Underworld
Gremory Territory
When I teleported in, two devil guards immediately go on high alert.
"Halt! State your business."
One says as he eyes me up and down.
"Sirzechs Lucifer called for me?"
I showed them the thing Ajuka gave me. Their eyes widen before returning to normal.
"How do we know that's legitimate? You could be a spy for all we know."
Neither are convinced. Great, they're like that type of guard.
"Oh god dammit, not this shit again."
Both devils cringe at the mention of the biblical god's name. They were about to start saying shit again, but were interrupted themselves.
"Stop this nonsense at once."
A feminine voice booms behind them. This causes both of the guards to straighten themselves. She reaches the gate and looks at me
"A human? What business do you have in the Gremory territory?"
She asks as she squints her eyes at me. I again pull out the thing Ajuka gave me and show the Devil Maid, who was none other than Grayfia Lucifuge.
"Ah the Red Dragon Emperor, follow me, Sirzechs-sama is waiting for you."
Upon hearing my title, both devils looked like they shit themselves. Ignoring them, I follow the Head Maid inside.
She was ahead of me, but I couldn't help myself but look at her curves… I admit that I also had a crush on this devil, just like Akeno. I just hope that she's single in the alternate universe.
Grayfia leads me through the Gremory household. Quite a bit of it is the same as what I saw in the anime, but there are already rooms appearing that weren't there before. She cocked her head to look at me and saw I was staring at different rooms.
"Those are just room for extra storage and the like, they're nothing of importance."
She tells me without losing her stride.
Since she won't elaborate, I decide to walk beside her. This catches her attention and she stares at me
"What?"
This causes her to look away and close her eyes. She'll be a tough one to break. We proceeded down the long hallway until we turned left and climbed up a flight of stairs. We eventually reached a door. Grayfia opens it and beckons me in. Once I step through, she also joins me.
"Ah, welcome Jin! Sorry for suddenly contacting you after you just got back from another request."
The red hair Satan welcomed me.
"It's no problem, what did you want to request…?"
I trail off and look at a woman beside him, said woman was currently pinching his cheeks.
"Uh…"
Sirzechs noticing my questioning gaze laughs.
"Sorry about that, my wife was just here to tell me off."
He awkwardly laughs it off while still being pinched.
"Right…"
Who in god's green earth is she?!
"Before we start, allow me to introduce you to my wife, Asteri Gremory, formerly known as Asteri Bael."
He announced happily.
"Nice to meet you."
I give a quick nod and so does she.
"You're probably wondering why I requested you…"
He starts, but I interrupt him.
"No, not really. You're going to ask me to help your sister, right?"
He looked at me shocked. No, all of them looked shocked at me. I didn't break eye contact though and stared the Satan down.
"H-How do you know that?"
He asked bewildered, this also caused Asteri to let her husband's cheek go, which he started to rub.
"Akeno. She told me a few things, mainly that you're a sis-co— That you care greatly for your little sister Rias."
I quickly corrected myself, but I could still see his lip twitch.
"Ahem, yes, allow me to go into detail. Currently, my sister is engaged with Riser Phenex, another prominent clan within the 72 pillars Of the Underworld."
A complicated expression appeared on his face as he sighed.
"My father Zeoticus Gremory set this up with Lord Phenex quite a long time ago. He's a sticker for some traditional rules, so there's no changing his mind about this."
"Just your father? What about your mother?"
"My mother Venelana Gremory was against it, but since he's the head of the family, she couldn't really have much say."
He lets out a heavy sigh again.
"So, this is where my request comes in. Well, it's divided into two parts."
"Hmm-hmm."
"I would like you to help train my little sister and her peerage, help them get strong enough, since she'll definitely not want to get married to him."
"I will suggest that she play a Rating Game. If she wins, she gets her freedom. If not, then the marriage will proceed. If she does lose, then I would like you to crash the party and challenge the young Phenex for her hand in marriage."
"Yo woah, her hand in marriage? I've seen Rias and I admit she's pretty, but aren't we just jumping the gun here a bit too quickly?"
I put my hands up in protest. He chuckles at my antics.
"You won't need to legitimately marry her right away, it's just a throw-away line to get young Riser riled up."
"Hmm-hmm, this is all fine and dandy, but… What's in it for me? While I did ask for information and money, a request like this is basically asking me to announce to the world that the Red Dragon Emperor has awakened, and I see it costing more."
I see Sirzechs nod, agreeing with what I'm saying. To my surprise, Grayfia had appeared beside him while I wasn't paying that much attention.
"I agree with your reasoning, Jin-kun, that's why I have a proposal."
"A proposal?"
He smiles as I asked the question.
"I, Sirzechs Lucifer, will give you TWO favors. They can be anything you desire."
"Any favor?"
I ask him and glance at Grayfia. When I glanced at her, we briefly made eye contact. When I turned back to Sirzechs he was smirking. Little bastard saw me.
"Yes, anything that's within my power."
He said while still smiling.
"One more thing before I agree, what happens if she wins? Will the favors revert back to just one?"
"If my sister and her peerage somehow win, then the favors will stay the same."
"You drive a hard bargain, Lucifer, I'm game."
I hold my hand out, and he happily shakes it.
"We have a deal, Jin-kun."
He takes his hand away and pumps the air like a child, which caused Asteri to giggle at him.
Now that I take a more thorough look at her, she looks like Priscilla from Re: Zero, but less sadistic. It's kind of disturbing, though.
"I'll be wearing my mask whenever I train them, though."
I summon it and wave it around.
"I have no qualms with that."
"Oh, one more thing. Please tell her or warn your sister not to try to find out who I am. I will reveal it when I want to. I know how stubborn she is from Akeno."
Sirzechs could only smile wryly at me
"V-Very well, while I don't like hearing it, but you're right."
"Cool, I'll start training them soon. I'll ask Akeno to convince her to start early, though."
I prepare to leave, but get interrupted again.
"Akeno? Is she your lover?"
"And Kuroka, I guess you could say I'm growing a harem for myself."
"A harem? I wish I co— Ow ow ow!! I was joking Aste— Ow!!!"
His wife pinches his sides hard before the Satan can finish his sentence.
"Hmmmm?"
Grayfia glanced away nervously. The Satan's wife continued to pinch her husband while giving him a menacing glare. Before I leave, I check Asteri out with [Observe].
…
Name: Asteri Gremory
Age: 500+
Potential: Super Devil - SSS
Rank: Satan Class - SS
Gender: Female
Race: Pure Devil
Titles: The Star of Destruction/ The Star of Gremory
Sacred Gear: None
Level: 82 (31%)
Hp: 314,766 (Hp Regen: 35,000 per minute)
Mp: 491,666 (Mp Regen: 42,690 per second)
Str: 1200
Vit: 1872
Dex: 1560
Int: 2690
Wis: 899
Char: 4500
Luk: 999
…
She's pretty powerful as well, but those titles are also intriguing. I quietly leave the room.
