REVIEWS:
SpartanKing J: Trust me, Ramon's trauma is deep. Even if the source WAS a Fallen Angel, he had more fear for the Red Dragon Emperor than he did hate for the Fallen. More on how this Fallen convinced him and what went through his head at the time will be revealed later, however. As for Sirzechs and Ajuka holding Issei instead of using magic? Use your muscles, man, otherwise, they will go out of order. This applies even to them, they have to put their hand to it at times.
marquis_shax: It was not Kokabiel. Nah, trust me, Kokabiel would have acted if he was. (Also altered your name a bit because it keeps getting deleted when I save the doc)
T.V. 2000: Responsible, yes, but through indirect means. He DID hire an assassin to do the dirty work, and no, it was not Kokabiel. As for Ravel? I have yet to decide on her piece, but as for age, I can confirm that she is not yet legal, meaning no sexy time with her. She is 17. So not yet.
Jordem917: Your answer will be coming soon, seeing as the Excalibur Arc is next.
Xerzo LotCN: Sword Block is the combination of the skills used for it. Also, the Grayfia part is cannon. She is one messy drunk. Also, thanks for noticing the Developer. He appreciates it.
EXTRA NOTE: And to those wondering, no, the DEV is not a SI.
khulakahlefufu: Well, yes and no. Thanks for the kind words, but I need to address this. You see, sealing magic able to hinder even Longinus is not common, as having it on that level needs both hard work and talent. This was also me showing that other DxD characters, as minor as they are, have their own unique tricks up their sleeves. Or, well, hidden in their cleavage.
Xerzo LotCN PART 2: Another review, huh? Shoulda been more careful, but oh well. Lemme see here. No, there won't be any phoenixes created in the dungeon, and thanks for understanding why Issei let the others have some kills. As for the escaped prisoner? It wasn't that the Satans were lazy, but more like they didn't expect such an event to happen. The prisoner behaved for so long, that they almost forgot about him except when he started to get active.
Weevertho: It isn't about Ravel being a woman, it is about the significance. Issei was legit going to kill Ramon if Ravel hadn't offered her life in exchange, and trust me, this would have still applied even if Ravel was a man. The idea here is a blood debt. Ramon took Issei's parents, so he was taking his child in exchange, for now, to ensure he didn't kill the man.
frankieu: To be noted, Ravel is not a member of the Draconic Peerage just yet.
PLPanda: And answers to come.
1234andynguyen: Indeed, the Excalibur Arc is close!
Batman1998: Ramon was left alive ONLY because the Phoenix Tears trade is so important to the underworld that Sirzechs and Ajuka begged Issei to spare him, then Ravel offered her life in exchange.
Discord Link: /dVMsbECrAj
"How…" Ajuka stood outside the prison where they locked up most prisoners of war from the Devil Civil War, including a very high-profile prisoner to whom they dedicated an entire prison wing! Built within a glacier created by Serafall, and made entirely of enchanted metal made by his own hands, every single inch, of this place was supposed to be impossible to break out of, let alone do all he was seeing.
The prison wing the prisoner was held in…was melted. The metal was still hot and liquid, like hot magma flowing all over, and the whole glacier was nowhere to be seen. "This is impossible…"
"Sir Beelzebub!" One of the investigators ran up to him. "We did a headcount and recovered several bodies."
"How many casualties?" Ajuka asked at once.
"Ummm. Sir, I do not know how to put this, but we only counted 2 casualties from among the guards. All the other guards are missing, Sir." The investigator said. "And not just that. Based on the information you provided us about the abilities of the prisoners held in this wing, we did a throughout search for any microscopic residue that might be the missing guards, but it turned out nothing."
"Impossible!" Ajuka shouted. "What about other prisoners?"
"Untouched. Only a few, old ones had been released, and apparently, taken with the main escapee." The investigator stated. "Sir, forgive me for asking if this is confidential, but who was locked up there? I had never seen such levels of power displayed in pure fire and heat before. No Devil alive could do this easily."
"Because the one locked up in there was no Devil," Ajuka stated, a cold sweat running down his face. "It was a Demon."
"A D-demon?!" The investigator gasped, recoiling back. "S-Sir…J-j-just who was in here?"
Ajuka turned to the destruction, his expression stoic, yet hiding much distress. "His name is Ignium Ophirius. Former General in Lucifer's army, and one of the leaders in the Devil Civil War, condemned to spend eternity imprisoned for countless war crimes committed throughout the conflict. Among our enemies, he was one of the most dangerous."
"I-is he that powerful, Sir?"
"I…I don't know." Ajuka admitted at long last, causing the investigator to widen his eyes in shock. "He never showed his full power in battle."
"But then how was he imprisoned in the first place?! Surely, he didn't…" He saw Ajuka's face, his expression saying everything. "He wouldn't…He did?! He surrendered?!"
"By himself, and not forced by anyone. It was during the final days of the Civil War when our victory became obvious. Granted, it is not like General Ophirius wasn't a pain. I could never predict his next move…And I daresay, he has more than outdone me in the field of battle more than once before. His tactical mind rivals my own, if not outclasses." Ajuka's words had the investigator shake in his boots, their knees growing weaker.
"Sir, with all due respect: Why the fuck didn't you just kill this son of a bitch?!" Someone who could give Ajuka Beelzebub himself a run for his money in the tactical field, who was also a Demon, was someone no one wanted around…Ever. Not as their enemy.
"Because he had information!" Ajuka raised his voice, shouting with frustration finally showing on his face. "There are things I cannot say to you, good Sir. Things that must remain secret. But know this: No matter what torture we subjected him to, he never cracked. He never talked. And so, we had to keep him locked up, hoping one day he will. But now…That day will never come."
Back in time, about a day or so ago, during the Rating Game between Rias and Riser, the prison was quiet. Very quiet. The guards were present all over, greeting one another and going about their day taking care of the prisoners. However, unknown to only two of the guards, something was about to happen.
