The nervous wide eyes from the Gremory peerage are all focused on me

"K-Killing all the Maous?"

Rias asks while gulping down, looks of outright dread spread to the faces of her servants

I nod

"B-but why would they want to do that?"

Issei asks in disbelieve

"Why not? I told you, our job is to keep the supernatural at bay and controled. In order to do that, what better way than to make an esper capable of defeating the strongest supernatural class from the side of the dark creatures?"

A moment of silence takes place, as if my words were slowly sinking in

"This... project you talked about, what is it?"

Akeno asks me with concerned eyes and I raise two fingers

"It's actually two different things, the Awakening Protocol and the Ascension Project. One complements the other and they are necessary in order to achieve the 'Ultimate Goal' of the Esper Community"

Rias frowns confused

"So killing the Maous is not the ultimate goal?"

Before I can answer, Ayumu speaks

"The politics within the Community are intricate, not all of us are favorable to killing and mass extermination, there are limits to how far we can go in order to persecute the supernatural, after decades of deliberation a balance has been reached. So no, extermination is not the last and final objective, the end goal itself is something much more... confusing..."

I nod and compliment Ayumu's reply

"[Suprareality]?"

I say while throwing a glance towards Ayumu, who sighs

"True, but... it's still a theory if it can even be achieved, I mean, even Kusuo-san or Kageyama-san have not been able to"

I see Rias and the others growing even more confused

"Did you just said [Suprareality]?" - She asks raising an eyebrow

"Huh? The artistic movement?"

Xenovia says and I nod with a slight nervous laughter

"Sorry, I should explain what these things mean, but in order to do that I really need to explain some things about the esper community, specially about our ranks in what regards power"

Issei gives me a confused look

"Ranks of power? As in devil ranks?"

I nod

"Kinda, let me explain it this way: In devil society, regarding power, you are divided by ranks that go from Low class to Ultimate class and finally the Maou class, that's extremely rare, correct?"

All of them agree with me

"In the Esper Community we have different systems that classify our positions in a certain category, one of those categories, and the most simple one if I'm being honest, is the power system."

Ayumu nods

"It's very simple once you understand, it was based on yours actually."

Rias's eyes go wide hearing this

"Based on the devil's ranking system?"

I give a half hearted smile

"Yeah, but trust me, it's not for a good reason, at least not to you..."

Before I can find an easy way to explain, Ayumu speaks ahead of me

"Regarding our abilities, they rank us by which class of devil we are capable of overpowering"

All the devils present stare in shock at Ayumu's sudden revelation

I gulp down hearing this blunt response and scratch my head

"W-well, I guess Ayumu summed it up better than I could..."

Xenovia tilts her head and asks

"So it's like in the church, you guys gain ranks by how many strong devils you are able to kill?"

However, I shake my head and correct her

"No, well, it used to be like that a long time ago when my mom was a heroine, but the system was a bit... unfair"

Kiba speaks up

"Unfair?"

I answer with a troubled expression

"Well, like Xenovia said, it used to be that the stronger you were and stronger the opponents you could defeat, then your rank would be higher. However that was unfair to those who were skilled but not in an offensive kind of way."

I then point towards the blonde nun standing right next to Issei

"Take Asia for example"

"E-eh? Me?!"

She jolts nervously and I nod

"Yes, you have superb healing skills, but aside from that you can't do much in a fight. Does that mean you are useless to the team?"

Before the nervous Asia can reply, Issei immediately speaks up

"Of course not! Asia is our lifeline! There were many situations we were only to survive because of her healing"

Xenovia and Irina agree right afterwards

"Asia doesn't need to fight to prove her strength, I'll protect her with all I can so she can continue supporting us"

"Of course, as a member of the church and Asia's friend I'm totally with Xenovia on this!"

Seeing such gentle answers, Rias and the others have a happy expression, while Asia is brimming with joy

"Everyone... thank you! I'll continue supporting all of you the best as I can!"

This moment would be really heartfelt if it wasn't for...

"Ugh..."

I hear Ayumu groam cutting immediately the heartwarming atmosphere for me, yup, this is going to be difficult

I try to muster a smile as to not ruin the moment for them while trying to move on with the subject

"See? That's why it was unfair. People used to be classified from C to S class depending on their strength and power alone, but now this has changed."

