Issei rubbed the sides of his temples as he listened to his substitute teacher rattle on about some random mathematical equation he had no idea about. He looked to his side and saw Mitsuki spinning her pencil on her finger. There were brief moments of flickering in her eyes.
Lucky bitch. She's using her powers to record the lesson in her head, Issei thought.
"I never knew the human education system would be so boring. I never knew why she enjoyed it so much back then, "Mastema said.
Who? Issei asked.
"No one in particular. Just something from the memories of your Boundary."
Issei nodded.
Ever since that party and Odin's outrageous declaration and demand, Issei and the rest of the Peerage had to run around, planning their stops in Japan. Not to mention, Rias had even greater pressure on her. On top of escorting a Chief God, she was going to be hosting one of the Great Evils and a Chief God and Goddess from another pantheon.
Even Sona was on edge. There had not been this many high-profile visitors to Kuoh since Azazel, Serafall, Michael, and Sirzechs were all in the same room. Though for the two of them, Issei could tell that Sona and Rias were very relaxed and more exasperated at their siblings because of how immature they acted. But this was different.
[Speaking of Great Evils…] Ddraig said.
Issei perked up slightly, tapping his eraser lightly on his desk.
What about them? he asked.
[Veles is coming here. He can help you with your Boundary until we can find you a more permanent teacher. I wish I could help but as you can see, I'm not an Ascendant, Partner. Something like this is beyond my knowledge.] Ddraig said.
"Ehh? You two have me! Why not just use me to learn all about Issei-chan's Boundary?" Mastema complained.
I'd rather have someone who knew The Devil herself you know, Issei said.
Mastema puffed her cheeks and glared at Issei.
"How mean! After everything I've done for you two! You won't let even poor ol' me teach you how to use the Boundary! I can use everything, you know!" Mastema's wings fluttered violently, producing a small gust of wind.
Issei blinked. Her projection was affecting the physical world. Is she gaining a solid form because of him?
"Anyway!"
Issei looked up and saw the teacher closing the book in her hand and placing her chalk down. She looked out over a class that was either half-asleep or daydreaming about something completely mundane and random.
"As you know, ever since Miss Yatogami's abrupt but unfortunate retirement, we have yet to hire a permanent teacher for this class, and as of today, we have found one," the teacher said.
An ocean of voices rang out across the classroom, everyone with their own speculation about who this new teacher would be.
"Eh?"
"They found a new teacher?"
"After all this time?"
"I bet she's hot!"
"What if she's like a former gravure model or an idol or even an AV star!?"
Issei's lips curved upwardly and his mouth began to drool slightly at that last suggestion.
"Quiet!" the teacher bellowed.
The commotion died down and everyone stood in rapt attention.
"She won't come in until tomorrow but she arrived before the new school nurse-"
"New school nurse!"
Issei's smile evolved into a full-blown grin when he heard the words get repeated by Matsuda.
"QUIET!"
The class quieted down once more. "Anyway, the new teacher is in her office so you can go visit her today after class if you want to welcome her. She's pretty young, I think."
"Hehehe, a new teacher and a new school nurse! I wonder who they are. Psst, Issei, wanna go visit their offices after class?" Motohama asked.
"Yeah! Hell yeah! I wanna see what kind of youthful-"
"Or mature. Don't forget mature!" Matsuda said.
"Or mature beauty they decided to hire," Issei said.
"Unfortunately."
The trio froze when they heard Mitsuki's voice behind Issei.
"M- Mii-chan!"
"H- Hey!"
Motohama and Matsuda turned around to see Mitsuki with a menacing smile on her face. The other two members of the Perverted Trio bade her their greetings. Mitsuki turned to Issei.
"Aniki and I have plans," Mitsuki said.
"We do?" he asked.
She gave him a pointed look and he immediately remembered what he was going to do today. Issei then bowed his head toward Motohama and Matsuda.
"Sorry guys! I got to take Mii-chan to go buy new bokken for the two of us!" Issei said.
"New bokken? For you and Mii-chan… wait, are you taking up kendo again, Mii?" Motohama asked.
"Yep! And my old sword broke! Besides, my aunty is visiting Kuoh so…"
Motohama and Matsuda's faces lost all their color.
Adashino Sae.
That name still instilled terror in the both of them. Mitsuki's overprotective, extremely strong aunt who once brutalized five men for even so much as looking at her niece.
