One-Punch DxD: NEO

"Three Excalibur swords had been stolen from several vaults within the Vatican Catholic Church, Protestan Church and Eastern Orthodox Church respectively."

"Our security couldn't identify the culprit, but we have several leads. Each of the holy swords had been imbued with a contingency beacon for us to track them, and their signals were lost at the coasts of Japan."

Griselda explained the crux of their purpose in Kuoh. Their derivative was not to antagonize the Devils, but to investigate a trail of their stolen property.

Valper fixed his glasses as he continued.

"Yes, as she said. Our first suspect was the eastern demons of Kyoto, but after further consideration, we abolished the conjecture due to them having no cause against us. Thus, we arrived at the next logical destination - a town which is under two devils' supervision."

Those not of the Church tensed. No words need to be said for them to know their intentions.

"Are we perchance your second suspect?" Rias asked, her voice calm as water.

"Goodness, please, we are not accusing you of anything." Valper replied with a mildly amused smile, "But the chance of your involvement is undeniable. Fortunately, among the leads that Sister Quarta mentioned, one which implied that you are not our prime suspect."

"Um… Excuse me… sir."

Everyone turned to see Saji raising his hand sheepishly.

"Sorry for, um, interrupting, but I have a question. I thought there's only one 'Excalibur' so…? I am a bit lost."

The tension in the room bled away as everyone looked at the fresh pawn.

Sona sighed softly as she fixed her own glasses.

"My apologies. Not all of my servants are privy to our common knowledge. His Reincarnation occurred only a few months ago. It might be wise to educate those in the room to avoid any hazardous miscommunication between our factions."

Griselda merely closed her eyes, while Valper lightly snorted, but he nodded.

"Of course, of course. It is only given to provide enlightenment to the young and foolish."

For some reason, the devils felt Valper just gave them a back-handed retort. Nonetheless, Irina took it upon herself to explain the big picture.

"Oh, don't worry too much, not everyone knows about this, so let me explain!" Irina volunteered herself, "So, yes, there is an Excalibur, the one in the legends of King Arthur. But what they didn't tell is that it broke a long time ago, back in the Great War. I assume you already know about that one, um…?"

Remembering that Irina had yet to learn most of everyone's names, Saji replied, "It's Genshirou Saji, Pawn of Sona Sitri."

Irina nodded, "Right, Saji-kun. No one knows who or what broke the sword, but we gathered the remains and reforged the shards into seven different swords with alchemy. For instance, Xenovia."

On cue, Xenovia unraveled the cloth wrapping her package, revealing a large ornate sword.

The sight of it caused a clamoring shiver to grip the spines of every devil in the room while Issei stared at the weapon. He did not remember Azazel educating him about those swords, only that holy swords existed.

"This is one of the seven - Excalibur Destruction. As for its powers, I will leave it to my teacher to allow such privilege to its secrets."

"As for mine…" Irina then gestured at her wrist, particularly at the wristband wrapped around her hand, which suddenly transformed into a katana. "It's Excalibur Mimic. It's capable of shapeshifting into whatever object the wielder wishes, so it's perfect for infiltration." She said proudly.

"Irina." Griselda called her with a chiding tone.

As soon as Irina's eyes met Griselda's stern look, the girl immediately looked apologetic as she quickly returned her holy sword into her wristband.

On the other hand, Valper merely chuckled, "There is no need to be so hard on young Irina, is there, Sister Griselda? Excalibur Mimic is quite one of a kind, after all."

"It is still unbecoming of her as an exorcist to boast. It only ferments the sin of pride." the older nun calmly replied.

"But aren't we all guilty of that? How can we be faithful if we are not proud of what we represent?"

"That pride is the reason why many discarded our ways. It is the seed of arrogance, and the water of blind faith."

"Then that is the problem with our comrades' personal lives, not ours. If they cannot keep themselves in balance of faith, they don't deserve to be a follower of God."

The Devils and humans observed the banter between the two, both following different ideologies of faith. One side promotes righteous pride while the other values humility.

"Ahem." Sona loudly cleared her throat to get their attention.

"Oh, dear me, please excuse us." Valper apologized. "We did not mean to waste your time with our personal matters... Returning to our purpose, we requested your presence for a query. We only ask for your permission to conduct a private investigation within your territory... Undisturbed if possible."

In other words, do not interfere with their work, in blunt translation. Issei noticed Rias and Sona saw past their gentle tone and words. They were glaring at him with those calm stoic eyes, he could tell.

"While we appreciate the gesture…" Sona replied, "The evidence that leads your missing items into our territory still sounds circumstantial at best. While we don't mind permitting your roaming as long as your group doesn't instigate problems, we would like one of our own to monitor your activities."

Issei noticed several reactions - Irina raised her eyebrows in a mild bemusement, Xenovia's face was that of displeasure, Griselda did not lose her calm look, while Valper's smile slightly faded away.

"Your argument is fair, but." Griselda opened her eyes. "...If possible, I prefer that the one watching over us is from a neutral party, just in case."

In response, all Devil's eyes fell on Issei.

Issei saw the attention on his person. "...What?"

"I think we have a good candidate in our midst." Sona smiles lightly.

Issei did not need further words to understand their intentions. "...Alright, I'm game." Issei shrugged. He wanted to keep an eye on them anyways.

"Him? Isn't he one of you?" Valper asked.

"Nope. I'm a human." Issei denied.

"A human?" Griselda asked as they eyed Issei with interest.

"Now that I look at you, you don't have the aura of a Devil… but you blend in with them so well." Griselda commented with inspection.

"A human mingling among the devils? What is your affiliation with the devils here, young man?" Valper asked, rubbing his chin.

"Just some guy that coaches one heiress without pay and works as a paperwork debt slave to another." Issei humorously introduced.

A few faint giggles were heard around the room, as Rias covered her amused smile by sipping on her tea.

"I… see." Griselda replied, albeit she did not fully understand Issei's answer. "I assume that you're a contractor, correct? May we know your name?"

"...Hyoudou, Issei Hyoudou."

For the briefest moment, Issei could have sworn there was a hint of recognition behind the nun's blue eyes and the smallest twitch of her lips.

"...I see." Griselda nodded and closed her eyes for a second. "Then I believe we are in agreement. We are looking forward to working with you, Mr. Hyoudou."

Valper had a neutral expression on his face, but he did not say anything on the contrary.

"Excuse me for a moment, ma'am."

Griselda glanced at Xenovia who just spoke earlier. The young woman leaned in closer so she could speak in a lower tone to her.

"Can you please reconsider? We cannot trust this boy."

"Yes, we can!" Irina argued. "I know him! Sure, he may be seduced by the Devils, but I'm sure that he can be saved!"

"But-"

"Xenovia Quarta. Irina Shidou."

Griselda interjected. Her tone was calm, strict, yet the two girls froze like statues stiff.

"What did I tell you about making assumptions without evidence?" Griselda asked as she craned her head to them, her smile still present but her eyes sharply narrow.

"We are sorry…"

The two girls apologized in unison.

"Now, now, Sister Griselda." Valper interjected again, "While I agree with you in regards to assuming without evidence, I think these children might be onto something."

The Archbishop then turned to Issei. "Forgive me for asking this, young man. While we appreciate your participation, I would rather if you can show us some…. Credentials."

Issei blinked, "I'm afraid you lost me."

"Looking back at your cryptic reply regarding your relationship with those devils, it is safe to assume that you've been living with them for some time." Valper leaned forward, "...How do we know that you are not under their control?"

