Bold – Dragon's Speaking

  Italicized – Inner Thought/Emphasis

  Bold and Italicized – Dragon's Speaking Internally

  (Thank you, Undertaker, for the idea I used for Natsuki's Scared Gear)

  Issei blinked as he and Rias instantly appeared in clubroom, the transfer having been successful.

  "Impossible! How have they transferred here?!" One of the magicians excimed as they all took notice of Issei and Rias' arrival.

  "B-Buchou! I-Ise-senpai!" Gasper cried out, being magically restrained to the wall, an intricate magic circle pced behind him as he was surrounded by the magicians.

  Rias was relieved, "Gasper! I'm so gd that you're safe."

  "Buchou...It's already too te..." Gasper said bursting into tears, "It's better if I die. Please, Buchou, senpai. Please kill me...Because of these eyes, I can't make friends with anyone...I'm only a bother...and a coward..."

  Rias smiled kindly at Gasper, "Don't say such a stupid thing. Do you remember what I told you when I transferred you into my family? That I won't abandon you? That now that you've been reborn, you will live for me and find a way of life that can satisfy you?"

  Gasper shook his head, "I couldn't find it. For me, who just causes trouble...to have value in living isn't right."

  "You're my servant and part of my family. I won't abandon you so easily."

  Issei stepped forward, a determined expression on his face, "That's right, Gasper! Me and Buchou won't abandon you!"

  Gasper's eyes widened and right before he could say anything, Rias and Issei watched as Gasper was struck by a female magician, the magician seizing Gasper's hair with a nasty sneer.

  "You people are so stupid. It's foolish how you treat such a dangerous half vampire normally. It's just as the old Maou faction says; the Gremory family are as dumb as they are deeply affectionate and overflowing with power." The magician said contemptuously, "Maybe you would have gotten more value if you had brainwashed this half-vampire and used him as a tool? If you had made his Sacred Gear run out of control while throwing this child into the territory of Fallen Angels, he might even have taken out one of their leaders as well. Why haven't you done that? Could it be that you intend to treat a servant as a close friend?"

  Rias looked at the head magician with a bored and condescending expression, "I know this must be beyond your pitiful and minuscule understanding, but I treasure my servants. I see no reason to use them as tools because I ck the strength, unlike you worthless insects."

  "You disrespectful bitch! I'll turn that face into one deserving the name Devil!" The magician screamed, firing a magical bullet at Rias.

  Rias did not flinch, still smirking as Issei threw his left hand in front of her face, using his [Boosted Gear] to block the bullet.

  How dare she try to aim for Buchou's face?! Issei thought, growling at the magicians.

  Rias turned her gaze on Gasper, her smirk turning into a gentle smile, "Cause me as many major problems as you'd like. I promise if you do, I'll scold you over and over for being naughty, Gasper. Then I'll hold you and never let you go."

  Gasper cried again, this time tears of joy, "B-Buchou!"

  Two of the magicians moved back, holding swords to Gasper's neck while their leader growled at Rias and Issei. "You move and this child dies."

  Two more magic bullets were fired, both of which Issei used his Sacred Gear to block.

  "Buchou! I'm promoting to Queen!" Issei yelled, and when Rias nodded her head, he felt his power increase and used it to quickly run to Gasper's side, pcing the bracelet Azazel had given him on Gasper's wrist before he was forced to jump backwards to avoid a magical bullet to the head.

  But Issei knew that he needed to do one more thing, raising his [Boosted Gear] into the air. "Ascalon!"

  [Bde!] Along with a new voice, Issei new weapon, Ascalon, extended from the shell of his Sacred Gear.

  The female magicians cautiously watched him; however, Issei pointed the tip of the sword away from the enemy and at his own hand. He temporarily suppressed the sword's power and cut the palm of his right hand with the bde; blood flowed out of his hand.

  "Ise?" Rias looked at his action dubiously, but Issei needed to give this gift to Gasper.

  "Gasper! It's no use if you don't get up on your own, you know? After receiving encouragement from a girl, next is standing up!" Issei yelled, sticking out his left hand and flicking Ascalon and sending some of the blood on its bde flying into Gasper's mouth faster than any of the magicians could react.

  "Drink it and show us that you're a man!"

  Gasper nodded at Issei's words, and the instant Gasper swallowed Issei's blood, the atmosphere in the room changed. Gasper was no longer bound to the wall's magic circle, seemingly disappearing from the room, shocking everyone.

  Suddenly, the sound of chirping was heard throughout the clubroom, and countless bats began circling the room, swooping down towards the magicians.

  "Kuh! So, he transformed, that damn vampire!"

  "Bastard!"

  The cursing and now frantic women pointed their hands at the bats, trying to fire magic bullets, but they were pulled down by something and lost their bance.

  It was then that countless bck hands could be seen extending out from the magicians' shadows and beginning to pull women inside of them. They fired magic bullets at the shadows, but the shadow hands quickly dispersed.

  During that, the bats wrapped around the forms of the magicians and bit at various parts of their bodies, drawing blood from them and absorbing their magic energy.

  Realizing that they could not deal with Gasper in this way, the group turned their attacks on the two visible Devils, firing multiple magic bullets at them.

  But before the attacks could get halfway across the room, they suddenly froze in midair, and Gasper's voice filled the room, taking on an eerily and distorted tone. "It's useless. I can see all your movements and attacks."

  The red eyes of the bats began to glow brightly, showing that Gasper had invoked his Sacred Gear from the eyes of these bats.

  So, he really can control his Sacred Gear thanks to the effect of my blood and that bracelet! Issei thought as he watched.

  "I'm stopping you people!" The eyes of the bats shined even brighter, this time making all the magicians in the room stop. "Ise-senpai! The finishing blow!"

  "Leave it to me!" Issei yelled, running forward, and touching each of the magicians. Once he finished, he reached the center of the room and struck a cool pose.

  "Dress Break!" The clothes of the witches who were time stopped were instantly blown off

  Issei gave Gasper a smile of victory as blood spurted out of his nose, "Gasper, together we're invincible."

  "Is that really so?" Rias poked Issei's forehead while sighing, "Why is it that even when our lives are in danger, you still act like this?"

  "Sorry." Issei said, ughing awkwardly.

  Rias shook her head and then created a magic circle of her own before directing Issei to tie up the magicians while they were still frozen in time.

  Once Issei had finished and put the magicians in the circle, Rias used it to send the magicians off to a public office in the underworld, knowing that once they reached there, the women would be immediately arrested, thoroughly questioned, and put in prison.

  "Senpai, is your hand, okay?" Gasper asked once he had returned from the bats and shadows to his true form.

  "No, I'm fine, I've had worse injuries than a slit palm." Issei waved off, "I've had several holes in my stomach from Fallen Angel attacks."

  Gasper stared wide eyed, "R-Really? S-Senpai must have really experienced a lot of violence..."

  I guess I have been through a lot of death and violence since I became a Devil. I haven't really thought about it all that much because of how much I enjoy being with Buchou and the others, but my chances of dying have greatly increased, haven't they?

  "Come, you two." Rias called out, breaking Issei out of his thoughts, "Let's rejoin the others."

  The three made their way out of the old school building, knowing that the battle was still raging outside, and that their comrades were still in the thick of it.

  "That's right, Azazel." Katerea said with a sharp smirk, "The instant you decided on peace, arrangements were made to invoke the Sacred Gear of the kidnapped half-vampire and begin the terrorist attack. And the Hakuryuukou was more than ready to join us once he saw the good time we offered, seeing to issue in burying you."

  Azazel ughed at himself, "Damn, I really have lost my edge. For one of my followers to do this... When? When did you decide to do this?"

  Vali stored away his mask on his helmet, showing his face, "I got the offer while I was enroute returning Kokabiel to headquarters. Sorry, Azazel, but I wasn't lying when I said this side was more interesting."

  That seems like a shitty reason to abandon the side of someone you care about. Natsuki thought, able to see, despite both of their efforts to hide it, how strongly Azazel and Vali cared for the other.

  "Is that so? Vali, has the Vanishing Dragon surrendered to Ophis?" Azazel asked.

  Vali sneered slightly at the implication, "No, I'm just cooperating stubbornly. They made an attractive offer; 'Wouldn't you like to fight against Asgard?' When they said that, as someone who wants to test my power, I couldn't decline. Azazel, you dislike the idea of fighting with Valhal, right? You have always disliked war."

  "I told you to 'become strong,' but I guess I should have also said, 'don't only make factors that will destroy the world'."

  Vali shook his head, "That's unreted. I just want to fight eternally."

  "...I see. No, I anticipated in my heart that you would leave my side, but I refused to accept that. Since the day we met to this very moment, I know that you only want to fight with strong people."

  Despite the smile that was on his face, Azazel was deeply hurt by this betrayal, feeling more pain from this than any physical blow.

  Why does this hurt so badly? I knew this was coming; Vali was always going to leave me for whoever could give him the opportunity to fight strong opponents. Azazel thought.

  "The preparations and information outlet for all of this were thanks to the Hakuryuukou. It was unusual of you to have left him alone, despite knowing his true nature. As a result, you've wrung your own neck." Katerea sneered.

  Natsuki looked at Katerea from the corner of her eye, "You talk a lot of shit for a woman who hasn't won yet. It's fucking annoying."

  Katerea gred at Natsuki, "And what give an insignificant worm like you the gall to speak of my character?"

  "Having met so many people like you." Natsuki smirked, "It's always the same song and dance, no wonder you and your friends haven't been able to regain your pce at the top of Devil society. I mean, what kind of pn is attacking the strongest of your enemies with nothing more than some human magicians, the battle maniac in front of me, and you? It seems more like the Old Satan Faction was using some disposable pawns to deliver a message to the other three factions."

