The Underworld
"Sirzechs-sama, this is..."
Sirzechs' expression was deathly serious as he responded to Grayfia's observation.
"Something massive is happening."
...
Heaven
"Michael-sama, I have a bad feeling about this."
Michael nodded, his face clouded with gravity.
"I know. I feel it too, Gabriel."
...
Grigori
Azazel soared high above the Underworld, gazing at the crimson sky with a grim look on his face.
"A new problem shows up just as the peace treaty between the three factions was signed. Talk about bad timing."
...
Tartarus
Hades hovered above his pride and joy—his dark castle—staring intently at the heavens.
"Interesting. I suspect many more souls will be finding their way here soon."
...
Mount Meru
"Damn it! Just when I thought the world would descend into chaos because of the emergence of powerful Longinus users, something like this happens!"
Indra snarled, his voice laced with pure rage and emotion.
...
Asgard
"Hahaha! The world is always unpredictable, but that's exactly what makes it so interesting."
Odin laughed heartily, seemingly delighted by the shift he felt resonating through the world.
"Odin-sama, what are you talking about? More importantly, get back here and finish your work immediately!"
A silver-haired Valkyrie with a curvaceous figure scolded the Chief God of Norse Mythology.
Despite her stern words, her tone remained remarkably polite, making it difficult to truly feel intimidated by her.
"You're so noisy. If you keep being this stiff, you'll stay single forever."
"Gah! That has nothing to do with me having a boyfriend! Stop making things up!"
Rossweisse retorted, her eyes welling up with tears of frustration.
Odin sighed, his gaze returning to the sky as his tone shifted to one of absolute sincerity.
"Rossweisse, you must be ready to fight at a moment's notice."
"Eh?"
Rossweisse blinked, stunned, unable to grasp Odin's sudden change in mood.
Nonetheless, she knew better than to ignore a direct warning from him.
"Understood, Odin-sama."
...
Summer vacation was just around the corner. Since the completion of the world-merger, there had been no movement from any of the factions. It seemed as though everyone was waiting for the perfect moment to make their move.
Today, the Gremory Familiars—Rias's Peerage—departed for the Underworld. It was a long-standing tradition for their family to spend the extended summer break there. Sona's Peerage joined them for the trip, with Saji spending most of the journey chatting away with Issei, Kiba, and Gasper.
Both Rias's and Sona's groups arrived in the Underworld without a hitch. There were no sudden surprises, like the train stopping unexpectedly or being forced into a fight against the former Dragon King, Tannin.
During the journey, Issei could feel Akeno's longing gaze lingering on him. He knew that if they were alone, she definitely would have made a move to tease him.
After the welcoming ceremony and dinner, the Gremory Peerage headed to the outdoor hot springs. The bathhouse was divided into two levels: the lower floor for the men and the upper floor for the women.
...
"Kiba, do you want to get stronger?"
Issei asked.
Kiba nodded solemnly.
"With my current strength, I won't be able to do anything if a threat on the level of Kokabiel appears again."
Issei nodded in agreement.
"Do you already have a plan to increase your power?"
"Mm. I asked Grayfia-san for advice, and she suggested I train under a master swordsman she knows."
"That's good to hear."
Issei then turned his gaze toward Gasper.
Unlike the original timeline, this Gasper had already developed a decent amount of self-confidence. As long as the little guy could master the power of Aeon Balor, he should be fine.
'If I remember correctly, in the main story, Gasper could control his Sacred Gear after consuming the Red Dragon Emperor's blood. I wonder if that still applies here.'
"Issei-senpai?"
Gasper suddenly shivered, sensing a bad omen.
"Gasper, you're a vampire, right?"
"Technically, a half-vampire."
"Hmm. Why don't you ever drink blood?"
"Ah, well..."
Gasper stammered, struggling to find an answer.
Issei sighed and spoke with a serious tone.
"From what I know, vampires can only unlock their full potential if they regularly consume blood. Am I wrong?"
Gasper shook his head.
"You're not wrong, but it's not entirely that simple either."
"Hmm, I'm not interested in the fine details. But if you want to grow stronger, you need to start consuming blood."
"...Alright, Issei-senpai. I'll try."
"Great! Every big change starts with a firm resolve!"
...
Upstairs, Rias smiled as she overheard the conversation between Issei and Gasper. Akeno approached Rias's side, a look of pure curiosity in her clear eyes.
"What is it?"
Rias asked.
"Rias... is it just my imagination, or have these gotten bigger?"
Boing!
"Kyaa!"
Akeno deliberately touched Rias's breasts, causing the girl to let out a soft, suggestive moan.
"Akeno!"
"Ara~ ara~ forgive me. I was just curious as to why they seem larger than before."
Rias paused, settling back into the water before answering bashfully.
"A lot has happened."
"..."
Akeno fell silent, her mind racing as she tried to guess exactly what that meant.
To be continued...