One-Punch DxD: NEO
Chapter 70: Grudge Rematch

Those who want to see more, feel free to check out my (P) atreon page! The account is the same as this one! Cheers

Issei could only see darkness.

But there was a fire in him that he could not describe, a churning, roiling energy that was beating in his chest.

[...I have failed. And I have succeeded.]

Issei heard Morgaeus' voice.

No, his name was Ersi.

…What happened to me?

Issei recalled his struggle against demonic power.

[As I said. I have both succeeded and failed.]

That doesn't make a lot of sense if you say it like that.

[You should know the implicit context. I have failed to turn you into a demon.]

Issei sighed with relief.

[But you exceeded my expectations. You dominated the demonic power and made it your own. It is a part of you like a second heart. It seems I have failed to take your special ability into account.]

Issei paused in thought.

So he had managed to take the power on his own terms.

…I take it you have an explanation for that?

[Your special ability. Your power is to inherit the strengths and wills of others and make it your own. The true demonic power I gifted you is yours… You are an honorary member of the Demons now... Of the Mastema Tribe.]

Mastema? What do you mean?

Ersi chuckled.

[I am not sure if Ajuka discovered this and is suppressing this knowledge, but it is possible to adopt others into their bloodlines. Meaning, I granted you a seed of my tribe's power, the ability to manipulate souls.]

Issei's mind started to turn the gears.

…Wait, wait wait… You're telling me… that you can grant others your Bloodline powers? And you gave it to me?

[Yes. I adopted you into my bloodline. You are an honorary Mastema.]

…Holy shit… I didn't think that was possible.

Issei could sense the possibilities with this revelation, the things he could tell Rias… what she could do with it.

…Wait, what do you mean about Ajuka earlier?

[I may be out of touch, but we kept track of the Devils. I have met Ajuka face to face without him knowing it several times, and I learned much about Devil politics. I am not sure if Ajuka had discovered that he could grant his bloodline powers, or his magics, into others with the Evil Pieces. The requirements for that is that a clan bloodline must bleed his or her essence, her spirit or blood, into the transmutation piece via special ritual. There is a strong chance Ajuka might have suppressed this discovery since it is an affront to the current dominant political culture. This discovery would make Nobles obsolete, the thing that made them so special… trivial. It would crush their spirits.]

...Or give them a reason to start a coup d'etat to secure power and status quo.

Issei replied with a frown.

[Oh, I have plans. But the demon lords of the post-war generation will not like it if I casually incite the lower class to murder the nobles. You have to admit, it will be entertaining to watch those arrogant fools struggle.]

Issei could not deny that.

So what now? Why am I seeing only darkness?

[You are recovering from the duress. It is not easy, doing what you did. You have a choice now. I have betrayed you for my own agenda. What will you do with this truth? Will you destroy me out of anger?]

Issei scoffed.

Yeah, I'm no basic bitch. I will get pissed if you try that again, though.

[I understand.]

…What about the girls?

[They are recovering. They worry for you. I offered them a choice while you were recovering. I could resurrect them, new bodies. However, they will become demons, no exceptions.]

Why demons?

[A small price to pay. To further the number of our race. But they rejected my offer. They wish for me to turn them into humans, remove their Devilhood… and let them ascend to heaven.]

What? Why?

Issei could not understand.

[They believe that if they were to live, someone else would use them against you. They are aware that they're your weakness… and they cannot see themselves reaching a level where they can stand with you. They do not have the same fire that the girls around you have… They're tired of the torment. They want to rest in peace.]

Of course… If you put it that way, that's only natural for them.

Issei nodded in understanding with lingering sadness.

[Do you have any final words for them? I can grant them the peace they desire right now.]

….I'm sorry, and it's been a pleasure.

[You have nothing to be sorry for, and the pleasure is theirs, they believe.]

Issei then heard another snap of fingers.

There was a warm sensation… he could feel them. The girls he saved left him… and he could sense their gratitude for the life, even if it's a short one, he gave them.

[It is done.]

Issei smiled, even though he could not see them, he could almost feel their smiles as they ascended to heaven.

[There is nothing else. I am still stuck in the Boosted Gear. I cannot leave without the Welsh Dragon's permission. Without your permission. The dragon made sure of it the moment I entered Boosted Gear before I could do anything about it.]

Heh. So even you have limits.

[I am but a fragment of the whole. This is just a portion of my true power.]

Issei felt like snickering and teasing this fragment.

…Tell me. What is it like to be a Demon? What's the difference between a Demon and a Devil?

[The weakness to holy power and silver is from Lucifer's side. We have no direct relations to God, we are not his creations as the Bible stated. You will have access to all of the powers of our kind and more. However, if you work hard enough, you might be able to achieve Demonic Awakening.]

Issei heard about it.

…The super badass second form, huh? What are the conditions for achieving that?

[Demonic Awakening is a realm only for those who experienced and discovered enough of themselves to awaken the power that slumbered within. Not everyone can achieve it. However, control over your emotions might be… difficult.]

How difficult are we talking?

[You will find out. To master Demonic Awakening is to master yourself, the 'you' that was always there yet almost never confronted. And from there, one can find the path to truly Awaken. To ascend to the realm your father stands.]

Issei pondered on the prospects of being a demon, or an honorary demon like Ersi said.

[I can offer you training if you wish. How to harness the power of my kind, of the Mastema bloodline within you.]

And… What else can you do besides hacking Boosted Gear and stuff?

[Oh, many things. However, if you want full mastery, you will have to join us.]

Or I can convince someone else of your tribe to teach me. Or threaten to send my dad your way.

[Clever.]

Ersi humored.

[Very well. I admit defeat. What will you do with this fragment then? Keep me? Release me?]

Honestly, I am tempted to keep you because of how good you are at hacking Boosted Gear. But then again, you pulled a dick move.

[It was a good attempt.]

And I'm not sure what else you can do, and I'm kind of scared. Alright, I'll let you out… but not without showing me how to summon Elsha and Belzard and putting the other past users in their place if they have any funny ideas.

Ersi laughed at Issei's demands.

[Ahahahahahahaha! Wise choice. Very well.]

Issei winced as he felt something invading his mind.

It was a rush, a deluge of… information, knowledge. The basics of soul manipulation, how to dominate other spirits, and how to break them out of Boosted Gear.

[Done. I can take my leave, but I will need a vessel. A familiar or random animal will do for me this time.]

Issei did not know that it was also possible to transmit information, knowledge with soul manipulation. He even had the basics of the technique burned into his brain, so he did not ask.

Issei sighed with relief and burned with anticipation on the possibilities.

The first one was a way to get back at the other past users.

One question… Did you plan this all along? Getting inside Motohama just to get to me and…

[I am intelligent, not omniscient. I am, unfortunately, stuck with two worst choices. No, three worst choices. The girl with spectacles is as much of a pervert as the other two.]

Pffffff.

