Chapter 13

Fire purges the night. Never let it in.

The preparations for my hunt were almost done, as I cleaned the extra sword and reloaded the pistols. I had my mechadendrites prepared for this, and when everything was ready, I opened a portal to my old place after asking Kuroka via text if it was all right.

In the house is the cat and the iguana in Issari as she and Kuroka are sitting at the table enjoying breakfast. Issari is looking at me, and I raise an eyebrow at her.

"I thought you'd be with Murayama-chan."

Issari grins.

"I was till ten thirty, but I'm coming with you, Gregor-kun. I need to help, and I know you will try to say no. As for the thing, I'm close to ready. I don't want to be a devil, and this protects me and the gecko. Please make it for me sometime this week."

I eyed her for a hint of doubt.

"How can you justify it? As for the joining, I can't hold you back. You're going to have to go in and have a real battle eventually. I can't stop that forever, and with him having made our war masks, I have less reason to object. I'll portal us to the station, and we will get your equipment while I make you a digital holder."

Issari grew grim and ready. Kuroka wants to see my gear, and I will let her in today fully. Issari got up, and she said as I made the portal to the station.

"I can justify it by the fact my parents will have me there defending them utterly. My family will have a person they can look up to. I will show humans we are not playthings to the other side and that I'm willing to make sacrifices like my Fabricator-General. My family will be remembered for ten thousand years when we reach the stars as one that made the Red Dragon of Mars."

Better reasons than many, while Kuroka didn't get the certainty for the stars as she followed downstairs. We went through the teleporter, and Issari ran to get her stuff while I took away the enhancement bed and power sources with Kuroka watching that. When Issari returned with her armor, sword, and las pistol on her hip, I summoned the anvil along with Koriel. Her cybernetics and her utterly alien appearance shocked Kuroka. Koriel studied the cat before shrugging. Issari is ready by her near-perfect stance as I ask for her old armor set.

She blinked but gave it over. I willed it away and my old set before I swung and made two new sets and a holder for Issari. I offered Issari the red helmet and armor after getting us a new war mask. The divine power hits, and Kuroka's shocked again; it doesn't hurt her. She looked at Koriel and the anvil once more.

"Who is she nya? I have never seen a person like that before, and I have never heard of a gear that can do this, nya."

I smiled and then introduced my partner and my gear.

"Bad cat, this is Fabricator Koriel Zeth of Mars. As for my gear, I like to call it the STC or Standard Template Constructor. It's a Longinus because I can eventually change our world completely. The generators for the teleportation pad you used those are plasma generators. The key to our energy problems. The bed I got rid of will enhance my and, eventually, Issari's bodies, bringing them up to a new stage of human evolution. Eventually, I can make things that will get us to Mars and beyond that including spaceships. Because Koriel is from a reality where we had those."

Kuroka stood still. Looking at Koriel and then the anvil. Koriel smiled.

"We had millions of ships, cat with trillions of soldiers in an empire with tens of thousands of worlds. He is correct; I am from another reality. I was a powerful member of a group called the Cult Mechcanicum or, as we were commonly called, the Tech-Priests of Mars. He is not lying about the ships as I have the knowledge to make them."

Kuroka was still stone stiff. Before she fell over, twitching on the ground and Issari giggling at the sight. I shake my head, saying to Issari.

"The teleportation device here is now connected to the new place. It's massive, and I have invited your swordsman, my cousin, and future betrothed over tonight for dinner. You're welcome to join us. I'll make the portal to the tengus."

I pulled out my extra guns and swords along with the mechadendrite pack. I got my armor on, and Issari looked at the pack with interest, helping me place it. Before the arms come out, they grab the swords and guns. Issari blinked. Before, her eyes twinkled at the site of extra arms. Kuroka was up now and was watching the arms move as I got them used to movement. The anvil is gone, and Issari replies.

"I want one of these that's kick ass! As for dinner, yes, I'm in! Pretty cousin and swordsman, here I come! What is the pack called?"

I experimented and then moved one of my hands toward Kuroka, who watched it approach curiously. I made a handshake gesture with the robot arm, and Kuroka took it and shook.

"I want one of these too, nya. I could do so much if I had this. I'm here with you on a very permanent basis, nya. This place that had starships. What was it like, nya?"

I answered Issari and Kuroka.

"They are called mechadendrites. As for the place, it was not a good place. Kuroka, we are right now in the third millennium. The time that Koriel was at was the thirty-first millennium. The universe itself continued on towards the forty-second millennium. Everything I make is from those times. The empire humanity had there eventually reached a million worlds and spanned a galaxy. I plan to make that possible for here. That's what the Legio Solar will fight for. A new future for humanity in all forms."

