Winds of Change (DxD)

Volume 2 – Chapter 8 – To the Faerie Kingdom and a Slash of three



Japan, Kuoh

The same time

Avatar Jin Skyward

I had teleported to the Occult Research Club alongside the original's harem. Once we arrived, I could see that Rias Gremory, Kiba Yuuto, and Gasper Vladi were already present in the room.

"Good morning, everyone."

Rias Gremory greeted us with a smile followed by the other two male peerage members.

"Good morning, President."

Shirone Toujou, Akeno Himejima, and Asia Argento greeted their King. Ingvild Leviathan and I greeted the Gremory heiress as well.

"I would like to start by saying I am the Avatar."

I tell the others; they nod to my statement.

"Where did Jin-senpai go?"

Kiba Yuuto asked, the other two eagerly awaited my response.

"He is currently in the Underworld, Venelana Gremory has requested for his assistance for today."

"M-My Mother asked Jin for help?"

Rias Gremory seemed surprised and I nodded to her.

"Wh-What for?"

"She has requested for the original to supervise Millicas Gremory's training for today. He will be joined by Sairaorg Bael."

"I-I see…"

I nod to her and everyone else.

"I shall make my way to class then, good day to you all."

Third Person Point of View

With the Occult Research Club

"How do I say this…"

Rias starts as she rubs her head.

"The avatar Jin made is a bit… Stiff? It's not the first time we've interacted with him, I noticed him being like that the other times…"

"Ufufufu, he is, President. They're quite easy to distinguish, yes?"

Akeno replies while amusingly staring at the door.

"Y-Yes, they are. Did he purposefully make him like that?"

"I— Well, we would think so, Jin even if he doesn't show it, is quite possessive and overprotective at times. So, I doubt he would let his Avatar or even clones be intimate with us."

"….Thinking of being intimate with Jin-senpai's clones or avatar is weird."

Shirone says she gets a weird look from Rias and the two male devils.

"What do you mean by that, Koneko?"

She froze when she accidentally said that out loud, Shirone started to look around for help, but seeing Akeno's smile she knew she had to accept her fate.

"Ufufufu, Koneko— Or should I say Shirone Toujou officially joined Jin's harem this morning."

Once Akeno said that the cat girl turned red.

"..."

They were obviously left speechless as they stared at the young Nekomata.

"Now, now, let's not bully Shirone, Akeno."

Ingvild reprimands her friend and classmate, said hybrid just giggled at her.

"…..Ingvild-senpai is my only ally."

Shirone stood closer to Ingvild as she grabbed her skirt for support.

"Ahahaha…"

Ingvild chuckled at her junior, Asia stood there not too sure what to do.

"Anyway, welcome to your new school life in Japan, Asia!"

Rias moved the conversation along and welcomed her newly appointed [Bishop].

"Y-Yes! Please treat me well!"

Asia bows, nervous and excited.

Avatar Jin Skyward

I was made by the original with access to all the power he has, the only downside is not having Ddraig, Albion, and Cúntóir. I do not know why he didn't give me those, however, I do fine without them. I also purposely act like this to distinguish myself from the original.

As I made my way to my classroom, I spot the famous Pervert Duo beside a tree with a lewd magazine out. They were saying some obscene things loud enough for the other students to hear.

"Huh?"

One of them, I believe he's called Matsuda sees me staring, he nudges his friend and they quickly get up and run towards me.

"Senpai!"

They reach me with lightning-fast speed and call out to me.

"Hello, Matsuda-kun, Motohama-kun, how can I help you guys?"

I greet the two, even though they're perverts… They're still normal humans, so I greet them normally.

"We have a question."

I nod and wait for them to continue. I could also see some students stopping to listen in. Among them were a few students whispering about the two perverts.

"How did you manage to score such a smoking hot babe as a girlfriend?!"

"Yeah, senpai! Teach us! You're even more boring than we are!"

For some reason, the way they said that irritated me. Nevertheless, I could feel the other students' emotions, as they were agreeing with these two. I sigh and look at them. I shrug and say…

"Well, we should try not to be big open perverts for one. That's one of the main reasons why women are avoiding you. You just seem too desperate, and you need to cut back on the lewd talk."

"We're teenagers filled with hormones, but we have the power to restrain ourselves. Just learn some of that and you'll get girls."

I finish my explanation as they stare blankly at me.

"Die!"

"That's impossible!"

I expected this response so I just sighed.

"Are you really a teenager like us?! You act like an adult with a dildo up his ass all the time! Lighten up a little!"

Motohama shouts clearly angry at me.

"I am a teenager, but I'm just modest about this kind of thing."

I turn away and start walking.

"You guys are free to live life how you want. I am not here to try to police it. I only gave you my perspective on things."

I wave them off as I walk away. I passed by Aika Kiryuu as she was snickering at me. She was the main reason why the Original and I are getting so much hate from the male populace. I sigh and keep on walking.

When I open the door to my classroom, I see that it is still quite empty. Therefore, I walk over to my desk, sit on it, and take a small nap. This is how main characters do things, right? I had followed some of the actions they had taken.

A few minutes later I hear more and more of my classmates come in, homeroom soon starts and I answer without getting up or opening my eyes. It soon ends, and the room erupts into chatter, a few minutes later I feel someone tap on my shoulder.

This time I finally got up and saw that it was Akeno Himejima.

"Class is about to start."

She informs me, I nod and thank her. It's time to start the school day then.

Lunch

I, along with the Gremory peerage and Ingvild, were back at the Occult Research club. Ingvild had joined us as her friends were busy with club this time around. The original hadn't asked her about that before, perhaps I should?

I was about to when—

Blink!

"Yo!"

The original teleported in and greeted us all. I nod toward him, and he nods toward me. I dispel myself.

Jin Skyward

"Jin!"

Akeno gets up and hugs me. The avatar disappears and all his memories come flooding into me. I hug her back.

"Looks like my request ended early today, so I decided to head to school. Grayfia's back home training."

"Welcome, Jin. How was your request with Millicas?"

Rias greets me and so do the rest.

"It was fine, I'll be real if you guys, Millicas is definitely going to surpass his dad and become one of the top dogs of the world in the future if he keeps up his training."

I turn to Rias.

"Well, I'll be upping your training too, right now Millicas has the edge on his control over you, while you only slightly have higher strength thanks to the recent training and age."

Rias nods seriously

"I understand, I won't lose to my own nephew that would be too unsightly."

She says with a sigh.

"Good, I'll take you guys to a more… Appropriate training area, it'll be more beneficial. As I mentioned earlier, Grayfia is currently using it."

They seemed confused.

"You'll see once you get there after school."

They nod and I turn to Asia.

"How was your day so far, Asia?"

She was currently eating her lunch alongside Shirone and Gasper.

"Y-Yes! It has been great so far! I've made many new friends…"

She stops eating and smiles

"But… Two boys in my class asked me very strange questions, the same with a girl too…"

I facepalm, it has to be Motohama, Matsuda and Aika. There are literally no other suspects in that classroom for the time being.

"Just… Just take what they say with a grain of salt, okay?"

Asia tilts her head not really understanding what I meant but agrees. Akeno offers me some lunch but I decline since I have already eaten.

"I'm fine, Akeno. Lunch was already served at the Gremory home. They had some delicious food. I even analyzed them and might recreate some later."

For some reason, Rias looked mortified by this but didn't say anything. We had a relatively calm rest of lunch, talking about random things and Asia asking questions about certain subjects and topics.

After school

Skyward household

I had arrived home via teleportation along with the Gremory peerage.

"Jin nya!"

Kuroka pounced on me as soon as I teleported in.

"Welcome home, Jin, Rias-oujou-sama, everyone."

Grayfia bows and welcomes us back. She has already finished her training, it seems.

"Hey there, done with your training already?"

I hug Kuroka back as I ask my maid a question, and she nods.

"Yes, it was quite fruitful. I shall prepare dinner, will Rias-sama and her peerage be joining us tonight?"

She asks and I turn to Rias.

"I don't see why not? How about it?"

"Yes we will, thank you, Jin."

After she answers Kuroka jumps off me.

"Chance nya!"

Kuroka says confusing us.

"I'll help cook, Grayfia nya!"

Grayfia blinks a few times at Kuroka before nodding.

"Very well, I will only accept your very best effort, Kuroka. Prepare yourself."

The air around Grayfia changes as she drags Kuroka into the kitchen, looking unsure now.

"Nyoooo!!! I regret this nya!!!!"

Her pleas fell on deaf ears. I cough to get everyone's attention.

"I'll be heading to the training facility with the Gremory peerage, if anyone else wants to join, feel free."

I start to walk towards the elevator and they join me. When we enter the elevator, Reni comes down from her bedroom.

"Jin?"

She tries to run over, but the door closes before she can.

"Jin!!!"

"Ahahaha…"

It almost seemed comical. When the elevator reached the training facility everyone left and Reni had already teleported to the training facility, glaring at me with a huff. She walks over and pinches my cheeks.

"Rude, you could have held the door, mister!"

"Yesh ma'am I'm showwy."

She scolds me. She began stretching my cheek as well, and when she was satisfied with my apology, she let go of me.

"Senpai, is this the infamous girlfriend you showed Aika?"

As the Gremory peerage stare at her, Kiba asks. The only one not surprised was Rias as she met her prior.

