apologize." Sensing the same thoughts as the woman, Izayoi responded while his back faced her. "She'll be grateful that someone is remembering her. Right?" He looks over his shoulder at the woman and offered a smile before he began looking around. "Anyway, where are the two kids?"

Looking at the blonde in curiosity, the woman soon realizes the answer to his question.

"Homura and Suzuka? They're currently in school."

Hearing her answer, the blonde sighed.

"I forgot." He answered unaware of the two kids who were in school in daytime rather than staying indoors in the house like they were before.

"Do you think they're still the 10 year old kids you've known them before?"

"Yes. I really do think so. Anyway, I do think it's time I'd leave." The blonde turned to face the surprised woman, who by no means expected his sudden leave.

"What? But you just got here. You wanted to meet them, right?" Izayoi lifted off his shoulders nonchalantly.

"Not by choice. I was just dropping by to greet them but my timing is not impeccable." Then the blonde registered something. "...Come to think of it, where's the old lady?" Humour present in his tone at the recollection of the old lady that became the caretaker of the compound when he was a child. His memories recalled the strict old lady that was always been bothered by the troubles that he made as a child, hence why the old lady did not want to pay heed to his attention and rather busying herself with her own worldly problems than his. However, he let a few chuckles at the recollection of his past memories with the old lady, where ones that he deemed to be satisfied to cause nothing but problems. He never did regret what he did, though.

"Oh, she left after you left all those years ago, Sakamaki-kun."

"Left? I'd thought she stay longer than that. Probably doesn't want to look after the children anymore. Am I right?"

"You're not wrong." The woman sighed before she looks over to Izayoi. "Anyway, Sakamaki-kun. You will not leave. No. You will stay here for a cup of tea or eat before you leave, Sakamaki Izayoi-kun."

"Huh?"

"You heard me, young man. We're gonna have to talk about what's been going on in your life. It's been 3 years and you only wanted to drop by just to say hello? If I remember correctly, you visited shortly that one time correct?"

"That's only because Canaria left her last will and testament in my room at that time. That's a literal reason to visit than anything. Since I've got no reasons to stay here any longer, I should be well on my way. Don't you think?" Izayoi raises his eyebrow in question, doubting the woman's words to stay.

The bespectacled woman shakes her head. "No can do. I ask of you kindly to explore the compound while I'm preparing some tea." She said looking pointedly at Izayoi who stared at her. After a while, he sighed defeatedly, finally deciding to comply to her wishes.

"Whatever you wish."

"I'll take your word on that." At the answer, the woman smiled before walking over to the kitchen to prepare the tea. When she had gone, the blonde decided nevertheless to explore in the meantime. Deciding to visit his old room in mind, he went upstairs to the second floor.

Upstairs, the blonde navigated through the couple of doors in his way before stopping at his room. He opens it and right away, he could sense someone had kept his room tidy. There were no dusts in sight as well as dust bunnies scattering the room. It was completely tidy. Scanning the room which was once his, he looked to the vacant interior of the room before finally looking at the few picture frames left on the desk right beside his bed. A smile spread across his face as he looked down at the picture of him and Canaria in the few pictures. One in particular was her patting his head while she knelt down to his 10 year old self. He picked that picture frame and looked down at it. Just like with the rest of the pictures in his home, they were all taken during the two year trip. If he recalled about the picture in front of him, they were in South America. One of the countries that he mostly liked during the two year trip.

Dropping the picture down to its rightful place, the blonde then focuses his attention at the box lying on top of his bed. It was the only thing that laid above the bed and was the only thing out of the ordinary inside the room. Lifting an eyebrow at it, he picked it up in his hands. Then he opened it to reveal a set of headphones. He then spotted a small folded letter next to the headphones. Putting the lid beneath the box before extracting the letter with one hand, he unfolds the letter and read the contents within.

[This is my new piece of work. Completed work Headphone Number 2, [Crescent Moon No. 2]. It's for you. I understand that you rarely visit but you did visit. Suzuka had a feeling you'd visit again, so I decided to give you this as a way that you'll be my walking advertisement. You must always wear my headphones and help advertise my [Crescent Moon] series.]

"Huh. Does he think using me as a model would cost free?" Izayoi asked to himself looking down at the letter before his eyes scans the rest of the contents.

[I will repay your services when I become famous.]

By: Homura

P.S

[Suzuka here, Iza-nii! I hope you're reading this because I would like to tell you that it's been so long since you visited us. Why won't you visit us more often? Anyway...How are you doing? After Canaria's passing...How are you doing? Homura and I are doing great but we don't hear anything recently great about you these days. If you read this without us then please write a reply. I want to know, Iza-nii. Even Homura wants to know how you doing these days. So he entrusted me to write this section. I hope you reply, though. We know that you visited the compound at the start of the year while we're at school. Why didn't you visit when we're already in the compound? Iza-nii, you meanie! But don't be a meanie this time, Iza-nii, write a reply please?]

P.S.S

[If you do write a reply, then that also means you care, Iza-nii.]

Looking down at the pair of lips with red lipstick marked down at the end of the sentence, Izayoi smiles in amusement. Just as he was done reading the contents, the blonde turned his attention back to the headphones but then spotted a pencil lying at the left side of the headphones. He smiles wryly at the fact Suzuka had put in a pencil beforehand to see whether or not he would send a reply. Turning around, the blonde put the box on the makeshift desk against the wall and put the letter right beside the box. Picking up the headphones, he places it on his head. He then noticed that it was exactly fit his head size for some odd reason. As he thought about that, his eyes cast down on the box and discovering a layer of transparent paper inside the box where it was underneath the headphones moments ago. Lifting the paper and pencil, he discovered his answer to his curious thoughts.

[I modify the headphones a couple of times. I adjusted it a few times to guess your head size before determining the size that would be the closest size to yours]

P.S

[If you feel the headband is too long, readjust it by holding the ear cushions close to your ear and press the adjustment control button beside it and it will automatically adjust it to the shape of your head. But only do it if you feel uncomfortable.]

Reading the sentence, the blonde let out a laugh and wondered briefly what would happened if he did adjust the headphones right now?

Taking a look at the last sentence of the brief message, the blonde waved off his curiosity to find out later, since the headphones were comfortable enough for him now. Then, the blonde resumed putting the lid of the box and closing the box before focusing to the folder letter right beside it. Picking up the pencil that was for him to write, he wrote his reply onto the bottom of the letter.

Time Skip

Closing the door with the box which held the headphones in his arm, Izayoi heads towards a certain room in the meantime whilst waiting for the bespectacled woman to call him until then. As he walked through the corridors, the blonde stops to pull out his phone to look at a certain contact, noting that the person he called prior to his arrival to the compound has not been attempted to call back. A frown appeared on his face as he thought about the situation over at Kyoto, knowing that something was happening at this very moment. His mind wandered about the previous meeting held by the girls over at Kyoto regarding the arising topic of Yasaka's abduction, along with the culprits that nevertheless are still in Kyoto. At the feeling of the culprits existence in Kyoto did not bode well to him since his juniors had been involved in the case ever since their meeting with the sole heiress of Kyoto.

"Five of them were at that time…" Izayoi spoke silently, about the numbers of the culprits involved in the abduction of Yasaka. The information given to him was handed by Shiroyasha since she fought off them but she was too late to stop them, however she had seen and sensed their numbers amidst the dark background of the night. Even if the numbers appeal to his attention, the blonde cannot fight off the suspicions that a small group of five could not be involved to create a horrendous act, which made him snaked his suspicions on their enemy as of current, Khaos Brigade. Even if he does not acquire the proof that they were related but they have a connection if kidnapping the Nine-Tails right before the Young Devils Gathering which revolves around the appearance of the Norse God, Loki by the Khaos Brigade, was any indication. The time frame between the two events would not be a coincidental fact. More so, he deemed it a connection. As to what, he did not know. But as always, it brought him a irking feeling that of something borderline bad. Right now, he had to trust on his friends to find out the culprits in his stead.

Staring down at the contact with intensity, the blonde finally gives in to put the phone inside his pocket and continue his way, knowing that there is no way he would helped the others given the situation. Even if he wanted to and lastly pay the ones who committed the crime. He will not, for the life of him, give them any ounce of mercy if he ever met them.

He then lifted his gaze to the skies. Recalling the skies to darken the last time he walked through the corridors. He briefly recalled the weather in spring that day. It was slightly random to his view of point, but he let it be since his mind was preoccupied by the reason he came to begin with; Canaria's last will and testament.

