Chapter 7.

Trust in the Omnissiah.

The following day, Issari and I ate breakfast with a curious Kuroka at the table. Issari has haunted eyes, knowing that universe now. That we were that way because of the loss of knowledge and because we needed to be that way to counter Xenos and the warp. She has now undergone a new idea-changing process. She's still a pervert but now will try to be a bit more private than ever because of Slannesh.

We ate in silence for five minutes before Issari finally said softly to us.

"I will never be them, Gregor-kun. I will try harder to be good. Because they made it."

Kuroka doesn't get any of that. I reassured my stupid best friend.

"We will never reach them, Issari. We don't have that crippling flaw in feelings that they do. Be who you are. Just don't ever think about those depths of depravity. I will help you like you are with me."

She smiled there brightly. Kuroka is so curious about the context. I smile more at Issari getting the smile.

"You could be like the nuns, Issari. They were the coolest shit. Along with the saint you want to bone since we considered her to be with her badass girlfriend."

Issari brightened more there. Because she had loved the sisters of battle and their kick-ass ways. Along with Celestine. That made Kuroka more curious. Issari asked with stars for Celestine.

"They all had white hair with that strength to resist them?"

I smiled more, showing teeth.

"Yes they did. Only one was very hard confirmed to have fallen, and while there were probably others, she was the only named one. They were bad people and zealous to the extreme, but they fought monsters without flinching. My favorite normal person from there was a hero, too. He just had crippling imposter syndrome. For all their evil, they had good there too. We can be better than them while not ignoring their lessons that teach wisdom."

Kuroka kept tilting her head while Issari got it more.

"I want a white hair one. I want to be like you more than ever. You're choosing their way of war. You want us safe and are doing that for us. I don't know if I could do that."

Kuroka finally asked me what we were being cryptic about.

"What are you both talking about, nya? Nuns? Making something nya? Your hero?"

I smile, as does Issari. I make the beginning with Kuroka.

"Bad cat, we are discussing important things that help shape how we view the world. I will give you a hint because you will perhaps be the third. Imagine a sea, and remember that analogy. Because it will shock, horrify, and amaze you. I promise that you will get it then."

Issari backs me up.

"I'm joining the Legio Solar. I will fight with my Fabricator-General against them who threaten our world. With Iron and Blood will I stand."

Kuroka is suspicious now.

"What is her gear? This is turning weird, nya. Sexy, you're cool, but I'm not into cults. Aum was bad, and I didn't sign up for that, nya."

I understand her hesitation.

"It's not that Kuroka. Yes, my beliefs are going into the Legio, but you're never going to be forced to join the religious side. You know I haven't tried to preach to you. I tried to talk the pervert out of it."

Kuroka studies my face. She was searching long and hard. Before she repeats the request, she does soften her stern face.

"What is her gear, nya."

I nodded to Issari. She squinted before the gauntlet showed up. Kuroka widened her eyes in shock horribly. I explained more.

"Kuroka, you're in a room with two Longinus users. I will trust you to keep that quiet. Please trust me in return. I think I know who you are."

She looks at me, and then Issari in shock. Two potential god killers in the same room. She then smirked heavily in lust at me. Imagining the possibilities and she i can see is down totally with me. Before she started sweating, glancing at an evil-faced Issari, who was undressing Kuroka with her eyes glinting as I smile.

"You have a pervert who is incredibly smart, Kuroka after you. I warned you she could be strong. There is more I know. We are a much better option to the other crew."

Kuroka sweats more facing an extra horny dragon. She looked at me to save her from that.

"I'll be good, nya. What else do you know? Because this is game-changing, nya. Both of them are around again. I can see the potential here, nya."

I smile cryptically. Issari does, too. We smirk together. Kuroka whined out because that means a lot. Her ears flattened in some fear. But I see it, too. Lust. She likes this more than fears.

"Will be good, Sexy. Chestnut, please, I didn't know, and I."

Issari purrs, and it's scary.

"I want cat. I am the Red Dragon of Mars and will get this cat."

Kuroka whimpered more before she jumped out of her seat and then hid behind me, shaking. I snicker before I break up the horny.

"Down Skitarii. Cat will see your strength, but give her free will. Kuroka, I would like your help securing the station. Can your friend meet us today or Sunday for bodies? Did Seekvaria have a bounty on the stray? We can finance ourselves this way for a bit."

Kuroka purrs, nuzzling me in thanks. Issari glares at me for stopping her hunt. Kuroka talks while continuing her purrs.

"She can meet you tomorrow. There is a bounty, nya. Grigori has her for today. You are the best mate ever, nya! I'll set up wards to keep people out. My mate is super strong, nya!"

Issari growled like a dragon. I flash her a warning. She continued growling at me. I narrowed my eyes at her. She finally huffs out.

"My cat Gregor-kun. Stay away. I will not be denied."

I snorted while Kuroka shook again.

"She is fine, Issari. Besides, she's helping you out in more ways. She has an Xbox. I have a potential bounty, and I'll let you get your cheese swordsman. I also know of a blonde swordsman who could use a good waifu. He's yours."

Issari grins evil for double the swordsmen. Kuroka is looking at me with hearts in her eyes. Issari finally speaks in a very pleased voice.

"Your tribute is acceptable. I will be back, cat. He can't protect you forever. I know sword styles now. I will be the strongest Red Dragon Empress. Gregor-kun, I need to get going. My parents expect me back soon. Please key me into the locks."

I snorted amusement as Kuroka kept shaking in that new knowledge. Issari had wanted to start immediately, and her hypno indoctrination had made her begin to understand swords. It had made Ddraig freak because it was more evidence. More things that were here now. He quickly brightened up because this helped him, too. He hoped they could beat Alby and knock some sense into her with an overwhelming number of advantages. He begged me to help him get his waifu not to kill him anymore. Because he hates always having to kill her and the hosts she had. They never listened and were extremely aggressive towards him. I don't have sympathy for an idiot. I will try for Issari despite everything the idiot has done.

"You will get them. I'll see you out."