"Yeah, she's Lavinia Reni, affiliated with Grigori. Anyway, we're here, so time to train, follow me."

I walk towards the training area and explain what this place can do, and safe to say they were shocked.

"So, run wild if you want, especially in that area with the mana regeneration rate, it will affect all types of energy and mana, including your demonic energy."

They nod and run towards different areas, much like kids who were given new toys.

"How was your day?"

I ask Reni without turning to her, I wanted to keep an eye on the peerage.

"I went back to Grigori since Natsume and Shigune asked me to train them ~ they've really improved a lot with their magic ~"

She seemed satisfied so I can trust her judgment. I can't wait to see… Natsume will probably use it during our upcoming fight.

"Really? Can't wait to see then."

We watch over the Gremory peerage train, along with Ingvild who joined a short time later since she wanted to change into something else. Reni and I roamed around giving advice or if they asked for us, we did so.

Rias tried to use the 'Spirit gun' from Yuyu Hakusho with her [Power of Destruction], but it backfired and blew up before she could fire it. I told her she needed a little bit more control before trying that. Apparently, it's from a show and manga called Gogo Bakasho, another weird knockoff.

She tried to recreate a few moves from the knockoff shows in this world. These moves included the Spirit bomb, Kamehameha, Big Bang flash, Gallick gun, Megiddo, Rasengan, and others with her [Power of Destruction]. However, like the spirit gun, it didn't end well. I can't recall how many times I had to heal her or have her go to the spot to replenish her demonic energy.

I had to tell her she could use them when she gets better control. She was embarrassed and said she was just excited because of the place they were brought to. I understand, it's like a cheat room so you want to try as many things as you can.

But after that she did slow down and do her usual training and practice, so she did improve a little bit during that time.

Nighttime

After dinner

We were all in the living room, so I had to create extra couches and expand the living room since it was getting a little crowded. Dinner was a hit, it tasted delicious and Kuroka got a lot of praise for it. However, Grayfia said she messed up quite a lot and panicked a few times during it, much to the Nekomata's embarrassment.

We were relaxing when Asia said she wanted to share with everyone about her past. It seems like she decided to tell everyone and not just me. She told us a story about a girl that was once called the 'Holy Maiden'.

In a certain region in Europe, there was a girl who was discarded by her parents. She was raised in a nearby convent by a nun along with other orphans.

The girl who was a strong follower of the Church received a special power at the age of 8. She healed a wounded puppy, and a person from the Catholic Church witnessed it by chance. From there on, her life changed.

The girl was taken to the main Catholic Church and she was symbolized by many as a 'Holy Maiden' because of her healing power. She used her power to heal many believers and they were told it was a power of divine protection. Rumors brought rumors and she was respected as a Holy Maiden.

Even without her approval. She was not dissatisfied with how she was treated. People from the Church were kind and she didn't hate healing people. She instead was happy that her power was of use.

The girl was thankful for the power which was bestowed to her by God. But she was a bit lonely. She didn't have any friends she could open up to.

Everyone treated her nicely and was courteous to her. But no one was willing to become her friend. She understood why. She knew that they were looking at her power as something irregular… Something special. They didn't look at her as a human but as a creature that could heal humans.

But one day, it changed. By coincidence, there was a Devil nearby and she healed it. A wounded Devil. The girl couldn't ignore it. She thought that even if it was a Devil, she had to heal it if it was injured.

Her kindness motivated her to act in this way. But that changed her life forever. One of the people from the Church saw that incident and notified others in the Church. The ministers of the Church were shocked by it.

'A power that can heal Devils!?'

'Something absurd like that cannot happen!'

'The power of healing can only heal the followers of God!'

Yes, there were several people who had the power to heal. The ability to heal the Devils was out of the question. The people of the Church thought it was common sense that the power of healing doesn't work on Fallen Angels and Devils.

Apparently, a similar incident had happened in the past. The power to heal Fallen Angels and Devils that were not protected by God. But that was regarded as the power of a 'Witch'.

So, the people saw her as a heretic.

'Damn witch that heals Devils!'

The girl who was respected as a 'Holy Maiden' was then feared as a 'Witch' and the Catholic Church abandoned her. The organization of 'Stray Exorcists' picked her up because she had nowhere else to go.

In other words, she had to get divine protection from the Fallen Angels. But the girl never forgot to pray to God. She also never forgot to thank God. Even so, the girl was abandoned. God didn't save her. What shocked her the most was that there was not even a single person in the Church that was willing to defend her.

There was no one who cared about her.

After that, Asia cried, tears fell from her eyes and down her cheek. The ones nearest to her were already hugging her, trying to comfort her.

I could see it really pissed off Kiba, as he was also mistreated by the church, due to the Holy Sword Project. Who truly are the devils? The devils themselves? The fallen? Or has it always been humans? Whichever the right answer is, injustice does not discriminate and it's plagued everywhere.

"It's okay Asia, you're here now and you have all of us as friends and comrades. Those days will never come again."

Ingvild was lightly crying with Asia as she hugged the girl. The other girls agreed with her. Perhaps she could relate to her loneliness and how much of an outcast she once was? After being asleep for around one hundred years, a human devil hybrid, and then waking up. The world has changed dramatically. People— Friends and family you once knew are dead or changed.

Yeah… She can definitely relate. But she also has changed. I can see these two becoming good friends, bonding over this.

Gasper was crying his eyes out but was also hugging Asia. That guy is really sensitive, huh? That's a good and bad thing. He's at least gotten some courage to do that in front of people, but I think he's just too distracted by the crying.

A few minutes later everyone had collected themselves and had changed topics to lighten the mood. Shirone had sat on my lap after Asia's story and began eating some candy.

Since she did join my harem… She's become more affectionate? Well, in her own way. Rubbing her head on my neck and chest, feeding me some of her sweets and candy. Kuroka was smirking at her sister but she didn't react.

"Oh right, since everyone's here, I'll do that."

They turn to me confused. I don't blame them, I should have done this over a month ago. In terms of their potential, I will change it, I will change the Gremory peerage, but I will stop at Super Devils for them for now.

"I'll change all your potential right now."

They were still confused.

"So, I can see beings' potential with my eyes. Like, Kiba, you have the potential to be Satan Class and nothing else, I can change that so you can grow to the power of a Super Devil like Sirzechs and Ajuka."

Obviously, this shocks the Gremory peerage, but not those that I am close to.

"I see, I thought this would happen down the line."

Grayfia nods, and so do the other girls.

"Ahaha… Am I that obvious?"

"Yes"

They say in unison, even weirding out the Gremory peerage.

"Duly noted. I'll start with the Gremory peerage then. I will make you all into super devils. You should be able to compete with the strongest in our world if you keep training."

Kiba steps forward, and I put my hand on his shoulder and change his potential to that of a Super Devil.

I do this for Gasper and Rias. I will increase Shirone and Akeno's potential to become Omniversal beings since they are my lovers. I could see Rias had a questioning and slightly annoyed look…that I didn't consider her part of 'that'. But I did consider Asia part of it… Is it wrong of me? I'm not sure myself.

But it makes sense though, our relationship had a reset, and now we need to work on that again. After that, the rest of the girls came up to me and I transformed them into the peak of Omniversal-class.

I'm definitely fucking up the power levels of this universe, but since an Outer God is messing with me, and in essence everyone else in the world. This is fine, more enemies as well, so this is definitely fine.

Once I finished doing that, everyone reverted back to what they were doing. Talk about being so calm about things I do…

[They're just used to it, Partner. Isn't this better than them freaking out every time you DO, do something?]

Yeah, you have a point. I prefer it this way.

Bzzt!

"?'"

I check my pocket and pull out my phone. Seems like I got a text message from Rossweisse. Shirone saw who the sender was and gave me an amused look. She leans close to my ear and speaks.

"I thought you got hard, senpai."

She whispered and sniggered at me. I lightly chop her head as she giggles.… How would my thing even make a bzzt sound? Hell, how would my thing vibrate?

[You can literally do anything, that isn't out of the realm of possibility, Partner.]

[—Pfft, drill dick.]

Seriously? I shake my head at his stupid remark… Drill dick… Would… That even work? Okay now I was curious…

Bzzzt!

Right right, back to the text…

|Good evening, Jin!|

|Hey Rose, what's up?|

|I was wondering… Where we will be going on our outing?|

Ah, yeah, we haven't really… Maybe Kyoto? I mean I can kill two birds with one stone. Give the upgraded rings to Yasaka and Kunou, add more things to their necklaces and enchant their clothing. I can do the same thing for Rossweisse on our date. We all win.

|Yeah, actually, I was thinking Kyoto? I have some quick business there, you can meet the West Youkai Faction leader, tour Urakyoto for a bit and then we go out to Kyoto for our date.|

|I-It's not a date! It's just an outing between friends!|

She responded immediately after I sent mine. I couldn't help but chuckle. Shirone took a peek and laughed as well.

"Down goes the Valkyrie-san…"

I grin and pet her.

|Haha, sure sure, then, our OUTING will be there, how does that sound?|

|I'm fine with it…|

|Great! I'll teleport to Asgard to pick you up, how about meeting in front of that restaurant then, the one that Andvari own?|

|Sure! Um, how does around 12 at noon sound…?|

|I'm fine with that then. So, in two weeks? You're free by then, right?|

|Yes, I am! Okay! It's a deal! I look forward to this, Jin! Good night!|

|Haha, alright, I'll see you then, Rose, and yes, Good night.|

Haah… I put my phone back into my pocket and hugged Shirone. She was a bit startled, but adapted. I wonder what request Odin was talking about back then?

