Chapter 3

One month after the Bael Vs Gremory Battle,

Issei was sitting at a small cafe with a cup of warm tea. He had grown to enjoy tea in the morning because it helped him relax and enjoy the quiet before the others in town began to make noise.

"Would you like anything else, master?" Virgo asked as she stood next to her master with her eyes, wanting to be given orders until Issei smiled at the girl and patted her head.

"If you want something to do, then tie yourself up for being so useless," Issei said as Virgo blushed at the orders before taking her rope and tying herself up before she handed one end to her master, who pulled it, making the rope tighten around Virgo's body which made her gasp and moan at the pleasure that her master was giving her.

"Yes! I apologize for being so useless. Ah!~" Virgo moaned lewdly as she enjoyed the pleasure even more until a chuckle was heard from someone who was amused by the show before him.

"Heh. I have to admit. It's amusing seeing you be a sadist on your Masochistic spirit while you enjoy the company of your other two spirits." The person said as Issei turned to see Vali walking towards the duo before sitting across from Issei and smiling at him.

"So I hear this past month has been pretty hectic for you, huh?" Vali asked as Issei nodded before Virgo brought some tea to Vali while remaining tied up, much to the dragon's amusement as Issei decided to pull Virgo back to his side.

"Thank you for serving Virgo, but we need some privacy. Dragon to Dragon. I promise to continue our session later." Issei said as Virgo nodded in understanding as she was sent back to her key before Issei took another sip of his tea.

"I have to admit, when you asked me to meet you in a cafe, I wasn't expecting a nice one like this. Does the staff even know that you are a Dragon?" Vali asked. Issei didn't say anything as he pointed to the back of the cafe, where the staff blushed as they admired the Red and White Dragon Emperors in their restaurant.

"The staff owner is a mage who enjoys making places where supernatural beings can be themselves, so the staff here are well aware of who we are," Issei said as he winked at one of the girls. The girl blushed at the wink, which made the other girls jealous. At the same time, Vali just chuckled at his rival's actions.

"And to think you weren't this confident back when you asked Erza on a date," Vali said, earning a light glare from Issei before he adopted a teasing grin.

"Oh, really? This coming from the guy who almost blew up his first date with a redhead stalker?" Issei asked Vali, blushing. Of the two dragons, Issei had the most dating experience, while Vali had none, so Vali needed Issei's help with advice on dating the fairer sex.

"Oh, really, and this coming from the guy who tried to beat Cana in a drinking contest for a kiss?"

"Oh, you want to do this, Mr. Butt Lover? I happen to know that you really enjoyed looking at Ultear's ass when she was getting some books from the library."

"And what about you when Brandish nearly suffocated you with her bust after enhancing them with her magic?"

"Hey! Those breasts were like pillows, and your one talk since you loved Dimaria's lap pillow when she kicked your ass!"

"I'll have you know that her legs were soft, and she caught me off guard!"

"The first time I believed that, but the second and third time? Now that's just you letting her get you between her thighs."

Issei and Vali argued while the female staff giggled at the two, as they could tell that they were good friends. The two dragons eventually shared a good laugh until they sighed in relief as they took a sip of their respective drinks.

Issei finished his first before asking Vali. "So, how have things been going for you lately? Did you finally confess to Kuroka and ask her out?"

Vali finished his drink as he nodded in response. "Yep. You wouldn't believe how happy she was that I confessed to her. She really wanted to make kittens with me so quickly, but I stopped her and wanted to build a relationship with her that was real. After being in a real relationship with the others back in Earthland, I really do want a real relationship with someone who loves me for me."

Issei smiled at his brother in all but blood as Issei patted his back. "Hey, that's why you got me to help you out. I'm happy for you, Vali. You've really changed since our three-month trip. You're a lot more sociable now."

"Hah! Like you one to talk. You've changed, too. Anyway, why are we talking about my love life? What's going on with you and the ORC? I heard you finally got promoted to High Class. I'm surprised they didn't give you Ultimate Class since your power is that of a Maou or even a Super Maou if you used your full power." Vali said as he knew Issei was stronger than he was, and the five seals on his arm kept his full power intact so he didn't crush anyone within range of his aura.

