Chapter 18.

Toll the bell of the Omnissiah.

The hunts continued as I chased after a terrified man who was desperately trying to escape from me. He was a knight, and he had just watched his friends die to my boltgun in the lobby of a grocery store. He was so desperate to get away he tripped and fell on a banana peel, sliding to a door. I just shot him and end the fuck. Then, gather the heads. These strays had killed a young couple earlier this week.

A pawn screams as she tries to run from me in an ice rink as I walk after her on the ice towards a bunch of bleachers. She ran screaming that she would not die to me. I shot her leg off before she got out of the rink and then chopped off her head. Before going for her comrades, who were all the while throwing spells and spears at me. They die fast. This group had blown up a hospital in Vietnam.

A lamia slides across the surface of a pool, trying to escape from me as I make my way through her comrades. The pawns failed to hold me back, and I tasked a mechadendrite on a newly created pack to cut heads off and make the grind easier. The sun is starting to peek into the pool room and the lamia shrieks.

"What are you!"

I snarled and responded.

"Death. I am the Gorgon, and I will never stop hunting vermin like you."

I corner the monster and blast her apart before taking her head. Then I moved on. But stop hearing a whimper. I turned to see the last of the strays here. A teen kid who was innocent of anything completely. Just stuck with this group. He had run immediately from me, and I didn't pursue him. He was hiding behind the bleachers, and he had pissed himself. I tell him as I collect the heads.

"Run fast, kid. I don't kill those who have genuine reasons to run. I know yours. Tell the other good strays they have no reason to fear me. The Gorgan is a man with honor."

The kid nodded profusely and babbled to me, showing he was from South America.

"Thank you! I will, Gorgan! I'll never hurt anyone ever! I didn't have a choice or chance by myself!"

He ran away so fast, thanks to his gear, speeding past the bodies of his former comrades and out an emergency exit. He didn't see them thankfully. I start burning the bodies and hosing down the blood. I'm so tired, but this has helped me eliminate my rage and wrath. Each group of the many strays I killed with the mask on gets me closer and closer to my goal. I went through the night not resting. I popped energy drinks to keep me up, and each time I cashed in, that pawn at the Sinful grew even more terrified of me. She didn't attempt to stop me again. Instead, she paid the bounties without saying anything while shaking like I was a nightmare made flesh. I was a third of the way through the first part of the list after I called it. I need to be there when Kiryuu wakes. This group of strays was responsible for ten separate killings of humans.

I stepped out into the Sinful, and the pawn was not alone anymore. She's hiding behind Wu, shaking like I am Trihexia. Next to Wu is an extremely tall man. Almost a small Ogryn in size. That man carries a maul his size, and he, with Wu, stands in front of the trio. Wu has a blank face again, and now he is wearing actual armor, and it's intricate. It was a very interesting Chinese armor that was very sturdy. He saw my gun in my hands and my new armor in red; all the while, he watched me before speaking in an amused voice.

"I see why you were terrified, Freya. You are relieved for the day. Go see Heniya and relax."

The Swede ran fast, and the giant man snorted.

"He doesn't look like much Wu."

He was Russian. Wu just shrugged and replied.

"He is formidable, Vladimir. His kills throughout the night and morning are many. He's made us run dry on money almost completely. Gorgan, it is nice to see you again. Please stop terrorizing our friend in Freya. She's extremely new to our peerage, and this was her first day on the job here."

I felt only a little bit bad for the Swede, but I shrugged. Moving toward the bar, Wu faced me with Vladimir watching the gun. Wu, now that I looked at him, is a bishop. Vladimir is a mutation knight with two pieces. I eyed him wary, too. Wu just looked at me again, and he pulled his list. Then he asked.

"Lilith again? And how many?"

After holstering my gun on a magnetic clamp on my back, I opened the pocket. Then, I began setting the heads on the bar. I make the pile grow again. Vladimir looks incredulous at first. Before each new head, it makes him look more impressed. His grey eyes watched me more closely now. His short grey hair frames his face. Wu also looked impressed at the growing pile. He kept making his list busy and then gave an order to Vladimir.

"Get extra, Lilith."

The man does and heads to the back of the bar. Wu now smiles a bit real here.

"You're going to piss off other hunters with your haul. However, this is more dedication than anyone I have seen from any of the guild in a very long time. You have expanded your weapon range. Are you interested in a new job, Gorgan? My king has listened to Freya freak out to her the whole night about you. She's very keen on you."

