Awakening of the Sapphire Dragon

by spiralgamer

After her defeat at the hands of her brother, the Sapphire Dragon had her soul sealed within a Sacred Gear and was forced to sleep for 2,000 years. Now she has awakened to her first host, a shy young man who desires love. AU, OCxHarem, IsseiXHarem, slight crossover element to revealed in a later chapter.

60. Assault on Nijou Castle

Oh thank god, I finally got this out! This chapter was already written out nearly three months ago, but editing was a fucking pain. Not just because this is my biggest chapter so far at over 21,000 words, but just having the energy to do it. Even though my busy time at work has been over for a few months, things have been getting stressful lately. That's why the author's notes at the end isn't going to be much.

On the plus side, I did finish editing the first chapter of Sapphire Dragon Alter, so you can expect that to be posted within the next few days. Anyway, I hope you all enjoy!

---

About fifteen minutes later, everyone gathered in the dining room, with Luke and Melody fully clothed and Kunou now wearing a white sweater and black leggings.

Wow! Luke blushed lightly at the sight of Kunou. That shrine maiden outfit hid her body really well! I had no idea she was so voluptuous!

Kunou turned towards Luke upon feeling his gaze on her.

Luke averted his eyes in embarrassment. Shit! She caught me staring!

Kunou blushed when she saw the flustered Luke swiftly turn away, making her smirk a little. Good, Luke-san likes what he sees. ... Wait a minute! Why am I pleased about this?!

"Everyone, I would like you to meet the woman who helped us get the information we need to take the fight to the Hero Faction." Karlel motioned her hand to Ethel.

"Greetings. I am Ethel Silvers, a member of Grigori's special task force, SLASH/DOG." Ethel politely bowed to everyone.

"Well, it's nice to officially meet you, Ms. Silvers." Luke smiled. "Although, I have to ask. Are you the only member of SLASH/DOG that's undercover at the moment?"

"Yes. I'm sure Lady Karlel is more than willing to tell you of the others if you ask." Ethel answered.

"I'll be sure to introduce you to all of the members once we return to Kuoh. And I can definitely say that you're going to like our resident Magician." Karlel grinned mischievously. "You better hope Morgana doesn't get jealous."

Luke turned to Ethel with a blank look. "Is your Magician friend familiar with Morgana Evergarden?"

Ethel chuckled. "Yes, Lavinia and Morgana took the same classes together. Anyway, the Hero Faction's experiment will take place around Nijou Castle, or rather a replica of it created by Georg's Dimension Lost. The ley lines in Kyoto are the perfect point for them to try and summon Great Red."

"Serafall and I have already mobilized scouts to be on the lookout for any suspicious activity around Nijou Castle and Kyoto Station." Azazel reported. "The Youkai factions are also providing their assistance."

"What about Rias and the others back home?" Luke inquired.

Azazel was about to speak until Serafall cut in with a serious expression.

"Originally, we were against bringing Rias and the others into this." Serafall spoke in her mature voice. "However, the fact that the Hero Faction members almost killed Luke and almost mortally wounded Issei made us change our minds. With the permission of Mitsumi, Chizue, Kurenai. and Kunou, Rias will create a transportation circle that will allow her, the Sitri peerage, and the remaining members of Melody's peerage to appear for the fight. Seth, Sairaorg, Seekvaira, and their servants are also going to provide backup."

"So, we get to meet Sairaorg and Seekvaira's peerage members?!" Luke exclaimed happily.

"Oh, hell yeah! It'll be nice to see Grencin again!" Issei cheered before giving Spiral a teasing smirk. "And I bet Rasen-kun is going to be quite happy to see Primior again."

"H-hey!" Spiral blushed profusely.

Aria couldn't help but laugh at her boyfriend's expense until Azazel ruined the mood.

"There is some bad news, however. Due to the Khaos Brigade's attacks, the demand for Phoenix Tears has skyrocketed, so only three can be provided for this mission." Azazel stated.

Luke was silent for a moment. "… Give them to Ise-kun, Spiral, and Genshirou. They'll need them if we are to succeed."

Everyone in the room was shocked to hear Luke reject one of the Phoenix Tears.

"Luke-san, what if you get seriously injured?!" Kunou questioned with a slight choke in her voice.

Luke's eyes softened as he turned to Kunou, seeing that she was clearly frightened for his wellbeing. "Kunou, I need you to understand something. The True Longinus is a very dangerous weapon. It's the strongest holy weapon in the world. Ise-kun, Spiral, and Genshirou are more at risk than I am, one who is both a Devil and a divine extraterrestrial. While the True Longinus may hurt me, it won't kill me immediately. And besides, I won't be facing Cao Cao. I'll be facing Siegfried. That man has stolen something very important to me and I will take it back even if I have to rip his arms off."

"… Luke-kun, you are the only one here best equipped to handle Cao Cao." Spiral interjected. "… I will reclaim Gram for you."

Luke pondered Spiral's offer for a brief moment. "… You have a point. As much as I want Gram back, it's not worth it if I have to lose one of my friends. Thank you, Spiral."

"Well, whoever you fight, I'm not going to let you do it alone." Pyra told Luke. "We're a team, remember?"

"Then I hope you'll be able to withstand my Kaelian transformation because I'll be giving you some of my aura to power you up." Luke said with a smile, prompting Pyra to give her own in return.

"Now, we're going to split everyone into teams." Azazel continued. "One will defend the hotels, the other will take the offensive against the Hero Faction."

Suddenly, a massive transportation circle with the colors red, blue, violet, grey, baby blue and gold appeared, along with different emblems for the different Devil houses.

Luke got onto his feet. "Ise-kun, you might wanna stand up, too. Knowing Hikaru and Azusa, they're going to tackle and smother you."

Appearing out of the magic circles were Rias, Akeno, Koneko, Sona, Ruruko, Hikaru, Azusa, Seth, Hana, Annabelle, Alastair, Emery, Primoir, Grencin, Seekvaira, and Sairaorg. The members of Seekvaira's and Sairaorg's servants were also present. The standing Issei was immediately tackled by Hikaru and Azusa, making Luke wince.

"Issei-kun!" Both Azusa and Hikaru cried.

"They wouldn't stop talking the entire time Rias was making the transportation circle." Sona groaned.

Seth chuckled before looking at his little brother with a smile. "Hey there Luke, how's it hanging?"

"Well, we're involved in another terrorist attack, so you can probably guess." Luke replied.

Seth looked around the room until his eyes locked onto Kunou, causing a grin to form on his face the likes that even the Cheshire Cat would envy.

"Oh no…" Luke mumbled to himself in concern.

"Luke, please tell me you asked this Kitsune to marry you." Seth spoke with an expectant tone.

"SETH!" Luke exclaimed with a heavily flushed face.

Issei chuckled as he cuddled with Azusa and Hikaru. "You should see Kunou-san's mom."

"Ohohohoho!" Seth laughed with tears of joy streaming from his eyes. "A mother-daughter Kitsune combo?! I'm so happy for my little bro!"

Spiral moved close to Aria and whispered into her ear. "Should I tell Seth about Mitsumi?"

Aria stifled a giggle at Spiral's response.

"What are you doing here, Nee-sama?"

Luke heard Koneko's voice and saw her glaring at Kuroka, forcing him to raise his aura immediately and removing any sort of argument that was about to start.

"Koneko, I know you're angry, but Kuroka has been placed under the protection of the Kaelia Khahrahk Faction as I cannot trust the Elder Devil's Council." Luke spoke sternly before seeing the fear in Koneko's eyes at the intensity of his aura, so he lowered it and gave her a gentle smile. "I'm sorry, Koneko. What happened between you and your sister is... more complicated than you think. I promise to tell you more when this is all over, but... please know that Kuroka loves you more than anyone else. She wouldn't have killed your bastard of an old master otherwise."

Koneko looked at Luke in shock. Rias and Akeno then made their way over to Luke and pulled him into a hug.

"Lukie, Karlel told us everything about your dangerous scuffle with that descendant of Spartacus. I'm so glad you're okay." Rias said lovingly.

"Yes... but he and the descendant of Orion had to die because of how big of a threat they would become." Luke replied solemnly before he hugged Rias and Akeno back tightly. "I'd... I'd never forgive myself if I let that monster of a descendant... f-fuck, I can't even say it."

"We know, Lukie-kun... we know..." Akeno spoke softly and petted Luke's head.

Koneko felt bad for becoming scared of Luke. She knew he was just as scared of losing them as she was losing control of herself.

"Shi- Koneko." Kuroka suddenly said, making Koneko turn to her. "I... I lied to you… about everything. I didn't go insane. Senjutsu cannot make one lose themselves. It is a negative free energy, much like Touki."

"She's right." Sairaorg interjected. "Only those without any negative emotions can learn and master Senjutsu or Touki. However, with negative emotions, it's impossible to learn such techniques."

"Koneko..." Kuroka took her younger sister's hands into her own. "I don't care if it takes me an eternity. I will atone for my crimes, serve Luke-chin with all my heart, and be the big sister you deserve."

Koneko looked at Kuroka for a moment before she pulled her big sister into a hug and sobbed into her bosom. "Why?! Why did you leave me?! We could've stayed with Rias-senpai together!"

"I was the one who killed my Master, not you..." Kuroka replied sadly. "Sirzechs might have convinced the Elder Devil Council to spare you, but I never had that luxury."

Seth clenched his fists tightly. "Unforgivable bastards..."

Hana pulled Seth into a hug and Sona patted his shoulder gently. At the same time, Emery and Annabelle made their way over to Setsuna.

"So, Setsuna, we found out you finally met your 'brother'. How'd it go fighting against Raijinto?" Emery asked curiously.

"It was a tough battle, but I emerged victorious." Setsuna answered.

Emery ruffled Setsuna's hair. "Nice going, Setsuna. Wish I could've been there to see it."

The door to the hotel room opened up, making everyone turn to see Roman.

"I have arrived as you requested, Luke... and yes, I brought some help." Roman said before he entered with someone Luke and Seth instantly recognized.

"AUNTIE NIMUE?!" The Sigmund brothers exclaimed.

Before everyone's eyes was an older woman with long white hair, violet eyes, and wearing a navy blue wizard's robe and hat. Walking up from behind Nimue was Morgana, who waved at Luke.

"Hey there, Lukie! Thought I'd bring my mother to help us out. And yes, I explained to her about the situation with Roman before she could try to kill him." Morgana said, making Nimue look away with a frown and a blush.

Luke looked around the room and noticed a couple of people missing. "What about Ruby and Fumiko?"

Morgana became sheepish and grinned nervously at Luke. "Sorry, Luke. I can't say what they're doing at the moment, but they'll be running a bit late."

Nimue Evergarden (Age ?) walked over to Luke and Seth, with the boys smiling at their late mother's close friend and the mage returning the affection.

"Luke, Seth... you two have grown so much." Nimue spoke warmly. "I'm so sorry Morgana and I couldn't be there for you two. We both thought you had died by Roman's hand. Still, I can't believe it was an Evie controlling Roman this whole time." She turned her attention to Luke. "And I heard that you're dating my daughter, as well as several other women."

Luke blushed profusely before nodding and scratching his cheek. "Y-yeah, I am."

"Well, I'm very happy to hear that, especially after everything that's happened." Nimue said before smirking at Seth. "I also hear you've gotten yourself a girlfriend. Plan on building a harem, too?"

"Jeez, Auntie, do you gotta embarrass me the moment we see each other again?" Seth questioned.

Luke chuckled to himself. Not so fun when the shoe's on the other foot, is it?

"Am I hearing a 'no'?" Nimue asked before she hugged the pinkened Seth and leaned towards his ear, whispering with a purr. "I certainly hope not, my dear nephew."

A pleasurable shiver ran down Seth's spine. Th-this woman is a fucking minx!

AH! How could I have forgotten?! Rrgh! That was stupid of me! Opheria shouted out. Why didn't I use my new body to help you, Luke?!

Luke's face was blank for a moment before he facepalmed and inadvertently drew everyone's attention.

"I'm an idiot." Luke summoned Falchion to his hand. "Release thyself from thy prison, Opheria."

Falchion glowed brightly until light coalesced until Opheria's humanoid form appeared before everyone. Rias and Akeno looked on in disbelief, as did those who've never seen the Paradise Dragon outside of Art Creation before.

"Is... is that really you, Opheria?" Rias asked in near shock.

"Yes, it's me, Rias." Opheria smiled at the Gremory heiress before turning to everyone else. "For those of you who do not know who I am, I'm known as Opheria. I go by many titles such as the 'Sapphire Dragon Emperor', the 'Paradise Dragon', and the 'Granddaughter of Sothis the Progenitor Goddess'. But to Luke, I am his lover. It is so nice to meet you all in my new form."

"H-how is this possible?!" Rias exclaimed.

Luke took a deep breath before explaining to Rias that he created an ability that allowed Opheria to leave Art Creation in a human body.

Melody narrowed her eyes directly at Luke. "And what did creating that ability cost you, Luke?"

Luke face paled as Rias gave him a dead serious look.

"... I'm not going to like what I'm about to hear, am I?" Rias asked ominously.

"... I rejuvenated my lost life force in the Youkai Hot Springs... only to use a large chunk of it reviving Opheria." Luke answered, expecting Rias to give him the same treatment Melody did when she found out.

Rias was dead silent and her face was angled in a manner that obscured her eyes. Luke was feeling unnerved until Rias pulled him into a hug.

"You... you stupid boy." Rias scolded Luke softly and started sobbing. "You better get that life force restored when this is all over."

Luke teared up slightly as he hugged Rias back. "I promise, Rias. I promise I'll get my life force restored as soon as possible."

Luke then noticed the determined looks he was being given by Kuroka, Koneko, and Emery.

Looks like I'll be receiving some Senjutsu treatment later. Luke thought.

Azazel coughed to get the meeting back on track. "Well, Luke, the Aegis, and Opheria will definitely be on the assault squad. Since Luke won't be taking Phoenix Tears with him, he'll need a source of healing. That's where Fumiko comes in." Azazel looked toward Akira. "However, Fumiko is going to need someone strong to protect her while Luke's fighting and what better protector than the big sis?"

Akira smirked before she turned to Luke. "Try not to hold me back, Dragon Blue."

Luke smirked back at the elder Kazuya sister. "Could say the same to you, Akira."

"Who else will be on the assault team?" Issei asked.

Azazel did not reply to Issei's question and merely handed Luke a list of those that were chosen for the assault team.

Luke looked over the list before appearing surprised. "… This is lot of people, Azazel. Are you sure you don't need a few for the defense team?"

"Considering who's on the defense team on top of the barrier we already have, you've got nothing to worry about on our end." Azazel answered confidently.

Luke could only nod before he turned to Koneko a solemn stare. "Koneko... you're with the defense team, so make sure you give them a lot of support, okay?"

"Wh-what? No! Why am I not with you?! You need my help!" Koneko yelled in outrage.

"No, Koneko!" Kuroka spoke up with a stern voice. "I'll go with the assault team in your stead. If you die at the hands of the Hero Faction, I'd never forgive myself."

Koneko could see the worry and concern in her big sister's eyes, it had almost brought her to tears. She mulled over Luke and Kuroka's words before gaining a determined face and nodded.

