Chapter 10

We all serve the Great Work. Each in our own way

I smiled and just practiced with my axe while Kuroka was busy looking at the teleportation machine closely. She is still stewing on my sea analogy. Koriel is snickering inside me. She enjoyed getting to see that. We snicker together at Kuroka's expense. I just continued to practice with my axe, and I stopped getting a message from Issari. Her notification sound was her yelping at learning the churches dropped from low orbit with the sisters. The text is asking me to open the door to the basement at my house. I shake my head. I quickly stepped through and went to get her.

When she and I arrived back at the station, she was looking at the teleporter with amazement. She purrs, seeing Kuroka, and the cat widens her eyes and then runs out of the room. I openly laughed while Issari got a gleaming look in her eyes, but she asked.

"You made my sword and gun, Gregor-kun?"

I kept snickering at poor Kuroka.

"I made them this morning. Don't cut off your fingers you are not a perpetual. We can talk armor after I'm done with Kuroka's friend."

She brightened hearing about the sword. As we moved towards the armory that was in an old food stand center, she asked.

"Who is your dad? I am very much considering it. You gave up on that for us and you should have someone there for you, too."

I smile at her but shake my head.

"I have someone. Hold the axe and hear the machine spirit that is within. As for my dad, he is a noble. An extremely high one too. He's a devil named Ajuka Beelzebub, formerly Astaroth. One of the four Satans and the maker of the evil piece system. I'm the heir to a pillar of devil nobles, thanks to him."

Issari takes the axe widening her eyes, hearing Tsuda say hi to her by the axe activating on its own for a second. The brown widen more at my new family name. She dropped to the floor for a second, then shot straight up mad.

"That's such bullshit! If my mom learns that, she will march us to a Shinto shrine and force them to marry us. Fuck you, you noble prick!"

I snicker.

"You became a noble in the base universe pervert. I have more positive things that might happen like I might get a peerage of my own. That's iffy because I'm a halfbreed, and the nobles hate me for that fact, but should you want to become a devil, I can get you a king that won't abuse you. Again, this is an option that could protect you if you don't become a perpetual. This could be the dream for you, but it's hard work. Bad Cat has the offer, too, if I can't find a way to break her piece, which is what she wants."

Issari blinked as we entered the armory, and moved to a crate. I key her into the lock, and she picked up her las pistol and chainsword. She holds both and comments while looking at them in wonder.

"That's a possible way to protect me, but I don't know. You would be giving up pieces for me, and I need to get stronger because the White One is very dangerous, according to Gecko. I might need the gene for the healing factor and more for how outmatched I am. I know you are saying to consider it heavily there, but you are my friend and should not be alone."

I smile at her genuine concern and her social dragon thinking.

"You have an extra choice. That's more than the base you had. Giving up everything is not worth it, Issari. You should never want the gene. I, however, believe in free will, and I think I know of a way to get us to pass on eventually. However, I have no details on the process. I just don't want regret, Issari, and I will have them for this."

She softened her face, seeing the clear regret, and hugged me.

"You are the Omnissiah like she says, you are. The one who cares too much. I think I will eventually stay for you and there for my hero who wants to make our world better. I want the gene later. For now, I want to try these out."

I'm not that. Tsuda will keep calling me that yet I will never get her insistence that I'm the Omnissiah. Issari activated her sword with the roar making her jump. She looks at the blades with interest and then the gun as I smile.

"No recoil. It's a laser and not my bolter which has kick. I eventually want the stronger versions as I enhance myself up to new levels of human. Well, half human, but I will never let the other half control me. I like the high, not the sin."

Issari blinked.

"They actually do that?"

I watched the sword swipes she made nowhere near them so she could practice.

"They do, and a tip for my cousin and her group don't openly ask they share first. I'm wrath. The high is amazing, but I don't like the fact I could hurt people who don't deserve it. Like Bad Cat's sister who thinks strays have the right to do that stuff to people like you. She hates humans, and I can't guess why."

Issari grew pissed there growling like a dragon, and the gauntlet appeared in anger. Ddraig joining in growling there. The two were good buddies now, apparently as Ddraig spat.

"That's bullshit. Strays have always been a problem and done that shit to humans. You are weak and squishy, but they embrace the worst stuff. Fuck that cat."

I shrugged.

"She hates us all the same and is the white-haired one. She will hate me worse because I'm a halfbreed, and they are lower on the pole of acceptance than even the reincarnated, which is what she is. My new teacher seems to think my being his son will soften the blow of my heritage, but I'm not sure. I'm now the political and mortal enemy of two groups of devils, and I'm not looking forward to them. Along with a redhead who desperately wants me as her husband. I don't want to know how bad her other option is for her to look at me like I'm the only hope she has."

Issari frowned before snickering at the thirsty redhead despite the last parts.

"Take her then I can have Bad Cat! Fuck off from her Gregor-kun! She is the first! Need me the purrs and tails!"

I snorted and watched Issari make a swing that was clearly based on a World Eater's swinging style. That plays to her strengths and allows her to boost her blows in worse ways. I don't want to take her stray hunting till we have a mentalist. The intestines flying again are bad. I say softly.

