Because of working as a request author in the last year, I don't have much time to work on my own fics. Plus, I also have been working in real life so time gets cut short.

Time isn't all that is cut short. Energy, inspiration. Name it and my job drains it from me. Not that it's bad.

So that is why most likely the quality of the chapter isn't what it was supposed to be. My apologies for that.

My next circle of updates is finished now so I am working again on the ninth chapter of this fic. The training chapter was rough on the nineteenth of July. So that's why I ended it there and started on a new one.

This chapter is the continuation of the training. I am not too sure if this will be the end of it.

Now for the guest replies.

Appolyon. I couldn't reply to you because I haven't a way.

Well, it's how I work it over. Maybe you missed the point that Issei Boosted a few times plus, the water the Stray Devil was in. As for the power levels, well, Jonas isn't normal. And strength ain't everything.

Started on 20/12/2020

Ended on 31/12/2020

The day was finally over and all of the inhabitants of the training grounds agreed they were happy for that. It was past eight when Jonas made the call to stop the training.

After the late lunch, Jonas continued on training with Issei and Kiba. Hand to hand or sword fighting. Koneko paired up with Mittelt who was more than happy to fight with her.

Akeno took Asia asides for learning how to control her magic. On other things. Meanwhile, Jonas took Kiba aside for a bit.

"We need to have a chat." Jonas would have been more credible if Kiba wasn't just sitting down, thrown down on the ground.

"I understand. Does it have to be like this?"

"Sit up." The [Knight] turned around and Jonas sat next to him.

"I am going to tell you a story. You are going to keep your mouth shut and let me talk. Understood?" Yuuto nodded.

"It's a story where my dad and I took down a group of mercs that had been fucking with us for a while. Those bastards killed four of our guys and two of my group." On the raised eyebrow, Jonas elaborated.

"The mercs were the ones hired. The ones from my group were my brothers and sisters. So both my dad and I had reasons to give them a ride to hell. When we finally closed in, we blew up their compound. My dad and I killed the remaining guys. One of the guys survived the barrage. He was the leader and I saw him killing one of my brothers." Jonas sighed and recalled it.

The stench of the jungle mixed with the blood and sweat. The sounds of the dying.

"So I walked up to him, pressing the barrel of my AK against his head, ready to blow his head off." The soldier shook his head.

"You know what my dad does." The [Knight] shook his head.

"He presses a hand on my shoulder and points at the guy. That bastard lifted a cig on his mouth and he wanted to lit it. My dad kneels down when he sees that the lights aren't working. So he offers him a light. I stood back and dad just let him smoke. I wasn't sure what the hell I was seeing." After a pause, Jonas continued.

"Dad just let him smoke the cig. After that, he shoots the guy through the heart. That, that was mercy. Offering a dying man some relief is one thing. Kiba, I don't' think you'll turn out like me and my dad. But during times of war, you need to know what you can and can't pull. Keep your head high and say you fought honorable." Jonas clasped a hand on his shoulder.

"I wonder if you can keep your head high when that sack of shite marries your [King]." With that, Jonas left Yuuto. Meanwhile, Jonas continued to teach Issei tricks in the fighting.

The rest left and Jonas learned Issei to fight. He had to buy time and reserve energy so he could [Boost]. Secondly, if his basic pool of energy was larger, it meant more effects. Blockings, attacks, lunges, diversions. It wasn't beating down, it was teaching endurance. His gauntlet doubled his power but it could also be used as a large brace knuckle.

Jonas didn't pull out any other weapon but his knife. Given what he had done to him before, Issei didn't feel guilty about slamming his fist into Jonas and drawing blood. Long used to pain and other discomforts, Jonas rarely stopped.

The rest of the Peerage switched up. Rias took over duties of teaching Asia to control magic, Akeno learned to move faster from Raynare, both having a different style of attack.

Kiba fought with Mittelt as she used a berserk-like way of fighting and Koneko paired up with Kalawarner.

