One-Punch DxD: NEO
Chapter 52: Restoration

HERE WE GO!

"There's something I gotta ask… Are you some kind of a Sacred Gear expert?"

Issei, his masculinity restored, asked Wukong.

After the final photo shoot and meet-and-greet session, Isami decided to enact the rating game challenge to Riser, a one on one match to enact a permanent restraining order on the noble turned stalker.

They did it at the coliseum, where Riser confidently professed his confidence in defeating Isami right there to make her his with all of his Peerage watching… until Isami pulled out a silver mace and started beating the living shit out of him in front of them to their disbelief.

Once Isami was finished, she left the arena after turning Riser into a mess so gory that it had to be censored to the viewing public. She left quite an impression on the Devil side, known as the destroyer of manhoods, a title she could get by.

Now, Issei was back in the forest, training with peace of mind, sitting on the rock cross legged in his Scale Mail.

It was kind of weird for anyone that stumbled here, seeing a mecha-dragon knight clad in glorious shining red, as heroic and awesome as he could be, sitting peacefully on a rock trying to meditate. And not imagine how awkward the bulky armor would get in the way of sitting in that position.

"Hmmm, no, but I did encounter a few. I believe I met a Dragon Emperor that could perform a subspecies Balance Breaker before in China. I have enough understanding to help you further your mastery, even though I believe you do not need it."

"Pfff... I fought an insane angel that likes to commit atrocities for fun and got my ass kicked, so yeah, I think I'll take as much as I can get here."

"Your sass aside - the key of mastering your Sacred Gear depends on how well you understand it. Not just its powers and what it can do, especially when it comes to something like a Longinus, each one of them possesses a certain consciousness. In fact, the example is more prominent and easier to understand when it comes to the likes of Boosted Gear and Divine Dividing; they have living souls serving as their power-source." Sun Wukong explained.

"Can't I just forcefully will it to do as I want if I try hard enough? I know four Sacred Gear users in the Grigori, actually five counting Lavinia, and they did it like that… I think. Vali doesn't count yet, because… yeah."

"While Sacred Gears respond and evolve according to their wielders' emotions and desires, they are not that simple that you can brute-force them into obedience." Sun Wukong replied, running his hand through his beard. "It is like trying to master a weapon, in a sense. It is more than just turning a weapon into a slave, it is making it a part of you. The bond must be… symbiotic. Mutual. You must understand it and have it understand you in return. First… you must reach into your spirit and confront a demon of your past."

"...Don't tell me…"

"Yes. Delve into your sacred gear and learn everything you can. Including the secrets behind this Juggernaut Drive that your friend seemed to master. And after that, we will nurture your understanding and put it into practice. Do not shun your darkness and look away, even a little."

Issei scowled slightly behind his helmet. Nonetheless, he complied for the time being and took another Awakening Breath, focusing his mind. He did not bother to count how long he had been in the same position, but he suddenly sensed a shift in the atmosphere, and his surroundings felt…. Emptier for some reason.

When Issei opened his eyes, he found himself in a place he had never known before.

"...Huh. Looks like that one anime… I think?" Issei commented as he looked down on himself. He was not wearing the same armor, he was himself, in his casual clothes.

"Ddraig? If this is my inner world or something like in Bleach, say something."

[Kukukuku….. I had a feeling that you'll handle this well, but not to this extent.]

Issei turned around and found the Welsh Dragon had been standing behind him all the time.

[I guess this is the first time we meet here.]

Issei smiled, "Guess so, the first time we met was in some kind of…. burning black void. Still, it's good to see you here, Ddraig."

[Hn, I suppose I should congratulate you for making it here. Why don't you turn around and look ahead?]

When Issei did so, his eyes were greeted by an assembly of people - men, women, young and old, dressed in some sort of ceremonial robes. However, all of them shared something in common - the Boosted Gear covering their left arms.

"...Who the fuck are these loiterers?" Issei asked.

[You're also a loiterer. These are the spirits of the past users, your predecessors…. Well, the fragment of their souls, to be precise.]

"They look like zombies, the vegetable kind." Issei said as he got up and walked over to one of them.

"It is a fragment soul. A fragment with a consciousness is extremely rare, you know?"

Issei blinked at the unfamiliar, female voice. This time, he turned and saw a beautiful woman with blonde hair, clad in an elaborate blue dress. Her head was also wearing some kind of tiara with matching color.

Issei stared at the woman, "Uh… hi there?"

"It is a pleasure to finally meet our current successor. You may call me Elsha…. Belzard, why don't you come over here and introduce yourself?" The woman - Elsha spoke before she looked behind her, revealing a muscular-built man with green hair, clad in noblee attire.

The man walked towards Issei with power in each of his steps. When he stood next to Elsha, he smirked, "The name's Belzard. What is yours, boy?"

"It's Issei Hyoudou, nice to meet you…. I'm sorry, who are you?" Issei replied.

Ddraig decided to answer for him.

[These two are Belzard and Elsha, partner; the past wielders of the Boosted Gear. Before you, I consider them as my strongest hosts. While Elsha is the strongest Red Dragon Empress ever to wield my power, Belzard defeated two White Dragon Emperors in his lifetime.]

"...So are they as strong as before here?" Issei asked, slowly cracking his knuckles.

"I'm afraid not." Elsha shook her head while her smile went a tad bitter, "Even with all our powers, we are still mere fragments of our original selves. Our remaining power is only enough to properly communicate with you."

"...Awww." Issei hung his head. "Damn it all. Hah, I was looking forward to comparing myself with the others. Alright, back to my quest, what do I have to do to master Boosted Gear? Do I have to do some epic soul-searching journey or go through visions and try to make something out of them?"

[Hahahahahaha! Well, your objective is to learn about me, this time! And see what I can do. And while the fragments here are weaker than the original… I can rectify that if you want, and show you. If you'll let me.]

Ddraig sounded as if he was daring Issei to let him loose.

"...How do I let you?" Issei's smile slowly widened.

[All you need to do is to form a pact. It won't cost you anything in exchange for some freedom.]

"Do it. I know you want some payback, so don't you dare hold anything back." Issei beckoned with his finger.

[Contract established.]

Ddraig grinned back at Issei as something changed in the space around them.

"Oh?" Elsha smiled as she and Belzard suddenly experienced a surge of power from the Dragon himself.

Each of them was suddenly bedecked in the same dragon armor that Issei wore.

However, Elsha's was different, lithe, more accentuating to her figure. Her helmet was not covering her entire face, the area beneath the nose was open, her lips and nose revealed.

Belzard's was different.

The visor had no eye jewels, and there was a sash flowing around his neck while he held what looked like a spear in hand.

In short, those two were wearing completely different versions of the standard Scale Mail Subspecies.

[Hey, you two. Show him why I am a legendary ancient dragon for me, and teach this brat a lesson.]

"Err, I did say I want to form a pact, but what does this pact entail, again?" Issei asked.

[I get to give power to the predecessors I choose. As much as I want. And they can, in your slang, beat you up. Whenever they want.]

"Oh, you never did this before." Elsha remarked.

[That's because I was sure the other past users would never let me, and there is no point so far. But here we are. Will you do the honors of beating some sense into this child and reminding him of his place?]

In response, the two strongest Red Dragon Emperors sported a blood-thirsty smile towards Issei, who could only give a wry grin in return. However, when Issei attempted to use his own Boosted Gear, nothing happened.

"Et tu…. Ddraig?"

[Right, I nearly forgot. You have to deal with them without my help since you are training. And since I know how your family likes to treat you, you are on your own. Good luck and try not to die. They have been bored for many years, you know?]

Issei suddenly felt like a mouse in the eyes of two feline predators by the way they looked at him. He could feel the belligerent excitement oozing from the two, and what they intended to do to him.

"...You asshole!"

The two emperors descended upon Issei, their fresh meat.

On the other parts of the Underworld….

There was once a set of weapons created by the original Satans.

It was designed to be the antithesis of God's magnum opus, creations so powerful and uncontrollable that not even the creators themselves could fully control them.

They could barely access a minor portion of their creations' powers in their slaying of God, but however minor the powers may be, it aided them in befalling the creator of Angels, the Lord of Heaven, even though said Lord was weakened in his battle against the great beast.

Twelve creations now rest, sealed by their inferior creators' lesser magics. Each named after the demons Dante encountered in the Divine Comedy, their powers mysterious, yet strong enough to crush even the top ten of this world, barring Ophis and the Great Red.

Probably.

In the deepest reaches of Lucifaad, the Malebranche were hidden in a secret tomb, protected by walls enchanted by the greatest magics of the Devils during the time of the original Lucifer.

