One-Punch DxD: NEO

I'M BACK!

Co-written and edited by i4md347h

In the living room, a certain crimson-haired devil sat in seiza, enduring the judgemental gazes of the building's occupants, none amused at her stunt. Everyone was decent in their pajamas and sleep-wear, even Tsubasa covered her bottom with a pair of indigo shorts.

On either side, Haruka was watching with a mixture of drowsy irritation and curiosity on her face, Asia was visibly nervous and concerned, Tsubasa was very miffed, and the three new tenants quizzically stared at the intruder.

Rover sat dutifully, watching the proceedings from the room's corner. After recollecting his thoughts and composure, Issei, standing in front of Rias in contemplation, banished the silence.

"Rias… why are you here at this hour?"

Rias looked up, giving brief glances at everyone else before she looked away sheepishly.

"I… came to see you." She was pouting, embarrassed - yet saw no point in lying.

Issei furrowed his eyebrows at the reply, more of confusion rather than irritation.

"...Okay. But why now? You definitely broke in like a burglar. So, care to explain what you were doing in Tsubasa's room?"

Rias' blush on her face slightly deepened while Tsubasa was also faintly flustered as well, as the latter raised her eyebrows in mild curiosity at the fact Rias approached her sleeping form buck-naked.

"...I thought she was you." Rias became more and more embarrassed as her voice went lower.

"...What?" Issei blinked twice at the thought of her coming to his bed naked. "Why?"

Rias just looked away, refusing to make eye contact.

"...Holy-! Did you actually come here to use your body? I didn't think you'll be…" Tsubasa asked, stuttered speechless as she connected the dots.

Rias did not answer, but seeing her skin sweating bullets spoke more than enough. Issei was already blushing when he understood Tsubasa's inclination, but still, two attempts in a row in a single night, one from misunderstanding, the other…

He decided to not delve further into this train of thought.

After he silently asked his mother, Asia, and his three new 'servants' to keep an eye on the redhead, he beckoned Tsubasa to follow him a good few steps away from Rias for a 'small conference.'

"Can you call Sona?" Issei whispered. He wanted her to handle Rias. His face was still red from the sheer embarrassment.

"I can, but President Sona is probably asleep around this hour as well. I feel bad if I wake her up with this," Tsubasa returned.

Issei hummed as he mulled over his friend's input. He glanced back at the group and beckoned Catherine, Zama, and Amanda to join his little conference.

Once the trio had arrived and huddled together with them, Issei asked, "I… I hope I'm not reminding you of any bad memories, but are high-class devils prone to this crap?"

The three she-devils blinked at the question, glanced at each other before giving a glance at the still-kneeling Rias. Their silent shrugs caused Issei to sigh in exasperation.

What the hell was he to do? A girl he knew just broke into his house and… actually, this was probably an event that any of the male students would kill him for. Having a 'harem' of girls was one thing, but having the school's most popular girl enter a boy's house of her own accord was another. But still, Issei had no idea how to feel other than the urge to bury his face in his hands at the sheer absurdity of it all.

As he wallowed, the door-bell at the front entrance rang, alarming the residents of another visitor.

Issei blinked at the ringing, he glanced at his mother who was more awake thanks to the bell's sound, before he took it upon himself to get the door. When he opened the front door, however, Issei was greeted by the sight of a beautiful maid, an actual western maid, with long, braided silver hair dangling on one side.

The girl shared one too many similarities with another silver-haired maid from a certain shooting game Issei once played. He wondered if this one could freeze time or conjure infinite daggers.

"...Can I help you?" He asked.

In return, the maid curtseyed and bowed. "Good evening, sir," She straightened up and carried on with a stoic face. "My deepest apologies for disturbing your night, but I am looking for my ward. My name is Grayfia, I am a maid serving Gremory Household."

"...Oh." Issei understood the moment she said 'Gremory Household.'

"Have you seen a girl with long, crimson hair by any chance?" Grayfia asked.

There was only one crimson-haired girl he knew and he didn't need a hint to know who it was.

"...I see." Issei nodded dumbly. "In that case, she's in the living room." Issei opened the door wider and allowed the maid inside to pick up Rias. He wondered if she knew what Rias was trying to do to him, though.

"Thank you very much." Grayfia thanked politely as she took her shoes off, leaving them on the mat of the entrance.

"Just go straight over there." Issei pointed at the direction before he quickly scurried away, leaving the maid alone behind to follow him.

oXo

Everyone found Issei returning with a somewhat nervous look on his face.

Haruka was the first to ask with a concerned tone, "What's wrong, Ise? Who is it at the door?"

Issei pointed his thumb behind with his mouth trying to form coherent words for a second, "I-I think Sakuya Izayoi came for Rias."

Only Tsubasa raised her eyebrows in recognition and curiosity at the name. Haruka and the rest were clueless to the reference.

"...Who?" Haruka asked.

Nobody realized the grimace on Rias' face as she kept looking down from her kneeling position when Grayfia entered the room.

"Good evening, everyone. Please pardon my sudden intrusion. I am Grayfia, head maid of the Gremory House. I arrived to retrieve my lady over there." She introduced herself before sending a pointed look at the young woman kneeling on the floor.

"...Wow." Haruka looked at Rias before she glanced back at Grayfia - an honest-to-god maid.

Tsubasa was also regarding Grayfia with a no small astonishment in her eyes, understanding what Issei meant earlier.

"...Grayfia," Rias whispered with shame.

"Did you achieve what you came here for, milady?" Grayfia asked, albeit Issei and Tsubasa could sense a hint of sarcasm in her polite tone.

Rias' silence as she looked away was enough for the maid.

"I believe you have embarrassed yourself enough for tonight, Lady Rias. Let us return for now. Your family would still like to speak with you," Grayfia said.

"...Will Akeno be there?" Rias asked, this time looking at the maid in the eye. Rias looked more like a child in this scene than a respected teenager, Issei thought.

"Of course; in fact, your Queen is expected to stand by your side at all times."

Rias nodded before she threw a sheepish, apologetic smile at Issei.

"I'm… truly sorry for the trouble I caused you, tonight." Rias said. "If you're still willing… Would you come to the clubroom tomorrow? I have… a lot to explain for myself."