Hours crept by and Asia had to use her powers. Jonas wasn't joking that everyone, including himself, would have serious wounds.

When the sun came down, it was time to call it enough for one night. They all needed some time to let their bodies heal.

Jonas took care of dinner so the only thing that the rest had to do was dress the table. The leftovers of the buck he shot were used in a stew together with rice. Filling to be sure and the speed at which they ate made Raynare smile. The guy could cook well and all of them were hungry.

He had also spiced it up and while it wasn't grand material, all of them were too hungry to even care about it.

After the table was cleaned, there were other lessons.

"During the Great War, there were three Sides. Devils, Fallen Angels, and Angels. Despite the years that passed, we all know how that still plays in." The three Fallen were quiet.

"At the end of the ride, no one had really won. A huge amount of casualties on all sides. And because we as Devils have near-immortality, Devils reproduce very slowly."

"Is that why you guys developed this Evil Piece system?" Rias nodded at Jonas's question.

"Hate to say this but this reminds me of World War One." The rest was quiet.

"Can I go back to the story?" Jonas waved his hand at her.

"During that, many pure-blooded Devils, known as the 72 key, had mostly died out. My clan, the Gremories, Sona's Clan, the Sitris and Riser Phenex are but a few of those who remain. As Jonas pointed out, that is why we made the Evil Piece system to reincarnate humans or other magical races as our servants."

The Fallen Angels also listened in. Their own reproduction was quite a bit different.

"We also made the Rating Games. For allowing our servants to gain real combat experience without the threat of dying. It also shows that our master's standing. One's playing in the Rating Game has a huge influence on our standing."

Rias' eyes twinkled at the mercenary. "Although, during this day, we can imagine that it can be done without that game." Jonas just shrugged on her comment.

"It's what it is. Still, we find a way to get around it. But that's all for tomorrow. I don't know about you all but I can use a bath and some rest. It's an early rise tomorrow." Issei was dragged by both Kiba and Jonas to the bath.

Asia turned around to see how Kalawarner and Raynare sat down. While neither had the sizes of Rias and Akeno, it wasn't that they had to try too hard. Both Fallen Angels got looks from the two in the bath.

"What do you expect?" Koneko asked while the girls were looking asides.

"Believe me, it's what you can change." Mittelt was sitting next to them. Just like the other two, her tits left much to be desired.

They looked at the girls and their breasts were floating in the water.

Issei would have taken a peek were it not that both he and Kiba had their eyes on Jonas who was getting himself clean. The two gulped when he had walked in. Naked without a care in the world but signed and sealed in scars, Jonas was carrying many shreds of evidence. Gunshot wounds, blades over him, and those were the larger ones.

The mercenary sat down while he soaped himself in.

"Take a picture, it last longer." He said and the two averted their eyes. It had become so natural for him to have those scars. He had gotten largely used to them.

On a seventeen-year-old, they looked awesome. On an eight-year-old, it was disturbing.

"Jonas-senpai, what have you been through?"

"That's a need to know basis and you don't need to know." He said while he continued to wash. His body was killing him as much as the others. Looking down on his arms, Jonas could feel things.

He hadn't been weak but the constant day in, day out life hadn't done him favors. It would take a while before he would get back to his usual state.

"I told you all you need to know. Now hurry up." Jonas sank in the hot water. His groans were incredible and on the other side, Raynare grinned when she heard that.

At the end of the bath, he met Rias while drying himself off. He was wearing nothing but a shirt and boxers. She wore a nightgown that fit her form very well.

"Hey. Something up?"

"There's a slight problem. We only got two more rooms for the guests. One room has one bed and the other only has two beds." Jonas saw the twinkling in her eyes. A grin joined him.

"Don't worry. I and Ray can share." The bed was larger than the one they slept in at the base. Still, there was no reason to keep their hands from each other. Raynare laid on his chest, tickling his muscles while his hands kept groping her ass.

