Chapter 39

Pieces are laid for the future as the trap begins

The sound of birds chirping enters my room and is what wakes me up from the sea. That and the now ever-present sound of snoring. I blinked twice and saw my ones all over the bed with the only normal sleepers being Rias and Ravel. Their sleeping faces of happiness reflected on my face as I slowly began detangling from them to begin my day. A shower and dressing happened before I tipped toe out of the room.

Inside the kitchen I find Maéva and Neri serving pancakes to a pair of troublemakers. Issari and Irina were arguing about something with tic marks forming. That stopped when they saw pancakes forgetting their argument. The two eating loudly helped me slip away with my food. I was prepared for my long day of work. The first thing was making flesh machines for my biggest fan and the eventual veterans. I left a note for people on the wall next to the kitchen to inform people where I was.

At the base, I began building two flesh machines. That was time intensive and I had to have Koriel help me with them. I was putting the last parts together on the final one while humming a song from Sabaton. I looked up from my kneeling position and was met by several curious faces. It was Rias, Shirone, Kuroka, Hetvia, and Neri. They all had the same eager look sent towards me that asked me to teach them bionics. I half smiled seeing the eagerness for this as started explaining the various steps for the mechanical limbs. Neri never complained or became ashamed about not knowing something and wasn't submissive or remaining silent. She asked countless questions determined to become a tech-priest.

Neri quickly showed she got bionics as did Rias and Hetvia. Kuroka didn't get it quickly nor did Shirone. When I poked Kuroka about her computer programming talent she shrugged saying that she just clicked with that after their dad shared a laptop with her when she was young. Kuroka had liked that so much she had actually done several college semesters for computer programming while on the run. Shirone took that moment to ask Kuroka to teach her that. That made my queen's day as the two cats slowly moved to another part of the ward to practice on a cogitator that I made for them to practice.

As the class for bionics continued, I made several bionics for the group. I took one apart to show the inner workings of the limbs. Then I made several more for the trio of students. Rias was brilliant here as she soon was applying her bionics to a mechanical dummy, I made them to practice on. When everyone was on the same page of the process up until the last part, I sent Neri to get her son so he could have his leg whole again and they could see the last stage of the process. My maid immediately went to get Alaric.

When the little boy arrived he was squirming in Neri's arms excitedly. Alaric was practically bouncing from that excitement till Neri held his hand as he was helped to sleep by the first flesh machine. Neri told me she wanted to learn how to maintain the limbs for Alaric when he would need maintenance on his leg. That dedication to her son made me teach her how and where to make the poke after the skin was back. The machines and all of the old medical equipment from the house had been here in an old nurse's office. Asia had said she was willing to heal here on her off days not doing charity. Twenty minutes later Alaric awoke from his mini nap and gazed at his leg. He poked it before he started running around the ward. That only stopped when my biggest fan adorably asked Neri and Hetvia to see the robots with big puppy dog eyes. Neri picked up her son squeezing him tightly before she said that they could as Hetvia led the two to the robot room.

When it was nearing lunch Rias was at the point where she could apply bionics to people with ease. She was especially eager for the first session of that today. Kuroka was about to tease us about that but her stomach growled and then Shirone's. That made the four of us leave the room to see if lunch was being served.

Inside the cafeteria we found team knucklehead and Xenovia talking about something that Irina was clearly excited about. It became very obvious what that was as Irina was holding Issari's hand in glee. Xenovia looked my way and was about to say something however the sound of lunch arriving from a cart pushed by a happy Maéva and Asia. Xenovia looked disappointed for some reason but soon returned to talking to the team knucklehead. As we all sat down in the cafeteria. More of my peerage and Rias's came in from various places having smelt the food. It was Italian chicken pasta, and I gave compliments to the chefs.

As people slowly started finishing lunch they dispersed back to their various hideouts. I was told by Kuroka that she and Shirone were going to practice more programming. The cats left out the door for that while Rias snagged my arm happy for some alone time for the two of us. We left the cafeteria together moving towards the gym.

When we arrived at the gym peeking in, we caught a glimpse of Murayama practicing with her gear on her power sword. She was trying something out that made me amused. Murayama it seemed had been messing around with the hypno machine too as her foot work was that of the Dark Angels. Thoron and Katase were mock dueling each other inside the gym as well trying out several new techniques for Katase to improve on. Watching them on the wooden bleachers was Xenovia. She did see me out of the corner of her eyes. I saw those brown eyes flash blue again and Xenovia got a wider smile turning back to watching the three others in the gym closer.

I still don't know how to feel about Xenovia. My face was cautiously watching her as we left the gym. I hadn't seen Ravel at lunch and the clear reason for that was she was planning things out with our cells via the Noosphere in what was becoming the central hub of the building in an old teachers' lounge. Her blue eyes caught sight of us as we entered before she began telling me the stuff, she had been doing.

Conner had reported that his cell was getting ready for six exorcists who had deserted from a base in China today. Paula had also informed us next that they had gotten their first five exorcists who were sleeping off their journey from a base in southern France to our European base in Barcelona. They were also preparing for the next wave of deserters as word was spreading inside Grigori's human portion of a way out from being under Kokabeil should he win.

I was told by Ravel with a smirk that we had also gotten a fallen recruit in the next wave from the Barcelona base. The new fallen was being brought by her girlfriend who was an exorcist. This fallen was an amazing catch because the two-winged woman was a computer specialist in a cadre very close to Azazel's. She had helped design Grigori's computer network, and this knowledge would help us in future operations against Grigori if this turned into a full war. Ravel was going to move this fallen to the new cogitator and spy department that Conner was going to lead permanently as the now official spymaster of the Legio.

When I brought up the fact that Kuoh had wards to detect fallen Ravel moved our spy ring to here so as to not trip said wards. Conner was quickly informed of this, and he said he will start the process of moving things when he gets the new people for his cell. The exorcists were all going to be sent here to see which of them would fit into our two Skitarii divisions tomorrow.

I was considering how many skulls we would need to cover Kuoh to find the exorcist from yesterday. After settling on two hundred the horde of skulls was made. I had interrupted Kuroka and Shirone's bonding for her to make them birds. My queen had sighed before she arrived to do this. The skulls were shot off one by one to find this exorcist.

I was helped running the skulls by a newly returned Hetvia to the command center. Rias prepared her next thing she wanted to do today.

"I want to learn how to shoot as I have an idea I want to try out."

I was prepared for this and even more when Ravel said she would like to learn more about guns too. Once the skulls were on auto pilot the three of us left after I made a las gun for Rias to practice with. On the way to the room, I was explaining the strengths and the weaknesses of various guns to Ravel. When we were in the old classroom close to the gym. I set up a shooting range for Rias to practice on while Ravel watched and asked more questions. I flicked the las gun to a low power setting before letting Rias start her shooting at several dummies.

Rias continued her shooting, and the snap hiss of the gun was sort of relaxing as I started another batch of bionics for future sessions with the veterans. I was mostly zoning out there but was brought back to reality by Kiryuu opening the door.

"The library here is a good size on as you said, and I will start moving my books here. We can start getting our magic department off the ground. Gecko has promised tomorrow morning to carve us stones."

Ravel got a keen look and asked to watch that. Kiryuu nods there before I say to my bishop.

"Kiryuu when you see Akeno, can you please send her my way?"

Kiryuu nods.

"I can. Red will you be able to help us out with ward stones?"

Rias fired the gun and the laser hit a target before she turned her head towards us.

"I will several times a week make stones for us. Ravel if you would like you are welcome to watch."

That got a thankful nod from Kiryuu before she left and a new smile from Ravel. Rias was looking at the barrel of the las gun. She was still looking at the gun barrel closely as I used the last of my energy to make a final set of bionics. I looked at the las gun beginning an internal debate. It was next to no power to make on the anvil along with the packs. Yes, it did get outclassed by xeno weapons, but it would work for now until we could make better weapons.