Finally reaching the room that was the destination, Izayoi opens the door and walked inside. The room was pretty vacant as it is for a guest room. The blonde turned his gaze at the centre of the room. Walking over to the centre, he smiled as he recounted the 10 meters in depth paper wrapped parcel that preoccupied the centre space of the room before. By then, he started recalling the events that transpired from reading Canaria's autobiography. It took him by surprise of what her mother left but he did not paid any mind and since he was requested upon reading it last time, he read it. He will remember that day; his life on a thin line between life and death after all. How can he not forget?

It was between the lives of innocent children or nothing.

Time Skip

Kyoto

After finishing their lunch and leaving the restaurant, Kunou lead the group towards their next destination; Togetsukyou. Either Azazel nor Rossweisse followed them since they'll be sticking around in the restaurant for a while and pay the fees for their group and Kiba's, which they were both thankful for.

"The Katsura River." Asuka said as she stops in front of the traditional style wooden bridge. The bridge was enveloped full of historical feeling which might have been from Togetsukyou.

"Did you know? It's said that you shouldn't turn back in the middle of crossing Togetsukyou." Kiryuu explained as Asia looked at her in curiosity.

"Why is that?"

"Asia, it's like this. If you look back while crossing the bridge, intelligence granted by the heavens will be taken back. If the pervert trio looks back, it will really be over for them. They will become utter fools." Kiryuu explained in full detail.

"Shut up!" Matsuda, Motohama and Issei replied at the same time.

Kiryuu looked unfazed by the trio before she continued.

"Another legend says that if you look back, lovers will be separated. Hmm, but this one's a bit inauspicious—"

"I will never look back!" Asia retorted quickly interrupting Kiryuu's explanation before tearfully grabbing onto Issei's right arm.

"It's okay, Asia. It's just a legend."

"Unacceptable." Asia replied shaking her head while grabbing Issei's arm tightly which causes Issei to smile widely at how cute she looked. Then, the group started crossing the Togetsukyou as they saw Kiba's group not too far ahead of them. Amidst crossing the bridge, Asia kept on looking ahead instead of behind as Kiryuu explained.

"Damn. Issei and Asia, they totally look like a pair of lovers…!" Matsuda exclaimed under his breath.

"It makes me furious, but it seems like they will soon enter the stage of passionate fools in love." Motohama added.

"I don't think you have to mind it. The legend about lovers is just superstition." Kunou said leading the group as she walked ahead of Issei and Asia. Though she said that, Asia shakes her head to clear her mind of the doubts to turn back and continued to look ahead.

"I'm perfectly fine with the way I am, Kunou-chan." Asia smiled with a hint of uneasy in her tone.

"Alright." Kunou smiled in encouragement at Asia before continue leading the group to cross the bridge. Behind the three of them were Kiryuu, Matsuda and Motohama while Asuka, Xenovia and Irina walked behind the group.

"This feels so peaceful~" Irina commented breathing in the air around before she looks at the surroundings alongside Xenovia and Asuka. "Kyoto has such many beautiful sights and sceneries! I also think we came here at the right season too!" She added as the red around the mountains which could be viewed from the bridge gave a heavy sense of autumn. The three of them continued relishing themselves of the sense of peace surrounding them.

Looking at both Xenovia and Irina walking ahead of her, Asuka lifted up her camera just as the two girls looked behind and smiled whilst holding up a sign of peace. But just as Asuka let down her camera after feeling satisfied with the picture turned out, immediately she perked up as a foreign—slippery feeling enveloped her entire body. Asuka look up at both Xenovia and Irina to see them looking around, noting the normal tourists and the other students such as Kiryuu, Matsuda and Motohama were all gone, including Kiba's group. In an instant, Kiba appears right beside them.

"What is this mist…" Asuka murmured as she and the others looked on in surprise at the phenomenon occurring to them.

Meanwhile…

CANARIA FOSTER HOME

Sitting on a chair facing behind a makeshift desk was Sakamaki Izayoi. Currently he was staring down at the words written on a piece of folded letter held by his right hand. His eyes narrowed as he read along the words he once had read the first time.

"This place—really brings back memories, won't you say?" A familiar voice voices out near the blonde.

A small smile made visible at the corner of the blonde's lips as he looks up to see Baron La Croix standing in front of him. Him adorning the same European clothing and bowler hat.

"For better or for worse?"

"What do you think?" The blonde's gaze settled on to the letter in his hand. A final testament from Canaria.

"Who am I kidding? I didn't expect any of that but it was surely the best experience for me."

"She left it just for you, mind you. Sakamaki Izayoi-chan." Baron let out an amused smile. "But after all of that happened till now, why choose the former?"

"…I found something that piqued my interest."

"—Would it be because of a certain Gremory?"

"Yes and another thing."

"To deliberate involve yourself in a matter not your own? I can vouch for that—seeing as that world is not for humans to be. But you are different than others, Sakamaki Izayoi-chan." Baron stared down amusingly at the blonde. "—But I also wonder another thing—"

Izayoi look up directly at Baron.

"Are you going to go to that world still? You have the invite to do so."

"I still have the option." Izayoi stifle a nonchalant smile before he draws his gaze onto another letter hidden behind the letter. "—And I mayI have to use it soon enough." His words intrigued Baron.

Silence overcome the whole room as neither of the two spoke. The blonde stared at the envelope written to him whilst Baron stared at the blonde.

"So….Did Rias sent you here? There's no possible way that you could of meet me here all of a sudden unless you specifically know that I would come here at this specific time."

"Yes indeed. She and her friends came; telling me about the situation of your disappearance and tasked me to help if whenever I saw you."

"But you did beyond that. Why?"

"Because of a certain white haired loli that pleaded me to." Baron explained with wide smile before shrugging his shoulders. "Although, Percher does not mind your absence." He added lastly, making the blonde let out a bark of laughter before looking straight at Baron.

"Hm, so is that why you come here beyond that of what you have to do?" The blonde asked as he stands up from the seat to look at Baron.

"Yes. Though I didn't expect you would come here. Are you trying to relieve some past memories, perhaps? This is after all, due to Canaria's effort to care for children like you, Izayoi-chan. I'd feel a bit sad if this compound cannot continue to work further."

"Who says? There are a lot of people investing their worth on this compound. So you won't have to worry about that anytime soon." Izayoi explained before putting his right fist on his waist. "—Anyhow, I didn't plan to come here initially. But I have to think someplace to clear my mind, and what do you expect? This place came in mind." Izayoi let out a nonchalant grin. "Anyway, I received a gift in the process of my visit." He turns to the box lying down on the desk behind him as Baron looks at it.

"It seems some children still cares for you." Baron stated as Izayoi's gaze lingers on the box.

"Yeah. So…since you wasted your time checking up on my whereabouts, I don't think there's any reason for you to stay any longer." Izayoi look at Baron who nodded.

"Pretty much. But you can't leave those missing you unaware, is it not?" Baron asked with a pointed smile as Izayoi smiles in return.

"You can tell them; I'm fine."

"…Is that all? In this somewhat situation, I would thought you'd approach with a different message." Baron suggested as the blonde picks up the box and turns to the door to leave.

"They'll know when the other message comes through."

"Other message?" Baron asked. But before he could ask the meaning behind it, he watched the blonde left the room. Watching him leave, causes Baron to look at the transparent image of Canaria walking away. Smiling amusingly, Baron La Croix disappears within the shadows.

Descending down the flight of stairs towards the living room, the blonde looks upon the batch of cookies on a plate that was set on the table along with a pitcher filled with tea.

"I see you got a gift. Is it from Homura and Suzuka?"

"Hm? Yeah." Izayoi answered the bespectacled woman sitting one of the chairs in front of the table. Taking the chair across from her, the blonde put the box on the table before he picks up the teacup and extended forth as the bespectacled woman effortlessly pour tea into the teacup with the pitcher.

"So? What's been going on in your life thus far, Izayoi-kun?"

"Nothing much. The last you heard of me is that I transferred to Kuoh Academy, right?"

"Yes. That's what you told me last time you visit."

"That is why I have nothing to tell you about. There is nothing going on in the school aside from learning." Izayoi offered a small smirk as he picks up a cookie and bites into it. Across from him, the woman pouted in mock anger.

"That's not nice, Izayoi-kun."

"Why's that? That's nothing but the truth. Should I tell you about how we learn one by one?"

"Yes."

"That's out of the question." Izayoi blankly answered gaining the woman to adopt a frustrated frown.

"—At least tell me how your grades are in school. Are they any good?"

"They're good." The blonde simply answered whilst biting into another cookie which frustrated the woman. Once the blonde finishes the cookie, he took another one and started biting into too.