{Perhaps, he will request you to hunt down an Evil God? He did allude to it, perhaps he wasn't entirely joking…}

[Yeah, that Odin has more meaning in his words than he lets on, maybe he was telling you a partial truth?]

…An Evil God, huh? If that's true, I wonder who? Hel? Loki? Someone else entirely?

[Perhaps a different God that's from the Norse Mythology? Khaos Brigade and Azrael's group seem to have the same goal since Ophis left them.]

Yeah, since she left, the Old Satan Faction probably took over as leaders. I can assume the Outer God through Azrael helped power them up then. I need to hurry up with my lover's power training, the defenses I have on them can only help so much.

I don't want them relying on them too much. I'll bring them to pocket dimension before and after my visit to the Faerie Kingdom.

Ring!

Now what? I take my phone back out and see who the caller was. Oh. It was Baraqiel. I tap Shirone on the shoulder.

"I need to take it out back, Shiro."

She nods and gets off me, then moves to sit on Reni's lap. The female magician happily hugged her. She's been forced by Reni so many times that she's become the secondary lap she switches to when I'm not around. I like it, it's cute.

"I got a call; I'll be heading to the backyard."

They nod and I leave.

Backyard

Once I go outside and close the door, I hear it slide open again. It was Akeno who followed me. I finally answer the phone and put it on speaker as Akeno stands beside me.

"Hey Baraqiel, I put you on speaker, I'm at the back of my house, and Akeno's with me."

"Very well, and good evening to you Jin, Akeno."

"Good evening dad."

She greets Baraqiel as she hugs my free arm.

"Oh? Good evening, Jin, Akeno~"

Shuri's voice resounds from the other end. I didn't expect her to show up.

"Oh, hi Shuri."

"Hi, mom!"

"So, I called you because Shuri and I finally made our decision…"

It took them that long? Jeez. But I'm glad they did. I could see Akeno roll her eyes at me. Did something else factor into this decision?

"That took you guys quite some time to decide…."

"Yes, however, it was mostly because of Shuri… She was agonizing over where to meet up at. I personally don't mind where…"

Baraqiel explains, but a shuffling noise is heard, almost like his phone being taken away from him.

"We'll be meeting in Jin's home."

Shuri speaks as we hear Baraqiel sighing in the background.

"Really? Alright then, I recently upgraded my house's defense systems so I can confidently say that it's the safest place in the world right now…"

I should upgrade their home in the future, or at least give them necklaces that act like the girls' rings, especially Shuri. I tell them what I did, I already consider them in-laws after all. They were obviously shocked.

"Well, I guess we picked the right place to meet up then, huh, Jin?"

"Yeah… Haha… I guess so."

Shuri still sounded against the harem thing. It's whatever I'll wait for her approval, it shouldn't be too far off… With Akeno and the Slash/Dog girls joining… She'll be more open to it…

[Don't forget about Suzaku, if she does, then it's a guaranteed yes.]

Right…

"Yeah, I'll relay this information to Suzaku."

"Yes, thank you, Jin…. Akeno! Make sure to visit, I mean this to both of you! I need to speak face to face with this stupid soon-to-be son-in-law of mine!"

"…Hehe, of course, mom."

Akeno blushed, but she accepted. Shuri hangs up the phone and I put it back into my pocket.

"Haah… She'll probably try to stop me from having more women."

I look up and sigh.

"Ufufufu, it won't take long. My mother will be convinced sooner or later, Jin."

"I know. It's just a waiting game with her."

She kisses me—

"You'll be speaking with Suzaku-onee-san, right?"

I was a bit surprised but nodded.

"How did you know?"

She snickers at me and rolls her eyes.

"First wife instincts. Don't underestimate them, Jin ~ I know a lot more about you than the rest, I had a head start after all."

I couldn't help but smile and we share another kiss.

"I'll get going then ~"

She winks and starts walking away, putting a little emphasis on her walk… Making her ass shake a little. This woman… I sigh when she steps inside and closes the door.

"First wife, huh?"

[You're lucky, Partner. You said the same thing about Sirzechs with Asteri.]

[Akeno is basically Asteri, and she'll probably stick with you through it all, even with your dumbass.]

Oi, at least be a bit kinder with your words.

[Even if she isn't counted as those stupid 'Fated One' things, she definitely acts like it.]

Ddraig ignored me and kept going.

Yeah… She is… I don't care, they can be the normal women of my harem or these so-called 'fated' ones, but all I ask is to be loved back. I don't care about what others label them.

I sigh and pull my phone back out; I scroll through my contacts and find Suzaku Himejima. I press the call button… Now that I think about it. This will be our first time speaking, we've only texted each other in the past.

"Hello?"

"…"

W-What....?

[Pfft— Look at him Albion, freezing up like a school girl in love.]

{Haah…}

I blush, shut up! I was just caught off guard! I recompose myself.

"Jin?"

She calls out again

"H-Hey, sorry about that. I was speaking to Ddraig."

I hear her giggle through the phone, she sounded cute.

"It's no problem, Jin."

[Partner, if there were more Himejima women, you would be gunning for them. I swear you're obsessed with them.]

Ignoring Ddraig, I continue speaking with her.

"So, I'm calling because Baraqiel and Shuri just called me and told me they decided on the place of the meet-up."

"! S-So where did they decide?"

She sounded both excited and nervous, she hadn't seen them in quite a long time after all…

"In my home in Kuoh."

"Great! W-We can finally meet up…"

She sounded relieved that she finally found out where they wanted to meet up at.

"Yeah, I recently upgraded my home so it should be a better place to meet up than in Grigori, away from prying eyes and ears after all."

"Upgraded your home?"

She sounded confused and I relayed what I did to my home recently and yeah, she was speechless too.

"Jin... Are you sure you should be telling me this?"

"Hmm? Yeah, why not? You're basically family at this point. If Baraqiel, Shuri, Akeno, and team Slash/Dog trust you, then I do too."

"…Thank you, Jin."

I couldn't tell how she was feeling since we were speaking on the phone.

"Then I can't wait for it…. Um, this may be out of line, but may I request something of you?"

A request? Does it have something to do with Sae by any chance? Or helping Tobio be accepted into the clan? Or both?

"Sure, what's the request?"

"Thank you, it's actually about Tobio's childhood friend Sae Toujou she—"

I cut her off.

"Sae Toujou in Grigori, right? Tobio asked me to do something about her. I'll be going over there in two weeks. Tobi's a friend so I didn't mind helping him."

"…"

The other side went silent again.

"Really? You're serious…?"

"Yep, I can— No, I can definitely heal her up, with whatever is happening to her right now. So, by the time we meet, she'll be alright. Hell, we can even invite the team to my house too, so we can all have a little reunion."

I laugh at my suggestion.

"….Jin, thank you, truly."

She sounded upset and relieved.

"Don't worry about it, hey at least nice to finally hear you. You know, putting a name to a voice, and then a face in the future."

I try to lighten the mood, Suzaku giggles at me through the phone.

"Yes… It is nice to finally hear you… We just need to see each other."

We talk a little bit more before bidding each other a good night.

"Phew… Let's see… Ireland and Fae, Grigori… Riser events somewhere there, Rossweisse date with Yasaka and Kunou in between and Suzaku…"

I sigh again at the number of things that are going to happen.

Third Person Point of View

????

????

Cúntóir frowned as she stared at the blonde-haired figure in front of her.

"Why did you summon me here?"

The male with blonde hair turned around as he stared Cúntóir in the eyes with his red eyes.

"We need to talk, Cúntóir, dear."

The figure replies. She frowns at him.

"And what do we have to talk about, ====?"

"You're doing a shit job at helping, Jin."

He bluntly replied. This left Cúntóir speechless as she stared dumbfoundedly at ====.

"I'm doing a fine job at guiding and helping Jin. I am a guide, not there to baby him through it all. Jin needs to go through some trials by himself to grow as a person. If he requests help from myself and the two dragons then we will help him."

==== scoffs.

"Even if he has to shoulder all of that burden by himself? You and the two dragons may feel what he does, but he bears the brunt of it."

"He has knowledge of many worlds at his disposal, including the one he calls home now, he knows next to nothing about his past self, thanks to Azathoth, nothing about the incident involving me, but I will say he's on the right track in finding out."

"He was never and is not obligated to help this world's inhabitant— Ever! But he chooses to because both of our natures and personalities mixed together."

"He knows about an Outer God messing with him but not WHO."

==== scoffs again.

"It's a miracle the guy didn't try to create an edgy split personality to cope with all this mess."

"Jin has an emotional support group, through me, the two dragons, his new friends, and harem! Also do not look down on Jin's will. It takes more than that to take him down, you know that yourself… You know about his past, before his death!"

"Yes yes, after getting diagnosed— Having six months to live, he went out and lived his best life, helping himself and others. That's why I said we were almost alike."

==== sighs

"He thought of other people's happiness and well-being when he himself was going to die soon."

"He was always like that, even when he was young. Even during his asshole years, he still looked out for people. That guy was born to help people, almost TOO MUCH. He was nearly taken advantage of that kindness of his."