…
Third Person Point of View
Back with the Sirzechs
"Gwayfia….. Asteri… Please stop pinching me."
Asteri finally relents and huffs.
"G-Grayfia, did you notice him look at you when I mentioned the favors?"
Sirzechs asks his [Queen] and Maid. Grayfia stares at the door in thought but eventually replies
"Yes I did, Sirzechs-sama."
"If he asked you, what would you say?"
Deciding not to beat around the bush, he simply asks her the question that's been on his mind since the little debacle.
"Do I have a choice?"
She asks her king back.
"Of course, if you're not comfortable with it, then I'll have to turn it down. But he doesn't seem the type to take no for an answer."
"…"
Grayfia wasn't sure what answer she would give.
"Then how about starting that recon mission? That way, you can decide if you will say yes or no to the inevitable question that will be asked in a few weeks."
"As you wish, Sirzechs-sama."
Grayfia bows and swiftly leaves the room, before she closes the door, she hears her king yelp again.
Grayfia wanted to find her own answer, so she will play Maid to the human for a few weeks while reporting back to Sirzechs.
Grayfia quickly power walks to try to catch up to the Red Dragon Emperor. Fortunately for her, he was still in the hall, walking slowly down it and looking at everything around him.
…
Jin Skyward
This place is absurdly large, you could fit a bunch of homeless people here. I wanted to take my time leaving the place, as it was larger than anything I've seen in both lives.
"Hmm?"
I turn around and see Grayfia walking towards me, she looked surprised to see me turn around. Grayfia quickly arrived at my side
"How can I help you, Grayfia-san?"
"I'm here to see you out."
I start walking, and she does the same, we walk in silence for a few seconds before I break it.
"Are you sure that's the only reason?"
I give her a side glance and she frowns. Grayfia doesn't answer and we continue in silence. Eventually, Grayfia answers my question.
"I am being sent to keep an eye on you and report to Sirzechs-sama."
"I didn't think you'd outright just tell me, but sure feel free."
A little taken aback by her honesty, Grayfia seems a bit different.
"I also want my own answers, and this will help with that."
She continues while looking straight ahead.
"When you ask the inevitable question in the future, I should have enough feedback on you to give you an honest answer."
Then, we reach the entrance after Grayfia gives me her explanation, and again, we fall silent, but this time it's awkward because she doesn't do anything nor say anything.
"Er, like, you're going now?"
She answers with a nod.
"Alright then, stand a bit closer, so I can teleport us."
She does as I instruct, and I snap my fingers. I teleport us just outside my house.
…
Japan, Kuoh
"Kuoh? You live in Kuoh?"
She asks in surprise.
"Well, I did mention meeting Akeno, so yeah, I live here."
When she remembers that I already mentioned this not too long ago, she blushes slightly. I open the door and announce my arrival.
"I'm home!"
I hear footsteps coming near the entrance hall.
"Welcome Home / Welcome back, nya."
Both Kuroka and Akeno greet me.
"G-Grayfia-sama?"
The younger hybrid blurts out upon seeing said maid. Grayfia smiles
"It's been some time since we met, Akeno."
I feel her gaze go back to me
"A harem huh…"
"Anyway, let's go to the living room and I have some things to tell you."
I walk away and they follow.
"Grayfia-sama do you know anything about this?"
Akeno walks beside Grayfia and asks her.
"It may be about Sirzechs request for Jin."
"Hmmm…"
Everyone takes a seat, including Grayfia.
"So, what's this about nya?"
Kuroka asks the question that's in both her and Akeno's minds.
"So, Sirzechs asked me to train Rias peerage in exchange for two favors. I plan on training them starting next week on Wednesday and Friday. School starts in a month, so it should give them a decent amount of training time."
I pause for a moment. Nearly a month of training, of course, if they follow my advice, Koneko will probably will once she finds out from Kuroka who I am, Kiba should be on board for it and that leaves Rias as an outlier. Maybe Grayfia will be enough of a threa— Motivation when she sees her.
"Kuroka, can I ask you to help train Koneko? She'll improve a lot more if you're the one watching over her."
The Nekoshou happily agrees, since she can spend more time with her little sister.
"Akeno, starting tomorrow, we'll be starting with your holy lightning mastery. This ties into the small outing I have planned out for the 4 of us."
Akeno nods in determination, she doesn't have any more problems with using her fallen angel side anymore, this will be the deciding factor for the rating game. Akeno will have to hard carry them through it.
"Four of us, nya?"
Kuroka looks at Grayfia.
"Are you including Grayfia nya?"
"Ah, no, it's someone else. Unless Grayfia herself is around when the time comes."
I look at her, and she answers with a no.
"Unfortunately, I will be reporting back to Sirzechs-sama."
The two give me a questioning glance, but I shook my head.
"So, someone else... Someone from Grigori, a brand-new harem member?"
Kuroka concludes while nodding her head.
"You've been busy…"
Akeno slightly pouted.
Grayfia has been watching our interaction and probably taking mental notes for herself and for Sirzechs. She finally gets up.
"Allow me to make lunch."
I gave her instructions on where the kitchen was.
"Why's Grayfia-san here?"
Akeno asks the question as she watches the Maid leave.
"She's keeping an eye on me for Sirzechs and her own benefit."
"You're planning on getting her for your harem, aren't you? Sirzechs definitely told you he'd give you a favor."
It's like Akeno can read my thoughts.
"Yeah, but he says two favors instead of one. My first priority will be to get Grayfia. I'll think about it for the second."
I spend the rest of the day lazily relaxing with the girls. Grayfia did not participate in our antics, but silently observed.
…
The next day
Morning, Kuoh
8:30 a.m.
Jin Skyward
Today I woke up with both girls by my crotch. Could they be doing this on purpose? Could they be moving subconsciously in their sleep in response to their own desires? Whatever the case, maybe I carefully slip away from them and make my way downstairs.
I smell the aroma of food in the air. I walk into the kitchen and see the Devil Maid cooking breakfast.
"Grayfia?"
I call out to her.
"Good morning, Jin. It will take a short while for breakfast to be ready."
She informs me and continues her work. I make my way over
"Let me help."
"But—"
She tries protesting, but I stop her.
"My house, my rules. I'll be helping with breakfast."
Seeing that I wouldn't back down, Grayfia relents and lets me help. She starts giving me instructions on what she was making and how to go about doing it. During this silent time, I decided to ask her more about Asteri Gremory.
"Grayfia, can you tell me more about Asteri?"
The Devil Maid stops and gives me an accusatory look.
"Please don't tell me you're going to try court Asteri-sama…"
"No! No! No... I was just curious about her, even Satan Lucifer himself is scared of her."
Not my style, Grayfia… They're married, why would I try to destroy that? When I look back at Grayfia she was smirking. Did— Did she just make a joke?
