Arc 1: The Great Red Awakens
Disclaimer: Ichiei Ishibumi owns Highschool DxD and its characters.
Chapter 2 – Being a Temp Devil
"'What is a Devil?' would be the question in your mind now, right?"
"Umm… yeah…."
Issei was still in the Occult Research Club room, completely missing his class, a particular fact that made him nervous as he already had been absent yesterday; two absents in a row would be bad for his record. Even if he was not that serious with his education, he still wants to graduate and get a job. Then again, he had a decent excuse for being absent as Rias Gremory was the one who took him away, and she was a relative, either the daughter or granddaughter he doesn't really know, of the owner, thus, the chances of his homeroom teacher marking him absent was nil. Anyway, he was in a clubroom in the old school building surrounded by the school celebrities, about to receive a lecture from Rias about Devils and their works. He had an idea about the general definition of their race, but the specifics were still something of a mystery to him, then again, he wasn't interested on learning about different supernatural races, until Yuuma attacked him.
Rias then began explaining. As he could see, she said that pureblood Devils look exactly like humans, albeit with at least one pair of black bat-like wings that can be hidden at will, which had been demonstrated to him already. However, there were exceptions, though what, she didn't say.
All Devils have increased physical abilities, such as superhuman strength and endurance, and enhanced senses such as an increased hearing range and eyesight, in a way, one can see them as superhuman since there were some humans who have such characteristics. In addition, as they are creatures of the night, Devils have the special ability to see clearly in the dark, night vision if one wants some generic and easy to understand name, and also have the ability of flight through their bat-like wings. All Devils have a unique ability called [Language], which allows them to communicate with different people from around the world without the language barriers, useful in his opinion… as he could use it to understand foreign research material as he thought, No more guessing what those blondes in foreign videos are saying anymore, fu fu fu. However, with all the positives, there are drawbacks on being a Devil like their common weakness on anything that has to do with the Biblical God, as they can suffer nasty side effects, and light, pretty much common sense if one is familiar with the portrayal of Devils in the bible and popular culture.
She then explained their relationship other races related to them in terms of religion. First, she explained what Fallen Angels are since one attacked him. Since Fallen Angels are angels that originally served heaven that had been cast out to hell due to their wicked nature, the Devil had been battling them for control of the Underworld. Devils make pact with humans for a price in order to obtain power, whereas the Fallen Angels take control of humans to destroy the Devils. Moreover, the Biblical God had tasked many Angles with the goal of destroying both the Fallen Angels and Devils, thus, making a three-way standoff, which had been the case for a long time. In Issei's opinion, it's not that much different in comparison to the state the Gods of each mythology had reached after the Age of Gods.
She then explained the hierarchal system of the Devil, which is divided into four. First and the highest are the Ultimate-Class Devils, which includes Satans, Great Kings, Kings, Archdukes, Dukes, Princes and Princesses, and Devil clan heirs. Next are the High-Class Devils that includes Marquis and Marchionesses, Margraves and Margravines, Counts and Countesses, Viscounts and Viscountesses, and Baron and Baronesses. Third are the Middle-Class Devils, which are usually Baronets and Baronesses, and Knights and Dames. Lastly are the Low-Class Devils that consists of commoners and reincarnated Devils. Therefore, when he, if a possible way would be discovered in the future, would be reincarnated as a Devil, then he would be a bottom feeder, far from the promise of having his own harem.
"I don't want to be a Devil no more…," Issei said at the realization.
"Oh? Why so, Issei?" Rias asked, curious.
"If I would be reincarnated, then I'll become a low-class Devil, I don't think I would be popular with the ladies with such a rank."
"Oh, then what about Yuuto here? He's a Low-Class Devil." She gestured to Yuuto.
"Eh? Really?"
"Yes, I'm a Low-Class Devil," Yuuto said with his lay killer smile.
"Does that mean that if I became a Devil, the ladies would flock on me like you?"
"Impossible, because you're a pervert," said Koneko in monotone, breaking the hope he gained.
"Ara, but Low-Class Devils can promote themselves to a higher ranking, you know. Therefore, if you become a High-class Devil, you can receive a set of Evil Pieces and gather your own Peerage, and since you're their master, they will do anything you say. Basically, you can have your own harem as you reach High-Class," Akeno said with her usual calming smile.
"Really? That's awesome! Then how could one increase his ranking?"
Rias then answered his question. According to her, there are three different ways to raise one's ranking: contracting, military accomplishments, and Rating Games. Contracting is by doing Devil jobs that is granting the client's wish, which includes having a high number of contracts completed, and or receiving high quality rewards. Devil contracts will garner points over time, but it is a gradual process unless the human customer is someone with great power and influence, such as a president or a leader of a country. It is considered to be the slowest method; also, a promotion through contracts is seen as more of a tradition. Military Accomplishments are obtaining great achievements in times of crisis or situations. This includes showing exceptional ability or skill in combat. By defeating high ranked enemies of the Devils, such as leaders of the Angels or Fallen Angels, a Devil can be rewarded. This is the fastest method; however, this route is unlikely in the current stalemate without a full-scale war. Lastly is the Rating Game, which includes earning high points, public esteem, and opinion in official Rating Games. This is the modern path for ascent in Devil society, as it was designed to promote and train new powerful Devils. The Rating Game allows reborn Devils to hone and show off their skills and abilities against others in a controlled non-lethal environment. Performing well in the Rating Game raises reputation and leads to promotion. It is by far the best method to raise one's own ranking, in Rias' opinion.