The echo of heels as a female guard entered the special wing spread all over before she took a knee in the cell of the prison's most secured prisoner.
"At your command, General Ophirius of the Snake of Adam." She said, then, from within the cell, clouds of smoke and steam rose to the ceiling as molten metal made its way across the floor, followed eventually by the man himself grabbing the bars of his cell and melting them to slush under his grasp.
Ajuka's work was insufficient to hold him. The heat emanating from him, the sheer intensity of it, was suffocating. Even now, the female guard stood a good distance away so the heat didn't touch her, but even there she began to sweat. The bars melted, joining the rest of the metal on the ground as it poured down, and from within the cell, he stepped out.
He wore only a pair of ragged pants, with nothing to cover his scar-covered body, each decorating him like a set of medals of honor. His skin was slightly darker in tone than one would expect from a person who sat in a cell for who knows how long. And his eyes glowed with a holy golden hue.
His nails were slightly longer than normal, forming into sharp claws, and black. His hair was short, and of a dark shade of chestnut, but the most striking feature was the two horns growing out of his head, laid back. They were grayish, like ash, with sharp tips.
The chains on him and shackles too melted off his body, yet despite the hot metal traveling down on his skin, he was not burned. It was like he was the center of the heat, its heart and mind. Finally, he looked down at the female guard, kneeling there, and the heat died down all over them.
"At ease, soldier." He began to walk to her, the female guard swiftly pulling out a set of clothes for the demon to wear. "Thank you."
"Sir!" She replied, keeping her head down as he ripped the ragged clothing from his body and put on the clothing brought to him. When he was done, he was dressed in a military uniform of some kind, composed of black pants and shoes, along with a crimson shirt covered with a military vest that shared the colors of the rest of his suit, having no other obvious details on it. "I brought you a standard officer's uniform. Apologies, Sir, but we found nothing else in your distinctive size on such short notice."
Ah, right. His size. Before she stood a true giant, truly, reaching 7 feet in height with muscles to equal that height. This was The General. Ignium Ophirius, the leader of the Snake of Adam. A Demon. A member of Hell's very first generation of denizens. One of the 666 Fallen Angels who rebelled alongside Lucifer, and were doomed as a result, only to be reborn thanks to Lucifer's magic.
"There is no issue, soldier." He said, lifting his hand a bit. "Tell me, is everything ready?"
"Yes Sir! All of the Snake of Adam troops posing as guards for this facility have already begun evacuation, as you ordered. Alongside them, the other sleeper agents will begin evacuation in the following days." She replied.
"Good. Come, walk with me. We still have a few old friends to visit." Ignium said, inviting the soldier to walk with him as he walked to the door and put his hand on it, melting it fully. Seeing him, the guards on the other side of the hall bowed and retreated, allowing him to keep going unhindered.
"I must say, Ajuka spared no expense." Ignium continued as they entered the main section of the prison, where many prisoners began shouting.
"Hey! I recognize you!" One of them said, pointing at him. "From the days of the war! You were a General fighting for our Satan's army!"
"Ah! A veteran!" Ignium smiled at him, seeing the slightly older devil. Well, older in looks, that is. "Who are you, Sir?"
"I am Sirak Andromalius, former Sergeant under Lord Beelzebub's army!" The veteran introduced himself, giving his rank and the army he was part of.
"Ah, Andromalius! The trackers, you useful ones, you." Ignium said, going to his cell and doing the man a favor, ripping the door right off its hinges. "Come now, brother! Enjoy retirement and come with me!"
"Thank you, Sir," Sirak said, joining him, but other prisoners soon began to get restless.
"Hey, what gives?! Let us all out!"
"Yeah! That old fart lived his days! Let us out!"
"Come on, don't be a dick!"
"Excuse me?" Ignium turned to them, his presence generating heat all over. The prisoners recoiled back feeling it, covering their faces. "I am freeing this man because he has paid his sentence in blood long ago. I think others here have too, so I will release them." Sure enough, several guards walked up to several cells, letting those within out. "As for you? Do you think, for one second, I am stupid?"
"Let us out, damn it!" A prisoner shouted. "You damn hypocrite, do you think you are better than us?!"
"Me?" Ignium turned to them, looking shocked. "Oh, absolutely!" The prisoners recoiled back again. "Look at the lot of you! Murderers, rapists, thieves - you have no honor! Many of you killed for the thrill, or by mistake, but then you tried to cover your crimes! You hold no respect for any higher authority, and I cannot in good conscience let you out of here! You are lucky today is MY first day of true freedom, and I am in a good mood, otherwise, I'd just torch this entire prison to the ground with you all in it!"
"HA!" A cocky prisoner shouted. "You're bluffing!"
"Am I-"
"Freeze!" Two guards, legit ones, showed up. "Back in your cells at once! We already called for reinforcements!"
"Soldier?"
"The communications were jammed, Sir. Their calls won't reach anyone, and Ajuka Beelzebub and Sirzechs Lucifer are away." The soldier replied to Ignium.
"Good. Meaning it is only those two…" Ignium took a step forth. "Allow me first to introduce myself, young ones. I am Ignium Ophirius, a former General in Lucifer's army and current leader of the Snake of Adam. If you walk away and allow us to pass in peace, I promise your safety."
"Back in your cell!" One of the guards fired at him, nailing the demon in the chest. Even a High-Class would be sent stumbling back, on the ground, locked in pain as lightning cracked over their body from the magical bullet.
But not him. "Hmmm. Curious." As the lightning cracked all over his body, the general simply reached for the bullet which went flat against his skin, peeling it off himself. "My, they make them so compact now! During my days, we didn't have such magical technology."
"What the-"
"Shoot him again!" The other guard shouted, however, when Ignium flicked his eyes to them, their hands caught fire. "AHHHH!" They shouted, dropping their gun as the flames began to spread over their body.
"H-how?! There was no magical circle, and no-" The guard's expression shifted into one of terror as he looked back at Ignium. "You…You are a-"
"Bingo." And so, Ignium ignited him as well, leaving both bodies to burn on the ground. "Now then, shall we? I will also leave Ajuka a nice present once we are outside…I will melt my own prison wing."
