In the clubroom of the ORC the club members kept themselves busy as everyone was doing devil work minus Issei, Mash, and Akeno. Issei and Akeno were currently teaching two guests that had arrived later on, that being Kiryuu and Murayama. Kiryuu had joined up with them after classes and Murayama came after her kendo club got out. Since the group was done with the Fallen Angel incident, Issei decided it was the perfect time to see if the girls had any affinity for magic, then if so, to see if they could be taught Magecraft. Akeno was helping with the lesson since she was the most skilled with magic besides Rias and Rias was busy doing some paperwork.
"You two seem to be getting the hang of it rather well. I can see your magic control is getting better, now it's only a matter of harnessing that power. Try to manifest the power in your hand," instructed Akeno.
The two girls concentrated, trying to summon their power as instructed while Issei observed in interest. Issei had never tried using magic like the others, opting to use magecraft like he was taught. So, although he wasn't participating like the other two, he was listening intently to Akeno's lesson. Finally, some results showed themselves as lightning and darkness manifested in Murayama's and Kiryuu's hands respectively. "I-I did it!" said Murayama excitedly. Kiryuu also had a happy and excited expression on her face.
"Well done you two. It seems Mirayama-san has an affinity for thunder and lightning magic like me, while Kiryuu-san has an affinity for dark magic, which is rare for a normal human," said Akeno interested.
"Is it that strange?" asked Issei.
Akeno looked to him and smiled. "It's not unheard of, but dark magic is usually something learned unless you have a Sacred Gear or a family lineage that has a relation to dark magic." Akeno turned to Kiryuu. "Kiryuu-san, do you know if your family has a connection to anything supernatural? Even if it is only a vague connection or maybe a passing comment you remember your family saying."
Kiryuu began to think about it but after a bit she shook her head. "Sorry, but my family hasn't said anything out of the ordinary. I haven't seen anything strange in my house either."
Akeno went into thought for a bit before giving her opinion. "Maybe it's something that was lost as the generations went on or maybe you just happen to have a chance potential. It's also completely possible that you have a Sacred Gear that is dormant inside you, although we don't have a way to tell."
"Detecting Sacred Gears are more of the Fallen's specialty, even if the Devils have their own way," chimed in Rias.
Issei began to ponder alternatives. "We might be able to find out in Chaldea. They've examined my Sacred Gear so they might be able to see if either of them have one too. Although it isn't like they would know for sure." Issei then gave the pair a small smile. "Either way, now that we know that you both have magic potential we can see if you are compatible as Masters for Chaldea. Although whether or not you can use magecraft without magic circuits we'll have to wait and see."
Everyone looked to Issei slightly curious. "What are magic circuits?" asked Rias.
Issei made a face of realization that he never explained that. "Magic circuits are something that you are born with in the other world. Magic circuits are a pseudo-nervous system that spreads itself through the human body and what qualifies a person to be a Magus. It converts life force into magical energy and allows the Magus to use magecraft. They are directly connected to the soul and every person is born with a different amount of them."
While Kiba got the jist of what Issei explained, something he said bugged him. "But Issei-kun, you were born here, so how are you able to use magecraft?" asked Kiba.
Issei made a gloomy expression and looked away, with Mash also having a downcast expression. The rapid change in their moods made everyone slightly panic. "You don't have to say if it's too personal Issei!" said Rias hurriedly.
Issei shook his head. "No, it's fine. I was gonna have to tell you one day anyways," he said with a melancholic look. "Remember how I told you that Chaldea took me in because I had nowhere to go?" Rias nodded. "Well, there were other reasons besides that. Being from a world that hadn't lost true magic my body was fundamentally different from the people there since they grew up in a world with a small and limited magic supply." Issei placed his hand over his chest. "I'm sure you all heard about me having to wear a shirt during activities that require me to be without one, right?" Everyone nodded. "Rias, Asia, and Akeno-san have seen it but the rest of you haven't, but I have scars on my body that aren't noticeable as long as I wear my shirt. I got those scars from, experimental surgery at Chaldea."
Those words shocked everyone there. Everyone knew that scars were frowned upon in Japan even if they were acquired through no fault of their own. They never expected something like that to happen, especially those of them who had already visited Chaldea once before. "What do you mean by experimental surgery?!" asked Rias, concerned and slightly angry.