Issei sighed and nodded, "...Yeah. I'll see you tomorrow."

Rias then walked to Grayfia's side, and Issei proceeded to send them off at the front door.

"Thank you for your hospitality, and once again, please forgive us for the trouble." Grayfia bowed one more time before a teleportation circle activated and a magic sigil appeared beneath Grayfia and Rias.

"Have a good night, Master Issei Hyōdō."

With one final goodbye, the two devils of Gremory household vanished in a flash of light, leaving Issei at the door of his new house. When Issei closed the door and was about to head back to the living room, something occurred in his mind, as he looked back at the front door.

"Strange…. When did that maid hear my name?"

It was the next morning where Issei, Tsubasa, and Asia were walking together to school.

"You know…. I just remembered when I went back to sleep last night." Tsubasa started up a conversation.

"Whatcha remembered?" Issei asked, munching on the meat bun he bought from a convenience store.

"About that maid - the one who looked awfully similar to Sakuya Izayoi," Tsubasa replied. "I never met her in person, but during my times with President Sona, I might have heard stories about this super-strong female devil who once contended for the title of Leviathan, and despite the failure, became well-known as the Strongest Queen serving the current Lucifer."

Issei quirked an eyebrow. "Lucifer? Leviathan? I thought Ajuka was the demon king?"

"One of the demon kings as far as I recall." Tsubasa retorted. "Didn't Rias tell you about them?"

"Hey, I only met that one guy, and it was before I beat the shit out of Diodora. And he was that bastard's big brother." Issei did not know much about the inner workings of Devil Society. He did not know what the hell Leviathan and Lucifer were when they came out of Tsubasa until she explained it. Issei was just a human that somehow caught the intrigue of Devil Society… and its opposite in a sense.

"...When I reincarnated, I was taught that devils are led by four powerful devils bearing the titles derived from the four original demon lords - Lucifer, Beelzebub, Leviathan, and Asmodeus. Rias Gremory and President Sona's older siblings are the current holders of the title Lucifer and Leviathan respectively, making them standing on top of the devil hierarchy."

"Heh…." Issei drawled at Tsubasa's lecture. "You really did your homework, didn't you?"

"Yes, I did." Tsubasa replied with a knowing smirk.

"This is my first time learning about this…" Asia muttered with interest in her tone.

"Is that so? The Church didn't tell you about the Three Factions?" Tsubasa asked with a mild curiosity.

"Only a little… I was told to stay away from devils and fallen angels… And when I was taken in by Grigori, I was told not to engage any angels and devils." Asia meekly replied.

"Huh. So only the Devils are somewhat honest in their education in this scenario." Issei offhandedly commented, taking in the irony of the situation.

Tsubasa cast a glance at Issei, not missing his slight change of tone.

"Anyway, can't help but wonder what this is all about with Rias and everything," Issei remarked, attempting to move the subject forward.

"I think I might have an idea about that, though." Tsubasa mentioned.

Issei only raised his eyebrows at her, while Asia looked intrigued.

"However, since this might be her family matters, I'm afraid you'll be on your own when you find out. I can't get involved without Sona's permission." Tsubasa smiled apologetically, which made Issei more curious as the day went on.

oXo

After school had ended, Issei and Asia made their way to the old school building to meet with Rias. It was time for them to discover the matter plaguing the ORC President.

"You know, you don't have to come with me, Asia," Issei told the girl walking beside him.

"I-I know, Mr. Ise. B-But… I am worried about Ms. Rias. What happened last night seemed… very important," Asia replied.

Issei let out a soft breath, they might have not known each other that long, but Asia had quite bonded with Rias from her daily visits after school. Besides, Issei did not really have any rights to dictate Asia's choices - all he could do was to make sure danger did not greet her along the way.

They soon arrived at the clubroom, Yūto greeting them at the entrance.

"'Sup, Kiba." Issei greeted.

"It is nice to see you here. Um…" Yūto found himself fidgeting slightly.

"Did Rias tell you what she nearly pulled last night?" Issei asked.

Yūto awkwardly smiled. "Well, not by her, but we did catch the wind of what happened."

Issei shrugged, "Huh, okay... Care to lead us to Rias?"

"Yes. Please, follow me."

Yūto then led him and Asia inside the building, up the stairs into the ORC's main room where Rias held her office. Inside, Issei found the rest of the Occult Research Club sans Gasper, along with the maid that came to his house last night.

"You're…" Issei blinked in recognition. "Err… Ms. Grayfia, right?" He actually almost forgot her name.

"Yes, it is my pleasure to meet you again, Master Issei." The maid gracefully bowed.

"Ah, yeah, about that." Issei pointed out. "How did you know my name last night?"

"The footage of your duel with the former heir of Astaroth clan was quite infamous and became a warm topic among the high-class devils for some time. I happened to watch the footage alongside my King when he received the recording; it was an impressive display." Grayfia dutifully explained.

"I see…Thanks." Issei accepted the answer and he turned to nod at the others. "Oh, right. Hey, everyone."

"Hmm..." Koneko nodded. She was not nibbling at a cookie or something on her seat like usual.

Akeno on the other hand, giggled as she strode to Issei with a mischievous smile. "Ufufu... So? What do you think?" She asked.

"...What do you mean?" Issei asked back with raised eyebrows.

"How does it feel to be popular enough for Rias to sneak into your house?" Akeno teased.

In response to her query, Issei looked away, trying not to make eye contact while hiding his flustered cheeks.

"Akeno. Leave my failures alone." Rias sighed. "Again… I am very sorry about last night."

Issei still could not process that Rias would go that far to recruit him, but he put that matter aside for now.

"It's fine now," Issei replied with his lips lopsided. "Anyways, you owe me an explanation. What's going on here? Is everything okay?"

"I wish it is… but, unfortunately, no. It's not okay." Rias replied as her lips dropped into a sad frown.

Grayfia then stepped in. "Milady, would you like me to explain?"

"No, it's alright. I will-!"

Before Rias could have finished, however, an unfamiliar magic circle appeared in the middle of the room in orange light. Koneko frowned at the sigil glowing on the floor.

