DxD: Brain

by Soul of Horus

White hair, blue hair, oh what can go wrong here? Kasane Randall and Hiroki Kuno enter Kuoh for a somewhat easy school year whilst they sort out their feelings. Of course, not all is as it seems. We all know why too. Why bother asking? Both wish to hide who they really are but that's only the start of their problems. Cue Devils. (Elements of Scarlet Nexus within)

11. You Reap What You Sow

Chapter XI: "You Reap What You Sow."

"Shouldn't you be worried about this?" Kiba found himself asking Kasane. "I mean-"

"Do not doubt my husband, Kiba-san," Kasane cut off his words, fixing one of [Eternal Sorrow]'s straps. Currently, they were all in the Underworld for the fight between Hiroki and Riser. Kasane wouldn't admit it but she was having just a tad bit of trouble walking—not for any particular reason, mind you—but she played it off. That and being around so many devils was setting off all her instincts in all the wrong ways. Many probably knew that she was a Fallen and Kasane wondered who would try to physically harm her. Hiroki was very thorough with his lovemaking, considering she was imperceptibly wincing every other step. Can't blame a girl for wanting her husband. "If my husband says he can, he will. While the terms of the deal aren't the greatest, think of it this way. You'll be able to see how Phenex-teme fights and Rias-senpai will be able to make a plan to counteract him when she eventually challenges him." The white-haired psychokinetic put a hand on her hip. "This should also motivate you all to train more and get past your weaknesses."

Akeno, who was idly listening to this, turned to her fellow halfling, "You mean?"

Kasane turned her dull red eyes to her and spoke without a single spread of remorse, "The fact you still refuse to accept that half of you when you alone have the power to cripple that idiot's entire 'peerage'? Yes, that weakness. Would you like to find out how effective it is?"

The [Queen] of Gremory stilled at the blatant insult, "I-"

Kasane set a hand on her shoulder, "Akeno-san, understand I am not belittling your accomplishments up to this point but you will never grow stronger if you choose to ignore yourself. I don't know the specifics, I'm not asking. I'm telling you that you can easily be a High-Class Devil if you challenge your limits and break them."

"And what about me, Kasane-san?" Kiba then asked, curious as to what she would say.

The halfling turned to the sole [Knight] and glanced up and down. Kiba repressed a shiver at the way her calculating eyes scanned his form. "Form and speed are adequate, trained by a high-ranking individual…but your Sacred Gear you said was Sword Birth, correct? Explain it to me again, please?"

The [Knight] smiled at her deductions and ability to notice these things, a dangerous person if an enemy but as an ally? Invaluable. "Sword Birth allows me to create swords from my imagination, whatever I can do, in simplest terms."

"And how many can you create that are unique?" Kasane immediately asked, honing in on the creation by imagination aspect. By his lack of an immediate answer, "You need to start researching different anime and their most powerful swords. Seriously…you live in the country where anime was founded and you're telling me that you never had an interest? Unbelievable."

Kiba nervously scratched his head, "I never found any of them good?" He sounded so unsure. Kasane then found the closest writable surface and the closest writing utensil and made a list of anime that she knew had swords and even wrote down that Destiny game Hiroki likes, there was a sword that when in guard mode, could regenerate health…literally a leech sword. Then there was one, or a frame type, that could send out projectiles. If Kiba had either of those, he wouldn't have to worry about getting hurt as much. She even sent Kiba pictures and videos of said swords.

Koneko was nibbling on some snacks, ignoring this conversation. However, that wouldn't fly with Kasane, "And you…you already know what is holding you back, don't you? If you continue to do so, then you will become the weakest of the peerage." She then placed headphones in her lap as a just-in-case scenario. Whether or not she would need them would be up to Koneko's discretion.

"And what about you?"

"My weakness extends from not being a good long-range fighter, and needing objects to help my combos, so someone like Akeno, who excels at such combat and without the need for objects would give me some trouble if she was at my level of power," Kasane answered Koneko's question easily. "I know what they are and I'm trying to improve them. Everyone has them, and if Phenex-teme thinks he has none, then his arrogance will make Icarus look like the golden child. Hirochi's…you already know."

"What about me?" The brunette asked, raising his hand shyly.

"Issei-san, you need the most work all around. The magic potential you have isn't your fault, you don't have any ancestors that were supernaturally inclined or if you did, the bloodline was diluted out. Hirochi plans on helping you after his fight…and after his date with a certain someone."

Before anyone could question what that meant, the door opened. It was never specified where they were in the Underworld—and that place was Lilith—more specifically the Capital City. The whole arena was clear to see with large busts of Evil Pieces surrounding the entire arena. Entering the room were Rias Gremory, Sirzechs Lucifer, Grayfia Lucifuge, Serafall Leviathan, Ajuka Beelzebub, and Falbium Asmodeus. The four Great Satans, or Maous, and the leader of the Gremory Peerage. Sona Sitri and her Peerage flanked them.

Well, there was one more person after that, "Kasane-chan!"

"K-Kaa-san?" Kasane whipped around to only be smothered by her mother, Wakana. "What are you doing here?"

Wakana giggled, pulling away from her daughter, "Why can't I just come see my daughter? Zechy allowed me to come provided I am with an escort, and that just so happens to be little Miss Lucifuge."

Rias sheepishly shrugged, answering an unasked question, "She outright demanded to come."

Issei, simply stunned by Wakana's beau-tits…as he was blatantly staring. Kasane immediately turned to him and held a light spear in hand, putting it near him, making all the lower-powered devils shiver, "You keep staring at my mother in that perverted way again, you will lose the ability to procreate, do you understand me?"

['Partner, I would listen. Think with your upper brain, not your lower one,'] Ddraig said mentally to his host, exasperation coating the dragon's tone.

His devil instincts reeled when he saw the sharp eyes of one Kasane Randall. "Ara ara, Kasane-chan, defending me so zealously. Ah, I wish I could have more of these moments. Relax, Red Dragon-kun…but Kasane-chan is right. If you ogle the wrong person, someone may take great offense to that and will hunt you down…so for your master's and your sake, keep that lust under a leash." Wakana educated the boy.

"Yes, Ma'am!" Issei said.

"Oh!" Wakana clapped her hands together, "My son-in-law's familiar passes along his wishes. He would be here but Hiro-kun told him he was free to take the day off." Wakana then waltzed over to Grayfia, "Little Miss Lucifuge, a word please?"

"Go, Grayfia," Sirzechs said, watching Serafall glomp Sona with protests from the latter.

The Cadre brought the Queen of Annihilation over to the corner of the room and then waved her hand, "Sound barrier. Talk to me. When are you going to accept my daughter's proposal?"

The proposal mentioned was when Grayfia would take Hiroki as her husband in draconic terms. Kasane had agreed many times before to add her to his growing harem—whilst being aware that two was not a harem but a throuple. Wakana saw the feelings the maid tried to hide. "Even if you deny it, you'll find a dragon is hard to shake off…unless you plan to kill him…"

"Never!" Grayfia exclaimed, appalled at the mere thought. Her mind flashed back to when he was in the courtroom when he hugged her. It disgusted her at the thought of killing him then, and she most certainly wouldn't do it now.

"Good!" Wakana cheered. "So, what is holding you back? I imagine if you pinned him down on the bed and had rough sex with him, he would accept it, showing him that you're strong…perhaps you'd do the same to my daughter?"

Grayfia shot a glance over to Kasane in her outfit, which in the eyes of the maid made her look pretty and mature. Thinking back to the time she had walked in on Hiroki and Kasane mating…a rosy hue appeared on the [Queen]'s cheeks.

Wakana's eyes narrowed and her voice hissed with mock indignation, "Oh you little secret slut…you were so thinking about banging my daughter along with her husband at the same time. Or you both servicing that young dragon c-"

"N-No…but I-" Grayfia should have regained her composure but her subconscious thoughts were surfacing and no, it wasn't Wakana manipulating her. These thoughts were usually suppressed. That started coming undone when he appeared back in her life. "I admit that I do harbor feelings for both…but I find myself unsure how to proceed."

Wakana's eyes softened, seeing the dilemma unfolding before her, "Talk to them after the 'fight', ask them both out on a date, and perhaps revert to a physically younger version of yourself, or don't, whatever feels comfortable." The Cadre circled Grayfia with a scrutinizing eye, "You know if you dressed right, you could be Kasane-chan's twin…I bet that sparks an idea. Imagine him taking both of you, holding hands as he swaps between you with each-"

Grayfia covered the Cadre's mouth, the glare she had was lessened by the blush coating her pale cheeks, "While I am not surprised at how you imagine things, that is your daughter, Wakana-san."

Removing the hand from her mouth, a playful smile greeted her, "Honey, I'm a Fallen Angel. Topics like this aren't uncommon, especially in your society. I wouldn't even dare approach Hiro-kun or my recently reunited daughter in that manner. If I was anyone else with such thoughts, she wouldn't leave my sight and her husband would be with me. However, I'm not that person and my limits are clear. You, on the other hand, need to let him approach; give yourself to him and he will embrace you with all he has. My daughter will follow, even now, she's constantly looking over here, wondering what we're talking about."

"Which is easy to know, given you think you're safe with a sound barrier," Kasane entered the conversation.

"Kasane-chan! How did you-" Wakana question before realization set in, "You both evolved…" A small grin was her answer. "Impressive. How much did you hear?"

The grin faded quickly into a blush that coated the white-haired girl's face that said it all… "You know…Grayfia-san…I wouldn't mind if…you know…" Kasane was looking away with guilt-ridden eyes…but the undertone was she wouldn't particularly mind being under the maid…

"Hehe~, even after having wild moments with her husband, you freeze up at asking such a simple thing," Wakana teased.