A moment of silence engulfed the room as the woman only watch the blonde eating cookie one by one while hearing the crunching sounds the blonde made while he eats. She watched with slight irritation as the blonde kept eating away with a blank look.

Sighing, the woman was about to speak up before the sound of the chair sliding back causes her to look up at Izayoi standing up from his seat and picking up the box from the table.

"Where are you going, Izayoi-kun?" Surprised by the limited time they talked.

"I'm going. As I recall, I need to eat and drink tea, I already did. So there's nothing I should do than to leave after doing just that." The blonde answered as the woman stands up and stands directly in front of the blonde with a pointed look. "…Yes?"

"Sakamaki Izayoi-kun, you are hopeless!" An angry pout was adopted on the woman's face as she glared at the blonde.

A small smirk stretches across Izayoi's face.

"Thanks." He said nonchalantly as the woman huffed in mock anger. "—As a matter of fact, I know how you can attract more guys." He said spontaneously as the woman look at him ludicrously.

"What?"

"You should act angry. It's cute. I bet the males would straight take you up for a date if they see you angry." The blonde shared a teasing smile with the woman who looked to be beyond surprise at his exclamation.

"Wh-What?"

"Hahahaha!" The blonde laughs at seeing the woman's face blushed crimson. After a moment, the blonde stops laughing and smiles at her. "Take care." He said only to walk through the entrance and left, leaving the woman to stand all alone in a flustered state.

"S-Sakamaki Izayoi-kun!"

Laughing at the expense of his name being shout, the blonde assuming walking out the building. Izayoi looks at the streets around him before he walks away towards the city nearby.

Meanwhile...

"Hey, are you all okay?" A voice sounded from the sky as the ORC plus Kunou looked up at Azazel flying in the sky with his black feathered wings. Behind him was Rossweisse who flies with her devil wings.

"Is everyone okay?" Rossweisse asked as she landed next to the group along with Azazel and both of them put away their wings.

"What's going on, Azazel-sensei?" Issei asked as Azazel looked around at the mist surrounding him.

"Everything except us has disappeared completely. Most likely we were forcefully transferred to an alternate dimension and sealed within it…From the way things look, this is an alternate dimension that is an exact replica of Togetsukyou and its surroundings?"

"There were no signs of transfer either when we transferred here. Only a slippery feeling before we ended up here." Kiba explained to Azazel as others nodded at him, agreeing with his explanation.

"So this is made of something like the Rating Game field?" Issei asked glancing around in suspicion as he ask.

"Ah yes. The techniques of our three factions were most likely leaked. This place likely applies game field methods. —So, the power of mist should also be transferred to this replicated territory. Can Dimension Lost's mist transfer anything that it wraps itself around? To be able to transfer everyone at once to this place without any warning signs…A Longinus truly is terrifying." A complicated frown appeared on Azazel's expression. One that expresses frustration.

"Dimension Lost? What is that? What type of Longinus is that?" Asuka asked much to everyone curiosity.

"It's a top-tier Longinus." Azazel answered grimly but before he continued, he and everyone else looked over to Togetsukyou, which several new presences could be sensed. Amidst the light mist, figures approaches and revealed themselves.

"Pleased to meet you for the first time, Governor Azazel and the Sekiryuutei." The one who greeted was black haired youth wearing a school uniform. Wrapped around the uniform was something resembling ancient Chinese attire. The black haired youth was carrying a spear in his hands…The spear gave off a most unpleasant feeling to everyone save Asuka, Kunou and Azazel since light do no such harm to them. According to the Japanese high school uniform worn by the youth, he cannot be older than one or two years older than the Second Year students. Alongside him, his companions wore Japanese high school uniforms. There were male and females which were around high school age.

As everyone was staring at the new figures, Azazel stepped forward.

"Are you the rumoured Hero Faction?"

Hearing Azazel's question, the black haired youth patted his spear on his shoulder before answering him.

"I am Cao Cao, the descendant of the famous Cao Cao, Cao Mengde, recorded in the Records of the Three Kingdoms. Something like that." He answered casually.

"Azazel-sensei, this guy is…?!" Issei looked astonished.

"Listen well, everyone, be careful of that man's spear, True Longinus. The most powerful Longinus said to be able to pierce through God. I have not seen it for a long time…But to think it has now fallen into the hands of the terrorists." At his words, everyone begin to look terrified.

"That is the holy spear that the Seraphim of Heaven fear…?" Irina spoke trembling as Xenovia murmur next to her.

"I also heard about ever since I was a child. The spear that pierced Jesus. The spear carrying Jesus' blood—The absolute spear which pierced the body of God!"

"That is the holy spear…" Asia murmured gazing at the spear as she seemed to be drawn to it and mesmerised. But before her gaze could be drawn to it any longer, Azazel quickly covered her eyes with his hand.

"Asia, people of faith should not stare at that spear. They will lose their sanity. After all, it is one of the Holy relics amongst the True Cross, the Holy Chalice, the Holy Nails and the Shroud of Turin."

"Y-You!" Kunou pointed out her hand at Cao Cao. Her teeth bared, as she look ferociously at him. "Y-You're the one who took Okaa-sama!" She pointed out as everyone look at her in surprise.

"Oh? Do you still remember the event that night?" Cao Cao looked at Kunou. "I thought you wouldn't, seeing as you lost conscious when you're going to save your mother." He stated before turning to everyone. "Why yes. True to her accusation, that is correct." He admitted openly.

"What are you planning on doing to Okaa-sama?"

"We wish to have your mother cooperate in our experiment."

"Experiment? What are you planning to do?"

"To grant the wish of our benefactor, that is the main idea."

Hearing this, Kunou glares intensely at Cao Cao. Her eyes glimmered with traces of tears.

"Benefactor…Is that Ophis? And why have you appeared before us?" Azazel interrogated sternly.

"No, there is no need to hide anymore. We just decided to say hi before the experiment. Let us cooperate for a bit. I also wish to meet Governor Azazel and the legendary Red Dragon Emperor." Cao Cao speak gesturing to Azazel and Issei.

Summoning a spear of light in his hand, Azazel spoke up.

"Let's keep this simple. Please return the leader of the Kyuubi."

Looking at Azazel, Issei summoned his Boosted Gear and started the Balance Breaker countdown. The brunette then summoned Ascalon—before giving it to Xenovia.

"Appreciated!" Xenovia thanked as she caught Ascalon and readied her stance to fight.

"I thought they would greet without resulting any violence." Asuka shakes her head as Irina smiles followed by Kiba. "I thought I would be able to enjoy the school trip around Kyoto…No matter, I have got some time to kill." She smiled amusingly as a white halo appeared over Irina and her angel wings sprouted over her back. Next to the two, Kiba had summoned his sword while stepping into a fighting stance.

Watching as the group in front of him readied to fight, Cao Cao scanned amongst each one before frowning upon seeing the one he wanted to see, not amongst them.

"It appears he is not present." Cao Cao admitted.

"What's wrong? Are you trying to look for someone?" Azazel asked Cao Cao.

"Leonardo, I'll let you handle the devils with your monsters." Cao Cao calmly spoke to the boy standing next to him. The said boy appeared expressionless but he lightly nodded to his request. —Instantly, shadows appeared from under his feet and started to rapidly expanded. As the shadows grew, it reached the level of covering the entire Togetsukyou. Once they expanded, they took form!

Arms, legs, heads, eyeballs, wide gaping jaws, separating—not only one but ten to hundreds!

"Guuu…"

"Chomp!"

"Gobble!"

With a deafening roar, the monsters were formed created from shadows. Monsters with black skin and standing upright on two legs. Their bodies were solidly built with rough and thick hides while having sharp claws. The monsters bared their teeth as they formed a line and stood in the forefront.

"Annihilation Maker…" Azazel murmured as Issei steals glances at him before turning to look back at the hundreds of monsters created by shadows with slight fear. Aside from him, the others were expressing similar feelings albeit controlled.

In response of Azazel, Cao Cao laughed.

"Correct, this child carries one of the Longinus. A different threat compared to my True Longinus, but a most deadly Scared Gear nonetheless."

As Issei contemplated about the Sacred Gear, Annihilation Maker, his countdown had finished and he looks down at his Boosted Gear. Gradually, red aura enveloped the brunette and formed into armour.

"Azazel-sensei, I have something I don't understand…" The brunette voiced out to speak about his confusion before Azazel pressed on to answer.

"Like you, that boy possesses one of the Longinus. Currently, there are thirteen confirmed Longinus. —Amongst the Grigori, there are also Longinus possessors. And amongst all these Longinus, the properties of that one over there—in other words, its abilities, are deadlier than Boosted Gear or Divine Dividing." At this, Issei trembled before stuttering.

