REVIEWS:
khulakahlefufu: Bingo because you pretty much guessed everything right the first time! But if you want clarifications, then Demons are, on average, on the level of Ultimate-Class Devils. That being said, a notable number of them were above this class, but back then there was no Super Class to name it. As for the Seraphin? They are equal to the Super Devils in power, but even among them, we need to keep in mind their roles. Not all of them are warriors. Now onto the current review! Rias' move was a bit iffy, I admit, but it was the only way to silence a large majority of the suitors since not a lot have the balls to go against the Red Dragon Emperor. Also, the Devils do not really know of Valerie, but the Snake of Adam knows a lot.
Nanayalucas: HA! Thank you, and I will be sure to bring some of that part of her into action a bit more in future chapters.
Xerzo LotCN: My man, please, you are killing me XD. The day you join the discord will be a joyous day, as you can ask all questions directly to me. Ima answers the short parts, namely, the fact that the dragon he gets the blood from does not matter. Did you forget Rassei, or something?
T.V. 2000: Ravel using a Ravel? It'd be funny to see her wielding a clone of herself into battle XD. Nah, I get what you mean, and ima try to see if I can touch on that. Now, with draconic pieces, it doesn't matter the amount, as there is no stacking bonus. As for Asia? You are making me think of the TF2 Medic's Crossbow.
DrakeAedus: No, the bonuses do not stack. However, getting two does give the hybrid promotion, which will be quite something for her when unlocked and mastered.
soupking: How many times do I gotta explain so much...The Party System WAS needed so it could become the current Peerage System Issei uses. Also, he was thrash in cannon with magic, like oh my lord, it was awful. In my fic, I at least helped him fix that, and now he is quite skilled with it. As for Danbooru? He wasn't fooling the system itself, but do understand there will be enemies with abilities that hide their own stats from Issei. Plus, Danbooru was a beast compared to Issei, at the time. No winning chance for our boy.
Zetsway11: A flamer? Well, time to get my trusty water bucket.
T.V. 2000: Hmm? My dude, the answer is Smut. FF has some things, but that aside, I am not really ok with writing smut involving underaged characters. I at least made them 18, which is the legal age here.
This aside, thank you once again to everyone supporting this story! Horns OUT!
Discord: /9ZjeQaz4Sv
The very next day after he had welcomed Rias among his group, Issei has been discussing his plans with Solomon in order to set an order in which to make his moves. They ultimately decided to go to Gasper, first, as Rias had already prepared their meeting. Hence they were currently at the Old School Building, before the sealed door. Rias was there with him, but she was not alone. Akeno, Koba, and Koneko were also there.
"I thought it was going to be just us. You did mention he was shy." Issei stated.
"He is, but considering he is part of my peerage, everyone already knows him. He is comfortable around us, so I thought that us being here would work to calm him." Rias replied.
Issei hummed in acknowledgment. "True, that is very true."
"I honestly cannot believe today is the day he is coming out," Akeno said. "Hopefully, he is not too terrified of the outside world."
"He is sure to be fine," Kiba said. "Besides, Issei here is not a bad person. Surely, Gasper will understand that."
"Still, we should be ready," Koneko said. "That scared vampire likes to stay in his box more than anything."
"Box?" Issei asked.
"He doesn't…We couldn't find him a proper coffin." Rias replied awkwardly. "Not that he'd take any."
"I see…Well, let's proceed, shall we?" Issei said as he went to the door, and put his hand against it. There was a seal on it, however, he had a nudging feeling that a bit of Solomon's groove would do the trick. He summoned forth his seal, and sure enough, the demonic power powering the seal vanished almost instantly. "Huh…Should register this as some seal-breaking ability."
Skill Gained!
[Solomon Seal Breaker] (Level MAX): A move that enables you to remove seals placed by Devils and Fallen Angels with the use of Solomon's power. Costs 500 Mana per use. You can only break a seal if the MGI of the one who cast it is not more than double your own.
