Welcome to the next chapter of The Twin Dragons, but before starting. Let us answer some reviews:
nexusplayer: Yes! This is the first official update. Thanks and I apologize for missing that one. It depends since it hasn't been mentioned and it would be hard to know how both of them are involved aside from the fictional links to them. I think Adam IS connected based on the newest series that was made by Junior High School DxD.
That is a bit violent as a mechanic for getting stronger and evolving as an Angel, I haven't heard about that before. I can imagine Angels learning to obtain inner peace, and then becoming closer to God. Yeah, it's more so the Angel doing it for lust and pleasure instead of love, which is the reason that the Angels have a special method for it. Thanks. I'm happy that it's out of this stage too. He wants to be the True White Dragon God Emperor. Ophis is the Jet-Black God of Infinity. I don't know if that would be the case.
altajir95: Thanks. Yes, he has met Latia before having a special moment with his maids. XD I'll keep on doing that and ensure it'll be good.
Ryujomaru15: Yes, it's a good thing that the notifications are back up and that you're able to leave behind reviews, unlike the previous chapters. It was a good moment between the students and teacher, with there being more of them in the future. That was a good suggestion for the hilarious interaction between them, Tiamat seeing the one who caused her to lose her precious treasures. But, yeah, due to the situation, Kazuki has a favor from Ajuka, and that isn't something that most could ever have.
In the future, there will be an interaction between them and Latia Astaroth. Yes, it'll be interesting to see where it leads in the future, and that being a fun moment in the end.
I'll continue doing that.
SacredKoopa: I can imagine them being included, but it all depends. It's one of the first times when someone asks to add more to Issei's harem, but yeah the pervert with a heart of gold needs love too after his first girlfriend had messed him up.
Zoom 2. 0: Yeah. I do think that is a part of her canon based on how well she works with Ajuka and Ouryuu. It'll be different this time, seeing as Kazuki is her student and it'll progress from there.
Altair: It does sound like an interesting concept of him obtaining the same abilities as his predecessor or at least giving Kazuki the knowledge to obtain them.
mateusdemon100: Thanks and I'll be sure that it'll continue being a good read. It was a mistake that I fixed.
Gary: Thanks. I can imagine that Albion would give Kazuki advice through their interactions instead of outright inheriting it through their interactions. I think that might be possible, seeing as Vritra could manifest as his host's shadow and communicate with him due to the modifications. I would be a student and master, seeing as he taught me the most. It depends on the situation, but he had some suspension that Kaitou was Miyamoto due to their similar teaching styles. He might survive it, but Vali still needed the poison to be extracted from him to recover. Well, it might not be outright Observation Haki as it's pretty much extrasensory perception.
Ali Raza1: Thanks. I"ll continue with the Twin Dragons and I'm glad to hear you like his character. I can see the reason you might think that, but his weapons will be receiving an update in the future. But, I imagine Excalibur will be a good weapon for Kazuki because of how versatile it is and the amount of things he could do. Plus, Issei did receive Ascalon and Rias got Galatine as a present. I wouldn't say that he's more talented than Vali seeing as he is Lucifer's great-grandfather. It should be noted that Bikou wasn't going all out in that fight against Kazuki.
Yeah, Issei has been getting some miraculous and insane power-ups, one being a world-destroying weapon that hasn't been completed. Kunou is going to be older, as old as Ophis looks, who wanted to seem as old as Kazuki. I can see where you might get that, but I thought that they would fit him. It wouldn't impact her much, seeing as the current Governor General, Shemhazai has a child whose half-Fallen Angel, half-Devil. Plus, Valerie has the Holy Grail as a Longinus. I can imagine them also being good matches for him, but it depends on what happens in the future chapters. Well, Kazuki wouldn't arrive on time seeing as the event was related to the Gremory Group, so I can see him not arriving on time. I don't think that they'll be able to kill Rizevim at that time.
a. I'll be continuing this fic. I do have something in mind for Issei, seeing as he'll be an important figure in the future. I'm sure that'll be an insane moment for them to figure out. XD
b. I have something in mind for Kazuki's "answer" would be for his Juggernaut Drive.
c. It's kinda too late for Ravel to be added after the Diodora Incident.
d. I'm not exaggerating Arthur's power, at this point, he would still be superior to Kazuki, same as Vali and Bikou, both of whom haven't gone all out. As their entire team could fight one of Fenrir's sons, with Arthur all but outclassing him. It hasn't been shown all what Vali could do without his Sacred Gear in High School DxD, but despite being inflicted with Samael's poison and weakened, he could still release vast amounts of demonic power without trouble. But, to be able to perform the feats such as, he would need to be skilled in combat. Plus, in Slash/Dog, despite Vali being far younger, he could compete with other Sacred Gear users without Divine Dividing or Balance Breaker.
e. I have something planned for their future matches. Plus, Kazuki and his team will be going through some different training than in canon. I know that Asia is a healer and Support/Wizard-type, but she'd still have to learn how to handle herself in combat while having pacts with other Dragons to assist her. Plus, there's going to be moments when she doesn't fight in Rating Games, like in real combat, which is the reason she developed the technique to disperse healing arrows when hitting an opponent. Yeah, I have no idea why he was made into that.
Peace is the Best!
[Fuhahahaha! This is your end! Chichiryuutei!]
A man dressed up as a Kaijin laughing loudly could be seen on the big screen of the movie theater inside the Hyoudou Residence's basement.
[What?! There is no way this Chichiryuutei will lose to the Army of Darkness!]
