Chapter 23
It is not work if you enjoy it.
Colloquialism Minor Chapter 51
Kuoh City Issei's home Tuesday.
Hadrian was so happy to be helping his Empress heal. A team of doctors had gently moved Ingvild to the forge and then to the home. Hadrian had been there every step of the way. Holding her hand in support. His personal lady had smiled at him that she appreciated him so very much. This gave him more purpose than ever serving his former king. She had lied to him. Seduced him and then after she reincarnated him. The mask fell. She was evil. She had treated the peerage terrible. They suffered abuse from her. Hadrian had hoped that he was still somewhere in her still loved. But she had never absolutely loved him.
Ingvild loved him for his kindness and willingness to help her. That was better than the false love that Hadrian had experienced. He would never leave his lady. His enhancements would come later. The three others ahead of him would become generals of the Emperor of Mankind. He would be a guardian of the peace.
When Ingvild needed water he helped. When she needed the basic paste that would be her food for a long while he immediately went to get it. His other helper was a female nurse who had stepped up immediately. She was also a former devil. Her king had hurt her too. She had been a rook. But that was the past. Nursing was her future. She helped the Empress to the bathroom and for washing.
Sona had visited Ingvild again after contracts were done that afternoon. Tsubaki was with her. Ingvild made a new friend. Tsubaki liked the third.
Tsubaki had enjoyed a very pleasant meal of Korean with Jeanne on Sunday. She had not liked it that Jeanne lit a cigarette. But she could see hints of why her highly likely other was like that. She had just remarked to Jeanne that the cigarette was only a slight turn off. But only asked Jeanne to please try and quit. Tsubaki knows Jeanne's condition. She had gaped at the perpetual. But it was only in surprise. Their relationship was being built. Jeanne had nodded and then said.
"I will try. For you. I know it is not a good thing. Even with my gene. But I will try. I get shakes when I do not smoke. But I plan on seeing Asia and seeing if there is something to help kick the stick. I understand that you do not like it."
Tsubaki smiled and had hugged the blonde. That she knew it was bad was good. That Jeanne got shakes from not smoking was awfully bad. Tsubaki had promised to help Jeanne on those days. That had made Jeanne so incredibly happy. When she saw Issei tonight she would thank him. The perpetuals had agreed that Tuesday was the real day they could all commit to for their club. The second day would vary. Jeanne was very eager to see them. To thank Issei for bringing her and Tsubaki together. Jeanne liked the other so very much.
Ingvild also met Rias and her peerage. Issei had brought them after their contracts were done to his home. Rias had been shocked by the sight of the purple haired woman. But she immediately tried to help in what ways she could. Koneko was watching everything with wider eyes. She had stared at Daliea and Cawl who were here to talk with their dad. Koneko had slammed herself against Daliea and had babbled thanks to her for her brother and her race's future. Daliea had just patted the nekoshou and told her that she was very welcome.
Akeno had not left Akio's side. They were lost in their own world. Akeno had a throne agent symbol. She had smashed Issei against her chest before they left for the home thanking him for what he had done. The Inquisition people had left for Akio's office for introductions to the others. Rias was eager to see Daliea's forge. Kiba had been busy finishing up his contracts and had been especially busy today thus unavailable when Issei had been at the ORC building.
Kiba was here now and was begging Cawl to let him help design his knight. He was shocked to learn that he could eventually pilot a god machine. That had made him happier. Kiba was eager to have both. But swore his sword's until then.
When Rias and the others saw the forge. Dreams became reality. Rias watched the equipment being made. She watches the red robed adepts repairing the machines. Her ship will one day be built like this.
Kiba had seen the chainswords. A spare sword was handed to him by a scion who was off duty. The sword was so much better than his copy. To know it is true use. To protect others. Kiba wanted to serve more.
Koneko saw the medical stations. She saw men and women being helped for various reasons. She had considered that. But she instead helps give samples to the drug that will fix the fertility problems. They were close to a working product.
Akeno liked her new work mates. Ellen did make her gasp for a second. But that immediately went away. To learn that the other woman had a gene that led to her blank condition. Akeno had slammed Ellen into a hug. The blank will never get used to that. Her brother was just a clerk. But he was paid well. He had started a relationship with a swan youkai who was working in the growing administrative branch of the imperium.
Gasper was here in spirit. Akio had attached a video camera for the boy. So, he could meet everyone. He had several computers brought to him by red robed adepts who were part of the small inquisition retinue of their order. He had met a fellow Dampier. The woman had smiled at him and the two had hit it off. They had shared emails. Gasper started looking for people who knew the runes on the brand. He and Akeno were sickened to know what it did. Thus, the new acolyte had dug harder. He wants to help the branded.
Rias wants help more. Especially when she learns what Sona Issei and Ingvild do. Five strays had come. Rias feels shame that she had been about to hurt them. But Issei had stopped her. Then he showed the other king the hope.
In Ingvild's room the trio worked to remove the pieces. The strays cry. Like many they had been abused. Rias feels such guilt. She had killed many strays. She never knew why they had become like that. She strives to send strays here. To her Emperor and the Empresses. To help those in chains. That would be her penance for those who came before. She was shocked to learn of the nearly made drug. That Sona was using that as part of her dowry. It would make Issei into a political monster. He would have power comparable to the Satans. She saw the end game there. She joined Sona in giggling. That was great vengeance. Sona could as his betrothed demand anything she wanted from the nobility who had scorned her. To learn that the school would serve as the basis for an education system that the Imperium would use. That was better revenge.
Rias had hugged her friend for how lucky she was. The best school system. The best man. Rias was extremely happy for her friend. Karma was coming. Sona had just smiled so bright at the coming storm. Her mother was going to visit on Thursday. She would meet Issei. She would see him truly. The drug would be ready on Friday and trials could begin with the volunteers Ravel had promised.
Rias had joined Sona in Ingvild's room. The three women had begun gossiping. Hadrian had taken a room nearby and Ingvild had promised to call if she needed anything. The black haired man had bowed before leaving.
The three women had enjoyed the night. New friends were truly made. Koneko has asked Issei what she could do.
