KU DXD Chapter 6 A Trip Through The Town (Patreon)

Kuoh Town, Afternoon

Issei and Lala walked hand-in-hand strolling into the heart of Kuoh’s bustling town plaza, the late afternoon sun casting warm light across the sidewalk. The sun reflected off shop windows in soft gleams, people streamed past them in all directions with bags and snacks, families shopping, students in uniforms sharing snacks and chatting, couples chatting by storefronts, and the smell of crepes drifted through the air.

Lala’s eyes sparkled like gemstones as she drank in the scenery. “Whoa…!! So many shops!” she gasped. “Is this where we’re going, Issei?” Her tail swished behind her in happy, eager waves, luckily many just thought of it as a prop.

Issei chuckled, rubbing the back of his neck with his free hand. “Not yet. We’re heading somewhere a little more… underground.”

“Underground?” Lala echoed, leaning closer with genuine excitement. “Like a secret base?! Hidden tunnels?! Issei, are you secretly a spy?!”

Issei nearly choked. “W–What?! No! No no no! Not that underground!” Though, considering Lala’s inventions… The idea of her actually building a secret base under Kuoh was alarmingly plausible. He shuddered imagining the property damage. “But,” he said with a confident smile, “I promise you’ll like it.”

Lala squeezed his hand tighter. “Okay! Lead the way!”

Issei guided her toward a discreet staircase at the edge of the plaza, half-hidden between a café and a bookstore.

Lala’s eyes lit up again. “Ooh~! A secret passage?” Her tail continued to swish even harder, clearly imagining hidden caverns and adventure-filled tunnels.

Issei laughed. “Not exactly. Just trust me.”

They walked down the stairway together, their footsteps echoing in the descending corridor, until the world suddenly opened up.

The moment Lala stepped off the final stair, her breath caught in her throat.

“WOW!!” Her voice echoed loudly, drawing amused looks from nearby shoppers.

Spread out before them was a spacious underground mall, humming and bustling with even more shoppers. Neon signs glowed overhead with people moving in steady waves through the wide corridors. Dozens of shops lined both sides from fashion boutiques, accessory stands, snack counters, manga and hobby stores, dessert stalls, souvenir kiosks and tucked deeper in the distance arcade lights

Pop music pulsed through hidden speakers. The air smelled like fried food, pastries, and something sweet and buttery from a bakery nearby. Teenagers laughed as they wandered in groups, the sounds mixing with the clicking of shopping bags and chatter from every direction.

Lala spun in place, grabbing Issei’s hand with both of hers as her eyes practically glowed. “It’s like a whole secret human world beneath the surface!” She gasped. “So many shops! So many smells! So many people! Issei, Issei, I want to see everything!”

Issei smiled at the sight. Her excitement was contagious. “That’s the plan,” He said warmly. “We can explore it all.”

They began walking together, passing brightly lit clothing stores, toy shops filled with plushies and figurines, a manga shop that momentarily distracted Issei, and a candy stand whose rainbow colors nearly pulled Lala in like a magnet.

“Issei, look!” She gasped, pressing both hands to the glass. “It sparkles… and it smells sweet… can I have one of everything!?”

Issei tugged gently on her sleeve. “We’ll come back later. Trust me—there are even cooler places inside.”

Lala gasped as if that were the most impossible, wonderful thing she’d heard all day. “Even cooler!?”

“Just wait,” Issei said, puffing out his chest a little. “The best part of the underground is still ahead.”

And so, hand in hand, they continued deeper into the glowing maze of the underground mall.

—-----------------------------------------

Underground Arcade 

Inside the maze of neon-lit shops, one storefront immediately hijacked Lala’s entire attention span.

“ISSEI, WHAT IS THAT!?” She gasped, eyes sparkling as she pointed at the glowing entrance bursting with flashing lights and electronic sounds.

Issei smirked. “That’s an arcade.”

Lala practically vibrated, her tail whipping behind her like an excited puppy. “Let’s go! Let’s go! LET’S GOOO!”

Issei barely had time to say “Wait—!” before she dragged him in.

Lala seized his wrist and dragged him inside with her alien strength.

Inside were bright machines, flashing lights, beeps, and cheerful music. The room exploded into a riot of color and noise as racing machines, rhythm games, shooting galleries, prize machines, and kids shouting triumphantly as coins jingled.