Issari glanced at the black cat with pure lust before becoming professional and leaving. I got up to let her out while Kuroka kept shaking, and her fear increased because it had been one night, and now Issari was stronger. Issari is moving like a predator now. One starting the path. I keyed her into the lock, and she smiled evilly at Kuroka, who was watching from behind the kitchen wall, still shaking. I snicker at the hole she dug. Issari, however, smiled genuinely at me and hugged me around my middle section.

"You're the best Gregor-kun. I will stay with you till the end. I want to see Mars too. I don't hate you for Alex. I won't say anything about that. You are him now."

I hugged my friend back, whispering.

"I know. I will tell her one day. Probably not until she is ready."

Issari detached from me. She smirked again at Kuroka before she went out the door into the morning. I closed the door, and Kuroka whined out now that it was semi-safer.

"Please protect me, my mate, nya. I'm a good kitty."

I snicker again.

"You called her weak without giving her a chance. You can suffer for that. I will help you out, however. I like my new roommate. There is a potentially bad problem. Your friend Kalawarna. What cadre was she in before being reincarnated?"

Kuroka thinks about that.

"She never said. She doesn't say much about her past head, nya. Why?"

I frowned.

"We have a potential bad enemy. The Aum attacks had supernatural backers. I need to know if she has any knowledge of cadre heads that could have supported that."

Kuroka widened her eyes. She then grew incredibly pissed. Her eyes narrowed to slits, and her ears flattened in rage. She hissed.

"I had family die there. Three other nekoshou from our small population died in that attack: the only male nekoshou and his two mates. One was my aunt. My mom was never able to find out, nor was my dad who was a former exorcist. Who!"

I get more pissed. Because this screwed over the nekoshou too. If this is Kokabiel, he is even more of a bastard.

"I have an idea. We, however, need firm evidence before anything, but if it is the person I have heard about, I will take my axe and make him scream in agony for them. I will leave three especially deep cuts for your aunt."

Kuroka kept hissing in rage. She was about to promise something to me, yet I stopped that.

"I do it because it's right. Not to get with you. You're incredibly sexy and beautiful. I won't do anything like that which might cause regrets. Don't offer it."

Kuroka nodded.

"I won't, nya. You're right. I will help stop that sort of thing, nya. That's a ton better than the other crew. They just wanted Chaos, nya."

That confirmed it.

"We need to secure the station and get the bodies gone. I'll shower then go there. Are you permanently here, or are you a temp? I get it if you're not staying with how heat works. I won't hand you over if they find out."

Kuroka thought there.

"Temp, for now, nya. I promised not to get you into trouble. I will begin to set up my wards at the station nya. Consider it a favor for my sister."

I nodded.

"Deal. I'll be right there. Only go inside once I get there. I need to investigate the whole area. See what room we are working with. I will make something that will make us the most powerful group on Terra. It needs massive amounts of space. I might be late because I need to visit a dojo and tell them I'm committed today for other things.

Kuroka looked at me for a moment before she smiled softly.

"I will believe it when I see it, nya."

She transforms into her cat form, and I open the door for her to do her work. I then rushed to shower and got ready to run to the station. I will apologize to Murayama if she is there at the dojo. If not, tell Ohashi-sensei to tell her for me.

The shower was fast, and I immediately started getting shoes and clothes on after being done. Kokabiel was worse here if this was him. He had potentially killed ten thousand humans. I want to saw off his wings and make him into a servitor that I can use as a warning to others. Possibly chop off his arms and replace them before making him slave away in a forge, never to see the light of day again. Koriel liked that idea, too. We laughed maniacally together, thinking of that dream. Oh, that would be wonderful. Him slaving away in a forge making things for humans.

We continue laughing at that image, and I might make that a punishment for truly evil fucks. Like Cao Cao if he is that. Maybe Rizevim, too. I especially want to do that to Euclid. His shit is disgusting on a whole new level. Grayfia is not a toy. She is a professional maid that beats the shit out of her sis-con husband and makes him work. How the underworld ever functions without her being, there is a fucking miracle. I can't, however, dwell on this feeling because I must be highly productive and efficient now more than ever.

The jog to the dojo was quick, and I will keep doing this to get into shape quickly. Because I'm not going to be weak if that fuck did that. I will double my runs. Practice more and more. Kill as many strays as I can to get stronger. Fight with nothing held back. No remorse for strays that do what that fuck did to his victim. Tried to do to Issari. Mars shall have a Lord of Iron, and I will make that man-child's title good here. As I entered the dojo, I was surprised to see Murayama and Katase practicing in the ring. Murayama saw me and brightened. She lost concentration and got whacked. She hissed, and Katase didn't smile in her victory. She, however, does look towards me.

She narrowed her eyes to me. I narrowed mine to hers. We watch each other with lightning dancing between us. Murayama tried to stop her friend, but Katase finally spoke.

"The one who had potential. Yet lost it by hanging with a pervert."

I just raised my right eyebrow in a and so what move. That pissed Katase off. She advanced towards me with her sword raised. Murayama tried to stop her.

"Kat. He isn't one."

Katase is not listening to that. She hates perverts clearly and now is against me. So, no kendo club. I can offer to spar with them for more pissed-off foes. Katase growled.

"He is one. No sane person hangs with a confirmed sex offender. I don't believe that she didn't do it. Perverts deserve no hint of sympathy or kindness."

Murayama looks extremely torn here because this could become extremely bad. She begged me with her eyes not to take offense. I don't, but Katase needs to chill. I finally responded.

"You are wrong. Murayama-san, I was only here to inform you I can't spar today. Things have come up, and I will be unavailable until Monday."

Before Murayama could speak again, Katase advanced towards me with her sword raised high.

"Fucking pervert! I will beat that out of you! You had actual potential! Instead, you slide on my friend to fucking peep!"

I am now very unimpressed. It doesn't look good but don't automatically assume something. I just responded blandly.

"Why peep when I can be productive on things like reconnecting with family, Katase-san? If you're implying that I would do that to family, I should beat you down to defend my cousin's honor. Because I'm not a pervert, and assuming shit like that will get you into trouble one day."

