I will become God-Harem King of the World! [Highschool DxD/Exalted] (CLOSED)

[Alexander]

So what are some of the more outrageous acts Solars have committed?

Click to shrink...

They bred dinosaurs that piss heroin *beat* no, not really. But there is the Protoshinmaic Vortex, which is basically the potential for an entire universe compressed into a small ball and used as a perpetual energy source.
----

Day 3​

[......I WILL KILL YOU IF YOU DON'T WAKE UP ......YOU WILL BE CUT INTO PIECES IF YOU DON'T WAKE UP]

You are woken up by the alarm clock with a yandere voice. Seriously, why do you keep it? Oh right, it's a reminder of a yandere's danger.

Seriously, "School Days" was fucked up. The "Oppai Paradise" the old man spoke of isn't a paradise at all: more like a purgatory with the promise of heaven and the threat of hell.

With your eyes still close you turn around and reach out with your hand to press the clock's button.

GROPE~

But instead of hard plastic your fingers land on something soft beside him, squishy and tender like
meat but more awesome.

"Iyah!"

A feminine voice. This sweet scent that can come only from a warm, female body. Your first thought is that Mittelt sneaked into your bed again.

"Fu fu fu, that was uncalled for, Issei."

Only this isn't Mittelt's voice. With great hesitation you open one eye, where a vision of great beauty assaults his retinas, burning the memory in the hard disk of his brain.

There is a crimson haired girl sleeping beside you. Naked as the day she was born, her private parts covered by her very long, crimson hair, which only increase her allure. Her snow-like white skin looks very smooth.

Rias Gremory.

And you're groping her bountiful breast.

However instead of being angry she smiles. "Good morning Issei."

Now, you can either freak out or play it cool.

-2wp

Click to shrink...

"Good morning Bucho." You answer as you quickly, maybe too quickly, remove your hand from her oppai. With immense regret of course.

[I'LL KILL YOU.... I'LL KILL YOU...]

"Could you please turn your alarm clock, Issei?"

"Sure." You reach to your alarm clock and press the button to stop its function. "Not that I don't want you in my house or anything, but why are you here Bucho?" You ask with your eyes firmly on her face and not below.

Your legs shift to cover the growing of a certain part.

"I thought to come and see how are you doing." She smiles. "So much happened that I feared you accumulated too much stress, even if it seemed my fears were unfounded. That,-" She playfully pokes your nose. "-and I wanted to thank you for your hard work and the help you gave me."

"This is great." You mean it. "But why are you naked?"

"I always sleep in the nude. Feeling clothes on my skin while I sleep bothers me."

What a great habit!!!!!

"Issei-sama!" The door opens and Mittelt enters. "It's time for tra-"

She trails off as her eyes finally notice Rias-sempai. Her gaze hardens, while Rias just smiles back playfully.

A battle. You don't know how or why, but there is a battle of some kind being fought in your room.

Then Mittelt takes a deep sniff and suddenly smirks. Rias's own smile falters for a moment. "Issei-sama: Asia stayed up late yesterday and now won't wake up. Wouldn't you try to rouse her from her sleep?"

But Asia never stayed up until later.

[Partner.] You hear Ddraig's voice. [Get out of this room. Now.]

Always listen when an ancient dragon of legend gives you advice, especially if by his tone it's a matter of life and death.

"Right!" You jump out of the bed, do a spin in midair and land gracefully. "I will do that." Than you bolt outside and towards Asia's room.

----

Third Person's POV

After Issei left Mittelt leans against the door way and crosses her arms. "Nice seduction attempt. A 4 out of 5 for the presentation, but only 2 for the time: you should have woken him up before the alarm clock's ring."

"Why, thank you fallen angel-chan." Rias answers with a devilish smile as she gets up from the bed, the action causing her breasts to jiggle.

Mittelt suppresses the wave of irritation. "Anytime, devil-san."

As Rias starts putting on her uniform Mittelt has a thoughtful expression. "Do you seriously think you can make him part of your peerage?" She finally asks.

"There are few things in heaven and earth that us devils can't make ours."

The fallen angel rolls her eyes at the boast. "You don't get it, do you?"

"Get what?" Rias asks confused.

Mittelt smiles. Not a smug smile, but a proud one. "Issei-sama's destiny is way bigger than all of heaven and earth combined. Your ambitions...simply don't compare to his."

Then she steps out of the room, leaving a confused Rias behind.

----

Still Third Person's POV (This part was written by BobTheNinja: give him your thanks, even more because he is also writing a NSFW scene to go together with it)

That morning Issei walked to school with Asia and Mittelt by his side, both of them wearing the standard female uniforms of the school. He sported an uncontrollable grin, and his entire body language radiated a sense of joyful triumph. The sight immediately drew the attention of all the other students and rumors quickly began flying around the school. In particular, the sight of Mittelt holding Issei's arm so intimately, along with the gaze of lustful admiration on her face, caused nearly all the other male students to glare murderously at him, a palpable aura of jealous rage hanging over them.

Aika stares at the scene mutely, her mouth and eyes wide open in disbelief. "No way. Did...did Issei actually..."

A deep red blush begins spreading uncontrollably across her face. She isn't madly in love with Issei or anything, but she likes him a lot, and finds him very desirable. The fact that he had reciprocated similar feelings earlier was a moment of great happiness for her. But now, it appears that he may have lost his virginity to another girl. If that is really the case...on the one hand, she wants to feel happy for him; he had finally experienced the embrace of carnal pleasure that so many other teenagers longed for, herself included. On the other hand, it makes her feel quite jealous: she was really looking forward to being his first.

Aika watches as the teacher introduced Asia and Mittelt as new transfer students. She then closes her eyes and takes a deep, slow breath, refocusing herself. Her eyes open again, glowing with newfound determination as she vows to get answers from Issei at the first possible opportunity.

----

As it turns out Aika didn't have to wait for long. During lunch period she quietly observed Issei from afar as he showed Asia and Mittelt around the cafeteria. He then collected his own lunch and found himself a vacant table, letting the two girls mull over what to order. As he sits down his lunch and backpack she quickly stride over and loops an arm around his, catching him by surprise. "Aika-chan??" He blurts upon seeing her.

"We need to talk for a minute. In private," She states plainly, pulling him away from the table. Noticing the fire of passion in her eyes and the firmness of her grip he reluctantly allows himself to be pulled away from the cafeteria. She leads him into and empty classroom and closes the door so they could talk in privacy.

"Aika-chan, what's going on-"

"You had sex with that Mittelt girl, didn't you?" She asks, cutting him off and staring at him intensely. Issei's eyes widen in shock and for a few seconds he finds himself unable to speak.

Finally he lets out a sigh. "...It was that obvious, huh?" He replies, a defeated expression on his face.

A fresh wave of jealously shots through Aika upon hearing his admission, but she tries to temper it with her happiness for Issei. He is her friend after all.

"...Heh, figures. You're just too much of a stud for your own good Ise-kun." She replies with a smile, though a note of sadness had crept into her voice.

Issei picks up on it immediately. "I...I'm so sorry, Aika-chan." He tells her with genuine remorse. "I didn't mean to choose her over you or anything like that. But she approached me very enthusiastically, and...well, things just sort of took off from there."

Aika sighs and shakes her head. "It's okay, Ise-kun, I'm happy for you, I really am. I just...I wish you would have said something about her beforehand. That way I could have stepped up my efforts to get to you first."

Issei sighs, rubbing the back of his head. "Yeah, that was my fault. It's just been a really hectic week, and the situation with Mittelt, and Asia too, is...well, it's complicated. That said,-" He looks up, eyes shinning with newfound determination. "I really appreciate your feelings for me Aika-chan, and to make it up to you I'd be more than willing to be your first. If that's okay with you."

Aika's eyes lit up upon hearing those words, her breath quickening as another heavy blush graces her face. "R-r-really?" She stammers, practically drooling at the thought of entwining herself with that gorgeous body of his.

He smiles widely and nods, thumping a fist over his chest. "I swear on my perverted soul!"

Somehow, that response just made him even more charismatic, in a lovably dorky sort of way.

Aika turns around, taking a moment to compose herself. She then wheels on Issei, causing him to lean back slightly as she marches up to him and pokes a finger firmly on his chest, again meeting his eyes with an intense gaze.

"Meet me in the spare sports storage room during club activities period. Make whatever excuse you have to, and don't keep me waiting," She demands before turning around and leaving the classroom, practically skipping with joy as soon as she was out of sight.

Issei, for his part, was weeping with pure joy, pumping his arm in victory. 'Two beautiful, horny girls in less than 48 hours! This is a dream come true!!' He thinks to himself.

Ddraig rumbles with hearty laughter. [Well done partner! You're becoming quite the maiden-conqueror! Although I must ask, are you planning on telling Mittelt about this?]

Issei suddenly pales in horror at that concept, imagining the part-Oni going on a furious, jealously-fuelled rampage upon finding out. Having that kind of wrath directed at himself would be bad enough, but it would be even worse if she decided to assault Aika for it.

But he had already promised to share his body with her, and he isn't willing to break Aika's heart by calling it off. At the same time, he couldn't be dishonest with Mittelt either, not in good conscience. This problem would need to be handled carefully...Where those the perils of being a harem master? If so he couldn't fail: to reach his dream, everything must be perfect.

He suddenly remembers that Mittelt and Asia were still in the cafeteria, almost certainly wondering where he had gone. He quickly makes his way back, quickly finding the two girls again.

"There you are! I was wondering where you had gone off to! You shouldn't just go running off like that without letting us know first!" Mittelt huffs as they make their way to the table where Issei had put his lunch and backpack.

Issei laughs nervously. "Sorry about that, something urgent came up. Actually, there's something I need to talk to you about later..." He begins, silently preparing all the Presence Charms at his disposal to handle the future hard matter.

Click here for the NSFW content

 

[Alexander]

I'm reading volume 11 now. Cao Cao OP. Pls nerf.

Click to shrink...

What did you expect from the Original, True Longinus? Plus he was defeated, right?

My first message in this forum. You have a very good story here, Alexander. You even got me to start reading Highschool DxD, so congratulations in a work well done, though I can't seem to wrap my head around the mechanics of exalted. It is an awsome job.

Click to shrink...

Thank you for the praise . Believe me, it took me a great deal of time to understand them myself. They're not difficult, they're numerous.
----

Day 4​

"How I did not realize it before? They are photonic crystals!" You laugh, eyes shinning with white essence-light, information about the Pawn and Bishop pieces flowing into you and finally making sense.

Evil Pieces
-Progress: 21.32/100%

Click to shrink...

