DISCLAIMER: DxD does not belong to me~.


[PARTY MEMBERS BIO]

Garith Gremory(Riz-kun): The protagonist of the story. A Japanese salaryman reincarnated as the second son of Gremory… Maybe. He likes to read, eat sugary confectionaries and grope breasts and flip skirts.

Hippolyta (Polly-tan): Garith's first [EVIL PIECE] and [QUEEN], the Amazonian princess. She drools in her sleep.

Lilitifa Vepar(Lily-chan): The heiress of the extinct clan of Vepar, has the appearance of a mermaid. She's gonna have a bad time.


Hello everyone, Garith Gremory here!

At least that's the name I go by nowadays...

Hm? Why is that Garith Gremory is called a 'troublemaker', you ask? Why, that's simple, and has two main reasons for it!

The first being: Garith Gremory likes to play pranks.

Ever since my rebirth as the second son of the Gremory house and growing used to my new body and position, I decided to live my new life to the fullest, letting all my inhibitions go wild. Flipping skirts and touching boobs of my female friends, painting over pictures of grandma Chysis and ancestor Runeas, stealing books from the Gremory archive, flirting and frolicking with maids, picking fights and pulling pranks on other heirs; all that was impossible to even think about as 'Ichirou' became a reality for me in this new life as the spoiled, pampered little prince of the Gremory, nothing stopping the little red imp with his hormones on the edge and with parents with a very lax view of my behaviour, although I wasn't a strange to pinches on the cheek or correction spanking when taking things too far. The world was finally mine to reach, and I wouldn't, I couldn't, let any opportunity pass at all.

I am a devil, and I wanted to experience all the wonders and pleasures of my new life, be a cheap thrill or further knowledge even if restricted, and that was what made me the 'troublemaker' of the Gremory, the boy with no limits but his own whims and curiosity.

The second reason is: Garith Gremory is tactless.

That one is self-explanatory. My first interaction with Miss Himejima and Lacchan as perfect examples, I'm as blunt as one can be with no filter, and most of the time, I end up with some broken fingers, a bruised face and missing teeth as a result. Just like the Gremories in canon, despite my good intentions, I just don't know how to properly deal with people and their baggage, and those around me pay dearly with it… As well as me, of course.

It's not something that major, and once every blue moon, I am able to dialogue and bond with someone without having my shit beaten, like with Seek-chan, as we share our liking for Dungam since day one and have become sort of friends, not to mention my relationship with Sairaorg and stuff. Overall, Garith Gremory is problematic, but doesn't mean I can't make friends.

Which brings us to my... Circumstances regarding the heiress of the Vepar clan, Lilitifa, the star of that one side-story in the original novels.

It all started when her family held a meeting with my parents in order to discuss some business in order to help them ascend from their extinct status and strengthen the bonds between our clans, a younger Lilitifa staying with me and Rias as our guardians would do their adult stuff. At first sight, I was mesmerized by her looks and novel body in our small meeting, a real mermaid like in those stories and also very pretty for a boy my age, and she seemed a bit shy, but willing to be friends in a way or another. She had a minor role in the original novels, so I thought it would be a good idea to get to know her better and maybe add one more friend within my circle. Seeing the mermaid's hesitation in starting a conversation, I went ahead to try to be friendly and cordial and asked the first thing that came to mind:

'So, miss Lilitifa, how does a mermaid's vagina works?'

I don't remember much else after that question, only that she cried and screamed in horror for everyone in the Underworld to hear, some of her bodyguards came to hold me down like a criminal, and the fact that father had to personally apologize for her parents and fill several papers for moral damage on my behalf. Also, it was the first time I witness Zeoticus and Venelana be truly angry at me, something that ironically became a misty memory on my mind due to the sheer trauma of not wanting to remember their angry faces and harsh scolding.

And that is how I got my first restraining order on the heiress of the Vepar clan. Our families reconciliated after a while and dozens of apology letters, but I couldn't see Lilitifa ever again after that gaffe, forbidden to even come closer to their abode under law, so we never saw each other again...

... Until now, that is. In my idle walks around the Greek beaches with my [QUEEN], to spot the heiress of the Vepar fleeing from the politically correct merfolk was something I wasn't expecting, but it does entice my curiosity as to why she's here in the human world in the first place. Some business with her clan? Some form of eloping? Sightseeing?

How curious, how curious. I do want to know what she's up to...

One arm's length away because of my restraining order, of course.


"Sarpedon... Aeaea... Themiskyra and then Troy... You have picked quite a few interesting spots for a vacation, miss Lilitifa." I chuckle seeing her 'spots of interest' in the map she was carrying, much for Lilitifa's embarrassment as she splashes some water on the bathtub of our hotel room.

After rescuing her from the politically correct merfolk and with a prospect of seeing and talk to an old acquaintance, I decided to bring the Vepar heiress to our room despite her initial reluctance, but it is not hard to convince a damsel in distress after a quite messy rescue and with the chances of her assaulters wanting revenge (Opportunistic, me? How rude). After a quite messy transportation from the sea to the bathroom (using my intellect, I was able to fool security saying I got a big catch today while Hippolyta drags miss Lilitifa within a bag), she took reside in our bathtub, where she washes herself from the salt of the sea and relax after a messy event.

Of all the people I could encounter here in the human world, I bump into the devil lady whom I had a rocky start with. Of course, since it's all my fault I hold no grudges against the green-haired mermaid, but thanks to that restraining order, there is not much I can do to interact with a fellow devilkin. What were the conditions? I can't touch her, and she has all the rights to call the authorities on me, although that's a bit difficult since we're not in the Underworld. Oh well, better do some small talk before I flip a switch, or maybe shut up and avoid that with that loose tongue on mine.

"So, any reason as to why the Vepar heiress is here in the human world, apparently vulnerable to the better judgment of others and without any form of protection?" I shrug, my sleeves and hems folded so I wouldn't wet my clothes, supporting my back on the bathroom wall while showering the rogue mermaid. "If I weren't around, things might've turned ugly, you see. Praise be the old Gremory luck, but you should've known better before doing things by yourself, miss Lilitifa."

"Yes. You're right, lord Garith." She pouts and lowers a sad face. I roll my eyes with a nervous grin, I'm sounding like Rias when she's in instructor tyrant mode, but then shake it off to stare back at Lilitifa. "But, as you know, the Vepar don't have the resources they used to, and to hire and keep bodyguards even to a simple trip to the human world... It's not something we can afford so easily."

"Then why do it, anyway? Unlike in the Underworld, nobody will have pity on pamper spoiled devil heirs like us here." I cross my arms and huff a chuckle, as she sinks lower and lower into the waters. That's a bit too mean, but I suppose it's expected and an easy way to get the point across, if a bit too risky considering my history with this bluemarine-haired devil heiress. One minute to recompose herself, and I continued anyway. "Surely, Lord and Lady Vepar must be worried sick about your little tour in the human world even if they know about it, especially with no protection whatsoever. I know we had our little bumps in the past, but you got me worried too, y'know."