"Asteri-sama and Sirzechs-sama have known each other since they were children. They are the same age and have the [Power of Destruction] of the Bael clan."
She continues to go about cooking food while giving me a brief run-down on the two devils.
"She's one of the strongest female devils of the Underworld as of today. Serafall Leviathan and I used to have a rivalry with her; however, she has surpassed us in strength. If I were to put it in order, I would say she's first, while Serafall and I are tied in second."
A nostalgic smile appears on her face, recalling this.
"There are still many powerful females in the Underworld, both named and unnamed, but I'm only giving you a brief glimpse into it."
Roygun Belphegor should be one of them… She still has her King piece which increases her strength to at least Ultimate-class or even Satan-class, lose that, and she's just any old High-class.
"We also fought during the Devil civil war, that was when my rivalry started with the two of them. It was also during that time that our powers grew even more."
"Well, fighting a death battle can do that to you. I'm more surprised that none of you hate each other."
"We had known of each other before the civil war, we also did not have bad blood beforehand, we only had to follow the order of the heads of our clans or else suffer consequences."
"Asteri-sama and Sirzechs were made for each other, their teamwork during that time was impeccable, leaving many enemies dead or heavily injured. I also didn't get out unscathed, but like I said, it only reinforced my will to get stronger and train harder during and after that time."
In the end, Sirzechs-sama and Ajuka-sama became Specialized Devils known as Super Devils, while Asteri reached the peak of the Satan-class. Serafall and I have been Ultimate-class in power for quite a long time, however, I feel that she is also starting to break past Ultimate-class into Satan-class."
She said with a bit of frustration.
"If you want a more detailed version of their romance, you will have to ask either Sirzechs himself or Asteri. While I know quite a lot of it, I don't know all the details, so my explanation may not satisfy you."
She stops talking and resumes cooking.
"Do you have feelings for Sirzechs?"
I break the silence after a short time. Grayfia gives me a weird look.
"No. I respect him as a devil with great power, as my king, and as well as a servant for the Gremory clan. I have not once thought of him that way."
I guess alternate universes can do that to you. In the novel, Akeno was excited to hear about the love story between Sirzechs and Grayfia even boasting that it was one of the most touching love stories she'd heard.
I guess that was replaced with Asteri instead, maybe even changed since she's a completely different person.
"Maybe I'll use one of the favors for that, then, get Lucifer to recount to me his love life."
I chuckle at the thought of the redhead Satan telling me his love story.
"What about you? Thinking of settling down with someone soon?"
"I am in no obligation to answer that."
She flatly says, yeah, I guessed as much.
"Tch, fine, how about a bit of my backstory?"
This is all going to be pure bullshit on my part, but this does catch her attention.
"I was born and raised in Ireland! In the small town of Dun Laoghaire, it was also there that, at the age of seven, I awakened the [Boosted Gear]. Ddraig explained everything to me, so, the only logical step after that was to get stronger. I had a few scuffles with the Fae, leprechauns, stray devils, and other supernatural beings over there."
Spouting out nonsense. I am trying hard to give her a plausible backstory.
"Your name does not sound Irish at all, does it?"
She asked with a raised brow. I admit that as well, I can't remember my own name, this was the name given to me by the system, so I just rolled with it.
"You're right. I don't really know why my parents named me this, they were eccentric, I'll tell you that. They did things at their own pace and never cared for what others thought, good people. I also did my best not to get them involved with the Supernatural. I nearly fucked up a few times but, in the end, they were oblivious."
"Then they died in a plane crash, they left me to go to God knows where for their anniversary, but they never came back. Everything was left to my name, but I also made money for myself over the years. Normal human part-time jobs, stealing from supernatural beings that attacked me and I killed and of course, the money left to me."
"I always wanted to move to Japan. I admit, the mana and demonic energy made me move to Kuoh to see what's up, but apart from that, no, I just wanted to go here."
I finish the backstory that I pulled out of the void's asshole. I looked at her and she was listening intently.
"What about you? C'mon, even just a little. I just shared stuff about me, after all…"
I stare at her and she sighs.
"I do not have much to elaborate on, I am part of the extra demons of the Underworld, the Lucifuge. We have always been known to serve Lucifer, hence why I am serving the Gremory and Sirzechs, as he is appointed as Lucifer."
"I knew all that, c'mon, Fia!"
She looks annoyed at me with the nickname I gave her.
"I mainly assist Sirzechs with his job as Lucifer as well as Asteri. I also look after their son Millicas Gremory, but that's because I am the head Maid of the Gremory family. That is all, I have nothing else I could possibly say."
Wait, she looks after Millicas? I mean, that makes sense, I would assume she also did the same thing with Rias.
"Alright, alright, I won't push for more."
"Then a bit more about myself. Even though I have the [Boosted Gear] and am known as the Red Dragon Emperor, truthfully, I don't need to use the Sacred Gear. I alone am strong enough."
After saying that, Ddraig's mark appears on my right hand.
[SAY THAT AGAIN, I DOUBLE DARE YOU!!]
"I.DON'T. NEED. YOU."
[I TAUGHT YOU EVERYTHING YOU LITTLE SHIT!!]
Ddraig says, playing along with my bullshit story.
"THEN DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT, WAIT YOU CAN'T"
I then started cackling, this made Ddraig even madder, and started shouting curses at me. I could see in the corner of my eyes that Grayfia looked at us intrigued and amused. However, she said nothing, as she only watched the banter between Ddraig and I.
…
A few minutes later
Kuroka and Akeno had woken up and came downstairs only to see Ddraig and I, bickering back and forth with each other. Grayfia explained to them how this came to be and just laughed it off.
"Busy day today ladies, try to get ready by the afternoon."
I inform them as I cut the link between Ddraig and I.
"Oh, and try telling Rias to try to start training."
"I'll try Jin."
As she sighed, knowing it'll be a challenge, she needs a compelling reason to mention training to her King after all. I look at Grayfia and she notices my gaze.
"Maybe a certain Maid could accompany me and use her presence as motivation for the heiress to train?"
My hope is that the Maid will say yes.
"If my schedule allows it."
Was her only reply as she continued to eat.
"Good enough for me."
"I'll be responsible for Shirone for those days, right? Any specifics you want me to teach her?"
Kuroka chimes in as she asks for seconds from the Maid.
"Nah, I'll leave it to you, since you'll know more about what to teach her since you guys are both Nekoshou."
She happily receives seconds and nods happily. What a glutton… The cat girl glares at me.
"I am not a glutton!"
"Huh?"
How did she know?
{[Pfft.]}
Cúntóir: Answer: Your emotions and face gave you away.
…
"I will be taking my leave to report back to Sirzechs, I will be back this evening."
Grayfia informs us.
"Sure."
I wave her off, knowing this already.
