《DxD: King Of Summoning》 Chapter -1 - Other Characters List (spoilers warning!!!) 1. Lilianlua Rofocale 2. Euclid Lucifuge 3. Ophis 4. Mephisto Pheles 5. Azazel 6. Tannin 7. Barakiel 8. Penemune 9. Tiamat. 10. Grayfia Lucifuge 11. Four Devil Kings 12. ******** ***** 13. ********** ***** 14. ******* ***** 15. Sairaorg Bael 16. Lavinia Reni ##. etc.. (tba.) Chapter -2 - Reys Family/Household (spoilers warning?) ?????? ?? Note: 1. M. = Mutated (Valued 2x than Normal) 2. List, number, and Evil Pieces of Candidates that yet to be introduced in the story may changed depends on My consideration on various factors. But mostly from the list below are pretty fixed. ?? ?????? ?? Rey''s Household. (including Peerage members): ?? 1. Rey Rofocale. (Family Head) [King ????] 2. A certain Spear-wielding Goddess. (Mentor) 3. A certain Silver-haired Perfect Maid. [Queen] 4. A certain Ancient Spirit. (Rey''s Main Weapon) 5. A certain Super-colossal Tortoise. (Revived) [Rook M.] 7. A certain Twin-Sword-wielding Maiden who dubbed as the Strongest in the World! (Planned to become a [Knight] Piece, but cancelled. Mentor.) 8. A certain Dual-Sword-wielding Girl who has Experienced a Thousand Death. [Knight] 9. A certain Klutzy Undead Wizard. [Bishop] 10. A certain Dual-Dagger-wielding Noble Maiden. (Revived) [Knight] 11. A certain Mecha-riding Sniper and Elegant Fairy-like Noble Girl. [Pawn 3x] 12. A certain Crafter-Former Princess. [Pawn 3x] 13. A certain Brawler Girl. [Rook] 14. A certain Key-wielding Former Human. ?? Rey Formal Wife''s Peerage: 1. A certain Pure-blooded Devil Noble Girl. (Rey''s Formal Wife for his status as a Noble Devil Clan Head.) [King] #. tba. ?? ?????? Chapter 3 - 03 - Flame and Snake ?????????????????????????????????? ?? ?? A few days later.... Mephisto came back to Azazel''s private lab and met him. "How is that child condition?" Without further ado, Mephisto immediately asked Azazel about Rey. And hearing Mephisto''s question, Azazel frowned slightly then shook his head. "I don''t know.... I''ve never seen anything like that before." Seeing Azazel''s expression that seemed to be hesitating, Mephisto frowned. "What do you mean? Explain." Mephisto asked Azazel for an explanation. But Azazel shook his head again. ".... Let''s go to the treatment room, you can see it yourself." Mephisto frowned even more. He was worried something bad had happened to Rey. Because Rey is the son of his favorite student, Mephisto also considers him a grandson because he has no descendants himself. Apart from that, Rey is also the last and only legacy of Lilianlua, so Mephisto wants to protect him as best he can. The two of them then walked towards the treatment room. And when they got there .... "What is... this...." Mephisto was dumbfounded by what he saw! He saw the purple-black flames and Rey''s body seemed to be in the middle of the flames! After Azazel finished telling what happened a few days ago, Mephisto nodded slightly. Then Azazel added his explanation. "At first, I thought the purple flames were the flames of the Longinus Incinerate Anthem because they were almost the same color, but it wasn''t. From my observations these days, I suspected that the purple flames had a regenerative effect/function. But, what made me even more confused and wondered is, what are and where did the purple flames come from. Is it a Sacred Gear? Or is it something else? Also, how could Ophis''s ''Snake'' fuse with it?" "Wait. How or when did this kid meet Ophis and get the ''Snake''?" Mephisto interrupted Azazel and wondered. However, Azazel only sighed. "Hah~.... How do I know.... Continue.... I know that Ophis''s ''Snake'' can allow a person to break through limits and become stronger despite the side effects. But, to my knowledge that ''Snake'' is also pure energy which would worsen the side effects if it met other energies. That''s why most people who get Ophis''s ''Snake'' will soon end tragically because they can''t hold back and control the repulsive energy. But, to this child, the ''Snake'' and the mysterious "Purple Flame" are not repel each other, but instead fuse with each other and form a new energy that is very pure and strong. And from the fusion of the two energies, the third energy that has existed since the beginning, which is Demonic Power is also connected/bound and also rapidly increase. That is why a child who is only a devil-human breed like him, his Demonic Power has also increased so much that it is now on par with a High-class Devil. I guessed that the mysterious ''Purple Flame'' could become a conductor/connector for the energies which are supposed to repel each other. This is something and a situation I''ve never encountered before." "Hmm...." After hearing Azazel''s explanation, Mephisto seemed silent and thoughtful. Honestly, he was quite dumbfounded by Rey''s current situation. Because, Rey really experienced a situation that could be called from hell to heaven. He almost died but then got blessings and became much stronger. If Rey''s situation became known to the higher-ups of the devil from the Great King Bael Faction, there was a possibility that Rey would try to be eliminated on the reason that his strength was seen as threatening the balance. In addition, it is feared that his lineage from Rofocale will be also considered as the seed of upheaval by them. Because it is quite worrying if Rey''s situation is discovered by the Old-Satan Faction and they are trying to ''recruit'' him. "Azazel, for now this child condition is safe, right?" Hearing that question, Azazel nodded. "I think it''s safe enough." Azazel confirmed the situation and Mephisto nodded in relief. "All right. That''s enough. The most important thing is he''s safe." Then, with a serious face, Mephisto spoke to Azazel again. "Azazel, it''s best not to let many people find out about this child and his situation. It would be worrying if he was targeted by many parties. He has just been targeted by one party and almost died. Don''t let tragedy come to him again." Azazel understood Mephisto''s meaning and he nodded. "I know what you mean.... Right now, only you and I know about this child. Here is my private facility after all. And I''ve also been on guard against notifying anyone else or allowing access to this place without my permission, even if it is my own comrades." "Good." They then fell silent and just stared at the purple-black flames that keep blazing. ?? ?? ?????????????????????????????????? Chapter 4 - 04 - Rise and Forward ?????????????????????????????????? ?? ?? 6 months passed.... Azazel who was doing the daily routine checking for Rey in the treatment room suddenly realized something. "Hm? The fire... faded?" Azazel saw that the fiery purple-black flames enveloped Rey looked smaller and fainter than yesterday. "What happened? Is this a sign that he''s fully recovered and is about to regain consciousness? .... I better call Mephisto." And about 30 minutes later, Mephisto came. "Azazel, what''s the matter calling me here?" Mephisto then asked why Azazel suddenly contacted him and asked him to come to his lab immediately. "The flames are slowly fading. I suspect he''s fully recovered and will soon regain consciousness!" Azazel answered Mephisto''s question and announced the current situation. "Hm!? I see.... Good." Hearing Azazel''s answer, Mephisto looked a little surprised as well as relieved. The two of them then silently watched the purple-black flames that slowly faded. About an hour later, the purple-black flames faded completely and the Fire Ouroboros stopped circulating and then entered Rey''s body. And finally, Mephisto and Azazel saw Rey''s eyelids shaking and slowly opening. ?? ?? ?????????????????????????????????? ?? ?? When I opened my eyes, the first thing I saw was the ceiling with bright fluorescent lights. "Where is this?" I''m sure here is not my room. "Oh! Are you awake?" Suddenly, I heard someone''s voice. And when I looked at the source of the sound, I saw two men standing about 5 meters from where I lay. One of them looked to be in his twenties with black-blonde hair and goatee on his chin. While the other one looks middle-aged with red-blue hair.... I don''t recognize them. "Who are...." I looked at them suspiciously. Who are they? And where is this? Why or how can I be here? Then, I saw the two of them closing to me. I am even more alert. "Who are you!? Where is this!?" I asked in a tense tone to the two of them. "Woah, woah! Calm down, boy.... We have no bad intentions." One of them, the man with black-blonde hair slightly raised his hands and tried to reassure me. Even so, I can''t just believe it! The blond-haired man then lowered his hands and spoke. "I am Azazel. I am the Governor of Fallen Angel and the Grigori. You are currently in the treatment room at my laboratory." But.... Azazel? Fallen Angel? Is he serious? "Why I...." "Why are you here? You were badly injured and dying before. And the one who brought you here is this old devil Mephisto." Azazel told me my true situation and then pointed to the red-blue haired middle-aged man by his side. The middle-aged man then nodded slightly. "That''s right. It''s been about half a year since you fell into a coma and were treated here. I''m Mephisto Pheles." The red-blue-haired middle-aged man confirmed and introduced himself to me. Mephisto Pheles!? I''ve heard of him! I didn''t expect this middle aged man to turn out to be one of the oldest devils alive! But.... why did he save me? And as if realizing what I was thinking, Mephisto-sama spoke. "Your mother, Lilianlua, was my pupil. I got an emergency message from her on the day of the incident. But when I got there, your mother was gone. Even so, the emergency message from your mother was asking me to save you. And after tracing your aura, I found you lying unconscious in the park and then brought you here immediately. " Hearing Mephisto-sama''s explanation, I remembered again. I remembered what happened at that time. I remembered how I lost my Mother.... "Mother...." I clenched my fists tightly and cried with sorrow at the loss of my only remaining family. Mephisto-sama then patted my head. "You have to be strong.... You may have lost Lilianlua, but I believe Lilianlua doesn''t want you to continue grieving because of her loss. Lilianlua sacrificed her life to protect you, the most valuable thing in her life. That''s why, now you have to live to appreciate her sacrifice. " Hearing Mephisto-sama''s advice, while still shedding tears, I nodded slightly. "Nn...." ?? ?? Chapter 5 - 05 - Suspect and History ?????????????????????????????????? ?? ?? Half an hour later, I was calmer. Then, Governor Azazel said they wanted to ask a few questions. "Do you remember what happened before you passed out?" Hearing that question, I frowned. Honestly, I feel reluctant to answer because I have to remember that nightmare again. Even so, I finally spoke. "I... remember it. Because... that day, January 16, was my birthday.... That day we went out to celebrate it. But, when we came home, someone was already ''waiting'' us there. I don''t know who he is, but it looks like my Mother recognized him." (??Read Ch. 01) "Can you describe him?" "I only know he''s a man, looks still in his twenties, and has long silver hair." "Are you sure of that person''s description?" "I don''t know.... Maybe he''s wearing a disguise. I can only describe what I saw." After that, Governor Azazel seemed to have finished asking. And after being silent and thinking for a while, he turned to look at Mephisto-sama. ".... Mephisto, do you know who he might be?" Hearing Governor Azazel''s question, Mephisto-sama nodded slightly. "I''ve had guesses from before. All this time, I suspect the Old-Satan Faction who did it. But, after hearing the testimony just now... it seems like my guess was a little wrong. Now I have another guess. But the problem is.... As far as I know, the person according to the description was disappeared and deemed dead shortly after the Anti-Satan War ended. But if it was him, then it is perfectly reasonable why he attacked Lilianlua." "Who?" Then, Mephisto-sama coldly said who was the suspected culprit who killed Mother. "Lilianlua''s ex-fianc¨¦e.... Euclid Lucifuge." "Lucifuge you said!? You mean he''s The Crimson''s brother-in-law!?" Mephisto-sama nodded slightly. "Yes... I don''t know where he''s gone since the war. But, I''m sure no one other than Euclid fits the description quite well and has a reason to kill Lilianlua." Hearing that conclusion, Governor Azazel then grabbed his chin and looked thoughtful. "Rofocale.... Lucifuge.... Lucifer.... Could it be!?" Governor Azazel suddenly looked wide-eyed, while Mephisto-sama also nodded slightly. "Yes. You realize that too? We know for ourselves that Euclid has always been loyal to Lucifer. It may have been ''he'' who ordered the ''execution''." It looks like they both reached the same conclusion. And then, Governor Azazel looked angry and pounded the table! "Bastard! Does that useless scum have nothing else to do!? He has previously made his own grandson suffer and now has more victims!?" ?? ?????????????????????????????????? ?? ?? Useless scum? Grandson? Who do they mean? And, who is Euclid actually? Mother''s ex-fianc¨¦? Why only ex? What is their true relationship? And who is The Crimson who is mentioned here? Honestly, I don''t really understand who are they talking about. Then, I interrupted to ask them. "Wait.... Can you guys explain to me who are they you''re talking about? I''m confused and can''t keep up with your conversation." "Hm? That''s right.... Mephisto, explain to him!" Mephisto-sama nodded slightly then started to speak. "Your mother, Lilianlua, is the 2nd child and only daughter of the Rofocale Family. The Rofocale Family is one of the families that served the old Satan Lucifer. But not many knows about Rofocale Family. Because Rofocale is Lucifer''s servant who mostly does work behind the scenes. Their duties are mostly infiltration, espionage, reconnaissance, and other hidden things..... But, since childhood Lilianlua did not follow the dark paths of her family or be loyal to Lucifer. She just lived as an ordinary young lady. When she was a teenager and her family decided to engaged her to the son of the Lucifuge Family, Euclid, Lilianlua objected and finally chose to leave her family.... It was then when she was traveling that she met me. Since I saw that she was quite talented, I offered her to come with me and became my pupil. And she accepted it..... But, years later, her family was looking for her and she got the news that her older brother was died when he was on a mission. And because his brother did not have a wife or children, Lilianlua was asked to return to her family and become the heir. At first Lilianlua was reluctant, but in the end she accepted to come back after being persuaded that she didn''t have to follow the dark path of her family and was only asked to maintain the family lineage..... But, even though she came back, she still insisted that she didn''t want to marry her fianc¨¦, Euclid. In the end, both families gave up and the engagement was canceled. Euclid felt humiliated by the cancellation of the engagement. And because of that, Euclid hates Lilianlua and their relationship is quite bad. Even so, she became good friends with Euclid''s older sister, Grayfia..... Years passed, and the Anti-Satan War broke out. When Grayfia Lucifuge decides to switch sides to the Anti-Satan Faction, Lilianlua joins her best friend. However, after the war ended and Grayfia married Sirzechs Gremory, who is now the Devil King Crimson Satan Sirzechs Lucifer, Lilianlua decided to leave and disappear without any news or contact. The last contact and the latest news from her since the end of the war was the day when she asked for emergency help to save you..... To be honest, that day I was really surprised that suddenly there was contact from her. Because for hundreds of years she disappeared without news, I also thought she was dead." Mephisto-sama who had finished talking then sighed. Meanwhile, I, who already understood, reached my conclusion. ?? ?? ?????????????????????????????????? Chapter 6 - 06 - Determination and Abilities ?????????????????????????????????? ?? ?? "So, the person who killed my mother is that Euclid?" Hearing my question, Mephisto-sama nodded his head. "Most likely. However, it is possible for someone else to be involved here." "Who?" Then, looking cold and disgusted, Mephisto-sama answered. "Rizevim Livan Lucifer.... He is Prince Lucifer and Euclid is very loyal to him. Most likely he told Euclid to find your mother and ''get rid'' of her. So, it could be said that he was the main perpetrator of this tragedy." Hearing Mephisto-sama talking about that Prince Lucifer, Governor Azazel also looked digusted. "Tch, that Lilin bastard loves to ruin people''s lives. In his eyes, everyone else is just toys and entertainment for him." Meanwhile, I also then remembered the conversation between Mother and the silver-haired man named Euclid that day. "Prince.... Indeed, when talking to the silver haired man, Mother said she had no obligation to follow the ''Prince''." And hearing what I said, Mephisto-sama gave a small nod. "That''s right.... Lilianlua is indeed Rofocale, but as I said, she has only lived as an ordinary young lady since childhood and was not involved or tied to her family role for Lucifer. Even after she returned to her family and became the heir, she still didn''t want to be involved and to intervene." After that, we fell silent. Until Governor Azazel looked at me and asked. "Then.... What are you going to do now?" Hearing the question, I closed my eyes and thought. If I want to survive, I have to be strong! If I want to avenge Mother''s death, I have to be strong! If I want to be able to protect the things that are precious to me, I have to be strong! Then I opened my eyes and said firmly and full with determination. "I want to be strong!" ?? ?? ?????????????????????????????????? ?? ?? Hearing that I wanted to become strong, Mephisto-sama nodded in understanding. Meanwhile Governor Azazel seemed to be holding his chin. "Hmm.... Want to be strong, huh.... Speaking of strong, do you know about the purple-black flame that you have? What ability is that?" Governor Azazel suddenly asked me about flame. Flame? Ah! That''s right! The moment before I lost consciousness, I saw purple flame being summoned! I nodded slightly to Governor Azazel. "I know about the flame I got. But.... Purple-black? Isn''t it just purple?" Right. At that time, the flame I saw were purple in color. But, why did Governor Azazel say there was a blackish color? Is there a mistake here? Seeing me looking a little confused, Governor Azazel turned to look at Mephisto-sama with a slightly surprised expression and Mephisto-sama is also doing the same. Governor Azazel then grabbed his forehead. "Wait.... Don''t tell me you didn''t know that purple flame fused with Ophis''s Snake?" Governor Azazel asked me with a slightly wry smile. Hearing the question, I was even more confused. "Snake? Ophis? What are you talking about?" I do not understand. And who is Ophis? Wasn''t what it discussed here was those mysterious purple flame? Why are you off to something else? What does that have to do with the purple flame? I don''t understand at all. "You really don''t know!?" Governor Azazel and Mephisto-sama looked really surprised after seeing me looking even more confused. "Not at all...." I shook my head. After seeing me shake my head and my expression that seemed completely clueless, Governor Azazel sighed. "Hah~.... I''ll explain...." Governor Azazel then explained to me about ''Snake'', Ophis, and how that ''Snake'' fused with purple flames. (??Read later-half of Ch.02 to Ch.03) "Hmm.... I see now...." After listening to Governor Azazel''s explanation, I understood. I didn''t think that after I summoned those purple flame and I fell unconscious, someone else appeared before Mephisto-sama came and took me away. What''s more, the one who appeared was the one Governor Azazel called the Dragon God and the strongest figure in this world! And besides that, that Dragon God Ophis also gave me her ''blessing''! I then stretched out my hand and focused on trying to summon the flame within me. "...." A moment later, I saw in my hand slowly appearing a purple-black fireball which then turned into a purple-black fire snake that continued to circulate biting its tail! "This...." I was quite flabbergasted to see the purple-black fire ouroboros in my hand. I''m sure these purple-black flame are very hot, but somehow I just feel warm. Maybe because I was the owner, I didn''t get burned. As the three of us watching the purple-black fire ouroboros, Governor Azazel asked me. "When did you get that purple fire?" I frowned slightly at the question, but in the end I answered it. ".... Just before I fell unconscious due to being seriously injured after fighting the person who killed my Mother." "How did you get that purple flame?" "I... called it." I answered with some hesitation. And hearing my answer, Governor Azazel frowned slightly. "Hah? Called it? What do you mean?" ".... I summoned it using my Sacred Gear''s Balance Breaker." This time I answered in more detail and Governor Azazel and Mephisto-sama looked really dumbfounded at my answer! "Sacred Gear!? You actually have a Sacred Gear!? And have reached Balance Breaker!?" "And you said you summoned that purple flame with your Sacred Gear!? Then that flame itself isn''t a Sacred Gear!?" I was quite surprised at their hysterical reaction! Then I nodded slightly and told them about my Sacred Gear. "That''s right.... I have a Sacred Gear that allows me to summon something and bind/subdue it. At first, I only could summon a living thing without intelligence or unowned inanimate object. But, if I use Balance Breaker... Well, actually the ability is the same with the default conditions. It''s just that.... " "It''s just?" "I-It''s just that... what I summoned... seems like... from another world...." I answered somewhat awkwardly and hesitantly. Then, there was silence happened.... ?? ?? ?????????????????????????????????? ?? ?? Chapter 7 - 07 - Flame and Longinus ?????????????????????????????????? ?? ?? A few moments later.... ".... Hah?" ".... What?" Governor Azazel and Mephisto-sama looked flabbergasted. "".... Are you joking?"" "...." I can only silently turn my head because it is awkward to answer. "HAAAAAHHHH!!!?? YOU MUST BE JOKING!? WHAT DO YOU MEAN ''ANOTHER WORLD''!? IS THAT EVEN REALLY EXIST!?" Then I refuted Governor Azazel! "H-HOW DO I KNOW!? I DON''T UNDERSTAND EITHER! I JUST GUESSED IT FROM THE INFORMATION THAT WENT INTO MY MIND, YOU KNOW!?" Then we were both quiet and trying to calm down. After we calmed down enough, Mephisto-sama asked. "Information?" I nodded slightly and explained to them. "Yes.... After I managed to attain Balance Breaker and summoned those purple flame, I got the feedback of information about those purple flame that immediately entered my mind. And from that information, I ?ssumed that purple flame came from another world. After all, I''ve never heard of such a strange flame in this world." Hearing my explanation, Mephisto-sama and Governor Azazel seem to frown even more and think. Some time later, Governor Azazel sighed as if to give up. "Hah~.... Alright, let''s just take your ?ssumption as true, then what is the purple flame exactly?" Hearing Governor Azazel''s question, I started to explain. "That purple flame.... Apart from of course being able to burn, it can increase the power of the owner and also have the power of super regeneration. As long as the owner of that flame still has one breath and is not fatally injured to the heart or head, then no matter how bad the wound is, the flame will be able to heal or regenerate to original state.... And that flame is a fire that absorbs cosmic and stars energy. It means, the fire will be more effective if used in places with high space energy activity and/or when the night is full of stars.... The purple flame''s name was [Three Thousand Star Burning Flame]. Rank 9th out of 23 Heavenly Flames.... But, since that Three Thousand Star Burning Flame now fused with Ophis''s ''Snake'' and became a new flame, now maybe more appropriate to call it... [Infinity Star Flame]." ?? ?? ?????????????????????????????????? ?? ?? After listening to my explanation about the purple flame, Governor Azazel seemed to shake his head. "What the hell.... I''ve never heard of such a thing in this world.... And you said that purple flame was only ranked 9th out of 23? Then what kind of fire is ranked higher.... Unbelievable...." "And our previous guess was correct. Those purple flames have the same regenerative function as Phenex/Phoenix flames but also different. Even so, those purple flame are indeed something beyond this world''s common sense.... Hah~...." Mephisto-sama sighed and shook his head because of this absurd situation. Well, I can understand their feelings. I myself also find it quite difficult to believe in these abnormal things. After all, who could just nod in believe when someone said that he got something unusual and moreover that person said the thing he got was from another world. Anyone would find it hard to believe such nonsense. Instead, that person will be considered crazy and laughed at! "What about your Sacred Gear? Is there something else about it?" Mephisto-sama returned to ask about my Sacred Gear. I nodded and explained more about my Sacred Gear. "Yes.... The things summoned by my Sacred Gear are quite random. Even though it is still fulfills my wishess and d?s?r?s. An example is when summoning this purple flame, at that time all I wished was summoning something that could make me survive and hard to be killed.... This Sacred Gear cannot summon things with wishes or requests that are too detailed. For example, if I want to summon a snake, the snake that will be successfully summoned is random. I can''t summon with too much detail whishes like I want a viper, brown colored, black patterned, yellow eyes, 1 m long, 7cm wide, 5cm high, or any other details.... Also, it seems like I can only use Balance Breaker once a month. So even though being able to summon something from another world is really great, this Sacred Gear still has its limitations and drawbacks." I stopped for a moment to take a breath. Then I spoke again looking more serious than before. "Then, after hearing Governor Azazel''s explanation that that ''Snake'' can help break through limits, maybe I can try to further develop my Balance-Breaker Sacred Gear so that it is possible to... summon a living organism or inanimate thing with intelligence." I don''t know what they are thinking. However, I can understand that they are digesting information about my Sacred Gear. ?? ?? ?????????????????????????????????? ?? ?? A few moments time later, Mephisto-sama and the Governor nodded slightly and looked at each other. "Does this mean... a new Longinus?" "Apparently?" But, I don''t understand what they mean. "Longinus?" Seeing that I looked confused and asked for an explanation, Governor Azazel nodded. "Yes. The highest class of Sacred Gears that is said to be capable of slaying gods. There have only been 13 Longinus so far. But, it seems like your Sacred Gear can be considered a new Longinus because of such it''s uncommon abilities.... Because, if you can summon creatures or things that can threaten gods, then your Sacred Gear can be considered Longinus! Besides, Longinus is actually type of Sacred Gears that has more than one abilities yet in one Sacred Gear package.... So, because your Sacred Gear can summon creatures/things; what summoned is according to expectations or whises; can bind or subdue what you summoned; and moreover being able to do unreasonable things like breaking through the space-time boundary because you can summon creatures/things from another world, then your Sacred Gear is definitely worthy of being called a Longinus!" After hearing Governor Azazel''s statement, I was completely dumbfounded! Sacred Gear that allows to killing gods!? I never even imagined there was something like that before! And there are 13 Sacred Gears at that great!? And now there is one more added and that is my Sacred Gear!? This is really astonishing! "Hmm.... If this Sacred Gear is considered a new Longinus, what is it called?" While I was still quite dumbfounded, Mephisto-sama asked Governor Azazel. Governor Azazel then looked silent and thought for a moment while holding his chin. "Hm.... Since this Sacred Gear makes it possible to summon something from another world according to what the user wished and bond/subdued the summons, how about we call it.... <> [Serene Summoning]." ?? ?? ?????????????????????????????????? Chapter 8 - 08 - Fated Date and 1st Try ?????????????????????????????? ?? 