Lala’s jaw dropped. Her eyes sparkled like twin suns. “ISSEI! LOOK! LOOK!!” She squealed, pointing at everything at once. “Racing pods! Air hockey! A machine with stuffed animals trapped inside! Issei, are those prisoners!?”

Issei snorted. “That’s a claw machine, Lala. No one’s trapped.”

“They look trapped!” she insisted. “I’ll rescue them!”

She was joking, hopefully.

“CAN I TRY EVERYTHING!?”

“Sure, but maybe we should—”

She had already grabbed his hand and they were already gone.

Lala sat in one of the driving pods, immediately hitting every wall. Every single time proving how terribly she was driving.

“Waaah! Issei! Why won’t the car fly!?”

“It’s a normal car game, Lala!”

“BUT CARS SHOULD FLY!”

She crashed again.

Issei laughed until he had tears in his eyes.

After the racing game they tried Air Hockey with Lala smacking the puck with such cheerful intensity the table almost shook.

THWACK!

Goal.

THWACK!

Another goal.

Before Issei could blink. “L-Lala slow down—!”

THWACK!

10–0.

Lala cheered. “I’m really good at this!”

Issei stared at the scoreboard, trembling. “I—I never even saw the puck…”

They then were seen at the Claw Machine. Where Lala shook the entire machine like she was trying to save hostages.

Alarmed attendant: “Ma’am! You can’t—! Please stop shaking it!!”

Lala blinked innocently. “But they’re trapped…”

Attendant: “They’re stuffed animals—!”

“THEY DESERVE FREEDOM!” Lala yelled.

Issei had to physically pull her away before they were banned.

The couple continued to look around until they saw the glowing neon sign: LASER TAG ARENA

Issei grinned. “Okay, Lala, THIS is where we can play laser tag.”

Lala gasped as though hearing something unbelievable. “WE GET TO PLAY WITH LASER GUNS!?”

“Uh—kinda. They’re just harmless light shooters. It’s like tag but—”

She did not hear a single word. She had already dragged Issei inside so fast his soul nearly left his body.

Within seconds both had their vests on, were given their guns and Lala was practically dancing in place with excitement

“This looks like something from home!” She squealed.

Issei grinned. “Are you ready?”

“Yes!!” Lala cheered.

The arena door slid open, neon lights shimmering through the fog.

Then GAME START.

Inside the arena, neon lights shimmered through artificial fog. The moment the game started—

Pew-pew-pew!

Lala transformed and disappeared as she zipped across the field in a pink blur. She somersaulted over barriers, dove behind cover, slid across the floor, and giggled every time she fired.

“Ehehe~! Got you!”

“Oops—another one!” 

“Kyaa! This is fun!”

Her laughter echoed through the arena like the giggling of a cheerful sniper.

Issei hiding behind a wall gave some advice to his fiance. “Lala, keep it down or they’ll hear—”

ZAP!

His vest lit up.

“Isseeeei~! I found you!”

“H–HOW!? I WAS HIDING!”

But Lala wasn’t just steamrolling Issei. She destroyed everyone.

“Got you! And you! Oops—another one! Teehee!”

Issei watched in awe and minor fear. ‘How is a girl this cute so good with a gun?! She looks like she’s having the time of her life!’

Two players behind him whispered. “Who is that pink-haired monster!?” 

“She hasn’t missed a single shot!!”

“Bro, I think she rolled behind me—SHE DID, RUN—!”

Issei sighed, muttering quietly. “You’d think finding a giggling pink-haired girl would be easy… she stands out enough…”

When the match ended, the scoreboard lit up:

MVP: Lala – 182 Hits16th Place: Issei Hyoudou — 12 hits

Issei stared at the scoreboard, traumatized.

Lala, glowing with pride, hugged her gun and ran up to him. “That was so much fun, Issei! Humans have such interesting games!”

Issei couldn’t help but smile. “Y-Yeah… interesting…”

They left the arena hand in hand — Lala bouncing happily, and Issei clutching his ribs from laughing too hard at himself.

—-------------------------------------------

As they stepped out of the laser tag arena, walking down the hallway with neon lights still flashing behind them, something interrupted the peace.

Grrrrrrrrouuuul~

Lala froze mid-step. Her tail stiffened like a startled cat. Slowly… very slowly… she looked down at her stomach.

