Chapter 36: Progress

Chapter 36: Progress

This might be a week too early, but Merry Christmas! XD

"Are you both ready?"

Genos asked, overseeing Issei and Yuuto facing off against each other in the training room. Yuuto had his Muramasa ready, pointing towards Issei, who had put up his own combat stance.

"So, I'm going to see the famous samurai Yuuto. The famous samurai wings clipper of Seraphs, the beheader." Issei casually stretched his arms out.

He was looking forward to this. He wanted to face a samurai for a while, but never got the chance.

"Yes even though this sword was originally meant to be yours. I hope you don't mind me keeping her." Yuuto let out a smile.

"Yeah, I still want a legendary katana. You kinda owe me one." Issei playfully retorted.

"Hey, enough chatter! Go kill each other already!"

Both Issei and Yuuto glanced at a Black clone shouting from the sides, where he watched with everyone else.

"Alright this time, I will see how far I've gone." Yuuto took a deep breath as he gripped his blade in two hands.

"Balance Break! Sword of Heresy!" Yuuto shouted as he equipped his holy-demonic Muramasa sword.

A japanese yukata with white and gold trimmings donned his form, his sword gleaming brilliantly under the artificial light.

Let's do this, Muramasa.

[Of course, master.]

On the other hand, Issei simply equipped his gauntlet and employed the Awakening Breath, breathing in and breathing out a visible white steam from his mouth.

"Show me what you got." Issei wagged his finger at Yuuto to come at him.

Yuuto tightened his grip on Muramasa.

Issei was strong - too strong for a human. Meeting him made Yuuto feel inadequate, hearing his desire to stay human instilled a sense of lacking in Yuuto's heart, as if he gave up a part of himself for something convenient.

Along with a desire to compensate.

Then again, if he were not to accept Rias' offer when he was on death's door that night He would not even be standing here in the first place.

Yuuto took a deep breath as he lowered his stance, pulling his blade back.

He would end this in one move. Issei remaining in his casual posture unnerves Yuuto, but he would not let it hinder him.

Yuuto made his move. He cut across the distance as Muramasa cut through the air.

The match ended in a single second.

Rias, Akeno, Koneko, Asia, Xenovia, Irina, and Tsubasa gawked at the sight of Yuuto embedded into a crater he dug in the wall with his spine, webs of cracks spreading across the white surface. Muramasa slowly slipped off his fingers as he coughed, the blade transforming into her human form as she caught Yuuto before he landed.

Issei's extended fist was steaming as he released his breath.

"Yeah. I still got it." Issei smiled to himself. He was no longer afraid of his power and Ddraig's power as well.

Rias and the other Devils ran towards Yuuto, Asia holding the Rod of Asclepius as she placed the golden staff on him.

As Yuuto's injuries were being mended, Rias asked Asia, "How is it, Asia?"

"He is alright. His chest uh, caved in, but it's alright." Asia assured as Yuuto started grunting, opening his eyes.

"Ugh what what happened?" Yuuto wheezed. "Did I win?"

He looked up at Muramasa, who had already turned into her human form and was kneeling before him. He knew from her gentle smile.

"Ah I still have a long way to go." Yuuto coughed as he felt the light of Asclepius and Twilight Healing. "Ohhh that feels is that Asclepius?" Yuuto asked as he slowly stood up, the pain already gone, his voice lucid.

"How is the Healing Staff, Asia?" Issei asked as he walked up to them.

"It's it's amazing. I can feel it working with Twilight Healing." Asia said with amazement.

"It is amazing." Yuuto said as he rubbed his chest. "The pain is gone and my breathing is normal."

"You good, Kiba?" Issei asked while checking over the Knight.

Yuuto's smile was exasperated, but still sincere all the same. "I am Sheesh, Ise. You've gotten even stronger, it's not even funny."

"Thanks. You're going to eat those words when you go up against the other heavy hitters, though." Issei snarked playfully.

"Ise."

The boy turned to see Genos had caught up to them. "The technique you used just now. What was it? It doesn't match my database at all."

Crap - Issei was not sure how he should approach this; should he tell him about Bang? But going back on the latter's back did not sit right with him.

"It's self-taught." Issei replied first - not actually a lie, "I haven't come up with the name yet, but it worked like a charm against Kokabiel."

"Yes and I heard that you broke your arms in the process." Genos remarked.

"...It's a work in progress." Issei looked away with a hint of embarrassment.