"Do only what is possible for you. And I see you want to try something with me. I am not opposed. But we might not click. Just a fair warning. I cannot see your path easily."
Koneko wants him badly. He was not a pervert. He was a savior. But she understood what he was saying. It was true. They might not click. Just like so many girls at the school had not clicked. But he had never destroyed the others chances of having a relationship again. But Neoth gave her hope.
"I want to work on the environment projects. I want to restore Earth. To make it better than before. For my brother. And the ones to come. That is what I want. I like battle. But peace will be my calling. I want that. I will give everything for that."
Many lines collapsed. Many new ones were made. The vast majority were good. Issei smiled at the commitment. Gaia took note. She almost rejected the nekoshou. But Neoth stopped her. Gaia saw the new lines. The spirit of Earth saw her second champion. A devil was that second. Gaia could not believe it. But her feelings softened. The hell cat wanted to leave a better legacy. She was often free of the rook. But even in those she remained a devil. She would put everything to bettering Gaia.
Issei felt his second patron acceptance of Koneko. Koneko felt it too. Her eyes widened. Gaia had whispered in her ear.
"Help my body recover champion. That you are Neoth's bugs me. But I helped cause suffering on my first champion. You will be part of my penance to him for what my spirit did. Your line is more certain now."
Koneko weeps. To know Gaia herself had seen her oath. She remembers the words Veina had said earlier before she and her brother had departed.
"I wish to burn as brightly as you Emperor of man. So that others will want to as well. Please consider me. I want a strong husband. But we will see where we land."
Issei gently took Koneko's hand.
"I will. Would that we all burned as bright. We can try. And tell Gaia I am not mad at her. Tell her I just want to see my parents one last time. That is all I want."
Gaia will help Neoth there. Her champion deserves to see them. Gaia looks to the new god. He is still an asshole. But he was trying so hard for redemption. Gaia will advocate for Issei.
Koneko is given data slates. They are all environmental data. Gaia helps her Hell Cat. Koneko sees the hints of the plan needed. She nodded. She will study. Her gluttony is fed by data not sweets. Issei smiled and the two sat for a bit before he left for his club. Koneko wants to kiss his cheek. She did get to thanks to Neoth several trees. Issei was a pervert in them. But he was still the kind man he was here. She sees herself with him there. It is hope.
Perpetual club Forge of Dreams.
Issei is the second of the four too enter. Irina is here first. She has brought a new thing to try. It is a type of soda. Issei chuckles and sits next to her. He grabs one bottle.
"The others are going to be late. Akio is with Akeno. Jeanne is smoking really quickly. She will be here soon."
Irina has an evil smirk on her face.
"He is getting teased so badly tonight. It has been a busy weekend for us. We have twenty recruits. Most are nuns. But several are pastors from the United States. They want to liberate the hold outs Diego and Xenovia are telling us about. I want to help them too. The Race has been horrible to them. I see however the race on the planet has been steadily resisting. When can we help them?"
"When Elon gets his forge. We will try to get a ship prepared eventually. But we need another STC. And a shit ton of land. Till then I will ask asshole to help the other god. But we are close to getting the land. There is an election coming up that will get us a place to operate from. The hydra there is preparing to help the newly formed Unification Party there win the Election. We will get a country that has potential. The forge will go there."
"What country?"
Issei chuckled.
"It is a surprise. The Unification Party there exploded fast. They have a particularly good chance of winning. The head Alpharius on the continent is based there. They will do everything they can to help. The previous head and his party had a massive scandal. It is shaking everyone up. This election is an emergency one. The government needs to form a new coalition."
Irina hates her friend when he slips into being Alpharius. But she really liked the two who made the hydra. Those sons were good people. Did sad things. But they had taken on a duty that was treasonous. They tried to be loyal sons to humanity first. Even if it was the species doom.
"I will watch the news then. When is the election?"
"In two months. The Unification Party has an exceptionally good candidate. They will win hearts and minds. The party exploded onto the scene. The two other major candidates are concerned."
"Let them be. Even if we fail the party gets publicity. And it will inspire more to join the others."
"Exactly. Speaking of people. Here is Jeanne."
Jeanne walked into the room. When she saw Issei she hugged him hard. Tsubaki had just messaged her for a second date on Friday.
"Your a prick. But thank you for helping get us together. I am going to try quitting the smokes tomorrow. I want to be better for her."
"Your welcome Jea. You guys are doing well. And the prick is your god."
Jeanne laughs but knows that the insult was mostly in jest there. Neoth could be an ass. She takes a seat and grabs a bottle. The three of them start playing cards. Akio does not show up that night. But they do not blame him. Irina promises vengeance. But she is happy that Issei found his third.
"She sounds nice. That she is a psyker is surprising. I did not think psykers were being born with the gene that early."
"They were. I managed to find something out. We in the ancient past had exceedingly early psykers. They performed a grim ritual. They sacrificed themselves to birth humanity's greatest champion. They were trying for Neoth. But they got me. I am a much better choice in my not humble opinion. A second part of the ritual was to suppress the psyker gene. It would only come up again when the champion came. We are going to have a psychic awakening in a few decades. Why the Ordo silence is going to get more blanks. Sona has already included a section for new psykers in her school. It will be in all schools to come."
Irina sees the ritual. That a thousand people had committed suicide to give the ritual power. That was sad. Jeanne asked to see it. Issei touched the French woman's hand. Jeanne gasped. She is sad now too. Issei cheered them up.
"They did that for good reasons. They saw the greater good. They understood that they would be protecting their children yet unborn. I will make a place for all their names on the wall of martyrs. They should be remembered as true heroes. Not forgotten. When we get Malta. I will buy the land where they gave their lives, and their wall and story will be there for future generations to see."
The words made the other two feel better. They wanted to know the head of the coven's name. Issei could not pronounce it. They all agreed to call her Gina.
Mongolia former OSF base Wednesday.
Le Fay opened their portal and Team Vali entered the field. Valintina was ready to fight. She was curious about the reports that she had read. Laser guns and tanks. Swords that had chainsaw blades. Guns that made a person explode when they got hit. That sounds like fun.
