Here I come with another translated chapter!

In this chapter Raiser's secrets will be revealed and the plot will start to move faster by now. There's going to be certain facets of training and other interesting talk until the key moment. I hope you enjoy this chapter.

Without further ado, it's time to begin.

Enjoy!

"These are very serious accusations, are you sure about this?" Azazel watched her carefully, both he and Raynare were in his personal office in the tower, or rather, where he kept all the Sacred Gears.

"I was one of the first to enter their ranks, and also one of their many generals. Kokabiel sought me out personally to join him." Raynare showed no hesitation after her words, receiving a slight nod from Azazel.

"Very well, I'm going to believe you. Besides, it's true that guy has always had some remorse for ending the last war abruptly." Azazel commented, receiving a negative from the Fallen.

"Actually that doesn't matter much to him. What he really cares about is the time that has elapsed between that war and the long period of peace we are going through. Kokabiel is completely obsessed with blood and mass slaughter." Those words made Azazel's brow furrow for a second.

"Bottom line, he's completely insane..." Azazel rubbed his chin, then looked at her with interest. "By the way, can you tell me anything about the other members?"

"I've never shared much with the others. I can only tell you that they are all either Fallen Angels or Renegade Priests. The difference lies in the fact that many joined Kokabiel not for the pursuit of war, but for the power they could gain. Raynare's explanation seemed to be enough for Azazel, and this showed as he placed his feet up on the desk.

"So, this group is covered with insane people and exiled priests who have extremely radical thoughts..." Azazel thought aloud, then gave a slight nod. "That's enough information. Thank you very much for sharing it with me." He concluded, sketching a slight smile.

"In that case, can I ask you a question now?" Azazel looked at her curiously after her request, something that was enough to perceive that he wanted to listen to her. "Why are you giving me the chance to gain power?" Raynare emphasized her words as she raised the golden sword with reddish edges, receiving a foxy grin from Azazel.

"A couple of hours ago a group attacked a church and stole all the Sacred Gears that were in the place. They didn't leave anyone alive." Azazel's response caused Raynare to look at him with much confusion.

"But, from what I understand, Kokabiel wasn't planning on making any more moves for a few months."

"Exactly." Azazel's immediate response caught the Fall's interest. "That means you guys aren't the only terrorist group that's stirring up trouble. And, in fact, from the movements made and the absolute destruction they are carrying out in their wake, it gives me to understand that it is an even much more dangerous organization than the one you belonged to." Azazel commented as he leaned forward. "That is why I empower you. I believe in your potential, and we need as many members as possible so we can withstand what's coming."

"You say a war is about to start?" Raynare asked somewhat shocked.

"Heh, a war..." Azazel couldn't help but chuckle, a chuckle that was put on the back burner due to his gaze turning completely dark. "You can call a one-sided genocide a war?" Those words made Raynare's skin crawl.

"Is this group that dangerous?" Azazel couldn't help but lower his gaze after the question.

"I'm not so sure. But they don't seem to be focused on angering Angels or Demons. All of their attacks focused on looting Sacred Gears. That's something that gives me a very bad feeling..." Concluded the man with a grim look on his face.

Yet, that grim look changed to the ever-relaxed one from one second to the next.

"But if we prepare, we won't have much trouble. I've already assigned you to a recent group I formed. The guys are pretty cool, so I'm sure you'll be able to integrate into the group right away. I also have a house for you." Raynare was barely able to catch the keys when it was thrown to her. "The group is already waiting for you in Hoodwood's artificial forest." He added as an afterthought.

"And how will you deal with Kokabiel?" The woman asked with much interest.

"I can only assure you that, if you're not lying to me, no one will lay a hand on you in my territory." Azazel was as relaxed as ever, but his sentence had been more than blunt.

Raynare couldn't help but nod somewhat awkwardly, then walk away.

"Let me tell you one last thing before you go..." Raynare turned her gaze just before leaving the vault.

Azazel's gaze caused a shuddering chill to progressively expand over every inch of her body.

"I'm not a fan of third chances." Azazel's eyes narrowed dangerously.

"Do you understand what I mean?"

CHAPTER 2: RAISER'S SECRETS.

Issei, Kiba and Ravel were in the Demon King's office, who was watching them in complete silence.

"Before we begin, it would be best to explain the details to Hyoudou." Sirzechs broke the silence, receiving a quick nod from Miss Phoenix.

