122nd Adversary: Trouble In Gangster’s Paradise

Senior Division's Combat Field.

"Ahh!"

There was a huge crowd watching a duel and cheering on the participants. This wasn't a one-on-one, but a 5 vs 1handicap match. The student who was facing five opponents was Ace, who was in his Archer Character.

*Bam!*

He fired several arrows in quick sessions and immediately put his opponents on the defensive. They wanted to use their numbers to suppress him, but Ace was too fast; whether it was escaping or attacking them. They were unable to stop this match from becoming a long-range battle.

"Leg Boost."

Ace calmly activated his ability and increase the power in his legs. He leaped almost 50ft into the air and aimed his bow at his opponents. He pulled the string and smiled.

"Special Move: A Thousand Falling Arrows."

Ace released the string and a huge shadow covered his opponents as a thousand arrows rained down on them.

*BOOM!*

All the arrows fell at once, denying anyone the chance of escaping. They all laid on the ground motionlessly. Ace landed on the ground in his base form and walked off the field.

"Another win. How many has it been now?"

"I think that's his 15th this week and it's only Tuesday."

"Damn. He's really on another level. Looks like only the Dragon Stars can compete."

"Well, if isn't Mr.Undefeated?"

When he came off the field Ace was greeted by Hina and Sora.

"How's the newfound fame?"

Sora asked with a grin.

Since his fight with Kaido, Ace has become a popular student. Although many saw the fight as Kaido's victory, since Ace couldn't seriously wound him in any way, the strength he showed was enough to pique the interest of the entire academy. He started getting challenges from other students his year and above. He ignored them at first but Miko being Miko didn't allow that for long.

He told Ace that if he didn't show his strength as his apostle, he'll cut his pay. Since Miko's money was Ace's main source of income, Ace was frightened. Especially when Miko said that for every fight he loses, he'll lose a month's pay in return. Miko's provocations worked since Ace hasn't lost a fight in the six months he's been at the academy, despite being in over 100 matches.

"This is ridiculous! Look!"

He pointed to the field. There you could see those he had just defeated getting up with smiles on their faces.

"We were completely outclassed. We need to get stronger and come back."

"I'll definitely land a hit next time!"

They were cheerful despite being mercilessly defeated.

"I'm being used as a training partner by these people! They're starting to challenge me just to check their growth. No one is trying to win anymore!"

"Well, Miko did say that you can't seriously harm your opponents unless they're hostile. They get to spar with someone who can become multiple persons and become all kinds of different fighters. So it makes sense that you'll be popular."

Hina said.

"Besides, you're not the only one who has to fight all the time."

Ace's popularity naturally affected Sora and Hina who were Miko's other apostles. Seeing Ace's strength as the #1 Apostle, people started to wonder just how strong Miko's other apostles were. Were they far inferior to Ace or were they around the same level. Those who couldn't control their curiosity sought out the two to confirm for themselves. The result was domination by Hina and Sora. Just like Ace, the two didn't lose a single fight no matter who they fought. They naturally became famous as well.

"But Miko really is something. He's using our fame to paint a picture of himself in everyone's mind."

Sora said.

"If we, his apostles are strong, it's natural to assume that he's incredibly strong as well. If we're kind and don't needlessly hurt our opponents, it reflects on him as well as someone who promotes goodwill."

"Yeah. He's good at selling himself."

Hina added.

"Well, his standing in the academy has reached new heights. Even the teachers are thanking him for making us training partners for the other students. He would make a great politician."

"Well, he's already one technically."

"Speaking of Miko, where is he?"

Ace asked.

"Momo got a hold of him. He's being trained to use his demon blood as we speak."

Meanwhile, at one of the many training fields in the academy, crimson light could be seen dying the surrounding areas.

*Bam!*

An explosion of crimson aura suddenly erupted in the center of the field.

"Cough! Cough!"

When it faded Miko was seen laying on the ground coughing.

"Dying….I'm dying over here!"

"Stop being a baby."

Momo walked up to him and said.

"Baby? I've literally been exploding for 3 hours straight, You evil woman!"

"It's not like you're doing it for no reason. This is so you can build up your stamina where your demon side is concerned. It's the weakest side of you and it takes a longer time for you to recover the demon energy in your body compared to your other powers like magic and Vita."

Momo lifted him by one hand and forced him to stand.

"Besides, look at your brother."

Kristen was standing not too far away from Miko. He was surrounded by a devilish crimson aura that was towering into the sky.

"He's been maintaining that same intensity for several hours now. The demon energy inside his body hasn't shown any signs of depleting. That goes to show how much he's trained his energy. As his older brother don't you feel ashamed?"

"The hell I do!"

Miko pointed at his brother.

"That little brat has been trained by our grandfather in the demon arts since he could walk! He's practically a demon himself!"

"Such excuses. Don't you have any pride as my older brother?"

Kristen mocked Miko.

"What was that you little shit?! Do you want me to come over there and show you who's boss!"