I'm not being sarcastic here or trying to score some cookies with this cute mermaid girl, by the way. Since our families have some ties together and she is of kin of mine, I guess it's only natural for me to care about her as a devil and a person, I was taught to act that much. Besides…


[LILITIFA VEPAR]

[LVL. 14]


The fact that she's walking around unprotected like that in such a low level makes me uneasy, like I'm a veteran player seeing a newbie do a mistake that it'll cost her everything. To think both of us are considered high-class devils yet there is such an obscene gap between us, unlike between me and Sairaorg, Rias, Seek-chan or even Riser: either my expectations are too high or not high enough, I'm afraid.

"I… I really appreciate your kind words and worries, lord Garith." She bows to me with a cute blush on her cheeks, waters starting to overflow here since she looks like she wants to sink in there. "But we know, more than anyone, the Vepar have been struggling with their extinction despite our best efforts, and to find hidden treasures in the human world for us to sell and get some financial stability seemed like a viable, if risky, decision. It might seem foolish, but you should understand my desperate measures. As the heiress of the clan, I should shoulder the weight and sins of my predecessors and do what I can, what I must, to ensure its survival. I just… Don't want to see my clan vanish."

"Being reckless like that and crawling yourself to an early grave is hardly a better alternative either. As an heiress, the sole one at that, the clan dies with you dead as much as alive, you see." I scold her lightly, a shrug and aside sigh not hiding my playful disdain for her foolishness, altruistic as it is. There's a lot of ways, but my patience is running low on how to be polite and not outright call her an idiot for what's worth. But then again, my adventure back in Themiskyra and its consequences were also fruit of a lack of foresight, so I can't afford a moral higher ground in the matter, not to mention, unlike me, her goals are noble and selfless. But still, with this level and actions, you'll think she'll know best. "But I'll give you that: I admire that spunk of yours, and I see some reason in it. My clan has no risk of going extinct, so what do I know about desperation, anyway? You should just be more careful about it, that's all."

"U-Umuh." She nods, her eyes brighten a bit with a sliver of hope, little as it is. She's not doing anything wrong, but her approach is bad after all.

There's a fine line between courage and idiocy and considering the laws of the novels that I live in now; it might be even blurrier all things considered. Of course, she's just a side character from a side story, so of course she won't get a massive power-up just because of the power of want, especially considering how meek and weak she is compared to everything and everyone else around. Meanwhile, I have my own power to back me up in my adventures, but I was thinking of hanging low for a while and decide my next move with caution… But still. An idea pops inside my head.

"That's why I offer thus: allow me to help you." I open my arms to her, and she jumps a bit, splashing water again. As someone more powerful than her and fellow devilkin, I guess I should do something about it since I have nothing better to do for now anyway. I was going to spend some time window-shopping and stuffing my face with the local cuisine, but I guess a sidequest is not a bad idea either, specially to test my new sword and [EVIL PIECE], all things considered. I smile. "You're an old acquaintance of mine, plus what kind of man would I be to leave a damsel in distress? Garith Gremory is a lot of things, I say, but above all else, he's a gentleman most of the time."

"L-Lord Garith, I… I don't know what to say." She recovers from her initial shock, and with a small red tint on her cheeks, she sinks a bit lower on the waters, trying to hide herself from my sight. "Are you… Are you making fun of me? Please, don't toy with my feelings like that, it is very rude."

"I'm not toying with you, miss Lilitifa, I can assure you." I laugh half-heartedly, but my intentions are still intact and strong, no second thoughts behind those words. "Our encounter was nothing but a fortunate coincidence, but my offer comes from the heart. Allow me to help you as I can, acting as your bodyguard while you scavage looking for treasures in the human world. Sure, eventually we'll have to part ways, but until then, I will offer my assistance and shoulder, as a member of the Gremory and a fellow devilkin."

"…" Her hesitance is almost palpable, opening her mouth and shutting it off like the half-fish girl that she is. My words are drilling through her skull, and combined with a genuine wish to help, I can't mutter anything else to not break her thinking process, hoping to get a jackpot or something. It might sound a bit too good to be true, but I'm true to my word through and through. Her orbs gaze elsewhere. "You do know… The Vepar have not much else to offer you, correct? As much as I'd appreciate your help… I don't think I'd ever be able to repay your kindness, lord Garith. The only thing I can offer is… Is…"

"C'mon, now. I'm not asking for a change of goods and services, nor a reward for that. I'm just offering a helping hand to an old acquaintance whose I have a certain history with, nothing else. I can't call myself a noble if that's not the case, right?" I wave a hand and laugh to try to dismiss the heavy atmosphere around here. I'm being honest here, I have nothing to lose nor gain in this, and honestly, I doubt my [EVIL PIECES] would work on her level, poor even to my standards, but I have nothing else to do, so why not either? Sounds fun. But if she's so adamant about me not being part of it, I can always… Refuse the call. "But if your pride refrains you from accepting my help, then who am I to insist? It's a pity, but then we shall part ways and I'll pray that nothing similar happens to you during your stay here."

"…!" A silent gasp, reasonable reaction to my ultimatum thinly veiled as a wish of good luck. Maybe I was too aggressive this time, almost insisting on that, but there's no way for me to leave this devil girl alone and defenceless, as much of an idiot she's being, all things considered; my pride wouldn't let me. Helping others as I can… That's something I can do now, and I should when I can, but they must cooperate a bit. One, two more seconds of waiting, and miss Lilitifa pouts, nodding and then bowing to me. "Please… I'd like to have you assisting me, lord Garith. I might not have much, I might not be worth your time and effort, but please… Assist me while in the human world."

"Gladly." I smile, satisfied and even a bit relieved. Leaving her alone to her own luck would stick a bad taste in my mouth and tarnish my pride. For the first time, that makes me happy: I'm being relied on not because is easy to throw all the works on a wage slave like me, but because they can trust me (kinda) with their baggage, and that is what makes me happy. Soon enough, I hear a *TING!* sound and see a floating board in front of me.


[QUEST ACCEPTED: Part of her world]

*OBJECTIVES: Miss Lilitifa, heiress of the extinct clan of Vepar, wants your help in her quest to revive her clan's dignity. Serve as her bodyguard in the human world and protect her fish ass from possible threats while exploring sites of interest.

*FINISH MISSION:

-Increase in XP;

- Affection Points UP(Lilitifa);

- Randomly generated armament.

- Maybe a kiss on the cheek?

*FAIL MISSION:

- Affection Points DOWN(Lilitifa);

- Possible death.


Hohohoh, that's nice, that's nice. It wasn't my intention at all to start that type of quest, but I suppose I can humour myself a bit with this gameplay. As always, turning everything into a game such is handy most of the time, but it does make me feel a bit like one of those freaks you see on criminal dramas and documentaries…

"I'm glad we have a deal, miss Lilitifa." I nod and smile, and ever so shyly, she does the same. This is a good sign; I should continue to be on her good side for a while and help myself within this quest. Plus, who knows, maybe our relationship improves, and I can see myself free from this restraining order… It's a start, I suppose. An awkward grin spreads over my face, so sudden she is taken a bit back. "But I hope you understand I'll have to rely on my [QUEEN] to carry you around since I can't touch you nor get too close. She's a gentle touch, so I hope that's not an issue."