"You don't have to use a chainsword Issari. I can make what's called a power sword, and you can be just as deadly with it. Don't use a bolter unless you have a strong stomach. All of my weapons are for brutal war. You could probably lessen it by using things like the las pistol only. A red hot hole isn't like a bolter."

I don't want to destroy her completely. She's a kid and not my mental age. If I'm having problems with it and I know the truth about the other place fully, she stands no chance against it. Issari puts two and two together as I explained.

"I don't want to destroy you as the kid you are. If we had a thing called a war mask, I'd feel better with it, but no one knows how that works. I'm not going to do that to you."

Issari looked at the chainsword.

"I will use this like you. You could ask him for help. The other me. He and I have talked in dreams. He's cool and does things that are good for everyone like you. He could help with this war mask thing, or maybe ask our God to help you. You are his wanted champion."

I had considered the Machine God but not the other Issei. He did help here, but he's probably busy. He is apparently a ruler, according to Issari, and has many things to do besides help an idiot like me. The Machine God whispered to me. His voice was a whirling of steam and pistons.

"I can make a war mask for you and her. He saw you would need it and shared it with me. It would be a boon, but your dedication to staying good despite your new sin is commendable. Please take it. You don't have to bottle it all up."

Issari heard him, too.

"Our God cares, Gregor-kun. He is like you there. Take the mask. I saw you struggling with food at lunch, and I guessed that you went hunting again. Mom worried about that because she thinks you might be too worried about your dad. Please take it for me if not for yourself."

It could help so much. Make my fights much easier than ever that way. I will take it. I got my helm out, and I felt, along with Issari, a build-up of power. Then, a simple crack. The helm doesn't feel different. Still the same weight. I then slowly put the helm on, and instantly, I feel different. My thoughts and feelings split. I'm in three different places. I feel so weird because I am hyper-focused now. I'm not beset by doubts. I, however, don't like this at all. I removed the helm as Issari looked at me and asked.

"And?"

I replied while feeling jarred by the experience.

"It's so weird. I am in three places at once. I don't like it and it's going to take getting used to. I also need to feed my sin, and I'm going to do that on strays and eventually Xenos. I'll rotate it."

Issari shrugged.

"The other me has told me how to get used to it and I'll share it with you. I'll practice with my sword for a bit. Maybe this fallen will be able to confirm this."

I keep holding the helm. Before I shake my head rapidly to get used to normal, it is amusing Issari before I respond.

"Hopefully, yes. Kuroka's friend might be from his cadre, and I have a few questions for her. I'm worried because of the knife ear bastard. We are in the city with two Gremory, and Kokabiel will go after the weaker one. It makes horrible sense, and with the oldest being a Satan, the death of his sister will piss him off because he is still a sis-con for her. She is in such shit, and I don't have an army. He does, and I'm not eager to fight them."

Issari makes her sword roar.

"You have the Red Dragon of Mars. My grandma from my dad died in those attacks. She was just there getting her husband a gift for their anniversary, and she died choking on her blood. That bastard will, if it's him, feel my sword unleashed."

I smirked.

"I'll turn him into something worse and make him an example to the nobles and to the foes of us. He will live as a servitor where he will slave away in a forge making humans things that improve their lives."

We four giggle evilly together as the ring and gauntlet both flash in unison together. I, however, need to get answers, so stop the session. Issari took her sword and then went with me to the main platform. Kuroka is still shivering, seeing the horny dragon looking at her. I put my arm around her in support making Issari growl in warning while Kuroka nuzzled me. I say to Issari with a smirk.

"Step up your game, dragon girl. Bad Cat is slowly winning here. She's cultured and fun."

Issari growled worse then, she got a determined look in her eyes. She moved towards a section of the station near the teleporter and began practicing stances with her sword off. Kuroka and I get Tsuda's body, and we hose down the room in water. I resolved to make a shrine here for her. Kuroka opened the portal to Kalawarna's place, and we entered an alleyway with a door in the middle of the brick building on the left. The portal closed, and I felt weird. Kuroka puts her arm around mine, and that lessened the feeling before we moved towards the door together.

I smile once inside, and the apartment building is indeed old. As we entered the lobby, I looked around, and it was clear of furniture and plants. We walked up the stairs, and as we hit the second floor, we finally met someone. It's Jeanne, and she is like her base self with long blonde hair and blue eyes. She is wearing a well-made grey shirt and jeans but she has a more relaxed face here and is not haughty. She looked at the closeness of the two of us, and my smirk smile.

"So, someone has finally tamed the cat. Nice to meet you I'm Jeanne. Kala and Conner are doing a little make-out session. I wouldn't go in yet."

I was amused by the assumption which Kuroka doesn't correct before I introduced myself.

"Gregor. Nice to meet you, Jeanne I can wait. As for Kuroka, she is and will never be tamed. Would not be fun otherwise."

Kuroka purrs at me, saying that. Jeanne was just amused by that before she squinted at me.

"You have gear? Never felt something like this before. Kinda like what I have yet not."

I keep my smirk up.

