Mastema.
That was the name of the woman in front of them. The woman cheerily stepped off her throne that vanished the moment she took her foot off. Mastema landed in front of Issei and circled him. She lifted his arm and knocked her hand on his chest.
"You've got some meat on you but I think you'll be fine. I'm sure you have lots of questions to ask me, Ise-chan~!"Mastema said, stepping in front of Issei.
And questions he did have.
"What are you?" Issei asked. "And what did you do to Ddraig?"
"Ddraig is fine. He's just come down with a convenient case of cat got your tongue," Mastema said.
Mastema's smile never faded. She adopted a thinking pose and began to ponder the question herself as if she were having an existential crisis. However, Issei knew that she was just humoring him by pretending to think. After a few seconds of faux thinking, Mastema's mismatched eyes lit up.
"I believe I said for you to call me your Guardian Angel. I've been with you all your life, assigned to you by God himself… or maybe not. The best thing you can call me is a lowly spirit. The manifestation of the power you got from the Origin Demon in your body. Your little ol' Jiminy Cricket!" Mastema chirped. Her wings fluttered as she enunciated each syllable in her sentence.
Issei glanced over to Ddraig who stared warily at the woman. Despite his best attempts, he was unable to talk.
"You were the one who helped me back then. With Anastacius and Yatogami-sensei," Issei said.
"And also with Noa Morax. Mou! Don't forget about that. I believe I played a very important role in that," Mastema said, puffing her cheeks at the thought of Issei forgetting the role she played in his battle against two Original Devils.
"Er… yeah," Issei said, feeling a bead of sweat trail down his forehead.
This woman's attitude and demeanor were extremely laid back even though Issei could sense that she had more than enough power to lay waste to him in his own mind.
"But enough about me, how are you feeling? You didn't even call me when you were out there fighting Mii-chan!" Mastema poked Issei with her finger,
"You saw all of that?" Issei asked.
"Of course! I'd be a very bad guardian angel if I didn't watch over you."
"You… You told me we couldn't talk regularly until I got the Balance Breaker," Issei retorted.
"Ehh? Did I? Hey, Ddraig! Did I really?" Mastema asked.
Ddraig tried to speak but let out a heavy sigh through his nose. He pointed at his snout and to Mastema.
"Ara… I totally forgot that I shut your mouth. Here you go~!" Mastema waved her hand and Ddraig soon found that he had the ability to speak again.
[You insolent… How dare you sit here and act as if I don't-] Ddraig suddenly realized that he could not physically say the words he wanted to say.
"Oh dear. Are you choking on your own words, Ddraig?" Mastema said, smiling ominously.
Ddraig growled and shook his head. [Whatever… Mastema.] Ddraig said her name begrudgingly.
Not that it bothered Mastema in the slightest. But their interaction was something Issei had found odd. However, he decided not to question it.
"So what now?" Issei asked.
"Now? Now you wake up but don't worry. This time, I'll be with you as will the Opposition. But I suggest you don't talk aloud this time. Otherwise, Mii-chan and Little Tannin will think you're crazy," Mastema advised.
"Wait! I have a couple of questions-"
"I'll answer those once we're in the waking world, Ise-chan~!" Mastema said. She flicked her finger and sent Issei flying through his dreams and back into reality.
Issei's eyes snapped open. He found himself staring at the fabric of the tent's roof. Issei slowly sat up and looked around. No sign of Mitsuki or Tannin. A sharp pain shot through his body. He looked down and saw a thick layer of bandages wrapped around his chest. The memories of what happened returned to him.
"Oborozuki-Ryu: Mangetsu."
He had seen a streak of lightning sever the sky in half and nearly kill him. But he guessed that was Mitsuki's intention all along. A near-death experience to awaken the Balance Breaker. Issei gently touched his chest. There was no doubt that this area would scar.
"Her intent? That was all you."
Issei whirled around and saw a translucent white-haired apparition looking down at him with her smug mismatched eyes.
"So? How do you feel? Do you feel lighter? Stronger? Raring to go twenty rounds in bed with Rias-chan?" Mastema asked, hovering around him.