I open my palm displaying all 5 fingers towards them

"Now we are classified from level 1 to level 5. And several tests are made in order to ensure we will be measured for our full capacity, not just by offensive potential"

Their confused faces seem to have lighten up a little at my explanation

"A,B,C, 1,2,3... wait, isn't there an extra level?"

Irina counts at her own fingers and asks

"Well observed, you see, only level two and up can actually go into combat, so when everything was measured by how destructive you were they couldn't even be ranked, but now that we are measuring people by their overall abilities, even they get their own level."

When I say this, Irina's eyes lighten up and she seems to have become ecstatic

"Wow! That's so generous! The Esper Community really seems like a very accepting place!"

Everyone looks at her confused and Xenovia sighs while stating the obvious

"Irina, have you forgot they want to kill us?"

Her expression suddenly drops

"O-oh... yeah, hehehe, sorry"

She laughs awkwardly while putting her tongue out, don't suddenly forget things like that!

Rias shakes her head with a slight smile and asks to me and Ayumu

"So you two should be level five? Correct?"

However, both of us shake our heads, to the surprise of the redhead and her friends

"Incorrect"

I raise my hand, with all my fingers except my thumb upwards

"We are both level four"

Hearing this, another shock is draw on their expressions

"Y-you are not at the highest level?!"

Issei questions us with his eyes nearly popping out

"No, Ayumu is a level four and well, technically, I am a level 4.5"

Rias looks at me confused and asks

"Four point five? What does that mean?"

I clear my throat and prepare to give an explanation

"You see, as I said, we are ranked in how we can overpower devils. Level 1 means that the person is about the same as a low class devil and therefore would be a waste to send them to battle even for a support role, Level 2 means they can hold their own against a low class devil and other small time creatures, Level 3 surpasses medium class devils no sweat, Level 4, which is us, can overwhelm a high class devil and a Level 5..."

Rias places a hand in front of her mouth and speaks full of concern

"Is more powerful than an Ultimate Class..."

I close my eyes and nod with a bitter smile

"Exactly, but it's still worse than it looks, there are some level 5 who can only barely defeat Ultimate class devils, but there are others, like my mom, who have even destroyed divine beings, so the power level still scales even within the same rank"

Saying this, the Gremory peerage starts to understand where all this conversation was leading to

"Then this Awakening and Ascension Project means..."

Issei says, but is incapable of finishing his words

"The protocol is supposed to help a level 5 to achieve 5.5 and Ascension means the creation of a true Level 6. The power that would basically create an 'Esper God' and reach [Suprareality]"

Ayumu answers for me

All members of the ORC are stunned, this information falling like a bomb on them.

Rias, albeit shocked, is still able to hold her composure and question further

"But what does 4.5, 5.5 and [Suprareality] mean? You still haven't answered us"

I nod

"Yes, yes, I was just getting there. You see, did you notice anything different between our first and last battle?"

Issei is the first one to answer

"Of course, it felt as if I was fighting a different person, the difference in power was ridiculous"

I point to myself and say

"And it was. You see, I can unleash powers of Level 5 class that allow me to be on a level even higher than an Ultimate Class, but to do that I have to release my power while under serious emotional stress. The fact that I can't control 100% of my power means that I'm still not fit to be a Level 5, therefore, I am 4.5"

Surprised expressions appear on the faces of the Gremory servants

"So a 5.5 means..."

I nod

"Powerful enough to easily defeat a deity or Maou, but still unable to fully control and unleash it's full potential. My father is one of the few in the whole world able to achieve that state, he calls it the 'Unknow percent', you know, because of the 100% thing"

Ayumu seems to be the one who is most surprised, however

"Wait a minute! You fought against them in your 100% state?!"

Surprised and a bit embarassed that she's only finding about it now, I nod awkwardly

"Y-yeah, I was about to kill them too... it was then that Liliana stopped me from doing it. I really own her big time"

Listening this, Ayumu has a pensative expression

"Hmm, I see..."

She stops for a moment and turns towards the Gremory

"You guys should really be grateful to whatever you devils pray to. I'm one of the few people that has seen Tachan's 100% state and lived!"

