One-Punch DxD: NEO
Chapter 53: The Gathering

Thanks again for the reviews... Particularly for the optimisms regarding the situation with my parents and all. However, sadly enough, that was my nth time messing up and I'm already 30, so... I gotta get my act together or I have to kiss this whole project goodbye.

Anyway, don't worry about me and... Enjoy! Be sure to read the announcement below!

Agatha Christine sighed, enjoying the warm summer breeze despite being a sunless night in their returning home from their work hours. As she looked up to the night sky, she found herself recounting her life.

Once a little girl with gifts, then grew into a saint worshiped by everyone, until she encountered and fell into the charms of a bewitching devil, and was dragged to the lowest point of her life under servitude.

At the very least, she was not the only one on the boat bound for hell.

Years later - As if fate was not finished playing its hand, Agatha then learned that she and her peers were assigned to serve under the new master… A master that refused their services and encouraged them to rediscover the strength to reclaim their free will.

"...Agatha?"

She blinked, and turned towards one of her friends, Erin Laurette. "Um, sorry. I was caught with my own thoughts. What is it, Erin?"

"We were talking about…. Our current master."

Agatha hummed as she knew what Erin was implying - Issei Hyoudou.

"Oh… yes. I heard that the church is undergoing reform because of his latest discovery. Makes me wonder if I should go back to see if there are still people there waiting for me…" Agatha hung her head as her mind wandered to better days.

"...Hearing it makes me feel like a terrible, insecure woman. Deep down, I a part of me is still waiting for the day when that man would summon us to…. Satisfy his needs. Just to assure myself that hope doesn't exist to avoid the pain of treachery again." Erin said with an embarrassed look.

"We've been hearing from Mary, Catherine, and some others, remember? They spoke nothing but praise about him." Agatha remarked.

"Well, they could have been… Manipulated in one way or another." Erin pouted this time, earning some giggles from others, while Agatha only smiled wistfully.

"They also said he's terrible at magic. Besides, there's only so much doubt we can invest in when the world is shining him in the bright light." another Pawn - Aisha added.

"...I think we should spy on him just in case." Erin suggested.

The girls imagined themselves spying on their master… It looked more like a fun group activity instead of an obligatory inspection.

However, when the wind blew once again, all of them suddenly paused in their tracks - they might have been nothing but living disposable tools, but years of hardship had honed their senses, enough to detect the abnormal conditions of their surroundings.

The streets they were on were quiet - too quiet, in fact. They immediately took a defensive, back-to-back formation, watching every corner in case anything jumped on them.

However, their blood ran cold when a dreadfully familiar voice was heard.

"Oh… How I miss you, all my dearies…"

It was a voice they thought they would never hear again. The memories of their enslavement, the abuse, all of it instantly resurfaced as their hearts started pounding their chests as if trying to get out of their ribs to run from the voice when their legs refused to do so.

The sounds of footsteps grabbed their attention towards a direction engulfed in darkness, where someone stepped into view.

Aisha whimpered as her body was shaking in fear, immediately took a step back to hide behind Erin, who was frozen in sheer terror of the newcomer's smile.

"Good evening, it is absolutely delightful to see all of you in good health."

Diodora Astaroth greeted them with open arms, the pleasant smile that promised suffering was plastered on his face.

Agatha wanted to speak, but her words kept dying in her throat.

Noticing the expression of the girls before him, Diodora tilted his head slightly, "What is the matter? After so long, isn't tonight an auspicious one for a reunion?" his face then lit up, "Oh, are you afraid, perhaps? Good…."

Nireya swiftly pulled out her sword. Her breaths were heavy, mixed with panic and rage, fear and anger tugging on her strings with no clear distinction of the victor. Her sword was trembling in her hands as Diodora looked at her amused.

"What are you doing here?! Don't tell me… tsk!" Nireya clicked her tongue, still breathing labored breaths.

"What am I doing here, you ask? I'm here for you, of course; or should I say, I'm here to reclaim what is mine?" Diodora replied with a matter-of-fact tone.

"W-we are not yours, never! We are now serving a master who cannot be compared to the likes of you!" Erin defiantly retorted.

"Ah, yes, yes, that little human cretin." Diodora dismissed, "In fact, I actually would like to meet him. Is he still in this town?"

The girls grimaced - Mary kept them updated about their new master from time to time, and the last time they heard, Issei just left for the Underworld.

"Hmm…. Judging from your looks, I assume he's not? How unfortunate, I thought he's your King? What is he possibly thinking, leaving his peerage alone? This is why I cannot stand plebeians." Diodora sighed.

"No matter, let's not waste any more of each other's time." the devil then snapped his fingers.

Emerging from the shadows, the girls flinched when they saw them.

They have encountered spirits and such but… never in such large numbers.

Shambling corpses walked into their night vision.

Undead, moving rotting flesh groaning in massive numbers. Flying above the corpses were spirits, wraiths judging by the sight and aura.

"...What have you done, Diodora?" Agatha seethed, preparing herself to fight.

They were with the devil for a long time. They were more than intimate with Diodora, so much so to know that he should not be able to do this, not without some outside help.

"Gathering power….. More than enough to get my dues from that lowly human…" Diodora's smile grew into a manic grin, as something big could be seen lurking behind him, hiding within the veil of darkness.

The walking dead around them then moaned, alerting the girls into battle station, as Diodora chuckled.

"Now… Be sure not to die so soon, alright? I want this reunion to be an unforgettable one." Diodora raised his hand and brought it down.

On cue, all of the corpses immediately marched towards the reincarnated devils.

XoX

A clone of Black Sperm leapt from rooftop to rooftop, running as fast as he could right after he had sensed the unnerving signature appearing within Kuoh.

His expression hardened and he picked up his pace when he came across an all too familiar scent from his old days.

The scent of blood.

As the scent grew stronger, Black could only hope that he was not too late - not that he cared about whoever the poor bastard was in trouble, but if he were to half-ass things, the baldy, demon cyborg, and the kid would not stop bitching.

When he finally landed at one particular street, Black could only click his tongue at the macabre sight of the road and walls being splattered with fresh blood with nobody in sight.

"-and despite all that, that alien sack of platinum muscle still managed to bring me down! I have never felt so humiliated in my life as a Dragon. What the hell is that thing?! And worse, when I groused, he turned me into platinum and threatened to melt me into ingots! Or sell me to the nobles as a prize!"

Tannin complained to Issei during their flight through the moonless night sky of the Underworld. Issei took a seat on the spot nearest to Tannin's head - while Yuuto, Gasper and Millicas chatted a bit further behind.

What Tannin was complaining about was how Platinum suddenly intruded in his training the young Saji in the ways of the Dragon, crushed him in a single surprise attack by landing on him like a platinum meteor, and took over his training regimen by putting the poor boy to work.

Tannin challenged Platinum every day to reclaim his sense of pride and dominance, but he lost every time.

"I can only deeply apologize for what he did." Issei said bashfully as he and the other boys were riding on top of the former dragon king.

"And not only that, his speed! He's too fast for a non god! I swear, I refuse to be some bodybuilder's stepping stone! I am going to train myself for our destined rematch after this!"

"Uh... Okay, what about Saji's training? How'd he train him?" Issei asked.

"Ah… hmmm. His method is much harsher and more sadistic. The poor boy had to perform exercises while carrying the abomination's weight. On the other hand, the bodybuilder did teach the boy how to fight and how to use his Sacred Gear more efficiently. The abomination imparted whip techniques, even one that can deflect and repel attacks at close range. I know because I helped the boy deflect my weakened fireballs until he mastered it. I will admit that his martial expertise surpasses my own."