Her last comment made Issei blush deeply.
"W- We're not that far in our relationship yet!" Issei yelled.
"Hmmm? I see. But seriously, you should really keep your voice down. Remember to use your indoor thoughts," Mastema said.
Fine. Is this better? And where's Ddraig? Issei asked.
[I'm here, Partner.] Ddraig said.
"Mou! You respond to Ise-chan but not me? We're roomies! We should talk things out like who gets the top bunk and who gets bottom bunk!" Mastema said.
By the tone of her voice, Issei could tell she was pouting. Wait, I have bunk beds in my brain? Issei asked.
[She didn't mean literally, Partner.] Ddraig said.
"By the way, I have a moving-in gift, Ise-chan. Think of it as a reward for getting the Balance Breaker."
A black gauntlet similar in appearance to the Dividing Gear appeared on Issei's right arm. The gauntlet had a red gem embedded into it and the end of the gauntlet had a small crown of spikes resembling the halo horns Mastema had on her head. The red orb flashed when Mastema began to speak.
"Isn't this neat? I took the corpse of the Dividing Gem and made this out of it!" Mastema said.
[...] Ddraig said nothing.
"I should take this for a spin," Issei said, getting up and walking out of his tent. He walked a considerable distance away from the campsite and began to figure out ways to use the gauntlet. It was like learning how to use the Boosted Gear again.
"Um… how do I use this?" Issei asked. "I kind of have like 5 days left to learn this so any help would be nice…"
"I thought you'd be able to remember the knowledge I gave you when you fought Noa-chan." Mastema hovered next to him.
"Right…" Issei closed his eyes and began to focus. He opened the palm of his hand and tried to summon the black orb he used last time. After a few seconds of focusing, the orb manifested in his hand though it was far smaller than he had remembered.
"Hmm, you don't have adrenaline to fuel you so summoning these isn't going to be easy." Mastema inspected the orb closely.
Issei ignored her and walked over to a rock. With a battle cry, Issei slammed the orb into the rock. What happened next shocked Issei. The orb rapidly expanded and plowed into the rock and the ground before dispersing and leaving a perfectly circular crater.
It's like Buchou's power! Issei thought.
"Neat right! There are more abilities but using divine power in a highly destructive manner should be good for now," Mastema said.
Issei clenched his fists. The fact that the orb expanded so suddenly wasn't what surprised Issei. The fact that he had so much strength and power to even create a demonic power orb without Boosting was a first for him. In fact, his entire body felt newer.
"Oi, Mastema, did you do something to me?" Issei asked.
"I just modified your Evil Pieces to accommodate me and the blood of the Origin Demon. No biggy!" Mastema chirped.
Why do I not like the sound of that? Issei asked.
"It's not a big deal really. I just… lifted some restrictions. You'll see soon." Mastema nodded to herself. "Now for the rest of your training days, I'll periodically alter your body functions to make training harder for you~!"
Wait what? Issei asked.
"Aniki!"
"Mmm? Duty calls! Ddraig-chan and I will be right with you, Ise." Mastema said.
[You… whatever. Go see your sister, Partner.] Ddraig encouraged.
"Stay still." Mitsuki finished putting on Issei's tie. "Just because we don't have to wear formal wear doesn't mean we have to go there looking like buffoons."
"I get it. I get it. Though, why aren't you wearing a dress or a kimono like Buchou or Akeno-senpai?" Issei asked.
"It's a matter of choice…"
"You left it back at the house, didn't you?" Issei asked.
"Yeah. Well, my uniform lets me move around more easily so I'm fine with this," Mitsuki said, spinning around.
"You have a point there," Issei said.
"By the way, you look distracted. What did Rias tell you?" Mitsuki asked.
Issei grimaced. That evening they had arrived back at the mansion, Issei had wandered around the mansion and now that he thought about it, he had gone into Koneko's room to check on her. Azazel had told them earlier that day that Koneko had worked herself into oblivion during training and passed out. When he entered her room to see if she was okay, Issei saw it. Koneko's ears were out for everyone to see. And that was when Rias had found him and told him what had happened.
