Here I present myself with a new translated chapter!

This will be the last chapter that will work as a preparation for the battle that is about to begin. In the meantime, I will try to keep a rhythm of 3 to 2 days between updates in order to speed up this process and catch up with my untranslated story, as I am quite close to finish it.

With all this cleared up, it's time to answer the reviews:

vanhellsing9000: I think everyone was already expecting this development, but as I said before, I hope the scenes and the pace of the plot was good enough. Thank you very much for your always support, and I hope you can enjoy this chapter as well.

Cobin Michael: I hope this battle meets your expectations, and thank you very much for continuing to support me after such a long time.

And lastly, I would like to clarify again that this is a translation. My English level is very poor and I only use a translator to guide me. It's normal to notice some things that can be very annoying. I apologize a thousand times, but honestly that doesn't give you the right to insult me. If you are really unhappy with this, you can simply stop reading it. I mean, I don't think anyone is forcing you to read it.

That aside, it is time to begin.

Enjoy!

"And that's why I called them all here." Issei finished giving his explanation as he looked at the three women surrounding him.

Tiamat, Penemue and Ophis were gathered in Issei's room after hearing that he had something very important to tell them.

"Let me understand..." Penemue sat on the protagonist's bed, raising her gaze as she deepened her thoughts. "You mean you'll face Thor in a 1-on-1 in some sort of arena to save Rossweisse?" Penemue gave a small sigh, then looked at him seriously. "It's true that you finally managed to beat me, but I think it goes without saying that Thor is almost twice as strong as me if he uses his hammer. Do you understand how suicidal your idea sounds?"

"That's why I wanted to talk with you." Issei replied instantly. "I know it's a very crazy and even ridiculous idea, but there's no other way. At least, there's no other way to make this whole thing legal."

Those last words made the three women look at him with great interest and curiosity.

"What do you mean by legal?" The one who asked was Tiamat, who sat next to Cadre.

"Listen..." Issei gave a small sigh, remembering certain events from the past.

To be more specific, his fight against Brand.

"I already learned the hard way that acting without a plan B can be a very bad idea. Besides, I already worried you girls a lot the last time I did something like this, and that's why I wanted to discuss all of this with all of you." Issei said this last focusing his gaze on Tiamat, getting the dragoness to give him a small smile as she saw that he had learned his lesson.

"So, what do you want us to do?" Ophis had pretended to be rather distant to the whole discussion, but that question let them all understand that wasn't the case.

"As I said before, I'd rather try it the legal way first so I don't get in trouble. But if I fail, then I want you girls to get me and Rossweisse out of there as quickly as possible." Issei stated, earning a glare from Penemue.

"You know that could be classified as kidnapping the Valkyrie Queen and we would be wanted by all the Realms?" Issei merely nodded at the Cadre's question, earning a smile from her. "Then, I hope you won't make me a fugitive." Penemue clarified as she closed her eyes, raising her hand to the front.

"I believe in Issei, but if things don't go so well, you can have my help as well." Tiamat clasped her hand with Penemue's, causing them both to smile at each other.

"Ross is a good friend and comrade, so I'm not going to let anyone make her suffer." Ophis joined hands with the other two women, giving a small but visible smile.

"Girls..." Issei looked at them with slight surprise, then gave them a toothy smile.

He clasped his hand together with theirs, causing them all to look at each other with a smile.

"So..." Issei said, widening his smile a little.

"The plan to rescue Rossweisse starts right now!"

The four of them raised their hand in the air after those words.

Unfortunately, that emotional moment didn't last for more than 5 seconds, as loud knocking on the front door caused the three women to become confused.

"Who will they be at this hour?" Penemue wondered rather intrigued.

"Maybe Issei's parents forgot their keys?" Tiamat stated, then sketched a somewhat mischievous smile. "And why not leave them out on this cold night?" A little sassy chuckle emerged from her lips after her comment.

"They're not my parents." Issei's very solemn and confident answer made the three women look at him with a raised eyebrow.

"Then...?" Ophis said with mild interest.