'It's not that simple', Kasane thought in response.

Grayfia gave her attention to Kasane, hands in front of her as a normal maid should. However, she took the initiative. She extended her hands to grab Kasane's own, looking at the younger Fallen with a beautiful smile. Upon seeing that wonderful smile, Kasane was now experiencing gay panic. While she was bisexual, she felt the words die in her throat. Eventually, she managed to squeeze out, "Is this about joining you and Hiroki-sama, Kasane-sama?"

All she could do was nod her head.

"Then…would a date…help with that? Both of you? Either as I am or in a younger version of myself…" Grayfia could not say she held the same feelings for Kasane as she did Hiroki. However, Devil society was open to a lot of things. Given that she was a couple centuries older…not that it mattered entirely…

Kasane's feelings were that of a giddy schoolgirl. Displaying a smile and before she knew it, she planted a kiss on the elder woman's cheek, "T-Then it's a date! I'll tell Hirochi after, that will motivate him!" And then she disappeared.

"Ara ara~, what did I tell you?" Wakana's voice startled Grayfia as she placed a hand on her cheek. "It seems that her feelings are more than just a crush or admiration. There is something there…let it bloom."

Looking over, Grayfia could see Kasane being teased by Akeno at what just happened. It was a sound barrier, not an illusion…so while they couldn't hear what was said, that didn't mean they couldn't see them. "We shall see."

"Oh, and before I forget, Grayfia-chan~," Wakana tittered before whispering something into her ear. Whatever it was, Grayfia could not look at Wakana for the rest of the day, if it could be helped.

Meanwhile, Kasane was still getting teased by Akeno, "Ara~, making moves on the strongest Queen?" Akeno was aware that she was Hiroki's second mate but didn't expect Kasane to be so bold.

"I will throw you out the window if you continue," Kasane threatened but most of the threat was lost with her burning cheeks.

"Sounds like a good time, Kasane-chan~, when shall we start?" The elder girl teased with a sadistic smile. Right…Akeno was into S&M.

Sirzechs then clapped his hands, "Well now, hearing these riveting conversations, shall we pay attention to what we came here for?" There was no mocking in his voice, as the playful glint in his eyes showed that he would like to observe these conversations a bit more but alas, a fight must occur first.

Rias' group, Sona's group, the Maous, and the mother-daughter pair looked out into the crowd to see the entire stadium packed. "Sirzechs-sama, how many people are here exactly?"

With a grin, "A full house of nearly four hundred thousand, not including the number of people watching from home. You and Hiro-san will be getting a large chunk of the proceeds, no matter the outcome."

That number made Issei, Saji, and Kasane drop their jaws in shock. The boys for the amount of people and Kasane for the number she was thinking of. "D-Dare I ask how much was the price of admission in Yen?"

"Just shy of thirty-eight thousand Yen ($250 USD) per ticket. Some paid top dollar for the private booths located all around the top of the stadium. Since your husband is the son of the most powerful Dragon King, many wish to see his strength," Sirzechs said. "Rest assured, they've all been warned that if they try to sway him or you into a Peerage, they will face destruction at my hand, if not his own."

Wakana's aura sharpened, "And if they tried to separate me from my daughter again, my 'persona' will come back with a vengeance."

The Maous shared a look and shivered. Serafall had dull eyes as she recalled how ruthless Wakana was. "Understood."

Seeing such looks, Kasane turned to her mother, "Kaa-san? What did you do?"

Just like that, Wakana's threatening aura vanished as if it was never there, "Oh nothing you need to worry about. Just reminding the greedy Devils to mind their place." That smile was a bit hollow.

"Wow, my kaa-san is a certified badass…" She murmured, unaware of the pain behind that smile.

Sirzechs cleared his throat before standing, getting the entire stadium's attention. "Greetings, citizens of the Underworld…"

---

Hiroki could be found waiting at one of the gates that lead into the arena. He's had plenty of time to train, thanks to Tiamat's mage friend. Perhaps it was for the better that he wouldn't know who they were. Dressed in [Endless Candor] without the hood, he had his eyes closed.

"Are you sure you won't require my aid, danna-sama?" Arno asked.

"The ruling is quite clear. It is just him and I, and while I am confident in fighting him," Hiroki looked to the crowd, "This is just too many fucking people…my ears are going to bleed out before we even start."

Arno deadpanned, "You can suppress sound with your Gear, danna-sama."

"Would rather save my energy," He replied. "It's moderately bearable."

The familiar sighed, "If that is what you wish."

Hiroki opened his eyes, turning to his friend, "Why did you show up? I did tell you you didn't have to be here, knowing this would be difficult for you."

Arno did not like Devils all that much. He found them too arrogant and complacent with their power levels. They had the easiest ways to utilize their magic but instead chose to be lazy. Arno wanted a master who would surpass the limits of what was possible. He found that in Hiroki. Granted, when he recognized the aura that surrounded him, it intrigued Arno more.

When he was given a chance and then met the Chaos Karma Dragon…Arno knew he made the right choice. However, that didn't mean he wasn't worried about his master's health. Seeing the drive and determination inspired Arno, even going as far as asking for advice from said dragon. Much to his surprise, Tiamat accepted him when he was brought back before her.

"You done staring?" Hiroki lightly joked.

"Apologies, Danna-sama…I was busy thinking of the past."

Hiroki nodded, pushing himself off the wall, "I get that…I still wonder where I would be without my own. After Faith…I would have never reunited with Kasane…making her my wife, my soothing balm…the person I so desperately needed…perhaps you will find such a person one day, Arno, and I would advise you to cherish that person."

Arno smiled at seeing his master so calm, "Of course. Just haven't found them yet."

"Greetings citizens of the Underworld, my name is Sirzechs Lucifer and today we are here for a special occasion!" A screen appeared at the end of the hall, showing the cameras all pointing to the Crimson Maou. "Today is a spectacle between a Phenex and a Dragon! Through a contract—signed and witnessed by myself and the Maou Leviathan—the terms have been decided. A shame we couldn't get those little details but oh well, we're here for a fight!"

Hiroki knew that was a load of BS but he knew that the Crimson Satan was trying to keep everyone entertained. Playing it up was fun and all but Hiroki had other important business to handle. Then, once that was done, he could finally get to seriously training Issei. That kid needed it because the world was going to show him how bad it gets.

"This fight is between two different types of people, Riser Phenex, the third son of House Phenex, and Hiroki Kuno, the only hatchling of the Chaos Karma Dragon King, Tiamat! Quite the show we have before us, wouldn't you agree?" Sirzechs asked the crowd.

The crowd roared in excitement, while Hiroki was idly wondering how long this 'introduction' would last. Truthfully, Hiroki expects Riser to underestimate him. If he had any sense, he would understand that Hiroki was leagues above him, and with his newfound power and abilities, he would make sure of that.

"You may recognize the latter from the trial years back…but I assure you he has changed since then, as both combatants have over the years." Hiroki swore the hidden words that were missing were 'for better or worse' and it made the young drake smile wide. Arno got a brief whiff of his master's killing intent and shivered.

"Consider this a forewarning," Sirzechs' previously jovial tone changed on a dime, making Hiroki pay slightly more attention. Angering the Satan would be foolish. "If you had plans to ask Hiroki-san to join a Peerage, I am suggesting all Devils to cease those plans…for if you choose to ignore it, the Dragon would be the least of your worries. This is my unofficial warning. Discretion would be left to Hiroki and his first mate/wife." His voice changed back to the uppity announcer, "With that out of the way, let us get the show started! As always, bets are still being placed."

Hiroki scoffed at the end of the pretty speech, knowing that Sirzechs would have said something different if it wasn't for the fact that he needed to be presentable as the strongest Devil in the Underworld. Hiroki had wondered who was in the top ten strongest beings in the world. Unsurprisingly, some of the spots were common knowledge. In first place was the Dragon of Dreams, Great Red, and the Dragon of Infinity, Ophis at the top. Both Heavenly Dragons ranked fourth on that list, just under Shiva, a Hindu God. Sirzechs and Ajuka both ranked number seven under the classification 'Super Devil'. There were more but Hiroki did not care for the rest as of now.

An attendant, stationed at the gate leading into the arena, said, "Hiroki-sama, you may enter…"

The dragon halfling nodded, "Thanks…and enjoy the show. Arno, you're free to leave if you so choose. If you wish to spectate, go to Hime."

The eagle nodded, "As you wish, and thank you." Arno transformed before settling on his shoulder. "Just let me have this."

Smirking, Hiroki exited the gate, covering his eyes to adjust to the sharp change in light. When his vision rapidly adjusted, he walked out with a neutral expression and hands in his pockets. His gaze turned up to the premium boxes to hone his vision in. He saw both his wife and potential—damn near confirmed at this point—second mate staring directly at him, making his heart thump, the first batch of adrenaline pumping in his veins. His expression shifted into a small loving smile, which was returned. The cameras captured his expression and many women cooed at the look. It was a look many recognized, having experienced it at least once in their lives. Stroking Arno's chin, he flew off to the box, where Kasane extended her arm as Arno landed on it. Seeing her giggle but roll her eyes made him chuckle.

"Riser-sama is surprised you did not back out," And just like that, his expression was replaced with disdain, ignoring the whining of the women in the audience. Hiroki's navy eyes sharpened as he gazed at the arrogant bastard.

"I could say the same, Phenex-teme," Hiroki said softly but it was heard. "Ready for your roasting? I've been craving yakitori. I have the recipe all lined up. First, I need to set the oven at five hundred, one raw chicken, spices, and then-"

"Silence, low-born!"

