It has been roughly half a year since Issei's parents died and he awoke with King Solomon within him, and later with the Red Dragon, Ddraig, as well. During this time, Solomon and Ddraig had been talking a lot, and Ddraig put Solomon up to speed with the recent events that he missed while he was mostly deceased. Finding out that Lucifer was dethroned and that a, and quote, 'male whore from the Gremory house took his throne is reason enough to laugh for a decade'. Issei did inquire what was the 'W' word used there, to which Ddraig explained it together with Solomon.

They already messed up, and might as well introduce the boy to some more mature words. Granted, Solomon is making efforts to try and regulate Issei's use of vulgarities as they didn't want him swearing up and down like a drunken sailor. An easy task, but overall, he was a good kid. But when Issei asked Solomon why he had such an opinion he was more than happy to actually boast about his greatest achievement. He alone bound to servitude the original 72 houses, which included the original Asmodeus and Beelzebub as well! He also said that he enslaved some other devils on the side as well, although during his time the term demon was more popular.

But back on his reason; the first Gremory was a total whore and lesbian. The simple fact she had children, which means she took a man in bed, makes the king think she was in the end a bit bi. But he was no fool to fully think that. Based on what Ddrig said, though, Solomon admitted that even the Underworld is different from what he remembered. It is likely all of his old servants or at least a large number of them are no more as well.

But that got Issei curious as to how Solomon was able to enslave so many devils, to which he was happy to reply. Back when he was still a servant of God, when God's first temple in his city of Jerusalem was being built, one day a worker came to him. He was losing weight, and looked increasingly tired, at death's door even. That led Solomon to discover the devil, Ornias, who was taking half of everything the man was earning during the night, and so he asked God for help He sent Micheal to him with a ring bearing a mighty seal able to bind the malevolent beings to servitude. From there, he managed to capture Ornias and with his unwilling help he slowly had more and more demons enslaved, putting them to work on his temple.

Solomon then told Issei about the seal, later known as the Seal of Solomon, and how it worked. As it turns out, the ring was unnecessary. If Issei could simply draw it out on the floor and trick a devil or fallen angel into it, then they'd become bound to him. The only problem with that was the fact he was unable to use magic. Without the ability to use magic, he couldn't use the Seal either. Not just that, but the Seal was a feeble thing. Although it could bind the unholy to serve the user, all it takes is one fatal sin towards God to break it. Solomon admitted with shame how he turned his back on God for a woman, his lust and greed overtaking him, then how he felt God leave him as he became stupid and all devils he had bound roamed free. The main point was that the Seal was easy to break but hard to accomplish. They decided not to waste time on it, instead focusing on Issei's Sacred Gear training, which Ddraig oversaw with glee, but Solomon regulated.

Ddraig couldn't tell what the issue with his magic was either, and if that was not bad enough, the entire Game-like ability Issei seemed to have was fucking with their progress. They noticed that Issei's growth rate was abnormal, and he would get headaches every so often, especially after 'completing' a certain quest that came as soon as Ddraig and Solomon began to train him.


Daily Training!

Objective: Train until Ddraig and Solomon tell you it is enough for the day.

Reward: 500 EXP.

This Quest is a daily, repeatable Quest.


The dragon had no way to counter the words of the wise King, for he was wiser than the dragon and spoke the truth. Issei was still very young, yes, and this whole game thing was strange, as neither Ddraig has ever seen something akin to it. And even if he was ahead of the White Dragon, this thing was bound to be a pain in the ass, especially as there was no telling if Issei was even progressing! The only indicator was the circular bar around his picture in the corner of his vision and how it turned yellow as it filled with EXP.

After it was completed the first time, however, Issei was struck by a powerful headache. They could go slow with his training, keep a steady pace, and slowly progress as he got better. Granted, that was easier said than done. Either after or during training sessions Issei would get headaches, and at a much more pronounced rate than before as Solomon noticed. He linked the after-training ones to the quest completing and granting Issei EXP, but he was at a loss for the rest.

As for where he was going to train? Mei was no big town, it had some wilderness around it. All Issei had to do was leave the orphanage and go to the woods and return by curfew, easy. Survive through the training? A bit challenging. Even if Solomon was regulating it, Ddraig was still working Issei to the bone.

Strangely, Solomon also noticed how their EXP bar would deplete by a bit after every time they slept, even reducing Issei from level 2 to level 1 again, but it was a rate easily upset by their training, which earned more EXP than what was taken, even if by a little. As such, by the time Issei was level 5, six months of training later - Solomon noted that the drain seemed worse the higher the level, but luckily for them, chores at the orphanage seemed to earn some EXP as well, allowing them to still progress - he managed to unlock the next form of his Sacred Gear.

Ddraig mentioned there was a third and final form, but the one they had achieved now, a red claw-shaped gauntlet with yellow accents and green inscriptions, was the one Ddraig was waiting for. It allowed Issei to use Ddraig's main ability, [Boost], to double his power for a certain amount of time. Best part? It was not a singular boost, but one that could be done every 10 seconds and without a cooldown once he achieved Balance Breaker.

But then another big headache hit and a list of Skills was brought to Issei. Namely, the ones given by his Gear.


Boosted Gear Skills

(Unique) [Boost] (MAX): The user can double their (Original) Stats every 10 seconds. (Only works on STR, DUR, AGI, and MGI) Each use of the [Boost] ability takes 50 STA, and the user can only do one Boost for every 5 (Original) DUR. The effects of this skill last for 5 minutes, no matter the number of times it has been used. This cannot double the user's Stamina, Mana, or HP. Additionally, the user can store the Boosted values to later release using the Skill: [Explosion.]

(Unique) [Explosion] (MAX): The user releases the stored values doubled with the use of [Boost], however, the user can only store up one [Boost] worth of power for every 10 (Original) DUR. However, it is also to be noted that after [Explosion] is used, the user's STA will be constantly drained at a rate that depends on the amount of [Boost] at 25 STA/Min/per [Boost]. After the user's STA falls below 100, the Status Effect, [Reset], is applied. (The user can store up increased values with this skill, as they do not count towards the limit of the [Boost] Skill.)