"Phenex…"

Issei blinked as he caught Yūto muttering the name with small displeasure in his tone. Rias' frown reached its nadir while her Queen looked genuinely unamused.

The sigil then burst in flames - the fire burned high for a second before it revealed a man standing in the middle of the room. He was an adult in his twenties, possessing short, wild blonde hair and blue eyes. He was clad in a casual suit consisting of a burgundy blazer with gold embroidery on the right with matching pants and black dress shoes. Underneath his open blazer is a white dress shirt with one button unfastened, giving a slight view to his toned chest.

"Ah… It has been ages since I last visited the human world." The man spoke while letting out a breath before his eyes immediately darted towards Rias. "My dear, Rias. How have you been?"

Rias grimaced at the sight of the man confidently making his way to her. She immediately batted his advancing hand away before his hand could have even touched her.

"...What are you doing here, Riser?" She asked with open disdain.

The man smirked. Issei could tell that his eyes were scanning Rias' form from head to toe.

"Why, to see you, of course, before we consummate our marriage."

Rias scowled. "We are not married, Riser-"

"Yet."

"...And I will not marry you, I've said this numerous times." Ignoring Riser's cut-off, Rias pointed out with a growing frustration in her tone.

Rias then threw a glance at Issei. Riser tracked her sight until his eyes laid upon the human, and his eyes widened with recognition, "Oh. You… You are that human from the Astaroth estate," Riser commented.

"Uh…" Issei was starting to think he had underestimated the fame he earned back then.

Riser then grew a smile on his face, "Ah, yes, where are my manners. I was there with my sister at the party when you arrived like a thunder; and we were among the duel's spectators. I must admit, it was a splendid show. So much drama and unexpected turns. The climax was superb if I do say so myself." Riser spoke with a hint of genuine respect in his tone. "...My name is Riser Phenex. Remember the name who has graciously commended you, Red Dragon Emperor."

"Oh. Issei Hyōdō… well, I guess you already know. Thanks, by the way." Issei hummed in thought. The guy seemed like an asshole at first, but maybe there was more to him than meets the eye. "Anyways… Rias. What's the deal between you and him?" Issei asked, pointing at Riser in confusion.

"Oh, so you're acquainted with her… Aahhhhhhh." Riser perked his head as an epiphany struck him. "I think I understand now. Forgive my intrusive invasion of privacy, but Rias, were you planning on recruiting this human to your side? And judging by how he is not a Devil yet, I assume you have failed? Or is it that he refused your offer?" Riser lightly accused Rias with wonder in his tone.

"I…" Rias looked at Issei as she stopped as if a lump got stuck in her throat.

"I see. Then I must admit that you might still have a chance if you do recruit him to your side…" Riser rubbed his chin in thought. "In any case, whether he joins your peerage or not, I will simply crush you, my dear. Nobody can hope to stand against the might of the Immortal Bird."

"Uhhh…" Issei raised his hand. "Can someone answer my question? I mean, you two are speaking as if I know what's going on, so…?"

"...She didn't tell you?" Riser asked.

"No…?" Frankly, Rias had never bothered to fill him in. He believed she was supposed to do it today now that he thought about it.

"...I think I finally see the big picture." Riser nodded. "Hmm, I assume she kept pestering you to join her Peerage for a while, correct? Was it days? Weeks?"

"...Weeks." Issei replied - she kept nagging him on the matter ever since he began his second year.

"That long? Hmmm. So she was that desperate. In any case, you at least deserve an explanation. I, Riser Phenex, am engaged with the Heiress of the Gremory House herself." Riser said, gesturing to Rias. "Arranged marriages are common in our Noble Society, something that is bound to happen to every Heir. However, there is a way for one to break such arrangements set by our elders. Would you like to take over from here, my dear Rias?" Riser asked, turning his head to the Gremory.

Rias scowled, not liking the fact that Riser was the one to explain the entire situation to Issei. Nonetheless, she nodded with a huff.

"In order to cancel this arrangement, I need to prove myself capable by engaging a Rating Game against him." Rias glanced at Riser. "Devils respect strength, and in this scenario, the winner will obtain the right to continue or end the engagement."

"Okay... Now that I think about it." Issei recalled Ajuka's explanation about Peerages related to chess. There was a certain amount of chess pieces… and Rias' Peerage did not seem to match the total number.

"Your Peerage is not complete, am I right?" Issei guessed as he turned to Rias.

"You're sharp." Riser commented. "That is correct. I am assured in my victory because unlike her peerage, mine is complete, all Chess pieces used."

"...And that is why I want your help." Rias hung her head down in shame. "I thought I could get you to concede last night… but…"

"...Ah." Issei finally realized that he had been caught in a very difficult situation.

"My dear, I suggest you cease this futility." Riser stepped in. "Not only is it frowned upon by our society in general, but it is also shameful, even more so after the Diodora scandal. Coercing a human to be your servant against their will is not befitting your stature. Besides, the human should be offended. After all, if I'm not mistaken, his ward was nearly a victim of this crime recently. Do you not feel the embarrassment?"

"I don't want to hear those words from you, Riser." Rias glowered in return.

As they bickered, Issei simply wracked his brain cells. Rias was at a disadvantage and she was in need of help, but Issei still didn't think that abandoning his humanity was the solution. Becoming a Devil is, in every way, the easy way out for not only himself, but also for Rias.

"As distasteful I may appear to some people, I do have my own standards, unlike Diodora. I will not deny my lustful nature, but even I did not manipulate any of my cute servants to my whims, nor did I coerce them to join my Peerage in the first place," Riser rebuked. "I earned my status fair and square from the ground up. You, on the other hand, are still a mere beginner."

"Fair and… ah." Issei muttered as he perked his head up. "Wait, I have something to ask."

When Riser, Rias, and Grayfia looked at Issei expectantly, Issei spoke, "...What is a Rating Game, exactly? I mean, how do they work?"

Issei caught the attention of everyone in the room. Riser, Rias, and Grayfia sighed simultaneously.