"Well… Buchou told me that-"
"Koneko is a Nekomata? More importantly, she's a Nekoshou," Mitsuki said, fixing her hair.
"Yeah… how did you…?"
"I read the case files of everyone in the town before coming here. Koneko is the younger sister of the S-Class Stray Devil, Kuroka. Her original name is… Shirone," Mitsuki said, tying her signature ponytail.
"So you already knew from the start?" Issei asked.
"Yeah but it's not my place to say anything. Koneko is trying to face the world and come to terms with what she is but she's afraid to," Mitsuki said, turning to face her older brother. "I'm sure Rias told you this if she spoke to you about it, right?"
"Yeah… but what am I supposed to do? She looked so down…" Issei clenched his fists.
"Well, you've known her longer than I have. I trust that you'll find a solution to this, Aniki," Mitsuki asked.
"You have an awful lot of confidence in me, Mii-chan," Issei said.
"I do. You're my best friend after all. If anything, confidence and trust are all I have in you," she said. "You should trust yourself more. You mean more to your peerage members than you realize and Koneko could really use a friend right now. Just think about what I said."
"Where are you going?" Issei asked.
"We have a party to go to, remember?" Mitsuki reminded.
The two nodded and Issei followed her out of the room. After that, they boarded carriages that took them to the venue hall. The venue hall was a large ballroom in the Old Capitol of the Underworld, Lucifaad. Numerous Devil Heirs gathered there for the sole purpose of mingling and showing off their peerage members.
"Adashino, are you here as the Dantalion Representative?" Rias asked as they entered the hall.
"Yeah. I'm also the only person with no peerage," Mitsuki said.
"How beautiful! Never have I dreamed of such an event with Hell's future generation mixing and collaborating! How exciting," Mastema chirped.
Issei almost forgot about her. I… Jeez… don't scare me like that!
"Did you forget that I was here?" Mastema asked.
"..."
"Wow… you're really good at hurting a lady's feelings. Is this the route you'll take with your casanova lifestyle, Ise-chan?" Mastema asked.
Uggghhhhhhh….
[You're bothering him, Mastema.] Ddraig huffed.
"Am I? Well, I'll run around and observe. There are so many interesting people here~!" Mastema said, flying off.
And there she goes, Issei thought.
[She hasn't changed a bit. Always running off to find the next interesting thing…] Ddraig muttered.
"Huh?" Issei glanced down at his left hand. "Did you say something, Ddraig?"
[Nothing much.]
"I've never seen so many of the Satans here in one place," Yuuto said.
Issei looked up and he saw them. The Four Satans. Three he recognized. Sirzechs, Serafall, and Ajuka were up there on the stage. There was one more he didn't know. It was a bald man dressed in the same uniform as the other three. And Issei recognized Rizevim from their first encounter. However, Issei didn't recognize the two women that were up there with them.
The first woman on the right had long red-rustic hair reaching down to her waist. She wore unique clothing consisting black and red dress with multiple embellishments on them. The dress had straps located on the waist that tied the skirt to the top. She wore dark lavender stockings and black-heeled shoes. The woman must have sensed Issei looking at her because when she turned, Issei's body froze when he saw the sulfuric-yellow eyes of the woman. She smiled before turning back to her conversation.
"W- Who is that woman?" Issei asked.
Rias glanced over at her pawn and followed his gaze.
"That is Lady Asmodeus, one of the Seven Prime Demons and the original Demon King Asmodeus. She's retired and passed her title onto Lord Falbium," Rias explained.
"What are… Prime Demons?" Issei asked.
[The Prime Demons are the Seven Oldest Devils in existence. They are power incarnate, strong enough to fight on the level of God-Class beings, and ruled all of Devilkind with an iron fist. I wouldn't be wrong to assume that aside from the current Maou Lucifer and Beelzebub, Asmodeus outclasses every Devil in this room, even the current Leviathan and her Successor, the current Maou Asmodeus.] Ddraig explained.
