Issei rarely had dreams of his own. Ever since he became a Master, his dreams had usually consisted of either dreams from the past of his Servants, or a Singularity that occurred in his sleep, which they affectionately refer to as REM REM. But tonight, Issei had his own dream in a long time. Or more accurately it was a nightmare for him. He found himself in some kind of church. He found himself dressed in a suit and Asia in a wedding gown. At first Issei thought he was getting married, but Asia's next words shook him. "Thank you for everything you have done for me, Issei-san. Today, I, Asia, will become a bride."

Issei's expression froze, but before he could react the person Asia was supposedly marrying appeared. "Nice to meet you, Onii-san. My name is Diodora Astaroth. I hope you don't hold it against me, now that Asia is mine," he said, a cocky smirk appearing on his face.

Issei's eyes dilated as he had a mix of emotions. Anger at Diodora, and confused reluctance at Asia's decision. He looked around the church to see friends, family, and even the Servants all seated and seemingly happy for Asia. Issei was beginning to think that he was the crazy one for reacting the way he did, when the place seemed to erupt in dark blue flames. He was startled at first and looked around hastily to try and figure out what was going on, but after a moment he recognized these flames. A man with a look of madness and a fedora appeared as everyone and everything in the surroundings was burned away. "Hahahahahahahaha! To think, someone who has faced atrocities like you have would have such ridiculous fears. Do you feel a need to be rid of such a person? Do you think what is yours will be so easily taken away?"

"Count…" responded Issei. Once he saw Dantés, he realized this was a dream, or more accurately a nightmare. But the Count's words struck a sore spot in him. The need to get rid of Diodora. The need to protect what's his. It all stemmed from the same thing inside him. The feeling that he's not good enough.

"Your mind races with all these useless imaginings. What is the point of concerning yourself with such things? Do you really believe yourself so useless?" the Count asked. His power suddenly flared. "Well?! Do You?!" he asked viciously.

Issei knew in his heart that his fear was baseless. All that the girls have done, Asia especially, was done for his sake. Because they cared about him. Because they loved him. But recent events had unfortunately made him a bit insecure. The constant challenges from people trying to take his women and Diodora's persistence with Asia had seemed to affect him to the point that his first regular dream in a long time was a nightmare. When he thought about it, it actually really irritated him that he got under his skin so much. But there was something off about him. He wasn't sure if it was jealousy or if he actually felt like something was wrong, but Diodora just made Issei uncomfortable in more ways than one. All that aside, Issei considered the Count's question. While he knew he still didn't compare to his other Servants, when it came to this world, he felt that he was holding his own rather well. At least compared to what he sensed from Diodora, he felt it wouldn't be a problem. "No, I don't. But matters of the heart aren't solely decided by me. Even if I'm confident in myself, if they feel like I'm unworthy, then there's nothing I can do," said Issei.

"Nothing you can do? Ridiculous! You would simply accept such a thing?! You would let them go without a fight?!"

Issei remained silent. He had always been the type to let people make their own choices. He would naturally try to work with people that could lead to mutual benefits in the future, but he ultimately let people make their own decisions. This mindset of his is the reason why these situations were difficult for him. As for what he really wanted… "No. I wouldn't be able to accept it. Just like with Rias and Akeno, anyone who touches what's mine will face retribution!" said Issei fiercely.

The Count's expression changed to a wicked smile. "Hahahahahahahahahaha! Yes, that's the spirit! Anyone who would cross you shall suffer from your vengeance! You may still have the makings of an Avenger!"

Issei wasn't sure if he should take that as praise or not, but he simply nodded at the Count. "Well, with all that said, I would like to wake up now. Could you help me out here?"

At this point the fire had gone out and they found themselves in a white space. "Hmph. A simple task," said the Count as he walked up to Issei. He suddenly threw a punch at full force at Issei's face, catching him off guard.

Issei jolted awake from getting punched in the face in his dream by the Count. Honestly, that really surprised him, and he couldn't help but chuckle to himself. He looked around and saw that Asia and Mash were on either side of him this morning. It seems that Rias and Akeno had already gotten up and left the room. Issei focused on Asia sleeping next to him. He had a soft expression while looking at her sleeping face. He lightly brushed some of her hair out of her face and her face showed a small smile. "Issei-san…" she mumbled in her sleep.