Issei broke down into snickering at Ersi's misfortune.

Yeah… Can you wake me up?

The next second, Issei fluttered his eyes open and saw Asia's face above his own.

"Ise, you're awake!" Asia smiled in relief.

"...Asia?" Issei blinked before he woke up to get a better look at the girl.

Issei sniffed… he blinked.

The colors of the room were crisper than before. Issei blinked as he sniffed the air.

"...Is that perfume?" Issei asked as he continued sniffing.

[Our noses are strong. What you smell is the girl's evolved angelhood… it surprises me to see that she is now at the level of the God I hate, yet purer.]

Ersi explained.

"Um, no?" Asia denied.

"Never mind. What happened when I was out? What happened to Diodora? Since I'm still in my body, did you guys kill him? Like really kill him?" Issei asked.

Body burned to ash and soul sent back to hell where he belonged.

"Um… About that…" Asia was about to reply, only for someone to interrupt.

"Um, hello everyone."

Everyone turned to the door.

Lint Sellzen, the female Freed as Issei liked to dub her, came through the door.

"Like, sorry for not being here often, but I have like exorcist stuff to do like securing the border and whatnot. Anyways, uh, sorry but bear with me for a moment as…"

She awkwardly stepped aside, allowing a group of… robed individuals wearing skull masks to enter the room.

"Grim Reapers?" Issei gawped at the sight of Hades' robed servants of Death.

"Yeah, they came here to question us on… well, the breach of security. Like an army of ghosts and the necromancer."

"E-Eh?!" Millicas squeaked.

"I am Orpheus, servant of Thanatos." The Grim Reaper at the vanguard announced. "I am here to question you all on the matter of the necromancer and to sweep this area of stray evil spirits. We are sorry that we aren't here earlier, but the Necromancer sent… most of his army to distract us."

[Ah…. That explains why they didn't arrive earlier to smite the mad one.]

Ersi explained.

"His army was large, so it took us time to reap it to the last soul. Who is in charge of this area?" Orpheus asked.

"I am, along with Rias Gremory." Sona stepped forward. "I am Sona Sitri of House Sitri, Heiress of the Sitri Clan. To summarize our situation, the necromancer has invaded my territory, but we destroyed him and his army. If you wish, I can report the details in my office if you like."

"Hmmm. Very well. Lead the way, Sona Sitri." Orpheus nodded as Sona left the room with the Grim Reapers behind her.

Once they left the room, Millicas quickly ran to Issei.

"B-Big bro. I-I heard that… well…"

Rias placed a hand on her nephew's shoulder.

"Issei. I have a request for the demon… no, I hope you can convince the demon to honor my request."

Issei stared at the two Gremories with a quirked brow.

"What? What'd I miss?"

Rias inhaled, "...During the battle, we managed to salvage Grayfia's father and save his soul from Purification. He is now free from Diodora's grasp, but… he refuses to pass on to Heaven and he will not go back to Malebolge."

"Why?"

"Every soul that is released from Hell is bound to the eldritch being known as GOD. Lord Lucifuge heard it from Diodora in one of his… gloats."

There was a tense pause for a moment.

"What?" Issei asked.

"I-If my grandpa tries to leave, he… he will die for real." Millicas explained.

Issei stared at him, still confused.

"...Let me explain." Rias then starter to recount the events after Issei passed out.

"So cute…"

Issei remarked without thinking as Asia blushed, her fairy wings fluttering; the girl was re-telling the boy of what happened and showing him her new form.

Issei then received some funny stares from other girls, prompting him to clear his throat and focus back to the matter at hand.

Elsha and Belzard had already introduced themselves to the children, explaining how they were here to everyone's shock while Issei was passed out.

Vali did not know that it could be done, summoning the past users to fight for him. He planned to experiment with his Sacred Gear and build on this, a plan to use the past users to his advantage beside sealing them.

The two past users returned to Boosted Gear as they would pass onto the afterlife if they linger too long, to return to themselves, fragments seeking to become whole.

"Though, what you did to Diodora is honestly too good for him. He deserves way worse in my opinion… though not sure if GOD snatching his soul is worse than Hell."

"...So will he do it?" Rias asked.

[I will not.]

Ersi rejected.

"E-Eh?! Your gauntlet is talking! Is that the Welsh Dragon?" Millicas pointed out.

Issei forgot that Millicas most likely never heard Ddraig talk from Boosted Gear.

[Let the Reapers send him back to perdition. In fact, you can give his soul to me to torture personally. There is history between us.]

Millicas looked troubled at the words. Seeing the young boy's looks, Issei sighed.

"This one… is not Ddraig. Millicas, meet Ersi, the Demon Lord of Mastema Tribe. Ersi, this is Millicas Gremory - and for fuck's sake, don't be too harsh on the kid."

"Ersi? I thought his name is Morgaeus?" Rias asked.

"...He lied about his name." Issei explained. "He is a fragment of a Demon Lord… kind of like Vritra, honestly, but with more independence. In a strange way, a Demon Lord is in our presence as they like to say."

Everyone stared at the gauntlet with a new perspective on the entity.

"...A Demon Lord?" Xenovia asked.

"Meaning… he's as important as an archangel and a Satan?" Irina asked, now morbidly curious.

[I have defended my people against campaigns of both angels and Devils. I built a mountain of corpses, of death, during the Great War, and I will not tolerate any disrespect.]

Everyone nearly flinched from the Demon's wrathful boasting and warning.

"A Satan and a Demon Lord…" Saji muttered. "Honestly, Demon Lord sounds cliche a little. I mean, usually we defeat Demon Lords in games and stuff. Like Dragon Quest… So, how strong are you?"

Vali starred at the gauntlet, gulping with sweat, now aware that the Demon was no mere chaff.

[I can rip out your Sacred Gear as if snapping a twig, enslave it, and make it devour you and all you hold dear. Come closer so I can demonstrate.]

Everyone turned to Saji.

Saji slowly backed away from Issei, away from his arm's reach.

"Okay, terrifying prospect aside… What history do you have with this Lord Lucifuge?"

[Do you need words? He supported Lucifer when the Devils warred against us. He is responsible for much bloodshed of my people. I do not need to say what I will do to him if the opportunity arises.]

Issei grimaced.

"...Yeah, sorry." Issei shook his head. "There's just too much bad blood between them. I don't think I can help you."

Issei wondered if he could do something about it as he had the power of the Mastema Tribe. He could try to absorb the soul into Boosted Gear but… Ersi was there. And the Grim Reapers were out there.

He had to play things by ear. Not like he could shove the soul anywhere like Boosted Gear…

"...Wait." Issei blinked, "Aren't we forgetting something?"

Or can he?

"What? What is it?" Rias asked, perking.

"...Ersi can hide the souls of others inside Boosted Gear. Boosted Gear is out of the question, but that doesn't mean that Boosted Gear is the only Sacred Gear I can stuff a soul into." Issei explained.

