Holy shit! I was surprised that I was able to finish this chapter in only two days! I wasn't rushing it, I just happened to get a lot more work done in a shorter amount of time than I expected. This chapter marks the end of the Excalibur arc. I hope you all enjoy!
Within the barrier, there was a platoon of around thirty Fallen Angels who shared Kokabiel's desire to start another Great War between the three powers. They were there to support Kokabiel if the need arose, but they were preparing to leave.
"The self-destruct magic circle has been prepared." The Fallen Angel that seemed to be the leader of the platoon reported to the others. "The Devils will never be able to defeat Master Kokabiel, so we're evacuating immedi-Gah!"
Without warning, the leader of the platoon was stabbed from behind by a blade coated in a demonic aura. That aura spread from the wound and throughout the Fallen Angel's entire body, gradually reducing to dust. The remaining Fallen Angels could see that the assailant was a figure wielding a sword with a crimson hilt and a red blade with golden edges.
"That's… the Demon Sword Laevateinn!"
At the mere sight of the figure, the remaining Fallen Angels were paralyzed in fear not only for being in possession of a legendary Demon Sword, but also their emotionless eyes and expression and the demonic power they were giving off. Their aura was so intense and overpowering, the Fallen Angels could do nothing by stare in awe and horror. They all knew that the moment they tried anything, their lives would be instantly forfeit.
"… Surrender now and I will spare your lives." Those were the figure's only words.
The remaining Fallen Angels raised their hands up and got down on their knees.
(Play "Unavoidable Despair" – Devil May Cry 5)
"Charge the Boosted Gear to its max and transfer that power to someone!" Kokabiel challenged the group of Devils before him.
"Giving us a free hit?" Rias leered back furiously. "Stop playing games!"
"You think this is a game? Hahaha!" Kokabiel guffawed. "Do you really think you can defeat me?"
Just looking at this guy is enough to fill me with dread. Luke thought. So, this is the power of a being recorded in the Bible…
"Issei, do as he said and activate your Sacred Gear." Melody ordered.
Boost!
Over the next few minutes, nobody made a move as Issei stored up power. Kokabiel didn't let his guard down for even a second, so nobody made a move as any counter the Fallen Angel would make could be fatal.
"… It's time!" Issei said as his gauntlet emitted a bright light.
"Now, who will you transfer it to?" Kokabiel asked with great interest.
Rias raised her hand. "I'm still under the effects of Fumiko's buffs. Transfer your power to me, Issei."
"Yes!" Issei nodded.
Issei placed his hand on Rias's shoulder and started to transfer his stockpiled power to her.
Transfer!
The crimson aura around Rias increased dramatically and an enormous orb of destruction formed in her hands.
"Fwahahahaha! Good!" Kokabiel grinned with pure ecstasy. "That demonic power! It's on par with a Satan-Class Devil! Looks like you have a talent rivaling that of your brother!"
"Blow awaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay!" Rias shot a blast of destructive power at Kokabiel.
The shockwave from the attack caused the very ground around them to shake. Kokabiel brought forth both of his hands in an attempt to deflect it.
"Very interesting, Sirzech's sister!" Kokabiel continued smiling with pleasure.
Holy power enveloped Kokabiel's hands and they took Rias's blast head on. The sheer power of the attack forced Kokabiel to also surround his entire arms in holy energy and he managed to push back and disperse the shot. Rias appeared to have been completely drained of her stamina and Kokabiel was still standing, although his arms and hands were covered in blood and wounds, and his sleeves and black robes were completely torn.
Even after receiving boosts from both Fumiko and Issei, President still didn't have enough power to defeat Kokabiel?! Luke thought as he watched in shock. Can we really defeat him in less than fifteen minutes?!
"Lightning!" Akeno shot several bolts of lightning at Kokabiel.
Kokabiel simply blocked the attack with his wings. "You will also stand in my way, one who inherited Baraqiel's power?"