"Still, I'd advise you to improve your techniques, Ise. Either you get stronger to handle the feedback, or you come up with a more efficient alternative."

"Yeah, yeah, I get it." Issei nodded. He was going to do that anyways when he had the time.

Genos' expression was not amused at his nephew's attitude.

"...We still have time this morning." Genos said as he walked back towards the arena. "I might have observed your growth, Ise. But experiencing that growth is a different matter entirely."

Everyone perked up, especially Issei, when Genos' body let out an audible hum and its crevices gave a burning glow.

"I'm going to judge your growth personally."

"Oh" He smirked. It was some years since he last sparred with the cyborg. He wanted to see how well his martial arts worked against someone like Genos.

He followed his uncle to the arena. Everyone only watched the Red Dragon Emperor facing off against the Demon Cyborg with bated breath, while Black simply smiled in excitement.

"Ohhhh, haven't seen this in a while." Black commented before he glanced at the others, "You better off make yourselves comfortable, kiddos. And start taking notes."

The Devil Girls and church girls gulped. They knew what Genos could do, able to contend with a overpowered Fallen Angel to the finish, holy swords and all.

Back to the arena - knowing that he was fighting Genos, Issei performed his Awakening Breath once more and put up a more solid stance. Genos also chose to play it safe, his optics and other cyber-senses were locked on Issei's form.

The two remained silent until the Boosted Gear announced the battle commencement.

[Boost!]

Issei moved in first. He knew that Genos could beat him easily from how he handled Kokabiel, but Issei refused to make it easy. He would at least get in one good hit before he falls to the ground.

Genos simply went on the defensive, intercepting Issei's onslaught as he skidded and dashed around the arena, with Issei hot on his trails.

Issei exhaled as he boosted again, his speed increasing, not exactly doubling, as his fists flew and curved at the cyborg, all fended off by a single metal hand. To the spectators, it was a blurry chase that their eyes could not track. When eyes did detect them, they shifted into another chase, dodging their line of sight.

"Your grasp on my home's martial arts have improved." Genos nodded at Issei's attempt at the water stream technique. It was still rougher, aggressive like Garou's, with much room for improvement.

Genos retaliated - Issei blocked and redirected Genos' fist, or so he thought as Genos' hand pushed back against Issei's deflection and elbowed his face.

Issei regained his senses in a split second, and instead of halting, Issei used the momentum from Genos' attack and twisted his body around; lifting up his leg until his foot collided with Genos' lower jaw.

Genos remained unfazed as the attack spawned an explosive burst of force that rattled the air.

"...Not bad." Genos nodded.

Then he swept Issei's standing leg with a low kick and slammed Issei's cheek into the ground.

The girls winced at the sound of the ground fracturing, a latticework of cracks webbing from Issei's head as the epicenter.

"But your execution is untidy, however." Genos added as he lifted his fist, showing a seemingly knocked out Issei resting in the cracks.

The boy got back to his feets, massaging his aching face as he spat out some blood.

"I'm not done yet!" Issei shouted as the jewel on his Boosted Gear shone - the fight had taken enough time for the Longinus to stockpile enough power to be unleashed at once.

[EXPLOSION!]

In a blink of an eye, Genos suddenly found Issei had already closed the distance - sending a gust of wind and shockwave from his movement alone, and was standing right before him.

However, Genos widened his optics when Issei entered a horse stance, and both of his arms were moving in a familiar, circular motion.

"Take this!" Issei decided to try a different variant of the attack he used on Kokabiel, something more experimental to weed out the dumb recoil. It did not have a name but it should faze even Genos as he thrusted his palms forward.

Only for Genos to catch both of his forearms, the force dispersing prematurely into wasted gusts of wind blowing past the cyborg.

When Issei was still confused on what and how his uncle did whatever he did, Genos tugged and Issei was jerked forward, before Genos' knee was driven straight into Issei's gut.The source of this content nov(el)bi((n))

"What was that you're trying to do?" Genos asked as he let Issei drop on his knees, coughing spit at the ground.

"Ack something I used on Kokabiel. Though I sucked tried to get rid of the recoil. Didn't work." Issei replied in between coughs.

"What you attempted to use was a horribly botched version of the Roaring Aura Sky Ripping Fist. Where did you see that move?" Genos asked.

Issei looked up at Genos.

"Uhhhh I asked dad?"

"I didn't even tell your father about this technique. The only time I saw it was when two martial masters used it against a giant monster of great defense and regeneration." Genos added.