"Ahem." With a polite cough Rias brings you back to reality. You look up, blinking quickly to return your eyes to normal, and realize Asia, Mittelt and all the members of the Occult Research Club are staring at you with various expressions that range from amused to perplexed to indifferent.

"Did you find something? What is a 'photonic crystal'?" Bucho asks.

"Yes, I found something." You reply as you put back the Pieces into the box with almost reverence. "This requires a bit of explanation."

You sit down and, left hand holding up right elbow and right index finger pointed up, you begin.

"First: a photonic crystal. Photonic crystals are periodic optical nanostructures that affect the motion of photons that pass through them. You know how light is distorted when passing through a gem, like changing color? This is the same, only the effects go way beyond that. Nowadays photonic crystals can be created in one, two or three dimensions: one-dimensional crystals are used to produce thin-film optics with coatings for lenses and mirrors and colour-changing paints. Two-dimensional crystal fibers are used in nonlinear devices and to guide exotic wavelengths. While three-dimensional crystals are researched in the hope that one day they may be used to build optical computers." You grin. "A moot point since the Evil Pieces are optical computers. No, more like a quantum computer, albeit of the magical variety."

Dohnaseek, who was reading the newspaper, lowers it and stares at you. "You're joking."

"You know what he's talking about?" Kalawarner asks.

"Oh yes." He stares down at the Pieces' box. "The computing speed?"

"Not quite the speed of light. More than half of it though." You tell him.

"And I have one embedded in my soul." He taps his chest. "What a waste."

"Uh? Can you make sense please?" Kiba begs. The others nod in agreement.

"Of course." You gesture at the Evil Pieces. "A quantum computer is a computation device that makes direct use of quantum-mechanical phenomena, such as superposition and entanglement, to perform operations on data. While modern computers require data to be encoded into binary digits or bits, each of which is always in one of two definite states of 0 and 1, a quantum computer allows for data that can be both 0 and 1 at once, each result varying depending of how the data is treated. The theory is complex, but basically they are much more powerful than any computer known to mankind."

"This calculation ability is what enables them to reincarnate different races into devils." You point to Kiba. "Once in contact with the target they scan him and calculate the necessary variables to begin the process. The number of pieces needed depends of how much computational power is required to handle the changes: pieces of the same type can connect and link their processing powers together."

"Indeed, Ajuka Beelzebub-sama is famous for having a fascination with numbers." Akeno muses.

"So now we know how the potential is calculated. But how they can reincarnate other beings into devils? The secret-" You tap the box. "Is in their construction."

"The crystal that make up the Pieces is demonic energy, purified, refined and condensed into a physical shape." Kind of like a hearthstone. "I can only assume Beelzebub-sama's laboratories are build atop the most powerful leylines of the Underworld, because it's the only place that can provide the sheer quantity of demonic energy required."

They all stare at you, completely captured by your speech.

"A set of Evil Pieces will then be given to a High-class Devil, who will attune his own demonic energy to them. Bucho, when you received them for the first time you were told to flood them with your energy, right?"

She nods.

"This is necessary to make the new reincarnated devil's body part of the King's clan. The DNA change is not instantaneous, so at the beginning the Piece works as a 'core' to compensate."

"....DNA change?" Koneko raises an eyebrow.

"Yes. It uses the DNA of the King as a matrix and gradually changes the new devil's body to make processes such as sharing demonic energy easier to perform. I am not completely sure..." You tap your finger on your chin. "But I think that change is at a level that makes the reincarnated devil the equivalent of paternal or maternal nephew/niece of the King."

Strangely some devils pale, while the rest starts sputtering. Rias and Akeno are blushing like tomatoes. You wonder why.

You wait for them to calm down. "S-So..." Rias stutters a little. "This is all very interesting, but-"

"I am not done." You grin.

Strangely again she doesn't seem happy at the news. "You're not?"

"No." You pick up a Pawn. "You know that each Piece is connected to the King's Piece, right?"

She nods.

"Did you also know that the two, and especially the unused ones, are constantly exchanging information?"

Her eyes widen. "What does that mean?"

"I am not sure yet." You admit. "But I am sure this is proof that the King's Piece acts as more than a symbol of command, and that it affects the other Pieces beyond the initial attunement."

You lace your fingers together, your Caster Mark faintly glowing on your forehead. "And I intend to find out how."

 

[Alexander]

[X] Check in with Tomofuri and see how the shrine is going. Maybe look into the basics of manse construction and see if there's anything we can do with our current skills.
-----

School (Intelligence): +4 days

Click to shrink...

Training from Hell "Stamina": +8 days
+4 Xp

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Occult Research Club (Socialize): +1 days
Occult Research Club (Charisma): +1 days

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Evil Pieces
-Progress: 25.01/100%

Click to shrink...

Training from Hell "Melee"
-Melee: O
-Strength: + 6 days
-Dexterity:+ 6 days
+3-2= 1 Xp

Click to shrink...

Investigation: O
-Perception: +6 days
-Wits: +6 days
-1 Xp

Click to shrink...

Training for: Mittelt, Ruby, Asia and Yang

It was profitable (aren't I a tease? )

Performance: +2 days
Socialize: +2 days

Click to shrink...

Day 6​

"This...was an intense week." You sigh as you walk on the street, the mental weightiness of the training-intense week wearing down on you. Asia took care of the physical one.

[Intense? Wait until your enemies keep attacking you every time you close your eyes to sleep.] Ddraig rumbles. [That, is intense. Hell, I remember when the white-on brought down a mountain on me while I was napping in one of its cave. I dug for hours before deciding to just blast everything to smithereens! Which...worsened the situation.]

'You had a exciting life, didn't you oh partner of mine?' You reply sarcastically. Seriously, going by his words before being sealed into Boosted Gear he spent his days acting like a thug. Which, when you are a god-like dragon, isn't good for anyone.

{You have no need to worry. The Solar Exaltation keeps the host's body in a state of perfect health. Only the most dire of blows and sorcery will cause you to scar or to lose health.} Bright supplies, evidently misunderstanding the topic.

[Plus you have that's nun's Gear. Anyway, were are we going?]

'Well, I just thought it would be nice to see how Tomofuri is doing.' You recall the little (in every sense!) Kami that you accidentally awoke from his slumber. Minor Japanese Kami need two things to exist: faith and a shrine. Without them a Kami will eventually disappear and die, but if still has the second he will just enter a stasis-like sleep, and only a strong power can rouse him from it.

And there is it, the shrine: since the last time you saw it underwent restructuration, all financed by Bucho's family, and now it looks almost new.

When you reach the front two miko greet you.

The one with black hair smiles at you. "Welcome-"

"-To the Haruyama Shrine!" The one with brown hair finishes.

"We wish you-" "-A good sojourn!" "Please leave with a prayer-" "-Or a donation that's even better!"

They each finish the phrase of the other. Wait, isn't this a gag used only by twins?

"Greeting." You decide to ignore the weird habit. "Are you the underclassmates that Himejima-sempai mentioned?"

"Ah! Rin, he knows Akeno-onesama! He-" "-Must be Hyodo-kun! You're right Michi!"

"NICE TO MEET YOU!" They both greet you quite energetically.

{Are all Earth's priests like this?}

[No, it's those two who are quirky.]

"I'm Michi." The one with black hair says. "And I'm Rin." The one with brown hair says.

"Akeno-onesama talked a lot-" "-About you!" "She said-" "-That it was you who convinced Gremory-sempai!" "Thank to you we can be miko-" "-Just like Akeno-onesama!"

ìFirst Raynare and then those two? Does Akeno-san possess the power to appear as the ideal big sister to anyone?'

Very far away, a certain ponytailed girl sneezes and ends scattering the S&M toys she was cleaning.

"Ah...you're welcome." You scratch your head. "Er, can I enter? Alone I mean?"

"Of course!" "But first-"

They point to the fountain.

"PURIFICATION!"

----

After the necessary ritual (which involve rinsing both hands and mouth) you are finally allowed into the temple proper. Once Michi and Rin close the door you walk quietly to the altar and whisper: "Tomofuri-sama?"

"Wowowowo!" The little Kami appears in a puff of smoke, sitting in midair with his legs crossed and smoking a pipe. "It's a pleasure to meet you again Taiyoryuu-dono."

"Likewise." You bow before straightening and blinking. "Wait, Taiyoryuu?"

"You feel like the Sun, and also like a Dragon. So it's only appropriate to refer to you this way." He calmly explains before inhaling the smoke.

[Taiyoryuu], that is [Sun Dragon]?' Cool.'

[Taiyoryuutei (Sun Dragon Emperor)?] Ddraig mutters to himself distractedly. [That doesn't sound too bad. The Sun is a symbol of the Sky, and I'm the Heavenly Dragon, so it should combine nicely...]

What is Ddraig talking about? Oh well: another time.

"I came to see how you're doing Tomofuri-sama." You go return to your initial goal. "Do you have enough faith now?"

"Wowooo, more of less." He releases two jets of smoke from his nostrils. "Michi-chan and Rin-chan are good miko, what they lack in experience they compensate with enthusiasm, but..." He shrugs. "Basically, there are few people frequenting the shrine. Not that I expected a river of people after my long absence, so I can't really complain."

"I see...so the productions of talismans...?"

"Is also going slowly, yes. Three or four at day."

Uhm, that's a problem: you would hate for Rias to receive next to nothing after she so generously helped Tomofuri.

"Do you mind if I take a look around the interior?" After receiving confirmation you do a quick inspection, first a mundane one and then you shift to Essence Sight. 'Bright-sensei, is this...?'

{Another Demesne? Being the home of a god it's only to be expected. This looks stronger than the other one.}

'You mentioned the possibility to build a Manse.'

{Yes. Technically, now you should be able to project one. It's the construction that will take time: without help of magical nature, 100 men will need a year to build the most basic Manse. Unless you use "Raise the Puissant Sanctum".}

'The last one, what is it?'

{Sorcey. Forget about it for now. This is also assuming those "leylines" behave the same as "dragon lines". Your technological level should reduce the time needed significantly, the same if you try to modify the shrine. But those things need wealth, and you're poor.}

'Ehi! I'm not poor! I...am middle class?'

She doesn't answer, but you can picture the smug smile on her lips. Bitch.

----

The shrine needs more believers! How do you think this could be accomplished?
[] Write-in.

Money makes the world move. You're not exception!
[] Find a way to make money.
-[] Write-in.
[] Convince someone with money to help you?
-[] Rias
-[] Write-in.
[] Forget about it for now.

Manse: so mysterious! But also expensive!
[] Forget about them for now.
[] Try to determine how long building one on your demesne will take.
[] Try to determine how long modifying Tomofuri's shrine will take.
----

I will try to adapt Manse Crafting's mechanisms to modern construction techniques. I may do something wrong, so tell me if I do, alright?

