One-Punch DxD: NEO
Chapter 42: Halcyon

It's a little too soon, but Happy Valentine's Day! ^_^

"...The scientist that pioneered the cells was called Psykos."

Standing before Cattleya Leviathan were Sirzechs and Ajuka. The two greatest Devils of this era stood behind Silver who was holding the bible in his hands.

"Psykos?" Silver quirked a brow. "Tell us about this one."

"...I do not know much about her. She is a mature woman with a certain devilish beauty and light blue hair. Behind those glasses were eyes full of ambition." Cattleya continued as she sighed. "Her aura was peculiar, but I was sure she was human. Where she came from, why she is here, I do not know. Rizevim didn't inform us about her background. All I know is that she is his cohort in their newest projects… she is the one that designed the power they gave us."

"...What about the source of the power?" Silver asked. "There should be a living, willing creature of great power that she could use as a base-source, one that can transform other life into superior versions."

"I do not know what they used to make the power." Cattleya denied. "But there is such a creature… Rizevim did hint us about it. Whatever it is, he did not show it to us. All he informed us was the abilities of the cell and the risks that come with it."

"Such as?" Sirzechs asked.

"...Permanent loss of intelligence. Loss of identity and sense of self. Becoming a permanent mutated monster variant destined to be recycled as a familiar for the others to use as a warbeast of burden."

Sirzechs and Ajuka scrunched their features at the risks Cattleya took to obtain more power.

"How nostalgic…" Silver rubbed his chin.

"And you took it despite knowing that you'll become fallen?" Ajuka asked.

"Fallen, huh…?" Cattleya snorted in bemusement, "After the last centuries, do you think I could have fallen even lower?"

"It is not a test of strength, but desperation and myopism at its purest. What would you have done if you turned into a monster? Would you still call that tragic outcome the means for the greater good?" Ajuka demanded.

Cattleya merely huffed to the side without another word. She deemed Ajuka's remark to be pointless and barely had any relevance to the topic they were discussing.

"...Is this about your brother? Your family's greatest shame?" Cattleya asked, remembering one other Devil that had relevance to Ajuka.

Ajuka remained silent, but his contorting features failed to hide his thoughts, his emotions.

"That's right, he nearly ate the Cell. Even after what he did, you're still concerned about that worthless waste of life? Awww, how pathetically soft-hearted. Do you know how easy it is to persuade him? He is so easy to bribe, completely delusional. You should've put him down the moment he revealed his true nature to the world."

Cattleya smiled as his calm features broke down into a scowl. Silver slowly raised the bible to his face, but he was interested in seeing the Super Devil Magician react to psychological warfare.

"He even believed himself destined to be the next Devil King. Really, him, someone so pitiful to lose to a pure human in a contest of strength. He is even more revolting to deal with. I felt sorry for the whores he absconded with, even though they are impure scum… Really, are you sure you should keep him alive? He is not the kind of person kindness can save, you know?"

"Perhaps so, but it was not my decision by the end of the day. Besides…" Ajuka's eyes then gleamed, "I think death is too kind for him at the moment."

"You never know when someone like him can make waves once again."

Silver cleared his throat to catch everyone's attention.

"Shall we move this interrogation session along? I have an arena to attend to." Silver waved the bible in his hand.

"...Yes." Ajuka agreed. "I want the names of the others conspiring with you."

Cattleya did not relent in meeting Ajuka's gaze.

"I see we are moving this along. But here is my answer."

Cattleya spat at Ajuka. However, the spit levitated and flew back at the woman, landing in her eye, much to her disgust.

"Didn't you decide to cooperate?" Silver asked with a slightly intrigued tone.

"I will not give away my allies. You can have Rizevim and his Qlippoth for all I care, but this is where you'll have to take your answers from my corpse."

Silver glanced at the two Devil Kings. Sirzechs and Ajuka stared at Cattleya again before they gave the Silver Sperm their nods of approval.

"Back to the session, then. You two might want to walk away if you don't wish to endure the sermon." Silver advised as he started flipping the pages with his thumb.

Cattleya grimaced as she held her breath while the two Devil Kings backed out of the cell as Silver resumed.

They winced when Silver started, feeling the worst migraines they never knew were possible.

"Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God's holy people. Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving. For of this you can be sure: No immoral, impure or greedy person-such a man is an idolater-has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of such things God's wrath comes on those who are disobedient. Therefore do not be partners with them. For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth) and find out what pleases the Lord."

"AGHHHHHHHHHHHHH!"

As for Cattleya, smoke rose from her skin as her tongue was lit on fire once more, her eyes and eyes crying blood, the crimson liquid also catching holy white fire as it dripped down her cheeks.

Sirzechs and Ajuka had never felt this kind of pain for a long time. But the pain started to to turn into something else as blood started to leave their ears. It was taking a significant chunk of their efforts to ensure that they did not become like Cattleya, severely underestimating Silver's authority and affinity with the holy element.

Saitama yawned as he went through the fridge.

The kids were out in school, doing things all students should do. Saitama walked to the table and smacked his lips, pouring himself a glass of milk and glugged it all down.

He felt a tug on the hem of his pants. He looked down, seeing Ophis looking up at him adorably.

"...Ride?" Saitama asked.

"Ride."

Lately, it had become routine for Saitama to let Ophis ride his shoulders. Although he did not mind, honestly.

He picked up the little girl and placed her on his shoulders. Ophis wrapped her legs around his neck with a satisfied sigh. Then came the dog as it paddled towards the man and pawed his ankles.

Saitama looked down again to see Rover giving him the eyes.

"You want snacks, bud?" Saitama asked.

Rover barked, pantig expectactly.

"Alright, alright. But don't tell Haru, olkay?"

Ironically, it was the man of the house that likes to spoil Rover when asked. He went to the fridge and pulled out Rover's favorite spiced steak. He dropped it into Rover's eager mouth, the dog chewing on the meat happily.

"...I want to hold him." Ophis asked. Saitama smiled as he obliged and picked up Rover, handing him to Ophis.

Now… What should he do today? Honestly, he had too much free time nowadays. Maybe he should go to Haruka and see if she needs anything or take a walk around Kuoh to refresh his memory.