"Good." With that done, Issei reached for the door and slowly opened it. The room was dark and had only a few candles providing any form of light. The windows were covered with thick blankets. And in the center of that room stood one lonely…Box. A box, which currently, seemed to be shivering.
"Gasper, there is someone here I'd like you to meet," Rias said, stepping toward the box.
"I-I don't wanna!" The boy's voice sounded very high-pitched, and if not for Rias telling him otherwise, he might have mistaken it for a girl's voice at first.
"Gasper…" Rias sighed softly. "This here is Issei Hyoudou. He is the Red Dragon Emperor."
Gasper seemed to react to that knowledge, as his eyes peeked through the hole in the box, looking at him. A violet-pinkish light came from the boy's eyes as he looked at the other man, but then they vanished, almost as quickly as they appeared. "He seems…fishy."
"This boy surely hasn't learned his manners yet."
"Give him time, Solomon. He's a shy mess."
"Gasper, I do not wish to harm you, so please, just come out of the box," Issei said, going closer slowly. "Or better yet, mind if I open the box myself?"
"H-how do I know you are to be trusted?" Gasper asked again
"If I try anything, Rias is here and she can just blast me with her power of destruction," Issei said, which took the room a bit by surprise that he'd offer such a guarantee. However, it seemed to work.
"O-ok. But be gentle." Slowly, Issei went to the box, and slowly, he opened it, revealing the person within.
"Are those…girl clothes?" Issei asked as he saw Gasper for the first time.
He was an effeminate-looking male with platinum blond hair and pinkish-violet eyes. His hair was styled in a short bob cut with several small fringes over his forehead, and he had pointed ears. However, what drew Issei's attention the most was how he dressed. The boy was wearing girl clothing! Fuck, he was willing to bet he went as far as underwear, considering the fact he was wearing stockings of all things!
"He does make for a pretty girl," Kiba remarked, chuckling and earning him a soft elbow to the ribs from Koneko.
"Don't tease him."
"A-are you really the Red Dragon Emperor?" Gasper asked with a mild stutter in his voice. "You seem…"
Issei chuckled. "I know, I am not exactly what anyone would expect. But you, Gasper? You sure surprised me with your…Choice of clothing."
"But girl clothing is so much cuter than boy clothing!" Gasper defended, but then he grabbed the edges of his box. Seeing this, Issei grabbed those edges, preventing him from closing them.
"Wait now, little buddy. It's alright." Issei said, reassuring him. "I don't know if you heard, but Rias is part of my peerage now, meaning that so are you. She asked me if I could help you out."
"Help me out?" Gasper asked
"Rias tells me you have some issues controlling your power. And your Sacred Gear." Issei stated, then he received a word of wisdom from Solomon
"The vampire race existed back in my times as well. However, they were a discordant mess. What I can tell you, my student, is that your blood, given your possession of the Boosted Gear, should offer him a great deal of power should you choose to share it."
That was indeed good to know. "I want to know if you'd be willing to train with me. I might even share with you a bit of my blood, to-"
"No!" Gasper said suddenly, surprising him. "I mean, no thanks, about the blood, I-...I do not like drinking blood. But, if what you say is true, then…I guess I could give it a try. Training, I mean. I want to be useful to Rias and everyone else. Even if…I am terrified of doing it."
For convincing Gasper Vladi, you had been awarded one CHA point.
Issei gave the boy a kind smile. "Wonderful. Tell me, then, Gasper, when would you like to start your training?"
"C-could we do it tomorrow? I need time to build up my courage. And if possible, can it be done without me leaving my box?" Issei chuckled.
"I am afraid coming out of that box will have to be done one way or another, my friend. That and turning you into a real man!" At his words, Gasper seemed to have some kind of reaction, looking up at him.
"A real…Man? But I thought I was already one!"