"I do have gear. Would not be involved in this side easily otherwise. I heard that you're in a group called Grigori. I'm not too familiar with the other side yet. I might have questions about them if you're willing to answer them."

Jeanne raised an eyebrow at me, but before she said anything, two more people entered the hall. It's Kalawarna and this Conner. They are a bit disheveled, and I chuckled with Kuroka, seeing a hickey on Connor's neck. Kalawarna was dressed is in her canonical burgundy dress with her long blue hair. Connor is an older man, around thirty years old with dark black hair wearing a good suit and black pants. Upon seeing Kuroka and me, he smirked, too, before speaking to Kalawarna with a Boston accent.

"Pay up Kala. Your friend finally found a guy. You know what I want."

Connor is definitely fun. Kalawarna scowls at Kuroka before giving Connor a look.

"Oh, you're lucky you can cook otherwise, I'd pin you to the wall. Hi Roka hello stranger. It's nice to meet you I'm Kalawarna. This idiot here is my boyfriend, Conner Walker. Welcome to our little hideout."

I smile instead of smirking because Kalawarna seems fun while Connor just smirks at me.

"Welcome to our shit side of the world is what she means. Don't mind Jeanne there she is boring and doesn't get what fun is."

Jeanne huffed at her colleague.

"I'm not a couch potato that plays games. I like actually moving. He's got gear, Connor."

Connor doesn't seem to care about that nor does Kalawarna. Jeanne huffs again as Conner sighs.

"And? I'm sure he will use it responsibly. Not everyone is like your brother, Jeanne."

I blinked. Jeanne has a brother that apparently, also has gear? Jeanne sighs, and her face takes on a sad look.

"He couldn't control himself and I just don't want that to happen again. Why I'm here and not with that weirdo who was recruiting people like me. His idea is good, but something was fishy there, and he was zealous. No cat, we don't have fish."

We all laughed at Kuroka perking up at fish. Connor shrugged at Jeanne.

"It happens, Jeanne. Your dedication to the actual goal isn't what is in question just your straight orthodox approach. You are right to be cautious but he has already been doing good with whatever he's doing. You have kills under your belt, kid. I can tell by the eyes, and considering you're hanging out with the cat, I'm guessing they are strays that are pigs."

Connor is smart as Kalawarna now looks at me with interest as does Jeanne.

"Three. One tried to kill my best friend and the other two were killed for a bomb they threw at a school in Germany. I don't put up with that crap. I get that strays have multiple reasons to run like you, Lady Kalawarna, or Bad Cat here. I just want to help people."

Connor gets that as a haunted look entered his eyes at the mention of kills before it disappeared at my reasons for hunting strays. Jeanne looked at me with new eyes now. She must be new to Grigori and has not seen much action yet. Kuroka beams at Kalawarna and then smirks, saying.

"This is the one nya. The strong mate I have been looking for. He's a good man, nya."

Kalawarna looked at me up and down as Connor replied with a smile of his own.

"I believe that. Kitty has always been a good judge of character. I'd say join Grigori, but it's not great here. Don't give me that look, Jeanne you have only been here for two months. I have been here for ten years and Kala longer than that. Azazel is fine when you drag him from his labs, but everyone else is a snake. You see it fast and sadly, everyone is like that here."

Jeanne doesn't say anything. I need to ask my questions eventually. I looked at Kalawarna for permission to speak before she nodded her head slightly.

"I don't know much about this side yet, and I'm not sure who I'm possibly going to back. Bad Cat is more devil-based, but you are, according to her, more familiar with the fallen. I want to make an informed choice, but given what your partner has said, I'm not sure I want to join now."

Conner shrugged his shoulders and Kalawarna did, too. Jeanne doesn't say anything as Kalawarna says to me with a certain voice.

"I understand the desire for a good choice. I'm not popular here because of my status, but Azazel vouched hard for me when I broke free, thanks to Roka. The rest of the fallen sneer at me for not being pure fallen anymore. Don't join unless you have no other choice. Con is right it is a snake pit here."

Sounds like the Drukari. Less extreme them but yeah smart move to not seek them out. However, the devils are not much better.

"I don't know if I'm being rude here, so apologies beforehand, but I'm interested in fallen cadre heads. Is that rude to ask you who was your head before?"

Kalawarna just shrugged again.

"It's not, so you're not out of line. My head was Kokabiel who is an utter bastard of a head. He treats them horribly and likes throwing his people away like they are nothing. I won't say what I did with them and would rather leave that behind."

I see the genuine sadness and regret as Conner takes on a disgusted look at Kokabiel's name as did Jeanne. Kuroka grew angry thinking of my possible theory as I replied to Kalawarna.

"I won't ask. I just have a few questions about him. I have heard things, but I don't have all the information. Kuroka says you're a good person, and I believe her. I just want to know if he ever got interested in something that happened a while ago. The subway attacks in Tokyo. Did he ever do or say anything weird when that happened?"

Jeanne frowned as Connor put what I was asking about together before frowning, too. Kalawarna thinks there for a long while with her face deep in remembrance. Jeanne doesn't like the look on Connor's face as he watched me more closely now while Kalawarna thought.