==== glared at Cúntóir

"You're acting like Jin recently. He has all the skills and abilities, but he's still quite vulnerable as an individual. Just because he reincarnated doesn't mean he forgets all of those. Why do you think I took over during that time? He needs to work on that part of himself once he finds out."

"Jin isn't that weak! His past won't affect him that much!"

"Yes, it won't, I can see him shrugging it off, maybe even saying 'It's in the past, can't do much?' yeah?"

"You are too wishy-washy, Cúntóir. I have reincarnated multiple times, lived for more than 2000+ years, ruled over people, and watched over a kingdom. You may have knowledge, but I have both knowledge and experience."

"I am not perfect, I know that. My backup plan obviously failed since I'm here now, my next appearance will be my last after all. I failed to keep my promise to 'him' and to my rival and best friend…. And to 'her'."

"That's why I leave that up to Jin, he has my hopes and dreams now. My old hero complex is kind of rubbing off Jin, he's acting like an Emiya Shirou."

==== Laughs.

"It's very minuscule, but it is there. That's why even if Jin is doing his own things, they align with the 'good' nature of things."

"Especially the part of uniting the supernatural world, no?"

=== smiles.

"I did try once to unite my whole world to take down someone after all."

==== points at Cúntóir.

"So, you better curb stomp that personality trait of Jin, and as well as yourself."

"I've looked through Jin's mind. He plans on one-shotting Trihexa in the future, possibly Ghidorah as well, powering his future lovers to Omniversal monsters and then living a peaceful life."

"I have no idea what Azathoth or Nyarlathotep have planned, but they will definitely add fuel to the fire."

==== looks sharply at Cúntóir.

"Or…. Are you Azathoth?"

==== grins.

"Have you been playing cute girl to gain Jin's trust? Carefully watching him grow and giving him advice? Sadistically watching him suffer? Or did you purposely erase your own memories to better fit in and get along with him?"

"N-No! I was just a system created by Azathoth! Jin— He gave me my name and personality!"

Cúntóir was panicking, she didn't think of that scenario at all.

"How are you sure? Maybe you could be lying to yourself after all."

==== scoffs again.

"Well, whatever the truth is, you won't tell me or Jin. Much like what he went through recently, the longer you keep him in the dark, the higher the chance of him hating you in the long run."

"…"

"Well, whatever."

=== stretches himself.

"Better do something about Jin's hero complex and trying to be Mr. Perfect to everyone all the time. Otherwise, he'll be going down a nasty road."

"What was it? Our biggest enemies are ourselves? Especially for Jin, he's trying to be PERFECT."

"I tried to, I came nowhere near it, I could last because of my world, and my age as well as experiences and HER by my side. That's how I kept sane for the longest time."

"As I mentioned before Cúntóir, SHE is looking for me. The blue and gold will soon appear, she will definitely call Jin by my old name, ====. It'll be up to him on how he deals with it."

Cúntóir doesn't say anything and disappears.

==== sighs.

"You really need to help him, before the Kokabiel and Azrael events happen."

=== clenched his fist as it starts trembling.

"Seeing that… Seeing Jin like that, makes my body shiver."

"Azrael… And a hole through Lavinia Reni's stomach. She really has to warn him…"

"Haah… The rage of an Outer God, huh?"

==== also disappeared from the deepest parts of Jin's soul, where the two heavenly dragons couldn't even go to.

1 week later

Jin Skyward

A week has passed and I'm going to go to the Faerie Kingdom in Ireland. But… God, it's been an eventful week. Something's been up with Cúntóir too, she's been… A lot more open? Informative for some reason?

I mean, I like it, I appreciate it, but I and the two dragons were weirded out by it. It seems like something has been bothering her. I tried asking multiple times but she's dodged and deflected all my attempts.

I did take Ddraig's advice on confronting them as soon as possible. But he also told me to back off when they really didn't want to speak about it, so I did. Cúntóir's been fine, but the nagging feeling is still there.

The Gremory peerage has been coming to my home— More specifically using the training facility every day after school, my girls and I also joined them there. Everyone has made great progress.

Shirone and Kiba reached High-class in power, I did spar with them a few times. Their strength and speed have drastically improved. Asia has reached Middle Class in strength; she has also managed to start using her Twilight healing at a distance to heal.

Kuroka and Shirone took her in and started to teach her the use of Touki, the same with Kiba as he asked them for help in that department. I feel like Asia will become a Tsunade… A great healer… Then using touki to beat the shit out of everyone.

She's already started to condense it and punch the ground…she can't destroy it yes since it's designed to withstand higher power ranks, but still. The shockwave and rumbling is an indicator.

Rias also improved a lot, her demonic reserves truly 'awakened' into a High-class, as well as her control and strength in her [Power of Destruction]. She was so happy that she started to fire a bunch of Spirit Gun [Power of Destruction] everywhere. Grayfia had to scold her a bit, as everyone else was left to dodge it all.

Her childish side hasn't so I had a good laugh during that time. Ingvild improved a lot too… Much like Reni, her control and power grew immensely, but she didn't go up in rank, like the rest of my girls… Well that was until I took them to the [Pocket Dimension].

When I did, with the exception of Rias, Kiba, and Gasper, as I will bring them there during the 1-week training camp. I'll train them there for a year, get them to Ultimate-class and have them curb stomp Riser's peerage.

[That'll be a show that the devils will be shocked to see.]

Haha… Yeah…

Anyway, when we were done, since I trained them there for over a week, but a few hours passed out in reality… They grew, and I mean grew a lot. Akeno can freely access her [Fallen Angel Mode] transformation, she also reached Ultimate-class, she's around the middle, so triple A?

Asia alongside Shirone gained better use of their touki, these two with Kuroka and Ingvild worked together during the weeks' time span. Asia and Koneko reaching High-class, while Kuroka and Ingvild shot up to a higher class of Satan-class. They're near the peak.

Asia… While she didn't like or want to hurt anybody, she knew she couldn't grow stronger or defend herself in this place, so she did the most minimum to kill. However, with her training in touki and magic. Her reserves skyrocketed. I had Asia use this time to get a better understanding of her Sacred Gear.

Of course, when she was exhausted, I took over healing everyone. Her feeling is almost instantaneous, she can choose to heal over time or in an instant, and the stamina drain is less with the overtime and more with instant. She can heal from far away with an AoE or Area of effect and not just a single target anymore.

I'm just wondering how I'll get her to unlock her sub-species balance breaker… An armor like mine.

As I mentioned earlier, her touki was at a good spot too, she destroyed her fair share of the landscape when she condensed it into her fist and punch the ground or the monster attacking her… She's really turning into a Tsunade… Her breasts and height were slowly growing, like the rest of the girls.

I also started to teach Grayfia time-stopping magic, in the future I will… Make her a Time Goddess, to stop, manipulate, destroy and influence time however she likes. She has a knack for it as she has started to use Hit from Dragon Ball Super's Time-Skip ability. When she includes her demonic ice magic with it… It's one hell of a trump card for now.

For now, Grayfia can stop time within the entirety of Kuoh, she can only do it for a few minutes, but anyone below her in power will stop moving, regardless of race or species.

The two cat girl sisters grew an extra pair of tails, so Shirone has three and Kuroka four. I wonder if it works like the wings of the fallen, devils, and tails of the kitsune. Kuroka's demonic pool and overall strength and mastery in her craft grew, like Shirone… But she hasn't acquired her [Shirone Mode] yet, she can only use her [Nekomata Level 2], or should we dub it level 3 or 4 now?

Ingvild… Well she got closer with Asia as I suspected, the two have become great friends, juniors and senpais. Ingvild also got better control of her demonic energy and elemental magic, she prefers using water and ice but has also a good grasp on the other elements.

The girls started to call her Serpent princess much to her embarrassment, Grayfia added the title 'Red Dragon Emperor's Serpent Queen.' Making me laugh at Ingvild's embarrassment.

So, Asia and Shirone reached High-class after our time in the [Pocket Dimension], Shirone reaching the peak. Ingvild, Kuroka, and Grayfia went up in Satan-class, Akeno in Ultimate-class, and finally… Lavinia Reni.

I don't know, I'm at a loss for words, well, she reached Mid-Tier God-class for one. Could summon THREE Ice dolls consistently now, can use living elemental magic, and yeah… She became even more powerful.

"…"

That wasn't the only thing that happened during that time in the [Pocket Dimension]. While our main goal was to get them stronger and practice, we did take breaks. I made a temporary replica of my home in there.

We spent 'nights' in there just relaxing and unwinding. I obviously did IT quite a lot with Kuroka and Akeno. Grayfia and Reni were beginning to want to do it… We… We just made out and humped a lot.

Shirone also became a lot bolder thanks to Kuroka's provocation. I created a larger bath— Almost like an open-air one, so we all went in together. Asia didn't mind, I wonder if Kuroka has been getting into her head.

Overall, the week in the pocket dimension was worth it. Both power and relationship-wise.

It was the weekend so I didn't need to worry about school. Everyone was doing their own thing, the Gremory peerage were here— Well down at the training facility, wanting to get stronger. Rias felt Asia, Shirone, and Akeno becoming more powerful after I took them somewhere.

She just looked even more determined than before. I told her that I'll bring her peerage there soon, but just to wait for now. She was satisfied with that and left the issue there.

Haah… But seriously… I wonder how Gabriel's been? She did say she would visit but it's nearly been a month. Are angels work really that busy and packed?

