Capítulo 19: Chapter 19 (Remake)
Chapter 19: Resolving the Arranged Marriage and Little Tournament
After resolving the Raynare group, Ray finally shifts his attention to his preparation for having this world under his control. Ray didn't worry about Trihexa for now since the Biblical God is holding the seal without problems since Rizevim Livan Lucifer was unable to get his hand on Sephiroth Graal to cause trouble.
Although it might sound cruel, he did what he needed to. Ray selected the easiest option which is to deny them the longinus and sealed it away near his lap on the planet he previously used. He also put down layer upon layer of anti divination barrier to hide its location from every prying eyes.
He simply didn't have the resources and time to deal with her broken mind. Also, he will risk having Rizevim to kidnap Valerie Tepes from him if he doesn't pay attention to her constantly. He at first wanted to simply plunder the longinus but he can't bear to simply kill her for no reason and especially when she is simply a victim of cruelty.
Thus his current attention is on the Khaos Brigade. He wanted to cripple them before they could mount any problematic attack on his faction. He knew for a fact that the old satan faction in Khaos Brigade led by Rizevim himself is itching to attack Pale Blood faction to reclaim the Sephiroth Graal for building their super soldiers.
His plan is to cripple their main source of confidence, the Infinite Dragon God Ophis. However to do this, he will need to attract her interest which is to show his power enough to attract her or lure her with what she wants.
The Cosmic Guidance shows him that Ophis actually only needed the 'silence' and didn't actually need to kill Great Red to reclaim the dimension gap. He can produce a stable pocket dimension that is created using a part of the void which is a better version of dimension gap.
He also created a countermeasure if he failed to convince Ophis to join him. He would use the very same stable pocket dimension but different way of using it. He will use it to seal Ophis until he finds a way to subdue her. However he highly doubts he would need drastic measures like this since according to Cosmic Guidance, he is almost guaranteed to succeed unless Rizevim himself interferes which is unlikely.
However, he can only wait for Ophis to notice him or wait until later to showcase his power and attract her attention.
Right now, he was sitting in his home guest room while waiting for someone he had invited to negotiate a deal. He patiently waits while mentally going over various materials for the evolution plan for Boosted Gear.
Few minutes later, a maid opened the door and brought in guests that he had been waiting for for a while. The guests are Riser Phenex, Ravel Phenex and Lord Phenex.
"Greetings, Lord Phenex, Riser Phenex and Lady Ravel." Ray stands from his seat to greet them.
"It's a pleasure to meet the infamous Pale Blood King, hahaha." Lord Phenex shakes hands with Ray before taking a seat.
"From Lord Ray's messenger, he said that Lord Ray had something to negotiate with the House of Phenex." Lord Phenex immediately went to the point while the maids were preparing tea for everyone.
"Indeed, this deal will definitely benefit Lord Phenex and the Phenex Clan. However please wait for a moment while someone is fetching us the item for our negotiation." Ray said while his eyes were focused on Ravel and didn't go unnoticed by Lord Phenex who didn't mention it.
Then the door opened and Artemis entered the room while bringing 3 similar beautiful ornate boxes. She placed it on the table near Ray before taking a seat beside him.
"Then, as you all probably heard a few years ago, I am capable of fixing the fertility problem of the devil race, however the process is very hard and inefficient."
"Indeed I have, many Pillar Clans went into a frenzy to borrow the only Blood Stone that Maou Leviathan exchanged from Lord Ray four years ago. With the help of this Blood Stone, few near extinct Pillar Clan now manage to repopulate themselves." Lord Phenex straightens his body before recalling his memories about the Blood Stone.
"Then, I could expect that it would be very valuable then." Ray said while trying to give hints about the item he would offer.
"It is valuable indeed… no, it's a priceless treasure that many Pillar clans are willing to give up a lot to borrow the artifact. Some are even willing to give their life to obtain it." Lord Phenex explained with excitement visibly seen in his eyes.
"Then I am sure Lord Phenex will benefit from this deal. This is the better and improved version of the Blood Stone." Ray moved one of the boxes to Lord Phenex who immediately opened the box and saw a beautiful ornament with a large crimson gem inlaid on.
"This I call the [Orb of Life]. As you could probably feel, the gem is made of the improved version of Blood Stone. The name is Blood Gem and contains more than 100 times more concentrated vitality energy than Blood Stone which ensures the child to be born rather than simply increases the chance of pregnancy for the devil. The main features of it is that when used with a special magic formation, it can create a 100 meters wide area domain that has this effect." Ray explained.
"Lord Ray! This… no, what is the price for this [Orb of Life]." Lord Phenex quickly cut to the chase and asked Ray to quote his price.