"Wait here, I'll take care of this." Those words only made the three women more curious, but they simply nodded and decided to wait.

When Issei went downstairs to greet his "guest", he was already expecting any kind of reaction. For that reason, he was not surprised when he opened the door and received a sharp slap.

"I ordered you not to miss the meeting!" Rias rant with absolute fury as she grabbed him by the arm to drag him towards the Academy.

"And at what point did I tell you I would go?" Rias couldn't help but be very surprised when Issei shook his arm violently to break away from her grip.

"Issei, I've had enough of your teasing." The redhead's gaze sharpened exceedingly, which might have frightened many.

But Issei was not among those people.

"Who said I'm joking?" Now it was Issei who responded with the stare, and in this case, it was seen to affect his target quite a bit.

After all, Rias was now several steps away with a frightened expression on her face.

Seeing her reaction, Issei simply sighed and began rubbing his bruised cheek.

"Look, I'd gladly help you and my companions, but the truth is that something much more important than a silly Rating Game came up." Issei's words made the redhead's eyes widen.

"More important than a final? You seem to have forgotten that already, but I'm going to remind you." Rias folded her arms, sketching a serious look. "If we win, we'll receive a great deal of rewards. We will be known as the most promising and powerful young peerage, plus you will be promoted in rank and will be able to make a name for yourselves throughout the Realms, especially in Hell." Rias smiled, thinking that those words might change Issei's mind.

Of course, she didn't know that there were people who didn't only think of ambition and more ambition.

That simple idea did not fit in her small brain.

"So, recognition, power and ranks..." Issei said it with a clear contemptuous tone in his voice, which made Rias lose her confident smile.

Issei's eyes narrowed slightly at what he was about to say.

"Those three things could help me save a person?" The question posed by the young man made Rias look at him rather confused.

"What? I guess not, but what the hell does it matter?" She replied, only to tilt her shoulders as if it had been a rather stupid question.

"So, you wouldn't let me go save someone?" Issei asked another question, and this time Rias frowned.

"Of course I wouldn't. That person can wait, but mine..." Rias bit her tongue as she realized she was about to make a big mistake. "Ours is once in a lifetime."

Yes, she tried to correct herself, but the truth was that Issei was not only much stronger than her right now.

Now, he was also much smarter.

Therefore, he was able to perfectly grasp that slip-up presented by the redhead who called herself his mistress.

Rias looked at Issei with a frown as she watched him chuckle under his breath.

"So you put the life of a loved one below your stupid ambitions..." As he said these words as a mere whisper, Rias didn't get to hear him quite right.

"Did you say something?" Rias asked, then let out a big sigh. "Forget about that. Come with me now and stop acting like an idiot." Rias tried to grab his arm once more, but was quite taken aback when Issei met her with a sharp slap on the hand.

"Who are you to give orders to other people! You ridiculous girl!"

To say that Rias had been surprised at such a statement was an understatement.

She could do nothing but stand completely frozen as those words replayed in her head.

It was the first time someone had ever called her a ridiculous girl.

And the insult only deepened further in her mind as Issei was actually younger than her.

How dared someone younger call her that?

Who dared insult her of all things?

When she was finally able to react, the rage was fully visible on her features as she watched her slave turn his back on her.

"HYOUDOU ISSEI!"

"SILENCE!"

Issei slammed the door with great force as he activated his gauntlet, causing all of Rias' anger to transform into suffocating fear in a second.

Issei slowly turned his gaze, revealing slitted crimson eyes that indicated great pain if she did not heed his warning.

"No one needs listen your words!"

Rias tried to shout at him, but the word try was key.

After all, her mouth simply opened and closed without being able to utter even a single sound from the sheer shock and fear she was in right now.

She was sure that this threat was not an empty one, and if she didn't leave Issei alone, he would be able to really mess her up.

They shared a glance for a few more seconds, until Issei cut off their eye contact as he closed his eyes.

When the door finally closed, Rias fell to her knees as she gasped incessantly.

She didn't know the reason, but Issei gave off an aura that, if it could kill her, would have done so in less than a second.

It was truly terrifying...