He heard that there was a massage parlor that Issei recommended that he wished to try with Haruka.

Then the doorbell rang. Finding that he was closer to the front door, Saitama took it upon himself to receive the guest that morning. When he opened the door, he was greeted by the sight of Serafall Leviathan in a similar get-up she wore during the conference instead of her Magical Girl costume.

"Morning, Saitama-chan~! Hope I'm not intruding."

"...Serafall. Fancy seeing you here." Saitama greeted, while stepping aside and opening the door wider so the devil king, or Queen, could walk in.

She winked. Again, for some reason, a star flew out of her wink.

"So, Sirzechs got a job for me or something?"

Serafall eyed Ophis holding Rover on his shoulders, before she glanced at him, "Not really. More like, I have a job for you."

"...Is it related to magical girls?" Saitama asked, knowing Serafall's passion.

"Hmmm, no… wait, yes and no." Serafall perked up. "Do you mind if we play a game or two, Saitama-chan?"

"Uhhhh, sure?" Saitama did not know why, but he saw a sinister glint flash behind her eyes. "What kind of game, by the way?"

Serafall hummed, "Let's see what you have for now, but before that." She then turned to see Haruka entering the living room. "Haru-nyan!"

"Serafall, welcome." Haruka smiled warmly as she and Serafall shared a hug.

"I've come to visit like I promised!" Serafall giggled as they pulled back.

"Come in then, let me prepare some tea for you." Haruka gestured towards the lavish kitchen.

oXo

Saitama still had not adapted to the new lifestyle. Everything was a bit spacious inside the mansion, the lounge, the living room, the kitchen, and there were some extra rooms that he had no idea what they were for.

The living room alone could accompany their original house in terms of space alone.

Saitama followed them to the kitchen as Haruka prepared tea for their guest. Saitama sat on the stool as Serafall made herself comfortable in her seat.

"So… what's the problem?" Saitama asked as Rover panted in Ophis' arms.

"Well… I still can't get used to seeing Ophis-chan riding your shoulders like that." Serafall giggled, pointing at the little girl and the dog. "But on the main subject, well, I'm here to update you. The Shino Gods contacted us. They want to talk about… damages."

"Damages, such as…?"

"Have you been in that one park where your cyborg friend and fallen angel battled?" Serafall asked.

"Uh, yeah I did. Everything is glass and stuff." Saitama nodded.

"Those kinds of damages. They are not happy about something like this happening in their lands, so they want to meet with us for parley," she said.

"Oh… wait, what does that have to do with me?" Saitama pointed at himself.

"Long story short, we'd like you to join the talk with the delegations from Takamagahara, in case negotiations turns… violent."

So it was that kind of job. Nothing he couldn't handle.

"Ah, gotcha. So… Who are we meeting?" Saitama asked.

He wasn't sure if he met any of the Shinto Gods. He met some of the other pantheons, though.

"One of the leading Four Great Clans, the Himejimas, will act as a mediator. They will accompany Lady Amaterasu to the meeting spot."

"Am-a-tera-su…" Saitama looked up at the ceiling in thought. Did he meet this one before? He did remember hearing much about her in anime and stuff. "Don't think we met." He scratched his cheek.

"Really? Strange, I swore that at least one of the Shinto Gods met you when you lived here…"

"My husband can be a little unnoticeable." Haruka said as she placed the cup of hot tea on the table. "I know because I heard much about the stories of the strongest man living anonymously for years despite destroying evil day by day."

"Ah, you really need to tell me that when I visit next time. Although I am still unconvinced that this literal egghead defeated the strongest dragon… but I won't go against the word of the little dragon god riding his shoulders." Serafall giggled as she sipped her tea.

"Oh, you mean Ophis-chan?" Haruka blinked as she looked at Ophis holding Rover.

"Hm? You knew?" Serafall asked.

"Oh, I may look like an innocent housewife, but I tend to have good ears. Also, I have Black updating me on everything. I still see her as an adorable girl that needs love and care." She smiled as she pat Ophis' head, in which the latter seemed to enjoy the gesture.

Serafall still could not get her head around the fact that this family now housed one of the strongest existences and treated her like family already.

"...Are you going to bring her to the delegation?" She asked curiously.

"Hm? I don't see why not." Saitama shrugged. "I traveled with her on my shoulder for months. Nothing can hurt her."

"Except you." Ophis noted as she rubbed her chin against Rover's head.

"Well… maybe bringing Ophis can help defuse any notions of violence at least." Serafall shrugged before she took a sip from Haruka's tea, savoring the taste on her tongue in the process.

"Other than that… let's play a game." Serafall deviously smirked.

Haruka smiled as well, her eyes closed, each hiding an ominous intent as both girls giggled.

"Uhhh… you okay with Smash Bros?" Saitama asked.

Bait: secured.

Serafall would make the brat pay for sending a delicate maiden to fight against the strongest existence, even if that existence was of dubious origins.

Mid-semester exams - Today was one of the greatest torments Issei ever had.

Normally, he would disregard it, but with the threat of turning into a statue for hellish, mind-breaking make-up lectures looming over him, Issei had to finish the test papers before him, sweat furiously perspiring from his brows as he struggled with every question with every fiber of his being.

He glanced around - there was Genos standing at front, acting as the observer for the hour. His mechanical eyes scanned the classroom like a hawk. Issei doubted that anyone could fool those eyes of his.

He then stole glances at his friends; the girls from Europe - Irina, Asia and Xenovia were working on their papers. The latter two seemed to be struggling, with the former faring better somehow.

Issei then turned to glance at Vali, who looked bored. The white-haired teen then caught him staring and threw a smirk in return - the smug bastard.

Issei then froze when he realized that Genos was now watching him. His overbearing judgemental eyes prompted Issei to return to his papers to continue finishing his answers while silently complaining to himself.

Hours passed as Issei finished the last question.

He sighed in relief, but nearly yelped when Genos immediately swiped his test papers and flipped through the papers in one go.

"I have calculated your scores."

Issei stared at him both dumbfounded and irritated. Curse Genos and his computer brain.

"We will have a discussion later."