I watched him hand out the Lilith. I shake my head.

"I'm not interested in reincarnation. Just pay me."

Vladimir had come back with more of the Lilith, having heard my response. He growled at me while Wu just shrugged.

"I figured as much, but I had to make the offer. I noticed that you hunt the bad strays, so you understand the situation in the underworld. I can't force you, so I understand. Just consider it. Our king is extremely high and powerful in the underworld, and she is very strong. It would cut down on your leg work. Vlad, he's fine."

Vladimir kept growling at me. His eyes shrunk to slits like a saber tooth, and he said to Wu.

"He's spitting on our king's offer, Wu. Any ground shitter Hunter should be honored to be considered by the Crimson Lady of Destruction."

The Russian set the money pile on the bar next to the heads. My pile was on the left while the new money and the heads were on the right. Wu just shrugged.

"He has that right to. He's making our lives easier because we don't have to do more official hunts. I enjoy watching my tv, so I won't complain. Gorgan, I will get you your money. I'm excited to see what else you do."

The money pile slowly shrinks on the right, moving to the left. Vladimir hates me still, but Wu, after each head, grows more impressed. He stops at the head of a centaur and smiles big there, turning to Vladimir.

"See. He killed the fuck who got Rodger. I call that a win and his wife can now know that he's been avenged."

This made Vladimir look extremely sad hearing that name. Before, he looked at me in a true, genuine manner of respect. The centaur had been a mutation queen. She had broken my arms six times and my legs eight times, each time with a kick to them with her legs. I just kept going after her, and the kill happened when I shot her arms and legs off with a weapon I made just for her. A plasma gun. She had been the worst fight of the night in an old abomination of a place that was a Hello Kitty restaurant that had been abandoned. The Russian just grunted his thanks. Wu explained.

"This stray killed our last piece before Freya. I like you more than ever Gorgan. Our king put the bounty higher because Rodger was well liked by the rest of us. She will definitely want to meet you at some point."

I don't care about this, Rodger. I care about Akeno. Kuroka and even my stupid redhead. I'm happy I helped them but I'm also so tired. I want to sleep all today after Kiryuu. I watch the money pile grow higher with each head. Finally, I see the last of the Lilith paid out and the sun shines through the bar's windows. Vladimir is just watching me now with a very clear interest. Wondering why I need all this money. Wu just whistled at the amount. Voicing the question.

"I'm deeply intrigued by why you need this much money, Gorgan. This is more than most humans and commoners ever see in their lifetimes."

I just cracked my back and replied.

"It's to free two people. I won't stop till they are free totally."

Wu watched me now as did Vladimir. Wu looked straight into my red eyes on the helm, and he said while staring me straight down.

"These people are extremely lucky to have you. Are you certain that you won't consider joining us? Our king could help you out with that goal. She's a relative of the great devil king Lucifer."

I began to put the Lilith away, shaking my head no again. Wu had been trying; it seems to really help there. He sighed but got it. Vladimir just watched. He told me.

"You move like a predator. Given everything with the heads I am very interested in fighting you, Gorgan."

Vladimir just watched for my response. I'm too tired to care right now, and I'm close to a caffeine crash, so I shrugged. Twenty minutes later, I'm done shoveling the money into my pocket.

"Perhaps when they are free. Until then no. Have a good morning."

With that I left. The eyes remain on me. Never leaving.

Once I'm in the alley, I open the portal to the station, and I don't see anyone there. I feel the caffeine withdrawal starting. I take off my armor and notice that it has so many scratches, dents, and dings that I would need a new set. I hang it up in the armory here in the station. I will make a new set when I wake up next. I move towards the teleporter and step through it.

In the house, I move up the stairs after shutting the door, and upon getting to the top of the stairs near the entrance to the kitchen, I see Maéva. She's making food for the day, and I try to sneak past her. Only for her to say.

"Young master."

She has good hearing. I just replied.

"Has our guest woken up?"

The maid turned towards me and froze, seeing my eyes and face. She looked horrified. I couldn't see what I looked like, so I assumed it was bad. She moved the food to the counter and then approached me, and I prepared for the scolding. Instead, Maéva looked at me in understanding. She gently grabbed a hand and led me up the stairs, saying as we went up.

"You're too much like my sister Asia. She would do this sort of stuff, too, and the bishops didn't try to stop that. They just urged her to do more when she was ready to collapse. Young master, the guest, is still asleep. I figured you wanted to be there, and she was in a bad way. So, I put her in my strongest healing spell. How long have you been awake?"