"I'm glad Lord Phenex likes it, these three are the only three of its kind that I would ever produce and sell. The price I would ask for is two things only." Ray raises two fingers before looking at the silent Phenex sibling at the side.
"Please, state your price." Lord Phenex ignored the look he received from Riser and Ravel.
"One is her, I want to have her under my servitude. Rest assured, I will not extract her Phenex clan ability or will I kill her purposely." Ray explains while the smile on his face never changes.
He did say that he will not purposely extract her ability or kill her but everything else is fair game. Lord Phenex is thinking for a bit before he nodded his head. This item is quite precious to their clan's prosperity and surely worth more than their daughter's happiness.
"I can agree with Lord Ray, however, you have to take her as your concubine and sign a magic contract that you will enforce your promise." Lord Phenex said with a neutral tone.
"Lord father!" Riser Phenex finally had enough and call our his father.
"Enough Riser, this is for our clan's prosperity. You as the future heir of the Phenex clan should understand the value of this item better." Lord Phenex instantly made Riser shut up.
Riser wanted to defy his father's world but Ravel pulled his sleeve and shook her head to tell Riser to stop. She had long understood her fate as a bargain chip for the clan just like most daughters of other Pillars clan.
"I'm not that evil you know. If you miss your sister, I can 'allow' you to meet her when time is convenient." Ray intentionally speaks ambiguously just to elicit reaction from them which made Riser miss understand Ray.
"You!" Riser wanted to lash out but stopped by Ravel.
"Nii sama!" Ravel pulls Riser's hand to stop him.
"Well, my second and last prize is the marriage contract that binds Riser Phenex and Rias Gremory. For these two terms, I will provide two of this orb and another one to 'smoothen' the ownership of Ravel."
"I accept both terms Lord Ray provides. However, I must ask about the evil piece inside Ravel." Lord Phenex said.
"Come" Ray called Ravel who quickly moved toward Ray until she reached his other side. Ray uses his Psychic Manipulation to gently disconnect the Bishop Evil Piece from her physical and spiritual body.
A flame like reddish yellow bishop chess piece floats out of her chest before Ray floats it over to Riser who gritted his teeth. Riser didn't mind Ray taking the marriage contract since he only adhered to the marriage because of his father as the clan lord's decision but Ravel, he does genuinely care for his sister.
"With this, I hope there aren't any more complications?" Ray asked Lord Phenex who nodded.
"I will return with the written contract tomorrow, I hope Lord Ray has a pleasant afternoon. Let's go Riser." Lord Phenex quickly pocketed the boxes containing the orb before leaving with Riser while being escorted out by the maid.
He then focuses on Ravel who looks at him frighteningly. This made him realize something, his recent behaviour is quite similar to how the evil lord in those isekai manga Nia usually reads. However he sometimes only acts like one out of boredom like just now. He just acts to see the response Riser will show him which is anger and indignation apparently.
(Note: Yea, he purposely acts like that coz he is bored and wanted to see Riser's response to his taunt. He will treat Ravel nicely… maybe.)
He put it aside before creating a variant of servant contract from Scáthach that caused the person to be unable to do any act he considered as betraying him and the basics like providing mana and telepathy.
"Don't resist or I will have to be more forceful." Ray said nonchalantly but didn't realize his words sound like a threat to Ravel.
Ravel listened to Ray and didn't resist when she felt the uncomfortable feeling of something touching her soul when Ray inscribed the magic contract on her soul.
"Now that I acquired my helper… follow me." Ray then lead Ravel to his office before dumping all his management job to her and reserve only important approvals to him.
"Haah, now I don't need to deal with those administration jobs with Laurence and Ravel handling them." Ray released a satisfied sigh.
Ray actually only wanted Ravel because he remembered from his original world that Ravel is a rather great manager and tactician. She was also available to him since he happened to have something that the Phenex clan would want and traded her for the item. With that, he can guarantee her loyalty to him and faithfully do her job and allow Ray to spend more time doing other things.
Next day, Lord Phenex and Lady Phenex come and finalize the written contract and officially marry Ravel Phenex to Ray as concubine.
When news about Ravel married to Ray spreaded, many rumors quickly surfaced because the status of Ravel marriage as Ray's concubine and Phenex clan suddenly obtained a special magic artifact that only can be produced by Ray. Many of the rumours are Ravel being sold by Phenex clan for the magic artifacts and several Pillar clans wanted to sell their daughter too but refused by Ray saying that he cannot make more of them due to personal reasons.
…
A week later, Ray suddenly went to ORC in Kuoh Academy to request a meeting with Rias and Issei. This happened after Rias Peerage had obtained their familiars from the Familiar Forest.
