Welcome to the next chapter!

phillyitalian; Thanks for the vote.

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Lazymanjones96; Thanks, glad you're enjoying it!

Son of Lupa and Hestia; Thanks for the vote, and harem suggestions!

Darkwubs; Thanks, glad you liked it. Naberius has some wicked plans up his sleeve. Vali does yeah~ Thanks for the vote. We shall see Naota and Kiba's reactions soon enough. It could do for Ingvild. We shall learn more about his family pretty soon.

ShadowUzumaki55; They did yeah. They do for sure. Akeno and Rias will do yeah. Naota shall do his best. Thanks for the votes, and harem suggestions.

LordOfStarsAnu; Yeah, they'd be cool. I am still reading it.

Silver crow; Thanks for the votes. Akeno was yeah. Naberius was definitely shocked. Serafall does for sure. Suou does. Vali really did like the idea of fighting them. Sirzechs and Naota have a nice relationship with one another. Sounds like a good name for the Balance Breaker. Yeah, maybe she could have that. Irina could have that. Le Fay and Elmen could do. At most, Naota will have three mutated pieces. Thanks for the harem suggestions. Mirana could do. Yeah, Naota will do his best for those suffering and in situations where they are being used or hurt. He'll definitely support Sona's dream. Loki and Naota I do have some stuff planned for it. Yeah, they could be his familiars. Thanks for the suggestions.

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Godfall01; Yeah, True Longinus has always been a fascinating Sacred Gear. Yeah, they would be pretty cool.

Guest 2; Yeah, Vali and Naota managed to fight pretty well together. Thanks for the vote. Yeah, he will learn it before canon. Thanks for the peerage suggestions. Ophis could do yeah. Yeah, they will have quite the reaction to seeing Naota wielding True Longinus.

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Guest 4; Thanks for the peerage suggestions. They would be cool yeah.

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Guest 6; Yeah, his skills and such will grow with True Longinus.

Guest 7; Jeanne could be yeah. Thanks for the vote.

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DxD Fan; Thanks for the vote, and peerage suggestions. Yeah, she could be. His Balance Breaker is going to be fun to explore.

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With those reviews finished, its time to start the chapter!


Chapter 4

Two days had gone by since the incident with Akeno, Naota was sat within the living room of the Sitri home, next to Serafall who hugged him tightly to her chest.

"Your home will be done soon Nao-chan. Excited?"

Naota nods a single time.

"I suppose. Thank you for the hospitality that you've given to me, and to Vali-san, Serafall-sama. It seems you keep looking out for me."

"Ooh Nao-chan, its fine~ Besides, I've enjoyed Nao-chan being here! Even Sona-chan seems to be happy that you're here. That's why we'll come by and stay Nao-chan! Especially at night, I know you feel the most comfortable cuddling someone~"

Naota gave bemused eyes to the young woman.

"Isn't that you?"

With his deadpanned response, coupled with said bemused eyes, Serafall gave a cheery grin.

"Hmm, I'd say its the both of us." Serafall beamed to the young man. "Regardless, I'll always be coming to you Nao-chan and making sure you're happy. Especially since you're so adorable, and sweet. It really is the best for someone like me. Plus like, we've got the best dynamic~ Best Magical Boy and Girl for the ages between us~ Not even Gabriel could touch us~"

Naota couldn't help but be fascinated with what she was saying.

But then suddenly Serafall got serious, and showed her said serious side to Naota.

"By the way Nao-chan, I've heard along the grapevine that Zephyrdor right now is in bad trouble with the Phenex~ They aren't happy with what happened regarding Ravel-chan not long ago. I think they want him to be punished. Riser-chan in particular seems to be really pissed since they used him to lure her there."

Naota slowly inclines his head.

He wasn't surprised that was what was happening between them.

"I don't doubt it, if it was my child he had placed in that situation, I'd want his head as well." Naota paused, then hummed. "Riser, I did get a message from him, which I found quite funny~"

Serafall became intrigued, leaning forward so they were practically cheek to cheek.

"Ooh? What did he say?"

"He sent me a message, saying "I wont thank you for saving Ravel, but I appreciate you sending Zephyrdor down. Also, stay away from Ravel!" and that was pretty much it~"

Serafall giggles at how she could see Riser doing things like that.

"Yeah, sounds like Riser-chan alright~ Still, I wonder if Diodora was apart of it? They've been friends for a while."

"I'd say Diodora is more in charge, and Zephyrdor is a lackey of his."

Serafall looked surprised.

"You think he doesn't care about Zephyrdor at all and only sees him like that?"

Naota didn't even hesitate, he knew the answer to that right away.

"I think he cared about someone he could manipulate, that's the kind of person Dildodora is, he's always out for himself. About the spider Devil, I'd wager that was more of a Dildodora idea, than Zephyrdor's own, and Zephyrdor got swept up in the idea of it. How the transaction between the spider Devil and them went, if Dildodora was there in person, or not, I still believe it to be a plan Dildodora would be capable of doing. I'm sure in time he will face what's coming to him."