Kuroka widened her eyes more, and the red fringe fell over her eye. Issari was preparing her pistol and her sword with several chops in her style. I get my extra hands ready to be extra reloading hands. More mags are prepared, as I warn Issari.

"Wear the helm and never take it off. The sight my guns do is not pretty. The rounds I use will enter a body or surface and then drill before they explode inside them. It does go through magic barriers. Also, be ready to dodge and take cover. Hopefully, we do this fast, and then I'm going after more strays. One fight only today."

Issari frowned but tilted her head in acknowledgment as Kuroka looked at the pistols with a new fear

"What were they fighting that required that kind of a gun, nya?"

I shiver, as does Issari, before I make a comparison.

"Many things, but these weapons were originally designed to fight an alien species called the Orks. They are like the Brutes from Halo but far worse. They are a fungus animal hybrid, and just one getting to a world was a death sentence for that world. They shed spores constantly, and they especially did that when they died. They and many other things from there are why I fear the alien Kuroka. We might have them here, I'll read you a paper from someone that tells me things."

Kuroka went bone white when she heard that her tails were now straight up in the air. Issari had heard bits of the Orks but not the spores part yet. She grew more determined as Kuroka finally understood the fear.

"You're not nuts, nya. They might be here! You would never claim something like that unless you have deductions that point to that, nya!"

I supply a little.

"The Orks were made for a war that lasted millions of years against things that were worse than them. I fear what will happen should they ever find us if they exist, which is highly likely given a few things I know. We are not able to fight them easily and have nothing to prevent them from landing. Can you fight off a hundred of them? Five hundred? More than that because they are a horde force. I fear what will happen if they exist here and come to our planet. We will be lucky to last a week. I want the world ready for that possibility and whatever else is out there."

Kuroka finally gets me shaking and thinking about that. She looked ready to faint but grew determined, too. She looked me up and down, searching for a lie. When she doesn't find one, she doesn't faint.

"Tell me everything when I see you again after you return, nya. My mate would not lie like that or try pranking me this way. How are you so certain that this place was real besides her?"

I have everything on and loaded. I prepared the spell.

"I'm not from this reality originally either. The sea, which is the warp, stretches across the multiverse. My reality was vastly different from here, and the tale is long. I won't hide this from you anymore. Trust me, like how I did you. I want you free and able to sis-con abuse your sister. I want to improve the world, but we can't do that with things like the Chaos Brigade or the OSF and something they want to free. I can tell you a story of this pervert named Issei and how he was the worst. Issari is so much better than him, even on her worst day. I know it is truth as I know things about there and how they apply to people here."

Kuroka froze upon hearing the name of the other group. She looked at me in shock as Issari backed me up.

"That me is horrible as Gregor-kun is telling the truth. I have talked to another version of me. That me is cool and weird because he's not a pervert. He says that the base version of us is ultra cringe-inducing. Kitty, his version of you, says hi and says that you are cool. She likes the hair and says that you will get freedom like she did. Just trust our green-haired idiot."

Kuroka dropped her mouth to the floor. She was looking at me, then Issar as I snarked.

"I'm at least the idiot with a sort of plan. Your plan is to get into my cousin's pants. By the way, I will beat you down horribly because I like my cousin despite the fact she is a rat."

Issari didn't deny the accusation and grinned like a pervert loon. Kuroka looked at me with hope and a bit of distrust, which hurt. She is fun, and I'd like her to be the second, possibly. Issari saw the look from the cat.

"He lied to me, too, but not for a bad reason. The idiot that is our friend wants to help our world. He can't yell he's from another reality without laying the groundwork. He would be thrown into an asylum and left to rot. He is trying with us, and he believes in others. Don't hate him since you and he are good together. Sorry Gregor-kun, but your cousin is mine! She's like me!"

Kuroka took that, and then she looked down at the floor. Before she looked at me, her yellow eyes promised something nice for me.

"A mate that wants me to be free and to have my sister back, nya. To see the stars and to let me feed the sin I have without hesitation. You are a man I will chase to the end of the galaxy, nya. My mate, that continues to surprise me."

I chuckled there.

"I try. I will fail many times, but I will try forward. I have several free plans for you, and I hope it works. I need you to beat down your racist sister because she doesn't seem to want to change. Issari, it's time."

Issari prepared to don the helm. Kuroka looked worried for me and her sister. As I opened the portal, Kuroka said one more thing.

"Tell me everything when you get back and are free, nya. Good luck, Greg."

I smile at her, then don my helm. The mask kicked in with the same disassociation I had felt the first time. Issari dons her helm, too, and I opened a vox link with her. Before I opened the portal to the old, abandoned house the tengus were using.

