Hope you enjoy the chapter Readers!
"What is going on?!" a voice boom, outside the small Japanese style house, where Sairex and Tairex are currently rested "What's with all the noise kid?" the black dragon speaks out, rubbing his ear. Nawin enters the room clearly not in a good mood "Ever since the last battle I had with Raynare, my power has been dwindled, I can't even take a full blast to the face!" the Makasha turn to the white dragon, seeing he looking calmly at his direction "Tell me Sairex! What's happening to me!?".
Sairex take a sip from his tea and release a sigh "You should be asking the dragon god, not me" he answers, making the Makasha clenches his hands and glance down at the mark on his neck "Ever since that encountered you had with her, something has changed" Tairex comment lazily, lying on the floor.
Nawin rub his nose and take a deep breath, before looking at Sairex in his now usual stoic expression "You're saying you don't know what's happening at all?" "Sadly no, that mark has been causing some disturbance in your magic, though it could also be that restriction seal that Sirzech has placed around it".
"So, weak that your girlfriend had to save your ass" Tairex comment pointing at the large screen hovering in front, "Uh!" Nawin eyes widen seeing Akeno speeding toward the Nightwalker and inflicted dozens of blinding lighting strike by just passing by it. Nawin stare in astonish, when seeing how the Himejima completely dominated the nightwalker in less than a minute after releasing the Lance of Zeus, "That girl has already surpassed you" Tairex state with a dark grin.
Sairex glance at the screen "Indeed, it's not surprising she's gotten this strong after training, with a powerful and experience fallen angel like Azazel, though I'd say if she'd train with her father then she may become even stronger" he states, "Oh" Tairex murmur in amusement seeing the Makasha clenching his hands after finish looking the battle.
"Are you jealous of your lover kid?" the dark dragon asks, chuckling deeply causing Nawin glare to at him before looking down at his shaking hands. Sairex stare at the young Makasha with worry clouding his golden eyes 'Nawin…', "Oh how weak you have fallen kid, after all the stuff I've taught you, such a disappointment you turn out to be" Tairex utters making his brother send a glare "Tairex" he mutters in warning but it falls on deaf ears as the black dragon continues.
"I'm embarrassed that our first owner is you, chu! I bet the Hyoudou would be a better owner than you since he seems to be improving a lot lately" Tairex said while the Makasha just stood still with bangs covering his eyes. "What? Not gonna say anything, Ha! Expected as muc-" Tairex is cut off, when he is grab by the face and is thrown through the house.
"Guh!" Tairex groan crashing into a large boulder, he gets up to see Sairex standing in front of him; giving him a stern look "I'll say it once more be silent brother" he commands making the other growl before turning to the side giving a tsk noise "Whatever".
Sairex turns to see the Makasha has already left "Huh… I hope things will turn out alright" he mutters, which his brother caught "I rather it be the other way" Tairex interject causing the white haired to turn toward him, clearly showing full annoyance "I wonder at times why I don't just kill you, it will probably do good for the future and Nawin-kun sake" "You've already tried, remember".
Inn
"Nawin-kun!" Akeno smile seeing the black haired slowly getting up "Glad to see you back up, breakfast is already over so I brought some of the food back here" she said, thought it seems that her words fall in deaf ears as the Makasha just stare down at the blanket with blanks expression.
The Himejima tries to smile and lifts a bowl of pork porridge on her lap "I got this from the club lounge, since you must be a bit hungry" she brings a spoon up, "Posh!" "Huh?!" Akeno's eyes widen when Nawin slaps her hand away causing the spoon to fly back landing on the now messy marble floor.
Akeno shock expression slowly turn to sadness seeing the Makasha staring down with calm rage expression while clenching the blanket tightly clearly showing frustration. "You know… no matter what I will always love you" Nawin's eyes widen a bit hearing her words. Akeno looks up at him and smile "Know that the reason I got strong is to be able to stand next to you… to not let myself be a burden to you and most importantly to protect you since you've protected me so many times already".
Nawin eyes soften as small tears start dripping down his usual blank eyes when hearing how heartfelt the Himejima is on those comment, he knows she said all those words from the very bottom of her heart "You're too much Akeno" he mutters staring down, unable to look at the raven haired after what he just did.
Akeno place the bowl down and turn back to the Makasha, "No matter what you do, you can't sever the love I have for you" her smile widen, when looking down at the beautiful bracelet "You've made me find love… the one feeling I thought I would never get or even had after what I've experienced in the past" she looks up at him "I'm eternally grateful to you for giving me such love even though I know it's hard for you at time expressing it, but I hope our love will continue forever, even through tough times".
Akeno was about to continue, but stop when she is suddenly pull into a hug from the Makasha causing her to smile and wholeheartedly returns it "I'm sorry" she hears him mutter "It's ok, I forgive you just please don't hold all these emotions in Nawin-kun, use me as a pillar of support" she replies.
Akeno pulls back and smile brightly seeing the Makasha is returning back to normal seeing a small smile grace his lips "Thanks, you really have grown Akeno… I'm glad" he plants a kiss on her lips before getting out of bed.
"You're ok now?" Akeno ask turning around facing him "Yeah don't worry… yesterday was a crazy day, so my mind needed rest and it didn't help that Tairex won't shut up in the mindscape and kept aggravating me" he reply with a sigh.
"Your sacred gear?" the raven haired ask receiving a nod "Nawin-kun… I don't mean to invade your privacy, but why are you so exclusive when it comes to your sacred gear?" she question causing the Makasha stare forward; blankly before turning back, giving her a smile "Because I don't really know that much about him myself, he's a bit of a enigma and grumpy dragon" he answers making Akeno slowly nod "Oh, I see" "Anyway, let me take a quick shower then we can meet up with the other" Nawin said, entering the bathroom while Akeno jumps out of the bed "Ok".
Time Skip: Inn Tavern
"Yo Akeno-san, Nawin!" Issei waves at the two when they enter the tavern, "How you feeling little brother?" Rias ask "Yeah, I'm good" he reply, taking a seat "Sorry for bring a bit late, took him a while to get up and I didn't want to wake him up" Akeno inform, taking a seat next to the Makasha.
Rias shake her head "It's fine, we all had a rough day… yesterday it seems like all of us has seen a lot of stuff" she said turning serious "Huh, is that why we're seated in a VIP area, so we can discuss stuff" Nawin respond making her nod "I prefer we don't have ears listening".
"Miss, would you like to order now?!" the waitress ask through the curtains, "You all hungry?" Rias turn to her team "I'm starving" Nawin state "I too!" Issei grins "Well it is almost lunch, so we should fetch some food before heading out" Akeno advise making her close friend nod. Rias turn to the lady "Alright, can we have the menu please" "Of course" the waitress pass the menu through the curtains "I will be back in a minute to get your order" she said then leaves.
"So, what happened Nawin?" Issei start off while looking through the menu with Rias "What do you mean?" "Nawin-kun what do you want?" Akeno interject reading through the menu "Anything with protein is fine love" he replies before turning back to the Hyoudou "So, what are you talking about?" "The nightwalker of course! You fought it, right?!" Issei exclaims making Rias pinch his cheek "Ow, ow, ow, ow, what's that for Rias" he whines rubbing his sore cheek when she releases it, before sending him a stern look "Lower your volume".
"Got caught by my own blast" Nawin reply making the three turn to him "Can you elaborate" Rias said making him nod "I charged up the thunder roar howl and the next time I know it shoot back at me from its mouth, which make me think, it either shallowed my attack or absorbed it through its body then fired it back" he explains "You got beaten by one attack" Issei comment with unimpressed tone, which quickly receive him a dark glare from Akeno causing him shrink down in fear and apologize "S-sorry".
Nawin sighs rubbing his forehead, "I've been weak lately" he mumbles making Rias nod looking at him with serious expression "And I want to know why Nawin, you aren't at the same level compare to back then... I'm worry you're going to be burden", "Rias!" Akeno snaps back surprising the Gremory "He won't be a burden, he's still strong and is able to handle himself, don't forgot the enemies he has faced to get here… not everyone can say they defeated a former Satan and a ten winged fallen angle!".
