Ch 3

Ren Pov

The next day, I was contacted by Azazel. It seems he wants me to attend the conference with him as the representative of the Fallen Angel Faction alongside Vali.

Shrugging, I decided on visiting the Devils at Kuoh Academy since i had nothing to do for now.

"...Gya-kun, if you eat garlic, you'll become healthy."

"Nooo! Koneko-chan is bullying me!"

This is what i saw when i arrived to the Old Building. Koneko who was chasing a blonde crossdressing boy with garlic in her hand. Yes, it was Gasper.

"Ise-san, why are you depressed?" Asia asked Ise who was in a fetal position.

"You see, Asia-chan. I had a dream but it was broken because of that boy!" He pointed at Gasper while Asia was shocked because of Gasper's true gender.

I can't really blame her if I didn't watch the anime. I also would be shocked.

Gasper Vladi. The mannerisms and voice of a woman... But he's a guy.

Taller than Koneko, but so very thin... But he's a guy.

Looking great in a school uniform for a girl... But he's a guy.

"Oh, oh, they're at it."

As I was thinking, Saji appeared from behind us.

"Oh, it's you, Saji."

"Yo, Hyoudou. Ah, I mean Hyoudou Issei but hello to you too." He greeted with me nodding at him.

"Hello."

"Why are you here?"

"After hearing that there was a hikikomori servant whose ban had been lifted, I came to see it for a bit." Saji answered Ise's question.

"Ah, he's over there. He's the one getting chased by Koneko-chan."

"Hey, hey, Toujou-san, she's throwing garlic at-Huh? Oh! Wait, it's a girl, huh! Not to mention blond-haired!" Saji seemed happy.

"Sorry to say this, but that's a guy cross-dressing."

Hearing that, Saji seemed to be completely dejected. He's heartbroken.

"Well, this is swindling. More like, since he's wearing girls' clothes, it would be to show it to someone, right? And since he's a hikikomori, it's too much of a contradiction. It's quite difficult."

"That's right. It's an incomprehensible cross-dressing habit. Also, I can't say anything about it suiting him. So what are you doing, Saji?"

Saji was wearing a jersey, army cotton gloves, and was also holding a small shovel for flower bed use.

"It's as you see. It's the maintenance of the flower bed. It's been Kaichou's orders since a week ago. Hey, recently, there have been many events in the school, right? And also, next time, Maou-sama and the others are coming here as well. It's the job of the Pawn of the Student Council, me, to make the school look beautiful." He puffed out his chest and acted magnificently, for someone who was given odd-jobs.

As they talked, there was a presence of someone coming near us. When I moved my gaze to the direction, I immediately recognized who it was.

"Why don't you come out Azazel?"

Everybody stopped what they were doing to look at me in shock.

"Not bad,Your senses are always sharp as always,Ren"Azazel's voice greeted us behind the bushes.

"Azazel..!".

"Yo, Sekiryuutei. It's been some time since that night."

Everyone was dubiously staring at him, who appeared suddenly. With a single word, the atmosphere completely changed.

Ise made his Boosted Gear appear. Koneko moved behind Azazel while Gasper hides himself behind a tree.

Saji, while also shocked, brought out the face of a deformed lizard on his right hand. It's Saji's Sacred Gear Absorption line.

"Hy-Hyoudou, by Azazel, you mean—!"

"I am serious, Saji. I have come in contact with this guy plenty of times."

Saji made a battle position as well. Azazel smiled bitterly at their postures.

I, of course, did nothing. I knew that he wasn't here to pick a fight or anything.

"I don't feel like fighting. Hey, relax your postures, Low-class Devil-kun. You should somehow know that even with the bunch gathered here, you wouldn't win against me, right?" He said as he pointed at them.

"Even if Hyoudou Ren decided to fight me, he will have some problems against me. Well, I don't plan on fighting you youngsters. Since I was taking a stroll, I came to visit the Devils' place. Is the Holy Demonic Sword wielder present? I came to see him."

"If it's Kiba, then he isn't here! If you're aiming for Kiba, then I won't let you do it!" Ise yelled at him.

"...Seriously. Since you weren't able to win against Kokabiel, there's no way you can win against me. ...I see the Holy Demonic Sword user isn't present. This is boring."

"The Vampire hiding over there."

Gasper hiding in the tree shade panicked.

"You're the possessor of the Forbidden Balor View, right? If you can't use it properly, then it will become a thing that causes harm to others. As a support-type Sacred Gear, if you can supplement the deficient aspects, it should be fine but... Now that I mention it, the research of Sacred Gears by Devils didn't progress much. If you invoke it via the five senses while the Sacred Gear's owner's capacity is insufficient, then it will move naturally, and it will be extremely dangerous." Azazel said while approaching Gasper.