"S-stronger than me?"

"In terms of pure power, of course your Boosted Gear and Vali's are far ahead. However in terms of abilities…Kiba's Sword Birth can create countless demonic swords, this you can understand right?"

"Yes."

"Annihilation Maker is the same. It can create countless demonic beasts. For example, those massive fire breathing monsters over 100m tall you see in movies can be recreated by sheer will. The ability to create monsters from imagination. Isn't that a disaster? This ability, depending on the user's capability, can create on the scale of hundreds if even thousands. Like Dimension Lost, this Annihilation Maker is one of the worst bugs in the Sacred Gear system. Dimension Lost is also extremely dangerous depending on the user. Once the mist reaches the scale of countries, it can transfer an entire country and its people into the Dimensional Gap to be destroyed."

After that, Azazel could only force a laugh.

"Well, up to now, none of them have reached such levels, there were a few close calls in the past. However, it is unprecedented to have gathered three of the four top tier Longinus—True Longinus, Dimension Lost and Annihilation Maker. From birth, these possessors should have been under surveillance by the Fallen Angels, Angels and Devils…Twenty years have passed, were we too careless…Or someone deliberately hid them…Compared to the past, almost all current Longinus possessors have been very difficult to find." He then continued. "…There must be some kind of cause and effect relationship going on in the current age? It could be said that the first Longinus Sacred Gears were bugs or errors of the system. In turn, these Longinus have their own tumultuous developments beyond our expectations? Though this is just a hopeful but not far-fetched hypothesis…Watching Issei's development, makes one feel like all the current Longinus as a group are undergoing incredible changes…Bugs, errors, no, evolution? No matter what, though it includes me, perhaps those in charge of researching and maintaining the system have been too naïve? Michael, Sirzechs." Azazel said to himself only after he had continued.

"Azazel-sensei, what weaknesses do these Sacred Gears have?" Issei asked which snaps Azazel into reality before he registered the question.

"Target the user's body—Of course, there are also cases where the body is extremely strong, but it still doesn't compare to the threat of the Sacred Gear. The current Annihilation Maker user is still under developing phase. If he already mastered it, then they would have been sending demonic beast armies to every faction by now—The only way to defeat him is to take him out now before he matures." Azazel explained in detail turning to look at Cao Cao who laughed wryly.

"It feels like Annihilation Maker has been figured out. It is as you say, Governor of the Fallen Angels. This child still has not matured his imagination or productivity—except he has focused on one specialty. Monsters that target the opponent' weaknesses—the antimonsters. The current demonic beasts are ones which counter devils." After he explained, Cao Cao pointed his finger at a shop nearby the area.

At his motion, a monster opened his mouth—a beam of light appeared and instantly—the shop was blown away by an intense explosion.

"An attack of light—this fellow is! —You sent assassins to all the major factions to collect data for the antimonsters!" Azazel snarled angrily amidst the strong winds of the explosion.

"You are half correct. Weren't there black clad members amongst the Sacred Gear we sent out?" Cao Cao questioned before he continued. "Those are also monsters created by this child. These things are deliberately took on the attacks from the various factions—Angels, Fallen Angels, Devils, Dragons, and Gods from all mythologies. Though they were wiped out, they have gathered plenty of good data for this child's Sacred Gear. Not only were the numbers of Balance Breaker users increased, but the development of the antimonsters also advanced. Thanks to that, antimonsters targeting Devils, Angels and Dragons have been created—At the maximum output, the current anti-devil antimonsters can produce light equivalent to a mid-class angel." Cao Cao explained with satisfied smile before Azazel who glares at him begin laughing.

"But Cao Cao, that means you have yet to create god-killing beasts."

"…" Cao Cao stayed silence as he cannot deny his words.

"How did you figure it out, Azazel-sensei?" Issei questioned turning to his teacher, who replies to him ith a small smirk.

"If they could, they would have already done so. And then they would have used them on us as well. There is no reason they wouldn't attempt it if they have the resources to launch simultaneously attacks at the different factions. And who knows how the world would change if gods from various mythologies were killed—To this point of time, they still cannot create god-killing demonic beasts. Though this is all we know, it is still important news."

"Nn, if it's a god, then I will kill it with this spear. Come the battle begins—now." Cao Cao pointed his spear at the ORC group.

"Gobble!" Making terrifying roars, the antimonsters charged at the group.

"Kiba, please make me a holy sword." Xenovia requested of the blonde's help.

"Understood. After all, you're more suited to a two-sword style." Kiba responded before creating a sword and aimed it at Xenovia who had already advancing ahead to meet their enemies in battle.

Catching the holy sword in mid-air, Xenovia wielded it along with Ascalon and dived straight into the ranks of the enemies. Immediately, the antimonsters were slashed by Xenovia's sweeping attacks and was easily vanquished. Just as Xenovia kept sweeping slashes at the other antimonster out of her reach, one of the antimonster opened its mouth to release a beam of light towards Xenovia—But was deflected by Kiba who upon using his holy sword sent the beam of light to a building in the distance, causing it to collapse.

"If it's this level of light, it's fine as long as we don't get hit!"

"No, let's just kill them all before they hit us!" Xenovia responded to Kiba's observation as she slashes two heads of the antimonster in front of her, vanquishing them.

"Cao Cao, would you like to be defeated by me?" Azazel asked Cao Cao as he pulled out the golden dagger with Fafnir's jewel—then was wrapped in the golden armour of the artificial Sacred Gear. At the same time, he extended his twelve black wings and rushed at Cao Cao with high speed.

"That would be a great honour! To be able to fight the Fallen Angel Governor recorded in the Bible!"

Cao Cao exclaimed landing on the shore of the Katsura River, raising the holy spear with a fearless smile. The front portion of True Longinus opened to release a golden aura which shaped itself into the blade of a spear. Just as it opened, it was as if the entire air shook. The only description that could be summed up in this moment was as holy and solemn. Issei and the others who slightly gazes upon it, revered to be making their body feeling tense and suffocated.

Instantly, violent shockwaves were created as Azazel's spear of light clashed against Cao Cao's holy spear. The impact it created were of waves and disturbances in the Katsura River, splashing water everywhere! The Togetsukyou was hit by a violent rainstorm caused by the water droplets from the said impact.

As Azazel and Cao Cao exchanged their weapons across the shore of Togetsukyou and gradually away from everyone, the others turned to their attentions towards the countless monsters charging towards them.

Observing the situation at hand, Issei thought of the unbalance formation they were currently are. The brunette's first priority to maintain was keeping both Asia and Kunou in harm's way because the former was responsible for healing while the latter was more important to guard. He albeit recalled that her father is his senior which caused his nerves to shut down for a second, thinking that the blonde would punished him if Kunou was ever hurt.

Shaking his head to get rid of the disturbing thought, the brunette was about to speak up but someone beat him to it.

"Rossweisse, can you protect both Asia and Kunou? Use whatever means to attack if either one of them gets close and reduce their numbers for us!" Asuka ordered as Issei glances at her.

"Alright!" Rossweisse immediately stood near Asia and Kudou. "Pardon my intrusion, Kunou-sama." She said to Kunou who nodded before Rossweisse begin launching various magical spells; fire, ice, wind and others towards the antimonsters which reduced the numbers greatly.

"Xenovia, Irina and Kiba. You'll be our offense. Be careful, Xenovia, Kiba. You're devils, you're pervious to light while Irina is not. If it's not too much to ask, have each other's back no matter what!"

"We will!" Both Xenovia and Kiba answered.

"You can count on me, Asuka-san!" Irina added as Asuka turns towards Issei.

"Issei, will you assist us?"

"Yes, alright!" Issei nodded before Asuka looked ahead of her, seeing the countless of antimonsters. A grim look bestowed upon her at the situation. She then pulled out her Gift Card and a red shone over her Gift Card. Immediately, a sword appeared in her other hand magically as Kunou and Asia including Rossweisse looked at the scene in surprise.

"Although I'm not quite versatile on offense, I might as well help as much as I could." Asuka said in honesty. "This isn't the time." Asuka thought in mind, reassuring herself to be patient of using her most powerful Gift.

"Asia, promote me to Bishop!" Issei called out as Asia looked at him.

"Yes!" As Asia consented, Issei immediately charges up his Dragon Shot. The only cause he chose to pick Bishop was because of the sole reason to focus the power and precision of Dragon Shot since Bishop enhances magical abilities.

