Chapter 29: Fallen
- Dohnaseek -
Abandoned Church
The fallen angel watched the purple-tinted moon, bored out of his mind since Raynare assigned him guard duty for the night. He didn't understand why it was even necessary, since the church they had taken over as a base has been abandoned for years. They also had a magical protection ward, no random humans would wander here by accident. And the devils wouldn't stick their filthy noses here either, they wouldn't dare want to mess up the uneasy stalemate between the three factions.
Plus, besides having three more fallen angels inside, they had a small horde of stray exorcists, they were completely safe from any outside threat.
Dohnaseek only needed to stay patient for a little while longer, their target Asia Argento would be arriving in town in the next day or two. Once Raynare successfully extracts the rare sacred gear from the banished holy maiden, they would all be recognized by Azazel and Shemhazai.
His senses perked up, when a mere human suddenly appeared from within the thick forest. Where the hell did he come from? The blond stranger didn't have a single supernatural quality to him at all, maybe it was a complete fluke?
Studying him closer, Dohnaseek concluded it was a random foolish human, who must have gotten lost within the trees late at night.
"Well, this is unfortunate." Dohnaseek amplified his voice, his favorite activity was taunting his opponent before brutally killing them. "Here you are, accidentally stumbling into someone like me."
The kid didn't even move a muscle after noticing him, was the poor human already frozen in fear?
"This is why I can't abide lower-class beings." Dohnaseek continued his monologue, smirking as he flexed his wings, flying closer to the brat. "Hmph, you're out here all by yourself? My analysis of this unfortunate situation, you're shit out of luck, kid."
Dohnaseek licked his lips, he planned on going on a hunt the next day. He would have preferred if it was a stray devil, but murdering this random human would be enough to satiate his bloodlust for now.
No one is going to miss this human, it was his own fault for trespassing in fallen angel territory.
Forming a glowing blue spear of light in his hands, Dohnaseek flung it at the uninvited guest, laughing in a manic delight.
As fast as he could blink, a bright golden shield manifested in the human's hand, completely consuming his spear.
"A Sacred Gear user?!" He yelled out in surprise, staring at the man with a growing sense of dread. "Who are you?"
- Mars -
"Heh, so you really thought I was just some normal human? Good to know my new stealth skill can also conceal my magical power, without activating my physically invisibility..." I smirk at the clueless fallen angel, happy with an unexpected development.
Sacred Gear 'The Ancile' hidden passive ability unlocked: The holy shield that fell from heaven absorbs all holy power, powering up the user
A small jolt of holy power runs through my veins, energizing me, thanks to Dohnaseek's weak light spear.
I was simply curious to see how strong his attack would be, but this new function of my shield is a very welcome development. I suppose I never had the chance to find out about this passive back when I was in the Solo Leveling world. So then what's going to happen when I fully max out the skill? The balance breaker is something I need to grind to unlock next.
"What are you, some kind of magician?" The nervous fallen angel stepped back, ready to call in his fallen reinforcements.
"Where do you think you're going?" I ask him, forcing him onto his knees with my [Ruler's Authority].
"Urgh! Let me go!" He hopelessly struggled against my telekinesis, barely able to move his lips to speak back.
Name: Dohnaseek
Level: 24
Race: Fallen Angel
Thoughts about you: You weren't some pathetic human after all, were you contracted with one of the shitty devils?
Reputation: - 50
"Answer my question, first." I look down on him. "Are the rest of the fallen angels inside the church?"
"How did you know about that?" Dohnaseek shoots a puzzled look at me, answering my question for me with his panicked eyes.
"Alright, let's go." I start to walk the path towards the entrance, keeping him suspended in the air as he is helpless in my grasp.
Arriving at the rundown church, I launch the fallen angel through the doors, surprising the group gathered inside.
Dohnaseek lands roughly, destroying a pew with my careless throw.
Taking a glance around the stunned room, I count three more fallen angels, surrounded by a few dozen harmless stray exorcists. Any statues and religious icons in the house of worship have been completely desecrated.
Name: Raynare
Level: 23
Race: Fallen Angel
Thoughts about you: She's worried, how did you find this place?