Then he peered at Gasper's eyes with him trembling as the top head of the Fallen Angels approached him. I think it's an obvious reaction. But Azazel is a Sacred Gears' otaku, he doesn't have any interest in fighting anyone present here.

Then Azazel turned around towards them and pointed to Saji. While scared, Saji made a posture as well. However...

"Is that Absorption Line? If you're practicing, try using it. Connect it to this Vampire, and if he invokes it while you're absorbing the Sacred Gear's excess, it would probably run less wildly."

After Azazel's explanation, Saji showed a complex expression as well.

"...M-My Sacred Gear, it can suck the power of the opponent's Sacred Gear as well? I thought it simply absorbs the opponent's power and weakens them..."

Hearing that, Azazel had an amazed expression.

"Seriously, it's because of this that the Sacred Gear owners recently don't try to know the power of their Sacred Gears well enough. Absorption Line holds the power of one of the legendary five Dragon Kings, the Prison Dragon, Vritra. Well, this was found out thanks to recent research.That thing can connect to any object, and can scatter that power. If it's a short time, it's possible to separate the line from the owner's side and connect it to some other person or object."

"T-Then, the line on my side... For example, I can connect it to Hyoudou or some other person? And then the power will flow into Hyoudou?"

"Yeah, if you grow, the number of the lines will also increase. If you do that, the output of absorption will increase many times as well."

"..." Saji became quiet.

"For improving the Sacred Gear, the fastest way would be to drink the blood of the host of the Sekiryuutei. If you let a Vampire drink blood, then they'll gain power. Well, do the rest yourselves." Then he looked at me.

"Sorry for Vali, our Hakuryuukou, coming into contact with you on his own accord. I am sure you would have been surprised, right? What, he's an unusual guy, but he doesn't think of settling the rivalry between red and white immediately." He said looking at me.

"What about you? Won't you apologize for coming in contact with me repeatedly without informing me about your identity?" Ise complained to him.

"Well, that's my hobby. I won't apologize." Azazel said with a mischievous smile.

After saying that, he left the place.

Then we watched Gasper train his Sacred Gear with Ise throwing balls at him while Saji was sucking him.

Somehow, it came out wrong. Well, the problem was that Gasper was scared of the balls hitting him.

"Rias-senpai's back, so I will be going back to my flower bed." Saji said that after taking in two, no, three sandwiches Rias made in his mouth.

"Saji-kun, thanks for going out of your way to keep my servants company. You have my thanks."

"I-It's alright. You're Kaichou's precious friend, and I saw some new possibilities regarding the Sacred Gear. But I have to work on the flower bed as well, so... Later, Hyoudou. Work hard."

"Yeah, thanks."

"Gasper, you can still continue on, right? After getting sucked by Saji-kun, your power has been regulated to a perfect level. For the remaining time, I will also keep you company in the training." Rias said to Gasper, who was resting in the shade of a tree.

"I-I'll do my best." Gasper said exhausted.

"I think it's time for us to go home,Auntie wants me to buy something for her." I said as I read the mail she sent.

"Oh yeah, Gasper. When using your Sacred Gear, scream 'The World'. It will give you more power." I said making everyone confused except Rias who twitched at that.

Then I left to buy some fruits for Auntie.

The next day, I was alone wandering in the street.But then I stopped in the middle of the road sensing that guy behind me.

"What do you want,Vali?"

"I will be blunt,I want you to join me."Oh,so that's why he has been acting strangely.

"Hmm, Aren't we already a team to begin with."I said feigning ignorance.

"That's not what I mean,I have been secretly forming a team lately which,I want you join."

"So you have decided to ally yourself with Ophis and Khaos Brigade ."

"So,You know about Khaos Brigade."

"Well,Shemhazai has been investigating the group as of lately." Well I already knew about them anyway.

"I should have expected that much.A piece of advice there are some in Khaos Brigade that have a keen intrest in you and the spear."Hmm,he must mean Hero Faction since i am a human wielding a Longinus.

Shrugging, I went back home. I wondered what they cooked.

Here I was, on my futon, trying to think what will happen tomorrow. Tomorrow is the day of the conference. All I have to do is to get myself ready.

The next day,I went to the Kuoh Acadeemy where the conference will be held.As i arrived at the school,I saw Azazel,Vali and someone else waiting for me there.Wait is that Xenovia??It was strange when I didn't see her at ORC when I visited them last time.

As i approached them"Hey Azazel,what is she doing here?"i asked

"Well,you see,I found this lost little lamb at the door step of Grigori,wanting to know more about you.So I decided to recruit her to work for Grigori." Azazel said pointing at the lost little lamb.So the canon timeline has already started to deviate.