"Thanks, Asia! Now take this!" Issei punches his gauntlet forward, shooting out the Dragon Shot where it immediately defeated a group of antimonsters rushing towards them. "Don't worry, I'll protect you, Asia!" He said over to the blonde girl who reacted by smiling at him.

"Y-Yes! And in return, I'll help the others when I am needed!" Asia nodded with a look of determination, knowing her role if not the role where she is needed amongst her friends during their current situation now. "If everyone is trying their best, I have to give whatever support I can!" She muttered looking forward at the ongoing battle. Meanwhile, Kunou who had been standing next to her already heard what she said and she frowns, unaware by everyone.

The battle rages on as the ORC group fought the antimonsters. The trio of swordsman and swordwomen, Kiba with Xenovia and Irina were cutting and hacking off the antimonsters with ease, simultaneously covering each other backs. More so as Irina had taken the duty to provide defence for both of her Devil friends. Meanwhile, the Valkyrie turned Devil, Rossweisse was shooting off magic blasts with various elements to the antimonsters that avoided the massacre of their kind and rushed towards her to attack. With her duty taken to protect Kunou and Asia along with Asuka, she allow herself to attack them whoever steps within her sight.

Looking at everyone who was doing their all to protect her, Kunou slightly frown to which caught Asia's attention.

"What is the matter, Kunou-sama?"

"Huh? It is nothing." Kunou solemnly answered, causing Asia to look over her with confusion.

"Are you sure?" Asia stared at her. "I'm willing to listen." She admitted and waited for the Youkai heiress to reply.

"…... I want to help too." Kunou admitted much to Asia's surprise including others who had heard her.

"Can you?" Asia questioned as Kunou looks up at her before she looks over to Asuka who stared at her.

"Can I, Asuka-san? I-I want to help!"

"—At this rate, we need every help we can get." Asuka answered which let out a smile on Kunou's face. "But do be careful."

"I understand."

She answered before Kunou steps forward to stand in between Rossweisse and Asuka.

"Th-This is for mother!" She stated as she held out her hands and breathe in deep. Recalling her mother's words, she starting feeling the energy coursing in her hands and she opens her eyes to see a big blue ball of fox fire in the palm of her hands. Immediately, she looks at the antimonsters who tried attacking Xenovia from behind and she let loose her attack.

"Huh?"

Xenovia looks behind to see a few antimonsters attempting to attack her. She was prepared to counter back but before that, the antimonsters were immediately engulfed by blue flames and exploded, destroying them. She looks at the direction where the big ball of blue fire came and she looks at Kunou smiling at her. Nodding in appreciation, Xenovia continued slashing her way through numbers of antimonsters.

The battle continued as the army of antimonsters were greatly reduced due to Xenovia, Kiba and Irina dealing a great number of them on their own. Not to mention whenever Kiba and Xenovia got individually or at the same time got hurt, Asia would heal them from afar; a testament of how far she had improved with her Twilight Healing. The others such as Rossweisse, Kunou and Issei acted as support in incinerating a great deal of antimonsters with their long range offensive magic. But despite a great quantity of antimonsters was destroyed, new monsters were created over and over again.

Amidst the battle, Asuka glances over at something before she addressed to the one who was nearby it.

"Issei, take care of them!" She said as the brunette looks over at the girls who were advancing towards him.

"On it!"

"Let us handle the Red Dragon Emperor!" The girls exclaimed as spears—and swords flashed with chilling light in their hands to assault Issei.

"Stop. Women cannot win against the Red Dragon Emperor." A gentle looking man with white hair and several swords hanging at his waist warned. However, the man's warning was hindered as the girls kept advancing towards the Red Dragon Emperor to take him out.

"Breasts, liberate your words! Bilingual!" Issei said releasing magic in the direction of the girls and instantly a mysterious space deployed with him as the centre. "Let me hear your thoughts!" The only one who could hear the voices were only him and Ddraig.

Not long after that, Issei immediately avoided the girls' attacks with ease but touched them amidst his evasive dodge.

"Impossible! How could he know all our movements?!" One of the girls was very surprised at the revelation.

"Impossible, how can we be read? Our joint attacks should have no openings!"

"Of course, it's possible! Let me reveal it! Your breasts! Go! Dress Break!" Issei flicks his fingers as the girls looked on in shock as their clothes were blown apart spectacularly.

"He cast a spell on our clothes…They're all gone!" The girls screamed whilst attempting to hide their nude bodies. Meanwhile, Issei stared in awe at the golden proportions of the girls. Immediately, his nose began to leak out blood.

"Th-This is what I developed!" Issei thought proudly puffing his chest out as tears overcame his eyes, recounting the fight against Diadora's eight pawns where he first used his new technique, much to his disadvantage since the pawns did not have any shameful feelings despite their nudity could be seen. But overall the brunette was in paradise at that time nonetheless. Punching his fist out, he yelled out. "This is the best thing ever!"

"Wh-What a vulgar technique! I've never seen anything so despicable…" Kunou exclaimed in surprise which causes Issei to stop for a moment to register her words before his self-esteem was hit greatly by her comment, shattering his proud moment for him to behold.

"Oh my. It is utterly shameful to see..." Asuka closes her eyes and avoided to look at Issei followed by Rossweisse who shakes her head disapprovingly.

"Truly, it is impossible for females to win against the Red Dragon Emperor. Unless they have an iron will and the ability to ignore shame…It's truly difficult for young women. True to the name of the Emperor of Bust Dragon; I now witness the legendary breast skills. But these are useless against males." The elegant gentleman spoke as Issei looks at him.

"Who would want to use it on men?!" Issei retorted as the elegant gentleman looked very much amused and smiled before he turns to the rest of the Hero Faction.

"Everyone be careful. He is the Red Dragon Emperor. The least talented in history and lacking in strength—however he doesn't indulge in power and is a dangerous Red Dragon Emperor who doesn't lose control. A person who holds great power but does not fall to arrogance is one who has nothing to fear. Do not be careless."

"…to be described by the enemies like this…" Issei mumbled in embarrassment from the gentleman's praise which seemed to be a reminder rather than praise.

"Is that so? Current Red Dragon Emperor, in our view, you are far more dangerous than you realise. Similarly, your companion—Vali is the same."

The gentleman responded after he heard Issei's words.

"—Next, I guess it's time for me to act."

He declared as he made a step forward and releases his swords from his belt.

"A pleasure to meet you for the first time, Gremory servants. I am Sieg, the descendant of the Hero Siegfried. My companions call me Siegfried. What you choose to call me is up to you." Siegfried introduced himself as Xenovia turns over to look at the frail looking gentleman before realisation overcomes her expression.

"…I've felt I've seen you before somewhere. It was true after all?" Xenovia questioned as Irina appeared next to her and nodded.

"Yes, it must be. From the multiple demonic swords at his waist, there is no doubt."

"What's going on, you two? You know something about that handsome guy who's like a White Kiba?" Issei questioned as Kiba who appeared near him sweatdrop at the mentioned nickname.

"White Kiba…That's going a bit far, Issei-san."

"That man is an exorcist—a former colleague of Irina's and mine. A top warrior in the Catholic. Protestant and Orthodox Churches. 'Demonic Emperor Sieg'. He has the same white hair as Freed because they were trained by the same organization. It seems to be the side effect of some kind of experiment…"

"Sieg-san! You betrayed the Church—betrayed Heaven?!" Irina screamed as Siegfried curled into a small smile.

"This is making my ears hurt. But anyway what's wrong with that? Even in my absence, the Church still has the strongest warrior. As long as that someone stays, the loss of me and the Durandal user Xenovia can be covered. However, who could have expected that person to become the Joker candidate for the Brave Saints? –Anyway, enough of the chitchat, aren't you sword wielders very capable? Xenovia the Durandal user, Shidou Irina the Ace of Michael leader of the angels, and Yuuto Kiba of the holy demonic sword." Siegfried said as his sword in his hand begin emitting demonic energy. The said sword gave off an unpleasant pulse, much to everyone confusion.

"Kiba." Asuka called as Kiba heard her before nodding and he disappeared instantaneously, only to appear blocking Siegfried's sword.

"Demonic Sword Gram. For the strongest demonic sword, a strike from the holy demonic was nothing."

Siegfried explained making eye contact with Kiba. Instantly, the two traded strikes with their sword in hand, clashing with each other as sparks fly everywhere. Just as everyone witnessed Kiba's expression, they knew he was taking this fight seriously and he was using his top speed. Although they cannot see clearly of his speed, they knew that Kiba was being suppressed greatly since Siegfried could predict his actions before he initiate them. Whilst a rare expression of seriousness could be seen from Kiba's face, Siegfried was taking this ordeal quite calm judging by his calm face.

