One-Punch DxD: NEO
Chapter 49: Dropping By

First update in April folks! Enjoy by your own discretion! ^_^

"To think the tumor was gestating its offspring… Imagine that, a child of Trihexa - born from the blood of the most holy man and the creature that brought God to his knees. Inconceivable yet the irony is so delicious, the blood of a dead man impregnating a corpse and more."

There was a meeting at the table, every member present for this emergency meeting, even Cao Cao of the Hero Faction participated as the representative with Georg by his side.

The others digested what happened with Psykos' pet project - the corpse of the creature birthed something new, a creature that could shatter their world's common sense should it thrive.

"Shouldn't we send out a hunting party or something?" Walburga, the gothic purple-haired witch asked with slight concern. She did not prop her legs on the table this time.

"It managed to overwhelm an empowered Shaalba with ease... And be thankful that your new power includes regeneration." Psykos gestured to Beelzebub who was seething quietly, glaring at her with some spite. "Honestly, it has proven to be very intelligent. It sensed our intentions from my monologue alone… and I thought the parent is supposed to be a mindless beast."

"There are legends that the Blood of the Messiah grants not only life, but also intelligence…" Euclid gave his opinion. "Seeing it more clearly, it is less likely that it triggered the corpse's reproductive organs and more like it spawned a living cancer from the flesh."

Cao Cao glanced at Georg.

Georg, try and gather some people to find it. If it is just an infant, maybe we could tame it.

Cao Cao telepathically communicated with his right-hand man.

Georg nodded.

"That abomination should be killed." Shaalba growled.

"Just because it overwhelmed you, a pure-blooded devil of noble lineage, with contemptuous, laughable ease, doesn't mean that you should let anger cloud your eyes of the opportunity." Psykos noted, earning a scowl from the Beelzebub.

"...But unfortunately, our schedule is packed. We cannot dally longer before the Reapers recover and alert the Gods."

The realm of Hades was in complete ruin. It was taking many of the Reapers to rebuild while making sure the chaos within the Greek Realm of the Dead is quelled.

"So we will have to stay our hand regarding the Spawn until we unleash them all. We will need the extra manpower to overwhelm the Spawn." Psykos suggested.

"...There is one that we can use." Shaalba interjected. "The Devil that decided to be our pawn…"

"Ah, yes. The one that was given the illusion of dominance." Rizevim understood.

The failure of the Astaroth family.

Frankly, his role in this was to distract the dominating noble families, but the Astaroth proved to be unworthy of the power that he wielded. He was already at the threshold, consumed by the power and on the verge of becoming an abomination.

Frankly, he was replaceable, for Shaalba had contacted and earned the support of three of the first Satans that ruled Devilkind, alongside Creuserey who was awaiting resurrection… and experimentation for greater power.

Shaalba already learned the necromantic spells to control the undead army, and the support of an Evil God that decided to join them.

"He should do. Enough to let us determine the extent of the Spawn's powers." Rizevim nodded.

"I am already preparing something that could potentially bring the Spawn to heel." Psykos noted. "It will be a creature meant to dominate the Spawn's mind. However, there are expectedly physical limitations involved."

"Excellent. Now, on another matter, we have received a request from the remaining rogues from the Church."

"Again? Those pathetic worms are still alive?" Psykos asked.

"Oh, no, not those disgusting humans. It is from Heaven. Angels wished to join us this time. So… shall we put them to the test?"

"...I am not sure what to say, Ise."

Back to the suite in the hotel room, Genos was standing over the kneeling Issei, who had his head hung low.

The rest was watching from the sides, Gold watching with amusement while the others watched with concern.

"You went against my direct order, endangered your life, and dragged Irina, Asia, Xenovia and Griselda into jeopardy."

Irina then spoke up, wanting to defend the boy, "Ise didn't drag us, Mr. Genos - I…"

Whatever words that were about to come out from her lips, died when Genos threw a withering glare at her. Even Touji was looking at her pointedly while shaking his head.

"...Anything you want to say to defend yourself?" the cyborg asked.

"I saw an opportunity and seized it without much thought. I have no other excuses. I will accept any punishment." Issei replied with a calm tone.

At the very least, the whole debacle with Bernael as well as his curse had been solved. The punishment for him going rogue seemed worth it from the perspective of the bigger picture.

They managed to find a few spare brainwashing prototype machines in Bernael's hideout as well, the development for curing the afflicted underway.

"Even though you succeeded in resolving this situation, there is one matter you failed to perceive."

Issei looked up, confused.

"The conspiring angels that were in league with Bernael and Malkuth immediately vanished from Heaven once we delivered the news to Michael. We have lost the opportunity to flawlessly end this, thanks to you. You should've informed me of your stunt beforehand, now we have rogue angels that will not fall loose into this world."

Issei was stunned. He actually forgot about Malkuth and those like him…

"...Nonetheless… you did well. Perhaps that is actually a quality you inherited from your father." His tone went a tad softer as his mind went back to a few events of the past.

"Even so, your punishment is final. It will arrive… at a later date." Genos finished, earning a slightly confused reaction from Issei.

"What do you mean later?" Issei asked.

"I already have a plan. I merely need the time to finalize your literal hell. I am going to make sure that you will regret saying that you will accept any punishment."

A chill went down Issei's spine when Genos sported a rare sight of a smile garnering his face. Even Vali swallowed a small lump at the sight, with Gold laughing.

When a cyborg who was too serious for his own good smiled like Genos did, that meant some serious shit was about to go down.

[I think you should say your prayers now, partner.]

"To whom? Which god? Ophis? Monkey's Paw? We're on our own, man."

[No, YOU are on your own. This is the mess you started.]

"...Fuck… well, time to put the day to good use before it ends."

"But for now, go rest. You at least earned that much. I need to take care of something first." Genos said before he disappeared, teleported flashily from the room.

"…Hah-ow?!" Issei rubbed his head when Vali punched his cheek.

"You asshole, why the hell didn't you take me with you?!" Vali demanded.

Issei rubbed his cheek.

"This isn't a contest, dude, it's personal." Issei lightly growled.

"Maybe, but still, how could you leave me behind? I wanted to see how Bernael got torn apart by the damn cursed hand you never bothered to show me."

It was kind of funny. All this time, Issei never talked with Vali on the matter of the corpse hand curse or showed Vali the monkey's paw…

"Of course you do… so, what are you going to do now? Are you gonna hang out with me in the Underworld or do you have some sort of super secret training regimen you prepared for the summer you wanted to brag to me about?" Issei asked, though he bet that Vali probably did not have anything important planned for the summer.

"Now that you mention it, I might go with the latter. I need a break from your shenanigans." Vali replied with a cheeky smirk.

"Oh?" Issei smirked back as he whipped out the Sacred Gear Sword.

Vali stared at it as Issei waved it around in his face.

"Speaking of shenanigans… How does it feel to not be the first Emperor Dragon dude with two sacred gears?"

Issei said as he started poking Vali's cheek with the hilt of the Sword of Duality.

"Issei…" Irina was not sure whether to frown at him or let him be.

"...That sword isn't a toy." Xenovia, however, was more respectful of the sword's history, but Issei ignored them as he continued jabbing Vali's cheek.

Vali's smirk fell as Issei's smile grew.

"Hmph, like I care if you have more Sacred Gears. Using extra weapons is not my style, remember? And you know what? I think you, having more Sacred Gears, feel like you are compensating for something."

"Oh, I'm not keeping it. I just want to rub it in your face while I'm still the first first Red Dragon Emperor with TWO Sacred Gears. How does it make you and Albion feel? Hmm? Hmmmmmmmmm?" Issei asked as he kept poking Vali's cheek with the sword.

"Hmm…." Vali looked around first before he replied with his own grin, "Independent? Competent? Not needing extra Gear to carry myself. Or what, does little Ise need more than one badass dragon to carry himself?"

"Oh, look, the envy must be making you deaf. I did say I'm not keeping this for long." Issei shot back.

"Whatever. So? Who are you giving that to?" Vali asked.

"Hmmm… Well, I was thinking of giving it to Irina but she already has two swords, same for Xenovia with Joyeuse and Durandal… So, Sister Griselda."

"...Hmm?" Griselda blinked, caught off guard as she pointed at herself, all eyes now on her.

"What? This is a sword meant to be used by a follower of God… I'm not a follower. Also, you seem to be without a sword, so…" Issei walked up to the eldest female here and handed the sword with the blades of white and black swirling together to her by the hilt.

Griselda blinked, her eyes darting between the offered Sacred Gear and the boy.

"I'm flattered, but I don't think I deserve this. After all, the Sacred Gear chose you, did it not? Are you sure to waste such a gift?" Griselda asked.