Vali and Issei were able to clash without any repercussions in Earthland, but now that they were back home, they had to be careful in using their full power since they could be seen as major threats to the factions. Issei already knew this since he could see in the eyes of the devil council that they were afraid of him due to his performance in the Bael Peerage Ratings Game.

"Well, the reason they didn't give me Ultimate Class is because they want to see what kind of leader I would become for my future peerage. Sure, I've never had a peerage before, but I don't mind since my popularity with the people of the Underworld has skyrocketed due to me calling out the council on the live broadcast. In contrast, the council had no choice but to give in to the pressure unless they wanted a rebellion with the people going up against them." Issei said as he chuckled at the memory of their faces. They had anger and frustration over a boy who was much younger than them and was able to make them bend to his demands.

"I'm starting to think you spent too much time with the old man and the Lightning Idiot since you are starting to show their annoyance with politics and make them bend to your demands," Vali said as he could tell that Issei had spent a lot more time with Makarov Dreyar and Laxus since Issei had become a lot stronger and became more of a Diablo Dragon.

"Oh, come on. I'm not that bad, and at least you're still keeping your shirt on even after hanging out with Natsu and Gray, especially since you did all that training to master your Ice Devil Magic." Issei said as Vali looked at his chest to see that his shirt was still on, much to his relief since he had developed the habit of losing his shirt due to his training to master Ice Devil Magic.

"Heh. True. Anyway, how's your married life with Ravel now? It sucks that I had to miss the wedding due to me dealing with Khaos Brigade." Vali said that he was hoping to make it to Issei and Ravel's wedding since he was happy for them, especially since he received an invite to the wedding.

Unfortunately, due to the Khaos Brigade being secretive lately, the White Dragon Emperor had to investigate what they were doing.

"Well, being married to Ravel is an amazing experience, especially since Ravel may act shy around me, but man, she is a panther in the sheets," Issei said as Vali whistled at this before Issei asked the White Dragon Emperor.

"So what exactly is Khaos Brigade up to nowadays? We haven't seen much of them ever since we got back from our training trip." Issei said that he was surprised but happy that the Khaos Brigade didn't crash the wedding.

"I honestly don't know. Khaos Brigade has been working on something for a while now, but all I could get was that it was some strange magic that had even made Rizevim afraid of Cao Cao, but I don't know much more than what I just told you." Vali said as Issei pondered this information before asking his friend.

"Do you...Do you think it might be something from Earthland?" Issei asked, with Vali being shocked before shaking his head.

"No, but I do believe we should be concerned and wary of the upcoming days. Something tells me that we're in for a tough battle this time," Vali said before deciding to change the subject. "However, now that business is done, I need to ask you for a really, really, really big favor."

"Oh? What's up?" Issei asked as Vali was nervous before he asked for the favor.

"I need you to join me and Kuroka on a date in Kyoto."

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"That's it? Do you need a wingman? What were you so nervous about? Of course, I'd be happy to help." Issei said as he placed his tea down and asked for the details.

"So...What's the problem?"

"It's because the one in Kyoto is a special festival known as the Nine-Tails Festival where Yasaka and Kunou will be able to enjoy themselves, but the problem is that there are rumors in the grapevine that the Khaos Brigade'll attack them. Kuroka is nervous since it's her first time being in charge of security at the festival, and she wants some extra help, so I suggested you. It's really important to Kuroka since that'll allow Yasaka to see that Kuroka is serious about her responsibilities due to Yasaka giving her a second chance after Kuroka kidnapped her." Vali explained that Issei knew that Kuroka could use some help with the festival, plus this would be a good time for Ravel and himself to enjoy Kyoto again and see the people.

"Hm. I'm in. I'll have to check with Ravel first, but I do like the invite." Issei said as Vali thanked Issei for the help. The two spent a bit more time at the cafe until they paid the bill and left as they went to get ready for the festival.

Issei smiled as he walked down the streets of his hometown, happy that he was back home while waving at a few of the town's residents. During the past month, Issei and Ravel were married, and the two are getting adjusted to being a married couple, as well as Issei's role as a King now that he has his own peerage set.

