Chapter 7.

Trust in the Omnissiah.

The next morning Issari and I sat at the table to eat breakfast with a curious Kuroka. Issari has haunted eyes. Knowing that universe now. Knowing that humanity would regress that badly. That we were that way because of the loss of knowledge and because we needed to be that way to counter xenos and the warp. She has now undergone a new idea changing process. She's still a pervert but now will try to be one a bit more private than ever. Because of Slannesh.

We ate in silence for five minutes before Issari finally says softly to us.

"I will never be them Gregor-kun. I will try harder to be good. Because they made it."

Kuroka doesn't get any of that. I reassured my stupid best friend.

"We will never reach them Issari. We don't have that crippling flaw in feelings that they do. Be who you are. Just don't ever think about those depths of depravity. I will help you like you are with me."

She smiled there brightly. Kuroka is so curious about the context. I smile more at Issari getting the smile.

"You could probably be like the nuns Issari. They were the coolest shit and did have the tank. Along with the saint you want to bone since she was considered by us to be with her badass girlfriend."

Issari brightened more there. Because she had loved the sisters of battle and their kick ass ways. Along with Celestine. To know that stuff had brightened her up immensely. That made Kuroka more curious. Issari asked with stars for Celestine.

"They all had white hair with that strength to resist them?"

I smiled more showing teeth.

"Yes, to both. Only one was very hard confirmed to have fallen and while there were probably others, she was the only named one. They were bad people and zealous to the extreme, but they fought monsters without flinching. My favorite normal person from there was a hero too. He just had crippling imposter syndrome. For all their evil they had good there too. We can be better than them while not ignoring their lessons that teach wisdom."

Kuroka kept tilting her head while Issari gets it more.

"I want a white hair one. I want to be like you more than ever. You're choosing their way of war. You want us safe and are doing that for us. I don't know if I could do that.

Kuroka froze hearing the desire for a white hair one, and my way of fighting. She finally asked me what we were being cryptic about.

"What are you both talking about nya? Nuns? Making something nya? Your hero?"

I smile as does Issari. I make the beginning with Kuroka.

"Bad cat we are discussing important things that help shape how we view the world. You will get it soon. I will give you a hint however because you are perhaps going to be the third. Imagine a sea and don't forget that analogy. Because it will shock, horrify you and amaze you. I promise that you will get it then."

Issari backs me up.

"I'm joining the Legio Solar. I will fight with my Fabricator-General against them who threaten our world. With Iron and Blood will I stand."

Kuroka is suspicious now.

"What is her gear? This is turning weird nya. Sexy your cool but I'm not into cults. Aum was bad and I didn't sign up for that nya."

I understand her hesitation.

"It's not that Kuroka. Yes, my beliefs are going into the Legio but you're never going to be forced to join the religious side. You know I haven't tried to preach to you. I tried to talk pervert out from it. But she chooses this."

Kuroka studies my face. Searching long and hard. Before she repeats the request, she does soften her hard face.

"What is her gear nya."

I nodded to Issari. She squinted before the gauntlet showed up. Kuroka widened her eyes in shock horribly. I explained more.

"Kuroka you're in a room with two Longinus users. I will trust you to keep that quiet. Please trust me in return. I think I know who you are. We want to change the world."

She looks at me then Issari in shock. For two of to her knowledge thirteen to be in the same room was astonishing. Two potential god killers. She then smirked heavily in lust at me. Imagining the possibilities and she i can see is down totally with me. Before she started sweating glancing at an evil faced Issari who was undressing Kuroka with her eyes glinting. I smile there because I had warned her.

"You have a pervert who is incredibly smart Kuroka after you. I warned you she could be strong. There is more I know. We are a much better option to the other crew."

Kuroka sweats more because she was now facing an extra horny dragon. She looked at me to save her from that.

"I'll be good nya. What else do you know? Because this is game changing nya. Both of them are around again and the other one is scary. I can see potential here nya."

I smile cryptic. Issari does too. We smirk together. Kuroka whined out because that means a lot. Her ears flattened in some fear. But I see it too. Lust. She likes this more than fears it. Because I'm a Longinus user and seem decent to her.

"Will be good sexy. Chestnut please I didn't know and I."

Issari purrs and it's scary.

"I want cat. I am the Red Dragon of Mars and will get this cat."

Kuroka whimpered more before she jumped out of her seat and then hid behind me shaking. I snicker before I break up the horny.

"Down Skitarii. Cat will see your strength but give her free will. Kuroka I would like your help to secure the station. Can your friend meet us today or Sunday for bodies? Did Seekvaria have a bounty on the stray? We can finance ourselves this way for a bit."

Kuroka purrs nuzzling me in thanks for protecting her. Issari glares at me for stopping her hunt. Kuroka talks while continuing her purrs.

"She can meet you tomorrow. There is a bounty nya. Grigori has her for today. You are the best mate ever nya! I'll set up wards to keep people out. My mate is super strong nya!"

Issari growled like a dragon in being denied her prize. I flash her a warning. She continued growling at me. I narrowed my eyes at her. She finally huffs out.

"My cat Gregor-kun. Stay away. I will not be denied."

I snorted. While Kuroka shakes again.

"She is fine Issari. Besides she's helping you out in more ways. She has an Xbox. I have a potential bounty and I'll let you get your cheese swordsman. I also know of a swordsman that is blonde and could use a good waifu. He's a prick until we solve something and then he's fine. He's yours."

Issari grins evil for double the swordsmen. Kuroka is looking at me with hearts in her eyes for directing the horny away from her. Issari finally speaks in a very please voice.

"Your tribute is acceptable. I will be back cat. He can't protect you forever. I know sword styles now. I will be the strongest Red Dragon Empress. Gregor-kun I need to get going. My parents expect me back soon. Please key me into the locks."

I snorted amusement as Kuroka keeps shaking in that new knowledge. Issari had wanted to start immediately and her hypno indoctrination had made her begin to understand swords. It had made Ddraig freak because it was more evidence. More things that were here now. He quickly brightened up because this helps him too. He can get a stronger host. Hopefully he can beat Alby and knock some sense into her with an overwhelming number of advantages. He begged me to help him get his waifu to not kill him anymore. Because he hates always having to kill her and the hosts she had. They never listened and were extremely aggressive towards him. I don't have sympathy for an idiot. I will try for Issari despite everything the idiot has done.