"N- No worries! We'll go visit the new teachers ourselves!" Matsuda said.
"Y- Yeah. We'll tell you their three sizes when you get back, Ise!" Motohama said.
"Thanks, guys!" Issei said.
And with that, the two scurried away to go grab the rest of their things.
"Aniki, sorry about that. I couldn't let you get killed," Mitsuki said.
"Killed?" he asked.
"The new teachers are Asmodeus and Raphael."
Issei's smile fell from his face when he heard the first name. Asmodeus. The literal Lord of Lust. He didn't know what her preferences in men were but if she were into virgin boys, then she would eat those two alive and they would never be aroused by normal women ever again. Or she would leave them as braindead husks on the floor to be placed on life support for the rest of their lives if they ever decided to do anything.
"Wait… Raphael?" Issei asked.
"Mmm." Irina popped in from behind Mitsuki. "Lady Raphael is Lady Gabriel's twin sister. She's coming instead of Lady Gabriel. Lord Michael decided sending Lady Gabriel would be… too dangerous for the kids and people that lived in this town, us included. I think he's right. We don't need a repeat of Sodom and Gomorrah in modern times."
"So that gives us two avenues to go to. First, we can go to Asmodeus about your little… schizo episodes and then we can go see Raphael about your… you know," Mitsuki said.
Issei nodded, understanding what she meant by that last statement.
The year was winding down. They had twelve months to find a solution to Issei's current predicament and so far, Ingvild had been unable to find any way to break it. However, the rumors that Raphael could heal anything, even resurrect the dead was something that had reached Mitsuki's ears. And now, she had become obsessed with meeting Raphael for that sole reason.
"Ise!"
Issei looked behind Mitsuki and Irina and noticed Asia and Xenovia heading for him.
"Hey guys," Issei said.
"Rias-neesan said we have to meet in the club today. She wants us there before we take Lord Odin out on his tour," Asia said.
"I can't go right now. I have… an appointment," Issei said.
"What? Are you sick? Asia can just heal you," Xenovia said.
"It's-"
"Issei's getting a mental checkup. They told me about the visions he had when he was in the club room so I'm taking him to Asmodeus to get checked out. He won't be long," Mitsuki said, cutting Xenovia off.
Xenovia glanced at the slightly shorter brunette girl and nodded.
"Issei, are you sure you're okay? You're not going to have a breakdown… like you did?" Asia asked, looking at Issei with intense fear and worry in her eyes.
Issei smiled and patted her head. "Nah, don't worry about me, Asia. That's never gonna happen again. No one's gonna be able to kill me until I get that harem."
Xenovia chuckled at his response. His attitude. It had always been endearing. Maybe this was part of the reason she was so drawn to him. He was both strong and kind. She inwardly resolved to not lose her place among the girls, not even to Mitsuki. And so, Xenovia leaned in and did something unexpected.
She kissed him.
Issei's eyes widened dramatically as he felt a warm pair of lips sloppily kiss his own. It was a little clumsy yet it was genuine all the same.
Mitsuki smiled while Irina smiled scarily. Asia gripped the hem of her skirt, muttering something about falling behind.
"Come on." Irina grabbed Issei by the back of his collar and dragged him away from Xenovia. "You have an appointment with Asmodeus."
"Yeah…" Issei said dreamily.
"See ya guys later. Ingvild and I will be tailing you while you escort Odin and the Slavic Deities across Japan," Mitsuki said, running after her two childhood friends.
Xenovia nodded and smiled, glowing slightly.
"Not fair."
"Mmm?" She turned to see Asia glaring at her with puffed cheeks.
"What's not fair?" Xenovia asked.
"I thought we agreed not to do it in class," she said.
"Well, rules were made to be broken," Xenovia said, shrugging.
"Mmmmou! Fine! I'll get you next time!" Asia said in a challenging tone and scampered off to go get her bento.
"We're here."
Issei stood outside of the new teacher's office. In Kuoh Academy, thanks to its prestigious standing and backing by the Gremory Family, the teachers were all able to receive their own offices inside rather than be grouped in a public office with the other teachers. As such, teachers here were often treated like university professors in the realm of academia or so it goes locally.
Atsuki Sara
"Let's go inside," Mitsuki said.
Issei nodded and he stepped forward and opened the door. He walked inside, followed by Mitsuki and Irina. However, what they stepped into was not an office but rather a massive expanse. A series of floating islands amidst a violet expansive sky that had seemingly no end.