CHAPTER 66: FOR YOUR HAPPINESS!

"Now I understand why the old man was so busy..." Issei could do nothing but look up to see the great floating coliseum towering over the entire Realm of Asgard.

"You can probably fit the entire population of Asgard in those stands. It's amazing that they have built such a large infrastructure in such a short time..." Tiamat stated, who also looked somewhat impressed.

"The Ceremonies are events that are very unusual, so they are a big attraction when they finally happen. It is completely normal that they have generated so much fuss over something like this, especially considering that the Valkyrie at stake is the Future Queen herself." Replied Penemue, who seemed to be the only one who wasn't impressed by such an architectural display.

Well, actually that wasn't entirely true, as a certain Goddess of Infinity was also calm in the face of what she was witnessing. In fact, the word calm was not exactly the definition that fit her at the moment.

Rather, Ophis seemed to be annoyed.

"So much noise, how annoying." Was all the Goddess said as she summoned her much-prized relic to cover her ears: her headphones.

"Maybe we should have left her at home..." Issei thought aloud with a slight bead of sweat because of the attitude demonstrated by the Dragon Goddess.

"Actually, I think bringing her along was an excellent idea."

Issei turned around along with his companions after feeling someone speak behind them.

"Imagine the reaction of these guys when they find out that the Goddess of Infinity came to watch one of their Ceremonies. I'm laughing my ass off just thinking about it." The man commented, giving a big laugh at the end.

"Azazel?" Issei couldn't help but stare at him in utter amazement.

"What's with that face? Did you really think I'd miss such a show of yours, brat?" Azazel gave his typical half-smile as he landed next to him and grabbed his shoulder.

"How did you find out so quickly?" Issei couldn't help but ask, noticing how the man chuckled.

"Well, you could say that there was a bit of an uproar generated in the Underworld over the decision you made, and since Sirzechs knows that I have a very good relationship with you he thought I could persuade you to participate in the Rating Game." Azazel wiped his ear with his little finger, drawing an amused expression. "But, as you can see, I'm not here to get you back." The Cadre concluded, delivering a sly smile to the young man.

"Issei!"

The familiars weren't done arriving, as a certain Nekomata cat showed up this time when she hugged him very tightly without warning.

Seeing this, Tiamat and Penemue's alarm bells went up in flames as they remembered that this certain cat had wanted to engage Issei a couple of months ago. And the fact that she had jumped on him without warning only made their instincts sharpen even more.

"Uh, Kuroka?" Issei couldn't help but look at her quizzically when the Nekomata replied with a big, toothy grin, then broke away with a small hop.

Just then, Ophis watched with a pouting face as Penemue and Tiamat rushed at the same time towards where Kuroka was standing.

"The Vali Group is present to see your great achievement, and right now you're in the presence of the Hakuryuukou's current partner!"

Penemue and Tiamat stopped from one instant to the other after hearing those words.

"They stopped in mid-air without spreading their wings, cool." Ophis declared with some amazement at what she witnessed.

"Are they really a pair?! What the hell did I lose track of these days?!" Issei shouted with great elation at the realization that his rival had gotten a girlfriend, being that Vali wasn't the type to focus on women, or so it seemed until now.

"Let's just say a lot has happened since the battle against Brand..." Vali commented, arriving along with the rest of his team.

"I see..." Issei rubbed his chin after his words, and at that moment he could notice something really strange.

"Wait a minute, what are you guys doing in this place without even trying to blend in?" Issei couldn't help but raise an eyebrow after asking the question.

"And you're just now figuring it out?" Bikou couldn't help but scoff, making Issei blush in embarrassment.

"In our battle against Brand I also contributed not only to saving you, but also that Valkyrie. Apparently, she talked to Odin about everything that happened, which is why I'm considered a neutral guest in Asgard despite belonging to the Khaos Brigade." Vali explained, then glanced sideways towards several Valkyries who kept watching not only him, but his entire group. "Though that doesn't stop them from keeping an eye on us the entire time." He concluded, causing Issei to nod in understanding.