Murayama is horrified by the fact that was the reason I was sliding. Now her eyes hold genuine fear that Katase had poisoned the well between us. Before Katase could say anything, Ohashi-sensei spoke up. His face was very unimpressed with his niece's friend.

"I will allow an honor duel because you're out of bounds, Katase-san. You're my favorite student, but this is unacceptable for one in that position. Gregor-san has been nothing but respectful to you. You have not."

Katase growled her rage. Murayama backed up very badly because this situation has become worse than before. The pink-haired swordswoman finally spat out her apparent disgust for me.

"I'll beat down a pervert who thinks he's hot shit just because he can beat a newcomer. I will enjoy making you suffer."

Oh, you want to play that way, Katase.

"I issue the dual. If I win, an apology to me and my friend. Along with Katase-san apologizing to my cousin. All publicly because I would never do the insinuation that was made."

Katase grew even more pissed. Murayama is now utterly broken. I say to her before Katase could continue her shit.

"I hold nothing against you, Murayama-san. My issue is with your friend like how hers is with mine."

Katase spat to the ground.

"If I win, I want you to admit publicly you're a pervert and let me beat you black and blue whenever I want without fear of reprisals. Because you are a disgusting person hiding behind a mask."

I nodded.

"Agreed. Now swear it back."

Katase is extraordinarily arrogant.

"Agreed. You're going down."

Ohashi gave me a sword. It was a regular wooden blade. He was not favoring anyone here. Like a good teacher should. Murayama was begging me to forgive her. I will not be weak. If that title follows me, I will earn it.

I enter the ring and assume my stance in my dueling style. Katase was on the other side, with a bloodthirsty grin and smug superiority. I will knock that out of her. I prepared myself for this and will apologize to Kuroka when I can because this is stupid. I would never peep on Akeno. She is pretty, but that's Euclid's level of shit. Ohashi prepared to speak, and Murayama was beside him on his right. She is distraught that this was done at all. Ohashi finally spoke.

"Begin. Best of two."

Katase and I watched each other. Neither of us moved. She is not going to be the aggressive one to try and weave a bullshit story. This is petty, and she must be highly arrogant with being Ohashi's favorite student and the kendo club head. Something must be the root of the hate because this is too personal. I, however, want her to see that she is wrong here. So, I make the move. Observing something, I think I saw.

I move left without attacking. She moved to mirror me. We prepared to continue the waiting game. Before I finally opened with three sharp pokes, One center and two left. She caught each poke and then riposted before she began her attacks. Three stabs in fast succession in three different directions. I caught each and then poked and exploited a thing I noticed. She favors her right hand badly. Normal, given everything, but it is too hard focused there. I poked towards her right hand, and she blocked it, but it proved she had a weakness. Her hand wobbled slightly in an unnatural way. It was swift and then hidden just as fast. So, she favored it heavily to cover that up. I, however, keep up the pressure. With five pokes that get her on the defensive. Before I strike with my first opening move.

Three chops that are all made on her right. Each blocked, but I stab twice, and I make another potential opening there. The stabs are making her expend more energy than before. She swung back and almost clipped me on my right leg. I blocked and then swiped and clipped her thumb on the right hand. She winced, and Ohashi called.

"1-0."

Katase grew more pissed but kept up her steely face. Murayama is surprised at the clip. I don't boast. We prepared again for round two.

We again eye each other. However, Katase goes full-on aggressive right from the get-go and opens with four stabs towards my head. I block each one and then riposte her backward. She surprised me again and dodged left and whacked towards my left arm. I blocked, but I fucked up because she immediately went full berserker and kept up the aggressive moves.

Five more swipes, and each was extremely fast and hard. I block them all, but it's speeding up as she wacks harder and faster between each strike. Each strike pushed me back, and Katase went faster than ever after the five failed. She was pissed beyond reason at my first blood, and she is using that to push her harder. The blows continued to rain down, and I barely held them back. Each faster and faster. She is also growing wobblier in her right hand. Her preferred hand. So, I let her win this round.

She whacked me on my left arm extremely hard. Ohashi calls.

"1-1."

Katase doesn't gloat vocally either, but her smirk is pleased. Murayama is surprised I held out that long. Ohashi is looking at me in curiosity. There is no hint on his face of what he is thinking. I won't be kind here. I'm not making Akeno suffer from my idiot self. Nor Rias. Her hopeful look flashed before my eyes again, and I hardened my heart more. Be the Lord of Iron. Katase is nothing compared to Riser. To Kokabiel. To Rizevim and Cao Cao. Be that thing, or nothing will happen well. Leave weakness behind.

I finally said my first words since the challenge was made.

"Iron within, Iron Without."

Katase barks out, amused.

"You are plastic at best, pervert."

We get ready again. Ohashi watched.

"Begin."

I go all in on the end of the word. I surprised everyone because I immediately dropped from dueling to a style used by the Space Wolves. There are no set stances or identifiable moves for a person unfamiliar with them or Fenris. I opened it with three chops, all going after her right hand.

She blocked every move, but the randomness of the strikes, the lack of a clear path, and no discernible reason for the paths or hints threw Katase off badly. I kept up the pressure immediately because this was no game. This is a waste of time because of human stupidity and hubris. I'm wasting time allowing her to make me angry, for Akeno's sake. She is wasting my time with the station. She is wasting my time in trying to protect the world from the side that gets away with their shit so God damn often that they think they are invincible. I will make them fear Iron and Blood.

My strikes are faster and faster with every single blow. Katase holds me back barely and falls back. Murayama watched in amazement, as did Ohashi. I am done playing with Katase. She royally pissed me off, along with Akeno and Issari being threatened by an arrogant girl who understands nothing. I keep up my attacks and keep pushing her backward. She catches a blow and tries to riposte me back, but I see the hand wobble horribly. I throw more brutal attacks at her and keep pushing her back before I see the worst wobble yet.

I then struck fully and whacked Katase on her right hand and then twirled her sword out of her hands and to the floor. It clangs against the half wall separating the ring. I point my sword against her heart. She is looking at me in wide eye horror and holding her badly hurting hand, gently cradling it. Murayama is amazed by the swordsmanship. Ohashi watched with the most interest yet. His eyes bore on my back.