"You're right - It's mine. It means I'm free to decide what to do with it, right? And it's only a waste if I either throw this in some actual garbage dump, or give it to someone unworthy. You are not either of them." Issei replied with an easy smile.

Griselda stared at the boy with… she was not sure. There was something stirring in her heart that she could not describe. It started the moment she saw the boy move in to shield her from Bernael's attack…

She slowly reached out for the Sword of Duality, wrapping her fingers around the hilt. She could feel the aura of the weapon transferring from Issei to her… she smiled.

"...I swear I will not disappoint you, Mr. Issei." Griselda bowed with a graceful smile on her face.

"No need to go that far…. But I do have faith in you." Issei replied with a grin. Then his grin fell.

"...Also, before I forget."

Griselda looked up. She was surprised when Issei suddenly placed his hands on her shoulders. For some reason, she was flushed when he was staring at her eyes so close to her face.

"Griselda. You are a very beautiful woman." Issei said with a very serious expression, which caught the woman off-guard

"E-eh? Um, okay?" Griselda blinked - while Asia, Irina and Xenovia were watching with stupefied expressions at Issei's advance.

"I'm serious. You are so beautiful that you can slay men with it if you put effort into it… which is why I have to say this."

Issei inhaled.

Irina was panicking, looking left and right. She swore that she would be fine if Issei dated others, but this was way too fast! And Griselda was her sword instructor!

Griselda's heart was beating fast in her chest for the first time in her life as an Exorcist. Was this a confession? Was the young man actually doing it?

"...Whatever you do, please, for the love of the Dead God resting in who knows where, please don't listen to everything Black says to you."

Like a fire that was abruptly defused, everyone paused and stared at Issei, who was still staring at Griselda. The eyes of Asia, Irina, and Xenovia turned into white dots as small periods ran through their heads.

"...Eh?"

"Sister Griselda… I have an idea what Black is trying to make of you, and I swear it'll be terrifying as hell for everyone. For him, it'll be a funny kind of terrifying, I admit, but still… please, take care of yourself well. Don't let him corrupt you like this so freely."

Griselda blinked again, unsure of what to make of this situation. Regardless, she nodded, "I… will keep that in mind."

"That's good enough. Thank you." Issei gave a heartfelt smile as he lightly squeezed Griselda's shoulders before patting them and let go.

Irina sighed with relief. She would not have to deal with Griselda entering her life like this…

Asia also sighed with relief.

"...Although…" Griselda did something that stunned everyone.

Issei included when she leaned forward and planted a kiss on his forehead.

"A young man like you shouldn't need to worry for an old lady like me, okay? I'll be fine." Griselda replied with a pleasant smile.

Issei blinked a few times at Griselda's face, as his hand reached out to touch the spot where Griselda put her lips on. It kind of felt like when his mother kissed his forehead, but to be done by another woman was an entirely new feeling.

"...Yeah, sorry about that."

Gold, on the other hand, was smiling as he rubbed his chin.

"Interesting…" Maybe his goal would be further within reach with a small bonus.

Maybe he should finalize Griselda's transformation as soon as possible, but that would be a little difficult now.

Either way, there will be entertainment. The seeds have already been sown regardless.

When Issei found Asia - she was in the middle of entertaining the orphans at one corner of the ballroom. With her pure white wings present for everyone to marvel at, the holy maiden was laughing together with the children flocking around her.

The children were feeling for her wings as Asia giggled.

"Oh, Ise!" Asia was the first to notice Issei's arrival as he approached her and the children.

The said children also perked up at the boy and pointed their fingers, "Ah, it's the husband!"

"Big-sis Asia's husband!"

That remark caused Issei to pause on his tracks, "...Eh?"

Asia on the other hand, went into a sputtering mess, "H-h-husband?! N-no, w-we're not married yet!"

"Huh?! But big sis and big bro over there - came to adopt one of us the other day, right?" one of the children commented.

Issei smiled a little as he walked up to one kid and knelt down.

"Well, no, but we did come there to be superheroes! We managed to beat up all the bad guys and sent them away!"

As gold bars ready to be bartered and sold as their souls endure mostly perpetual torment.

"U-um!"

Issei turned to see one of the younger kids fidgeting before him, "C-can you…. Show us the gauntlet thing you used to heal Vincenza?"

"Oh, my gauntlet does not heal, but sure!" Issei said as he flashed Boosted Gear.

"Ooooohhhhhhhhh! Then what does it do?!" A girl asked, rubbing her hands against the metal dragon gauntlet.

"It can make things more powerful! I helped Asia heal Vicenza better!" He smiled. "Not to mention… Ddraig, why don't you say hello to them?"

[...Do I have to?]

The children's eyes went wide at the voice echoing from the Gear's green jewel.

"Oooh! It speaks! The gauntlet speaks!"

"So cool!"

"Say something awesome!"

Issei smiled. They reminded him of Sarui Ilugo, the ghost boy, when he first showed Ddraig and Boosted Gear to him… right before he started being unfair with all of the spirit powers.

"Well? Come on! Say something a legendary ancient wise dragon would say!"

A sigh was heard from the gauntlet before it spoke.

[Fine, just this once - greetings children. I am Ddraig, the Welsh Dragon. Pleasure to make your acquaintance.]

"A dragon?" one of the children tilted her head in curiosity.

"Why are you inside big bro's gauntlet?" another one asked.

Ddraig remained silent.

"He fought an epic battle with another dragon, but fell. But then he got shoved into this gauntlet to grant the people a fighting chance against evil!" Issei smiled.

"Oooohhhh…."

You owe me one for this.

Issei smiled.

[Shut it.]

"What else can it do?!" A boy asked.

"It can turn me into a superhero."

"Really?"

"Show us!"

"""Show us!"""

The children gathered around Issei jumping for him to show it.

"Maybe another time… I need to take Asia with me. We have something important to talk about."

"Like marriage?" A girl asked.

"Having a real kid together?" A boy asked this time.

Asia was redder than roses at this point. Her wings were pinkly flush if his eyes did not deceive him.

"Errrr…" At this point, Issei should leave before they turn Asia into the color red completely. "Asia, time to go."

Taking her by hand, Issei and Asia walked away with the children cheering behind them.

Issei took Asia to the elevator and headed towards their room.

Once they entered their VIP suite, he pulled Asia to his room while ignoring the glances of Xenovia and Black as he closed and locked the door with a click.

"…I-I-Issei?" Asia gulped.

They were alone in the room together… Asia's cheeks grew red as her imagination led her to an adulterous scenario.

"Asia. I want to talk to you about your performance so far…"

However, Asia's expectations were deflated immediately.

"...M-My performance?" Asia asked.

"Yeah… you were taken hostage."

The word 'hostage' felt like pins pricking her heart.

"Asia. You're an outstanding healer. I won't criticize you in your specialty… but at this rate, with the corrupt assholes taking you hostage and, well, Bernael attempted to assassinate you… I don't think we can keep going like this. I know this sounds rushed, but I want to fix this as soon as possible. I don't want to see you die or worse…"

Issei's face grimaced as he balled his hands into fists, causing Asia to look down in shame of her own weakness.

"So, I gave it some thought… I cannot see you becoming a fighter. You can try, but you don't have the violent spark needed to thrive in that department, and we don't want to see you try to break yourself trying. Luckily, you've a little friend willing to compensate for you."

Squeak

On cue, Rassei poked out of Asia's hair.

"...Hm?" Asia blinked.

"I know someone that can help you become a great monster tamer." Issei smiled. He took out his phone and dialed the number of a certain monster tamer that refused to back down in acquiring his 'best friend'.

Asia then watched Issei making a phone-call, waiting for someone to pick up from the other end of the line.

Soon, someone picked up and Issei talked to the phone, "Hello, Kiyome. What's up?" He then put the phone on a loud-speaker.

[Well, well ,well…. I thought you had forgotten about me.]

"Sorry, Kiyome. Things had been hectic as of late, you know? With Excaliburs, Kokabiel, the Summit…"

[I wanted to point out that you could have still given me a call or at least write to me. I'm starting to feel left out… Alright, tell me. What do you want? Don't try to gaslight me, I know you only call if you need something from me.]

Issei smirked. She knew him too well.

"Well, remember Asia?"

[...The continent?]

Issei gave a flat smile, "That's not funny, Kiyome. Seriously."

[Sorry, I was a little bushed with matters on my end. You're talking about Asia Argento, right?]

"Yeah, the thing is, she has a baby imoogi that needs leveling-"

[Wait, wait, wait, one sec - Imoogi? Are you saying Asia Argento got herself a freaking Imoogi?!]

Issei blinked, "...Is that such a big deal?"

[Of course it's a big deal! Do you have any idea how rare an Imoogi is?! Those breeds are even rarer than your normal dragons!]