She wants to fight them. Valintina was a battle fanatic. She wanted to battle so that she could beat the red one. Valitina had no clue or hint of their identity. All she and Albion know is that they are awake. If even a hint of the reports were true. That would be excellent practice.
Arthur was studying the landscape. He was the team strategist. Agamemnon and Perseus were frontline fighters with Vali. Biwko was the mid with Arthur and Le Fay and Kuroka were the back line. Percy was a decent hoplite. Agamemnon was a two handed sword user. His gear was an extraordinarily strong twice critical. Percy could reinforce his body with his gear. He was a juggernaut in that state. Arthur used the last of the seven parts of Excalibur. Biwko was a clone maker. Some for the front and some for the back. Kuroka was the raw magic powerhouse. Le Fay was the support. Valitina just punched everything to death and had Divine Dividing.
They were a good combination of strengths. Arthur sees the first signs of their hunt. Le Fay the second.
"There were a lot of troops here. About a hundred. If I am guessing right."
Le Fay speaks up.
"Valitina-sama there were multiple portals. I cannot see the original makers, however. They have mixtures of nearly all the magicians' guilds."
Vali nodded her head. She was a very nonverbal person. A lingering effect from childhood. But the others understood what she had ordered. They began to move forward. Arthur makes the team more nervous with his next observation.
"They had tanks all right. They did not make much of a mark till the stopped here. The infantry formed up behind them."
There were indeed four marks where treads had been. Vali gets excited. She has not fought tanks before. That a faction in the supernatural world was using them was interesting. Le fay answered why no tracks before were found.
"More portals. Big ones. Cannot see the signatures again. Whomever it is has magicians who are good."
This was getting Vali really excited. The others not so much. They continued on following the treads and their trail. Biwko makes the next discovery. He sniffed the air. Kuroka smelled it too. They move towards the top of the hill, and they find a jaw bone. Vali tilts her head in asking. Biwko responds.
"There was a lot of blood and guts here. They are everywhere. Up here. Maybe these guys do have guns that do the explosion stuff?"
Kuroka nodded. She knows they do. If they could make nekoshou clones then she could believe everything in the reports. She does not ever want to fight that. But she has an out. Make the bird over your chest. Arthur identifies the jawbone.
"It is a hell hound. I do not like this Vali. I am starting to think the bastards are not crazy."
Vali speaks for the first time. Her voice is quite musically inclined. But she has no interest in that.
"I am hoping that it is all real. At least it is not us and that these fucks were OSF."
They all nodded in agreement. The OSF were bastards. But they had valuable uses for Ophis. Vali had several moles that were helping her get information on her ultra bastard family. She hates all the brigade. They were all degenerates. She likes that this enemy was butchering bases. But Ophis had promised her the fight of a lifetime. Great Red. That and the initial information made Vali leave Grigori. She was personally loyal to Ophis. Her team by extension was too. They continued.
Halfway down the hill were several burn marks in the steppe. Vali grins more. Laser guns indeed. No bodies, however. Le Fey sees drag marks. Arthur verbally says it.
"They stayed to collect the bodies. That is nice of them."
Percy says his first words.
"Vali. Look at the base."
The team looks. They see the base. And the field around its front. There are lots of scorch marks. Some are massive. Le Fay turns her magic sight on. She gasped.
"Valitina-sama. There are the remains of several war golem signatures. I do not like these tanks. They also blew several holes in the outer wall."
Vali grins more. This was great! Her team does not agree. They move forward. They calculate the scorch heat. Le fay does not like them at all. Biwko pulls two hairs from his now revealed tail. He created two clones. They rush off to investigate. Agamemnon looks at one massive crater. There in the heart of it was a war golem power core.
"This is bad. These tanks can kill war golems. They are dual cannons. Thus, the size. It is a single shot."
Vali has a shark grin now. This is going to be a good fight. She wonders if she can divide the shots. They continue forward. The see the holes made by blasts and by the tanks crushing the wall. They find a clone. He is shaking. Biwko asked his double.
"What did you find?"
The clone does not say anything. It just popped. Biwko gets its memories. He now shakes. The others see it. That is very not good. Vali spoke again.
"What did you see?"
"Boss lady. I like you a lot. But I will not fight him. Now that I know that these are his men. I am not coming to help anyone when they show up."
That makes it worse. Biwko was one of the bravest people they all know. The second clone comes out from the base. In his hands is a standard. It is a two headed bird with talons with one holding lightning bolts, the other is holding a planet. The team all pale to bone white. Even Vali to a degree. They had seen the symbol before. It was the banner of the Red Angel.
They had caught a glimpse of the bird on his chest piece during the ratings game broadcast last weekend. Ophis wanted him for her army. He was a monster of war. He was the single most feared warrior on earth.
Vali wanted to fight him. But she knows he will kill her. It would be the second greatest fight of her life after Great Red. She admired the Red Angel. He knew honor. She was a small fan girl of his. Oh, how she wished sometimes that she could be his. But those wishes were just that. Wishes, he was a monster that made terrorists shiver in their boots. You do not fuck with him.
That he has an army now. That is terrifying. They must have his weapons. That they were scaling up. That these had been most likely humans. Vali knows now they will never fight this army easily. Agamemnon is shaking. Le Fay is fangirling. She likes the Red Angel for fighting for humans. Arthur is quivering. Biwko is looking at the standard. He would not help the rest of the brigade. Percy was fanboying with Le Fay. Kuroka is happy.
The black cat knows now that he leads the hydra. He is killing the brigade. Good riddance. Stay mad Ophis. Because you just made an enemy that will destroy you. Her god tells her that The Red Angel is his avatar. That he is remarkably close to being able to kill gods. That he will kill Ophis. That makes everything Kuroka is seeing worth it. That he helped her sister and her with their situation. Oh, that is the strongest man. She wants his kittens.
Vali nodded. They would report to Ophis. The infinity dragon was extremely interested in the Red Angel. If she got the Angel to work for her. Plus, his army. The bases lost to him would be considered beyond acceptable losses. Ophis does appear at that moment.