"Oh… No, not at all." She snaps, now realizing our current predicament and swimming away to the other border of the bathtub, clearly uncomfortable by my presence, the guy who made a very inconvenient question and paid dearly for it. Unbelievable. It was uncalled for, but if she were to remember that vital piece of information, I might be in a lot of trouble. A scratch on the cheek. "Hm… It has been so long, I guess… We can forget those unfortunate circumstances."

"Always so kind, always reasonable; that's the heiress of the Vepar." I smile again, making her blush with my untimed comment. "Indeed, I'm just one inch of reason away of jumping on you and assault you with kisses and hugs!"

"O-On second thought, maybe until further notice, we should uphold the restraining order." She quickly corrects herself.

[-130 AFFECTION POINTS (Lilitifa)]

Ah… Oh. I did it again, didn't I?

Unbelievable.

"Oh. Okay, I apologize." I bow apologetically after letting my hormones and emotions talk louder, and while she waves dismissively, I can still sense hesitation from her part. Oops, I guess the Gremory affection is infectious all things considered. *ZING!*, my head sudden is assaulted by a shower of static and an oppressive headache, making me bellow and hold my cranium in pain, also startling the Vepar heiress. "K-Kh…! Gwaaaaaah~…!"

"L-Lord Garith, are you okay? What gives?" She asks in a hurry, swimming to my direction with a caring hand to comfort me. Before we could touch, I lift a palm in a stop sign and halted her actions, trying my best to ease the [MIGRAINE], a bit hard considering the bright light of the bathroom and the hot steam surrounding us, filling my nostrils with water and blurring my vision. A moment to recompose myself, and then I stand up, still holding my head, and tried to walk away. "L-Lord Garith…!"

"I'm… I'm okay, miss Lilitifa… I just need… To lay down a bit… You can… Stay here as long… As you want." I excuse myself with nothing else said, tapping my fingertips on the walls to find an exit out of the bathroom and leaving her to her own devices. Even with my eyes closed and covering my head with my hands, I see the light dulling and the air becoming clearer, indicating that I'm back to the main bedroom, the sound of wind and the waves outside making this pain become a bit more bearable. Eventually, I blindly follow my way to my own bed, and lay there, picking a pillow to shield myself from outside harm. A relieved sigh, the pain finally subduing. "Phew… I just need… Some rest…"

"So, we are following the pleas of that devil woman, I assume?" The contralto voice calls for me, and under my soft protector, I peek an eye to the bed next to mine, and truly, sitting with her arms by her side, her hair pulled in a clumsy ponytail and writing in a diary, stands my dear [QUEEN] piece Hippolyta with an idle question, eyes glued to her pages and paying no mind to my current pain. "What heroics, offering a hand to hapless kin, I deadpan. Your claims to have no second intentions are untrue, I assume though? By helping a distressed maiden, you expect to gain an ally, mayhap flesh to satiate your urges, I presume. Or maybe favours from her clan, I add?"

"…" I groan a bit, my eye twitching a little by her accusations. Does she really think that low of me, as a person who offers help just to bargain something in return? Unbelievable, my CHA was supposed to be way up compared to my other stats. "No, not at all. I mean, her clan went bankrupt a very long time ago, so they're practically penniless; no other devil family would want anything to do with an extinct one, so she has nothing or anyone worth contacting. As for her flesh… Meh, she's a 6 outta 10, 7 being generous. Plus, after an incident in the past, intimacy is something I rather… Avoid regarding that lass. As a devil heir, I must know my limits."

"Principles; how novel from you, I declare." Her tone is stoic as ever, so I have a hard time figuring that she's mocking me, making me mumble in pain and irritation. She really has a low opinion on me, although that's a given considering my little mischiefs back in Themiskyra, I'm surprised she doesn't outright find me disgusting. I hear a book closing, and looking at her, Hippolyta's orbs lay on my laid self as she puts her diary away and sits on the edge of her bed turned to me. "Then, if it's not influence, nor physical wealth, nor carnal desires, what makes you will to help that devil woman, I ask? Such whimsical attitude, unfitting. Why, I ask?"

"Ain't that obvious?" I grin at her, revealing my face to her confused expression. "Because I want to."

"…"

"You might think it sounds foolish and superficial, but… Since I can, I don't see why I wouldn't want to help a devilkin, even with nothing at stake." I laugh to myself to that stupid answer, her stoic confusion not leaving. "She's also nothing much going on if she risks throwing her life to the sharks (almost literally) just for a chance of helping her clan. It is a noble goal, but if she's too naïve to realize her stupidity, then the least I can do as a fellow heir is offer some help. My pride… Wouldn't allow her to die so pointlessly."

"…"

"Also, I'm bored and have nothing else to do." I chuckle, and her face softens into a deadpan realization, wordlessly sighing to herself. Yeah, that's another layer of reason for helping that little mermaid girl: let's leave the main quest for a while and do something to pass the time, I'm not in a hurry anyway.

"So idle and superficial you are male, I deem." She sighs but crosses her arms and resigns herself to my whims, and I silently thank her for understanding, my cute little wise queen. "But if your wish is to assist, then why not offer her money or credit directly, I suggest? It is faster and less bothersome than to assist in such a roundabout way, I observe."

"Because I'm that much of a nice person, not at all." I retort, remembering my 'neutral evil' alignment. "Plus… I wouldn't offer it in that way, it'd be an insult to her clan and my own. We, the Gremory, can offer shelter and love to those close to our heart, but charity is something we don't dwell into; we're still devils, after all: arrogant and competitive, a bit cruel as well."

"I see. Closer to humans, devils are shown to be, I add." She nods to me and my explanation, and I'm glad she understands from where we're coming from. She's an Amazonian, after all, she also has her pride as a warrior and a demigod, something I doubt she wants to be insulted by. A moment, and she shrugs. "It seems that you rolled yourself into another mischief, male. That is a conundrum, but to stay idle does not sit well with yours truly either, I conclude. I do hope you know what you're doing. If so, allow this Hippolyta to assist you as your [EVIL PIECE], I add. Do know I will not tolerate ignorance, I warn."

"Hahahah. As expected from my [QUEEN]. You're so cool, Hippolyta." I smile, and no reaction from her, not even a blush. With my [MIGRAINE] subdued, I decide to just lay on my bed and wait for the sleepiness to take over… But then, in an act of mischief, I decided to roll out of the bed, crawl myself to the one next to me and, with a smile on my face, lay on head right on Hippolyta's succulent yet toned thighs, hearing a muted gasp from her. One second to recompose herself, and she sighs. "Princess, shall I lie in your lap?"

"No, male." She responds in a deadpan tone.

"I mean, my head upon your lap." I correct myself of this rude gaffe.