Affection: 10
Name: Kalawarna
Level: 22
Race: Fallen Angel
Thoughts about you: She's wondering how strong you are, if you can manhandle Dohnaseek like that
Affection: 5
Name: Mittelt
Level: 20
Race: Fallen Angel
Thoughts about you: She's intrigued, are you another toy she can play with?
Affection: 5
"What the? Who are you?!" Raynare broke the tense silence, each of the fallen eye me carefully, all holding a spear of light, while the exorcists pull out their light swords and light guns.
Without saying a word, I reveal only two of my shadow black wings, grinning as they look to each other in confusion. Knowing I can manipulate my power output now, it's fun to slowly reveal my true nature to these weak fallen.
"You're another fallen? What are you doing here?" Issei's pretend girlfriend questions me, wondering what the hell is going on.
Conjuring a black portal connected to my shadow, I pull out the tied up and unconscious Issei, no longer in critical condition thanks to Beru's S-tier healing.
"W-what the?! That's-" Raynare eyes went wide, staring at the would-be reincarnated devil on the ground.
"Oh Yuuma-chan, don't tell me you already forgotten your dear precious boyfriend after less than a day..." I mock Raynare, she can't believe he's still alive.
"Ha! That's the perv Sacred Gear user you were on a date with?" Mittelt chirped at Raynare, looking down on Issei.
"I heard you guys have a Sacred Gear extractor?" I point towards the altar behind them, where there should be a hidden staircase leading to a basement.
"Who said you can use that?" Dohnaseek arrogantly spat out at me, gripping his blue spear harder.
"Shut up, grunt. Don't interrupt me when I'm talking to your leader." I continue to antagonize the lone male fallen angel, casting [Taunt] with my words.
"I've had enough of this!" He fell for my provocations, looking at me with hate in his eyes. "What are we waiting for? He can't take on all of us!"
This is the perfect chance to test out some of my new abilities, these fallen angel goons are perfect test subjects.
- Raynare -
She watched as this unknown fallen angel continued to goad them on, specifically Dohnaseek, who was ready to explode in righteous fury at the disrespect.
The exorcists were waiting on their call, as soon as she or any of the fallen made a move they would provide support in a fight against this strange guest.
There was something chilling about him, but he only had two wings, he should know better than to start combat so heavily outnumbered.
Dohnaseek could no longer wait, rushing at the handsome fallen, the exorcists right behind him.
Suddenly a hideous bloodlust filled up the whole church, until it was completely suffocating. Every exorcist dropped their weapons, trembling in fear from the lone invader. Even the stronger fallen were affected, unable to act, as the man confidently walked up to Dohnaseek.
"How rude of me. I haven't even introduced myself. The name is Mars Valentino, it's a pleasure..." Mars bowed to everyone present, six more fallen wings sprouting free from his back.
Something was very wrong here, as his wings were somehow even darker than Azazel's never ending jet-black wings. She would have heard of an eight-winged fallen, only a pair away from Cadre level.
Mars generated two golden daggers of pure light, flipping them in his hands, as he towered over the shivering Dohnaseek.
"You're a battle maniac aren't ya? I'll give you a chance, show me everything you've got~" Mars released the paralyzing pressure, turning to the all of the stray exorcists and fallen. "The rest of you, do not interfere."
"You bastard..." Dohnaseek cursed the cocky young fallen, adjusting the fedora on his head, as he got ready to charge at Mars. "You're too full of yourself!"
Raynare's group watched as Dohnaseek futilely attempted to land a hit on Mars, who simply dodged every single strike aimed at him. His speed was unbelievable, it was like he was toying with Dohnaseek.
"Oh this is just sad..." Mars sighed out, the dagger in his right hand dissipated, a golden shield forming instead.
Mars smacked Dohnaseek with the mysterious shield, the enraged fallen dazed, as the blue light spear somehow absorbed into the shield, blue holy power could be seen flowing through his veins.
"Mutilation." Mars casually uttered, slicing up Dohnaseek with extraordinary speed, aiming for all of his weak points with no mercy.
The terrifying thing was, they could all tell Mars was holding back most of his power, the look in his eyes was dangerous, he was enjoying it, playing with his food.
"Urgh... Kill me already..." Dohnaseek choked out, an inch away from death.