Serafall wondered about it, and thought about Diodora and Zephyrdor, wondering what was going to happen.

"Either way, they got what's coming to them. Honestly, what of idiot would place another in danger to get someone to bend to their will? What if Ravel-chan or the Underworld looked into it? It didn't take us that long to find their connections after all."

"Yes, it was a scheme that seemed to not be thought all the way through, on Zephyrdor's part at least. Dildodora on the other hand, I'm sure he probably was aware that things wouldn't exactly be smooth sailing. Yet, he went along with it anyway."

Serafall rubbed her chin in thought.

"But, to go through this...for amusement?"

"Probably, I wouldn't be shocked if it was that. Anyway, lets forget them."

"Ooh, Nao-chan~ Do you wanna have a fun little bath between us~?"

Naota gave an amused look, then he began standing up.

"Sure, lets go~"

With that, Serafall and Naota walked out together to go and enjoy their time together.


Having managed to escape the enemies sent after them, Kuroka and Shirone hid themselves in a cave. Thanks to her gifts, Kuroka was more than capable of throwing off even the best of sensors. Using her Senjutsu skills, she also made sure that she searched for any potential enemies that could become a problem for her and those that she cared for.

"Onee-sama…" Shirone began, seeing a few wounds on Kuroka. "...That man, he isn't going to stop, is he?"

Kuroka didn't know how to answer that.

While she did her best, and she knew if she got a shot off at Naberius, then she'd be able to beat him quickly. The only tricky thing was, that he didn't appear himself. Using holograms, and simply speaking over speakers that he had planted.

He never would show himself, therefore she'd not have a chance of fighting him.

"Eventually, he will get what's coming to him. We will find him, if I knew where he lived then I could, but going too the Underworld now... Until then, don't worry your head about it. We'll be fine, I promise. I'll make sure of it."

Kuroka tried her best to calm her little sister.

Shirone knew Kuroka was attempting to calm her and tried to play it off as if she wasn't tired from the endless fighting she had done, yet she found some comfort from it, she wished she could fight for her sister as well as Kuroka did for her.

"...Onee-sama, what are we going to do? If we keep running, he will eventually find us, or we eventually wont have many places to go."

"I know, and he's a Devil nyaa. If I could get to the Underworld...but, if I did, the Devils that live there could wonder why we're there, and he could spin a yarn about us being aggressive against Devils, and have us…I don't know if we could make a direct approach…."

Kuroka listed off a few things, more to herself than Shirone.

Shirone on the other hand found the card Kuroka had brought with them sometime before, and thought she should bring it up.

"...Him."

Shirone showed the card of Naota's to the young woman.

Kuroka gazed at it, and then looked towards her younger sister.

"Well, I don't know. He is a Devil, and he's human as well...Hmmm, if it wasn't for him, we would've potentially had to have relied on that dodgy Naberius."

Kuroka did wonder about it.

If they could trust Naota.

She didn't know him that well, but as time went on, she knew that slowly, she was running out of paths for her, and Shirone to take.

Those things would be difficult for anyone, but for Kuroka, who also had Shirone to think about, she had to make the best decision for those that she cared for, and for herself.

As she was thinking, she heard a sound outside, her eyes widening when she felt incoming towards her, was another chimera.

"Damn it, they've found us….perhaps through our scent? They couldn't have found us through any kind of sensing ability...damn it all…"

Kuroka took Shirone's hand, and shot out of the cave, in time to see another chimera shooting off a fireball towards the cave, engulfing it in fire, saving themselves.

But then another fireball came ripping through the air, and headed right for them.

"Don't think so!"

Holding out her shaking tired hands, Kuroka formed a wall of magical power to defend against the attack.

The wall held in place, so Kuroka pushed her Senjutsu forward, firing off a blast of it right for the chimera.

The energy flew through the air, slamming into the head of the chimera, causing it to explode with the bombardment of her power, the chimeras remaining body slowly vanished through her energies.

"Heh! How do you like that, Naberius!?"

Kuroka growled, with Naberius chuckling as a response, his hologram form appearing, making Kuroka feel sick.

"Hmmm, I like it quite a bit. You've got good power, Kuroka." His eyes disturbingly went towards Shirone who in turn shrunk away. "Are you just as powerful, little one?" Kuroka pushed Shirone behind her in a protective way. "Regardless, it doesn't matter. You both soon shall be experimented on, by me."

"Yeah, and soon I'll be shoving my foot down your throat~"

Kuroka said it playfully, but held determined eyes.

Naberius simply laughed.

"Its fine if you believe you've got a chance to escape me. But I've got an endless-"

"Nothing is endless, you'll eventually run out. In fact, fewer and fewer are coming aren't they? It seems to me that you're going to run out of your little chimeras before I go down. And even weakened, you never could beat me. Its why you haven't appeared, right? Even in this weakened state, you're scared."

Naberius tightened his hand to his side.

Anger clearly on his face.

"We shall see about that, Nekoshou girls. I still have some tricks up my sleeve yet."

Kuroka didn't like the sound of that.

But she didn't have time to ponder it, as she saw another chimera appearing.

