Chapter 24.

Knowledge wins battles and wars.

The shopping went fast. Kuroka knew clothes and got eye candy apparently. I'm thanks to Kuroka being next to me getting glares of hate from the teen boys my age in the shopping center, and some young men. Kuroka was just happy sticking close to me. It was sort of annoying having those hate filled glares, but we thankfully finished in an hour. Kuroka had promised me in my ear on the way back to the house something for being kind to Shirone. I'm sort of intrigued by it.

It's a promise for anything I want in the bedroom for a future session. I looked at her and she nodded. I am suspicious of that. She said as we entered the grounds of the house.

"You're not interested in Shirone period nya. I get that but I think you being her motivation will help. The monster really awakened her princess dreams again nya. If she has you focused on, then she won't return to the racist side."

I'm a bit more understanding.

"She needs so much fixing it's not funny. I am worried about Riser because he is preparing to do something. I'm not halfway to the buyout and it's worrying me. I don't need Shirone chasing me until this is done."

Kuroka had her ears droop. Not knowing that. I tell her with a frown.

"I want two thirds of the money at least so that way if I have to beg my grandfather for money he will see I'm not entitled and that I thought of the house first. This being that type of universe means an encounter is very likely between the two of us. I don't want to risk Rias or anyone else getting caught in our crossfire. I plan to make him scream in agony."

I hate Riser. I hate him so very much. He is redeemed in the base world. Here he won't be. I plan to put sacred oil on my rounds as I can bless things. I will make him scream with that. Kuroka just accepts the anger I have for Riser. We get to the main door entering together. I don't see Maéva or anyone else. Before I see a hint of pink hair near the top of the stairs. So Katase is here. I gesture to Kuroka to follow me. We immediately head downstairs, and we get a new door on the medical ward. Along with illusions on it along with the other supernatural/science stuff. When we head back upstairs it's there, I see Katase proper. She's with Murayama, Kiryuu and Issari. All talking enthusiastically to each other. Upon seeing me Katase ran to me and hugged me. Sending us to the ground getting giggling from the trio of girls and huffs from Kuroka. Katase said in my ear in a whisper.

"Thank you for letting Murayama live with you. She's my best friend and I was devastated to know she was leaving. You will never find a truer friend than me now."

I looked at the trio and they snicker at me. I say to Katase who now that I have a proper look at is in a pretty dress and skirt the color of light red.

"She's my friend too Katase-san, but you're welcome."

Katase got off of me. Letting me get up and I see the now happy group. Murayama looks like she wants to say something to Katase. It must be tearing her up. Katase spoke again and she was very excited.

"You're hosting a pool party tomorrow Gregor-kun? I didn't know you lived in a place like this."

I smile smirk and nod.

"I am indeed hosting a party and like Murayama-chan probably told you already you're welcome to join. I live here thanks to my dad. He does lots of big business deals, so we have this. I will likely be gone halfway through it on something but you're all welcome to stay."

The trio know what I'm doing. Katase, however, was curious.

"What are you doing Gregor-kun? It's all right for you to call me Katase-chan."

I have a lie ready.

"Just working on a few projects. I want to see if they can possibly work."

Murayama immediately backed me up by saying.

"Gregor-kun is incredibly busy with these ideas. Some of them are incredible Katase."

Katase looked at me and she just smiled.

"I want to hear them all at one point."

I don't know if you do Katase. I need to hunt today, and I want three or four hunts. I tell the gaggle of young women with my smile smirk.

"You will Katase-chan. Kuro I'll see you and everyone else later. Issari be good."

That got a whine from my best friend and giggling from everyone. Including Katase. Kuroka just smiled there and then said excitedly.

"We can have a mini party while he's gone! Let's go!"

That got a cheer from everyone and the five of them went off to have fun. That was out of the way I prepared to hunt without the mask.

The first group of strays I went after were four pawns and a rook that holed themselves up in an old motel. The roars of chain weapons and the bark of my bolter was making this fight not fun for them. My title was now firmly known by the strays. That kid had squealed saying it often. The strays here fought harder than all save the mutation queen. My bolter was aimed again, and I fired a round blessed by me.

Said round blast off an arm from a stray who had not ducked fast enough. He screamed then fell thrashing badly from the holy blessing. His comrades looked at him in horror. I advanced and say a prayer to the Machine God.

The prayer made the rest of them clutching their heads. That allowed me into melee range. Where my mechadendrites extended and the swords roar. Including a new one blessed by me. The strays fought on with more hesitation. They are scared by my advance, and I pushed forward. Stopping long enough to take a head from the downed dead stray. The pawns attacked with fury now for their dead comrade. The rook was an Australian. By way of their insult to me with their famous word.

She punched me and the punch dented my armor. Breaking her hand. She eeeps and I take the arm then her head fast. The body fell and the pawns quake. I continue to work. Thinking of other things.

I swung my axe against a bishop who was trying to get away from me. He was screaming to his comrades that the Gorgan was here. Said comrades were rushing towards him and the bishop threw magic at me to get more distance. I ducked the shock ball then continued forward. His comrades had guns and arrows. They fly and slammed against the armor and robes. Dings and clacks are what I hear, and I thank the robe because it was proving to be extremely good armor as well. My helm eyes make the strays look on fearful because they know that this promised death. They tried again. They failed.

The sound of being kicked into a wall and the sound of a body falling makes this not fun. Because I was that body. I get up feeling my ribs heal and my breathing becomes less harsh. I just let lose my boltgun in a retaliatory shot and that claims a pawn. The man's chest exploded. Making his comrades back up badly. One of the strays whispering in pure fear.

"He should be dead. No one has survived that kick before."

I get up and then let my swords roar. That makes the strays even more scared. They had tried running upon seeing the red. But I had put myself at the exit and I learned why the strays didn't portal out of any fight. Because it would attract more attention to them via a system of wards around the city that were extremely sensitive to bad strays. Why they stuck to mundane means. They couldn't escape. The knight in charge of the group drew a spear. Before he attempted their next breakout attempt.