"Gasper, buddy…You cannot call a man who's hiding in a box and wearing girly clothing a man. While the clothes are your choice, a man cannot be a man if he hides and cowers! But that is why I am here. So, Gasper, would you be willing to trust me?"
"I…I think I am." Gasper said, offering a weak smile to the boy before him.
Maintaining a calm and kind demeanor around Gasper has really helped! +5 RP with Gasper Vladi.
"Then tomorrow, I will make sure to begin your training."
Quest Updated!
TIME TO HAUL ASS! With a cross-dressing vampire.
Last time you helped Saji, that was good. Now, however, this is more than a favor, this is a responsibility!
Main Objective: Train Gasper until he becomes confident enough to use both his vampiric powers and his Sacred Gear without hesitation!
Optional Objective: Share your blood with him during training.
Main Reward: 550K EXP, 20 RP with Gasper Vladi, 5 RP with all members of the Gremory peerage.
Optional Reward: [Aid to the Blood] Perk, 100K EXP.
Failure Penalty: -30 RP with Gasper Vladi and -15 RP with the members of the Gremory Peerage.
"It was a pleasure meeting you, Gasper." Issei finished, and then he turned to Rias and the others. "I apologize that I have to cut this a bit short, but I have a pretty full day ahead of myself. If you wouldn't mind, I'd like to get done as many things as I can today, as I fear my time is a bit short."
"Whatever you might need, Issei. We will try and spend more time with Gasper, to get him more comfortable with being outside his box." Rias replied, and with that said, Issei found a shadowy place and vanished from that place, almost instantly.
"W-where did he go?! I can no longer smell him!" Gasper gasped in surprise.
"Just his ability, Gasper. He teleported away to get ready for his agenda. Don't worry. Knowing him, he will be back tomorrow to uphold his promise."
"I hope Asia isn't too angry with me…"
"My student, you are late by a mere 10 minutes! Sure, we didn't expect Gasper to be as timid as he is, but that is hardly a reason to be angry. Though I am only confident of this with little lady Argento, I wouldn't make the same wager with your other women." Solomon stated, his wisdom speaking the absolute truth,
Issei spoke to Asia yesterday, about taking her out to town. He had to promise to take all of his women out at some point, and surprisingly, even Raynare wanted a go one day or another. This was partly for the quest, and partly because he honestly wanted to know more about her. With the Rating Game looming over them, he didn't quite get the chance to do that. But today that was bound to change.
They were meeting in the city's center, having rushed home to change first, Issei was prepared for their little date as one might call it. And sure enough, as he rounded the corner, he saw her there. The weather was cold, still, so she was dressed accordingly, wearing a coat and a neckcloth to shield herself from the cold. She also put on actual pants instead of a skirt, which was a sage decision.
"Hey, Asia!" Issei called out to her, going closer.
"Oh, Issei, you arrived." She remarked, turning to him.
"I am sorry if I am a bit late, I had to wrap up some things back with Rias. I hope you didn't have to wait for too long, it is quite cold outside today." He apologized, earning a light smile from her.
"No, it's okay. Besides, you weren't late by that much."
For being a gentleman and apologizing for making her wait, you gained +1 RP with Asia Argento.
"You're too kind, Asia. Regardless, let's not waste any more time, shall we? The days are shorter during the winter, so let's make the most out of the daylight." He said, stretching his hand to her, which she took in kind.
"Let's go then." And with that, the two went on their way to enjoy a good day in the city. Issei even laid out a plan, making sure to choose decently nice places. Despite Ramon making them rich enough to dine at high-end restaurants, he decided to simply use more modest places. That was the first thing he understood about Asia.
She was a girl who never experienced luxury in its largest forms and might get spooked or made uncomfortable by it, which is why he decided to take her to more modest places. First, he took her through the park, simply enjoying the walk to their next destination, which was a cafe to order some food.
And what a place he had found!