The Gremory peerage gives Ayumu a quizzical look, don't talk about it as if I was some kind of monster!

"I-I see... but that still means that there are espers more powerful than you two?"

We both nod

"There are power differences within the levels, Ayumu is probably a mid level 4 and while I am stronger than almost everyone at level 4 since I am a 4.5, my 100% is probably weaker or at least less deadlier than most level 5"

At my last remark Rias has a confused expression

"You say, 'less deadlier' is there a difference?"

I give a bitter smile

"Thought you would notice, yes, like I said, you don't have to necessarily be able to destroy a city, it depends mostly on how effective your powers is in killing supernatural existences or otherwise aiding other espers."

I raise a finger

"Some espers don't have that 'explosive power', but they are still considered level 3, 4 or even 5 because they can do some pretty scary or impressive stuff"

"Technique users..."

I hear someone muttering and I turn to see Kiba with a hand under his chin

"Oh, yes, you could put it that way. You are a technique type right, Kiba? So you must get where am I going"

He nods

"Uhmm, this is getting so complicated..."

Issei says scratching his head

Rias places a hand under her chin and says

"This whole rank thing is truly a lot to process, but... this protocol and project..."

All the members of the peerage have bitter expressions on their faces

"That's why you didn't want Vali and the others to hear about it, right?"

Akeno asks and I agree

"Correct, this is top secret information and something I that know must be a terrible shock to all of you, that's why... it's something that I cannot carelessly share with someone I don't trust"

Rias silently nods at my response and I dwelve further

"As I said, nothing stops you from sharing this information with them, but... do you think they should know that?"

The room goes somber, hesitation is draw on each of the Gremory peerage's faces

Their crimson haired leader takes a hand to her forehead and answers troubled

"Indeed, this something that shouldn't be relayed to others freely... and when I think about how Vali would react to an info like that..."

As I expected, Rias is a considerate girl, she understands the weight of what I just told her

"Uhmmm"

However, Issei seems to be thinking about something

"Something on your mind, Ise?"

She asks, I suppose he must be thinking about Vali

"It's just that... I'm wondering, how does it work?"

"Uhm?"

However, he says something that gets me off guard

"W-well, I was just wondering how that process works, I mean, something as big as that must be really complicated to achieve, right?"

So he was thinking about the process?

"W-well, it is a serious doubt, do you know how does it work, Tatseyo?"

Rias turns to me and Ayumu, I retort with a troubled expression

"Well, the process..."

"Differs from person to person"

The surprise hits them in full

"W-what?"

Rias asks shaking her head

"Does that mean that there are different protocols for each esper?"

Ayumu nods her head in return

"Mostly, but you see, only the ones in charge, those involved with the research or who have been subjected to the Protocol or the Project know about the full details, since it's too high of a risk to let this kind of info wandering around."

"Well, that's not entirely true, right? There are some general rules we know..."

I question right after Ayumu and she looks at me for a while

"Remember what dad told me?" - I complete

A look of realization washes over her face

"Oh! Yeah but... they are just in general right? It's not detailed or anything"

I shrug

"It's still better than nothing"

"So you do have an idea of what it envolves?"

Rias asks and I scratch my head

"Well, kinda... by what dad told me and by what I was able to piece together from general knowledge, the 5.5 has no actual strict conditions to manifest itself, given that every esper is different in powers and personality. However, two are general rules"

The others in the room almost lean forward to hear what I'm about to say

"First is in a situation that the esper is in a situation of extreme peril, either for himself or someone dear to him. When that happens the esper usually loses the sense of self and will act mostly on instinct or selfish desire"

At each word of my explanation Issei's eyes grew wider

"Wait a minute! Y-you mean, like the Juggernaut Drive?"

I tilt my head

"I also thought it was the same thing when Liliana explained me the Juggernaut Drive, but there are some key differences. It is not the power to become to become a tyrant, nor it is a power that leads to total lost of control and destruction, it is an intermediary phase theorized as the the phase that will elad to level 6 and to [Suprareality]"

Issei scratches his chin

"I-I see... guess that's right"

"Also, there is another way to achieve 5.5, though this one is extremely rare and not actually considered as 'achieving'..."