"Alright, alright, I get it. Calm down, now, okay? My point is, Asia got herself an Imoogi not long ago, and… I was thinking if you can give her some pointers on how to train him or something?"

[Well, considering what creature we're talking about here - I accept. When do you want to meet? Rather, where are you now-]

Issei backed off from the phone when he heard a very monstrous, alien roar. It was more like a mix of a dragon's bellow and a high-pitched screech from some unknown creature.

"Whoa! What the hell!?"

[S-Sorry, I'm also in the middle of something. Found something probably even rarer honestly, and I'm trying to get it to warm up to-Kyaaah!?]

Issei and Asia listened to the sound of explosions and something heavy and sharp whipping the air.

[E-Easy there! Easy!]

"Kiyome? Hello? You alright over there?"

[Y-yeah, yeah, I'm good - hey, hey! Stop! Stop! Down! Where do you think you're putting- Iyaaan~!]

Issei and Asia grew even more concerned of what was going on at Kiyome's end.

They heard something big sniffing from the other end.

[A-Are you hungry? I-I have something in my storage that you might like!]

The two listened as something wet and meaty was flapping in the air before they heard a low growl coming from the other side.

[H-Hey, wait, that's my-]

They heard her unceremonious yelp as the growl became even crisper in quality and volume.

The two leaned back when they heard a low hiss blown from the phone.

Asia and Issei glanced at each other for a moment before they heard Kiyome's faint voice as background noise.

Then Issei got another phone call popped up…

Issei answered it.

"Hello?"

[Hah… hah… that thing took my phone. Damn it. Hah. I'm using my spare…]

Issei and Asia continued hearing the faint hissing noise in the background.

[...Wait, I think it got curious… it's trying to tap on the phone and…]

Issei suddenly received a new phone call from the previous number. Bracing himself out of curiosity, he tapped to answer the call.

"...Hello?"

Only to hear a loud screech from the other end, causing Issei to wince as he pulled the phone away from his ear. He ended the call and reconnected to Kiyome again.

"Fucking hell, Kiyome… What was that?!"

[...I think it tried to call you. Despite how it looks… It's quite intelligent. Wait, it's looking at me right now… I'll call you back soon. It's warming up to me, finally!]

Then the call got cut off.

Issei stared at the phone for a few more seconds .

"Okay, that's new."

There was way too many new developments for one week.

Issei approached Irina - They were atop the roof of the Terra D'oro. The night sky was now beautiful, like a collection of shining jewels beneath a midnight blanket.

"...Y'know, it's kind of rude when you arrive late after you asked a lady to come meet you here first." Irina remarked with an amused smile.

"In my defense, there's a kid who pulled a prank by pushing all buttons on the elevator. But… Yeah, sorry about that. I should've just come here by running - it'd have been faster that way." Issei rubbed the back of his head.

Irina giggled, not bothered about having to wait for a few minutes, "...So? What do you want to talk about?"

Issei simply walked and stood next to Irina, gazing upon the glittering lights from the City of Rome below. They stood together in a companionable silence, until Issei inhaled.

"...How are you feeling now that everything is over? This… whole corruption in the church being taken out and all?" Issei asked.

The wind blew, causing Irina to swipe some of her locks off her face to freely wave in the air.

"Relieved, but at the same time, kind of lost as well." Irina threw a sheepish smile, "I mean… What's next?"

Issei glanced at Irina's expression before he hummed while staring at the scenery again, "...I say we live; move forward. We just finished this one helluva adventure - time to start a new one."

Irina raised her eyebrows slightly at the boy before she snorted, allowing her smile to be a tad brighter, "That actually sounds great. Though, looking back…"

Issei then saw Irina unraveled her wings - blood red wings spread out, the night background ended up giving her appearance, sort of intimidating look.

"Do you think…. I was wrong, by following you here?" Irina looked down, catching one of the feathers falling next to her feet.

If only Irina were to listen to Issei's advice and stay home, perhaps she would have remained a normal, pure reincarnated angel. At the moment, she could not even tell what she was.

Issei exhaled in return, looking up in thought for a moment before replying, "Honestly? I don't know. Then again, just like you chose to come all the way here, I also chose to agree to bring you along."

Irina blinked at the boy, who smiled knowingly at her.

"Just to let you know - if I was that adamant not to bring you along, there were many ways to make sure that you wouldn't even set your foot here."

Leaving her behind, keeping Black to watch over her, hell - even locking her in her room would have worked.

"So if you think something like this was all your fault - forget it. We're all in this together, for better or worse." Issei then reached out to grasp Irina's hand in his.

Irina snorted; lips stretched into another smile as tears welled in her eyes. "That sounds so like you." She closed the distance and pressed her forehead against Issei's. "...Thanks."

"Anytime." Issei replied, relishing the warmth and the proximity between him and the girl.

A few seconds later, Issei took a step back, breaking away from Irina who blinked at him quizzically.

"Right, there's something else I wanted to talk about… About us."

Irina remained quiet, silently beckoning Issei to carry on.

"How do I say this… Oh, whatever."

Issei fidgeted around while running his hand through his brown locks, before he met Irina square in her eyes.

"I love you. Please go out with me."

Irina blinked once - twice, before she tilted her head, "...What?"

"...I've been trying to start things over since… well… err.. I look lame saying this. So? Do you want to start things over?"

"I…. don't follow. Start what over, exactly?" Irina asked, "Rather, I thought we're already a couple?"

"Yeah, but the way we became a couple was… well, I hope I don't sound too offensive - we went…. A little too fast that night, didn't we?" Issei rubbed his hair.

Irina's mind quickly caught on what Issei was insinuating. Her face blushed when she recalled the fateful night when she was 'comforted' by Issei. Now that she thought about it - Issei had a point; they had been skipping a lot of steps in their relationship.

"Also, since we did what we came here for, vanquished all of your demons, and those responsible got what they deserved; I thought it's the best time to try again properly. Since you are entering a new life… with us."

Irina then saw Issei offering his hand towards her. Upon seeing the smile on his face, her heart skipped a beat, before her lips grew matching Issei's own.

With a single tear escaping her eyes, Irina then took the offered hand and grasped it tightly, as if unwilling to let go.

"...Yes, I'll be in your care, Ise."

The two then closed the distance between them again. Until they were within arm's reach, staring at each other. Issei then reached out to caress Irina's face, eliciting a content smile as Irina leaned towards the said hand.

"...You know, when I imagined us being together before… I imagined you being a bit more… shy. While I took the lead." Irina admitted with a blush.

"I'm no virgin hack." Issei snickered. "And….. believe it or not, hanging around Black, Matsuda and Motohama ended up teaching you some stuff when it comes to fairer sex."

There was also one time when he walked into his parents when they were in mid-coitus in the living room, but that was a story he did not want to bring up anytime soon.

"Wait, them!?" Irina could not help but snort again, "...That actually explains quite a bit."

"Yep…" Issei nodded as his forehead made contact with Irina's once again.

With the proximity becoming even closer than before, Issei and Irina gazed into each other's eyes as their lips slowly closed the gap.

This time, there were no interruptions as they shared a tender kiss together. A pure, lovefelt kiss as Irina blushed, closing her eyes as her red wings fluttered like a butterfly.

It lasted for a while.

"...Well? Are you ready to try the buffet for real? I heard they got something special planned down there for the occasion. Today is the last day we get to eat good Italian for a while unless Gold decides to do express delivery at our place." Issei asked Irina with a smile.

Which reminded him that he should take some to bring back home.

Irina smiled as her wings fluttered. She squeezed his hand affirmatively, assurance in her grip, as Issei led through the stairs.

Their final night surprise party for Irina was a success.

Everyone cheered for the girl, a banquet inviting all of the church members, including Vasco, Raphael, Gabriel, Micheal as well, as they celebrated the day that the Church was liberated of evil influences.

Issei had never seen Irina cry that many tears of joy before.

The food was excellent, everyone talked and chatted, sometimes on the matter of the aftermath. Gold would be the Vatican's sponsor due to his insane ability to destroy the economy, Michael offering Irina some training while Xenovia decided to stay in Italy to train under Vasco and master her new sword, Issei having the time of his life sampling all of Italy's finest cuisine.

Rover also enjoyed himself, benignly showered with all of the finest meats Italy has to offer for his efforts in rooting out all evil. Rover was already on his way to becoming Ball Rover once more by the time he finished his mountainous meal. Rassei joined Rover in his feast, eating as much as he could with his friend, earning smiles from everyone.

Kiyome called again saying that she might not be able to come over, but they could come to her place while… taming whatever creature that was on the other side. Issei had no idea what kind of creature it was, but it must be something special.