"He's a match for Kiba…No!" Issei shakes his head in denial as he watches the sceptical and serious swordsman fight between Siegfried and Kiba. The former of which used minimal effort to evade the latter who in turn used full concentration and effort to dodge the former.

"In our organisation, though they reside in separate factions, 'Holy Royal Sword' Arthur and 'Demonic Emperor Sword' Siegfried are equally renowned. Holy Demonic Sword Kiba is not their match." One of the Hero Faction members explained.

"Xenovia." Asuka called as Xenovia look at her before setting off towards Kiba and quickly interjecting to block Siegfried's sword alongside Kiba.

"Kiba! You cannot win alone! Even against your wishes, I have to participate!"

Kiba nodded at Xenovia before a sword of light immediately appeared alongside them and was blocking Siegfried's sword with them.

"I will join in too!"

Irina said as the three broke off from Siegfried and stood across from him. Before long, the Xenovia and Irina disappeared, leaving Kiba who immediately started taking action to be the decoy by creating afterimages to disrupt Siegfried's attacks from blind angles.

In mid-air, Xenovia appeared to be slashing down with a massive holy sword aura whilst Irina appeared from behind Siegfried, thrusting her sword of light at the back of his hand.

"This!" Issei formed a smile to see the complete victory but his face was stumped as he watched Siegfried flipped his hand and blocked Irina's sword without turning. A second later, Siegfried drew out another sword from his waist. –With a flash of silver, one of Xenovia's sword was broken exclude Ascalon. The said broken holy sword was created by Kiba and it shattered like glass against Siegfriend's new sword.

"Balmung. This is the power of one strike from the demonic sword of Norse Legends."

"Another demonic sword?!" Issei thought in surprise followed by the others who stared at the shattered sword lying on the ground. As Xenovia busied herself blocking Balmung, Kiba's afterimages onslaught was not over and an opening has been given.

As Siegfried was preoccupied with wielding both Gram and Balmung, Kiba sought to strike with precision at the right time—slashing at his abdomen. –Only to be blocked by another demonic sword Siegfried pulled out from his sheath.

"Nothung. This is also a legendary demonic sword."

"What?" Asuka questioned with pure surprise as she and the others saw a third arm protruding—grown from his back. The said arm was covered by things resembling silver scales.

Siegfried laughed at the immense surprise of his opponents and the others before starting explaining.

"This dragon arm? It's Twice Critical, a very common Sacred Gear but mine is a little different, a subspecies. It grows something like a dragon's arm from my back."

Witnessing the three swords stance of Siegfried's, Kiba's expression became more serious.

"…We are both Sacred Gear users. However, even ignoring the attributes of his swords, am I unable to surpass him even in the use of the Sacred Gear…?"

"By the way, I haven't entered Balance Breaker yet." Siegfried reminded as the others were more surprised than before and immediately knew the situation becoming graver.

"This guy is too strong! He could dominate three of them at once!"

Issei thought staring at Siegfried. But then his gaze was interrupted by a rustling thud and the brunette along with the others turns to Azazel landing in front of them.

"Azazel-sensei!"

He called before turning to glance at the area where Azazel and Cao Cao battled. Immediately, he gapes at the smoking wasteland. Arashiyama's scenery has been entirely destroyed.

"Don't worry, Issei. Neither of us went all out. We were just testing each other out." Azazel nonchalantly says as Issei looks back at him with bewilderment before stealing glances at the destroyed land, wondering to himself that the so-called testing was to destroy the whole area downstream.

The brunette and the others looked at Azazel's condition, noting the few spots of his golden armour had shattered along with his black wings which looked kind of messy. Compare to this, Cao Cao had also received the same treatment; his uniform and ancient Chinese attire were torn in different places.

But the brunette did not seem equally surprised to see a human like Cao Cao to manage fighting so well against the legendary Fallen Angel Governor—because he knew one human that had overpowered more superior beings in the past without the use of Sacred Gear.

Cracking his neck audibly, Cao Cao stares down at the group.

"What a great devil servant team. I guess these are the servants of Rias Gremory, well known amongst the new generation of devils. We were intending to have a fight without exerting ourselves, but you guys turned out with a great performance. If my theories are correct, the one who gathered this unnaturally strong group is none other than that someone that I am searching for. If my subordinate states the truth, he is well known by the name; The Prince of Destruction, Gremory Prince, The Hero of the Underworld—and lastly, Dragon Slayer."

"What?"

Azazel stared at Cao Cao before he hinted a smile.

"You're talking about Sakamaki Izayoi, aren't you?"

"Sakamaki Izayoi…He'll be beneficial in our faction."

"What? Are you kidding me? He'll never join the ranks in the likes of your Hero Faction." Azazel replied with a laugh.

"He does not deserve to join you as well." Cao Cao pointed his spear at the group, frowning. "What is a human like him served all of you, Devils? He shouldn't even be involved with your cause rather he should be against it." At his statement, everyone frowned simultaneously including Asuka and Kunou.

"…I don't see the reason behind it."

A frown smeared on Azazel's face.

"Humans should unite to face against your discreet beings. As I heard, he is the one that defeated the True Red Dragon God Emperor, Great Red. But unfortunately, he did not kill it as such."

"You must be hearing these things from Ophis, huh?"

Azazel asked scratching the back of his neck.

"Right after we met that being—Why can't she just leave things alone?"

He asked before sighing.

"Sorry to say but the blonde will not be interested in joining with you kidnapping the leader of Youkai. If you heard about the relationship between him and her, you must be willing to face the extreme consequences he'd be dealing on you and the rest of your faction." A smirk plastered on Azazel's face as Cao Cao frowned deeply.

"Yes, Otou-sama would never side with you!" Kunou exclaimed angrily as she pointed her finger at them. "He would never ever!"

"—If he could beat Great Red without suffering any injury, there is no saying he would be suffering any of that if he faces, you weaker beings. I admit, he's a human too. But there is no human such as him that can be compared to the likes of you weaker humans." Azazel finishes.

"Azazel-sensei…" Issei murmured as he and the others looked at him with surprise. They did not expect him to defend the blonde.

"—Then, Sakamaki Izayoi will also suffer the consequences by your hands." Cao Cao stated which brought confusion amidst the group.

"In recent days after we kidnapped the leader of Youkai, we also recruited new comrades' in-arms." He said which caused everyone to perk up. "They were not reluctant to agree on dealing with Sakamaki Izayoi alone. See, we don't intend to make the same mistakes as the Old Maou Faction."

Cao Cao's sight turns to Issei.

"Hyoudou Issei, we've known of your exploits in recent events. We truly believe, in the future, you will become the most dangerous Red Dragon Emperor, the same applies with the other servants as well. But Sakamaki Izayoi…—He is undeniably the biggest threat to our organization thus far. If we choose to ignore his presence, we may regret afterwards. Which is why we recruited our new comrades, they'll be able to deal with Sakamaki Izayoi permanently."

"Permanently? How do you know they will be able to do such things? They could be pretending to be able to deal with him later on." Azazel gazes at Cao Cao.

"Ophis has said it herself. If she knows their capabilities, I would no doubt believe her." Cao Cao answered.

"What are the motives of your Hero Faction anyways?"

"We just want to know the limits of what it means to be 'human' and challenge it. Furthermore, humans will be the ones to defeat devils, dragons, fallen angels and other supernatural races—No, definitely, it is humans who will win. One such example is Sakamaki Izayoi. He is a true testament to Hero Faction as a whole. He has thrived to go where no humans can go so far and that is what we wish to try. But if he sided with the purpose we thrived to deal with, it is a must action to take him out, right? Hence, he shall experience the consequences by 'them'. Cao Cao finishes before the Hero Faction begin shifting their formation as Azazel begin opting everyone to regroup. At this time too, the Hero faction has created an endlessly quantity of antimonsters.

"It looks like the real battle is truly beginning." Rossweisse commented seriously as she readied her stance and multiple magic circles appear upon her.

"I don't have a choice…" Asuka thought silently as she pulls out her Gift Card. But before she could act, a shining magic circle appeared right in between the group and the Hero Faction. The magic circle beheld an unknown crest to others.

"This is—" Azazel murmured seemingly to know the crest as the others watched the spectacle with surprise before—an extremely cute foreign girl appeared, dressed like a mage.

"A-a girl?" Issei stated as he and the others looked at the girl's appearance. The girl wore a huge witch hat and a cape. Her whole attire was relatively based on a mage. By the looks of it, she looks the same as a middle schooler.