"Oh!" Rias hammered her palm. "Of course, ingenious! But… we still need Ersi to do that. None of us have any knowledge of Necromancy."

"I can try it." Issei smiled.

Everyone stared at Issei as if he grew a second head.

"My turn to explain. Here's what happened to me."

XoX

Everyone stared at Issei, overwhelmed by the information the Demon Lord presented.

"...All this time…" Rias fell into her chair, looking down on her lap. "All this time, we could eliminate the difference in status between our race… just like that? I… This might sound redundant, but my common sense has been broken one too many times in one day. I don't know what to say other than… how is that possible?"

Rias Gremory asked Issei.

[Blood Magic.]

Ersi answered.

[The answer is blood magic. It is not a power that Devils can master as we sealed the potential to do so. Necromancy is a good substitute, however.]

The Devils exchanged glances.

The status quo that was held so long… Rias inhaled, an appointment with her brother planned to discuss the ramification of this truth.

"...Issei." Irina was next to speak up. "So… what are you now? Are you a… Demon, or some kind of new mutant type?"

"Good question. Need to check with Azazel or Uncle Genos to find out," Issei only shrugged with a wry smile in return.

"Can you transform?" Koneko asked with her ears wiggling with anticipation.

"Can I?" Issei asked.

[It is there. Call upon the demonic power within you and let it spread and transform all that you are. It is yours to command as you wish.]

Issei smiled at the demon's honesty.

"Stand back."

Issei got off the bed as the others stepped back.

Vali smiled with excitement when Issei inhaled.

Issei called upon the demonic power within as his human form was consumed by the new power within.

Issei's height grew, his muscles expanded, not like Diodora's hulked out form.

Two horns curled from his head as Issei's teeth sharpened into his fangs, his eyes turned demonic red as his skin turned bloody crimson.

His bladed tail grew as cimmerian organic armor grew over his body like a second skin.

His fingers turned sharp as claws grew in place of nails.

Everyone watched Issei's demonic form. This version was purely organic, no Sacred Gear metal this time.

However, everyone then saw Issei silently looked around, before looking over himself.

"...Ise?"

Issei unleashed a demonic growl.

Everyone leaned back as they felt a hint of intense… aura leaking out of him.

Issei then clenched teeth and quickly undid his transformation, sighing with relief as if he escaped a fire.

"...Ersi. What was that intense, explosive rush of feelings I felt just now?"

[Interesting result. Your transformation is more unique since you are still human. It seems that you have yet to fully adapt to the effects of true demonic power.]

"You mean…"

[You have the powers of a demon, but not the temperamental will of one. Your emotions will be magnified manyfold while in demonic form, more than usual. Demonic Awakening is much, much more intense. It seems that dominating the power has a price you must compensate for and overcome.]

Issei hummed while staring at his clenched hand, "...Of course it won't be so easy."

Issei would have been surprised if Ersi could maintain this much composure over such emotional intensity.

His lingering hatred for Diodora grew from a candle to a raging bonfire that nearly spilled to his friends.

"...Can I access the powers of the Mastema Tribe in human form?" He asked.

[That, you will find out yourself.]

Issei scoffed at his gauntlet.

"Alright, let's do this. Where are you hiding the old ghost anyways?" Issei asked.

"In the old school building." Rias answered.

"Saji, Vali, who wants to… actually, Ersi might try to kill one of you if we do this." Issei pursed his lips.

Vali and Saji stared at Issei, their eyes slowly turning to the gauntlet.

"...Yeah, Imma sit this one out." Saji stepped back.

"Let him try. I want to see this power of his myself." Vali harrumphed with arrogance.

"Okay, uh, don't say I didn't warn you. Rias, take us there."

Rias nodded as she and Millicas stepped forth, summoning a teleportation circle.

Vali and Issei stepped into the red magical circle as they disappeared, reappearing in the clubroom of the ORC.

On the sofa, they saw the old man, Lord Lucifuge, the ethereal spirit reading one of the books in the building to pass the time.

He looked up, seeing Millicas running towards him.

"Grandfather! Grandfather! The Grim Reapers are here to take you away!" Millicas stopped before the translucent Lord Lucifuge, bouncing with energy. "But we have someone that can help you!"

"More like smuggling you into the Underworld." Issei scoffed as he, Vali, and Rias approached the old archdevil.

"Ahhh… I know you." Lord Lucifuge smiled at them as he closed his book. "When I was forced to stay on standby as Diodora's personal bodyguard, he would sometimes always rant about the one human that he swore to do unspeakable things to. It is an honor to meet one of my liberators…. And my niece-in-law's beloved."

"Hey!" Rias shouted, blushing furiously.

"Well, we do kind of have a thing for each other." Issei admitted, eliciting a redder blush as she pouted at him.

"Teasing aside… you do not believe what it is like to see the fruits of your child's happiness after years of unspeakable horrors. I always think of Grayfia when Lucifer took his turn… to torture me. It is what kept my mind sane for so long." His smile fell as a heavy atmosphere descended into the room.

Even Millicas stopped smiling, the youthful energy in him dowsed.

"...Speaking of Lucifer, where is the Betrayer?" Vali asked, glancing at Issei's gauntlet. "I know for a fact that he's up and about. What is he doing?"

Lord Lucifuge turned to Vali.

"...You remind me of Lucifer himself…"

"Vali Lucifer. Descendant of the Betrayer."

"The Betrayer?" Lucifuge quirked a brow. "That is one of his titles… the only ones who would use that title is…"

"We know." Issei answered.

Lord Lucifuge hung his head.

"...When I was born through Lilith, I didn't know the man that raised me. He was the only parent I know, a father figure… In a sense, I saw him more as my God." Lucifuge inhaled and exhaled slowly. "I aided Lucifer in slaughtering the Demons that lingered on Earth. On Gaia. I led campaigns that defiled their shrines and sacred grounds… and presented him with the Gifts of Gaia and the scrolls of forbidden knowledge. I helped armed Lucifer with the tools he needed to create his own godslaying weapons."

"The Malebranche." Rias answered.

"...Yes. I… heard that they were missing…"

"We found them." Vali answered.

"...Were they released as I feared?" He asked.

"They found a worthy host. He nearly destroyed the Underworld. And he saved it right after." Rias answered.

"...I see." Lucifuge inhaled. "...Lucifer plans to restore his own body through Lilith. She is trapped in Cocytus. Demons and Angels cannot breach the facility that houses her, Lucifer spent so many resources ensuring that the Demons could not find her, could not save her, as she was the key in supplying our numbers in our war against God. If he reaches her, and he probably did, billions of Devils that do not know better would spring forth, and this time, there will be no God creating Angels to balance the tide."

Everyone widened their eyes with shock to hear about Lucifer's sinister endgame, to overwhelm the world with numbers.

