REVIEWS:
Simmonschr: Thanks, I aim to include such moments as often as possible.
MERK FOX: Pretty sure you joined the discord, so why not ask me there?
m3g4t0: I aim to please.
Rayga: Penetrate was introduced, Tiamat only mentioned.
Xerzo LotCN: Happy holidays to you too, as late as this is. Yes, Ignium had things under control the whole time, and trust me, he had people in more places than that prison. Also, as far as Lucifer goes, and the Super Devils being above him in power, that in itself has been made into a lie in this story. Super Devils might have the illusion of being stronger than their ancestors, but what if said ancestors wanted to them to believe that? Demons are worse than Devils, especially in terms of manipulation. Also, he needs 1 L of Dragon Blood to START things up. getting more types is problematic, trust me, fighting a dragon is a no-go for now. As for more smut scenes, I have something pretty nice planned out.
olivermarte15: Only saying this: Wrong.
simple traveler: Whilst this might be true, I never said Issei was fully ditching his humanity.
khulakahlefufu: Bingo.
Guest: Ok, what kind of story do you think this is? Because I sure as hell don't think this is some bad, chad-up MC story, no. Issei knows he is powerful, but power does not bring in trust, even if the other is desperate. He had to earn her trust, something that cannot be done by flexing muscle.
T.V. 2000: No problem. I enjoy answering reviews and interacting with my readers. On that note, your idea of Ravel using a rapier is really interesting, and I might give it a spin. So pat yourself on the back, you might have just contributed to the story! The Snake of Adam and their General, Ignium Ophirius, will be quite the group to judge and decide whether or not they are enemies or friends. But do recall Danbooru and his group of misfits, they still exist as well. And they have not been quiet. Also, thanks for the praise on my story, and I hope I can keep it going in a worthy direction for as long as possible.
Discord: /MgKxKVY3N9
The following day after the events at the hot springs, Issei was making his way to Kuoh Academy. He had to talk some things over with Rias as it was, get some things settled, and apologize for his outburst the previous week. Sure, he had good reason to lash out, but he overstepped a bit.
Ok, maybe saying it was a bit is an understatement, given how he made Ramon his slave. He needs to go and ensure them that he was not some threat to them or something, or at least ease their worries. He kept many secrets from them, and while he won't reveal the System's existence, he will at least tell them the partial truth about Solomon.
He will trust them with that much. On his way there, he also pulled out the Skill Book he got following the Rating Game since he defeated Riser. It was something, he'd admit that much.
[Skill Book: Golemancy]
[Upon consuming this book, the Gamer will have the Skill [Golemancy] added to their Skill list]
This one implied the ability to make golems, much like those he has been killing so far. Although the dungeon is making golems as well, those are just the maids and butlers of the place, not made to carry out combat or any other form of command. With this, he could virtually create an army in due time.
The possibility…Was too enticing to pass up. Seriously, who wouldn't want their own private army? So without thinking too much, he took in the book, his perks granting him the EXP he was due from it. 10K EXP, if he was right. However, he was not right. He forgot about his ring, which added a further 10% bonus, and [Paralle Mind] skill which gave a bonus of 50%. This meant he was going to gain a total of 16.5K. A lot of EXP, from the original 5K.
Those EXP bonuses will carry him far.
Skill Acquired!
The Skill {Proficiency Skill} [Golemancy - Novice] was added to your skill list!
Several Skills have been added with {Proficiency Skill} [Golemancy - Novice]!
Other skills? Issei took an immediate look to see just what he gained.
[Blueprint] (Level MAX): Utilizing various blueprints to instantly create Golem Parts from available materials. Be aware, however, that certain materials come with natural buffs and debuffs.
-Blueprint: Basic Arm
-Blueprint: Basic Leg
-Blueprint: Basic Head
-Blueprint: Basic Torso
[Mana Core Creation] (Level 1| 000/400): Creating a core of mana to power the golems. This core will eventually require a new charge of mana, or the core will disappear. 200 Mana per Core. - Blueprint - Mana Core.
