REVIEWS:
God90zilla: I fixed this detail. So, to everyone else reading these, know that the detail about Durandal was fixed! Ya'lll really jumped on that one.
frankieu: It isn't that he is weak, but because he technically won. but didn't win HIMSELF, but someone else won for him. In such cases, the System tends to reduce his reward accordingly.
temp paleoboy: Aye, fighting then would be very unfair. Plus, Vali is a battle maniac, fighting a weakened opponent is cowardly and goes against what he believes in! Want a good fight? GO FULL STRENGTH!
FailedKeikaku: Trust me, unlike cannon, this is not the last we hear of Kokabiel either. I have plans for him, still, and having him survive works perfectly in my favor.
Guest: hehehehe.
Xerzo LotCN: Bro, huge ass reviews, they be killing me! Alright, lemme see what I can do here. Now, lemme see: 1L per ritual. He doesn't need to bond with the baby dragons more, nor with Asia, for the blood, and yes, he did do a blunter when he put his points into physical stats first instead of the other stats that can't really be trained as well. Also, for the RWBY X Ben 10 story, since that is what won, I make you aware that it won't have a harem. Also, why bring Huniepop into DxD? Now, onto other points: No, the Puppet Master didn't give Rizevim his stuff, the cannon WILL be useful to Issei later, the new ability for Kiba's sword is pog OP, I know, and I am proud of it, and Issei DID give a great fight. Also, Gravity Magic is not that useful for training in this.
Last week's events were stressful, to say the least. Following the battle against Kokabiel, the group returned to Issei's home with the fragments of Excalibur. Irina was still unconscious, so Xenovia had to contact the Church about completing their mission, even if her report would state that five out of seven fragments of the legendary Excalibur were now laid in pieces. Issei expected the Church to be at least pleased that they had the swords back, but things were not that simple.
It's not that simple at all. While he and the others rested, Xenovia did her report but made one critical mistake. She mentioned that she knew God was dead. The fact that Kokabiel revealed that to them all was a red alert for the Church, and that meant they had to contain the information, but upon hearing who knew of it, namely, Issei himself, they become less willing to send who knows what exorcist to kill them all. Not to mention Rias.
But that didn't stop them from telling Xenovia that, due to her knowing such dangerous information, she was effectively being expelled from the Church. The news shook the poor girl to her core, and when she returned to them, Issei was positive she was holding back tears. The Church demanded the Excaliburs back, along with Durandal. Since Xenovia was no longer part of their group, they decided not to allow her to keep even Durandal. It was a harsh call, but Issei saw the logic in that decision.
It was indisputable. When Irina woke up, Xenovia told her to contact the Church. The result? Issei saw Irina's cold eyes as she looked at Xenovia. To preserve their secret, the Church was spinning more and more lies. Whatever they told Irina washed away her trust in Xenovia. She left two days later, taking the swords with her as Church agents came to escort her. But Issei was not pleased. Oh no, he was not pleased at all. He was fuming with anger. Sure, Xenovia didn't make a good impression on them, but she proved herself a trustworthy ally in battle, and in a way, he saw past the cold exterior.
This was unfair, plain and simple. It made their victory, as small as it might have been in the end since both kills were stolen, seem worthless. It left a truly bitter taste in his mouth to also have to say the exact opposite of Irina. The Irina he knew would never blindly listen to others regarding her friends. But who knows what the Church does behind closed doors? And how many lies did they tell her?
He offered Xenovia a place at his house until she figured out what to do next. The poor girl had never lived outside of the Church, and now she was all but excommunicated for something out of her control. Asia, in particular, couldn't help but sympathize with Xenovia's situation. Issei had to pull things together, though. He let Asia handle Xenovia, prepare her food, and so on. Even if he tried, Asia wouldn't listen to him to do otherwise anyway.
But as said, an entire week has passed since that event. They were waiting to see what Xenovia decided to do further. Whatever she decided, he decided to aid her however she wanted, be it food, equipment, or even a place among his group. But so far, she has been locked in her room, thinking—just like Issei was thinking in his room in the Dungeon—that a certain someone decided to grace him again with their presence.
He was back. Time was not moving. He was standing before Issei, this time around, with Issei standing on the bed. "You have questions."
"And you have answers," Issei replied. "The quest…The longer I think, the more it seems odd that it didn't fail since I fought Errgo. Sure, the System gave me bonus points for figuring out an explanation, but since you are here, well…"
"I do. But if you want an answer? Simple. You have two quests with conflicting objectives." Valerius, one of the supposed makers of the System, told him. "The System saw this and decided not to fail the Kokabiel quest because of Errgo. Ultimately, you were lucky."
"You…Did you know all of this would happen?" Issei asked.
"Partially. I am capable of many things, Issei Hyoudou, but omniscience? Please, you flatter me thinking I have such extensive capabilities. But even then…Does it matter? Even now, the sole reason for my visit is a simple courtesy. I never interfere directly to warn you about things. I will never do that. Nor will I change things. That is your part. I am not your ally, Issei, merely your handler."