Eventually I want volkite weapons to be standard issue for our future army but that requires hyper specialized equipment to even make them. Koriel had been dismayed how volkite weapons had fallen out of favor even by the Mechcanicum that had grown worse with the schism of Mars. Luckily Koriel had the designs and when she had time, she would start modifying it to a slightly weaker version for mass production.

I continued to watch Rias shoot as Ravel took her leave saying that she had several more things she needed to do before lunch. Rias continued shooting till she was interrupted by a small alarm from my phone. The alarm made Rias jump and she almost blasted off my hand. She sweat dropped begging for forgiveness.

When I returned home with a nervous Rias, we were met with the guests that the alarm was for. It was my grandfather and Grayfia. Rias was ready for this, and we moved through the portal that was made for us by Grayfia. That led us to a place in the train station. The train was in the station and not moving. Grayfia led us to a door for a side room which she opens. Inside the room were six people standing on crutches or missing an arm. The three men and three women were nervous getting ready to grovel when we enter but were stopped by a look from Grayfia. I pulled from my pocket spell the first bionic in an arm and gestured to a woman without one to come forward.

Her face along with the others seeing the limb was shock before pure hope bloomed on their faces. The woman stepped forward and she looked at me like I was a prayer long ago made now answered. I warned her as she looked at the arm.

"It will hurt for a second but will be your arm again."

The woman smiled wider than ever before hearing that.

"Thank you, milord. You are going be a hero to folk like us for this."

I'm not a hero but I let her call me that and then attached the bionic. The veteran yelps as the wiring connects to her nerves and I thank the machine with a whispered prayer. I let the nerves fully connect and then step back. The woman moved her hand, and she was in pure shock while flexing her hand and new fingers. The commoner who had her new hand had tears and then she looked at me with pure happiness.

"How much this cost me milord?"

I smiled and answered her with glee.

"Free as like you I have fought, and I will honor you and the others who have done that. The maintenance will be done for the limb will be free as well."

The veterans are all amazed at the claim and several had tears running down their faces. The woman who had her arm back looked at me.

"If you ever need anything then milord, I will give you it freely. Just let me know when and you have yourself a warrior."

I was about to decline that offer before my grandfather spoke up.

"Then let you be his first official guard."

Before I could say anything the woman seemed to find purpose again.

"I'd be glad to serve the Lord of Iron."

The other veterans each backed up the first veteran. I looked at my new levy before giving a nod.

"Then be my loyal Skitarii."

The woman who was remade grins and then stepped aside for a man with black hair who was also missing an eye. I gestured to Rias to help me with this one and my redhead beams and moved towards us. The veteran has true tears in his eye as the leg is attached. He too yelped before he tried standing without his crutches.

"Thank ya milord, milady. You will find no truer man then me and I will tell others of your kindness. So many of us have been waiting for tears."

Rias said her mind here.

"They will no longer have to wait as we will make more for them. In iron will you and they be reborn as I was."

The man smiled wider showing missing teeth.

"You be the Lady of Iron then. This is a dream remade for me."

The man stepped aside as the line moves forward and each veteran smiles at their new limb. One man wept a waterfall and groveled at my feet saying I must have been sent by the Morning Star having lost all hope of ever getting a tear. He swears he will do anything or give me anything he has. I told him to give only his best for us. The man was in disbelief before he bowed ultra low to me.

All six were gathered up by the first woman who I learned was named Trina then made an oath to me while kneeling. To never betray me or my family, to be my household guard within and without. They were prepared to stand when I returned the oath with one of my own.

"I swear to my faithful servants that you will never be forgotten by I your Lord. You may guard me and mine, but I will guard you and yours. We who stand together linked by Iron as shared by the possibility of Blood. This I say to you all."

Trina saluted me with a hand over her heart as did my new guards. The six then went back to staring at their new limbs. I will get them their flesh back soon. The six were helped back to the train for the underworld by Grayfia and my grandfather looked at me with a curious expression. Rias was beaming on my right arm. I looked at my grandfather and guessed.

"They are for when I go to the villages of our realm and for when I move there."

Ajarkan closed his eyes in confirmation.

"I worry that the GKF or perhaps the OSF will try something. The GKF has tried to learn about your location and I want veterans for this guard. Our levy is mostly demobilized, and it takes time to call them up. I can't justify calling up some of our levy for you because the current harvest is underway."

I can understand the reasoning.

"They will get equipment from me. I plan to start my project soon. I'll do my fittings there and will start making mechadendrites and harvesting machines for the next harvest."

That got a relieved look from him.

"I have done a little research into these types of machines and I think I will approve them immediately. Who knew humans could do that. What is this place called?"

I want to sigh there but don't.

"The village of Metata. However, I will rename it to something else and will be visiting it Monday."

That got a nod from my grandfather who then opened a portal for us back to the house.

I was told that more veterans would be brought to me on Monday when I was at the village and the best would be selected to join my small levy. The others would be sent back to their home villages. I quickly asked that they be given the opportunity to build up this village and that future jobs would be provided as forges go up. My grandfather agreed to that as too many of them were unemployed being destitute and could be better used on this. I didn't like the way my grandfather had said that. He told me that he was looking forward to seeing this village after I was done with it. He left me to go deal with a problem he had been putting off since last week. Leaving Rias and I to portal home.

When we landed home, I was amused when Rias immediately skipped away in pure joy. Saying she as off to go back to the new base to start making stones for the week. I watched Rias go down the stair before catching a glimpse of drill hair at the kitchen counter. Inside the kitchen was Ravel being served a sandwich by Maéva. I sat next to my grand planer and Ravel finished her sandwich before she looked at me.

"The skulls are still out looking and we will also be ready to start our raids this week."

That's a relief with our conversation only broken when I heard a small cough and I turned to see Akeno along with Irina. I looked at my cousin and she grinned.

"You were looking for me Lex?"

I smiled and then got up kissing Ravel on the cheek before moving to the basement with Akeno and Irina. At the base of the stairs Irina spoke finally.

"I will help out with raids leading our people against the ones who threaten the innocent and pure!'

The chestnut was looking up at me now and her fire was determination for a crusade.

"You can help Issari with missions this week. Keno, I have a base I want raided a message delivered. I have a plan to end him and the bait for a possible knockout blow. We need him gone because there are other things that are like him. Kuroka has recently told me of a group that has goals similar to his that she heard of through her former contacts in the criminal community."

Akeno grew sadistic thinking of that message. Irina didn't scoot away from that still silently thinking of her crusade. My cousin was eager, and I walked with her and Irina to the base.

At the base teleporter Akeno followed me towards the office while Irina was challenged to a duel by Xenovia. The blue haired woman was preparing something because she was in a good mood now sending me a horny wink as we left. When we entered the pit Akeno immediately grew eager and when we were inside the cellar facing Messenger-1 and Penitent-1. She looks at the former fallen as they sat immobile.

"I'm guessing you will draw him in with the sword and your status."

I looked at the abominations in front of me.

"Yes this place will be where we will lay the bait. The messenger will issue my challenge and I want you and everyone else to be ready to fight him and his cadre soon. We will be outnumbered and outgunned here as there are seven hundred of them in his core forces."

That made Akeno silent before she licked her lips with clear sadism. I was considering how we will even those numbers. We will need more robots and possibly servitors. Akeno shared that thought.

"We could always turn his people into these from future raids and then have them be the first wave. Enrage them more and make them totally invested in destroying us while this building into a hellhole for them to take. Should I start collecting fallen?"

I looked at Penitent-1 and Messenger-1 considering that. We need numbers and Akeno is right this would make them totally commit to a battle.

"Collect as many fallen as you can, and I will do my part for this. It's a good idea."

That was met by silence before Akeno said something.

"I will do mine as we all lift together. I will pass along several ideas to the Manager. We can also probably make a new temple here."