Beneath ancient stone and forgotten darkness, the Devils of the Old Satan faction marched.

They already opened the secret door, undid the magical locks that and protections leading to the inner chambers as the great walls of engraved metal and stone split open, two great masses sliding away as the inner chamber revealed the twelve demonic statues, creatures of great power sleeping, waiting to be awakened for battle.

"So these are the infamous weapons of the original satans…" The leader of the group, Oata, marveled at the demonic statue.

He was one of the members of the Old Satan Faction, a researcher assigned to appraise the status of and move the ancient weapons of war to one of the hidden labs.

"They're… marvelous."

Their mission was to see if they could reacquire the ancient weapons of war and make them viable for their leaders to wield in battle.

"Imagine… the power they have for even the Original Satans to fear. A true example of what the power of creation can accomplish."

"Indeed."

However, another voice interrupted their reverie. The Devils turned to their backs.

A white mist descended in the area, clouding their vision. When the mist dispersed, Oata saw four humans standing before them.

"You…" Three of the humans he recognized. "What are you doing here, you inferior humans?"

Oata sneered at the Hero Faction leader and his pets. He eyed one of them, never seeing him before.

This one was peculiar, he was armored from hair to toe in what looked like some kind of metal, the kind that seemed to be reminiscent of the materials found from Sacred Gears. His hair style was unique, an arrow V shape slanting back, and his posture was too uncanny, his shoulders and head down, still as a statue. For some reason, this one unsettled him.

"What does it look like? When dealing with Devils, it is best to stab them before we get stabbed back, right?" Cao Cao confidently smirked at them.

"You dare overstep your place, you inferior beings?!" Oata shouted at them in rage as the devil warriors around him sneered at them, readying their weapons and spells.

"Oh, I don't know. I overstepped once and paid for it. Like you are right now." Cao Cao snapped his fingers.

"Do you think you can-"

The unknown, armored man in pure darkness walked past him and all of the guards.

With his face captured in his final moment, he and the rest of his subordinates… fell apart - like jigsaw puzzles, bodies falling into sliced cubes of meat as blood silently pooled on the floor.

Siegfried, Cao Cao, and Georg stared at his work… the way he moved so fast and took their lives without warning, the ease of it all.

They repressed the trauma back then, the fear and helplessness.

"...I still can't believe Indra managed to subdue the man like this." Georg commented.

The thought that this man could end their lives just that… they could only shudder at the image.

"...Yet even then, Indra barely escaped with his life." Cao Cao gave a wry smirk.

It was a miracle that the War God decided to give them a weapon like this, the man that nearly destroyed a pantheon.

"Let's move." Siegfried gestured as he carefully walked around the corpses.

Cao Cao and Georg followed as they entered the hidden chamber of the God Slaying Weapons.

Why were they here and were they aware of their existences?

Indra advised them of their existences, what the Malebranche could do, and how they could acquire their assistance when the time comes for them to turn against the other factions within Khaos Brigade.

And the eldritch GOD pulling the strings.

"Georg, do you think you can do it?" Cao Cao asked as George walked towards the center, equidistant from all of the demonic statues.

"...Let's find out. I think they can see me." Georg said as he felt twelve different gazes upon his form.

The mage inhaled deeply through his nose as he spread his arms apart. Countless magic symbols, runes of different magic systems from Norse, to Devil, and Fae.

There was one more Georg tried to implement, but the concept behind this magic was… too esoteric.

It was something that did not function on the principle of mathematical formulas, the ancient magics of the race that repaired Cao Cao's spear, a taste of True Demon Magic.

Georg managed to acquire one of the demon tomes from Indra, surprisingly. However, he managed to implement enough to undo a portion of the seal that kept the living statues into slumber.

Siegfried, Georg, and Cao Cao froze.

The air, the pressure of the room suddenly magnified in density, filling the room with a pressure that could only be described as the weight of an ocean upon them, with them standing at the very bottom of the unexplored abyss.

[...Who dares arouse us from our slumber?]

The first voice spoken, the eyes of the statue in the middle opening its eyes, revealing the demonic red color. Georg gulped as he turned to Cao Cao, who nodded as he stepped forth. Other statues have opened their eyes as they gazed upon him.

"...I am Cao Cao, descendant of the original hero with the same name. I have deemed myself to awaken you from your slumber in need of your power."

The eyes of the statues remained open as Cao Cao could feel the pressure of their judgemental appraisal.

[Oh, a human? His face might suit your fancy, Libicocco.]

[He is too weak to earn my attention… and he seems to be corrupted by delusion and arrogance. And… there is a trauma weighing him.]

[It is still a refreshing development, all we had were overbearing and useless Devils communicating with us.]

[Wait, he is not just a human… There is the familiar light of god inside him.]

[The light of God?]

[The one we slew at our makers' behest?]

[It is a strong light. Yes, I sense it. Sacred Gear… Longinus.]

The voices clamored with the vibrancy of a small town as Georg, Cao Cao, and Siegfried listened to the voices with interest, their discussion of the Longinus in Cao Cao.

[...Quiet.]

The mightiest of the voices commanded the silence of everyone.

[Why have you sought us, human? There is only one reason anyone would seek us out. Although I am surprised that a human knew of our existence. Our makers are very… possessive with their creations. Do you seek to wield us? Let us inform you that better men than you have tried, most have failed to withstand a fraction of our power, none able to wield our full potential. And you are mortal.]

Cao Cao inhaled and exhaled, calming his nerves. A part of him wished to prove them wrong, but Indra insisted that he should never attempt to be their wielder as he is now.

Meaning Cao Cao must bide his time before he tests his worth.

"...I do request your power like those before you. However, I propose something mutual. I offer you… a worthy host that can hold all of your powers at once. In exchange, should you deem this host worthy, you will aid us when it is time for us to bear our fangs against the evil entities that walk with us, and bring down a great powerful foe that schemes from beyond."

The statues remained silent as the leader of the Malebranche growled.

[...Yes, I can see the host. You expect us to turn to that… Wait, something is wrong. What is he?]

The statue referred to the man bedecked in black.

"He is a human."

[You are lying. I have been around humans for millennia. You and he are different. He… looks and smells human. But he is… Aahhh... I see why you are offering him to us now.]

[Is he worthy, Malacoda?]

[I can see it - the power, the potential...]

[A rare mortal with an exquisite allure. It is hard to see past that puppet state.]

[Where is he from? He does not bear Gaia's scent.]

[He is bound in chains like us, a prisoner.]

The Malebranche growled again with a hint of hostility.

[Should we accept?]

[I am tired of sleeping. Let us test his worth.]

[Yes, we have slumbered long enough.]

[To test the world with our power, yes, I can see it. I want to see it.]

[To fight God's creations and others.]

[But this young human is too weak for a wielder. What if the others are just as disappointing?]

[But the puppet is not.]

[Malacoda, your final verdict?]

The three slowly swallowed the lumps in their throats as they waited for Malacoda's judgment while tensions and anxieties brewed.

[We will see if he is worthy before we make our verdict. Human, undo our seals and bring the man to the center of us.]

Cao Cao sighed with relief. Indra assured that the man was more than worthy, even though the way he said it irritated him.

"Georg."

The mage nodded as he walked into the center while Cao Cao backed away.

Georg started casting the unsealing spells.

[Oh, I sense nostalgia.]

[Demonic magic? He can use the old sorceries?]

[But it's barely a sliver.]

Georg ignored the chatter as the weave of mystical energy flowed towards the statues and undid the other layers.

The puppet in black growled as he walked towards the center, in the eyes of the demon statues.

The demon statues gazed upon their host. The three humans watched as the statues shattered like eggshells, revealing grotesque demonic forms, forms worthy of the title of christian demons, most of them looking bizarre and chimera-like, with no proper symmetry.

There was one that looked like a dragon, one with the appearance of a demonic knight, and there was only one female wreathed in demonic flames.

"Aaahhh, so this is what freedom is like!"

"The taste of true freedom!"

"I forgot what it was like to have legs!"

The living demonic weapons reveled in their freedom.

"I must say… for you to release us, you must not share the Devils' fear of releasing us from our prison. Or unaware." The one that sounded like Malacoda spoke.

"Of course, I'm aware. But here I am, doing something the Devils would never do. After all, it only shows that I am better than them."

The demons stared at Cao Cao before they laughed.

"Ahahahahaha! You have more spine than those craven delusionists!" The demonic knight, a deep vicious voice, praised.

"You have fire. I admire that." The female flaming elemental nodded.

"But now…" Malacoda smiled.

Then, without warning, each of the Malebranche aimed their palms at the man and shot a stream of energy, their power as the man jerked, his eyes widening as he suddenly roared.