I glare at Katase; my red eyes make her back up more. I advance again to her heart. She is scared badly by this. She gets ready to beg, but I stop her.

"You will do the deed in the school courtyard in full view of everyone. If you ever see anyone say my friend is a sex offender, you will crush that instantly. You will apologize to my cousin loudly and vocally. She is never going to have anyone peep on her. Nor will you. I will beat down anyone who does that. Don't test me because I'm not going anywhere but up. I am the Lord of Iron will. Understand?"

Katase kept shaking but responded.

"Understood."

I then withdrew my blade from her heart. Katase watched me with horrible fear. But also more. A fascination and more that I don't want. Murayama has pure hearts in her eyes. Ohashi just nodded his head in approval.

"Excellent matches. I will sponsor you if you desire. You have immense potential for swords. I only caught a single hint of that last style. Scandinavian. Everything else was not known. I want to pick your brain on this because that style is fascinating."

I bowed to him and then presented my sword. The swordsman takes it. My lungs hurt badly, and my legs and arms ache. Murayama tried to give me water, but I refused it with a hand before answering for Ohashi.

"I can share parts. I'm not nor will ever be a master in the ones I have been thinking up. I need practice, as does my friend. We want to become good at this and beyond. If my cousin will give me that title, I will earn it."

Murayama has more hearts than ever. She was about to apologize profusely, but I stopped that with a small smile.

"We have no quarrel Murayama-san. I am happy to spar with you again. Other than the apology in the schoolyard for her, this is forgotten between us."

That made Murayama blush, and she looked down. Ohashi is stone-faced but didn't say anything. Murayama finally says while still looking down.

"I'd be happy to spar with you more. May I please have the right to call you Gregor-kun?"

I chuckled and nodded for her, along with the vocal confirmation.

"Only if you allow me to call you Murayama-chan. I have to go and get something done before I meet my cousin and her friend for dinner later this evening. I'd be happy to learn the blade with you."

She brightened so happy there. Ohashi is just amused not hiding this. Murayama looked at me and nodded her head before the confirmation was made.

"Of course. Can we share phone numbers? I want as much practice as I can get. I want to go to the pro leagues for sword dueling eventually. I want to learn the rapier style my uncle said you use. It looks like I could get used to it easily."

I smiled and then bowed to her.

"Teach me your style too in return. Knowledge is the key to understanding. I seek to get it all."

Murayama smiled, and she was beautiful. I got out my phone, and we shared numbers. Katase had been silent the whole time. I feel her eyes watching me. I bow once we are finished, and I get ready to get actual work done. Murayama was beaming in happiness. Ohashi had been his hard-ass self and did remark.

"I will get a wood rapier made. I would like to see your chosen style at its full potential. You are interesting in many ways, Gregor-san."

I smiled slightly but nodded. Before I prepare to leave, it's been forty-five minutes of wasted time. I expected Katase to say something before I went. She, however, didn't say anything. Her eyes, however, had never left me. She is beyond curious, and her eyes now have less anger there. Still, some because whatever the root of this is is very strong. I wave to Murayama and then leave. Rushing to the station.

It was fifteen minutes later when I got to the station area, and I didn't see Kuroka. I was near the restroom, and I felt weird as I tried to get closer. Like I want to avoid the station. That might mean wards are up. I tried to approach again but still felt like the place was just wrong. I need to learn magic eventually. I would have to ensure it doesn't short-circuit my tech. Despite how wrong it feels, I finally get to the station's entrance, and that's where I finally see Kuroka. She is inside the entrance on the first landing. Looking at me with lust and an impressed smile.

"My mate is stronger than I thought, nya. You got through the wards. You must have something in your family that lets you power through nya. They are strong enough to keep regular humans out, and the wards shouldn't be noticeable for devils."

Clever girl. Test me that way. I shrugged before anything.

"I have it in the family. I'm sorry for being late. Someone was petty and called me a pervert who would peep at my cousin. I beat that person down."

Kuroka was not upset. She does eye me more openly again.

"It's fine, nya. I didn't go inside yet. I, however, am happy to see my mate has honor and will defend his family nya. Our kittens will have a good dad. Protecting them is a checkmark on my list, nya."

I snorted.

"You're just a horny kitty, but I wouldn't have my roommate any other way. I do apologize for the delay. Thank you for the wards. You will have to teach me that. Please key me into them so I don't feel weird?"

Kuroka keeps purring. She smiled, and her teeth were shown. She gestured to me to follow her, and I did, feeling utterly wrong to be here. The Bad Cat led me to a tree, twisted her left tail, and then a ward stone popped up from under the tree and gently took my hand before having me touch it. The feeling immediately slid away, and I shook my head at the strangeness of it. The stone dropped back into the earth, and Kuroka showed a new side of her as we entered the station with three balls of fire acting as torches.

"You might not click with warding nya. It's a rough skill, and only some get it. It's why master warders are extremely rare, nya? Less than two hundred exist, and they don't share easily. I know enough to get by, nya. I am nowhere near a master in them."

I see she likes intelligent talk, too. Still focused too much on kittens but not the worst. We entered the station, and as we descended, I prepared to see the bodies again. That one woman who was still in that closet. The stray with no head, feet, or hands. I feel sick, and Kuroka saw that. I didn't throw up. I won't because I have to purge weakness from me. I have to destroy that. Become the Warrior of Mars utterly.

I see the body when we get to the bottom and into the station proper. It's still there, and the light made three rats scurry off it. Thank the Machine God they are not Skaven. Those always creeped me out. Kuroka looks at the body and sees no limbs or head, along with the cut on the shoulder. She raised an eyebrow.

"What did he do to piss you off, nya?"

I looked at his body only before saying.

"He kidnapped my best friend. I won't let anyone hurt her."

Kuroka widened her yellow eyes, horrified.

"He tried to hurt Chestnut!"

I nodded.

"He did. I won't let people like him do that again."