A tokusatsu hero bearing a resemblance to Issei soon donned an armor identical to the Boosted Gear Scale Mail and could be seen facing off against the Kaijin.
In the basement, the Gremory Group and Azazel were seen watching this brand new series, the Oppai Dragon. It was a big surprise that a tokusatsu program was made based on Issei from the time that he was recorded back when he and the Gremory Group left to be interviewed in the Underworld. It wasn't surprising that he turned out to be the main character. Of course, for someone who wasn't experienced in acting, instead, the one portraying his character was an actor with a similar build and had his face altered with effects.
"…Apparently, it became very popular as soon as it was broadcast inside of the Underworld. The tokusatsu hero, the Chichiryuutei, the Oppai Dragon."
Koneko replied, being well aware of the Underworld's programs and shows while sitting on his lap.
Based on what the group was aware of because of Koneko, it became popular in a short period, having a monstrous rating of 50%. But, not just that due to how popular the Oppai Dragon became, Issei himself was surprised by how this was becoming popular based on the synopsis:
The story synopsis goes like this. The young devil who made a pact with a legendary Dragon, Ise Gremory, is a hero who pledges to fight evils that are a threat to Devils. He is a man who loves oppai and fights for them. He turns into the legendary Oppai Dragon to defeat those who do wicked deeds...and so on.
"…."
Issei, who was watching this felt happy, but was embarrassed at the same time. The Gremory Clan obtained the copyright to it and built up a greater fortune from the program, even selling merchandise and other things. A feat that made him surprised by how fast Devils worked in terms of business, a toy of Boosted Gear was made, with the first model sent to Issei, who was surprised by the realistic voice module.
"The Boosted Gear Scale Mail that appears in this show is identical to the real one and the skill used to recreate it is truly astounding."
Kiba stated, surprised by what he was seeing, and ate out popcorn.
"Hehehehe, hahahaha, yeah, this is g-good."
Mariah was trying to contain laughter from watching the program in front of her.
Issei and the others weren't alone in watching the program, with those among Kazuki's group joining in to watch it too. Among them, several were trying to contain their laughter, but Irina looked the most interested in seeing a tokusatsu series. It didn't help Issei feel any less embarrassed as Mariah tried not to laugh about how silly all this was, but at the same time, she didn't hate it.
[….]
Albion, who watched the program playing out in his current host was silent, but Kazuki could feel a different kind of emotion welling up inside of him. He didn't utter a single word as Kazuki didn't know what to think about this whole thing too.
[Here I come, you evil Kaijin! Tou! Dragon Kicccccccck!]
The Oppai Dragon donned in the red armor used a special technique superbly on the Kaijin, causing an effect to cause an explosion. On the screen, the group could see the Kaijin using a special weapon that put him in danger of suffering defeat.
[Oppai Dragon! I have come!]
It was then that the heroine, who much like Issei, bears a strong resemblance to Rias dressed in a dress. Having made an appearance, the Gremory heiress found herself feeling embarrassed about what she was witnessing in front of her eyes.
[Oh! Switch-princess! With this, I can win!]
The Switch Princess declared, making them think back to the nickname Bikou had randomly given Rias during the Juggernaut Drive incident with Issei. After the Oppai Dragon touched the Switch Princess' breast, this gave him a power-up in the form of a red light, seeming to regain power.
"There is an Oppai dragon with a Switch-princess on the good side," Azazel started singing with enthusiasm as he watched the show too, with Rias and the others having their attention on him. "And when they are in a crisis, he turns into the invincible Oppai Dragon just by touching Switch-princess's breast!"
After that Rias seemed to summon a Harisen, a paper fan from out of nowhere, then slapped Azazel on top of his head for that.
"…Excuse me, Azazel-sensei. I heard everything from Grayfia-sama, you know? The one who sent the idea of S-Switch Princess to the house of Gremory's data team was you right? Thanks to that, I…I…."
Rias said, with a reddened face.
"Who cares? I heard that since you started getting the support of the children, your popularity got higher, right?"
Azazel replied.
For those aware of the Underworld's magazines, the ones aimed at younger readers changed the name of one from: "Princess Rias' Special" to "Let's turn into Switch Princess everyone".
"…I won't be able to walk on the streets of the Underworld anymore."
Rias stated, sighing.
She was aware that with how popular it was becoming, she and Issei would be recognized as soon as they took a step into the Underworld's streets. If Issei ran into children, there would be no doubt that they'll point fingers at him, while surrounding him saying: "Ah! It's the Oppai Dragon!"
[Who cares now? After all, you and I are the Chichiryuutei now….] Ddraig said, sounding as if he was losing hope more. For a legendary Dragon who struck fear in Dragons and Gods alike, to be referred to as the Chichiryuutei was a major hit to his pride. [Yeah, I seriously never get bored when I'm with you…. Fufufu, I will also be tagging along with you from now on after all…. Kukuku….]
"Well, congratulations Ise, you made a Dragon cry. I hope you're proud."
Mariah teased while eating from her brother's popcorn.
"Gah!"
Issei felt pain from those words and felt the need to cheer up Ddraig later.
"But, you know. I feel proud that my childhood friend is getting famous like this," Irina stated, perking up as she watched the Oppai Dragon with more vigor and excitement. "If I remember correctly, Ise-kun loved tokusatsu hero shows when he was a child. I also tagged along with him and we acted as heroes."
At that, Irina started doing an assortment of hero poses that would result in a transformation, causing the three to think of the time they played hero together. Although, Kazuki played with them as much as possible, unable to be that physically active with them.