"Yes…." Malacoda could feel it. "He is compatible. Yes….. His body can take our power without mutating! His body is-"

The man roared as he suddenly exploded.

His body did not explode, but the energy he received was repulsed, forming an explosive shockwave that knocked the three humans away while the demonic weapons skid back.

"What!?" The female wreathed in flames shouted.

"He rejected our power!? Impossible!" The demonic knight voiced his disbelief.

"More importantly, how is he still alive!?" The largest of them all watched as the man started heaving as color started to return to his eyes.

"Oh, no, no, no… Georg!" Cao Cao shouted when the man turned around, glaring at them with inexplicable rage in his gaze.

Without warning, all of the Malebranche demons crashed into the wall, all coughing from the indentation in their chests as Cao Cao suddenly found him so close to his face, his hand so close to tearing out his eyes.

Georg managed to activate the failsafe in him just in time as Georg hyperventilated, the man frozen like a statue.

Malacoda coughed as he and the others reeled from the sudden pain.

"Ahaha… hahahahahaha! He surpasses expectations." Malacoda laughed with a pained voice as he pulled himself out of the wall, holding his chest.

"...I have reached our verdict." Malacoda said as he walked towards Cao Cao.

"We will follow your will after you help bind us to this host permanently. It is time that we work to subdue someone instead of others mastering us, but we cannot do it naturally. The man's will is too strong to accept us, so strong. We will need to get him to accept us as his power no matter how long."

Cao Cao, Georg, and Siegfried sighed in relief.

"However."

They perked.

"...Should our host break free from his bondage and decide to enact vengeance… we will not stop him. I have learned what was done to him when we gave him our power. I can feel the desperation of countless divine auras pouring their efforts into sealing him - magnificent."

Cao Cao bit his lip as he turned to his friends.

"...We accept your terms."

Cao Cao expected this, but it was better than he expected.

"Good. What is the name of our host? We cannot bind ourselves to him without learning his name."

"...I thought you learned of his name the moment you made contact?" Georg asked.

"I… can only read the state of the body, and its history to an extent. The mind is beyond my reach unless I am fully bound to my wielder."

The two hero descendants exchanged glances, then Cao Cao addressed the demons.

"His name is…"

The great wings of black sliced across the magenta skies of the Underworld.

The Crescent Moon Dragon - Crom Crauch, scanned the land with his eyes. sᴇaʀᴄh thᴇ NøvᴇlFirᴇ(.)nᴇt website on Gøøglᴇ to access chapters of nøvels early and in the highest quality.

He had lost them. No, it was more like they were behind borders that he could never cross, which would lead to too many distractions in his way. As much as he would like to challenge the strongest of this realm, he was no fool.

He could not hover around the cities without attracting unwanted attention, so he scanned the wilderness.

Crom growled as his draconic eyes caught sight of what looked like devils in training when he hovered over the wilderness. The only interesting sight was an alien, muscular being that shone like platinum sitting atop of one young devil doing push-ups right beside the defeated form of a familiar-looking dragon with purple scales.

Crom continued his search, hoping to find at least a trail he could use to track the humans.

However, his sense of smell caught something.

There! A sliver!

He immediately batted his wings as he pierced the sky like a loose arrow towards that direction.

There was a trace somewhere in the wilderness, though for some reason, he smelled the scent of a dragon mixed in. The man had a peculiar scent, something he could not forget, more foreign than any human.

But all he saw was a young boy he had never met before and a youkai. He swore he recognized the monkey youkai. They were sparring using martial arts… wait…

He landed like a meteor without warning, finding himself in a glade as he looked around.

The human and the youkai paused their bout as they gave the stranger their full undivided attention.

XoX

When Issei was in the middle of another one-on-one session with Sun Wukong, he certainly did not expect a giant, majestic-looking black dragon descended upon them.

The creature's wings were wide, lustrous black with the beauty of untainted night, crescent pale horn erected from his head, eyes glowing like silver jewels and a body plated in metal-like scales and a tail ending in a chitinous sickle.

At the sight of the dragon growling at them, Sun Wukong was looking mildly amused, "Well, well, well, what do we have here?"

Issei was a bit stunned speechless, staring at the dragon thing staring at him back. The thing was even growling menacingly… Issei gulped.

"As I leave and breathe…. Crom Cruach, the Crescent Moon Dragon. What is an infamous dragon such as you doing in the middle of nowhere? Perhaps there is something you need from this old bag of bones?" Sun Wukong greeted while casually spinning his staff around.

[Partner, get ready. I've lifted up the restrictions, so you can use my power again.]

Noticing Ddraig's words, Issei watched the black dragon carefully - that bad?

[...Let's say that this dragon is as strong as me in my prime. Possibly stronger, considering how much time had passed since we last met…]

…Oh. Crap.

"...You. Boy." The dragon spoke with a stentorian thrum. "Where did you learn those techniques?"

The black dragon craned his long neck down until he was nearly face to face with the human.

Issei blinked once, twice, before replying, "Um… I beg your pardon?"

The dragon growled as hot air was blown into Issei's face. Issei did not know what to do since he was a little intimidated right now.

[I think he wants you to show his skills. Let me talk with him as a fellow dragon.]

Ddraig suggested, and Issei mentally agreed.

[Crom Cruach… It has been so long after my demise. What brings you, a mighty Evil Dragon, here to us in this slice of land?] Ddraig asked from Issei's gauntlet.

Issei had learned of Evil Dragons. Dragons that were… as they said, 'evil' - bent on the destruction and mayhem. However, he thought they were extinct or something.

"...The Welsh Dragon; I see." The black dragon lifted his head as he gazed down on the smaller human. "As a sign of respect, I will answer. I am on a hunt for several individuals, and their trail led me to the Underworld. I am still in search of them and a… friend of mine. Your human host. His scent attracted me. He shares the same peculiar scent as my friend, albeit different."

The dragon emitted a white light, causing Issei to block it with his hands for a moment.

When the light died down, Issei saw a human man in place of the dragon, one with black hair with a streak of white mixed in. He also wore a trench coat, his face sharp and menacing, his theme screaming Edgelord but in a cooler way than anything Vali could pull off.

"Do you recognize this?" Crom Crauch asked as he performed…

"...Water Stream Rock-Crushing Fist?" Issei replied as soon as Crom performed the familiar flowing sequences of the defensive style, the same angular motions his hands left.

"So you are aware." Crom nodded as he canceled his stance. "You seem to have encountered my friend. It is a small world to meet another touched by his presence. From how you use his techniques, I am free to assume that he was your master. Are you also here to find him?"

[Wait, wait, let me review your words.]

Ddraig's voice suddenly came out from the Boosted Gear with an incredulous tone.

[You said 'friend' earlier. I mean, did I mishear things, or are you implying that you - Crom Cruach, the infamous dragon who once served under the Evil God Balor, have a friend?]

"I am." Crom easily replied.

[...Well, throughout the years of observation from my hosts, the term 'friend' has been growing in diversity. Is this…. Friend of yours, some sort of sworn enemy? A sparring partner, perhaps? A rival?]

"He is a friend, someone I greatly respect." Crom Crauch answered.

[...Time really does move mountains, as the eastern folks say.]

Ddraig sounded perplexed.

"...So you met him? You met… Garou?" Issei asked, smiling wide.

"Our encounter was not long before he made his journey west. However, he made his mark in the world in the most unexpected ways since we parted."

"Really?" Issei really wanted to hear it.

Sun Wukong grimaced behind Issei in silence.

"What is it about that you're… tracking him?" Issei asked.

"It is none of your concern, currently. You are not equipped to handle this task." Crom Cruach answered.

Issei frowned.

"...But since I'm here with unexpected serendipity, I am curious. How much did you learn from him?" Crom asked with growing curiosity.

Issei hummed, looking at his hands, as his mind looked back at his past battles.

"...Not enough."

When Issei looked up, he saw Crom standing before him face to face.

"!"

Issei raised his guard when Crom launched Issei away, Issei crashing into a tree.

"Hey!"

Issei shouted before he sidestepped Crom's fist.

The punch decimated the tree, no, evaporated it while the shockwave tore a clean chunk of the land, the roar of the impact echoing through the trees.

"Wait, I sensed Ki! What style is that?!" Issie shouted as he jumped back, landing back on the rock he meditated on.

"Good eye. This is the Ultimate Fist of the Yatagarasu."

Crom only flashed a smirk as he took flight, dragon wings spreading from back.

Knowing Crom's intent, Issei smirked back as he entered his signature defensive stance and engaged the dragon man. Sun Wukong watched as the two practitioners exchanged fists, speaking to each other through their martial arts.