[Golem Command] (Level MAX): This skill enables you to command your golems, but note that not all golems possess enough INT to do complex tasks.
[Assembly] (Level MAX): Once you have all the parts needed, and the Golem has been put together, by activating this skill the Golem will be officially assembled and activated.
"Blueprints?" Stopping for a bit in front of Kuoh Academy, Issei looked over the newly acquired skills. Most of them came already maxed out, which meant leveling up the main one was likely impossible, but as he looked he saw that this proficiency gains EXP for creating golems in general, without the need for the skill to gain EXP.
Nifty.
But right now, he doesn't have time to experiment with this. Walking on campus, he went straight to the old school building, where he saw and sensed no one. That is, at first. His skills immediately revealed their presence, all of the ORC, behind the doors before his eyes, in Rias' office.
So he pushed the doors open. "Issei!" And Rias was first to take notice of his presence.
"Good day, Rias." He greeted her, walking inside the room. "Good to see everything seems to be peaceful."
"Thanks to you." Akeno pointed out. "Riser being defeated has taken a great burden off our shoulders. We are in your debt."
"There is no need for that, Akeno. Tell me, Kiba, how are you feeling?"
"All that is wounded is my pride," Kiba replied. "I never considered the possibility of my swords being used against me, so that was entirely my fault."
"Don't beat yourself too hard over it," Issei said as he took a seat. "We all have things we are not proud of. But, on that note, this is why I am here. I wish to apologize for my outburst the other day."
"Issei, know that no apology is needed," Rias replied. "What Ramon did was - IS unforgivable. Your reaction was appropriate."
"Thank you for understanding, but that doesn't make it alright in all forms, Rias. No, I did something else. And I think my…partner would explain things better than me." Issei said slowly, drawing their confusion, but then everyone seemed to just freeze as a cold as-ice chill went down their spines.
"Greetings, oh descendant of Runeas Gremory." Solomon's voice echoed all over the room, but then something else happened. Issei used [Switch], and before their eyes, his body changed. Gone was the boy they knew, for before their eyes, an old man now stood there, holding a golden staff in his hand.
Rias recoiled back instantly. "S-Solomon!" She gasped, everyone else tensing up at the presence of the man. Being in the presence of the wise king himself was like being near a burning furnace! It was suffocating!
The old man raised his hand. "At ease. I am not here to battle. I am here because my student asked me to clarify some details about the origins of his abilities." He stated. "As you saw, Issei wields my seal. That is because I taught him. By a power even I fail to understand, my soul and his exist in the same body."
"So Issei is…truly the heir of Solomon's magic?" Kiba asked, slowly as he watched the old man.
"The one and only." And Solomon confirmed it.
"Koneko, were you aware of this?" Rias asked her rook.
"I always felt something off…But never could tell what it was." She replied, eyes wide as she looked at Solomon. Her devil side told her to run and hide, but her Youkai senses were spiking! She felt a strong aura, burning with a pure, white flame. No wonder everyone felt like they were standing before a mighty flame. They were.
"I have been with Issei ever since the day of the fire. I guided him. Watched over him as he matured from a boy to a man. Today, I am here to introduce myself at his request. Make no mistake, however." He tapped his staff to the ground. "I have no intentions of being considered a friend of hell! Now, Issei, let me return to my dwelling within your soul."
And so, they switched places once again, with Issei returning to the physical realm. "So yeah…He's been around."
"You have the wise Solomon within you," Akeno stated, eyes wide. "His great wisdom…"
"I thought that, as an apology, I should start placing more trust in you. Revealing Solomon was my gesture of trust." Issei stated. "I hope this can maintain our relations stable."
"Y-yes, there is no issue of that matter," Rias replied swiftly. "Anyway, Issei, you coming here actually works out perfectly for me. Everyone, please leave us alone." Issei found that odd, but as everyone else filtered out of the room, leaving Issei alone with Rias, his skills blared at him suddenly.
