After the fierce fight, we returned from Kyoto's pseudo-space to the hotel rooftop.
Azazel-sensei put a hand on my shoulder. "Good work. Rest up—you're in rough shape."
"Yeah…" Moving sent sharp pain through my body—like extreme muscle soreness.
"Lie down," Sensei ordered. "Medics! Check them! Injuries aside, their magic and stamina are drained!"
I'm exhausted. Can't move. Don't want to.
The operation ended with the Hero Faction's retreat. The coalition surrounding Kyoto finished battling their members and anti-monsters, now handling cleanup.
Cao Cao and his crew escaped the encirclement, likely through pre-planned routes. Well-prepared bastards.
Frustrating, but we saved Yasaka and stopped their experiment. Good enough for now.
Miu, slumped in a chair, was worn out from clashing with Georg, a Longinus wielder. Asia, drained from healing and tension, slept beside her. The treated team members were being moved for observation.
"Sorry, Issei. I'm out first," Kiba said apologetically.
He fought Siegfried hard—no shame in that. I waved him off.
"Gen-chan!" "Genshirou!" Sona's peerage crowded around Saji, tears in their eyes, as he was carried off. His Dragon King transformation took a toll, knocking him out post-battle. He's loved by his team.
Now, the issue…
"Sensei, about Xenovia…" I started.
"I heard. Wounded by Gáe Buidhe. Tricky," Sensei said, examining her arm. "That spear's wounds carry a healing-blocking curse. Some died from it worsening."
Worse after the fight. We need to lift Xenovia's curse fast.
"It's tough to break. Needs a high-level magician," Sensei added.
"So my wound won't heal?" Xenovia muttered grimly.
Sensei grinned. "You're lucky, Xenovia."
"What?" she asked, puzzled. I was confused too.
"The curse only affects the wound itself. Remove it, and you can heal. Just cut out the surrounding tissue."
"Wait, cut it out? That'll heal it?" I asked.
"Normally, no—Asia's healing or Phoenix Tears won't regenerate lost tissue. But…" He pointed at my right arm. "Issei, how'd your arm heal?"
My arm? "Oh!"
During the Old Demon Faction fight, Ignis burned my arm. Asia's healing didn't work—muscles and nerves were gone. Sensei developed a drug for it.
"That drug!" I exclaimed.
"Exactly. We'll use it on Xenovia. It's not instant like Asia's healing, but it regenerates tissue. Xenovia, you're coming to the Underworld with me. It'll take a few days' hospitalization."
"The school trip…" Xenovia's face fell.
"It ends today. We'll do first aid in the Underworld, and you can rejoin. You'll be wobbly, but you can enjoy the end."
"Really!?" Xenovia's eyes sparkled.
Sensei smirked, tousling her hair, then opened a magic circle to contact an Underworld medical facility, likely Grigori's research team. He gave orders and teleported with Xenovia.
Sensei's reliable as ever. Who'd have thought the drug for my arm would save Xenovia? Cutting out tissue sounds brutal, though.
No one died. Thank goodness. I sighed, gazing at the night sky.
School Trip Final Day
Souvenir shopping, but my body felt like lead. Chain Ring Qigong masked the pain, but Miu's support helped.
Xenovia's first aid in the Underworld stabilized her wound, preventing worsening. Painkillers numbed her arm—no major issues. She'd head to the Underworld hospital after Kuoh.
The team, battered, dragged through souvenir shops, hit Kyoto Tower, and now it was time to leave.
At Kyoto Station's Shinkansen platform, Kunou and Yasaka saw us off.
"Issei…" Kunou, holding Yasaka's hand, called me.
"What's up?"
Blushing and fidgeting, she asked, "Will you come back to Kyoto?"
"Of course. You should visit my place too."
"Really?" Her eyes lit up.
"Absolutely. You're welcome anytime." I patted her head, her face reddening further. Adorable.
The departure whistle sounded. Kunou shouted, "You better come back! I'll wait!"
"I'll bring everyone next time. Guide us again!"
"Got it!" she nodded.
Yasaka spoke. "Azazel, Red Dragon Emperor, devils, angels, fallen angels—my apologies and thanks. I'll meet with Leviathan and the Victorious Fighting Buddha to ensure this never happens again. We'll strengthen cooperation."
"Count on it, General," Sensei said, shaking her hand.
Seraforu added hers, giggling. "Go ahead and head back☆ I'll enjoy Kyoto with Yasaka and the monkey grandpa☆"
She's way too chipper. Hope she works.
We boarded the Shinkansen. Kunou yelled, "Thank you, Issei!"
"See ya, Kunou!" We waved, smiling, as the doors closed. She kept waving until we pulled away.