"Xenovia?"I blinked, looking over at the former exorcist in concern as she trailed off with a wince, only to frown as she averted her eyes from my own "Are you sure you're alright?"

"Yes...No..." Xenovia sighed, shaking her head in frustration "I honestly don't know,Ren-san.Physically I am fine, and mentally I have resolved myself to put my past behind me..." she placed a hand over her heart "It's just...I fought so hard to uphold my beliefs, sacrificed everything to uphold the doctrines of the Church..." she closed her eyes with a grimace "Despite having learned the truth, a part of me just can't bring myself to cast aside those beliefs I once cherished."

"Xenovia...do you still believe in God?"I asked, only to mentally kick myself for my bluntness when the girl turned to stare at me "What I meant to say was: Do you still believe in his teachings?"I elaborated "I'm not talking about what you were trained to do as an exorcist, but whether or not you still believe in the teachings passed down by God before he passed away?"

"But of course!" Xenovia exclaimed, as if insulted that i'd even have to ask "Though the Church may have twisted them to suit their own ends, the teachings he passed down are not wrong!"

"Then why should it matter if he's alive or dead?"I pressed, scratching my cheek awkwardly at her look of surprise "I think the God from the Holy Scripture would be more than content that people still follow his teachings even after he died."I smiled wanly "I'd think he'd find that preferable to being forgotten by everyone after all."

"Ren-san..." Xenovia whispered, drawing my attention back to the exorcist turned battle-maid, only to gape at the tearful smile adorning her features "You are right, of course." She agreed, her smile never changing even as she wiped the tears from her eyes "Though the Lord is gone, his teachings remain with the faithful." She placed a hand over her heart "And so long as people truly adhere to these teachings, he will never truly be lost to us." She beamed at him gratefully "Thank you for reminding me of that...truly, you are wiser than your years."

"You know I don't hate the scene of 2 love bird's,but we have a Peace Treaty to attend to"Azazel said to which Xenovia blushed.

As we entered the conference hall,it seems mostly everyone has arrived.As Azazel went and sat on the chair left for him,me and Vali just leaned on the wall behind Azazel with xenovia beside me.

From the Devil side,I saw Sirzechs and Serafall in the room with Grayfia, Sona along with her friend.

On the Angels side i saw Michael.

Let's say that the atmosphere was tense,Sona was glaring at me for some reasons I don't know. I didn't do anything to her.The tense atmosphere was soon interrupted by Rias knocking at the door.

As her peerage entered the room, Ise looked to be somewhat nervous.

"My younger sister and her family. They were active during Kokabiel's attack a few days ago." Sirzechs introduced Rias and her peerage.

"I have heard the report. I give you my thanks once more." Michael gave his thanks to them.

"Sorry that Kokabiel of my side caused you trouble." Azazel said it with a brazen expression.

"Sit on the seats over there."

Following Sirzechs's direction, they sat down on the chairs near the wall. Sona was already sitting on one of those seats.

"Now that everyone has arrived, I'll say the preconditions for the meeting. The people present here to acknowledge the most important event and forbidden subject, the non-existence of God."

"Then, acknowledging that, let's continue the conversation."

The conference between the Three Great Powers began...The conference was progressing smoothly.

I tuned out most of the conference since it was almost the same thing as the anime with a few changes.

Since Azazel had sent a message saying that it was Kokabiel's own action and labeled him as a Stray, the two other Factions were more lenient toward Azazel.

Just like in the canon Ise asked as to why Asia was excommunicated to which Micheal went on to explain the reasoning.

"Now then, it's time we hear the opinion of people other than us, those who seem like they can influence the world, the invincible Dragon-samas. First, Vali. What do you want to do to the world?" On Azazel's question, Vali smiled.

"If I can fight strong guys, then it's fine." No need for war, just need a Tenkaichi Budokai.

"Then, Sekiryuutei, what about you?"

"To be honest, I don't understand it well. Somehow, due to all the fastidious stuff, my head is in chaos. In addition to that, I am desperate about looking after my junior Devil, so even if I am told what I think about the world, how should I say it, I don't have feelings gushing forth." Ise replied while scratching his cheek.

"However, you are one of those who has the power to move the world. If you don't make your choice, then it will be difficult for those standing on top of each of the powers such as me to move."

Ise looked troubled. It's understandable. Ise, who was a normal human just a few months ago, has now a power capable to move the world.

"Hyoudou Issei, let me explain it in a very simple manner. If we fight, then there will be a need for you to also fight at the front stage. If that happens, you won't be able to sleep with Rias Gremory."

"...!" Oh dear...