He recalled how she asked Blackberry about specific cuisines, and he documented himself. He remembered that Asia WAS Italian at the end of the day, so her taste in food was highly different, and she might miss the food from back home. Now, not to say Pizza was not Italian, or even pasta, things they had prepared for dinner in the past, but rather, more complex cuisines. Things like the Tuscan Chicken she had mentioned before.
So, he did a quick search and found quite the place. It was a cafe owned by a half-Japanese half-Italian person, who thought to bring the two cultures closer by opening an Italian restaurant. Their business was blooming quite well. He took Asia there, and safe to say, the girl was thrilled about it.
That place alone netted him another 10 RP with her by the time they had to leave, and she had more pleasant experiences as she even got to talk with the owner in, as Issei assumes, Italian.
With their hunger sated, Issei then took Asia to their next stop, which was a simple walk throughout town. Maybe hitting a couple of shops on the way as well, since he noticed Asia looking.
"Asia?" He called out to her as they walked past a clothing store. She had been eyeing a dress that was on display, and although the price was quite high, it was nothing they couldn't afford now. "Hmm. Do you want that dress?"
"I-No, I'm alright." She replied, but he wasn't quite convinced about it.
"Asia, there is no need to be humble around me. I saw you looking at that dress. If you want it, it is ok to ask me to buy it for you." He stated, but she looked quite unsure of herself.
"It's not that, Ise, it's just that things are quite…different, from the way I grew up. Or rather said, I am not used to being this at ease regarding my finances." She confessed, which was quite an unusual piece of information.
"Hmm. I guess that considering what you told us before, growing up at an orphanage, you didn't have that much in terms of luxury, no?" She shook her head.
"Even after I got taken in by the church, I never wanted for anything other than what could be offered to me. It is expected to remain humble, and not put value into earthly possessions." Her statement rang true on many levels, but Issei did see a few inconsistent bits.
"But since you are no longer with the church, what is stopping you from enjoying yourself more? Or better yet, accepting the generosity of others." Issei reasoned, getting her attention. "Asia, I understand why you wouldn't want to spoil yourself that much. It is admirable. But you don't need to be the saintess the church made you out to be. No one is perfect, and accepting that about one's self is also something expected of us."
"I never thought of it like that before!" Asia stated in mild surprise. "Solomon's wisdom is rubbing off on you, Ise!"
"As is his humming habit."
"Ddraig…" Issei said, warning the dragon.
Asia giggled. "That too. If Solomon has such a habit, I do think it is rubbing off on you quite a bit, Issei. You do hum quite a bit when you think or before you speak at times."
"I…I guess I didn't notice it that much." Or at all, truly. He didn't realize he developed a habit of humming so much. "But, let's not sidetrack. You do not need to hide your wants, Asia. You can be who you want to be now, as there is no one left to command or judge you in any way."
"I see…Yeah, I guess you have a point, Ise!" Asia stated. "Then, may I have that dress?"
"Ask and you will receive, Asia." So, the two of them went inside the shop to purchase the dress. The clerk looked at them with a kind smile, commending them both looking and acting like a young couple. However, they did linger with their gaze a bit on Issei.
"Tell me, young man, but weren't you with an older-looking woman some time back?" Her question caught him off-guard. Likely meant Kuroka. He had to expect that someone might recall that, he had gone out with her a few times as well, especially last summer.
"Black-haired- Oh! That would be-"
"His other girlfriend," Asia replied for him, the girl remaining honest in the situation. The clerk, however, looked quite shocked at the revelation.
"Oh my! Is he cheating on you, dear?" They asked.
"No!" Issei replied strongly. "Goodness, no, they…They are both my girls."
"We are quite happy too," Asia added, but the poor clerk looked confused beyond belief.
"Forgive me, Sir, this is just the first time I hear of such a relationship, let alone see it. Is she not here with you?"
"She is back home, relaxing. Today is more about Asia here." Issei stated.
"I see…Well, then, let me hold you no more. Here, let me scan the dress and after you pay you can be on your way. I can also tell just by looking that this will look lovely on your miss here." And so, the clerk politely processed their purchase, and Issei and Asia left the store.