I moved past the body. Kuroka followed me, and we began to search the station. I learned it was one of five such stations abandoned in 2008 after the financial crisis. The city had cut back on everything. Its subway was now down to three stations. They had bricked in the five-station tunnels, and no one entered them.

The second body was found, and Kuroka saw what I meant. She was used to this more than I was but didn't like it either. I say a small prayer for her. I was asking for forgiveness for not killing him earlier. For not knowing where she had been taken. The Machine God whispers to me that she doesn't think that. That she will get home thanks to me. It doesn't make me feel better. I, however, leave her there for now. Kuroka and I checked the rest of the station, and there is a good amount of space here. Not enough for the reader in its current prototype form. I ask Koriel to rework the design down more if possible.

She says she will try, but this might have to be a temporary solution to the problem. We need a bigger place. There is enough room here for a shooting range and more storage space for wargear. Perhaps even a small space I can turn into a proper forge. Cut down the amount of work I'd need for the anvil. Kuroka watched me throughout as I made mental notes. She finally asked me her thoughts.

"What is your gear? I have never felt it before or read a description of it feeling like that, nya. No, Longinus is like that. So, what is it, nya?"

I am silent for a second before giving a hint.

"It's like blade blacksmith. I can't say more until you know me, but it is a Longinus. I will show you more soon. How many other strays are like this one? In terms of relative strength?"

Kuroka eyes me a bit more. Her eyes were watching for a hint of a lie.

"I see nya. There are four others in terms of similar strength. All pawns, nya. They are duo pairs. Two brothers and two sisters nya. They don't do much without the other. They are all a bit more dangerous, nya. One is a gear user, and the other is a magician. The other two are tengus. They are all recently stray nya. They all plan to get into the bad side quickly."

I don't want to fight a gear user yet or Tengus. They supposedly are good in melee. A magician is trouble too. I don't want to fail that woman in the closet or people like her again.

"Please tell me where they are holed up. I need to improve, and I will accept nothing less than the best from me."

Kuroka nodded at the answer.

"The magician and the gear user are holed up in an abandoned warehouse in the nearby industrial district nya. As for the tengus, they are in an old house in the poorest section of the city. They plan to move into a better place eventually, nya. I only met the four once at our gathering place. There is a rule of not going after each other, nya. Why we who don't do that put up with it. Because…."

I get the end.

"Everyone else is against you, so it maintains a group setting for outcasts. I won't get you into trouble either. I have a question about the bounty size for this one, but I'll hold off on it. Thank you for helping me truly. Despite my hesitation in telling you everything."

Kuroka was surprised I got that part of stray culture that quickly. Her seeing my honest thanks makes her smile real there.

"I like you so far, nya. You're inching up that list. I'm just used to no one getting strays, nya. The nobility throws up many lies about us. Say we only run because we are uppity and don't respect our proper superiors, nya. They tell the commoners that we prey on their children and torture them. We good ones and even most bad ones don't do that. They are just like us, nya. At the bottom and at the noble's mercy, too. The commoners follow their example, nya. Why we are so secretive about our stuff. I understand why you won't say much about your gear, nya. Trust is hard."

I understand the very well-hidden message of the ostracism there. I looked around the room for any potential issues that might arise with building a base here. Rats need to be exterminated because they could be a massive problem later. I want to trust her completely.

"I'll show you something soon. You will like me more after. It is a thing very few will ever get. Chestnut is interested in it, but I told her it's not worth it. You will not believe it when I tell you about it."

Kuroka looked increasingly interested there. What's rarer than a Longinus? Issari was deeply interested in being a perpetual, but you must think that out. The description of how your body feels like everything is on horrible fire down to your soul had terrified her and Ddraig.

I will never encourage anyone else to become one. Because it is a massive commitment, and it will forever haunt you. I don't regret it now, but I am feeling the beginnings. I will feel it fully eventually after everything is done. Issari won't get that till later. I think of what it would forever mean. To stay young while everything decays around you. While you watch family, not like that withering away from age. Kuroka saw the big sad starting to show. She took my hand.

"It must be something that you didn't want, nya."

I never did, but you give up things you want for duty and others. I remember Rouboute who hates his position in life surrounded by the things he despises and fought to destroy. That haunting line. Why do I still live?

"I didn't want it. Because I will never be able to get back what I gave up. Sometimes, however, the world requires sacrifices from you for others. I only wish everyone to be safe. To not fear the void. The lingering darkness that is out there. I never do things for pure power. I fear I will one day lose that utterly."

The Emperor was forced to do that. He's an asshole, but he was right in his assessment of the situation. Chaos was everywhere, and he could only trust a few. Even then, Erda betrayed him. I understand how that hurts. How he tried, and while a tyrant, he was working to save humanity utterly from an uncaring universe. He probably, at one point, was like me. Hope-driven and not as xenophobic or hateful.

Kuroka squeezed my hand.

"I believe you, nya. You are a mystery wrapped in a puzzle. You seem like few gear users, nya. You don't have poor impulse control. I like this, nya. My last potential mate was strong. But didn't have the half I like more, nya. A plan."

I don't have a plan, just a rough idea of one. Canon is dead. The plan was to follow it to that beginning point and then follow along. But with how everything is going, I won't know what will come. I'm never going to be a psyker.

"I don't have a very long-term plan. I will continue to work on it. Right now, it's just an unescapable truth that life will never be perfect or easy."

I continued looking around, and when I saw everything in the station, this place would work for now. It was smaller than I had hoped. But it would make a good bolt-hole and training space for Issari and me. Just little else. After checking my phone, I see it's almost time for Akeno. I'm not sure what will happen. I need to know the situation fully. I will come back here tomorrow with Issari and start getting her used to weapons from the far future. Las pistol first for the next to no recoil. Then, a melee weapon.

Kuroka smiled when I told her I needed to go soon. She wished me luck when we exited the station.

"Good luck, nya. I hope it goes well. You're keyed in here, so it shouldn't be too bad coming back, nya. I'm assuming you will use this place to help train Chestnut?"

I nodded.

"I will and be training her on other things. Can you key her in next time we are here or possibly teach me to do it?"

She smirked at the request.