"I would say again but I am too tired. Nighty night." She kissed Jonas who had already fallen asleep. Tomorrow, it would be an early day.

Six hours later.

Jonas woke up at 4:30. His hands had moved to her waist but Raynare was still asleep. Kissing her on the nose, she woke up from her slumber.

Her sleepy expression didn't stop her from sending a glare.

"Don't tell me we wake up now?"

"Yep. And you're in luck because you got the soft waking." She could see the malicious grin on his face. This guy would make a great Fallen Angel. Removing herself from Jonas, she sat up and gave Jonas a great show.

But alas, time to wake up had set in.

He dressed in a clean shirt and his trousers were longer. He also took a sweater with him. Then he knocked (banged) on the doors. Issei opened the door that Kiba and he shared.

"Rise and shine. We have breakfast now. It's a twelve-hour shift for now." Jonas ran to the next door and repeated it.

Koneko had tried to open her eyes and Jonas looked at her. Rias and Akeno had already wakened up.

He was as stealthy as an elephant in the middle of the savanna.

"Early morning, Toujou. We got one busy day." Everyone had gathered around him at the table. Blatantly, he ignored the glares from everyone.

"Look, you might dislike me but we need this early rise. Your training is one thing and I suppose that you all have faced Stray Devils but fighting brainless monsters isn't the same thing as fighting a sentient one. Real fights are fast and vicious." Jonas told them.

"What that entails, you'll find out soon enough." It was simple and decent enough food and outside, they were gathered.

The crack of dawn had just come over them and outside, all of them bit through the morning.

"Hyoudou, on me. Match now!" Jonas went full drill sergeant on them.

"Now, with the whole training, all nice and good but you need to be able to take a shock. Therefore, as I mentioned during the breakfast, I am going to show you how brutal it can be. Ray, fetch me an AR and four mags. Keep that with you. Asia, I want you to be ready and able. Hyoudou, you fight me."

Issei stood up and walked to him. Jonas heard a [Boost!] and his face got a grimace.

"Did I say you could boost? Don't think I did. So release! Now." His tone left little argument although the Devils began to wonder what Jonas had planned.

[Explosion!]

"Good. Now in a fight, you won't have that luxury all the time. Sure, like yesterday, you might get an opening and some idiots might let you [Boost]. I am not an idiot. I wouldn't survive. So."

Jonas ran to him and Issei felt the impact of a fist in his stomach. To his credit, he brought up his arms to block a second attack. Issei made a second notion and deployed his [Sacred Gear]. The soldier held back and pulled out a combat knife. The [Pawn] lunged to him and Jonas let the fist.

Grabbing the arm, Jonas pulled him closer.

The knife was aimed at below the Gear. On the unprotected flesh of Issei.

"Gyaaaah!" Jonas twisted it more so Issei could feel the metal. Pain set in and Jonas pulled the blade from the arm. Pivoting his blade, Jonas brought the knife down on the legs. Blood came out of the wounds. Flipping him over, Jonas brought up his hand. Issei couldn't read what Jonas was doing.

Hovering over him, Jonas was the scariest like this.

"You see how quickly I did this. Without a gun. Not even thirty seconds and you are down. And I aimed at your limbs. Riser won't be that merciful. Your [Sacred Gear] can only Boost when you have time and that is a luxury you don't have. And I would say more but you're in shock." Jonas let him go and turned the healer.

"Asia, heal him up." The [Bishop] ran to the wounded boy.

"Now, this is another thing. You need to be able to heal your mates under pressure. So." Ray brought him the AK. Pulling the bolt straight, Jonas exaggerated what he really had to do.

"Don't worry, I won't aim at you but above your head. Don't crack however or Issei dies." Jonas pulled the trigger and the bullets came out. He was using real ammo as well.

Not that ethical but Jonas wasn't one to care about it. Asia had to learn the heat of battle.

Raynare was the only one who was taken aback by his attitude. Jonas hadn't been that brutal with anyone ever since they started training. He had made a shock value. All of them saw what he did with Issei. If they could train better, they could see what a fight can be.

