KU DXD Chapter 7 A Test (Patreon)

Abandoned School Dormitory, Occult Research Club 

Night had settled over Kuoh Academy. The moonlight filtered weakly through the dusty windows of the old, abandoned dormitory that served as the base of the Occult Research Club.

Inside the clubroom, the atmosphere was calm but busy. Stacks of papers, contract lists and request forms were laid out on the coffee table. The faint smell of tea lingered in the air.

Rias Gremory stood near the center of the room, a clipboard in hand, her long crimson hair flowing down her back. She looked every inch the dignified heiress, even in this old building.

Opposite her, Akeno Himejima smiled softly, holding a small tray with teacups, while Kiba Yuuto stood nearby with his usual polite expression, hands folded behind his back.

“Alright,” Rias began, looking down at the papers, “for tonight’s contracts… we’ll divide the work as usual. Akeno, you take the eastern residential area. There are still a few regular clients there.”

Akeno’s smile widened. “Yes, President. I’ll be sure to take care of them… fufufu.”

Rias gave her a knowing side glance but continued. “Kiba, you’ll work in the downtown region. There are a few new names on the list—be sure to check for any unusual activity while you’re at it.”

“Of course,” Kiba nodded. “If I sense anything wrong, I’ll contact you immediately.”

Rias hummed approvingly. “Good. With Koneko already out on a contract, if we all work efficiently, we should be able to reach this month’s quota without any trouble.”

She sighed softly, a wry smile tugging at her lips.

“My mother has been asking if I’m ‘enjoying my time in the human world’… but I know he’s sneaking in questions about results and performance,” she muttered.

Akeno giggled lightly. “Ara, ara~ Our President is under a lot of pressure, isn’t she?”

Rias pouted slightly. “We must maintain appearances. A Gremory should not fall behind in such things.”

They were just about to move out as Akeno set her tray down and Kiba straightened his blazer, when a red magic circle lit up beside Rias’ right ear.

The glowing crest of the Gremory family shimmered in the air, rotating gently.

Rias’ relaxed expression vanished. “Koneko?” She said, recognizing the magical frequency immediately. It was unusual for Koneko to contact her directly mid-contract.

She touched the circle, answering the call. “Koneko, what is it? Did something happen?”

For a moment, only ambient noise came through the connection, distant wind, a faint echo of something heavy cracking.

Then Koneko’s calm, emotionless voice spoke. “President. The town is… being destroyed.”

Rias’ eyes widened, Akeno’s smile faded and Kiba’s posture stiffened.

“What!?” Rias’ tone sharpened. “Destroyed? By who? What’s going on? Where are you?”

“I don’t know who,” Koneko replied. “I was at my client’s house when I heard explosions. Left the client’s location to check.” The connection crackled faintly, but Koneko’s voice remained eerily steady. “I followed the sound and when I arrived, the park was already… wrecked.”

Rias’ grip on her clipboard tightened. “The park… again?” A flash of irritation crossed her face. “We just finished repairing that area. Why is it destroyed again!?” She muttered, more to herself than anyone.

She took a breath, forcing herself to focus.

“What are you sensing, Koneko? Is it a stray devil? A fallen? A church exorcist?”

Koneko went quiet for a second. “…Nothing,” she said.

Rias blinked. “Nothing?”

“I don’t feel magic. No holy power. No demonic energy. No aura. Nothing familiar.” Koneko said. “But…”

There was a brief pause. Rias waited.

“I can faintly smell… a dragon,” Koneko continued. “But it’s weak. Really weak, almost nonexistent."

‘A faint dragon’s smell.’ Rias’ mind immediately went to think. ‘It’s impossible for an actual dragon to be here, they aren't known for being subtle and we would have felt a power like that. Could it be a Sacred Gear user?’

Koneko’s voice returned, more serious. “I can also see a fight in the distance. Someone is swinging a sword from the sound. Do you want me to get closer?”

Rias’ eyes narrowed, and a dozen possibilities ran through her mind. But there were too many unknowns. No readable aura. Unknown combatant. Destruction on this scale. She couldn’t risk her family blindly.

“No,” Rias said firmly. “Do not approach. It may be more dangerous than it looks. Stay where you are and keep observing from a distance.”

“…Understood,” Koneko replied without argument.

In the background, through the magic circle, they could all hear it now, the distant, sharp whoosh of a blade cutting the air. A faint boom.  The sound of something. Stone? Metal? Cracking apart.

Rias dispelled the circle and turned to face Akeno and Kiba.

“Rias?” Akeno asked, her tone now serious, eyes narrowed slightly. “What happened?”

“There’s some kind of battle near the park,” Rias said, her voice controlled but edged with tension. “Koneko reports extensive destruction, but she can’t sense any demonic or magical power. Only a faint dragon scent and even that’s weak.”

Kiba frowned. “A dragon… but not demonic or holy reading… That’s strange.”

