Hope you enjoy the chapter, Readers! ^.^
Issei let out a long yawn after dressing up in his new attire, ditching the Kuoh academy's school uniform. "Geez… They make us get up so early!" he complains and looks to the bed, more specifically looking at the clock sited on a nightstand, next to the bed. The clock's short hand is pointing at exactly six o'clock. Issei rub his eyes and turn around to head to the door, planning to get some breakfast.
'Where was Nawin last night? He missed dinner… Left me and Lucy in one of the most intense and awkward dinner ever!' Issei shudders at just thinking of last night's dinner that he and the blonde Makasha had with the other competitors.
Exiting his room, Issei turn left and is surprising to see Lucy leaving her room just at exact same time. She closes the door and puts her hands inside her jacket's pocket and make way to her brother's room.
'You better hope that girl won't be your opponent for today, Partner" Ddraig speak, just as Issei was about to call the blonde. Issei pause, surprise by the sudden comment made by his sacred gear 'What do you mean?' 'I'm saying if you are to face her… The outcome wouldn't be to your liking. That girl has grown… grown so much that it is frightening. She may have even surpassed her brother' Ddraig informs, utterly shocking Issei to the core.
The Hyoudou couldn't believe that Lucy is able to surpass Nawin, especially in such a short amount of time. 'A-are you sure you aren't overexaggerating?' 'For the short amount of time I sensed her power when she was in that blue form… I am confidents in my statement. Unless Nawin Makasha has also grown much during his training. He didn't really show much at that last match since his opponent was such a letdown, so there's a chance he may have grown much stronger as well' Ddraig reply in honest.
'The bottom line is, Issei' Ddraig speak in serious tone 'She can defeat you and the chance of you defeating her is slim' he said and cuts the link to return to his nap. Issei's expression harden as he watches Lucy enters her brother's room.
Nawin's Room
"Big bro?" Lucy calls out, looking around the dim-lit room. She pauses when seeing Nawin walking out of the bathroom, looking fresh and dressed in his attire. "Morning, Lucy" Nawin reply, throwing his jacket on the bed and takes a sit. "Morning" Lucy said and takes a sit beside her brother, on the bed. "Where were you last night?" she asks, glancing at him with curious shining in her blue eyes while her face hold bore.
"Went to visit Irina" Nawin simply reply, bringing his hand down to Lucy's head and gently stroking it "I see. Is she doing ok?" "Yeah, she is recovering. Was bummed out about losing, but I was able to cheer her up" "Haha, you always find a way to make people cheer up, Big bro" Lucy said with a fond smile form on her lip.
Nawin remove his hand from the blonde's hair and instead move to her nose and flick it "What with that expression? You tired?" Nawin ask, seeing the blonde's bored expression "I guess, I could use a long sleep" Lucy reply, stretching out her hands and release a loud yawn that she's been holding "I didn't get much sleep during training with Sensei and this tournament require us to get up so early" Lucy said, lazily and drop herself on the bed "I just want to go home and sleep… until I die" she utters.
Nawin chuckle at his sister behavior, he is glad that blonde is finding herself once again after being trapped behind a mask for so long. He remembers her being very lazy at times in her young age and this is a sign of her true personality returning.
"Yo!" the doors slam open and in comes Issei, who's grinning brightly. "Morning" Lucy said out, giving a lazy wave while Nawin nod and watch his friend enters the room, closing the door behind him. "So, you visited, Irina… Is she ok?" Issei ask right away, concern for his friend "She's doing good. I'm sure we will see her in the audience either today or in the last round" Nawin answers in reassuring tone.
Issei sigh in relief "Good to hear. That Akari really didn't go easy on her" "Indeed…" Nawin said with slight anger in his tone, remembering the battle from yesterday. "By the way!" Issei suddenly shouts and points accusingly at Nawin "Why did you leave us to fend for ourselves at last night dinner?! Do you realize how awkward it was!".
Nawin raise an eyebrow in amusement and glance back to his sister "Was it that bad?" "It wasn't THAT bad, but the tension was thick, and the awkwardness was definitely noticeable" Lucy answers and lets out a quiet chuckle at the memory.
Flashback
"Where is that brother of yours?! He is leaving us to fiend for ourselves!" Issei said in annoyance and nervous, walking to the dining room. "Calm the hell down, Issei. You are making it sounds like we are going into a battlefield" Lucy reply, then release a sleepy yawn and rubs her teary right eye.
Issei turn to Lucy "Aren't you even the least nervous?!" "Why should I be? If someone start a fight, they will be immediately disqualified" "I guess you are right about that" Issei release a sigh and cross his arms behind his head while continue to follow beside the blonde.