"As you may already know, my brother is the eldest and is the one who stands as the successor of the Phoenix Clan. This title, the great lineage and the power that comes with being of the Phoenix Family was poisoning his judgment since he was a child." Issei had the intentions of interrupting to refute, but the fact that Kiba had taken his arm caused him to remain silent. "From what I understand, you had an encounter with him. He most likely seemed like a reasonable person to you, but he's far from that." Ravel couldn't help but lower her gaze with slight sadness after remembering her brother. "My parents never intended to fill him with narcissistic ideas, but the upbringing wasn't the best and the fact that he had great power inherited from birth didn't help either so that he wouldn't become hopelessly arrogant. My parents tried to correct his attitude, and, in fact, it seemed to have worked, but the truth is that it did not. My brother ended up becoming much worse than hopelessly arrogant." Ravel's hands clenched tightly after remembering a certain moment in particular.

"You can take a short break if you want. I still remember that you had a hard time telling me about it." Sirzechs commented empathetically as he placed a hand on her shoulder, receiving a quick negative from Ravel.

"Thanks for your concern, but I came much more prepared this time." Replied the youngest Phoenix daughter with a slight smile. "Seeing that my brother had become a man worthy of the Clan, my parents were pleased and granted him the privilege of becoming King of his own Peerage at the age of 12. Even I was proud of him, so I decided to be his first inquisition. But then..." Ravel's voice faded noticeably, and her eyes stopped sparkling, something Issei noticed instantly.

Ravel clutched her dress tightly, remembering that fateful day.

"A little over three years had passed since that moment. My brother had managed to complete his Peerage. Until that moment I had no idea who Raiser Phoenix really was. My brother was no longer hopelessly arrogant, but neither was he that thoughtful brother and role model I saw in him..." Ravel's tears threatened to roll down her cheeks at what she was about to say:

"I wanted to surprise him after he completed his first battle in the Rating Games. That's why I sneaked into his bedroom and hid in his closet. At first I was very confused to see her enter the room with her slaves and put a magic lock, so I decided to stay silent. At that moment, that moment..." Ravel's tears began to fall without end.

"I discovered that he had become a monster. He doesn't care about anyone but himself, everyone else was just a trophy or something he could entertain himself with. I only needed to watch him for about 5 minutes as he raped and abused his slave girls to the point of leaving them on the verge of death to prove it..." Ravel's voice was instantly lost and her constant sobs made it quite clear that she could not continue speaking.

"I can't believe it..." The shock in Issei soon fell on his shoulders like a bath of cold water as he lowered his gaze.

"That's why we need your help, Hyoudou. Kiba has been trying so hard during this time, but Miss Ravel barely found enough courage to tell us the truth a few months ago, so we don't have enough time to prepare properly." Clarified the Demon King earnestly.

"But if the Sekiryuutei is on our side, if Issei-kun is with us, then the chance of victory increases notoriously." Kiba rested a hand on his friend's shoulder, causing Issei to look at him in clear dismay, as he still couldn't digest the information completely.

"This really sucks..." Issei placed his hands on his head. "If that guy manages to marry Buchou and the others, they will most likely suffer a fate equal to or even worse than their Peerage..." Issei focused his gaze on Ravel suddenly. "Can't you make a trial or something?! There's no better clue than the scars of your companions!" Issei exclaimed with some hope, causing Ravel to look away.

"Do you think my brother didn't think of that option before? He forces them to take Phoenix Tears so that there is no trace of their actions..." Ravel commented under her breath.

"But you're their daughter too! They have to listen to you!" Issei exclaimed with his nerves on edge.

"I can't do that! There's no clue, and even if my parents listened to me, everyone would just see this as a desperate attempt to take first place in the line of succession!" Ravel shouted back, then trembled with great fear. "Besides, I don't know what my brother could do to me if he finds out I'm plotting against him..." Those words made Issei shift his pleading attempts to someone else.

"And what about you?! Didn't you think of something other than combat?! I'm sure you can do better with all the power that rests on your shoulders!" Sirzechs just looked at him seriously after his clear insinuation of treating him as useless.

"Issei-kun, relax!" Kiba noticed this too, so he tried to calm him down.

"The only legal way to snatch Rias and the other pledges is through a battle just before the votes close. I'm sure Raiser will agree to fight both of them at the same time because of his overconfidence and arrogance..."

"But there must be another way!" Issei interrupted him, causing Sirzechs to close his eyes.

"There isn't."

"You're his brother!"

"And I'm also the Demon King." Sirzechs opened his eyes, forcing Issei to shut up after noticing the dangerous gleam in them. "I love my sister, I love my family. But I also love all Demons, I love my people. And as Demon King, I cannot impose family whim over my work." Sirzechs solemn look changed to a sad one. "I could intervene directly, but that would only make for great friction between various major Clans when they sentence my act as tyrannical. I've already lived through a time where many Clans were against the Demon King, and believe me it's not pleasant at all."