"Grayfia Lucifuge…" He muttered, turning to the magical circle that appeared just as the mentioned women appeared in the room.
"Your senses are sharp, Red Dragon." She stated, then walked forth to Rias' desk, standing beside her. "I am here to officiate things."
"Officiate?" Issei echoed, and then he looked at Rias. "Rias, please explain to me what she means. "
"You see, Issei if you remember our talk in the mountains, there are indeed other pretenders to my hand out there. My father even contacted me about two suitors already competing for my hand." Her words caused Issei's eyes to narrow. "And if you recall, I clearly expressed my desire to NOT have to put my peerage through every single rating game under the sun."
"I recall, yes," Issei replied slowly. "But why is Grayfia here then?"
"I am getting there," Rias replied. "For me to escape this endless cycle, my options are quite limited. One is losing my virginity, which would cause most of the suitors to back away."
"However, that option is not going to be seen with good eyes, causing a scandal that will tarnish Rias' reputation in the underworld," Grayfia stated.
"Other options then?" Issei asked.
"An engagement." She stated. "If I were to become engaged, then those suitors would have to challenge my fiancee instead."
"Oh? Oh…OH!" Issei connected the dots and widened his eyes at the hints Rias dropped.
"It seems you figured it out." She replied with a slight blush.
"You want me to-? To you?!"
"I have a marriage contract here," Grayfia stated, producing the document.
"Hold it!" Issei shouted, firm in his words. "Rias, you know full well that I cannot do something like this! It goes against my principles, I cannot go behind Ingvild's and Kuroka's backs and get engaged just like this!"
"Nya, you won't be!"
"Huh?" Looking at Grayfia, the woman was holding up a phone, with Kuroka's number dialed there. Son of a bitch…
"Kuroka is right, Issei." Ingvild's voice came next. "You see, Rias came to us during our trip to the mountains. Told us her idea, if you manage to defeat Riser."
"And what an idea! Not many will dare challenge the Red Dragon Emperor to a rating game just for a woman unless there is true love at play, nya!"
"And you guys are ok with this?!" Issei asked in incredulous shock.
"We did impose conditions," Ingvild stated.
"Nya! Such as there being no wedding night until we say so! Overall, this entire thing is more or less of a sham meant to keep her suitors at bay, but honestly, I am not ruling out the possibility of there being something more behind her decision." Rias hid her slight blush as Kuroka spoke. That cat knew too much! "So, we are keeping ourselves open to further talks. But know that we are alright with this, Issei. More than that, we are encouraging you to go ahead and help the poor girl out! No one wants to be with a person they do not love."
"I-...You girls are something, you know that?" He replied with a sigh, and then Grayfia hung up the phone, letting Issei process what he heard and knew. "So, engagement?'
"Yes," Rias replied with renewed calm. "Forgive me that I had to work out the details behind your back, but we had to first make sure we won the rating game before anything could be set in stone. I hope this will not cause any issues between us."
"Hmm. Well, I guess your words do make sense…Very well, let me see those papers." Issei said, going to the desk and looking at the papers. Granted, he noticed a secondary document. "What's this?"
"The other matter we will be discussing," Grayfia replied. "Rias' reward for your aid in the rating game."
"It says here I gain her King Privileges," Issei stated, having read over the paper.
"Y-yes. This is my reward, and third request: To join your peerage." Rias stated, taking Issei by mild surprise. "Issei, I will fully admit. Your growth is not only staggering but amazing as well. I remember the goals and things you told me, back then, and I came to this conclusion. If you are to partake on my part in rating games, then you might as well be recognized by the devil society as an official King."
"I fully admire your devotion." She continued. "You are loyal and kind, yet not afraid to do what is right even if it means doing the dirty work. I have nothing but admiration for you, Issei Hyoudou."
"Hmm. Sounds like a confession."
"The way she blushes right now indicates that."