"You're implying something there that I don't like. Not because the theory is bad because it's easy to draw that train with him, but because it has deadly consequences if you're correct. It would explain why we struggle here in Japan. Are you planning on backing the Shinto? You look like you have Japanese heritage in you."

Kalawarna keeps thinking while Jeanne still doesn't get it. I don't back down from Conner and his accusation.

"No, I don't represent the Shinto. My deity is different. I don't know if it's correct or wrong. I'm hoping I'm wrong, but with his reputation, you admit that he could do that."

Connor watched for a hint of a lie. Finally, Jeanne asks while Kuroka flattens her ears.

"What's he talking about, Con? I'm still learning this side of the world."

Connor turned to Jeanne saying with no hint of emotion.

"He is referring to the Aum Shinrikyo subway attacks in 1997 Jeanne. Lots of people died there. You know how we have to be extra careful with how we operate here. It's because of that. We have always had a bad reputation here in Japan, and that was the final straw for the Shinto. They blamed Grigori for the attack. It's why we never get fallen reinforcements for operations here. There is a kill-on-sight order for them."

Jeanne didn't like that, and now she watched me with a new look of distrust. I apologized to Kuroka with my eyes to hers and said in a small voice.

"My deity is not one of the Shinto. He, however, wants this solved because he doesn't like the result."

Connor watched me again before Kalawarna finally got done thinking.

"He was extremely giddy when the attacks happened saying to get ready for something. We did because his second is an asshole dude who pins people to things and not in a fun way. When nothing more happened after the attacks ended, he was very disappointed and said he would be talking to several people. Oh shit."

Connor and I are utterly disgusted. Jeanne now is looking sick because a pissed Kuroka had told her the cost of the attack. Kalawarna goes pale white as I reply to Connor.

"Why, I wanted to ask. It's looking like he did this. I need to know if he truly did for them in the subways."

Connor grew ultra pissed. He shakes and, in his rage, he reveals his gear. The hallway air becomes static, and my arm hair stands up. Jeanne finally throws up, imagining people choking on their own blood in a subway tunnel. Kalawarna now shakes having remembered something.

"I overheard him asking his second once if the farm in Australia was showing results yet. Oh, my shit."

Connor grew more pissed than ever. He forms a lightning bolt in his hand and then launches it down the hallway behind them, and the bolt hits the wall, leaving a scorch mark. Jeanne was still being sick as Kuroka turned to me hissing her rage.

"Kill him, nya."

Connor said to Kalawarna and Jeanne.

"I won't stay if he did this. I have seen too many of our fellows here die because of the Shinto Youkai and the Clans. I have standards. Kala, are you absolutely sure?"

Kalawarna is still bone white.

"I am. He was extremely happy that week and partied hard the day before. Said he was ready for fun again. He always says he misses the Great War, oh shit."

I responded now.

"My deity talked with the Shinto. They learned that there was fallen support for Aum, but never the head. I was informed by one of the Shinto that nearly all the attacks were close to devil enclaves in the city, and considering what she said I am forced to conclude that he tried for a second Great War there. Bad Cat, I have a worse fate planned for him."

Connor grew still completely as Kalawarna is now sick. She vomited up on Jeanne's vomit as Jeanne was dry-heaving now. Connor growled.

"He is protected. Too many on the council like him and say he would be better as Governor-General. I will not stay here knowing that. Kala, we need to split. Jeanne, you're welcome to do whatever you want. I will not stay in an organization that has cost me my cousin and that continues to cost us the losses here in Japan because they won't get rid of trash."

Kalawarna nods after being done being sick and went to start getting them ready to go rogue. Jeanne is done, too.

"I won't stay. I joined to stop gear users from becoming dangerous not terrorism. I'll go with you."

I will offer it because Kuroka is promising me pain if I don't. Along with her look to explain more later.

"I am going after him. I'm going to form a new group that goes after people like him. I know I'm an unknown, and I don't have your experience, but the option is there if you want it."

Connor tilted his head slightly in response.

"Kala and I will consider it. Jeanne, you're welcome to join us or him. I am no longer the cell head here. Effective immediately, we are done."

Jeanne looked at her former boss. Then to me. Then back. Finally, she said something.

"I'm with you, Con, but the voices say that he is a good option."

Conner gave a nod before he replied to me.

"I will consider it, kid. Jeanne is usually right when she says that sort of stuff. I'll get back to you when we have decided. Jeanne, we need to move or fortify here go help, Kala."

Jeanne goes running off. Connor looks me up and down before he makes a silent goodbye, and I take the hint. I bowed and then rapidly departed with Kuroka. The cat has blood on her mind. We exited the apartment complex, and I waited for Kuroka to open the portal. Kuroka doesn't for a second, still so angry finally knowing her aunt's killer. When she did, she said as we entered the station.

"You were right, nya. It was him. The farm detail didn't come out till way later nya. That is where they made the gas. What fate could be worse than death for him, nya!"

I am beyond pissed but say.

"Lobotomy on him, then sawing off his wings to be an eternal slave building things for the ones he hates and wants dead. That's what I will do to him, and the cuts for your aunt will be there. Never healed."