Status Effects specific to the Boosted Gear.

[Reset]: After the user uses [Explosion] and their Stamina falls under 100, this Status Effect comes into play, making the user unable to use [Boost] or [Explosion] again until their Stamina is back at 50%.

[Burst]: If the user's Stamina falls below 10 while using the power of the Boosted Gear, then this Status Effect comes into play. Once activated, the user's Boosted stats are returned to their original values, they become unable to use [Boost] until their Stamina is back at 50%, and their HP will be shaved for each [Boost] used, either immediately or from [Explosion]. -5% per Boost. Cannot drop HP until 0.


"BLASTED HELL!" Ddraig was understandably outraged that whatever was making Isesi barely progress was also affecting him. Later, they learned that Issei could, for now, perform two [Boost] and store one. That allowed Solomon, based on the text of the skills, to guess that Issei's DUR was around 10 or so.

But they had other pressing matters to attend to as well instead of trying to fix Ddraig's emotional state. Namely, making sure what happened in Kuoh doesn't repeat itself. The Boosted Gear, being a draconic Gear, gave Issei a dragon-like aura that made him stick out like a sore thumb, attracting unwanted attention.

Solomon helped Issei master the concealing of his aura the next day to a point where they won't need to worry about low-level creatures feeling anything in particular, namely other humans. However, when they did, it somehow caused yet another headache. This time was somewhat worse than before and true enough, it came with another notification of a Skill of some kind.


[Aura Suppression]: ( Level 1| 100/400): This Skill enables the Gamer to hide their Aura and Power from other beings, making them seem like a normal human being for the most part. At its current level, the Skill is able to hide the user's power from most Low-class Devils, Angels, Fallen Angels, and other supernatural beings, allowing the user to pass unnoticed. Currently, the Skill can prevent the listed beings from detecting the user entirely, and even conceal the power of their Sacred Gear completely, however, Mid-class beings can detect his power, but not clearly, meaning they are unable to tell if he has a Sacred Gear or not, or if he is just a magician. High-Class beings are able to bypass this Skill at its current level. Additionally, the Youkai are able to bypass this Skill entirely, no matter the level. This Skill has no cost. This Skill does not affect the bonus given by [ERROR] to the Gamer's Relationship points


"What the…Whatever this shit is, it is starting to look bugged to me." Ddraig said, noticing that the text seemed glitchy and the ERROR part did no good to reinforce the opposite. But Issei was in dire need of help, as Solomon shouted at Ddraig right after. Issei was on his knees on the ground, holding his head.

"Issei! Issei, can you hear me? Talk to me, boy!" Solomon shouted, worried for his well-being. He got spooked when he noticed blood slowly dripping from Issei's nose, but the boy managed to eventually reply when the headache went down a bit.

"I am fine…But that headache was the worst one yet." He remarked.

"Indeed. Whatever happened, it seems that gaining that Skill, or whatever the hell it is, caused it."

"Solomon? What do you propose then?" Ddraig asked, seeing the king being in deep thought.

"We cannot afford to put Issei through harm, Ddraig. Who knows what else this blasted 'Gamer' abnormality has in store? For all we know, the next headache might cause brain damage to Issei!"

"What?! I can die?!" Issei said, making Solomon realize that his and Ddraig's conversation was not exactly private.

"Forgive me, my boy, for scaring you, but I will be truthful. There is that possibility. Because of that, I think it is best we lessen your training from here on out and do fewer chores around the orphanage so as to not strain yourself. I know this will make us progress even slower, but we won't be slacking off entirely. We will do just enough to maintain and slowly increase our current level. However, I think I could teach you some magical theory - no practical teachings or practice. With some luck, you could at least learn a bit about magic, so when we ever manage to break this curse or whatever it is, you can have an easier time."

Solomon said, and Ddraig nodded in agreement. The king was wise for a reason, and he was right. They didn't know if this headache was the worst that could happen, nor were they willing to try. As much as Ddraig didn't want to, taking it slow seemed to be the smart choice here.

"I understand," Issei replied. "Do you think I will always be like this? It sounds like I will always be weak. Sorry, Ddraig, if I am a bad host."

"Don't talk like that, partner. Nothing is set in stone. One day we will find out what is causing all of this, and when we do, you will find yourself kicking ass sooner than you know." The dragon said to cheer up Issei, which seemed to work. "Now take some snow and wash your bloody nose. We better not worry the orphanage staff."

It was cold outside today, as Issei stood in the forest. Winter was here, so Solomon had suggested they take it easier when the snow started since a sick Issei is something none of them wanted. And after Issei washed off his bloody nose with some clean snow, he began walking back to the orphanage. Solomon, deciding to make conversation to take Issei's mind off the headaches and slow progress, began.

"I wonder what we will have for dinner today." He had been able to share more of Issei's senses, including his sense of taste and smell lately, which is a testament to him learning about his own situation. Ddraig tried to share the senses as well, but they discovered that three beings using one set of senses caused some damage to Issei, so they decided to split them. "Maybe Soba?"

"As long as it is something spicy I have no complaints," Ddraig said. "What about you, Issei? Any hopes for tonight's dinner?"

"I hope it is nothing with tofu. Yuck!" The boy said, sounding disgusted and even sticking his tongue out. The elderly beings within him shared a small laugh.

"Now, now, Ise, it is not good to be picky." Solomon said, acting somewhat like a grandfather for the boy. "You do want to grow big and strong, yes? Better eat up."

"I know, I know." Issei said, giving up the fight before it started. He looked up at the sky, seeing the clouds swarming around and blocking the sun. "Do you think it will snow today?"

"Well, it has been getting colder and colder by the day. I personally never saw snow that often, given my kingdom's location, but I did travel to places where it did snow and I can say it is likely to fall soon." Solomon replied.