Issei was glad that he could not only get the rank he deserved but also fight Saiorag Bael and catch up with his old friends. Issei even confessed to his parents about everything from the day he was killed by Raynare up to the most recent events. He was surprised to see that they already knew about his new life, especially after chatting with Azazel at the Parent-Teacher Conference.

Flashback

"Wait, you knew this whole time?! How?" Issei asked, shocked, as were the ORC, who thought they were unaware of the supernatural world until Miki giggled at their reaction.

"Well, we had our suspicions when something was up with you all leaving for so long about 'club activities,' the ORC moving into our home, the renovations, and also the new staff and members of your club, and so on. However, we saw that you were well, Issei, so we didn't ask or say anything and continued to feign ignorance." Miki said as Rias was shocked by this before asking.

"But that doesn't explain how you knew about us being Devils and such." This was answered by Gorou, who decided to explain.

"Well, it was actually your teacher Azazel, who is a nice man when you get to know him, when we went to speak to Issei during the parent-teacher conference. He thought it would be best if we knew just what Issei had done and how much he's going through." Gorou said as he placed a hand on Issei's head, and he then ruffled his hair like he did when Issei was a young boy.

"And we couldn't be more proud of you, Issei. You've grown into such a wonderful young man." Gorou said before slinging an arm around Issei and giving him a knuckle sandwich on the head.

"Besides, how else would we be able to make it to the wedding between you and Ravel?" Gorou said as Ravel was blushing from the fact that she was still going to be married to Issei while Miki snickered at her husband before holding out a hand.

"By the way, dear. I won the bet." Miki said as Gorou grumbled before handing some money to his wife while she chuckled at her husband's face.

"Wait, did you guys bet on who I would marry?" Issei asked as Miki explained.

"Well, your father and I made a bet on who you'd marry first. I suggested either Asia or Ravel since you seemed to have a better relationship with them than the other girls. At the same time, your father said that Akeno or Irina would've been your first wife. Hehe." Miki explained that Akeno, Asia, and Irina were imagining themselves at a wedding in place of Ravel marrying Issei.

Akeno would've gone with a Japanese wedding style while Irina and Asia were blushing at the idea of a church wedding with Michael as the priest of said wedding.

Still, Issei was glad he didn't have to hide and lie to his parents anymore. As he hugged the two parents who were by his side and loved him for who he was, Issei was happy to make them proud of him.

End Flashback.

Issei made it to his home and entered it to see Ravel humming in the kitchen, listening to some music on her phone before Issei had an idea to mess with his wife.

Issei snuck behind her cautiously and wrapped his arms around her waist, which made Ravel stiffen up until Issei removed one of the earbuds and whispered, "Hello, my lovely Phoenix. How are you doing?" Issei asked before he began nibbling on her neck, making Ravel try to stifle her laugh until she laughed from the tickling as she stopped her lover's assault.

"Hey, now. No teasing me while I'm cooking. I don't want to burn down the house accidentally." Ravel said as she finished her cooking before turning around and kissing Issei's lips. "So, how was your date with your boyfriend?"

"Heh. Vali is doing well, and he invited us to the Nine Tails Festival. Apparently, Kuroka is in charge of security and wants us there to join as both a wingman and extra security detail. Plus, it'll be a good night for us since I heard we could also visit the shrine in Kyoto, especially since I wanted to bring you sometime during a special event." Issei said as Ravel was shocked by this opportunity before smiling at the idea.

"Really? I've always wanted to visit Kyoto! I'd say we should go." Ravel said in excitement before seeing Issei's amused expression as she coughed into her fist. "I-I meant to protect the innocent from harm and to ensure the safety of an ally."

Issei chuckled at his wife before kissing her lips. "Uh-huh. Sure. Why don't we have some breakfast and chat about the festival?"

Issei said as he brought the food to the table. Ravel nodded and headed towards the table as well. The two began to chat about their plans for the day while Issei also explained what Vali told him about the Khaos Brigade.

"I'm worried about what they're up to, especially since Cao Cao isn't the kind of guy who lies down and doesn't plan an attack. He's up to something. What is he planning? I don't know, but what I do know is that it can't be good." Issei said as Ravel placed a hand on his hands.