The final strays just hid rather than fought. It becomes flushing them out of this apartment complex. That took an hour and I hate this. Because they should have just fought. The last stray begged for her life.

"Please spare me Gorgan! I'll give you anything you want!"

I feel nothing here. I tell her while preparing a round.

"You should have never hurt that school bus then. Because you took their future now, I take yours. Die on your feet stray."

I shot her with a smile feeding wrath. The body explodes and I take her head. Burning the corpses and preparing to go home. I'll turn the heads in tomorrow after I hunt again.

The peace of the house is something I will never not love. I am greeted by nobody on the first floor or kitchen. I just go to my room to take a shower. Once there I just let the heat relax me. I'm getting used to killing and the sight of bodies exploding from bolter rounds. Koriel tells me that it gets better and that she is still fascinated by the war mask. That you disassociate there in multiple ways was incredibly interesting. That started a conversation of the craftworlds and Koriel is a bit disturbed by the end of it to be sympathetic to elves. Only a tiny bit but that's more than ever before for her.

Upon exiting the bathroom, I find Kuroka there waiting for me. She saw me in pjs, and she came to me taking my hand guiding me to the bed. There she sat and lets me put my head on her lap before she starts purring for me. I relaxed more now hearing the purrs. Alex just said this was one reason why and I don't get mad at him for this. Kuroka gives me head pats too and while I'm not that comforted by them, I can't tease Issari about them now. This continued till there was a knock on the door. Kuroka lets me up and I moved there and open it.

It was Maéva. She was poking her fingers together and she looked incredibly nervous. I looked at her and she finally said with the finger poking increasing.

"Young master. I heard we are having a party tomorrow. I was just wondering if I can…"

I interrupted there knowing what she is going to ask.

"You're welcome to join Maéva. You deserve a break too. Just be classy."

Maéva beams there and she finally does something. She showed her gear. A feeling of pure relaxation hits and I lose all my stress. Maéva looked embarrassed, and she went red in the face. I say while completely relaxed.

"This gear is not worthless Maéva. Just not combat gear. You should not be ashamed of it."

She blushed furiously and I now know a possible reason why she and Asia were put together. This helps so much with peace stuff. Get kids and adults to relax while the healer does their work. Maéva just blushing up a storm. But she asked.

"You really mean that young master?"

I keep my real smile on.

"I do. It's not worthless. Just used in very interesting ways."

That makes my maid smile brighter. Before she bows and moves away from the room. I noticed there is a spring in her step. I'm glad she too is not influenced by the horny. Because that moment could be construed as me starting down the path of a maid girlfriend. I closed the door and Kuroka smiled big there.

"Your sweet nya. I felt that too and it's a nice feeling. Does my king want a maid costume for me nya."

That was a tease there and fishing for information. I shook my head there with my smile.

"Not big into maids. It might be fun later, but my tastes are more. Not that."

She looked at me trying to figure out what I like. I smile smirk because I won't share easily. And I hide my likes well. She frowned at my face but grew confident again.

"I will learn what you like. I know redheads nya. You won't stop me from knowing."

I chuckled at her.

"I learned cat girls are tied up there too. So, you're winning equally."

That got a smile and with that I set my alarm for tomorrow. Kuroka hissed at it, and I am amused. Telling her she does have her own room. She just slapped me with her tails again. Before we settled in for the night. She tells me once again thank you for being kind to Shirone even though she doesn't deserve it. I just put an arm around her and drift into the sea of dreams.

The dreams once again were formless, but that eye returned. It searched for something longer this time. Not finding whatever it was searching for. Because it searches harder than ever. It was definitely strange. The eye disappeared again as I heard the alarm.

I woke up quickly and silenced the alarm. No getting slapped by tails for me today. I saw Kuroka sleeping deeply snoring her snot bubbles. I get up and prepare for the day. Lessons then talking to the possible new people for the Legio and finally the pool party then hunts. I'm not ready for that party. Issari will have fun here. But I'll have five people chasing after me. One being a cat that might not be able to swim. I don't want to have to teach a star struck cat.

The shower was done quickly, and I again let my queen sleep while I exit the room heading down the stairs towards the kitchen. Maéva was making food with Murayama and Kiryuu both eating at the island. I joined them and was greeted by smiles from them. We settled into a discussion about space marines. That confused Maéva but Murayama was a big fan of the Dark Angels. Knights in space and all. I snort in amusement.

"You know about any fallen Murayama-chan?"

That got snorts from Kiryuu while Murayama huffed.

"Do you Gregor-kun?"

That set the three of us off on a laughing train. Maéva looked at us like we are mad. Because she doesn't know yet. She just looked lost, and we continue joking. That's what Grayfia and Geros walked in on. Geros focused on the mechadendrites with Grayfia having a smile seeing them. I get up and prepared for lessons. I asked her quickly before the lesson if she could help sell my old home. Grayfia nodded saying it would be done fast. Then lessons began.

The quiz was done, and I passed it without a problem. Then we started the next lesson. The middle nobility. Which houses are sworn to which pillar. The Astaroths have twelve families sworn to us. The Gremory have the same number of them as do most of the higher pillars. The exception being the Sitri with eight. Geros was in control today for the second half naming the minor houses. The two that stood out were the Melek and the Baalam.

Both houses had kids my age and both expected them to be given a place in the peerage of the heir to the Astaroths. The kids were a boy from Melek and a girl from Baalam. The boy was named Thoron and the girl Hetvia. I learned from Geros that Diodora had pissed off both houses by not even pretending to care for that expectation. Why they were mad was because they believed Diodora was Heir. It took my grandfather promising up and down that Diodora was not heir and that the heir would have the two in his peerage.

Diodora was pissed at that apparently. While the houses were pleased. I shake my head because Diodora should not be angering vassals like that. Geros does tell me that my grandfather wished to meet me and discuss things this week. I agreed to that. Before asking what the two very likely people for my peerage are like and their abilities.