"...But I do not know why he didn't spring to action." Lucifuge looked up at them. "At this point, he would've announced himself to the world. Sway the Devils that are still loyal to him to do the unspeakable. Or… it could be that he is biding his time due to unforeseen obstacles."

The children could guess one of them, that being a bald superhero that fought Demon God Garou to a standstill.

"Do you know where Lilith is?" Vali asked.

"...He did not trust anyone to know that location specifically. But I can help with that if you wish, assuming he didn't transport Lilith to another location."

"I see…" Vali sighed with relief.

[I can tell what the cambion is trying to do.]

Ersi spoke in Issei's mind.

…Is it working?

[I meant it when I said that Lilith swears to abort every child he made with Lucifer. Do you even imagine what it is like for her? A lone woman forced to birth an ever-expanding army? The pain of isolation and violation of her body?]

Issei grimaced at the visual imagery. It would be harder for Vali than he thought.

[Time will tell if she still has the fire to kill the Devils in her.]

"Are you ready?" Issei asked as he inhaled.

He had never done this before, but the knowledge still burned into his mind.

It was there, reaching out to the essence, the ethereal matter that was Lord Lucifuge.

"...I wish to see my daughter again… and Sirzechs. There is much I want to say and apologize for." He smiled sadly.

"I know." Rias nodded. There was a tear flowing down her eye.

Issei gestured to Vali to come with him as they stepped forth. Vali summoned Divine Dividing gauntlet on his right arm.

"Sorry if… this hurts you." Issei apologized.

"Hm? What do you mean?" Lord Lucifuge asked.

Issei plunged his hand into Lord Lucifuge's chest.

Lord Lucifuge winced, looking as if he was about to birth a scream from his mouth.

Issei concentrated, his demonic power spreading and taking hold of Lucifuge's spirit, dominating the spirit to his will.

"E-EH?!" Rias and Millicas watched with shock as Lord Lucifuge was compressed, shrinking into a ball of light held in Issei's right hand.

"...Huh, it worked." Issei sighed with relief.

[Your first attempt is a bit crude. He must've felt as if his organs were crushed and his bones ground to powder.]

Ersi scoffed with amusement.

"...Uhhhhh…" Issei then turned to Rias and Millicas, who was staring at him, "Sorry."

Rias was pouting disapprovingly while Millicas was looking at him with a hurtful look.

[Hahahahaha! He won't die, he's already dead. But maybe he'll go insane, I hope.]

"Stop talking." Issei demanded, wanting to get this over with.

Vali snickered as he presented Divine Dividing to Issei.

"Alright… Hope Albion can help fix him." Issei asked as he shoved the spirit orb into Divine Dividing, willing the spirit to enter the artifact while uncompressing Lucifuge's spirit.

"Alright, I think that's it. Albion, how's it hanging over there? Is he alright?" Issei asked.

[It will take some time until he can converse with anyone.]

Albion informed with amusement, seeing the mangled groaning body of Lord Lucifuge in Divine Dividing.

"Ugh…" Issei grimaced. "...Can you heal him or something?"

[Hahahahaha! I am not a healer. He would have to fix himself. Or call upon the angel girl with the baby flying snake.]

Vali's snickering grew more apparent, forcing Issei to scowl.

The Reapers remained at Kuoh to sweep the area lingering under spirits.

"So, how'd things go on your side?" Issei asked Silver.

He joined the children as they made their way towards the market square as dusk set.

"The Bio-girl helped defend the school. There are a few children in the middle school years showing promise as they try to fend off the evil spirits."

Silver answered. Yuuto was leading them towards the sun set in the horizon, dying the town streets orange.

"Really? The school has special people in Middle School?"

Issei did not know that.

"I was surprised as well. Everyone fought to the end until our little angel unlocked her true potential."

Asia blushed at the praise. Rassei poked out of her hair, a baby once more, nuzzled against Asia's forehead with encouragement, encouraging smiles from the others.

"Yeah… how are you feeling, Kiba?" Issei asked. "There's no way Freed didn't use that chance to munch on a few rogue spirits."

Yuuto didn't stop as they entered the street.

"...Bitter." Kiba admitted. "I am nervous. I… don't know how I should feel, exactly."

Walking out of the corner of the next street was 'Katase.'

She was crudely walking, throwing her leg forward up left and right while holding the katana, resting it on her shoulder while whistling in a Freed-like manner. She continued walking in the weird, unladylike manner until she stopped in the middle of the street, grinning maniacally at Yuuto.

"Yoho, you bunch of devilish vigilantly motherfuckers! You actually made it! Come on, got anything to say to me before we start this party off?!" Freed warned.

"Yeah, how are you still around? I thought Asia had purified all of the renegade spirits back at school." Issei asked.

"I bailed with the meatsuit. And… wait, that was you?" Freed looked at Asia. "Damn, you're bright. Whooo, don't have any funny ideas. I'm not going out without a fight."

Yuuto stared at 'Katase' as he summoned a katana, one only meant to harm spirits, not living people.

"...Do we really have to do this?" Yuuto asked.

"Uh, yeah?" Freed said. "Grudges can be a bitch to stave off, y'know. Besides, let me ask you this. Did you REALLY have to cut my head off?"

Yuuto relaxed his grip.

"No… No, I did not." Yuuto admitted. "Honestly, I was not myself at that time. I should've brought you in for questioning."

"Yeah, fuckin' thought so." Freed snarked.

"...In a way, I brought this upon myself. I am sorry for sending you to hell earlier than you should've."

"Hah! Nice comeback! Well, I learned a lot from Hell. Honestly, being there is not like hearing all about it. I mean, I can go all day about what it was like, being lost, confused, got scorched by the cursed air, the terrible neighbors, and all that stuff. Anyways, let's do this."

Katase drew Muramasa and entered a wild stance.

Yuuto entered a more refined stance. Balance Breaker was locked out, meaning he must defeat Freed with the power he always had.

Yuuto inhaled and exhaled, calming himself as he remembered Okita's lessons.

Freed's wild grin widened as he summoned six holy demon katanas… Yuuto blinked when each of the weapons positioned themselves in a strange way.

Issei blinked as he leaned forward.

Each of the floating swords look as if they were held by a samurai warrior.

"...You don't think…" Issei had a bad feeling about this as Yuuto summoned more Katanas around him just in case, cold sweat leaking off his pores.

"I had a loooot of time practicing my mojo! Also, here's one more thing!" Freed cackled as he pulled out another sword.

It was a holy sword.

Everyone stared at the pure holy bastard sword, the hilt was covered in leather, fur sprouting from the grip.

"Say hello to Lobera, the Wolf Slaying Sword!" Freed snickered. "I actually got this sword when I was in Europe! Got connections with the fatasses of the Church, found one of their stashes. This sword ain't that special, it's only power lets it hurt wolves and dogs like it does to dragons, but it's more than enough to cut you down like one!"

Everyone didn't expect Freed to pull out something like that.