"To think he has escaped," Sirzechs said, stress visible in his eyes. "While we were busy with Rias and Riser, he took the chance our attention was diverted to escape."
"He played us like a fiddle," Ajuka added, both being in Ajuka's office, the green-haired devil furiously tapping at his laptop. "The rumors originated from the prison, about the foul play. He got us, and now, he is free."
"A demon, Ajuka…A DEMON!" Sirzechs shouted, offering Ajuka a display of one of the rare moments he lost his cool. "We both know they are NOT TO BE TRIFFLED WITH! You surely recall the few demons who fought in the war, right?"
"I do," Ajuka replied. "They were true monsters, every single one. Our ancestors. To this day, no one knows how, but Lucifer's magic turned them from your average Fallen Angels into true monsters, which became demons. The first denizens of hell, and our common ancestors."
"This is a disaster…I even received word multiple people have started to vanish!" Sirzechs added. "What is going on, Ajuka?"
"From what I managed to learn, he has somehow planted spies in almost every corner of our society," Ajuka stated, telling Sirzechs what he managed to learn so far. "He had eyes and ears everywhere, and although the head and body were separated, he could operate the Snake of Adam from his cell. I realize this now."
"He was never our prisoner."
"No, he treated us like his hosts," Ajuka added, keeping his calm composure. "His power is even greater than we imagined as well. From what other prisoners were able to tell us, he ignited the two guards without so much as getting close to them, and could control heat as well."
"To extreme levels." Sirzechs pointed out. "He melted through an entire prison wing made of special alloy tailored especially for him!"
"Tailored for what we thought was his limit, yes!" Ajuka added fiercely. "But it is clear we were tricked on every front. Once again, he had pulled one over on me, but I will not be so careless next we cross roads, I assure you of that, my friend, he won't be so lucky next time we encounter him."
"First, we need to find him…And that is a dead end." Sirzechs sighed. "There is nothing we can do now regarding him, Ajuka. He escaped and vanished, going into hiding. All we can do is react to his next move now, and hope he makes a mistake."
"He doesn't make mistakes." Ajuka pointed out. "But you have a point, Zechs. We need to focus on the matters at hand, such as Lord Phenex's punishment and the fallout of his actions."
"Indeed." Sirzechs nodded. "What he did has no possible excuse other than his phobia surrounding the Red Dragon being exploited by the person he mentioned to commit this crime. Still, his implication was both willing and with full knowledge of what it would entail, so there are no attenuating circumstances."
"Even if the Phenex Clan attempts to pressure to have him released from current custody, his actions have also soured relations with the Red Dragon Emperor himself. Whom, I have to add, has revealed the use of Solomon's lost magic." Ajuka stated, hands clenching. "Issei Hyoudou is…truly a mystery, and one to fear. We know too little about him, and there is too much being revealed from him."
"Even so, keeping him as a potential ally has been successful until the reveal of Ramon's crime. Hopefully, Rias can mend the bridges with him. But on another, related note, what about Ravel?"
"Right, Ramon's daughter. She has already departed with several bags to the human world from what I heard, which is another thing the Phenex Clan is chewing my ears off for. However, our hands are tied. The last thing we want is to make an enemy of the Red Dragon Emperor."
"Not to mention I owe him a personal debt," Sirzechs added. "His aid was the crux of Rias' victory. Despite managing to handle themselves beautifully, I fear Rias' peerage would have ended up overpowered by Riser's superior numbers. That is something we cannot ignore: A debt."
Ajuka sighed. "This is a mess happening amid a crisis. But, at least, it is one we can work on right away." Looking at his friend, he noticed how Sirzechs looked. He looked…troubled. Slightly afraid even. He shared the feeling. Solomon's magic was…When Issei used it, it was like something deep in their blood had awakened. A fear, screaming at them to run away from him. If the stories were true, then Ajuka could understand why they had such a feeling running through them.
Solomon had once enslaved the 72 Pillars and made them into his slaves to build one of God's first temples. But during this, many were subjected to torture and humiliation which seems to have left a mark within their very being, and this fear has been passed down to their children as well.
But that was not all Sirzechs was thinking, oh no. It was what Issei said. "Issei…mentioned something about a person telling him about Devil nature...Ajuka, do you think-...Do you believe Solomon himself is back from the dead?"
The air in the room became stiff, and the tension rose to new heights as that question was asked. Ajuka gulped out of instinct, but then, slowly, he answered. "Possibly. Otherwise, I know not how Issei Hyoudou could have learned such magic."
"Then ensuring his friendship has become a priority," Sirzechs stated with determination. "We need to find a way to ensure we are in his good graces."
"There is little the two of us can do, my friend," Ajuka said. "Let us leave Rias to handle him. In the meantime, we should consider how to handle the situation as a whole."
"Correct. Due to Issei's presence, the Phenex Clan have also asked for the Rating Game to be redone, but their request was denied." Sirzechs stated. "The Rating Game was done under our gaze, and we judged that there was no form of foul play and everything was within the rules. Even then, Riser Phenex himself refuses to fight in another Rating Game, especially if it entails the possibility of meeting Issei again."
"Hm? Why is that?" Ajuka asked, confused at the statement.
"It seems the apple doesn't fall far from the tree." The red-haired devil stated. "Riser is currently if what I heard from his mother is to be believed, traumatized following the Rating Game. While his ego was toned down, it seems facing against a Dragon Emperor got to him."
"I see. Then truly, a rematch is no option if he is in such a state." Ajuka added. "Overall, it seems our course of action will be to leave the Red Dragon Emperor alone for now, whilst we focus on Ramon's sentence and then worry about launching an investigation to learn as much as possible about the Snake of Adam."
"I will try to contact Rias as much as I can, and see about her progress. Even now, I am certain she is trying to ensure friendly relations with the Red Dragon."