Hetvia was a shy girl that is ok at magic and is very intelligent. However, she was not powerful. Thoron was a strong young man that was extremely capable in spear fighting. He had brains too because he had impressed my father with an idea that was still undergoing testing. I consider what pieces for both. Hetvia sounds like a pawn. While Thoron was a rook. Geros continued to describe the position of the houses and I just think of everything. My butler does tell me that he has been informed of my queen. He's not impressed with her but knows she is pardoned. He has been informing the other servants of that. I do ask him to introduce me to Thoron and Hetvia so that I can get to know them.

That was agreed to and both young people he said are respectable people. He will bring them tomorrow or Thursday. After I spoke to my grandfather. I agree on tomorrow. The lesson was faster than the previous one at three hours. When it was over Geros asked for a mechadendrite pack. I make his MIU and pack. He widened his eyes feeling the Longinus. He after it was made handed several bills of Lilith to Grayfia who was smirking unprofessionally. I smile at my starmother.

"You're going to be rich from this bet aren't you Lady Lucifer."

Grayfia's smirk grew and Geros huffed. He was still looking at the mechadendrites with a small frown.

"She has bet us all in the club that she knows something we can't believe. When I asked her about it before we arrived, she said you have a Longinus. I didn't believe it, but I do now. This is indeed a very unexpected thing milord. This will make the lower houses both more wary of you and more interested. It will also increase House Astaroth's prestige."

Grayfia counts her money while still smiling. I just smiled there before replying.

"I hope so. Has Lady Lucifer told you my other title?"

Geros nods.

"That you are the Gorgan yes. I am indeed impressed milord because you could have easily demanded from your grandfather the money for Lady Gremory's hand. He would have paid it out without any hesitation. Given the fact you are working to earn the money will send a good message to him. How far are you in the process?"

I am happy I'm right about that. Wide eyed he'd do that with no hesitation. I opened my pocket and then begin to set the money on the table. Geros counted and Grayfia smiles at me seeing the amount. After counting the new stuff I'm over a million Lilith. Geros remarked after we finished counting.

"Impressive. This speaks well of you. I believe that you should be proud of your achievements here milord. I understand you will not ask for the rest of it if you can help it."

I don't want to get that free money. That look on my face makes Geros smile a slight smile.

"Again, like your father. Master Ajuka enjoys hard work paying off. I will stay silent on this unless you say otherwise."

I truly smiled. Grayfia checked the time before she frowned. Then got up from her chair next to the desk in the study. Geros gets up too and he says before leaving.

"Check that scroll milord. It has House Agares sigil and while you might be busy now it's important to stay on top of things. I will be back tomorrow with your Grandfather. Enjoy your day."

I blinked. Before my eyes fell on the scroll. I widen my eyes. Because I had forgotten it. I immediately grab it and I open it.

It was a request for a meeting. From Seekvaria herself. I have a summoning circle for that meeting. She wants to meet the Hunter who got her disobedient pawn. I don't know what to think. I roll up the scroll placing it and my money back in the pocket. Before going out to talk to Kuroka with the former Grigori.

Said cat is eating food at the kitchen table while Kiryuu was trying to get something working with magic. Murayama was looking at Kuroka's ears and tails in pure fascination. Kuroka smiled at me flirtatiously while Murayama blushed. I just raised an eyebrow before sitting at the table. Kiryuu asked me.

"Your back. How was school?"

I rolled my eyes.

"Absolutely fun. Learned lots today. Including that we have two very likely new people coming soon. Both nobles from houses sworn to mine. I will probably be meeting them and my grandfather tomorrow. Kuroka be good."

That got a huff from my queen while Kiryuu giggled as did Murayama. Kuroka huffs out.

"I am good nya."

I snort before saying.

"Your nickname is the Bad Cat not the Good Cat. So, try again."

Kuroka huffed again while the others snickered. I get wacked by a tail as I'm close enough for that. I take the wack and just smile at her showing it's teasing. Kiryuu finally got what she was looking for. An icicle forms and she then sharpened it to a deadly point. I am impressed. Murayama is too. Kuroka beams and says with a smile.

"Kiryuu is getting her gear down fast nya. I believe she will become a very good bishop. You're also doing very well Murayama nya. You both will be able to come along with us eventually."

Both beamed there. I do tell Kiryuu.

"I'd prefer you wearing the carapace totally. Along with the red robes the Skitarii used. You could use them and perhaps a second robe underneath. The helm and rebreather are however not negotiable. The war mask really does help and my boltgun is not pretty."

Murayama doesn't know what a boltgun does yet. Kiryuu remembers and she understands.

"I will use the helm and armor. Issari-chan told me of how the armor saves you many times over. I understand you want us safe first and foremost."

That helps and Kiryuu continues.

"I'll use weight spells to help me till I build up the muscles for it. These new people. What will they be?"

Kuroka and Murayama looked curious too. I considered it again before saying.

"A pawn and rook possibly. They are both purebloods so expect open racism at the worst. At best casual racism. I know I am."

The others get down from that. Murayama asked finally.

"When will you reincarnate me? I'm fully committed to it."

I looked for a hint of doubt or regret. There is none. I replied.

"Probably tomorrow or Thursday. You would suffer badly today if we did it now. The sun hurts new devils at first."

Kiryuu shivers remembering. Murayama looked worried. Kuroka answers that.

"You just get extremely tired fast nya. It goes away after a few days. Get ready for new feelings too nya. Like your senses being stronger."

Murayama felt better and worse knowing that. Kuroka then slapped me again with a tail. I snark at her.

"What am I a tail wacking post. I need to be paid more if I'm that."

That got me two wacks from said tails. Getting more giggles. Kuroka shaking her head amused. She got up and then looked at me. I sigh then answered her with a slight real smile.

"Yes I'm ready to go. I'll be back in a bit. When is Katase-chan coming over Murayama-chan?"

Murayama stopped giggling and answered.

"In a few hours. I want to tell her. I have never kept a secret like this before from her. I know it's the separation but."

