Chapter 4

And now it is TRAINING TIME!

Issei will now begin to experience his training with the different servants as well as installing his own Heroic Spirit, along with Venelana Gremory trying to have a more...intimate relationship with Issei while training him, much to the amusement of Leonidas.

So, let's begin!

A Month Later, after the last chapter.

Issei was breathing steadily as he was relaxing in Medea's arms, who was also enjoying the cuddle session with her master. Medea loved cuddling with her master since she was enjoying the time together without the other women trying to sink their claws into her beloved husband. Leonidas found it amusing, having teased her about being a coddling wife.

This resulted in Leonidas suffering the Flying Frying Pan of Death, leaving the Spartan king stumbling, much to the surprise of Semiramis, who was curious how a frying pan did that much damage to the Shielder. Medea was enjoying her dreams of the two of them doing the deed and having a child of their own, a talented baby boy or girl with long purple or brown hair, along with her pointed ears. Still, they would have the eyes of their fathers as well as his kind and perverted personality.

Medea was still okay with the Harem Plan that Issei dreamed about, but he wanted to make Medea happy as well. Hence, he asked for her permission, which meant that Medea had interviewed Semiramis, knowing that the Poison Queen was someone she trusted with her beloved. The troublesome ones were Scathach and the new Saber of the group, despite how cute she is in the many outfits she willingly (cough forced cough) wears to take multiple pictures.

Venelana was an entirely different problem since she had also been educating Issei on how to use his Sacred Gear, Annihilation Maker, which amazed the witch as she could imagine the possibilities for her master should he use its full power, which gave the witch wonderful idea that involved her Noble Phantasm and Issei's agreement with the plan she had in mind for the Sacred Gear.

Unfortunately, her dreams and thoughts were interrupted by the beeping of Issei's alarm clock. Medea was tempted to destroy it, but Issei beat her to it by hitting the off button.

"Don't even think about it, Medea," Issei said as he slowly opened his eyes to see the mop of purple hair belonging to Caster.

Medea's eyes met his stare, and she pouted at him.

"I want some more time with you before I have to send you to your training with that Devil," Medea said.

Issei nodded and looked at his first Servant with a sleepy grin before kissing her lips. Medea moaned as she reciprocated the kiss, transferring mana in the meanwhile.

"Can't we stay like this for just a bit longer?" Medea asked.

Issei smiled at her request before hugging her tighter. "Of course we can. I'll spend as much time as you need before I go to training."

Medea smiled at him before the two cuddled even more until Issei's phone vibrated. The witch groaned in disappointment as she saw the caller ID was none other than Scathach.

"Tch. Stupid Lancer." Medea scoffed as she ignored the call before shoving the phone in her bust.

She snuggled alongside her lover before the phone vibrated again, making her tic mark appear even larger until she just turned the phone off before smiling at her plan.

'Serves you right, you stupid sadist.' Medea muttered.

She was about to enter dreamland with her husband once again until she was met with the face of an irate Scathach.

"I'm sorry, Medea. What did you call me just now?" Scathach asked as Medea was frozen in fear like a deer in front of headlights until she swallowed her spit and looked down to see Issei was wrapping his arms around her waist, which made the Queen smile a bit before she glared back at the witch.

"Did I say stupid sadist?" Medea stuttered, sweating in fear. "I-I mean wonderful Queen."

She hoped to have escaped death, only to receive a punch to the head, sending her crashing into the wall. With the witch disposed of, Scathach picked up Issei in a bridal carry out of the room.

"I'll take him with me while you freshen up. Unlike you, I am trying to keep him on a good sleep schedule." Scathach said as she teleported away, thanks to the special wards of Semiramis.

Medea could only growl in indignation with Issei being taken from her soft body. "Tch. You may have won the battle but not the war."

With a huff, Medea left the bedroom to freshen up and prepare some food for Issei after Scathach tortured her beloved master.

Still, it was a wife's duty to make sure her husband was safe from the abuse that he would endure. When the supernatural world is aware of who he is, Issei will have no choice but to get involved, mostly due to Venelana wanting to establish a more intimate relationship between them rather than the whole familiar ritual.