Water Stream against Water Stream, two tides fighting against each other as gentle curves grind against curves like two flowing swords gracing each other in melodic sequences.

"Not bad, boy." Crom commented through the exchange.

However, the boy was being pushed back as the dragon broke through his defensive barrier, slipping through his territory and striking Issei while simultaneously deflecting his strikes.

Issei resorted to adding the offensive art, striking Crom's forearm and pushing him back.

"Exploding Heart Release Fist." Crom smirked as he struck back.

Issei widened his eyes as he attempted to deflect it, but Crom's fist broke through his guard with the same offensive style.

What was worse was that Issei's arm was numb to the bone, nerves and marrow vibrating like clashed swords.

"Wait, that's the Exploding Heart Release Fist?!"

"...As how it should be." Crom's other hand folded the last two of his fingers as he slammed the remaining three onto Issei's chest.

Issei watched as blood spurt out his body in crimson concentric circles as he moved back, coughing in pain.

"... Whirlwind Iron Cutting Fist." Issei grimaced.

He knew that Crom was holding back. A real strike from that style would leave him as chunks of limb and meat.

Crom's smile only grew.

"Now I see where you stand with your incomplete training. You are just like me, left with enough to evolve on our own."

"Like you? And you call your skill level incomplete?" Issei retorted as he slowly picked himself up. "I know for fact that he spent much longer with you, which is unfair. He only trained me for around a week."

"Since when did you train under him?"

"When I was a kid."

"Ah, then he must've believed that you were too young. Only true diamonds amongst humans could master all of his skills. Rare for others below that to master even one of them." Crom pointed.

Issei frowned as he grumbled to himself.

"My curiosity is now sated. May you find your way forward, child." Crom turned around and spread his dragon wings.

"Wait, where are you going?" Issei asked.

"To resume my quest. You are but a pleasant distraction. I have some people I must hunt."

Issei was dumbfounded. There was no way he would let this Edgelord dragon go after showing him this much.

"Wait!" Issei called out, stopping Crom in his tracks before he took flight. "...Will you teach me?"

Crom silently turned around, meeting Issei's gaze.

"Teach me." Issei repeated, "As fellow disciples of the same asshole that likes to half-ass everything. How do I convince you to further my training?"

Crom remained silent, the more learned of his disciples staring at the boy in rumination.

"...Welsh Dragon. Your power… it can enhance anything you desire, correct?"

[Depends on what you want enhanced.]

"Can you enhance my perception manyfold?"

Ddraig remained silent for a moment.

[Hmmmm, that depends on the skill of my host. Never tried enhancing that specific aspect before but we can attempt it.]

"Then that is enough. Very well, then. I will teach the boy as my payment… and as fellow disciples of the grandmaster martial artist." Crom folded his dragon wings as he turned around, facing the boy.

"Where would you like to begin?"

Deep inside his private workshop in the undisclosed location within the Floating City of Agreas, Ajuka Beelzebub frowned at the results of his latest project.

The flesh of the unknown creature was drastically improved compared to the previous version he acquired from one Diodora Astaroth, the recent ones obtained from Italy when the corrupt priests were apprehended and punished.

He detected human DNA within the complex genome of the meatball that was now floating in a tank full of preservation liquids. According to his sources, there were no signs of intelligence degradation anymore, the risk of falling into Chimera seemingly erased.

A volunteer Devil consumed one of the Cells and was being observed.

Enhanced strength, greater speed, stronger durability, and newfound powers awakened, and it was a lower class Devil no less. Not only that, signs of profound regeneration in the subject's cells.

Four more volunteers consumed the cells in a controlled experiment, each sporting different characteristics and abilities.

Ajuka could see that this power could become a problem, a mass-produced method of empowering military forces that would eventually overwhelm any faction if executed properly, so they must address a solution to counteract this power, weaknesses, anything that could punish this method.

However, there was a recent discovery from one of his scientists.

"What do you mean the intelligence degradation can be triggered in the subject?" Ajuka asked his subordinate.

"Y-Yes. I understand your skepticism but… You see, the degradation is hindered by the addition of human DNA, a very special human I might add. The Blood of Christ if what our sources are to be believed…"

Ajuka still couldn't believe that the corrupt priests would give away such an invaluable alchemical ingredient to the enemy for something so futile and wasteful.

"The blood of the Son of God managed to mitigate the side effects. So we attempted to see what would happen if we… inject cursed energy, the exact opposite into a subject. Well… please, come look at this."

Ajuka grimaced as he followed his subordinate into the testing area. When they arrived at the sterile room of metal and glass, a window leading to the testing area on the other side where a volunteer was sitting in a plastic chair.

"Lord Beelzebub."

The other scientists in the room greeted him while bowing their heads.

"At ease." Ajuka raised his hand. "You may show me your findings."

"Beginning experiment." One of the scientists spoke into the microphone.

"Volunteer three, please inject yourself with the syringe we provided."

The devil volunteer, shaved and in his shorts, nodded as he raised the syringe in his hands. With a deep breath, he injected the syringe into his arm as the dark substance slowly flowed into his system.

Ajuka watched through the glass as the volunteer started to hyperventilate.

"Blood pressure is rising above safe levels."

"Abnormal brain waves detected."

The volunteer fell off his chair as he clutched his head, eyes trembling as his skin started to contort.

The mutations were starting to take hold as the subject started to transform into his monstrous counterpart.

"Subject's aggression is rising. Now it is steady…"

The volunteer hyperventilated, breathing heavily onto the glass window as he looked, almost staring at Ajuka through the glass, his body half-transformed into a chitinous creature with spikes growing out of his body.

"As you can see, what we showed you is the subject injecting himself with a small dose of concentrated cursed energy. It is a minor dose since we do not want the volunteer to enter into a frenzy state, so we do not know what will truly happen if we push the volunteer past the safety boundaries. But in conclusion… we might be able to counteract this… new variant of the mutagen somehow by turning their own forces against them. What are your thoughts, my Lord?"

Ajuka stared at the subject as the transformations were starting to reverse.

"How much cursed energy is needed to trigger the frenzy?" Ajuka inquired.

"For now… a high-grade cursed sword. Legendary ones for maximum effect. We are still working on a mass-produced solution as we do not know how to counteract the blood of Christ. Trying to forge an exact opposite of it will entail… much heresy on our side." The scientist answered.

"...What about… the Blood of an Antichrist?" Ajuka suggested.

The scientists turned to Ajuka, perplexed.

"But… Sire. The… there are records of Anti-Christs in human history but… I don't think their blood will work. The original Lucifer definitely does not have that kind of power or we would see it in the current Satans. We know how Devil biology functions. There is… just not a single opposite of the Messiah ever in existence. We can try and create a counteragent, but we will need a pure sample of the Messiah's blood for us to work with but…"

"...Contact the Church. We will need their assistance. Let us hope that they still have the body of the messiah in their vault…" Ajuka grimaced.

Creating a measure like this would be tantamount to the greatest and most dangerous of heresies… but for the sake of the world, it must be done.

Unless Michael is hiding something just as heretical.

"...Hey."

Issei greeted both Sona and Rias, who blinked at the sight of him.

They contacted Issei to meet up with him within Rias' estate, all of the Devils from the ORC and the Student Council, a reunion long awaited. Days had passed, reaching the end of their training period.

Although within the lavish Victorian living room, Issei looked… very battered.

"...You look like you just pulled yourself out of the meat grinder." Koneko commented on his haggard appearance.

"Yeah, I've been working my ass off. Learning Ki manipulation and Senjutsu after delving into Boosted Gear's consciousness only to get my ass beat by Ddraig does that to a person. And… Saji looks way worse than I am." Issei retorted back.

Everyone turned to Saji who was lying dead on the lavish sofa, his soul seemingly leaving him.

"...Now that you mention it, he does look more tired than before." Sona noted; before she immediately remembered she had something to address.

"Actually, Ise." Sona then stepped towards Issei, and suddenly bowed - much to the boy's surprise, "I believe I owe you an apology."

"Um…. What for?" Issei asked.

"For what my Rook did to you." Sona replied, raising her head so her eyes met Issei's.

"Ah… do you all admit that you took this magical girl shit too far?" Issei groused.

"To be fair, turning you into a magical girl was never my idea." Sona remarked, "Regardless, what Tsubasa did to you was still inexcusable; as her King, I hope you can forgive my oversight." She bowed again.

"She probably thought that I'll be okay with girl on girl action if I think about it." Issei sighed.

"But she still did it against your wish." Sona remarked, "What she did was technically a crime. Your uncle…. Did not take it kindly when he caught the wind."

