Welcome to the next chapter of DxD – The Last Amagiri, but before starting the story. Let's answer some reviews:
altajir95: Kensei did have a nice trip around Lucifaad led by Ravel, where he met Iryuka, Sairaorg, and his Queen, Kuisha. I bet it was a surprise since most would have forgotten about someone like Jason who's the equivalent of a beginner villain but returned. Those two did come in handy helping him fight all the enemies there until that unknown creature appeared.
Darth Simp: That is going to be a fun team-up to write against that creature named "Hakki". Of course, it would be weird if those two didn't at least fight each other once. I'm sure Kensei and Sairaorg are already thinking about that match. I am waiting for Kensei to meet Koneko and Kuroka too since they're also one of my favorite characters too. I can see him helping Koneko overcome her fears of Senjutsu, and maybe the sole person who could understand Kuroka's situation.
The interactions between Ravel and Koneko are always fun to read, and I could imagine what it can turn into with Kensei involved. I like the idea of Kensei becoming one of Koneko's main customers, more so if those are the requests. I think she'd love handling Minako crazy and perverted fans since she does that regularly.
Slimereader11: Thanks. And you aren't alone in that regard.
Guest: He does know about it, and I do wonder if that will happen.
Guest 2: Same here, I did put a lot of thought into making their characters. I think that Kensei would be able to understand the situation that Koneko and Kuroka were in the most. A lot of people are looking forward to seeing what kind of person Lu Lingqi is too, as well as her introduction. There was also someone who mentioned the same thing about being mistaken for a Rook.
Attack on the Phenex I
Standing in the middle of the clearing further from the residential areas and town of Lucifaad, was Kensei, Ravel, Sairaorg, and Kuisha on one side. On the other side, it was Jason, who was simply standing there looking on as the events continued playing out; and the unknown creature named Hakki. Taking note of their approaching fight, the men donned in black outfits started moving to avoid getting caught up in it.
"I'll need to pin that thing down before sending Ravel back," Kensei thought as he stood in a prepared stance as both katanas were prepared in his hands. He rethought the moments after it first appeared and attacked Kuisha. "It accelerated at top speed and attacked Kuisha-san, who was still preoccupied fighting and using her powers. It wasn't the movement of a rampaging beast, but instead an instinctive sense to eliminate the likely threat. So, if I stop to send her back using a magic circle, then it'll attempt to tear me to shreds."
Sairaorg looked prepared for whatever Hakki was going to do, as it stood in the same position as before.
There was a dense tension in the air as Ravel, and Kuisha looked prepared for whatever was going to happen in the next couple of moves. It was then that the Hakki started opening up its mouth, revealing fangs as its growl soon started growing louder and louder until…
Roar!
A roar escaped from its mouth, which appeared to expand all across the entire field followed by a dark aura seeped from its entire body. It looked to have even caused all the animals hiding around the area to escape from merely its presence alone.
"Well, that's some roar."
Kensei said as he clenched his katanas in his hand, then noticed the creature turning its attention to him.
Seconds later, it vanished and appeared near Kensei as its clawed hands were reaching out towards his face. Reacting to that, he slashed Kurogane and countered the slash as sparks began flying because his black sword clashed against its black claws. And that signaled the start of their battle as Hakki began lashing at Kensei using its claws, which reacted to by countering the slashes using his katanas.
"This thing is seriously fast! And none of its moves looked to belong to a regular beast," Kensei said internally as he continued countering each of its slashes. "If I hadn't gotten this good at dual-wielding, then it would have been more difficult doing this much."
Before Kensei could swing the second katana in his left hand, Hakki grabbed onto his left wrist and held onto it tightly. He couldn't help being surprised about the pressure from that grip, as the creature aimed its left clawed hand at him intending to pierce him. In response to that, Kensei launched Kurogane into the air, and then caught its hand using its right hand.
Both Kensei and Hakki seemed as if the two were starting to have a contest of strength with each other, as it was still trying to pierce him. It was then that Kensei leaped somewhat off the ground, then aimed a hard kick at Hakki's abdomen, and released a burst of ki from the soles of his feet. From that, Hakki was sent backward after being forced to let go of Kensei.
After landing on the ground, he caught Kurogane in his right hand, causing a blue aura to cover the swords, then released two blue slashes. Both slashes soared towards Hakki, who was still in mid-air, while in that state, it held out both its clawed hands. But, the slash attack still sent flying back as its hand was cut from them, however, the creature managed to break free using its dark aura.
Once it landed on the ground, it turned around after sensing another presence and raised its forehead. And what the creature blocked was Sairaorg's fist, however, it realized that it was a mistake.
"If I were a normal devil, then that blocked would have been effective," Sairaorg said before looking down at the creature in front of him. "But, I'm not an ordinary devil."
At that moment, Hakki was blasted in another direction without being able to resist that powerful blow. Even the arm that was used to block it wasn't in the correct position. It didn't end there as Sairaorg pursed Hakki at a speed that Jason could follow using his eyes alone. Before Hakki could react again, the Bael Heir started releasing punches at the creature.
All the punches were dealing damage to the creature despite no blood leaving its mouth, but several cracks can be seen forming on its exoskeleton. At the last punch, Hakki blew back, this time in the direction of a smirking Kensei.
"Geez, and people used to say that I'm a character from a martial arts manga," Kensei said before positioning his katanas parallel to one another as Hakki was sent flying at him. A white aura of metal started covering both, then prepared to slash his swords upwards as the creature was starting to reach him. "Tougen Amagiri-ryuu: Otatsu Hitokuchi!"
Kensei slashed both swords upwards, slashing Hakki's chest causing a wound on its armor, and started sending it upwards. He didn't let it end at that, then jumped high into the air using Shinsoku, chasing after it before it could recover from that last attack. After reaching it, Kensei positioned himself above it, while twisting his body after he turned him around, and gripping both his swords in his hand.
"…Ryuusei!"
Kensei focused the aura around his swords, then brought both swords downwards onto Hakki, causing a strong impact, while releasing the aura at the same time. After that Hakki was sent crashing into the ground, creating a noticeable crater on the ground and causing a quake on the ground.
It wasn't long as Kensei landed on the ground still prepared for whatever was going to happen next.
"I hate to admit that he has certainly gotten much stronger than I thought."
Jason said under his breath after noticing the damage Kensei caused.
"Both Ken-sama and Sairaorg-sama were able to deal noticeable damage to it, despite neither of them using the full extent of their strength. But, what is that creature," Ravel asked as she replayed the entire battle in her head. "It's fast, able to get into a head-on clash against Ken-sama, and strong enough to stop his arm. As well as being at least durable enough to endure Sairaorg-sama's punches."
"I'm going to send you back to the mansion."
Kensei said appearing beside Ravel, then caused a magic circle to appear underneath her preparing to send her back to the Phenex Clan mansion.
"Ken-sama, be careful of that creature. I can tell that it is strong enough to give High-Class Devils trouble, but it's been giving off an unpleasant sensation since it first arrived."
"Yea, I know. I never read anything about a creature like this even from the books left behind in my clan. I'll need to look into this 'Benefactor' Jason mentioned. I'll come back as soon as I…."
Roar!
Hakki let out another roar from its mouth as a dark aura started raising from the center of the crater.
"The hell, it feels stronger than it was a second ago."
Kensei said feeling that its aura started slightly raising more than what it previously was.
"Ken-sama, I know that this is unrealistic. But, please don't get hurt."
He could see the concern in Ravel's voice.
"I can't guarantee that it won't rough me up a bit, but I promise that I won't die."
Kensei said in a gentle tone causing some relief in Ravel as she was sent back in a flash to the Phenex Castle.
"Now, let's see if I can…."
Kensei stopped after noticing that Hakki jumped out from the crater, then landed on the ground in front of them.
A low growl could be heard from its mouth, the same as before, even though the creature had wounds on its exoskeleton, and its harm was bent in another direction. It wasn't deterred despite all the injuries that it had on its body. Sairaorg could also sense that its aura was stronger than it previously was, then looked as Kensei went over toward him and Kuisha.