…
Japan, Kuoh
Later in the morning
Third Person Point of View
Everyone had left Jin's household, Akeno had left for the ORC, Kuroka to the Khaos Brigade, more specifically the Vali Team, and Grayfia back to the Underworld.
Jin was alone and had fuck all to do.
"I'm bored."
…
With Akeno
Akeno had teleported directly from Jin's house to the clubroom of the Occult Research Club. When she had done, so she was met with her King and the rest of her fellow devils.
"Good, everyone's here, we received quite a few contracts today."
Rias Gremory announces to her peerage. She started handing the contracts to them one by one. She herself had received one which was rare, however, it was only to prove that it was real, so all she had to do was show up, show some magic and leave.
Akeno had received her usual types of contracts, the same for her friends. Once the rest left Akeno tries to talk to her best friend and King.
"Rias can we talk for a second?"
"Hmm? Is there something wrong, Akeno?"
Rias turns toward her Queen.
"So, I was wondering if we could start… Training, as a whole, like all of us."
Rias confused asked.
"Why? Is something the matter?"
Akeno sighed.
"Honestly Rias, I love you, and you're a dear friend, you yourself should know that you're engaged to Riser Phenex, and you know how eccentric that man can be. What if he pushes for your wedding to happen sooner rather than after you graduate?"
Akeno knew this was a topic Rias wanted to avoid. However, the request Jin received from Sirzechs may have been alluding to the fact such a thing might happen. Akeno had suspected that Jin hadn't told her everything about him, but trusted him fully to tell her down the line.
"My brother will help me out with that, Akeno, you're worrying too much."
Rias was not fazed by any of this as she waved off her Queen's concerns.
"But Rias, he's a Satan, even if he's your older brother he can't help you with everything forever. If he does, it'll look like he's favoring one household over another."
Akeno tried reasoning with her King
"Akeno! That's enough, go and do your contracts."
Rias slightly raised her voice to end the conversation. The hybrid could only sigh in defeat.
'I tried, Jin, it's up to you now.'
She left the clubroom. Rias sat back down on her chair.
"It'll be fine… Brother can surely do something about it..."
Rias Gremory wasn't entirely sure if he could, but decided to put her faith in her powerful older brother. Surely, he could do something about it… Right?
…
Kuoh
Afternoon
Skyward household
Jin Skyward
"Cúntóir?"
Cúntóir: Answer: The time is currently 12:06 in the afternoon.
I was lying upside down on the couch, my feet in the air and my head resting on the couch.
"Better call her up then."
Getting out of the weird position I found myself in because I was bored out of my mind. I summon my phone and called a number.
"Hello Jin, how can I help you?"
Lavinia's voice could be heard from the other side.
"Hey so about that little adventure I mentioned yesterday, I'm going to start it soon, you still game for it?"
"Yes! Will you be getting me?"
"Yep, I can teleport to you now and bring you over."
"Sure thing!"
She hung up, and I put my phone back into my Inventory and teleport to Grigori.
…
Grigori
I had teleported directly into Azazel's office and I greet the Governor-General.
"Yo."
"Ugh… What do you want?"
He exhaustedly replies. The guy had stacks upon stacks of papers on his desk and dark spots under his eyes.
"I'm here to get Lavinia, also this is your own fault dude."
I turn to leave and he just starts crying.
"Shemhazai help!!!"
He calls out to the fallen, but he does not appear. I make my way through Grigori greeting fallen angels I've made friends and acquaintances with; I eventually reach Lavinia's room and knock.
"Yes?"
"It's me."
"Come in ~"
Getting her permission, I opened the door into her room and step inside.
"Give me a minute, I'm almost finished ~"
She says as she continues to put clothes on.
"…"
Why did she tell me to come in when she's not even done changing? Whatever, I'll enjoy the show. Noticing my gaze, she stops and gives me a smile, then continues what she was doing.
She's definitely doing this on purpose now, well I just gotta wait for the time to come. I let my thoughts wander and end up staring at the ceiling.
I feel her poking me.
"I'm done ~"
When I look back at her, she latches herself onto me and I teleport us back to my home.
…
Kuoh
Skyward household
12:25 p.m.
When we teleported back, both Akeno and Kuroka waiting.
"Jin... Who?"
Akeno proceeds to call my name but stops dead when she says Lavinia hugging my arm like a Koala.
"Oh! She's the Ice Princess that Vali sometimes mentions."
Kuroka points at her, and Lavinia waves at them.
"Right, She's Lavinia Reni, a human magician affiliated with Grigori and one of their field agents. She'll be joining us today."
I explain to the two girls, Lavinia just gave them a wave, which they also waved back.
"Right, let's get started."
I lift my left arm up and open my palm, I create an entirely new [Pocket Dimension] and transport us there. Cúntóir set the enemies to be as diverse as possible, and I also make them range from Middle to Ultimate-class in strength.
Cúntóir: Answer: Setting enemy type to [Varied], changing enemy strength…
Cúntóir: Answer: Actions complete. Proceed with the spawning of enemies?
Hold off for a second. I wanna explain this to them.
Lavinia had let go of my arm and started to look around the place alongside the other two.
"Where are we?"
All three speak at the same time.
"I created a new [Pocket Dimension] for the purposes of making everyone stronger. I originally wanted to bring only Kuroka and Akeno, but I suggested bringing Lavinia along yesterday, so here we are."
I point towards the horizon in the distance.
"I'll start spawning in enemies and you guys will need to defeat them. We'll be here for the next few hours."
Cúntóir: Change time dilation?
No, let's keep it 1:1, 1 hour here is 1 hour outside. I'll change it when we come here at a different time.
"Any questions?"
They looked a bit unsure, but shook their heads.
"You can make new dimensions? That's cool nya."
Start spawning them in. I gave Cúntóir the go-ahead, and a myriad of different types of monsters started appearing.
"Those things range from Middle to Ultimate-class in strength. Be careful, you'll be fighting for your life for the next 8 hours."
I turn to Akeno.
"Now's the time to unleash your fallen side Akeno, train and master that Holy Lightning."
She gained a serious look and gave me a nod.
"Kuroka, if you get stronger, you'll have an easier time protecting yourself, Shirone and your future kittens. Don't forget to refine your magic and your Nekoshou powers."
A look of determination flashed upon Kuroka's face as she heard the mention of her sister and kittens.
"Go!"
The pair of them dashed forward to fight the enemies.
…
Third Person Point of View
Akeno had brought out her wings, both Devil and Fallen Angel, and took flight. Akeno utilizing her demonic power sends a flurry of demonic elemental attacks at some Wyverns that were in the sky. After the attacks hit them, the smoke cleared, but they were unfazed by the attack.
Although Akeno knows she is unmatched here, she needed to be creative in order to get stronger. Combining both fire and holy lightning, a first for her, she fires it again at the wyverns, this time it had some effect since the wyverns let out pained shrieks.