Rias crossed her arms, red hair swaying. “Very strange. And concerning. Whoever it is, they’re strong enough to level the park again. We can’t just ignore this as they aren’t even hiding this from the populace and are currently endangering them by fighting out in the open.”

Akeno’s lips curled into a small, dark smile. “Ara~ So our quiet and easy night just became more interesting.”

Rias shook her head slightly. “Be serious, Akeno. If this escalates, it could risk exposing the supernatural side of town and endanger so many people.” She took a breath, then gave the order. “Akeno, Kiba, get ready. We’re teleporting to the park immediately. Koneko will wait for us at a safe distance.”

Both of them straightened.

“Yes, President,” Kiba said calmly.

“As you wish, Rias,” Akeno added, a spark of anticipation in her eyes as the two got nearer to Rias.

Crimson light began to gather at Rias’ feet, the Gremory crest expanding beneath her like a blooming sigil.

‘Something is happening in my territory,’ She thought, her eyes turning toward the direction of the park. ‘And I intend to see exactly what.’

In seconds, the old dormitory’s clubroom was filled with the glow of a teleportation circle as the Gremory peerage prepared to step into the chaos waiting for them in the night.

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

Kuoh Park

In the shattered remains of Kuoh’s park, Koneko Toujou stood quietly on the sidewalk, arms at her sides, golden eyes fixed on the distant chaos. The once-peaceful area was now a mess of broken stone, torn earth, and splintered trees, again.

From far ahead, deeper in town, she could hear it clearly the sound of something cutting through the air, the sharp crack of stone and metal splitting apart, the rumble of collapsing structures and faint, panicked shouts as civilians fled the area

Small plumes of smoke rose into the night sky, lit dimly by streetlamps and distant flames.

Koneko’s expression didn’t change, but her eyes narrowed slightly. ‘This is worse than before…’ She thought with her nose twitching.

Behind her, the air rippled as a glowing crimson magic circle formed on the ground, the Gremory crest shining brightly at its center. The symbol pulsed once, then expanded upward in a pillar of red light.

Koneko turned her head just as three figures stepped out of the magic circle.

Rias, crimson hair flowing behind her, Akeno, smiling faintly, her black hair dancing from the wind and Kiba with straight posture, eyes calm and focused. All three appeared in their Kuoh Academy uniforms but every line of their bodies was ready for combat.

The light of the circle faded, leaving only the night, the ruined park, and the distant chaos.

Rias took one look around as her eyes hardened. The cracked pavement, the uprooted and cut down trees, the newly destroyed benches and shattered lamp posts and beyond the park, the visible damage to nearby streets, slashed cars, torn asphalt, a few rooftops sliced cleanly.

“Again…” She muttered, jaw tightening. “They leveled it again…”

Akeno let out a faint, humorless chuckle. “Ara, ara~… whoever is responsible has no respect for other people’s property.”

Kiba’s gaze swept the area. “The destruction lines are too clean. These aren’t random explosions. They look like precise cuts.”

Rias exhaled slowly, folding her arms under her chest. “Regardless of how, they’ve created a lot of work for us,” She said, irritation seeping into her tone. “We’ll have to fix all of this later. Barriers, memory adjustments, infrastructure… Honestly, this is beyond rude.”

She looked to Koneko. “Koneko, What’s the situation?”

Koneko pointed toward the source of the destruction. “Whoever they are, they are still fighting. From here I can hear strong sword swings. I can smell a faint dragon aura and two things I don’t recognize.”

Rias nodded once. “Understood. We’re ending this.” She stepped forward, her expression shifting from annoyance to cold authority. “Let’s go. We’ll restrain whoever is responsible and find out exactly what they are.”

Akeno’s smile turned sharper, a faint spark of electricity crackling at her fingertips. “Fufufu~ I was hoping you’d say that.”

Kiba’s eyes glinted. “I’ll take points and block any stray attacks that might reach civilians.”

Rias spread her arms slightly. With a rustle of energy, black bat-like wings burst from her back, unfurling gracefully.

Akeno’s wings emerged next, dark and elegant. Kiba’s followed, stretching wide and ready. Koneko, already prepared, flexed her own smaller wings once.

Rias looked out toward the smoking skyline. “Whoever is wreaking havoc in my territory,” she said calmly, “is about to learn the meaning of consequences.” She took off first, wings beating once before she shot into the air.

Akeno followed with a delighted, dangerous smile. Kiba launched himself next, and Koneko leaped into the air after them, keeping low and close.

The four devils of the Gremory peerage soared out over the ruined park, heading straight toward the source of destruction.

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

Explosions echoed across Kuoh like thunder.

A tanker truck parked near an intersection was sliced cleanly in half as Zastin’s sword carved through it like paper. For one heartbeat, everything went still.

Then the fuel ignited in a massive fireball.

A wall of heat and light slammed through the street, windows shattering, flames roaring upward in a towering column. Shockwaves rattled every nearby building.

