Shin High School DxD - Volume 3 - Chapter 4.1

 New Life 

After the show event in Kyoto ended on a peaceful note, the second year school trip also ended without any more troubles and we returned home. A few days later?? We were discussing what happened in Kyoto with everyone in the living room. 

“Ara, it’s a lovely one, isn’t it." 

Rias was smiling and looking at sceneries on the photos of Koneko-chan and the others on the school trip. This is a photo of the second years posing in front of the Temple of the Golden Pavilion. Everyone seemed happy. 

“The event was also perfect.” 

Ravel shows a photo of the show event that took place in Urakyoto. It showed us doing a pose on the stage, excited audience and big fireworks going on. It is a good picture. ??And, a beautiful woman sitting next to me, Yasaka-san said. 

“The show event was a great success. You could say that unofficially it’s almost decided about wanting to conduct the next show." 

That’s what Yasaks-san told us. Since that incident she started visiting from time to time, through the magic teleportation circle! When there’s a free time at work, she said......! 

Thanks to the fervent look she sends me, I just keep getting excited, but on the other hand the looks I get from the girls hurt...... However, whether there will be another event in Urakyoto will depend on the schedule. Unexpectedly, I may end up visiting Kyoto regularly. By the way, the goods from Cao Cao who was the bodyguard during the event, arrived. Looking at it, it was Grass Dango, Shibamata’s specialty (currently one of the Hero Faction's bases of activity is near the Shibamata Taishakuten temple in Tokyo). There was a memo along. 

The memo said, “I was in your care in Urakyoto. Thanks." 

......Is it about when he apologized to Yasaka-san? Damn, he's quite an honest guy. Although there was this report on Kyoto, the topic was changed to Ryuuteimaru?? AxA. 

“By the way, Ise. How is Ryuuteimaru?” 

Xenovia asked that. 

“Oh, I can't put him outside with this size, so I decided to leave him in a private space.” 

I answered like that. Irina tilts her head in a puzzlement. 

“Even if that was okay...... the risk seems scary. After all, it has power on such a scale ." 

"About that...... Honestly, how should I put it, it’s not that much.” 

I said so. There was no backlash. Ravel said. 

“According to research by the Grigori and Ajuka Beelzebub-sama, energy??aura consumption is extremely intense, so the operating time is short and Ryuuteimaru cannot move even after a few days. This can be counted as a kind of a risk." 

"Well, after using it, I'm also absurdly tired." 

I followed after Ravel. Even after several days, the feeling of tiredness still remains. 

“............ And that’s all? Using something of that level.” 

Xenovia responded with “It’s unexpected”. Because when I acquired Dragon Deification, there were circumstances in which my body couldn't take it and and it had to be made into the ?Pseudo? form. Yes, there is still plenty of room to strengthen the Dragon Deification form. Someday, I’ll have to move from the [Pseudo] onto the True Dragon Deification. 

Kiba said. 

"In that case, we can say it's the same phenomenon as when you became True?Queen?, right." 

Ravel answers. 

“However, we were also given a caution?? Do not use it seriously. No, it may be more accurate to say that it is a warning." 

"What do you mean ...... Do not use it seriously?" Asia asked worriedly. 

Rias replied about it. 

“I received an explanation regarding Ryuuteimaru. That is - it looks like Ryuuteimaru keeps within it power capable enough to destroy a planet." 

 !!? A p-planet!? ? 

Everyone except for Ravel and me screamed in shock at Rias' words. This is natural, right. You know, if you hear this and that about a planet. I said. 

“Even when I defeated Tartarus , Seekvaira-san told me to suppress the power. In fact, with limited output it had such power, right? ...... I also thought it was dangerous, destroying a planet sounds crazy, but I feel like I understand.” 

Using that power inside Ryuuteimaru, I realized. It's scary in a different sense than True Dragon Deification. True Dragon Deification is scary because of the risk of the body not being able to adapt, but A × A with Ryuuteimaru is too scary because, on the contrary, the risk is low. 

“?? The current Ryuuteimaru, A×A is too dangerous.” I said so. 

“Have your feelings for oppai finally reached planet breaking levels? ......” Xenovia said with a groan. 