"I didn't think that this Hakki as he called it could continue fighting like this. It moves as if it is not a normal monster, but it's continuing to attack almost like a rabid beast. It even appears as if its aura has increased a bit for some reason as well."
Sairaorg surmised as Hakki kept proceeding to approach them despite its current state.
"It didn't start doing all that until after taking all those attacks from us. It could get stronger the more we attack it, or its strength based on its emotional state. Either way, I'm getting nothing, but evil ki from that thing," Kensei is a calculative tone replied. "Well, I do have techniques for dealing with…what's it doing?"
Kensei asked pointing at Hakki as it started forcing its arm back into its correct position, causing a notable, and unpleasant sound.
He and Sairaorg looked surprised as the creature began correcting its stance in a posture that could more or less belong to martial art. Due to their own experiences, the two master martial artists could tell that it was still bestial and instinctive rather than showing actual training.
"Oh, well, this is starting to get interesting."
Jason said finding this situation more interesting.
"Is it me, or does that look almost like a martial arts stance?"
Kensei said confused about the creature's current.
"This is surprising, I didn't expect to fight a monster who would do such a thing."
Sairaorg said interested in the idea of fighting a monster able to use martial arts too.
"I believe that it has started to adapt after fighting against both of you. I'll stand here, and support wherever I'm able to, Sairaorg-sama."
"Thanks. I doubt this situation if one where we can let this thing leave here without at least trying to destroy it," he could see that if it continues at this pace, then it could become something more difficult to handle. "It may end up becoming a threat to the Underworld."
"If possible, send it towards. I come from a clan who happen to specialize in hunting demons."
Kensei said as he stood prepared with Sairaorg, and Kuisha wordlessly agreed with that request if either ended up making that chance possible.
[Grrrrr.]
Hakki still growled, then stood in a prepared stance as it was covered in a dark aura.
It then propelled itself forward, this time using more of a particular stepping technique, which propelled itself at a high speed toward Kensei. Hakki aimed its clawed hand at him, blocking it using Kurogane this time, but then he felt an impact on his abdomen after sensing something."
"Gah," Kensei was sent a bit not expecting that hit from this monster. "It attacked me with its claws and knee at the same time. A hit like this isn't something that I can't handle, but I'd rather not get hit more than I need to. I have to keep my senses sharp to perceive more hidden and sneak attacks like that."
Hakki still rushed at him attacking him using its claws, and Kensei stared at it using more serious eyes as he held both swords in his hands. Similar to the first time, both of them started getting into a head-on clash against each other. Numerous sparks could be seen flying in the air as both their weapons collided, while he started focusing more on circulating his ki throughout his body.
"Even its attacks are a lot sharper than it was before. We were right, if this thing ends up getting away, it will end up turning into more of a problem. So, I'll kill it…."
Kensei moved his right sword into a posture as a blue aura started surrounding Kurogane, but Hakki noticed that its movement. Before he could launch that attack, it moved propelled itself backward as if it realized it was going to end up receiving a dangerous attack. Just as it was trying to escape from Kensei, then started moving around in an attempt to avoid getting hit.
Hakki didn't notice as a hole in space opened beside it, then slipped inside of the hole and exited from another at another location. It couldn't react fast enough as Sairaorg appeared right in front of it, his fist inches from its face, and slammed against it. His punch caused a notable shockwave as it was blasted backward, leaving a notable crack in its mask. However, the most notable thing was that it was heading in the same direction as Kensei, who was preparing a technique.
Kensei stood in a position as he pulled back Kurogane, his other sword stabbed into the ground, wanting to focus on using it instead. He started infusing a good deal of lightning inside of it, causing the hamon to turn blue as the lightning started being concentrated around the blade.
"Tougen Amagiri-ryuu," Kensei pressed his feet on the ground and positioned his body in the correct manner, which will bring out the highest power and speed possible. Hakki was helplessly being flung in the same direction as Kensei unable to alter its direction. "Inazuma Tsukisasu!"
Kensei aimed Kurogane forward at powerful and fast thrust, empowered by lightning, which sailed towards it with the intent of piercing its exoskeleton. And from that, the lightning-imbued Kurogane penetrated its armor causing a wail to escape from its mouth.
[Graaaaaaah!]
A pain-filled roar escaped from its mouth as it was pierced through, then lightning started covering its entire body, shocking it inside-out. As if in a desperate attempt, Hakki grabbed a hold of Kensei's arms using its hand, but it wasn't able to stop the technique as he started pouring the power of purification into it too.
[Graaaaaaah!]
Hakki roared as its dark aura seemed to weaken from the attack, being a lot weaker compared to before, starting to slowly fade.
[…K…i…you….]
"Huh? It talked?"
Kensei was surprised as a distorted voice could be heard coming from the creature's mouth, but he wasn't able to get anything from that. However, as soon as it did that, an uncomfortable feeling started overcoming Kensei as he pulled Kurogane from inside of it, and moved backward a good distance. At the same time, several ominous black tendrils started coming out from its shadow, wrapping all around its entire body. Before long, he noticed that Hakki was put into a motionless and inactive state as it was being dragged inside of the shadows.
"I don't think so," Kensei propelled himself forward as fast as possible as a white aura started covering Kurogane. "Tougen Amagiri-ryuu….!"
Before Kensei could complete that technique, Hakki was dragged into the shadow and vanished without its aura or presence being felt anywhere.
"Well, it looks as if our Benefactor decided to pull it back for some more adjustments, but I can see the reason he focused that much attention on making those."
"So, that thing isn't the only one."
Sairaorg mumbled, thinking about what other creature could be as strong or stronger than that one.
"If that's the case, then I'll be pulling back too," Jason spoke as his shadow started expanding outwards, which took his men too. "Well, this was an interesting little reunion. But, this won't be the end, since I will be getting the thing that our Benefactor desires."
Once those words left his mouth, both Jason and his men vanished inside the shadow, Kensei and Sairaorg let a sigh escape from their mouths.
"Ugh, he's not as arrogant as he was before, but he is still as annoying as before."
"I can take that as meaning you're acquainted with him."
Sairaorg pointed out as he and Kuisha approached him, as Kensei sheathed Kurogane and returned his second katana to its dimensional storage.
"We're not friends, we're the furthest from that. He an old enemy, I never thought that I'd meet him here. But, now that I know who's going after Ravel."
"Well, it looks as if something serious has been going on in the background," Sairaorg said before noticing that a lot of soldiers were starting to arrive on the scene. "Of course, the commotion here would attract the attention of the soldiers stationed around Lucifaad. Kensei, do you think that this would turn out bad for you?"
"If could only turn bad if the soldiers here…," Kensei said, but stopped after noticing that most of them turned the spears toward him without a second thought and not asking about the situation. "Never mind. I'm always the first person who gets a weapon pointed at them."
"Are you the person responsible for this?"
"No."
"You're the only one here!"
"Well, the person responsible for this just left a minute ago."
"Like we'd believe the words of an unknown human!"
"I'd call that racial profile if I wasn't a group of humans who were involved in this," Kensei stated before reaching in his pocket, causing the guards around him to point their weapons at them. Not looking considered at all about it, Kensei pulled out his Oracle Phone and started dialing a number. "Do you mind, this is going to be a personal conversation?"
"Like we'll let you…huh."
All the guards who surrounded Kensei were surprised as he vanished, despite all their attention being trained on.
"Ugh, come on. I know you're doing anything right now," All of the guards turned around to see Kensei pacing around waiting for someone to answer the call. "Or at least, I know you're trying to slack off at around this time."
"How did you end up right there?!"
"We had you surrounded."
"I was trying to humor you guys and let you do your jobs. But, I'm busy and I don't have time to waste on the people who don't listen to a human."
Kensei replied, not caring about their hostile stares being directed at him and kept trying to dial this person.
"You damned…."
"Everyone settle down!"
