Chapter 4
I am pleased to say that the Tokyo Tower battle has arrived, so it is time for the DemiFiend to face his first challenge. The dreaded Hydra and Lucifer's Daughter, but who will triumph over the other?
Let us see what will happen as the curtain rises on the first part of this performance.
SNAP
Beta: Old Man of the Mountain/Darklord331
Outskirts of Tokyo Tower.
Twenty-Four Days and Nights.
Twenty Hours Back in the Human World.
Issei was looking at the fire while keeping watch over the others as they rested before the battle with Chiaki and the Hydra, which made Issei worry since he knew he was strong but wasn't sure if he was strong enough to face the Hydra, even though he's immune to the Fire attack. Still, the Poison worried him more since he knew the Hydra was a creature that should not be underestimated.
Issei saw Naho resting next to Catastros, who didn't mind the Nahobino resting next to its body, before Issei looked to see Joro and Titania were resting as well with Lilitifa sleeping on top of Joro while drooling a bit which made her a bit cuter than she already was before Issei recruited her onto his team.
Issei then saw Artemis stir a bit in her sleep as she seemed to be having a nightmare.
"Apollo. Brother!" Artemis stuttered as she tossed around until her eyes opened as she yelled to the night sky.
"Apollo!" Artemis yelled as she looked around to see that she was at the campfire with the others. She breathed heavily while also trying to calm down her heart until she felt something warm next to her cheek, making her look up to see Issei standing beside her with a warm cup of liquid.
"Bad dream?" Issei asked as Artemis nodded in reply before looking at the mug.
"What's that?" Artemis asked before taking the mug and looking at the contents until Issei explained it.
"It's some soup I found when I saw an abandoned store nearby with some good soup, so I thought of making some to fill my stomach. It helps to fight on a full stomach." Issei said as Artemis looked at the mug before sipping some of it, which made her eyes widen as she enjoyed the taste of it before thanking Issei for the treat.
"Thank you, and I'm sorry if I disturbed your watch," Artemis said as Issei waved off her worry before sitting beside her.
"If you want to talk about your dream, I'm here to listen. I won't say anything, but I feel you have more agenda for fighting the Hydra than you're letting on." Issei said as he continued to drink his soup while Artemis looked down at her soup before chugging it all down in one gulp.
"Mm. Delicious." Artemis said as she wiped her lips with a napkin before speaking to Issei.
"It's not the Hydra I was dreaming about. It's about Chiaki and when she and her father killed many members of my family." Artemis said as she saw Issei's shocked expression before she continued explaining her nightmare. "Back in the previous war, my family and I were working with the former DemiFiend and his army of demons that he gathered from his journey. My father, stepmother, Hera and my siblings prepared to face Lucifer's forces with the DemiFiend, but unfortunately, we were caught off guard by Chiaki."
Artemis said as she looked at the fire while recalling the bloody battle and the things that roared in her memory of that day.
The war cry of Ares as he charged into battle and killed Chiaki's demons while Athena supported him while fighting Chiaki.
Poseidon's wrath as he used the water to swallow the demons.
Hades, with his Hellfire, burned the enemies alive while consuming their souls.
Hera and Demeter attacked the demons with their powers, while Artemis and Apollo dealt with the enemies from afar.
"We lost some of the others in the battle, but my father, Hera, Demeter, Hades, Poseidon, Ares, Athena, myself, and Apollo were the only ones who remained. Chiaki's demons were no match for us, or at least that's what we thought. Until..." Artemis said before stopping herself while clenching her fists until Issei placed a hand on her shoulder, which comforted her.
"Until what?"
Artemis sucked in some air as she clenched her fists so hard blood began to leak from her hands.
"We believed we were winning the battle, but little did we realize that we were being played right into Chiaki's hands," Artemis said as she recalled the battle's turning point.
Flashback. Many Years ago.
"Fall back, Apollo! We need to run!" Artemis shouted as she called out to her brother while firing arrows at some of the other demons that Chiaki had unleashed upon them that began to decimate their forces.
Artemis looked around to see that her family began to fall as they were overwhelmed by the demons slaughtering them like animals.
Poseidon yelled in pain as he was stabbed in the chest by Pale Rider's spear. The Fiend had killed the God of the Seas before the rider picked up the trident and kept it as a prize before charging at the other Gods.
Hera and Demeter held their own against Hell Biker and Daidouji but were killed by a powerful curse inflicted upon them by a priest like Fiend until Hera was killed while HellFire burned Demeter.
Hades roared as he tried to burn Chiaki with his flames, but Lucifer's daughter scoffed at the idea before using her powers and slicing off the God of Death's arms. Hades yelled in pain as he felt pain from the attack before feeling unbearable pain as Chiaki began to beat the God of Death into the ground before ending his life by crushing his head under her boot.