Issei couldn't help but gently bring her closer. He really didn't want to let her go. Asia, feeling Issei's warmth, unconsciously snuggled closer to him, her smile growing as she wrapped her arms around his body instead of his arm. "Geez, when she acts defenseless like this it makes me want to protect her even more," said Issei quietly to himself.

As he was enjoying the sensation of both Asia and Mash on his sides, he noticed some movement from under the blanket below him. Once he started paying attention, he noticed there was a new weight on his lower body. He lifted the blanket with his free arm and saw a certain nekomata laying on top of him, cat ears and tail out. Koneko was lying on his chest, clearly having snuck in at some point last night, and seemed to be having a good rest. Ever since they came back from Rias' house Koneko had closed the distance between herself and Issei. Although she still called him a perv and had sharp words for him, she would sit on his lap whenever an opportunity presented itself. She also occasionally offered him some of her snacks, which she never did. It was like having a house cat that suddenly got attached to you. Koneko began to stir from Issei revealing her and groggily opened her eyes. She saw Issei looking at her with an amused expression and decided to appeal to him. "Nyah," she said in a cute voice while making a cat scratch gesture and winking.

Issei felt his face flush slightly, mostly from surprise that Koneko would do something like that. She had become more adorable as time went on. Issei went in and patted her head, being careful of her ears. "Good morning, Koneko-chan. Did you have a nice sleep?"

She let a yawn escape her, which only added to her cuteness. "Yes Issei-senpai. It was comfortable sleeping on your chest."

"Well, I'm glad you're comfortable using me like a bed. How long do you plan on resting there?"

Koneko made a thoughtful expression before nuzzling his chest again. "Five more minutes…" she said, a bit of tiredness in her voice still.

Issei chuckled a bit as he gently pats Koneko's head. Koneko's ears twitched as she hid her blush from Issei. Issei then felt stirring from his side as Asia groggily woke up. "Mmmm… Morning Issei-san."

"Morning Asia. Sleep well?"

Asia nodded groggily. She moved closer and leaned on Issei's shoulder. "I always feel at peace by Issei-san's side," she said.

Issei felt a sense of relief. He wrapped an arm around Asia. "I'm glad. I don't know what I would do if you left me suddenly."

Asia had a small blush and didn't meet Issei's gaze. "I'll always be by Issei-san's side. I never want to leave."

Issei smiled and brought her in for a kiss. It was a light one on her lips and she blushed harder, not expecting it. She smiled happily all the same though. Just as they were about to get lost in their own little world, Rias came back into the room. She saw the scene with a smile but gave an exhausted sigh. "Glad to see you two enjoying yourselves so early in the morning. Though I'm not sure how you'll feel after you see this," said Rias, showing a letter in her hand.

Issei immediately scowled as Asia had a nervous look. "Another love letter?" asked Issei, annoyed.

"And gifts to go with it," answered Rias, also annoyed. "If I can say one thing about Diodora, is that he's persistent."

Issei just scoffed and rolled his eyes. Asia was sad that Issei's mood went down, especially after they had a sweet moment. "Give them to Jealter-san to burn," said Asia, a bit of impatience in her voice.

Issei and Rias showed a slightly surprised expression. They knew Asia had been having Jealter deal with the gifts but hearing her say it themselves was a bit jarring. Issei was a bit happy though. "No need to be so fierce, Asia. I don't want him bringing down your mood," said Issei as he rubbed her head.

"But he's bringing down your mood Issei-san," she said with a bit of a pout.

"Well, that can't be helped. I care about you too much so it's only natural that I'd be upset at another guy trying to take my girl. But don't worry. I'll deal with it one way or another."

"Well, if you two are done, wake up Koneko and Mashu. We have to get ready for school," said Rias with a smile.

"Yes, Buchou," the pair said playfully, earning a smile from Rias as she left.

Issei was currently sitting in class, waiting for their homeroom teacher to arrive. The students were chatting like normal but there were a few that took slight glances at him while they talked. Ever since it became public knowledge that Issei was not only dating Rias but Akeno as well, he had received various looks from the students here. Some with jealousy, and some with admiration. He also saw something that surprised him. There were some girls that looked at him with slight blushes. He wasn't sure if they were possibly imagining something about his relationship with the girls or if he was suddenly attracting girls in the school, but he wasn't in any mood to focus on that at the moment. As Issei was lost in thought about all that his teacher walked in and was already at the front of the room. "Alright everyone. Settle down. I have an announcement to make," said the teacher. Everyone perked up at what that could possibly be, and Issei slightly came out of his thoughts and gave some attention to the teacher. "We'll be having another transfer student joining our class starting today."