Issei just had a tired look. "To them, when I got there, I was just another subject of their experiments. When they summoned me, they naturally examined me and saw that my body was different. So, they decided to open me up and see how I ticked." With his words the expression on everyone's faces changed to a mix of horror and disgust. Issei continued. "Part of their experiments was to see if the unidentified magic in my body could be accessed, so their idea was to put artificial magic circuits in me to see if I could utilize my magic through a system they were familiar with, which as you know, I can."
The others had looks of pity on their faces for Issei and remembered the words Mash once said when they were training to fight Riser. Despite all that we have here, the inner workings are entangled in dark dealings as well as depravity. Some would call it a necessary evil to protect the greater good but that will be determined by the results I suppose. Her words at that time now made it much clearer that what they had, came at great cost.
"Eventually they shifted their focus back to their original project because experimenting on me was not part of their goal, but they couldn't let me leave either since they didn't know what I was capable of back then. Eventually one doctor gave me a purpose there and I came to be an honorary member of Chaldea until the incident with Humanity's Incineration happened. I don't like to think about those times. It's in the past and most of the people who were involved with it at the time are dead so there is no use dwelling on it," said Issei, trying to change the subject. He then showed everyone a kind smile. "I ask all of you to not think too badly of Chaldea. It is, at the end of the day, an organization funded by a bigger corporation that has its hands in various "business ventures" and we have to do what they want, or they'll pull the plug on us." Issei gave a tired look again. "Although that may be happening already."
This surprised everyone. "Why would they shut down Chaldea? Didn't you save all of humanity?" asked Rias.
"Yes, we did, but to everyone else it was like they were asleep the whole time and they all lost a year of their life. It's an annoying case of "they didn't see it happen, so did it really happen?" kind of situation. We have the data to back up our claims, so they sort of believe us, but the things we had to do to survive and win also went against the rules they put on Chaldea."
Everyone looked curious. "What rules?" asked Asia.
"Well under normal circumstances it would only be possible for a Master to have one Servant. A powerful Magus could have more but that would be considered a threat strong enough to turn the world on its head."
The others could understand that line of thinking seeing Issei's Servants in action. "Wait! Don't you have like hundreds of them?!" stated Kiryuu.
Issei showed a smug smile. "Yes, I do. It was necessary since it was an emergency situation, but now that it's been resolved I am the most dangerous threat to them now, although they don't know that yet."
Everyone looked at him confused. "Why don't they know?" asked Akeno.
"Because Da Vinci-chan and the other staff have been working to, "embellish", the data so that it doesn't seem like I'm doing this all myself. If the Clock Tower or any Magus from that world realized I could use that many Servants they would want to eliminate me, or worse, experiment on me to try and get that ability for themselves."
They all understood that since it was similar to how some people in the factions treated Sacred Gear holders. "But if they're doing that, why would they shut down Chaldea?" asked Rias again.
"Because the original director of Chaldea died and the person who took over as director died at the end when we saved humanity as well, leaving Da Vinci in charge. Since the director owned Chaldea and there wasn't any heir to the Animusphere family that could take over, Chaldea is being divided up by people who put some stock into the organization." said Issei, clearly annoyed.
The others had dumbfounded faces on. Considering the great potential of Chaldea, the idea of dissolving it just because it was a possible threat was incredibly stupid to them. "Why would they dissolve such a great force that could protect all of them?" asked Rias.
"Because the Magus of the Clock Tower are selfish and wish to hoard magical knowledge and power to themselves. The Clock Tower is governed by Noble Magus families, and despite them working together, it is only so that they may benefit from the others. Once they don't benefit, they would quickly and happily toss the other groups aside." spat Issei.
The devils had dark but understanding looks while Murayama and Kiryuu were now confused. "Wait a minute Issei-kun. Didn't you want us to join Chaldea? How are we supposed to join if it's about to get dissolved?" asked Murayama.
Issei gave a wry smile which surprised everyone. "Well, it's true that Chaldea would dissolve if the Clock Tower doesn't come to an agreement about someone else taking over, but that situation only really applies in that world." Issei shrugged in an over dramatic fashion. "If someone were to, oh I don't know, give Chaldea the resources to operate independently of the Clock Tower, preferably in a place they couldn't easily reach us, then it would be a different story now wouldn't it," said Issei, giving a look to Rias.
Rias caught on to what Issei was saying and showed a devilish smile of her own. "True. If Chaldea made an agreement with the Devil Faction, we could easily supply them with everything they would need as well as land to operate in. If it was kept strictly between the Maoh and Chaldea, then your group would be able to operate mostly restriction free. I'm sure my brother would be more than happy to negotiate terms when he has the time."