The Infinity dragon had opened a portal next to her most trusted lieutenant. She sees the bird. She too had watched the game. Its broadcast had been hijacked by a pure blood who was actually loyal to her. She wants the Angel now more than ever. Her appearance usually inspired fear in her subordinates. But that fear was now for the Angel. Vali grunted to Ophis.
"We are not fighting him. I like you boss. But I also like living. I am not fighting his army either. Unless I have absolutely no choice. The rest of us are in agreement."
Team Vali nodded in support. The dragon did not like that. She does not understand fear. But she wants the Angel badly. She does not care. She is about to order them to anyway. But Ophis notes that the team will attack her if she does. Is the Red Angel really that scary? The loli dragon just shrugged. This could be good too. Truly rid her bloated organization of the weak. The strong left would help her kill Great Red.
That ass was annoying. His damn tricks made Ophis feel what others described as rage. The Red Angel could help her immensely. In her usual emotionless voice Ophis replied.
"Whatever. Cat. You have sweets yes?"
Kuroka nodded. She and the rest of the team besides Vali sweat dropped. The black cat pulls out a box of donuts and hands them to Ophis. The infinity dragon gains a bare hint of emotion now. Desire. She takes the box then opens a portal for them to leave. The team follows their boss. The standard is re planted by the last clone. He then pops.
Dimensional Gap.
Great Red was having fun. Another kick ass trick! He was the coolest being in the universe! Well. There was another that was pretty kick ass too. That Red Angel guy. He was cool. His dreams were multiplying. Now many share them. Great Red liked the other a lot. He had such cool ideas. Spaceships. Empires that span galaxies. That was very cool. It makes Great Red want to go see the other. He also likes that he is foiling Ophis. The Infinity dragon was really pretty in her real form. He had tried to impress her. But she hated the noise. Great Red felt bad for that. Ophis thought there was a feud between them. He did not think that. He likes her black scales. But that is not going to be possible.
Great Red hates her army. Their dreams were not kick ass. They were overwhelming evil. Fuck the brigade. Great Red likes that the Red Angel hates them too. The death of evil was always commendable. The army the Red Angel has is really kick ass like their boss. Lasers that are red are great! He really wants to see the one who will eventually surpass him and Ophis. A human at that too! Great Red might ask for advice on how to win Ophis. The Red Angel has a harem! He understands and absolutely loves his others.
There are other things that Great Red likes about the future Emperor. He has that Mechanicus thing. Those god machines are so kick ass! Everything that they are becoming is sweet.
Great Red feels the new god here. He looks at the new. The god looks back without fear. Great Red adds him to his kick ass list. The Apocalypse Dragon of Dreams looks at the god. The god sees something. Then he smiles.
"I see you are a huge fan of my son. I can get you an autograph. Plus, he might be able to help you with Ophis. I want her dead. But that might not be a clever idea. Plus, you seem ok. Just a little bit of a delinquent."
Great Red huffs. He was not a delinquent! But help might be needed with Ophis. And he does not want her dead. He growls to the god.
"You kill her, or he does, and I will not like you both. I get that she is not doing good things. But I like the other. She is ok when she does not have sycophants. I get your point though. Tell your son to help her too. But she is the mate I want! He has plenty!"
The god is amused. Before he gapes.
"Her being bad is because of you! Because you tried to impress her with tricks!"
Great Red blushes an incredible thing on a massive red dragon. But he nods.
"I miscalculated. I am sorry about that. But she is beautiful. I want strong kids."
The god sighed.
"Fair. I had a similar experience. But I want you to help my son. Your payment for making her do this."
The dragon nods. That is fair. He really was sorry for that. He just could not go anywhere else but the gap. He gets people. Mostly. Ophis does not. The dragon sighed.
"Done. I will help him. He is kick ass. But please get me help with her. I learned my lesson. I will be better for her."
The god sighs again. Why does everything always lead back to problems with mates? Great Red sees that thought train. He blushed again.
"I like the black. Contrasts well with my scales. But Ophis is like those blank ladies. In terms of her understanding anything. I would give her back the gap. If that would help. But she wants to kill me. She cannot. I keep parts of our tree working. So does she. You probably saw that."
"I did. Thus, why I said it was probably bad to kill her utterly. But she torments my people. She allows the vermin to do what they want. That she does not understand emotions is something I could guess. But is it really like that?"
"Yeah. I know she has things to pay for. But I want her to get help. I and her are opposites. And well. I am attracted by that. But I understand wanting to kill her."
The god sighs again.
"I will make your case to him. But he really hates me. And with good reason. But I will try to help you too. You and she are way too deeply intertwined with the tree."
Great Red nodded. They really were. Still help was appreciated.
"I get that he will probably have to hurt her badly. I know he is not sadistic unless there is really good reason. But please make him see that he does not have to be too much. We both can help him. He will eventually be stronger then both of us combined. But Ophis is just lost."
Neoth hates being this. He hates being a god. Oh, how he wished he had truly died at the end.
"He hates me. But I will try. She really made him angry. He is like me and loves humanity."
"I know. His dreams are wonderful. I will do what I can with Unification. Hard to stop a lot of it now. I do like this version of him. My others always complain to me about those hims. Too many wet dreams. I like that I get the kick ass one. I make most of the others wish he were in their trees. There is one where he is my son. Ophis is the mom. She becomes great there. That him and her like this tree a lot. Issei there does too. He became a fan of your universe and played the tabletop with his harem there. And no, he was not a chaos player. His army was guard."
That makes Neoth feel better. To learn his universe was formed for a tabletop game had royally pissed him off. But he could not destroy the original tree. The big guy above all would not let him do that. Still to know a version of Issei had played guard as his army was nice. He was curious now though.
"What were the others in the harem playing?"
Great Red was silent for a minute. He then replied.
"Well. Akeno, who is the main one there played guard too. She and Issei were an exceptionally good double team. The black cat. Kuroka? She played Orks. She really likes the daka. Then there were the other two. Asia played Sisters. She was vastly different there and finally there was the Valkyrie. She played Necrons. Like the logical part of them a lot. But she played the least. The hobby was not cheap. But she liked their game nights. I and Ophis played too. I was Space Marines. Really liked the wolves. Ophis liked Custodies. She enjoyed the stoicism. That silence thing never went away."