"You will get them. I'll see you out."

Issari glanced at the black cat with pure lust. Before becoming professional and getting up to leave. I got up to let her out while Kuroka kept shaking and her fear increased because it had been one night and now Issari is indeed stronger. She doesn't doubt that because Issari is moving like a predator now. One starting the path. I key her into the lock, and she smiled evilness to Kuroka who was watching from behind the kitchen wall still shaking. I snicker at the hole she dug. Issari, however, smiled genuinely at me and hugs me around my middle section.

"You're the best Gregor-kun. I will stay with you till the end. I want to see Mars too. I don't hate you for Alex. I won't say anything about that. You are him now."

I hugged my friend back. Whispering.

"I know. I will tell her one day. Probably not until she is ready."

Issari detached from me. Smirked again at Kuroka before she went out the door into the morning. I closed the door and Kuroka whined out now that it was semi safer.

"Please protect me my mate nya. I'm a good kitty."

I snicker again.

"You called her weak without giving her a chance. You can suffer for that. I will help you out however. I like my new roomie. There is a potentially bad problem. Your friend Kalawarna. What cadre was she in before being reincarnated?"

Kuroka thinks about that.

"She never said. She doesn't say much on her past head nya. She only said her past was not the best. Why nya?"

I frowned because it was never stated what cadre she had been in but we will see.

"We have a potential bad enemy. The Aum attacks had supernatural backers. I need to know if she has any knowledge of cadre heads that could have possibly supported that."

Kuroka widened her eyes horrified by that potential threat. She then grew incredibly pissed. Her eyes narrowed to slits and her ears flattened in rage. She hissed.

"I had family die there. Three other nekoshou from our small population died in that attack. The only male nekoshou and his two mates. One was my aunt. My mom was never able to find out nor was my dad. He had connections with the Catholic Church being a former exorcist. Who!"

I get more pissed. Because this screwed over the nekoshou too, and with the probability of the massacre happening in the underworld that fucked them horrible. If this is Kokabiel he is even more of a bastard.

"I have an idea. We however need firm evidence before anything but if it is the person, I have heard about I will take my ax and make him scream in agony for them. I will leave three especially deep cuts for your aunt."

Kuroka kept hissing in rage. She was about to promise something to me yet I stopped that.

"I do it because it's right. Not to get with you. Your incredibly sexy and beautiful. I won't do anything like that which might cause regrets. Don't offer it."

Kuroka nodded.

"I won't nya. You're right. I will help stop that sort of thing nya. That's a ton better than the other crew. They just wanted Chaos nya."

That confirmed it.

"We need to secure the station and get the bodies gone. I'll shower then go there. Are you permanently here or are you a temp? I get it if you're not staying with how heat works. I won't hand you over if they find out."

Kuroka thought there.

"Temp for now nya. I promised not to get you into trouble. I will begin to set up my wards at the station nya. Consider it a favor for my sister."

I nodded.

"Deal. I'll be right there don't go inside till I get there. I need to investigate the whole area. See what room we are working with. I am going to make something that will make us the most powerful group on Terra. It needs massive amounts of space. I might be a bit late because I need to visit a dojo and tell them I'm committed today for other things."

Kuroka looks at me for a moment before she smiled softly.

"I will believe it when I see it nya."

She transforms into her cat form, and I open the door for her to do her work. I then rush to take a shower and get ready to rush to the station. I will apologize to Murayama if she is there at the dojo. If not tell Ohashi-sensei to tell her for me.

The shower was fast, and I immediately started after being done to get shoes and clothes on. Kokabiel was worse here if this was him. He had potentially killed ten thousand humans. I want to saw off his wings and make him into a servitor that I can use as a warning to others. Possibly chop off his arms and replace them before making him slave away in a forge never to see the light of day again. Koriel liked that idea too. We laughed maniacally together thinking of that dream. Oh, that would be wonderful. Him slaving away in a forge making things for humans.

We continue laughing at that image and I might make that a punishment for truly evil fucks. Like Cao Cao if he is that. Maybe Rizevim too. I especially want to do that to Euclid. His shit is disgusting on a whole new level. Grayfia is not a toy. She is a professional maid that beats the shit out of her sis-con husband and makes him work. How the underworld ever functions without the maid being there is a fucking miracle. I can't however dwell on this feeling because I must be extremely productive and efficient now more than ever and not for a tally long.

The jog to the dojo was quick and I will keep doing this to get into shape quickly. Because I'm not going to be weak if that fuck did that. I will double my runs. Practice more and more. Kill as many strays as I can to get stronger. Be ultra dirty in how I fight. Honor is fine but battle is unpredictable. Fight with nothing held back. No remorse for strays that do what that fuck did to his victim. Tried to do to Issari. Mars shall have a Lord of Iron and I will make that man child's title be good here. As I enter the dojo, I'm surprised to see Murayama and Katase practicing in the ring. Murayama saw me and brightened. She lost concentration and got wacked. She hissed and Katase didn't smile in her victory. She, however, does look towards me.

She narrowed her eyes to me. I narrowed mine to hers. We watch each other with calculations and lightning dancing between us. Murayama tried to stop her friend, but Katase finally spoke. Her voice not impressed with me.

"The one who had potential. Yet lost it by hanging with a pervert."

I just raised my right eyebrow in a and so what move. That pissed Katase off. She advanced towards me with her sword raised. Murayama tried to stop her.

"Kat. He isn't one."

Katase is not listening to that. She hates perverts clearly and now is against me. So, no kendo club. I can offer to spar with them for more pissed off foes. Katase growled.

"He is one. No sane person hangs with a confirmed sex offender. I don't believe that she didn't do it. Perverts deserve no hint of sympathy or kindness."

Murayama looks extremely torn here because this could become extremely bad. She begged me with her eyes to not take offense. I don't but Katase needs to chill. I finally responded.

"You are wrong but I'm not petty. Murayama-san I was only here to inform you I can't spar today. Things have come up and I will be unavailable until Monday."

Before Murayama could speak again Katase advanced towards me with her sword raised high.

"Fucking pervert! I will beat that out of you! You had actual potential! Instead you slide on my friend to fucking peep!"

I am now very unimpressed. Is Katase really that childish? Yeah, it doesn't look good but don't automatically assume something. I just responded blandly.