I understand completely.

"It was like that with me and Issari at the beginning. She is safer not knowing."

Murayama grew sadder. Kiryuu pats her friend. Kuroka does too with a tail. Getting Murayama perking up immediately. I don't get the fascination with this. Kuroka just smirked and we both go off to the basement. I eyed Kuroka who kept smirking at me. I eyed her again. She smirked more. Our stare off continued till we hit the station.

There I ask her finally.

"She has a cat girl fetish now because of you doesn't she."

Kuroka fully smirked.

"Oh yes. She loves the tails and purrs nya. You like purrs too so don't try denying that."

I can't but I prepare to will away the items in the old house. I need the money there. Kuroka just opened the portal to our location after I was done.

We entered the alley next to the apartment complex. The wards are still there, and we entered the building easily by Kuroka giving a special knock three times. The door opened and there was Jeanne. She looked out carefully. She focused on me. Her blue eyes looked me up and down with critical examination. Before she opened the door fully. Once inside she closed it and remarked.

"You are a noble."

It was a statement not an accusation. I observed her fully and she is in her armor with a sword on her hip. I answered as we moved towards the stairs.

"Learned that recently. I didn't know when I met you and despite that new fact I'm not big on the Cold War between the three. I prefer to think of the population of the world first before religion or speciesism."

Jeanne looked at me again and she shrugged. Saying as we three continued up the stairs.

"I am in the same boat sort of. The war has been over for a very long time and even Azazel doesn't seem like he wants to continue it. Just that bitch. Please don't terrorize the two fallen here. They are scared because he has placed a kill on sight order on them. That was announced yesterday."

Oh damn. Kuroka frowned but I asked.

"How do you know that? And why?"

Jeanne answered as we hit the second floor.

"We haven't been declared rogue yet. We were deep cover people. As for how we know that was circulated on a network that the cadre uses. Brought to us by them when they fled. We are in and have been looking for more evidence. It's slow moving. But we have found two things that connect him to the farm. The fallen want to deliver the evidence to Azazel for pardon. We don't because in one of the things we found more references about two other incidents."

I grew madder. Asking despite the fact I don't want to.

"What other incidents?"

Jeanne grew more pissed. Replying as we hit the obvious common room.

"There was an attack on Rome in 2007. A crazy Al-Quid-A member attempted to murder the Pope. He nearly succeeded. Again, another detail that was never mentioned till later. Then an attack on the Tsar. Done by a new cult three years ago. There were implications that the attack was done by the devils and with the Russian Orthodox Church part of the big three in the faith. Well."

I grew pissed. Does Kokabiel have connections to multiple terrorist organizations? Kuroka was mad too. When we entered the room fully I finally see the rest of the building occupants.

Kalawarna was with Conner trying to calm a surprising person over by the tv. It was Raynare. Mittelt was not as nervous, but she has her wings out flapping them in an attempt to keep calm. The black is still there. Raynare was like her canonical appearance. But her face was innocent of the sadism. Mittelt was the same too with the only difference being she was a tiny bit taller. They were both dressed in casual clothing that looked American with Raynare having on her blue shirt a Yankees symbol. Mittelt was in a shirt with the same logo. Implying they were in the states before running.

Conner seeing me grew grim. As did Kalawarna who shakes a bit. Probably due to our social differences. Raynare freaked. Mittelt just looked me up and down. Raynare barking out in pure fear.

"He's a devil! He's going to kill me Kala!"

She hid behind Kalawarna shaking. Conner rolled his eyes there as did Kalawarna and even Mittelt. I just greet Conner.

"Good day. Sorry about that. I was busy yesterday doing things."

Kuroka smiled then said without hesitation.

"I'm things."

That got a snort of amusement from Kalawarna and Jeanne. Connor snickered. Mittelt cracked a smile. Raynare kept shaking behind her friend. I looked at Kuroka amused and not. Rolling my eyes before just pulling one of Kuroka's tails in retaliation for the bad joke. That got a yeep from her and made Jeanne snicker. Connor half smiled.

"Given what kitty has told us I'm not offended. Surprised you're a devil. A half but close enough to a full one unless you really look. Even more surprising you have an evil piece set. Also given we have not been attacked by the devils at all means you're ok in my book. Raynare stop freaking. If he wanted to kill you he would have done so."

Raynare kept shaking. She had burrowed herself behind Kalawarna. Mittelt finally spoke up. Her eyes careful.

"He seems ok Ray. Just. Stoic. I'm Mittelt. The scaredy-cat is Raynare. She is still getting used to being here on earth."

Raynare's shaking was now at a fever pitch. I widened my eyes hearing the last part. Did she recently fall? Kalawarna answered my unspoken question.

"She is a new fallen. As in she is less than three months old fallen. Raynare he won't hurt you and I'm a devil too. Have I ever hurt you?"

Raynare was a new fallen. No wonder she is so scared. Finding out your new home has a monster like Kokabiel is horrible. Raynare said with fear in her voice.

"No, you haven't but you were an angel at one point. He's a real devil! He hates me on principle! Please make him go away Kala! He's scary!"

Oh, my heavens she's a scared Asia. That's so weird. Mittelt shakes her head in dismay. Jeanne rolled her eyes as did Conner. Kalawarna turned to Raynare and softly spoke to her trying to help the fear. Kuroka was surprised that this is a recent fallen angel. Saying in a soft tone.

"The last new fallen was ten years ago. I know you don't ask nya. But she seems…"

Mittelt finished that.

"Shell shocked. Yeah, she is. She's still getting used to the fact everything is not pearly white here as it is in heaven. Conner and Kalawarna wanted to slowly bring her in, but she was stupid and swore to his cadre. Because she heard the old tales of him before he fell. I swore to him because he's charismatic and he promised that we were protecting the children of Big G. Only later did I learn we weren't. He abuses the cadre, and the rank and file can't get out. He has plants amongst them, and you don't know who to really trust. I knew Kalawarna before her reincarnation and I knew she wasn't his. Why when I learned what he did I fled. Taking Raynare with me. I wouldn't leave her there to be used like I was."