Issei sighed. "I guess it is only fair. I can't expect you to advise me on what to do next, either?"
"That is why you have Solomon, silly boy," Valerius replied. "I am just here to lay some questions to rest-"
"Wait! I have another question," Issei said quickly before Valerius could leave. "Tell me…How far can the power of the System see me go?"
Valerius smiled at him and stared the boy in the eyes. "Depends, Issei. Do you have the ambition to become the supreme God of this world?"
Gasping for air, Issei jolted up from his sleep, chest quickly rising and falling as his momentary wave of panic washed away. "Issei?" Kuroka's sleepy voice caught his attention, looking to his right to see her there, in all her nude glory, slowly waking up. "What is it?"
"Mmmm. I second what Kuroka asked." Ingvild, in the same situation as Kuroka, asked. "What's the matter?"
"Kuroka, Ingvild? Right, we had another threesome before bed." Issei recalled. "Sorry if I woke you up; I just had a bad dream."
If it was even a dream to begin with—for all he knew, Valerius had just snuck into his dreams—but if so, his words would linger in his mind for a while. "Was it about what happened with Kokabiel?" Ingvild asked. "The White Dragon Emperor showing up must have been a shock."
"Nya! Thank our good fortune; he seems to have some honor! Otherwise, he could have capitalized on the opportunity to kill Issei!" Kuroka stated Ingvild. "But, at least we know he is working with the Fallen Angels for certain, huh?"
"He is," Issei confirmed. "He said it himself. He was there on orders from Azazel of the Grigori. He was there for Kokabiel."
"What do you plan on doing about this appearance, Ise? I mean, didn't you have a Quest about him?" Ingvild asked, receiving a nod from Issei.
"I do. I've yet to claim the rewards from defeating Kokabiel—or, well, sort of winning against him, I guess. But the Quest regarding the White Dragon Emperor? One of my objectives is to reach level 50 before the fight, but I am still around ten levels away. I doubt I can effectively close such a large gap in due time before the supposed fight."
"Nya! Then work harder! Surely, the population of Stray Devils around Kuoh has increased again lately, so maybe you can go hunting them again!" Kuroka proposed.
"I doubt that'd do much." Ingvild pointed out. "Even if it did, I think the amount required is too much."
"Ingvild has a point. Strays are not a good enough source of EXP anymore." Issei admitted. "My only chance is a repeatable training quest, but so far, I got nothing besides the one where I have to help Gasper train. And that one is not repeatable."
"Still! Surely, there are other ways, right? We've been working hard, resulting in you gaining EXP over time, right? " Kuroka did have a point, but then again, it was the same issue. There was too much of an EXP gap now to rely on such sources. He needed something more concrete.
"It has been helping, but I still need more," Issei stated. Then he slowly climbed out of bed, going past Kuroka and touching the floor below with his feet. He shivered a bit as the cold stone touched his skin—he had to remember to put a carpet in here—then he got up and went to his dresser to get some clean underwear. "But, that aside, there are other things we need to take care of."
"Nya! Xenovia." Kuroka pointed out the name of their current issue. "Poor girl. She didn't deserve what happened to her."
"I agree," Ingvild said as she, too, began getting up from the bed, not bothered by her nudity around Issei and Kuroka. Not anymore, that is. "What the Church did, while I can see their reasoning behind it, was an extreme measure. And the way Irina acted as she left with the Excaliburs…"
"Whatever tricks the Church used to brainwash her, they are strong, nya!" Kuroka stated strongly as she stretched, exposing herself from underneath the blanket. "Lies and manipulations. Honestly, you'd expect such tactics from devils!"
"Regardless of what happened with Irina…" Issei said slowly, looking down at his hand. At first, he believed that he had changed too much since he was young, but truthfully, he was not alone. Irina changed, too—or rather, others changed her. He changed in different ways but became what he was destined to become: the Red Dragon Emperor.
He wanted to become strong enough to get his vengeance, protect those close to him, and face any threat that came to oppose him. But Irina? All she was and knew was the Church. Their sway over her and the fact that she trusted their word above his worried him. But more worrying was how easily she seemed to turn against Xenovia, with whom he believed they were long friends from the Church.
If the Church ever becomes his enemy, he also dreads to think he might have to become Irina's enemy. "We must continue onward. I will take care of a few things and then meet up with Rias and her peerage to discuss certain things. In the meantime, you girls try to see if Xenovia is ready to talk to us."
"Alright, Issei," Ingvild replied. As soon as he got dressed, he left his room and walked into the hallway of his Fortress. As he walked to the training grounds, Leonna was not far behind him.
"Master, do you need anything?" Leonna asked, ever the loyal being.
"Leonna, tell me: Does the Dragon's Fortress have a Blacksmith?" Issei's question seemed to take Leonna aback genuinely.