The house was in one of the most run-down parts of the city. It was, however, the biggest of the nearby ones. People were not out and about despite it being midday. The portal was right next to the house in the backyard, which was mostly overgrown with trees and weeds and surrounded by a high-rotting fence. No one can easily see the backyard, so we were good. I used a Google Maps picture to visualize this place. I moved with Issari towards an old, half-rotted back door. I slowly used a mechadendrite to open the door and entered first with axe and bolt pistol prepared. Issari followed and I checked our right. The washing room was empty, and after checking the room fully, I advanced.

The advance was slow, with me leading the way. Issari was right behind me with her pistol in her left hand while her sword shook slightly. I moved into the next room slowly and gazed around the living room. If I didn't have the helm, I would have made this a death room as a sword slammed straight into my helm and clanged off it. I heard a slight ringing inside my helm before the red eyes looked at my opponent.

It was a female tengu with bright black feathers wearing old armor that looked like it belonged in a museum for ancient samurai footmen. She was near the decaying couch to the right of the door we entered in, and she crowed her anger here that the sword failed.

"I knew I heard something. Your dead intruders."

The second tengu appeared from the shadows dressed like a ninja all in black and slammed two sai into my chest at a horrific speed, but the armor once again saved my life. The clangs made Issari back up behind me, but I only fell back a single step. I quickly extended two of my arms with chainswords and kicked on my axe. The roars of three chain weapons at once, plus the suddenness of two extra mech arms, make the ninja and the samurai back up badly at the noise. Issari revs her sword behind me.

I activated more hands, bringing bolt pistols out, and I fired my first shot. The round slammed into the couch, and the rotted thing exploded, sending the tengus into even more confusion as they dodged the metal cage still in the sofa. Issari fired a shot with the laser burning red hot, hitting the wall beside where the samurai tengu had landed. The house descended into a battlefield, and I pushed forward and brought two swords down toward the ninja because I hate rogues, and this fucker hit harder than the samurai. The ninja blocked the two swords rapidly with his sai. The clangs and roars are muted for me, thanks to the mask. In it, it's just logical thinking. There was no noise and few distractions. I love it and hate it.

Issari fired a second shot and advanced towards the samurai. The shot again missed, hitting another wall, leaving another scorch mark. The samurai chops with her sword towards Issari's right arm, with the sword gleaming bright, and Issari dodges with the sword, hitting the tiled floor with a clang. I fired one of my bolt pistols in support of my friend, and the round carved into an old tv before exploding. The ninja slammed the sai into me again and hit where my kidneys would be. The blades clanged again and left thin scratch marks on the carapace. I chop in retaliation at the foe with my swords and axe, which he dodged again, being incredibly well in shape. The swords and axe get nothing because this tengu is not an amateur like the first three. He threw a smoke bomb that covered him, retreating toward the now elongating shadows of the room on our side.

Issari swung her sword and called out over our vox.

"Boost!"

The sword swung faster at the power-up, and the samurai dodged the sword with the teeth, eager for blood. She and Issari are moving towards the stairs. The ninja again emerged from the shadow, ready to stab towards my head. I fire three shots with my bolt pistols and swords, moving as one on the ninja. The bird dodged each shot expertly and had clearly fought against guns before. The shrapnel from the explosions flying, and my sword on my right got a hit finally on the fast fuck.

The teeth cut a hunk of meat from his right arm near the elbow. The meat and feathers flying off his arm make the bird crow in agony. He threw a second smoke bomb to try and get distance from me, but I fired another bolter shot as my helm eyes tracked him through the smoke. The shot hit the tile and sent it into his legs, making him slow down, crowing in pain again. He continued to dodge shots and swings of my swords and axe but was starting to slow down more, thanks to blood loss. He kept pushing me and slammed his sai in every single weak position on a human body. They all clanged off my armor, but there are a ton of scratches.

The smoke fucked over his ally. She couldn't see, but Issari could. She fired her gun and got a hit as the red-hot round cut through the bird's left leg. It made the bird cry out and wobble, barely blocking the sword that came down on her. They kept fighting as the bird tried to maneuver away from Issari.

I hear a whistle, and then three shuriken hits where my eyes and heart would be. The eyes shuriken clang off me however, the heart shot gets stuck in the armor. The bird is pissed.

"What are these fucks wearing!"

His ally responded in growing fear.

"No idea, but we need to run! They must be hunters! Fall back!"

Oh no, you're not running. I fired three bolts at the samurai, and Issari fired too at the same time. All but one shot missed the samurai. The last shot was a las shot through the center of the head, and the samurai fell to the ground in a heap of feathers. The ninja was horrified by the death of his ally. The bolter rounds were not wasted as they entered the stairs railing, and the explosions sent shrapnel into the bird. Wood hits his wings and hands, making him scream. Issari takes the opening, and she brings her sword down on his head, saying again over the vox.