Eventually, Issei sighed, "...Alright. Fine. Some guy showed it to me. Honestly, I didn't even know that technique has a name." Issei relented.

Genos narrowed his eyes, "And who is this 'some guy'? Did he give any names? What does he look like?"

"Early to mid 30s, white spiky hair, he called himself 'Bang', which I think sounds sketchy."

"...Bang?" Genos asked, quirking a brow.

"...Do you know him?"

"He is one of the martial arts masters I mentioned. But the way you described him his age should be more advanced."

"How advanced?" Issei asked.

"Enough to be your great grandfather at this point. But I think I know who he is now. There is one other that has mastered the arts of combat even more than Bang." Genos rubbed his chin in thought.

"Oookay, way to make this confusing to me. Who's this guy, then, really?" Issei asked.

"That's him, right?"

Issei and Genos turned to see Black was approaching them with a rather pensive look on his face.

"Black?"

"You're talking about him, right?" Black pressed on. "That one guy who nearly became the strongest monster?"

"...Indeed. It seems he was brought here as well after the battle with that thing."

The girls who listened were confused. Akeno had a good idea what he meant.

"No, guys, seriously, who are we talking about?" Issei began to lose patience.

"...I believe it is time for us to conclude this morning exercise" Genos dismissed.

"Oh, really!?" Issei yelled with an exasperated tone, frustrated that he could not learn more about his temporary master.

Genos simply looked pointedly at his nephew in return, "It is also time for the scan on Irina Shidou to finish."

At the mention of his childhood friend, Issei glared at his uncle before he sighed in acceptance.

The morning exercise was not only meant for daily routine that day, but also to spend time waiting for Genos' machines to finish their diagnostics on Irina's condition - per Issei's prior request after Irina's small episode last night.

Inside Genos' workshop, Irina was sleeping with a specialized pod.

She was in something like a cryostasis pod like from the science-fiction movies in Issei's eyes, with a glass lid covering his friend's body as red light from a thin, sleek device attached to a mechanical limb segmented in metallic joints angled Irina from head to toe in a extremely snail-like pace,.

Genos was at a monitor, typing the keyboard rapidly.

Asia and Xenovia stood with Issei. Rassei was still around Asia's neck, chirping as it tilted his head with curiosity at such an alien environment. Rias and Tsubasa were also present, standing behind the trio.

"...This is more complicated than I expected." Genos shook his head with a deep sigh. He turned to the kids in his chair.

"How bad?"

"Have a look." Genos then gestured towards the monitor that showed an X-Ray diagram of Irina's internal structure.

The bones and the organs were present in white, tones distinguishing which was which in shape.

Genos pointed at Irina's head, the brain. Issei noticed that there were several markings on her braincolored in dark spots.

Issei blinked with wide eyes at the image, "Are those. Tumors or something?"

"...Something worse." Genos shook his head slowly, "Valper did more than just brainwash your friend. The results summarized that there... is an inscribed meticulous spell right on her cerebrum." Genos explained. "Enchanting on inanimate objects is more ideal since they can withstand the process without worry. Writing a spell on a living organ, especially something as vital as the brain, involves infinitely more risks." Genos added as Issei and the girls stood there, mortified by the implications.

Asia and Rias gasped at the answer, while Tsubasa and Xenovia grimaced.

"What the fuck?" Issei cussed at the explanation.

"...We cannot simply dispel it." Genos continued. "There is no telling what such powerful magic can do to a delicate organ at such potent concentrations. The spell in interweaved so deep into her cells that it will take years of study to reverse engineer this process. Or a miracle" Genos continued with a tone of frustration.

"...So can we do something or not?" Issei pressed.

"We can." Genos nodded with a small sigh, "This kind of complex surgery and enchantment requires specific equipment and tools. If we can get our hands on those items, it is possible to disenchant her of the spell."

"The problem now lies in, where can we find those tools?" Rias surmised, putting her fingers on her chin in thought.

"Valper is dead. We killed all of his associates as well and St. Adonai and its surroundings are completely devastated in my battle with Kokabiel. The best chance we can find such equipment is to investigate Valper's dealings in the Church. Kokabiel might be a good source of information depending on how willing he is to divulge his secrets." Genos surmised. "Another suggestion is to investigate the Vatican for corrupt elements in the Church for answers. Xenovia and Griselda should be able to assist as they have prior dealings with Valper before his betrayal."

"I guess we have to skip school, then." Issei remarked.

"Unfortunately, while the Vatican is a good start for investigation, I'm afraid I have to stop you there." Genos interrupted.