Jonas loaded his next magazine and what he saw, he smiled on. The little [Bishop] wasn't cracking. Asia was one strong soul. Completely unwilling to hurt others but she was strong in other ways. The bullets didn't even phase her.

"Asia. Keep going. You are doing great." Jonas shouted when he paused. She didn't even notice. Her complete focus went to Issei.

The wounds closed and Issei opened his eyes. He smiled at Asia and he wanted to give her a thumbs-up. He was stopped. The bullets would have torn his hands open.

Meanwhile, the rest of the Peerage looked at them in stunned silence.

Rias found a tap on the shoulder. Turning to see Raynare, the Fallen Angel gave her a smile.

"Don't worry. He felt it was needed. I don't think he'll pull a stunt like that again. It's the same as in any soldier training. They break you down to build you up. He doesn't have that much time. So he shocks you and he'll continue."

The redhead crossed her arms under her bust.

"He told me that he would turn the Rating Game into a War. You weren't there but I can imagine now." She felt a warm arm around her shoulders.

"Be happy. If anyone knows how to fight a war, it's Jonas." When the soldier was done, he walked up to Issei and Asia.

"And?"

"He's stabilized. The wounds are closing." Jonas's eyes went to Issei.

"I would say I am sorry but I don't do that. Hyoudou, Riser will do the same shit to you. Even worse. Know what you can face. Better overestimate than underestimate. Keep that in mind. I am a human. Not normal but still human. My beatings were meant for endurance. This was meant to take you out."

The [Pawn] nodded.

"I know."

"I'll continue on this training for now but now, we'll take a different route." Looking over the rest, Jonas pulled his cloth down.

"You all saw what I did. It was fast, it was brutal, it was savage. That's war. Riser has more pieces than you, Gremory. So there is that. I won't break you but you have to keep that image in your mind. Now scuttle and back to business. I'll take Issei for today. The rest of you, train as you wish." Sharing a look with Raynare, he continued.

"My Fallen Angels are yours to command. Pair them up with one and you can continue." Rias nodded at him in silence. Sharing a look with Raynare, she wanted to train with the Fallen.

Koneko took Kalawarner along for training as she figured that the blue-haired could help her on distance training.

Yuuto took some bits of Mittelt while Akeno tagged along with Rias.

Issei was now back up and running. His wounds healed, Jonas continued on the training. Just like the teacher, Issei used more power. His base grew for strength and endurance.

By the time the sun began to set, he had grown more brutal with his teacher. Both stopped holding back and their swings just came at the other's body. Jonas was flown against trees with vicious strikes while Issei could feel the knife wounds all over his body.

At the end of the third day, the rest came back and none of them were prepared for the sight of the two. Trees were pulled from the ground, the earth had cracks in it. It was a small miracle that the house remained standing. In the middle, Jonas and Issei were standing.

In case it could be called that.

Issei's upper clothes were gone and blood seeped from the wounds. At the other side, Jonas stood, his sweater gone and his shirt was ready to be thrown out. His combat knife was held sideways and Issei had his [Sacred Gear] ready but the Jewel had gotten some dirt on it.

"You are going down or what?" Jonas shouted at him while Issei wiped his sleeve. Blood was stained on it. Looking aside, the group was stunned in silence as Issei fell into his chest.

"Damn, you're good." The soldier kept the boy close to him.

"Not too bad yourself." With that, he slung the arm around him and carried him to the car. Taking out his first aid kit, it was like nothing out of the ordinary was happening. Rias felt a hand on her shoulder. It would be an occurrence that would happen more. Raynare shook her head at the Devil with a reassuring smile.

"He got this." Jonas went to work. Prepping a morphine shot, he jammed in the neck of the Dragon. He doubted that Issei would die from an overdose. After that, he began to clean the wounds. Some of them were too deep so he stitched them.

Then he gave himself a morphine shot. After that, he looked down at the rest of the group.