"Why peep when I can be productive on things like reconnecting with family Katase-san. If you're implying that I would do that to family, I should beat you down to defend my cousin's honor. Because I'm not a pervert and assuming shit like that will get you into trouble one day. That will not be my fault."

Murayama is horrified by the fact that was the reason I was sliding. Not because I was being a coward or because I hated her. Now her eyes hold genuine fear that Katase had poisoned the well between us. Before Katase could say anything Ohashi-sensei spoke up. His face was very unimpressed with his niece's friend.

"I will allow an honor duel. Because you're out of bounds Katase-san. You're my favorite student but this is unacceptable for one in that position. Gregor-san has been nothing but respectful to you. You have not."

Katase growled her rage. Murayama backed up very badly because this situation has become worse than before. The pink haired swordswoman finally spat out her clear disgust for me.

"I'll beat down a pervert who thinks he's hot shit just because he can beat a newcomer. I will enjoy making you suffer."

Oh, you want to play that way Katase. Very well.

"I issue the dual. If I win an apology to me and to my friend. Along with Katase-san apologizing to my cousin. All publicly because I would never do the insinuation that was made."

Katase grew even more pissed. Murayama is now completely broken because she will lose either way. I say to her before Katase could continue her shit.

"I hold nothing against you Murayama-san. My issue is with your friend like how hers is with mine."

Katase spat to the ground.

"If I win, I want you to admit publicly you're a pervert and let me beat you black and blue whenever I want without fear of reprisals. Because you are a disgusting person hiding behind a mask."

I nodded.

"Agreed. Now swear it back."

Katase is extremely arrogant and said it immediately.

"Agreed. You're going down."

Ohashi gave me a sword. It was a regular wooden blade. He was not favoring anyone here. Like a good teacher should. Murayama was begging me to forgive her. Because she looks certain that I will lose. I will not. I will not be weak. If that title follows me, I will earn it.

I enter the ring and assume my stance in my dueling style. Katase was on the other side, and she has a bloodthirsty grin in smug superiority. I will knock that out of her. I prepared myself for this and will apologize to Kuroka when I get the chance there. Because this is stupid. I would never peep on Akeno. She is pretty but that's Euclid levels of shit. Ohashi prepared to speak, and Murayama is next to him on his right. She is clearly very upset that this was done at all. Ohashi finally spoke.

"Begin. Best of two."

Katase and I watched each other. Neither of us moved. She is not going to be the aggressive one to try and weave a bullshit story. Katase lost sympathy for me forever. This is petty and she must be extremely arrogant with being Ohashi's favorite student. Along with being the kendo club head. There must be something that is the root of the hate, because this is too personal. I, however, want her to see that she is wrong here. So, I make the move. Observing something I think I saw.

I move left without attacking. She moved to mirror me. We prepared to continue the waiting game. Before I finally open with three sharp pokes. One center and two left. She caught each poke and then ripostes. Before she began her own attacks. Three stabs in fast succession in three different directions. I caught each and then poke and exploit a thing I have noticed. She favors her right hand badly. Normal given everything but it is too hard focused there. I poke towards her right hand, and she blocked it, but it proved she had a weakness. Her hand wobbled slightly in an unnatural way. It was extremely fast and then hidden just as fast. So, she favored it heavily to cover that up. I however keep up the pressure. With five pokes that get her on the defensive. Before I strike with my first opening move.

Three chops that are all made on her right. Each blocked but I then stab twice and it's there I make another potential opening. The stabs are making her expend more energy than before. She swings back and almost clipped me on my right leg. I blocked and then swiped and clipped her thumb on the right hand. She winced and Ohashi called.

"1-0."

Katase grew more pissed but kept up her steely face. Murayama is surprised at the clip. I don't gloat. We prepared again. For round two.

We again eye each other. Katase, however, goes full on aggressive right from the get-go and opens with four stabs towards my head. She must be very pissed. I block each one and then riposte her backwards. She surprised me again and dodged left and wacked towards my left arm. I block but I fucked up because she immediately went full berserker and kept up the aggressive moves.

Five more swipes and each was extremely fast and hard. I block them all but it's speeding up as she wacked harder and faster between each strike. I'm being pushed back by each strike and Katase went faster than ever after the five failed. She was clearly pissed beyond reason at my first blood and she is using that to push her harder. The blows continued to rain down and I'm barely holding them back. Each faster and faster. She is also growing wobblier in her right hand. Her preferred hand. So, I let her win this round.

She wacked me on my left arm extremely hard and it hurts. She was indeed extremely pissed. Ohashi calls.

"1-1."

Katase doesn't gloat vocally either but her smirk is incredibly happy. Murayama is surprised I held out that long. Ohashi is looking at me in curiosity. No hint on his face what he is thinking. I won't be kind here. I'm not making Akeno suffer from my idiot self. Nor Rias. Her hopeful look flashed before my eyes again and I harden my heart more. Be the Lord of Iron. Katase is nothing compared to Riser. To Kokabiel. To Rizevim and Cao Cao. Be that thing or nothing will happen well. Leave the weakness behind.

I finally say my first words since the challenge was made.

"Iron within, Iron Without."

Katase barks out amused.

"Your plastic at best pervert."

We get ready again. Ohashi watched with no hesitation.

"Begin."

I go all in on the end of the word. I surprised everyone there because I immediately dropped from dueling to a style used by the Space Wolves. No set stances or identifiable moves. For a person not familiar with them or Fenris. I opened it with three chops all going after her right hand.

She blocked each and every single move but the randomness of the strikes the no clear path and no discernible reason for the paths or hints throws Katase off horribly bad. I kept up the pressure immediately because this is no game. This is nothing but a waste of time because of human stupidity and hubris. I'm wasting time by allowing her to make me angry for Akeno's sake. She is wasting my time with the station. She is wasting my time in trying to protect the world from the side that gets away with their shit so god damn often that they think they are invincible, and they don't ever have to worry about human worms. I will make them fear Iron and Blood.

My strikes are faster and faster with each and every single blow. Katase holds me back barely and falls back. Murayama watches in amazement as did Ohashi. I am done playing with Katase. She royally pissed me off along with Akeno and Issari being threatened by an arrogant girl who understands nothing. I keep up my attacks and keep pushing her backwards. She catches a blow and tries to riposte me back, but I see the hand wobble horrible. I throw more brutal attacks at her, and I keep pushing her back. Before I see the worst wobble yet.

