Chapter 16

Kuoh. On route to the Himejima Shrine.

Alex and Sona were moving as fast as they could, utilizing their wings for this whole thing, with Alex going into Final Liberation Scale Mail, as he was most definitely faster moving in this. Still, both of them have felt that if they`ve were trying to contain the zombies from going on full public, they`ve most definitely failed already. Both High-Ranking Devils were witnessing several pillars of fire near the mountain and hearing screams and shouts of civilians, not to mention the distinct mortified growl. That was their main indication: Malaya has begun to attack the city and she is most probably sited on top of the mountain. Leviathan was clearly disregarding all of caution and secrecy, probably drunk on power or something else. Her zombies were attacking in full, so the secrecy was thrown out of the window. Lucifer has decided to do the same and deal with the consequences later. If anything, he`ll ask Grayfia for assistance in wiping the entire town`s memory, which Satan-class Devil should be able to do no problem and she was near Sirzechs` level of strength.

Alex has contacted everyone he could once again and given a direct order to engage those undead and contain them in the borders of a mountain. Unfortunately, Akeno hasn`t answered the call. And she lives in the shrine…

If Malaya has done something to Akeno, then there will be Hell to pay for the entire Leviathan family.

As the pair was moving through the air, Alex suddenly felt a surprising surge of draconic powers nearby. He stopped in midair and turned to the source of that power. Whoever that was, he was no freaking joke, but real deal. From the surge of power alone that guy, Alex estimated him to be just near of his own level and… that level was rising through the roof! As if he somehow was able to… boost…

'Galeran, is it just me or am I sensing a whole lot of Issei right now?' Alex asked his partner.

'No, that`s the same with me, partner.' Galeran confirmed. 'Huh, either I`m getting a little old, or that kid somehow found a way to unblock his own Balance Breaker, because I can swear that he is using a whole lot of Ddraig`s powers and draconic powers as a general. We better check this out right now.'

'Issei`s Balance Breaker… You are right on that one. If he really did reach it, this just might turn the tide of this whole mess to our favor for once.' Alex agreed and turned to Sona.

"Sona, you go ahead and command the defenses at the approaches to Shrine." Alex started giving her commands. "Stay the hell away from that bounded field or you`ll be in dead magic zone. Just encircle the region and keep zombies from going into town. And have Grayfia set up a barrier around the entire mountain, that`ll help us great time."

"Wait, what you are going to do…" And then she and Alex suddenly saw a bright red flash from the direction to where Alex was just looking. "Just what in the hell…"

"That, I believe, was Issei." Alex muttered through the armor. "He must`ve unlocked his Balance Breaker and now is beating the ever living hell from zombies there. I`ll go to him and we`ll launch an aerial assault on the shrine, while you and others draw her attention away from us. Besides that, within that field, I fear that no demonic magic works or is being drained. Because of our Sacred Gears, we`ll have a good chance against Malaya, while you and others will be basically powerless, save for those that specialize in melee or with Holy element. Also, have Arturia and Cuhullin and a few others to launch a frontal assault to shrine from the start of the ladder. This will draw enemy`s attention and once Issei and I get in, we`ll need all the help we can get."

"Sounds like a plan, just be careful." Sona flew away towards the group, while Alex went towards Issei.

As Alex was closing in, it became plainly clear that it really was Issei, as he recognized his energy signature, but… it was completely different and far more powerful than the one that he felt yesterday. Lucifer knew that the kid was progressing and was now a far more capable fighter then he was at the start, especially he buckled up when they were prepping up for Rating Game. However, this was something completely different from what Alex had felt before. Issei`s energy was far more fluid and chaotic, as a wild fire or something and he was emitting not Devil`s energy, but… a draconic one, a similar one when Alex was using Final Liberation or with Riser`s Lorica Inferno. But there was significant shift in power and projection of power. Alex compared it with like a feeling of nature.