Yuuto summoned another sword in hand, going for dual-wielding as his concerns spiked.

The Knight inhaled as he braced himself for what might be his greatest test to date. He slowly inched towards Freed step by step. He was not sure how strong and fast this Freed was, but Yuuto was sure this Freed had more tricks up his sleeve.

He was not sure how much power this Freed could pull out of Katase. Katase was still a normal, athletic girl.

Freed tightened his grip on his swords as he waited for Yuuto to approach him this time.

Yuuto squinted at Freed.

Usually, Freed would just attack first like a wild animal. His time in hell had honed his patience.

Once they were within arm distance, both strode in and clashed their blades.

Freed was strong in Katase, and Yuuto was surprised that Freed could draw out this much strength out of her, but that was it, Yuuto was still stronger and faster.

However, the other six swords moved in and started attacking.

Yuuto backed away from the onslaught as the levitating katanas wildly swarmed him, swinging wildly without a modicum of technique.

But they were fast and they hit hard.

The sun almost finished setting as Yuuto rushed past the swords with his superior speed, but Freed froze him in place with his telekinesis.

"Hah!"

Then Yuuto broke out of it with a burst of Aura as he threw a ghost-slaying katana at Freed.

Freed's smile fell as he blocked the sword, the onslaught of the floating swords ceased long enough for Yuuto to summon another sword and charge in at Freed.

Freed summoned more katanas as the sword blocked Yuuto's right slash as Freed summoned three more katanas to add to the pressure, pushing Yuuto back.

Honestly, if there wasn't such high stakes, Yuuto would've been impressed with this level of control.

"Hehehehe! Jealous that you can't use swords like I can, you cuck?!" Freed cackled.

"Have you forgotten what my Sacred Gear is?!" Yuuto then conjured several demonic swords, "Mine might be demonic, but what's the difference by this point?!"

"Mine can kill you easier!" Freed retorted as the five swords scattered, four attacking Yuuto from his sides while Freed moved in.

Yuuto found his moment. While he was a swordsman, he was still a Devil.

Magic was still at his disposal which Okita viciously reminded him with discipline as the swords sunk into his flesh.

Freed's smile widened, but fell as he escaped Katase's body the moment Yuuto's ghost slaying sword stabbed into Katase from behind.

"Tsk!" Yuuto clicked his tongue.

Freed looked at the other Yuuto that had been 'stabbed,' only to find it dissipated - a brief illusion.

"Oh, that's cheap! You're into parlor tricks, now!?" Freed, the spirit, sneered as Katase's body fell as Yuuto pulled out his sword.

There was no bleeding from Katase's body, her health still intact. Silver's tentacle latched onto Katase and pulled her out of the war zone, the macho throwing the girl over his shoulder like a sack potato.

Freed was still holding Muramasa and Lobera, looking down at Yuuto.

"I'm still a Devil, Freed! You're not the only one with tricks!"

"Hah! What kind of Devil sucks at magic?! Let me show you how to fight like a vengeful spirit!"

Freed summoned many, many holy demon katanas, a swarm of blades as they flew towards Yuuto like a locust hungry for his devil blood. Sᴇaʀᴄh the ɴøvᴇlFɪre.ɴet website on Gøøglᴇ to access chapters of nøvels early and in the highest quality.

Yuuto only put up a defensive stance, and glared at the incoming hail of blades - if he wanted to be honest, compared to Issei and Black's brutal training, those swords were moving at slow-motion.

The problem was that these blades were almost sentient in behavior reflecting Freed's character.

Some flew like boomerangs, rotating like helicopter blades, some came at him like a flying swordsman ready to strike, others came at him like arrows and spears.

Yuuto then conjured another sword - a rather big one. He held the pommel with both hands and slammed the blade vertically to the ground, just when the swords were enclosing him.

BOOM!

A dome of explosive shockwave occurred, blasting the hail of swords away, leaving Yuuto standing on a sizable crater on the ground.

Then Yuuto threw a katana at the hovering spirit above.

Freed was about to deflect it before it suddenly drowned his vision and the surroundings in light - a flashbang sword.

"You little…!" Freed turned intangible and entered the Veil immediately, dodging the next thrown holy demon sword.

However, the sword pierced through him to his shock despite that he was in another plane.

Yuuto knew the habits of ghosts due to Issei's experience with a ghost boy and what they could do. He discussed tactics with Issei beforehand on what Freed might do in certain situations as a ghost.

So Yuuto made a sword that can cut the intangible just in case.

"What the fuck…?!" Freed growled as he was forced to manifest outside of the Veil again, writhing in pain from the damage inflicted to his existence.

However, Freed suddenly froze - he immediately glanced at Muramasa which was pulsing in his hold.

Yuuto himself also stopped on his trek, his eyes were on Muramasa, whose pulse grew stronger by beat.

Suddenly, Freed lurched as if something jolted through him.

Muramasa's pulsing grew more frantic, dark lines and marks signifying corruption then appeared across Freed's body, and they originated from the hand that was holding the sword.

"Behave, you sword bitch!" Freed growled as he began to exert his dominance against whatever Muramasa was doing to him.

Freed hammered Lobera onto Muramasa repeatedly, forcing a shriek that everyone could hear.

Muramasa's blade then shone in an eerie glow - its once pristine appearance after Yuuto's purification ritual on him, began to darken, as if it returned to its original form.

[You dare to lay your filthy hands upon me….]

Muramasa's voice echoed - her tone was sinisterly livid.

"Oh, I dare!" Freed banged Lobera on Muramasa again.

[You dare to turn myself against my master…!]

"And what, let him turn Super Saiyan and cut me down?! It's called strategy, bitch! Now shut up and do as I say!" Freed slammed Lobera on the flat side of Muramasa, forcing a banshee howl.

"Stop it!" Yuuto spread his devil wings and took flight, each hand armed with a holy demon katana.

Freed turned to Yuuto as he clashed blades using Lobera and Muramasa.

Hoarfrost coated Yuuto's fingers in their first clash to Yuuto's shock, his heat, energy, and life force leaving him into Freed.

"Don't mind me taking this; because this bitch of a sword is also sucking mine as we speak!" Freed grinned.

"Issei, what is happening?" Rias asked.

"The bastard actually learned how to siphon energy from the living and the air. I heard that it's a high level technique. The ice is a side effect from Freed sucking the literal heat, and he's applying it to his sword attacks via Aura," Issei explained.

Yuuto moved back, but Freed pulled him back with telekinesis, hammering Yuuto with powerful, manic strikes, his Aura leeching Yuuto's heat, stamina, and magic.

[Master!]

Muramasa shouted with worry at the beating. She then picked up her pace in draining Freed's own life force.

[Release him at once, you brute!]

Freed flinched - the corruption on his sword arm began to grow more until it reached his upper-arm.

Each and every clash left Yuuto weaker and weaker.

If this continued, Yuuto would fall before Freed did as Yuuto poured all of his concentration into this one counter.