"Boost!"

The swipe takes his head clean off, with the head hitting the floor along with the body. Blood spilled onto the tile, and then the house went quiet. I will the bolts fired away and end the roars of the swords and axe, before telling Issari in my now blank voice.

"These are yours, no argument. You made the kills."

She shakes her head. I'm retracting my arms and putting the pistols, the axe, and one sword away, and that's when Issari spoke.

"You need it more to save your redhead, and I'm not taking it."

Stupid pervert, and stupid me because I could take the money. However, years of working with crews of people don't go away easily. I pressed as I got the heads and threw them in a pocket spell.

"Half then. I won't let you do the work and then get nothing. Don't argue further. Ninja or samurai?"

Issari replied with a bit more emotion now.

"Samurai. You're a stubborn asshole."

I growled back at her as I threw fire on their bodies. Then, hose down the blood with water.

"I was poor Issari. I believe heavily in fair payment for people. You can hate it all you want, and yes, I am a stubborn asshole, but."

A soft whimper cut off the argument from upstairs. Oh no. We both had that thought and immediately went to see what that was. We ran up the stairs, and I opened the door to find a bedroom with a woman tied up on the bed. She is beautiful, and her hair is orange with maple leaves in it. She was tied to the bed with rope, and she was faced towards the wall. She started shaking more, hearing the door open. Then she was sobbing out, something I couldn't hear because she was gagged. I moved and told Issari over the vox.

"Check the rest of the house."

Issari moved and headed down the hall. I slowly moved to the tied-up woman, and I looked at the rope and then her clothes. They were in poor shape with many holes, and they revealed bruises and minor cuts. Her hands also have rope burns on them. I take off my helm, and the feeling of being normal hits hard, and I hear the woman crying more than ever. She was making begging sounds, and I hate this. I softly say to her.

"It's okay; I'm not them. I can free you, but you have to trust me. I will make a loud noise, but it will be to cut you free. Please believe me."

The woman stopped shaking and sobbing and only slightly moved after that. Before she shook her head in a yes. She was so scared, and I activated my sword. The roar was loud, and the woman shook again. I, however, cut the ropes holding her down and then the rope around her hands. I cut the power to the sword, and the woman turned to face me. Moving slowly, her face was revealed. Her right eye is swollen shut from a nasty black eye. Her left eye is a pretty blue; however, upon seeing me, she froze more. She was shaking badly, trying to remove the gag, meaning she had not had hand movement for a while. I asked for permission with my eyes to remove her gag. She looked me up and down in fear before saying yes in confirmation. Her eyes closed, and I removed the gag before stepping away.

"I'm sorry for the roar."

When the eye opened again this time, there was clear relief. Her voice was rough, like she had not used it in a while. It was very musical, like wind rustling over grass.

"It's ok. Thank you for saving me."

I helped her up. She hadn't used her legs in a while either as she leaned on me heavily. Her head landed in the crook of my neck, and her smell was earthy, like freshly planted grain. She looked sideways at my eyes.

"You are a real hero. I don't have anything to give you for saving me, and I'm sorry for that."

I just slowly moved towards the door with her leaning on me. I replied to her even though I didn't believe that.

"It's alright. People are calling me a hero, so I guess I am one now. I want nothing for saving you. I'll get you to safety. Are you a devil?"

She shook her head at the question.

"I'm a pure nymph. You will never not be my hero, good sir. I'm Daphne. Who are you? It's rude for me not to know my hero's name."

We slowly move down the stairs, and I speak when we reach the bottom.

"Names Gregor. Were there other people in the house with you and the birds?"

Daphne was about to answer when Issari came clunking down the stairs. That made Daphne freeze, but I just rubbed her back in reassurance. Issari moved around us to the front with her helm off. My friend had heard my question saying with relief and pride.

"No one else. I did find a bit of money, and that's mine. You get the bounties you ass. We are good to move."

Daphne grew relieved before Issari helped me move Daphne to the backyard. Daphne shows her hurts clearly, and I will need to get her a doctor. Oh, how I wish Asia were here. Once we get to the yard, I open a portal to the station. We moved through, and then the portal shut behind us. I didn't see Kuroka, and I made our way to the teleportation room with Daphne looking around with her good eye. When we hit the pad leading to the new place, we flashed there, and Daphne blinked. We were in an old wine room, and I keyed Issari and myself into the lock before opening the door. We helped Daphne up the stairs from the basement to the first floor, and Issari looked at everything in amazement. She said with a jealousy-ridden voice.