"She's also Lucifer's fourth daughter. Lady Asmodeus is commonly referred to as the Lord of Lust. While the Maou may rule, many devils consider Lady Asmodeus to be Hell's true ruler and thus, the general public may refer to her as Ha-Satan," Rias finished, having overheard Ddraig and Issei's conversation.
"Ha-Satan?" Issei asked.
"It means 'The Adversary'," Rias said. "Oh, behave everyone. I'm going to go talk to Sona."
Everyone nodded and they split up.
Issei and Mitsuki leaned against the wall, watching the over Devil heirs mingling with each other. A small altercation had broken out between some of the Devil Heirs, who Issei had been told about. The blonde female was Seekvaira Agares while the male with the dark teal hair was Zephydor Glasya-Labolas. The fight was swiftly ended by a muscular black-haired male named Sairaorg Bael. Rias had mentioned him as being her cousin and the strongest of the Young Devils.
"This party's pretty boring. Where's Ingvild?" Mitsuki muttered.
"Aw, come on, Mii-chan. It's fun hanging out with your friends right?" Issei asked.
"They're your friends, Aniki. I don't even know most of these people," Mitsuki said.
"I- It's been a while, Red Dragon Emperor."
The two turned around to see a particularly short blonde girl staring at them. She wore a pink long-sleeved dress with a maroon bow and black leggings underneath. There were three tail feathers behind her and her blonde hair was styled in a drill.
"Ah! You're that Fried Chicken's little sister!" Issei said.
Mitsuki resisted the urge to palm her face.
"Mmm? I disappear for a few minutes and Ise-chan is already bagging another girl? My my, it looks like you inherited a bit too much of my charm." Mastema hovered above them.
[The only charm you have is sinking an entire continent because you felt like it.] Ddraig mumbled.
"That was Kali's fault."
Issei ignored their banter and listened to Ravel.
"My name is Ravel Phenex," she said indignantly. "Jeez, this is why I hate Low-Class Devils so much. Not a modicum of grace within their speech or manners."
"How is your brother, by the way?" Issei asked.
"He's feeling down in the dumps ever since he lost to you," Ravel said. Her eyes flitted back and forth between Issei and the floor. "Well, I guess it's his own fault for having such an inflated ego. Hopefully, this teaches him a lesson about underestimating his opponents. After that, I got moved to Mother's peerage. Since she doesn't participate in Rating Games, I'm essentially a free piece."
"Ahahaha, you're so harsh. But I guess I can understand Riser in a way. Mii-chan is super strict with me. She's like a beast woma-"
"Aniki." Mitsuki grabbed Issei's ear and pulled it.
"O- Ow!"
Ravel blinked and noticed the girl next to Issei for the first time. She was rather beautiful. The girl called Issei her older brother from what she remembered and for some reason, that made her feel relieved.
"Jeez, that hurt," Issei said, rubbing his ear.
"It was meant to," she replied.
"Um, excuse me, are you… a piece of Rias's?" Ravel asked.
"Hmm? Me? Oh no, sorry. I'm Mitsuki Dantalion. I'm here on behalf of Dantalion," Mitsuki said, bowing slightly.
Ah, so she's a Devil too, Ravel thought.
"A- Anyway, here." Ravel pulled something out of her pocket. It was a black case with the Phenex Clan Symbol on it. "This is a token of friendship, Red Dragon Emperor."
"Huh? This… This looks really expensive," Issei said.
Phenex Tear? Mitsuki raised an eyebrow.
"How romantic~! Such a sight brightens my heart," Mastema cooed.
"Huh? This is normally a gift for a High-Class Devil. Even if you are the Red Dragon Emperor, you're still a Low-Class Devil, Red Dragon Emperor. So just accept it," Ravel said, blushing furiously.
Ah… I see. Mitsuki took a step back.
"Cute right?"
She turned her head and saw Ingvild standing behind her. She was dressed in a lavender-white dress with high slits and a black skirt. Her dress exposed her shoulders and accentuated her curves very well. Her violet hair was tied in a singular ponytail.
"Ingvild? You're here," Mitsuki said.