Weird. There were only five there? Great Red saw the question.
"Yeah only five. He was nice there too. He did not play favorites either. That Issei wishes to say hi to this one. Technically Sona played too. She and the queen would fight Issei and Akeno a lot. They were at fifty/fifty there last I heard. The two others played Mechanicus. They all did fun nights about once a week."
Strange. Neoth would pass that on. The two discussed several other things. They both, however, tried to be friendly to each other. Great Red here was ok. Just a love struck idiot. He admitted that openly. Still when Neoth was not busy he would try to be friends with the dragon. The god club was helping him a lot.
Kuoh City Thursday after school.
Issei was here with Sona and Rias. They were talking after school in the ORC building. Issei had actually just finished saying hi to one of his other hims. Neoth had told him the event yesterday between him and Great Red. Oh he was absolutely pissed he could not kill Ophis. That stupid dragon gave the rest of them a really bad name. Great Red was an absolute idiot. Did he really think tricks would impress Ophis? Issei had sighed when he saw several trees where the Apocalypse dragon did the same stupid thing.
He did like that other him though. He was nice and also was not a pervert. He was apparently a huge fan of his now. Just like his parents. Sona had been amused by the other her. That the other her was a Mechanicus player made Sona happy. That the other tree her and Issei were equal there with victories was funny. Rias however did not like that her. That her was kinda mean. She there was bitter that Issei did not want to marry her. Akeno had been freed by some very weird ritual.
Sona patted Rias.
"You get used to it. Do not feel bad about yourself. I have some very weird others. One of them is a massive pervert who wants the school for a harem of male students. She is very weird."
That makes Rias feel a bit better. Still felt bad for that Akeno. But the three had moved to discussing plans for the drug. Rias would get ten volunteers from a few houses that were sworn to her family. Her mother nodded in confusion at the request but was happy to help more. Rias promised that it was good. Her mom had smiled before the two had talked about a few family gossip things.
Like Zectus getting happy drunk with Lord Sitri. They apparently had hung a very badly drawn picture of the now imprisoned for life former Lord Sallos. They had hung it on the Gremory chandelier. Grayfia had signed before burning it and then escorted the two drunks to a room before locking it and not letting them out till later that day.
Sona was nervous. Her mother was coming over tonight. But Issei had reassured her that their lines were actually particularly good. Serafall had spoken very well of him. Renee Sitri had liked the human a lot apparently. Issei was relieved to finally know what Sona and Serafall had been giggling about evilly. A damn book and a tv show! He had at least been happier the show was not Oppai Dragon.
Rias had asked if he really had a show called that? Issei sighed before showing Rias. The red head laughed after the vision was over. She liked the theme song. She also liked that she was the main heroine. Not so much the very poorly hidden lust. But that Issei had been ultra sweet even with the perversion.
Sona had a love hate relationship with Oppai Dragon. She likes the theme song too. She saw a few trees where she was the heroine. But that was bad because Serafall made several attempts to 'rescue' her from Issei. While being in her damned magic girl personality. That here it was a split rather than her true personality, like it was in so many trees made Sona forgive her sister more for the acts. She still disliked it. But she would try to smile more for Serafall.
Serafall had been happily enjoying a martini when she sneezed. It was a good sneeze this time. Her martini flying to hit a GKF assassin who was preparing to kill the Satan in vengeance for the actions on Monday by a very enraged filled lover of one of the arrested. The drink exposed the very well hidden assassin. Serafall had immediately drowned the man in a whirlpool. On his corpse was a note from the lover. Serafall grins more. Thanks Sona! More arrests!
Sona sneezes. Issei sees something. Rias cocked her head. Issei laughed. It was a belly laugh. The laugh makes Sona happy.
"What is so funny?"
"You saved your sister from an assassin. The man had the names of two more big GKF people. That is another three houses from the minor nobles who will now vote NKF. That is funny. All because you were nicer to Serafall. She would have survived the attempt. But the assassin would have escaped. Barely."
Rias joined in the laughing. Sona does too.
Forge of Dreams Akio's office Thursday.
Akeno was watching her Inquisitor give orders to the storm trooper's captain. The French woman had nodded in acceptance to them. They had the reinforcements. Three griffin tanks two earthshakers and the bears. They had enough for the base. Fleur was leading the operation. The earth shaker cannons were both commanded by a very crazy human man from Mexico who had been cackling happily in Spanish with his crews who were mostly from South America. The second gunner leader was an American, but she knew Spanish too and was just as crazy. Their cannons read apparently on the barrels.
From the Americas with love.
Akio had shaken his head.
"You should have just written from Terra with love. Damn crazies."
The cannon commander had simply shrugged. Lawrence was happy to help the attack. He has seventeen squads of scions now. So, a hundred and seventy troops. That plus the griffins and the cannons would soften up the base. The cannons were to lay a barrage on the camp to keep the Hero Faction's heads down while the tanks and the bears with the storm troopers advanced. They who were Alpharius in Vietnam had easily cordoned off the operation area. They were eager to get rid of the Hero Faction who had been launching a massive recruiting campaign on the country's sacred gear users.
Akio had given a second objective.
"Take some branded alive if possible. Gasper thinks we have a possible rune smith that can understand the runes. The man is reclusive, but we need the help. He is busy contacting him."
Fleur had nodded in understanding. She would assign her second to the operation. The man was ready to do as asked. When she asked what kind of rounds the cannons were using the commander from them replied. In decent French to her that the rounds they were using would be mostly nonlethal. They did have rounds for lethal use, but the nonlethal ones were just designed by Cawl to knock people off their feet and discombobulate them. The lethals were for when they needed to punch a hole through any major resistance that the tanks who would be supporting the infantry could not hit.
The army was still outnumbered two hundred infantry vs five hundred. But the tanks and the cannons made the fight better. The next major operation was going to be against Pantier's base in Russia. Issei was going to lead that. Five regiments were being deployed there. The Janissaries and the others.
Akio would start the mark when the guns fired their first salvo. Akeno did not understand that term. Akio explains that it was how they were measuring time for battles. She nodded at that. When the officers had left to prepare she had touched his hand.