"Did you come to watch my fight or do you have some business with Odin?" Issei resumed talking, getting the albino to smile.

"Do you think I might have business to discuss with that old man? I just came to see how you're doing in all this. In fact, it's a great battle that I wouldn't miss for anything in the world." Vali replied with his typical smile.

"Did you see that guy?"

Both Issei and Vali turned their faces away after hearing mutterings coming from one of the castle's windows.

"From what I heard he's pretty strong, but he's really crazy if he's thinking of confronting Thor-san." The man's friend added.

"It will only make the Valkyries feel bad to see their hero end up trampled and humiliated. But I can't blame him, they say he's a Reincarnated Demon, so I'm sure he doesn't know the abysmal difference between a God and someone like him." Another man added.

Issei frowned noticeably at the comments.

He knew that taking on a God might be insane, but these guys were killing him before the fight even started. And now that he thought about it, most likely many would feel the same way.

"Hey, Issei..." Vali called him by name, something that surprised the young man a bit. Therefore, his surprise only increased when he saw the seriousness on the man's face.

"It's time for you to come out and show the world who you really are." The albino commented with a small smile, impressing Issei.

"It's no longer enough to be better than yesterday. You have to rise to the top and make yourself a person to respect." Vali leaned close to Issei's ear, then gave him a small fist to his chest.

"You don't need anyone to believe in you." He whispered back, causing Issei's eyes to widen slightly.

"All the power you need is within you." Vali gave him another smack on his chest before pulling away.

The albino couldn't help but close his eyes with a smile as he saw Issei's stunned look.

"Now, I'll go watch this battle with my companions." The albino walked past his friends to Issei's side, then added a few words:

"We'll be waiting for you up there."

Before the group disappeared in a magical circle, Issei gave him one last look.

"I promise not to let you down, my friend."

It was rare to see an astonished expression from Vali, but he definitely was.

After all, he never expected his biggest rival to call him that.

Finally, the albino smiled at Issei's words and mentioned his last words:

"I hope so..."

Issei stood silently watching where Vali stood before. He thought about his words once more, causing a small smile to appear on his face.

"You're finally here, brat." They all looked over to see Odin standing at the gates of the big castle. "Let's not waste any more time. The discussions start in five minutes and you can't be late."

When he saw everyone step forward, Odin raised his staff to the front.

"Stop. Only those involved may attend the meeting. You had better make your way to the stands from now on because there may not be any more free seats before long." The old man concluded, then walked away.

Issei turned, watching as his three future mistresses approached him.

They both stood in silence for a few seconds.

"Well, I guess we'll say goodbye for now..." Issei commented awkwardly, not knowing what to say in a situation like this.

Therefore, his surprise was more than evident when Penemue hugged him very tightly without warning.

"I know it's silly of me to tell you, but don't overexert yourself too much and be very careful!" She pulled away slightly and cupped his cheeks so that their eyes met.

Issei was even more surprised, for he had never seen the Cadre with such a worried face as she did now.

And that concern was solely and exclusively due to him.

Issei didn't have much more time to witness her beautiful face, as he received another tight embrace covered in love.

The minty fragrance and that long beautiful light blue hair was enough to know who it was.

"What Penu said, but magnified ten thousand times!" Issei couldn't help but feel full at the tenderness of the woman who not too long ago had forgotten how to smile.

Issei hugged the two women tightly to reciprocate all that affection and love they were giving him, becoming completely absorbed in everything that was happening around him.

Azazel just watched all this with a tiny smile on his face.

Seeing this kind of strong and sincere affection was really rare these days, so it was quite nice to see when he had the chance.

Although that hug still lacked that touch of innocence that always made everything look so bright.

And sure enough, she came with her typical neutral expression to place her hand on Issei's hair, making everyone look at her at such strange gesture.

"Good luck." Was all Ophis said as she began to stroke his head as she floated upside down.

A rather bizarre scene if you asked anyone. But obviously, everyone smiled and some laughed at the very carefree and innocent attitude of the Goddess of Infinity.

"All very beautiful, but it's time to leave." Azazel clapped his hands, drawing everyone's attention.

