Short Notice: Long chap ✏ Enjoy reading
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*(Whoosh!)*
Erin noticed Xenovia practicing her sword skills. She decided to drop by her room as she observed the girl in silence.
Xenovia leaped and did a spiral turn as she slashed her swords in the air. She landed gracefully on the floor and was mildly surprised to see the Goddess leaning on the doorway.
" Oh, Erin-san."
" I noticed the lights were on." smiled the Goddess as she entered the room.
" The Game is fast approaching. I have to prepare while I can."
" But weren't you training pretty hard even before the sun went down?"
" Well.. I'm weaker than Kiba." Xenovia said with a hint of sadness. " And I hate to admit it but he has a lot more innate talent than me. Moreover, I feel like I'm the weakest out of us 3 even though we are the same Knights."
" In my eyes, you and Kiba are both amazing." Erin assured. " And don't think that you are weak or something. Just like you said, we 3 are the Knights of the peerage so we should support each other to overcome our shortcomings."
Xenovia smiled warmly at this and thanked the Goddess.
" All right." Erin summoned the Ascalon sword and offered it to Xenovia.
" Here. Use it."
" Huh? But - "
"It may not have the same strength as Durandal but isn't it better than the wooden sword you are using?" Erin said as she glanced at the other sword on Xenovia's hand.
" You sure?"
" Yeah." smiled Erin and Xenovia accepted the sword.
" If you need it, ask me anytime. We are all comrades here and I'll be willing to help my comrades any way I can."
" Comrades...." Xenovia pondered on the word and faced the Goddess.
" Hey, I just want to ask. What are your plans on the long run?"
" My plans?" Erin uttered curiously.
" Hai. I remember the others saying their plans or purpose. For instance, Kiba's plan is to stay by Buchou's side and offer his help to her family. Issei-san is for him to build a harem and declare himself a harem king."
" I see....." Erin looked ahead and voiced her reply. "Until now, I've always been supporting others. My task in Olympus was to follow orders and help the other deities. In our household too, I am tasked to protect and fulfill the client's request."
She faced Xenovia and held a determined look.
" That's why, if I will have a purpose, maybe that would be to help others achieve their purpose too. My plan is to support others and be the help they need in order to advance their dreams."
" I understand.. You are really admirable, Erin-san." Xenovia remarked in adoration.
" So you'll be helping anyone from the Olympus, other beings, and the devil side right?"
" Yes. Especially if they are important to me and are close people."
" In that case, if you are to help a majority of the devil side, why don't you consider forming a peerage?"
Erin blinked in surprise and Xenovia started explaining.
" Forming a peerage?"
" That's right. On your Goddess side, you can already do a lot of things because of your position. However, it would be different on the devil side because you are still considered an inferior devil."
"Hmm. That makes sense." The Goddess mused.
" That's why, in order to help others on the devil side, you should upgrade your position on this aspect as well. If you become a High Ranking Devil aside from your Goddess position, it would be a lot more easier to help in whatever side you choose upon."
Erin nodded at Xenovia's words and the latter placed a hand on her shoulder.
" You need to rise to the top and have a Devil King title too."
"You're right." Erin smiled. " I shall consider that suggestion."
"When that time comes, I'm sure Issei-san would join you on your new peerage. And Asia-chan would take part too."
" Yeah, that's likely. Issei-san did say that we would be Harem partners and promised that we'd always be together. We promised Asia-chan that we'll protect her and be by her side always too."
"Take me with you as well." Xenovia said with determined eyes.
" Wha- You too?" The Goddess was mildly surprised.
" It's more interesting to be with you, Erin-san."
" Interesting, huh?" Erin grew sheepish at the compliment. "Roger. I'll make sure to consider that one."
" I feel like talking with you has really calmed my nerves." Xenovia remarked as she advanced in a quick movement.
She placed a kiss on the Goddess' cheek which surprised the latter.
" H-Huh? Xenovia?"
" A thank you. Should I have done it on your lips instead?"
" N-No, it's fine!" Erin flailed her hands and backed away. " Your g-gratitude has reached me pretty well."
" Is that so?" Xenovia said and stepped closer. The Goddess ran out of the room before she could try anything.
"Well then, G-Goodnight!"
" That surprised me. Xenovia is a formidable opponent. I have to be careful around her." thought Erin as she felt shivers on her body.
_________________________________________
" Have a safe trip, minna." Rossweisse said as the ORC stepped inside the magic circle.
" Do your best, Master!"
" We'll be cheering on you and the others, Lady Erin." Azusa smiled.
*(Flash!)*
" Well, we should head out ourselves." Azazel declared as he approached the remaining members.
" Michael-sama ordered me to go with you to the underworld but...."
" Why are we keeping this a secret from the others?" Rossweisse continued.
" Yeah, Birdie. Why do we have to hide our participation from Master?" Tsubaki narrowed his eyes. " And you even asked us to bring Fenrir with us."
The said wolf emerged from the shadows and sat beside Tsubaki
" I feel bad for keeping a secret to Lady Erin. But I can sense that this is for an important purpose." Azusa remarked in seriousness.