Ares and Athena were overwhelmed by Matador, along with the White, Red, and Black Riders. The two went down swinging while trying to kill the Fiends but were too weak to kill them.
Apollo yelled as he tried to kill Mother Harlot, but the Trumpeter was a nuisance as it used its Holy Magic to push him away until Mother Harlot decided to end it by killing the Archer of the Sun.
"NO!" Artemis shouted as she looked at Apollo's facial expression before her brother fell to the ground, dead as a doornail.
Zeus saw this and clenched his fists before teleporting to his daughter as he cradled her.
"I'm sorry, Artemis, but I can't afford to let the last of my family die in front of me," Zeus said as he teleported out of the area, which made Chiaki smile as she could feel her former friend almost killed in his battle with her father, Lucifer.
End Flashback
"That's why I can't sleep. Chiaki was the reason most of my family was killed, but every time I try to face her in my nightmares, I always see her standing above my family's corpses and laughing at me." Artemis said as she gritted her teeth; she hated showing her weakness to anyone around her until she felt her head pulled towards Issei's lap, which surprised the girl since she wasn't sure why Issei was doing this until she felt his hand caressing the top of her head.
"It's okay, Artemis. I won't tell anyone, but you need to sleep. Go ahead and get some rest. I'll be here to chase away the nightmares." Issei said in his monotonous voice, but Artemis could see the caring side behind his words before she nodded and tried to sleep while also enjoying the lap pillow from the DemiFiend as she felt her eyes get sleepy due to the caressing.
"Mm. Thank you." Artemis said as she was able to fall asleep. At the same time, Issei heard her steady breathing, which made him smile that the Goddess was able to get some rest, but as he looked around at the other Demon, Issei could tell that many of them may not be able to get out of the battle unscathed, and that includes the demons that work for Titania, Joro, and the Mermaid Clan.
'Are we going to do this? Are we truly ready to face Chiaki and that Hydra?' Issei asked himself before hearing a voice that he had never heard before in his time in the Demon World
"So, you are the new DemiFiend that has been selected? Then I suppose I should introduce myself." The voice said before Issei looked up to see a massive figure with the aura of a God, but it seemed weaker than Lucifer had revealed to him when the two spoke to each other.
"I am. Who are you?" Issei asked as the figure was silent until it spoke back to him.
"I am Zeus. The God of Lightning. It is an honor to see the new DemiFiend in this world." Zeus said as Issei was surprised to see that the God of Lightning was before him until he shrank down to Issei's height before walking towards the boy and speaking to him.
"I know you have many questions, but we lack time. There is something you must know. Not all of your comrades will come back from this battle. Yourself included Issei Hyoudou; Chiaki has something planned for you, my daughter, and your army besides the Hydra. Be prepared to fight and expect the unexpected. I ask that you protect my daughter and keep her safe. She's already lost too much." Zeus said as Issei nodded in reply to what the God of Lightning had said to him until Zeus vanished back into the sky.
Issei looked at his comrades in front of him before a wave of instability entered his heart as he recalled Zeus's words that were spoken to him.
"What could Chiaki have planned for us?"
Tokyo Tower
"It's almost sunrise, which means they'll be here soon," Chiaki said as she stood atop the tower while looking down at the area. She could sense the DemiFiend. She couldn't believe that the DemiFiend she had beaten so easily had gathered a small army and thought he could take on both her and the Hydra with the last of the Nahobino and some foolish Goddess.
"The Gods believe they are immortal and are above all others, but little do they know, that I am not some weak child as I was before," Chiaki said as she summoned a black flame in her hands while wielding a trident in the other. A sinister smile appeared on her lips as she was glad to have the same powers her old friend did, and that was to take the powers of Demons and Gods for himself.
"Having the powers of the Gods shall make this battle as simple as a cakewalk," Chiaki said as she looked at the ruined land before pondering what the new world would look like once the DemiFiend was out of the way so she could locate the key to her father's revival.
The last of the Menorahs.
Flashback
"Huh? We need the DemiFiend alive but why? He's useless to us and refuses to assist in the new world you wish to build, Father." Chiaki explained as Lucifer held up a hand to stop her before presenting it.
"The boy has more value alive than dead, and he possibly knows where Dagda hid the last Menorah. Once I have all of the Menorahs, I can finally break free of this world and begin to rebuild this world by taking the resources from the other world." Lucifer explains as Chiaki is confused by her father.
"But why attack the other world?"
"Oh, my dear child. The other world has been at war for so long that humanity and supernatural forces are set to destroy it. The supernatural forces in the Human World are nothing but weak little bugs underneath our feet who believe they are so strong they are on our level. The Devils use those disgusting pieces to reincarnate souls into their servants and enslave people forcibly. They taint their souls and begin to corrupt them, so they become more like a Devil instead of their original form. I've seen it many times in that world, and trust me when I say this, many factions have looked down upon humanity for years and only care for them since they are cannon fodder or weapons of war."