Settling into our seats—same as the trip here—Miu said, "What a ride. Four days flew by."
"Yeah, too much happened." Fights with the Hero Faction, but we hit Kiyomizu-dera, Ginkaku-ji, Kinkaku-ji, and Arashiyama as planned. Met Kunou and Yasaka too.
Looking at Miu, her cheeks were faintly flushed. Crossing that sibling line was the real highlight. No regrets—I love her as a sister and a girl.
Miu patted her thigh. "Tired? I got a lap pillow on the way here, so it's my turn."
She smiled like a goddess. So cute!
"Guess I'll take you up on that." I lay on her lap—soft, fragrant, calming yet thrilling.
Lap pillow perfection!
A chill hit me. Turning, I saw my male classmates glaring. "Hyoudou!" they hissed, radiating hostility.
Matsuda and Motohama stood. "Calm down, everyone! No disturbances on the train!" Matsuda said. "Hyoudou will face the 'Issei Extermination Committee' back at Kuoh! Save your anger!" Motohama added.
"RAAAH!" the guys roared, fists raised.
What!? I'm dead when we get back!? The whole class is in this "committee"!? Enemies everywhere! Maybe the whole school…
"We'll have to step up," one Occult Research Club girl muttered.
"Back home's another battle," another added.
"They'll flip when they hear," a third said.
They know about Miu and me. What do I do? Will I survive back home?
"Xenovia, what's this about another battle!?" I yelled. "Focus on your arm! Hospital first!"
"Miu…" I turned to her, teary-eyed.
She laughed, patting my head. My struggles are just beginning.
Her touch felt nice, though.
To escape reality, I closed my eyes.
Back in Kuoh, we joined the others and went to the Underworld for Xenovia's treatment. The hospital staff were swift—her wound was treated in an hour with Sensei's drug. Full recovery in two days.
Now, in Xenovia's hospital room, the school trip crew sat in seiza, grilled by Rias.
"Why didn't you tell us?" Rias said. "We had an incident in Gremory territory, but Sona knew."
"Sorry…" I mumbled.
Akeno and Koneko were miffed too. "You could've consulted us," Akeno sighed.
"Pretty cold," Koneko added.
Alice chimed in. "You used your ultimate technique again, didn't you?"
"You can tell?" I asked.
"Your movements are stiff. So reckless," she scolded.
Haha… Alice sees right through me.
"Why didn't you call me? I could've helped," she said.
"You're still adjusting to this world…"
"If you're gone, what's the point, idiot?" she muttered.
Sorry…
"But everyone's safe, so…" Gasper squeaked, timid but supportive.
Bless you, Gasper!
"Issei was busy making new friends," Sensei said mischievously. "The Nine-Tails' daughter."
"Kunou!?" I snapped. "That's not it! We just got along!"
"She'll grow into a busty beauty like Yasaka," Sensei teased.
True… a gorgeous, curvy Kunou… nice.
No! "That's not the point! We're just friends!"
"Stubborn womanizer," Sensei jabbed.
Harsh! Can I punch him, Ddraig?
[Go for it, partner. I allow it.]
Still sore about the Oppai Dragon thing, huh?
Sensei remembered something. "Before the culture festival, a Phoenix girl's transferring to Kuoh. Ravel."
"Ravel!? Seriously!?" I gasped.
Rias, Akeno, Koneko, Gasper, and Alice weren't surprised—must've heard while we were gone.
"She wants to learn in Japan, inspired by Rias and Sona. Same year as Koneko. Cat and bird might clash, but it'll be fun," Sensei said.
"Whatever," Koneko huffed.
Does she dislike Ravel? They're classmates, so get along.
"Why so sudden?" I asked.
Sensei gave a cryptic smile. "You'll see."
What's that mean!?
"Then I'll have to make a kid with Issei soon," Xenovia muttered. "Miu beat me to it."
"What!?" Rias, Akeno, Koneko, and Alice gasped in unison.
Oh no, Xenovia!
"Issei, explain!" Rias demanded.
"Miu beat you… you mean…!?" Akeno pressed.
Tremendous pressure!
"Answer, Issei-senpai," Koneko said, blocking my escape.
When'd she get behind me!?
"Issei… you and Miu… did it?" Alice asked, sparks crackling around her.
This is bad!
Options flashed:
A) Run
B) Dodge
C) Be honest
Here goes… "I… um… did it with Miu… yeah…"
Option C. It's the truth—Asia's group already knew, and running's not manly.
Their reactions?
"You did it with Miu…" Rias said, crestfallen.
"I knew this day would come," Akeno sighed.