  Katerea's face turned red with anger, giving Natsuki a vicious look of disdain.

  "It seems pretty hypocritical of you to admonish someone for running their mouth when you're doing the same." Vali smirked.

  Natsuki shrugged, "Was I wrong? It seems up your alley; fighting for a side with no chance of winning because it would harder than fighting for the stronger side, an impossible challenge for you to try and overcome."

  "I feel vulgar eyes." Katerea said aloud, looking in the direction of the old school building and seeing the arrival of three Devils, her gaze focused on Issei. "Is this kid the Sekiryuutei, Vali?"

  Vali sighed, "While regrettable, it's true. He truly is a most pathetic host."

  Issei gred, pointing at Vali while he shouted, "Don't keep saying regrettable and pathetic, asshole! I'm getting stronger every day and doing my best! And why are you and Azazel confronting each other? And who is this Onee-chan?"

  "I see. He really does seem to be a regrettable child. Will you be killing him?" Katerea said with pitiful eyes before looking at Natsuki with a gre, "And her?"

  Vali ignored Katerea, hitting his hand against his chest as he looked in between Natsuki and Issei, "My real name is Vali, Vali Lucifer."

  Lucifer? Most of the people who Vali thought.

  "I'm a descendent of the previous generation's Maou Lucifer, however, I'm also a child of mixed blood, born from a father who was the old Maou's grandson and a human mother. And it's because I'm half-human, that I obtained the Vanishing Dragon's Sacred Gear. Although this was just by chance, I, who is a true blood retive of Lucifer and is also the Vanishing Dragon, was born. If there really is such a thing as fate and miracles, I may be that." When Vali finished, several Devil wings along with his wings of light, grew from his back.

  Rias, along with most had a look of astonishment on her face, "No way, that can't be..."

  But Azazel confirmed it, "It's true. If there is such a thing as a ridiculous existence, it's him. He'll become the strongest Hakuryuukou from those of recent generations, and probably of all time."

  So, he's a hybrid too? Natsuki thought, clenching her fists.

  "Have you resolved yourself, Azazel?" Katerea sneered at Azazel, her killing intent spiking.

  Azazel clicked his teeth, "That powerful aura that swelled up from you earlier, what did you get from that bastard Ophis?"

  Katerea smiled at Azazel's question, "For the sake of the world's reformation, I borrowed a little of his power. Thanks to that, I can fight against you, there's even a chance that I can beat Sirzechs, Michael, and that bitch, Serafall. They're such foolish leaders and so are you."

  Azazel chuckled, "I am foolish, I can't do anything without Shemhaza, and I'm just a Sacred Gear enthusiast. But you know, do you really think to the extent that Sirzechs, Serafall, and Michael are idiots? At least they're far superior then someone mediocre like you."

  Katerea's face twisted at Azazel's words, "What nonsense! Very well, I'll deal the finishing blow right here and now. I will destroy you, the Governor of the Fallen Angels, as the first step to the creation of a new world!"

  Despite Katrea's power rising once more, Azazel looked pleased. He then took out a nce-like golden dagger with a purple jewel at the end of the handle from one of his pockets.

  Katera looked at the dagger suspiciously, "What is that?"

  Azazel pointed the tip of the dagger at the Devil across from him, "I have gone beyond being a Sacred Gear enthusiast and now I produce them myself. I've built replicas, but almost all of them are garbage. God was amazing, his development of Sacred Gears, that's the only thing I respect him for. However, they're incomplete because God died while leaving behind 'bugs' which can just upset the world's bance like the Longinus and Bance Breaker. But that's also why Sacred Gears are so interesting though."

  "Be at peace of mind then, Azazel. Things like Sacred Gears will not exist in the new world. Even without such things, the world functions, and eventually, we'll make Northern Europe's Odin move as well and then the world will have to change."

  "The more I hear, the more I feel like vomiting at your goals. Valhal!? The Earth Gods!? So, you intend to snatch everything Odin owns as if something like that is easy? An idiot like you should just disappear."

  The dagger in Azazel's hand had changed shape, its parts separating as light gushed out and enveloped the Fallen Angel's body.

  Katerea gasped, "I-Impossible! Azazel, you...!"

  "Bance Break!"

  The vicinity was covered in a momentary fsh of light and after the light faded, Azazel was now covered from head to toe in gold pted armor. The armor had a golden sparkling radiance and a shape that resembled a dragon, with purple jewels throughout it.

  Twelve jet-bck wings then unfolded from Azazel's back, bck feathers fluttered about, some falling to the earth, and in his hands was a two-pronged light spear.

  "What the hell?" Natsuki said aloud, staring at the now transformed Fallen in shock.

  Azazel pointed his spear at Katrea, "I studied the Vanishing Dragon and other dragon-type Sacred Gears and produced this; my masterpiece artificial Sacred Gear. This is the [Downfall Dragon Spear, and this is its pseudo-Bance Breaker state; [Downfall Dragon Spear Armour]."

  Natsuki, Issei, and Vali could each feel the power of a dragon surge from Azazel's armor, and each feeling something strange deeper within.

  So, it's like a bargain sale of Bance Breaker?! But I thought Bance Breaker is a rare phenomenon? Issei thought.

  No, that isn't a true Bance Breaker. Ddraig said internally.

  Issei blinked. What do you mean, Ddraig?

  "What the hell is wrong with it?" Natsuki said aloud, her eyes narrowing as she looked at Azazel. "It feels... I don't know, like a sword made of gss?"

  Azazel ughed at this comparison, "I should have figured that you would see through it, Natsuki-chan. It's hard to hide minute details from someone who can sense magic the way you do."

  What the hell is he talking about? Issei thought.

  He made the Sacred Gear go into a Burst state and did a forced awakening, a kind that is running out of control. So, the Sacred Gear will break after a battle with that. Does he intend to use that so-called artificial Sacred Gear as a disposable one for his fight?

  Issei's eyes widened at the thought of a disposable Sacred Gear, still not understanding how the Sacred Gear could be emitting a dragon aura.

  Vali began to ugh, a wild grin appearing on his face, "Hahaha! As expected of Azazel! You really are incredible!"

  Vali then rushed forward, his hand cocked back, preparing to punch through Natsuki to get to the man behind her.

  Natsuki fired a Bck Bolt at Vali, but the other hybrid turned his head to the side, the attack flying past him. Natsuki could do nothing more than cross her arms in front of her face, barely holding on as Vali's punch connected, feeling as if he had snapped her arms off.

  Natsuki was knocked back into Azazel, the Fallen being solid enough that Natsuki remained upright. Vali tried to punch her again but was forced to half the power of Natsuki's returning Bck Bolt four times over, allowing the rest of the attack to hit him and taking no damage from it.

  Natsuki then summoned the Sword of Methuseh, not wasting a single moment as she moved to ssh at his neck.

  Vali grabbed Natsuki's wrist, "You're in my way."

  "Vali, don't you know proper battle etiquette?" Azazel asked, still facing Katerea, a shield raised in front of him as the woman had taken the opportunity Vali presented to unch an attack of her own. "It's first come, first serve. As much as I'd love to be your opponent, but I'm busy with one of my own."

  "But fighting you would be far more interesting." Vali said, causing Natsuki to growl and her eyes to glow gold before Vali released her hand. "Especially as you've endowed yourself with a dragon's power."

  "Yeah, I sealed the Gigantis Dragon, Fafnir, in this artificial Sacred Gear. I copied it from the Sacred Gears of the Two Heavenly Dragons and the Evolving Dragon, but I've yet to see if it succeeded or not. If we fight and I failed, you'll just end up frustrated by such a pathetic battle."

  So Farnir has been sealed? It would appear that the Five Great Dragon Kings have begun to falter as of te. Lux said, surprise tinging her voice.

  Natsuki could understand why; the Chaos Karma Dragon, Tiamat, the Mischievous Dragon, Yu-Long, the, Sleeping Dragon, Midgardsormr, and even the Evil Bck Dragon, Vritra, who had been eliminated and sealed, were all known to be some of the most powerful dragons to ever exist. So, for Azazel to have sealed the Gigantis Dragon, Fafnir, into a fake Scared Gear seemed too unbelievable.

  Is he telling the truth? Vali thought but knowing that Azazel had no reason to lie in this moment.

  A bluish-bck aura covered Katerea as she gred at the Fallen, "Azazel! Even though you possess so much power, you still hunger for more?!"

  Azazel let his shield vanish, "Katerea, you yourself said that you made a pact with the Ouroboros Dragon. So, I don't think you have room to truly be judging."

  "The research of Sacred Gears should never have developed to this extent." Katerea spat.

  Azazel smirked, "From the look on your face, it seems that the group that betrayed my organization, took out some of the Sacred Gear research. However, it's pointless, only I and Shemhazai the truth of it all."

  "I am one who is descended from the great true Leviathan! Cattleya Leviathan! I won't lose to an annoying Fallen Angel like you!" Katerea roared, her aura increasing in intensity as she flew at Azazel.

  Both Natsuki and Vali flew down to the ground after seeing Azazel hold his spear in both hands, knowing that it would be best to be out of range of the Fallen Angel's counterattack.

  In an instant, blood gushed out from the Katerea's body as Azazel cut her across the chest before bashing the other end of her spear into the side of Katerea's head, sending her hurtling towards the ground.

  The ground had been gouged out from the aftershock of Azazel's attack and Katerea's body being embedded into it. Azazel quickly descended, hovering a few feet above the crater and waiting to see if Katrea would continue their fight.