The news of Ray obtaining Rias's marriage contract is less known and only spreaded among the Gremory and Bael clan. Sirzechs had tried to exchange the marriage contract from Ray through whatever means possible and even agreed when Ray jokingly asked to exchange for Grayfia but he simply told Sirzechs that he had other plans for it and was unwilling to exchange it.
Rias assumes that Ray wanted to meet her regarding the marriage contract and she is correct.
Ray arrived at ORC during the afternoon during the rest hour for the students and was greeted by Akeno who met her for the first time. Ray's cold and unapproachable deposition made her only greet him respectfully and prepare a cup of tea while waiting for Rias and Issei.
Rias and Issei arrive soon after along with the rest of the peerage and surprisingly Sirzechs himself who worried about the marriage contract also Sona with her queen, Tsubaki Shinra.
"Quite the group you brought. I planned to have a private conversation but whatever." Ray commented.
"I hope you don't mind if I join. I am as worried as her brother if you use it for improper requests." Sirzechs replied with a little threat, which is expected from a worried siscon maou from his recent action.
"I didn't think you thought of me as such person. Maou Sirzechs Lucifer." Ray reply with playful tone.
"Hmn…, quite a few of unfamiliar faces. Care to introduce them?" Ray ask Rias who suddenly stiffened when Ray look at Koneko with gaze of unhidden interest.
Koneko herself didn't feel disgusted like how she would usually respond because she didn't feel any lust from Ray using her senjutsu. Ray focus is on the invisible cat features that she hidden with somekind of ability but able to be seen by Ray's Psychic Sight.
Sirzechs made a cough and Rias begrudgingly introduce everyone to Ray who only continue to pay attention to Koneko. When everyone introduced themselves, Ray then tell his reason for the meeting.
"My purpose of coming here is due to Issei. I noticed that he recently been slacking a lot and never bothered to train his Dragon Fist." Issei instantly stiffen when his name is mentioned.
"I don't blame you for it. You are recently just a normal human and you naturally lack motivation to improve yourself. Thus I created a mini event just for you to regain your motivation." Ray explained before created a magic circle to summon Ellen.
"You have to fight Ellen and win to reclaim Rias marriage contract which is the prize of this duel. Although she might be a human, but she is still way stronger than you by miles away."
"Wait, how am I going to win if she is stronger than me?" Issei raised a point which everyone agreed.
"Yes, this is clearly rigged. If you already said that she is stronger then how is he going to win?" Sirzechs calmed down when knowing that Ray's intention is beneficial to his sister.
"Well for that, I have a perfect teacher just for you." Ray smirk widely before summoning another person.
"Introducing, Scáthach the Queen of Shadow land, the teachers for many heroes and warriors of Ulster." Scáthach wearing her usual bodysuit and holding her spear look at Ray with a questioning gaze.
"That Scáthach!" Sona said with a shocked voice in the background along with Akeno and Tsubaki.
"Is that the real Scáthach… I thought she never left the Shadow land and guarding the gate constantly." Sirzechs asked also in surprise.
"Why did you summon me M- Ray?" Scáthach manage to stop before calling him master.
"Well, since you always complained that you are bored and didn't have anything to do, I made you one. I want you to turn this guy here into something worthy of a warrior to duel against Ellen here." Ray then point at Ellen who sitting at his side drinks the tea and complemented Akeno.
"Wai wai wait, I never agreed to participate yet." Issei protested when Ray force him to be trained and fight a duel.
"Well you can refuse but, if you refuse or lose the duel. I might misplaced the marriage contract somewhere accidentally."
"You wouldn't mind if suddenly Matsuda or Motohama suddenly obtain the contract would you? Or perhaps some random schmuck on the street get it? The contract are absolute after all and Rias will be forced to marry someone she didn't like at all rather than you." Issei didn't feel threaten much by Ray's taunt and force Ray to escalate it a bit more.
"You liked her breast right? What will you feel if suddenly it was taken away from you. Some steal it under your eye and you can only see that person enjoy her-" Ray suddenly interrupted by Issei.
"Bring it on fucker, let me fight now. Let me go Kiba, let me punch that fucker face for stealing Rias tits from me."Issei continue to spill out curse as Kiba and Koneko hold him down from punching the imaginary ugly bastard that tried to ntr him from Rias breast.
"I didn't expect it to be this successfully… well then, I will give him two week of time to be tor- trained by Scáthach." Ray quickly correct his mistake after Scáthach jab him with her spear butt.
"I hope my arrangements is satisfactory?" Ray ask Rias and Sirzechs.
"Before that, I wanted to verify her strength first to make sure the duel isn't impossible." Sirzechs points at Ellen.