Issei paled - The images of him, stuck as a platinum statue from the neck down, flashed through his head. He could see either of the three metallic trio do it just to see him suffer.

Vali inwardly snickered as Issei's forehead fell to the desk. Issei looked up from his desk and flashed Vali the bird with the biggest frown he could make. Soon, everyone else finished their tests before the class finally ended.

"...Issei?" Irina approached him.

Issei groaned into the desk, wailing his lament. "I'm doomed…." He wailed.

"Come on, we studied together, remember? And I don't recall you're fumbling over the subjects. You'll be fine." Irina patted on her back.

"Don't downplay the obvious. So, which metal do you want to turn into? Silver, gold, or platinum? I suggest silver." Vali almost cackled as he gave his own shit-eating grin.

"Fuck off, Vali." Issei shot back.

He hoped he could bribe at least one of the big bads to turn him back behind Genos' back.

"…By the way, how did you all do in the test?" Issei asked.

Vali harrumphed with an inflated chest, "It is child's play."

"Ummm, it is… challenging." Asia smiled.

"I do not know much about these subjects." Xenovia shamefully admitted.

"Really? It is easy peasy!" Irina chimed.

At least he might not be alone in lecture hell. He groaned as he prepared to head back home.

"Welp." He got up and packed up his bag, "Time to head home. Anyone want to buy something on the way back?"

At least he could brace himself for the inevitable. For now, he had to tend to the angel girls and test their progress.

oXo

"Alright, you two, show me what you can do with your angel powers."

In the training room Vali, Xenovia, Gold, and Platinum stood by the side watching the angel duo since there was still time before Genos returned.

Issei was munching on a rice cracker. He wanted to see the progress of the two reincarnated angels, especially since their grace was based on Kokabiel.

Currently, Issei and Irina were putting off their adult activities to maintain her status as a pure servant of God. The other Devil boys and girls were sparring amongst themselves.

"Alright! Asia, let's show him what we can do!"

Issei was going to spar with the two angel girls. The catch here was that Asia was allowed to act as a full-time supporter, leaving Irina as the main combatant. For obvious reasons, Issei wouldn't attack her no matter what.

Asia nodded with a determined face, huffing her chest with the Rod of Asclepius held close to her. Rassei squeaked on her head, ready to join in and participate in her training.

Irina was bobbing up and down on her toes, jumping once in a while to warm herself up. As soon as Issei took the last bite of his snack, Irina then dashed towards him, "Here I come, Ise!"

She summoned her light swords, two blades of pure holy light held to her left. However, in her twin parallel swings, they clashed against unexpected steel.

Irina stared at the legendary sword, Ascalon, in his hand, the boy smiling impishly at his angel girlfriend as the holy steel gleamed peerlessly in the roomlight.

"...Are you really going to use that thing against your girlfriend?" Gold commented from the sidelines with a quirked brow.

"Nah, but I still want to use it from time to time." Issei smirked.

"Since when do you have a legendary sword?! Wait, what sword is that?" Vali shouted from the sidelines.

"Ascalon." Platinum answered.

"...The Dragon Slayer?" Vali uttered.

The fact that he had something that could tear through both his Scale Male and punish his devil heritage at the same time coupling with his already ridiculous might was absurdly unfair. He might have to use his Juggernaut to compensate, assuming the full might of the White Dragon could resist the combination.

"Hehehehe." Issei chuckled ominously as he flashed a swift glance at Vali's direction. "Don't let up, Iri!"

Issei pushed Irina back as she ascended, her wings of light unfurled.

"Hiyah!" Irina shouted a warcry as she unleashed her spears of light.

In return, Issei easily dodged the first couple spears and deflected the rest with his sword. Irina puffed her cheeks as she circled around the flightless human, firing more holy spears and, in the mix, throwing chakrams of holy light as the rings veered and curved mid-flight, surrounding Issei from three different directions.

"That's the way!" However, with a wide swing, all of the holy projectiles caromed off the holy steel, a light spear nearly clipping Irina's hair as she yelped.

"Hey! That nearly blew my head off!" Irina poured.

"You would be fine! Now try harder!"

"Irina!" Asia aimed Asclepius at Irina as she shot a ray of light at Irina.

Issei quirked a brow. She had been studying under the fallen angels, Azazel included, in magic. He wondered what she learned-

Zap!

"…Hmm?" Issei scratched his tingly nape.

Kyu!

Rassei was orbiting Issei. He did not notice the tiny dragon until it zapped him with electricity.

Zap!

Issei blocked the next zap with his palm. It itched a little, though the little cute thing continued zapping him without mercy. He then looked back at Irina… to see she disappeared.

He widened his eyes as he looked around. Where did she go? There was no way she had the speed to bypass his senses so-

He immediately turned around and blocked an incoming sword strike from seemingly out of nowhere. Irina's form melted into existence, revealing her mien warped by shock.

"Issei?! How'd you know I was coming?!" Irina shouted as Issei narrowed his eyes.

"Since when did you learn invisibility?!" Issei shouted back.

"Asia made me invisible!" Irina cheerfully explained.

"Eh?" Issei glanced at the meek girl. She was smiling awkwardly, waving at him.

"...Really? Wow, good job!" Issei flashed a thumbs up while pushing Irina's swords back with Ascalon - with one arm, while Irina was struggling with two arms.

Asia blushed and fidgeted, "...T-Thank you." She bowed a little.

"Asia, less thanking, more helping! And why can't I push back your one arm?!" Irina pleaded as she puffed her cheeks.

Even with two arms, her strength multiplied by her angelhood, she still couldn't push back one arm.

Kyu!

Rassei cooed as he started channeling clouds around him. Issei felt more and more of the baby's lightning bolts pelting his skin.

"Rassei, stop. Rassei!" Issei frowned when the lightning bolts started to become annoying.

He knew that he could not attack the imoogi because it was a baby, but they were abusing his infant status a bit too much.

"There!" Irina swung both her swords below his guard, at his legs.

But his reflexes lifted his foot and stomped on her light swords, pinning both of them down under his sneaker.

She looked up to see Ascalon on her neck. She still could not believe that the sheer difference between them was this wide, even with her reincarnation.