  Katerea spat blood out of her mouth, cwing her way out of the earth. "This isn't over!"

  Katerea changed her arm into a giant tentacle and wrapped it around Azazel's left arm as the mark of Ophis began to spread further across Katerea's body along with a strange pattern.

  "That is a self-destruct technique formu!" Rias yelled.

  Azazel tried to tear the tentacle away, but it refused to be moved, instead squeezing his arm even tighter.

  A vicious grin and crazed look emerged on Katerea's face, "Azazel! Even if you try to kill me while in this state, it's useless! Now that you're connected with me, this strong magic will activate and kill you too when I die!"

  "So, you'll deal great damage to me by sacrificing your own life? What a tawdry way of thinking, but the result is an enormous reason."

  "Ise, Natsuki, Gasper! Get some distance or we'll get caught up in the bst!" Rias yelled to servants.

  "But Buchou! What about Azazel?" Issei asked.

  "If he's the Governor of his organization, then he'll deal with it somehow! However, we'll die!"

  Rias led the other others further away from Azazel and Katerea, and once they were far enough away, deployed several yers of defensive barriers and started preparing for the explosion's aftershocks.

  "Wah!" The older Devils turned around when they heard Gasper's screams, seeing a magical pattern now engraved onto Gasper's eyes.

  "Sorry, but I'll be sealing that. It's annoying if time is stopped." Vali said from where he was floating above the Devils. "But you know, if you're aware of its ability and activation conditions, that Sacred Gear really isn't that great of a power, it's full of weak points. There are many techniques like this one that seal one's vision, not to mention, if his magic is drained, it changes into a double-edged sword that submits damage to allies as well."

  "Fucking bastard!" Issei roared, unfurling his wings, and jumping up towards Vali, preparing to cut him down with Ascalon.

  "Issei, wait!" Rias shouted but was too te to stop him from leaving the barrier.

  Issei swung Ascalon at Vali's head, only for Vali to shift his head to the side and avoid it. When Vali moved to punch Issei, he instinctively grabbed the Sword of Methuseh when Natsuki threw it at him to protect Issei.

  Vali immediately let go of the weapon as the second he touched it, the sword burst into fmes, leaving Vali's entire arm completely burnt.

  If I had kept holding it, my entire body would have gone up in fmes. Vali thought, once again avoiding another swing from Issei's sword.

  "You fucking prick! What gives you the right to do that to Gasper?!" Issei yelled, growing more frustrated and anger as not one of his attacks was able to even graze Vali.

  Damn it! This guy really is the best. He said Gasper in his current state is full of weak points, but I'm no different, having a powerful Sacred Gear means that you're strong, is just not true! It's like Azazel said; even if a Sacred Gear is strong, it's all useless if the host is useless! Issei thought ruefully.

  Natsuki was going to fly up to join and help Issei, but Rias saw what she was doing and quickly grabbed her arm squeezing painfully. "You are not going up there!"

  Natsuki clicked her teeth, "Rias, I-"

  "No! You are not going up there, you are staying within this barrier!" Rias shouted before looking up, "Issei, get down here!"

  Issei stopped for a moment, "But Buchou-"

  "Now, Issei! Your King commands it!" Rias seethed, needing Issei to get back inside the barrier before Katerea exploded.

  Neither Pawn had ever heard Rias order them to listen to her because she was their King, something that only proved how serious she was being.

  "You might want to get back down there before your lovely King, becomes even angrier." Vali taunted.

  Issei's face turned red with rage, but he swallowed his pride and flew back into the barrier. Once he nded, he immediately turned his attention on his kouhai. "Are you okay, Gasper?"

  "I-I'm fine, but i-it burns w-when I try to open my eyes." Gasper said, his eyes tightly closed to stop the terrible fiery burn that overtook his eyes when he tried to open them.

  "The seal is not life threatening, but with how complex it is, I'll need Akeno or Grayfia to help me undo it." Rias said as she looked over Gasper, "Will be alright until then?"

  "I'll be fine, Buchou. I'll fight through it!" Gasper said, not wanting Rias to worry about him even more.

  I don't want to be a burden to them. Gasper thought.

  Natsuki kept her gaze on Vali, barely containing her anger, especially as Vali only sealed Gasper's Sacred Gear because he did not want Gasper to possibly freeze time and halt Azazel and Katerea's fight.

  Sick fucker just wants to keep watching the show. Natsuki thought, clenching her fists.

  "This tentacle is a special make that is already absorbing my life; it won't break!" Katerea ughed, showing no fear in regard to her rapidly approaching demise.

  Giving up on cutting it, Azazel shrugged his shoulder and in the blink of an eye, cut off both the tentacle and his own arm. Blood gushed out from Azazel's wound, and the cut off arm along with the tentacle surrounding it, turned into dust once they hit the ground.

  "You cut off your own arm!?" Cattleya said shocked before her abdomen was soon pierced by a spear of light that Azazel threw at her.

  Katerea cried out in pain as blood poured out from her new wound, feeling the intense burn of the spear.

  Azazel raised his two-pronged spear above his head, "I'll give you an arm at least."

  Katerea's body blew up, a powerful shockwave spreading across the school grounds. The remains of Katerea's turned into dust and vanished into the sky as the light attack completely annihited her.

  With that, Azazel's armor was released, and he clicked his teeth, caring more about his artificial Sacred Gear than the loss of his arm. "So, this is the limit of an artificial Sacred Gear? There's still much room for improvement, but as long as the core jewel is safe, I can remake it again. I'll have you keep me company a little while longer, Fafnir."

  Azazel then kissed the purple jewel that his [Down Fall Dragon Spear] turned into before putting it in his pocket.

  Vali descended from the sky once the fight concluded, unmoved by the death of his newly gained ally, "As expected of Azazel. However, your armor has been released, your artificial Sacred Gears still require more study."

  Azazel pointed at Vali, "Now then, Vali. You still want me to fight you next? Even if I have no armor and am one-handed, I can fight with you adequately." Azazel made a spear of light appear in his hand and pointed the bde at the Hakuryuukou.

  Vali gnced at Azazel when the Fallen took up a fighting stance but turned his attention to the Devils behind them, meeting Issei's eye. "But don't you think that destiny is cruel, Hyoudou Issei?"

  Issei frowned, not understanding what Vali was trying to say, "Maybe."

  Vali crified himself, "On one hand, there is the strongest existence that one can think of with a Maou and a legendary dragon like me, and on the other hand, there is a mere human like you which possesses a legendary dragon as well. Say what you like, but I think that this accident of fate is cruel. Though we're rivals with the same Dragon-type Sacred Gears, the gap between the two owners is too great."

  Vali then started to ugh, "The blood of both your parents along with all your blood retives are completely ordinary. There are also no ability-users or practitioners who possessed power among your ancestors. Of course, your ancestors had nothing to do with Devils or Angels either. You were a completely ordinary male high school student until you were reborn as a Devil, except for the [Boosted Gear, you're nothing."

  "Do you have a fucking point?" Issei spat, gring at the now ughing hybrid.

  Vali ignored him as he looked at Natsuki next, "And you Sukehiro Natsuki, I expect a lot more from you given your heritage. Which makes me think that you simply haven't unlocked all of the abilities your linage has granted you, though your sensor ability gives me hope."

  "And I don't suppose you'd tell me about that since you seem oh so willing to talk about people's bloodlines today?" Natsuki said sardonically.

  "Did you know that you're a hybrid, Sukehiro?"

  Natsuki could hear the gasps and excmations of the others but paid them no mind as she stared at Vali with a bnk stare.

  "Of course you did." Vali chuckled, "But to answer your question, on your mother's side, you come from a long and powerful line of Egyptian magicians; the great Rashaankh family."

  Rias' eyes grew wide, "Rashaankh family?"

  Natsuki turn her head, "Do you know who they are?"

  Rias bit her lip with nervous hesitation, "He is right about them being family of powerful magicians. Their linage has spanned millennia, has served countless pharaohs, and have had prominent roles in many historical events. Even today, their influence spans the globe, with few able to outright match their strength."

  Egyptian magicians, huh. "And my father?"

  Before Vali could answer, Azazel spoke out, "Don't, Vali. She doesn't need to know."

  "And how many times do I have to tell you lousy pieces of shit that I have every right to know?!" Natsuki snarled, her voice becoming yered, her magic spiking.

  Azazel ignored her as he kept his gaze on Vali, "You know how important it is to keep that secret."

  "I suppose telling her now would be pointless, like I said, she's fallen short of my expectations for what she should be capable of." Vali said offhandedly, "Being an orphan, having two friends, and being ostracized for your appearance, should have been enough, but maybe it's because you and Hyoudou had people who cared about you that kept you two from getting stronger? The weakness that comes with love. Maybe I should kill you parents and those kids at the orphanage? Make you into a fine pair of avengers?"

  "I'm going to kill you, you bastard." Issei said quietly and at that moment, he could finally understand what killing intent felt like as he gred at Vali with a fiery rage.

  Why should my parents have to be killed by this kind of bastard? That's also a stupid reason; my father and mother have nothing to do with you. Issei thought.

  "...Kill them? My father and mother? Why should they have to be mixed up in the situation of someone like you and be killed? As if I give two shits about things like destiny! As if I'll let you do it!"

  Natsuki's own body shook as she heard Issei's words, the images of Kushina and her foster siblings dead at her feet, all because Vali decided she was not an interesting enough challenge for him.

  She thought his arrogance had aggravated her before, but now, Natsuki felt this relentless and all-consuming fury within her heart, an anger she never felt before now, all of it directed at the half-Devil floating above them, looking down at them.