6 months passed.... It''s been about half a year since I woke up from my coma. Tomorrow is January 16th. That date is a date of joy and sorrow for me. That date is my birthday and on that date I lost my mother too. "It''s been a year, huh...." I muttered while looking up at the clear night sky full of stars. I''m currently on the roof of Governor Azazel''s private laboratory building. Right. During this half year, I have remained in Governor Azazel''s private laboratory. Apart from monitoring my condition, it''s also because I asked for help to further develop my Sacred Gear''s Balance-Breaker. Fortunately, Governor Azazel did not hesitate to help me and was very happy because Governor Azazel himself admitted that he really likes to research about Sacred Gears. "Maybe it''s time...." After some contemplation, I then went back inside and looked for Governor Azazel in his lab. Arriving at the lab, I called Governor Azazel who seemed to be working on something on his desk. "Governor...." Hearing me call him, he answered me while still working. "Hm? What''s wrong?" Hearing the question, I answered firmly. "I want to try it!" "Try it? Try what?" "I want to try the summoning using the Balance Breaker that we''ve been theorizing so far!" Hearing my determined statement, Governor Azazel fell silent and stopped what he was doing. Then he looked at me with a serious face. ".... Are you sure? We still don''t know for sure if it can be done. Besides, I have also said there might be risks and side effects which we still don''t know if the [Snake] enhanced Balance Breaker is carried out. Because it''s possible it would risk shortening your lifespan, you know? Are you really sure you want to do that?" Hearing Governor Azazel''s serious question, I nodded firmly and answered him. ".... Yes!" "Hmm...." After a while, Governor Azazel nodded. ".... Alright. Tomorrow then. I have to do security preparations just in case something goes wrong. I have to call Mephisto too." After Governor Azazel said that, I nodded. ".... I understand." ?? ?????????????????????????????? ?? The next day.... Governor Azazel and I who were in the lab suddenly saw a magic circle appear on the floor. "Oh, he''s here...." We weren''t that surprised by the magic circle''s appearance. Because from the magic circle pattern we already know who will come, which is Mephisto-sama. Not long after, Mephisto-sama appeared. However, he did not appear to be alone as usual. Because Governor Azazel and I saw a small purple dragon hovering near Mephisto-sama''s shoulder! Dragon! Honestly I was quite surprised to see that little purple dragon! Even though I had heard Mother tell me that mythical creatures like them did exist, this was my first time seeing them in person! "I took him just in case." Mephisto-sama said realizing our gazes. "Long time no see, Azazel...." The little dragon said while looking at Governor Azazel. Even though he was small, his voice was heavy and dignified. Governor Azazel gave a small nod then greeted the little dragon back. "Yeah.... I didn''t think Mephisto would bring you here." Then, Governor Azazel tapped me on the shoulder and told me who the little purple dragon was. "Rey, he is Tannin. He is former Dragon King.... Even though he looks small, he''s actually big because he can change his size." Hearing Governor Azazel''s statement, I was shocked once again! Dragon King!? This purple dragon is the former Dragon King!? Mother once told me that in the past there were 6 Dragon Kings and they were all very strong! I didn''t expect to meet one of them today! "He-hello. My name is Rey. Nice to meet you...!" I nervously introduced myself to the dragon and the dragon then nodded slightly. "Hm. I''ve heard about you from Mephisto Pheles.... I''m Tannin. Nice to meet you too." After we finished introducing ourselves, Governor Azazel spoke. "All right. We''ll go downstairs. I''ve already prepared and secured testing ground in there for this trial." We nodded slightly then headed to the testing ground in the basement. ?? ?????????????????????????????? ?? Arriving at the testing ground, Mephisto-sama asked Governor Azazel. "You sealed this place with a barrier?" Hearing that question, Governor Azazel sighed. "Hah~.... Can''t be helped. I have to be careful so as not to attract the attention.... Besides, we don''t know what or who will be summoned later if this experiment is really successful." "That''s true...." "Are you sure you want to do this?" I nodded firmly. "Yes!" "Alright.... Good luck!" After that, I walked towards the center of the room. I then took a deep breath and let it out. First of all, I summoned my Sacred Gear, [Serene Summoning], and the golden staff with a crystal on the tip appeared in the grip of my right hand. Next, I summoned the [Infinity Star Flame] and before long a purple-black ouroboros appeared and then floated around in the palm of my left hand. After the two of them appeared, I brought the fire ouroboros in my left hand closer to the golden staff of my Sacred Gear. The fire ouroboros then moved around the golden staff and circulated to form a symbol of infinity. After that, I closed my eyes and in my heart I hoped to summon a figure who could protect me and guide me to become stronger! With that unwavering hope, I then opened my eyes and began to chant: << I, the crownless king >> << In an unconnected world and universe >> << For the dreams and hopes for infinity >> << For ambition that crosses time and space >> << With the fire of my d?s?r?, I summon you! >> After the chant finished, I tapped the golden staff of my Sacred Gear onto the floor and shouted! "Infinite Parallel Overwrite Summoning!" Then, with myself at the center, a geometric purple-black circle of flames appeared that continued to expand to a radius of about ten meters! Then, the geometric purple-black circle of flames burned even more and rose up to five meters till it was getting dark and dim around me! "Guh!" I feel like I''m losing my strength for doing this Balance Breaker! Even so, I bit my lip and continued to hold on! I also closed my eyes. And in my heart, I continue to hope with full of faith and determination to successfully make this summoning! ?? ?????????????????????????????? ?? After about 10 minutes later, I felt almost all of my strength being su?k?d away! So, I used the golden staff of my Sacred Gear to support myself from falling. Even so, I don''t know whether the summoning I made was successful or not. I slowly opened my eyes. And after I opened my eyes, the first thing I saw was... tip of a spear! I saw a red spear pointed right in front of my face! I was taken aback and very aghast because of that! And after I looked up following the hilt of the spear, I saw the sharp and cold gaze of a woman who looked beautiful, had red eyes, long straight purple-reddish hair, and she was wearing some sort of tight black battle suit. ".... Who are you?" The woman asked me coldly. "I... am... Rey...." With what remained of my strength, I answered as best I could. ".... What do you want?" The woman asked again. "I... wa...nt... to... str...ong...." I answered with disjointedly. After that, I felt myself collapse and my vision darkened. ?? ?????????????????????????????? Chapter 9 - 09 - Her Existence and Training Plans ?????????????????????????????? ?? "H-He really did it...?" "A-Ah...." Azazel, Mephisto and Tannin were dumbfounded after seeing the geometric circle of purple-black flames fade away and in front of Rey was an unidentified woman wielding a red spear! A moment later, Rey fell unconscious and the woman then realized someone else was here. The woman turned towards Azazel and the others. ".... Who are you?" Noticing that woman was staring at them, Azazel and the others got goosebumps feeling the immense and sharp pressure from the woman''s aura as well as the threat from the red spear in her hand! They felt that they wouldn''t be able to put up much resistance if they fought that woman! Then, Azazel with slightly nervous and tense introduced himself. "M-My name is Azazel. Leader of the Fallen Angel and the Grigori." Then he also introduced Mephisto and Tannin. "This is Mephisto Pheles. Old devil." Azazel said while pointing at Mephisto who was next to him. Then Azazel also pointed at the small dragon hovering near Mephisto''s shoulder, Tannin. "And that dragon is Tannin. The former Dragon King." After Azazel finished introducing them, the woman observed them with a gaze that was still cold but also curious. "Hmm.... Never heard." Azazel could only smile wryly at the woman''s words. Then, still a little awkward, Azazel spoke again. "Ehh.... Can we get closer? We have to check that boy''s condition." Hearing Azazel''s request, the woman realized Rey who was lying unconscious. The woman looked at Rey with a slight frown and then she gave a small nod to Azazel. Seeing the woman nodded slightly allowing her to come closer, Azazel approached Rey who was lying and checked his condition. Then, while Azazel checked Rey''s condition, the woman asked her again. ".... What is this place? How did I suddenly get here?" "This is the testing ground in my private laboratory. And you''re here because this kid summoned you." Hearing Azazel''s answer, the woman looked a little surprised and questioned. "This child is summon me? How can he?" "Ehh.... How shall I put it.... It''s quite long and complicated." "Just make it short." "Shortly.... this kid has an ability that allows him to summon things from another world." ".... Another world?" "Right...." Azazel smiled wryly. The woman frowned and felt like stabbing Azazel with her red spear for saying something absurd like ''another world''. But, she also saw that Azazel didn''t seem to be talking nonsense. ".... Why did he summon me?" The woman asked again. Then Azazel gave the answer. "This kid wants to be strong. That''s why he needs a figure that can train him and protect him. And with that unwavering hope, using the special ability he had he managed to summon you." Shortly thereafter, Azazel finished checking Rey''s condition and he then nodded slightly at Mephisto to indicate Rey was fine. He concluded Rey had just collapsed from exhaustion and would be able to recover and regain consciousness after enough rest. Then, Azazel looked at the woman and spoke. "If you are not reluctant, we will explain more about everything after taking this child to the treatment room, Lady ..." ".... Scathach. That''s my name." ?? ?? A few hours later.... After taking Rey to the treatment room to be allowed to rest, Azazel and the others including the woman that Rey summoned from another world, Scathach, sat down and talked. Azazel tells who Rey is and everything about him to Scathach. Azazel also told Scathach various things about this world. This includes about factions, mythologies, histories, Sacred Gears, etc. ".... I understand now.... It''s been over two thousand years and civilizations are very different. In addition there are some things that are quite the same but some are quite different from the world I came from and the times I know." Scathach came to her conclusion after listening to all the explanations from Azazel and the others. Azazel then nodded slightly. "That''s right.... Incidentally, [Scathach] is also exist in this world. But as far as we know she died thousands of years ago. She is the mentor of heroes like Cu Chulainn." Azazel compared Scathach with [Scathach] from this world. Scathach was a little surprised at the familiar pupil''s name. But then she shook her head in deny to what Azazel said. ".... I believe I am different from the [Scathach] of this world. Because I have become a Divine Spirit or what you call a God. Because I am a Divine Spirit is why I am still alive today and neither die nor grow old. Meanwhile [Scathach] who used to exist in this world was only a human or maybe what you call a demigod." "Then.... Scathach-dono is a goddess...?" ".... You can say that." Azazel and the others were quite surprised to see Scathach nodded slightly and confessed that she was a goddess! It was true that they had heard that a low-existence could rise to a divine-existence. But as far as they know it is very difficult to achieve! Then the three of them inwardly smiled wryly at the thought of the reaction of the mythological faction, especially the Celts, if they found out about Scathach. Then, Azazel stared at the red spear in Scathach''s hand. "Next.... May we ask about your red spear, Scathach-dono?" Hearing Azazel ask about his red spear, Scathach then nodded slightly and explained. ".... This is Gae Bolg Alternative. You could say this is Gae Bolg''s twin spear or copy. But still, this is different than Gae Bolg." Azazel was very surprised to hear about Scathach''s red spear! He surely have heard about Cu Chulainn''s Gae Bolg spear which is said to be irrevocable once it stabs its victim! "Does Scathach-dono have any particular powers?" Azazel asked again curiously. Scathach nodded slightly and answered. ".... Should be, I am able to open the gate to the gathering place for the dark/death spirits called the Land of Shadows, but somehow I can''t do it now. Maybe because this world is indeed another world different from my original world.... Besides that, I''ve also mastered the use of the Primordial Rune." "Primordial Rune? What is that? Could you please show us a little?" Then Scathach shows a little of her Primordial Rune ability. And after seeing the rune, Mephisto felt like it was familiar. "That is.... Similar to Norse Magic?" As a chairman of a magic ?ssociation, Mephisto certainly knows a lot about various types of magic including Norse Magic. Hearing Mephisto''s impression of the Primordial Rune that Scathach was showing, Azazel seemed to think for a moment until then he seemed to nod as if he remembered something. "Hm.... I remember that there were some who thought that [Scathach] and [Skadi] were actually the same figure. So, it is possible that Scathach-dono''s rune does have a lot of similarities with Norse Magic because of their connected origins.... Does Scathach-dono have any other abilities?" After giving his impression of the Primordial Rune, Azazel asked again. However, this time Scathach seemed to frown and glared slightly. ".... Haven''t you asked too many questions? Do you want to find out my weaknesses too?" Scathach asked back in a cold voice. Realizing that Scathach was starting to feel uncomfortable and suspicious, Azazel rushed to deny it! "N-Not at all! We wouldn''t dare! We were just curious! It doesn''t matter if Scathach-dono doesn''t want to answer! Right?" Azazel turned to Mephisto and Tannin to help him and they nodded. "Hmph.... I have a constitution that makes it easier for me to kill Divine Spirits. I got it after I don''t know how many Divine Spirits I exterminated." After hearing Scathach''s answer, Azazel nervously confirmed his conclusion. "S-So Scathach-dono can slay gods...?" ".... Yes. Satisfied?" "L-Looks like we have to be careful to not make Scathach-dono have a reason to slay us out. Ahahaha...." Azazel laughed stiffly and got goosebumps and cold sweat knowing that Scathach is a Godslayer! Mephisto and Tannin also felt the same way. They were worried that if someone offended Scathach, then chaos could occur in this world! ?? ?? ?? When I opened my eyes, I realized that I, Rey, was lying down and in the treatment room. Then, I saw someone else here. I saw a woman with long reddish-purple hair leaning back in a chair near the window. "You...." ".... I''m Scathach. I''ve heard about you from them.... And it''s been seven days since you''ve been unconscious." "A-Ah...." Ah.... I remember now. This woman, Scathach, is the one who was summoned after using Balance-Breaker X from my Sacred Gear. And from the inputs of information I got, she is a mentor of heroes and she was an existence that can kill gods! Scathach-sama then slightly raised one arm and showed three fingers and said to me. ".... 3 years. I, Scathach, will train you for three years.... During the first six months, you must first strengthen your physique. The next six months, I will teach you the basics of spear martial arts. Then, for a year you will begin to learn spear fighting techniques and practice mastering them. And finally, for a year, I will teach you to use Rune Magic. After those three years are over, you have to be independent and develop yourself.... Understand?" Hearing Scathach-sama''s statement that she wanted to train me, I was quite surprised and glad too! Then I firmly answered. "Yes!" Scathach-sama nodded slightly. ".... Good. I won''t hold back while training you. I hope you don''t wh?n? later." ?? ?????????????????????????????? ?? Chapter 10 - 10 - Family and 2nd Summoning ?????????????????????????????? ?? ?? A year passed.... I, Rey, am currently still in Governor Azazel''s private laboratory.... And currently, I am lying limp on the training ground there. Why am I lying limp? The answer is because I just finished hell training today! During this year, Scathach-sama has been driving me all out. The first six months, I was tempered to strengthen my physique. And the next six months, I was required to master the basics of martial arts and spear skills. Moreover, from the start Scathach-sama had been informed about the super regeneration of [Infinity Star Flame]. As a result, every day I have to experience wounded or injured, even if it''s not that severe. It was true that Scathach-sama said from the start that she wouldn''t hold back from training me, but I didn''t expect it to be this bad! And this is still a third of my 3 years training plan! If it weren''t for I always convinced myself that it was all for my own good and that I had to be strong and never give up, maybe I wouldn''t have survived even the first week. Luckily my persistence in training is paid off. Now, my physique has become much stronger and I have at least some martial skills. Especially with the Infinity Star Flame within me which is perpetually active in circulation to enlarge my power and energy capacity, every day I get stronger! "Haahh.... Haahh.... Haahh...." I was gasping for breath, feeling the fatigue creeping through my body. Then, I saw Scathach-sama walking towards me. ".... Rey, it''s time for you to learn fighting techniques. We''ll be leaving for the next two years." I was shocked at Scathach-sama''s sudden decision! "Leave? You mean leave this place?" ".... Yes." "Ehh.... Then where are we going to live? And what about eating or drinking later?" ".... I don''t need to eat." "But what about me? I''m not a goddess like you, Scathach-sama...." ".... None of my business.... Aren''t you can summon someone with your ability? Just summon someone who can take care of you." "...." I was dumbfounded by the attitude of Scathach-sama who coldly ignore my needs. And she easily told me to just summon someone who will take care of my daily needs.... I felt like crying. It''s not easy to use that Balance Breaker, oh my goddess.... I even had to lie unconscious for a week after summoning Scathach-sama a year ago because I spent so much energy using my Sacred Gear''s Balance Breaker. If it weren''t for the Infinity Star Flame helping to recover my energy more quickly, I might not have regained consciousness months or even years later from summoning someone of a god level like Scathach-sama! Currently, my Sacred Gear, Serene Summoning''s Balance Breaker is divided into two, namely: Cross Overtake Summoning and Infinite Parallel Overwrite Summoning. Cross Overtake Summoning is the Balance Breaker I use to summon the Three Thousand Star Burning Flame. This Balance Breaker only allows summoning unintelligent beings/objects from other worlds. This Balance Breaker can only be used once a month. This Balance Breaker is classified as a sub-species. Meanwhile, Infinite Parallel Overwrite Summoning is the Balance Breaker I use to summon Scathach-sama. This Balance Breaker makes it possible to summon intelligent beings/objects from other worlds. This Balance Breaker can only be used once every 3-4 months. This Balance Breaker was actually the use of the Cross Overtake Summoning Balance Breaker but it was added and strengthened by the [Infinity Star Flame] causing the procedure, effect, and result to be different. This Balance Breaker is classified as Balance Breaker X. "... I don''t care how you''re going to meet your needs.... I don''t mind you considering me as your family, Rey. I understand you need that. But you also have to remember that I am here to train you, not spoil you." Scathach-sama said sternly to me and I could only silent in contemplation. Family, huh.... ?? ?? ?????????????????????????????? ?? The next day.... Last night, I was pondering on Scathach-sama''s words. It''s true that ever since I lost Mother, I feel quite lonely. And I do think of Scathach-sama as my family. But Scathach-sama is also right that she''s here just to train me. I remembered that my purpose for summoning Scathach-sama was because I wanted someone who could help me become strong so that I could avenge Mother''s death, protect myself, and no longer lose those who were precious to me. And I finally realized. I realized that I don''t have to be alone in achieving my goals. I realized that I don''t have to be alone in living life. Indeed I have lost my Mother which is my only family left. But, I finally realized that I could have a new family. And I can have friends too. Family who will look after, accompany, and protect each other. And friends who will help each other. They are the ones who will be precious to me! So, I decided to start a new family! And we who are in the family are also friends to each other! For that, I intend to form a family with the family members mainly gathered by summoning using my Sacred Gear! I chose that method because my Sacred Gear also has a trait that automatically binds me and those whom I summon using my Sacred Gear! My Sacred Gear makes us bond where we can''t betray each other! To be precise, I''m actually technically their ''master'' because my Sacred Gear makes them automatically submit and obey me! Though of course I wont think of them as slaves or mistreat them! ?? ?? ?????????????????????????????? ?? ?? After breakfast, I informed Governor Azazel that I would once again do a summoning using my Sacred Gear''s Balance Breaker. And, I also told him that we were leaving. Surely Governor Azazel was quite surprised by our quite sudden decision. But in the end he only sighed in acceptance after learning that our decision to leave was from Scathach-sama. The preparations were made not much different from the one when calling for Scathach-sama a year ago. Governor Azazel created a barrier to seal the testing ground, and Mephisto-sama also came. But Mephisto-sama didn''t bring Tannin-sama this time. After Mephisto-sama came, I also informed him of our decision to go train outside. And just like Governor Azazel, he could only sigh in acceptance. After everything was ready, I started doing the summoning procedure. After the two of them appeared, I brought the fire ouroboros in my left hand closer to the golden staff of my Sacred Gear. The fire ouroboros then moved around the golden staff and circulated to form a symbol of infinity. After that, I closed my eyes and in my heart I hoped to call someone who could be relied on in daily household matters! With that wish, then I opened my eyes and began to chant: << I, the crownless king >> << In an unconnected world and universe >> << For the dreams and hopes for infinity >> << For ambition that crosses time and space >> << With the fire of my d?s?r?, I will make a bond with you! >> After the chanting finished, I tapped the golden staff of my Sacred Gear onto the floor and shouted! "Infinite Parallel Overwrite Summoning!" About 10 minutes later, the purple-black circle of fire faded away. And in front of me, the one who summoned was.... ?? ?? ?????????????????????????????? Chapter 11 - 11 - A Maid and A Ring ?????????????????????????????? ?? ?? In front of me, the one who summoned was.... ""Grayfia Lucifuge!?"" Suddenly Governor Azazel and Mephisto-sama exclaimed in surprise! I was quite surprised by their reactions. Do they recognize the woman in front of me? How can they? Shouldn''t the summoned one was from another world? Then how did Governor Azazel and Mephisto-sama know her? Wait.... Grayfia Lucifuge? Isn''t that the name of Mother''s friend and Devil King Sirzechs Lucifer''s wife that Mephisto-sama told me about? Is there a mistake here? I am confused.... And as if hearing Governor Azazel and Mephisto-sama''s shocked reaction, the woman frowned slightly and turned towards them. "Sorry. I don''t know who Grayfia is." When I saw that woman, the first impression I saw of her was a maid! That''s because she''s wearing a blue-and-white maid uniform! Then, the maid woman looked at me. "My name is Sakuya. Sakuya Izayoi." That woman, Sakuya-san, introduced herself to me. Sakuya-san is a young woman with shoulder length silver hair with hair on both sides of her temples braided and tied with green ribbons. She''s slim stature and pretty tall for a woman. I then realized and also introduced myself to her. "Nice to meet you, Sakuya-san. My name is Rey. Rey Rofocale." Sakuya-san gave a small smile and bowed to me. "Nice to meet you, Rey-sama." After Sakuya-san and I finished introducing ourselves, Governor Azazel and Mephisto-sama looks dumbfounded and a little confused. "H-Huh? Not Grayfia?" "A-Apparently." "They are very similar. As if they were twins...." "Right...." Governor Azazel and Mephisto-sama looked a little awkward and smiled wryly after realizing they were mistaken. Hearing Governor Azazel and Mephisto-sama''s conversation, I also smiled slightly wryly. Then, I started to feel the side effects due to using Balance-Breaker which took a lot of energy. My body began to feel weak and my vision began to blur. It seems that even though I have gotten stronger during this year, I still feel the side effects of using Infinite Parallel Overwrite Summoning. Looks like I still have to get stronger if I don''t want to fall unconscious every time I use it. Then, I started to collapse and was about to pass out. But, before I collapsed completely, someone supported me, Sakuya-san. I smiled a little and then closed my eyes.... ?? ?????????????????????????????? ?? ?? When I opened my eyes, I realized I was in the treatment room. I feel deja vu because this situation is the same as last year. "Rey-sama! You are awake!" Suddenly, I heard someone''s voice next to me. And when I looked, I saw a young woman with silver hair dressed in a maid uniform sitting on a chair next to the bed. "You are... Sakuya-san...." She, Sakuya-san, is the person I previously summoned using my Serene Summoning''s Balance Breaker. At that time, I did a summoning wishing someone who could be relied on for daily household chores. And the one who was finally summoned was a maid, this Sakuya-san. And from the feeds of information I got, her name is Sakuya Izayoi. Age is not known for sure. And what surprised me the most was, even though she looked like an ordinary maid, it turned out that she possessed terrifying ability! Sakuya-san can manipulate time! Honestly, I feel like I hit the jackpot. Even though I only wanted someone who could be relied on in daily household matters, but instead I got someone who also had the power that could be considered a cheat like Sakuya-san. I don''t know if it''s the trait of Balance Breaker: Infinite Parallel Overwrite Summoning where the summoned figure always has certain specialties, or is it because I just happened to be lucky. Since it''s not only Sakuya-san who unusual, Scathach-sama is also the same. It''s likely that I''ll have to do a few more summons using Infinite Parallel Overwrite Summoning to get a pretty definite conclusion. ".... You only fell asleep for four days. Faster than last year." Suddenly, I heard Scathach-sama''s voice. And when I turned towards the source of the sound, I saw Scathach-sama who was wearing a white knitted sweater dress leaning back looking out the window. Indeed, when there weren''t any activities that involved moving a lot like when training me, Scathach-sama was often seen wearing casual clothes. And her favorite is a sweater dress like the one she''s wearing today. Then, I lifted my body to sit down and asked Sakuya-san. "Did Sakuya-san already know we will leave?" Hearing my question, Sakuya-san smiled and nodded slightly. "Yes. I have been told by Scathach-sama. I have also been explained by Azazel-sama and Mephisto-sama about Rey-sama and other things.... Even though I have to adapt a little, I will serve Rey-sama as best as I can." "Good then.... Thank you, Sakuya-san." "With p???sur?, Rey-sama." After Sakuya-san and I finished talking, I saw Scathach-sama turn around and walk towards me. ".... Then, are you ready to go?" Scathach-sama asked me. And hearing that question, I thought a little. "Hmm.... We''d better do preparations first." I feel like it would be better if we prepared a few things before leaving. However, Scathach-sama frowned at my answer. ".... What other preparations? Don''t keep procrastinating. I don''t like that." I shuddered a little and was worried that Scathach-sama would get angry. But I tried to persuade her. "Y-Yes. I know that. But this is also important Scathach-sama.... Please! Just a few days more!" Scathach-sama frowns even more at my request. ".... Give me a reason." Then, I explained my reasons why I wanted to postpone going for a few more days. "Well, since we will be outside the room for the next two years, we have to prepare the things needed to live in outdoor such as tents, basic cooking utensils, etc. I will ask Governor Azazel or Mephisto-sama to help prepare it. Besides that, we will definitely needs other things like clothes and others. But, surely we will be troubled if we have to carry a lot of stuff like that. So, I want to try to make a summon to get a practical storage. Maybe something like that exists in another world." After listening to my reason, Sakuya-san gave a small nod. "Nn. Rey-sama''s reasoning makes some sense." After listening to my excuse, Scathach-sama