"I believe I have wasted enough time here." Riser grumbled. "Rias, I'll leave explaining things to the human. Just remember, you - no, both of us have responsibilities to fulfill as high-class devils. Keep that in mind as I shall make you mine."

"No, wait, hear me out," Issei called out. "Didn't you set the rules for the Rating Game with Rias-!"

Before Issei could have finished, Riser had disappeared in a similar fashion when he arrived, vanishing via a magic teleportation circle in a grand eruption of flames.

"...And he left." Issei lopsided his lips as he turned to everyone. "Well, that happened."

Just when he had a plan at that too. Issei then looked at Rias. "So… What now? Are you still going for this whole Rating Game thing?"

Rias glanced briefly at Grayfia before returning to Issei. "...You know I have no choice in the matter. It is my only chance to escape this marriage."

"I see…" Issei nodded as he processed Rias' answer. "But judging from what I've gathered so far… You're already doomed."

Issei did not cut corners in his judgement. No matter how he saw it, Riser held the cards while Rias barely had any.

"Do you think I haven't already known that?" Rias' tone became harsher as she replied, ignoring Grayfia's disapproving mien. "This entire farce is just our family's way to control me! Everything has been arranged the moment I was born!"

Everyone sans Grayfia had uncomfortable expressions on their faces, but Issei's expression remained passive.

"...Is this really that important to you? I mean, I'm honestly kind of shocked to see an arranged marriage in this day and age."

"Allow me to explain." Grayfia then decided to step in. "After the Great War between the Three Factions, we devils had not only lost our original leaders but also the majority of our population as well. Despite Lord Beelzebub's innovation in inventing the Evil Piece system, the council and the rest of old nobles still prefer to re-populate the number of pure-blood devils… By arranging marriages between the families within surviving seventy-two Pillars of the Underworld."

"...So it's like an old custom that just won't die?" Issei roughly summarized.

"Yes, that is correct." Grayfia nodded. "Lady Rias, if you still want to go with the Rating Game, I shall notify both Houses of Gremory and Phenex about the upcoming match. With the current situation, you will be granted a grace period where you and your peerage can prepare yourselves for the Rating Game."

Rias still retained her frown as she closed her eyes, taking in the futility of her situation.

"...I understand. I will fight." Rias cryptically replied.

"Very well. In that case, I wish you the best of luck in your endeavors." Grayfia bowed and her spot began to glow. "Have a good day, everyone."

The maid then vanished in a flash of light, leaving the students in the clubroom.

The room became silent for a few seconds until Rias turned to regard Issei with the looks of hope and desperation, which Issei could only return with quizzical looks. The heiress wanted to appeal again for Issei to lend his strength, to be her servant, but the words died in her throat when Riser's words echoed in her mind, causing her to look away.

Seeing Rias' dilemma, Issei sighed as he ran his hand through his brown locks.

"I… gotta ask first. Why are you against this whole marriage so badly? If I'm to be honest, there's a lot riding on this arrangement, looking back at Grayfia's story. Besides, that Riser guy seems okay to me. Well, not at first, but you get the point."

Considering what kind of low-life Diodora had been, Riser looked more like a saint in Issei's eyes.

"...It isn't just about Riser." Rias grimaced. "Have you ever wondered what it's like? To be born as nothing but my family's tool? I wanted to get away from it… I wanted the chance to live my life as a person. Not as an… object."

Issei remained silent. There was literally nothing he could say to cheer her up without sounding tasteless and cheap at this moment.

"...Is there nothing I can do to change your mind?" Rias asked once again.

Yūto, Akeno, and Koneko gave Issei their attention. Issei looked at Rias' Peerage, seeing Koneko's face conveying hopes for him to accept… actually, all three of them were blatantly urging him to help her from their expressions alone.

"No. Believe it or not, I, too, have something important to fulfill," Issei replied.

"...What could be more important than helping a girl in need?" Rias asked, smiling weakly.

"Becoming someone I can be proud of."

"...And that is?"

"A hero." Issei replied. He garnered visible surprise from the three behind Rias. "...I wanted to become a hero I can accept. But it is not the kind who just saved whoever cries for help without thinking ahead. Choosing to become your servant might free you, but I don't think it will save you. It won't change the fact you cannot defeat Riser on your own terms, or prove that you are capable."

Rias looked down, along with her servants, unable to refute Issei's point. Should she manage to recruit Issei into her fold, relying on him to defeat Riser will only prove the point of those who believed that she was a spoiled heiress who could not fight her own battles.

"But… can't you do something?" Everyone turned to see it was Koneko who had spoken. The petite girl was closing the distance between her and Issei until she was close enough to pinch a fabric of his uniform with a pleading look on her face.

"Please... Help President Rias." Koneko implored, looking up at Issei with pleading eyes.

That moment, nobody inside the room had the slightest clue of how much blow Koneko managed to deliver to Issei's mind with her gesture. The boy shut his eyes tight in order not to get distracted by how adorable Koneko looked.

At this point, however, Issei would be a man without a heart if he were to refuse.

"Alright, I'll help." Issei nodded, garnering several people blinking at him. "...What? I never said I can't help you at all. Seriously, you guys are all too focused on thinking inside the box, recruiting others frantically without a solid plan."

Koneko then remembered about her last conversation with Issei during their one-time walk together to school.

"That means….?" Rias was a little confused, yet hopeful at the same time.

"While I won't become a Devil, I can, however, help you guys prepare through training," Issei said. "But before we go there, I still haven't gotten an answer to this question: what the hell is a Rating Game?"

Issei had an idea on how to pull Rias out of the gutter, but he needed some context. From there, it would be up to Rias herself to bring victory against Riser.

"Right, of course. Rating Game is a game formulated not long after the implementation of the Evil Piece system. We devils are prideful by nature, so there will be times when more than one Kings argue among themselves, 'my Pawn is the strongest', 'no, my Knight is better', 'my servants are superior', and these kind of debates keep on going-"

"Whoa, wait, stop." Issei held up a hand with his eyes closed. If they were to look closer, they would have noticed the spot beneath his right eye was twitching. "Sorry, but I'm not interested in history, only the game. What is it? Go!"

Rias stared at Issei before she sighed, "...The Rating Game is a game where two high-class devils and their peerage battle against each other, with a similar system like a chess game."