"If you ask me, the clouds look kind of heavy, so I reckon there is a high chance tonight," Ddraig said.

"I wonder how Christmas will be." Issei said, sounding somewhat sad, a thing the two beings within noticed. He pulled his knees to his chest, looking down and casting a weak, sad smile. "This will be my first Christmas without Mom and Dad there."

"Ise…" Solomon and Ddraig couldn't lie, they both felt sorry for the boy. Solomon was sad to see him like this, the child has grown to be a good friend of the old King and Ddraig felt guilty. Because of him, Issei's parents were now dead, and even though the child has said again and again that he held no grudge against him, Ddraig didn't let go of the guilt. As far as he was concerned, the death of his parents was blood that stained his hands.

"We are always here if you need us, Ise," Ddraig said. "How about this? We have been postponing this for a while, but what about we try achieving the mindscape so we can all meet face to face?"

"That is an option, yes. With all of the chaos with balancing Issei's normal and supernatural life, his training, and studies, I completely forgot about that!" Solomon said. "Honestly, I feel like some kind of secretary!"

"I guess…" Issei muttered slowly, looking at the ground. "I haven't seen you Solomon since I met you back when my house burned down, and I never saw Ddraig." He looked down at his arm, noticing the scar. It happened during the fire, when he went to his parent's room to look for them, and it remained there, a reminder of what happened and of the duty he now had to find and bring justice. "How long will it take us?"

"Achieving the mindscape is not an advanced skill per se and you already have experience with it. We should be able to fulfill it within a few hours once you are back at the orphanage." Solomon replied.

"Ok...Yeah, I think I can do that." Issei said, then he jumped off the log, the Boosted Gear dismissed for now. "Let's go." He then started walking back to the orphanage, taking the familiar path out of the woods and back into Mei, walking along the sidewalk. He gazed up briefly, noticing how the clouds started to look somewhat thicker and heavier. The wind was also picking up, and the cold air made him shiver slightly, making him quicken his pace.

However, a certain sound caught his attention. It sounded like a sneeze, but it was no human one, but a smaller, cuter one. He turned to his right, noticing a black cat on the sidewalk, looking at him with its large, hazel-golden eyes. "Hey there," Issei said, approaching the cat and sticking his hand forth, making sure to approach the cat slowly and push his hand from beneath, not above as to not scare it. "Are you cold?" He asked and the cat went closer, sniffing him a bit, and even looked up at him. However, and for a reason, Issei didn't understand, the cat seemed to flinch for a bit, its eyes going slit.

Issei noticed this and found it strange that the cat seemed to get scared of him. "Hey, it's ok. I won't hurt you." He spoke gently, but that was when Solomon and Ddraig talked.

"Careful, Issei, stray cats can be dangerous."

"Hmmm." Ddraig was mostly silent, feeling something strange about this cat.

"It didn't attack me yet, though. Besides, it seems to be cold out here." Issei replied in his mind since talking to himself was strange, especially in a populated area. He then noticed the cat sneezing again and rubbed its nose with its paw. "Oh, are you cold? Here." He slowly got his hands closer to the cat and it allowed him to touch it, lifting it up and placing it inside his coat. "There, this should warm you up."

The cat meowed and looked up at him, but it started to purr slowly as the warmth comforted it. "Ise, you know full well children are not allowed with animals in the orphanage, especially strays!" Solomon scolded him lightly. "What are you going to do with it? Even if you put it down now, it might follow you."

"Well, technically, animals are not allowed INSIDE of the building, but there is the yard." Solomon's brow raised upon hearing him. "Namely the shack out back. I could leave it there, it would give it shelter from the cold."

"That does work and it is not against the rules of the place," Ddraig said.

Solomon sighed. "When has the student become wiser than its teacher?"

Sounding like it was decided, Issei took the cat back with him to the orphanage, deciding to go inside through the yard where he left the cat at the shack out back. This will be his little secret. Then he went inside and managed to find some food for it, returning to it. "Sorry, it is just some scraps, but it is all I could find." He said, handing the food to the cat, which it ate lavishly.

"Someone's hungry," Solomon remarked.

"There there." Issei then stroked the cat a bit, and it started to purr again, even rubbing its own head against his palm. "It seems accustomed to humans. Maybe it ran away from home?"

"Possibly, or it was abandoned. Seeing how it doesn't have a collar I reckon that was the case as well." Solomon said.

Issei looked at the cat as it finished eating, then he kept stroking it for a bit, the feline purring happily. It was still a bit cold in the shack, but not as cold as outside. Unfortunately, Issei had to go and left the cat there. It could leave, there were plenty of holes inside the old shack that the cat could sneak through, and Issei knew that.

But as he left, the kitty stayed behind, looking at the window and finding itself a spot to sleep on a bag. However, it kept looking at the door, as if it was interested in Issei for some reason. Very much so. But it shouldn't think that this little pussy was safe.

Ddraig knew something was up, and the cat didn't even know it.

But back inside the orphanage and his room, Issei spent a bit of time focusing in order to achieve the mindscape again, and after a few headaches, he finally managed to do it. He simply went to sleep and focused, and he indeed awakened in the same place he previously met Solomon, but it was changed. There was a lot of fire around and it seemed like he was floating, and then he saw him.

Ddraig was there, standing proud over him. He welcomed Issei within the mindscape, a gesture Solomon mimicked, then they talked, and Issei even climbed on Ddraig's head once, much to Solomon's amusement.


The following day, Issei made sure to bring the cat a bit of food he sneaked from breakfast and some milk before going off to train in the woods. But unaware of him, the cat followed him, climbing upon the roofs of houses, and hiding in the bushes around the area. The snow didn't fall last night, but the clouds were still there. The cat followed him into the woods, where it climbed into a tree, wondering what the child was doing there.

"Alright, Ddraig, I am ready," Issei said, holding out his hand. Once he did, the Boosted Gear manifested, which shocked the cat. The boy was too young to have unlocked his Sacred Gear at such a young age.