This got the other students excited as they began to talk amongst themselves. "A new student again? Doesn't this make the fourth one?" "Yeah, and every time it was a girl that had some kind of relation to Hyoudou." "Don't tell me it's another girl in his harem that we didn't know about!" "Please be a boy! Please be a boy!" "Please be a girl that doesn't have a relationship with Hyoudou!"

There were various reactions to the information, which Issei couldn't help but be amused by. It was true that the last few transfers were related to him but as far as he knew this one had nothing to do with him. Still, that didn't prevent him from showing a small smirk at the conversations that were being had. Eventually the teacher quieted down the students. "Alright. Settle down. Let's not delay any longer. You may come in now!" the teacher called.

The door opened and a girl with long, light-brown twin-tails walked to the front of the class and wrote her name on the blackboard. Issei's eyes widened in surprise, as did Xenovia's, Asia's, and Mash's. The girl turned to the class and smiled. "Hello everyone! I'm Shidou Irina! It's nice to meet you!" she said cheerfully. She looked around the room until she met Issei's gaze. "Hey Issei-kun! Nice to see you again!" she said, her smile growing.

"Nooooooooooo!" yelled a portion of the class.

"Another one?!" complained others.

Irina looked around the class, confused at the reactions that she was getting from greeting her childhood friend. Matsuda turned around and asked what everyone inevitably wanted to know. "How do you know her?!"

Issei had to hold in a laugh as he looked at Matsuda and Motohama. "Do you remember when we first met, and I told you I lost my only friend?" The two nodded at him. "This is her. We were childhood friends before I met you. She moved away to England, and we hadn't seen each other until a few months ago." This explanation got some of the students to calm down a bit, realizing they were just childhood friends, however long that would last. Issei looked at Irina. "I didn't know you were coming back to Japan. Why didn't you say anything?"

"I wanted to surprise you! And I think it was a success," she said with a hint of playful pride.

"Irina!" called Xenovia, happy to see her old partner.

"Hey Xenovia. How have you been?"

"I've been well. I wish you would have told me you were coming sooner."

"I wanted to surprise you too! But we'll talk later."

As the pair reunited the teacher got everyone's attention again. "Alright, that's enough. I'm glad you have people you're familiar with Miss Shidou. Please take the empty seat we prepared for you." Irina nodded and took her seat behind Xenovia. Issei didn't notice when he walked in but there was a new row of seats in the back of the class. He felt like that was his fault somehow but shelved the thought for another time as he watched Irina interact with Asia and Xenovia.

Later in the ORC, the club was welcoming Irina to Kuoh and discussing her sudden arrival. "I wasn't expecting you to show up, Irina-san. Is something the matter with the church?" asked Rias.

"It's not because of that-" Azazel said as he teleported into the clubroom. "With the growing threat of the Khaos Brigade, Micheal wanted to send someone from Heaven's side to aid us." Azazel gave a knowing smirk. "Honestly, with Issei here we don't really need more help, but Micheal was complaining about how it looks bad that Heaven doesn't have anyone here to help in the conflict."

"Sounds like he's having a rough time," said Issei sympathetically. Issei did notice Azazel's phrasing though. "I know they're basically one-in-the-same but is there a reason you said Heaven and not the church?"

Azazel gave a wry smile, but before he could answer Irina spoke up. "It's because I now work directly under Heaven!" she said excitedly. She took a prayer stance, and light began to form above her and on her back, revealing a halo and a pair of wings. The devils shirked back from the holy power emanating off Irina while Issei, Mash, Kiryuu, and Murayama stared at Irina in shock.

"Irina! You became an angel?!" Issei said in surprise and possibly slight worry. "How?!"

"Heaven has developed a method similar to the devils in creating angels. I'm Heaven's first Reincarnated Angel! One of Micheal-sama's Brave Saints!"

"Brave Saints?" repeated Mash, confused.

"Similar to how the devils use chess pieces to create new devils, the angels decided to use playing cards for their method," explained Azazel.