"I'm not done with you, Dohnaseek." Mars chuckled, a holy golden aura began to envelop him.
Mars kneeled down, palming his large hand over the fallen angel's face, scaring the room even more as he healed Dohnaseek against his will.
- Mars -
This is absolutely the wrong way to use healing magic, but it just might be the most amusing way to utilize it.
Okay, I might be getting carried away, but I just had to try out all of my new assassin skills right here.
The traumatized Dohnaseek passed out from fear, despite all of his physical injuries being healed, I guess it doesn't work on emotional or mental damage. I slap him once, jolting him awake, as I pick up the passed out human, placing Issei in Dohnaseek's arms.
I look back to the rest of now deathly obedient fallen party, fully submissive thanks to my [Bloodlust] and inhumane showing.
"Let's head downstairs, shall we?" I gesture to three fallen women, who don't waste any time, activating the hidden switch, the altar moving to reveal a staircase. "Exorcists, keep watch up top."
Before I follow the fallen to the basement, I extend my shadow as far as I can, where I can keep full watch over my spread out shadow. Thanks to [Shadow Exchange] being maxed out, I have unlimited teleportation, akin to devil transportation spells.
Floating down the hidden passage, the four fallen angels look at me with a brutally earned respect.
"Come on now, do I have to spell it out for you lot?" I snicker at them, pointing to the silver cross on the elevated platform. "Dohnaseek. Chain him to the extractor."
He dutifully carried out my orders, placing Issei on the cross as fast as he can, not wanting to face my wrath again.
"What's so special about this weak human?" Kalawarna genuinely asked me, clearly no supernatural beings here can sense the true nature of Issei's Sacred Gear.
"Heh. You'll see." I shrug at them, turning to the leader of the group. "Yuuma-chan, if you would please help me with the extraction process."
Raynare has no choice but to follow my lead, it's either she takes my playful abuse or she can go through what Dohnaseek did.
I turn to the peacefully sleeping Issei, blissfully unaware of what's about to happen. It's a show of mercy as far as I'm concerned, keeping him in a magical coma. I can't imagine the painful process is anything close to enjoyable to any sacrificed user.
The cross began to glow red, an unholy energy being unleashed out from Issei as Raynare begins the extraction.
Climbing up the platform as the shackled Issei begins to spasm and shake uncontrollably, I let out a grin.
The Boosted Gear, one of the original thirteen Longinus Sacred Gears, the artifact was broken enough to allow a mere human to pose a threat to the big G and the original Satans. Well, if they were still alive, that is.
Sorry Issei, but just like I did with the Shadow Monarch powers, I'll be helping myself to the Red Dragon Emperor's Gauntlet. Plus, I fully believe I'll get along with Ddraig much easier than the oppai obsessed pervert would.
After a couple of seconds, an intense red sphere of energy exited from Issei's chest, where he began to breathe slowly, his life force rapidly draining.
Greedily grabbing the scarlet red power in my hands, I study it closely, a vivid green aura could be seen inside. Without wasting anymore time, I eagerly ingest it, accepting it into my heart, welcoming the pure power entering me all at once.
"Ahhhh!" I satisfyingly groan out, as a blinding bloody red light explodes from within, forcing the fallen angels to cover their eyes as I successfully receive the Sacred Gear.
They all look up at me with reasonable concern, as I can't help but laugh like a complete villain.
Sacred Gear unlocked: Boosted Gear
I can easily sense the brand new power, closing my eyes as I focus on the ravenous draconic energy. If I remember correctly, all I need to do is channel my strongest feelings, where the Boosted Gear will respond to my inner goals.
For Issei, it was his unquenchable thirst for naked breasts, but for me, I already know, it's my lustful gluttony for absolute power.
Envisioning a whole galaxy of universes where I stand alone at the very top, seated on my rightful throne, I can feel the Sacred Gear beginning to activate.
A green jewel materializes on my left hand, lighting up the whole basement with its green aura before a red gauntlet appeared on my wrist, two golden spikes sticking out on each side.
"All that for a Twice Critical?" Raynare scoffs at me, ignoring Issei as he takes his final breaths. "This human was worthless, you couldn't sense his lack of talent?"
"Give me a moment." I reply to her, admiring its initial state, knowing the actual nature of this heavenly artifact. "BOOST!"