"It's ok" Nawin smile place his hand over hers before turning to Rias "I know you're worried Rias, but I am as clueless as you, to why my power has been severely cut for a while now… hopefully I will figure it out soon and get back to my top shape" he said. Rias stare at him for a moment before releasing a sigh "… Ok, just please be careful and don't push yourself, alright?" "Got it".
Time Skip
"Ahhhh, that was delicious!" Issei moans, rubbing his belly while the girls stare at the mountain of plates in front of him "I have to agree with you on that" they turn to see Nawin using a toothpick to clean his teeth from all the meats he's eaten with equally amount of empty plate in front of him.
"Goodness, both of your appetite are scary" Rias comment with sweat drop rolling down her head, "You're paying this Rias" Akeno state "Whaaa?!" she turns to the raven haired in shock, "I already paid for the rooms" Nawin interject "I paid for all the ingrediencies and potions we've bought" Akeno inform "Umm… you love me?" Issei add in sheepishly making the Gremory head hung down "Fine, I'll pay… hope we have some money left for the rest of the stay" she mutters.
Issei suddenly stand up, holding his crouch "Oh right! I need to pee" he informs making the rest sweat drop "Then go you idiot, we aren't your parents" Nawin retorts making the Hyoudou glare at him before rushing to the restroom. "You mind paying the bill Akeno" Rias passes her purse to her friend who nod, grabbing it and gets up "Be right back".
Seeing now it's only the two of them, Rias turn to the Makasha and rest her head above her hands "I'm going to say this once more Nawin… what happened to you" she asks "….", Nawin stare down at the table holding his usual stoic look. Rias clench her hands "Tell me" she demand with a clear tone that shows she's not messing around.
Nawin looks up at her "… Infinite Dragon God, Ophis" he slowly mutters out every single word, with each word causing the Gremory eyes to widen, "Urhg" she looks down not expecting that answer, out of everything she was prepared to hear that was probably the last or the least of what she wanted to hear. Rias stare at her palm with clear worriedness shown in her eyes "I-is Ophis the one that gave you the mark?" she asks hoping the answer is no "… Yes".
Rias clench her hands tightly causing her knuckle to turn white "Why… why in the world would you attract that kind of person's attention" she mutters as her body begin to shake. Nawin stare at the Gremory knowing this was the outcome when he said that infamous name "Huh… do I have to really tell you Rias" he said causing her to look up "My name is Nawin Makasha, a boy four months ago was just an ordinary human living his normal life, until he was killed by a fallen angle then got a second chance at life by becoming revived thanks to the Princess of the Gremory clan, after that he gained enough power to kill a ten winged angle and end the former ruler of the underworld… he did all that in just a couple of months of being a devil".
Nawin leans back and crosses his arms "With all of the things I've achieved in such a short amount of time, it's inevitable I would gained lots of attention… even from a god" Rias click to her teeth knowing what the Makasha said is true "So she gave you that cursed mark?" she ask, wanting to be sure which she got when receiving a nod, making her mood quickly turn to anger "Then why haven't you told this to my brother or Azazel?!".
"It's my own busines-" "They can help you!" Rias cuts in, slamming her hands down the table while glaring at the Makasha in frustration "Stop hiding things from us Nawin!". The black haired stare at her "… Sometimes it's better off not saying anything to protect the ones you care for" he reply making Rias immediately calm down and lean back to her seat.
Rias rest her head down on her hand before releasing a long sigh, "Can you at least promise me, you will talk to either my brother or Azazel about this" she ask "… Ok" Nawin reply making her smile, "I won't force you to tell me everything Nawin, but please remember we are family and we look out for each other, so if you ever need to talk to someone just come to me or the others alright?" she said giving him a warm smile reach he returns.
"Thanks for understanding… Sis" he replies, Rais give a toothy grin when hearing the word sis, "Otouto!" she jumps out of her seat and slam down at the shock Makasha, giving him a tight hug.
"I love you so much!" Rias gushes, nuzzling at Nawin's chest who just lay there knowing it's impossible to get out of her tight grip at his current state 'At least she isn't crushing my bones'. Suddenly the two feel a blast of killer intent wash over them, 'Oh boy' Nawin glance up to see Akeno staring down at them with murder shown in her violet eyes while Issei is behind her, shivering in fear and takes a few steps back.
Rias feel sweat rolling down the back of her head when feeling most of the killing intent was aimed at her "Hehehe, I'm just showing Nawin-kun my sisterly love Akeno" she reassured, smiling nervously then sits up causing the position she is now in even more sexual making Nawin mentally facepalm and Akeno's mood worsen.
"Oops" Rias finally sees what she has just done "I'll give the count of three to get out of my Nawin… one… two" "Get up Rias!" Nawin hushes, snapping the Gremory out of her thoughts and jumps back. When Rias lands on her seat, Akeno's moods immediately turns back to normal and smile at her "Thank you for moving Rias" she state, sitting back next to the Makasha.
Rias sweat drop and hung her head down "I remember the days where she would call me Buchou, same goes with Issei" she mutters in depress tone before turning up, giving a stern glare to the Makasha "You are a bad influence, because of your disregards of formality others started picking it up too!".
Issei chuckles, taking a sit back next to the crimson haired "If Nawin here doesn't even show formality to Sirzech-sama, then I doubt he will ever show it to you Rias" he comments, "You also stop calling me Buchou!" Rias whine, pointing at him.
"B-but I thought since we are dating it would be nice if I call you by your name!" Issei quickly interject making Rias blinks a couple of time before a tint of blush appear on her cheeks "S-sure that's fine then" she stutters, turning to the other side with a small smile form on her lips, making the other couple smirk in amusement.
Nawin leans forward placing both his arms on the table "Now that we got lunch out of the way, let's get back to business shall we" he said making everyone nod, turning serious "Well I guess I will start off on what I've found yesterday" Rias starts, catching everyone's attention.
Mini Time Skip
"So, all three of us encountered the monsters that appears around Shigemi at night" Rias state after hearing Issei and Akeno stories, she turns to the Makasha "No I haven't seen anything like that since its mostly part due to me being out of Shigemi to hunt down a witch" he replies surprising everyone.
"You went to search for a witch?!" Rias said in shock before sending a glare at the black haired "What's your reason for going to meet such dangerous race!?", "Huh, because I needed a witch's magic to track the nightwalker and as you can see by me being alive and fought the nightwalker, everything turned out fine" Nawin reply in slight annoyance.
Rias sighs and relax back down on her seat "I rather not go into full details, but after giving a fur of a nightwalker, which I found from a battlefield where Hana encountered it, the witch used her magic and was able to track the nightwalker's location" Nawin takes a calm deep breath "I and Hana teleported to a village called Urlom, but…. We were too late when arriving to see the sight of a completely destroyed village and mutilated corpses".
Akeno place her hand on the Makasha shoulder giving a comfort squeeze making him glance at her and sends a small smile before turning to Rias, "Luckily for us it was still there and I fought it before gotten hit by a surprise attack causing me to substance quite a damaged, but before the nightwalker could finish the job, Akeno appeared and was able to fought the beast back" Nawin inform, though Rias and Issei were surprise at the last part.
Rias turns to Akeno since she hasn't heard this part of the story until now "You were able to go toe to toe with it?" she asks with surprise tone. Akeno nod "Yes, I was able to force it to retreat… in all honesty the creature wasn't as powerful as we were led to believe".
Nawin cross his arms and think for a second before opening his eyes "Akeno is right about that, I got beaten because my magic is low at that time from all the teleporting I had to do and because of my current state. I'm not trying to sound cocky, but if I was in full power, it would have been an easy fight" he said making everyone turn to him.