[Boost!]

The announcement shouted from the Gear as Issei boosted himself once, then the ten-second cooldown began.

"Now, Issei, I will try to teach you a small move a previous wielder designed. It is called [Dragon Shot]. Since you can use [Boost] now, you should be able to call it forth. It is an attack made of pure draconic power generated each time you use the Boosted Gear. You need to focus and visualize the energy at the tip of your finger while you hold it in any way you like." Ddraig explained, with Solomon watching intensely. If Issei got any sort of major headache, then they will call off the training immediately. Issei nodded his head and he held up his armored arm, aiming toward an old, dry oak. Then, listening to Ddraig, he began to focus a bit, gathering the power.

The small sphere formed at the tip of his index finger as he held his fingers like some kind of gun. Then, unfortunately, he heard a branch snap, which affected his focus, resulting in the sphere going away. "Oh no!" He exclaimed, worried that he disappointed Ddraig.

"It's ok, Issei, take a few moments to relax and try again," Ddraig said, reassuring him.

The cat, however, was intrigued. For such a young boy to have awakened the Boosted Gear and already starting to learn how to cause damage, that either meant luck or talent, but she didn't care. For the cat, it only meant one thing; protection. No one would dare try to get to her if the Red Dragon Emperor was protecting her.

Sure, no one was going to take a child seriously, but when he grew up? Not even that fool of Sirzechs will dare mess with her! The power of the Dragon of Domination was feared all through the Underworld and Heaven, after all, and everyone only ever sought to ally themselves with the Red or White Dragon Emperors, even if it meant effectively making an enemy of the other one.

It was cowardice, using the strong and hiding behind them, but can she be blamed? Her sin has already made her a wanted criminal, meaning she needed someplace to hide or someone to protect her, and this boy was the perfect fit! But as she watched him train she noticed how hard he was working, but not that efficient, not to mention he seemed to stop every now and then due to some migraines or something regarding his head. Poor soul, it must be painful.

She needs a strong dragon to hide behind! So she began to think of a way to make things work in her favor. But she remembered the place he brought her; an orphanage, meaning that the boy was up for adoption. Now, she wasn't really of age to adopt, and she was scared a bit, but everything can be fixed with a good illusion.

The Red Dragon Emperor will become hers, her protection, and in time, her lover.

The snow couldn't choose a better moment to fall either.


Issei walked back to the orphanage after training again for the day and did so slowly. In part, because he was tired and in part because of the pretty snow that was falling from the sky, and in part because he was recovering from another headache that was part of the more major category. Now, it was evening and the wind was picking up, meaning he should be hurrying up to the orphanage, but he couldn't help but admire the falling snow. It was so pretty in his eyes, so pure, so innocent. Solomon also watched it with awe, having barely seen snow before in his living days, but Ddraig simply dreaded the cold.

He was, truth be told, still sad about spending this coming Christmas without anyone, but Ddraig and Solomon helped him cope with it. He could hide his presence as the Red Dragon Emperor, so the orphanage was safe!

He eventually arrived at the orphanage, opened the door, and walked inside, placing his shoes next to the other ones and waiting until they dried up. But as he walked inside the orphanage one of the nuns came up to him. "Oh, Iseei, thank the Lord you arrived!" The nun said, sounding pretty cheerful for some reason. "There is someone here who would like to talk to you."

"Huh? Me? Why?" He asked, but then Solomon and Ddraig perked up.

"An adoption?" Solomon asked.

"It seems fishy. It is pretty late and they are asking for Issei specifically." Ddraig said, voicing his concern. "Be wary, Ise."

Issei listened to his mentors and before the nun could ask, he continued. "Did they ask for me by name?" He inquired, and the nun stopped for a second.

"No, not really, but did give a description of you, a pretty detailed one at that! I mean, we do have other kids with brown hair and eyes, but you are the only one with a scar on your arm." The nun replied and Solomon, Ddraig, and even Issei felt skeptical about this. "But let's not dilly dally! Let's go! She wants to meet you!"

Without wasting any time, the nun took Issei to another room where he noticed a strange woman talking to the administrator of the orphanage. And Issei's opinion was shared by Solomon, a fact that surprised him. "What a beauty!" Solomon exclaimed before Ddraig sighed.

"Damn it, Solomon! I know you like women, but try to focus! That is no normal broad, don't you see?" Ddraig said, sounding alarmed, something both Solomon and Issei picked on, but Solomon didn't quite get. "Right, your senses are more limited. In that case, let me say it straight; she is a supernatural being - a nekoshou. I can feel her aura and smell, there is doubt about it!"

"Are they dangerous?" Issei asked in his mind.

"Very, but I do not know what this one's reasons might be with you. There is a chance we were careless and she knows you are the Red Dragon Emperor, a situation in which you have to be ready to either fight or run." Ddraig said.

"I agree with Ddraig," Solomon added. "If this...being, is as dangerous as you make her sound to be, then we must be ready! Even if she looks fairly young."

"Don't be deceived by looks!"

As the two talked, Issei made eye contact with the woman, noticing her looks. As far as he could tell, Solomon was right, she was beautiful, very much so. Her hazel-golden eyes, though familiar, he couldn't remember where. But he couldn't help but notice her attire and body, which were honestly eye-catching. The woman before him wore a pair of light-blue jeans which hugged nicely along her hips and a nicely fitting top on her torso, colored green with a floral model on it that looked to struggle a bit with her shapely bust, her shirt revealing a bit of cleavage as well. A modest amount. Her hair was long, black, and smooth by the looks of it, with her bangs going to the side.

"Hello there, little one." She said, squatting down to his level. "Are you Issei?" Her voice sounded sweet to the ear, but within Issei, Ddraig was repeating the same message. Do not be deceived. Until they knew what she wanted, both Ddraig and Solomon advised Issei to be careful.

"Yes, ma'am," Issei replied politely, seeing no use to make a scene here. It is not like he could just bring out his Boosted Gear and start blasting away.