"Sure, well Ellen will not use her more destructive ability. She will only use her Swordsmanship and her ability as magician. Who going to do the test?" Kiba quickly offer himself to test Ellen's might which cause her to feel excited because Akeno told her that Kiba is a skilled swordsman.
They move to the back of ORC building at the open area hidden from the students. Ellen didn't wear her CR suit anymore as her base strength and mastery of 'Territory' magic had advanced enough that she is stronger than her old self wearing a CR suit which is around upper low class power.
Her CR suit also continuously upgraded by herself and Ray that it had changed totally from the old one. It still retains the shape of the old one but material and armament had been changed to be more durable and stronger firepower. The durability is within mid class while the firepower touches the high class power when she is going all out on offence.
"Ready in 3,2,1 Du Du Du Duel." A mysterious person suddenly appeared to become referee for the duel.
"Caledfwlch!"
"Sword Birth!"
"The duelists finally drew their weapons!!! Oh! Mah! Gawd! Such an intense fight. Both duelists instantly leap on each other but it seems that Duelist Ellen energy sword is much superior! Her blade melted Duelists Kiba's sword!" The mysterious person exclaimed while shouting on his imaginary microphone with over exaggerated body movements.
"If you can melt a sword then, Fire Sword!" A sword that produces flame is created and Kiba uses it to counter back Ellen's energy sword.
Ellen evades the wide heavy slash which her basically weightless energy sword isn't supposed to block.
"By the way, isn't Caledfwlch the name of Excalibur in welsh?" Sirzechs asked.
"Yeah, her abilities are mostly inspired or named using King Arthur legends." Ray replies offhandedly before focusing again on the duel.
"Mama Mia! Duelist Kiba produce a flaming sword. Aw Yea, burning ferociously like his ferocious sword slash. Such a passionate swordplay, Mai heart is beating so wildly like his rapid sword slashes!" The mysterious person keep rambling nonsense but no one noticed like he is an imaginary person.
Ellen did a rapid evasion until Kiba suddenly stopped after knowing that he would just be wasting his stamina like this. He should be faster with Knight Piece in him but his opponent seems to be faster than him.
"Well enough testing, now I come for real. Don't disappoint me Kiba, I wanted to show my husband an interesting match. It's been awhile since I last checked my progress." Ellen declares with an arrogant tone but is more respectful when mentioning Ray.
"I am ready" Kiba replied to Ellen's declaration.
"Pendragon, partial deployment." Her formal suit vanished and was replaced with her CR suit Pendragon but without any other armament and the upper metallic wing like parts.
Her speed and striking power increase by half which surprised Kiba a little but he manage to keep up but Ellen's energy sword become more hotter and intense as his Fire Sword was cutted through and he panicked a little and spawn a mass of sword to shield him.
Kiba jump back before spawning another sword made of ice instead, the Flame Eraser sword that will sap out the heat. Ellen saw the sword then changed her tactic. She overload the CR suit thruster with [Reinforcement] before her movement create after image in Kiba's sight.
Ellen keep making small slash from his blind spot while moving in high speed constantly. For few more moment, Kiba become tired and sluggish which soon slip up which gave Ellen a chance.
Ellen hit Kiba from the back, causing him to fell to the ground while breathing heavily.
"Do you give up." Ellen point her energy sword on Kiba's back.
"Yes" Kiba said before he change to seated position while Asia rush to him to provide healing then asked if Ellen also need healing which Ellen rejected since she is fine.
"Did I do well, husband?" Ellen ask Ray as she switch back to her formal suit.
"Yes, your mana pool and recovery is better now which allow longer sustainable use of Caledfwlch but isn't it better if you add mana battery or mana absorber to make it more sustainable to use stronger armament." Ray again repeating her old weakness.
"But I dislike my CR suit bulky with those battery installed." Ellen pouted cutely before looking away from Ray with her arm crossed to show her protest.
"Can't you just put them on different deployment mode and only deploy when needed to power your energy intensive armament."
"If you make me those compact Blood Gem mana battery that you give all to Artoria then I would willingly install them. This is favouritism." Ellen replied back which make Ray instantly quiet down as he cannot fight her back again and sighed.
Meanwhile the rest of the people excluding Scáthach and Sirzechs feel like been fed dog food as the husband and wife get absorbed into their own world. Issei especially feel indignant from their display of affection given another purpose to train harder.
Issei envious of Ray having such a loving wife. He also wanted too and will claim and use the marrige contract on himself to marry Rias and get a loving wife too.
"Ahem, Ray. Her power are… quite powerful for a newly reincarnated devil like Issei even if he grind his bone off to train." Sirzechs said.