"Don't you dare compare me to him!" Akeno lashed out in fury.
"We'll assist!" Misaki shot a series of large icicles at Kokabiel.
Hana also joined in as she sent a storm of cherry blossom petals toward the Fallen Angel, who simply blocked all of their attacks using his wings as shields.
"President, what does he mean by that?" Luke inquired. "Baraqiel is another Fallen Angel leader, right? What does he have to do with Akeno?"
"Luke…Akeno…" Rias hesitated to tell him. "Baraqiel is a Fallen Angel who specializes in lightning attacks, which has earned him the name 'Holy Lightning'. Akeno also has this power… because… Akeno… is Baraqiel's daughter."
Luke's eyes became wide, and his body shook a little as he realized something. "Then… that means…" Akeno… is a Fallen Angel?
Akeno, Misaki and Hana's combined assault proved to be ineffective against Kokabiel as their breathing became labored.
"For you to become a Devil! Hahahaha!" Kokabiel became amused. "Rias Gremory and Melody Morag, you both have interesting servants! Two Heavenly Dragons, a leftover of the Holy Sword Project, the son of Seiryuu who defected from the Church, the successor of Dyrnwyn, and the daughter of Baraqiel! Just like Sirzechs, you have a knack for gathering inferior servants!"
"I won't allow you to insult my brother or my servants!" Rias shouted. "Not without taking your life!"
"Then try to destroy me, Sirzechs's sister! Master of the Paradise Dragon! Crimson-Haired Princess of Ruin!" Kokabiel provoked. "You are facing an archenemy of the Devils since ancient times! If you don't rid of me here, it would reflect poorly on your reputation!"
Yuuto charged ahead and he noticed Xenovia and Azusa run past him.
"Let's attack together." Xenovia suggested.
While Xenovia and Azusa closed in on Kokabiel from the front, Yuuto used his speed to try to strike him from his blind spot. A sword of light appeared in each of Kokabiel's hands, and his wings transformed into swords, using those to block the three-pronged assault.
"Hmph, Durandal! Unlike the broken Excalibur over there, your sword is the real deal!" Kokabiel said. "However…"
After pushing back Azusa, he used his now free hand to release a wave of energy that lifted Xenovia into the air, following up with a kick to her stomach and sending her flying back.
"Its power depends on the wielder, girl! You still can't control Durandal! Your predecessor, Vasco Strada, had unparalleled strength!"
Xenovia quickly adjusted herself and landed on the ground, heading straight for Kokabiel once again, with Yuuto and Azusa continuing to slash at the Fallen Angel with her.
"Kokabiel, I will take you down with my Holy-Demon Sword!" Yuuto proclaimed. "I won't lose to anyone anymore!"
"Your existence threatens the peace of this town!" Azusa said. "You must be stopped here and now!"
"Oho! Simultaneous attacks from two Holy Swords and a Holy-Demon Sword!" Kokabiel gave a dreadful smile. "Interesting! Excellent! Come! You won't defeat me with anything less!"
As Kokabiel was occupied with parrying every slash from the sword wielders, Koneko got behind Kokabiel with a powerful punch prepared.
"Too easy."
Kokabiel used one of the swords from his wings to slash at Koneko.
"Look out!"
Sensing the danger through her Senjutsu, Emery dove toward Koneko and tackled her to the ground, but not without taking a slash to her back.
"Emery! Koneko!" Luke shouted as he and Fumiko ran toward them.
Fumiko immediately used her Supreme Aid to heal the gash on Emery's back.
"Thanks. I owe you one." Emery expressed her gratitude.
"… That power you used…" Koneko said to Emery. "It's evil."
"Huh? I don't get it, but let's not worry about that right now." Emery stated.
"Despite your heroic proclamations, your friends are dropping like flies!"