The two stops in front of the large grey door made of stone. "All of them are there" Lucy state, sensing all the presence of the remaining fighters in the room. Lucy glance at Issei "Just don't try to anger anyone and you'll be fine, Issei" she said, clapping her hand down his shoulder.
Issei look down at the blonde that stand just at the height above his shoulder. "Looks a bit funny when you do that, considering your height" he said with a smirk. Lucy's eyebrow twitches and she release her hand and bring it behind the Hyoudou's back "You deserve this" she warns. Lucy kicks the door open and push Issei in the room.
Issei let out a surprise yelp and crash front-first onto the ground. He quickly gets up and looks around to see all the competitor's gazes are set on him. Issei shudder a bit at the intimidation look he is getting, some from Alis, but mostly from Akari, who is grinning darkly at him. Lucy nonchalantly enters the room with her hands in pocket, walking past him and to the cafeteria that holds variety of fresh foods.
Issei quickly gets up and follow the Makasha. The others take a sit at the large dining table. The competitors sit a fair space away from each other, few chairs away. "Why did you do that?" Issei hiss at the blonde in anger "For calling me short" "I didn't!" "No, but you are definitely implying it" she said and silence the Hyoudou since she wasn't wrong about that fact.
After a couple of minutes past, Lucy and Issei have foods on their plate and now heading to the table. Lucy takes a sit at the head of the table while Issei takes a sit at her left. The blonde looks up and is immediately met eyes with Akari, who is leaning on her head on her right hand and looking at her with intense gaze and dark smirk.
Lucy raise an eyebrow "You have a problem?" she asks and Issei choke on his food, turning to the blonde and look at her in shock 'Is she trying to start a fight?! Especially against her' he thinks, glancing at Akari and sees her smirk widen. "You sure have the gut to talk to me like that, girl" Akari speak and stab a fork down to a piece of cooked chicken "I'll teach you some respect when we step in the arena, just like I will with your brother" she states and brings the chicken to her mouth.
Lucy's lazy gaze harden in seriousness when the Fallen Angel mentioned her brother. "You have no idea what he is capable of" Lucy strongly retorts and gets a chuckle from the Hirai "We shall see. I don't take to heart with all these praises the whole of underworld throws at him…" "You may think that those praises and stories are overexaggerating, and some definitely are" Lucy admits, after taking a drink of water.
Michael smirk, quietly listening in the conversation while eating a prime cooked steak. "It's very fascinating" he speaks, making everyone turn to him "That you, Akari Hirai criticize Nawin Makasha. Trying to make him into something not a big deal, but here you are talking about him… Like the rest of the three factions" he states in an almost taunting manner "Say whatever you want about the boy, but he can get the whole world to talk about him… He is an intriguing boy".
Just as Michael finish his sentence, a crimson lance shoots down from above and stab into his plate, right at the center of his steak. Michael raise an eyebrow, looking at the lance stuck on the table, a few inches from his face. "That wasn't very nice" he comments, boringly glance at the Fallen Angel, who is sending him a menacingly look "You dare make a fool out of me… Be glad that's the only repercussions" she spat and return to her food.
Michael didn't take mind to the Fallen Angel's words and casually bring his right hand toward the lance. He grabs it and the lance shatters. Seeing this would shock many, but the room just got more tense by the mysterious man display of power. Akari eye's narrow in annoyance when seeing this. Even though she didn't use her full power in that lance, it was still strong enough to destroy most High-Class devil.
Michael grab his fork and knife to continue eating his steak like nothing just happened. The steak was still fine and edible, just now have a hole in the center of it. Issei sweat drop when seeing this 'That guy gives zero fucks' he notes and goes back to eating his own steak. 'Gotta eat these proteins to gain more muscles… That's what Hunter-sensei said!' he notes, determination burn in his eyes.
Lucy sight turn to Alis, who completely ignored the whole event and just eats her salad with blank expression on her face. She oozes such ominous air around her that she is the big part to why this room atmosphere is so tense.
Present
"That's pretty much what happened" Lucy finish explaining the event to her brother. Nawin opens his eyes and nod "I see… I know you two properly know this" he speaks, glancing at Lucy then to Issei "But todays tournament is the real one… All our potential opponents are dangerous and strong… Some stronger than us no doubt. We also can't rule out the fact that we could be facing against each other" Nawin state.
"Who are you most weary?" Lucy ask, catching Issei's attention and he turn to Nawin, very curious for his answer. Nawin close his eyes, thinking for a minute before reopening them. "The one I'm most caution against is Akari… Michael is the second place up there after his displayed from yesterday, but Akari tops him because of her berserk way of fighting… If I didn't stop her against Irina, she would had brutalized her… and Irina would probably be in a comatose state right now" he answers in honest.