Hiroki sighed, "Jeez, lighten up shitstick." His instincts twitched as he looked to the sky before hearing the wing flaps. His eyes widened as he smiled, "Welcome to the show, Okaa-san." The cameras shot up to see the draconic form of Tiamat flying ominously over the arena. She knew this fight was going to happen yet she never received a formal invite. "Well, now that she showed up, I really have to win because she scares me more than you ever will."

"Riser-sama is plenty terrifying, and I will show you in this fight!" Riser exclaimed, his Phenex fire flaring around him. To be truthful, he looked like a peacock trying to show off. To some, his power level was perfectly accurate. Riser Phenex was amongst the highest of High-Class Devils in terms of power. However, the yakitori should have realized that when a dragon was angry, they didn't aim for revenge, they got even.

Tiamat then flew over to the opposite premium box and transformed into her human form, wearing a very casual set of clothes. A navy blue graphic t-shirt, long blue jeans, and thigh-high black boots, which was under the jeans. She looked very regal but casual. She then pulled out a sign, which read, 'Kick his ass, my hatchling!'

Feeling only slightly embarrassed but didn't show it, he nodded. He never knew she could act in such a theatrical manner.

After feeling Riser's 'terrifying' aura, Hiroki acted worried, "Oh wow, so strong. I'm so scared."

Riser did not seem to pick up the sarcasm as he smirked viciously, "This is your best? Pathetic, this will be Riser-sama's victory."

Since Hiroki's mouth was mostly hidden by his outfit, no one saw the curl of his lips, "Well now, don't be so sure. You know what they say, 'Pride comes before the fall.'"

"It sounds like both combatants are prepared! Ready…Go!"

And so, the fight began.

---

Riser's regeneration would certainly help him during this fight. Riser was surprised to realize that this 'low-born' was the son of a Dragon King, who was present in the audience. That mattered not since he was about to destroy him. "Take this!"

Riser took an early offensive by throwing a moderately-sized fireball—the size of a basketball—while Hiroki just stood there and waited. Hell, he didn't even move. The fireball barreled straight toward him and impacted his chest. Hiroki took a single step back, inspecting the damage, brushing off his chest. It didn't even singe his outfit.

"Did you forget that Dragons are resistant to fire? You'll have to use hotter flames to even burn my clothes off…on second thought, don't. You might just be into that," Hiroki taunted, rubbing his index finger and thumb together.

The insinuation that he was gay pissed Riser off. He was very much straight! After all, he was enjoying his harem last night…

"Silence!" Riser conjured multiple fireballs from his hands and magic circles that appeared around him. That was when Hiroki moved…or did he?

Smoke clouded the arena where Hiroki stood, the cameras and big screen wondering what happened. Surely, after such a brutal assault, there would be carnage of some kind. The crowd seemed disappointed that it ended so soon, accompanied by the wails of those who bet on the Dragon.

Hiroki stood in the middle of the newly created smokescreen, and chuckled lowly to himself, 'If this is his power, then this is seriously disappointing. Should I end it now or entertain myself?' That decision was made simple as the dragon halfling used his power to wave away the smoke around him, showing to Riser and the crowd that he was unscathed, even after that assault.

"Take me seriously or I'm ending it here." The shift in his eyes showed that he was getting impatient. "I told you during our meeting that I need someone to push me to my limits, so if you got the fucking balls to do so, then prove it, Third son of House Phenex."

The third son growled and took flight, his flaming phoenix wings spreading behind him. With speed befitting of his status, Riser rushed forward, demonic energy formed in his hand. Hiroki had moved off the small little island he was on to a fresh patch of rock. "Burn to ashes!"

Just as his fist was about to collide with Hiroki's chest, it was grabbed and the grip was strong, so much so that it was beginning to hurt. He grits his teeth as he stared disdainfully at the halfling, "How?!"

The navy eyes of Hiroki were now full draconic, slits looking directly at him, "Simple. I'm better." Without even using his other hand, Riser was sent backward accompanied by a sonic boom. The halfling's grin grew larger at the results.

Not wasting a second, Hiroki launched himself forward with a sonic boom of his own, wanting to close the distance to Riser. Someone like himself, who was taught close quarters, wanted to take advantage.

As Riser freed himself from the rubble that was the arena wall, Hiroki was already in his face, fist raised and descending. Riser was barely fast enough to move his head as the dragon's fist collided with the wall. Pieces of stone and rubble burst from the impact. Riser felt his face was cut, and with no time to check, he channeled his demonic power to heal.

In a battle of attrition, the Phenex would usually win…but to Riser, this opponent was vastly different. Someone who had higher endurance and from what Riser was able to sense, higher reserves. Not to mention the fire resistance from his scales.

"Come on, you're boring me here…" Hiroki taunted Riser, his expression falling into a neutral stance. Hiroki watched as the Phenex leaped a small distance away in an attempt to recalibrate his strategy. Sadly, Hiroki wouldn't give him that chance, already closing the gap, which Riser noted at how silent his approach was. If not for his instincts, Riser would have already been hit.

The two would then engage in a match of close quarters, something Hiroki showed that he had more experience in, only thanks to Tiamat, as Dragons tend to be upfront fighters, this was drilled into him thanks to his training. Riser found himself being grappled and then chucked into the air, even after getting a nasty right hook to the face.

The Phenex spun around mid-air and spread his wings to keep the high ground, quickly corrected his flight pattern, his regeneration healing the mark, "You? Better than me? HA, don't make me laugh. You're just a halfling with some low-level magic!"

"Did our talk go over your head? This is not magic. This is my Sacred Gear. How about a demonstration?" Hiroki pulled a string on his chest and his hood flew over his face, "[Balance Breaker: Brain Drive!]"

Hiroki's power rose to match Riser's easily and those more experienced in fighting knew that the halfling had far more than the third son. They smirked, already knowing who was going to win. The hood came up and faded to black as a red symbol took precedence.

"Let me show you what I can do!" Hiroki's voice took on an echoey glaze, sounding like a spirit who was trapped between life and death. "Let's play a game, anyone can answer. What is something that everyone does daily? Breathing is obvious but that is not what I'm looking for."

Tiamat, who at first was against this plan for her hatchling, found she liked it when he explained it to her fully. She was more than welcome to answer in a soft but excited voice, "Make noise!"

"Correct, kaa-san,"Hiroki answered despite everyone wondering what she had said. "Noise…everyone does it, even if you are silent. However, your body's functions? They make sounds inaudible to even supernaturals. My Gear? Hehe~, you're F-U-C-K-E and D, that spells fucked."

"What does sound have to do with this fight? Come at me! Unless you're too scared!" Riser taunted, still not understanding what he was implying.

Hiroki modified his voice, sounding normal again, "Ha! If you insist." Hiroki simply waved his arm and suddenly, Riser was flung backward into the stadium walls again, creating another indent next to the original. What no one noticed was that his sound caused distortions to the cameras. Hiroki does not want his abilities plastered across the Supernatural world, so this was his next best thing. Him explaining his Gear is one thing, not how it works. The main counter that he knew was that sound does not travel in a vacuum. "Did you get that? I can't hear you over the sound of how far you're into that wall!" Hiroki did get a bit cocky as a fireball came at his hood and he took that one head on. Hiroki rolled with the hit, stumbling back a few steps. "Yeah, I deserved that one," he laughed at himself.

Riser rushed at Hiroki, coming from the smoke. Throwing a fist, Hiroki caught it with ease, pushing him away. Hiroki didn't move from his spot and was admittedly curious to see if Riser had anything else. While he did feel minutely fatigued, Hiroki brushed it off.

The Phenex then tried to use his left leg and kick him in the side. Frustrated at missing him, he failed to notice Hiroki stopping the kick, pulling him forward to sock him in the jaw, to then twirl into a roundhouse kick to the side, using his move against him.

Most in the crowd were wondering when the fight was going to escalate. This seemed far too tame. Some audience members looked to where Tiamat was seated and found her staring intently at her hatchling as if she was waiting for something. If she was in her Dragon form, her tail would certainly be swishing back and forth.

In the small lapse between the chain of moves, a fireball hit Hiroki's shoulder, sending him into a roll. Quickly righting himself, he reanalyzed his target. 'He's got some potential but he lacks something. This arrogance, it needs to go.' His thoughts and expressions were not seen due to the hood. 'I can already see the training I will get after this,' Thinking about Tiamat training him again made him shiver.

Riser seemed to abandon all forms of grace as he savagely came after Hiroki, attempting to land any sort of hit. Even though the Dragon could directly block or counter, instead, he just subtly moved to make the moves barely miss. A type of dance, one could say, aided by the power of sound. A subtle use of his Gear to speed up his reaction time based on the actions of others.

Hiroki stopped one of his punches and then proceeded to one-inch punch Riser away into the stadium wall for the third time. "Idiot…if it didn't work the first six times, what's seven more?"

"Insolent pest!" Riser screamed as he now emerged from the crater with his wings spread once more and fire coating his body. For a moment, he could almost pass off as Boku from that show Drag-so-Ball but somehow that sounded like an insult to Boku. "I will show you the true power of a Phoenix! We do not just descend from the legendary Firebird itself but we can even do this…!"

Riser's form began to glow and Hiroki found himself smiling maniacally under the hood. His wife could only vibrate in place, feeling the strong aura of her husband, knowing of his plan.

Riser seemed to grow in power and while it was strong, it was not more powerful than Hiroki's alternate form. While he could not transform into a dragon yet, he still was able to dragonify—rather, hardened his body with his scales—and give himself extra defense. Soon enough, after a bright light, what hovered before the halfling was a Phoenix but Hiroki knew that beneath that aura was a bird. Hiroki was minutely impressed by the power output but it seemed that his warning to Ravel was left unheeded. Not Ravel's fault, it was Riser's arrogance that was his undoing. Perhaps he might get humbled…and if Rias was smart, she would take notes and then challenge him after.