"For now, you should familiarize yourself with the concept of contracting with humans, and just our luck. Koneko has an extra job that you can do."
"Heeh, before I start, what kind of requests you guys usually receive?"
"I don't really get that many clients myself due to me being a High-Class Devil. You see, the client must be worthy enough of my position to even summon me. Moreover, the request I get from such clients usually includes removing curses from a cursed item, or defeating a certain monster that is attacking them."
It was far from the image of a Devil Issei had. Then again, he couldn't really see them being cruel to humans, especially Rias.
"As for Akeno, her usual clients are either the bosses of huge corporations or rich wives, where she does a wide range of work that mostly consists of her taking away the stress of people living in the high society, from listening to their daily worries to drinking tea with them.
Wow, a consultant!
"With Koneko, her usual jobs range from being an opponent at playing cards to wearing a cosplay for a photo shoot."
Well, she does have that image, to the point that she's almost similar to Yuki.
However…
"And Kiba?" Issei asked, somewhat suspicious, jealous, and a bit excited.
"Well, for Yuuto, his requests usually come from older women and working women who consult their stress with him or by having him cook for them."
What the hell!?Is that the reason why he's so popular! Good looks, good attitude, and great personality, he's practically perfect! Shit! I'm so jealous!
Nevertheless, regardless of his cursing, there's a little thought that had kept bugging him since they started talking about contracts.
"That's well and all, but I'm not a Devil yet, so I can't use the summoning circle."
"Don't worry about it; I'm sure you will find a way," Rias said with absolute trust on him.
"Haah…."
It seemed the time of him having his own harem was still far away from his grasps.
-000-
After Issei left, another meeting concerning him began in the Occult Research Cub Room.
"What do you think is his Sacred Gear?" Rias asked her fellow club members, members of her Peerage.
"A recovery type, and a strong one, too, if it could pretty much makes him survive a light spear to his heart," Akeno said.
"It also has its own consciousness; it might be one of those Sacred Gears with a powerful beast sealed inside it," said Yuuto.
"But I never heard of a Sacred Gear that can revive you from death and has its own will," Rias said, somewhat unsure.
"He may not be human." Koneko said with her usual monotone.
"Oh? I would know if he isn't one."
"But that's the only way we can explain the anomaly in him. It might be inherent with him, with his Sacred Gear having another ability," Yuuto said, supporting Koneko's theory.
"Ah, I can understand your reasoning, Koneko. After he was stabbed by that Fallen Angel, he suddenly rose from the ground, not even moving at all until he was in air," Akeno said.
"Ah, I remember, he even glided before he landed."
"But the records say that he is normal; from Preschool, to Highschool, he never shown any unique ability." Rias said, trying to defunct the popular theory of Issei not being a human.
"He might be one of those humans that have an ability unrelated to Sacred Gears…," said Koneko.
"Hmm, maybe."
"Don't worry; since he already decided to stay with us, we will know soon."
-000-
Issei was kicking the pedal of his beloved mountain bike, Ultra Giga Max Super Mega MBX the 3rd, to the address written on a piece of paper on his hand. Since he can't use the summoning circle, he opted to go to the prospective contractor by using his bike.
As he arrived, he saw a regular residential building of two stories tall. He then knocked on the door the piece of paper lead him to in the second floor, where a man with long black hair and glasses opened it from inside and met him. He was a stereotype of the typical otaku, slovenly with no care of his own physical appearance, and face unshaven. Before he could even say a greeting, the man suddenly closed the door.
"Hey, what gives!?"
"I don't want to hear about your religion!"
"I'm not a door-to-door missionary!"
The man then opened the door and looked at him up and down.
"True, you look like loser."
"I don't want to hear that from you!" Shit, even a guy like him thinks I'm a loser!
"So why are you here?"
"Ah, you see, I'm here the grant your wish. I'm a temp Devil."
The guy, again, closed the door, hitting Issei's face in the process.
"Ow! Don't slam the door on my face!"
"I wanted Koneko-chan, not you!"
"She's busy! I'm here as a substitute."
"Go home, I don't want some guy."
Issei knocked on the door repeatedly.
"Please let me in!"
"No!"
"I'm not leaving, you know. I'm going to do this all night."
"Fine!"
The guy then opened the door, letting him in. As expected, the room was littered by anime related goods, junk foods, clothes, and other whatnots.
"You should have let me in the first place."
"Hmph, so what can you do."
"Ah… I don't really know…. What is your wish anyway?"
The anime otaku then went to a closet and pulled out a very familiar uniform.
"I wanted Koneko-chan to wear this."
"Oh, a North High uniform, and the winter one's too. So you were gonna make her cosplay as Yuki?"
"Hmmm, it seems that you are not just a loser. Yes, I wanted her to cosplay as Yuki and then carry me in her arms."
"Ohhh, that's pretty awesome! She does have a character similar to Yuki."
"Right?"
"You're practically a genius."
"You are a good man, what's your name?"
"Hyoudou."
"Yamazaki."
Both of them then shook hands as though they were comrades in a shounen manga.
"But I doubt that you could grant my wish."
"Yeah, that would be wrong, in so many levels."
"So what can you do?"
Issei then began to think….
"I can make my left hand talk."
"Oh, like ventriloquism?"
"Yeah, only more awesome. Hey Ddraig! You awake there!"
[Huh? Is there anything interesting going on right now?]
"Oh? That is quite impressive."
"Right?"
[Oy, did you just wake me to amuse a human.]
"Don't insult the client, Ddraig."
[I think I'm going to cry….]
"Shut up."