Sairaorg's voice could be heard across the area, loud enough for the entire guards to turn their attention towards him. After seeing him, the Bael Clan Heir, all of them kneeling and bowing their heads in response to seeing him, it wasn't surprising since his household holds the rank of "Great King".
"This person here isn't the one responsible for this situation. I'll explain the situation as best as I can."
Sairaorg said as Kensei silently thanked him for drawing their attention.
"Come on, well, if I know him, then he's likely…."
[Wello? Is whis Wensei-kwen?]
Kensei could hear Sirzechs on the other end of the line and realized that his cheek was likely being pulled by his Queen/Wife.
"You got caught by Grayfia-san again, didn't you?"
Kensei asked already knowing the answer, but there appears to be a lag before Sirzechs began speaking again.
[Hahahaha, yes, it appears as if I'm no match for Grayfia.] Sirzechs laughed in the manner that Kensei was used to at this point, despite being the strongest Maou and Lucifer. [So, Kensei-kun, is there something that I can help you with? Likely something that'll get me from doing paper…hahaha, I'm joking, I'm joking, Grayfia so please the harisen away!]
"I kinda hope that Claire won't turn into Grayfia-san at some point," Kensei said, worried about the thought of her turning into someone similar to Grayfia. "Well, good news, this situation might get you from doing paperwork for a little bit. But, bad news, this might spell more trouble for the Underworld in the possible future."
[Huh, well, this doesn't sound good. How fast can you arrive in the Underworld?]
"Well, pretty quick. I'm already here," Kensei replied. "You might end up receiving a report about an incident that occurred somewhere near to Lucifaad in a couple of minutes. Afterward, can you meet me at the Phenex House, so we can discuss it?"
[Huh, the Phenex Household? Does this have something to do due with their request for more guards around their home? After I asked about the reason, Lord Phenex said that it was something that he couldn't discuss then due to the situation.]
"Yea, something serious happened, and Lord Phenex needed to be cautious about it."
[Alright, I'll meet you and them there in a couple of minutes.]
Kensei could hear that Sirzechs was serious at this moment.
For all the times that Sirzechs was nonchalant and casual, when it came to him truly fulfilling his duties as Lucifer and the Crimson Satan, then he upheld that title to the fullest.
"Alright, see you then," Kensei soon hung up the phone as he let a sigh escape from his mouth. "Well, it looks as if this situation is getting more complicated than I thought."
Following that incident, Sairaorg explained the entire situation as much as possible, causing the guards to relent from blaming Kensei. It was something that he was grateful for as he didn't want the hassle of explaining the situation to them and not being listened to. After that incident, Sairaorg and Kuisha did have to return to the Bael Household for other business but informed Kensei informed them to attempt to come to the Phenex Household to receive some information about the situation.
He returned to the Phenex Mansion, and to his surprise, he received a worried hug from Ravel, who as expected turned tsundere moments after seeing that he was fine. Both spent time explaining what happened before all the people involved decided to wait for Sirzechs' arrival to finish the conversation.
"Sirzechs-sama, I apologize for whatever situation this might have put you in."
Lord Phenex befitting his role as the Phenex Head bowed his head without hesitation to apologize to Sirzechs as a result of this situation. He later received an explanation from Lord Phenex from the beginning where Ravel was poisoned using light leading to this point. Sitting Inside the private meeting room was Phenex Clan patriarch and matriarch, Ruval, the second son, Riser, Ravel, and Kensei. As always, Grayfia, his Queen stood beside him with a neutral look as she listened to the entire situation.
"Please don't bow, Lord Phenex," Sirzechs said causing Lord Phenex to return to an upright position, before the Maou, Lucifer continued. "I understand the situation that you were put in with your daughter being in harm's ways. I'm not just a Maou, but I'm a father too. To think that someone would be bold enough to attack your daughter in an attempt to just receive some Phoenix Tears."
"But, even that ransom is debatable. I know that there are other easier methods to getting Phoenix Tears without using methods that expose them this much."
"You're correct. But, even the situation in Lucifaad was handled with such carefulness that I can't help, but be impressed more with you, Kensei-kun. I didn't expect that Sairaorg would get involved too, but he did his duty as the Bael Heir in a manner I would expect from him too."
"Sirzechs-sama is correct. For those who noticed the incident, most believed that it was someone else's peerage having a practice match," Grayfia spoke up in a stoic, but impressed tone. "Not a single person panicked and not a single person was injured either."
"Well, thanks. I'm happy that no one ended up getting hurt during that scuffle, but the person involved did at least try to hurt someone. Speaking of, I think that the people here deserve to know who the person responsible is."
"Kensei-kun, are you sure about that? I mean, this isn't exactly something that you could share."
Sirzechs wanted to be sure that Kensei was comfortable with sharing this, but that simply caused the people inside of the room to become more curious about what it entailed.
"Eh, I'm not a kid anymore, and this doesn't affect me anymore. But, I should point out that what I'm going to tell you all is something that might cause trouble for the Underworld if this gets out," Kensei stated facing the Phenex Clan members with a serious tone, surprising them. "I'm sharing this since it involves the people who threatened Ravel. But, this conversation never leaves this room even during a conversation among yourselves. I'm talking to you mainly, Riser."
"What?! Why me, specifically?!"
Riser was angry about the fact that Kensei signaled him out among everyone else.
"You tend to talk the most and the loudest in some situations," the others from the Phenex House could see that Kensei was attempting to lighten the mood before starting. But, none of them could disagree with that comment, however, no one commented about it. "So, don't go revealing this to the members of your peerage."
"Tsk, fine. Just get to the point."
"Alright, since we're all in agreement. I'll get started," Kensei said as he retrieved his Oracle Phones, then held it out and caused a holographic projection to be brought out in front of them all. The image that came up with that of a teenage Jason donned in the Gehenna Guard uniform. "The person who attacked Ravel is this person here, Jason. He was a part of a group called the Gehenna Guard at a place called Hagun Island."
"Hagun Island?"
"So, that was a real location."
That word caused a single realization to come into the minds of Lord Phenex and Ruval, who'd heard about that location from rumors. But, to find out that it was a real location, a good deal of shock could be seen on their faces at that moment.
"What is Hagun Island?"
Ravel found herself questioning, not hearing about that place before.
"It's not surprising that you haven't heard about it, Ravel," Ruval said turning to face his youngest sibling. "There was a lot of rumors about it going around mainly in the Rating Game among the pro players. It was said to be an island in the Human World, where children with special powers were gathered together. And…. Well, there was no fact to those rumors since there was nothing to go off of."
"Ruval-oniisama isn't telling me what happened there, even if it was a rumor. But, Ken-sama said that it was real, so what happened there?"
Ravel could see that her eldest brother was hesitant to talk about it to her.
"Well, I won't get into complete details about it, but their job was the keep all the children who were there in line using whatever methods possible. Jason and his brother were among them but switched sides to earn freedom and earn privileges the others didn't have. Jason has a sacred gear named Staring Gold, one that lets him use a golden-colored light bow to attack using light. Both his strength and control over his sacred gear are incomparable to what he could do when he was on Hagun Island."
"I don't care how strong he is, I'll burn him…."
"If it was him from Hagun Island with the mindset of taking the time to torment his opponents, then you would've had a chance. As it stands now, he'll kill you the first chance he gets, which would be in the first move. You rely too much on your immortality and take hits because you'll regenerate from them. But, this time you're against a light user who can give a high-class angel a challenge."
"Y-You. Fine, how do you even know all this? Even I heard about Hagun Island from time to time, and there's not a single piece of realism about its existence."
"Well, that's an easy question to answer. The reason that I know that Hagun Island exists," Kensei stated before he switched to a list that has several profiles with photos on them. "I was on that island. All of the people apart of my group were there too."
[…!]
That surprised the people from the Phenex Household as all of them looked at the holographic protection to see a familiar face on there. In a photo was Kensei, who looked to be eight years old in the photo, surprising them all since he was still a child. There were other familiar people on the list, three of them being Claire, Alice, and Hisui, who looked the same age as him at that point. None of them were as surprised as Ravel as she stared right at the list, unable to even speak.