"I see…. So that means the outcome of this game is decided by whether you or Riser remain standing in the end," Issei guessed.

"Yes, that's the gist of it." Rias nodded. "However, just as Riser said, I have a clear disadvantage when it comes to numbers."

"Yeah, no kidding. If what Riser says is true about his full set, you only have…" Issei then did a quick count with his fingers. "...Four members plus you to compete."

"Four?" Rias asked him.

"Yeah? You, Koneko, Yuuto, Akeno, and Gasper. You and your peerage, right?" Issei asked back as Rias widened her eyes at the mention of Gasper.

"Oh… um…" Rias fidgeted as she poked her fingers together, looking away from Issei as she continued, "I forgot to inform you, but… Gasper is not joining the Rating Game."

Issei blinked, "...What?" He looked at Rias – she knew that he was asking her why her only Bishop would not fight from his eyes.

Rias coughed into her hand in embarrassment. "Yes… I understand your confusion, but due to circumstances, I can't bring Gasper into a Rating Game. It is… complicated."

Issei stared at Rias for a few seconds before he ran his hand down on his face, to think that the bad news would just keep coming.

"Okay, it's okay. We're just down one member while our number is already low, no problem…. We can still do this...Oh, who am I kidding? We're in serious trouble." Issei sighed as he held his head. This was something a lot more troublesome than dealing with Diodora - at least he could punch his problems away.

"Yes, we are. So… maybe you can…?" Rias asked with a sheepish smile.

"No, no, I'm still not reincarnating into a devil." Issei rejected without hesitation with a shake of his head. "Our top priority is filling in your numbers, and there is one-"

"I volunteer."

Everyone blinked again and turned to see Asia - with her face full of determination.

"...Come again?" Issei asked before he glanced at Rias, who was equally unsure of what just came out from Asia's lips.

Asia looked nervous at the attention everyone was giving her, but she steeled herself.

"...I will become a devil of Ms. Rias' peerage."

Her answer stunned Issei and Rias. The two exchanged glances before turning to Asia with concern in their respective tones.

"Asia-!"

"Look, Asia-"

Both Issei and Rias paused when they found their words overlapping each other. Clearing his throat, Issei gestured to Rias to speak first. The heiress accepted with a nod as she turned to Asia.

"Asia, I appreciate your charity, but… why?" Rias asked.

"I… want to help." Asia simply said as she looked down. "I've always been relying on Mr. Ise and everyone else…" Her hands clenched into fists on her chest. "I… I don't want to be useless when I can make a difference. We are friends, Ms. Rias. Please, let me help in any way I can!"

Rias would be lying if she claimed she was not touched. The girl she had once considered as a potential member to recruit volunteered to join her Peerage out of pure selflessness… it only served to fuel Rias' guilt as her ugliness grew clearer.

Before Rias could respond, Issei placed his hand on Asia's shoulder, giving her a warm smile.

"Asia." Issei softly spoke. "I am glad you want to help, but this is a one-way trip kind of deal. I understand why you want to become a Devil, but shouldn't you give it some thought first?"

Asia clenched her hands as she opened her mouth. But before she could have responded, Rias followed after Issei.

"Ise is right, Asia. As much as I'm touched by your willingness, I don't want you to make an unthoughtful decision you might regret later. I want you to consider that choice until the last day. Is that fair?"

Asia trembled her lower lip as she dug her fingers into her palm. "I… I understand." She hung her head for a second before brimming with determination. "I-I promise I won't be a burden!"

Issei found his lips unable to not smile at Asia's attempt to become brave. She was trying to change herself… something Issei was doing as well. He then proceeded to pat Asia's head, causing her to blush, albeit her face was smiling at Issei's ministration.

"Alright." Issei then took a deep breath. "This is long overdue but… I have a plan."

Everyone perked up and was already staring at Issei expectantly.

"However…" Issei trailed his gaze at Rias. "I need you to answer a few questions first, and I might need your help to pull the rest off, depending on your answer."

Rias blinked and raised her eyebrows at the Red Dragon Emperor.

"...I do not follow?" Sona quirked a brow at Issei, who was standing with Rias by his side in the Student Council room.

"Yeah. Can I borrow some of your stu-co members for a Rating Game?" Issei asked again, not minding Sona's visible confusion.

"...I am afraid I need some more elaboration." Sona pushed up her glasses; because all she knew was that Issei and Rias knocked on the door, entered the room, before the former suddenly said, 'I need some of your servants'.

"Alright, um…" Issei fiddled with his fingers first to formulate his answer. "Long story short, I am trying to loophole a certain rule I learned from Rias. Something about exchanging servants. I pondered on that, so I am wondering if you can lend a few guys from your Peerage to help Rias… bolster her numbers in her upcoming match against one Riser Phenex."

Sona initially did not understand the context, but she soon understood when she heard the name 'Riser Phenex' in the equation. "Hmm, interesting strategum. Unorthodox, but it could work." Sona regarded Issei for a few seconds before she nodded and turned her gaze to Rias. "So it is finally happening."

In return, Rias simply nodded grimly.

Sona then sighed, "Very well. My members can lend their aid if they wish. However, should they refuse for one reason or another, I will not force the matter. Regardless of your circumstance, they are still my peerage, Rias."

"That will do just fine. Thank you, Sona." Rias replied with a smile.

"Ehhh?" Saji looked dumbfounded from the scene from his secretary's desk. Issei turned to Saji. Saji could see Issei's eyes slowly narrowing at him.

Saji felt a shudder as Issei's eyes suddenly turned hawk-like.

"Saji, old pal." Issei smiled and called out as he turned and headed towards the Pawn. "I have this favor I want to ask, soooo…"

Knowing Issei's game, Saji scowled and retorted. "'Favor' my ass! You know all of us were listening when you barged in with Rias-senpai!"

Sona stared at Saji for a second before she exhaled. "…I guess I might as well ask. Saji, will you help them out?"

Sona's question caught him off guard as he stuttered in his retort. "What? I-I mean, I don't know, but-!"