"The Fallen Angels and Angels are the same since the Angels have allowed many innocent lives to be killed, raped, slaughtered like animals, and so many more despicable acts that would make even a Demon feel ashamed of them. The Fallen are nothing but Angels who have cast aside the happiness and peace they had in Heaven before succumbing to their desires, which is not wrongful, but the leader seems competent since he wishes for peace. However, the Angels pretend to be the 'great heroes' and only come to help others when it benefits them. It is also shameful that many people have died because the Angels hide in their precious Heaven to keep their secret, so others don't react to their darkest fear."
Lucifer smiled as he looked at Chiaki before rubbing her left cheek as a smile appeared. "And so that is why I wish to recreate not only this world but the other world in my image so that the beauty of that world can be shared with this world, and only the strongest ones can survive. That is why I need to be able to regain my freedom to leave this world and enter the other one so I can have the world and give the humans a new life away from the corruption of the supernatural factions."
Chiaki was in awe of this as she couldn't believe her father wanted to create such a beautiful world that may not be perfect, but it seemed that the world her father had in mind was much greater than the world humans live in now.
"Do not worry, father. I shall bring you the DemiFiend so you may build this beautiful world that you speak of, but I fear the Hydra may not be enough to take down the DemiFiend." Chiaki explained as she hated herself for saying this to her father until Lucifer showed no sign of anger but smiled at her.
"My child. There is no shame in asking for help, and I shall lend you one of the others to assist you." Lucifer said before calling out the name of the General.
"Matador. My daughter needs your services." Lucifer said as Matador walked out and bowed to his master before turning to the daughter and bowed to her as well.
"Dear Chiaki. I shall lend you my blade to end this DemiFiend and assist our master in his goal." Matador said as Chiaki was glad and thanked her father until Lucifer looked at Matador and brought him close to his throne.
"Matador. This DemiFiend has grown stronger in almost a whole month. I've seen his weaknesses and know how you can defeat him." Lucifer said as he held out a hand and began to pour power into the Fiend's body until Matador's blade glowed with a burst of Holy Magic.
"Your blade can use Holy Magic to end his life, but be wary that you are unaffected by your sword because of the Menorah you possess. If you lose it, then your sword can still be used to kill you. Is that clear, Matador?" Lucifer asks as Matador bows his head before speaking to his master.
"Of course, Lord Lucifer. I shall end this DemiFiend and bring you the Menorah."
End Flashback
Chiaki's thought process was put to an end, thanks to Matador appearing next to her.
"Are the preparations complete?" Chiaki asked as Matador nodded in reply.
"Of course. The Hydra is in position, and the plan to separate the DemiFiend from the others is a success. They will know defeat as soon as they enter the border of Tokyo Tower." Matador said as Chiaki smiled at this.
"Excellent. Now get ready. Your opponent shall appear soon, so be prepared to kill him but leave him alive long enough for Father to torture him." Chiaki said as Matador nodded in reply as the Fiend left her on top of the tower while the daughter of Lucifer was smiling at how things were going to play out.
"Soon you'll be free, father. Very soon." Chiaki said as she smiled at the rising Sun of the twenty-fifth day Issei has been in this world.
"Let's get started."
Chiaki said as she leaped off the tower and smirked as she did a superhero landing with her hair flying around as the dust settled down before she smiled and got up.
"Nailed it," Chiaki said as she leaned against the tower, waiting for the fools to approach her front door.
Naho was curious as to why the Goddess Artemis was close to Issei and thanked him for helping her sleep at night, which made the Nahobino feel slightly annoyed by how close they were. At the same time, Lilitifa was jealous of the two of them, and she wanted to cuddle next to Issei and enjoy her warmth.
Joro, on the other hand, could see that something had happened between them last night, but not how the other females were thinking since he may have only known Issei for a couple of days. Still, he knows Issei isn't the type to take advantage of a woman, and from what he had heard last night, Issei helped the Goddess in more ways than the Tsuchigumo thought.
As they kept heading toward the tower, Artemis stopped them as she used her hunter's eyesight to give her a look ahead of them.
"The Hydra is still there, but I don't see Chiaki. She may be hiding somewhere, so be on the lookout and stay close so she can't take us out." Artemis said as she had her bow ready, Issei and Naho prepared for battle, and Joro and Lilitifa readied.
Anahita and Titania also readied themselves for an ambush until they made it to the borders of Tokyo Tower.
"Chiaki! Show yourself, you coward!" Artemis called out as the others were surprised that the Hydra was asleep while there were no signs of Chiaki.
"Something isn't right," Issei said as he was looking around for anything suspicious until they felt an intense pressure crush them as they looked to see a barrier erected around the border of Tokyo Tower, radiating from the very top of the tower.