It has been about a week since the Rating Game, and truth be told, Issei has been blowing off a lot of steam since then. A lot of it. He has been locked up within his dungeon, having made multiple upgrades to it, and overall just…Thinking. Thinking and breaking the poor Dummy's back in the process. He has been sleeping and eating here, the castle equipped with everything one needs to live comfortably.
He hasn't seen any of the girls since he entered and hasn't come out, but he didn't notice any drop in RP from any of them. Still, he knows they are worrying about him. Well, now he does after his thoughts finally cleared enough to think about them as well.
He has to come out eventually. He cannot stay in here, forever, to grind his skills. Since he got in here, he only did grind his skills, nothing else! No EXP going to his level, not one point. While not a pointless or wasteful way to spend his week, he still felt drained.
"Master, forgive the intrusion," Leonna said, approaching Issei as he sat on the ground, the dummy they named Dummy, sitting cross-legged before him. "But the Mistresses are getting worried about your health, both physical and mental. I know you ordered me not to allow them within the training grounds, but you said nothing about carrying messages from them."
Issei sighed, getting up slowly. "No, Leonna, it's…Fuck, it's not alright." He rubbed his face. "I fucked up, big time."
"Now, now, partner, you did nothing wrong. The way you reacted was humane."
"Ddraig is right, Ise. There was no other logical way to act in the situation put before you. You have no fault in the matter, you are the victim, not the perpetrator."
"Still!" Issei argued. "I agreed to take the man's daughter as some consolation! Who the fuck does this?! Sure, they might have done shit like this before, in ancient times, but the practice in itself is fucked up! I'm not like that!"
"No one said you were, Ise," Solomon interjected quickly. "You ARE better than those sleazy nobles of old. You acted on your rage, nothing more, nothing less. In all honesty, had you not, I would have been worried about your mental state more than you know. But your reaction was every bit as I expected it to be, albeit less bloody."
"We didn't expect any of this," Ddraig stated. "We had no idea of Ramon's part in what happened. It just…It happened, Ise. We cannot change the past. Trust me, partner, if we could, I would not waste a heartbeat doing it. We all made mistakes in our past, but those mistakes let us learn and be better."
"Better, huh?" Issei sighed again. "How can I make things better now? Sure, we are filthy rich now, and Ramon is my fucking servant, but that doesn't exactly change that I currently feel like a…Like a…"
"Tyrant." Solomon finished his sentence, receiving no argument to counter him. "I know how you might be feeling, my student. And you might not be wrong to feel this way…Ramon was right to some degree, saying that the Red Dragon is someone to fear."
"All my hosts, no matter how humble, all had times when the power went to their head. Some never get it under control, and it kills them. But I know you are better, Issei. You are kind and honest."
"But I never asked for any of this, did I?" Issei argued. "I just happened to be the Red Dragon Emperor. I just happened to become the Gamer. Everything just…happened. Why me, guys? Why was I chosen for those powers? I…I need to know. I don't know if I am worthy of those powers, after what-"
"You do not get to choose who is worthy, Issei. Let alone say you are unworthy." Solomon interrupted him. "Fate works in mysterious ways. You might have not been chosen for who you are now, but rather, for who you can become. Issei, take it from the wisest of men: We stumble because we are meant to rise again better. But if we stay down? Then we won't know what lies ahead when we take the next step. Right now, you stumbled and have yet to rise again. So tell me, Issei; are you willing to rise?"
Issei remained silent for a bit hearing Solomon's words, but then, slowly, he began to smile, and then laugh, unable to hold it. "I just…I just cannot win an argument with you, can I, Solomon?"
"It will be a cold day in Hell when that happens, my student." Issei stood up, a weak smile on his face as he looked at Leonna.
"Inform the girls I am coming out. I just need to grab a quick shower. I have been grinding like crazy since I got in here."
"I am aware and I will, Master." So, Leonna left Issei to head to the bathroom. He wasn't lying when he said he had been on that skill grind. He made huge progress. He maxed out [Wyvern Shot], resulting in quite the addition. It no longer had a cooldown, and now did 75% of his original STR stat as damage instead of 50%. On top of that, he could now charge up his attack, increasing its damage accordingly based on the time spent.
[Dragon Shot] was also on the verge of being maxed out, currently sitting at 100300/102400 EXP. Close, but not quite there. [Dragon Grenade] was now at level 8 as well—no additional, note-worthy growth. [Stone-Cleaving Slash] is now level 4, and [Swift Slash] is now level 6! No growth, which he found disappointing, but not a big issue. [Stab] was also leveled up. It now sat at level 7.
He also maxed out his [Dragon's Fist], which increased the damage to 30%. More even, his proficiency went up again, reaching the Competent stage. And already at level 7 with that alone. Truly, he was at a point where reaching new proficiencies was easier since he had plenty of skills to help feed the main proficiency. No new skills yet, but he did evolve something. His [Power Jump], after he maxed it out. It became [Dragon's Leap].
Brought his proficiency to level 8. Lastly, he had brought [Dragon's Kick] to level 3. His [Blazing Heel Strike] was also brought to level 9, being very close to reaching MAX level as well. Same with his proficiency, holy shit.
[Furious Fist] was brought to level 8, and [Shield-Breaking Punch] to 6. He also trained his Youjutsu skills, but…He had to stop that training, cutting it short. Although he had managed to max out his [Fire Mastery], resulting in his proficiency going up, he did so at a cost. His corruption gave him a warning, telling him he passed 50%. The warning stated that should the numbers grow to 100%, he'd go berserk and jeopardize his overall health.
So he has not touched anything else in that category of skills. This was Kuroka's turf, and now he needed her aid. He did get something new, however.
[Ki Flow] (Level MAX): This skill allows you to read the flow of Ki around you, and within others, enabling you to potentially predict your opponent's movements! Does not affect artificial or undead beings.
A nice little skill.