Medea knew that Venelana was an extremely powerful magic user, but she would rather die again than let the Devil of a woman seduce her husband to take him away from her.

"Now to get ready to help my husband with his training," Medea said as she said.

Looking at the calendar in the hallway, she saw that it was almost time for the second part of his training to begin. Some surprise Venelana talked about some surprise for the teenager.

"I do hope he's prepared for whatever crazy scheme Venelana is planning," Medea said as she then headed to the kitchen and wrapped her apron around her waist before cooking a nice brunch for her master after Scahtach finished torturing Issei.

Meanwhile, with Venelana.

"So, is it still okay for me and my friends to come to Kyoto for some special training, Yasaka?" Venelana asked the leader of the Yokai.

{Of course. After hearing about your students and friends, the Shinto Gods and Kunou are interested in seeing these friends of yours. It'd be nice for Kunou to meet some people her age.} Yasaka said in response.

She was happy to have Issei associate with Kunou since she thought the two would be able to hit it off as friends.

"Wonderful! We'll be at my summer house there in Kyoto after today, so we'll be able to meet you around tomorrow morning. Would that be an acceptable time?" Venelana asked as Yasaka looked over the schedule for tomorrow.

{Of course. We'd be more than happy to have you for breakfast. Also, it'll be an excellent way for the Shinto Gods and myself to see these people you spoke about.}

"Wonderful! See you soon, Yasaka. Give Kunou my regards. I can't wait to see how much she's grown." Venelana said as Yasaka smiled and replied.

{I shall. See you tomorrow, Venelana.} Yasaka said with Venelana smiling for the scheduled meeting.

Venelana had been planning an opportunity for not only Issei but also the Heroic Spirits to associate with the Youkai Faction. She knew about Kunou having trouble with her lessons from Amaterasu and Tsukiyomi, so she thought that Issei coming along would be a way not only to help strengthen the Devils' relationship with the Youkai Faction. She also thinks it would be a good idea for Issei to associate with Kunou since he's changed a lot in the last month due to his training and interest in mastering his abilities with his team.

Leonidas was more like a mentor and older brother figure to Issei, who helped him become stronger in physical terms but also gave him some advice on how to associate with Artoria since the Saber is a tsundere. Alone with her master, the goth girl seemed to turn into a blushing mess due to her embarrassment. Medea teased the poor knight a lot and crushed her pride with the outfits she kept for the fashion show.

Scathach, the Servant of the Gremory Ruler, had a stronger relationship since the two were the same in a way. They bonded over their knowledge, experiences in war, and learning about their respective cultures.

Scathach enjoyed being around the mature Devil and even asked for some advice in teasing Issei. The Lancer seemed to enjoy messing with her master, which led to Issei developing a sixth sense for when the Lancer was up to something.

Then again, Venelana didn't have room to talk since she enjoyed messing with the boy, which led to the most adorable reactions. Medea or Artoria took their master away from the 'perverted cougars.' Semiramis had a wonderful relationship with Issei since Semiramis, as the Servant, tended to Issei's wounds and helped him control his new abilities. Her assistance was much more substantial for Issei's survival after going through a ritual of poison.

Venelana was truly amazed by the progress Issei had made in the last month. She hadn't witnessed such growth in a human, no less. He may live up to the mantle as the heroes of old did. His Sacred Gear and deepening connection to the Avenger card almost guaranteed it.

But it also meant a bigger target on his back by the wider supernatural world.

Issei had been working hard to get used to not only his magic training but also his physical training. Leonidas and Scahtach were not pushovers; both were famed but brutal teachers of warriors. They broke his body so many times that he was practically rebuilt stronger than before.

Venelana giggled at the memory before looking over the paperwork that was on her desk. She wanted to make sure that the work was done before she took Issei and the others to the Youkai Faction. This would give Issei more experience interacting with Kunou and possibly the other Youkai. It would help the boy in developing his diplomacy skills. There was also the problem of the wild-mannered Susanoo wanting to clash with Issei and the other servants that followed Issei.

"I can't wait to see his reaction when he wants to pet Kunou's tails," Veneleana tittered under her breath. "He won't say it, but he has a soft spot for cute animals like those cats he enjoys playing with within the park."