However, Asia fired another ray of holy light at Irina from Asclepius.

"B-Blessing!" Asia meekly shouted.

Issei quirked a brow as the light enveloped Irina. She tried to yank her light swords out, but they barely budged even with the unknown augmentations.

Then Rassei started peppering his face with zapping lighting.

"Hey!" Issei closed his eyes in reflex as he raised a hand, blocking the lighting, "Rassei, stop being cheap, stop!" He demanded as the little serpent cooed and continued pelting him with electricity.

It was very irritating the way the snake tried to blind him. It did not hurt, but it was an annoying itch that refused to go away unless it was scratched. And worse, he was aiming for his eyes.

"Hiyah!"

Taking the opening, she dispersed her light swords and uppercutted that one part between his legs.

Vali and the two metallic sperms spluttered when her fist made contact with the one spot all men must protect.

Issei's eyes bulged out. There was a tense silence as Irina stared at her boyfriend's bloodshot expression. It was only thanks to the Ki he had coated over his entire frame that the impact did not fully go through.

"Why…?" Issei rasped as Ascalon fell off his fingers as he dropped to his knees, clutching his manhood.

"Hahahahahahaha!" Vali started laughing at Issei's torment.

"Bahahahahaha!" The other two metallic sperms joined in as Issei flashed a bloodshot murderous glare at their direction.

Asia's free hand was covering her mouth in shock while Irina started to sweat a little, feeling a tingle of guilt.

"I'm sorry!" Irina said as she gained some distance.

A few moments later, Issei got back to his feet while caressing his crotch. The pain subsided easily enough, "Did you really have to punch your boyfriend's nuts?" Issei half-wheezed as he picked up Ascalon.

"Uh, it was in the moment?" Irina smiled sheepishly.

"It is still sparring! Not even Black or the Big Bads aim for that spot!"

"Pfff, only because your mother will kill us if we neuter your ability to give her grandchildren." Golden pointed out.

"Hahahahahahahaha!" Vali was still laughing at Issei.

With a scowl, Issei flipped the bird at his rival.

"Do you want to keep going?" Irina asked with an awkward smile.

Issei took a deep breath before he nodded, "...Sure, why not."

However, before the spar could have continued, the door was opened, revealing Genos who was in the middle of disarming his camouflage, transforming from his human back to his regular appearance.

"Everyone. It is time for the results." Genos said as soon as everyone had registered his arrival.

His words silenced all activities as creeping dread followed in their wake. Issei started to sweat with fear leaking out his pores. Vali grinned expectantly while Xenovia puckered her lips like she was sucking on a sour lemon from anxiety.

"…Issei. As for your score…"

Issei could hear his heart pounding in his ears at the volume of war drums. He felt like a suspect waiting for the guillotine only with Genos as the judge, jury, and executioner.

He silently prayed to all of the gods that he passed. Should he get on his knees and beg? Maybe if he pleaded with all his might…

"You passed with flying colors. Congratulations."

"Nooooooo! Please don't turn me into a statue, I beg… huh…?"

Issei was on his knees while Vali and the two metallic sperms almost tackled him to hold him down for the statue treatment.

"What?" Vali and the metallic duos were stupefied. Vali was already behind Issei while each of the sperms had their antennas primed.

"...Come again?"

"You passed with flying colors. Congratulations." Genos simply replied again word from word, his expression remained stoic as if his nephew did not just break down just now.

"You passed the ninety-point benchmark. A great effort on your part." Genos stoically gave Issei a thumbs-up.

"What?!" Vali shouted with disbelief.

"Vali… you barely passed." His eyes narrowed at the White dragon emperor.

Issei and the two masculine sperms turned to Vali with owlish eyes.

While Issei was relieved that he survived to live another day…

"You succeeded in academics, but you completely failed at literature. What do you have to explain for yourself?"

Issei did not expect that their situation would suddenly reverse.

"The exam was utter nonsense." Vali grunted, "They asked me about what the author was thinking when he wrote a certain piece of dialogue from 'Memoirs of Geisha'. How the hell should I know?!"

"…Dude. Didn't you study?" Issei, despite his relief, however could not help but inwardly agree with his rival; he also had difficulty answering that question.

"I did study! And I still passed the whole thing, didn't I?"

"Every subject?" Genos asked.

"...You won't die from not understanding literature alone." Vali pouted.

"Vali. Gold or platinum?" Genos asked.

"…Hm?" Vali blinked with ignorance.

"I am giving you a choice on what kind of metal you wish to turn into during tutoring. I will not tolerate anyone failing behind a single subject no matter who." Genos explained with a tone of ultimatum.

Xenovia started to back away while the our devils watched the half-Devil perspire. Two ominous presences looked over the half-Devil, both masculine figures eyeing him like a tiger to a mouse.

"Fine, fine!" Vali relented with both of his hands up. "I get your point… I'll take my studies seriously."

Genos remained stoic as the two metallic sperms waited for his answer.

"Starting tomorrow, you still attend after your training sessions. I expect to see you from then on."

"Tsk." Platinum clicked his tongue.

Both Dragon Emperors survived… for now.

"As for you, Ise… Considering the developments as of late, I believe it is time for you to add a new language to your ken."

"Hm? Language? Why, though?" Issei didn't get it.

"Because you need to learn Italian to converse with the locals in Italy, considering your trip in near future." Genos replied.

"Ah… Alright." Issei forgot about that one detail.

It would be extremely embarrassing if he went into enemy territory only to look like a dunce, alienated from the public just because he could not speak italian.

Genos then turned to a certain reincarnated angel, "Asia Argento, I'd like to request for your cooperation in teaching Ise your native language. Considering you are from Italy, I think you can facilitate his learning more efficiently."

Asia's face lit up, "Yes, I will do my best!"

Kyu!

Rassei cooed as the serpent slithered back to Asia and nestled into her hair.

"Also… Issei. Have you focused on your own progress so far?" Genos asked.

Issei looked at Genos, lost.

"You have taken the role of a teacher to nurture the growth of your friends. However, I am afraid that by doing so, you will neglect your own growth as well. I suggest you start taking some time to develop, strengthen yourself and reach your otential in the meantime."