The said girl turned towards the group that had gathered around in a circle and deeply bowed her head before smiling radiantly at them.

"Nice to meet you all for the first time. I am Le Fay. Le Fay Pendragon. The mage belonging to Vali's team. Please take good care of me."

"V-Vali's team?!" Issei exclaimed in surprise following by others upon the appearance of a member of Vali's team.

"…Pendragon? Who are you to Arthur? Are you related to him by any way?" Azazel stared down at Le Fay.

"Yes, Arthur is my elder brother. He always takes care of me."

"So Le Fay. Is it like that legendary witch, Morgana Le Fay? It has been said that Morgana and the hero king, Arthur Pendragon were blood related…" Azazel said as the rest listened in on him before they turned their attention towards Le Fay who stood in front of the surprised Issei.

"Um, ummm…" Le Fay hesitated before holding out her hand towards the brunette who looked at her hand and then look at her. "I-I am a fan of the Emperor of Bust Dragon, the Oppai Dragon! I-If you're not too busy, can you shake hands with me!"

Issei looked speechless as he did not know how to react. The brunette did the only thing he could; shaking hands with Le Fay who looked extremely happy at the gesture.

"Thanks…" Issei thanked with a smile of appreciation.

The others looked on in surprise including those from the Hero Faction and Cao Cao mainly. They were puzzled at this.

Finally, Cao Cao voices out.

"So it's Vali's side, what's the matter?"

"Yes! I came to bring a message from Vali-sama!" Le Fay said. "He said 'I thought I told you not to disturb me!'—that is his message. So, you need to be punished for trying to put us under surveillance!" Le Fay announced adorably before the ground begin to shake violently. The action causes everyone to balance themselves. Both Kunou and Asia tried to balance but failed and fell, only to be saved by both Rossweisse and Asuka who held onto the two from falling.

In between the two opposing sides, the ground had swollen up and tears apart, causing clouds of dust to litter the area.

"Guuuuuuuutz!"

A ten metre giant constructed out of inorganic material appeared amidst the clouds of dust as everyone looked at it with shock.

"—It's Gogmagog!" Azazel yelled looking up at the giant.

Le Fay answered.

"Yes. This is one of the strong characters in our team, Gogmagog or Gogz-kun!"

"There's such a cute nickname?!" Issei thought. "Sensei, that moving rock giant is…"

"Gogmagog. Something like a gargoyle that was placed in the Dimensional Gap. Floating in a state of suspension in the Dimensional Gap. It seems to be a mass produced weapon of destruction created by Ancient Gods…They should all have been deactivated by now." Azazel explained to him and the rest.

"That kind of thing exists in the Dimensional Gap?! What deactivated, that guy is moving!" Issei exclaimed pointing his finger at the ten metres giant just in front of them.

"Ah, this is the first moving one I have encountered. Though it was said that they were deactivated and placed in the Dimension Gap…But to be actually moving! This makes me so interested…!" Issei and the others looked at Azazel who looked at Gogmagog with shining eyes before he immediately recovered. "—I see. Last time what Vali was checking out when hanging around the Dimensional Gap was not just Great Red…"

"Yes. It was Vali-sana who detected Gogz-kun's existence. Ophis-sama once mentioned discovering this giant that could move in the Dimensional Gap, so we went there again to search for it." Le Fay explained nodding her head.

"So, how many are you in Vali's team?" Issei asked Le Fay who answered.

"Currently there's Vali-sama, Bikou-sama, Arthur onii-sama, Kuroka-san, Fenrir-chan, Gogz-kun as well as me, seven in total." Issei nodded in understanding, feeling a bit uneasy knowing he would be fighting the White Dragon Emperor.

Then, the brunette turns to Azazel once he got a question.

"Azazel-sensei. If Great Red is there, why would the Dimensional Gap have that kind of giant…"

"The Dimensional Gap is quite troublesome to handle, but there is a leeway. All Great Red wants to do is swim around freely in the Dimensional Gap, and does not pose any real threat. He is a special existence so none of the factions place Great Red in their rankings and categories. All he cares is to swim freely unhindered in the Dimensional Gap." Once Azazel finishes, the ten metre giant rears back its fist at the Hero Faction.

"Roar!"

Instantly swiping his fist accompanied by a loud sound of smashing, Togetsukyou was smashed in one hit, surprising everyone. Whilst the gargoyle's attack slaughtered massive numbers of antimonsters, the Hero Faction retreated, hiding on the other side of the river.

"Hahaha! Vali's angry so it seems…Looks like our surveillance was discovered!" Cao Cao laughed in a loud voice and pointed his spear at the golem.

At that moment, Asuka raced towards the front and stood next to Le Fay who looks at her. Immediately, Asuka raises her Gift Card as it shines red—

"Deen!" A red giant magic circle emblem appeared in front of Asuka as everyone including the Hero Faction members watches a massive metallic golem appeared via magic circle emblem.

"DEEEEEEEN!"

"Extend!" Cao Cao said once Deen made an entrance.

"Go forth!" Asuka commanded as Deen raises its metallic hand to catch the tip of the spear that suddenly had extended before it could pierced Gogmagog.

"What…?" Cao Cao questioned furrowing his eyebrows at the spectacle.

"Deen!" Asuka commanded as Deen grips upon the spear.

"DEEEEEN!" With that, Deen raises the tip of the spear, causing the surprised Cao Cao to be lifted by the other side of the spear. Then—Deen instantly smashes Cao Cao to the ground before dragging him along the area, breaking the ground as he goes and destroying antimonsters along the way. Before long, Deen smashes Cao Cao once again nearby the other Hero Faction members who immediately rushed over towards their leader.

"Rossweisse!" Asuka called out as the silver haired Valkyrie rushes over to her side and immediately summons an unbelievable number of magic circles which appeared around her.

"Roger!" Rossweisse answered as she immediately released the fury of the magic attacks—from the terrifying number of magic circles, out spewed a frightening number of magical attacks which filled the sky and fell upon the Hero Faction like a heavy rainstorm. Various elements such as fire, light, water, thunder and other magical attacks with all sorts of attributes swept everything around the area. The houses, shops, roads and electrical poles, everything turned into dust and disappeared without a trace. A testament to how professional and skilled she was with Nordic magic, and how destructive each spell does.

—But a cloud of mist appeared into view as the magical attacks were about to hit the Hero Faction head on. A youth wearing a uniform with a feathered cape produced mist from his hand—and deflected all the magic instantaneously!

"How?" Rossweisse asked in surprise before glancing at Asuka who glances at her too. The two of them then turns to Hero Faction as the mist user slowly spread his hand horizontally and covered the entire Hero Faction.

"There are too many interferences—however it was a fun opening ceremony, Governor Azazel!" Cao Cao said within the mist as he cracked his right arm into order. "Especially with the arrivals of two giants—I did not expect such spectacle. Although interesting enough, to control a giant with her own will."

Everyone looked at Asuka who stared hard at the Hero Faction.

"Tonight we will be using Kyoto's special leylines and the Kyuubi leader, and turn Nijou Castle into a great massive experiment! In order to stop us, please come and participate!" Cao Cao announced as the group watches the mist thickened around the entire area. The group watches as mist started out beneath their feet before it spread to their chests and approached their faces. Amidst the mist spreading around them, Asuka immediately lifted her Gift Card as it shines.

"Hey, everyone has returned to the original reality! Put away your weapons!" Azazel reminded just before the mist enveloped them.

"Huh?" Asuka blinked before blinking a couple of times, a look of surprise flashes before her as she and the others were back at the crowded streets next to Togetsukyou. "In the blink of an eye...We'd just return." Asuka said to herself, surprise at the instant time to which they return just by the mist enveloping the whole group. "It can also block any attack delivered to it…" She thought, recalling seeing Rossweisse's barrages of magical attacks were useless against the mist that had enveloped the Heroes Faction and they came out without any scratches whatsoever. At the sight, it frustrates her yet surprise her at the same time at seeing one of the scary abilities displayed by the Longinus, Dimension Lost.

"Asuka-san, are you alright?" Asuka turns to her right to see Irina and Xenovia standing next to her.

"Yeah, I'm alright. But I can't shake the feeling that we'd just return from a battle."

"I understand how you're feeling." Xenovia nodded.

Asuka look up at the two before she looks at her other friends, presumably Issei and Asia who were trying to accustom themselves to returning to the real world, after just discovering their return within a blink of an eye, which she guessed they were surprise as her but hid their expressions in time to not worry their classmates too much. But then, she noticed one that was standing all alone, away from the group.

