Chapter 5:

Chapter 5:

He never imagined the day would come. He was looking at the tiny miracle before him as it cried.

He never expected it to happen this soon. Even so, the fact that it even happened was still surreal to the cyborg.

His former teacher, now a long-time bald friend, was standing over a bed, looking at the greatest gift life could give.

His other two. Companions? Acquaintances? He was not sure how to see them, one being a black dog with six ruby-red eyes and the other a short black creature around the dog's height with a tentacle dangling from his head. They were standing on the other side of the bed with curious expressions. The creature with a tentacle on his head was touching the thing as if he encountered an alien object.

On the bed was a beautiful woman with brown hair, fair skin, dressed in the white hospital gown, cradling her miracle that was her newborn son in her arms, rocking the tiny body while humming a soft lullaby.

The baby let out a soft cry, causing the mother to giggle in amusement before turning to the bald man next to her and handing him her son.

The bald man was anxious. He slowly held out his hands as the woman placed the child on them. He was being careful, so careful for the first time in his life as he looked at the cooing, fragile thing, a tear starting to well up in his eyes, an emotion he hadn't felt since ever.

The Demon Cyborg Genos could not believe his eyes that the mightiest hero, Saitama, had nearly cried as he held the boy in his arms.

"Um. Genos?"

"...Huh? What?" The cyborg blinked as he found himself spacing out, distracted by the whole thing before him.

"Can- err. Can you switch with me holding Ise?" Saitama asked with not only an anxious, but also a terrified expression.

Genos blinked again - him, holding a baby, not just any baby, but Saitama's son? Not that he minded, but looking at his limbs, could he hold a baby's fragile frame without hurting him with his metallic arms? Genos suddenly felt a sense of dread growing in his mechanical stomach as his eyes landed upon the small child in his friend's arms.

What if his propulsor malfunctioned all of sudden and accidentally incinerated the baby? What if the metallic surface of his hand was too slippery and he accidentally dropped the baby? What if the bolts and fittings connecting his joints suddenly act out? There was also a problem about the static charges due to a difference in temperature.

The creature with a tentacle, Black Sperm, saw Genos unmoving at the sight of Saitama carrying his son.

"...Hey, if you don't wanna hold him, can I actually try carrying him?"

Black Sperm's response was Saitama giving him the stink eyes.

"Incinerate..." Genos had already pointed his glowing palm at the creature.

"Whoa whoa! I'm just asking!" Black Sperm shouted and raised his hand in mock surrender.

Before things could have escalated further, however, the woman chided. "Genos, Saitama, dear." Her voice was soft, but it was enough for Saitama to relax and Genos lowered his palm a bit to regard her.

"Be nice. This is a hospital, remember?" The woman then turned to the monster, "...Would you like to hold him, Black?"

That was how the woman, Haruka Hyoudou, addressed Black Sperm. The latter of the name alone was a strange chore for her tongue, a feeling shared by most. The creature itself seemed to snap out of it and blinked at the woman.

"...Um, are you sure? I mean, I can wait."

Haruka was more than aware of what he and Rover were. "No, Black, I insist. You and Rover are practically family." She lightly replied.

Her smile was warm, but Black Sperm twinged. The atmosphere around Haruka suddenly shifted, sending a chill down Black Sperm's spine.

"...But please handle my baby boy with care. None of us want an accident on this special day."

Surprisingly, the other three in the room also shared the same feeling Black Sperm was having at Haruka's smile.

"On second thought, why don't we have Demon Cyborg carry the baby first?" Black Sperm said, sweats covering his face. "I can carry him later. Promise."

Haruka only blinked at the odd sudden change, but she shrugged it off in the end. She then returned her attention to Genos, smiling at him in a silent offer of holding her child.

With no escape, Genos nodded and walked closer to Saitama. Genos made sure that his arm strength was readjusted when the bundle was placed in his arms.

Just when Saitama was about to hand his son over, a small smile appeared on his lips as he spoke, "...Alright, Ise. Say hello to your uncle and your god-father, Genos."

Genos blinked and he turned to Saitama with wide eyes.

"...What?"

Issei had to hold the urge to sigh and scowl while Asia did her best to smile politely.

"Ah, welcome home, Asia."

The source of Issei and Asia's conundrum was sitting on their table, his high-class attire more casual than before from his suit to his shoes. He was even enjoying a cup of tea by Haruka who sat across him.