In a sense, Issei did spend a lot of his time training everyone else… he could not remember the last time he focused on his own training.

"...Yeah, sure. I'll do that."

Genos nodded, "Returning to the matters of your midterms, Xenovia, Asia, Irina, as for your scores…"

The church girls straightened their backs as Genos drew their fates.

Fuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuu…

Issei exhaled his intake of breath as he entered another fluid stance, moving to the next sequence of the water stream style.

The night was young, the sun already hiding beneath the horizon while the stars still yawned. Issei stood on the front yard of the mansion, standing on the dewy grass with only his pants, his torso left naked.

He took another deep breath as he entered another stance, sliding his feet until his legs were apart, both hands motioning left, sharply, yet gently. Blue contrails marked the path of his hands, lines never straight, always curving at round angles in unpredictable turns in their motions.

"I think I'm getting there..." Issei muttered as he took another deep breath as he channeled his Ki.

Right now, Issei wanted to focus on mastering the Awakening Breath. The better grasp he had on the Awakening Breath, the more likely he could master the styles and techniques that Bang - no, Garou had shown him in the past.

He was not as proficient in the Water Stream style as he was in the Explosive Heart Release style, but he always liked how the gentle style worked, overcoming the strong with technique, the way of the underdog.

He took in another breath and held it in, letting the Ki pump through his meridians and flow. He could feel each and every lock he never knew was there opening every time he breathed.

"One more time…!"

Issei breathed in more deeply again as he decided to concentrate his ki into something more condensed, like a rock, and shot it through his system as he struck the ground.

He was almost like an arrow flying through the air, experiencing the absence of air resistance for the first time before it struck its mark.

The dirt exploded, leaving a crater of dirt besmirching the pristine lawn of the mansion.

"Did I get it….?" Issei huffed - he could feel himself getting there.

"...Did you get what?"

Issei already noticed her presence when she left the entrance.

"...Can't sleep, Xenovia?" Issei asked.

Xenovia Quarta, in her T-shirt and shorts, walked onto the lawn up to Issei.

"Yes…. Have a lot on my mind lately." The blunette sighed.

"Like your make-up sessions?" Issei smirked.

"It's barely a month since I enrolled, Ise, and I already had to take the special curriculum." Xenovia sighed as she plopped on the soft grass.

Issei chuckled, "Sorry, sorry… But anyway, I'm all ears, or if you just want to chill, feel free." He replied as he inhaled again, repeating his exercise.

The silence remained between the two, one looking at the other practicing.

"...That's an interesting breathing pattern." Xenovia commented.

"It is called the Awakening Breath." Issei said as he exhaled.

Xenovia could see his breath, even though it was spring.

"What does it do?" She asked.

"It heightens my body to its physical limits." Issei said as he inhaled deeply. "Speed, agility, maneuverability, everything is enhanced. It is easier to work with than Boost."

"Why?" She asked.

"Boost is… how do I say it… basically, it increases the volume of the water more than the container can handle or keep in. Without something to manage or keep the water from spilling out, you can't exactly control the flow of power the way you like." Issei said.

"I thought Boosted Gear doubles your power."

"Exactly, only your power. Not your capabilities to handle said power." Issei corrected. "It is more like a Faustian pact in a sense, a gambler's high stakes on the table, all or nothing. With all of that power leaking out, there's a chance it can be used against you in the worst ways. For example, if I failed to keep the power I got stable, the backlash can kill me. It is why there is a Reset function, to ground the power before it destroys you, as well as Burst - when I accidentally boosted more than I can take. That's also why I was told to get my body stronger and learn some new tricks in applying Boosted Gear's power."

Issei then explained further, "The same goes for Vali as well. He can halve the power of almost anything, but his Divine Dividing absorbs the power he took in a container of sorts. Again, there's a storage limit. If it pops, Vali's Scale Mail will go haywire, leaving him open for devastating finishers."

"I see…." Xenovia nodded thoughtfully, her mind recalled her past training with Griselda.

"Breath, Xenovia! Breath!"

Griselda barked her instruction as she supervised the young Xenovia swinging her sizable practice sword against the dummy before her.

"I am!"

The girl protested as she exerted all of her strength, yet she could barely bear any results.

"No, you are not! You are still too reliant on your muscles alone!"

Xenovia then stopped swinging and turned towards her mentor, "Why'd you think?! This sword and that thing weigh like a friggin' ton!"

Griselda simply sighed as she silently beckoned Xenovia to hand her the practice sword. The girl then watched her mentor perform the same combo she had been doing to the dummy, only that she noticed the audible noise of Griselda's inhale and exhale through her nose and mouth.

On the final strike, the dummy flew with a thwack.

The sound of wood cracked from the impact as the dummy splattered against the wall, the insides fleeing the body as the remains slid down to the floor.

Smiling at the memory, Xenovia came to a decision before she looked up, "Can you teach me?"

Issei blinked and glanced at Xenovia, "...Come again?"

"...Whatever you're doing. I'm interested." Xenovia smiled at him.

"I… am pretty sure you'll do better as a swordsman than a brawler, honestly." Issei pointed out.

"No, I mean, that breathing technique you are doing. Can you teach me that?" Xenovia specified.

"Oh… well…" Issei hummed in thought, "Yeah, why not?" He took a deep breath and relaxed himself. "Let's see, where do we start… alright, have you ever tried to tap into your Ki before?" Issei asked.

Xenovia stared at Issei before she slowly shook her head. "I don't know about Ki, but back in my training days, the reason I can wield Durandal in the first place is because I possess a large amount of what they call a 'holy element'. Us exorcists are taught to draw upon this specific energy to utilize the power of holy swords."

"Huh… then how can I use it?" Issei pointed at himself. "I can use your swords like they're toys to me."

"I… don't know. Another factor is a natural affinity with the light element. Like King Arthur of old who can wield a Holy Sword naturally without training." Xenovia tapped her chin in thought.

"Well, then I guess dad has something to do with it." Issei muttered with a conjecture, "...Alright," He then sat down on the grass in a lotus position, facing Xenovia across him.