"If we make peace, then there won't be a need to fight. If that happens, then what's left that is the most important is a continuation of the species and prosperity.You may be able to endeavor in making children with Rias Gremory every day. How's that? Is it easy to understand? If there's a fight, then there's no sex. If there's peace, then you can have sex all the time. Which will you choose?"

Only a pervert can understand how Ise's mind works in such a short time.

"I would like to have the peaceful one, please! Yes! It's peace, all right! Peace is the best! I want to do ecchi things with Buchou!" Rias's face was completely flushed.

"Ise-kun, Sirzechs-sama is present here, you know?" Kiba said with a bitter smile while Sirzechs laughed in a low-intensity manner.

"Um... I, since I am an idiot, the meaning of ninety percent of this conference's contents are obscure. However, what I can say is, since the power residing in me is strong, then I'll use it for my comrades.Buchou, Akeno-san, and also the other members as well, if they're exposed to trouble, then I'll protect them! ...Wait, I am still quite weak though. However, what I can do is that. Even if I have to risk my life, I will live alongside my comrades..."

When he said that, I sensed the same sensation as when Gasper used his Sacred Gear.

Unconsciously, I summoned Twin Triana. Then I noticed that the interior of the staff meeting room had changed just a little. I looked around to see that Akeno, Koneko, Sona,Asia and Tsubaki were frozen.

Everyone else could move, Ise and Rias because of his Boosted Gear. Vali his Vanishing Dragon.I had my spear.Xenovia and Irina had their Holy Swords where as Kiba had his holy-demonic sword.

"Are you four alright?"Xenovia nodded to me.

"What's going on?"

"We are under attack."Azazel answered Ise's question.

Sirzechs, Serafall, Grayfia, Azazel, Michael, and Gabriel were looking outside.

"A terrorist attack..." Michael murmured

Outside were several people dressed in robes appeared from a giant magic circle and started firing laser beams at us.

"They are Magicians." Rias started to explain to Ise who was confused.

"Hey! I'm the Magical Girl here!" Serafall started to complain.

"T-Then, what about when time seemed to stop before?"

"Most likely, they used a Sacred Gear or magic that transferred power on the half-Vampire kid's Sacred Gear and forcefully made it go into Balance Breaker state.It's only a temporary Balance Breaker state, but even then, to think that it even affects people present in the interior of objects outside the field of vision... So that half-vampire's potential ability was this high. Well, it seems that he lacks the output to stop us, top-position guys, though." Azazel started to explain.

"But, they transferred power? There are other Sacred Gears with that kind of ability?"

"Boosted Gear combines together both the nearly endless doubling ability and the transferability. There exist independent Sacred Gears with either of these respective powers, the doubling Sacred Gear and the transfer Sacred Gear.All the Longinus are just a combination of one ability with another. Essentially, they combine powerful abilities that aren't supposed to be combined. 'Maybe the Longinus are born because of a kind of bug or errors in the Sacred Gear program constructed by God', that's one of the opinions of us in Grigori. If I had to say it in an easy-to-understand way to you, it's a fact that there are other powers that can transfer."

"Gasper has been made into a terrorist weapon at the old school building... Just where did they get information on my servant...? Moreover, for them to use his power to go after this important meeting...! Never before have I been so insulted like this!" Rias exclaimed with a red aura gushing out from her entire body.

"By the way, the armies of the Fallen Angels, Angels, and Devils outside of this school building all seem to be stopped as well. Geez, Rias Gremory's family is just dreadful."

"This school is enveloped in a barrier. But, despite this, they appeared within the barrier. There must be a transfer-use magic circle or a person connecting with a gate to the inside of the premises.Either way, if they increase the effect of Forbidden Balor View any more than this, there's a possibility that they'll be able to stop even people like us too.By stopping us here with their fierce attack, they intend to annihilate each school building the instant our time is stopped. They seem to be using considerable military power."

Several magic circles appeared at various places in the school grounds and started shining ominously. From them appeared another wave of Magicians.

"It's a repeat from just now. They'll keep appearing even as we knock and knock them down. However, even if the timing and terrorist technique are good, it may be that they have a knowledgeable person who has inside information. Is there unexpectedly a traitor here?" Azazel said.

"Can't we escape from here?" Azazel shook his head at Ise's question.

"We can't escape. As long as the barrier enclosing the entire school isn't dissolved, we can't go outside. But, if the barrier is dissolved, damage may be inflicted in the human world. We have to wait for the enemy boss to appear.If we shut ourselves in here for a while, they'll get tired of waiting and eventually show their face. I'd like to know who the mastermind is quickly. Besides, if we go out and rampage imprudently, we may just do exactly like the enemy wishes."