  This disgusting parasite thinks he has the right to touch what is mine?! Because he wants a fucking fight?!

  But at the same time, Natsuki knew that she had brought this upon herself, she had challenged Vali after he defeated Kokabiel, even though Vali was Issei's rival, all because of her own insecurity and that short-sighted desire to become the strongest, as if such a thing could be so easily accomplished.

  She had allowed her own arrogance up to that point to blind her, but she also had a dragon's pride, and she could not back down now, not after she made her promise to Lux.

  "Go Yellow Dragon! Heavenly Absorption!" Responding to Natsuki's rage, her Sacred Gear released a golden aura, overtaking her body, and equipping her in [Ethereal Domination] Scale Mail

  She did it? Can she use Scale Mail without giving Lux full control again? Issei thought, his surprise brief as he quickly reached into his pocket and pulled out the second bracelet that Azazel had given him, pcing it on his wrist.

  "Shine on, Over boost! Welsh Dragon Over Booster!" With the bracelet he got from Azazel acting on it, Issei equipped [Booster Gear] Scale Mail without having to sacrifice anything.

  "Issei." Natsuki said, her voice sounding as strong as steel as she gred at Vali.

  "Yeah, Natsuki?" Issei said, his voice sounding the same as hers.

  Natsuki's eyes fshed gold, "Let's kill this arrogant little bastard."

  Issei's eyes fshed red, "Let's do it. I'm tired of listening to his worthless shit, and this battle maniac needs to be knocked down a couple dozen pegs."

  The two Pawns then used the wings of their armor and flew up to meet the other Dragon in the sky.

  "Natsuki's Scale Mail looks different." Akeno stated as she nded next to Rias.

  "Akeno, why aren't you... you're not fighting the magicians anymore." Rias said.

  "They all disappeared and stopped coming back a few moments ago. I think Grayfia-sama finished her spell." Akeno answered.

  "That's good." Rias let out a relieved sigh, she then turned back to the three dragon Sacred Gear holders.

  Akeno's right, Natsuki's armor is different. It no longer looks the same as when she used it during the Rating Game. Rias thought.

  The Golden Dragon's [Scale Mail] no longer looked the same as Issei's but with different colors, instead being more slender and sleek, cking the pointed ridges that flowed on the arms, legs, and tail, along with the various white jewels, now only having a small one in the center of its chest, and the cws on the ends of its hands were sharper than before.

  "Do you think Lux is in control of her body again?" Kiba asked, he, Koneko, Xenovia, Irina, Sona, and Tsubaki now joining them as there were no more enemies to fight.

  "No, I don't. It would be far more obvious if that were the case." Rias remembered how Lux acted and sounded when she was in control of Natsuki's body, so she knew that this transformation was all Natsuki's doing.

  "Should we be letting them do this?" Koneko asked, her arm around Gasper's shoulders as she looked up at the three dragons.

  "I don't think there is much of a choice." Sona answered, "They are intent to have this csh."

  "So, we are just going to let Issei-san and Natsuki-san fight the Hakuryuukou alone?" Xenovia asked.

  "Ha, you truly don't understand dragons, do you?" The group of young Devils turned at the sound of Azazel's ughter.

  Rias frowned, walking forward with a gre, "And what would you know?"

  Azazel smiled before looking back at Vali, Natsuki, and Issei, "I know that there is no stopping a dragon once it's committed to its goals, or when they issue or have been issued a challenge by another. You should be thrilled, we're all about to witness a csh of titans. At least if your friends can push Vali far enough."

  Natsuki felt stronger than she ever had before, clenching her fists as she stared Vali down.

  So, this is what Bancer Breaker feels like? Natsuki thought. But why do I look different? When I watched the Rating Game, my [Scale Mail] didn't look like this.

  Natsuki heard Lux ugh at her question through their connection. My Bance Breaker always appears the same as Ddraig and Albion's when first used by my wielders, think of it as a beginning stage, if you will. But our [Scale Mail] will almost never have the same appearance twice. Why do you think I am called the Evolving Dragon? Why do you think there is always such a marked improvement within you after each battle we face?

  So as long as we're together, then I will keep evolving and adapting after each challenge we face? I thought you were being hyperbolic not literal when you told me that we will keep getting stronger.

  You have reached it, a true Bance Breaker, are you truly compining about a few details that I kept to myself? Lux asked.

  What do you think? Natsuki smirked. I wonder what changes will come with my Sacred Gear after this fight?

  Lux ughed again, sharper, and full of intent. I do not want to ruin the surprise.

  Issei, meanwhile, looked down at his gauntlet, a countdown had appeared on the jewel of his left arm, giving him about fifteen minutes in this incomplete Bance Breaker.

  This is a lot more than what I got the st time I reached Bance Breaker. Ddraig, do you think it will be enough? Issei thought.

  I don't want to lie to you, partner, but it might not be. Even with my sis and her partner reaching their complete Bance Breaker, Albion and his partner are still stronger and have a lot more experience than you two. Ddraig answered.

  Natsuki completed hers?! Issei thought, a small sprout of jealousy forming in the pit of his stomach, but he quickly squashed it, knowing that this was not the time for any insecurities. So, you think we will lose?

  Ddraig scoffed. This will not be an easy fight, especially as you are short on time when it comes to the Bance Breaker. But who cares about that, let's just fight Albion with everything we have.

  Vali chuckled, his arms crossed as he looked at the other two, "Look, Albion. Hyoudou Issei's power went up by an incomparable amount. So did Sukehiro Natsuki's, not only that, but she managed to achieve [Scale Mail] without outside help. The pin and simple reason called rage was the trigger, but this is...Hahahaha, what a dragon's surge."

  "Sacred Gears use strong emotions to sustain their power, so you are facing their genuine rage right now. Well, done, this is one of the most appropriate ways of drawing out a dragon." Albion said aloud.

  "So, what you're saying is I'm even greater at drawing out their dragons then they are at controlling them?" Vali asked, his voice tinged with amusement and superiority.

  "Yeah, keep talking, asshole!" Issei yelled, "Ascalon!"

  [Bde!]

  Vali, that sword carries dragon-sying powers. And just like the sword Lux's user has, if it hits just once, you'll undeniably receive great damage. Albion said to Vali within their link.

  Vali grinned, "Is that so, Albion. But there's no meaning if it doesn't hit!"

  Natsuki held both hands out in front of her, creating a gust of wind and forming it into a sharp crescent shape before firing it a Vali.

  The wind moved at breakneck speed towards the White Dragon Emperor, but just like every other attack, Vali used his Sacred Gear on it.

  [Divide!] [Divide!] [Divide!]

  He continued to divide and shrink the power of the spell until it turned into nothing but a small breeze that barely brushed against his armor.

  But as Vali did this, Issei had flown behind the spell, using it as cover. Once it disappeared, the end of Ascalon was less than a couple of centimeters from Vali's face.

  But Vali simply moved to the side, causing Issei to fly past him as he was moving too quickly to stop. And when Issei turned his head, Vali pulled his fist back and nded a heavy blow on the center of Issei's chest, sending Issei flying backward.

  He flew for a bit before Natsuki caught him, Issei could barely breathe, his body trembling as a crack formed on the front of his armor.

  "So, this is my rival?! Hahahaha! How embarrassing! Weak! Too weak!" Vali said harshly.

  "Ise!" Rias excimed, she and the others watching worriedly from their pces on the ground.

  "Damn it!" Issei growled, both at the feeling of weakness and the anger over scaring Rias.

  Natsuki moved in front of his, "New pn. I'll fight him head on, while you activate your boosts."

  "What?! But you can't beat him by yourself!" Issei argued.

  Natsuki was undeterred, "I know that, but I'm the better fighter between us and I can use Promotion while you can't. So, I'll hold him off while you charge up, then you can go in for the blow."

  Before Issei could say anything, Vali used his Sacred Gear again.

  [Divide!] Once Albion's voice from the [Divine Dividing] wings spoke, Issei felt his power instantly vanish.

  Did he halve my power!? Was it activated from the blow I received to my chest!? He can do that with just a touch?! Issei thought frantically. Issei forced himself to rex and he activated his own Sacred Gear.

  [Boost!] With that, Issei felt his taken energy being restored.

  Partner, the power that was halved was restored by my own power, but the Vanishing Dragon's other ability is troublesome. Ddraig spoke.

  Ddraig, what do you mean?

  That guy halves his opponent's power and then adds the decreased portion of power to himself. In other words, your power is taken away and turned into his own power.

  So, it doesn't matter if I reset, he'll just get stronger?!

  That's right.

  Natsuki wasn't kidding when she said his ability was more versatile than hers the first time we met him. Issei looked at Vali now with trepidation.

  However, no matter how amazing the host is, he has a limit. Power that goes beyond his capacity is released from the wings of light on his back, so he can keep maintaining his power limit without destroying his body. Stamina can't be recovered; it's only power to the end.

  Natsuki turned her head to look at him when he did not respond, "Issei? Issei are you-"

  Issei grabbed Natsuki's shoulder, an idea forming in his mind thanks to Ddraig, "You're right; hold him off while I boost."

  "What are you pnning?" Natsuki asked, confused by Issei's sudden change in demeanor.

  Issei smiled under his helmet, "I'm going to give him everything I've got. You'll know what to do after that."

  Natsuki was still confused, but she was unable to ask Issei to expin himself as Vali interrupted, becoming impatient. "Come on, come on!"

  Enjoying himself, Vali fired a seemingly endless number of magic bullets at the duo. Natsuki quickly moved in front of Issei, using her [Ethereal Domination] to absorb the attacks. But the sheer number and strength of the bullets eventually started to overwhelm Natsuki, and she could feel her Sacred Gear reaching the limit of its absorption.