"Perfect timing. Asia, could you be so kind to help me? I can take care of my legs." Showing the angle that wasn't natural.

Pulling it right, she could see how Jonas worked over his leg.

"But I got several internal bleedings to begin with." The [Bishop] nodded and she began to work things over. Jonas was sitting back and letting the warm energy washing over his body. His wound was healing and he could enjoy how she was healing his wounds. The rest of them were shocked to see but luckily for him, Asia didn't crack. The strong girl she was.

Jonas felt how she warmed him up but her disapproving glare made it clear how she felt about it all. Not that Jonas blamed her.

After the Former Holy Maiden was done, she began to work over Issei. The Dragon could feel the same glare at him but he really didn't care about that. The rest had joined up with them. Rias looked at Jonas and her glare made it clear what she wanted to know.

"He's growing. The best way with him is that he learns to hold out."

"I do not approve." Rias's voice was clear and level.

"I don't give a fuck." Jonas answered. Crawling back up, he towered over Rias.

"You want to get out this Marriage via the Rating Game?" The Soldier asked and Rias looked over the group. She wasn't sure if she could do it alone.

His own experience, tips, and the usage of his Three Fallen Angels was one big help.

"Yes."

"Than we gotta push through this. There are six of us, Asia, not counted in. Now, you can take it easy on Hyoudou or we push hard. Give him something to work with before we really get to the nitty-gritty."

"There's more?" Issei could speak from the ground.

"The [Boosted Gear] can evolve the stronger you get. It's like the gift that keeps on giving. But to get there, you'll need to get stronger. Normally, you get more time but that ain't a luxury we have." Jonas kneeled next to him.

Punching him on the shoulder, he gave Issei a grin.

"When I was in Africa, I got the same thing. An AK shoved in my hands. Throughout the years there, I learned that I can use that weapon in many ways. The same can be said about your weapon. But back then, I knew only one thing. Fully automatic rifle rounds, lead in one direction. So far, we need something to get that idiot down."

Standing back up, Jonas lifted his fingers. His back made sounds it shouldn't make.

"It's also because I am not what I am used to be." Raynare could say that she enjoyed the expressions.

"What?" Koneko asked in a flat tone.

"Yep. I have gotten way too rusty to be good. I need something to work me out. So me smashing you guys around, it's not just to train you all."

Walking to the [Rook], Jonas grinned at her while ruffling her hair.

"I am way too fucking rusty than is good for me. It'll take a couple of months to get back to my old stage." Jonas pulled up his cloth to cover his mouth but his eyes lit up.

"So you ain't see nothing yet."

Jonas meant that line.

After the fourth day, he switched up his schedules. Deeming Issei well-fought enough, he took other targets to train. Kiba learned quickly that Jonas meant it that he would get better.

His larger sword was clashing with the knife that Jonas used. Despite the fact, the sword was embedded in the flesh of Jonas, Jonas grabbed the boy on his shirt and slammed him into the ground. On the ground, Jonas was grabbed from below. The soldier crawled back up and with the knife, he slammed it down on the ground.

Kiba's fist slammed in his face and threw Jonas off the [Knight]. Away, both men got back up. Jonas spit out blood mixed with spit while Kiba had a light cough.

Faster than his eyes could follow, Jonas saw Kiba disappear. From behind he came and Jonas grabbed him by the sleeve.

The attack stopped before Jonas had a chance to retaliate.

"No continuing."

"I don't want to get worse."

Yuuto walked in front of him. Jonas's eyes were lighting up. Taking up both shoulders, Jonas nodded.

"Good." The smile was shining through the cloth and the [Knight] smiled back at him.

"Keep working at your ideas. Plus, you need to be able to take hits. But for now, you can choose something else." At the bench, the rest of the Peerage besides Akeno was sitting. The [Queen] had chosen Raynare to train again.

Something was playing between them but Rias had other worries.

"Okay, that is enough for now. You all earned a break." She was really good [King] for them.