After a couple of minutes flying, Lucifer reached the place he was looking for and there he was treated to one hell of a scene: dozens of zombie corpses, demolished, dismembered and utterly obliterated; Asia staying away from it all, staring in complete shock and fear; and top it all off was red clad armored person, destroying his way through the upcoming undead. Alex took a closer look and immediately recognized a Scale Male armor of a red dragon, similar to one that Riser was using, but this one was more complete, even without wings, and far more powerful. And the energy that was coming out of the person was most certainly an homage of Issei`s and Ddraig`s, but to a greater extent. And Lucifer couldn`t help but be really impressed with how Issei was going through those zombies: it was like he was witnessing a wild dragon at his work.

As Alex decided to look around, he suddenly noticed a group of undead making their way to Asia, running with full speed. Issei was way too caught up with his group, so Alex intervened. With the will and thought, Alex summoned his Flames and sent a white pillar of fire towards the entire group, incinerating them and leaving not even ashes behind. This was the power that Alex has taken away from Riser and added to his own, creating a completely new and powerful ability- Annihilation Flames. Flames that left nothing behind and were far more powerful than Riser`s flames. Basically, Alex has gained control over one of fundamental elements of the world. Hell, he even could use it to heal up minor wounds, but not to the same extent as Phenex family. Still, it was a very powerful addition to his growing list of powers.

Alex finally descended next to Asia and asked her.

"Asia, are you two alright?"

Former nun nodded to him before answering.

"Y-yes we are okay, but Issei he is…" Asia pointed at finished Issei, at the moment. "He has done something to himself and now…"

"Yeah, I`ve sensed that his power has increased at least 5 times over since yesterday." Alex confirmed, deciding that it was time to find out the truth. "Issei! Get over here! We have to talk a little!"

Red-clad warrior turned around and in one jump has crossed the distance between him and the pair. Now Alex could really get a feel of his power and he simply couldn`t believe his own senses.

'Galeran, either I`ve got an illusion, or did Issei has become a freaking dragon!' Alex stated shocked.

"Ddraig! What in the name of Ophis did you do to your host?!" Galeran directly shouted at his dragon kin through Regalia.

"I`ve granted my host the power he desired, along with the new life path he has chosen to follow." Ddraig replied. "Now the scales have been balanced up a bit and the gap between Issei and your host has been cut quite significantly."

"What`s that supposed to mean, Welsh Dragon? Issei, explain what does your dragon means?" Alex demanded.

"I`ve made a deal with Ddraig yesterday." Issei stated in firm and powerful voice through the Scale Male. "I know that compare to you and everyone else I`m nothing more but a simple Pawn, a freakin foot soldier and aside from Boosted Gear, I`m basically powerless. And after I`ve had that fight with your friend and saw how you beat the crap out of Kiba without even using Regalia, I`ve decided that I`ve had enough of being useless to Rias and the others. And because of that, because I really want to become strong and protect my friends, like now, I`ve offered Ddraig my left arm, at first."

"Sacrificing part of your body to gain more power? Is that even possible, Galeran?" Alex asked out loud.

"Yes, it`s possible and it does improve the holder`s powers, but the compatibility between different species is the biggest problem here, because Dragons don`t mix well with any other species this way." Galeran explained. "And sacrificing something so insignificant as arm wouldn`t let him maintain such control and wield this power right now. No… Their compatibility right now is even higher than ours, and we have the maximum of that. The only way this can be possible if… I see it now." Galeran said quietly. "Issei, you`ve offered up Ddraig your right arm, but then you`ve learned that it wouldn`t do you much good, right?"

"Yeah, Ddraig told me that giving up my left arm would only give me this armor for 10 seconds and not a lot of power boost." Issei said. "And then I`ve asked him about powers of Dragons and if he could do that to me. And once I`ve got the answer I needed, I`ve decided that being a simple Devil wouldn`t make much good to the others in the long run, but as a Dragon, then I could do some real stuff."

Alex`s eyes widened at the realization. Issei didn`t just offer up a part of his body. No, that guy has given up his entire being to Ddraig and now… Issei has become a Dragon, a real life freaking dragon. And he did because he wanted to be useful to the friends and Rias. To give up the entire being… Alex couldn`t help but respect Issei for being able to do something as bold and stupid, but at the same time courageous and significant just because of his friends. Of course, he did consider the fact that he was a pervert, but still… Alex`s opinion about Issei did started to shift into a good area over the time and now it reached a new level. Well, perhaps there was hope for society and Issei personally.