"...Is it that big of a deal? A possible war just because of a Marriage?" Issei couldn't help but lean back on his seat with a defeated expression.

"The situation is much more complicated than it seems. Illegally splitting the union of two such important Clans is not the only problem. What is really problematic lies in the fact that Pure Demons who can bear children nowadays is really scarce. Denying that privilege to the heir of a Clan for a "simple whim" is really serious. We're talking about Demons running the risk of becoming extinct, and if the Demon King doesn't follow the rules for survival, then who will?" Those last words completely sentenced the debate, and Issei had no choice but to accept reality.

An awkward and cutting silence covered the Demon King's office for several seconds, until Issei decided to take the word.

"How much time do I have to prepare?" Sirzechs and Kiba smiled after hearing his final verdict.

"We have a month." Replied the Demon King.

Meanwhile, back in Grigori...

"So she's only alive because Hyoudou Issei didn't want to kill her..." Azazel thought as he rubbed his chin with great interest. "On top of that, the brat is counting on the Boosted Gear. This is really fascinating..." A rare smile emerged from the face of the Leader of the Fallen as he materialized a small magic circle over his ear.

"I need to find a way to be able to talk to him."

Issei sneezed loudly, causing his two friends to look at him with great confusion.

"Hey! Be careful not to stain the leaves! It was really expensive!" Matsuda exclaimed seriously.

Anyway, his two best friends fell completely silent after noticing that Issei was still on the first page, being that they had been together for almost an hour.

"Are you all right?" Motohama asked with much concern.

"Sorry, I can't concentrate right now." Issei stood up, startling his two friends. "I'll see you later."

Matsuda and Motohama looked at each other with a raised eyebrow.

"Maybe he confessed to some girl at the club and she turned him down?"

"I don't know, dude. It seemed like something deeper..."

"Well, we'd better not bother him for the time being."

"I agree."

Issei walked silently through the streets of Kuoh, his expression indecipherable, impossible to explain. It was simply impossible to tell what he was thinking right now.

The protagonist advanced through the dark city with more ease than usual thanks to his demon vision to which he had recently finally been able to get used to.

Taking advantage of the fact that the journey was long, Issei decided to make a quick call to his comrade in battles, and now, deep secret.

"Hey Kiba, it's me..." The crestfallen tone of voice was instantly noticed by the blond, who couldn't help but feel a bit worried.

"What's wrong, Issei-kun?" Kiba set dinner aside to listen to his companion's concerns.

"What if Ravel is really just looking to slander Raiser? What if she's just looking to get her brother disinherited so she can be first in line?" Issei began to walk slower after his questions.

"Hey..." Kiba paused for a short second, watching as the waiters in the restaurant came and went. "I understand that you're very worried. I understand that it's easier to think that way, but both you and I know it's not true." The blond took the chopsticks and began playing with the noodles. "Ravel was raised by Sirzechs wife. I can't tell you the details, I only understand that it was because of political things. I can assure you that Ravel would never lie out of simple greed, she's not a girl who would do something like that." Kiba commented with great seriousness, then dropped the chopsticks.

"Besides, do you remember how she felt at the time of narrating the story? Do you think all that could have been faked just like that?"

"I know, but..." Issei couldn't help but sigh as he placed his hands in his pockets. "It's all too complicated. We only have a month...We're screwed." Issei's last words came out with a grunt, causing a sympathetic smile to cross Kiba's lips.

"I understand what you're getting at. Seeking further help is impossible, as we have no evidence and people could turn against us very easily. You know, there are many royal families who want the position of Demon King and would be willing to do anything to get to that position. And as if that wasn't enough, the only ones who are really trustworthy are part of the Gremory family. The Sitri are also close friends, but Marriages between families belonging the Demon Kings is forbidden for a simple fact of not concentrating so much power in the same heir, both for the political side and for the great hereditary abilities it would obtain." Kiba's explanation caused a slight smirk to appear on Issei's face.

"Don't you think the Buchou would be happy to marry with her cousin or something?" Such a strange occurrence brought out a slight chuckle from Kiba.

"It's amazing how you find the time to make a joke even at times like this." The blond's smile returned to his usual expression. "I think it goes without saying, but pairing up between family members is strictly forbidden."

"Bottom line, we're screwed." Issei found another one of his witticisms, but this time it didn't really amuse either of them.

"It's just you and me, Issei-kun." Kiba closed his eyes to thereby restrain the sigh of despondency.