"Welcome back, Issei, Asia. I apologise that I can't tell you about the guest earlier." Haruka greeted them with her usual smile.

"G-good afternoon, Mr. Diodora." Asia greeted the guest sheepishly as Diodora simply nodded with his gentle smile.

Issei on the other hand simply eyed Diodora for a second before he proceeded to the kitchen.

"Mom, where's Rover?"

"He's in your room." Haruka replied. "I can't really let him keep barking at our guest."

Issei could understand as she ocularly conveyed her apology. He could do nothing but nod in understanding as he got himself a glass of water.

Diodora then took another sip of his tea and stood up from his seat, approaching the girl. "Asia, how are you today? Have you been well?"

The Devil closed in, causing Issei to tense, the lack of hostile intent the only barrier stopping Issei from immediately rushing at him, fists swinging.

"Y-yes, I have. Thank you for asking" Asia could not help but leaned away when Diodora closed in.

The guest did not take a step further when Asia stepped back. No one caught the small twitch of his smile, his mask almost cracking from Asia's denying him.

Before Diodora could approach further, Issei slid between Asia and the Devil to provide her a semblance of safety.

"...What are you doing in my house?" Issei asked, keeping a watchful eye of Diodora's slightest reactions. Although unlike before, Issei did not catch a hint of disdain from Diodora's response.

"Oh, I hope I'm not intruding. I'm simply here for a friendly visit."

Issei could not help but feel a hint of smugness in Diodora's tone. "Yeah, but aren't you being a little bit stalky, though?" Issei quipped.

Diodora did not answer as he shifted his sight to Asia behind Issei. "By the way, have you received the gifts I've sent you the other day? Please, I wish to ask if they are to your liking." Diodora asked, blatantly ignoring Issei.

"U-um, yes. All of them are in my room, thank you very much." Asia could not help but feel flustered as she bowed in gratitude.

"Think nothing of it, as long as you're happy." Diodora waved off easily enough.

A day after the assassination attempt, the Hyd Residence received a package containing beautiful flowers and a massive stuffed bear, the sender labeled Diodora and the receiver being Asia, along with several invitations for concerts and dinner dates.

The flowers sat in a vase on top of the living room table, per Haruka's idea, though the matriarch would rather not take a gift horse in the mouth. Asia kept the stuffed bear in her room not only out of courtesy, but also out of genuine fondness for the stuffed animal.

Issei was skeptical at the gifts, but Rover showing no reaction after sniffing the packages deprived any good reason for him to throw them away.

"Speaking of, have you considered my invitations? I'll be honored if you deign to grace your presence at one of those events." Diodora asked again with his hand over his chest.

Asia looked uncomfortable when she remembered the tickets and invitations. While she wanted to experience foreign culture, she also felt out of place when she imagined herself attending the events where many were clad in glamourous suits and dresses above her station. Not to mention going out there with a stranger like Diodora was too much of a hurdle for her timid disposition.

"I'm sorry, I don't think I" Asia trailed as she unconsciously hid herself behind Issei's frame.

On the surface, Diodora seemed unfazed. Before Issei could have interrupted, Diodora replied sweetly.

"Asia, I understand. Yes, it takes courage to attend gatherings of the higher class. I almost forgot about your disposition towards that world. Hmm please take all the time you need to muster your bravery. I am available anytime for you to contact me in case you change your mind"

"Buddy. I think you're misunderstanding something." Issei suddenly interrupted as he interposed to shield Asia better.

"The gesture, the invitation, and all that, it is all fancy and good but they're kinda overwhelming." Issei gestured between Diodora and Asia. "We know you mean well, but your very bad habit of going overboard is not helping her open up, you know?"

For a moment, Diodora's expression was stiff, yet indiscernible as his smile fell. The moment was tense as there was an eerie calm atmosphere around him until his usual smile returned to his face.

"...Perhaps I've overstayed my welcome." He then turned to nod at Haruka, "I thank you for your hospitality, ma'am."

Before Haruka could reply, however, Diodora smiled at Aisa one last time before a teleportation circle appeared beneath his feet.

"May we see each other again, Asia Argento." Diodora bid farewell before teleporting himself away.

After he vanished, Asia suddenly collapsed into Issei's arms.

"Whoa, there." Issei asked as he held her gently. "You alright?"

Asia did well in holding her ground against Diodora's intrusive presence.

"I-I'm okay, it's just" Asia trailed as her face grimaced.