"We certainly did. Irina was a real tomboy back then, and I remember she was quite naughty too."
Issei commented, almost surprised that Irina turned into a real beauty, despite believing that she was a boy.
"But it is my pride that Ise-kun is famous."
Akeno stated, wearing a smile at the thought of that.
"Yeah. It will be good public exposure for our group."
Xenovia added, seeming to enjoy what the Oppai Dragon was.
"Hm, this does beg the question of whether or not Kazu-sama would soon be added too."
Ravel wondered, finding herself thinking about the potential behind this.
Her suggestion did surprise those in his team, with Kazuki tilting his head in her direction at that idea. If that was an idea that Ravel had, then it wasn't a random or thoughtless idea. But, on the inside, he could still feel that Albion was having some trouble with the idea of the Oppai Dragon.
"Hm, how come, Ravel-san?"
Asia was the first to ask.
"If we obtain the copyright of Kazu-sama's character, then it'll earn a lot of profit for our group and give him more popularity if it spreads."
Ravel explained, with those among their team agreeing with it.
"I can see that," Kazuki agreed before seeing what Albion thought of it. "So, what do you think about that Albion?"
[Ah…you can…do whatever. You're smarter…and have done more than most hosts at this point. You'll be able to do something that'll benefit your group in the future.]
Albion stated, seeming to be in low spirits.
"Are you doing alright?"
Kazuki asked, knowing that Albion wasn't in good spirits due to the Oppai Dragon reveal.
[I…am…. Sigh….]
Albion couldn't come up with a single response and instead seemed to let Kazuki do whatever he thought would be smart in the future. Right then, he thought about what he would do in the future to console Albion soon because of this mess.
"Well, seeing as these two are famous as the sole Heavenly Dragon hosts to not just be siblings, but twins there won't be much time before talking about adding him won't be too far. I can imagine that Kazuki here will be quite the famous character."
Azazel stated, almost wondering what would happen next with this group.
Kazuki could see that Azazel was enjoying what was happening, making him want to do something so that he didn't end up with an embarrassing title; for both his and Albion's sake.
"Eh?!"
It was then that Issei found himself letting out a sharp sound, caused by Akeno wrapping her arms around him from behind, causing her abundant breast to press against his back. She then leaned her chin on his shoulder as she whispered something in his ears.
"Hm, I'm happy that our kouhai is getting famous. But, I'd be troubled if you don't keep your promise with me."
Akeno whispered in his ears.
From their side, Kazuki and the others could see Rias and Koneko looked almost miffed about what was going on in front of them, between Issei and Akeno. Issei couldn't stop himself from blushing as he felt the softness of Akeno's body being transmitted to his mind. But, it seemed as if Koneko pinching his thigh snapped him back to reality and made him wonder.
"Promise?"
Issei asked.
"The promise to go on a date with me," Akeno reminded while smiling. "Remember that you said it to me during the battle against Diodora Astaroth?"
"Ah, I certainly did say that. So you remember?"
Issei asked, finding himself calling what happened during that incident, causing him to remember the time when Koneko told him to do that to encourage Akeno. However, hearing that it seemed as if Issei didn't even consider that promise made them stare at him with collective stares, in particular, from Kazuki and his group.
"Of course. …Are you telling me that was a lie…?"
Akeno asked, seeming to wear a sad expression and become teary-eyed too, causing his heart to almost skip a beat from the cuteness. It was almost close to cheating from Akeno doing that to him.
"It w-wasn't a lie!"
Issei immediately replied, having no reason not to take Akeno out on a date. Hearing those words, Akeno smiled as brightly as possible, causing her to wrap her arms around Issei as if her sadness had become almost non-existent.
"I'm so happy! Then our date will be on our next day off. Ufufu, my first date with Ise-kun."
Akeno stated, with a smile, obviously looking forward to it.
Issei himself was looking forward to the date between himself and Akeno but felt a sudden coldness that came from the duo of Rias and Koneko, there was also Xenovia who seemed interested but for a different reason.
At Kuoh Academy, during their lunch break, the group consisted of Class 2-B, ranging from Issei, Kazuki, Asia, Raynare, Xenovia, Irina, Aika, Matsuda, and Motohama. They sat together, eating their lunch, although, this was a rare grouping due to 'particular' members, there was a reason for it.
"If I remember correctly, it's almost time for the school trip and we still need to decide on our group."
Motohama said, eating his fried eggs.
It was almost time for the second-year school trip to Kyoto, which almost slipped the minds of those who were going through various things over the summer. Almost a month passed since the summer break ended, with the students switching to their winter uniforms, but the summer season was still present.
"Hm, do we make a group of three or four?"
Issei asked, talking more to his friends and Kazuki, who was a part of the same class.
"Oh yeah. The place where we will be sleeping is for three or four people, we have to make a group with the three of us as we are hated by the others after all. And likely Kazuki here."
Matsuda added, hinting to Kazuki.
"The sole reason that people might suggest that would be so that you three won't go spying or sneaking around the girl's rooms," Kazuki pointed out, eating from the bento that Asia prepared. "Although, the thought of sharing a room with your three irks me."
"Urgh, shut it!"
Matsuda stated, moving close to Kazuki before pushing him back so that he wasn't too close to his face.
Of course, no school would ever allow male and female students to room with one another, but knowing the three's reputation, the female students would elect Kazuki as their guardian. But, for Issei, the female opinion did change a bit due to his training and seemingly notable personal growth. He still didn't get along with many girls except for Asia, Xenovia, Irina, and Aika, as well as those among the Occult Research Club, Newspaper Club, and recently the Student Council.