"I see…" Issei nodded, "I heard that Saji will receive additional Vritra Sacred Gears, how about that one?"

"Implanting multiple Sacred Gears in one person is no easy task, boy; even if the Sacred Gears are compatible with one another. They are powerful artifacts crafted through divine arts, after all. Although…. I believe his body should be strong enough to handle Vritra's full power." Tannin replied.

The talk between two dragons carried on until they arrived at the mansion where the party was being held. During that time, Issei had grown respect towards Tannin, who was willing to sacrifice his pride and status as a dragon king for the sake of his people; besides, it was not as if Tannin's raw power diminished in any way.

"Lady Gremory and the others will be picked up by the dragons under my employ. You will see them shortly. Until then, enjoy the party." Tannin spoke after everyone had gotten off him on the balcony, before the dragon flew away.

"Man… What a great guy." Issei mused as he and the others watched Tannin disappear in the sky.

"Indeed. And Lord Tannin is also one among the Top 10 Rating Game champions." Yuuto added.

"Yet Platinum owned his ass. I wonder what crazy stunt he'll pull off next." Issei wondered as he looked into the party room through the balcony doors.

Radiant light illuminated the noble splendor of the room, almost dazzling the invitees within with bejeweled luminescence.

Issei could sense many devils inside the party as his eyes wandered.

Saji was standing beside the three Big Bads who were towering over the poor dude, definitely feeling ostracized and picked on. Many eyes constantly threw glances into their direction every now and then, most likely feeling the emasculation.

There was his father unsurprisingly slurping champagne from a wine glass, somehow still in his ridiculous hero costume for some reason.

…Wait, Issei squinted as he saw a young female in fantasy armor and silver white hair talking to his father. While Saitama was behaving like his usual-self, the young woman seemed….. Glowing, for some reason.

Issei wanted to walk over there and eavesdrop and ask questions…. Until his senses noticed a familiar presence sneaking up behind him. He blinked, but he smiled soon enough as his hand whipped out to seize the arm that was reaching to him from behind, and pulled the culprit into his arms.

"Ise! Really?! I thought I hid my presence this time!" Irina pouted for a second before she smiled and tip-toed to peck Issei's lips.

"Twenty days in the wilderness can make you too aware of your surroundings." Issei replied as he took in his girlfriend's appearance.

Irina smiled as her blood red wings fluttered. Irina's dress was gorgeous, radiant yellow, low cut where most of her legs were naked, shoulder long white gloves covering her arms, high heel pumps which was rare.

"And since you're here, the Church is invited as well, right?" Issei asked.

It should be obvious since Saitama and the Big Bads were here.

"Mhm! Come on! Let me show you the others!" Irina pulled Issei away to another section.

Issei saw Vasco Strada standing in a very large black tuxedo suit, Michael and the other Archangels were there in suits - albeit in white motif, while Gabriel wore a stunning dress that captivated the devils that saw her.

Xenovia was there in a gorgeous blue sapphire dress, and she was wearing high heels as well though she seemed perturbed by the new footwear, judging by her much she was fidgeting.

Griselda, on the other hand…

Her dress was very elegant, her back completely naked while her front was covered by golden silk with gems strewn into the fabric.

She even wore a long pencil skirt that fell to her knees. Also she wore crystal high heel pumps.

Even with her skin half covered, she was up there alongside Gabriel.

And Issei knew for a fact that she was enjoying the attention as Griselda looked his way and smiled, waving at him.

"Issei, don't ogle my sword instructor." Irina pinched his cheek with a pout.

"I know, I know. Just relieved that she is getting better." Issei sighed with relief.

Irina looked away when he said that. Then, she blinked, "Oh, that's Asia."

True to her word - stumbling and having difficulty walking on heels, Asia also followed behind the group from the Vatican. She was clad in a teal-colored dress. It was a bit difficult to describe her dress, but it was more normal than the rest yet still as alluring.

"Let's greet her. Asia might need some support in this environment." Issei suggested as Irina nodded, both holding hands as they walked towards the pure nun.

"Asia! Xenovia! How are you girls doing?!" Issei called out to them. Sᴇaʀch* Thᴇ ɴøvᴇlFɪre.ɴet website on Gøøglᴇ to access chapters of nøvels early and in the highest quality.

[Ise!]

Both girls smiled at the boy, who arrived to pat on Asia's head first, "Hey there, Asia. How's your time with Kiyome? Did you and Rassei level up?"

Asia smiled as her wings fluttered like a butterfly. Rassei poked out of her hair and squeaked, flexing his little arms at Issei.

"M-Miss Kiyome was very helpful. I learned a lot under her… oh, and Miss Lavinia was very nice."

"I know, right? What about you, Xenovia?" Issei asked the swordswoman.

"Fufu…" Xenovia gave a smug smile as a pair of white wings suddenly sprouted out from her back and an angelic halo hovered above her head.

"...So you actually made up your mind." Issei nodded as he saw this coming already.

"Indeed. Although… it is more like I had to take the reincarnation offer alongside Griselda to make sure that Black won't corrupt her any further." Xenovia explained a little with a blush.

"Oh." Issei turned around, seeing Griselda talking to the Big Bads. "That's… a good call, actually."

He wondered how bad was it but considering her facial expression, it must not be good.

"Yes… Now if you excuse me, I need to make sure that those three are not infecting her with their ideas." Xenovia nodded and made her way towards her mentor and the three muscular creatures.

With Xenovia walking away, Vasco then approached them in turn, "Greetings, young Issei."

"Good evening." Issei greeted with a nod, "How are you doing, sir?"

"I am fine. It has been decades since the last time I visited the Underworld. It pleases me that I came to a more peaceful setting." Vasco replied with a smile.

"Well, it depends on the word 'peaceful.' Thinking about it, I don't think many devils are used to seeing angels here."

"Some of the devils here fought in the Great War, young man. In fact, I recognized a few faces here." Vasco remarked. "Now with the treaty in full effect, I believe nobody is foolish enough to start an international incident."

CRASH!

The girls winced slightly, with Vasco sighed.

"...You are saying?" Issei retorted.

"Let's hope that it's just a small-time quarrel, shall we?" Vasco replied, as he and the others walked towards where the commotion was heard from.

They were greeted by the sight of Saitama standing over several downed devils, with one of them - a devil with spiky blue hair and tattoo-like markings over his face, lying on top of a ruined furniture. The silver-haired woman Issei saw was standing behind Saitama as well, looking a bit nervous.

Much to Issei's surprise, Sairaorg Bael was the first to step in, "What is happening here?"

Issei was not surprised to see him here but he really hoped that the man did not recognize him or bring up Isami. Ever.

"...Uh…" Saitama looked around. "These people came out of nowhere and started making fun of my outfit."

Sairaorg and everyone stared at Saitama, before glancing at the bodies groaning in pain on the floor.

"...And after that, they started pestering my friend. They want to take her somewhere - I don't know, but things look bad. So I stepped in. Then they made fun of my head, somehow knew who I was and then… one of them punched my face."

"Ah… but I don't think-"

"Please excuse Saitama's terrible recounting." The woman with silver hair stepped forward. When Sairaorg raised his eyebrows at her, she took it as a cue to introduce herself, "I'm Rossweisse from Asgard. I am here as an escort of the Chief God Odin, who has been invited as an honorary guest."

The devil returned the courtesy, "Sairaorg from the House of Bael. And may I ask for your version?"

"I was looking for Lord Odin when these people came to me, asking me to accompany them." Rossweisse gestured at the bodies on the floor, "They were quite persistent despite my refusal, and all Saitama did was merely defend me. One of them turned violent when they recognized Saitama from the rumors and started an altercation. It grew worse when Saitama did not care when the Devil struck his face repeatedly. When the devil started to use magic in his anger, he had to raise his hands."

