Chapter 10: Training Start

"Come on you two, hurry up!" Rias yelled from above us.

*huff* *huff*

"Why do we need to carry all this stuff again?" Issei asked, his face showed exhaustion as he sweats.

"Just think of this as early resistance training, train as we climb." I took in some deep breathes but not as much as Issei. I've been considering wearing weights even before coming here, but the ones I'm wearing are dragging me down more than I thought. Has metal rods embedded in them. I'm wearing each on my limbs, forearms and lower legs. They along with all of Miho's new clothes put a large dent in my savings but totally worth it.

"Where are we going anyway?" Issei asked as he lugged a bag which doubled his size.

"We're going to Rias' family estate. That's the place where we're going to train, away from civilization so we can concentrate to the fullest. It's also her family vacation house." I carried a bag triple my size along with my own. What did Rias put in this? Rocks?

"And how do you kno- Oh right, your 'knowledge'. Any other early training we should expect?"

"Nothing else, but I'm gonna leave the actual training to Rias. She'll probably be mad if I ruin it for her. Come on, let's pick up the pace." I shrugged my shoulders.

"Daisuke-kun, I have been wondering but what are you carrying?" Kiba asked.

"Just the essentials. Clothes, water bottles, ointment, and other stuff. Why?"

"No, not that. I meant the container you are holding in your hand."

I lifted the said container and showed it to him, "Ojiro-jiisan's ramen. If we're gonna be gone for two weeks, I want to at least have some for lunch on the first day."

"So that's what I've been smelling! I thought I was going crazy with hunger!" Issei whined.

I chuckled, leave it to Issei to liven things up, "Hey Rias, just how much further before we get there?"

"Not much further. Getting tired already?" She taunted.

"As if. If I can't at least do this much, then I can't beat that fire chicken's smug face." I sped up a little and walked beside Kiba and Koneko, leaving Issei struggling even more to keep up.

"Ah, damn it." Issei panted out.

"Buchou-san, maybe I should help Issei-san." Asia asked while looking at him in concern.

"No need, Asia. He needs to be able to climb on his own, otherwise we won't grow." Rias said.

Looking at the top, I could see that we're almost there. Looking back at the tired Pawn, he was slowing down considerably. We did climb this hill for some time now, but we can't afford to go easy on him right now. Maybe I should give some motivation, "Hey Issei, if you're tired from this, then how are you gonna satisfy you're harem?"

He blinked once, and then twice, "ORYAAAAAAA!"

I waved my hand around the dust cloud and stared at Issei's back as he run to the summit like his life depended on it. Worked better than I thought.

"Ufufu, that was very mean of you, Daisuke-kun."

"And?"

"And I enjoy that very much." Akeno giggled.

"Was that necessary? You're motivating him for the wrong reasons." Koneko monotones.

"At least he's motivated regardless. Look, we're near the top."

We approached and were greeted with a large mansion and an even larger yard. This place even has a pond that looks like it can used as a swimming pool, "Looks way more grandiose up close. Just how rich are you again?"

"Never underestimate the Gremory Household's finances." She boasted.

"I'll keep that in mind. So what's the training plan?"

"You and Issei will rotate as you train in swordsmanship and hand-to-hand combat with Yuuto and Koneko respectively. In between, both of you will join Asia in magic training with Akeno whereas Yuuto and Koneko spar. In the morning, you fight Koneko and Issei fight Yuuto. Any questions?"

"*huff*... no." Issei answered as he was sprawled on the ground.

"Just two. Can I bring Miho for training?"

"That is fine but why?" Rias payed attention to me more than usual. Maybe she's starting to appreciate my plans more?

"She's been sparring no one but me, I want to give her different opponents to adjust better against others. And with everyone training with a fire user, they'll get more used to the heat."

"Very well. What's the other?"

"What will you and Akeno do for training?" This is something that was never aired in anime. Always wondered what they do to get stronger.

"You don't know?" She voice had a confused tone with a hint of amusement.

"They never showed everything. It's mostly about the protagonist, some fights from a few other people, and some of your lives."

"Who is the protagonist?"

My head briefly inclined to the pervert's direction who was getting worried by Asia.

"Really?" Koneko almost became appalled and looked at me as if she's asking me if I'm lying.

"Yes. It's better if you don't know some of the scenes they air in the anime. So, back to my question."