I then strike fully and wacked Katase on her right hand and then twirl her sword out of her hands and to the floor. It clangs against the half wall separating the ring and I then point my sword against her heart. She is looking at me in wide eye horror and holding her badly hurting hand gently cradling it. Murayama is amazed by the swordsmanship and the last part. Ohashi watched with the most interest yet. His eyes bore on my back.

I glare at Katase, and my red eyes make her back up more. I advance again to her heart. She is scared badly by this. She gets ready to beg but I stop her.

"You will do the deed in the school courtyard in full view of everyone. You ever see anyone say my friend is a sex offender you will crush that instantly. You will apologize to my cousin loudly and vocally. She is never going to have anyone peep on her. Nor will you. I will beat down anyone who does that. Don't test me. Because I'm not going anywhere but up. I am the Lord of Iron will. Understand?"

Katase kept shaking but responded.

"Understood."

I then withdrew my blade from her heart. I don't bow to her. Katase watched me with present horrible fear. But also, more. A fascination and more that I don't want. Murayama has pure hearts in her eyes. Ohashi just nodded his head in approval.

"Excellent matches. I will sponsor you if you desire. You have immense potential for swords. I only caught a single hint of that last style. Scandinavian. Everything else was not known. I would like to pick your brain on this because that style is extremely fascinating."

I bowed to him and then present my sword. The swordsman takes it. My lungs hurt badly and my legs and arms ache. Murayama tried to give me water, but I refuse it with a hand. Before answering for Ohashi.

"I can share parts. I'm not nor will ever be a master in the ones I have been thinking up. I need practice as does my friend. We want to become good at this and beyond. If my cousin will give me that title, I will earn it."

Murayama has more hearts than ever. This is for her the greatest thing ever for her. She was about to apologize profusely but I stop that with a small smile.

"We have no quarrel Murayama-san. I am happy to spar with you again. This other than the apology in the school yard for her is forgotten between us."

That makes Murayama blush, and she looked down. Ohashi is stone faced but didn't say anything. Murayama finally says while still looking down.

"I'd be happy to spar with you more. May I please have the right to call you Gregor-kun?"

I chuckled and nodded for her along with the vocal confirmation.

"Only if you allow me to call you Murayama-chan. I have to go and get something done before I meet my cousin and her friend for dinner later this evening. I'd be happy to learn the blade with you."

She brightened so happy there. Ohashi is just more amused. Not hiding this. Murayama looked at me and nodded her head before the confirmation was made.

"Of course. Can we share phone numbers? I want as much practice as I can get. I want to eventually go to the pro leagues for sword dueling. I'd like to learn the rapier style my uncle said you use. It looks like I could get used to it easily."

I smiled and then bowed to her surprising her.

"Teach me your style too in return. Knowledge is the key to understanding. I seek to get it all."

Murayama smiled and she really is beautiful. I get out my phone and we share numbers. Katase had been silent the whole time. I feel her eyes watching me. I bow once we are finished, and I get ready to go get actual work done. Murayama was beaming in happiness for not losing this. Ohashi had simply been his hard ass self and did remark.

"I will get a wood rapier made. I wish to see the style you have chosen at its full possible potential. You are interesting in many ways Gregor-san."

I smile slightly but nodded. Before I prepare to leave. It's been forty-five minutes of wasted time. I expected Katase to say something before I left. She, however, didn't say anything. Her eyes, however, had never left me. She is beyond curious, and her eyes now have less anger there. Still some because whatever is the root of this is very strong. I wave to Murayama and then leave. Rushing to the station.

It was fifteen minutes later when I get to the station area, and I don't see Kuroka. I was near the restroom and as I tried to get closer, I feel weird. Like I just want to naturally avoid the station. That might mean wards are up. I try to approach again, and I still feel like the place is just wrong. I need to eventually learn magic. Because this could augment my tech more. I would have to make sure it doesn't short circuit my tech too. I finally get to the entrance of the station despite how wrong it feels and that's where I finally see Kuroka. She is inside the entrance on the first landing. Looking at me with lust and an impressed smile. She purrs.

"My mate is stronger than I thought nya. You got through the wards. You must have something in your family that lets you power through nya. They are strong enough to keep regular humans out and the wards shouldn't be noticeable for the devils."

Clever girl. Test me that way so you can test a theory on something. I shrugged before anything.

"I have it in the family. I'm sorry for being late. Someone was petty and called me a pervert that would peep on my cousin. I beat that person down."

Kuroka was not terribly upset. She does eye me more openly again.

"It's fine nya. I didn't go inside yet. I however am happy to see my mate has honor and will defend his family nya. Our kittens will have a good dad. Protecting them is a check mark on my list nya."

I snorted.

"You're just a horny kitty but I wouldn't have my roommate any other way. I really do apologize for the tardiness. Thank you for the wards. You will have to teach me that. May I please be keyed into them, so I don't feel weird?"

Kuroka keeps purring. She smiled and her teeth are shown. She gestured to me to follow her, and I do all the while feeling like it was completely wrong to be here. The bad cat leads me to a tree and then she twists her left tail and then a ward stone pops up from under the tree and she then gently takes my hand before having me touch it. The feeling immediately slid away, and I just shake my head at the strangeness of it. The stone dropped back into the earth and Kuroka shows a new side of her as we go down into the station with three balls of fire acting as torches.

"You might not click with warding nya. It's a rough skill and very few actually get it. Why master warders are extremely rare nya. Less than two hundred of them exist and they don't share easily. I know enough to get by nya. I am nowhere near a master in them."

I see she likes intelligent talks too. Still focused too much on kittens but not the worst. We entered the station and as we descended, I prepared to see the bodies again. That one woman who was still in that closet. The stray with no head, feet or hands. I feel sick and Kuroka saw that. I didn't throw up. I won't because I have to purge weakness from me. I have to destroy that. Become the Warrior of Mars utterly.

When we get to the bottom and into the station proper, I see the body. It's still there and the light made three rats scurry off it. Thank the Machine God they are not Skaven. Those always creeped me out. Kuroka looks at the body and sees the no limbs and head. Along with the cut on the shoulder. She raised an eyebrow.

"What he do to piss you off nya?"