But it wasn't enough to defeat them. The creatures, fed up with being hit, flew towards her and proceeded to attack her, using their sharp teeth and wings.
Akeno was barely dodging the attacks that were being thrown at her. A wyvern had waited back and was preparing an attack the entire time, it finally let out the attack and a stream of fire torpedoed towards Akeno, seeing this she fired back with demonic water, but it wasn't enough and her attack was overpowered.
Akeno put up a barrier in front of her and took the attack head-on, the barrier broke and sent her crashing back to the ground.
"Aghhh…"
Akeno groaned as she got up.
"I can do better…"
She whispers to herself as she lets holy lightning crackle along her right arm.
Thankfully, the majority of the attack was mitigated by the barrier and only a small bruise was present on her belly where the attack was aimed at. Akeno sent out a huge wave of demonic water towards the wyverns, however, it didn't affect them that much. A hint of a smirk could be seen on their faces.
But the same thing could be seen on Akeno. Unknown to the wyvern's a small black cloud had formed above the area where they were hovering over.
"Haaaah!"
She made a small motion with her hands and the clouds shot up large bolts of demonic lightning, she wasn't finished however, and sent out Holy Lightning from underneath them as well.
Both bolts of lightning hit the wyverns, this became more effective since they were all covered in water, so it conducted and stunned them on the spot. Using this as a prime opportunity, Akeno sends out large sharp shards of ice towards each of their heads and piercing through, killing the monsters.
"Haah… Haah… I... Did it…"
Akeno collapses onto the ground and on her butt after the small, intense battle. Jin flash step to Akeno and restored her demonic energy, stamina and healed her.
"Well done, those wyverns were at the peak of High-class in power. You did fantastically."
Normally this wouldn't be possible, a Low class like Akeno beating a High-class, but this space was made for the purposes of getting stronger. Be creative and you can defeat most beings. Akeno smiles and gets back up
"I'm not done yet"
And she flew away to fight something else. Jin using this time checked both Lavinia and Kuroka's stats, he hadn't done so in the past. He can compare them from now and later to see their progress.
…
Name: Kuroka
Age: 24
Potential: Mid-Tier God Class - SS
Rank: Ultimate Class - S
Gender: Female
Race: Reincarnated Devil (Nekoshou)
Titles: The Black Cat
Sacred Gear: None
Level: 54 (99%)
Hp: 25,070(Hp Regen: 318 per minute)
Mp: 39,418 (Mp Regen: 653 per second)
Str: 98
Vit: 72
Dex: 201
Int: 112
Wis: 110
Char: 302
Luk: 12
…
Jin turns back to Lavinia who was still staring at the scene with a complicated and worried expression.
…
Name: Lavinia Reni
Age: 27
Potential: High-Tier God Class - SSS
Rank: Ultimate Class - SS
Gender: Female
Race: Human
Titles: Demise Girl/Ice Princess
Sacred Gear: Absolute Demise
Level: 67 (19%)
Hp: 45,000(Hp Regen: 651 per minute)
Mp: 69,666 (Mp Regen: 1,659 per second)
Str: 82
Vit: 99
Dex: 91
Int: 702
Wis: 666
Char: 1999
Luk: 21
…
A mage and two all-rounders, that's what Jin's current harem consisted of. Jin needed to talk to Lavinia about what happened yesterday, but wasn't sure when to bring it up, but he will reassure her of something that will help her with finishing this little adventure of theirs.
Jin reappeared beside Lavinia and put his arm on her shoulder, this catches the girl's attention, and turns to stare at Jin.
"Jin… I…"
"You're afraid of your Sacred Gear, right?"
Jin turns his gaze back to the two who had engaged in combat. She only nodded, confirming his suspicions.
Silence fell upon the two, and they just watched Akeno and Kuroka take on the hordes of monsters that kept on spawning after being defeated. Each time they defeated a monster, they could feel their powers grow and had a slightly easier time on fighting the next batch.
"I lost my parents at the young age of nine; it was also the catalyst to awaken my Sacred Gear. I started complaining to relatives about an ice woman following me, but they could never see it. As such, the offers to take me in and look after me dried up, they didn't want some weird child spouting nonsense and giving them a bad name and reputation."
Lavinia's usual cheerful, happy and laid-back attitude was all but long gone. She had become gloomy and depressed while telling this story.
"Eventually, a woman named Glenda took me in and cared for me. This was also when I was introduced to the supernatural. She was a kind and gentle woman who looked like she genuinely cared about me… One day she sent me to Grauzerberer under the pretext of letting me socialize with my own age group."
Lavinia started to shake as she continued on.
"But it was just a ruse, she was only using me to further her own knowledge on her Sacred Gear research and her own understanding of magic. At the age of 13, she sent me to Grauzerberer, that was when she officially cut ties with me. She even made up a rumor of being attacked by fellow Magicians of Oz!"
Lavinia added a chuckle at the end.
"I searched for her endlessly, but she had no interest in me anymore. The next time we saw each other it was as enemies, once she explained her plan to me, her reason for taking me in, how it was all lies, I broke down, it felt like the whole world was crumbling down around me."
A small smile formed on her lips
"That was until the unofficial Slash/Dog team helped me. They are the next best family I could have asked for."
"Besides that... My concern also stems from the fact that no user of any Sacred Gear has lived long enough to retire. The majority of them die by being killed by the supernatural. Sacred Gears have the potential to kill gods - especially the 13 Longinus. You either control this power… Or it controls you… And that terrifies me."
"Well, you only have my words Lavinia, but I can definitely stop that from happening. You saw me create this world, and the many powers I've shown, and I haven't shown them all."
'Since that's literally impossible.'
Jin takes his hand off her shoulder and stretches it towards her.
"Will you also trust me?"
Lavinia stared at the outstretched hand. She found herself a new family through Team Slash/Dog, but she stopped there, she trusts her teammates, but never to the level of how she did with Glenda for so long. Could she do it again? Will this person in front of her do the same thing Glenda did?
They had only met for a short time; however, Lavinia Reni felt a strange pull towards the boy. Ever since she saw him beat Vali Lucifer and their subsequent time in Vali's room. It… Just felt natural to her. Is she willing to take that plunge?
"I…"
After a long and drawn-out minute, Lavinia decided to put the same trust, she once had into Jin, and so she grabs his hand with both of hers.
"I'll put my trust in you, Jin."
She gives him her usual smile.
'Cúntóir.'
Cúntóir: Answer: Hacking into [Absolute Demise]… Giving wielder 'Lavinia Reni' full control of the Sacred Gear… Remove past host anomalies and grudges…
Cúntóir: Action complete, The Sacred Gear [Absolute Demise] has been cleansed of its past hosts and has given Lavinia Reni full control of the power.
"…?!"
Lavinia slightly jolts as she felt something strange happen within her.