She recalled the newest member of the group being the Archer of the servants.

"I do hope she doesn't try to kill Issei after he rubbed her ears and made her feel so flustered she tried to shoot him," Venelana said.

The Archer was similar to Artoria in a way, but it was due to her past with Artemis and not being around men for most of her life.

"I said I was sorry already, Atalanta. What more do you want from me?" Issei asked as he fired his rifle once more at the moving targets.

Atalanta's tail snapped back at him before she replied. "Why don't you let me shoot you, and we'll call it even."

Atalanta growled at Issei while the master rolled his eyes at the stubborn cat before shooting the last of the targets. He turned to see Atalanta glaring a hole in his head before sighing once more and walking towards her, which made her leap up onto one of the pillars hissing at him.

"Stay away from me, you pervert!"

"For the last time. It. Was. An. Accident!"

"Says the one who assaulted me!"

"I rubbed your ears 'cause I thought you were cosplaying. Who expects an archer that was part of Artemis' group to be part cat?"

"Says the boy who has the power to summon anything he desires due to his Sacred Gear."

Issei opened his mouth once more but stopped as he registered what she said before nodding.

"Touché."

Their banter was soon ended when Artoria walked towards her master with her helmet on and readied her sword.

"Master!" Artoria spoke. "It's time to take you for combat training. You are improving in your skills as a spearman, but I wish to push you to become more skilled in combat, whether you wield a weapon or not or even use magic."

Issei nodded before Atalanta watched him leave to head to the arena with the Tyrant of Knights.

Once, for sure, she couldn't hear him anymore, she left the pillar she was on and headed towards the garden. There, she saw Semiramis sitting on a bench and reading a book. The Queen looked up at the Archer and smiled at her.

"Ah, Atalanta. I'm surprised to see you here in my garden." Semiramis said. "You spend most of your time in target practice."

Atalanta scowled at the Assyrian Queen. This was not the first time the two had met each other. Oddly enough, as soon as Atlanta was summoned, a new memory of a time before this was given to them. In another world, there was a once Greater Grail War. A massive ritual consisting of fourteen servants divided into two factions. Atlanta was summoned as an Archer, with Semiramis serving as an Assassin in the same faction. Their relationship was cordial, but Atlanta was better off keeping an eye on the poisonous Queen.

Besides, there were other memories she'd rather forget.

The all-consuming towards Ruler. The feel of Rider's spear impaling her. The drip of blood from her arrows. The sad smile on his face. Achilles' arm held her close as they were disappearing back to the throne.

Atlanta's fists clenched tightly as she banished the memory.

"You're not wrong. However, I would like to ask for your personal opinion."

Semiramis gave the Archer a knowing look. "It's about Issei, yes?"

"Indeed. I can't seem to wrap my head around him. He is not like the homunculus who followed Jeanne," Atalanta said.

On the other hand, she still had lingering loathing for her old master - Ruler Kotomine - and the pink-haired Rider, who was more an annoyance than a real fighter.

"Well, you're not wrong; however, I can see Issei for who he is, and thanks to our connection with him, I can see his true self," Semiramis said as she looked up from her book and replied to her. "Issei Hyoudou is an interesting person since he isn't like other mages who desire the grail or power but instead wishes to become a Hero to protect his home and family. It was a dream he shared with his childhood friend a long time ago, but sadly, he almost gave up on that dream before that troll gave him the cards to summon us."

Atalanta nodded as she could tell that Issei wasn't a bad person. Still, she has her issues with men, especially after hearing about her mother's past lover, Orion, the one who tricked her into almost losing a race when using a Golden Apple, which was the reason she despised the fruits.

"Indeed. Issei is a kind person who wears his heart on his sleeve, but he is so open with this desire to be Harem King." Atalanta said with a curl of her lips.

"Issei is truly an amusing person, but his smile hides the pain of betrayal," Semiramis said. "Does that remind you of anyone?"

Atlanta nodded wordlessly. Her hands twitched as memories of her life were brought to the forefront. Along with knowledge from the Throne of Heroes, she was not a stranger to betrayal.