"I am Micheal's Ace of Spades!" said Irina happily.

Issei seemed to calm down. "I see. That's good then. I didn't want to think something happened to you while you were away, and you made it through Micheal's good graces."

Irina's expression was blank for a moment before she realized what he meant. "No! Nothing like that happened! It was an offer I accepted; I wasn't hurt. I'm sorry to worry you Issei-kun."

"No, it's not your fault. I was just overthinking it. Sorry to stress you out," he said while smiling apologetically.

Irina smiled back and nodded. "Ahh, I'm so blessed to have a caring friend. Amen!" The devils in the room flinched in pain from Irina's prayer but shook it off.

"With all that said, she'll be staying with you guys from now on. You got more than enough room, even with all your Servants," said Azazel.

Issei narrowed his eyes at him with a slight look of displeasure. "Oh? And who decided that?"

Azazel gave Issei a look. "You're saying you won't take her?"

Issei and Azazel continued to stare at each other without saying anything. Irina, feeling like she might be causing trouble, stepped in. "It's no problem, Issei-kun. If it's too much of a bother, then I'll just look for an apartment."

"No, it's no problem, Irina. We're just having a dispute about someone trying to decide things for me. Someone who thinks that they might be able to get away with doing it more if they start off with little things," he said, never breaking eye contact with Azazel.

"Would it really be any different if she asked you as opposed to just saying she will, since we already know the answer?"

"Yes. Because asking is just basic courtesy, which you seem to lack," said Issei in an annoyed tone.

Azazel let a small chuckle escape him. "Well, you wouldn't be the first to say that. Anyways, make sure you all get along, for the sake of this alliance and taking down the Khaos Brigade."

Issei glared at him some more before sighing and moving on. "Do we have any new information about what they're up to?"

"Nothing specific right now. They're causing small problems here and there across different supernatural factions, but there doesn't seem to be a clear goal yet other than stirring up trouble," explained Azazel.

Issei made a thoughtful expression at the information. "If that's the case, then I could talk to Da Vinci about maybe sending help to the other pantheons. I have plenty of Servants from all over the world who would probably be more than willing to go to their old stomping grounds and lend a hand. Heh, some of them may even meet their counterparts," said Issei in an amused tone.

"As entertaining an idea as that is, the other pantheons are still not a part of the alliance we made. We can't just go into their territory and say, "we're here to help!" and expect them to not be suspicious. Granted, we're working on that if you remember," said Azazel.

"Right. Odin and his valkyrie. She was pretty cute," said Issei absentmindedly.

This immediately got the girls' attention as Issei didn't seem to notice their pointed stares. Mash immediately probed Issei for info. "Senpai, when did you meet Odin and a valkyrie?" She did her best to disguise her actual intent as being curious.

"It was during the game between Rias and Sona. I happened to run into Odin who had apparently been invited to watch the match." Issei looked over to Rias. "He was impressed with both yours and Sona's teams during the match," he said with a smile, earning a blush from the red-head.

"And what about the valkyrie? Was she like the three at Chaldea?" asked Mash.

Issei made a thoughtful expression again, trying to recall his interaction. "I wouldn't say that. We talked a bit before and after the match ended, before I came to see the others. She was apparently a child prodigy back home. Despite being about our age, she has all the certifications to be a teacher. Also, Odin seems to give her a hard time about not being in a relationship, which I think is ridiculous considering how pretty she is."

"You've said she's pretty twice now," said Mash in an almost monotone voice.

Issei seemed to finally pick up that something was off and looked at Mash. Despite her neutral face he knew that her eyes told him that she was suspicious of something. "I-is there something you're worried about?" Issei asked, now a bit unsure what to say.

"Do you plan on adding her to the harem?" she asked directly.

"I mean, I don't know her all that well besides our short talk before so I wouldn't say anything is guaranteed," he said evasively.

"Senpai…" she said in a warning tone.

"Mashu, I don't know yet. I wouldn't be opposed, since she seemed like a nice person, but you know I wouldn't take my chances just based on that."

Mash stared at him for a moment before making an accepting expression. "If you say so, Senpai."

Issei breathed a sigh of relief while the other girls looked like they still wanted to say something. Asia in particular seemed like she was worried about something. Azazel decided it was time to get back on track. "Alright, that's enough distractions. Rias, you and your team need to prepare for your next match."