"If you'll excuse me, I'll take the brat." Azazel hugged Issei's shoulder and began dragging him towards the castle to the confused looks of the protagonist and the stunned looks of Tiamat and Penemue.

"But you can't go in, only those involved..." Tiamat tried to explain, but Azazel raised his free hand to interrupt her.

"I'm his manager, so I can go in with him." Azazel gave them a cheeky grin, causing the two women to roll their eyes.

"At what point did he become your manager?" Tiamat watched the Cadre expressionlessly as he entered the castle.

"He always makes quick moves only when it is convenient for him..." Penemue couldn't help but look slightly annoyed after saying that.

"Hey..." Penemue and Tiamat lowered their faces slightly to watch as Ophis tugged on the Cadre's sleeve.

"Can we go now?"

Azazel looked at Issei as they climbed the stairs.

Thanks to the castle being nearly empty, only the two of them could be heard in the large establishment.

"Taking advantage of the fact that we're alone, I'd like to talk about what you're about to do..."

"You mean because of Rias?" Issei interrupted him without even looking at him, getting Azazel to become a little serious.

"Issei, I just want to ask you if you're sure about what you want to do." Azazel stopped when he saw Issei do the same.

"I'm not a Demon."

Those simple words confused the Cadre quite a bit.

"Issei...?" That's all he could say, as he saw Issei lower his head slightly.

"Even though I'm a Dominion, even though I have Demon wings..." Issei raised his gaze again to stare at him. "I don't have the interests of a Demon, and I'm not even comfortable with them. I think Gasper is the only one I really like, and that's because he's a special case, just like me."

Issei couldn't help but let out a small sigh as he folded his arms.

"I'm not a Demon. I know it sounds ridiculous, but I'm simply not." Issei raised his gaze, thinking carefully about his next words.

"I'm just me. Hyoudou Issei is Hyoudou Issei."

Issei lowered his face again after his words, giving a small sigh at the end.

"I know it sounds ridiculous, but..."

Issei paused, as he felt a hand rest on his shoulder.

"You don't need to keep explaining it, I understand perfectly. And I'm proud, I'm proud that you want to make your own decisions." Issei looked at him rather astonished after hearing the Cadre's words.

Azazel gave him a half-smile through his teeth after seeing his reaction.

"Why are you so surprised? Have you already forgotten that I promised to support you in every decision you make?" Azazel ruffled his hair, drawing a toothy smile from the young man.

"Thank you. Really thank you for always listening to me and advising me." Issei's words came from the depths of his heart, bringing a smile to the Cadre's face.

"Don't worry, and now let's not waste any more time. That old man can get annoying and believe me even Penemue would be nervous if she saw him like that." He concluded, giving Issei a little kick that nearly sent him rolling down the stairs.

Moments later...

The silence in the meeting room was more than palpable.

Only Thor, Issei, Odin, Azazel and Rossweisse were there.

Each had different aspects to this event. The Cadre and the God seemed to keep a bit aloof from the suffocating atmosphere while Issei and Thor did not take their eyes off each other. The God of Thunder wore his typical smug grin while Issei remained more unmoved than Penemue herself. Meanwhile, Rossweisse had locked herself under her own bubble of despair in an attempt not to scream or cry at what the protagonist was doing.

"...Well, actually, there's not much more to add." Odin stated, breaking the curt silence that had descended on the room.

Thor and Issei ended their battle of glances to observe the old man, watching as he rubbed the beard calmly, though his temperance was no match for his seriousness in the matter.

"As there are only two gamblers, a single round will be played on the battlefield. Rossweisse will be the first to come out as we will hide her in a space within the battlefield where you will have to search for her and take her outside the marked boundaries of the area. Of course, we will hide her very well and her position will be revealed 15 minutes after the start of the battle. I think it goes without saying that the Valkyrie in play cannot have any favourites and absolutely cannot move under any circumstances, let alone attempt to injure or separate from the man who is carrying her. If so, the fight will be stopped immediately and the Valkyrie will receive a heavy punishment for her actions." The God clarified, then frowned.