Taking in a breath, she went to do battle, while Shirone stayed behind.

Shirone wished she could do something, anything to help out.

But right now, she truly didn't know what she'd be able to do, and hoped that this would end.


Back in the Underworld, Naota was currently in the middle of a practice session of his own design. Using his spear, he worked on perfecting his ability to attack and defend, to be able to react, and strike when moments presented themselves.

"Haaaah!"

Naota thrust the spear forward, and caused it to pierce through a solid rock structure close by. The spear emitted light, where it broke down the rock within a moments notice.

As he did, Vali came onto the scene, having heard the commotion, and moved towards the young man.

"Training?"

Naota paused, and looked towards Vali.

"Yup, that's exactly it~ The same for you?"

"Thought I'd get some in yeah. Though, it seems you've taken this area. So, perhaps we can have a spar together?"

"Spar, I don't see why not." Naota turned his spear onto Vali. "By the way Vali-san, before we do, I have been wondering something." Vali nods for him to continue. "You have great combat ability, did you always train your body?"

"I suppose in a sense I did. I've also now thanks to the information you gave me, have been studying the Sacred Gear I possess, and I think its a rather strong asset to have on my side. Still, I wish to be able to enter this Balance Breaker state. Have you entered it yet?"

Naota shakes his head.

"I haven't."

"I've read that it takes a change in emotional state, for something to trigger it. I haven't found anything like that to trigger my own. Have you?"

Naota mused within his mind about her question.

"Now that you ask it, there's some times that I have felt that it could become possible. It really depends on who you're facing, and what you need. Its possible your Sacred Gear could go through a change if your desires are strong enough. They respond to our desires after all."

"A change huh, our desires manifest through our Sacred Gears...yes, I've also read through those passages, I would like to know as much about mine as possible." Vali thought about something, and she also did wish to see the limits of her own power being shown. "By the way, Naota. What are your goals from here?"

"Goals huh. Well, first I've got to get myself a good team beside me. I wish to have comrades that I not only trust with my life, but those that I can see being as close as family. I think if I'm able to achieve that, then that's one step closer to some future goals that I have."

"What goals do you have?"

Naota lightly laughed.

"That's a list for sure~ One of them would be to enter the Rating Games. Not for accolades or anything, but to be challenged, and tested, seeing the best the Underworld has to offer, and answering it back with my own power."

That definitely interested Vali.

"Its important for you to have that challenge, is it?"

"Isn't it the same for you? I know you seek battle to fight strong enemies. Not just for the fun of it, but to see what you're capable of, and what strengths you have. In that way, you and I are rather similar. Reflected when we fought Suou Himejima, didn't it?"

Vali gave a bemused look.

"I was surprised that we worked so well on our first time in a fight."

"I guess its because we understood one another and what we'd need to do during that fight."

Vali placed a hand on her hip.

"This team of yours, got any special criteria, apart from what you mentioned? Power wise, and what not."

"Hmmm, well...I wouldn't mind having another Longinus on the team. I also wouldn't be opposed to having someone with good healing skills, someone that could organize different things quickly, perhaps someone with great supportive skills. A fight isn't just about the heavy hitters after all. I do wish to have a group that compliments one another rather well. For sure, I'd like to have a magic user on the group, one that's knowledgeable in different areas."

"Hence why you market yourself."

Vali murmured, Naota inclines with a wide grin.

"Exactly, you get yourself out there, and people will respond to that. They can see what you're about, and then in turn approach you, if you haven't found and approached them, and then you both can see if you're compatible."

Naota said it with a large excitable smile on his face.

Though Vali could see that he was being serious at the same time, showing his own desires.

"Well, I also wish to build a group. I'd need to have a strong team beside me for my goals to be accomplished."

"Ooh, I see. So that's how it is? Perhaps we should partner up Vali-san~?"

As he said it, Vali visualized it for a few moments, still rather intrigued by his words.

"Well, its not the worst idea I've heard. Though if I was to follow someone, I'd wish for them to be able to best me in battle."

Naota caught what she said, and it made him begin to think deeper about what his potential future group could look like with Vali in it, he could definitely see them working very well together, and fighting strong opponents.

"Well, when the time comes, perhaps we can decide if that's going to happen between us."

Vali also thought about it.

She did like the idea of Naota and her fighting, and as she said, she wished to follow someone that could best her in a fight, so right now she was interested to see the full capabilities of Naota before her.

"Alright, lets begin training."

Naota nods strongly, and prepares to train together with Vali.


Sometime later, Ravel finally having built up the courage, after a few days, she headed towards the area that Naota lived.

Currently, living with the Sitri's, Ravel was determined and strolled through the grounds.

She hadn't told Riser, and her family about going, she felt like if she did then they would be against it. She thought her parents would be understanding enough, though she felt like Riser in particular would be protective, and would jump to conclusions, which in turn would cause problems as she wished to meet with Naota once more.