"If you want incentive, I promise to beat him into shape." Issei enticed Sona, his lips curling into a devilish smile. "…You do want a super strong pawn, right?" Issei spoke with a tone that befitted that of a true Devil's.

"What?" Saji threw his head at Issei, gawping at his offer, before throwing his gaze at Sona, seeing her rubbing her chin… wait, Sona was smiling.

"Well, well, Mr. Hyōdō. I didn't expect so much of this persuasive side of yours. It appears you have learned from us well." Sona smirked before her sharp eyes turned to her Pawn. "Saji. You are hereby under Rias' command until the Rating Game ends. Make sure you return with the fruits of your labor or worse penances await you." She ordered.

The said Pawn wanted to retort to Sona about her previous statement of 'not forcing them because they are her peerage,' but upon seeing Sona's devious smile, her obvious turn to the dark side, he could only obey as he slowly slumped his shoulders and hung his head in defeat.

"...Yes, president."

Pawn: acquired.

Issei expected the outcome, knowing Sona's personality very well from their time together. Not only that, during his past late night training sessions with Saji, they shared several things, one of them being Saji's massive crush on his King. He was kinda proud of that stunt, making him feel like one of those Sith Lords.

"Now you have Saji. Are they any other volunteers? Considering Saji is already worth four Pawns, Rias will need one or two more participants," Sona asked around.

"I'm in." Tsubasa raised her hand. "This Rating Game sounds fun." She winked knowingly at Issei who smiled back in return. He could always rely on her for aid, though he might have to repay her somehow after this.

Sona nodded before she asked the rest. "Anyone else?"

"I'm sorry."

"I'm afraid not."

"I have things to do back home, sorry."

The rest of the student council shook their heads, all blatantly not wanting or unable to take part in this Rating Game.

"Hm... Sorry Mr. Hyōdō, Rias. I believe my aid has reached its limit," Sona sadly informed.

Issei guessed Sona did not like to coerce the rest. Saji was probably an exception since his combat experience was low, and she saw an opportunity to rectify that.

"That's alright. I know a few others to call in for favors." Issei didn't mind considering his tenants.

"...You owe me for this." Saji muttered, wallowing in his defeat as Issei walked around the desk to Saji, patting his back.

"Don't worry. I promise you'll be a Pawn Sona will fawn over at the end of this ride." Issei consoled as Saji grumbled in return.

"Now that's one Rook and four Pawns down. Now, let's see if my tenants are willing to help."

oXo

"Suffice to say, I fully understand the situation," Catherine spoke as she sat with Zama and Amanda in the living room of Hyōdō Residence.

On that note, Rias and her peerage had also joined for the conversation.

"Yeah, I am asking for much, I know. But I really need some help. This is a lot more complicated than we had with Diodora," Issei admitted.

Catherine then stood up to perform a knightly salute. "Considering Lady Gremory's aid in our time of need, it'd be my honour to repay the debt."

Amanda glanced at Catherine before sighing, "...Okay, I guess I can help as well."

However, Zama looked hesitant as she clenched her hands tightly on her lap. Seeing the Bishop's distress, Issei quickly caught on as he knelt down in front of Zama and placed his hand on top of hers comfortingly.

Upon contact, Zama looked up to see Issei smiling gently at her. "It's okay. Everyone understands." Issei then placed his other hand on her shoulder. "...You good?"

Zama gave a shaky nod but she managed to show an appreciative smile as well.

"Alright, now I have an additional Rook, Knight, and a Pawn worth of four pieces." Rias muttered. "It's not as ideal as I had hoped, but my odds have improved at least. We have a better chance now."

"Good, now to make you all stronger..." Issei concluded. "Can you let me know how long your grace period will be? I might have to pull an all-nighter to think of ways to train all of you."

Issei's plan might not work if it was only around a week or so. He could make do, but it would be a hard gamble even for him.

"I will let you know by tonight. Is that okay?" Rias asked.

Issei hoped that the big lord upstairs or whatever gods out there would grant him… and the others the time needed to get Rias and the others through this.

"Sure thing."

"...What is this all about?"

Everyone turned to see Haruka had finished with her chores in the kitchen. "Are you kids up to something troublesome again?"

"What? Oh, hi, mom." Issei greeted his mother with a jumpy tone before he waved his hand off. "No, of course not. Why would you think like that?"

"Come on..." Haruka smiled as she joined Issei with a smile. "You can tell your mom everything."

Seeing that there was no getting his mother to back off, Issei opted to deliver the truth right on her face. "Mom... I'm trying to help Rias get out of her arranged marriage." Issei informed.

Haruka blinked and her smile fell the moment she heard 'arranged marriage'. "...What?"

"It's a long story, Mrs. Hyoudou." Rias smiled at her weakly.

"Is it something that…" Haruka slowly switched her eyes back at her son.

"No, I can't get directly involved in this, but I am trying my best to help them." Issei replied.

Learning that she had gotten herself one foot inside a huge can of worms, Haruka wisely stepped back.

"...Alright, I'll leave you be." She then left the living room. "I'll be in my room if you need me."

"Thank you, ma'am." Rias smiled, which Haruka replied with a nod before she completely vanished upstairs.

Now that they were alone again, Issei gave Rias a small smile. "Thanks for not hypnotizing her."

Rias blinked at the unexpected gratitude before she shrugged. "Huh…. I could have just gone with that, couldn't I?" She remarked as she just realised the obvious.

"Yeah, but you're in a world of hurt if you try that. We will not tolerate the brainwashing…" Issei finished with a lop-sided smirk and knowing look.

As if on cue, Rover let out a brief low growl while staring at Rias, who immediately caught on what Issei meant by 'we' - his family.

Rias' ears perked at the mention of his family. "Oh, right. I almost forgot about something about your family and many other questions I wanted to ask," Rias remarked.

Behind her, Akeno hummed in agreement and the rest of her peerage sported looks of curiosity. They had completely forgotten the existence of Issei's father during their circumstance.

"What kind of man is your father, again?" Rias asked.

Despite not meeting Issei's father, he had already become a topic of peak intrigue and mystery - the man that found the monster dog that lived in this house.