"Gasper will get the rune smith. He is very convincing when he does not have to talk to people face to face. He led a guild in an mmo for three months and apparently they were really good at what they did. He still talks to a lot of them."
Akio snorted in amusement.
"That is funny. But I believe you. Want to get coffee? I know it is sudden but."
Akeno gasped at the invitation before pulling her Inquisitor out of the office.
Kuoh City Issei's home that evening after school.
Sona was happily setting the table for dinner. Her mother would be here in five minutes. Issei was making dinner for the three of them. Her mother was a huge fan of Italian and that was what Issei was making. A knock on the front door was heard and Sona had gone to get it. She was dressed in a very casual but beautiful dress of gold. Sona was happy to see her mother had the same type of clothing and it was a deep blue.
Renee Sitri was happy to see Sona again. Her daughter looked happier than when she had last seen her. The black haired woman moves forward and hugs her youngest. Sona returned it. The mother and daughter were close.
"Hello Sona. Your human has helped his boss cause a lot of trouble in the underworld. I am ready to meet him. Serafall says he is wonderful. But I want to form my own opinion on him. Have you really already drawn up your contract with him?"
Sona smiled more.
"Yes mom I have. I love him and plan to be with him. I understand the hesitation. But he is the best man I have ever met or will ever speak to. He has a really good item for my dowry. It and what he will eventually become is worth more than anything and he will make us a name that will be remembered for ten thousand years and probably more."
Renee is curious. What is the main hook? Sona sees the look and grins. Renee sighed. Sona had picked that look of smug superiority up from her when she dressed down her husband when he got into trouble. It was often. He and Lord Gremory were thick as thieves, and they made both of their wives sigh at how much trouble the two caused. But Renee loved her husband deeply. He was good at calming her and being an all around good devil man.
Still Sona could have chosen worse. The duo moved into the home and sat at the dinner table and talked about school and home life. Sona was actually amused by her father and Lord Gremory being drunk and their bad drawing. Renee was too. She had really disliked the former Lord Sallos after he had called Sona a reincarnated lover. Renee was like her husband and daughters very understanding on why the reincarnated were the future. The pillars were not going away but they would become an even more elite few.
The discussion ended when Issei walked in carrying multiple plates of Italian. Renee got her first look at the human. He was very handsome. The hair was weird, but it was unique, and she could not honestly say the three colors were bad. His gold eyes were remarkably interesting. They were always calculating. Always watching for threats. He had seen combat. Renee knew that look because Serafall had the same look. Issei smiled and then placed a plate in front of each person.
Renee looked at her plate. She grinned. It was her favorite type of pasta and sauce. The human was good. But how did he know? Sona saw the look and giggled. Issei just smiled and sat next to Sona. Renee took her first bite. Her eyes widen significantly. This was so particularly good! She must come visit more if this was the standard of food that they had! But unlike Serafall and her scarfing Renee just eats slowly and savors her food. She spoke to the human.
"You are an incredibly good cook. You win a few points there. It is nice to meet you Issei. I am Renee Sitri. You are just raising more questions than answering. That is a good thing. How did you know my favorite food?"
Sona smirked. Issei, however, just smiled and replied.
"It is an exceptionally long story. But how I can know that is part of my charm. It would be easier to show you after dinner."
Renee feels her sin kick into high gear. She was greedy. She had passed that along to Sona.
"I will hold you to that. And Sona wipe the smirk off your face. It may work in terrifying Serafall, but Serafall is extremely easy to tease. She can dish it out but cannot really take it."
Serafall was enjoying her third martini of the day. She then sneezed. This time the drink did not fly. Serafall narrows her eyes. Her mom was talking shit about her! Rude!
Sona does tone down the look, but the smug look is still there. Issei however wins more points by giving a hint.
"I have several unique gifts to my being. They are very rare but one should be more common in a few decades. I do promise it is a good gift. You will like the fact that I can do that and more."
Renee is very eager to learn. But she does like the food. The trio talk about various things and Renee sees that Issei is beyond the point of being a genius. That he was like Sona in that yet was not talking down to people was very good. He had remarkably interesting ideas about machines. And nearly everything else they talked about. Renee likes him increasingly more. The three engaged in a very wonderful talk about magic and Issei makes a few points that have Renee reconsidering a few of the learned positions on devil magic. The human is very well learned. That speaks very well of him.
Renee enjoyed the talk. She enjoyed the fact that Issei had been helping Sona with her school. The fact he was having the Red Angel bring teachers and books to her school was an excessively big surprise. Sona says that she is a fan of the Angel. Renee does not blame her. A devil woman had opened a fan club for the Red Angel and many female devils had joined. He was powerful. That was extremely attractive. He was not sadistic. That made him sought after more by NKF devil women who were trying to be better than their natures. Even a few GKF women were in the club. They mostly wanted the Angel for their peerages, but they too had fallen under his spell.
When dinner was done Issei cleaned the table and Sona and her mother went back to the living room to talk more. Renee smiled at her daughter.
"I can see why you like him. Why Serafall likes him to. He is a wonderful person. What are his hooks? What makes you and him so confident that you both seem certain the nobility will accept your betrothal and then will allow you to marry a regular human?"
Sona smiled before replying.
"Fuck the nobility. I have the greatest person in the world. And he should be bringing the second hook in with him. And no, it is not a trick."
Renee feels the greed kick in more. She really wants to know. Issei comes in with a small medicine box and there is a label on it. Renee saw it and gaped. Her eyes widening to saucer plates. She then looks to the human and then Sona in a quick succession of movements. She does not believe it. Issei smiled further and said.
"It is very real. I helped finish this about an hour before you arrived. It is ready for testing on volunteers, but it should work. Extremely well."
Renee wants to scream. That was the hook! A fertility drug to help their race! Oh, by the MorningStar! That is the fucking hook! Renee sees the human more now. He will make their family powerful. He will make the nobility kiss his ass. He could control how much was made. But Issei wins more points with her.