He wondered if Xenovia would have better luck with this than Tsubasa. It would be hilarious to see her reaction to Xenovia picking it up in a few days or so.

"Let's see… First, the Awakening Breath is a breathing technique that helps draw all of the latent energy from your body to maximize your performance to the absolute limits, since all living creatures need to breathe in order to live, move, and generate power. Are you with me so far?"

Xenovia nodded.

"I think I have an idea on how to measure it." Issei summoned Ascalon.

Xenovia was surprised to see the peerless dragon slayer brought out as he twirled it to a reverse grip and offered it to her.

"Hold this for me." Issei prompted.

Xenovia stared at the blade frigidly for a moment before her hand hesitantly accepted the hilt, taking it from his hand.

"I don't know the exact defining line before Auras and Ki yet so I am thinking that we can use Ascalon as a measuring tool. Basically, with each breath, try channeling the excess energy into the holy sword to see how it'll react."

"Oh…" Xenovia was surprised. "That's… creative." She admitted.

"I know, right? Let's try it."

"I've never been to Kiba's place, now that I think about it."

Issei said while he, Vali, and Rias' group walked towards the building where Yuuto lived, a towering apartment complex like any other.

"It is not a special place. It is no different than any other apartments." Rias answered.

They were checking up on Kiba after Silver summoned him to the arena. They didn't go with him this time because Kiba wanted to see to this alone.

"By the way, how is GASPER, with all of his letters capitalized?" Issei asked.

Rias, Akeno, and Koneko grimaced. Ravel remained indifferent, now Rias' second Bishop.

"...Well?"

This could not go well.

"He is… being obstinate. He is still stuck in DIO mode." Koneko worded.

"Is it because DIO can stop time while Giorno can't?" Issei asked.

"Well….. It's more like because Gasper once tried to transform a candy into an animal like Giorno, but he couldn't." Rias said sheepishly.

"Pffff. Tell him that just because they don't have the same powers doesn't mean he doesn't have the right to emulate Giorno. After all, they both have vampire fathers and human mothers." Issei snickered as they entered the building.

"Will it even work?" Rias asked.

"Word of advice. Better off to make use of what you have at the worst case." Vali gave his input, earning many frowns from the Devil girls.

They walked up the stairs to the third floor. They stopped at Yuuto's room. Rias cleared her throat and pressed the doorbell.

The doorbell rang, then the door opened. Instead of a casual Prince of Kuoh, what came out was not what they expected.

Yuuto's wardrobe was… completely out of his character. He was wearing a stylish blue trench coat and wearing a silver wig. Under his coat was a thick vest. He was also holding his Muramasa in sword form. Sᴇaʀch* Thᴇ NʘvᴇlFirᴇ.nᴇt website on Gøøglᴇ to access chapters of nøvels early and in the highest quality.

Behind him, Rias and the others flinched when they heard the cackling of the black imp.

"...Yuuto?" Rias asked with genuine worry and fear.

"Welcome, Pres." Yuuto greeted politely, but his smile seemed strained, resigned, somehow.

"...What's up with the get-up? Not bad, but… don't tell me Black got you, too?" Issei decided to be the blunt one.

"Yes, I did!" the creature suddenly popped out from behind Yuuto.

"Um… it's more like he wants me to cosplay. To shorten the story, he wants me to emulate famous swordsman figures from popular media. Ever heard of Devil May Cry?"

"Yeah, played the shit out of it." Issei nodded. "Wait, you're trying to copy Virgil's movesets? Really?"

In response, the cackling of the imp grew louder.

"Yeah… And if I'm to be honest, this whole idea is insane." Yuuto dropped his head.

"No shit, he's way too high level for you. Who else is Black making you imitate?" Issei asked as he looked over Yuuto's shoulder, seeing Black rolling around on the floor laughing out his tears.

"Uhhhh… Samurai Jack." Yuuto began counting with his fingers. "Sword of the Stranger, Afro Samurai, and… that's about it. Honestly, thinking about it, they all focus on a lot of different themes I can relate to."

"Such as?" Akeno asked.

"Virgil is all about style and strength… Samurai Jack is about discipline, mental fortitude, and determination. The Sword of the Stranger is duty and focus I think, and the Afro Samurai shows ingenuity - when sometimes you must fight in ways your opponent does not expect."

Issei, Vali, and the girls did not expect this.

"Interesting take…" Vali also peeked over his shoulder. "But seeing that you're not a statue ready to be melted and sold, I take it you've won another bout in Hidden Circle? What did you get?"

"Oh, right." Black stopped laughing as he hopped to his feet and walked towards them and past Yuuto, "Hey, kid. Here's a gift for ya." He said as he presented… a bow.

They stared at the immaculate bow. It was golden-sun yellow, almost shining like the sun itself when they looked at it with streaks of white sometimes flowing around it.

It was an X-bow, a bow with four limbs and two strings. Orange feathers decorated the upper and lower limbs. There was an orange jade in the intersection of the bowstring in a concave shape, most likely made to hold the arrow.

"...What is this?" Issei took the bow, impressed by the design. "It looks fancy as hell."

"It is - Behold, the Houyi's Bow." Black smiled evilly as he giggled sinisterly.

"Houyi?" Issei swore he heard about it before but it slipped his mind.

"It is a bow used by some kind of archer god of China." Vali explained. "Legends said that he shot down Nine suns with this bow. However, when he was crowned a hero by the people after the slaying and imprisonment of mythical beasts, he later became a tyrant. He died of old age since his wife, Chang'e, stole the elixir of immortality to make sure his tyranny isn't immortal as well."

"I see…. Alright." Issei shrugged and stored the bow in his dimensional inventory.

"Are you gonna use that thing in future?" Rias asked.

"Maybe a quick shot for the first few spins, but… Nah, I'm no archer. There might be someone better for it, though." Issei smiled knowingly.

"Who did you fight?" Vali asked.

"...A descendant of Houyi's disciple, Fengmeng." Yuuto answered. "He was challenging. I've never faced a pure archer with such skill and accuracy before."

"How skilled?" Akeno asked, humming with interest.

"He shot down all of my swords no matter how fast and how many I made them. I had to get close but he is just as tricky in close quarters. Never thought he would use his own bow and even the arrows as his melee weapons."