let out a sigh. ".... Up to you." ?? ?? ?????????????????????????????? ?? ?? The next day.... I told my request for things needed to live outdoors to Governor Azazel and also Mephisto-sama who was still here. They also have no problem with my request and will immediately prepare it. Apart from that, I also told them that I wanted to use the Cross Overtake Summoning Balance-Breaker to try to get a practical storage. And that afternoon, I did the summoning. First of all, I activated my Sacred Gear, Serene Summoning, and a golden staff with a crystal on the tip appeared in my hand. After that, I tapped the golden staff on the floor and shouted! "Cross Overtake Summoning!" Then, the prism crystal on my Sacred Gear''s golden staff glowed and a geometric rainbow-white light circle about five meters in diameter appeared on the floor. The geometric rainbow-white light circle then glowed brighter and brighter until it was blinding! And after about five minutes later, the geometric circle slowly faded away and then disappeared. And in front of me, hovering a ring. Then, I took the ring and I got information directly into my mind. The ring is called Storage Ring. It can store things inside of its expanded space. It has capacity of 25x25x25 meters. Oh! Seems like I made it! It really exists! With this, we won''t be troubled if we have to bring a lot of things. ?? ?? ?????????????????????????????? Chapter 12 - 12 - Storage Ring and Request ?????????????????????????????? ?? ?? After I finished summoning the Storage Ring, I felt myself quite exhausted from consuming quite a lot of energy. Even so, it seems that the side effect of making a summoning using Cross Overtake Summoning is not as severe as Infinite Parallel Overwrite Summoning. At least, I didn''t feel like I was going to pass out. "Rey-sama, are you okay?" Sakuya-san walked over to me and asked me somewhat worriedly. "Yeah.... Just a little tired." I nodded slightly and answered her. Sakuya-san then helped support me to stay on my feet. Then, Scathach-sama, Governor Azazel, and Mephisto-sama also came over to me. "So, what did you manage to summon? We saw what it looked like was a ring. Can you tell us what it is?" Governor Azazel asked and Mephisto-sama also looked curious. Meanwhile, Scathach-sama seemed silent and neither really interested nor concerned. Then, I showed the ring in my hand and explained according to the information that had previously entered my mind. "This ring is called a Storage Ring. This ring can be used to store items in its expanded space. I don''t really understand how it can be. The capacity is 25x25x25 meters. To put items into this Storage Ring space, user just need to get this Storage Ring closer to the items that the user want to store. Meanwhile, to took out items from the Storage Ring, user only need to think and imagine what items they want to took out. To find out the contents or remaining capacity, user only have to think and imagine looking into the space in the Storage Ring. The conditions of items that is stored in this ring will not change. That means, if for example I keep a fresh apple in this ring, it will still be fresh even though I only took it out a year later." "May I see it?" "Please...." Then I handed the Storage Ring to Governor Azazel. After receiving the ring, Governor Azazel seemed to observe and try to look inside the Storage Ring. "Heh~.... So, this ring was created by manipulating the space-time concept. Very interesting...." It seemed that Governor Azazel pretty impressed and immediately understood this Storage Ring. Well, I guess that shouldn''t come as a surprise for someone who is fond of researching unusual devices. After satisfied observing the Storage Ring, Governor Azazel handed it over to Mephisto-sama who was also curious. And after Mephisto-sama finished, he handed the Storage Ring back to me. After the Storage Ring returned to me, I looked at Sakuya-san and said to her. "Sakuya-san, this ring is yours to hold. I leave the handling of our needs to you." I then handed the Storage Ring to her. "I understand.... I will use this ring as best I can." I nodded lightly at the words of Sakuya-san who is very much like a loyal and reliable maid. ?? ?? ?????????????????????????????? ?? ?? After I rested to recover my strength, we had dinner. Since there was Sakuya-san, even if it was only temporarily and for a few days, she was the one who handled cooking. Previously, whenever it was time to eat, Governor Azazel was the one who cook. He said that because he had lived for a long time and he had quite a bit of free time apart from his research, he had learned quite a bit about cooking. Actually..., Scathach-sama can cook too, but Governor Azazel and I obviously didn''t dare ask her to cook for us. We were afraid that instead we would be stabbed by her red spear. "Mephisto-sama, I have a favour...." "Hm? Favour? What favour?" Mephisto-sama looked a little confused as I suddenly requested him for a favour. Then, I firmly stated my request. "I want to have a Peerage." Hearing my request, Mephisto-sama looked a little surprised. "Peerage? Why do you want it all of a sudden?" Mephisto-sama seemed to frown a little. Previously, Mephisto-sama once told me that among devils today there is a chess piece-like system called [Peerage]. A [King] usually uses his/her Evil Pieces to recruit loyal servants/subordinates. The servants who are recruited and given Evil Pieces can be from the Devil race or other races as long as they are not a God-level being. However, if a candidate from a race other than Devil is given Evil Pieces, that candidate will automatically be reincarnated as a devil. Even so, reincarnated devils still possess the power/abilities of their former race. Other races can be reincarnated as a devil is because the Peerage/Evil Pieces system was originally promoted to help repopulate Devil race population that reduced because of large number of devils who died in the great war of the past. Apart from increasing the number of devils, this Peerage system is also a symbol of status and authority. That''s because only a high-class devil that authorized to form a Peerage. And with the existing competition between Peerages called the ''Rating Game'', the stronger a Peerage the higher their status and honor in the eyes of many people. "I want to have a new family of my own. And I want my Peerage as the foundation." I said my reason why I want to have a Peerage. "Hmm...." After listening to my request, Mephisto-sama seemed to be thinking. "Are you sure about this? If you make a request for high-class devil status and become a [King], your existence will be known by the devil circle, you know? And if they find out about you, it is possible that they will think of you as a threat instead. Are you really sure about this?" Mephisto-sama seems a little worried and I quite understand what he is worried about. Since I am Mother''s son and her only legacy, Mephisto-sama thinks of me as his own grandson. Besides, because of my status as a descendant of the Rofocale Family, it is feared that I will become a new seed that the Old-Satan faction can recruit. Moreover, because I have a power that threatens the balance, it is worrying that the people who want to exploit me will target me. Even so, I nodded firmly and answered him. "Yes. I''m not worried and it''s not a problem. I''m sure that I, we, can take care of ourself." I''m not too worried because I''m not alone. I have Scathach-sama who is a Goddess and Godslayer. Also Sakuya-san who has the power to manipulate time. Apart from that, I also continued to grow and became stronger. I''m sure that once my training is complete, I will be strong enough to take care of myself without relying on Scathach-sama''s protection. "Hmm...." Mephisto-sama seemed to frown and was deep in thought. After a while, Mephisto-sama sighed. "Hah~.... Alright. I''ll try to ask them." "Thank you, Mephisto-sama!" Hearing Mephisto-sama''s answer, I thanked him and he nodded slightly. "Hm. If your request is accepted, you can take the test to become a high-class devil after your training is finished two years later." "Yes!" ?? ?? ?????????????????????????????? Chapter 13 - 13 - Leave and Talents ?????????????????????????????? ?? ?? 3 days after I summoned the Storage Ring, we''ve finished all preparations. Right now, the three of us were in front of Governor Azazel''s private laboratory building and ready to leave. ".... Let''s go." Scathach-sama said, then started walking away. After Scathach-sama started walking away, Sakuya-san faced Mephisto-sama and Governor Azazel and said goodbye. "Mephisto-sama, Azazel-sama, please excuse us." Sakuya-san gave a small bow to the two of them, then turned around and walked after Scathach-sama. Then, I went to face Mephisto-sama and Governor Azazel. "Mephisto-sama, Governor Azazel, we''re leaving. Thank you for all this time." After I said my goodbye, Governor Azazel patted my shoulder. "Yeah, good luck! I can''t wait to see how strong you will be when you come back! Hahahahaha!" Then, Mephisto-sama also patted my shoulder. "Take care...." I nodded to Mephisto-sama and Governor Azazel "See you in 2 years...." Then, I turned and left. ?? ?? ?????????????????????????????? ?? ?? "Azazel...." "I know. I''ll get one of my guys to watch them secretly. Besides, it would be bad if someone would offend them." "That''s good. I also intend to ask Tannin to persuade someone who can watch over them.... Besides that, I''m going to the capital city of Lilith to talk about the Evil Pieces request for Rey." "Yeah.... That kid is already at the level of a high-class devil. And I''m sure he won''t stop there. I won''t be surprised when he finishes his training 2 later, he''s already at the level of an ultimate-class devil." "If that really happens, he will become the youngest and fastest devil in history to reach ultimate-class." "Hahahahaha! That must be interesting! I wonder how the devil brats of his age would react if they found out about him!" "Aye.... I heard that the daughters of the Gremory, Sitri, and Agares are quite talented kids." "Heh~.... The younger sister of the two Devil Kings and the neutral Agares, huh.... What about Bael? Any talent from the Great-King family?" "Bael.... Their eldest son did not inherit the special power of the Bael clan. Even I heard that he did not have any Demonic Power at all. As a result, he and his mother were ostracized by them. As for their second son, even though he had inherited the special power of theirs clan, his talent is only a little bit of average. In fact, I heard that he is more talented when it comes to botany." "I see.... Too bad.... Speaking of talented children, I got information that the son and daughter of the Pendragon Family in England are very talented. Their son is praised as a sword genius. While their daughter is very talented in magic. Are you not interested to recruit the daughter?" "Grauzauberer didn''t have a big influence in England because Golden Dawn already in there. Also, Pendragon has a pretty close relationship with the Church. So it''s quite difficult I guess.... How about you yourself? You previously told me that the Grigori found Lucifer''s descendants recently." "Hah~.... That kid is quite worrying. When we found him, he looked gloomy and full of hatred. Well, anyone would be gloomy and vengeful if his life was just an entertainment and games for that bastard Lilin." "Come to think of it, his situation is quite similar to Rey.... Then, do you have any plans for him?" "Yes. Whether it''s pity of fate or something, he has the White Dragon, Albion. So, I intend to train him to control and use his Sacred Gear." "Longinus Divine Dividing, huh.... Speaking of Longinus, I received information that a child from the lineage of my old partner has Dimension Lost. Also, there is a young witch who joined my Grauzauberer recently and she has Absolute Demise." "Heh~.... I got information that the Church found a child who has Zenith Tempest.... It means, two of the three factions have secured Longinus possessors. Angel''s side has Zenith Tempest and my Fallen Angel side has Divine Dividing.... I wonder if the Devil side will also be able to secure Longinus possessor later. After all, I''m not sure Rey can be ''secured'' unless they want to know how it feels to be stabbed by the red spear of a Godslayer Goddess. As for you, even though a devil like you is the chairman of the Grauzauberer, Grauzauberer itself is a neutral and impartial magician organization." "Right...." "Hahahahaha! Looks like the young ones of this generation are very unusual!" ?? ?? ?????????????????????????????? Chapter 14 - 14 - Four Devil Kings and News ?????????????????????????????? ?? ?? The day after Rey and the others left, Mephisto Pheles came to the Devil King Palace in the capital Lilith. And when he was finally allowed into the throne room, he saw a young woman with twintail black hair and outfitted like a magical girl sitting on one of the four thrones. That woman is one of the Four Devil Kings, namely Serafall Leviathan. "Long time no see, Mephisto-jiichan! How unusual for you to came to the palace!" Serafall seemed to be smiling happily at Mephisto''s arrival. They haven''t seen each other for a long time. And because Mephisto is one of the oldest Devils, she has always used to call him grandfather. "Long time no see, Serafall. You''re always as cheerful as ever." Serafall smiled and nodded repeatedly in response to Mephisto''s greeting. "Then, what purpose did Mephisto-jiichan come here for?" Hearing Serafall''s question, Mephisto nodded slightly then answered. "I''m here to apply for promotion to the level of High-class Devils and Evil Pieces." "Promotion? Isn''t Mephisto-jiichan Ultimate-Class already?" Mephisto slightly shook his head at that question. "Not for me. But for someone else." "Who is it? Who is it?" "About that, I hope you call Sirzechs and Grayfia first to talk about it." "Hm? I understand talking about it with Sirzechs-chan, but why Grayfia-chan too?" Serafall seemed to be tilting her head in wonder. "Yes. Grayfia has to attend because the person I recommended for promotion has a certain relationship with her." Hearing Mephisto''s statement, Serafall frowned slightly. She didn''t know who Mephisto was referring to. Because, as far as she knows, Grayfia doesn''t have any other family or relatives besides her husband, Sirzechs, and people from her husband''s family, Gremory. "Hmm.... Alright. I''ll call Sirzechs-chan." "Call the other Devil Kings too. This is very important." ?? ?? ?????????????????????????????? ?? A few moments later, the other three Devil Kings and Grayfia arrived. Each of the other three Devil Kings was Falbium Asmodeus, Ajuka Beelzebub, and Sirzechs Lucifer. Falbium Asmodeus is a tall man with a bald head and a beard. He was known as a Devil King who was skilled in strategy and military. He comes from one of the 72 Pillars Families namely Glaysya-Labolas. Ajuka Beelzebub is a young man with green hair swept back who looks calm and has an intellectual aura. He is known as a Devil King who specializes in research and technology. He comes from one of the 72 Pillars Families namely Astaroth. Sirzechs Lucifer is a young man with red hair that is characteristic of his family. He is known as a Devil King who is an expert in politics and domestic administrations. Even so, he also has high fighting ability. He comes from one of the 72 Pillars Families namely Gremory. Meanwhile, Grayfia Lucifuge is a young woman with long silver braided hair and a maid uniform. She is the wife of Sirzechs. After they came, Mephisto exchanged greetings with them and then asked to move to another room to talk. Sirzechs then suggested moving to the meeting room. After arriving at the meeting room, the Four Devil Kings and Mephisto sat opposite each other separated by a large and long table, while Grayfia stood behind Sirzechs. Seeing Grayfia just standing behind Sirzechs, Mephisto said. "You sit down too, Grayfia. Because what will be discussed is also related to you." Hearing Mephisto''s words, Grayfia frowned slightly. Even though she is Sirzechs''s wife, she is also his servant and shouldn''t sit with the Devil Kings. Besides, she also didn''t understand why the things that would be discussed here were related to her. And hearing Mephisto''s words, Serafall who was sitting on Sirzechs right volunteered to shift to another chair. Sirzechs turned to look at Grayfia and gave a small nod indicating she can sit down. After Grayfia sat down, Sirzechs started the conversation. "So, what do you want to talk about Mephisto-sama?" "My purpose for coming here is to recommend a promotion to High-class Devil and a request for Evil Pieces for someone." "Hm? Promotion? Who is it for?" "Do you all still remember Lilianlua?" """"Lilianlua...?"""" Hearing Mephisto''s question, the Four Devil Kings looked a little confused, wondering, and trying to remember. "Lilian!?" Hearing Grayfia''s shout, the Four Devil Kings then looked wide-eyed after remembering who Lilianlua was. "Lilian-chan!?" Serafall suddenly stood up and exclaimed in surprise! "You mean Lilianlua Rofocale!?" Falbium also looked dumbfounded. "Lilianlua!?" Ajuka was also shocked. "Mephisto-sama, did you get any news about her!?" Grayfia asked tensely. "Do Lilianlua the one who wants to get the Evil Pieces? Is she coming back?" Sirzechs was also surprised after remembering Lilianlua, and he thought it was Lilianlua who wanted to obtain the Evil Pieces. They were very surprised because Lilianlua disappeared without news since the Anti-Satan War ended. And even though Lilianlua wasn''t much involved during the Anti-Satan War, apart from being a bestfriend with Grayfia, Lilianlua is also good friends with Sirzechs, Serafall, Ajuka, and Falbium. That''s why for hundreds of years Lilianlua disappeared, they always hoped that Lilianlua would come back. Unfortunately, they will be disappointed again and for the last time. "No. She.... Lilianlua already died." "What?" Sirzechs looked stunned at Mephisto''s statement. "Wh-at...?" Serafall looked shocked to hear that Lilianlua was dead. "Lilianlua... died?" Ajuka is very stunned to hear that Lilianlua is dead. That''s because, in fact, he used to secretly love Lilianlua. And after the Anti-Satan War ended and Lilianlua was about to leave, Ajuka confessed his feelings and persuaded her to stay. However, Lilianlua rejected him and left anyway. And even though Ajuka had moved on, in the end there was still a feeling that was left behind. "When? How did she die?" Falbium was also shocked by Lilianlua''s death, but he tried to stay calm. "She was killed.... Two years ago." Mephisto answered. "Killed...?" Grayfia lowered her head gloomily and tightly clenched her fists. "Who... Who dared to kill Lilian-chan!?" Serafall asked and holding back her anger. "The one who killed Lilianlua was... Euclid Lucifuge." Mephisto replied grimly. "What?" Serafall was dumbfounded at Mephisto''s answer. "Euclid?" Ajuka turned to look at Grayfia. "Lucifuge?" Falbium also looked at Grayfia. "No.... No way! Impossible! No... way...." Grayfia was very shocked to hear Mephisto''s statement that her best friend was killed by her brother! Moreover, all this time she thought that her younger brother, Euclid, had already died during the Anti-Satan War! Grayfia immediately turned pale and trembled. She was relieved to know that her brother was still alive, but on the other hand she was also sad because of what her brother did. And in the end, the pain brought tears to her eyes. ?? ?? ?????????????????????????????? Chapter 15 - 15 - Last of The Hidden and Watchers ?????????????????????????????? ?? ?? Seeing his wife crying because of unstable emotions, Sirzechs hugged her from the side. Serafall also hugged Grayfia to show her sympathy. "Mephisto-sama, how do you know that Lilianlua was killed by Euclid?" Sirzechs asked while stroking Grayfia''s shoulder to calm her down. "That''s because... There was a witness and I saved him." "Witness?" "Yes. He''s a devil-human breed. And his name is Rey. Rey Rofocale." "Rey?" Serafall seemed to be wondering who Rey was. "Rofocale?" Grayfia slightly raised her head at the mention of her best friend''s Family name. "Didn''t the Rofocale family line run out apart from the Lilianlua who disappeared before? I never heard that Rofocale had any other descendants, let alone half-breed." Falbium holds his chin and wonders. "Who is he truly?" Ajuka asked with a slight frown. "Rey is... Lilianlua''s son." """What!?"""'' Sirzechs, Ajuka, and Falbium were stunned by Mephisto''s statement. "Lilian-chan has a child!?" Serafall looked surprised too! "Where!? Where is he, Mephisto-sama!? Is he all right!?" Grayfia asked in a tense and anxious tone. "For the past two years, I entrusted him to Azazel." "Azazel? You mean Fallen Angel Azazel?" Sirzechs asked to confirm. "Yes." "Mephisto-sama! Why did you leave a Devil, even if it is a half-breed to a Fallen Angel!? Moreover, that child is Lilian''s son! Aren''t you being too reckless!?" Grayfia looks restless and is worried about her best friend''s son. Mephisto also gave his rebuttal. "At that time the situation was precarious. When I saved Rey, he was dying. Besides, I didn''t take him to Devil territory because I was afraid his status as a descendant of the Rofocale would be a problem." "Even so, you are too reckless, Mephisto-jiichan! You know that Fallen Angel and Devil are enemies of each other! Moreover, what more is Azazel who is the leader of Fallen Angel!" Serafall also admonished him and thought Mephisto''s decision to entrust Rey to Azazel was too rash. "Calm down.... You may not know, but actually I often make contact with him and I trust him. Besides, during the two years I left Rey to him, Rey was fine and I often visited him." ""But...."" "Enough.... Rey is fine and you don''t have to worry." Grayfia and Serafall were still frowning in worry. But in the end they fell silent and decided to trust Mephisto. ?? ?? ?????????????????????????????? ?? After they had calmed down a little, Mephisto returned to the main topic of conversation. "So, my purpose for coming here was to recommend promotion to High-class Devils and request for the Evil Pieces for Rey.... I recommended him because other than Rey himself wants to have Evil Pieces, even though Rey is only a half-breed, he already has the power level equal to the a High-class Devils and it is highly possible he will be equal to an Ultimate-class Devil 2 years later." """""What!?""""" The Four Devil Kings and Grayfia were dumbfounded by Mephisto''s statement! That''s because they know that most human-devil breeds are only on par with Low-class Devils! That''s why they were completely stunned by Mephisto''s statement that Rey was currently at the level of a High-class Devil and could be on par with Ultimate-class in just a few years! "How can he be that strong?" Sirzechs asked. "The main reason is because he has a Longinus Sacred Gear." """"Longinus!?"""" "Yes." "There are 13 Longinus in existence. Then, which one does he have?" Ajuka asked curiously. But Mephisto shook his head. "For now you shouldn''t need to know." "What do you mean?" The Four Devil Kings frowned slightly because of Mephisto didn''t want to tell Rey''s Longinus. Then, Mephisto told the reason. "For some reasons, Rey''s Longinus should be kept a secret for now. Because it is feared that he will be targeted by many parties or attempted to be removed if discovered. He is still not strong enough to protect himself." After hearing Mephisto''s excuse, they still frowned a little. But they were finally able to accept it because the reasons given were indeed quite plausible enough to protect their friend''s son. Mephisto then continued speaking. "Right now, Rey is still training for the next 2 years. After his training is complete, I will take him to the capital for the promotion exam. So, I hope my recommendation for Rey''s promotion will be accepted." Hearing Mephisto''s statement, the Four Devil Kings nodded slightly. Sirzechs then spoke. "The four of us might be fine with Rey''s promotion. But what if those from the Pure-Blood Faction led by Lord Zekram questions the reason for our decision to allow promotion to High-class Devils for a half-breed?" Hearing Sirzechs''s question who also represented the other three Devil Kings, Mephisto smiled slightly and answered. "It''s not really a problem. If they ask, just tell them that I recommend for Rey''s promotion. You can also say that Rey is Lilianlua''s son and the only one left from Rofocale. So technically he is the head of the Rofocale Family and deserves the status of High-class Devil. Besides that, you can also tell that Rey has a Longinus. Also, as long as Rey shows that his level of power is equal to a High-class Devil or above during the promotion exam, they shouldn''t make a problem." After hearing Mephisto''s answer, Sirzechs and the others nodded. ".... Alright. We understand." ?? ?? ?????????????????????????????? ?? While Mephisto met the Four Devil Kings, Tannin came to a forest in the Underworld. And after finding a cave that was his destination, Tannin landed in front of the mouth of the cave. However, he did not enter the cave and just remained at the mouth of the cave as if waiting for something. After a while, from inside the cave a growl sounded as if some creature had awakened. "Tannin, what are you here for?" Suddenly a woman''s voice was heard asking in a tone that seemed annoyed. Realizing that the person he was looking for would not show herself and would not allow him to enter the cave, Tannin only sighed slightly and was not offended because he already knew his friend''s habits. Then, he answered and conveyed his purpose. "I''m here to ask you to watch over someone, no, some people to be more precise. They are unusual and inconceivable people." "What do you mean?" "There are three of them. Each of them has abilities that it is feared that it could destroy the balance of the world." "Destroy the balance? Then why don''t you just get rid of them!?" "No. I can''t do it. And we shouldn''t attack them either because it will be even more problematic if they get angry. That''s why we can only watch them." "Can''t you explain it a more clearly!? Don''t be roundabout!" "Hah~.... Alright, will explain...." Tannin then explained about the people in question and why they had to be watched. .... Some time later, after Tannin finished explaining, the one inside the cave asked Tannin in a sharp tone. "Are you serious?" "Very." "All right.... I''ll watch over them." ?? ?? ?????????????????????????????? ?? ?? Meanwhile, Azazel also returned to Grigori''s headquarters after Rey and the others left. "Where''s Barakiel?" Azazel asked one of the other top Grigori officials. "You know that he accompanies his wife and child." "Ah, right.... Then, tell him to return to the Grigori headquarters. There is an important task for him." ?? ?? ?????????????????????????????? Chapter 16 - 16 - Personal Weapon and Leaders Requirements ?????????????????????????????????? ?? ?? About a week has passed since we left Governor Azazel''s private lab. During this week, we traveled to find a suitable place for my training. Fortunately, before we left Governor Azazel gave us a map of the Underworld. So we don''t have to be confused about where to go. About two days since we left, I noticed Scathach-sama or Sakuya-san occasionally turned their heads and looked far away with sharp gaze. From their behavior, I guessed that it seemed like someone was following and watching us from distance. But since the two of them were silent and taking no action, I concluded that whoever it was likely had no bad intentions or became a threat to us. That''s why he/she was left alone. After a week of traveling, we arrived near a lake in a mountain valley in the Fallen Angel region of the Underworld that Scathach-sama had chosen for my training ground. ?? ?? ?? ?? ?? The next day, my training to master spear fighting immediately began. And when it was getting dusk, we ended today''s training. I then headed to the shore of the lake to take a bath. However, after I finished removing all my clothes and started washing myself, a few minutes later I heard the sound of footsteps approaching. "W-W-W-What are you doing!?" I was shocked and stuttered because Scathach-sama walked towards me! ".... What''s wrong? Is there a problem?" Scathach-sama stopped walking for a moment and asked with a slight frown. "Scathach-sama! I''m taking a bath here!" I replied with a little nervous and embarrassed. ".... So what? I''m also going to take a bath." After saying that, Scathach-sama continued to walk. Seeing that, my eyes twitched. "S-Scathach-sama, can''t you take a bath after I''m done or find another place?" Then, Scathach-sama stopped at the shore of the lake near me. ".... So what if I bath here and now?" "I am a man, oh my goddess..." Hearing my words, then Scathach-sama seemed to stare at the lower part of my body which was submerged under the water surface. Realizing what she was staring at, I hurriedly covered my crotch with my hands! "... Say it again at least in five years. Right now you are still too small to be considered a man." Scathach-sama said to me with a flat tone and flat expression. Meanwhile, hearing her statement, I felt like crying. Even though it''s a fact that a 10 years old kid like me is still ''small'', aren''t you too cruel.... After that, Scathach-sama put down her red spear and started