With bellies full, Issei and Asia waved the others goodbye. Rassei poked out of their hair and waved, burping a little, while Asia held Rover who was almost in ball form once more. They were going to return via teleportation circle, something they could do since all of the political barriers were destroyed.

Irina and Xenovia would be staying behind to train - as well as the former dropping by London to visit her parents. Genos still had some business here, Vali had left as soon as the dinner was over.

Once the circle flared to life, Issei and Asia saw the front door of their mansion.

"Hah… felt like months since we saw this place."

That or he must have matured a lot from the experience.

"Um… when will we go see Rias and the others?" Asia asked.

"After we take a small break - kind of deserve it honestly… Also, I have no idea how to get to the underworld without help from a Devil."

That was something that Issei could never do, enter Hell without supernatural supervision.

"Oh… so…"

"I'm going to see if I can call Rias or something by tomorrow. We also need to prepare for a long trip…"

Issei said as he opened the door. They entered, leaving their shoes by the entrance.

"We're home…"

Issei called out as he led Asia and Rover into the kitchen. He was holding bags of Italian leftovers and souvenirs for his family to try while Asia set Ball Rover backed down, the chubby dog panting as he started rolling into the kitchen.

However, when they arrived at the kitchen, they saw the iconic baldy laying face-down on the table with Ophis sitting on the table and poking his bald head cutely.

"...Dad?" Issei asked.

"Hmm…? Oh, hey, Ise, Asia." Saitama sounded like he was dying on the inside.

Bark

Ophis stopped poking Saitama upon hearing Rover's bark. It was the first time she witnessed Rover's ball form.

"...Hello." Ophis sounded enthralled by the adorableness of Ball Rover. She hopped down the table and spread her arms as Rover 'rolled' into her embrace. She hugged the dog with a satisfied sigh. She was blushing. It was adorable.

"Okay, you sound like you missed a murderous bargain sale, what did I miss?" Issei asked.

"Welcome home, sweetie." Haruka appeared and walked inside the kitchen, giving a quick peck on her son's and Asia's cheek. "I don't see the others with you."

"We're home, mom." Issei smiled as he put the bags on the table, "The others chose to stay behind for other stuff, so we came first. Here's some souvenirs." He pointed at the bags.

"Oh? Goods from Italy?" Haruka asked.

"High class Italian cuisine and other stuff. Did you know that Gold owns a fucking five star hotel? Seriously, dad made the right call taking him and Rover in."

"Oh, maybe so… and I might have given Black an earful when I did. Expect a shipment of gold sent our way soon." Haruka smiled ominously.

Issei did not question it.

"Oh, one more thing. A little birdie told me something astounding… Like two teenagers adopting two girls from a certain orphanage?"

Asia yelped in embarrassment while Issei was choked on air, then coughed violently for a moment.

"W-where did you hear that from?"

The matriarch simply smiled knowingly while showing her phone, displaying a chat, "Oh, I refuse to be left in the dark. Genos and Black were darlings keeping me in touch… so? Did you sort things out with them?"

Issei and Asia looked away.

"...Yeah… Anyways, what's wrong with dad? He's even drooling a little."

Issei pointed at the baldy.

"Oh… that." Haruka glanced at her husband. "Well, he's been like that since Serafall and Azazel dropped him here. They said the talk went well for most of the time, but…. He hasn't said anything yet."

The matriarch then approached her husband, placing her hands to massage his shoulder and back.

"Come on, honey. Your children are home, get yourself together, will you?"

Saitama remained dead on the table, staring into space.

Meanwhile, Ophis, with Ball Rover on her head, was back on the table rummaging through the bags, taking out a cardboard box and opening it. She sniffed the chocolate from the cake while Rover panted on her head.

Having enough with her husband's attitude, Haruka glared down at him, "Saitama, will you cut this out and at least tell us what's going on?"

Saitama's eyes glanced up at his wife, and a few seconds later, he groaned and sat up.

"...They want me to marry Yasaka." Saitama destroyed their world with just six words.

"...Come again?" Haruka blinked.

"...Ever seen those arranged marriages from the shows? Same thing, only they want Yasaka and I to do it… and… Yasaka and I talked. She said some things I don't know how to handle."

[Holy-! Someone else has a thing for the cue ball?]

Ddraig commented aloud from the gauntlet.

"...What did she say?" Issei asked with morbid curiosity.

"She hopes that we could become a big family and that this doesn't hurt our relationship. Also, she confessed the three key words to me in person… I don't know what to do."

Issei and Asia turned towards Haruka, who was staring wide-eyed at her husband.

"Um, just to clarify, the Shinto Gods wanted you to marry….. That vixen?" Her eyes twitched slightly.

"Mom, Yasaka is one of the leaders that protects this country." Issei chastised a little.

"...And she's also a descendant of one of the Three Great Youkais who once threw this country into chaos; not to mention she's interested in my husband to boot! Wait… is she actually interested?" Haruka asked.

"Uhhhh, yeah. Uriel asked the same thing… she said the three words you once said to me before we hit it off. It's kind of, well… shit, I'm too used to punching away most of my problems. Well, I didn't exactly agree to it so I managed to buy some time."

Haruka was frowning. Issei had not seen her this upset and not become a force of nature from it.

"Just…. To make sure of something. This…. Three words that Yasaka said to you, what were those again?"

Saitama raised an eyebrow, "...What are you talking about? You know, those three words with 'L' in the middle?"

Haruka crossed her arms and shrugged, "Honey, I can at least count 3 sentences consisting of three words with 'L' word in the middle."

"She said 'I love you'." On the table, Ophis interjected while munching on the cake, her cheeks puffed adorably, holding handfuls of the cake with Rover on her lap used as her own table.

Haruka snorted, "Oh, Ophis, you sweet, adorable dragon girl you. Those words are too heavy for you to understand." She then returned her attention to Saitama, "Well? So what did Yasaka tell you?"

Saitama sweat-dropped, glancing at Issei and Asia who were equally lost.

"...Uhhhhh… it's true?" Saitama asked, unsure whether he stepped on a landmine. Though Haruka did turn to stone for a split second there.

The woman then took a deep breath, "...I'm sure that Yasaka was simply convincing herself under the pressure from her patrons."

"Err…. Mom? Stop being in denial. I didn't know that you're the kind of person to resort to that." Issei reasoned.

It was kind of funny as well as a new experience as he learned something about his mother he didn't know before.

"Oh, come on, Ise. As far as I recall, Yasaka and your father rarely met! First time was when we went to Kyoto when you're little, then the next time they met would be when I wanted to send birthday gifts to Kunou!"

"...And how many times did those make?"

"Urk…" Haruka grimaced, before she turned to her husband with a 'sweet' smile, "...Sweetie, you didn't do anything during your visits to Kyoto, did you?"

"What? No, no." Saitama waved her accusation off casually, "I did not cross any line, at least. Whenever I dropped by, I just hung out with them, sometimes when I was in the area from a job, sometimes when I somehow got lost and ended up back there…"

Issei wondered how the hell he got lost back to Kyoto like that. He wondered if Yasaka resorted to some form of Senjutsu to keep luring the baldy back to her domain.

"That sounds completely suspicious and reeks of magical interference." Haruka probed.

Saitama simply stared at his wife stoically.

"Alright, let me think… Oh, I did play with Kunou from time to time, even accompanying them out for strolls around Kyoto at night. Sometimes Yasaka invites me over for dinner. The food is very good."

Issei, Haruka and Asia pretty much shared the same notion in their mind - a man going out for a walk and spending time with a single mother with a child…. They could not help to think of those as a date.

"...But… but…"

Issei and Saitama widened when Haruka started tearing up.

"...Waaaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhh!"

They were completely caught off guard when the oldest woman in the house started to bawl.

"But, but if… if that vixen comes, then… you're just going to forget about me! I don't want to be the third wheel of any relationship! Especially to her!"

Asia went into a small panic, not sure if she should interfere or not, while Issei could only watch awkwardly at his mother's antics. Saitama, on the other hand, only did what he could.

"Shh, come on now, Haru." Saitama went to his wife's side and pulled her into embrace, "It's not that I'm going to marry Yasaka yet. I mean, there's an alternative…"

Haruka looked up with a tearful look, prompting Saitama to continue.

"...Either I marry Yasaka, or…. Ise will marry Kunou."

"...Eh?" Asia blinked.

"Say what now?" Issei responded.

"That's… That's great, actually!" Haruka quickly brightened up as she wiped away her tears, "I can definitely see Ise and Kunou together!"

"Whoa, whoa, whoa! Wait a damn sec!" Issei rebuked, "You're telling me the Shinto Gods are swell with me and Kunou as well!?"

"Pretty much." Saitama sighed. "Though that one hasn't been finalized either."

"What's wrong with Kunou?" Haruka asked.