"Perverted trio and Kazuki. Do you want to pair with our group during the trip? It's paradise because it consists of four Bishoujou, you know?"
Aika asked with a wink, hinting to Raynare, Asia, Xenovia, and Irina.
"Yeah, leaving you aside, they are the Bishoujou Quartet."
Matsuda said, nodding his head just to receive a hit by Aika.
"Shut up! Well, let's ignore this guy," Aika replied, seeming insulted. "So, what do our twins think?"
"I think that's one of the many reasons no girl likes you two."
Kazuki commented plainly, causing Matsuda and Motohama to glare are him. It was obvious that he wasn't all too fond of Issei's friends, partly due to them being much creepier than Issei when it came to their perversion. He didn't have a high opinion of his brother's perversions, but his brother at least had some form of ironic innocence behind it. His brother might develop perverted techniques that cause a Heavenly Dragon pain, but at least Issei never outright talk about raping girls in their minds.
"Kazuki, would you pair with us?"
Asia adorably asked.
If Kazuki didn't know that Asia was as innocent as a saint, being one herself, then he would've thought she was trying to emotionally manipulate him sometimes. Of course, there wasn't a single thing that Kazuki ever denied Asia before since the two met.
"Aw, there is no question I would join Asia."
Kazuki replied, smiling at Asia, who'd brightened up wearing a smile and found herself wrapping her arm around his arm. His sour mood from dealing with Matsuda and Motohama brightened up too, with the group noticing yet again their closeness. After that, Irina found herself pouting at how close Asia was getting to Kazuki, then found herself doing the same thing on the opposite side.
""…!""
Kazuki ignored the glares that he was receiving from Matsuda and Motohama, instead smiling at the attention he was receiving from his two beloved girlfriends. Seeing that surprised Kiryuu who hadn't expected to see such a thing from innocent girls such as Asia and Irina.
"Y-You guys sure have gotten closer after the sports festival. You guys are talking, while giving one another the loving glares, Yuuma-chan."
Aika said, adjusting her glasses while directing that comment at Raynare, who was among the group interacting with Kazuki in the same sense.
"Hm, well, Kazuki-kun has been quite the gentleman lately. So, I thought that we should 'reward' him," Raynare said, playing the 'Yuuma' role. "But, I do think that Irina-chan is being quite the naughty girl intervening like that. Don't you think, Irina-chan?"
"I-I'm sorry, R…Yuuma-sama!"
Irina replied, almost on reflex, almost calling Raynare by her real name instead of an alias.
Her face turned bright red from saying that in front of them, causing confusion from those unaware of the reasons that Irina would refer to her as "Yuuma-sama". But, as the group believed the group that consisted of all Kazuki's secret girlfriends and harem has developed since the Diodora Incident.
"Well, that's how it is, so we will pair up with you guys. I can't leave Asia to other guys since she is pure and can't decline other people's requests. And that way, Xenovia-chi will feel better as well, right?"
Aika stated, holding her hands together as Xenovia paused from eating her rather large bento, before nodding a bit in response to that question.
"Yeah. I also want to be with Ise."
Xenovia replied, before moving back to eating from her bento.
"Shiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiit! Why is Ise the only one getting popular like this!? Man, God is so cruel! I also want to be hugged by a Bishoujo!"
Matsuda whined.
"Hmm, lately it seems like there are so many 'flags' for Ise…. If I can see those kind of things, I would break them with a hammer…."
Motohama added, fixing his glasses, looking scarier to Issei, who stared at both his friends.
"I could give you two different reasons why that's the case, but I don't think that we have the time for that."
Kazuki added, as Matsuda and Motohama turned their gaze at their friend's brother, who was in the process of being fed by Asia, causing their potential comments to die inside.
"Just like that, let's move as a group with these nine people," Aika called out, clapping her hands and bringing the attention back to her. "Kiyomizu-dera! And Kinkaku-ji and Ginkaku-ji are waiting for us!"
And with that, the group thought back to the events that would be happening during the Kyoto Class Trip, with all of them looking forward to it. It was then that the twin brothers thought about the Tenryuu-ji, the Heavenly Dragon Temple, believing that it would be a location that would interest their Dragon partners.
After school, in the Occult Research Club room, where their group decided to handle their usual club activities while talking about the upcoming class trip. Azazel wasn't there because there was some business that he was called for back to the Underworld. So, as the group drank the green tea, of course, prepared by their Queen, talk about the trip.
"Where did Buchou and Akeno-san go last year?"
Issei asked.
"We also went to Kyoto, and I explored Kinkaku-ji, Ginkaku-ji, and other locations with Buchou."
Akeno replied, drinking the green tea as elegant as the King she sat beside.
Rias nodded her head, placing the green tea down.
"Yes. But there are only a limited number of places you can visit within three days and four nights. You should therefore keep in mind the places you'll be visiting, make a plan beforehand, and act accordingly. If you don't add enough time for eating and sightseeing, you'll regret it and as you'll mainly travel from one place to another by bus or train, lots of time will be wasted while traveling too."
"Buchou wanted to go everywhere but unfortunately we didn't keep track of the time we spent while traveling and thus we weren't able to go to Nijou-jou which we were planning to see last. She was stomping her feet at the railway station."
After Rias, Akeno brought up something embarrassing from their last school trip, causing Rias to blush.
"Geez, you promised me that you wouldn't say that remember? I was in high spirits and for a Japanese lover like me, visiting Kyoto was bliss. Therefore, my eyes were taken by the town and souvenir shops more than necessary."