Asia didn't believe in lying, so when they were out, she made it clear she didn't want to lie to the clerk. Issei accepted that but advised her not to reveal such information to everyone. In the supernatural world, harems might be more common, but to the normal folk, they were most unusual.
Still, with the bag in her hand, she looked quite pleased.
For buying her something REALLY nice, you have gained 12 RP with Asia Argento.
And that was another step forward. The rest of the date was bound to go smoothly. After browsing the streets a bit more, he decided to proceed to a place to get some entertainment. Asia did say she wanted to try out the arcade once, so he took her there. Save to say she didn't do well on the games, given her lack of experience. Issei had a better time, even let her win once, but she didn't like it.
So he destroyed her in every game. Except Dance Dance Revolution. That was a draw.
To give her a memorable experience, you have gained 5 RP with Asia Argento.
That was good. Still, he had his final ace left. He took her around town some more, letting the time fly by. His final place to take her was simple. The center. Christmas might have passed, and so did New Year, but the decorations were still around town and still being used. They were not set to be removed for another week. And this meant the Christmas tree in the center of the city as well.
He took her there the moment the lights came on, and Asia marveled at the sight. "It's pretty…" She said as she looked at the lights, the people around walking around without a care in the world. Issei looked at her, seeing how she gazed at the lights.
"Something tells me you haven't seen Christmas lights often either."
"N-no, I did. The Vatican is always decorated during Christmas, but this is just…new." She squeezed his hand more. "Thank you, Ise, for taking me out today."
He replied smiling. "Thank you for being with me today as well, Asia." And so, he leaned into her. The girl, noticing this, turned her head just in time to see him close in for a kiss, his lips sealing into hers. Asia's eyes widened in surprise, but soon, that surprise faded, replaced by something else.
Something…She had always wanted.
She wrapped her arms around his neck as he wrapped his around her back.
You have gained 9 RP with Asia Argento. Alert! Your RP with Asia Argento has reached 90. From now on, you may only gain RP via quest.
Quest updated!
He ignored the notifications for now, and as Issei pulled away from Asia, leaving her all flustered, he smiled gently at her. He wanted such moments to last forever, truly. But alas, as he and Asia enjoyed one another's company, something had to happen…His [Danger Sense] flared as he picked up two signatures with [Aura Sense].
"What?" He turned to the side where he sensed the two signatures, but then he saw everyone else vanishing around them.
"Issei, what is going on?" Asia asked, feeling scared by the sudden barrier that was erected around them.
"I don't know…But I sure as hell won't let it stay that way!" He deployed his Sacred Gear, the gauntlet appearing around his arm. "Show yourselves! I know you there! I can sense your presence!"
"Very perceptive. As told by the information given to us, the Red Dragon Emperor of this generation truly is allied with the devils of Kuoh." The voice that said that was female by all accounts, calm and almost cold. Two figures appeared from outside the barrier at that point, both figures wearing a white hooded cloak with gold and blue accents.
"Look!" The other one pointed at Asia. "Isn't that Asia Argento? The witch who was excommunicated for healing a devil?" The other seemed more cheerful, although the way they pointed at Asia and stated so casually the reason she was kicked out of the church made the blonde girl recoil back.
"Issei, they are agents of the church!" Asia pointed out, having finally recognized the attire.
"Issei?" The one that pointed out Asia's past echoed in confusion, looking at Issei more closely. "Wait, you are Issei Hyoudou?" The tone in which they asked that was one of sheer shock, but Issei didn't find it as shocking as he found it odd that they'd be asking his name.
"I am," Issei replied. "Granted, knowing my name hardly changes things here. If you lot are from the church, then that begs the question of what you are doing here, in Kuoh, which is territory co-owned by Rias Gremory and Sona Sitri."