"Don't worry I will adjust base on his training results later. I let you be one of the referees too." Ray assured Sirzechs.
On the side however, Issei is doing a salute to Scáthach like a soldier. He had enough of being trampled by Ray and wanted to train hard to prove himself as a capable man to get his own wife.
"Ma'am please teach this lowly one!"
"What lowly on? In my eye, you are nothing more than a insects. No, to be called as one is a disgrace to insects. You are lower than a trash. Also call me shishou instead."
"Yes shishou!"
"Good, I will change you from a disgrace of a trash into a proper warrior in my eye. Now where is your thanks!"
"Thank you shishou for willing to educate this disgrace of a trash into a proper warrior."
"Good, now let's start with basic one first. We run on a tight schedule here, let's go." Issei saluted again before following Scáthach while leaving everyone except the lovely dovey couple to be dumbfounded.
"I'm too tired from this… I'm gonna skip class and sleep till tomorrow." Rias said before leaving to find her bed.
"I have more paperwork waiting for me." Sirzechs then teleported away.
"I still have my duty as student council president"
"Me too" Sona and Tsubaki said before leaving ORC.
Ray and Ellen had left after Sirzechs left and the rest of Rias's peerage looked at each other before also disbanded and returned to their individual activities.
…
Issei's training was hard and intense. Scáthach didn't hold back at all and only allowed him to rest if he managed to finish his training quota.
He was trained to use various weapons during his training and discovered that he is talented with sword and shield but more comfortable with using his Dragon Fist as replacement for shield instead. He is regularly sparred with hunters during the second week, usually with Ludwig who liked Issei's dedication to get stronger.
Scáthach also trained Issei magic like [Reinforcement], fire magic and [Enhanced Regeneration]. Most of them are to enhance his basic physique to have better stamina and endurance to fight longer.
Toward the end of the training, Issei was able to fight Ludwig to a stalemate although 0-25 in favour of Ludwig but compared to his first fight where he barely lasted a minute, it's a leap and bound improvement.
Ray had also regularly made adjustments to his Dragon Fist which should be called dragon arm now since it had grow bigger to cover his entire left arm from a gauntlet to the shoulder with a pauldron. Ray also added more Ddraig power and aura infused orb to keep up with Issei's rapid improvement in strength.
If he keep up this steady pace, he might reach high class power in just two months. From a no body to high class in less than a years, that's an abnormal growth.
Issei also manage to create Dress Break magic through sheer dumb luck to strip one of the female opponent which end up being stared at by any female he meet as lower than trash.
Finally when the two week of training ended, he immediately turn up to fight Ellen in a special combat training room in the underground city with the same people like before attend to see his match.
"Now Issei, your training had ended and you are worthy to be called a warrior. Go and win your fight. If you dare lose, we will have dodging lesson again." Issei shuddered and having a flashback of his training to sense intent by dodging sealed state Gae Bolg blindfolded.
"YES SHISHOU!" Issei shout on too of his lungs before walk into the room with serious face.
"Finally!!! The challenger arrived! The man who spend two weeks training with the demon instructor Scáthach finally come to reclaim the marriage contract if his peerage king, Rias Gremory. Issei Hyoudou!" The mysterious person appeared while hyping up the fight.
"With both fighter arrived, let's us begin! The! Fight! Wooo!" The sound of prerecorded cheers resound all over the spectator area.
"3,2,1… Fight!"
"Caledfwlch!"
"Dragon Fist!"
Issei won the match!
(Note: JK)
Issei materialise his Dragon Fist and unsheate his ordinary magic sword which only enchanted to be extremely durable. He didn't instantly rush but asses his opponent weakness first while applying [Reinforcement] on his body and sword.
He apply a protective layer of mana on his sword before move with explosive speed like shunpo but less powerful to Ellen side to slash on her exposed side but Ellen also faster even if she isn't allowed to use CR suit deployment.
Ellen with faster speed and reaction evade the slash and kicked Issei but Issei manage to block it using Dragon Fist. With Ellen still in kicking motion, Issei rush toward Ellen with his body to throw away her balance.
Issei smirk victoriously and a red magic circle can be seen on Ellen lower rib where Issei made contact on just now. Suddenly an announcement can be heard coming from the hidden speaker in this room.
"Ahem Issei, if you dare to use Dress Break on my wife then get yourself ready after this because I'm gonna impale you on stake and castrate you publicly." Ray voice suddenly can be heard from the announcement.
"Please continue." Ray ended the announcement.
Issei suddenly feel like his blood freeze over when hearing the announcement and abandon the thought of stripping Ray's wife to have his revenge. He instead use [Fire Explosion] that cause the magic circle to lit up and explode.