'If these Devils think I'm going to be buddy-buddy with them…prepare to be disappointed,' Hiroki thought to himself. The dragon was…friends…with a few devils because they understood why he wanted his freedom and would do anything to make sure it stayed his. Being in a Peerage, to be in 'servitude' to someone weaker than him, angered him greatly. So, Hiroki was opting for the much more violent option, releasing more power to show this 'Phoenix' that he was always outclassed from the moment the fight started.

The dragon stared at the transformed Riser and the corners of his mouth twitched into a smile. Now was the perfect time to show off, despite the toll it would take. Plus, with his mother watching, he did want to impress her. She trained him, something he required to come into his power. It was always there but his potential was handicapped.

Hiroki stared at the Phenex, "What a nice surprise…too bad I have to ruin it! Let me show you what I managed to obtain…but first…" Hiroki put his hands together and concentrated, even as Phoenix-Riser launched hundreds of fire attacks at Hiroki. Instead of dodging, he stomped his foot, bringing debris to his aid. By encasing the rocks with its noise, he started throwing them back at him. The bird predictably dodged them and it only made Hiroki vibrate in excitement. The arena's floor was now more akin to swiss cheese due to the number of craters in it.

This ability was something that came from his Sacred Gear. Azazel's notes on the gears showed the ability of the Struggle Arms System, and well…Hiroki put it on display in a subtle manner.

Three orange nodes appeared directly behind Hiroki's head, and above him, three plugs appeared. As if there was a sudden command, they lunged forward and impaled themselves into Hiroki's head. His voice began to glitch out, for lack of a description.

"̴̡͕̃͂H̷̺̩̆͝e̸͈̽̓h̸̬̀͝e̵̤͑͠ḫ̶͌e̶͇͊̚…̷̗̭́̍H̴̥̽͠A̵̜̰̿͛H̷͓̋̈A̸̫͛H̵͇͆A̶̡̻͑Ĥ̷̪̀Ä̷̻͜!̵̡̢́̄!̷̬̩͝ ̴̧̩̐̀Ỳ̸̨̱̎ó̵̭u̷̼̅ ̸̢̛̇k̴̩̄̕n̵̠̄ȯ̵̪w̴̰̙̍̍ ̶͙͘w̶̰͙͠-̴̹̱̑̎w̶̩̪̔͂-̴͖̾w̷̘̖̓h̶̤̀̌â̵̡͗t̶̛͓̲͌,̴̜̆ ̵͔̥̿̈́P̶̦̐ͅh̸̘̬̿ê̵̩̬ņ̵̒e̶̡̗̔x̷͍͛͋-̵̯͂t̸͙͈̀͌é̶̥m̵̰͌è̶͙̮?̶͈̉͒ ̶̞͊͊ͅI̷̦̤̅ ̴̰̿͊ẁ̸̱a̵̗̽̐s̶͇̆̌͜ ̵͔͕̄͊g̵̢̪̿͝-̷͎̌̄g̸͇͠ȯ̴̫ī̷̦̯͘n̴̲͗̈́ǵ̷̫͕̅ ̵̖̲̀t̶̙̀-̶̣̔t̶̝̘̓-̴̻̈́ţ̴̆̈́ö̵͍́ ̸͓̽g̶̗͒-̴̧̣̄͂g̸̛̖-̷͇͈̂̅ģ̴̚o̸͓̻͌͐ ̵̹̓̚ă̸̧h̶̠̹͊̂h̵̼̿͝!̶͓̖̒͝ ̷̱̙͗͊E̴̼̻͑á̶̛͖ṡ̶̩ỵ̴̥͊…̵͔̭̃b̷̠̌̎-̴̧̱̿̕b̴̼̱̈́ṵ̵͗ṱ̵͎̃́ ̸̯̦̆̐h̴̭̯̉͝a̵͔̎ḁ̸͋̓h̸͚͒̉!̸̢͎̓ ̴̱̯̆I̴̜͓̋̀ ̸̯̔w̷̲̏ä̸̲́ǹ̷̢͝t̵͇̏ ̶͈̲̎ý̷͕̗̕o̵̬͑͂͜u̵̠̾͜͝ ̷̗̈́͝h̵͕̾̅u̶̜̒͝m̶̪̏̃ì̷̧̺̿l̷͕̓ȉ̵̗a̸̢̤̿͝t̴͎̑e̶̺͂d̶̦̏̍…̷̩͉͝s̵̤̈́ỏ̴̢͕͘…̸̡͕̾̍"̶̥̈͠ ̶̨̲̈́

.

.

.

.

.

.

When Hiroki pushed his hands out, an unusual aura emanated from him. The three nodes lifted him off the ground, and even as he seemed to be screaming in pain, he was laughing beneath it all. Through grit teeth, laughter, and pain, he uttered three words.

But they were loud enough that the entire Underworld heard it.

.

.

.

.

"̵̡̛̜͍͉̲̭̘̮̖̝͚̔̋̒͛͌̉̔͋̂̈́̎̄͗͜Í̵͖̠̪̬̖̟̫̮̤͇̞̘ͅͅͅ.̴̪̘̜͎̦̮͕̥̰̮̞̀̃̅͒̉̄̎̆̄͂͘͝ͅ ̷̯̓͛̑̑̂͐̉̕D̴̟͍̊̍̽̈́̈̐͐̓ë̸̢̯̘̬̠͍͉̼̞͕̱̝͔̗͓́̇̅̌̊̾͆m̴̧̛̤͉̥̼̞̪͌͂̊́̇̇̈́̚̕̕͝ẳ̷̡̟̮͉̞̙̙͉̞̹̤͂͂̒̓̓̀̀̂̉̃̇̒͂͜͠n̷͕̐̋̀̇̈́͛̄̌̈́̆̎͑̊̿̚͝d̸̢̡͙̟̜͙͚̼̰͕̖̻͐̆̔̎̓͐̃͐̕͘.̴̩̖̟͔̖̬̅́͒ͅ ̴̢̛͇͙̤͓̏́̂͌̒̎̓̅̾̄͌̔͑͑̋͠S̶͙̣̳̤̉̄̂I̵͈̞͈̺̗͉̱̾̍̕L̶͉͘Ę̵̻̻̈̆͆͂͊͋͂̂̈͜͝ͅN̶̢̩̣̞̻̬̦̯̫̤͉̩̜̺͙͂̑͐̏̂͊̀͊̍̊̀̈́̋̃̀̔̓͜Ç̷̧̟͖̻̦̑Ę̸̣͓́̊̿̒̽̈̽̇̿̀͌͛̌͝͝!̴̛̭̟̭̤̹̪̠̜̘̜̤̳̹̩̏͛̅̂̃͑̌́͝͝"̴̢̨̼̲̣͖͍̖̩̻͔̪͈͎̭̊̅̔̌͂̂̇̿̂̈́͂͊͒͛̕ͅ

.

…

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.

.

And so, silence reigned on the field.

---

Sneaking into the Underworld was a trivial task for Alfia, as her informant gave her the perfect plan to do so. 'I guess having all those connections is useful for once.' With all the commotion going on for this fight she's heard about, getting in was easy. The silver-haired vampire—as if the paler than-usual skin tone didn't give it away—found a secluded spot by the arena with perfect sight lines and hidden from the cameras' views. She made sure to mask her presence as just another devil. If anyone found her, the Maou would no doubt question what she was doing here.

She was here because from what she read about Hiroki Kuno intrigued her. There were a few spots in his file that were missing. The only lead she had was the public court case. Yes, it filled in the gaps…but not all of them.

"Pfft, why did Mother send me on such a wild chase when I could just grab him and he would be none the wiser?" Alfia mumbled to herself. Her eyes remained closed as she used her non-vampiric magic to maneuver around to her preferred spot.

Knowing she had to at least witness the fight, she opened her eyes and she finally got a good look at her target. Alfia did have to admit, that he was good-looking. His wife must have thought so too. The fight, at first, did not interest her. She felt his power and thought it underwhelming, which for being the son of the most powerful Dragon King, was disappointing.

"Oh? And what are you doing here, vampire? Sneaking about in Devil Territory so openly?" A voice called out to Alfia.

Quickly shifting her position, entering a defensive stance, her Lolita dress being carried on the wind, she paused as she saw the figure before her. "Lady Tiamat…"

It was none other than the Chaos Karma Dragon King in human form. Tiamat grinned with one of her fangs poking out of her mouth, "Miss Alfia the Silence. Well-renowned mage who specializes in sound magic, a rare branch." The two women greeted one another. "You know what I'm going to ask…and if I find those answers unsatisfactory…"

Alfia frowned, loosening her stance, slightly irked that her silence was interrupted…but knew not to tempt a Dragon of her stature. "Scouting. Weren't you sitting across the way and out of my sight?"

Tiamat crossed her arms, "Clones are not that hard to make, and easy to convince the general populace…" She explained as she stepped forward, making her footsteps louder on purpose, knowing that the sounds grind on her nerves. "Now tell me why you are here…if it is about my hatchling and his gear…" Seeing Alfia's face twitch minutely made Tiamat pause, her smile turning into a guarded expression, prepared for anything. "You are, state your intentions or suffer my pent-up wrath."

This mission went from bad to worse as angering a female Dragon when it comes to their one and only hatchling was tough. Facing an angry female single mother Dragon King—the strongest of them all—was being up shit creek without a paddle.

Alfia summoned the file she had on her target and held it up, "Due to your hatchling's emergence, rather a reemergence…we needed to investigate to see if he was a threat." That was the default answer when confronted.