"No, no, nothing's wrong with Kunou. What I meant to say is…" Issei found himself lost for words for a few moments, "How old is Kunou again?"

"I…. I think she's thirteen this year." Saitama replied.

"There it is - Kunou is a good girl, I admit, but marrying a girl barely in her pre-teens sounds….. Off in more ways than one. It sounds quite scandalous and immoral. You get what I'm saying?" Issei reasoned.

"Um…."

Everyone then turned to see Asia awkwardly raising her hand up.

"Should I… Should I even hear all of this?"

The family felt a bit embarrassed - through all their arguments, they had forgotten Asia had been in the same room.

"Oh, sorry about that, Asia-chan. We actually forget you're here." Haruka apologized. "You don't need to leave. I think you deserve to know all the same."

"Then, err, who is this Ms. Kunou?" Asia sheepishly asked.

Issei was the one to reply, "To put it simply, Kunou is a youkai princess ruling over Kyoto with her mother, Yasaka."

"And…. And Ise is to m-m-marry Ms. Kunou?" Asia asked with a slightly trembling voice.

"No, no, nothing is decided yet, okay?" Saitama was the one to answer this time. "Besides, if things were to come to that, it's not that they're gonna marry right away. They'd probably be engaged until Kunou comes of age or something."

"But still. I think it's better if dad married Yasaka instead." Issei gave his conclusion.

"He will not! And how dare you support that fossil wench!" Haruka almost hissed at him.

"…Mom. You're being biased. And a little selfish here, if I may add. You're willing to force a younger girl into your son's life instead of letting your husband try to be the bigger man for the country, for the world. This is something meant for adults. You're being childish and irresponsible, and this is me saying it." Issei retorted.

"I bet Kunou will not mind…" The matriarch simply pouted to the side, but did not argue more.

"Eh… maybe?" Saitama had no idea judging by his clueless face.

"Mom, are we really going this route? Seriously, this time, give it up. I can't be the only man in this household with a harem." Issei pointed out.

"But…" Haruka pouted.

"No buts! Hell, I sound like the parent of this household, and that's saying something! Don't force kids to take the responsibilities of adults! Work something out with the fox woman for Gods' sake! Anything other than this!"

"Fine, fine! I'll work something out!" Haruka said with raised arms. "Though, just to confirm - if let's say, you get to marry Kunou instead, will you comply?"

Issei rolled his eyes around. "That's a BIG if. Again, don't be that irresponsible parent just because you're jealous. No one will listen to a woman like that, and I know how it works, so save your excuses. Besides, do you actually think dad will love you less in favor of auntie Yasaka?"

Haruka still frowned.

"But… I don't want to compete for the love of my man." She whined.

"Mom. You're an adult. Don't go back to being a child." Issei frowned back. "Learn to share the love. Hell, Irina and Tsubasa understand, and they get along. Get along with auntie Yasaka. Start by getting rid of the stupidly irritable wall of envy you built in your chest and open up with her."

Issei couldn't believe that he had to step in his mother's shoes just to teach her a verbal lesson.

"...Aawwww…"

Saitama hugged her in one arm.

Haruka remained silent as the baldy pulled her into his embrace. She sniffled while her eyes became teary as Saitama patted her back, consoling her wordlessly.

"...Do you feel better now?" Saitama asked.

Haruka simply left out a muffled hum as she buried her face into her husband's shoulder, prompting the man to place a kiss on her crown.

Then, Haruka brought her arms around Saitama's neck and gave a few tugs. Noticing what his wife was conveying, Saitama simply sighed and took the woman into a bridal carry.

It was nearing evening - too early, but Haruka would not gain her composure back anytime soon.

"You kids take care of your own dinner. There should be some food in the fridge and pantry... And don't come near our bedroom for a while." Saitama warned.

"...Ah." Issei immediately understood as Saitama carried Haruka out of the kitchen, leaving him along with Asia, Ophis, and Rover.

"...What is marriage like?" Ophis asked from the table, already halfway finished with the chocolate mousse from Italy, cream of brown caking her lips, cheeks puffed, and her hands still dirty with crumbs and chocolate.

"More or less what you see from my mom and dad. I don't really get it myself, though." Issei replied with his own sigh.

"...Does it make people happy?" Ophis asked, swallowing.

"Err… only if it isn't toxic. Or one-sided. And everyone is okay with the other person."

"But… what about marrying more than one?"

"That's a difficult topic. I will say it takes a very strong man to handle something like that." Issei was not sure if he was ready for that level of responsibility yet. Or have the energy to handle more than one woman in his life.

"...Can I get married?" Ophis asked.

Issei blinked when he realized what the dragon god just asked and who she actually was.

"Uhhhh…" Issei looked around, his gaze landing at Asia, who was equally panicking. "...Yeah?"

Technically, she was overqualified in the age department.

"I want to get married. Like Haru and Saitama." Ophis said with a puffed chest.

"Right…" Issei and Asia exchanged awkward glances, "...Hope you can find someone that can catch your fancy."

"Catch my…. Fancy?" Ophis tilted her head.

"Means someone you like." Issei provided.

"...But I like Saitama. I also like Haru. Does it mean I can marry both of them?" Ophis asked again.

Issei and Asia froze.

They already witnessed Haruka's reaction against another woman joining the family…

Actually, thinking about it, Haruka might be a little open to Ophis since she was adorable… No, she would be against Saitama crossing the line with Ophis since she looked and behaved like a child despite her age.

It was fifty-fifty at best…

Hell, Issei was deathly curious what would happen if the strongest man bred with the strongest dragon god. He really, really wanted to see what would pop out of Ophis.

However, back to the matter at hand…

"Uhhhh, this is not something anyone can easily answer, and it's better to wait until mom cools down… Why don't we grab something to eat together? We have lots of good food from Italy! Tortellini Soup, Baked Ziti with Sausage, Gnocchi in tomato sauce and Mozzarella, Pork Saltimbocca!" Issei attempted to distract Ophis from the matter with her stomach, enticing her with the specially delectably sounding food as Ophis started to leak drool from her lips.

"...Is it good?" She asked, taking the bait.

"Why don't you taste it for yourself?" Issei offered with a confident smile.

The rest of the evening was spent with the kids enjoying Italian cuisine, Ophis and Ball Rover being their company for the night.

When they retired for the night, Ophis decided to sleep with Ball Rover.

However…

"Um… May I sleep together with you tonight?" Asia asked nervously while fidgeting before the boy - both of them had washed up and were clad in their respective sleepwear.

The girl was hesitant at first, but eventually seized the opportunity where she could have Issei for herself.

Issei blinked at the girl who was pinching the hem of his T-shirt. He wanted to ask why she would not sleep on her own, but something told him it would make him a heartless bastard if he were to do so.

"Sure, why not? Rias made sure the bed could fit like ten people anyways." Issei smiled.

As they settled into bed, Asia immediately clung on Issei's torso like a life-line, in which the boy simply smiled and allowed. When slumber gradually took over; Asia dreamt of living a married life with someone who looked awfully similar to Issei.

"...You look like a mess. What the hell were you dealing with on your side?" Issei asked Kiyome, as he and Asia stood at the lavish wood door of her manor on the next day.

Kiyome's brown drill-hair was messy, her clothes torn in some areas, revealing a bit of skin here and there.

Asia peeked from Issei's side.

"U-Um, h-hello?" Asia meekly introduced herself.

"Hello there. You must be Asia Argento. My name is Kiyome Abe." The monster tamer smiled at the girl while ignoring Issei's question. "May I see the Imoogi you have there?"

"Um… Rassei?"

Squeak

Rassei poked out of her hair, the little cute baby serpent staring right into Kiyome's eyes.

"My goodness! He's adorable! A real life Imoogi!" Kiyome's eyes turned into hearts as she played around the flying serpent with her fingers. "How old is this little one?"

"Uhhh, a few months after his egg hatched?" Issei answered, already lost count.

Rassei was nipping Kiyome's fingers as she smiled.

"Ohhh, I'm a bit jealous. Stjarna is nowhere nearly as cute as this one." Kiyome smiled as Rassei rubbed against her fingers.

"Stjarna?" Issei curled a brow.

"Oh, it's the name of my most recent monster. It means star in norse. Mostly because it landed right into our private beach like a meteor… Anyways, I think I can show him to you! It's still not completely warmed up to me though…"

Issei and Asia looked at each other. They have no idea what Kiyome picked up but they braced themselves for the worst.

"Anyway, let's go inside first." Kiyome then beckoned her guests to follow her.

Issei and Asia entered.

The manor was slightly different than he imagined. There were a lot more animal pelts and monster taxidermy around here and there with a bearskin carpet before the fireplace.

"My, my! Ise!"