"But it gets old easily, why don't you do a comedic duo skit."
"Sure, hey Ddraig, you up to it?"
[Do I have a choice?]
"Nope."
[I thought so.]
"Well here goes. Why did the math book look so sad?"
[Umm… Why?]
"Cause he had a lot of problems!"
[….]
"…."
"You suck."
The sound of crying can be heard from his left hand. [Why? What did I do to deserve this?]
"Hey, it was good…, right?"
"Do you have any other talents?"
"Don't ignore my question!"
[Why!?]
"You're a Devil right, so why don't you do your magic mumbo jumbo."
"I'm just a temp actually, but maybe I should try."
He then positioned his arms to his side as though forming an orb. "Ka… me… ha… me… Ha!"
"Nothing."
[Nothing.]
"A he he, as if I could do something like a Kamehame wave." Issei scratched the back of his head in shame.
"Then don't do it in the first place! Still, you seem to be a fan of Dragon Ball. However, to consider yourself to be a true fan is another thing."
"That comment is something that I could not let pass, Yamazaki. When I was a child, I would play with my friends, shouting that I would defeat Cell. My neighbor even mimicked his voice, making us run!"
"Ohh, that's pathetic. As for me, I can even remember me playing with my make believe Kinto'un Cloud while waving a stick."
"Oh yeah…. The how about his, during one of my birthdays, we watched the last episode of the Freeza saga while singing, 'Chala! Head Chala.'"
"Hmph, I admit, that is pretty awesome. But do you own all the volumes of the manga!" Yamazaki then opened a closet full of manga volume of the said series.
"Hmph, I still have the cassette tapes and VCD's of every episode."
"Heh."
"Heh."
They grinned at each other, recognizing each other. They then clutched hands with excitement clear on their faces.
"You're impressive, my friend."
"You too, comrade."
"Why don't have a gentleman's discussion of Dragon Ball."
"Sure."
And so, Issei and Yamazaki began a lengthy discussion, ignoring the cries of Ddraig. It was almost three o'clock in the morning that he managed to go home and sleep.
-000-
"Please wake up, darling. If you don't I'll kill you."
"Ummm… oppai," Issei mumbled, woken up by his moe digital alarm clock in yandere mode. "Huh, what's this?"
He felt something soft on beside him, on his hands, squishy and tender, like meat, but more awesome.
"Iyah!"
"Eh?"
"Fu fu fu, that was uncalled for, Issei."
That voice. Issei then opened his eyes, where a vision of beauty unparallel by any of the AV actresses he had watched before assaulted his retinas, burning the memory in the D Drive of his brain. "Buchou!"
"Oh you call me that like now…. Good, that means that you're getting comfortable as a member of the club."
She was as naked as the day she was born, her private parts covered by his very long, crimson hair, which only increased her allure.
"I'll kill you…. I'll kill you…"
"Could you please turn your alarm clock, Issei?"
"Ah, s-sure." He then reached to his alarm clock and pressed the button to stop its function.
What the hell happened!? Did I do it? Did I graduate? Am I no longer a cherry boy? He then shook his head, hitting it. Gah! Why can't I remember anything! Curse you, brain!
"Issei, are you up!?" He heard the voice of his mother, her steps getting louder as she neared the room. "When did you get home!? You'd better have a good explanation!"
"Wait a minute! Don't come in! I'll just come down by myself!"
"Is it your mother?"
"Kyaaa! Buchou! Please put on a blanket first!" He tried to pull the blanket to cover the crimson haired beauty in front of him, but he ended up slipping on the cloth, falling to her supple body, specifically her large breasts. Hmm, oppai…. Wait! Now is not the time of think of such glorious thing!
"Are you watching porn again? I told you already to stop that!" The door then opened. "I'm glad that you're not a delinquent anymore, but this alternative is not—"
"Ah, Good morning," Rias greeted.
His mother stopped talking. Though he can't see her since he was still engrossed with Rias' breasts, he was sure that disbelief was on her face.
"… Hurry up and get ready…." He heard his mother speak in monotone and then slammed the door shut, running down the stairs. "Father, Issei… he—"
"What's the matter, mother? Is he masturbating this early in the morning again?"
"S-s-s-s-s-s-sex….."
"What's wrong, mother, calm down!"
"Interracial! Inter… Issei!"
"Is he watching interracial porn?"
"No, h-h-he, he has a naked foreign girl in his bed!"
This is so embarrassing! Why do they have to shout everything! Issei said to himself. He then felt Rias' hand caressing his chin, lifting his head up to look at her.
"Really, your family is so energetic in the morning."
She then smiled, making him blush.
"Umm… buchou?"
"Hm? What is it?"
A smile that made him think of something glorious.
"Can I see your br—" Rias suddenly poked his nose, stopping him from completing his erotic request.
"If you want to see them badly, that's fine with me."
Such beautiful words, I never thought Japanese could produce such a beautiful sentence. It was a glorious thought; however, he still had an important question to ask. "Why are you here, buchou?"
"Hmm?" Rias stood up from his bed and walked towards his desk, where her clothes were. She then took her lacy panty to put it on, earning Issei a glorious show. "I want to know how your job went and your reaction to it. However, it seemed my worries are unfounded."
Ah, so it's only because I'm a prospective servant for her. I figured. Issei released a wistful sigh.
"Issei Hyoudou.… Hmm…. Can I call you Issei?" she asked as she finished putting on her bra and was now in the process of buttoning her blouse.
"Ah… of course, buchou!"
"Umu." She nodded. "Well then, please take care of me, Issei!"