"Seriously?" Issei speak, with some doubts on his face "Come on, from what we have heard from the people's and the Queen this beast should be dangerous and powerful", he then points at the Makasha "Are you sure that beast you encountered was really the nightwalker?". Rias nod in agreement with her lover and turns to Nawin "He does have a point, could you be mistaken, also you said it slaughtered a whole village which doesn't really make sense, why would it just randomly kill dozen of villagers while before, it was killing high nobles one by one" she adds.
Nawin's eyes widen slightly hearing this and looks toward the two "… You do bring some good points, I haven't thought about that before" he admits. "… No" Nawin shakes his head, "It will bring the question up on why the witch would have told me that the beast yesterday was the nightwalker, after all the fur did belong to it so the mistaken of it not being the nightwalker is impossible" he counters.
Rias sighs and stand up "Well I guess the next best idea is to return back to the witch, but personally I think the fur belonged to another creature, also there is one more thing that makes me think that the creature wasn't the nightwalker", Nawin looks at her "It's appearance" she nods "Yes… you saied it's a large creature with huge humanoid like body shape similar to the giants though not as tall, I find hard to believe the size of that kind of creature could gain the ability to disappear at night and from what we know, has tremendous speed that the captains here haven't even lied eyes on it yet, same goes with the folks".
Nawin looks down and clench his hands in frustration "God damn it!" the others are startled when he slams the table causing it to split in half, "Calm down Nawin-kun" Akeno ushers rubbing his shoulder. Nawin stands up and turn to Issei "Come on, you and I are heading to the witch" "M-me?" the Hyoudou points himself causing Nawin to tick it slight annoyance "Yes, pervert you!" "Oh ok!" he grins jumping up.
"Then it's settled" Rias turn to Akeno "Me and Akeno will go have a chat with Kaz and see what we can learn and continue from there, while you and Issei can head to the witch to get more answers" she instructs, as the raven haired stop beside her. Nawin rub his neck and nod "Sure, let's just clear this stuff before it turns night… I want to discuss this weird phenomenon with the Queen later" he states making the Gremory nod.
"Ready?" Rias ask turning to her friend, receiving a nods back "Ok, we'll be seeing you guys and be careful" she said glancing back at the two "Don't worry, me and Nawin are a good team" Issei grins giving a thumb up making the Gremory chuckle softly. Akeno stare at the Makasha and send him a smile which he returns "See you later Akeno" "You too".
Issei watch the girls walk out of the Inn before turning to the Makasha "So, lets head out teme!" Nawin sweat drop hearing that nickname again after Akeno just happen to left the building "Fine, grab my shoulder" he instructs making the other look confuse "Huh?" Nawin send a glare showing annoyance, "So you can also teleport there, you dimwit!" "Oh right" Issei place a hand on the Makasha shoulder and the two disappear in black flash.
Swamp
The two appear at the entrance of the swamp "Urgh, stinks here!" Issei let go of the Makasha and cover his noise "Don't be a wuss" the other reply blankly before making his way in "Come on". Issei looks around the murky swamp and spot some old skeletons lied either under the mud or some hanging on the branches by ropes, at the far distance he can see some drowners crawling around the ground or swimming in the pond causing shivers to run down his spin 'No wonder why there's so many dead bodies here'.
Issei look at front to see the Makasha walking straight forward looking like he's not even effective by all the skeletons and corpses they are walking past 'I don't know is because he's cold hearted or he just isn't bothered by it because he already saw them' Issei mutter in his mind before shaking his head and start walking strong, changing his expression into a serious one.
After a few minutes of walking in silence, Nawin glance back in curious to see the Hyoudou bored face 'Surprise he's been quiet this long without complaints'. After a minute, "Teme are we there yet?" Issei mutter out making the black haired chuckle knowing that was coming "Yeah, we're almost there just a few more minutes" "Why aren't we running instead of slow walking" Issei question "Simple, less noise less attention, which means no monster will be pouncing on us like they did with those poor fella's we've been walking past" Nawin respond.
When reaching at the heart of the swamp, the two starts smelling smoke "We're close know" Nawin inform "Hey! There's a hut over there" Issei points at the right showing a medium size hut place at the center of the swamp "Good catch" the Makasha praise causing Issei to grin "Let's knock on the door… and Issei don't do anything reckless, this witch is powerful" "Got it".
Nawin knock the wooden door a couple of time, Issei who was behind is in full guard just in case. The door suddenly opens showing beautiful tall woman with long jet-black haired that is styled in a straight fringe cut just above her eyebrow, sleek hourglass body, warm green eyes, soft cold white skin, black painted nails, her attire consist of a black dress with violet flower patterns.
Issei and especially Nawin stand there in shock expecting a cloak witch, instead of a beautiful woman living in the middle of a swamp. The lady raises her eyebrow "May I ask why you knocked on my door" she ask in an intoxicating deep voice sending shivers down Issei spine.
The Makasha snap out of his shock "We're looking for a witch that lives in this swamp" he answers making the woman turn to him "Ah, you two must be speaking of my mother, I'll call her" she turns behind "Mother there's someone here to meet you" "Yes I got it girl, I can sense their presence" a familiar old voice respond.
Nawin eyes narrow seeing the witch stop beside her daughter holding an ominous smile when she spots him "Didn't expect so see ye back boy, how was the hunt?" she asks. "That's the reason why I came here, I'm going to get straight to the point" "I'm happy to hear that" "… Was that the nightwalker yesterday" he questions.
The witch remains silent for a minute staring at the Makasha before releasing a deep chuckle "What you see is what you believe in boy… do you believe that was the nightwalker?" "… No" "Then there's your answer" Nawin clench his teeth getting annoy by the witch games "I gave you a fur that belongs to the nightwalker, so tell me why did you lie to me!" "Oh, I did no such things, I did give you the right locations, the fur did belong to the beast you fought" the witch respond.
Nawin eyes widen slightly "W-wait, your saying that the fur doesn't belong to the real nightwalker?!" "Hehehe, tis what I say boy… it seems someone is playing you all for a fool" she utters. 'Someone is behind these attacks and I believe that person is the one controlling the nightwalker' Rias words run through the Makasha mind 'So Rias is right… the possibility of the beast having its own motive is scarp aside… someone is behind the shadows pulling the strings'.
"So, Rias is right?" Issei whisper behind the Makasha who glance back at him, giving a stiff nod before turning back to the two witches "Do you know who's behind all of this" Nawin question making the witch chuckle "I do not, this person is skilled enough to even hide from myself" "Not much help we can give, now will tis be all?" the daughter asks showing some impatient.
"Don't be rude dear" the witch urge her daughter before turning back to the two "It seems you are stuck in another dead end… what will you do now boy?" she ask with curious in her tone "… I guess we just have to start from scratch again" Nawin said, clearly frustrated by the situation.
"You won't find anything doing that, it will only be a waste of that precious time you have" the witch state making the Makasha glare at her "Then tell us what we should do!" he shouts causing the daughter to step up and send a stern glare at him "Watch your tone young man".
Nawin face twitches trying to contain his anger "Why don't you take a breather and start going through all the leads and clues you have discovered… it might help more than you think" the witch advises. Nawin slowly close his eyes and start resting his mind '… The beast that attacked Hana could still be the nightwalker, but the fur that I picked up is wrong… or there are actually two different beasts that's looming this land. Rias is right about that beast yesterday not being the nightwalker, but it must be connected to the nightwalker somehow'.
'... Urlom! there must be some clues there for sure and I need to get there fast before the knight's step on something' Nawin snap his eyes open and nod to the witch causing her to crack a deep smile "Good, now you know where your next destination is?" "Yes… thanks again for your help" "Hehehe, you can repay me later".
The witch turn to her daughter "I would like you to accompany them in this journey girl" she said surprising the boys along with the woman "Pardon mother?!" "You heard me, it's best you to get out of this swamp a little since a few weeks ago you kept complaining about it, also your magic will serve good for them" the witch said before turning to the Makasha "Now you owe me twice young man" she inform making him nod back.