"Hey. Remember when you said we were a team?" Ravel asked, which got Issei to nod in her direction. Ravel smiled in response. "Then let me in, and trust me. I may not be as strong as you, but what I lack in power, I make up for with my brain. Besides, between the two of us, I'm the smart one."

Issei chuckled as Ravel flicked his nose lightly.

"Heh. You're not wrong about that," Issei said as he continued to chat with Ravel about anything that interested them. Some of the other girls watched them with a bit of jealousy.

Especially Rias Gremory, who's been feeling very jealous of Ravel due to her wanting to be the one who married Issei, but deep down, her heart told her that she was unworthy of being the one to marry Issei after what she did to him.

Issei was talking to them again and made time to hang out with them, but seeing Issei and Ravel as a married couple made a few of the girls, like Rias, feel incredibly jealous at seeing the two of them married to one another.

'If I hadn't exploded like that and asked Issei about his pain, would I have married him instead?' Rias pondered, but she knew it was just wishful thinking.

"Hey, Rias! Why don't you come over and eat with us?" Issei called out as Rias smiled and joined them at the table, as she was happy to be at least still involved in the life of the one she loved.

However, little did they know that this was just the calm before the storm.

A portal opened in an unknown location as a knight with crimson-red hair walked out; she surveyed the area before pulling out a bell and ringing it, then nodded at the image she saw in the Plainfield.

"Issei was here, and so was Vali. It seems the spell worked, " the crimson-haired Knight said, as a scoff was heard from behind.

"Was there ever any doubt, Ezra? It would be best if you had some more faith in Ultear's magic. After all, she surpasses many of the great mages because of her knowledge." The woman said as it was none other than Dimaria Yesta. She smiled while wearing her knight armor before two more people emerged from the portal.

"Yes, yes. We can bicker like children if that is what you want, but we have a task at hand. We were sent here to warn Issei and Vali of the vision I saw and an ancient evil appearing in their world." Ultear said as another woman emerged from the portal.

"Ultear is right. We must find Issei and Vali to warn them of the danger they are about to face," Brandish said as she looked at Ultear and nodded. The magician then pulled out a book and muttered a couple of words before the book's pages flew out as a small red and white dragon pointed them both in different directions.

"Well, need to split up. Ezra and I will follow the trail to Issei. You and Dimaria go to Vali. Well, be able to cover more ground that way." Brandish said as Ultear nodded and took Dimaria with her before the God Soul wielder yelled to Erza.

"Hey, Ezra! Don't forget to kiss your Dragon Stud to tell the red-haired girl that he's the one who devoured your strawberry cake!" Dimaria yelled as she ran as fast as she could from the angry slashes of an enraged Erza while Brandish sighed in annoyance at the girl's foul language before Brandish used her magic to make her body a giant. She then grabbed Erza and walked away from Ultear and Dimaria.

The two groups are on missions to speak to their loved ones and warn them of the dangers they are about to face.

Hopefully, they weren't too late.

Khaos Brigade.

"My brothers and sisters." Cao Cao shouted as he looked at his fellow heroes and smiled at their loyalty towards him. "I know many of you have been wondering when we shall make our next move, and I will say that for the past month, I've been preparing for our next attack to be at the Youkai Faction, where there shall be a special festival that will be a very special day for Yasaka's daughter Kunou so why don't we give her a special gift by taking her mother away from her permanently."

The rest of the heroes cheered as they were looking forward to this while Jeanne was nervously shifting her legs as she couldn't shake the feeling that something was very, very wrong with the way Cao Cao acted ever since he returned with that damned book and locked himself away experimenting with said magic along with Rizevim, who she hasn't seen in a while as well.

"It has come to my attention that even with Khaos Break and our Sacred Gears, we will never truly be able to combat the forces that the supernatural will throw our way. And after witnessing Issei Hyoudou's victory over the Bael Devil, it only seems fair that we evolve as Issei did, which means sacrificing something far more than our bodies." Cao Cao explained as he lifted a glass filled with some wine in the air.

"But first, a toast to the beginning of a new chapter in the Hero Factions' goals to save humanity," Cao Cao said as the others cheered and drank their glasses empty, except for one who didn't trust Cao Cao.