"W-What happened?"
She looked at Jin with worry.
"It's done, you won't have to worry about losing control of your Sacred Gear, I also did a few things to give you better control of it."
Jin explains to her.
The female magician stared at the boy in disbelief.
'That quick?!'
"It's still independent, but it can never go against your wishes or commands, it will also prioritize your safety over anything else."
Jin finishes while looking at an option that appeared after 'cleansing' of the Sacred Gear.
[Evolve Sacred Gear 'Absolute Demise?]
[Accept/Decline]
Jin declined for now and would look further into Sacred Gear Evolutions later.
"Alright. Go and get 'em, tiger!"
I give her a little push, and she takes off. A smile spread across her face.
…
With Kuroka
"WHAT ARE YOU, NYA?!?!"
Kuroka screamed as loud thuds and rumbling shook the area.
What appeared to be a large naked man with short black hair had appeared and was running towards them, the large naked man had no genitalia though.
Kuroka and Akeno had run back towards Jin and a now determined Lavinia.
"What is that nya?! And why is it naked, nya?!"
Kuroka asked Jin as she pointed at the naked thing.
"A titan?"
'It looks like the Eren Yeager's Attack titan form.'
"That thing's pretty powerful, it has the power of hardening, so you'll need exceptionally high attack power, also its only weak spot is its nape."
He told the group of girls.
As I said that, the titan covered its fists with a case of hardening and attacked the group. Everyone scattered and heed Jin's advice, attack the nape of the neck.
Lavinia took a deep breath and summoned a doll made out of ice using [Absolute Demise]. To her surprise, two of them were summoned. She looked back at Jin, and he was grinning back at her.
"Freeze that thing in place!"
She ordered and the Ice dolls proceeded to attack its legs and feet, shooting ice magic towards it, the Attack titan's legs and feet were frozen solid in ice.
Once this was done, both Akeno and Lavinia also added more to it with their own ice magic. Completely immobilizing the titan. Kuroka had taken this time to jump behind the titan and covered herself in Touki.
"Take this! Nekomata Punch nya!!!!"
Kuroka condensed even more touki around her right fist and drove it down on the titan's neck. A large explosion occurred when her fist-covered touki made contact. Kuroka using the titan's back pushed herself away from it, everyone waited for the smoke to dissipate.
The titan looked pissed off, sure it did some damage, but it wasn't enough.
"Ah, crap nya."
Kuroka increased her touki output and put a barrier in front of her, once she was done the titan quickly turned around encased its foot with hardening, and kicked the tiny girl away.
"Nya!!!!!!!"
Kuroka screamed as she was launched far away.
"I should have mentioned this, but you better sliced that nape open or something to kill it."
Jin provides very helpful info, but a bit too late.
Both girls looked back at Jin, unamused, and they could barely hear Kuroka scream in the distance.
'Are you kidding me? Say that in the first place!'
Jin jumped back far away from the fight and resumed watching his current harem take the titan on.
"We should have an advantage while flying, keep your distance and use magic."
Lavinia told Akeno to which the latter nodded. She summoned her wings out again, and Lavinia brought out a broom and flew as well. Kuroka also rejoined with her devil wings out, a bit bruised, but was mostly fine.
The Attack titan tried to move but couldn't, it understood that if it forced more strength, it could potentially rip its own leg or foot off and that wouldn't help it in the long run. So, it waited for the three tiny creatures to make a move.
The three girls nodded and started to fly around the titan, both parties at a standstill.
Kuroka started off and created a poisonous mist cloud around the titan using her Youjutsu. The titan, not understanding what it was, just let it roam around it without plans of stopping it.
Akeno in the meanwhile had summoned the previous dark clouds above the titan but much larger this time, she also added her Holy Lightning into it.
Lavinia ordered one Ice doll to continually keep adding ice to the frozen half of the titan, and had the other aim its attack towards its eyes. While the female magician floated behind the titan.
Everything was ready, if this combination of attacks succeeds, then they would finally beat this thing.
"Now!"
Lavinia orders her teammates.
They waited this long so that the titan would be affected by the poison cloud, it was a gamble however since they weren't sure if it would work on it or not, but it did. Akeno let the thunder down and a giant lightning bolt mixed with holy and demonic power continuously zaps the titan, stunning it further in place.
Being unable to do anything but stand there, the first ice doll launched its attacks towards the titans' eyes, piercing through them and blinding it. Finally, Kuroka covered herself with condensed touki and waited.
Lavinia created a large axe made out of ice, making sure she made it the sharpest as she could. Kuroka grabbed it and covered it with touki adding to its strength, she leaped up into the air and brought the axe down onto the nape.
Lavinia also gave Kuroka a boost of wind magic, making both Kuroka and the axe swing down faster and harder.
Boom!!!!
When the explosion subsided, they saw the titan slumped on the ground. Both its legs were detached from its body as steam was coming out of its nape.
All three of them heard Jin clapping as he approached them. Seeing this as a sign they won, they canceled their powers.
"Now that was something to look at, you all did great."
"It was a great experience."
Akeno tiredly answers.
"I'd rather not get sent that far again."
Kuroka grumbled as she lightly started smacking Jin on the shoulder.
"It was the first time we worked as a team, but it went smoothly ~"
Lavinia had become the defacto leader of the tiny group of girls, and she ordered them around perfectly.
"Ugh…"
Kuroka lightly complained.
Jin proceeded to restore their Demonic power/mana, stamina and heal them. He decided to buff them with a stamina, mana/demonic energy, and healing buff. This meant he didn't need to do this constantly. He told the girls what he had done, which they were thankful for, and they went off again to fight the monsters who started to spawn in again.
…
A few hours later.
6:28 p.m.
Third Person Point of View
The girls had been fighting for the last six hours the endless wave of monsters, in that short amount of time their stats greatly improved and so did their mastery over their magic and in Lavinia's case, her Sacred Gear.
Jin, liking the progress of the girls went over to Lavinia who had taken a small break and let her two ice dolls deal with the monsters. He sat beside her and the two proceeded to chat.
"Hi, Jin."
Lavinia decided to lean onto him as she was exhausted from the constant fighting. Her stamina had increased during the short few hours, but that still exhausted her, not including the constant use of her Sacred Gear and magic. She's surprised she hasn't collapsed and passed out.
Jin wraps his hand around her shoulder and pulls her closer, to which she happily lets happen.
"I've been watching you all use magic the last few hours, ever thought of making them be 'alive' or just 'Non-living'?"
Jin asks Lavinia as they share this small moment of peace.
"What do you mean?"
Lavinia who had her eyes closed opened them. She saw Jin with his hand in front of them.
"Like this."
He created a mini snake made out of ice magic, and it started to move around his hand. He dismisses it and then creates a flower made of out of ice after.
"If you make them larger, they could be potentially like your ice dolls. They'll vary in strength and durability depending on how much mana you use."