"Master, forgive our lack of preparation, but no. The Dragon's Fortress does benefit from a fully-equipped forge, but there is no blacksmith to work said forge." She replied. "However, if you desire, you might be able to order the creation of one."
"Not needed yet, Leonna. You once mentioned something about the other NPCs around the Fortress, correct?"
"Yes, Master." She replied. "You already know me, Dummy, and Blackberry. I serve as your assistant and Head Maid, while Dummy is your personal training assistant, and Blackberry is the main cook of the Fortress. Aside from us, there are two others."
"I see…I feel bad to have waited so long to meet them." Issei arrived at the training grounds, where Dummy came to live, greeting him. Issei put a hand up. "I am not here to train, Dummy. Not now. Leonna! Tell me, who else is there?"
"As you know, we use primarily basic golems to carry out simple tasks around the Fortress for its maintenance. However, other tasks require direct supervision and active decision-making, which cannot be left in the mindless hands of those dolls. One such task is the protection of the Fortress, should all other defenses fail." The shaking of the ground accompanied Leonna's words, and Issei looked past her and saw a prominent figure approaching them.
The figure eventually stepped into the light, and Issei's eyes widened as he saw them. "Alas, I meet you, Master Issei." The giant was kneeling before him, but Issei barely knew what he was looking at! It was like a giant armor suit, carrying a large sword and a round shield. The armor they were wearing was mostly golden, with red detailing here and there and a Greek design to it. On their back, they carried a spear, and on their hips, they had two more swords ready to be drawn. But the face within the helmet was not that of a human. Instead, Issei was seeing just darkness surrounding two red, burning eyes. "I am Xantor, at your eternal service. I am the head of the guard and the Mini-Boss of the Dragon's Fortress."
"My word…" Issei looked at the giant, amazed by his might. "You seem quite powerful."
"Your praise honors me, Master. I try to do my duty with dedication to ensure your protection and the safety of the Mistressess living within." Xantor replied.
"And who is the second one?" Issei's question was soon answered as he felt a chill going down his spine and turned around to see the source of it. Coming out of the shadows was a skeletal being wearing a long, tattered robe, wielding a large staff in their hand. The skeleton had hollow orbits with a yellowish glow burning within. "I take it that is you?"
The skeleton kneeled. "Yes, Master. I am Morul. I am a Lich, as you can see, but not the one created to defend this place, oh no! Master, my duty is to be the keeper of all knowledge you have ever acquired!" That line caught Issei's attention.
"What do you mean by that?" The boy asked.
"My duty, Master, is to record and store your skills within the Hidden Library," Morul replied, which shocked Issei.
"What Hidden Library? And what do you mean by that? My skills?" Issei was confused.
"I see you are confused, My Lord. Allow me to explain. Every time you learn a new skill, here, within your Dungeon, I work tirelessly to create a Skill Book of that skill! A copy, in case your grace may ever need them! They are hidden and organized deep underground within a hidden chamber. That is the Hidden Library, Master." Morul explained.
"And why would I need my skills recorded as such?" Issei asked with curiosity.
"I do not record merely your skills, Master! but also the skills of your Mistresses, which have received a Draconic Piece!" Morul explained further. "That is my duty! Should something ever happen that sees your powers vanish, you can use the books I have made to reclaim what was lost! I have also partaken in them but limited myself to learning the magics you wield, Master! Forgive my transgression, but my curiosity was greater than my loyalty in those moments."
"You are forgiven, Morul. So, you are akin to the scribe of the Dragon's Fortress, is that right?" Issei asked.
"Yes, Master. I record everything within those walls, your skills, and more. I am also skilled in magic and might be useful if you use my skill."
"I will think about something someday," Issei replied, then addressed all of them. "If this is truly everyone except Blackberry, who I assume is in the kitchen, then I have but one question. Tell me, everyone, how should I go about growing stronger?"
Morul jumped at that. "My Master, whatever do you mean? You are already a mighty force!"
"Morul, our Master is burdened by worry," Xantor answered to his comrade. "I can see it in his eyes. He desires more strength to face what is coming. We may never leave this place to walk in the outside world. But my confusion lies in the essence of your question, Master. Does the System have nothing for you to grow in might?"
"Unfortunately, the issue is that nothing available works for what I need. I need to reach level 50 before a certain event happens, and I fear I got the warning that I am running out of time," Issei told his servants. "Tell me, what can I do?"
"Master, the answer might be before your eyes," Leonna stated, with Xantor getting up. "Your unclaimed quest."
"You mean there might be something I am missing?" Issei questioned her.
"Master, I do not mean to question you, but quests tend to be locked behind others most of the time. Claiming your quest right now might unlock another that will provide you the answer you seek."
"Hmmm."
The Church of Lies
You do not trust them, neither do they trust you. Xenovia Quarta and Irina Shidou are not your enemies, but that can change if you are not careful! They are here with a mission, and now that you have grown stronger, it is time you actively help them finish that mission!