"Obviously it is not mandatory to rescue Rossweisse, it is only one of the three possibilities to end the game. The second condition is that one of the gamblers surrenders, and the third option, which, if possible, I would like to avoid, is that one of the gamblers dies." Odin finished drafting the rules, looking at everyone involved.

Silence fell for a few seconds, until the old man spoke again.

"Any suggestions or questions?"

"I want to clear things up as of now." Issei raised his hand, gaining everyone's attention. "Once I win this, I'm going to get a divorce."

Those words made some people look at him with a pouty face while others were quite astonished.

"Hyoudou, you know that's..."

"I don't want to fight for Rossweisse's hand, I just want to fight for her freedom." Issei declared, getting Rossweisse to look at him in slight disbelief. "My goal is for her to be free to choose her own fiancé. That way, she can choose to be happy with whomever she truly wants." He concluded, and Rossweisse's disbelief could only increase at such words.

"It's a bit complicated to allow, but I suppose I can make the effort..." Odin stated, already knowing in advance that Issei would ask for this.

Silence reigned through the room for a couple of seconds, in which no one raised their hand or made any sort of comment.

Just as Odin was about to dismiss everyone, someone spoke up.

"I..."

Everyone fell completely silent as a shadowed-faced Rossweisse raised her hand regretfully.

"What can I do for you?" Odin asked her fondly, as he knew well that this was all very difficult for her.

"I would like to have a talk with Issei, in private." Rossweisse raised her face to focus her gaze with Issei's.

They all rose without complaint. Even Thor did, though his smile indicated he didn't much care either.

The God of Thunder walked past Issei, then leaned close to his ear as he rested one of his hands on top of Issei's head.

"You'd better enjoy this talk, because it'll be the last you'll ever have with her." Thor whispered in his ear with clear malice, though Issei didn't even flinch.

When they were finally alone, Issei's expression changed slightly as he noticed Rossweisse trembling with helplessness.

Issei stood up and approached her slowly.

"Ross..." Issei tried to lay a hand on Rossweisse's shoulder, but she brushed him off with a sharp movement as she stood up.

"You...!" Rossweisse shouted with great anger as she began to punch him in the chest with great force.

"Didn't you say you wouldn't interfere anymore?! Don't you ever listen to what I'm telling you?!"

It was so much force, Issei couldn't help but take several steps backwards until he was backed into a wall.

"You're such an idiot, I hate you!"

This time, Issei was quite surprised, not because of the fact that she said hate him, but because it was the first time he had ever heard her insult him.

It was clear that she was really annoyed.

"Idiot! Idiot!"

She continued to beat his chest, though her blows were becoming slower and gentler.

"I hate you!"

Her voice trembled as her outburst of anger was gradually replaced by simple disbelief, silence, skepticism at not wanting to believe this was all happening.

"Why...?"

Finally, the last blow came as a simple caress to his chest.

"Why are you doing this?"

Issei couldn't help but feel a little sad as he noticed the woman's broken tone. Though he couldn't see her face, he was sure she was on the verge of tears.

Issei took her chin and slowly lifted it so he could see her expression. It was a sight he would never forget, since she was devastated.

"Because I know what being under your own darkness feels like."

That answer made Rossweisse's eyes widen a little.

"Because I know what it feels like to try to evade your own shadow to no avail." Issei gave him a small smile at what he was about to say.

"I know how it feels, and that's exactly why I don't wish this on anyone. Especially if it's you, who is one of the most important people in my life."

Issei could witness Rossweisse cut off eye contact as tears began to form in her eyes.

"And I don't want anything to happen to you because of me. Please give up this pointless fight while you still have time. Thor is no opponent like the ones you've faced before." She cooed, hoping Issei would desist.

Obviously, she didn't expect him to. After all, he was especially stubborn.

That was exactly why his response surprised her so much.

"Very well, I will."

Rossweisse couldn't help but stare at him dumbfounded at his words.

"But only on one condition." He added at last.

"What is it?" The Valkyrie asked without hesitation.