"What? Why?"

"In the wake of Valper's crimes, there are a lot of discrepancies going on inside the ranks of Vatican officials. Many are under suspicion at the moment, painting that place into a red zone. Going there without proper preparations is the same as throwing gunpowder into the fire." Genos explained, "Touji is right to have you wait until summer vacation. The situation in the Vatican should calm down by then."

"But if we wait any longer, Irina will break down." Issei argued.

"I don't think we need to worry about that." Genos retorted, as he pointed at the monitor again.

More charts and information popped out on the screen, pointing at several parts of Irina's body.

"...Don't tell me there are even more spells tattooed in her system?" Issei commented.

"Actually, the surgeries on these parts actually work in our favor, as ironic as it sounds." Genos replied, "Despite what Valper had in mind when he operated on Irina, it appeared that he knew better than to treat her as expendable. The spells enchanted here are meant to ensure that Irina would, at least physically, endure and survive whatever Valper planned for her."

Everyone blinked at the explanation, "Okay so what are we exactly looking at here?"

Genos then typed on the keyboard again and looked over the information, "From what I gathered, minor reinforcement enchantments were inscribed in her bones and muscles. Delicate augmentations, albeit inferior, just enough to stabilize her cells, hormones and condition without being detected. There's also. What appears to be a stasis spell placed in her ovary I don't need to tell you why it's there."

Issei growled with growing anger at the mention. Asia looked heart-broken, while the rest looked distraught.

"Alright, alright. Assuming that we need to wait until summer vacation, is there anything we can do to prevent Irina's condition from getting worse?" Issei asked, "What about administering drugs to help her calm down during episodes?"

"That might work, albeit unlikely. The augmentations that had been done to her has developed her body to resist certain types of medication. Not to mention, as long as the spell remains on her brain, the best Irina can get is likely to be restless sleep."

"To begin with, what does that spell on her brain do? How does it function?" Rias asked.

"The inscription appears to react when the brain it latches on receives a certain stimuli, like a password transmitted via voice, or writing - before it controls the brain to cease its normal function, obeying only the signals or commands given by the wielder of the spell. Which is you at the moment." Genos glanced at Issei.

"Well, good thing that I don't know how to even turn that spell on, eh?" Issei replied. "Still, it doesn't answer what we need to do to keep her stable until we can get some actual leads, wherever the hell they may be."

"...Hmmm." Genos hummed as he reclined in his chair. "We can resort to cybernetics if need be minor implants at best to keep her hormones in check and manage her brainwaves."

"If that's the case, I want Irina to give her consent first if you want to temper on her brain. Is that okay?" Issei asked.

"Of course." Genos nodded. "For now, all of you need to get ready for school. I will take care of Irina Shidou. I also need to inform her father about our findings."

"Thanks again for lending us Rover, Ise."

"Well, it's not like this is Rover's first time coming here, so it's nothing new."

In the Kuoh Academy's old school building, the Occult Research Club plus Rover were standing in front of Gasper's room.

Rover was still a little round, showing that his body was finally starting to shrink back to normal size.

Rias had a talk with her brother last night - the latter had finally deemed the former to be strong and capable enough to bring her recluse of a Bishop out of his shell. However, based on the past experience, the heiress believed that bringing Rover along would make the process easier.

After all, Gasper's first friend was the monster dog.

Akeno then dutifully undid the magic seal attached on the door, allowing Gasper's room to be more accessible. Then, Rias opened the door, calling out, "Gasper! Guess who's here to visit!"

On cue, Rover let out a bark.

Some footsteps resounded from within the dark room, followed by Gasper's effeminate voice.

"Rover!"

The dog barked happily and ran towards Gasper who was already kneeling, ready to catch Rover leaping into his arms.

"I miss you too, Rover!" Gasper squealed happily as if he was actually talking with the dog. His expression went a little confused when he saw Rover's 'condition'. "Uh, what happened to you, Rover?" Gasper asked, noticing Rover's rotundness.

"He ate a little too much." Rias worded.

Gasper looked up, seeing the other members of Rias' peerage looking at him.

"...What's everyone doing here?" Gasper noticed.

"Gasper." Rias replied with a smile, "It is time for you to start going out. I have received approval from my brother. You can now join me and your friends in school now, Gasper."

Gasper's face then paled, before he immediately scooped Rover up in his arms and quickly retreated back to his room.