"Stand your ground! We can't get away, but neither can they." Artemis explained as she and Naho readied for battle until the Hydra woke up to see them and roared at them as its many heads hissed at the small force before firing multiple rounds of fireballs which forced them to separate as Anahita stayed close to Issei. In contrast, Titania stayed with Naho, while Joro and Lilitifa helped Artemis.
"Oh, good. You all finally made it. I wondered how long it would be until you all arrived." Chiaki's voice said as it resonated in the barrier until Artemis looked up to see Chiaki standing on top of the Hydra's heads.
Her eyes sent a sinister glee toward Artemis as she could feel the rage radiating off the Goddess as she clenched her fists and aimed an arrow at her.
"Oh no. I'm so scared of a tiny arrow." Chiaki feigned as she pretended to be scared until Artemis unloaded a volley of arrows on them. Still, they were reflected by her aura, which shocked Issei and the others until Chiaki got off the heads and snickered at them.
"Oh, how I love the look and smell of fear radiating off your bodies. You'll be reborn in my father's world and be able to see all your loved ones again, so why fight me when you should join us?" Chiaki asked as Artemis yelled and rushed towards the monster while ignoring the calls of warning from Naho and Issei until she punched nothing but air Chiaki giggled at the attempt while appearing behind Issei, which startled the DemiFiend until Chiaki's sighed heavily while whispering into his ear.
"As much as I want to make you my husband in the new world, I'll have to kill you. In the meantime, enjoy fighting my uncle Matador and his friends." Chiaki said as she left the boy. Issei felt himself stabbed in the heart by a sword.
Issei looked down at his chest to see a blade of Holy Magic sticking out of his heart before he was sucked into the portal with Anahita.
"NO!" Naho yelled as she rushed towards Issei and tried to grab his hand, but it was too late as Issei's body was already taken into the portal.
"Fight...Naho." Issei said as he disappeared from the scene. The portal vanished with him, which made Naho look at the spot in shock and fear while Chiaki laughed at the sight.
"Oh. How sad. Looks like your too late, Nahobino. Just like how you were too late in stopping my father and me from killing your previous master and the other DemiFiend." Chiaki said as she laughed at the memory. At the same time, Naho fell on her knees, ignoring the area around her as the Hydra roared and began attacking the others with its massive size and strength while switching to using its fireballs.
On the other hand, Chiaki was fighting Artemis while laughing at the enraged Goddess and Joro as he wished to kill the woman who took away his friend and brother in all but blood. Lilitifa screamed and used ice magic on the Hydra as she kept using her rage to give her strength. On the other hand, Anahita struggled to bring Naho back from her pain.
Naho recalled losing someone she loved because she was too late to save them.
Why does this feeling in my chest hurt me so much?
"Nahobino. You must run and live. Find a way to defeat Lucifer. I know you can do it; you are my daughter, and I am so proud of you for becoming such an amazing woman. So, promise me this. When you find someone you love and wish to be with them for the rest of your life, keep them close and help them grow. Live your life to the fullest. That's all I ask." Naho's master said as he smiled before he died in Naho's arms, making the last Nahobino scream into the heavens while mourning the loss of her people and her master, who was a father to her.
Why did he ask me to do such a thing? Nahobinos are born to protect the world from harm, and we cannot have a peaceful future where we are happy.
"Thank you, Naho. I couldn't have gotten this strong without you. I promise that when we meet again, I'll show you that I'm no longer a weakling, so you don't have to protect me. I want to make you proud of me." Issei said with the same smile that made Naho want to protect it forever until they died in each other's arms.
So why did I finally feel this way when I met you after many years in this world?
"Why would I joke about giving you the name Naho? I'm serious about it since the name suits you, and perhaps it can help you recall something from your life." Issei said as they watched the stars together.
What was that strange feeling when I heard such words from him?
"Please be careful, Issei. I... I need you." Naho said as she looked at Issei's retreating form as he went to prepare for the battle as well.
Why do I yearn for his warmth and being close to him so we can talk like we did these past couple of days? It's similar to a distant memory from long ago.
"Naho. Please don't cry. I promise we'll get through this together, sister. I refuse to lose you!" The small ten-year-old black-haired girl cried as she held her sister's hand until she felt a hand wipe the tears on her face.
"Tsubaki." The voice in the bed said as the girl Tsubaki looked to see them before the figure in bed rustled the girl's hair.
"I'm just going to take a small nap. Remember that I love you, sister. When you grow up, find someone or people you care for and help them become strong enough to stand at your side." The person said before Tsubaki cried; she nodded as the heart monitor read that the woman was gone.
"NAHO!"
Chiaki was laughing while crashing with Artemis and Joro while enjoying their rage.
"Oh yes. Could you show me your rage? Show me all of your anger! I want to see it all! Show me how much you want to kill me!" Chiaki smiled as she pushed Artemis away before pushing the massive spider demon away until Artemis's body glowed a bright blue. She summoned her bow once more and leaped into the air before loading up an arrow much larger than the others.