"Hm, I see." Sairaorg nodded before he glanced around, noticing the devil that had crashed into the table had started regaining his consciousness. He then addressed the nearby staff and guards, "Take them to the empty room next door."

The devil who just woke up and noticed several people were about to bring him along, and quickly stood up to glare at Sairaorg, "You failure from the Bael clan! You dare to side with these outsiders!?"

"Zephyrdor…. This party is meant for refined guests. You were expected to behave as a proper representative from the House of Glassya-Labolas until your brother arrives. I suggest you pull your act together; your brother and family would love to have words with you, once they learn of what happened."

"Tsk! That stupid baldy just got lucky! Do you really think-"

Everyone in the room flinched when a sudden overpowering presence exploded and drowned the room, death omnipresent and threatening to take everyone's lives. Zephyrdor froze when a red fist flew into his face, stopping just before it made contact as the devil stared at the red death.

Sweat perspired from every devil as they stared at the Baldy as if looking at a new persona, one that cast aside the bland dumb facade as he stared into Zephyrdor in the eyes.

"...Are you cool off yet?" Saitama asked the young devil.

Sairaorg stared at the scene, the young devil falling to his knees.

Everyone watched as Zephyrdor started… settling himself down as Saitama was the one looking down one him this time.

If Saitama had not stepped in, Sairaorg would have done it to defend his honor.

Issei caught something… the woman called Rossweisse. The way she was staring at Saitama was… there was something other than awe in those eyes.

"Wonderful, wonderful! Usually, you wouldn't bother to do something like showing others their place the last time we saw each other!"

Everyone turned to the new voice.

"...Lord Loki?" Rossweisse blinked.

The Asgardian God of Mischief walked in his splendor, garnering several eyes upon him. Following him were a pair of men.

Their chests were barely covered, showing off their masculine chests.

One of them had a wild, fiery red hair color, a metallic mace with patterns of lightning etched around the blunt head.

The other was different, unkempt sapphire blue hair that ran down his back, two damascus axes hilted around a thick fur belt holding his hide frost-white pants.

"...A man's gotta know when to keep the peace, right? Can't just punch away all of my problems so I've learned."

"You're learning." Loki commented with a mild amused look. "Worms like him should know their place in the world."

"...So are you." A new voice was heard.

This time, everyone saw an elderly-looking man with long gray beard in a regal-looking robe, one of his eyes was covered in a monocle.

"Lord Odin!" Rossweisse exclaimed, "Where have you been all this time?"

"Oh ho ho ho, exploring the Underworld scenery… and skirts."

Rossweisse pouted, fuming at Odin.

"But more seriously, I do not recall inviting you here, Loki."

"I am not here to stir trouble this time, all-father." Loki responded with a confident smirk.

"Of course you won't. Not even your Fenrir can stand against the Strongest Man."

"I am well-aware of that. However, I believe the invitation includes associates. Thus, semantically, includes us." Loki gestured to the men behind them.

"Magni… Modi. I am surprised to see you two here with your uncle." Odin mused aloud as the two men gruffed.

"Where is the Son of the Strongest Man?" The red-head viking asked, his voice rough, deep, lucid.

"...Oh, so that is your intention." Odin understood. "Very well. The boy you are looking for is there, the one with the brown hair."

Odin pointed at Issei.

All eyes turned to the Red Dragon Emperor, who was now at the center of attention. The sons of the Thunder God then made their way to tower over Issei, their heavy footfalls thumping the floor, the two vikings gazing down on him, overshadowing him.

"Um…. Hi." Issei felt a little awkward at the sheer difference in their heights.

"...So you are the Son of Saitama?" The blue-haired one tilted his head.

"...Yes?" Issei answered.

"He doesn't look so tough." The redhead commented.

"Hmm... He doesn't even look like the walking egg. Should we punch him and test his bloodline?" The sapphire one asked.

"I prefer that you don't just punch people out of nowhere." Issei requested.

The Big Bads were sipping their wine, very interested. Saji was not sure if he should feel sorry for Issei or be jealous.

"Now, now, my nephews. He is the Son of Saitama. Meaning he shouldn't look strong after all, that is his unique charm." Loki made his way towards them, slipping between them as he looked at Issei.

"Err… Thanks?" Issei replied with some uncertainty, "So you're Loki?"

"I suppose we should introduce ourselves. I am indeed Loki of Asgard. The red one is Magni and the blue one is Modi, the Sons of Thor. They are here with me to see the Son of the Strongest man themselves. They are a bit hungry for glory and they think that defeating you in honorable combat would do. They already challenged your father… Even their father challenged him…. And lost."

There were some gasps among the guests, mostly Devils as they looked at the man in the ridiculous costume in a new light, albeit with a hint of disbelief.

"...You. Son of the Strongest Man. What is your name?" Magni, the redhead, demanded. It sounded more like a demand than a question, but Issei couldn't tell.

"Issei… Issei Hyoudou." Issei answered.

"We challenge you for the glory of our warrior progress and Asgard. We will defeat the bloodline of Eggaguðinn on our path to surpass and claim the title as the Strongest." Modi, the blue head requested.

"...The bloodline of who?"

"His title in Asgard, the Egg God." Magni explained.

Issei let out a silent 'oh' while nodding; he was not surprised to hear his father earning a title or two in Asgard.

"Okay, but… we're at a party. Can't we schedule it for another day or…"

"Now. Our blood boils, and we will not let it die by refusal." Magni demanded. "What says you, Issei Hyoudou?"

Issei pursed his lips as he glanced at his surroundings.

The devil guests and the others from the other factions were looking at him, most with some form of expectations. Irina and Asia looked a bit nervous but they nodded at him to accept.

"...Well, the last time I crashed a party like this, everyone seemed to like the excitement. Why not? But we're doing it outside, no objections."

"Good." They huffed, satisfied with the answer.

"Quick question, are we doing this one on one or one vs two?"

The pair exchanged glances before nodding, "One on one. We refuse to rely on numbers as our strength."

Issei nodded in return, "...Appreciated."

"What is this? I just arrived at the party and already witnessed something interesting."

Everyone blanched as Sirzechs Lucifer and the other Satans made their entrance, walking into their vision.

"Lord Sirzechs. It seemed my grandsons were roused by Loki's slight mischief. It would be entertaining no less." Odin calmly addressed the Crimson Satan.

"It does spark excitement." Sirzechs admitted. "I believe a more appropriate location is needed. My honored guests, please give the three combatants their space, and Serafall, would you do the honors?"

Serafall flashed a smile at Issei's direction.

"It's never boring with you around, Ise. First was at Ajuka's house, now you are here." Serafall commented with a wink as the guests started to back away from the three.

The Leviathan immediately summoned a magic teleportation circle under the three. Once it lit up, immediately, they vanished.

"...Who wants to go first?"

Issei and the Asgardians were in the middle of a rocky wasteland, crags and uneven stone, the sky very bleak and cloudy dark gray.

"I will."

"Me."

The two answered simultaneously. Then they glared at each other.

"Brother, we agreed that I will go first."

"Did we? We were drunk so I don't believe you."

"Are we really doing this again? Modi? And in front of him?"

"You tell me, Magni. You sometimes cheat me using our mead-induced amnesia against me."

The two brothers started to bicker. Issei smiled, seeing the glimpse of personality hidden behind their menacing warrior personas.

"...Why not decide by coin flip?" Issei asked, taking out a yen coin.

"Yes!"

"Let the Norn sisters decide!"

The brothers heartily agreed.