Taking the words of his partners into account, Issei made to reply to Rias' words. "I am flattered, Rias. Truly. But despite this engagement, know that I cannot say I hold similar feelings for you." The girls' eyes widened somewhat. "However, I am willing to test the waters. I could come to love both Kuroka and Ingvild, so my heart is more than large enough to love as many women who will love me as well."
"Issei…"
Grayfia cleared her throat. "As nice as this moment is, I am afraid I am on a tight schedule. Please, Red Dragon, sign the papers so I may depart. After that, Rias can walk you through everything else."
"Right," Issei said, and taking a pen, he signed both documents, giving them to Grayfia.
"Until next time, Red Dragon." And so, she was gone.
+5 RP with Grayfia Lucifuge
+20 RP with Rias Gremory
That was a lot of RP points, holy shit. Clearing his throat, Issei looked at Rias, who, blushing, continued to speak. "A-as the new King, you are free to also challenge other individuals in Rating Games. I would refrain from that, however. Kuroka cannot partake, so to fill the Queen position, Akeno will have to partake instead. Additionally, since you have your peerage with their pieces, before every Rating Game, you will need to choose who you are bringing with you, anyone else being a back-up in case of last-minute accidents before their match."
"I see, I see. I guess that does make sense, especially Kuroka due to her still existing record." Issei stated, trying together with Rias to keep things more professional for the moment. "And the marriage contract? Anything I should know about it?"
"We can dissolve it at any time, as long as we both agree to it," Rias stated. "However, that, coupled with me granting you all my privileges as King, means that I no longer have any authority. And to that, I present you this." Pulling out a chess box from under her desk, Rias opened it before Issei, revealing her remaining Evil Pieces to him. "My Evil Pieces. They are now yours-"
"No." He pushed the box back to her. "This I deny. Rias, you can maintain the authority to choose your peerage members."
"Thank you, Issei," Rias replied, putting the box away. "Now, I guess there is only one detail left to take care of." She inhaled deeply and got up from her desk, going to Issei and standing before him. "Please, grace me with one of your Draconic Pieces." She bowed to him, presenting her request. Now, all Issei had to do was consider it.
But then again, there was not a lot of consideration to be done. Rias was very respectful to him, which is expected given their new dynamic, but he could tell she cared deeply for her peers. As much respect as she showed him requires equal amounts shown in return. There was no real debate whether to grant her Dreaconic Pieces or not. However, if he does, he'd be revealing the secret of the System to her.
Something he didn't feel like doing right now. He wished the System could give him the option to prevent that, but it didn't, which means that today, he was going to grant her the full truth. No more secrets between them. Then again, they ARE engaged now, as crazy as that is, so the truth had to eventually come to light.
"As you wish." He replied, then produced two pieces from his inventory. Pawns. "But Rias, be aware that you will learn my final, greatest secret. Are you prepared?"
"I am." She replied.
"Very well." And so, focusing his mana on the pieces, he converted them into Draconic Pieces. Two pawns were presented to her, although Rias looked a bit distraught by their presence.
"Is there an issue?" Issei asked her.
"Is just that…Pawns are not usually seen as the most valuable pieces. Although you are giving me two of them, I feel like I might need to earn a higher position in the future."
Issei chuckled. "Rias, my pieces dictate no hierarchy. Each has their role, which they fulfill dutifully. Besides, pawns are more versatile than you think. Especially mine."
"Then I have no more words to say." Issei nodded, then slowly, he allowed the pieces to float and be absorbed into Rias' body. Almost immediately the girl felt something within her pulse as the power surged through her, and her head began to hurt greatly. Her eyes especially. However, when the pain died down, she saw things…strangely.
Her eyes then widened in realization, the pieces already laid before her clicking into place. "Your…power is that of making everything a game, isn't it?" She asked as Issei helped her up. "That is what Malachi's final message meant. He too figured out your ability."
"Indeed. Though, Solomon went overboard with him in terms of taking him out. Regardless, by granting you Draconic Pieces, you have also received a small, pseudo-system of some kind. All it does for you is keep track of your abilities and stats. Open your stat window and see."