"Okay, Luke-san, Onee-san. I'll help support the defense team, just... please take care of Luke-senpai, Onee-san." Koneko begged softly.

"But of course, Koneko-chin. He'll be my mate someday, after all, nya." Kuroka petted her little sister's head.

Luke checked the list again and looked toward Seekvaira. "I'm trusting you to lead the defense team, Lady Agares."

"You need not worry, Luke. I will lead everyone to victory." Seekvaira declared just before turning to Issei. "... Issei Hyoudou, I hope to have tea with you some time if you ever return to the Underworld. Oh, and be sure to give my Knight an autograph after the mission is done. She's quite the fan of yours, Red Dragon Knight."

Issei smiled back. "Will do!"

A woman with long, chestnut-colored hair blushed furiously at what her master said. "S-Seekvaira!"

That must be the Knight... she's kinda cute. Issei thought.

Hoshiguma's brow twitched upon learning she wasn't the only fan of Issei in the room. Please, I've been a fan much longer than you have, Devil!

Luke smiled when he saw another name on the list. "Chizue-san, you'll be coming with us as well."

Chizue grinned. "It is an honor to fight at your side once again, Luke-kun."

"Lukie, what does she mean by 'fight at your side once again'?" Rias asked in concern.

"I assisted Luke-kun in killing the descendant of Orion." Chizue answered.

Everyone present was shocked, except for those that were with Luke during the battle, that he would willingly kill someone.

"If you're going to judge him for removing a serious threat, then you're all fools."

Coming in from the entrance of Luke's hotel room was Artemis wearing an emerald and bronze battle kimono.

"I have no doubt Orion's descendant forced himself on many women and even more would have suffered had Luke not taken his life." Artemis stated before looking at Luke with soft eyes. "And believe me when I say that Luke did not enjoy killing him."

"Killing is not something to take pleasure in, nor something to do lightly." Luke said honestly with a hint of regret.

Rias gently started petting Luke's head. "Lukie, if you ever need to talk, please let me know and I'll be there for you every step of the way."

"I wish to join this attack team." Artemis voiced. "And just so everyone is aware, I've told the entire Alliance about what's taking place and they said reinforcements should arrive in about 2 hours."

"We don't know how long it'll take for the Hero Faction to summon Great Red, so we need to end their experiment as soon as possible." Azazel declared. "Get into your positions, everyone!"

---

Luke was currently waiting for his assault group outside of the hotel he was staying at, with Ragnell resting on his shoulder and Dragonbind in its sheath.

"You still waiting for everyone?"

Luke noticed Issei walking over to him with his Boosted Gear active, making the Kaelian nod in confirmation.

"Wow! You can use more than one ability without going into Balance Breaker now?" Issei asked as he saw Luke's weapons.

"Yeah, I have Opheria to thank for this." Luke answered. "Since we both know that a big battle is coming, she gave me the ability to use more than one ability. My current limit is three, but Opheria said I should be able to increase my limit with time."

Issei sighed. "Man, now you've got me jealous! Even though you gave me my potential recently, I still haven't figured out what the hell it does for me."

"At least you have your potential. I don't even know where mine is." Luke tried to comfort his friend.

You'll find your potential eventually, Luke. Opheria said aloud from within Ragnell.

"If my potential is because of my love of breasts, then I wonder where your potential comes from, Lu-kun..." Issei pondered.

Luke shrugged. "I'm not sure as of yet, but like Opheria said, I'll find my potential someday."

Akira and Fumiko came into their sights with the younger Kazuya sister making a mad dash towards her boyfriend. Luke chuckled softly as he dispelled Ragnell and Dragonbind before Fumiko slammed into him.

"Someone missed me." Luke joked.

Fumiko looked up at Luke with eyes filled with love before pulling him into a soft kiss, which the Kaelian happily returned the affection.

Issei chuckled at Luke and Fumiko before he felt Akira wrap her arms around him from behind.

"Hey there, lover." Akira purred.

Issei smiled before pulling Akira into a kiss, which she reciprocated hungrily. Once Luke separated his lips from Fumiko's, he couldn't help but smirk at her.

"Scratch that, someone missed me a lot." Luke laughed a little.

"Ruby and I have been working on something for you." Fumiko made a 'it's a secret' gesture to Luke with a wink.

Luke blinked in surprise until his lips curled into a smile. "Oh? You and my aunt made me something? You shouldn't have."

Luke pecked Fumiko on her forehead just before a strong voice spoke up.

"So, you're Seth Sigmund's younger brother."

Approaching Luke was Sairaorg, along with his peerage.

"And you're Sairaorg Bael, Rias's cousin." Luke playfully fired back.

"I knew there was something special about you, but I never would have thought you were an alien." Sairaorg grinned. "I saw what you were capable of during your match against Sona Sitri and when you confronted Issei Hyoudou's Juggernaut Drive. I'm gonna be fighting your big brother in a week's time. I'm sure you'll be rooting for him."

"You better believe it." Luke said before his face turned serious. "However, seeing as you don't know much about Seth's Sacred Gear, I will warn you not to underestimate his Balance Breaker."

"Of course, and your warning is appreciated." Sairaorg said before he noticed that someone was missing. "Huh? Where'd Coriana go?"

Luke looked around and saw a woman approaching Issei. "Is that her?"

Sairaorg and his peerage turned around to see a curly blonde woman was walking up to Issei, making the Bael Heir chuckle.

"Yes, that would be Coriana Andrealphus, my first Bishop." Sairaorg confirmed. "And it seems I've forgotten about her interest in the Red Dragon Emperor."

"Another Red Dragon Knight fan?" Luke asked, veiling his slight annoyance.

"No, although I do find Hyoudou's show to be rather entertaining." Sairaorg confessed. "Coriana actually watched Issei's 'Rating Game' against Diodora Astaroth. She loved how Hyoudou fought against his enemies to save Asia Argento from Diodora's grasp, said it was almost like watching a dragon fighting to rescue his princess."

"Well, Asia is Ise-kun's princess."

Once Akira pulled away from Issei's lips, she noticed Coriana approaching them at the corner of her eye.

"Heads up, Issei-kun. We've got a beautiful blonde incoming." Akira teased her boyfriend.

"Huh?!" Issei quickly snapped in Coriana's direction.

"Hello, Red Dragon Emperor. My name is Coriana Andrealphus, Sairaorg Bael's first Bishop. It's truly a pleasure to finally meet you I person." Coriana nearly purred.

Issei blushed at Coriana's seductive tone. "I-it's nice to meet you, too, Coriana-san."

Coriana giggled softly at Issei's flustered expression. "I can see that you're quite different when you aren't on the battlefield. Brave to cute, I like it. I hope you do well in your upcoming Rating Game."

The Red Dragon Emperor smiled bashfully at Coriana. "Thanks, Coriana-san, but I have a pretty good feeling Lu-kun might have the spotlight during our Rating Game."

"I think both of you will have the spotlight." Akira patted Issei on the back.

"I have to agree with your friend here." Coriana said. "You and Luke Sigmund are quite famous for your shows, after all. In fact, I've heard rumors about a live show crossover between Red Dragon Knight and the Dragon Rangers. That is, if you both survive this battle, which I'm sure you will."

"As if the Hero Faction could stand a chance against a couple of Dragons." Issei boasted.

"Ise-kuuuun!" Kaguchi suddenly appeared next to Issei and wrapped her arm around his shoulder. "The rest of the assault team has arrived!"

Both Issei and Luke looked toward the second half of the assault team that had just arrived, with Rias and Akeno hurrying to their boyfriend and pulling him into a hug with Luke hugging them back in return, which made Kunou feel somewhat jealous.

"You two do realize I've only been gone for ten minutes, right?" Luke asked with a chuckle.

"Being away from you for that long makes my heart ache!" Rias whined adorably.

Issei smiled at Luke as he hugged Asia, Azusa, and Hikaru until he noticed the blushing brunette from earlier approaching him.

"Oh hey! 'Bafeel', right?" Issei asked.

Bafeel nodded swiftly. "Um, y-yes. I'm Bafeel Furcas, Knight of Seekvaira Agares. And, umm... I'm a big fan of your show."

"It's nice to meet you, Bafeel-san." Issei held out his hand to the Knight.

Bafeel had to stop herself from squealing as she shook Issei's hand. "It's nice to meet you as well, Issei Hyoudou. Umm... c-could I have your autograph after we defeat the Hero Faction?"

"Uh, s-sure." Issei sheepishly accepted.

As Issei and Luke chatted with everyone amongst them, they didn't notice that they were being watched by two unlikely individuals.

"Who are all these people? And how does Hyoudou-san know them?" Murayama wondered as she peeked around the corner with Aika.

"Screw that. Do you see the hot blonde and brunette talking with Issei? Just look at the tits on them." Aika said with hearts in her eyes.

"Kiryuu-san, focus!" Murayama angrily whispered.

"Yeah, yeah." Aika dismissed Murayama before she noticed Chizue and Hoshiguma. "Huh? Are those cosplayers? That's some pretty damn good makeup." Her eyes moved to the Onis' breasts. "But I hope those are real."

Murayama facepalmed before her eyes widened in shock upon seeing Luke's eyes and the gauntlet on Issei's arm. "Kiryuu-san, look at Issei-kun and Luke-kun."

Aika shifted her gaze and her jaw nearly dropped. "Damn! Those are some amazing contacts and props!"

"No, those aren't contacts. Contacts don't have moving galaxies within them."

"Neither do regular eyes for that matter."

"I don't think that gauntlet on Hyoudou-kun's arm is a prop, either. This is getting really weird."

"Shhh, listen." Aika said as she overheard Luke begin to speak to everyone.

"Alright, everyone! Our final battle with the Hero Faction is close at hand!" Luke announced. "While our battle before may have been tough, I believe this final battle may be even tougher. However, there's too much at stake to let these 'heroes' to do as they please."

Issei and everyone else nodded in agreement before Luke turned to face his childhood friend.

"Ise-kun, I want you and a part of the assault team to rescue Fuyumi and Ame while the rest of the group and I will face Cao Cao and save Lady Yasaka." Luke said.

Kunou smiled from hearing Luke's level of commitment to rescuing her mother.

Luke looked back at everyone. "The safety of Lady Yasaka, Fuyumi, and Ame is our top priority. As much as I want to reclaim Gram from Siegfried, I can always fight him another day. The moment the operation starts, we'll likely be caught up in Dimension Lost, just like earlier this afternoon. They might even split us up this time. So, whomever you may end up with, I ask that you all work together as a team until we finally arrive at Nijou Castle. Hikaru, are you linked to everyone here?"

"Yessir!" Hikaru's disembodied voice echoed through everyone's head.

"The moment we're sucked into Dimension Lost, check to see if you're still connected." Luke ordered.

"Gotcha, Luke-kun!" Hikaru chirped.

"Any other questions?" Luke looked around at everyone.

"What if we come across an enemy or two as we make our way to Nijou Castle?" Alivian asked.

"Then you are to take them all out." Luke answered. "However, if you believe they are a serious threat to human life, then you may kill them on sight. Now, let's roll!"

Murayama and Aika watched as Luke, Issei, and others ran off in the direction of Nijou Castle with a look of shock on their faces.

"... Did Luke-kun really just say all of that?" Aika whispered.

"I... I don't think we could imagine what Luke said even if we tried." Murayama said.

Aika's face turned serious. "We should follow them and see just what the hell is going on."

"Right." Murayama agreed before the two women tailed the assault team.

As the assault team made their way to Nijou Castle, a familiar mist appeared along the ground.

Here it comes... Luke thought.

The moment Murayama and Aika caught up with the assault team, they, too, noticed the purple mist coming towards them.

"Huh? What's with that mist?" Murayama mumbled.

The mist enveloped everyone in the area and their vision was completely obscured.

---

The next thing Luke knew, he was in Kyoto's underground subway system.

So, I was right. Everyone got completely separated. Luke thought, only for him to be hugged from behind.

"Hey there, Luke-kun."

The voice of Chizue rang in Luke's ears, making him smile as he turned around to face the Elder Oni.

"Well, at least I got placed with you, Chizue." Luke said.

Chizue grinned until a man with short black hair wearing a butler's outfit walked over to her and Luke.

"It seems I've been placed with you two. Allow me to introduce myself. My name is Alivian, Queen of Lady Seekvaira Agares."

"It's nice to finally meet you, Alivian." Luke greeted. "I heard you gave my older brother a hard time during his match with Seekvaira. I feel comforted having someone like that as my ally."

Alivian gave Luke a small smile before shaking his hand. "It's a shame that we were unable to have a match ourselves. It would've been an honor to face the Paradise Dragon."

Everyone suddenly sensed a collection of footsteps running toward them and saw a swarm of Hero Faction soldiers surrounding them.

Luke rolled his eyes before he summoned Ragnell and Dragonbind to his hands. "Ready for battle, Chizue, Alivian?"

"Of course, Luke." Alivian smirked as he flared his aura.

"Ready when you are, Luke-kun." Chizue stomped on the floor, leaving some spider web cracks.

---

In another part of the subway, Issei looked around and realized he was separated from everyone.

Lu-kun was right. Dimension Lost separated us this time.

"Issei-san?"

Issei perked up before he turned to see Kunou and sighed in relief.

"Oh, thank Satan you ended up with me and not a Hero Faction member. Don't worry. I'll make sure to keep you safe." Issei pointed his thumb at himself. Even if I wasn't this chivalrous, Lu-kun would kill me if I let anything bad happen to Kunou-chan.

"Hyoudou-kun?"

Issei became extremely pale when he heard an all too familiar voice. He swiftly turned to his right to see none other than Murayama and Aika looking at him in surprise.

Oh, fuck me! Issei thought in panic. "Mu-Murayama-san?! Kiryuu-san?!"

Aika's face lit up and sparkled when she laid eyes on Kunou. "Ohhhhhh! She's so adorable!"

"If you hug me, I'll claw your eyes out." Kunou said to Aika in a deadpan tone.

Murayama immediately made her way over to Issei with an upset expression. "What the hell is going on, Hyoudou-kun? Who were all those weird people just now? What's up with Sigmund-kun's eyes? Why did he tell you to kill people? And where the fuck are we?!"

Issei tried to speak, but he couldn't find his voice. Suddenly, the Boosted Gear's gem glowed gently.

Alright, settle down, lady. Give my partner the time to explain 'what the hell is going on' as you so kindly put it. Ddraig growled out in annoyance.

Murayama blinked at Issei's gauntlet a couple of times. "... Did your left hand just talk to me?"

Issei didn't get the chance to speak before Kunou intervened.

"That wasn't Issei-san's hand that spoke, you foolish commoner! That was the soul of Ddraig, the Welsh Dragon who resides within the Boosted Gear, one of the thirteen Longinuses! So, show Issei-san and Ddraig-sama some respect, you busty bimbo!"

"I heard something coming from down there!"

Issei and the others were suddenly surrounded by members of the Hero Faction.

Issei's instincts immediately went off as he began to growl violently, surprising Murayama and Aika. "Kunou-chan, make sure these bastards keep their dirty hands away from my mates."

Issei snarled out before he was surrounded once again in a pillar of flames.

WELSH DRAGON BALANCE BREAKER!

Issei was now donned in his dragon armor, which greatly surprised the high school girls. The members of the Hero Faction turned pale as Issei summoned Ascalon to his hand and, surprisingly, Kaguchi's battle axe.

