"It did. I also have a supply of hand grenades."
"How many?! Wait, do you walk around the house like that every day?"
"Perish the thought," Walkure replied. "I only carry the grenades for special occasions."
"You said 'the grenades'! Only the grenades!" Rias cried, her composure cracking. "Please, I'm begging you, disarm yourself when we're at home. I'm going to be too nervous to sleep now!"
"There is no need for concern. These measures were originally implemented as a counter-strategy in the event that Issei-sama attempted a 'night-raid' on my quarters."
"I don't think you have to worry about that... Issei isn't exactly the type to force himself on anyone," Rias sighed, exhaling deeply.
It was a known fact among our circle; despite Issei-kun's perverted reputation, the women in his life were usually the ones taking the initiative. It was just the dynamic of their household.
Then, Akeno-san spoke up, her voice silkier than usual.
"Oh? He 'night-raided' me, though."
A deafening silence fell over the beach, followed by a collective shriek.
"WHAT?!"
The women of the Occult Research Club screamed in perfect, horrified harmony. Rias, in particular, looked like she was about to short-circuit.
"A-A-Akeno?! Is—is that... are you s-s-serious?!"
"My, yes. It was a most passionate night. The way Issei-kun looked at me then... goodness."
Xenovia pumped a fist into the air. "As expected of the former Vice-President! To think you had already reached those heights!"
"Wait, so that means... Issei-kun went to Akeno-san's room at night and...?"
"Issei-san... when did he find the time?!"
"Hawa-wa-wa..."
Akeno's bombshell was more effective than any physical weapon. The girls, who were supposedly preparing for the battle of their lives, were now completely unraveled by romantic jealousy and shock.
I didn't know whether to be worried or relieved that things were "business as usual."
Looking at the flustered Rias and the others, Akeno flashed a predatory, beaming smile.
"Since I was the last one to join the race... I think I'll go into this battle in 'Full Power Mode.'"
The sheer intensity of her aura made everyone nearby shiver.
Beyond the 'D×D' members, the beach was packed. High-ranking Devils from various clans had arrived with their peerages. Japan's own supernatural practitioners, centered around the Five Great Clans, were out in force, led by the current head of the Himejima clan—and Akeno's cousin—Suzaku.
"We are here as well!" a bright voice called out.
It was Kunou, the golden-haired fox girl, arriving alongside her mother, Yasaka.
Yasaka offered a graceful bow. "The Youkai of Japan shall stand with you. After all, it would be quite a bother if our home were destroyed."
Behind her, a literal army of Youkai covered the island, with several legendary leaders visible among the ranks. Furthermore, the gods of the Japanese Pantheon had already begun weaving layers of powerful barriers around the area.
It was a necessary precaution against the kind of "theatrical" long-range attacks Asem had demonstrated earlier. If a blast like that hit the mainland, the devastation would be irreversible. The barriers were designed to block both physical invasion and inter-dimensional bombardment.
"Normally, a barrier of this scale would be impenetrable," Sona remarked, adjusting her glasses. "But given our opponent, I can't help but feel uneasy."
"Agreed," Rias said, her expression hardening. "Which is why those of us on the offensive need to move fast. How is the situation in the human world?"
"The various factions are working to suppress the panic, but we can't hide the truth much longer," Sona replied with a heavy sigh. "The 'Gate' is being covered on every news cycle."
Asem's actions were dragging the supernatural world into the light. For now, the public believed it was high-end CGI or a massive prank, but that illusion wouldn't hold for long.
Yaegaki, who had finished his talk with Maurice, joined the conversation. "In my opinion, the fact that there hasn't been significant human collateral damage yet is a miracle. Rizevim's plan to revive Trihexa was pure malice—if the beast or the Evil Dragons were acting on instinct, the world would already be in ruins."
Rias looked at him, puzzled. "Are you saying Asem is intentionally restraining them?"
"I don't know his motive. But the result is the same."
Asem was holding the leash. He had promised three days of peace, and he had kept his word. No Trihexa, no Evil Dragons, no attacks. He had given us time to heal, repair, and train.
-------------------------
If you enjoy this story, you can read 70+ advanced chapters on Patreon!
Webnovel will keep getting 1 new chapter every day but Patreon readers can stay far ahead.
Maybe it's not a big deal now… maybe it will be later.
[email protected]/Greyhounds
"And If you're enjoying it, drop a Power Stone for me!"