"Oh…" Issei blinked - understanding the implication should the Demon Cyborg get involved. "Um… What's the verdict? Come to think of it, I haven't seen Tsubasa around. Where is she?"

"She's… under a restraining order." Sona replied with a small scowl. "The history you and she shared as friends was the only reason your Uncle allowed some leniency. At the very least, expect Tsubasa to move out from your house by the end of Summer."

"Right…" Issei nodded, and he decided to change the topic. "Anyways… What did I miss? And… hm?" Issei's eyes landed upon two unfamiliar faces. "Who are these two? I'm pretty sure I didn't meet them before."

On cue, a young boy with similar red hair like Rias stepped forward - he was dressed in a noble attire.

"It is a pleasure to meet you. Are you the Red Dragon Emperor? My name is Milicas Gremory." the boy introduced himself while bowing down.

"Yeah, hi there. I'm Issei Hyoudou…. Did you say you're a Gremory?" Issei replied.

Rias then stepped in to stand next to Milicas, placing her hand on his shoulder, "This is my nephew, Issei; as well as the son of Sirzechs Lucifer and Grayfia Lucifuge."

Issei blinked at the boy - Milicas, who was smiling brightly at him.

"Oh. I… wait, isn't he the one my dad saved in his so-called funny story?" Issei asked, pointing at the cheerfully bright young boy.

"Mhm! I always wanted to meet you! Your dad is awesome and very funny! The way he beat Cattleya Leviathan and the Old Satan faction was a sight to behold!" Millicas threw a couple punches in the air for emphasis, causing Issei to smile.

"I kind of want to hear your side of the story later. Dad's a terrible narrator, but that's why he's awesome."

"Sure!" Millicas nodded. "Oh, right, I am also here as the Pawn of Big Sis Rias! Wish me luck!"

Issei stared at Millicas for a moment. He looked at Rias full of questions.

"...Did you recruit your own nephew as a Pawn?"

"No… not by choice." Rias explained, "Due to family circumstances, father, mother, and my big brother have agreed to allow Milicas to participate in Rating Games as my Pawn."

"Your brother actually agreed to this? Is Grayfia even okay with this?" Issei asked.

"Trust me, Ise. I only found out about this arrangement when I returned home." Rias sighed.

"Okay. I am lost on the how and why though."

"I wanted this!" Millicas shouted.

"...Why do you want this?"

Rias shook her head.

"After several personal inquiries with Millicas… Well, he is inspired by your father's actions. The real story behind it was that Millicas was kidnapped by the Old Satan Faction when your father encountered him. Apparently, they were planning to escape through a hijacked train to the human world… which your father somehow got on."

"Hah!"

"Since then, Milicas Gremory has been training by himself in secret… I really don't know how your father could inspire someone like him. I mean… later he begged his family to participate in the Rating Games after Grayfia found out. There was a lot of arguing and debates and… well, father invited Saitama to help sway Millicas not to participate. But somehow, he made it worse by suggesting we test him if he is ready to fight. So, we arranged a trial hoping that Millicas would fail…"

"Let me guess, he passed didn't he?"

"With astounding colors!" Millicas interjected as he puffed his chest.

"He exceeded expectations. Guess how many Pawn pieces I used to register him into my Pawn?" Rias asked.

"...Did he eat all of them?" Issei guessed with a wry smile.

"Guess!" Millicas donned a haughty smile as he placed his hands on his hips.

The noble attire covered most of his frame, but his posture was firm. The lower-half of his attire consisted of knee-length shorts instead of long pants, revealing a pair of legs with enough muscle - not fat, not bulged, yet athletic enough.

"Alright, show me your power level, kid." Issei gestured with a finger.

Millicas inhaled as he tensed his being. Issei paused when a surprising amount of demonic power oozed out of the boy's frame, so much that Issei was seeing crimson red around the boy.

"Hoh..."

Millicas' aura reminded Issei a lot of Vali when they first met, though much less show-offy.

"Hmmmm… Damn, I am gonna bet all my chips. All of them?" Issei guessed.

He was met with silent smiles from all of Rias' peerage.

"...Wow. I read up some stuff on how the pieces work but, doesn't someone have to be extremely special to take all eight?" Issei asked with a wry grin.

"That's not all, big-brother Issei!" Millicas added.

"Yes. One of the pieces even mutated into something else." She added.

"Really? Huh. What does a mutated piece do though? Does it give you a special ability or something, like ice hands?"

"No, no, none like that." Rias giggled, "That means that Millicas is worth more than eight Pawn pieces, as a single mutation piece can be worth multiple."

Issei had to whistle at the fact.

"So basically he's become super special, huh? Not bad, kid." Issei grinned as he ruffled Millicas' hair, causing the boy to giggle. "Can't wait to see what kind of impact you'll make in this world. And… What about the other one?" Issei pointed at a girl with silver hair.

"Hey, there!" the silver haired girl greeted with a cheerful grin, "The name's Lint Sellzen - Rias Gremory's newest Knight, nice to meet ya!"

"Same, same… Sellzen…?" Issei mused, "Sellzen… Sounds familiar for some reason."

The girl - Lint Sellzen, rubbed the back of her head, "Ah, maybe you ran into Freed Sellzen, before? We kind of used to share the same living space in the past."

"...Who?" Issei blinked.

"The guy who was beheaded by Kiba-senpai." Koneko added, no longer surprised at Issei's memory issue.

"OH! That guy!" Issei remembered "Oof, man, that was… yeah. I guess you two do share some resemblance. Not to mention that you share the same surnames." He leaned closer to take in Lint's features - white hair and red eyes. "To be honest, you are sure to be a lot different than…. Whoever that Freed dude is to you."

"Yeah, it's kind of complicated, but to put it simply - we share the same egg donor." Lint casually replied.

Issei simply stared with the same neutral smile on his face for a few seconds, "...Cool, I feel like I'm looking at something messed-up here, but let's talk about this for another time. So, you finally got an almost complete peerage, eh? The only thing you're missing is a bishop and a rook."

"Um…" Ravel raised her hand. "...She is only missing a Rook… I… am now officially Rias' Bishop."

Issei blinked at the Phenex girl for a second, "...Huh. Okay, I guess that also kind of came out of nowhere. I assume this arrangement is mutual?"

"Yes. In fact, I petitioned my family myself." Ravel placed her hand on her chest, "After the bethortal between my brother and Lady Rias had been annulled, I believe that me serving under Rias Gremory's care should help in maintaining the good relations between the Gremory and Phenex household."

"Welp, as long as both sides agreed to this." Issei shrugged with an easy smile, before he looked around, "Speaking of Bishops, what about Gasper? I haven't seen him in a while."

Rias and her peerage, minus Millicas and Lint, flinched at the mention.

"...What happened?" Issei sighed. "Did he go overboard again? Who did he punch in the face this time?"

"N-No, it's nothing like that." Rias shook her head.

"...Gasper is having horrible nightmares." Koneko sadly explained.

"Define nightmares."

Rias and the others sparked with concern.

"...During the past week, Gasper has been experiencing lucid dreams. He… is constantly waking up in the middle of every night. We don't know why. We asked him about his dreams… he said that there was a giant creature he could not describe always appearing in his dreams. In every dream, he either 'killed' Gasper while whispering promises of unending torment, eats him alive, and/or Gasper is seeing through the creature's eyes… and helplessly watches himself destroying everything he sees. Gasper could feel each and every act as if it was real… every agony. It got so bad we had to call for an oneiromancer."

"...And? What did he say?" Issei asked with a concerned expression.

"...He died during the session. He was burned alive in his sleep."

"Oh, shit…" There were no words to describe the severity when someone dies from a dream therapy session.

"How's Gasper now? Where is he?"

"He is in his room. He has… under regression. He is scared and suffering from insomnia. We wanted to call for Asia, but we are afraid what might happen to her if she tries to help him. So we are trying to help alleviate his symptoms with eastern medication." Akeno answered.

"We don't know what to do… Platinum oversees Gasper from time to time, surprisingly. We were wondering if we should have Platinum turn Gasper into a statue to stave off his worsening condition until we find a solution." Rias looked downcast.

Issei scrunched his brows as he furiously tried to think of a solution.

"...Wait. I know this is excessive but… why not call for a god of dreams to help him?" Issei suggested. It was overkill but it was time to bet on lady luck that his family had connections to a god that can help.

"...A God? Really?" Rias wryly grinned at Issei. "As much as I would like to have one here, how do we convince a God to help us in the first place?" Rias asked.

"...One moment." Issei took out his phone and made a call.

"Hey, dad? Are you busy over there?" Issei wondered how there was reception from here to his place but he would not argue against magic.