I lean on my maid and say softly.

"Too long but people are relying on me. I just pushed on."

Maéva shook her head and just led me to my room. I opened the lock, and she helped me into the bed. Before she does something scary. Maéva summoned a frying pan and she apologized beforehand.

"This should help. Sorry, young master. I'll get you when people arrive."

She then whacked my head hard, and I hurt before falling onto the pillow unconscious. I dream of nothing.

When I wake up, I'm still hurting. I slowly got up and went to the bathroom in a hazy, semi-dream-like state. When I see my face, I look like shit. I have a massive bruise on my head. My eyes are not bloodshot, but they have many bags under them. I don't want to do that again. But I am closer to the goalpost. It's not enough. That thought hurts me so much.

I go to the depresso expresso in the shower, and it hurts to know it's not enough. The doubts hit fully. I'm richer than ever before and it's still not even close to enough. My dad is nowhere close to being found and I'm now living with so much blood on my hands. So much blood and more to come. I want to break down here. Because I'm a horrible person with my kills. The pit I'm in is bad and deep. I don't know what to do. I can't keep doing shifts like this. The doubts return again in me.

I will fail Kuroka who will mutate into a monster. I will fail Rias and Keno as they become toys for a shit bird. They deserve better than me. I slowly consider everything and then my confidence returns in bits. It returns because I am not a coward anymore. The spirits believe in me. I saved Kiryuu's life. I am helping clean up scum and making the world safer. Stop doubting myself! Be what they call me. Lord of Iron. Omnissiah. Eventually, Lord Astaroth. Stop beating myself down. I punched the shower wall in anger and broke my hand. It hurts but wakes me up. I feel it healing back to normal, and I see the damage I have done. A few tiles of red lay cracked and I steady myself again.

I exited the shower and got dressed before exiting the room and moving towards the stairs. I must still be tired because I saw Rias at the foot of them, ready to come up. She looked at me in shock before running up to me. She stopped before me, then grabbed my shoulder, giving me something to lean on. She helped me down the stairs to the kitchen where Akeno was. She had been asking Maéva something when she saw me getting extremely angry seeing my face. She jumped off her chair and moved towards me with fire in her purple eyes. Her hair flowed around angrily, and she slapped me. It is just regular pain. Not my arms and legs breaking. Akeno, after the slap, just hugged me.

"Lex, why did you do this? You were out all night!"

I just shrugged before making my way to the island, where there was food waiting for me. It's a hearty meal and I dig in. I am shoveling it into my mouth, shocking everyone with the display. I finished the food and got ready to work out to get endorphins. A spell hit me before I could move, making me stand completely still. Rias is angered and she stands in front of me with her hands on her hips. I finally noticed that she was wearing a casual red shirt and jeans. Her eyes focused on mine, and she grew angrier. She barked out.

"Explain now why you look like shit."

I can move my mouth. So, I answered.

"Hunting to get the money for you. I plan to do it again today and tomorrow. I'm going to get you this, and I can't stop till you're free."

Rias looked both horrified and amazed I was doing this. Akeno just punched my arm and dislocated it. I groan. The limb reset back into place with an audible pop, and Maéva said while behind me.

"Young master you slept for four hours. You need more. Please don't do this."

I'm so tired yet don't blast why I am so worried. Akeno gets straight in my face, and she growls at me.

"Just because you're that doesn't mean you should do this, Lex! Was it really worth it!"

I snarled and broke free from the spell before emptying my pocket and spilling the money onto the floor. The huge amount of Lilith began to hit the floor. Akeno and Rias back up, seeing the amount appearing. I get ready to roar wrath but control my anger. Saying instead as Lilith kept coming.

"This was all earned this morning. All except the Yen is my work. Now, ask me that again, Keno. I say yes, this was worth it because of this. We are closer to the goal! I will do anything to see you both free from that pig and Rias, your sister's bishop, offered me twice to reincarnate for her because of my work."

Rias is wide-eyed upon hearing that. Akeno was looking at the money and couldn't help but drop her mouth to the floor. Maéva was now in my field of vision, gazing at the money on the ground and revealing her sin. Greed. She doesn't move towards it, and I say to her, still angry.

"I'm wrath so that's out there. And no, I won't use it on you. How much closer is this Rias? I swore I would do anything for you and Keno. This is one day of nonstop work, and I want to prove to the Astaroths that they won't have a weak heir in me. I want to prove to the Gremory that I am not weak and that I can defend you from the underworld. I want the nobles to fear me and never try anything against me and my family. I want you all safe and I will do anything!"