"In that case, let's become unstoppable." Unlike what Kiba expected, Issei was quite excited. "You said earlier that we could train after the academy, but I'm willing to start first thing in the morning." He commented with conviction as he clenched his fists tightly.

"Alright, see you tomorrow at 5." Kiba couldn't hide his smile at the protagonist's great determination.

Once the small magic circle disappeared, Issei's face returned to his usual expression.

The protagonist stopped in front of his house, raising his gaze to the night sky. And, silently, a great promise was raised as well as his fist as he pointed upwards.

"I'm going to save you, Buchou. You, and all of her."

The hope of forgetting Yuuma-chan through Rias was once again present, though this time his mind was much more focused on saving all of his comrades.

If he could get Rias to notice him, he could consider it a double prize once he managed to save her.

Yes, he at no time doubted that he was going to do it.

He wasn't going to allow himself to doubt.

His parents shared dinner with him, and immediately noticed that their son was covered with conviction. It was rare to see their son so determined about something, but they were evidently happy to see that the fruit they had worked so hard to harvest was now ripening.

And as was usual every day, Issei helped his mother wash up before going to bed, receiving a kiss from her who wished him the best of dreams.

A quick greeting to his father followed next, being that the man of the house always looked very focused on his paper once dinner was over, though of course he had no trouble answering his son's greeting with a smile.

Issei lay down on the bed, and the first thing he did was look at his arm, or rather, how bristly his skin was.

"Starting tomorrow, a real challenge begins." Those were Issei's last words before falling asleep.

A sleep that would be peaceful and relaxing to replenish his energy as much as possible.

Or so he would have wished...

His eyes suddenly opened and his lungs gasped for breath after distinguishing that he was enclosed within a sea of immense flames with a height and density that seemed to have no end.

"Wha-what is this?!" Issei was barely able to formulate word after observing the extraordinary panorama in which he found himself. "Am I dreaming?!"

"This is no mere dream." Issei's surprise increased even more after witnessing a gigantic figure burst through the flames until its figure became fully visible.

"A-a dragon?!" Issei exclaimed in complete surprise the moment he took a step back, feeling really small in the face of the size and aura he emitted.

"That's right, I am the dragon that resides within the Boosted Gear. I am the Welsh Dragon, the Dragon Celestial and of Domination. My name is Ddraig, and you are my bearer." Ddraig introduced himself with a serene tone, though the great pride behind his powerful and imposing tone caused Issei to take another step back.

"Are you locked inside my body, is this not a dream?" Issei continued with his questions, feeling increasingly overwhelmed.

"There's no need to get so uptight, we're battle partners. I've always tried to communicate with you, but you only now have enough power to be able to hear me." Ddraig paused for a short second, studying Issei's body with his gaze. "But you're still very weak, brat." He added as an afterthought, causing Issei's fear to turn to rage.

"I know, that's why I'm going to undergo high-level training! I have to get stronger to...!"

"Save the Gremory brat and your Demon friends. I know, I know all about your life, your ambitions, your shortcomings. We've been sharing the same body since your birth." Issei was surprised at that tidbit of information, as that imposing dragon seemed to be aware of everything. "That's what caught my attention. At first, I was furious that my bearer is a puny degenerate, but now you possess a determination I have rarely felt in my bearers." Ddraig's words didn't sit too well on Issei, who couldn't help the twitch of his eyebrow.

"Am I to take your words as a compliment or insult?" That question caused Ddraig to let out a small laugh that forced him to take cover as the fire in the place got a little out of control.

"I like you, brat. You may be very weak now, but I'll do my best to make you better and better understand the Boosted Gear." The Celestial Dragon's smile grew wider at what he was about to say:

"I will help you accomplish your goals. That way, we'll both continue on our way along the Way of Domination. Besides, I can't accept that my bearer is a weakling either."

Issei completely ignored the last words. He probably would have been very upset at being insulted once again, but this time he paid much more attention to their first words.

"Any help is welcome, especially if it comes from a Celestial Dragon." Issei extended his fist forward with a toothy grin, a gesture that impressed Ddraig a bit. "As your bearer and battle partner, I promise I'll give my best to accomplish our goals, I swear!"

Ddraig's surprise slowly subsided until he finally answered him with a slight smile.

"That's gratifying to hear." Replied the dragon with sincerity as the flames began to get more and more wild.

"I hope those aren't empty words, Hyoudou Issei."

The protagonist hit the alarm clock very hard, but immediately realized that was barely 4 am, so it hadn't even gone off.