Issei find himself nodding in agreement "Yeah… That woman honestly terrified me. I had an encountered with her when walking up the stairs yesterday and she… Just radiates danger and malic aura" he comments, clenching his hands tightly. "I'm also weary of Alis. That girl seems very off to me… She's hiding something" Lucy insert, catching the boys' attention "Is this your gut feeling?" Nawin ask and receive a nod "Gut feeling?" Issei question in a chuckle.
"Laugh, Issei. But, Lucy is often right when she has these feelings" Nawin comment, no jest in his tone at all and Issei stop chuckling and look at him with a surprise expression "Really?" "Rarely am I wrong. You could say I can smell these things" Lucy said with a smirk and points to her nose "My sacred gear's form is a wolf and wolves have keen nose and other senses" she states.
Nawin suddenly stands up "We should be weary of all of them. For now, let's go fetch breakfast, I'm starving" he comments and head towards the door. "No surprise, you skipped dinner" Issei smartly retort, still not letting that go "Try and have a body like him, Issei. If you even gone through half of the intensity training my brother goes through, you would be hungry very often" Lucy defends her brother.
Nawin chuckle when seeing Issei's annoy expression and pat his sister by her head as she stops beside him. "Now, now, no fighting you two" he said and opens the door, exiting it with his sister while a grumpy Issei follow suit and close the door behind him.
Lucifer Castle
Sirzech let out a long yawn, rubbing his tired eyes. He slowly reaches his right hand out to a hot cup of coffee on his desk, personally delivered by his lovely wife who is out right now to fetch some of those dreaded paperwork. "Ah, delicious" Sirzech moans at the coffee taste and start feeling the sleepiness being knock away by the caffeine.
Looking down at the paper in front of him. It was the paper that contains the names of the contenders that are going to the second round of the tournament. 'Right… I need to talk to her before the tournament begins' Sirzech notes, looking at the name 'Alis Bethan' on the paper.
"Sirzech-sama!" Grayfia burst into the room in great haste with a troubled expression her usually cold expressionless face. Sirzech immediately stand up from his chair and wears a worry expression, rarely seeing his wife ever act like this unless some serious event has transpired. "What's wrong, Grayfia?" he questions "I-it's better if I show you, Sirzech-sama… I'll immediately take us to the hospital" she said, flicking her finger and the two disappear in silver light.
Sirzech open his eyes and find himself in a white hallway. He feels his wife hand grab onto his and taking him down the hallway. Sirzech gulps in anxious when he see several nurses and a doctor standing outside of one of the rooms. Their expression holds a horrifying and shock one. The nurses had their hands over their mouth, like they are trying to stop themselves from vomiting.
Ajuka emerge from the open door and he holds a look of anguish and grimace. He turns to see Sirzech and Grayfia "You two arrive" he utters, softly. Grayfia nod and release her husband's hand to allow him to move. Sirzech didn't bother asking question and instead step into the room.
The smell of blood explodes in Sirzech's nose. He freezes like a stone when he enters the room and soak in the view in front of him. Red, the color of red is painted around the room. The color of blood splattered all around the once clean white room. Mutilated body parts laid waste around the room. Severed arms laid below the bed, the bed is completely soaked in blood that is starting to get dried though is still somewhat wet. Legs are hung on the curtains hangers that goes around the bed.
Sirzech's wide eyed looks down, below the bed and see the face of Lock laid on the ground with the rest of his body intact. His soulless eyes are opened, and his mouth hung openly, showing a disturbing sight. The foul smell completely envelopes the room and if it wasn't for his experience in countless of battle and fighting through a war, seeing and witnessing countless of death. Witnessing and smelling the land that is soaked in blood and corpses. Sirzech would have vomit at the sight and smell.
Sirzech clench his hands tightly, crimson aura emits around them and his teeth are clench together. "What happened?" he asks in seething and powerful tone that cause the nurses and doctor to flinch in fright. "W-we were doing our morning check with the p-patients and we discovered t-this… I-it must have happened a-at night" one of the older nurses stutter out, holding a younger nurse, to comfort the sobbing girl.
"No doubt a murder… Calm down, Sirzech" Ajuka advise, seeing a major hole appear on a wall. The hole is big enough to show a sizeable view of the next room that is currently empty. Grayfia walk in the room and gently grasp her husband's hand, giving it a comfort squeeze "Calm down, Sirzech… Getting riled up won't do any good" she said in a soothing tone, addressing him not as a Queen or his advisor, but as his wife.