"Well, I can`t say I was expecting something like that from you, Issei." Alex sighed. "But I can clearly see that Rias doesn`t know just what kind of great person she has in her team. Even if you are a pervert, I now respect you a whole lot more."

"R-really?!" Issei sounded astonished.

"Yes, now, we`ve got a serious situation at hand right now." Alex reminded about the whole zombie uprising. "How long can you sustain your Balance Breaker?"

"We can hold it up to 2 hours, even in this incomplete form." Ddraig stated. "Also, Galeran, did you also sense another Dragon`s presence on top of the mountain?"

"You too? It would seem that witch is using one our own kin for her accursed magic!" Galeran was pissed. "Just who the hell she thinks she is?! I don`t know about you two, but I`m going to remind that mongrel why Dragons aren`t to be trifled with!"

"Hah, now that`s the Northern Storm Dragon I remember fearing!" Ddraig sounded proud. "Good to know that we are on same page on this one. Issei!" Ddraig spoke directly to his host. "As a Red Demonic Dragon, it`s your job to send that bitch to Hell for attacking our kin! If you fail in this, then consider yourself worthless as a Dragon."

"Like hell I`ll fail!" Issei proudly stated. "Now, what`s your plan, Alex? I`ve got a feeling you already have one."

"I`ve got one, yeah. While the rest our friends hold of the undead around the mountain, we`ll conduct an aerial attack on the temple from above." Alex explained, spreading his wings. "Asia, go ahead to the others. Your Healing will be best needed there. I`ll send someone to escort you ASAP."

"O-okay…" Asia relied shyly, running through the streets towards the others.

"Now, are you fit for flying?" Alex quickly asked his partner.

"Lock and loaded." Issei replied, two boosters starting up and the two set out for the air.

Once in the air, Alex tried to contact Sona through open comm.

"This is Alex. Issei is with me and we`ll attack the shrine from the air from northern direction." Alex informed. "Asia is moving to your position as we speak. Have Ruruko or Momo to escort her. What`s your status, Sona?"

"Alex, it`s Tsubaki here!" Sona`s Queen suddenly spoke up. "We were overrun by undead from the slopes and they`ve taken Sona captive!"

Alex simply couldn`t believe what he was hearing right now. Sona… was captured when those undead attacked them on the slopes?! Sona, his best friend and a very close person…

"Say that again?! How the hell did you let that happen?!" Alex became angry as hell. "Tsubaki, I want you to get everyone there and follow the plan! Send out Arturia, Cuhullin and Raynare to top at once. And put that damned barrier up already!"

"Grayfia already putting it in place, she needs about 6 minutes more time because of the magical disruption here and… Alex, there is a large group heading north from the shrine!" Tsubaki informed him. "And… There are at least 4 hundred of those undead there! And the other groups are also getting back on track! We can`t send out anyone to stop them. "

"What?!" Alex shouted out loud. "Damn it! If that group reaches down the slope, we can kiss the town goodbye!"

"I can stop them." Issei spoke up, getting Alex`s attention. "Listen, if anyone can take down that crazed ass witch, then it`s better be you. Ddraig and I`ll hold off those bastards from reaching the town and keep them from getting to you. Sounds like a plan to you?"

Alex considered it for a moment and he had to agree with Issei, even if it sounded really out of character for Issei. Perhaps becoming a dragon has made him a bit more reckless or braver, who knows…

The pair has finally passed the borders of the bounded field and they both could feel the effects of it. Just as Alex thought: it was a blocking field and if any magic of demonic nature was performed here, it would be absorbed and sent directly towards the caster, empowering him. That meant that almost the entire Alex`s arsenal was now rendered useless and he couldn`t even summon up the Frostmourne, which he accidentally didn`t do before due to how things were rushing out of hands. Well, it simply meant that he would have to work this out the old fashion way. Soon after reaching the slope line, the pair finally saw the massive hoard going down the mountain towards the town. Tsubaki wasn`t kidding, there a whole lot of those piles of dead meat. Alex and Issei stopped in the air, Red Dragon Emperor descending to the ground. Alex decided to call out to him.