'Something is definitely wrong here, and I don't like it,' Jeanne said. Georg felt the same, and he silently dumped his glass into a potted plant near him. Then, Jeanne looked up to see that the others around them began to groan and clench their stomachs. A massive aura began to envelop all of them, even Heracles. The members of the Hero Faction yelled in pain as if something was happening to them before they were all slowly changing as their bodies transformed into something more demonic.

"W-What is this?" Jeanne stuttered as she backed away from the crowd. Jeanne summoned a sword and readied herself for a fight. "Cao Cao! What are you doing to them?! You are turning them into-"

"Demons?" Cao Cao said as he interrupted her sentence. "Yes. It became clear to me that after I was reborn, I was being held back by my human shell. But now that I have embraced this power, I'm thinking I should've tried to find the book years ago! And with this gift, the others will soon realize that they shall become better as well."

"But this goes against what the Hero Faction stands for! We're supposed to be saving humanity, not destroying it!" Jeanne yelled as Georg joined her side.

"Sometimes one must make a sacrifice for the greater good, and this is that sacrifice." Cao Cao said as he smiled at his transformed comrades.

"And look at them now. They've been reborn under the gift I gave them." Cao Cao said as he looked almost proud as the demons began to roar; with Heracles being the largest one, he roared into the air and punched his fists together, creating a small shockwave before they all turned to Jeanne and Georg.

"We need to run!" Georg shouted as he grabbed Jeanne and teleported them outside of the base. The demons roared and charged, trying to capture their friends and convert them to join them.

"Where can we even run to?! There's nowhere we can hide from Cao Cao!"

"Oh yes, there is. Hang on!" Georg shouted as he chanted a spell that formed a yellow bubble shield around them, and some of the demons began to get closer to them until Georg shouted.

"NOW!"

A bright light covered the area as the two vanished out of sight, making the demons roar in rage at their comrades for running away and betraying their group until Cao Cao walked towards them.

"Don't worry about them. They'll soon realize that resistance is futile and return to join us. For now, it's time to help you all become accustomed to your powers and new forms, which means it's time to prepare for war." Cao Cao said, and the demons around him roared and cheered. They were more than happy to train if that meant sooner or later, they'd paint the world red with the blood of the supernatural world.

Meanwhile, with Issei and Co.

Issei and Ravel were making preparations for their date at the festival when a massive aura appeared on the rooftop of the Hyoudou residence. The ORC headed to the rooftop and looked to see Jeanne and Georg coughing a bit of blood. Georg looked at the ORC and chuckled.

"I guess this is the part where I surrender, yes?" Georg said as Issei put away his Ice Devil's Chill before grabbing Georg and pinning him to the door of the rooftop.

"Give me a damn good reason not to drop you and Jeanne from the rooftop," Issei said as Georg coughed as he spoke to Issei.

"B-because you and the others won't be ready for what's coming," Georg said as Issei looked at the magician's eyes before he called Asia over.

"Asia. Make sure these two don't die. Akeno. Xenovia. Kiba. Take them to the holding cell." Issei ordered as the four did as they were ordered until Issei looked at Rias and Irina. "Call Michael and Sirzechs, as well as Azazel. Tell them it's about Georg and Jeanne. They seem to have some valuable information. I'll leave it to you."

Issei said as he began to walk away. Rias stopped him. "W-Woah there! And where do you think you are going?"

"That's simple. Ravel and I have a date with the Youkai faction later this week, and I'm taking Ravel out for some shopping and a nice dinner before the festival." Issei said as he left the rooftop with Ravel, who seemed to be happy that Issei was still on for their shopping date. Rias stuttered about what had just happened before her until Irina patted her back.

"It's okay, Rias. It just looks like Issei has other priorities now. He still cares for the war, but he did make a deal to assist the Youkai faction with the security at the festival." Irina said as Rias sighed but nodded.

"I know, but I was hoping he would be part of the meeting with me, like back in the Peace Conference and such," Rias said. She felt a tad bit lonely until Irina patted her back some more as the two began to contact Michael, Sirzechs, and Azazel.

Their lives were about to get hectic some more.

A Few Hours Later.