"Die, you bitch!" Artemis yelled as more arrows appeared behind her as she unleashed her ultimate attack. "ASTRAL SAINTSTRIKE!"
Chiaki looked at the arrows coming towards her, making her smile joyfully before using Joro as a launch pad. She sliced through the hands that came her way, except for a few that scratched her.
"Hahaha! Yes, Artemis. Get angry. Only the strong shall stand above all others and live in the world my father will build!" Chiaki shouted as she got near Artemis and kicked her toward the ground.
Artemis, however, somersaulted to launch herself back into the air and clash with Chiaki, who was smiling the whole time as she was enjoying this fight.
Titania was hesitant to help Artemis or her comrades since she was nowhere near as powerful to take down the Hydra or Chiaki, so she was surprised to see Naho stand back up on her feet.
"Titania. Get back and be prepared to launch your army on the Hydra." Naho said calmly, which made the fairy Queen nervous until she nodded and left Naho as she looked at both Artemis and Chiaki clashing in the air while Joro was going to assist Lilitifa with the Hydra until Maho unleashed her demons.
"Lamia. You and Uriel, along with Yaksini and Manananggal, will assist Joro and Lilitifa. Take down the Hydra." Naho said as she began to walk towards Chiaki and Artemis before summoning her sword.
"It's time I give into some of my rages," Naho said as her bright blue sword darkened as an ominous aura erupted around her.
Naho then yelled as she charged at the two while the Nahobino's demons nodded as they complied with their orders and fought the Hydra while a cloaked individual stood above the tower and observed the battle.
"Hm. The DemiFiend was taken away, and yet I can feel his presence. He's still alive, but I wonder if he'll be able to defeat one of Lucifer's generals." The man said before he continued to watch as he pondered how this battle would play out.
Unknown Location
Issei only saw black as he kept panting heavily while trying to heal himself, but he felt his life was slipping away from his fingers.
"Issei...!"
Issei groaned as he heard a voice and tried to ignore it until it got louder.
'...Wake up!'
Issei kept struggling to do so until he saw a blinding white light at the end of the darkness; it was gone.
"Issei, Wake up!" Anahita shouted as Issei groaned, waking up from his near-death experience until he saw Anahita on top of him while using her water magic to heal his chest wound.
"I'm...alive?" Issei asked himself as he saw that he was still in the Demon World until Anahita nodded and replied.
"Yes. You are still alive. And thanks, goodness. I thought you were gone, but I was able to heal you, so you are safe. However, we aren't alone." Anahita said as she helped Issei up before turning him around to see a small cliff with three individuals standing there.
Two of them were demons with the head of an owl but the body of an Angel.
'Those two demons are Andras. In the legend, Andras was a great marquis of Hell with thirty legions of demons under his command. He was described as a humanoid with angel wings and an owl's head, riding a black wolf and holding a bright sword. Among the spirits of the Goetia, Andras was one of the most violent and dangerous demons to summon. The conjurer and any attendants he may have must always stay within a magic circle no matter how much Andras tempts them to leave it, or he will surely kill them. He can control a person's anger or inflict rage upon any person the conjurer desires and tempt people to kill their servants or masters. If so asked, Andras will gladly kill any person the conjurer desires.' Issei recalled as he was surprised by the two demons before seeing the third demon mounted on a horse while wielding a flaming spear.
Issei was surprised as the demon knight dismounted his horse and walked toward the boy before introducing himself.
"I am Eligor. The General who governs the army of Matador." Eligor said as he left the boy and Anahita before climbing back on his horse. "My master Matador, one of the Eight Great Generals that serve Lady Chiaki and Lord Lucifer, has brought you to his domain to take your life in the name of our master. However, he wishes to give you a fighting chance, so you shall use all your demons, including yourself, again Lord Matador's army."
"How do I leave this place?" Issei asked as he struggled to stand correctly without Anahita until Eligor replied.
"You leave if you succeed in defeating my master. Lord Matador may be a Fiend, but he is honorable and only allows others to fight on an even field. Prepare yourself and your demons, for it is time to show my master and Lord Lucifer what you are capable of DemiFiend."
Eligor said as he snapped the reigns; his horse left the DemiFiend behind while the two Andras left with him. Issei sat on a large boulder and looked at his chest wound before scoffing at the words of the demon knight.
"Honorable, my ass. If that bastard didn't stab me near the heart, I wouldn't struggle to stand up." Issei then looked to find a way out, but Anahita shut those ideas down.
"I'm afraid we have no choice but to battle since this is Matador's domain. We must fight on his terms; otherwise, we'll never leave." Anahita said as Issei hissed in annoyance until Issei summoned his other demons before looking at them all.