"What?" Rias did not hide her vocal anger.

His question triggered the devils in the room, arousing much ire for crossing a line.

"Seriously, you fat old fart?"

"I… what?"

However, Issei banished the tension. Valper was caught off guard by Issei's derisive response.

Without a word, Issei raised his left arm. Red metal soon materialized over his fist, spreading until it reached his elbow, revealing a red gauntlet with an emerald gem embossed in the metal.

"I dare you to say that again to my face, old man."

Griselda's eyes widened slightly at the sight of the Longinus. Valper looked startled, while Xenovia and Irina were instantly ready to draw their weapons.

However, Valper immediately regained his composure. "The Gauntlet of The Red Dragon Emperor… I see. I believe I've overstepped my bounds."

"Yes, you did." Rias commented with a glare. "Please don't even think that we will fall so low towards our allies."

Xenovia and Irina slowly relaxed their guards as Valper stared back at Rias in the tense silence.

"...Perhaps we have overstayed our welcome." Valper stood up. Griselda rose after him. "We shall be in contact for further discussion of arrangements. May God bless you."

Issei rolled his eyes, the annoying trademark moniker irritating him. He watched as they left, but Irina glanced at him and flashed a small apologetic smile. Issei waved his hand goodbye at her which Irina waved back with a giggle.

"So…" Tsubasa joined Issei, once the guests had completely left the room. "I guess that's the other childhood friend?" She quipped as she inspected the cute bubbly girl.

"What? Feeling jealous?" Issei joked.

Tsubasa scoffed, "Please, you only know her for… how long? One? Two years? I've known you since middle school, so it gave us roughly three years. Oh, and I'm also your girlfriend."

"Yeeeeep, you're jealous. You look cute like that, you know?" Issei snickered.

"...Shut up." In return, Tsubasa smacked his arm.

On the other hand, Yuuto walked up towards his master. "President, may I make a request?"

"Hm?" Rias was slightly surprised. Usually, Yuuto was reserved. "What is it, Yuuto?"

His face was stern, eyes burning with a rare focus and emotion, distorting his usual knight persona.

"I wish to join Ise accompanying the church officials," the Knight requested.

"Eh?" Issei uttered. He was not alone. Everyone else in the room shared the same confusion.

"Why? You're not 'neutral', and the old fatso will be a bigger pain in the ass if you're with me."

The guy was like a shady politician, hiding behind a pretty, but annoying wall of words.

"I agree with Issei. I will deny your request." Rias rejected.

"But president! They are dangerous! Issei can't be alone with them or else-".

"Enough." Rias' eyes hardened. "I know what you want. It would be better if you don't use Ise as an excuse for your personal grudge."

"President! This is not-"

"I will not let you lose in your past again. I won't make the same mistake as I have before."

Yuuto stuttered as his jaw and fist clenched with palpable, trembling rage.

Rias merely sighed, "Go home and get some rest, Yuuto. It's best if we discuss this tomorrow."

Without another word, the Knight then stormed out from the room. Issei and the others watched Yuuto exit the door. Issei was confused that Yuuto had that side to him as well,

Questions for later assuming Yuuto would answer him.

"The rest of you, return to your activities." Sona interjected the brief silence. "If you have finished all of your duties, you may return home for the day. That is all."

Issei let out a breath after he had poured a bucket of hot water over his frame.

It was bath time, and the boy used the moment of respite to contemplate in his dip within the spring.

Stolen Excalibur swords leading the investigation team all the way to Kuoh… it screamed a storm's omen no matter what he thought.

[...Will you be alright there?]

Issei recognised the voice immediately, "What are you talking about, Ddraig?"

[Those folks from the Vatican. I know what you'd been through with those people, since that day you awoke me for the first time.]

"Yeah, it was…" Issei mused, remembering the fire, the destruction, the blood….

[Partner!]

Fortunately, the Welsh Dragon's voice snapped him out of it before his mind went back to more dangerous thoughts.

"Sorry, sorry, thanks for the save, Ddraig. But back to your question, I'll be fine. They're different people; same cloth, sure, but ultimately different people… After all, those who were responsible…"

Issei narrowed his eyes at the memory, when his further musing was interrupted by an arrival inside the large bathroom. He forgot that he was the only healthy male in this home.

There was only one thing left to do.

Flee.

Issei quickly rose from the waters and made his way out in quick steps.

"Leaving so soon?"

Issei stopped in his tracks when he heard Rias' voice.

"Are you that afraid to join me in a bath, Issei?"

Issei scrunched his brows as he peeked at her direction.

Rias' figure obscured by the steam inside the bathroom. Rias exited the shower booth after washing herself, now walking towards him.

Issei took a breath to focus himself.

"Maybe. Now if you'll excuse me..." Issei promptly made his escape.

"Please, it is unmanly to deny a girl's invitation, you know? What would your mother think if I told her about how you rudely thought so low of the most beautiful girl in the school?"

Issei paused his steps, his lips sporting the biggest frown he ever had.

"...Dammit."

"Not the reaction I was looking for, but whatever." Rias snorted as she stepped inside the spring, choosing the spot right next to Issei.

"In fact, instead of stressing yourself there, why don't you just relax? The water is nice, and it's not like we want something to happen."

Rias' tone and knowing smile did not help the frown on Issei's face - she was clearly teasing him.

"I ain't cheap." Issei sighed as he returned to the waters, sitting. "So, what do you want?" He asked.

"Hm, having you in my peerage is a good start." Rias replied after a brief thinking.

"Har har, no. Anything else?" Issei rolled his eyes.

"Hmmm, well…" Rias tapped her chin in thought. "Hard to say… what do you think of me?"

Issei briefly paused.

"A cute girl who thinks she is a mastermind but actually an adorable bumbler."

Rias pouted, "Are you always this blunt to anyone?"

Truth to be told, Rias possessed a confidence that she could control a flow of conversation with her natural charisma, more so if her conversation partner was a healthy young man like Issei. Having a reaction opposite of what she expected of Issei, Rias could not help but feel irritated.

Then again, the irritation was quickly replaced with intrigue and amusement; after all, she also had longed for someone who would simply interact with her as an equal.

"Well, I got that part from my dad. Though, mom's afraid it will give trouble in finding a girl. Otherwise, I think it's a part of my charm." Issei grinned a little.

Rias then giggled while shaking her head in amusement. The two then fell into a companionable silence for another good minutes before Issei asked without looking at Rias, "...Say, can I ask something?"

"You already did." Rias simply replied without looking back as well.

"...What's up with Kiba earlier?"

This time, Rias blinked and glanced at Issei.

"It's easy to tell. As far as I know, Kiba was NEVER that edgy before."

Rias exhaled as she scooped up some water with her hands, the water was drained through her fingers soon enough, and she ran her wet hands through her crimson locks.

"...Before I found him, Yuuto was once a Christian." Rias began, garnering Issei's attention. "As far as I know, he had been an orphan staying in a church until he was inducted into a program called, 'Holy Sword Project', where volunteers would be studied and experimented upon, children like Yuuto and others his age, to publicize the wielding of holy swords to all."

The word 'experiment' only further worsened his views of the Church.

"Long story short, the program was downright cruel. They were treated as animals, no, maybe less. Ultimately, Yuuto and the other children were deemed invalids, unable to reach the ideal goal. Thus, they were disposed of. I happened to run into his dying form during one of my past travels in Europe… Even now, I still remember the sheer hatred behind his eyes when I reincarnated him into my Knight."