Seeing who she was, Asuka walks towards the shuddering Kunou until she stood next to her and registering the tears sliding down her eyes. A small frown curved on her face as Asuka puts a calming hand on her shoulder which lets Kunou turning around to see her.

"Don't cry, Kunou-sama." Asuka comforted as Kunou brushes her sleeve against her eyes softly.

"I apologize. I shouldn't expose myself to crying in public since we have returned…" Kunou trailed off as Asuka squeezes her shoulder.

"It will be alright. We'll get your mother back." Kunou stares at her before nodding. "Even if we don't, your father will." A small smile appears on Kunou's face at the bare mention of her father.

"Yes. Otou-sama will come to save Okaa-sama." Kunou stated as Asuka returned her smile with her own before looking around to see the others composing themselves after returning to the world from the dimension they were in.

Suddenly, Asuka was greatly interrupted by the vibrating sound of her phone in her purse.

Sliding open the purse, she retrieved the phone and looks at the caller's name. A small frown smeared her face as she looks down at the name for a moment.

"Asuka-san? What is the matter?" Kunou questioned.

"…It's nothing. Someone tried calling me." Asuka excused as Kunou nodded in understanding. "It's nothing important. I'll call him later after we're settled."

Then, Asia came into view as she and Issei walks towards them.

"Kunou-sama, are you alright?" Asia asked Kunou who nods in return.

"Yes. I didn't get hurt." She said before turning to look at Asuka. "But I have to say my appreciation to Asuka-san." Kunou hinted a smile as Asuka looks at her in confusion.

"Why is that?"

"It is because of you that I am able to fight."

"No. There is no such thing." Asuka denied her claim before smiling down at Kunou. "I trust you, Kunou-sama. You were able to help us a lot amidst the danger. Anyway, if I am being honest, you were stronger than me. I don't think I helped that much from my own perspective." She said recalling her vulnerability of standing by with her sword in-hand without defeating any antimonsters since Rossweisse had destroyed them even before they got a feet between them.

"No. You also helped the others as well." Kunou stated as both Asia and Issei nodded along.

"You really helped us, Asuka-san." Asia smiled.

"If you say so." Asuka returned the smile before a shout call out to them.

"Hey, what are you guys doing? Let's continue the tour!" Kiryuu called out to them. "Azazel-sensei and Rossweisse-sensei weirdly decided to join us all of a sudden…we should move along." Kiryuu stated as Asuka looks towards the others before they all nodded.

"Excuse me." Kunou excused and bows her head towards the others before lifting her head up to smile at them. "We will continue the tour!"

Unknown Venue

City

Pulling his phone away from his ear, Izayoi looks down at his phone to see the call was disconnected. A small frown made its way onto his lips, feeling something happening right now at this moment. His eyes narrowed at the enemies that might have revealed themselves to the others in Kyoto in his mind. The blonde was nearly tempted to go across Kyoto from his spot but he knows he cannot expose himself, and also if he goes to Kyoto via train, he would still not make it in time. Sighing patiently, the blonde looks up at the hotel standing in front of him before entering through the entrance. At this moment, the others would have to fight in place of him, which did not sit well with him but regardless he knows what he would be doing once he arrived in Kyoto soon.

-Entering the room he rented, Izayoi put away his shoes before he walked further inside towards the bedroom and looked around. Putting the box in his hand on top of the desk in between the beds, the blonde then pulled away his backpack from his shoulder before he tosses it towards one of the two beds in the room.

Walking around his way towards the large window opposite of his vacant room, the blonde look outwards to the outside world. Pulling out his phone out from his pocket, he opens it to see a few missed calls from a certain red head. Tapping the newest missed call, the blonde hold the phone over his right ear.

Meanwhile in Kuoh Academy...

Standing in front of the academy front gates, the Gremory Princess stood waiting for her servant, Koneko who had accompanied Gasper to the old school building along with Percher. Meanwhile, standing with her were Akeno and Sala who began chatting with each other to pass the time.

As the three seniors waited for Koneko and Percher, Rias felt her phone ringing inside her pocket.

Pulling out the digital phone, she put it over her right ear after tapping the answering button.

"How's daily learning today?"

"Izayoi-kun." Rias looked over at the voice coming from the phone while Akeno and Sala overheard them, and looked towards the Gremory Princess. "…Where have you been?"

"…You don't have to know about that. You can assumed I've been doing some business elsewhere."

"…Are you okay, Izayoi-kun?"

Rias asked in concern. Knowing her husband was acting strange for the past few days and she doubt that his act was not related to his absence. All that she knows from what Akeno had confirmed for her is, something was troubling her husband which led to his absence.

"—If you must know, I'd met one of Canaria's friends."

At the answer, a frown curved on her face.

"Oh…-What did you talk about, then?" The Gremory Princess knew that her husband's past was something that he did not want to talk about unless spoken at the right time or when he felt to talk about it. It was either between those two that drives her husband to speak about his past. Although the Gremory Princess knew little about his entire past life but she knew it was all derives from one person; his mother, Sakamaki Canaria. To hear that her husband had spoken to one of Canaria's friends, she knew it might evoke the old memories of his with his deceased mother.

"Mostly topics in the past." Rias nods cautiously, knowing that her guess was right all along. Even by his tone, she knew her husband did not want to talk about it and she accepts it.

"Are you sure you're okay?" Rias asked once more.

"Yeah, I'm okay. Don't sweat over it much, Rias." Izayoi's nonchalant tone made the redhead smiles, even much as he said her name. "Oh, you should visit Baron along the way. He might have a message for you." The blonde snickered as Rias looks on in curiosity. "…I'll talk to you later."

"Already?"

"We've waited for a few minutes enough." Rias looks over at Percher standing in front of her with Koneko.

A bright blush painted her cheeks as Izayoi heard the comment and laughs.

"Shut up, Izayoi-kun! Mou…"

"That's why we should talk later."

"…Alright. Bye, Izayoi-kun. I…I love you."

"I love you too."

Hearing his reply brought strength to Rias as she smiles adoringly before she pulls away her phone, seeing it disconnected. Pocketing her phone inside her pocket, the Gremory Princess look over to everyone who seemed to focus their attention at her. Knowing they wanted to hear the conversation between her and the person who called her, she gestured everyone towards the school gates.

"Let's go. I'll tell all of you while we walk."

Meanwhile…

Grasping his phone, he pull it away from his ear and let down his arm to dangle from his side. A small smile crossing his face at talking to his wife even for a brief moment. By the tone that greeted him, the blonde knew his wife had already begin missing him and had already talked about where he has been since his disappearance. He had answered, and he was relieved that she had begun to understand and take it to stride even though he knew it worries her.

After only a while of gazing through the outside world, the blonde turn away to sit on the edge of one of the two beds.

Without a word, the blonde then pull out two envelopes given by Canaria as her last will. One envelope contained her will, the other—was an invitation as mentioned in her will. He puts the opened envelope behind the sealed envelope as he stared down at it for a while. He had made his decision when he chose to stay in his world rather than leaving it behind. But like before, he cannot express his curiosity on knowing what is inside the sealed envelope. So far, he only knows little but how little it may be, those hints were enough for him to know what he will be experiencing if he opens it.

Staring down at the sealed envelope for a good amount of time, he express a long sigh. The blonde pocketed the envelopes inside his pocket before he leans his back against the bed. His gaze settled on the ceiling for a moment, contemplating.

One way or another, he had to make a decisive choice. One that surely be costly.

To Be Continued…

Alright! That is the end of the newest addition plus the newest chapter of A Problem Devil, Born. I surely hope that all of you that had patiently waiting for this series to be updated. The problem for my absence is one thing; laziness and exams. I recently had just finished the examinations though and so I am here to tell you all that I have return with the newest chapter that I have secretly stashed for over four to six months without changing the content.

Anyway, onto to the summary; we have our main character going somewhere that concerns his past. The only purpose is to clear his mind from the stuff that has been stuck in his mind for a while as said by him. Since all of you know now, what do you think he will do? With the Heroes Faction revealing themselves for the first time, what will Issei and the ORC members do without the others helping them for the next battle to come? Will they be enough to beat them? Since Khaos Brigade is involved in this, what will happen to Kyoto? What are the new recruits that Cao Cao had spoken about? Find out on the later chapters, alright?

Before I forget, leave a Review within the Review Box to let me know your thoughts on the chapter overall. Am I really improving after my absence? Putting that aside, I appreciate if new readers get to follow and favorite this series. It will add to my overall happiness that there are some new readers had followed and favorited over the past weeks. I sincerely thank you all.

With that out of the way, I will see you all on our next meeting.

Ja'ne! ArtLotus out!