"We have a situation. It seems we're being forced to fight this Matador and his army. I don't know how many there are, but I won't just sit back and get myself killed. I know I'm not the former DemiFiend, and I don't want to be seen as the old one. I want to be seen as Issei Hyoudou: the DemiFiend Godslayer. That is why I'm fighting, but if you do not wish to fight in this war, you can return to the gauntlet." Issei said with resolve as his eyes showed he was serious about going into battle until Pixie and Daemon flew towards Issei and pledged themselves to him.
"We were your first demons in this world, so, of course, we're fighting with you, master," Daemon said as Issei thanked them before Angel, Alice, and many others stepped forward, including Pazuzu and Anzu.
Anahita smiled at this as she was glad the other demons would fight with their partner until Issei thanked them.
"Alright. It's time to get ready for Matador's army." Issei said as he and the others began to plan their lineup by having those specializing in far ranged and support in the back, defense in the front, and offense behind them.
Issei didn't seem to know that time moves fast in the personal domain of a Fiend, for one minute in the Demon World is an hour in Matador's domain. Issei continued setting up his forces until Pazuzu flew towards him.
"They're coming. Matador's army consists of a whole legion; I estimated about three thousand of them." Pazuzu said as Issei nodded in reply as he headed towards Catastros and got ready as he summoned his sword.
"Fly back to your part of the army and prepare for the battle," Issei ordered as Pazuzu nodded and took off to the high ground where Pixie and Apsaras were with the other demons that specialized in support and magic.
"Get ready," Pazuzu said as the others nodded in confirmation until Issei rode Catastros towards a demon he could bring back from a Slime. Issei was curious about the Slimes and what kind of Demons they were, so he experimented on many of them when he wasn't training to gain powerful comrades such as his bodyguard Yoshitsune.
Along with some other demons that included: Aitvaras, Jack Frost, Jack O Lantern, Lilim, Koopa Tengu, Kelpie, Oni, Berith, Manananggal, Shiki-Ouji, Baphomet, and a couple of Pisaca that were easy to tame when Issei was able to control them to ensure they harm no innocent demons.
Issei looked back at Pazuzu and Anahita, who nodded back at him before Issei turned around and looked at Berith, Angel, Daemon, and Yoshitsune.
"Are you all with me?" Issei asks the four until they smile and nod at their master.
"Til the death my liege."
"Until death do, we part."
"Always master."
"Until my sword is broken."
Issei smiled in thanks to his demons before seeing Eligor approach with many other monsters until Matador appeared riding on a Bicorn as well until he looked at the army before him.
"Failure is not an option. Leave the DemiFiend to me, but you can kill his demons." Matador said as the massive army cheered as Eligor shouted the war cry charge while fifteen hundred of the demons charged with Eligor, glad to tear apart other demons and the DemiFiend.
Issei remained on Catastros and watched the army approach them until he had his sword out and gave the order.
"Send in the first wave," Issei said as Yoshitsune nodded as he blew a horn that alerted many Pisaca as they woke up and glared at the upcoming army.
'Pisaca. The army approaching is the enemy. Kill them all.' Issei said through the mental link as the Pisaca roared in a frenzy as they charged either on all fours or their two legs as they leaped towards the meal offered to them.
'Pisaca may be weak to fire and holy magic, but I have many of them in my roster. Eligor and his army are in for a surprise.' Issei said as a smile appeared on his face while the vampire-like demons began tearing apart the monsters approaching them. Eligor stabbed one in the heart, but as the fire engulfed it, the Pisaca laughed in joy as the fire healed them instead before Eligor used his spear and stabbed the head of it, killing it but realizing that the DemiFiend was prepared for him.
"Take their heads! Fire shall not work on them!" Eligor shouted as the Andras were using their spells to keep the Pisaca away, but some managed to break through and take some bites out of them until Eligor and a few others managed to break from the first wave and head towards the army.
"Shields Up! Second Wave, Attack!" Issei ordered as Pazuzu, Anahita, and the others in the back began to launch their most powerful spells at the ones who broke through the first wave. The magic spells, including Eligor's horse, killed many stragglers, but Eligor kept charging toward Issei Hyoudou.
Despite the many spells that pierced his armor, Eligor kept charging at Issei, who responded by dismounting his horse, rushing towards Eligor, and clashing with the demon knight.
"I will say that I was rather impressed by how you made those demons even stronger. Tell me, how were you able to do this?" Eligor asked as he clashed with Issei's sword while Issei moved, using his Force magic to help him move faster to avoid some of Eligor's attacks.
Matador was rather impressed by the strategy the boy implemented with the Pisaca and, using the support ones in the back who are excellent in magic, take down the ones in the chaos. In contrast, Issei and his defensive demons can take on the foes still charging at them.
"Hm. It seems that I can't underestimate this boy." Matador said as he drew his sword and shouted.