Issei barely managed to throw himself and Lala behind a crumbling concrete barrier, turning his back to the blast as fire washed over them. 

“GYAAAAAAAHHHH!!” He hit the ground hard, lungs burning, ears ringing. Dust and embers rained down around them.

His clothes were a shredded mess with sliced sleeves, torn shirt, shallow bleeding cuts across his arms and sides where the shockwaves had grazed him. Thin red lines marked his skin everywhere, stinging with sweat and smoke.

Lala peeked over his shoulder, eyes wide. “Issei! Are you okay!?”

“I—I’m fine… I think…!” He wheezed from the smoke.

From within the inferno, a dark silhouette moved.

Zastin walked out of the flames without a single burn, cape fluttering behind him, bone armor gleaming under the firelight. Small tongues of flame still clung to his shoulder and cape.

He casually patted them out.

“That was a clever attempt,” He said, seemingly unbothered. “Luring me into an explosion… Very resourceful. But insufficient.”

Issei stared at him, horrified. “I DIDN’T LURE YOU INTO ANYTHING!” He screamed. “YOU’RE THE IDIOT WHO CUT A GAS TANKER IN HALF WHILE CHASING ME!!”

Zastin tilted his head, considering this for a moment. “…Hmph. Details.” Then he advanced.

Issei didn’t wait. He grabbed Lala tighter and continued to run.

He darted down another street, lungs on fire. The city around them was a patchwork of destruction, gouged asphalt, smashed fences, cracked walls, and buildings with unnaturally clean diagonal cuts through them.

Issei’s clothes were torn, his skin scraped and his legs burning from overuse.

Behind him, Zastin swung his sword again. Even when the blade didn’t touch anything, the air pressure alone became a weapon.

Compressed pockets of wind erupted in straight lines where he swung, slicing through everything in their path.

Streetlights were severed and fell in halves. Mailboxes, fences, parked cars, each one was cleanly bisected by invisible blades.

Issei leaped aside as an air blade carved through the road where he’d just been, leaving a long, perfectly straight trench.

‘He doesn’t even need to hit us directly…!’ Issei realized in mounting panic. ‘All he has to do is swing and the air itself cuts everything…’ But as he ran, something else began to happen.

He started to notice a pattern.

The way Zastin’s shoulders shifted before a strike. The subtle shift of his feet. The angle of his hips. The delay between the lift and the swing.

Issei’s senses latched onto every detail. 

The left shoulder drop was a strike from right.  A step forward was a vertical slash and the twist of the torso would be a diagonal arc.

Little by little, he learned when to move. He sidestepped one air slash, jumped over another and twisted his body just enough to let a third skim past them, slicing a lamppost cleanly instead.

‘I can’t fight him,’ Issei thought, sweat dripping into his eyes. ‘But I can dodge for now.’

Behind him, Zastin narrowed his eyes, tracking the boy. ‘…He’s adapting,’ The swordsman noted. ‘His dodging is becoming more precise. He’s learning to read my strokes. Impressive, for an Earthling.’ Then his expression hardened. “In that case…” His aura shifted. His movements sharpened and he sped up.

Both his footwork and his sword swings suddenly became faster, tighter, more fluid. The air blades grew more frequent, the gaps between attacks shrinking.

The pace of the battle jumped to a higher level.

Issei’s instincts screamed at him. “OH COME ON, HE WASN’T EVEN GOING ALL OUT!?” His timing, which had just begun to stabilize, now struggled to keep up with the faster strikes.

A near miss grazed his shoulder, slicing his shoulder and leaving a thin cut. Another shockwave grazed his leg, nearly sending him tumbling.

Lala clung to him, worry etched across her face.

“Issei!” She called out over the roar of destruction. “You should just put me down and let me handle Zastin! You can’t keep this up much longer!”

Issei gritted his teeth, still running, still dodging, vision swimming. “No!” he shot back. “He said this is… a test for us to be together, right!?”

Lala blinked, momentarily stunned. “…Y-Yes, but—”

“Then I’ll figure something out!” -He shouted, voice raw but determined. “I’ll prove to him that I’m a worthy husband for you—” He jumped aside, narrowly avoiding another air blade. “—because I… also love you!”

Time froze for a heartbeat.

Lala’s eyes widened. Her cheeks flushed a bright, vivid pink. “…You…” she whispered, voice barely audible. “You love me?”

Issei’s face went just as red. “I— I— Y-YES, OBVIOUSLY!!”

Lala’s entire expression lit up with pure happiness, tail curling into a heart shape behind her. “Issei…” She breathed, almost melting into his arms.

Behind them, Zastin slowed slightly, eyes widening just a fraction. “…He confessed even while being chased down…?” He murmured, surprised.

He watched Issei’s back as the boy continued to run with Lala in his arms, stubbornly refusing to drop her or abandon her. “…So that’s your resolve,” Zastin said softly, a small, almost proud smile tugging at the corner of his mouth. “Very well, Earthling. I shall acknowledge your spirit.”