I looked at his body only. Before saying.

"He kidnapped my best friend. I won't let anyone hurt her."

Kuroka widened her yellow eyes. Horrified.

"He tried to hurt Chestnut!"

I nodded.

"He did. I won't let people like him do that again."

I moved past the body. Kuroka followed me and we began to search the station. It was I learned one of five such stations abandoned in 2008 after the financial crisis. The city had cut back on everything. It's subway was now down to three stations and the abandonment of the five stations saved money. They had bricked in the five stations tunnels, and no one came into them.

The second body was found and Kuroka saw what I meant. She was used to this more than I was but didn't like this either. I simply say a small prayer for her. Asking for forgiveness for not killing him earlier. For not knowing where she had been taken. The Machine God whispers to me that she doesn't think that. That she will get home thanks to me. It doesn't make me feel better. I however leave her there for now. Kuroka and I checked the rest of the station and there is a good amount of room here. Not enough for the reader in its current prototype form. I ask Koriel to rework the design down more if possible.

She says she will try but this might just have to be a temporary solution to the problem. We might need a bigger place. There is enough room here for a shooting range and more storage space for wargear. Perhaps even a small space I can turn into a proper forge. Cut down the amount of work I'd need to do for the anvil. Kuroka watched me throughout as I make mental notes. She finally asked me her thought.

"What is your gear? I have never felt it before and or read a description of it feeling like that nya. No Longinus is like that. So, what is it nya?"

I am silent for a second before giving a hint.

"It's like blade blacksmith. Can't say more till you get to know me more but it is a Longinus. I might show you a bit more soon. How many other strays are like this one? In terms of relative strength?"

Kuroka eyes me a bit more. Her eyes were watching for a hint of a lie. She doesn't seem to find one.

"I see nya. There are four others in terms of similar strength. All pawns nya. They are duo pairs. Two brothers and two sisters nya. They don't do much without the other. They are all a bit more dangerous nya. One is a gear user and another is a magician nya. The other two are tengus. They are all recently stray nya. They all plan to get into the bad side quickly."

I don't want to fight a gear user yet or tengus. They supposedly are good in melee. A magician is trouble because they are open to many different ways of fighting. I don't want to fail that woman in the closet again or people like her.

"Please tell me where they are holed up. I need to get better, and I will accept nothing less than the best from me."

Kuroka nodded at the answer.

"The magician and the gear user are holed up in an abandoned warehouse in the nearby industrial district nya. As for the tengus, they are in an old house in the poorest section of the city. They plan to move into a better place eventually nya. I only met the four once at our gathering place. There is a rule for it of not going after each other nya. Why we who don't do that put up with it. Because…."

I get the end.

"Everyone else is against you so it maintains a group setting for outcasts. I won't get you into trouble either. I get you there. I do have a question about the bounty size for this one, but I'll hold off on it. Thank you for helping me truly. Despite my hesitation with telling, you everything."

Kuroka was surprised I got that part of stray culture that quickly. Her seeing my honest thanks she smiles real there.

"I like you so far nya. You're inching up that list. I'm just used to no one getting strays nya. The nobility throws up many lies about us. Say we only run because we are uppity and don't respect our proper superiors nya. They tell the commoners that we prey on their children, and we torture them. We good ones and even most bad ones don't do that. They are just like us nya. At the bottom and at the noble's mercy too. The commoners just follow their example nya. Why we are so secretive about our stuff. I understand why you won't say much about your gear nya. Trust is hard."

I understand the very well-hidden message of the ostracism there. I looked around the room for any potential issues that might arise with building a base here. Rats need to be exterminated because they could be a massive problem later. I want to trust her completely.

"I'll show you something soon. You will like me more after. It is a thing very few will ever get. Chestnut is interested in it, but I told her it's not worth it. You will not believe it when I tell you about it."

Kuroka looked increasingly interested there. What's rarer than a Longinus? Issari was deeply interested in being a perpetual but you need to think that out. The description of how your body feels like everything is on horrible fire down to your soul had terrified her and Ddraig.

I don't think I will ever encourage anyone else to become one. Because it is a massive commitment, and it will forever haunt you. I don't regret it now but I am feeling the beginnings. I will feel it fully eventually after everything is done. Issari just won't get that till later. I think of what it would forever mean. To stay young while everything decays around you. While you watch the family not like that withering away from age. Kuroka saw the big sad starting to show. She took my hand.

"It must be something that you didn't want nya."

I never did but you give up things you want for duty and others. I remember Rouboute who hates his position in life surrounded by the things he despises and fought to destroy. That haunting line. Why do I still live?

"I didn't want it. Because I will never be able to get back what I gave up. Sometimes, however, the world requires sacrifices from you for others. I only wish everyone to be safe. To not fear the void. The lingering darkness that is out there. I never do things for pure power. I fear I will one day lose that utterly."

The Emperor was forced to do that. He's an asshole but he was right in his assessment of the situation. Chaos was everywhere and he could only trust a few. Even then Erda betrayed him. I understand how that hurts. How he tried and while a tyrant he was working to save humanity utterly from an uncaring universe. He probably at one point was like me. Hope driven and not as xenophobic or hateful.

Kuroka squeezed my hand.

"I believe you nya. You are a mystery wrapped in a puzzle. You don't seem like many gear users nya. You don't seem to have poor impulse control. I like this nya. My last potential mate was strong. But didn't have the half I like more nya. A plan."

I don't have a plan. Just the rough idea of one. Canon is dead. The plan was to follow it to that beginning point then follow along. But with how everything is going I won't know what will come. I'm never going to be a psyker. The warp is still sus.

"I don't have a very long-term plan. I will continue to work on it. Right now, it's just an unescapable truth that life is never going to be perfect or easy."

I continue looking around and when I see everything in the station this place will work for now. Nowhere near as big as I had hoped. But would make a good bolt hole and training space for Issari and I. Just not much else. Its after checking my phone almost time for Akeno and our next hurdle. I'm not sure what will happen. I need to know the situation fully. I will come back here tomorrow with Issari, and I'll start getting her used to weapons from the far future. Las pistol first for the next to no recoil. Then a melee weapon.

Kuroka smiled at me when I told her that I needed to go soon. She wished me luck when we exited the station.

"Good luck nya. I hope it goes well. You're keyed in here so it shouldn't be too bad coming back nya. I'm assuming you're going to use this place to help train Chestnut?"