"Okay, here we go. Yes, its fine...Naota-sama is simply a Devil, and a human...hmmm, how should I begin? Should I thank him again? I don't know...I have to do something, after all…he did save my life, I should be able to repay him surely...I can yes, I have this...for sure…"

She approached carefully, and made her way towards the front of the large castle.

She soon got to the door, and began raising her hand to knock on said door.

"Wait...should I bug Naota-sama? He seems busy...but, he did come when I called him...and he did walk me home...hmmm, no, maybe I should...could I go and see him? What would he say? I hope he wouldn't be bothered by my presence…"

She stopped her hand and she paused, looking unsure if she should follow through with it.

Though that wasn't a problem for moments later, the door flung open and stood there was Naota.

His eyes looked towards Ravel with a raised brow.

"I thought I sensed someone standing here. Phenex-sama, you're here to see...Sona-sama perhaps? Ooh, I see, you're here to apologize to my fiancee about seeing me naked~"

He teased, Ravel flushed brightly as her mind flashed back to seeing Naota in such a way.

"N-No, I'm not he-here to see her...w-wait, she's your fiancee!?"

Ravel yelled a little louder than she wished too.

Naota gave a teasing wink, then shook his head.

"No, she's not~ Though, perhaps if Serafall-sama gets her way, then it might be ending up like that yeah…." That caused Ravel to think about what else was going on with this. "…So can I help you with something, Phenex-sama?"

Ravel fiddled with her fingertips, and thought about what to say.

"A-Actually...I came here...to...to interview...you! Yes, that's right! An interview!"

Ravel said a little too loudly once more, believing that using this as an opportunity, she could discover more things about him.

Naota raised a brow.

"An inter...view, with me? Out of everyone in the Underworld?"

Ravel could see how that would be suspicious, so she thought as quickly as she could do.

"Y-Yes...for a class project...y-yes, that's right! So, do...do you mind if I interview you?"

Naota scratched the back of his head, and looked on curiously.

"Well, I'm surprised someone of your status wants to interview me. There has to be others more worth the time, right? Someone in the higher ups of the Underworld. Wouldn't that be good for your school work?"

"A-Actually, its a study about...h-humans so you're half human...and I would...I would like your perspective about them, and Devils, how they interact, things like that…y-you would be perfect, since, I don't know any humans...and most Reincarnated Devils...yes, you'd be the best."

Naota felt something was going on here.

Seeing her nervousness, and her general demeanour alerted him to something curious going on.

But, it didn't seem sinister to him and she seemed to be rather fascinated, so he shrugged his shoulders.

"I do have a few things to do today, but you're free to tag along if you like. So, this interview..."

Ravel raised an eyebrow, then she came to a conclusion.

"Ooh, m-money! Yes, I can pay you! H-How much do you wish for?"

Seeing her face, Naota began thinking very quickly at why she said that, but then rolled with it for a little fun.

"Three million." Naota said straight faced, then lightly laughed upon seeing Ravel become befuddled, waving his hand. "Relax, I'm only kidding. I wouldn't take money for such an interview...though if you're offering…" He said in a joking voice, lightly smiling, before pulling back, giving a cheery expression. "Kidding~ So, if you wish to interview me, you're okay coming with me? I'm going to the human world right now. Should we go and get some of your family so you feel at ease? I wouldn't want you to worry."

Ravel waved her hand.

"O-Oh, no. That's fine, its okay to be just us. If anyone says anything, I'll explain the truth. So, the human world?"

Naota slowly nods, and pulls ahead, going out of the castle, and winked at the young Phenex, who felt a tinge of red on her cheeks.

"Yeah, gotta check on something. No worries, I'll protect you, though I doubt we'd come across anything dangerous."

"I see...then, let us get going, Naota-sama."

"Alright, then lets get going." Ravel nods strongly, and follows after Naota, who then cocked his head back. "Vali-san, ready!"

Ravel blinked, didn't know where they were going, but she definitely was intrigued.

So as she followed, when she saw Vali exiting the castle.

Ravel gazed upon Vali, who looked back at her with narrowing brows.

"A-Ah, I'm..."

"Ravel Phenex, Naota informed me on who you are."

Ravel was taken by surprise with that, but not unwanted either, which made it easier for Ravel to gain information quickly.

"Aah, I see. Then, I am going to be going with Naota-sama today...i-if you're okay with it?"

"Its fine, whatever he wants to do."

Naota glanced back, seeing Vali following after him.

Ravel stood there for a few moments, before she nods to herself, and takes off after Naota and the others.


Arriving in the human world, Naota, Vali and Ravel each begin to move towards a destination a small distance away.

"Its cold here…"

Ravel commented, Naota snickered.

"Good thing we're all wearing clothes this time, right Phenex-sama?"

Ravel blushed furiously, nodding strongly without uttering a word back.

Vali begins to hum.

"This place, I can't seem to see or feel any kind of life here."

Naota shrugged.

"Yes, I can't seem to feel anything here either. Still, Naberius was funding money to this part of the human world. But we don't know why. And it seems to be going on for an extended period of time. Whatever it was, seems to be important to him, and if it is, then there is a good chance we might find something for us."

Ravel tilted her head.