Kokabiel slashed while Yuuto had his guard down, causing a crack to appear in his Holy-Demon Sword. A powerful shockwave emitted from Kokabiel's body that forced Yuuto, Xenovia, and Azusa back. Although they recovered from their fall, they were trying to catch their breath. Before they could think of their next move, something blazed past them and Kokabiel managed to block it with one of his light swords.
"A Dhampir, eh?"
The one currently struggling to push back Kokabiel was Katherine, who had her red eyes glowing after drinking Issei's blood.
"Did you drink the blood of the Red Dragon Emperor?" Kokabiel asked. "Not a single one of you has bored me yet!"
"Sigmund-kun, mind giving me one of those abilities of yours?" Spiral requested of Luke. "That sword of yours would be nice."
"Yeah." Luke nodded.
Bless!
Luke's Falchion appeared in Spiral's left hand as his right hand was holding onto his regular sword. With swords in both hands, Spiral charged toward Kokabiel at lightning speed and clashed with him.
"That's one of the Sapphire Dragon Emperor's abilities? Heh, that doesn't even compare to the Paradise Dragon's creations during her prime!" Kokabiel mocked. "And how ironic that you of all people would become a Devil. Seiryuu must be furious."
As Spiral and Katherine dueled with Kokabiel, Alastair and Annabelle were standing at Seth's side, who seemed to be closely watching the battle.
"Master Seth, I say this as a matter of survival, but don't you think you should prepare that?" Alastair questioned. "There isn't much time left."
"… Very well." Seth agreed. "I'll need a little time, but it should be enough. Make sure to keep everyone safe until then."
With a forceful swing, Kokabiel parried Spiral and Katherine's attacks at once, creating an opening for him to counterattack. He was about to cut them with the blades from his wings, but Annabelle blocked the sword aimed at Katherine with a shield coated in demonic power and Alastair blocked the one heading for Spiral with his steel-coated body. After the strikes were successfully blocked, all four of them jumped back with Spiral and Katherine being a little short on breath. Suddenly, Kokabiel felt something hard strike him in the cheek. He looked down and saw Akira with her fist firmly planted into his left cheek. She had both a demonic aura and a blue aura surrounding her body, both armoring herself with her own power and receiving a speed buff from Fumiko. Kokabiel appeared to be moving something around in his mouth before spitting out a tooth. He punched Akira and she crossed her arms to block it, but the force still sent her sliding across the ground.
"Even after losing your masters, you Devils and servants of God can still fight, huh!" Kokabiel chortled.
(End Song)
"What do you mean?" Rias asked.
Kokabiel laughed maniacally. "Ahahahaha! Mwahahahahaha! Oh, right! I forgot! Your leaders never told you! Well, allow me to shine a light on that truth! Not only did the Four Great Satans die during the Great War! God himself also perished!"
With that revelation, everyone was left in a state of shock and disbelief.
"God… is dead?" Luke muttered.
"Of course you were never told. Who would admit that God is dead? Those foolish humans can't function without God. They would fall into despair and anarchy. The Fallen Angels and Devils haven't even told those below them. Among the three powers, only the top brass and certain individuals know of God's demise. Although, Valper was able to figure it out on his own before his death. All that remained after the battle were angels who had lost their God, Devils who had lost their most of their leaders, and Fallen Angels who lost most of their underlings. All sides had their forces exhausted and reduced to such a point that we had to rely on humans to survive. Mating with them is what saved angels and Fallen Angels from extinction. And the more angels that succumb to their vices, the more the ranks of the Fallen Angels increase. Devils can also increase their numbers this way, but Pureblooded Devils have become a rarity, too, no?"
"… No… It's a lie…" Xenovia dropped to her knees, her mind struggling to accept Kokabiel's words.
Asia, Spiral and Azusa were in a similar state of disbelief, as they were believers of God just like Xenovia.