She doesn't have a phone so I couldn't contact her. She played with mine for a bit but… Well it's mine, maybe I should give her one? But she could always just use a magic circle… I kept up with a lot of women during that week times' through text too.

Yasaka, Kunou, Suzaku, Rossweisse, Latia, Natsume and Shigune. I told Natsume and Shigune that if they wanted to accompany me to Ireland a few days prior, they were more than happy too. I haven't given Shigune her weapon, but I did allude to giving it to her during our trip.

You may be wondering, where's everyone else? Grayfia went back to the Underworld as things have started to heat up with the Phenex… More so on Riser's part, I can only guess the Riser Arc may start soon.

Kuroka, Reni, and Ingvild went out… Somewhere, they didn't tell me where. Just said they had to go out for some girl's time. I would guess shopping for stuff, but what would I know? I didn't want to pry but I've basically left Beru in Ingvild's shadow for 24/7.

He doesn't mind, he thinks it's the greatest honor that he can keep an eye on one of my lovers… So I guess it's fine? I did say he can switch with Igris but he refused.

"That feels weird…"

Natsume commented as she stood in my living room along with Shigune who was nodding along. I had teleported them from Grigori into my home, they were curious about my home so I let them be there.

"It's very…home-y"

Shigune comments as she looks around.

"That was the plan, after all. Anyway, we sh—"

Shiiingg!!!

"JIN!!!!!!!!"

A bright Angel ball of wholesomeness tackled me and starts to hug me.

"Oof—"

I look at the figure that was hugging me and it was Gabriel… How ironic, I was thinking of her today and she appears… The other two girls were staring at the Seraph in shock.

"G-Gabriel… How have you been?"

I hug her back as she cuddled more into me.

"I'm sorry for not visiting sooner…"

She looks up at me, she was quite upset with herself.

"I've been busy…"

"Haha… Don't worry about it. I did say you can visit any time, and I meant that when you could— When you have free time."

"Mmm…"

I awkwardly smile at the other two.

"So, today I'm actually going to Ireland since I was invited by the King and Queen of the Fae… Do you want to come along?"

"Yes! I've never been there before…"

The Seraph quickly agrees, I get up and gesture for Shigune and Natsume to come near me.

"Well, let's get going then."

Ireland, Dublin

I teleported us to the top of Crann Sióg or the Fairy Tree.

"Whoa, where are we?"

Natsume asks and I tell her.

"Anyway, the letter told me that the barrier between the Faerie Kingdom is… In Cavan, Derrycarne Woods. Time to teleport again, ah— Hey be careful."

I see that Natsume was walking around without too much care as she got near the edge.

"Hu— Hyaa!"

Natsume was walking around until she slipped, I catch her and pull her back up.

"Haah…"

I was hugging her tightly

"Ireland's weather is what I call bipolar, it can change anytime."

I look at the roof, it was a bit wet…

"And from the looks of things it was raining recently."

Natsume blushed and nods.

"S-Sorry…"

I jump back to where the others were and let her go, she stays still as Gabriel and Shigune crowd around me.

"Alright, next stop. Cavan."

Cavan, Derrycarne woods

When we teleported there, the woods were void of people, I could feel some sort of magic within the area… No, it covered the entire woods. Normal humans are being influenced into staying away from here.

I'm thankful, while I was confident in humans not being around these parts of the woods since I teleported us quite deep within. The magic the Fae has around here helped, there will always be some rowdy teens that will go further than necessary.

"Jin? Do you feel that?"

Gabriel asks and I nod.

"Yeah, some sort of magic, probably set up by the Fae to keep normal humans out."

"Have you been here before?"

Have I? I feel like I have…maybe on a school trip in the past? I shake my head.

"No, first time for me. But let's just follow the magical signature and we'll find the barrier that splits the supernatural from the normal human world."

So, we did, Gabriel had latched onto me… I have a feeling a lot of blonde women have started to do that kind of thing… Reni for one, now Gabriel and Asia during the week we stayed in the pocket dimension.

"These woods sure do seem normal though… Oh, a lake."

Shigune as well as Natsume were looking around since they were intrigued.

"Are you two doing, okay? It's quite chilly this time of year…"

"Yeah, we're fine. We can take it; we've been to worse places with awful temperatures."

I nod, I'm planning on upgrading their rings, clothes, and potential, later on, if I can guess right, we'll be invited to stay the night… So I'll do it then, that's how it went in Asgard and Kyoto. Gabriel seems fine… She was probably created with different temperatures in mind? Or is it because of me?

{[You.]}

Duly noted. Actually, how would they know? Those two haven't exactly hugged me… It is weird…

Cúntóir: Answer: I told them.

Alright then… After a few minutes, we come across a clearing and I could feel the zones ending and starting here.

"Looks like we're here."

I turn back to them.

"You guys ready?"

"Yes."

They both answer, Gabriel just squeezed my arm.

"Alright, let's go."

So, we stepped through.

Land of the Fae

Faerie Kingdom

When we stepped through, we were greeted to a very… How do I say this? Otherworldly? Magnificent? Fantasy-like? Because… They all hit that.

Hundreds, no maybe even thousands of trees everywhere, of different colors and sizes, bushes and mushrooms of varying sizes, plants that were glowing… Almost like lights or lanterns. Many normal wild lives too, some birds in the sky, frogs croaking, a few deer.

In the background, one enormous tree, perhaps it was the castle or home to the King and Queen of the Fae? I wouldn't be surprised if it was. Behind that, even more trees but they were smaller in size, mountains in the distance, on par with the big tree, and a few smaller ones…

Some waterfalls and supernatural… Creatures flying around, Ariel's? Large birds, spirits maybe? The sky was bright blue, I wonder what it would look like at night… The air was fresh… It was really 'magical'.

In front of us were… Creatures, who had spears and were looking at us in shock as we soaked in the views.

"Halt! State your business."

One of the 'guards' came up to us, the other one pointing their spear at us. I nod, bring out my letter and hand it to him. He takes it and reads through it.

"!"

He gained a surprised look as he lowers his spear and tells his fellow guard to lower it too.

"My apologies, you are the Middleman, correct?"

I answer his question with a nod. He nudges his fellow guard.

"Fetch Spriggan!"

The other guard nods and scurries away.

"Excuse me for the rude welcoming, Mr. Middleman."

"Don't worry about it. You were just doing your job. But man… This place sure is something, huh? Sorry for asking but… What are you?"

The guard chuckles and nods.

"It's no problem, I am, and my fellow guard are spirits. I am a rock spirit and he is a plant spirit."

"I see…"

I turn back to looking at the scene as we wait for the escort… Or whoever this Spriggan person is. I could see the other three still looking in awe, I don't blame them, Asgard was great but had a modern feel to it.

The same could be said for Urakyoto… It had an old Japan vibe to it. Here though… It seemed more like those fantasy places you'd visit in games… Like a hidden village in a forest, the inhabitants keep to themselves as they lived off nature— Sort of thing.

"There is more to our home than what you see, Middleman."

The rock spirit continues.

"The inhabitants here live in harmony; wars have been over for many millennia. There are dedicated land masses or domains that house certain species or races. For example, we have both High elves and Dark elves here, they live in different domains but are quite friendly with each other."

E-Elves?! My eyes widen.

"Holy crap you guys have elves?!"

The rock spirit guard was a bit shocked; he then laughs as he confirms with a nod to my question.

"Jin? You like elves?"

Shigune asks looking at me weirdly, the same with Natsume.

"Er— I mean they've been portrayed so much in media… I kind of wanted to meet one, so yeah, I'm excited to see or meet one."

"Hmmm…"

Natsume stared at me suspiciously but didn't press it.

Just then an elf walked by! An elf! Holy crap! She looks great! My eyes were immediately on her, I was in a way bewitched by her appearance and aura. Blond hair! Green eyes! Elf ears! A Bona fide Elf!!!!! Uwooooooo!!!!!!!

Squeeze!

"Huh?"

I turn to see Gabriel huffing and squeezing my arm.

"G-Gabriel?"

"Hi hi!"

An Ariel that was purple came flying to us, behind her was… A small… Creature. It had a diminutive appearance with a head that consist of stone, a golden necklace, and a fur pelt.

"Ah, Spriggan-san, he's the Middleman… And he's brought some, companions, one of them seems to be one of the Four Great Seraphs of Heaven, Gabriel-sama."

The rock spirit explains. The creature now called Spriggan nods.

"I see, I welcome you, Middleman and his companions, please follow me."

He turns his back to us and starts walking away. We nod and follow Spriggan. We continue to look around us as we walked through the… City? What do I even call this place? But there were shops…? Street vendors, homes, inns, and the like. They didn't use human currency… I wonder what they use.

But everything was mostly made of wood, a few buildings had rocks? Concrete? Cement? Whatever they weren't wood. The 'lights' weren't well, lights, I could feel magic from them, so they used magic to light up their kingdom.

One thing is for sure though, they were all friendly. Nearly all the Fae were greeting us, a few flying by or coming up to us to give us some food, we gladly accepted them not to seem rude. Natsume and Shigune were clearly overwhelmed.

Gabriel was taking it all in stride, some Fae were captivated by her beauty… She is the most beautiful woman of Heaven after all… How lucky am I to have her clinging on to me?

Spriggan didn't seem like the type to be social or outspoken, he would sometimes look back and nod at us, but nothing else.