"That's okay." Jonas watched them relieved taking some relaxation to heal their muscles. And that he allowed them to take time off.

They had been training ever since this morning and it was close to noon. While Jonas could push their boundaries, he wasn't cruel.

Unnecessarily.

The end of the day meant the end of the day training and while he was adamant about choosing the beginning, Rias decided when it ended.

Not abnormal given how Jonas would often go beyond what was normal. Just like now.

While he was strict on them, he was horrendous on himself.

Walking up to his car, Jonas took out his Modified 7.62 TKIV 85 and laid down. During some time off, he had set up his own challenges. Everyone was used to his rifle fire. Taking a breath, Jonas aimed through the scope.

He was a good sniper. It was a part of his education. He had to be able to use every weapon that the mercs could get their hands on. Not that Jonas complained. During one OP in Japan, he had worked before.

He liked working with that guy. From what he heard, he retired on an island. 9029 still owed him a ton of favors so it might come in handy.

Jonas pulled the trigger and hit the leave that he was aiming at.

The group just could see how relaxed he was. Behind the scope, Jonas was a master. He had become sharper during his fights, his hands were back at using a rifle. Sure, he never forgot to really use a gun but the whole weapon handling of it had died in the last few years.

Jonas was never bad at using guns but he wasn't constantly using them, it was that he had to get the rust from his body.

Again, he aimed his rifle and the bullets were going. He had made targets on trees and when he missed just one, it meant he stayed outside, long after dinner time. Speaking about that.

"I'm going for a hunt. Gremory, you continue on that." The red-haired princess nodded and Jonas walked out while he waved at her with two fingers.

Passing by Raynare and Akeno, Jonas wondered why the [Queen] was wearing a traditional Miko outfit.

"Dinner again?" His girlfriend asked.

"Yep." Remembering last time, Jonas stopped and walked to his truck, pining his rifle to his back and taking out an M870. The pump of the action caused them all to look at him.

"Nearly forgot."

Bears were often around and Jonas preferred to just pump it full with shells instead of relying on his rifle.

"Jonas-kun really likes to be prepared." With a smirk, he turned to his classmate.

"Yep." And after that, Jonas walked away into the forest.

Kalawarner shook her head when Raynare's attitude became clear. She had never asked like this school girl in love. That human. What a surprise he was.

When Jonas got back, it wasn't buck they ate but boar. While he was carrying his weapons and ammo, he was dragging along a boar.

The entire Peerage could only look in shock at Jonas while he sat down.

"Tough bastard. Took me fifteen shells to put him down. But now, there is another thing I have in mind." His hands turned over the boar to the back.

The group looked at how he cut with the knife in the beast. Blood went over his hands but he was a survivor.

"Make a fire. I'm going to skin this bad boy. Also, get me a large and thick branch." Instead of cutting out parts of meat, Jonas would roast him fully.

Koneko, Kiba, and Issei were all subjugated on roasting the beast while it hung over a fire. All of them were hungry while Jonas just waited until it was cooked.

Raynare felt how his eyes grew sharper and how much he went back to his old self. Not a bad thing.

The days from then melted into one.

The training wasn't just merely fighting or punching. Jonas taught handles, gripes, and techniques. Finding out that Akeno had an excellent balance surprised him. Koneko and he had handed to hand combat.

Early rises were still there and while he enjoyed driving in the ground, he wouldn't keep digging. Cooking was also his duty most of the time.

Other times, he learned the Devils how to handle guns. Issei felt that a shotgun was something he had to consider getting and seeing how Kiba was using an SMG made Jonas grin.

With Rias, he had conversations on what was the best way to handle Riser. The Art of War was a good thing to read and Jonas explained how conventional warfare made him what he was.

They would expect a fight and Jonas would obey her orders when on the field. Didn't stop him from making suggestions.

Magic blended well with his thinking on fights. Sneak attacks, throwing swords, hiding. They had to fight guerrilla.