 

[Alexander]

[X] Set this on the back burner for now. This is a long-term project which will be much easier once we have large numbers of resources and followers.

You shake your head. 'This is all very interesting, but as you said I don't have the resources to make it a reality. It's better to put the project into reserve and think about it again when I have the money.'

[And how are you going to find it? We aren't talking about morsels. And this isn't like the old days, when you could go after hidden treasures or get paid to hunt down bandits.]

Damn, he's right.

...Or not?

[X] Investigate hacking charms and the Second Lore Excellency. Ask Bright for assistance in developing a charm that perfectly conceals your online activities.

"Or maybe.." You whisper, an almost insane but also very tempting idea blossoming in your mind. "They just evolved into new forms."

[Eh?]

This is crazy. But, isn't crazy something you do everyday? 'Bright-sensei: did you have computers back in Creation? And Internet?'

{Nothing so crude. I will have you know that it was my apprentice Tiyu Zou who designed I AM, and it's into my laboratories that me and him build it. I AM is...was a thinking automaton of immense capacity, capable of covering fourth fifths of Creation through its innumerable terminals: not only it allowed the instantaneous transmission of communications but singlehandedly administered all mortal infrastructure.}

You are speechless. 'You mean...that you had an artificial intelligence taking care of society for you?!'

{Yes.}

Crazy people doing crazy things. Like you, but with more experience.

'And...did you have Charms for hacking?'

{Why yes: I never had the opportunity to use them against an enemy, but in the years before the Fall I created a number of Charms for that purpose. What do you have in mind?}

You send your thoughts to her and Ddraig.

[Oh, oh! Do it. I want to see you doing it.] Ddraig laughs.

{Finally you are starting to act like a true Celestial Exalted. This will be a good test for your capacities.}

You grimace. 'What do I have to do to earn words of praise?'

{Do something worthy of them. You should be able to do it after two or three hundred years.}

You are starting to understand why the Dragon-Blooded rebelled.

[X] Speak to Tomofuri whether he knows of someone we can get in contact with a representative of the Japanese pantheon or their servants through the History Compilation Committee. Perhaps they can provide suggestions or resources in getting more shrine visitors for Tomofuri.

"A way to contact the Great Honourable Ones?" He releases a puff of smoke. "Sadly I haven't saw or heard of their Intermediaries since before my long sleep. I am old Taiyoryuu-dono, but hardly important enough in the grand scheme of things. They didn't call themselves 'History Compilation Committee' back then, but I met some Intermediaries during my life. But I regret to tell you I have no idea how to contact them. If they are still alive, that is."

"Ah, okay. Thanks for your help." Maybe you hoped too much. After all Tomofuri slept for a long time. Uhm, maybe you can ask Abe-sempai: she's the one who initially told you about the HCC.

"Uhm..." Tomofuri taps the pipe on his knee. "If you feel daring enough Taiyoryuu-dono, I know of someone who could help you."

"Really? Who?"

"The Clan of Youkai that administers all Youkai in the region of Kanto: the Nura Clan." He returns to smoking his pipe. "The Heads I knew had a policy of peaceful coexistence with humans, and even helped to protect my kind's shrines. They don't take orders from the Intermediaries, but keep a semi-civil relationship with them. Sadly it's also been a while since I heard of them."

Are those the Youkai Yakuza Abe-sempai talked about? It's worth a try. "But since they have to be famous, if I find a Youkai I can ask him or her to point me to them?"

"If you meet one who is intelligent, capable of speech and willing to help." His eyebrows furrow. "Make no mistakes Taiyoryuu-dono: there aren't completely good Youkai. By their very nature they bring troubles to humans. Some are just mischievous but otherwise civilized, but many are monsters that need to be exterminated."

That's harsh, but you can't deny there is truth in Tomofuri's words. But, as the old saying says:

Judge not society, but the individual.

Heroes don't discriminate after all.

[X] Speak with Sona & ask for permission about planting a garden of flowers around the fountain at the front of the school & whether she would object to us blessing it with some charms from a shrine. Don't bring up the existence of devils or other supernatural beings if she doesn't but be willing to answer to comment on them if she does. Plant additional flowers around the shrine & have them blessed as well, spread a rumor in the school that a blessing from a kami at the shrine is responsible for their vitality & vivid flowering.

"One last thing Tomofuri-dono." You ask, an alternative idea for helping the shrine forming in your mind. "Do your blessings also works on plants and animals?"

"Why, yes." He admits with pride. "I remember when farmers came to me and ask for a good crop and healthy cattle. I may not be able to cause rain, but plants blessed by me grown a lot faster."

"Really? Then, can you prepare some charms specifically made to make plants grow faster and stronger? I have a plan to attract more visitors to the shrine."

"Do you? Wowowo! Then I will start right away."

Before you leave you ask Tomofuri to let you attune to the demesne. He doesn't object.

-1 hours

Gained Attunement to:

Demesne: O (Wind Aspect-Level 2 Demesne)

Click to shrink...

As you bid goodbye to Tomofuri, Michi and Rin and leave the temple you review your idea.

Since pregnancy isn't an easy subject to treat nowadays, you will instead concentrate to the 'Fertility' part. So if you put up a show of, say, flowers and also plant them around the shrine, if they are pretty enough people will get attracted to them. And if you tell them about the Charms, even without getting the supernatural some will be curious enough to try them and pray at the shrine. It's still good advertisement after all.

'School may be a good point, the fountain at the front may use some decorations.' You muse. 'But to do that I will need the approval from the Student Council, and this mean dealing with Shitori Sona.'

Who is a Devil like Rias, but despite that Bucho had yet to mention the fact. It may be because it was never relevant, but it's also possible there are other reasons.

[You want my advice? Just speak to her naturally as a student: don't bring up the existence of devils or other supernatural beings if she doesn't but be willing to answer or comment if she does first. If asked, just tell them it was never relevant before and that you thought it was good manners to leave them the first move.]

'That could work. Thanks Ddraig.'

With that resolved, it's time...actually, since tomorrow is Sunday you will have to wait until Monday for Kouh to open again. This means you will have the next day free.

What can you do? You have many options:

You can relax. Not just sleeping, but indulging in some of the hobby you neglected in the last two weeks. When was the last time you touched your PS2 anyway?

You can keep train: either with Ddraig, to continue the study of [Fist of the Daystar] or to learn more about the hacking Charms Bright mentioned.

You can, and the thought makes you giddy, take the girls out on a date. Mittelt especially: you two jumped directly from master and vassal to sex, doing something as a normal couple would be nice.

You can start investigating on the Snake gang: surely words of what you did reached the ears of their leader. The old man should be safe, after all it was the Snake's men who attacked without reasons, but you are a different story. Probably it's only your residence in another part of the city that saved you until now from their attention. Your appearance isn't common, not anymore.

You can prepare a detailed project of the proposal you will bring to Sona and raise the probabilities that she will allow it. The more grandiose, the better right? You could use Second Craft Excellency to build a phenomenal display and Durability-Enhancing Technique to make it more resistant. You could even make a speech using Irresistible Salesman Spirit

Or, you can do something completely different.

[] Relax (take half day or a full day)
-[] How?

[] Train (take half day or a full day)
-[] In what?

[] Date (take half day or a full day)
-[] Who?

[] Investigate Snake (take a full day)
-[] How?

[] Prepare a project (take a full day)
-[] What?

[] Write-in.

 

[Alexander]

[X] Relax (half day)
-[X] Turn on the Xbox PS2, read manga, watch anime... The point is to relax. Do what you feels like.
[X] Date (half day)
-[X] Yang/Ruby/Asia/Mittelt
----

You have decided. "Let's forget about Exalts, Devils and Dragons for a while." You declare passionately. "I am still a high-school student, I should act like one. Heard that you two? For all of tomorrow don't contact me or I will not be able to relax!"

[Hai, hai. It's napping time then.]

{Whatever.}

With that taken care of, there is only one thing left that you should do right now.

"Hello Yang-san? It's me Ise. Are you and Ruby-chan free the afternoon of tomorrow?

----

Day 7​

"T-This is..!" Your lips are trembling and tears threaten to spill like waterfalls from your eyes. Something warm and fuzzy and overwhelming yet gentle is spreading in your chest like the petals of a lotus' blossom.

Is this happiness? Beauty? The beginning of a new universe?

[How many humans have you sucked dry to heal those wounds?]

[Do you remember how many breads you have eaten in your life?]

Uoooooh! How is it that the villain is way cooler than the protagonist? Is this the allure of [Evil]?

Let's make a recap of the situation. You, Hyodo Issei, decided to spend a full day of complete relax.
So, like you used to do some time ago you went to a convenience store and started reading the manga on the stands without paying for them.

Technically it's illegal. Realistically? Every young boy or girl below eighteen years does the same once or twice in their lives. You are not exception. This is tradition. Tradition!

And it seems like God agrees with you, because upon your arrival you found a goldmine.

A complete reprint of "Jojo's Bizarre Adventures" covering Phantom Blood, Battle Tendency and Stardust Crusaders. Special volumes of Shonen Jump made as a gift to Araki-sensei to wish him [a long life and continued youth].

Did you hear that Araki-sensei? We love you! You're a national treasure for all of Japan! Please never die!

----

Booom! Crash! Screech! Booom! Booom! Booom!

"Hau! This is difficult."

"Just at the beginning Asia. Here, look: by moving the directional pad like this, you can take curves easier."

"A-amazing! Ise-san is very good!"

"Nah, I just have a lot of experience...Ehi! Mittelt, did you just surpassed me when I wasn't looking?"

"Muahaha! Never take your eyes off from the prize. The one who seizes the best initiative wins!"

"Why you..!"

"D-Don't leave me behind."

That day you learned two things.

One: Asia loves "Crash Tag Team Racing" and thinks Crash Bandicoot is cute.

Two: Mittelt is very, very competitive.

----

"Ahahaha!"

[Partner...?]

"What did I say Ddraig?"

[Yes, but...what are you watching?]

"An anime. A-ni-me. It's called Baka To Test To Shoukanjuu. It's fairly popular in Japan."

[I know what an anime is. But, by Great Red's balls, what is this I don't even.]

"Ddraig?"

[How is this supposed to make sense?!]

"It isn't. That's why it's called comedy."

[The more I learn about you humans, the less I understand you.]

"Then, why not keep learning until you understand us more. Want me to show you a more serious anime?"

[...Please do so.]

"Okay. Let's see...this one: "Code Geass". I think you will like it."

-----

You put your foot down on the accelerator and quickly change the gear around the curve! You then go past both cars!

But wait! Another car is coming from behind you and is quickly approaching!

Both cars are on top!