Rias explained, recalling those memories from past years as if it happened yesterday.
"Hadn't you been to Kyoto before the school trip? You could have used the transport magic circle."
Issei asked, believing that teleporting from location to location would have made things easier, but Rias replied by waging her finger back and forth as if saying: "No no".
"You don't understand Ise how wonderful it is to visit Kyoto for the first time on a school trip and I would not do something as tasteless as visiting through a magic circle! It was the very Kyoto that I longed for, I wanted to walk around with my own feet and feel the breeze with my skin."
Rias replied, with sparkling eyes, showing off her love for the things related to Japan.
Hearing those words made Issei realize that more and more, before thinking back to Azazel mentioning that he'll be joining them during their Kyoto Trip too. It was, of course, as a teacher, but it seemed that he wanted to have some fun in Kyoto too. Although Rias could talk about Kyoto the entire time, there was something more important to talk about.
"The trip is important, but we also need to discuss what we need to do for the School Festival."
Rias stated, clapping her hands together.
"Ah, the school festival is also coming up. At our school, there isn't much of a delay between the sports festival, school trip, and school festival, so they occur consecutively. When I think about it that way, second years like us are certainly busy."
Kiba stated, making them think that after the Kyoto trip comes the school festival, making them realize that many events are happening in the second trimester.
Rias received a sheet from Akeno, and then placed it on the table, making them see that it was meant for the ideas of the Occult Research Club's school festival, which would be submitted to the Student Council.
"That's why we need to discuss the school festival now and prepare for it. If it is decided beforehand, the third-year and first-year members could prepare for it while all of you are away. There are so many members this year so it will be a big help."
Rias explained, making them nod their heads in agreement.
"Yeah. I enjoy high school events too. The sports festival was also great."
Xenovia stated with sparkling eyes, making them recall that she'd rampaged around the sports festival, claiming first place in almost anything. Seeing such a thing caused them to recall seeing several sports clubs attempting to recruit Xenovia.
"Last year…. Was the haunted house, right? I wasn't part of the club then, but I heard it looked realistic and was a hot topic."
Issei wondered, not entering the haunted house, but recalled hearing from his classmate that everything inside of the Occult Research Club's Haunted House looked real; such as the ghosts that came out.
"Yes. We did use real ghosts after all, so it should have been scary."
Rias admitted without shame.
"R-Real ghosts….?"
Issei asked, seeming surprised that Rias would use real ghosts.
"Yes," Rias admitted as she started laughing. "I requested Youkai, which don't cause harm to humans, to have the role of scaring people. Those Youkai were also troubled because they didn't have a job, so it was good for both sides. Thanks to that, it was a great success."
"We were scolded by the student council afterward," Akeno stated, joining in laughter. "Sona-Kaichou, who was the vice-President at that time yelled at us, saying 'Using the real thing is more than just ignoring the rules!'"
It made them realize that Rias and Akeno were almost rule breakers as second-year students themselves, using real-life supernatural beings for their Haunted House.
"Then will it be the haunted house again this year," Issei questioned, before pointing at Gasper "Or should we do a circus show including a Vampire-in-a-box?"
"Senpai is a meanie! You always use me as a joke!"
Gasper made a complicated and hurt face, then started hitting Issei's head with a bunch of weak punches. This caused Issei to feel amused from teasing his Kouhai, believing that it was a privilege for a Senpai until he finally graduates. Despite this, Issei did believe that Gasper was a valuable junior that he wanted to look after.
"Maybe we should do something new," as Rias thought about their suggestion, but came to understand that their group should do something new instead of doing the same thing. But, before she could come up with a single thing though, everyone's phones rang at the same time. "Let's go."
In Kuoh Town, the sunset, the sky went dark, and the Group Group found themselves at an abandoned factory, filled with hostility and killing intent. Before the group entered the factory, they could sense several people inside the abandoned building.
"Gremory group, huh? You guys come fast."
Someone appeared out from the literal darkness, a man wearing a black coat, from the same darkness there was an assortment of abnormal black humanoids. It wasn't just a dozen of them, but hundreds of them waiting around for them as Rias stepped forward as the King.
"Khaos Brigade. I presume you're from the Hero Faction," Rias asked in a cold, but polite voice. "Hello. My name is Rias Gremory. I'm a High-class devil who was asked to look after this town by the Three Faction Alliance."
"Yes, I do know you, sister of the Maou. We aim to purify you devils and to save this town."
The man replied, bowing his head and looking at Rias and them as if they were garbage.
The Hero Faction, a faction of the Hero Faction, has been committing small-scale attacks on the town as of late. There were moments where Kazuki and the others fought against them from time to time, in addition to their group going out to investigate other locations they targeted too. This faction consisted of all Humans, most of whom were Sacred Gear users. The opponents this time around were three Humans, the second one wore sunglasses and the other was wearing Chinese clothing.
The black humanoids could be their subordinates, but functioned mostly as additional weapons strong enough to beat Low-Class Devils; requiring Mid-to-High Class Devils. For the Gremory Group, their members consist of those classes of power.
Issei summoned his Boosted Gear before entering the factory, with the countdown for Balance Breaker finishing up, causing him to down the Scale Mail. Since the Diodora Incident, it took 30 seconds to activate Scale Mail and the amount of time increased to two hours a day, with the chance of increasing it to three hours. Even the limit of activating Balance Breaker once per day was removed.
He stood as their vanguard, removing Ascalon from the gauntlet before handing it off to Xenovia, who caught it and took up a fighting stance. His partners consisted of Kiba and Xenovia, both stood beside him, with Xenovia's role was to support them.