"Y-You were there?"
Riser was surprised about that fact unable to come up with a single comment.
"I never would have guessed that," Lord Phenex stated unable to find anything else to say about the matter. "But, how did you escape?"
"I escaped after almost being killed, but Sun-sensei and Yu-Long found me, they saved me. After a month, I had returned there, then I and my friends fought back," Kensei said causing the memories of that incident to come back into his mind. "We managed to break free from the control system, freeing everyone else on the island too, and dismantled the entire operation in a day. I'm surprised that Jason and the others returned that well-equipped despite us taking all the earning from their little business."
"That's true almost all the weapons used looked well-made and enhanced using magic."
Ravel managed to speak up, but she was still stunned about the incident that Kensei was involved in from even a young age.
"But, it doesn't explain the reason they'd target using Ravel. What about the person who controlled the island?"
"Taro Aoyama, a self-proclaimed businessman genius who started both Hagun Island and Gehenna Tournament shouldn't be active due to what I did to him. But, it looks as if that place is under the control of someone who calls themselves the 'Benefactor'. If it was Taro, then he'd do anything if it involves money, which the Phenex Clan has a lot of due to the Phoenix Tears. But, it looks as if this Benefactor wants something that the Phenex Clan made."
"Something we made, but the Phoenix Tears are the only thing profitable enough to elicit this kind of attention."
Lord Phenex said confused about what this Benefactor's intentions were.
"Well, we'll need to do whatever it takes to push them back. Kensei-kun, what kind of person is this Jason?"
"About what you'd expect. Compared to before, Jason is now a pragmatic sniper and assassin, he'll do whatever it takes to get whatever this Benefactor wants. So, his next attempt would be…?"
"He's going to attack here, isn't he?"
Ravel brought up, believing that would be Jason's next move, which was something that all the adults inside the room could agree with.
"That would be their obvious next step. All their moves thus far have all been nothing, but continuous bold acts."
Ruval noted.
"Yea, the Benefactor appears to be someone who isn't afraid of bold acts. A long time ago, he sent someone called the Demon Eater after the Leader of the Kyoto Youkai. Now, I think that he's causing regular people to become a group of terrorists around Japan. The group that Jason led can fight against Middle-Class Devils, and that was a group he considered grunts. There's also has something else, a creature that's able to kill High-Class Devils. So, several regular guards would be about the same as meat shields. And with Jason there, if the person isn't a devil able to endure a high-class angel's light."
Kensei noted, with the people around him agreeing with those words too.
Their opponent was someone skilled enough with their light powers to poison Ravel without killing her, as well as making it so it couldn't be removed. Riser, for all his pride, admitted that it would be a difficult fight if even he were to go against him, let alone his peerage. It was frustrating for him to let the person who harmed his little sister off without burning them, but he had no choice but to rely on the one assigned to guard her.
"Kensei-kun, this is still your mission. So, what do you suggest happen?"
Sirzechs asked turning his attention at Kensei.
"Well, if they plan on attacking someone else's home, then the most appropriate thing to do would be to give all of them a warm welcome."
Despite replying that those people would be receiving a "warm welcome", all of them could tell that Kensei had a more combative idea.
"I can already tell that Kensei-kun has something bold stirring up inside of his head. But, would you need help in making this idea work? I doubt that this is something that you'd be able to solve alone."
"I don't know how many people he plans on bringing here. But, I have some people who'd be willing to help me in winning this fight and would be more than enough for this. Riser and his peerage would be a good backup in this situation too. And there's also an important linchpin to making this operation work."
"A linchpin?"
Kensei smirked at that curious question from Sirzechs, then directed his finger toward one person sitting inside of the room. Every single person in the room turned their attention to the sole person that Kensei was saying would be this plan's linchpin. And that person was Ravel, who looked stunned about the fact that Kensei considered her the linchpin.
"H-Huh, me?"
Ravel said, pointing her finger at herself, wanting to be sure that Kensei was talking about her.
"I'm not pointing at anyone else, am I? Since the first time we met, you've shown the kind of strategic and rational thinking that I've ever seen from just one person. If anyone here can help me in making this plan work, then that would be Ravel. I'm sure most of the people here can agree with that."
Kensei replied without showing anything less than complete confidence in her abilities in coming up with strategies in a situation like that.
No one in that room could disagree with those words, more so her parents and eldest brothers, Riser wouldn't be aware of this since he never applies her talents.
"That's true, Ravel is more intelligent than most her age."
"My daughter does have quite the talent when it comes to strategies."
"Ravel is quite intelligent. She could lead a peerage if she decided to become a King herself in the Rating Game, more so than Riser here."
"H-Hey."
Riser stared at his eldest brother who made that comment about him, then the second son smiled and he agreed with Kensei's words.
"I do believe that Ravel is capable of making this plan a success."
Ravel couldn't help feeling a confidence welling within her as she received praise from her parents and brothers, then started approaching Kensei wearing a smile.
"Ken-sama, if you wouldn't mind, then I'll give my all to assist you in any way possible."
"I don't doubt that," Kensei said holding out his hand in front of Ravel. "I also know that you're looking forward to paying back those guys for going after you."
"Yea," Ravel said confidently and grabbed onto his hand, showing her resolve. "I'll come up with a plan that will make them regret targeting the Phenex Household."
Both of them gave a confident and strong smile, causing the people there to feel reassured that things would turn out alright. Seeing a human and devil would be working together in something like this while showing full trust in one another caused a smile to form on Sirzechs' face.
"Well, if something comes up, then don't be afraid of asking for assistance from me. If a situation like this were to be allowed to continue, then it would endanger the lives of the Underworld too."
"Don't worry about that. You're pretty much the first time that I'm going to contact you if I need something important in the Underworld. You're pretty much the person I know most here."
"That makes me happy to hear," Sirzechs said smiling having heard those words from Kensei. "Well, it looks as if I will need to meet the others and inform them about this incident. If possible please come to the Gremory House, and tell me about the events so that I could tell them as well. I'm sure that my parents would also be rather interested in hearing about how you're group handles your business."
"Sure thing. It'd be good seeing them again too."
Sirzechs and Kensei soon stood up from their seat, then shook one another's hand both showing a good deal of understanding between one another. Once that was finished, Sirzechs turned toward his Queen, who nodded her head in agreement. Grayfia activated a magic circle as Sirzechs stepped beside her giving one final farewell then disappeared in a flash of light alongside the magic circle.
"Well, might as well get everything prepared. So, do you want to get started, Ravel?"
"Yes, Ken-sama!"
Ravel replied, he could tell that she was looking forward to being able to do something like this since she hadn't had many opportunities like this.
"Ufufufu, I haven't seen Ravel this excited in a long time."
Lady Phenex watched as her daughter's eyes were sparkling at that moment.
"Yes, Kensei-san seems to have brought some changes here in just the two days he has been here."
Lord Phenex said, which was something that the eldest and second sons could agree with.
"…."
Riser didn't mention a single thing on the matter since he didn't want to admit that, and couldn't intervene in this.
Afterward, Kensei found himself sitting outside in the garden as Ravel sat beside him at the table spreading out a map depicting the entire Phenex Clan's territory. As one would expect the entire territory was enormous, and it held several still unused lands that could be used as a battlefield.
"There are some places here that aren't used at the moment, but I think that this would here serve as the most suitable battlefield. But, depending on the situation that might happen, it would be hard to devise a surefire method for getting them to head out there. However, based on the people who would be involved and depending on the usefulness of their abilities, then it's possible to make it happen."
Kensei couldn't up smiling as he could see that Ravel was having the time of her life coming up with and building strategies to handle whatever might be their way. He recalled that despite competing in the Rating Games, she's not involved in things of this nature. So, it might've been exciting for her to be involved and even be at the head of coming up with a plan.
"Well, I can see that you're having the time of your life."