I show some pity for Raynare. She's in ultra shock. She's probably not here willingly. Raynare proves that with her next words still shaking.

"Lord Azazel could stop him Mittelt! We would be safer and not be near this scary devil! They are beings of pure sin! Enemies of God!"

That utterance made Kalawarna and Kuroka clutch their heads in pain. Conner was not amused and he gently wacked Raynare. She whined and Conner said to her.

"What's rule two Raynare."

Raynare immediately stopped freaking and went ramrod straight. Replying.

"No saying that name. I'm sorry."

Conner looks at Kalawarna before he says to Raynare.

"Take a proper look at him Raynare. He's half. He has something that should calm you."

Raynare popped her head out reluctantly from behind Kalawarna. She, while shaking looks at me with her violet eyes still holding fear. Before they turn to amazement. She stopped shaking and she actually looked me in the eye. Mittelt was shaking her head in disbelief. Kalawarna pats Raynare's back reassuringly. Jeanne snickers showing she doesn't think much of Raynare. Conner smiled softly showing he has a fatherly side.

"He has gear Raynare. He has known about us for a week, yet we have not been attacked. He might be a devil in there but he's also human and seems to favor that side more."

Raynare shows her innocence now more than ever.

"Only good people have gear."

I don't want to wince at that naïve moment. Jeanne doesn't say anything, but her face was dismissive of Raynare. Conner corrects that.

"Raynare that's not true. I'm not a good person and I have it. Yet I strive to be better. He has been helping humans by getting rid of bad stray devils. He has reasons for doing it, but they are good according to kitty. She's a devil too and yet her reason for it was not clean cut."

Raynare focused heavily on me, and she shakes her head at Conner. Saying as she focused in on something that only she can see.

"He is good. He fights for the planet. He stands against the void with Iron and Blood. Yet remains our greatest defender. He thinks of us first and foremost. A hero! He's a hero Kala! I'm sorry nice devil man for being scared!"

Raynare began babbling about me. I'm weirded out by this and ask Kalawarna while Raynare alludes to something that she shouldn't.

"Do angels have the ability to sense more of a person with gear Lady Kalawarna?"

Kalawarna was not getting why Raynare was acting like this now. Neither was Mittelt. Jeanne was also weirded out by this new one eighty attitude. Conner raised an eyebrow in pure disbelief that this is the same Raynare that was so scared of me less than a minute earlier. Kalawarna finally answered.

"They do but fallen slowly lose that over time. Usually in a year. Then we feel it like a regular person trained on earth would."

That's interesting. Raynare kept getting closer to me and it's not a good kind of closer. It shows how innocent she still is. Mittelt was now openly curious.

"Ray has never acted like this before, but she has only really met two gear users before we got here. A witch and her partner in a young man. Ray liked both of them immediately and that sold her further on the idea that gear only goes to good people. You have to be decent enough to get this kind of reaction out of her."

I gently shoo Raynare away from me. Kuroka wacked the fallen with her tails and I am internally happy there because I have been getting that a lot. Raynare must also have met Tobio and Levina. Raynarewas like a tick and immediately came back and got even closer. She was super excited now.

"He's a very good devil man Kala! He is trying to get us a dream of a place far away! Yet he's not like the other one that he worry's he might have to become!"

How the fuck does Raynare know that? Conner continues to be weirded out there. Kalawarna finally takes Raynare's hand and tugged the fallen away from me. Raynare now was kind of bouncing on her heels. Mittelt was smiling. Patting Raynare's hip.

"She really likes you. I wonder why. Considering that you're what she fears most this is incredible. Ray why is he your new best friend?"

Raynare paused. Before she said with no filter.

"He's a being of many places. Has the ability to make things that are defiance of the maker and his will. Yet he chose like father did light. He knows the odds of what is out there and yet he doesn't back down. This man of metal and flesh. He that is something completely new."

What the fuck. How deeply can she see me? Kuroka is amused. Jeanne finally asked.

"What the hell is your gear? She just looked at me and shrugged saying I'm good but common."

Raynare burst into the conversation again as I'm about to say something.

"He's the newest. Of them that can beat that which father didn't like. He is powerful and he plans a thing that can make reality quiver. Good devil man please protect us all! Even the mean devils. You try even for things that you're not! Can you really make the walkers who are like the knights of old!"

Ok this is bad. She can see deep at me. She blew the bag open and dumped gasoline on it because Mittelt, who had been around Raynare the most looked at me with wide eyes. Kalawarna was the next to get it. She shakes a bit. Jeanne is frowning but Conner puts it together.

"Jeanne he has a Longinus. Yet it's different. Extremely different because it's not blasting you on full power. Given what Raynare said and the fact that it feels like a blast furnace he has some sort of creation gear. Yet Annihilation Maker is considered to be the creation Longinus."

Raynare became even more excited.

"Stronger! This is stronger than Annihilation! Father made this for great reasons! Please good devil help our world!"

Mittelt was now looking at me with a very clear expression of interest. Kalawarna was too. Conner was looking at me like I'm dangerous. Which I am. Jeanne was just dumbfounded, and she said while now looking at me in a very strange way.

"I have been near the first one. There you know it's that, but this doesn't feel at all like a Longinus. What is she talking about with mech walkers?"

Raynare again spoke up. Her eyes look at me star struck.

"He can make them and more. Ones that are called the Titans. More things that will save our world!"

Conner sighed. He gave Kalawarna a look and she nodded before shooting rope at Raynare. Stopping her from trying to climb on top of me, which I really don't like. Raynare fell to the ground while Mittelt pats the now trying to break free fallen. Conner focused in on me. Kuroka snickers at Raynare. Kalawarna looked at me hard before she bumped her boyfriend.

"We are joining this thing. What was it called again Kuroka?"

Kuroka smiled big and answered while Raynare was bouncing towards me while still bound.