"That... That was just a dream?" Issei grabbed his head with a mixture of astonishment and confusion on his face.

"It wasn't a dream, brat." Issei nearly fell out of bed when the gauntlet materialized without his authorization.

"This thing could talk!" Issei exclaimed in slight fear as he began to shake the gauntlet vigorously.

"I'm not a 'thing', brat. You'd better watch your tone." Ddraig looked slightly displeased after saying those words, causing Issei to pause.

"Wait, are you Ddraig, you can talk through the gauntlet?" Issei asked very curiously.

"I can also speak into your mind if the situation warrants it." The gem in the gauntlet glowed the moment he spoke.

"Are you serious? That sounds amazing." The sincerity Issei demonstrated in his tone caused Ddraig to clear his throat.

"If that surprises you, then wait until you see all that you can do with my incredible power. You will become one of the most powerful beings in this world." Ddraig's proud and cheerful tone was not long in coming, as his new bearer seemed to hold him in very high regard, something that very rarely happened.

"You're not kidding, I'll be powerful enough to defeat Raiser!" Issei exclaimed with much excitement.

"You will do much more than that, brat. You must only listen and abide by my teachings." Ddraig's proud tone deepened even more after those words. "But before we begin the arduous training, I'd like to tell you something. This is mostly advice, you can take it however you want." Issei couldn't help but get serious after hearing that the dragon's tone had completely changed.

"Any advice is always welcome." Issei nodded to himself, thinking he was going to give her some kind of advice to get better faster.

"Don't tell your mistress that you let that Fallen Angel escape."

Issei's look turned to a completely puzzled one after hearing those words.

"I understand that you trust her, and indeed she seems to be a reasonable person. But no one lets such a dangerous enemy escape because they are sentimentally compromised. If you seek reparation or to clear your conscience with her, you may only find a very painful punishment for not doing such an important job. It is best that you keep that information to your grave, unless that person you wish to tell is completely trustworthy."

Issei did nothing but remain silent after those words. Ddraig just watched as his bearer bowed his head, being visibly sad after remembering that woman.

"...Thank you for telling me, I'll keep that in mind."

A few minutes later, in an unfamiliar place...

"Apparently, Rías has already told you about me. It's good to save explanations, that way we'll get started faster." Sona adjusted her glasses as she diverted her gaze to Kiba. "What kind of training together do you want to do?"

"First of all, I want to thank you for agreeing to our request. Issei-kun was just barely introduced to the Supernatural World, and I thought it would be a good idea for Genshirou-san to join us due to being in the same situation." The blond explained his plan, leaving Sona to debate for herself.

"It's admirable that they want to become stronger because of Rias, and while it's a good plan, it's all up to Saji." Sona fixed her gaze on her slave, watching as he took several steps forward.

"I don't have any kind of problem. Though I must say that of all the possible people who could be reincarnated, I definitely didn't expect that to be you." The blond's words were somewhat malicious, and it was easily noticed by Issei.

"Are you implying that I wasn't worth reviving?" Saji merely scoffed and then smirked. "Kiba, at first I thought it wasn't a very good idea to bring this idiot here, but now I've changed my mind." Issei clasped his hands together and his knuckles cracked as a clearly fake smile came across his face.

"You want a fight, Hyoudou? Fine by me, after all they used 4 pawns to revive me." Saji sketched a cocky smile as he raised both hands very proudly. "That means I have four times more potential than you!" He exclaimed with great jubilation.

"Saji, Rias needed to use all 8 pieces to revive him." His mistress's words made all of Saji's pride and arrogance vanish. "And please stop making a fool of yourself. Remember that you are representing me and my family." She added somewhat warily at the end, finishing sentencing the blond completely.

"You're right, Sona-sama. I'm sorry, Hyoudou..." His apology was forced, but still Issei didn't have much trouble accepting it.

"It's fine that you want to train, but don't be late for the Academy. None of you." Sona's eyes flashed dangerously the moment she adjusted her glasses.

"Is that clear?"

"Yes!"

Everyone responded in a military pose, receiving a satisfied nod from the woman, who disappeared in a magic circle.

"By the way, what is this place? Ever since we arrived I've noticed everything very strange." Saji commented as he raised his gaze, seeing that the color of the sky and the trees were really strange, something he had never seen before.

"That's what I wanted to ask." Commented Issei, being in the same situation as Saji.

"This is the Haunted Forest. It is a Hell site bordering the Cursed Forest. We must not cross borders into the other forest, as it is the territory of a Dragon King." Kiba commented, earning a nod from both rookies, who looked very surprised at the fact that they were in Hell.