A modest draconic vitality amplifies within me, where I can feel my strength grow. It almost feels illegal.
Your powers and abilities have been temporarily doubled
With just a single boost, I feel like I can stand far above any single being from the Solo Leveling world I came from. I can't wait to test it out against Antares and his armies.
But this isn't close to enough yet, I want more, I want everything this power can offer me, and all of the perks that come with it.
I'm not content to be just the Shadow Monarch, or just the Red Dragon Emperor... I will exploit the Gamer System until I'm a fucking deity, the vast multiverse will not be able to contain my ambitions.
As if approving of my avarice for unlimited power and influence, the gauntlet on my left wrist shined brilliantly, a green beam of pure power being unleashed from the jewel. The gauntlet extends up to my elbow, while five unbreakable claws grow, covering my hand completely.
EXPLOSION!
Your powers and abilities have been temporarily doubled (x2)
"Hahaha. Do you see now, Raynare?" I lift my armored hand up, showing off to the four fallen angels witnessing my ascension. "This isn't just some lowly Twice Critical..."
"Impossible!" Raynare and her goons back away from me, mortified. "How did we miss that Sacred Gear..."
I was already formidable as an eight-winged fallen Ruler Shadow Monarch, but now? I'm going to be a problem.
Azazel, Sirzechs and all of the powerful leaders of the Underworld cannot ignore me, once I officially reveal myself.
"I'm only going to ask you once." I warn them, activating my shadow armor for the first time in this universe, as well as Ashborn's pure black sword. "Follow me as my devoted servants, or die where you stand."
My new aura and appearance is a clash of the two worlds, the sharp red gauntlet on my left arm is a stark contrast compared to rest of my shadow form. In my right hand I hold my shadow sword, just one look at it promises a horrific death.
They all glance at each other, as I slowly stroll up to them, they already know they can't possibly escape from me.
"I yield..." Raynare speaks up first, dropping down to one knee in acceptance.
The other three look at her like she's crazy, neither of them moving, wondering what I'll do next.
"I'm glad. Raynare, I promise you will not regret this decision. In fact, you'll come to learn I'm more than generous if you continue to prove your loyalty to me." I nod my head, gently placing my left hand on her shoulder, where I cast my more potent [Power Bestowal] on her.
The fallen angel leader flinches back, before sinking forward, enjoying the feeling of my powers entering her.
[Raynare has been bestowed a fraction of your power]
She gasped in surprise, smiling evilly as she received a huge upgrade to her personal powers.
The three observing fallen had their jaws dropped, as Raynare has a new second pair of wings on her back, an immediate reward for submitting to me.
My first bestowed ally of this universe laughed manically once she noticed, as her biggest motivations for everything were to amass power by any means possible.
"Oh, Mars-sama..." Raynare looked back up to me with a frenzied piety, staring at me like I was the second coming of the big G, before slamming her head down on the ground, completely laid down in front of me in worship.
Kalawarna, Mittelt and Dohnaseek scrambled next to her, mimicking her worship for me as they realize what I have to offer. Oh you beautiful greedy bastards, we'll get along just fine if they know their place. You get more flies with honey than with vinegar, after all.
"Good, I'm glad you all can see the correct and obvious choice." I smile at them, helping Raynare up as the three remain on the ground. "Starting now, no more killing Sacred Gear users, and don't even think of starting any shit with any of the devils in town."
If I can utilize these fallen naturally cruel and selfish nature for my benefit, it'll be perfect, provided they stay obedient to me alone. And luckily, I have the perfect ability to ensure it.
A Monarch spell begins to possess me, feeling a dark purple energy swell within me.
[You have activated the skill Pledge of Servitude (Deal)]
[Once the skill has been granted, the acceptors must serve the initiator. Disobedience will be met with instant death]
Four shadow chains stretch out from my right hand, each of them wrapping around the fallen angel's throats.
"Raynare, Kalawarna, Mittelt, Dohnaseek..." I begin to chant, the ancient Monarch spell forming a contract with my words. "Obey me, fight for me, kill for me, die for me... If you pledge your lives to me, you will only come to know victory."
"I promise I will, Mars-sama!" Raynare displayed her vicious devotion to me, kissing the cold shadow chain connecting us.