Listening to his instructions, Rias did as instructed, opening her stat window. The girl was a bit surprised when she saw the window appear before her eyes.
Name
Rias Gremory
Title:
Princess of Ruin
Level:
50 (1698441200/1700754298EXP)
HP: 77000/77000 (1HP/Min)
STA: 29000/29000 (1STA/Min)
D.P: 80000/80000 (1 D.P/Min)
Mana: 119000/119000 (1 Mana/Min)
STR: 124 (+10 from Draconic Piece)
AGI: 105 (+10 from Draconic Piece)
MGI: 146 (+10 from Draconic Piece)
DUR: 112 (+10 from Draconic Piece)
ACC: 190 (+10 from Draconic Piece)
WIS: 77 (+10 from Draconic Piece)
INT: 163 (+10 from Draconic Piece)
CHA: 184 (+10 from Draconic Piece)
LCK: 55
Skills:
Skills:
[Hunting] (Level MAX): The wielder of this skill is a very efficient hunter, able to hunt and prepare various animals! Every successful hunt nets the wielder a bonus of 2000 EXP!
[Cooking] (Level MAX): The wielder of this skill is one helluva chef! At this level, every time you prepare a meal that is well-received by all you cooked for, you gain anywhere from 5K to 10K EXP per meal!
[Dancer] (Level MAX): The wielder of this skill knows to do more than just bounce! Every time your skills are seen by others, you have a chance of impressing, which translates into 1000 EXP per person left with their jaws slacking!
[Designer]: The wielder of this skill knows how to decorate, no joke on that! Every time the rooms you decorate impress, you gain up to 500 EXP per person!
[Stealth] (Level MAX): Passive Skill with no cost. You like sneaking around. Current odds of not being detected while sneaking around: 80%.
[Castling] (Level MAX): Given the user's position as King of their own peerage, they have access to this skill that allows them to switch places with one of their rooks. Can only be used once every 24H.
Magic/Demonic-related Skills:
[Casting Method: Magical Circle] (Level MAX): This skill is already maxed since there is no way to improve it individually. Allows the user to use magical circles as a means of casting magic.
[Imagination-Based Magic Casting] (Level MAX): This skill needs a casting method. This type of magical ability is inherited from your Devil lineage, allowing you to simply imagine what your spells need to do to make them do it!
{Hereditary} [The Power of Destruction] (Level MAX): One of the most dangerous abilities known to the Supernatural World! The power to instantly vaporize anything that comes into contact with this ability. The cost of this skill directly dictates how much the user wants to destroy, and as such, any amount of D.P. is accepted as payment, directly dictating the strength of each use. This power ignores DUR and most defenses.
{Sub-Skill} [Arrow of Ruin] (Level 3 | 1000/1600): An ability created by your hard work! When used, it shapes the Power into arrows that are capable of more precise destruction! Each arrow requires 300 D.P. to be created. Each projectile deals a fixed amount of 3000 HP in damage, ignoring DUR and other defensive means from the other party.
[Demonic Healing] (Level MAX): The wielder of this skill can use their D.P. for healing purposes, and [Rias Gremory] possesses an elevated level of mastery over this, allowing her to heal even whilst asleep! Granted, the process does require as much skin contact as possible to be as efficient as possible. 50 D.P. per minute whilst this skill is active.
[Demonic Barrier] (Level MAX): Able to create powerful defensive barriers out of raw D.P. These barriers have a DUR stat set by the amount of D.P. used divided by 10. Any amount of D.P. can be used.
[Familiar Summoning] (Level MAX): A simple spell that allows one to summon their familiar. 10 D.P. per use.
[Memory Alteration] (Level MAX): A spell used by supernatural beings to alter the memories of humans to remain hidden. 100 Mana per person or 50 D.P.
Draconic Piece Skills:
[Promotion]: This allows a pawn to become any of the other pieces, gaining their skills in the process! However, to maintain this Skill, 100 Stamina per minute is required.