"That said, we leaders can't move while making preparations. However, our first goal is to take back Gasper from the old school building, which has become the terrorists' base."

"Onii-sama, I'll go. Gasper is my servant. It's my responsibility to take him back."

"I thought I said it before. I understand my younger sister's personality. However, how will you go to the old school building? It's filled with Magicians outside this new school building. The usual transfer is also blocked by magic."

"The old school building, my base's clubroom has a remaining unused Rook piece being safely kept within it."

"I see, [Castling], huh. Since they would usually expect us to go take him back, this could catch the opponent off-guard. They'll anticipate some kind of trick."

"Alright. However, it's reckless to go alone. Grayfia, is it possible to transfer more than one person through Castling with my magic system?"

"Yes, it seems we can only deploy a simple technique ceremony here, but it's possible to transfer ojou-sama and one other."

"So, Rias and someone else..."

"Sirzechs-sama, I'll also go!"

Ise raised his hand and volunteered. Sirzechs's eyes turned towards him for a moment, but then quickly moved in Azazel's direction.

"Azazel, according to a rumor, you've been researching how to freely handle Sacred Gears for a fixed time, right?"

"Yeah, that's true, but what about it?"

"Is it possible to control the Sekiryuutei?"

"..."

Azazel fell silent in response to Sirzechs's question. However, the Governor of the Fallen Angels groped in his breast pocket and...

"Oi, Sekiryuutei."

"I-I'm Hyoudou Issei!"

"Then, Hyoudou Issei. Take this." Azazel threw something at Ise.

"Those are bracelets with the power to control a Sacred Gear to some degree. If you find the aforementioned half-Vampire, put one on him. It'll help him control his power somewhat."

"But, there are two of them...?"

"The other one is for you. You haven't mastered the power of the Welsh Dragon, right? If so, put it on. If it's for a short time, it'll be possible to go into the Balance Breaker state without paying any price. This will be used in place of the price."

"Use that ring as a last resort. Since it can't regulate its consumption of stamina, you'll just exhaust yourself wastefully if you activate it suddenly. It will consume an intense amount of stamina and magical power while in armor mode."

"Remember this well. The current you is a Devil that was originally born as a human. Even if one possesses a powerful Sacred Gear, there's no meaning if the host is useless. If the opponent against the current you is inexperienced, you can just sprinkle Ddraig's power to win, but it's a tractable thing regarding those with greater power and those who understand your ability. At any rate, you yourself are your Sacred Gear's weak point. The cluster of your weakness is assuredly your inability to master it. You'll eventually die if you can't tame your power."

"I-I understand."

"Azazel, just how far did you research Sacred Gears?"

Michael-san asked Azazel while sighing, but the Fallen Angel Governor just smiled fearlessly.

"It's fine, isn't it? God, the one who made the Sacred Gears, isn't here, right? Isn't it better if there's someone who can explain about Sacred Gears at least a little? I heard there are all kinds of things that even you don't know, right?"

"I think the problem is that you're the one who's researching it..." I think it's time to make our moves.

"Vali.Ren"

"What is it, Azazel?" "Hmm?"

"Why don't you two thin out some numbers. If the Hakuryuukou and wielder of Twin Triana comes out at the front, it'll disrupt their strategy a little. Also, something may move."

"So that person will also become aware of me being here?"

"If you do that, they won't expect the Sekiryuutei to transfer over to the using Castling. It'll also have the effect of attracting their attention a little."

"Wouldn't it be faster to blow away all the terrorists in the old school building and the half-Vampire who has become a problem?"

"Quit that at a time where we've united in peace. In the worst case scenario, we'll do that, but if we can save a member of the Maou's family, saving him will be of benefit for us in the future."

"Understood." With that, he approached me.

"Well lets get this over with." I said to him.

"Let's see who can do better." Vali just smirked and then we jumped outside through the window.

"Balance Break."

[Vanishing Dragon Balance Breaker]

After that sound, a snow-white aura covered Vali's form! When the light stopped, his body was wrapped in a whole-body armor that emitted a white radiance. When I first saw that, I thought of the armor in Saint Seiya.

Preparing myself,I crossed the battlefield and killed all the magicians within range.

Some of them tried to escape by flying but they weren't as fast as I was.

"Regroup and kill him with one united spell!" Several magicians regrouped together and started to cast a spell together.

No matter how much they are, they won't be able to kill me.

The group of magicians summoned a giant fire ball while I unleashed my wave of demonic energy from my spear.

The wave of demonic energy sliced the fire dragon, destroying it, and continued its way toward the group of magicians.

"Mo-Monster!" Was one of the last words of one the magicians as they were all decimated.