"Of course, this is the first time that I'm able to do something like this! I have always wanted to do something like this in the Rating Games, but never got the chance to! It is as fun as playing that game you'd taught me the other day," Ravel said smiling, but Kensei looked a little wryly. "After this, I would like to play Go again."
"Yea, sure."
Kensei replied with Ravel not seeming to realize that it sounded a little depressing.
Go was a strategic Chinese board game he learned from Xuanzang Sanzang, it was meant to make him think more rationally. It was a game meant to form and take over territories on the board, something that he'd gotten used to playing after several rounds. However, as soon as he explained the rules and played with Ravel a couple of rounds.
"She annihilated me," Kensei couldn't forget how the entire match went even if he tried to since it was too astonishing. "I explained the rules to her once and she mastered the same, she took control over all the weaker and strong territories that I ended up building. It isn't like I haven't lost before since I often played with Zane, Maria, and Claire, who'd often win too. But, it's as if Ravel's entire method revolves around using the most efficient plans into pushing someone into an inescapable corner. It makes me think that Riser has a lot of hidden gems in his group that he doesn't use to the fullest."
Despite using such efficient strategies, Kensei couldn't help noticing that it was almost covered by the fact Ravel looked too adorable when thinking about it. It almost made it hard to believe that she could even be that kind of strategist who'd push people into a corner.
"I was told that I could find you two here."
A familiar voice reached their ears.
Turning around, he could see Sairaorg and Kuisha approaching them, the latter waving his hand and smiling.
"Hey, Sairaorg, and Kuisha-san."
Kensei greeted as Ravel took her attention from the map, then turned to face their new guests.
"I'm glad to see that you've arrived Sairaorg-sama, Kuisha-sama. Please take a seat."
"Yes, I'm happy that I was allowed to come here," Sairaorg said as he took a seat as Ravel suggested, but being a dutiful Queen, Kuisha stood near him. He could see the map and the location that was circled on it. "I can see that you two have already started planning on the next encounter with that group."
"Yes, we've predicted that their next course of action would be attacking here using whatever forces their group has up their sleeve. But, this time, we are going to be prepared and show them the mistake of messing with the Phenex Clan!"
"That's quite the fighting spirit. I'm surprised, I haven't seen much of that in the Rating Game."
Sairaorg said jokingly, letting out a hearty laugh, making Ravel look embarrassed from that show.
"U-Uh, I-I got a little bit ahead of myself."
Ravel said flustered as she tried putting her focus on looking at the map.
"You shouldn't be. I came here because I was curious about what was going to happen with those people," there was a curious tone that could be heard from Sairaorg. "I'd love to, but I don't believe that I can be involved in this situation any more than that."
"Why not? Is there trouble with Bael Household?"
"You could say that. My father received a report about the incident and told me not to get involved."
Sairaorg replied, but Kensei could tell that he was disappointed that he couldn't get involved any more than this. It could also be noted that Sairaorg seemed to be holding back what the actual request from his father sounded far more like a demand.
"Did his words come out as, 'There's no need get involved in the business of another clan. It's their business so let them deal with it'? Or something like that."
Kensei asked without showing the slightest sign of care that his father was the current Bael Head.
But, instead of an angry comment defending his father's decision, a slight laugh escaped from Sairaorg's mouth after hearing that comment.
"Hahahaha. We met almost an hour ago, and you were able to tell that. I tried being more respectful since Ravel was here, but it went along those lines."
"Yea, I heard a lot about how the Bael Head is from my dad and said he's the one devil he wouldn't work with on anything," Kensei said once again showing no respect for the Bael Head. "I find it hard to believe that you're from the Bael Clan."
"How come?"
Sairaorg questioned curiously wondering if it was because he noticed the one thing different from others from the main house of his hand.
"I can have a normal conversation with you without walking off."
Kensei replied jokingly, causing surprised and amused about the response that came from him.
"Hahaha, I never thought I'd meet a human who'd say something like that so openly."
"Hahaha, I never thought I'd meet a pure-blood devil who used martial arts as much as I do."
Afterward, Sairaorg and Kensei were sharing a hearty laugh once those individual words came from their mouth. Neither of them thought that either would meet someone that they would be capable of sharing a conversation like this at a time like this.
"Well, you don't need to be worried about the situation since it'll be handled as soon as their group attacks here. And I have something planned when it comes to backup."
"I can at least feel relieved about that. More so, if someone like you is handling the situation since I could tell that you were holding back during that previous fight."
"Like you're one to talk. I think that you could have blown up that creature named Hakki if you got serious, and I'd think the entire area too."
"But, the same thing could be said about you as well. I'd think there are a lot more techniques you're hiding among that martial art of yours."
"That sounds a little like a challenge to me."
"I'm just curious about that martial art of yours. And it sounds as if you wouldn't bet against it."
As Kensei and Sairaorg were having their friends back and forth with each other, both Ravel and Kuisha noticed there was a certain pressure being released from their respective smiling partners. The female pure-bloods were aware or at least could guess what would happen if these two were to go head-to-head at a time like this.
"Sairaorg-sama, I believe this isn't the right time for that."
"Yes, Kuisha-sama is right. Ken-sama, I don't think it'd be best if you held back this time."
Kuisha and Ravel tried reasoning with them, knowing the two would accept a challenge at the drop of a hat.
"Believe me, I know, we were simply having a casual conversation."
Sairaorg replied to Kuisha.
"Same here. If the two of us went head-to-head, then I wouldn't leave out of it unscathed…well, it might end up being more than simply hurt."
Kensei replied to Ravel.
Both blonde-haired women internally sighed relieved having heard that their respective black-haired martial artist wasn't serious about having a match at the moment. But, that didn't mean that the two of them weren't interested in having a match with each other.
"But, that doesn't change the fact that seeing that martial art you used made me curious. I haven't fought against a power user from Japan before, and it looks as if it'd be a fun match."
"Same here. I think that you're the first devil that I could fight against using it, and not be worried that one of my more serious techniques might end up vaporizing you."
"Well, I'm sure that a match would be appropriate at some point."
"Name the time and place. I'm always up for a new challenge."
Kensei said with nothing but confidence, then found a challenging smirk from Sairaorg.
"Sairaorg-sama, I believe that it's time to return. And our peerage was talking about a prior engagement."
"Right, Kuisha," Sairaorg said as he stood up from his seat. "Well, I'll be looking forward to hearing how about the results. But, I don't doubt you'll all come up the winner."
"Thanks for the voice of confidence, and knowing we'll be the winners. I can't wait for that challenge."
"Same. I wouldn't mind sharing a cup of coffee and having a casual talk."
"Same here."
Once again, both martial artists shared a smirk, before one last handshake, then the Bael Heir departed with his Queen who gave one final bow. From a flash of light, the two vanished alongside the flash of the magic circle.
"How does someone like that come from the Bael Clan?"
Kensei asked as he leaned back in his seat.
"Well, I'm sure that you could tell, but Sairaorg-sama…."
"Barely has minimal demonic power and didn't inherit their famed Power of Destruction. I can't imagine the kind of life he had with someone like the Bael Head as a father. It's rare, but some devils don't have the right constitution for demonic power."
"I heard Sairaorg-sama went through a lot in his childhood. But, I find it admirable that he managed to reach the title of the Strongest Youth despite not having demonic power."
"This is coming from someone who was primarily raised by his mother. But, I can tell that his mother must've had a big hand in raising him into the person he is now."
"You wouldn't be wrong. But, I think we should return to the main concern at hand," Ravel said before returning to the topic at hand. "Ken-sama, when will the backup that you talked about be arriving here?"
"Hmm, well, likely in a minute or two. I know, there's a lot that they needed to talk about since hearing that Jason was involved here. But, knowing them, then there'd rush here as fast as possible. I'm supported to receive a signal when they were going to…."
Beep! Beep! Beep!
"And there it goes," Kensei said standing to his feet, then turned to Ravel. "Want to meet them with me?"
"Of course. I want to meet the team that Ken-sama has gathered."
Ravel replied with interest as Kensei stood up to his feet, then activated a magic circle in front of him, which was reacting to the one his group was using to arrive.