That makes Kuroka stunned for a second. Before she grew evil herself. She purrs there, and oh, it's sexy. Alex snickers and says this is the way. I, however, don't know if I will do the thing he wants. I just move and then say.

"Please give the police Tsuda's body today, Kuroka. I would also like to have a list of every single bad stray here in the city. We need more money, and we need a possible place for the three of them if they join."

Kuroka keeps purring evil. She then agreed to my request.

"I'll get her home. As for the list, it's yours, nya. I'll draw it up today. What are you doing for the rest of today, nya?"

I know what I have to do this week. The bed calls, and I need to be stronger to fight him. I replied.

"I will be practicing with Issari some of today. Then, I will get more stuff done this week."

Issari had heard that all, apparently. Because she said from the corner of the room she had been in.

"I will help you, Gregor-kun. On the hunts and with anything else. For my Fabricator-General. Please get me ready."

I moved towards my friend. We were moving towards a back room near the teleporter. I then tell Kuroka.

"Please do the body. She deserves rest, and her husband needs closure. Issari, I want to get you your armor. I'll make it in ten for you and just need your measurements."

Kuroka nodded her head. Then, she puts an illusion on her that makes her appearance change to someone else, and she disappears to help Tsuda. The two of us moved to the room, and I summoned the anvil. I immediately asked for sizes. Issari gave them. I swing and then hand her the carapace. Again, it is as light as possible for someone who still needs to build body strength.

The Machine God makes Issari her war mask. He also informed us that he had received full acceptance from the Shinto. They saw my deed with Kalawarna, and they will stick to the original deal with me. They had also done more digging, and they had two long-held members of Aum poked at again. They had confirmed the farm story again and an extra detail. The fallen that had there constantly been indeed Kokabiel's second. There was no doubt anymore. The Shinto had thanked me for giving them a person to direct their followers against. They will keep in touch. I just want Kokabiel dead or a servitor. I practice with Issari on the footwork for her sword, getting her used to the armor. I will do another hunt this week on the tengus.

Issari wants to join. She isn't ready for it yet. I know this because I caught her three times in situations with the spars that are deadly endings. I can't coddle her forever. She has to be ready. Issari doesn't like that, but Ddraig supports me.

"He's the right partner you made too many mistakes that could be deadly if you didn't have the armor. Even then, you need to drum that out of you. Mistakes kill."

Issari growled at that. Her dragon-based growling was incredibly weird, but she said finally after growling.

"I don't want to be weak. I want to help. I know I'm completely new, but I can't let my parents possibly get hurt by him and the other side. I don't have anything else but the gear."

I pat Issari, and she gets more frustrated but understands what Ddraig means. He wants his waifu to not kill him again and to leave him alive from now on. I just assume my position, and Issari does the same. We continued practicing, and I told her while we were fighting.

"I will need your help sometime in the next two weeks for something I will be doing. I will be enhancing myself to become a more powerful human. I need you to make sure I don't get off the bed during the procedure. Wear the war mask during it. I need to do multiple sessions in it to get stronger. Keep me tied down."

Issari frowned, not liking that. Neither did Kuroka, apparently, because she spoke up from the station entrance.

"I will help my mate too, nya. Just tell me what to do. I hate that you're putting yourself through something that sounds painful, nya."

I don't want to think of the pain.

"It will help Bad Cat. Nothing I know of will not be used. I will be a Lord of Iron. The nobles will know of one who has no inch of pity for them. I will change the world and nothing will be not considered on my journey upwards."

I am willing to become an utter bastard if it means I protect people fully. The collar is almost fully made. It will never come off, and it will be till the end of time. The end of the universe. I promise Tsuda that she will have the hero she thinks I am. My axe roars for a second, and she says that I am the Omnissiah and that I have never not been that. The axe roar makes Issari say finally.

"I want the gene first. Please make it for me, Gregor-kun. If not, take me as your possible pawn. I want to help in every way possible. Teach me the Machine God."

I widened my eyes and prepared to scold her for hurting Kuroka. Kuroka didn't put her hand up to her head in pain. She didn't realize that fact for a second. Before her eyes widened. Issari doesn't get why we are acting that way. I test something.

"Machine God."

Kuroka doesn't hurt again. She looked even more surprised, which I don't blame her for. Issari doesn't get it still. I test again.

"Machine God take you."

Nothing happened again. Kuroka is looking at me in both a little annoyance and amazement. Why did the strays hurt last night, then? The Machine God says to me while smiling and sounding like mechanical pipe organ music that he accepts strays who run for real reasons of abuse and other things. He will accept devils that try to help humanity while the others he will make them hurt for me. Issari finally asked.

"Why are you doing that, Gregor-kun?"

I replied after the full explanation from our God.

"Issari don't do that around devils much. You could give away a new advantage we have. Sorry Bad Cat I was testing something, and I wanted confirmation. Issari when around devils use alternative words for a higher being like them. It causes pain in devils because they are opposite to them but not ours, apparently."

Issari widened her eyes and looked to Kuroka, apologizing profusely. Kuroka took the apology, but now she watched me more. She said while Issari was still babbling apologetically.