Sirzech harden expression quickly soften and he squeeze his wife's hand back in response. "Sorry," he apologizes, turning to her, giving a faint smile. Grayfia returns with her own smile. "Ajuka," Sirzech speak, turning to his longtime friend "Yeah…" Ajuka starts off, rubbing his neck and release a sigh fill with frustration "It's clear that this is a homicide case" "Can it be by the same killer? That killed your original contender" Sirzech question.
Ajuka cross his arms and look at the crimson-haired in the eyes "They are the most reasonable suspect… Another contender murdered" he utters in troubled tone. "Murdered… This is more like a mutilation" Grayfia speaks, glancing back at the corpses of Lock "Clearly this is a statement… They could have simply slit his throat and be done with it, but they instead go through this length. We are dealing with a dangerous and psychotic individual" she states.
"There is one thing. Remember you told me to install surveillance cameras in important places. Hospitals being one of them?" Ajuka reminds and gets a nod from Sirzech "You found something?" "Yeah. Your 'little brother' visited this hospital last night" Ajuka answers, shocking both Sirzech and Grayfia.
"Y-you aren't sayi-" "Of course I'm not accusing him of doing this" Ajuka quickly insert, raising his right hand "He came here to visit his friend, Irina Shidou and weirdly stop in front of Lock's room before disappearing away… Like he wanted to talk to Lock before finding out he was sedative. I suggest you talk to him".
Sirzech slowly nod and turn to Grayfia "Go fetch him, Grayfia" he requests. Grayfia nod, immediately summons a teleportation and disappear in silver light. "Ajuka, did the camera caught anything else?" Sirzech question "No, the camera didn't catch anyone entering the room, so they must have either teleported in or entered via the windows. I only installed the cameras in the hallways since installing them in the rooms would violent privacy".
Ajuka turns to the doctor and nurses "Do you mind giving us some space? Also, you should get the cleaning equipment's to clean all… this" he said, entering the room and shuts the door behind him to give privacy. Ajuka walk past Sirzech and to Lock's corpses. "I have a bad feeling about this, Sirzech" he speaks, looking down at Lock's dead eyes "I'm not stopping the tournament" Sirzech state, crossing his arms and his expression hold stern "This tournament is a pathway to create peace toward each factions… I'm not going to let some murderer ruin it".
Sirzech looks out the window and see a black cloak floating from the right. "Hunter," he calls out at the woman, leaning on the wall outside of the open windows. Hunter slowly opens her slit pupil's eyes, her arms crossed as she causally leans on the edge "What you want me to do?" she plainly asks.
"Like Ajuka, I have bad feeling… Not only because of this, but the whole air around Vesarima… An ominous air has fallen here. I need you to stay here and not leave Vesarima" Sirzech orders. Hunter hums and nod "Fine… I wasn't planning to leave until the result of the tournament anyway" "Good. Also, while you're here I would like you to search outside the walls for any clues. You are an expert in tracking field, so use it to find anything unusual. The murderer must have entered Vesarima by foot since there's a barrier around the city that block any anonymous teleportation" "Got it".
Sirzech sense Hunter disappears instantly, heading to the north gate in rapid speed. "Something must really be worrying you to have Hunter stationed here, Sirzech" Ajuka remark, staring at his friend "I rather be safe than regret later, Ajuka" Sirzech reply, summoning a teleportation. The Gremory's crimson crest appear beneath the Satan's feet.
Sirzech glance at his friend "You go inform this event to Serafall. I'll go talk with Nawin first then inform Michael, Gabriel, and Azazel about this" he said and disappear in crimson light. Ajuka stare at the spot where the Lucifer just left "Is someone honestly naive enough to attack Vesarima… When the leaders of the three factions are present… They're either idiots or do have the power to back it up…" he whispers in troubled tone, before disappearing away in green light.
Tournament: Dining Room
Silence envelopes the room. A tense and quiet atmosphere is cause by two individual. Everyone stare at Nawin and Akari, the two are sited at the head and back of the table, allowing them to stare at one another. The two haven't touch their food yet and continue to stare at one another, trying to dare one of them to blink first.
Michael silently let out a chuckle of amusement before taking a sip of his hot tomato soup. Alis quickly disregard this, finding it childish and takes a bite of her Caesar salad. Lucy, getting annoy by this quickly pinch Nawin's cheek "Eat your breakfast! You can kick her arse later!" she scolds in annoyance.