"Oh… Ay, male."

"Thank you…" I sigh in relief, sinking into her warm and soft flesh. One, two seconds of rest, and I turn to her with a malicious smile. "But… Oh no, do you think I meant country matters? How lewd of you, princess Hippolyta."

"…" A cute pout from her lips, a blush of surprise and a gaze to looks away in shame, I was able to drill into her defences and make her do a lewd comment, and I see that makes her embarrassed and ashamed. That or maybe she's just not used in someone being so friendly with her thighs. A scoff. "I think nothing, male."

"That's a fair thought to lie between maids' legs." I continued, not even being able to contain a small laughter.

"What is, male?"

"Nothing." I joke, and she hums curiously, probably not catching another lewd remark and I silent myself before I end up incurring her wrath. It has been a while since I read something good, anyway.

And so, with my head on her laps, I end up another day, no better way to do it. Tomorrow is another day, and then, the start of this small quest. I like this very much. I like to think I'm being helpful…

"The sound of the waves is so relaxing…"

"Indeed, male."


- Hello, heir of Gremory. I'm just sending a message to remind you that I'll marry and bang your sister in the future, and there's nothing you can do about it. Wwwwwwww. (Yakitori)

- Did you watch that series I recommended to you, Iza-kun? I'm dying to talk about it with you, if you don't mind. (Me)

- In fact, I did. Yer fckd in the head for watching that stuff, heir of Gremory.(Yakitori)

- What a surprise, this walking KFC comes with a weak sauce. (Me)

- Ye, ye, whatever. I will recommend an anime that is actually good, you creep. (Yakitori)

- And don't call me Iza-kun, heir of Gremory. (Yakitori)


"Idly chatting on that device again, I see?" Hippolyta peeps from my shoulder the screen on the phone, and due to sheer surprise, I flinch a bit. I should really buy her a cell so that she knows what those are and stop peeping on me like that! I rapidly respond to Iza-kun and then swap to another chat, this time to talk with Rias and big bro Zechs.

"Just responding to some people while I'm away from home." I smile, typing as fast as I can to respond to my siblings who don't seem to understand what privacy is, assaulting me with numerous messages saying how much they miss me. But hey, it's better be missed than never at all, I can say that much, and I can't say that I don't miss them a bit. "Technology is a marvellous invention, no? I can keep in touch with my loved ones without having to actually risk my big brother or little sister suffocate me with a bear hug… Doesn't mean I don't want to hug them, though."

"Fascinating, I ponder." She nods as we walk on the sandy beach, splashing water everywhere as the waves hit our ankles. Cold. The sun is high on the sky, the breeze is fresh and cool, and for the first time since I came to Greece, I can finally enjoy the Mediterranean feeling from the land of heroes, now the only thing missing is the hot girls in bikinis around… But then again, we shouldn't rise suspicions with a real mermaid devil around, plus a seemingly couple of teens wearing swords and other weapons while wearing bathing suits. People either might call the cops or think we're cosplayers.

"Miss Lilitifa, is this supposed treasure spot close?" I ask the mermaid devil who was swimming in the shallow waters, close enough to keep an eye on her but far enough to not flip any switches on her.

"Yes. One of the maps say there must be a point of interest near the lighthouse where we met! Hopefully, the merfolk won't threaten us again." She pouts with trembling eyes, hesitation brimming from her as we approach the lighthouse coast and the place where she was almost assaulted by the fish people. Since I can't touch her and approaching her is a risky move, I must reassure her with words instead.

"Don't worry Miss Lilitifa, like I promised, I'll defend you against anything that might bring us harm. After all, nothing bad ever happens when you have a Gremory around." I half-reassure her, half-boast myself, feeling my skill [privilege of the strong] give me a stat boost, the confidence in the real me also growing a bit. "A few things are a match to my blades or Power of Destruction, so you have no need to worry."

"Thank… You, Lord Garith." She blushes to my protection declaration, and I smile while gaining some affection points from the pretty mermaid, all while the Amazonian gives me some dirty looks. Such hollow words and promises, but if she's unworried and calm, I guess there are no harm in that. She lets herself sink a bit deeper into the shallow waters and turn to the approaching lighthouse, salt splashing everywhere with the waves and the soft breeze blowing freshly onto my skin, my feet sinking into the golden-coloured sands in a sappy sensation, it is nice indeed. Enjoying the luxury was cut short with Miss Lilitifa's voice. "Over there, lord Garith. According to the map, there must be something of value right over there, next to the rocks…"

"Hm? So close? How convenient, even for a simple treasure hunt but whatever." I comment absentmindedly, but not that I would want to cause trouble after my little skedaddle on Themiskyra, let alone bring miss Lilitifa to the ride or something. Truly, sidequests usually don't pose much challenge so better keep it that way for now. Jumping from the sands to the rocks, I land on a place not that far from the coast, and truly, among the boulders, I saw something quite unique, stuck between the solid surface and hidden, but thanks to my [Discern for riches], it didn't take much to see what it was. "Well, would you look at that. The barnacles and erosion made its work, but there's no doubt about it. Is this what you're looking for, miss Lilitifa?"

"I am hopeful." By the waters, the mermaid devil comes closer and take a good look at our finding: covered in rust and barnacles and hidden among the rocks, there was a massive slab of iron stuck there, shaped like an anchor and extending chains all into the waters. Forget that it was an anchor which chains were deep into the ocean. I tapped my sandaled foot on it and wouldn't even budge, it seems to have been here for quite a while, enough to blend perfectly with the rest. Her eyes scan the object and then gleam with hope. "Yes! This is what I was looking for before being harassed by those mean merfolks. During the age of heroes, this place was known as a sea of conflict and wars, as well as invaluable treasures sinking with it. Deep within these waters, rests the carcasses of those ships holding these treasures…"

"And you want to play tomb raiding? Truly, you have reached the peak of desperation to do something so unsavoury, miss Lilitifa." I chuckle to her, her cheeks suddenly turning bright red. I mean, yes, this is kinda fucked up, digging graves to search for treasures and valuables like some sort of criminals, but hey, looting is almost a required mechanic in any worthy game, so I have nothing against it outside of a moral standpoint, which is not saying much. I tap my foot on the anchor once again. "Just kidding. So, what's the deal now? The anchor is here, but I assume the ship has long sunk into the depths of the Mediterranean seas. You want us to dive in with you and guard your back against another batch of politically correct merfolk? Aw, but I didn't even bring my scuba suit~…"

"I should've known it would be hard. I'm sorry if it's too much to ask, lord Garith." She bows apologetically. "This is the closest point of interest I've found around these seas, but I was so rudely harassed by those sea creatures when I tried to get closer to the sunken ship. If… If you'd want, we could find another place."

"Nah, no worries. We can't breathe underwater, but I have another idea." I smile and wave a hand at her to dismiss her worries. So, a ship sunken into the ocean and possibly guarded by very triggered fish people. I've never fought underwater, and I doubt even my sharpest blades would work in there. But I don't need to, not at all. I turn to my [QUEEN] and signed at her with a finger at the anchor. "Princess Hippolyta, be a dear and pull the ship out of the waters for us, why don't you?"