"Akeno will do her own personal training and occasionally spar with Yuuto and Koneko as usual. And I will research for tactics while overseeing your training."

"You're not gonna do anything physical?" I asked in surprise.

"Aside for some control exercises with my Power of Destruction, no. As a high-class devil from a noble and powerful family, my natural growth is already enough to place me in the upper ranks of the hierarchy." She announced with her head held high.

"I... see." Frowning in some disappointment, I can understand her logic. No point in training if you're already gonna become strong without it, it's like trying to eat more when you're already full. But that doesn't excuse you for taking a shortcut, some abilities can only attained with hard work and experience like battle instincts. I don't approve of this but if she thinks she's fine without it then I'm not complaining, it's her future after all.

Rias must have expected me to say something else because she looked a bit crestfallen for a second before going back to her usual self, "Now, let's get changed so we can begin."

I hauled Issei's ass up as we entered the place. For a normal person, you wouldn't believe the sheer size of the interior. Smooth carpet, fancy furniture, mounted paintings, and even a chandelier. I took in the sight, eyes drifting around the place, it's so spotless you can eat on the floor. Who cleans this place anyway? Even if it's with magic, something this huge needs lots of time and effort.

I got into my personal room and changed into my jersey, time to sweat it out.

Day 1:

I cross blocked a punch, but still got pushed back a bit. The white haired Rook went for my sides but retreated back as my clone came from hers. Cracks on my Buso (Armament) were disappearing as more magic was funneled, I went back on the offensive. The clone went low but she jumped and made a spin kick towards his back. He narrowly dodged. I aimed at her face but she blocked it with her forearm and kicked my chest.

"Not bad, Koneko." I gingerly rubbed my sore spot.

"You're slower than usual. Are you wearing weights?" She looked almost curious with just a few scratches. I know I'm limiting myself but it still annoys me.

"Yeah, you could tell?" I said in between pants.

"Your clone was more energetic and I could feel something hard." That just sounds really misinterpreting, "You didn't have them before."

"Got it ordered a while back and the delivery came in just yesterday." Clone answered.

Koneko nodded and charge with her fist to my stomach. I tried withstanding the pressure and kneed her. She dodged as my clone went for her back and gave her a graze, "You have the basics down, but you still make a few mistakes. Better than when we first started though."

We got her from both sides and closed in on her. She calmly leaned back and try to get behind clone who, with his enhanced vision, elbowed her midway. She coughed in surprise. Clone sailed past me as I try to readjust myself and went to grab her wrists. She up her strength, pulled me in and punched my cheek. Buso completely shattered. Clone jabbed her, but she leaned left and finally managed to land a blow on him for the first time, dispelling him in process. Memories flowed into me as I remember our fight in another perspective.

"Just how much are you wearing?"

I answered out after rubbing my temples, "10 kilograms on each limb, slightly more than half of my weight."

Her face twitched in surprise for a moment, "That's... not too much for a Rook, but very tiring when training all day."

"I can't afford taking it slow, it'll be worth it in the end." I inhaled, hold, and exhaled.

"What about your clone? You usually use both techniques of yours."

"Don't want to over rely on my Tenkugan, I want to train in both using and not using it."

"Let's take a break." She turned her back on me and walked to a tree.

I gulped in uneasiness. The fight wasn't the only thing my clone has seen, Koneko's eyes never stayed onto me for more than a few seconds, "I'm not afraid of you."

She stopped but didn't look at me.

"I won't reject you. She is related to you but her actions don't. I don't care what you are, all that matters is you're one of my important friends."

Koneko slowly looked at me, face showing some vulnerability instead of blankness, "Was it that obvious?"

"Not really, my clone saw it actually. I think it's more of an unconscious action than anything. You look more afraid of my reactions than my existence." I spoke softly with a small smile.

"I don't understand. I'm not blaming you, but I can't help but wonder if you know the answers I want. Why did she do it? Why did nee-sama kill our master? Why did she use senjutsu when she knew it was dangerous? Why... did she abandon me?" She asked softly, head facing down and shoulders shaking.

I walked up and patted her head, "It is not my place to reveal her secrets, but know this Koneko. Your sister loves you, even now she loves you more than anything in the world."

"Then why?"

"You'll have your answers soon, it's better if you hear it from Kuroka herself. Someday, you two will fully reconcile as sisters again, that's what both of you truly wish for after all." Smiling warmly, I continue patting her head to help her calm down.