"Lucky prick, I'd love to live here."

I shrugged while Daphne just snorted in amusement at the comment. We helped her to the main hall's living room to the left. I then helped lower the nymph to the couch, who started relaxing now that the threat of the tengus had passed. She is still worried about something, so I text Rias to ask if she knows a doctor. The text that comes back is extremely worried, but she said she has something better. She would get them and begged me to know if it was for me. I replied no that it was for someone else. That calmed her down before saying that she would be there when possible. As Issari had gone to get the newcomer water from the kitchen, Daphne asked me something.

"You asked if I was a devil, and now I'm asking you. Please don't tell me you are and that I'm now required to join your peerage as compensation."

That's such a shit thing to do.

"I'm a half-devil, and I'd never demand or make anyone do that. I don't have a set either, so if I tried that, I'm even more of an ass with a death wish against a pretty nymph."

That got Daphne giggling at the end as she looked at me with fondness. After hearing the question and the reply, Issari came back with water. She set the glass next to Daphne and bumped me off the couch. I hit the floor with an oof, and the pervert said with the same fondness in her voice.

"He's too nice to be a regular devil. I offered to be his first piece when he gets a set, and the idiot just said no. He is just a silly man who pets machines."

Daphne laughing real there. Her single good eye watched me as she smiled. She takes a drink of water with the help of Issari. The nymph, after being done, smiles big at me.

"A good man indeed. Many would've tried something immediately upon seeing me. I can never thank you both enough for this. I was there with them for three days, and they both loved hurting me, saying I would pay for myself eventually. I have nothing to give you as they hawked all my stuff on me for money. I know that some devils 'rescue' people then reveal to the person in question the whole thing was staged after they reincarnate you. I'm sorry for doubting you."

That's a prick move, too, as Issari got mad there.

"Gregor-kun would never do that! He saved me, too, from strays, and I didn't know he was half then. He would never force someone into a peerage like that!"

Daphne was taken aback by the outrage that was for her situation if it had been other devils. Getting it for her made the nymph smile more. I say to Issari.

"Let's get Daphne to a bath. I'm not implying anything, but you look like it would be a good thing for you. The water might relax your muscles."

Daphne isn't offended by that. Issari helped the nymph up, and I gave the pervert a warning look. Issari humphed.

"I can be good; besides, your cousin is mine! No offense, misses, but you're not my type, not big on the smell of the earth."

The nymph giggled as we slowly helped her up the staircase to the second floor. I opened a door near the stairs and found a bedroom with a bathroom. I kept the door open and said as we moved towards it.

"Your room till we can get you to wherever you live. Just make sure you watch this one. She's a little gremlin."

Issari squawked while Daphne shook her orange hair, amused, which caused a leaf to fall out and hit the floor. While the two entered the room, I went downstairs and prepared to make the enhancement bed. I walked down the stairs and removed my armor in the basement, putting it in my holder. I then chose a room near the wine room and made the medical ward. All of it is automated because I'm an idiot. Koriel does insult me again fondly during the process, and I take it because I will never be ashamed to admit I'm an idiot. By the time I'm done, it's a half hour later, and I think I'll order us takeout tonight with Daphne here. Akeno is a rat and will say I'm expanding my horizons with a nymph. Issari will help her. Rias will freak out because she is clingy, thinking I will focus on the nymph over her.

That jealousy will be horrible and was on full display with Murayama on Monday. I'm climbing the stairs into the main room, and I don't see a portal yet so that's goodish. When I got up the stairs, I knocked on the door twice. Issari opened it, and she just went back in. Daphne is on the bed relaxing in conservative blue sleep garments as best as she can. Her eye is slowly opening up on her right. Upon seeing me, she smiled again, and Issari was in a chair she had dragged over to the bedside. Daphne smiled again, relaxing completely, and I sat at the foot of the massive bed. I ask my best friend.

"Issari, what is a good takeout place in town? I'll get us whatever we want tonight for dinner. I have money, so I'll use some for my gremlin friend and new guest."

Issari got a tic mark and sprung up, pointing a finger at me.

"You're an ass! Fuck off, you bitch!"

I snicker at her growing tick mark. Daphne just smiled at us and our banter before she shifted her eye back and forth at the same very pissed Issari and my teasing of her. Daphne finally spoke up after Issari was about to say something about my mother.

"I'd like this thing humans have called pizza. I heard it's good."

Issari glared at me, and I just smiled smirked at her face.

"Pizza it is. I'll look up places since she is angry."

Issari growled dragon-like.

"Try Pizza La you prick. They have several stores here. Fuck you."