"Oh, please, no need for such formalities." She said, giggling a bit. "Besides, it makes me sound old. If you insist on being polite, at least call me Miss."

Issei nodded his head. "Alright, Miss." He then turned to the administrator and the nun. "What is happening?"

"Well, Issei, this young lady here is actually going to adopt you. She had asked for you specifically, you lucky boy." The administrator said. "You have been here for less than one year and you are already going to a new home"

"Adopt?" Issei echoed, looking at the woman who simply flashed him a smile. "Does that mean I need to change my family name?"

"Oh, I won't make you change it if you do not want to!" The woman said, clearing his worry. "You can keep your old family name if you wish. Oh, by the way, I almost forgot. My name is Kuroka Toujou."

"She is being awfully nice," Solomon remarked.

"Yeah, until she starts to brainwash Issei," Ddraig said, dryly and with skepticism. He didn't trust the Youkai before them, not one bit! But there was still something else with her, another smell. It seemed familiar, but he couldn't quite place his claw on it.

"Well, Issei?" The nun looked down at him. "How about we leave the two of you alone to get to know each other a bit? After that, we can discuss and, hopefully, push through with the adoption." Issei nodded slightly, then the nun went to the administrator, leading the man out of the room and leaving the two alone to talk. Once they were out of the room, however, Kuroka let out a sigh of relief.

"Thank the spirits they are gone, nya." She said, then to Issei's surprise, a pair of kitty ears sprouted on her head and two tails sprouted from her back. She giggled at him, once again squatting down and smiling at him. "You needn't worry, I don't bite!"

Issei's eyes remained wide even as Ddraig and Solomon narrowed their eyes within the mindscape. "See? I knew it!"

"Wait for a second. Look at her ears and tail...black, just like the cat from yesterday."

"I had a feeling about that kitty, so I guess it matches."

"You were…" Issei began, trying to find his words, but his eyes were constantly getting averted to her ears. They looked very soft, and she was squatted down to his level, so he could reach them.

"The cat you picked up yesterday? That was me, yes, nya!" Kuroka admitted, sounding quite cheerful. "Thank you for taking me out of the cold, you were really nice and for giving me food, nya." Those 'nya' sounds she was making were kinda cute too.

"Issei, listen to me," Solomon said, starting to fit into his role. "Ask her those questions."

Issei, with the help of Solomon, began to ask Kuroka some questions. "Why me?" He asked, then he pointed at himself. "Why are you adopting me? Is it because I am the Red Dragon Emperor?"

"So you are aware of your power, nya?" Kuroka asked again, then she began to reply seriously. "Well, partially, but on one side I also want to thank you for taking me in. And adopting you seems like the perfect idea! But I also want to because it would help me, nya."

"Help you? With what?" Issei asked.

"Well, I am not just a Nekoshou, but also a Stray Devil." She confessed, and hearing that caused Ddraig to explode inside Issei's head pretty badly.

"ISSEI, WATCH OUT!" He said, causing Issei to flinch. "STRAY DEVILS ARE REINCARNATED DEVILS, THE ONES I TOLD YOU ABOUT BEFORE, BUT THEY HAVE EITHER RUN AWAY OR KILLED THEIR MASTERS! WITHOUT A MASTER TO HELP THEM CONTROL THEIR DEMONIC POWER, THEY GO OUT OF CONTROL AND MUTATE INTO MURDEROUS MONSTERS!"

"Wait, Ddraig, she doesn't seem to be out for blood!" Solomon said, trying to be the voice of reason. "Issei, keep asking questions!"

"A s-s-stray devil?" Issei asked, stuttering. "You ran away from your master?"

Kuroka looked somewhat surprised that this boy was aware of the devil system, but she decided to be truthful. "Not entirely…"

"She killed him...She is a murderer. Issei, I have heard enough, bring out the Boosted Gear, and let's blast her!"

"By God, Ddraig, would you calm yourself?! I get that you are worried for Ise, but violence is not the solution! Think!" Solomon said, making sure the place was not going down in chaos. "She is here to adopt Ise, not hurt him. Whatever her reasons, she would have acted so far seeing as we are alone, but she revealed her identity to us. I know she is not lying, years of being lied to when I was king taught me that. However, I can also tell she is hiding something, meaning you are likely, not wrong, but if she did so, then why? Why did she do it?"

"Why did you kill your master then?" Issei asked, taking both the king and dragon by surprise. They likely weren't paying attention, as Issei could hear them and he started to ask questions himself.

Kuroka seemed to get uncomfortable, but she knew that if she wanted the kid's help then she needed to tell the truth here. No secrets. "My master was a rotten bastard." She began. "I and my sister, Shirone, joined a devil's peerage in order to have a roof over our heads. However, I had to kill him when I found out he had plans to experiment on my sister in his attempts to create a Super Devil."

"That's ludicrous!" Ddraig said, not believing Kuroka's words. "Even if she and her sister were Nekoshous, rare Yokai, that does not mean one can actually create a SUPER FUCKING DEVIL from one like that!"

"Jesus Christ, Ddraig, she is not lying!" Solomon said, trying to keep the dragon's temper in check. "Every word coming out of her mouth is honest to God-truth!"

"I see…" Once again, Issei went ahead without their guidance. "You did it for her. Where is Shirone now?"

"When I killed my master and escaped I was forced to leave her behind," Kuroka said, her ears dropping down. "But I know she was given to someone better than that to be part of their peerage, so I can at least sleep peacefully knowing she is safe, nya."

"And...Why do you need me to protect you? I am just a kid." Issei argued weakly, but Kuroka simply smiled, grabbing his hand, the one his Gear manifests on, and brought it up.

"A kid who wields a Longinus, who is the Red Dragon Emperor." She said, looking at him. "I won't lie, nya. I am a wanted woman by the devils and most of the underworld because of what I did, like any other stray devil roaming around...But unlike them, I have you, nya."