"Has our next opponent been decided?" asked Rias.

"Yes, and it's someone you all should know very well by now," said Azazel as he handed Rias a paper.

Rias read it and her face showed surprise then annoyance. "Diodora…"

The mention of Diodora made Issei irritable again, but a smug grin appeared on his face. "So, you guys are gonna fight Diodora next? Well isn't that just perfect. I'll make sure that you all are as prepared as you need to be to rip him a new one."

The others gave nervous chuckles as while they agreed that Diodora needed a beating they were worried that Issei might take their training too far with them. Mash decided to come to their rescue. "Senpai, please show some restraint. I know you want to beat him up yourself but don't try to use the others as a proxy. Train them properly."

At Mash's words Issei calmed down a bit. "Right. Sorry everyone, I let myself get carried away."

"It's fine Ise. We understand your frustration," said Rias.

Issei gave her a grateful smile. Before they could continue though Da Vinci appeared as a call came through. "Hey there Fujimaru-kun. I need you and Mashu to come back to Chaldea for a bit," she said, a bit out of the blue.

Everyone was surprised. "Did something happen?" asked Mash, a bit concerned.

"Nothing in particular. I have some more things to give you as well as something to show you. It should only take a couple of hours."

"If you say so." Issei and Mash stood up and looked at the others. "Sorry but we're gonna head out. We'll see you all later," said Issei. The others nodded as Issei and Mash left.

"I wonder what that was about?" mused Akeno out loud. The others couldn't help but be curious as well but figured that Issei would tell them about it when he got back.

It was night in the Hyoudou household and Issei was currently relaxing in one of the large baths on the lower floors of his renovated house. He never expected his visit to Chaldea to become another Singularity that would have to be dealt with. And at the end of it all, everything was reset back to before it happened and nobody besides him and Ddraig remembered. Well, them and a certain A.I. girl who may or may not be plotting to exterminate humanity. For now, BB and her sisters pledged to help Issei protect the Human Order, but Issei was smart enough to know that that could change on a whim. That aside, Issei received some new Class Cards from Da Vinci, including an Avenger (Edmond Dantés), Saber (Nero), Caster (Sieg), and Rider (Francis Drake). This gave him all the base classes now as well as an extra class. He felt it wasn't a coincidence that Dantés was the first Avenger Class Card he got. All that aside, Issei felt mentally exhausted from the events at .PH and when he got home immediately went to relax and take his mind off of it. Though when he took his mind off that his mind ended up wandering back to Diodora. He scowled as he thought about the upcoming match for Rias. Of all the people she had to fight next it had to be him. Although maybe this is a good thing. Means we can deal with this problem as quickly as possible. Issei made a contemplative expression. There's something off about Diodora. Everything about how he carries himself just feels off. And his actions almost seem… calculated. Wait…. Issei's eyes widened in realization. Did he set up Asia from the beginning? Did he purposefully get her kicked from the church so he could take her himself? But then how did the fallen get their hands on her? Maybe they beat him to the punch? Or was that part of his plan too?

Issei's thoughts were a mess as he kept thinking of what was really going on. So much so that he failed to notice another person entering the bath, or rather two other people. He was snapped out of his thoughts as two pairs of hands wrapped themselves around him. "You seem distracted, Ise," said Rias in a comforting tone.

"Senpai, you've been out of it since before we came back. Did something happen?" asked Mash.

Issei let out a sigh. "Something did happen, but that's not what's bothering me right now."

The two looked at each other before looking back at Issei. "Then what's wrong?" asked Rias.

Issei hesitated a moment before voicing his earlier thoughts. "It's about Diodora. I think he set up Asia and that's why she was kicked out of the church."

Both Mash and Rias made surprised expressions before Mash's turned serious and Rias looked a bit unsure. "How do you figure? That's a bold claim to make towards one of the pillar families without proof," asked Rias, a bit worried Issei might be getting too emotional.