After a while she did stop shaking and stayed like that, "Senpai, your hand."

"Sorry." I retracted my hand and smiled in embarrassment, "Got a small habit of patting people on the head. Don't like it?"

"It felt nice."

"Sorry, didn't hear you. What was that?"

She looked up at me with a small smile and a faint blush, "It's nothing."

"Time to continue our lesson in demonic magic. Daisuke-kun, Issei-kun, do you remember the first lesson?" Akeno began with going back to the basics. Issei and I already know how to draw it out but Asia's still new to it. She has invested most of her time on healing us after training rather than working on her own magic.

"We concentrate our bodies' aura into a single point." Issei answered right away as he looked at Asia for a moment. I think he's trying to impress the blonde healer by being smart.

"Usually the easiest place is on top of our hands." I added.

"Correct. Now, can both of you demonstrate how to summon magic for Asia-chan?"

Issei looked nervous now because of how conscious he is about his magic. We haven't checked our reserves since our first lesson, just training on enlarging them. We summoned them easily and the difference were noticeable. Issei's grown to about 5cm in diameter while mine has grown to about 30cm. I inspect my ball and noticed a little density in it. Well it better be, I've been training hard to increase my reserves and control ever since my fight against Forcuis. No matter how many times I thought about it, I could have turn the tide if I had more magic, like blasting him when I grabbed his wrist or overloading his senses with a large burst of magic.

Out of the corner of my eye, Issei gawked at the size of my orb and the girls looked impressed. "Ara, ara, you become bigger than I thought." I don't know why but a shiver just went down my spine.

Asia closed her eyes and mimicked our actions, it wasn't long before she did it. Out popped her hands was a green orb roughly the same size as mine, maybe even bigger. "That is very good Asia-chan, as expected of a Bishop." Gotta admit, hers is bigger than mine when I first started and she doesn't look strained at all, almost like her magic wanted to come out.

Issei at this point dropped his head in shame and despondence.

"Don't worry, Issei-san. You'll get better."

"Thank you, Asia. You're so kind." He said in half sadness and half happiness.

"Issei, your magic is much bigger compared to last time, and you got your Dragon Shot remember. You still have a lot of room to grow."

"Easy for you to say. Yours is way bigger than mine."

"That is why we are training. Keep working as you always have and your magic can be as big as Daisuke-kun's and Asia-chan's" Akeno said encouragingly.

He perked up at that, "Really?"

"Yes. Besides..." She brought out her own yellow magic, "... they both also still have a long way to go."

Her orb was giant! Easily bigger than mine, I know she's a Queen but she's making it look much easier than it should be. It's hovering on one hand for fuck's sake. I scowled in disappointment at my slow progress, at least now I have a better estimate between our difference in magic. Asia looked fascinated and admired Akeno's orb. Issei fell harder into depression.

I sighed out loud, we got a lot of work to do.

"Please don't be discouraged." Her orb dissipated, "I have learned this art for a long time now. You all have enough to create a decent amount of spells, it will be easier for something you always imagine. Remember, it all depends on your imagination, your spells can be anything."

"Anything, huh?" Issei went deep in thought at that, guess he's thinking about his signature spell.

"About that. Asia, maybe you can learn to make barriers to protect everyone."

"Huh?" She tilted her head cutely.

"I never saw you using magic that much, but maybe you can try to learn them. Not just healing injuries, you can also prevent injuries. You can also work on your Twilight Healing to heal multiple people at once or heal from a distance."

"Hey yeah. Asia will become more awesome that way." Issei agreed.

"And Issei, you can try your Dragon Shot in a different way."

"What do you mean?"

"You got low magic, but that doesn't mean you have to keep boosting until you're ready. You can use a smaller Dragon Shot, weaker but more magic conservant. You can even try using it in small bullets like a machine gun. Just because you want your spells to be powerful, that doesn't mean you can't tweak it a little."

"Really? I always wanted to try the techniques in Dra-M Ball, so I didn't think much about it."

"Ara, ara, I would be sad if you steal my students away from me Daisuke-kun." Akeno pouted.

"Right please continue, Himejima-sensei."

Her smile dropped a little before returning back to normal, weird. "As Daisuke-kun has said, you can use magic for anything, including augmenting your own abilities or making an entire new spell. Daisuike-kun, how is your progress in your storage magic circle?"