Tiamat didn't buy it. The Dragon King was still volatile and there were plenty of reasons as to why. First and foremost, she had just reconnected with her hatchling after nearly not being in his life. Secondly, Tiamat was holding back her entire being from attacking this vampire. When Hiroki reentered her life, all the emotions that came with being a mother flooded back into her. Every little thing he did, she wanted to coddle him.

The rational side of her knew that suddenly butting into his life would only put a bigger strain on their relationship than there already was. So, Tiamat fought against all those instincts and hoarded the associated emotions. That leads to now, where someone was observing her only hatchling for unknown reasons. It was taking a considerable amount of restraint to hold back from letting her power loose. This would only complicate matters. It was thanks to Ddraig's previous host that she was able to learn how to communicate the way most humans—and other species do—with words. Tiamat knew better than to let those negative emotions be in the driver's seat, "And your mother sent you? How come? They could have sent anyone else for what would be classified as a low-tier job. Why did she send the daughter of th-"

"Do not utter that man's name…" Alfia's eyes opened, showing the green and gray eyes being tinted with red. Tiamat's only response was to smirk…which widened as she turned to the fight. Alfia directed her attention to the fight, feeling the young hatchling's power increase but also become…chaotic. "What is-?!"

"Oh? Looks like my hatchling is done playing with his food. About time," Tiamat felt so proud of her little Hiro. He grew so much in so little time. Time Dilation magic was even rarer than Sound magic, and Tiamat knew that befriending that mage was one of the best ideas she'd had. While they were training, Tiamat pushed him and pushed him further to his limits, then broke them. Only to reforge them and break them again. She had to force him to learn, to accommodate his power increase.

There was still room for improvement, Tiamat noted as the move Hiroki was about to do was something he hadn't fully mastered yet but Tiamat allowed him to use it under the condition that he hones it. He was adept at it but nowhere near mastering it. When Tiamat discovered that Hiroki had access to such power, she immediately wanted him to strive for control.

At first, he was barely able to get into the mindset for it. Next, he was able to at least get the orange nodes to appear. After that…Tiamat felt her hatchling's pain and for a fleeting moment, wanted him to stop. The third stage was him producing the final result. Getting more time within it came with constant use. The Dragon King was more than confident he could hold it for at least eight minutes. It doesn't sound like a long time but fights are often over within ten minutes.

And five minutes have passed.

Even as the fight progressed, he never revealed his wings. "Truthfully, he could have ended the fight as soon as it started. That Phenex boy did not heed the obvious warnings. They may have agreed to all abilities…but he truly underestimated a determined and once-slandered Dragon. You see, this whole fight…is his way of entering the Supernatural World properly and to also get his property back…you have the court case…you know what that means for someone like him…"

Alfia inhaled and exhaled. While her full power was above this, seeing such a potentially powerful entity being shown in front of her made her subconsciously hopeful. "His scales?"

Tiamat inhaled, exhaled, and then snarled, "The ones those Devil bastards took from my hatchling without his consent when he was still years from maturing!" Her aura flared briefly, making Alfia wary of the female beside her. Power was something Tiamat had in spades. Turning to the vampire, the Dragon King's eyes were fully draconic as if she was moments away from reverting to her original form, "If it had been up to me, little vamp…that pitiful excuse of a family would be nothing but history because when I found out from Tannin what they had done…" Tiamat wouldn't say it aloud, her dragon pride prevented her from revealing that weakness.

Had she not held restraint, Tiamat would have become an Evil Dragon. While not at the power level of the Heavenly Dragons, she was damn near close. The thin line she walked…

…it was something she never wanted to recall again. Portions of the Familiar Forest had gotten the brunt of her anger.

"…" Alfia didn't have anything to say but silently watched the 'fight'. She had caught some of the moves that Tiamat's hatchling did…and she knew now that he had a Sacred Gear—he did say Gear before—and now she wondered what it did. Hearing that he already had [Balance Breaker] was a good sign…but what was he doing?

Alfia felt a thump in her chest, her slow-beating heart realizing something that she did not, and from what she could gather, it was originating from the hatchling. "What is this power? So familiar yet foreign…" Yet, the power kept rising.

"Oh? I didn't think he was going to use this," Tiamat grinned. "Welp, he'll be feeling that when he's done." The cameras were still inoperable due to the increased distortion originating from the young hybrid. This would eventually raise many questions. Tiamat stood shoulder to shoulder with Alfia, handing her the file back. "Pay close attention, dearest Silence. You're about to witness…"

"…The Brain Field."

---

Riser Phenex was born the third son of House Phenex. His eldest brother, Ruval Phenex, his second older brother, Rai Phenex, himself, and his youngest sister, Ravel Phenex. In comparison to other Devil bloodlines, this was a lot of children, especially in such a short time. Most families were lucky to have a child every century or so.

Showered with attention and love, Riser used to be a respectable person. When he learned to use his powers thanks to Rai, he would constantly challenge his elder siblings to fight. Sure, he would lose—sometimes horribly—but he would make sure that they wouldn't leave unscathed either.

As the years progressed, Riser took an interest in the female form, as would any adolescent with carnal desires. Being a pureblood Devil of the great House Phenex, entitlement was a given. If Riser wanted something or someone, he would get it, one way or another. This marriage to House Gremory was far too important for some dragon to mess up.

And even then, the marriage would not be called off due to the contract made between him and Hiroki.

For all of Riser's arrogance, he was sure to win against such a lowly being. In Riser's mind, a Phoenix was far superior to a Dragon. All the hits that Riser has taken during this fight have healed but he had something else up his sleeve and it would come apparent soon. 'Just a little more and this fight will be mine! I'll show all of Devilkind that none should mess with the great Riser Phenex!' This lowly dragon didn't know who he was messing with. As Riser transformed into a Phoenix, he was well aware of the muddled sounds around was then that Hiroki spoke those dreaded words. They sent shivers down Riser's spine.

'What did he do?' Riser's inner thoughts expressed the momentary confusion and minute traces of fear. The world terraformed around him, a neon cyberpunk city bloomed…minus the city. A black and white grid pattern lined the floor and ceiling, the crowd as far away as possible—yet they could still see the fight just as before.

"W-Welcome to…MY Brain Field! MY d-domain!" As Hiroki took steps forward, a ripple appeared under his foot, as if he stepped into a puddle but what made it worse…was the echo. Hiroki's posture showed confidence but there were minute shakes in his gait.

Above him, many pieces of rock were floating in the air, seemingly following their gravitational path. All of these were from Riser's previous attacks.

Hiroki's thoughts were a different story, 'T-This…could be a l-lot worse. The s-strain is not bad but I d-don't have a lot of time.' The hatchling would have to be quick, as his estimates pan out to slightly under five minutes before his mind starts to break and have lasting consequences.

As Riser figured out what was happening, it hit him, sending the Phoenix across the arena. Hiroki used that sound to seemingly teleport behind him, using his arm and the sound to clothesline the giant bird. "I…g-gave y-y-you the CHANCE to surrender, bastard!"

'His voice is getting unstable? Can he not hold it?' Riser thought through his new injuries. Using his fire, he healed…only to receive a gut punch with the force of one hundred wrecking balls. Riser's bird form coughed blood and spit as he slammed into another wall. This knocked him out of his Phoenix form, now showing Riser shirtless as his burgundy blazer was shredded. His healing kicked in again and he braced for another attack but it never came.

"AHGH!" Hiroki's form stumbled and flailed, as his mind was beginning to feel the strain. Hiroki was seen clutching his head, rubbing his temples. The Brain Field was something new in the Dragon's arsenal. True to its name, the field generated was akin to an alternate dimension, of sorts. While it did not take them out of the visual plane, it certainly wasn't the same. The strain was intense, even if Hiroki had managed to call upon it and hold it. Just getting to the point of activating it took immense concentration, resolve, and willpower. Hiroki had to want this field to form.

The training he did, as brutal as it was, helped his ability so much that if he hadn't gotten it, this wouldn't be possible.

To the opportunistic Phenex, this presented a chance. An opportunity that Riser would not miss. Channeling his flames, he dashed at the seemingly downed Hiroki and swung his fist, only to have it hit something hard. Riser quickly found out that it was a barrier made from the rocks that floated above them, "D-Did you t-think I would let my guard d-down so e-easily?!"

"You cannot keep this up forever, and Riser will make it go faster!" Riser shouted but there was no arrogance. There wasn't any concern either. For all he cared, Hiroki could drop dead and he would more than likely spit on his corpse and then go take his 'wife' as his. A Fallen she may be but she would be a great whore for him.

In the booth, both Kasane and Wakana felt an intense surge of anger, their shared eye color gleaming in the low light, prompting a few to shimmy away from the holy power within them causing discomfort for the majority of Devils in the room.

As if he heard Riser's thoughts, the cyberpunk world pulsed and with that came the anger expected from the dragon. His voice dropped low, "So you think…" His hand glowed purple before a chunk of the debris above the pair that Riser had created came sailing at him from a blind spot.

With quick thinking, Riser turned and broke the debris. Instead of questioning it, Riser took the lapse in Hiroki's attacks and began his relentless assault, never giving an inch. All this sound being produced would be used for later. The use of fire and his knowledge of hand-to-hand helped close the gap.

Except for the fact that Hiroki was now at the other side of the arena, now using the rocks to create some type of obstacle course. Sightlines between the fighters were cut off, "Come and get me, if you can." Hiroki taunted him, his voice projecting over the cyberpunk arena.

Riser attempted to mitigate this by using magic circles, only for them to fail instantly. "How?!" Riser exclaimed. He was just using his magic a few moments ago, and all of a sudden, he can't? "What sorcery is this?"