"The ice wolf is right." Azazel shrugged his shoulders. " If nothing happens and our suspicions are wrong, we can just say we came as a surprise and cheer them on."
" But what if something really does happen?" Irina asked.
" Well, I'll just be hated for using them as a bait." Azazel smirked.
" You owe me kilos of that meat, Birdie."
" Heh. Don't worry. I already prepared them for you."
Back to the ORC's view, the group arrived in a barren land with desolate temples floating on a distance.
The group instantly noticed how off the atmosphere was.
" Is this the main battle area?" Erin asked with a raised brow. She has a nagging feeling that something isn't right.
" Strange. There's no announcement from the referee."
" Maybe some kind of problem occured?" Gasper said
*(Flash!)
The group turned around and were surpised to see magic circles appearing in the sky.
" That crest.. It's not from Astaroth." Issei mumbled.
Several magic circles appeared one after the other and Rias motioned for the group to take action.
" Everyone, be on your guard!"
" BOOSTED GEAR!" Issei summoned his gear and the others prepared their weapons and magic.
Rias strengthened her aura as she remembered the crest on the magic circles
"If I'm not mistaken.. this crest.. they are devils loyal to the Old Satan Faction in the Khaos Brigade."
On cue, devils emerged from the circles wearing creepy masks with weapons on their hold.
" So they're terrorists?" Kiba said as he observed the enemies surrounding them.
" The despicable and fake royal family, Gremory." One of the devils announced loudly. " We shall eliminate you here."
" What in the world is happening?" Issei utttered in shock.
They were startled by Asia's scream who was held upside down in the air using Diodora's magic.
" DIODORA ASTAROTH!" Erissei gritted and the man smirked at them.
" Hey there. I'll be taking Asia Argento." He said and held Asia by her foot.
" What are you doing to Asia?!"
" What is the meaning of this?!"
" You are all going to be murdered here by the Khaos Brigade." Diodora said in menace.
" So you've sided with the Khaos Brigade." Rias glared "You're the worst! And you defiled the sanctity of the Game! You deserve death!"
The aura emitted by the red head intensified as she pointed accusingly at Diodora
" Most of all, you dare touch our sweet Asia!"
" Well, have your last struggle against these numbers. During that time, I'll be reunited with Asia at the temple."
Diodora looked crazily at Erissei
" Do you understand what I mean, you filthy dragons?"
" BASTARD!"
*(WHOOSH!)*
The others had no time to react when Erin flew to Diodora and summoned her Ascalon. She stabbed the devil and the latter released his hold of Asia from the impact.
" ACK!"
" Asia!"
Issei rushed to catch the blonde but was surprised when the girl stopped falling in mid-air.
" W-What's happening?"
" Kuh. You stupid.. filth." Diodora glared with blood trailing down his mouth. He clutched his wound and summoned his magic. A barrage of attacks rained down the ORC but the Goddess rushed to act as a shield.
She activated her powers and raised her arms to her side to deflect the attacks, same as what she did during their encounter with Kuroka.
" Gah!"
" Erin!" The members called out in worry but the Goddess focused on glaring at Diodora who retrieved Asia in mid-air.
" You damned devil." Erin gritted despite the damage she suffered. Her ring on her hand glowed as she looked at Diodora with hate.
" Erin-san, pass me Ascalon!"
Xenovia rushed to attack Diodora with with her swords
"Asia is my friend! I won't allow you to do what you please!"
*(Ching!)*
Diodora carelessly used Asia as his shield which stopped Xenovia from attacking. The girl landed back on the ground and glared at the devil.
" You coward!"
Diodora only grinned to spite the ORC. He vanished from the place bringing Asia with him.
*(Flash!)*
" Asia!" Issei cried out while Erin dropped to her knees.
The Goddess slammed her hands to the ground in frustration.
" Erin, are you okay?" Rias said as she examined the damages Erin suffered. The latter stood up and wiped the trail of blood on her mouth. Her upper clothes were also tattered from the attacks.
" I'm fine."
" You need to avoid dealing too much damage at this point." Rias also motioned to the other members. " Asia isn't here with us. It'll be difficult to recover without her healing magic to assist us.
In annoyance, the Goddess ripped the remaining fabric on her upper clothing leaving her with her bra.
" Foolish beings.." she gritted. " How dare you kidnap Asia and threaten to do inhumane things to her."
"Shit. Protect Asia?! We've failed again.. again.."
" Erin, Issei! Focus on the enemies in front of us first!" Kiba declared which snapped the 2 out of their stupor. " We'll save Asia after that!"
" You're right." Erin looked down for a moment. She then held a determined look. " Let's destroy these enemies first."
The enemies aimed their axes and tridents to the ORC.
" These number... I'm not sure if Akeno and I can defend their attacks completely." Rias said in slight worry as she scanned the enemies around them.
*(Flash!)*
"Kyah!"
" Hmm. What a nice ass." Odin remarked as he lifted Akeno's skirt, revealing the girl's underwear. Akeno blushed at his actions and grew uncomfortable.
" This youthful resilience is irresistible." He cupped his chin in thought.