"Will try to teach you, my mate, nya. I'm just an apprentice of it. My teacher was a peerage member, but he was stuffy nya. He died on the table of our king sadly. He was surprisingly a rook that threw them down and then beat the shit out of people nya. You remind me of him in your ways. Not bad ones, nya."

I chuckled.

"I get what you mean. I probably won't do well for a while. I, however, am here for a very long time and will need things to do. Thank you again, Kuroka. I'm probably not going to be big on magic, but it's better to learn counters to it. You want me to bring home dinner for you?"

She brightened there at free food.

"Any type of fish, nya. It's been so long since I've had a good fish. I was planning on doing a few things in the city today, too, but if you get me fish, I'll be happy, nya."

I laughed there.

"I'll get you some fish. I like burgers and fries, but sadly, I can't have many of those. Same with chicken nuggets."

We both get dreamy eyes over nuggies. I'm ready to suffer more with Akeno. Kuroka put her illusions on and then waved as she left. I like Kuroka here. She was nice, and while many would be staring at her chest, I didn't. Her eyes are better and showed me she was incredibly similar to her base reality version here in terms of personality, and it's refreshing to be able to act closer to my actual age with her. It's hard to sometimes not beat Issari up for her stupid kid stuff. I wouldn't have my best friend any other way, however.

Akeno was meeting me at a small tea shop close to the school, and I was nervous because this could backfire horribly if I didn't play this right. I entered the shop and saw her in a booth that was separated from the rest of the shop by a small half-wall with cherry blossoms. She doesn't see me yet and is busy with her tea. I walked over to her and then took a seat opposite her, startling her. But upon seeing it was me, she smiled brightly. It's a genuine smile. Not her fufufu smiles. I was ready to talk this out. She caught on my face the nervous smile, and she softly said.

"I am happy to see you, Lex. You look like you had a rough day."

I smiled and was about to say something, but a waitress came over and asked what I wanted to drink. I was not a big tea drinker before. I ask for water, please. As the waitress left to get me that, I finally replied.

"I have had one. I was ultra busy last night and was talking with my friend for most of it. Then, I talked with a potential roommate that I'm looking into sharing the house I have right now, and it has been good so far. How is Rias-san? Is she still upset from yesterday? I didn't mean to upset her."

Akeno was worried about the roommate part. She, however, said to me as my water arrived, and I thanked the waitress before she left.

"Rias is okay. She has been happy since she last saw you. Your first meeting with her and yesterday must have left you with a bad first impression, but she isn't a bad person. Her situation is complicated, and I think you know what I will ask Lex. Do you know?"

There it is, the inescapable question.

"I know. However, I'm so very lost."

Akeno grew both sad and relieved that I knew. She doesn't have to hide herself anymore from me. She looked at me, and then the sound slowly died down. She spoke to me with a face that hoped I didn't freak out.

"I'm what's called a devil, Lex, like the ones from the Bible. Rias is also one. Her family is nobility. It's why she has been treated like that."

I don't break my no expression face.

"Devil. So, like a demon and, you steal souls? I'd get how effective you'd be at that, Keno."

Akeno smiled at the teasing at the end. She started giggling there, breaking the tension that had built up.

"Fufufu! I don't steal souls. Nor do other devils anymore. You're not mad, Lex?"

I do smile now.

"My first encounter with the other side was entering a temple to explore something, and I ran into a Kitsune who threatened to hang me on the doors of said temple. This is better than that by so much. I did research after the temple, and I have awful information because of how the internet is. I'm human, though. How are you a devil?"

Akeno grew ultra pissed at learning that was my first encounter with the other side. She continued to be mad there while answering.

"I'm what's called a reincarnated devil. Rias is a pure-blood one. I became one when I was ten Lex. They did more horrible things to my mom and me. They killed her and tried to do the same with me. All because of my bastard father. Rias is what is called a king. I'm her queen. The whole system used for reincarnation is based on chess."

All information I know of already.

"I see. I'm guessing that devils have different thought processes to humans."

Akeno smiles and takes a drink of tea before sighing in pleasure.

"We do. We feed our primary sins. The thing that is most prevalent about you before reincarnation occurs."

I take a drink of water because that allows me to hide that on my face. After all, it is like I suspected. Akeno isn't being lusty all the time with me. What is her sin, then?

"Alright. That makes sense. I have so many questions for you, Keno. I don't like the reasons I'm thinking of why Rias-san is like that. Nobles are rough for regular humans. For devils, it must be worse. I don't like where my mind is going to because of that."

Akeno grew sad, too, and I saw that and what had likely bonded the two together.

"The nobles are worse, Lex. Rias is high nobility, and the pillars, which the noble houses are called, are brutal in their games. Rias gets targeted by them because she doesn't have something from her mother's side of the family. I love Rias as my king. She does care about the four of us. It's just the remarks have taken a heavy toll on her. Please don't hate her for latching onto you yesterday. She was the happiest I have seen her in three years there."

I don't hate her. That is sad and true because Akeno is also sad saying that. I remember Rias looking into my eyes with such wishful emotions of me. I don't want a noble daughter waifu. There are so many problems there, especially with me being a possible half-breed. I join the sad.

"I don't hate her for that. It's just that she was so down. I felt she was in something horrible for her, and she didn't know how to get out. When we first met, I felt like she was eyeing me like meat. I'm just a regular human, and if you are reincarnated, she may want to do that to me."

Akeno grew even more sad.

"She does want that badly. I stopped her from trying till you got an idea of what was going on and for you to have a choice. Lex, I won't lie. Our situation is bad. I'd endure the worst of it willingly if it means you are free. You're my hero. I do mean that."

Oh, you bat rat cousin. You didn't mean to be what led her to me, and she was cruel in exploiting that faint hope.

"I'm not a hero Keno. I'm just an idiot with fragments of the past. I want to help you and her. I enjoy being human. I would not trade the moments of kindness I got in the hospital from people who cared. They helped me out there while I rebuilt my life."

Akeno, it seems expected this answer of no along with the branch.

