The day after reuniting with Odin's old man.
Our Gremory clan attended a Gremory-hosted event as the main act—a handshake session for Oppai Dragon. A long line of Underworld kids stretched before me.
"Thanks for coming," I said, handing out signed cards and shaking hands. I couldn't sign due to my arm, so a substitute did. I felt bad but kept shaking hands.
Kids beamed. "Oppai Dragon! Keep it up!" Their words made it worthwhile. Some asked for transformations or Xenon mode, and I obliged. Their smiles were worth it.
Other clan members, also in Oppai Dragon, joined. Next to me, the prez, as Switch Princess, smiled and shook hands.
"This role grew on me," she said. "Kids' smiles make it worthwhile."
"Same," I replied. "It's fun."
Glancing at Kiba, a swarm of girls lined up. As Darkness Knight Fang, his knight armor amplified his charm. Damn, I'm jealous! I wanted girls fawning too. Was it his face?
Koneko, in a beastly outfit as Hellcat-chan, greeted mostly older fans. She handled it professionally.
Post-handshake, we returned to the tent, exhausted but fulfilled. I stretched, stiff from sitting.
A staff member approached. "Good work, Issei-sama," said Ravel Phenex, her vertical-roll hair distinctive.
"Thanks, Ravel," I said.
She'd volunteered as an assistant, efficiently handling tasks. I relied on her for Underworld info, surprised by her competence.
"You were a lifesaver," I said.
"N-No, just doing my duty!" she blushed. Cute.
"The kids adore you," she added.
"Giving them dreams feels good," I said.
"It's wonderful," she agreed.
Initially roped in by Sirzechs and Azazel, interacting with kids made me want to keep being a hero.
"Time to head back," the prez said, entering. Odin's escort duty awaited—tiring, given his antics at hostess clubs and street flirting. Reina and Rossweisse bonded over their boss woes, a surreal sight.
"Ravel, help with future events?" I asked. "I'm clueless about the Underworld."
"Of course!" she said.
We shook hands, and I left with the prez for the human world.
After the Underworld event and Odin's Japan tour, I was in the Hyoudou basement training room. Xenovia's Durandal clashed with Kiba's twin holy-demonic swords, sparking metal screeches. Kiba, at a disadvantage, retreated, discarding cracked swords for new ones.
Occult Research Club members trained: Rias and Akeno on magic, Irina and Reina on light power, Asia and Gasper on Azazel's artifact menus. Koneko tackled my ki training. I'd sparred with Miu, now overseeing.
Kiba's speed—zigzagging without slowing—was unreal. Xenovia, a Knight, struggled to match, her hits dwindling. Kiba's technique outshone her, countering Durandal's raw power, though she dodged narrowly and parried, repelling him.
Still, Kiba held the edge in mock battles. Xenovia, thrusting Durandal into the floor, shouted, "I'm not just taking hits!"
Light erupted, encircling her, spreading outward, gouging the floor. Kiba, caught off-balance, was blown back.
"Cough! Close call," Kiba said, rising with a holy-demonic sword as a cane. "An omnidirectional attack?"
Xenovia's holy aura wave was relentless, a perfect offense-defense combo.
"Got you!" Xenovia grinned, flashing a V-sign. Power was tempered, but a direct hit would've been brutal.
"Ease up," I said. "The house might break."
"Rias said it's demon lord-proof," Xenovia replied.
Who designed this place? I recalled Rias mentioning Ajuka's architect. Some special formula?
Xenovia and Kiba resumed sparring as Azazel appeared.
"Training hard, huh?" he said.
"Why're you here?" I asked.
"Miu said you're all here," he replied, handing over a bento box of rice balls from my mom. "For everyone."
"Thanks, Mom," I mumbled, biting into a mentaiko-filled rice ball. Delicious.
Azazel sat, grinning. "You Gremory folks have grown strong. It's shocking."
"Kiba might surpass me soon," I said.
"His talent's top-tier," Azazel said. "Others grow fast too. Gasper's mastering his artifact."
Gasper was stopping Azazel's floating bug robots—training, but adorable.
"He's trying," I said.
"Less reclusive now," Azazel nodded, eating a salmon rice ball. "Also, good news: a new drug for your arm is nearly ready."
"Seriously!?" I exclaimed. I'd expected a longer wait.
"Underworld medical and Grigori collaborated, with Ajuka's input. It'll work," Azazel said, sipping tea.
I trusted him. Thank you, Underworld! I'd keep fighting for them.
"Sensei, I've got a question," I said.
"About Akeno and Barachiel?" he guessed.
Nodding, I let him speak.
Akeno's mother, Himejima Shuri, was a shrine maiden. She found a wounded Barachiel, attacked by enemies, and nursed him. They grew close, and Akeno was born. Barachiel settled nearby, balancing family and Fallen Angel duties.
Their happiness didn't last. On a mission only he could handle, enemies attacked Shuri and Akeno's home, seeking revenge. Barachiel arrived too late. Shuri died protecting Akeno.
"That day, Akeno learned how much Fallen Angels are hated," Azazel said, clenching his fist. "She shut Barachiel out. It's my fault—I sent him on that mission."
He still blamed himself.
"But Akeno gets it now, right? Barachiel's not at fault," I said.
"Maybe, but she can't accept it yet," Azazel sighed. "Barachiel fears hurting her again, so he's stuck."
Akeno's rejection kept him distant.
"She's moving forward," I said. "She's okay with Reina and embracing her Fallen Angel blood."
Azazel nodded. "A trigger could mend things, but my meddling might worsen it. We wait."
A trigger—maybe soon, maybe never. Waiting felt wrong.
Azazel gripped my shoulder. "You're the only guy Akeno shows weakness to. When the time comes, I'm counting on you."
Looking into his eyes, I smiled. "I'll protect her. Whatever I can do."
That's how I've always rolled.
Azazel looked relieved.
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