Issei's heart skipped a bit at her radiant smile.
-000-
"What is this? What the hell is this!?"
"Not with him! Not of all people!"
"No, I won't believe this, not with that lowlife!"
"Rias-oneesama, why!?"
"The world is ending, the apocalypse is nigh!"
"Fuck you, Issei Hyoudou!"
Issei expected such an outcome really…. With him walking to school with the school's number one idol, violent reactions were inevitable. However, he couldn't help but be smug at the attention, flaunting the glorious event to those that were concerned with a grin. Still, there was something that been bugging his mind.
"Umm, buchou, what did you do with my parents?" Issei asked, ignoring the angry shouts from everyone.
Yes, he was thinking about the weird actions of his parents as they received Rias before the breakfast table. They were wobbly, speaking unnaturally, as if they were under the influence of something.
"Oh, that? It's Hypnotism; Devils have magical powers and what I used is just one of them."
"Eh? That's pretty neat."
"Don't worry; it will wear off from them in no time."
"If you say so."
As they entered the building proper, Rias, who was walking ahead of him, stopped.
"Well then, I'll just send someone to get you later."
"Someone?"
"Well then, see you after school."
Rias then left for her class.
At the moment that she was gone, he was suddenly punched in the face, launching him to a nearby pillar of the school building. Unlike the other regular schools in Japan, the school building of Kuoh academy was of unique design, an old stylistic architectural concept with large glass windows and cylindrical pillars at the entrance, giving off a high-class feeling to those that walk through it. Then again, he should not think of architecture at the moment, as he must confront those that did violence to him.
"Issei, you bastard! You betrayed your comrades in the loser's alliance!"
"Mah, calm down, Matsuda."
"Motohama!"
"First let's make him explain. So, Issei, what's going on? What the hell happened for such an awesome event as the school's idol to walk with you to school!?"
"Matsuda, Motohama," Issei said, his cheeks red from the attack by Matsuda.
"What, Issei?"
"Have you guys ever seen real breasts?"
"Gah!"
"Uwah!"
Your tears, they taste of so sweet…. He he he he.
-000-
"So he's the one?"
Leaning on a pillar was Sona, her childhood friend. She is a young woman around the same age as Rias with black hair styled in a short bob cut and violet eyes. She was wearing a pair of red glasses and the Kuoh Academy girls' school uniform. Like her, Sona Sitri is a High-Class Devil from the Sitri Clan and a third-year student at Kuoh Academy. She is also the President of Kuoh Academy's Student Council and the heiress to her clan. In a way, Rias has a form of rivalry with her.
"Good day, Rias."
"Good day, Sona."
"It's not like you to impulsively bring someone into your household, especially when that someone is not even a Devil, yet."
"It's not? Then why are you also interested in him?"
"Let's forget about that." Sona waved her hand to change the topic. "So why isn't he a Devil yet?"
"Honestly, I don't know. I even used all my remaining pieces on him. Though how he managed to take them out from his body on his own is a mystery"
"Oh? Does this mean that he might be of Queen Level, or maybe more?"
"I doubt it. He said that reincarnating him into a Devil is impossible, well for now at least."
"A Mutation Piece candidate perhaps?"
"I already proposed that same thing to him, but he still says otherwise. Not that I won't try it, I've already requested to my brother to send me some Mutation Pieces."
"Hmm, impossible to reincarnate as a Devil…. Maybe he's a God."
"Impossible…" Rias shook her head, but thinking deeply on it... "Right?"
"I don't know, but it's a valid theory. It is known that Evil Pieces cannot reincarnate Gods, Buddhas, and Dragon Gods into Devils even with a Mutation Piece."
"A God, huh…"
"It's only a theory, and even then, the chances are low. What God would even let himself assume human form and constitution and live a human life? And even then, records show that he is a regular human. However, you still would get your hands full on him, an infinite potential maybe."
"Well, if you say so. Still, regardless of our talk, I still like him. It's like I got myself a silly little brother."
Rias smiled as she turned to gaze upon Issei, who was bickering with his friends.
-000-
"She said that she would send someone… I wonder who?"
I hope it's Akeno-senpai, or maybe Koneko-chan! Ohh, I can't wait!
He then heard the girls of his class squeal.
"Huh?" He turned to look.
"Kiba-kun!"
It turned out to be the handsome prince, Yuuto Kiba. The girls surrounded him; all having love struck looks on their eyes.
"Keh, Fuck off." He cursed in jealousy. Die, popular guy!
"Excuse me for a bit."
"Of course, Kiba-kun!"
"It's a humble place, but make yourself comfortable."
Yuuto then waved his hands at him. "Hello."
"Huh? What do you want?"
Kih! Wipe that smile off your face will you!
"I'm here on behalf of Rias Gremory. Will you come with me?"
"No way! Kiba-kun and Hyoudou the pervert!"
"He'll corrupt you, Kiba-kun."
"I'll never accept them as a pair."
Issei stood up and took his bag. "Hmph. Even if they are girls, I'll get pissed if they keep spouting nonsense."
As they began their walk to the old school building, Yuuto asked him a question.
"So, what do you think of becoming a Devil?"
"It's okay, though I never managed to get a contract from that guy last night."
"Of course you won't, you're still not a Devil."
"Ah…. A ha ha, you're right; still, if I do become one, I want to be summoned by pretty girls…. He he he."
"Hmm, well there's that."
"Say, what's it like? What's it like to be summoned by women."
"Okay."
"Okay? Okay! What kind of answer is that?"
Is that the composure of the handsome guy?