"Call it. Heads or tails?"

"Heads."

"Tails."

Issei flipped the coin. He caught it and placed it on the back of his hand.

"...Heads." Issei looked at Magni.

"Yes!"

"Tsk! Next time, brother."

Modi grumbled as he backed away, leaving Magni to face the Son of the Strongest man.

Issei slowly entered his defensive stance, taking a deep breath as he watched the Asgardian draw his mace, his weapon crackling with power.

There was no coach to start the battle. The two circled each other, Magni grinning from ear to ear as he twirled his mace.

Issei wanted to ask them about his father's time in Asgard after this.

"...Come at me."

The sky boomed with the sound of thunder when Magni's mace crashed down on Issei's smaller form.

Rias and the girls watched through a projected magical screen for all guests to see but they had to cover their eyes when the screen turned so bright it overwhelmed the eyes of the devils.

The thunder was not like Akeno's.

It was the first time Issei endured the lightning of a God as he barely managed to redirect the mace to the side, his hands singing with burns as Magni was kicked away by his counter.

"Ow, hot hot hot!" Issei waved his hands around, flicking the burning sensation off.

He then proceeded to take the Awakening Breath - considering his opponent was an actual god, Issei had to take the kid's gloves off from start.

"Not many would survive my attack like that." Magni commented, rubbing his jaw.

Issei looked back, seeing a small valley where Magni's mace landed.

"Yeah, first time facing a god." Issei entered his defensive stance again.

"Then know the might of Magni, the one that will surpass Thor, and then the egghead!" Magni bellowed a warcry as he raised his mace, lightning striking it from the heavens as he swung.

Issei had not encountered something other than his family that could break through the Water Stream's parry.

With his speed, Issei sprinted around the giant viking as the god tore apart the land with waves of cracking thunder and flashing lightning.

"Thunderstep!" Magni roared as he dashed, leaving a blazing trail of lightning as he appeared before Issei with his fist crashing into Issei's frame, launching him away into a high arc.

Issei flew high into the heavens as he looked down.

"We have been training for years since your father defeated us in Asgard! Don't you dare hold back on us!"

Issei continued to ascend to higher heights. He couldn't believe how strong Magni was, and Magni was Thor's son. If he was this powerful, how strong was his father? Issei grinned as he decided to unleash his trump card in return.

"Balance Break!"

[WELSH DRAGON BALANCE BREAKER!]

He wanted to surprise everyone with this, but now seemed to be a better time than anything.

Red Military Dragon's Scale Mail - Armor of The Sagacious War God.

Issei straightened himself midair as his form shone in brilliant red.

"Heh…" Magni grinned ferociously as he waited to see Issei's full might.

However, the air boomed as a meteoric force buried his face into the ground and shook the world. Then the world glowed orange as the world started to grow hot with teeth.

"What?!" Modi watching from the sidelines could barely see it.

A blazing trail from Issei's position connected to that of Magni's, and standing above Magni's form with his fist pressed against Magni's face above ruined molten earth was an armored champion.

"That….. Bastard! He actually achieved a subspecies before me?!" back at the spectator's seat - Vali shouted at the screen, albeit he was grinning in excitement.

Issei's new armor was not like the standard scale mail.

It was less bulky - fitted Issei's form like a perfect shell designed to house his shape specifically.

His gauntlets were perfectly shaped around his hands, burning white and dark silver as veins of blue traveled from his knuckles to his shoulders. His helmet was altered, in the shape of a mighty, majestic dragon's mouth holding Issei's head, Issei's face covered by an emerald visor.

An emerald core gem was in his chest-plate of heroic scarlet, no wings, but flames of orange continued to spill from the vents behind, forming into wings of dragon fire.

Overall, it was a sleeker, much denser armor handcrafted for the current wielder, as if the original armor was compressed to solely serve him and him alone.

Issei jumped back when lightning fell from above, striking Magni as the son of the thunder god roared back to his feet, charged by his own attack.

"Good!" His teeth were missing a few but he still smiled as the lightning cascaded around him.

"Thunder God's Aura!" Magni shouted as a lightning barrier radiated from his body, bolts of electricity randomly striking his surroundings.

Issei smiled behind the glass visor as he and Magni blitzed, flickers of fire and lightning crashing into each other as they exchanged fists and metal, lightning striking from the heavens and from Magni's aura.

Might and precision guided Magni's weapon, not something Issei could easily deflect even in his current form as they zigzagged around the wasteland. Issei knew that Magni was above him in physical might, but that didn't matter.

The crowd watching the spectacle had to cover their ears sometimes since the sound from the screen was too loud, like they were standing in the thunderstorms themselves despite watching through a screen.

[Boost!]

Magni's mace struck Issei's position each and every time despite Issei's Boost advantage. Issei's power might've increased but his vessel was a different story. Even so, Issei smiled, the rush of adrenaline something he rarely encountered in times of peace.

Fist of fire, magic and ki bearing the same element, started shrouding his fists.

Magni's mace extended, the handle elongating as his hand slid just inches below the blunt head of the mace as he retaliated.

This way, Magni fought Issei with both ends of the mace, the heavy side and the whip-like iron staff on the other.

The heavy head of the mace struck Issei's parrying hand while the other hand struck his hand away, killing Issei's parrying momentum this way. In short, Magni had adapted to Issei's martial arts, which was a shock for Issei since he thought Magni was a savage viking.

"I know how your hands work now!" Magni shouted as his mace trailed lightning with every swing, the viking starting to pirouette with the heavy blunt weapon as he held the handle with both hands and swung heavenward with all his might, breaking Issei's Water Stream and cracking his bones somewhat in the process, leaving Issei wide open.

"For Asgard!"

Magni raised his mace heavenward as lightning struck Issei, dying the world in white and shadow as Issei's screams downed amidst the thunderous explosion, forcing the devils to cover their eyes and ears.

"Today, I claim victory!"

Magni shouted as the lightning finished roasting the Red Dragon Emperor.

Issei had never felt like he was like boiled meat to this extent in his entire life, his body steaming underneath the metal armor, sparks of electricity dancing off his form.

Magni walked towards Issei as the latter fell to his knees.

With confidence, Magni raised his mace with two hands, lightning charging in the legacy of Thor's bloodline as his power started warping the very air.

All the while Issei clenched his left fist and tensed all of his muscles with all the strength he could muster as a memory flashed in his mind.

XoX

"The Explosive Heart Release Fist channels explosive energy from your core to your heart and then your fist. The core being the source of your fuel, the Heart as the engine, and releasing it all through your fist like dragon fire."

While Crom Cruach lectured from the sideline - Issei sharply inhaled as he struck Wukong's staff, the monkey king grimacing as he felt a peculiar numbing vibration traveling through his weapon.

Issei's tempo danced to the tune of aggression, moving forward step by step as he threw an overwhelming barrage of attacks against the Monkey King.

"You must channel the explosive energy through your heart, your heart thrumming and beating with that energy with strength before you throw your strikes. Timing is essential, synchronize the explosive energy of your heart with your strikes."

Wukong parried and deflected each of Issei's belligerent fists with increasing difficulty.

It was his first time facing this application of Ki refined to such a level as he jumped back, landed on the tree bark behind him as Issei's strike exploded the tree into splinters, and struck Issei's shoulder and ankle with his staff as he landed, finishing it off with heavy swing slamming into Issei's midriff and blowing him back.

Issei coughed as he slid across the soil until he was before Crom Cruach, feeling the pain of fractured ribs.