"ADVANCE!" Matador shouted as the other fifteen hundred demons behind him charged into battle while Eligor clashed with Issei. The DemiFiend saw Matador's army heading towards them while preparing to break through their formation.
"Everyone! ATTACK!" Issei shouted as Yoshitsune and Berith charged toward the incoming army, and Issei and Eligor as two continued to focus on each other only while fighting. However, as Yoshitsune passed them both, Issei nodded at the samurai's way before Yoshitsune nodded in reply.
"For our master! And the Nahobino!" Yoshitsune shouted as the army charged at Matador and his army that was able to take down the last of the Pisaca soldiers while continuing forward.
Yoshitsune leaped off his Bicorn as he began to take down some of the other soldiers, while Matador started to take down some of the offensive soldiers he saw as lambs sent into a slaughter. Thanks to their skills, Berith, Angel, and Daemon continued to push through while taking down a couple of them.
"Push through them all! For Issei-sama!" Daemon yelled as many of the others were attacking even harder thanks to the war cry while Issei and Eligor were coming close to the end of their fight as the DemiFiend struck Eligor in the chest with his sword.
"Ah!" Eligor yelled in pain as he tried to take the sword out of him, but Issei didn't allow that to happen; he placed a hand on the handle before sighing.
"I'm sorry, but I have to end this," Issei said as he closed his eyes as his body glowed a dark red color. "Life Drain."
Eligor's eyes widened as he felt his life drained from his body while struggling to stand back up but could not as Issei used his left foot to pin him down. Issei's face may have looked indifferent, but his eyes said that he was sorry that he was doing this, as Issei felt Eligor's life enter his body and heal his stab wound in the chest and regain more of his strength.
Issei then removed the sword, and Eligor laughed as he felt the small remnants of his life begin to leave his body.
"Heh. This resembles how I died as a Fallen in the Great War." Eligor said as he looked at the boy standing above his body and could tell that the boy didn't wish to go this far but to survive and return to his family, he had to do this.
"Issei Hyoudou. Don't let this from achieving your goals. You are a great leader that your people need. There was a time I thought I wished to be an amazing leader for the Fallen soldiers I led into battle until my foolishness caused them all to perish, including myself." Eligor said as he looked to see his body fading away before chuckling at the boy's shocked expression and giving him his hand.
"Absorb my strength. Allow me to fight even in defeat." Eligor said as he was absorbed into Issei before the DemiFiend looked at the spear that Eligor had held before taking it into his hands. He tested and twirled it before looking ahead at the rest of his demons fighting Matador and his army.
Matador looked ahead and saw Issei had defeated Eligor before leaping towards Issei. Issei readied himself as Matador landed a few feet in front of him. The Fiend saw the regret and sadness in the boy's eyes before giving him some words of wisdom.
"I've been around for many years, Issei Hyoudou, and I've seen many humans and demons come and go in battle or death of age. I understand why you were hesitant about fighting, and I can see in your eyes that you didn't ask for this power. You gained it because you wish to survive, but being a DemiFiend does not make you a demon like the rest of us. You are like the Nahobino since you still have your human soul inside you." Matador said as he pointed to his chest before continuing to speak to him.
"I lost my humanity and became the Fiend known as Matador, but if there's one thing I still have from my life as a human. It's my honor as a swordsman, so let's end this battle, Issei Hyoudou. Face me with your blade and show me how strong you are if you are willing to fight for your humanity and life!" Matador shouted as he charged at Issei with his Holy Blade, which made Issei move out of the way before using the spear from Eligor to clash with his saber.
The two began to exchange attacks as if they were dancing with their swords alone, making Issei feel like he was enjoying it and making Issei recall the memories he had with the demons he recruited after his battle with Anahita and Pazuzu.
Issei laughed with Daemon, Ippon, and Yoshitsune as they talked about the funniest things they'd seen in the Demon World.
Baphomet and Issei flew in the air while practicing their magic.
Anahita and Angel dance with Issei under the stars to help him relax after a long training day.
Nekomata and Pixie cuddled up with Issei while Alice was asleep beside her 'big brother.'
Joro, Pazuzu, and Lilitifa chatted with Issei about strategy while cooking food for their growing team/family.
Issei tended to Catastros and Kelpie, while Berith tended to his horse as they shared how they cared for their partners.
Issei was still clashing with Matador as his heart began to beat, unknowingly unlocking a particular skill that the former DemiFiend was able to use.
As the two continued to clash with swords, the clouds began to darken as thunder began to roar throughout the battlefield, which blended very well with the battle below it.
Many of the demons were surprised that thunderclouds were starting to appear. At the same time, the roar of thunder spread throughout the area until lightning began to strike at ransoms locations.
Many demons from both sides were worried and curious about its cause, while Issei and Matador continued to clash swords.