"You're funny. Oh well, here we are."
As they opened the door, Issei saw Koneko on a chair, eating a Japanese sweet.
"Oh, you're here."
A petite body and a loli face, the super combination struck Issei like a thunder. Yamazaki is right, she is the ultimate Lolita moe!
"A ha ha, hello."
He then heard the falling drops of water from the shower, letting him know that there was someone using it. A shower? In the clubroom? Why didn't I notice this yesterday! My goodness! Is this a sudden barrage of sexual situations? Thank you! He could see the silhouette of perfection on the curtain, lines so beautiful that they were an art of their own.
He then saw Akeno approach the shower room.
"President, I brought you your clothes."
"Thank you, Akeno."
"Rias-senpai! Wet look Buchou! Ahhh, I'm glad I became a temp! What fantastic clubroom this is!" He couldn't help but shout and wiggle for joy at the prospect of being in a club with such things.
"Creepy face."
However, that unmerciful comment from the white-haired loli broke his excitement. "Huh?" However, before he could say something, Akeno noticed his presence.
"Ara ara, look who's here."
Voluptuous body, and a mature atmosphere, Issei couldn't help but be giddy from the attention he was getting from her.
"How's the job? Was it too hard?"
"A ha ha ha, it's alright."
"I'm glad."
So awesome!
"Thanks for waiting." Rias then came out of the shower, fully dressed, wiping the wetness off her hair with a towel. "Sorry, I spent the night in your place, so I have to."
"A ha ha, no problem, it never troubled me."
"Well, then since everyone's here, how about you tell us what you think of your experience."
"Well… it's not bad…. But you see, I actually expected more…." Something more erotic,Issei added in his thoughts. Not a talk with a fellow fan, not that it was that bad…. Still...
"More?"
"A ha ha ha, forget what I said."
"Hmm, that's good, well then, how about you show us your Sacred Gear."
"My what?" he lied.
"Sacred Gear."
"What's that?"
"Issei, please don't lie. I know you don't trust us that much yet, but please heed my request."
Issei groaned in resignation. "It's nothing special, really."
"Regardless, please show us."
Nodding, he manifested Boosted Gear on his left hand, though its form was still that of Twice Critical.
"Twice Critical…? Then how come you could revive from a light spear to your heart?"
"Oh that? I don't really know…. It just happens." He lied again, shrugging.
"Really?"
"Really… I don't even know why it happens. Still, it saved me many times in the past so I'm quite thankful to it."
"Is that also the reason why you said that you can't be reincarnated as a Devil with the Evil Pieces?"
"I don't know."
"Are you sure you're not a God."
Crap!
"God? Are talking about the Biblical God or something?"
"There are many Gods in this world, Issei. From the Myriad Gods, the Norse Gods, the Greek Gods, the Biblical God, the Chinese Gods, all those mythologies and beliefs, their Gods are real, there are even Dragon Gods."
"Wait, so you're telling me that you think I'm one of these Gods that you mentioned."
Crap! Why are these people so sharp!? I haven't even done anything yet!
"A ha ha ha, you're surely joking, buchou. If I'm a God, I would have my own harem right now. I doubt I would even go to school."
"Saying he's a God is too farfetched, buchou. I don't think a pervert like him, is one." Koneko gave her opinion, eating another sweet.
"Maybe he's one of those humans that have abilities," Yuuto said.
"Most likely," Akeno agreed.
Phew!
"Well, even so, when you become a Devil, I'm sure you'll become a huge asset to the household. I'm expecting a lot of things from you, Issei." Rias said, with great expectation for him clear on her beautiful face.
-000-
"Do you really think he is a God, Rias?" Akeno asked after Issei left for his next job.
"I'm fifty percent sure…."
"Still, I don't think Gods could possess Sacred Gears," Yuuto said.
"Maybe he stole it," said Koneko.
"I don't think someone like him could so something like that," said Rias, defending Issei. From her interaction with him, chances of his being such a person are low. He may be a pervert, but a crook he is not.
"And his Sacred Gear even referred to him as partner," Akeno agreed.
"Wait, his Sacred Gear spoke…," said Rias in realization.
"And?"
"His Sacred Gear is Twice Critical… or looks like one. I think he has the Boosted Gear."
"A Longinus," Koneko said in her usual monotone.
"It fits the description that I know. A gauntlet that looks like twice critical, but it has its own consciousness, the Red Dragon."
"And from the way it addressed Hyoudou-san, I think he knows how to use it." Yuuto concluded as he narrowed his eyes. "But why does he lie?"
"I heard from some sources that he was a delinquent back in middle-school," Akeno said, though a bit unsure from her tone.
"Delinquent? Those that skip school and hang out in convenience stores?"
"No, worse. The violent kind."
"Really? He doesn't look like one."
"Well, I only heard about it so I can't really confirm it. But chances are he decided to get out from that violent world and lies so that people wouldn't know. Maybe it was also the time he awakened his Sacred Gear."
"If so, other factions would have known already and the Fallen Angels would have acted sooner," Rias concluded from Akeno and Yuuto's talk.
"Like I said, I can't confirm it. Most that what I said are only suppositions."
"So, what do you think buchou?" Yuuto asked.
"Regardless of his past, I still want him. Even if he isn't a God, an ability user with a Boosted Gear is still a scary combination."
All three members of her Peerage nodded, agreeing with her.
-000-
"Mil-tan, what kind of name is that?"
He was in another contract job. Since he requested a female contractor this time, he was given the address of a girl named Mil-tan.
