Chapter 163: Trap?!

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After dropping the girls off at his house and explaining the situation to Irina and Xenovia, Issei found himself caught in the middle of a heated debate between the fallen angels and the exorcists. Sitting in silence on the front staircase, he listened as the girls argued fervently around him, each one voicing their opinions on what he should do.

"Kokabiel knows exactly what Issei is capable of! Challenging him is undoubtedly a trap. We should request Gabriel-sama's assistance and seek aid from Heaven," Irina declared, her voice filled with concern.

"Forget that! If Gabriel shows up, the devils will come swarming too! We can't afford that! Azazel-sama entrusted this task to Issei precisely to avoid involving other factions! Issei can handle Kokabiel easily! It might be a trap, but he's faced off against Ajuka Beelzebub... Kokabiel doesn't stand a chance," Raynare fired back, her words filled with conviction.

Xenovia wore a pensive expression as she spoke slowly, her voice tinged with contemplation. "There's more to this... If the battle is in two days, then-"

Before Xenovia could inadvertently reveal information about Ophis, Ingvild stealthily interjected, diverting the conversation. "I don't think you should go at all, Issei. You don't owe anything to these fallen angels. Let them resolve their own problems. Your own concerns should take precedence."

"And who asked for your opinion, devil? In fact, who are you anyway? I've never seen you before," Kalawarner hissed at Ingvild, her suspicion evident.

Ingvild frowned, her gaze unwavering. "I'm not affiliated with the devils in Kuoh or anywhere else... And I'm only a half-breed. I consider myself more human than devil."

"Then what are you doing here? How do you know Issei?" Kalawarner demanded, her curiosity piqued.

"I'm a half-devil? That's a laugh. I can sense your power, and you're no half-breed," Raynare chimed in, adding fuel to the fire.

"You two seem rather ungrateful, considering Issei has graciously allowed you to stay here. Show some respect for him and his other guests," Xenovia intervened, her tone laced with aggression.

"We're not ungrateful... But you church girls seem to think you can boss Issei around! It's not your decision to make regarding what he does!" Raynare countered, her voice filled with defiance.

"Isn't that precisely what you're attempting to do?" Xenovia shot back, her retort swift and pointed.

Issei remained silent, his mind consumed with thoughts as he contemplated the situation. Annoyed and frustrated, he mentally confided in Ddraig, "This is getting on my nerves, Ddraig..."

"I agree... You want my advice, kid? I say send them all away. You don't have the time to train any of them in just two or three days. Ingvild and Vritra are the only ones who might actually be of help in the upcoming fight we're facing. I suggest you prioritize them," the dragon sighed, offering his counsel.

"Don't listen to them, Issei! You have no obligation to go there!" Irina pleaded, attempting to sway the increasingly irritable dragon.

"Well, what is he supposed to do then? Kokabiel has called him out. If he doesn't show up, something worse might happen. Besides, isn't that the reason you two church ladies came here in the first place? Or has your mission suddenly changed?" Raynare argued back, her voice filled with frustration.

Finally reaching his limit with their incessant bickering, Issei stood up, his voice laced with anger. "All of you shut the fuck up! The next person who tells me what I should do will get knocked out!"

A heavy silence enveloped the air as the girls froze in fear, their argument abruptly halted by Issei's outburst. Casting a stern gaze at Raynare and Kalawarner, Issei addressed them firmly, "This isn't a damn hotel, and you don't get to make demands of me in my own house after I offered you a place to stay. So listen up... the moment Kokabiel is dealt with, you two are going back home. I will handle Kokabiel, so stop whining about it already!"

Raynare and Kalawarner obediently bowed their heads in submission, acknowledging Issei's authority. However, their compliance didn't erase the shock and disbelief etched on the faces of Irina and Xenovia. The abruptness of Issei's decision to send them away, especially after they had just settled in, left them dumbfounded. Irina, on the verge of speaking up, quickly aborted her words, recognizing the warning signs as Issei twitched in irritation. Both Irina and Xenovia understood that Issei's intentions extended beyond the immediate battle with Kokabiel—he didn't want them involved in the dangerous situation concerning Ophis.

"The threats I'm facing are too perilous for you to be a part of. I don't have the time to train you adequately in a span of two or three days, and I won't be able to guarantee your safety if the situation escalates. For now, I want you to seek refuge with Gabriel... Keep her uninformed about my affairs unless absolutely necessary. If everything settles down without any disastrous consequences, you're welcome to return, and I'll train both of you. But until then, I need you to keep your distance," Issei firmly instructed the two exorcists.

The fallen angels, typically reveling in the discomfort of others, found themselves caught off guard by Issei's unexpected decision. Ingvild, uncertain of her own position, watched the exchanges nervously, unsure if she, too, would be asked to leave.

Irina struggled to hold back tears, her emotions clearly visible. Issei gently placed a comforting hand on her shoulder, reminding her of their enduring friendship. "We're still friends... But I can't allow you two to be engulfed in this turmoil. Go..."

His childhood friend fought valiantly to maintain composure, nodding in reluctant acceptance. Issei swiftly opened a portal, directing her towards it with a pointed gesture.

Xenovia, her expression tinged with sadness, bowed her head in acknowledgment. Issei's decision pained her, but she understood his reasoning. He locked eyes with her for a moment, conveying his thoughts. "This is Gabriel's summoning sigil. The portal will take you back to Irina's former residence. If she inquires about why I sent you away, inform her that I have urgent matters to attend to and require her to watch over you. But remember... don't disclose anything unnecessary. I'll be fine."

"Issei..." Irina's voice broke the lingering silence. Realizing that she was already being asked to depart, she believed it wouldn't hurt to speak up once more.

Issei turned his attention towards her, his gaze steady. "Yes?" he responded, awaiting her words.

"Please... be careful," Irina almost sobbed, her concerns palpable, before stepping through the portal.

Xenovia let out a sigh, her understanding evident. "I comprehend why you're making this decision, Issei... I'd prefer to stand by your side, but I understand."

"Stay safe, Xenovia... and make sure Irina stays composed," he nodded, acknowledging her loyalty.

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23+ advanced chapter on my patr(e)on.