The pair exchanged devious smiles while everyone else watched on nervously. Murayama continued though. "Still, isn't this plan dangerous? Won't they attack Chaldea if they know they are trying to operate independently of them?"
"Well, we are already in a tough situation, since the Clock Tower doesn't even know that this world exists. Chaldea has been keeping any and all information relating to this world under wraps because if the big wigs of the Clock Tower find out they will try to exploit this world and the magic in it for their own benefit. So, it's better to say that the safest option is to quickly get this done so once they eventually catch on we will already be long gone," said Issei seriously.
With that said everyone in the room now understood the gravity of the situation. Seeing Issei's abilities and comrades and knowing that he is a novice compared to the Mages of the other world, it really struck home the amount of damage that could be done if someone with less than good intentions came from that world to this one. As they were all contemplating this there was a knock at the door. Issei looked to Rias thinking she might have been expecting someone, but she looked just as confused. Eventually she called out to whoever was on the other side. "Come in."
With her words the door opened and someone unexpected came in. "Excuse me," said Scàthach as she entered in casual clothes.
Issei immediately stood up at attention. "S-Shishou?! What are you doing here?!" he asked nervously.
Scàthach looked around the room. "I was curious to see where you spend your time, Master. What, am I not allowed to be here?"
"N-no, no! That's not what I meant. I just wasn't expecting you is all," said Issei, trying not to upset his teacher.
Murayama and Kiryuu were now interested in this new Servant that Issei called teacher. Scàthach noticed the two new faces along with Xenovia who she hasn't met yet. "Oh, I'm sorry. Am I interrupting something?"
"No shishou. These two are my classmates and people who could become potential new Masters for Chaldea."
"Oh?" responded Scàthach with interest. She began to examine the two girls sternly and they sat up straighter due to nervousness. After a bit of time Scàthach finally spoke again. "Are you two sure that you're up to the task?" The question took them by surprise. "Don't be deceived by Master's lax nature, accepting this occupation is the same as putting your life on the line. You must be fine with killing others to achieve your goals, otherwise it will be your lives that will be lost." The girls were shocked by her bluntness but after Issei's story earlier the content wasn't all that surprising. The two seemed to be mulling over their answer so Scàthach added one more detail. "Don't assume that you will have many Servants following you like Master. His circumstances and ability are different from ordinary Masters. You will more than likely only have one Servant and unless you have a way to call a specific one you won't get to choose who it is. As such no matter how skilled you are, your safety will ultimately be left up to fate. Knowing all this, do you really wish to be Masters?"
There was silence as everyone watched intently at the conversation, with both Issei and Mash staring intently at the two. The first to speak was Murayama. "I-I want to be a Master. I want to understand, even if only a little bit, what Issei-kun went through." Everyone who heard her understood what she meant. Those who weren't there for the conversation were informed about Murayama's feelings around Issei's disappearance so they could tell it still weighed on her mind even if she was forgiven. "It might seem like a flimsy reason, but I already made a mistake that I thought couldn't be reversed before. I don't want to take this chance for granted so I will make sure to properly understand the situation this time," she said, determined.
Kiryuu picked up after her. "I'm the same, although I wouldn't say that my reasoning is exactly the same as Murayama's," she said with a smirk, causing Murayama to blush. "Issei has been moving around like the whole world is on his shoulders ever since he came back. I want to help him in any way I can so that he can at least go back to being the same pervert he used to be from time to time," she said with a kind smile.
Scàthach looked at the pair a bit more then showed a small smile. "I see. If that is what you wish, then I have no reason to stop you. Just know that the path ahead will be paved with blood in one form or fashion. Walking this path means walking away from a normal life for the rest of your life," she warned. The pair nodded at her words with determined looks.
With that conversation done Issei decided to ask Scàthach something. "Shishou, could you check and see if there is anything that we could all still improve. We have been fighting and training still but since you fought us before I wanted to know your opinion of where we're at now."
Scàthach looked around the room, examining everyone as her Master requested. After a few moments of silence, she gave her results. "Everyone has made improvements since last time, I can at least tell that much but," she looked to Rias who stiffened nervously. "While your power has increased you still lack physical strength and a decisive move that will finish off your enemies."
Rias looked contemplative, not sure what she should do. Meanwhile issei added his own commentary to Scàthach's examination. "True. It is common practice for Magus to learn and train in reinforcement magecraft, like I use, to strengthen their bodies defense and attack capabilities. Then they train in a martial art of their choosing so that if magecraft is unusable they are not completely helpless. Unfortunately, this is a glaring problem for both you and Akeno-san. If we were to get into a fight and magic was blocked the two of you would be almost completely use- *cough* -helpless," said Issei, interrupting himself to change his wording.