Akeno was eager to make said temple. Her word choice put a happy smile on my face remembering that song. The company for that game was not here in this reality. Akeno was curious about why my face was like that.

"What are you thinking of Lex?"

That question made me pull out the anvil before making a stereo. I played said song for my cousin. As Akeno heard this music play, she got teary eyed and after it finished, she turned to me saying that this should be one of our hymns. The song hit her hard hearing it for the first time just like it did me. We bond as cousins over an appreciation for music. That made Akeno tell me with a smile that she loved classical music from Japan. She learned that I loved metal and rock. We exchanged a few recommendations before Akeno stuffed my message into a pocket and then got a dreamy look on her face as she left. I begin to make a proper gun servitor with plasma guns on Penitent-1 along with replacing a limb with a chainsword.

As I was finishing up the servitor, I noticed that there were more spirits than normal crowding around me. The new spirits were watching me with naked hope on their faces. My patron tells me that he found a very bad thing in Big G's system. He had found a very badly damaged part of the system when it came to dead souls going to heaven. This injury to the system had been made during an attack by another god two centuries ago. The souls would start the process of going up only to get spit back down and remain ghosts here.

Only half of the number of souls passing were going up correctly thanks to the damage. Those trapped here had noticed us and were congregating around me in hope of being free from this torment. They had been watching me and heard the song. Many had made a decision about me. They want to help us despite their circumstances. I ask if it's possible to fix the damage and my patron tells me that he can't do it easily. He doesn't want to be considered hostile by it if he makes a mistake. He will try to patchwork it when he gets a better chance and understanding. I heard many spirits begging me to let them go to my afterlife to escape this torment they felt. Yet they all understand we were going to try getting them to the proper one. I felt them watch me as I ascended out of the pit to do my next task.

The next two hours was spent building las guns and power packs till I was near empty. Kuroka and Shirone had found me halfway through this in the armory and they stayed with me as I did this. My Queen had her tails around my arms while Shirone had claimed my lap. The three of us were continuing till Hetvia arrived. She had told me she finally gotten a hit on the exorcist. She handed the pad to me, and I looked at the screen. The exorcist was in a motel that was very close to the school. I immediately ordered the rest of the skulls to that motel. I got another glimpse of the exorcist. I don't recognize her before ordering a skull closer.

I don't see anything that can help or anything that hints at an origin. That leans further towards my theory she is a black ops character. I informed Kuroka a plan as she nodded in agreement.

"I can start laying bait down for her nya. I am the second-best sneaker of us."

That sent me down as I picture Raynare and Kuroka immediately saw that as did Shirone. Both tried to make me feel better with purrs. It helped slightly before I agreed to Kuroka's plan. We started making it and it will go into effect tomorrow.

I had let the energy for the anvil build up before I began making chainswords till I hurt again. The plan was to make carapace then robes. That routine continues until it was near midafternoon, and I ache many times over. The result however was enough wargear to keep us well stocked for a while. Kuroka and Shirone had helped me to the teleporters as we had been ready to to go home. It was on the other side of the teleporter and taking a twenty minute break before I prepared for my date with Ravel. Kuroka and Shirone both liked the clothes I chose with Shirone narrowing her eyes in lust at me. She got ready to pounce but was again caught in midair by Kuroka.

My queen struggle snuggles her sister allowing me to make my escape. Ravel was waiting for me at the front door and she was dressed in a yellow dress and blue skirt. She and I admire the other before we went out the door. Just as it was closing I catch a conversation start between Kuroka and Shirone from the staircase. That was muffled as the door closed.

The movie Ravel and I saw was interesting and despite the fact that it was a superhero movie it was not MCU or DCU as those were not in this reality either. Rather it was from a Japanese brand that was decently thought out. My favorite part was the storm wielding hero named Susanoo punching the villain into a fence that he had turned electrical. Ravel was practically bouncing in her seat seeing Susanoo and his love interest in a plant controlling heroine named Sakura getting together underneath a tree at the end of the movie. Her eyes were far away after that scene and her hand squeezed mine the whole time. As we left the theater, I was pretty sure I saw that glasses guy again. He was talking with a pretty woman that was giggling about something he said to her. My Grand Planner was so happy about our date that she didn't notice my new caution.

The date continued with a quick dinner at a restaurant close to the house and when we got home Ravel and I were instantly jumped by Rias and Murayama. They dragged us up the stairs and then they sat us down to watch Hell Maiden in our room. Shirone claimed my lap and practically snuggled into my chest while Ravel and I were in shock by how good Hell Maiden is. Serafall was an excellent voice actress and she sold me on the show in the first episode. I didn't see a hint of what Serafall's sin or sins were but the show's animation style was great. The next two episodes were also amazing. When the show ended everyone began preparing for the night. Shirone showed what she had wanted from Kuroka as she turned into her cat form and went to sleep on my chest.

As we drifted into the sea that night, I was struck by how much I have come to enjoy all my wonderful people. Only a small dream of fire mid-way through the night wakes me temporarily.

The first thing that struck me next morning was the lack of mega snoring. I woke up to find everyone except for Shirone was also out of bed. The white cat was still sleeping and snoring snot bubbles. I gently set the sleeping Shirone on my pillow before I prepared to do the routine again from yesterday. It was a silent morning of that. People must be busy with other things today and it was refreshing to be alone for a bit. It was only when it hit almost mid morning that I was pulled from it by a ping on my phone. It was from Ravel telling me that she and everyone else were having a girls day together. She however had been told that our new recruits were here.

The group of twelve were in the gym with the men and women equally nervous. They were looking towards Paula and a man who was clearly her brother to help settle their nerves. I noted that the siblings have the exact same hair color and eyes. He wasn't as surprised by my nature. He however showed he had done combat before going on guard with his right foot moving into a stance. The other humans went still when they saw me entering the gym with a las gun and a chainsword on my hip. It was Paula's brother who spoke first.

"You move like a predator."

I shrugged.

"I have fought many strays. When do you plan to hit that base, Paula?"

The exorcists were silent watching me and while they didn't attack me it was only because of Paula and this man. My second cell head immediately responded to that.

"Tomorrow. We will need help there because it has a large number of fallen."

I nod there before looking at the exorcists. They were mostly men with only five women in the group before turning to Paula.

"I have the promised gear. This is what you will be using they are much more effective and ammo-efficient than your old guns. Observe."

The gun was pointed to one of the old basketball hoops before a red light flashed making it explode into pieces. The exorcists were all in shock as Paula's brother spoke again.

"What the hell is that?"

I smirked before turning back to them.

"The mark one Ryza las gun. It has a mag size of one hundred shots per battery pack and will punch through most things we have now with it being a direct energy weapon. You can easily fight the fallen with this and with this sword."

The chainsword was brought up and the exorcists were in shock seeing the teeth. Paula looked at the sword in curiosity.

"We will take them. You said some of your people help me with that base?"

I nod again before answering her.

"I will have my contracted magician and three of my peerage help your team there. My magician is the person who will be in charge. If you are not a big fan of pure combat, I have a place for you in our other division. Your main job there would be scouting for bases and locating people or things that are dangerous. You can easily move between the two branches at your choosing and choosing one now is not a hard commitment."

That relaxed Paula's brother and a woman. The black-haired man took on a relieved expression that morphed to a smile.

"I'd be happy to be in that division. I have just as many contacts as my sister in Europe and I would like to help protect the world without getting shot at much. Names Carlos."

The other woman who had shown herself not built for pure combat nodded in agreement at Carlos's words. I noted both of them.

"Then I will have you both help my ranger marshal. She is looking for someone with something very dangerous. Before you ask no I'm not going to ever do forcefully reincarnation. We just need to find them because they have a potentially dangerous gear. For those of you who are in the combat division you will be reporting to my magician who is the marshal. I'll be handing out your weapons and armor you can practice them here whenever and if you wish to spar, we will have dueling swords ready for you. The guns have next to no recoil so you should be able to get used to them fast."