"What is Naberius-sama doing?"

"He could be involved in something dodgy, that's all I can discern right now. Though I'm hoping we might find something out here."

"I doubt that."

Vali said swiftly, Naota looked confused, and turned his eyes towards her.

"Why do you say that?"

Vali nods, and points ahead.

Naota and Ravel in turn look ahead, and see in the distance, a burnt out building.

It looked damaged from the inside out, the walls looked like they would crumble, some already had done. Windows smashed, and debris was littered everywhere. All in all, it was a place where Naota knew that something disastrous had happened.

"Looks like something happened inside there."

Ravel mused, Naota nods.

"Even though its like this, there could still be potentially something left for us to find in all of this debris, so lets check it out."

Walking together, Naota and the rest approach the broken building.

Upon arriving, the three walk through what could only be described as a disaster zone.

"Whatever happened here, it must've been pretty recent, from what I can gather…"

Ravel noted, Naota was quite happy to see Ravel was observant.

"Indeed, you're right about that. From the debris, to the snow, and other factors, it couldn't have been all that long ago."

Vali clicked her tongue.

"Still, this snow is going to be a nuisance."

Ravel let out a breath, and raised her hand.

"Please, leave it with me. I can get rid of the snow. I can use my fire, and I'll make sure to keep everything in tact."

Naota nods for her to go ahead, so she allows her flames to come out all around her. The flames spread far beyond the eye could see, and allowed the snow to disappear. Ravel was careful to not disturb anything that wasn't snow.

By the time that she was done, Naota mused "Toasty." rubbing his arms.

"While there might not be much, lets see what we can find. Even a small find could be good for us."

Vali nods, and splits off.

Ravel chooses to stay with Naota, as he begins shifting through rubble.

"Naota-sama, may now be a good time to ask you a few questions?"

"Sure, go for it."

Naota expressed, so Ravel nods, and begins asking a few questions.

"Yes, so first...lets see, Naota-sama, the Underworld so far. How has it been for you?"

"Hmm, its a mixed bag for me to be honest."

Ravel wasn't surprised by that answer.

"Still, you have had good ones?"

"Yeah, I've had some good experiences."

"So, do you prefer the Underworld? Or is the human world more you?"

Naota gave an intrigued brow.

"Both have their strengths, and both are equally enjoyable places to go."

"I see...so Naota-sama. May I ask I also recently heard the situation with Himejima, how was that for you?"

Naota whistles.

"News spreads fast in the Underworld."

"Hehe...yes, that's right. I actually was quite impressed, Rias-sama also told me that she was...ugh, I mean…"

Realizing that she had just told Naota she had asked Rias about him, she began to flush uncontrollably, which Naota thought was cute.

"Ufu, I see. So you went to speak to Rias-sama about me huh? Did she tell you the juicy details?"

As he said it with a voice that sounded equal parts teasing and pleasing, the words dripped from his lips like honey, causing a reaction within Ravel.

"A-Ah, she told me...how you went to great lengths, for Akeno Himejima-sama and Rias-sama is very grateful. Now, they're getting along really well...even Akeno-sama said that she wouldn't mind being teased by you...I-I think she might be a bit of a masochist if I'm honest…"

"Hahaha, yeah I believe she has a bit of that in her. Though I also got some sadism as well. Regardless, I am glad that she is safe and sound, and is now able to build bridges to have a better life than she had in the past. Right, you asked about me during that time. Well, Suou was an interesting fight, and fighting with Vali-san the first time...aah, its good to have a fighting partner beside you."

Ravel could hear the passion in his voice.

The words that he said with blissful intent made her world feel happier than ever before.

As they spoke, Naota came across something hidden deep within the debris.

He could see that it had been burned by what destroyed the building, but thankfully could still be seen.

So he picked it up, and held it so he'd be able to see it all clearly.

"These…"

"Are Nekomata." Naota finished off after Ravel. "Look...a white haired one...a black haired one, older than the other...and the other, must be the Mother, based on what I can tell, no Father though...yet still, it looks like some kind of family picture to me…"

Naota stared at the image, and while he had met Kuroka before, since he never saw her human looking cat girl form, right now he didn't piece it together, but something did stir within his mind about this.

"Something wrong Naota-sama?"

Ravel wondered this time, Naota looked on curiously.

"Actually...hmmm, I can't be sure since I never saw her like this...but, I did come across a Nekomata not long ago. And she was in a territory that was within Naberius lands, or rather just outside of a town that he owned….I wonder if there is a connection between the two of them?"

"Nekomata...Nekomata...hmmm, I think it would be wise, if we did begin searching these lands for this Nekomata, and potentially her sister. I don't know how far the connections with Naberius and the neko girls goes, but since they clearly had some connection here, lets do our best to find them…"

Naota thought it would be best, while Vali came back.

"Found nothing but burned documents, nothing really can be read."

Naota gave a thankful nod.

"Still, I think it'd be good if we take them back, maybe someone can pull the words out from what's potentially left."

"Ooh, I can do that. I know someone that is good with burnt documents, and restoring them. It might take sometime though, it can be tricky."