"We are not here to disclose that information to you." The other one stated. "The only reason we decided to act is because the church ordered us to do so, in case we are to cross paths with the Red Dragon. Your presence was not being hidden well enough."
"Hmm. I guess I did grow pretty lax lately, not having to hide myself as much anymore. Oh well, I guess that is on me." Issei stated nonchalantly. "But do tell me, what did the church order you do to, exactly?"
"Simple." She got a scroll from her cloak, then went closer to him, handing it over. Upon opening it, Issei found it quite a surprise. It was an invitation - a FORMAL invitation - to join the church. As in, joining their side among the three factions. It was even signed by the current pope himself. "The church is also prepared to negotiate the terms of you-"
"No." Suddenly, the paper in his hand caught ablaze as he used his [Fire Mastery], turning it to ash. His action caught the two off-guard, but the gaze he gave them was even worse than his action. "I have no intention of joining forces with any of the three factions."
"B-but Ise, if you don't, then-"
"And mind telling me who you are?" Issei interrupted the other girl. "You are acting a bit too casual, referring to me by that nickname. I only allow those I am close with to address me like that."
"It's me!" Suddenly, the person removed their hood, showing him their face. She was a beautiful young woman with violet eyes, and long chestnut hair tied into twin-tails, each held with a blue scrunchy. "Irina! Irina Shidou!"
Issei's eyes widened. "Don't bullshit me! The Irina I knew, long ago, was a boy."
His statement didn't as much shock them as it seemed to amuse Irina. "I guess I did act quite boyish back then."
"Irina, revealing your identity is a reckless action." Her partner said, scolding the girl. "But, do tell me, I was unaware you were once friends with the Red Dragon Emperor."
"Neither was I!" Irina replied. "At least, I wasn't aware of his Gear at the time. I remember when we used to play around my old home, with both of us pretending to be knights in shining armor. Oh! Do you remember when you tried to grab one of my father's swords from his collection and was caught? My father scolded us quite a bit that day! How are Auntie and Uncle, by the way? I hope they are in good health."
"The sword collection…" Issei muttered, and then he rubbed his face. "Fuck me sideways, Irina…It is you!" He stopped. "You were a girl this entire time!? How come I never noticed, we even took baths together!"
Irina giggled more. "Well, I guess they were pretty bubble-heavy baths."
"Irina…" Her teammate called out to her slowly, but given their tone, it was a clear indication that this was no time to be reconnecting with old acquaintances.
"R-right. Sorry. Anyway, Issei, as I tried to tell you, if you do not join the church, then another faction like the devils or fallen angels will set their sights on you! If you are not careful, then odds are they will sink their vile claws in you!" Irina pleaded with him, but Issei was not convinced.
"Irina, tell me…Do you know what happened a decade ago?" The girl in question looked at him with a puzzled expression.
"Umm. No? I guess that around that time me and my family moved to England, but other than that, I don't think we've heard from one another until now."
"A lot has happened, Irina. My parents, for one, are gone. Killed in a fire set by Ramon Phenex, through an assassin, to kill me." This revelation had Irina recoil back in horror hearing such news. "I was moved to another city but returned to Kuoh eventually. Since then, I have been pretty busy. Very busy."
"We can see that." The other one stated. "Looking at the current situation, it seems the famous lust for wealth and women of the Red Dragon holds. As expected of a witch, to whore herself to one of the strongest beings she can leech off of."
"Silence!" Issei shouted, snapping at the yet-to-be-named person. Asia, for her part, looked quite hurt by the words of that woman. "Asia, please pay them no mind. Whatever they have to say holds no value in the face of facts."
Asia remained silent, although Issei could tell that his words did manage to calm her down a bit. However, the unnamed agent didn't seem to relent easily. "Red Dragon, this is our final request. Come quietly with us and agree to join forces with the church, or be labeled as its enemy. The choice is yours."
"Oh, don't get so full of yourselves," Issei replied venomously. "You think I fear the church? Sorry to tell you, but you are a bit late. I may not be part of her peerage, but I and Rias Gremory are quite close."