"And you're dressed like it's a field trip," Ingvild commented.
"S- Shut. I forgot my dress okay? Besides, it's not like Mom or Grandma care if I dress for this event. They're the ones who said and I quote 'The Young Devil Gathering is a useless affair, Little Moon'," Mitsuki said.
"Yeah, I can see why. This is pretty boring," Ingvild said. "I'll help your brother out."
"A- Anyway, Lord Issei, lately, I've been learning to bake my own cakes and…"
"Oh? What a lovely conversation. You don't mind if I join in?"
Issei turned around and saw a violet-haired girl standing next to him. Her hazel-orange eyes met his brown ones briefly and he felt rooted to his spot.
[This girl's demonic power is strong.] Ddraig commented.
"And she has a Sacred Gear too. A strong one at that," Mastema added.
"Aniki, this is Ingvild. Ingvild Leviathan." Mitsuki gestured.
Leviathan? Like Katarea? Anyway, she seems nothing like her, Issei thought.
"N- No need! I- I have to go. I have some mingling to do," Ravel said, stalking away.
"Huh? Oh… okay?" Issei watched her walk off. "Man, she's even more confusing than Xenovia," Issei turned around to face Ingvild, "You're the famous Ingvild?"
"Famous? What did Mitsuki tell you exactly?" Ingvild's eyes darted over to her best friend.
"Nothing much. She just said you were her only friend when she moved into Kyoto," Issei said.
"Really? Aww, that's sweet. Thanks, Mii-chan," Ingvild said.
"She's going to be partnering with us on this, Aniki. The American Branch sent her over as reinforcements after I submitted my report about the attack on your house. And if you need to know, Ingvild's very good at gathering information. She's great at breaking into things you wouldn't want her to," she said.
"You're buttering me up here with high expectations. But I do hope that me being a Leviathan doesn't bother you. I know you've met my cousin already," Ingvild said.
"Yeah… she tried to kill us," Issei said.
"Sorry about that," she said.
"Is your Mom here too?" Mitsuki asked.
"Mom doesn't like these things. Plus, the Underworld wouldn't be the best place for Mom considering…" Ingvild trailed off.
Mitsuki nodded.
"What? What is it?" Issei asked.
"Ingvild's Mom… well, let's just say she is very notorious here in the Underworld," Mitsuki said.
"Oh."
Issei just nodded after hearing Mitsuki's tone.
"I guess we'll be working with each other from now on. Pleased to meet you, Ingvild. Please take care of me," Issei said as he bowed before her.
"Please take care of me as well," Ingvild said, bowing.
"Ah, Issei. There you are…" Rias trailed off when she saw Issei talking to Ingvild. Another one? First, Asia, then Xenovia, then Ravel, and now her? A Devil that I don't even know? Rias fought her jealousy down in order to maintain her dignity. She walked over, heels clacking on the floor of the ballroom.
"Buchou? Oh, I thought you were talking to Kaichou-"
"No time for that. Excuse me, Ladies. I need my pawn. Lady Asmodeus and the Demon Lords are about to speak," Rias said. She grabbed Issei by the arm and dragged him away much to their confusion.
"She's a jealous girl, isn't she?" Ingvild commented.
"You have no idea," Mitsuki agreed.
Issei stood next to the other members of the Gremory Peerage as they watched the Demon Lords standing on a stage in front of them. The black-haired demon, Asmodeus, stepped forth and coughed into her hand before grasping the microphone.
"Is this thing working?" she asked, speaking into it. The yellow-eyed woman blinked when her voice echoed across the room. "Ahem. Welcome, Young Devils, this is the… um…" Asmodeus scratched the side of her head.
The guests of the room began to whisper amongst themselves as their images of the esteemed original Demon Lord began to crumble before their very eyes.
Ajuka sighed and walked forward. He whispered something into her ear.
"Ah! Welcome to the 50,672nd Young Devils Gathering. As you may be aware, I am one of the Four Original Demon Lords, Asmodeus. I am the host of this event. I have a few things to tell all of you before the festivities can resume. The Devils have entered an alliance with Heaven and the Grigori-"
A wave of whispers and disagreements erupted amongst some of the younger devils. Asmodeus raised their hand and the sea of voices was instantly silenced. Not out of respect but because the younger devils found themselves to be unable to talk.