I waved at her thanks before asking for pizza toppings. I wrote down the order on a sheet of paper but will hold off until Rias and the others get here. Issari growled at me, mumbling how she would get vengeance on me. I do ask her.

"You remember much from under the mask now?"

Issari shook her head.

"Only a few noises and our conversation. Other than that, no. The others fought like that with the whole deal?"

I am thankful she doesn't remember that, as I'll never forget the intestines flying. I reply to Issari while Daphne watches me.

"The aspect warriors, yes the others, no. Never not appreciate it, Issari, my shells do things you don't want to see."

Issari frowned upon hearing that. Daphne saw something in me before she softened her good eye at me.

"A real warrior indeed. I have never heard of these aspect warriors before what culture are they from? I heard the barks from downstairs along with the explosions and roars what kind of weapons do that?"

I shake my head.

"Both answers are out of this world. I'm really sorry for scaring you. We didn't know you were upstairs. How did they capture you?"

Daphne was silent for a bit, apparently nervous about revealing why. She noted the motifs for House Gremory on a cup, and I have several ideas.

"I won't push you there. I just was curious."

Daphne relaxed.

"It is not good why I'm here. You said you're a half-devil, yet this place has Gremory markings. I don't know much about them other than that they have red hair, which you and your friend don't. I can't say more than that."

It's understandable, especially if it's the other reason.

"It's fine. I'm not a Gremory. My possible betrothed is a Gremory, but I trust her. Don't say anything you don't want to share."

Issari snarked while Daphne looked relieved and surprised that I had a betrothed.

"He's a noble prick. Want me to get your diamond ring, your 'grace'?"

I snorted, and Daphne was amused but watched me a bit more. I looked for demonic energy in Daphne, as Grayfia taught me on Saturday. She has absolutely none, so she isn't a stray. The nymph caught the look.

"I'm not like I said. I am just worried about someone else. You are not bad people, but I have other people to think of. You're a noble, apparently, and I don't want them hurt."

So, a stray relative. I flashed my eyes in warning to Issari, who didn't get it, not knowing about stray culture or that the city has a good stray community. My look sent the pervert into silence, and Daphne smiled genuinely.

"A true good man and smart too. I wish you were a little older. I have several friends who could use a good man who is a true noble."

She giggled musically there, and I snort.

"Don't need or want a harem like many people my age want. Sadly, I have to have one."

Issari froze before her eyes narrowed on me in pure hate before her tic mark returned to full power. She launched herself at me fast as she grabbed my neck, sending us flying onto the bedroom floor. She started strangling me in her fury.

"I'll kill you for stealing my dream! Why does our God love you like that and not me! Fuck you noble prick!"

I'm choking while Daphne is amused and worried seeing the rage. That's what Rias, Akeno, Kiba, and an unknown man walked in on. Rias immediately ran to try and help me. Akeno laughed loudly and cheered on Issari. Kiba sweat drops while the older man shakes his head, mumbling.

"Kids these days, I'm so glad I'm single and don't have brats."

I'm seeing the black encroaching in, and I don't want Rias to learn about the gene this way, you stupid pervert! Rias tried to pull Issari off me, but Akeno just launched a lightning bolt at me and Issari. We did the jiggle dance together as we dropped to the floor. The older man sighed again, but I did get to see him get a look at Daphne, and he moved that way.

I take multiple deep breaths and will make her the gene just to take her arm! Akeno's a fucking ultra rat abusing my regenerative powers for kicks! Rias plants my head in her chest, and I don't want to die from breast suffocation! Issari groaned from her spot, looking up at me. Then, she growled and cried.

"Why can't that be me! I'm a good follower of yours! Why can't you give me that!"

Akeno enjoys the suffering of me and Issari. Daphne sweat dropped seeing the sight with Kiba joining her. The older man once again sighed.

"Miss Gremory, please don't kill him. I'd like to be able to meet my future lord properly, and not having him suffocating would be preferable."

Rias finally let me breathe, and I breathed cold air into my lungs. I saw Akeno patting Issari in ultra comfort and support as the action got the pervert mumbling how she needs a waifu and a husbando. Rias was about ready to suffocate me again, but I was not impressed. I don't want to die that way! But wait a minute. The stranger said, future lord. I watched him out of the corner of my eye, and he was now clear to see.

He was a middle-aged man with blue-green hair and regular brown eyes, and his clothes were those of a noble butler a hundred years out of date. He raised an eyebrow at me before saying professionally.

"Greetings Heir Astaroth. It is an honor to meet you finally. I am Geros Hallther, the butler of the Astaroths. I was hesitant to believe you were one, but you look exactly like Lord Ajuka except for the eyes. I would be happy to help you with this situation. Now, miss, tell me where it hurts. I am a qualified doctor in nearly every field and species in the world."