"Maybe she's one of those genki girls, or maybe she's a goth loli…. Ho ho ho, I getting excited just by thinking about it."
He was in front of a large house in a rich residential area far from his place, which he had reached by using his bike. He then pressed the doorbell. "Good afternoon, sorry for the wait. I'm the temp Devil… "
"The door is unlocked, please come in."
A guy's voice? he thought after he heard the deep voice.
He then heard huge, rhythmic, thumping noises of someone walking towards the door.
Maybe it's her father…. Damn! What excuse should I say? He might even think I'm a boyfriend of his daughter. Not that it was a bad thought, but the prospective lashing that he would get from an angry parent was not.
In panic, he looked down to avoid the wrath of the contractor's father. "I—"
"Welcome nyo~"
"Nyo~" he echoed. As he looked up, he saw the most terrifying thing he had seen in his mortal life, a grown man with a body builder's body wearing a very skimpy magical girl costume. He even has a wig on.
"I've been waiting for so long nyo~"
It took all of his power not to run and scream. "Y-your wish…" However, it did not prevent him from shaking in fear and stuttering.
"Oh, I want you to turn Mil-tan into a Magical Girl nyo~" he said as he skipped and spun, flipping up the very short skirt that he was wearing.
What the fuck is that bulge? Shit, I think I'm going to puke. He could feel his lunch and breakfast in his stomach rising up, his body trying to deny the horror in front of him. He's even worse than that guy, he thought remembering a certain Outer God. Still, regardless of his feelings, he had a job to do. However there was something more important than the job, and that's to try his hardest to fix the delusional magical girl fan in front of him, for the good of the universe, for the good of humankind, and for the good of his own sanity.
"Mil-tan, you need to go to a different world to achieve that." Like a planet ruled by eldritch abominations, he added in his thoughts.
"I've been to another world, but no one has the ability to give Mil-tan magical powers…"
"You actually went!?" Shit, even those guys can't even fix this monstrosity in front of me!
However, shouting out was a bad decision as Mil-tan muscles began flexing, veins showing in his temples. "Give Mil-tan…" He clenched his fist. "Please give Mil-tan fantasy power nyooooo~!"
Agghhh! I'm going to be killed!
-000-
Issei sighed.
That took a lot out of me…. A lot….
In the end, he never fulfilled Mil-tan's wish, not that he had plans of making it true. Therefore, in the end, the muscle man in magical girl's clothes made him watch the anime, Milky Spiral 7: Alternative, until daybreak. Since such an undertaking took a lot of his sanity and willpower, he decided to forgo class for the day and sit out on the park to relax.
"Hawa!" A girl suddenly tripped in front of him, her white panties showing.
White panties get!
Looking closely, the girl was about sixteen years of age with long blonde hair and green eyes. Her hair flowed all the way down to her back, with split bangs over her forehead and a single strand sticking out from the top, sloping backwards. She was wearing a dark teal nun outfit with light blue accents, a white veil over her head with light blue accents, which fell on the pavement, a brown satchel slung on her right hip, where he could see a bible, and brown boots with black straps in an X-shaped pattern. She was also wearing a silver cross necklace around her neck.
Awesome! A cute sister!
"Ouu… Why did I trip?"
Issei shook his head to compose himself from such amazing vision and said, "A… Are you okay?" He then reached out his hands to help her, which she gladly took.
"Ah… Thank you very much."
Huh?
"Are you okay? Here's your headdress." He then handed her her white veil.
"Thank you very much!" She smiled as she gratefully thanked him, making Issei blush.
Cute…
"Umm… are you alright?"
"Ah!" He woke up from his cuteness-induced catatonia and looked around to find a topic for a discussion. He then saw then saw a suitcase open with its contents haphazardly lying on the concrete pavement. "Y-your suitcase… I'll help you."
"Ah its fine, I can get it myself."
"Hahh" He then saw a panty and took interest of it, picking it up to look more closely. Cute and innocent… signs of a very pure girl….
"Ah… wha!?" The girl took it from his hands as soon as she noticed what he was doing. "I'm sorry! I'm sorry!" She apologized while kneeling on the ground, her back facing him, pulling up her dress up to the point that her panties were showing. She then took several breaths to calm herself as she stood and turned to face him. "Ah… You saw a bad side of me."
On the contrary, I think a saw a very good side of you. Too good that it's burned to my eyes. He even suspected that if he died and his eyes were used for a transplant, the newest owner would see flashbacks of such a glorious image. Seeing panties all the time… awesome!
"Are you travelling…?" Issei asked after he stopped grinning from his delusions.
"Umm… no, I've been appointed to the church in this city… but I got lost on the way… I'm not used to the language so I'm quite reluctant to ask for directions."
Just as she said, her Japanese was not perfect, halting even, with the occasional English in between the Japanese words. The only reason Issei could understand her was because of his unique condition.
"If you're looking for the church, I know where it is. Would you like me to take you?"
"For real!? The lord really points the way!"
If he were a Devil, he would have been damaged by now.
"Well then, let's go!"
However, before they could proceed, they heard someone crying. As they turned around, they saw a boy, who tripped on the pavement, with a scratch on his knee, crying. The blonde sister then ran to him, concerned.
"Are you okay? A boy shouldn't be crying over little things like this." She then placed her hands over the boy's wound, where a green light formed, healing it.
A Sacred Gear?
"Right! Your wounds are healed, so you should be fine now."
A woman then came, most likely his sister. "Yoshi-kun, where did you go!?"
"Ah, that onee-chan over there! She healed my injury!"