"Uoooh! A worthy opponent! But! I will not be beaten so easily! Witness my amazing driving handling technique!"

"Ah ah ha! You are not match for me! Witness my multi-wheel drifting technique!"

Just like that, you are playing a racing game at the game centre with Ruby. Yang, Mittelt and Asia are to the side cheering both of you.

A single guy on a date with four bishojo? Ahah, as enticing as the idea sounds, there is more to that.

The official reason is to show Asia more of Japan's culture and how friends spend time together. Mittelt knows a little already thanks to the teachings of her grandmother, but there are many thing new and mysterious.

[WIN!]

"I lost!" You wail in despair.

"I won!" Ruby cheers before being enveloped into a tight hug by Yang.

"Well done baby sister! Feeling down Ise?" The Chinese blonde asks with a cheeky grin.

"Ah!" You clench a fist, eyes burning with determination. "Failures only spurn me to do better! I will win the next one. Be sure of that!"

"S-Sure!" Ruby answers hastily, embarrassed and too busy trying to get out of Yang's headlock.

Mittelt is to the side, grinning and showing the "V" of victory to Ruby. But where is Asia?

When you look around, she is standing in front of the crane game.

"What is it?" You ask as you walk next to her.

"Hau! N-No.... I-It's nothing."

When you ask her she tries to hide it.

"Is there something you want?" Crane games are usually full of cute dolls. Girls like cute things, right?

When you look inside the crane game at the top of all the other dolls there is a doll of "Pikachu".

Pokemon. How nostalgic: you still have "Red" and "Blue", both with a level 90 team, jealously kept into your room. Motohama and Matsuda never managed to win against them.

Pokemon came from Japan but it's popular worldwide. So it's probable Asia also knew it.

"Asia, do you like Pikachu?"

"Eh? N-No, t-that is......" Asia's face gets red, and she nods her head shyly.

"Okay." You roll up your sleeves. "I will get it for you!"

"Eh? B-But....!"

"It's okay, I will get it."

Strike while the iron is hot. I put the coin in immediately and started controlling the crane.

It took you five tentatives, but you finally manage to get it.

"Yeah!" You make a victory pose and take the doll before giving it to Asia. "Here you go, Asia."

Asia becomes so happy that she holds the doll to her chest. "Thank you very much, Ise-san. I will take care of this doll."

"Ooh!" Ruby, now free, runs to you with shinning eyes. "I want Growlithe!"

"I call dibs on Machoke!" Mittelt adds.

"That Dragonite is cute." Yang smiles. "And of course Ise, being a gentleman, will offer."

Aah, it looks like your finances will take a serious hit.

----

Lastly, you and the girls went to play Karaoke.

"Aahh, that was fun." You sigh contently. You spent the last forty minutes singing anime's intro so now your throat is a little sore. So now you're taking something from the vending machine outside while the girls are still in the room singing.

While drinking soda your hear footsteps approaching. Turning your head you see Yang approaching. "Yo. Are you thirsty too?"

"Yeah." She answers as she keeps walking towards you. She flashes you a mischievous grin. "Truth is, there is something special that I want to taste."

"Something spe-!" It's as far as you go before she grabs the front of your jacket and she pushes you gently but firmly against the vending machine.

The next moment her lips are upon yours, her tongue pressing to enter. Reaching with instincts acquired thanks to Mittelt you let her enter and start caressing and exploring it with your tongue.

Yang moans as she presses her body more against yours, her firm but supple breasts rubbing against your chest. In response you hug her, your hands searching for her erogenous zones.

You don't know how long you stay like that, kissing and occasionally gently nibbling each other's lips. But all good things must come to an end.

"Yang? It's your turn."

At the sound of Ruby's voice, thank God the door doesn't open on the corridor where you are, Yang separates from you. "Coming! Just taking something to drink first."

You open your mouth to say something, even if you aren't sure what, before she silences you with a finger on your lips. "Let's not rush." She says, her cheeks red. "Despite appearances, I am not an easy woman you know."

"By the way, you're a great kisser!" She blows a kiss at you before walking back to the room.

You stand here, eyes blinking rapidly. Slowly your fingers rise up and touch your lips. "You too Yang. You too. Ehi, Ddraig."

[What?]

"I am not a virgin anymore, and yet I still don't understand women."

[Me neither. Welcome to the club.]

What club?

----

Today is the decisive day. It wasn't much, but you spent a couple of hours yesterday night preparing a rough outline of your project and how it should work, complete with the best plants to use.

The last thing to do is ask for permission from the Student Council. So with resolve reaffirmed you walk to the Council's room and knock the door.

"Come in." A feminine voice immediately answers. You enter, finding yourself in a windowless room, most likely an anteroom since there are two other doors.

The sole occupant, beside yourself, is a young bespectacled girl with black straight hair seated on a desk and reading what look like important documents.

You know her: she's Tsubaki Shinra, the Student Council's Vice-President.

"Welco-" She looks up to greet you, but freeze for a instant when seeing you, eyes widening slightly. A moment late she schools her features and continue as if nothing happened. "Welcome. What business do you have with the Student Council?"

What was that? "My name is Hyodo Issei, a second year. I would like to submit a formal request to the Student Council."

"A request about what?"

"To ask the necessary permission to put up a floral display on school's grounds."

She seems taken aback at your answer. "A...floral display?" You nod. After a few seconds of looking at you in the eyes she nods back. "Please wait here."

She stands up. She walks to one of the other two doors, enters and closes it behind her.

You wait. Finally, after five minutes Shinra-san's head pokes out. "You may come."

You follow her instructions. The new room is packed with bookshelves filled with books and various classifiers. The curtains are drawn, not enough to block light completely but enough to dim it greatly.

There, seated behind another desk with Shinra-san standing behind her, is Shitori Sona. Or, more accurately, Sona Sitri of the Seventy-Two Pillars of Hell.

And she's looking at you with a strange measuring gaze, her mouth hidden behind her hands and the light reflecting off her glasses blocking your view of her eyes. Nonetheless you can sense them boring into you.

There isn't hostility, just a slight sense of wariness and...confusion?

Great: you never met her before, and already she doesn't trust you. Damn to Malfeas your reputation as one of the 'Perverted Trio'.

All three of you stand there in silence, looking at each other, for a couple of minutes.

Finally it's Sona that speaks first. "Tsubaki said you have a request for the Student Council. One about..." She hesitates. "A floral display?"

"Precisely." You confirm.

"Explain it to me." She requests.

Here goes nothing.

[] Write-in?

 

[Alexander]

[X] Megrisvernin' plan
----

You pause for a moment, taking in the nervous tension evident in the two before you. Briefly you consider starting slowly, beginning with the shrine and trying to avoid the issue of devils and the supernatural all together unless Sona brought it up. From the discomfort evident on their faces, though, you fear if you seem slippery or deceptive in answering her, Sona would quickly dismiss anything else you had to say. You also decide being too casual is also risky, better be a little bit more reserved.

Giving them what you think is your best disarming smile you give your pitch deciding to error on the side of honesty and politeness.

"Before I begin I must ask: did Rias-san ever mention anything about me to you and about what I've been doing for her for the last week or so?"

There is a flash of surprise on Shinra-san's face, while Sona just tilt her head slighly, letting you see her eyes. "She did. Quite a lot I must say." She admits. "I assume you mean about the supernatural world, and how I am a high-class Devil too?"

"Yes."

"In this case I am confused, because she never said anything about mentioning me to you. Can I ask how did you come across this information?"

"Ah, it wasn't Rias-san who told me. It was Abe Kiyome-sempai, the captain of the Tennis Club."

Sona's eyes widen slightly. "I see." She says after a few moments of silence. "Since you felt the need to confirm it, I assume your request is related to the supernatural?"

"Yes. Do you know about Tomofuri's shrine and his fertility charms?"

"Quite. Rias was very...vocal about that." Sona makes a troubled expression.

[You mean she bragged about it a lot.] You sort of agree with Ddraig.

"But there's a catch: Tomofuri-sama needs more worship in order to have enough power to make all the talismans that the devils will need. To get that power he needs more people worshipping at his temple, so we need to "advertise" for him, so to speak. Now, obviously I can't go around saying things like "Hey, how would you like to get pregnant more easily!" You chuckle in embarassment. "But Tomofuri-dono's charms also work on plants and animals. So I thought, 'Let's plant some flowers around the school with charms placed near them and let the rumor mill do the advertising for us!' With your permission Kaichou, I believe I can get the ball rolling on something that will be of great benefit to devil society as a whole, and also make the school grounds look nicer at the same time!"

As you give your impassioned plea, you try to gauge their reaction. Relying on your perception and wit you decide to modify the speech on the fly if they don't seem receptive to your arguments.

Both girls look stunned. "This is...a reasonable request." Sona says slowly, as if she has troubles saying the words. "Do you have an idea about how the flowers will be planted?"

"Of course. The flower bed would be made in a ring around the fountain with small cobblestone pathways allowing students to walk through it. The flowers would be divided into four sections: Dahlia for Summer, Chrysanthemum for Winter, Tulips for Spring and Dianthus for all season bloom. Either way each section would have Charms promoting the growth of the flowers placed there."

"...Tsubaki. The folder about the school's backyard please." The long haired girl quickly picks a folder from a bookshelf and passes it to Sona.

The young heiress spends a long time consulting the contents, both you and Tsubaki waiting patiently.

Finally she closes it. "Your idea is...feasible. Since this is for the good of devil society I will do my part. I will prepare the necessary permits. Hyodo-san, since this task will fall to the Gardening Club you will speak to them and request their help. Is this acceptable?"

Great, everything worked well. "Of course. I will do it right now."

"Good. You are dismissed."

Bowing and biding goodbye to both girls you leave the Council's room.

----

As you approach the area where you remember the Gardening club was, you hear a commotion.

"W-What should we do? I don't know what to do!"

"Neither do I. But RELAX (in english)! We will think of something!"

"E-Erika-chan! Stop that! Ah! My purse!"

Sounds like someone is having fun. As you think that a feminine purse, all white with flower decorations, rolls against your feet.

As you pick it up a pair of girls come from behind the corner. Since you never saw them before they must be freshmen.

"Sorry, did you see my pu-!" The scarlet haired one's breath gets caught in her throat as she looks at you. Blushing like a tomato she hides behind her friend.

The navy haired one flashs you a smile that wouldn't look out of place on the Cheshire Cat. "Helloooo~~!"

Yeah, you look good again. "Hello." You hold out the purse. "Is this yours?"

The scarlet haired one shyly receives it.

"This is Hanasaki Tsubomi-chan." She pats her friend's shoulder. "And I am Kurumu Erika. And we're both s-i-n-g-l-e~!"