There was a long path leading to a small platform that floated over a clear pool of liquid. A woman with black hair styled in a bobcut. She wore a dark maroon uniform with a long skirt and she was scribbling furiously away on a sheet of paper.
She's like a cool beauty type of teacher, Issei thought.
Yet, even as that thought ran through his head, Issei couldn't help but feel the slightest amount of fear.
"Ah. You three are here," she said, looking up, revealing a pair of mismatched yellow eyes.
"Lady Asmodeus," Mitsuki said, bowing before her.
Irina and Issei followed suit.
"Oh, dear. Don't do that with me. I'm not into the whole bowing and kneeling thing," Asmodeus said. She stood up from behind her desk.
"Be careful about how you act in this space, Ise-chan. This is Asmodeus's own personal Gehenna," Mastema warned.
Gehenna? he asked.
[This is a Domain, a type of technique that is derived from the ultimate manifestation of an Ascendant's Boundary. It has different names. Demon Lord's Gehenna. Archangel's Heaven. Realm of God.] Ddraig explained.
"Mmm. The entirety of Gehenna is one giant Domain created by Lucifer. I told you I'd give you a lesson in this when we were in Centralia. That place was also a Domain constructed by Beelzebub. These things are created when the caster creates a void within reality and fills it with content. A separate reality whose patterns and rules are determined by its creator. Think of it as seeing an air bubble underwater. And because it's a bubble, the contents are usually a reflection of its caster… so you can basically say that this place is Asmodeus's own personal world. The larger the domain, the closer it is to acting like a 'real universe'," Mastema said.
Issei squirmed at the comment. Though Issei had a feeling she wouldn't, Asmodeus could basically wipe them out with a thought.
"Ah. Let me retract it. I can see that being inside my Domain is making you a bit uncomfortable. Sorry about that. I like to do my work in my own private area and my office is accessible to students you see," Asmodeus said.
The retraction of the Domain was like watching something being sucked into a vacuum. The entire world retreated inside of Asmodeus, all the while being twisted and shattering like glass. In an instant, they found themselves in a plain office with a few floral decorations.
"Now. Issei, take a seat," Asmodeus said, gesturing to a chair.
Issei nodded and walked to one of the chairs. He sat down and looked at her expectantly.
"Stay still for me, will you? This can get a little uncomfortable, especially since I'll be rooting around inside your head," she said.
"Is… he going to be fine?" Mitsuki asked.
"He will. Mostly. He'll just feel super uncomfortable. It's hard to describe in words," Asmodeus replied.
She stretched her hands and placed a finger on Issei's forehead. Her eyes glowed and Issei began to feel something akin to mild discomfort. It was a feeling that he knew but had no words for. It was that indescribable feeling of discomfort. The closest feeling he could describe it to was having a million worms wriggling around inside his flesh.
"Hmmm." Asmodeus removed her finger and the discomfort disappeared. "He seems fine to me."
"What? But the visions," Issei said.
"I'm not detecting any foreign psychic interference inside your head. No traces of Luxuria or anything. You're fine," she said.
"But the dreams. The visions," Issei said.
"Iris told you, didn't she? This is normal for you. You're an Ascendant who got a Boundary via Inheritance. Seeing past memories is a normal thing for people like you. Big Sis was the same after she became an Ascendant," Asmodeus said.
"You mean… Lilith?" Irina asked.
Asmodeus nodded. "It was in the middle of the Period of Strife too. But the memories… can be controlled by the original bearer. So she didn't experience much after Mom found out. But you… maybe there's a reason you're seeing them sporadically," she said.
"What? Like Lilith wants me to see these memories?" Issei asked.
"Maybe." was her reply.
"Well, that's just great," Issei said.
"At least you're not being mind raped. We can rest easy now," Mitsuki said.
"The only thing you three have to worry about is how long you have left to live, Issei," Asmodeus said.
"How do you-"
"I'm a demon. I'm one of the oldest demons. You don't think I can tell when the soul has the mark of a Bargain on it?" Asmodeus said, her yellow eyes glinting.
Issei grimaced at the mention of it.
"Anyhow, I've kept you three long enough. You three got enough on your plate dealing with the Slavs and Odin as it is," Asmodeus said. "And I have to prepare for my first class tomorrow."
"Wait! How do we break it?" Mitsuki asked.
