Izumi's strength had skyrocketed once again.
Although the status panel displayed A+ rank, his actual combat ability far exceeded that, reaching the realm of true S-rank.
The amplification brought by unlimited magical energy wasn't something ordinary—it was absurd, overwhelming, and downright unfair.
Right now, if Izumi simply learned a few basic spells, he could instantly become a full-fledged archmage.Even without learning magic, he could bombard an entire area using Spiral Sword or Imaginary Collapse by brute-forcing magic power into them.
And of course, he could still learn entry-level magic from the teachers at school and pass himself off as a legitimate mage.
His assigned template might have been "Archer," but in truth he was an all-class cheat template.Even if he were forced into the role of assassin, swordsman, or tank, he could master each just fine.
Such was the confidence Izumi now possessed after acquiring Infinite Martial Refinement.
Meanwhile, Rias had returned to her dormitory and immediately contacted her brother on the frontlines.
She told him about the Fallen Angels appearing in Kuoh Town.
Hearing this, Sirzechs raised an eyebrow.
"Looks like the Fallen Angel faction really is having internal issues."
"We received reports too—apparently the faction has been split internally."
"The hawkish group led by Kokabiel has broken off on their own."
"Some of them even want to start a war."
Rias's eyes widened.
"Onii-sama… you mean the Fallen Angels who came to Kuoh Town are Kokabiel's people?"
"Shouldn't they be unified right now? Why would they cause problems at a time like this?"
Sirzechs shook his head.
"If they were the type to worry, they wouldn't be doing this in the first place."
"All races are currently busy fighting beings from other worlds on the frontlines—we don't have time to deal with small rogue groups."
"And besides… what waves can they possibly make? Even an S+ ranked fighter is nothing but cannon fodder on the current battlefield."
"Well, Rias, you don't need to worry about the Fallen Angels."
"There will be people assigned to handle them."
With that matter closed, Sirzechs shifted the topic.
"More importantly… let's talk about your situation."
"You still only have two servants in your peerage. Are you sure you don't need to recruit more?"
"And that matter—the deadline should be approaching, right?"
Of course, "that matter" referred to Rias's arranged marriage.
Knowing his sister's personality, Sirzechs had no doubt she would challenge her fiancé through a Rating Game.
But with only three members including herself… they wouldn't be able to accomplish anything.
Rias let out a long sigh.
"Maa… that's been giving me headaches too."
"The person I had my eyes on… he doesn't seem willing to join my peerage…"
She naturally thought of Izumi.
His strength was extraordinary. She wasn't confident she could recruit him anymore.
In fact, she even sensed danger coming from him.
That feeling alone was bizarre.
He was still just a brand-new first-year student, yet he possessed such overwhelming power…
It made her question whether he was even human.
Sirzechs exhaled with a troubled expression.
"Your standards are too high."
"Of course you can't gather members like that. Why not lower your expectations a bit?"
"Find someone with potential. If loyalty is the concern, our family has no shortage of resources to train them."
Rias frowned.
"But…"
Before she could argue, Sirzechs cut her off.
"No buts. Think carefully."
"There isn't much time left. If you want to resist your marriage, then gather your peerage—or find outside help."
"I'll negotiate with the other side when the time comes."
After saying that, Sirzechs disconnected the call, leaving Rias alone in silence.
Outside help…?
That might be a good opportunity.
Inevitably, Izumi's face floated into her mind.
But getting him to help her felt impossible. They weren't close.
No one would help her without reason.
Rias groaned.
She'd need to find a chance to talk to him properly.
The Fallen Angels were no longer her concern. Her priority now was figuring out her own affairs.
And how to get Izumi's support.
Seduction?Bribery?Maybe gift him Koneko?
Mmmm…
Rias's thoughts spiraled into dangerous territory.
"Achoo."
Fresh out of the bath, Izumi sneezed.
Was that onee-san thinking about him again?
Truly, being handsome was such a burden.
He muttered while evaporating the water from his hair using magic.This level of control was nothing for him.
Tomorrow was Saturday—no school—so Izumi didn't rush to sleep.He returned to his room and began planning.
His golden finger, his abilities—he needed to research everything.
The golden finger was self-explanatory. That was his ultimate trump card.
But his abilities… those needed proper study.
Right now he possessed the Third Magic and Projection.
…Should he consider becoming a weapons dealer?
His projected replicas were worth a fortune.
But all his projected weapons had a fatal flaw:They were made of magical energy.
Anything with anti-magic properties would shatter them instantly, and once his mana ran out, they would break on their own.Meaning they were essentially single-use items.
Izumi couldn't help but envy a certain golden king.
If only his Projection worked like Gate of Babylon, he'd instantly be rich and armed with legendary weapons.
After sulking for a moment, he shook his head. That was a problem for future Izumi.
For now, he needed to study his golden finger and the intimidatingly powerful Third Magic.
Closing his eyes, he focused inward.
The Third Magic didn't just grant infinite magical energy—it allowed manipulation at the soul level.
As he had only recently obtained it, most of its functions remained unexplored.
He recalled something…
Combined with alchemy…Could he create artificial humans?
A loli who could change size, like a perfect blend of Illya and Irisviel?
Just thinking about it sent a thrill through him.