I say and more confused stares are given at me

"What do you mean by that?" - Rias inquires and I sigh

"Well, the second is that there are ultra rare, extremely naturally talented espers who grow so powerful overtime that they become naturals 5.5"

Astonishment appears on the faces of the ORC, even Ayumu has a nervous expression when I say it

"H-hold up, so there are people already able to achieve that naturaly?"

Issei speaks to me nervous

"Yes, however, they are extremely rare cases and as I said, 5.5 means these people cannot properly control and make full use of such power. Therefore they must wear some sort of limiter at all times, at the risk of hurting others, destroying the land or even hurting themselves as they have more power than they can control"

When I finish saying it, the looks on the Gremory's faces is no longer just of nervousness but also of... sadness?

"You mean, become so powerful to the point where you have to restrain yourself artificially just to not hurt other people?"

Xenovia asks

"That must be such a terrible feeling..."

Irina says with a somber expression

"Are there really people like that?"

Rias asks me, an expression that has surpassed what you could call reasonable nervous draw all across her face

"Yes, I know two of them for a fact"

Akeno puts a hand in front of her face

"Two..."

"You're telling there are two people with powers superior to that of a Maou here in Japan?"

I shake my head, awarrating a confused reaction that quickly turns to fear when I say

"Four"

Again, surprise and panick appears on their faces

"Four?!"

Issei asks, followed by Rias

"You mean there are four natural level 5.5 in Japan? People with powers that could naturally surpass a God?"

I cough nervously

"There is but... I don't know very well the other two, nor do I wish to... one of them in particular"

I sigh.

Turning my sight to Ayumu, I see that she's also nervous

"Tachan..."

She looks at me and I clearly know what she's afraid of

"I know Ayumu, I know. Just not now..."

I shake my head

Ayumu seems hesitant for a moment, but drops the matter despite her worrisome look not fading.

"This is a very troublesome matter indeed. But there is still one thing unaswered: What is this [Suprareality] thing you keep talking about?"

I sigh

"Err, that's the toughest part."

Rattling my brain trying to figure out how to explain this in the most comprehensible way possible, I scratch my head

"You see, in esper education we are taught about it but even then I couldn't fully grasp it..."

Ayumu nods embarassed

"I nearly flunk that subject..."

Issei and the others look at us weirded out

"What the hell do they teach in an esper school?"

He asks and I cough to hid my awkwardness

"Anyway, [Suprareality] is a name borrowed from an artistic movement, basically, it means to reach the very essence of ESP and the convergence between the physical realm and the subcounscious realm in order to grasp a reality beyond ours to shape the subjective and objective nature of living and non living things"

Noticing everyone's confused expression, I pause for a moment and tilt my head

"At least that's what they said in the curriculum"

"""""Explain it with your words properly!""""""

Eh? I'm being scolded?!

"Is it a way to warp reality, is that what you're saying?"

Rias asks

I think for a while and shake my head

"No, actually the concept of warping reality is already a bit subjective. What is warping reality anyway? Doing things against the laws of physics or nature? I believe everyone in this room can do such a thing one way or the other"

They turn towards eachother and some nod

"Magic and demonic powers are ways to change the nature of things in the world, [Suprareality], however, is supposedly tied to the essence of ESP in order to reach a realm beyond this reality"

Rias seems shocked for a second and asks

"Essence of ESP?"

I place a hand on my chin

"Basically, we are still trying to figure out exactly what ESP is. The reason why some people are born or become espers, why some grow to be level 5 while some stay stuck at level 1 and even what psychic powers even are."

I say this and Ayumu compliments

"Unlike magic, senjutsu, demonic powers and other abilities, ESP has yet to be fully explained even by our best scientists. It is believed that reaching it's full potential can reveal our roots and reach [Suprareality]"

This time, Akeno is the one to ask

"You said something about a superior plane? A dimension?"

Again, I shake my head

"Not exactly, the word "above" or "superior" implies that the reality achieved would be somehow better than our own and that's not what the theory says, it's just different and it can be better or worse depending on how it's used. Just like magic, demonic power or ESP, the usage would depend on the who's using it and for what reason"

I see that everyone seems to be doing their hardest to follow what I'm saying. Issei and the church trio almost have smoke coming out of their ears

"Uhhh... this is so complicated"

Asia says rubbing the sides of her head

"I didn't thought we'd be getting a science lesson, uhhh..."