"Yeah, I need a favor. So, did you know any gods when you were out working… Okay, vague, but is there a god of dreams you can ask to help us? Please? I need to help a friend. He's been having nightmares... It's kind of magical because the last person that tried to help him died trying….. Yeah, I'm serious…. Okay? Where do you want the god to meet us? Uhhh, the Gremory estate in the underworld, or hell as you like to call it. Okay? Thanks dad, you're the best."

Issei sighed with relief as he closed his phone.

"Okay, help should arrive… hopefully." Issei smiled with questionable assurance.

Everyone stared at the only human here with questioning eyes.

"...What?" Issei asked at the attention given to him.

"Did you just… ask your father to send a god… Just like that?" Yuuto was the one who spoke.

"Well, yeah." Issei shrugged, "I mean, he's been to Mt. Olympus; he's been to Asgard. Surely he knows one god or two. Besides, he brought Ophis home, the infinite loli dragon goddess… So yeah. I'm praying to whoever god out there that one will get through to us."

"That's…. Better than I expected, I suppose." Rias also shrugged, albeit a small smile adorned her face. "I have faith that your father will send someone capable to our aid."

"Great. Now, better question… is there a bed I can drop on? I have undergone the harshest training in the woods for weeks, and saying it reminds me that I need to shower. There's only so much hygiene I can get in the wilds."

Later that night - within the Gremory Estate; Rias, Akeno, Koneko and Ravel found themselves standing in front of a certain bedroom.

"...It appears all four of us have the same plan." Rias remarked, noticing that the other girls were clad in their respective sleep-wear, with her own being a seen-through nightgown.

They have not done this in a while if they were honest, with Irina hogging Issei all to herself during their time in Italy, they believe they deserve a slice of their time with the man they fell for.

"Indeed." Akeno replied with her signature smile, "...While I think it's futile, I'll ask anyway - will all of you be so kind as to return to your rooms and let me have this one?"

"Absolutely not."

"No way."

"L-Lord Ise promised me a date!"

Koneko turned towards Ravel, "Then wait for your turn tomorrow or whenever, nobody goes straight to bed on their date."

"I was only stating the fact! Of course I'm not considering this as a romantic date!" Ravel flusteredly replied.

"Shh! Shh!" Rias shushed, "Keep it down, the last thing we need is for Ise to notice our presence and lock the door on us."

A few seconds later, the girls came to an agreement - the room Issei was in had a king-sized bed. Rather than arguing all night long, they decided to share that night.

Much to their relief, the door was not locked when Rias pushed it open - implying that Issei was still sleeping soundly. Their night-vision allowed them to see a bulk beneath the blanket and sheet on the bed.

…And there was a giant dog in the room, sleeping beside said king-sized bed snuggly.

"Dammit, who brought that mutt here?!" Rias whispered angrily.

"Err, I think it was Lady Leviathan. When Lord Ise ran away as Lady Isami, Lady Leviathan thought Rover would be able to track her down upon Tsubasa's advice." Ravel replied.

"Well, that's just super-duper." Koneko pouted, glancing at Ravel, "If only a certain someone did not give in to help him escape in the first place."

"I have no regrets." Ravel threw back.

However, Rias smirked, "Fufu, however - have you forgotten whose house we are in?"

Everyone glanced at the confident-looking King with Akeno quickly caught on, judging from her widening eyes.

"This is my house, so in other words, this is my territory. What happens if there is an unwanted pest in my room?" Rias said as she flicked her finger, and a magic circle with Gremory insignia suddenly appeared below Rover's form.

With a snap of her fingers, Rover did not even wake up as he was teleported elsewhere.

"Nice job, Rias." Akeno complimented.

"Thank you. But it's a one-time use that my parents allow me to prevent power-abuse. Now…. For the grand-prize…" Rias grinned as she and the others slowly approached Issei's bed.

However, Koneko's cat-ears twitched as her senses caught something else, "Wait a second, something's not right."

The blanket and bed sheet completely covered the bulk underneath. Assuming it was Issei sleeping beneath, he was too quiet, as if he was not breathing at all, judging at the stock-still bulk.

Akeno grabbed the blanket and flipped it open, revealing several pillows stacked together to resemble a person.

"...Huh?"

The door behind them closed. Everyone turned around. The door knob then glowed hot orange and melted away. On the door, they could see a note stuck on the wall.

It said, 'Nice try, better luck next time ;D'

The girls did not waste time and quickly made their way back to the door. Thanks to the melted knob, the door was effectively inaccessible.

"Ise! Are you out there? Open this door!" Rias said as she slammed the door repeatedly with her hand.

"Good luck sleeping with each other!" Issei called out from the other side.

"L-Lord Ise! This is not funny! Please open the door!" Ravel pleaded.

"Come on, Ise~! Do you have any idea how much we missed you? We are here to heal your wounded heart from what Tsubasa did to you!" Akeno said her piece.

Koneko, on the other hand, quickly took a few steps back from the door, intending to break the door open with her strength. However, as she ran towards the door, the wooden surface suddenly glowed in green, with the announcement [Transfer] heard from the other side.

When she kicked the door, Koneko felt like she was trying to break a solid steel door, as she scowled at the small pain shooting through her leg.

"...Ow?" Koneko rubbed her foot.

"See yaaaa~!"

"ISSEI!" Rias shouted as Issei snickered, walking away as he yawned. Like he would let his guard down in Rias' house of all places.

As the boy walked away from his room, he could not help but wonder himself.

Now… Where should I sleep?

Issei finally settled into sleeping on the recliner in the living room.

The next day was spent in a rather awkward tension - where Rias, Akeno, Koneko and Ravel were pouting at Issei for the whole morning until everyone was allowed some free time until the gathering in the evening.

On that note, Issei chose to accompany Ravel to check on Riser's condition, ever since his beat-down by the hands of the Red Empress.

"So… how's your brother doing since… Well…" Issei felt a bit awkward. Very awkward… but it had to be done.

"Ummm, I think you might have gone too far with the brutality." Ravel awkwardly smiled as they walked towards the main estate of the Phenex house.

"I was desperate, and Riser has regeneration, I thought he would walk it off the next day." Issei defended his actions.

"I rest my case." Ravel commented as they walked past the door.

"Welcome home, Lady Ravel." Mihae - one of Riser's Bishops, greeted with her usual splendor of Japanese noble attire.

"It is good to see you again, Mihae." Ravel curtsied back. "I hope you don't mind my guest."

"Yo. We never met in person but I'm Issei Hyoudou." Issei greeted.

Mihae appraised the boy for a moment.

"It is good to meet you in person as well, Red Dragon Emperor. Are you here to see Lord Riser as well?" Mihae asked.

"Yeeaahh…?" Issei could not help the tone.

Mihael quirked one of her brows at the strange tune, but she did not comment on it.

"Ahem, please, lead us to my brother. Don't mind him, he is… a bit curious on how our family's regeneration works when tested to the extreme." Ravel worded.

"Ah. Yes, it is a first for us to see Lord Riser in this condition as well. Please, follow me."

Mihae immediately understood and sympathized as she led them through the estate. There was not much difference in architecture and taste in English noble decor as they walked the same spiral wooden staircase upstairs, greeting some other members of Riser's peerage along the way.

When they arrived at a grand door in a hallway, Mihae knocked on the door.

"My Lord? It is Mihae. Your sister is here to see you, along with a surprise guest." Mihae called.

"...Yes, let them in." Riser's rather hoarse voice was heard from inside the room.

As soon as the door was open, Ravel and Issei walked in.

"Heya, Riser. How is it goin-... Oh, god." Issei blanched mid-sentence.

Riser's face was a bloody mess.

There were no words he could muster that could accurately describe the tragedy that befell Riser's body, broken and mismatched in every place, and that did not include the arms and legs wrapped up on white bandages. He almost looked like a messed up mummy, eyes black and blue.

Riser was still bleeding from the wounds caused by the splintered bones inside him when Isami bashed him to oblivion with her holy mace.

"...Ah, the Red Dragon Emperor. Fancy to see you in my room after my tragic news went public." Riser remarked with a smirk.

Yubelluna was by his side, with a bowl of soup in her hands.

"I… Oof. Honestly, I expected you to be back to full health the next day or something since you're a regenerating hack." Issei admitted.

"Hm, so you've heard of my latest endeavors in looking for a new Bishop." Riser nodded with a pained chuckle. "However…"

Issei then found Riser looking intently at him.

"...Curious." Riser remarked, "For some reason, your face possesses some resemblance to the fair maiden who recently stole my heart."

"A figment of your imagination." Issei immediately denied, a tad too quick, in fact. "...Wait a minute… are you still… Y'know, going after her? I mean, whoever she is you are talking about. Not that I know anything about it!"