His grip on his sword tightened. “In that case… I’ll go a little harder.”

Issei nearly tripped. “WHY ARE YOU REWARDING MY CONFESSION BY MAKING IT HARDER!?!?”

Zastin raised his sword high, ready to unleash a more powerful strike—

When suddenly the sky crackled.

KRA-KOOOOM!

An arc of lightning ripped through the night sky, descending with terrifying speed straight toward Zastin’s position.

Zastin’s eyes narrowed. He sensed the danger instantly. “Hmph!”

He swung his sword upward.

Z-ZZAAAAP!!

The lightning crashed into the blade, sparks exploding outward, but Zastin held fast, feet digging into the cracked pavement. Electricity wrapped around his sword, dancing along its length.

At that exact moment, a blur of motion streaked in from the side.

Yuuto Kiba appeared, eyes focused, a conjured sword in his hand, its blade wreathed in flame.

He swung at Zastin with precision, aiming for the opening created by the lightning.

But Zastin pivoted. Even with lightning still crackling along his sword, he shifted his stance, turned his wrist, and redirected the charged blade.

His sword met Kiba’s in a shower of sparks.

For a second, the two blades clashed then Zastin’s superior technique and strength won out.

Kiba’s flaming sword was cleanly cut in half, making Kiba’s eyes widened. He used his speed and footwork to cancel his momentum and leap back just in time. Even so, a line of pain flared across his torso as the tip of Zastin’s blade grazed him.

His uniform split open slightly at the chest, a shallow cut marking his skin underneath.

“Yuuto!” Rias shouted angrily from above.

She was floating in the air, bat-like devil wings spread, crimson hair flowing. Beside her, Akeno hovered, lightning dancing at her fingertips, a dark smile on her lips.

Rias spread her hand. “Don’t touch my servant so lightly.”

A magic circle lit up in front of her palm and a blast of crimson destructive energy erupted from her hand, roaring toward Zastin with overwhelming force.

Zastin didn’t flinch. Instead, he thrust his sword forward and, with a sharp shout, unleashed the lightning that had been coiling around his blade.

BAAAAAAANG!!

The lightning surged outward, colliding with the incoming red blast. The two forces crashed into each other midair, exploding in a violent shockwave that shook the surrounding buildings and kicked up a storm of dust and debris.

Kiba slid back to Rias’ side, breathing a bit harder.

“President,” he said quickly, eyes serious. “That man… his swordsmanship and movement are… they’re on the same level as my master’s.”

Rias’ eyes widened slightly. “As Okita Souji?”

Kiba nodded. “His form, his precision, the way he handles multiple attacks… He’s just as skilled as a master swordsman of that caliber.”

Akeno’s expression lost some of its playful light, replaced by focused seriousness.

“I see,” Rias muttered, gaze narrowing as she studied Zastin more carefully. “So he’s not just some brute causing trouble…”

The three devils adjusted their stances, clearly more cautious now.

Down below, Issei had just managed to catch his breath, still holding Lala protectively as he watched all this unfold. His head spun.

“W-Wait,” He muttered, eyes darting between them. “Why are Blond Bastard, Akeno-senpai, and… Rias-senpai here!?”

He felt like he’d been thrown into a completely different genre without warning.

Lala, still in his arms, blinked up at the devils in the sky. “Oh! Issei, are those your friends from school?” She asked brightly. “They’re flying too! Earth is even more fun than I thought!”

Issei stared at her, then at the devils, then at Zastin. His brain gave up. ‘…WHAT THE HELL IS HAPPENING TO MY LIFE!?’

From above, the devils finally caught sight of the other person that was also there. Down on the street was a familiar brown-haired boy in torn clothes, clutching a long pink-haired girl in his arms.

Rias’ eyes widened at watching the infamous pervert.  “…Hyoudou Issei?”

Akeno tilted her head. “Ara… Hyoudou-kun?”

Kiba frowned. “And who is that girl?”

It was then that they all noticed it, the long black tail swaying behind the pink-haired girl and the red glove on Issei’s left hand, glowing faintly. It was a bizarre sight of an unknown swordsman, a beautiful girl and the perverted boy from their own school.

‘Why is he being attacked?’ Rias thought, eyes narrowing. ‘And who is that girl?’

Before they could shout down to him, the swordsman turned his gaze upward. Zastin studied the flying devils calmly, sword resting on his shoulder.

“So,” He said, voice carrying over the ruined street, “who are you? And why are you interfering in our honorable duel?”

Rias descended slightly, her wings beating once as she hovered above, magic circles faintly spinning around her hands.

“We are devils of the Gremory family,” She declared, voice cool and authoritative. “And this town is under my protection. You are recklessly destroying it and endangering its residents.” Her blue eyes sharpened. “And since you are attacking a student of this town—one of my school’s students, we will do everything in our power to stop you.”