"E-Erika-chan!"

[Just met and already falling for you? You made progress partner.]

If only he could manage to not laugh, you would take that as a compliment.

"Hyodo Issei." You greet. "I couldn't help but hear part of what you were saying. Is something bothering you?"

"Well you see Hyodo-sempai both me and Tsubomi-chan wants to join the Gardening Club. Personally I wanted to join the Fashion Club, but guess what?! There isn't a Fashion Club! Scandalous! And I can't create one because I have to be a second year to do that. Unfair! That's unfair I tell you! So after moping I decided to follow my friend Tsubomi-chan and join together the Gardening Club. Not my fancy, but at least I would be together with my friend. But guess what? Those folks at the Gardening Club said that to consider our admissions we must first present a project dedicated to flowers. I don't think the other members had to do the same. This is descrimination! Discrimination I say! And both me and Tsubomi-chan haven't a single idea about what to do that would satisfy those jerks, so now we're struck!"

...Does she even breath? That was the longest speech you ever heard without even a single pause.

As Hanasaki helps Kurumu calming down you are struck by an idea: if they need a special project to be accepted, why don't propose them to take care of the flower bed? You would likely need to help, but this way you help everyone.

Then again, they don't look like unresorceful girls. It's possible they would find a solution on their own even without your help.

[] Ask them.
[] Ask the Gardening Club.
[] Write-in.
----

Kudos to Smuthunter. He knows why

 

[Alexander]

[X]Ask both, negotiate "internship" credit for Tsubomi and Erica's participation.
-[X] If the gardening club is reluctant to let them participate, offer the girls a position beautifying Tomofuri's shrine.
----

As Kurumi finally calms down you turn to the two of them with a thoughtful look on your face. "Actually, I may be able to help. You see..."

You explain that you just got approval from the Student President for a floral display, and then ask if they are interested in working on that project for their flower project.

"A floral display around the fountain? Sugoi!" Hanasaki beams. "I-I mean, if we can..."

"I'm for it." Kurumi replies. "That is, if the Club allow it."

"Don't worry." You reassure them with your best disarming smile. "It's the duty of a sempai to look after their kohai. Wait for me here: this will not take long."

After they agree you walk to the Gardening Club and enter. By the muffled sound of footsteps coming from behind you can guess your kohai decided they want to see you in action.

Well then, let's give them a good show, ne?

"Good afternoon!" You smile pleasantly as you enter in what is more like a greenhouse than a room. The targets of your greetings, a pair of third year girls, are staring at you open-mouthed. "Can I speak with the Gardening Club's President?"

"I-I am." The one to the left answers. "Wait, aren't you Hyo-"

"Hyodo Issei, second year. It's a pleasure to meet you sempai. I came here on behalf of the Student Council."

The first secret: don't let the target set his own pace.

"The Student Council? What is it?"

You explain the proposal that Sona approved and then ask if the club is interested in the assignment.

"Really?" The second girl exclaims, stars in her eyes. "Yes! Yes we are."

"As Shiori so...eloquently said." The President coughs. "We gladly accept the request and agree with the terms."

"That's great." You clap your hands together before assuming a troubled expression. "Now, I know this may not be relevant, but I met two kohai on the way here. We got to talk and, well, they mentioned a certain test."

"Ah yes, the new girls..."

"Now, I can understand if this was the Music Club or the Literature Club, but since most flowers requires at least a few weeks to bloom, is such a test really necessary?"

"Ah, uh, well..."They both scratch their cheek. "T-There is a reason for that..."

"Oh? Can you tell me? Please?" You show them your best charming smile.

The second secret: give them eye-candy.

They both blush heavily. "I-I-It's because in the past years we had members who joined only for the credits and almost never showed up!" The way they stutter is almost cute. "S-S-So w-we need to make sure new members have serious intentions. I know it's not nice, b-but we must do it!"

Uhm, that explains a lot. Neither party is at fault here, just bad circumstances. "In that case, why don't let them help with the display? As a way to gauge their skills and willingness."

"T-This-!"

"Is a good idea. Don't you agree?"

They nod so fast their heads are a blur.

Third secret: turns on the Charm at the right moment.

[Ahahaha! Good one partner!]

'I try Ddraig, I try.'

"Great. Ask Kaichou for the permits. And if you need help, I am always free." Waving at them you turn around and leave.

As you step outside the door you turn your head to the side and look at the stunned faces of the eavesdropping Hanasaki and Kurumi. "You heard them. Go, work seriously and make some friends, alright?"

Hanasaki nods. Kurumi looks up at you with pupils the size of saucers. "Are you God?"

"No, just someone who try to do his best for the right reasons. Bye."

With that badass one-line delivered you leave.

Gained: +2 Xp

Click to shrink...

Thanks to your recent actions, you gained:

Cult: O (there are several people that admire you, even if some of them once thought of you as a pervert)

Click to shrink...

----

Sona couldn't meet you at your return, but Shinra-san received your report.

With nothing else to do, that evening you go to the Occult Research Club. Asia and Mittelt were invited to a sleepover by friends, so they aren't with you. You knock at the door.

"Who is it?" Bucho's voice.

"Issei. I am interrupting something? I can leave if necessary."

"No, no. Please come in."

You push the door open and walk inside. All members are present, but this time there are some...you suppose the right term is 'guests'. Specifically: a red bat standing on Rias's shoulder; a palm-size oni in Akeno's hands; Koneko was hugging a white kitten; and Kiba has a bird on his shoulder.

"Welcome Ise-kun." Rias greets you amiably. "We were explaining about Familiars to Raynare, Dohnaseek and Kalawarner. Since they have completed their initial training, it's time for them to get one."

"I see." So they are their familiars. You were told about them, but this is the first time you see one. You sit next to Koneko. "Let me guess." You grin, first looking at her and then at the cat. "Shiro (white)?"

She looks slightly surprised before she nods.

"Can I pet him?"

"...Don't complain if you get bitten."

Raising an eyebrow in silent amusement you reach out and start petting the kitten behind the ears. Soon he is purring non-stop and rubbing against your fingers with a content expression. At her incredulous expression you grin. "The summer of my third year of middle school I was hired by my neighbor to take care of their cat and her newly born kittens."

"My my. Ise-kun is also good with animals."

"Isn't there something the bastard suck at!?"

You heard that Dohna.

"Ise-kun, would you like to come with us to the place where we will capture the familiars?" Rias asks suddenly.

Now, you weren't expecting that. "Can I? I assume it's private business of the Gremory House?"

"It is. But there is a small known rule that allow to bring a guest if they are formally affiliated with the family of the King. Since you fit the criteria I want you to come Ise-kun. I want you to see how us Devils acquire our familiars."

Well, why not. "Count me in. This will be an interesting experience."

----

After helping Akeno making the necessary modifications to the transport magic circle to allow your passage, you leave with the rest.

When the glow from magic circle stops you are in an unfamiliar forest. There are giant trees growing around here, so not much sunlight shines through to the ground.

"Many familiar that devils use live here in this forest. This is where Raynare, Dohnaseek and Kalawarner will get their familiars."

"Uhm, Gremory-san?" Kalawarner coughs to get Rias' attention.

"Yes?"

"We discussed this-" Dohnaseek grumps. Raynare nods. "It is okay to call us just [Kala], [Dohna] and [Yuuma]. Saying our full names everything must be a bother, so it's okay to use our nicknames."

Rias looks stunned before she smiles beatifically. "Yes! I will gladly do so!"

"It sounds like this was an issue to Rias-san?" You whisper to Kiba.

"Yes. There was a certain...tension between us. You can guess why." Yes: former Fallen Angels and Devils. "But then stuff happened and things got better."

"Stuff?"

"Remember that special TV about the ghosts of a Samurai and a Medieval Knight walking in the streets during the night?"

"Is this related to the recent additions of a Japanese sword and a Western lance to the club's room?"

Kiba nods. But before he can continue the atmosphere is interrupted by a sudden loud voice.

"Get daze!"

"What!"

"Kyaah!"

"Uha!"

What the...Following the voice the one who appeared in front of you all is a young man wearing rough clothing's.

"My name is Satooji of Madara Town! I'm a devil in training, aiming to become the Familiar Master!"

...This sounds suspiciously familiar. Your [Otaku Sense] is tingling.

"Satooji-san, I brought the ones I spoke of."

Buchou then introduces the guys to the so called Familiar Master. They too are looking at him weirdly.

"Hee. An old man and two black haired beauties huh. OK! Leave it to me! If it's me any Familiar immediately would be 'get daze'!"

Hmm, this guy sure does say the word 'get' strongly.

Satooji then looks at you. "And you are?"

"A guest. Please don't mind me."

"Yuuma, Dohna, Kala. He is a professional in terms of familiars. Today we will catch familiars in this forest while receiving advice from him. Okay?"

""Yes."" "Whatever."

"Now, what type of familiar do you desire? Strong one? Fast one? Or one with poison?" Satooji asks them in a friendly manner.

"Definitely a strong one." Dohna replies. "What type do you recommend?"

Satooji smiles at the question and gets out a thing that looks like a catalogue. The one he points at after opening is a blue dragon with great ferocity that is drawn out on the whole page.

"This is what I would recommend! One of the Dragon-Kings! Chaos Karma Dragon, Tiamat! It's a legendary dragon! It's also the only female among the Dragon-Kings! Even until now, there hasn't been a devil who has caught her yet! That would be obvious! Since it's said to be as strong as a Maou!"

"Then why are you recommending it to us?" Kala asks in anger.

Tiamat, uh? Maybe not capturing, but you would like to meet her.

[I advise against that.] Ddrais suddenly speaks.

'Why?'

[She hates me and the white-one. Like, a lot.]

'...And why she hates you and this white-one?'

[I don't know. It happened a long time ago, so I don't remember.]

'You know, you sounded like an old man just now.'

[Who are you calling an old man, you brat!]

"How about this one? Hydra!"

This time the so-called [Familiar Master] shows the illustration of a gigantic serpent with many heads.

"This one is amazing! It has deadly poison! There are no devils in this World which can endure its poison! On top of that it is immortal! The worst creature in the World which even kills its master! See? Pretty useful right?"

The only thing it would be useful is to dispose of your body after Dohna is finished with you. Because he looks ready to murder you with a light spear.

"Can you recommend us normal familiar?" Kala tries to sound polite.

Satooji makes a sound with his tongue with an unpleasant expression.

"That's why newbie's don't understand anything. Listen? You have to catch powerful familiars. And each one has different abilities. If you are trying to become a Familiar Master then you have to catch the same one several times, and then pick the strongest male and female among them. You have the two breed and make them give birth to their baby with strong abilities. And also---"

At the speech it finally hits you.