Magic-wise, he made good amounts of progress there too. He maxed out [Meteor Flare - Minor], which got him no growth, just the next spell in terms of tier: [Meteor Flare]. Since it had no added detail to its name, like minor, it was obvious this was the normal, likely average version of it. He also maxed out [Scorching Touch], [Firestream], [Fire Arrow], and [Fire Wave]. His proficiency went up with Fire Magic in general. He had reached the proficient stage with it, which is the second-to-last level of proficiency. A bit more and he'll have it maxed out.
His water also saw leaps of progress, especially since he had the [Son of the Ocean] perk, which gives him a crazy amount in all water-related skills. He had brought [Water Serpent] to max level, which gave the skill a more defensive capability. Then, following that, and since he has been getting his ass handed to him by Dummy a lot, his [Aqua Heal] also saw some major levels. The level 5 growth was a reduced cooldown and increased healing, and he has yet to max it out. It sat at level 7 now.
[Aqua Dome] was now maxed out. In fact, this skill helped his proficiency grow, and it came with new additions. [Aqua Dome] got no new additions, and instead, he got two new skills.
[Aqua Hydra] (Level 1| 000/400): A more advanced spell similar to your [Water Serpent] spell, creating a construct that resembles a hydra made of water! This spell deals +60% damage based on your MGI. 300 Mana to cast, 150 mana/second to maintain.
[Water Dragon's Cradle] (Level 1| 000/400): An advanced water-based defensive spell, summoning forth a barrier made of water that swirls around at extremely high speeds, the currents so strong they catch and deflect most attacks. 250 Mana to cast, 100 mana/second to maintain.
He's yet to actually try them out.
[First Heal] was also MAXED out, since, yes, Dummy messed him up more than once during their spars. Now, it was a semi-decent spell, having gained another 100 HP it could help him recover with no cooldown attached. [Ailment Remove] saw no action since he was not poisoned or fallen ill in any way.
His shadow magic saw some major improvement as well. [Shadow Tendril: Spear] was now MAXED, but it offered no growth. His proficiency went up instead, and oh boy, did this offer him something new.
(SUB-SKILL) [Shadow Tendril: Claw] (Level 1| 000/400): Similar to [Shadow Tendril: Spear] this spell implies turning the tendrils into clawed hands, used to grab at your enemies better or slash at them with those claws. This spell deals damage the same way [Shadow Tendril: Spear] does, and shares all characteristics of it, with the main difference being the shape of the shadows.
Talk about a hands-on approach. He hasn't touched this one either. He also made some effort, getting [Shadow Veil] and [Shadow Shelter] at least to level 5 each to see what they offer. The latter removed the limitation of using only still shadows, and the former saw a 10% increase in effectiveness, a reduced cooldown, and even an increase in duration. Decent growth in them both.
His [Shadow Walk] was maxed out, however. And oh boy. It removed the cooldown entirely, and now he could pretty much teleport from one end of Kuoh to the center of it in one leap. A great distance improvement. Nothing new was added, but that was alright.
Lastly, his blood magic was upped a bit as well, having brought his [Crimson Barrier] to level 5, allowing him to now use the blood of others for it. Great progress, leaps of it even! But he only now realized this.
"Holy shit…" Issei said slowly.
"You were focused on other things, so…Yeah, those have grown," Solomon added, all the while Ddraig nodded beside him.
"Are you kidding? I even gained Stat Points, but due to being maxed out in my stats as a human they were stored! I gained…12?! Holy shit…"
"I suggest you also check your Quests, my student," Solomon advised, and Issei proceeded to open his Quest Tab to see what was there, and sure enough, the notifications came in.
Quest Updated!
Revenge of the Dragon
Main Objective: Find out who killed your parents when you were 8 and get revenge in any way you see fit. -Complete
Additional Objective: Return to Kuoh, the place where it all started, and begin your journey there. -Complete
Quest Time Limit: N/A
Main Objective Reward: ? - Unclaimed
Additional Objective Reward: 1000 Yen, 2000 EXP. -Claimed
Failure Penalty: Death.
"What? But I've yet to- I didn't find the one who Ramon was talking about yet!" Issei argued, confused at what he was seeing. "Guys? I could use an explanation about now."
"I think the System is being more…Direct. Technically speaking, the assassin, whoever it is Ramon hired, was the one to kill your parents, but there is no mistaking that Ramon ordered this hit, making him directly responsible. The System might be viewing the assassin who did as a tool used by Ramon, and as such, since you took vengeance upon him in ONE way, the Quest was completed."
"Huh…" Issei shrugged. "I guess that makes sense."
Tapping the button to claim his reward, Issei was met with his Gear suddenly appearing on his arm. "What the- Ohhhhhhhhhh, by the- Oh my goodness…"
"Ddraig, for crying out loud! It's everywhere!" Solomon shouted, and Issei was left confused as to why it sounded like Ddraig just…No…
"Ddraig, did you bust a nut in my head?!" Issei shouted, scandalized.
"I didn't do shit! The system did something, I swear! And whatever it did…It felt great."
"I am so not going in there now…" Issei muttered, but then he checked something. Something that had Ddraig shouting.
"NO FUCKING WAY!"
[Penetrate] (Level MAX): One of Ddraig's original powers! This skill, while active, allows you to mix it with your other skills to enable them to bypass the enemy's defensive abilities and negation-type abilities, and even ignore changed stats! 500 Stamina to activate, 200 Stamina/second to maintain.
"YES! FUCKING YES! SUCK MY BIG RED BALLS, ALBION, WHEREVER YOU ARE! THIS IS A NEW RECORD! FUCK YEAH!" Once again, Solomon and Issei were witnessing Ddraig getting extremely happy as the system made him a great gift, despite it being for Issei.
"Woah…This is insane." Issei stated, looking the skill over. "Fuck, this means there is no way to defend against me now."
"Well, they could erase your own attacks, but I will hold my cynical criticism for later," Solomon stated.
Quest Received!
Revenge of the Dragon - Part 2
With your progress, having found Ramon Phenex to be behind the actual assassination, you have come one step closer to your vengeance. Now, you have to learn who pulled the strings, with Ramon having given you the first clue: Their Race.