The exorcists formed up and started the line. As each person took their weapon and armor, they all watch me with caution, but each seemed to accept me after they looked at Paula. When the last person had their equipment, I let the new Skitarii get used to the weapons. My two new rangers were eager to speak with Jeanne when they learned she would be here soon. The group soon entered the shooting range and began firing at targets on low power.

I watched the exorcists practice their shots and were even more surprised when I told them of the hotshot mode that would make the shot hit harder but cost more of their battery pack. I continued answering questions that the new Skitarii had till Issari and Jeanne arrived to meet their new people. Both were very excited and the two fell into easy discussions with their new subordinates. That damn stupid amount of charisma from Issari soon saw her people excitedly joking and mingling together. Meanwhile Jeanne's people were more reserved discussing their mission and how they would begin it.

Carlos watched me carefully out of the corner of his eye. I returned it but focus on Paula who approached me. Her face showed she had made her choice.

"I think I understand what you are now. We have a place here for those who wish to know about the idea?"

That was met with a half smile.

"We do the chapel is always open for people. You are committed?"

Paula didn't hesitate.

"I wish to become a cog alongside the first one who truly means to protect others."

Paula joined us fully and she felt something happened because she suddenly looked at her las gun. The black-haired woman had a tear in her eye, and it falls as she squeezed her gun tightly in joy.

"I will never lose you again Teo."

Teo hugged his aunt and said she had never lost him. That he loved his aunt that had always been there for him and who had fought hard to save him from devils. Paula takes this and she clutched her gun like a lifeline.

"I will not fail the Omnissiah. That base will fall."

Those emerald eyes hold certainty.

"Do it for those in ignorance. I seek no glory for our deeds. We all lift together Paula never alone."

The woman smiled and she nods. Before going back to the others who began peppering her with questions. The new rangers curiously came over to Paula and then they too hard focused on the gun. Issari began to explain things to them letting me make my escape.

Said escape was to my pit to begin making the weapons for my devil Skitarii tomorrow. I was amused when a notification popped up on my cogitator screen. I raised an eyebrow at it and opened DevilTube.

It was the first video on Kuroka's channel. Or rather it was now their channel named the Sexy Redheads. Rias and Kuroka were playing Halo together and absolutely dominating the enemy teams with Rias's American friend. I half smile and watched them play their games. I was amused when the channel got two more subscribers in five minutes. I watch the stream while beginning to make plans for my next possible idea. A new car chassis that could help with future projects. The plasma engine would help with the environment and I could use that to perhaps start a line of military vehicles for our future army. I made a few theoretical plans for a tank built off the dune crawler of Cawl that would fire a volkite cannon while moving at a fast speed on its reinforced legs. The crawler was planned in multiple sizes and roles up to the size of a Covenant scarab as a possibility.

I also passed onto Hetvia a theoretical idea via an email about a type of droid that I wanted to eventually pull.

Then the biggest thing needing to be done is started. I started a new chat room with Mittelt and encrypted it beyond reason. The blonde instantly got the purpose of the room by the name. Library of Knowledge. She reported that her modded generators were working well and she would update the current ones we have as soon as she could. She asked for a future manufacturing line at the forge city and that was granted. We discussed a couple of options for where we could place the device. Mittelt postulated we could probably have the first prototype in the underworld inside our eventual forge city. Less materials to move around and being onsite could help out with other things.

I add Murayama to the chat, and once she realized what the chat was for, I asked her to do scouting in Ryza tomorrow. That got an affirmative from her and I tell her to look for something underground if possible. I make several Reader parts on camera for Mittelt and for Murayama to see. Koriel told the three of us as she was out that we can attempt the first pull soon. Possibly at the end of the summer. The prototype would likely have a seventy/ thirty percent chance of success The chat room devolves into Koriel along with myself and Mittelt talking shop late into the night. Murayama was out around 8 letting us talk hard science. Mittelt finally passed out herself around three am as I saw her through the camera drooling over her workstation mumbling about beating Penemue in size first. I end the meeting and head home to prepare for the next day.

The day started normally enough with snores and snot bubbles out in full force. I was somehow able to get around the sleepers. More work had to be done before I made my way to the underworld. Such as building more bionics in case there was a large number of veterans. I was cautiously optimistic here and was hoping to have a good sense of the mountain range near the village, having made ten special skulls that were going to scan the range for mineral deposits. I would also set up a teleporter there so I could make trips easier, as while I expect the Gremorys to scan the train, I'd rather not take it too often in case I do get targeted by the GKF and or OSF.

I was in the kitchen enjoying a hot meal of eggs I had made for myself as my maids were away doing something when Kuroka, of all people, entered the kitchen and sat down directly on my lap. Her tails whacked me as she stole some of my food.

"I thought I left behind that position."

My amusement was clear and got me two more slaps from said tails as Kuroka threw a seductive look over her shoulder.

"You're my official one, nya. Besides, Shirone can't always have your lap. I have rights to it too, nya."

I chuckled there before kissing her cheek.

"I have to be convinced to be that. Did you start the trap for the exorcist?"

My queen smiled wide and then returned the kiss.

"I did I caught her near the school early this morning. I let my illusion drop for a second longer than normal near her, and she hard focused on me nya. I believe I can easily get her down into the station tomorrow."

That was a relief, and I squeezed her hand.

"Be careful. I didn't see where she was from or anything else that gave a hint. I don't want you skewered on a holy sword if it is an assassin."

Kuroka understood that, and she whispered in my ear.

"I'll wear armor and be safe, nya. You worry about us all too much sometimes."

I do and can't help it. We enjoy a quiet moment together and that only ends when Rias and Ravel enter the kitchen together taking seats next to me. They each grab an arm and then steal my food. I chuckle at that and Rias told me with a happy face.

"My folks will be meeting us at the station. They will treat us to lunch."

The three kept stealing my food as I smiled and let them. I only stopped when Maéva told me I had a guest.

Said guest was Wu in his Chinese armor and he was despite the armor smiling. He handed over a large scroll which I take.

"Here is the list of strays that we know of that need to be cleaned up. The other half of the scroll is with us, and it will automatically update as we learn about new groups. I have, at Heniya's orders, informed everyone in the peerage that your people are the ones doing the cleanup. Freya has found a new hero in you. She has been warned about your peerage and she said that she is sorry for being scared of you."

I again tell him to tell her I'm sorry for scaring her. Wu reassured me by saying that she knows that and what he said scared me a bit.

"She wants an autograph from you having very much enjoyed the game. She is becoming a fan of yours."

The terror shows on my face making Wu smile brightly before he left through the front door of the house. Ravel and the others who were going to the underworld with me today were amused having overheard that. They made the fear go away. For now.

The final group for the underworld was Rias, Shirone, a nervous Xenovia, Murayama, Ravel and me. Everyone else was either busy with projects or with that base in the case of the battle duo and Hetvia. A quick message from Mittelt tells me that she will have the schematics ready for the generator for when we mass produce it. That happy mood spread to the others and was contagious.

As we stepped out into the train station. People were slowly making their way from the train out to do whatever they were up top to do. I was led by an eager Rias and Ravel towards the train, and I asked Rias a question.

"Who came up with the idea for a train?"

We were met by a conductor with Gremoy heraldry, and the man led us to free seats in the middle of the train while Rias explained.

"My dad's first rook is a train enthusiast, and he pitched the idea to him ten years ago. My dad was interested in the idea and took a gamble on it. It paid off, and it has helped us so much in getting people up here faster."

So that answers that but my curiosity was hit again as I considered my next question. Ravel saw that unspoken question and as we were seated in comfortable leather seats.

"Pre-train we would get topside by tunnels that were dug by the original Satans. That took longer and we mostly abandoned them after this was made."