"Frankly, there will never be another Great War like the last one unless someone actively starts it." Kokabiel continued. "After God and the Great Satans died, the remaining leaders decided there was no point in continuing it! And all because that bastard Azazel lost most of his forces, he announced there will never be another Great War! And just as we were about to win and I was beginning to have fun! He is defiling the name of Fallen Angels by doing his Sacred Gear research and inviting humans who possess them to join Grigori! What the fuck?!"
Asia was covering her mouth, and her eyes were glazed and shaking. "The Lord is gone? But… what about His love we have received?"
"Yes, He can't grant you protection or love since he has long passed." Kokabiel replied with amusement. "Michael has done well in His stead, shepherding the angels and their human followers. Blessings and exorcisms still function to an extent, but they aren't as effective as when God was alive. More people these days have their prayers go unanswered. That Holy-Demon Sword brat is only able to forge such a thing because the balance between light and dark has collapsed. Normally, holy and demonic power cannot merge, but with the balance thrown off, all kinds of phenomena are possible."
Asia fell to her knees and Issei called out to her.
"Asia! Are you okay?" Issei took her in his arms.
"I will bring about the next Great War, here and now! Even if I have to take your heads as trophies! I'm not alone in this! There are Fallen Angels who agree with me. We will continue the fight and show Sirzechs and Michael that Fallen Angels are the superior race once and for all!"
"Will you shut up already?!" Luke suddenly shouted, catching everyone off guard.
"… Come again?" Kokabiel looked at him with disdain.
"Every word that has come out of your mouth makes me want to puke." Luke leered at the Fallen Angel. "Not only do you want to destroy this town and start a war for the pettiest reasons, but you also insulted President, Akeno, Melody, and all of my friends. You're not leaving here without me getting at least one good hit in!"
"I'm with you, Luke-kun!" Issei ran up to Luke's side. "I won't let this douchebag blow up our home and start a war just to continue getting his kicks! I'm going to be Harem King, and no one will stand in my way!"
"Hahahaha, a Harem King?" Kokabiel laughed at Issei. "That's all the great Red Dragon Emperor desires? How about you join me then? I can give you your harem. You can have any beautiful woman you want. Just point to one you like and take them."
"Yeah, like Hyoudou is really going to-" Luke then saw that Issei was lost in thought, prompting him to smack himself in the forehead. "Oh, for fuck's sake… Snap out of it!"
Luke then punched Issei in the face, grabbing his attention.
"Ow! Sorry about that!" Issei rubbed his cheek. "I get a little weak when I hear the word 'harem'."
Nearly all of the women let out big sighs of disappointment.
"Listen up, Hyoudou!" Luke looked Issei straight in the eyes. "I'm far from the pinnacle of manliness, but I know for sure that it isn't manly to force a woman to like you! A real man earns a woman's affections!"
Issei just stared at Luke for a few seconds and then smirked. "Heh, you're right. A true Harem King should earn the love of his women!"
(Play "You Will Know Our Names" – Xenoblade Chronicles: Definitive Edition)
The jewel embedded in Issei's Boosted Gear began to shine brilliantly, reacting to his emotions.
"Hyoudou, I have an ace up my sleeve. Mind transferring your power to me?" Luke asked.
"Just kick his ass for me." Issei confidently replied.
"Fumiko, are you able to give me a speed and power boost?" Luke turned to her.
"Y-yes! I'll give you an injection."
Fumiko prepared a red and blue liquid in her Supreme Aid, and she injected the needle into Luke's right arm. He could feel his body become stronger and lighter as the fluid started flowing in his veins.
Transfer!
Issei touched Luke's left shoulder and he could feel another surge of power within his body.
Create!
A spear made of sapphire dragon scales appeared in Luke's hand, although it didn't appear to be his usual Gradivus as it had a single bladed tip instead of two.
"Reginleif!"
"So, the Red Dragon and Sapphire Dragon Emperors have combined their powers?" Kokabiel questioned with great interest. "This should be fun! Come at me then!"