"NO! I don't want to get out! Outside world is scary!" Gasper whined as he slammed the door shut.

Everybody sweat-dropped at the sudden one-eighty of Gasper's attitude.

He did not recognize the other guy. That hairstyle was a bit wild and ridiculous.

Haruka noticed his gaze and smiled.

"Oh, Ise!" Haruka waved at him.

"Hey, mom." Issei waved back as they approached the table. "Hey, Tobio."

"It's good to see you again." Tobi smiled when he faced Issei.

"The hell have you been doing these days? Can't remember the last time I saw you, other than the time I beat you at arm wrestling as a kid." Issei impishly smirked.

Tobio snorted, not bothering to raise to Issei's small taunting, "I'm here as Azazel's bodyguard, along with Vali and the others."

"More like Azazel's bodyguard and Vali's babysitter?" Issei replied with a knowing grin.

Tobio laughed a little, "Your words, not mine. But also, yes."

The two men then shared small chuckles.

"We ran to Tobio on the way here, and we met this gentleman when we arrived."

The said gentleman was a caucassian man with green eyes, clad in clerical clothes.

Asia, Xenovia and Irina, however, looked surprised at the sight.

"L-Lord Gesualdo?" Xenovia stammered, while Asia and Irina instinctively straightened themselves up.

Issei looked between the church trio and the man - Gesualdo, who just finished his third servings, judging from the pile of plates before him. The man wiped his mouth and stood up, allowing Issei to appraise him.

He noted that most of the waitresses were trying not to walk around too close, even Koneko looked high-strung.

"Xenovia, Irina and Asia Argento, right? It's good to finally meet you!" The man spoke with a friendly tone, before he noticed the others, Issei in particular, "...And you are the Red Dragon Emperor, aren't you? Thanks a lot for looking out for my juniors. My name is-"

"Hi~."

Dulio turned around to see Black's white face so close to his, his evil smile grinning.

"Remember me~?" Black asked with a playfully mischievous tone.

Dulio then broke into small sweats, "...Yes, of course I remember you, Mr. Black? Huh, it actually throws me off seeing you short like this."

"Just this once, I'll let it go because my base form is short." Black cackled.

Issei did not know what happened between them, as his eyes darted between the two.

"...Did you challenge the Big Bad?" Issei asked, remembering that the Perfect Platinum was sent to the Vatican.

Dulio avoided eye contact, his eyes slowly turning away.

Issei would ask Black about it later.

"Black, stop haunting our friend. Go on, Issei. Introduce yourself." Haruka intervened.

"Fiiine. But you're not coming out of this unscathed." Black promised as he shrunk down to his normal height.

"Um Sure. Issei Hyoudou, nice to meet you."

"Dulio Gesualdo, exorcist and Lord Michael's temporary bodyguard."

The two shook hands as Black carried Rover and took his seat.

"Please, join our table. I would like to talk with you Oh. Um, after I return from the water closet." Dulio then sheepishly excused himself away as his stomach gurgled a little.

Once Dulio left his seat to empty his bladder and bowels, Issei turned to Xenovia.

"So, who's the pretty boy with the wild hairdo?" Issei asked her since she was definitely aware.

Xenovia looked rather flabbergasted, "P-Pretty-?! That's Dulio Gesualdo, the strongest exorcist after Lord Strada, the wielder of Zenith Tempest!"

"...Really?" Issei nodded when he registered the name 'Zenith Tempest' - the second strongest Longinus. The Longinus gear that Azazel wanted to get his hands on, said to be capable of controlling the elements and weather itself.

"Did Vasco take in a disciple?" Issei asked, pointing at the direction where the exorcist headed off.

"Not exactly The whole thing about the strongest exorcist after Lord Strada is mostly what people believe after witnessing his proficiency in using his Longinus Which, I have to agree." Xenovia shrugged.

In the end, after some pooling, Issei, Black and Rover ended up sitting with Tobio and Dulio, while the others sat on the neighboring table with Genos and Haruka.

"So, what have you been up to since I returned home?" Issei asked Tobio. "Are you finally proposing to that childhood friend of yours? What about the other girl with the falcon? How's that punky cat lover?" Issei asked.

"Nothing like that Ise But things with my friends are going well, thanks. Currently Azazel's been even more of a slave-driver thanks to the upcoming Peace Conference." Tobio replied. "What about you? How's life?"

"Well enough, all things considered." Issei replied with a sigh, "Kokabiel's invasion. Left quite a lot of scars. But we'll move on soon enough. Speaking of Kokabiel, what's his status? Or is it the 'confidential until we meet in the grand conference' kind of thing?"