The two perked up at those words. "Gremory?!" Irina gasped. "Issei, what have you done?! Reveling with devils will only doom your soul!"
"Irina…" Issei said softly, thinking carefully about the words he was to choose. "As I said, a lot has happened already. Many things you wouldn't believe, and things I know that I wish not to share. Still, know that it is not a decision made in anger for insulting Asia here that I decline the invitation of the church. No, it is a call made of my wisdom."
"Wisdom? Do you dare to claim wisdom? What wisdom could have you deny such a chance to serve the Lord?" The other one asked.
"A wisdom that guides me," Issei answered, not revealing Solomon, who even now, whispered in his ear. "My decision is definitive. I will not join the church, not now or ever. The very institution that had the gal to expel someone as kind and pure-hearted as Asia…Can go fuck itself!"
Suddenly, the cloak of the unnamed person went flying as Issei's skill flared, alarming him of the incoming attack. Without a second to waste, he summoned out his blade and met the invoking strike, but the outcome truly shocked him. When the two swords met, Issei got a gut feeling telling him to go all out, so he did. With his weapon's level maxed out, he activated [Moon Shield] and [Moonlight Grace], coating his weapon in pure energy to prevent the incoming strike, but all that resulted in was a blast of power that saw his attacker being pushed back. He remained unmoved, dust flying all around him.
However, when he looked down at his weapon, his eyes widened. The Mystical Moonlight Blade was broken in two! More so, there was no debris! Everything that broke off simply turned to dust particles all around him. "What power was that?" He asked and then looked at the person who dared to attack him.
It was a young woman with chin-length blue hair, with a dyed green fringe on the right side, and dark-yellow eyes. Her attire consisted of quite the daring piece, if he was to say, a black, skin-tight, short sleeve leotard with pauldrons, matching fingerless gloves that extend to her biceps, and thigh-high boots, all of which are adorned with straps. That suit left so little to the imagination despite covering so much, it was ludicrous!
"Xenovia!" Irina shouted at her partner, finally giving her name. "What are you doing?!"
"He dared to insult the church, and his stand-in everything was made clear. We were told that if he does not join, he is to be treated as an enemy." Xenovia replied, brandishing the sword at Issei again. It was a large sword, he would admit, but something about it had him unnerved.
And his skill revealed why.
[Excalibur Destruction]
(One of the 7 Pieces of Excalibur, this one has the destructive power of the Holy Sword. Anything touched by this sword is destroyed and shattered to pieces, as the sword itself leaks massive amounts of destructive power.)
(Durability: 1000000/1000000)
Excalibur?! Well, color him shocked.
"To think you'd attack me with a piece of the holy sword Excalibur," Issei stated, looking down at his weapon. It was already fixing itself, but he was still sour about it being damaged that much. He returned it to his inventory, then stood against Xenovia once more. "If it is a fight you wish, it is a fight you'd get, Xenovia." He replied.
[Boost!]
Xenovia readied herself, but then Irina stood in. "Xenovia, stop this! We were not told to fight him, there is no way we could win against the Red Dragon, especially if his Balance Breaker is unlocked!" She turned to Issei. "Issei, please forgive Xenovia's actions."
The girl bowed before him, and Issei relaxed his stance. Looking at Xenovia, the girl seemed to be doing the same. Asia, however, finally spoke up. "Issei, I don't want you fighting them. Please, I can understand why Xenovia acted the way she did. You insulting the church was…a bit much."
"Hmm. Very well then." He dismissed his Gear. "I apologize for going too far, but I do not take back what I said. I am not going to join forces with the church."
"Be it as you wish," Xenovia stated as she put the Excalibur back on her back, then grabbed her cloak, placing it back over her back. "Just be aware, Red Dragon, that from now on, the church's gates are not open to you. Goodbye."