"…" She pouts and frowns a brow a bit, but then sighs and relents to my wishes since I asked her oh so politely. She cracks her knuckles and approaches the sinking device. "I can face this little request as training, I suppose. Just lecturing the male hopefully didn't atrophy these muscles of mine."

"Lord Garith, have you lost your mind?! What outrageous request for a lady!" Miss Lilitifa jumps from her spot to cut the distance between us, splashing water everywhere. Once close enough, she calls my name with an exasperated expression. "Not only the sheer size of the anchor says how big is the ship, I know it's very, very much sank into the depths of the ocean, almost at lightless depths, not to mention the pressure and other things that might be buried within! To ask for one of your servants, one of your [EVIL PIECES] of all things, I'm sorry, but almost sounds so cr-…!"

But then her words are cut, left to the wind, once she sees the following events: Hippolyta, taking a deep breath and stretching herself a bit, grabbed the anchor with both hands and after a rude grunt, pulled the massive sinking device off the rocks before putting it on her left shoulder to start pull away from the waters.

Without losing a moment or showing weakness, the Amazonian princess pulls the chains linking the metal weight to the waters, little by little revealing the dark secrets of the depths, rusted and covered in barnacles, slow but steadily showing what was hiding: First, the mast, then a bow, soon what emerged was a massive, long galley which retained its glory and dignity despite age and decay has addled it. Once into the sands enough to sink and rest unmoved, the princess tosses the anchor away, massaging her stiff shoulder.

Well, damn. I know I'm the one who requested that, but even knowing her I was sceptical she would be able to pull it off, let alone without some help. I was speechless for a while, jaw on the floor and miss Lilitifa was mirroring the same, but then, euphoria took over, so much so I started to jump in euphoria. Holy shit, that was awesome!

"Yay! As expected of my [QUEEN]! You're so cool, Hippolyta!" I cheer, jumping my way to her to try to hug her and be my excitement be known! "By Lucifer, that was unfathomably cool! You truly have shown your divine heritage just now! So dignified, so noble and strong! That's my [QUEEN], fosho!"

"'Tis was nothing." Drying the sweat dripping from her brows, she stops me from complimenting her further with a hand on my face, quite a rude response to my kindness. But that didn't stop the shower of compliments. Miss Lilitifa jumped with me and started to bounce up and down, just as excited as I am!

"How humble! Lady Hippolyta, you honour your position as a [QUEEN]! What a show of strength, unlike anything I've ever seen! I'm so sorry that I doubted you!" The devil mermaid starts to accompany me in praising the dark-haired Amazonian royalty, who simply turned away from our faces. "How marvellous the evil pieces of the Gremory clan are! Such beauty, such force! I'm at the loss of words!"

"…" From her stoic face, taking another glance our of gleaming eyes, my queen flashes a small smile and a blush, crossing her arms and ever so slightly tilted her head backwards. One moment of lucidity, and then she snaps back to reality and instead points to the galley-styled ship in front of us. "I can accept your compliments, I suppose. But we should focus our attention to the matters at hand, I appeal. This ship… This is an old model of galley used by the Greeks, I cite. As lady Lilitifa thought, it must contain some valuables from times long gone, possibly from the age of heroes, I affirm."

Wait, why do miss Lilitifa gets the first name basis while I'm still the 'male'? That's kinda unfair, y'know. Unbelievable

"Well, that's something you're right. Aside from looking magnificent, this ship seems to have seen quite a few battles and disasters… Also, please start calling me 'Garith' from now on, Hippolyta." I pout at her, and she rolls her away for me. I shift my attention back to the ship and focus on it using my [DISCERN FOR THE RICHES] in order to have a better look at this massive old galley which is impressive it took people so long to notice and try to pull from the oceans. But then…


[NOBODY'S SHIP: A ship owned by nobody, which is said to have been sunk by its owner's hubris and the divine intervention. -IT MIGHT CONTAIN TREASURES THAT CAN BE EXCHANGED FOR CREDITS/USED TO FULFILL MISSION'S REQUIREMENTS- -MIGHT CONTAIN WEAPONS FOR SELF AND PARTY-]


Well, ain't that a cheeky scan? The ship has been into the waters for God knows how long, of course nobody would own it. Maybe I missed an update on the system and now it's failing on me a bit. Oh well, might as well go inside and see what's hiding, plus update this cheeky little system of mine. I smell treasure calling for me in there, maybe even some arms that I could use.

"Well, might as well go and snoop what's inside! A ship that goes that hard hardly has nothing of interest, no?" I point at the ship before us with an excited glare, eager to just ravish it of its good like a player for loot! The two girls who accompany me exchange some glances, and the princess sighs and the heiress draw an uneasy smile. I tilt my head in doubt.

"Male, I understand your feelings for the prospects of treasury but let us not haste mindlessly." The Amazonian lady cites, crossing her arms and sighing tiredly. Oh right, the last time I was that reckless, someone (read, her) died very horribly, and while she doesn't mind, I feel like I shouldn't take that chance for granted. "If you were to entrap yourself in another tight situation, I shall try, but won't guarantee assistance at all, I point."

"Hm. Your queen is right, lord Garith. I'm as excited as you are, but… It might be dangerous too." Miss Lilitifa nods to Hippolyta and me, and while any other time I would just wave it off as just her cowardice and weak spirit speaking louder, I stop for a moment to recollect myself and think.

Yes, they have a point in that, to go inside a ship that has been under the sea for a long, long time sounds like a bad idea, even more that my [Appraisal] seems to not know what awaits me. This might be the start of a new quest or a horror film in which the main protagonist dies at the last moment for shock value. Sure, I'm armed with Ichimonji-R and now Keraunos, plus I feel I'm a lot sharper than last time, specially now that my [Migraines] have subdued quite nicely, but to go inside with no knowledge of what awaits me sounds not only dangerous, but downright suicidal and idiotic. I need to think of something…

But, meh, you only live once, plus, nothing is fun playing it safe, be in a game or real life. If comes down to it, I can always kill again, sparingly and in self-defence, of course. Man, living a carefree life is the best!

*TING!*


-NEW SKILL UNLOCKED!-

- Violation of Reason (Passive): A passive skill which suppresses the feeling of fear or dread for the unknown or dangerous since, hey, you only live once, boosting courage and LUK but lowering stats on INT and WIS. (Lvl. 1)


Yeah, common sense is for the common person. I, on the other hand, am neither a common nor a person, therefore let's go exploring!

"It's cute that you're worried about me, but do remember, my beautiful [QUEEN]: I am Garith Gremory, the second son of the prestigious clan of devils. I live dangerously by just existing, might as well enjoy life fittingly!" I declare, unfolding my wings and taking flight to the top of the deck, my feet landing on a stable spot between the struggling fish, sand, barnacles and rotten wood. A bit broken and worn out, but honestly, standing proudly just fine, this is a fine ship, wonder if it is worth something as well. I turn to the duo down there and signed. "Miss Lilitifa, as soon as I find something, I'll tell you, okay?"