"So you mean to tell me Cao Cao transformed the entire Hero Faction into a demonic army and is planning on attacking the festival at the Youkai Faction?" Rias asked Georg as he gave a simple nod.

"Yes. Cao Cao has completely lost it, and I do believe that he will only desire to rebuild the world in his image once he defeats the Biblical Alliance and the Dragon Emperors. That's what drove Cao Cao to find that book when I warned him of the consequences that came with using such power." Georg said as Rias groaned while listening to Georg for the past hour, which would've been more bearable had Issei been there at her side like he usually was during the other meetings.

"It doesn't matter what you say because it doesn't change the fact that you literally released a powerful and dangerous magic into our world once again!" Rias shouted as Georg groaned as he replied to her.

"That doesn't have to mean you got to rub it in my face. And I'm sorry, but Jeanne and I were busy trying to escape; otherwise, we would've brought you a peace offering." Georg said sarcastically. Rias stomped out of the room, and then Georg looked at Asia and asked.

"Trouble in paradise with the Red Dragon Emperor since he's married to the Phoenix Heiress and not her?" Georg asked as Asia stopped her healing on Jeanne before turning to him and asked.

"How did you know?!"

"Just because we weren't there doesn't mean we didn't hear about it. The grapevine carried a lot of gossip, so it was easy to piece together what was true and what wasn't true." Georg said as he sat up in his bed before cracking his neck.

"Also, you are probably wondering why I'm not trying to escape, and you answer that I don't have anywhere to go. The Hero Faction is destroyed and corrupted because Cao Cao and Rizevim Lucifer are either missing or dead, meaning there's no point in fighting anymore. I'll take my punishment as a man, but knowing Jeanne, she'll try to fight back since her pride wouldn't accept her being saved by the same faction she's been trying to destroy and betraying the Angels." Georg said as he manifested a magic aura on his body but groaned as he let his body rest to recover from his injuries.

Asia was surprised by this before Georg spoke to her.

"I can tell you probably did something to strain your relationship with him, so if you want to get back on his loving side, then you have to show him that you are serious about really wanting to be in a relationship with him," Georg said as Asia pouted and replied.

"And what makes you such an expert on love?"

"Well, unlike you, I know how to actually not screw up my relationships because I was so blind I didn't even see his pain or the fact he wasn't sure if you really loved him. Not that I blame him. I mean, it's not like he saved you from death countless times, gave you a place in his family after your parents abandoned you when you were just an infant, and even nearly died in Juggernaut Drive because you were weak and got captured by Adjuka's rapist of a brother. Honestly, I wouldn't want a woman who was such a crybaby and weak that all she can do is heal me when I'm injured after saving her." Georg said as Asia slammed her hands on the bed and glared at him as best she could, but the magic user merely laughed at the attempt and pushed her away with his magic.

"Oh, please. You don't scare me. You are the weakest link in the Gremory Peerage, and if it weren't for Issei, you would still be dead. It must irritate him having to pretend to put up with a girl who's so weak that all she does is get captured like some damsel in distress. Can't blame him for choosing to marry Ravel over you since she's at least more competent than you and most of the other girls." Georg said as Asia glared at the magic user and wanted to punch him, but all she would do was prove him right.

"I don't have to hear this from you," Asia said as she stomped out of the room before Georg called out to her.

"Talk to him and become stronger! That's the only way you'll be able to stay by his side; otherwise, someone else will take your spot in his heart and replace you." Georg said, and Asia felt her heart freeze at this. Then she remembered the many times Issei had saved her in the past and suffered while all she did was cry and heal him after the fight was over.

'Is he right? Have I been a burden to Issei the whole time?' Asia pondered as she looked back when Issei saved her all the time and the times that Issei comforted her when she was sad or angry about something.

Flashback. A Month Ago.

Asia stood outside Issei's bedroom door, clutching the small mouse plushie Issei had won for her on their first date. She knocked on the door, and Issei emerged and looked down at her in surprise.

"Asia, what are you doing here?" Issei asked. He didn't hate the former nun, but he wondered why she was in front of his room before she responded.

"I...I had a nightmare, and I-I know our relationship isn't the same as before, but I still wanted to." Asia stuttered before Issei gently patted her head.