"It looked like he fell, so I helped him."
She may be hard to understand, but the look on the boy's sister was unwarranted. "You shouldn't be talking to strange people, let's go."
"Oy! She—"
However before he could take action, the blonde sister stopped him, taking hold of his right hand. "It's fine."
"Do you understand what she said?"
"I don't…. But I know…," she said with a very sad look on her eyes.
Huh?
"Thank you, onee-chan!"
Well, at least the boy had some manners.
"He said thank you."
As the boy waved his hands, she also did the same, the sad look on her eyes now gone.
"Sorry, I get meddlesome sometimes."
"Still, that girl has a bad personality, even though you healed her brother."
"Being disliked by others is normal; I'm used to it…."
What happened to her?
"By the way, what was that?"
"Oh, it's my power of healing. It's an amazing power granted to me by God."
God… huh…
"Well, let's go then. This way."
"Yes, please take care of me!
But before they could even take three steps, the sister tripped, "Kya!" letting go of her suitcase.
"Let me help you with that."
After some minutes of walking, they finally reached the church. It was in the outskirts, with trees surrounding it. When he thought about it, the place was a perfect hiding place.
It can't be….
Nah, I'm just thinking too much.
"Ah, this is it! I'm so glad."
The smile on her face, it was something else. If Rias had a smile that of a devil, sexy and inviting, then the sister in front of her was like that of an angel, pure and innocent.
"Well, then I'll take my leave."
"Eh!? Please wait! You've taken me all the way here; you should let me repay you in kind! At least stay for tea…"
"Sorry, I still have an appointment." If the others of the club found out about him entering a church, the headquarters of their enemy, they might get angry with him.
"But…."
"Don't worry about it. By the way, my name's Issei Hyoudou, but you can call me Issei. And you are?"
"I'm Asia Argento! You can call me Asia."
"Well then, Sister Asia, till next time."
"Yes! I hope to see you again soon, Issei-san."
What a good girl.
-000-
As he went to visit the clubroom for the day and report his failure, a meeting was taking place. It turned out that a Devil Archduke passed down an order of suppression. He was then enlightened about the situation.
Rouge Devils, servant Devils that had betrayed their masters and acted alone like wild dogs. There was a law to destroy these types of Devils if found. According to Akeno, there was a rumour that a Rouge Devil hides on an abandoned mansion nearby and hunts humans at night. Their mission was to subdue the hiding Rouge Devil who was eating humans.
The stench of blood and overripe fruit permeated the air as they arrived at the said abandoned mansion, the atmosphere creepy with the fog.
"Issei, this is a good chance for you to watch us Devils in battle. However, let me explain first about each servant type's traits."
"Traits?"
"I've already explained the relationship between Devil, Angel, and Fallen Angels. In the prolonged war, no matter which side, they were all exhausted. On the Devil side, we lost a lot of pure blood and we couldn't rally the armed forces. So we started a process to train a few elites called Evil Pieces."
They now entered the mansion, walking through its decrepit hallways looking for the Rouge Devil.
"You know Chess, right?"
"Yeah, it's similar to shogi, isn't it?"
"The pieces in chess are King, Knight, Rook, Bishop, and Pawn. Each piece has its own traits. For the same reason, each servant Devil undergoes training in a different ability. Although they don't have a lot of skills, they are very powerful in the ones that they know."
"So specialization, similar to RPG jobs and classes?"
"Nice one, Issei, you're quite smart."
"He he, thanks."
"They are similar, even in popularity, to the point where even now, as an Evil Piece, they are being used in a strength competition called Rating Game between the nobility ranks."
"Oh yeah, you explained that the day before yesterday. With it, Low-Class Devils can promote themselves in the hierarchy."
"I'm glad you remembered. Simply speaking, it's a servant Devil on the game board that does the actual battle like a large scale, live chess game. However, it's to the point where this could influence a Devil's position and their nobility ranks."
Rias then opened the door, releasing much of the stink that they had already been exposed to, making Issei scrunch up his nose. It smelled like rotting fruit, sweet and stinky that could make any normal human puke.
"So, have you guys participated in the Rating Games?"
"We haven't appeared in the Arena yet," Yuuto answered.
"To be a participant, you need to meet certain requirements," Rias added, thanking Yuuto with a nod.
"Hooh, then if possible, what piece would I be?"
"I was—"
A rumbling sound interrupted Rias, the sound of something huge approaching them.
"It's coming."
"This place smells like corpses," Issei said.
A smell that reminded him of that monstrosity.
"Rogue Devil Vizor, we're here to destroy you!" Rias bravely announced.
Something was then thrown from the darkness, hitting the floor nearby Issei.
It was a corpse.
A corpse of a woman half eaten, with only its upper body left.
A piece of meat, as it died an inhuman death.
"What a nice scent. Just like your hair, your flesh must be fresh and red, right? I really want to eat it."
A figure of a naked woman then came out of the shadows, taunting Rias. Issei would've been excited of the scene if not for the ghastly atmosphere surrounding them, somewhat reminding of…
…..
It then came out fully. It was a woman with the lower half of a four-legged beast, carrying large lances in each of her hands. She could have been beautiful if not for malice on her face and her ugly lower half.
Therefore, she was an it.
He would've acted surprised, but the reminder of his far flung past was stopping him from doing so.
"An appearance that lacks etiquette, it fits you well." Rias taunted, unflinching, as though the monstrosity in front of her was not a threat.
"What a pretentious little girl. Should I stain your body with fresh blood like your crimson hair?" It grinned, its sharp fangs showing, and its saliva dripping from its mouth.