"You can't. Not unless you want to die instead. And I don't think Issei is too keen on watching you die in front of his eyes again," Asmodeus said.
"There… There has to be another way," Mitsuki said.
"I wish there was," she said. "I rather like you, Red Dragon Emperor."
"I'll find a way then," Mitsuki said.
Asmodeus said nothing in response. And with that, Mitsuki stormed out of the office with a flustered Issei and Irina chasing after her.
"I'll be on your tail so don't worry about not having backup. Ingvild, Irina, and I will be monitoring you guys from a distance," Mitsuki said.
Issei nodded, glancing over to the perverted Norse God. The man was happily chatting away with Azazel with an annoyed Rias next to them. The only people missing were the Slavic Deities.
"Hey, Mii-chan. About what happened back in Asmodeus's office-"
"I don't want to talk about it right now, Aniki. We got a job to do. Can we… do this later?" Mitsuki asked.
"Mii-chan, I just want to-"
"Look. I can't talk about this right now. Can we just focus on what we're doing?" she asked.
"Right. Look, I think Prez wants me to head over. Keep an eye out on us, okay?" Issei asked.
"Of course," she said.
Mitsuki sighed and placed her AS back in her pocket. She placed her foot on the ledge of the building as she watched the group depart.
"Did you really have to be so testy with him?" Ingvild asked, walking up to her.
"Not you too, Ingvild," Mitsuki said.
"I'm just saying," she said, raising her hands defensively.
"Mii-chan, is everything alright?" Irina asked.
"No. It's not. Aniki… he's so relaxed," Mitsuki said.
Ingvild and Irina glanced at each other.
"We're trying to save his ass from getting tossed into hell and he's out there, acting like nothing even happened. Like he didn't toss his soul away. It's like… he doesn't even care that he's going to die in a year," Mitsuki said.
"Mii-chan, you know that's not true," Irina said.
"Yeah, well, you know what I want? I want him to at least look like he gives a damn. We're going to be the ones who have to bury him once he goes," Mitsuki said.
Irina bit her lip and lowered her head. Ingvild remained silent, watching her friend's back.
"Come on. They moved. We have to go to the next location," Mitsuki said.
"And over here we have…"
Issei walked after them as Rias rattled off the history of the castle they were at. They were currently in Hokkaido visiting some ancient temple whose name that Issei couldn't be bothered to learn. The entire peerage, even Akeno who was a Priestess, were all trying to keep up with the encyclopedic knowledge of Japanese history that Rias seemed to possess. Even Odin had a hard time keeping up with the rapid-fire onslaught of facts and personal speculation Rias had.
"I was not aware that Japanese history was this… extensive." Issei turned to the silver-haired woman walking next to him. She was dressed in grey one-piece suit with a pink tie and black business shoes.
This woman was Rossweisse, Odin's bodyguard and attendant.
"Geez, I think Prez is going to talk Odin to death at this point," Issei mumbled.
"Maybe. If she does, she'll beat Longinus users to actually slaying a God," Yuuto said.
"I can hear you," Rias said, glaring at the two.
Yuuto and Issei shrank in their spots and Odin let out a boisterous laugh.
"Ahahaha! The two of you are right! Now, since you know a lot about Japan, can you point me to the nearest night district?" Odin asked.
"Hah? You're in Japan and you don't want to visit historical sites? No, you're a Chief God. Have some class and don't just go visiting hostess clubs. I'm responsible for you while you're here so I'll make sure you have more knowledge of this country other than just going to the best places to get laid," Rias said, walking onward.
"She's right, Lord Odin. We're supposed to meet the Shinto Gods after this. I'd like it if you didn't offend Lady Amaterasu, much less the Great Evil of Retribution who resides here in this land," Rossweisse said.
"You're right… pissing off Izanami would be a bad idea." Odin sighed and followed after her.
"Well, Issei. You got your work cut out for you. I feel bad for your kids. She'll be that kind of mom," Azazel said.
"Ugh, she's almost as bad as Lili-nee," Issei said.
"Lili-nee?" Akeno asked.
"She was my babysitter back when me, Mitsuki, and Irina were kids. She left a little after Irina moved to Europe but we still remember her. She's the reason why Irina and Mitsuki are so good with their studies and why I'm good at drawing stuff," Issei said.
"And over here is-"
"Aniki," Mitsuki's voice rang inside his ear.
"Yeah?" Issei said.
"We have a bogey inbound. Tell Azazel that it's a God."