"...Also, be mindful not to let your aggression dominate your rhythm." Wukong followed as he rested the staff against his shoulders and started flicking the numbness off his hands. "You are grasping this style with surprisingly fast proficiency, I admit. I must say that this style is meant for you in a way, but it will leave you open to counter attacks if you indulge in the adrenaline too much."

"Noted." Issei wheezed.

"Now, try again. And attempt to channel the power of fire through you this time." Wukong finished flicking his hands as he held his staff, Issei nodded as he inhaled, exhaling the Awakening Breath as then…

XoX

Issei got this idea from Lundun Si Lam, Master of the Black Scorpion Fist.

If Lundun managed to acquire the poison attribute in his Ki through consuming a dangerous poison in repeated trials, then what about the other attributes?

For example, fire - dragon fire.

Issei had to bathe himself and absorb Ddraig's fire into his system with the help of Wukong's Qi cultivation techniques, though absorbing the dragon fire through the pores of his soul within Ddraig's world was painful as hell.

Even so…

[Explosion!]

Yet Issei reacted with great timing and reflex, just when Magni's weapon fell, Issei immediately launched forward, rising to his feet simultaneously as the dragonflame exploded behind Issei and propelled him.

Explosive Dragon Burst

Issei shouted as he struck Magni's ribs with his flaming fist, the gauntlet radiating hyper condensed power before it exploded through the Asgardian.

Magni's bent forward into a sharp angle as white and blue flames blasted through his divine body, blood and spittle leaving his teeth as he flew like a cannon.

It was an attack Issei devised with some ingenuity and practice, channeling Ddraig's fire with explosive penetrating power, that and with Ddraig's [Penetrate], it should decimate the Asgardian's defenses as fire and vibration rattled through his core.

That, and Issei targeted his ribs and lungs for a reason.

It was a gambling technique, however, as it also acted as [Reset], all of the power gained through [Boost] and [Explosion] explosively expelled in one single surprise punch.

The spectators watched the plateau, Magni's destination, turn orange and explode in molten liquid as Issei's fist steamed, white hot from the flames as Issei exhaled.

The devils and other spectators were also speechless at Issei's latest feat of strength.

Vali, who was now grinning from ear to ear, shared a conversation with the Vanishing Dragon.

[That boy….. He's already capable of using one of the red one's sealed abilities! Vali, we need to pick up our training again soon, you need to master the rest of my abilities as well!]

That's given, Albion.

"That's just unfair… And here I thought I've gotten stronger after training under Platinum and a friggin' ultimate-class devil dragon." Saji muttered.

"Are you seeing this, Ajuka?" Sirzechs asked his oldest friend, "After many generations…. The current Red Dragon Emperor finally triumphs against a god."

The Beelzebub nodded, "...Even the first wielder of the True Longinus had ever defeated a god before."

Sairaorg, on the other hand, while he was also eager to test his fist against the Red Dragon Emperor, a part of his mind also felt a sense of nostalgia - particularly when he witnessed the Red Dragon Emperor's defensive technique - the same technique that Isami used on him before…

Within the molten aftermath, a bolt of lightning fell where Magni landed.

Modi appeared as the lightning dissipated as he watched over his brother, Magni laying within the molten earth gasping for air, a charred fist indentation marking his chest surrounded by burn scars.

"Are you still in motion, brother?" Modi asked as Magni rolled to his stomach, gritting his teeth as he attempted to push himself back to his feet.

However, he collapsed as the air under his ribs failed to give way, falling face first into the lava earth.

Modi smirked as he looked the Son of the Strongest Man's way. A bolt of lightning struck Modi as he vanished.

XoX

Issei dropped to his knees as his armor disappeared, Issei starting to wheeze through the pain.

"Please tell me he's down." Issei wheezed as he looked forward, gazing at the molten landscape where Magni crashed into.

He gave it his fucking all in that one attack. He was not sure if he could pull off anything else other than that final surprise trick.

The lightning attack ignored his armor and turned it into a hellish metal tomb. It was way worse than Ddraig's flames since the God was trying to brutally knock him out with a godlike display of power.

However, lightning struck down the ground in front of Issei, the boom of thunder following as Modi appeared where the lightning landed.

"Ah, right… It's a two-round." Issei remembered the other Asgardian towering before him. "I get that you're excited but may I take a breather? I think I need a break after your brother's lightning show."

Issei could barely feel his muscles now that his adrenaline was dying down. He believed there was a condition for this when one was subjected to too much electricity but he wasn't sure.

"No." Modi denied. But he took out something from his fur satchel and threw something at Issei. Issei caught it in his right hand and looked at it, seeing a silvery bottle with Norse symbols.

"And this is…?"

"Drink it. Special mead fermented from the sap of the World Tree. It will restore your vitality and strength for what's to come."

Issei quirked a brow, but he eventually shrugged. He uncorked the bottle with his thumb and started downing the contents.

"...Oh, wow." Issei was shocked as he smacked the flavor from his lips. "This is the best fucking thing I ever drank."

There were no words to describe a taste of Valhallan cuisine. He sampled all of Azazel's stash when he was a kid, and they were nothing like this. His words garnered a smirk from the blue-haired Thunder God.

Modi drew his axes and raised them, clanking them together as lightning struck his weapons, thunder booming in the heavens as the world flashed white again.

"Rise and prepare yourself. The might of Modi is nothing like Magni's!"

Issei smirked as he felt a surge of vitality and strength, his wounds and fatigue gone as if no longer there.

"Show me your moves, big guy." Issei taunted as he prepared his Balance Breaker once more.

While the crowd was dazzled by the stentorian display of thunderous roars and blinding light, the God of Mischief schemed, leaving behind his doppelganger as he slinked away from the banquet.

The boy proved far more entertaining than he expected, almost drawing him into watching the fight from first to finish along with the rest. He praised the Son of the Strongest man for his distraction as Loki made his way into the lower sections of the building.

He was here for another reason, his world-view had been shattered upon meeting the Strongest Man in Asgard.

Underneath the mansion was a nexus node.

It is what Loki called regarding certain points where the branches of the World Tree could connect to under the proper conditions.

The Underworld, Hell, Purgatory, Tartarus, Heaven, the realm of the Devas, Naraka, all of these realms were but subrealms made, birthed into existences by the branches of the world tree itself.

If the nine main realms were the fruits of Yggdrasil, then the other realms adjacent to Midgard were but leaves sharing the same branch as the fruit.

There were locations even in the Underworld that could connect to other realms if pushed, or maybe connect to a newly created realm adjacent to it.

The branches of the World Tree were the reason why the Devils, the Gods, and the Angels could travel to and fro from their realm to Midgard without even knowing it.

How else could the races manage to travel the realms, traversing across the infinite emptiness of the dimensional gap where there were no signs of determining which direction was which, making even the most skilled navigator lost in the void.

Loki appeared in a certain room. It was an insignificant room, a storage closet, yet it was also a potential location where it could connect to other realms.

He grabbed something from his robes. It was a wand fashioned from the bark of Yggdrasil.

He crafted it himself under his father's nose after collecting enough material in secret as he casted a spell of his design.

Why was Loki interested in this insignificant location? He smirked as the nexus slowly revealed itself when he attempted to connect it to the Bifrost.

It was to see if he could connect the sub-realms as well to the World Tree.

As for his grand plan…

Loki stopped when he heard the sound of booming thunder muffled through the floors.

Was that Magni's thunder? It sounded so close despite it being so far, meaning that the son of Thor must have been exerting all of his power. While Magni's strength was nowhere near his father's, Loki could assume that the current Red Dragon Emperor was matching Magni's expectations.

Even so, he got what he wanted.

The more nodes he surveyed, the more he would be able to travel and connect the realms to his favor when the time comes.