"I don't have a say in this?" the daughter question crossing her hand in annoyance "No" her mother reply simply causing the younger woman to sigh "As you wish mother, but first let me go fetch some things before heading out" she said entering back into the hut. "May I ask why you are doing this?" Nawin question making the witch chuckle "I'm doing this for her own sake since it's true that most of her life she's been stuck in these swamps, so being out of here a bit might help her, also like I said her magic will prove very useful for your search".
Issei grins and bow down to the witch "We thank you for your help madam, I never thought a witch to be so kind!" he said causing the older woman to turn to him and laugh lightly "Ahaha, aren't you an interesting man with manners. Like I said to the other man, I'm different from the other witches that you will surely meet in the futures, so my advice is to always be on guard or yur'll be killed" she warns making the Hyoudou nod.
The witch stare at the boys for a moment "You two are friends?" she questions making the Makasha cross his arms and move his head to the side "Don't know I would go that far" he responds making the Hyoudou grin and warp an arm around the black haired neck "Hehehe, he doesn't want to admit it, but we're close!" he boast.
"I can see a strong bond building around you two and it seems as days goes by, it will only keep growing" the witch state making the two turn to her "I wonder will you two become brother in arms to fight the greater evil… or will it turn out to be brother killing another brother to stop the evil".
Issei let go of the Makasha and stare at the witch in shock while Nawin eyes narrow "Wha-" "I'm ready" the daughter walk out and stop in front of the two "The stew is ready for you mother" she informs making the witch chuckle "Thank you dear and do have fun".
The witch turn to the boys "I suggest you all hurry, my daughter can guide you out of the forest in a much faster and safer route" "Follow me" the woman command walking past the two. Issei start walking behind the woman while Nawin stay in place and glance at the smiling witch for a few second before following suit.
Division 5 Barracks
"I hope you slept well" Emyr comment, glancing back at the two girls following him "As much as I could get" Rias reply while Akeno just simply nod. "I see, well we're here" Emyr stop in front of a metal door which slide to the side to open allowing them to enter.
Rias looks around at the interrogation room seeing a room behind a large one-way glass, through the glass shows a large steel room where Kaz seated in front of a metal table "Seems like your knights has given him some hard times" Akeno comment when spotting several bruises around the bold man face "The cocksucker deserves it" one of the knights reply, standing in front of the mirror.
"Calm down Knight, Kaz will be punished for what he has done" Emyr state before turning to the girls "Well you can enter the room and interrogate him yourself or would you like me to accompany you?" he ask "I got this one" Rias said, entering the room with Akeno following closely behind.
"I'm starting to pity Kaz a bit" Emyr comments, leaning his back on the wall while the knight turn to him surprise "Really captain?!" "Haha, oh not really but we will be having a show on our hands" he states when seeing, the dark expression shown on the Gremory as she standing a at opposite end of the table with Akeno right beside her.
"Hello… Kaz" Rias greets sitting down on the chair, crossing her arms and resting her right leg over the left. The bold man stare at her with fear as sweat start dripping down his head "Y-yo-" "Let's get to the point" Rias cuts off, "Who are the people you'd been delivering those… barrels to" she questions.
"I-I don't know" Kaz replies "Do you really want to go there?" Rias ask trying to keep her cool "I will say it once more… who are they" "…" hearing silence the Gremory turn to her queen "Akeno" she call making the raven haired smile and nod "Understood".
Kaz watch in fear seeing the Himejima slowly walking towards him with a sadistic gleam shown in her violet eyes "W-who a-are you?" he stutters making her smile widen "Just someone who's going to give you pain if you don't answer my king's question" she replies stopping in front of him.
"Well!" Rias shouts causing the man to flinch and turn back to her "Like I sa-" "GAHH" Kaz is cut off, by his own scream when Akeno grab him by the arm and start adding holy electric into his body causing the man to be shock by hundreds of volt. Akeno grins sadistically "Ara, Ara, the screams of pain always enlightens me".
Rias glance at the Himejima with surprise shown in her eyes '… It's been a long time since she said those words and act this way' "Stop Akeno" she commands when seeing the man was about to lose conscious. The raven haired release her grip allowing Kaz to catch his breath "Now will you spit it out!" Rias gets up and slams her hand down causing that side of the table to bend down.
Kaz is now shaking in his boots seeing the Gremory's crimson eyes glaring at him "I suggest you answer her or" he suddenly feel a soft hand holding his head "I will eradicate your tiny brain" Akeno voice whisper from behind sending chills down the man's spine.
"Now" Rias grip the table tightly causing it to glow in crimson before it extinguishes into small glowing red particles "Answer!" she demand making the man to finally nod as tears roll down his eyes "I WILL!" he shouts back making Akeno release her grip and Rias to lower her power allowing the air in the room to become lighter "Ghoo" Kaz breath out when the air finally died down.
Rias sits back down with Akeno returning to her original position beside the Gremory "Now… talk" she orders making the man nod "I-I don't exactly know who he is, but the first time I met him was around a-a month ago,".
Flashback: Bar
"All the drinks are on me boys!" Kaz announce, slamming a wooden mug filled with beer down "YEAHHH!" "THANKS BOSS!" the henchmen shouts in celebration "That last deliverer made us a small fortune! hey fill me!" Kaz turns to the frighten bartender who nods and quickly pour a barrel of beer down to the mug.
Suddenly the entrance door is slam open making all the commotion pause and everyone turn to see a cloak figure walking in "Aye?!" one of the henchmen who is clearly drunk stare at the person "What do you want?! We are having a party here" he shouts, stopping in front of the person.
"I'm here to speak with Kaz" the cloak individual reply in a well-mannered tone "The boss?", Kaz turns to the person with an annoyed expression plastered on his face "I'm not interested in any other jobs, so piss off while I enjoy the party" he states making the henchmen roar and cheers each other. "This job is rather important, so I would like to have your attention" the person speaks out making everyone turn back to him.
Kaz finish the mug and slam it down on the table before turning to the henchman that's standing in front of the person "Get rid of him would you" "With pleasure boss!" the man turn to the cloak individual "Get lost!" he sends a right fist forward.
"A lowly devil like you shouldn't touch me" the person state in a dark tone, losing all the calm civil. "Urh!" everyone gasp in shock when the henchman disburses into dust when his fist was a meter away from the person's face. "I've just awoke, so I'm not in the best of mood" suddenly violet aura emits around the person's body causing the room gravity to get heavy "Gah!" all the henchmen screams in pain then they are all force down on their knees, same with Kaz who's finding it hard to breath all of a sudden.
Kaz start sweating profusely and shakily move his head up to see the person slowly making he's way towards him "I've heard you can get a delivering job done and I've in need of your service" he stop right in front of the bold head man "Will you cooperate?" he question receiving a quick nod from the thug leader "Good, then follow this address where we will discuss what I want to be delivered".
Present
"Corpses, right?" Rias speaks while clenching her hands tightly "N-no" Kaz reply surprising the two "Then what is it he wants?" Akeno ask "Blood, lots of blood and mutilated body parts of woman a-and children" he reply and immediately the room's air gets heavier causing the metal walls to be push back.
Kaz looks up in fear seeing Rias clenching her hands tightly, gritting her teeth as crimson aura start pouring out from her, Akeno too was clenching her hand but refuse to let her aura go out of control since it would cause devastation with two powerful auras wreaking havoc.
"Do you know he's name?" Rias ask through her gritting teeth "N-no he never told me his name! he was a very s-secretive c-client" Kaz quickly answers. "Rias" Akeno place her hand on the Gremory shoulder giving it a soft squeeze "You need to calm down… you can take this anger out on the person who is responsible for this and I'll personally help you with that" she promises with a smile making Rias slowly lower her power and take a deep breath "… Alright".
Rias glance back at the frighten man "Tell me right now, is there another thug groups like you that does business with that person" she questions receiving a quick nod "Y-yes my brother Tez is working with him too a-and the next deliver is happening tomorrow!" he answers making the two girls eyes widen in shock and relief, finally finding a solid next lead "Where!" Rias stand up making Kaz flinch "N-near Yennies Mountain!" he blurts out, clearly meant to be a huge secret.