That is interesting and probably how the Brigade and the fallen get in and out of the underworld. I noticed that we were being watched by several devils who were in the aisle over, two of whom were reincarnated knights, and the third was a king. The man watched me like a hawk and was being rude. I glared at him too prompting a glare off between the two of us. That lasted three minutes before the man spat on the ground before he got up from his seat.

"Halfbreed filth."

Everyone, not I, stilled, and the pureblood moved, followed by his knights. One sent a look at me, and the man held a new look of hope. Before he followed after his king. I glared at the pureblood and had a hand close to my keychain. I imagine using my new axe on that bastard. I caught another person staring at me with short blonde hair, and instead of anger or disgust, she was watching me with interest. Ravel and the others tried to bring up the mood with a few jokes, and that helped me get past that. Shirone, midway through the train ride, claimed my lap, sitting there purring softly for me, and that settled the mood.

The woman kept watching us the entire time but never said or did anything other than look at me. That was the highlight of the train ride. It was two hours of slight boredom which wasn't the worst and makes me consider what the old tunnels speed was if this is considered ultra-fast. As soon as we entered the station the woman got up and quickly made her way towards the door.

Shirone slowly got up, allowing me to get up myself. Rias practically pulled us off the train and out onto the station platform.

The platform was what you would expect from beings stuck in the feudal age. Dimly lit and everything made of hard worn stone. There were more devils moving into the cars past us. The three of us new to the underworld looked at the station and surrounding medieval buildings in a bit of shock. Xenovia had been her ice queen self on the ride down here. She saw a man who was wearing a long black shirt move quickly towards the train. She now muttered something about the man and station.

"Must lie to the conductor. Last hope of temporary freedom."

The last thoughts of so many strays here. That was only heard by me, who was next to Xenovia. The others were busy looking for our greeting party. I extended a hand to Xenovia, and the blue-haired woman took it and squeezed. Releasing the hand just as quickly while looking at the hard stone. Our welcoming party didn't take long to appear as I heard the clunking of metal on stone.

Trina and my other five Skitarii were coming our way, along with an equal number of guards wearing the badge of the Gremorys. In the middle of the six Gremory guards were Zeoticus and Venelana, walking side by side in noble clothes that looked only a century out of fashion. Behind them was a butler with the Astaroth badge. My in-laws beamed at seeing Rias and me.

When the fifteen got to us, I gave a bow to them, and I caught Venelana's pleased expression out of the corner of my eye. I raised my head to face the two, and my Skitarii took up positions around us with Trina close to me, I noticed that their clothes and equipment were old-fashioned rough chain mail with old-looking swords. I internally tisk because those won't protect us well. My eye returned to the Gremory's, and Zeoticus smiled brightly, seeing Rias close to me and happy.

"Welcome to the underworld and our station, Heir Astaroth. I hope the ride was peaceful for you?"

I smile smirk.

"It was, and I must commend your people for the pleasant experience, Lord Gremory."

That made my father-in-law proud, and that showed me his sin. Velelana eyed me again before she opened her arms to Rias and said redhead beamed wide, running to her mom and hugging her while whispering excitedly to her something. The two enjoyed the moment together while Zeocutis took a look at my eyes and then the bionic limbs of my guards.

"I see now why Rias said you wanted me to send you our veterans. How do they work? Is it like a real limb?"

There was a curiosity to learn about the bionics.

"The bionic is a completely new limb. With everything, you need to feel ghost sensations till the second step of the process, which is replacing the flesh above them."

Zeoticus was intrigued by the idea while my guards were in shock. Rias broke from Venelana's hug and excitedly began proclaiming.

"Gregor-kun has also taught me how to apply them! I will soon be making them, too!"

Venelana chuckles at the pure excitement on Rias's face, and Zeoticus smiles happily. I smile smirk at my betrothed while that happens. I was about to say something to support Rias when we were interrupted. By a stomach growling, and I looked at the source of it. Shirone blushed red as everyone focused on her, and Zeoticus was just as amused as I was.

"I see that your rook is still her normal self, Ria. I have had a lunch spot readied for this and I'd like to hear more about these things and more you can make. Ria said it has something to do with your gear?"

I gave a nod and slowly began describing some of it to my in-laws. That led to everyone getting together and moving towards the exit of the station. Shirone was still blushing, and she looked at the ground for a moment before I whispered to her.

"I was hungry too, so thanks for that."

That brightened Shirone's mood as we stepped through a portal to the restaurant.

Said place was a very dimly lit restaurant that was tavern-like in its atmosphere and scenery. There were a few other nobles here from the minor families sworn to the Gremorys who watched us out of the corner of their eyes. I was enjoying a glass of wine and a hearty stew while Rias and Ravel sat next to me. My guards and the Gremory guards were all seated a little bit away from us on a lower platform. The butler, who was a one-piece pawn, stood near me and listened with a blank face as I continued to describe to Zeoticus and Venelana several things I theoretically could make. My technical terms went over their heads mostly, but they showed they were very interested in things that helped produce clothing faster.

"I would very much like to see this machine, Heir Astaroth. It would help immensely in our businesses."

Zeoticus showed he was very open-minded. He had written a few of my suggestions down with a quill and then pocketed the paper. He and I seemed to be forming a decent relationship with each other. Venelana was listening to Rias excitedly talk about her sword training and, every so often, took on a worried face. Before it disappeared and was replaced with a smile. She eyed me there as Venelana took on a half smile.

"I'm glad to see that you continue to be vastly different from Riser. He would immediately try to put Rias down when she took an interest in something he didn't approve of."

The disdain for Riser was clear to see on her face and Zeoticus's. I put my arm around Rias.

"Rias will never have a husband that doesn't care for her dreams. If that dream is to be a legendary swordswoman, then I will support her. If it's something else eventually, then I will support that too."

That made Rias's parents smile at us, and Rias snuggled into my right arm. Ravel had been with me long enough to know I meant her too, as did Murayama and Shirone. Xenovia was silently watching this, and she grew downtrodden for a second before the ice queen returned. Zeoticus smiled at his daughter and me.

"I will hold you to that. I might not have what my beautiful wife has, but we Gremorys have tricks up our sleeves, too."

I just shrugged.

"You will have to get in line for that, as Rias has first dibs on that."

Rias humphed there, but I won more acceptance from her parents. The smile from Venelana was wide, and Zeoticus nodded before he reached for a glass of wine.

"Good that you know that. I would like to get to know you better as my son in law. I however know your incredibly busy from what Rias has told me along with Heniya."

I smile smirk.

"I plan to be doing fittings for my bionics every so often till school starts then I'll only do it on weekends. I'd be happy to get to know my in-laws."

That got wide smiles from both and nods. Zeoticus looked again at one of my Skitarii, and a thought seemed to cross his face.

"I'll start gathering our veterans for those times. Where will you be doing the fittings?"

My eyes fell on my Skitarii, too, and I replied.

"In a little village called Metata that's in Astaroth territory."

Zeoticus frowned, not having heard of the place, before he shrugged.

"We border your pillar's territory, so it should not be too hard to find. How long will this be going on today?"

I gazed at my father-in-law and beamed.

"For as long as my Lady of Iron wants to do this, and we have bionics. I'll make more if needed."

That made Rias kiss my cheek in thanks. We were so busy enjoying the meal that I didn't see a person leave the tavern.

The butler who opened the portal to Matata for me was one of Geros's pieces and he was like his king in being stoic. My Skitarii were around our group now dressed in their carapace armor holding their las guns a little awkwardly after I had shown them how to hold them. They were confused about the guns but not the swords. Those they knew how to use.

We were at the edge of the village, and my first impression of it was not good. The buildings were run down and looked exactly like a medieval village. I saw faces peeking out from inside the settlement at us. In front of the entrance was a middle-aged woman with grey hair who was clearly nervous next to my grandfather, who was with two guards of his own. The woman looked at the ground, semi-submissive, upon seeing my approach. My grandfather was not impressed by the place either. He, however, kept his thoughts mostly private, and I looked at this village leader. Before I turned to my grandfather, his eyes were on my Skitarii, and he started there.

