The Unfamiliar Boy and the Winged Woman VII

[Ren_Hwa: Guys, I want to add a female character from another anime, should I go ahead? She's needed for the plot.]

Two days had passed since Issei's decisive victory over Donaseek. Issei seemed unfazed by the recent events as he approached Ayaka the following day, seeking guidance.

Since then, both Ayaka and Issei had been engaged in rigorous training sessions.

"Hahh, Hahh," Ayaka gasped for breath as he dragged his exhausted body along the street. Sweat poured down his face, evidence of the intense workout he had been enduring.

Issei, though appearing less fatigued, still struggled to catch his breath.

Issei caught up from behind, his voice laced with a mix of teasing and concern. "I forgot about your weak physique, don't bother stressing-"

"Do you want to die?"

Ayaka glanced back, raising an eyebrow in response. Issei quickly shook his head, his words betraying a hint of fear. He certainly didn't want to meet his end at Ayaka's hands.

Both of them continued dragging their feet towards Ayaka's house, as they saw a nun, her hair flows all the way down to her back, with split bangs over her forehead and a single strand sticking out from the top and sloping backward.

Her former main attire consisted of a dark teal nun outfit with light blue accents, a white veil over her head with light blue accents, a brown satchel slung on her right hip, and brown boots with black straps in an X-shaped pattern. She also wore a silver cross necklace around her neck.

"A foreigner?"

Issei asked besides Ayaka, "Yeah, she's the guest of the fallen angels," Ayaka nonchalantly added again, jogging Issei's memories, "Ah, so she's the one that guy talked about? I see."

The girl from the other side of the road walked up to them, "excuse me, please do you know the way to the church?" She asked, timidly and shyly.

Ayaka looked at Issei, nodding his head, "Alright, follow me, I'll lead you there," Issei took the initiative while Ayaka simply followed behind.

Ever since Ayaka met Issei, he had been guiding the young boy. Despite needing Issei, Ayaka didn't want to form any strong attachments. He was solely focused on achieving his goals, caring more about the end result than the process.

Issei had noticed Ayaka's intentions, but he didn't mind. Ayaka was leading him on the path towards his own objectives. As long as Ayaka didn't harm his loved ones, which Ayaka had already reassured him about, Issei was willing to go along

So, both were using each other for their own ends, however, the one who still held the most influence over the other, was naturally Ayaka.

Issei's change of personality, was through Ayaka, 'mind manipulation, I never thought I'd resort to using this one day,' Ayaka wasn't in need of a goody two shoes, he needed someone that would willingly take the path of carnage with him.

[Ren_Hwa: Ahem, plot!]

That was why Ayaka had been leading Issei on, he didn't want control over Issei, infact, Issei could betray him, he wouldn't care, he's already used to it.

Both Issei and the girl were immersed in their own world, as Ayaka stared at the two, surely, even a clueless Ayaka didn't understand the emotions swirling within him.

'A partner, huh.'

Although Issei could be considered a friend, Ayaka didn't view him as a true partner. He desired a companion who would willingly and naturally follow the same path as him, without any external manipulation.

Finding such individuals was rare, which led Ayaka to resort to manipulating Issei.

As they reached the entrance of the church, Issei clenched his fist and sniffed the air. "Surely, she's here."

This was another one of Ayaka's schemes.

He and Ddraig had been teaching Issei how to wield magic. Thankfully, it came relatively easy to Issei, as he was the host of a dragon. Ddraig naturally imparted knowledge about magic to his host.

With Ayaka's assistance, Issei's progress was smooth. Although he was still at a beginner's level, he had learned a few spells.

Most of Issei's spells were fire-based, which suited him perfectly since his sacred gear housed a dragon with a strong affinity for fire.

Asia who had introduced herself to Issei, when Ayaka was in his thoughts, she looked at Issei with confusion, which only Ayaka understood.

"Yeah, let's leave now, we'll come back, 'later'."

Ayaka emphasized to Issei on the 'Later,' while Asia remained confused about Issei's sudden angered expression.

Issei finally noticed Asia's gaze and reassured her, "Don't worry, we have school later in the day. We wouldn't want to be late."

Asia smiled back at Issei, warming his heart. Acting differently, instead of being a pervert, seemed worth it. Issei silently acknowledged, "Thanks to Ayaka's guidance."

Issei had been desperate enough to ask Ayaka for lessons on attracting girls. Surprisingly, Ayaka, who was clueless about the subject, hypnotized Issei into becoming a gentleman, and it surprisingly worked.

Issei mentally added, "Ayaka is seriously the best."

With Asia, Issei had taken his first step towards becoming a harem protagonist. Seeing Issei's demeanor, Asia brightly beamed at him and said, "Alright, Issei-san, I'll be expecting you."

While Asia didn't pay much attention to Ayaka's presence, it was as if Ayaka was invisible, which Ayaka didn't mind. They both left the abandoned church together to prepare for school.

Once they arrived home, Issei glanced at Ayaka and asked, as he took a drink of water from the table, "What's the plan regarding the devils?"

Ayaka replied with his unchanging expression, "Just wait. They will come for you eventually. The Gremory heir will eventually need your help."

Ayaka's goal was simple: to make "Lucifer" owe him a favor. Despite appearing ordinary, Ayaka had spies across all factions, including Khaos Brigade.

Ajuka Beelzebub was his target.

Ayaka intended to meet the devil genius, and Rias' arranged marriage would be the trigger for it.

But before that, they needed to take care of the winged woman.

"Alright then, Raynare comes first, it's time for you to pay the life debt you owe me."

Issei muttered, he was quite calm, however, the aura he was releasing told otherwise, Ayaka simply mused to himself while carrying his bags for school, 'heh, Raynare would have a tough time dealing with you.'