"Oh. He's…" Issei pursed his lips as he looked away, making a complicated expression as if to find the right words to say. "...He's just a guy doing his best for things he likes, I guess."

Rias and the rest quirked a brow at his choice of words for his father. Anyone that tamed something like Rover was definitely not normal.

"But he is a cool guy. He's a freelance hero… I think?"

Everyone else in the room could only give quizzical looks at Issei's uncertain tone. Knowing that it was pointless to drag the conversation further, Rias nodded and stood up from her seat.

"Anyway, I'll text you tonight and we will start tomorrow morning."

The meeting was finally adjourned once everyone reached an agreement and Rias teleported away from the room with her peerage in tow.

The night had fallen upon the Hyōdō Residence and Asia was preparing herself for bed. As she combed her hair in front of her room mirror, facing her reflection as her thoughts trailed to the events that happened that day.

Now that Asia followed Issei and Rias' instructions to think through about her wish to be a devil, she actually had second thoughts. Had she not thought thoroughly of the consequences, should she choose to reincarnate? What would be of her life and faith if she did?

Perhaps it was good that both Rias and Issei talked her out of it. Speaking of the boy, Asia could not help but slightly frowned at her current relationship with Issei.

Now that Asia was safe, relatively speaking, what were she and Issei now? A ward and guardian? Family? Friends?

Issei had always been kind to her; living with him had allowed Asia to experience many things that she could not have in the church. She had made quite a lot of new friends at school, and Issei had been supportive for her to socialize more with their schoolmates.

However, truthfully, Asia wanted to spend more time with him, the boy who had been her first friend, as well as had rescued her from life of misery under the threat of Diodora.

Unfortunately, Asia found herself hesitating whenever they, or more like Issei, ran into Tsubasa.

Not only that Tsubasa had known Issei much longer than she had, Tsubasa possessed the air of confidence and fortitude that she sorely lacked. Combined with her attractive figure, Tsubasa had shown for several times that she was someone Issei could count on, unlike Asia who was clumsy and did not even know how to deal with people.

She sighed at her dilemma, which was banished soon enough when Asia thought of Rias. One of her latest friends was in trouble, and Asia did not have time to wallow in her own problems. Her friend, despite being a devil, came first.

When she put her comb down, however, her eyes caught something in the reflection of the mirror - a black and white blur that seemingly flew past behind her.

"Eh?" She blinked as she turned around, seeing nothing there. Was she seeing things? Asia quickly rubbed her eyes before she looked around her room, as well as the door leading to her personal bathroom, hoping that her eyes were merely playing tricks on her… if not…

There was nothing in sight, yet Asia had a feeling that there was something inside her room.

Asia swallowed a small lump after scanning her room again, and dismissed the entire thing as her being tired. Sending a quick prayer to The Lord to protect her for the night, she was about to close the light when she noticed something.

Strange, did she leave the bathroom door open? She was sure the door was closed just a few seconds ago. Perhaps she did not close the door properly?

She slowly approached the door and took a small peek inside, to see if there was anything off. She scanned through the dark bathroom for a second before she reached out towards the light-switch.

However, she paused when she caught something else on the bathroom mirror. Her breath was caught when she thought there was another brief blur on the reflective surface, this time she could have sworn the blur resembled a face - a white, human-like face plastered on a small child-like body of pure black.

Cold sweat began to appear on her forehead as Asia was scared by that point. The straw that broke the camel's back was the faint voice of someone cackling within the dark bathroom.

Quickly, she shut the bathroom door and ran out of the room, tears starting to well in her eyes as she looked for someone, anyone for help.

She headed to the direction of Issei's bedroom, which was at the end of the hall after the staircase. When she was about to reach the staircase, however, she nearly ran into what appeared as a white visage suddenly appearing from the stairs.

"Eep!" Asia yelped in fright and shock, the momentum of her abrupt stop caused her to stumble back and fell to the floor on her rear. "Ow…" Asia whined as she rubbed her throbbing bottom.

"...Asia-chan?"

Asia blinked at the familiar voice and looked up to see Haruka staring at her. "M-Mrs. Hyōdō?"

"I told you to call me mother, didn't I?" Haruka retorted as she was holding a white pitcher - she was probably going down to get some water, before she knelt down to help Asia up.

"M-M-Mother…" Asia started to whimper, her tears swelling bigger as she threw herself into Haruka's arms. "T-T-There's s-s-something in my bathroom…!"

Haruka furrowed her eyebrows at Asia's distress, as she proceeded to hug her earnestly and ran her hands in a circle on the younger girl's back. "Shh… Shh… Just calm down first. What did you see again?"

"I-I-It looks like a small creature, around a child's height! I-It h-has a w-white face!" Asia stammered, recalling what she had seen.

"Shh… Shh…" Haruka kept soothing her as she wiped the tears off Asia's face. "It's okay, Asia. Let's go have another look, shall we? I'll come with you."

"D-don't you think it's dangerous? Shouldn't we notify Mr. Ise?" Asia said with a worried tone.

"Ise is still outside with Rover. Besides, I've been taking care of a dog who can shoot energy bombs from its maws. I'll be fine." Haruka reassured the scared girl with a confident wink.

The two then trekked back to Asia's room. When they arrived and checked inside the bathroom, Haruka turned on the lights. However, the light revealed nothing inside, only a barren room of anything living.

"...Hello?" Haruka asked. Silence greeted her, only the pristine sheen of the bathroom, from toilet to sink to tub can be seen. Haruka then glanced back at the still-frightened Asia. The matriarch nearly chalked it up as the exhaustion getting to the girl, but the description Asia gave her...

"...Are you saying that it has a black body? And a white face on it?" Haruka asked Asia once more as she narrowed her eyes.

"Y-yes…"

Haruka hummed as the gears in her brain began to work. When Haruka just arrived at a conclusion...

Kyaaaaaaaaaaahhhhhh!

A scream erupted outside the room, coming from one of the other girls.

Intruder!

Another girl followed, probably Catherine.

Get away!

After the third scream, Haruka heard the sound of a small explosion in the room, the familiar sound of magic firing. She knew that sound very well.