There was one counter Yuuto had in mind.

Yuuto inhaled as he dropped his swords to Freed's surprise and quickly armed himself with speed-enhancing katanas.

These Katanas could only be used once before they shatter into dust.

One moment was enough as Yuuto's mind decelerated the world into slow motion for a single second, the katanas already shattering into dust as Yuuto threw the holy demon metal powder at Freed's face, blinding him, burning his face.

Then Yuuto grabbed Freed's hand holding Muramasa and forced the arm to ram Muramasa into Freed, making the spirit commit seppuku himself.

Freed gave a harsh exhale, as he stared at the blade piercing through his belly. He then trailed up to meet Yuuto's glare with his own.

"...You bitch." Freed spoke before he gave a resigned grin. "Well played, Kiba. Well played."

Muramasa's demonic corruption consumed Freed inside out before Freed broke down, his spiritual form sucked into the holy demon katana.

Everyone watched as Yuuto slowly descended, holding Muramasa in his hand with a sigh.

"...That… was a poetic finisher." Silver slowly clapped at Yuuto's dramatic victory.

"Yuuto!" Rias and her Peerage ran towards Yuuto when he fell on his knees, wheezing for his life. Muramasa transformed into her human form, holding Yuuto's shoulder.

"You did great! How are you feeling?!" Rias asked as she helped him up.

Asia ran towards him and already started healing Yuuto with Asclepius.

"Tired… exhausted. Honestly, I'm surprised I got out of that fight unscathed. It's too taxing on my mind," Yuuto let out a weak grin.

"You were awesome!" Millicas shouted. "You were against the ghost's many swords and went, shing, clank, and then you went raaaaaagh!"

The boy childishly mimicked Yuuto's fight with Freed, much to everyone's amusement.

Xenovia walked up to the holy sword and knelt before it.

"...So this is Lobera." She picked it up and inspected it.

Xenovia and Irina had no use for a third holy sword, honestly.

Lint looked sullen as she stared at Muramasa.

"...What… happened to Freed?" Lint asked Muramasa.

Muramasa's face darkened, shadowed with malice.

"...I am punishing his spirit." She said. "I am my maker's… daughter? Yes, his daughter I suppose."

Muramasa held out her hand as she summoned a Katana.

Everyone stared at the katana in her hand. The hilt was white, the metal blade dark blue.

What made this katana stand out was its Aura. The aura did not belong to Yuuto or Muramasa.

Issei stared at the new sword for a few moments before he turned to the demon sword, "...Did you just turn Freed into… That?"

Muramasa smiled cruelly, "I most certainly did. A fitting penance for a denizen of Hell, no?"

Everyone felt like stepping away from the sword woman. To think that she had the power to turn any soul into a weapon…

"...What are you planning to do with him?" Rias asked, afraid of the answer.

"Oh, I don't know. I have a few ideas… like banging him against a rock as payback." Muramasa grinned.

"...May I have the sword?" Lint asked.

Everyone turned to the 'sister' of Freed Sellzen.

"Yeah… I know. But honestly, this is the best deal he's gonna get out of everything. And we're practically siblings, so he might warm up to me better than anyone else." Lint reasoned.

Everyone exchanged glances, before Yuuto nodded to Muramasa, who then handed the sword to the exorcist.

"...Tsk, very well. I suppose his service for our cause will suffice." Muramasa summoned a sheath and sheathed Freed. She handed the Katana over to Lint.

"The sword should hold the prisoner's powers. Do with him what you will," Muramasa said, earning a brief chuckle from the other girl.

"I'll do my best." Lint replied with a wink, before she turned to her new sword, "Let's get along, yeah, brother?"

The sword rattled in her hand.

Yuuto could imagine Freed begging Lint to unsheathe him and stab him in the gut or something like that.

"Should we give Freed a test run?" Lint asked.

"I can help with that tomorrow. Right now, I want to eat something good and go to bed." Yuuto smiled weakly.

Issei smiled at the ending. He still had something to take care of tonight.

Issei was alone in the backyard of his mansion. The school was safe, and Katase had been returned to her family, who had been 'suggested' to not know the wiser.

He waited by Rover's doghouse.

He lay beside Rover, his back resting on Rover's hide while his best friend was eating his favorite spiced steak.

"Yo."

Black popped up, waddling towards Issei.

"Got ya an animal you can use."

Black presented a dead pigeon.

Issei stared at the corpse with slight disgust.

"Really?" Issei asked.

"What? Does it need to be alive?" Black asked.

[It should suffice.]

The demon answered. Despite being with him for less than a full day, Issei already felt as if he was losing a long-time companion for some reason.

His first encounter with a Demon Lord and he already learned so much about God, his mind expanded with new possibilities, and he even got a new badass demonic form that had to master with effort.

And Diodora died a horrible death while Freed was punished by becoming a Holy Demon Ghost sword.

It was a good day in his opinion.

"...Say, before you leave, I gotta ask you something. More… like a favor." Issei requested.

"When I was little, I unlocked Juggernaut Drive… I…"

[Say no more. I understand the pain.]

Issei nodded.

"...I want to know why I survived. Is it because of my dad's blood, me being free of the curse, or both?"

[Hmmm. One moment…]

Issei waited.

He looked at Black, his friend showing a somber expression. He knew about Issei's greatest trauma. Rover whined a little and nuzzled against Issei, knowing his current state of mind.

[Ahhhhh. It seems you have awakened your ability much, much earlier than I expected. You grounded the power from consuming you by your ability. You have inherited, or in this case, took much of the Longinus' power. It is buried, deep, deep within you.]

Issei blinked at that answer.

"What? Wait, so… you're saying that I have a piece of the Juggernaut Drive's power all this time? Then why can't I feel it?"

[It's buried by regret and trauma. You are rejecting the power within you for so long that you don't even know it.]

Issei stared at his gauntlet, unable to digest and process this information.

"...Seriously…"

The truth that he was holding himself back all along annoyed him. He scoffed, the things he could do with this power.

"Thanks. I… hope we can meet again in person. Though without you trying to kill every Devil in existence."

[Ahahahahaha. Who knows? I cherish our time together, as short as it may be. Bring the corpse to me.]

Issei smiled as he grabbed the dead bird and placed it on Boosted Gear. A black miasma flowed from Boosted Gear and into the corpse. The bird's dead eyes blinked.

Its broken legs snapped back into place, wings straightened, hopping onto Issei's gauntlet as it rolled its neck left and right.

"Pray that the next time we meet that you arrive with your demonic form mastered." Ersi fluttered and took to the skies, leaving Issei behind.

"...Interesting day." Black commented.

"Yeah."

They watched the pigeon fly to the borders of Kuoh Town.

"...By the way, the girls said they want to talk to you about something. They're in your room." Black said with an unreadable smirk.

Issei blinked, "Who?"

"See for yourself."