You don't know how is this possible, but this guy is a walking parody to Pokémon!

What a weird guy.

"I want a cute familiar."

Yuuma says.

"Okay, I understand."

Satooji stops his logic talks and replied with a smile.....What is this guy? Looks like capturing a familiar will be a long road ahead.

At least you will not be bored.

[] First Part: End. Look forward to the Second Part!

 

[Alexander]

"Listen up, [Seirei] gather around this lake."

Satooji says it with a small voice. There is a spacious clear lake in front of you: it's glittering with sparkles and it seems like a very sacred place. Your group is hiding in the shadows near the lake to cancel your presence.

"The water Seirei, [Undine], live in this lake but doesn't show themselves in front of others."

"This look promising!" Kala sounds happy. "I want an elegant one."

You, on the other hand, grimace. Sure, in all the eroge you played Undine are shown as beautiful naked girls made of water.

But, as your Lore oh-so-kindly informs you, reality is far more bleak than fiction.

"Guys." You whisper to the F/A Trio, as you decided to call them. "There is something I need to tell you..."

However before that Satooji interrupts you. "Oh, the lake started glowing. Undine should make its appearance." And points towards the lake.

The water glows with blue light. And the one that rise from it is a being with light-blue hair sparkling like lights, wearing a transparent robe over its...

Gigantic body.

The insane biceps, the calves which are thicker than your waist, and the chest which looks like it has metal inside it, and like a veteran warrior it has many scars on its face.

You cover your eyes with grim finality, already knowing that you will not be in the mood for sex for a lot of days after this terrifying vision.

"WHAT THE FUCK?!" Dohna announces his displeasure quite vocally.

Kala freezes and loses all colors like those guys in an anime who received a shock big enough to make their whole life meaningless.

Yuuma just smiles. Bless be pure souls, for they are shielded from the ugliness of this world.

"That is Undine." Satooji comments with a nod.

"What in that thing looks like an Undine? That's a martial artist! A wrestler! Look at those biceps!" Dohna protests.

"Yeah, Undine always have a battle while having their territory on the line. If you aren't strong you wouldn't be able to get the lake. The World of the Seirei is also about power. But it sure is a strong looking Seirei. That is quite rare. I recommend you catch it. A water Seirei specializing in punching sure won't be bad."

"I don't mind Seirei who can destroy my enemies with its punches, but I don't want one so ugly. I want a female one."

"That is a female one."

"....You're joking."

Then, as if the World wanted to show Dohna that, no, Satooji is not joking another Undine identical to the previous one appears. The two start fighting ferociously, hitting each other with their fists and bleeding from every part of their body.

"It's the fight for the territory. And both of them look like warriors with lots of experience." Satooji starts shaking his head and seems very interested in it.

"..." You and Dohna look at each other and nod.

Punch!

A well aimed punch shuts Satooji the fuck up, while a few words from you convince Bucho to change location.

Carrying the still fainted Kala together with Kiba you move to another place.

"No Yuuma, I don't care if you think Dine-chan looks lonely -who is Dine-chan anyways?! Don't give them a name!- you will not have an Undine as your familiar!"

Not without difficulties of course.

----

Kala eventually recovers, and you are half-way to the next location when suddenly Koneko freezes mid-step.

"Koneko?" Rias asks with worry seeing as the little girl's eyes are now darting back and forth.

"...The forest is silent." Kiba notes.

Now, if you were to play genre-savy...

[Partner, I feel a powerful aura!]

This is when something bad happens?

"Something is coming!" Koneko hisses like a cat.

The foliages moves.

[] Graceful Sun
[] Merciless Poison
[] Bombastic Thunder
[] Wrathful Fire
[] Write-in.
----

Ask and I shall deliver 8)

What you need to know: something is coming, and you have no idea if it will be friendly or not.

To decide what is coming, you can either choose one of the choices already presented or, presents your own proposal (since you like images so much. Just, don't post so many at once, okay?)

Rules. Every write-in must present:

1) Image
2) Name
3) Race
4) Motivation (it doesn't need to be intelligent enough to hold a conversation, but it must a drive to his life, like finding a worthy master or saty near things it likes.)
5) Strengths (parameters, abilities...)
6) Weaknesses

 

[Alexander]

When is it not fun time ahead?

Click to shrink...

Touché.
----

The foliages moves.

And then light erupts from them. Light and flames, great tongues of fire licking the area around your group and forming a ring all around the clearing.

"What the-? An attack?" Rias shouts in worry, Power of Destruction forming in her hands. Akeno's hands crackles with electricity, while Kiba projects two demonic swords. The F/A Trio create light spears. You prepare to summon Boosted Gear.

Only Koneko does nothing. She just stares ahead before pointing, eyes filled with caution and...wonder. "Look."

There, standing on a thick tree's branch is a raven. It's big, bigger than your head. Its plumage is the color of freshly cut obsidian, a black so intense that seems to both absorb and release light on its own at the same time. On the conjunction to its claws the feathers change to porcelain white. The same feathers are present below its tail. Its eyes are blazing red-orange rubies alit with barely restrained power.

Satooji actually looks very astonished. "Owa! Oh my! That's! That's!"

"Yatagarasu." Koneko finishes for him.

Yatagarasu. Also know as the Sun Raven.

There are many legends that connect the raven, or crow since in Japanese the word for both is the same, to the Sun. In China, there is the legend of the Ten Evil Suns. In Japan, the Three-legged Crow is seen as the avatar of Amaterasu.

However, instead of being unique beings the various Sun Ravens are all part of a large species of supernatural beings: those recorded in myth were all exceptional individuals empowered by divine power. The part about them having three legs is also false: simply put, since Yatagarasu has white feathers above its claws people would confuse those below his tail as a third claw. In term of power, they are easily at the same level of a Tengu.

But why one appeared before you?

"Is that a familiar?" Kala asks.

"No way!" Satooji quickly denies. "Yatagarasu are sacred beings! They're mutually exclusive to Devils. They would never contract one: instead they would probably burn him to a crisp with their powerful flames that are said to be as hot as the wrath of Heaven itself!"

"Then why is it here?" Kiba comments.

"...Here for someone." Koneko says. Indeed, the raven's eyes are firmly fixed in a certain direction. They follow the invisible line, that ends...

"Sun-boy?"

On you.

Without saying a word you stay back at the raven, refusing to break eye contact even for blinking. In its inhuman eyes you can sense great intelligence, and also that its full attention is wholly focused on you.

"Are you here for me?" You ask loud.

Yatagarasu tilts its head. Confirmation.

"Why?"

In response it opens it beck and releases a fireball that soars above your head a tree, quickly incinerating it.

"...Challenge."

"Looks like it." You roll your shoulder, excitement actually filling you with a certain...trepidation.

"Ise-kun..." Rias says with concern in her voice.

"It's here for me, so it's only proper that I take care of it personally." You grin. "Beside, I don't plan to lose."

Rias seems conflicted before sighing. "Alright. But if this goes too far I will save you, proper or not."

She doesn't know how much those words mean to you. "Thank you Rias." You flash a thumb-up at her surprise expression as you step forward. "You and the whole Club, I'm glad to have friends like you."

Gained new Intimacy:

Occult Research Club (Friendship)

Click to shrink...

"Ohi, Sun-boy!" You hear Dohna shouts. "Don't you dare die: the one who will burn you to a crisp...is me!"

"...What he said. Minus the last part: I don't care one bit about you. Your death would just be a bother since I would then be forced to fight myself."

"I don't know if I want to encourage you, but do your best Hyodo-san!"

You thought of those guys as villains? What a mistake.

They're just assholes.

"Tell me if you need a sword Ise-kun!"

"...Don't die."

"Surely this isn't a difficult adversary for you? Beat it blue!"

Rias collects her breath before posing with confidence. "Ise! Win!"

As you flash them the "V" of victory you finish positioning yourself to a point where you can move easily and, furthermore, that puts the others out of the line of fire.

Yatagarasu regards you silently.

CAH!

Then it caws ponderously, the flames around it converging and shooting like a beam at you.

BOOM!

""Ise-kun!""

Your friends shouts in worry.

Only for you to reappear five yards away from the explosion, strong air currents swirling around your limbs and body.

"Dragon Technique..." You point both fingers at the Raven. "Whirlwind Sprint!"

Whirlwind Sprint
Cost: 3m
Type: Reflexive
Keywords: Combo-OK, Obvious
Duration: Instant
Dragons are the power and Essence of the world given form: when they roar, the elements obey. When a dragon command air itself, the wind will carry the dragon forwards with the speed of the storm. The Exalt invokes this Charm in response to an attack. The attack must not be unexpected. This Charm increases the Exalt's Dodge DV by a number of points equivalent to his permanent Essence rating. Regardless of the outcome he dodges by leaping away from the opponent: this Charm allows her to jump up to ([Strength + Dodge] x 3) yards vertically or twice this distance horizontally. The Exalt chooses the exact direction and distance of this leap, so long as it is away from his attacker. The Exalt can use this Charm without the need to dodge an attack: in this case treat the Charm's use as a Jump action.

Click to shrink...

With a flash Boosted Gear appears, while your Aura burns brightly around your body.

[BOOST!]

"You...chose the wrong opponent."

[] Write-in.
----

Personal Essence: 17/17
Peripheral Essence: 32/40
Committed (Personal): 0
Committed (Peripheral): 5
Committed (Total): 5

Willpower: 7/8

Overdrive Pool: 9

 

[Alexander]

[X] Smuthunter and Megrisvernin

I Burn
----

You shift your stance in the loose earth before launching yourself into the air with a combination of Monkey Leap Technique and Whirlwind Sprint, the flash of heat on your skin & the singed edges of your hair the only signs of a narrowly avoiding a powerful blast of fire from Yatagarasu.

[The critter has guts! I like him!]

'Please don't cheer for the enemy!'

With great grace you land on a branch at the same height of Yatagarasu, your instincts providing you perfect footing without the need of you consciously concentrating on it.

Using fire is obviously a bad idea, so you shoot two Air Strikes in rapid succession. The balls of pressurized air whizz towards the Sun Raven who takes flight trying to avoid them. When it becomes clear it cannot be done the bird raises a hastily made shield of fire, but judging by how its body is violently blown backwards with each impact it surely felt the force. Without doubt you managed to injure it.

Yatagarasu's Health Levels:

-0 [/]
-1 [/] [ ] [ ]
-2 [ ] [ ]
-4 [ ]
Incapacitated [ ]

Click to shrink...

Yatagarasu retains control and narrows its eyes at you. You look back with a confident expression, one hand on the trunk and one on your hips.