"We will start bringing the veterans to you in a half hour. I thought you would like to see this place beforehand to see if it is actually worth something."

That got a flinch from the woman. I will break that fear.

"I have heard that this village produces hard workers, and that's exactly what I want for this project."

My words stopped the shaking from the village leader. She looked up cautiously at me before she put her head down again.

"We are very hard workers, milord and are at your service."

There was fight still in this one making me smile.

"I believe that which is why I wished to see here along with other reasons. Please tell me what you can of your village along with your name."

The woman froze, and looked up at my face, showing grey eyes before she looked down again.

"I am Adria Milord."

That started the tour, and I followed the woman into the village to see the sights. My questions were framed kindly to the village head. As we continued through, I saw the worn-down houses with just as many abandoned ones. They were slowly rotting away, but the place was not as bad as it looked on the surface. What I saw in the village was beyond my hopes in how much it could work. There was plenty of space for a forge city to go up, and I was extremely happy to find a small blacksmith with an experienced man and woman. They were just as beaten down, but once I started discussing with them an idea for forging, the two proved they knew their stuff utterly. That, along with the knowledge that there were several small mines here for local use, made the decision.

I confirmed to my grandfather I wanted the village for my project, and he shrugged saying it's mine. I prepared to send Murayama to find a house that was suitable for our starter clinic and for our teleporter room. My grandfather was less kind about this.

"Elder, you are to give up your home to my grandson for his use."

Adria showed anger there for a half second before she prepared to obey. Only for me to stop that.

"I will find an abandoned house for this grandfather. There are enough of them that we might as well use them or, better yet, replace them completely. Adria, is there a large house that was abandoned?"

That stopped both of them before Adria showed herself to be capable.

"Yes, milord, there are several like that."

The elder quickly led us to an extra-large house that was perfect for us. Its back was to the mountains and was well positioned near the middle of the village and close to the main road that led out to the rest of Astaroth territory. It was almost completely intact, too, which won Adria more points.

"I'll use this place, grandfather. It's large enough for my stuff, and as we start rebuilding here, we can renovate it."

That won me points with Adria as seen by her quick smile before it disappeared. Ajarkan shrugged and then he gave a look to one of his guards.

"Start getting the veterans ready."

The guard put his hand over his heart.

"Yes, milord."

He began to move, and I gave a side look to Adria, who was watching me closer than ever. I smiled at her and then gave an order to Murayama.

"When they get here, have them organized into a line. Then explore the whole village."

My knight bowed knowing what I want. Ajarkan look dismissive of the place but he informed me the next thing.

"I will send the builders guild I use to you after you're done with your fittings. I must go do other business that has come up. I will be watching here with interest."

I smile smirk before I respond.

"Thank you for that. I will be using my own money for the first part of this and will hopefully have it off the ground soon."

That was met with an approving nod while Ajarken supported me.

"I will contribute the same amount to this. That will be in the payment to the builders' guild. I'm cautiously optimistic here and hope it isn't a waste of resources. You haven't proven me wrong yet."

With that said, he opened a portal for himself and the other guard. They both stepped through. Once they were gone, I pulled out a pad and my skulls from a pocket spell before handing it to Shirone. She immediately started up the skulls as Adria looked at me and she said with a small voice.

"Thank you, milord."

I looked at my first forge mistress and returned the favor.

"I am not them. Your opinions and their lives matter to me. If you have ideas on how to improve something here, never be afraid to say them with me or my wives. I believe in this village. I want this place to become an envy to the rest of the underworld. The only thing I want is this village to take a new name."

Adria looked up curiously.

"What would you like this place to be called milord?"

I answered with a smile.

"Ryza."

Adria was stumped by the name.

"It's better than our current name. What would you like me to do, milord?"

I smile kindly.

"Please collect the mine owner and his people. When I'm done with this I will be making equipment for them to do their jobs more efficiently."

Adria looked at me for a second before she nodded in acceptance before moving to do that. I looked at Rias and we prepared to do our bionics. My Skitarii had been silent here before Trina gave orders to help with the line but I stop the one eyed man before pulling out an orange bionic eye.

"Your new eye, sir. It will be better than a regular eye. I can attach it for you fast."

The man blinked at that before he smiled and came to get the bionic. Shirone began to launch the skulls to search the mountain range for deposits. The Skitarii with his new eye gapped seeing the world fully again. He eagerly started describing the world to his comrades who were now looking at the orange light with amazement.

The line started with two men who were twins who lost a leg on the opposite side of the other. They beamed when the bionics were applied and promised to help with construction here in Ryza. Both were led out by one of my Skitarii, and the next person was led in. A woman who had lost both arms and a leg was helped to us by another Skitarii. Once her limbs were back, she wept thanks to me, promising to help in any way she could for the kindness given. I learned that she had been a battlefield medic who had been helping the wounded from a battle when the medical tent had been attacked by OSF levies. She had been the only survivor of it. I kindly told her she could help people who need medical help here in the village and that she wouldn't ever have to be near a battlefield again. That won a waterfall of tears, and she promised to do that for me. She only stopped crying after a hug came from Rias and me. The woman was still sniffing away tears while being kindly led away by who I learned was her best friend in the same Skitarii.

More veterans came in, and I heard their stories. Each promised to give back to me or, in a few cases, wept like the first woman their thanks to us. All were happy to hear that jobs would be available here in various fields. Rias and I were eating through our bionics, and I was worried we might run out of them before long. We continued applying limbs and Rias was very pleased with this. She was called the Lady of Iron many times over, and that made her day, along with the clear love the veterans showed her. Having now been on the opposite side, she loved them as much as I did. While that was happening, Ravel was speaking with Adria, Murayama, and Shirone, who were next to a man with a small black beard. He was looking at the tablet in shock. Apparently, the mines we had now were on top of a massive deep deposit of iron, and multiple other deposits of iron and coal were next to it, too.

They were discussing various ways how to get that ore up top.

I breathed a sigh of relief when, after two hours of applying limbs, we finished with three left over. Then, Adria and the miner approached me. The tall man looked at me carefully as Adria introduced him.

"This is Velkan. He owns the mines milord."

I nodded to him in greeting.

"How many people are in your mines?"

Velkan eyed me with his green eyes.

"Ten."

He was grumpy and gruff.

"I see. I'll make your people their equipment."

Velkan grunted there, and unlike many commoners, he had plenty of fight in him.

"You nobles don't know shit when it comes to mining."

Adria looked horrified there and was about to apologize but I burst out laughing, surprising the two.

"Damn right, I don't. Yet would you turn down extra hands for your people who do know what they are doing?"

Velkan blinked rapidly before he grunted in amusement.

"I'd not turn that down."

I like this guy a lot.

"We can't be experts in everything. Maybe one day, but I'll leave the fields I don't know to people who are experts."

Velkan grunted again, but he didn't reply. The big man looked at his mechadendrites with shock at all the tools on the arms. It was a short, more compact version for mining work, and he didn't yelp when the MIU was applied. He was smart, too, having watched the process when his people got their packs. He then shrugged before barking out orders to his people to move. The ten ran fast, and that amused me.

"If you need more people for your mines, then you have your pick of people who will be moving here. Nearly all of the people you saw will most likely move here, having been unemployed. I will also get you new things that can help with efficiency."

Velkan grunted the acceptance there before he shrugged.

"Will take the help."

With that said the big man left the building. Adria looked at me with a more critical eye. I smiled at her and answered the questions.

"I was like you before nobility and would rather be told something to my face than beat around the bush despite how it might sound."

My smile there sold the idea to her. I get up from my seat next to Rias on the old wood staircase of this two story house and then reassure the woman.