"You all have ten seconds to get the fuck out of my sight before I give you all a royal beatdown!" Issei bellowed.

Around half of the Hero Faction members fled after a few seconds, while those remaining charged at Issei. Issei clicked his tongue before swinging Kaguchi's battle axe at the enemies, sending them all flying into the walls around them and knocking them out instantly.

"Hyoudou-kun, who are these guys?!" Murayama asked with a slightly scared tone.

"The Hero Faction. They're a segment of a terrorist organization called the Khaos Brigade. They're a bunch of terrorists whose main goal is to cause chaos. The Hero Faction kidnapped Kunou-chan's mother so they can use her to summon a dimension traveling dragon named Great Red." Issei explained as he made Kaguchi's axe vanish but kept Ascalon out just in case he needed it.

"How did you get involved with something this insane?!" Murayama exclaimed.

"I was turned into a Devil because Melody-sama wanted me to be a part of her peerage. As for Lu-kun, he was murdered by a bitch of a Fallen Angel before being reincarnated into a Devil by Rias-san. Enough said." Issei said bluntly.

The human girls stared in shock until Murayama felt woozy and fainted, forcing Aika to catch her.

"Fucking hell." Issei groaned. "Kunou-chan and I need to go on ahead. You and Murayama are to stay here. Please do not follow us."

Issei and Kunou made their leave, only for Aika to grab his pant leg.

"You know... I kind of knew you, Asia-chan, Xenovia-san, and Irina-san were different." Aika admitted. "When you come back to tell us... don't give us everything at once or else Murayama-san will faint from information overload again."

Issei stood still for a moment before he nodded. "... I'll make sure to explain almost everything slowly and in detail."

Aika released his pant leg, allowing him and Kunou to continue on. She took off her glasses for moment before she sighed and looked down at Murayama.

"Whelp... I suppose Issei has changed from all those years ago, hasn't he, cousin?" Aika said with a small smile.

---

The moment Issei and Kunou exited the subway, they were relieved to see everyone else on the assault team unscathed.

"Hey everyone!" Issei called out, causing them all to turn towards him.

Kunou suddenly yelped as she found herself being hugged tightly by Luke.

"Oh, thank goodness you're okay!" Luke cried with comical tears running down his face.

"Luke did the same with us." Rias spoke up humorously.

Kunou merely blushed softly and smiled at Luke before she hugged him back. "I'm okay, Luke-kun. Issei-san protected me."

Once Luke finally managed to calm himself down, Issei told him, Melody, and Sona about Murayama and Aika.

"What?! Murayama and Aika followed us?!" Luke exclaimed.

Sona became pale with worry. "They must have followed one of us. Tsubaki told me that all of the students were sound asleep."

"That's more than likely the case." Issei agreed.

"Did you tell them anything?" Sona asked the Red Dragon.

"Sort of. I told them about the Hero Faction, what their mission is, and what they've done. Also, they know how Lu-kun and I became Devils. Murayama-san fainted before Kiryuu-san asked me to tell them more later."

Luke smacked himself in the face. "Ise-kun, you do realize now that they know this, they will refuse having their memories erased, right?"

"I knew that the moment I saw them." Issei replied.

"Then they are your responsibility." Sona pointed at Issei. "I will not be held responsible if those girls end up getting themselves hurt with the knowledge you gave them. If anything happens to them, that's on you. Not Melody, you."

Issei's eyes glowed green for a moment as he scowled.

"I will slaughter anyone that touches my mates." Issei snarled before he slapped a hand over his mouth while his face began to redden.

"You know, if you weren't a dragon, that'd come off as incredibly sexist." Luke joked dryly.

Issei immediately went to a corner and crouched down as a cloud of depression rained over him, causing a bead of sweat to roll down Luke's head.

"Dude, it was just a joke." Luke muttered.

"Enough dilly-dallying. Cao Cao will start the experiment at any moment." Ethel reminded everyone of the situation's urgency.

Issei snapped out of his stupor and nodded with a serious expression before Luke made Dragonbind vanish from his grasp.

"Opheria, create Alondite for me please." Luke requested politely.

In a flash of blue light, a two-handed sword made of sapphire dragon scales appeared in Luke's hand.

"Rias, permission to promote?" Luke asked.

Rias smiled confidently. "Do you even need to ask?"

"Promotion: Queen." Luke said as he felt power flow throughout his body, allowing him to lift both Ragnell and Alondite effortlessly. "Opheria, please come out of Art Creation. Your assistance will be needed for what I have planned next."

The gems within Ragnell and Alondite shined and Opheria's human form materialized with the Art Creation Scale Mail donned.

"Everyone, get into your teams! Then we'll start our counterattack!" Luke commanded.

"Right!" Everyone cheered.

A few seconds later, Kuyutha kicked the gates of Nijou Castle open.

---

At the top of Nijou Castle, Cao Cao was sitting on the floor, tapping his spear against his shoulder as he patiently waited.

"Cao Cao, the enemy disposed of our forces with ease." Georg spoke up as he approached his leader. "They will be here in a matter of minutes."

"They're already here, Georg." Cao Cao stated right as the entrance was suddenly kicked open. "And just like that, they're inside."

Landing next to Cao Cao was Umbra.

"I hope the one who comes after you is the Wielder of the Aegis." Umbra expressed.

"Oh don't you worry, Umbra. I have a pretty good feeling Luke Sigmund will come straight to me. While yes, the alien does wish to reclaim Gram, I believe he has placed Lady Yasaka as a top priority."

"And what makes you say that?" Umbra asked curiously.

Cao Cao smirked. "Call it a gut feeling."

---

Luke pointed towards the castle. "Ise-kun, take your half of the assault team and head inside the castle! Your objective is to find and rescue Lady Fuyumi and Ame!"

"Got it, Lu-kun!" Issei replied. "Alright, team! Let's get going!"

"Right!" Said the voices of Kaguchi, Misaki, Azusa, Katherine, Seiryuu, Belinda, Emery, Kayoko, Alivian, Bafeel and Sairaorg's peerage as they followed after Issei into the castle.

"Luke-san, I can sense Mother's aura on the roof!" Kunou told him.

Luke sprouted his Kaelian wings and entered his Azure Leviathan mode. "Sairaorg, Melody, keep Kunou safe until the battle is won!"

Luke launched himself toward the roof of Nijou Castle, making Kunou stare in awe. Dragon wings appeared on the back of Opheria's armor before she and Mythra followed after Luke.

Seth brought out his Devil wings and took off after Opheria. "Apokálypsis, initiate the countdown for Balance Breaker."

Sure thing, brat! Give 'em hell! Apokálypsis laughed.

Soon enough, Luke reached and landed on Nijou Castle's rooftop where Cao Cao and Umbra were waiting, the young man quickly noticing that Yasaka's eyes were emotionally hollow and her skin was pale.

Lady Yasaka... what have they done to you? Luke mentally gasped.

"Well, well, it's been some time, you brat!" An arrogant voice was suddenly heard.

Luke looked toward the voice and saw Kaidon with burn scars all over his left arm. "Kaidon?! Aren't you supposed to be in prison?!"

"I was, but then the Khaos Brigade broke me out and promised me revenge on the little alien bastard who took everything from me!" Kaidon yelled.

Luke narrowed his eyes at the ex-Morag Heir. "You lost everything because of your dumbass ego!"

Suddenly, Opheria landed on the roof along with Mythra.

Mythra glared darkly at Umbra, making the Dark Aegis grin deviously.

"So, we meet again, Aegis." Umbra could barely restrain her joy.

"Umbra, did you find a hobby outside of your one-sided rivalry?" Mythra retorted wittily.

Umbra laughed at Mythra's comeback. "So, you've grown some courage since our last encounter! Good! Now I can enjoy fighting you at full strength!"

"Mythra's right, you really need to find a better hobby." Luke said dryly to Umbra before refocusing on Cao Cao. "Release Lady Yasaka before I kick your ass!"

"You really think you're in a position to order me? An alien half-breed?! I think not!" Cao Cao guffawed heartily before turning to Georg. "Do it, then join the rest of our allies. It's time we showed these supernatural creatures the true power of humanity!"

"Understood." Georg pressed a button and Yasaka suddenly started screaming in pain as her restraints were electrocuting her.

The galaxies in Luke's eyes became distorted. "YOU BASTARD!"

Luke swiftly lunged at Cao Cao with Alondite before it was quickly blocked by the True Longinus. Georg teleported away to join his allies, right as Seth landed on the roof.

"Looks like I arrived just in time." Seth then noticed Kaidon and sighed heavily. "Let me guess, you joined the Khaos Brigade for power? As if you couldn't have fallen any further, brother."

"Please, I never thought of you as a brother." Kaidon spat.

Seth suddenly let out a surge of aura before he grinned darkly at Kaidon. "Good to know, now I won't have any regrets killing you."

Kaidon turned pale when he heard the demonic yet maniacal laugh of Apokálypsis.

"Balance Breaker..." Seth muttered.

In an explosion of power, Seth was now encased in platinum dragon armor as his very presence filled Kaidon with dread.

"Let's see if you can take me on without your peerage!" Seth bellowed before he vanished and reappeared in front of Kaidon.

"What the-?!" Was all Kaidon managed to say before Seth slammed his fist into his half-brother's gut.

As Yasaka's body began to change shape and grow, Opheria knew what she had to do.

Thanks for the Boost, Ddraig. Opheria thought as her amber eyes became reptilian. "Bring it on, Nine-Tailed Fox!"

The helmet of Luke's armor appeared over Opheria's head while the entire armor slowly turned into blue dragon's scales and grow in size. Eventually, Yasaka was now in the form of a giant nine-tailed fox and Opheria in the form of a massive sapphire-scaled dragon. Cao Cao and Umbra were in complete disbelief.

"What?! The Paradise Dragon?! How the fuck is she outside of the Art Creation Gear?!" Umbra yelled out before she was suddenly kicked in the face, making her skid back a bit.

"Yo, Dark Aegis! How about you focus less on the dragoness and more on your rival!" Mythra shouted at Umbra.

Umbra brought out her Dark Aegis blade before charging at Mythra, who blocked with her own Aegis Blade.

"You actually managed to revive the Paradise Dragon, even if it might be for a brief period of time. I'm impressed, half-breed." Cao Cao gave Luke a left-handed compliment.

"I suppose I'll take your compliment as a courtesy. However, I'm going to beat you into the ground for that half-breed comment." Luke then roundhouse kicked the True Longinus, forcing Cao Cao to slide back a little before the Kaelian rushed him. "Let's see just how much stamina you have, Cao Cao!"

Cao Cao managed to parry every single one of Luke's sword swings, if not outright dodge them, all with minimal movements. Dammit! Just how fast is this halfbreed! Could he have activated a Knight's Promotion?

Cao Cao barely managed to block a downward slash from Ragnell, before the broadsword pushed the man down to his knees.

What?! How is he overpowering me?! Cao Cao thought.

"What's the matter Cao Cao?! Can't handle a Kaelian Devil promoted to Queen?!" Luke asked mockingly.

He promoted to Queen?! No matter. One strike from the True Longinus and he's gone. Cao Cao assured himself.

As Luke continued to wail on Cao Cao with Ragnell and Alondite, Opheria clashed claws with Yasaka.

"Snap out of it, Yasaka! You're not acting like yourself!" Opheria growled just as she jumped out of the way of Yasaka's tails.

Suddenly, a series of black lines tied around some of Yasaka's tails and tried to keep her down.

"Those lines... Vritra!" Opheria realized.

"Heh! Hey, Opheria! Hope I'm not interrupting anything!" Saji playfully chimed in.

"Of course not! Feel free to join in, wielder of Vritra!" Opheria said.

Okay Vritra, I'll leave the rest to you. Saji closed his eyes and his body became enveloped in a black aura, which expanded and took the form of a giant black serpent as long as the River Nile. "Hmmm? Is that you, Opheria? I thought Eupherio killed you. Unless... did you finally find your first host?"

"I have, Vritra. We can catch up after you help me restrain this rampaging Kyuubi. Whatever you do, don't kill her! My host will kill yours if you do. Opheria told the serpent.

Vritra looked down at Luke fighting against Cao Cao. "I'm going to assume that's your host down there? Very well then, I shall restrain this fox without using lethal force."

---

Inside the castle, while Issei's team fought on the structure's lower floors, Luke's team was fighting on the higher levels.

Akira let out a roar as she collided fists with Heracles, trying to keep him from pursuing his way to the castle's roof.

"You won't be getting past me! You ain't touching my future brother-in-law!" Akira shoved Heracles back.

Hoshiguma followed up with a kick to Heracles's face. "You will not harm the man Issei-sama respects!"

These girls are fucking tough! They took my explosive strikes head on and they just shrug it off! Heracles growled. Let's see how they handle my Balance Breaker!

Before Heracles could do anything, he felt somebody tap his shoulder. Heracles whipped his head around, only to see a magic circle in his face and a cold-looking Rossweisse.

"As if I'd let you activate your Balance Breaker." Rossweisse spoke icily.

Heracles gulped. "Wha-?"

"Fly away." Rossweisse cut off Heracles with a wind spell, sending him flying over to Hoshiguma. "Hoshiguma, send him into orbit."

Hoshiguma grinned sinisterly at Heracles. "After Kayoko-san told us that this bastard threatened to kill everyone she held dear, it would be my undying pleasure."

"OH SHI-!" Heracles wasn't able to finish as Hoshiguma slammed her fist into his face, sending the descendant of the legendary Greek hero crashing through the castle walls with a scream of pain.

---

Elsewhere, Jeanne was currently focused on dodging and parrying a three-way offensive by Xenovia, Irina, and Ethel.

Dammit! I can't use my bloody Balance Breaker because of these three ganging up on me! Jeanne thought as she scowled at Ethel. "I can't believe you, Ethel! How dare you betray us, you bitch?!"

"You used to fight for the Church! What happened to make you side with terrorists?!" Xenovia questioned angrily.

"You wouldn't understand, you damn heretic!" Jeanne spat. "Devils and Fallen Angels are horrible creatures that should've perished during the Great War, but now they're on the same side as the Angels?! Just the thought of it leaves a horrid taste in my mouth! The world would be better off without those filthy monsters!"

"You clearly need a new perspective, Jeanne." Ethel said.

"I don't need to listen to the words of a traitorous bitch!" Jeanne yelled.

Good thing Lu-kun didn't hear that. Irina smiled nervously.

---

In another area of the castle, Siegfried was currently facing Yuuto, Spiral, Aria, and Setsuna with his Balance Breaker activated, each of his draconic arms holding one of his Demon Swords.

"Shit!" Setsuna growled. "I can't get a good read on his movements! He's not leaving any openings!"

Yuuto yelled as he stabbed Sword of Betrayer into the ground, causing a wave of swords to rush at Siegfried. With a swipe of the Demon Sword Balmung, Siegfried blew away Yuuto's swords with a powerful whirlwind. During the attack, Spiral dashed behind Siegfried as his eyes glowed ominously. However, Siegfried was one step ahead.

"Hah! You think you can pull a fast one on me?!" Siegfried exclaimed and swung Tyrfing.

The false descendant of Sigurd destroyed what was surprisingly a wooden bokken with his Demon Sword.