"Sensei-"
"I know. They're not really making an effort to hide themselves," Azazel said, looking around. "I'm sure Odin senses it too."
"Sensei, what do we do?" Issei asked.
"Act naturally. Akeno, on my signal, I want you to make a barrier around this place to contain the battle that I'm sure is going to happen—the rest of you, arm up and prepare to fight," Azazel said.
"Right-" Issei's body instinctively stiffened. An impending sense of danger filled his entire body and he noticed he wasn't the only one who had felt it. Akeno had lightning crackling around her fingers, Xenovia and Yuuto were already in battle formation and Gasper hid behind Koneko. Azazel sighed and walked forward, summoning a Light Spear to his hand and twirling it.
"Looks like our other guest is here." Azazel's lips curved upward into a grin. An annoyed grin.
Issei followed his teacher's gaze and saw a young man hovering in the air above them. His silver hair flowed in the direction of the wind and he looked down at them with the same emotion one has when they see an insect. He had his hands behind his back and his black robes, which were similar to that of Odin's, fluttered in the wind.
"Tch." Azazel clicked his tongue.
"Loki…," Rossweisse said.
Loki? As in that Loki? Like the Norse God Loki? Issei thought. Loki was a name Issei had only heard of in movies. Though facing the real thing, he could see how powerful he was.
"Well, well, well, if it isn't Loki. To think you'd be here and not shit-faced drunk somewhere in Asgard. Tell me, what brings you here?" Azazel said in a false jovial tone.
Loki's eyes looked toward Azazel with some disdain. "I have no business in such a backwards land. I'm here for our Chief God. The old fool thinks he can play house with the other Factions. Seeing such a thing… is a very painful thing to endure."
Azazel frowned. "Wow, your head's so far up your ass I wouldn't even know how to begin pulling it out."
Loki let out a laugh. "Ahaha! Such bravado! As expected from the Governor General of Fallen Angels. Normally, I'd hate getting in contact with you and your ilk but seeing that Odin is here, it appears I have no choice."
"Hmph, so it's okay for you to get in contact with other factions? Isn't your logic kind of backwards?" Azazel asked.
"What's so backwards about it? The only contact I have with other pantheons is their destruction. I have no need for peace with others, especially your faction. After all, it was your priests that spread the Bible onto our soil," the God replied with a tinge of hatred in his voice.
"Hmph. If you want to complain to someone, then complain to my Dad or Michael. Or are you too scared to head to Heaven after Big Sis almost murdered you and your children," he taunted.
"You've got quite the tongue on you. But let me tell you one thing. You are no Great Evil of Rebellion," Loki snapped. "But enough of that, it's enough of a problem for our Chief God, Odin, to consort with the Gods of the Far East. To think he'd rather trade information about Yggdrasil than have Ragnarok."
Azazel remained silent for a few seconds before speaking up. "Tell me one thing. Are you connected to Khaos Brigade in any way?"
The mere mention of it caused a look of disgust to appear on Loki's face. "I'm offended you'd lump me with those second-rate terrorists. As if I'd have anything to do with the Ouroboros Dragon."
"Then if not, then that itself is pretty bad. It looks like… one of your Gods has gone rogue, Odin," Azazel said.
Issei turned toward the God of the North, who was stroking his beard.
"Hmph, it seems like there are still some of you that don't agree with my… present opinions," Odin said.
"Our faction does not need to work with them, Odin. We will achieve Paradise in our own way," Loki declared.
Odin sighed and tapped his cane on the ground, causing a magic circle to appear underneath. The circle moved across the air until Odin was level with Loki. Rossweisse, who was battle ready, glared at the Norse God.
"Mii-chan," Issei said.
"Keep him busy for a few more seconds. By the way, three more are heading in your direction," Mitsuki said.
Three? What the hell? Did Loki bring reinforcements? Issei thought.
Issei whipped his head toward Loki when he felt an immense amount of hostility. "Crap, looks like negotiations broke down." As he prepared to move, a wave of yellow light slammed into Loki, causing a tremendous explosion that shook the area.
"Victory is decided by those who make the first move," Xenovia said, brandishing Durandal.
When the smoke cleared, their eyes went wide with shock when Loki stood there, relatively unharmed. He brushed some soot off his robes and turned to them with an arrogant smirk on his face.
Yuuto summoned a Holy Demonic Sword and Akeno gathered lightning into her palms.