Ellen although unscathed, she did focus a large portion of mana to reinforce that part of her body to resist the damage. Although she didn't want to admit, she is in disadvantage when her energy consumption is higher and faster which will dry out her current mana. She also cannot use CR suit and have to manually reinforce her
body to defend.
Issei on another hand still fine other than minor exhaustion from the high speed movement he did that rupture few blood vessels. His main training is after all focused on endurance since Ellen's weakness is high energy consumption.
Raising his sword again, Issei look at Ellen who switched to defence rather than offence to conserve her stamina and mana. Issei smirked before rushing forward and did an overhead cleave which exposed his front body but Ellen can't attack or she risk getting cleaved by the sword.
Ellen dodge to the side as Issei predicted and his real attack, his left fist that he reinforce to maximum punch toward Ellen lower rib again to target the weaken area. He wanted to quickly finish this attack since he is less experienced in combat than Ellen. He simply made use all the teaching he received during his training.
Ellen only use her energy sword and basic combat suit. Her movement is more sluggish than the fight with Kiba two weeks ago and she didn't expect that Issei would improve that much. Issei currently can take on a mid class opponent and keep up with them.
Issei also have great instinct in battle as he always seems to know the trajectory of the attack and know where the gap of her defence is. What most didn't know that it was the luck effect which allow great advantage against any opponent with lower luck than him.
The effect however isn't omnipotent since anyone with real skill can counter it easily like Scáthach just need to kill him first before he could take advantage of the luck effect.
When the punch connected, Ellen already exhausted most of her mana and unable to sustain her Caledfwlch since she used them to block Issei's punch which end up throwing her to the wall or the room but Ray appeared and catch her before Ellen could crash to the wall.
"Well done, Issei." Ray clap his hand after passing Ellen to Scáthach in spectator area through a portal.
"Even if Ellen cannot equip her CR suit, she still as strong as low class opponent. You had turn from a weak civilian to upper low class devil…" Ray then enter his hand into a void before taking out a bundle of documents and throw it to Issei.
"That's your promised prize, Rias's marriage contract. Now, I want you to keep up your progress in training or I will return again one day and shrink Rias's tits to a flat board. Do you understand?" Rias in the spectator area look at them weirdly when her breasts is used as hostage while Sirzechs didn't mind it since he knew Ray simply motivating Issei.
"Yes sir!" Issei instantly saluted which had become a force of habit during his training.
"At ease Issei… if you keep this up then your dream of climbing rank as devil to becoming harem king isn't far anymore."
"I'm honoured by your kind word sir!" Issei stand straight with his leg a bit wider and both hand at his back.
Ray then teleported away to his home with Ellen and Scáthach. He stare at the tired Ellen silently before he sighed.
"Now you see yourself how bad it is to have such low energy reserve. You should install some mana battery to extend your CR suit operational time." Ray said with a given up tone since he saw that defiant stare and pout from Ellen.
"No" Ellen still won't budge from it and refuse to install the bulky mana battery on her CR suit.
"Grrr, fine take it. Everyone only come to me for these Blood Stone. They only want Blood Stone from me." Ray throw few Blood Stone to Ellen that instantly turn to smile and catch the Blood Stone.
"Thank you husband. Muah" Ellen thank him with a kiss before running away to her workshop to start modification.
"What? Don't tell me you want too… I just gave you your weekly supply of Blood Stone." Ray said while looking at Scáthach who stoic face have melted to a embarrassed face.
"... I… I accidentally use them up when I get hungry." The once proud warrior queen now stutter like being scolded by her father for eating up all the candies in one go.
"The fuck you say? You use them up when you got hungry… Those are for emergency power up! Not candy! If you are hungry go eat fucking rice dammit!" Ray finally lose it.
"B… but it's tasty?" Scáthach said while fidgeting.
"Those are concentrated mana to boost your power! Not friggin tasty candyyyy reee…" Losing his sanity, Ray use Dimension Shift and escape to his only safe house from this madness to cuddle with Tsukuyomi and Artemis in his man cave.
"Wait! Give me more cand- Blood Stone first…" Scáthach said but Ray already gone.
…
While the little tournament is being concluded, Kokabiel and his group of rebel fallen angel ransacked the church to rob the Excalibur fragments and successful stole Rapidly, Nightmare and Transparency fragments. This incident cause massive uproar in the Vatican city which decided to only send two exorcist which also holy sword wielder.
The exorcist is Xenovia Quart and Irina Shidou who respectively wield Excalibur Destruction and Excalibur Mimic. When they first arrived at Kuoh town, they visited The Pale Blood faction underground city to meet with the Pale Blood King to request cooperation.