Wait, this is my family, butler? How did Rias know him? Akeno is solidifying her way into rat heaven forever by answering me while Issari is weeping on her shoulder.

"Grayfia has a club with the butlers and maids of the families of the four Satans. She let slip your existence to the good sir. Rias was freaking out when she got your text, and he was in the room with us and Grayfia."

Geros gathered energy in his right hand before gently applying it to Daphne's eye. The nymph relaxed and sighed in pure relief as the black eye receded. Rias was just worried, looking me up and down for injury. She noted the strangle marks on my neck were receding, too. She was about to ask why, and I glared at Issari, promising pain to her because now I had to explain this. Fucking pervert! Issari keeps weeping into Akeno's shoulder.

"Why does he get my dream! He doesn't even want that! I'm a good person, and I deserve waifus and husbandos! Why can't I win!"

Akeno is ultra-amused, turning her purple eyes to me, and I pale. Don't do that, punish bad behavior, don't reward it! She prepared to do the deed, but Rias whacked her queen to support me while Kiba sweats again. After ensuring Akeno was cowed, Rias returned to me and hugged me again. She was whispering to me.

"I was so worried and expected you in the bed hurt. Instead, it's your friend strangling you. That's better than you having lost a limb or your eye, yet I want to keep you safe like you do me."

Akeno heard that, too, and realized this wasn't a good time to tease me as she patted Issari.

"You are fun, Issari-chan. Maybe one day soon you will win with me. Come on, cheer up."

Issari does a total of one-eighty hearing that, grabs Akeno, and jumps into the air. She fist-pumps with her while holding an amused Akeno. Kiba sweats more, seeing the new look at him that Issari sent him, having finally caught sight of him. He slowly moves towards the door while Issari moves like a predator towards him, and Akeno wiggles out of the grip. Kiba runs with Issari following him, screaming.

"He's perfect! Thanks, Redhead. I'm staking my permanent claim! Get back here, swordsman!"

Rias and I sweatdrop while Akeno laughs and follows after them. Geros is a good butler and doesn't pay attention much to the pervert. The swelling around Daphne's eye is completely gone now. The glow moves towards her exposed leg, and the nymph is happy to have a healer. Rias is about to get angry over Daphne, but I stop that with a look.

"She was a prisoner of the strays I went after Ria. I won't leave people abused by them behind. I'll explain to you why the marks are gone. Please don't worry too much after I tell you."

Rias settled down there. Geros listened and said nothing before Daphne spoke up from the bed.

"Your betrothed has not lied. He's also too young for me, and I swing the other way. He's just my hero who I won't forget."

I thank Daphne with my eyes for helping a homie out, and her good one caught the thanks. Geros replied while healing more cuts and making more bruises go away.

"I have heard of how you lost your memories, young master, and I am sorry to hear that. Your father was extremely protective and private about your raising. When he visited, he rarely spoke about you to the rest of the family. I have no issue with your status and will gladly serve you. You are already proving yourself better than your uncle, who has listened to the nobility and expects to be named heir at any time. He never did believe that you existed. However, Lord Astaroth has always said you do exist and has been blocking any attempt by your cousin to the position. I believe my lord, and I am interested in learning more about you. Now, miss, where else are you injured? I would like to have you back on your feet very soon."

I took the dismissal and the news before I got up and led Rias out of the room. She followed me as I pulled her to another room across the hall. The room is a large library with dozens of bookcases. It's got another floor here, and I saw a staircase near the single fireplace at the back right of the room. I shut the door, and Rias pulled me to a loveseat near the fireplace past the bookcases. She squeezed me tightly as we sat silently for a minute before Rias finally asked me with a small voice.

"I will always worry about you. Why are you so certain that you will be okay? Strays are incredibly dangerous. How can you not worry more?"

It's time. I was silent for a few seconds before I began to explain.

"Rias. I don't worry about them because I'm not going to leave. This is only known by Keno and Issari, but I died in the crash."

Rias grew extremely worried, tightening her arms around me as I continued to explain.

"I came back and will always come back now. I am something new Ria. I believe I am a true immortal as I can lose limbs, and they will return. You can see the marks on my neck are gone now. I will never leave you or the rest, so don't worry about me, Ria. I'm here till the end of everything."

She doesn't want to believe that and burrows her head into my shoulder. I will have to prove it again.

"Make me a knife. I can share my medical records from the crash, Ria. I should not be walking, yet I am. Ria, I promised to let you in."