It didn't take a second as the magic circle came alive, releasing a bright light as three silhouettes could be seen standing in the middle of it. Before the bright light from the magic circle could vanish, one of them looked to have started moving. Before Kensei knew it, said person jumped from the magic teleportation magic circle toward him.
"Ken-chan!"
"Eh?"
Ravel was surprised about what happened as she noticed nine fox tails fluttering around.
Jumping from out the magic circle was Kunou, who wrapped her arms around Kensei's neck as a laugh escaped from his mouth.
"Eh, I see that Kunou is being even more affectionate."
Kensei teased as Kunou's feet landed on the ground, but she was still standing on her toes as she didn't want to let him go.
"Don't be mean, Ken-chan! Kunou hasn't seen her Ken-chan for two days, which felt like an eternity to Kunou!"
Kunou complained as she was still holding onto him.
"*Sigh* I think that you should work on your restraint, Kunou-san."
Claire said as her figure was revealed from the magic circle as it vanished.
"I don't know, Claire, I have seen that even you lack restraint from time to time."
Alice said as she glanced over towards Claire, who, in turn, turned her head to the side without facing her.
"Well, at least, I don't do things like that," Claire reasoned before looking and seeing Ravel standing there still in a bit of a dazed state. "Hello, you must be Ravel."
"Y-Yes. My name is Ravel Phenex, it's nice to meet you."
Ravel said bowing her head in a typical respectful bow.
"It's nice to meet you too. My name is Claire Yaegaki Belial."
Claire introduced herself as she mimicked the same respectful bow as Ravel, but the latter could tell that it was a similarly trained posture. Standing in front of one another like this, both Claire's and Ravel's height was almost the same, with the former being a little taller.
"That's quite a unique name," Ravel said before something clicked in her head at a moment's notice after seeing Claire's face this close and hearing her name. She had seen the photo previously with Claire in it, but she hadn't heard her name and the similarities didn't click until now. "W-Wait, are you related to Diehauser Belial-sama?"
"Yes, he's my mother's cousin. She was a member of the Belial Clan's Branch Family. But, he's kinda almost like an uncle to me at this point."
Claire replied smiling gently.
"Ken-sama didn't mention anything about your last name or anything so I wasn't aware."
"Ken-sama, huh," Claire said tilting her head to the side lightly. "Well, that sounds like Kensei. I hope that Kensei hasn't been troubling you since he can be a little much to handle."
"Am I child to you? I'm not that reckless, you know."
"I did hear that you did end up punching the third son."
"He had it coming."
"Everyone has it coming with you."
Kensei and Claire were having their back and forth with one another, but anyone could see that it was more the latter desiring to tease him.
"Riser-oniisama did have it coming in that regard. He has been attempting to get under Ken-sama's skin since the first time they met. There's also the fact that it was in regards to you all."
"Is that so?"
Claire asked with interest.
"And what was this about? I didn't ask Kensei the reason that he struck him."
"Well, Riser-oniisama didn't finish what he was going to say. But, I believe that it was in regards to you not being as beautiful as either Rias-sama or his peerage members."
Hearing Ravel's response caused Claire and Alice to give a blank look, even Kunou, who was still holding Kensei didn't look happy about that.
"You're brother's a pervert isn't he?"
"Yes, I'm sorry about that."
Ravel said bowing her head, feeling the need to do this to the people her brother had talked about.
"You don't have anything to apologize for. I think that honor instead belongs to your older brother," Claire before turning her attention to the map. "I can see that you were coming up with something before we arrived here. Mind if I take a take?"
"I don't mind. I wanted to wait for all of you to arrive here before coming up with anything too serious," Ravel said as the group gathered around the map. "At the moment, I came up with a location that would be perfect to handle the entire group. But, there are still several things that could go wrong with the situation without knowing what those involved would be capable of. More so, since we don't know the exact number of people that we'll be facing too."
"That's quite the analysis. Kensei informed us about the entire situation, and Jason being involved in it too. But, it would be better if we went over what our abilities are, right?"
"Yes, please. I am well aware of what most of Ken-sama's abilities are already. So, it would be helpful for me to know what you're abilities are too, if you don't mind."
Ravel said before Claire smiled about how serious, but also polite Ravel was being about it.
"Well, I'm a little different from what you'd expect. First, I'm mixed blood born from a female devil and a human male. I have the same demonic powers as my Kaa-san, including the Belial's ability, Worthless. But, I also have a sacred gear that grants me the same light powers as angels."
"…."
Ravel looked stunned and astonished after hearing that response from Claire.
"I know that it's a bit hard to believe…."
"That's amazing!"
"Eh?"
Claire looked surprised as that was the first time she heard that from anyone, let alone a pure-blood devil.
"You have both demonic and light powers inside of you, that could lead to a lot of irregular potential in the future. And in this situation, that can also be a good counter for the person named Jason if you're also unaffected by the light powers of angels too."
"I am, but it took a while for me to get used to. But, I can use it a good deal more since I had a certain teacher to tell me how to use light powers. I also learned martial arts from Kensei too."
Claire said still stunned that a pure-blood devil outside of her family didn't refer to her as an abomination or other terms of that nature.
"I didn't get to introduce myself, but my name's Alice Evangelista," Alice started before continuing. "Well, I did learn magic from a friend of mine from Asgard. But, first and foremost, I am an owner of the High-Tier Longinus, Annihilation Maker."
"One of the Thirteen Longinus Sacred Gears too," Ravel said feeling as if the situation was becoming more and more interesting for her strategies. "Ken-sama sure has gathered a lot of interesting people."
"Then, I guess that Kunou is next right," Kunou said as she stood in front of Ravel after separating from Kensei, then taking a posture befitting her princess status. "Greeting, I am Kunou, the daughter of Yasaka, the Queen of the Kyoto Youkai. Kunou learned a lot about the abilities that we Kyuubi are capable of using like youjutsu, which Kunou learned from Hahaue."
"I heard that there are a lot of spells and techniques that come from using youjutsu," Ravel said nothing the fact a princess was standing in front of her, then turned toward Kensei. "A princess too, Ken-sama."
"What? I met them all by chance. Ironically, these three have also tried to either ignore or attack me the first time we met," as soon as Kensei said those words, the three women standing around him started looking a little timid after recalling that, but he smiled. "But, I love and care about all three of them."
[Awww~]
Claire, Alice, and Kunou all looked bashful as soon as those words left his mouth.
"I can tell you all have a rather unique relationship."
Ravel said laughing at the interactions between them, but there was also a small hint of jealously that was hidden inside her chest. She couldn't help it, even if she knew that it was a bit childish on her part, it had been just them alone for the first two days. And they're standing in front of him was his three fiancées were standing in front of him, who had his attention at the moment. Her expression was something that didn't go unnoticed as Claire caught a glance at the expression Ravel was making.
"Ravel-sama, I have brought drinks and snacks are requested."
Ravel turned to see that a maid arrived pushing a cart filled with those items on it, causing her to break out from her concentration, and nodded.
"Thank you. That'll be all."
Ravel said bowing her head, causing the maid to do the same as she went along with her own business.
"Well, shall we all discuss what we'll be doing for this operation while enjoying what the maid prepared?"
"Yes, I'll quite enjoy that. I'm also a little more curious about Ravel-san."
Claire agreed as she took a seat in one of the chairs around the table, with the map had been resting in the exact center.
"Well, I'll answer whatever question you have on your mind. I'm also quite curious about Claire-sama."
Ravel replied as she took a seat in the chair right in front of her, with Kensei, Alice, and Kunou all taking the seats beside them too.
"I'm surprised that Hisui didn't come too."
Kensei pointed out, causing them to look a little wry.
"Well, Hisui wanted to come, but there was also another attack somewhere else near her hometown, and needed to go handle it. She wasn't happy about the fact that she couldn't come too."
Alice pointed out.
"I think that Hisui-san might be taking her frustrations out on the people who decided to attack at this time."