to undone her battlesuit. ?? ?? ?? ?? ?? After we finished a bath, the three of us sat down and ate dinner by the campfire. I still feel a little awkward seeing Scathach-sama. But I can''t help but get used to it and be as normal as possible. After we finished having dinner, the three of us still sat by the campfire while drinking hot tea made by Sakuya-san. Even though my body doesn''t feel cold because of the Infinity Star Flame inside of me, it was moments like these that can warm my heart. ".... Rey, you better start considering getting your own personal spear. The mass-produced prototype spear made by Azazel obviously won''t last long as you get stronger." Scathach-sama suddenly said to me. And hearing that, I frowned a little and thought. "Hmm.... You''re right. Maybe I''ll make a summon for it later. But, what spear that can last long and suitable for me?" ".... It depends on yourself. The suitability of the weapon to the user depends on various factors such as size, weight, shape, etc. Not everyone feels suitable even though they are using the same weapon." Hearing Scathach-sama''s statement, I nodded slightly. "Hm.... Sakuya-san, do you have an opinion?" I took a look at Sakuya-san and asked her opinion too about my personal weapon. And hearing my question, Sakuya-san seemed silent and thought for a moment. After that, Sakuya-san nodded slightly then expressed her opinion. "If Rey-sama intends to get a weapon through summoning, I think it would be better to summon a multifunctional weapon." "Multifunctional?" "Yes. A weapon that can change form and function which also varies to suit various conditions. It is more practical. That way, if for example Rey-sama has to fight in situations and conditions that are not suitable for using a spear, then Rey-sama can change that weapon into another form of weapon." ".... If such a weapon really existed, that would be very good." Scathach-sama nodded slightly and agreed with Sakuya-san''s opinion. But I frowned. "If it''s like that, doesn''t that mean I also have to master other martial arts or other weapon skills?" Scathach-sama nodded again at my question. ".... It''s true. But it doesn''t have to be either. If you want to be able to use weapons other than spears, you can learn and master the basics just enough. After all, to fully master the skills of various weapons is not something easy and needs time.... Besides, it would be better if you only fully mastered the spear skills. That''s because if you wanted to have reliable servants, there will be no use of them if you could do everything yourself." Hearing Scathach-sama''s statement, Sakuya-san chuckled. "Fufu.... That''s right. If Rey-sama can do everything himself, then there''s no point in me being here." I smiled wryly at Sakuya-san''s words. Scathach-sama then continued speaking. ".... A leader does not have to be expert in everything but has subordinates who can be relied on in areas of expertise that he does not have. From there, it remains how a leader uses wisdom, leadership, and charisma to gain the loyalty of his subordinates and achieve success." Hearing Scathach-sama''s words of wisdom, I nodded firmly. "I understand." Scathach-sama is right. I don''t have to be a leader who specializes in everything. I don''t even need to have an IQ of 200 to become a leader. What matters is how the quality of my leadership and my wisdom. And also how I choose those who will be my servants. After that, the three of us chatted until our tea ran out and then slept in the tent. ?? ?? ?????????????????????????????????? Chapter 17 - 17 - Weapon Summoning and "Them" ?????????????????????????????? ?? ?? Several months have passed since I along with Scathach-sama and Sakuya-san left Governor Azazel''s laboratory for my training. In the first few days of my training, Scathach-sama suggested that I immediately consider to have an exclusive and durable personal weapon. Apart from that, Sakuya-san also suggested that if I wanted to have a personal weapon, it would be nice if that weapon could change shape according to need and situation. Because of their suggestion, I considered obtaining weapon through summoning. But, the problem is that I don''t know of any weapons that could shapeshifting and durable. So, I can only try. But, even though it has been three times in three months trying to make a summon with Balance Breaker: Cross Overtake Summoning, the result is nil. So, for the fourth try I intend to try out the summoning using Balance Breaker: Infinite Parallel Overwrite Summoning although I also doubt it will succeed. ?? ?? ?????????????????????????????? ?? Since Governor Azazel is not here, the ones who creates a barrier to hide the activity from the summoning this time is Scathach-sama using her Rune Magic ?ssisted by Sakuya-san with her Time Manipulation Ability. The three previous attempts to summon weapons were the same. After everything was ready, I started doing the summoning procedure. I activated my Sacred Gear, [Serene Summoning], and a golden staff with a crystal on the tip appeared in the grip of my right hand. Next, I took out the [Infinity Star Flame] and before long a purple-black ouroboros appeared and then floated circulating in my left palm. After the two of them appeared, I brought the fire ouroboros in my left hand closer to the golden staff of my Sacred Gear. The fire ouroboros then moved around the golden staff and circulated to form a symbol of infinity. After that, I closed my eyes and in my heart I wished to summon a weapon that can change its form. With that hope, I then opened my eyes and began to chant: << I, the crownless king >> << In an unconnected world and universe >> << For the dreams and hopes for infinity >> << For ambition that crosses time and space >> << With the fire of my d?s?r?, I will make a covenant with you! >> After the chanting finished, I tapped the golden staff onto the floor and shouted! "Infinite Parallel Overwrite Summoning!" Then, with myself at the center, a geometric purple-black circle of fire appeared. However, the circle was only about a meter radius. And seeing that, I let out a sigh. "Haah~...." I sighed because it seemed like the summoning attempt this time also failed. That was because, if the summoning was successful, normally the summoning circle would widen to at least a five meter radius. But the summoning circle this time was only one meter radius and the previous three attempts were the same. ".... Failed again, huh...." Scathach-sama shake her head slightly. "Looks like we did expect something too imaginative." "Haah~.... Forget it." Even though from the start I didn''t really expect too much, I still felt disappointed. After all, having a weapon that can change shape is something practical and cool too! Disappointedly, I intend to cancel the summoning by cutting off the energy flow I used for summoning and deactivating my Serene Summoning. But, just as I was about to do that, I suddenly felt my energy being su?k?d in a lot in an instant and the summoning circle widened! "Guhh!!!!" I felt quite weak and almost collapsed. Luckily I still had enough strength to hold onto my Serene Summoning staff and prevent myself from falling. "Rey-sama! Are you okay!?" "Yeah...." Seeing myself almost collapsing, Sakuya-san asked with a worried look. I also only answered briefly because my energy was drained. Meanwhile, the summoning circle was rapidly expanding to a radius of about a hundred meters! Then, the geometric purple-black circle of flames got more and more burning and rose up to fifty meters until the surroundings became a bit dark and dim! "What was summoned exactly!? Why was the summoning circle so big this time!?" I don''t know what kind of weapon was summoned to cause a summoning phenomenon of this magnitude. Don''t tell me the summoned weapon is gigantic!? If that''s true, how can I use it!? Scathach-sama and Sakuya-san also looked dumbfounded by the summoning phenomenon this time! And then Scathach-sama seemed to have realized something. ".... Not good! This summoning phenomenon is too big! We have to enlarge the barrier! Sakuya, help me!" "Yes!" Scathach-sama and Sakuya-san then enlarged and strengthened the barrier to hide the summoning phenomenon. This time, the summoning phenomenon lasted for quite a long time. And about 30 minutes later, a large silhouette appeared faintly and slowly the purple-black circle of flames faded. And after the summoning phenomenon ended, we saw that the one summoned this time was.... ?? ?????????????????????????????? ?? ?? Although the phenomenon of Rey''s summoning was successfully covered up by Scathach and Sakuya, there were few strong figures from a certain strong race who could still feel the aura of the summoned. ?? ?? "So strong! Not even weaker than me!" ?? "Hm!? Whose aura is that!?" ?? ?? "That aura.... Who?" ?? ?? "Whose aura is that!? Scary! I''m scared!" ?? ?? "Hoahmm~.... Whose aura is that? Whatever...." ?? ?? "Very strong!" ?? ?? "Hm! This aura is so strong! Whose aura is that!? I don''t recognize it!" ?? ?? "I''ve never felt this aura! Who is it!?" ?? ?? ".... Hm?" ?? ?? "Grrrr...." ?? ?? "Hm!? What a strong aura! But it seems like I never felt and recognized this aura? Then who? Hmm..... Wait! Could it be!?" ?? ?? ?????????????????????????????? Chapter 18 - 18 - A Seven-headed Dragon and Spirit Weapon ?????????????????????????????????? ?? ?? After the summoning circle faded away, we saw a collosal figure before us. And the first thing we thought after seeing that figure was.... "Snake...?" Seeing the summoned figure, I was dumbfounded and didn''t understand. Although the snake was definitely no ordinary snake because it looked black, collosal, and had seven heads. ".... Even though it looks like a snake, I think from its appearance it looks more like a Water Dragon/Serpentine. Also, that dragon has an aura that is very familiar to me. Spirits aura...." While I was still dumbfounded and confused, I heard Scathach-sama correcting me. But still I don''t understand! Shouldn''t I summon a weapon!? Why is a Snake, no, a Dragon that summoned instead!? ".... Strong. Maybe stronger than me." So that''s why I felt so tired! Even when I first used <> and summoned Scathach-sama, I didn''t feel this tired even though this time I didn''t feel like I would lose consciousness. Then, Sakuya-san came up to me and helped support me because I felt so tired. Then, we saw that the fourteen eyes of the seven dragon heads seemed to be staring intently at us. Being glared at by the dragon, Scathach-sama, Sakuya-san, and I then became alert. Even though actually whoever I managed to summon with Balance Breaker: Infinite Parallel Overwrite Summoning would automatically connected to me, there was no harm in being careful. "Who''s the one who summoned me?" The dragon seemed to only slightly open its jaw but was heard speaking. And it''s voice sounded like a young m?tur? woman''s voice. Does that mean that dragon is female? Because she asked, I nervously answered her. "M-Me." After I answered that, the seven dragon heads bent down and came closer to me. I felt quite intimidated of being approached and stared at by the seven dragon heads. Moreover, its colossal size adds to its fierce impression. And then, the dragon looked a little surprised after taking a closer look at me. "You are... male...?" "Y-Yes. Any problem?" "How interesting.... I didn''t expect there would be male Elementalists since Solomon." The dragon seemed to grin and then lifted its seven heads back and returned to its original position. Then, the seven dragon heads seemed to be looking here and there looking sharp but also wondering. "How strange.... Looks like this isn''t Astral Zero, no, it even seems like this world is different from what I know. Or, the world has changed a lot since I fell asleep too long? Hmm...." Hearing that Dragon''s statement, Scathach-sama, Sakuya-san, and I all wondered. "Solomon?" "Elementalist?" "Astral Zero?" Seeing the three of us who seemed to be wondering, the Dragon again looking a little surprised. "You don''t know?" "Eee.... Not at all...." I scratched my head a little and smiled wryly. "How can you not know? Shouldn''t that be quite common?" Well, maybe that''s pretty common in your home world. But, here is another world. "Sorry.... We don''t know what Elementalist is, who is Solomon, and what Astral Zero is. But, we understand why you feel the difference from this world. It''s because this world is indeed different from the world you came from." "Hm? You mean, here is another world? .... No wonder you guys don''t understand what I''m talking about." The dragon looked just a little surprised, and it was me who was even more surprised because she seemed to be able to immediately understand the situation as if it was normal. I then nodded slightly at her. "Right." The dragon then appeared to grin again. "How interesting.... I didn''t think there was another world besides Astral Zero and the world where those dark creatures came from.... So, of course there is a reason why you summoned me here, right?" Hearing her question, I nodded slightly and explained. "Right. To be honest, I have an ability that allows me to summon anything I wish for. And this time, I was expecting to summon a weapon that can change shapes, but I don''t understand why you, a Dragon, that was summoned instead." "Is that so.... What an interesting ability you have.... In that case, I think I understand why I was summoned by your ability. But, before I explain that matter, I will explain a few things first." I don''t know what the Dragon will explain about, but I will definitely listen. ?? ?? ?????????????????????????????????? ?? ?? "First, <> is the name for people, generally girls, who make a contract with <>. And Spirits are existences that possess natural element powers and originate from a world/dimension called <>.... If a contract is successfully established, then Elementalist can use the Spirit contracted by them as weapon called <>." I nodded slightly after hearing the dragon''s explanation of Elementalists and Spirits. "I see.... Since you are explaining this matter, does that mean you are a Spirit?" If that dragon was indeed a Spirit, then it wouldn''t be wrong for Scathach-sama to sense a Spirit aura from her. Even though Spirits from Scathach-sama''s home world and the Dragon were not exactly the same, it was likely that they were similar because they were both called Spirits. "That''s right. I am a Spirit. But I am not an ordinary Spirit. I am one of the <> which is notoriously rare and possesses extraordinary strength. In addition, Dragon Spirit has <> which gives high resistance to natural elements magic.... And not only that, I am also an <> which is even rarer than Dragon Spirit. Ancient Spirit is a type of Spirit that has more than one element attributes and thus can have multiple forms of weapons.... That''s why out of your wish to possess a weapon that can change shapes, I am the one who is summoned. " "Oh, now I understand...." Now I understand why it was that Dragon who was summoned even though I should have expected a weapon. Wait, since Spirits can turn into weapons, does that mean I have to make a contract with her in order to use her as weapon? Then, I asked about it. "Do I have to make a contract with you?" "Yes. If you want me to become your weapon, you have to do it.... It shouldn''t be easy to conquer me. Even back then, Solomon, who would later be called the Demon King, could not make me submit even though he was ?ssisted by one of the Elemental Lords. But, somehow it seemed like I already have a connection with you even though it doesn''t seem like a Spirit Contract. " Hearing about the connection, I was a little awkward to explain. "Ah, about that.... Actually, the summoning ability I have apart from of course for summoning, whoever is summoned will automatically bond with me." "So that''s how.... Interesting.... But, that doesn''t mean a Spirit Contract will be guaranteed to be successful. That''s because, a Spirit is an existence that has high self-esteem. A Spirit Contract will only be successful if Spirit accepts and recognizes its prospective master.... Even though Spirit can actually be conquered by force to make a contract, this method is not recommended because the formed contract will not be stable and there is a risk that the Spirit will spiral out of control and go on a rampage." "I understand...." I nodded slightly. Of course I don''t want to make a risky contract, so I intend to ask how to make a safe contract. ".... Hm?" But, before I could ask again to that dragon, I saw Scathach-sama suddenly raise her head and looking with a sharp gaze to horizon. ?? ?? ?????????????????????????????????? Chapter 19 - 19 - Tiamat and Penemune ?????????????????????????????????? ?? ?? I saw Scathach-sama suddenly raise her head and looking with a sharp gaze at the horizon. ".... There is a strong aura coming towards us." "Hm? Who?" ".... I have no idea." If it was someone we knew, Scathach-sama should be able to recognize their aura and not be vigilant. ".... We''d better be alert." After that, Scathach-sama drew her red spear. Sakuya-san and I also stood and were on guard. Not long after, from the distant sky we saw something flying towards us. And after the object got closer and clearer to see, we finally know what it is. "Dragon?" We saw a Dragon flying towards us! The only dragon we know is Tannin-san. However, Tannin-san is a Western Dragon with purplish scales, while the Dragon that came to us this time was a large Western Dragon with celestial blue scales. ".... Who are you!?" Scathach-sama cried out to the light blue dragon while remaining on alert and drew her red spear. "I''m Tiamat.... And you must be Scathach...." The light blue dragon looked back at Scathach-sama and answered her. Hearing the light blue dragon''s answer, I was quite surprised! Tiamat is considered to be the most powerful Dragon King! Also, why did she come here!? ".... Tiamat? One of the Dragon Kings? What do you want? How do you know who I am?" Scathach-sama again asked suspiciously. "Tannin told me about you. I''m here because he asked me to watch over you all. He''s worried that you will be disturbed or targeted by unknown parties. That''s why I was asked to watch over you and prevent problems from happening...." ".... Tannin?" "Yes...." Tiamat then flapped her wings to descend and land. ".... On what basis should we believe your words?" Even though Tiamat-sama had said she was here because of Tannin-san''s request, Scathach-sama remained on high alert. But, I''m pretty sure that Tannin-san won''t tell about us to untrustworthy people. "You can ask him yourself. I''m sure he will also be here soon because he also felt her aura...." Tiamat said with a sharp gaze at the Seven-Headed Black Dragon. ?? ?? ?? ?? Not long after, from the horizon once again a dragon figure flew towards us. But this time, the dragon that came looked smaller than Tiamat and had purple scales. We are familiar and recognize the figure of that Dragon, that is Tannin-san. And after about fifty meters from us, he stopped and looked at us. "Haah~.... I knew it." After sighing and saying that, he landed. "When I felt the aura of a powerful dragon that suddenly appeared but I didn''t recognize it, I was confused and wondered.... Until I remembered your ability." Tannin-san said while looking at the Seven-Headed Dragon and then at me. "But, how can you feel the aura? Scathach-sama and Sakuya-san should have created a barrier to seal this place." I wonder how Tiamat-sama and Tannin-san can feel the aura of that Seven-Headed Dragon. After all, when summoning Scathach-sama and Sakuya-san before there was no leak. I definitely won''t believe that the barrier made by Scathach-sama and Sakuya-san is inferior to the barrier made by Governor Azazel at that time. "It''s true that this barrier can prevent other people from knowing what''s in here and what''s going on here. But, the Dragons race, especially High-ranking and Strong Dragons like Tiamat and I can feel the auras of other high-ranking Dragons as long as their auras are not disguised." "I see.... Wait. Does that mean that the other high dragons also felt the aura!?" "Most likely." Ehh.... That''s not good, isn''t it!? What if the other high dragons gather here because they feel the aura of the seven-headed dragon and end up causing trouble!? "I know what you''re worried about. But there''s no need to. Even if they sense it, I don''t think they''ll come here. Because most high dragons are either dead, sealed, or don''t care." Tannin-san said comforting me. "Huh~.... That''s good then." Then, I asked him again. "Tannin-san, is it true that you asked Tiamat-sama to watch over us?" "Yes.... Actually Mephisto Pheles asked me to take care of you. But because I have a lot to do, so I asked Tiamat to replace me." "So what Tiamat-sama said earlier is true." "Azazel should also have ordered his people to watch over you." Hm? Governor Azazel also ordered people to watch over us? No, that actually made sense. It is open territory here after all. And we are no longer in Governor Azazel''s private lab. So it''s not strange that Governor Azazel is worried that something will happen. ".... You there! Are you going to keep hiding!?" While I was wondering, I heard Scathach-sama shouting. That woman is certainly a Fallen Angel. "Pardon me.... My name is Penemune. I was ordered by Azazel to look after you all." So, she''s the one who was ordered by Governor Azazel to watch over us. Penemune-san is a Fallen Angel woman with long purple hair and a stern facial expression. Looking at it, her long purple hair makes her look quite similar to Scathach-sama. However, what distinguishes Penemune-san is of course her face, black wings on her back, and... her ?h?st that is much bigger than Scathach-sama. And if it was said that Scathach-sama had the sharp aura and gaze of a warrior, then Penemune-san''s sharp aura and gaze was more like a secretary. "Actually, it wasn''t me who was originally ordered to look after you three. But because a few weeks ago he received a bad news, he was depressed and I was ordered to replace him." So Penemune-san isn''t our first supervisor? I wonder who was the first. Well, never mind. ?? ?? ?????????????????????????????????? Chapter 20 - 20 - Contract Conditions and Chance ?????????????????????????????????? ?? ?? "I didn''t expect to be immediately ''greeted'' by two other dragons and a woman of an unknown race as soon as I was summoned here." The Seven-headed Black Dragon said while looking at Tannin-san, Tiamat-sama, and Penemune-san. Hearing that, Penemune-san just smiled and put one hand on her ?h?st then bowed in salute. Meanwhile Tannin-san nodded and then with one fist patted his ?h?st lightly. "Greetings, Lady. I am Tannin. Former Dragon King." Tannin-san greeted and introduced himself. And seeing her friend introduce himself, Tiamat-sama also gave a small nod to the Seven-Headed Black Dragon. "I am Tiamat.... You?" But Tiamat-sama only briefly introduced herself. "Fufufu.... You will find out later." In response to their greetings and introductions, the Seven-Headed Black Dragon nodded slightly to Tannin-san and only chuckled in response to Tiamat-sama''s cold greeting. ?? ?? ?????????????????????????????????? ?? ?? Seeing that the Dragons seem to have finished with their greetings, I spoke again. "What should I do to make a contract with you?" I asked while staring at the middle head of the Seven-Headed Black Dragon. Hearing my question, the seven dragon heads looked back at me. "I just want to make a contract with someone who can beat me in a fight." "Wh...!?" Hearing the Seven-Headed Black Dragon''s answer, I was speechless. Fight against her!? Seriously!? How can I!? I''m still training to master spear fighting techniques and still not quite ready for a real fight! It''s true that during my training, I sometimes fought against Scathach-sama or Sakuya-san to test my progress. Even so, it was just a mock battle and they weren''t serious! But, this Seven-Headed Dragon asked me to fight against her and defeat her? Give me a break! What''s more, Scathach-sama even said that this Seven-Headed Dragon is stronger than her! "Can you made it easier?" I asked back with a slightly stiff smile. "Hmm...." Not long after, the Seven-Headed Black Dragon''s middle head nodded slightly. "Alright.... Since I already have a connection with you because of the summoning you made, also because I am quite interested in you and this other world, I will give you a relief.... All I ask is that you can take my three attacks with only 20% power which I give. You can block, swipe, hold, or whatever it is to defend. Even you can strike back if you can. If you can take my three hits and not die, I will acknowledge you as my master." Hearing the answer and condition asked by the Seven-Headed Black Dragon, the corners of my lips twitched. "Ehh.... You call that a relief? Hah~...." I sighed and palm my face. "Fufufu.... That''s already very light in my opinion." Give me a break.... She is a colossal Dragon who is even stronger than Scathach-sama. Even if she only devoted 20% of her power to attack, I believe that would be enough to kill a High-class Devil or even an ordinary Ultimate-class Devil. And I have to survive that? I wonder. "Can I get someone else to help me?" And hearing my question, the Seven-Headed Black Dragon''s middle head seemed to shake her head slightly. "Not directly." "...." I was silenced hearing her answer. So basically I have to do it myself? Hmm.... "Why are you silent? Are you afraid? I don''t want to have a mediocre master, you know." The seven heads of the Seven-Headed Black Dragon looked sharp and grinned slightly at me. And seeing that, I can only frown. Then, I crossed my arms and held my chin and then thought and studied about this ''eligibility test'' and its conditions. Because she said I could only be ?ssisted by other people indirectly, it meant that I could only receive help before the test was carried out and/or other people didn''t act actively. Which means I can receive advice, hints, and the like from other people during the exam. But if someone else helped me deal with the attack or saved me, it would be considered a failure. She would only do three attacks with only 20% of her strength. And the main condition she asked for was that I didn''t die after holding off three of her attacks without anyone else''s intervene. Can I succeed? Hmm.... Wait! Not dead? That''s right! How can I forget that!? I have a chance! I have the super regeneration of the Infinity Star Flame! No matter how badly injured, as long as it''s not fatal to the head and heart, I will survive! Now I''m confident and optimistic that I have a pretty good chance of succeeding! Wait a minute! No wonder Scathach-sama, Sakuya-san, and Tannin-san are silent! Since the main condition that was asked for was that I could survive and not die, they remained silent and didn''t mind because they were pretty sure I would succeed! Putting the Seven-Headed Black Dragon aside, Tiamat-sama and Penemune-san probably also knew about my capabilities because as the watchers ?ssigned to look after the three of us, they were also informed about my Infinity Star Flame. Haha.... It turns out that of all the people who are here and know me, it seems like myself is the one who is hesitating and not confident in my capabilities. I slightly smile wryly after realizing that. Then, I went back to talking to the Seven-Headed Black Dragon. "Do we have to do it now?" "Not really. I''m not in a hurry. Besides, you still seem a bit exhausted. We can do the test once you''re fully recovered and in the best condition." "Okay.... Do I only have one chance at this eligibility test?" "No. You can try again as long as you''re alive. But if you keep pushing yourself to try and fail, then you should just forget about making a contract with me. I don''t like people who don''t know their place. So you should consider the best of your chances before taking my eligibility test." Hearing that for this eligibility test I could prepare myself first and that I could try again if I failed, I breathed a sigh of relief. "Huh~.... Great. A week later then." "A week? All right.... Then I''ll sleep here while you prepare." After that, the Seven-Headed Black Dragon seemed to lower its seven heads and then closed her eyes. Tannin-san and Tiamat-sama seemed to be talking for a moment using a foreign language which was probably Dragon Language and then they flew away. Then, me and the others headed to our camp. ?? ?? ?????????????????????????????????? ?? ?? What Rey and the others don''t realize is, shortly after Tannin arrived, someone else had arrived. That person was a little girl with long black hair. However, she did not approach them and just floated silently in the distant sky watching them. "...." And, after Rey and the others disbanded, the black-haired little girl stared at the Seven-Headed Black Dragon who was lying with her eyes closed. "...." Not long after, the little girl with long black hair also left and disappeared. Although none of Rey and the others seemed to have noticed the little girl with long black hair until she left, there was actually one figure who had noticed the little girl with long black hair from the start, the Seven-Headed Black Dragon. But the Seven-Headed Black Dragon keep silent and pretended not to know because the little girl with long black hair was just silent and didn''t come over. And after