"The drug will be cheap. Everyone can use it when the testing phase is over. I just want my betrothals to go through. I love Sona and another who has helped with the project. I have other things I bring to the table. The food. I knew it was your favorite because I am what is called a psyker. I can do lots of things with it. Some of it is terrifying. But the best and to a degree worst part is that it is a gene. Any kids Sona and I have at some point can inherit it. There is more but I will wait till the shock is less."
Renee wants to faint. She almost does. But her definite son in law and her daughter catches her and they help her stay conscious. Renee takes ten minutes to get back to somewhat normal. When she does she signed on immediately.
"Give me it! I will test it! Sona do not be surprised if you get a new sibling. If this is real. I will be in your corner forever! You will have my backing and all of our vassals. I will beat my husband black and blue to get him here! I want to hear more about this gene. You said you have other gifts?"
"I do. Please do not beat my father in law up though. You will all be stuck with me. I am also what is called a perpetual. I am a true immortal. I have heard good things about my father in laws and I would like to have a good relationship with them. Please do not faint."
Renee almost does again. Sona is enjoying her smug superiority. Renee let us her have this. This is worth everything. Her baby will get the greatest human man to ever exist for their race. Renee is with him to the bitter end. She always wanted more kids. The Lady of House Sitri smirked and joined her daughter. They cackle together for their victory. This is the best human ever!
Across the underworld male devils regardless of their status break into violent sneezing and they cannot stop it. The female devils feel something. Hope. They join in cackling unsure why, but they can tell it is a very good reason.
Velelana and Grayfia are cackling together. They are very unsure why, but the feeling was overwhelming. Sirzechs and Zectus are very worried. They have been sneezing nonstop for ten minutes and it is not stopping anytime soon. Millicas feels a shiver go up his back. He does not understand why but it is probably a good reason. He is happy his mom and grandma are happy.
Vietnam early Friday morning.
Portals open in the jungle tree line. The Bears and the storm troopers exit them. They began to form lines on the edge of the plains were the former United States base that the Hero Faction had claimed for their center was located. The scions were eager to know that there might be a way to free the branded that was not through a las shot. Gasper had convinced the rune smith to work for the Inquisition. The dwarf was pissed to know that his work had been perverted into the brand. He had growled that he was in. He wants the Hero Faction dead. The brand runes were made to inspire warriors not enslave them! The operation had been delayed so the dwarf could see their work. The short man likes the Mechcanicus. He too likes machines. When the tanks and cannons were ported to the field the dwarf who had been talking to a red robe adept stared at them. Oh yes he would definitely join them.
The infantry formed up. The Bears had made a standard. The bear roaring with Sol behind it. A woman had agreed to carry the banner. She was so very honored to know that the regiment had voted for her to have the honor. That had made tears come up. She loves her warrior kin. The troopers had formed on Fleur, and they had made their oath of moment. The dwarf sees that too. He respects the Emperor more now. This was a man who knew how to treat his warriors.
The gun crews began the Mark when the tanks and infantry prepared for their attack.
Mark 001
Three branded were just watching the jungle line. They could not see anything. But one swore that they had seen something. He was right. A loud bark was heard, and it jolted the entire camp awake. The round exploded on an old artillery piece that several branded were manning. The tale of the OSF base in Mongolia had spread. The inner circle had designated equipment to their bases. They were not OSF stupid. Tanks need anti tank guns to kill them.
The canon exploded violently and sent shrapnel flying everywhere. The branded manning it became the first kills.
Mark 002-008
The tanks moved the infantry followed. Some rode the tanks. Others marched the banner of the Bears flys high. The storm troopers are formed up on the left behind the tank commanded by the devil rook. She spots another artillery piece. She voxs the grid location. The gunners have switched to nonlethal rounds as the Hero Faction forms up. The battery commander tells her they cannot help with that one. The devil nodded. She gives her order.
"Blast that bastard gun off the field."
The las cannon gunner nodded and then sights in.
The branded are forming a wall at the behest of their unbranded commanders. Several are grim. They hear the tanks. This is the Red Angels army. They are more hopeful because they have artillery weapons of their own. That hope is crushed when the second artillery exploded by two massive red lances fired by a tank and the shrapnel hits many of the branded. They are not seriously hurt thankfully. Then the barrage of shells hit the branded. Two shells pop over two big formations of branded and the shells explode and send the contents slamming into the branded. Many are knocked to the ground unconscious. The others have ringing heads. Neoth takes vengeance against two unbranded by having shrapnel from the shells turn lethal and kill both captains. They were horrible people.
Gear users power up and begin a counterattack followed by three artillery pieces. Their shells hit the middle tank. The commander hopes they will pierce. The hope dies. The tank emerges from the shells it had gone forward to draw fire from the enemy batteries. It and its comrades target the artillery. They fired and the guns exploded. The last two guns captains for the base are extremely nervous. If they fire they will die. Their shells are not piercing. This was bad.
The dwarf is watching in awe. He is overly impressed.
"Sign me up for that too lass. I like your Emperor a lot now. Those guns and the tanks are well made. I want to meet this Omnissiah."
The scot sounding dwarf was being truthful the adept was Cornelia. She smirked.
"He is the machine maker made flesh. His mind and his children will spawn more wonderful things. Like starships in fleets that will patrol the galaxy we will take in his name. God machines that will bring death to the enemies of man. Machines that will transform dead hunks of rock to garden worlds. We all serve the Great Work."
The dwarf liked that a lot. He was all in.
"I am happy to serve if that is what we get. I want to see the ships and these god machines. I will bring more of my kin. We are eager to build new things."
Mark 009-015.
The gear users fired their various gifts at the advancing army. Many hit scions or storm troopers. Just as many hit the tanks. Shells kept coming down. An Alpharius in the camp saw that the commander of the base was preparing to flee. She hit her vox.
"Hit the back right building. That is the portal room. He will try to flee with the brands."
Commander White-Owl patches that through to the guns. Both earthshakers switch rounds fast and they target that building. Two rounds are fired. The rounds hit the building taking with it ten magicians who had been preparing escape portals. They all exploded.
The Alpharius meets up with five branded and another Alpharius. The two nodded to one another. The seven move to where the brands are being kept. They burst into the building and kill two unbranded who are going to move the objectives. One of the Alpharius's is a magician. He opened a portal, and three storm troopers appeared. The sergeant sees the brands. The Alpharius's make the bird. The woman informed the sergeant.