Hiroki only chuckled, the echo of laughter sounding sinister. "Did you n-not r-r-remember that THIS is m-my d-d-domain? Y-Your abilities d-do n-not work here if I d-deem it so! HAHA~" Hiroki felt his hold on the Brain Field weaken, 'This is t-t-too s-soon. How much t-time has passed?' Any injuries he sustained were superficial at best. They weren't lethal but they couldn't be ignored. "Y-You're b-boring me…"

Riser growled before beginning to navigate the debris maze laid out before him. Flying up and over some barriers, underneath some all while trying to avoid being flattened! Hiroki was messing with and Riser was barely avoiding them as well. This gave Riser false confidence as he finally laid eyes on the perpetrator. "Riser has you!" He shouted as he raised a fist and flew at him at his top speed.

Sadly for the third son, Hiroki was much faster as his eyes took in the world much better than him. Before Riser could even get within five meters of Hiroki, two stone slabs caught Riser. Now, it wasn't enough to crush him into paste but enough to stop him. Not bothering to listen to the surprised protests of the now chicken sandwich, Hiroki then held his hand horizontally and pushed Riser away, sending him tumbling, watching in sadistic glee as it smashed once more into the wall. As he did this, Hiroki finally unveiled his wings.

He flew higher into the Brain Field, gathering the boulders and remaining debris, the purple glow forming around each one. As more power pulsed within him, more orange cords started forming along his back, making his appearance menacing, even more so than before.

Hiroki's wings, after all these years, finally looked different. They were healthier than before but that's not the point. What was behind him were four pairs of wings in all of their majestic glory. The shining navy scales contrasted the cyberpunk background and his overall appearance.

Riser had no time to take in all eight wings as he felt like 'gravity' increased by a hundred times, even being freed from the rock prison, his vision adjusted just enough to see this. This would have killed an average human the moment 'gravity' increased due to the pressure. Trying to use his flames to heal and attack had taken their toll. His flames were weaker and Hiroki still looked like he could continue. "Surrender."

With a defiant look, Riser continued to struggle, "N-Never! A Phenex does not surrender."

'Gravity' increased further, cracks echoing in the area. If one was curious, that was the sound of all of Riser's ribs caving under the pressure. It was then that Riser gravely miscalculated. He was arrogant and prideful sure but no one in his Rating Games even stood a chance. They knew his strategy and still couldn't find a counter to it. It was laughable to the Third Son of House Phenex. However, he thought that this lowly magician was that. Lowly. Unworthy to stand in the might of a Phenex.

"W-What are you?" Riser asked with a mouthful of blood and slurred words.

What he saw was nothing short of a monster, despite the figure now leaning over him, his hand pushing down and the large meteor started its rapid descent, "Y-Your worst F-FUCKING nightmare! Aghgh! HAHAHAH~, s-suffer!"

Hiroki's mind was entering a dangerous point. The Brain Field was a powerful tool but the strain it puts on him was agonizing if left unchecked. The first sign was the headaches. The second was the increased stuttering of his speech. The third and final sign was the small lapses in his mental state, the insanity. 'I've reached m-my limit! B-BUT H-H-He must p-pay!' Hiroki waved his hand and 'gravity' stopped afflicting Riser, allowing him to at least breathe again.

As he did, the Brain Field's grid pattern began to recede into Hiroki as the force of silence diminished, returning sound to the world.

The meteor crashed into the arena, missing its target but the resulting shockwave threw Riser once more across the arena. The dust cloud engulfed everyone's sight, even with a Devil's enhanced sight, they couldn't see.

The crowd was in a state of shock and awe. Hiroki inhaled and exhaled, his hood now down. Riser looked like mangled hell, even as his wounds slowly began healing but they were less effective than before.

"UGhhhaaa," Hiroki coughed, waving a hand and clearing out the dust, a line of blood exiting his mouth as he placed a hand on his head, his wings receding into his body. His Balance Breaker faded and [Endless Candor] remained on his body in its base state. Still standing, he looked to Riser, seeing his opponent's roughed-up body. He addressed the Phenex, "Do you understand now? I am better than you…and you needed a lesson on arrogance. I…need a lesson on power management…" He mumbled to himself. "Sirzechs-sama…I'm sure he can't continue…" Taking greedy mouthfuls of air, he began walking away with a slow gait. No limping but just a slow steady walk.

"N-Not yet!" Riser, through all of his very severe injuries, took out a knife that had a distinct tang to it. With all of his remaining strength, he threw the knife with precision. Hiroki's guard wasn't down but he wasn't expecting it as he turned when he heard Riser's voice.

The knife found purchase in Hiroki's hand as he tried to block it, tank it, or even catch it. "Mmmhagh!" However, the burning sensation in the knife only meant one thing. His mind flashed him back to his time under Ivan and Faith. The cruel methods, the pain, the smell, the screams, the feeling. Hiroki froze with the knife in his hand, blood leaking down his wrist.

Kasane, Tiamat, and Grayfia all noticed that look and feared the worst, more so on Tiamat's side. She knew immediately what had happened…she could smell it, her nostrils burned. Her power leaked out in anger, her clone dissipated and suddenly, the air went cold. Tiamat's killing intent was palpable for the entire arena, and Alfia beside her was frozen in place. The vampire was internally glad she did not make any sudden moves.

Hiroki's mind registered the burning pain and he kept his scream to a minimum, disguising it as a growl, his navy eyes blazed with a newfound fury, his voice low but there was no hiding the anger and the smallest waver in it, "You…you used dragonsbane?! I was going to spare you but now you've signed your death warrant!"

Even injured and with a pounding headache, bordering on a full-vision migraine, Hiroki threw himself back onto the prone form of Riser and started…for lack of a better term, mutilating him. Fingernails became razor sharp and began digging into the downed bird. There was no grace, there was no precision, and there was no mercy. Blood now soaked Hiroki's outfit as his eyes blazed with rage and one-track desire. Nothing short of the death of Riser Phenex would satisfy him. An arm there, a limb here…but Hiroki was not done. Taking the knife and gripping it in his stabbed hand, he yanked it out.

"AHHHGGGHHH!" He screamed in pain, tears pricking at the corners of his eyes. More memories flashed before him, being stabbed, marked and forever scarred…the sweet voice she spoke as she did that to him. It was as if she was marking him all over again. Hiroki turned to the VIP boxes and amplified the knife with sound as he threw it as hard as he could, giving off a sonic boom.

As he threw it, he stumbled, nearly tripping over his own feet but managed to plant his non-wounded hand on the ground to stabilize. With his thoughts now running on rage and spite, he whirled around to continue his mission. No one gets to do that and get away with it. Reliving all the pain in an instant brought forth the side of Hiroki that he wished to stay buried.

The knife traveled instantly and shattered the moderately enchanted glass with brute force, sending shards everywhere. This glass was designed to hold back High-Class Devils, in terms of power. Hiroki shattered those with brute force. Some of the girls inside screamed in shock, terror, and surprise. Kasane was frightened at this, knowing damn well what Dragonsbane does to him mentally let alone physically.

During their multiple times lovemaking, she would kiss those scars over and over, showing that even though his flesh was marred, she would still love him now and forever. Kasane would make sure to leave multiple hickies on him, as she got the same treatment.

Grayfia's eyes showed an emotion that hadn't been seen since the Great War: Unbridled wrath. Ice began forming around her as she watched…and made a decision then and there. Any doubts she had before were gone. Sensing a gaze on her, she turned to see Kasane. Understanding passed between them.

Where that knife landed…was in Sirzechs' chair, a hair's breadth from his fingertips. The Crimson Satan did not react nor flinch but a disappointed expression was visible. Plucking the knife out from the chair, Sirzechs ran a finger along the blade, easily identifying the dragonsbane infused within. 'You fool.'

The spectating Phenex family looked shocked and terrified at what they were witnessing. Someone should stop him but no one dared move. The cameras were back on and recording, as it would leave many concerned about how it got to this point.

"Hatchling."

As he was about to punch Riser again, nearly decapitating him if it landed, further disfiguring his face, he paused at hearing that voice. Hiroki's breath was hoarse, and heavy, and showed no signs of slowing. His eyes expressed the carnal desire for murder. Hearing that voice, he turned to see Tiamat, his kaa-san, staring at him. Her eyes expressed the same feelings he was but showed far better restraint.

"Stand down, little Hiro, you have won. You are not back there, focus on my voice," Tiamat's eyes became slit as she approached, pulsing a motherly aura directly at him. That aura was something no other dragon aside from her could replicate. Dragon Tamers are one thing, this was something that growing up he should have been showered in but alas fate had different plans at the time.

His instincts were telling him that he would be truly safe with her. A person he could fully let his guard down around. That, and Kasane, and by extension, Grayfia. With each passing second, his grip on the now unconscious Riser loosened.

There was still the temptation to finish him off. Hiroki looked down at him, seeing the missing teeth, bruised face, blood leaking from his mouth, dripping onto his hands. His eyes then traveled to his bloody fist, the one that had the knife in it, and his anger reignited. He raised his fist again but Tiamat's voice came once more, "Drop him or I will put a stop to it myself," Tiamat said but it was not a request. It was a command.

Hiroki's instincts decided for him.

Thump. The body hit the ground—still breathing after just barely hearing the heartbeat—and Hiroki stepped toward Tiamat, breath ragged, body shivering, and the tingling in his veins meant the poison from the dragonsbane was spreading through him. It wasn't enough to be lethal but enough to debilitate him. Anger, once again, swiftly returned as he connected the dots. That's why he felt weaker than usual, he laced his hands or nails in it or his magic or something. All of those superficial wounds were his way to inject it into his bloodstream. 'Was that why the Field felt slightly more unstable? It is unstable to begin with but that was something else.'