Issei blinked.  “…Was that—?”

Lala’s cheeks turned pink. “Ah… I guess I’m hungry…”

Luckily right beside them was an all-you-can-eat buffet restaurant, its large sign shining like a blessing from heaven.

Issei pointed. “Hey, perfect timing.”

Lala gasped. “ALL I CAN EAT!?”

He nodded. “Yeah—wait, Lala, not so fast—”

She had already blasted inside at Mach-3 speed. Issei sighed and followed, praying the restaurant had good insurance.

—---------------------

The moment they entered, Lala’s eyes widened at the sight of endless trays of steaming food. Rotating sushi belts, towers of desserts, noodle bars, tempura sizzling behind glass, giant metal trays full of curry

Lala quickly attacked the buffet. Her plates were piled high with sushi, noodles, tempura, meat skewers, curry, and ice cream full of toppings straight out of the bowl. Everything seemed to delight her.

“Issei! Look! This pudding wobbles!!”

Issei chuckled. “That’s what pudding does, Lala.”

She shook it harder. “But it wobbles SO MUCH!”

“You’ve gotta try these noodles!” She said next, shoving a forkful of soba dangerously close to his lips.

“L-Lala, wait, I can feed myself—” But Issei still accepted it.

“This fish is delicious too!” She said, taking a massive bite of grilled mackerel.

Issei watched, torn between awe and fear, as Lala somehow out-ate three grown men sitting nearby, all of whom had stopped eating entirely just to watch her in silent horror.

One whispered, “H-How is she still going…?” 

Another whispered, “Is she human?”

The third whispered, “I think that girl’s a black hole.”

She then sat back in her chair, cheeks puffed adorably with satisfaction. She wiped her mouth with a napkin, her tail wagging lazily in content. “Human food is amazing!” She declared proudly.

Issei rested his chin on his hand, watching her glow with happiness. He couldn’t stop smiling. “Yeah,” he said softly, “it really is.”

—-----------------------------

After what felt like crossing half the country three major cities, one mountain, a rice field, and developing a deep, spiritual hatred for Earth’s geography, Zastin descended once more.

This time, when his boots landed on top of the ceiling of a convenience store. Zastin froze as he took note of the quiet suburban streets, small family-owned shops, modest houses, tiny cafés, a single small train station down the road and students in Kuoh Academy uniforms wandering home in groups

Zastin slowly looked around. “…This…” He whispered, hope flickering in his exhausted soul. “…finally resembles the description of the Princess’s location.”

A triumphant gust of wind blew through his cape, making it billow like a heroic banner. For the first time since arriving on Earth he felt hope.

He straightened his back with renewed dignity, lifted his chin with noble pride, and confidently stepped off the roof, landing on the sidewalk below with a gentleman’s grace and strode into town in search of the princess. 

His first targets were two housewives chatting cheerfully outside a grocery store, bags of vegetables at their feet.

Zastin approached them with a polite bow. “Excuse me. May I trouble you with a question?”

The housewives stopped their conversation and stared at the stranger in armor. Then at his cape and then at his sword.

“Oh my,” One whispered, covering her mouth. “Is this some kind of… performance?” she murmured.

“Maybe a cosplay promo? He looks quite handsome.” The other whispered back.

Zastin chose to ignore that for the sake of his sanity. “I am searching for a young woman,” He explained. “Long pink hair, black tail and very energetic. Has she been seen in this area?”

The two blinked in surprise. “Oh! Actually, yes! I think I saw someone like that earlier!” 

“She stood out a lot,” said the other. “Super cute, too.”

Zastin’s eyes brightened. “Truly!? Where?”

They pointed down the street. “Try that way! She and some boy were walking by.”

Zastin nodded gratefully. “Thank you, truly.” Then with absolute confidence, he turned and walked in the complete opposite direction.

The housewives stared. “…Is he going the wrong way?”

 “Completely.”

 “Should we… tell him?”

 “No. He looks too confident to argue with.”

They watched the armored alien march proudly away, cape flowing dramatically behind him as he strode off on yet another completely incorrect path.

—---------------------------

Movie Theater

Their final stop of the day was tucked at the far end of the underground mall. A cozy, softly lit cinema with glowing posters lining the walls and the scent of warm popcorn drifting through the air.