Issei watched the occurrence with some apprehension. The power reminded him of what Mastema had done to Ddraig. He looked at the woman up on the stage and saw a faint look of annoyance on her delicate features.
"As I was saying, Devils have entered an alliance with Heaven and the Grigori. Peace between our Three Factions has not occurred since we were members of the Canaanite Pantheon. I, for one, am happy that this alliance has come about and look forward to a forward movement of peace within our own borders," Asmodeus said. She waved her hand and the voices returned but this time they were of praise and agreement.
"To celebrate, two leaders from the other Factions shall speak later. Lord Michael is arriving a bit late due to some circumstances regarding Heaven and the Holy Sword incident regarding the Cadre Kokabiel, however, Azazel is here with us. He has declined to speak due to Michael's lack of presence. In addition, we've been so graciously honored to receive a guest of high esteem amongst the Underworld. One of the Great Evils has graced us with her presence and will speak now," Asmodeus said.
"Please give a warm Underworld welcome to the Great Evil of Destruction, Kali," Asmodeus said. She stepped aside and a short woman that wore a black gothic lolita Anarkali dress and had long violet hair walked up to the microphone. Her dull eyes looked out amongst the young devils before her and he could see that she had a hint of disdain and disappointment in her eyes.
Her stature made the Devils in the room want to laugh until her stare froze them all in place. Issei gulped audibly as he stared at her. Her presence was overwhelming. He felt like he was on a canoe in the middle of a raging ocean during a Category 5 Hurricane. The power she radiated was something he couldn't sense because it was too vast but he could feel it down to his very bones. Her stare elicited a primordial fear that was encoded in his genes and every cell in his body screamed at him to run just to survive. But it was only natural. After all, Issei knew deep down in his soul that this being was far stronger than the Four Satans and Azazel combined. His eyes darted around and he could see the other Devil Heirs tensing and he saw his King, Rias, looking at her apprehensively.
[Partner, whatever you do, do not fight her.] Ddraig said.
"Aw, Kali's super nice! Like a warm cuddly kitty if you get to know her well enough!" Mastema chimed in.
[Of course you would say that.] Ddraig said.
"Who is she…?" Issei muttered quietly.
"That's Kali, Aniki," Mitsuki said.
"Kali? Like the God?" Issei asked.
"Mhm. Kali is told in Hindu Mythology to be a facet of the Goddess Parvati but the truth is further from what is told. Kali is her offspring. The combination of the union between her and the God of Destruction, Shiva. And she is one of the Great Evils known as the Great Evil of Destruction despite not being an Evil God," Mitsuki said.
"Mmm. Legend in the Underworld also has it that when Kali came down to slay the Asura, Daruk, she allied with the other Great Evils and subjugated the entire Underworld, earning her the title, Great Evil of Destruction," Ingvild finished.
"When did…?"
"Kali's presence was so overwhelming that you didn't notice us moving next to you. That's just how awe-inspiring and terrifying this God is," Mitsuki said.
"Hmmm," Kali spoke up, causing them all to go silent. She let out a heavy sigh before glancing over her shoulder to Asmodeus, who unlike the others, smiled brightly at her and gave her a thumbs up.
"You're all pathetic."
Her words slapped the fear out of them and elicited cries of indignation.
"Lucifer would be so disappointed in this generation. All I see are spoiled children who have been spoon-fed compliments their entire lives. None of you are even remotely interesting. It seems that the quality of Devils degenerates with each coming generation," Kali continued.
"To think you were all born from the Great Evil of Rebellion," she said. Her dull violet eyes scanned each and every single one of them. Her eyes lingered for a few seconds on Sairaorg Bael. "Perhaps there is a microscopic amount of hope for this generation…" her eyes darted to Issei and her eyes widened considerably.
Impossible…
Kali stopped talking and stood there for a few seconds, staring at Issei.