"The latter, I'm afraid." Tobio replied, "Though, there are a lot of voices wanting him to be sealed in Cocytus."

"Ah. Can't blame them. And he isn't because?"

"Honestly, I think we can guess where Azazel is going with Kokabiel."

Issei understood the implications involving the desire to unlock the secrets of Ascension through him.

"By the way, I heard of what happened during the fiasco." Tobio lowered his voice slightly, before his eyes darted briefly at Irina, who was placing her order with Mary serving her table. "That's your childhood friend, right? How's she holding up?"

"Barely." Issei sighed again, "I want to fix her as soon as I can, but the bullshit politics are in the way. Ugh, I wish I could just threaten them into giving me what I need."

"I can help with that." Black chimed from his table, chewing on the bread appetizer.

"I would prefer that you don't march through the gates like your father did." Dulio added, having finished his cheesecake. "It will be near impossible for us to cement peace between the Three factions. I haven't been there, but I heard many stories from traumatized priests and exorcists describing your father's arrival as the advent of God's wrath. Or, more casually, the apocalypse in bald form."

"Pffffff! T-Tell me the stories when we have the time." Issei smiled.

"They are interesting. But, moving on, I don't get much details myself, but thanks to Sister Griselda's report and testimony, Lord Michael received wind of your plight, and he's personally recruiting members to aid your quest." Dulio added, "On the downside, however, this turns out to be the one of the biggest scandals the Church has ever committed in history tying with the exorcists summoning the wrath of the strongest man. The official orders are yet to be made, but I heard that Sister Griselda is put under house-arrest."

"Wha- That's bullshit! Why?" Issei nearly raised his voice at the news.

Dulio took a quick glance at Xenovia, before his face shifted uncomfortably, "Xenovia has been exposed to taboo knowledge involving the state of heaven. She would have been excommunicated if Sister Griselda didn't take the proverbial bullet."

"...How bad is it 'up there'?" Issei asked, his face serious. "I didn't ask this before, but how is Michael holding up? What's the difference between heaven's glory days when you-know-who still took the reins?"

Dulio grimaced. Genos and Black were silently listening in while taking in their food, Black feeding near-round Rover some salami.

"I wasn't there when He is still around. However, I learned that blessings and miracles were much stronger back then."

"On a scale of one to ten, how would you rate He and Michael's performance in your personal opinion?" Issei asked.

"From my queries a ten in His days. Followers dropped significantly to.. 5.5 or 6, by the time Lord Michael assumed the throne."

"Ah"

Issei, Tobio and Dulio entered a small silence.

"I think I get why Azazel wants to keep Kokabiel." Issei hummed in thought.

"It would be a blessing if Michael achieved what he did."

"...Moving on." Issei sipped his cup of water. "How's the state back in the Vatican? How bad is it?"

"Utter chaos." Dulio simply replied. "Lots of effort is put into work in order to keep the incident from leaking out to the public. Many of those that interacted with Valper Galilei in the past were apprehended for extensive questioning Which revealed more skeletons in the closet than I'd like to count."

"I was joking about the choir boys and pedophile priests, you know?" Black interjected. "...But how much of that part is true, honestly?"

"Here are your orders." A waitress brought more steaming dishes onto the table, more of the sizable proportions on Dulio's side.

Issei glances at the maid. He did not recognize her. She had blonde hair and a face that was cute, not dissimilar to Irina's. She must be one of the human workers here.

"Perhaps it is best that Dulio leave that topic unanswered." Tobio suggested, before he took a note on Dulio's orders. "Rather, you just had your dessert, didn't you? And yet you're ordering more?"

"This time, I'm enjoying the food for the company." Dulio cheekily replied, causing the atmosphere to take a one-eighty.

"I thought gluttony is a sin in your order." Issei remarked.

"It doesn't count if it's not an eating disorder." Dulio argued as he started stuffing his mouth.

"Kuh. Alright. I'm going to wash my hands."

Issei got up from his seat and walked past the maid. He did not notice the girl smirking his way as she walked away.

She flashed a thumbs-up at a table she passed. There were three men and one boy sitting there, all in casual clothes that somewhat resembles traditional Japanese school uniform. One of them was bulky, the other had glasses, and the third was sipping coffee, smiling at Issei's retreating back.

"Ahhh, too much bullshit for one day." Issei complained to himself in the mirror as he rubbed his soap-lathered hands under the running water in the sink.