Main Objective: Find and take vengeance the way you wish.
Additional Objective: Since the mysterious target is a Fallen Angel, making contact with the Grigori could be useful. Contact Azazel, and try to establish a friendly relationship!
Quest Time Limit: N/A
Main Objective Reward: ?
Additional Objective Reward: 150K EXP, +10 RP with Azazel, +5 RP with Sirzechs, +5 RP with Michael.
Failure Penalty: Death.
"Damn…" Issei swore as he read the quest. "Guess I have my work cut out for me, huh?"
"Well…"
Quest Received!
"How many are there?!" Issei asked in mild shock that there was more.
TIME TO HAUL ASS! AGAIN!
It is time to get to work once again! However, with your current stunted growth, there is no way to actually grow stronger, no matter how many levels you gain! Fear not! The System is here to help!
Main Objective: Obtain 1L of Dragon Blood, Reach the Competent stage with your [Blood Magic], and MAX your RP with Asia Argento!
Optional Objective: Ask Rias Gremory for aid in getting into the Familiar Forest, where you can more easily collect the needed materials!
Main Reward: 300K EXP, 2 Skillbooks (Blood Magic), ?.
Optional Reward: 100K EXP, 1 Skillbook (Familiar Arts), 1 Potion of Unseen Shadows.
Failure Penalty: Death.
"Oh no…No, no, no, no."
"Something the matter, Ddraig?" Issei asked, finding his partner's reaction to be quite odd.
"I…We can't go into the Familiar Forest."
"Now, why is that, Ddraig? Is there something there we need to be wary of?" Solomon asked, looking at the dragon.
"Not what…" He gulped. "Who."
"Ddraig, look, I doubt there is someone there whom we need to worry about," Solomon stated. "We will go in, see about getting the dragon blood, and-"
"You don't get it! She is there!"
"She?! Ddraig, did you tap it and leave it?! Dear Lord, tell me you didn't leave this woman with an egg to care for all by herself! I do not want to be caught in the middle of some fucked-up, draconic argument about my deadbeat father of a partner!"
"No! At least…I am certain she didn't…No, we're safe! We. Are. Safe! Actually, no, we are not."
"Good heavens, Ddraig!"
"Fine! Fine…I might have a bit of an issue with the Dragon Queen, Tiamat." He admitted. "I might have lost something very precious of hers, trying to defeat Albion with it. Now, she is holding that debt over me, so unless I somehow find that thing again, she has sworn to make my hosts pay the debt."
Issei gulped. "And out of curiosity…What does she always ask for?"
"If you can impress her in combat, you get to live. But…You need to give her an egg."
"Ddraig, for the love of- What have you gotten Issei into?!" Solomon shouted at the dragon.
"I agree with Solomon, forget Tiamat, Kuroka and the others WILL MURDER ME if I impregnate some other woman! Forget the fact she's some Dragon Queen, my own queens are going to hang me to dry by my balls if I do it!"
"I know! Trust me, I know…I was just warning you. This will be a true test of our stealth capabilities if we go in. If Tiamat finds us, then it matters not if we are ready, she will demand to battle. I at least hope she is fast this time around…"
"Not inspiring a lot of confidence here!" Issei remarked.
"Regardless of the mess caused by Ddraig's love life!"
"Hey! There was NEVER something between me and Tiamat!" Ddraig shouted, but Solomon ignored his words and continued.
"There is also the objective telling us to make contact with the Grigori. The Faction of Fallen Angels. While I agree it could help us with learning more about our main target, we should hold on doing that for now. As it stands, the Grigori is considered an enemy by the Devils."
"But it says I will gain RP with Sirzechs and Michael…Wait, who is Michael?" Issei asked, finally noticing the name.
"Oh my, I think it might mean the Seraph!" Solomon stated. "Being able to strike a good impression with Heaven without meeting them…Well played, System."
"Ok, it's clear, our schedule has been filled, but how about we first do what we set out to do what needs to be done! Namely, it's time to face the music." Issei said as he received nods from his partners. Then, with slow steps, he went to the exit of the dungeon.
And once out…
"ISSEI!" Kuroka leaped at him, jumping into his arms. "Finally! You came out of the dungeon, nya! We were all worried you got hurt!"
"I-I'm fine, Kuroka, really. But where are the others?" True, he was only seeing Kuroka right now.
"I sensed your presence growing, so I knew you were about to come out, but the others were still around the house. Ingvild is in her room, doing some assignments for Kuoh, while Raynare and Asia are in the kitchen. But…"
"But?"
"I was left using a sleeping bag and sleeping on the floor for an entire week!" Turning his gaze, Issei found the source of the new voice in the house. Ah, right. Standing there, looking relatively nervous, angry, and fearful was Ravel Phenex. He had forgotten about his condition to spare Ramon. "I didn't know my conditions were going to be this poor…"
"My apologies, but I required my time to process what happened and come to terms with it."
Ravel Phenex
1/100
She doesn't want to be here, doesn't like you, and fears you more than anything, but does respect your power.
At least there was a slight positive there. "I…Guess." She trailed off awkwardly, realizing who she was talking with. Slowly, with a deep blush of embarrassment, Ravel lowered her head. "I apologize for my outburst, Red Dragon."
"There is no need to be sorry," Issei replied. "I will arrange a room for you soon. But until then, I-"
"Issei!"
"Finally, he's out!"
"Ise!"
And sure enough, everyone else in the house finally took notice of his presence, with Ingvild and Asia both leaping at him and hugging him tightly.
"We were so worried! After the Rating Game, you just went into your dungeon and didn't come out for an entire week!" Asia said.
"Leonna told us you didn't want to be interrupted, but couldn't you have at least talked to us before going in?" Ingvild questioned him. "We wouldn't have been as worried if you did, to at least let us know you were alright."