Main Objective: Recover the Excalibur Fragments. - Complete
Secondary Objective: Defeat Kokabiel. - Complete
Tertiary Objective: Do not engage in battle with anyone aside from Kokabiel. - Complete
Quest Time Limit: N/A.
Main Objective Rewards: 1M EXP, 10 SP, +10 RP with Xenovia Quarta and Irina Shidou. -Unclaimed
Secondary Objective Rewards: 50K EXP, +20 RP with Raynare. - Unclaimed
Tertiary Objective Reward: ?. - Unclaimed
Failure Penalty: ?
"This is complete, alright…" Issei said. "What was the penalty even?"
Note: Seeing how you already received reduced rewards from the Errgo quest, the System is allowing you the entire reward for this quest. Additionally, the penalty was a second Great War.
"Well, fuck me sideways; good thing I didn't fail!" Issei replied to the System. "Anyway, let's see here." He decided to start with a secondary objective reward, claiming that one first. The 50K EXP turned into 248400.
Raynare
32/100
Now that Kokabiel is just a memory, she feels great! She is even starting to like you!
"Alright, that's good. The next one is the main reward." Issei muttered as he claimed the next reward. 1M EXP was soon transformed as well into 4968000. A lot of EXP.
Congratulations! You are now level 42!
Xenovia Quarta
10/100
She is lost, left without direction after what has happened. But she will find her way.
Irina Shidou
5/100
The Church has its hooks deep within her, making her question even your past friendship. Due to them, likely, you will not get to clear things up.
"What the- Did Irina have a negative value before this?" Issei asked, seeing that Irina's RP tab was lower than he had been promised. If he was right, then that meant she started in the negative. "Fuck!"
Regardless, that was unimportant right now. Time for the mystery reward, and with one click of the button, Issei was shocked when he saw his Sacred Gear suddenly manifesting. "WHAT IN THE FUCK?!"
"Hey, hey, that feels funky!" Even Ddraig didn't quite like what was happening, as several tendrils of code seemed to flow from the quest window right into his Boosted Gear! However, once it was done, Issei was greeted by something else.
Skill installation successful! The skills [Assimilation] and [Shape Alteration] have been successfully installed within the Boosted Gear!
[Assimilation] (Level MAX): Thanks to this skill, the Boosted Gear's power has been increased with the addition of a unique ability! Now, the Boosted Gear can assimilate items into itself, adding their abilities (If any) to its arsenal!
[Shape Alteration] (Level MAX): Aren't you tired of the same gauntlet day and night? Well, not anymore! Thanks to this skill, the Boosted Gear can now switch forms! Here is a list of unlocked forms! Note: By using [Assimilation], new forms can be added! The Boosted Gear can have 1 form for every ten levels you hold, not counting the default form!
FORMS
-Gauntlet (Default)
-Twin Gauntlets
-Vacant
-Vacant
-Vacant
"BOOSTED GEAR SKILL?!" Issei gasped in shock.
"OH MY GOODNESS CREATION!" Even Ddraig was shocked by this!
But there was more.
The player's inventory tab has been reworked due to the addition of the new Boosted Gear skills. The Main Weapon and Secondary Weapon slots have been removed. From now on, the user must rely entirely on the newly acquired skills to use weapons.
"Woah…That's a big rework, not going to lie." Issei said slowly, then felt like he could no longer summon his two weapons. But that being said, he did bring them out of his inventory. "Ready, partner?"
"Always, Issei. Let me see how this feels."
The first one to enter the Gear was his Mystical Moonlight Blade. Ddraig seemed to feel nothing as the sword entered the Sacred Gear, but something had clearly happened within.
Due to [Assimilate], the Mystical Moonlight Blade has been added to the Boosted Gear. A new form unlocked for the skill, [Shape Alteration].
Focusing a bit, Issei held his hand out, and before his eyes, the Boosted Gear glowed before its shape changed. Now, holding in his hand, his BARE hand, was a sword. The handle was similar to the Gear, as it had a golden handle with black details, and the guard of the blade had the green gem in the center, followed by the rest of the red guard extending to the sides. The sword glowed the usual blue of the energy within, indicating nothing had changed.
"Awesome. How are you feeling, Ddraig?" Issei asked his partner.
"Just fine, partner. Nothing feels wrong. It is as if I was always a sword." Ddraig replied. "Put the Katana in next!"
"Right!" Taking the katana he got from the Tengu, Issei added it to the Boosted Gear, adding its capabilities and unlocking yet another form. The Sacred Gear then transformed again into a katana in his hands. The blade's handle was red with golden detailing, with a small, green gem at the end. The guard was a bright crimson, and the blade was red on the blunt side.
"Oh, this is awesome. I do wonder, however…" With a bit of focus, Issei put both hands on the handle and then pushed his hands in separate directions. And it worked.
You have been awarded 5 INT and 5 WIS for figuring out how to use dual-wielding functions in your new situation.
He held the katana in one hand and the Western sword in the other. He rested the larger sword on his shoulder and held the katana up so the light would shine. "A fine weapon, Master," Xantor remarked.