"Momo, I think you should let Miko take a break."

Tia walked up and said.

"He's getting irritated and can't handle Kristen's wisecracks as well as he used to. He might really pounce on him at this rate."

"Hmm….Fine, Miko. Take a break."

Miko instantly deflated and laid on the ground. He didn't even seem mad at his brother anymore.

"You're a disgrace."

Ishma appeared and kicked him in the side.

"How can your demon energy be this lacking when you have a great True Devil like myself as a partner?"

She kicked him again.

"Shut it will you? I started my demon debut with a bang when fighting against Darius' men, but it looks like I've hit a wall because I can't advance as fast as I thought I would."

Miko complained.

"Big Bro, Here's something to drink."

Tessa stood over Miko and offered him a bottle of water.

"Thanks."

Miko took it and started to drink it. Tessa silently sat on the ground beside him and pat her thighs. Miko gladly rested his head on her legs and closed his eyes.

"You shouldn't spoil him, Tessa."

Momo said with a frown.

"You say that but I know you do the same thing when no one's looking."

"A-Ahem. I have no idea what you're talking about."

Momo turned her head away.

"Big bro, you don't need to focus on your demon powers. It's a wild and boorish power. You can just focus on Hel's powers."

"You're saying that just because you want to train with him."

Kristen walked over and said.

"Hmph. I'm only saying the obvious. Hel's powers of the underworld are far superior to Beleth's demonic powers. If brother wants to become strong then he should forget about his demon side and focus on his god side."

"Listen, my foolish little sister. He might look like a woman, but he's a man. Hel's powers are only inherited by her female descendants, which means our brother can't use them."

"My ignorant older brother, the only power that males can't inherit is Death Magic. Brother can use Ice, Mist, Dark, and Soul Magic just fine. Just because you're too stupid to doesn't mean he can't."

"....."

"...."

The two stared at each other in silence for a long time. And then-

"You're dead."

"Bring it on, Mama's boy."

Tessa stood up and ignored the fact that Miko's head hit the ground, causing him to hold in his head groan.

"They're at it again. Why do they always fight?"

Regis asked.

"Miko is to blame."

Momo answered.

"The twins loved Miko since they were babies. And it's because they loved him too much that they started to get jealous of each other. That caused them to fight a lot as kids and that has continued until now."

"Those damn…."

"Looks like you're working hard."

Miko turned his head and saw Luka and her girls walking towards him.

"How's the training coming along?"

"Hellish. My teacher has no heart."

Miko's stood up and dust himself off.

"Now that I think about it, you're part demon right?"

"Half actually."

Luka crossed her arms in front of her with a proud look.

"I'm technically half demon but because my father was Ouroboros' previous proxy before me I'm mostly dragon."

"I was going to ask for some advice on how to advance in my demon side, but I don't think your advice would be any help."

Luka frowned.

"And why's that?"

"Well, because you're too much of a genius in the orthodox way. I'm the type that learns better using unorthodox methods. Trying to force myself to be like everyone else is meaningless."

Miko faced Momo.

"Because of that, this training is a waste of time."

"So at the end of the day you just want to skip training? Not gonna happen."

"Tsk. She saw through me."

"I'm surprised you honestly thought that would work."

Miko opened his mouth to say something but his eyes suddenly became serious. He spun around and threw a kick.

*Bam!*

His foot connected with an object and kicked it away into the distance.

"..."

He silently jumped back and avoided a red spear that came out from underneath the earth. Before he landed, he spun around swinging his arm.

"Whoa!"

Someone bent their back and avoided getting backhanded. Miko locked eyes with the person and saw that it was a student wearing a full white uniform.

(This is someone in their final year at the academy…)

He stopped attacking and faced the person. He was fair skinned, had shaggy brown hair, an average face and build, and bright green eyes.

"Wow, such lightning fast reflexes. I'm shocked. You were actually able to defend against all of our attacks."

The person was all smiles. Miko took his eyes off him and turned around to look at the other two new persons. One looked like he was in his mid-twenties but the fact that he wore the same uniform as Ace and Sora was proof that he was far younger than he looked. He had wild orange hair that was like a lion's mane, fierce feline eyes and a face fitting of a warrior. He was pretty muscular as well.

The other person was the complete opposite. He was a silver haired boy with an unfocused look in his pale green eyes. He had boyish looks and was wearing an uniform similar to Kristen, which meant he was from the Junior Division.

"What an interesting bunch."

Miko smiled.

"Now then, how should I dice you up?"

"Miko."

Luka called his name with a frown.

"I was just kidding."

He looked at Regis and Ishma who already had their blades at the new boys's necks. They withdrew their weapons and stepped back.

Miko looked at Luka with a smile.

"I saw Ouroboros' mark on their hands. So I knew they're your proxies. To be honest, if it wasn't for their marks their heads would've rolled already."

"Whew. Talk about scary. Your reputation precedes you, Miko."

The student who was in his last year approached Miko, offering a handshake.