Issei felt the full brunt of her gaze weighing down on him. The proverbial weight of the whole universe was now on his shoulders.
"Ise-chan, perk up or else Kali will get annoyed and blast you into a million scattered protons," Mastema warned.
N- Not helping! Issei hissed.
"Asmodeus, is that peerage with the Red Dragon Emperor the peerage that fought Kokabiel?" Kali asked.
The entire Gremory Peerage suddenly saw their lives flashing before their eyes when they saw the edges of Kali's lips curving upward.
"Yeah, why?" Asmodeus asked.
"They have piqued my interest. Particularly, the fact that they have the Red Dragon Emperor on their team. I would like to test their strength if you don't mind," Kali asked.
"Sure, Auntie. It's not like I have any problems with that," Asmodeus said, sealing the fates of the Gremory Peerage.
"W- Wait, just a minute! Master, you can't possibly be thinking of letting Ria fight against her of all people!?" Sirzechs said.
"She'll be fine, Sirzechs. Kali will get bored a few minutes into the match and call it off," Asmodeus reassured him.
Sirzechs looked apprehensively at the Great Goddess before him.
"I will not harm your sister extensively, Maou Lucifer. You have my word. I just wish to see the extent of her skill," Kali said.
"Do I even get a choice?" Sirzechs asked.
"No."
"W- Wait!"
Kali turned around.
Mitsuki stepped forward and stood before Issei and Rias.
"Lady Kali, may I participate in this match?" she asked.
Kali raised an eyebrow and turned to fully face her.
"Why?" Kali narrowed her eyes when she looked at her. A Longinus Wielder? And a half-devil? Interesting…
"I have heard that you are an honorable opponent and surely, you must be able to see that Lady Rias does not have a full peerage. Therefore, it would only be fair for her to face you if she had a full set on her hands so that she may be able to showcase the full extent of her strength," Mitsuki said.
"She does not possess a full set? Is this true, Rias Gremory?" Kali asked.
"I… I lack a second Rook," Rias said, cursing herself for stuttering before the Great God.
"Mmmm." Kali stroked her chin before coming to a conclusion. "Very well. In the essence of fairness, I shall allow the half-devil girl to participate as a member. Our match shall begin within the hour. That should be plenty of time to prepare yourselves."
Rias clenched her fists and nodded. Fighting a Great Evil was not something she had foreseen doing when she came here. And now…
She looked up when Issei placed a hand on her shoulder. His smile calmed her down and she turned to face the Goddess of Destruction with the hastily put-together smile of bravado. "I accept your challenge, Great Evil of Destruction."
"Very well. See you in an hour, Rias Gremory," Kali said. She turned around and walked off-stage yet her presence still hung heavily in the air.
"Buchou, what now?" Yuuto asked.
Akeno nodded and looked to Rias for answers.
"Now? Now, we have to fight. We're going to be in the toughest fight of our lives," Rias said. She turned to face all the members of her peerage. "Get ready, we're about to fight the Goddess of Destruction.
Blacklight Dossier: Personnel File 9274
Personnel Name: Ingvild Leviathan
Codename: Nona Ouroboros
Bio: A recently graduated operative. She attended the affiliate academy with - -. A skilled user of magic and possessor of a Sacred Gear known as - -. Operative Nona Ouroboros has relation to - - -. Currently undergoing a long-term case with Operative Moon Halo and rookie Operative Crimson Wyvern.
Height: 172 cm
Weight: 59 kg
She can be really shy and cute if she puts her mind to it - Moon Halo
She is a good operative. Extremely skilled at gathering information and analyzing them. Makings of a good comrade - Blooming Orchid
This level of analysis is possible for my daughter. Don't you think so everyone? - Lavender Helix
[]
Ingvild Leviathan
The descendant of the Prime Demon Leviathan and wielder of the Sacred Gear, Nereid Kyrie.
Her parentage is shrouded in much secrecy. The truth of her heritage will uproot the current status of Devil Society.
Due to recent circumstances regarding the long-term case of Moon Halo, she has been sent to Kuoh in order to assist.