"W-Wait, Lord Garith! I'm coming as well!" The mermaid devil says, ready to unfold her own wings and follow me suit, but I stop her.

"No need, miss Lilitifa! If we were to be attacked, you wouldn't be of any use. Better off stay there and not get in the way, okay?" I give her an okay sign, and she gasps offended and surprised, but soon sulking realizing I'm not that wrong. Considering my affection points with her didn't drop as much. With a satisfied smile, In turn to my queen. "Hippolyta, take care of Miss Lilitifa while I search for some treasures, protect her at all costs, please!"

The amazon sighs tiredly, but nods in response. With that taken care off, I turn the other way and begin to walk around the deck, the wet wood under my feet making little to no noise while the struggling fishes start to die down. I'm no watercraft otaku, but isn't this galley a bit too big? But then again, the chances of this being a battleship are not zero. Reaching the other side to the accommodations, the rusty locks guarding the door were no match for the pommel of my katana, breaking apart like cardboard after a single strike. I open the gates leading to the entrails of said ship, and flicking a finger to summon a small flame for illumination, I take a step inside into this mysteries abode, ready to face whatever is inside and loot whatever I can find. I am somehow excited; doesn't this feel like the entrance of a dungeon?

Although, a real dungeon crawl wouldn't be so… Barren.

Walking for a few minutes into the entrails of this place, and nothing but puddles, barnacles, sand and occasional coral formation. You would think a sunken ship, probably due to some violent storm or divine wrath, would be filled with undead unrest spirits, some reanimated skeletons of soldiers and the like, even maybe some marine monsters, but so far, nothing of interest is going on. Just me, my little fireball and Dok, the talking skull whom I picked from the ground…

"Man, to think my first dungeon would be this boring. I mean, it's not like I want to fight wave after wave of enemies, but just going inside to loot some treasures sounds like just a waste. If this was indeed a game, this would be just lazy design choice." I sigh to myself, hearing only my footsteps and the flickering of the flames on my finger.

'But doesn't a breather level a relief after a pretty hard level in Themiskyra? Maybe that's a bonus round just for some extras, Ichirou.' Dok laughs as I motion his mouth to laugh, his hearted laughter making me realize that, yeah, maybe a moment or two of calmness is not so bad.

"Maybe you're right. Also, don't call me Ichirou. That man is dead." I pout at the skull at hands. Another laugh from him.

'You're such a buzzkill, Riz. The fact you don't take life from granted now is mainly because you know hard it is to waste it away, especially in those circumstances.' He lectures me, and I roll my eyes, but not dismissing his words. I guess that's a way to think about it: having lived as Ichirou, I now know better how to do it as 'Garith'. Doesn't mean I want to remember my previous incarnation… Or something like that. 'As they say: those who don't learn from the past are doomed to fail history tests.'

"I know everything you said is true… But still, don't call me by that name." I groan irritated a bit. Cursed skull, who is he to lecture me like that, even so intimately too, I have told no one about that either. "Just because I can learn from the past doesn't mean I want to relive it. Like… Is good as it is."

'I can relate. I'm just a skull. After all…' He laughs, and I couldn't help but to accompany him in that. At least he has a sense of humour.

Eventually, we reach a bigger gate at the end of the corridor, imposing and guarded by a rather flimsy rusty lock, going down easily by a tap of my sword.

"Hey Dok, this door seems pretty important. In the end of a corridor and locked tightly. Sounds like either a treasure room or a boss arena. You were probably a sailor in this ship, care to tell me what's inside." Before going inside, however, I turn to Dok for some words in advance. Let us not be haste now.

'I'm sorry Riz, but you don't know.' He responds earnestly, another heartfelt laugh from his toothy grin. I raise a brow for his response and choice of words.

"Wait, you don't know?" I ask him.

'No, I mean, you don't know, dear Riz.' He echoes his previous statement, making me even more confused. 'Sorry to break it down to you buddy, but I'm not actually a talking skull. You have been hallucinating out of boredom this whole time; therefore, I don't know what's inside because I'm just part of your imagination…'

"Oh."

"Oh." I blink once again, and truly, I snap back to the reality where I simply picked a rotten skull from the ground to roleplay as a partner in this lonely and boring walk. I mean, it does make sense considering Dok is such a tongue-in-cheek name for a skull, I should stop taking information as gospel. Still, I smile at the skull. "Even so, thanks for making this walk a little more bearable and give me some insight, Dok. If you were alive, I would kiss you. At least you were a way better company than Wilson over there…"

'…'

"Well, sor~ry for not being Tom Hanks…" I stick my tongue out for that rude Wilson, and giving Dok one last goodbye, I put him down and turn to the gate of whatever is on the other side. Since the handlers were broken and rusting away, I did the most sensible thing and kicked the door open… Gently, of course.

Lo and behold, what I was looking for: the gates open with a thunderous creak as the doors fall apart like cardboard, and by the other side of it, a room filled with gold and treasure. Ornaments, jewellery, old paintings, weapons, goblets and tableware made from gold and other valuables that might be worth something. Sure, some of them are destroyed or ruined by several years if not decades or centuries under the sea, but otherwise the ocean water makes the gold glitter like the sun outside. So pretty, so bright, I feel the [Migraines] coming just for how shiny everything is…

A small walk inside, scanning every possible piece of loot I can find, my eyes land particularly instead on a beautiful, imponent magnificent large round shield, shining like no other treasure in this room, made from gold, tin, bronze gold and silver. Five layers of metal depicting the sky, cities, lives and the oceans etched on its surface, and the aura around it makes me realize that is no normal shield, but an arm worthy of a deity! I'm sorry miss Lilitifa, but this work of art I might take for myself. Focusing solely on it, I use my [appraisal] skill and get its description, while excited as well:


- AKHILEUS ASPIS (EQUIPPABLE): The shield of the Hero Achilles, forged by the god Hephaestus by the request of Thetis. An armament with godly properties, this shield's divine blessings make it nigh indestructible and capable of withstanding any offense, be physical or spiritual, and be used as a weapon.

[-HIDDEN SKILL-]


My excitement then flickers a bit. The shield of the hero Achilles, wasn't he that Greek hero who died by being hit on the heel or something? That shield is impressive, but if it couldn't protect him in his only weak spot, maybe I should reconsider taking it with me. I'd be a waste to give it to miss Lilitifa to be sold unceremoniously though, maybe I can give it to Hippolyta, and she can make the most out of it, that cutie Amazonian. Resting right beside it, a set of armour made from bright bronze and speckled with stars, ankle protectors of silver and a bronze helmet. I assume it is also Achilles' armoury, and using appraisal, it is described as just that, aka, another set of scraps which probably don't have much use. Unbelievable

Oh well, maybe I can give it to Hippolyta or hang it somewhere at the Gremory manor, if this shield can't protect, it is still a beautiful piece of ornament, a literal divine work. Maybe any other shield or weapon here can be interesting, at least one it won't fail me so much it makes me the synonym of a weak spot. Being honest though, I hit a jackpot with this one, I bet miss Lilitifa will be happy, she probably won't mind if I pick one or two weapons and pieces of gold for myself.