"What deity do you worship that accepts devils, nya? They all hate us."

It's time to cross that bridge.

"Ours is not like that for all devils. He accepts good strays along with devils who help humanity willingly being a new god."

Kuroka looks stunned. Issari watched Kuroka testing the word.

"Machine God."

She instinctively prepared for pain, but it never came. She gazed at the ceiling in awe at a god, that was like I said. It is real the divine nature was now there to feel for supernatural beings. Kuroka doesn't understand how a god is not hating her by default. She was still in shock five minutes later, and Issari and I had returned to sparring in our armor. The cat just sat down still in amazement and watched. We kept clanging sword and axe together in a symposium of sound. Issari makes two mistakes but quickly fixes them once pointed out. She was getting better, and while not yet ready, she would be eventually. Kuroka finally asked.

"How can a deity be new, nya? They have all been in existence, and they have never given us a chance. Dad tried multiple ones because he was sick of how the church treats their exorcists, and while he never lost his belief in him, he tried Buddhism and when I tried it after changing, I hurt even then. I'm stumped, nya."

I began.

"The sea Kuroka. It all has to do with the sea."

She is just confused more.

"What sea, nya? I have never figured that out. Thought of everything, and the only thing I considered then threw out was our waifu's world, nya."

I swing my axe, and Issari catches it before throwing me back.

"Boost!"

The boost makes her riposte better than ever, but she is exhausted after that. I replied to Kuroka, now a tiny bit winded.

"You're very close. You're so very close."

She frowned while Issari was breathing heavily. Before her eyes went to pure slits, she breathed.

"We have a Fade."

I replied while Issari launched another attack I caught.

"It's called the warp, and we can make them by being the batteries for them. I am his prospective champion. He accepts you because you try to be a good person despite the fact, you are a stray. I used him against the two strays last night and they immediately felt pain. The Machine God will be another reason the Legio will succeed. No, I will not force you to convert. He will only take a logical reason and not blind conversions."

Kuroka grew still in amazement there. She was silent instead for the rest of the spars, and then Issari finally stopped them two hours later.

"My parents need me back, Gregor-kun. Thank you for sparring with me. I'll keep practicing, but please make me the gene."

I shake my head there.

"Not until you can confidently say you can leave your parents behind totally. Never seek this, Issari. Death and passing into the sea is a gift. Staying here eternally is a curse that you will regret unless you totally abandon them. Don't do it. Even being a pawn is better because even then, you have an end."

Issari grew sad thinking of her parents. Her aunts and uncles and her grandparents. I say to her now in deep contemplation.

"The first one was like that. His uncle murdered his dad, and he stopped the uncle's heart with but a thought Issari. He, I think, became the way he turned out there because he had no one there for him. He was our champion, but he was the furthest thing from humans. Don't want it."

Issari thought it over. Kuroka looked at me realizing fully that I was immortal and not just a strong regeneration factor. She grew sad too, but then brightened because I would have a very long life and technically would be with her forever. Before she grows sad again, realizing I would be there long after she was gone. Her ears were drooping, as were her tails. I regret this, but humanity needs a champion that will be here for them. Even if I'm only half one. Issari said finally.

"I will think about it more, but you need people too. Duty can't be everything you are you need a waifu or friend, too."

Damn, pervert, but she is right.

"Eventually, yes, but duty is forever. I will get them one day."

Issari went to the armory and began to get ready to go home. I was still making stances and it was then Issari waved goodbye. She smirked at Kuroka, but Kuroka was only focused on me. Watching me with sad eyes. That made Issari grow sad, too before I smirk.

"We can try to have a game day on Wednesday. Issari, be ready for your stupid cheese, man. He's funny, and you will like him."

That made Issari happy. She grinned perverted and then began to head to the teleporter. When she had left completely, the station was silent. Kuroka finally spoke up when it was the two of us.

"I would be here for you, nya. You care too much, and you should be more selfish. You want me to be happy before yourself nya. You're trying to help Chestnut not regret the thing you can make."

I closed my eyes there.

"It helps lessen the regret thinking of others first. I think of them first because everyone else has stopped doing that, or they try and get crushed. The world has just atrophied now. I want it to look to the stars and each other in wonder again."

Kuroka got up and then came to me and wrapped her tails around my waist. She doesn't react much to the cool metal plates. She says while looking into my eyes.

"You're bringing that to me. I want to make your dreams a reality, like how you are doing it for me. I think you should be less duty all the time, nya. Be more fun like you are when it's the two of us. My fun mate, nya."

She looks like she wants to kiss me. I can't for multiple reasons. Not if I have to marry Rias to get her to safety from Riser. I can say no but there is also Akeno, Kiba, Gasper, and even Shirone. Can I really say no completely? I can't so I stopped her. She doesn't look mad just a bit disappointed. I say to her.

"One day. I will return it one day. Your fun, and I enjoy this. I will never regret knowing the brave cat that wants me. Me, the stupid human who is an idiot."

She smiled at me.

"My idiot mate. I will win here, nya."

I smiled truly and said back.