Lavinia stared at the flower made of ice and touched it.
"I'll give it a shot."
She put her hand beside Jin and tried to conjure a 'living' thing made out of ice magic, but the closest she could do was just an empty shell. She made a small bird with ice, but it didn't move, so she decided to create a gun completely out of ice.
Lavinia was successful with this and proceeded to use it, she aimed the ice gun and aimed it at a flying wyvern that was charging an attack on Kuroka. She imbued some mana into it and fired.
Bang!!!!!
What she was expecting was just a small bullet of ice, but instead was greeted with a large laser stream of ice, similar to that of the attack Kamehameha. The Wyvern was startled but didn't react in time and was completely obliterated by the attack.
"…How much mana did you add to that?"
Jin asked, finally getting out of my shock.
"Just a small bit…"
Lavinia was equally dumbfounded by the blast.
[Holy crap, that was like the Kamehameha but with ice!]
"I guess, we found a new way for you to attack?"
Jin smiled wryly at her, she also let out a confused chuckle.
Cúntóir: Answer: Due to the hours spent here, Lavinia's stats have risen significantly, which is why her attack turned into that.
'I guessed as much.'
The two girls who were fighting had stopped out of sheer shock because of the attack, but quickly regained composure and continued on.
"You can try it with other elements as well, it's not just tied to ice."
Heeding Jin's Lavinia also tried it with fire, lightning, wind, and water. She used a lot less mana this time and fired normal elemental rounds.
"You're definitely a natural at this."
Lavinia finally got up.
"I want to try other things as well! Thank you, Jin!"
She trotted away to join her ice dolls.
…
2 hours later
Jin Skyward
"It's over nya!!!!"
Kuroka finally flopped onto the ground, dead tired.
Akeno and Lavinia followed suit, but fell against me, and I supported them.
"You girls really grew in power in a short eight-hour time span."
Looking at their stats, that's a really big understatement. Akeno had gone up quite a bit.
…
Name: Akeno Himejima
Age: 17
Potential: Satan Class – SSS
Rank: Middle Class – Ex++
Gender: Female
Race: Half Fallen Angel/ Half Reincarnated Devil
Titles: Priestess of Thunder, S&M Queen, Queen of Gremory Group
Sacred Gear: None
Level: 47 (77%)
Hp: 9,441(Hp Regen: 392 per minute)
Mp: 19,721 (Mp Regen: 895 per second)
Str: 92
Vit: 87
Dex: 102
Int: 114
Wis: 112
Char: 99
Luk: 19
…
The same with Kuroka…
…
Name: Kuroka
Age: 24
Potential: Mid-Tier God Class - SS
Rank: Ultimate Class - SSS
Gender: Female
Race: Reincarnated Devil (Nekoshou)
Titles: The Black Cat
Sacred Gear: None
Level: 69 (69%)
Hp: 35,989(Hp Regen: 2,440 per minute)
Mp: 69,420 (Mp Regen: 6,099 per second)
Str: 160
Vit: 201
Dex: 450
Int: 287
Wis: 256
Char: 412
Luk: 12
…
And finally, Lavinia who had the biggest change today.
…
Name: Lavinia Reni
Age: 27
Potential: High-Tier God Class - SSS
Rank: Low-Tier God Class - BBB
Gender: Female
Race: Human
Titles: Demise Girl/Ice Princess
Sacred Gear: Absolute Demise
Level: 89 (19%)
Hp: 105,815(Hp Regen: 16,873 per minute)
Mp: 240,109 (Mp Regen: 21,559 per second)
Str: 201
Vit: 244
Dex: 186
Int: 2019
Wis: 1990
Char: 2022
Luk: 21
…
Lavinia really reached the power of a Low-tier God-class… How in the hell? I couldn't understand her giant leap in power.
Cúntóir: Answer: And you say you weren't a dense idiot.
{[HAHAHAHAHA.]}
I seriously got burned by Cúntóir, of all people. This will definitely benefit them in the long run if I start thinking about changing their potential soon. As I was looking at their stats, the three women had started to chat amongst themselves.
They had a few monsters that spawned during the eight hours that they needed to team up against, which further solidified their bonds with one another.
How will this work with even more of them…? I decided not to think about it and leave that problem for future me.
"C'mon, girls, time to go home."
I walk over to them and destroy the pocket dimension I made. We were in my home's living room.
"Eh? What?"
Kuroka was confused.
"I told you a few hours ago, I just made that [Pocket Dimension] in our living room, so when I broke it, we were just sent back out."
I explained and Kuroka gave a small understanding nod.
"Ahhh, I need a bath, nyaa…"
Kuroka slowly dragged herself towards the larger bath in the house.
"I'll join you, how about you, Reni-san?"
Akeno chimes in and invites Lavinia with them.
"Sure ~"
She readily agrees and all three of them leave.
"I guess I'll shower myself too."
I go to the shower on the ground floor, it didn't take long for me and I went back to the living room. Watching them fight the last eight hours kind of made me tired too, as impossible as it sounds.
Cúntóir: Answer: Because it is, the most likely reason bein—
You don't need to go and explain it. It's just my old human habits kicking in, psychological bullshit or whatever.
Cúntóir: Answer: Hmph.
That's the second time that she's given me a 'Hmph' seems like she doesn't like getting interrupted or cut off. What time is it, by the way?
Cúntóir: Answer: 9:30 p.m.
Did I take an hour-long shower? What about the girls? I make my way to the stairs and into my bedroom only to be greeted by the sight of both Akeno and Kuroka completely knocked out sleeping against each other.
I guess that really tired them out, the none-stop eight-hour fighting. But Lavinia isn't with them. I look over and see her in the same outfit she was in back in the hotel in Spain. Just an unbuttoned shirt and frilly white panties.
I walk over to her.
"Enjoying the view?"
I ask her as I lean on the railing and look up to the moon in full view. A gentle breeze was present, which made the nighttime a lot cooler.
"Jin…"
She whispered softly as she stared back at me.
"Mmm…"
She leaned against my shoulder, and we stayed quiet for a while, just enjoying each other's body heat and presence.
"It's strange…"
She starts, which made me look back at her and await her to continue.
"We've only spent a very short amount of time together, but it feels like I've known you for an entire lifetime..."
She trails off again.
"Our first meeting, you fighting Vaa-kun, us looking through his special books, our texting, the infrequent visits through the requests, and yesterday with the Cryptid."
She pauses and looks back at the view.
"Every time I'm with you, it feels like all my worries just fade away like they never existed, it's like time slows down when I'm with you. My time with Glenda, with Slash/Dog and Grigori just feels like it happened a lifetime ago…"
"You bantering with anyone you meet, your weird and crude humor, you even managed to befriend everyone in Slash/Dog, even Gin! He only ever lets Tobi pet him, but you still managed to do it."