Xenovia says gritting her teeth with a painful expression

"Please, no more, I think my head will explode"

Irina says almost foaming from her mouth

Is this really that complicated to follow?!

"Hold it in there! I know it's difficult, but we gotta keep up!"

Issei says it like they are in a battle! Are you guys that dumb or is this just too complicated to undertand?!

On the other hand, there is someone really fired up about it...

"That's amazing! The people from the Esper Community are already working in the abstract concept of reaching out to other realities while trying to uncover the origin and the full potential of their powers?!"

Rossweisse excitedly speaks to us

Me and Ayumu look bewildered towards the silver haired teacher

"Y-yeah, you are kinda going at the right direction there"

I reply surprised

"How do you know that?! Do you have any contact with espers as well?"

Ayumu asks even more astonished than me

Rossweisse however shakes her head and replies with a gleam in her eyes

"No, but you see, when I was in Asgard I dedicated a lot to my studies, so things like realities beyond our own and developing the full potential of a skill and it's origins were also part of my research"

Ayumu jolts back

"W-wow, slow down, hold up! Am I supposed to ignore the Asgard bit?"

She says turning towards me

"A-ah, yeah, before becoming a devil through the evil piece system and teacher at Kuoh, Rossweisse-sensei used to be a Valkyrie for Odin"

I explain and instead of looking surprised, Ayumu just makes a tired expression and sighs

"Of course, why am I even surprised at this point..."

It seems that Ayumu has finally broken and accepted that things can get even weirder outside of the Esper Community

"W-well, I'm still impressed that you can understand the concept..."

Rossweisse blushes and starts fidgeting

"A-ah well, in the academy I-I..."

"She was a nerd" - Xenovia says bluntly

"That's mean Xenovia! Even if Rossweisse didn't had any friends and was always with her head in books to the point where she's been boyfriendless for almost 20 years doesn't mean you can say that outloud!" - Irina retorts to her friend

"I-Irina-san! You just said it outloud! Look at how Rossweisse-san is now" - Asia scolds both of them

Rossweisse has dropped on the floor and is covering her face with her hands

"No, you are right, I am a failure as a Valkyrie and a woman, uhhhh, I want a boyfriend too!"

She suddenly started saying things like that! What the hell?!

Ayumu scoots closer to me and whispers

"Are all devils like this? Or do you have a tendency to get along with the ones who bumped their heads as a kid?"

I scratch my cheek

"So far devils have been a little... excentric"

Despite my reply, I try to get back on track

"A-anyway, like Rossweisse was saying, the concept of [Suprareality] means reaching for a reality beyond ours, the realm of the subjective, of concepts with the power of ESP. I know it's something difficult to grasp, but I think that what you should understand for now is this"

I raise my open hand in the air

"Espers are divided by levels, currently, you guys can't take a 4.5 and are far from able to take a level 5, but luckily for you they are rare. Level 5.5 is a stage where a person has more power than a God and possibly a Maou, but cannot control it, they are even more rare, most who can reach this stage can only do so in extreme situations and the ultra rare that can enter this stage without losing control are considered Unique Specimen, with only four capable of doing so in this country."

And then to the last thing

"Level 6 is theorized to be the stage where not only an esper has reached a level of power superior to the gods, but also able to tap into the theoretical [Suprareality], from which not only an esper can see into what's beyond this world, but also alter the veil of reality. Are you all following?"

Everybody gives confused looks of people who are trying their best to understand, except for Rossweisse, who's still looking excited at us

"We did understand so far, however, what would happen once someone reaches that stage? You said there is no interest in waging a massive war, but then is there another purpose to achieve this [Suprareality] beyong containing the supernatural?" - Rias asks me

Other members place a hand on their chin and scratch their heads

"A power such as that..."

Akeno says with a concerned expression, others look at me similarly concerned

I shoot a glance at Ayumu, who answers with a troubled look of her own and shrugs

"Why do governments build atomic weapons?"