Nawin's cold expression breaks in surprise and quickly, he releases Lucy's hold. "Alright!" he hisses back, rubbing his sore cheek. Akari is surprise by this interaction, before letting out a snigger in humor and start to dig into her sandwich. Issei is surprise by the sudden sister instinct Lucy just shown 'Yep. Those two are acting more like siblings now. Lucy being the protective one' Issei comments and let out a chuckle, finding it funny that now Nawin has numbers of girls in his life that are very protective of him.
'She's really regaining her persona back. I'm glad' Nawin place a slice of bacon in his mouth, glancing at Lucy, and his mouth twitch upwards 'Hopefully with more times past she will finally return to her true-self… Then she will become even more stronger, with nothing to hold her back' he notes, mentally.
A few minutes past and silence are the only thing heard in the room. The only sound being made are the utensils contacting the plates or bowls. Everyone pause when a Gremory crest form on the ground and a few second past. Everyone sees Grayfia walks out from the light, her expression is stoic and cold as ever.
Grayfia's sight immediately turns to Nawin "Nawin-sama, you have been requested by Sirzech-sama" she state and gesture the boy to come forth. Nawin, seeing the seriousness in Grayfia's eyes didn't question and stand up, walking towards her. Akari, never like being kept in the dark and feeling something is wrong, decide to ask a question "What's going on?".
Grayfia turns to the rest, seeing all of them looking at her "Lock Jones has been murdered" she announces the news. Everyone is shock at this, especially Nawin, who just saw the Jones last night and found him recovering fine. "You don't need to panic" Grayfia reassures the young fighters "Ajuka-sama is personally looking over the case. The tournament will continue forward in a couple of hours, so all of you prepare yourselves for it".
"Why is Lord Sirzech requesting him?" Michael questions, pointing his ring finger at Nawin. Grayfia glance at her right, where Nawin has position himself "That's a private matter. It's nothing to be concern about" she said, not wanting the other contenders to know that the Makasha broke the rules by leaving the tournament grounds. It could cause tension since it's likely the Makasha would get away with no punishment.
Grayfia flick her fingers and teleports away with Nawin.
Lucifer Castle: Sirzech's Office
Nawin opens his eyes and see Sirzech sited in his desk, clearly waiting for him. "Nawin" he greets in a complete serious tone "Sirzech…" Nawin greets back, stepping away from Grayfia and stop in front of the desk. "I'm sure you know why I've called you here" Sirzech said, getting to the point "Because I was at the hospital last night. To give you an answer… No, I did not spot anything weird while I was there. I checked up on Lock for my own personal reasons" Nawin answers, not beating around the bush.
"What would that reason be?" Grayfia question, walking past Nawin to stand beside her husband. The two adults raise an eyebrow when they are greet with silence from the Makasha. "Nawin… I trust you and know you didn't do anything wrong, but I need to know the reason why you were checking on Lock" Sirzech urges "The old councils will get a word of this and when they see the video of you near Lock's room… They will use it against you. Trust me on this, Nawin-sama that after what you said to them in the conference they will want revenge" Grayfia speaks up, showing her concern.
Seeing the two are asking for his sake, Nawin decide to tell them. "It happened during my training trip with Azazel" he starts and told the two what he told Azazel, but reveals it was Lock who teleported him and Sayomi to the island. Of course, Nawin kept keeps the important parts a secret from Sirzech and Grayfia like he did with Azazel. Such as him remembering a shard of his past and Sayomi's final words.
Sirzech is quiet for a minute after hearing Nawin's story. "I see… This complicates things" he releases a sigh and massage his temple. "Lock should have been disqualified for doing that" Grayfia state in slight anger in her tone "Not much you can do now, I'm afraid" Nawin comments.
"You really think that Ophis was the one behind your trip to the island?" Sirzech ask, opening his eyes and stare at Nawin, who nod "Sayomi was fairly confident… I honestly trust her words. She is a person who doesn't seem to spout out crap if she isn't confident in it" Nawin said, surprising the two adults at his words toward the pureblood.
Grayfia's eyes narrow in suspicious "Nawin-sama… Is there something else you are hiding from us?" she questions in icy tone, telling the Makasha to spill it out. Nawin pause and remember Rias's words back when they were in Shigemi, when he revealed to her who gave him the mark on his neck. 'Promise me that you will talk to either my brother or Azazel about this' Rias's words rings through Nawin's mind '… I've told Azazel… I should tell Sirzech and Grayfia too. They've always helped me and done good by my side'.
Nawin release a sigh and slowly nod "Yes… There's something else I wanted to tell you two… It involves the mark… I know the person who gave it to me" he said, and immediately both Sirzech and Grayfia's eyes widen in shock before they turn serious. "Tell us" Sirzech simply said, though it was closer to an order.