"Sorry to worry you. Something happened recently and my mind is still in observation and deduction mode. I was thinking about the situation with Diodora and Asia and as I was mentally reviewing it, it all seemed a bit too convenient. While I don't think of him as strong, I doubt it would be easy to injure someone like Diodora. Who would have attacked him and how did he end up near a church? And he just happened to end up where someone with a healing Sacred Gear was? It seemed a bit too much to be a coincidence. The only thing I'm still unsure about is how Asia ended up with the fallen. I'm not sure if they beat him to the punch in getting her or if he was waiting for something to happen with them and we ended up interfering in his plans." Issei went from explaining to rambling as his brain was trying to figure out what was the truth and what was his own paranoia.

Rias and Mash looked at each other again, with Rias looking concerned, never having seen Issei like this, and Mash, looking a bit serious, tried to rein in Issei. "Senpai, you're rambling again."

Issei seemed to snap out of it when Mash spoke to him. "Sorry Mashu. Thanks. I know I sound paranoid, but I can't shake the feeling that he's after Asia for something other than "love"," he said while making air quotes with his hands, earning chuckles from Rias and Mash.

"Well, I agree that he seems to be after something," said Rias. "It's normal for nobles to want something that they can't have, and Diodora is a prime example of scheming behind a kind smile, at least to me." Rias let out a sigh. "Regardless, he's picking a fight with someone he stands no chance against when it comes to you, though he probably thinks he can continue to be bold by being the heir to the Astaroth family, with his older brother being a Maou."

"Wait, his older brother is a Maou?!" asked Mash, with Issei also looking a bit shocked.

"Oh, did I not mention that before? His older brother is the current Beelzebub, Ajuka Beelzebub."

"Oh, him! He was the one who made the temporary pieces I used for your match," Issei remembered.

"Yes. He created the Evil Piece System and is responsible for many inventions in the Underworld. He holds a lot of influence because of this and Diodora can use that to some degree to get away with more things than others."

"This only makes me more convinced that his "encounter" with Asia wasn't an accident. Someone that important wouldn't be in the human world by himself for no reason."

"Maybe you're right, but we can't say or do anything without proof."

"Well, maybe I can put a little "political pressure" on him to get him to back off. After all, Chaldea is allies with the Underworld, we don't answer to them. I'm sure Sirzechs and Serafall can say something to Ajuka to get his brother to back off."

"You really care about Asia-san, don't you, Senpai?" asked Mash.

"I do. Her being my woman aside, I feel a familial need to protect her. I saw her like a little sister before, someone fragile and in need of guidance. There are plenty of people in this world who would take advantage of that, and I refuse to let her suffer from that," Issei said resolutely.

"Issei-san…" said a voice from behind.

The trio turned their heads to see Asia had entered the bath, along with Akeno, Koneko, Xenovia, Nero, Raikou, Kiyohime, BB, Meltryllis, and Passionlip, all of them being covered by towels. Issei wasn't surprised about some of the people who eventually entered, though he did raise an eyebrow at BB and her sisters entering with them. "Why are all of you down here?" asked Issei.

"Ara ara, we just wanted to share a bath with our darling Issei, but it looks like the head wives beat us to the best spots," said Akeno.

"Master…" Passionlip's tone became dangerous. "What is this about you having other wives?"

"So, you have the guts to flaunt other women in front of me?" asked Meltryllis with a dangerous tone.

"My my, how naughty of you Senpai. It's a wonder you didn't fall for Kiara's attempts to sleep with you," said BB in a mischievous tone.

"What?!" exclaimed the other girls, just now learning of this news. Now everyone was staring at Issei with intense gazes for various reasons.

Issei, feeling like his life was in danger, made a placating gesture as he spoke. "Now hold on. Let's not overreact until I explain." He looked at BB and her sisters. "You three are new here so I haven't had the chance to tell you yet, but I'm actually building a harem," he said with a straight face that even made BB's eyes widen in surprise.

"So what? You play around with women? What kind of scumbag are you?" said Meltryllis.

"Oi! I won't let you insult my fiancé. Issei doesn't just accept any floozy who just throws themselves at him." Rias looked at BB. "You yourself said that Issei resisted this Kiara woman's advances, right?"

"Well… he did," said BB. For a moment it looked like she was gonna try and come up with something to spice things up but drew a blank and just went with the truth.

Rias returned her attention to Meltryllis. "Issei only accepts those who have true feelings for him. Anyone who simply wants to fool around or is trying to get something from him he immediately rejects. We are all here because we want to be and we knew what we were getting into." She pointed at Meltryllis with a determined gaze. "I don't care if you're a Servant or not, I will not stand for that kind of slander."