"Quite indeed. Now, let me see here." Issei opened his stat page and began to dump points into his less trainable stats. He split them evenly between ACC and CHA, giving nine to each. "That should put me closer to the next cap. Good. However, I am not-"
Quest updated!
"Ah…There it is." Issei sighed as he checked the newly acquired quest.
Haul Ass Against the Clock!
You were right when saying you were warned time was running out. You need to make the most out of your situation, so the System has decided to activate this quest.
Main Objective: Train inside your Dungeon until Solomon tells you to stop.
Additional Objective: Level up your {Proficiency} skills.
Additional Objective 2: Raise a [Proficiency} skill to its maximum tier.
Quest Time Limit: N/A.
Main Objective Rewards: 800K EXP.
Additional Objective Reward: 100K EXP per level earned in any {Proficiency} skill.
Additional Objective 2 Reward: 30 SP, 300K EXP, New Title.
Failure Penalty: Possible Death
"And the stakes are set," Issei said as he set the quest aside and turned to Leonna. "I will be back later to begin training. For now, there are some things I need to take care of."
"Understood. I will prepare the Phoenix Tears from storage for your training session later, Master. Be well."
And with that, Issei went out of the Dungeon.
Coming out of the Dungeon, Issei was met with a certain sight before him. Within his living room, he saw Rias talking with Xenovia. The boy could not help but think curiously and decided to intrude on their talk, though he did try not to disturb them. "I see our guest has come out."
"Red Dragon…" Xenovia muttered, but then she began correcting herself. "Issei…Forgive me for being a burden those last few days."
"You were hardly a burden, Xenovia. But tell me, what is this about?" Now that he looked more, Rias' entire peerage was present. Even Gasper was standing next to Koneko, using the girl as some shield. "This is quite the gathering."
"Well, Issei, Xenovia here was asking me some questions about Kuoh Academy and telling me she'd wish to join my peerage," Rias explained, which surprised Issei quite a bit.
"Becoming a Devil?"
"Yes," Xenovia replied. "Since the Church has cast me out and took Durandal from me, I have no other means of being of any use to anyone. However, by becoming a Knight to Rias Gremory, I hope to become stronger than how I am now. Rias has even promised to commission a sword for me to use."
"You could have joined my peerage. Even Rias here is part of it, holding two pawns." Issei pointed out.
"I am aware, but my decision was not made without thinking. I've been…Less than polite with you and everyone in this household, and I do not wish to bring an awkward aura. Rias promised me a place to stay in the Kuoh Academy dorms. I also admit that becoming a Devil is…Against most of the things I've been taught at the Church. If I take this step, the Church will never forgive my transgression. But during the events that transpired, I've come to doubt the teachings of the Church regarding the Devil race. I've come to know you a bit and make my judgment." Xenovia explained. "This is why, Issei Hyoudou, although I appreciate your offer of joining your ranks, I must decline. I will join the peerage of Rias Gremory as her Knight, becoming a Devil."
"I see. Well, I guess it isn't like the decision is set in stone." Issei remarked.
"Huh?" Xenovia looked at him, confused.
"Issei here has a fair amount of secrets, Xenovia," Akeno said. "And I think you deserve to be let in on one of them. Is he listening right now, Issei?"
"Whatever question is that? I am always here." Xenovia jumped up.
"Who's there?!" Xenovia looked around but didn't see anyone else. She only heard a voice without a body speaking from somewhere. "Who was that?"
"You should see him rather than just hear him," Kiba added, and then Issei nodded as he activated his [Switch] skill. Light enveloped him as his form shifted, and Xenovia's eyes widened, seeing who the light revealed. She fell to her knees, eyes to the floor.
"K-King Solomon…" She muttered, and things slowly began to piece together. "You…Issei Is the host to the soul of the wisest man ever to live?"
"My, you catch on quick," Solomon remarked. "Indeed, I have been with Issei for over a decade now. I have guided the boy and taught him what I could. Although he is far from the perfect student, he has proven himself more than worthy of his title as Red Dragon Emperor. But you, child? You are still lost."
"I made my decision, King Solomon," Xenovia replied, kneeling.
"Raise your head, child. There is no need for that. Do remember what my Testament says: I've turned my back on God due to my lust and paid the price for it. I am no holier than you are." Xenovia rose slowly. "Good. Now, I am not questioning your decision, child. You are your own Master, free to decide what you wish."
"But what did Issei mean by saying my decision was not set in stone? The reincarnation process, from my knowledge, is permanent." Xenovia replied.
"Not for me," Solomon replied. "Through my tutelage, Issei has created a spell able to extract and reverse the process."
"What?!" Xenovia gasped in shock. "You mean that…Should I ever decide I no longer want to be a Devil…I can?"
"With Rias' blessing, of course," Solomon added, having sensed Rias' small irritation. Her pride was still strong. "Now, Xenovia, I know your world was shaken by what you learned. I know I was shaken when Ddraig revealed it, too. But it is not the end. And you are aware of that, which is good. But joining Rias is but one step. Have you considered what will you do further?"