"Thank you for the worry, and I apologize for making you feel as such, but…Truth be told, I was not ok." Issei admitted, not wishing to lie. "What happened was just…Ugh! Frustrating! Even now, if I see Ramon's face, I don't think I can resist the urge to shove a grenade down his throat and watch him blow up from the inside!"
"Ha!"
+3 RP with Raynare.
Pigs must be flying.
"Would have served that Devil right! Even we Fallen Angels know better than to anger one of the Dragon Emperors!" Raynare stated with a certain smugness to her, but Kuroka was quick to rebuke her words.
"Didn't he say a Fallen was behind it?" Her question had Raynare freeze in place.
"R-regardless, now that we know he is alright, the question here is what comes next! Since his presence is known, representatives from the three factions will likely seek to recruit him!" Raynare said, changing the subject. "Just because you lend a hand to the Devills wouldn't stop this."
"Hmm. I guess that is true." Issei stated. "Unless I accept to be reincarnated, that is, which to me is no option. I will keep my humanity as long as I want, thank you."
"So…You do not plan to join us as a Devil?" Ravel asked slowly, getting everyone's attention. "I-I don't mean to offend, it's just that human bodies can only grow stronger up to a certain point without reincarnation or magical enhancements! Even humans with Sacred Gears that somehow break this plateau effect reach a new limit at some point."
"True, becoming a Devil would allow me to finally break that limit." His words got Ravel's attention. "But I have no intention of doing so. I wish to retain my humanity until the day it will be my choice to discard it."
"Nya! Well said!" Kuroka stated. "Anyway, the money Ramon promised us was already transferred to your account. We are RICH!" She squealed. "We can even afford to move into a mansion if we want to!"
"Or we can donate some of it!" Asia proposed, and that caught Issei's attention quite swiftly. "I think the church could use the funds."
Raynare couldn't suppress her laughter at Asia's words. "Trust me, what the church needs is someone who wants to use the funds for something other than THEMSELVES!"
"What does that mean?" Asia asked swiftly, but luckily for Raynare, who realized her slight oversight, Issei stepped in.
"We will look for some places that could use the funds and donate to them directly, Asia. I think Raynare here is just worried about corruption within the church causing some of the funds to vanish. We wouldn't want that, do we?" He reasoned, watching her expression shift into one of mild discomfort, but then into a look of acceptance as she nodded her head.
"I guess. I-...I do not want to admit it, but I know some people use the church for their own selfish gain." She clasped her hands together. "How unfortunate, those poor souls corrupted by greed. And even greater the misfortune that they are soiling God's temples with it."
"Huh. That didn't sound completely innocent as before." Solomon remarked, showing a hint of worry. "The Fallen is corrupting her."
"Relax, Solomon. She is not wrong. The church, Heaven's agents on this world, has fallen into a sorry state."
"Be at ease, Asia. Such people always get judged, and no amount of earthly gold can influence St. Peter, can it?" Issei stated, and watched as Asia perked up a bit.
"That's right!" She exclaimed.
+5 RP with Asia Argento.
"Now, I think we should settle some of our other issues. First, Ravel." Holding up his hand, Issei generated another key for her, throwing it to Ravel. "Here!"
"What's this?" Ravel asked, catching the key. "A key?"
"Use it on the front door," Issei ordered, and slowly, Ravel did as asked, inserting the key in and twisting it. The edges of the door lit up for a brief moment, and when she opened the door, her eyes widened in shock. The shock was so great, she fell back.
"What- I heard you lot saying something about a dungeon, but I didn't- Just what is this?!" She got back up, running through and awakening into the main yard of the castle, looking around to see the massive structure. The others followed suit, watching her as she looked in every direction, seeing every detail, and the sky above, locked in eternal twilight.
"This is MY dungeon," Issei stated. "My pocket dimension. You are currently in the Dragon's Fortress! This is the place where we kind of all moved to, the house back in the human world is more or less like a living room for us at this point. We live here, train here, and…Well, it's a very private place." He cleared his throat. "Leonna!"
"You called, Master?"
"Christ on a-" Issei jumped as Leonna appeared right behind him, spooking him. "Right. Leonna, this is Ravel Phenex. Daughter of Ramon Phenex, who hired the assassin that tried to kill me and killed my parents."
Leonna's expression hardened on the poor girl, making Ravel back down. "I will ready our coldest cell, Master."
"Coldest- No!" Issei quickly added. He didn't even know they had a fucking dungeon-dungeon! As in, a place to throw prisoners in! "No. Prepare her a standard room, but she has limited privileges. For one, she may not wander around the place without someone watching her, and keep her away from sensible places. That includes the training grounds, and any place with a view of it."
"Understood. What about her other accommodations? Food, comfort, entertainment?" Leonna asked.
"Have Blackberry prepare whatever she wishes, but no more than 3 meals a day. Snacks counting. She is free to leave and enter the Dragon's Fortress as she wishes, but cannot bring anyone with her. If you catch her trying to sneak someone in…" He gave Ravel a look, ensuring she got the warning. "Then her conditions are going to be worsened."
Ravel's face hardened.
"Understood. Am I to take orders from her, Master?" Leonna asked.
"Do we have other servants?"
"Of course," Leonna stated. "Though, they are mostly lifeless, featureless dolls. Able to perform solely the task they have been created for, like cleaning."
"Then she may command those, but not you, Leonna," Issei stated. After he was done, he finally turned to Ravel. "You can contact your family and friends if you wish, but know your conversations will be watched not to reveal any information about this place. Those are your conditions for now, are they fitting for you, noble She-Devil?"
"T-they certainly are better than what normal prisoners receive…" Ravel stated.
"You are not a prisoner." Issei corrected her. "If anything, you are a guest. Albeit a surprise, not an agreed-upon one, but a guest nonetheless."
+1 RP with Ravel Phenex.
"I understand." Ravel bowed her head again. "Thank you…For accepting this deal."
"Your father's sin…Is his to bear." Issei stated. "You chose to offer your life in exchange for his, for my mercy. But I am telling you now, Ravel; even with the power of Solomon I command, if Ramon does anything, then I won't offer mercy a second time."