Rage was there near the end. Rias was still in shock. Akeno was just as shocked seeing the pile. Rias did a quick look at the pile and once again showed her brains that existed despite her dumb-ass grandfather and great-grandfather. Her eyes are ultra-wide by the end of the count.

"This is enough to get you a huge manor in the underworld. For the dowery it's a massive investment just from this. Gregor-kun."

I just looked at her and said, trying to control my wrath.

"Help me count it. I want an actual number so that I will see how many more times I need to do this. I hated doing it, but I'm going to keep doing it, whether you or Keno try to stop me."

Rias was mad there, as was Akeno, but they started to help me count.

The task takes a half hour, and we, at the end, add up all the Lilith. It comes out to seven hundred and fifty thousand. According to Maéva, who was accustomed to American dollars, this is around 23 million. I'm surprised that is the total on both. I'm a millionaire in the United States. For the dowery I'm actually over a third of the way there.

I needed 2,250,000 Lilith to buy out the contract. Rias is wide-eyed in shock at this, as is Akeno. Maéva looked at me, impressed with the fact that I had earned this and was not going to stop. I'm relieved that this was that much. It shows I can do this and kills more doubt. Two or three more sessions of this, and I could buy out the contract without having to beg from the Astaroths for money. I could do this entirely this weekend if I pushed myself and downed energy drinks. I might even make combat stims and then shove those in me.

Koriel, however, says no. She won't help me there. Sleep more for at least another three hours. Then go. Rias asked in amazement at me.

"How many strays did you end for this?"

I don't remember the later ones. I get ready to put the Lilith away in the spell while putting the yen in another pocket for Issari.

"Not enough. I'll go back to sleep when my next rescue wakes up."

That made Akeno and Rias jump as I put the Lilith away. Rias barked out.

"You rescued another person!"

I snark back at Rias.

"I sure did. She was about to get shot by a queen using her as a hostage and it seems like that worked on two prior hunters. I said it once and I will say it again. Humans have a champion in me. I won't sit back and let them get hurt by devils or anyone else. I'm human first. Rias don't offer her that. She's traumatized and will need a person like me there."

Akeno shook her head in fondness at me. Rias just was silent, and Maéva beamed at me. She excitedly looked at me, saying.

"A true good lord! Oh, I wish we had had you in the church when I was there. We were running out of people who cared about others. The heads were just busy filling the ranks with yes men and women who, while trained, didn't protect the flocks. The church was using the corps to extract money and or favors from countries. Never actually good. You are a great man young master."

Oh, that sounds like shit too. Now, I dread to think what Xenovia and Irina are like. If they are there. Given how strong their indoctrination is it's probably likely. But I have a bad feeling about Heaven. They would only let that happen if they were in a hard position. Big G was the best. It's always near universal there. So why is Heaven putting up with that besides faith? I ask Maéva to make food for our guest. Soup of some kind.

The maid rushed off, and I'm just going to go lifting. My armor needs to be heavier. It can't just be the same weight. It needs to be thicker and thicker with each new enemy. I want power armor just so I can use heavy weapons. Rias just follows me, and she doesn't say anything to me. Akeno, however, started fufufuing because she, thanks to the wrong logic, made a stupid comment.

"Ladies' man, Lex Astaroth. You will need to get a bat to keep them away from your husband."

Rias gets a tic mark on her head, and I throw something at Akeno. This being an eraser. It flies and whacks Akeno's forehead, and she oofs. Rias giggled there, and I started lifting while snarking at my cousin.

"Hardly going to happen. You're just going to be disappointed, Keno. Besides you have a kohai now. She is very ready for your taming sessions. Fucking bat rat."

Rias giggled more at the nickname. Akeno now has the tic mark, and she was angry there. She gets lightning ready, and I snark back at her, finally done with her teasing thanks to the lack of sleep.

"I'm so scared I dropped my safety blanket by the door. Maybe you'll trip on it, and you can sleep like how I want to but can't. Git Gud Keno."

She gets even more angry there. Rias stops laughing and becomes the cutest thing ever again, asking innocently.

"Git Gud?"

I shake my head in mock disappointment. Akeno seems ready to launch a bolt at me and laugh at Rias. Issari thankfully showed up behind Akeno and she screamed out.

"Senpai! Guess who made it into the school! Now I can get head pats whenever I want! Also, Gregor-kun, you look like shit, and you have mail."