With that said, Xenovia left the barrier, leaving Irina behind. The girl in question turned to Issei, looking at the boy for a few moments. "I am…So sorry it turned out this way, Ise."
"If possible, we will talk later, Irina. For now, go with her, before she thinks you are thinking about switching sides." He replied, even giving a light joke at the end to help Irina relax.
"For what was worth…It's good to see you again, Issei. I hope we can meet again under better circumstances." And so, she left, and the barrier fell apart, returning Issei and Asia to the street, just as the snow was starting to fall.
"Issei…That was…" Asia began, her hands slightly trembling.
"Calm down, Asia." He told her kindly, taking her hands in his. "We must tell Rias about them. The presence of the church here cannot be just to look for me. They are here for something else as well, I am sure of it. Tomorrow, I will talk with Rias and see what she knows."
"O-ok. I will trust your judgment." Asia replied.
The two made their way back to their home, where Asia returned to her room. Issei, however, for his part, went to the training grounds of the dungeon, where Leonna had swiftly joined him. "Is there something the matter, Master?" She asked, standing dutifully at the edge of the training grounds.
"My outing with Asia went south at the end." He told her. "The church, two of their agents, had interrupted us. Tried to invite me to their side, but I refused, which in their eyes, makes me an enemy now. One of them, however, was Irina Shidou, an old friend of mine. A very old friend…Leonna, how is the progress on the dungeon's development?"
"Master, the dungeon has been ready to intercept any interlopers for weeks now. All of the sub-realms and their guards had been created, just as you specified. Do you believe we could be expecting intruders anytime soon?" Her question had Issei ponder over something.
Why have a dungeon to yourself, yet have the options to increase security? The answer was simple. Because it was not as secure as he believed at first. All those within had a key, yes, but it was never stated that the key in question could not be copied in some way or another. Furthermore, what about magic meant to break through barriers, like the one on the outside of his dungeon? Only now does he realize that, whilst its first line of defense was getting in, once someone got past that unless he took measures, they would be able to advance to his main base.
That, and there was a question nagging at him since day one. "Leonna…The dungeon has a gate where anyone can walk through, somewhere in the human world, isn't it?" He turned to her, and sure enough, all she could do was reply.
"Yes, Master. It always had." And that confirmed it. "Master, know that the dungeon itself exists in a pocket dimension. However, it is deeply linked with the location where you first used the seed."
"The home in the human world!" Issei realized. "But where, Leonna? Where?"
"The gate was created and hidden within the basement of your abode, Master," Leonna replied. "However, given how you had the keys, the existence of this gate was left to you to discover. The fact you failed to do so is no fault of mine, or the System's, but rather your lack of thoughts in the matter."
Issei sighed heavily. "I cannot believe this…Well, at least I know I can lure people into a deadly trap now." He then brought his quest forth. Despite their date being ruined by Xenovia and Irina, the quest had still completed itself, meaning he could claim his rewards. First, he claimed the optional reward.
+10 RP with Asia Argento.
MAX Relationship with Asia Argento has been reached, and as such, you were awarded with the following!
[Benevolent Healer]: This perk increases the effectiveness of all healing abilities by 25%
(Locked) [?]: This reward has been hidden until you complete the TIME TO HAUL ASS! AGAIN! Quest
"Huh? Interesting" Issei stated, then he moved on to the main reward, and since he was in the dungeon, the bonus from this location applied as well. Safe to say that the amount grew from 400K to 1.98M. Damn, the bonuses were insane.
Whilst still not enough to level up, it did put him very close.
Quest updated!
That was his other quest, likely updating to show he had completed the first out of the 3 requirements for the main objective.
And now, he was going to begin working on the second. "Leonna, I am going to spend some time working on my blood magic. Prepare several bottles of Phoenix Tears for any eventual need."
"At once, Master." And so, she went to get the Phoenix Tears. And Issei turned to Dummy, who once again flexed before him.
"I hope you are ready, old pal," Issei said, holding up his palm. "Because things are going to get very bloody."