"...That little piece of…" Haruka sighed as she marched off without a word. The matriarch's response made Asia confused as she followed the older woman while they headed towards the upper hall. The doors bursted open one by one, the girls leaving their rooms with alarmed faces while only clad in their sleepwear.

"M-Mrs. Hyōdō! T-There's a strange creature in the domicile!" Catherine - with a sword in hand, warned as she pointed at the direction of the rooms.

"P-please stay back! I-It is formidable!" Zama shouted as she raised her hands, forming magic circles on each palm.

Emerging from each of the girl's rooms was a small black creature, the three looking completely identical to each other. Each of them was around a small child's height, their bodies completely black minus the white face plastered on the head. On each of their heads was a small, tentacle-like appendage, something like that of a Teletubby.

"Hehehehehe…. What's wrong? Scared of little me?" One of them taunted the girls, wagging his finger at them.

Asia trembled as she hid behind Haruka. Catherine grimaced as she stepped in front of Haruka to protect her from the creature. Amanda raised her knuckles at him, ready to attack at the slightest sign of hostility. Zama stood behind, nervous with trembling legs.

Haruka narrowed her eyes at the triplet things as she walked forward, taking one of her slippers off along the way. The girls widened their eyes in alarm when the older woman closed the distance with the black creatures, who just registered the woman approaching them.

Imagine the girls' surprise when Haruka proceeded to slap each of the three creatures' heads with the said slipper.

SMACK! SMACK! SMACK!

"Hey!?"

"Ow!"

"What gives, woman?!"

Each of them shouted at Haruka as they rubbed their heads.

"That is my line! What the hell are you doing to my children!?" Haruka snapped back.

"Children?"

"What?"

"Them? Since when did you get them? Did that baldy actually make time for you or did he go ham while you're away?"

Each of the creatures asked again.

The girls behind the matriarch blinked as their eyes turned into dots.

"U-Um, m-mother?" Asia asked as she raised a shaking finger at the creature. "D-Do you know… them?"

"Them? More like 'him'." Haruka snorted. "You didn't answer my question. What are you doing with my girls?"

"Hey, it's been a while since I checked up on the kid."

"Never met them before so I decided, why not have fun scaring them shitless? Sure, I felt like teasing that little girl Azazel sent so sue me."

"And what the hell happened to the house? Bigger me is still with the big crow back at the base and I didn't hear any major home makeover there."

Each of them spoke as two of them walked to the one in the center, merging with the middle of the three, leaving only one creature before Haruka, who sighed at the questions thrown at once; she could only deal with so much of the creature without her husband, honorary brother in law, or son around.

"It is a long story, Black. But I will tell you that these new girls are living with us now… Wait, did you already know about Asia-chan?"

"Well, yeah? A few of me were there when the girl arrived at Grigori. She looks fun to tease." The creature - Black admitted.

Haruka responded by smacking Black's head again.

"Ouch, fuck!"

"Don't tease her too much. She's still not used to your shenanigans." Haruka warned. "If I see Asia crying because of you, I'll make you go vegetarian for half a year."

"Ugh, fine, fine. I get it, woman." Black rolled his eyes as he rubbed his tentacled head.

Haruka nodded and returned to address the girls, who were still watching with confusion and disbelief in their faces as they lowered their arms as the tension drained.

"...Ma'am?" Catherine decided to ask. "Can you tell us who is…. That?" She pointed at the creature.

"He's a friend of my husband, although I still haven't figured out what exactly he is." Haruka pointed her thumb at the said creature. "...But we simply know him as-"

"Black?"

Everyone blinked at the new voice in the room and they turned to see Issei standing with Rover in tow - the boy was caked in sweat from a good work-out session.

"Welcome home, Ise. Look who's back." Haruka sent a quick smile at her son while jerking her head at Black.

"Hey, kid! How's it going?!" The creature in question waved at him from his spot. Rover immediately recognized the newcomer as it barked and made its way towards Black, who welcomed the dog into his arms.

"Hahaha! Hey, buddy! It's been a long time, ain't it?" He cheered as he rubbed around the monster dog's face.

"Mr. Ise!" Asia felt more relieved when she saw the boy returning, as she made her way to the said boy. "Welcome back!"

"Hey, Asia." Issei greeted her warmly, but he noticed the trace of distress on her face. "...Are you okay?"

"I'm okay, just…" Asia smiled sheepishly while her eyes trailed to Black, who was still playing with Rover.

Issei quickly connected the dots. "Black… What have you done to Asia?"

"What? Just a little prank. I didn't hurt her if you're wondering." Black retorted as he kept rubbing Rover's fur.

Issei stared with narrowed eyes at his big brother figure for a few seconds until he turned to the other girls. "You girls okay?"

Catherine, Amanda and Zama nodded, with the former speaking again. "We are, thank you for asking. However, Mr. Issei…. Are you also familiar with… that?" She pointed at Black.

"Yeah? I grew up with him." Issei easily replied.

"Yeah, right. I'm practically the kid's babysitter and godfather." Black commented.

"No, you're not." Haruka retorted. "You're his babysitter, favourite babysitter and surrogate brother. The Godfather title goes to Genos."

In return, Black simply scoffed at the matriarch while rolling his eyes.

"Anyway, Black. When did you come back? Why didn't you call us?" Issei asked.

"I was actually planning to surprise you, but guess what? Instead of the usual family house, I ended up finding an honest-to-god mansion." Black gestured his arms around the mansion's interior. "Seriously, kid. What the fuck did I miss?"

"It sounds repetitive, but it's a long story, Black, and it also involves the girls around you." Issei gestured towards the new tenants.

"Are they human? 'Coz they don't really smell like one." Black asked, pointing his thumb at them, who were still giving him odd looks.

"No. Devils. Again, long story. I'll tell you about it later…" Issei's mind suddenly recalled the events that transpired with Rias and the others. Oh, actually, since you're here, is it good if I ask you a favor?" Issei asked.

"Oh? Go ahead, shoot. Tell your big bro what's biting you." Black Sperm asked as Issei's lips curled into a smile.

And the Black Sperm has made his entry! If you guys are wondering, Phoenix Arc in my original draft in (P)atreon is nearly completion! Do check it out! Please review!