Akeno beams and starts head patting Issari quickly in congratulations. I stopped lifting and grunting out to her.

"Congratulations, pervert. Now give me my mail. Also, you still smell funny."

That pissed off Issari, and she gets the tic mark now, but head pats control her, and she purrs. Akeno fuffuing there and she is extremely proud of her taming so far. I moved, took the mail in Issari's right hand, and opened it. It's my government stipend. I'll convert this to Lilith and also, my next thing. A test session at Kuoh Academy. Scheduled for Monday. I sighed again and just let Issari get spoiled. The purrs are kind of relaxing actually. They jump in frequency when Akeno tells her little Kohai.

"You are such a good dragon girl. Soon, you will make all the others in the school jealous of you. They want to be close to Akeno-sama, and they will be very disappointed when you're there! Good dragon."

I shake my head woozy, and I start hearing more purrs. Then I feel sleepy. Before the black hits and I was lucky I didn't kill myself there.

When I woke up again, Issari was slapping me. It hurts, but I reluctantly open my eyes to see the three of them and Maéva looking down on me. Maéva has food in her mechadendrites on plates, and she is very sweet in asking.

"Good sleep, young master?"

I let Issari get off me, and I yawned before getting up and blinking, saying as I got up off the floor.

"Yeah actually. How long was I out?"

Issari grinned as did Akeno and Rias. I don't like that. I looked at them warily now. Issari answered with a Cheshire grin.

"Four hours. We left you here and we had a teaching session with Red. She's learned things. You're welcome you bitch."

Four hours! How did I have the best four hours of sleep! Then I remembered the purrs. I growled at Issari for that and for corrupting my redhead more. I'm ready to strangle her again! Rias blushed slightly but was extremely happy with me. Maéva confirmed it.

"You were sleeping so peacefully, young master, that I didn't wake you. You were muttering about someone named Kate and had a blissful smile on you. I couldn't wake you without feeling bad. The dragon girl talked with our guest, and she was very insistent about speaking with you. I was bringing her food."

Rias grew worried about learning about Kate. Akeno's face was curved into curiosity, and Issari looked sad there. I prepare to talk with Kiryuu. Still a bit woozy, but that goes away fast. Rias looked ready to demand to know who Kate was but Issari butts in being helpful for once.

"Kiryuu-chan is so cool Gregor-kun! She is like me! She is also entering Kuoh Academy, and she and I bonded over the people there! Oh, I have another friend!"

Issari gets head pats again from Akeno starting a new purr storm. Akeno praised her Kohai.

"You deserve all the friends in the world, my little dragon. You helped my big stupid cousin out with so much, and you will get your just rewards!"

The purrs are very loud, and I run from them to avoid the chance of falling asleep again. Rias followed me, and she demanded from me on the stairs with Maéva.

"Who is Kate!"

She's ultra mad. Maéva ignores this because she is busy playing with her mechadendrites, and I glare at Rias.

"A person I vaguely remember from before being in Japan. Is that now a crime, Rias."

Rias didn't back down here. She insisted on pushing this.

"It is if she tries to steal you from me!"

There's the jealousy again, pure and hot. Her sin is greed for the perfect husband, which, me being her first relationship that might turn into that, makes sense. But I don't feel so charitable about this. However, Rias needs this dead.

"She won't. Rias, I vaguely remember her, and what I do remember is that she broke up with me. You have nothing to fear from Kate. However, remember what I said that one rule so far."

Rias looked ugly, knowing I was 'safe' from Kate. But grew ashamed when I said the rule. That stopped her response. Maéva stays silent, and we just continue up the stairs. When we reached the top of the stairs, I softened my face with Rias.

"This needs to not be here Ria. We need to talk about this more."

Rias just prepares to be submissive. I reach for her face and tilt it up to mine. Her green eyes looked very sad. She looks into my eyes, and I say to her in a whisper.

"I will never make you feel lesser. Remember."

She smiled, seeing I was truthful. Rias and I prepare for that. I let go of her ready for Kiryuu. I opened the door and there awake, still having a bruise near her eye, is the future man eater of Kuoh Academy. She had repaired her glasses, and her eyes looked at me for a second. Then gets a slight nosebleed. Oh, come on. I just ignored that, while Maéva doesn't get the reason why that happened. Rushing to help Kiryuu. Food shaking on the plates held by the mechadendrites. That snapped Kiryuu out of her nosebleed, and she watched the mechadendrites with amazement.