[Hybrid-Promotion]: Given that you hold more than 1 Draconic Pawn Piece, you can use this ability! This allows you to promote yourself into hybrid combinations of any of the other pieces, except the King!
Perks:
Normal Perks
[Great Demonic Power - Natural Talent]: This unique perk shows the ability Rias Gremory possesses with Demonic Power. Aside from enabling her to use Imagination-Based Magic, paying D.P. (Demonic Power) instead of Mana, or adding Demonic Power to make the skill stronger (Every 100 D.P. spent doubles the power of the skill it is used in), her natural talent with it allows her control that is exceptionally rare even among High-Class Devils like her, granting her a bonus +200 D.P. after each level-up!
[Golden Skin]: This Perk grants a 25% damage reduction from physical strikes.
[Tactical Mind]: This perk is an achievement and testament to the user's intelligence in the field of tactics. Every time you pull off a successful tactic, you gain a bonus of 1000 EXP.
[Expert Magician]: The user is an experienced magician and practitioner of the arcane arts. This perk grants a Mana Discount of 30% and +50% more damage to all your Magical Attacks.
[Expert Sharpshooter]: This perk grants you a 25% bonus chance to hit your targets at long range.
[Golden Striker]: This Perk grants you a +25% damage boost when striking using physical strikes based on your STR (Original)
Draconic Piece Perks
[EXP Bonus]: Each time your King levels up, you will gain EXP equal to 25% of the EXP required for their next level.
[Draconic Boost]: You gain a permanent +10 to all stats, except LCK.
Equipment Perks
N/A
Titles:
Princess of Ruin
The sister of Lucifer and one of the holders of the great Power of Destruction, this is the title you have earned through your merits alone! Whilst equipped, this Title grants you a 50% EXP bonus for all of your skills related to the Power of Destruction.
Pawn of Hyoudou.
As the title says, you are the Pawn of Issei Hyoudou, possessing the Draconic Pawn Piece. This Title grants the [EXP Bonus] and [Draconic Boost] perks, The Draconic Piece Skills, as well as an overall 20% EXP bonus to the wearer, and the ability to equip a different title aside from this one.
PEERAGE
King: Issei Hyoudou
King: Rias Gremory
Queen: Akeno Himejima
Bishop: Gasper Vladi
Knight: Yuuto Kiba
Rook: Koneko(Shirone) Toujou.
Vacant: 8 Pawns, 1 Rook, 1 Bishop, 1 Knight.
"Hmm." Issei was pleased by what he saw. "Not bad at all, Rias. Though, I am feeling compelled to ask who is this." He pointed at one of the names on the list of her peerage, making Rias shift a bit awkwardly.
Clearing her throat, however, Rias began to explain. "His name is Gasper Vladi. A Dhampir I saved after he escaped the country of Romania, where the Vampires are from. The Vampires are very cruel to other species, viewing themselves as superior, and they are especially cruel to hybrids like Gasper. His escape was a brave act, but…"
"But?" Issei echoed.
"He didn't try to escape alone." She continued. "Valerie Tepes, a direct descendant of the legendary Dracula, Vlad Tepes, who is also a Dhampir, tried to run with him. However, she didn't make it. The Vampires didn't let her escape as she held the Longinus, Sephiroth Graal."
Suddenly, the Boosted Gear appeared. "You mean to tell us that the Vampire Factions have control of one of the Holy Longinuns?"
"Ddraig…" Rias said the dragon's name softly, surprised by his appearance. "Yes, that is what I am saying. Gasper has been deeply affected by this event, causing him to become quite reclused and shy. I suspect he is also dealing with various traumas inflicted upon him by the other Vampires, but the reason he is not usually around is that…I am not strong enough."
"Pardon?"
"Gasper was killed when he escaped by vampire hunters, and I found him by sheer luck. I reincarnated him using a Mutated Bishop Piece." Rias finished.
"Mutated Pieces…I think I heard of them, yes. Special Evil Pieces, no?" Issei stated, earning a nod from Rias.