...... Rossweisse-san asks with a serious expression. 

"...... So a restriction in order to be able to unleash that power when you think about doing it, right?" 

I said. 

“Currently, it’s not quite at a perfect state, so I don’t know how serious it can get...... But if I have it shoot at high power, I think it will be able to shoot. That’s why it’s dangerous.” 

Supposing it can fire an attack powerful enough to be able to break the planet ...... there’s no way you can shoot something like this that easily. Because it will be all over.?? 

Ophis said. 

“Ryuuteimaru grew up anticipating future threats. That’s how it seems. That strength is in preparation for something.” 

In response, Irina was puzzled. 

......What are the future threats? Are the Gods of Hell so dangerous? ” 

"It may be with assumption for fighting against Sakra or the God of Destruction Shiva." 

Xenovia speaks like that. 

"............" 

"............" 

Rias and Ravel seemed to have something in mind about Ophis's words. Hey, Ddraig. My current self, if it goes along with Ryuuteimaru, did I surpass Vali? 

In terms of raw power you have overtaken it at once. But, you've already been told that aura consumption is too intense, right? That power has no meaning unless it lands a hit. When you get cornered after the attack being evaded and then ?AxA?ending due to stamina exhaustion, it would be the end.? 

Ddraig said calmly. ...... In fact, right. My power was something incredible, but it is not necessarily the case that all those attacks will reach the transcendentally fast Vali. So when the combination with Ryuuteimaru is over, I’ll get beaten and it’s over, huh? ...... Perhaps, with Vali as an opponent it’s no more than a huge moving fort. ...... So this means there is room for improvement and training, huh? 

While Ddraig laughs, he said. 

But, if you destroy the entire planet, you win.? 

I'm also going to die if the Earth is gone, aren’t I! During that, I also thought of something. ...... I asked Beelzebub-sama whether this power can be of help to Azazel-sensei and Sirzechs-sama and the others, who are in the isolation barrier...... 

I guess, you can expect the outcome? Probably it will be able to deal a serious damage to 666 Trihexa. However, the opponent's regenerative power is unmatched. After all, it was a plan where Sirzechs considered fighting for a super long time. So, I don't think you can beat him with a single blow. Furthermore, once you go there, you will not be able to return until you defeat him. Therefore, it can be said that there are too many risks for you. ...... I am against sending you at the current state.? 

I was admonished like that. ...... It was an explanation where I couldn’t say anything in return. Well, it’s not very realistic either way, because getting inside seems quite hard. The topic moves on to the leaders of Hell. 

“... We have defeated two Primordial Gods. According to the agent in the Realm of the Dead the Alliance of Hell's leaders is about to collapse." 

I said about a report explained to me by the higher-ups. The main remaining gods of the opponent are Hades and the greatest Evil God of Zoroastrianism Angra Manyu. It seems that we’ve become a major topic in each faction by defeating three Primordial Gods in succession. Ravel said. 

"Our ...... DxD’s power as a deterrent is continuing to become the biggest fighting power even amongst all factions, right." 

"...... If we defeat the God Hades, there may be no more those who oppose us publicly, right." 

Koneko-chan spoke like that. 

..... However, Beelzebub-sama said that we need more power for the future. The current strength of D × D is not enough. ...... EXE for the future, huh? Against a threat that will come in the future Azazel-sensei and Beelzebub-sama hoped to find transcendents that would support the world from behind the scenes and told about secretly establishing a secret intelligence agency. This is EXE. In the future, I was asked to be an intelligence agent there. Eventually, it will start to move seriously ...... While I was thinking about such a thing, Le Fay said. 

"A-actually my ...... Pendragon's family seems to have a request for DxD......" 

! A request? Le Fay? Rias seems to have heard it before and said. 

"I also received explanations in advance, so I will say briefly - it looks like there was a disturbing movement in the British royal family. Because of that, current Britain is now in a great state of chaos.” 

British royal family? Furthermore Britain is now in the midst of chaos from within! Suddenly, perhaps I should say that this story really took a turn, but we were told something we couldn't even imagine. 

“As it is not appearing on any news ...... Does it mean that it is really something internal? So what happened?" 