He immediately returned to his doppelganger, teleporting back into position inconspicuously, a trick he learned to deceive even the all-seeing eye of Odin by swapping the position of his clone while the clone dispersed.

"Go, Iseee!" Irina shouted while pumping her arms in the air as Loki watched, seeing the Red Dragon Emperor donning an unfamiliar armor.

"Fight on, big bro!" Millicus shouted atop of Sirzechs' shoulders.

Thunder boomed through the screen every time Magni's mace clashed with Issei's vambraces. Loki looked out the window, seeing thunder clouds forming outside.

A wry smirk appeared on Loki's face as the fight went on, until the Red Dragon Emperor defeated Magni with one finishing blow, a desperate one but enough to bring Magni to a collapse.

Poetic - as strange as it came from him; both father and son were surprisingly alike. Nonetheless, Loki believed that Modi would put up a better fight. After all, what he lacked in strength compared to Magni and Thor, he made up with tactical intelligence.

The girls cheered for Issei's victory over the Thunder God.

Until the other Thunder God landed before Issei in a bolt of lightning. Loki was surprised that Modi prepared the World Tree sap for the boy.

It was no different than the mythical ambrosia, the Amrita, able to bestow certain boons to mortals like eternal youth.

The second fight began as Issei donned his special armor as the Thunder roared, Modi giving the boy somewhat more trouble than Magni could as the Thunder God chipped away at the boy's armor with his twin axes, both repelling each other before clashing again like two wild magnets that could not make up their minds whether to stay away from or close in on each other

It was because Modi was aware of the boy's fighting style and already developed a counter, and Modi was the more intelligent one between the Thunder God siblings.

The fight went much shorter than before as Modi dismantled the boy's martial arts with his might and lightning, his axes hooking and grappling alongside his heavy swings, throwing the boy's tempo off while the screen flashed white with every exchange

Then Modi stuck his weapons onto the boy's armor, the blades attached to each arm with an unnatural electric clank. The boy grabbed the axes with each hand, but the boy paused for a moment when his hands resounded an unnatural clang on contact.

[...Oi, what is happening?!]

Issei asked through the monitor as he visibly tried to pull his hands from the axes.

"Hoh?" Odin smirked.

The boy was trapped.

The girls were confused at Issei struggling to pull himself free before a stream of continuous lightning fell from the heavens on top of him like it was to a lightning rod.

Modi disappeared in a flash of lightning as the screen shifted to the sky, the crowd seeing from the side Modi falling down towards a mountain, blue lightning still setting him and Issei ablaze.

[For Valhalla!]

When Modi slammed Issei, stuck to his Damascus pattern axes, into the mountains, every glass in the room cracked from the pitch and volume as almost everyone in the room covered their ears, wine spilling from bottles and glasses as white blinded the screen and the room.

Outside, Loki could hear thunder also roaring outside simultaneously in the background.

When the light faded, everyone gasped at the climax.

The dark gray mountain bore a molten scar from peak to base. This time, a challenger of Asgard stood victorious as he raised his axes overhead, standing over a defeated, thoroughly roasted Issei Hyoudou, his armor shorn from his body.

[For the glory of Asgard!]

Lightning flashed before the heavens as the firmament roared with thunder as if pronouncing his victory much to the girls' collective shock.

Issei groaned in the meanwhile. Everything about him was aching in agony as leftover sparks danced across his skin.

After the match between her boyfriend and the apparently sons of Asgard's strongest Thunder God - Irina Shidou, along with Xenovia and Griselda were making their way towards the room where Issei was supposedly recuperating.

On a related note, Vasco Strada had to stay behind to discuss future endeavors with the other leaders of the Underworld, though he sent his best regards for the boy.

Inwardly, Irina was proud and ecstatic to see how much Issei had grown; she might not be an expert, but she had learned enough that there were not many Dragon Emperors who achieved irregular Balance Breakers, let alone defeating an actual god.

Still, the fact that Issei lost the second round against Modi kind of worried her. Despite his easy-going attitude, the boy did not like losing and could be more competitive than he let on. At the very least, she wanted to make sure that he was doing alright and would continue doing so.

Thus, she did not expect to see Issei chatting and laughing with Magni and Modi - the former was situated on the same bed next to his, while Modi was sitting on a chair between them.

On that note - Asia was already stationed next to Issei with Asclepius out - healing him.

"...And then, Eggaguðinn was devoured by one of the frost giants when he was sleeping! With his eyes open! Father watched with his Valkyries dumbfounded as the walking egg crawled out of the jotun's literal arse! We broke out laughing when we heard how the giant looked like he had the bloodiest rectum pain in his miserable life! It was amazing! We had to fight him after hearing that, though we ended up being buried in the earth with our legs sticking out of the ground. One punch was all it took!"

"The same with Thor?"

"Oh, he smacked father down in the halls of Valhalla with belly and head filled with mead! Then again when he was sober. The stories are now legendary! Speaking of which, come with us to Asgard! You will belong in the halls of Valhalla! By Odin, you will enjoy it, finest foods, finest alcohol, and the finest women!"

Modi boasted as he spread his arms proudly.

Issei laughed until his eyes landed on Irina. The red angel girl was pouting at Issei with her arms crossed.

"Err, I'm kind of already taken here…. -Ish."

Irina smiled as the two thunder gods followed Issei's gaze.

"Oh... I see. And is that one of the famous irregular angels I keep hearing about?"

Modi rose from his seat as he stomped over to Irina, who looked up at the towering God as the sapphire-haired viking leaned down, his gaze inspecting her.

"Hmm…. Am pretty sure there's no red angel before… interesting."

"Um… thanks?" Irina awkwardly smiled.

Luckily, the door opened again with Xenovia, Griselda, The Big Bads, and Vali in tow

"...Hmph." Vali approached Issei while Modi and the Big Bads stood face to face.

Issei was more interested in the tension between the four giants than what Vali had to say as the air around the four alphas turned menacing and heavy as their combined body weights.

"You almost disappointed me with your performance. What happened back there? Did you stutter or did all of the electricity break something important?"

"Oh, hah-hah. Just so you know - Modi." Issei pointed at the sapphire Asgardian staring at Platinum in the eyes as silent tensions escalated between them. "...Magnetized his axes to my armor and trapped me. I didn't know what to do until after he used me as a mountain chisel. Even if I did figure it out during that time, he used me as a living lightning rod along the way."

Vali stared at Issei as he simulated what he would do in his head in a similar scenario…

"Yeah, I can see what's going on in your head, and no, you'll pass out before any of the two thunder brothers does the same to you."

"...You don't know that." Vali turned away.

"Unless you can cast spells while being a living lightning rod, I don't think so."

Irina and Xenovia watched the four machos start to raise their arms…

And crossed their arms against the other's as they tensed their muscles in a contest of muscle of war.

"Anyways, Asia, think I'm good now. Please tend to Magni, I think he wants to join in whatever his brother and the Big Bads are doing."

Issei said as he started getting off the bed, stretching his limbs as Asia lifted Asclepius off him with a smile.

As Issei stretched his arms up, Irina approached while looking at him up and down.

"How are you feeling now?" Irina asked while smiling.

"...Good as new. A bit miffed that I lost the second round, and got steam cooked in my armor, but it's all a good learning experience. I'll be fine." Issei replied as he exhaled and wrapped his arms around Irina's waist, pulling her closer towards him, allowing the girl to wrap her own arms around his neck. "...What about you? How have you found the Underworld so far?"

"To be honest, it's nothing like how it was depicted in the Bible. Although I learned that what the Bible refers to was Purgatory rather than the Underworld itself." Irina replied when her smile turned demure. "...You were so cool out there."