Lala’s eyes gleamed like stars. “Issei, what are we going to watch?”

“Anything that looks interesting,” Issei replied, scanning the wall of posters.

That was when they met a large poster that displayed the current showing: GROWN UPSAMERICAN COMEDY FILM

Issei shrugged. “This one looks funny.”

Lala immediately nodded, bouncing on her toes. “Let’s watch it together!”

They then bought a large popcorn to share and two drinks, though Lala was already happily munching the popcorn before they even entered the theater.

Inside, they found seats in the center row as the lights dimmed and the projector flickered to life.

The second the movie started, Lala clung to Issei’s arm like it was a plush toy. And once the jokes began all chaos broke loose.

Lala laughed loudly, her voice echoing through the dark room. Her tail smacked Issei’s leg every time something made her burst out laughing.

“Pff—Issei! Why did he FALL DOWN LIKE THAT!?”

“That character looks like he has pudding bones!!”

“Wait—why is everyone screaming!? Oh!! Now I get it! Hahaha!!”

Whenever she didn’t understand a joke, she’d repeat it confusedly… until it finally clicked. Then she laughed even harder. At one point, she leaned so far back in laughter that she slid halfway out of her seat, dragging Issei down with her.

“L-Lala! Careful!”

“Hahaha! Issei look! Look!! That part—!! Pffahahaha!!”

Her laughter was infectious. Issei found himself laughing harder than he had in years, sometimes at the movie, sometimes just because Lala’s joy was impossible to resist.

By the middle of the movie, Lala was nestled against him, head resting on his shoulder, her hand tightly gripping his. Issei didn’t complain. Not even a little.

When the credits finally rolled, Lala wiped tears of laughter from her eyes, still giggling softly. “That was wonderful!! Humans make the funniest things! I didn’t know movies could be this amazing!”

Issei smiled at her. “Yeah… they really do.”

Lala turned to him, face glowing, her tail curling up happily and uncurling again. Then she squeezed his hand with both of hers. “Thank you for today, Issei! This was the best date ever! You have to show me more Earth movies!”

Issei’s heart nearly burst. “Yeah,” he said quietly, his smile gentle and a little shy. “I will.”

—-------------------------------------

A group of Kuoh Academy students wandered by, still in their uniforms, chatting casually about homework and clubs. But the moment they saw Zastin, they froze.

One boy whispered, eyes wide. “Dude— is that a cosplayer? In the middle of town?”

A girl whispered back. “I think he’s lost… or filming something?”

A third boy whispered a little too loudly. “He looks like he wandered straight out of Final Fantasy.”

Zastin approached them with the seriousness of a commander addressing soldiers. “You there,” He said in a firm voice. “Have any of you seen a long pink-haired girl with a tail?”

Causing every student to stiffened.

A timid girl slowly raised her hand. “Uh… yeah, actually. I think we did…”

Another boy nodded vigorously. “Yeah, she was with Hyoudou. Brown hair. Kind of average-looking. Really loud.”

A brown haired girl snorted. “Yeah, and  I refuse to believe they’re dating. Which, like—NO WAY.”

But her black-haired friend shrugged and looked unsure. “But they looked really close?

A girl with glasses pushed them up in disbelief.“I refuse to believe the perverted beast has a girlfriend.”

One boy groaned. “This world must be ending.”

Another added. “Maybe she’s blind.”

Zastin blinked slowly.  “…Perverted beast?”

A boy stepped forward to explain. “Yeah. Hyoudou Issei. Kind of infamous around here. Uh… for reasons.”

Zastin narrowed his eyes, clearly unimpressed. “…Princess Lala would never associate with someone of a dishonorable reputation.” His voice then hardened. “Children. Tell me, where exactly did you see them?”

All the students pointed the same direction without hesitation. “They went that way.”

Zastin bowed. “Thank you for your assistance.” Then he spun around confidently and marched off in the complete opposite direction.

The students stared in collective disbelief as he strode further and further away, cape billowing majestically behind him.

“…He’s going the wrong way.” 

“Yep.”

“Should we tell him?”

“Nah. This is funnier.”

“I give him five minutes before he realizes.”

Another student whispered. “…Do you think he’s her dad?”

—-------------------------------------

Evening

After leaving the underground mall, Issei and Lala walked side by side through town, still holding hands. The sky above them was painted in deepening shades of orange and purple as dusk slowly settled over Kuoh.