"The Legio Solar. You will get it when you're in nya. Sexy make them a thing."

I sighed while Mittelt was now looking at me with plain curiosity. Jeanne finally said to me.

"The voices say that you are a glimpse at a time where there is only war. Yet you stand for peace."

I gently pushed the rope bound Raynare away from me and she rolled to Kalawarna. I summoned the anvil, and the ghostly thing makes Mittelt jump. Conner looked at it in a bit of awe. Jeanne tried touching it. The hand fell through. I asked while picking up the hammer.

"I'll get you guys free power. Where is your generator?"

Conner replied.

"We don't have one. The power here is siphoned off the grid by a clever thing we did."

I shrugged before swinging my hammer. Light blinds all of them. I picked up the plasma generator and say while smiling.

"Get rid of that. You will have clean power for three decades with this. Just call me when you need maintenance or repairs. This is a plasma generator."

Conner looked in disbelief. As did everyone else. Raynare had somehow unnoticed by everyone escaped her rope and surprised me by hugging me from behind. I jumped because she was incredibly sneaky. The jump had let the generator come out of my hands and slammed onto my foot. I yelped jumping into the air with Raynare still holding onto me. Kuroka snickers at the scare before she tried to help me. Raynare just kept holding on. Saying while being unaware what she had done.

"Man of peace and war. The greatest man ever! He that shows the weakness and strength of flesh!"

I landed and my foot began to heal. Raynare kept holding onto me and I started to pick up the generator. Kalawarna shot thicker rope at Raynare while I bent over. The ropes hit her and she eeps falling over again. Jeanne comes over and pokes the generator. She blinked and then said with amazement.

"It's real. Not a construct that only the maker could use. That's incredible. What was she talking about with mechs? Like Gundam?"

Conner widened his eyes as did Kalawarna. Mittelt poked the generator too. She eyed it and shows something. She's a mini scientist. I answered Jeanne while wagging my foot to make sure it heals properly.

"Yes like Gundam but better. I can't make those directly but can make the parts to make a place to make them eventually. That includes more things that can save our planet in millions of ways. I'd like the Legio Solar to be looking at the future rather than the past. I might be a half devil noble, but I think the time of the Great War is long overdue to be over. I really don't care what place you come from. Or what you might be. I just want a world where we are not afraid of each other."

Kalawarna smiles real. As does Mittelt. Jeanne is in pure amazement that I can eventually make Gundam. Conner looked at me and he smiled a smile that showed that beneath his gruff pessimism there was a dreamer there. Raynare babbling from the floor.

"He means it. He is the human that father said one day might come. A human that understands the meaning of sacrifice. The virtues of duty. Father said that the possibilities of them were many, but he denied evil! He chose light like our star! That he is half means father knew! He knew that he was the other half like the arch traitor! Yet still gave him this!"

Arch traitor. That's funny. A good way to describe Lucifer being how he is the original arch traitor. Big G was funny. I snicker there as does Kuroka. Conner just shakes his head in amusement at Raynare. Mittelt finally spoke up after studying the generator fully.

"It's extremely simplistic. Yet it's more powerful than the generators we use in Grigori. I was in the science department of his cadre, and we always relied on old machines that would work but we never could improve on. He insisted that we made perfection so there was no need to improve them. A big reason why he and Azazel fight in the council meetings. Azazel wins most of the time, but Kokabiel never obeys the directives. We are so far behind on our tech because of that. This is beyond even Azazel's tech. You said three decades of running time? His only run a decade and a half before they burn out. Those run on holy energy. You said this is plasma?"

I smiled answering while Raynare tried to bunny hop towards me through her rope.

"Yes to both. With the right maintenance and proper training, you can have these run far longer. Thirty years is just when the first issues start cropping up. A fellow scientist is also a good thing to run into."

Mittelt beams and now grew eager to talk shop. She asked in quick succession questions on the device which I answered. Raynare fell over after hopping. Whining about that. Kuroka levitated the fallen to a couch. Jeanne now dreams of Gundam. Kalawarna gave Conner a look and he sighed.

"We will join. The two of us. Can't speak for Jeanne or the others. I want a dream of a better tomorrow. Just won't sacrifice my humanity for it. I like being this."

Jeanne said while dreaming of mechs.

"I'm in. I want big mech."

I smile briefly at Conner. Mittelt was thinking of her next question. I say while shrugging.

"I don't care about origins. I might have this set but it's never going to be a hard requirement. Humans and everything that shares our planet matter to me. Stay you."

That makes Conner truly happy. Mittelt frowns. She peppered me with more questions. I fall into an easy discussion with her on conceptual ideas for an improved generator. Kalawarna leads me out of the room and down the stairs to the basement where they have been siphoning off power. I hooked the generator up to the fuse box and with a little bit of work the building went from regular power to clean power. Mittelt surprised me by asking.

"May I apply for asylum with you? You're his son. I didn't see it at first, but the hair and your nature showed me you're his."

I raised an eyebrow. Kalawarna does too. Mittelt rolled her eyes at her fellow.

"Surely you're not that dim Kala. He's Ajuka's son."

Kalawarna looked at me again quickly. Before her eyes widened. Mittelt shakes her head there.

"Kala was a field operative when she was with us."

I shrugged.

"He's my dad yes. You sound like you admire him. As for asylum, that's a hard sell. Given your fallen and the fact I'm a devil noble. The kill on sight order really that bad?"

Mittelt shivers proving its bad as does Kalawarna. Mittelt answers with a depressed face.

"It's extremely bad. I ran several of his low scale projects. Despite the looks I am extremely competent and older. I am willing to share the information I have in exchange for asylum. As for your father, he's extremely well respected in Grigori's scientific departments. Azazel has tried multiple times to find a way to reverse engineer the evil piece system to boost our numbers. We can never even get five percent of the system's wiring."

Azazel does help Heaven make the brave Saint system after the Kuoh treaty with my dad so that checks out. Mittelt looks down at the floor saying in a very small voice.