But before either could make mention of that very interesting factor, Issei's gauntlet was summoned against his will.

"That Dragon King is an old friend. I don't think he'll do anything to us if he knows I reside in the brat, but it would be best not to bother him without having a prior invitation." Both Kiba and Saji looked back and forth in clear confusion.

"Who said that?" Saji was the one who asked the question.

"It was him. His name is Ddraig, and he is the Dragon Celestial residing in the Boosted Gear. We were only able to make a connection today." Issei made the clarifications as he raised his arm to emphasize the gauntlet.

"A Dragon Celestial?" Saji's face turned pale after that mention. "I possess the fragment of a Dragon King, so I know something about their categories. Now I understand why it is that they used so many pieces to reincarnate you." The blond commented with some nervousness.

"Well, that will save a lot of explaining. I'd like to talk to Vitra, but it's clearly impossible if you only possess a small fragment of his soul." Ddraig commented simply. "Pay attention, brat. In these days I will teach you all the current available skills you can use. There aren't many and one of them isn't very useful, but it's better to start at the bottom rather than wanting to skip steps." Issei just nodded seriously at the dragon's words.

"In that case, it's time to begin. Follow me." They both followed Kiba without complaint, slowly making their way into the forest.

"Of all the companions Sona has, was it necessary to bring this guy?" Issei whispered in his ear showing that he wasn't very willing to collaborate with Saji.

"It was the best choice. You two are on a very even level, plus Saji is a magic type. Raiser will use a lot of ranged attacks, so it's good to fight against someone like him. Besides, Vitra's power is impressive." That last quip made Issei raise an eyebrow in curiosity.

After doing some warm-ups, his first confrontation was against Saji. He was initially confident, as they were both rookies, but according to Issei he was much more experienced than the blond.

The blow against reality was really blunt, as Issei couldn't react in time to dodge the fast Absorption Lines of Saji, who caught him and only needed a few seconds for him to fall to the ground.

"Is that all? My teammates held on much longer..." Saji thought aloud with some confusion.

"Your magic reserves are really bad, brat. We should focus on that and your physical strength." Ddraig spoke earnestly, making Issei feel embarrassed that he had appeared so weak after presenting himself as a supposedly very valuable pawn.

"The Absorption Lines will do the trick. It's a main point why I chose Saji. As he practices and perfects his power, Issei-kun's body will be able to adapt to store more magic." Kiba commented with a smile.

"But doesn't excessive magic consumption cause severe headache, even fainting?" Saji asked with slight hesitation.

"I don't care." Issei stood up somewhat wobbly, showing an absolute seriousness that astonished the two blondes. "I have to get stronger, so I don't care if you humiliate me about 200 times." Issei's determination was not long in coming, so Saji's surprise was replaced by a smile.

"In that case, don't come complaining later!" The blond exclaimed, catching a bit of that assurance Issei provided with his solemn tone and expression.

"That's what I'm talking about, brat!" Ddraig was quite happy at how firm his new bearer looked. "Since you really wish to become strong, then do push-ups and squats while Vitra's power consumes your magic!" Issei's face turned purple after hearing those words.

"Wait, I think that's already too much..."

"I hadn't thought of that, that's a great idea." Kiba commented with a smile, causing Issei's expression to change from violet to pale.

"Why did you have to open your snout, Ddraig?" He whispered lowly, receiving a derisive chuckle from Saji.

"You'd better get ready, Hyoudou." Commented the blond with great delight as the ropes floated around him.

Matsuda, Motohama and Asia herself who had just introduced herself to the class watched Issei with utter confusion bordering on concern.

The reason?

It was simple.

The protagonist was completely white, looking like some sort of sketch that was never finished while a ghost had clear intentions of coming out of his mouth, but a small red dragon was holding him so he wouldn't die, or rather, so he wouldn't escape.

Luckily for Issei, the magical shortage also meant a somewhat quick recovery, so he pulled himself together completely in the last few hours after having a good breakfast.

Conversation with Asia and his best friends served to distract him from the recent stress that had been implanted in his being. He could now perfectly understand those people who claimed that lack of knowledge can keep you ignorant, but sometimes ignorance is better than knowledge.

Unfortunately, that stress came back to him after heading out of obligation to his club, as the mere presence of the other girls was a constant reminder of how important his training was.

And worst of all, he couldn't say a word to them...

Issei made a quick trip home to change clothes and take a second quick shower. This time his parents were there, who asked him where he had been. He simply told them that he went for a run to entertain himself, something that pleased Mr. and Mrs. Hyoudou, as their precious son seemed to be focusing on more than just a pair of breasts.