Streetlamps flickered on one by one, casting warm halos of light onto the sidewalks. The sounds of the day were softening with fewer cars in the streets, quieter chatter, the distant hum of the town growing calmer as evening arrived.

Lala swung their joined hands lightly as they walked, humming happily. “Today was so much fun, Issei,” She said, smiling up at him. “Earth’s underground malls are amazing!”

Issei chuckled, feeling strangely light. “Yeah, this town has more to it than it looks. I’ve lived here my whole life with my parents, so I kinda got used to all this.” He glanced up at the darkening sky. “To be honest… I’m kinda jealous of you, Lala,” he admitted. “You’ve gone to all these exotic places and different worlds. I’ve barely left Kuoh.”

Lala blinked, then smiled softly. “Ehe~ I guess I have been to lots of worlds.” Her eyes grew a little distant as she thought. “There are planets made inside of oceans, cities floating in space. It’s all really interesting… but…” She squeezed his hand. “I really like this town the most right now. Because you’re here.”

Issei’s heart did a somersault. “H-Huh?” He managed brilliantly.

Lala continued cheerfully, unaware of the emotional critical hit she’d landed. “Oh! That reminds me, I haven’t told you much about my family yet, have I?”

“Your family? No, I guess not.” Issei repeated.

She nodded. “Mm-hmm! I have two cute twin little sisters, Nana and Momo. They’re both really sweet… most of the time. And of course there’s my mom and dad.”

Peke, chimed in with her calm little voice. “Queen Sephie is considered the  most beautiful woman in the universe and is very kind and gentle, but also very terrifying when angered. King Gid meanwhile is very loud and rambunctious."

“Very loud,” Lala agreed seriously.

Issei sweatdropped. “Sounds like he’s a delinquent?”

Lala went on with an easy smile. “I’m the eldest, so I’m technically the one who’s supposed to succeed him. But my parents mostly let me do what I want. They never forced me to act like a stiff, proper princess, so I got to spend a lot of time inventing and exploring.” She laughed a little. “I’m really lucky in that sense.”

Issei relaxed a bit. “Sounds like they trust you a lot.”

“They do,” Lala said, but her smile faded just a touch. “The problem started when Dad decided he wanted to retire.”

Peke again explained further. “King Gid declared he was tired of paperwork.”

“And meetings,” Lala added. “And signing things. And responding to politics. And being blamed for every little mistake.”

“Sounds relatable,” Issei muttered.

“So,” Lala continued, “since I’m the eldest, I’m supposed to take over the empire.” She puffed her cheeks. “But ruling sounds super boring. I want to invent things and travel, not sit in meetings all day.”

Issei could sympathize. “Yeah… being stuck behind a desk sounds rough.”

She sighed. “That’s when Dad decided to look for suitors. Because whoever marries me gets to be the next emperor of his massive empire.”

Issei stumbled. “E-Emperor?”

Lala nodded. “A lot of guys suddenly got very serious. They started chasing me everywhere, trying to impress me. Some even showed up uninvited on Deviluke. It got really annoying. They just wouldn’t leave me alone.”

Peke added dryly, “King Gid did not discourage this in the slightest. If anything, he encouraged it in the hopes someone would take the throne already.”

Lala pouted. “I don’t hate my dad, but I really wish he hadn’t caused all this. He made everything so much more complicated.” Then her eyes hardened just a little, a rare seriousness shining through. “That’s why I ran away. I don’t want to be forced into a marriage. I’ll marry who I choose and someone I love. Not just the first person who wants the throne.”

They walked in silence for a moment, the sound of their footsteps on the pavement filling the gap.

Issei swallowed, her words sinking into him. ‘She’ll marry who she chooses… someone she loves…’

“Hey, uh… Lala?” Issei asked, scratching his cheek, trying to sound casual.

“Yes?” she replied, looking at him with curious eyes.

He hesitated. “So… if we really did get married one day… does that mean I’d end up being… y’know… king?”

Lala blinked. Then smiled brightly. “Yup!”

Issei froze. His brain threw up every error message it had. “An actual K-K-K-KING!?” He yelped. “As in, real king!? With responsibilities!? And running the government!? And old men in suits yelling at me!?” He waved his free hand wildly. “I just want to be a Harem King! You know, surrounded by beautiful girls and all that. Not an actual king that has to sit on a throne and do work!”