"I'm Robin, Lulu's #1 Apostle."

Miko took his hand and shook it, which pleased robin.

"Man, Sorry about attacking you out of the blue. It's just that we wanted to see if Lulu's famous fiancé was worthy of her. After all, she's our queen. So please consider it excess loyalty so that there's no hard feelings."

"You seem like quite the talker."

Miko laughed.

"No hard feelings at all."

"I see. Then let me introduce you to my comrades."

Robin pointed at the lion-like man.

"This is Saika."

He then pointed at the Silver hair boy.

"And this is Remi."

Saika and Remi didn't say anything and kept staring at Miko as if they were observing him.

"Oh? A vampire and a Lion Beastman."

"You have great eyes. Saika is the son of one of the biggest prides of Lion Beastmen on this continent. While Remi is the 3rd prince of a vampire nation in the southern region."

Robin explained.

"And you? What status do you have?"

"Me? I'm nobody. Just a commoner. That's why I'm so happy to be around so many amazing people."

"Robin was it?"

Miko stopped smiling.

"I dislike people who tries to lie to me on our first meeting."

His eyes narrowed.

"It just makes it feel like I'm being mocked."

"I'm not lying, Miko. Compared to you, I'm no different than a mere commoner."

"Robin stop."

Luka stepped forward and said.

"My apologizes. I meant no harm, Lulu."

He stretched his hand out again.

"No hard feelings."

Miko took his hand squeezed it until cracking sounds came from robin's hand. Miko smiled and looked at Luka.

"You have some really interesting friends, Lulu."

Robin returned a smile of his own and started squeezing Miko's hand back.

"That's enough you two."

The two released each other's hand.

"My apologies."

Robin stepped back.

"It's just that when I saw the man who ignored Lulu for so many years, even when she was doing everything she could to get his attention….I find it hard to control myself."

"I see."

Miko's nodded.

"I totally understand where you're coming from. I did make it my priority to avoid Luka."

He smiled.

"It's good to see that Luka has people who can be angry for her."

Miko's body relaxed.

"I don't feel angry anymore."

He looked at robin with a genuine smile.

"Please continue to look after Luka. She's important to me."

Miko m turned around and left.

"Tsk. I can't even be mad when he's that sincere."

Robin scratched his head awkwardly.

"I guess I'll apologize later."

Luka smiled.

"That would make me really happy."

"Yo, Remi."

While the senior division students were having a confrontation, the Junior Division students were having one of their own.

"We're glad that you're back."

The twins looked at Remi with wide grins on their faces.

"Now we can finally kick your ass!"

Nebulous City, Renacido. There was a secret meeting happening in Renacido's Headquarters. The attendees of this meeting consisted of Layla Song, Jason, Oden, the former Guardians of Jara, and the leaders of the beasts of Jara.

"The losses?"

Layla was the first to speak.

"Over half of the dealers we planted in Aloe and Dale have been killed or arrested."

Jason answered.

"A lot of those were my people."

Oden said. He was clearly upset.

"This doesn't make sense. How did Aloe and Dale become unified when they were literally at each other's throat not too long ago?"

The goblin king Valera asked.

"From What we've gathered it seems that a third party intervened and calmed the situation."

Layla answered.

"How, and who is this third party?"

"We have no idea."

"Then we're facing an unknown enemy?"

King of the pixies, Bron had a dissatisfied expression on his face.

"What are the chances this is the start of a direct attack on Renacido? We have many enemies outside of the empire because we're under Miko after all."

Oden asked.

"It's still too early to say but we should brace ourselves regardlessly."

Jason answered.

"We should let Miko know."

Sirdrek the dwarf king suggested.

"No."

Layla immediately shut him down.

"It's not serious enough yet that he needs to know."

"Not serious? Our people are dying, the drug we created is now probably in the hands of the enemy! This is a serious matter!"

Oden shouted.

"Not to mention, we don't know who the third party is and what's their goal. What if they try to target Miko at the academy?"

"Then they're dead."

Layla answered immediately.

"The Dragna clan aren't stupid enough to leave Miko at the academy with Momo as his only guard. If anyone tries to attack him they'll face a very dangerous opponent."

"Who?"

"Kimiko Mors-Dragna, history's greatest assassin."

Hearing kimiko's name made everyone silent. It was true that with Kimiko hiding in the shadows it will be nearly impossible to harm Miko.

"As for this incident, we have to at least try to deal with it ourselves. If we simply run to Miko whenever we have a problem, we'll be nothing but burdens to him in the future."

*Bam!*

She slammed her hands on the table.

"I refuse to become a burden! So before you all whine about losing, at least try to win first! We're the Renacido that Miko created! Whether we win or fail we will do it with a bang!"

She stood up.

"If you all understand then get out there and win and fail in a way that will make our Don proud!"

"Yes, Ma'am!"

Moved by Layla's intensity everyone responded at the top of their lungs. She clenched her teeth in frustration.

"We'll show them what happens when you stand in our way!"