I nodded.

"I will and be training her on other things. Can you key her in next time we are here or teach me too eventually possibly, do it?"

She smirked at the request.

"Will try to teach you my mate nya. I'm just an apprentice of it. My teacher was a member of the peerage, but he was stuffy nya. He died on the table of our king sadly. He was surprisingly a rook that threw them down then beat the shit out of people nya. You remind me of him in your own ways. Not bad ones nya."

I chuckled.

"I get what you mean. I know I probably won't do well for a while. I however am here for a very long time and will need things to do. Thank you again Kuroka. I'm probably not going to be big on magic but better to learn counters to it. You want me to bring home dinner for you?"

She brightened there at free food.

"Any type of fish nya. It's been so long since I've had a good fish. I was planning on doing a few things in the city today too but if you get me fish, I'll definitely be happy nya."

I laughed there.

"I'll get you some fish. I like burgers and fries but sadly I can't have much of those. Same with chicken nuggets."

We both get dreamy eyes over nuggies. I'm ready to suffer more with Akeno. Kuroka puts her illusions on and then waved as she left. I like Kuroka here. She was nice and while many would be staring at her chest I didn't. Her eyes are better and showed me she was incredibly similar to her base reality version here in terms of personality and it's refreshing to be able to act closer to my real age with her. It's hard to sometimes not beat Issari up for her stupid kid stuff. I wouldn't have my best friend any other way, however.

Akeno was meeting me at a small tea shop close to the school and I was nervous because this could backfire horrible if I don't play this right. I entered the shop and I see her in a booth that was separated from the rest of the shop by a small half wall with cherry blossoms. She doesn't see me yet and is busy with her tea. I walked over to her and then take a seat opposite her startling her. But upon seeing it's me she smiled brightly. It's a real smile. Not her fufufu smiles. I was ready to talk this out. She sees on my face the nervous smile and she softly said.

"I am happy to see you Lex. You look like you had a rough day."

I smile and was about to say something, but a waitress comes over and asked what I want to drink. I was not a big tea drinker before. I just ask for water please. As the waitress left to get me that I finally replied to her.

"I kind of have had one. I was ultra busy last night and was talking with my friend for most of it. Then had a talk with a potential roommate that I'm looking into sharing the house I have right now, and it's has been good so far. How is Rias-san? Is she still upset from yesterday? I really didn't mean to upset her."

Akeno was worried about the roommate part. She however said to me as my water arrives and I thanked the waitress before she left.

"Rias is ok. Been happy since she last saw you. I know your first meeting with her and then yesterday must have left you with a bad first impression, but she isn't a bad person. Her situation is complicated, and I think you know what I am going to ask Lex. Do you know?"

There it is. The unescapable question. I nodded.

"I know. However, I'm so very lost."

Akeno grew both sad and relieved that I know. She doesn't have to hide herself anymore from me. She looked at me and then sound slowly died down. She spoke to me with a face that hopes I don't freak.

"I'm what's called a devil Lex. Like the ones from the Bible. Rias is also one. Her family are nobility. Its why she has been treated like that."

I don't break my no expression face.

"Devil. So, like a demon and you steal souls? I'd get how effective you'd be at that Keno."

Akeno smiled at the teasing at the end. That I don't think she is a monster. She started giggling there and that broke the tension that had built up.

"Fufufu! I don't steal souls. Nor do other devils anymore. You're really not mad Lex?"

I do smile now.

"My first encounter with the other side was entering a temple to explore something and I ran into a Kitsune who threatened to hang me on the doors of said temple. This is better than that by so much. I did research after the temple, and I have extremely bad information because of how the internet is. I'm human though. How are you a devil?"

Akeno grew ultra pissed at learning that was my first encounter with the other side. She continued to be mad there while answering.

"I'm what's called a reincarnated devil. Rias is a pure blood one. I became one when I was ten Lex. They did more horrible things to my mom and me. They killed her and tried to do the same with me. All because of my bastard father. Rias is what is called a king. I'm her queen. The whole system used for reincarnation is based off chess."

All information I know of all ready but play the part.

"I see. I'm guessing that devils have different thought processes to humans."

Akeno smiles and takes a drink of tea. Before sighing in pleasure at it before starting.

"We do. We feed our primary sins. The thing that is most prevalent about you before the reincarnation takes place."

I take a drink of water because that allows me to hide that on my face because it is like I suspected. Akeno isn't being lusty all the time with me. What is her sin then?

"Alright. That kind of makes sense. I have so many questions for you Keno. I don't like the reasons I'm thinking of for why Rias-san is like that. Nobles are rough for regular humans. For devils it must be worse by how sad she seemed. I really don't like where my mind is going to because of that."

Akeno grew sad too and I see that and what had likely bonded the two together.

"The nobles are worse Lex. Rias is high nobility and the pillars which is what the noble houses are called are brutal in their games. Rias gets targeted by them a lot because she doesn't have something that comes from her mother's side of the family. I love Rias as my king. She does care about the four of us. It's just the remarks have taken a heavy toll on her. Please don't hate her for latching onto you yesterday. She was the happiest I have seen her in three years there."

I don't hate her. That sad and true because Akeno is also sad saying that. I remember Rias looking into my eyes with such wishful emotions of me. I don't want a noble daughter waifu. There are so many problems there. Especially with me being a possible half breed. I join the sad.

"I don't hate her for that. It's just that she was so down. I just got the feeling she is in something that is horrible for her, and she doesn't know how to get out. Why when we first met, I felt like she was eyeing me like meat. I'm just a regular human and if you are reincarnated that means she wants to do that to me possibly."

Akeno grew even more sad.

"She does want that. Badly. Her situation is bad too. I stopped her from trying till you get an idea of what is going on and for you to have a choice. Lex I won't lie our situation is bad. I'd endure the worst of it willingly if it means you are free. You're my hero. I really do mean that."

Oh, you bat rat cousin. You're not bad. You didn't mean to be what led her to me and she was cruel in exploiting that faint hope. You're not at fault for that.

"I'm not a hero Keno. I'm just an idiot with fragments of the past. I want to help you and her. I enjoy being human. I would not trade the moments of kindness that I got in the hospital from people who cared. They helped me out there while I rebuilt my life."