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Blacklight File: Archive File #0040
File Name: Asmodeus
Information:
One of the Seven Prime Demons and the original Demon Lord Asmodeus.
One of the original Demons and the fourth oldest demon in existence. She is the daughter of the Fallen Archangel Lucifer. Uses the standard demonic magic and has the ability known as Ta'avah Shel Teveh. Her unique ability is an extremely potent ability to manipulate the mind and soul. Encounters with her should be exercised with extreme caution. All operatives that are not at the level of Division Captain are advised not to engage and to flee. Division Captains must carry exorcism runes with them in case. Has the capability to fight and kill God-Class Entities.
A truly powerful opponent. Her power is greater than that of the Lord of Hunger - Silent Flash
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Asmodeus
One of the Seven Prime Demons and the daughter of the Archangel Lucifer.
She is the only one of the Primes who chose to move forward with society. Having chosen to place her faith in the strength of future generations, she stands silently in the shadows as her precious students rule the land she so dearly loves.
However, should they falter, she will catch them and put them back on their feet.
"The past is the past but as one of the ones that came before, it is my duty to fling a light far into the future."
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Blacklight File: Archive File #19384
File Name: Kali
One of the Hindu Gods and one of the Great Evils of the Underworld.
Kali is commonly known in Hindu Mythology as one of the aspects of Parvati. However, research has revealed that she is the daughter of Parvati and Shiva. Known as the Great Evil of Destruction within the Underworld despite not being an Evil God. Is known to have a relationship and interactions with the other Great Evils but is particularly close to the Great Evil of Rebellion. All operatives are advised to not engage her in combat. Estimates place her as an equal to the Top 10 in power.
I almost died! -Crimson Wyvern
Like with Tannin, operatives are advised not to exceed B-Rank Difficulty during training if not a division captain -Long Winter
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Kali
The Goddess who sits at the End of Time and the Great Evil of Destruction. She is the one who governs Destruction in the Hindu Pantheon.
Even for a God, she is worshipped as a being of incalculable power who stomps even on her own Father, Shiva. However, despite her power, she blames herself for not being able to save the one she was close to.
Thus, the Red Dragon Emperor represents a form of redemption for her. Never again will she allow herself to fail.
"I've failed you once before. I won't fail you again. To this boy who represents your ideals, I'll destroy everything to make sure his road ahead continues on."
Jlio Jaeger: That's a good idea. Now I regret not showing more of Issei's training... Good thing, he'll have more training later on to master the Shevirat Ha-Kelim! He'll get pointers from the other Great Evils who were all friends with Lucifer during the old days. I just skipped this training because that would have dragged out longer than I wanted it to. So... that answered your second question I hope. Issei uses the Shevirat Ha-Kelim through his Sacred Gear, Opposition, which he got from Mastema.
Megar007: Still being decided.
We've come to the chapter I have been waiting for for a while. So to explain what the hell just happened in this chapter, Asmodeus invited Kali as a guest to the Underworld to see the new devils and Issei drew her interest. And yes... YES. Before you all throw a riot in the reviews, Kali is not an Evil God. There is a whole backstory as to why she's called a Great Evil that will happen later. Her title is known as the Great Evil of Destruction. But she is not an Evil God. You hear that? Not an Evil God. Also, Asmodeus's invitation is how I looped Kali vs Issei into the story despite not having a global rating game in the story. Just know that this is a spar and the power difference between Issei and Kali is much greater than in the previous 3 runs. That to me is extremely interesting in how he can even entertain her in a fight and by that, I mean I'll be having lots of fun beating Issei and Mitsuki into the dirt even more harshly than I did in the other 2 versions.
So, this list will get bigger later on but Kali already revealed who one of the Great Evils is.
1. Rebellion - Lucifer
2. Destruction - Kali
3. ?
4. ?
5. ?
6. ?
7. ?
This group will have a big influence on Issei and the story.
So remember to review. I'll answer your reviews to the best of my ability and remember to follow if you want more.
Edit: Typo in one of the dialogues. Thank you, Mr. Tyrant Lord Killidia.