I nod

"Even if the level 6 is an enormous power that could tip the scales not only of the Esper Community and the paranormal world as a whole, but also of of pshysics and the laws of nature as we know it, it's still a risk that the higher ups and scientists are willing to take not only in order to discover more about us espers and our nature, but also in order to have an upper hand against the supernatural creatures"

Everyone currently looks at us with unease, not a surprise considering the bomb we just dropped on them

"You guys... really are something..."

Rossweisse answers with a nervous smile

"A project such as this... not even the church had something so ambitious..."

With her body shaking, Xenovia proclaims

Kiba is gritting his teeth, his body shakes slightly

"Are you alright?"

Rias taps Kiba on the shoulder

"What is up with him?"

Ayumu says looking towards me

"No idea"

I shrug, also confused as to why Kiba, of all present, seem to be the one most bothered by the situation

"Is there something wrong with Kiba?"

Rias thinks for a moment, but Kiba raises his hand before she can answer

"I am sorry, I just have not so pleasant memories with... experiments."

He says only this and leaves it hanging in the air, the other members of the ORC look at him concerned, but don't say another word.

Kiba clears his throat in an attempt to regain his composure

"I'm sorry for this, please don't let it interrupt you"

Me and Ayumu quickly exchange stares

"Well, we don't know all the details, but it sure is ambitious"

Ayumu says and I nod

"If it succeeds it could change the balance of the world as we know it..."

I take a pause before saying with a bitter expression

"For better or worse..."

Ayumu also seems gloomy, causing Rias to questionate

"You two seem very suspicious of your own organizations."

Issei agrees with her

"I thought you two liked the Esper Community, is there something wrong with them? Besides... well, you know..."

He says scratching his head

I sigh and look at Ayumu

"We do like the community, specially us who were raised there, all my loved ones are there. But it's more complex than that..."

She sighs, Ayumu's eyes seem to become more and more somber as we talk about it. As someone who's been raised in the esper association and is deeply loved there she must be having the same conflicting feelings as I have. Maybe it's even worse for her, considering how things are moving even faster with how I'm introducing all this new things at once.

I speak up

"There are different branches, different people with diferent minds and different goals. It is not possible to say that you love or hate all of the community, like a country"

I say and Rias eyes immediately light up

"Or a government..."

She gives a sarcastic smile and a slight laught

"We might have more in common than you think then, right?"

I also smile awkwardly

"Heh, guess you are right about that"

Ayumu glares at me confused

"What do you mean by that?"

I motion towards Rias

"Just like we have our own radicals, moderates and split factions, the underworld also has that. Let's say that just like the esper community wouldn't approve how close we are getting to the devils, there are devils who don't like even a bit approaching humans and dislike even more the evil piece system that allows non-devils to tarnish their 'purity'"

I stop and look at Ayumu

"Reminds you of anyone?"

She squirms as if remembering something

"Ugh, don't even remind me"

I chuckle internally, even Ayumu thinks that certain groups are too extreme

"Factions like that, such as the Old Maou faction, are a very troublesome obstacle on our way to pacific coexistence"

Rias says with a bitter expression, hearing her words, Ayumu slowly hangs her head down and mutters a single word, I just barely hear it

"Peace..."

The way she says it makes it clear how foreign this word sounds to her.

To all the espers, this word might be a stranger to their daily lives, but even more so for those who are powerful and were nurished since their early days in the community.

But for someone like Ayumu, something like peace might be foreign, not just in her life, but also in her mind...

Realizing that I've been staring at Ayumu, I turn my head, trying to get these thoughts out of my head

"That's why your cooperation is so important to us"

"Uh?"

I ask, noticing that Rias actually had spoken something while I was worried about Ayumu.

She puts a hand on her chest and says

"The Khaos Brigade and the old fashioned devils in the government are being a really big pain for us, your cooperation would not only be great to eliminate the terrorists, but it could also build a new bridge between humans and devils."

She says some rather inspiring words, causing me and Ayumu to look in silence at her

"...Ara, is there something wrong?"

Akeno asks and I shake my head

"N-nothing it's just, when you say it like this it really reminds us of the responsability we have"

I answer troubled and Ayumu seems to be fidgeting with something in her mind, she closes her yees for a moment and speaks with clear skeptcism on her voice

"Do you really believe a world like that is possible?"