"Issei, good luck here." Alex said to him, flying back towards his goal.

Issei nodded to his partner and finally stepped on to the ground, looking directly at the entire army of those undead douchbags. Those were no ordinary people, but rather old rotting corpses of the past, dressed in old stylized things and some even had armor on them. Hyoudou figured that all of those corpses had to be those that died long ago and Malaya was resurrecting the long dead first. Issei did hear that the shrine was constructed near the resting places of old. That must`ve been the main source of Leviathan`s army. However, that wasn`t what currently occupied Issei`s mind. He was staring at a freakin hoard of zombies and, surprisingly, he wasn`t even sweating or thinking about running away. Instead… he felt anxious and ready to go all out. It was like his entire body and being was calling out for it. He decided to ask his partner for this one.

"Hey Ddraig, why the in the world I`m feeling like a freakin berserker, ready to dive into a battle?" Issei asked directly. "And… Why all I can think of right now is how to kill all of them right now?"

"Hehe, that`s just how we Dragons operate, partner." Ddraig chuckled. "And you are of Red Demonic species, a relative of my own clan. The entire Red race is known as the fiercest and most aggressive in battles, along with a strong desire to grow more powerful to fulfill our own dreams. Along with that, our fire is the most powerful and we are almost untouchable to fire itself, our scales aren`t as touch as gold or white ones`, but we make up for it by being swift and first to strike our enemies down, and when those that we chose as our bondmates are in danger, then nothing can stop a wrath of Red Dragons!" Ddraig proudly exclaimed.

"Wow that sounds like a whole pack of fun to me." Issei said exited. "Hey, and what about the girl? Are they gonna be attracted to me like to a living magnet?"

"I was expecting that question to be the first, so I`m surprised you`ve asked it only now." Ddraig admitted. "Red Dragons do attract a whole lot of females due to our overwhelming presence and aura. However, there is one thing that we all Red Dragons have in common and that`s our pride as faithful spouses. All because Red Dragons have no interest in having too much concubines, but we live for a single one, the one that we acknowledge as our mate and once we find one, all other female become basically useless to us."

Issei`s eyes widened for an instance.

"Wait! You mean to tell me that once I find my soul mate, I won`t be able to be become a Harem King of the world?!" Issei asked his partner.

"Believe me, once you meet the one whose scent drives you nuts, then you won`t even look at other women." Ddraig stated. "Also, haven`t you noticed that throughout the entire day you`ve had absolutely no lewd thoughts about girls or their tits? Seriously, not even when Asia was in her new gown and hugging you, pressing her chest against your chest?"

Now Issei seriously thought about it and he did realize that he really didn`t have any lewd and lecherous thoughts on this topic. Which was something that he never thought would happen, as he practically lived for boobies and naked women, but now… The more he thought about, the more distant and foreign those thoughts were to him. He did recall the naked girls he saw and they were pleasing to his eye, but the effect was much, much different, because now Issei wasn`t drooling, daydreaming and doing his usual stuff. Now, he felt much more focused and ready than ever before. His fists were clenched tight and eyes were fixated on the dead zombies instead of wandering off to naked girls. He had to be perfectly honest with himself, being focused on a battle itself instead constantly thinking gazangas and bouncing pikes was good in such situation and at all, because he felt much more disciplined and prepped up.

Hell, in full honesty, not feeling like a pervert was freakin good! Now, back to the undead…

Issei prepped himself up and stood up to the fighting position. Undead were going directly at him, some were even running, but he had no fear right now. Instead, determination to win this battle and all others that will come after it. As the undead were now mere 2 meters away, Issei has heard the all so precious words.

"BOOST!" Ddraig announced, Scale Male flashing up, empowering Issei. "Boost!"