"I see…" Issei looked down, seeing the reflection of his solemn expression on the spring water. "And this Holy Sword Project…. Involved Excalibur, by any chance?"

"According to what I heard, Excalibur was the primary objective of the program." Rias nodded, "For a long time, destroying the Excalibur had always been Yuuto's long-life goal… It took quite a while for him to forgo his past as I guided his talents and newfound Sacred Gear to my cause… But I believe the years were for naught the moment the Church entered our town with the holy swords that caused him so much pain," Rias ended with a sigh.

"...Didn't know he had that kind of baggage." Issei scoffed, staring at his reflection on the water.

"All of us have our own demons, Ise." Rias smiled sadly. "Though, I don't think I can compare mine with my servants. You've heard about Koneko and Akeno, haven't you?"

"Yeah… During training camp. I guess that left me with Gasper, huh?"

"You did… But something tells me that you will become my peerage's exclusive therapist." Rias mused.

"No, I'm not-" Issei was about to retort when he thought it over. He helped Koneko and Akeno in dealing with their bloodline issues, and while he was not directly involved, he also helped Gasper in overcoming his Xenophobia.

"...Oh, God, I am your group therapist." Issei said with a small horror in his tone.

Rias giggled again in amusement, "Oh, calm down. You're doing great. I suggest you take a psychology major if you're considering going to college."

"Oh please, I would suck." Issei dryly rejected her proposal.

The two then laughed at the jabs they had thrown to each other. Caught in the moment, Rias ended up leaning her frame against Issei's in a fit of laughter. The action caught Issei off-guard - he could feel the softness of Rias' body against his muscles.

Their eyes met, and they realised how close their faces were from each other. The atmosphere in the bath, not to mention that they were currently as naked as they were born, caused Rias to appear… enticing in Issei's eyes.

While the boy was in a trance, the girl seized the opportunity as her hand began to roam over his chiseled chest, trailing her fingers over the tough skin.

It did not take a minute for Rias' hands to start roaming lower, and suddenly, her arms were caught by Issei.

The boy closed his eyes and took a deep breath while biting his lip. "...I think you gotta stop now."

"...Shame." Rias would be lying if she said she was disappointed. Nonetheless, she still smiled, "Ever the faithful boyfriend, aren't you?"

Issei did not reply and simply smiled knowingly at her.

"That just makes me want you even more." Rias remarked as she inched her face closer towards Issei.

When Rias' lips were only a second away from making contact, the door to the bathroom slammed open.

Both teens turned around to see Tsubasa standing by the entrance, her face was not amused. Behind her were the others - Akeno, Koneko, Asia, Ravel and the three other ex-nuns.

"...Well, it was fun while it lasted." Rias remarked as she pressed herself against Issei again.

"Get off him!" Tsubasa barked as she marched towards the spring, jumping into the water while pulling Issei towards her towel-clad body.

"Oh, Tsubasa. Weren't you supposed to wash yourself before entering the spring?" Rias playfully chided.

"Shut up! Don't make me sic Rover on you!" Tsubasa threatened as she pulled him into her bosom with a furiously blushing frown.

"Um, Tsubasa?" Issei tried to call out to her that he could feel her curves pressed to his cheeks with only a piece of fabric separating them. Unfortunately, the girl was too focused on Rias to listen to him.

"Alright, alright, calm down. It's not like anything happened." Rias said placatingly.

Tsubasa simply pouted while keeping Issei in her hold.

"My, my, ufufu~ Didn't peg Tsubasa-chan as the clingy type." Akeno remarked amusedly as she made her way inside the bathroom.

The other girls that followed behind, sans the three ex-nuns, sported facial envy at both Tsubasa and Rias.

Tsubasa then glanced at Akeno, "I'm not clingy! I'm…." Only by then she realised that she was practically hugging Issei. "...Fine, maybe I'm clingy, but so what?! I'm his girlfriend!"

"Devils don't care about monogamy~" Akeno reminded Tsubasa from the warm waters, sighing in relief. "In fact, the idea of affairs, cheating, and even cuckolding is our trade. Other times - kinks."

Tsubasa scowled at the Queen. She then turned around and stomped away, draggin Issei with her, leaving the bathroom while hearing a few snickers and giggles from Akeno and Rias.

"Tsubasa. Stop. I can walk. Let me go." Issei begged as he followed her in his awkward position - both of them still in the state of undress.

By the time Issei knew it, both he and Tsubasa had arrived in the latter's bedroom, with her throwing him on the bed, and Issei soon found himself looking at Tsubasa looming over his frame.

She was pouting, and glaring at him.

"Tsubasa. Don't give me that look." Issei skewed his lips at her face.

Her pouting face puffed even more.

"Alright, never mind, you look cuter this way." Issei smiled a bit as her face grew redder.

"Ise…" Tsubasa deflated as she loomed over him, placing her hands astride his head.

"Uh…" Issei suddenly found himself in a dangerous situation.

Tsubasa's face was still red despite not pouting.

"...What are you doing?" Issei asked.

"Shut up." Tsubasa lashed. "I'm trying to build up my courage."

"For… what?" Issei looked left and right. A part of him wanted to escape while another part of him demanded him to stay and see this through. Both parts were terrified, though. "Is it the kiss? You already did that, right?"

Tsubasa choked on air as she remembered that particular bit, when she staked her claim in front of the entire student body - seriously, what got into her?

She pursed her lips, "...No."

"Uh, define 'no?'" Issei raised a brow skeptically.

Tsubasa bit her lower lip before she let out a harsh sigh.

"Oh, screw this."

Then she dived and crashed her lips on Issei's.

The boy's eyes widened at the aggressive move from Tsubasa's part; he could literally taste her as she forcefully shoved her tongue through the small opening on his lips, and went through his palate.

Unlike that time at school, where they only had a moment before class, this time Tsubasa was obviously taking every moment to feel and taste her boyfriend.

It had been minutes of both heaven and hell for Issei as his hands unconsciously ran over her skin - starting from her waist until they settled on her back.

Issei then opened his eyes as the sensation invading his mouth vanished, he looked up and saw Tsubasa staring at him again; her lips were swollen, and her face was flustered. However, there was a certain calmness and clarity in her eyes.

"Issei. I've made up my mind." Tsubasa looked at him with a face of dangerous resolve.

"...Okay." Issei did not need to ask to know.

"...But… Are you okay with this?" Tsubasa asked.

Issei gave it some thought as he stared into her eyes, lips almost touching.

"...Not right now." Issei shook his head. "Not when the Vatican is at our door."

Tsubasa blinked in realisation. "...Ah, right." She looked a tad crestfallen.

"...Sorry. I know this means a lot to you. But." Issei smiled a little as he decided to give her something. He pulled her in and peck her nose. Tsubasa stared at him for a moment before her face turned redder than roses.

"...You playboy…" Tsubasa muttered as she looked away, bashful.

"You want me to be forward, so forward I shall be." Issei dramatically answered Tsubasa pouting at him.

"So, care to talk about what this is about?" Issei asked. "...Is it the other girls?"

"Of course it's the girls! I am sick and tired of worrying about them doing sneaky devilish things to you!"

"Of course they would. They're devils. You yourself chose the Dark Side too, remember?" Issei flashed her a cheeky grin.

"Oh, shut up." Tsubasa groaned as she dropped herself on the spot next to Issei supine, placing her hand on her forehead. "I was in the moment dragging you away here and I thought… Why not seize the moment before those harpies can get in your pants… and then I probably stopped thinking after that."