{Wind is not a good choice to use against Fire. Beside some exceptions fire made with magic still requires oxygen, so I suggest you develop a countermeasure against future fire-users.}

'Duly noted.'

[BOOST!]

Your eyes narrow as Yatagarasu flies higher, putting two dozen yards between you and it and starting gathering red flicking flames around itself as it builds up for another attack.

You smile: this time, you are prepared.

[EXPLOSION!]

Dexterity: OOO > OOOO

Click to shrink...

You jump in the opposite direction. A sea of branches and leaves zoom past you as you arc through the air, until a great tree hundreds of feet tall suddenly fills your vision. You twist in midair, planting your legs along a massive branch as thick as your waist, the enormous momentum of your thrust bending it backwards. A bitter pungent scent fills the air as the surface of the branch cracks and twists but your attention is focused up at the raven. A feral grin crosses your face as the branch finally bends back shooting you through the air but instead of dodging you aim straight for Yatagarasu your body graying from the Adamant Skin as you suddenly pass through a beam of hot concentrated flame.

There is a collective scream from the ORC, and then gasps of surprise as you emerge completely unharmed a moment later. You can see the black and white feathered Yatagarasu glistening in the sun's rays, shocked into stillness at your sudden appearance before you smash into it, a tangle of limbs and claws tumbling madly through the air. The noble creature twists and struggles in a frenzy but as you invoke First Martial Arts Excellency it's unable to escape your grasp before its efforts suddenly cease altogether as you Bind it.

However, your howl of triumph is short-lived as the both of you plummet towards the forest floor.

[Partner! At this speed and height both of you will end with a lot of broken bones!]

'You don't say!?'

You grab Yatagarasu with your left arm and twist in midair, your right hand stretching out to seize a passing branch. It breaks, but it last enough to diverge your patch towards the trunk. The claws of Boosted Gear dug into the wood: your arm is pulled painfully, but you manage to slow your fall. When there are only six yards to the ground you jump and land gracefully.

"You sure brought along a crazy one Gremory-san. Where did you find him?" You hear Satooji saying as the group comes into view.

"I swear, how it is possible that when you try something, the more absurd it is the more it works?" Dohna shakes his head in bafflement.

"That was reckless Ise." Bucho chastises you. "What possessed you to jump straight into the enemy's attack?"

"A technique to negate all damage?" You answer as if it was the most natural thing in the world.

Rias opens her mouth. And then closes it. The same action is mimicked by the others.

"There are conditions, and it costs a lot." You roll your eyes. "More importantly."

You lift up Yatagarasu, who is still bound by golden bands of Essence, and look it in the eyes. "You are at my mercy. I can do whatever I want with you. Do you surrender, or do I need to force you?"

You raise a clawed hand.

The Yatagarasu stares at you for a few moments before bowing in submission.

"Good. I am going to free you: you will refrain from attacking anyone, and you will explain why you attacked me."

Two nods.

Satisfied with the answer you put the raven down and snap your finger, ending the Bind. Yatagarasu stretches its wings and limbs before taking a wings-propelled jump and landing on your shoulder. It caws joyfully before sitting down as if relaxing.

"...This is an unexpected development." Rias comments. "Did it choose Ise as its Master?"

Did it? That's an unexpected development.

"Seems like it." Satooji says with an interested tone. "Yatagarasu are proud creatures: they will not submit to someone else unless they think he fits all the criteria. Even then, one must have an exceptional affinity to be deemed worthy."

"Affinity? I suppose we both have an affinity for the Sun. Welcome into the band Yatagarasu." You smile and prepare to dispel Boosted Gear so that you can pet it.

[PING! PING!]

However, you are stopped when a strange sound comes from the jewels on your hands.

'What's happening?' You ask. On both jewels an image has appeared, two arrows pointing in different directions.

[Boosted Gear is trying to evolve. Looks like you unlocked a new ability. No, they are two. But only one can be accessed now, so you must choose which one you want.]

{Let me see that. Mmh. You have two options: the first is the creation of another Overdrive Pool. It will act like and in tandem with the other, but the motes from it can only be used defensively; the second is a powerful ranged attack, but its use fall into the purview of Archery.}

Both sounds useful, but like they say you can choose only one now.

[] Second Overdrive
[] Ranged Attack

 

[Alexander]

Alexander I don't think this qualifies. We've made a favorable impression, sure, but there doesn't seem to be enough...emotional intensity for that ruling to be valid in my mind. Plus again unofficial.

Click to shrink...

Right. So old good "Social Link Method" is a go. You know, drawing power from friendship is something that fit an Exalt, so "Social Link Method" would make a great Charm.

[X] Second Overdrive
----

The ranged attack sounds great, but it would be unreliable until you learn how to use it properly. No, better to stick with what you know how to use.

'I choose the Second Overdrive.' You reply firmly.

At that thought the jewels start glowing brightly, green energy pouring from them and enveloping the gauntlets. Then your own golden Essence surges forth and starts mixing with the green energy. The scales shifts and a second jewel appears just below the elbows.

[Evolution!]

Double Boost Overdrive

Ddraig's power allows him to double anything, even himself.

This Charm is an Expansion Charm to "Welsh Boost Overdrive". It allows the creation of a second Overdrive Pool when "Welsh Boost Overdrive" is activated: it follows the same rules at the first one, but the motes from it can only be used for defensive purposes. The user doesn't need to spend additional motes when resetting the Overdrive Pools.

Click to shrink...

"What just happened?" Rias asks, eyeing the change with curiosity.

"Boosted Gear gained a new ability. It's almost uncanny how it seems to fit my own Exalt abilities so well." You tap a finger on a jewel. "I suppose that my Exaltation made Boosted Gear weaker at the beginning, but capable of greater and faster adapting."

"Sacred Gears are mysterious things." Kiba comments, his eyes saying that he knows exactly what he is talking about.

Only... 'Ddraig, what was that green energy? It had your presence.'

[That was Dragon Power. Sacred Gears with a dragon inside them allow the user to draw forth it along the Gear's natural ability. That was leftover energy from my soul: normally it's sealed, but recently Boosted Gear has started to draw a tiny bit from it. It's possible it's starting to learn how to mix the two properly. Be on your guard however: overuse of Dragon Power will change your body to that of a Dragon.]

{Don't worry about that.} Bright reassures you. {There are Charms to remove unwanted Shaping effects.}

Oh good. Dragons are great, but you like your human form.

[We are shapeshifters you know?]

'Don't temp me.'

----

It took time, but after that unexpected encounter the Trio finally managed to find fitting familiars. Kala found a large python (that she promptly named Ekaterina), Dohna a wolf and Yuuma a little fairy. They perform the bidding ritual there in the forest, but you refrain since Bright told you that the method for an Exalted is different and more time consuming.

Eventually you go back. After exchanging goodbyes you leave, Yatagarasu still perched on your shoulder.

"Aah..." You sigh as you close your room's door. Your parents are sleeping, so an explanation will have to wait for tomorrow. "That was an interesting experience alright."

Yatagarasu jumps on your bed and stares at you. You makes a thinking pose. "Now that I think about it, I need to find you a name."

"This one's own name is Eiko ("Splendid Child") Master. However Master is free to call Eiko however he wants if Master so desires."

"Good to kno-What?!"

You stare in disbelief at the raven. 'Did it just...talk?'

[{It did.}] Your partners say at the same time.

Suddenly the raven's body erupts into light. When it subsides, in place of the Yatagarasu there is a girl with large raven's wings, wearing a kimono and sitting seiza on the ground.

"It's an honor for Eiko to finally greet properly you Master." She says with a small smile and a bow. "May Eiko inquires about Master's name?"

"Ah, Nice to meet you Eiko. I'm Hyodo Issei." To find a Yatagarasu old enough to know how to change its shape and talk in both forms, truly this was unexpected. "Wait a minute. If you can shapeshift why did you do it only now?"

"It wouldn't do to show my majestic form to lowly devils." It's her answer.

You narrow your eyes. "Those 'lowly devils' happen to me my friends. I would like that you refrain from such comments."

"Hai hai. As Master commands. Master is free to associate himself with whoever he wishes." She replies with a bow, her tone, smile and eye's glint telling you that she doesn't mean a single word and instead find it amusing.

You sigh. "You're going to be an handful, aren't you?"

"Eiko will do her best!" She chirps.

+ 4 Xp gained

Click to shrink...

Gained

Familiar: OOO (Eiko the Yatagarasu)

Click to shrink...

After three days 3 Xp will be consumed and Eiko will gain a number of bonus following the Exalted system (more of less).

Click to shrink...

----

The next day you decide to see Abe-sempai to discuss Eiko: while you know already the proper way to treat her advises from an expert are always welcome.

"Ohohoh!" Sempai greets you with her rich girl's laugh as she spots you approaching. "If it isn't Hyodo-kun. Since the last time we talked there was a lot of rumors about you."

"Such as?"

"One said that you're an alien. Another that you're a robot. Another that the President of the Gardening Club started grooming bushes with your face." Okay, that one is creepy. "There also talks about the formation of a fan club in your honor."

You facepalm. "How naïve I was, thinking that being popular was all good sides."

"Naïve, naïve." She 'tut-tuts'. "So, what bring you to me?"

You tell her about you went to observe how devils acquire familiars and how, instead, one found you. Next you tell her you came to ask her advices. She asks to see the familiar, so you summon Eiko with a magic circle.

You weren't prepared for Abe to literally prostate herself in front of Eiko, hands clapped and eyes full of stars.

"A Yatagarasu! A real Yatagarasu! A super-mega-ultra rare creature that only one Tamer among 10'000 is allowed to talk to, let alone own! Ah! Forgive my impertinence Yatagarasu-sama. It's a honor to meet you!"

"Hai hai." Eiko waves her hand. "There is no need to bow in front of Eiko."

"Really?"

"No: please continues bowing. Your bow is quite good."

"Yes!"

"Eiko..." You groan in embarrassment. "Please stands up sempai. Eiko will allow that. Right?" You glare at her.

"As Master commands!" She chirps before turning raven and landing in front of the room's only window to bask in the sun's rays.

Abe-sempai, who is now standing, is glaring at you with scary eyes. "You, who are you that a Yatagarasu-sama would acknowledge you as her Master? There is no way you're a normal Sacred Gear possessor."

"You're right. Do you know what a Longinus-class Sacred Gear is?"

You tell her the whole story. The Exalted part takes longer, but eventually she's convinced.

"So, you the famous [Welsh Dragon] rumoured in the business world who is also known as Sekiryuutei?"

She asks, her eyes taking a new level in scariness. If you are to define them, it's the "eyes of a dangerous collector".

"Ne, Hyodo-kun. Join the tennis club!"