Lala tilted her head. “Papa has said something very similar in the past before Mama put a stop to it?”

Peke floated thoughtfully. “…From what I’ve observed of Emperor Gid, His Majesty and Issei-dono may be disturbingly similar in this regard.”

“HEY!” Issei protested. He turned back to Lala, nervous. “So, uh… is there any way we could get married without me having to be king?”

Lala put a finger to her chin, thinking. “Hmm… I don’t know. I’d have to ask Dad. Or Mom. Or maybe we could make a new system…” She smiled at him, eyes soft. “But I’m glad you asked because you want to marry me, not because you want to be king.”

Issei’s heart squeezed. “O-Of course,” He said, a little embarrassed. “Why would I care about being some emperor? You’re… you’re beautiful, fun, amazing, super intelligent, and cute. I’d have to be an idiot to ignore all your good points.” His voice trailed off, eyes looking away.

Lala stopped walking.

He glanced back at her and that was all the warning he got.

“Issei!!!” She launched forward, wrapping her arms around him in a tight hug and squishing his face into her oppai again.

“Kyaaa~! I’m so happy!!”

“Mmph—! C-Can’t—breathe—!” Issei wheezed, but he was grinning even as he flailed.

She eventually calmed enough to loosen the hug, keeping their hands intertwined as they continued walking.

That was when Issei finally noticed where they were.

He blinked once and then twice in confusion “…Huh?”

Lala looked at him. “Issei? What’s wrong?”

He glanced around. They were standing in the middle of the park. The same park from the other night. The one that had been torn apart by Go Vacuum-kun’s explosion.

Except… It was in perfect condition. The benches were aligned, the trees standing tall, grass unburned and no massive crater. No debris. No sign of destruction at all.

“This… doesn’t make sense,” Issei muttered. “This is where your invention exploded… it should be wrecked. But everything’s repaired like nothing happened.”

Lala tilted her head. “Maybe they have really, really good builders?”

Issei frowned. “Even so… it should’ve taken days at least…” His mind started racing. Did the city really fix it that fast? Or was it something else? Some other group covering things up…?

Before he could chase that thought—

BOOOOOOM!!!

A sudden shockwave ripped through the ground nearby, blowing dirt and grass into the air and tearing up the park again. Issei instinctively grabbed Lala, shielding her as the blast wind rushed past them.

When the dust settled, a figure stood at the center of a newly formed crater.

A tall man with gray hair, clad in bone-like armor and wielding a sword. His cape fluttered behind him, and his sharp eyes burned with relief and determination.

Lala’s eyes widened. “Z-Zastin!?”

Zastin pointed his sword toward the sky dramatically. “Princess Lala! At long last, I’ve finally found you!”

Issei quickly moved, stepping in front of Lala and putting her behind him in a protective stance. His heart hammered, but his body reacted on instinct.

Zastin noticed, his eyes narrowed slightly, focusing on Issei. A regular human boy that matched the description that he was given by those students. Standing between him and the princess.  Shielding her.

‘…I see,’ Zastin thought, grip tightening on his sword. ‘So this is the man who dares to stand at Princess Lala’s side.’

The air between them grew tense.

Lala was the first to break the tense silence. “Zastin, what are you doing here?” She asked, still holding onto Issei’s sleeve.

Zastin straightened, sword resting at his side. “Princess Lala, I am here for one reason only,” He said formally, voice echoing in the park. “To bring you back home.”

Lala puffed her cheeks. “I refuse!” She declared, then blew a raspberry at him. “Pbbbbt! I’m not going back!”

Issei sweatdropped. ‘Oh yeah. That’s definitely the right attitude to take with the super-strong swordsman…’

Zastin frowned slightly. “For what reason do you refuse to return?” He asked, genuine confusion and duty mixing in his tone.

Lala didn’t hesitate. She lifted her hand and pointed directly at Issei. “Because I’ve fallen in love!” she said boldly. “I want to live on Earth and marry Issei!”

“EH!?” Issei’s face exploded red on the spot. The words hit him like a physical blow to the chest. ‘Fallen… in love…? With me!?’

Zastin stared at her for a long moment, then exhaled slowly through his nose. “…As expected,” he murmured. “My subordinates said something similar when they crawled back after failing to retrieve you. They reported that you were under the protection and care of an Earthling.”