Rias hung her head down and release a long sigh 'Finally… we found a lead to help us end this nightmare once and for all' she turns back to Akeno who smile and nod. Rias smile and nod back before turning to Kaz making her expression turn harden again, "Tell me… did you and your henchmen killed all those innocent people?" she questions making Kaz shaking in his boots with utter fear expression shown on his ugly face "Y-yes".
When hearing the answer, Rias start walking toward the man "N-no, stay away!" Kaz shouts in utter fear and start moving the chair back to only serve him to fall back down "N-noo!" he looks up to see Rias glaring down at him with those terrifying crimson eye "… Bastard" she mutter grabbing the man's neck and slams him to the wall with such force the metal bend back.
Akeno just stare at the scene with slight surprise shown in her eyes when seeing how her usually calm and caring master is acting right now 'Who could blame her after she had saw'. Rias push Kaz deeper into the wall making him scream in pain when feeling his back is being crush "For once in my life… I have never felt so much hatred aimed toward one man… this hatred makes me want to just kill you right now!" she swore, bringing her right arm up and aim it at the terrified man face.
"Rias" the door opens showing Emyr walking in, the Gremory glance back at the captain before turning back to the frighten man "What time is that tomorrow delivery?" she asks "M-midnight, I-it's always midnight!" Kaz reply with tears running down his eyes.
Rias clenches her teeth, then tosses the man to the other side of the room "Gah!" Kaz scream in pain when he is slam into the hard wall before sliding down, losing conscious. "What's your next step?" Emyr ask turning his gaze back at the Gremory "I'm putting an end to this tomorrow, we four will head to Yennies Mountain and bring that person to justice… We're gonna ambush them and if need be full assault".
Emyr sighs and nod "Understood, do you want some help?", Rias glance back at him "Just give us the way to that place and we will handle the rest… after all that's the reason why we're even here in the first place" the Gremory look at her right hand and clench it "Before this was just a quest, but after what I saw this is personal and the person who's behind this will pay tenfold" she swears.
Rias leaves the room, walking pass Emyr with Akeno following closely behind her, '… Rias' the raven haired looks at her friend with slight worry.
Urlom Village
"Sooo, what's your name?" Issei finally ask after walking in complete silence for an hour straight, the woman who is leading from front, glance back at him "Irene" she answers simply, before turning her attention back to the path "Irene?" he mutter the name.
"Zeep, zeep, zeep" Issei glance back when hearing a phone ring "Someone calling you teme?" he asks as the black haired bring his phone up "Yeah" he looks at the screen to see the name 'Little Sis Asia'. Nawin taps accept and place the phone near his ear "Asia?" "Onii-chan! It's good to hear your voice again" an ecstatic voice reply making him smile, happy to hear his sister voice again.
"Hey Asia, I've miss your sweet voice too… you doing ok?" Nawin ask "Yes! I'm doing fine just sitting down in my room with Sairis" "Oh, she decided to come back?" "Hehe, yeah she visit at times" "Sairis is quite an adventures dog, though she knows we are her home that's why she comes back often for food" he respond making the blond giggle "True".
Nawin notice the silence making his eyes narrow slightly "Asia… are you sure everything is ok there?" he ask "Y-yeah everything is good Onii-chan just please don't worry about us and focus on your current task, so you can come home quickly!" Aisa reply at once "… Ok, but if anything is wrong just give me a call ok and I will rush back" "I know, I just call to check if you're ok, also Lucy-nee-chan would like to talk to you, but I'm afraid she's currently out training".
Nawin chuckle a bit hearing that "Sounds like Lucy, I'm glad she has you looking after her, since you heal her every time she gets back from training" he said "Hehe, but after training she would spend time with me, so everything works out" Asia reply happily. "I'm glad you two have gotten along well… Listen Asia I have to go know Asia, alright?" "Ok, please take care of yourself Onii-chan and return home soon" she said with slight sadness in her tone "Don't worry I will, bye" "Bye, bye!" Nawin hang the phone up and stare at it for a moment before placing it back in his pocket.
"Everything ok?" the Makasha looks up seeing Issei staring at him "Yeah, Asia just gave me a call and it seems everything is fine there" Nawin reply and resume walking "Come on, before Irene abandon us" he said seeing the black haired girl hasn't stop "R-right".
"Waow" after another hour of silent walk the three finally reached the broken-down village, Issei wince a bit seeing the dozens of body bags laid outside the village "You guys shouldn't be here" one of the guard said stopping in front of the three. "I'm here by the order of the Queen" Nawin step forward and lift his right hand showing the moonstone ring "I would like all of your men to step out of the village for a minute, so me and my team can search for clues that might help us find the monster that did this".
The old guard click his teeth glaring at the Makasha like he's trying to intimidated him which quickly failed when he is met with only stoic eyes "Is that a yes" he ask blankly making the man click his tongue before turning to his men's "Boys I would like all of you to stop what you are currently doing and move away from the village, there's some people who wants to investigate the place".
The guard tur back to the Makasha "You have five minute, I like to get this work done before night arrive" he said receiving a nod "Fine, five minutes is more than enough" Nawin said then turns to the two "Let's spread out and look for clues… Irene will you be fine?" he asks not really knowing if the woman have the experience for these kind of task.
Irene click her tongue and send a disapprove look at the Makasha "I know what to do pretty boy, you just focus on your side while I do mine" the two watch her enter the alleyway at the right. Issei turn to the black haired seeing him sigh "Alright then… well Issei you take the left end while I take look at the exit side of the village" "Right" "Good, we will meet back here in four minutes… hopefully with some leads".
Nawin make his way deeper into the ruined village and got a closer look at the destruction the monster had cost 'This mission is getting more and more dangerous' he stare at some of the dead corpse that still hasn't been collected yet 'Dark secrets roam these lands' 'Get out of here before it's too late' voices ring through the Makasha mind causing him to stop and look up seeing the clouds starts darkening showing a sign of rain forming 'Ever since we step in Shigemi there's already an ominous sign shown to us…'.
"Clak" a noise creak causing the Makasha to freeze and snap to the right to see a small box lied in a dark alleyway "Hmm" he examines it closely to see the box shaking ever so lightly. Nawin walks toward the box and when inches away from grabbing it, the box pop up hitting him in the face "Wait!" he shouts out slapping the box away to see a small figure running down the alleyway "I won't hurt you!" he yells giving chase.
When seeing, the small child isn't stopping, the Makasha summons a sword and throws it forward, landing right in front of the kid who yips when seeing the sharp weapon. Nawin disappears in black flash and reappear right in front to see a small girl cowering in fear looking at him with terror in her tearing brown eyes causing his expression to soften as he dispels the sword.
"Don't worry I won't hurt you" Nawin said in a gentle tone, kneeling to the child's height "M-monster i-i-is here!" she stutter out "Don't worry the monster has already left" he replies making the girl look around, "Here" Nawin bring his hand up making the girl look at it for a few second before accepting where she is pull into a hug "It's ok… I won't let the monster hurt you" Nawin whisper, rubbing the girl back gently as she buries her face at his shoulder letting her tears flow down freely.
Nawin pull the back, giving her a kind smile "Tell me, is your parents around here?" the girl expression turn sadden and slowly, she points forward making the Makasha glance back to see a completely ruined house showed at the exit of the alleyway. Nawin clench his teeth tightly and pull the girl back into a hug while he glares darkly at sky 'I'll end you… monster'.
After a few minutes of silence, "Tell me did you see anything beside the monster yesterday" Nawin ask pulling the girl back and wipe her tears "I need to know what you saw, so I can find the person who is behind this". The girl slowly nod "I-I saw a tall man… wearing a black cloak" Nawin eyes slowly widen "Did the cloak have red roses on it?" "N-no it's just a plain black cloak covering the man appearance completely… the only reason I know he's a man because of his voice" the girl reply.