*(Slap!)*
" What the heck are you doing to Akeno, you Old Norse God?!" Erin glared as she swatted his hand away. She held the raven head by her waist and pulled the girl close to her.
" Hoho, gomen gomen." Odin grinned as he backed away from the two.
" Great. It isn't enough that we have to deal with Diodora's maniac attempts. We have to deal with another clone of perversion." Erin thought in anger
" Lord Odin?"
" Lord Odin, when did you get here?" Rias asked.
" We found that Diodora Astaroth was making deals in the dark." Odin replied before turning back to the Goddess.
"Blue Empress, you are really living up to your title of Toppuresu Dragon. It seems that everytime I see you, you are nearly in a topless state." He said in amusement
The Goddess glared harder at the man and she unconsciously tightened her hold on Akeno. The raven head blushed at the contact especially from the Goddess' shirtless state.
" I apologize. I don't mean to offend your girlfriend in any way." smirked Odin.
"Wha-Girlfriend? What are you saying?" Erin uttered in a flustered state while Akeno blushed harder.
" No need to deny anything. Why else would I see the two of you looking around Hotels at broad daylight."
" But that wasn't-
Odin faced away from the two before the Goddess could protest.
" Come now! I am the Great Father of the Norse!" He announced to the enemies. " If you take my head, you will gain infamy!"
The devils looked at each other before delivering a barrage of attacks.
Odin smiled evilly. He summoned his own attack and stomped his staff on the ground.
*(BOOOM!)*
It created a large sphere of energy which increased in size and obliterated the enemies.
" That brat Azazel wanted to take care of them all in one swoop."
" Then this game...." Rias mused.
" We were used as a bait." Erin completed as she stepped away from Akeno.
Odin smirked at their discovery and faced the enemies back.
" Hurry and go. This old geezer will hold the front lines for you. You should consider yourselves lucky."
"But we can't let you fight alone." Erin interjected.
" Oh? They why don't you give me a reward in return. Say, your girlfriend for example?"
Erin was caught off guard and the Norse God laughed at this.
" Hurry up and Go."
Rias motioned for the group to leave and the members followed her.
" Gungnir!"
A tidal wave erupted from the place and a trident emerged from it. Odin grabbed the weapon and aimed it to the enemies, releasing a powerful blast of magic.
" Haha! Don't forget about my reward, Blue Empress!" Odin's voice echoed and the Goddess shouted back in reply.
" I'm not handing her to you! Or anyone for that matter!"
" Erin, is Akeno really your girlfriend now?" Rias asked with a crestfallen look while the group was running.
" That's not the focus right now, Rias!"
" Then what is he saying that you and Akeno are venturing around hotels?!"
" Oh my ghad." Erin face-palmed internally. " Forget about it."
*(Static Noise)*
" Are you all right?"
" Azazel!"
"I'm sure you have things to say, but listen for now! Not only in the field, but even the area around the VIP room, is under the attack of the Old Satan Faction." The Fallen informed via their magic communication circles.
" We planned for this as well."
" Planned, huh?"
" Various units we've placed in the area are fighting back."
Background noises are heard and the flapping of wings which came from the Angel forces.
" Due to the battle plans, I couldn't tell you all what was going on."
" W-What if something happens to us?" Gasper said in worry.
" I'm the strategist of this battle. I will take responsibility."
*(Whoosh!)*
Rossweisse fought in the background, activating a lavender magic circle as she fired multiple blasts. Irina also joined the battle who was in angel form
" Damn right you should!" Erin interjected.
" Well, my head alone might not be enough to quell your anger."
The group stopped in shock as they realized Azazel's implication.
" Then that means..."
" You prepared yourself for death, when you used us." Xenovia uttered.
*(BOOM!)*
"Awooo!"
*(FREEZE!)*
*(Slash!)*
" Don't tell me.. you are in the battlefield right now and you even brought the twins and Fenrir with you?!" Erin spoke in mixed shock and disbelief.
"Anyways, stay hidden until the battle ends. We'll take care of the terrorists."
" We can't hide! Asia.. Asia is kidnapped by Diodora!" Issei protested.
" What did you say?"
" We have to go save Asia right now!" Issei declared in determination.
" Sensei, Asia is our comrade. She's our family! We never want to lose her again!"
" We will go and save Asia." The red head announced. " I have to teach Diodora how foolish it is to take someone from my household!" The other members nodded at this.
" Well, I expected as much. I'll take care of the rest so go and rampage your hearts out!"
" Sensei!" Issei exclaimed in joy.
"Thank you, Azazel."
" Listen, Issei." The boy straightened up after hearing this. " Show that betraying brat the power of the Red Dragon Emperor!"
" Hai! Sensei!"
" And Erin-chi, put that brat on his place by showing the wrath of the Blue Dragon Empress and a deity from the heavens!"
" You don't have to remind me." Erin smirked as her battle-crazed persona emerged. " And don't you dare die in that battle. Make sure to bring my wolves in one piece and yourself for that matter!"
Azazel's laugh echoed in their communication circle.
" So I've been blessed. I'll make sure to bring your words to my heart."
He added a final reminder
" Make sure to bring Asia back, minna!"
" HAI!"
- End of Chapter -