"If Ray and I are caught we will get crucified by him or his second. If we leave the complex and the servants of the Shinto or Devils not you find us we are dead too. I get I'm screwed anyway I look. You seem decent. Like him. I know I probably will have to reincarnate if I get the asylum."

I wince at the punishment for the two. Poor Raynare and Mittelt. Kalawarna pats her friend in silent support. The blue haired woman said.

"Kuroka told me what you risked for her. That she asked you to be her king. I'd consider asking too but I'm not as far along as the cat was. I got years left before the mutations."

I do tell Mittelt something.

"The Shinto won't hunt you or Raynare. Yes, you were his people, but they only want the ones who helped him do the subway attacks. So that's something for you. I'm not going to ask you to do that. Yes, I need pieces but I'm not anal about recruiting. When I get confirmation fully as heir to my pillar, I can offer you a place hidden away so you can hunker down a bit better."

Mittelt was a bit happier knowing that one less group would try killing her. So was Kalawarna for her friend. Mittelt considered.

"I might take that. However, I still would like to go out and about. I'm with this group you're forming. I lost my dad, mom and my brother four years ago. I don't blame devils for that because it was a horrible accident. I'm done with the whole Cold War. You have a vision that isn't the status quo or war. I think I can serve a person like that. I was debating whether or not all week. Ray and her stuff was not at all what I expected."

Kalawarna humphed there.

"None of us did. That does show a lot about you, however. You'd have a potential better king than I did Mitt. Mine was a bastard that just liked killing people then reincarnating them. Was her fetish. When she got tired of tormenting us, she killed us again and got ready for the next person."

That's a dick there. Like Diodora. Mittelt shrugged.

"I'd like a cause where my scientific research goes to helping people. The codes we brought show that mine was being used to make new things for a war. It was nothing groundbreaking like weapons or armor but rather twisted my new ideas for treating wounds into making new potential tortures. I was told it was for good. Now I know it wasn't. Despite what Ray thinks Azazel can't move against Kokabiel easily. The council is extremely split, and his faction has significant influence. I rather do research on things and stay out of politics. I don't agree with what he did. I appreciate the option there. It's more than what I'd expected."

Mittelt looked once more at the plasma generator. Before she seemed to decide something.

"I'll reincarnate. I have always wanted to understand the system. What better way to do that then as one. I would like to talk more with you about actual science. I know what I'm giving up. I was never religious enough for him despite being made by proxy him. My family fell because we lusted for knowledge. I want to see what other things you make."

I'll take a scientific mind eagerly. Especially one who wants to learn the system like I do. Kalawarna rolled her eyes there.

"You always were close to your grandfather. Imagine he fell for the wrong knowledge, however. Why are you the normal one?"

Mittelt smiles there.

"Dohnaseek was normal too. Just was his battle fanatic self. That got everyone but me killed. Grandfather isolated himself further after that and that's when I got recruited by him. I was depressed and he took advantage of that. Pemb tried to talk me out of it, but I said yes. I regret that."

Wait a minute. Dohnaseek! Pemb! That means! Kalawarna caught my look.

"Yes this is his granddaughter."

Mittelt smiles there and it's his smile.

"It's ironic. The granddaughter of the greatest inventor of fallen angels and the son of the greatest inventor of devils being in the same room."

I froze. Then dropped to the floor twitching badly. Mittelt laughed as did Kalawarna. I immediately shot up.

"If you're his granddaughter, how can you not get a pardon! He's the Governor-General!"

Mittelt grew sad before saying.

"Cadres run themselves. That's a core pillar of Grigori. Grandpa can't change that. He tried multiple times yet that makes everyone pissed. It's like the second amendment to the constitution of the United States. Kokabiel abuses that to keep his cadre his and that's where his faction started forming last century. He uses that as his standard and has attracted many cadres to his side. Slowly warping them to his war stance. Grandfather lets his second in command Shemhazi do the heavy lifting on the political side of Grigori. Shems great but he didn't see this coming till fifty years ago and tried to stop it. The damage was already done, however. Now the council of cadres is horribly split and it's getting worse every year."

That's a smart rat move. I have to give Kokabiel credit that's ingenious. Use that and gather support. Then warp the party to your ideas. Challenge Azazel while working in the system to avoid going rogue and when ready force the issue when war does break out with your power base fully committed. Fuck that's smart. Mittelt likes me more apparently when I realize the deep. Because Kalawarna was not getting the implications there. She's not dumbed but she doesn't look underneath the underneath. I ask Mittelt.

"How old are you? Not to imply anything there."

Mittelt frowns.

"Nineteen. I look like I'm fourteen I know but I'm not. Just haven't grown all in yet. Pemb was like that too. I spent most of my life in labs. Grandfather taught me stuff."

She was defensive about the age and I am amazed. A real scientist! Mittelt continues her mini rant.

"I have multiple doctorates! I have helped make significant contributions to research! Yes mostly minor things right now but I will make significant ones soon! I'm not a kid!"

I smiled real there. Very real. That's cute and I do believe her totally. I say before she rants again.

"I believe you. You're probably smarter than me by a wide margin. I like you a lot. I'd be happy to have you in my peerage if that's what you really want. I too wish to look at the system. Because I want to help the strays like your friend. A way to reverse it and if not, that make it impossible for kings to abuse future generations of reincarnated. I just don't want to piss off your grandfather. I have heard he's a quirky dude that's a pervert genius. Just don't want him to kill me."

Mittelt searched me for condescending speech there. Before finding none. She relaxed. Kalawarna was amused. Clearly knowing this pet peeve. Mittelt grumbled.

"Sorry. Just used to my coworkers talking down to me. Even though I'm the boss. Fuckers always say that I'm just a snot nose brat that got there totally on nepotistic terms. Yeah, it's helped but I have proven I'm not that."

I am sympathetic there.

"It's fine. I'm sorry I hit that. I try not to talk down to people. No one likes it and just poisons relationships when you do . You probably are smarter than me. I'm still going to high school, and you have doctorates. Are you absolutely sure about reincarnation? I can get you a place to hunker down instead."