"I'm getting the hang of it, I've already read the theory and the stabilization shell and funnel are easy. But the most troublesome part is the inner circle to make a pocket dimension. The lines and curves are tricky to form into an array but I'll get there soon."

"That's good news, premade circles are difficult to learn so please don't hesitate to ask me for help."

"Actually, I've been thinking on something different I also want to learn. Elemental magic." I said with some eagerness.

"Elemental magic? We will need to test them outside, some can be very destructive. Issei-kun, can you teach Asia-chan about magic movement. I'll come back after helping Daisuke-kun."

"Sure thing Akeno-san."

"I'll be in your care, Issei-san." Asia said shyly.

We went to the backyard, plenty of room for mass destruction here. I'll be working my entire near immortal life if I accidentally blow up Rias' vacation house, "So, what's the first step Himejima-sensei?"

Her smile dropped again and looked at me... longingly? "Before we start, can you do me a favor?"

"Sure?" I asked in trepidation. Is she worried about me knowing her fallen blood? I didn't have my Tenkugan (Sky Eye) on so I couldn't tell.

"Please call me Akeno." She asked hopefully.

I blinked, "Wh-what?"

"Please call me Akeno."

'Does she... Is she... Nah!'

"Sorry, I didn't know the right timing. You don't have to call in a favor for that. We're friends, we can be cordial with each other Akeno." I smiled.

She brighten up and her polite yet teasing smile returned, "In that case, can you pat me?"

I blinked again but went to do so anyway. The moment my hand landed on her head, I had a feeling of familiarity at this specific softness.

'Wait a second, when have I done this before? Club room? No. School? No. Training? No. Outside? N- Wait! Didn't I do something to her after my fight against Forcuis?'

"Ufufu~. Thank you, I look forward to tomorrow's administration."

We're gonna do this again!?

Feeling pleased, Akeno went back into lecture mode, "There are six natural elements in total: fire, water, wind, lightning, earth, and ice. All devils have the potential to use every elements. However, certain elements are easier to use in battle if you have an affinity for them. To learn them, one be exposed to said element to know the sensation thoroughly. For example, my primary affinity is lightning, but I can also use ice, fire, and a little bit of water. Therefore, I need to allow myself to be struck or surrounded by said elements to strengthen my spells."

My face became flatter than a board, "By any chance you let yourself get hit by three out of four of those elements because they inflict pain?"

She just giggled, "It is pleasurable."

Rolling my eyes, "So, how do I check for my affinity?"

"Simple. Just try using all elements to find out which is the easiest for you. It doesn't have to be big, just feel which is more natural."

Grinning, I immediately tried out every element. However, my grin is getting smaller and smaller as I realized all the elements felt more or less equally difficult to use. Fire felt relatively easier, probably because I keep getting hit by Miho's flames during training. Until I tried out the last one.

"WHAT THE!?"

A force ejected out of my hand like a cannonball, Akeno's ponytail swaying. My palm was faced upwards and away from my face, but I could still feel it as it was launched upwards. Both of us had our gazes towards the sky in bewilderment before exchanging a look.

"A wind user, interesting." She spoke out.

Raising my arm to face the sky, I used wind again on a smaller scale, costed much less magic than the others. A similar vivid light blue gale blasted out of my hands. My grin returned and grew into shit eating proportions, "Anything I should know about wind magic?"

"They are not known for their offensive properties, but good for defense, support and mid-range attacks. Only high level wind spells are offensively powerful if you wish to learn them."

Not known for offense, eh? Maybe I can change that.

Two bokkens clashed. Kenjutsu is something I've been wanting to learn for a while now, but other priorities took precedence, like refining my current skills and working on magic. Kiba's got a few black marks on his jersey, guess Miho's doing fine.

Clone went charging with a large swing from the side, prompting me to back off. Kiba easily dodged and went for his back. A pop sounded as I gained new memories, bokken dropping on the ground. This is much harder than my time with Koneko, never had practice in swordsmanship before so I'm taking a few beatings. My clone didn't even last five minutes against him.

"Not bad, but you need to lead one move into the next, waste as little movement as possible." Kiba instructed.

"I'll keep that in mind. I know it would take years to master them, it's not easy to learn a new trick on the first day." I panted.

"On the contrary, you have a bit of talent and learning quickly. I've been wanting to teach you swordsmanship ever since we met."

"What? Why? You barely even know me at that time." I arched an eyebrow.