  "I hope you know what you're doing." Natsuki said.

  "I do." Issei said, "Just give me a minute, that's all I'll need."

  Natsuki nodded her head and the two quickly broke away from each other; Issei flew upward, hovering a few yards above the other two while Natsuki flew directly at Vali.

  Thanks to the magic that she had absorbed, Natsuki was able to fly and move faster than before, quickly closing the distance between herself and Vali, her fist raised and aimed at Vali's midsection.

  Vali smacked Natsuki's hand away, but Natsuki twisted her body, bringing her legs up to her chest and giving Vali and flying drop kick. Vali had used his other arm to block the kick, keeping it from hitting his face as he was pushed back.

  [Boost!] [Boost!] [Boost!] [Boost!]

  "Just a little bit more." Issei muttered, gncing between his gauntlet and the fight below him.

  "Oh no you don't." Vali said as he watched Issei and raised his hand towards him.

  Before he could use another spell, he felt the air shit behind him, and Vali leaned back, avoiding the Sword of Methuseh, allowing it to soar past his face.

  Faster than she could keep track of Vali blitzed Natsuki, punching her across the face, sending the Pawn hurdling to the ground.

  "Is that it?" Vali asked aloud, watching Natsuki hit the ground with a bang.

  Natsuki's amor had cracked and was broken, revealing the left side of her face. She pushed herself off the ground, now standing in the crater her body had created. She then lifted her right hand, her palm facing Vali.

  Once again Vali was forced to move to the side and avoid Natsuki sword, the bde having turned around while in the air, and now heading towards Natsuki.

  When the Sword of Methuseh flew into her hand, Natsuki pointed the bde at Vali. "Promotion: Queen!"

  Natsuki bent her knees, cracking the earth beneath her feet as she jumped up, shooting towards the other hybrid like a high-powered rocket.

  Use the bde's fire, Natsuki. It will be harder for him to avoid. Lux told Natsuki.

  Natsuki brought her sword down, activating its main ability sending a massive wave of fire, taller than the school building, at the other hybrid.

  [Divide!] [Divide!] [Divide!] [Divide!]

  Vali clicked his teeth, flying down to steer clear of what was left of the fire. "That attack was stronger than I thought it would be."

  But still not fast enough that we cannot overcome it. Albion said.

  Vali grinned, "Is this all you got, Sukehiro?! You're starting to bore me!"

  Natsuki ignored Vali's taunts, and she created and threw a Bck Blot at Vali. Once again Vali halved it until there was nothing left of it, but this allowed Natsuki to close the distance between them.

  Natsuki did not have much experience fighting with a weapon, something that she was beginning to regret not correcting as Vali was able to dodge and weave past her strikes and sshes with retive ease.

  He was still moving faster than Natsuki even with the increase she had gotten from her Promotion to Queen.

  Damn it. This isn't working, he's just toying with me at this point. Natsuki thought, gritting her teeth as she continued trying to cut Vali down.

  "I'm done!" Issei excimed, he then flew toward Vali and Natsuki as quickly as he could.

  What is he- Natsuki's eyes widened slightly when she saw Issei flying at Vali, with no intention of stopping. Quickly, Natsuki realized what Issei was pnning, so she dismissed her Holy Sword and tched onto Vali, wrapping her arms around his waist to keep him from moving and his attention off Issei.

  "What the hell? Are you this desperate? Do you truly have nothing else to give, but this pitiful attempt at trying to push me down?" Vali asked, raising his hands, and bringing them down on Natsuki's back.

  Natsuki clenched her teeth, refusing to let go of Vali even as she felt cracks forming on her armor along with the pain of Vali's blows.

  Vali continued to punch Natsuki, "At this rate, this rival showdown will be-"

  Before he could finish talking, Issei finally reached them, "Ddraig! Transfer power to the stored Ascalon!"

  Understood! Ddraig roared.

  [Transfer!]

  A surge of massive power flowed into Issei's left arm, Issei did not have any sword knowledge, he could only lodge the power into his fist while the sword was still stored in my gauntlet. But the brown-haired Devil had experience when it came to punching arrogant bastards.

  Issei punched Vali across the face, causing Vali to bend backwards, with Natsuki's hold on him, being the only thing keeping Vali from being sent flying. Cracks spread from the edges of the mask on the Hakuryuukou's helmet, allowing the right side of Vali's face to become visible, making him resemble Natsuki.

  Issei grasped his hand around the base of Vali's [Divine Dividing, and Natsuki finally let go of Vali as Issei now held him. "Apparently the effect of your Sacred Gear comes from here. In that case!"

  [Transfer!] Issei transferred all his boosted power to the Vanishing Dragon Scale Mail, in an instant, Issei was struck by the feeling tiredness as his power suddenly being removed from his body.

  So, it really does consume a fair amount of stamina and magic power! But it's fine like this!

  Issei grinned, "I'll raise the power you absorb and the power you emit all at once to the point that even you can't deal with it!"

  "Kuh!" Vali groaned as the Vanishing Dragon Scale Mail's jewels started to glow white, red, blue and yellow over and over again.

  Issei had forced Vali to activate the special ability of his Sacred Gear. His ability stole some of his opponent's power that his halved and used it as his own fuel. However, since the limit of the power Vali adds was already decided, it depended on the capacity of the host.

  He stole so much power that he can't process it, and at the same time, the power he's spitting out is also too much. As a result, the Vanishing Dragon Scale Mail stopped its functions! This is definitely better than my pn. Natsuki thought, impressed by Issei's idea.

  "Vali, regain your posture at once!" Albion spoke aloud.

  Vali reacted to Albion's voice and tried to defend by crossing his arms, but Issei closed his left fist as it was filled with Ascalon's power and easily destroyed Vali's defenses, including the gauntlets of both his arms, and threw a blow to his abdomen.

  The white-shining Vanishing Dragon Scale Mail was not enough to handle the onsught and shattered, as if the armor were made of paper.

  Fresh blood flew out from Vali's mouth, and he was sent crashing to the ground while holding his abdomen. When the dust cleared, Vali was standing in a newly made crater as blood poured down from the edge of his mouth, but Vali smiled with joy as he looked up at Issei and Natsuki.

  Vali ughed, "Hahaha, amazing! My Sacred Gear was blown off! So, you can do it if you try?! Just what I would expect, my rival."

  The Gremory Devils nded on the ground, and Issei gred at Vali, still annoyed by his personality and presence. "You're the only one I won't be satisfied with if my fist can't hit you."

  Natsuki then started to smile sharply at this, "Don't get cocky yet, Issei. We're not done yet."

  After Natsuki said this, Vali's armor once again returned to its previous state. Issei's mouth dropped open in shock, surprised that Vali could fix and regenerate his armor so easily and quickly.

  Ddraig clicked his teeth. The battle doesn't end until the host is made incapable of fighting. It's no use at this rate; you'll make no progress. It's next to impossible for you to defeat him within the limited time of the control unit. The best pn would be to run away, but you can't do that, can you?

  Of course! There's no way I could leave Buchou and everyone else behind! I won't let Natsuki fight Vali alone! And even if I did, where could I escape to within this barrier that Vali won't follow me to?

  Then, what will you do? The difference in power is still wide, you could do something thanks to the control unit Azael gave you, but with the limited time, it's out of the question. Will you surrender?

  At this moment, another idea came to Issei, "Hey, Ddraig. The Sacred Gear responds to feelings and evolves, right?"

  Natsuki looked back at Issei questioning as she heard this, wondering what he could be pnning now.

  Yeah, that's right. Why are you asking?

  Issei picked up a jewel of the Vanishing Dragon that had been lying at his feet. Earlier, when Issei hit him, and his armor had been damaged, this jewel had been knocked off. Vali armor has been restored, including the jewel, and as far as Vali is concerned, this jewel will turn to trash as time passes, so it's inconsequential. However, there should be at least a little of the Hakuryuukou's power lodged in it. "Do you see what I'm thinking."

  After a few seconds of silence, Ddraig spoke aloud. "Partner, you've sent me quite a dangerous image. But it's interesting! We may die, but do you have the resolve?"

  Issei tightened his hold on the jewel, "I can't die. I haven't taken Buchou's virginity yet. If it hurts, I'll endure it! If I can just exceed this damn bastard in front of me with that!"

  "Hahahaha! In that case, I'll resolve myself too! This isn't a notification of my character, but I am the Red Dragon Emperor! Let's show them that we'll live and exceed them together, Partner! No! Hyoudou Issei!" Ddraig decred happily.

  Issei pumped his fists, "Yeah!"

  Natsuki looked at Issei with confusion, "What the fuck kind of conversation are you two having right now? And why is Rias' virginity important to it?"

  "Yes, what do you intend to do?" Vali asked that, becoming interested.

  "Vanishing Dragon Albion! Vali! I'll be taking your power!" Issei yelled as he smashed the Sekiryuutei jewel that was on the back of his right hand into pieces and drove into it the Hakuryuukou jewel that he had picked up.

  While fighting, Issei remembered the battle with Kokabiel and how Kiba had achieved the so-called impossible fusion of Holy and Demonic energy. So, Issei figured that he could achieve a simir result with the Hakuryuukou.

  A silver aura sprang forth from Issei's right hand and wrapped around the right side of his body. But as this happened, a terrible and indescribable pain circuted throughout Issei's "Ugaaaa!"

  "Issei!" Natsuki yelled, watching as Issei began to convulse and writhe in pain and agony.

  A shocked expression appeared Vali's face, "You intend to take in my power?"