"Hmmmm… in all honesty, I believe that I might've been too forward with her. I'm not sure since my charm usually works on most girls. It is my first time trying to sway a heart that the usual method wouldn't work, especially since she's a lesbian."

"...And?" Issei asked, starting to sweat.

"Even so. I will try to sway her no matter what it takes."

Issei immediately started coughing as Ravel looked perplexed.

"I-I heard that the girl beat you to shit with a holy mace or something… and you're under a restraining order. What the hell, you gave up on Rias the moment she settled everything in a match, so why not her?!" Issei shouted at the end of the sentence.

"You already staked your claim on her, did you not? Not to mention Rias has her eyes on you. I am not some kind of tasteless brute who would interfere between a relationship between a man and a woman. Besides…. Lord Lucifer actually visited me on the other day, and…. I feel I will lose my life for real if I keep chasing after his dear little sister."

"...Ahhh." Issei understood. "And the current girl? What about her that you like anyways for you to act like this?"

The girls that were in the room immediately perked their ears in Riser's direction.

"Interesting that you ask… it is strange. It was like I was struck by a meteor or something with equal mass and acceleration when she first rejected me. I don't know how to say it but the way she carried herself with such… flamboyant charisma and style…"

"Um, what about Isabela?" Ravel asked, attempting to deflect any further uncomfortable praises to Issei's female side.

"Oh, uh, hmmm." Riser paused as all eyes turned to Isabela who was sitting beside Riser as well with a lasing glare at his person.

"Uhhhhhhh… well… hmmm."

Issei looked at Isabela as the rook made eye contact with him. He might have to give the poor Rook some pointers… or train her like hell to sway Riser away from 'Isami.' Or forcefully drag him from the forbidden path he tread.

"I don't want to compare her with the rest of my peerage, honestly. But she is truly a gem, strong, a rare kind of beauty that you can't help but be mesmerized by, and has a personality that is free from the usual gender identity that… It sparks a fire in people. There is a fan club made for her, full of devil women that is gaining popularity even as we speak, and they can share my sentiment."

Issei didn't believe it. He stole glances at the other girls, finding them completely disheartened.

"Right…" Issei nodded uncomfortably, "So…. There's no stopping you, is it?"

"I wish that I could in a sense for the sake of my health… but this burning passion. I don't know what to do with it other than follow it. I must follow it, even if it consumes me."

Issei immediately leaned into Ravel's ear.

"Ravel, make a memo for me. Bring every tomboy girl in Riser's peerage with you for secret training to drag Riser away from this path." Issei whispered.

The young Phenex girl simply nodded in reply.

"Welp, look at the time! I think we've overstayed our welcome. Get well soon and we'll see you later!" Issei bid his goodbye.

Riser blinked as he watched Issei and his sister immediately walked out of the room. As they made their way out, they cast off their fake smiles as they started whispering.

"What is wrong with your brother?! Is he a secret masochist?!" Issei sharply whispered.

"I'm sorry! No one in my family knows my brother's fetishes! Not even I expected this!" Ravel replied, "But I think it is best to forget about my brother for now. I believe we need some normalcy after all of that, starting with finding our dresses and suits for this evening's event."

"Haaaaaaah…... If he awakens to the taboo side of fetishes, I swear to the dead god and the Monkey's Paw that I'll make sure to bash his head until he has amnesia." Issei rasped as they exited the manor.

It was finally evening, and with a newly purchased suit, Issei was the first to wait at the front yard of the Gremory Estate.

The night sky of the Underworld shared no differences when it came to the jeweled night sky.

There was no moon though.

He was told to join Yuuto and Gasper, before heading out first, as the ladies were busy preparing themselves to be presentable for the party.

"Can't remember the last time I wore a monkey suit…" Issei hummed as he tugged on his shirt.

"Oh, Ise."

Issei turned to see Yuuto coming out from the estate door with Muramasa, Gasper and Milicas in tow.

"Hey, Kiba. How's your training days?"

Issei bumped knuckles with the Prince of Kuoh.

"My training with Muramasa was productive. That didn't stop Silver from dragging me into the arena again."

"Did you win?"

"Of course I did. I managed to win The Tide Jewel from the Shinto side. And… Well, other than that, my training is uneventful, but productive under my swordmaster."

"You have a swordmaster?"

"Yes. I have to learn the way of the sword from someone. His name is Souji Okita."

The name stopped Issei's brain from functioning for one second.

"...That Souji Okita from Shinsengumi?" Issei asked.

"The very same. He is also Sirzechs Lucifer's Knight."

"Souji was also one of those who tested me when I wished to participate in the Rating Games!" Milicas chipped in.

"I… okay, not going to question his apparently faked death in the myths. I can already see how he became a Satan's Knight. Oh, quick question before I forget… Did you ask the guy about Muramasa?"

"Ah. You and your samurai obsession." Yuuto smirked alongside Muramasa. "Well… he explored Japan upon hearing the legends of the two legendary Blacksmiths and their weapons. He had never met either of them. But he did collect a few of their creations. Master Souji has two Murasame blades and one sword made by Muramasa. My sword Muramasa has a sense of pride when it comes to being above Murasame's creations, even more when Master Souji admits that she is better."

"Hah! Nice. Think he will give me one of those swords?"

"I don't know. I am still working on my Blacksmithing skills, however. In time, I might be able to make a sword that could surpass the peak of their crafts."

"How far are you in the sword-making department, anyways?" Issei asked.

"I learned much from a dwarf from Niðavellir. But I am still lacking in most areas…"

"Wait, sorry, who?" Issei blinked, "That dwarf thing you mentioned sounds like Norse…. You guys hired help from Asgard?"

"Mr. Genos and Mr. Azazel chipped in by calling out favors." Yuuto shrugged with a sheepish smile. "I also did not expect to suddenly have a dwarf dropping by."

Issei simply shrugged, "Wow… Questions for another day, then. What about you squirts? You still owe me that story, little red."

"Oh, I can't wait to tell you, big brother Issei! Also, big sis Rias told me about your story, too! How you beat the big bad angel and freed yourself from a wish-granting corpse hand! It was awesome!"

"Hah! You remind me of another kid I met long ago."

"Really? What's he like?"

"Like you, hopeful, energetic, and strong as hell… only a bit lonelier. He's no longer with us."

"Oh…"

The mood grew a little somber.

"Anyways, Gasper. How are you doing? I heard about your… dream situation."

Gasper looked cheerful but there were black bags under his eyes. Despite that, Issei was surprised that Gasper was still going strong for his King that night.

"I'm… alright. Big Bro Platinum is there for me. I… I'm still scared, Issei-senpai. Of the thing that keeps appearing in my dreams." Gasper admitted. "But what I'm scared of even more is going back to the boy that keeps hiding in the box. I don't want to be afraid of useless things anymore, not when the world is this big."

Issei was stunned and impressed. The cowardly crossdresser had grown this far since the last time they met.

"Wow… huh. Honestly, I kind of expected you to still be in your Jojo phase, spouting Dio phrases and posing like hell."

"Erk… I prefer not to talk about my phase." Gasper sheepishly looked away.

Yuuto and Muramasa chuckled while Milicas tilted his head in confusion, as Gasper looked away to hide his flustered face.

"Um…" Milicas spoke up, "Did I miss something? What's this 'Jojo' you are talking about?"

In return, all the other three males responded at the same time.

[Don't ask, please.]

"...Okay?" Milicas obeyed with some confusion lingering.

"What about your training, Gasper? What did Uncle Genos make you do? I can guess what Yuuto did with Muramasa, so I can wait it out and see it." Issei immediately switched the subject.

Gasper went flustered again, "Well, um, I, err… Mr. Genos had me run errands around the town, making sure that I can interact and communicate with strangers… Normally. Other than that, he would come over and help me train my Sacred Gear."

"...And after your murderous magical nightmares?"

"My… training has been under a halt since then."

"Ah…"

Then, the wind suddenly blew from the sky, causing everyone to look up to see a massive purple dragon descended upon them.

"Uh… What the hell?" Issei watched the dragon land.

Two times since he arrived in Hell dragons dropped down uninvited. If there was a third time, Issei felt like he would jinx himself.

The only reason he could remain calm was due to the lack of hostility coming from the creature.

"Lord Tannin!" Milicas greeted as he approached the dragon.

"Good evening, young master Millicas. It is good to see you in good health." The dragon greeted with a booming voice, yet his tone was polite. "Oh, and congratulations on your acceptance as an active participant in the coming game. I'm looking forward to watching your debut."

"Thank you! Are you here to pick us up?"