Naota gave Ravel a strong smile.

"That would be great, thank you." Ravel became bashful, shaking her head side to side, while Naota looks around, and then sighs. "I don't think there's much to be done here now. I'll contact Serafall-sama and see if she can send some people to look over anything we've missed."

Ravel thought that was a good idea.

Now she was seeing more about Naota, and his skills in not only investigating, but also utilizing different peoples talents. Seeing limits, and also knowing on how to overcome them. She was intrigued to see where he would go in the future.


Returning to the Underworld, Naota was sat within the Sitri home, and going through the remainder of the files that he had managed to get from Naberius with the help of Serafall, Ravel had sent off the stuff they had received in hopes of finding something else out.

As he did that, Akeno came into the room, and looked towards the hunched over Naota.

"Naota...kun, are you okay?"

Naota lifted his head, meeting eyes with Akeno.

"Ah, Akeno-san. How can I help you?"

"Ara, there's nothing I am in need of pressing right now. What are you doing?"

"Searching through documents to see if there's something sinister about a guy I've been researching about."

Akeno became intrigued, and pulled closer.

"Need a hand?"

"You're not busy with Rias-sama?"

Akeno shakes her head.

"No, apparently she's doing some classes right now for the Underworld."

"Then the more the merrier."

Akeno sat down beside him, and took a file.

As they read together, Akeno began speaking to Naota.

"Also...Naota-kun, can I ask you...Suzaku...is there...a way to…"

"Contact her?"

Akeno gave a strong nod.

"I wish to thank her, for what she did for me. But I wouldn't be able to approach her as we are right now."

"Hmmm, well its possible. I'll do my best to see if there's a way for you to get into contact."

Akeno placed a hand over her chest in thanks.

"You're kind, thank you. But, I do also wish to thank you again. I know, you say its fine...but, you did a lot for me, and you came for me, when I had no one else. That feeling...its really...how to say it...it makes me feel...happy. More than happy, it makes me feel good inside."

Akeno expressed it sincerely.

Naota was touched by her words, and her kind face shown.

"I'm glad that I could do that for you, and that you get to have a good time now. Is Rias-sama treating you well? I know the Underworld can be jarring to get used to if you're not used to it."

Akeno inclines her neck a single time.

"Yes, she's been good to me. Though, I did find something out, and I think its cute…" Naota became intrigued, as Akeno gained what could be described as a slight sadistic grin. "Ufufu, Rias-sama and Sirzechs-sama, when she is called Ria-tan, she gets really flustered~"

Naota snickered slightly.

"Why? That's a cute nickname~"

"Isn't it~?"

Akeno giggled out.

The two continued to speak, Akeno was glad to have someone who understood her pain rather well speaking directly to her.

Being fellow half breeds, Akeno could see Naota had similar experiences to her, yet some different ones as well, so hearing a bit more about him now, she couldn't keep herself from speaking with him and asking more about him to learn what she could.

In the middle of their conversation, Naota came across one file that caused him to lift his lips upwards.

"Now I do say…"

Akeno became curious, and leaned closer.

"Find something out?"

Naota gained a wide smile.

"I might have yes..."

Wondering what was going on, Akeno and Naota discussed what was found and when she found out, she could see the fiery passion in his eyes, something that she thought suited Naota very well indeed.


A small time later on, Naota, Vali and Ravel all left towards a different part in the Underworld. It was in a location that wasn't technically owned by the Naberius clan, but Naota knew its how Naberius was getting around being so easily found out.

"So, he has another clan purchase this land...and then uses it as a secret means?"

"The clan he used wasn't particularly wealthy, so he funded them to buy it, and with his influence, he was able to quiet them down so they'd not be able to safely say anything. In doing this, it goes to show the lengths he's willing to go to hide his activities."

Vali folds her arms after Naota explained.

"This guy the more I learn about him, reminds me of those I have dealt with before. They piss me off to no end."

Naota could agree wholeheartedly.

"Yeah, Naberius definitely is a dodgy guy, and if this tells us anything, then we're about to ruin this man's whole career."

Ravel tilted her head, as they approached a building.

It was hidden deep within a rocky mountainous like area.

Without having found the location, it wasn't one that easily could be stumbled upon.

Naota approached together with the others, when Ravel reached out, her hand suddenly was repelled away.

"What the...it seems to be some kind of...seal?"

Naota slowly inclines his neck, tapping on the barrier that suddenly was raised.

"A barrier seal yeah."

Vali huffed, bringing her hands together, and gathered an intense demonic power.

"I'll finish it off in a single…"

As she spoke, Naota brought out his True Longinus and simply tapped the barrier.

When he did, it became unravelled, disappearing into the ether as light particles.

"How in the…"

Vali was confused to see him do that so quickly.

So Naota showed a desirable expression to Vali's eyes.

"Did I not mention True Longinus can do this? Its a holy relic, and all of them have the ability to break through seals."

Vali looked impressed.

"Huh? Is that so? Intriguing ability."

"Isn't it just?" Naota mused. "Now lets go inside, and see what he's really been up too."