"How rude."Looking at what I have done, I started to sweat.

Then the school exploded gaining my attention. I saw in the debris of the building everyone protected by a barrier placed by Michael, Sirzechs, and Azazel.

There was also another person. It was a tall bespectacled woman with a voluptuous figure. She has tan skin with long brown hair tied into a bun with a headset and she had purple eyes.

It was Katarea Leviathan, the descendant of the Original Leviathan.

Then Azazel unfolded his twelve black wings and flew out of here with Katarea.

"Ren." Xenovia stopped me

"What is it?" "I want to tell you something important after that." I looked in her eyes and I saw she was serious.

"Okay, after that I'll listen to you." She nodded then went to massacre some magicians.

"Alright, then Xenovia, let's slice those magicians apart." "Yeah!"

And like that, arc of demonic energy and holy energy fell on our enemies killing a majority of them and destroying the school.

Then a draconic aura appeared, we looked in the sky to see Azazel in his artificial Balance Break.

Pov End

"Heh, it seems you are running out of gas, Katerea Leviathan!" Azazel remarked with a teasing tone.

There wasn't a single wound to see on his body, some minor burns on his expensive suit at best, and he didn't seem to be fatigued at all.

On the other hand, Katerea was having a hard time. Devils always had a bad matchup with fallen angels, even if their light no longer held holy attributes, and that was reflected on all the burns she had across her body.

The battle was already decided. However, Azazel was still wary of his surroundings, as if he were expecting a surprise attack.

"Your underlings are about to lose, too. Won't you make things easier for me and just give up on this excuse of a terrorist attack? You should have known better than picking a fight you can't win."

The woman gritted her teeth, barely holding back the anger compelling her to attack the man in front of her.

"If you think my source of confidence came from those lowly humans we hired, then you are sorely mistaken."

Azazel could only raise an eyebrow when the woman introduced her free hand between her "assets" and took out a small bottle. When his eyes recognized what was inside that bottle, however, his easy-going expression faded.

"A snake? Don't tell me-"

"Yes, this is a gift from our leader! Now tremble in fear, Azazel!" Katerea smiled, confident in her victory as the snake crawled into her mouth.

The effect was immediate. Her body was flooded with an absurd amount of power, to the point it was starting to mutate into something gross. Her presence was so oppressive that everyone else stopped what they were doing to look at the two combatants.

"Try to not die, Azazel-"

She stopped in her tracks after realizing Azazel just smiled at her transformation, without any trace of fear or distress.

"That's more like it. Now you are the perfect opponent to test this little baby of mine."

The leader of the fallen angels then pulled out what looked like a small, golden spear with a huge purple gem at the tip of its handle. But what really gave Katerea a pause was the draconic presence she could feel from it.

"Meet the first artificial I was able to create! The Down Fall Dragon Spear! And of course, its balance breaker!"

The spear-like dagger emitted a blinding light, and at the next moment, it became a golden armor covering Azazel's body. Its design was obviously inspired by Vali's balance breaker, but instead of dragon wings, Azazel was still using his crow-like wings to fly.

"I-impossible." Now Katerea was the one starting to panic. "How did your research go that far!?"

"You could say I have a really good sample to study. Now, try to not die too quickly, okay?"

Throwing back at Katerea her own words, Azazel rushed at her with a halberd made out of light.

It could be hardly called a fight. While the descendant of the original Leviathan obtained a power she was barely able to control and was slowly destroying her body from the inside, Azazel increased all his parameters without sacrificing anything.

In less than a minute, the devil was again in a sorry state, full of wounds and burns. Her trump card had proven to be meaningless, as the fallen angel could feel she was still no match for them.

However, the way she started to smile as his spear tore holes in her body was concerning. He chalked it up to her finally losing her mind, but then he finally realized it.

The power her body was barely able to contain was now starting to escape through her wounds.

"You finally noticed it, Azazel!? I didn't want to resort to this, but I guess I will take every one of you with me to hell!"

"You really lost what little rationality you had, woman!" Azazel gritted his teeth.

If he didn't play with her, this wouldn't be happening. Now, his enemy turned into a ticking bomb on her own accord, and attacking her relentlessly would only speed up her detonation.

Granted, he wanted to capture here so they could obtain more information about that so-called "Khaos Brigade", and there was an obvious counter to that strategy.

But said counter wasn't showing up-

"Guh!"

Azazel gasped as a fist sunk into his back, causing him to crash into the courtyard, near his fellow governors. The golden armor faded away, leaving only the purple gem behind.

"That hurt... I guess it still needs a lot of improvements if I want it to be close to the original..."

Azazel grumbled as he raised from the crater he caused with his landing and waved a hand to tell the others he was fine.