"Mom might be delighted, to be honest." Issei admitted as he nodded in understanding. "But seriously, I really can't live in this house without worrying about my pants anymore. Akeno and Koneko trying to get into my bed is enough. I would've called back Rover, but again, there is Koneko… I'm kinda scared. I admit, I am starting to get sexually frustrated in this house."

"You are?" Tsubasa blinked and glanced at Issei. "...Okay, so you are sexually frustrated, and… How long has this been going?"

"A week... Ish. Maybe since the night when Catherine, Amanda and Zama mistook me calling them for a game night… as a booty call."

"Wait, what?" Tsubasa was caught off-guard.

"Oh, you didn't know. Yeah, I called them for game night, to chat about house rules so we can bond a little. Instead, they thought I was calling them for…. well. Hence, booty call." Issei quoted with his fingers.

"...And you didn't take it?" Tsubasa asked.

"Hell, no. I ain't cheap. And I'm no horny jackass." Issei frowned. "Besides, they already suffered enough. They are people, not sex dolls… but yeah, I think I'm gonna lose my little thing down there if this continues."

Tsubasa then hummed in thought. "Let's see…. I think there are… Two ways to go about this."

"Besides throwing me and them in bed to become adults?" Issei asked.

"Yes, one - keep this up, reign over your instinct no matter how frustrating. Maybe finding one or two new hobbies along the way can help." Tsubasa pointed with a finger.

"You know that is impossible." Issei frowned. "You're turning me into a ticking time bomb with that. I ain't gonna survive long, and I refuse to be a eunuch."

"I don't think becoming a eunuch works like that, but… Alright, moving on. The second is…. Maybe distract yourself?"

Issei blinked, "Distract myself? That's no different than the first."

"No, no, I mean… well… find a way to release your frustrations and-" Tsubasa trailed with a faint blush on her face.

"You're turning me into Matsuda and Motohama with this, you know that right?" Issei did not want to hear more.

"...Alright, bad idea." Tsubasa shook her head. "I guess there's a third… well…"

"...What?"

"...Nothing. Nothing."

"Don't 'nothing' me." Issei reached over and pinched her nose.

Tsubasa then sighed, "Okay, the idea is still the same 'distraction', but…. What if you start dating everyone?"

"...Wut?"

"Look, let me explain." Tsubasa took a sitting position on the bed. "Let's say if you, err…. Dating Asia, and Koneko, for example. You'll probably more focused-"

"You're suggesting polygamy." Issei summarized immediately. "...Are you sure about this?"

"...I am definitely not." Tsubasa sighed, exhaling a very long sigh. "I just… uuuughhhhh. Damn it, Ise, why do you have to be so cool and sexy and manly and…"

"...You think I'm sexy?"

"Shut up. Anyway, you dating everyone else…. Sounds like a win-win situation, where everyone's happy. The girls got you, you don't need to feel sexually frustrated anymore, you know the math."

Issei stared at Tsubasa for a good few seconds before replying, "That's probably the dumbest idea you ever spouted... But damn, I can't think of anything better myself."

"Uh-huh, you got it." Tsubasa could only nod at the conclusion.

The two fell into an awkward silence

"...Yeah, every male in the school is gonna kill you if they find out." Tsubasa snickered.

"I am not easy to kill." Issei pursed his lips.

"For once, I agree with you," Tsubasa mused.

Issei hummed in agreement and the silence became less awkward. A few seconds later, Tsubasa then asked, "Say… Mind telling me what's up with you the other day? When those two exorcists dropped by?"

Issei opted to remain silent, and Tsubasa's face grew concerned.

"...It's nothing."

"Liar." Tsubasa immediately rebuked. "I'm your girlfriend, and even before that I've known you since middle-school. Today's the first I've seen you so triggered."

"Hah…" Issei sighed as he stared at the ceiling. "Not today. It's not something I can casually share."

Issei's face contorted in a grimace. Tsubasa noticed it, so she marched over and pulled Issei into another hug, despite them still not dressed.

In return, Issei simply leaned in and enjoyed her warmth.

"...I'll let this go." Tsubasa whispered as her hand ran through Issei's locks and back in a comforting manner. "Just don't take too long, okay? I'm all ears whenever you feel ready."

"...Thanks." Issei breathed with his face pressed on the base of Tsubasa's neck, his breath causing Tsubasa to shiver slightly as the air hit a spot.

The girl then broke the hug, "I gotta go head back to shower."

"Yeah, you do that. Sorry for keeping you." Issei nodded, "I'll… stay here for a bit."

"Why? Is something…" When Tsubasa gave him a look-over, she then realised one particular thing 'standing out' on Issei's person.

"Yeah… I blame you for this."

"Oh…. um…" Tsubasa's face grew a few different shades of red.

"I think you should go." Issei suggested.

The girl bit her lip as she looked contemplative. With resolve, she crawled towards him across the bed, unravelling her towel, revealing her bare form.

"...Tsubasa? What are you doing?" Issei asked with wide eyes.

"Something R-Rated." Tsubasa replied with fluster as she slowly started to straddle him.

However, she paused when she felt the thing rubbing her private spot.

"Wait a minute…" Tsubasa got off and quickly swiped Issei's towel.

"Hey!" Issei shouted but she pushed him back to bed, leaving his little son dangling before her eyes.

"Holy shit, your thing is big." Tsubasa stood up a little, surprised as she looked down on his not-so-little thing.

"That is not what you're supposed to say to someone's manhood." Issei retorted as he quickly covered his groin.

"I mean, seriously. Fucking hell, how long have you been hiding this thing? Wow."

"Tsubasa….." Issei frowned.

"Pfff, Alright Alright. But seriously," Tsubasa stifled a snicker. "To tell you the truth, one of your classmates, uh, Kiryuu? Yeah, her. We met during class break and…"

Issei's face paled at the mention of her. "What did she tell you?" He demanded.

Tsubasa's expression went slightly awkward for a second, "Well… Let's say we parted ways after she enlightened me on the ways of the dark side. Seriously, she is a true pervert."

Issei did not want to know what taboo knowledge Kiryu imparted upon her.

"Uh-huh. You know what? How about you forget everything she said and we call it a day?"

"Oh?" Tsubasa grinned a Cheshire smile. "Don't tell me… the big, bad, Red Dragon Emperor is really chickening out?"

Issei's right eye twitched in offense, lips curled into a scowl.

"Am not."

"Oh yes you are."

"No, I'm not."

"Oh ho ho ho ho. Prove it."

The two entered a standoff, one smiling with brazen while the other scowled the biggest frown he made in his life.

"Fine. Show me what you got-!"

Before he could finish, Tsubasa jumped at him and pressed her rear against his face, slamming him into the bed.

"Oh, don't worry." Tsubasa grinned as both her hands gripped the long piece of hard man meat. "I'll be gentle."

It was the first time Issei experienced the first taste of manhood, though for Tsubasa it was more literal and enjoyable than she expected.

Issei stood before a hotel.

He was granted permission to leave school to help the exorcists as agreed upon.

Seeing the sight of the hotel made him wonder if the Church usually wastes the donated money of their believers for uselessly extravagant things.

As far as he knew, it was the most expensive hotel in this small town.

Either way, Issei made his way into the lobby. He did not expect Irina to be waiting for him, standing diligently near the entrance of the sliding door.

"Ise!" Irina happily waved at him with a bubbly smile.

Irina's attire was still the same as before in the meeting.