Even though he caught himself the pair knew he was about to call them useless. Their mood was saddened but they knew that he and Scàthach were right. Seeing that they understood this, Scàthach continued. "While it's not wrong to work on something that you specialize in, if that is all you have and the enemy figures it out then it is all over for you. As such you should figure out what you can do to cover for your weaknesses yourself. You won't always have your servants there to protect you. Either that or become so over-specialized in your ability that no one else can possibly stand against you," she said with a villainous smile. Rias nodded in determination from the advice and Scàthach turned her attention to Akeno next. "I would say the same as what Master and I said earlier applies to you as well. Also, you still seem to have something that is holding you back. As I said last time I brought it up, it's none of my business but if you don't find a way to resolve it you will never gain the power that you seek." Akeno made a bitter face while Issei looked at her curiously and Rias looked at her with a bit of pity. Next Scàthach looked to Asia. "I'm aware that you are not one for combat but being just a healer is not good enough. If you can't at least defend yourself on the battlefield then you're just dead weight," she said harshly. Asia had a sad look while Issei held himself back from saying something to Scàthach. He agreed with her, but he naturally wanted to defend Asia, even if it was unreasonable. "If you are not going to learn any offensive based skills then you should at least learn some that will protect yourself and others. Having a barrier magic skill of some kind would be my suggestion."
Asia looked at Scàthach with a determined look, which only made her look adorable, and nodded. "I will do my best Scàthach-san."
Scàthach nodded and moved on to Koneko. "You seem to be progressing at a steady rate so there is no problem if you keep doing what you're doing, but like with the queen you need to resolve whatever it is that is holding you back or you will never get the power you wish for." Koneko just looked down, upset in a similar manner to Akeno. Scàthach then looked to Kiba and showed a pleased smile. "You have grown leaps and bounds from our last interaction and it looks like whatever was weighing you down has been resolved. From this point forward, you need only hone your newfound potential." Kiba smiled at the praise he received as well as the knowledge that his journey wasn't in vain. Finally, Scàthach turned to Xenovia and made an unsure face. "I don't know who you are, so I don't know how to evaluate you," she stated matter of factly.
Xenovia stood up and bowed to her. "I am Xenovia, Rias-buchou's new knight. I am a swordswoman and former exorcist of the church."
Scàthach began to look her up and down and even circled her once causing the knight to stand up straighter. After a quick examination Scàthach gave her opinion. "You seem to be well trained, and I can tell you have plenty of battle experience. I can't really say more without seeing how you fight firsthand," she said with an implying smile.
Xenovia was surprised but then showed a brave smile. "I will gladly show you just what I am capable of," she said confidently. As Issei was going to try and stop her the pair were already out the door.
Issei put a hand on his head. "She has no idea what she's in for." The others just looked at him with humorous but sympathetic looks. Needless to say, the sound of the two fighting outside resounded for a while as the ORC tried to continue their usual work.
Hey all! This is my Christmas and New Years gift to you guys. So, I have finished writing the rest of this Volume due to my sudden motivation and as such I am going to keep this writing train going. Since you guys will most likely be waiting for updates to this story mostly, I'm going to slowly release the next three chapters I've done, because I am going to start writing the DxD X YuGiOh fanfic I mentioned before. So, while I start writing that I will be uploading the chapters to this story to bide my time and once I'm done uploading them, I will start writing the next Volume, that being the Factions Meeting arc. Look forward to that. Anyways in terms of this chapter, I wanted to bring up the surgery and artificial Magic circuits plot point earlier in the story but the only place I thought of where it made sense to bring it up was during the training arc against Riser and that was pretty packed already. I did hint at it by mentioning the scars at the beginning of the story but now I was able to clarify it. Also, for Kiryuu and Murayama's powers, I wanted to give them abilities that matched well with their styles and I have a plan to give Kiryuu a Sacred Gear but I didn't find one on the wiki or anywhere that I thought went well with what I have in mind so I'm gonna have to make up one, but thinking of a name and a set of abilities will be difficult so it won't come into play for a while. As for Murayama I don't plan on giving her a Sacred Gear but that may change depending on how things develop. Also, I wanted to ask all of you, what other criticisms would you give the current ORC that they could work on to improve themselves? Try not to mention things that will be resolved by future plot points, I want to hear something that the original story didn't cover or work on that you guys think might need improving.