Tears of anger, shame, and sadness coalesced in the young hatchling's eyes. Little did Hiroki know, that multiple dragons were eyewitnesses to the dishonor shown here today, and that this would have repercussions soon.

"Due to the use of illegal items on behalf of Riser Phenex, Hiroki Kuno is declared the winner by default, if that wasn't obvious. The terms of the previous contract are now void. Mister Kuno will have full control of what he desires, as is his right as the victor, up to an equal amount of the terms laid out in their contract. Lord and Lady Phenex, report to my office, NOW, and wait for me," The destructive aura of Sirzechs Lucifer was present and no one dared oppose him. "You are all dismissed. Serafall, get Mister Kuno medical aid…with explicit approval from Lady Tiamat."

The normally bubbly Satan had a dark look on her face, "Understood." Sona could be seen flinching at that turn of personality. There were more layers to Serafall than Sona knew. She knew that her sister was in two wars…and that she wouldn't talk about them.

"Hirochi!" A voice called out. Hiroki's eyes broke from his mother's to see his wife flying toward him. His lower lip quivered at seeing her like she was his Guardian Angel…Fallen Guardian Angel but to him, her black wings suited her much better.. Just as he was about to tip over, arms wrapped around him, lips covering his. "You're okay, you're fine, I'll take you home to your den, where you can be safe…I'll stay as long as you want me to…tell me what I can do to make you comfortable, safe…at ease…" She sent an apologetic look to Tiamat who could only softly smile at the pair yet her eyes expressed something more. Tiamat found no fault in it as Kasane was panicking, if only for her husband's mental, emotional, and physical health.

Another set of arms wrapped around the embracing pair, "And I will ensure that…" A voice belonging to Grayfia said. The maid was fully embracing the pair, uncaring that she was getting blood on her clothes, she could always burn them later. "First of all, congrats…and secondly, I accept," she then said, whispering to them. "If you'll have me."

Hiroki said nothing but clung to the woman embracing him. Their scents sent tingles down his spine—in a good way—and he relaxed, letting himself be lulled into the realm of unconsciousness, evident by his body slacking. "Now then, get him to the hospital and if either of you leave his side for a minute, I'm skinning you alive," Tiamat's voice said with a smile that promised pain yet her eyes were staring off into the distance. Grayfia turned to her with a nod.

Arno appeared, having slowly followed after Kasane, "I feel so useless…"

"Fret not, young one…this was an act of cowardice. It will be paid in full," Tiamat declared, as her voice echoed to the remaining audience. She was looking in one specific spot, however. Moments later, the presence and metallic scent vanished.

They would meet again on hopefully better terms.

---

"I certainly didn't expect that," a young woman stated in awe as she watched the young man be carted off for medical attention. "What did you all think?"

"He's strong…and to think he's similar to most of us…" A boy with black hair—with a few red highlights—and red eyes stated. A katana laid across his lap but his jaw seemed to want to make contact with the floor. "That ability…is that something I could do?"

"I want to test my strength against him, I think it would be beneficial," A mountain of a man said. "Could be good for training and perhaps I could learn something," His shaggy brown hair and eyes, packed with muscle, and calming demeanor were the man's features. Multiple veins could be seen protruding from his arms, indicating that he took good care of his physical health.

A third man, a blond with one red and one yellow eye and a playful smirk tossed his knife in the air to catch and repeat, "I don't think I would be able to sneak up on him, he has keen senses if sound is the name of the game."

"He might react fast enough to stop me…" A girl slurping obnoxiously on a soda said. Don't let her smaller stature fool people, she was in her late twenties. Growing was optional for her.

"Well, Yuito, Gemma, Kagero, and Arashi…you might have a chance if everything goes right…as my family does owe him a sincere apology, and so much more," The young woman said.

A tall buxom woman with light violet hair and red eyes and a long tri-braid descending from the top of her crown tilted her head, seated to the woman's left, "Are you sure, Lady Valac? That would be a huge risk."

The woman revealed to be Lady Valac—heiress to House Valac, only slightly older than Hiroki—said with a bittersweet smile, "After what my horrible excuse of a brother did to him, Kyoka, the least I could do is apologize; that and I do not wish for a Dragon King's anger. Pride does not mean a thing to me…but it was nice to see another one of the set. Truthfully, I don't know what he was thinking."

Lady Valac was a delightful young woman with pitch-black raven hair and bright green eyes, a perfectly rounded face, and no blemishes in sight. She stood slightly shorter than Hiroki's height and slightly taller than Kasane's height if they were to be stood next to one another—and that's with heels. Being a pureblood Devil, she was well-endowed for a girl her age. Out of the women here, Kyoka still possessed larger assets.

While her disgrace of a brother, Ivan, was far more sadistic and greedy, often falling into all of the sins and being more Demon than Devil, she was a little more calculating. Book-smart, pretty, and still holds some connections even after her brother dragged their name through the mud. She was surprised that her parents did not disown him and then execute him for such a transgression. They were expecting the Dragons to come to reign destruction upon their lands. So, color the entire pillar family surprised when that never happened but that didn't mean it couldn't happen.

"That was an impressive display of power. That 'Brain Field'…it seems dangerous," Gemma commented, hand under his chin. "His power seems to be something with sound…Sonokinetic…" The large man trailed off, lost in his thoughts.

"Now that you mention it, Gemma, he was using two powers," Arashi said, typing something on a floating terminal, something only she could do. "When the dragon boy was lifting debris, that was the second one. His wife holds the other piece, per se."

This got the group's interest and attention. Kagero smirked, "Awesome, so he can use SAS?"

"Might be just discovering it…but what was that move he did?" Yuito asked. Arashi shrugged, signaling that even she didn't know yet. There were only a few people who knew the name, and they would find out in time.

"Come now, we should meet up with the rest."

"Yes, Lady Valac/Izetta," the group chorused and left the VIP room.

---

Located in the Underworld, a place known as Sitri General Hospital—located in the Sitri territory—there were special wards for emergency patients. This was one of those times it was needed.

Hiroki's clothes appeared again after [Endless Candor] disappeared from his form. As of now, he was recuperating his energy. The Blaze Meteor Dragon, Tannin, showed up with an offering of a dozen dragon apples. Tiamat, who had not left her hatchling's side, took them with a simple thanks. Tannin affirmed that the Dragons stand with them if they ever are needed for a political move. Such leverage would be of great use soon.

Kasane, all the while, with the power of being the first wife had taken the position of being in the bed with him. She shed not a single tear but she was there for emotional support.

Getting the reactions from both the Gremory and Sitri Peerages was nothing short of shocking. They genuinely wondered how he got so powerful and Kasane did not relay that answer. Such things would have caused problems. While the curiosity was there, an answer from Tiamat shut that line of thought down.

Grayfia was standing vigil next to the bed, never leaving as she took the Dragon King's word seriously. Tiamat had to tell her to at least take care of her personal needs. "What will be done now?"

"The Dragons will be getting involved. Not only is little Hiro my missing hatchling, my only hatchling, then he was being afflicted with dragonsbane during a sanctioned fight…the Devils do not hold a sense of honor…with some exceptions," Tiamat mentally listed a few, Ajuka chief among them. "So, now the real question lies with the Queen of Annihilation, when are you and my son going to mate and give me grandbabies?"

Grayfia's cheeks gained a slight hue as she stared at the smirking Tiamat, and her face turned an even brighter red as she thought about it. "T-That's far from appropriate! I haven't even gotten to know him yet! We've only met thrice now!"

"Daw…with time, that can change," Tiamat turned to Kasane, "I didn't hear a no from you."

She shrugged, not looking at the smirking Dragon, "W-Well…If it happens, it happens. I-I'm not against having a baby…b-but with everything that's happened in the last few months…" The thought of a baby with his hair and her eyes or her hair and his eyes popped into Kasane's mind making her cover her face and yelp into her hands. "Ugh, why must you tempt me?!" Tiamat only giggled at successfully flustering her hatchling's mates.

Kasane quickly recomposed herself, "His nightmares are also part of the reason I'm in n-no rush for kids…"

"He didn't mention them to me," Tiamat frowned at the reveal of her hatchling's mental state.

"Tiamat-sama, you must understand that he hides things for his own sake…while it's not a permanent solution, no one but a select few have been in his corner," Kasane said, not trying to be rude as she did realize it could be considered a jab. Tiamat did not take it as such, instead finding it as a fact.

With some shuffling outside the room, a voice piqued everyone's attention, "Let me in or I swear to the Shinto, I will burn you to a crisp!"

"Uh-oh."

A series of rapid knocks pounded on the door, Grayfia cautiously went to answer and cracked the door, bracing herself, "State your business." The maid recognized who was on the other side but she would not let anyone near him that she did not trust.

The foxian ears and tails swished behind her elegant figure, "Ah, Grayfia-dono, a pleasure. I wish to see Hiroki-kun before I return to Kyoto. I would have brought Kunou-chan but I do not trust this place."

Grayfia cracked the door wider but stood in the doorway, "Is Lucifer-sama aware of your presence here?"

Yasaka smirked, "Oh, believe me, I made it known. I did shelter both of the young couple for a few years. I saw what happened and rushed straight over. I'll have to make it up to Sera-chan eventually as it was very short notice."

Grayfia peered over her shoulder for Tiamat's permission. "Enter." The maid opened the door and stepped out of the way, allowing the Kyuubi entrance.

Upon seeing the couple lying peacefully, with Kasane stroking his sleeping face, she smiled, "Good, you weren't that brave to do such an act before you two had sex all weekend." She turned to the woman sitting cross-legged in the chair, "Apologies, Tiamat-sama, I forgot my introductions."