After parting ways with Gasper within the mansion they stayed at, Yuuto and Muramasa finally arrived in their shared room.

As soon as the door was closed, Muramasa suddenly pulled Yuuto into a crushing hug, as she buried her face within the crook of his neck.

"Muramasa, what-"

However, Yuuto paused when he felt Muramasa's body was trembling, followed with sobs as he felt moisture on his skin where her face was buried. His expression softened, and slowly he wrapped his arms around her back, his hand running circles in a soothing manner.

"I was…" Muramasa began with a choked sob, "I was so scared; I thought we'd be separated forever."

Yuuto glanced at her before he sighed, "...Me too, Muramasa."

"Being held by that… That thing - I don't want to return to the past. Not when you are my wielder now." Muramasa carried on.

Yuuto patted Muramasa's back, "Yes… I'm sorry for letting you go. I'll become stronger. I promise."

"...No."

Muramasa then pulled back, so she could meet Yuuto's eyes with hers, "We will become strong, together."

Yuuto smiled at the idea, as they then pressed their foreheads against one another, enjoying each other's presence.

They remained in that position until Muramasa spoke, "...Master, I have a request."

Yuuto blinked, "Hm?"

"...Please don't let go of me tonight."

Yuuto blinked again, "I beg your pardon?"

Muramasa blushed - which was rare of her, "We… don't have to do anything else, if that is your wish; just… hold me until morning. I can transform myself if that is more convenient for you, so… Please?"

Seeing the pleading and longing in her eyes, Yuuto sighed, albeit good-naturedly, "...As you wish."

Muramasa then yelped when her world shifted. Thanks to his past training with Issei and Black, Yuuto's muscles had grown harder, despite their smaller mass, to be strong enough for him carrying Muramasa bridal-style.

"My, oh my." Muramasa giggled as she leaned her head against Yuuto's neck. "You've grown stronger already… My hero."

Yuuto paused as Muramasa placed a quick kiss on his cheek, but he took it in stride as he carried her all the way to the bedroom. He usually would have dinner first, but the day was too taxing that he and Muramasa opted to go straight to bed.

XoX

Upon entering his room, Issei was greeted by the sight of Asia Argento - clad in a thin nightgown that did not leave her body much to imagination, who was sitting on his bed.

"Err….." Issei looked around, not sure of what to do, "What am I looking at here?"

"Um…" Asia - who was blushing like crazy, replied while twiddling her fingers, "I-I-I-I heard from Irina and Xenovia, that the angels and fallen angels have been researching about A-Ascension. T-they said that Kokabiel's new power was incorporated into our Brave Saints, s-s-so t-theoretically speaking, i-if we - reincarnated angels are to Ascend….." Her face began to emit faint steam, "W-w-w-we are not in danger of falling while m-m-making love! I-I v-volunteered to test that t-theory!"

There she said it, Asia then clenched her eyes shut in embarrassment.

Issei stared wide-eyed at the flustered girl, catching her intention as he sported a healthy pink shade on his cheeks as well. Eventually, he breathed deeply to calm himself, before he ran his hand through his locks as he approached Asia.

"Look, Asia." Issei began while placing his hand on top of the girl's crown, "First of all, I… have to admit that ever since we met for the first time, you've been…. An odd one - in a great way!" he quickly amended when Asia looked as if she were caught off guard.

When Asia calmed down, Issei continued, "You're honest, diligent, always look at the best in everyone - even Black; and believe it or not, you are one of the toughest girls I've ever known in my life."

Asia's face went even redder as she looked away shyly, "I-Ise, I'm not that strong."

"No, you are - look at me."

Asia slowly turned and met Issei's sincere look, "You had been dealt with a bad hand in your life - being used by the Church as some kind of trophy mascot - a holy maiden; and after everything you've done for them, they banished you for being true to your heart. Yet, never once you lose hope and faith. That takes courage and strength."

Issei then took Asia's hands in his, "You are strong, Asia. Not just me, everyone in this house thinks so too. And…"

Issei looked a tad bashful, "...To be honest, whenever I saw you work to heal many people back there - you looked... So cool, kind of hot, even."

The moment became awkward for a few seconds before Issei pushed through, "Anyway, days that I spent with you, and with… Everything we've gone through together, I think… I think I've… I've grown to see you in the way I see Irina."

Asia's heart leapt to her throat at the not-so-direct confession, but a confession nonetheless.

"Still, while I find you beautiful and all with…. All of this." Issei gestured to their current situation, "Are you really sure you want to do this? I mean, you don't have to go this far just to prove some theory."

In return, Asia bit her lips as she leaned her head against Issei's chest and wrapped her arms around him.

"I am sure." Asia whispered against Issei's body, "Because I have realized… That I love Ise." She then looked up and smiled radiantly at him, "I… I don't care about the theory about our angel-hood. I love you, and that's all that matters to me. Even if I fall tonight…"

Asia then leaned forward to capture Issei's lips with her own.

"...I will always cherish the meeting we had that day. I am not going to regret anything."

Staring at the sheer love and sincerity in Asia's emerald orbs, Issei said no more - as he took his turn to capture Asia's lips in a searing kiss.

The bird entered a forest where two men were surrounded by a group of Grim Reapers, the reapers kneeling before them.

One of them wore a majestic pale robe, his skull mask so vivid and life-like it was almost like he was wearing his second face.

Beside him was a demonic-looking man.

His clothes were spectral, ethereal in matter, arcane in nature, constantly flowing and ebbing around him.

His crimson dragon-like eyes watched the bird land on his shoulders, the demon with three curled horns crowning his head smiling as his fragment left the bird and returned to the gestalt.

"Your cunning is sharper than that of Lucifer's." Hades, the King of Tartarus, commented.

The delay of the Grim Reapers was on purpose.

His Grim Reapers were on standby after wiping out Diodora's second army to allow the surprise attack of Diodora to run rampant. So that Ersi would have the opportunity to turn the Son of the Strongest Man into a Demon in the conflict.

"My plan partially succeeded. But I found another opportunity. They do not know the repercussions of bringing the spirit of a dead enemy back to the modern day." Ersi, The Lord of the Mastema Tribe, chuckled.

"Are we done here?" Hades asked

"Yes. You have done well. I shall teach you all you want to know about the potential of the soul, Hades. Oh, and I need you to find something in Cocytus. There is a facility there that my kind cannot find or breach. Lucifer has warded it specifically against my kind and God's children."

"I see. It will be done." Hades nodded as they all vanished from Gaia.

To be Continued…..

Omake: A Quirky Date - Episode 3: Rias Gremory

Issei silently sighed through his nose, as he and Rias were sitting in a dark hallroom, along with several more people. All of them, including Rias and Issei, were watching a stage under the illumination of the spotlight in front.