"Bwahaha! I am a God. Do you think puny attacks from two devils can harm me?" Loki laughed.
"Sorry to break it to you, but we've faced greater opponents than you," Issei said.
Loki's smile twitched as a look of annoyance and indignation flickered across his eyes. He raised his hand and began to gather a tremendous amount of divine power.
Shit… if that hits. Ddraig!
[Welsh Dragon Balance Breaker]
Issei shot forward toward Loki. "Prez! I'll be using Promotion!"
"Do it." Rias crossed her arms and nodded.
Issei felt a surge of power flow through him as he promoted to [Queen]. He gathered energy into the palm of his hand, boosting it several times before firing it at Loki.
Loki fired his attack in response and the two beams of energy collided in mid-air, detonating violently.
A powerful gust of wind washed over the temple, shaking it and almost knocking over the others. Azazel stood on the ground, eyeing Issei carefully.
"Hmph, I forgot you were here, Red Dragon Emperor," Loki said.
Issei clenched his jaw when he saw Loki standing before him completely unharmed. He canceled out a fully boosted attack. He's not as strong as Kali or Beelzebub but still, this is a God?
[Fighting him alone might not be so wise, Partner.] Ddraig advised.
I'm only stalling, Issei said.
"But… it looks like even when I hold back, you're still not enough for me, Red Dragon-"
Loki was cut off as a dragon made of water completely swallowed him and drove him into the ground. The earth was ruptured and shook violently. Issei covered his face with his arms, protecting himself from the wind.
"Issei!"
"I- Ingvild?" Issei said, seeing her stop next to him. "You're a sight for sore eyes."
"Another insect?"
The two looked down to see Loki standing in the middle of a shallow crater, robes wholly drenched.
His eyes widened as he ducked, avoiding an electrified blade. He teleported as a flaming slash nearly sliced into his face.
"Tch… more," Loki said.
Mitsuki and Irina landed on the ground in between the group and Loki.
"Everyone," Rias said, coating herself in a crimson aura.
"The sister of the current Lucifer. The Governor General, and the Red Dragon Emperor? As well as the wielder of a Divine Key and two unknowns," Loki muttered. "Odin, isn't this much for a guard detail?"
"A fool like yourself coming out of the woodwork to try and stop something beneficial for our Pantheon. It seems like I was right to call for backup," Odin said.
Loki smirked, feeling an unending amount of irritation. "Fine, I guess if you're trying this hard. Then I guess I have to respond in kind. Come out, my son."
Son? Issei thought.
A splinter in reality opened. Space cracked like glass, opening a dark green portal. A sense of crippling dread and foreboding gripped their souls as the being Loki called slipped out of the portal. Its feet hit the ground heavily; an ash-grey wolf that towered at least ten meters in height made its presence known. A jet of frost exited its mouth as it huffed and its piercing golden eyes glowed slightly. It opened its mouth and let out a loud deafening howl.
What… is this unreal pressure? It's almost like I'm fighting Beelzebub again in his Qliphoth Form! Issei thought.
"This is bad, Ise-chan. You better stay away from that wolf at all costs." He heard Mastema's voice.
[She's right, Partner. If you get hit by that thing, it's game over.] Ddraig warned.
"Oi, what the hell is that thing?" Issei asked.
Azazel clenched his jaw. He narrowed his eyes, preparing to summon something to his hand. "That's Fenrir."
Everyone froze. Issei, despite his still growing pool of knowledge of the world, noticed the shocked look on everyone's faces. Everyone, even Mitsuki and Rias, was frozen by Azazel's words.
"Aniki, be careful," Mitsuki said, tightly gripping her katana. "Fenrir is a beast known as the God Eater. Its fangs possess the ability to kill Gods and it has the ability to tear holes in reality."
"What the hell? Kill gods? Isn't that cheating!?" Issei exclaimed.
"We'll be fine as long as we don't get near its claws or its fangs. One hit from it and we might as well start making plans for our funeral," Ingvild said, gathering water around her. Her eyes began to glow as she activated her Sacred Gear.
Loki lowered himself and stroked Fenrir's fur. "To think that I'd be summoning him here. I created him to kill the Gods of our religion during Ragnarok but I think he'd be able to kill the Gods of other Pantheons as well as Dragons. Who knows? If push comes to shove, I can easily wrest victory from the Great Evil of Reverie and the Great Evil of Retribution, no?"