The Fallen Angels, while first unfamiliar and awkward, had become valuable partners and training buddies.

Rias and Jonas were on a cliff while they watched the group fights. Each of her Devils had a preference for a Fallen Angel.

Mittelt berserk attacks were great for Koneko as the youngest learned how to fight bladed opponents. Kiba preferred Kalawarner as she could melt her Lightning into weapons like spears or swords. Raynare and Akeno still had some energy as the two often enjoyed to use magic.

For Asia and Issei, well…

Asia was constantly healing the others and it was a perfect way. At this point, Jonas could fire and she barely recognized his firing. Another point he made was firing his gun as she was healing next to her.

Exhaustion cost them all but it was only by expanding boundaries that Jonas felt they were getting ready. Not where they had to be but he would make do.

He didn't have to babysit them during a fight, that was a thing he could be grateful for.

On the sixth day, he stepped in the middle of the ground.

"Okay, Koneko, Yuuto, Issei. Your goal. Get me down!" Without even waiting for confirmation, Kiba ran up to him.

From behind, Jonas felt a presence. Yuuto's sword was blocked from behind with a knife. From the side, Koneko came in. The soldier leant from behind her punch and broke off the attack.

Hearing a Single [Boost!] from Issei, Jonas waited for the attack to come in. Issei appeared in front of him and with the Jewel glowing, Jonas stopped the attack with his open hand. Again, Jonas heard a [Boost!] and before he had any counter, Issei punched through his arm, catapulting him away.

Jonas flipped over and landed on the floor. Couching up blood, he couldn't help but smile. Taking out his M1911, Jonas fired one round at Issei. The Dragon held back and let the [Sacred Gear] protect him. Jonas's eyes circled around for another attack until he felt a roar coming up from above. Running away, he looked up to see that Akeno and Rias had joined in.

"Oh, you are joining in, huh?"

With a smirk from Rias, she flipped her hair.

"You didn't say we couldn't join in."

"No, but that means. Ray, if you could be so kind?" Rias saw the spears aimed at her. In the air, Rias and Akeno had the company of Raynare, Kalawarner, and Mittelt. He would thank them later but right now, Jonas had other worries.

while Jonas' hand went to his back. Taking out his shotgun, Jonas cycled a shell. Kiba came from the side and the mercenary could block with his shotgun. Taking the gun on the side, Jonas aimed the butt at the [Knight]. While it winded Kiba, at least, he remained standing.

Switching his knife to his back, Jonas found that Koneko in the air might be endearing.

But not when she was intending to pummel him. With a round kick, Jonas blew away Kiba while pulling his gun at Koneko. There was no reason to aim as 12-gauge would scatter. While that was deadly, those Devils could withstand more than most humans. The blast tore Koneko away and from behind, he could hear [Dragon Shot!]

Jonas rolled away from the blast and like Issei was cocking a shotgun, he aimed again. Jonas reacted by taking the shotgun. His right hand on the trigger while his left pumped the one. Both fired and the shots met. After that, Jonas pumped again but his instincts told him to duck.

From behind, Koneko came with her clothes tattered and her fist raised. It wasn't healthy for a gun to receive such a punch but neither for Jonas. The mercenary should consider flying lessons as he was again in the air. From the ground, Kiba came. With the butt of his shotgun, Jonas blocked the sword.

Jonas didn't rely on his eyes to block the swipes coming his way. Eventually, gravity began to set in and with his left hand, Jonas aimed with his M1911. Not a single round connected but it broke off the attack. Kiba landed while Jonas rolled over his head to get down. His arms were scrapped but despite the rough bits, Jonas managed to get back up.

Loading a new magazine, Jonas eyed the group. His shotgun was ready to be scrapped. Not a matter of concern.

After putting the safety on, Jonas threw it on the floor. Taking out his knife, he glared at the three. It was infuriating but they were getting somewhere.