"You bastard! What are you doing attacking your ally!" Issei reprimanded his natural enemy with a really annoyed face. If it wasn't for Koneko holding him in place, he wouldn't be able to repress the primal instincts compelling him to destroy that man's existence.

"What can I say? This side is more interesting, and I couldn't refuse the proposal they made when I met them after retrieving Freed Sellzen. The opportunity to fight Norse Gods is really appealing."

"You joined a terrorist group just because of that!?"

"What took you so long, Vali? You were supposed to join me after we infiltrated the place!"

Vali ignored Issei's outburst and looked at Katerea. His helmet made it impossible to see his expression, but everyone was sure he was showing her a mocking smile.

"Who said I did that to protect you? I just couldn't control my impulse to attack a fake dragon. Besides, I wouldn't be that confided about your strategy."

His armored hand pointed behind her, and what she saw upon turning around made her vision turn red. There was Ren Hyoudou holding his spear over his shoulder.If his expression was anything he didn't seem happy.

As Katerea starting to gather her power in the tip of her staff.

The spearman launched himself towards the Devil King Descendent.

Katerea fired a massive beam of raw magical power at Ren just as Ren dashed towards her.

The tip of his demonic spear sliced the beam without any difficulty, causing the voluptuous woman to gasp in astonishment.

"You little!" Her fingers stretched as if they were living creatures, and shot forward to restrict him.

But it was useless. The demonic spear severed them with abnormal easiness.

The confidence in her face born from thinking the only thing he would accomplish with that attack would be just killing himself alongside everyone in the vicinity, faded the moment demonic spear cleanly cut her body in half.

She didn't feel an ounce of pain, but she immediately knew she was doomed as her body started to crumble like a house of cards blown by the wind and the energy dispersed harmlessly.

"Curse you...Ren Hyoudou..." Those were the only words she was able to utter before becoming dust carried by the wind.

The last thing she saw was that human landing and letting his spear fade away. He never looked at her vanishing for, as the chances of her surviving were literally zero.

Issei Pov

"I really thought for a moment you would side with her, but I guess it's just like you joining them for the sake of just fighting strong opponents, right, Vali Lucifer?"

That bombshell quickly overshadowed the previous surprise. The implications of that family name were just... mind-blowing, at least for the inhabitants of this world.

"You have to be kidding... he's actually the descendant of the original Lucifer!?"

The leader of the Grigori nodded at the conclusion they arrived. "Born from a descendant of the original Lucifer and a human girl, and as fate would have it, that human part ended up being the host of the Divine Division. A true monster this world has never witnessed if you ask me."

"I like to think the word "miracle" suits me better." Vali responded with a playful tone and looked at Issei. "Isn't fate cruel, my rival? I am, without doubt, the strongest White Dragon Emperor, and in turn, you are the weakest Red Dragon Emperor. I've been waiting for years to meet you, excited to reenact a legendary battle, just to be disappointed. But you still have a really long life ahead to keep training, so maybe you will one day catch up to me, Hyoudou Issei."

"I investigated you a little. Your father is an ordinary office worker. You mother sometimes goes out to a part-time job as an ordinary full-time housewife. There are also no ability-users or practitioners who possessed power among your ancestors. Of course, your ancestors had nothing to do with devils or angels either. You really are ordinary. Your friends aren't special either. You were a completely ordinary male high school student until you were reborn as a devil as well. —With the exception of Boosted Gear, you're nothing."

That guy laughed with a pitying expression.

"Boring. When I learned about you, who was so excessively boring, I laughed out of disappointment. 'Ah, so this is my rival. I give up.' If your parents had at least been magicians, than maybe the story would change a bit. That's right! How about this kind of setting? You can become an avenger!"

...? I had no idea what he's talking about. How to say it, I felt like this guy was smart in a different way. I couldn't understand him at all.

I could understand that he was different from Akeno-san and Gasper, that he didn't hate his upbringing.

No doubt, he was proud of his lineage. If there are those who suffer from their birth, there are also those who take delight in it. The world was so complicated that it couldn't be processed by my brain.

But even I understood his next words. Quite clearly.

"I'll kill your parents. If I do that, your personal history will become a little more interesting. If your parents are killed by a valuable existence like me, don't you think you'll be able to openly devote yourself to a solemn destiny? Yeah, I'll do that. After all, your parents will, from now on as well, live ordinarily, grow old ordinarily, and die ordinarily. The setting I spoke of is much more brilliant than such a boring life! Right?"

I couldn't express it. I couldn't express this feeling that was born in my heart.

A feeling of a degree I had never felt before was starting to be born within me.

I could only say this.

"I'm going to kill you, you bastard."