Matador and Issei continued to fight as the rain began to pour, which made the battle continue. At the same time, Issei and Matador clashed as if they weren't giving the other an inch to breathe until Matador kicked Issei away and landed on his back. Matador charged towards the downed Issei and stabbed the Holy Sword into the right arm the Fiend stepped on before Matador readied his sword.
"You fought valiantly, Issei Hyoudou, but this is the end," Matador shouted as he charged at Issei, but time seemed to have slowed down as Issei looked at the spear in his left hand before clenching it.
Ruinous Thunder
Issei's mind was given an image of a mighty roar of thunder and lightning as Zeus stood above it all. Issei's mind was so focused on the image he never noticed how the lightning in the sky began to strike near the horizon they were both on.
Issei's eyes filled with light as he raised his left arm into the sky and let the lightning strike the spear making his body struggle to fight the pain while the spear began to change as it became a literal Thunderbolt.
Matador's attack ceased as he was shocked by the boy's body and pondered how he could still stand. Issei began to move before his body began to course with so much lightning that, just briefly, Matador saw Zeus and the original DemiFiend behind the boy until Issei's eyes flashed brightly as he lifted the spear into the air.
"Thank you, Matador. I won't forget the wisdom you've given me today." Issei said as he threw the spear at the Fiend with all of his might while shouting.
"Rairyū no Ichigeki!"
The spear zoomed towards the Fiend while becoming a dragon which shocked Matador before smiling at the end of his life and feeling the power consume his body as a whole appears in his chest.
Lightning continued to go past Matador and towards a mountain in the distance until it struck the mountain and destroyed a large portion.
Issei's demons and the enemy were in awe of the power until Issei looked to see only the sword and hat of Matador and the Menorah of Foundation. Issei absorbed the Menorah and picked up the other two items before lifting them above his head.
"This battle is over. Matador has fallen." Issei said as the remainder of Matador's army surrendered their weapons while Issei's demons cheered for their victory. Issei smiled at the sight before looking at the remains of Matador he walked towards a tree and stabbed the sword into the ground before placing the hat on top of the handle of the blade.
"Thank you, Matador, and you to Eligor for helping me remember why I fight. I fight to regain my humanity, but also for both worlds." Issei said as he stabbed the spear into the ground next to Matador in honor of the two great warriors he had defeated in battle.
A portal appeared behind Issei. He looked through it to see Naho and the others fighting Chiaki and the Hydra.
Yoshitsune appeared next to Issei, and he then asked his leader.
"We are ready, my lord. What are your orders?" The samurai asked as Issei looked at the sight of his friends fighting before summoning a lightning spear as he did against Matador.
"It's time to take back the city and show Lucifer that we are not going to sit idly by so he can destroy both of our homes," Issei said as he called to his demons and their newest recruits prepared to face the Hydra.
"Chiaki Lucifer. I hope you're ready for us." Issei said as he threw the spear through the portal as he and his army headed towards the second battle.
Chiaki laughed as she kicked away Artemis before the Goddess panted heavily due to exhaustion and the fireballs she had taken from the Hydra. The massive beast looked over Naho as the giant monstrosity pinned her down until Chiaki giggled happily before pulling out her sword.
"How sad. It looks like you and Nahobino have one thing in common. Losing the one you love, you'll soon join him in the afterlife." Chiaki said as she was about to strike down Artemis until the sky roared with thunder which shook the ground with such force that the lighting shattered the barrier until a bolt of lightning came from the sky as Chiaki, Artemis, and Naho, who was able to get out of the Hydra just in time, to see the Hydra disintegrated from a massive lightning bolt that wiped it off the Demon World revealing only a crater that was scorched to nothing.
Chiaki looked behind her to see a portal open up as Issei and his army of demons walked out. This shocked her and the others before Chiaki realized she was outnumbered and outmatched.
"Fine. You win today, Issei Hyoudou, but know this is only the beginning, so I hope you are ready for the coming war." Chiaki yelled as she summoned another portal and vanished into it, leaving the tower behind. Naho and Artemis got up, thanks to Lilitifa and Joro, while Issei sent Angel and Anahita to heal them.
Naho then looked at Issei with wide eyes before touching his face and gently rubbing it before asking.
"I-Is it you, Issei? I'm..I'm not hallucinating, right?" Naho asked as Issei gave her a lap pillow, and he smiled back at her.
"No. We've won, Naho. We took down Hydra and Matador. Now is the time to rest and heal." Issei said as the sunlight burst through the clouds, showing it was a new day. A day of both victory and healing.
Scene!
I decided Issei would make his version of the Ruinous Thunder, so I went with a Lightning DracoStrike version.
I hope you all loved it because the next chapter will be about Issei, Naho, and Artemis healing before heading to Issei's world and his home.
Although, the supernatural will be surprised to see that Issei's changed so much in the past few hours while he was missing.
Find out next time on the DemiFiend Godslayer.
The next update will be...Konosuba before Issei-Chan, and then the Reign of Ddraig!