"True. But do you really think I didn't notice what you did to first summon your Sacred Gear. I recognize a sword stance when I see one." He smirked victoriously.

"Oh, that? I was just copying one of my idols. There's this anime in my world where there's Shinigamis that uses swords called Zampakutos instead of scythes. That's where my admiration for swords come from. I'll tell you more later."

Remaking a clone, I rushed towards the Knight with one hand gripping while clone went for the other bokken. A horizontal swing missed as he moved away. Clone went for a downward swing behind him, but Kiba raised his to the back of his head and blocked it. A saw an opening and aimed for his torso. Kiba just ducked and used his bokken to hit my right shoulder.

Clone caught me as I stumbled. Nodding my head in appreciation, "How's Miho by the way? Looks like she gave you some trouble."

"Miho-chan was doing fine. I used a normal sword but she got me a few times with wide range attacks. She's good."

"Most of her skills was before I met her, we sparred and I occasionally give her tips. But most of it was her own hard work." I smiled fondly.

Kiba sped towards us. I went forward with a reverse grip and stopped his movement. Clone came from my left and tried to slice Kiba, who leaned backwards and swipe his feet, causing clone to fall. He finished with a few strikes on my solar plexus and the back of clone's head, dispelling him in process.

"Oof!"

My back was on the ground. Opening my eyes, I saw a wooden tip right in front of my neck. I sighed in resignation, "I give."

He smiled in response and offered his hand, I took it and got up, grunting a little with pain and exhaustion. Kiba suddenly got a more serious face and asked me, "Daisuke-kun, please be honest. How good is our chances of winning?"

My finger held my chin, thinking deeply and considering every possible variables I could think of, "Well, I won't give spoilers on fire chicken's powers. We got more training, and with me as an extra Rook. I'd say... a fairly decent chance."

"Fairly decent is not good enough. As her Knight, I will not allow Buchou's future to be ruined by another man's greed."

"I know, all of us feels that way. Rias won't accept my help, but I'll still find a way to make sure we win. Count on it."

Kiba gave me a small smile, "If there is anyway for me to help, please do not hesitate. I'll do it."

I paused at that, remembering Kiba's life goal. Hard to believe someone like the guy in front of me can go down the path of revenge. I answered, "Just promise to continue be who you are right now. That's what most important."

"Of course, my pride as Buchou's Knight demands no less."

Not sure if he gets what I mean, but I'll make sure to drag you back if you go to far. My eyes drifted to my bokken, shapes like a katana and what Kiba said just made me remember something, "Actually, there is one more thing you can help me with."

"Yes?"

I smirked dangerously. "How good are you at custom orders?"

I've never felt so relieved with anything before. Those weights really know how to make me work my muscles. If I wasn't a Rook and getting treated by Asia, I would be sore for literal days. On the plus side, Rias' vacation house comes with hot springs to melt your fatigue away as well as delicious food that Akeno made.

"Haaaaah. Nothing beats like having a dip in the hot springs after a day of hard work, right guys?" I said with everything below my neck submerged.

"Agreed, it has been a long time since I relaxed like this. With our daily lives as devils, times like these are really needed to release the tension in your body." Kiba replied with a folded towel on top of his head.

"Speak for yourself! I'm having lot's of tension in my lower body and my key to relieving it is right through this wall!" Issei, with a towel wrapped below his waist, was pressing his face against the wall in vain attempt to find a peeping hole. "The real paradise is so close and we can't even get to it!"

"The place is securely built, Issei. I doubt you'll see anything unless you've developed x-ray vision, just hop in the water and relax. You're gonna need it for more training tomorrow."

"Not yet, there must be something. There are bombshells just right through this wall and I'm not giving up until I can find it. Come on you two! Don't tell you two aren't even a little interested."

"Well... I am a healthy teenage boy so I can't say no. But those are my friends over there, doesn't feel right to peep on them."

"I would refrain as well. After so many years spending time with them, they're more like family to me Issei-kun."

"Damn it, I really am alone in this. No matter, if that's what it takes, I'll make a spell that will let me see through walls!" Issei raised his fist up high with fire in his eyes.

Seeing through walls? I've been wondering if my Tenkugan can do that like the Byakugan. Light partially passes through translucent objects, more if the light is brighter. Maybe I can increase the frequency to higher levels to penetrate through solid objects like gamma rays, need to readjust it back so the light can reflect back in my eyes. I'll put it in my to do list, already got a lot of things to learn, "That would be a good technique."