"Irina?" Issei asked.

"Mhm! I'm here to pick you up! You're just in time for breakfast! The food is wonderful!"

Before Issei could have responded, Irina grabbed his hand and dragged him off across the lobby. Seeing Irina happy alleviated his mood as his lips broke into a small smile.

Irina brought him to the restaurant, the kind where the residents could pick up their own entrees from the variety of steaming choices, make their own dishes.

Issei decided to entertain Irina and joined her in picking breakfast. He already ate, but he could not refuse her cheerful insistence.

Especially since the food itself was free.

Picking up his choices, Issei followed Irina towards a seat in the corner. Xenovia was there, already enjoying her meal. Actually, she was noisily shoveling her meal spoon by spoon into her mouth, almost as if drinking her dish.

"Xenoviaaa!" Irina brought Issei over.

Issei watched Xenovia nearly gasping with her mouth full, almost choking as she quickly swallowed.

"Mmmm, I-Irina." Xenovia greeted, coughing a little. However, when she greeted Issei, her tone grew sterile. "...Heretic Red Dragon Emperor."

"Sup. The name's Issei, discount Arthur."

"W-Wha?!" Xenovia could not help but baffle herself at the blunt, surprisingly insulting nickname.

"Right, right, right. Let's not start the day with quarreling, okay?" Irina immediately stepped between the two. "The breakfast is good, let's not ruin them. Besides, Sister Griselda is waiting for us in the room."

"...Hm." Issei picked up a fork and lifted a sausage to his mouth.

The three ate in awkward silence, the Red Dragon Emperor and blue-haired exorcist not breaking eye contact with Irina doing her best in keeping the cheerful atmosphere.

"...Um, how's your father doing?!" Irina asked, trying to disperse the awkwardness.

"He's… Actually, I'm not sure how he's exactly doing." Issei really had no idea. Azazel would never tell.

"Okay… Then, what about Mr. Genos?"

"Oh, he's doing fine. Found a good workplace as an engineer." Issei nodded. He then stared at Xenovia as a curiosity sparked.

"So, what about you, blue?" Issei asked. "How'd you become an exorcist? You aiming to be a holy knight or something like old man Vasco? Or a standard pigeon lover?"

Xenovia and Irina blinked at Issei mentioning the certain name, before the former narrowed her eyes.

"...I don't know how you came to know His Eminence Strada, but I won't let a heretic like you address him so familiarly." She replied, "Besides, my reasons to serve The Lord is none of your business."

"Hoh. You're definitely an 'idle sheep' as you like to call others." Issei lifted another sausage to his teeth as he chewed. "Probably better this way. After all, you're probably raised to look down on others like pigs."

"What are you trying to imply of what we are?" Xenovia shot back.

"What? Condescending murderers pretending to be heroes."

"But we are the heroes!" Irina found herself retorting.

Issei looked at Irina for a moment.

"Irina… just because they call themselves the good guys never means that they are." Issei shook his head. "Besides, you two are too green."

"...What?" Xenovia narrowly glared at Issei. "Explain yourself."

"The fact you're here not knowing my last name is enough. The old man's just as clueless, or probably faking it with that fake smile of his… Ms. Quarta is a contender." Issei said as he started picking up the hash browns.

"...You're speaking nonsense." Xenovia tightened the grip on her fork.

"Probably better that you don't know, anyways." Issei shook his head, sighing. "You should hand that shiny sword of yours to someone better, honestly."

That finally got Xenovia to stand up abruptly from her seat, her remaining breakfast left forgotten.

"Xenovia!" Irina also stood up in the attempt of placating her partner. At this point, they had garnered several eyes from other tables.

Meanwhile, Issei remained on his seat, still eating his food while his eyes never left Xenovia's angry look.

"Let me guess. I am debasing everything you stand for, you don't know why and you're angry at me for it, and you want to prove me wrong?" Issei asked with a chuckle as he continued chewing at a steady pace.

Xenovia remained silent, but her eyes spoke for her.

"So what do you want to do? Cut me down here undefended?" Issei mocked.

Xenovia clenched her fists tighter.

"Xenovia…" Irina called her out again, this time with more warning in her tone.

It was a tense few seconds of the silent stand-off until Xenovia took a deep breath and returned to her seat.

Issei blinked before lightly snorting in amusement, "Well, what do you know, I kind of expected you to throw the first punch earlier."

"As tempting as it sounds… We can't afford to cause a commotion here, no?" Xenovia replied with a challenging look. "Besides, I have more important matters to look into rather than a mere heretic like you."

"Faith unearned ain't worth shit in modern society." Issei retorted. "Anyone that buys it without checking the fine print is no different than me dealing with devils. Pot calling the kettle black, don't you think?"

"Nihilism will only pull you further from salvation." Xenovia argued.

"This ain't nihilism. This is fact. I still got stuff I believe in, and your ways ain't one of them."

The two remained in a deadlock of silence as Irina frantically tried to calm them down.

"Well-spoken, Ise."

Issei perked his ears as a familiar voice joined the table.

"...Well." Issei pursed his lips as the other person made his seat beside him. "I thought you're supposed to stay out of this as you're not 'neutral,' Kiba."

"Forgive me, Ise. But I have my own reason for doing this, no matter what." The Knight flashed a brief apologetic look at Issei.

"You do know you being here will make everything more of a pain for me." Issei pointed out. "You didn't even tell Rias about this, did you?"

In return, Yuuto simply shook his head while maintaining his (un)apologetic look.

Issei could only heave a deep sigh as Xenovia snorted.

"This is why I was reluctant in making deals with the devils. Barely the first day started and they're already breaking their end of agreement."

"I doubt it. I'm the only one that followed Ise here." Yuuto chided back.

"Even so. That does not answer the question why." Xenovia shot back.

Yuuto's eyes hardened to a glare.

"I, Yuuto Kiba, wish to challenge you and your holy sword to a duel, for the sake of my soul and those that died before me."

Issei casted a side-glance at Yuuto. "...Are you for real?"

Xenovia and Irina looked at each other for a moment. "...Are you jesting?" The former asked.

"I'm certainly not. My history with the Church will probably fall deaf on your ears." Yuuto's fist clenched as he glared at Xenovia. "However, this is something that I must do."

Issei glanced at Xenovia. Her face was unreadable, but she was probably considering the prospect.

"Well… since Kiba is already screwing things up, let's make a bet." Issei suggested.

"...Excuse me?" Xenovia asked.

"We will… make it a two on two." Issei suggested. "If you win, I'll take back everything I said in the name of your god and stuff like that, and you'll get the chance to punch me in the face. If I win… you will let Kiba go for now no matter what, and you, and your superiors, will forget that he came here."

"I don't think the ones who broke the agreement, were in any position to reason." Xenovia argued back with growing hostility.

However, another voice intervened, "I believe that is agreeable."

Everyone turned to see Griselda and Valper approaching them.

"Good grief, I've been wondering that you youngsters were taking a while, but I certainly did not expect this kind of complication." Griselda looked at the girls, her face darkening under her hood.

The nun sent chiding looks at Xenovia and Irina, who looked embarrassed and avoided eye-contact.

"Now, now, Sister Griselda." Valper stepped in, "It appears that this devil will not leave empty-handed, so why don't we give him what he wants? I believe it to be swifter than arguing all day long."

Griselda glanced at the Archbishop in a mild disapproval, yet she did not vocalize against it.