I look troubled towards Ayumu, she really won't budge on that huh?

However, Rias isn't discouraged one bit and answers with confidence

"Yes, I do. I believe we can build a world better for everyone, both in relations between different factions and inside the factions as well, no more wars between different species and no more in-fighting as well. It may sound naive, but it is what I desire"

Rias's servants look at her filled with inspiration, when push comes to shove she definitely shows she's the leader

Still, I don't believe this will change what Ayumu thinks

"Tachan."

Ayumu calls me

"Do you believe in this too?"

I nod

"Yes, I do and I really want a world like that as well"

She seems to consider for a while and her answer surprises me

"I see, then I'll take on this as well"

The tone in her voice has become considerably softer and the fact she's now willing to cooperate with Rias as well after just agreeing with Liliana is surprising coming from her

"R-really?!"

I hear Issei asking

She nods

"Well, I did promised to help that Liliana and though I really don't like you all... but if Tachan is willing to do this, then I'll help too"

The Gremory peerage seems happy with Ayumu's declaration

"Thank you, we really appreciate your help."

"Y-yeah..." - Ayumu says, but still seems to have something on her mind

"Ayumu, what is it?"

I ask and Ayumu's eyes wide, like a deer caught in the headlights

She blushes and starts to stammer

"W-well, I-I do wanna ask for a condition first..."

Rias raises an eyebrown

"Uh? Something you wanna ask from me?"

Ayumu nods

"I... well..."

Rias tilts her head

"You?"

Ayumu gulps down and points forward, mustering courage and declaring

"I want you to enroll me in Kuoh academy!"

She says this and takes everyone by surprise

"...What?"

I ask, taken by surprise

"W-well, i-if we're gonna work together then I should be on the same school as Ta- I mean, as you, right? Tachan told me you are actually the ones who manage the school, then you can do that"

She says

"W-well you are right, I suppose Rias can make it happen, is there a problem?"

Rias thinks for a moment and smiles

"No, it's not a problem at all"

The Gremory's become much happier after listening to Ayumu's request

"Then Ayumu will be joining Kuoh Academy?"

Asia asks

"Ayumu, how old are you?" - Akeno questions her

"Seventeen, the same as Tachan..."

She answers embarassed

"That means we'll be getting a new classmate! Cool! Welcome aboard, Ayumu-chan!"

Irina says, enthusiastically as always

Ayumu seems to be more and more embarassed and confused as the devils who she hated so much become so excited at the prospect of having her join them

"Well, I guess that's it. If you all don't have anything else to discuss, I think we should probably head home"

I say and Ayumu agress

After saying our goodbyes we return to the elevator

On the way up, Ayumu looks somber for a moment and calls me

"Tachan, are you really sure about this?"

I look at her

"Uh? Yeah, I mean, don't you think it's the right thing to do?"

She nods

"It seems so, but... when we where there you didn't want to talk about it"

I furrow my browns for a while in confusion untill I realize what she's refering to

"Oh... you mean them"

I say and get a positive response

"If they were to find out about this... he would definitely come after you"

The group of the four 5.5 espers who stand on the very top of the power hierarchy of the esper Community of Japan

Kusuo-san, Kuriko and...

"The Caretaker won't be a problem... I think, he's always after Kuriko, so long as she doesn't get involved, neither will he"

Ayumu shakes her head looking at me

"You know that it's not The Caretaker that worries me."

A chill runs down my spine when she says this but still manage to make a bitter smile

"I know..."

Only this manages to leave my mouth as a feeling of dread takes me over

Ayumu seems to have noticed, for her hands are also shaking

"You didn't told Liliana?"

I shake my head

"I haven't told anyone, the fourth is just too much of an unbearable existence. If she knew about, she would have second thoughts about this"

A slight laughter leaves Ayumu when I say this

"You are seriously headstruck in this?"

I nod

"We have the chance to change the world as we know, the relations between supernatural beings would change entirely."

I see a sad smile appear on her face

"You are a very righteous person Tachan, I like... that about you, but what'll happen if he comes after us?"

I grip my fist tightly

"We'll fight"

Ayumu's eyes wide

"Y-you can't do this! You would... would..."