Odin narrowed his eyes. "You would think to try and disturb those two? Do you want our Pantheon to go extinct?"
Loki let out a sigh and closed his eyes. "For now, I think it's only right for Fenrir to taste the blood of another Pantheon." His eyes opened and focused on Rias. A look of maniacal glee appeared in his eyes. "The blood of the Maou. Sic 'em, boy."
No, Prez!
Fenrir howled, paralyzing all of them to their spots. A howl that meant death for those who heard it. In an instant, Fenrir leapt from his spot, disappearing from their sight.
However, in that instant, Issei's will was greater than his fear. He moved to intercept Fenrir; his fist landed a clean hit on Fenrir's snout. The force of the impact shoved the Great Wolf back a few meters and shook the ground around them.
"Are you okay, Prez?" Issei asked, standing in front of her.
"Y- Yeah… thanks for that," Rias said; her voice trembled out of fear.
"Thank-" Issei's words were cut off as he felt blood leak out of his mouth. A searing pain filled his midsection and he fell to one knee, gripping his side.
"Aniki!"
"Ise!"
Their cries rang out as they all gathered around him. At that moment Issei landed a hit on Fenrir's snout, the Great Wolf's claws had shredded his armor like paper and tore the flesh beneath. His skin hung like ribbons; blood flowed profusely from the wound; and his innards were damaged.
"Kh! You…" Mitsuki's body began to radiate a violet-red aura. Lightning crackled around her body and the tips of her hair began to turn silver.
That girl… if she enters her Qliphoth Form now… Azazel thought.
"Asia! Heal Ise!" Rias barked.
Asia nodded and quickly ran over.
Loki narrowed his eyes. He raised his hand. "As if I'd let the Red Dragon Emperor recover-!"
"Oi! Loki!"
"Wha-" A series of violet-black chains erupted from the ground, slicing into Loki's flesh. A burst of divine aura shattered the chains nearest to his body, allowing him to escape before the rest of them could collapse in on him.
"A mere Angel dare to…" Loki's eyes boiled with anger.
Azazel stood in front of them with his fist closed. A sinister aura coated his entire body.
What did Sensei just do? Issei asked.
"Dudael. Azazel's Authority of God," Mastema said. "As per his role as a former Seraph and an Archangel, he has an Authority that controls the two things: Information and Data. It is similar to Gabriel's Divine Key: Yesod only on a less absolute scale. It allows Azazel to do two things. One is the ability to absorb knowledge from any source; the other is tied to the advancement of the world. If the world produces technology, then the projections produced by Azazel's Divine Power is the endpoint of civilization. In short, a technological singularity."
"Can we even win with that?" Issei wondered.
"Tch! Fenrir-"
A barrage of magic slammed into Loki, disrupting his focus. He turned to see Rossweisse with her arms held out. An array of a dozen magic circles formed behind her; they let loose an intense barrage of magical energy that slammed into Loki with no signs of stopping.
"Tch! A mere valkyrie like you dare oppose a God?" Loki roared.
"Not even Rossweisse's magic. To think we'd still be this helpless after facing down Beelzebub," Issei groaned.
"Fenrir! Slaughter them!" Loki ordered.
Fenrir howled and began bounding toward them; his fangs bared and ready to tear them apart in the most brutal fashion imaginable.
However, as Azazel was about to unleash another projection, a streak of light shot past them, and Fenrir was sealed in a distortion of space.
[Half Dimension]
"That voice…," Issei said.
"You?" Mitsuki's eyes gazed upon the silvery-white armor of Vali's Balance Breaker.
"Adashino. Hyoudou Issei. Are you two alright?" Vali asked, hovering in front of Loki and Fenrir. He gazed upon them through his visor. "I didn't think we'd meet again so soon after our little debacle in Pennsylvania, Issei."
Issei looked at Vali apprehensively.
"White Dragon. To think you'd show your face so suddenly," Loki said, holding his hand up. Fenrir paused, growling and snarling at the newcomer.
"So you're Loki, huh? This makes it easy. Before that God gets here, I'll eliminate you here and now," Vali said, powering up.
"Oho? You think a half-baked Dragon Emperor such as yourself can take me down? When I have Fenrir by my side? Well then… how should we go about doing this-" Loki's entire body stiffened. His eyes widened and his fingers began to tremble with an unknown feeling that permeated his entire body.