"...Yes, very well. The duel will be sanctioned under our supervision. I trust you two will honor the spirit of the duel enough not to rely on the letter?" Griselda asked.

"Good enough with me. Kiba?" Issei glanced at the knight, who simply nodded while glaring at Xenovia.

"Well, this morning just grew more invigorating." Valper chuckled.

All the while Irina could not find the opportunity to talk them down.

Issei always wanted a chance to repay the church for what happened before. It was not what he envisioned, but it would have to do.

Within a bounded field in an almost empty parking lot near the hotel, Griselda stood between Issei, Yuuto, Irina and Xenovia while Valper stood on the sidelines. Issei stared at Xenovia with his hands in his pockets, Yuuto already had a demon sword out, Xenovia already held her holy sword while Irina looked at Issei with a very sad expression.

Irina did not want this to happen. She hoped that her friends would get along… not antagonize each other to this point.

"Allow me to clarify once again." Griselda announced, serving as the referee. "This duel has nothing to do with either the church, or the devils supervising this town. Whatever the result and whoever wins this match, will not alter the original agreement we have established. Am I clear?"

The combatants gave subtle nods as they regarded one another. Griselda then stepped away without a word, silently signing the beginning of the match.

The combatants then walked away, giving each other more space. Yuuto chose to square off against Xenovia, while Issei stood in front of Irina.

Xenovia and Yuuto readied their stances while the two childhood friends exchanged apologetic and sad gazes.

Issei, on the other hand, had his attention on Xenovia and Irina's 'battle uniforms'.

"...Have you been wearing them around for the whole time?"

It was quite scandalous; skin tight black leotards and highleg black leather boots hugged and accented the curve on their bodies. It was very revealing and slightly arousing if Issei must be honest. Irina's belly was even exposed through a round hole cut out of her uniform.

Irina blinked at Issei's question and pointed at her attire, "You mean this? Yes, of course, we have. This is our standard, female exorcist combat suit." She said those words like the sky was blue.

"I… Alright." Issei decided not to question it for the sake of his 'sanity'.

Silence returned between them, though it already grew awkward as Issei's gaze remained fixed on Irina.

"...Sorry." Issei called out to Irina.

"Hm? What for?" Irina asked.

"I can tell that you don't want this to happen."

Irina paused as her bubbly smile faltered.

"…I was hoping you would get along with Xenovia," Irina replied as she brought out her Excalibur Mimic, her ribbon slithering from her hair and into her hand, extending into a katana.

Issei could not really reply against Irina's genuine face of sadness. She was sincere in her reply, he could tell, the kind of innocence that did not deserve to be caught in such a complex dilemma.

"If things were different, I probably would." Issei admitted as he slid his hands out his pockets.

"...What happened to you?" Irina asked. "You aren't usually like this."

"It's best you don't know, Iri." Issei shook his head. "You're definitely not ready for the truth."

Irina held back a grimace at the reply, but she eventually steeled herself as she brandished her Excalibur Mimic in a form of katana. Issei himself merely shifted his footing.

"...Are you not gonna bring out your Boosted Gear?" Irina asked with a raised brow.

"I want to see what you've got first." Issei flashed a confident smile. "I did not sit on my ass all those years you've been away, Iri."

"Heeh… Let's have a look, then." Irina replied with a smirk. However, her smirk faltered a little when she saw a shimmering white aura shrouding around Issei.

"What? Come at me." Issei dared, beckoning her with an inviting flick of his hand. The female exorcist narrowed her eyes slightly at the taunt, before she decided to answer her childhood friend by charging at him.

Irina threw a diagonal swing, but her fist was caught before she found herself flying in the air, ground in sight before she crashed and rolled in the dust.

Irina coughed as she stood up, but she found her sword gone from her hand.

"So, how long have you been training with this thing?" Issei asked while waving Excalibur Mimic in his hand.

Irina looked dumbfounded upon finding herself disarmed. Her cheeks slowly grew red as she awkwardly chuckled.

"Um… can I have that back?" Irina asked sheepishly.

"...Eh, no." Issei snickered as he looked at the katana-shaped Excalibur and swung it a little. If this sword could change shape, he wondered… could he do that? He smiled a little knowing that he had a chance to mimic that.

Meanwhile, Yuuto charged at Xenovia, who calmly intercepted him with her Excalibur Destruction.

As the blunette opted to play defensive at first, she noticed the energy flowing from Yuuto's blade. "A demon sword…? It's trying to absorb my sword's energy, however…"

With a grunt, Xenovia jerked her blade against Yuuto's Holy Eraser, which shattered as soon as the steel blades clashed.

Then, with a click of his tongue, Yuuto leapt away from Xenovia's range and conjured another demon sword.

The two sword-wielders clashed, colliding steel clangoring the air again and again as the two struggled in a deadlock with Xenovia pushing him back.

"Give in, Devil. Your demon sword is no match to my Excalibur." Xenovia leaned forward, overwhelming Yuuto in terms of strength.

"Tsk!" Yuuto responded with a burst of power, doubling his effort to push her back. However, his demonic sword started to crack as the blade chipped to his dismay.

But before he could retreat, Xenovia knocked his blade out of his hand with a burst of strength and placed her sword on his neck.

Yuuto grimaced when found himself at her mercy.

"Hmph." Xenovia shook her head in disappointment. "You are too consumed by anger. Rage guides your sword too much that I can tell. If this is what you can offer, I doubt your heretic friend will be a challenge."

Hearing Issei's mentioning, Yuuto flashed a small smile.

"I'm not sure about that." Yuuto turned his eyes towards Issei's direction.

"Hm?" Xenovia followed his line of sight. She saw a shining blur zipping towards her, an extending line of something she could not distinguish.

On reflex, she blocked the attack, but the force of it lifted her off her feet as she flew under its mercy, wind resistance blowing past from behind until she crashed into the wall, the shockwave of the impact reverberating through her bones as she coughed in her bounce.

"Ack!?" Her spine was rattled, vision tersely blurred as she was pinned to the cratered wall. Arms struggling to push back the force.

"What do you know, I can do that."

Xenovia looked up, seeing Issei laughing while holding…

"H-How are you wielding…?!" Xenovia widened her eyes upon seeing the heretic holding Excalibur Mimic. What struck her was the extended blade of the holy sword, one stretched to ridiculous length with the tip fighting to push through the other holy blade.

"...My word." Griselda could barely believe her eyes.

"Fascinating, I did not know the current Red Dragon Emperor possesses the natural quality to wield a holy sword." Valper commented with visual interest.

"Hah, this is fun!" Issei flashes a smirk.

Before Xenovia could react, the sword swiftly slithered tightly around her weapon like a serpent before Issei yanked with a step back.

"What?!" Xenovia shouted as she barely managed to secure her hold on the hilt.

The two were caught in a tug of war.

Xenovia was steadily losing ground, she struggled but she could not stop her feet from sliding towards Issei with heavy friction beneath her heels.

"How about this?"

Xenovia yelped when she was pulled towards Issei as the blade shrunk its length, and Issei threw her overhead as she tumbled behind him.

"Xenovia!" Irina ran towards Xenovia and helped her up.

Xenovia groaned as Irina held her up by the shoulder. She looked at the boy, to see him holding both of their Excaliburs, Issei lifting and lowering the bigger Excalibur to test its weight.

It was quite a weird one, a huge sword that ended in three tips, the blade was colored dark rust brown with an axe-like crossguard and a chainlike handle. The handle was long enough to be held by three hands.

"Huh, lighter than it looks." Issei remarked as he swung Excalibur Destruction a little at the two girls' direction.