"Wh-what?!" Siegfried suddenly felt a sharp pain in one of his arms.

Aria had plunged her Regalia blade into Seigfried's elbow. Siegfried tried to swing Gram at Aria, but she narrowly dodged its blade before it sliced the wall behind her.

"It will take more than that to cut off my arms!" Siegfried snarled.

Spiral paid close attention to the arm Aria attacked and realized it was the one holding Gram. Aria noticed where Spiral was looking and knew exactly what he was thinking. The two simply nodded at each other before moving.

Siegfried tracked the duo's movements with his eyes. I won't fall for the same trick twice!

Spiral immediately laid his eyes on Yuuto and Setsuna. "Yuuto! Setsuna! All-out attack!"

Spiral, Aria, Yuuto, and Setsuna all charged at Siegfried simultaneously. The descendant yelled before stabbing Dainsleif into the ground, creating pillars of ice to impede his opponents' movements. However, Siegfried didn't expect Spiral, Yuuto, and Setsuna to jump away from his ice pillars, while Aria leaped over them elegantly. As Aria fell toward Siegfried, he swung Gram and managed to cut Aria's head clean off of her shoulders.

AHAHAHAHAHA! Siegfried grinned as he was about to vocally laugh.

However, he was suddenly stabbed in the arm holding Gran by something and a powerful vibration reverberated through it, forcing him to drop the Demon Emperor Sword.

Did one of those other idiots hit me?! Siegfried gritted his teeth.

The wicked sword collector was shocked upon seeing Aria's headless body piercing her Regalia sword into his arm.

"How the-?! I cut off your head!" Siegfried looked at Aria's severed head on the floor, which was motionless until she stuck her tongue out at him.

"You can't kill a Regalia like that, you crazy dumbass!" Spiral mocked just as Aria made her body kick Gram over to him and he immediately grabbed it. "Got it!"

"DAMMIIIIIIIIIIIT!" Siegfried roared as he became enraged.

Yuuto used his Knight's speed to grab Aria's head and body, and swiftly dodged a swing from Balmung in the process.

"YOU THIEVES!" Siegfried growled.

"Stealing something away from a thief isn't theft... it's reclamation." Spiral slyly retorted as he gave Siegfried a two-fingered salute. "See ya, you Sigurd knockoff!"

Spiral ran up the nearby staircase and Yuuto placed Aria's head back onto her neck before her body reattached itself and she took in a large gasp of air.

"Wow, it feels weird not to breath." Aria commented and immediately followed after Spiral.

Siegfried was about to chase after Spiral and Aria before Setsuna got in his way and swung Fujinto at him, only for it to be blocked by Tyrfing and Dainslief.

"That blade belongs in my master's hands, not yours!" Setsuna leered as she took up a defensive posture.

Yuuto chuckled before he readied himself. "You know, I was going to use this new ability during the Rating Game with Melody-san, but I think I'll use it to play keep away."

Yuuto stabbed the Sword of Betrayer into the ground again and appearing at his side were a group of knights wearing dragoon armor. "Blade Blacksmith Balance Breaker: Glory Drag Trooper!"

Siegfried watched in shock before he scowled. "What?! That's impossible! How do you have two Sacred Gears with Balance Breakers?! Heck, how do you even have Blade Blacksmith?!"

"Wouldn't you like to know." Yuuto simply smirked before pointing a sword at Siegfried, signaling his Glory Drag Troopers to charge at the Twice Critical holder.

---

Higher up in the castle, Rias, Akeno, Kuroka and Fumiko were closing in on the roof when Akira managed to catch up to them.

"Yo! Sorry I'm late! Wanted to give that Heracles bastard a beatdown first!" Akira greeted them.

"You're a battle maniac, Akira-oneechan." Fumiko said bluntly, getting a laugh from her big sister.

The women managed to reach the top of the staircase and found themselves outside where a few fights were occurring.

"RAAAAAAAAAH!"

Rias, Akeno, Kuroka, Fumiko, and Akira turned to see Luke slamming Ragnell onto the handle of the True Longinus, making Cao Cao cackle as he slid back.

"I'll admit, alien, you're probably the first opponent I've faced that's given me this hard of a time!" Cao Cao said. "You must be a quick learner like me. If you were purely human, we could've gotten along."

"Perhaps, but if I'm being honest, I wouldn't want to be friends with a racist bastard who brings shame to his ancestor." Luke spoke scathingly.

Cao Cao then noticed Rias with the other new arrivals and placed his hand against his ear. "Georg, it's getting a little crowded up here."

Georg teleported next to Cao Cao and adjusted his glove. "As you wish, Cao Cao."

Luke turned his head over his shoulder and noticed the girls. "Akira, get Fumiko out of the way. Rias, Akeno, Kuroka, do me a favor and deal with Harry Potter there."

Akira nodded and pulled Fumiko out of the way of the fights, while Rias merely smirked at the annoyed look Georg sent Luke's way.

"Don't worry, Lukie. We'll deal with him. Akeno, Kuroka, if you would be so kind as to assist me." Rias smirked as she summoned a ball of destruction.

Akeno giggled and licked her lips as Holy Lightning crackled along her fingers. "Of course, Rias."

Georg simply adjusted his glasses. "It would be wise not to underestimate or antagonize me, ladies."

"Oh, don't worry, we're not underestimating you, descendant of Georg. In fact, I'm more than aware that you and your ancestor have access to all sorts of magic, even Elven Magic." Rias explained casually before her face turned deathly serious. "However, you're up against the Heiress of the Gremory House, the Daughter of Baraqiel, and an SS-Class Stray Devil. If anything, you shouldn't underestimate us."

Luke and Cao Cao started to clash weapons, neither one leaving an opening for the other.

"Luke, behind you!" Fumiko shouted.

Luke merely vanished, dodging another blade that nearly cut him before reappearing behind his attacker.

"Tch, cowards. Of course you'd stoop as low as sneak attacks. Your ancestors would be disgusted by your lack of honor." Luke spoke coldly.

Cao Cao gripped the True Longinus to the point where his knuckles turned white until a cheerful voice cut in.

"I'm here to help, Cao Cao!" Bradamante ran up to her leader.

Unlike last time, Bradamante's coat was gone and her leotard was fully exposed.

Luke couldn't resist staring at Bradamante as his cheeks pinkened. What kind of outfit is that?! I can see so much of her hips!

Cao Cao sighed at his recently arrived compatriot.. "Well, at least you finally arrived, Bradamante. I'm assuming you got lost on the way to Nijou Castle?"

Bradamante blushed and stumbled over her words with a pout. "I-I did not get lost! I was just... sa-saving my energy! Yeah!"

She's so fucking cute! Luke discreetly clutched his chest before returning his focus to Cao Cao and Bradamante.

"Well, why don't you use that energy to help me take out this alien?" Cao Cao retorted as he readied his spear.

Bradamante turned to see Luke standing in front of her and Cao Cao, looking over the young man for a moment and pausing upon seeing his unique eyes.

What... what beautiful eyes... She thought.

"Hey! Bradamante! Focus on killing the enemy instead of ogling him!" Cao Cao yelled.

Bradamante snapped out of her stupor and looked toward her boss from over her shoulder. "But he looks nothing like a Devil. and why are you calling him an 'alien'?"

"He was born from a union between a human mother and a father from another world." Cao Cao answered. "And you'll believe he's a Devil the moment the Holy Spear pierces his flesh."

"You know what? Sure. Go right ahead. Use a holy weapon against a divine extraterrestrial." Luke said dryly before he made Ragnell and Alondite disappear and Dragonbind and Falchion took their place.

"You're awfully cocky. The True Longinus makes the Holy Swords like Excalibur, Durandal, and the Aegis look like toys. Not only can it easily slay Devils, Vampires, and Youkai... it can do the same to Gods." Cao Cao stated. "Just because you're divine, it won't save you from my spear's holy damage."

"We'll see about that." Luke said before disappearing.

"Wow! He's so fast!" Bradamante cheered with stars in her eyes.

Luke reappeared behind Bradamante with his swords out. However, this was a fake out as he swiftly swung Falchion toward Cao Cao and severed the Holy Spear user's right hand.

"Gah! You alien bastard!" Cao Cao roared.

"What's the matter, Cao Cao? Need a hand?" Luke joked before his Azure Leviathan transformation suddenly deactivated. What the hell?! There's a time limit?! Dammit! Now I'm more vulnerable to holy damage!

Luke jumped away from Cao Cao and over Bradamante, landing a few feet away from her.

"Rias! Bad news! My Kaelian transformation has a time limit!" Luke informed his Master.

Akeno fired Holy Lightning at Georg, who summoned an Angel's magic circle to block it before summoning a Devil's magic circle that took a hit from Kuroka's attack spell.

"Then you'll have to use your Balance Breaker! Fumiko will heal you if you get hit!" Rias momentarily looked toward Luke before refocusing back on Georg.

Suddenly, Yasaka was slammed down onto the roof and pinned down by Opheria as Vritra wrapped around the Nine-Tailed Kitsune.

"Dammit, Yasaka! Stay down and snap out of it!" Opheria roared.

"She cannot hear you, Opheria. It's likely that she's under the influence of a spell!" Vritra barked.

"Perhaps defeating the caster will break it." Opheria surmised.

Vritra looked around before he spotted Georg and narrowed his eyes. "I believe our little caster is that man in the red coat battling against the Gremory Heiress and her two friends."

"Good to know." Opheria cleared her throat. "RIAS GREMORY! TAKE OUT FOUR-EYES! THAT SHOULD SNAP YASAKA OUT OF HER FUNK!"

Issei, Kaguchi, and Bafeel were running through the hallways, taking out any grunts in their way as Kayoko suddenly appeared running next to them.

"Hyoudo-san, I have located the cells containing Shirayuki-san's mother and Imai-san." Kayoko reported.

"Really?! That's great! Think you can lead us there?" Issei asked.

Kayoko nodded. "Of course, just follow-"

"Look out!" Bafeel suddenly cut Kayoko off as she pulled the kunoichi back, avoiding a sudden explosion that went off in front of her and the others.

"We meet again... Issei Hyoudou..." A woman's voice spoke from the smoke.

Once the smoke dispersed, Issei's face contorted into a scowl.

"Oh, you have got to be kidding me! What are you doing here, you bitch?!" Issei yelled out in anger.

Standing within the smoke was Juphine, glaring daggers at Issei. "I'm here to destroy the man who humiliated me."

Issei groaned in annoyance before he noticed someone step out from behind Juphine, someone he immediately recognized. "Wait a minute, I know you! You're that asshole me and Melody-sama faced at that abandoned warehouse! Connla!"

"I'm pleased that you remember me, Red Dragon Emperor." Connla smirked.

"Are the two of you working together? I thought the Hero Faction hated non-humans." Issei growled.

Connla scoffed. "Normally, you'd be right, but you seem to forget that we are also a faction of the Khaos Brigade. Juphine and her master just so happen to be new members."

"Oh, come the fuck on! That bastard Kaidon is here, too?!" Issei exclaimed in annoyance.

Bafeel summoned a broadsword to her hand while Kayoko pulled out a tanto blade.

"Issei-san, do you think you can take on Juphine?" Kayoko asked.

"Yeah, I can take her. If Misaki-chan was capable of defeating Juphine, then so am I."

"You say that now, but once I'm done with you, I'll remove your head from your shoulders and gift it to that fucking ice slut!" Juphine replied bitterly.

"Don't talk about my girlfriend like that!" Issei growled as his eyes briefly glowed red.

Kaguchi materialized her battle axe and tossed it at Issei, who easily caught the said weapon.

"Kaguchi, provide support while I show this skank her place!" Issei ordered.

Juphine's eyes became bloodshot with wrath. "'Weakling'?! I'll show you who's weak, you lecherous dragon!"

"What did this guy do to you to make you hate him so much?" Connla questioned Juphine.

"I stripped her in combat." Issei answered without hesitation.

Connla simply stared at Issei in stupefied shock. Juphine screamed in rage as she charged at the young brunette with the intent to kill.

"Kayoko-san! Bafeel! Take out Connla but be careful of his Night Reflection Gear!" Issei commanded before he readied himself. "Promotion: Queen!"

Issei's body swelled with power and he punched at the charging Juphine, only for his fist to pass right through her as she vanished.

"An illusion?!" Issei gasped.

"Do you honestly take me for a fool? I've improved so much since our Rating Game!" Juphine reappeared behind Issei. "Bombardment!"

Juphine's staff fired a small spark which hit Issei on his back, causing it to explode and send the young man flying.

"I've learned much more powerful spells thanks to the Nilrem Magicians, so nobody may stand in the way of my revenge!" Juphine stated. "And yes, I know more than just explosion and illusion spells!"

"Could've fooled me!" Issei grumbled loudly as he got up from the floor.

Juphine growled before she pointed her staff at Issei once again. "Water Slicer!"

A stream of water shot out from the staff, forcing Issei to duck out of the way as the water cut through the wall behind him like it was made of butter.

"Oh... oh fuck." Issei said as his skin began to pale.

Juphine laughed with sadistic glee. "What's the matter, Issei Hyoudou?! Giving up when the battle has just begun?! What a cowardly dragon you've become!"

Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost! Issei continuously used Boosted Gear to increase his power.

"Alright then! Bring it-!" Issei suddenly froze as the Boosted Gear glowed dimly.

Partner! Your potential is finally ready to be unleashed! Ddraig quickly told Issei.

"Oh, hell yeah! About damn time!" Issei grinned widely.

But there's a complication. I'm not sure what it is specifically, but you need to do something to activate it.

"Are you kidding?! Well, what does it want me to do?"

... I have an idea... as much as I hate to say this... remember what happened with Seiryuu when you went into Juggernaut Drive?

Issei paused for a moment before his eyes widened and his face turned scarlet. "Wha-whaaaaaaat?! You mean I need to grope a woman's milk cannons?!"

Juphine, who was in the middle of charging a spell, heard the combination of words coming from Issei's mouth and she lost focus, causing the spell to literally explode in her face, but she was unfazed due to her current state of disbelief. "What nonsense just left those lips?!"

Issei immediately looked up at the flustered and ash-covered face of Juphine, his eyes eventually focusing on her breasts.

Welllll... she does have the same breast size as Akira… A smirk slowly formed on Issei's face. I suppose I could go back to my old ways for the time being. "Promotion: Knight!"

Issei moved so fast that he seemingly vanished.

"What the-?!" Juphine couldn't even finish her sentence before Issei reappeared in front of her.

"Come to Papa!" Issei guffawed as his hands landed on Juphine's breasts and gave them a rough grope.

Juphine's face turned red with fury, but her girlish moan may have hinted at another reaction to her tits being squeezed. Issei's body began glowing a brilliant red light as his aura exponentially grew in power.

"Whoa! Now this is what a call a power boost!" Issei said excitedly.

The Scale Mail's helmet covered Issei's face as the rest of the armor started to shed until it was slimmed down as much as possible.

WELSH SONIC BOOST KNIGHT!

Issei's dragon wings vanished before the boosters on his back activated. "Hello, this is your Captain speaking. We're about to break the fucking sound barrier!"

Juphine's pupils dilated as her skin turned pale. "Wait wha-?"

Issei suddenly vanished before the Bishop of Kaidon Morag felt a harsh swat to her rear.