Excellent." That was all they needed to hear. Issei ran from his left while Koneko tried to attack him on his right. Kiba had again chosen from behind. Grabbing the [Knight], Jonas used him as a shield for Koneko. Too late to stop, she delivered a blow on Kiba. Before she had a chance to focus again, he slammed his knee on her nose.

But the mercenary hadn't paid attention as a vicious strike landed on him. Turning his head, his eyes fell on Issei. The Dragon didn't halt and leant back with his fist Raised, [Boost!]. Jonas couldn't get away and felt the energy building up.

Turning around, Jonas aimed again his handgun. They peppered Issei and the [Pawn] fell down. Jonas was heavily relying on the stuff that Devils were made to prevent him from actually killing them. When Jonas came down, he looked at the Peerage. Akeno and Rias were having their fun up there with Raynare and the others.

He didn't want to bother them. Looking back down, Asia had already begun to heal. Given that Kiba had one giant internal bleeding, it was best to start with him while Koneko was only dizzy and her nose was bleeding. Issei stood again and it was clear how tough this Perv was growing.

"Perseverance. Good trait." Issei didn't say a word but delivered a high kick running to Jonas. Blocking him, Jonas laid back while he grabbed Issei's feet and threw him away.

From behind, the Dragon shot again and it landed on his back. Jonas was brought down on one knee and that was the straw that broke the Camel's back.

"Enough." Issei landed on the floor and Jonas stood up but he shook his head.

"You win." Looking over the two, he smiled when they got back up.

"Excellent fight. Use this ferocity and Riser doesn't stand a chance."

Rias landed next to him. She had gotten a few stripes but felt relaxed in the fight.

"You are serious."

"I am. We aren't at your top-level but you gave me one sound trashing. Same at my end." Standing proud, Jonas could feel his body ache.

"You aren't top warriors yet but for this Rating Game, you do a good job." Akeno landed with her Peerage members.

The Three Fallen joined them and sat down while listening to Jonas.

"I am not saying that you are at the top level. We still got plenty to cover and there is a lot of room for improvement." Jonas paused and looked at the group.

"From what I saw and felt, you are all making great progress. We are not done yet and most likely, you won't be at the top level. If we keep this up, we win that Game. Understood?"

Rias smiled at him and touched his shoulder.

"You heard the man, my adorable servants. I am proud of you."

Jonas smiled at them and eyed the clock. It was now past four.

"As a reward, I give you the rest of the time off." The cheering was the reward on itself.

"But if Asia could first heal me up before I throw up my organs, that would be really appreciated." Jonas collapsed on the floor while the girls surrounded him. It was nice to have people caring about you.

Well, this was fun to write out. It's still not the greatest work I have done but it's been too long since I have done this fic and my feeling is a bit lost for the characters.

I also know that it wasn't the greatest chapter yet but I had my fun doing this after work. Don't hope for more chapters. I have lots of fun writing those requests but given the year change and because this fic turns five years old, I think it's appropriate to update.

For those wondering why it's only here. That's what three reboots do to you.

Plus, it's saying to myself that I am not abounding this fic. It's just not that easy to write things out while other fics give you more stimuli writing.

Still, I like writing in this and ideas can be worked out.

2020 was one year, we can all say. We won't forget this year anytime soon. For me personally, I will say this.

It was the year with a lot of growth for me, I have made a lot of new friends, I worked together with those close to me and I have gotten new things to enjoy. I wrote a ton more compared to the last year.

I am also happy with being a request author and you can expect a lot more of those popping up.

Don't write for those though because I got six on the list so far and two after that, so I'm going to be busy.

On a personal level, I have been at low points during the year. I had a few jobs cutting me loose, I have had my parents driving me up the walls and I have hit points that I really cursed.

Around the last few months, things finally turned around. I got a job somewhere close, I am busy working and having some time off. So far, I like to say that things might return to normal.

I don't want much out of 2021. Just that things return back to normal. I want to be abe to eat a pizza outside in a restaurant.

Thank you all for reading and I hope to see you all in the next year.

Saluut.