Only over half other patrons were stealing glances at both of them; not only because of Rias' looks - it was also because Issei and Rias stood out in more ways than one. Other people were wearing casual clothes, whilst Issei and Rias were clad in expensive-looking tux and dresses, complete with masquerade masks on their faces, as if they were attending a high-class ball.

"Remind me why we have to be in this get-up again, please?" Issei whispered to his date after taking a sip from the bottle of water served to him prior.

"Why, because we have to dress appropriately for this auction, Ise." Rias easily replied without leaving her attention off the stage, professionally ignoring and basking in the attention of the men directed to her.

Issei had never been in any kind of auction, but he was sure this auction wasn't meant for the upper class.

Before Issei could have replied further, the MC of the event took the stage.

[Thank you for waiting, ladies and gentlemen. Now, for the final item for tonight's event…]

The MC personally brought the small trolley where a cloth was draped over the object on top of the trolley. When he took the cloth off, the audience erupted with subdued cheers and gasps; Issei saw Rias sucking in breath as her hand immediately reached out to clutch on his. The girl was flashing him an excited smile, which was rather cute of her.

[One and only set of the firstever made action figures of Eva Unit-00, Unit-01, and Unit-02 from Neon Genesis Evangelion! Mind condition, the first prototypes made fresh in the studio, authenticized by hardcore Evangelion Fans which I know some of you are among us! The first price would… shall we say, fifty thousand yen?]

People began to murmur around - Issei was not a huge fan of the series, but he did watch a few seasons back in the day, and damn, that was one high-quality show. Fifty thousand yen for the first ever made action figure? That's more than reasonable.

A hand then shot up, although the owner looked like he was sucking a lemon.

[Excellent! Who's up for sixty thousand?! Sixty thousand and one?!]

The MC announced as there were even fewer hands for those action figures.

Rias raised her hand and shouted.

"One hundred thousand!"

Multiple gasps erupted around them.

Issei stared at her.

"Really? Are you actually going to flex on these poor guys with your aristocratic wealth like this?" Issei asked.

"As a matter of fact, yes!" Rias said with a somewhat manic look, "This is Evangelion we're talking about Ise, Evangelion!"

Issei wanted to retort, but knew better when Rias had set her eyes on something.

XoX

Leaving the wailing and despairing fellow Evangelion enthusiasts behind, Issei and Rias were led to the backroom where the transaction would be finalized.

Her eyes were sparkling with child-like joy at the receiving of her newest one-in-a-lifetime collectible.

"Credit Card or cash?" The man in a suit asked.

She handed him her crimson credit card.

The man inserted it in a portable card scanner and waited.

"...Denied."

Rias blinked, "One second…" She retrieved her card and blew her breath on the plastic surface where the chip was, and rubbed the card against her dress, "Try again, please."

The man accepted and eyed the card for a second before scanning it again - denied again.

"...Miss, it says your card is empty."

"...EH?! HOW?! WHY?! THAT SHOULD BE IMPOSSIBLE!" Rias shouted in a panicked shriek.

"...Oh." Issei remembered, before his expression went anxious, "Um, Rias? Babe? Huh, I'm actually calling a girl babe. Remember that time I encountered Binbougami and… well…" Issei whispered into Rias' ear.

Rias slowly turned to glare at her date, "...What did you do?"

"Remember when I said I handed him your card to buy my freedom?"

"...He didn't. You didn't!" She scowled with a frenzy he had never seen before.

Issei cringed, "Yeah, he most likely did. How much did your family pour into your allowance, though?"

"It's not something that can be dried up like a shallow oil well! What the actual Hell?! AGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHHHHHHH!"

She scratched her hair frantically to Issei's amusement. Then she paused abruptly to address the dealer.

"Is it possible to negotiate the terms of payment? Can I pay partially first and the rest later? Can I even pay with valuables other than money?"

The dealer blinked at the question before he rolled his eyes in contemplation, "...One moment, please." He then excused himself to make a phone call - presumably with the owner of the goods.

It did not even take a full minute when the dealer returned, "The owner agrees to allow you fifty percents downpayment, and the rest after five business days…. Only for three times of the original price."

Issei balked slightly, blinking at the sudden change of conditions. However, Rias then nodded, "Then it's three-hundred thousands… Very well, if I can pay one hundred and fifty, I can bring the goods home?"

The dealer nodded, "As long as you follow the following conditions."

"I understand." Rias then began to sport her 'planning-look'.

Issei was curious of what Rias had in mind, when she began to take off her earrings, her necklace and her bracelets.

"All of these are worth more than one hundred fifty thousand." Rias pushed her belongings to the table.

Much to Issei's surprise and amazement - the dealer did not comment as he actually pulled out a monocle from his pocket, and began to appraise the small accessories.

A few minutes later, the dealer put the monocle away, "...While these accessories are worth a big penny, I'm afraid that, following the current market price, you are fifty thousand yen short."

A second later, Issei widened his eyes when Rias took her high-heel shoes off, placed them on the table, and began to undress herself. To his credit - the dealer had already looked away with a small blush on his face.

"Whoa, whoa!" Issei quickly stepped in and stopped Rias from completely exposing her torso - she was not wearing a bra, apparently. "What do you think you're doing?!"

"Making up the rest of the payment." Rias simply replied.

Issei blinked and realized what was going on in the redhead's mind. Fanaticism could be more disturbing than he initially thought - Rias would rather go home in her birthday suit than failing to obtain what she wanted

That kind of explained more her desperation when she was still engaged with Riser - goddammit.

"...Here. How about this card?" After sighing, Issei then offered the man his golden credit card.

The man blinked as he took the card and inserted it into the slide.

"...Oh. It checks out." The man sighed with relief.

XoX

The journey back home was an awkward affair. As they rode the train back, Rias - with her belongings back to her, was hugging one of her new collectibles with a blushing face. It appeared embarrassment had finally caught up as she regained her clarity after the purchase.

While the whole mess was partially Issei's fault for wasting Rias' pocket money in the first place, he could not help but find Rias' current attitude to be adorable, making her look more like normal girls around.

"You know, now that I think about it…" Issei decided to start a conversation, "If you did trade your clothes for those action figures, you could have just conjured up new clothes with magic, right?"

In return, Rias merely grumbled under her breath while still sporting a cute pouty look.

"Err, yeah, I guess that's my fault for draining your money in the first place." Issei looked guilty as he rubbed the back of his head, "...Sorry, but let me make it up for you. What do you want?"

Rias simply leaned her head against Issei's shoulder, "...I want to wring you dry on our next date."

Issei glanced down at her, "Monetarily, or….?"

Rias hid a smirk that grew on her lips, "Yes."

Issei understood the double-entendre. He should contact Gold just in case on the credit card… he did not want to turn into Gold to be sold off.

Omake's pretty long this one, I tell you. Nonetheless, what do you think of this chapter overall?

Sᴇarch the Nʘvᴇl(F)ire.nᴇt website on Gøøglᴇ to access chapters of nøvels early and in the highest quality.