When I asked, Le Fay answered. 

“?? Longinus. In addition, one of the five new ones,Unparallel Crown of the Abyss ?Alphecca Tyrant?, appeared among the British royal family.” 

 !?? Everyone was surprised by this report! What a thing! The British royal family has a new Longinus ...... So this is the source of the chaos?! Irina was also surprised by that. 

“I-it can't be! Papa and Mama are also there in Britain, are they all right ...... ” Irina's parents - or rather, her home is in Britain, after all. 

Rias added even more shocking news. 

“There’s more to that outrageous news?Red Dragon? and ?White Dragon? the two Heavenly Dragons have been spotted in England." 

 !!?? 

Everyone had no choice but to be surprised, including me! I, the?Red Dragon?and ?White Dragon? appeared in Great Britain?! 

“?Red Dragon?and?White Dragon?!? Wait, Ddraig is...... here, right?” 

When I asked this, 

Yes, I'm here, Partner? 

Ddraig answered in a voice everyone could hear. 

I don't know exactly how it happened, but from what I heard from you, it would seem like an imposter of mine and Albion.? 

...... Impostor, huh? Is it related to the new Longinus? Or is it a harbinger of something from the leaders of Hell? ...... There is no end to worries. Rias said. 

"For now, this mission includes Gremory peerage, including Ise’s peerage, and Sairaorg’s peerage, and also ??" 

Le Fay raises her hand. 

“We, the Vali team will also participate. It was originally a request from the Pendragon family, after all. ” 

“This time I'll go along too, nyan.” 

Kuroka responded while eating Japanese sweets, which are souvenirs from Kyoto. It means the next mission is with Vali and Sairaorg-san and the others. ?? And at that moment, a surprising man appears. It was Crom Cruach in his black coat! 

“??Crom Cruach! Where have you been so far? ” 

Although Rias asks, Evil Dragon's answered unilaterally. 

“Why don’t I join this time too? These impostors of the two Heavenly Dragons pique my interest, after all.” 

Ddraig laughs. 

Heh. That’s certainly like you. ? 

And just then, Vali also appears. 

“It seems that all of the actors for the impostor hunt are present. Well, I and Albion intend to take care of our impostor ourselves." 

He says so fearlessly. Vali also looked at me. 

“Hyoudou Issei. I heard the story. It looks like you got stronger , again.” 

“Although I can't really handle it because the power is in a different league." 

“What are you saying, against those who oppose us that much is perfect. Besides, for me this is something very exciting, that is, my destined rival getting stronger." 

While we, the hosts, were having such a chat, Albion told Ddraig. 

Red. While dealing with the impostors, we’ll show you our new power. ? 

Ho, White. Isn’t that intriguing? ? 

They were having an interesting conversation, but...... 

“Phis-dono! Lith-dono! Let's play Cuju in the garden! ” 

“I kick, kick” 

“Kick Kick, Kick” 

The charming figures of Kunou, Ophis and Lilith also jump into my eyes. 

Since then, the three have deepened their relationships even more. This is very warming. 

But this incident also revealed other dangerous aspects. ...... A battlefield at the level that forces Ophis and Lilith to come, huh. 

If those two didn't come, I think we would have been sealed in the Abyss by Tartarus. That was the level of the battle. That was the level of danger. 

Each faction deemed Hades and the others as a danger, and issued orders to defeat him, it looks like we will soon have the decisive battle with the leaders of Hell. However, if the scale of the battles got bigger than that ...... again, the Dragon God sisters would appear on the battlefield, and perhaps fight for real? 

No, just that I want to avoid. It should not happen. 

Ophis and Lilith ...... must live in peace. It is not because ?their power is the strongest?, but because they are my family and I want them to enjoy peace. 

I don’t want bad guys to use their power ever again. 

After all, Khaos Brigade and Qlippoth continuously abused the power of Ophis and Lilith. 

To prevent this from happening again, I was thinking hard that I must be able to handle the Dragon Deification form ??Diabolos ? Dragon ?DxD? and the Apocalypse ? AnswerArms ?AxA?form which I got this time by any means possible. 