"This place is incredible, huh? The Fae are also so… Friendly…"

Shigune points out as Natsume nods furiously while eating a fruit she was given.

After a few minutes of walking, we reach the giant tree and my assumption was right, it is the castle or home to the King and Queen. We enter and are guided to an… Elevator? But it was made out of plants…

"Watch your step."

Spriggan warns us after we piled into the… Plant elevator. Just then it started to move upwards… No, the plans were swapping? Like they were pushing us up, then another plant took us and pushed us up again.

Oh god, what will happen when we go down? Are they just gonna yeet us?

{I would assume they would just do the same thing… But downwards…}

Alright, point taken Albion… Eventually the plant elevator stops, and Spriggan leaves first followed by us. Another few minutes of walking until we enter a place I would assume is the throne room.

"Oh!? They're here haha!"

A… Man… Says…? He had deer hooves for legs and feet. The lady beside him smacked him so he settled down. So, they're the King and Queen? Looks like the Queen has the reins of this relationship…

"My Queen, Titania, and King Oberon, I have brought the middleman and his companions."

Spriggan announces and bows, he immediately stands to the side watching us intently.

"Hello…?"

"Jin, call me Jin."

I gesture to my companions—

"This is Natsume, Shigune, and Gabriel."

She nods and smiles.

"Welcome, Jin, to the Kingdom of the Fae. I am the Queen and ruler, Titania."

She points to the guy beside her, who I guess is her husband? He was smiling widely and waving at us.

"This is the King and my Husband Oberon."

"Hi hi! So, you're the middleman, huh? Got a harem going? Haha! Cool!"

Again, he earned a light smack from Titania.

Oberon has a mostly humanoid form with the exception of his deer horns and deer hooves, which make him resemble a satyr. He has fair skin, yellow eyes, and long, bushy, dark green hair that reaches beyond his back.

Meanwhile, Titania is as tall as a human with floor-length black hair that is parted at the center, violet eyes, and very large breasts. Her dress is black and adorned with gold and she has a circlet that resembles green branches.

…They're… From the Ancient Magus Bride series… Is their history different here? Don't they reside in England…? No… This sort of makes sense, England already has its own history with King Arthur, Merlin, Ley Fay, and all of those…

Also, the long history between Ireland and England… Tensions and all that, IRA… Haah… What a hassle.

"So, I can assume I was invited because the Fae wants to form an alliance with the three factions, perhaps even other factions and pantheons through me?"

The Queen, Titania smiles and nods.

"Indeed, that is the reason why I have invited you, as well as to see if the rumor were true… It seems that they are…"

Can she tell from a glance? Her powers are pretty interesting… Maybe she can speak to the plants or something? The wildlife? Can she tell if someone is lying or not through… I don't know, nature?

"Alright sure, I feel like the three powers might have a peace conference in the near future. I'll pass it along; I'm doing the same with Asgard and the West Youkai Faction after all."

"I'll come back here when they do accept."

"Thank you, Jin, I— We look forward to it."

"Hmmm~ then Thor was all real, huh?"

Oberon finally speaks up as he jumps from his seat and circles Gabriel and I. The Seraph in question was still latched onto my arm.

"Yeah."

I summon the [Boosted Gear].

"I can have Ddraig vouch for that."

[I mean, yeah. But you didn't exactly use me, so I'm kind of useless in this regard, Partner.]

This earned a chuckle from both leaders, Ddraig de-summons himself.

"Hmmm ~ well, your stunt did get a lot of factions and pantheons' attention you know."

Oberon goes back to his throne and sits down smiling at us.

"I know, I already know who leaked it and informed Odin. I don't know what happened to them though."

"Mmm-mmm, even some from Ireland, like us! Hey, are you really Irish? Your name doesn't sound like it!"

"Haha, yes, I am. Blame that on my parents… They were quite eccentric, they did things at their own pace…unfortunately it also meant my name."

"Were? My, sorry for your loss, Jin."

Oberon apologized and I shook my head and told him it was fine.

"But still… Quite a few groups are interested in you, especially Tir na nOg, the Tuath De Dannan, Áine of Knockaine, and finally the Queen of the Land of Shadows herself— Scathach, perhaps even her students? Maybe the giants of the Giants causeway? Who knows, maybe even more? Hehe."

I knew of them all… But the stories of Tir na nOg were true? Color me surprised… Now I'm kinda excited to meet them… Of course, I'm not naïve enough to think they'll welcome me with open arms.

Scathach for one, the hell's she's doing here? Isn't she Welsh? But she is mentioned a lot in Irish Mythology… Worlds… Different, whatever. Anyway, she might— No, will definitely want to fight me then… I don't see any other reason for her wanting to contact me.

"So many confusing words…"

Natsume was scratching her head as Shigune smiled awkwardly beside her.

"Ahaha… Sorry, it's just like that, I even have trouble pronouncing them at times."

Titania finally lost her composure and actually smacks Oberon hard on the head, the husband falls unconscious.

"….."

We stare gobsmacked at the fallen King.

"Ufufu, anyway, thank you for coming all the way here, Jin. You and your companions are more than welcome to stay here for the day and night."

As I suspected she invited us to stay. I turn to the girls and they nodded excitedly.

"Well, we thank you in advance then, Titania-san."

She smiles and waves me off.

"You can call me Titania, it's fine."

She bends down and ruffles through Oberon's pockets. She makes… Keys float towards me.

"These will be your rooms at a certain Inn. Spriggan, guide them there."

"At once, my Queen."

Spriggan bows and gestures for us to follow him. Oh, no… The plant elevator.

Ahhh—

"Haah…"

It wasn't that bad, it did what Albion said, though, I felt like I was falling but then stop, then start falling again and stop. Truthfully it was a weird experience.

We had reached the Inn that Titania mentioned. Spriggan nods at us and leaves. Well, we're on our own then. We enter the place and see… That Ariel's were managing the place.

"Hello? We were given rooms here by… Uh, Titania?"

I call out as an Ariel stops reading a newspaper.

"Oh? Oh! The middleman! Welcome! We've been expecting you!"

She flies over to us and flies around us.

"Can I see the keys?"

I oblige and show her them. She nods to herself and goes back to her desk.

"Okay! You're all set!"

She snaps her fingers and a trail of light appears.

"Follow that and they'll lead you to your room! Oh! But if you want to sleep in the same one…"

She grins—

"Then you can! The beds are expandable after all! Hehe!"

As usual, Gabriel was too innocent to understand.

"Mmm! I'll sleep with Jin."

This made the other two blush.

"Haah… Let's just go check our rooms out…"

I start to walk with Gabriel in tow, the two not too far behind.

We reach, well my room first and we go in… It's just like a cottage, everything made out of wood, bud the mattress was… Made out of how do I put this… Magical leaves and other assortments? It looked like a normal mattress, felt like one as I had sat on it.

It's normal, except for the look… I look at the lights… They were powered by magic. I clap in its direction and it goes out, oh! I did it again and it turns back on… Wow, that felt almost futuristic!

Clap! Clap! Clap! Clap!

Smack!

"Ow!"

Someone had smacked me… Okay, I won't blame them… I did just turn into a stupid kid there.

"Stop, Jin!"

Natsume looked annoyed at me, meanwhile, Gabriel and Shigune were giggling to themselves.

"R-Right… My bad."

[Partner, it's fine to let loose or act childishly, just don't be an insensitive asshole.]

Huh? Where did that come from? I was confused by the random comment coming from Ddraig.

[We feel what you do, you've been way too cautious about it. I can see you're taking steps, but you're acting like everything is a land mine. Take it easy. I'll shit talk you if you do start going backwards.]

Gee, thanks Ddraig… Always ol' reliable.

"So… You guys want to go exploring?"

They excitedly nod and so we go out…

"Actually. I have something to do, you guys go on without me, I need to speak with the Queen again."

They were a bit surprised.

"About what, Jin?"

Gabriel looked concerned.

"It has something to do with Natsume, a part of her present you could say…"

I see Gabriel start to pout and I pat her.

"I have presents for all of you, but later on tonight, alright?"

This satisfied her as she went back to her usual self… That necklace is doing wonders in keeping her from falling. They all reluctantly agreed but decided to stick with each other. I watch them go explore, their forms slowly disappearing. Phew… Now then.

'Hey, Titania?'

I communicate with the Queen through telepathy.

'J-Jin?!'

She was clearly startled; I tell her what I can do and she calms down.

'So, I feel a wind spirit here, a very powerful one at that… I was wondering, will they do contracts?'

'Wind spirit? Ah! Do you mean Sylph? Yes, she's quite playful, but whoever wants to form a contract with her needs to do a trial.'

Sylph? Her? Alright sure… Since Natsume is working on wind magic… Having someone that's literally a living element of that can work.

[Why don't you just make one for her, Partner?]

I thought about it, but… I think this will have more meaning, than me making it and just handing it out…

[Learning from experience, then?]

Yeah, that. Anyway, I thank the Queen.

'Thank you, Titania, where can I find this Sylph?'

'She's located within the domain of the High Elves, when will you go to her? I will inform them of your arrival and reason.'

Wooooooooooooo!!!! Elves here I come!!!!!!

'Well, right now, I guess. I just need to get my companions and go there.'

'Very well, I wish you luck.'

I cut the link and go off to find the girls…

"Hey!"