The training continued into the afternoon. Issei learned several new things, and chief among them, was that Kiba was really fast. He couldn't even follow him with his eyes.

He confirmed to her that there are hundreds of enemies who are even faster, so he had to get used to it.

Thus the hours passed. The clashes were repeated with large intervals of breaks especially for Issei, who took advantage of those moments to have Ddraig explain to him the workings of the Boosted Gear.

First he learned that he should not overextend his limits of Boosts because the cost would be too great. The next thing he learned was a rare ability called Transfer that transferred all boosts received to a companion. Issei instantly understood why Ddraig said it wasn't a very useful skill, as the idea of transferring your power left you completely vulnerable, but he was left with the idea that there are times and strategies for everything. Finally, he told him about a unique ability of the Boosted Gear that sounded really interesting, something that certainly excited Issei. Anyway, the dragon warned him that he needed to keep building up his physical stamina and reserves in order to be able to use said ability without fainting in the process.

Days passed until a week of training was completed. In those 7 days spent together, Issei, Kiba and Saji were summoned by their respective mistresses with the idea of fighting for a spot to visit the Family Kingdom. Although Rias came out as the winner, Issei and Kiba decided not to attend in order to continue their training, convincing their mistress with that pretext.

In the early days, Saji thought that training Issei was a waste of time, as even he had shown a hint of improvement, something that did not happen in the protagonist. And, even if he still continued to think the same, he had to admit that he was quite impressed to notice the great willingness his training partner had for not complaining. Somehow, that made him want to continue training alongside him, as his rock-hard confidence and mettle was transmitted towards him.

But Saji wasn't the only one who felt this way, as Kiba felt the same way. The only thing they differed in was that he believed Issei could improve a lot.

The next week went by really fast, and Issei had no choice but to accept that he already really liked Kiba. He didn't dare to tease him with that nickname, now he just respected him. The relationship with Saji didn't progress as much, but he could say for sure that he no longer felt uncomfortable or annoyed with his presence. It was only natural for everyone to become closer, as they had spent a great deal of hours together.

The third week passed even faster than the previous two. Issei felt that his level was finally improving. He was no longer as physically exhausted and didn't need as many breaks, but he still felt that his magic reserves were being used up excessively fast.

"12 seconds longer than the first day." Saji commented with slight amusement, watching as Issei lay on the ground completely pale, hinting that he was about to vomit from the powerful headache that was plaguing him.

"That's not a bad number." Kiba joined the conversation, where Saji couldn't help but look at him with great hesitation.

"You don't need to defend me. I know I suck." Issei commented awkwardly as he sat down on the green grass, holding his head with a clear expression of pain.

"He's right, brat. If you don't believe me, then it's time for you to use the boosts again." Those words came as a great surprise to Issei, who had been denied using his Sacred Gear's abilities these past 3 weeks.

Issei's smile soon appeared on his face, clenching his gauntlet very tightly.

"Boost!"

"Boost!"

"Boost!"

"Boost!"

"Boost!"

Issei was instantly on his feet after receiving the first 5 raises. Admittedly, he didn't feel much stronger, but there was one key point he hadn't overlooked.

"I don't feel dizzy anymore!" Issei clenched his fists in joy after noticing that his magic reserves had increased drastically after using the augmentations.

"And that's not all. I can tell this isn't your limit, but the fact that you can do five augmentations in a row indicates your progress." Kiba commented with a smile.

"Hey, Saji." Issei's proud smile changed to a somewhat smug one. "What do you say you try draining my magic one more time?" Saji simply bowed his shoulders, indicating that he didn't really mind doing it one more time.

This time, the blond was immensely surprised.

"Almost a minute." He commented as Issei fell butt-first to the ground. "True, she's still enduring far less than my fellow pawns, but the increase in power is more than clear." He culminated with complete seriousness.

"Boost!"

Issei stood up with slight difficulty as another surge was heard.

"Ddraig, do you think with this...?" Issei thought aloud as he raised his gauntlet and looked at his hand hopefully.

"Not yet. You're still too weak, but it will be soon." The dragon's words disappointed him a bit at first, but he quickly regained that titanium determination that was so characteristic of him.

"In that case, I will continue to strive to the end!" He exclaimed with great conviction, drawing a smile from Saji and Vali.

"That's the spirit, brat!" Ddraig shared his excitement in his own way.

Very rarely had he ever been proud of any of his bearers. But Issei had managed to please him almost from day one, so he managed to gain the Heavenly Dragon's respect in record time.