"Impressive, Miu-senpai," Koneko said.
"Huh? Impressive!?" I blurted.
They seemed… okay? Disappointed but accepting. I expected worse.
Alice, silent, eyes downcast. "Alice?" I ventured.
"…Issei, you idiot," she muttered, turning away.
Is she mad?
Sensei clapped, standing. "Ease up. Issei's wrecked from his technique. Grill him after he rests."
Thanks, Sensei! A rare save!
"Let them rest, especially you, Yuto," Rias said.
"Yes," we replied, dispersing.
My worries were overblown.
[Azazel Side]
Back in Kuoh, I contacted Sirzechs via magic circle. "Sending Hero Faction data. They've got three top-tier Longinus and a Balance Breaker festival. Issei mentioned a 'Dragon Eater.'"
[Never heard of it. Any ideas?] Sirzechs asked.
"Nope." Never heard that name in all my years. Sounds like it affects dragons—probably meant for Great Red this time. How many tricks do these terrorists have?
[Their goal was to disrupt the alliance of the Three Factions and yokai. Maybe not for the leaders, but their grunts see it as justice.]
"Yeah. The coalition took heavy losses—anti-monsters and tons of Balance Breakers."
[Balance Breakers tipped the scales. Sacred Gears are terrifying.]
"Don't start saying we should ditch them. Takes away my fun," I teased.
[I wouldn't. Sacred Gears have saved us plenty. It's about how they're used.]
"Agreed. They're a double-edged sword. This time, we got the bad end. How's the yokai deal?"
[Went well. The incident pushed them to strengthen cooperation.]
"So the Hero Faction made the alliance stronger. Ironic."
"Big win, though. We'll discuss details later. Issei's crew pulled through again."
[Indeed. Issei's been huge since Kokabiel, practically wiping out the Old Demon Faction alone.]
"Plus Loki and that other world."
[Rosewood, was it? Beyond the Two Heavenly Dragons.]
"Yeah, that guy was nuts. If he came here, he'd wipe out a mythology or two."
[High praise from you. The other world's off-record, but the four Demon Kings are recommending him.]
"Issei's high-rank devil promotion is locked in?"
[His power's beyond that.] Sirzechs chuckled.
Barely high-rank level—his base is top-tier devil, Balance Breaker's Demon King class.
[How's he holding up? Pushing himself without his Sacred Gear…]
"He says a day's rest will fix him. No worries."
Sirzechs sighed in relief.
His real worry's elsewhere, though. That's fun to watch.
What's next for our late-blooming hero who's finally known a woman? I smirked, sipping wine.
[Azazel Side Out]
That night, post-dinner and bath, I dove into bed. Chain Ring Qigong masked the pain, but my body was wrecked. Touching it felt like screaming.
Qi damage needs natural healing, so rest it is.
But…
"Uh, Alice? What're you—?"
"Obviously, I'm sleeping next to you," she said, sliding into my bed.
Her face was close.
"I get that, but… why?"
She puffed her cheeks and— "Hey!" Poke.
"OW!" Pain shot through me. It's not dramatic—it hurts! Even light touches kill!
"You know that!" I groaned.
"Divine punishment," she said.
"Punishment!?"
"You… did it with Miu. I wanted your first…"
What? Her voice was too soft.
"Say that again?"
"Issei, you idiot!" Poke-poke-poke.
"STOP! It hurts!" I'm dying here!
"I'll do anything, just stop!"
She paused, blushing, eyes misty. "Then… go on a date with me—"
BANG! The door flew open. Miu stood there, red-faced, teary. "What's wrong?" I asked.
"WAAAH! Help, big brother!" She tackled me.
"GAAAH!" Pain exploded.
"Sorry! You okay!?" she panicked.
"Not okay… What happened?"
"Well—" Footsteps thundered. Rias, Akeno, and Koneko appeared.
"Wait, Miu!" Rias shouted.
"Spill it! What did you and Issei do?" Akeno demanded.
"You're not escaping," Koneko added.
They were grilling Miu about that night!? No wonder she's red!
The calm in the hospital was a setup to corner her! A storm's prelude!
More footsteps. The school trip girls—minus Xenovia—arrived.
"Issei-san, I want your baby!" Asia cried.
"I'm an angel, but… I'll observe for the future!" Irina said.
"I'm ready anytime, Issei!" Reyna declared.
What is this chaos!? Asia's too direct! We used protection—no babies! Irina, observing!? Reyna's ready!?
"Let's get answers from Issei's body!" Rias and Akeno said.
They're gonna what!?
Rias said "mon"—cute, but not the time!
"Somebody… HELP!" I screamed.
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