" Sirzechs wasn't able to join us yesterday." Zeoticus commented as he sipped his morning tea.
" Hai. Onii-sama had to do some preparations to welcome the guest from Asgard."
" It appears that Azazel has been actively helping him out." Venelana said in amusement. "It's a wonder. That man is really full of eccentricities."
The other members arrived and the Gremorys greeted them.
"Good Morning, minna. Did you have a good sleep on your stay here?"
" Yes, we did. Thank you, Gremory-sama." it was Akeno who answered.
"Azazel would arrive shortly to introduce us to our training routine. It would last for 20 days and hopefully, we would improve our strength and abilities."
" Hai, Buchou."
" Aish. 20 days? That seems tiring." Issei silently whined and Erin consoled him.
The Fallen arrived at the household and gave a short greeting to Rias' parents.
"Do your best, everyone." Venelena said as the group prepared to leave.
" Before that, won't you give your Father and Mother a hug?"
"Father, stop being embarrassing." Rias said in slight annoyance.
" I wasn't referring to you." He motioned to the Goddess. " I was talking about Erin."
" Wha-" Rias gaped but Erin stepped forward before she can protest.
" Of course, Father." replied the girl in a polite and practiced tone.
Rias' parents hugged her in glee and bid her goodbye with a smile.
" You can just ignore them." Rias lowly said with a blush as Erin stepped back beside her.
"I learned how to deal with persistent people. And the best way to handle them is to just let them be." The Goddess replied with a tight lipped smile.
*(FLASH)*
" What are we doing here?" Issei asked after they were teleported to an open field.
" We are here to send you off. You and Erin-chi."
" What? - "
*(FLAAP!)*
" Whoa, it's that dragon again!" Issei pointed an accusing finger at Tannin.
"I'm here to get the Dragon Emperor and Empress." Tannin grabbed the two by their shirt using his claws and Erissei were caught off guard.
" I-I can fly on my own!" Erin protested while Issei was gawking at height they were in.
" We'll see you after a week, kiddos!" Azazel chuckled with a wave
The rest of the members stared at their disappearance in shock.
" Well then. Shall we proceed to your own training?" smirked Azazel.
Kiba was sent to a swordsman where he will train how to maintain his steady form for longer durations and hone his Balance Breaker too.
Xenovia was advised to continue her rigorous training so she can fully tame the Durandal, a fickle sword that chooses its user. The girl will be needing sheer will to tame it.
Gasper's specs were already high but his fear of people and new persona hinders his power. Azazel sent him to town where he will be forced to mingle with strangers
Asia trained in a secluded place so she can meditate on improving her power. The Healing ability of her gear depends on the user so if she can successfully improve, she would be able to heal people even from a far distance.
Koneko was advised to unlock the power she sealed deep within her. The girl wasn't too fond of the idea and hesitated at this.
" What are we doing here?" Akeno asked Azazel when they arrived at a cliff.
" You'll be meeting someone." He turned away from the girl. "I hope he might be able to help."
Akeno was confused and her expression was replaced with anger once she saw the man standing opposite of her.
" You have to accept your power, Akeno."
" Don't call me that lightly." sneered the raven head to Baraquiel.
" If you embrace your Fallen Angel side, You can wield light to create more powerful lightning attacks."
"It is exactly that reason why I won't be resorting to such move." Akeno replied. "I hate the Fallen Angel race since it reminds me of you. What makes you think that I will follow such advice?"
Azazel observed their interaction with a sigh and he can only hope that Koneko and Akeno can get past their own grudges.
Rias was sent to study on her own. She already has powerful attacks and abilities so she only needed to improve her strategy and decision making skills to guide her group.
"Your hesitation to go all out and instead go emotional is what makes you weak sometimes."
Rias placed her glasses down and massaged her head. Azazel's words bothered her to some degree.
"I'll be improving on that. I just hope that I won't be sacrifing the interest of my peerage just for me to go all out."
----- After 1 Week -----
*(BOOOM!)*
" AH!"
Tannin chased Erissei relentlessly, delivering a fiery flame to burn the two. They have been doing these for the past days and the duo's clothes were already tattered at this point.
" ROOOAR!"
*(BOOM!)*
The attack caused Issei to leap into the air and face plant on the ground. Erin shook her head at this. If Issei can't run faster then he will really get burned to a crisp.
" Move it Baka!" Erin yanked him and pulled him along. They were both running now as Tannin delivered another fire shot.
" H-How long are we going to keep running for our lives?!" Issei shouted between breaths. He already exhausted his speed and energy dodging Tannin's attacks. Day and night, the dragon would ambush them on unexpected times.
Erin fared better when it comes to running because of her speed. She would assist Issei in avoiding the attack especially when Tannin is nearing their range.
" I suppose this is enough for now." Tannin declared as he flew away from the place. Erissei panted heavily as they catch their breath.
"Damned Dragon.." Issei complained. " He has no mercy."
" Why do we always have to suffer the most?" Erin whined in anime-like tears.
*(Ground shakes)*
" Woah, What is it this time?" The two were on alert at the movement. There was a crack appearing on the ground and suddenly, it was split in two which created a hole in the middle.
Erin managed to jump in reflex and when she landed back safely, a young man with black hair and violet eyes stood still and stared at her. He had a rather strong build and tall height.
"You managed to survive Tannin's training for a week now. That's quite impressive."
"If you are an enemy, I must say that I have no interest on fighting you." Erin cautiously said. "As you can see, I am barely in the right attire right now."
The man chuckled and waved her concerns.
" I have no plans on doing that. It is rather inappropriate to fight a lady with tatterred clothes even if you are the Blue Dragon Empress."
Erin squinted her eyes at this. It appears that the stranger was aware of her identity.
"I have observed you for a while now and your natural abilities are impressive. However, I believe that merely relying on those would not be enough to reach someone's full potential."
" Of course it isn't enough." replied Erin in a 'duh' tone. "What good will it make if you don't train hard to maximize your abilities? If this was the case then someone with no in-born abilities have a better shot on succeeding when they train hard to equate for their lack of skills."
The man smiled meaningfully upon hearing these words. He turned around and bid goodbye.
" It was nice meeting you. You might want to check upon the Red Emperor. He looked like he needed some help."
Erin was confused on this so she looked backwards and saw Issei fell on the cracks created through the movements earlier.
" Ano- Erin? Are you there? A little lift here, please?"
The Goddess face-palmed and rushed to the boy to retrieve him out of the place.
- End of Chapter -