"I want you to tell me how you really feel about it." That request no doubt took her by surprise, but she still seemed to accept it as she broke away from him to begin speaking.

"How I feel? It's complicated..." Rossweisse tried to excuse herself, but realised it would be of no use when she saw the look the brown was giving her.

"How can I explain...?" Rossweisse couldn't help but let out a sigh, then lowered her gaze in clear sadness.

"Actually my wedding wasn't something I was looking for, I just wanted to have fun with my friends. The problem arose when Thor decided to isolate me from everyone in order to fulfil his selfish goal. Maybe from that moment on I felt a real interest in getting a partner, since dreaming about such things freed me from all my torment." Rossweisse put a hand to her chest after remembering all that she had suffered for millennia.

"Everything was really difficult and monotonous, until I met you." A small smile emerged from the beautiful Valkyrie, though rather than a cheerful smile, it was a distinctly bitter, and even nostalgic one.

As if she was remembering something very distant, which it wasn't really.

"They were fake dates, it's true. But the outings we had together were really fun. I even felt like I could smile again with a real smile. After that, I met Tiamat, Penemue and Ophis. It's true that I don't get on very well with Ophis, but she as well as the others took me in and we became close friends." Rossweisse's hand tightened even more tightly on her chest.

"It was really fun. And if it could last forever..."

Issei just watched silently as tears began to roll down the Valkyrie's face.

"In these moments, and before...I always wonder..." She lifted her face, revealing a completely heartbroken smile as she continued to cry.

"IS WISHING TO BE HAPPY SO MUCH TO ASK OF A VALKYRIE QUEEN?!"

The words were deeply engraved in Issei's mind.

Perhaps it was not so much the words, or even their meaning.

Seeing Rossweisse's face and the tone in which she said it...

That could only be suffered by a person who was on the verge of breaking...

Issei closed his eyes and took a step forward.

"Thank you for telling me, I know it must have been very painful." He stated, stepping to the side of her.

"Will you keep your promise?" Rossweisse asked him as she tried her best to brush the tears away.

"About that..." Issei grabbed the doorknob, then turned his face to give her a chuckling smile.

"Well, the truth is, I'm not good at keeping promises."

Rossweisse's eyes widened beyond belief after hearing Issei's words.

"You bloody liar, you tricked me!" She cried out with clear disappointment in her words.

"Not long ago, you said that I should break the husk I had created so that the real me could come out." Issei said, his gaze returning to his typical seriousness as he slowly opened the door. "Now you can see that that shell is breaking and the seed is revealing itself." Issei paused, giving her a sidelong glance, "Isn't that what you wanted?"

"But you don't understand, it's my destiny!" She tried to stop him as she grabbed his arm, making Issei stare at her.

"Ddraig told me that the only one capable of forging one's destiny, is oneself." He rebutted her as he waved his arm to remove the grip, causing Rossweisse to start crying once more.

"But we're talking about a God! You must know when there's an impassable wall in front of you!" She tried to stop him once more, but it didn't seem to work.

"An impassable wall, Thor, and even Trihexa himself approaching." Issei finished opening the door, taking a couple of steps out. "None of that is going to stop me from achieving my own destiny under this world. I will face all the odds that are against me, even if it means I must run into the fear I once ran from."

Issei began to close the door slowly as the sound of horns began to be heard everywhere, indicating that the Ceremony was about to begin.

"You may hate me for meddling in your life, but I don't care about that..." Issei closed his eyes, remembering everything he had experienced so far.

"After all, Ddraig taught me. They taught me. The girls taught me. You taught me..."

Rossweisse's eyes widened slightly as she watched Issei give her one last look before closing the door.

"You taught me to be an honourable warrior."

A few minutes later...

The coliseum was already overcrowded, with the exception of a certain area where a large perimeter was managed because of a certain Dragon Goddess.

Tiamat, Penemue and Ophis were standing apart from the Vali group. They were all very attentive to any movement in the arena.

"It's funny to see that they created a small city as a battlefield. They even made an underground." Bikou commented with slight interest in the infrastructure.