"I will have the builders make new homes for the people first and foremost, then move towards making the buildings that will be future jobs and what will make this place special. You, Velkan, my betrotheds Ravel Phenex, Rias Gremory and I will be forming the beginning of a council that will run Ryza. We will decide on how this project gets done together, and when I am not here, we will communicate with this."

A cogitator was then given to the woman who gaped at it.

"What is that milord?"

I smiled and strike.

"A cogitator. With it you can look up things along with communicate with me when I'm topside. It can do that, and you will be safe using it."

The law never said there couldn't be competition to the Devil nobility net. Just that reincarnated and commoners couldn't use the current one. That will be fun seeing their faces realizing the mistake.

Adria takes the cogitator like it's a mythical creature. I turned it on and began to explain how it works before installing the Noosphere connection in a small space under the stairs of the house. Murayama came over to me and whispered that there were no underground areas for the reader. That was not great, so I moved to plan B. A new manor home that had massive underground chambers. Koriel told me that our first prototype would likely not survive two of three possible pulls. When we had the final finished product, we could have that one on Mars.

Adria was watching the screen of her cogitator as if the world was expanding before her eyes. The queens and I noticed that Adria had typed something amusing into the text box. Dogs, and that brought up so many pictures of them that had Adria wide eyed. I let the woman enjoy her pictures while Rias and Murayama began to tell my hopeful forge mistress about the dogs they had seen up top. Shirone hissed at the two as I left to meet the builder's head when one of my Skitarii poked his head into the house to inform me they were here.

Said devil was a lanky man dressed like a medieval foreman. His hair was greasy black with weaselly blue eyes. The man looked at me, and he shook, seeing my two Skitarii on either side of me dressed in their carapace and holding their guns. He bowed deeply to me, and I caught behind him a team of forty devils in the same uniform as their boss.

"Milord, I am Orthan, and I am at your service as is my crew. I was told that I would get more workers for this."

I turned to Trina.

"The new people milord are being helped to get their things by my men including the fourteen new ones that I chose. They will start arriving shortly."

Trina was looking to be an excellent Skitarii alpha, and I turned my eyes to Orthan.

"You have your pick of people from the new arrivals. I have blueprints that you are to follow to the letter and not deviate from. There will be no corner-cutting on this project. If you impress me here, I will consider hiring you for other projects that I undertake."

Orthan reveals his sin easily to me in greed. He was rubbing his hands together in glee as I played it up.

"Do this right, and I will make sure that everyone knows your name. This project has the potential to be remembered for ten thousand years. However, should you fail, I will find a builders guild that will do the job correctly."

The weasel immediately committed.

"You will find no better a builders guild in your territory milord. I promise you that. You have the plans?"

I smile smirked and pulled out said plans from a pocket. He took the massive stack of scrolls and grew eager. Before snarling to his men.

"Start surveying the place!"

The men jumped and started moving out towards the village quickly as their boss began studying the plans.

"Houses first for the population. Then, smelters and, finally, from there, the manufacturing centers. I will have my Skitarii Captain check on you regularly to will give biweekly reports to."

My confirmation for Trina had a smile pass her face for a second before she glared down Orthan, and the man cowered.

"Yes, milord!"

Trina stared him down still and I gave a nod of my head in dismissal. The man quickly moved away from us, and once he was gone, I gave an order to Trina.

"Watch him carefully."

Trina saluted.

"Yes, milord. He rubs me the wrong way."

I watched the retreating builder.

"As he does me. I will be busy setting something up here, and when your new people return, I want you to bring them to me for equipment."

My new Alpha nodded, and she moved her second with the bionic eye man to go do the task. Orthan was a rat, and I had noticed his second-in-command was glaring at his boss. I prepared to set up the teleporter and additional equipment.

That went up in an old room on the second floor of the house. Xenovia was with me, as were Ravel and Rias. Murayama was busy looking around the house for our project. Ravel was asking several questions about the machine, and Rias was currently happy about getting her title. Xenovia was watching something outside the window completely in her ice queen persona. I heard what it was in a pair of children running around claiming to be me.

I was answering the questions Ravel was asking and finally had the teleporter set up. The machine hummed to life and I prepared myself to test it. Stepping into it and then out when it worked perfectly.

I would definitely abuse this advantage. Ravel was impressed by the teleporter working and teased Rias.

"Our husband is going to make your family train useless, Rias."

That snapped Rias out of her high, and she went knucklehead in that tease.

"Our husband will show the underworld how smart he is and make them beg at our feet! I can finally get vengeance on the nobles who were cruel to me!"

I will support that totally with the GKF, and I am eager to tear down the entire building they have built. I caught Xenovia looking at the three of us with mixed emotions. Rias was happier than ever, and I am ready for this plan to get off the ground.

We stayed at Ryza for two more hours, ironing out various things that came up. My new Skitarii were given their equipment for their permanent use, and they bowed before moving to help more of our newcomers. Trina and I had started planning out how they would patrol the village with help from Adria, who had finally stopped looking at dogs. I made a cogitator for Trina, getting my Alpha confused before she was shown how I would inform her when I or others would be in the underworld and when to get veterans for fittings.

More things were closed up before three of my Skitarii were picked to guard us at the train station. The two men and woman were standing by waiting for us, and I promised Adria that I would be back to see the progress on Thursday. Adria had been happier and said that she would personally make sure that the endeavor was done correctly.

Rias pulled me through the portal to the station with a spring in her step. I landed on unsteady feet, and Rias and Ravel grabbed my arms. Shirone had her tail on my left wrist, and Murayama had my upper right arm. The Queens smiled at me before they pulled me towards the train. Xenovia was silent at the sight and seemed to consider something. We were not bothered by the crowds until we were almost at the train. Standing in front of a seating area, we were met by two men. They were a pair of big pureblood nobles, and I internally blanched after seeing the badge of the Baels on their chainmail. The bigger of the two looked me up and down with brown eyes, and I noticed that they were both mutation knights. Finally, the bigger man of the two who seemed to be in charge said something in a tone I knew well.

"Your presence is wanted for once halfbreed. Follow me."

I wasn't impressed by that.

"I don't take orders from worms. If your king has business with me, they can talk to me themselves."

The air stilled, as did the two men. The leader was pissed by the insult, and he bared his teeth.

"You are the worm and will obey or else."

The man drew a rapier and coated it with the power of destruction. My guards were nervous, but they put their hands on their chainswords. I stared down the Bael.

"I'm waiting for your king."

The Bael got ready to do something but was stopped by a voice.

"I will speak with you over here, Heir Astaroth."

That came from the nearby seats in the booth. I turned to the voice and saw the man behind the GKF himself in Zekram Bael. He was wearing a fancy two-piece suit of black that blended in with the shadows of the booth, and his violet eyes were fixed solely on me. Rias looked downwards from her great-grandfather with Ravel and Shirone joining. Murayama and Xenovia didn't look away like me. Zekram was blank-faced other than a small curve of his lips. His violet eyes watched my red ones.

"Of course. My apologies for the trouble."

I made my way slowly to where the shadowy ruler of devils sat. Before sitting next to him and a sound ward goes up around our box. Zekram and I watched each other and nothing showed for either of us. The silence continued before Zekram made his move.

"You are an anomaly."

I replied back to the man that is everything I despise about the underworld.

"I am."

The stare-off continued before Zekram continued his stoicism.

"The game was interesting to watch. You raised many questions and answered only some of them. Your strength is impressive for what you are."

The snide comment at the end was ignored, and I watched Zekram with my face blank.

"Hard work and training pays off when done right. I plan to continue that."

Zekram was a master politician. Nothing showed, and he eyed me before tilting his head towards Rias.

"I'm guessing hard work and training was what you did for my useless great-granddaughter. You brought out my family's gift in her."

That was another test, and I didn't react to the insult to Rias.

"I believed in her when very few others did. She will become stronger than anyone could have dared dreamed of given enough time."

Zekram eyed Rias for a second before he turned back to me.