"Overwhelming?" Issei guessed which Asia nodded to. "...Yeah, I know. That guy doesn't have the common sense to hold back. Also, mom? Why'd you let him in?" He furrowed his eyebrows at his mother.

"In my defense, I have never met him before. He simply appeared as a polite guest saying that he knew Asia-chan here Can you enlighten me on what just happened?" Haruka asked.

Issei sighed, recalling that Haruka had yet known about Diodora's involvement in the recent fiasco since she went straight to bed on the night he was attacked. Alright, listen mom. It basically goes like this"

Issei then proceeded to sum up the story about the devil who led to Asia's exile.

"That guy is the Devil that got Asia exiled." Issei started.

Haruka already widened her eyes, flicking her eyes at the spot where Diodora once stood.

"And Well, according to Azazel, that guy also hired the goons that assaulted you and Asia in the park."

Issei didn't stop there and continued to explain Diodora's involvement behind the assassination attempt on his life through his peerage, and how they believe that everything Diodora did to Asia was intentional from the start just to get her, including the rumors that every Devil in his peerage were former Saints and Nuns.

By the time Issei finished, Haruka's face paled with horror that she allowed a monster in her home under her nose. The next second, Haruka quickly dashed to Asia and pulled her in her embrace.

"I'm sorry I'm so sorry. I have no idea that" She whispered as she pressed her lips on Asia's hair.

"It's okay. It's okay you didn't know." Asia gently smiled as she let herself melt into Haruka's warm embrace.

"...I should've kept Rover out, shouldn't I?" Haruka asked as she glanced at her son.

"Yeah, you should." Issei bluntly replied, that way Diodora would leave sooner. "But what's done is done now that I think about it, let's feed those invitations to Rover just in case he comes back."

Using the 'my dog ate your mail' excuse would be funny now that Issei thought about it. He wondered how that guy would react upon hearing that. Maybe Issei should have Rover walk into Diodora's sight just to see him crack a bit further.

"...Wait, so he actually dropped by your house earlier?"

Later that night, Tsubasa Yura asked as she sat on the bed or Issei's room, while the boy took the chair. Both of their eyes were honing at the computer screen, playing Borderlands 2 with controllers in hands, shooting down a bunch of psychotic masked bandits with their colorful guns.

It was one of the nights Tsubasa and Issei hung out since the last time they did in middle-school. Due to Freed Sellzen being still at large, Sona Sitri suspended all calls from contractors for the safety of clients and peerage while assisting Rias in her manhunt. Jobless as she was, Tsubasa still had some spare time before her patrol shift, so she decided to spend it at the Hyd Residence.

"Yeah. The guy popped in out of nowhere and asked Asia out again. It's like that guy has no idea what personal space means."

"I can see that. Asia-chan did refuse him, right?" Tsubasa asked as she mashed the buttons of her controller.

"Of course she did." Issei nodded before his eyes widened at the screen. "Ah, dammit. Tsubasa, I'm down. Wait for me for a bit."

"On my way, hang in there." Tsubasa replied, seeing her friend's avatar got incapacitated and surrounded by hostiles.

"No, no, no, just stay where you are, I can get a second wind." Issei waved off as his game avatar fended off the enemies until he accidentally misfired. "Oh, crap!"

"Ow, you dick! You shot me! Now I'm down!" Tsubasa chided, albeit while smiling in amusement.

"Sorry, sorry! I just got my second wind. Coming to you now." Issei also replied with a mirthful chuckle.

Their game went on for another while until Issei asked, "So, how's the student council today?"

"A little hectic in a different sense thanks to the stray exorcist. Instead of answering summons, we're rotating patrols in pairs every night to find this guy." Tsubasa shrugged as she kept playing.

"Come to think of it, while I'm glad to hang out, but are you sure you should spend time here? Who are you patrolling tonight with?" Issei asked.

"Reya is my tonight's partner. Saji is going with Ruruko, while Tomoe is paired up with Momo." Tsubasa replied. "Speaking of, we might want to find somewhere to save this game, it's almost time for me to meet up with Reya."

"Yeah, we can just save here." Issei shrugged before he turned to Tsubasa again. "...Do you want me to come with you? For the night patrol, I mean?"

"Aw, you worried for good ol' me?" Tsubasa asked back with a teasing grin.

"Duh. We're friends, after all."

Issei's blunt reply kind of caught Tsubasa off-guard. She felt a little warm inside from hearing Issei's genuine worry. On the other hand, the word 'friends' from his mouth irked her for some reason.