My thoughts are cut when suddenly the entire foundation of the ship swings in a violent way, followed by a deafening crashing sound and trembling, throwing me completely off-balance! What was that about, did Basil Elton caused another shipwreck?! Standing up and cleaning myself from all the gold and help around me, I pick the shield and some coins of gold and took my way to the deck to see what was going on. A straight path through the corridors, and finally reaching the light, I found my way to the bow, only to be greeted by another ship which clashed itself on the galley. Oi, what the hell.

"Gyahahahah! It is I, Captain Gragg!" A hoarse, rude voice called from said ship, and coming to its deck, there was this figure with devilish aura who had a monkfish for a head, wearing an eyepatch and a cutlass at hand, wearing a pirate get up. My eyes shout up to the banner of the ship and instead of a jolly roger, there was a devil symbol printed. I recognize that symbol: it is the rune of the house of Forneus. His single eye turns to me, and just being caught on his sight makes me shiver uncomfortably. Creep. "Kuku? If it isn't the representative of Gremory, the second son. Good afternoon, Lord Gremory. I am Gragg Forneus, the heir of Forneus."

"Hello, Gragg Forneus, Garith Gremory here. At least that's the name I go by nowadays." I whisper to myself that one last part, returning his rather polite greeting. A moment of silence, but then my greeting smile falls, and I adopt a semi-serious face for the matters at hand. "Mind me explaining why is that of your rude aggression against this ship? Someone inside could've got hurt, you know?"

"Apologies, second son of Gremory. But I must inform you, this place right here is within the territory of the Forneus clan, so seeing that much of an attractive abandoned ship, we thought a bit of looting was in the way. But it seems the second son got here first…" The pirate wannabe responds, his tone a bit too dangerous despite innocent words. He sheathes his cutlass away and comes closer, evil intentions leaking from his fish face. To maintain face, I open a hollow smile. "Your clan is one of the most powerful in the Underworld, and the name of Gremory echoes even among the higher ups of all the factions. Surely, you wouldn't be so avaricious as to deny a bit of the treasure possibly hidden within the entrails of this magnificent galley, specially since you are trespassing into my territory."

"You have a point, Forneus heir." I cross my arms in a pensive expression. "But unfortunately, this treasury is not for me to take, I'm afraid. I've made a deal with an acquaintance, therefore I shall keep it, even if it makes me look cruel."

"Kh…" Despite the typical resting bitch face expression only fish can manage, I can see that my words made him quite irritable, his groans notwithstanding. "Always the selfish type, you Gremory. Let me guess, a woman?"

"Well…"

"Lord Garith! Are you okay?! I'm sorry I couldn't inform you, this ship just came out of nowhere and…!" And speak of the devil, quite literally this time. Lilitifa comes flying and lands right next to me alongside the Amazonian princess. However, hewe thoughts are cut the moment her eyes turn to the devil facing me. Shock, then horror, the mermaid devil hides right behind me and holding me by the arm, making me roll my eyes. Wow, thank you for the help. By the other side, from peeved, the heir of Forneus opened what I assume was a smile, a daring yet malicious grin.

"Ku? Kukukuku. Well, if it isn't the beautiful miss Lilitifa." Lord Gragg chuckles maliciously, and out of disgust and instinct, I shield miss Lilitifa with a hand, while Hippolyta tilts her head.

"An acquaintance of yours, I inquire?" She asks me, and I nod with a shrug. Our families are part of the nobles in the Underworld, so we do 'know' each other in a way, but to call him something more than just a face I recognize is… Not very cool.

"Hey, second son, is this the one whom you've made the said deal with?" Lord Gragg asks with a malicious tone, and I nod. "Interesting, to have the beautiful heiress of the of the Vepar in your grasps, I do feel jealous… Tell me, is she part of your peerage?"

"No. She's not even worth a pawn on my peerage. You underestimate me too much, Lord Gragg." I respond him pronto, hearing my affection points from Lilitifa nosediving rapidly after a gasp from her. My response surprised him, but then the Forneus heir smiled with his fish lips, obviously thinking something depraved.

"I see, I see. Kukukuh. Then, second son, allow me to strike ye a deal from this heir: you can take the ship and its treasures, courtesy of the Forneus, free from all the problems trespassing into the Forneus territory might've caused… If you hand me the beautiful Lilitifa to be part of my peerage." The heir of Forneus cites, and just by hearing his voice, miss Lilitifa flinches on my grasp, trembling in fear and hesitation. My lips draw a half-smile, twitching a bit due to sheer degeneracy this individual is leaking just now. I mean, I am a pervert myself, but there's something so creepy about this one, the fish face not helping matters. I give a small glance at a frightened mermaid, then turn to the devil.

"Forgive me, lord Gragg, but I should not be the one to decide that. We should ask miss Lilitifa instead. I might not be her superior, but neither are you." I declare, and the fish man grunts irritated. I turn to miss Lilitifa, and she turns to me with trembling eyes and lips. She doesn't want to be with him, that's clear as day. Even so, guys like us don't understand subtlety at all, and not even words might get through our thick skulls. "Miss Lilitifa, do you want to be part of lord Gragg's peerage?"

"…" She pouts, nervousness accumulating in her throat as she forces herself to say it. "N-No, I don't want to. I'm… Scared."

"You heard the lady, lord Gragg. She doesn't want to go with you for… Unknown reasons, therefore it is a 'no'. I hope you understand." I bow politely to the Forneus heir, and as if crestfallen, his fish head falls forward, as he says something under his breath. I'm glad we were able to solve this peacefully. I turn to Miss Lilitifa with a smile, drawing myself closer to her and Hippolyta. "So, miss Lilitifa, let's get going. I found the prettiest treasures inside, and I guess we can pick some of them before they're claimed by the Forneus or something. Oh, and Hippolyta I got you a shield, although of questionable quality."

"I see. Such a pity, second son." The heir of Forneus decries, his head still low as if the floor were the most interesting thing in the world. His tone is low and defeated, and he draws himself in an almost pitiful figure, so much it makes me feel a bit bad, but still, being a creep kinda leads you to this kind of results. "Neither for the treasure or the beautiful Lilitifa. It is indeed such a pity…"

"I'm glad that you understand, lord Gragg."

"Yes, such a pity… That I'll have to use force against my kin!" He screams bloody murder, and dismissing his position, he makes a run for us, a run for me, drawing his cutlass and ready to strike! So quick and so fearless, miss Lilitifa reacts by yelping and holding me for dear life, while a hand of mine reached for one of my swords ready to counter his strike, but then a shadow slides between us!