"Was I? All I remember was the struggle and the ridiculous lightning and thunder."

"Come on, you did good enough. In fact, I think your effort and performance deserve a reward." Irina said with a flirty wink.

"Didn't know you're this kind of girl." Issei remarked with a knowing smile.

"Tee hee, I can't be the same bubbly shy innocent girl forever."

Asia was pouting with a tinge of envy as she healed Magni with Asclepius. The bedridden thunder god immediately got out of bed and joined Magni in his contest against the Metallic Trio.

"...Issei." Griselda greeted with a bow.

"Sister Griselda. How's the sword I gave you?" Issei asked as he smiled at the older woman.

"I congratulate you on your accomplishment. As for me." Griselda spread her wings.

Issei hummed when he saw eight brilliant wings spread from her form.

"So how strong are you compared to before?"

"As much as I wish to test myself, I do not think I am capable enough to fight against a thunder god."

Then there was a knock on the door.

Everyone turned to see Tsubasa standing by the entrance, clad in a simple light-blue dress. Her expression was rather anxious at the sudden attention directed towards her.

Issei himself was not expecting to see her either, as he and Tsubasa stared at each other as the latter tried her best not to look at Issei's general direction.

A few seconds later, however, Tsubasa steeled her expression and finally saw Issei eye-to-eye.

"...Can we talk? Alone?"

Issei found himself standing on an unoccupied balcony with Tsubasa standing a few meters away from him. Both of them were not facing each other, opting to gaze upon the view outside the mansion.

Neither of them uttered a word for the last few minutes, and if someone were to walk in, they would find the atmosphere downright awkward.

Nonetheless, Issei simply waited patiently for Tsubasa to convey whatever she had in mind.

"...It was a nice match."

Issei blinked and glanced at Tsubasa, who smiled slightly at him.

"Your fight with sons of Thor, I mean. You've grown even stronger."

At least that was not a bad way to start a conversation.

"Thanks… How did your own training go?" Issei asked in return.

"Grueling, but I pulled through. Despite how Azazel behaves most of the time, he certainly got the job done in making us stronger." Tsubasa replied while massaging her arms, feeling her sturdier muscles.

"I heard that Sona and Rias will be pitted against each other for the upcoming Rating Game. How'd that happen?" Issei asked.

Tsubasa sighed wistfully, "Well… It was Lady Leviathan's idea to promote President Sona's ideals and dreams to build a free-for-all Rating Game school."

"Okay, now you need to back up - what is this about Sona wanting to build a school?"

Tsubasa snorted and allowed a small giggle past her lips. Eventually, Issei and Tsubasa were engaged in a conversation - or to be precise, the latter explaining about Sona's dream to create a school where devils from any class can have a chance to prove their worth in the eyes of an aristocratic system. Then, by Serafall's suggestion, Sona should have a Rating Game match against Rias - who had previously defeated Riser Phenex, in order to show the other nobles that she meant business.

"...Not that Rias' dream is anything to scoff at, but I sure as hell won't hold back to help President Sona realize her ambition." Tsubasa finished with a confident smirk.

"Honestly? I think I'm gonna root for you guys. Building a public school sounds cooler than becoming a Rating Game champion. No offense to Rias, of course." Issei replied.

"So you're going to watch our match?" Tsubasa asked.

"Guess so." Issei shrugged, "Not that I have anything else to do later."

"Right, glad to hear that…" Tsubasa nodded before she and Issei returned to gaze at the view outside - going back to silence.

Both of them knew that their talk was far from over, thus Issei opted to wait for a little longer for Tsubasa to say her next piece.

"...M'sorry."

Issei blinked, "...Hm?"

"I'm sorry." Tsubasa did not turn to him, but Issei could see that her expression was that of shame. "...From that day at Lady Leviathan's studio. I shouldn't have done what I did to you."

Issei exhaled through his nose - he had an inkling that Tsubasa wanted to talk about that.

"It's fine; it's not like the past can be undone by holding a grudge over you."

Tsubasa only shook her head slowly, before she smiled sadly, "I… Had a talk with your uncle. He gave me quite a lot to think about."

Issei simply stared at Tsubasa, who kept smiling sadly while gazing at the balcony floor.

"...We should break up."

"...What?" Issei blinked once, twice, before he shook his head briefly, "Um, look, Tsu - if it's about what Uncle Genos said or did to you, don't take it too much to heart. I'll talk to-"

"Ise, what I did to you was a crime!" Tsubasa interrupted, her expression contorted in frustration and shame. "...The fact that we are already dating and our past friendship, is the only reason why Mr. Genos chose not to push this issue further."

"Tsu…"

"Your uncle was right. If I don't have any sort of self-restraint, then I am not ready for a committed relationship. Who knows what would happen if we keep this up? It'd only be a matter of time until either of us make even a bigger mistake." Tsubasa argued with teary eyes.

Issei sighed, "Look, Tsu; I appreciate that you gave this problem much thought; but it's all water under the bridge. I already moved on after I beat the shit out of Riser."

Tsubasa snorted at Issei's attempt at humor. She gave a brittle smile, "Yeah… I am glad to hear that. But even now, I'm feeling like a shameless bitch for showing my face before you. I…"

She then took a deep breath to re-compose herself.

"I'm glad that you are willing to forgive me, Ise… But there are too many things for me to consider and reconsider if we want… Us to work."

"Like what?"

"...I realized that I am a jealous, petty, cowardly girl." Tsubasa hung her head. "I was… kind of desperate and pent-up. Irina took all of your firsts before we hit it off all the way, and I felt like the third wheel in all of this since… I… saw an opportunity and took it. And you were so damn hot, I mean, I saw your fanclub and the yuri girls they were smoking. Seriously, I'm not the only one that thought you were cool and attractive."

"Don't bring that up… actually, show me the fan-club later."

Issei was now deathly curious about the waves he made as Isami.

"Heh…" Tsubasa turned away from the outside scenery and walked inside, then stopped. "You're getting popular, you know?"

Issei could not deny that.

"...I don't want to be left behind… so… I want to see if I can prove myself that I can stand beside you when the time comes. Also… be sure to take good care of the girls around you, Issei. I mean, I'm not a harem protagonist, but you should be more aware and attentive to the girls. Maybe… if you were, the others would not try to do what I did."

Issei regarded Tsubasa for a while before sighing, "...At the very least, are we still friends?"

Tsubasa snorted softly, then she slowly closed the distance between them.

"I really can't win against you." She said before she tip-toed to land a soft kiss on the corner of Issei's lips. "...And you have grown even taller."

Tsubasa stepped back, and the two returned to silence once more, for a few seconds.

"...I should go back first. See you around, Ise."

Issei watched Tsubasa enter the building, leaving him alone to his thoughts.

"...Huh." Issei turned back to the scenery as he gave his situation some thoughts. It was unexpected.

But a part of him felt like this was partially his fault along the way.

Issei gave the girls around him consideration. Rias, Akeno, and Koneko were definitely crushing on him, and he could deal with that. Maybe he should take one of them on a date… or all of them just to see where it could go and flaunt his… harem a little.

"Shit, I really am being corrupted..." Issei snarked to himself as he realized that he found the harem prospect more and more appealing now that Irina had stirred his sex drive.

He gave Asia some thought… the girl was too pure. And thinking about it, she might be fond of him as well. Issei should confirm it with her just in case. He did save her and help from time to time… maybe that would earn him a very special place in her heart. He was really inept in this subject, making himself snort.

As for Ravel, he wondered if he should pamper her for indulging his whims. The girl was really trying and she was a nice one. Too bad her brother was a perverted stalker that recently awakened his masochism.