Issei blinked, panting and still clutching Lala. ‘Since when was this town hers…?’ He thought deliriously. ‘Wait, no, don’t question it. Just be grateful she’s mad at him and not me…’ He opened his mouth to say something.

But Zastin spoke first. “I see…” The swordsman said slowly, glancing between Rias and Issei. “So that was your plan from the beginning.” He then turned his gaze fully onto Issei.

“So this is why you kept dodging and retreating,” Zastin said. “You knew you had no chance of defeating me alone, so you bought time. Waiting. Enduring. Until your comrades arrived to assist you.” He gave a small nod. “Very strategic. I am impressed.”

“EH!?” Issei choked. “No, that’s wrong! I don’t even know them that well!”

Rias, Akeno, Koneko and Kiba all exchanged a quick confused look. ‘Comrades? Planning? Hyoudou-kun?’ No one had any idea what he was talking about.

Zastin, however, wasn’t interested in clarifications. He raised his sword, aura steady. “Regardless,” he said calmly. “Even if you surround me, the outcome will not change. A small group such as this cannot defeat me.”

“W-Wait!” Issei shouted, desperation creeping into his voice. “Can’t we all just talk this out!? This is getting out of hand and—pretty sure there’s a huge misunderstanding going on here!”

Zastin charged.

The devils moved at the same time with Akeno and Rias unleashed magic in unison.

Lightning erupted from Akeno’s hands, crackling arcs spearing toward Zastin.

Rias’ crimson magic circle flared, a torrent of destructive energy bursting forth, twisting the air as it tore through space toward him.

Zastin’s footwork was flawless. He swung once and the slash wasn’t aimed at them, but at the space between.

An air blade, invisible but devastating, ripped into their attacks, colliding with lightning and demonic power. The clash detonated in a mid-air explosion, both energies neutralized.

Kiba and Koneko used the opening. Kiba flashed in from the left, twin conjured blades in his hands. While Koneko lunged from the right, fist cocked back, her small form hiding frightening physical power.

Zastin pivoted with his sword flicked once—parrying both of Kiba’s blades with a single hand, effortlessly redirecting the knight’s momentum.

His other hand shot out and caught Koneko’s fist mid-strike. The impact cracked the ground beneath them, but Zastin didn’t budge.

Koneko’s eyes widened. “…Strong.”

With a twist, Zastin stepped back, releasing Koneko’s fist and guiding Kiba away. Akeno hurled another bolt of lightning, Rias followed with another destructive blast—

Zastin cut the air again with another vacuum slash.

Their spells were sliced apart and scattered, never reaching him.

From the ground, Issei watched, breathing hard, feeling completely out of his depth. ‘They’re all attacking him together, and he’s still blocking everything…’ He thought, throat dry. ‘What the hell is this guy…?’ Part of him thought about running. He had Lala in his arms. She was safe. They could use this chaos to escape.

But as he watched Rias, Akeno, Koneko, and Kiba throwing themselves into danger… ‘They’re getting hurt… because of me.’ His legs trembled but he couldn't just run.

Lala looked up at Issei’s face, seeing the exhaustion in his eyes, the sweat on his forehead, the shallow cuts all over his body. Her expression tightened in concern. “Issei,” she said softly, “you’re hurt and you need to rest. ” She reached up, touching his cheek. “You can’t keep going like this. Your body will give out. Just let me deal with Zastin”

Issei clenched his teeth. “I… I can’t just leave it to you. Not when they’re all fighting because of me…”

Lala bit her lip, then suddenly brightened as an idea came to her. “Okay, then… give me one second!” She pulled out her phone, her fingers flying over the screen as she scrolled through schematics and items.

Issei blinked. “Wait, what are you looking for right now!?”

“Found it!” Lala chirped. A small flash of light appeared in her hand as one of her inventions materialized. It was a small, round yellow candy, shining faintly.

Lala held it up to Issei’s lips. “Here,” she said. “Eat this.”

Issei blinked at it. “Uh… Lala? What is that?”

“It’s medicine,” she said cheerfully. “For your wounds and fatigue!”

He hesitated, but only for a moment as he trusted her.

 “Alright,” he said, and popped it into his mouth. It tasted… good. Like actual candy. Sweet and citrusy, a little fizzy, almost refreshing and then the effects hit.

Warmth spread through his body in a rush. The ache in his muscles faded. His lungs stopped burning. The throbbing pain from his cuts began to dull as the wounds themselves started to close, knitting together rapidly before his eyes.

“W-Whoa…” Issei gasped, flexing his fingers. “I suddenly feel… full of energy! And my cuts… they’re healing fast!”

Lala smiled brightly. “Yup! I made them with a special recovery formula!”

“YOU made this!?” Issei yelped. “This is insane…! In a good way!”

Before he could say more, a shout rang through the air.

“Kiba! Koneko!” Rias’ voice rang.

Issei snapped his head toward the sound and his eyes widened.