"Attend Kuoh Academy," Xenovia replied. "But, I admit, I've barely thought past joining Rias' peerage. I was hoping to use this chance to think."
"Think…That is good."
"And…I did come up with a decision. Other than joining Rias, there is something else I desire."
"Oh? And what would that be, child?"
"A baby with Issei."
The room grew instantly silent upon hearing those words. Even Solomon was rendered silent by her bold statement. Rias and her group, too, were shocked by what they heard.
Solomon, luckily, was the first to recover. "Pardon?"
"Issei is the Red Dragon Emperor. The power coursing through him has been proven to be hereditary. As such, becoming the mother of his child—a child bound to wield great power, along with my innate capability to wield Holy Swords—would result in a great warrior in the future." Xenovia explained, but then one of the doors in the house broke down, making Solomon jump as a cold chill ran down his spine.
"NYA! WHAT?!" Kuroka, through means unknown to even Solomon, heard what Xenovia said and darted into the living room like a bullet out of a gun. Solomon has seen many phenomena and encountered many dangerous creatures, but he has never dared go against a woman's scorn! And right now? He recalled this feeling from when he was alive! And he knew, oh, he knew, this was a situation he must keep his beard out of! "WHAT DO YOU MEAN BY THAT?! Becoming the mother of Issei's child?!"
"Oh, Lord…" Solomon said slowly, taking a few steps back as Kuroka and Xenovia stood chest to chest.
"I meant what I said, Kuroka. Surely, you see that my words are true." Xenovia replied.
"As if that matters! Issei is NOT your man, Xenovia!" Kuroka countered. "So who says you have the RIGHT to ask him for a child?!"
"I imagined you'd be a lot more open to sharing him, considering your situation with Ingvild Leviathan and the other women in this household." Xenovia countered yet again.
"That is different! Issei knows it, too!"
"Truly? It seems the reputation of the Red Dragon regarding harems holds then." Xenovia stated once again. "To be honest, I am even surprised."
"Surprised by what?"
"That you have not conceived a child with him yet." Her words caused Kuroka to blush furiously.
"I-It's too early to consider children! Issei is busy, not to mention he has other duties to attend to as well! I am trying to be considerate! A child would take a lot of time, which he can use to train and further improve himself to PROTECT his future children!"
"And is he not powerful enough to do that yet?" Xenovia asked again.
"No! I mean, yes! I mean…"
"Allow me to ask then. What do I need to do to get your blessing to have a baby with him?" Xenovia asked, and Solomon really felt Issei shivering inside of him.
"My blessing?! Nya! My blessing alone is not all you need, you blue-haired harlot!" Xenovia recoiled at the sudden language.
"H-harlot?! Mind your words!"
"But that is what you are, are you not? Asking so boldly for a baby when you are not his woman. You have not given yourself to him, body and soul, nor can you claim to love him as we do! Besides, isn't sex outside of marriage against the teachings of the Church you held in such regard?" Kuroka was now making solid points against Xenovia. "Are you really ok with siring a child knowing it'd be nothing less than a bastard?"
"That's—the solution is simple! I will marry him!" Xenovia declared boldly once again.
"Well, in that case, you and I need to catch up," Kuroka stated, then her gaze shifted to Rias. "Rias here is already engaged to him."
"What?!" Xenovia gasped and turned around to Rias. "You didn't tell me that!"
"It was not relevant to our talk!" Rias defended herself. "Besides, it was meant to be a ploy to keep suitors off my back! Ise and I can break off the engagement whenever we want!"
"Do you?" Kuroka asked coyly, causing Rias to blush. "My point made. Poor Rias, prideful she-Devil, could not resist the charms of Issei Hyoudou."
"S-shut up!" Rias half-shouted with a stutter. Kuroka simply giggled at such a display. "At least I am not asking him to knock me up!"
"Yet~" Kuroka added cheekily.
"Kuroka…" Rias sighed, trying to hide her blush.
"R-regardless!" Xenovia raised her voice. "My decisions are made!"
"Oh? But that is not set in stone unless Issei also agrees, correct?" Kuroka's gaze set itself toward Solomon. "Old man, bring Issei here."
"I…I do not think that is wise." Solomon replied, but Issei was BEGGING him not to throw him to wolves. "But, take it from me, your dispute is easier to solve than it seems. Xenovia here is obviously not going to back down, Kuroka, so perhaps you should at least consider her as a new member of Issei's growing harem?"
Issei paled. Solomon was sweating. "Hmm." Kuroka seemed to think about it, looking back at Xenovia and Rias. "Well, if I think a bit more…You do hold to your title, old man. Rias and Xenovia had taken quite the underhanded method to worm their way into our group or even Issei's pants."