The others accepted instantly after her, choosing me as their new master.
[Pledge of Servitude (Deal) has been formed]
[By mutual consent of both the initiator and the acceptors, fallen angels Raynare, Kalawarna, Mittelt and Dohnaseek shall serve you until the contract is terminated]
The chains disappear, always connected no matter how far away we drift.
"Excellent. If you three impress me, I will bless you, just like I did Raynare." I motivate them, the three fallen side eyeing Raynare with jealousy because of her new wings. "If you do well, you will all gain more power like you could never imagine, until you've even surpassed Cadre level. Now go back up, and keep watch for me, I must rest for I have a busy day tomorrow."
"Yes, Mars-sama" They all bowed to me in unison, before they all began to leave.
Canceling my Boosted Gear and shadow armor, I take a seat on one of the dusty recliners in the basement, pulling out my phone.
It's almost midnight, I have to wake up early tomorrow and be a student, at least I know the devils will think I'm just a human with a Sacred Gear, judging by how the fallen didn't even realize I was one of them.
I notice Raynare stayed behind, admiring her second set of wings. She meekly approached me, placing a hand on my leg. It seems she still wants to thank me for what I did tonight.
"Raynare..." I sigh fondly at her, liking her new attitude towards me. "Would you like to stay with me tonight?"
"It would be my honor!" She licked her lips hungrily, immediately taking off my pants as she smiles at me seductively. "Just sit back, allow me to pleasure you."
Her leather straps she used as clothing disappeared in a flash, eagerly getting on top of me, with her back facing me.
Roughly inserting myself into her with no hesitation she groans out loud. She's wet like crazy, she must have been turned on as soon as I bestowed upon her some of my power.
This is no human girl I'm with, a supernatural being like a pure fallen woman is literally built for corruptive rough sex. She's like a much more experienced Esil.
"Keep going." I order her, leaning back, checking my new status as our moans echo in the basement.
Name: Mars Valentino
Level: 205
Race: Fallen Ruler-Human Hybrid
Class: Assassin lvl. 6 / Holy Lightning Battlemage (MAX)
Title: Red Dragon Shadow Monarch Gamer
Perks:
Compassionate Commander
Demon Hunter
Ferocious Loyalty
Friendly Face
Giant Slayer
Lover's Link
Querehsha's Kiss
Skills:
Gamer's Mind (Passive) lvl. MAX
Monarch's Domain (Passive) lvl. MAX
Physical Endurance (Passive) lvl. MAX
Shadow Preservation (Passive) lvl. MAX
Dagger Mastery (Passive) lvl. 2 (Novice)
Hand-to-hand Mastery (Passive) lvl. 69 (Expert)
Magical Endurance (Passive) lvl. 85 (Master)
Spear Mastery (Passive) lvl. 81 (Master)
Shield Mastery (Passive) lvl. 75 (Expert)
Sword Mastery (Passive) lvl. 2 (Novice)
Holy Lightning (Active) lvl. MAX
Holy Light Manipulation (Active) lvl. MAX
ID Create (Active) lvl. MAX
ID Escape (Active) lvl. MAX
Observe (Active) lvl. MAX
Power Bestowal (Active) lvl. MAX
Ruler's Authority (Active) lvl. MAX
Shadow Exchange (Active) lvl. MAX
Shadow Extraction (Active) lvl. MAX
Shadow Manipulation (Active) lvl. MAX
Spiritual Body Manifestation (Active) lvl. MAX
Bless (Active) lvl. 5 (Novice)
Bloodlust (Active) lvl. 4 (Novice)
Boosted Gear (Active) lvl. 2 (Novice)
Flight (Active) lvl. 61 (Expert)
Heal (Active) lvl. 10 (Novice)
Mutilation (Active) lvl. 3 (Novice)
Stealth (Active) lvl. 13 (Novice)
Taunt (Active) lvl. 39 (Apprentice)
The Ancile (Active) lvl. 75 (Expert)
Quicksilver (Active) lvl. 5 (Novice)
Shadows:
Commander (SSS):
Igris
Architect
Beru
General (SS):
Tusk
Kaisel
Cyclops
Greed
Samurai
Elite Knight (S):
Jima
Tribal Chief
Groctar
Baruka
Iron
Kang
Tank
Buryura
Giants (31)
Treefolk Centaurs (33)
High Orc Generals (4)
Hyakki (24)
Yetis (8)
Giant Ants (36)
Knight (A):
Naga (50)
High Orcs (450)
Golems (12)
Centipedes (25)
Winged Ants (8 100)
Assassins (10)
Mages (10)
Archers (10)
Infantrymen (19)
Bears (30)
Tribal Warriors (400)
Orcs (200)
Baruka's Warhorse
Elite (B):
Jackals (20)
Familiar:
Cerberus
Level: 1
Race: Demon (Canine)
"HAAAH~" Raynare screamed in bliss, as she rode me with all of her newly enhanced power. "Please, finish with me!"