"Ahn!" Juphine let out another girlish gasp. Why did such an uncouth sound just leave my mouth?

Juphine suddenly felt her left breast get slapped, making her let out a sharp moan and she slapped her hand over her mouth.

Di-did I just moan?! What the hell-?!

Before she could finish processing, her right breast was slapped and she moaned again.

Stop that, body!

"What's the matter, Juphine? Can't keep up? Also, I'm loving the sounds coming out of your lewd body!" Issei's voice could be heard.

This vulgar... utterly uncivilized... Juphine continued moaning with every smack. MONGREL!

Dammit, partner! Just finish this up already! Stop slapping this Devil woman's body! Ddraig nearly wailed in annoyance.

Fine, fine!

Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost!

"FULL POWER DRESS BREAK!"

Issei slammed his left palm on Juphine's right breast, the Bishop screaming in ecstasy as she felt her panties swiftly becoming soaked.

What... what was that...? Juphine thought as her body shook from pleasure.

"Heh, and that's that." Issei snapped his fingers, causing all of Juphine's clothes to be destroyed, even her staff was destroyed by the perverted spell.

He... This fool... humiliated me again... Juphine's eyes were filled with a mix of shock and pleasure.

"Well, looks like you lost again. Illusion magic is worthless if your enemy is faster than you." Issei turned around and his eyes loomed over Juphine's body. "... Damn, now I'm ashamed of myself for not looking over you back when I first destroyed your clothes. You have such a delicious body."

Partner, just... go help Kayoko and the Furcas woman deal with the Night Reflection user. Ddraig growled out.

"Oh, right!" Issei clapped his fist into his palm before running off to help his comrades.

As Issei vanished from Juphine's sight, millions of thoughts were currently going through her mind at a mile per minute.

How... how could I lose to that... that lecherous dragon again? Wait... he also saw me naked. I... I can't get married anymore... I... I feel violated... Juphine fell to her side, covering her private areas with her arms. An... and yet... She slowly began to think back to when Issei sensually slapped her boobs and ass, causing her body to shudder as she let out a small moan as a smile made its way onto her face. It felt... so good...

Kayoko and Bafeel were struggling to defeat Connla, who was currently wearing shadowy armor that looked similar to the Boosted Gear Scale Mail.

"Hahahahahaha! What do you think of my Balance Breaker?! I call it, 'Night Reflection Death Cross'! I based this off of the Red Dragon Emperor's armor! To think that fool could give me such inspiration! With this power, I shall help Cao Cao accomplish his goals!" Connla laughed insanely.

Kayoko and Bafeel scowled at Connla until Issei and Kaguchi suddenly appeared behind the descendant of Cu Chulainn's son.

"Promotion: Rook." Issei said softly.

WELSH DRACONIC ROOK!

Connla froze in place as Issei's armor began to bulk up, including its arms. Issei picked up Connla with little to no effort and delivered a devastating back breaker. The Hero Faction member let out a silent scream as Issei glared down at him.

"Nighty night." Issei said before turning around and chucking Connla right into a wall, making him cough up blood before falling to the ground.

Bafeel marveled at Issei's new armor. "Whoa! That's so cool! Did you get a new power or something?"

"Yeah, something like that. I finally unleashed my potential... but I'm not sure what to call it." Issei replied.

Well, let's talk about the new abilities you've gained thus far. The first form had manifested the qualities of your Knight trait. The second form had manifested the qualities of your Rook trait. And no doubt you have another form for your Bishop trait. A three-pronged weapon like Poseidon's trident. However, you do this without the permission of your King, so this would be considered an illegal move in Rating Games. How about we call this form 'Illegal Move Triana'?

"That works. Thanks, Ddraig." Issei gave a thumbs up. "Now, onto rescuing Ame-san and Fuyumi-san!"

---

Elsewhere, Misaki, Katherine, and Azusa were running towards the direction of where Fuyumi and Ame were being held captive.

The next time I see Kayoko, I'm going to give her the biggest hug in the world for helping us find Ame and my kaa-san. Misaki thought.

Misaki suddenly heard the sounds of machines whirring, causing her, Katherine, and Azusa to come to a halt. The walls across the hallway were suddenly slashed before falling over as a giant, hulking, metallic monstrosity with blades for fingers came out of the hole. The ladies immediately jumped before they readied themselves. Misaki activated her Sacred Gear, causing the floor beneath her to freeze somewhat, Katherine unsheathed her rapier, and Azusa summoned Dyrnwyn to her hand.

"Try to cut my latest creation, you itty bitty brat!" The speaker on the machine echoed.

"... Who are you?" Azusa tilted her head in confusion.

"Grk! Wh-what?! How do you not remember me?! You idiots fought me during that stupid unofficial Rating Game with my brother, Kaidon!" The voice behind the speaker yelled in shock.

"... Oh... right... I remember now..." Misaki feigned surprise. Barely...

"... You don't remember me either, do you, ice princess?" The voice asked dryly, causing Misaki to wince nervously. "Graaaaahhhhh! It's Giardas Morag, you peons!"

"Will you please be silent? Your voice is grating." Mature Katherine insulted.

"Wha-?! When did you gain such a bitchy attitude?!" Giardas growled.

A vein appeared on Katherine's forehead. "Misaki, can I kill him? I promise to make sure no one finds his body."

"No one will miss him." Azusa bluntly responded.

Giardas roared before charging at the three women, forcing them to jump back and avoid the machine's massive claws. With a wave of her hand, Misaki started freezing the air around the claws and legs, locking the machine in place with ice.

"Raaaaaahhhhh! Dammit! You and that damm Sacred Gear! I thought you were still afraid of it!" Giardas yelled through the robot.

"I was... until Issei-kun opened my eyes." Misaki answered.

"Huh?! You mean that perverted dragon that stripped Juphine?! Hah! I bet you she's already gotten her revenge and killed that worthless-!" Giardas never finished his sentence as Azusa slashed one of the robot's claws off.

"Just be quiet already." Azusa simply said.

"Nooooooooo! You little bi-!"

"Like Azusa said, JUST SHUT THE FUCK UP ALREADY!" Mature Katherine yelled, cutting off Giardas as she sliced off the robot's other claw.

"No! Nooo! Noooooooo!" Giardas whined.

Suddenly, a powerful force struck the machine's back and sent Giardas and his robot flying into orbit and screaming until they were nothing but a glimmer in the sky. Misaki, Katherine, and Azusa look on slack jawed until they slowly turned to see Issei with his bulky armor.

"Sheesh, I'm surprised Giardas didn't die in prison." Issei said with surprise laced in his voice.

"Issei-kun!" "Issei-senpai!" Both Misaki and Azusa ran up to their boyfriend and gave him a hug.

Katherine smiled before skipping over to Issei.

"Wow, Issei! You got super big!" The sweet Katherine chirped.

"Thanks. It's my potential. But we should hurry to rescue Ame-san and Misaki-chan's mother. This thing is draining my stamina like soda."

Misaki, Azusa, and Katherine followed after Issei until they noticed Kayoko, Kaguchi, and Bafeel coming up from behind.

"Oh, Misaki-san. I see you nearly arrived at your mother's location before us." Kayoko stated.

"I'm... I'm still not sure what to say to her... this will be my first time meeting my real mother..." Misaki spoke with uncertainty.

"She'll talk to you." Issei grabbed Misaki's attention. "Apparently, Lu-kun already had a chat with Fuyumi-san and she promised to talk to you should she ever see you again."

Misaki stared at Issei in a stunned state before eyes became misty and teary.

"Speaking of Luke, I hope he's doing okay." Sweet Katherine said.

"I'm sure Lu-kun is doing fine, Katherine-chan." Issei assured the Dhampir. "He's got a few of his girlfriends with him and they would never let anything bad happen to him."

Soon enough, they finally arrived in a large open room that almost looked like a miniature prison.

"Alright, we've made it." Kayoko pointed at one of the cells to draw everyone's attention.

Everyone except Kayoko gasped when they saw Ame and Fuyumi unconscious in each of their cells.

"Shit! Ame-san!" Issei exclaimed as he rushed to her cell.

"Kaa-san!" Misaki cried as she ran over to her mother's cell.

When Issei reached Ame's cell, he used his Welsh Draconic Rook to pry open the doors and bars with his bare hands. Meanwhile, Misaki froze the doors and bars of her mother's cell with her Sacred Gear before landing a harsh kick to them, shattering them into a million pieces. Both of them ran to their respective captives and looked over their bodies to see if there were any injuries.

Issei growled under his breath when he saw the bruises on Ame's body. When I find the bastards who did this to Ame, they're dead.

Ame suddenly let out a light groan before she started to open her eyes. Issei flinched, not sure on what to do until Ame noticed him.

"... R-Red Dragon Emperor, is that you?" Ame asked softly.

"Y-yes, it's me, Ame-san. Tell me who did this to you." Issei responded.

Issei began to carefully sit Ame up before his helmet opened up. This allowed Ame to see the burning rage behind Issei's eyes, making the Knight of Sterling exhale.

"It was a man by the name of Orion, the supposed descendant of the real Orion." Ame answered.

Kayoko had her attention caught by Ame's response. "Oh, well you'll be happy to know that Orion is dead. Luke-kun and Chizue-san killed him."

"Luke? As in Luke Sigmund? No, Allegra-sama knows for a fact that he would never bring himself to kill someone." Ame tried to deny.

"No, she's right." Issei confirmed solemnly. "Lu-kun told me that if he didn't kill Orion, lots of girls and women would be in serious danger."

Ame's eyes softened for a moment. "Then in that case, I suppose Luke Sigmund made the right decision. Wait, where's Lady Fuyumi?"

Issei pointed at Fuyumi's cell as Misaki was freeing her mother from her shackles. Fuyumi groaned as she opened her eyes but she immediately stiffened the moment she saw that it was her own daughter freeing her.

"Mi... Misaki?" Fuyumi breathed out.

Misaki stopped what she was doing and looked directly at her mother's face, unsure of what to say or do. "H-hello, Kaa-san."

There was an incredibly awkward and tense silence between the mother and daughter for several long seconds.

"... Airi and Akio... have they been raising you well?" Fuyumi spoke up.

Misaki slowly nodded. "Yeah... although, they weren't prepared when my Sacred Gear awakened... But... they made the right choice... and found someone who could help me..."

Misaki felt someone place a hand on her shoulder, making her turn to see Issei standing behind her with a small smile, while Ame was helped to her feet by Kayoko and Bafeel.

"And now, those people are helping me speak with you... Kaa-san." Misaki said.

Fuyumi looked over Issei for a moment until her eyes widened upon spotting the Boosted Gear. "You're... you're the Red Dragon Emperor."

Issei's smile turned sheepish. "I am, but I'm also... your daughter's boyfriend, Fuyumi-sama."

"That's... a lot to take in..." Fuyumi felt a little lightheaded from the sudden reveal.

Issei placed his left hand on Fuyumi's shoulder. "Here, this should give you some energy back. Boosted Gear Gift."

Transfer!

Suddenly, Fuyumi felt herself become energized, but she couldn't help but blush at the pleasant sensation the boost gave her. "... Thank you, Red Dragon Emperor. I can still hear the sounds of battle upstairs. I presume that there are more of you in the castle?"

Issei's expression became serious as he nodded in confirmation before a Gremory communication circle suddenly appeared next to his ear.

["Issei, Lukie is in dire need of your help!"] Rias's voice exclaimed from the circle. ["He's struggling against Cao Cao at the moment due to his Kaelian transformation having a time limit! Originally, I thought Lukie crippled Cao Cao, but he reattached his severed hand thanks to some black market Phoenix Tears! Please hurry!"]

The communication circle vanished and Issei scowled before pulling out something from his pocket and tossing it to Bafeel, who caught it easily.

"Give Ame-san my Phoenix Tears, she'll need them more than me." Issei said, shocking Fuyumi and Ame. "I'll be on the roof!"

Issei shed off the extra bulk of his armor and immediately sped off toward the roof.

"Ddraig! Give me as many boosts as my body can handle! If I run out of time now, Lu-kun could get seriously injured!" Issei ordered.

I can't do that! It'll put too much strain on-!

"I DON'T CARE, DDRAIG! JUST DO IT!" Issei cut of Ddraig with a roar, silencing the dragon for a moment.

Ddraig sighed. Alright, just... be careful, Partner. Elsha, Belzard, and I aren't ready for you to die just yet.

"I ain't ready to die yet either, pal..." Issei replied just before closing in on the castle's rooftop.

---

Back with Luke, he once again had to dodge an attack from the True Longinus before blocking another swing with Falchion, which easily destroyed the said blade.

Dammit! I'm running out of energy! Luke thought as he barely jumped out of the way of another attack, but it nicked the armor around his right thigh, causing the young man to clutch the afflicted area. "Argh! Fuck!"

"Come on, Luke Sigmund! Is this truly the best an alien can do?" Cao Cao taunted.

Luke snarled. "I am getting so sick and tired of your racism!"

At the same time, Rias and Akeno were out of breath as Kuroka was busy fending off Georg's attacks.

"Mrrrrrrr! You are so annoying!" Kuroka hissed. "How are you not exhausted after casting so many spells?!"

The enraged Yasaka continued thrashing about and Opheria and Vritra could barely keep her pinned down any longer.

"Dammit, ladies! You need to take out Georg before Yasaka breaks free!" Opheria shouted.

Vritra began to feel his corporeal form beginning to fade. "Shit! Genshirou is losing too much power! He won't be able to keep me out for much longer!"

"Damn it all! Where's our backup?!" Opheria growled.

Suddenly, Sairaorg slammed onto the roof with Melody in his arms. Melody jumped out of Sairaorg's grasp before she screamed violently at Georg, causing the man to yell in pain and immediately cover his ears.

"Sorry we're late! Seth managed to contact us while we were fighting against some of the Hero Faction members below!" Sairaorg shouted his explanation.

Just before Yasaka could give one final push against Opheria and Vritra, something pulled her head back onto the roof.

"Get a grip, Yasaka!" The one holding down Yasaka was Chizue.

"Chizue! You made it!" Opheria grinned.

"Not just me!" Chizue smirked.

Opheria raised a brow before she heard a scream of rage, which sounded similar to an angry bull. Georg continued to cover his ears until Kuyutha suddenly appeared and slammed her horns into his gut. He coughed up blood and Yasaka's eyes started flickering as the spell was struggling to be maintained. Bradamante watched as Luke dodged and parried Cao Cao's attacks, waiting for the right moment to strike her enemy. Luke yelled and tried to slash Cao Cao with Dragonbind, only to be tripped by the True Longinus. The Kaelian grunted as he hit the ground before quickly rolling out of the way, almost being impaled by the Holy Spear. Meanwhile, both Mythra and Umbra were completely out of breath, the two evenly matched.

"Well... it seems you've... finally stopped... hiding, Aegis." Umbra panted out.

"You... look more... exhausted... than I do..." Mythra smirked back.

Umbra growled at Mythra, but before she could try and attack, someone suddenly slammed down onto the roof in front of them. Mythra and Umbra eyes stared in shock when they realized it was a beaten and bloodied Kaidon.

"Whoa..." Mythra muttered.

Seth floated to the roof in his Balance Breaker. "Hey Mythra, need a hand?"