"But I've never-"
"Shush, girl, the adults are talking! Speak to me again after you've lost your maidenhood and become a REAL woman." Kuroka shushed Rias, causing the girl to continue blushing at Kuroka's bold statement. "Now, I think what Solomon here is saying can hold more value than not. It was already like this before, but let me make it sound more official. The only women with a right to say who joins Issei's harem are the ones who have already given themselves to him fully. This means that only those he had agreed to welcome in his harem and bed have a vote. And currently? Only Ingvi and I have this right."
Xenovia gulped as Kuroka set her gaze on her. 'If you want to marry him one day, to carry his child one day, then you need to get OUR blessing, and even then, Issei must agree. What does Issei say, Solomon? Is this arrangement good with him?'
"Perfect! Yeah! All peachy!" Solomon replied nervously.
"Perfect," Kuroka purred as she spoke. "I do admit, Xenovia; I never considered actual marriage. You put a heap of ideas in my head, little girl."
"Oh, how did we get to this…" Solomon sighed, feeling himself grow tired.
"Regardless of this entire…Situation." Kiba stepped up, finally seizing the chance to blow the storm away. "We still have something to do, don't we, Rias?"
"Right!" Rias, seeing what Kiba was doing, joined him. She reached for her chess set and pulled out a glowing Knight upon opening the box. "Are you ready, Xenovia?"
Xenovia, seeing the Evil Piece, gulped and replied. "I am." And so, everyone took a few steps back as Rias gave the piece to Xenovia, instructing her to keep it against her chest. A magical circle appeared below her, and slowly, the Knight piece vanished inside Xenovia's body. The ritual was done as quickly as it began, and upon completion, Xenovia stretched out her very own pair of devil wings. The girl looked behind herself to see them.
"This…Is new." She said, moving them around a bit.
"Now that this is finished…And I now remember why I never spent much time with my harem…I am afraid Issei and I have a further business to take care of within the Dungeon." The old man turned around to enter the Dungeon, but something stopped him.
"Oh, before you go, Solomon, I've actually been meaning to ask you something," Kiba said, walking up to him.
"Hmm? Ask away then!"
"Well, since the fight against Kokabiel, Sona and the Student Council have been relatively busy trying to fix any damage to the building itself. You know, things that we missed. Rias agreed to lend a hand, so we've been spending time with Sona's peerage a lot…" Kiba paused for a bit, then cleared his throat. "Namely, I was paired with Sona's Queen, Tsubaki Shinra. We talked, and I told her about my Sub-Species Balance Breaker."
"And? I do not see what you wished to ask me, Kiba."
"Well, as we talked this week, I found myself… captured by her calm and beauty."
Solomon smiled. "Ohohoho! And here I thought you were gay."
"What?"
"It doesn't matter," Solomon said quickly. "So, you wish for advice on how to deal with women?"
"I do. I am asking you and not Issei because, well…If I need advice on more intimate matters, I will ask him for a few tricks, but right now, I need advice on how to proceed. I am no stranger to having girls fawn over me, but I never found myself on the other end of the road." Kiba confessed. "It might be a passing crush, but I wish to explore it before judging."
"I see. If you wish for my advice, Kiba, you first need to learn a bit about her. Now, I realize she must be quite a busy woman, considering her position, so why not ask someone from Sona's peerage for information about her? Saji seems like he'd be a good source."
"Genjiro Saji…You're right; I should ask him to share some things with me, but what then?"
"Well, ask her out, boy! Isn't that what young people do nowadays? Take her out to town and show her a good time. But take it from me: no girl will split her legs for you on the first date, so don't push it!"
"I am not Issei; there is no need to worry."
"HEY!" Issei shouted.
"Well then, be on your way, Kiba. And as personal advice? Chin up, be confident, be a gentleman, and listen well when she talks. Trust me, I know those bits from experience."
"Thank you, Solomon." And so, Kiba went on his way.
"Hehe. Oh, to be young again…"
"Good for Kiba. I was also wondering if I should be on the lookout in case…You know. He has so many girls fangirling over him at the Academy, yet I don't think he ever had a girlfriend."
"Odds are he was nervous. You said it, partner. Likely, he has never had a girlfriend before. Uncommon for a boy his age, but not impossible. He must have focused on his duties to Rias and was too busy to think about women."
"Yeah, but that aside, he also seemed…happier, don't you think?"
"It is likely that what happened finally laid his demons to rest," Solomon replied as he slowly walked back inside the Dungeon. "He is free from the burdens of his past. Now, he can enjoy life as it should be enjoyed. Let's try to support him with our combined wisdom."
"True that!"
"Indeed."
With the craziness behind him, Issei again entered the Dungeon and began his work. Namely, if he wanted to be ready for when he did fight the White Dragon Emperor, then he had to milk this new quest for all it was worth! And that meant fighting until his balls dropped. Figuratively speaking, of course.
The quest did have some interesting points. It encouraged him to improve his proficiencies and do all this in the Dungeon to maximize his gains, so he did. But at the same time, he was thinking about what to train for the secondary optional objective, something that, in all honesty, shouldn't have been that hard to figure out. The answer was obvious.