Lala nodded firmly. “Exactly! So now that you know, you can go back to Papa and tell him that I’m staying here. And that I’m not meeting any more gross husband candidates.” She crossed her arms stubbornly, nodding as if the matter were settled.

But Zastin’s expression hardened. “I’m afraid it is not that simple,” He said as his eyes were sharpening. “I have received direct orders from His Majesty to bring you home. If I were to return alone… after leaving you in the hands of an unknown, suspicious human…” His grip tightened around his sword hilt. “I would not be able to face the King.”

“S-Suspicious—?” Issei sputtered.

Lala huffed. “I don’t care! I already told you, I’m staying here with Issei!”

Zastin’s shoulders sagged for a brief second in a weary sigh. “…Then there is only one thing left to do.”

His gaze shifted fully, completely, onto Issei.

The air around him changed. The joking, flustered atmosphere vanished, replaced by the focused presence of a seasoned warrior. Zastin drew his sword in a single smooth motion, the bone-like blade gleaming in the last light of dusk.

Issei’s throat went dry. “H-Hey, hold on…” he started.

Zastin pointed the tip of the blade toward him. “Earthling. You are the one claiming the Princess’s hand, yes?”

“I-I mean, it’s not like I—”

Zastin’s eyes narrowed. “Then steel yourself. I will now test if you are worthy of standing beside Princess Lala. Survive my blade and impress me… if you can.” He glanced briefly at Lala. “Princess, please step back.”

Lala gripped Issei’s arm tighter. “Zastin, stop! You don’t have to—”

Issei stepped in front of her again on instinct. “Wait! Can’t we talk this out?” He asked quickly, hands raised in a half-panicked gesture. “I don’t even want to fight you! I—”

But Zastin ignored him as he had already moved.

There was no warning.

One moment he was standing several meters away, the next his form blurred—and Issei’s instincts screamed at him.

MOVE!

In that split second of panic, he felt something surge inside him—heat flushing down his arm, power bursting from his chest.

A red light exploded around his left hand.

The red armored glove materialized, shining brightly as metal scales clamped over his hand. Strength rushed through him, his senses sharpening, his body feeling lighter and faster.

Zastin’s eyes flicked to the glove mid-charge. “Hmph, interesting.” He said, almost approvingly. “At least you are not completely weak. Prepare yourself, Earthling. This test has already begun.”

He swung the sword that traced a white arc through the air.

Issei grabbed Lala and dove to the side on pure instinct.

The ground he’d been standing on a heartbeat earlier split cleanly in two. The stone walkway, the grass, and even a nearby bench were sliced apart as if they’d been made of paper.

Issei’s eyes went wide. ‘If that hit me, I’d be—’

“ISSEI!” Lala cried, clinging to him.

He tightened his grip on her and pulled her further away, full of fear.

Zastin advanced, each step measured, each swing of his blade dangerously controlled.

“To think you would immediately retreat with the Princess in tow rather than abandon her to escape yourself,” he observed. “Good instincts. But that alone will not be enough.”

‘IT’S NOT INSTINCTS, IT’S CALLED NOT WANTING TO DIE!’ Issei shouted in his head.

He dodged another swing, feeling the air pressure snap against his face as the blade cut through the space where his neck had just been.

He could feel the glove’s power, his body moving faster than normal, his legs responding quicker. ‘There’s no way I can block that…!’ He realized, watching another perfect, clean cut tear through a tree.

All he could do was drag Lala with him and dodge.

Zastin’s sword carved the park apart piece by piece, benches splitting, trees falling in perfect halves, the newly repaired path shattering once again under the force of his strikes.

The park that had been miraculously restored not long before was being destroyed all over again.

Issei gritted his teeth, heart pounding in his ears. ‘I can’t match him head-on… but if I don’t at least keep moving, I’m done for!’

He couldn’t block Zastin’s swings. He couldn’t parry or counter. All he could really do was. “Lala, hold on!” He scooped Lala up into a princess carry without another word.

“Eh? Issei!?” She squeaked, arms instinctively wrapping around his neck.

And then he ran away with Lala. He turned on his heel and bolted out of the ruined park, legs pumping faster than they ever had in his life.