I let Maéva clean the blood while I sit on a chair on my guest's left side, and I just smiled smirk before letting Maéva finish her work before I spoke.

"Hello there. I'm happy that you're looking much better than last night. I'm Gregor Astaroth. May I know your name miss?"

Kiryuu looked at me with half hearts. Her braids were clean, and she replied with a smile that wasn't perverted.

"I'm Kiryuu. Thank you for rescuing me. I didn't think I was going to get out of there alive. You're a real hero and I wish I had something to give you."

I see the face of anyone who is poor sees on another person of that's face, and I understand.

"You owe me nothing. I might live here but I'm not that way. You being alive and well is its own reward."

Kiryuu brightened, getting the look on me. She smiled, and she was very pretty. Maéva set down a plate of hot food, and Kiryuu's stomach growled. She blushed, and I chuckled before mine did the same again. Maéva extended her mechadendrites to me, too, and I took a plate. Kiryuu looked at the hands and asked.

"What are those? I have never seen anything like that in my life. I believe that the two cat men from last night were Youkai, but this is like a new thing."

I smiled and answered after taking a spoonful of soup.

"Those are called mechadendrites. How much did my friend explain to you?"

Kiryuu kept watching them before answering.

"That there is an other side. Everything from legends exists. She said the ones who captured me were devils. What are you?"

I hid my frustration with Issari and replied.

"I'm a half human half devil. My kind maid here is what is called a reincarnated devil."

Kiryuu watched Maéva and that's when Rias spoke up behind us.

"I'm a pure blood one. It's nice to meet another human in the know now."

Rias appeared on my left, and I looked at her sideways. Kiryuu's eyes focused on Rias, and she immediately showed that she was still smart.

"She's a noble, as are you, Gregor-kun. Astaroth is one of the names in the Ars Goetia. I would show the proper respect….."

I stop her there.

"I'm not one yet and I will never be big on formalities. Just Gregor is fine. This nice person beside me is Rias Gremory."

Kiryuu just flashed a big smile hearing me say I'm not formal. The hearts are now fully there in her eyes, and she looked at Rias before she said while reaching for a plate and chopsticks for rice.

"Alright. I can never thank you enough for saving me. I truly wish I could give you something, but you understand. I do want to learn more about the other side."

Rias got ready to offer something, and I shook my head at her, getting a cute pout. Kiryuu giggled, and she took a bite of her rice. Before she started shoveling it down, making Rias's sweat drop while Maéva looked extremely pleased, she got ready to leave, and I told her with a smile.

"You are the best maid Maéva. When I'm confirmed, I'll give you a raise and ask you to continue serving me directly. Thank you for your work Maéva."

The maid beams and properly bows in thanks before she seems to skip off out of the room. Rias speaks up in agreement.

"I will support that. She's extremely good at her work. I learned so much yesterday when you were out. I was going to offer Kiryuu-san a place in my club instead of the peerage. You're doing all that for me. I believe you can do it. Just don't pull extra-long shifts like that, Gregor-kun. I worry about my handsome Lord of Iron."

I took the support there because it was true. Kiryuu had asked, hearing the conversation.

"What's a peerage? You two seem like those old and cheesy arranged marriage people."

I snicker because she is right. However, Rias proudly, not getting the slight against the old ways, proclaimed showing her knucklehead again.

"He's my future betrothed! He's the greatest nobleman I have ever seen, except for my older brother!"

I'm just an idiot, Rias, and your brother is a real hero. Kiryuu was amused but I answered the second question.

"A peerage is kind of like a very trusted group of people around a devil noble. The system is based on chess, with each piece gaining something different from the process that reincarnates a person from another species to a devil."

Kiryuu looked very interested there. Her eyes are big, and she is thinking about something she shouldn't yet. Rias, however, blazes forward still beaming at me.

"Gregor-kun is going to get a set! You should still attempt to reincarnate your friend. She'd make an excellent piece, and your prestige would jump by having the Red Dragon Empress in your peerage. It's rare for any of the 13 to be in one. Your friend is really nice too and fun."

Issari has no interest in becoming a devil, Rias. She's happier as an immortal human. Kiryuu looked ready to offer something, and I shook my head at her, stopping the move.

"It's permanent, Kiryuu-san. Don't offer unless you have no regrets. As for Issari Rias, she doesn't like devils because the gecko was killed last time by one. She likes you, too, along with Akeno and Kiba, but she would be miserable as one."