"Perhaps she will or perhaps she will continue to be weak. It will be hard to train her. She has never been intelligent enough to know or understand things. The reports her tutor gave me proved that time and time again."

He was searching for something in me. I show no emotion again.

"She shows me every day that she is intelligent. She is not what you would expect, and that is part of my Rias's charm. She understands more than people think."

That struck and Zekram was not offended by the barb well hidden. It instead seemed to confirm something, and he actually half smiled.

"You would know best on her. After all, you fought that game for her. You stood in defiance of the Phenexs and came out on top. What makes you who you are, I wonder."

His eyes were on me full force now, and I stared straight into them.

"Flesh is weak. That's what makes me."

Zekram was amused and contemplating.

"A unique choice of words. I will remember them. Good day, Heir Astaroth."

The shadowy Great King got up from the bench seat and then made a twitch of his pinky to his knights, who immediately fell into step with him. Leaving the station through a portal, one of the knights summoned. My eyes never left his retreating form, and I slowly stood up from my seat. Rias immediately came over squeezing my arm, and Ravel was silent. I turned to my guards and nodded my head in thanks for the support they showed despite the differences in strength between them and the Baels.

My Skitarii had smiles on their faces, and I gave them a quick order.

"You are dismissed. Thank you for the support. I can't ask for finer Skitarii."

That seemed to make my guards happy, but a brave man courageously said.

"We would not leave our Lord alone. He that would never leave us will get the same. The Lord of Iron will have Iron Skitarii."

That was a good name for them, and I smiled, as did Rias, Ravel, and the others, including Xenovia.

"I shall be back later this week."

That let my three Skitarii move away with big smiles on their faces. The others were worried about me but I reassured them I was fine. Before we entered the train together to go enjoy a dinner with my dad.

That dinner was being prepared by Neri and Maeva when we arrived home. The two were busy preparing food for this as we walked past the kitchen. Ravel said she was going to go relax in a bubble bath in our room after she moved her stuff in. She left with a quick kiss on the cheek before she went off. Murayama was next to leave, challenging Xenovia to a duel, which got a hopeful face from the rook. Leaving Rias and Shirone with me. Rias sent me a look, and I nodded.

"We can play Halo, Ria. Maybe we will catch your friend online. Shiro can sit on my lap."

That prompted the two to smile, and the three of us went up the stairs to enjoy our afternoon before dinner.

The dinner started when I heard a knock on the door. Opening the door showed there standing on the porch was Ajuka in a black-green suit. I welcomed him in, and the man entered the house and saw everyone in the Queens next to me. I was sad for a moment that Ray was not here, but that quickly passed, and I began to introduce Ajuka to them at the dining table. We began to have an excellent dinner together as I bonded with my dad. Ajuka informed me that he had taken over an old business that he bought from the city council and was turning that into his new headquarters for work. He told me that Nikola was eager to see me again and I told my dad that I was too. Especially since I had an idea I wanted to share with him, which made Ajuka interested, and he told me that he would pass it on to Nikola. During the dinner Ajuka made bridges to everyone here and he even reluctantly gave Kuroka points when he mentioned a computer program that his peerage was having problems with that she fixed.

He eyed her still but was less judgmental. Ajuka, upon learning that I had started the process for Ryza, said he would start sending things that way. I made him a cogitator, saying that he could message me more often about this. He smile smirked upon learning of the Noosphere. He saw the loophole, and he applauded me for that. He looked at the cogitator, and he promised to keep this secret, especially since in his own words.

"I can read the newest scientific papers much more easily. You shouldn't have a problem with this because Serafall has long been saying that this could be a new way to strike at them. Yes, it's mostly for her TV show, but she isn't wrong."

That got a snicking storm from us while Rias was star struck that anime could be coming to the underworld. Ajuka smiled before he noticed the time getting up and bidding us goodbye.

That ended dinner as he got up to leave the house. As soon as he was gone Rias and the others quickly pulled me away to enjoy the rest of the night.

Kokabiel smiled in glee as he approved his vengeance on Bariqiel. He had finally found the perfect way to make the kill happen. His plant in Bariquel's cadre had let slip a way that got him everything he wanted. Kokabiel was so happy here that he didn't mind it when his second entered the room. Apheaelon was just as bloodthirsty as his boss and should have been happy they were so close to the goal. Kokabiel finished signing the order. The Angel of the Stars sees the horror and sickness on his second.

"What is it, Apheaelon?"

The man was silent for a moment still in whatever had triggered this.

"You have a message."

Kokabiel was confused.

"From whom?"

Apheaelon looked sick again before he grew angrier than any other time that Kokabiel had ever known.

"The foe who has been attacking us in Japan. They made a move on our base in Britany. They left us a message at the destroyed building entrance."

Kokabiel felt wrath enter him, and he stood up from his desk quickly.

"Show me this message."

Apheaelon grew even more pissed. Inside a room nearby that was mostly dark except for a few lights from candles, Kokabiel saw something he had never seen before in his perfect eternal existence. A figure that was equal parts mechanical and biological. It was stone stiff in the middle of the room, and where arms should have been along with a leg was a crude mockery of said limbs. The eyes of the figure were milky white, and on the back of this figure were where wings had once been. Fallen wings as there was a single black feather on each stump.

Kokabiel looked at this abomination and grew equally as pissed as Apheaelon. He approaches the thing and gets the message loud and clear. He was about to destroy this thing when something on the chest of the thing turned on.

"At long last, I see the one I am hunting. The Coward of the Stars. Do you like the gift I made for you? It was incredibly easy to make, and I put little effort into it."

The voice coming from the device was mechanical and yet had traces of biological makeup. The milky white eyes were staring straight into Kokabiel's own.

"I know your name, yet you don't know mine. I am the Omnissiah. Your bases lost were done by my hand. Excalibur Mimic is mine now and I can't wait to meet you in person. I have enjoyed watching your goals burning down."

Kokabiel heard the glee and smugness in the voice of his new eternal enemy. The Angel of the Stars made a light great sword and prepared to destroy this abomination. Only to stop when it started talking again.

"Where am I? Why is everything dark? Why can't I move? What is happening!"

The two fallen angels looked at their former comrade as she began to try and move but was only shaking now. The light on her chest blinked and the taunting voice of this Omnissiah returned.

"I made several mistakes on her. Like you did, which attracted my attention. Enjoy the gift, Kokabiel. She will never be able to move again. Just speak to you my message forever more."

The former fallen continued to freak out, and it was only when Kokabiel put a spear through the being that had been one of his people that her suffering ended. She slumped to the floor, letting loose blue-red liquid, and Kokabiel turned to Apheaelon, snarling wrath.

"Find the cur who does this to perfection! Place a price on his head and destroy him!"

Apheaelon was equally as pissed.

"At once."

Kokabiel looked at the thing again and now will heighten the alert at all his bases. The Omnissiah will die in horrible pain.

Zekram was enjoying his Astaroth wine and was pleased by the meeting. The halfbreed had been exactly what he had pegged them as. A new potential political player that knew how to play. He had taken the insults and had been unlike Sirzches, who would have started a tantrum in the early days. He had barbed back and had done them well. Now, he would watch this new player with more intensity because he was giving his technology out. Perhaps another test was needed.

He summoned a maid, and the blank-faced woman waited for her Lord to speak.

"We have veterans who have lost limbs, yes, Talia?"

The maid answered blandly.

"We do, Great King."

Zekram smiled, facing the window that gave him an expansive view of his house, which overlooked the rest of his family's territory.

"Find a worm for me. I would like to test something."

The maid bowed and answered her Lord.

"I will find one right away."

Agrat took the news from her agent that the halfbreed had finally been spotted in the underworld with a sigh of relief. Ophis had been poking her to recruit him when possible to the Brigade. Agrat looked at her agent and instructed them to expand their search. Find the underworld place and his topside place. Agrat dipped her quill in ink and began writing a letter.