"W-what?" Issei stuttered, but it was more because of the fact she was holding his hand than anything. "Why does that matter?"

"Because if the Red Dragon Emperor is the one protecting me, then no one will dare get close, nya!" She said with a cheeky smile. "They will be too afraid of your wrath to attempt anything!"

"Again, I am just a kid! Why would they be scared of me?" Issei argued, causing Kuroka to pout.

"Yes, but you won't stay a kid, right?" She said back.

"She has a point," Solomon said.

"You are actually siding with her?"

"I side with no one, but she has a point. Issei is bound to grow up and when he does he will have more than enough power to scare away any who try to harm her or him." Solomon said, but then he continued with the current issue. "However, that doesn't mean the present is to be forgotten."

"I mean, no, but-"

"Then that is enough for me, nya. Don't worry, I won't have you fight or anything, but if I may…" She looked down at his hand. "You could boost me."

"Boost you?" Issei said, sounding a bit confused.

"Oh my, don't you know? Most people of the underworld know about some of the abilities of the Longinus, and I am telling you, you can transfer your boosted power to others as well." Kuroka said, then she looked into his eyes. "Please?"

"In the end, it is not us who need her, but it is her who needs us," Solomon said, sighing. "She wants our aid because it would bring her a sense of security and safety. However, I cannot argue that her help would be unneeded."

"Solomon, it sounds like you are saying we should take up this pussy on her offer," Ddraig said, looking at the king.

"Because that is exactly what I am saying." Ddraig was about to argue, but Solomon tapped his cane on the ground of the mindscape, making a sound through it that echoed. "Didn't know if that would work, but glad it did. Now, Ddraig, the reason I am saying what I am saying is because, as you said, she is a Nekoshou, correct? A rare Yokai. If she were to help train Issei, then the progress would be greater."

"Are you telling me I can expect a Balance Breaker by new year's Eve or something?" Ddraig asked, skeptical and not really on board with Solomon's suggestion.

"I said it would bring benefits, not make miracles!" Solomon said, clarifying himself. "However, there is no denying that we have an equal amount of reasons to deny her offer. It'd be putting us at risk, not to mention that we barely know anything about her in the first place! She told us why she is a stray, that she has a sister, that she is a wanted CRIMINAL, and all was the truth! But that is also a reason why we can accept her request, the fact she seems to have no other options. She has been honest to us all the time, or at least told us some partial truths, but based on all of that I suggest Issei takes her up on the offer."

"I still think the risk is too great! Besides, we have been making progress WITHOUT her furry ass around, we can keep going the same." Ddraig argued. "Ise, the final call is yours. Choose, go with her, or stay here. I cannot force you either way."

Issei thought about the choice for a bit, trying to come up with the ultimate call. He looked at Kuroka, seeing her looking warmly at him and somewhat pleading. She was scared, wasn't she? And in a way, like him. They both didn't have anyone with them for Christmas for one. Again, his parents were not Christians, but they did celebrate it as Irina's family introduced them to the holiday, which they found very fun. Being together with his family and friends was really fun, and the thought that this year, this Christmas, he will be alone, without any family or friends, scared him. Sure, he had friends here at the orphanage, but it wasn't the same.

Kuroka left Shirone, her sister, to protect her, and in Issei's eyes that was a very brave thing to do. She must have been very brave to do something like that, seeing how much she might love her sister. She never brought up her parents, but Issei was not going to pry. Considering what they had to do, their parents might be just like his...no longer around. She was alone, like him, with no family to spend the cold season with.

He had made up his mind and showed it by keeping on Kuroka, making her yelp a bit at the sudden contact as he offered a hug, not minding the feeling of her breast pressing against him. Ok, maybe a bit, it was very nice. "Kuroka? Do you have anyone to spend the holidays with?" He asked innocently, to which Kuroka seemed somewhat taken aback. But she simply smiled, returning the hug slowly.

"No...Would you like to spend them with me?" She asked slowly, to which Issei nodded. "Thank you." She said, smiling at him and getting up. "Now, how about we get the adoption out of the way and we can go, nya?" She said, her feline features retreating back.

What followed next was the administrator of the orphanage returning and handing Kuroka the adoption papers. She was technically not old enough to adopt, but using a bit of illusion magic she seemed just a little over 25, more than a good enough age to adopt. Add in some more or less fake documents, Issei saying he would like to be her adopted son and they were almost good to go! But now came the funny part.

"Now, Miss Toujou, if you'd allow me to ask, why have you asked for Issei especially?" The administrator asked. "Don't take it the wrong way, but we usually do not get such specific requests for a specific child, let alone using such details as the scar on his arm. Do you know him by chance?"

Kuroka put on a small fake awkward smile. "Oops, you caught us!" She said, and the administrator arched an eyebrow.

"I and Kuroka are friends!" Issei said, trying to make up a story with Solomon's help. "I met her back when I first joined the orphanage, and we have been meeting and talking. She is super nice and kind! I only recently told her I was an orphan, and she said she wanted to adopt me, but I was scared you wouldn't let her because I knew her."

The administrator laughed. "That is ridiculous, Issei! It just says you are lucky. Now, Miss Toujou, I must ask in light of this new information, does knowing Issei influence your decision to adopt?"

"Actually, he is the reason I am adopting." She answered, following suit with Issei's little plan. "You see, I wanted a child for a long time, but I have some...problems."

"No need to continue, Miss, I understand." The administrator said, cutting Kuroka off. "Most people who adopt usually do so because they are unable to have children of their own, so there is no issue. Did you try to adopt before?"

"No, I only learned of my inability recently." She answered with a lie, of course. Kuroka was perfectly able and fertile, but they needed a reason for the adoption. "After that Issei told me he was an orphan, and well, here are we"

The administrator nodded his head, stamping the last piece of paper. "Very well. Despite your initial play, which is no issue, by the way, I admit that you are legitimate for adoption, Miss Toujou. Just sign those papers and the two of you can leave." At that moment, a nun came with Issei's bag and his jacket. "Everything is ready."