Rias frowned before remembering the end of the last user of the boosted gear. She blushed. Kiryuu looked at me in both thanks for stopping her from doing that and a little annoyance. I ask her, getting the idea.

"You don't like owing people things either, do you, Kiryuu-san?"

Kiryuu beams at me, getting that too.

"Absolutely, and please call me Kiryuu-chan. My hero deserves that right. I am an orphan and I despise it. I'm interested in this because it could improve my life. Devils seem stronger than humans, and they used magic on me, which I have always been interested in."

I break that bubble.

"It could do that. But you'd also be giving up the internet. Because the devil one is restricted to the nobles. You'd be in a new hierarchy where you are at the bottom again and regarded as less than dirt by the nobles, not like Rias and I for the most part. You do get a longer life and magic, but you're expected to obey your king without question, and if you ever don't like that, you end up either permanently on the run or like your abductors. I repeat it's permanent, and do you want to do that."

Kiryuu looked horrified at the loss of the internet and the new situation. Rias tried to come up with good things because this could get me a piece for my peerage. Kiryuu now set into extreme contemplation there and Rias said to me.

"That's putting it pretty biased. I don't do that to my peerage. Expect unconditional obedience."

Rias you're seeing it from your perspective. I answered while Kiryuu kept thinking.

"You are also biased, Rias. If what I said wasn't true, then why are there so many strays? Why do your brother and his party not seem to be winning much on their stuff? Kiryuu-chan deserves to know up front and with nothing hidden so she can make an informed decision. I will treat my peerage like actual people. I have many ideas that will make the nobles consider me a true loon. Rias I'm more liberal than your brother. I'm probably more liberal than you are. I will not be popular. Because I don't like how reincarnated are treated. I don't like how the commoners are treated, either. I'm not afraid of being seen this way. Because I want a better future for all and earn what they call me."

Rias looked down at the strays and her brother. She looked shocked, getting that I was more liberal than her brother and that I was willing to take on the nobility. Then her eyes went to pure hearts, seeing that I do care as much about the reincarnated as I do the commoners and her. At the end, she has a puzzle piece fall into place. Kiryuu surprised me by saying before Rias.

"I would join the peerage of a man like that, a hero. You care and remind me of my dad. He was that way, too. I remember him and my mom despite being only two. I was going to say yes regardless because you'll get my dad and mom justice. They were in the subways. Your friend told me that. But the fact you were honest from the get-go shows me I will have a good king. I would like to join you Gregor-kun. Please accept me."

Rias fist pumping there in happiness for me. I guess I have my first piece. Kiryuu's face shows determination and no regrets. Something she said, however, is intriguing. I say to her.

"I'll accept you. But you also said that you remembered your parents despite the age. Do you have Hyperthymesia?"

Kiryuu got a new look there of joy. Rias was just confused, while Kiryuu nodded fast.

"I do! Finally, an educated person! It's a blessing and a curse. The others at the orphanage just make fun of me calling me a freak. The rumor is that I'm an ultra-pervert, which is partly true, but thanks to that, I know things. I'm sorry if that nosebleed disturbed you. I can't help it."

Holy shit perfect memory recall. No wonder she is a size scouter. She truly cant help it. I feel bad now with my earlier feelings on her. Kiryuu just smiled seeing the apology that must be on my face.

"You're okay, Gregor-kun. Those rumors follow me everywhere, as Issari-chan does. I try to keep it on the down low, but it gets out, and that makes people wary of me. The jogger was scared of me, too, but he was so nice. And no, I wasn't stalking him. He and I just had a similar jogging routine, and we eventually bonded over that. I'm sorry he's gone."

The sorrow on her face is true. I just summoned my boltgun, and the sudden appearance of it with no magic for Rias made her eyes widen. Kiryuu looked at the blocky gun, and I set it on the bed near her, I said to her.

"He's not gone. He's here in the gun and he urged me to save you when we were there. Touch it and see. He would not want you to feel guilty about him."

Kiryuu is hesitant. But she slowly moved her hand to the gun. Touching it, she got tears in her eyes. She put her other hand on the gun immediately and then began to cry. She said to the gun.

"I'm so sorry, Yumoto. I shouldn't have said we should try a new route. It's my fault."

The spirit of Yumoto just reached out to his friend and told her something, which made the tears go away. Rias looked at the gun and asked.

"What sort of gun is that? I have never seen anything shaped or looking like this before."

I let Kiryuu speak with Yumoto, and I answered.