"Did he say anything?" the Makasha push on making the girl close her eyes trying to remember "Still weak, my master would be unpleased" she repeats the words. Nawin click his tongue in annoyance, seeing now there's even a more mysterious individual pulling the strings 'This is getting more complicated by the day…'.
"That's all?" he asks receiving a nod from the girl "Sorry, b-but that's all I could pick up, b-before" the girl start to tear up again making the Makasha pull her into a hug "It's ok, you don't have to think back anymore".
When four minutes has past, Issei is already waiting near the entrance for the two to arrive, "Didn't find anything?" a voice ask making him turn to see Irene stopping beside him "Yeah, no luck on my end, Ho-" "Clake!" a sudden lightning strike down at the middle of the village surprising the two "What? Raining!" Issei looks up seeing it starting to pour down.
"Raining at this time of day?" Irene stare at the sky with suspicion, feeling something wrong here "Seems like we have a problem" a serious voice state making the two turn forward seeing Nawin holding a young girl on his arms and stare straight past them "Look behind" he comment.
The two turn back to see the guards are all pass out on the ground "What the hell?!" Issei exclaim in shock "We have company" Irene state, looking down seeing shadows covering the whole village. "Clearly someone has planned this" Nawin speaks out "Probably wasn't meant for us, but the guards" Irene adds, "We ne- Urh" the other turn to see the Makasha looking forward with shock expression shown on his face "What's wrong?!" Issei ask, but didn't receive an answer.
Irene look at the same direction to see nothing, "W-what in the world?" Nawin mutter taking a few steps back when seeing two large slit red eyes staring at him, "Snap out of it!" Irene slap the Makasha in the face snapping him back to reality "What the?" "You were seeing illusions" she states. Nawin eyes slowly narrows "No… someone just saw us" "W-what's THAT!" Issei's scream made the two turn to see a purple mist start forming at the center of the village.
Nawin stare at the figure emerging out from the mist "What in the world?", a giant size figure made of full metal crawl out from the portal and stands tall in almost ten foot tell, it has heavy armor placed all over its body, it's helmet is open and the insides of it only shows two blazing red eyes shining out of it. Irene examine the metal giant with intrigue "Didn't expect someone to summon a dark knight" she comment.
Issei turn to the woman "Dark Knight?" he asks, wanting to know more "Later, first it's best we kill that thing" she said, bringing her right hand up where green fire erupts before dissipating to show a wooden wand with a small green gem placed on the tip of it.
"Stay back Teme" Issei said making the other raise his eyebrow in amusement "Even if my power has been cut in half doesn't mean I'm useless Issei" Nawin reply then turns to the child "Stay in this spot alright" he said making her look at him with slight fear "B-but" she is stop when Nawin place his hand on her head and ruffles her soft black hair "Don't worry, I'll place a powerful barrier around you" he said releasing his hand and tap the air above the girl causing a golden barrier to form around her.
Nawin gets up and walk forward, but stop and glance back at the girl "I won't let it come near you" he promises making her slowly nods before her expression change into awe seeing dozens of sparking shadow weapons appear around the Makasha. "Go Issei" Irene order making the Hyoudou speed forward summoning the boosted gear "BOOST, BOOST, BOOST, BOOST!" Issei jumps up and slam the boosted gear at the dark knight stomach sending it sliding back only by little.
"What the?!" Issei mutter in shock seeing the metal giant barely flinch at his attack "It's body is made of heavy, durable armor! You need more than that to penetrate it!" Irene inform. The dark knight summons a gigantic broadsword made of the same metal from its body "Watch out!" she warns making the Hyoudou look up to see the sword coming down at him.
"Don't stand there in fear!" a stern voice state "Clank!" Issei open his eyes to see Nawin blocking the attack with his own greatsword "Get your head together" he shouts and push the giant sword back "HA!" Nawin pull the blade back and swing it forward with tremendous force to the knight's sword causing it to lose its balance and trip backwards while it's broadsword falls to the ground.
"Here!" Nawin pass a shadow pistol "Follow my lead" he said to the Hyoudou who looks at him surprise before nodding "Got it". Nawin seeing the knight picking its sword back up making him speed toward it and jumps up "Take this" he slams his greatsword down at the knight's wrist forcing it down "Now" Nawin summons a lance and release the greatsword to jump up by using the knight's arm.
"Dragon launch!" Nawin speed up toward the dark knight's face and slam the lance right through its helmet causing it to drop to its knees in daze "Issei!" Nawin shouts making the brown haired nod "BOOST, BOOST…" "Forget it!" Issei shouts in annoyance and lift the boosted gear up as the emerald gem on it glow brightly "BOOST TIMES TEN!", Issei sees the knight shooting its hand toward him making him bring the pistol up and fire a couple of round at the knight's head making it pause "NOW!" Issei shouts slamming the boosted gear at the knight's abdomen with such force that he went right through its body leaving a large size hole.
Irene watch in shock seeing how the two are able to defeat a powerful summon such as a dark knight with such ease and without needing her help 'If these two know how to work in perfect sync … they could make one dangerous team. 'If they are watching this right now, then I'll show what's awaiting them' Nawin takes a deep breath and charge toward the kneeling knight in blinding speed "The final blow!" he summons the twisted etcher and pull the clutch making the engine start.
"RAAAARH!" the metal knight let out a low pain roar feeling the sword pierce through its torso causing it to fall on its back. Nawin standing on its chest, walking towards its face to pull out the lance "I'm coming for you fuckers next" he swore looking at the knight's helmet seeing the glowing red eyes staring back at him.
Nawin lifts both his hands up, summoning a large broadsword and immediately brings it down at the knight's head with all of his strength causing the helmet to fly up air while the rest of its body explode in dark mist and disappears.
"Was that all?" Issei dispel the boosted gear making it shatter in green sparkles "I thought it would be tougher than that" he admits with little disappointment then turns to Irene who send him a blank look "Says the guy who almost body squashed by its large sword" she retorts making the Hyoudou laugh sheepishly, scratching the back of his head. Irene shake her head and look up seeing the clouds slowly turning back to its usual position allowing light to again shine down the destroyed village.
"The Dark Knight is a summon that's gets power from night, so the one you two were facing was severely cut away from its true power" Irene inform surprising Issei "Explains why the cloud suddenly overshadowed the village, so the knight could at least be summoned right?" Nawin said making way to the child while Irene nod "Indeed".
"So, the dark knight original plans were to kill those guards?" Issei ask staring at the dozens of passed out guards. "No" Nawin interject, breaking the barrier and picks up the girl "I think the dark knight was an insurance when we arrived here, clearly the person who was behind this had plans for those guards".
Irene nod dispelling her wand, making it combust in green flames "Probably kidnapping them, since I don't see the reason for just killing them" she said making the Makasha nod in agreement. "The person behind this must be involve with the nightwalker" Issei comment "Yes" Nawin reply, "Interesting" Irene speaks out making the two turn to see her picking up the broken helmet of the dark knight.
Nawin raise an eyebrow seeing that "Why didn't that disappear with the body?", Irene smirk "Because it's no longer attached to it, since the next time it's summoned there will be a new helmet replacing it" she answers. Issei stare at the helmet for a minute before an idea pop in his head "Wait, can't we use that to track down the summoner location?!" he said surprising the two.
Irene look back at the helmet and slowly nod "It's possible, by using my magic" she states making Issei grins while Nawin smirk glancing at the him "You finally came up with a good idea for once… I'm surprised" he admits making the Hyoudou turn to him and points "What's that supposed to mean Teme!" "Oh, nothing at all".
The girl giggles seeing this making the two boys turn to her "Oh by the way, where did you find her?" Issei ask now noticing the child "Found her hiding under the box, she's our one lucky survivor" Nawin reply, rubbing the girl's hair softly making her lean on his touch. Issei smile at the scene, seeing how caring the Makasha can be to kids "We should move on to our next destination" Irene state stopping in front of the two.