Artemis may hate all men except for male children. She loved all children, innocent as they were. However, she would never stoop so low as to pretend to like someone before stabbing them in the heart. Any wicked foe willing to play with other's hearts would meet one of her arrows through their skull.

"I hope I never see her because if I do see her, then I'll gladly put an arrow in her head and feast on her flesh," Atalanta snarled.

Her eyes glowed brightly before her aura became dark purple. Idly, Atlanta reached for the pelt of the Calydonian boar. A hand was placed on her head and brought her out of her dark thoughts.

"Calm down," Semiramis spoke sternly as a queen flexing her authority. "I'm sure Issei will be able to deal with her when the time comes, but before that time does come, we'll help him become stronger," Semiramis said as the ground began to shake until Atalanta's ears perked up at the sound.

"Sounds like Issei is going all out against the three of them. Idiot trying to fight three Servants. He's begging to be killed."

"Don't worry, Archer," Semiramis placated. "He's more than capable of defending himself, and his new body is helping his healing factor keep up with the others. I only worry about the damage I'll have to repair once his training is over."

Meanwhile, in said arena.

"Hah!" Issei yelled as he slammed a left hook into Leonidas's shield.

A great gong-like sound echoed throughout, but the Shielder did not budge. The Servant smirked as Issei then dodged Scathach's spear. That left him open as Artoria tried with her sword poised to strike him in the middle of his maneuver. Issei's shadow became a massive fist that punched her stomach, successfully getting Saber to back off. Issei backed away to get some breathing room until Leonidas came charging back at him. He reacted in time to will the massive fist to shield his body.

But it was a window for the god killer to exploit.

"Not good enough!" Scathach shouted as her spear pierced through the hand.

There was just enough to cushion the blow from a lethal level. Issei felt his body vibrate as he was slammed by the shield and sent flying into the arena wall.

Issei coughed up a bit as he slowly got back up, his wounds slowly closing. He then smirked in excitement despite the pain.

"Hehe. I guess I'm really in a mind. Time to summon my servants." Issei said as he then let his aura explode.

His body became covered in crimson armor, and his spear glowed brightly until it had a purple hue. His left eye also changed to blood red as his hair also grew and became a combination of dark brown, purple, and blood red.

Issei's aura then unleashed multiple animals like rats, wolves, bats, and even shadows themselves before he began to stab them all as his wounds began to close even faster.

"Using familiars is cheating!" Artoria exclaimed.

Issei smirked at her. "All is fair in love and war. None was saying my familiars couldn't assist me."

He had his shadow bring out a copy of himself in the same crimson armor but where the eyes were crimson red. A floating array of sword constructs hung around it.

"Crimson Avatar. Attack!" Issei shouted.

The avatar charged at Leonidas and began to attack him recklessly. Leonidas defended himself with ease but left Issei free to act in a counterattack. Artoria was being forced to backpedal as she deflected rifle shots. Around Issei, multiple rifles were suspended in their counting to pelt Artoria to keep her distracted. With her busy, Issei rushed towards Scathach.

Artoria idly thought of flexing more power into Excalibur to dispel the weaponry but stayed her hand. She wanted to see how Issei's supposed rush attack was going to play out.

'It's the Avenger spirit influencing him since I can tell that Oda Nobunaga and Issei are enjoying this fight as well,' Scahtach thought as she then readied her spear, which was becoming longer and sharper. 'In that case…'

Issei's smile became larger as his aura then increased in power, which forced the avatar to leave Leonidas as the Shielder left the arena as he knew this would be the finishing blow.

"This spear is an embodiment of who I am."

"Swarm the six heavens and cover the whole world."

"And I am the epitome of the spear."

"Gáe Bolg Alternative!"

"Papiyas Reborn: Hajunhenjō ･ Demon King of The Thousand Heavens Ten Maō!"

The two shouted as Scahtach launched her spear, and Issei laughed while punching as his rifles fired upon the witch, causing a massive collision on both sides that devastated the whole arena. Leonidas looked at the damage and sighed as he saw Issei return to normal with a large grin on his face while Scahtach pulled herself out of the rubble. Artoria was rooted to her speed by digging her feet through the floor.