And with the first announcements, Issei rocketed out his place and went right directly at all those undead, crushing through the entire hoard with his boosters. Those that stood on Issei`s way were blasted away, dismembered and demolished, just like the rest that Issei put down. And damn, did it feel good to him! His blood was pumping like never before and heart was going like a locomotive and Issei liked this feeling!

Zombies began to surround Issei and he became seemingly overwhelmed by the hoard, trying to eat him up and devour him of his flesh and bones. The pile of corpses was growing larger and larger; their number closing to a hundred, but no one is moving towards the town. All are fixated on their pray that was seemingly getting devoured this this moment. However, no zombie was a match to Scale Male Armor of Red Dragon Emperor. Zombies were no match to ever growing power of Red Demonic Dragon, as green orbs were flashing up every second, signaling to mindless corpses that their prey was becoming more and more a predator. And in the next second, a distinctive roar was heard underneath the pile of corpses, signaling the end of this feast.

In the next moment, Issei punched his way through the entire pile of undead, standing up around thrown around walking dead. He was now in serious battle mood, laying down the killing in most brutal way he knew how and felt how. Zombies were all around him and Issei didn`t waste time on thinking. Only killing and destroying them all. Undead on the left was grabbing Issei`s hand, but newborn drake grabbed the corpse and smashed it against the others on the ground, turning him and several others into piles of rotting flesh, not even resembling bodies. From behind, dozens of hands were coming after Issei, but he blasted them away with his rocket boosters, sending himself forward, crushing the undead in most brutal way, while leaving a clear path of scorched zombies. These forward faced dismembering punches, kicks and head butts. In the seemingly lost situation, Issei wasn`t just surviving, but also winning this entire thing all by himself, using all the skills he acquired from his trainings in mountains and the new powers of his Dragon race. He was no longer a useless Pawn, but a powerful fighter and prideful Drake, fighting and winning his battles. Crushing and punching, slicing with claws and stomping, all ways of fighting until they were nothing more but crushed trash.

Boosts were coming along and Issei continued his slaughter until he finally he decided that it was time to take it to the new level. In one high jump, Issei rose above the tree lines and extended his arm towards the hoard of undead that were beneath him. They were really numerous and hideous, the entire forest portion being covered in their rotten and stinking flesh, trees poisoned by all of that. And they were coming and coming. As much as Issei enjoyed tarnishing them all one by one, he better get going, because his friends might require some serious help. He wasn`t worried about Alex, as that guy had a very strong determination and will to win all of his battles. If anyone could save both Sona and Akeno, this guy was the one to do so. Others were in more need of assistance then he.

Now, time to finish this little squabble…

"DRAGON SHOT!" Small red energy ball formed up on at his palm and in the next instant shot red energy wave at the enemies below Issei.

The red beam reached all the way to the bottom. And the following explosion was comparable to the drop of a mini nuclear bomb, as the red sphere engulfed everything around the point of impact disintegrating all that were on the path. Issei even had to cover his eyes, even though his dragon vision was much stronger than regular humans` and even Devils`. However, this was something that even he couldn`t handle so he closed up his eyes. Once the glow died away and all that remained was smock, Issei descended down and took a look around. He knew that his Dragon Shot was one hell of a attack and the first time he deployed it, it demolished the mountain. Of course, this mountain wasn`t the same size and Issei did have a certain degree of controlling his powers, but he was now far more powerful and mightier than before. And his Dragon Shot has also grown more powerful with him, even more powerful than Issei realized. Because now Issei was standing in the middle of a barren wasteland, covered in nothing more but scorched ground with small patches of ashes and an open viewpoint for at least several dozen meters in radius. All of the zombies were vaporized and Issei didn`t actually believe that this was all his doing. He looked at his armored hands and firmly stated.

"So, this is the real power of a Dragon." Issei clenched his fist together. "I have to say, Ddraig. I honestly wasn`t expecting to get this strong by becoming a Dragon myself. Heck, I thought I would only be able to hold my Balance Breaker for 10 minutes or so, but, look, I`m still in the armor and I`ve just turned this whole chunk of mountain into a pile of nothingness. And on top it all off, I`m feeling like I can do even more than that and get stronger. Not to mention that right now I`ve got no thoughts on girls and their assets and, worst of all, I`m absolutely fine with that! Is this even normal?!"