Using his enhanced speed, Luke quickly closed the distance between him and Kokabiel, ready to pierce him with his new lance. Kokabiel shielded himself using his wings, but he suddenly felt something stab his right shoulder. He looked at his right shoulder and saw that the tip of Luke's lance had pierced through his wings and shoulder, blood spilling from the wound and his mouth.
"How...?!" Kokabiel growled.
"You can surround yourself in any armor and Reginleif will pierce right through it!" Luke proclaimed.
"For such a low-ranking Devil like you to actually make me bleed!" Kokabiel leered at Luke with a combination of agitation and interest. "Who the hell are you?"
"I'm the first host of Art Creation and the Pawn of Rias Gremory, Luke Sigmund!"
"Gyahahaha! Now things are getting very interesting!"
(End Song)
"That tears it!" Seth shouted. "We don't have much time left! Everyone, get away now!"
This must be the trump card Seth mentioned. Luke thought.
"What's happening?" Yuuto asked.
"Yuuto, just run." Rias ordered him.
Everyone started moving away from Kokabiel and Seth, except for Xenovia as she had no idea what was about to happen.
"You should get out of here, too." Seth suggested to Xenovia. "I wouldn't want you getting hurt either."
Xenovia simply nodded and followed everyone else. Seth and Kokabiel were staring each other down in the schoolyard while the others watched on from a fair distance away.
"Oh, you're going to face me by yourself?" Kokabiel raised his eyebrow. "Fine by me."
You shall know true terror, inferior creature. A voice echoed from the pitch-black jewel on Seth's right shoulder.
Seth closed his eyes, and a chilling air surrounded the entire area.
(Play "Centipede Demon" – Dark Souls)
The platinum scales engulfing Seth's right arm started to spread across his entire body. When the spreading stopped, Seth's entire body was encased what appeared to be platinum dragon armor with dragon wings and pitch-black jewels embedded at various spots on his body.
"Harbinger of the End."
Kokabiel's eyes suddenly widened as he came upon a horrific realization.
"It… can't be… Apokálypsis!"
"Famine."
Seth charged straight at Kokabiel, who tried to slash at him with his swords of light, but Seth dodged them with minimal movements and punched Kokabiel straight in the stomach. As the fist made contact, Kokabiel suddenly felt weak, and his stomach started growling very loudly.
"What… did you do to me?"
"'Famine' is one of the aspects of the apocalypse that World Ender can manifest. You're probably starving right now. So much so that you can barely move."
Seth grabbed Kokabiel by the throat.
"Pestilence."
After a single second, Kokabiel's face became pale as he started feeling deathly ill. Seth let go of Kokabiel's throat as he vomited blood.
"I have been watching you throughout this entire battle, studying your quirks." Seth said. "Among them you have bad habits of talking too much and underestimating your opponents. With that huge spear you used to destroy the gym, wiping us all out would have been simple, but instead you toyed with your enemies for your own entertainment. I could have easily crushed you whenever I wanted."
"N-no!" Kokabiel stumbled back in fear, trying his best to get away from Seth. "Stay away from me, you monster!"
"If you dare mess with this town or my friends again, you won't get off so easy!"
Seth took several steps toward Kokabiel and punched him in the chest. Due to his weakened state, the force of the punch caused Kokabiel to instantly lose consciousness upon hitting the ground.
(End Song)
The self-destruct magic circle disappeared with the sound of shattering glass upon Kokabiel's defeat, Rias and her servants looking at Seth in awe.
"He… defeated him like it was nothing…" Issei muttered in amazement.
"I… had no idea Seth was this strong…" Luke then looked at his Reginleif and tightly gripped it. How much further do I have to go to be on his level?
"Well, this is certainly interesting." An unfamiliar voice spoke up.
The barrier surrounding the school broke apart, revealing the starry night sky as a bright light descended. As it approached the ground, the image of a glowing figure in radiant white dragon armor with blue jewels embedded at various spots of it and eight wings of light appeared from within it.