Naota stepped in first, followed by Vali and finally Ravel.

The three moved through the door, and entered a rather large building. Though it seemed to be comprised of only a single room for the most part. A few side rooms were scattered around here and there, but nothing major.

The room they stepped inside of, Naota and the others could see what Naberius had been up too.

"W...What are they?"

Ravel began, her eyes going over large cylinder shaped glass with growing chimeras inside.

"So, this is where he's been growing his little creatures."

Vali mused, going around the area, and her eyes capturing different types.

Naota saw a desk so he moved towards it.

He tried to go through the draws, but found like outside, there was a seal on them, so Naota used True Longinus to break through the seals, and opened up the draws, to find files all there ready to be read.

He looked through them, and then glanced at the chimeras.

"Find something Naota-sama?"

Ravel asked kindly, so Naota expressed a strong nod.

"Yeah, I think so. It seems to be these chimera beasts are inventions of his, which are test runs for bigger plans. While the whole thing isn't here, its pretty easy to see that he is working on using different beings to create stronger beings. According to this test data, it seems the ones before us, are that of Devil, and human origin and regular chimera."

Ravel looked appalled.

"...He used people, to create these things?"

"Seems like it. Their powers were taken and given to these chimeras. Afterwards, it says...disposed of." Ravel shook her head in disgust. "I know how you feel. I thought he was dodgy, and people were beginning to go missing, so to see these beings here, I'm not entirely shocked. Still, the disregard for human and Devil life alike and probably more…"

Vali soon came over as Naota spoke, and handed him a file.

"What's this?"

Ravel wondered, as she took the other files Naota already had.

"I found them under magical lock and key within what looked like an office. Had some kind of seals on them, so I broke through them with Divine Dividing."

"I can't believe he would go this far. What is his endgame? I know he's creating more, but for what purpose?"

Ravel wondered while Naota looked through the files Vali brought him.

"I don't know for sure, I just saw files and brought them. I'm going to go and-"

"Damn." Naota murmured, catching both Ravel and Vali by surprise. "Hey...yeah, this guys after those Nekomata...rather, Nekoshou. According to these, he believes their abilities would make remarkable test subjects, their natural inclinations to Senjutsu and Youjutsu alone, he believes that he'd be able to manipulate that for these creatures to produce Touki in a natural way, and amplify it. Along with that, it seems he also had other ideas for these girls."

Ravel gave an even more disgusted look.

Vali folds her arms.

"So he's willing to use anyone he can get his hands on, to power his little pet projects. Even if it means killing them?"

"Yeah, it doesn't say what he'd do with them afterwards, he hasn't gotten that far in his research, for obvious reasons. He hasn't gotten them yet, so its best if we find these girls as quick as possible before he can get his grubby hands on them. In fact, its best if we detain the bastard now before he can continue on."

Ravel nods, and brings out her phone.

"I'm going to make some calls Naota-sama. The authorities need to be aware of this right away. The Maou's definitely need too see this. If this man is allowed to continue, then it is scary to think of what he'd be capable of doing, and what his future goals would be."

Naota thought that was a good idea.

"Yeah, please do that. In the meantime, Vali-san. You and I should be heading over to Naberius quickly. Thankfully, we are already looking for the girls, and are pinpointing their location, so lets end Naberius."

Vali nods, and Naota makes a few calls himself.

He didn't want to leave Ravel alone, should Naberius appear, so he also made a call.

Soon afterwards, Serafall arrived, and Naota explained the situation to her, so she gave a thumbs up.

"Aah! Go get him Nao-chan! Ravel-chan and I have this here! I'll send some people to Naberius's place!"

"Thanks!"

Naota waved, and the pair of him and Vali soon left the area to go and deal with Naberius.


On their way there, via teleporting to his lands directly, Vali glanced at Naota.

"I feel somewhat saddened."

Naota raised a brow.

"Oh? What about?"

"Naberius isn't strong enough to class as an interesting opponent, I was hoping for a good fight."

"Well, he might always have a trick up his sleeve~" Naota enticed the young girl, who began looking interested. "You never know, he is a sneaky guy. Besides, I'll take down Naberius if you don't want to, as you said he himself isn't that strong so it shouldn't take long at all. Don't worry Vali-san, I promised you a strong opponent, so I'll definitely deliver~"

Vali nods.

But then she stops, when she sees that Naota was beginning to light up.

Naota also noticed it, and looked down in bewilderment.

"Someone's calling me now?"

"Who?"

Naota shrugged his shoulders.

"Its the emergency teleportation...hmm, the signature summoning me...it feels like...Youkai. And the only Youkai I gave this too...alright, I have to go Vali-san. In the meantime, could you go to Naberius?"

"Sure, I do hope he has another surprise for me to fight."

Naota lightly laughed, it was rather like Vali to say something like that.

Soon enough, the light wrapped around him, and he vanished out of existence, so Vali made her way to Naberius in order to take him down.


Meanwhile, back with Kuroka and Shirone, the former was increasingly getting tired. Shirone on the other hand wished she'd be able to do more. She hated seeing her elder sister take on this burden alone.