"Thank you," Kuroka said, taking the pen and signing. She put the pen down and got up from the chair, the administrator putting the papers away. Issei ran and got his stuff, having made sure to keep his final baggage light. Kuroka also went and got herself a fur coat on, and her and Issei going to the door. "Thanks once again." She said, offering a polite bow along with Issei before leaving, the nun and administrator weaving their hands at them.


Later, Kuroka and Issei found themselves walking through the winter evening as the snow fell with a bit of wind blowing from behind them. "Where are we going, Kuroka?" Issei asked, to which his new stepmother replied.

"There is an abandoned shrine close by where I thought we may live." She answered, coming up with an answer. "Sorry for the possible rough conditions to come, I had to lie quite a bit in the papers. I am actually broke and have no place to stay, and I honestly do not know what to do now. I haven't thought this far ahead."

"Are you kidding me…"

"Well, good thing I am always prepared," Solomon said, having cooked up a plan in case this was the case. And since he assumed she could use magic, this was absolutely perfect! "Issei, listen to me, once you arrive at the shrine she is talking about, do as I say."

Issei nodded, and simply followed Kuroka to the shrine, making sure not to get lost. They eventually arrived at the shrine, Issei and his other two friends admitting that the place has seen better days. It was a pretty large compound overall, but it was in a totally depressing state. The main building, which was the shrine, was covered in vines and overgrown plants, and the idols within which were made of wood have mostly fallen apart. He didn't even know which God this shrine was, but he assumed whoever it was didn't care about the shrine anymore.

The courtyard was pretty large, which Ddraig said was perfect for training in the future if they can clean it up a little, taking care of some rocks and overgrowth plants and maybe the small trees that have grown. There were also a few other buildings. One looked like some kind of bath judging by the large wooden fence and the rocks which surrounded a small frozen pond. A hot spring? But those did not freeze?

Solomon had an answer to that question, however, stating that it was likely artificial and not using actual thermal water. Even if the shrine was atop a small mountain, surrounded by forest, that didn't mean there was a natural hot spring there, and the lack of maintenance led to the water going cold and freezing among other things. The other buildings were pretty different from each other, as one looked like a shack for depositing various tools and equipment, but that too was in a bad state.

Then there was the administrative building, which was the largest one here. That is where Issei and Kuroka went, opening it and going inside. It was still pretty cold, but Kuroka led him to one of the rooms. The building was pretty small but did seem to have some rooms available and they were lucky enough to find some futons laying about. They were a bit filthy but in overall good condition. They used two blankets each for the night to keep themselves warm, not even striping down to their pajamas. They slept in the same room on different futons, but Issei had to admit it was hard even with his winter clothes and blankets. He also got another headache as they tried to sleep, but Kuroka, noticing this, was quick to act. She used her magic to soothe the pain.

Whatever Solomon planned, Ddraig sincerely hoped it was good, or else he might incinerate the old bastard.


The next day, after waking up, Issei saw that Kuroka disappeared from her futon and got out of his own, leaving it messy on the ground like Kuroka's, not bothering with it much and searching for her. He did find her eventually, sitting at the main shrine.

"Hey, Kuroka!" Issei said, attracting her attention. "What are you doing?"

"Oh, Ise, I was just looking for some stuff we might be able to sell." She said, admitting that she was going to steal from the shrine. "This place is in bad condition as is, meaning that anything of value we find might be worth something. We need to eat, after all, nya"

"Bad choice. Pretty sure you'll anger a deity somewhere." Solomon said. "Now, Issei, we forgot to do this last night, but now listen to me. Place a hand over Kuroka's head."

Issei listened. "Hey, Kuroka, he wants to talk to you?"

"Who? The Red Dragon?" She asked, feeling quite fearful about the prospect of meeting the Red Dragon Emperor, Ddraig himself. But Issei shook his head, then he stretched his hand, and Kuroka's eyes went wide. Issei couldn't do magic, but this was a technique meant to allow someone to communicate in the mindscape.


It was a pretty decent technique for those who mastered the mindscape, which further surprised Kuroka as she woke up in a white space with a part of it on fire, seeing an old man there with a golden cane in hand. "Where am I?" She asked, stepping forward and hearing herself echo.

"This is my mindscape!" Issei said, making Kuroka jump a bit. "Sorry. This is where I talk to Ddraig and Solomon!"

"Solomon?" Kuroka echoed, looking over to see the old man. "Wait, as in, KING Solomon? One of the richest, most powerful humans magus to ever live? The one who enslaved all the original devils of the 72 Houses?! The WISE King Solomon?"

"That is indeed me, yes," Solomon said, attracting her attention. "A pleasure to make your acquaintance, Kuroka. I apologize if Ddraig is not here, but he is not exactly in the mood to talk with...the likes of you, so to say."

"It's...fine." She said, trying to process what was happening. The boy she thought was only the Red Dragon Emperor also had Solomon inside of himself. Damn! She hit the jackpot! "So, you also inhabit his body?"

"Yes. I am not aware how I have come to do so, but over the last couple of months I have accepted a role of guidance for young Ise." Solomon replied. "It was my call for him to trust you and accept your offer, by the way."

"I do not know if I would have said no, though," Issei admitted, smiling strangely. "Solomon and Ddraig have been arguing a lot back there, so I got confused." Solomon sighed.

"Regardless, Kuroka, I thank you for adopting Issei and taking care of him." The king bowed to her, as was the Japanese custom as he learned, then he stood straight again. "However, I cannot help but voice my displeasure with your lack of foresight regarding the situation. Issei is a growing boy, he needs a good environment to grow and develop, both as a person and as the Red Dragon Emperor. Something a broken down shrine cannot offer."

Kuroka looked down in shame a bit, having just been scolded by the wisest of the site. "I guess I rushed, nya." She admitted.

"Luckily for you, I am never without a plan," Solomon said, attracting their attention. "I foresaw the possibility of you not having an actual place to raise Issei properly and help him develop. I mean, how old are you, truly?"