{Proficiency Skill} [Martial Arts: Asura Style - Proficient] (Level 9| 7845/102400): Fighting like an asura! This is everything this style of martial arts is about, and more! The main attributes of this style are defeating your opponent with overwhelming power and destructive techniques!
That one was quite literally on the edge of being MAXED OUT. Just a bit more, and it would reach the maximum value, which he didn't know if he had to go through all ten levels again, but honestly, he didn't see why it would matter that much. He only had to raise it to the max, so he was planning on doing that. Dummy was going to be kicking his ass again today, but this time, there'd be only raw muscle at work. And so, his work had begun. The training was rough.
Dummy really put him through some hard work, but hard work always pays. Issei had been training against Dummy for hours, and by the time Solomon gave him the signal to stop, it was almost midnight. He was bloodied and sweaty, but luckily, Leonna came to him with Phoenix Tears to fix him right up. He should really consider carrying some with him into battle next time.
Issei had first decided to focus on some of his older skills, namely his [Shield-Breaking Punch] and [Furious Fist]. He aimed to max them out, and he fulfilled that in a couple of hours. [Shield-Breaking Punch] evolved by increasing how much it lowers the enemy DUR and lowering the cooldown, but his [Furious Fist] had only a massive cooldown reduction. But that was not all.
Your {Proficiency Skill} [Martial Arts: Asura Style - Proficient] has reached the maximum level and has evolved into {Proficiency Skill} [Martial Arts: Asura Style -Master]. As such, this proficiency has been wholly maxed out.
"Heck yeah!" Issei cheered as he saw the notification.
Quest updated!
"It is time to get my rewards," Issei stated as he brought forth the quest.
Haul Ass Against the Clock!
You were right when saying you were warned time was running out. You need to make the most out of your situation, so the System has decided to activate this quest.
Main Objective: Train inside your Dungeon until Solomon tells you to stop. -Complete
Additional Objective: Level up your {Proficiency} skills. -Complete
Additional Objective 2: Raise a [Proficiency} skill to its maximum tier. -Complete
Quest Time Limit: N/A.
Main Objective Rewards: 800K EXP. -Unclaimed
Additional Objective Reward: 100K EXP per level earned in any {Proficiency} skill. -unclaimed
Additional Objective 2 Reward: 30 SP, 300K EXP, New Title. -Unclaimed
Failure Penalty: Possible Death
Only the Main and first optional objective were repeatable, and the last was a one-time objective. Issei would be leaving the last one at the end, and first, he claimed the Main Reward. 800K EXP was quickly converted into 3996000. A lot of EXP.
Congratulations! You are now level 43!
A new level. Good. He was growing in power, meaning that this quest was working. He claimed the next EXP reward, and the 100K turned into 499950. His generous bonuses in EXP made another big amount even bigger. Additionally, looking at his stats, he could easily see which needed the most attention. So, with that in mind, he claimed the last reward.
Title acquired!
Martial Master
The very first talent you have honed to its peak, you are a true martial arts master! While you have this title equipped, you gain 200 Skill EXP per use instead of 100 for your Martial Arts skills. Additionally, while this Title is equipped, the damage you deal with your Martial Arts skills is doubled.
A first good addition. Now came the EXP.
Congratulations! You are now level 44!
Two levels in one day—that's more like it! Issei already felt himself growing stronger as the big leap in levels took effect. And now it was time to see if he could reach his peak again. He brought forth his stat page and began to assign points, trying to max out what was still unmaxed.
MGI was successfully maxed, ACC was maxed, and CHA was maxed. The rest was evenly split between INT and WIS since those two tend to get points more easily.
For assigning your points well, you have been awarded 1 WIS and 1 INT.
The point is proven exactly.
With this quest aiding him, he might make it so that he is strong enough to face the White Dragon Emperor. "Master?" Leonna spoke to him.
"Yes, Leonna?" Issei asked.
"Master, you might not have been aware, but Mistress Raynare had asked me to hide something from you. I apologize for this deception, but she told me not long ago that it was time to come clean. She is waiting for you in her room."
"Raynare is?" Now, that made him think, but there was no use in sticking around here for that. So, with that in mind, he went to Raynare's room, knocking on it. "Raynare? You wanted to see me?"
"Come in; it's not locked," Raynare replied, and Issei entered the room. But upon entering, he was shocked by a sight. "I had to use two bottles of Phoenix Tears, and I even got the cook to help."
"Good evening, Master." Blackberry greeted him, the demonic shadow holding a certain someone in his tendrils.
"Raynare…CARE TO EXPLAIN WHY MITTLET IS HERE?!"
And sure enough, she was. Mittlet, with her mechanical wings torn asunder, was bound by Blackberry, staring blankly at them all. However, when Issei entered the room, her sight fixed on him, and she uttered only one sentence.
"Issei Hyoudou…Die."
The emotionless voice sent chills down Issei's spine.