"Ophis gave me this mark" Nawin reveals, holding the mark with his right hand and looks up to see the speechless look on both Sirzech and Grayfia's face. The shock look turns to anger in Sirzech's face "I'm… I'm not going to question why you didn't tell us sooner about this, Nawin. You must have your reasons, but promise me this right now" he asks and gets a nod from Nawin "Don't hide these kinds of things from us… It shows you still don't trust us at all. Even if you think what you are doing is protecting us, but what you really doing is just pushing us away. Trust me on this, please… Ophis isn't a being you can battle alone. Promise me that if you learn anything new about the mark or anything that will endanger you, anything about Ophis, then come talk to me or Grayfia" Sirzech utters, his expression softens so did his tone.
Nawin gives the two a genuine smile, hearing how sincere the Satan's words were. "Alright… I'll be more honest to you two from now on. If there's ever anything I need help with or to talk with I'll come to you guys" he said, causing the two adults to smile. Sirzech nod in satisfaction "Good. You are like a family to us, Nawin" he comments, making Nawin's smile widen a bit.
Grayfia smile at her husband words, agreeing with him. "Let's get back to the matter. With this new information, it is clear now that why Ophis would hired Lock to do what he did to you, teleporting you and trapping you on a dangerous island. The question is why?" she questions "I've been thinking about the reason ever since then, Grandma. I've come up with blankness" Nawin reply in frustration
"Did Sayomi do anything to you?" Sirzech ask, concern lingers in his serious tone "In honest… If it wasn't for her I wouldn't be standing here in front of you guys" Nawin answer. And once again Sirzech and Grayfia are left speechless by this new fact. Sirzech's expression turn calculative 'This Sayomi Dracul just keeps getting more and more mysterious. An enigma individual that needs to be caught'.
Nawin shakes his head "This isn't about Sayomi. Going back to Lock… What exactly happened?" he questions. Grayfia decides to inform the young devil "Lock Jones was found this morning murdered in his room. He was brutally mutilated and the whole room was covered in blood. It wasn't a simple homicide case, whoever did it wanted to make a statement… That's what we believe" she informs while Nawin listen on in silence.
Sirzech decide to give his opinion "With the new fact you gave us and how Lock is linked with Ophis and how you are also linked with the deity… There is a chance that she could be behind Lock's murdered" "Because he failed his mission?" Nawin questions and gets a nod "Perhaps or she didn't want to leave any loose ends. How exactly did you know that Lock was the one that teleported you to the island?" Sirzech question. Nawin close his eyes "It was for a split second, but when Lock activated that teleportation, I caught a spike in his mana signature. When in the conference I felt the same mana signature from him and that's how I found out that it was him. Everyone's mana is unique and different" Nawin state.
Grayfia smile in impress at this "Well done, Nawin-sama" she commends "Indeed, you have a gift in sensory skill" Sirzech state with a smile. Nawin shrugs "I always have a keen sense since I was young" he simply state "I see. Now, back to the matters at hand" Sirzech said, his expression hardens "With the new information you gave us… There is another suspect that we can think that could be the cause Lock's death. I find hard to believe a person such as Ophis, who stood above all else would personally come here and kill Lock" "She must have hired an assassin" Grayfia assert "Yes. That's the most logical reason".
Sirzech looks at the clock on his desk "Seems like a took enough of your time, Nawin-kun" he said, regaining his positive attitude "We will hopefully find more about the suspect since Ajuka is on the case. And with the new information you gave us, it will certainly help the case. Now, I want you to head back… You have about two hours before the tournament begins".
"There is one more thing," Grayfia speak, her voice stern "You broke the rules by leaving the building, Nawin-sama" she said and the Makasha start sweating when receiving the deathly glare from the Queen. Sirzech chuckles and waves his hand "Now, now, Grayfia, why don't we let that slide for just once. If he hadn't done that then we would have never learned about these important information" he reasons, coming to the boy's aid.
Grayfia's expression soften and slowly nod "You are correct… I shall let it slide this once, Nawin-sama" she said, giving the boy one more stern glance, before smiling at him "Thank you for telling us about the mark, Nawin-sama. Remember you are welcome to talk to us at any time if you need to" she reminds.
Nawin smile, standing up and nod "Thanks, Grandma, I certainly will keep that in mind now. I'll see you guys later" he comments and disappear in black flash. Grayfia immediately turn to her husband when the young devil left "Sirzech-sama… Why didn't you tell him about the unknown killer? Who is the main suspect" she questions, confuse by her husband decision.
Sirzech cross his arms and lean back on the chair "This killer has the mindset that they are unknown from the contenders… Which can leave an opening to catch them in the future since they can start becoming reckless, thinking they are invisible. Giving Nawin this information could alert the killer and it can become even harder for us to catch them" he states his reason.