Is this… fear? No, no. There's no way I'm afraid of some small fry such as the White Dragon Emperor! Loki thought, his arrogance overriding his impending sense of danger.
However, everyone else had sensed it. The overwhelming pressure was slowly growing stronger and stronger with each passing second.
[Oi, Mastema. Isn't this…?] Ddraig asked.
"Ah. I can feel it too. His presence is distorting existence itself. He's partially projecting his Boundary," Mastema said, projecting her translucent form next to Issei.
"It… This pressure. It's even greater than Fenrir. It's like Kali's!" Issei said, shocking the rest of the group.
Odin stroked his beard. "The Great Evil of Reverie is here."
"Great Evil?" Vali asked.
[Don't even think of it, Vali. Fighting those things. Even I wouldn't do it. Power down.] Albion warned.
Albion, what are you saying? Vali asked.
[I'm saying not to seek this fight. If that God is here, then Izanami knows Loki, the Norse, and you are here too. Are you willing to die and give up your quest just to get a few hits on Loki?] Albion asked.
Vali clenched his jaw and shifted his foot. As soon as he did, Loki threw his hand forward, commanding Fenrir to rip Vali to shreds. However, before it could happen, Fenrir's body was frozen in the air; his fore and hind legs became twisted and snapped. And in an instant, he was sent flying back into the temple.
"F- Fenrir!" Loki yelled, landing next to it.
Fenrir breathed heavily, feeling an intense agony coursing through its body.
"You-" Loki's voice died down in his mouth when he saw the figure standing in between him and the group.
The others only now noticed the addition of a new figure in their presence. A tall young man with pitch-black hair, four curved horns on his head, and pointed ears stood before them. His red-orange eyes gazed upon Loki with some annoyance in them. He was dressed in a black suit with a red tie, underneath a long-grey trench coat with black pants and boots. His hands were encased in dark green, almost black, and orange-clawed gauntlets.
"Hmph, you sure took your sweet ass time… Veles," Odin chuckled.
"Sorry, I was busy dealing with Izanami. She hasn't changed in the past 50 years since I've seen her," Veles said.
"Kch! The Great Evil of Reverie… hahaha, no matter. I'm satisfied with this," Loki said, waving his arm and tearing a rift in space. "If not for the interference of the Great Evil, things would have turned out differently. Mark my words, Odin. On the day of this alliance, I will have your throat and after that, after Ragnarok, we will have our Paradise."
And with that, Loki and Fenrir retreated into the rift, vanishing from sight.
Issei gripped his side, feeling the warm sensation of blood trickling through his fingers. "Sh- Shit…," Issei said; his vision became hazy and distorted.
"I- Ise?" he could hear Rias's fading voice. "Asia! Quick! Now that Loki is gone!"
"Ise!"
"Aniki!"
Issei's vision began to fade into darkness just as Asia's Twilight Healing began to send waves of warm energy through his body.
And the last thing he saw before passing out was the blazing gaze of the Great Evil.
Blazing orange-red eyes that resembled a sunset
Veles
The Great God of the Underworld, Earth, and Water. He is the God who sits at the depths of the World, governing those who passed unto death.
He is famously known for his rivalry against the Sky Father, Perun, and for his covetous lust of the Earth Mother, Mokosh. Though, none know the truth behind these slanderous rumors.
His relationship with the Dawn is something he cherishes. Though with her death, a shadow cast itself over his life, leaving him to wander in the darkness.
However, at the end of this long night, the god named "Veles" still follows that faint trace of light, hoping that it might one day lead back to the Dawn.
[]
Blacklight File: Archive File #20182
File Name: Veles
One of the three major Gods of the Slavic Pantheon and one of the Great Evils of the Underworld.
The term Ascendant has been used to describe Veles and historical texts from the Underworld suggests the possession of a Boundary. Though, its exact mechanics are unknown. It has the power to alter the structure of existence on an unimaginable scale as suggested from a recalling of his battle against the Protogenos of Night, Nyx. Due to lack of concrete information and a potentially dangerous ability, all operatives are advised to flee on sight when encountering this God. Is estimated to have roughly equivalent power to the Great Evil of Destruction.
He looks kinda sad all the time - Crimson Wyvern
Yes, I do find it funny that Raphael and Asmodeus work at the same school, considering their rivalry in the Book of Tobit where Raphael chained Asmodeus in a desert. Also, Asmodeus's alias, Sara, is derived from the biblical figure from the Book of Tobit, Sarah.