Both guests blinked and turned to see a woman walking towards them - she was basically how Kiyome would appear in the next ten or twenty years.

"Oh…" Issei forgot about them, her parents - he quickly straightened up and gave a polite nod. "It's good to see you again, Mrs. Abe."

"Please, what's with the formality? I told you that you are free to call me Hiyori." the older woman smiled pleasantly as she pulled Issei into a quick hug. "You have truly grown for the past year, just look at these muscles!" She commented as she patted on Issei's arms and shoulders. "...How is your family doing, by the way? How's Rover?"

Issei's mind looked back - last time he checked this morning, his parents had yet to come out from their room. Issei and Asia had to take care of their own breakfast earlier.

"All of them are doing fine, thank you for asking." Issei replied with an amicable tone.

However, another voice echoed from outside the living room, "Kiyome, Hiyori… I have not been informed that we are having guests…"

Issei could not help but petrify when the owner of the gruff voice arrived - a tall, buff man dressed like a viking, who also stopped on his trek as soon as his eyes landed on Issei.

The room immediately descended into an awkward silence as the two men regarded each other, with the older one narrowing his eyes.

"...Boy." The patriarch of the Abe family eventually greeted with a low tone.

"...Hello, Mr. Abe. Sorry for intruding." Issei replied with a polite tone. Seeing that the older man still held that minor grudge, the younger one came up with something to brighten up the mood. "Um…. Your hair looked fantastic as it always does, sir."

That only made the atmosphere heavier, unironically, with a deeper scowl from the patriarch's mien. The mother and daughter of the Abe household only regarded Issei with flat looks.

Asia was confused by the sudden change of atmosphere.

"Um… hello?" Asia greeted the older man meekly. "I-I'm Asia Argento! N-Nice to meet you!" The girl bowed before the elder.

The Abe patriarch regarded Asia's presence for a few seconds before his expression softened ever so slightly. "...I shall leave you to your business. Enjoy your stay here… And boy?" The man lightly glared at the boy, "...Do not burn anything this time."

"I did not bring Rover if you're wondering, sir." Issei defended.

"...So it would seem. Good." the man nodded one last time before he made himself scarce.

The mood then was lifted up by Hiyori, "Well, that went better than I thought. Why don't you kids sit down and relax? I'll bring out some refreshments."

Issei and Asia sat down on a sofa with Kiyome sitting on a single couch across the table before them. Issei felt the bear rug carpet a little. It was pretty comfortable for his feet.

"Really? Of all things you could have come up with to say to my father, it had to be that?" Kiyome began the conversation with the question.

"Not my proudest moment, I know; but it's been a while since we met, cut me some slack." Issei defended.

Asia then spoke up, "Um… Did you two know each other?"

Issei and Kiyome regarded the other girl for a moment before the former replied - inwardly thanking her for the change of topic.

"Yeah, we met during the days my family had to move because of the Church. Honestly, the reason why we knew each other is because she saw Rover and got a bit too curious for her own good." Issei joked.

"Hey, Rover's one of a kind! Of course I would want him!" Kiyome pouted.

"Again, not for sale. So, Kiyome, have you got anything on how to train Imoogis?" Issei asked. "Asia isn't made to fight herself. I mean, look at her."

Kiyome only needed a couple of seconds to understand that Asia was never meant to directly hurt others with a single glance.

"Hmmm, I can understand that… She looks like a holy angel now that I look at her."

She was, literally, one.

"Alright, let me think… Let's see, the legends behind Imoogis are a bit vague. But basically - while I never kept or trained a dragon myself, I think I can provide some basic dragon training lessons. As for an Imoogi's special abilities, it is said that they ascend into a true dragon if they consume the heart of another true dragon or perform a heroic, selfless deed in Korean Legend… another is that Rassei has to live a thousand years to become a true dragon or something. The last one is to give Rassei a Yeouiju, or 'dragon's orb,' to evolve him faster."

"What's a dragon's orb?" Issei asked.

"It is similar to the gemstone on your Boosted Gear, though it is usually called Dragon Stones." She pointed at Issei's left hand. "In a sense, it can be considered a source of a dragon's power, power in material form, but not all dragons can develop one. The Long, the Chinese dragons, are more likely to develop these themselves once they live and prosper long enough, but the quality behind it depends on the level of the dragon in question, so… usually, those on the level of dragon kings and such can develop one. Some say that the orb is the reason behind the dragon's profound abilities, like Ddraig's Boost and Albion's Divide."

"So it's the physical essence of draconian power?" Issei surmised.

"More or less. Never had the chance to examine one up close other than your Boosted Gear now that I think about it." Kiyome nodded. "We can start with measuring Rassei's abilities and capabilities, then we'll work from there. I hope you can make spare dragon stones from your gauntlet or else we'll have to call upon some other dragon."

Issei suddenly had a spark of motivation when another dragon popped in his head. His lips slowly curled into an excited smile when he recalled the Loli dragon god.

On cue, Hiyori returned with a tray of drinks and snacks, "Seems you've been having some productive conversation. What about a quick break?"

However, before they could proceed, a familiar, loud fusion of a roar and a screech was heard from the back of the house, garnering the attention of everyone in the room.

"Oh… um, Issei, Asia, I think it's time to meet Stjarna." Kiyome smiled weakly before she suddenly bolted from her seat.

Issei, Asia, and Rassei stared at her before they quickly followed her.

They followed her through the backyard as they ran through the thicket of trees until they ended up at the sandy beach, the beige sands, the sky blue waters, and the…

"What the fuck is that?" Issei could not find the correct words to describe it other than an alien chimeric serpent/worm.

Beside it was a whale… it was already one-third eaten, the blood and viscera already showing.

There was a minotaur, a wyvern, and a manticore surrounding the creature, both hissing and growling back at it for something.

And the giant black worm thing was roar-screeching at what looked like a griffin that was hovering over the carcass.

Then the creature flicked a long tongue that had teeth and caught the griffin, pulling it into its large alien maw like a fly to a frog.

"No! Stjarna, no! Spit Peter out!" With flailing arms, Kiyome shouted as she ran towards the giant worm creature with many eyes as it looked at her.

It hissed at her before a tentacle grew from its plated epidermis and whipped at Kiyome, causing her to yelp and jump aside before the creature spat the griffin out, the poor creature landing beside her, the thing whimpering.

Then the creature burrowed its face into the whale carcass, the sound of chewing in the air. Issei and Asia could only watch while Kiyome placated the catatonic griffin.

"Shh, shh… There, there, Peter sweetie. Mommy's here for you…" Kiyome cooed until the griffin calmed down.

"...Really? From Family Guy?" Issei commented when he caught the name of the creature.

"That show was surprisingly funny." Kiyome replied as she gently ran her hand through Peter's hide.

Issei scoffed a little before looking back at the creature feasting on a large ocean mammal.

"…Back to my question, what the hell is that thing? A chimera?" Issei pointed at the creature.

"I… doubt it. This is my first time seeing a creature like this." Kiyome replied as she returned her attention towards the eldritch-looking creature. "Besides, I sort of tested Stjarna with silver. There is no reaction, and the way he moves and behaves is very reminiscent to that of a natural creature's. Also, I sent a saliva sample to my Underworld contacts for analysis, and I'm waiting for the results."

"How and where did you run into this thing again? It looks like it's way too high level for you no matter how I see it. Actually, how is it you're still alive? It looks like it will kill you if you look at it funny." Issei asked.

The creature narrowed its eyes at Issei and hissed at him. Issei blinked… did it understand him? Was it offended?

It returned to eating the whale carcass while the minotaur and manticore were waiting, no longer as growly as before after seeing it nearly eating Peter.

"Like I said - it literally fell from the sky when I was taking a walk." She said pointing heavenward.

"...Really?" Issei asked.

"Really. Like a meteor. It wasn't even burned or damaged that much when it landed… and screw it if it's too high level, I'm going to make him warm up to me one way or another." She frowned at him.

"Okay, and how is progress going?" Issei asked as he slowly approached the thing.

When Issei took a third step, the creature stopped eating and turned towards Issei with a bloody maw. Its tongue licked its many rows of teeth between its upper jaw and lower segmented mandible.

"...Hi?" Issei awkwardly waved. If Issei had to describe the feeling, it was like trying to approach a prehistoric carnivore like in the American movies.

The creature narrowed its many eyes at him as it sniffed the air. The creature's eyes rolled down. Issei felt that it was looking at his left arm.

It hissed at him a little.

Issei was curious about its behavior… he decided to summon Boosted Gear, the red gauntlet appearing.

The creature recoiled a little as it hissed louder. Issei noted Stjarna's extremely sharp instincts for having sensed Ddraig without knowing it.

"Uhhh, don't approach him too close. I couldn't get any closer than that… it's very defensive for some reason. It can shoot energy beams like Rover if you're wondering." Kiyome warned.