Kiba and Koneko lay on the cracked ground at Zastin’s feet, both bleeding and clearly unable to continue fighting.

Kiba clutched his side, deep cut across his torso. Koneko had bruises and shallow slashes, panting hard, but conscious.

Rias and Akeno hovered above, fury written across their faces.

They unleashed spell after spell, blasts of destruction and thunder raining down but Zastin batted them aside with practiced ease, his sword carving through every attack, his counter slashes forcing the girls to dodge desperately or risk being sliced.

Issei’s hands balled into fists.He shifted forward, ready to jump in, but Lala grabbed his sleeve. “Wait, Issei.”

“Lala, they’re getting wrecked out there—!”

“I know,” she said quietly. “But Zastin isn’t killing them. He doesn’t aim for lethal blows in a situation like this. If he wanted to, they would already be dead.”

Issei swallowed and he looked closer.

Zastin’s cuts, while powerful, never went deep enough to be fatal. His strikes were redirected rather than crushed. Even his wind blades, while terrifying, were pulled at the last moment around vital points.

“…He’s holding back,” Issei muttered.

“Zastin is the number one swordsman in Deviluke,” Lala said. “He’s strict and stubborn, but he’s not heartless. This is meant to test you and I think he still believes that those people flying are your followers.”

Issei looked back at the devils struggling above. “…Even so,” he said, jaw tight, “they’re fighting because of me. I can’t just stand here while they get cut up in my place.” He turned to Lala, eyes steady now. “I’ll fight Zastin.”

Lala blinked. “Issei…”

He glanced past her at Kiba and Koneko. “Can you go to them? Give them that medicine too? It might help them recover.”

Lala nodded quickly. “Of course. But are you sure? Your chances of winning are basically zero. Zastin really is the strongest swordsman in Deviluke. Even other aliens avoid fighting him.”

“I know,” Issei said, exhaling. He looked at her, gaze firm. “But I still want to prove to him… that your choice wasn’t wrong.”

Lala’s eyes widened.

“And that Lala should be free to marry whoever she wants,” Issei continued. “Even if it isn’t me. Even if I lose or you change your mind. That choice should be yours. Not his. Not your dad’s.” His voice softened. “Not anyone else’s.”

Lala’s breath hitched. ‘He really… understands me more than anyone else.’

Up above, Rias and Akeno’s barrage paused for just a moment—just long enough for Rias to hear those words.

‘To marry whoever she wants… Even if it isn’t him…’ Something in Rias’ chest twisted—sharp and familiar. ‘Is that girl in the same position as me…’

Zastin heard it too. He stared at Issei, silent for a few seconds. ‘You continue to surprise me, Earthling,’ he thought.

Issei cupped his hands around his mouth and yelled with his voice cutting through the chaos. “HEY! STOP FIGHTING FOR A SECOND!!”

Shockingly… Everyone listened as the street, for a brief moment, went still.

Dust drifted slowly in the air as all eyes turned to Issei.

He looked up at Rias and Akeno. “Rias-senpai! Akeno-senpai!” he called out. “Please stop attacking him! This is… between me and Zastin!”

Rias stared down at him, eyes narrowed, crimson hair swaying. “Hyoudou Issei,” she said, irritation and confusion clear in her voice, “I would really like to know what exactly is happening here. Who is he? Who is she? And why is one of my fellow students caught up in this chaos?”

Issei rubbed the back of his head with his free hand, grimacing. “Yeah… I know. It’s complicated. I’ll explain. I promise. Just… not right this second.” He took a breath. “For now, can you please bring Kiba and… the white haired girl here for Lala to heal them up? I’ll handle things with Zastin.”

Zastin stepped away from Kiba and Koneko, honoring the pause, sword lowering.

Rias and Akeno exchanged a look.

After a moment, Rias nodded, irritation shifting into wary curiosity. “Very well. Akeno, come.”

They flew down and moved to Kiba and Koneko’s side, helping them sit up carefully.

Zastin turned his full attention back to Issei. “So, you are finally ready to face me and prove whether you are worthy of being the next king.”

Issei shook his head. “I don’t care about being king,” he said firmly. “The only reason I’m doing this is to make you leave Lala alone and let her choose her own husband. That’s all.”

Rias and Akeno, both crouched by Kiba and Koneko, paused again. ‘Choose her own husband…?’

‘The Next King…?’ Neither of them had any context, but they were definitely listening now.

Lala jogged over to them. She held out a small handful of the same yellow candy she’d given Issei. “Here!” she said brightly. “Give these to them! It’ll heal their wounds and help with the fatigue!”

Rias and Akeno both stared at the candy.

“It looks… interesting.” Akeno said.

Rias frowned. “You want me to feed my servants unknown medicine?”

Issei quickly stepped in. “It really works, Rias-senpai! It healed me up in seconds and it tastes good too! It’s safe, I promise!”

Rias glanced between Issei, Lala, the candy, and her injured servants.