  "What a reckless thing to do. Ddraig, we are existences that oppose each other. That is nothing more than an act of self-destruction. Do you intend to annihite yourself by doing such a thing?" Albion said indifferently.

  "He is right. Why would you do this?" Lux asked, her own voice, tinged with anger and slight worry.

  Ddraig was feeling the same agony as Issei, and while Ddraig was screaming, he was also ughing. "Albion! You're as inflexible as always! Over countless eons, we've lodged in hosts and continued to fight each other! It's a repeat of the same thing every time!"

  Albion maintained the same tone, "That's right, Ddraig. That is our destiny. Even if our respective hosts are different, the way we fight is the same. You raise power, I steal power. The side that skillfully uses its Sacred Gear deals the finishing blow and it ends; this is how it always has been and always will be."

  Ddraig gave a fearless ugh at Albion's words. "Since meeting with this host, with Hyoudou Issei, I have learned one thing; that anything is possible with stupid determination!"

  Stupidity is fine, If I can't win with ability anyway, I'll excel through stupidity! Issei thought, "Respond to my feeliiiiiiiiiiings!"

  [Vanishing Dragon Power is taken!] Issei's [Boosted Gear] shouted, and his right hand was wrapped in a dazzling white light. When the light dissipated, a white gauntlet appeared on Issei's right arm.

  Issei slowly lifted his right, "...Hehehe, so this is [Divine Dividing]? No, the [Dividing Gear!]"

  Albion was astonished, "Impossible! Such a thing is impossible!"

  "He... he did it." Natsuki whispered, equally astonished.

  "It because of the death of God." Lux said as the realization came to her, "Your friend was able to create his Bance Breaker with the same principle. God is no longer around to keep the bance between different powers and energies, because of the problems that exist within the Sacred Gears."

  "So, you nudged the imperfections of the Sacred Gear system and achieved this?" Albion asked once he heard Lux's expnation. "No, but such a thing is...Even if you think of that, to actually do it is just foolish. No one knows what will happen with the fusion of opposing powers. When that is something concerning dragons, you might die, you know? No, it would be natural for you to die."

  Issei breathed heavily, "Yeah, it was reckless. But I survived."

  Ddraig sighed at Issei's words, "And I thought Lux's partner was the crazy one. You both risked your lives on a gamble, but stealing Albion's power has certainly made your lifespan shorten. And it's a lot even for Devils, creatures that live almost endlessly."

  Issei only grinned, "I have no intention of living for ten thousand years. But, since there are a lot of things I want to do, I'd like to live for at least a thousand years, though."

  "Are Issei's emotions really that strong?" Natsuki whispered, "Would-"

  "Do not even think about doing the same, Natsuki." Lux said, knowing what she was about to suggest.

  Natsuki frowned, "But Lux-"

  Lux growled, "How many times must I tell you that I will not help you endanger your life again? And this is certainly not a situation that requires you to do so. It is one thing to absorb magical energy, it's another to try and take one's essence, you are simply wishing to assuage your own bruised ego."

  Natsuki scowled at the dragon's words, clenching her fists as she had nothing to say that could refute them.

  "You do not need Albion's or any other dragon's essence. Not even I would be able to keep you from the consequences of it if you attempt the same."

  You would think having the ability to absorb magic would allow me to try. Seeing Issei being able to, even with the shorting of his life...

  Vali cpped his hands, "Interesting. Then, I'll also get a bit serious! If I win, I'll halve all of you two and everything that surrounds you with the Hakuryuukou's power!"

  Vali floated into the air and opened his arms wide, his wings of light becoming rger than before. He could sense Natsuki and Issei's confusion and apprehension, and he ughed. "If you two are so strong then you'll have no problem with this!"

  Natsuki could feel the magic forming before it became physically visible and when Vali pointed his hand at them, she grabbed Issei and flew them across the yard.

  [Half Dimension!] Vali's Sacred Gear yelled as it became surrounded by a dazzling aura.

  In an instant, the ground and the trees that had been behind where Natsuki and Issei once stood, had their thickness halved.

  "What the fuck was that?!" Issei yelled as they witnessed the destruction.

  "That was [Half Dimension, the ability to halve the size of objects and living beings, and the wielder does not need to make any contact with the target to use this ability." Ddraig expined.

  Before Issei could say another word, Vali instantly appeared between himself and Natsuki. Natsuki reacted first and tried to fire a spell, but Vali immediately punched her in the face, destroying the rest of her helmet and knocking her back.

  "Natsuki!" Issei roared as he watched Natsuki tumble and roll across the field. He then moved to attack Vali, but he was quickly backhanded.

  Issei growled, summoning Ascalon and using it to ssh Vali, just barely cutting him across his exposed cheek. Vali hissed, feeling the burn of the sword's dragon sying magic, but was undeterred, punching Issei in the stomach.

  [Divide!]

  [Boost!]

  Issei grabbed Vali's arm and tried to stab his face, but Vali moved his head to the side, avoiding the bde and punching Issei in the stomach again.

  Vali then fired a rge beam of pure energy at Issei, but he raised his right arm out in front of him, using his [Dividing Gear].

  [Divide!] The gauntlet cried, halving the beam, and allowing Issei to take some of its power. But the rest of the attack was still moving at him with a quickness, until Natsuki had jumped in front of Issei, using her Sacred Gear to absorb the rest.

  Natsuki then held her hands out in front of her, sending a beam of bck energy at Vali, the spell tearing up the ground and heating the air around it as it moved.

  [Half Dimension!]

  The beam was instantly halved, with the rest of it flying past Vali, destroying the forest behind him.

  "Can he spam that shit?" Natsuki asked, her breathing starting to become heavier.

  This was the second time that Vali had used that ability, and unlike with Issei's Transfer ability, it did not seem to need any recovery time. Although, Natsuki reasoned this was because of Vali's greater experience and baseline strength, compared to Issei.

  Again, Vali blitzed the duo, instantly appearing between them, but instead of attacking Natsuki first, he went after Issei, grabbing him by the shoulders.

  [Divide!] [Divide!] [Divide!] [Divide!]

  Issei tried to push Vali away, but Vali held on, and Issei could feel his newfound strength being ripped away from him.

  [Divide!] Issei's [Dividing Gear] cried out but was not activating its ability as fast as Vali's [Divine Dividing].

  Natsuki used the cws of her armor to attach, Vali, cutting through the back of his armor and leaving three jagged marks on his armor and skin, but his skin immediately healed, and his armor restored itself.

  Vali had ignored Natsuki and the pain of her attack, his focus entirely on Issei as he continued to halve and take Issei's power.

  Before Natsuki could try something else, Vali had finished dividing Issei's power, he then threw Issei to Natsuki and the second she caught him, delivering a devastating punch to Issei's stomach, one that Natsuki could feel the force of through Issei's body, knocking both Devils back and across the field.

  Bloody vomit flew out of Issei's mouth at the force of Vali's strike, and Natsuki felt the back of her armor and its wings break and fall apart when her back smashed into the ground.

  Natsuki felt her head spin and her vision go dark as she slumped on the ground, Issei's haggard and wheezing body lying on top of her.

  When Natsuki next opened her eyes, she found herself floating in an inky bck void, naked as the day she was born. Her body felt heavy, and she found that she could not move at all, not even a finger when she tried to.

  I'm not dead, am I? Would I even be conscious if I was? You know, I never asked anyone what happens to a Devil when they die? I mean, it can't be Hell, and it definitely won't be Heaven. I can't die, I can't die, I can't die, I can't die...

  She could not even open her mouth to speak, unable to see anything around her as she simply floated.

  But she could feel, and all she felt was anger and despair. She had lost, lost to Vali despite resolving herself not to, she failed her Peerage, she failed Issei, and she most of all, she failed herself.

  And as Natsuki continued to float through the bck abyss, a small orb of light had formed in front of her very eyes.

  It was not like a fme; its bright yellow color hurt Natsuki's eyes when she tried to stare directly at it, and she could feel an all-consuming and powerful heat from the orb. But most of all Natsuki felt drawn to the light, and the more she looked at it, the more her negative emotions were burned away until there was nothing but serenity.

  ?????????????????????????????_??????????????????????????????è??????????????????,?????????????????????????????????????????? ????????????????????????ā???????????t?????????????????????????????????????????????????uk??????????????????????????????????????????????i?????????????????????????????????????????.?????????? ????????i??????????????????????????????????s???????????_?????????????????? a??????????????????????????????????????d?????????????????????????????? b???????????e?c?????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????m????_????e?????????????????????????????????????????? ??? n?????????e?????????????????????????????w???? ?????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????d??????????????? b???????????r?????????????????????????????i???????????????????????????????????????????l??????????????????????????????????l???????????????????????????????????????????i?????????a???????????????????????t???????? d???????_?????????????????????????????????????w??????n???????????????????????!????????????????????

  Natsuki could not understand the nguage that the orb was speaking, nor could she truly hear it, but she could feel it speaking to her inside her head.

  Her left eye began to burn as the light from the orb grew brighter, as if she was in front of a miniature sun. The intensity of the burn and the glow of the light increased as Natsuki lifted her right hand and reached for the orb.

  The abyss, once dark and filled with nothingness was now covered in a blinding light as Natsuki grasped the orb within her hands, her heart renewed a stronger desire for victory.

  Vali sighed, disappointed as he stared at Issei and Natsuki's fallen forms. Issei was trying but falling to stand up while Natsuki had lost consciousness. "I should have known better, you two were never a match for me."

  "Y-y-you fucking b-bastard!" Issei spat, still holding onto his stomach.