It was a light swing, a harmless one. Yet a radiant yellow wave of energy flared from the Holy Sword in reaction and flew towards the girls from that simple harmless test.

"Waaah!" Irina shouted as she and Xenovia leapt aside, the first frantically holding her head while the latter rolled over her shoulder as the wave of energy struck the wall and blasted a very large hole in the building.

"Oh, shit!" Issei panicked when the explosion rang the air. "Irina! You alright!?"

The girls looked up at Issei and then at the destruction behind them. They stared at the destroyed wall, at the smoke and dust rising from the hole. Glares shot towards Issei, one teary while the other was laced with envy.

"His affinity with the Holy Swords far exceeds even Xenovia's! My word, his potential might be on par, if not surmounting, even Vasco's!" Valper remarked with excitement at the display.

Griselda remained silent, but she could not help but agree with Valper's statement.

"Issei! I don't know if you know this, but holy swords aren't toys!" Irina shouted at him with a pout and teary eyes.

"Sorry!" Issei shouted back. "That one came out on its own! But seriously, these things are kind of fun, though!"

Meanwhile, Yuuto looked at Issei shocked. He walked up to him, staring at the two swords in his hands.

The two of the seven weapons responsible for his misery, for the demise of his comrades, were right in the hands of his friend. He could still remember their screams as their voices gradually died in the gas as he ran away from that accursed building.

"Ise…" Yuuto began. "Mind putting them on the ground?"

Issei turned to Yuuto. He looked at his hand, seeing a broad sword tightly gripped in his fingers.

"Err… Why?" Issei asked as he looked at his eyes.

They were sharp, eyes full of rage. It was the first time Issei saw him this wrathful. He was way angrier than prior in the meeting room.

"I kind of want to keep them, though."

Issei showed Excalibur Mimic to Yuuto as the sword's shape into an arrow, a shield, a great sword, and then returned into a katana.

"Nooooo! You can't! It's Vatican propertyyyy!" Irina loudly begged Issei not to keep their weapons.

Issei turned to glance at his childhood friend. She was giving him the equivalent of the puppy eyes and pouting lips. He found her expression quite adorable.

However, Yuuto's voice snapped him out of his musing.

"Ise, I won't ask again, put those swords on the ground, please." The knight's grip on his sword became even tighter.

"Uh…" Issei looked at Yuuto. "…Wait, are you giving me an ultimatum?" Issei asked.

Yuuto did not answer, but his eyes spoke enough.

However, a blade laid on Yuuto's throat. Griselda appeared behind him, her sword held in a reverse grip as she stared down on the Knight.

Issei blinked a few times as Griselda's eyes were shaded with hostility.

"I believe the match is now concluded, Mr. Kiba." Griselda calmly announced as Yuuto slowly lowered his gaze at the holy steel burning his skin on contact, smoke already rising from his flesh. "I would like to sincerely remind you not to make any more mistakes. Your sudden presence has burdened your friend enough. Asking for more would be crossing the line, am I correct?"

Yuuto found himself unable to move even an inch. He could feel the sheer presence of Griselda's blade against his skin - there was no mistake, the sword that the nun was holding was also one of Excalibur fragments. In the end, all he could do was send a sideway glare at Griselda's direction.

"In the end, your friend carried you to victory on his own. I do not know why you hold hatred towards us, but I believe your little crusade shall end here."

Yuuto closed his eyes tightly as he forced himself to calm down. As soon as the demon sword disappeared, Griselda also removed her blade from Yuuto's jugular and turned to tend her charges.

"You cooled down?" Issei asked Yuuto.

"...I am alright."

"You weren't a minute ago, buddy." Issei waved Excalibur Destruction in his face. "I am thinking of keeping these. They're very fun swords."

Yuuto wasn't sure how to react to that statement. Not everyone could wield the Holy Swords and hearing it from Issei's mouth made the sacred weapons look cheap.

"I prefer that you return those weapons, Sir Issei."

Griselda interjected. She approached Issei with Irina and Xenovia behind her.

"You sure?" Issei asked as he looked at the swords.

"Yes. Even if you are indeed more compatible with them than my charges… they are still properties of the Vatican."

Issei sighed as he looked at the weapons in his hands. He looked at them for a moment. It was the first time he got the feeling that he was a magic swordsman. Not a samurai, though, but it was close.

"Awww… damn it." Issei sighed when he looked at Irina. Xenovia was scowling at him so he did not pay her mind. Irina was looking at him with hopeful eyes.

"...Farewell, awesome magic swords." Issei grumbled a little as he handed them to Griselda.

The nun nodded in thanks and she took the weapons. Irina smiled as Griselda returned their weapons to them.

"I thank you for your selflessness. As for you, young Knight, I believe your master needs to speak with you."

Yuuto blinked, and at the same time, he also noticed a familiar presence arriving at the scene. He turned to see Rias and Akeno standing at the edge of the lot, their faces were stoic, unamused.

The knight turned to the exorcists, "I thought you agreed not to tell-!"

"They didn't."

Yuuto turned to Issei.

"Yeah, I kind of ratted you out. I asked them to let you go because I'll take care of it myself. I texted Rias before we left the hotel."

Yuuto looked at Issei as if he had been betrayed.

"Don't give me that face. I never agreed with you coming here." Issei pursed his lips at his reaction.

The Knight could not find argument against that but… he still felt betrayed.

"Yuuto."

The boys' attention was then brought to the Kuoh Great Ladies approaching them.

When Rias glared at her Knight, the said Knight scowled as he turned away, refusing to make eye contact.

"...Are you done with your furtive mission?" Rias queried with an authoritative tone.

In return, Yuuto simply hung his head low. Akeno then approached to escort Yuuto away, pulling him by the arm with a face of disapproval.

"My deepest apologies for my knight's unbecoming behaviour. I will see to reprimand him for his actions."

Valper replied with a small, amused smile, "Your apology is unnecessary, Lady Gremory. I find his surprising visit to be a boon. He has helped uncover hidden truths of your human friend here."

Rias noticed that Valper's bespectacled eyes glanced at Issei, who was holding Excalibur Mimic in his hand, shifting it in his hand before handing it to Irina. The girl was pouting at Issei as she shapeshifted the sword into an object which Issei replicated when she handed it over to him with ease.

Rias looked at him dumbfounded for a second before she quickly resumed her serious face.

"I believe I can see what you mean. Did Yuuto interrupt anything important?"

Valper softly chuckled while waving his hand, "No, no, we haven't even begun a discussion. You are free to leave as you will."

Rias nodded, "I see. Very well, we shall leave you alone with your work. Have a good day."

The redhead then regarded Issei for a few seconds before smiling at him and gave a nod, which Issei returned in kind. Akeno threw Issei a flirtatious wink as Yuuto sent Issei one last apologetic look when the teleportation circle appeared beneath their feet and whisked the devils away in a flash of crimson light.

"Seriously, it took me two years to master my Excalibur!" Irina was complaining to Issei as she competed with him using Excalibur Mimic to test the limits of his affinity with the Holy Sword. Xenovia's stoic face bore a greater frown than before, soured that the heretic proved himself superior to her, even in affinity with the holy elements.

Valper coughed as he addressed the three teens.

"I believe it is time we return."

"Yuuto, what on earth were you thinking?"

Yuuto stood before Rias at her desk. Akeno was beside her, sharing her frown at his insubordinate actions.