the little girl with long black hair had gone away, the seven-headed black dragon opened her eyes and stare at the sky the little girl with long black hair had previously been. "Ouroboros too, huh...." The Seven-Headed Black Dragon said briefly and then closed her eyes again. ?? ?? ?????????????????????????????????? Chapter 21 - 21 - Armor and First Round ?????????????????????????????????? ?? ?? A week has passed since I summoned that Seven-Headed Black Dragon. And I have also fully recovered from the side effects of the summoning. During this week as well, I have prepared myself both physically and mentally for the contract test that I will receive from the Seven-Headed Black Dragon. Apart from that, Scathach-sama, Sakuya-san, and even Penemune-san also gave me advice and hints on what to do in order to pass the test. And finally, this day has arrived. We headed to the place where the Seven-Headed Black Dragon was located about 1km from our camp. And when we got there, we saw that the Seven-Headed Black Dragon was still lying asleep. Also, there are other two Dragons here, namely Tannin-san and Tiamat-sama. We''re not surprised to see the two of them here. That''s because they did come back a few days after the Black-headed Dragon had fallen asleep. It was likely that they were here just to keep things from getting into trouble like the other High Dragons came and bothered the Seven-Headed Black Dragon. After I got closer to her, the middle head of the Seven-Headed Black Dragon slowly opened its eyes. "It is time?" The dragon asked me. I nodded firmly. "Yes." "Are you sure you want to do it now?" "Yes!" "Hm~.... I like your determination. Fine." After that, the other six heads also opened their eyes and then the Seven-Headed Black Dragon get up. Seeing that the Seven-Headed Black Dragon and I were about to start, Scathach-sama said to Sakuya-san. ".... Sakuya, help me make a barrier." Then Scathach-sama walked away from me and the Black-headed Dragon. And hearing Scathach-sama''s order, Sakuya-san nodded. "Yes, Scathach-sama." Then, Sakuya-san looked at me and smiled. "May fortune be with you, Rey-sama! I believe Rey-sama will succeed!" "Rey." "Hm?" I heard Tannin-san calling out to me and I looked up at him. "I don''t know how strong this Lady Black Dragon really is. But surely she is stronger than Tiamat and much stronger than me. Even so, I''m sure you have a chance!" Tannin-san said seriously to me. And hearing his statement, I nodded firmly. I know that the Seven-Headed Black Dragon is very strong. Even Scathach-sama also said that the Black Dragon is stronger than her. And I also realized it myself from the after effects of summoning the Black Dragon. When I summoned Scathach-sama over a year ago, my energy was so nearly exhausted that I finally fell unconscious for a week. And when I summoned that Black Dragon, my energy was also drained until almost empty even though in the end I didn''t fall unconscious, whereas over the past year or so, my energy volume and capacity have continued to grow and are much bigger than before. That alone was enough to prove that the Black Dragon was stronger. Tannin-san then nodded back at me. "I''ll be on guard outside the barrier." Then Tannin-san flapped his wings and flew away. "Then I''ll also guard the surroundings.... Good luck, Rey-kun!" Penemune-san also said encouraging me and flew away. "I want to see what you can do...." Tiamat-sama said coldly to me. But I think she gave me encouragement too. I nod at her. Then, Tiamat-sama also moved away. Before long, the barrier seemed ready. Right now, it is only me and the Seven-Headed Black Dragon who are here. The others maintain a distance of about 500m or outside the barrier. "Kukuku.... It seems you are expected a lot by them.... I hope you didn''t disappointed me too." ?? ?? ?????????????????????????????????? ?? ?? I faced the Black-headed Seven-headed Dragon with a distance of about 50m between us. "Are you ready?" The Seven-Headed Black Dragon asked me. "Wait...." After the purple-black flame ouroboros appeared and floated above the palm of my right hand, I directed it to move around my body in a ¡Þ and the purple-black flames covered my whole body from head to toe. Then, I concentrated on "condensing" the fiery purple-black flames that enveloped me all over my body and exclaimed, "Condense!" "Hm? What a hot flame.... And, why do I also faintly feel ''her'' aura from that flame? Is it because of that flame ouroboros? Kukukukuku.... You''re really very interesting, boy...." While I was concentrating, I faintly heard the Seven-Headed Black Dragon say something. But because I was focused on concentrating, I didn''t really think about it. Before long, the purple-black flames that enveloped my entire body "condensed" and changed into an armor-like scorching purple-black flames with coiling ouroboros of purple-black flames! "Infinity Blaze Armor!" This <> is one of my training results! Apart from training to master spear martial arts techniques and combat, I also practice controlling and manipulating my Infinity Star Flame. And as a result, I can use the Infinity Star Flame to use it alongside the weapon and/or use it as my special armor! Because the Infinity Blaze Armor is formed from the Infinity Star Flame, this armor has the function of accelerating regeneration if I''m injured. Besides that, this armor certainly has a very high temperature! Even iron will melt in no time if it comes in contact with this armor! So ordinary weapons will be difficult to penetrate this armor! So, this is a super armor with auto-regeneration and auto-defense main functions! "I am ready!" "Hm.... Alright. Let''s start!" The middle head of the Seven-Headed Black Dragon nodded. Then, the head to the right of the middle head appears to open its jaw. Then, in front of the gaping jaw, a black dot appeared which then grew bigger and became a black fireball about 3m in size. "Kukukukuku.... I wonder if your fire can withstand my fire.... Try it!" The middle head was chuckling and shouting to me. Then, the right head from the middle threw the black fireball towards me! The black fireball quickly flew towards me! I was on standby and prepared to respond. And after the black fireball arrived at a distance of about 5m from in front of me, I swung my spear which was covered in purple-black flames towards the black fireball! *clang!!! My spear which was covered in purple-black flames collided with the black fireball and I also tried to tighten my grip and stance to defend! "Aaaaahhhhh!!!!!" Strong! Very strong! Also very hot! Even though I was using the Infinity Blaze Armor which was formed from extremely hot flames, but I felt the heat from the black fireball penetrating my armor and felt up to my skin! Even though I only felt the heat but it didn''t cause any injury, that alone was enough to prove that the black flames were no less powerful than my Infinity Star Flame! The <> is a flame that comes from the combination of the 9th ranked of 23 Heavenly Flames and ''Snake'' from Dragon God Ophis! But that Black Dragon''s Black Flame can match it!? And what''s more, that Seven-Headed Black Dragon only used 20% of her full power! Then how much will it be if the Seven-Headed Black Dragon exerts 100% of her power!? "Aaaaahhhhh!!!!!" I continued to endure the heat and pressure from the black fireball. About 1 minute later, I felt the heat and pressure reduced. I also saw that the black fireball seemed to be slowly shrinking. It looked like the black fireball was starting to weaken. Then, I tried to push back with my spear and tried to deflect the black fireball! "Aaaaaaaaahhhhhhhh!!!!!" But, just as I was trying to do that, suddenly the purple-black flame ouroboros that were coiling around my body, pounced towards the black fireball and coiling around it! And then, I saw that black fireball seem to get smaller and smaller while the purple-black flame ouroboros which was constantly coiling around it got bigger and bigger! W-What does this mean? Why did I feel like my purple-black flame ouroboros were preying on that black fireball? Something like that can be done!? "Hoh~.... Flame devours Flame? Very interesting...." I heard the Seven-Headed Black Dragon was also impressed by what happened. About 5 minutes later, my purple-black flame ouroboros seemed to have finished and the black fireball disappeared. And then, the purple-black fire ouroboros looked as if they were belching in satisfaction and then shrank back and coiling around me again in. "...." I''m speechless. "Kukukukuku.... Your flame are truly interesting. If I am not mistaken, your flame can become stronger if it absorb or combine with other flames or other energies. Is that right?" Hearing the question from the Seven-Headed Black Dragon, I let out a sigh. "Hah~.... Right." "Kukukukuku.... Very interesting. Then, I''ll give you a seed of my flame if you can pass this test." ".... Thanks." ?? ?? ?????????????????????????????????? Chapter 22 - 22 - Second Round and Third Round ?????????????????????????????????? ?? ?? "Alright.... Second round! Are you ready?" Hearing the seven-headed dragon''s question, I adjusted my breath then took another stance and drew my spear. "I''m ready!" After I said ready, the middle head of the Seven-Headed Black Dragon nodded slightly. And then, just like in the first round, one of the heads of the Seven-Headed Black Dragon opened its jaw. But this time, it was the head to the left of the middle head that did. Then, in front of that gaping jaw, appeared a black vortex point which then got bigger and bigger. After that black vortex appeared, I felt the air as if being su?k?d at it! And before long, that black vortex turned into a black ball of wind about 3m in size. "This time is Wind.... Taste it...." The middle head of the Seven-Headed Black Dragon said and then the head on its left spouted the black windball at me. The black windball quickly flew to me and I responded by swinging my spear when it nearly in front of me! "Haaaaahhhhh!!!!!" A collision ensued and I was trying to stay strong and hold on! Guh! Very strong! If in the first round I felt the heat from the black flames, in this second round I felt the turbulence that was tearing apart! Fortunately, my Infinity Blaze Armor was able to hold on and protect me. But then, suddenly... I faintly heard a cracking sound! And then, I saw that from my spear that was holding up the black ball of wind appeared a crack that was slowly spreading! "Not good! Why at a time like this!" Realizing that my spear would not last long and would soon be break, I really worried. But right now, all I can do is try to hold on as long as possible! "Haaaaaahhhhh!!!!!" While I continued to hold on, the cracks in my spear got worse. And in the end, my spear was broke and I was hit directly by the black windball and blew away! "Aaaaahhhhh!!!!!" I bounced up to several dozen meters and then my body hit the ground and fell! And then, I saw that black ball of wind continue to float past me until it slowly faded into the distance. "Rey-sama!" "Rey!" Shortly after the black wind ball finished fading and I fell, I heard Sakuya-san and Scathach-sama shout from a distance. "Hey, boy.... You still alive?" Besides them, I heard the voice of that Seven-Headed Black Dragon too. And hearing them, I tried to get up. I used my hands to get up to propped myself and then sat down. "So strong.... Gaahhkk!" Even though I was already protected by the Infinity Blaze Armor, the impact of that black windball blew me away made me slightly injured internally and vomited blood! Then, Sakuya-san who looked worried ran over to me. "Rey-sama, are you okay!?" Sakuya-san asked me with a worried tone and expression. Even so, actually Sakuya-san didn''t need to worry too much because my injuries weren''t that bad and would be able to recover in just a few seconds thanks to wearing the Infinity Blaze Armor. But, well, maybe because Sakuya-san is a perfect maid, she wanted to confirm it directly. And because I understood her concern, I answered her. "Yeah.... I''m fine...." Hearing my answer, Sakuya-san have a sigh of relief. ?? ?? ?????????????????????????????????? ?? A minute later, after I felt my internal wounds have healed, I stood up. Then, I looked at the Seven-Headed Black Dragon and said to her, "Let''s continue...." Hearing my words, Sakuya-san frowned slightly in worry. But in the end she remained silent, smiled a little, and turned back away. Meanwhile, the Seven-Headed Black Dragon seemed to be grinning slightly after hearing my statement. "Hoh~.... You still want to continue? That''s good. I like that. But it looks like you''ve lost your weapon. Or are you going to do it empty-handed?" Hearing the Seven-Headed Black Dragon''s words, I frowned slightly. To be honest, I don''t have a problem if I have to do it empty-handed because I''m still wearing the Infinity Blaze Armor. But I also hesitated a little because I guessed for the next third round, it''s likely that the Seven-Headed Black Dragon will deliver a stronger attack than the previous two rounds. That''s because, in the first round it was a flame duel and the result was that I was able to survive without the slightest injury and even got a little bit ahead because my flame devours her flame. In the second round, she used a wind attack and as a result my spear was destroyed, I was blown away, and sustained an internal wound even though it was only a minor wound and in the end I was able to recover quickly and was able to get back on my feet. For the next third round, it was likely that she would use an elemental attack that could suppress my fire. After all, in the beginning after I summoned her, she said that she was a spirit that had more than one attribute and that had been evident from the previous two rounds. If she was going to use an attack that could suppress or penetrate my flame armor for the third round, I doubt whether I will be able to survive even though I''m sure that I will be saved by Scathach-sama and/or others if my life is in danger. But that also means I will fail this test. And, I will surely disappointed if I have to fail at the last moment like that even though I can try again next time. ".... Try this!" While I frowned in thought, I heard Scathach-sama''s voice from far away. And when I looked up at her, I saw her red spear flying towards me! Seeing that, I understand what she meant. Surely Scathach-sama wasn''t throwing the spear at me to attack me or kill me, but rather lending her beloved red spear, Gae Bolg Alternative, to me! Even though this means I am being helped by other people, it''s not a problem because I received help indirectly and before the round starts. So, this is not considered a violation of the test and will result in disqualification. Then, I jumped up and stretched out one hand to catch the red spear. After that, with my two hands, I moved to swing and rotate the red spear then took a stance and drew the red spear. "I''m ready!" I said sternly looking at the Seven-Headed Black Dragon. Then, the middle head of the Seven-Headed Black Dragon nodded slightly at me. "Hm. Alright.... This is the last and the strongest! Good luck, boy!" After saying that, I was a little surprised that the middle head of the Seven-Headed Black Dragon herself opened her jaws and not another head! Even so, I will still face her attack! Then, in front of the open jaw of the middle head, just like in the previous two rounds, appeared a black dot which then changed shape to become like a black ball rotating and getting bigger and bigger. But, this time it looks like the element of the black ball is water! And shortly after the black waterball was about 3m in size, the Seven-Headed Black Dragon''s middle head spouted her black waterball at me. The black waterball quickly flew towards me and I responded by swinging my spear! "Haaaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhh!!!!!" A collision ensued and I was trying to stay strong and hold on! Guhhh! I feel the black ball this time is truly stronger than before! If in the first round I felt the heat from the black flames, in the second round I felt the tempestuous black wind, then in the third round I felt the immense current pressure from the black water! And even though my Infinity Blaze Armor was able to defend and protect me, I saw little by little my flame armor being eroded! But fortunately, it looks like my purple-black flame can still match the black water and as a result my armor doesn''t wear out. After all, the Infinity Star Flame was a Godly-level flame from the combination of a Heavenly Flame and Ophis ''Snake''. In addition, the red spear, Gae Bolg Alternative, also showed that it was truly a Godly-level spear with no signs of being damaged or even scratched at all! Because I was able to hold on, I took an initiative to try to push back. I channeled the purple-black flames from my armor onto Gae Bolg Alternative and attempted to counterattack by burning and vaporizing the black waterball! I got the idea to do this after the first round was over. Since my purple-black flame could devour other flames and/or annihilate them, I thought that maybe my flame could burn and annihilate other elements as well. And I intend to try that idea in the second round. But before I could do that, my spear destroyed first and I was blown away. So, I can only postpone it for the third round. "Buuuuurnnnnnn!!!!! Haaaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhh !!!!!!!!!!" I tried my best to hold on and pushed back. And as a result, I faintly saw black steam rising from the black waterball which meant that little by little my Infinity Star Flame managed to evaporate the black waterball. "Hoh~.... Really interesting." I heard that the Seven-Headed Black Dragon seemed impressed by what I did and the results. ?? ?? ?????????????????????????????????? ?? ?? About 15 minutes later.... * clang Gae Bolg Alternative''s red spear slipped out of my right hand and then I collapsed. "Hahh.... Hahh.... Hahh.... Hahh...." My breath is wheezing and I feel very exhausted. And in the sky, I stared at the final black steam slowly fading. Looking at that, then raised my right hand, clenched it, and said, "I win...." I did it. I managed to hold on to the end and even managed to counterattack! I finished this test! As I looked up at the sky and felt touched by my victory, I saw suddenly the seven heads of the Seven-Headed Black Dragon appeared above me and looked down at me. "Great! Really great! You passed! It''s not in vain that I am interested to you! Kuhahahaha!" The Seven-Headed Black Dragon laughed and grinned at me. Meanwhile, I also feel relieved to get the real confirmation from her. ?? ?? ?????????????????????????????????? Chapter 23 - 23 - Truth of The Test and The Dragons True Form ?????????????????????????????????? ?? ?? I finally passed the test of the Seven-Headed Black Dragon. And after that, as usual, Sakuya-san immediately came over to see how I was. "Rey-sama, are you okay?" Sakuya-san asked me, and I still lying down answered her. "Yeah.... Just very exhausted." Then, with understanding, Sakuya-san handed me a bottle of drinking water and I drank it up. Meanwhile, Scathach-sama opened the barrier, and then she and Tiamat-sama also came over. And before long, Tannin-san and Penemune-san who were guarding outside the barrier also returned. Then, because I was so exhausted, I felt like sleeping at the same time as recuperating. "I''m so tired. I want to sleep a little." I looked at Sakuya-san and said to her. "Understood, Rey-sama." Sakuya-san gave a small nod, then took out a mat from the Storage Ring, then spread it near me. Then, with the rest of my strength, I crawled towards the mat and then lay down. Then, Sakuya-san sat next to me, then smiled softly at me and said, "Rey-sama, if you please...." Sakuya-san lightly patted her th??hs. Seeing that, I understood what she meant. She invited me to sleep leaning on her ??p. Even though I was a little shocked, there was no reason for me to turn down her offer. After all, Sakuya-san was only showing her care for me as usual and wanted to make sure I could rest comfortably. Then, I shifted closer to her, rested my head on her ??p, and then closed my eyes and sleep. ?? ?? ?????????????????????????????????? ?? ?? Shortly after Rey fell asleep on Sakuya''s ??p, Scathach looked at the Seven-Headed Black Dragon and asked, ".... Are you really giving 20% ??of your strength?" Hearing Scathach''s question, Tiamat nodded slightly and then joined in to say to the Seven-Headed Black Dragon. "Nn. I''m not sure you really put up 20% of your strength...." And hearing their words, Sakuya looked quite surprised, while Tannin and Penemune who were previously outside the barrier looked a little confused. "Kuhahahaha!!!! Found out, huh...." The Seven-Headed Black Dragon laughed at their words and expressions. "But, I wonder how could you two realized it?" With a sharp gaze, the Seven-Headed Black Dragon asked them back. At her question, Scathach replied, ".... Because I know you are stronger than me, I can feel the aura from your attack power that you can''t be really put up 20% of your strength while testing Rey. Otherwise, I''m sure Rey will be much more distressed to withstand your attacks or even not able at all.... Originally, when you said the conditions of your exam, I''m pretty sure Rey had a pretty big chance of succeeding. But, when Rey decided to take your exam with just a week''s preparation, moreover he just spent his energy to summoning you, I ?ssume Rey is going to fail the test this time and he will realize that he was too hasty. And after realizing that, he will choose to strengthen himself first before trying again next time when he''s sure he is strong enough to withstand your attacks.... But I didn''t think that when the exam happened, you turned out to be more restrained than you said. And from that I suspected you purposely let Rey win." "I also agree with her.... And as a Dragon, from the start I felt your aura after being summoned by that kid and seeing you, I know you are stronger than most other Dragons...." After hearing the reason for their conclusion, the Seven-Headed Black Dragon nodded. "Hm. So that''s how it is. You guys are right.... Actually, I only used less than 5% of my strength to test this boy. After all, from the beginning I had intended to make a contract with this boy because he is very unique and interesting.... My aim to give the test and say I would put 20% of my strength was purposely to test this boy''s determination and guts. And the result, he didn''t disappoint me." After listening to their conversation, Sakuya was even more surprised. Tannin and Penemune were also surprised after understanding what happened. "Kukuku.... If I really exert 20% of my strength, the lakes and mountain ranges around here could be destroyed, you know.... Because I am the embodiment of disaster and calamity. Even the world can be destroyed if I am serious." The Seven-Headed Black Dragon said with a sharp gaze. ?? ?? ?????????????????????????????????? ?? About an hour after I slept, I finally woke up and recovered. After that, I stood looking at the Seven-Headed Black Dragon. "Are we going to make a contract now?" Hearing my question, the Seven-Headed Black Dragon nodded and said, "Alright. But before that, I''ll show you my true form." "True form?" Does that mean she''s currently using a disguise or something? I was a little surprised and confused by the Seven-Headed Black Dragon''s statement. Scathach-sama and others are the same. "Yes. All you see right now is just a simple form that I usually use, so now I will show my true form.... Kukuku.... Don''t be surprised, boy~." After she said that, the Seven-Headed Black Dragon gradually seemed to enlarge! And as it continued to grow, from the base of its neck appeared five more necks and heads! Then, from all the heads which now numbered twelve, appeared two twin curved horns! Before long, the Twelve-Headed Black Dragon stopped growing. "Kukuku.... This is my true form. Surprised?" The Twelve-Headed Black Dragon grinned and said to us. "Wha-Wha-Wha-Wha-Wha-Wha!!!!!!?????" What in the world is that!? I was dumbfounded and speechless seeing the true form of the Seven-Headed, no, the Twelve-Headed Black Dragon. No. It''s reasonable we were so dumbfounded. After all, the Black Dragon''s previous form was a Seven-Headed Black Dragon about 100 meters long. But this time, it was a Twelve-Headed Black Dragon, with twelve pairs of horns, and length about 1500 meters from head to tail! From the size only, it was about fifteen times than it was before! And we thought the previous form was already very large and colossal in our eyes! In addition, now her head also increased by five and had horns. Of course we were astonished! "Kukuku.... There is more...." The Twelve-headed Black Dragon grinned again and said. After that, a black light appeared to appear and enveloped her entire hyper-colossal body. Then, the black light as well as the Black Dragon''s body seemed to gradually shrink. After only two meters in size, that black light faded and disappeared. And this time, what we saw was a m?tur? woman who looked young, with golden eyes, pointy ears, long black hair, twin horns, and a black tail on the back of her h?ps. "Kukuku.... This form is more practical for interacting.... So, what do you think of my true form?" The woman chuckled and asked about our impressions. "V-Very astonishing." I answered with a slight stutter as I was still dumbfounded by her transformation. "Hmph...." Scathach-sama didn''t answer and just acted coldly as if she didn''t care. "You are the biggest Dragon in this world right now...." Tiamat-sama coldly made her impression. "The Dragon with the largest size before you is one of the Dragon Kings, Midgardsomr. Even then, its size is only about 500-600 meters. But, you are about three times bigger than that. Hah~...." Tannin-san sighed as if giving up after making his impression. Meanwhile, Sakuya-san only slightly shook her head and Penemune-san seemed to be smiling wryly. ?? ?? ?????????????????????????????????? Chapter 24 - 24 - Contract and Black Dragons True Identity ?????????????????????????????????? ?? ?? "Then, me as well...." Suddenly, we heard Tiamat-sama say that. Then, we saw that Tiamat-sama seemed to be enveloped in a light blue light and was slowly shrinking. Before long, the light faded and a woman appeared. The woman looked beautiful, with snow-white skin, pointed ears, long light blue hair, and dark blue eyes. Apart from that, she also wore a long sky blue dress which added to the coldness of her aura and appearance. Could this be..., "Oh? So this is your another form?" The Black Dragon Woman said and I also realized that the woman is the humanoid form of Tiamat-sama. If in her Dragon form she is a Western Dragon with celestial blue scales, then in her human form, Tiamat-sama is a woman who also has a light blue theme. Hearing the Black Dragon Woman''s question, Tiamat-sama gave a small nod. "Yes. This is my other form. Usually I only use it when I come to places that are too small for my true form...." The Black Dragon Woman nodded slightly then looked at Tannin-san. Hearing her question, Tannin-san slightly shook his head. "Indeed I can transform into a human-like form. But I very rarely do it and more often to just reduce my size when necessary." "Oh, well every person has their own preferences.... Anyway, speaking of Dragons, can you guys tell me a little about Dragons in this world. Also, there are another High Dragons besides you two, right?" Hearing that Black Dragon Woman''s question, Tannin-san nodded. "In this world, Dragons are one of the strongest races in existence. And among the highest and strongest Dragons, leaving the Evil Dragons aside, there are 5 Dragon Kings like Tiamat and 6 if including myself, above us are 2 Heavenly Dragons, and above them both is 1 Dragon God and 1 True Dragon.... Before they were sealed, there was no one in this world who could match or defeat Two Heavenly Dragons except Dragon God and True Dragon. And from the very beginning, we were sure enough you are at least equal to the Heavenly Dragons or even more, Lady." "Hmm.... I see...." After listening to Tannin-san''s explanation, the Black Dragon Woman seemed to be holding her chin and thought for a moment. Then she looked intently and asked, "The Dragon God or True Dragon, is she a little girl with long black hair?" """Hm?""" "A week ago, not long after the two of you came, a little girl also came but was only observing from a distance. I sensed that she was Ouroboros. And during this boy''s test, from his flame I faintly felt the aura of Ouroboros which was the similarly as that little girl''s." Ouroboros? Wait! Isn''t that!? "What!? Ouroboros!? You mean Ophis!? She appeared!?" Tannin-san exclaimed and looked really shocked! "I didn''t expect Ophis to show herself too...." Tiamat-sama seems to frown a little. "Ouroboros Ophis showed itself. And it looks like Ophis''s form this time is a little girl with long black hair. This is different from the last report that Grigori knew.... Looks like I have to report this to headquarters." Penemune-san also looked worried. ".... I didn''t realize her at all." Scathach-sama also seemed to frown and clenched her fists slightly. "I didn''t realize either, Scathach-sama.... And if I''m not mistaken, Dragon God Ophis is the strongest existence in this world, right?" Sakuya-san also seemed to frown. Not