He wondered if he should use the monkey's paw to damn all the corrupt priests in the Christian churches all over the world to spite them. It was a really tempting idea

"Still can't do it if it'll bite me in the ass though" He muttered as he closed the faucet and started drying his hands in the blow dryer.

He was looking forward to the food, however.

As he turned towards the door and opened it

He saw a never ending expanse of fog. Literally, instead of the homely interior of a building, there was nothing but pale white fog, fog, and more fog.

Issei closed the door. He opened it again.

"What the FUCK?!"

Where the fuck was he? He swore that if he somehow ended up in a stray portal to the nether realm, he would punch his way out in a fit of rage.

"Yes, it can be quite unnerving for first-timers, but as long as you don't step inside there, you'll be good."

Issei turned around, and saw several people standing at the end of the restroom - one of them was the waitress who served his dinner earlier.

"I'm sorry for the sudden abduction. First? Let me-abaghf?!"

The man with glasses did not even finish his sentence as Issei's fist smashed into his face and sent him to the wall.

The other four stared at the half-buried body of their friend, only his waist and legs half dangling out of the wall as Issei seethed with rage.

"You have twenty seconds to explain to me what the fuck is happening or you'll join him in the wall."

They stared at the Son of the Strongest man.

"You are more short-tempered than I imagined." The one with a spear awkwardly commented.

"It's been a rough day. Now, who are you and what do you want with me? I don't care what kind of ranking in this world you have, I will beat the shit out of you."

"Wow. Are we sure we have the right boy?" The girl glanced at the other guy while the one with the bulky muscles was busy pulling the one with glasses out of the wall.

"Don't judge blood relations by their appearances, Jeanne. Apologies for our uh, well, we are not looking for trouble here." The man, who was acting as their leader, held up his hands placatingly, his weapon leaning on his shoulder. "We actually wanted to meet you, but we can't show ourselves to the public yet. In fact, we are heroes."

"Heroes don't do shady kidnappings just to talk." Issei retorted.

The bulky man pulled the other guy out of the wall, the latter groaned on the floor.

"How are you feeling, Georg?" The leader called out.

"My head."

"...He'll be fine." The girl chimed.

"Alright. Will it help you calm down if we say we know your father?" The leader asked.

Issei's eyes were slit with suspicion.

"Bald as hell, head so shiny light is somehow stronger when reflected from it?" The leader awkwardly smiled.

"What's the one thing in the world he just can't kill?" Issei asked him the one thing only those who truly know his dad knows.

The leader smiled at the question.

"A mosquito."

Issei widened his eyes as he relaxed his shoulders. "...Alright, I guess you know my dad."

The leader sighed in relief, making sure that his sigh was not noticeable at the same time.

"...Now that's out of the way, time for introductions. My name is Cao Cao. I am the leader of this group. The lady that served your dinner earlier is Jeanne. The poor guy you socked is Georg, and the tall guy helping him out is Heracles. And the boy here is Leonardo. It's a pleasure to meet the current Red Dragon Emperor - Son of the Strongest Man."

Issei stared at them in a way that did not settle them. It was like he was staring at an unusual specimen.

"Um, is something wrong?" Cao Cao asked.

"...Aren't they the names of, like, famous human figures?" Issei pointed out.

"Correct." Cal Cao admitted.

"Isn't that plagiarism, then?"

Issei almost saw blood spilling from their lips. He could practically feel his words spearing their chests.

"...Ahem, t-to correct your misunderstanding, we are related to those famous figures." Cao Cao amended. "I am actually the descendant of the original Cao Cao from the history of the Three Kingdoms, while Georg over there is the descendant of Johann Georg Faust, the magician who made a pact with Mephistopheles."

Issei then raised an eyebrow, pointing at Jeanne, Heracles and Leonardo. "...And? What about those three? Is the kid the descendant of Leonardo Da Vinci? Also, while I don't know about Jeanne, I'm pretty sure that Heracles left no living kids behind by the end of his life unless he's secretly promiscuous."

"There is a reason why we came up with the name Leonardo, but we actually haven't looked into Da Vinci's family tree yet, so thanks for pointing that out." Cao Cao pointed, "As for Jeanne and Heracles, they are not descendants - Jeanne carried the spirit of Joan D'Arc, while Heracles inherited the spirit of the Greatest Greek Hero in history."