But she wasn't strong enough to fight the chimeras right now, she didn't have the capacity to take them down.

Only Kuroka did.

Though as the battles waged on, Kuroka was increasingly becoming tired.

She fought off the chimeras well, and had been able to do so for a good few days now.

Though even she needed breaks, and she barely had any since this began, only small intervals between breaks, Shirone herself knew she had to do something, so she clutched the card Kuroka received from Naota.

She knew Kuroka was hesitant to trust others, Shirone wasn't sure either.

But right now, she knew that there were fading chances that Kuroka would be able to deal with these enemies.

"...Onee-sama…"

"Stay back Shirone. I've got this."

Kuroka didn't have it.

She did have the will to fight, but she was bleeding.

She was injured a good deal.

She was in pain, and she was tiring at the moments went by.

She had taken out a good dozen and a half already, along with dodging attacks from others that happened to be in the area. Either other Devils Naberius had made sure would go there, or other enemies, she assumed Naberius had set up.

"Damn this bastard...if I could only...no, even if I went to the Underworld now, I'd not have the time to sense for him. The Underworld would be all over me, and Shirone...Shirone, I have to protect her, she's the only one I have left…!"

She had to do something, to make it through this.

So when another chimera appeared, despite her fatigue, Kuroka launches herself forward, and leaps right as a fireball crashes into the ground.

"Die you bastard!"

Exhaling, Kuroka placed her hands out, and went to form a sphere of Senjutsu and Youjutsu, when she saw from the chimera she fought, ice shot off in shards for her being, so she formed a wall of energy before her to protect herself.

The ice shattered across the barrier, but in her weakening state, Kuroka was feeling the effects for sure, and wasn't sure how long she will be able to fight.

"Haaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah!"

Kuroka used her power to cause the earth to turn muddy underneath the chimera, causing its body to sink deep into the ground, so she used this chance to leap forward, placing her hand upon the chimeras face, and unleashed a volley of her power.

She managed to destroy the head of the chimera, causing it to crumble down to the ground, and when she thought she had a break, a Stray Devil came out, a lion like claws that slashed at her, and with its speed, she was unable to avoid fully, so she received two slices across her upper body.

She let out a cry of pain, Shirone murmured "No...Onee-sama, I have to do something…" and took the card fully in her hand.

Kuroka fell down to the ground, as the Stray Devil shot high into the air, and tried to come down on top of her to claw her body into pieces.

"Haaaaaaaaaaah!"

Kuroka managed to direct her hand upwards, releasing a blast of Senjutsu that ripped through the Stray Devil.

She breathed hard, and fast, trying to regain her strength.

But it was short lived as Naberius sent another chimera after her.

When she tried to move, her energies failed her, as did her body and she felt sickly.

"This is it Kuroka! You're finished!"

She didn't have the strength to fight anymore.

But she also wished to protect Shirone, so she pushed her body hard.

She did her best, though her body wouldn't allow it, she simply didn't have the energy to continue on.

Just as Kuroka was about to be taken down, suddenly a spear emerged from the sky, and riding on top of that, Naota embedded the spear deep into the earth, along with that running it right through the chimera that was going to kill Kuroka.

Kuroka and Shirone both released a breath they didn't realize they had been holding.

Naberius was stunned to silence, all the while Naota glanced at him.

As he did, Shirone who clutched the card tightly, thought "So, the card was right. Use this...and it summons him...he came...Onee-sama...he came to protect you and I…" as she was thankful that Naota was there now, and especially seeing that Naota was giving strong angry eyes to Naberius.

Naberius himself even in hologram form, was unsettled by the timely arrival of Naota.

"Ooh Naberius, it looks like we keep running into one another huh? Sorry, but this is the end of the line for you, for that, I'm sure."

Fear began to etch itself into Naberius.

Seeing Naota before his eyes.

He knew now...that was the end of it.

Naota, had found him out, and if he didn't kill him there and then, then Naberius knew, Naota would finish him and knew he had one card to play...


End chapter!

So this chapter deals with Naota and the others coming across a few hidden away things that Naberius has been up to, while Shirone and Kuroka do their best to avoid Naberius. While they did, Vali and Naota discussed a few things for the future. Akeno and Naota begin getting closer. Ravel also has begun trying to learn more about Naota.

Now, onto the whole Issei/Isane debate. It seems that it is pretty even after I counted all the votes, so I'm going to leave it for another chapter. But thanks to everyone who voted so far!

And peerage/harem suggestions always welcome, and thanks to everyone who has suggested so far!

Well, until next time, thanks for reading!

Naota's peerage

Queen; Vali.

Rooks; Koneko, Xenovia.

Bishops; Kuroka, Ingvild (mutation).

Knights; Lint, Free.

Pawns; Ravel (x2), Elmenhilde (x1), Le Fay (x1), Rest Free.

Naota; Serafall, Sona, Vali (fem), Kuroka, Koneko, Ravel, Akeno, Xenovia, Le Fay, Ingvild, Lint,