After a moment of hesitation, she took two pieces and held them out to Kiba and Koneko.

“Can both of you eat these, carefully.” She said quietly. “If what they say is true, they’ll help you recover.”

Kiba and Koneko exchanged a brief look. Then, without complaint, they accepted the candy and placed it in their mouths, tasting the sweetness but they also felt their pain alleviate.

The street had gone eerily quiet. The fires in the distance still burned, the smell of smoke and dust still hung in the air, but for this moment, everything seemed to hold its breath.

Issei stood a few meters away from Zastin, the red glove glimmering faintly on his left hand. His clothes were torn to shreds, his skin while recovered were still covered in shallow cuts and scrapes.

Lala watched him with worried eyes, hands clenched in front of her chest. Rias, Akeno, Kiba, and Koneko stood farther back, wounded but recovering, watching the scene unfold with tense confusion.

Zastin shifted his stance, sword angled diagonally, muscles tightening beneath the bone-like armor. “Whenever you’re ready, Earthling,” He said calmly.

Issei swallowed. ‘No backing down now…’

He bent his knees and charged. Issei sprinted forward, kicking off the broken asphalt. ‘I just have to close the distance,’ He thought. ‘If I can just get close…’

Zastin’s eyes narrowed. He moved with only one step as he responded with one swing. A wind blade exploded outward from his sword, aimed not to cut Issei in half, but to force him back.

Issei felt the air screaming toward him and had to skid to a halt, throwing himself sideways to avoid it. The attack gouged a long, deep line in the street where he’d just been.

He tried again and darted to the left. But Zastin pivoted with another slash with more compressed air as more invisible blades charged.

Each time Issei tried to advance, the sword sent him scrambling away, retreating instinctively. He could barely get within striking range before another wave of cutting wind threatened to slice him into ribbons. New cuts formed on his arms and legs, thin red lines stinging with each movement.

‘Tch…!’ Issei grit his teeth with his frustration boiling. ‘No matter what I do, I can’t get close. I’m too slow, too weak and I can’t even touch him…’

His lungs burned again. His legs screamed. ‘I need… more power.’

Quickly something inside him responded as deep within his soul, the Sacred Gear pulsed, reacting to the desperate, stubborn wish of its host.

‘Stronger…  I want to be stronger…  I want to reach him… for her…’

The jewel in the glove flared. Issei stumbled mid-step as heat rushed down his arm.

The red metal scales along his hand shifted, expanding, rearranging, crawling up his limb like living armor. The glove grew bulkier, more solid and more draconic in shape. The green jewel at its center gleamed brilliantly.

An echoing voice rang out being heard by everyone in the vicinity 

(BOOST!)

A shockwave of power burst through his body.

Issei gasped, eyes widening. His muscles felt lighter and denser at the same time. His legs coiled with newfound strength, his senses sharpening as Zastin’s movements became just a bit easier to track.

From the side, Rias’ eyes widened. ‘That Sacred Gear…!  So Koneko was right in smelling the scent of a dragon… Could Hyoudou Issei be the current Sekiryuutei’

Up above, Akeno’s lips curled in an intrigued smile. “Ara… so that’s his true Sacred Gear~”

Zastin’s brows rose slightly. “So that weapon changed shape,” He murmured. “Interesting.”

Issei panted, flexing his fingers in the red gauntlet. He could feel it—his strength and speed had literally doubled.

“…Alright then, I have no idea what happened.” He muttered, a grin tugging at his lips despite the pain, “But time for round two.”

He kicked off the ground. This time, he moved faster.

The distance between them closed more quickly. When Zastin swung and released an air blade, Issei jolted sideways, dodging by a narrower, but more controlled margin.

He slipped between two air slashes, feeling them tear by close enough to ruffle his hair and rip the edge of his clothes, but he didn’t stop.

Zastin narrowed his eyes, then increased his speed again.

His sword began to move faster, the slashes tighter, the timing trickier.

Issei’s vision blurred trying to keep up with his heart hammered in his chest. ‘Still… not enough…!’

The jewel flashed again.

(BOOST!)

Another surge ripped through him.

His body roared in protest as pain flared in his muscles, joints screaming as his speed and power were pushed beyond what his untrained body was meant to handle. He felt like he’d been plugged into a power line—energy pouring in too fast for his frame to properly contain.

But he forced himself to move.

‘Ignore it. Just this once. Move!’

He became a red blur, closing the gap at last.

Zastin swung, but Issei’s newly-heightened speed let him slip under the arc. He darted to the side, feet skidding over broken pavement, then pivoted, adrenaline burning away everything except his target.

‘Now!’ With a strangled shout, Issei swung his fist with everything the Boosted Gear had given him as he aimed straight at Zastin’s face.

His knuckles connected with the swordsman’s cheek.

The sound was solid but unspectacular as Zastin’s head barely turned a centimeter. His body didn’t move. His feet remained firmly planted.

It was like punching a boulder.