Raven remained silent.
"Now, time to move on to the next thing on the list. Kuroka?"
"Yes?"
"How much do you know about… purification?"
"Of all things, Issei!" Kuroka scolded him as they were back at their home in Mai, Issei standing on his knees as Kuroka lectured him. "If not for the system warning you, I bet you would have let the corruption go to your head, nya!"
"I know, I messed up, but-"
"No buts!" Kuroka interrupted him. They were alone here, in Mai. Kuroka's request. "Corruption is more dangerous than you think! My resistance might be high to it, but just think what that implies! I've had to battle it, like any other Youkai who practices Youjutsu and advanced Senjutsu, until I grew a resistance to it! You, on the other hand, do not possess one such resistance! You should have come to me the moment you GOT corruption, to begin with!"
Issei remained silent, waiting for her to finish. Which, thankfully, seems to be the case. "So…We are here because?"
"This is where we will do the purification ritual. Contrary to belief, this cannot be done on the fly! It either needs another Youkai to do it while you hold the corruption back - if the situation was that bad - or just a place with some pure water."
"Wait, pure water? You don't mean the hot spring, do you?"
Kuroka smirked. "But of course! The reason I wanted it was because I could tell the thermal water here was pure. The plus side is the fact it is warm. Now, the purification rite IS considered Senjutsu, so best be prepared for it."
"I am. Anything else I should know?" He asked, waiting for her reply.
"We will be naked, both. However, you CANNOT pop a boner." She stated.
"Ummm. I am inclined to ask why does that matter?"
"Because the rite is meant to purify both the body, mind, and spirit. Your lust, Issei, as much as it has given me and Ingvild pleasure, is something that can affect the rite's effectiveness. The more you can prevent yourself from popping a stiffy, the better." Kuroka said, already starting to walk toward the hot springs and undress herself. "Once I shout for you, come in. I need to prepare the rite."
"Aye, aye!" He replied with enthusiasm, granted, he quickly corrected himself. "I mean, yes, yes, I get it." Kuroka sighed.
"Sometimes, Issei, your desire is a bit much. Hmm. Guess having a harem does help, I don't think I could take your libido forever if it keeps growing." She said before vanishing into the hot spring, Issei rapidly disrobing himself in response to get ready.
The air was cold against his skin, but damn was it going to be worth - No! He had to keep his lust under check, at least until they were done here. After that? He was knocking that cat over! It didn't take long for Kuroka to be ready either.
"Come in!" Entering the hot springs, Issei took immediate note of the most striking detail. Apart from a naked Kuroka standing in the water, the spring itself was slightly glowing with energy. "I have prepared the waters for the rite, now come here and sit on your knees."
Nodding, Issei did as told, getting down on his knees as Kuroka stood behind him, grabbing a sponge from the side. "Washing away corruption is more literal than you think." She stated as she went to him, starting to slowly wash his body with the sponge, which spread the pure waters on his body. "Just a bit on the slow side. How is your corruption looking?"
Checking it, Issei remembered it was around over 50% last time, but now, looking at it, he could see it start to drop. It was at 47% when he opened his tab to check it, and dropping at a steady pace. "Woah. This is actually working!" He stated, amazed at the simplicity of the ritual. "I thought there would be more chanting and talismans and so on."
Kuroka giggled. "Maybe in some parts of the world and Japan, but having a pure-blooded Youkai makes things far less complicated." She dipped the sponge into the water again, then applied it back on his arm. "Notify me when the corruption is fully gone, by the way."
"Will do," Issei replied, then, he heard a notification.
[Corruption Resistance - Minor] (Level 1| 200/400): Senjutsu and Youjutsu alike can cause corruption, the former more than the latter, but fret not! This Skill protects you from corruption, lowering its rate, but you must perform a purification ritual to cleanse it all! Currently, this skill lowers corruption rates by 2%.
New Proficiency Skill created!
{Proficiency Skill} [Resistance] (Level MAX): Your ability to resist various kinds of damage and effects.
All Resistance-type skills have been moved under this category!
Note: Based on your corruption, your new resistance gains EXP. Your corruption before cleansing was 51.2%, which translates to 512 EXP.
[Corruption Resistance - Minor] is now level 2.
"Huh," Issei said, reading the notification. Of course, since Kuroka shared a bit of the System, she could also see them.
"Nya! [Corruption Resistance] already?! It took me a year to start developing mine normally!" She stated in surprise, not realizing she leaned over Issei too much and her chest made contact with his back.
"Don't pop, don't pop, don't pop!"
"Sometimes, this System is just unfair." She sighed, returning to her duty. "Some people spend YEARS reaching the level of skill you have gotten in less than 1 year, Ise."
"I guess this is what it means to be the Gamer," Issei stated with a sly smile on his lips. "There. My corruption is all gone."
"Already?" She asked, then she focused a bit, sensing his energies for a bit. "It is! That was quick!"
"Does it usually take longer?" Issei asked, turning to her. Now that she was finished, Kuroka sat down in the water next to him as well.
"Not that long, but a few minutes longer. The System must have accelerated the process or something." She stated. "Oh well, all well, in the end, nya!"
"Indeed…Now bring that ass over, I am about to-" Suddenly, however, Kuroka put her finger up in front of his eyes.
"Nah-ah, Ise! As a little punishment for being negligent and letting your corruption pass the halfway point, you are getting no tail tonight! I also informed Ingvild not to offer any service either." The evil smirk she had on her face caused his eye to twitch, only drawing in more amusement in the form of a giggle. "But you did make some…staggering progress, so how about this? Tomorrow evening, we can go all night long. We can even bring Ingvild."
"Ok…That sounds good."
"And you can use my backdoor."
[BOOOOOSTTTTTTT!]
"NYAAAAAA! ISSEI! CONTROL YOUR GEAR!"
"DDRAIG!"
"I AIN'T DONE SHIT! THIS IS YOUR OWN LUST OVERFLOWING!"