only them, I was also very surprised by that Black Dragon Woman''s statement that Ouroboros appeared. Dragon God Ophis was the one who gave to me. And she appeared near me again without me noticing!? Meanwhile, I heard the Black Dragon Woman seemed to be muttering. "So her name is Ophis.... I''ll remember." ?? ?? ?????????????????????????????????? ?? ?? After a while, we were finally able to move on from the shock of Ophis''s appearance. The Black Dragon Woman said to me and then walked closer. After facing me, the Dragon Woman stretched out one hand to me. "Give me your hand." Hearing what she said, I stretched out my right hand and then she grasped it. "What is your name?" "R-Rey Rofocale." I feel a little nervous because she is the first person I have seen that can transform into a human-like form but having horns and a tail like her. Apart from that, I also felt a little nervous since this Spirit Contract was arguably my first familiar contract too. What''s more, what will become my familiar is a very strong Dragon Spirit. Regarding familar, I was previously told by Mephisto-sama that having a familiar is one of the fundamental things for Devils. At that time, Mephisto-sama also showed me his familiar which was a creature in the form of a red-blue snake. He also said my mother also had a familiar in the form of a black dove that was used to send emergency messages for Mephisto-sama to save me. Apart from that, Mephisto-sama also explained to me what are familiars and their functions. Familiars are supernatural beings who are bound magically with Devils as servants or allies. Familiar can be used to help in various things such as gathering information, conveying messages, or other things. Anyway, besides that, a Devil can have more than one familiar. Devils can also summon their familiars whenever and wherever they want. Depending on the species, familiars can have different powers and functions. One example is of course the Black Dragon Woman who will be making a contract with me at this time. We will tie a spirit contract with her main task is being my weapons. "Kukuku.... Take it easy, boy. I won''t eat you, you know~." The dragon lady chuckled realizing that I was a little nervous. And I can only smile wryly at her teasing. After that, she looked at me more seriously. "Alright.... I''ll start by pouring energy into my hand to connect with you and then saying the . After I''m done, you follow what I''ve done and just answer with a vow similar to what I said. That''s all. Got it?" "Mm." I quite understood what she meant, so I immediately nodded without thinking. The Black Dragon Woman also nodded lightly seeing that I understood what she meant. After she said that, I saw from her hand that was gripping mine, appeared a black light enveloping her. ".... > ...." Disaster Dragon Spirit Queen? Kulshedra? Is that her true identity? Hmm.... "Don''t just daydream! Your turn!" While I was still thinking about that Black Dragon Woman''s true identity, I heard her remind me. I also realized that the Dragon Woman was finished and now it''s my turn. "Ah! Yes!" Then, I started to channel energy into my right hand which is connected to her. And after the energy that looked like purple-black flame enveloped my right hand, I said my contract vow. "Um.... > .... I-Is that enough?" Hearing my hesitantly question, the Dragon Woman nodded slightly. "Yes." Then, in our two connected hands, I saw two energies in the form of black light from her and the purple-black flame from me seemed to be coiling up with each other and getting brighter, until finally about a minute later the two coiling energies faded away and disappeared. Then, that Dragon Woman smiled at me. "The contract was successful.... Kukuku.... Please treat me well, My Master~." Uhh.... I felt a little awkward suddenly being called "Master". I smiled wryly and answered her. "Yeah, please treat me well, too." ?? ?? ?????????????????????????????????? ?? ?? After the contract was successful, I noticed on the back of my right hand that there appeared a black circle emblem with a black snake with twelve heads in it. "What emblem is this?" I noticed that the black emblem seemed to glow a little black too. "That is the as proof that I am bound to you." The Black Dragon Woman answered me. "Oh, I see...." Then I saw the black emblem, the Contract Seal, stop glowing. Then, I remembered something while doing our contract vows before. "Ah! You previously called yourself the Disaster Dragon Spirit Queen Kulshedra? Is that your true identity?" I looked at the Black Dragon Woman, Kulshedra, and asked her. And hearing my question, Tannin-san and Tiamat-sama looked puzzled. "Kulshedra?" "Disaster Dragon Spirit Queen?" Not only the three of us, Scathach-sama, Sakuya-san and Penemune-san also looked wondering. And seeing our expressions that seemed to ask for an explanation, Kulshedra chuckled. "Kukuku.... That''s right. In my original world, I am the strongest Spirit, incarnation of disaster, and world-destroying calamity. Besides that, I am also considered the sign and harbinger of the beginning and the end of the age. If I wake up, the age and the world will end with my own hands. If I fall asleep, the age and the world will soon start again with civilization. Because of that, I am also called Ouroboros of End-Start Cycle. Because of those hidden facts, only the six Elemental Lords who know about me.... I had ended the ages before and then fell asleep, until you summoned me, My Master. Honestly, I never thought when I woke up again I would be in another world. Kukukukuku.... Also, because I''m an Ouroboros too that I can realize that the little girl that you guys called Ophis is an Ouroboros too. Even though it seems like the concept of our power is different." Whhhhhhhhhhhhhhaaaaaaaaaaaatttttttttttttttt!!!!!!!!!!!!?????????? Harbinger of Calamity and World Destroyer!? What have I done!? I summoned an existence like that and now that I''m under a contract with her!? And moreover she is an Ouroboros too!? Does that mean she is possibly isn''t any less powerful than Dragon God Ophis!? What the heck!? Not only me, the others were all shocked by her confession. After all, it was truly mind-boggling. It will be strange if there were no people who weren''t stunned after finding out the truth about her. While we were still dumbfounded and frowned with worry at her confession, Kulshedra chuckled again. "Kukuku.... Relax. Even though I wake up, I have no intention of causing trouble. After all, I''m just an in this world." Hearing that, we feel more relieved. But then.... "Except..." Hearing her say "Except...", I asked nervously. "E-Except?" Kulshedra grinned and answered. "Except you want to cause calamity to end the ages and destroy the world, you can call me. Kukukukuku...." I hope that never happens! ?? ?? ?????????????????????????????????? Chapter 25 - 25 - Black Dragons True Abilities and Weapon Forms ?????????????????????????????????? ?? ?? After we seemed calmer from the shock of knowing her true identity, Kulshedra gave a small nod. "Now, I will explain about my abilities and the forms of my weapon." Kulshedra said looking at me and I nodded. "Okay." "Firstly, as I explained before, I am one of the who has overwhelming power and possesses which is extremely resistant to magic." "Yeah." "Second, as I said too before, I am also an who has more than one attributes and forms.... For my attributes, I have 8 Attributes namely Water, Fire, Wind, Earth, Lightning, Darkness, Poison, and Quake.... There is actually one other attribute which is Ouroboros. But my Ouroboros attribute is actually the concept of the End-Start Age Cycle as I previously said.... If Ouroboros attribute is activated, then the eight basic attributes that I have will be greatly strengthened and eventually could causing disasters such as drought, wildfire, thunderstorm, typhoon, flood, earthquake, tsunami, volcanic eruption, etc. which can end world civilization. That''s why it''s best not to use it.... The eight basic attributes I have should be strong enough for battle." Turns out she has that many attributes!? I thought her attributes were only three or four including the one she showed before. I didn''t think it turned out to be double what I originally thought. And now we also understand in more detail why she was called . It turned out that she was indeed a bearer of disaster and calamity in the true sense. "Third, there are 12 forms of my forms." "Twelve!? So many!" I was once again quite surprised by her statement. And at first, I also thought her weapon forms was only three or four. "Kukuku.... Of course. I am the strongest Spirit, you know~." "Hold my hand.... One hand or two is the same." Hearing that, I then stretched out both of my hands to hold her hand. "Each of my weapon forms are...." After she said that, Kulshedra appeared to be enveloped in black light. In an instant, Kulshedra disappeared and I grasped a black spear that was almost 2m in total length. ", ..." From the black spear, we heard Kulshedra''s voice. And I also understand that this spear is one of her weapon form. Then, the black spear glowed black, and instantly changed. This time, it turned into a black sword with a single-edged blade about 80cm long. Then, black light enveloped her again and a change took place. This time, it was a black scythe with a hilt of about 1.5m and a blade of about 80cm. ", ..." Then, another change occurred and this time it turned into a large black axe but the handle was about 1.5m long. ", ..." Then, another change occurred and this time it turned into a black staff that was 1.8m long. ", ..." Then, another change occurred and this time it turned into a black, scaled whip about 2.5m long ", ..." ", ..." Then, the change occurred again and this time it turned into something like... I don''t know what to call it. Shaped like a big black gun/rifle? ", ..." Ah, it turns out to be a Cannon. It is likely that its function is like a dragon''s jaw that shoots magic like fireball or other attributes. Then, another change occurred and this time it was twin black daggers with a blade length of about 40cm. ", ..." Then, another change occurred and this time it turned into a black gauntlet. ", ..." Then, another change occurred and this time it was a black longshield about 1.2m high. After that, black light enveloped the black shield and then Kulshedra returned to her humanoid form. "Fourth, even though I am in the form of a weapon, the is still functioning and you will be automatically enveloped in its effects if you use me. So, you will be immune to magic and can also neutralize/break magic.... Besides that, my weapon forms and attributes, except Ouroboros, can be combined freely. So, it''s very flexible and versatile. " ?? ?? ?????????????????????????????????? ?? ?? "Hmm.... I see...." After Kulshedra finished explaining, I nodded. But then, I realized something. I asked, a little confused. The others also looked puzzled. And hearing my question, Kulshedra gave a small nod and then with a more serious look she answered. "Yes.... The last one is .... In this form, you are as though as to merge with me and become my incarnation. I am you, You are me. So you will also be able to use all of my power. Only in this form you can activate and use the attribute Ouroboros which can strengthen other attributes." So the final form is Full-Armor. And only from Kulshedra''s brief explanation and serious expression, I realized that this Full-Armor form was clearly very strong and unusual. "If you want to use the Full-Armor form, I will limit it to 10 levels of Seals. And each Seal will unlock 10% of my strength. Even so, it''s best not to use it beyond the Sixth Seal because it''s too strong and risky." "Why?" "Because, if you exert more than 60% of my strength, the Ouroboros attribute can start to activate and the other eight attributes will be greatly strengthened. But, this will also result in natural disasters and calamities occurring. And with 100% of my strength, if Ouroboros is activated it can strengthen up to 1000%. That''s why it''s best not to exceed the Sixth Seal..... Or, do you want to try it?" Kulshedra smirks at me. "As if!" Seriously! I don''t want to be thought as the world destroyer! .... Even though I myself know I''ve caused an imbalance to the world. How ironic. "Kukuku.... Even though 60% is the highest limit that can safely be accessed from my strength, it would be better if you only use it up to 30-40% at the most. Because, I''m afraid more than that you won''t be able to withstand the impact of my power pressure. After all, my strength is overwhelming.... Just exerting 20% ??of my strength alone is enough to destroy the lake and mountain range there." Kulshedra said at the end pointing to a large lake not far from the camp and also a long mountain range in the distance. And looking at the mountain range in the distance, I was quite wide-eyed. Because the mountain range in the distance was very long and quite high! Perhaps up to hundreds of kilometers in length and an average height of 2000m above sea level! I didn''t expect that with just 20% of her strength, Kulshedra could cause destruction on such a scale. After that, I was silent for a moment and pondered. And after thinking of many possibilities that Kulshedra''s power could bring, I realized that I shouldn''t randomly use Kulshedra''s Full-Armor form. Then, I nodded lightly and with a serious expression I said, "I understand.... Maybe I shouldn''t use the Full-Armor form unless it''s absolutely necessary." After I decided that, the others smiled and nodded. Then, Kulshedra chuckled. "Kukuku.... Very wise. It''s not wrong I chose you.... I also feel it would be better if you do not use the Full-Armor form unless absolutely necessary." Yeah. 20% of her strength is already terrible, let alone more. Hahahaha.... I can only smile wryly at the thought of that. Wait. 20%? Could it be!? "You decieved me when testing me before!?" I asked Kulshedra with a dumbfounded expression. And hearing my question, the others turned their faces away. Meanwhile Kulshedra laughed. "Kuhahahaha! That''s right! I only used less than 5% of my strength to test you before! From the start, I actually wanted to make a contract with you! All I did was just testing your determination! Kuhahahaha!" "Eeeeeehhhhhh!!!!????" What the hell!? ?? ?? ?????????????????????????????????? Chapter 26 - 26 - Two Reports and Azazels Surprise ?????????????????????????????????? ?? ?? The afternoon after Rey made a contract with Kulshedra, Tannin left the camp where Rey and the others were. Meanwhile Tiamat and Penemune remain there to continue to guard and watch Rey and the others. And after finishing dinner, Penemune also asked permission to leave for a while to report and she was allowed. While flying flapping her black wings, Penemune thought about the things that had happened during this week. And she felt that this was one of the most shocking periods of her life. How it can''t be? In this week, some unusual and unbelievable things happened. From Kulshedra being summoned by Rey, the emergence of Ophis, to Kulshedra''s true identity and abilities. It would be strange if there wasn''t anyone in this world who wasn''t surprised by that. So of course Penemune really astonished by that. After feeling far enough from the camp, Penemune landed on the edge of a lake. Then, she used telecommunication magic to make a call. And no need to wait long, the call connects and a male voice can be heard. ''Penemune, what''s up? Is there any problem?'' "Azazel...." Right. The one Penemune contacted was Azazel. The Governor of the Grigori, fellow Fallen Angel Cadre like Penemune, and the person who ?ssigned Penemune to keep an eye on Rey and the others. After that, Penemune started talking. "I don''t know if this could be considered a problem because nothing actually happened. But I''m afraid big trouble could arise if we''re not careful." Penemune seemed to frown slightly after saying that. ''Hm? What do you mean? What''s the matter? Did something happen to them?'' Azazel sounded a little confused because of Penemune''s somewhat contradictory statement. ''But what?'' Penemune hesitated to speak, but in the end she sighed and spoke. "Hah~.... A week ago, Ophis appeared and observed us without us noticing." With a more serious tone, Penemune immediately made one of her reports. ''Heh~.... So Ophis appeared.'' Azazel sounded impressed by Penemune''s report. Hearing that Azazel sounded as if what she had just reported was some interesting amusement, Penemune furrowed her brows slightly. Meanwhile, Azazel was not heard speaking after that. ''"............"'' ''Whhhhhaaaaattttttt!? Ophis appeared you said!? Why don''t you report it sooner!?'' Azazel exclaimed in surprise after realizing that Penemune had just reported something very unusual. Azazel was very surprised because he knows Ophis rarely shows herself. And if Ophis shows herself, then there is something that she is attracted to or related to. And the last news that Azazel knew about Ophis appeared was when she appeared to give to Rey. But even then, no eyewitnesses truly saw Ophis because Rey himself was unconscious at that time. Hearing Azazel''s surprise, Penemune sighed again. "Hah~.... I told you, didn''t I? We weren''t aware of it at all. Even Lady Scathach didn''t. And we were just know it today." Penemune said while touching her forehead. Then, the two of them fell silent for a moment again. And not long after, Azazel''s voice let out a sigh as if to give up. ''Hah~.... Then? Is that all or is there something else?'' ''Little girl with long black hair?'' Azazel sounded somewhat wondering. He also fell silent for a moment and seemed to be thinking. Penemune is also silent and does not interrupt. Because the last information they have about Ophis''s form is that she takes the form of an old man. ?? ?? ?????????????????????????????????? ?? ?? Not long after, Azazel spoke again. ''There is one thing I don''t understand. How did you know Ophis appeared if you guys didn''t notice? '' "That''s another thing I want to report.... The one who noticed Ophis'' arrival was a new figure summoned from another world by Rey Rofocale." ''What!? Again!?'' Azazel was once again surprised by the report from Penemune. And then he also sighed again as if to give up. ''Hah~.... Can''t that kid just quiet for a moment. It was only a few months ago that he made a summons. Hah~.... Then, what kind of person was summoned this time?'' "That...." Hearing Azazel''s question, Penemune hesitated to speak again. ''Now what? Is there a problem again?'' "I don''t know.... I don''t know if this is a problem because it''s still safe at the moment. But what is certain is that the person who was summoned this time could be a big problem." Penemune seemed to frown after saying that. Azazel sounded even more confused and wondered what kind of figure Rey was summoned this time. Then, Penemune finally answered and told him who was the figure summoned by Rey this time. "Her name is Kulshedra. Rey-kun called her because he wanted a weapon that can change shape as needed. And Kulshedra is a being called a Spirit Weapon in her home world. Spirit that can transform into a weapon." ''Heh~.... Spirit that can turn into a weapon? Interesting....'' Hearing the report about Kulshedra, Azazel this time truly sounded impressed and interested. But then he spoke again and this time with a more serious tone. ''But surely that''s not what to worry about, is it?'' Hearing Azazel''s question, Penemune agreed. "Yes. What I''m worried about is.... Kulshedra is a Dragon and Ouroboros from her original world. And in her home world, she is the incarnation of end-time calamities and and world destroyer. And she claims she already done ''her job'' a few times once ago." After that, the two of them fell silent again. "''................''" A few moments later.... ''Ahahahaha! That''s so funny, Penemune! .... Thank you! It was quite lightening after getting tense because of Ophis appearance.'' Azazel laughed and thought Penemune was joking with him! And hearing Azazel''s response like that, Penemune frowned. "Azazel, do you think I will joke about the fate of the world?" Penemune said in a slightly irritated and cold tone. And Azazel finally realized that Penemune was not kidding. ''Oi, oi, oi, oi!!!! Isn''t that bad!? Just one Ouroboros was troublesome enough for this world! And now another world version of Ouroboros has come to this world!? What the heck!?'' "That''s what I''m worried about too." Azazel sounded exclaimed in surprise and panicked a little. But then, he tried to compose himself. And after calming down, he spoke again. ''Hah~.... Then, what''s the situation right now?'' Hearing Azazel''s question, Penemune answered. "Right now it''s still safe and there are no problems. She made some sort of familiar contract with Rey-kun and became his weapon. Besides, Lady Kulshedra also said she had no intention of destroying this world because she was just an . So for now It''s still safe. But if she feels offended by something, I''m afraid catastrophe will happen." Hearing Penemune''s explanation, Azazel was silent for a moment. Then, Azazel spoke again. ''.... I understand. Send me a more detailed report on Ophis''s appearance and about... Ehh... What''s her name again?" "Kulshedra." ''Yeah, that.'' Hearing Azazel''s order, Penemune nodded slightly and accepted. "I understand.... I''ll send you a detailed report in an hour latest." Then, Penemune remembered something. "Azazel, Tannin asked you to report this to Mephisto Pheles as well." ''.... I understand.'' "All right. That''s all." ''Yeah. Thanks.'' After that, Penemune cut off the telecommunication magic connection. Then, she started making written reports and sending them to Azazel about half an hour later. ?? ?? ?????????????????????????????????? Chapter 27 - 27 - The True Lucifer and The Fake Lucifer ?????????????????????????????????? ?? ?? While Penemune started working on her written report, Azazel who was in his private lab seemed to frown. "That kid really can''t stop surprising people, huh.... Ahahahaha." Azazel laughed wryly after once again realizing that Rey is truly exceptional. *clack Suddenly, Azazel heard the sound of the lab door opening and was followed by the sound of approaching footsteps. Then, a child sounds spoke. Hearing that voice, Azazel turned his head and he saw a boy with silver hair who seemed to be ten years old approaching him. "Ah, Vali.... Yeah. I was just contacted and received a report from my colleague who was doing a secret mission." Azazel wasn''t surprised by the appearance of the silver haired boy and answered him. Azazel wasn''t surprised because, that silver haired boy, Vali, did live in Azazel''s private lab after Azazel brought him here a few days after Rey and the others left. And Vali is the descendant of Lucifer whom Azazel and Mephisto Pheles have previously talked about! As for why Azazel brought Vali to his private lab, the reason is because Azazel trained Vali to master and control his Sacred Gear. Besides that, Azazel is also observing and researching his Sacred Gear as well. Meanwhile, Vali''s Sacred Gear in question is one of the Longinus Sacred Gears, namely Divine Dividing! And the Divine Dividing is one Longinus who sealed one of the Two Heavenly Dragons! That''s why Azazel is very interested in Vali. "Secret mission?" Hearing Azazel''s answer, Vali seemed to be wondering. But soon he seemed indifferent. Vali asked Azazel. "You can eat alone. I still have work to do after this." Azazel replied while waving his hand as if sending Vali away. And seeing Azazel''s response, Vali let out a sigh. "Hah~.... I will just eat a cup noodle then." "Oi, Vali! I told you not to eat too much noodles! Are you not afraid you can''t grow taller!?" Azazel exclaimed in rebuke. But Vali doesn''t care. "Tch.... Whatever. It''s a food too.... And I like noodles." Meanwhile, Azazel seemed to be holding his temple. "Hah~.... What''s wrong with kids these days. So troublesome." ?? ?? ?????????????????????????????????? ?? ?? An hour after being contacted by Penemune, Azazel received written reports regarding Ophis'' appearance and about Kulshedra from Penemune and sorted them out. After being sorted out, Azazel sent the latest information regarding Ophis to the Grigori headquarters. Azazel doesn''t dare to report about Rey because right now the existence of Rey and the others, including many things about them are still considered too risky if too many people know. Even for the mission of watching and guarding Rey and the others, in the Grigori there are only four people who know. Namely Azazel himself, Penemune who is currently carrying out the mission, a Cadre who did a mission before being replaced by Penemune, and finally a Cadre who is also the Vice-Governor of the Grigori. While outside the Grigori, only Mephisto Pheles, Tannin, and Tiamat know quite a lot about Rey and the others. There are actually the Four Demon Lords who already know about Rey, but they only know a little of what Mephisto Pheles has told them. After finishing sorting out the reports, Azazel used telecommunication magic to contact someone. And before long, the call was connected and a voice was heard. ''Azazel, what''s wrong?'' Hearing a response from him, Azazel spoke straight to the point. "Mephisto, can you come to my lab right away? There is something very important and very confidential I have to tell you." Right. The one Azazel contacted was Mephisto Pheles. Because except himself, Mephisto Pheles is the one who knows a lot about Rey from the beginning and also he is like a guardian to Rey. Hearing Azazel''s request, Mephisto seemed a little confused. ''Fine. I''ll be right there. '' But in the end he understood and said yes. A few minutes later, a magic circle appeared on the floor of the room and then a red-blue-haired middle-aged man appeared. After Mephisto arrived, without further ado Azazel pointed to the written reports on his desk. "Read it yourself...." And looking at the document that Azazel pointed to, Mephisto wondered even more. Then, he immediately read it. And after reading the contents of the reports, Mephisto looked astonished! "....!!!!!????" "My goodness.... What has he done...." ?? ?? ?????????????????????????????????? ?? ?? Meanwhile, at Grigori headquarters, a male Cadre Fallen Angel with masculine face, brown haired, and silver eyes, looks at the report document that Azazel had just sent on the table. "Hm?" And looking at the report title, he looked a little surprised after seeing one word in the report title. "Ophis?" He looked curious and then opened the report document and read it. And after reading the report, he looks sharply. "Interesting...." And then, he smirked widely. ?? ?? ?????????????????????????????????? ?? ?? Meanwhile, in the Capital of the Devil Territory, Lilith.... The Four Devil Kings sat on their thrones in the Devil King Palace. And, in the throne room, apart from the four of them, there were dozens of other people who were one by one sitting on the two rows of chairs under the podium separated by the red carpet. In one row were the Clan Heads of the 32 still-standing Devil Clans from the 72 Pillar Clans. Each of them are Bael, Agares, Vassago, Gamigin, Amon, Barbatos, Paimon, Sitri, Beleth, Zepar, Sallos, Purson, Naberius, Glaysya-Labolas, Berith, Astaroth, Forneus, Asmoday, Furfur, Stolas, Phenex, Shax, Uvall, Furcas, Balam, Gremory, Oriax, Vapula, Valac, Andrealphus, Belial, and Dantalian. And besides them, on the opposite row of seats were several middle-aged or old looked men sitting. And they could be here certainly not because they were the Devil Kings or the Head of Clans from the 72 Pillars. They were able to be here because they were the Devil Elders and Palace Advisors. And they were led by a Great Elder named Zekram Bael. That''s right. Zekram Bael comes from the Bael Clan and he is highly respected because he is one of the oldest Devils and the Ancestor as well as the First Head of the Bael Clan. After everyone sat down, Devil King Sirzechs Lucifer began to speak. "We thank you because everyone is willing to take the time to attend this meeting." Hearing Devil King Lucifer''s words, everyone nodded slightly. "But before starting this meeting, I want to announce something." And this time, almost everyone except for the other three Devil Kings, Great Elder Zekram Bael, and the Head of the Gremory Clan, seemed to be wondering what Devil King Lucifer was going to announce. Then, Devil King Lucifer seemed to smile. "I would like to announce good news.... My wife, Grayfia, is currently pregnant with our first child." After Devil King Lucifer finished proclaiming that, the other three Devil Kings smiled. The Head of the Gremory Clan also smiled broadly and proudly. And Zekram Bael also seemed to smile a little. Meanwhile, the others seemed quite surprised by Devil King Lucifer''s statement. "Oh? So Lord Lucifer will soon have a child? Congratulations!" "Congratulations, Lord Lucifer! This is good for the future of the Devil race!" "Oh! That sure is an exciting news!" "Right! Congratulations, Lord Lucifer!" "Congratulations!" "Congratulations, Lord Lucifer!" "Congratulations to you too, Lord Gremory!" "That''s right! This means Lord Gremory will soon have a grandchild!" "That''s right. And I believe the child who will be born will be very talented!" "Congratulations! The Gremory clan will have one additional potential heir now!" "Hahaha! That''s right! Looks like the Gremory Clan will be more prosperous!" People congratulated the Head of Gremory Clan as well because Demon Lord Sirzechs Lucifer was his son. So the son of Sirzechs means his grandson. That''s why he is very happy and proud. Several others also seemed to be smiling and congratulating them. Some of the others seemed to act only to appear neutral and calm even though they were also congratulating. But not everyone seems happy with this good news and congratulating. Someone instead looked down grimly and clenched his fists. Even so, he could only remain silent. After the people finished congratulating, the Head of the Gremory Clan smiled and thanked them for their congratulations. "Thank you everyone. On behalf of my Family and Gremory Clan, I am very grateful." Demon King Sirzechs Lucifer himself also smiled and thanked them. "I represent myself personally and my wife is also very grateful to everyone''s congratulations.... Thank you." Hearing Demon Lord Lucifer''s words, peoples nodded. After that, Demon Lord Sirzechs Lucifer continued speaking but with more serious expression. "Now, we will start the meeting.... The main topic of this meeting is: Promotion Request to High-Class Devil for a Certain Child." ?? ?? ?????????????????????????????????? Chapter 28 - 28 - Request Granted and The Decree ?????????????????????????????????? ?? ?? 