"We have agreed that we will not involve ourselves in their problems, with Ise as an exception due to his status. What you did earlier could have jeopardized the already-fragile peace we have with the church."

Yuuto did not give another word as Rias sighed.

"...Very well. I regret having to do this, but I have made my choice. Yuuto, from this moment, I am putting you on probation."

Finally, Yuuto looked up with wide eyes at his master's declaration.

Rias simply maintained her calm expression before her Knight could have protested, "Don't give me that face, Yuuto. You brought this upon yourself. I know what you are going through, but this is not how you should behave. You forced Issei to consolidate the exorcists out of his way."

The master and her knight fell into a stare-off, none of them was willing to back down for a good minute.

He had been waiting for years until he could exact his vengeance and obtained the justice he and his fallen comrades so rightfully deserved. However, at the same time, he could not go against Rias' orders, especially when Akeno stood beside her in support.

Eventually, Yuuto hung his head low before he left the room without a word, leaving Rias and Akeno alone. As soon as the knight had disappeared by the door, the heiress leaned back on her chair and heaved a deep sigh.

"...I should've helped Yuuto much earlier." Rias sighed with a tinge of regret.

Akeno simply placed her hand comfortingly on Rias' shoulder, "Perhaps, but you have done enough. Yuuto still cares about the family he has made, albeit his mental state is not well at the moment. It is best that he takes the time to sort his feelings out himself."

"Yes, perhaps so…"

But Akeno's words did not help erase her sense of helplessness.

oXo

Yuuto left the school and into Kuoh, deep in thought as the sun went quite high into the noon.

He was at a crossroad before him, two choices now tearing him apart. To abandon the peerage and pursue his vengeance… or fight against the rising surge of anger inside and remain by Rias' side… and both choices were pulling him with equal strength.

"Psst. Hey, over here."

Yuuto paused. He looked at the alley beside him, seeing the familiar form of a certain tiny individual.

"...Coach Black?"

"'Sup, pretty boy. Didn't know you can make that kind of face." The creature greeted with a smirk. The creature was hiding behind a trash can…

"Are you…" Yuuto pointed at the trash can. The lid was open and he could see trails of… leftovers… and crumbs on Black's lips.

"Shush, I can stomach it. I am stockpiling my extra lives with protein so don't judge me, but that's not why I'm here for." Black waved out.

For a moment, Yuuto's internal discord was gone. He found himself smiling in amusement at Black's comical scene.

"Anyways, I've been tailing the kid. Saw you going full on edgelord there. Eavesdropped a little and found you have quite a sad backstory. Guess you didn't get that face for free after all, hehe." Black remarked.

Yuuto's amusement went to smoke in an instant.

"Anyways, as for why I'm here… I've decided to give you something." Black smirked as he turned around and held up a… Katana…

Yuuto squinted his eyes. "Is that a…?"

"Yep, a genuine demon sword." Black smiled. "You want it? I got it for cheap. Cuts good if I say so myself."

Yuuto suddenly found his proposition extremely shady. He wondered if this was like being lured by a drug dealer or something.

"...Black… what's the catch?" Yuuto asked, narrowing his eyes at the creature.

"Well, it is cursed, obviously." Black shrugged. "But that's not the point. It is a good sword, better than anything you can make, but it has one downside…"

"I knew it."

"Don't give me that face. I tried giving it to the kid, but it turns out, the thing is kind of possessed by something."

"...And why can you hold it?" Yuuto pointed out.

"The dragon guessed it's because I'm unique. This me you're seeing here is holding over one hundred thousand lives, so I think it's because of that."

Yuuto could not find an argument against that kind of logic when he thought about it. There isn't a cursed sword designed to possess a hundred thousand blacks.

"Anyways, the point is… you're piss-ass pathetic right now, got your ass handed to you only for the kid to save it."

Yuuto scowled at Black.

"...But, if you want to do what you came here to do, then there's one choice." Black smiled.

"And that is...?"

"Test your might, pretty boy." Black answered. "If you can handle this sword, well… I think you can show me I don't have to look out after you when you go rogue."

Yuuto raised a brow as he recalled the bout… He barely threw a few strikes in and he was already overwhelmed by Xenovia. He admitted that he was weak right now… he clenched his fists as he walked over to Black.

"...That's not all, is it, coach?" Yuuto asked as he looked at the katana.

"Heh, you got me. I kind of wanna figure out what's the downside of this thing. Like I said, I bought it for the kid for cheap. I want to see it in action."

"...And if I somehow lose to this sword?" Yuuto asked as he stared at the weapon.

Something about it was different than the demon swords he saw before. There was a unique ambience around it.

"I'll beat you up and yank it from your hands. Even tear both of your motherfucking arms off if I have to." Black stated the obvious. "I am literally the natural enemy of swordsmen everywhere, pretty boy. So, what do you think? You ready to bet your future on this?"

Yuuto's eyes trailed down to the demonic katana in Black's hands. When he took a better look, the sword oozed a malicious aura that made the products of his Sword Birth defective in comparison.

In order to fulfill his life-time crusade, Yuuto needed power; but could he handle the power necessary? Was it even worth it to begin with?

His mind trailed to his fallen comrades. The last word he remembered was them telling him to live…

He decided.

"Black." Yuuto made his resolve. "Are you going to tell anyone about what I'm about to do?"

Black snickered for a moment.

"Well, what do you offer to keep my mouth shut?"

Yuuto was about to say something, but he could not think of anything that he could offer to the creature before him. Seeing his contemplating expression, Black snorted.

"...Eh, I'll hold you to that favor then. But if you're fine after touching the sword... Well, I'll always keep an eye on you. And also be sure to feed me. I want to eat." Black demanded.

"...That, I think I can handle." Yuuto smiled a little. "But.. why are you doing this? Why are you…"

Black simply stared at Yuuto for a few seconds before shrugging, "...Meh, I was kind of bored. As simple as that. Could use some good entertainment around here. You seem to fit the bill, Knight Edgelord."

Yuuto did not expect the reply, but he snorted and shook his head in amusement nonetheless, "Somehow I'm not surprised at your reason for helping me…"

"Good. Also, I was looking for the Holy Swords when I heard about it. Frankly, I want something to draw attention."

"...Why do you need me for that?" Yuuto realized something.

Why did Black need someone like him? Like Black once said, he was basically everywhere. He had millions of lives the last time he revealed.

"Trust me when I say I'm trying, but I am definitely trying." Black remarked. "Been looking everywhere. Tried looking for them to hoard their magic swords to myself, but can't seem to find them. Got annoyed, so I decided to send out more of mes. Then I realized after a day of searching that I can't find that one sweet spot for some reason… Don't know why, though. I think I'm being watched out for, which is fucking shady."

"Shadier than you getting me to use a dangerous demon sword?"

"Not important, but yeah, that's also why I'm here. Need that one little outside factor to break the status quo and sow a little chaos. So yeah, you're working with me for a while. How's that sound to you? You can surprise everyone you know if you uncover this little mystery."

Yuuto regarded Black's words for a few moments with closed eyes. Then, Black saw the steel in the Knight's eyes as he reached out and firmly grabbed the sheathed katana.

The creature grinned as Yuuto clutched the sword in his hands, "Aye, that's my boy."

Yuuto braced himself for any sudden backlash as the ominous aura reached out to him on contact.

For those who have been wondering; no, One-Punch DxD: Legacy is not abandoned, my muses are simply focused on this work and others. I can't guarantee when the Legacy will be updated, but it will be updated. I can promise you guys that.