"So it is true that the smaller the dog, the louder the bark."
"You bitch!" The Rogue Devil began its attack by wielding the lances that it was carrying, in an attempt to gorge Rias.
"Yuuto!"
"Yes." Yuuto answered Rias' call, rushing to the enemy, with no weapon in hand.
"Issei, I'll continue with the lecture then," she said, not even worried of the blond male.
Issei saw the Rogue Devil trying to pierce Yuuto's body, but he evaded it completely, jumping to the right.
"Yuuto's role is a Knight."
Light then coalesced in both if his hands; dodging the enemy's attacks with such speeds, that a normal human would've been mind boggled.
"A Knights main ability is speed, and Yuuto's strongest weapon is…"
Then a sword appeared in each of his hands, both powerful looking. He then leaped over the huge enemy and decapitated its arms, making it scream in pain, landing behind it.
"A technique created by combining unpredictable speed and the mastery of swordsmanship."
"You little bug!" The Rogue Devil turned around, trying to squish Yuuto with one of its beastly feet.
However, Koneko ran to Yuuto's side, stopping the descent of the large foot with her super strength.
"You are not worried."
"…." Issei never answered as he silently watched the battle in front of him.
"Anyway, Koneko's role is Rook."
The concrete under Koneko's foot cracked and broke, burying her tiny feet on it, a testament to the strength of the enemy. Regardless, she pushed it upwards, overpowering it. However, the Rogue Devil used the force generated to whip Koneko with its tail, launching her to the wall, making cracks on it.
"The Rook's trait is insane strength and defence. Therefore, that attack will not work on Koneko."
Just as Rias said, Koneko was unaffected by attack, no pain whatsoever showing on her Lolita face. She then ran until she was below the Rogue Devil and then jumped, launching a devastating attack under it, throwing her enemy towards the wall, breaking through it, burying the Rogue Devil in rubble.
"How can it be… this band of youngsters…," said the Rogue Devil behind the rubble, its face bloody and broken.
"So weak," Koneko said somehow breaking Issei from his reminiscence.
Note to self, never ever pick a fight with Koneko-chan.
"And lastly, Akeno."
"Yes, club president. Hee hee… How should I do this?" Akeno said in a singsong voice, approaching the downed body of the Rogue Devil.
While she was doing so, Issei noticed the decapitated arm of the Rouge Devil moving on its own behind them. Already knowing its goals, he place one hand behind him and formed a small orb of red in one of his fingers. Without looking, he launched it, obliterating the hand into nothingness. The others, who were busy with the battle, did not notice his actions.
"Akeno's role is Queen." Rias began her explanation, not even knowing the harm that she may had experienced.
You're too careless, buchou. Is it pride? Issei thought as he continued to watch the proceedings of the battle
"Unforgivable," the Rouge Devil groaned.
"Ara? Still so energetic…" the look in Akeno's eyes changed, as if a switch had been flipped. "In that case, is this level of attack okay?" As she was smiling a carefree smile, lightning then came out of her raised right hand, which went up, continuously striking down the Rogue Devil, making it shriek in pain.
"Having all the abilities of a Pawn, Knight, Bishop, and the Rook, she is the invincible club vice president."
The electrocution then stopped, the Rogue Devil's skin burned to crisp, flaking where the red meat inside can be seen in-between. However, it was still alive, gritting its teeth in pain.
"Ah, looks like you can still continue. How long can you keep this up?" Akeno said as she smiled at her handiwork, her cheeks red from excitement.
"Akeno specializes in attacking her opponent with magic power."
"It feels like Akeno-senpai is even more fearsome than usual," he said as he noticed the unusual behaviour from Akeno.
"Of course, since Akeno is the ultimate S class!"
A sadist! Akeno-senpai is a sadist!
Issei then saw Akeno lick her own lips as she raised her right hand to launch another lightning attack.
Issei couldn't help but shake in fear at the spectacle.
"It's okay, the vice president is very gentle with her allies," Yuuto said to calm him down. However, when he looked back, he saw Akeno laughing, enjoying her work.
I doubt it…
As she finished, the enemy now charred black, she said, "It seems like it's still not enough. I'll let the president have the final blow then," talking like what she did was just natural for her, with a smile on her face. It turned out the Rogue Devil was still alive.
Scary! Akeno-senpai is scary!
Rias then approached the enemy. "Do you have any last words?"
"Kill me."
"So… then, dust to dust." Her eyes became slits, demonic, showing that she was a true Devil, as a large ball of crimson energy appeared on her right hand. She then threw it to Rogue Devil without remorse or second thoughts. After a few seconds, the ball disappeared, only a hole remaining on the floor, the Rogue Devil gone.
So this is a battle of the Devils… Even if this event seemed unpleasant at first, Issei was glad that he came.
He was quite impressed.
"It's over. Good work everyone."
Still, he still had to ask a question.
"By the way, buchou…"
"What is it?"
"We were interrupted earlier… but what is my role?"
"Oh, you? I wanted you to be my pawn."
"Huh? A pawn…?"
"I think a pawn that can regenerate is perfect. Isn't it?"
Umm…. Even if I'm not yet a Devil…, it still hurts to know that I'm the lowest in rank….
-000-
Author's Notes
This chapter is pretty much an info dump concerning the Devils, which I know you readers are already familiar with, so I apologize if this may be a bit boring.
That's all for now. Again, thank you for all the reviews, the follows, and the favs as they encourage me to write more. I also welcome any criticisms and reviews. Thank you for reading and good day.