6 months have passed since I summoned Kulshedra-san. It''s nighttime now and Scathach-sama, Sakuya-san, Kulshedra-san, Penemune-san, Tiamat-sama, and I are sitting around the campfire. We sat enjoying a hot drink after dinner talking about my training evaluation today. Currently, I am progressing more and more in my training. And after six months of training using Kulshedra-san as my weapon, I already quite adapt now. And the form of the weapon I used the most was of course the Spear form. Although sometimes I also dabble in other forms of weapons except for Armor. And during these six months, I also developed my own fighting style collaborating with Kulshedra-san as my weapon. Right now, I''m trying to create my own fighting style by combining the spear technique I learned from Scathach-sama and the attributes from Kulshedra-san and/or my Infinity Star Flame. A Fighter that combines Weaponry Skill and Magic like that is generally called . While we were talking about the progress of my training, a magic circle suddenly appeared on the ground not far from where we were sitting. And after seeing the magic circle pattern, I was a little surprised because I''m familiar with it. "Mephisto-sama?" That''s right. That magic circle pattern is Mephisto-sama''s. But I also wonder how could he knew we were here. And before long, from that magic circle, appeared a red-and-blue-haired middle-aged man who''s surely the Mephisto-sama himself. "Good evening, everyone. Sorry I suddenly came to intrude.... And Tannin told me the coordinates of your camp in case you were wondering." Mephisto-sama greets us. Then, Sakuya-san and I stood up and greeted him back. "Good evening, Mephisto-sama." Then, Sakuya-san moved to get a chair. And, before I invited Mephisto-sama to sit down, I intended to introduce him. Certainly not to Scathach-sama since she already knew Mephisto-sama. And it''s not Penemune-san or Tiamat-sama either because it seems like they already know and have met Mephisto-sama. I want to introduce Mephisto-sama to Kulshedra-san. Then, I started introducing them to each other. "Mephisto-sama, this is Kulshedra-san.... Kulshedra-san, this is Mephisto Pheles-sama." After introducing each other, Kulshedra-san looked at Mephisto-sama as if to appraise him. "Hm~.... So you are Mephisto Pheles. I''ve heard a lot about you from Rey and the others." After Kulshedra-san finished speaking, Mephisto-sama put one hand on his ?h?st and gave a small bow to salute. "It is a p???sur? to meet you, Lady Kulshedra. And also an honor for me to know you." Kulshedra-san chuckled and nodded lightly in response to Mephisto-sama''s greeting. Thanks she went back to sipping her tea. After that, I invited Mephisto-sama to sit on the chair that Sakuya-san had just taken out. "Please sit down, Mephisto-sama." "Aye." And after Mephisto-sama sat down, Sakuya-san served a cup of tea that she prepared when I introduced Mephisto-sama to Kulshedra-san. "Have some tea, Mephisto-sama." "Thank you, Sakuya." Mephisto-sama received the tea from Sakuya-san and take a sip of it. And after Mephisto-sama finished sipping some of his tea, I spoke again. After I asked that, I saw Mephisto-sama slightly sighed. "Hah~.... I''m here to let you know about your previous request." Seeing his sigh and coupled with hearing his answer, I frowned slightly. "My previous request? You mean about Evil Pieces? Is it not permitted?" Honestly, if my request was not granted by the Palace, even though I wasn''t that surprised, I would still be quite disappointed. But then, Mephisto-sama slightly shook his head. "No. Your request was granted.... However, this decision could only be reached after going through quite a tough tug-of-war negotiations." "Hah~.... That''s great.... But, after tough negotiations, huh...." I sighed with relief to hear that my request was granted by the Palace. But also frowning again to hear the negotiations for my request quite tough. Mephisto-sama nodded slightly then explained. "In the several meetings to discuss your request, they also discussed your background, your potential to reach Ultimate-class at a very young age, and also that you have a Longinus Sacred Gear even though I didn''t tell them what Longinus you have.... The Four Devil Kings are your mother''s old friends and believe in your potential, so they are on your side and support you.... But most of the members of the Council of Elders object because they fear that you are too risky because of your identity as Rofocale and also that you are considered too strong for a very young half-breed. Meanwhile, the Heads of the 32 Pillar Devil Clans who are still standing partly support, partly object." "I see. Hah~...." With my situation being quite complicated, it was understandable that there were differences of opinion regarding people''s attitudes towards me. ?? ?? ?????????????????????????????????? ?? ?? "Your request was granted, but there are several conditions that you must fulfill." "Conditions?" I''m not too surprised if there are conditions that must be fulfilled. But still, it makes me frown a little. Well, it can''t be helped, isn''t it? My situation is quite complicated after all. But, I also hope the conditions asked are not too hard. "I will tell it along with the conclusions and results of the meeting." Hearing Mephisto-sama''s words, the others and I tried to listen more carefully. Then, Mephisto-sama took out some kind of scroll of parchment sealed with wax and opened it. "First. You, Rey Rofocale, will get a set of Evil Pieces and gain status as a High-class Devil Noble.... You can get promotion to a higher class depending on your merits and/or achievements." The others and I just nodded slightly and were not surprised to hear the first edict. Because that''s indeed my main request. "Second. You, Rey Rofocale, will be granted a territory and you will be allowed to re-establish the Rofocale Family with the status of the Extra Devil Clan." I will get a territory too!? The others and I were quite surprised by the second edict. Because we know that my situation is quite complicated. We previously thought that only obtaining Evil Pieces and being allowed to use the name Rofocale was already very generous to me. But we didn''t expect that I would be given a territory and allowed to re-establish the Rofocale Clan. Though surely won''t be allowed to do the dark path of old Rofocale. "Third. You, Rey Rofocale, will be given enough freedom and discretion. But you still have to follow the Laws and Regulations that apply to today''s Devil System.... If you are found to have committed a serious enough offense, your status as a Devil Noble will be revoked, your territory and ?ssets will be confiscated, and you will be jailed. And if the offense you commit is considered very serious, you also could be sentenced to death." I just nodded slightly and weren''t surprised because this third edict was indeed something quite normal. "Fourth. You, Rey Rofocale, or anyone from your Family in the future, prohibited to make any form of contact with the Old-Satan Faction without permission." """Hm?""" This time, Scathach-sama, Sakuya-san, and Kulshedra-san looked confused. Surely because they didn''t really understand the fourth edict this time. Meanwhile, Penemune-san, Tiamat-sama, and I are frowning slightly displeasedly. Old-Satan Faction. Mephisto-sama had mentioned that term before. And at that time Mephisto-sama originally thought it was that faction that acted to eliminate my mother. But apparently not after I described the suspect who was then strongly suspected to be Euclid Lucifuge. Mephisto-sama and Governor Azazel have also explained to me about that faction. And after knowing about them, honestly I didn''t really like them. ".... What faction is that?" Scathach-sama representing those who didn''t know asked with a slightly frowned expression. Hearing Scathach-sama''s question, Mephisto-sama sighed and slightly shook his head. "Hah~.... It''s quite long and complicated if I explain it all.... But the point is, they are the remnants of the Old Order of Devil Government that fell after the civil war. And most of them opposed, hated, and/or do not want to follow the New Government and the current New Order era.... I will explain in more detail about this later." Hearing Mephisto-sama''s statement, the three of them who didn''t know about Old-Satan Faction nodded slightly. Then, Mephisto-sama looked back at me and spoke. "Fifth and last but not least. You, Rey Rofocale, must marry a Pure-blooded Devil Noble girl as the legal wife for your status as the Head of a Devil Noble Clan.... For the candidate, you can choose one of the recommended ones later. And you should at least consider who the Pure-Blooded Devil girl you would like to choose to be your fianc¨¦e within the time limit at the latest until you are 30 years old.... This marriage was done to ensure you would be able to have at least one offspring with a Pure-blooded Devil as well as to strengthen your ties to the New Order." "Heh~...." With a flat expression, I''m quite impressed to hear the fifth edict this time. And then, we all fell silent. ?? ?? ?????????????????????????????????? Chapter 29 - 29 - Explanation and Decision ?????????????????????????????????? ?? ?? "WWWWWHHHHAAAAAATTTTTT!!!!!!!????? MAAAAARRIIIIEEEED!!!!???" I exclaimed in surprise and stood up after we had been silent for a moment. "Kuhahahaha!!!" Meanwhile, Kulshedra-san laughed as if this was something funny, Penemune-san laughed wryly, Sakuya-san seemed to only smile a little, and Scathach-sama and Tiamat-sama seemed as if they didn''t care and remained calm enjoying their warm drink. Then, Mephisto-sama nodded slightly. "Yes. Married." "Are you kidding me!? I''m still too young to get married! I''m only 10-11 years old, for good''s sake!" And then, Mephisto-sama held his forehead and sighed. "Hah~.... Anyone also knows you''re not old enough to get married.... And moreover, who said you have to get married immediately? You can only get married after you''re at least 18 years old.... You are not required get married hurriedly. But, you must at least engaged to a Pure-Blooded Devil Noble girl before you turn 30." Hearing that explanation, I let out a sigh of relief. "Huh~.... I see...." Then, I sat back down and tried to calm myself down by drinking my warm tea. Meanwhile, Mephisto-sama continued speaking. "Having the legal wife of a Pure-Blood Devil Noble girl is just a formality for your status as the Head of a Noble Clan. There is no prohibition for you to have another concubine/woman." Hearing that statement, I frowned slightly and crossed my arms. "Hmm.... Even though I have to choose one of the recommended girls, what if they don''t like me or they actually don''t want to be matchmaked? That''s not good, right?" Moreover, currently in my Family there are Scathach-sama, Sakuya-san, and Kulshedra-san. And possibly will keep adding in the future after I get the Evil Pieces. So, if it turns out that my chosen future legal wife is someone who can''t accept other women with whom I have a close relationship and lives with me, or even looks down on them and acts arbitrarily just because she is the future legal wife, I''m afraid that catastrophe in the true sense will happen! That''s why I was quite hesitant and worried. Then, I saw Mephisto-sama sipping his tea again and then talking. "That shouldn''t be a problem.... I will receive, collect, and send data and information regarding the candidates to you later.... Besides, you can also occasionally meet and socialize with them at certain events as well to ?ssess and observing them directly.... And after considering the information and/or observing the candidates, if there is someone that you are interested in or feel suitable, we can ask to do some kind of interview and discussion with them for a further consideration." Hearing that explanation, with still frowning and crossing my arms, I closed my eyes and fell silent in thought. Hmm.... It''s true that if we can get information and observe the candidates, we will be able to consider and choose more carefully. But.... Not long after, I opened my eyes and asked Mephisto-sama. Hearing my question, Mephisto-sama slightly shook his head then spoke. "I''m not sure that none of the recommended candidates will be a good match for you.... But, if truly there''s no one, then it can''t be helped. Possibly, your engagement will be suspended for an indefinite period of time or you can find yourself a Pure-blooded Devil girl that suits you.... Even so, because of your status as the Head of the Devil Noble Clan, you are expected to marry Pure-Bloode Devil Noble girl as your legal wife in the end." "I see.... Huh~...." I let out another sigh of relief after hearing Mephisto-sama''s explanation. Then, Mephisto-sama seemed to chuckle. "Mahaha.... Well, there is no need to rush. Currently you are still 10-11 years old. You have a lot enough of time to consider if you accept this Decree." ?? ?? ?????????????????????????????????? ?? "That''s all the points of decision from Palace. If you are fine with this Decree, you can come to the Palace to take the exam after your training is over.... And I know the conditions that asked may be quite troublesome, but it is also the lightest and the best we can do. We also consider your future to decide this Decree." "My future?" I tilted my head and wondered what Mephisto-sama''s statement meant. Mephisto-sama then nodded slightly and spoke again. "Aye.... Rey, I know your main goal for now is to continue to strengthen yourself so you can avenge your mother''s death. But, what will you do after that? Have you considered it? .... And I know you want to build a Family. But, what will you and your family do after your vengeance is achieved?" "That''s...." I... haven''t think about it. Right now, all I care about is to keep training and strengthening myself so that I can avenge my Mother''s death. I haven''t really considered what my Family and I will do for the future. "You haven''t thought about it, have you?" I can only nod a little at the question. "And that''s why apart from giving you Evil Pieces, the Four Devil Kings and I are also considering giving you Noble status, territory, and allowing you to rebuild the Rofocale Clan.... If you want to build a Family, you definitely need a Home. And for the survival of the Family, you need incomes.... So, since you want to build a Family, you get territory. Then, you and your family can consider developing your territory and setting up a business as a source of income." Hmm.... That''s... makes a lot of sense. Then, Mephisto-sama drank his tea for a moment then spoke again. "It''s true that if you want a place, I can take you to the Grauzauberer. If you want to go back to Azazel''s lab and join the Grigori, surely he won''t refuse either. And the Four Devil Kings and Grayfia also won''t be reluctant to accept you in their family if you are not reluctant.... But, of course you prefer to be independent and don''t want to be seen as ''leeching'' like that, right? That''s why when I was asked to attend for the meeting, I suggested that you be given territory and discretion. That way, you can be independent and not too constrained." That''s right. The others and I are quite reluctant if we have to depends on other people. "Whereas you are prohibited from making contact with the Old-Satan Faction and also being required to marry at least one Pure-blooded Devil Noble girl are the conditions that the Pure-Blood Faction has put forward.... They asked those conditions because of your background as the descendant of Rofocale and your potential to reach Ultimate-class at a very young age. So it is not impossible and it is likely that your strength will be equal to that of a Devil King in the future.... So, if you are not bound by those conditions, they are worried that you will be instigated and used by those who oppose the New Order, especially the Old-Satan Faction, to spark conflict and become their spearhead." That''s a pretty plausible reason too. "So, do you accept this Decree?" Hearing that question, I thought a little. Hmm.... Personally, after listening to all the explanations from Mephisto-sama, I think those decisions are more in my favor. And the conditions put forward are also very light. So, I don''t think it''s really a problem accepting this Decree. But, I also have to consider the opinions of the rest of my Family. "What do you three think?" I asked while looking at Scathach-sama, Sakuya-san, and Kulshedra-san. And they answered. ".... Up to you." Scathach-sama answered curtly and coldly. "Sakuya will support and follow Rey-sama''s decision whatever it is." Sakuya-san answered with a small smile. "Isn''t that easy? Just accept it." Kulshedra-san casually replied and waved one hand as if it didn''t matter. But then, she looked sharply and grinned. "But, if there are people who are looking for trouble with us.... Kukuku.... I wonder...." That''s what I''m most worried about! Hah~.... So, the point is they don''t mind. Alright.... Then, I looked at Mephisto-sama seriously and said my decision. "I accept this Decree." ?? ?? ?????????????????????????????????? Chapter 30 - 30 - Reys Conditions and New Flame ?????????????????????????????????? ?? ?? "I accept this Decree." I said with a serious gaze to Mephisto-sama. "But, I also ask a few things." "Hm?" Mephisto-sama seemed to be wondering realizing that I was asking for a counter conditions. Then, I raised my three fingers. "First, my family and I do not want to be restrained or demanded to do things outside the Decree contents. If we are requested to do things outside the contents of the Decree by the Government and/or anyone else, we have the right to refuse and no obligation for us to comply that request!" It is true that the contents of the Decree are more favorable to me and the conditions asked are also not unreasonable. But, I also want more ?ssurance so that my family and I are not utilized by certain parties later on. I asked for this condition because I was afraid it would be troublesome if there are untrusted parties found out too quickly and/or too much about us, especially our powers, and it resulted in them having fishy intentions. Especially about the Serene Summoning that I have. "Third, if there is an individual or group from any party/faction that has bad intentions or even acts badly on us and we find out, then we have the right to warn sternly or even take direct action!" The third condition is that if someone really acts badly on us, then we have the right to ''protect ourselves''. So, the essence of the three conditions that I ask is, My family and I do not intend to look for trouble with other people, as long as no other people is looking for trouble with us. "That''s all I think.... The conditions I asked for weren''t something hard to accept, were they?" I smiled with a little smirk while saying that. And Mephisto-sama, he laughed after listening to the conditions I asked for. "Mahahahaha! Looks like you have carefully considered this matter." Hearing the question, I nodded slightly in acknowledgment. Even so, I didn''t think that the conditions they put on me would be quite light.... Only the condition for my marriage that was quite troublesome. Hah~.... Then, Mephisto-sama nodded and smiled slightly at me. "Good, Rey. A leader indeed must learn to be wise.... And about your conditions, I know for myself the complexity of the situation of you and your family. So, during the meetings before, I also conveyed things that are essentially the same as the conditions you asked for. It was also considered in the meeting before reaching a conclusion.... And giving you that Decree means that the Palace has no objections. So there is no need to worry." Hearing Mephisto-sama''s statement, I understood that it seemed like I was worrying something unnecessary. And he once again helped me without me asking and expecting anything in return. He really is a good ''Grandfather'', isn''t he.... "That''s so, huh.... That''s good then." I breathed a little relieved. Meanwhile, Mephisto-sama was sipping his tea and spoke again. "Relax, Rey.... Even if you get Noble status, you don''t have to worry about being constrained by politics and so on.... After all, as I said earlier, the status you get is Extra Devil and not 72 Pillars. Extra Devil is quite free and independent because it doesn''t have an obligation to become involved or interfere in Government affairs.... One example is myself." Mephisto-sama is also an Extra Devil. Moreover, he is also an Ultimate-class Devil. But he instead became the Leader of the Grauzauberer Magician Organization and spent more time in the Human World. Apart from that, he also frequently make contact with Governor Azazel even though he also knew Fallen Angel and Devil didn''t get along. "Very well then.... I will convey to the Palace that you accept the Decree tomorrow. After hearing that statement, I bowed to him a little because he helped me a lot. "Thank you, Mephisto-sama." Mephisto-sama nodded slightly then drank his tea again. After that, we talked about things like my training progress, news about Governor Azazel, and other topics until it was almost midnight and it was bedtime. And Mephisto-sama decided he will stay overnight here because he still has other business with me. But we will do it tomorrow. ?? ?? ?? ?? Next day.... After breakfast, as usual I and the others went to the training ground near the big lake. And my training is also continuing as usual. But, about an hour before lunch break, there was a different routine. "Alright.... Rey, now I''m going to measure how strong you are right now." That''s right. Mephisto-sama wants to measure my current strength. Of course, it''s because Mephisto-sama wants to know my progress since leaving Governor Azazel''s lab. "Okay." Then, Mephisto-sama seemed to stretch out one hand and use magic to create some kind of barrier shield. "Now, using only your own strength, attack this barrier wall as hard as possible. Just once is enough." Just using my own strength? Then I have to do it without using Kulshedra-san as my weapon. That''s because even if I only use Kulshedra-san as a weapon without using any of her attributes, there is still the effect of which always functions automatically. And that alone means I don''t just use my own strength. "I understand." I nodded slightly and then took out the Infinity Star Flame. After the purple-black fire ouroboros appeared and floated above the palm of my right hand, I directed it to move around my body in a ¡Þ and the purple-black flames covered my whole body from head to toe. But, my current Infinity Star Flame is different from before. The current flames had a darker purple-black color than before. That''s because, the flame that I have now is results from fused with the black flame given by Kulshedra-san! If the Black Flame is deployed, then natural disasters such as Drought, Wildfire, Volcano Eruption, and others disasters related to the fire/heat element will occur in various parts of the world! .... Even though that would only happen if she, or me while using the form, activated the attribute. However, the Black Flame that Kulshedra-san gave me were only a . So it''s not as strong as the original Black Flame she has¡­. Even so, the Black Flame Seed that was given to me still has the property of disrupting the balance of the fire/heat element even though it''s not too overpowered. And after I fused my Infinity Star Flame with that Black Flame Seed, the result was my Flame became even stronger and the power of was also added. So, now I call this Flame the ! "Condense!" I exclaimed then concentrated on ''condensing'' the purple-black flames that were burning all over me. And before long, the purple-black flames that enveloped my entire body ''condensed'' and transformed into an armor of fiery purple-black flames with an ouroboros of purple-black flame! "Infinity Blaze Armor!" Seeing that it was enveloped by the purple-black flame armor, Mephisto-sama seemed to be smiling impressed and holding his chin with one other hand. "Hoh~.... So this is the Flame Armor in question. Quite clever, Rey.... Alright, you can start." Hearing that, I immediately took a stance. Fortunately, apart from spear skills, Scathach-sama also taught me the basics of hand-to-hand martial arts. So, I''m not that awkward even if I don''t use a weapon. And then, I moved to punch the barrier shield. "Haaahhh!!!!" ?? ?? ?????????????????????????????????? ?? ?? Meanwhile, somewhere else in the Underworld.... "Hm!? I heard something from there! Let''s find out!" ".... Ojou-sama, we have already far crossed the borders of the Devil and Fallen-Angel territory. We better go back." "Hufufufufu! What are you saying? Adventures means has to experience new things!" "... But what if we run into the enemy?" "Relax! The Underworld is very vast. I don''t believe we will be so unlucky to the point of running into enemies! Maybe just monsters roaming around." ".... But what if it really happened?" "...." ".... And people at home would be worried if they noticed Ojou-sama disappeared and went outside the territory." "Sh-Shut up! Anyway, we go!" ".... Hah~.... Don''t blame me if Mistress get angry when we get home later." ?? ?? ?????????????????????????????????? Chapter 31 - 31 - Special Ability and Lacks ?????????????????????????????????? ?? ?? "Haaaahhhhh!!!!" I took a stance and then with my right fist hit the barrier shield as hard as I could! And then.... *crack I saw in the barrier appear cracks that spread after I hit it. But it just cracked and didn''t break. Mephisto-sama who also saw the crack in the barrier, seemed to be holding his chin as if ?ssessing. "Hmm.... Good. Enough, Rey." Hearing Mephisto-sama say enough, I deactivated the Infinite Blaze Armor. Then, the purple-black Flame Armor that enveloped my entire body slowly faded away and after that the purple-black fire ouroboros returned inside my body. Meanwhile, Mephisto-sama removed the cracked barrier and then spoke. "Peak High-class? So Ultimate-class is just a little away?" "Aye.... But, it is also at this point that most people are stuck and can''t break through the walls to climb to Ultimate-class.... To break through that wall, sometimes it''s really hard or sometimes just requires a little push or trigger.... Maybe by gaining new powers, some external help, or even just an inner enlightenment. It varies depending on each person." Hearing that statement, I frowned slightly. But Mephisto-sama just laughed. "Mahahaha.... You don''t have to worry, Rey. I''m sure you won''t have any trouble breaking through that barrier because you have [Snake] from Ophis." Ah, right. I have the [Snake] given by the Dragon God Ophis. Even though now it''s already fused with the Two Flames. Governor Azazel once explained to me that [Snake] is extremely great and pure energy. And thanks to received that, I who was originally only a hybrid and my energy capacity was only Low-class, immediately increased rapidly and was equal to High-class. And until now, my energy capacity was enormous and still growing. "Even so, there''s nothing wrong too if you want to find additional push. Maybe by gaining new power.... Ah! That''s right! I almost forgot about this!" In the middle of his explanation, Mephisto-sama seemed like he had remembered something. I as well as the others were confused and were wondering what he remembered. Then, Mephisto-sama seemed to be looking at me more seriously. "Rey, it is likely that the Rofocale Clan Special Ability in you will wake up soon if you truly inherit it." "Special Ability?" I tilted my head and wondered. Mephisto-sama nodded slightly. "Yes. Some Devil Clans possess certain abilities that only the descendants of their clans can possess." "Oh, I see...." I quite understand and can imagine what he means. Hearing my question, Mephisto-sama seemed to take a deep breath and then answered. "The Rofocale Clan''s Special Ability is ." "?" "Aye.... It is thanks to that ability that the Rofocale Clan used to act as ''Lucifer''s Shadow''. Thanks to that too, not many people