The middle guards were Koneko and Gasper, supporting the vanguards and protecting the rearguards, taking on the opponents they forgot to take down. And the rearguards were Rias and Akeno, the King supported them with her attacks alongside the Queen. It was the formation is the Gremory Group in this situation, with Issei falling to the middle-guard when not using Balance Breaker, then supported with Transfer. It was different from formations in the Rating Game, which acted according to the battlefield. After that, the cloaked man manifested white flames in his hands, with Kiba reacted to that.
"Another Sacred Gear possessor."
Kiba stated.
"This is a problem. Lately, we have been fighting Sacred Gear possessors."
Rias sighed, but this didn't damper her determination.
As the man released flames at them, Issei released aura from the boosters on his back, dashing straight in front of them. He blocked the flames as he still moved to attack the cloaked man, who avoided the initial attack without much effort. But, Issei's attack still managed to eliminate the black humanoids that took the attack and vanished once defeated.
"…damn."
Issei found it hard moving in enclosed spaces as he wanted in the armor, because of how much power he would output. It meant that he could destroy the buildings in the town and gather more attention from the civilians. But, to dodge an attack at such speed meant that the three humans there were much more trained than they initially believed. However, that didn't mean they held a significant advantage against them.
"Be careful with the Sekiryuutei's power," the one wearing sunglasses stated. "We'll get killed even from a single attack! But he won't be able to move freely within the factory!"
The Hero Faction was aware of the power that Issei added, as he gathered demonic power in his hand, holding back as much as possible. A Small-Scale Dragon Shot meant to fight against Humans, which he practiced since his fight against Saji in the mall. It was meant to be used when fighting in populated areas like Kuoh Town, which has taken out other Hero Faction members. Despite being a small-scale Dragon Shot, it was still a lethal attack if it landed.
ZOON! However, the small-scale Dragon Shot disappeared, just as it was about to hit, the shadows in the factory stretched out and devoured it. It was something that surprised Issei, meaning that one of them could manipulate shadows. This ability seemed to originate from the man wearing sunglasses. Noting this, Kiba made a sharp dash at god-speed for him, swinging his Holy-Demonic Sword, but the shadow from before devoured the sword too.
Just then, from Kiba's shadow, the blade came straight out from it, with the Knight moving his body and dodging it before stepping back.
"The ability to release things it devoured from a shadow to another shadow as it wishes…. It's not a direct attack type. It's a defensive type that changes the flow of an attack. It's a troublesome type of Sacred Gear."
Kiba reasoned, noticing that this particular Sacred Gear matched all those traits.
"…!"
With that thought in mind, Issei started sensing the last Dragon Shot that he fired, then looked to notice that it was being directed at Gasper and Koneko.
"Hell no!"
Issei fired off a Dragon Shot to target the one that was aimed at them, causing them to collide and cancel at one another, causing an explosion.
"I won't let you lay a finger on my Kouhai!"
Xenovia stated, moving to guard Gasper, with the blue-haired young woman showing the care that was building up for them.
In the smoke caused by the explosion, there was a glowing blue light, with the one wearing Chinese clothing was holding a light bow in his hand, then was going to shoot it. The light was a dangerous poison for Devils. Even if Issei was donned in the Scale Mail, the others weren't donned in any armor. As the light arrow was released at them, it then changed direction in mid-air.
At that, Gasper seemed to form a barrier from demonic power to defend against the attack, having a much better handling of demonic power second to Rias and Akeno. It was then that Akeno released ice spears from demonic power at the blue light user. But, then the shadows moved to absorb the ice spears which then came out of Rias' shadow, with the King avoiding it.
Noting his comrade was in danger, a shadow wall appeared around the light user, then several light arrows came out from the wall. He wasn't alone as the fire user's white flames came out from the walls alongside the blue light arrows. It was a combined attack of light and flames being released at them.
"Haa!"
Issei, the vanguard moved to hit the attacks aside, looking to notice that the shadow wall made it hard to see the light and fire users.
"Gasper-kun! Did you get the data of it!?"
Kiba asked, not taking his eyes off the enemies for potential attacks.
Aside from being their rear guard, Gasper was holding a device, a miniature Sacred Gear Scanner in his hands meant to scan and discover what a particular Sacred Gear was.
"Y-Yesssssss! I-I got it," Gasper called out as the information appeared on the device about the three Sacred Gear users. "The Elemental-type Sacred Gear, Flame Shake! And the defense-counter type Sacred Gear, Night Reflection! Lastly, the Elemental-type Sacred Gear, Staring Blue!"
"Gasper. Once you finish, drink my blood."
Issei called out.
"Y-Yes!"
Gasper carried around a small bottle of Issei's blood to activate his Forbidden Balor View, being responsible for turning into bats to fly around and find hidden enemies alongside Koneko who scanned areas for ki. It was their assigned responsibility, however, for Gasper, it was impossible to use his actual powers which were dangerous to use without drinking blood. But, in response to seeing Gasper's glowing eyes, a combatant reacts and shielded the Sacred Gear users to keep them being being stopped.
It meant that the Hero Faction was well aware of their particular abilities, with the light user being sent to deal with them, Devils.
"The stronger we get, the more likely we would become their 'target,' and the methods to take us down would be researched thoroughly. Probably something like that, I think."
Kiba replied, smiling sarcastically.
'No matter how much power you have, you will lose if you get trapped. They will aim for the slightest opening with full power.'