"Easy, partner." Ddraig recommended. "Well, I`ve got to say that for a newborn drake you`ve got some real great potential and that`s not to mention that because you are a Drake now, Boosted Gear`s compatibility with your soul has increased greatly, meaning that our link, and by extension your own strengths, have grown more powerful. Because of that, you are capable of using your Balance Breaker without any significant drawback and for such a long period of time. And I must admit, for an incomplete form to be this strong already, this is something very unique and incredible. I can`t help but wonder just how much power will you have when your Scale Mail armor will be completed."

"And how do I get that one? And how did Alex achieve his Balance Breaker, anyway?" Issei asked curiously.

"Hell would I know, kid." Ddraig responded. "Forsaken Regalia is like a prototype for Divine Dividing, but for every host and Sacred Gear to achieve the completion of Balance Breaker requires a certain amount of practice and, in special cases, a powerful catalyst. I think you just need to find your own catalyst, kid. If I were to guess, then Alex`s catalyst was his desire to avenge his mother and himself. Besides that, all I can think of is that Galeran must`ve been training him since day one, even though he has no need to, since Northern Storm Dragon has no eternal rivals to battle against."

"I guess you are right." Issei agreed. "How long do I have left in this form, by the way?"

"55 minutes, that last shot took a lot of your time." Ddraig responded.

"Then let`s get to the others. I`ve got a feeling that they could use some help." And with that, Issei rocketed out here and towards his friends.

Little did he know, there was someone else who could use his help at the moment.

Himejima Shrine. 15 minutes earlier.

It took only several minutes for Alex to finally reach his destination and now he was eyeing the entire place. It was a standard Shinto shrine which was numerous in numbers in the land of rising sun. The only difference that made this particular one stand out was the fact that this one belonged not to a wealthy and old Japanese family, but to Devils, or, more specifically, Akeno Himejima, daughter of Shuri Himejima and Baraqiel, one of three leaders of Fallen Angels and Azazel`s closest ally and friend. Alex was no stranger to him as well, as he was the one that saved him from being killed and finally brought him back to his father and sister. Hell, that dude was his god-father, with Shuri being a god-mother. That`s how close they were to Azazel and Lucia, which made Alex`s connection to Akeno a bit more powerful. He knew her parents and he dearly loved them both.

And now, Akeno and Sona were captured here by Malaya Leviathan and held captive. Alex looked around more closely and saw something that he needed to see from the beginning. A big magical circle engraved into the ground, with familiar runes and spells on them. It was a Necromancer`s circle, Reanimation Circle for big areas, just like this one. And just powering it was sure to take a whole lot of power and not even descendant of the first Leviathan would have enough strength to create it, but he didn`t really know her, so there was a chance.

Alex was starting to float towards the entrance to the main building, when suddenly he felt that his entire body was getting chained up, even though the Scale Male. In next moment, Alex looked around himself and he really did see chains all around his limbs, coming directly from the ground. They were absolutely powerful and they were hurting like hell to him, taking literally everything for Alex not to scream from pain. He knew that the only element that could hurt a Devil like that was Holy power, but to also be able to penetrate Final Liberation… It had to be more powerful than Alex`s Forsaken Regalia or be designed to hold a being of great power. In the next instant, chains pulled Alexander down towards the earth and he smashed right into it with a bang. It took everything from him to even barely stand up on his knees. Once he done that, Alex looked around himself and he noticed something terrifying to his eyes.

Those chains… were coming out of portals made of transparent glowing light circles.

There was only one person that possessed such signature circles. And much to Alex`s misfortune, he had a displeasure of knowing him.

"Well, well, what an unexpected surprise." Alex turned his head to see the source of that arrogant voice. "It has been some time, mongrel."

Alex looked upon the man calling him out. His attire consisted of a golden armor, worthy of only richest kings of the ancient times. His posture was one that called absolute in all. Golden hair and red eyes the main features of his face, showing arrogant smile across the face. Alex growled, trying to move, but unable to. Chains of Heaven were way more powerful then he, even in his strongest. Lucifer looked at his enemy and spoke up.