*CLANK!*

"Uwaaaaaaah…!" But then instead of a clash, Lord Gragg was pushed away by a greater force, falling on his back and rolling all the way to the other side of the deck. The one who protected us, holding the divine shield up with no problem whatsoever, was Hippolyta, waving her armed arm to stretch it a few times. The Forneus heir snaps from his little daze and frowns against us. "You… Bitch!"

"A devil heir, you say? Must mean you might be as strong as the male, I deduce." She declares, now adopting a battle pose while drawing her Achilles spear. Such grace and poise, she is elegant even getting ready for a fight. Before anything, she turns to me and blinks. "Male, please allow me to fight this one, I request. In order to not grow complacent after my shameful last defeat, as well as to test the capabilities of this new armament, I wish to fight this one, I declare."

"…" I blink an eye for her, then I turn to the still dazed yet furious Gragg. Let's see…


[Gragg Forneus]

[LEVEL: 37/?]

[ALIGNMENT: NEUTRAL EVIL]


"…"

"Male…?"

"…"

"Male?"

"…"

"…"

"…"

"Sigh… Garith."

"That's a lot better." I smile and clap my hands to celebrate another level in our relationship, ignoring completely her glare of disdain and disbelief. "But yes, Hippolyta, I shall allow you to fight lord Gragg. But killing or crippling is not allowed. He is… A member of an important family, we don't want strain our relationship due to a silly quarrel."

"I see. You do have a soft heart for a devil, I muse." She gives me a side-glance, but then chuckles and turns to the furious fish face devil. Shield wrapped around one arm, twirling her spear on the other, she prepares herself for the clash, which won't last long considering the level gap between those two. Truly misleading, the title of a high-class is. "Excuse me, fish male, but you wouldn't mind be used in testing the capabilities of this gift, I expect. Please, do not disappoint me."

"Shit, to think I was going easy on you all… You bitch, like a low-class like you have any chance against me!" He screams, clearly pissed off and ready for another strike, his dented cutlass at hands. "You'll see, I laugh while I cut every piece of cloth in your body and engrave your lewd body into my brain! Prepare yourself…!"

[BOSS BATTLE!]

[THE DEMON OF THE DEEP, "CAPTAIN" GRAGG FORNEUS]

[FINAL MATCH!]

[ARE YOU READY? FIGH-]

*BAAAAAAAAM!*

"What the…?! GAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah~…!" But then, before the match could properly start, something else happened: at first, I thought Gragg would cheat and summon a kraken to fight for him like in the extra chapter, as something emerged from the waters out of the sudden, but then, with a swift smash, it destroyed completely his pirate ship by pushing it down the waters. Screaming, the captain tried to reach for it, only to receive a kick from a massive mechanical leg, flying off to the skies and then disappearing in a twinkle in the sky.

"Right, that was strangely gratifying…" I comment to myself, although my jest was out of nervousness instead of pure amusement. A second, and then the galley started to shake uncontrollably, as if in an earthquake. I grabbed and held for the nearest piece of wood while also holding miss Lilitifa, while Hippolyta holds her own by sticking her spear on the rotten deck! "Whoa! What in the world…!"

[-SCANNING. COMPARING. RESULT: THE HOMERIC GALLEY, FOUND.-] A loud, powerful, robotic voice resonates from the waters, and then, emerging from the ocean, we see the real identity of the one who assaulted Lord Gragg: A massive, mechanical, imposing robotic horse which shined in silver and bronze, the only exception being a core in its chest glowing bright red. It turned to us with its helmet-like muzzle and then supported its front limbs on the deck, causing another powerful quake! [-SCANNING. COMPARING. RESULT: DEVILS, ABRAHAMIC BEINGS. TREASURE DETECTED. HAND IT OVER, AND LEAVE THE SHIP, OR ELSE. -]

"What… What is that…?" I question to myself. A massive mecha horse just came out of nowhere and now is making demands?! That is both awesome and very, very frightening! Another nervous smile draws in my face for the sheer absurdity of the situation, but it is a smile, nonetheless. I take one step forward and reach for my swords. "And if I refuse…?"

[-PREPARE TO BE ELIMINATED, THEREFORE.-] The voice declares, from the muzzle two bright red lights glow, and from the waters, again, several objects emerge and jump into the deck, revealing to be bronze mechanical soldiers, almost like drones straight out of a sci-fi film while wearing Greek armours and weapons! All of them, like the mecha horse, had a red core in their bodies glowing like a lamp! [-DEPLOYING: RIACE BRONZES. ELIMINATE THE DEVILS AND RECLAIM THE HOMERIC GALLEY AND ITS TREASURES.-]

"Oh no, oh no…" I laugh, a nervous chuckle from my lips seeing the situation only get worse and worse. I feel excited yet scared at the same time. I was expecting a boss fight, but a raid level? First time since leaving home. I was ready to unseathe my swords and test my capabilities, but then Hippolyta signs for me and give me a look.

"Mal-… Garith, allow me to engage in this by myself, I request." She says, and for a moment, I feel my face falling for that. She's requesting this?! In here?! Doesn't she realize how preposterous this is?! One glance at her, and yes, she does know, and doesn't care. She feels confident and even a bit childish in that moment. I can't help but give her a dirt look and a pout in worry. Oh well, I guess I'm not the only one violating common sense. "Please take Lady Lilitifa and allow me to engage, I beg. This will make me… Truly happy."

"Miss Hippolyta, have you lost your mind?! Please reconsider th-…!" Miss Lilitifa reached for the amazon with tears in her eyes, but I was faster to pull her away and take flight away from the deck. Before we were out of reach, I turned to Hippolyta and flashed a smile.

"Good luck, Themiskyra princess. Don't forget: if you die, I'll be sad." And then I fly away, leaving her to the bronze mechanical soldier and the mecha horse. "Hippolyta, I choose you!"

[A WILD WOODEN HORSE APPEARED!]

[GO! HIPPOLYTA!]

[BOSS BATTLE!]

[THE WOODEN HORSE THAT ENDS WARS, DOURÁTEOS HÍPPOS]

[FINAL MATCH!]

[ARE YOU READY? FIGHT!]


Like hell I was going to make the proud and civilized princess of the amazons respond with "Polly, polly!". Garith was expecting her to respond, tho.

Hello, DxD fandom. Here I am, Houki Minami, with this little polarizing fic I got to love a bit more. Apologies for the delay and my absent in those few past months, pride aside. My pc broke, I had to move slightly and then I realized that all of my data was lost from the computer because I am a dummy and my pc decided to die like that. It wasn't a fun experience, but now I'm back with a new one, a bit of energy and finally some love to give to my stories before another possible idea for a one shot arises.

Have been playing fgo as well, getting new ideas but don't expect much. Meh. This chapter is the longest mainly because I wanted to compensate for the time lost both ways, also have some fun with Garith and his overall insanity, but maybe it ended a bit disjointed, hopefully it wasn't all that much. I had fun writing it, and I hope you had your fun reading it. I'll try to write faster with a new pc, but no promises. Thanks for reading up until this point and don't forget to R&R as always. Greetings~.

Garith's bio and status will update by the end of the arc.