"Bet. I need to sleep. I have the underworld's strongest Queen coming tomorrow, and I don't want to have me tossing and turning in worry."

We shiver together at Grayfia and her strength, but as we move to the teleporter, Kuroka looks at me again.

"Explain this warp to me. We really make them nya? How?"

I smile at her pure curiosity. Before beginning to explain it to her. We talked about it for most of the night. Kuroka is in awe there. She doesn't convert to my God. However, she does say to him thank you for giving her a chance.

The next morning, I woke up around 8.30 with birds singing near the window. I hate mornings, and the sun is evil. I just get out of bed slowly. Almost tripping on a sock, I stumble into the bathroom for a shower. Best be prepared for Grayfia and her prim self. For Akeno and probably Rias. I really don't want to see her.

However, I'm stuck with her, thanks to Akeno. After taking a shower and dressing, I opened the door to the main part of the house to find Kuroka snoring her snot bubbles. I can't blame her for feeding her sin. I want to gut the tengus and feed mine, but maid first. I gently approached Kuroka and tapped her shoulder softly. She whined and mumbled out something.

"Mate tired nya. Let kitty sleep."

I smiled there but poked her again.

"If I let you do that, then the maid will see you. I want you free and not killed. I'll get you fish tonight as tribute."

She whined again but slowly got up at the mention of fish. She zombie-walked to the shower while I made her food. I'll buy her a proper bed this week, along with perhaps a bigger place. I'll inform Grayfia that I will be moving eventually. When Kuroka got back, it was about 8.55, and we settled in for a quick breakfast, then began to erase her magic presence and scent. By 9.30, we were good to go on the wards, and Kuroka snuck off to the basement and the teleportation pad. It was at 9.50 when my doorbell rang, and I moved towards the door, peeking out.

Akeno, Rias, and Grayfia were there. Rias was wearing a casual shirt and jeans, as was Akeno. Grayfia was in her maid getup and was just stern-faced. I slowly open the door and peek my head at them. Rias beams while Akeno just gives a teasing smile. Grayfia is all business and started.

"Good morning, Gregor-san. We have already set up the first ward, and we will not be disturbed. Rias remember Mr. Humpy and don't try it."

Rias doesn't look as intimidated by the threat. She instead stood taller. Akeno was amused at her king's defiance. Even Grayfia raised a white eyebrow in question at the new defiance. Rias shakes before becoming iron rod straight. Akeno was just fufufuing at her king with the new backbone. Grayfia simply keeps one eye on Rias before continuing.

"I should be done in a half hour. Have you decided on what days would be best for your tutoring?"

Rias kept her backbone, and it's amusing. Akeno continued fufufuing. I finally answered the kickass maid.

"I can do Tuesday and Thursday, Lady Lucifuge. I'm eager to start learning my expected role in society."

Grayfia looked a bit pleased with the answer and then prepared to lay the stones. Akeno is still fufufuing at Rias, trying to continue being brave. I exited the house, and I wanted to see if I could perhaps learn something about warders. Rias and Akeno followed me towards the edge of the property. There, Grayfia placed a stone near my sidewalk, and it slipped into the ground easily before I asked.

"How easy is it to move the stones, Lady Lucifuge? I'm thinking of eventually getting myself a bigger place and would like to cut down on possible future work for you or the warder making the stones."

Grayfia was continuing her walk. She frowned for a second before shrugging it off, and she replied after setting the next stone.

"It's not too hard. The stones are easy to extract from the earth once you have a basic understanding of wards. The hardest part is knowing the warder. The warder that the Satans use is beyond reproach and is a member of my husband's peerage. They would be happy to make more if need be. You seem like you are deeply fascinated with wards."

I'm watched by Rias and Akeno who are amused.

"He's always liked complex things. He would take apart our toys and try to figure out how they worked."

Again, like me. Grayfia let a ghost smile show for a hint of a second before her professional side kicked in as I replied.

"It seems useful to know, and I'd rather be safe than sorry."

Rias spoke up, surprising everyone here with what she said. Grayfia especially.

"I know wards Gregor-kun."

It was said softly and very timidly like she expected people not to believe her. Grayfia doesn't discount that. Instead, holding a stone out to Rias.

"What are these runes, Rias?"

Rias took the stone, evaluated it, and then said in a still, timid voice.

"The main one is protection. The second one is redirection along with a strong ignorance ward that will make people forget this place easier. There is also a rune for backup power that is well hidden in the scheme."

Holy shit. Akeno is shocked, too, by this, apparently not knowing. Grayfia, however, openly smiles there.

"Correct on all even the backup section. You are at intermediate levels there, Rias and I am deeply impressed. Perhaps we should get you to work under the family retainer so you can hone your skills further. It will never be a bad thing to know wards."

Wow. That's hot. Rias blushed under the compliment, and I actually think she is more attractive than ever there. Oh, Machine God, that is sexy. Akeno kept being stunned, and she actually fell over. Rias kept blushing but saw my wide-eyed shock. She saw something there, and she then smiled softly. Grayfia is continuing her work, and we follow behind her, leaving a twitching Akeno on the ground. Rias smiled dainty and offered to me.