"You have already helped Rias. She began to practice more for the situation when we returned to our dorms. She really does want you, Lex. You are her Lord of Iron. You made her train, and she doesn't do that because she is called weak so much. She wants the small chance that you will return that to her. Please don't lead her on if you're not interested in her. I get why you did that, but it's cruel. She so desperately wants a partner that is like you."

So, she has done it fuck. The situation is worse than I thought with her status, but she needs to help herself, too. She can't just rely on a single knockout piece. That was not fair to Issei. It's not fair to Issari if she wants that. Which she might not now.

"I just wanted her to realize that I would not help in whatever the problem is if she expected me to carry her. That's okay in online games for some people, but this is not that. She is welcome to join Issari-chan and me along with you in exercising. I want my friend safe, too. I have been encouraging her to do swords. First for regular creeps but after the kitsune and her threat for them too. I know we are at the bottom, but we shouldn't be at their mercy."

Akeno sighed, knowing that was the reason I did the thing with Rias.

"You are right, but it's still cruel if she thinks you're interested in her. No one has been like that before with her. Lex, your offering is good, but we need serious help. Our group, called a peerage, is in a bind because of our king. She is in a betrothal contract with a very likely heir who is extremely cruel to his reincarnated pieces. The only way out is a game between our peerage and his. He has an almost full set. There are four of us. We need help, and I get why she is desperate for the knockout piece. Lex, I will still protect you, too. Rias is now more determined to have her Lord of Iron there because you give her badly needed hope."

I get that it's extremely cruel, but she can't just be slothful there.

"I like redheads. It's my favorite type of hair. I don't want to lead her on, but it seemed to me that she was abusing your friendship to get closer to me. It's not an excuse for that thing, but I don't like that at all if it's true. She is in a hard place, but I won't reincarnate. I learned something from the crash. It changed how I see myself. I don't think I can reincarnate."

It's a good story for being a perpetual. Akeno looked interested in that admission on redheads. She was extremely curious at the end.

"Why do you think that you can't? You and Rias would be a good couple. Not just for the sadness. You seem like you are sad too in several ways and that you regret something horribly."

I regret Kate and I falling apart because I didn't consider her feelings for our situation. I am beginning to regret that I'm immortal now. I get why Issei loves Rias but she is still a noble and still a young woman not used to love and how it takes many things to make it work besides pure hope. She could bring resources and land to me, which would help immensely. I'd be abusing her for that. I'd never be able to forgive myself for that. I answered softly.

"The crash was bad, Keno. So very bad. I found something in it that terrified me. Because it is not normal. I don't know if it is related to the other side. I can't tell or show it easily. Because it is hard to even get a guess of what it could do, I believe I can't, given my limited experiments with it. Do you know how the system for it works?"

That admission made her very scared. The doctor reports I did get access to were terrible. Multiple things could have kept Alex down forever. He escaped that by the skin of his teeth. It also revealed why he was here with his family and not in the States. He was here because he asked his folks if they could see Akeno and her family. They must not have known because they had said yes. Akeno said finally.

"I don't. The system maker is extremely isolated in his dealings with people. He likes to tinker and experiment with new things. He doesn't share information about it because of something that happened early on in the system's history. Lex, what is this thing? You're scaring me."

The fear is plain on her face. I softly replied.

"I'd have to show you it. I have never found anything like it before from the regular side. I don't want to ruin this with the request I would need to make. It scares me, too, Keno, if it leads to what I think it does. I might be a freak, Keno. A massive one. Because it changes how I see myself if it leads to the conclusion I have reached."

I have to show her and not here. You can't cut off a finger in a tea shop. Akeno softly says to me.

"You can't be as big a possible freak as me Lex. How extreme is the thing you have to do to show me? I can erase the memories of people here if need be."

That's still not right to them.

"I'd rather show it in private. Keno, I'm the bigger freak than you. This way, it's less work for you and less potential trauma for them if they somehow break free of it. I will need an incredibly sharp knife or a sword."

Akeno's face grew increasingly scared. Getting why I said that more now. The noise came back, and Akeno got the attention of a waitress and quickly paid for the drinks. After fully paying, she grabbed my hand and pulled me out of the shop.

She pulled me towards an alleyway nearby, and she threw up privacy spells, and we were in the furthest corner of the alley. She looked at me, and her eyes were frightened in the most extreme way.

"What is it, Lex? Please don't tell me it's you cutting yourself."

I shake my head.

"Not that way. I need a knife, Keno. Don't scream. I died in the crash. I came back and not the normal way after they restarted my heart. It woke something in me, I'm now different."

She looked at me, horrified at the admission. She shakes.

"Please don't say things like that, Lex! If you have horrible flashbacks and your mind is making things up to cover you, I can get you help! Rias knows a good mentalist, and we can get that fixed fast! Lex I…"

I shake my head.

"I'm not lying. Please give me a knife, Keno. We are family, and family needs to stick together. I need to show you this. I want to reconnect. Starting on not knowing this won't make that possible. You shared now it's my turn."

She quakes but still doesn't believe me. I plead with my eyes to her. She reluctantly summoned me a sharp knife. I took it and cut a line across my left arm. Blood flows out for a few seconds before it starts to close and fast. Akeno watched in wide eye shock. I then cut off a finger. I don't scream, only whimper. Blood spurts and Akeno gets ready to scream when the finger reforms and then returns. It's getting faster at that. Akeno watched in horror as that happened. I finally say.

"The crash was ultra bad, Keno. I should not be walking. Yet I am because of this. It was weak at first. Then, it got stronger and stronger. My conclusion is that I'm that. When I said, I'm here for a long time. I mean it. I am a new freak."

Her purple eyes widen more than ever at the admission of that. She looked at the finger on the floor of the alley. Then my new one. Before, her eyes filled with such pity for me. Tears came to her eyes, and she just hugged me. She was weeping softly.

"That's why you think you can't. You think that you're that. Oh, Lex. I'm sorry! I didn't think that you."

I pat her back. She sniffles as she gets why I have that conclusion. I say softly.