I find the girls as they were enjoying themselves… Well, I did find them earlier… Like an hour earlier, but they were having fun so I decided to hang back and wait till they seemed like they were going to go on a break.

"Oh, Jin!"

Natsume sees me and waves me over. I join them and tell them my plan.

"So, part of my present for Natsume is a little… How do I say this… Adventurous? We need to go to the High Elves domain to get… Her."

"Get… Her?"

Natsume squints her eyes at me. I didn't want to be labeled anything weird so I'll just explain myself.

"So, you're learning wind magic, so I thought why not get you a contract with a powerful wind spirit? There's one here, she's over at the High elves' domain. Her name is apparently called Sylph."

"…"

They stare at me in shock.

"Y-You didn't need to go that far, Jin… Thank you though…"

"When do we go?"

Shigune asks, a bit excited for her friend.

"Well… How about now? She does need to go through a trial for her…"

This makes Natsume grin.

"I don't like handouts, so a trial makes sense!"

Didn't you accept that ring from me? Well, whatever… I nod and gesture for them to gather around me. I spread my aura and look for an overabundance of High elves within the Faerie Kingdom. Once I find their aura and I teleport there.

Elven City

I apparently teleported us just outside the city, two male elf guards stop us… Well they try to until they see me and salute me.

"Welcome, Jin-sama!

They both shout, this gets a bit of attention as some elves stop to look at us.

"Welcome, Middleman."

Another elf greets us.

She is a little girl that has pale white hair and eyebrows, pointy elf ears, and pink-colored eyes. She sports a short bob cut with a large bang in the middle of her forehead and two smaller hair strands at the side of her face. The elf wears a short dress that reveals a bit of her legs and a medium-sized robe that only covers her left shoulder. She also wears a golden ring on her left finger and also carries a staff.

Pfft!!! W-What is Kokoro Natsume from Princess Connect: Re Dive, doing here?!

"Is something wrong?"

She asked concerned, I was probably making a very shocked expression.

"Ahem… No it's nothing, are you here to guide us?"

I recomposed myself and answer her.

"Yes, I am Kokkoro, I will lead you and your companions to where Sylph resides. Please follow me."

She doesn't wait for an answer and starts to walk away. We follow her and look at the elf's domain. I was honestly expecting a more… Forest-y, houses on the tree kind of deal, but it's a lot more modern than the main city of the Fae.

Modern type houses, buildings, shops, a cathedral, and food vendors everywhere. All types of elves walking around, men, women, and children going about their everyday lives. Since it's a High Elf domain, there are only a few dark elves to be seen.

I wonder if there are half-elves… Like human and elf hybrids or other types… Oh? Never mind then… There are still houses and shops that are embedded into trees, but it seems like most are modernized. There are also small walkways and bridges connecting them.

Much like the main city of the Fae, the elves were a friendly bunch, giving out free samples and greeting us.

We eventually leave the town/city and reach an opening.

"This will teleport you to Sylph-sama's sanctuary, please be mindful."

Kokkoro explains and bows. She then starts to walk back to the city.

"Guess we're on our own then."

We step on the magic circle, a few seconds later we are teleported…into a deeper part of the forest.

If I were to say, that the Fae city looked like a fantasy dream… Then this was something else. It had a mysterious vibe to it, the general color scheme was blue and green, and the deer and other animals here were the same color.

But the area felt warm and welcoming, the trees blocked out most of the sun, so it was quite dark, but not pitch black… We could still see with the rays of light shining through.

"This way."

I could feel the presence of a strong spirit…the others follow me as we silently walk through the wind spirit's domain.

"Oh? Oh!!? Visitors?!"

A small female spirit excitedly says. We stare at the little spirit in shock, this was…the strongest wind spirit here? Her home was mostly ruins…overgrown vines, trees, moss, and other plant life everywhere.

She also looked like Sylph from the MGQ franchise…dear god, is she stupid too…?

"Hi! I'm Sylph the wind spirit of the Faerie Kingdom! Nice to meet you!"

She starts to fly around us, occasionally poking at us, like a curious child.

Sylph was wearing a typical green dress that showed off her legs… Even in her small form, her boots were also colored green with a small hint of orange and light yellow.

"The Queen told me someone was going to try to form a contract with me?! It's been so long! Hehe!"

She stops and stares at us with a big smile.

"So, who is it?!"

"Um… Me."

Natsume steps forward as she awkwardly shuffles towards Sylph.

"Okay!"

The wind spirit happily claps her hand and—

Swooshhh!! Fwiip!

They vanished.

"H-Huh?! N-Natsume!?!"

Shigune starts to panic but I put my hand on her shoulder.

"It's fine, Shigune, Natsume is fine. They're just in another location or dimension… Let's not panic and let Natsume get through the trial…

"Ah… Oh, haah… I was worried that she…"

I start to pat her head to calm her down.

"I know, I would have done something if I felt any malicious intent from the spirit, but she's almost childlike in nature— Maybe she pulls pranks to pass time?"

"Hehe, it does seem like it…"

She starts to calm down and we wait there for Natsume to come back.

Third Person Point of View

With Natsume and Sylph

"…T-That's it…?"

Natsume asked incredulously.

"Yep! That's it! You— We won't fully synchronize without proper training and doing 'that'! Hehe!"

"…But what does my love life and crush have to do with getting wind powers?!"

Natsume was blushing at Sylph who was giggling to herself.

"There are other spirits here in the Fae Kingdom. Each of us has a different trial you must pass if you want to form a contract with us. I'm known to be more… Well, the childish one out of the four. So, this is my trial!"

"Natsume Minagawa! Admit your true feelings to the one you like! That is my trial!"

Sylph crosses her arms and smiles widely at the girl. Natsume's right eye was twitching wildly as she couldn't believe what she was hearing.

'Maybe… I shouldn't have accepted this…'

She was having second thoughts.

"I mean… I do like him, but we aren't exactly close… And if I suddenly confess, it would be weird!"

"Many beings have tried to form contracts with me in the past! However, they have failed to pass my trials! They're quite easy, but most can't go through with it! Who cares about any of that stuff! Don't couples get together and fall for each other afterward in this day and age?!"

Natsume looked mortified at the spirit.

'How do you know about new age traditions like that?!'

"Huhu! I know that look! You're wondering how I know this! Right?!"

"Eh—?"

Natsume was again shocked.

"The winds tell me! I am the embodiment of wind! While I'm no God or Goddess, I am a spirit, I was born from it, lived many lifetimes, and have merged with the winds all over the world! I know many things!"

She proudly announces, leaving the girl speechless.

"Natsume Minagawa! I repeat this one more time, confess!"

"And let this be, the winds of change that advance your stale relationship!"

"...…"

Jin Skyward

"It's been around thirty minutes…"

We have been waiting out here for a while, I had made chairs for us and we had been sitting waiting for them silently, Gabriel not really minding since she was mostly cuddling with me.

Swooshhh!! Fwiip!

Oh! They're back… Natsume was completely red, eh? Why? She's looking at me and her heart race is increasing…. What in the world did that spirit do?

"Her trial isn't over! But it will be before the end of the day!"

She flies over to me and sits on my shoulder.

"With that said, I shall be within that girl until then."

"So, like a Sacred Gear? You'll be living within her?"

"Yes! Essentially. But rest assured, this forest is just my home, it isn't necessary for me to stay here all the time. I can control the winds of the world from anywhere."

"I see… I guess we're done here then…"

"That we are!"

Sylph gets off my shoulder, turns into a small green ball of light, and goes inside of Natsume.

"Are you okay, Natsume?"

Shigune was worried about her friend and teammate, she goes over to her and tried to comfort her.

"I-I'm fine… I just need to think about how to do this trial…"

Natsume falls silent as I teleport us back to the main city of the Fae…

Nighttime

We were currently in the Inn; we had explored the rest of the city after we got back. Natsume seemed to be in deep thinking after we got back though. So, she didn't really experience or enjoy everything that was presented to us.

"Huuuuu…"

It was night and I was relaxing in my room with Gabriel, she was lying beside me, a very happy and satisfied expression on her.

Bzzzt!

"Hmmm?"

I summon my phone and see a text message from Natsume, it said to meet her outside. Does this involve the mock fight? I nod and try getting up, but this disturbs Gabriel.

"J-Jin…?"

"Sorry, Gabriel I need to go out… You can go back to sleep if yo—"

She shakes her head and gets up.

"I'll go with you…"

I nod and we leave our room.

I locate Natsume's mana, she was on top of a hill, it had a wide-open space, a lot of Fae went here to relax or play during the day, right now it was night so many of them were asleep or in their homes.

I could see some Banshee flying around, some waving at me, but they were mostly busy doing their own thing. Do they come out at night only? I wasn't sure, maybe I'll ask a resident before we leave tomorrow…

When Gabriel and I arrive there, we see Natsume and Shigune… Looks like she was dragged along as she awkwardly waved at me.

"Haah… Alright come out, Titania and Oberon…"

I had felt their presence earlier before I even arrived. I wonder why they were here.

"Hehe! We were found out!"

Oberon comes out first, in his usual playful manner. Followed by Titania as she smiled at us.

"We were out on a stroll… I felt Natsume-san's emotions were a bit… Wild— Disturbed so we came here to see why."

She explained and Oberon nodded along, they weren't lying so I nod at them.

"So, why did you call me out, Natsume?"