But for Zastin, his eyes widened just a fraction, genuinely surprised. ‘He reached me,’ Zastin thought. ‘He actually closed the distance… and touched me.’

Issei stumbled back, chest heaving, a wild, exhausted grin on his face. “Hah… hah… I… I did it…!” He gasped. “I… hit you…!”

Then his legs gave out. The backlash of the double Boost hit all at once. His muscles seized painfully, nerves screaming as if overloaded by electricity. His body spasmed, and the Boosted Gear’s glow dimmed. With a final flicker, the gauntlet reverted, fading off his arm entirely.

Issei collapsed onto his knees, then onto his hands, panting hard.

“Issei!” Lala shouted, racing over to him. She knelt by his side, slipping an arm under his shoulders to help him up. “Are you okay!?” She asked, eyes brimming with worry.

“I’m… fine…” He breathed, forcing himself to straighten. “Just… gonna feel this tomorrow… and the next day… and probably the day after that…”

Despite everything, he grinned weakly and turned his head toward Zastin. “So… how’d I do?” he asked, still smiling like an idiot.

Zastin stood in silence for a moment, fingers brushing the spot on his cheek where Issei’s fist had landed.

Then, slowly… He smiled. “Hmph,” he said. “Your punch didn’t hurt. And you barely moved me.”

Issei’s shoulders sagged. “Ouch… you don’t have to say it like that…”

“But,” Zastin continued, voice warmer, “you did manage to reach me. In skill, you are nothing impressive. Your chances of winning were indeed impossible.” He lowered his sword and rested it on his shoulder. “However… in spirit, you have passed.”

Issei blinked. “…Huh?”

“As promised,” Zastin said, straightening. “I will report to His Majesty that Princess Lala is engaged to you. I will recognize her choice. And I will no longer interfere with this engagement or attempt to drag her back by force.”

Lala’s eyes widened, then sparkled with joy. “Really!?” she cried, smiling brightly.

Zastin nodded, then raised a hand in warning. “However… while I will no longer trouble you about this,” he added, “I cannot say the same for the other husband candidates spread throughout the universe.”

Issei paled. “What…?”

“There are many powerful beings who desire Princess Lala’s hand,” Zastin explained calmly. “Some of them may not accept this engagement so easily. They may come here and will come to cause problems. They may attempt to force her to cancel this arrangement.”

He pointed at Issei—not in threat, but in declaration. “So I will leave Princess Lala in your care, Earthling,” he said. “Protect her. And be prepared for the chaos that your position will bring.”

Issei stared at him, brain short-circuiting. “…M-More guys like you are gonna show up?” he croaked.

Lala hugged his arm, grinning. “Issei will be fine! He’s strong and kind and he has his secret weapon!”

‘Strong…?’ Issei thought weakly, every muscle screaming. ‘I can’t feel my legs…’

Satisfied, Zastin turned away.

Without further explanation to the stunned devils, he sheathed his sword and walked calmly down the cracked street. A shimmering alien teleportation field materialized around him and in a flash of light, he vanished..

Rias, Akeno, Kiba, and Koneko all stood there, staring at the empty space where Zastin had been. They hadn’t even gotten his name.

“…What,” Rias said flatly, “just happened?”

No one answered as they had no idea.

All they knew was a swordsman as strong as a master like Okita had just rampaged through their town. As a princess with a tail was apparently the cause of all this disaster as she apparently arrived in their town, running away from her engagement and had fallen in love with Hyoudou Issei, of all people, who had a Longinus-level Sacred Gear and just declared his love in front of them. A fight took place to figure out if Issei was worthy of the princess’s hand in marriage, which Issei passed and now said swordsman then casually walked away after leveling several blocks.

Rias looked around at the carnage. Sliced cars, destroyed walls, cracked pavement, half-a-park again, and several citizens that they will have to delete the memory and terror from today.

Her eye twitched. “Who,” she said very quietly, “is going to clean all of this up…?”

Akeno gave a sympathetic, if slightly amused smile. “I believe that will be us, President.”

Rias let out a slow, pained sigh, rubbing her temple. “This… is going to be a nightmare to fix,” she muttered. “Barriers, memory alteration, reconstruction… I’ll have to report this to Sona… And she not going to be happy…”

Akeno giggled softly. “Ara, ara~ But at least we discovered something interesting tonight.” She glanced at Issei and Lala. “The Sekiryuutei… and a foreign princess, hm…? Kuoh is getting livelier.”

Rias followed her gaze, eyes lingering on Issei, who was still battered but was grinning weakly at the girl clinging to his arm. ‘He fought… not for power or status,’ She thought. ‘But just so she could choose for herself…’ Something complicated flickered in her expression as she watched him celebrate with the pink haired girl.

Done. Tell me what you think and if I made any mistakes. Thank you. Dillan for the ideas. Tell me what do you think should happen next? This commission was brought to you by Galaxy Shard Star, so make sure to thank him.