I quietly let that out of my mouth.

At that moment, my head finally understood. Ah, so this is what they call "killing intent".

"...Just as you said, my father is an ordinary office worker who works from morning to evening for our family. My mother is an ordinary housewife who makes delicious food for our family morning, noon and evening. However, they raised me up to this point. To me, they're the best parents."

Why should my parents have to be killed by this kind of bastard?

That's also a stupid reason. My father and mother have nothing to do with you.

"...Kill them? My father and mother? Why should they have to be mixed up in the situation of someone like you and be killed? As if I know anything about things like valuable or destiny!"

He is the one person I can't forgive. Vali Lucifer.

"As if I'll let you do it."

He is the one person I absolutely cannot forgive!

"I'll be damned if I let my parents be killed by the likes of yooooooooooooou!"

[Welsh Dragon Over Booster!!!!]

As if responding to my anger, my Sacred Gear started to release a strong bright red aura.

With the ring I got from Azazel also acting on it, I equipped [Booster Gear Scale Mail] without having to sacrifice anything.

However, a countdown-like thing appeared on the jewel of my left arm's gauntlet. Time-wise, I didn't have even fifteen minutes. Though it was still better than the mere ten second of my incomplete Balance Breaker.

"—. Look, Albion. Hyoudou Issei's power went up by an incomparable amount. The plain and simple reason called rage was the trigger, but this is...Hahahaha, what a dragon's surge."

[Sacred Gears simply use strong emotions as food for power. Hyoudou Issei's rage is at its genuine limit, and is turned towards you. Only straightforward people can draw out the dragon's power.]

"I see. So his greater affinity with his dragon is also explained through this reason."

As if I know! In any case, if I don't do something about this guy, my surroundings will become a disaster! I won't allow that!

"However! You still aren't clever! Hyoudou Issei! Your intelligence is insufficient to control Ddraig! That is a sin."

"Stop chattering and talking about things I don't understaaaaaaand!"

"Yes! That is exactly why you're called an idiot!"

Spouting an aura from the magic power jets on my back, I rushed towards Vali! Vali covered his face with his mask. So he's prepared to fight! It was only my second time using Balance Breaker, but a failed attack wasn't permitted like that time with Raiser!

Ren pov

As i watched Vali and Issei fight,just like in the canon timeline Issei tries to take in Albion's gem and succeeded in that.Having had enough I decided to intervene.

Just as the two were about to clash against each other,I intervened,pulling Issei back releasing an arc of demonic energy to make Vali back off.

"So,you have decided to intervene.Huh,Ren?"

"Well,I wouldn't be able to see uncle and auntie in the face,if i let him die" I answered to Vali.

"Hey,Ren move i can still fight" demanded Issei.

"No you can't." Just as i said that his Sacred Gear was released.His armour vanished, and the ring which helped his power also crumbled away.

"Well then,if i have to battle you,I won't take any chance's."

"Wait don't tell me.."Just then he starts chanting.

[I, who am about to awaken, in supreme justice—]

Juggernaut Drive

[Don't act rashly, Vali! Is it your desire to be at the mercy of my power!?]

With the moon floating within the night sky in the background, a single silhouette swooped down to our location. It swiftly came into the space between Vali and me. It was a man wearing armour that would be worn by a military commander of the Romance of the Three Kingdoms.Bikou.

"Vali, I've come for you."

It was a young man with a refreshing-looking face. He spoke to Vali cheerfully.

"So it's Bikou. What have you come for?"

Vali stood up while wiping away the blood from his mouth.

"Isn't that cruel? I made a long journey and came all the way to this island country because my partner is in a pinch, you know? The other guys were making a fuss at headquarters, you know? Because we're joining together to fight the northern country gods, you were supposed to flee and return right away if the mission failed, right? Cattleya failed to assassinate Michael, Azazel, and Lucifer, right? In that case, your observation role is also over. Come back with me."

"If you don't mind, I'll bring him with me. I guess our little trip to Asgard will have to wait. But this are definitely some interesting news to deliver."

"To think the descendant of the original Sun Wukong would join that terrorist organization, too... Things are about to get complicated." Despite how serious the situation was, Azazel was showing a smirk as he spoke.

"Heh, I live the way I choose, unlike the old geezer. Now then, see ya!" And just like that, the descendant of the Monkey King took his leave with Vali beside him, and no one made an attempt to go after him.

It had been a really long night, so it was understandable.

The moment the adrenaline left Issei's system, he almost lost his balance and fell on his butt.

"Let me heal you,Issei-san!" Asia was the first one to approach him. Being the only one who had worrying injuries, she couldn't help it,with a determined expression and start healing him.

With that the Peace treaty ended.