She tries to finish the sentence but can't

I shake my head

"No, I won't"

Ayumu furrows her browns

"What? You won't?"

Even with my hand shaking I manage to raise my thumb up

"No matter who it is, I won't die. Don't worry, I'll alway be here, with you"

Ayumu's eyes wide and she blushes for a moment

"Y-you idiot, aren't you afraid?"

I laugh

"I've been afraid ever since I thought about what mom and dad might do when they find out about this. Compared to them, there's nothing that scares me more, hahahahaha!"

Ayumu smiles a bit, I seem to have managed to cheer her up

"What about you? You knew from the get-go this could happen, aren't you afraid?"

She shakes her head

"I already promised you I'd be by your side, so as long as I have you to back me up, I have nothing to fear"

I feel myself starting to blush from this as I hear the elevator bell and the doors open

"Th-thanks, it really means a lot that I can count on you"

I say heading out of the elevator, however, Ayumu stays inside for a moment after I already stepped out

"The only thing I'm afraid of losing... is you, Tachan"

She says something that I cannot hear and I turn back to look at her

"What did you said?"

She looks at me for a moment before finally walking out of the elevator and joining my side

"Nothing, let's go"

We are scorted to the door by Issei's parents and walk around the street for a while

"Are you going home?"

She asks me

"Yeah, did the community rented you an apartment somewhere?"

"Yeah, it's around here, but... can I ask you something?"

I nod

"Of course"

She fidgets for a while before answering

"Can I stay with you?"

The suggestion nearly sends me backwards

"W-w-w-what?! Y-you wanna stay at home, with me?"

Ayumu puts her hands forward in an apologetic gesture

"I-I'm sorry, i-it's a bad idea isn't it?"

I shake my head

"N-no, it's not that!"

I really don't mind having Ayumu with me, we've been together for so long.

"It might actually be good because then we could talk to eachother without having to call everytime and for protection as well"

I say, when I stop to analyze it, this might really be a good idea

Ayumu seems to light up

"R-really? Awesome! Then I'm gonna bring my stuff to your house then!"

Ayumu seems to have become very cheerful, I feel happy that she's feeling better, but I suddenly remember something

I'm not living alone!

"Oh, by the way..."

"Uh? What is it?

Ayumu turns to me and I say

"There is someone currently living with me"

Ayumu's expression turns from cheerful to confused and then panick

"W-WHAT?!"

Afterword: Merry christmas and happy hollydays everyone! Sorry about taking this long to post, but I do have a reason: Yes, this is a chapter mostly focused on exposition, I had the entire idea in my head before I wrote it so I thought it would be simple, I wanted to do it in order to explain how the power level will mostly go from here, but before that I decided to read Shin 4. What happened? Well, without getting into spoiler territoy, I'm just going to say: Ishibumi has jacked the power level SO. FUCKING. HIGH. I'm not joking, this arc is for DxD what the Frieza arc was for DBZ in terms of power escalation, if you thought AxA was broken, wait untill you read it. Shit has just gone so ridiculously over the top that I don't even know what Ishibumi is going to do next. So I've had to rethink all what I've had been planning for this story. The whole suprareality and root of ESP thing came while I was doing this and trust me, this WILL be necessary for the story

Now, regarding the questions: Yes, Tatsumaki is incredibly powerful, but don't underestimate Shigeo. The reason why he doesn't have as many incredible feats as her is because the Mob universe is very underpowered if compared to OPM, so he doesn't have opponents that can match his league and force him to do such incredible feats, remember that in the last chapters the boss of Claw said that there was no one with a power even close to Mob's unknown percent in their world and Dimple always saying they hadn't seen his full potential? Yeah, it's kinda hard to show your full power when there's no need for it. Tatsumaki herself only shows her full strength when fighting incredbily strong opponents. Also, ONE himself said that Shigeo and Tatsumaki are mostly even in therms of strength, so I don't think there's much room for arguing on that.

Also, yes, I'm reading Record of Ragnarock and it's an awesome manga, did you know there's an anime being produced already? Can't wait to see. Now regarding Jesus and Buddha, I'm not sure, haven't thought about them yet, but Adam and Eve are elements that I've been planning to use in the story, not sure how yet.