"I was sent here by Azazel and Karlel to take Kokabiel back, even if it took all of my power." The figure spoke. "They told me he was becoming a problem. But to my surprise, I didn't even have to lift a finger."
"That dazzling white armor… If I'm not mistaken, you must be the Vanishing Dragon." Seth said.
"The… Vanishing Dragon?!" Issei exclaimed.
Luke seemed confused and he heard Opheria speak to him before he could ask anyone.
He is the White Dragon Emperor, the vessel of the Sacred Gear Divine Dividing that contains the soul of the Vanishing Dragon Albion, as well as the eternal rival of the Red Dragon Emperor.
Luke was left speechless and his mind blank as he couldn't help but keep his gaze fixated on the white figure.
"You can have him, provided that he will be properly punished." Seth held up the unconscious Kokabiel by his collar.
"I won't be the one doling it out, but I'm certain Azazel will see to it. I should also be taking Freed, too. We've got a few questions he needs to answer. You can take custody of the Fallen Angel underlings who have already surrendered. They aren't far from here."
"Thank you for dealing with them." Seth bowed his head as he handed Kokabiel over to the White Dragon Emperor.
"I'm not the one you should be thanking." The White Dragon Emperor carried Kokabiel and Freed over his shoulder. "They surrendered long before I got here."
"But… how could that be?" Luke contemplated with his thumb against his chin. "I feel sure that all of us were here and Council President Sitri and her servants were too busy keeping the barrier up…"
"I think I have an idea." Rias smiled with certainty.
The White Dragon Emperor looked like he was about to take off.
Are you ignoring me, White One?
A voice emanated from the jewel on Issei's gauntlet.
I see that you're still alive, Red One. And the Sapphire One has finally awakened. Another voice spoke up, this time coming from the jewels on the White Dragon Emperor's armor. And what of the Emerald One?
So, you're not aware of his whereabouts either, Albion. Opheria spoke to the White One's voice.
I never expected to encounter you here like this. Ddraig said to Albion.
Nor did I. Albion agreed. Though the two of us are still fated to battle once again, I feel that we will meet a few more times before that day.
And yet, I sense little hostility in you, White One.
I could say the same of you, Red One.
It seems we have found interests beyond our feud.
Let us enjoy ourselves before our inevitable battle. Let us meet again, Ddraig. And perhaps we will have a chance to test ourselves against you, Opheria.
Likewise. Opheria said back.
Until next time, Albion. Ddraig said.
"Hey! Who are you and what do you want?" Issei asked the armored figure.
"Understanding requires strength." The White Dragon replied. "Become stronger, my archrival. One day, we will do battle."
The White Dragon disappeared with Kokabiel and Freed in a dazzling light that shot straight into the sky and took off. As everything was settling down, Yuuto looked down at the corpse of Valper and thought about the possibility of someone continuing his research and causing more people the same suffering he and his old friends went through and what he would do with his Holy-Demon Sword should he ever cross paths with them. However, his train of thought stopped when he felt a hand touch his shoulder and he saw Luke.
"You did it, Yuuto. You beat Excalibur." Luke then looked at the Holy-Demon Sword. "A Holy-Demon Sword… That mix of white and black… it's a sight to behold."
"Luke-kun, I…"
"We've had a long day. Everything should be settled with the Excaliburs and your friends, right?"
"Yeah." Yuuto looked at Luke with gratitude.
"We can talk about it at the clubroom tomorrow."
Yuuto smiled at Luke's suggestion.
"Yuuto." Rias called out to her Knight and approached him with a smile. "I'm glad you returned. And to achieve Balance Breaker. I am so proud of you."
"… Buchou. I…" Yuuto looked at everyone with an expression of regret. "Everyone… you all saved my life, and I returned your kindness with betrayal… No amount of apologies can make up for what I've done…"
Rias stroked Yuuto's cheek to comfort him. "You came back. That is enough. Don't let your friends' wishes go to waste."