Umbra was about to make a reluctant retreat, but she suddenly felt a strange sensation that was drawing her toward Seth. What... what is this?!

Mythra noticed Umbra's concerned expression and looked toward the Dark Aegis's glowing core in her chest. It took Mythra a couple of seconds for it finally clicked.

"No fucking way!" Mythra exclaimed. "You're feeling a Reaction towards Seth?!"

"What... what are you talking about?" Umbra questioned her counterpart.

Mythra groaned. Perhaps Umbra will join our side if she accepts the Reaction. "Okay, so Regalia go through this thing called a Reaction when they're near a compatible Wielder. Sometimes the Wielder will also feel that same Reaction. When both the Regalia and Wielder accept the Reaction, they'll begin forming what's called a Resonant Link by touching their Core Crystal."

"Really? Was that what it was like for you and Luke?" Seth asked as he landed next to Mythra.

"That's what Pyra told me." Mythra replied.

Umbra, now covering her chest, was blushing with a furious expression. "Wha- Me?! Have a Wielder?! Fuck that noise!"

Mythra raised a brow in confusion. "Huh? What's wrong with having a Wielder? You get so much stronger after forming a Resonant Link."

Mythra, didn't you feel similarly when you woke up and realized I resonated with Luke? Pyra chuckled within Mythra's head.

Mythra blushed in embarrassment before shaking it off. Now's not the time to walk down memory lane, Pyra!

Seth removed his helmet before he slowly made his way over to Umbra.

"Wait! You're actually cool with this?!" Umbra yelped.

"Well, yeah." Seth responded with a sheepish grin. "Luke, Spiral, and Issei already made links with a Regalia, so... I guess I kind of want to experience that link for myself."

"But..." Umbra seemed incredibly hesitant.

Without any warning, Pyra had taken Mythra's place. "... You never resonated with anyone before... have you?"

Umbra stiffened when Pyra made that guess, causing Seth to cease walking towards the Dark Aegis.

"You've been without a Wielder for twenty years and suddenly one you can resonate with appears before you..." Pyra continued. "You're afraid... afraid that the world around you will fall apart if you accept."

"What the fuck are you talking about?!" Umbra snapped, pointing the Dark Aegis at Pyra shakily. "What world?! Speak English, dammit! You're not making any sense!"

Seth walked up to Umbra and lightly moved her weapon aside, his hands directly on top of hers. "Umbra, let's say you succeeded in defeating Mythra in battle. What were you planning to do with your life afterward?"

Umbra looked at Seth with wide eyes, slowly trying to comprehend what Seth just asked her.

"W-well, I'll..." Umbra tried to say, but she couldn't seem to find the right words. "I'll…"

"You have no idea, do you?" Seth guessed.

"Why does it matter?! I would have figured something out!" Umbra replied.

"No, you wouldn't have. Stop lying to yourself!" Seth raised his voice before he brought his hand to Umbra's cheek and caressed it, making her blush. "Umbra, let me help you find a new purpose. One that will never have you question what to do with your life again. A Devil lives for around 10,000 years, so I've had to think about the many goals I want to achieve. At the very least, my goals can become your goals."

Umbra was left completely speechless by Seth's words as she felt her Core Crystal glow softly, a warm and light feeling swelling in her chest.

"This is... embarrassing..." Umbra murmured before she revealed her Core Crystal to Seth. "Y-you better keep that promise, you bastard!"

"I never go back on my promises." Seth countered.

Umbra's eyes softened, but only slightly as she turned her head away from Seth. "Just... just touch my Core Crystal already, you idiot."

Mythra looked away as Seth touched Umbra's Core Crystal. Umbra's cheeks turned scarlet as she let out a moan before a purple light engulfed her and Seth, which formed into a beam that launched into the night sky. The light was bright enough to blind everyone around them, including Luke and Cao Cao.

"What's happening?!" Luke shielded his eyes.

Cao Cao took this opportunity to take out Luke and ran the Holy Spear straight through his gut.

"G-GAAAAAAAHHHHH!" Luke yelled before he coughed up a lot of blood right as the light finally faded.

Cao Cao yanked the True Longinus back before Luke fell onto the floor. Rias and Akeno slowly turned around with pale faces as they saw Luke with a spear-shaped hole in his stomach. Fumiko immediately ran toward Luke with her Sacred Gear out in an attempt to heal him as smoke started rising from the wound.

"You're surprisingly resilient, alien. But you won't be able to take another hit like that." Cao Cao said as he prepared to deal the final blow.

"LUKIE-KUN!" Fumiko screamed as Cao Cao was about to hack Luke's head off.

The Kaelian was suddenly kicked to the side right as the True Longinus's spearhead came down. Luke rolled on the roof a bit, but he could make out a familiar roar of agony. He looked back at where he once stood to see that the Holy Spear severed Issei's right leg. Smoke rose up from the wound on Issei's body while the severed limb turned to dust. Luke's galaxies shrunk from shock and horror when he saw what happened to Issei's leg.

"N-no…" Luke swiftly turned to Fumiko. "F-Fumiko! Forget about me! H-heal Ise-kun before he turns to ash!"

"R-right!" Fumiko agreed reluctantly, but she knew Issei didn't have the demonic power to stave off the Holy Spear's power long enough and activated Clinic of Kindness to swap the positions of Issei and a piece of rubble close to her. "Hang on, Issei-san! You're going to be okay!"

Issei gave Fumiko a small grin through gritted teeth. "Th-thanks, Fumiko-san. I'm just glad I g-got here i-i-in time!"

"Ise-kun, you didn't have to do that!" Luke shouted with glazed eyes.

"L-like hell I didn't! You would've died ha-had I not done that!" Issei argued.

"And what about your parents and your girlfriends? What would they think if you got yourself killed?" Luke questioned back.

Suddenly, Spiral and Aria jumped onto the roof, along with Irina, who flew up behind them. Aria looked around for a moment and screamed the moment she noticed Issei's condition. Spiral and Irina turned to where Aria was looking, only to feel their blood run cold when they saw that Issei was missing his right leg.

"Issei-kun! What happened?!" Spiral exclaimed as he and Aria went to his side.

Irina covered her mouth as tears ran down her cheeks, not noticing that her wings flickered black for a moment. Bradamante's eyes widened when she saw Irina, making her scowl at Cao Cao. "You liar! You said that no Angels would be harmed when I joined your crew!" Bradamante yelled with rage on her face.

Cao Cao nearly smacked himself in the face with his palm. Fuck! I thought Jeanne would've killed her off by now!

Kuroka made a communication circle appear by her ear. "Monkey, bring yourself and that little Vampire over here! The Red Dragon is down!"

["Shit, seriously?! Alright then! I'll grab the Dhamphir kid and head on over, but where do you want us to help out?"] Bikou asked over the line.

Kuroka looked around until she noticed an enraged Irina as she summoned a halo around her finger. "... Head over to where Xenovia and Ethel are. They're dealing with Jeanne."

["Ethel Silvers, huh? Alright, sounds good! I'll be sure to keep the little guy safe from Jeanne's holy swords."] Bikou ended the communication.

Kuroka turned to Opheria once the call had ended. "Opheria! Georg is down! Try snapping Yasaka out of it!"

---

Back at the Occult Research Club, Gasper was sitting inside of his box playing video games with a worried look on his face.

I-I hope everyone is doing okay. I still can't believe this powerful Yasaka lady got kidnapped by th-the Hero Faction. Gasper thought.

A light thud was suddenly heard in the clubroom.

What was that?

Gasper peeked through the box's eye holes and saw Bikou looking around the room, which terrified the poor boy.

A monkey man!

Bikou kept looking around until he noticed the box. "Huh, is that you in there little guy?"

The box let out a shriek of terror. "Aaaahhhhhhh! Please don't hurt me, monkey maaaaaaaaaan!"

Bikou winced at how frightened Gasper seemed. Sheesh! Talk about confidence issues. "Hey, hey, hey! It's okay, little guy. I'm not here to hurt ya. The loli cat's big sis asked me to come and pick you up. They need our help since the breast loving dragon is down for the count."

A shocked Gasper popped his head out of the box. "Wh-what?! Issei-senpai is hurt?!"

"Yep. Some of his friends are helping him out, so the others need our help." Bikou confirmed.

After a couple of seconds, Gasper felt determined and nodded. "Al-alright! Let's go!"

"Atta boy! Now just come and stand beside me, then we'll head off to help out the Ms. Durandal and Ethel."

---

Back within Nijou Castle, Xenovia and Ethel were currently in combat with the descendant of Jeanne D'Arc. While Ethel was holding up well, the same could not be said for the short on breath Xenovia.

"Is this really all you're capable of, Wielder of Durandal? You bring shame to the Holy Sword's legacy." Jeanne insulted the Gremory Knight.

"Huff... says the... stuck up... traitor of... the Church." Xenovia panted out with a glare as she hoisted Durandal onto her shoulder.

"Says the bimbo who became a Devil the moment she was kicked out of the Church." Jeanne fired back.

"Well, at least she has a nice boyfriend, unlike you who's been trying to spread her legs for an ass like Cao Cao." Ethel countered.

Jeanne's eyes went bloodshot at Ethel's insult. "Balance Breaker!" Jeanne yelled.

"Fuck! Xenovia! Prepare yourself for the worst!" Ethel said as her swords began to glow a bit.

Behind Jeanne, a mass of Holy Swords she had created converged and started to take the shape of a large dragon.

"Stake Victim Dragoon!"

The metal dragon roared before Xenovia forced her body to dash towards Jeanne and her man-made lizard with the intent to destroy it.

"Don't worry, Ethel! I'll take care of this beast myself!" Xenovia yelled out as she prepared to swing Durandal.

"Xenovia, stop!" Ethel called out to the young woman, but it was futile.

"Go, my pet! Destroy that false Durandal!" Jeanne bellowed.

The metal dragon chomped down on Durandal and the blade shattered into pieces. Xenovia was rendered speechless and stupefied as she saw the legendary Holy Sword break apart before the dragon swiped its claws at her and sent her crashing onto the floor, leaving a dusty crater upon impact.

"Xenovia!" Ethel shouted out in concern, but even she was in complete disbelief. Dear God! Jeanne actually broke Durandal!

"Hahahahaha, you call that a legendary Holy Sword?!" Jeanne mocked. "The broken one Vasco Strada uses is far more powerful than that piece of scrap metal! Now then, slice this pretty bitch to ribbons!"

Jeanne's dragon rushed at Xenovia until everything suddenly came to a stop. When time moved forward again, the dragon pounced and Jeanne felt assured of her victory until she noticed the dragon's confusion.

"... Where's the blood and gore?" Jeanne wondered aloud.

Upon closer inspection, Xenovia seemed to have completely vanished. Ethel was left stunned for a moment before an elongating pole immediately slammed onto the side of the metal dragon's face, destroying half of its head.

"Yahoo!"

Ethel and Jeanne immediately turned to see a grinning Bikou with Xenovia sitting behind him.

"What's up, Jeanne? Been a while, huh?" Bikou jokingly greeted.

"What the... There's no way you were the one who saved that skank!" Jeanne growled at Bikou.

"What did you just call Xenovia-senpai...?" An ominous child's voice spoke up.

The voice caused Jeanne to stiffen in dread. Wha-wha-what was that?!

A colony of bats suddenly flooded the entire room.

"Gasper?!" Xenovia exclaimed in surprise.

"Hi, Xenovia-senpai! Koneko-chan's big sister called Bikou-san to pick me up so I could help everyone!" Gasper's voice spoke up from the bats before they all flew into one place, creating a small humanoid shape.

"A Vampire?!" Jeanne grit her teeth as she prepared herself for her new opponent.

Suddenly, the bats glowed before vanishing, revealing Gasper in all his adorable glory. Jeanne suddenly froze the moment she laid her eyes on the cross-dressing Dhampir.

Xenovia blankly stared at the immobile Jeanne. "Is... is she afraid of vampires?"

The metal dragon behind Jeanne fell into pieces while the holy woman dropped her sword and rushed at Gasper.

"Wh-what the- WAAAAAAHHHHHHH!" Gasper exclaimed as Jeanne tackled him to the ground.

"Jeanne has gone berserk! We need to help Gasper!" Xenovia got back onto her feet.

Bikou placed a hand on Xenovia's shoulder and smirked. "Nah, you've got nothing to worry about, Xenovia. You see, there's one thing I knew about Jeanne before I quit the Hero Faction."

To almost everyone's surprise, Jeanne was squealing cheerfully.

"You're sooooo cuuuuuuuuuuute!" Jeanne started cuddling Gasper close to her.

Gasper blinked for a moment before blushing profusely. "Wh-why are yo-yo-you hugging m-me?"

"She's a shotacon." Bikou finished his train of thought.

Xenovia stared at Jeanne and Gasper in utter disbelief.

"Bikou's right, Jeanne is a serious shotacon." Ethel confirmed with a sigh.

"Does... does that mean we won?" Xenovia questioned, slightly shaken by this turn of events.

"Yeah, I suppose we did..." Ethel said solemnly before looking at the broken Durandal lying beside Xenovia. "But not without a serious cost."

Xenovia exhaled. "Sister Griselda won't be happy about this."

Ethel patted Xenovia's shoulder gently. "It's okay, Xenovia. I'm sure Gabriel's Queen of Hearts will understand."

Bikou allowed Ethel to comfort Xenovia as he went and approached Gasper and Jeanne. "So, Jeanne, are you still-?"

"Nope, I surrender." Jeanne quickly cut off Bikou. "As long as I get to hug and cuddle this cute Vampire, I'll willingly allow myself to be interrogated."

"Well, Ethel, you better go help Kuroka's boy toy up on the roof." Bikou said.

"Very well then." Ethel replied. "Please keep an eye on Xenovia for-"

"No, I'll stay with Jeanne and Gasper. You and Bikou should head up to the roof and help them out." Xenovia interjected. "I'd like to go, too, but I would only be dead weight. Even if Durandal wasn't broken, I'm too exhausted to move."

Ethel wanted to convince Xenovia that she could still help.

Bikou cleared his throat. "Ethel, don't argue with her. If she's too tired to do anything right now, then it's best if we let her rest."

Ethel paused for a moment. "… Alright. Stay safe, Xenovia."

Ethel and Bikou were about to run off, hoping that they could make it to the roof in time.

"H-hold on!"

Both of them stopped and turned around to see Asia and Hana running over to them with Seiryuu, Belinda, Alivian, and Emery.

"Rias Gremory told us that the situation on the roof is getting pretty dire." Belinda stated.

"What situation? What happened?" Xenovia asked.

Seiryuu clenched her fist with boiling rage in her eyes. "Cao Cao managed to sever Issei-kun's leg with the True Longinus."

Xenovia gasped in shock. "If Issei is... what about Luke?"

"Luke was stabbed in the stomach by the Holy Spear before Issei kicked him out of the way so he didn't lose his head." Emery explained.

Xenovia furiously tried to get up, but her legs continued to give out. "Dammit!"

Asia jogged over to Xenovia and began to heal her. "Stop, Xenovia! You need to calm down!"

Xenovia clenched her fists tightly. Dammit! DAMMIT! Not again!

Emery knelt down in front of Xenovia and looked her straight dead in the eyes. "Xenovia, I promise you that Luke will be okay. We'll make sure that no more harm comes to our boyfriend, okay?"