"I'm going to have to tell Semiramis that we'll need a new arena," Leonidas said as he then heard Medea come out of a teleportation circle and gasped at the damage.

"What the hell happened here?!"

After the fight, Medea and Semiramis scolded Artoria, Scathach, and Issei before letting them have lunch, which resulted in a spectacle for all of the people in the buffet.

"Mm! This food is amazing! I haven't anything like even during my era," Artoria said as she continued to gobble down her twentieth plate.

All while completely oblivious to the shocked audience in the restaurant. Issei was already preparing apologies to the staff.

"I'm sorry about her," Issei said. "She's ravenous, so she doesn't know when to stop."

Unfortunately, that wasn't the end of it. In one corner, Leonidas was slurring because Scathach swapped the king's drink for some beer while Semiramis sighed at the trio. Atalanta, on the other hand, was feasting on her meal of fish with the zeal of a cat as her tail wagged. Medea was enjoying her strawberry cake, causing none of the fuss, unlike the other Heroic Spirits. She even used her magecraft to hide away Atlanta's animal features when the Archer wasn't keeping them in check.

"Please mind your manners, Leonidas. We're in a restaurant, and it's rude to the other patrons to cause such a stir." Semiramis said while sneaking a hand onto his shoulder.

As alcohol could loosely be deemed a poison, it took some finesse to manipulate it within the Lancer by increasing its potency. Her efforts were awarded with Leonidas passing out. Issei returned with a defeated expression.

"We're seriously going to lose a lot of money because of her massive stomach," Issei said as he looked at his empty wallet.

Semiramis comforted him with a pat on the back. "There, there. We'll be able to get through this master. It's not your fault that Saber turns into a greedy pig and eats everything on her plate with the manners of a barbarian."

Artoria was shocked by the comparison before slamming her hands on the table in outrage. Scathach was stifling her laughter while Medea couldn't help but be amused by the scene before her eyes.

"Eating the food of another land is the best way to understand the people better," Saber proclaimed. "Isn't that right, Atalanta?"

"Don't drag me into this," Atalanta said as she was enjoying her second serving of fish.

Semiramis rolled her eyes. "Oh, please. You'll say anything as an excuse to shove food into your bottomless pit of a stomach. Meanwhile, some of us who are actual rulers know how to eat in a public place and not embarrass our entourage to the public."

She began to feed Issei some of her meal with the grace of a royal. The magus enjoyed the gesture until Artoria scooted over in jealousy.

"Master, you should have some more meat to build your muscles," Artoria said as she shoved an offering into his mouth before he could answer.

He choked on the morsel from the sudden invasion into his orifice. A harder pat from Semiramis (Editor's Note: E-rank Strength is allegedly ten times more than peak human form) gave him back his breath. The Poison Master shook her head in disappointment while Artoria felt like she was going to be scolded again. Issei stopped coughing and patted her snowy hair, making Artoria blush a bit before he smiled at her.

"It's okay Artoria," Issei forgave. "Just don't shove food into my mouth next time."

Saber nodded and began to enjoy being fed cake. Atlanta frowned at the pair but went back to her meal without a word.

Semiramis, Scathach, and Medea laughed at the sight since they hadn't enjoyed something like this in a long time, while Leonidas slowly opened his eyes and smirked at his brother.

"Heh, you are a lucky brat," Leonidas said as he ate his meal. "I'm really looking forward to this new life."

"Mm! Nothing beats a bath after a day of training and a wonderful meal," Artoria said as she enjoyed the effects of the pool.

"Is there anything you do know how to do besides training, fighting, eating, and sleeping?" Semiramis asked as she sat away from the Saber until Artoria fired back at the Poison Queen.

An ugly scowl marred Artoria's face. "At least I can fight, unlike you, who would resort to poison. I know how to assist my master in battle. What can you do?"

"Oh, I don't know. I mean, it's not like I have a powerful fortress that can easily take out entire armies, keep the enemies out of the gardens, create a massive army of Dragon Tooth Soldiers, and provide a base of operations for my master and his future factions members. Still, it's probably nothing to you," Semiramis said coyly. "Should I mention my pet Phantasmal Beasts I have within my castle? Right Artoria Pendragon? Fallen King of Britain."