Kunou added giving a more wry smile.
"Well, I'm sure that she'll have enough time to get what she wants when all this is over."
Kensei pointed out, wondering the kind of expression that Hisui made after hearing she couldn't come.
"Yea, when this is all over."
Ravel said almost faintly, which is something that didn't go unnoticed by Kensei.
She didn't seem sad that the incident itself would end, but the fact that he wasn't going to be here, where both of them had spent a portion of the time together. It seemed as if Ravel was pushing that matter aside as she started continuing with her plan for handling the situation. Instead of focusing on what would happen after the incident was over, she focused on settling the incident itself.
During the conversation, the people there went over each other's abilities, and Ravel began going over making use of them. Hearing about what her plan was caused Alice, Claire, and Kunou to be surprised by the ingenuity behind them. All five of them sat there simply talking about the plans, before soon moving onto casual conversations. During that talk, Ravel was able to learn a lot more about the three women and found them a lot friendlier than she initially thought.
It wasn't long until Claire, Alice, and Kunou were introduced to the Phenex Clan members, taking to the patriarch, and matriarch quickly. After seeing the kind of people in Riser's peerage, the three women stared at him wearing a deadpan look. Riser couldn't help shuttering at the three women who stared at him, wearing their aura around them, giving off a hostile air. Seeing their reactions caused light laughter from his older brothers, who didn't make it too apparent. Kensei couldn't help laughing to himself after seeing how the eldest brothers teased their younger ones.
Soon after, the group went over their strategies during dinner, ensuring that all the members and workers of the household were prepared for it too. Everyone was surprised about the idea, but went along with it either way and started making preparations to ensure that things went alright.
It was at night with Kensei behind inside of the room, which had been prepared for him after taking a bath. Claire, Alice, and Kunou had their rooms prepared for them too.
"I wonder which one of them is going to attempt to come to my room tonight," Kensei asked himself as he found himself doing light exercises in his room, but it wasn't the kind of exercise that most would think of doing. "I would be Alice's turn this time around, but I wonder if either of them would do anything here."
In the room, he was balancing off the chair's right ear using his index finger, which was, in turn balancing off of its left chair leg. Kensei has been positioned upright like that for almost over half an hour and controlling his center of gravity. It wouldn't be the first time that he had done something like this in the past and even got to the point where exercise like this became second nature.
"Leaving that aside for the moment. I have been through enough battles and gained enough experience to guess that the attack might happen tomorrow."
Kensei said as he kept the same posture without his position being changed.
Knock! Knock! Knock!
Kensei heard a knocking on the room door, causing him to turn in that direction.
"I wonder how it is this time," Kensei said as he pushed himself up off the chair, causing it to return to its original position, and landed on the ground. "Come in."
"Uh, Ken-sama, I wanted to…waah!"
Ravel walked in dressed in a pink nightgown, and her face soon turned bright red after noticing his current state. Kensei was wearing nothing but simple shorts but wasn't wearing a shirt, causing her to notice his toned build that seemed to attract her undivided attention. Even when she covered her face using her hands, she seemed to be peeking through her fingers.
"Ah, I'm sorry about that Ravel. I thought it was…," Kensei said showing a flustered expression as he produced a shirt that he put on. "W-Well, never mind that…I'm dressed. I wasn't expecting that you'd visit this late at night."
"Uh, it's fine. I guess that you would have expected it to be Claire-sama or the others. But, don't you wear a shirt whenever you sleep at night?"
"Not really, I kinda sleep without wearing one. So, it kinda became a habit."
Kensei replied as Ravel entered the room, then closed the door behind her.
"W-Well, there's something that I wanted to talk about regarding what their true intentions might be."
"Oh, then come over here and have a seat."
Kensei said directing his attention at the bed, which Ravel walked over to and sat down.
Once Kensei walked over and took a seat on the bed right beside her, Ravel remained silent as she kept looking downward without looking at him. He waited for her to speak since it must've been something big for her to come at this time a night. Ravel herself was fiddling with her fingers wondering if her guess was right, but she had gone through every single detail several times already.
"Ken-sama, I think that this group is after me."
Ravel revealed, causing him to stare at her confused about that answer.
"What would make you think that?"
"The person named Jason mentioned that their leader was after something that the Phenex Clan produced. But, nothing else aside from the Phoenix Tears is useful enough to elicit these kinds of actions from someone else. It was mentioned their leader's desire in wanting something that the Phenex Clan produced could mean something other than simply an item. I, a member of the Phenex Clan can produce Phoenix Tears, so that would grant them a supply of tears."
"That makes sense," Kensei said taking her thoughts to heart since all of it made sense. "And to remove the light that was poisoning you, then that would mean Jason would've had to come to do it. He wouldn't hesitate to kill all the people there with you. Taking both the fifty Phoenix Tears he asked for and someone for producing them too without end."
"B-But, to make Phoenix Tears, I would need to drop a tear in normal water, while my mind is clear. It wouldn't be a Phoenix Tear. S-So, if they get me, then I'll…."
Ravel was shaking at the thought of what would happen to her.
Kensei realized that she would need to have no emotions when making Phoenix Tears. So, it meant that Ravel's emotions would be sealed off, and would be forced into making tears for their group. It was a fate that would be terrifying for someone, even Ravel wouldn't be able to feign confidence thinking about something like this.
"K-Ken-sama, I don't want to admit it. But, I'm scared about that happening to me," Ravel stated shakily, openly showing that she was afraid at the thought of that happening. "I don't want to become an empty person who can simply create Phoenix Tears. I know you're counting on me in making sure the plan goes right, but I can't stop it from coming to my mind."
She wouldn't be able to excess her emotions anymore, not even fear, and would simply end up being a shell able to simply create Phoenix Tears. Ravel couldn't stop the tears starting to form at the corners of her eyes as Ravel clasped her hands together frightfully. Before long, she was surprised as she felt arms being wrapped around her and caused her to look up.
Of course, Kensei was wrapping his arms around Ravel, bringing her into a comforting hug, resulting in a look of surprise appearing on her face.
"…Ken-sama?"
"I'm not going to let that happen to you, Ravel. You're not going to turn into an empty shell that is capable of just making Phoenix Tears," Kensei said in a strong and confident tone that she couldn't deny. "Don't forget that I'm your bodyguard? I'm going to do whatever it takes to protect you. So, please don't worry that cute little tsundere head of yours."
"Ken-sama," Ravel said smiling a bit. "Stop calling me a tsundere."
"Sorry, I call is like I see it."
"So, that means, I could call you a battle manic?"
"And you wouldn't be wrong."
Ravel couldn't help giggling at that comment, instead of relishing in the warmness that she felt from Kensei hugging her in this manner.
"Could I stay like this for a while?"
"It'll be for as long as you want for a good job today."
Ravel smiled as she allowed whatever fears well up within her to vanish and disappear as she found herself with her head nestled in his chest.
"This feels as pleasantly warm as that feeling that I felt at that time."
Ravel thought as she recalled the time she felt a pleasant warmth that had overcome her entire being, while she was poisoned using light. As she found herself remaining in that position for several minutes, Ravel soon found it comfortable enough for her to fall asleep. Kensei waited for a bit after seeing she was caught in a deep sleep and found himself holding her in his arms like a princess.
He later exited the room, after opening it using telekinesis, then headed in the direction of her bedroom.
"I'm going to keep my promise no matter what, and keep you safe."
Kensei said without showing doubt in that as he kept walking forward toward her room.
Sometime the next morning, there were men dressed in similar, but different black outfits compared to those who Jason was leading the other day. All of them were more well-equipped compared to them and were infiltrating the area surrounding the Phenex Clan's mansion without revealing themselves. Jason was a part of the group too but his stealth and moves were in a different league compared to them.
As the group infiltrated the Phenex Clan mansion without making a single sound, their group could see that there wasn't a single difference. All the maids, butlers, and other workers were acting as normal as before without even the slightest hint of distress being on their faces.