"Eh? Wait a moment, isn't the club female only?"

"As a mascot then. Ohohoh, having a rare dragon would be the best indeed, with a Yatagarasu-sama included in the package."

She takes a step forward, fingers wriggling in a dangerous way and eyes shinning like a predator in the dark. You take a step back, eyes darting frantically to the door.

"Consider it. If you accept I will adore you!"

"A-adore me!?"

"Yes! I will definitely take care of you! It will feel good!"

Solars don't run away.

So you do a 'strategic retreat'.

----

School (Intelligence): +2 days

Click to shrink...

----

"That was scary." You murmur as you stare at the cup of coffee before taking a sip. After escaping Abe-sempai's "attentions", and in the process leaving the school altogether, you stopped at a bar to calm your nerves.

[Why? Until now you handled girls' attentions well.]

'Did you see her eyes? That wasn't a girl having a crush on me, that was a fanatical collector that found a super rare piece and was ready to do anything to have it!

[Ah. I can't say I approve to be seen as just a rare piece, but I can understand the desire to collect and amass things you like.]

You raise an eyebrow. 'So the rumor that dragons like to hoard gold and other treasures is true?'

[They're shiny!] He says as if that explained everything.

It seems like dragons have simple desires.

"Excuse me, is this seat free?" Someone asks next to you.

"Yes." You reply, and see as a foreign man sits in front of you. He looks like he's around 20, has black hair with golden bangs and is wearing a yukata.

Despite smiling politely he has a "bad boy" vibe around you. There is no doubt he has great success with the ladies.

After ordering something he turns to you and smile. "Is this place good?" He asks.

You shrug. "They say their strawberry cake is heavenly, but I never tasted it before." You take a sip of coffee. "Did you come to Japan to sample the local culture?"

"No, that's a bonus. I came to see the Sekiryuutei."

'!'

You freeze. Slowly you put down the cup and raise your head to look the man in the eyes. "And...you are?"

He keeps smiling. "Azazel, leader of the Fallen Angels. Nice to meet you, the Sekiryuutei, Hyoudou Issei."

'Ddraig, on a scale to 1 to [bend over and take it], how much I am fucked?'

[Bend over and take it. Where 'it' is a freight train running 120 miles for hour.]

'Thanks for the mental image Ddraig.'

[] Write-in.
----

Because I am evil like that and a big fan of derailment >

 

[Alexander]

[X] Spend 10 EXP to buy two dots of Martial Arts.

17-10= 7 Xp

Martial Arts: OO > OOOO

Congratulations! When it comes to deliver hits, you have reached the level of Expert, which is stronger than Disciple but weaker than Master! There are few Martial Arts you can't master now.

Click to shrink...

----

You consider the situation for a moment. A being as powerful as Azazel wouldn't have bothered to confront you if he wanted you dead, unless he's one of those showy action movie villains. Somehow you don't think so, so you decide to continue running on the assumption that he doesn't intend to kill you.

"Likewise, Azazel-dono." You raise the cup in greeting before putting it back. "I can't say I've ever had a chance to speak to someone of your status."

[You certainly have.] Ddraig snickers, catching immediately on the hidden meaning of your words.

"By any chance does this have something to do with that business with Raynare last week?"

"Ahah, no need to be so formal. Just call me Azazel Hyodo-kun." He laughs. "It doesn't have a direct connection, but sorry for the trouble my ex subordinates caused. Seem like there is a traitor in my ranks that is trying to cause a lot of trouble. Ahah, I have a policy of 'don't interfere with human affairs' and 'peace', but there are some in Grigori who don't like it. With an organization like ours it can't be helped."

The waitress arrives with his order, tea. After thanking her he starts drinking it. Unable to hold in any longer you ask another question. "Should you be so calm about that? A traitor is serious business."

"That's fine. I know who he is, I just need to find sufficient proof. Knowing him he will try something big soon." He calmly replies. "How are my ex-subordinates doing? Even if they didn't work for me anymore I feel the need to know if they are doing good or not."

"As far I can tell, they're doing great." You shrug. "I was a little surprised about it, from my lessons about the supernatural I thought Fallen Angels have a poor view of Devils."

"For the most part is true, but it's weaker in the younger generations. Dohnaseek, Kalawarner and Mittelt were born after the Great War: without the bad memories from it, it's difficult for those uninvolved to grow a strong grudge against devils and angels." He explains. "Raynare was the only one who 'fell' recently." He scratches his head. "If possible I want the next generations to live free of the hate of the older ones."

'Do you think he's sincere?'

[I have no clue partner.]

Uhm, even Ddraig have difficulties reading him. That's only to be expected, one didn't reach his position by having weak spots. You must find another way to confirm it. "That's admirable."

"By the way, I heard that Mittelt is living with you." He smiles in a mischievous way, holds out his pinkie and wriggle it. "Did you two already do it?"

You stare at him. "I refuse to answer that question in a public place."

"You did. You did." His smile grows even wider. Is this really the leader of an entire race?

Oh right, they fell from Heaven because they were horny. "Why do you care anyway?"

"Ah, that. I didn't realize it the first time I read her name, but I know her parents." He takes a sip. "I have to thank you for resolving the situation as you did: if she did get hurt, I am sure I wouldn't be standing here with my neck intact." He shivers.

Taking note: remember to ask Mittelt who her parents are the next time you see her. If they can make the Leader of the Fallen Angels shiver, you want to know who they are.

And how fast you need to run if they don't appreciate the fact you deflowered their daughter.

"Is that why you came here?"

"No. You see, I have an interest in Sacred Gears. They're my hobby: I like to collect and research them and even to build new ones. I am probably the one in all the world who know the most about Sacred Gears."

You narrow your eyes. "By collecting...you mean removing them from their hosts?"

He winces. "It came up, uh? That's not one of my most well thought-out inventions. But we don't use it like that: I recruit users with interesting Sacred Gears and teach them how to develop them in exchange for data. I originally created the removing system to recover the Gear at the user's death, to prevent it for going to an unknown new host."

"..." You relax. "I will believe you. For now. Not that I can anything about it. So, the reason for contacting me is..."

"...Because, when I heard about a Sekiryuutei showing an abnormal grown, I naturally grown curious." His eyes twinkle. "Plus, I want to you to fight against my Hakuryuukou."

[The white-one? Is he with the Fallen Angels?]

'Ddraig?'

[...] He felt silent and doesn't respond.

Well, there is another one you can ask. "Can you explain what a 'Hakuryuukou' is? I assume it's the 'white-one' Ddraig often mentions but never elaborate on?"

"Ddraig? Does this mean that you can already contact the consciousness of the Welsh Dragon? Interesting." He takes out a notepad and writes on it. "But not knowing the history behind them is troubling. Allow me to explain it to you."

He snaps his fingers, and instantly all the sounds around you two become muted.

'I see, a wind barrier to keep out voices for being heard by others.'

"There are two Heavenly Dragons, the Dragons who are said to be as powerful as God: Ddraig, the Welsh Dragon, and Albion, the Vanishing Dragon. The two started fighting ferociously during the last Great War, and as a result of that disturbed the battlefield where the Three Factions were fighting at the time. They tried to make the two dragons stop, but Ddraig and Albion became angry at the interruption and attacked the Three Factions. It was a difficult battle, so much that I, God and the Maou of the time were forced to defeat them. That was the only time when the Three Factions of Christianity joined forces."

[Who did God and the Maou think they were, interrupting a fight between dragons?] Ddraig grumbles.

'No no, no matter how you look it was your fault! Why were you fighting anyway?'

[...I don't remember.]

You project a deadpan glare in your mind.

[But I am sure it was something important! I'm sure of it!]

Yeah, whatever.

"To stop them from causing mayhem again God took their souls and sealed them into two different Sacred Gears, who will in the future become both Longinus: Ddraig was sealed into the Sacred Gear [Boosted Gear], while Albion was sealed into the Sacred Gear [Divine Dividing]. But even when sealed the two Heavenly Dragons didn't stop fighting: lacking a physical body, their use their hosts as a medium. Every time they emerge, the wielders will meet and fight each other."

"And then die because they got consumed by their Gear's power?" He nods. "And you want me to fight the Hakuryuukou as the Sekiryuutei? No sorry, not a chance: I like living, thank you very much. Plus I have no reason to fight: I don't care if it's destiny, I don't have a personal reason to fight someone I never met before in my life."

"You misunderstood me: I don't want you two to fight to the death. I just want you to fight so I can collect data." He makes a troubled face. "What about this? I will hire you: in exchange for helping me with my research I will tell you how to use Boosted Gear's full potential. I will also add money."

"I pass." You finish your coffee. "Maybe it wasn't included in the report, but I am a formal affiliated of the Gremory Clan. I can't create alliances with other groups without their approval, and without a doubt I can't do it with a group who is an enemy of the Devils." You look him in the eyes. "Rias and the others are my friends. And I don't, under any circumstances, betray my friends."

'Plus, the only ones I trust with Boosted Gear are you two.'

{As you should.}

[Eheh.]

"That's it? That's simple." He takes out a cellphone from his yukata, types a number and puts it on his ear.

"Hello, it's me. I met the Sekiryuutei. He's right there in front of me."

"..."

"A cool kid. He has strong eyes: he flat-out rejected my offers, saying that he will not betray his friends."

"..."

"So, can you do something about it? If you authorize it everything should be fine, right?"

"..."

"Of course, of course, I will keep damage to a minimum and send you a copy of the data. I'll teach the kid stuff!"

"..."

"Not that kind of stuff. Useful stuff. What were you thinking?"

"..."

"Yes, yes: I owe you. But you really shouldn't need my help with a mere Level 78 Boss. Bye."

He ends the call, turns to you and smile. "All done!"

You stare at him. "Never mind that what you did was totally rude and that there was something seriously wrong with that conversation, tell me: exactly, what is done?"

"Now there are no problems about you collaborating with me. It's fine if you don't believe me now." He gives you a piece of paper with a cellphone number. "This is a direct line to me. If you change idea call me at this number: I will remain near the city for a while."

You take the number and stare at it, wondering what exactly the guy in front of you set in motion.

"Anything else?"

But if it's true, you can benefit greatly from it in terms of resources. And if Azazel truly knows the most about Sacred Gears, maybe he can help Asia, Ruby and Yang with their Gears.

Who are you kidding: Azazel is one of the top scientists in the world, and you want his help to build Solar technology and become stronger as fast and efficiently as possible.

If only he wasn't such a hazard.

[] "Nothing. See you later I guess."
[] Write-in.

 

[Alexander]

Why are we going over to a new thread? This isn't SB, there are no thread limits here.

Click to shrink...

I know, but I feel a thread too long will be too confusing.

New Thread Here