"I still can't understand the reason for being here." Arthur stated, adjusting his glasses. "If you ask me, I'm sure we didn't come just to witness a good fight."

"Come on, you know damn well you wanted to join me to see if that happened again." Vali clarified, getting the two women in the group to listen to them carefully due to the fact that they were not aware of the subject.

"That's something I can't deny." Arthur stated, frowning slightly. "In all my archaeological studies, I have never heard or experienced anything like that day..."

"Yes, I know." Vali focused his gaze on the battlefield as he recalled the events that transpired when Tiamat was on the brink of death.

In fact, she should have died.

"I was too absorbed and dazed at the time by what was happening, so I couldn't analyse it coldly." Vali couldn't help but frown as he folded his arms. "Not only did it feel like dragon energy, but it was really strange. And what's more surprising, is that energy was powerful enough to heal Tiamat. That would only be possible if the energy and magical power is equivalent or superior to the target you have in mind. Therefore, by mere deduction I can say that that pillar of power was strong enough to overcome the most powerful Dragon Queen..." Vali concluded, unable to help but smirk a little at the end.

"I never thought I'd be so right when I said that time that you were the most interesting Sekiryuutei, Issei."

Azazel sat down next to Odin in seats that were somewhat removed from the others, denoting that they held some degree of importance.

"I find it unbelievable that you did all this being that up until a few hours ago there was to be no confrontation." Azazel stated, watching the God closely.

"It's part of the protocol. Confrontation or not, it couldn't be avoided." A faint mysterious smile graced Odin. "Besides, I was sure the brat would arrive."

Azazel couldn't help but chuckle at such a statement.

"I'm sorry for being late. In my defence, I must say that the work at the Twelve Gates of Hell is constant." Rosswell gave a small bow as he landed behind the God and Cadre, then sat down next to them.

"Azazel, this is Rosswell, the captain of the squad that is in charge of guarding Loki's prison from escapes. You know what I mean." Declared the old man, causing Rosswell to bow his head after the introduction.

"Easy friend, you're just in time to see the fun." Azazel stated as he placed his feet up on the counter.

"To tell you the truth, if it were up to me I wouldn't have come. It's not that I don't trust my group, but the problems that go on in that place are a real pain in the ass." Declared the man as he settled back in his seat.

"Come on, you can complain all you want, but I know full well that you're very interested in what kind of future your sister has in store for her." Odin stated with some amusement as he watched Rosswell's eyebrows furrow.

"I have to admit, it worries me..." The albino couldn't help but close his eyes in clear regret after his words.

"Don't worry. I know you have a lot of trouble memorising faces because of what happened to you in the past, but make sure you remember the man who is about to rescue your sister well." Odin commented with complete assurance, causing Rosswell to raise an eyebrow.

It was rare to see the Lord of Asgard have such confidence in anyone. Especially when it came to the fact that this man must defeat his own son, an accomplishment that would be considered impossible for almost anyone.

Before Rosswell could further analyse Odin's words, loud trumpets sounded throughout, causing a burst of cheers to echo throughout Asgard for what was about to begin.

A huge holographic screen rose above the top of the coliseum, and at that moment it focused on two magical circles appearing between two buildings.

"¡5!"

Everyone shouted as they followed the count.

"You better give up now before you make a fool of yourself in front of everyone." Thor declared with a smirk covered in smugness.

"¡4!"

"What's the matter, did your idiocy make you dumb?" Thor sneered as he stood with his arms crossed.

"¡3!"

"I suppose it will be better for me. After all, you'll be my big final party before I become a married man."

"¡2!"

"BALANCE BREAKER!"

Issei dematerialized his helmet, focusing his piercing and even scary gaze on the God.

"¡1!"

"I'm going to destroy you." Were Issei's withering words.

"The battle for the Valkyrie Queen begins right now!"

END OF CHAPTER!

As I always say, I hope you enjoyed this chapter.

We are slowly approaching the beginning of this battle, and therefore the end of this arc. As I said before, this will mark a pretty big before and after, although I think it's already doing that now.

I'll see you shortly with another new chapter.

Thank you very much for reading!