"Say that again. I dare you."

"What's wrong?" Semiramis pressed on. "Upset because I revealed your true name and past? Although, how is it you were summoned in this state? Where is this perfect king I was told about? All I see is a cruel tyrant whose brutality is her blade. Whatever belief you instilled in the Saxons to make you like this, I applaud. I wonder, how would your witch of a sister react seeing you like this?"

Artoria was about to let loose on the Assassin until a hand hit the top of her head, making her turn to see Medea scolding the two.

"That's enough out of you both," Medea said. "Semiramis, it's unbefitting of a ruler to mock our fellow Servant. Issei accepts her, and so should you. She's a part of our team whether you like it or not."

"Don't let her bossy attitude get to you, Saber," Medea said. "That's just how she is with newcomers."

Artoria grumbled as she allowed Excalibur to disperse into motes of light. "She wasn't like that with Atalanta!"

"That's because Semiramis knows me, and I don't fall victim to her games like you," Atalanta said as she sighed and soaked in the bath while Venelana joined them.

"Now apologize and shake hands," Medea said.

Grumbling again, Artoria extended her hand, and Semiramis accepted. It didn't help Saber's wanting to punch in Assassin's smug face.

"Now kiss so you two can make up!" Issei shouted, sporting a blush around his cheeks.

"Leonidas, did you just give Issei alcohol!?" Exclaimed Medea.

"Just a little," Leonidas responded casually. "The boy's a lightweight."

"Boys," Venelana said, shaking her head.

"Has anyone seen Scathach?" Atlanta wondered. "I was sure she was right here with us before we got into the hot spring."

A shadowy figure emerged from behind Atalanta, and when the Archer turned around, she only saw a skull mask.

"AHHH!"

"Do you regret what you did to Atalanta in the bath, Scathach?" Issei scolded.

Scathach pouted while Atalanta was glaring daggers from a corner. The others decided to retire for the night as Issei got into his pajamas before seeing Venelana preparing a teleportation circle.

"You said there would be a surprise for us tomorrow, yes?" Issei asked. "Would you tell me what it is?"

Venelana giggled. "You'll just have to find out tomorrow."

"Not even if I give you a kiss?" Issei asked coyly.

Venelana was surprised by this before smiling, thinking Issei was caving into wanting a more intimate relationship with her.

"Well, it depends on how well the kiss is," Venelana whispered huskily.

She hugged Issei close to her body before closing her eyes and leaning to take his lips. Instead, she felt something sweet touch them. She snapped her eyes open to see Issei give her a chocolate kiss instead of a real one.

Venelana was so shocked she almost missed the smug look on his face.

"If you want the kiss, you'll have to earn it. Night Venelana." Issei said as he kissed her left cheek, letting him go from her arms before he left Venelana, teleporting back to her home before touching her lips and recalling the teasing smile before a smile of her touch appeared on her lips.

"Oh, I am so going to enjoy getting back at him when we enter Kyoto tomorrow," Venelana vowed.

Meanwhile, in Kyoto.

"So her training isn't going so well?" Yasaka asked.

Amaterasu nodded. "Indeed. Unfortunately, Kunou lacks control over her magic since she either puts too much or too little in her spells. Susanoo is excellent at helping her fight her opponents with power, but she must learn control over her powers to be careful of others around her. I do hope these guests will be able to help Kunou with her training."

Yasaka nodded, thinking back on her daughter's training. Kunou is excellent in combat but needs help controlling her power when using her fire or ice magic. She is hoping that Venelana's pupil can help her further.

"I believe they can," Yasaka said. "Now, we must prepare for their arrival. I have a hunch tomorrow will be quite eventful."

Amaterasu then left the room in a flash of light. Now alone, Yasaka's thoughts diverged to the incident with Kunou and the Hero Faction. A frown marred her face before sighing to herself.

"I do hope that we are prepared for whatever the Hero Faction throws at us," Yasaka said as she mentally prepared herself for the upcoming war.

And scene.

I've set up a poll for the next hero soon, so keep an eye out and let me know who you think should be the Rider. Ta-Ta!~