Sairaorg's words entered Issei's mind, thinking more and more to realize that the slightest opening could be their downfall no matter how powerful they were. As the battle kept going, Issei and Kiba thought about what method could be used to solve this situation. It was then that those black humanoids started moving in to defend the Sacred Gear users. However, at the end of the day, Issei and Kiba were the Pawn and Knight, the real plans came from their King.
"I will now give the orders to the vanguard team of Ise, Yuuto, and Xenovia," Rias announced raising her hand. "Ise will take on the flame-user. Yuuto aims for the shadow-user! And Xenovia will eliminate the grunts to make a path for the two of them! Middle-guard and rearguard will support the vanguard with all of their powers! We will eliminate all of the grunts!"
[Roger!]
Issei, Kiba, and Xenovia replied, then moved to act on those orders.
Xenovia moved to start eliminating the black humanoids, living up to the fact that she was a Power-type Knight, and eliminated them without difficulties. After that Kiba found out where the Sacred Gear users were, finding the light user. As he slashed at him, his Holy-Demonic Sword was swallowed by the shadows, then came flying out from another shadow. It came out from Issei's shadow as he targeted the fire user.
"Ise! Dodge that and shoot the Dragon Shot to the shadow!"
Rias announced, causing Issei to immediately follow that order.
He dodged the Holy-Demonic Sword, then fired the Dragon Shot into the shadow before it could close, causing it to travel back through the still-existing passage. Noticing that Rias called out to Kiba this time.
"Yuuto," Rias announced. "The shadows are connected so the Dragon Shot is going to come back at you! So cut down the Dragon Shot in half inside the shadow and make it explode before it appears!"
"Roger that!"
Kiba called out, then used another Holy-Demonic Sword and followed Rias' plan.
DOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOON!
"Guwaa!"
An explosion occurred as the shadow user was blown aside by the Dragon Shot which exploded.
"I tested to see what would happen if the attack exploded inside the shadow, but it seemed like he couldn't take care of it and it returned the explosion to him. Even though he can change the direction of the attack, it seems he can't change the impact of the attack."
Rias stated, putting on a victorious smile, with the kind of foresight a King should have.
Just then, a light arrow was fired at Issei, but this time, it wasn't a blue light arrow, but instead a green light arrow that was fired at him.
"…!?"
Issei was shocked by it but somehow managed to dodge it.
It caused them to realize that there was still someone hidden in the shadows, coming out after the shadow user was almost taken out.
"Looks like there is one more enemy. Using the shadow as an intermediary, the enemy attacked from outside which is the safe zone. Even if we took down the shadow user, looks like the ability will remain for a short while…."
Rias stated, surprised by what happened.
"A-Amazing! The data came out just from the attack now! That was the [Staring Green]!"
Gasper called out.
"I will take care of that one then. Koneko, follow me. You can search the enemy's location with the 'ki', right?"
"…Yes, Xenovia-senpai."
Xenovia and Koneko came up with a plan to target the additional opponent, leaving the factory.
GOOOOO!
After that, Issei fired off the Scale Mail's boosters, charging at the fire user who reacted to him, and then started to release the white flames.
"Damn Sekiryuutei! Burn!"
Issei fired off the white flames at Issei with both hands, but despite washing over him, the flames felt cold instead of hot. Fighting with Riser, he could tell that despite the Scale Mail, the Phenex's flames felt hotter, compared to even Tannin's flames, these white flames were a lit match.
"If you want to burn me, then bring a Phenex or a Dragon!"
Issei stated, his fist came out of the flames, slamming deep into his stomach, defeating him in an insane, with even the blue light user being defeated at the same time. After believing that the sacred gear users were defeated, an ominous feeling overcame them.
"Ngggggggggggggggh!"
From the shadow user, a shadowy aura started raising his body, accompanied by his screaming, causing the surrounding shadows to react and cover the abandoned factory. It surprised the Gremory Group who felt this odd feeling sending a chill down their spine. Just then, a magic circle appeared underneath the shadow user, causing him to be teleported away. It was a teleportation magic circle that the group didn't recognize.
"Phew. Looks like it's finished."
Issei let out a relaxed breath after things were finished.
"Go to sleep~ Go to sleep~"
Far from them, Gasper was moving his finger in a circle, while staring at the defeated Sacred Gear users, using his vampire powers to make them lose consciousness. Rias and Akeno then used a magic circle to teleport them to the Underworld to be taken care of. It included the hidden opponent that Xenovia turned with while carrying them on her shoulder.
"We defeated him. We beat him up quite a bit, but we didn't kill him."
Xenovia informed.
"Now the transmission to the Underworld is done. Well, we probably won't get any information this time as well."
Akeno explained.
Despite being sent to the Underworld, their memories of being part of the Hero Faction would be erased. But, the magic could be solved by someone in the Underworld, however, the chances were slim. Based on the questions, the erased memories included the locations of their faction, and if captured their memories would be erased. It's almost impossible to recover lost memories.
"But, battling without breaking as many things as possible is something harsh for our team which consists of super-attack type."
Issei stated, with Kiba looking bitter about it.
"It can't be helped," Kiba replied. "We have powerful abilities, so if we don't fight while suppressing our powers, then this town will collapse."
It was an obvious comment from Kiba, as their attacks could erase the field in the Rating Game, but those were in bounded fields. So, it was dangerous to use in the real world.
"If we think of this as a rule for the Rating Game, then it would become a good experience," Rias stated, making them all think about those words. "We did suffer once with this."
Neither of them could forget what happened during their first Rating Game with Sona, being almost embarrassed in front of the Underworld despite being Power-types. But, at the same time, due to those experiences, this led to them developing in another direction.