  He had managed to push himself off Natsuki and fell onto his knees beside her, but could not stand, his body too weak, and his stamina all but gone.

  Fucking damn it! I said I wouldn't lose! Get up! Get up! Issei thought, finally standing on to his feet, albeit shakily.

  "I doubt you'll be able to use more of my power with how spent you already are." Vali said with another sigh, "And even if it did work, it will just be the same as before. You can't beat me Hyoudou Issei."

  Before Issei could say another word, a bright golden light suddenly shone from behind, and when he turned, Issei and everyone else saw that the light was coming from Natsuki's body. Natsuki was now awake, pushing herself up and gring at Vali as she did so.

  Lux, can you hear me? Natsuki thought.

  Natsuki, I can hear you again. Lux responded. You disappeared for a moment, and I... I felt another presence enter your mind.

  I know. Natsuki thought, closing her eyes as the bright light coming from her body gradually vanished. But that's not important right now, I think I'm ready for it.

  Lux hesitated for a moment. Are you sure? You have only used it once before for a brief moment, and even then, you only used its primary facet, this would have to be on a rger scale for someone like him. With how injured you are, you might not be able to handle it.

  I can handle it. Natsuki responded, her [Ethereal Domination] glowing, responding to her emotions.

  Vali pyfully huffed, "I guess you weren't awake when I was speaking to the pervert. You two can't-"

  [Devourer's Gluttony!] Natsuki's neckce cried, and behind the Devil, a multitude of Holy Light spears appeared, all pointed at Vali.

  "No way!" Issei shouted, staring at Natsuki and the spears around them in shock. "How the hell?! Natsuki?!"

  Azazel ughed to himself, "I was wondering how long it would take for you to finally use this ability. Were you trying to maximize the shock factor, Natsuki?"

  "Huh?" Issei let out, "I still don't know what is going on."

  "Buchou?" Kiba said, looking at the older girl questioningly.

  Rias kept her eyes on her second Pawn, "This is Natsuki's secondary ability, like with Issei's [Transfer] or Vali's [Half Dimension]. [Devourer's Gluttony] allows the wielder to use the magic and energy that they have absorbed in the past. It also gives them immunity to certain powers that could otherwise be harmful to them."

  "I have never seen Natsuki-san use this ability before." Xenovia said, her eyes still drawn to the Holy Light spears.

  "Natsuki has only used it once before." Akeno answered, her hands still clenched at her sides.

  The time Akeno and Rias were referring to was when the Peerage had gone to the old church to rescue Asia from Raynare and her allies. Natsuki had unknowingly used this ability to hold a light spear that Donnaseek had thrown at her, catching the spear, holding, and using it without any damage done to her hands.

  Natsuki had tried to use it a few times but had not achieved the strength needed to sustain it for more than a few seconds. And again, it failed her when it came to Riser and Kokabiel, and she was forced to rely on her other abilities.

  Vali ughed, a look of pure joy on his face, "Now we're talking! Are you-"

  Natsuki fired the Holy Light spears at Vali, each one moving at incredible speed as they raced towards their target.

  [Divide!] [Divide!] The spears vanished, but Natsuki summoned a few dozen more and fired them.

  [Divide!] "Is this all you've-"

  "Vali, duck!" Albion yelled.

  Vali did as Albion told him, ducking down and narrowly avoiding the bst of Power of Destruction. When he looked up, Vali saw that the substance now coated Natsuki's arms.

  She can use Buchou's Power of Destruction?! Issei thought, shocked that Natsuki could use an ability that only those of the Gremory family could.

  Faster than he could blink, Natsuki appeared within striking distance, her fist raised high, her eyes glowing gold as she went to punch his head.

  She's gotten faster? No, she's matching my speed! Vali realized this, he saw a flickering of bright orange light and an intense heat, when he looked down, Vali saw that Natsuki had gotten rid of the Power of Destruction on her arms and instead had her body wrapped around in Hell Fire.

  Natsuki smmed her fist into Vali's abdomen, simultaneously burning him, and cracking the center of his armor.

  Vali fired a beam at Natsuki as he flew back, trying to create distance between them, but Natsuki absorbed it, once again appearing in Vali's face and punching him, burning his body as his helmet cracked open.

  "Argh!" Natsuki roared as she summoned a Holy Light spear and stabbed Vali in the stomach, running him through.

  [Divide!] [Divide!] She's becoming faster than me. The Evolving Dragon indeed. Vali quickly healed himself and when he tried to reform his Scale Mail, Natsuki went on the offensive once more.

  Vali created a barrier around himself, but Natsuki crashed through it, absorbing the magic as she continued to run at him.

  [Half Dimension!]

  Vali thought that he had won when Natsuki did not avoid the attack, but his eyes widened when instead of being cut in half, Natsuki absorbed his [Half Dimension] and she hit him with another Hell Fire infused blow.

  In contrast to a composed and focused Natsuki, Vali just gave Natsuki a happy smile as he staggered backwards, "Interesting, truly interesting. You kept your word about getting stronger.

  "Vali, I finished analyzing her." Albion voiced, "Her [Devourer's Gluttony] has allowed her to close the gap, but it is a temporary one. Compared to you and your experience, she will soon hit a wall that she won't be able to overcome."

  Vali smirked, "Albion, do you think she's worthy enough to show the Hakuryuukou's Juggernaut Drive?"

  "Vali, it would be reckless for you to enter Juggernaut Drive. It would be too much for them, and even then, Ddraig and his partner are not down for the count, his curse may be removed."

  "Is he serious?" Natsuki asked, speaking out loud for the first time since regaining consciousness.

  "Natsuki, you will not be able to fight Vali if he enters Juggernaut Drive, you are not ready for such a challenge." Lux said worriedly.

  Natsuki huffed, starting to feel herself coming down from her previous high. "Is it that much stronger than Bance Breaker?"

  "The difference is night and day. That power and the curse that comes with it, he will destroy us all if he uses it." Lux expined.

  Vali ignored Albion's reproach, "It'll all work out, Albion. [I, who am about to awaken, in supreme justice-]"

  "Don't act rashly, Vali! Is it your desire to be at the mercy of my power!?" Albion yelled.

  Again, Vali tried to ignore the advice of his dragon, restarting his chant, "[I, who am about to awaken-"

  "Natsuki, stop him!" Lux yelled.

  "On it." Natsuki said as raised her hand at Vali, "Bck Bolt!"

  She fired her orb of darkness at Vali and as it raced towards him, a silhouette smashed through the barrier in the sky, swooping down, and nding halfway between Natsuki and Vali. The newcomer used the staff in their hand to instantly destroy Natsuki's Bck Bolt, the weapon left unscathed.

  "Vali, I've come for you." The figure said cheerfully, revealing themself to be a young man with short reddish-brown hair, brown eyes, and an athletic build. He was dressed in ancient Chinese armor that looked like it came from the Three Kingdoms period.

  "Bikou, what are you doing here?" Vali said, wiping away the blood from his mouth.

  "Aren't you being a bit cruel? I made a long journey and came all the way to this isnd country because my partner is in a pinch, you know?" Bikou pouted before smiling again, "The other guys were making a fuss at headquarters, you know? We're joining together to fight the Northern Country Gods; you were supposed to flee and return right away if the mission failed. Katerea failed to assassinate Michael, Azazel, and Lucifer and Leviathan, right? In that case, your observation role is also over. So come back with me."

  "I see. It's about time." Vali said.

  Is that it? Who the fuck is this new guy? Natsuki thought.

  "Who the fuck are you?" Issei said, pointing to the newcomer as he staggered to Natsuki's side.

  "That's Bikou, a descendent of the Victorious Fighting Buddha." Azazel answered.

  Issei was still confused, "What?"

  Natsuki sighed at Issei's ignorance, "You've heard of Son Goku, right?"

  Issei turned to his friend, "Of course I have! Sun Wukon from Journey to the West! Who doesn't know that story?!"

  "This guy is a reted to Sun Wukon." Natsuki expined.

  "S-S-Son, Gokuuuuuuuu!?" Issei excimed entirely blown away as he looked at Bikou.

  He did not know what was more shocking to him, a legendary figure from myth being real or that said figure had descendants.

  "To be factual, he is a monkey youkai that has inherited Son Goku's power." Azazel said, turning his gaze to Bikou, "I must say, Bikou, I never expected you to become a member of the Khaos Brigade. Hell must have frozen over. On the other hand, Son Goku and the Vanishing Dragon do look good together."

  Bikou ughed, "Well, charm and beauty do run in my family, so I look good with just about anyone." He then looked at Natsuki and Issei, still smiling, "Until next time, Sekiryuutei, Kogane Ryū no Kōgō."

  Bikou spun around his staff in hand and then pierced it into the ground, instantly, a bck darkness spread over the ground, and it seized Vali and Bikou, allowing them to partially sink into it.

  Vali turned to his two rivals, "When our battle continues, we should make sure make this fight more intense. So, make sure you're ready, Issei, Natsuki."

  "Wait, you're running away?!" Issei gasped, "As if I'll let you escape!"

  Issei took a step forward, but the bracelet Issei had used to achieve his Bance Breaker crumbled away, causing his armor to vanish, and making his Sacred Gear release itself.

  Issei quickly turned to Azazel, "Azazel! Don't you have more of those bracelets!? I can't let him escape!"

  Azazel shrugged, "It takes a tremendous amount of time to purify those things. I can't mass-produce them. And even if I could, the possibility of attaining complete Bance Breaker fades if used too much, it's an emergency-use measure."

  "Right now, is an emergency!" Issei shouted, "I was made a fool of by him! I can't let him get away after all that!"

