This was the first time Rias and the others had learned just how powerful Izumi truly was.
When they heard it, they were completely stunned.
After all, this seemed to be the first time Izumi had ever openly mentioned his real strength in front of them.
Seeing their reactions, Izumi wasn't surprised in the slightest.
He casually grabbed the foolish cat still clinging to him and tossed her aside.
"Enough. Stop talking nonsense."
"If Koneko really could bear my child, that would be something to celebrate, not a tragedy."
"Besides, with us around, even death wouldn't be so easy."
He genuinely didn't care about that possibility.
If Koneko ever faced danger, there was no way he would stand by and do nothing. She was already someone precious to him.
After his explanation, Kuroka finally stopped pestering him.
However, a strange glint appeared in her eyes, as if she had started thinking about something else entirely.
The same went for Rias and the others.
Once everyone sat down, Izumi began eating while asking casually,
"So, what brings you here so early in the morning?"
"Don't tell me you all skipped class just to come chat."
He looked at them curiously. Classes should still be in session.
Rias shook her head.
"No. I came to thank you."
"Koneko has grown so much stronger. It's all thanks to your guidance."
As she spoke, she gave a deep bow.
Izumi glanced at her, then smacked his lips thoughtfully.
"So this is how people express gratitude nowadays?"
"Please, by all means, show your sincerity properly."
Rias immediately flushed red and straightened up.
"My apologies!"
Beside her, Akeno smiled sweetly.
"Izumi-kun, would you like to try?"
"I'm sure the president wouldn't mind."
The moment she finished speaking, a killing intent locked onto her.
Following it, Akeno turned and saw Rin Tohsaka glaring at her coldly.
Akeno chuckled.
"My, my. It seems I spoke out of turn."
She was honestly surprised.
Everyone in this house seemed to have some kind of intimate relationship with Izumi.
Truly impressive.
As expected of you.
Izumi ignored their silent confrontation and continued speaking.
"Koneko, for the next period of time, you should train under your sister."
"Learn both Senjutsu and Youjutsu properly. Once you master them, your strength should reach at least high B-rank, maybe even A-minus."
"I'll be taking Megumi, Eriri, and the others to Rin's world."
"If everything goes well, their strength should increase greatly there."
"And if things proceed smoothly, I'll bring back some items that you all can use."
He had already decided.
During this trip to the Nasuverse, he would produce a large number of Heroic Spirit Cards.
They were extremely useful, allowing their users to borrow the power of Heroic Spirits.
However, making cards that functioned across worlds would require improvement.
After all, this world didn't have the Throne of Heroes.
So he would need to research and adapt the system.
Hearing his arrangement, Koneko had no objections. She simply nodded.
She trusted his decisions completely.
Izumi then turned to Rias.
"As for Asagi Aiba, she should be able to fully control that power soon."
"Rias, I'll leave her in your care."
"She's also a member of my team."
This time, he only planned to bring Rin, Sakura, Irisviel, Megumi, and Eriri.
The others would stay behind.
Avrora and Ophis could simply remain inside his Small World.
If he brought Ophis along, Alaya and Gaia would probably be terrified.
Though, to be fair, his presence alone would already scare them enough.
Still, it should be manageable.
Last time he went there, Ophis had stared at that world constantly.
The poor planet had nearly panicked.
Rias didn't refuse his request. Instead, she asked curiously,
"So how long will you stay in that world this time?"
"You're not planning to disappear for half a year or more, are you?"
She needed to know.
She was worried he might just go off and enjoy himself in another world.
Izumi frowned slightly.
"Do you have something going on?"
"Why ask that?"
He felt there was deeper meaning behind her question.
Rias nodded, looking troubled.
"Our world is facing serious trouble."
"My brother and the others have already gone to the frontlines. The other world has launched another offensive."
"And it's far more intense than before."
"After we graduate, we'll be sent to the battlefield as well."
"So I want to know when you'll return."
Hearing that, Izumi's expression turned serious.
The EXE world had resumed its assault?
He had previously dealt them a devastating blow.
Yet they had already recovered and were attacking again.
Was something happening on their side?
Launching a war could mean internal conflict… or some unforeseen event.
After thinking for a moment, he answered,
"It shouldn't take long."
"I'll be back soon."
"You don't need to worry about that."
"Right now, just focus on what you need to do."
Now that he knew the situation, he couldn't take it lightly.
He would never allow anything to happen to this world.
Even if he could escape to other worlds, losing his home would be unacceptable.
Rias finally relaxed after hearing his answer.
To be honest, the pressure on her was immense.
Soon, she and her peerage would be heading to the battlefield.
Many students would go as well.
No one knew how many would return alive.
So securing a powerful ally was essential.
She could stay in the rear and avoid the war.
But that was not the path she chose.
As one of the princesses of the Underworld, she would fight.