"We secured the objectives. Please help us guard them. These brands are ok. One is my brother. I have control of them but please help us get them free."
The Magician fills in more.
"I found that their brands were faulty. I broke a command in them, and they are loyal to us. I deserve punishment for this. I was part of the team that made them. I was told that they would inspire the ones who took them not enslave them. I will pay for my crime after."
The sergeant nodded. He orders the two heavy weapons users to barricade the room and then establish holes to kill anyone trying to get to them. The female unbranded has the five branded move to help them. She touched her brother. He will hopefully be free soon. She had to play the sycophant to get them and him this chance. He will never forgive her. She regrets joining the Hero Faction.
The barrage of shells continued, and the tanks fired together at three different points and opened up the concrete walls. The scions move forward and begin the attack. Storm troopers fire several volleys at branded and knocked many down with only slight burn marks. They will stay down. The banner or the bears moved forward, and the banner carrier roars with those behind her fighting for the branded.
"The Army of Light will free you from your Chains! We the servants of him on Earth."
Gunfire intensified and the roars of chainswords are heard. The tanks blow the last two guns for the base up. Their hesitation had not saved them. The earthshakers stopped firing when the infantry moved forward.
The base commander and his personal guard of branded try to run. They are fucked. The portals were dead. Traitors were holding the brands. The descendant of Ilya Muromets tried to get away so he could tell Cao Cao that they are in serious trouble. A bolter round hits him and the man explodes into a million pieces. His branded go down by las fire. Fleur was happy to put the pig down. Not so much his slaves.
The Mark ends at 020.
A particularly good hidden objective is found that makes many scions and storm troopers feel much better. Four separate buildings are found to have over three hundred gear users from Vietnam and the surrounding countries. They are in cages. Poorly fed and having little water. The prisoners are ecstatic to be freed by the Army of Light. So very many swear to the Aquilla. Their spokesman is surprisingly a Hero Faction man who was imprisoned when he violently objected to the brands in the first place. He was the reincarnation of Skanderbeg. The man had been happy to see the bastard unbranded dead. He also swore to form a new regiment of the Imperial Guard.
"I am the Emperor's. He who is the true hero of humanity. A ruler I will serve with pride. Not that bastard Cao Cao. I march for Terra!"
The chant was picked up by many of the freed.
"We march for the Emperor and for Terra!"
The freed gear users are moved with many of the unconscious and badly burned branded that the storm troopers put to the ground. The two Alpharius's are moved with their branded and the disgusting brands by storm troopers. The freed see the brands. To know that would have been their fate if the Emperor had not saved them. Those who had made no commitments now do. They will join the Unification movements in their countries. Skanderbeg demands to know why the two unbranded are not dead. The female Alpharius snarled at the descendant that it was she who has moved to save the brands in the hope of breaking them. The male Alpharius simply replied that he will serve his sentence of judgment. But that he will help the dwarf truly destroy them. That calms Skanderbeg. But he still punches the magician in the face and breaks his nose. The magician does not resist. He knows he has helped perform a crime against humanity.
Unknown location an hour after the Mark ends Friday.
Ophis is with Vali listening to Cao Cao give decent excuses for why the base is destroyed. Vali wants to punch the bastard to death. She hates Cao Cao so very much. She is happier by the Red Angels men burning that base. If Vali ever meets the Angel she will give him a particularly good reward. If he does not kill her first.
The Infinity dragon does not care. The remaining forces will be culled of the weak. She does not consider that she is considered an insect by the Red Angel. Cao Cao promised that he has a plan to get their army into the dimensional gap. It will take time to do, however. Ophis shrugged. That was why she kept the human around. He was very cunning.
Cao Cao leaves the room with the stupid lizards. He is pissed. That damn bastard that has the very same goal as him is destroying his work. Cao Cao admires the Red Angel. That was a regular human it was incredible. That he was in the ultimate class was astonishing. Cao Cao wondered if the Red Angel was a hero descendant. If he was it explained some. If he was not the Red Angel would be the start of a new hero line. That will be a legacy much like his own. He wishes to meet the Red Angel. To convince him to bring that army of his to the cause. They could purge the supernatural world utterly. Hell, the Red Angel could take over the Hero Faction and Cao Cao would be mostly all right with that.
But that is just a wish. Ophis said to his face that she does not care about the losses. She said it would make stronger warriors to kill Great Red. Cao Cao does not like the logic. But she is not wrong there. Survivors from the battles will be braver. Or more desperate to run should they return. He was not going to get much help. The Hero Faction needs more military hardware. He would have Hercules lead missions to get them. They needed the most current weapons to be able to have a chance against the tanks. He would have to step up his training tactics with the inner circle and their subordinates. They needed to learn how the Red Angel's army operates and where they are based.
Cao Cao will probably have to coordinate with the OSF curs and the Magician faction. To get an attack going. But his plan for the gap has potential. They just need a strong magical focus area to use for the ritual. He has three possible locations in mind. This was troublesome.
An. Yay another done. Some glimpses at The Brigade and Great Red. Great red is an idiot. A very stupid love struck idiot. That he likes Issei a lot is great. That he is connected to the tree with Ophis is. Something else. The tree where Issei is his son and Ophis's is weird. Asia is a combat fanatic there. Akeno is a nicer version of herself. Rossweiss is still cheap. Kuroka likes the orks because of as always funny reasons. She likes the daka. I don't blame that her. Great Red and the wolves is funny. The guard regiments that Issei and Akeno paint and play are Vastroyian and Mordian. That Rias still got help from Issei but was very. Forward there. That Issei did not like that. Rias became bitter. But not antagonistic. She started playing with the crew recently too. She actually played Blood Angels. She is getting curbed stomped by Akeno.
Skanderbeg leading an Imperial Guard regiment is funny. I am inclined to have you guys name it. I like Skanderbeg. He is pretty cool here. Just a little weird in that he is a great strategist but has a small but very notable ego. I mean his ancestor was pretty kick ass so it is understandable.