"Gilgamesh." Alexander addressing his long time enemy.

Said person only laughed at Alexander. Before chained up Lucifer stood none other, but a direct descendant of the first hero ever to be born in human`s history. Gilgamesh, more god then a human, this descendant was just as arrogant and self-entitled as they would get, because in his veins runs the blood of gods of old, with all the benefits coming with it. Out of all the hero descendants, only this one had the bark and power to call himself a King of Heroes, for he possessed the limitless supply of most powerful weapons ever to be created, called upon through the Gates of Babylon, his divine power and unlimited arsenal. He was only interested in himself and fulfilling of his own desires and there was no saying what he wanted, for he always kept those thought to himself and revealed them only when wished. Somehow, Alex had no problem accepting the fact that he is in this mess as well, most probably the cause of it all.

Gilgamesh laughed at his opponent.

"Is that the way for you to address your King, mongrel?" Gilgamesh arrogantly asked. "Or do you believe that this little armor grants you the right to address me in such manner."

"What the hell are you doing here?" Alex demanded an answer. "Don`t tell me that you`ve fallen so low as to work for Old Satan Faction."

At that statement, Gilgamesh laughed even harder, crossing his arms.

"Your nativity and foolishness simply amazes me, mongrel." Gilgamesh spoke prideful. "Do you honestly believe that I, King of all Heroes, shall ever lower myself to such miserable position as a servant of some Devil? If that`s what you truly believe in, then Azazel should be very disappointed in his mongrel."

"If that`s the case, I take Malaya is working on you." Alex guessed. "That would explain where she got Necroa Scepter, but there is no way you ever allow someone get a hold of your treasure."

"Oh, so you do have some degree of mind in your head. Of course, from where else that little wench could get her hands on my treasure? And you are correct: I wouldn`t give my possessions to anyone, unless they are useful to me." Gilgamesh looked at his chained up enemy. "And Malaya has proven to be quite a useful tool in my entertainment."

"All those undead- you`ve caused it all just because you were bored?!"

"Do I need another reason?" Gilgamesh asked him arrogantly. "As a King of all lands and oceans, this world serves to be my entertainment tool, so do the people of it. It`s their sacred duty to please their sovereign, is it not?" Gilgamesh waved his hand and two additional portals appeared, revealing chained up and beaten Sona and Akeno. "By the way, I believe that you know these two little pests, aren`t you? This little hybrid filth has dared to question my right of power, so I`ve decided to teach her a lesson. As for this cute little Devil-in-glasses, Malaya simply had some degree of grudge towards her older sister, so I`ve decided to get her to know a little more about it, until I`ve disposed of Malaya."

"You son of a bitch… I`ll send you into Hell for what you`ve done to them!" Alex promised.

Sona and Akeno were awake, even if severely weakened by the Chains of Heaven. They looked up and saw their loved one in chains as well.

"Alex…" Akeno weakly spoke. "I`m sorry, he… overpowered me…"

"S-such p-power… I should`ve b-been m-more careful…" Sona spoke in weakened state

"Don`t be sorry. I promise, I`ll get you both out of here." Alex reassured them both. "Just hang in there a little longer."

The Devils knew that whenever Alex was promising something, he was doing it for keeps. And they had absolute faith in him, believing every word that he said and his promise. They would always trust and put their faith into him, until the very day they meet their death…

It happened quickly. Out of nowhere, Akeno suddenly felt something warm spilling out her chest. She looked down and saw a blade sticking out of her heart, the pointed end of which was in her sight. Maiden didn`t even notice how it entered or how penetrated her flesh. Nor did Sona, whose heart was pierced by a long spear, only her glasses falling down to the earth. Both blades quickly left their bodies, blood spilling out and them dropping down onto the ground, as chains were no longer holding them.

Alexander watched in absolute horror and terror. In no nightmare or worst thoughts had he imagined that he would be forced to see this.

Akeno…. Sona… They… They…

They were just… killed.