"I know right. Hey, how about we make it together? Our chances would go up if we work together." Issei looked at me almost too happy.

"Maybe next time. My schedule is already full with my own training."

We didn't say anything after that, just enjoying the tranquility. My eyes drifted up and I watched the starry night, makes me realize how crazy my life has become. It's not that I still don't believe all this, just that all the stuff that's happened finally sunk in. Makes me learn to appreciate the normal human life more than ever.

"So... Daisuke." Issei broke the silence and gave me half of his attention, "Who do you like the most?"

"What?" I turned to him.

"Who do like the most? You get along well with Buchou, try to beat Akeno-san in teasing, live together with Miho. They're all cute with nice oppai, so who do you prefer?" His sober voice showed that he's genuinely curious.

"I'm not gonna steal Asia away from you if that's what you're worrying about." I deadpanned.

"THAT'S NOT IT!"

He faced me fully with a blush of embarrassment, hands outstretched like he's stopping me to peep on the innocent blonde. "I mean... Don't you want a girlfriend? I'm sure you'll hit it off well unless you want a harem."

"Where did this come from?"

"I am quite interested as well. Our team dynamics will surely change depending on the outcome." Kiba said.

"Which is why I'm not interesting in dating anyone for now. I got enough on my plate to figure out my own future."

"So you're okay if they go out with other guys?" Issei pressed.

"Yeah, they'll be happy with the guys they like. I'll cheer them on."

"Come on man, don't you feel something if they're not with you anymore?" Issei finally gave up on the wall and joined us in the springs, "Not even a little?"

"Nope. Why are you insisting on asking me that anyway? Don't you feel something for Rias if she's taken away?" I shot back at him.

"No. Why would I?"

"We are only looking out for the girls' happiness. Surely you must have noticed their change in behavior by now."

Rubbing the bridge of my nose, if they're implying on what I think they're implying, "Guys listen, even if they somehow miraculously feel something for me- which they don't!- I can't go out with them. If I just started going out with them on some flimsy reason like they're hot, that makes me no better than fire chicken."

"That's not true Daisuke-kun, you treat them as them as normal people. And why do you keep calling him that?"

"If he's just a normal asshole who only relies on his family power, I would have called him Phenex. But this guy doesn't care about Rias' feelings while making out with his peerage like an insensitive, lecherous asshole. I'm not gonna call him by his name until he earns my respect." I crossed my arms.

Issei blinked owlishly, "So, you're not gonna date any of them?"

"Nope."

Issei and Kiba just exchange looks for whatever reasons. My fingers are starting to turn wrinkly, guess it's about time I leave, still have my own personal training anyway, "I'm gonna head out first. You guys enjoy." Making my way to the exit, I put on a new jersey and left, but not before hearing those two making a comment.

"He's an idiot."

"He's an idiot."

Moonlight filtering through the curtains with small breezes. Issei went to his own private room after getting out of the springs, laying on his bed -the bed was much softer and more comfortable than his own really- and thinking back on today's events. Honestly, he felt kinda bad for the girls, they're gonna have a hard time if they stick with someone as oblivious as Daisuke. At least he knows when a girl likes him...

"Achoo!" Asia rubbed her nose, "Am I catching a cold?"

... which unfortunately, there is none. Though he can't say that he's not bothered by the fact that Daisuke's getting his own harem. But what really pissed him off is that he's getting a harem without actually trying! Should he be happy for the one guy who believes that he can become the Harem King, or yell at him for unknowingly becoming his rival? Then again, he doesn't want to get toasted by Miho. He'll do the former... probably.

Despite Issei's internal conflict, that's not really occupying most of his thoughts right now, it was today's training. Issei never thought he was so far behind everyone. He knows that just how much he needs to catch up to everyone whenever he has weekly training with the rest of the ORC. But after seeing Daisuke doing far better in close combat, magic, and swords, his already small confidence diminished even further. He knew that his friend was smart and already knew how to fight, but it still doesn't make it any easier, they did become devils on the same day. Hell, he's seen Miho fight Kiba and Koneko-chan better than him.

"Something bothering you partner?"

Sitting up from his bed, Issei looked at at his glowing hand. He learned Ddraig's name and a bit of his background last night as an introduction, "Nothing much Ddraig. Just seeing how good everyone else is making me think."