"It was the only piece he accepted. Gasper has a lot of latent power, since, I think, he is also descending from Dracula himself." She continued. "I do not know a lot of other details, but so far, I cannot use my powers as King to help him keep his power in check. Especially that Gear of his."
"Sacred Gear? He has one?" Issei asked.
"And a powerful one to that. His is called Forbidden Balor View."
"I remember that one. Or rather, I can remember the giant himself. A leader of the Fomorians, a malevolent group of supernatural beings from Ireland, he was some kind of giant cyclops. I fought him once, and I can attest to the power of his eye." Ddraig stated. "The Gear made from his remains holds the power to freeze others in time when the user keeps their gaze on them."
"That is indeed powerful," Issei admitted, and then he returned his attention to Rias. "I noticed a sealed room. He is in there, right?"
"Yes, but please try not to do anything rushed. He has agoraphobia and is timid. Please, try not to startle him."
"I was just asking if he was in there. I didn't say I was going in. But judging from your words, I take it it is fine if I do?" He asked, receiving a slow nod from her.
"I worry about him, Ise. Even now, I am coming a bit short in terms of controlling his power to make it manageable, but I think you might have a chance at getting him to come out of his shell."
"Hmm. The boost you got from the Draconic Pieces I just gave you should cover for the difference, not to mention I can offer you some more power, but that aside, I think I can afford to go talk with him." Issei said, making Rias smile softly.
"Thank you, Ise. You don't know how much this means to me. Could you also help him with a bit of training? He still lacks proper control with his Sacred Gear as well."
"It will be no problem. I will just take him into the dungeon." Rias perked up at his words. "Like in a game? My dungeon is like this huge fortress where I train and grow my power."
"Oh! Yeah, I guess it…It makes sense, remembering the times you disappeared with no trace whatsoever." Rias said slowly. "Come tomorrow. I will try and talk with Gasper, and prepare him for the meeting. Can you keep it just you, by the way? Best not to overwhelm him."
"As you wish," he replied, giving her a soft smile. "If this was everything, then I will depart back home. I got some stuff I need to take care of."
"Then let me hold you no more. Oh! One more thing, Issei."
"Hmm?"
"Do you have an extra room in your home?"
As it turns out, the fact Rias and he were now engaged meant she got to move in! By the evening, multiple boxes had been delivered in front of his home, and Rias got her room inside the dungeon. Though, save to say she was more than a little shocked to see the great fortress and the rest of the slowly expanding dungeon. Soon, Issei believed wholeheartedly it would be ready to stop any interloper daring to cross inside dead in their tracks. Literally.
She got to meet Leonna, who gave her a tour of the fortress while he took care of other things, namely, he was reviewing his quests to see what he had and could do.
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.
The liter of dragon blood was out of the question so far, but the rest of this was not. Checking his RP tab, he found his relationship with Asia to be at 53 out of 100, indicating that he was halfway there already. He didn't wish to force it, however. One thing he had to keep in mind, truly, about an earlier talk he had with Solomon about the RP sub-system was that it didn't FORCE those women to love him. No, it just measures their affection toward him, how much they liked it/loved him, and so on.
No, with Asia, he wanted to make it natural. She deserved that, she was the kindest of them all! Her purity and natural cuteness are things that could drive any man mad - and he was no exception, but in his case, he had to keep his lust in check. Asia deserved better.
He will give her better. Tomorrow, he was going to meet Gasper, then he needs to plan something to do for her. Maybe a date? An outing through town should do nicely.
Quest Update!
Take her into Town.
This is for her, my friend. Remember that.
Main Objective: Take Asia Argento out to town and make this an experience she will cherish! Obtain at least 30 RP points by the end of the date!
Optional Objective: Reach 90 RP with Asia Argento!
Main Reward: 400K EXP.
Optional Reward: +10 RP with Asia Argento.
Failure Penalty: Failure of the Time to Haul Ass! Again! Quest
Oh, the stakes are set now.