"I don't think she could do it even if she wanted to or anyone else. They would torture me for the secret. Experiment on me till they had it. Keno, you said they think differently than us, but if there is one thing everyone wants. It's this. I want to help you and Rias-san, but I can't be in her peerage. Not if the system works the way of true reincarnation. This is my inescapable truth. It's fading, too. The scar."

She wept more than ever. She kept hugging me and mumbling.

"You're here forever. I will never lose you again. You meant it literally. I'm so sorry, Lex. I'll tell her she can't do that. She will cry because she wants that so desperately. She wants her Lord of Iron to be with her in being devils. She wants a wedding with you. You can't be a devil."

I look down because this will hurt her more.

"I'm still here, but I would be bad for her status. You can pass it off with a slim chance if I'm of the same race. I can't be if the system requires my heart to stop for a hint of time. I want her to be stronger so she can win this now that I know that. She will lose more if she goes after me. I got the feeling humans are seen as less than dirt by the supernatural world when the fox threatened me. I don't want her sundered from her family, who you said does try for her. Like how I'm sundered from the rest of them and my mom and dad. I will never see them again if I'm correct."

Akeno hugs me tighter than ever. I back up my statement.

"I have the hospital report. I can share it with you. Why I really think that, Keno. I really do want to help. I need to get stronger because they will all come after me if I'm right. I don't want to become a test subject or a prisoner of a powerful person. I can't join the game."

She weeps more because that road is closed for Rias and her, if I'm right. I pat her back. She mumbled out.

"Do you remember your dad?"

I shake my head.

"I don't. I have pictures of him and Mom but nothing else, and with magic being real, I can't trust them. I don't know anything about him."

Akeno hugged me tighter.

"There might be a way to help that isn't joining. He was incredibly private when we talked as kids. My father hated him and was always glaring at him. My dad is supernatural. I think yours was, too. Please take a DNA test today. You can get your redhead and safety Lex if you have who I think it is. It's the least that you deserve for this. He could be the key to our problems."

I don't like that line of thought because it makes him seem more likely. It could help me immensely if it's him but also paint a target on my head from several people who are not good to fight, especially if one of them gets upended out of a position of power by someone who isn't a true devil and with him being a usual bastard and amplified in a grimdark world. Yes, it could help Rias. Get her a much better deal than Riser if it's him.

"I'll take the test, but I don't know about her if I am whatever you think it is. I don't want her desperation to be the foundation of anything we might have. She will regret it if it is correct. I would too, and I don't ever want more of them. It would stick with me forever if I am correct. That's especially wrong for her because she doesn't seem horrible, Keno."

Akeno had come up from my chest and put her hand on my right cheek.

"She is willing to do anything to escape this, Lex. Become anything for it. She won't regret you if you're truly this worried about her, even though she is a stranger who didn't get started on the right foot with you. You'd be our hero. Mine again, truly. I know that's not fair to ask you to do. Never not think that you're not a hero."

I'm an idiot not a hero. I am stuck here because of a being more powerful than gods. Entrusted with gear that could destroy humanity if I was an utter bastard like the other person who enslaved an entire reality to them. You give things up for others.

A soft voice hits my ear.

"You are one. You found me and are going to get me home. You are a true hero who will help all of us. I chose your God and you because you came into the darkness where I laid to stop evil while knowing you were not ready. You did it still despite everything. I will never leave the new Omnissiah that knows what it means to be a true hero."

I am not one. Issari is the hero. Not I. I will never be Cain. I'm not the Omnissiah. I never finished college. I never made deeds of wonder. I was nothing. How could I ever be that? Iron Within, Iron Without.

"I just want the real Rias. She can be whoever she is with me. I don't want her to betray who she is. I would never force her to do anything she doesn't want to do. I'm not a hero, Keno."

Akeno smiled softly into a bright smile as her tears for me dry.

"You are one, Lex. This could be something that makes you both very happy. You don't see it like how many people would. They would see it as a way to increase their power. You don't. You are thinking of her first. You want everyone to be happy but you. The world needs more people like you. A hero who doesn't want things handed to them. Try for her and me."

I want to, but I remember Kate. My wanted forever partner. She was the brightest star in the galaxy. It's not fair for Rias that way. To always be held up to that. I need to accept that Kate isn't here. It is a new world, and I will never see her again. I finally let the beginning of her go.

"I'm going to try, but we must both build Keno equally. She can't eye me like meat. I won't lead her on. When can I take the test?"

Akeno brightened and then burned the finger before leading me to a wall area perfect for hiding a portal. She opened one up and stepped halfway through before extending her hand to mine. I will have faith in steel and hope I'm wrong. I take the hand and step through.

An. Thus we start towards the next arc. To the nice person with the critical reviews and the questions. The duo in canon with Issei are in my opinion not the closest of friends just outcasts that got lumped together. They when peeping throw him under the bus. Many times, to get severely beaten by the kendo club so they can get away. They spread rumors about him and do things I do not consider as being friends. Thus, why they are on the other end of the scale here. Issari is not Issei. And the reason Gregor tries for her is because he sees this lonely person who is not Issei with his stupidity and regrets thinking those things about her without knowing who she is. He doesn't want an enraged boosted gear user in juggernaut drive. He's trying to feed the dragon properly to repair any possible mental scars that years of the social dragon aspect not being fed correctly might have left because better safe than sorry. The judgement thing is applying to Akeno and Rias and more because he sees that they are not what they are in the base universe. The shit talk was also mostly shock being transplanted here and trying to work through the shock. Issari is trusting Gregor because this person has treated her as more than just a helpless pervert. Something she doesn't get much of nor did Issei till people got to know them. Canon Issei is a good person despite the pervert nature. Like how Gregor can see that Issari is like that. Devils do have grim dark, and its more society based along with the fact that there are very dark things that they do. Hope that answers some stuff.

Moving on the Riser arc will be longer than you might think. For the people helping by pointing out the problems thank you and you are all correct that it is bad. I have as of the time of writing this have done some corrections and i will do more as of this weekend. The criticism is appreciated so once agin thank you for that. Finally id like to again say thank you everyone for this getting past and close to the hundred mark on stuff. Happy to see people are enjoying this despite the issues. Kuroka will have a big role in the story and will be shown later.