"Wait, what about the child and we can't just leave the guards laying here?!" Issei exclaims looking at the witch in shock who send him an annoyed look "I'm not moving an inch from this spot, if you two wish to waste time by monkeying around with lowly devils, then be my guest" she retorts, shocking the Hyoudou at the coldness of her tone while Nawin eyes narrow 'Expected of a witch, only care about themselves'.
"Issei pile the guards up so I can teleport them back to Lilios" Nawin said making the Hyoudou nod "Sure". "M-mister" the girl speaks out making the Makasha turn to her "What will happen to me?" she asks nervously, tapping her index finger together causing Nawin to smile seeing the same habit happens to Asia.
"I'll teleport you back to Lilios, so you can stay at the Inn where I'm currently resting at for a while" "A-alone?" she asks a bit worry "Yes… sorry, but I have to find the monster that is responsible for this, so I need you to be strong and stay there by yourself just for a while ok?" Nawin mutter, giving her comforting smile making the girl slowly nod.
"It's done Nawin!" Issei announce, making the Makasha turn to see all the guards are piled up "Good". "Where exactly are, you going to teleport them?" Issei ask as the black haired stop in front "Just somewhere in Lilios" he said causing the Hyoudou to sweat drop "Not really treating them nicely hey?" "Nope, but they will be safe when in the capital and surely some knights there will find them" Nawin reply, placing his hand on one of the guard's chest plate and with that all of them disappear in black flash making the small girl squeak in surprise while Irene stare at the technique with intrigue.
"Woaw! Nawin you alright?" Issei ask with worry when seeing the Makasha is out of breath "Y-yeah I'm fine, just need a breather" he reassure and takes a deep breath 'Damn it, using the speeding shadow god is depleting my magic much faster' Nawin glance down at the girl, seeing her looking up at him with those big brown worried eyes.
"Irene" Nawin call out making the witch sighs before sending a glance at him "What?" she answers rudely, "Start finding the summoner with your magic, I'll be back when you are done" he states causing the witch to sigh in annoyance before replying "Fine, just hurry up, I hate having my time being wasted".
Nawin turns to the Hyoudou "Issei you stay here and help Irene if she needs anything alright?" "Yeah, sure". The two look as the Makasha picks the girl up and takes a deep breath before disappearing in black flash, "… Come on, I'll need your help collecting some stuff" Irene state making way out of the village "R-right".
Inn: Akeno and Nawin's Room
"M-mister!" the girl shouts out seeing the Makasha immediately collapses to the ground when they appear in the living room. "Ghou, hou, hou" Nawin tries to breath some air, feeling his body is dangerously low in magic "Gah!" he screams in pain feeling the mark activating trying to take control "S-stay back!" he warns the child making her shake her head "N-no you need help!" she counters and tries to grab his right arm and help him up.
"Hehe" Nawin expression froze, when hearing a familiar chuckle making him look up to seeing Ophis standing above him, currently in her child form, she stares down at him with a sadistic smile "Such a caring child" she speaks moving her gaze to the small girl causing the Makasha to use all his energy to push the girl behind him.
Ophis gaze turns back to the Makasha with surprise shown in her dull gray eyes "Still protecting the weakling even in such a state" she states with slight distaste in her monotone voice. Nawin glares at the deity "What have you done to me?!" he demands "I have done nothing to you" she reply "Bullshit! Then explain why my power has been crippled" he retorts back.
The dragon god pupil's narrow in annoyance at the Makasha outburst "Listen, mortal" she snatches Nawin by the collar and lifts him up "N-no!" the girl shouts making Ophis glare down at the child as purple aura start emitting around her. Nawin seeing this immediately rips his shirt and fall right in front of the girl "Uh!" Ophis eyes widen ever slightly before the aura around her hovers away.
Nawin shield the girl with his body before sending a glare back at the god "Harm her and I will kill you!" he swears causing Ophis to smirk in slight amusement "Do say?" suddenly the mark glow brightly causing the Makasha to scream in pain and grab his neck. Ophis picks the black haired up by the back of his neck and throws him.
Nawin groan when he crashes at the wall and slowly slide down "You say such things like killing me to be an easy task" Ophis slowly make her way towards him "Remember who you are talking to Makasha" she states, stopping in front of him "If I so much as wish to destroy this land, I can do with little to no effort" she whispers into his ear.
Ophis lean back up and stare down at the heavily bruised Makasha "I came here to warn you" she said making Nawin open his eyes and look up at her "W-warn me?" he murmurs. "A powerful foe is about to awake in this land and it's inevitable that you will face him" Ophis mutter and place her right hand above the mark to see the restriction seal "A weak seal like this… Expected better from a King Satan" she comments as her palm glow in purple aura making the restriction seal vanish.
Nawin eyes widen in pain feeling the mark aura flow right through his body "GAAAAAH!" he screams, holding the mark "Hm" Ophis retreat her hand and smirk. The mark slowly died down making the pain go away "Y-you" Nawin mumbles, glaring hard at the deity.
Ophis contains her dark smirk before taking a few steps back "You now have the power to survive a battle with him… though only if you really wish to use that power" she turns her back on him and start walking, but pause midway and glance back.
"Keep yourself alive, because if I hear some unfortunate news of your death" Ophis expression suddenly turn blank as her slit pupils sharpen "I will slaughter all those you hold dear and annihilate the earth" she states, shocking the Makasha to the core as he watches her disappear in black mist.
Nawin stare at the ground feeling his magic slowly returning back '… Sairex' 'Yes, your magic is back to normal… it seems the restrictive sealed must have crippled your magic stamina to stop the mark from activating since it feasts on your magic to be fully activate' the dragon explains.
The child make her way toward the Makasha "A-are you ok?" she asks making him look up and smile "I'm ok, you don't have to worry about me… are you ok?" he ask "W-well the lady was scary, b-but she didn't hurt me… thanks to you mister" she reply with a happy smile.
Nawin stare back, remembering Ophis glaring at the girl 'If I haven't moved in time… she would have killed the child by just leveling her aura'. "Give me some space" he speaks making the girl nod and takes a few steps back "Now" Nawin stands up and look at his hands "Hah!", "Ooh" the girl mumbles in amaze seeing sparkling black aura flowing around the Makasha.
Nawin examines the dark aura surrounding him with a smile slowly forming on his lips 'Finally... I got my powers back' he stares at his right hand and clench it 'I can finally put an end to this… but' the Makasha eyes narrow remembering the deity's words 'A powerful foe is about to awake in this land and it's inevitable that you will face him'.
'… Someone powerful that I will face in Shigemi, it couldn't be the nightwalker… no it has to be the person who's behind all of this' Nawin close his eyes to think, 'Why would she warned me about this… does she really need me alive and for what reason?', 'If I hear some unfortunate news of your death, I will kill all you hold dear and annihilate the earth' those terrifying words run through the Makasha mind.
'Sairex… could she really destroy a planet?' Nawin ask '… I-it's possible, I hate to say this but Ophis is one of the few beings that has enough power to destroy an entire planet, if she is given enough time to concentrate all her magic into one devastating attack' 'The title of a deity is given to her for a reason kid' Tairex adds.
'Is there anyone who can stand a chance against her?' the Makasha ask letting curiosity get the better of him 'Well… there's only one individual who could go head to head with her and that's the great red, though he's in another dimension right now' Sairex answers '… What about you two?' Nawin question, causing the dragons to go silent.
'Sairex, Tairex' the Makasha repeats feeling the two are hiding something 'That's something we can't discuss at the moment Nawin-kun, for now you should focus on the current task and head back to Urlom, since with your powers back now you shouldn't have much problem' Sairex reply then cuts the link before the black haired got the chance to respond.
Nawin snap his eyes open and stare at the ground "What are they trying to hide?" he mutters, "M-mister" a voice call out causing the Makasha to look up and see the girl looking at him with tired eyes "Oh, I'm sorry" he smiles and picks the girl up "I'm so focus on what just happened, I forgot about you".