‘WAAAAAAAH! WHY IS THIS MY LIFE!?’ Issei screamed internally as he continued to sprint.

Behind him, Zastin blinked once. Then his eyes narrowed. “So,” he said quietly, “you intend to flee with the Princess in your arms…”

He shot forward like a launched missile.

“PRINCESS LALA!” Zastin called out as he gave chase, his voice booming through the air. “Earthling! Release the Princess at once! You cannot run from this trial!”

“LIKE HELL I’M GONNA STAND STILL AND DIE!” Issei yelled over his shoulder, already leaping over a low fence.

Zastin raised his sword. “Then I shall judge your worth while you flee!”

He then swung his sword again.

A nearby telephone pole split in half, the top portion sliding cleanly off and crashing into a hedge as sparks flew.

Issei screamed. “YOU’RE GONNA KILL SOMEONE!!”

“Do not worry!” Zastin replied seriously, striking again. “I measured the angle of the strike carefully, my blows will not hit the Princess!”

“WHAT ABOUT ME, YOU MANIAC!?”

Another swing.

A vending machine beside the sidewalk was cleaved in two, cans of soda exploding out of it and spraying everywhere like metallic shrapnel.

“KYAAAAA!” Lala shrieked as a shower of fizzy drinks burst behind them. “So cold!!”

Issei zigzagged like his life depended on it. ‘Faster! Faster!’ He urged his legs. If I mess up even once, I’m dead!

Zastin’s expression grew more and more disapproving. “Earthling! Stop this disgraceful retreat and face me properly!” He shouted, closing the distance again with frightening speed. “I will never approve of a man whose only talent is running away!”

“AND I’LL NEVER FIGHT A GUY WHO CAN CUT CARS IN HALF!” Issei wasn’t exaggerating.

Another swing carved through the street with perfect precision.

A parked car was sliced neatly in two, both halves falling apart with the soft, horrifying crunch of violated metal.

Lala gasped. “Wow! Zastin, your sword skills are as amazing as ever!”

“THIS IS NOT THE TIME TO BE IMPRESSED!” Issei yelled, vaulting over a busted curb.

They tore through a residential street, Issei clutching Lala to his chest with both arms. He dodged wildly, turning sharp corners, sliding on pavement, nearly tripping over a mailbox.

Behind them, Zastin followed without fail, graceful and relentless.

He swung again, aiming low.

A wooden fence disintegrated into two perfectly sliced segments.

Then another blow bisected a street sign, which spun through the air before embedding itself into a lawn like a thrown spear.

“Stop running, Earthling!” Zastin barked. “If you collapse at this level, you are not worthy of the Princess!”

“YOU’RE THE ONE MAKING THIS A BOSS FIGHT ON HARD MODE!!” Issei shot back, lungs burning.

He barreled past more parked cars, barely avoiding another swing. The blade didn’t hit him—but the shockwave was enough to make the nearest car’s windows shatter explosively.

They cut through a backstreet, then near the edge of a small housing block. A distant dog started barking like crazy as Zastin’s next slash tore a perfect scar across the exterior wall of a house. The top portion of the wall slid down a few centimeters before stopping.

Issei’s heart nearly exploded. “WHY ARE THE HOUSES GETTING CUT TOO!?”

“Rest assured,” Zastin said calmly between swings, “these appear to be unoccupied at the moment. My senses can tell.”

“THAT’S NOT THE POINT—!!”

He darted left, then right, practically skidding around a corner as another strike carved through the pavement behind them, leaving a deep groove in the asphalt.

Issei could barely hear anything over the pounding of his heart and the rush of blood in his ears. But one thought echoed clearly. ‘I can’t fight this guy. If I stop, I’m done for!’ So he continued to run.

“Issei…” Lala whispered quietly, arms tightening around his neck as the wind whipped past them. She could feel his heartbeat. Rapid. Scared. But steady and still, he didn’t drop her. Not once.

Behind them, Zastin swung his sword again and again, splitting the neighborhood apart in clean lines from telephone poles, vending machines, cars, fences, even parts of a few empty houses, all testimony to the overwhelming gap in power between them.

Done. Tell me what you think and if I made any mistakes. Thank you for the idea armand gallegos. What do you think should happen next? I can already tell you that a certain group is not going to be happy about any of this. This commission was brought to you by Galaxy Shard Star, so make sure to thank him.