"...Reincarnation?" Issei quirked a brow. "Do you know how stupid that sounds? I don't know about you, but flaunting the identities of famous past figures like this feels even more plagiarizing. No, it's more like you're leeching off your ancestors like parasites because you can't do anything original or have the balls to begin your own legends from the ground up."

Several metaphorical arrows pierced through their hearts. They look like they could barely stand, trembling on their legs as their dignity bled away.

"...His words hurt worse than the other guy." The one called Heracles commented.

Issei quirked a brow at the mention.

"Your lashing remarks are noted." Cao Cao said. "However, we don't have much time before others start looking for you. To shorten this to twenty words or less, I want to extend an offer to you to join our group, Issei Hyoudou, Son of the Strongest Man."

Issei felt like he was being sold a pitch by a used-car salesman for some reason.

"And what does your group do?" Issei asked.

"What heroes do - defending mankind from the threat of supernaturals as their champions."

Issei quirked a brow.

"And this threat would be? Don't tell me, are humans becoming monsters these days?" Issei asked.

They did not answer as they exchanged confused glances.

"I have no idea what you mean, but not those kinds of threats." Cao Cao shook his head.

"...Define 'supernatural' threats, then." Issei narrowed his eyes on them.

"Tell me, Issei Hyoudou. Do you know how the relationship between humans and the supernatural works? Let's say. How humans and Three Factions of Christianity work, for example?"

"I know how one of them operates the other two are a bit of a middle ground for me."

"And which ones are they?" Cao Cao asked.

"The Church and the Devils at least regarding their government so far. Having gripes with the Church more often than late, though."

"...Ah, of course. The invasion by coalition between Kokabiel of The Stars and Archbishop Valper Galilei." Cao Cao noted.

"I'm more pissed at the fat man than the angel. So, let's finish this before my dinner gets cold. What are you aiming for exactly?" Issei got straight to the point.

"...The strongest existence - the Dragon of Dragons, The Great Red." Cao Cao's smile had an ambitious hint. "By defeating the entity of that calibre, we shall prove the superiority of humanity, placing our kind above even the supernaturals that manipulate this world from behind the stage."

Issei quirked a brow at Cao Cao's answer. The silence reigned for a few seconds, until Issei broke it off with a snort, which gradually descended into laughter.

"PFFFFFFFFF.! AHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!"

While Issei was laughing, clutching his stomach, those of Hero Faction was regarding him with various expressions.

Cao Cao and Georg was raising their eyebrows, albeit the latter was rather confused. Jeanne and Heracles were a little bemused at Issei's reaction, while Leonardo remained impassive as ever.

Some time later, Issei calmed down, and when he realised that his 'kidnappers' were still standing there, Issei blinked.

"...My god, you guys are actually serious."

"Indeed, we are." Cao Cao's smile, noticing that Issei had begun to take him seriously.

"Wow alright, here's my take on your end goal. One there's a lot of holes in this scheme of yours that I don't want to bother pointing them out. Two how do you plan to 'defeat' the True Dragon?" Issei using his fingers to air-quote the 'defeat'.

"The details are classified. However, I can assure you that we have the means and a fair chance to defeat the strongest dragon."

"Like what? Some ultimate dragon slayer of dragon slayers that can hurt the two biggest baddest dragons out there?" Issei guesses.

"Something like that, yes." Cao Cao's smirk widened.

Issei narrowed his eyes, not liking the concealed meaning behind Cao Cao's expression. "Let's say that you guys manage to take the Great Red down or whatever. What's next?"

It seemed that Issei had to do some research on the matter of dragon slayers. From their expressions, it might be a sword like Ascalon but maybe something else. He should ask Azazel for a search reference.

Cao Cao remained silent.

"You do have a plan for what comes after, do you?" Issei quirked a brow.

"We do have one." Cao Cao replied.

"You do know that it's basically just you guys taking the credit for the kill, not a thing for the human race overall. It won't change the fact that most of the human race are quite vulnerable, I admit, but killing a neutral dragon who did no evil for glory can paint you as the bad guys."

"Good or bad is a matter of perspective." Cao Cao argued. "What people say will not matter when you are on top."

Issei simply kept his mild glare at Cao Cao, before he asked. "You said you know my dad Did you invite him like the way you're doing with me now?"

Cao Cao remained silent. Issei and the leader locked gazes, the silence deafening the air and unnerving the others.

"I think I'm gonna pass on your sales pitch."

Well? What do you think, folks? Leave me reviews and have happy holidays! ^_^

The next chapter is available in you-know-where site. ;)