Grayfia thinks for a few second and nod in agreement with her husband's logic "I can see where you are coming from. What about Ophis? Can this killer be hired by them?" "It is possible, but there's one problem with that idea… This killer murdered Ajuka's first contender… What motive would that do for Ophis?" Sirzech ask, and Grayfia can only give silence, also not having a good explanation for the answer.
Sirzech release a sigh "There's two real logically scenario for this. The first being there are two different killers. One that murdered Ajuka's contender and the other murdered Lock by Ophis's behalf. The second being that a single killer did commit the crime to both victims and they could either do it for their own gain or Ophis's" he explains, staring thoroughly at the large windows on the right, showing a beautiful view of Vesarima.
Sirzech suddenly turns to his wife "Grayfia, place more security around the tournament. I want guards patrolling there day and night. Even though the rest of the contenders are capable warriors, I don't want anymore bad news" he orders. Grayfia bows respectively "As you wish. I shall head to one of the Military Stations to give your orders" she said and disappears in silver light.
Sirzech turns his sight to the couch where he first found out about the mark placed on Nawin. Slowly, Sirzech's eyes glow in crimson 'Just what is your plan, Ophis? After centuries of silence'.
Hospital
"Irina!" the door slides open and Xenovia enters in quick motion. Irina turn around and is immediately taken into a crushing hug. "C-can't breathe!" Irina whispers, gently tapping her friend in the back for release "Sorry!" Xenovia reply sheepishly, releasing the hug and smile broadly.
"We were really worried since hearing what happened to Lock" Rias comment, entering the room with the others following behind her. Irina nod in solemn "Yeah… I heard from the doctor… Can't believe someone would do such a thing" she said "Agree, even though he wasn't a good person… To be killed in his sleep like that… That's something that even he didn't deserve" Xenovia adds in, crossing her arms and grimace.
"It was more like mutilation then simple kill, Xenovia" Akeno assert "The room was covered in blood… Whoever did it was a lunatic… A skilled Lunatic if they aware able to pass through all the security placed in this hospital". "Akeno is right" Rias comment and turns to Irina "You will be discharged tonight, yes?" "Yeah. Other contenders that still needs to recover are moved to another hospital by the order of Lord Ajuka".
"They can't move all of the patients here… Are they going to put more security now?" Asia question, standing between Gasper and Koneko "Yeah. Guards will be patrolling each floor all night now. Same goes with the other hospital that the contenders have been placed in" Irina answers, rubbing her right shoulder to get rid of the morning soreness.
Irina cock her head to the door, feeling one magic signature outside "Is there someone out there?" she questions. Yuuto chuckles and nod "Yeah, that would be Akame" "I see," Irina giggles "That girl is quieter when Nawin-kun isn't around. Hopefully we can fix that and make her feel like she's part of the group in the future" Rias comment with hopeful tone.
"Don't worry so much, Akame is just a quiet girl" Xenovia comment with a smile "You two have gotten a bit close" Yuuto remark "Yeah, being both knights make things easy. We had spared a few times" she insert. "I find her a bit rude" Koneko comment, blankly "Koneko-chan, you should really drop that little encounter with her" Asia urge, shaking her head at her stubborn friend.
"Encounter?" Akeno question and everyone turn to look at Koneko. "While Yuuto-kun was injured from the battle against Rin. Akame didn't show signs of concern and Koneko-chan been holding a bit of a grudge" Asia explains. "That's not something you should hold a grudge about, Koneko" Yuuto said "She and I barely know each other. And Akame seems like a kind of girl who hides and push away her emotions… So, worrying about someone she barely knows isn't something that is her fault" he states in understanding tone.
Rias nod "She's not like us, it doesn't make her a bad person, just different" "There is one person she definitely cares for and would protect without hesitation" Xenovia brings up, and Asia perk up "Onii-chan?" "Yeah. It seems only Nawin-kun along with Misako and Wendy are able to get her out of her shell, especially Nawin-kun" Irina assert, remembering when she saw Akame with Nawin when they were in the fair, at the beach and witness how open Akame was when she is with her king.
"Yeah, so don't hold such grudge with her, Koneko" Xenovia urge, turning to the white-haired girl "Alright… I'll stop" Koneko reply monotonously. Rias smile and turn to Irina "Can you walk?" she asks "Yeah, just not run. My back is still in pain by any big movement" "That's good enough. I'll go talk to the doctor and ask for you to leave here so you can watch the tournament with us" "Yeah, it would be boring to just sit here and watch it on the television… Alone" Xenovia comment.