After a few seconds passed, Xenovia nodded. "Just... make sure to punch that Cao Cao bastard in the face for me."

Emery smirked and gave Xenovia a thumbs up. "Oh, he'll get more than a punch to the face."

Soon enough, Ethel, Bikou, Hana, Seiryuu, Belinda, Alivian, and Emery proceeded to head to the roof while Asia stayed behind with Xenovia, Jeanne, and Gasper. As Jeanne continued cuddling Gasper, she noticed Asia and was rather surprised.

"Hey, aren't you that nun that got kicked out of the Church for healing that Diodora bastard?" Jeanne asked casually.

"Yes, why?" Asia asked Jeanne in return.

"Well, it's just... you look very familiar to me for some reason." Jeanne answered as best as she could.

---

Yuuto and Setsuna were currently in battle with an infuriated Seigfried.

"As recompense for taking Gram from me, I'll have to take Fujinto as well as your heads!" Seigfried yelled.

Yuuto and Setsuna grit their teeth as they prepared themselves. The Gremory Knight's Drag Troopers had all been destroyed by their powerful foe.

Forgive me, Rias, Luke-kun. I'm afraid this might be the end for me. Yuuto thought.

Luke-sama... I'm sorry, but this may be my last battle. Setsuna dreaded.

Before Siegfried could attack Yuuto and Setsuna, he suddenly let out a yell of pain, making him look down to see a shard of ice piercing through his waist.

"I believe that's quite enough, false blood of Sigurd."

Siegfried swiftly turned his head to see a calm yet furious Fuyumi. "Wha-what?! How did you escape from your cell?!"

"Simple. My daughter found out that you kidnapped me, so she came to break me free." Fuyumi responded coldly. "Now... would you like your death to be quick or slow? Either way, I will ensure that it's painful."

Siegfried felt greatly intimidated by Fuyumi, but he persevered and glared back at the woman. "Don't get cocky just because you got a lucky shot in! I'll make sure you die along with these stupid Knights!"

Siegfried was slashed in the back, making him cough blood before falling to the floor and seeing that it was Ame who had attacked him.

"Terribly sorry, but I can't have you killing them. Rias-sama and Seth-sama would be very saddened if their Knights perished at the hands of such a pathetic swordsman." Ame said without any emotion in her voice.

"Ame-sensei!" Setsuna exclaimed happily as she ran up to her current master.

Ame smiled softly as Setsuna pulled her into a hug. "It's nice to see you again, Setsuna-san."

Fuyumi helped Yuuto to his feet. "Are you well, Knight of Gremory?"

"Y-yes, I'm fine. Just a little winded from using my second Balance Breaker." Yuuto answered.

"You have two Balance Breakers, Yuuto-san?" Ame questioned in surprise.

"Well, it's more accurate to say I have two Sacred Gears." Yuuto clarified.

Setsuna was just as surprised by this information. "What? I thought you only had Sword Birth."

Yuuto merely smiled at Setsuna. "Nope, my second Sacred Gear happens to Blade Blacksmith."

"Sacred Gears truly are fascinating. I can see why Azazel-san and Karlel-san have taken such interest in them." Ame commented.

Fuyumi nodded in agreement until a communication circle appeared by Ame's ear.

"Yes? ... And Sterling-sama was fine with this? ... Alright." Ame said before the communication circle vanished.

"Ame-sensei! Siegfried is gone!" Setsuna exclaimed.

Ame and Fuyumi swiftly turned to where Setsuna and Yuuto were looking to find that Siegfried had vanished, leaving behind a puddle and trail of blood.

"He's either running away... or trying to take Gram again." Yuuto surmised.

"Gram? As in the Strongest Demon Sword? That Gram?" Ame asked.

"Yes, however, that sword never belonged to Siegfried." Yuuto stated. "It belonged to Luke-kun's mother... before she and her husband were murdered. Spiral-kun and Aria-chan took Gram away from Siegfried and went to the roof to give it back to Luke-kun. He's probably following after them."

"Then I shall head after him. You and Setsuna-san are pretty exhausted at the moment." Ame told them before turning to Fuyumi. "Keep an eye on them, will you?"

"Of course, Ame-dono." Fuyumi promised. "They shall be safe under my watch."

Ame vanished in a burst of speed, making Yuuto's jaw drop slightly.

"Sh-she's so fast." Yuuto gasped.

"She is, isn't she? Who knows, maybe Ame-sensei will offer to train you after this is all over." Setsuna guessed.

---

Cao Cao casually made his way over to Luke. "There won't be anyone coming to save you this time, alien."

As Luke growled at Cao Cao, a halo suddenly launched at the descendant, forcing him jump aside.

"You'll pay for hurting Luke-kun and Issei-kun!" Irina shouted as she landed in front of Luke with tearful anger.

"I-Irina..." Luke muttered in surprise, having not seen Irina this angry before.

"Get in line, Irina-chan." Akira walked over to Luke and Irina while popping her knuckles. "I wanna give this fucker a knuckle sandwich for hurting my boyfriend and my future brother-in-law!"

Cao Cao calmly stopped in his tracks as a spear was pointed at his neck, with Bradamante holding that spear and glaring darkly at him.

Ah shit. "N-now now Bradamante, there's no need for violence." Cao Cao said nervously, trying to calm down his agitated ally.

"A man who just cut off another man's leg is telling someone to not be violent? Yeah, totally not hypocritical." Bradamante sarcastically replied. "Sorry, but since an Angel was dragged into this, I must resign from the Hero Faction. You broke your promise, Cao Cao. Although, now that I think about it, I highly doubt you would've kept it." Bradamante jumped backwards to Luke's side. "Don't worry, Mr. Sigmund. I won't let Cao Cao harm your friends anymore!"

No! You're all going to get yourselves killed! If only I was strong enough! If only I knew what my potential was! Luke thought in frustration.

As Opheria kept pinning Yasaka down, she heard Luke's thoughts via their connection, making her snarl.

Luke! Don't you dare give up now! It doesn't matter if you don't have your potential yet, you have the ability to make yourself stronger! We created your Balance Breaker, so let's create something that's a little bit stronger than that! Opheria thought to Luke before looking down at Yasaka and roaring. "WAKE THE FUCK UUUUUUUUUUUUUP!"

Yasaka's eyes widened considerably before she slowly began to shrink. Opheria and Chizue got off of Yasaka while Vritra sighed before finally vanishing, leaving an utterly exhausted Saji. Once Yasaka returned back to her human form, she remained on the roof unconscious with her skin tone looking a lot better than before. Once she was sure that Yasaka was safe, Opheria turned into light and returned to Luke's body.

Luke closed his eyes and clenched his fists as he processed what Opheria just told him. You're... you're right, Opheria. I shouldn't be giving up like this, not when we're so close!

"Luke-kun, catch!"

Luke turned to see Spiral throwing Gram towards him. He forced himself up and dashed towards Gram before catching it. "Opheria, merge Gram with Art Creation for now."

Understood. Opheria said before Gram began to merge with one of Art Creation's gauntlets. Shall I make it similar to when Issei uses Ascalon?

"Please do."

Soon enough, Gram was completely absorbed into the gauntlet, making it glow an eerie blue.

Merge Complete!

"Gram!" Luke called out.

Blade!

Gram was released from Luke's gauntlet, which made Cao Cao leer with gritted teeth.

Dammit! Now that damn alien has more power! Cao Cao growled to himself.

I might have Gram now, but I don't think that'll be enough to defeat Cao Cao... I might be able to use Juggernaut Drive... Luke looked to both Rias and Melody. But I made a promise that I wouldn't sacrifice my life force ever again.

Suddenly, an explosion rang throughout the area surrounding Nijou Castle before a roar was heard up in the night sky.

"Grrrrraaaaaahhhhh! Damn that Oni and Valkyrie! I'll make those bitches pay with their lives after I kill that alien!" The voice of Heracles bellowed as he landed on the roof.

"Get in line, Heracles! That brat stole my sword!" Another voice shouted before a wounded Siegfried arrived.

Luke narrowed his eyes at Siegfried. "My mother's sword never belonged in your deranged and bloodied hands!"

Luke, Irina, Akira, Bradamante, Chizue, Kuyutha, Kuroka, Spiral, Aria, Melody, and Sairaorg prepared themselves for a long and hellish fight against Cao Cao, Siegfried, and Heracles.

"Luke, we're here!" Rossweisse called out as she, Hoshiguma, and Kunou came up from the staircase.

As Kunou looked around the roof, she immediately spotted Yasaka laying down behind Chizue, who looked ready to defend her. Hahaue! She's okay!

Kunou turned to Luke, only for her pupils to dilate in horror upon seeing the spear-sized hole in the Kaelian's stomach.

"Luke-kun!" Kunou shouted unconsciously in worry.

Heracles swiftly looked towards Kunou's voice, seeing Hoshiguma and Rossweisse along with her. He snarled at the sight of the Oni and Valkyrie until a devious idea came to mind.

Those two must be exhausted after fighting me and everyone else seems just as exhausted from fighting Cao Cao, Georg, and the big kitsune lady. That means the little princess is utterly defenseless! Heracles made a giant leap towards Kunou with a laugh. "Time for you to be blown away, little princess!"

"NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!" Luke screamed before forcefully activating Azure Leviathan and making a mad dash towards Kunou, not caring about overexerting himself.

Luke quickly tackled Kunou out of the way of Heracles before he could punch the young princess. Hoshiguma smashed her fist into Heracles's face, making some of his teeth fall out as he skidded back before being slammed in the gut by Bradamante's shield.

"I won't let you harm anymore innocents, you big brute!" Bradamante exclaimed resolutely.

"You... always did annoy me..." Heracles growled at his former ally.

Luke's Azure Leviathan immediately deactivated once he reappeared, holding back the urge to cough up blood.

"Luke-kun! You-you imbecile!" Kunou sobbed in question as she began to shed tears for her savior. "Wh-wh-why did you push yo-yourself to save me?!"

"I... I couldn't bear the thought if you died, Kunou..." Luke bit back his pain.

Kunou hugged Luke tightly as tears continued raining down her face. "P-please... you d-do-don't have to fight for me anymore... You've... you've do-done enough...!"

Luke looked away and spat out a glob of blood onto the roof before looking back at Kunou with shadowed eyes and a determined frown. "I won't sto-op now, Kunou... I-I promise you... that as long as I still draw breath... NO ONE SHALL HARM YOU OR YOUR MOTHER EVER AGAIN!"

Kunou stared at Luke with a blush and a quickened heartbeat. She shakily placed her hands on Luke's cheeks before gently pressing her soft lips onto his own. Thank you... Luke-kun... for everything.

Suddenly, Luke felt a calming warmth all over his body as it began to glow a brilliant blue. He slowly closed his eyes as he kissed Kunou back, causing the blue light to grow brighter and engulf both him and Kitsune.

"D-DAMN IT! WHAT'S WITH THIS BRIGHT LIGHT?!" Siegfried exclaimed in pain while shielding his eyes.

"I'll take care of this!" Cao Cao declared before charging into the center of the glowing light.

When the Holy Spear hit its target, Cao Cao noticed that he couldn't feel his weapon pierce flesh, but he did feel it hit something block his strike. When the light faded, in Luke's place right above Kunou was a bulky set of sapphire armor with a navy blue cape.

SAPPHIRE DRAGON KNIGHT!

With Gram in hand, Luke slowly turned toward Cao Cao. "Sorry, who did you say you were 'taking care of'?"

"What?! Where did that armor come from?! And how did it stop my attack without even so much as a dent?! The True Longinus is capable of piercing through even Ultimate-class Devils!" Cao Cao growled bitterly.

Luke couldn't resist laughing at Cao Cao. "Hahahaha! Do you truly believe that the armor of the Black Knight would be dented by a mere Sacred Gear?!"

Luke swung Gram at Cao Cao and the spearman immediately blocked the swing with the True Longinus before being launched away from the Kaelian.

"Luke-kun, where did that armor come from?" Kunou wondered.

"I... I'm not sure." Luke answered honestly. "But it's helping me, so I won't question it!"

Siegfried growled before he readied his swords and charged at Luke, who immediately put Kunou behind him before the false descendant of Sigurd began wailing on the Kaelian with his blades. Gram's blade was enveloped in a dark blue aura as Luke swung it.

"Black Luna!" Luke shouted.

Siegfried smirked as he used his Twice Critical arms to grab all of his Demon Swords in an attempt to block the attack, only for Gram to cut through all of them and the extra arms like butter, much to the false descendant's shock.

"Wha-what?! You cut through all my swords?!" Siegfried questioned with deranged rage all over his face.

"Black Luna doesn't care about your defenses." Luke simply said.

Luke delivered a mean right hook to Siegfried's face, with a loud crack to being heard as the Twice Critical user flew back.

Issei laughed as Fumiko continued to heal his severed leg. "Satan damn, Lu-kun! I think you broke his jaw!"

Luke, I think this might be connected to your Evil Pieces. This form must be maximizing your capabilities as a Rook. Opheria guessed.

Huh, so Rook is basically Knight. Luke thought with a chuckle.

So, it would seem, that means Knight is Myrmidon and Bishop is Mage.

Makes sense. Luke agreed before he noticed Heracles had recovered and was glaring violently at the Kaelian. "Well, shit, I was honestly hoping Hoshiguma and Bradamante killed you with those attacks."

"I'm going to bathe in your blood!" Heracles roared.

"Wow, such a mature response." Luke said dryly.

Luke's body was surrounded in a bright blue light once again.

SOARING DRACONIC MYRMIDON!

Luke's armor fell apart and shed off of his body, revealing a long, sapphire cloth tunic and navy shorts and boots. Luke moved his left leg back and grabbed onto the katana strapped to his hip while looking dead into Heracles's eyes. In the span of less than a second, Luke reappeared behind Heracles and sheathed the katana even though it looked like he never took it out. A couple of seconds later, several wounds appeared on Heracles's body and blood spurted out from them. When Heracles dropped to his knees, Luke refocused his attention back to Cao Cao as he was the last member of the Hero Faction left standing.

"How is this possible? WHERE DID YOU GET THIS SUDDEN BOOST IN POWER?!" Cao Cao yelled.

"I'm honestly not sure myself, but I'll gladly use this new power if it means stopping you from hurting anyone else!" Luke declared.

The bright blue light engulfed Luke's body once again the moment he finished his comeback. When the light faded, Luke was now wearing a sapphire cloak and hood with navy boots and belt, as well as a black shirt and pants.

PARADISE DRAGON MAGE!

Luke opened the book with his left hand while his right hand started to crackle with electricity. With a thrust of his hand, a large bolt of lightning was shot at Cao Cao. Without any time to dodge, the blast of lightning struck Cao Cao followed by a powerful explosion of electricity. The moment Luke finished his attack, he felt his body become weary. Unfortunately, Cao Cao was still standing, although his legs were struggling to maintain his balance.

Shit! I don't think I have it in me for another attack like that! Luke thought as he panted.

Suddenly, a giant rift suddenly opened up in the sky, catching the attention of everyone.

Cao Cao started to panic when he noticed the rift. No! NO! Why did she have to arrive now?! Most of my allies have either betrayed me or were defeated!

Out of the rift appeared a large, green Asian dragon with red eyes and a lime-colored underbelly.