"Well I'm not sure. Oh, I remember asking about them but I did not get a straight answer. I got a general idea, but" Issei sheepishly rubbed his head.

How his memory worked, the girls did not know.

"...Think well, Rover, for instance." Sona tried her best to explain via example. "Familiars are a term for companions under contract with the Devil; um, like servants. Rias mistook your dog for a familiar, for instance. We all thought that Rover was your familiar at first sight, honestly. Your dog is the kind to give many wrong impressions. Now imagine other creatures following and obeying other Devils by contract. Are you following me so far?"

"I. see." Issei bobbed his head. "So, like a contracted worker?"

"...Yes, that's actually very close in comparison." Rias nodded her head.

"So why would they follow Devils, then? Do you pay them, or" Issei asked, trailing off.

"We do pay them in some ways." Rias nodded again, a little crossed between calling out for Issei's out-of-line thought, yet he was pretty close to the mark. "In layman's terms, we forge a pact with the creature of our choosing, and the creature will serve us in exchange of Well, usually proper living and protection. It depends on the rank of familiars. For example, Familiars around your dog's caliber usually would only follow those they deem worthy of their service Which reminds me, your father found that thing in the first place, right? What did your father do to gain its loyalty? Rather, what kind of man is your father, anyway?"

Rias and Sona were deathly curious about Rover's origins. How such a beast managed to end up on his father's doorstep, they had no idea. They imagined him to be a Mage or something similar

"Well" Issei rolled his eyes around, trying to come up with an answer. "Dad is. Dad? I mean, the last time I saw him was when I was twelve, maybe? Then again, he is rarely home except for my birthdays, Christmas and new year. Actually, scratch the first one; he only attended until my tenth birthday. Then he only dropped presents and greeting cards afterwards." Issei ended with a scowl on his face.

Rias and Sona stared at him as they listened to Issei's brief story about his father, which sounded quite complicated from that alone.

"Hah, even so, I can't really blame him. He has to work for the family and all that which reminds me, I should sic Rover on Azazel the next time I see him." Issei's scowl deepened.

Rias and Sona glanced at each other; silently agreeing that the topic was a little too sensitive to be brought up.

"I believe we're getting side-tracked." Sona ended the current subject. "For now we can only suggest you to stay with your mother and Ms. Asia as much as you can, while our peerages continue our manhunt. We will send some of our members to check on your house periodically should Diodora make some. More drastic moves."

Issei hummed for a second before looking at Sona and Rias. "...Speaking of the manhunt, do you guys need an extra hand, maybe?"

When Sona and Rias raised their eyebrows, Issei elaborated. "Kuoh might not be some big city like Tokyo or Kyoto, but it's still a big place for you guys to cover, all of you like, what? 10 people? Are you sure you have enough numbers to cover the entire town?"

"Your question only works if we're talking about humans, Ise, which we're not." Rias replied with a knowing smile. "...Not to mention, some of us have our set of familiars to assist our search. Your concern is appreciated, but unnecessary."

"...Okay, fair enough." Issei shrugged. "So, we stay with the plan we came up with, earlier?"

Sona nodded, "I believe so, yes. Unless you have another thing you'd like to mention?"

Issei sighed as he stood up, "...No, I guess that's the best we can get as it is. I'm gonna finish my lunch, catch you later." He nodded to both ladies and walked out of the room.

Staring at the door where Issei vanished, Rias and Sona then sighed at the same time. "...Is it just me, or did troubles arrive after acquainting ourselves with Mr. Hyd?" The latter asked while cleaning her glasses.

"From the stories I heard from my brother, those who are strong attract all sorts of people, for better or worse. I think that theory matches Ise to a tee." Rias commented with a wry smile.

"...And you still want to recruit him into your peerage? Because I'm already considering giving up on him, considering the kind of trouble he had brought himself." Sona asked.

"You know my situation. But that is not the only reason," Rias' smile dimmed slightly. "I need every edge I can get I'll deal with whatever comes later." She ended with a grim look on her face.

oXo

There was still time for him to finish his lunch box before the bell rang, prompting him to make his way to his usual spot on the rooftop. Asia was having lunch with her classmates, while Tsubasa wanted to spend some time with her friends from the Student Council, leaving the dog-owner alone.

Guess I'll eat alone.