The gentle refusal for reincarnation and the branch to help. Akeno, it seems expected this answer of no along with the branch.

"You have already helped Rias. She began to practice more for the situation as soon as we got back to our dorms. She really does want you Lex. You are her Lord of Iron. You made her train, and she doesn't do that because she is called weak so much. She wants the small chance that you will return that to her. Please don't lead her on if you're not interested in her. I get why you did that but it's cruel. She so desperately wants a partner that is like you."

So, she has done it fuck. It is cruel. The situation is worse than I thought with her status buts she needs to help herself too. She can't just rely on a single knockout piece. That was not fair to Issei. Not fair to Issari if she wants that. Which she might not now.

"I just wanted her to realize that I would not help in whatever the problem is if she expected me to carry her. That's ok in online games for some people but this is not that. She is welcome to join Issari-chan and I along with you in exercising. I want my friend safe too. Why I have been encouraging her to do swords. First for regular creeps but after the kitsune and her threat for them too. I know we are the bottom, but we shouldn't be at their mercy."

Akeno sighed knowing that was the reason I did the thing with Rias.

"You are right but its still cruel if she thinks you're interested in her. No one has been like that before with her. Lex you offering that is good but we need serious help. Our group called a peerage is in a bind because of our king. She is in a betrothal contract with a very likely heir who is extremely cruel to his reincarnated pieces. We are nothing to him. The only way out is a game between our peerage and his. He has an almost full set. We are four. We need help and I get why she is desperate for the knockout piece. Lex I will still protect you too. It is just Rias is now more determined to have her Lord of Iron there because you give her badly needed hope."

I get that it's extremely cruel buts she can't just be slothful there.

"I like redheads. It's my favorite type of hair. I don't want to lead her on but the way it seemed to me was that was abusing your friendship to get closer to me. It's not an excuse for that thing but I don't like that at all if true. I get she is in a hard place, but I won't reincarnate. I learned something from the crash. It changed how I see myself. I don't think I can reincarnate."

A good story for being a perpetual. Akeno looked interested in that admission on redheads. Sad on the thought I had which is most likely correct given that look. She was extremely curious at the end.

"Why do you think that you can't? I really do think you and Rias would be a good couple. Not just for the sadness. You seem like your sad too in several ways and that you regret something horribly."

I regret Kate and I falling apart because I didn't take her feelings into account there for our situation. I am beginning to regret that I'm immortal now. I get why Issei loves Rias but she is still a noble and still a young woman not used to love and how it takes many things to make it work besides pure hope. She could bring resources and possibly land to me and that would help immensely. I'd be abusing her for that. I'd never be able to forgive myself for that. I answered softly.

"The crash was bad Keno. So very bad. I found something in it that has terrified me. Because it is not normal. I don't know if it is related to the other side. I can't tell or show it easily. Because it is hard to even get a guess of what it could do but I have reason to believe I can't given my limited experiments with it. Do you know how the system for it works?"

That admission made her very scared. I don't blame her. The doctor reports I did get access to were bad. Multiple things that could have kept Alex down forever. He escaped that by the skin of his teeth. The reason of why he was here with his family and not in the states was also revealed. He was here because he asked his folks if they could see Akeno and her family. They must not have known because they had said yes they could go visit her. Akeno said finally.

"I don't. The system maker is extremely isolated in his dealings with people. He likes to tinker and experiment with new things. He doesn't share information about it because of something that happened early on in the system's history. Lex what is this thing. You're scaring me."

The fear is plain on her face. I softly replied back.

"I'd have to show you it. I have never found anything like it before from the regular side. I don't want to ruin this with the request I would need to make. It scares me too Keno if it leads to what I think it does. I might be a freak Keno. A massive one. Because it changes how I see myself if it leads to the conclusion I have reached."

I have to show her and not here. Can't cut off a finger in a tea shop and break the glass on the supernatural. Akeno softly says to me.

"You can't be as big a possible freak as me Lex. How extreme is the thing you have to do to show me? I can erase the memories of people here if need be."

That's still not right to them. I get why it's standing practice.

"I'd rather show it in private. Keno I'm the bigger freak than you. This way it's less work for you and less potential trauma for them if they somehow break free of it. I will need an incredibly sharp knife or a sword."

Akeno's face grew increasingly scared. Getting why I said that more now. The noise came back, and Akeno got the attention of a waitress and quickly paid for the drinks. After we were fully paid she grabbed my hand and then pulled me up and out of the shop.

She pulled me towards an alleyway nearby and she threw up privacy spells and we were in the furthest corner of the alley. She looked at me and her eyes are frightened in the most extreme way.

"What is it Lex? Please don't tell me it's you cutting yourself."

I shake my head.

"Not that way. I need a knife, Keno. Don't scream. I died in the crash. But I came back and not the normal way after they restarted my heart. It woke something in me, I'm now different."

She looked at me horrified at the admission. She shakes. She thinks I'm lying.

"Please don't say things like that Lex! If you have horrible flashbacks and your mind is making things up to cover you I can get you help! Rias knows a good mentalist and we can get that fixed fast! Lex I…"

I shake my head.

"I'm not lying. Please give me a knife Keno. We are family and family needs to stick together. I need to show you this. I want to reconnect. Starting on not knowing this won't make that possible. You shared now it's my turn."

She quakes but doesn't believe me still. I plead with my eyes to her. She reluctantly summoned me a sharp knife. I take it and then I cut a line across my left arm. Blood flows out for a few seconds before it started to close and fast. Akeno watched in wide eye shock. I then cut off a finger. I don't scream. Only whimper. Blood spurts and Akeno gets ready to scream when the finger reforms and then returned it's getting faster at that. Akeno watched in horror as that happened. I finally say.

"The crash was ultra bad Keno. I should not be walking. Yet I am because of this. It was weak at first. Then it got stronger and stronger. My conclusion is that I'm that. When I said I'm here for a long time. I mean it. I am a new freak."

Her purple eyes widen more than ever at the admission of that. She looked at the finger on the floor of the alley. Then my new one. Before her eyes filled with such pity for me. Tears came to her eyes, and she just hugged me. Weeping softly as she hugged me.

"That's why you think you can't. You think that you're that. Oh Lex. I'm sorry! I didn't think that you."

I pat her back. She sniffling as she gets why I have that conclusion. I say softly.