"But it certainly has become troublesome."
Kiba stated, sighing.
"What do you mean, Kiba?"
"I mean there are those who use special techniques among the Sacred Gear users who are sent to us. If we say it in the way of Devils, then it means those who specialize in Technique and Support types started showing up. The ones sent first were all either power or Wizard types. Have they started to grasp hold of our battle styles?"
At Kiba's comment, the group thought about those words, with the Hero Faction members seeming to adapt to their group's particular fighting styles.
"…Sensei also said it. That there are many unknown things about Sacred Gears."
Koneko commented, with Rias agreeing with them.
"Yes, that's why they devoured the powers of Sekiryuutei and the Holy-Demonic sword using that ability. They must have realized that if blocking the attack is impossible, then you can just do it with a different method."
Rias stated.
"It seems as if you guys were around here too."
A familiar voice caught their attention, as Kazuki and the others soon arrived too.
"Ah, you guys were dealing with the Hero Faction too."
Issei commented, surprised.
"Yeah, there were some Sacred Gear users there too," Kazuki replied, then noticed that the group seemed to be wearing confused expressions. "So, did something happen?"
"Ah, well."
Kiba said, before explaining what happened during their confrontation with the four Sacred Gear users, with the people among Kazuki's group listening to them.
"U-Umm there is something I feel suspicious about…. Can I give my opinion?"
After hearing what happened, Irina raised her hand with the group focusing their attention on her.
"Yes, please."
Rias agreed as Irina started explaining.
"Well, from the time that we fought with the Hero Faction, and then compared to the reports Kazu-chan would see about your fights. I think the actions of the Hero Faction seem 'weird' if they came to research about us or to defeat us," Irina explained, then directed her attention to Kazuki and Ravel. "Kazu-chan and Ravel-san talked about it too."
"Weird?"
Xenovia asked, with Irina nodding.
"Because if they are planning to defeat us, then I think they would've made battle tactics after the second or third battles. Then they would attack us seriously in the fourth battle, right? But even in the fourth or fifth time they attacked us, nothing changed. I did think they are just being very cautious but…how should I put it…it looks like their bosses are doing some kind of experiment."
"Experiment? Do you mean about us?"
Akeno asked, wondering about what they meant.
"In all the fights that we've had thus far, it started seeming as if the Sacred Gear users were being pushed toward their limit against us. I often keep up with the attacks that Azazel mentions, and it appears as if the Sacred Gear users are being sent to areas where people strong strong abilities are," Kazuki explained, knowing that Irina had a gut feeling based on what she was talking about during their battle from moments ago. "And thinking about the people with a particular 'thing' when through a certain 'change' after being pushed to the limit."
After those words left Kazuki's mouth, the group about the meaning behind those words, the people among their group who were pushed to the limit and went through a certain change. And it was then that the three people that had gone through 'that' change obtained a powerful asset for their group.
"…W-Wait…. Don't tell me…. Then the reason why Hero Faction is sending those guys to us is so they could reach Balance-Breaker?"
Issei stated, thinking about the time the same thing happened to him.
"But Ise-kun," Kiba stated, thinking about what happened to the last Sacred Gear user. The response from that shadow user resembled what happened to us."
There wasn't a single person there who could deny what Kiba reasoned, plus this also came from Kazuki and the others who talked about this before either of them.
"But, can they reach Balance Breaker just by fighting us?"
Rias wondered, sharpening her eyes.
"Well, Rias-sama, our combined group has two Heavenly Dragons, a Holy Lightning user, a Holy-Demonic Sword user, two Holy Sword users, a time-stopping Dhampir, a Nekoshou, and also an exceptional healer. It doesn't end there, there are also Angels and Devils from famous clans. So, from their point of view, our enemies might see us as an irregular opponent meant to push them to achieve Balance Breaker."
Ravel reasoned, explaining it to them in such a manner that neither could deny it, making them realize more and more that the times some of them were pushed to the limit to achieve such a level.
"But you can say that their methods are too forced and messy."
Kiba stated.
"It feels like even if dozens or hundreds of their allies are killed, it would be okay as long as one of them reaches Balance-Breaker. We have so many opinions about them now, so I think they know that we are getting a grasp of their true aim."
Irina added, putting her hands together and thinking about that kind of distorted mindset.
But, it was an opinion that had high possibilities, but not clear evidence. So, having no other choice the people all returned to their respective clubs to make up a report to give to the Three Faction's leaders. Despite the situation that was happening, there was something that was happening that made a particular Queen look forward to the next morning involving the date she earned.
A/N: And there goes the next chapter of The Twin Dragons, this is the start of the seventh volume. I'm sure most guessed that this one would be most focused on Issei instead of Kazuki as it has been thus far. But, that doesn't mean that Kazuki would have his moments here, of course, because you know who is going to be making an appearance here. This time around, it focused on the start of the Oppai Dragon Program, with Ravel having ideas of getting a copyright on Kazuki's potential character for the group. Well, things went in the usual direction in the canon with some minor differences. I hope that this volume will be as exciting for the readers as the others.
Issei's Harem: Rias, Akeno, Koneko, Xenovia, Lucia, Tsubasa, Kiyome, Aika, Elmenhilde, Yasaka, Kunou, Bennia, Roygun, Ingvild.
Kazuki's Harem: Sona, Raynare, Asia, Irina, Lucina, Mariah, Kuroka, Ophis, Rossweisse, Ravel, Le Fay, Gabriel, Jeanne, Lint, Tiamat, Lilith, Valerie.