That's one of the Five Dragon Kings. The Jade Dragon, Yu Long. Opheria told Luke.

Wait, you mean like Tannin and Tiamat? Luke asked Opheria.

That's right, although Yu Long was more of a friend. Opheria explained.

Yu Long looked around until he noticed Luke and Issei.

"Oh, hey! I found Mr. Ddraig and Ms. Opheria!" Yu Long spoke with the voice of a young boy.

Luke and Issei stared at Yu Long, not expecting that kind of voice coming from a Dragon King.

Yu Long is the youngest of the Five Dragon Kings. Ddraig tried to explain. That's why he sounds like that, even though he's far older than any of you kids.

"Did you just say 'Ddraig'?! Where the hell is that bastard?!"

... Fuck, it's her. Ddraig became instantly terrified by the voice he heard.

"Eh?! You mean fucking Tiamat is here?!" Issei froze with dread. "Remember that I'm blaming you if she fucking kills me!"

Following behind Yu Long was a pale blue Western dragon with celestial blue scales.

"Crap! Georg couldn't stop the Dragon Gate before Yasaka passed out and now two Dragon Kings have showed up!" Cao Cao growled until his eyes caught sight of a few small figures that were riding these dragons. "And they brought guests, too."

Suddenly, Bikou, Ethel, Hana, Alivian, Seiryuu, Belinda, Emery, and Ame climbed onto the roof.

"Yo, Oppai Dragons! Nice to see that the two of you are okay!" Bikou cheerfully greeted just before he noticed Issei's severed leg. "Well... for the most part."

"I'm sorry, 'Oppai Dragons'? Plural?" Luke questioned while pointing at himself.

"Well yeah, because you and Red seem to get distracted by breasts fairly often." Bikou cleared up.

"Bikou?! Is that you?!" An excited female's voice was heard from above, one that made Bikou very uncomfortable.

"Oh no..."

One of the figures riding on Yu Long jumped off of the dragon and gracefully landed on the roof, revealing themselves as a female monk with long black hair and orange eyes wearing a straw hat, white boots and matching long-sleeved tunic that couldn't contain her large breasts and exposed the white bikini underneath the tunic, and a yellow sleeveless jacket. Spiral felt his face redden at the sight of the beautiful female monk before she tackled Bikou and pulled him into a bear hug.

"Bikou! It's been so long!" The monk cheered.

"Xu-Xuanzang! Air! I need air!" Bikou wheezed out.

"Xuanzang?! As in Xuanzang Sanzang, the Chinese Buddhist Monk turned Buddhist God?!" Spiral exclaimed. "That Xuanzang?!"

"Didn't take you for a fanboy of Shinto Mythology and Chinese Mythology, Rasen-kun." Issei gave a smarmy response. "Also, isn't Xuanzang Sanzang supposed to be a dude?"

Xuanzang released Bikou turned to Issei with a bright smile.

"I'm presuming you read Journey to the West? I wouldn't believe everything that's written in that story, considering both me and the Silver and Gold Horned Kings are women." Xuanzang went up to Luke and shook his hands. "You must be the Sapphire Dragon Emperor. It's quite an honor to meet the first holder of Art Creation and the second Wielder or the Aegis!" She then looked toward Spiral. "And you must be the Rasen Hirano that Izanagi-tan always brags about!"

"Y-yeah." Spiral replied bashfully, but happily.

"Ah, so my old pupil is here, is he?" An old voice spoke up.

"Of course he's here, too..." Bikou muttered dejectedly.

Jumping off of Yu Long and landing on the roof was a monkey Youkai as tall as a kindergartner with golden fur and a creased face wearing a monk's cassock, prayer beads around his neck and a golden headband.

"So, this is where you've been, you little brat." The monkey Youkai said.

"Nice to see you, too, damn old geezer." Bikou responded without any sign of respect.

Luke looked back and forth between both Bikou and this new monkey Youkai. "... Hold up, is this the Sun Wukong?"

"Yeah, this old baboon is Sun Wukong... my stubborn and perverted ancestor." Bikou explained in slight annoyance.

"Why did you come all the way here? And how?" Issei questioned.

The pale blue western dragon landed on the roof before glaring at Issei.

"The answer is rather simple, holder of Ddraig. That foolish 'Hero' brainwashed the Western Youkai Faction Leader and used her along with the spiritual energy from Kyoto to replace the use of three dragons to unlock a Dragon Gate." Tiamat eventually ceased her intimidation tactic upon seeing that the young man's right leg had been cut clean off. "You're lucky you only lost your leg, young man. Most Devils wouldn't survive a single strike from the True Longinus."

"Wait, you're... not going to kill me?" Issei asked.

"As much as I want to, no, I will not." Tiamat then grinned sinisterly, which nearly scared Ddraig's soul out of Issei. "However, I think I have an idea on what I'll have you do for me later, something Ddraig should've done instead of getting his ass killed by Yahweh."

Tiamat, Xuanzang and Sun Wukong turned towards Cao Cao, making him tense up before he looked toward Luke with a deadly glare.

"You! This is all your fault! You and that damned Paradise Dragon!"

Cao Cao attempted to charge at Luke, only for a green beam to shoot through the True Longinus wielder's left eye. Luke looked back to where the beam came from and saw Issei had a cannon on his left arm with a smoking muzzle before it and the armor dematerialized.

"That's what you get for stabbing my friend, you damn pretty boy bastard!" Issei smiled broadly.

Cao Cao clutched his now bleeding eye. "Dammit! Georg, wake up and get us out of here!"

The 'unconscious' Georg suddenly vanished via magic circle, which soon caused one to appear under Cao Cao, Heracles, and Siegfried.

"Know this, Issei Hyoudou, Luke Sigmund! The next time we meet, you'll have wished that the both of you died tonight!" Cao Cao proclaimed before he tried to stab Luke one last time.

The True Longinus elongated, only for it to be blocked by the unlikeliest of individuals.

"Yo-Yoshitsune?!" Luke exclaimed upon seeing the said woman blocking the True Longinus with Raijinto.

"Just leave already, Cao Cao-teme." Yoshitune said stiffly. "You've made enough of a fool of yourself for underestimating the Dragon Emperors."

Cao Cao had no additional words before he and his comrades vanished.

"Turns out I wasn't needed." Another individual jumped off of Yu Long, but this time it was a humanoid toad with a scar over his left eye and a long gray beard wearing dark red shinobi garbs and carrying a giant shuriken on his back.

"Well, I certainly was."

Everyone looked to see a gruff yet muscular looking man with short red hair and a full-on face beard, along with sky blue eyes. The man's right arm was currently wrapped around Juphine, who was resting atop his shoulder.

"I see you've finally returned from your mission in Norway, Angus." Ame greeted the man with a light smile.

"Angus?! Oh my goodness, it's so wonderful to see you again!" Melody chirped happily, but her face became blank upon seeing Juphine. "Ummm... why is she naked?"

Issei chuckled out nervously. "Uhhh... I may have hit Juphine with Dress Break... again."

Kunou gasped and smiled upon seeing the toad ninja. "Jiraiya-dono!"

Jiraiya smiled at Kunou before giving her a wave. "Nice to see that you've been doing well, Kunou-chan. And it seems Yasaka-chan has been spared from tragedy as well. Once she has rested, Kyoto can finally be peaceful again."

Kunou and Chizue nodded in agreement before Angus gently placed Juphine down onto the roof and approached Issei.

"You're the Red Dragon Emperor, yes?" Angus asked.

"Yeah, that's me. Name's Issei Hyoudou. Nice to meet you."

"Angus McFife. I'm the Rook of your Master's father, Lord Sterling Morag. I look forward to sparring against you now that my mission in Norway has concluded." Angus smirked before he noticed Issei's severed leg, which Fumiko was still healing. "That looks like a fresh wound, what happened?"

"Oh, that? Cao Cao was about to cut Lu-kun's head off, so I kicked him out of the way and took the attack." Issei explained.

"A brave yet stupid move, but you did it to save your friend." Angus winced. "You have my respect, Issei Hyoudou. And if you need help finding a leg replacement, I know a lady who can make a pretty good prosthetic."

While appreciated, McFife, it will not be necessary. If my partner will allow it, he can give up what's left of his right leg to me so it can restore itself. Ddraig spoke aloud.

"Wait! You can do that?!" Issei exclaimed.

Of course I can, and it's common knowledge that dragons are the ancestors of reptiles, so your leg should grow back quickly and easily once you give it up to me.

"Now I just need to hide my leg from my human friends and my parents." Issei said.

Indeed, that means you'll need someone to drain the dragon essence from your leg.

Hoshiguma walked over to Issei. "I'm sure there might be someone here who might be able to help. I'll talk with Gouma-sama and the other Youkai leaders about getting your new leg treated."

"I shall help him with the treatment."

Issei, Fumiko, Angus, and Hoshiguma turned around to see Fuyumi walking over to them.

"Not only did this young man save me from imprisonment, but he brought my daughter back to me. I am indebted to this young man." Fuyumi stated. "However, this treatment will be necessary for the rest of your life. So, I will need to leave Mitsumi-sama's side and move closer to you and Misaki-chan."

"Oh, in that case, you can move into my place." Issei suggested. "It's definitely big enough for you to move in, considering Misaki-chan, Azusa-chan, Rasen-kun, Seiryuu-chan, Hikaru-chan, Asia-chan, and Akira-chan live with me already."

Hoshiguma's left eye began to twitch. So many rivals! I cannot let this chance slip away from me! "In that case, I'll be moving in, too."

"Huhhhhh?! Really?!" Issei gasped.

"While I do not doubt Fuyumi-dono's skills with Senjutsu, I feel that you will need all hands on deck to hide your legs draconification." Hoshiguma said.

"Thank you, Hoshiguma-san." Issei grinned at the young Oni.

Hoshiguma smiled back with a shy blush. "Of course, Issei-san! You've rescued Fuyumi-dono and Ame-dono, it's the least I could do."

Ame watched as Issei interacted with Fuyumi and Hoshiguma. Issei Hyoudou... I'll have to ask Lord Sterling and Setsuna-san about him.

Ame noticed something in the corner of her eye and that was Juphine slowly returning to the waking world. Juphine let out a small groan, causing Issei, Angus, Fuyumi, and Hoshiguma to immediately turn towards her resting body.

"Oh shit." Issei muttered.

Angus, Fuyumi, and Hoshiguma readied themselves.

"Be prepared for anything." Angus said seriously.

Juphine managed to sit herself up before rubbing the back of her head and looking around until she laid her eyes on Issei. She blankly stared at him for what felt like an eternity as memories of her battle with him began to resurface and her eyes transformed into hearts.

"Please punish me more!" Juphine begged Issei.

Issei's jaw hung open like an idiot. "Huh?"

Juphine lunged at Issei and pressed her naked body onto his chest. "Please, Master! Slap me again like you did during our third rematch! Make my ass as red as an apple!"

"The fuck?" Issei couldn't think of any other response.

Angus couldn't help but laugh as he watched the hilarity ensue before him, while Fuyumi, Hoshiguma, and Ame began to feel uncomfortable sensations in their chests.

Luke's armor disappeared before he lost the energy to stand and would have fallen over had Kunou not caught him in time. "Thank you, Kunou..."

Kunou smiled with a small blush. "No, thank you, Luke-kun. You've saved my mother and chased away the Hero Faction. I am in your debt."

Luke blushed at how much happier the Kitsune princess sounded.

"Indeed. You and your friends were the real heroes today." Jiraiya said as he walked up to Luke and Kunou. "I see that you and the Red Dragon Emperor have acquired a new power. Something with the power of Juggernaut Drive, but without risking your lives."

This must be that thing Ajuka unlocked in your Evil Pieces. The key must have been kissing Kunou. Opheria surmised.

B-but why would kissing Kunou do that?! Luke questioned.

Oh, I don't know, maybe it's because you have a serious fetish for them? Opheria responded dryly, making Luke's blush increase in size.

Jiraiya laughed heartily. "Oh, Sapphire Dragon Emperor, you remind me of myself back when I first laid eyes on Tsunade!"

"Jiraiya, right? Who exactly is Tsunade?" Luke asked curiously.

"Tsunade is my wife. The most beautiful slug in all the world." Jiraiya replied happily and a little proudly.

"I see. I only ask because there are characters from a manga I'm familiar with that have the same names as you and your wife."

"I'm not surprised. Stories in the present are often inspired by stories of the past. What does surprise me is you and the Red Dragon Emperor. You sought a means to gain power without resorting to Juggernaut Drive and found it. However, both of you are still a long ways away from unleashing its full power. For the Red Dragon Emperor, he merely needs to improve his stamina and its consumption."

"And me?"

Jiraiya's face turned serious. "Just from looking at you, I can tell there is still darkness within you that you need to overcome, Sapphire Dragon Emperor."

'Darkness'? What is he talking about? Luke wondered somewhat fearfully.

"It's very well-hidden, so you might not be aware of it. My advice would be to search within yourself for that darkness. What you do after that is entirely up to you."

Luke pondered Jiraiya's words before he turned around, only to deadpan when he watched Juphine press herself onto Issei's chest while Fuyumi and Hoshiguma seemingly glared at her. "... I don't even wanna know right now."

---

A/N: Yeah, a lot of stuff happened in this chapter. I've never written a chapter this long before. Stay tuned for next time!

Luke Harem: Rias Gremory, Pyra/Mythra, Karlel, Daphiel, Annabelle Wright, Akeno Himejima, Fumiko Kazuya, Rossweisse, Koneko Toujo, Kuroka, Melody Morag, Setsuna Kazama, Kayoko Kita, Xenovia Quarta, Emery Belmont, Roygun Belphegor, Belinda Green, Morgana Merlina Evergarden, Katherine Petrova, Ayin Kaos Lucifer, Serafall Leviathan, Freyja, Mitsumi Iori, Sora Mikazuchi, Kunou

Issei Harem: Misaki Shirayuki, Asia Argento, Kaguchi, Hikaru Ueda, Akira Kazuya, Kiyome Abe, Seekvaira Agares, Azusa Hirano, Ruby Evergarden, Seiryuu Hirano, Grencin Korin, Thor (Female), Loki (Female), Kirika Yoshioka, Sorashi White, Selene Blue, Gloria Yellow, Kurenai Shinku, Fuyumi Shirayuki, Hoshiguma

Rias Gremory Peerage: Rias Gremory (King), Akeno Himejima (Queen), Yuuto Kiba (Knight), Xenovia Quarta (Knight), Koneko Toujo (Rook), Rossweisse (Rook), Fumiko Kazuya (Bishop), Gasper Vladi (Bishop), Luke Sigmund (8 Pawns)

Seth Sigmund Peerage: Seth Sigmund (King), Annabelle Wright (Queen), Setsuna Kazama (Knight), Primoir Talraxen (Knight), Alastair Wright (Rook), Emery Belmont (Rook), Hana Sakuya (2 Bishops), Grencin Korin (8 Pawns)

Melody Morag Peerage: Melody Morag (King), Misaki Shirayuki (Queen), Katherine Petrova (Knight), Spiral/Rasen Hirano (Knight), Akira Kazuya (Rook), Azusa Hirano (Rook), Asia Argento (Bishop), Hikaru Ueda (Bishop), Issei Hyoudou (8 Pawns)