Erebus, who was accompanied by Artificial Devils Sonneillon and Gressil, overbearing actions were stopped by DxD alongside with Tartarus who cooperated with Erebus. 

A voice echoed from a huge monitor located before Hades’ eyes. 

[Seems like you received heavy damage.] 

A processed voice. The monitor displayed no picture, only a voice was heard. 

This voice belonged to...one of the six houses, that previously were close aides to the former Maou Lucifer, Nebiros. Nonetheless, even Hades himself didn’t know whether it was a blood relative of Nebiros or an affiliated researcher. 

They were discussing the aftermath information with each other. 

Eventually, DxD’s fangs may reach you as well.? 

Hades said so suddenly. 

[......Ha-ha-ha.] 

A parched laughter came from the monitor. 

Nebiros continued. 

[That’s rude. Satanael-dono, Shalba-sama and Rizevim-sama said the same thing. And to that, we simply gave them the same reply. Even if we are targeted by them, we’ll just desperately run away. Even if they appear right before us, we’ll provide the information they seek and will try to avoid fighting as much as possible. Well, in the first place, whether they’ll be able to catch us or not is another story.] 

You seem calm? 

[From the very start, we didn’t show hostility towards them. We merely complied with requests of people that see them as enemies.] 

Nebiros distinctly replied so. 

That’s a researcher’s opinion. They may not think so.? 

[Even so, we don’t think about openly going up against them like you people. For those who live in this world, DxD is a scary existence.] 

............? 

It was obvious that “you people” implied Satanael, who was involved in establishment of Khaos Brigade, Shalba, who was a central figure of Old Maou faction, Rizevim, who was a boss of a successor organization Qlippoth and included Hades with his leaders of Hell. 

[— I wish you luck.] 

Saying no more, Nebiros ended communication. 

Hades once again thought about the current incident...the battle in Kyoto. Even though they disregarded cooperation, there were two primordial Gods who sided with Hades. There was nothing more to say about DxD which defeated them nonetheless. Furthermore, hasn’t Ophis also appeared? The embodiment of infinity, who was hiding in shadows up till now, finally came to light—— . And on DxD’s side—. 

And adding up to this, the Sekiryuutei powered-up even more at the last moment. That was what defeated Tartarus. 

—So the world doesn’t wish for us, but for them? 

Such thoughts creep into Hades’ heart. 

No, he’d already thought about that before. Even so, because there were several Gods that shared his goal, he thought that they are enough, no, more than enough to be able to act as the World’s protectors better than them. 

(They may have assistance from Gods of various myths and Ophis, however it seems like Longinus possessors’ growth far exceeds our imagination.) 

A vision sitting at a round table----an existence giving of aura which was jet black, with chaotic hue, Zoroaster Evil God Angra Manyu voiced such opinion. 

The word is, DxD as well as agents from various Factions entered the Realm of the Dead and almost got control over it. It’s just a matter of time before those people arrive here. 

“If that’s the case—” Hades thought. 

—Next time I’ll make a move.? 

Upon Hades’ words, Angra Manyu agreed. 

(Very well. Then why don’t I associate with you until the end.) 

When the two made up their minds, someone else’s voice intervened. 

[Oh, I’ll go too.] 

The one who uttered so was Verrine appearing on the monitor for reporting. One of transcendental-class beings created by using the Mother of Devils, Lilith. 

Hades said. 

Verrine. I do not mind if you stay out of this.? 

Despite him saying so, Verrine smiled bitterly. 

[I’ll go. In any case, we won’t be able to participate in the tournament anymore. Besides, I want to fight with the Two Heavenly Dragon with whom Balberith is so engrossed...with Sekiryuutei. If he’s unbelievably strong against women, I’d like to know how far I can get.] 

...If so, do as you wish. And I’ll have you continue following the aforementioned object.? 

[Of course.] 

After that communication with Verrine got cut off. 

A battle between leaders of Hell—Hades and anti-terrorist team DxD is reaching its last stage. 

After that the battle against leaders of Hell and DxD will be called [Hell Disaster] and will be talked about along with [Demonic Beast Riot] and [Evil Dragons War]. 