"Please enter, the manager is inside awaiting you two." The Church Hunter that guard the central area lead both Xenovia and Irina into Ray's office.
When they both enter the room, they saw Ravel who look exhausted and unkempt as she keep attending to the paperwork. Xenovia quickly jumped and summoning her Durandal but group of hunters in black attire unlike the Church Hunters appeared and apprehend Xenovia.
"Wait wait, it was a misunderstanding. Xenovia, she isn't with the devil anymore. She was recently wedded to the Pale Blood King as a concubine." Irina tried to stop the hunters and calm Xenovia down.
The hunters look at them for a while before vanished and warned them. Irina heaved a relief sigh. The last thing she want is to be arrested during their mission. She then look at Ravel who seems to not notice them and continue to do her paperwork.
Xenovia and Irina walk closer to the table and finally get a close look at Ravel. They saw dried tears, swollen red eyes, sunken cheek and unkempt look. Irina gentle called Ravel but she didn't seems to hear Irina call. Xenovia who finally having enough of this slam the table a little which cause Ravel to have panic attack and wailing like a monster is haunting her.
"Please… please… I will stay here… I will do my job… I will not escape." Ravel keep saying this while shaking in fear.
"Calm down, we aren't here to hurt you. Calm down…" Irina quickly went and hug her and calm her down while comforting her.
Ravel who opened her eyes to sees Irina, sobbed before crying on Irina chest which cause those precious healing tears to be wasted. Irina simply comfort Ravel by rubbing her head and back while Xenovia simply keep quiet and feel bad that she cause Ravel to cried like this even if unintentionally.
When Ravel calmed down, Irina asked why is she here and like this. She said that immediately after she was sold to Ray under the guise of being married as concubine, she was sent here to do paperwork and Ray never return to bring her out. When she tried to leave, the guard or hunters in black attire will apprehend her and put her on hallucinogenic drug.
She will always wake up back on this chair and table with never ending paperwork that magically appeared. She hadn't stopped to eat, rest or visit her family for more than a month. She was terrified and want to seek help but the room block all magic and trapped her here. Even if she escaped, she will be branded as criminal and hunted by her family because of the contract her father signed.
Irina and Xenovia of course never meet the Pale Blood King before but many rumors said that he is a agreeable person unless if they are enemies which both exorcist assume to be the case. The devil are hated by this faction after devil's kidnapping their people.
"Heh, serve you right. You are paying back for the action that your own race did." Xenovia gloated while laughing but Irina jabbed her rib to make Xenovia stop.
"What? I'm saying the truth right? I also heard that the Pale Blood King is a researcher on par with Azazel of Grigori… perhaps he might cut you open-"
"Xenovia!" Irina raise her voice to stop Xenovia while Ravel is shaking in fear.
"Hmph" Xenovia snorted before looking away from Irina and Ravel.
Irina then wait for Ravel to calm down before explaining their reason for coming here. Ravel however tell them that Ray never come to his office since she was placed here.
"Can't you just call him here?
Surely you have a way to contact him when you need." Xenovia said which Ravel nodded and pointing at the button on the side if the table.
Xenovia about to press the button but Ravel quickly stop her. Xenovia didn't let it stop her and force out of Ravel's grip and slap the button before she fell to the floor with Ravel hugging Xenovia to stop her.
Ray immediately appreared with very annoyed face while hugging Tsukuyomi like the most precious thing in the world. His face then turn surprise and shocked when looking at Ravel like he just remembered something important.
-(Ray PoV)-
Shit I was too distracted with dealing Issei I forgot about Ravel. Also why is the exorcist duo here… did Kokabiel already stolen the Excalibur fragments?
"Ahem, why did you call me Ravel and why is the church agent here?" I asked while looking at they stand up properly from their little struggle on the floor.
"Lord Ray, the guest pressed the button. Not me." Ravel said with panicked voice.
Xenovia was looking at him weirdly since he still carrying Tsukuyomi on him with the tail around his neck. Xenovia then pretend to ignore it and announced her intention along with Irina.
"So, It has happened huh." Ray sat on the chair Ravel previous sat one while hearing their explanation.
"Did Lord Ray perhaps knew who stolen the Excalibur fragments! We need to recover them immediately and return them to the Vatican city." Irina excitedly said.
Ray actually didn't care about the Excalibur fragments since he can make similiar sword with better effect if he wants to. The only thing special about it is the significant of the sword to this world and their holy attributes. Ray then look at Ravel who immediately stiffened before looking down to the floor.
"Ravel" Ray call Ravel's name which cause her to look back at Ray while holding back her tears.
"I'm very sorry"
"Eh"
Ravel and the exorcist duo become shocked when Ray suddenly apologized.