I didn't think anyone saw that… But alright then.
"My heart feels strange when I'm with you. It hurts, and I get butterflies in my stomach every time you praise me… I can't describe how happy I get. Even sleeping with you back in that hotel was the most comfortable sleep I had in a very long time."
She finally looks back at me, teary-eyed.
"Jin… Please help me understand these feelings, what do they mean?"
She steps closer.
"Please… I never felt like this with anyone before…"
She whispers. I said nothing but took a step closer to her, I wrapped my hands around her waist and pulled her close.
Lavinia stared into my eyes with anticipation, I brought our faces closer, to which she closed her eyes and I claimed her lips.
"Mmm!"
She let out a small moan into our kiss. It was the first time for both of us, so we were quite awkward about it, but the passion was there.
A minute in, we finally break our kiss as I felt that Lavinia needed to breathe. We stared at each other in silence, letting what we had just done sink in.
"I love you…"
Lavinia squeaks out and proceeds to bury her head into my chest out of embarrassment. I felt something swell up inside the core of my body, a strange heat, and a happy feeling.
What the hell is this? Is this the feeling of two people sharing the same feeling of mutual love? The words that came out of my mouth also felt natural, almost like breathing.
"I love you too."
We were about to kiss again when—
We were interrupted by shuffling in my room. We both look over, and Kuroka had somehow turned upside-down on the bed and had her face inches away from Akeno's foot. As if right on cue, Akeno's foot twitched and kicks the sleeping Nekoshou's face.
"OW!! NYAA!!!"
Kuroka instantly woke up from her deep sleep and clutched her face in pain.
This also woke Akeno up as she stared at her confused. She looks down and sees Kuroka writhing in pain. She also sees her foot not too far from where the cat girl was.
"Oh, Satan! I'm sorry Kuroka!"
Akeno scrambles towards Kuroka, but stops as she sees Lavinia and I hugging each other.
"What're you two doing?"
Kuroka hearing her friend ask a question that definitely wasn't aimed at her ignores the pain and looks towards us.
"Nya? Nya! She's naked nya!"
"That was bad timing…"
I grumble as I look at the two girls who were rapidly looking back and forth between Lavinia and I.
When I looked back down at the girl she had a mischievous smile on her face, she leans back onto my chest
"I stole his first kiss, sorry."
She cutely sticks her tongue out. Both girls' eyes widen and launched themselves at me
"KISS ME NOW/ KISS ME NYA!"
Lavinia had taken the chance to slip away and get dressed. I did my best to stop them from trying to assault me, and they settled with forehead kisses.
However, their tiredness caught up with them after the debacle, and they collapsed exhausted.
"Jin? Can you take me back? I need to get home."
Lavinia calls me and I walk towards her.
"Sure."
I snapped my fingers and changed clothes. I then wrap my arm around her waist and I teleport us back to Grigori, directly into her room.
"Thank you again, Jin."
She smiles brightly at me.
"No, thank you."
I was about to teleport out as she grabbed my hand, I turn back, and she gives me a quick peck on the lips.
"Good night, you were also my first kiss, you know ~"
I didn't say anything, but just smiled at her and teleported back.
…
Grigori
Lavinia Reni
I couldn't believe I had just done that! Ahhhhhhhhhh! I started rolling around my bed while hugging my pillow.
"Jin…"
I touch my lips and remember the kiss we had and as well as the quick peck I gave him before he left. What is wrong with me? Jin… Jin… Jin… I couldn't stop mumbling his name.
Was our meeting a work of fate? I always thought those types of things were cheesy. Things like the red string of fate, or meeting your fated one. But… Being with Jin makes me believe it might be real.
"Reni?"
A voice called out, and it brought me back to reality.
"Y-Yes?"
"It's me, Natsume and Shigune's with me."
"Come in!"
When I told them, they opened the door. I was greeted by my friends and teammates.
"Reni? What's wrong? You look flustered."
Natsume asked me in a worried tone.
I don't know what took over me, but I blurt out—
"I kissed Jin!"
As soon as those words left my mouth, I put my hand over it.
Both sat there staring at me slack-jawed.
"YOU WHAT?!"
Natsume finally bellows out.
They started rapid-firing questions and I stopped them, I proceeded to tell them about my day with Jin, but not going into detail about the pocket dimension, and the most recent event, our first kiss together. When I finished, they looked at me also, blushing?
"S-So does this mean you're officially part of his Harem?"
"Duh, Shigune, she is."
I could only slowly nod at them at that realization. I can't have him for myself. He's definitely going to get more women in the future... But as long as he never forgets about me and keeps me in his heart… I'm fine with it.
Unfortunately for me, I didn't notice the slightly annoyed expressions of my friends, I had beaten them to the punch.
…
Grigori
Morning
Third Person Point of View
Team Slash/Dog was called into the conference room for a little meeting. Everyone was there and ready to know what this was all about.
"And that's the mission you guys are going to."
Azazel finished his explanation and fixes the documents he had.
"Anything else to add?"
He asks the group; everyone was silent until Natsume shoots up from her seat.
'I have a bad feeling about this…'
Lavinia thought.
"LAVINIA RENI HAS OFFICIALLY JOINED JIN'S HAREM!"
Natsume announces to the room. Silence, pure and utter fucking silence. Everyone slowly turned their gazes to the female magician, and she was blushing, hard.
"Congrats Lavinia."
Tobio Ikuse the team's leader and founder was the first one to congratulate her. Kouki had already fainted from shock.
Penemue, who had been forced to come to the meeting by Azazel, was also shocked, she didn't expect the Ice Princess of all people to fall in love.
"Tch, another one bites the fucking dust."
Azazel was just annoyed by the news, as the boy's ever-increasing harem gets bigger.
The news quickly spread throughout Grigori, said news also annoyed Vali but had to accept it because he could see Lavinia was genuinely happy. But he kept grumbling to himself, which he was free to do.
He made a promise to himself that he'd put Jin through hell if he made Lavinia cry, as he saw her as an older sister figure.
...
=========================
Fun fact: Asteri (Αστέρι) means Star in Greek, the name inspiration takes from Asteria: a gemstone cut to show asterism. Asterism means a prominent pattern or group of stars, typically having a popular name but smaller than a constellation.
So Asteri Gremory translates to 'The Star of Gremory' or 'The Star of Destruction' the second title is a nod to the Power of Destruction (P.O.D) of the Bael and now Gremory Clan and her mastery over the power.
Fun fact 2: Jin Skyward. The name Jin originates from China, the word means 'Bright' or 'Beautiful', It is also a gender-neutral name. Skyward, as an adverb means 'Toward the sky', the adjective meaning 'Moving or directed towards the sky'
Jin's full name gives a meaning to a bright or beautiful future or moving towards a better/brighter future, as many people look towards the sky in hopes for a brighter and better future. Could this have an implication for the story? Who knows…?