"What? Really? Is it a dragon?" Issei asked, staring at it.

"Maybe part dragon, but…"

"How did you manage to keep this thing? Did your parents try to do anything to it?" Issei pointed out.

"Funny story, dad tried to subjugate him with his hydra after it nearly killed his lamia… but then Stjarna ate most of his hydra and tried to eat him. We had to give it a lot of good meat to appease him enough so that it won't destroy the mansion and… yeah. My dad's hydra managed to survive with a single head… he was not happy. Though he was scared." Kiyome smiled weakly. "Technically, I had begged my parents to let me handle Stjarna or else they would summon Devils to get rid of it or something. Since then I tried to take on the task myself since I am probably the only one it wouldn't completely try to kill… I think it's because it didn't see me as a threat... Or if it's curious."

Squeak

Rassei chirped and flew from Asia's hair, slithering through the air.

"Ah, Rassei!" Asia shouted as she chased after her friend.

The creature blinked its many eyes as Rassei cooed before it, a tiny snake staring at a giant wyrm.

The serpent roared at Rassei, drowning the air with its cry, shimmering the space between them while Issei and the others covered their ears.

However, Rassei remained steadfast and spread his tiny arms wide.

KIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII!

Rassei chirped loudly back as if to copy the creature's roar, even though it was tiny in comparison.

The creature stared at Rassei, almost as if perplexed by the creature's absence of fear, or courage, unfazed by its intimidation.

It remained silent, studying the tiny creature as the dragon serpent nuzzled against it despite that it was caked in blood. No, Rassei seemed to be licking some of that blood off, reminding everyone that it was also a carnivore.

Asia stopped before the creature as she and Issei and Kiyome watched as Rassei interacted with the creature with squeaks and chirps. The sight was surreal, seeing two completely contrasting beings interact with astounding synastry.

"...Wow. Rassei can even befriend that thing… huh. Well, I guess even an infant is more of a monster tamer than you ever will be." Issei snarked.

"Oh ha ha, I see your sense of humor is still tasteless." Kiyome frowned as Rassei continued chirping with the creature as it hissed back a little.

"…Is it just me or is Rassei talking to it?" Issei asked, seeing their interaction acting a bit more dynamic than usual.

"I… I think they are." Kiyome confirmed with genuine surprise as Rassei landed on Stjarna's head, cooing as it licked the whale blood off its armored hide.

Rassei started tapping Stjarna's head with its tail while continuing to squeak to it.

The creature hissed back a little while Rassei continued tapping his head with his tiny tail.

Rassei pointed at Kiyome as Stjarna looked at the monster tamer.

Stjarna hissed almost venomously at her while Rassei squeaked sadly.

"…Did you do something to it? I can't understand it, but it sounds like it hates you… or something like that." Issei asked.

"What? No! I keep trying to warm up to it, but it keeps refusing my advances!" Kiyome denied.

"Like I said before, this thing might be too high-level for you. I don't think your usual methods will work on him if Rassei can do what you can't."

"Issei, my family has a long history of close interaction with supernatural wildlife for centuries. An outsider like you don't have the slightest idea on how to tame even the easiest beast without my supervision."

The creature suddenly screeched at Kiyome, so loud that everyone had to cover their ears.

"...Well? Then what's it saying now, you reckon?" Issei commented.

"Uhhh… That it's hungry?" Kiyome smiles weakly as Rassei flew from its head as Stjarna dug its head into the whale carcass, pulling out a large intestine before it looked back at the minotaur and manticore and then slithered away, leaving the whale carcass alone as it slithered away into the ocean.

Issei and Asia stared at the waters where the creature vanished under the waters, the blood mixing with the surface water.

"...I am starting to see why you and your family never have any dragons." Issei verbally impaled her ego with a smirk.

"Shut up, you." Kiyome pouted.

Issei snickered as Kiyome pouted more.

"Alright, I am going to the Underworld soon enough. Asia, think you can stay with Kiyome for a while?"

"E-eh?" Asia did not expect the development.

"You're going to need to learn a lot from Kiyome in nurturing and taking care of Rassei into the perfect warrior."

Rassei squeaked and flexed his tiny arms, probably taking after the Big Bads.

"Kiyome is too busy to come to us, and you are most likely needed to help Kiyome befriend Stjarna… actually, befriend Stjarna first before her and show her how to bond with high-level monsters the right way. It'll be more fun that way."

Issei flashed a thumbs-up at Asia while Kiyome kicked his shin - only for her to hiss in pain while massaging her throbbing foot.

Asia smiled awkwardly at Issei's shenanigans.

"O-Okay." Asia nodded, trusting in him.

"Oh, one more thing, if you need to learn magic as well, feel free to call one of these contacts." Issei gave Asia a piece of paper, containing several names with their contact number.

"...By the way, I highly recommend big-sis Lavinia." Issei ended with a quick wink. "Oh, and bring Ophis here to help Rassei. She might oblige if you give her food."

Asia blushed as Rassei gave Issei a thumbs-up, another thing he probably picked up on, the cheeky little bastard.

"Ahem. I hope we aren't interrupting anything."

Everyone turned to see Hiyori Abe and her husband, accompanied by one familiar face and one stranger behind them.

Genos stared at Issei stoically while an old monkey youkai - who was only a meter tall, covered in golden fur and clad in monk attire.

"Hey, Uncle Genos? Um… Who's that?" Issei greeted before asking, all while pointing at the youkai.

"He is your new instructor; he will teach you the art of mastering your Ki, Senjutsu and your martial arts. I managed to enlist the aid of Sun Wukong himself." The cyborg replied.

At the mention of the most infamous youkai - Issei, Asia and Kiyome froze and turned to the youkai, who smirked knowingly.

"You- Are you saying he's that Sun Wukong? The Monkey King from the tale, 'Journey to The West'?" Issei asked.

On cue, the youkai stepped forward and grinned, "The very same; Sun Wukong of the Flowers and Fruit Mountain." He ended with a two-finger salute.

In the face of the Victorious Fighting Buddha, Issei straightened up and gave a polite bow, "U-um, it's a pleasure to meet you, sir. I'm Issei Hyoudou."

"Hm, the current Red Dragon Emperor. I'm aware." the Monkey King rab his furry chin as he scanned Issei up and down, "...Not bad, not bad. I hope you don't disappoint me. I am aware that you met my descendant?"

Issei blinked - his mind quickly came up with another, younger monkey youkai, "...Bikou?"

"Is he doing well?"

Issei smirked a little at the memory of Bikou laughing at his 'rival.' "Oh, he's having fun on my side. Working hard too."

"I see…"

Then he turned towards the other girls expectantly; on cue, both Asia and Kiyome bowed as well.

"I-I'm Asia Argento! Nice to meet you!"

"Kiyome Abe. It's an honor to meet with the Great Monkey King."

Sun Wukong nodded in approval, "Well met. What is this, however?" He gestured at the remains of what took place earlier.

The minotaur and manticore were now feasting on Stjarna's leftovers with zeal.

"Um… a work in progress." Issei carefully worded. Sᴇaʀᴄh thᴇ NovᴇlFɪre .ɴᴇt website on Gøøglᴇ to access chapters of nøvels early and in the highest quality.

"Hmmm. Shame that I didn't get a look at your 'work in progress'. Its cries were interesting to hear and its Chi is peculiar." Sun Wukong pursed his lips.

"...How peculiar?" Issei asked curiously.

"Alien yet familiar… something to ponder in my meditation. Come boy, we have chatted enough. But first… you must endure your penance." Sun Wukong turned around.

"Penance?" Issei asked when the monkey's back was facing him.

Without warning, Genos drew a gun with the speed of a daredevil gunslinger and fired at Issei.

Issei raised his guard but it was too late. It was an energy beam, and it felt painfully familiar as the 'boy's' chest suddenly felt heavy.

"...What…!" Issei cupped 'his' mouth when a feminine voice came out.

"This is your penance." Genos smiled at Issei as he raised a camera and clicked immediately. "Another one for the photos for Haruka."

Issei then looked down in horror, finding a pair of flesh mounds on his chest, barely covered by his shirt. In addition, his nether region felt 'empty'.

"You…!" Issei glared at his uncle with shock and rage, then he turned towards the girls - Asia was cupping her mouth, while the Abe clan was staring with a bewildered look.

"Issei…?" Kiyome asked, unsure of what just happened before her.

Genos, however, interrupted, "For the punishment for your act of insubordination back in Rome, you shall train with Sun Wukong in the Underworld, all while serving as Serafall Leviathan's sidekick in her television show."

"What!? You can't do this to me! Anything but this!" Issei, or Isami, protested with 'his' new voice.