"It's called a boltgun. It's my main weapon. Kiryuu-chan I will put his name on it. So that those like the strays who hurt you will fear his name. Because he like the machine will be immortal forever now."

Rias touched the gun, too. Kiryuu had a watery smile on her face. Yumoto told me that I would never lose his support. He would make the gun mad for me. Kiryuu looked up at me, and she replied now.

"I will serve a man who fights for me and my friend. He calls you Omnissiah. I don't know what that means yet, but my king has my unconditional support. I want to move in. The orphanage has to let me go soon, and I was worried that I would be homeless. Please let me stay."

I felt horrible there. She was like me, but her family probably didn't have enough money to support her after she left the system. She would have to drop out, get a job, and stay in the cycle. I answered without hesitation.

"You're welcome here, Kiryuu-chan. We will talk about rent but you can pay it back with school. I love knowledge and I want my peerage to be knowledge seekers. Now what piece would you like when I do get the set? I'd say bishop because they gain additional magic powers. But your you and have an equal say here."

Kiryuu beams, and she grabs my hand, squeezing it in thanks. Rias is about to say something, but Kiryuu asks instead.

"Can you describe them all?"

I did that and Kiryuu listened to each piece. She said when I was done.

"Bishop. I'm more of a background person, and I'd rather not be in the front like rooks, knights, or pawns. It helps with memory if I can't see what I did. I will help my king hunt the bad ones. I can never thank you enough for this, Gregor-kun."

I smiled again before I pulled my carapace helm out of my holder. I handed it to Kiryuu, and she took it confused. I explained.

"Something on that helm will help you not remember things very much, Kiryuu-chan. So, you don't have to see what we do. As for joining us I will get you ready for it. Till I get my pieces, you're just my silly housemate. I'll say the same thing I said to Issari. Just don't stare at my ass."

Kiryuu barked out, laughing. She was happier than ever before, and she held the helm like a teddy bear. Rias looked unamused by that, but we were interrupted by purrs. As Issari and Akeno entered the room, Issari was purring up the storm, and Akeno was just head-patting Issari. When Issari saw Kiryuu, she stopped purring and grew excited again.

"Kiryuu-chan! This is my senpai Akeno-chan! She's also at the school! Did you say yes?"

Akeno was fufufuing at the enthusiasm there. Rias grew amused now, and Kiryuu stopped laughing and nodded.

"I did. He is everything you said he is and more. Issari-chan, meet my future king."

Issari whooped, and Akeno clapped for me. Rias just smiled, and I didn't get this universe. But when did I get the old one, either? I do need to do something more today.

I turned my eyes to Rias, and she froze. Before, she did a small whimper in something I'm ignoring for now. I say to her while deathly serious.

"Bring the racist here. She has something that needs to be shown to your brother. I want this done fast. Do. It. Now."

Rias ran out of the room fast. Issari was amused as was Kiryuu. Akeno is confused.

"Why do you want to talk to Koneko? She has been sulking since Monday. Not as racist as before, but I did catch her calling you a disgusting halfbreed last night."

Kuroka matters more than her stupid sister. I say this because I see Kiryuu immediately, not like Shirone. Issari growls her dragon growls.

"I ran into a stray earlier this week who was different. They told me their story, and I want to believe it. With everything I have seen of strays, I know they are equally split on why they run. I want confirmation of it because it might help strike against the GKF. After all, what would you do as one of two super devils if you learned that your political opponents are trying to mass-produce that power?"

Akeno grew bone white. Issari grinned knowingly. Kiryuu likes me more now, Akeno said, still shaking.

"You ran into her. The S-class criminal."

I smile my smirk smile and nod.

"I did. She seems fun and is completely unlike the racist. The GKF hate me already so I might as well give them real reasons to hate me more. I am thinking of having her as my queen."

Issari began manically laughing. Kiryuu likes me more than ever.

"My king is cool. You should join Issari-chan. We could terrorize the school together. Not that way but we get the cool kids. I haven't had that before."

Issari stopped laughing. She shrugged.

"Naw, I got something better. Have fun being a magic girl. I'll stick with my sword and gun. I'll teach you them! Welcome to the Warriors of Mars!"

It's then that Rias returns pushing Koneko into the room fast. The first year was confused until she saw me. Then she paled before growing angry. She spat at me.

"What do you want, half, half-breed."

Everyone else in the Warriors of Mars and I looked unimpressed. Akeno now looks at me and she understands more than ever. I say to the cat.

"To set you straight. Give me your hair clips, cat."