When he finally arrived on the rooftop, however, Issei did not expect to find Koneko sitting there - the girl was munching on a yakisoba bread. Around her was a variety of other meals, more bread, a box of cookies, a carton-box of milk, and more.

Issei didn't take her for a big eater given her small figure.

The two went still when their eyes met. Koneko paused in mid-chewing while Issei stood at the door. The silence lasted for a minute until the boy simply waved his hand in greeting,

"...Hi."

Koneko swallowed and nodded to return the gesture.

"...Hello."

"Err... Mind if I eat here?" Issei asked.

The girl shrugged, "There is space around."

Taking the reply as a 'yes', Issei then stepped in and for some reason, took a seat next to Koneko's space, eliciting a raised eyebrow from her. Ignoring her glances, Issei opened his lunch box, his box revealing his rice and a colorful assortment of meat and veggies his mom prepared.

He glanced at Koneko, seeing her salivate with her eyes affixed to his lunchbox. Didn't she already eat half of her bountiful meal?

Then, Issei took a piece of fried egg and held it to Koneko.

"Want some?" He offered with a smile.

Koneko blinked at the unexpected offer, eyeing the food and Issei alternatingly. "...Is it okay?"

"Well. It might feel kind of cheap, but I want to make up for my dog."

Koneko's face softened somewhat. Issei gave her a small smile as Koneko took a bite. He wondered if he should find a way to have Rover warm up to Koneko and vice versa although their relationship was like a cat to a dog for some reason.

Issei watched Koneko chewing the food he just fed her and saw her eyes sparkled at the taste.

"Looks like you liked it." Issei remarked as Koneko looked at him eagerly. The boy only chuckled in amusement and held out a piece of wiener. "Wanna try this one?"

Koneko did as she was told; revelling in the meaty taste of the sausage in her mouth.

"And how about this one?" Issei then fed her a piece of baby tomato, which she enjoyed as well.

When Issei fed her a piece of the grilled fish, Koneko purred in bliss, not unlike a cat. It only took a second for the girl to realise what she just did and freeze on her spot, with Issei staring funny at her. The awkward silence lasted for a few seconds until Koneko abruptly gathered the rest of her lunch and stood up, leaving Issei behind.

"...Thanks for the food."

It was the last words Issei heard from Koneko before she disappeared by the door. As Issei stared at the door, his mind trailed back to Rover for some reason.

"Heh... so you made another friend from Class D?"

Issei and Asia were walking home from school as the former listened to what the latter had gone through that day.

"Yes, Ms. Hase and I got along. She is not used to people, um, like I am, but she's actually very nice! She wants to join us for lunch tomorrow." Asia replied with a beaming smile.

"That's good to hear." Issei smiled as he caressed Asia's head, much to her delight.

The walk back to their house went on without much incident until they walked by the park on their usual route; Asia found Issei abruptly stopped on his tracks - the boy was looking at the empty park illuminated by the sunset.

"...Mr. Ise?" Asia asked with a tilt of her head.

Issei looked around, finding their surroundings surprisingly quiet, too quiet. However, before Issei could have turned to Asia again, a female cry screamed from the park, followed by an animalistic roar.

Asia gasped in fright while Issei immediately prepared himself for combat. He was about to bolt towards the source of the voice, but within a few steps he remembered about his charge and looked back.

"Stay close to me, Asia."

The girl looked hesitant for a moment before nodding and walked a step behind Issei as they made their way through the park. After passing a herd of trees, they found an alarming sight.

A pair of girls with their rears on the ground as a large, grotesque-looking frog loomed over her. Its skin was covered with something akin to scales, with spikes jutting out from its back; its eyes were somewhat reptilian in blood red, and while Issei knew enough that frogs do have teeth, the one in front of him had teeth that were way too sharp and big.

Asia was visibly horrified as she covered her mouth with her hands. Issei was more disturbed than disgusted - the stray demon he encountered before couldn't compare to this one in terms of ugliness. It was as if every monster he met became uglier and uglier each time.

However, what caught Issei's attention was the girls - they were the same girls that he ran into during his morning jog. What are they doing here?

That was something he should ask once he dealt with the monster frog. The thing definitely wanted to eat them judging by its pooling saliva.

"Stay there, Asia!" He told his ward and charged towards the monster with his Boosted Gear equipped.

As Issei engaged the frog monster, none noticed the presence sneaking up behind Asia, flashing a sinister smile at the maiden.

[Burst!]

"Ow!"