"I don't think she could do it even if she wanted to or anyone else. They would torture me for the secret. Experiment on me till they had it. Keno you said they think differently than us but if there is one thing everyone wants. It's this. I want to help you and Rias-san, but I can't be in her peerage. Not if the system works the way of true reincarnation. This is my unescapable truth. It's fading too. The scar."

She wept more than ever because she now gets in her mind why I was so scared. She kept hugging me. Mumbling out.

"You're here forever. I will never lose you again. You meant it literally. Oh, I'm so sorry Lex. I'll tell her she can't do that. She will cry badly because she wants that so desperately. She wants her Lord of Iron to be with her in being devils. Wants a wedding with you. You can't be a devil."

I look down because this will hurt her more.

"I'm still here but I would be bad for her status. You can pass it off with a slim chance if I'm of the same race. I can't be if the system requires my heart to stop for a hint of time. I just want her stronger so she can win this now that I know that. She will lose more if she goes after me. I got the feeling humans are seen as less than dirt by the supernatural world when the fox threatened me. I don't want her sundered from her family who you said does try for her. Like how I'm sundered from the rest of them and my mom and dad. I will never see them again if I'm correct."

Akeno hugs me tighter than ever. I back up my statement.

"I have the hospital report. I can share it with you. Why I really think that, Keno. I really do want to help. I need to get stronger because they will all come after me if I'm right. I just don't want to become a test subject or a prisoner of a powerful person. I can't join the game."

She weeps more because that road is closed for Rias and her if I'm right. I pat her back. She mumbled out.

"Do you remember your dad?"

I shake my head.

"I don't. I have pictures of him and mom but nothing else and with magic being real I can't trust them. I don't know anything about him."

Akeno hugged me tighter.

"There might be a way to help that isn't joining. He was incredibly private when we talked as kids. My father hated him. Was always glaring at him. My dad is supernatural. I think yours was too. Please take a DNA test today. If you have who I think it is you can get your redhead and safety Lex. It's the least that you deserve for this. He could be it the key to our problems."

I don't like that line of thought because it makes him seem more likely. It could help me immensely if it's him but also paint a target on my head from several people who are not good to fight. Especially if one of them gets upended out of a position of power by someone that isn't a true devil and with him being a usual bastard. Amplified in a grim dark world. Yes it could help Rias. Get her a much better deal than Riser. If it's him.

"I'll take the test but I don't know about her if I am whatever you think it is. I don't want her desperation to be the foundation of anything we might have. She will regret it if it is correct. I would too and I don't ever want more of them. It would stick with me forever if I am correct. That's wrong for her especially because she really doesn't seem horrible Keno."

Akeno had come up from my chest and put her hand to my right cheek.

"She is willing to do anything to get out of this Lex. Become anything for it. She wouldn't regret you if you're truly this worried about her even though she is a stranger who didn't get started on the right foot with you. You'd be our hero. Mine again truly. I know that's not fair to ask you to do if correct but you are that. Never not think that your not a hero."

I'm an idiot. Stuck here because of a being more powerful than gods. Entrusted with gear that could destroy humanity if I was an utter bastard like the other person who enslaved an entire reality to them. You give things up for others.

A soft voice hits my ear and I know who this voice is.

"You are one. You found me and are going to get me home. You are a true hero who will help all of us. I chose your god and you because you came into the darkness where I laid to stop evil, while knowing you were not ready. You did it still despite everything. I will never leave the new Omnissiah that knows what it means to be a true hero."

I am not one. Issari is the hero. Not I. I will never be Cain. I'm not the Omnissiah. I never finished college. I never made deeds of wonder. I was nothing. How can I ever be that, but Iron Within Iron Without.

"I just want the real Rias. She can be whoever she really is with me. I don't want her to betray who she is. I would never force her to do anything she doesn't want to do. I'm not a hero Keno."

Akeno smiled softly into a bright smile as her tears for me dry.

"You are one Lex. I think this could be something that makes you both very happy. You don't see it like how many people would. They would see it as a way to increase power. You don't you are thinking of her first. You want everyone to be happy but you. The world needs more people like you. A hero who doesn't want things handed to them. Try for her and me."

I want to but I remember Kate. My wanted forever partner. She who was the brightest star in the galaxy. It's not fair for Rias that way. To always be held up to that. I need to accept that Kate isn't here. It is a new world, and I will never see her again. I finally let the beginning of her go.

"I'm going to try but we have to both build equally Keno. She can't eye me like meat. I won't lead her on. When can I take the test?"

Akeno brightened and then burned the finger. Before leading me to a wall area that was perfect to hide a portal. She opened one up and she stepped halfway through. Before extending her hand to mine. I will have faith in steel and hope I'm wrong. I take the hand and step through.

An. Thus we start towards the next arc. To the nice person with the critical reviews and the questions. The duo in canon with Issei are in my opinion not the closest of friends just outcasts that got lumped together. They when peeping throw him under the bus. Many times, to get severely beaten by the kendo club so they can get away. They spread rumors about him and do things I do not consider as being friends. Thus, why they are on the other end of the scale here. Issari is not Issei. And the reason Gregor tries for her is because he sees this lonely person who is not Issei with his stupidity and regrets thinking those things about her without knowing who she is. He doesn't want an enraged boosted gear user in juggernaut drive. He's trying to feed the dragon properly to repair any possible mental scars that years of the social dragon aspect not being fed correctly might have left because better safe than sorry. The judgement thing is applying to Akeno and Rias and more because he sees that they are not what they are in the base universe. The shit talk was also mostly shock being transplanted here and trying to work through the shock. Issari is trusting Gregor because this person has treated her as more than just a helpless pervert. Something she doesn't get much of nor did Issei till people got to know them. Canon Issei is a good person despite the pervert nature. Like how Gregor can see that Issari is like that. Devils do have grim dark, and its more society based along with the fact that there are very dark things that they do. Hope that answers some stuff.

Moving on the Riser arc will be longer than you might think. For the people helping by pointing out the problems thank you and you are all correct that it is bad. I have as of the time of writing this have done some corrections and i will do more as of this weekend. The criticism is appreciated so once agin thank you for that. Finally id like to again say thank you everyone for this getting past and close to the hundred mark on stuff. Happy to see people are enjoying this despite the issues. Kuroka will have a big role in the story and will be shown later.