  Suddenly, Issei was seized by intense fatigue, and he fell forward, hitting the ground with a thud, he tried to stand up but could not find the strength to.

  Azazel looked amused, "Even if it was just for a moment, he released an explosive amount of power; he's out of steam."

  Issei looked up at the still standing Pawn, "Natsuki, come one, we got to kick that guy's ass, remember?"

  "It's fine, Issei." Natsuki said, still staring forward.

  "But-" Issei could see that Natsuki's fists were clenched, her body beginning to shake with a visible rage.

  "We'll finish what we started next time." Natsuki said, her eyes fshing gold again when Vali heard her words and smirked as he and Bikou disappeared in the darkness of Bikou's spell.

  "Well." Azazel began, "That was a fun fight to watch."

  Rias immediately rushed forward, pushing past Azazel, and running to Issei's side, lifting his head off the ground. "Ise! Are you alright?"

  "I feel much better now, Buchou." Issei said, smiling as his head now rested on Rias' chest, his anger already forgotten.

  "You know, I feel like chopped liver, Rias." Natsuki said, staring at the two with a bnk expression. "Are you not going to ask if I'm okay? Give me a hug too?"

  Rias huffed, smile appearing on her face, "I think your sarcasm is enough of an indication of your health and well-being."

  Natsuki rolled her eyes, her Bance Breaker and Sacred Gear choosing that moment to vanish, and when they did, Natsuki felt her strength leave her as she fell to her knees.

  Everything fucking hurts. Natsuki thought. While she could use the magic she had absorbed without physically harming herself, it still stole a rge amount of her stamina.

  And it's still not enough.

  Walking back to the new school building was more embarrassing for Natsuki than a struggle. Neither she nor Issei could walk by themselves due to their injuries, so they had to lean on another member of the Peerage to do so.

  She appreciated Kiba's help as he pulled her arm over his shoulder and held onto her waist, but it still stung Natsuki's pride to be in such a state of weakness.

  As they moved, the forces of the three big powers had arrived, coming together to carry away the corpses of the dead magicians and clean up all the damage the school had suffered during the battle.

  When the group had advanced to the center of the school grounds, Sirzechs, Serafall, and Michael could be seen giving orders to their subordinates.

  Asia had left their side and ran to her friends, immediately summoning her [Twilight Healing] when she took note of Issei and Natsuki, and the Pawns sat on the floor, allowing the former nun to heal them.

  "So, you're safe." Sirzechs said as he caught sight of the group, "Thank goodness- Azazel, what happened to that arm?"

  Seeing the one-armed Azazel, Sirzechs gestured his hand at Asia. Asia responded to that, leaving Issei and Natsuki and applying her recovery Sacred Gear on the opening of Azazel's wound. The pale green light healed the wound on Azazel's arm, but the lost arm was not fixed.

  Azazel remained unbothered, "I was caught by Katerea and nearly self-destructed along with her. I had no choice but to cut it off."

  "I see. Katerea was one of our internal issues, and that wound-" Sirzechs tried to apologize, but Azazel held him back with his hand and showed that it was not necessary.

  "Vali also caused problems as well. It's nothing you need to apologize for." Azazel said.

  "So, he betrayed you?"

  Azazel's gaze became hollow, "From the start, he was a guy that cared only about power. I was my fault for not nipping it in the bud sooner."

  Michael then walked and stood in between Sirzechs and Azazel. "Now then, I'm returning to Heaven at once and will work on a pn for the matter of peace and countermeasures against the Khaos Brigade.

  "I still must apologize; I was the one who set up this conference. I feel ashamed for allowing enemy forces to attack." Sirzechs said.

  Michael shook his head, "Sirzechs, please don't feel so responsible. As for me, I'm only gd that the Three Great Powers are walking on the path to peace together, you know? With this, useless quarrels should also decrease."

  "I don't think our subordinates will agree with that." Azazel said sarcastically, "Mine certainly don't, I'm sure it's the same with all of us."

  He gnced at the grunts who were cleaning the school, seeing the suspicious looks and gres the Devils, Angels, and Fallen Angels were giving each other as they worked. The three groups also kept to and created their own sides of the area, not crossing over even once.

  "That is inevitable because of the centuries of hatred we have all had for each other; however, it should change even a little from now on. But there is still the problem of Khaos Brigade, I doubt this will be our only meeting with them." Michael said, a frown marring his features.

  "Then let's cooperate from now on regarding that matter." Sirzechs put forward, and Azazel and Michael nodded in agreement.

  Nothing like a common enemy to force people to get along. Natsuki thought.

  This had already been the primary reason for the summit, but now with Khaos Brigade's attack on Kouh Academy, the idea of an external threat had become real.

  Michael prepared to leave again, "Then, 'll come back immediately, so we'll conclude the formal peace agreement at that time."

  "U-Umm. Michael-sama!" Issei called out, not knowing when he personally would see Michael next.

  "What is it, Issei-kun?" Michael asked.

  "There's just one thing I'd like to ask of you." Issei said

  "As long as it's within my power, then I shall try." Michael replied.

  Issei let out a breath, "Do you think you can allow Asia and Xenovia to pray again? I know it would mean so much to them."

  After hearing Issei's wish, Michael showed a surprised expression on his face. Asia and Xenovia were also surprised as they stared at Issei.

  Since they became Devils, Issei had noticed Asia and Xenovia force themselves to be happy with no longer being able to partake in certain aspects of their faith. Even if they were Devils, Issei believed that they should be free to have something they believe in and was so dear to their hearts.

  Michael let out a small ugh before nodding his head, "I understand, if it's only two people, I may be able to do something about it. The two of them are already Devils and can't get near Church headquarters. Asia, Xenovia, let me ask you, you know God is dead, yes? Even so, will you still pray?"

  At Michael's question, the two of them shook their heads and then nodded.

  "Yes, I want to pray even if there is no Lord." Asia said.

  "Me too. I'll give thanks to the Lord- to Michael-sama." Xenovia said.

  Michael smiled at their responses. "Very well. I'll do that right away when I return to headquarters. It would be fine if there are only two Devils who didn't receive damage when praying. How interesting."

  Issei grinned as he turned to the two girls, "With this, you can pray to God without problems!"

  Asia became teary-eyed and embraced Issei, "Ise-san!"

  Xenovia hugged Issei as well, her own eyes a simir state to Asia's, "Ise, thank you."

  Issei gently stroked the tops of their heads, "It's fine. You can pray without restraint from now on, it was more than worth it."

  Xenovia's cheeks turned red, but Issei chalked this up to embarrassment, still holding both girls in his arms.

  "And you compin about girls not wanting you." Natsuki muttered.

  This led to both Xenovia and Asia blushing as they heard Natsuki with their enhanced hearing. Issei frowned, "What are you talking about?"

  Natsuki could only shake her head at Issei's obliviousness, not seeing the point in trying to expin any of it to him.

  Mihael then looked back, meeting Kiba's gaze, "And I have not forgotten about our discussion, Yutto-kun. I swear on the Holy Demonic Sword that you gave us, that I will not allow Holy Sword research to produce any more victims. It was a huge error for us to ftly reject important believers to this extent."

  Kiba grinned brightly, "Thank you, Michael-sama."

  "That's great, Kiba!" Issei excimed, wondering when Kiba could have spoken to the Angel about this, but happy for him none the less.

  "Thank you, Ise-kun." Kiba said.

  Azazel spoke to Michael after watching the exchange, "Michael, I'll leave expining everything to the Valhal guys to you, since it would be problematic for me to move imprudently. Afterwards, you'll have to convey what happened today to Mt. Sumeru."

  Michael nodded, "Since there would be no persuasive power if either the Governor of the Fallen Angels or the Maou expined, I'll have to tell them. I'm accustomed to reporting to God, after all."

  With that, Michael took his subordinates and flew upwards towards the heavens.

  Azazel turned to his own subordinates, "I have chosen peace. The Fallen Angels will no longer fight with the Angels and Devils from now on. Those who are dissatisfied with this may leave; however, I'll kill you without reservation the next time we meet. Only those who want to follow should come with me."

  "We will live for the sake of Governor Azazel till the day we die!" The Fallen Angels roared as one.

  Azazel saw this and expressed his gratitude with a small thank you and with his orders, the Fallen Angels deployed magic circles, teleporting back to Hell.

  The Devil troops also took this moment to return to Hell, and the school grounds that had been crowded, became rapidly desote, with only a few people left gathered there.

  Azazel sighed, walking in the direction of the school gate, "I'll leave the rest of this cleanup to you, Sirzechs. I'm tired, so I'm heading back."

  He raised his hand to wave his hand, but he stopped himself as he pointed his finger at Issei and Natsuki. "I pn to stay here for a little while, so I'll help that Bishop of Rias Gremory, only because I can't stand it, to see a Sacred Gear that can't be controlled."

  "Eh?" Issei let out.

  Azazel looked at them amused, "For the red, its women. For the white, it's power. And for the gold, it's an easy life. All are so fucking simple, it's shocking."

  "You still going to make us py video games for you, or do you have something else pnned?" Natsuki asked boredly.

  Azazel chuckled, "Why do you ask? Do you want to get your butt kicked by me again?"

  Natsuki's expression stayed the same, "I just want to know how often you're going to be coming by. You're the kind of person who enjoys raising people's blood pressure."

  Azazael did not answer Natsuki's question, letting out another ugh as he finally walked away.

  "I really hate that guy." Natsuki said.

  After this day, the representatives of the Three Great Powers signed their peace treaty, thereafter, disputes between the three great powers were prohibited, in the framework of cooperation. And the treaty became known as the Kuoh Treaty.