Saji left after the long training assignment, so Kiba and Issei were left alone once again. And as they always did these past few days, they both sat down on the green lawn to talk about trivial things before leaving for dinner.

But, this talk was going to be different.

"I feel like I've been able to improve a lot more since you've been training with me. I want to thank you for that." The blond declared with a smile, causing Issei to hand him a toothy grin.

"You don't need to say that! We'll do whatever it takes to save the Buchou and the others!" Issei clenched his fist after the statement.

"I know I said it before, but you're a good man, Issei-kun. It's reassuring to think that someone you trust is willing to work with me to stop this madness." Kiba commented with complete sincerity.

"Heh, no big deal..." Issei rubbed his hair with a hint of embarrassment.

That simple act made Kiba look at him more closely. Even his smile disappeared completely.

"But, you don't do it just for them, am I wrong?" Issei couldn't help but stop his action to look at him with great confusion. "In these three weeks I've noticed how you look at the Buchou. It wasn't many meetings, but I have a thought that..."

"I understand what you're saying, and yes, I want to get her attention somehow." Issei stated bluntly, surprising Kiba a bit by his sheer sincerity. "The Buchou is someone amazing. And even if it's hard, I won't give up and I'll do my best to get her by my side. I think the fact that Raiser is a son of a bitch is fate's doing." Issei declared with a big smile on his face.

"Uh, it really looks like you're in love with her. It's good to see that you've forgotten your previous experience so quickly." Those words made Issei's smile falter.

He still hadn't forgotten her.

He would probably never be able to forget Raynare.

But that scar would no longer hurt once his so precious and beautiful Buchou was in his arms.

Or at least, that was what he thought.

"Well, I... to tell you the truth..." Issei stammered endlessly, earning a small chuckle from Kiba.

"There's no need for you to be nervous. In fact, I too think this will be a great step for you to get closer to her. I wish you the best of luck." The blond commented, then widened his smile even more. "In fact, you might even catch Akeno and Koneko's interest." Those words caught his attention.

"What are you implying by that?" Issei asked with a raised eyebrow.

"You know that harems are legal in the laws of the Underworld?" the blond answered him with another question, causing Issei to widen his eyes to the max.

"Does that mean I could fulfill one of my biggest dreams!" Issei immediately stood up and clenched his fists tightly.

The spit began to fall from his mouth at the blond's nervous smile, but that goofy expression didn't last much longer as a short image of Raiser flashed through his mind.

"But, I'd be just like that bastard..." Issei commented quietly, something Kiba could hear.

"You and Raiser are completely different people." Kiba commented with some seriousness.

He didn't want his partner to compare himself to such trash.

"Still, a harem is a complicated thing. I have to love them all equally, and to be honest I don't know how to do that, I don't even know if it's something I can control or if it really exists." Issei commented as he rubbed his hair with a very thoughtful expression on his face. "After all, in my whole life I feel like I've been interested in several women. But when we talk about love, I think I just..." Issei's tone immediately faded.

His somber eyes soon revealed who he was about to mention, but Kiba couldn't even keep up with his rapid babbling, so he could only look at him with concern.

"Is something wrong?" The blond stood up to place a hand on his shoulder, causing Issei to look at him silently.

"It's nothing, I'm just tired." Issei gave him a weak smile, a smile that didn't convince Kiba at all.

"Okay..." Was all he replied, as he didn't want to push him either. "In that case, I'll see you tomorrow. I think it would be good if you tried to come back with your own magic circle, since with your boosts you possess more than enough reserves."

"Sounds good." Issei widened his smile even more after discovering that he could now travel on his own without causing further inconvenience.

But that facade was completely shattered when Kiba disappeared, and indeed, it was curious to see all that overflowing joy he contained leave along with the blond.

His serious and vacant expression let it all sink in.

His eyes drifted to the night sky, and his arms crossed in front of his expressionless, glowing face.

"What will you be doing out there, Yuuma-chan?"

END OF CHAPTER!

I hope you enjoyed it!

I decided to pass quickly this part of the training, since nothing really interesting happens, more than the details already explained. The last week will be really important, as there's a very strong moment coming up with a crucial reunion (you all know who I'm talking about). Anyway, if you want me to narrate the secondary trainings in more detail don't hesitate to let me know.

Remember to follow me on Patre-on to keep up to date with all the news and notices about my stories and updates. You can search for me as "Jyanzein". Remember that you can also support me with memberships, but it's not mandatory. The fact that you are reading my stories is already more than enough for me.

With nothing more to add, it's time to say goodbye.

Thank you very much for reading!

And no, this time there won't be another special scene.