She closed her eyes before her right hand conjured a knife. She reluctantly handed it to me. I do a small cut on my hand. She watched the blood flow from the wound before less than twenty seconds before it closed. She looked at me with her sea-green eyes, horrified. I won't cut off more limbs for them. I'll just let that possibly happen in combat. Rias hugs me tightly.

"This is why. You really mean it utterly. I had a few doubts you would live as long as me. It's still a five thousand-year life, but now. If you're that. Oh, Gregor-kun!"

She weeps into my chest, and I pat her back reassuringly. I did this to myself and will suffer the consequences. I might do this to Issari. Rias kept weeping for me. She hugged me tighter, and she now gets more than ever before. It was ten minutes later when she finally stopped crying. I tell her while she still sniffs in sadness.

"I'm a million times better than Riser. I promise you that I will be here for you. I promise to make the world respect us, and we can torment my cousin together for eternity."

The smirk of mine promising torture on Akeno makes Rias smile, breaking her tears. Akeno will suffer for all the shit she has inflicted on me and Rias. We giggled evil together and became mood-kindred in our vengeance against the sadistic queen. Rias smiled, and she said as we looked at the fireplace.

"I don't like saying this, but this could help more. If this is genetic, it could make my parents back out immediately with them because you're giving me the best life possible, and your new thing will intrigue them. This could be the beginning of a new bloodline thing like the Phenex."

I shake my head.

"It's not like that. I think this is human. I'm calling myself a perpetual. I don't know if I want my kids to have this. To be cursed with this is not great, but you're right."

She nuzzled into my chest, and we enjoyed this together. However, Rias is shocked by Kiba running into the library and is scared beyond belief. He didn't see us till he ran past us to the second floor, begging me for silence regarding the greatest enemy he has ever faced. I zipped my lips because that stupid pervert would get denied this for a while. Rias giggled at the fear on her knight's face, and I shook my head.

"My guest wants pizza tonight for dinner, Ria. Want some?"

She beamed.

"From where?"

I smiled and got up, pulling her away from the fireplace. When the door opens, we are about to exit the library to return to Daphne's room, and there is the queen of rats and Issari. The pervert is sniffing the air like a bloodhound, with Akeno giggling at the scene. She saw how close we were, plus the slight blood stain on my hand.

"Rias knows now?"

I nodded at the question while Issari squinted at the library's second floor. Rias was barely keeping the grin on her face down around Issari's behavior. Akeno smiled now that the secret was out for Rias as I replied for Rias.

"Pizza La. I don't know the brand, so maybe I will get a recommendation from you three. Issari, you stupid pervert, your punishment has now gone to a new level. You tried to strangle me, you cur!"

Issari stopped searching for Kiba and glared at me. Lightning shoots between us, and she narrows her eyes at me.

"You stole my dream! Why do you get that!"

Oh, you want this.

"It's the fucking law, you stupid doorknob. You'd think I'd take it otherwise! Fuck off!"

Issari blinked as Akeno shook her head.

"It is a law Issari-chan. What was the minimum requirement again, Rias?"

Rias grew sad and looked at me with her eyes.

"Three minimum. They wanted six, but the compromise was made for three. However, they push for more, with each one getting more benefits."

Issari looked genuinely regretful now, but she will be punished for this. I was surprised when Geros entered the library and didn't bat an eyebrow at the four of us. He reported to me in the same professional tone as before.

"Young master, the guest has been healed and is in a much better state than before. I am happy to help you with anything else you need."

I smiled there, and I replied to the man.

"Thank you, sir. I was worried about her because the condition we found her in was not good. I need help with many things, and you probably can't fix many of them."

Geros eyed me up and down with his perfectly schooled face.

"Probably not. You are like your father in being self-reliant, I see. I will endeavor to get in contact with him as fast as possible. I can't give up on my primary duties as head butler for your grandfather, but I will endeavor to help as I can. Lady Lucifuge told me you know nothing about our society and your future house. I will help by joining her in the lessons, and I will assign a maid here, young master, to help you. The one I am considering assigning you is new to the job and needs practice in a nonstressful environment, so this is a good situation for you both. Is there anything I can do before I return to the underworld?"

I don't want to ask this because it would reduce him to a pickup man. But Rias asked for me, not getting the idea that I had not had servants before.

"Can you please pick up pizza from Pizza La for us?"

Rias, we can do that ourselves or have it delivered. Geros, however, said.

"Please give me the orders. I heard you were planning to order that from the good woman across the way and again when the blond young man was hiding briefly in the room with us. He had already given me his order. What is yours?"

I sighed and handed him the paper with the first three orders. Rias and Akeno ordered theirs, and Issari just kept watching for Kiba. Geros left to perform his duties, and I glared at Issari, who shivered as I cracked my knuckles. Stage one of her punishment starts now.