"I can and I just did." Genos merely retorted. "Either this, or alternatively, you will work with Black in one of his finer establishments."

Issei's face paled at the prospect of being one of Black's 'employees'. At this point, he only had one option to take, unacceptable as it was. He - now she, fell to her fours while bellowing in despair.

"FUUUUUUUUCK!"

Extra

It was her favorite time of the day - after work hours where she could enjoy herself around the town she had been in charge of.

Watching people milling around; men and women going to their homes, children rejoining their parents in the park, and some others going for a meal and drink after tiring days; made her feel that she had done a decent job in managing her territory.

She arrived at the park near the suburbs, her usual place to enjoy the late afternoon breeze while gazing at the dusk sky. As she was leaning back on the park bench to enjoy the sound around her, one particular cry of an infant caught her attention.

She blinked and did not take long to spot a mother trying to soothe her baby boy. She blinked when she paid attention to the infant; there was something…. Potent emanating from him, and her sense of curiosity, along with her sense of compassion prompted her to approach the mother.

"Dear me, is everything alright?" She greeted the mother with the kind question.

The mother was slightly startled at the sudden stranger approaching her, giving a sheepish smile in return, "Oh, no, no. It's just my baby throwing a tantrum when he accidentally lost his balloon."

She followed the mother's gaze, finding a yellow balloon being stuck on a tree. The tree was too high for the mother to reach, making it highly unlikely for the baby to get his toy back.

"I suppose I need to wait for my husband or… other members of the family to come pick us up, but… Let's hope that the balloon will stay where it is by the time they come." The mother said with a light joking tone before she returned to her infant son.

She simply hummed in understanding, and as soon as the mother returned her attention to the baby, she used the opportunity to flick her finger down, and the balloon was soon brought down by some invisible force towards her waiting hand.

"...Here you go, little one."

The mother blinked, bewildered. The balloon that her son had lost was no longer on the tree, and was on the hand of the stranger before her. The infant simply grasped the balloon's string, and calmed down happily, giggling and smiling at the yellow balloon…. With a face drawn on its surface.

Sensing the mother's confusion, she smiled while meeting her eyes, "The balloon on the tree had flown away, I simply procured a new, similar one. I hope your son will settle down with this."

She noted the drawing was simple; a pair of eyes, a curve that she assumed was a nose, and a tiny line which was the mouth. She wanted to ask about the face drawn on the balloon, but she chose to refrain from intruding into what she assumed as private territory.

The mother stared at the stranger's bewitching eyes for a few seconds before she smiled in contentment, "Thank you, you've been a great help. My name is Haruka Hyoudou, and this is my son, Issei."

Seeing no harm, she curtseyed, "...A pleasure to make your acquaintance. You may call me Cleria."

Omake: A New Brand of 'Evil'

Xenovia peeked around the corner.

Ever since they returned, the black demon visited the Vatican HQ more frequently than before.

The exorcists and priests did nothing regarding the creature's presence. His contributions earned him near unlimited freedom to visit to and fro as he pleases, which concerns Xenovia regarding Black's sinister nature.

It was bad enough that Griselda had to work in that indecent place out of debt, now with Black having full access in and outside of the Vatican? Xenovia believed that things were likely to go for worse.

Right now, she was witnessing the repercussions of Black's vitiating influence on Griselda.

Within a lecture room, where the young exorcist trainees gathered to learn under the strongest female exorcist, Griselda was wearing her revealing battle leotard, only her attire was more… accentuating.

It looked tighter, highlating the shape of her breasts even more, so much so that they could see that she wore no bra underneath, and her black thigh high boots were high heeled unlike before.

The cutout opening around her crotch area was even bigger and the underboob of her cleavage was showing skin. While a sword was somehow attached on her hip, her hand was holding a riding crop.

"Eyes up and pay attention, children." Griselda began, her calm yet firm voice snapped her students out of their reverie in the lieu of Griselda's appearance. "Looking back at the most recent incidents within the Vatican, I believe it is imperative for us to do… Simulations. The idea of this exercise is, what to do when you have to improvise and cannot afford to play by the rules set by The Lord."

She then whipped her crop, snapping everyone to attention.

"First…" She walked up to one boy at the vanguard.

The boy gulped a little when she leaned forward, her breasts dangling before his face.

"Here you are one of the Valper's men. Now… you will try and place your hand in my… sanctuary." She said as she took the boy's hand and guided it to her lap.

The boy was blushing even harder, the others staring at them with blushes, even the girls.

"Now, there will be those that know how to mask their intentions… girls, the first lesson to break through that mask is to… appease their inner beasts." She said as she raised the hand higher.

Xenovia was spying from the door, watching with growing curiosity and mortification.

"Do you feel it, child? The natural desire welling within you?" Griselda asked the boy with a gentle smile, as she ran her free hand across the boy's flustered cheek.

The said boy swallowed a lump when Griselda got up to his lap and straddled him - her body was pressing against his front and her face was only a few inches from his, as he could feel her soft breath trickling on his skin.

The boy could not tear his eyes off Griselda's blue orbs that were staring directly at him, her lips parted ever so slightly as she tilted her head, closing the distance ever so slightly. Until…

"...Look down now."

"Eh?" The boy blinked and slowly glanced down and found a blade pressed against his jugular.

As soon as the boy and everyone else had realized the situation he was in, Griselda got off him and returned to her feet.

"As you can see - this is not simply a simulation about interrogation; for all of you, gentlemen, need to be vigilant towards fairer sex. There will be many encounters where women, enemies or not, would not shy away from using their appeal to get what they wanted from you." Griselda twirled her knife she used on the boy earlier to emphasize, before she turned towards the girls.

"Now, girls, pay attention, since this is especially for your own good. We do not know if there is anyone willing to prey on young boys yet, but life can surprise even Gods. If you see how he easily refuses to leave my eyes so easily, you will notice how he stiffens. That means he is inexperienced, surprised. Someone you can trust and care for, to a degree. Always be vigilant against the opposite sex even if it from our own house… and make sure that they can be trusted. Soon, there will be changes in our house.

"First, an old profession will be revived, though altered to fit the modern times and circumstances, to ward off the same evil within our house. We will also receive companions, familiars. Due to the success of one dog tracking down the evil we purged, we will introduce special hounds in our house, dogs trained to sniff out sin like the hounds of hell from the bible. Even with the companions at your side, it is wise to build necessary skills to defend ourselves from the same evil once it decides to infest our house, while preserving the need for trust for others. It will be a challenge… but for Heaven, and our companions, it will be worthwhile to overcome. Now, girls, do what I did to the boys."

"...Eh?" The girls looked stammered.

Griselda, on the other hand, simply handed cards to the boys and girls.

"The cards I gave to the girls contained a question, in which the boys' cards held the answer. Now, the girls have to extract the information from the boys in 5 minutes, while the boys have to resist for the duration."

The young exorcists looked nervous and panicked at the same time; the boys stared at the panicking girls, who are all fairly attractive in their own right. The girls on the other hand, were conflicted about the idea of seducing men, even for the sake of a mission.

"...If I were you, I'd take some of my clothes off now." Griselda remarked as she cocked her hips slightly, accentuating her curves for everyone to see.

From outside the classroom, Xenovia could only watch with a gobsmack.

"If you need assistance, I have an associate that can aid you."

"Hehehehe…."

Xenovia blinked as she turned around.

"Hiiii~" Black was standing there with a trolley pulled behind him. He walked past Xenovia and into the classroom.

"Everyone, meet our Vatican's newest sponsor, Mr. Black, and the one that rescued me from dire straits." Griselda introduced as everyone stared at the alien creature a bit perplexed.

"...And no, he is not a demon or monster. Don't ask what he is for now. As for why he is here, he generously prepared several….. Outfits for you girls if you have trouble seducing the boys."

Black smiled as he picked out something.

Xenovia was mortified when he pulled out the same schoolgirl attire Griselda once wore.

Xenovia made up her mind. She must find a way to stop him from furthering his corruption.

"...And Xenovia, dear? What did I tell you about eavesdropping?"

The girl paused when she was only a couple of steps away from the door. She slowly turned around and saw Griselda smiling down at her.

"Instead of standing around there, why don't you join us? I believe you can learn something out of this."

"B-B-But S-Sister Griselda! I-I! T-This isn't…!"

"Shhhhh." Griselda placed a finger on Xenovia's lips. "Soon, you will understand. Do I need to show you what happens to disobedient children like before?"

Xenovia stammered when Griselda gave her that disciplinary smile, the one that always terrified her, always ingrained in her psyche.

"...Yes, Sister Griselda." She weakly submitted as Griselda led her into the room.

Xenovia caught sight of Black's devious smirk. He mouthed to her, 'This is just the beginning.'

Bruh.

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