"Buchou… I would like to renew my promise to you. I, Yuuto Kiba, will protect you and my friends with my life for as long as I live as the Knight of the Gremory peerage."
"Heheh, thank you. Now." Rias smiled while her hand was surrounded in a crimson aura. "You need to be disciplined for running off on your own. One thousand spankings."
A few days later after classes, Luke and Fumiko entered the clubroom and were surprised to see Xenovia wearing the Kuoh Academy uniform and sitting on one of the sofas.
"Hey, Sapphire Dragon Emperor." Xenovia greeted them like it was normal for her to be there.
"You don't need to call me that." Luke said. "Didn't you have to go back to the Vatican?"
Just as Luke asked Xenovia that question, batlike wings sprouted from her back, leaving him in a state of bemusement.
"I learned that God is dead and was excommunicated from the Church, so I decided to become a Devil. Rias Gremory made me a Knight. Durandal might be powerful, but I guess I'm not, as I only cost her one piece. I have also transferred to your school as a second-year student and will be a member of the Occult Research Club. Let's get along, Luke." Xenovia tried to say that last sentence in a cute way, but her expression remained serious.
"Whatever you're going for, you're not pulling it off." Luke commented.
"I tried to copy Irina, but I guess it didn't work." Xenovia surmised.
"Are you sure about becoming a Devil?"
"Yes, at this point I can't go back. No, maybe this is a good thing? But… since God is gone, my life has no meaning. But to join forces with my former enemies? I might be the servant of the sister of a Great Satan, but…" Xenovia murmured something under her breath and then clutched her head in pain.
And she took some damage. "By the way, how is Irina doing? Wasn't she your partner?"
"She returned to headquarters with the five Excaliburs and Valper's body. We recovered the fragmented cores, so the mission was successful. As long as they have the cores, they can use alchemy to reforge the Holy Swords. When I told the higher-ups that I knew the truth about God, they refused to speak with me. Later, I found out that I was branded a heretic and the Church doesn't tolerate heresy, even if they wield Durandal. It is the same as what they did with Asia Argento. Irina was lucky. Her faith is stronger than mine. If she discovered the truth, I don't know how she would handle it. Irina was so disappointed to hear I had become a Devil and I couldn't tell her why. We'll probably be enemies the next time we meet."
"I'm not looking forward to that day." Luke sighed at the thought of fighting his childhood friend.
"Durandal will be quite the boon for us." Rias spoke up. "We now have Yuuto and Xenovia to cover our left and right flanks."
"By the way, Luke-kun." Yuuto said. "I couldn't help but notice that you called us your friends when you were facing Kokabiel. That's the first time I've heard you call us that."
"And you're not stuttering like you used to." Koneko chimed in.
Luke's cheeks became pink upon realizing that they had noticed both of those things. "… Well, we might have our secrets we keep from each other, but… I-I… I definitely care about everyone here."
"Teehee, you look so cute right now, Luke-kun." Akeno giggled.
"And Xenovia won't be the only one joining the Occult Research Club." Rias stated.
"Huh?" Luke and Fumiko looked at Rias in confusion.
There was a knock on the clubroom door.
"Come in!"
Upon the word from Rias, the door opened and Misaki, Katherine, Spiral, Azusa, Hikaru, Issei and Asia entered the room.
"Rias-sama, thank you for allowing us to join your club." Misaki bowed.
"What!" Luke exclaimed.
"Everyone, starting today, Melody's servants will be joining the Occult Research Club." Rias announced. "We will only be meeting with them every other day and they will continue their Devil jobs at their headquarters, but in case an incident like Kokabiel happens again, it would be convenient if we were all together in one place. Melody and I also agreed that it would help build camaraderie between our peerages. Unfortunately, as the president of the music club, she won't be able to join us."
"What are you doing here, Xenovia?" Issei asked as he was surprised to see the former Church swordswoman.
While they were getting up to speed with how Xenovia joined Rias's peerage, Luke went up to Rias.