I oblige, no longer holding back, releasing everything I've got saved deep in my devoted fallen angel servant.
Next up, meeting up with the devils in Kuoh Academy as the mysterious transfer student. What could go wrong?
- BONUS -
- Freed Sellzen -
The self proclaimed psychopath laid back in the couch, feeling energized in a post-murder euphoria.
As a stray exorcist, he took his duties very seriously, loving to spend all of his time hunting monsters and stray devils. He was particularly joyful, having just brutally torn apart a misguided human who dared to setup a contract with the disgusting devils. After all, it was up to him to thoroughly punish the wicked.
He wanted to purge all of the devils in this town, the scum of the Underworld needed to be eradicated at all costs. His crusade would take time, starting with every single human who associated themselves with devils. The eviscerated human on the floor underneath him was just another masterpiece to add to his rapidly growing collection.
Freed carefully wiped clean the tainted blood from his holy sword, he was pleased that he set a record with most bits of meat shredded from a single target. The dark urge to eliminate his opposition not even close to being satisfied.
The disgraced priest allied with the fallen angels, specifically Raynare and her small band of strays, their holy plan was so close to completion.
His face twisted, thinking of Asia Argento, the excommunicated nun was on her way from Italy, the naive maiden had no idea what was in store for her. Her Sacred Gear, Twilight Healing, would be best served in the hands of the Grigori, the shitty devils and deplorable angels don't dare deserve to wield such an artifact.
He imagined the look on poor little Asia's face, one of his favorite pastimes was defiling virgins. But for a priest to desecrate a former holy maiden, he shook in vulgar pleasure, imagining corrupting her innocence.
Before he got too carried away, he composed himself, leaving the bloodstained house, looking up at the night sky. He decided to take the long way to the church, praying he would run into anymore subjects needing saving.
AN: Here's a quicky 29, feelin inspired lately. New universe, new power hungry Mars.
GG Issei, you will be missed. Prepare for an even more devious Mars, now that he's a lot stronger in this ecchi world. He might not be a devil but Mars is certainly on his demon time, we're going full unapologetic power fantasy mode now. I'm not going to take this silly universe too seriously, let's have some good old fun :P
Anyway for now, Mars will be hiding his true power, namely his shadow soldiers, so expect a more classic Jinwoo-like stealthy approach, as Mars meets more of the DxD cast. He'll be a lot more selective when it comes to choosing who to reveal his real nature to in DxD.
I'm going to try to keep the arcs contained, I guess, focusing on different groups, obviously starting with Raynare's squad, and then Rias and Sona's peerages. By the way, Mars will not be joining anyone's peerage, but that doesn't mean he won't be allied with some of the devils.
Fun fact for anyone who cares, The Ancile, the custom Sacred Gear I gave Mars all the way back in chapter 1 is a real historic artifact. It was the Roman God Mars' legendary holy shield that fell from heaven, which sounded fuckin perfect for Mars when I started planning this crossover.
Speaking of Mars, while I was lost in the DxD wiki rabbit hole, I realized Mars looks a lot like a younger Azazel. Mars was heavily inspired from the visual novel/lewd game Hero Party Must Fall by Nitrolith. If you know, you know.
I appreciate all the feedback, hope you guys like where I'm going with this. And if anyone is curious, yes, the entirety of the first Solo Leveling act was just so Mars can enter DxD strong as all fuck, where he can basically do whatever he wants while many beings have no choice but to accept the new reality.
See y'all next time.