Irina smile and nod "That's true" she said and turn to Rias "Thanks" "No problem" the Gremory smile back and leaves the room. "How was the food here?" Akeno ask "Terrible!" Irina immediately shouts, and everyone chuckles, expecting that answer.
Xenovia turn to her friend, holding a questionable look "You are surprisingly handling the defeat well, Irina… I was expecting you to be depress" she said in honest "I was… But, Nawin-kun came by last night" Irina answers and lots are surprise by this fact. Asia smile fondly hearing this "That's my Onii-chan! Always helping others through hard times" she said proudly, puffing her cheeks, causing everyone to giggle at the blonde's cuteness.
Time Skip: Arena
All the contenders walk out the large doors and are greeted with loud cheers from the energetic crowds. Once again, all of them stop in front of Grayfia, who is standing in the center, calmly waiting for them.
Issei glance to the right and see the group along with the parents are sited in the same position as yesterday. He smiles when seeing Irina is among them, looking better though still wore some bandages. Nawin holds Lucy's hand and stop in the line. He pauses and sense more guards surrounding the arena now 'They more than doubled the security… I guess Sirzech is taking this very seriously' he notes and looks up to see the leaders of the faction's present, looking down at them.
Nawin notices that Gabriel and Michael's eyes have sharpen more in alert compare to yesterdays. 'Sirzech must have informed them…' Nawin figures out and turn his attention to Grayfia. "The second round of the tournament shall begin immediately!" Grayfia announce, her voices booming around the arena. The screens above start spinning through the names and all eyes are on it.
When the two names are pick. The crowd explodes in to a loud and deafening cheers. "Akari Hirai and Nawin Makasha stay here. The rest of you head up to the lounge!" Grayfia orders, her voice barely got through the crowd's cheers.
"Good luck, bro!" Issei claps his right hand down on Nawin's shoulder while giving him a smile. "I know that you know she is dangerous, but I still want to say be careful, Big bro" Lucy said, giving a soft squeeze to her brother's hand. Nawin gives the two a faint smile to reassure them "Don't worry… I'll meet you two at the final round" he states. Issei nod and turn around to head back to the lounge with the rest. Lucy look at Nawin for a few more second before releasing his hand and follows the other contenders.
Nawin's expression sharpen and his sight turn to Akari. The Hirai holds a menacing grin, looking straight at the Makasha with excitement in her striking ice-blue eyes. The two hold a stare down, trying to overpower one another simply by eye contacting. Crimson aura starts emitting around Akari and in response, Nawin release his own mana and black aura start releasing around him.
Grayfia, seeing things are going to escalate quickly. She jumps back and land on a save space, away from the fighters. "One… Two… Three…" Grayfia holds her hand up and everyone in the arena hold their breath, anxiously waiting for her to say the word "Begin!".
Outside Vesarima
A dark cave, hidden away in the dense forest that surrounds Vesarima's walls. The cave holds a camp that have a dozen of cloak individuals sited around the campfire, waiting for something. All the individuals wore a dark brown cloak with hoods, entirely concealing their appearance.
A footstep suddenly echoes around the cave and the group quickly stand up, getting to their stance and turn to the entrance. "So… This is where you guys been hiding" a tranquil voice state from the shadows. The figure steps out of the shadows to reveal Raynare, smiling twistedly at the group.
The cloak individual didn't utter a word and instead, all of them launch toward the vampire with intent to kill. In a swift motion, Raynare lift her hand up and fires a doom blast that disintegrate more than half of the group in seconds. The remaining three quickly scatter and bounce on the walls, heading toward Raynare from the sides and back.
Raynare's eyes flash red and the three are blast to the walls by an unknown force. In a blink of an eye, Raynare appear towards one of the individual and smash her silver-plated long black boots at the person's head. A splatter sound echoes around the quiet cave, sounding like a hammer was just brought down to a bucket of tomatoes.
Raynare pulls back her boot, that is now coated in blood, and turn to the other two individual that are getting up. She can see their bodies shaking from fear. "I only need one of you alive" she states and lift her right arm toward the one individual. Raynare's hand crack in pink aura, and in a blink of an eye, the individual chest burst in blood, their flesh and insides spill to the ground, from the large hole shown in the person's chest. Their body slowly collapse to the puddle of blood and organs.
The last individual scream in fright, revealing the sound of a man's voice. The man dash toward the exit, but Raynare appears in front of him and snatch him by the neck, lifting him to the air. "Now…" she looks up at the man, holding a sinister smile "You are going to spill out your plans to me…"
Next Chapter: Showdown! Black Flash vs Crimson Reaper!