"The wager is that whoever wins gets the right to inherit the bow." Black added. "Had to purchase it from Chang'e, the moon goddess, herself… but since you already knew that the bigger mes can turn people into statues of precious metals, I'll let this one slide."

"How did something like this get into a fight ring in the first place?" Issei asked.

"One, Houyi is dead-dead. And two, don't ask. I don't know how Gods think, honestly. They'll do almost anything to one-up each other in any competition if you ask me." Black shrugged.

"Anyway, why don't we all come inside? I'll prepare the drinks." Yuuto then stepped aside and gestured to the guests to step inside his home.

Issei found no reason to refuse. Honestly, it was his first time entering the pretty boy's abode.

On cue, Muramasa in Yuuto's grasp then glowed, transforming into her splendor human form.

"Welcome, everyone." Muramasa bowed and smiled graciously, "Thank you very much for visiting."

"I'll lead everyone to the living room. Muramasa, can you prepare some refreshments?" Yuuto asked.

"Of course, master."

Once upon a time there were seventy two clans supporting the entirety of the Devil race when they were at war with the Heavens and their exiles.

After the war, around half of those bloodlines survived, each pillar governing the survivors of the Devil race in an era of peace, albeit tense peace where war could trigger with the smallest spark.

However, peace could breed discontent, and discontent breeds resentment.

Out of the thirty-two pillars, the noble clans, only the most prominent of them prospered.

Phenex, Bael, Sitri, Abbadon, Astaroth, Agares, Glasya Labola, Gremory - the bloodlines with the greatest success in the modern era, dominating the Rating Games and producing illustrious heirs destined to lead their respective clans to glory.

But what about the other surviving clans?

Their presence in Devil society, in the Rating Games?

Those with powers not on par with something like the Power of Destruction or the regeneration of the Phenex Clan?

The hierarchy of their abilities, the sheer inequality that exist in the upper class of Devil Society, would instill a seed of rebellion, one that would sprout a taboo known as treachery.

The house of Astaroth had many mansions in the Underworld.

Each of them belonged to a clan member, their personal homes to do as they please within acceptable standards.

In the front of the mansion, Devil guards stood, taking the night shift as they watched for intruders. There was a magical dome, a barrier protecting the house as well.

Only those with the correct magical sequence, a key in the form of a spell, could bypass the magical dome unhindered.

The Devil guards remained unmoving, stoically standing guard. They were not informed of any visitors, thus they would turn away anyone they would not recognize no matter who.

Or so they thought when a group of three hooded figures walked past them. They entered the dome, unhindered by the magic, as they entered the lavish wooden doors of the mansion.

They did not waste time as they walked past the indoor guards. Two of them didn't react even when the three walked between them during a conversation about a certain metallic trio flexing during an invasion over a cup of coffee. It was as if they didn't even notice that the three figures even existed as they unlocked the door to the basement, walking down the flight of stairs unhindered.

In the basement, there was a cell at the opposite end of the halls. It was recently made to house one individual.

Behind the bars was Diodora Astaroth sitting on his bed, the shame of the Astaroth Clan, locked in his own home under heavy guard, within a magically reinforced cell under the mansion.

"...You are late." Diodora looked up. "It is a month before the summer solstice. You're supposed to be here a month ago."

His eyes were open, showing the sinister gleam of his inner vile soul. He was smirking, a corner of his lip crooking up when the three approached his cell.

"The Lord of the Flies… contacted us to revise our plans. We had to make sure that his associates would be retrieved."

The three doffed their hoods, revealing their faces.

Each of them was of a lesser Noble Clan.

The Dantalion Clan, the bloodline with the power to create illusions.

The Andrealphus Clan, the ability to manipulate sounds and vibrations.

And the leader of the three was of the Paimon Clan, a clan most notable for their abilities to read the minds of others, an ability that garnered much fear from the Nobles in the world of politics with their power to delve into their secrets. But even such a power could be repelled under the right spell and magical protection, forcing their clan into decline.

Their features were of nobility, handsome features that would woo the hearts of many females.

"Is it finally time?" Diodora smiled viciously.

"Have you made your concessions with him?" The Paimon clansman asked.

"Heh… never thought I would be contacted by something holding God's name. In the end, I don't care if I have to sell my soul. I'll burn the Underworld if I must to make that filthy human pay." Diodora scowled.

The clansmen handed Diodora an item through the bars.

Diodora accepted it. It was the same amber-encased eye that Cattleya used.

"It is time to unleash hell." Diodora smirked maniacally as he walked into the center of his lavish cell.

He crouched and grabbed the rims of a circular carpet and flung it away. Underneath was a massive magic circle, a ritualistic spell. There was no sigil, the rune was ancient and thrummed with eldritch archaic power.

Diodora drew the circle with the blood of GOD in secret, preparing it with ancient verses and imbuing it with his magical power for weeks. He had to in order to bypass the many protections the Gods of this world laid to separate and isolate the souls of the dead from the influence of the living.

GOD granted him the knowledge, plucked from the tomes of ancient necromancers from the time before the Gods of Death rose to prominence.

"We wish you good fortune. Do whatever you wish, but do not betray our interests." The Paimon clansmen warned.

"Heh, don't worry. You'll get your due soon enough."

Diodora inhaled.

It was finally time for him to break free from this cell, his time to rise again. He would make the Underworld pay, but first, he had a grudge to settle with the human.

He placed the object in the center of the circle with anticipation. After that, he stepped into another part of the circle, a hexagram that marks the caster of the ritual equidistant between the perimeter of the magic circle and the epicenter.

"Souls of Purgatory, those who drowned in their sins for pleasure! For your service, I will grant you the air of the living, the paradise of evil to despoil in your pleasure and taint with the poison of eternal destruction!"

The circle pulsed like a massive heart as Diodora channeled his magic.

"Souls of the ancient times! Come to me! I offer you this pact! Lend, no, give me your power! Fulfill our kind's most cherished wish! In return, I shall become the supreme King, a True King to lead our people to glory!"

From the circle, a tear in time and space yawned.