Normally, one doesn't ask a lady her age, but in this situation it was different. "I am 19." She answered plain and simple.

"At least you got a good grasp of your ability, which I hope is good enough for what I am about to offer. Tell me, how good are you with Teleportation Magic?"

Kuroka perked up. "I am pretty good if I am allowed to brag, even the best, nya!" She said,

"Can you teleport something from far away to your location?" Solomon asked, watching her expression change.

"I mean, if I knew where exactly the target is, then I guess." She said, sounding unsure. "I might need a boost, depending on the distance."

"That is no problem," Solomon said, then he got straight to the point. "I used to be one of the world's richest kings as well and before I lost most of it, I had hidden away most of my treasure." At the hearing of the treasure Kuroka's tail went straight and she let out a loud 'nya', figuring out what the king was going to say. "It seems you caught on."

"You will give me the locations of some of those treasures in order to ensure us a better life, nya?" She asked, looking excited at the promise of so much money.

"Thank you, Solomon!" Issei said, thanking the king who smiled and laughed.

"There is no need to thank me! I have no use for it anymore, so it may as well be put to some use in your hands. Now, Kuroka, listen to me closely. I will not give you the location of all my hidden treasures, only a certain number for when you will need them. I will also personally handle the finances through Issei, understood?"

"If it means we won't be sleeping with our jackets on anymore, yes, nya!" Kuroka replied excitedly. "Tell me what I need to do!"

"Good. First, however, there are some things you should be aware of regarding Issei. Namely, what I believe to be connected to his headaches."


After getting out of the mindscape, Solomon told Issei what to tell Kuroka and she lost no time conjuring the hexagonal magical circle on the ground before the shrine, focusing her magic. Kuroka was surprised to hear about how Issei seemed to be seeing things as if they are a video game and how that also seemed to affect his development, but she didn't pry further as Solomon assured her it might fix itself with age.

Solomon had told her the coordinates of the first stash, making sure to include the depth as well. As she said, Kuroka did need Issei's help, which he was happy to supply. Summoning the Boosted Gear, Issei focused and managed to, with a bit of encouragement and time, unlock the third form of his Gear, allowing him to transfer power to Kuroka, making her magical power enough until she was able to successfully summon what looked like an old chest.

Issei went over to it, seeing a combination lock of sorts, but Solomon told him the combination, opening it. Once it was open, Issei opened it, marveling at the sight before him. Kuroka also went to him after recovering a bit and she nearly choked as she gasped at the sight, seeing gold and jewels at every inch of the chest, and even pottery that was centuries old that contained more riches! Rubies, emeralds, diamonds, sapphires, pearls, gold - it was all there! Kuroka wasted no time grabbing a pair of golden earrings encrusted with some ebony gems.

"How do I look, nya?" She asked, wondering how the earrings looked on her.

"You look nice, Kuroka!" Issei said, going through the chest as well, taking a large number of riches and then letting them flow down back into the chest. "Woah...we're rich!"

"Not exactly." Solomon, cutting in. "Listen, Issei, and make sure to tell Kuroka as well; you cannot keep those riches. You must convert it into actual money and use it to fix up the temple and turn it into a house of sorts, a decent place where the two of you can live in peace. You can do whatever you want with the leftover money, as long as it is not going towards useless expenses. "

Issei nodded and told Kuroka what Solomon told him, making her pout a bit. She asked if she could at least keep the earring, which Solomon didn't argue. With that being said, Kuroka managed to get in contact with someone she knew back in the underworld who, after hearing this was one of Solomon's treasures, paid a fat check for it all, which Kuroka cashed in immediately, opening a bank account and everything.

However, as Solomon predicted, most money was spent on their new home. Namely, its renovation. First, they completely bought the land, which was actually up for auction but no one wanted it. Then began the real fun. Before they could contact a building company they decided to do the planning themselves, with some parts being added later. Solomon shined once again here as he himself acted as the architect of the new home while Ddraig remained mostly silent, only offering some suggestions here and there.

Most of the buildings were going to be demolished, including the shrine. The administrative building will be remodeled, becoming their new home. Solomon also wanted to keep the courtyard as large as it had been when they arrived, only clean it up and have it fixed up, keep the bathhouse, only fix it, and even the storage area. He even kept the well next to the entrance.

By the end of the day, Issei and Kuroka had the plans ready and Kuroka contacted a supernatural building company, making sure to use a fake name and whatnot so they didn't recognize her as a wanted criminal. They were given the plans and even told that if there is anything better they feel will work they were free to add it, but the chief was pleased enough with the provided blueprints and he and his boys got to work, diligently remodeling the area using a mix of hard work and magic.

By the time the snow started to fall they were done, giving Kuroka the keys to the new house and wishing them good luck. And not a moment too soon as another crew, a normal human one, arrived with some ordered furniture, appliances, and other needed things for their house. But this time it took a bit longer, all things considered when they set everything up. They ended up working well into the night, but with a promise of a bonus payment, they kept working with diligence.

They even managed to get some food delivered to their place in the meantime, which they stored up as soon as the kitchen was finished. It was midnight by the time they did finish, and Issei suggested to Kuroka they treat the workers a bit before sending them off.

However, they could only treat them to some basic snacks and drinks as Kuroka admitted she was no great cook.

Ddraig was afraid for Issei's welfare in the hands of this woman, but he relented. So far everything was working out fantastically. Solomon looked pretty smug as well when Ddraig admitted it, earning the king a flick from the dragon on his head, which ended up sending him on his non-physical ass.

But for now, things looked good. Kuroka and Issei had a roof over their heads, food on the table, and money in their pockets - they had everything they would need to survive, and more. Kuroka has been also offering Issei training and the progress did seem to increase. Namely, Issei was getting more EXP now for some reason, but only enough to enable him to remain at level 5 with their normal daily quest. Under Solomon's directions and guidance, even someone as irresponsible as Kuroka was no issue in the long run.