The group prepared to teleport to the land where Loki and Fenrir is restrained.
Sirzechs gave Rias 3 vials of Phoenix tears with the precaution that the red head should only use it when extremely needed.
Rias accepted the items and assured the Maou that they would be careful. She then turned to the other members who won't be joining the diversion team.
" It saddens me that we won't be together. But I am leaving you with the defense force here." spoke Rias to Asia and Gasper.
" Hai, Buchou." replied Asia before she faced Issei. "Issei-san. Make sure to come back safely."
"Don't worry. We'll capture Loki and finish our task successfully."
Xenovia and Irina smiled at this and they had their own talk too
"We're teamed up again, Xenovia. Just like old times."
" Ah-Hai. But Irina, though this may sound strange coming from a devil like me- "
"You want to warn me about the danger, right?" Irina interjected. "Don't worry. We'll be fine, tehee."
Saji approached the Goddess and waved a hand at her.
" Hi, Erin-san. It seems that you won't be joining us, huh?"
The Goddess nodded at this
" Yes. My position as a deity forbids me to. However, if things go out of hand, I am free to do as I please which is in line with my responsibility as a devil of the Gremory Household."
"We should probably do our best too seeing that you and the other leaders are doing your best to guard the base here." Saji exclaimed in a determined tone.
Erin smiled at this and gave him a fistbump.
" I'm sure you will. You and the others trained hard for this.
" Right. So even if it is an evil god or whatever, I won't back down. This is for the sake of Kaichou's dream too."
" President Sona's dream?" Erin spoke in confusion and the boy proceeded to explain.
" She wants to make a school in the Underworld where even low devils can participate in the rating game."
" That's admirable. But what does it have to do with this?"
" There are actually a lot of devils that think Kaichou's dream is stupid."
"Hmm. It appears. Devils live in an aristocratic society after all." Erin remarked.
" If we make peace with other mythologies then there is a chance that the hard-headed devil society might change." Saji continued. "And my dream is to become a teacher in Kaichou's school."
" How cute. That's a good dream, Saji." Erin gushed and patted the boy's shoulder. "Having that dream just shows how willing you are to support President Sona and how kind you are as a person."
Saji sheepishly smiled as a faint blush covered his cheeks.
" And that just shows how in love you are to the President." added Erin in mischief which caused Saji to stutter.
" Wha-That's-"
"I apologize for the late introduction." Rossweisse announced which made the group look at her. She was now clad in her battle attire which highlighted her body's attractive features.
"I have come to accompany our great father, Odin. My name is Rossweisse."
"Looking at her outfit, she appears to be a valkyrie." Erin thought as she eyed the woman up and down. "Not bad. I have a feeling that she has powerful abilities."
Issei had a lewd expression as he stared at Rossweisse same as Saji who giddily looked at the woman.
" Damn. She wore a suit last time but what a wonderful form this is!" remarked Saji but Erin wasn't paying attention to his words.
*(Pinch!)*
" Ow ow ow!"
" It is almost time to go, Saji." Sona said as he pinched the boy's cheek. Rias did the same to Erin and the latter protested.
" What did I - Ow! do?"
" Koneko wanted to talk with you." Rias replied while still holding the girl by her cheek.
" Okay okay but release me. I don't even know what I - Ow! did wrong?"
The Goddess massaged her cheek after Rias released her. She glared at the red head before shifting her attention to Koneko.
" Hi, Koneko-chan."
" Senpai. I don't want to have doubts any longer." Koneko replied timidly.
"Please give me courage to fight and not turn away from my real powers."
Erin proceeded to hug her as she assured the girl.
" You'll be fine. You are a strong person and I believe that you will be able to control your powers. Buchou and the others are there to protect you but if all matters fail, I am still here as a last resort. I will protect you at all costs."
Koneko blushed at this and reciprocated the hug.
" Thank you, senpai."
"And the ORC would guide you as well. Isn't that right, Buchou?" Erin asked once she and Koneko separated.
Rias faced them upon hearing this.
" Yes. That's right, Koneko."
" See? You heard it from Buchou." Erin smiled and the mascot girl nodded.
" Erin, don't call me that." sighed Rias.
" Call you what, Buchou?" Erin feigned innocence. She decided to get back at what Rias did earlier.
The red head narrowed her eyes at the Goddess
" That. Stop calling me Buchou."
" But aren't you called that normally?" Erin gave off a confused expression.
"Besides, Buchou sounded nice."
" Erin."
" What is it, Buchou?" smirked the Goddess.
Rias rolled her eyes and walked away causing Erin to chuckle.
" Ara, it seems that Koneko is warming up to you." Akeno said in amusement as she approached the Goddess.
" Well yes. She is my cute plushie after all."
" Does that mean you have stolen her heart as well?" winked Akeno and the Goddess gaped at this.
" A-Akeno!"
"Me too."
"Huh?"
" I want to receive courage too." Akeno said with a cheerful smile but Erin knew what she was really feeling.
" Come here, senpai."
" Ara?"
The Goddess gave her a hug making Akeno's eyes slightly widen at the contact.
" I know that you are also dealing with issues on your own. I just want you to know that I'm here if ever you wanted someone to talk to so your feelings aren't that heavy."
Akeno hugged her back as she tightened her hold.
" Your hugs are really comforting. Arigatou, Erin-chan."
They stepped away from each other when Rias cleared her throat.
" Onii-sama will teleport us in a few seconds. Let's go, Akeno."
The raven head nodded at this and bid goobye to the Goddess.
" Bye, Buchou." Erin called out but the red head ignored her.
" Take care, Erin!" Issei said and the Goddess waved at him.
" I will begin teleporting you now." Sirzechs summoned his power and the members disappeared in seconds.
- End of Chapter -