"President?" Luke asked.
"Hm?" Rias turned to Luke.
"We got really lucky in that last battle." Luke looked downward. "If Seth weren't there and that Vanishing Dragon guy didn't intervene… I don't even want to think about it. And seeing both of them… I need to get much stronger if we continue to face powerful foes like Kokabiel. I think…" Luke pulled out the key to the Aegis's seal from his pocket. "It's time we search for the Aegis. If it's powerful enough to slay the dragon that resides in Seth's Sacred Gear, it must be incredibly powerful. Even if I can't use it, it would be worth checking out."
Rias contemplated Luke's suggestion for a moment. "… All right. I'll do what I can to find where the Aegis is sealed."
Luke smiled brightly at her response. "Thank you, President!"
"But be warned, Luke." Rias raised her finger. "Don't go searching for power at every opportunity. Power can make dreams a reality, but sometimes it carries a steep cost. Keep that in mind."
Luke wasn't sure how to respond to Rias's warning. As he was pondering, he heard Fumiko say something and turned his attention towards her.
"B-W-Where's Akira?" Fumiko asked Spiral, who had been speaking with Xenovia, Asia and Azusa.
They heard some whispering and saw Hikaru in the hallway, speaking to someone.
"Come on! They won't recognize you!" Hikaru whispered.
"I look ridiculous!" A voice that sounded like Akira's whispered back.
Hikaru dragged the person into the room and the Gremory peerage was dumbfounded at the sight before them. Akira had her hair down and was wearing a fake grey beard and an eyepatch over her left eye.
"… Is the pirate convention in town?" Koneko snarked.
"I told you it wouldn't work!" Akira shouted at Hikaru while throwing the beard and eyepatch to the floor and tying her hair back into a ponytail.
"Akira… what is your relationship with Fumiko?" Luke inquired. "You're going out of your way to avoid her. Why?"
Akira, feeling pressured by everyone's gazes, sighed and resigned herself to her situation.
"Fine… Fumiko… is my little sister."
A/N: Yes, as I'm sure some of you may have predicted, Fumiko and Akira are sisters. I actually didn't even come up with Akira until after I was trying to come up with Melody's peerage after the second chapter was posted.
The next chapter will be the start of the first original arc, where Luke begins his search for the Aegis and the light is shed on Fumiko and Akira's backstory. I will also be introducing an OC that one of my consultants is especially excited about.
Starting two chapters ago, I thought Luke's stuttering was getting kind of old and at this point, I feel it shows the growth he has made and how he feels about the members of the Occult Research Club.
And you got to see what makes World Ender such a terrifying Longinus and how much of a hurdle Luke has to climb to get anywhere near Seth's level.
Luke got to meet the White Dragon Emperor, Vali Lucifer, but what of the Emerald Dragon Emperor? Well, it will still be a while before we finally meet them, and they won't exactly be what you're thinking of.
Anyway, I hope you all enjoyed! Stay tuned for next time!
Luke Harem: Rias Gremory, Annabelle Wright
Issei Harem: Misaki Shirayuki, Asia Argento
Rias Gremory Peerage: Rias Gremory (King), Akeno Himejima (Queen), Yuuto Kiba (Knight), Xenovia Quarta (Knight), Koneko Toujo (Rook), Fumiko Kazuya (Bishop), Gasper Vladi (Bishop), Luke Sigmund (8 Pawns)
Seth Sigmund Peerage: Seth Sigmund (King), Annabelle Wright (Queen), Alastair Wright (Rook), Emery Belmont (Rook), Hana Sakuya (2 Bishops)
Melody Morag Peerage: Melody Morag (King), Misaki Shirayuki (Queen), Katherine Petrova (Knight), Spiral Hirano (Knight), Azusa Hirano (Rook), Akira Kazuya (Rook), Hikaru Ueda (Bishop), Asia Argento (Bishop), Issei Hyoudou (8 Pawns)