"They're all far are too calm. I'm sure that Kensei and the Phenex girl would've informed them about our attack on them, and their people would be on high alert," Jason said as he was thinking about this situation in a rational manner. "I know from personal experience that Kensei isn't the type who wouldn't attempt to come up with a plan of time kind. I hate this, but I'll have to be cautious."
Jason and his men were all heading inside the mansion with the intent of getting what their boss wanted without failing. But, as soon as the people entered the garden, which looked to be the safest place to enter the mansion, the entire group found an unexpected sight.
"You know, it's rude to enter someone else's residence without first going through the front door."
"I can see that he's still the same as before."
Sitting outside at one of the tables, was Kensei, Claire, and Alice, all of which looked to be sitting around drinking teacups. Despite looking like a casual outing, all three were dressed in the Kibou Alliance's uniforms. Claire's had a black and white color scheme, wearing a skirt and shorts underneath them. And Alice's uniform looked to be the same as hers, but with a black and gold color scheme.
"This is tea is good."
Alice said without showing much concern about the group surrounding them.
"Well, I see that Ravel-san was right about this being the most logical location where their group might attempt to enter the mansion. I think that it's a shame her brother uses her as simply a fashion."
Claire added as she placed the teacup on the table.
"I see that Kensei called in his two favorite girls from that rundown little shack on Hagun Island. Claire Belial, the Impure Blood. And Alice Evangelista, the Sickly Girl."
"I'd say that this is a reunion, but I never considered you any more than a simple double-crosser and an overblown archer," Claire replied, turning to face Jason who was staring her down. "I hated that island, but that shack there was the first home where the three of us lived together."
"And I'm not that same sickly girl anymore, I got better."
Alice added as she stared straight at Jason, who didn't look amused about it.
"What are you three planning here exactly? If it wasn't for the fact that I know of your overblown senses of right-and-wrong, then I'd question the reason you three were helping devils. Not just devils, but the same kind of pure-bloods who was responsible for ruining your individual lives."
"I'm not childish enough to hate the entire species for what one group did, Jason. I'm not letting whoever the hell this Benefactor is getting his hands on Ravel."
Kensei commented causing the slightest reaction from Jason, which was notable in his eyes rather than his facial expression. He brought it up since he wanted to be sure that Ravel's suspicion was correct. He could barely get the slightest hint of a presence from Jason and the others despite them being in front of him.
"It looks as if whatever they have, it's interfering with my senses. I can barely sense their presence despite them all being this close. Whoever made their equipment isn't a normal person or inventor."
"Since you figured it out, I guess there's no reason to put up airs anymore," Jason wasn't going to try and deny it, seeing as Kensei looked to have guessed what their intentions were. "I don't know what our Benefactor plans on doing with her. At most, what comes to mind would be producing endless supplies of Phoenix Tears or having a meat shield able to regenerate. Well, seeing those things he created, I can only imagine."
"I'm going to have to ask him the reason when I see him. But, her father was wondering the reason you'd target his daughter rather than himself. Did he think that it would have been easier to target the father?"
Jason looked at Kensei wondering whether or not to answer that question but seemed to have decided to grant him an answer.
"I did wonder that myself. I am amused that was the case, but it seems as if our Benefactor has a much darker side than even us all that time ago. His reasoning was so dark and simple at the same time. His response was," Jason replied before answering him. "'It doesn't matter as long as it's someone from the Phenex Clan. But, I guess taking the head's youngest daughter would leave more than an impact on them.'"
Once Jason repeated those words, there was an immediate reaction of disgust from Kensei, Claire, and Alice, all of whom found themselves despising the one called the 'Benefactor'.
"Well, that's not going to happen, because she's not leaving with you people."
Claire responded, hating them more since it was them taking someone from their family, which is similar to what happened to her. She even stood up from her seat and showed serious fighting intent.
"I not leaving here empty-handed."
"You'd be lucky to leave here at all."
Kensei said standing up from his seat as Alice followed suit standing beside him and Claire.
"Do you want to fight here in this beautiful garden? But, I'd expect that Lord Phenex would rather lose one location rather than his daughter."
"You're right in that regard. But, I do love sitting around in this garden. So, why don't we change venues?"
"Do you think that I'm going too…."
"*Whistle*!"
Kensei whistled, causing a high-pitched sound to travel across the area as Claire and Alice covered their ears before he did it fearing the high-pitched sound.
"That's the signal from Ken-chan!"
Inside of the mansion's rooms, Kunou heard that signal using her ears as she sat legs crossed in the middle of a magic circle. Sitting down around her were members of Riser's peerage: his Bishop, Mihae; and Pawns, Marion, Burent, Shuriya, all of whom promoted to Pawn. After that, Kunou formed a seal using her hands as she released her youki as the four others channeled their demonic power.
Outside, there was a wide magic circle that surrounded the mansion's radius, including the garden where Kensei and the others were standing. Jason looked surprised as the magic circle covered them in bright light and sent them all to another location by force.
Regaining their senses, Jason looked around to find themselves at another location in the Phenex Clan's region that seemed far from the mansion. It was a simple grassland near some mountains, however, the thing that had caught his attention was the barrier around the area. In front of them were Kensei, Claire, and Alice, who also has some magicians from the Kibou Alliance behind them. There was also Riser, Yubelluna, Xuelan, and Siris there too.
"*Sigh* I thought that you had something planned, but this is something I didn't expect."
Jason said sighing as he glanced to the side.
"Sorry, but I wouldn't have come up with something like this," Kensei stated casually shrugging his shoulders. "It looks as if the Benefactor ended up picking the wrong one to mess with this time."
"No, it looks as if he was right this time. After he turns that girl into a doll to produce tears, he'll be making use of that mind of hers too it seems."
Riser after hearing those words clenched his fist as flames seemed to spark around him.
"As I said, you'd be lucky to get out of here, Jason."
"It looks as if I'll need to put more effort into this one."
Jason said as his shadow extended once again, causing several more soldiers to come out from them too.
Both sides looked prepared to fight against one another, as the intense fighting spirit from both sides would even be felt converging together.
Meanwhile, back at the Phenex Clan mansion, Ravel was sitting right behind a desk within another office located in the mansion. Standing right beside her was Isabella, who was acting as her guard showing a good amount of confidence on her face. There was a barrier placed around the room as Ravel was wearing an earpiece that was linked to the others, a device showing the holographic projection of the battlefield, and a talisman.
"…."
Different from last night, Ravel was wearing a determined look as she was watching over the entire situation.
"Alright, let's show them their mistake in messing with the Phenex Clan!"
Ravel said with confidence as things were starting as she guessed and planned out.
A lot was riding on this plan working, and so, she couldn't show the slightest bit of fear in this situation at this moment. She wasn't afraid since she received some courage from Kensei last night, and was instead looking forward to stopping the Benefactor's plans.
A/N: And there goes the next chapter of DxD – The Last Amagiri, well this showed the capabilities of that manufactured creature named Hakki, which also has a good deal of adaptability too. Kensei and Sairaorg also ended up having a good conversation with each other after Sirzechs was told about the incident that happened near Lucifaad. Well, some backup was called as Claire, Alice, and Kunou were brought in, who all met Ravel too.
Ravel has also been given more of a chance to show how smart and tactical she can be compared to the start, where she couldn't. She even figured out that the Benefactor was targeting her from the start, and used the ransom as a distraction. But, her fears were subsided as Kensei managed to calm her down the previous night when she entered his room.
Well, the next chapter is going to be the battle with the strategies that Ravel came up with coming up too, then the chapter afterward will be the end of this volume.
I was also thinking about adding Ophis into the harem too.
Translation
Kensei's techniques:
Otatsu Hitokuchi (Great Dragon Bite)
Ryuusei (Meteor)
Inazuma Tsukisasu (Lightning Thrust)
Kensei's Harem: Alice, Claire, Hisui, Kunou, Yasaka, Lu Lingqi, Sarah, Minako, Koneko, Kuroka, Ravel, Amaterasu, Brynhildr, Rossweisse.