"Asia. Just because our relationship isn't the same as before doesn't mean I don't want you around anymore. I care about you, Asia, and a small part of my heart still does want to see you happy, so if you ever need comfort, don't hesitate to reach out to me." Issei said as he looked tired but was still willing to listen and comfort Asia before Asia thanked him and fell asleep in his arms, which made Ravel smile at this side of her husband since she knew that Issei still cared for them and wanted to help them but still kept his heart a bit closed off from any advances like when Rias tried to seduce him with outfits and foreplay which annoyed Ravel. Still, she kept it under wraps before releasing her rage into her baking.

End Flashback.

Asia thought back as she gripped her left hand with her right one, looking at her rings. She found it quite ironic that her rings were meant to heal the wounds of anyone Asia wished to, yet she couldn't heal the wounds she inflicted on his heart.

"He's right about me. I've been responsible for most of Issei's pain. If I were strong like Xenovia, then maybe I could be of more use to Issei rather than just being a burden to him," Asia said to herself while Xenovia was struggling after Issei left for his training.

Xenovia was in the training arena and saw that no one else was around before summoning Ex-Durandal. Still, instead of easily lifting the sword like she always did, the sword felt really heavy as it fell to the ground, its chains wrapped around its blade and handle.

"I don't blame you for rejecting me since these past three months have proven that I'm far from worthy," Xenovia said as she looked at the sword that rejected her and recalled how the sword was so powerful, and yet she out of many other candidates was able to wield its power.

However, after Issei left for his training, the sword began to reject her after seeing her soul and training waver before it allowed her to use its power one last time in the battle of Bael Peerage. Afterward, the sword remained in its seal, not allowing Xenovia to use its power after the battle, which really hurt the warrior's pride as she knew that the sword wasn't just a hunk of metal but a blade that chose if its wielder was worthy of using its power.

"I'm supposed to be a Knight, a fucking Knight. And even then, I didn't have the speed to get to Issei to help him against his battle against that damned Descendant of Beelzebub." Xenovia then turned to her mirror and looked at Asia in her thoughts before she gritted her teeth.

"Asia is much faster than me, even though she isn't a Knight. She is a Bishop, one who is known for healing others. If Asia had been honed for battle like me, she could've easily saved Issei before I could even attempt to do so." Xenovia said as she closed her eyes and imagined their roles swapped, with Asia as a warrior more competent than her in battle, fighting alongside Issei.

At the same time, she was a healer and supported in the rear while watching them from behind, which made Xenovia think of an interesting idea.

"Maybe. Maybe if Asia and I had exchanged roles, then maybe our relationship with Issei would've been stronger, and we could've helped him better before his training." Xenovia said as she looked back at her sword before pondering about Asia using the sword better than she could since, after all, Xenovia was an Amazon woman who was a fool thinking she, herself, deserved to be with Issei after what she did to him and didn't even realize his feelings before it was too late.

"I'm a fool," Xenovia said as she pulled Durandal back into its sealed space before the Knight left the arena on a mission to find Asia Argento.

Meanwhile, the other girls were feeling their regrets now that they could tell that Issei truly had changed for the better, but their relationship with him was still strained.

Rias was in her room, looking at a special photo that she held close to her. It was the photo of her peerage when Issei defeated Riser, and they had a small party to celebrate Issei's victory.

The photo was special since that was the beginning of their lives changing, and it was all thanks to Issei.

"You really changed my life for the better, and I'm grateful for all you've given me, Issei," Rias said as she looked back on her accomplishments.

After seeing her actions and contributions in all they'd done together, Rias realized that she was the weakest link in their group, and Rias was supposed to be the King, the leader of the peerage. However, it was really Issei who was responsible for her peerage in becoming this powerful.

Rias had always had exceptional luck when it came to finding her first three peerage members, but she realized that compared to her old self, she never actually tried to help them with their past issues. Sure, she gave them a roof over their heads, a place to learn and adapt to a new life, and a family, but in the end, she never truly helped them.

Until Issei appeared and changed her whole world by helping each of them grow as people. Rias was jealous of Issei's unique ability to understand others and communicate with them, as well as help them on an emotional level. It made her feel like she disappointed not just her family but herself since they were becoming a real team while Rias was doing the same tricks.