know about them and why the Rofocale is also called the ''Hidden Devil Family'' .... And thanks to that ability too, your mother was also unable to be found by us for hundreds of years she''s been missing.... Even though Euclid Lucifuge was somehow able to find your mother. " Mephisto-sama seemed to frown a little when talking about ''that person''. I also frowned at dislike, hearing ''that person'' being mentioned. But I put that aside and became more curious about the Rofocale Clan''s Special Power. "What kind of power is that actually?" Hearing my question, Mephisto-sama took a deep breath. " is the ability to disguise and erase traces. Or precisely are immaterial things such as aura, presence, memory, etc.... It is true that this ability doesn''t really have offensive capabilities, but it is very suitable for dark and secret works like reconnaissance, espionage, infiltration, ?ssassination, etc.... That''s why, I hope you don''t abuse it if you truly inherit that power." I nodded seriously as I understood that power was quite a concern. "I understand." After that, Mephisto-sama let out a long sigh. Meanwhile, I frowned in wonder and confusion. If ability was truly like that, and because of that my mother couldn''t be found by Mephisto-sama or the other Devils, how could ''that person'' find me and my mother? Even though I only found out now about the ability, I''m pretty sure Mother used that ability to hide our traces. Then how did ''that person'' know? Has my mother ever let her guard down and left a trail that ''that person'' finally found? Or is there another reason? ?? ?????????????????????????????????? ?? ?? After we finished lunch, Mephisto-sama left. Meanwhile, I resumed my training with Scathach-sama near the great lake. And while doing some rigorous sparring, I talked to her. "Scathach-sama, what do you think I am lacking right now? .... Hahh!" While asking, I thrust my black spear into Scathach-sama''s stomach. But, she was able to thinly dodge it and answered. While saying that, Scathach-sama swung her red spear from the side to slash at me. I rushed to react and counterattacked. "Water! .... Namely?" I had Kulshedra-san use the Water attribute to parry and then directed it to sweep towards Scathach-sama. Since we are connected by Spirit Contract, we can use some kind of telepathy to communicate. So we don''t have to bother speaking verbally to understand each other. ".... Physical and Speed." While breaking the swipe of water with her red spear, Scathach-sama answered me. And hearing that answer, I was a little confused and wondering. "I can understand if about Speed.... But why is my Physical lacking? Isn''t it since the beginning of training until now it''s been almost two years I''ve also strengthened my physique? .... Lightning! Haahh!!" I asked while leaping and swinging my black spear from top to bottom enveloped by the Lightning attribute. But Scathach-sama was able to parry it and sent me back a little in the air. ".... That''s right. But I only focus on training to strengthen your physique in the first six months of training. And it is only so that you have a foundation." Then, she counterattacked by moving in a circular motion and then thrust her red spear into my left shoulder. ".... And after that until now, I have focused more on training you in spear techniques even though your physique is also slightly tempered. So, I ?ssume your basic physique can still be strengthened." My left shoulder was pierced by her red spear. "Guhh!!!" It hurt quite a bit, but luckily I was wearing the Infinite Blaze Armor, so it healed in an instant. ".... So the point is, in terms of Technique, you are good enough. Physique can still be improved. And if you have a strong physique, then Speed ??can be developed.... But for sure, I mostly only focus on training you about technique. And moreover, in three months I will start to focus on teaching you Rune Magic." "I see...." After my left shoulder recovered, I attacked again. This time, I jumped forward while moving to thrust my black spear into the ground. "Quake!" I did it to make Scathach-sama''s footing shake with shocks. And then, I immediately drew out my black spear and flew in a stabbing stance towards Scathach-sama. "Wind!" I used the Wind attribute to envelop myself and my spear to add force. However, Scathach-sama remains strong and doesn''t want to lose either. She enveloped hee red spear with energy and thrust it out. *clank The two spears collided. And I was slightly blown away by the force of the impact that occurred. "Gahh!!!" But Scathach-sama remains calm and firmly on her feet. ".... You''re still very young, Rey. You have plenty of time to strengthen your physique later." Then, while I was catching my breath, we heard Kulshedra-san, who was previously silent, speak. "Hmm.... Speaking of that, physical indeed can be tempered by training and fighting. But besides that, how about trying to use your Summoning ability to summon an item that might give you new power as well as strengthening your basic physique?" I had told Kulshedra-san about my Serene Summoning abilities previously. So it wouldn''t be strange for her to suggest something like that. But, hearing Kulshedra-san''s words, I frowned slightly and wondered. "Hmm.... Are items like that exist?" "I don''t know. There might be.... Well, that''s just a suggestion.... And even if you use such an item, in the end you still have to train too. As the saying goes; ''An unpolished gem is no different from ordinary rock''." "Hmm.... Maybe I''ll try later." After that, we continued our sparring practice. ?? ?? ?????????????????????????????????? ?? ?? Meanwhile, on the surface of the water at a point in a great lake, two girls were seen riding a large water serpent. Then, the girl sitting at the front suddenly seemed like she had heard something. "Hm!? I heard a fighting sound!" And after stopping for a moment to listen more carefully, she pointed to a direction. "Over there! Let''s go!" Then, the girl ordered the large water serpent they were riding towards the direction she intended. "Hah~...." Meanwhile, the other girl sitting at the back could only sigh. ?? ?? ?????????????????????????????????? Chapter 32 - 32 - Uninvited Guests and Womens Talk ?????????????????????????????????? ?? ?? On the surface of the water in the middle of the large lake were two girls, or rather a little girl and a young woman, riding a large water serpent. The little girl sitting in the front was a little girl who seemed to be seven years old, had short pink hair, and had a sweet face that looked cheerful. While the woman sitting at the back was a young woman with a beautiful face but a firm expression, long black hair, horns, and wearing a maid uniform. "Hm!? I heard the sound of fighting!" The little girl with pink hair suddenly seemed to hear something. She then controlled the water serpent to stop. "Hmm.... Where did it come from?" The girl looked here and there looking for the direction of the source of the sound. And after listening more carefully, she pointed in a direction. "There! Let''s go!" Then, the pink-haired girl ordered the large water snake they rode to head in the direction she intended. Meanwhile, the maid couldn''t help but to just sighed. And a few minutes after they searched for the source of the sound, from a distance they finally found and saw it. They saw two people, a boy with black hair and a woman with long purple hair who both wielded spears, fighting quite fiercely! And seeing them fighting, they were both quite surprised. "!!!" "Ooooohhhh!!!! Amazing! Who are they!?" The little girl seemed to be clapping because she was impressed to see the tight battle which as if accompanied by ''visual effects''. Meanwhile, the maid woman slightly shook her head at the little girl''s question. "I don''t know. But, they are definitely not weak people." "We''d better go, Young Lady." "Eeehhh~.... Why~? I still want to see their fight~." "No can do, Young Lady.... We don''t know who they are. They might be enemies." "Is that so?" "Yes. We''d better leave before they notice we''re here.... No. Most likely they already noticed, but they ignored us because we didn''t bother them.... We''re leaving." "Muu...." With a sullen look, the little girl ordered their water snakes to turn around and then they left. Meanwhile, one of the two people fighting on the shore of the lake, namely the woman with long purple hair, while still fighting seemed to glance briefly at the two uninvited guests who left. ??? ?????????????????????????????????? ?? ?? In the evening, in a castle in the Devil''s territory... A woman with light purple hair walked in a corridor while looking worried. Then, from the intersection at the end of the corridor a pink-haired woman appeared. And seeing the light purple haired woman who seemed to be frowning in worry, the pink haired woman came up to her and asked. "What''s wrong?" "My daughter isn''t home yet." The woman then used communication magic to contact her maid. And a few minutes later, the woman seemed to have finished calling and she told them how they were. "Looks like they''re already on their way home. We''ll just have to wait.... Want some tea?" "Oh, that''s good." Then, they walked towards the garden behind the castle not far from their passage. When they got there, they sat in a pavilion and called the maid to prepare tea and some snacks. And some time later, while enjoying tea and some snacks the two of them chatted. "By the way, what''s new in the capital?" "New news, huh.... There''s been a rumor that the Pillars Clan Heads have been coming to the palace for meetings since the past few months. And after I dig some information, it seems they''re discussing about a hybrid offspring of an Extra that was recently discovered." "Seems like from the Rofocale clan. But I''ve never heard of a clan with that name." "Rofocale? Hmm.... I''ve never heard of either.... Then, do you know the outcome of the meeting?" "Yes. I heard that child will be granted High-class status and Territory." "A newly discovered hybrid is instantly granted High-class status and even Territory? How can that be?" "I heard that child is the only one left of that Rofocale clan. Moreover, he also has a close relationship with Lord Mephisto Pheles and is considered a grandson by him. And, it seems that the child''s late mother was an old friend of the Four Devil Kings. Plus Again, it looks like his strength will soon reach Ultimate-class." "What!? So he''s related to Lord Pheles as well as the Four Devil Kings!? And his strength is almost Ultimate-class!?" "I was also surprised when I heard about it." "Then? Anything else?" "I heard that the Pure-blood Faction asked him to marry a pureblood as a formal wife.... Fufufu.... Are you interested? Putting aside his background as a hybrid, that child is the ideal son-in-law-to-be." "That''s true too." "Instead of your niece, why not you instead?" "Huh? Me?" "Fufufu.... You often say you want to marry a man younger than you, don''t you?" "You''re kidding.... Although I don''t deny that, I am a Clan Head and he will soon become a Head as well.... So, it''s quite impossible." ??? ?? ?????????????????????????????????? ?? ?? An hour later.... "I am home!" In the midst of the two women being engrossed in their conversation, they heard a little girl''s voice. "Oh, looks like they''re home." Before long, the two women saw a pink-haired little girl and a black-haired maid woman heading towards them. "Mama, Auntie! I''m home!" The little girl then smiled and hugged her mother, the woman with bright purple hair. The mother also smiled and hugged her daughter back while stroking her head. Meanwhile, the maid woman bowed to the two women. "Mistress, Milady, I''m back." The two women responded by giving a small nod to the maid. Then, the bright purple haired woman asked her daughter. "Why did you come home late? Where did you go?" "Ah! We went on an adventure to another territory!" "Another territory? Fufufu. Tell me about that later.... It''s time to bath!" "Yes~." Then, the woman with bright purple hair stood up and carried her daughter and then left. After the mother and the little girl left, the pink-haired woman took a cup and poured tea and served it to the maid. "Sit." The maid lady then sat down and took a sip of her tea. "Thank you, Milady." Meanwhile, the pink-haired woman also took a sip of her tea and then asked. "So where are you guys going?" Hearing that question, the maid woman slightly lowered her head and answered. "Sorry, Milady. We crossed the border and into Fallen-Angel territory." "What!? Why are you guys being so reckless!?" "Sorry, Milady. The young lady insisted.... And if I weren''t sure that I could protect her, save us, and/or send an emergency message in case of trouble, I definitely wouldn''t have complied this time." Hearing that answer, the pink-haired woman held her forehead. Then, she sighed. "Hah~.... Luckily, you guys are okay." Then, the maid woman raised her head and spoke again with more serious expression. "Milady, I have something else to report." "Hm? What''s wrong?" "While we were exploring the Fallen-Angel region, near a large lake we found two people having a tough fight. However, it doesn''t look like they are really fighting seriously and is more like sparring." "Two people fighting? Who? Fallen-Angel?" The pink-haired woman frowned slightly as she said her guess. But the maid woman shook her head in denial. "No. They''re not Fallen-Angels." Then, the female maid still with a serious and slightly tense expression said her answer. "They are a child and a woman.... And from my observations, I sensed a Devil aura from the child. But strangely, even though his aura was impure which meant he was a crossbreed, his strength was at least on par with High-class or even nearly Ultimate-class! .... As for the woman, I''m pretty sure she''s not a Devil. However, her aura is very strong and I suspect her strength is at least on par with Devil Kings or even more!" Hearing the answer from her maid, the pink-haired woman looked quite wide-eyed and surprised! Then, she seemed to be holding her chin and wondering. "A Devil crossbreed and a woman from unknown background. And they''re that strong.... Who are they? And why are they in Fallen-Angel territory?" "I don''t know either, Milady. When we found them they ignored us. And when we were about to leave, they just let us go too. So I''m not sure they''re enemies or what either." Hearing the maid''s additional statement, the pink-haired woman became even more curious. But then, she suddenly stood up and stared as if she had remembered something. "Wait! An almost Ultimate-class crossbreed!? Could it be him!?" But then, she shook her head and sat back down. "No. That''s impossible, right? That''s too much of a coincidence.... And after all, why would a Devil be in Fallen-Angel territory?" The woman then fell silent and frowned, looking thoughtful. Meanwhile, seeing the strange reaction of her master, the maid woman asked. "Milady? Does Milady know who they are?" Hearing the maid''s question, the pink-haired woman seemed to nod but then also shook her head. "Maybe yes.... But I''m not sure." They then both fell silent and wondered who the two mysterious people really were. Before long, the pink-haired woman sighed and shook her head. "Hah~.... Never mind. There''s no point in thinking about that for now." Then, she looked at her maid and said. "The day after tomorrow we have a match. Tell the others to gather tomorrow!" "Yes, My [King]!" Hearing her master''s orders, the maid bowed respectfully and then left. Then, the pink-haired woman stared into the distance and chuckled. "Fufu.... I hope we will meet soon... Rofocale-kun." ??? ?? ?????????????????????????????????? Chapter 33 - 33 - End of Training and To The Devils Capital ?????????????????????????????????? ?? ?? More than a year has passed.... During this time, I have completed training in spear fighting techniques and mastered them. Apart from that, I''ve also studied Rune Magic and have gotten into it quite a bit. Thus, it means that I have completed the three years training provided by Scathach-sama and now I''m 12 years old. Shortly after we finished breakfast, a familiar purple Dragon landed in our camp. That Dragon is Tannin-san. I stood up and greeted him. "Good morning, Tannin-san. Why are you here?" Tannin-san nodded slightly. "Good morning. I''m here to pick you up. Mephisto Pheles couldn''t pick you up and send you to the capital because he was already in the capital to prepare things there for you. So he asked me to pick you up." Hearing that answer, I took a deep breath. "It''s about time, huh...." "Yes." Then, Tiamat-san and Penemune-san stood up. "And my task is completed now. I will back to Grigori." I nodded and thanked them. "Ah.... Tiamat-san, Penemune-san, thank you for accompanying us all this time!" Sakuya-san also bowed slightly in thanks. While Scathach-sama and Kulshedra-san each just nodded slightly and smiled. Tiamat-san gave a small nod then turned into a Dragon form. "See you later...." And after saying that short and cold farewell, she flapped her wings and then flew away. Then, Penemune-san came up to me and hugged me. "Fufu.... Thank you too. I''m also quite happy to know and spend time with you guys!" After saying that, she let me go and patted my head with a smile. "Good luck, Rey-kun! .... See you later, all!" Penemune-san then slightly waved her hand to us and then disappeared with teleportation magic. After the two of them left, I let out a long sigh. During our stay together, the others and I were quite close and on good terms with them. So, even though we parted ways, I don''t regret it. Because I believe we will meet again in the future. And they left me a few impressions about their characters too. Tiamat-san has similar traits to Scathach-sama. Namely cold, not very talkative, and firm. Even so, I feel she''s actually quite considerate of those close to her. As for Penemune-san, she''s actually quite a friendly and warm person. Although... she''s also quite flirtatious sometimes. "So, you want to get to the Capital by which method?" "Uhh.... What do you mean?" I asked back slightly confused. "If you want a quick way, I''ll take you by teleportation. But if you want to travel while sightseeing the Devil''s territory first, we can fly while you all ride on me.... So?" Hearing Tannin-san''s statement, I thought a little. Since it looks like Mephisto-jiisama is already in the Capital first, it should be best to get there soon so as not to make him wait too long. But since Tannin-san offered another option, it means that he probably doesn''t mind and it''s fine even if we don''t hurry. "Hmm.... I guess it wouldn''t be bad to take a trip while looking at the sceneries.... What do you think?" I asked the other three. ".... Up to you." "Sakuya will follow whatever Rey-sama decides." It''s decided then. After that, we packed up and then set off for the Devil''s Capital! ???? ?? ?????????????????????????????????? ?? ?? ?"We are getting closer to the capital of Lilith. And now we''re starting to enter the territory of the famous Bael Clan. Bael is considered the number one clan among the 72 Pillars. Bael is also famous for their clan''s distinctive power, Destruction." Several hours had passed since we made our journey by flying with Tannin-san to the capital. "Some of the members and descendants of the Bael clan are the strongest and most respected among the Devils. The ancestor of the Bael clan, Zekram Bael, just like Mephisto Pheles is one of only a few first generation devils who are still alive today. He is also the Great Elder and Palace Advisor in the Devil King Palace. Also, one of the current Four Devil Kings, Sirzechs Lucifer, even though he is from the Gremory Clan, he also has the blood and power of Bael because his mother is from the Bael Clan." "Hmm.... Then they are a clan that has great influence among the Devils." "That''s right. Even there is a faction led by Bael namely the Pure-Blood Faction." *boom!!! *graak!!! *roooaarrrr!!!!! (SFX impact, fallen tree, roar) "Hm? What''s that sound?" While Tannin-san and I were talking about the Bael clan, suddenly there was a roaring sound from a distance. I wonder what''s happening. "Hmm... How strange. This is the outskirts of the Bael clan territory. As far as I know it''s just an uninhabited wilderness." Tannin-san seemed to be wondering too. Meanwhile, Scathach-sama looked curiously towards the source of the voice. Looks like Scathach-sama found the source point and asked Tannin-san to go there. "Well, let''s find out." After saying that, Tannin-san flew towards the source of the sound that Scathach-sama pointed to. ???? ?? ?????????????????????????????????? Chapter 34 - 34 - Bael and Sparring ?????????????????????????????????? ?? ?? Before long, we arrived at a fairly open place in the forest. There, we saw that there were some fallen trees and also... a dead body of an ape-like monster! Besides that, we also saw someone standing near the monster''s body! He was a black-haired boy who was quite tall and burly. Even so, his face still had a slightly childish side to it. I concluded that possibly he was still the same age as me even though he was taller and brawnier than me. Tannin-san then landed about ten meters away from the boy and then me and the other three got off from his back. "Hmm.... Young man, did you kill this ape?" Tannin-san looked at the boy and asked him. "Yes.... Who are you guys?" The boy answered while looking warily of us. "Pretty impressive.... Take it easy, young man. We didn''t mean anything to you. We were just curious because we heard some noise as we passed near here." Tannin-san nodded slightly impressed and then said to relieve the tension. And hearing Tannin-san''s statement, the boy breathed a sigh of relief and seemed calmer. "Hm? Purple Dragon? Could you possibly be Lord Tannin?" "Oh? You know me?" Hearing Tannin-san''s question, the boy seemed to smile slightly wryly and then answered. "I think it would be really weird if I didn''t. You''re a former Dragon King, an Ultimate-class Devil, and ranked in the top ten of the Rating Games after all." "Tahahahaha! That''s true! .... Then, what about you, young man?" "I''m Sairaorg. Sairaorg Bael." Hearing the answer of the boy named Sairaorg, Tannin-san seemed a little puzzled. "Bael? Why is a member of Bael in the outskirts like this?" "I''m here to train. Another reason is... because I was ostracized by my Family." The boy''s expression looked a little gloomy and disappointed as he answered. And hearing the boy''s answer, Tannin-san seemed to frown. "Octracized?" Then he was silent for a moment and seemed thinking. And before long, he looked back at the boy and asked. "Could it be that you''re the first son who couldn''t use magic and didn''t inherit the power of Destruction?" Hearing Tannin-san''s question, the boy seemed to sigh. "Hah~.... Even though I don''t want to admit it, that is the fact. The only power I have is my own body. And from my family, the only one who cares to me is my mother." "I see...." Then, they were both silent. Meanwhile, hearing their conversation just now, I came to a conclusion. Namely, this boy named Sairaorg is from the Bael Clan. However, it turned out that he had no magical abilities and did not inherit the distinctive power of their clan. So, he was considered a failure and ostracized by the Bael Clan. And because he only had his own body, he strengthened himself by forging his physique and fighting against monsters in the forest. From this, it could be seen that he was someone who neither gave up easily nor gave up to despair and was also brave. He''s quite impressive. "By the way, why are you in this forest, Lord Tannin?" "Oh. I''m on my way to take the four of them to the capital." Hearing Tannin-san''s statement, I walked over to the boy while the other three and Tannin-san stayed where they were. And after arriving in front of the child, with a smile I introduced myself and stretched out my hand. "Nice to meet you. My name is Rey. Rey Rofocale." After I introduced myself, the boy seemed to frown slightly and seemed thinking. Well, I can understand and guess what he''s thinking. He must have been confused because he had never heard of a Devil clan called Rofocale. Even so, he finally smiled too then shook my hand and introduced himself as well. "I''m Sairaorg. Nice to meet you too.... Hm?" "You seem to have forged yourself a lot too." I smiled wryly at his words. "Well.... You can''t imagine it." Yeah right.... Every day I get beat up by a Goddess. So, it would be strange if I wasn''t forged! Then, while letting go of the handshake, Sairaorg asked me again. "Do you have time for a sparring?" "Hmm...." Hearing that question, I thought a little. And finally, I decided to accept it. "Okay." "Good!" I accepted the challenge because I wanted to see how I would be able to do a purely physical fight against someone my age. After all, so far I''ve only fought against people who were more m?tur? and more experienced than me. Besides that, even though I''ve been training my physique all this time, I feel like Sairaorg isn''t much different from me when it comes to physical strength even though our statures are quite different. "I''m a weapon user. Is that okay?" "Sure. I have the Phoenix''s Tears my mother gave me." "You have Phoenix''s Tears?" I''m a little surprised Sairaorg has Phoenix''s Tears. Phoenix''s Tears were an item that was popularly used to heal wounds. This item is quite valuable and expensive. Besides, I heard it''s not easy to get this item generally. "Kulshedra-san...." "Hah~.... Yeah~, yeah~...." I looked back calling for Kulshedra-san and she came over to me. "Staff Mode!" "Yes, My Master!" Even though Sairaorg has Phoenix''s Tears, I think it would be better to reduce the risk. That''s why I chose Staff Mode. That way, I can still use the spear fighting style without worrying about getting Sairaorg stabbed or slashed. Then, Kulshedra seemed to be enveloped in black light and disappeared to be replaced by a 1.8 meter long black staff! "Hmm!?" Sairaorg looked wide-eyed and surprised at the phenomenon of Kulshedra-san''s transformation. Even so, he then regained his composure and stepped back a few meters and then took a stance. I also began to take the horses and when I saw that we were both ready, I said, "Start!" ???? ?? ?????????????????????????????????? ?? ?? ? About more than fifteen minutes had passed since Rey and Sairaorg had a sparring fight. The two of them fought quite tightly. The two of them attacking and defending from each other. Their fight is pretty even. And those who watched were quite impressed. "It''s surprising that a child who is also Rey-sama''s age can survive and match him to this extent even if only in physical combat." Sakuya said impressed watching the two of them fight. ".... Yes." Scathach also nodded slightly impressed. They were quite impressed with Sairaorg because they knew for themselves how strong Rey was. Every day they watched Rey''s progress and oftentimes they tested him directly by doing a test fight against him. And for a child who was still twelve years old, Rey''s fighting ability was definitely far more than average of that age. That''s why they were impressed that there was a child who was the same age as Rey who had more than average physical combat abilities. Moreover, they heard that most devils rely more on magical abilities like magic than physical ones. ".... Hm?" Scathach seemed to have realized something. "That''s ...." Sakuya also seemed to notice it. They saw that there was a thin aura covering Sairaorg''s body. And he seemed stronger in attack or defense than before that thin aura appeared. "Touki, huh.... It''s pretty impressive he can use it." Tannin who also saw what they saw, said impressed. Touki or Fighting Spirit is a kind of energy/aura that comes from the physical/body. It was said that it was not easy for someone to be able to use or even be able to awaken their touki. ".... But it looks like it''s still at the elementary level. Even so, for a kid his age, just being able to activate it is enough to prove that he often forges his physical strength very hard and also often fights." "Right.... No wonder he chose to train in this forest. Truly, as far as I know in this forest there are often wild monsters roaming around." ".... That kid is quite good. However, even if this is just a pure martial arts battle without the use of magical abilities, I believe Rey is still superior.... Because, people and monsters are very different. Sooner or later, Rey will be able to find out his opponent''s gaps and weaknesses.... And don''t forget, Rey forged herself by fighting against me or others." "Tahahaha...." Tannin smiled wryly at Scathach''s statement. Because he understood what the Battle Goddess meant. Before long, Rey seemed to be starting to press more and Sairaorg was getting hit more. And not long after, the fight was over. ???? ?? ?????????????????????????????????? ?? ?? ? "See you later, Sairaorg Bael." After that, Rey and the others got back on Tannin''s back and they flew away. Meanwhile, Sairaorg stood staring at the figure of Tannin and those who were riding on him flew away towards the horizon. And in his hand, he held a small ?h?st a gift from Rey. "Rey Rofocale, huh.... Looks like I have to train a lot more." With a firm gaze, Sairaorg reaffirmed his resolve. ???? ?? ?????????????????????????????????