Issei was sitting in class when his Universal Perception caught something.
"A holy sword?"
'Looks like it. Your friend has already rushed over there, approaching the wielder of the holy sword.'
"I know."
Issei raised his hand, drawing the attention of the teacher who was in the middle of the lesson.
"What is it, Hyoudou-kun?"
"Sensei, I need to go to the restroom."
"Go ahead, but don't take too long."
Issei nodded, then swiftly ran out of the classroom under the confused gazes of all the students, including Asia.
"Issei...-san?"
Asia tilted her head with a puzzled expression. She was certain something had happened, yet she didn't know what it was and couldn't even guess.
Her thoughts instead drifted to the moment she had served Issei's younger brother, causing her cheeks to flush as she lowered her head in embarrassment.
Kiryuu happened to notice Asia's reaction and smiled broadly, like a manipulator proudly admiring the success of his plan.
.....
"Stop!"
Clang!
Kiba swung his Flame Sword, but it was blocked by Excalibur Destruction, wielded by a sharp-eyed, beautiful woman with short blue hair—Xenovia Quarta.
Kiba stepped back slightly, pointing his Flame Sword at Xenovia.
"What are you doing here?!"
Kiba's voice was sharp, his expression dark, his gaze filled with murderous intent.
Xenovia snorted coldly and replied irritably, "I have no business with a slave like you. Where is Gremory?"
"Hmph! You come here carrying something dangerous like that and want to meet Bucho? I won't allow it!" Kiba Yuuto declared firmly.
"We're here to meet a high-ranking devil. The holy sword is merely for self-defense."
"I don't believe you! I won't let you meet Bucho!"
Kiba's expression was resolute and filled with hatred.
At that moment, a black shadow flashed by and stopped right beside Kiba.
"Calm down, Kiba."
"!"
Kiba froze, then turned his head and stared sharply at Issei.
There was no longer any of the usual friendliness in Kiba's eyes—only deep-seated resentment.
Issei sighed, then turned his gaze straight toward Xenovia Quarta.
"Nice to meet you. My name is Hyoudou Issei, a pawn of Rias Gremory."
"Hyoudou Issei? The Red Dragon Emperor of this era?"
"Oh? You know me?"
Xenovia nodded as cold sweat trickled down her cheek.
"Of course. Your actions in the Underworld have spread far and wide, reaching the ears of all three factions."
Issei gave a faint smile.
"Seems I'm pretty famous."
Xenovia nodded, then turned back to look at a beautiful woman with long brown hair tied into twin-tails.
"Besides, I'm friends with your childhood friend."
Issei shifted his gaze toward the woman, smiled casually, and waved at her.
"Irina, long time no see. You've gotten even prettier."
Irina gave a bitter smile and replied softly,
"Thanks."
"You don't look very energetic. What's wrong?"
Irina blinked her large eyes and stared straight at Issei.
"Do you even need to ask? I'm sad! Why did my precious childhood friend become a devil?! I can't accept this reality!"
Irina began to shed tears, crying bitterly and wholeheartedly.
Issei smiled wryly, wanting to comfort her but knowing she would reject him if he approached.
"Enough. Forget about him. There are plenty of men in this world who are better than him," Xenovia said, her tone flat yet cool.
Irina continued crying, eventually stopping on her own after several minutes.
"Issei-kun, as an agent, I must purify you!"
Issei shook his head.
"You won't be able to, Irina."
"Of course I can! I have a holy sword, and you're a devil! I'm your natural enemy!" Irina said firmly.
Issei sighed and looked at Irina with gentle eyes.
"No... Don't look at me like that... I still have to purify you."
"I won't let you touch him!"
Rias's sharp voice shattered the sorrowful atmosphere.
Rias's expression was extremely unfriendly—completely different from the original story when she first met the holy sword wielders.
Issei knew her anger was because of him, so he took the initiative to hug Rias from behind to calm her down.
Rias blushed, her fierce expression softening in the blink of an eye.
... .. .
To be continued...