Maybe it could work…

He tilted his head a little as he tried to give thought to other girls in his life. Kiryuu was… yeah, he felt nothing for her. She was more male hound dog than a female.

The other girls in his class did not trigger anything in him, honestly.

Sona… Well, Issei feared that Saji would go to war with him and turn to the dark, dark, dark side; should Issei were to pursue a relationship with the Student Council President. There were only so many girls one could chase, anyways, and the ocean is large.

"...Alright."

Issei decided to return to the party.

It was time to sample the devil cuisine.

The other girls vanished as if they disappeared into thin air.

The dog was not in the household, brought to the Underworld with bad timing, and Amanda, Zama, Mary, and Catherine received a call from one of the girls in secret, where the Blacks weren't around to notice.

The others were somewhere far away from the Hyoudou household, far away from Kuoh according to the message.

The four arrived far into the outskirts, teleported there in secret. They could not bring one of the Blacks for support, because there was a ransom attached to a word of desperate plea.

Their lives would end if they did not come alone, and their lives would be terminated.

Mary Sapphire grimaced when they appeared in the open. They were not sure who had the gall to kidnap her friends like this. She suspected someone in the Devil Society in a gambit to obtain them as part of their peerage, but there was something about this that worried her.

For one - who would want to kidnap them? They were practically nobodies by this point; or perhaps it might be because they were nobodies that whoever the culprit did not see the consequences?

However, if Mary narrowed down every possible suspect, the last name sent chills down her spine.

"...I am glad that you arrived on time, my lovelies."

Mary and the other three paralyzed, their bones and muscles stiff as ice at the voice from above. They did not want to look. Already the trauma resurfaced and made them tremble as the memories of their torment washed over them like a sudden, unwanted tidal wave as Diodora landed in front of them.

He no longer bore that false disarming smile. His eyes were open, his real ugly, wicked face shone like the light of day, or moonlight in context.

"Your companions were honest when I made them scream for mercy. A king that never uses his peerage like the properties they're meant to be don't deserve them, don't you think?"

All four grit their teeth and clench their fists.

"And he let my properties become rebellious…. Tsk, oh well, I can just break you like before."

"Where are they, you snake?!" Catherine was the first to shout at Diodora as she pulled out her sword.

Diodora looked very amused.

"Hahahaha! Do you really think all four of you can stand against your King?"

"You are not our King! Not anymore!" Amanda shouted defiantly.

"Watch your tongue, Amanda darling... I don't need the obelisk to reaffirm my status once I take your souls. Come, my dears. Reintroduce yourselves to your 'friends'."

Diodora clapped his hands as if calling for his maids.

Appearing out of the sudden teleportation circles that entered their vision - their comrades appeared.

However, they were caked in blood.

"...Teres?" Mary called out the other rook.

"...Run… Mary…" Teres wheezed.

"What… What is this? Why are you all with him? What did you do to them?!" Zama accused, almost trembling at the sight of what looked like treachery.

"I am their King. It's only natural for property to over their lord."

"You are not our lord." Mary sneered at Diodora as demonic power flared in her hands.

"Dears, please reeducate them who their owner is for me, and make it quick. I have a mission to accomplish soon and an appointment with one Asia Argento."

Mary, Catherine, Amanda and Zama braced themselves as the bodies of their comrades convulsed, followed by screams of agony echoing through the night.

To be Continued….

OMAKE

Within the main office of Grigori Headquarters, bustling with fallen angels and field agents alike - thirteen years-old Vali Lucifer was discussing something with one of the Black clones.

"Alright, let me get this straight..." the young devil hybrid asked as he read the paperwork before him, "You said that Rover, that dog, handed you some explosives, made you blow up the safe, and swallowed 3 bottles of booze whole to hide the evidence?"

"Well, if you put it like that, it doesn't sound believable." Black replied with no remorse whatsoever.

On another note, it was also one of the rare days when Azazel was properly doing his job as he walked through the entrance and headed towards his private office, not before addressing Vali first.

"How's the investigation, Vali?"

"Heh, it's too easy for a genius. The report is on your table." Vali replied.

"Well, it's good to see you harnessing that devil ego. Nice work." Azazel took the papers and hummed.

"Okay. Thanks, dad."

As soon as those words came from Vali's mouth, the entire office suddenly went into silence to stare at the young White Dragon Emperor.

"...Why is everyone staring at me?" Vali asked at the attention given to him.

"You just called Azazel 'dad'. You said, 'thanks, dad'." Issei - who was talking with Tobio, replied as both of them were grinning knowingly.

"What? No, I didn't say that; I said, 'thanks, man'." Vali quickly amended with an incredulous expression.

"...Do you see me as a father figure?" Azazel asked with a curious smile.

"No; if anything I see you as a bother figure because you are always bothering me." Vali snided.

Genos - who was talking with Baraqiel, stepped forward, "Vali, I suggest you treat and address your father with respect."

"I didn't call him 'dad'!" Vali vehemently denied.

"Playing recording." Genos said as Vali's exact sentence exited Genos' body.

[Thanks, dad.]

Vali stammered as he looked around, starting to visibly panic with an adorable red blush of shame.

"Vali, Vali, relax." Azazel interfered, "I am moved that you think of me as a father. Thinking about it, I am more surprised that I didn't have any kids with the women I slept with…"

"I take it back, I would rather not have that kind of father." Vali shot back.

"Hey, I am not perfect. I mean… your other family stands on the darker spectrum if you think about it. At least give me a chance."

Vali stood silent as memories of his abusive father swam in his head. He slowly inhaled and banished that past as he grit his teeth a little.

Lavinia - who was also standing with the smiling Pnemue, asked, "Awwww, you're finally opening up."

Vali stammered when the woman walked up to him and hugged him.

"Are you going to call me mommy soon?"

"W-W-W-Wha-no! I don't want you as my mom! You're too pretty for tha-I-I mean, no!"

Black's smile slowly turned sinister as Issei's smile turned impish.

"Oh? Does someone have a mommy fetish?" Black - who was still sitting before Vali, accused.

"You shut up; you've done nothing but lying since we got here, you stupid evil demon imp thing." Vali retorted back.

"Oh, I, the evil demon imp thing, has been caught lying red-handed, whatever should I do? Pfffff, yeah, right." Black cackled.

"Ahah!" Vali stood up and pointed at the dwarf creature, "See? He confessed his lies. It was all just a ruse - it's all my plan all along." The young man finished with a smug smile.

Saitama snorted with amusement while Lavinia giggled as she let go of Vali.

"Oh, I believe you, I believe you." Azazel commented.

"Thank you." Vali nodded.

"...Son."

Everyone in the room snickered and giggled at Vali's embarrassed look at Azazel's 's' word in the end.

"...Would you like to talk about it later over…. Game of catch?" Azazel offered.

Vali simply glared at Azazel with blushing cheeks before he gave a quick response, "...I'd like that."

Okay... After some considerations, I have decided to publish a companion story in you-know-where site. It's basically a compilation of NSFW scene (lemon, smut, etc) that happened off-screen in NEO story so far.

However, until further announcement, the work is Patrons-exclusive only. So if you guys are horny and curious enough to have a look, you just need to donate around 1 or 2 bucks; I did not set any tier on my page, so... Yeah. Also, just to let you guys know, the first chapter of this NSFW work depicted Issei x Irina on chapter 32.

Also, also - I'm just going to ask you guys here and now; while I have the next chapter in mind, which off-screen NSFW/explicit scene do you want me to write in more detail? On that note, requesting a pairing that has yet to sail in NEO will take significantly longer for me to write, so I suggest for something that has taken place in NEO story.

Ahsoei, signing off.

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