"For now, I would like you to take a long rest" Nawin said, lying the girl down on the soft bed then pick the blanket up and pull it over her "When you are awake, hopefully I'll be done with the good news". The girl clench the blanket "W-what if she comes back?" she murmurs with slight fear "Don't worry" Nawin gives a soft smile and bend down to peck the child's forehead "She won't return since there's no reason for her to return".
Nawin stand back up "I promise she won't come back, now get some sleep" he said seeing dark bags under the girl's eyes 'She probably didn't get any sleep all night when hiding in that box'. Nawin think for a second before glancing back at the girl "Before you go head sleep… you said that you saw a man wearing black cloak that night when the beast attack right?" he asks receiving a nod "Yes… and he said, still weak, my master would be disappointed".
'So, that person isn't the one Ophis is talking about, but this master of his could be' Nawin thinks for a minute, but shake his head, deciding to think about that later. "Alright, I got to go now" he said making the girl nod "B-before you go, can I have your name?" she asks, "Oh that's right, we still haven't introduced ourselves" Nawin turn to her and smile "My name is Nawin Makasha" the girl smile softly back "And my name is Faye"
"Well Faye, it's a pleasure to meet you" The Makasha said walking back to her and ruffles her hair "It's nice to meet you too Mister Nawin and thanks for saving me" she replies with a sleepy smile. Nawin gently tug the girl in bed nicely "Get a good rest, I'll be back soon" he whispers making the girl nod and slowly closes her eyes.
Nawin smile seeing the girl immediately fall into slumber, "Huh" he sighs standing back up and walk out of the room. The Makasha quietly slide the door shut, then disappears in black flash.
Lilios: Shopping Market
"Do we really need all these ingredients?" Akeno looks down at two pouch filled with different stuff ranging from crystals to animal parts and potions, Rias glance at her queen before moving her gaze back forward, to see the busy crowd "I like to set some traps for tomorrow ambush, so it's wise we get lots" she state.
"I would like to get two pack of bat's blood please" Rias request stopping in one of the stand, Akeno who is behind shake her head when smelling the disgust scent of blood "Here you go miss" the man pass the plastic bag containing two blood pack "Thanks" Rias said and turns back to the raven haired seeing her slight disgust expression.
"For a person who loves torturing her opponents, I at least thought you might like the scent of blood" the Gremory commend "Not animals Rias and I do enjoy giving pain to the enemy, but it doesn't mean I love blood" Akeno retorts "Huh, you are much more kind hearted after meeting Nawin-kun hmm?" Rias tease with a smile causing her friend to blush slightly and turn to the side.
"Speaking of blood" Akeno move her head up and sniff the air "You smell that?", Rias eyes narrow and slowly nod "Come on" the two quickly head out of the market and begin following the scent.
"Striking at night?" Akeno looks up to see the dark clouds "You think it's the nightwalker?" Rias click her tongue "We can't be sure until we reach there!". The two add magic into their legs, boosting their speed "Take the right! It's at that alleyway!" Akeno inform making Rias nod "Good job Akeno".
The two girls stop in front of the alley to see a scene that freeze them in their track, "Y-you" Rias speak out through her shock tone seeing a familiar face "YOU!" she shouts with rage, seeing Kaz henchman, the exact one she spared. "Oh no" Akeno gasp seeing behind the man is a corpse of a young teenage girl with a bloody cleaver stuck in her chest.
The man stare at the Gremory with anger in his tint red eyes "Ahhhh!" he howls and charge toward her, "Bastard" Rias catch the man's wrist before he could swing his fist down, she glares at him with her crimson eyes "I gave you a chance to redeem yourself and this is what you do… unforgivable!".
"AHHHHHHH!" the man scream in pain, feeling the Gremory just crushing his wrist "Joy, you done?!" a voice call out from the end of the alley making the two turn to see a short fat man walking out of the shadow, also holding a bloody clever "I just got done with a child" he states before noticing the Gremory and Akeno.
Rias power shoot up hearing what the man did with a child "You!" she calls out through her gritting teeth, before turning back to the man in front of her "Go… to… hell" she mutters lifting her right hand up at the man's face and slowly open her palm "Destruction blast!".
"Gah!" the fat man stumbles back in fear seeing his partner got completely vaporize by a deathly crimson blast, "W-who are you?!" he stutters in fear. Rias slowly move toward him while Akeno just stood there, looking at her best friend with a stoic expression, trying to contain herself from killing the fat man, knowing that will displease her king.
Rias walk pass the corpse and stop in front of the fearful man "Lowly scum like you, I have no problem killing" she states glaring with her menacing eyes, down at the man. "Ahhha!" the man scream in fear when he is pick up by the collar and slam into the concrete wall "Think anyone will miss you when I erase you from existence? Think any would give a damn about you! Certainly not your boss since you're just a worthless pawn to him" Rias state trying to get into the man's head.
"You choose this path and this is where you will end… by my hands" Rias grip the collar tightly and throws him back "Arhhh!" the man scream when he is bounce back from the concrete wall before falling to the ground, groaning in pain. Akeno eyes widen slightly when seeing Rias pointing her index and middle finger down at the crouch man.
Rias body start producing crimson aura as she stares down at the shaking man "Know that your deaths will go by as nix, no one will remember you, no one will know you died, and no one will certainly give a damn" she states in a deathly but convincing tone that made the man start to cry. Rias glance at the corpse of a teenage girl making her grit her teeth and turn back to the man "Destruction… Extinguish" she utters.
A small crimson ball releases from the Gremory finger tips and smash down into the man's chest "W-waah-ahhhhhH!" an agonizing scream explode, when the man's chest start disintegrating into small crimson particles. Akeno watch in shock seeing the man whole being disappear in front of her very own eyes 'It's been a long time since she used that…'.
Silence falls when the man agony scream stop, his whole body had been completely disintegrated, "… Let's go Akeno" Rias look up showing her dull eyes "What about the child?" the raven haired ask looking at the far end of the alleyway.
Rias shake her head "I don't sense any magic there… I-I can't look at it anymore or else I'll snap… We will inform one of the knights to clear this place", Akeno watch the Gremory pass her and leaves the alleyway. "Huh… instead of finding ease in this beautiful land, it's changing us for the worse" Akeno mutter under her breath then looks down at the corpse, "I'll end this tomorrow, Rias, Issei, Nawin-kun, then we can get out of here" she swore.
Unknown Location
In a dark cave where the entrance is sealed by a gigantic rock, there's a figure stood at the center of the room, next to him lied a stone coffin that is covered in complex seals with hundreds of patterns spread around the lid. The person summons a scepter and tap it down causing a large statue to erupt from the ground, "Vlontitru" the tall man mutter a strange incantation making the scepter red gem glow brightly, lighting up the whole room.
The man was about to tap the scepter down until a flicker on the gem interrupts him "Oh" he mutters in surprise before lifting the scepter up, creating a large red screen showing Rias vaporizing the henchman "Ohh-hohoho, seems like Princess Gremory is very upset… just as I expected" the unknown person lift his left hand up, above his mouth and laugh.
The video changes, showing Nawin staring down at the dark knight "I'm coming for you fuckers next" he swore before bringing the large sword done on the dark knight's head. "Oooh" the man mutter in fascination examining the Makasha face closely before letting out a feminine like giggle "Aside from using such a vile word, he sure has the look" the mysterious person comment with a dark before turning his gaze to the coffin.
"Nap time is almost over… Master" he states, tapping the scepter done causing tubes to erupt from the statue and shoots down at the coffin's each side. The statue has a terrifying humanoid appearance with decayed like color, it's slit earth eyes radiant bright red as the tubes start producing blood, which slowly flows into the coffin.
The man stare at the two picture of Nawin and Rias hovering above the scepter "The two would be a perfect sparring partner for my master awakening, he must be quite rusty after centuries of sleep" he states before letting out a dark chuckle.
Next Chapter: Declaration of War