"At your father' request. And… It is good to finally meet the Red Dragon Emperor. Or should I call you the Son of the Strongest Man as that is your more original title?" Tannin asked as the dragon gazed upon Issei.

"Huh… So, who are you?" Issei asked.

"Ahahaha! I was once one of the Dragon Kings! But now, I am a reincarnated Devil, The Blaze Meteor Dragon, Tannin!" The dragon introduced himself proudly with crossed arms as Issei tilted his head appraising him.

"...Ddraig, who is stronger? Him or Crom? I'm leaning on Crom," Issei asked.

[As you had guessed, partner. But make no mistake, Tannin is no push-over either. Myths depicted his breath attacks to be as powerful as a meteor. He even once challenged the Great Red into battle and lived to tell the tale.]

"Hahahaha! It is nice to finally hear the voice of the Welsh Dragon! But the tales are… outlandish. It is more like the Great Red ignoring me no matter what I do." Tannin admitted. "Still, I wanted to ask The Strongest Man how he managed to hurt him… I am a bit skeptical about the part where he cried like a baby."

"You're not the only one." Issei agreed. "But… yeah, I'm not gonna doubt Ophis' words. By the way, feel free to challenge my dad. He's gonna own your ass in a real fight." Issei cockily warned with a grin.

"I will test that claim… also… did you mention Crom, as in Crom Cruach?" Tannin asked.

"Yeah, I met the dragon, but we can talk about it later. Better question is, are you really here to be our taxi? Why not use teleportation?" Issei asked.

"It is rude to drop into someone's estate by magic. And this is a grand event." Tannin answered.

"...Can't argue with that. Actually, this might be my first time riding something other than Rover." Issei admitted.

"I heard about your dog. Come, we must depart. Regale me your stories as we fly."

To be Continued...

Omake: The Beatdown

"Ahahahahaha! Oh, Isami… My dear Isami. To think we would meet again like this! The last time I'm in this situation, I lost the right to pursue a girl that caught my fancy! But this time!"

Riser pointed at Isami with a confident smirk.

They were in a coliseum, the architect similar to the Roman coliseum in make, color, and material.

Torches were ablaze with devil fire, Riser's peerage sitting in the bleachers.

Surprisingly, all of Riser's girls wished that Isami would win so that he would focus more on them instead of one girl that somehow caught all of his attention from a single meeting.

"This time! I will not repeat my past failures! You have set my heart ablaze, Isami! I will not lose to you no matter what-"

Isami slowly took something out.

Riser flinched upon… feeling a concentrated amount of holy energy emanating from that object.

"...Is that a holy weapon?" Riser asked.

"It's a holy mace. I call it, The Great Communicator." Isami started slapping her mace into her palm. "And I'm going to beat you to death with it." She slowly walked toward Riser with an ominous aura.

"...Uhhh… Aren't holy weapons not allowed in Rating Games?" Riser asked.

"Oh, between devils, yes. I'm not a Devil, remember? Why should I play by your Devil traditions? And holy weapons aren't technically banned." Isami asked as she creaked a wicked smile.

"Right, fair enough, fair enough." Riser began to feel anxious. Honestly, Riser was starting to feel dumb, cementing his confidence in the presumption that his opponent wouldn't abuse the Devils' universal weakness like this. "Um… Come to think of it, do we really have to settle our differences this way? Why not go with a more civilized manner?"

"Oh, we're way past that point. Since, apparently, your skull is thicker than dragon scales, let's see if I can finally break through it the only way I know how." Isami almost giggled at the prospect of the violence she was about to inflict.

Riser stared at the approaching, dangerous girl with a weapon that was definitely designed to inflict unspeakable torment. He immediately spread his fire wings and took flight, but the mace crashed right into his face, Isami throwing it with all of her might.

Riser's peerage watched the violence unfold as the girl started beating the literal and utter shit out of Riser Phenex with savage brutality never before seen.

Those that were watching from the cameras could only drop their jaws, the male Devils cringing at the sight.

The female Devils… were a bit awestruck by the sheer display of female dominance, on the other hand.

Riser howled when Isami finished him off by striking the one place between his legs before she started panting, sighing with refreshed relief as she wiped the sweat off her brows.

"Ah, I really needed that. Damn, it feels so good to unwind like this! So rejuvenating!" Isami chipped with a giggle as she rested the mace on her shoulder, devil blood evaporating from the silver, as she pivoted around a foot and frisked out of the arena with a cheerful smile.

Leaving the censored aftermath behind her, broken in so many ways.

From the day forth, Isami was christened with the title by the Devil populace, the Man Breaker.

A growing fan club was born dedicated to Isami, with enough traction to one day rival Serafall's fandom.

All of them awakened lesbians.

Omake 2: Cat Fight

"Yeah, I'll see you later, Ise."

Saitama said before he closed the cellphone, ending the call with his son all the way to the Underworld. He seriously had no idea how the connection was made and how it works, but he would not complain… Because he had another issue he had to address at the moment.

He made his way from the entrance of his house towards the living room, where a pair of female voices could be heard. When Saitama arrived, he was witnessing his wife and Yasaka arguing against each other, with Kunou and Ophis playing video games with headsets covering their ears, making them oblivious of the bickering behind them.

"Your idea sounds like the League of Nations in 36 - just hoping for the Abyssinians Crisis to resolve itself." Yasaka chided with a critical look in her eyes.

In return, Haruka smirked, "That's the lesson you draw from the fall of Addis Ababa? Yasaka, for a leader you sound surprisingly naive."

"And unsurprisingly enough, you sound just like Victor Emmanuel the 3rd…" Yasaka returned with her own comeback.

As the ladies finally descended into silence, regarding one another with a narrowed look, Saitama decided to let his presence known, "...So, who's winning here?"

Both Haruka and Yasaka immediately turned towards his direction with the same response simultaneously.

[I am.]

However, in a split second, both of their expressions shifted into demure smiles as Haruka addressed her husband first, "Welcome back, honey. What did Ise say? Is everything alright on his side?"

"Ah, well, he wants me to call in a favor to help a friend. Apparently, his friend is having some nasty nightmares… and what are you two up to now?" Saitama asked, praying that they would get along within the next five minutes.

"Oh, nothing much." Haruka dismissed their earlier bickering.

"Oh, that's right!" Yasaka beamed as she immediately jumped to Saitama and hugged his arm. "Saitama… I promised to take Kunou around the town for sight-seeing, but I'm afraid I'm not familiar with the directions yet. Would you please show us around?"

"Uh…" Saitama would have immediately said 'yes' if it were not for the murderous glare bouncing off his shiny head.

"Dear. Please, you're a busy man. Why don't you call in that favor for Issei instead while I show her and Kunou around?" Haruka suggested instead.

Sweat started to trickle from Saitama's head as the sparks started to explode in the air between the two women.

However, much to Haruka's surprise, Yasaka nodded with a calm smile on her face, "Ah, of course…. Forgive me for my impudence." the fox slightly bowed before she turned to the man in the room, "Saitama, you should focus on helping your son. Our day-out can wait for another time."

Haruka narrowed her eyes at the youkai - Yasaka backing down so easily? She felt like she was missing something.

"Um… You sure?" Saitama quirked his brow.

"I am. Your son and his friends need your help, Saitama. Go, do what you must." Yasaka then placed her hand on Saitama's shoulders, her soft palm ran down to his toned arm. "Kunou and I will wait. In fact, if there's anything I can help you with, please do not hesitate to ask."

Saitama blinked as he regarded Yasaka in a new light, before he relaxed, "...Yeah, thanks a lot, Yasaka. I'll be in touch."

Haruka's eyes widened as her mind clicked.

Clever bitch.

Everything has gone according to Yasaka's plans - graciously backing off and appearing as the bigger, more understanding woman, in order to gain more points from Saitama. Hell, the worst case scenario was that everything might not even be a ruse and Yasaka could still come out as the victor in her book.

She had underestimated the long-time fox politician. She thought that she was another supernatural woman with magical power too big for her wits like those running the Three Christian Factions.

"Alright, I'll be back. I need to ask Genos if there's a God of Dreams out there I met…See you later, Haru, Yasaka." Saitama said as he turned his cell phone on again.

Haruka was so stupefied at the revelations of Yasaka's machinations, that she did not even react to Saitama kissing her cheek before he left the room while making a phone-call.

Now that the two women were alone… Yasaka was donning that cheshire smile while her fox tails were swishing with joy.

In the background, Kunou just cheered that she just won another round of their Super Smash Bros, with Ophis pouting at the display on the television screen.

1-0

The next chapter can be found in you-know-where site if you guys are impatient.

Also, sort of in a dog-house with my parents and all, so expect the next update to be longer.

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