Meltryllis was a bit stunned at Rias' declaration, while BB seemed amused at the development. Passionlip seemed to be contemplating something at this news and Rias' words. Meltryllis regained her composure and huffed while folding her arms. "Hmph! Well, if it's like that, then I guess there's no problem." Her gaze returned to Issei. "But don't think that I will be so easy!" she said defiantly.

Issei just chuckled at Melt's tsundere attitude. Everyone seemed to calm down as the rest of the girls joined the bath. Issei was about to explain what BB meant about Kiara when Asia spoke first. "Issei-san, thank you."

Issei looked at Asia a bit confused. "What for, Asia?"

"For being there for me. For protecting me," she said, her face flushed. Mash moved out of the way so Asia could be next to Issei.

Issei smiled and brought her in closer. "Of course, Asia. I promised to be there for you and help you with whatever you needed. I wouldn't go back on my word."

Asia's smile grew but then her expression became downcast. "He is becoming a bigger problem, isn't he?" she asked.

Issei knew what she meant and figured she would only ask now if she heard what he was talking about earlier. "How much did you hear?"

"I didn't mean to eavesdrop," she said with a guilty expression, but Issei gave her an understanding look. "It was when you said you weren't convinced that me meeting Diodora was by chance."

Issei let a sigh escape him. He knew if he tried to brush it off it would only make Asia worry more so he decided to come clean. "Considering his position in the Underworld as well as his rumored abilities, I find it hard to believe that he would get so injured, while also being by himself, and just so happen to be near a church which is the base for his at the time enemies. All the while that church happened to have someone that could heal any wound and was kindhearted enough to not discriminate when it comes to helping others."

"Yeah, that sounds like the setup to some crappy romantic drama," said BB as she was messing with her hair.

"It screams staged accident. Probably planning on preying on an innocent girl so he can mess around to his heart's content," said Meltryllis

Hearing her words, Asia shivered slightly, thinking that she was possibly deceived all this time. Issei's expression became dangerous while Rias and the other members of the ORC that were there also showed displeased expressions. Passionlip's expression became furious. "How dare someone make a mockery of love! Master, show me to this fool so I may tear him to pieces!"

"As much as I would love to watch you do that Lip, he unfortunately is in a position that just getting rid of him would cause more problems. But if the opportunity presents itself I'll let you know, if I haven't already ripped him apart myself," said Issei with a dangerous smile.

"I didn't think you had this in you, Senpai. You were so calm and collected during the events of SERAPH. Even facing the shocking things you did you kept your calm and stubborn determination. Yet here you are having a hard time keeping your cool over some spoiled rich kid. You're a real strange one," said BB in her usual innocent-but-not-really tone.

"Well, I think I can only get upset when it's something that I feel is in my control. I've pretty much accepted that my missions for Chaldea are going to be things outside my control, so I do my best to roll with what I got. But this is different. I have actual influence over what happens with this, so it's naturally more frustrating when things don't go my way or seem to be getting annoying."

"So, it's like that, is it?"

"Don't get any funny ideas, BB."

BB placed a hand on her chest in mock affront. "Senpai, I would never–"

Issei leveled a look at her as she pretended not to see it. The others were reminded of what was said earlier and were now curious as to what happened. "Senpai, what is she talking about?" asked Mash.

Issei looked at her and showed a tired expression. "Well, it went something like this…" he said as he retold the events of SERAPH to the others.

Happy New Year, a few days early. This will be the last post of the year and it's the beginning of the next volume. Normally these intros are shorter but I had a lot I wanted to put in here, apparently. Now first thing about this I wanna address, yes, I did skip over SERAPH but mentioned it happening because it was one of those interludes that was directly connected to the plot, involving one of the Demon God Pillars. The reason I didn't go into it for people who haven't been following this story for a while is because I want to do Agartha as my first Singularity and thankfully, that one is next. And once that one is done I will do other Singularities, including the ones I skipped over as well as some original ones I had ideas for. Second thing is about this volume. This is another shorter one where the plot is rather sparce for the arc but I think this will be a good thing to help set up for the Singularity. As far as this chapter goes, it was just setup for Issei's feelings about his current situation and reintroducing Irina. What do you all think? I look forward to the comments and here's to 2025 being a good year. ; )