"I can teach you, Gregor-kun. I want to show you I'm worthy of you. My Lord of Iron."

Oh, I could use a warder and a teacher. Yet that's not right for Rias to just use her for that. I will, however, take teaching if she is offering, especially if we can maybe form something there.

"I'd be happy for the tutelage Rias-senpai."

That made her blush harder. Grayfia is not saying anything there, but I catch a small smile as she places another ward next to a tree. I say to Rias.

"Perhaps you can teach me something right now, Rias-senpai. I know my anger toward Koneko-san was burning hot that day, but she is part of your peerage, and I don't want her left out. Perhaps we can modify the runes for the wards to let her one day be able to come to my residence?"

That got Rias beaming more, and Grayfia remained impartial. She merely gave a stone to Rias, and Rias took it and began to show me the rune on it. She pulled a small chisel and then demonstrated to me the flow. I watched as did a now returning Akeno. We two watched Rias gently tap with her chisel in a specific way to add that Nekoshou could enter the property. But only once keyed in. I asked Rias to show me how to do that, and she beamed more, and Grayfia, watching her, showed me how. Then applied, the rune change was applied to every other stone. I'm amazed at the process. I kind of get it after the fourth change. I, however, will need practice. Akeno is not getting it at all. She looked more impressed at Rias, who was embracing her nerdy self here. We followed behind Grayfia, and it was an hour later when the wards were all set. Rias is a wonderful teacher. I can't believe this. A sexy redhead that is a wards nerd. Alex grunted to me that he hates me right now. Because this was something he liked too. I do make him an offer.

To become a machine spirit if he wants. He said he would think about it. Rias enjoyed being a teacher, and she was extremely knowledgeable about wards. She was telling me the many small things that you could miss in wards if you didn't watch for them. I ask.

"How did you become so knowledgeable, Rias-senpai?"

She blushed more, getting Akeno chuckling. Rias finally answered.

"The library was a great place to hide during parties. It's where Heiress Sona Sitri and I met. She encouraged me to try and learn more. I'm not as smart as her."

Oh, Rias. You are smart. People are smart and apparently ward smart, but the nobles must be ultra pricks putting her down all the time if she doesn't believe that. Still, she could have been her other arrogant self as I tell her.

"You are smart, Rias. I don't know anything about wards, and you explained them to me extremely well."

It's a genuine compliment, and Rias saw that. She smiled like Sol there again, and I still can't believe she doesn't believe she is beautiful. Akeno had not said anything during this, but her eyes showed that she was not regretting me here. Family is nice especially family that isn't trying to kill you. She asked me something.

"Did you ever find out what your gear is or do you need me to help get it out?"

The three watched me now, and I couldn't wiggle easily out of this.

"No idea what it is nor any idea what it could be. I did get this ring showed up, and I have not made more progress since."

Akeno studied the ring, as did Rias and Grayfia. Rias is a little off-put by the skull as Grayfia narrows her eyes at it. She replied after studying it for three minutes.

"I have never seen that symbol before. I will check the records we have, but I'm confident that this must be something new. Possibly a subspecies of blade blacksmith. However, this bears more studying."

Rias keeps staring at the ring as does Akeno. She asked after another minute.

"What is the main thing you felt when you made the ring appear for the first time, and what makes it stay there?"

Building but I won't say that.

"I just thought of making something, and it appeared, and it was broadly not specific."

Rias is still put off by the split skull. However, she hits close to home.

"It might be a creation gear. Not blade blacksmith, but maybe a gear that is a new one from him. They do appear at strange times, and we have never understood even ten percent of the gear system."

Grayfia nodded and then checked a watch.

"I must get going. I will send Rias to collect you tomorrow, Gregor-san. We will start with the pillars and work our way down. Have a good rest of your day."

Grayfia opened a portal so fast I couldn't believe it. She was there and gone in a second. Rias kept looking at the ring as Akeno offered.

"Would you like to go for a run around noon, Lex? Then catch lunch?"

I smile and nod.

"Sure, we can meet at the park. I need to do something before that and text someone. I owe them a duel sometime this week. Thank you again for teaching me something, Rias."

Rias smiled a true smile there. Akeno then waved at me and took Rias with her. I let them leave the property before going back to the house and going downstairs to the pad. Ten minutes later, Kuroka is through, and she puts an illusion on and keyed herself into the wards. She remarks while impressed.

"They are good ones, nya. Made by Cathrine de Medici. She is a master tier warder, and her work is very hard to break nya."

I blinked. That female ruler figure is a devil. Weird, but not totally weird. I ask.

"How can you tell?"

Kuroka admires the stone and replies.

"All warders have a small style they fall into. Cathrine's is her use of a single ward rune that was never shared with anyone else nya. She made it and has kept it secret. No one has ever found out what it means, nya."

Weird again. I don't get this universe. I don't want to get this universe. I shake my head and get ready to visit the dojo. I waved to Kuroka.

"Sweet dreams and have fun. Please get that list ready when you're done. We need money."

She waved back.

"You too and I will. Remember, I want fish today, nya."

I prepare for more bullshit with my cousin and Rias. I'll hunt the tengus tonight.