Within it, evil leaked, the energy of sin in its most palpable form suffocated the room as the air of Purgatory made contact with the Underworld for the first time in history.

Omake

"We're baaack… eh?"

When Issei and the others returned home, the first thing he saw was…

"Why, hello there, Issei-chan?"

Serafall was there, standing with his mother. They were both smiling ominously… There was a pink girly costume in Serafall's hand, held by a hangar. On that note, Saitama was sitting on a couch behind them, watching television.

"...Okay, I already don't like where this is going…" Issei felt like he should run but… "What happened? Why are you looking at me like that? Did someone die?"

"No, nobody died, Ise." Haruka replied with a somewhat placating tone.

"...Alright, why are you looking at me like I am a piece of meat?" Issei asked as he slowly backed away.

"Well~" Serafall replied with a sing-song tone, "Remember our bet, Issei-chan?"

"...Yeah?" Issei had a terrible ominous feeling. He already started boosting himself in secret just in case.

"You see~...l." Serafall sang again as her smile turned sinister. "I beat Saitama-chan. So, according to our bet…"

"Wait, what?" Issei heard three impossible combinations of words. He looked at his father, the baldy that no one could hurt, that made the Great Red cry like a baby. "WHAT?! YOU!? DAD?! HOW?!"

He could not believe it. Vali also dropped his jaw in shock while the girls were confused.

"Well, you didn't specify how I can challenge him, so…"

Issei's shock already transitioned to disbelief, "Did you just fucking loophole me?" He accused

Serafall's grin turned predatory, "Yes, yes, I fucking did. Also, how dare you try to send an innocent maiden to the secret raid boss without telling me. Haruka-chan was very kind to… give me her advice. Who knew Saitama-chan is so terrible at video games?"

His disbelief fell into horror as he stared at his mother aghast, now completely terrified.

It was time to flee. He turned around, but before he could take a step, Vali snaked his arms under his shoulders.

"...What are you doing?" Issei asked with strained composure as Vali held him in place.

He did not need to look back to know that Vali was smiling maniacally.

"Restoring balance to the universe." Vali said.

Issei and Vali remained still for a moment. The former then turned towards the others, "...Girls? A little help here?"

The girls in question were starting to blush, with Tsubasa wearing a shit-eating grin and pulling out her cell phone - with the way she was holding the device, it was safe to assume that she had the camera ready.

Five seconds later, all hell broke loose as Issei suddenly broke free from Vali's grasp and fought for his dignity.

"YOU'LL NEVER CATCH ME ALIVE!"

Issei immediately ran out the door, but suddenly an ice wall blocked his way.

Then his legs were encased in ice. He looked back, seeing Serafall with her pink wand aimed at him.

More ice imprisoned his lower and wrist as Vali tackled him and dragged him back inside.

"Vali, you bastard! GET OFF ME!" Issei struggled as he tried to break free from ice of all things. But no matter how he struggled, it just would not break. And the cracks that did form were immediately welded together by Serafall's magic.

"Quick, someone get his pants!" Vali shouted with his own shit-eating grin.

Tsubasa was the first to dive in and uncloth Issei.

"NO! Tsu, you traitor! Why?!" Issei shouted and flailed as his rival and childhood friend started to undress him.

"This is a once in a lifetime opportunity for me! No way I'm missing this!" She cackled as she ripped his pants off.

"No, no, no! Yes, you can miss this!" Issei retorted as his Boosted Gear came to life, but for some reason, the gauntlet did not respond. "...Ddraig?! A little help?!"

There was an ominous silence for a moment.

[Snore…..]

"You dead piece of-! Don't you dare fall asleep on me! Wake the fuck up!" Issei screamed while shaking his gauntlet.

Vali soon joined the fray as he planned to rip off Issei's shirt, but not before addressing the others, "Anyone who wants to see Ise in a magical girl outfit, help!"

Rias, Akeno, and Koneko blinked and shared a brief glance at each other, before they grinned and walked towards the fray.

"NO! DON'T DO THIS! PLEASE! NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!"

It was the dying wail of Issei's dignity. Ten minutes later, it was finally finished. The Son of the Strongest Man fought well, but it was too late.

oXo

[Say hello to magical girl Isa, the Red Empress!]

The entire family was eyeing the screen of the television in the living room eagerly.

Haruka was smiling from ear to ear as another magical girl entered the stage. It was a spin-off episode of the Magical Girl Miracle Levia-tan that Serafall ran in the Underworld, now showcasing Serafall fighting with a new fresh face.

The fresh face was… a surprisingly good-looking genderbent version of Issei Hyoudou.

Issei stood on the stage, fuming red in his magical girl's outfit. Long white gloves, thigh high boots, red revealing dress with frilly skirt and all… he was now a she, smooth skin and girly face and all.

Issei, or Isa, now had breasts of great size, two melon knockers under that costume. It made the Devil Girls swoon while the Church Girls blushed.

"Kyaaaaahhh! He's so adorable! Ohhh, now I wish I had an actual daughter now!" Haruka was cooing at his introduction while hugging Saitama's arm.

"...Didn't think I'd see this in my life." Saitama smiled with rare emotion as he sipped his tea. Ophis was riding his shoulders as always, eating her snacks with puffed cheeks.

"...Interesting." Ophis commented.

How Issei became a girl was a secret of Azazel's invention. Why he made such a thing, no one knew.

The girls were laughing at him (her), Irina the most as she started taking pictures. Tsubasa even threw a few wolf whistles at the screen.

It was adorably hilarious how Issei was trying his best not to break down and cry on the spot live.

[Now, Isa-chan! Let's finish off Black Shoggoth together!]

Serafall smiled as she pointed her wand at the familiar amorphous black blob with white faces.

[KAKAKAKAKAKAKAKA!]

Though the amorphous blob was laughing openly, not because he was in character, but mostly making fun of magical girl Issei (Isa).

As the climax scene unfolded, Genos brushed his finger on his chin, watching the show with an analytic look, "The movements are still a tad rigid, I spot several wasted movements… No, no, you had him there, Ise… You could have finished him earlier!"

That day, Issei swore vengeance on Serafall and all magical girls in existence.

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