 VIP Meeting 

After battle with primordial Gods—Erebus and Tartarus at the other side of Kyoto ended, Ajuka Beelzebub reported to the previous Governor of Grigori, Azazel, who continued his long fight inside isolation barrier against the legendary monster—Apocalypse Beast 666. 

[I see, so DxD defeated Erebus and Tartarus, huh.] 

Azazel replied through communication magic circle. 

A battle against 666 had been carried out in shifts, and this was exactly the time when Azazel entrusted it to other Chief Gods and was taking a break. 

While supplying water, Azazel said. 

[I guess the decisive battle against that skeleton geezer is near.] 

Ajuka nodded. 

“Yes, because Erebus and Tartarus fell, following Nyx, it wouldn’t be strange if Hades comes out soon.” 

Leaders of Hell, including Hades, lost the majority of the Gods that made up the alliance. Despite the fact that their motives coincided and they agreed with each other, there are a lot of selfish, egoistic ones among Gods. In the end, they decided to do things their own way, rushed to attack DxD, but got crushed… 

No, Hades, who is affiliated with Olympus, probably considered such things. From the very beginning, he didn’t think that he would be able to win over the Gods… He simply thought that it would be good if DxD and Longinus possessors, whom he regarded as dangerous, would receive a blow---. 

This was what Ajuka concluded. 

Azazel changed the topic. 

[The growth of Ryuuteimaru…what is your hypothesis about it?] 

It seemed like Azazel was greatly interested in the information that reached him about Hyoudou Issei’s Skithblathnir—Ryuuteimaru’s transformation. 

Ajuka said. 

“Only one thing is clear. Rather, that was a blind spot. If there’s something like a will to the Skithblathnir, that means it remembers that incident from before the decisive battle against Qlippoth.” 

Azazel replied with “Ha-“ to Ajuka’s words. 

[----. …Even though we intended to seal everyone’s lips and memories… I see, we didn’t consider that possibility.] 

“…Yes, I guess it has a causal relationship with what is now trying to happen behind the scenes.” 

A tablet near Ajuka displayed certain materials. 

It demonstrated a mysterious silver creature-like thing indicated as [UL]. 

Azazel squinted and frowned. 

[…A butterfly effect. No matter how much you try to correct it, history will go awry with an incident as trifling as a flap of a butterfly’s wings, huh…] 

Azazel took a breath and stated. 

[…I sent to you what I think would be a method for controlling Ryuuteimaru, how is it?] 

Displaying data he received from Azazel on a tablet, Ajuka replied. 

“Yes, it’s an interesting concept. —Borrowing the power of a Primordial God.” 

Azazel nodded. 

[Yeah, borrowing power of one of Primordial Gods from Olympus—Eros, who governs over sex and love, and creating a power source. I’d call it—[Eros Engine].] 

Ajuka was impressed how well it fitted Hyoudou Issei. 

After all, the former Governor Azazel—is Sekiryuutei’s best mentor. 

The development of [Eros Engine], a power source for controlling the grown Ryuuteimaru, was settled. 

Ajuka said. 

“Honestly, I have good news. It’s about Hyoudou Issei-kun. —There was a talk about promoting him to Ultimate-class devil.” 

[—. …I see, so finally, huh.] 

Even though he was surprised by Ajuka’s words, Azazel made an understanding face. Ajuka continued explaining. 

“Of course, after advancing to a High-class Devil, he had achievements in matches, particularly, he defeated the new Chief-god of Northern Europe Vidar, Primordial Gods Nyx and Erebus as well as the God of the Abyss, Tartarus. In the past there was no precedent among Devils of defeating multiple God-class opponents. Frankly, there are even opinions that even promoting to Ultimate-class is not enough.” 

[Are there any talks about promoting other guys too?] 

“Yes, almost all members of Gremory and Hyoudou Issei’s peerages as well as Devils and Angels affiliated with DxD should receive a promotion.” 

Hearing this, Azazel grumbled in a whispering tone. 

[I’d say that a new medal must be introduced. Something like an [Oppai Dragon medal].] 

“…With the way things are now, it might as well come true.” 

Saying that, Ajuka smiled—.