"Jin, I told you around a month ago why… Also it has something to do with my trial…"

"I see, so we're fighting then?"

She answers with a silent nod.

The 'fight' didn't last long, it really didn't. Natsume had summoned Griffon and they attacked me together, but due to her emotional turmoil, she wasn't really 'in' the fight so she slipped up a few times.

I only avoided her during the time and she ran out of steam. Griffon was concerned but I told the Sacred Gear to just go back, he reluctantly did so, knowing his wielder would be fine with me.

"Natsume… Why, why did you want to fight me in the first place?"

She was still panting on the ground, as she put her light gun back in its holster.

"I… It's the same as Tobi! I felt useless and helpless!"

"That time in France… When fighting that stupid thing…"

She slammed both her fist so on the ground.

"So damn useless… That's why I asked Reni to train me in magic… Griffon can use wind magic, maybe I could as well, you know?"

"I was making good progress! But… It felt slow… Compared to Reni and Shigune… So I was happy today when you said I could form a contract with a wind spirit…"

She looks up and gives me a bitter smile.

"Haaaah… But to get the contract I have to do something embarrassing… Something I'm not ready for yet… I think."

"Hey, Natsu, I'm not perfect either… I had my fuck ups recently too."

This catches her— No, everyone's attention.

[DO IT! DO IT!]

I sigh at Ddraig and tell everyone what I had done to Kuroka and how I had been. They all obviously sighed at me.

"Yeah, you were an asshole."

Natsume nodded.

"Ahahaha… I would have probably exploded on you, Jin…"

Shigune gave me a half smile.

"Haha! Powerful with power! But not so much at relationships! But you are indeed growing, no?"

"Yes, I agree with my Husband, we learn and grow from experiences, Jin. Just take this as a lesson and move on."

Gabriel didn't say anything but was sadly smiling at me. That's all I needed from her to know what he feels and means.

"So, yeah, you're not alone in this, Natsu."

I look at her as she had gone back into thinking. Her face slowly turned red. She finally nods to herself.

"Okay…"

With that Sylph appears on her shoulder with a wide smile. She then gets off and floats on the spot.

"Hehe, it's time ~"

Natsume gets up from her spot and walks towards me with embarrassed determination. She stops in front of me and looks up.

"J-J-J-J-J-Jin!"

She stuttered horribly, this made Sylph laugh behind her, Shigune confused since she also didn't know what was going on.

"I… I… I can't do it like this!"

Natsume turns around and fires her light pistol at Sylph, the wind spirit dodging it.

"Hey! That's dangerous!"

She wasn't mad but was surprised by the action she took.

"Get over here!"

Natsume turns back to me and shouts, she grabs the collar of my shirt and pulls me down.

Chu ~

She kissed me on the lips. My eyes widened, the same with Shigune.

"Yay!!!!! Contract complete! Heh! We're now connected in mind and soul, Natsume Minagawa! Let's get along and become stronger together, okay?!"

Sylph happily announces their contract had been formed and vanishes in a green ball of light.

"Wooo! You go girl!"

Oberon cheered from the side while clapping.

"Ara ara…"

Titania touched her cheek as she blushed at the sight in front of her.

"Reminds me of when we first met."

"Hehe, indeed."

The two leaders were enjoying the teenage drama in front of them, a bit too much… She finally breaks the kiss and blushes at me.

"T-That's… How I feel…."

She crouches down and covers her eyes.

"Ahhhhhhh kill me!!!!!—"

I chuckle and crouch down too. I put a hand on her head.

"I'll help you get stronger, Natsume."

I look at Shigune.

"You too. But let's get back to my room… I have a few things to give and do for you guys…"

Gabriel grabs the two girls as she smiles at them.

"We'll be there then, Jin."

She was acting like the mature Seraph that she is normally when I'm not there…

"Many thanks, Gabriel."

When they go back into the Inn I sigh heavily. The two leaders stand by my side.

"Hehe, getting a harem for yourself, Jin? Or is it a concubine?"

"A harem, I love them all, so no it's not a concubine."

He nods sagely as we stare out into the night sky.

It really looked like a fantasy world… Purple, blue, and green with stars everywhere… No dark cloud in sight. I feel Oberon pat me on the back.

"Well, those experiences are forcing you to mature, Jin."

Losing his childlike nature, Oberon tells me seriously.

"Like my wife said, learn from them and grow from them. I wish you luck in your future endeavors."

"But Jin. Do not try to shoulder everything."

Titania adds.

"I can feel that you're carrying something heavy… You have your lovers, yes? Share that burden with them… Don't let it consume you."

"…"

He puts his hand behind his head and grins.

"Well, we better get going now, good night, Jin ~"

His easy-going self is back, Titania nods at me and they leave.

"Am I shouldering everything…? I certainly do know more than the average being in this world…"

I sigh and start heading back… I don't want to keep them waiting.

When I enter my room again, all three girls were sitting there waiting patiently.

"Hey, sorry for the wait."

"Anyway, let's get down to business… Please give me your rings, Natsume, Shigune. I need to upgrade them."

They looked confused and I tell them what I did to the other girls, they were shocked and quickly give me my ring. I upgrade the two rings and give them back to them. I then tell them about the clothes enchantment.

"Can I touch your clothes…?"

They again nod giving me permission. I also enchant them.

"Alright… Next…"

I summon the whip I made for Shigune and tell her the effects.

"… I…just like…?"

"Yeah, just like Poh, maybe this way you can gain a better understanding?"

Shigune smiles and nods, she gives me a quick hug and thanks me. I turn to Natsume

"I already gave you your present earlier… And yeah… Lets uh, you know, get along."

Natsume obviously blushes but nods.

"Finally, Gabriel…"

I create the same ring for her, the gemstone is a yellow topaz to compliment her hair… I slip the ring on her finger with all its upgrades. I touch her outfit and enchant them as well.

"There, all done."

"Oh wait…"

I tell them about changing their potential as well, they were more than happy to let it happen… So I change all three of their potentials to the peak of Omniversal class.

"Now, we're finally done."

I begin to sigh when Gabriel interrupts us.

"No…"

We turn to her as she stares at me with concern.

"W-What do you mean by that, Gabriel…?"

I didn't think Gabriel would be looking at me so seriously.

"Jin… You asked me before what I thought of love, right?"

"Yes, yes, I did. Did you find your answer?"

I smile at her and she nods.

"Yes… I thought long and hard about it, my fellow brothers and sisters giving me their own opinions… I also… Heard father's voice too…"

What? How the… Isn't he dead? No, it can't be a literal voice… Maybe like, a past voice giving out advice or something? Ghost of Christmas past kind of deal…

"So… What's your answer?"

Natsume and Shigune get up to make room for the Seraph. Shigune was flustered as she knew what was coming… I mean we all did…

Gabriel stands up and hugs me.

"Mmm… I love you, Jin; this love is different than what I feel for humans… Other beings, and my own brothers and sisters…"

She giggles.

"A sinful kind of love… Right, Jin…?"

She looks up at me, a more dazzling and brighter smile than the one she's shown me so far… It left me speechless.

"….. Yeah…a sinful kind of love…"

We lean in and kiss each other. This… It was a pure kind of love for her, so there's zero chance of her falling… And even if it did, I had the necklace on her.

"Mmm…"

We break the kiss and she looks at me with a blush.

"Auuu… I want to sleep with you now ~"

The tension vanishes and she goes back to her usual self with me.

"Hahaha… Yeah, we've been up for a while now…"

But… No one moves, more like, the girls didn't leave.

"Uh… So, I can assume everyone wants to sleep with me tonight…?"

Natsume and Gabriel nod, but Natsume was a bit shocked at her teammate.

"I-I can't sleep at new places, especially Inns! I'm okay with hotels or hostels!"

Shigune explains herself but Natsume wouldn't stop smirking at her.

"Sure, thing Shigune ~ huhuhu."

Shigune went red, the other two went into their rooms to fetch their things. Once they were back, they striped into their bra and panties. Clearly blushing.

"Yeah… We didn't exactly bring new clothes huh…"

I could make pajamas for them… Or not, also I told them a few days beforehand so they had chances to bring clothes with them…

[They had this planned from the start! Sly girls!]

I agree with the Breast Dragon.

[OI!]

Heh, anyway, we all got on the bed, Shigune to my right, Natsume to my left, and the angel lying on top of me. I would say we had a rather eventful day…

The next day

"Come visit us again, Jin!"

Oberon and Titania were seeing us off, alongside Spriggan, the inn owner, and the two spirit guards.

"Yes, come here when the peace conference with the three powers is done."

"Oh, and that too!"

Oberon adds as some Fae laugh at him.

"Yes, I will. Please take care."

I wave to them, and so do the others…

A few days later.

Japan, Kuoh

Jin Skyward

"…"

I could feel someone trying to teleport into my room, when I started to move the girls also woke up, they looked quite annoyed. I let the teleportation happen… And a Gremory magic circle appears.

Is it time already…?

The girls stare a bit surprised by who teleported in. Rias Gremory.

"R-Rias…?"

Akeno was a bit shocked. But the heiress ignores everyone, as she jumps onto my bed, straddles me, and strips everything off.

"Jin! Not time to explain, please sleep with me! Take my virginity!"

"....."

Everyone was stunned speechless.

So, the Riser Arc starts… Huh?


Tip: You can use left, right, A and D keyboard keys to browse between chapters.