Mittelt considered. Then nods.

"Ray trusts you. That one eighty was genuine. They trust you here. I have been here for a week and despite the fact I'm kill on sight for being a fallen angel there was no attack. I will believe in a man that according to Ray will shake reality with his plans. I'll join."

I checked for doubt. There is none. I summoned my board. Kalawarna looked surprised by how many mutation pieces there are. I let Mittelt look at the pieces. Before I explain.

"The bishop is for a special person. I have a knight in the works along with a possible few more. Everything else is free. What piece would you like?"

Mittelt studied each piece. She finally focused on a mutation pawn. She pointed to one of my two.

"Pawn. They have the most potential. Am I required to do groundwork?"

Smart I like her more.

"No. The exception is ratings games and possibly stray hunts. You're required there. Otherwise, your free to research to your heart's content. If you ever wish to join frontline work, I have things that can make you feel more comfortable. Including something that will really interest you. Fair?"

Mittelt looked incredibly intrigued.

"Fair. I can accept that. I'm not big on blood or guts. That was Dohn's thing. Give me things to tinker with and I'll give you better stuff. I really want to take apart that generator. Perhaps you can make me one?"

I nod.

"Absolutely. I'll make you as many as you want. We are a real team in my peerage. You will get what you need for research. I just ask that everything you research goes to the advancement of humanity. We are all that regardless of the fact we are fallen or devil. Fair?"

Mittelt thinks. Before nodding.

"Agreed. I will do everything for that goal. Please do it."

I pick up a regular pawn. Mittelt frowned but I speak the oath of moment. Kalawarna listened to it and frowned because this isn't her last peerage speech. I place the pawn on Mittelt. It refused to go in. I raised an eyebrow at Mittelt.

"How many wings?"

Mittelt blushed and Kalawarna was confused.

"She has two. Don't you?"

Mittelt poked her fingers together nervously.

"Six actually."

I'm amused there. Getting why she was focusing on the mutation pawn. I picked it up and asked Mittelt.

"How many fallen have become devils?"

Mittelt immediately answered.

"Five. All two wings. Grigori uses humans as our primary foot troopers. Given our limited numbers. Devils don't fight us often. We only really get sent into fights when the situation is extremely bad. Fallen women are highly sought after by devils. For…. Reasons."

Of course. Fucking horny. I reassure Mittelt.

"I have enough of that without trying to get it. My peerage is not my personal harem. Team first. You're free to be with whoever you want. Science is better than horny."

That makes Mittelt beam.

"A true scientist. I like you more. I figured you wouldn't do that but never hurts to be careful. You're handsome but I'm not really interested in that."

I snort because I have found another one.

"I would be happy to be your mood kindred Mittelt. Now let's see if this works."

I repeat the oath while Mittelt immediately becomes my friend by understanding what I mean. I then place the pawn on her chest, and it goes in. Mittelt like Kiryuu froze. Before she extended her wings. They were like Akeno's half fallen half devil. But the wings were all silver. That made Kalawarna and Mittelt once she was out of the trance gaze at them with amazement. I extended mine and Mittelt was in a new trance.

I smile while Kalawarna grumps.

"Fuck you Mittelt. I like silver. Why do you get it!"

Mittelt just flipped her friend off. I ask her if she knows devil sin culture. The new devil nodded. I'm happy there. Less explanation for me. I checked the time and sadly informed Kalawarna.

"I have a party to attend soon. Then I'm back to cleaning up bad strays. Mittelt would you like to live with the rest of us or stay here?"

Mittelt considers before saying.

"Here for a day. I need to keep Ray from freaking. Then there. Is there a place I can begin my experiments in your current home?"

I know several rooms that are good. I also have several guest houses on the grounds.

"I have multiple places available on my first floor and basement. You're welcome to choose one of your preferences. I will definitely enjoy a new mood kindred. I have another but she is. Stuffy would be the kindest way of putting it."

Mittelt nods.

"I'll join you when I can. Thank you for the asylum. I'm eager to begin work."

I won't turn away a second thought train for the reader. Oh, this will be good. I finally win! A scientist! Well Kiryuu is a magic scientist. Kuroka likes science talk. Murayama is the odd one out so far. Then there is Thoron and Hevina. I'll have to get to know them more. I was about to put the board away and getting ready to leave when I was attacked.

Death from above. By Raynare. She dives bombs me from the ceiling getting shrieking from the others. How the fuck did she sneak here! When she was tied up!

Raynare thankfully didn't kill me. She instead spooked me so badly that a single pawn flew off the board and into her chest. Before she slammed me into the floor. Raynare froze as the piece integrated with her. She lay frozen on me, and she then extended her own new wings. I hate this reality. I hate it so much. Raynare gazed at her silver wings. Before she shrieked in pure happiness there.

"No more black! Silver! I get to be with the greatest man forever now! The hero of our planet! I Raynare will be his sneaky pawn! My king is the best king! The one of the Red Planet!"

I weep waterfall tears because I now have a female version of Corvus Corax in my peerage. Kalawarna just smiled incredibly relieved.

"She's incredible at sneaking. Scared me plenty here. Conner has made the number one rule be to not scare us. She's yours now. Congratulations."

Mittelt sighed.

"I'll move in today. Ray why did you do that?"

Raynare beams and snuggles into my chest. I continue weeping. The innocent devil angel said with a smile on my chest.

"Father told me to watch for him. To be there for him if he was good. I will have a king who is the champion of us all. I doubted father. My fall was greed to find the possible hero. Now I have greed for the best hero ever! I'm sorry I doubted you Holy Father God!"

That curse now returns here as all three fallen devils clutching their heads in pain. Asia has a mood kindred in a silly person. I weep more than ever now. Machine God why do you torture your champion! I'm good! Why do I have to suffer! My God pats my shoulder and says this is Big G's fault not his. He congratulated me on another one on the chase. Raynare beams not getting the despair.