"I am aware of who you are, Yasaka, leader of the Kyoto Western Youkai Faction. I extend my thanks for keeping my hatching safe," Tiamat nodded her head. "I also heard of your healing capabilities."

Yasaka nodded, losing her smile, "Yet another reason I came. I would much rather not have to repair his pathways again. This should be a very light case. With your permission, may I examine him?" She turned from Tiamat to Kasane, and the meaning was clear: She was asking both the mother and the first wife.

"Please," Kasane breathed a sigh of relief. Her Kaa-san was awaiting the results. "So that way I can scold him for being such an idiot."

Tiamat grinned, "And so I can give him the lessons he's been wanting."

'Bless you, Hiroki-kun, you will need it,' Yasaka thought with a sweat drop as her hands glowed with Senjustu. Thankfully, finding the source was easy, and purging it even easier. Tracing her fingers along his pathways, she felt his power and his life force, both of them being Ultimate class. 'He grew up faster than I imagined…but I do not think I am in his heart the way I think I am. Hah oh well, I'm sure he's happy with who he has.'

Yasaka pulled back and turned to Tiamat, "There, he should wake up soon. Please don't put him back in here for a different reason, Kunou-chan would like to see her onii-san and onee-san again."

"We'll visit…once this sorta blows over…I mean, when Tiamat-sama gets her pound of flesh," Kasane corrected. Grayfia remained silent, her eyes focused solely on the slumbering dragon.

Tiamat then stepped out to speak with Yasaka at length, as she would love to know anything she could about her hatchling due to her absence. Kasane reached out for Grayfia's hand, "Take off your shoes and lay down, I think he would at least like to wake up with his women at his side."

Grayfia wished she had a counter argument but decided to indulge in this moment, "Nothing naughty."

"No promises," Kasane gained a twinkle in her eye. She would have teased further but she was secretly happy to have her close to her husband. She felt pleased letting her get close to him, as long as it was reciprocated. That, and her naughty side had plenty of dirty fantasies that she could not wait to try out whenever the chance arose.

When the trio was later found by Tiamat, Wakana, and Sirzechs, they were asleep with Hiroki's arms around their backs, smiles on their faces, and peace in their posture.

Sirzechs wanted a picture but Tiamat threatened him to leave them be for now. However, the teasing was not off the table, and so the Crimson Satan left with that knowledge and he was cheering her on. Now, he had to go see his wife, Rayna, and his son, Millicas.

---

School in Kuoh ended for the day and while the two Peerages returned to Earth that very night, they were two short. Both Hiroki and Kasane stayed for the next day, as according to the latter, he had not woken up. While Kasane delivered that line with ease, it was the unease in her eyes that conveyed her worry. Sona had excused them both from school as a thanks.

Grayfia had shown up after waking up first, smiling at the pair before returning to her duties. She had the unfortunate pleasure of meeting Tiamat with a sly grin on her face. She took the teasing as well as she could but sincerely thanked the Dragon King for allowing her the chance to court her only hatchling.

Within the Student Council room, both Perrages gathered for a meeting. After what happened, many would wonder where the Dragon 'laid his nest' per se. While they were not in contention for Kuoh as a territory, the eventual headaches from trespassers would get on their nerves. "So…is anyone going to talk about the beating he gave Phenex-san?" Saji asked. Ruruko shivered as she recalled the very visceral beating.

"That," Tsubasa started in a low voice, "was some of the greatest action I've ever seen!" Sona's reproachful look silenced her enthusiasm.

"He didn't have to go that far though," Issei muttered. He disliked the yakitori but that didn't mean he wanted him mutilated.

['Understand, partner, that Phenex dishonored their fight by using illegal items, which would affect you due to me and my presence within your soul. It would have only been fair if he used his wife's Holy Light against him…I was impressed by her restraint to not smite him then and there.'] The Heavenly Dragon lectured a little more, ['He was willing to leave him in that previous state but all bets were off when the knife was drawn. He may not have let his guard down but he could have used his power or even his flames—if he has acquired them—to stop it.'] With a nod, Issei understood both sides of the conflict everyone seemed to have.

Tsubasa continued, negligent to Ddraig's lecture, "Still, if that's how he fights, then how does one win against him?"

Kiba interjected, "Well, sound does not travel in a vacuum…so space?" There was an attempt to lighten the mood and the one who reacted the most was Tsubaki, getting a light snort from her. "In all seriousness, Kaichou, I don't think any one of us here could beat him as it stands now. Issei-kun, what does Ddraig-sama say?"

Issei looked down at his left wrist, "Well, what do you think?"

Ddraig's voice was heard by all, ["As it stands, the [Knight] is correct, none of you can match him should he go all out…but what I found most intriguing of Tiamat's hatchling…was that he did not go full power."] Hearing the gasps, the wise dragon continued, ["What I mean is that while the young drake was using a lot of power, if he had truly gone full power, he would not have lasted as long as he did. The strain would have done more damage than the dragonsbane. My host, I strongly recommend learning physical combat from him as he will be a resource for an eventual meeting."]

While many were confused by his wording, Sona and Tsubaki knew Ddraig was referring to the Hakuryuukou, the White Dragon Emperor, aka the Vanishing Dragon. "Could I join as well?" both Saji and Tsubasa raised their hands in asking.

"That would be up to Hiroki-san when he returns and if he feels well enough. The effects of Dragonsbane have a wide variety of problems and it depends on how the dragon builds up a tolerance."

Rias could be seen thinking by the window sill, not truly paying attention. She was still thinking of how her arranged marriage hung over her head. While she knew Riser was formidable, she needed to be stronger. She knew that Hiroki was trying to help her but this was the beginning of a lesson: She cannot always rely on others to solve her problems. That includes herself and her peerage.

If she asked for her brother's help, it could compromise Sirzechs' credibility to show nepotism. However, her mother could help…she also knows the Power of Destruction, being a descendant of House Bael. Her father agreed with the arrangement and it was part of the reason why Rias was in no mood to speak to the old man.

Then there were the issues of her Peerage. Akeno hates her other half but thanks to Kasane, that might be less of an issue. Koneko was in the same situation as Akeno, not out of hate but out of fear. Kiba hated a certain sword with all his heart. Her other [Bishop]…well, he didn't like people. Asia was too kind to harm a living soul. Her most powerful piece was Issei but as loathe she was to admit it, he could be swayed by the promise of oppai. Too easily swayed.

All these thoughts ran through her mind that she failed to recognize that Sona was addressing her, "…isn't that right, Rias?"

"Huh?" Rias snapped to attention to see everyone in both Peerages staring at her. "Sorry, everyone, my mind is elsewhere."

"Ah, we never did learn the terms of their contract as stated by your brother," Sona had an educated guess as to what she was thinking.

The crimson-haired beauty shook her head, "No…while curious on that front…it's about the arranged marriage."

Akeno cut in, having snuck out to make tea, "You're wondering if Hiroki-kun managed to get Riser to annul the proposal?"

Rias nodded. "Possibly…but we can hope."

Knock knock knock.

"Were you expecting anyone, Kaichou?" Momo inquired. The Sitri shook her head, giving a signal for Momo to open the door. The white-haired [Bishop] took slow steps toward the door, Tomoe silently following behind. No one would be stupid enough to attack them here.

Momo's hand turned the knob and peered out into the hallway, only to see two figures. Momo's mouth stretched into a smile, "You're here!"

Tomoe was already out the door, face-first into the taller one's chest, getting an 'oof', and was gently pushed back. "I'm still a little sore, ease up Tomoe-san."

"But you're finally here, Hiroki-senpai!" Tomoe cheered, everyone perking up. "Kasane-senpai, we missed you!"

The fallen hybrid smiled, "We certainly didn't miss going to school." The wide open door provided a window for everyone. Indeed, Hiroki and Kasane stood outside the Student Council room.

"Well, I have good news and bad news, what do you want to hear first?" The navy-haired dragon asked the group.

"Let's start with…"

…

Holy moly, it's been five months. Well, this wasn't written until April and I had my friend, Anubis_F0X, help me edit because I write fights scenes like shit! Self-proclaim as they usually are kinda dull, don't have a proper flow etc…so hopefully that doesn't show up here. Couple sections, he pointed out, were a mess. So honestly, thank him. Also, a sub 15k chapter, it's nice but I wish I wasn't so distract-able.

Probably would have been done faster lmao.

As for the Yen price conversion, that was made on 4/8/2024 (8/4/2024 for international peeps) so if that changed, I am not editing it to reflect it.

So, new names, no they are not OCs, those names (Arashi, Gemma, Kagero etc) are the canon cast members of Scarlet Nexus, you know the other fandom that this has elements of. Just wait until I get to Others (Dunno why this was their name but whateves) and delve deeper into Togetsu. As you read, you noticed they all seemed interested in the fight but for the reason of Hiroki's—by extension Kasane's—power of SAS. That's for later.

Tiamat being an absolute mom, at least trying to be, and Alfia showing up. Don't mind the set up.

The dragons being aware of the dishonor shown in the fight, and THIS is what I'm happy I came up with. This implies so much for the future of what we know as the 'canon plot' of the LNs, manga, and Anime. Butterfly effect ftw.

Oh, and Grayfia scoring a date with the couple. Of course, I'm not going to have them meet a few times and all of a sudden, lemons fall from the sky! I would prefer some build-up with my build-up, you feel me?

Okay, think I yapped enough. Sorry for my long ass delays but it's all a matter of motivation.

Next update(s): Blind Adventure OR a Honkai: Star Rail University AU thing I have in my back pocket OR Lightning's Afterglow—which MAY receive a rewrite (only the prologue is out, so this shouldn't take long)

OR OR ORRRRRR

where ever my motivation takes me…

Ciao.