"Do not compare yourself with your companions. As an individual, each person has their own growth rate. You are this generations Sekiryuutei, are you not. In time, you will become much more powerful."

"I know but we don't have that much time. Buchou's gonna marry that yakitori bastard if we don't win."

"If more power is what you desire, then I have a suggestion."

Now that peaked his interest, "Really!? You saying there's a faster way to get stronger?"

"Yes. All Sacred Gears have an evolved form which surpasses the normal state for the wielders to use their full power. A state known as Balance Breaker."

"Balance Breaker? I think Buchou said something about that. So, how do I use it?" Is this what Daisuke meant about Ddraig knowing more about the Boosted Gear?

"Normally one must have great emotion as a trigger to enter that state. However, the Boosted Gear offers another method to temporarily use it, one with a great sacrifice."

Issei's enthusiasm deflated a little, "A great sacrifice?"

"You must offer your arm to me as it becomes an arm of a dragon. At your current state, using an imperfect Balance Breaker for 20 seconds is your limit. In exchange, you will gain tremendous power and the ability to boost without intervals."

Giving up an arm? That sounds scary, but if he can use it to win the Rating Game, wouldn't it be worth it? Plus, he doesn't need to wait 10 seconds for every boost, he can totally beat that yakitori with that kind of power. But...

'I want to defeat him on my own terms.'

'All of us got your back. That is why, even if you've made some mistakes, even if you're doubting yourself, command us to victory. No matter what, we will always believe in you, Rias.'

He remembered his friends' words. Buchou didn't accept Daisuke's help even when he offered. If he does something like this, then Buchou probably won't be satisfied with her win.

Smiling in appreciation, "Thanks Ddraig, but I think working with everyone else is better. Everyone's training hard for Buchou's sake, so I wouldn't want to waste their efforts by beating him alone, even if I really want to."

"Hahahaha!"

The heck!? Did he say something wrong? "Ddraig?"

"It is nothing partner. You are the first user to ever denied more power. Upon activating the Boosted Gear, the past wielders have ravished in the state that far surpasses others. Drunken by their power, some have desired to lose their humanity and gained the body of a dragon for more power. I had assumed you would desired the same."

"Wait, past wielders? You mean there were others who have you?"

"Of course. For several millenniums, the Boosted Gear has been passed down from one human to another upon their deaths. I find your decision wise as you and the Boosted Gear are yet to fully mature. Should you offer before then, your time limit would be considerably shortened."

"That's good to know." That's definitely news to him. He didn't know his Boosted Gear can go further, maybe he can train more to get it. No wait, Sacred Gears are based on willpower and emotions. So much new info.

"Oh yeah, there's something I've been wondering since yesterday. I get you're the Red One, and the White One is your rival right. Daisuke did say we're gonna meet him sooner than we think. What's he like?"

"The White One, the Hakuryuukou, the Vanishing Dragon is my arch-rival. His name is Albion and sealed in the Sacred Gear known as Divine Dividing. His wielders are capable of consecutively dividing their target's power in half and use it as his own."

"Dividing in half? That sounds like the opposite of our power. We're gonna fight someone like that?"

"Yes. I had thought there would be more time to prepare you but your companion's words suggest otherwise."

"... Say, do you really believe that? About Daisuke coming from another world that knows our future?" Issei was still trying to wrap his mind about that actually. There's supernatural stuff but that's already a belief that existed from a long time ago. Daisuke's case sounds like it's from a cliche sci-fi anime.

"I do not sense any lies in his words. Only Albion and I refer to each other as Red One and White One, the others call us as Hakuryuukou and Sekiryuutei, or Vanishing Dragon and Welsh Dragon. For certain, he knows information that should not be privy to most people."

Issei stood up from his bed with renewed vigor, "Well, if we're gonna see more strong opponents soon, might as well get more training."

"Are you perhaps going to try your companion's suggestions?"

"Yeah." He suddenly got a perverted look, "But I also want to work on a new spell."

"Why do I forebode a sense of dread..."

Guest 1: Thanks, here's another chapter.

Zetazero246: We'll see.

Guest 2: Not the trump card, but it's close.

A.N.: Hey guys, first day of training is done. Don't worry about it, there's only one more chapter before the Rating Game. I'm gonna list down Daisuke's skill sets with explanations in my profile by the time the next chapter is up, so it'll take a while. Hope you all enjoy it. As always, please leave a review and tell me what you think.

Ja Ne