Issei was even responsible for helping Gasper come out of his shell, Xenovia joining her peerage, and even Asia for having a special relationship with the Red Dragon Emperor. Rias attempted to help her team before the battle with Saiorag Bael's peerage members but failed them as well. In the end, Issei is the one who saved them and brought them victory, as well as calling out the council and even ranked up to the High Class, making him gain his peerage pieces, but he had yet to trade for Asia or Xenovia.

"And ever since the last month, I've been trying to fix my relationship with him, but no matter what I do, I can't seem to get any alone time with him," Rias said as she recalled that the past month was not easy for Rias since she was subjected to seeing Issei and Ravel as a loving married couple, Rossweisse and Issei bonding when they trained in the training area, Gasper and Issei hanging out and having some weird moments with the Gremory heiress thinking Gasper had feelings for Issei due to the small boy cuddling and acting more like a girl around Issei, Vali coming to spar with Issei as well since the two seemed to enjoy going all out together. Finally, Kiba was able to restore their brotherhood and make it even stronger due to Issei helping Kiba with his swordsmanship and even encouraging him to start dating Tsubaki Shinra after getting Sona's permission, of course.

Leaving her with no chance to find Issei alone and even ask him on a hangout date.

"Mm. What's it going to take to spend some time with Issei?" Rias pouted. Then, there was a knock on the door. Rias opened the door, and her eyes widened. The visitor was none other than Ravel. The princess looked at Rias with a stoic expression.

"Rias. A little bird told me you've been feeling lonely. Is it because Issei no longer wishes for your company and wants my warmth instead?" Ravel said with a smug smile as Rias clenched her fists a bit before Ravel continued.

"What did you expect? You ask him out on a few dates, then confess your feelings to him before apologizing to him about what a bitch you were and hope you took you back? This isn't some romance novel. He loved you and moved mountains for you, but what you and the girls said shattered his heart. He may have forgiven you for what you did to him, but I haven't, and I'll make sure you don't get a chance to talk to him about your feelings unless I know you are actually serious about wanting to make amends with him."

Ravel said as Rias slammed her hands on the table and yelled at her.

"And how is that fair to Issei!?"

"Because when I look at you, Rias Gremory, I can tell you yearn for the old Issei—the one who was a simple yes man and hung onto your every word. You had your chance to be with him, but you had a possessive attitude whenever he was talking to another one of the girls, even though YOU allowed his harem plan and agreed to let Issei spend time with the girls. I love him, and I know that others feel the same way, which is why I let Asia and Xenovia spend time with him as well as Akeno since I know they regretted their actions and wished to make amends with him. So until you fix your attitude, then I won't allow you to be near him." Ravel said as she left Rias alone. The Gremory Heiress didn't say anything as she laid her head down on her desk and let the tears fall from her eyes.

"She's right about me. I still haven't changed. I really did that to him. All because I was a possessive bitch who only desired to keep him for myself. I really am a selfish woman." Rias said as she clenched her fists before shaking her head.

"If I'm going to prove to Ravel that I'm willing to change, then I have to change as well to prove to myself that I won't stay in the past," Rias said, wiping her tears. She pulled out her phone and texted someone who she knew could help her get stronger.

Her mother.

Rias patiently waited for a moment before the phone was picked up on the other end.

[Rias? Is something wrong, sweetie?]

"No, Mom, but can I ask for a favor?"

[Of course. What do you need?]

"Is it possible that the offer to train under you is still open?" Rias asked as she was taking the first step into bettering herself.

And Scene!

Cao Cao has begun his first act as a 'God' by creating a new army that will obey every command he desires and surrender their will to him.

And with that, we have the first two Fairy Tail members of the harem of the two dragons:

Issei Hyoudou's Harem: Ravel Phoenix, Ezra Scarlet, Brandish.

Vali Lucifer: Kuroka, Ultear Milkovich, Dimaria Yesta.

Let me know who you think is Issei's Queen Piece and who else is in the dragon's harem.

Here's a hint: A Fairy Tail Female, not Irene, since she's in his Dragon Soul, and they'll be a demon.