Eleven year-old Issei cried out as he unceremoniously fell to the ground. The boy was clad in a white t-shirt and gym shorts, draconic gauntlet adorning his left arm. He was caked in sweat and dirt smeared his clothes.

"You're still telegraphing your movement, Ise."

Before him was a man in his 20s, clad in jeans, torn tank-tops and combat boots, possessing short and spiky blonde hair, pale skin, yet there he seemed more artificial than a man. He bore mechanical arms with visible glowing circles on their palms. Through the fabric of his shirt, metal plates and machine core replaced his flesh and bones.

Black sclera surrounded his sulfur-yellow irises, making his look somewhat inhuman. His default expression screamed 'serious,' though it was more like he couldn't express his emotions properly.

"Uncle Genos." Issei grumbled as he settled on his rear on the ground. "Your eyes are unfair! I'm not even 'telegraphing'! Wait, what does telegraphing even mean?!" Issei pointed a finger at the Demon Cyborg Genos, pouting at him.

"It means your movements are predictable."

"No, I'm not! I'm trying not to be predictable!"

Genos sighed as he smiled a little. If only Issei knew how far ahead he was against others his age.

"Ise, don't fret. My eyes may be advanced, but my main advantage against you is experience." Genos rebuked.

"Eehh" Issei pouted at Genos. "Really?"

"Yes. I faced many foes that could deceive my sight, your father included." Genos replied. "Regardless of your complaints, there are strong enemies that can surpass the limits of machines. I understand your frustration."

"...Then why can't I hit you?" Issei rebuked back.

"You're not at the level needed to force me to take you seriously." Genos replied.

"Yes, I am! I can and will beat you up!" Issei pouted even more, his cheeks looking like a pufferfish.

"Then you must try harder if you wish to 'beat me up.'" Genos blandly stated. "Perhaps you can emulate a fraction of your father soon enough."

"Oh, that's it!" Agitated, Issei jumped back up, ready to go for another round, ready to fight again despite the soreness of his muscles.

"It appears my taunt has invigorated your fighting spirit." The cyborg stepped back a few steps, making distance from Issei. "Your recovering speed has improved as well, somewhat. You are supposed to have overused your Boosted Gear, according to my data."

"Yeah, I'm not giving up because of that." Issei replied with a small smirk.

Issei entered his fighting stance while Genos did the same. The air between them was taut with friction, Issei clenching his fists as he smirked.

His eyes trained on Genos, Issei bolted in, skirting around the cyborg. He found no openings from Genos to exploit as usual, but he still circled him, biding his time as he counted each second in his head.

Four, three, two, one

[Boost!]

Boosted Gear augmenting his speed and strength, Issei shot forth like a bullet, his open right palm aiming towards Genos' chest.

The cyborg parried the hand easily enough, but Issei forthwith threw left straight which fell into Genos' open palm before Genos immediately pulled the offending arm into an armlock. However, before he secured his lock, Issei quickly threw a quick right jab at his midsection.

If it weren't for Boosted Gear's augmentation, as well as his previous training sessions, the exoskeleton frame would have broken Issei's knuckle.

The force rattled Genos' internal circuits, weakening his hold on Issei's left arm, allowing the boy to slip out as he jumped back the moment he landed.

"Ora!" Issei battle-cried as he engaged Genos in a short exchange of blows, though it was more like Issei pounding on Genos' arms for a few seconds before Genos stole an opening and threw a solid palm towards Issei's face.

Issei sidestepped, leaning his head left just in time, barely avoiding Genos' grazing palm, but the force behind it knocked Issei off balance and onto the ground. Quickly, Issei rolled away until he gathered enough momentum to throw himself back on his feet, and Genos was waiting for him.

[Boost!]

Issei felt the boost empowering him, but Genos remained stoically calm as the boy charged at the cyborg again.

The engine inside Genos' body hummed a subtle thrum as he withdrew, hovering inches above the floor as the momentum carried him, and intercepted all of Issei's blows with his palms, blocking and parrying all of them.

When Genos countered with a horizontal swing of his arm, Issei immediately used the opportunity to jump over his uncle and land behind him.

However, much to Issei's dismay, Genos was a split second ahead as his other mechanical arm had been angled towards him with its palm glowing with power.

Issei only watched as the glow on Genos' palm grew brighter by seconds and he could only utter a word as he brought up his guard.

"Shit!"

This chapter is still kind of short, I know. I'm sorry. But hey, chapter 6 is coming along nicely! XD :P