"I'm sorry that I left you here and forgotten about it… I was… busy with certain. Ahem, important matter regarding my research." Ray started out embarrassed before he put on his serious face when giving his excuse.
"As compensation, I allow you to take a week for vacation. Also I will appoint Master Ludwig as your escort if you want to leave the underground city since condition now is dangerous if the Excalibur fragments are stolen."
"Eh, Ah yes Lord Ray." Ravel who are shocked by sudden change on Ray's tone and expression. Ray genuinely look regretful and worried about her.
Xenovia and Irina also look at Ray shocked since his current personality and what portrayed by the public is way different. He was usually known as a cold and merciless person and also liked research like Azazel and Ajuka Beelzebub.
"Now, about the stolen Excalibur fragments. I might as well advise you both to not come at all unless you can get more backup from the church." Ray say bluntly to both of them.
"What do you mean Lord Ray?" Irina asked while shutting Xenovia's mouth who was about to lash out when Ray told them to return empty handed.
"I can only speculate but lately, I had noticed few weird movement from various factions and mythologies and speculated that certain organisation is moving behind the shadow and the stolen Excaliburs are their doing and unless you bring stronger members like like your mentor, Griselda Quarta, Dulio Gesualdo or even the angels." Ray said seriously which caused the duo to focus and listen properly.
"May I ask what your basis for this speculation is, Lord Ray?" Irina asked seriously.
"Before that, please contact Griselda Quarta first. I know that you bring a device that can establish contact with her." Ray said that Irina and Xenovia aren't surprised since the most important mission will require them to bring such a device.
Irina rummages through her traveling bag before taking out a small mirror which Ray wonders how it stays intact with how fragile it looks. Irina put it on the table before making an incantation which caused the hologram of a blond nun in her 30's with blue eyes to appear.
"Why did you contact me Irina, Xenovia? Did you both manage to reach the underground city?" The woman asked while looking somewhat worried.
"Hello Sister Griselda, we contacted you because the Pale Blood King requested to contact you." Irina said which caused Griselda to turn back and sees Ray sitting on his chair while playing Tsukuyomi's tail who is sitting on the armrest while his arms are locked to Ray's neck.
Ray greeted Griselda before explaining what they talked about just now with the exorcist duo. She was of course skeptical about it but didn't voice it out in case she offended a faction leader whose personality is largely unknown since Ray rarely appears in public.
"That is why I recommended that you bring a more capable person. I didn't doubt your agent's capabilities but I think that you would prefer if they didn't die because they encounter overwhelmingly strong enemies."
"Forgive me Lord Ray but are you really sure that the Dragon God is the leader of this organisation?" Griselda asked.
"You can ask Michael or perhaps your Gabriel who are in close relation to you. Dragon God Ophis gathering people to fight Great Red isn't a secret anymore, most factions already know about this and Heaven surely already did."
"..." Griselda silently considered Ray's words.
"If that is so, I have to thank you for enlightening us with this information, Lord Ray." Griselda said.
"Don't worry, I am at odds with a few of the higher members of the organisation and I will definitely fight if the threat appears." Ray assured Griselda that he is on the good side.
"Ah, why don't I host you both since they will appear later in Kuoh anyway. I will provide your agents with residence until the thief appears and help you negotiate access to operate on the other side of Kuoh town from the Maou's sisters." Ray suddenly proposed which made Griselda suspicious of the generosity but didn't reject the offer since Ray could provide them protection for now.
"I thank you for your generosity Lord Ray, the Vatican and Heaven will remember this favor." Griselda thanks Ray.
"Don't worry, it's a small matter. Our goal alignment, that's all." Ray shrugged it and finally ended the talk.
Irina and Xenovia however were happy since they got a roof to sleep under and someone to take care of their meal. Xenovia especially is grateful since Irina keeps wasting their money on random trash that is worth nothing.
Ray then stands from the chair while holding Tsukuyomi before Shifting them to his home. The duo can't even react before they change location. They however calmed down when seeing that they were just teleported to a house.
"You, lead them to the guest room and tell someone to fetch their weapon from the underground city." Ray told the nearby maid who quickly left with the duo.
"Now let's get back to my hideout." Ray said to Tsukuyomi who nodded and they left just moments before Scáthach barged in from the bedroom area hallway.
"Dammit! I was too late… did he purposely send Kurumi to delay me?" Scáthach mumbles while returning to her room.
—————
(Note: I made changes to the plot and almost finished when I suddenly remembered that I wrote something wrong and had to remake it, which I changed to the Ellen vs Issei duel. The random nonsense is my frustration bleeding out and after bingeing meme compilation.)
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