Carefully balancing myself we make it to my door and as soon as we step inside, Shuri sprints towards Akeno and brings her into a tight hug which definitely wakes her up. And not far behind, Jibril, with a gentle smile on her face (not really), comes up directly into my face and stares hard, before opening her mouth and saying,
"Why'd you order me to stop from going to your side Master? Is it not my duty as your partner to fight with you, my duty as your wife-to-be to stand by your side and support you, and my duty as your servant to dispose of all those who dare try to harm you? We've already established a soul bond! I could feel the fear and determination present inside of you when the pressure washed over you! The only thing preventing me from teleporting to Lilith, straight into the castle and rampaging, is your orders to stand down. Is there a need to let that pathetic bat live after what he has done?" I could only stare wide at Jibril, whose eyes contained countless emotions. The most prominent ones and the ones that struck the hardest were worry, affection, fear, and unconcealed rage swirling around her cross-like pupils.
My own heart beat loudly in response to her feelings that were being transmitted from our soul connection and before I knew it another voice was heard inside my head, echoing loudly to drown out my thumping heart.
(She's right, you know, partner. Well, let's leave the casual killing of a Super Devil aside. But we are now with you, so you don't need to face this alone. I'm sure you felt it, your blood as a dragon is seething in rage for it, feeling fear from a devil while your pride is suppressing the humiliation and just getting ready to show them who's boss in the future. Sounds a bit over the top, but you understand what I mean, right?)
Ddraig's right, I had a hard time controlling my rampaging dragon self. It was only thanks to him and the combination of the other races keeping my dragon in check. The soothing effects of my pseudo-divinity eased my anger to a simmer, but they left it alone since it's better to let it rest and wait for it to erupt whenever I need it as a power boost. DxD is full of emotional power usage either way, so why not use it? Ah and here I was about to act like nothing was wrong. How stupid am I?
"Jibril. You're right, here I am trying to act tough when I haven't even properly trained. Recklessly standing up to a Super Devil and basically announcing how much I have thought about the supernatural situation… Seems like I'm still a stupid kid who thinks he can handle it all just fine… I appreciate you being by my side and from now on you will be at all times. (And Ddraig you already felt the boiling of my dragon blood, so I'm sure I can count on you when we make our explosive debut in the future. Thank you)." I say all in one breath as I go in to hug Jibril with one hand while my other is balancing Rias on my back. Jibril only hugs my head tighter, squeezing me into her breasts while I forcibly turn myself to Shuri and say,
"Shuri-onee-san, I'm sorry for putting Akeno in a dangerous situation right after you two escaped yesterday. I should have thought things through."
"There is no need to apologize Ryu-kun, I know you'll protect Akeno-chan no matter what, that's what your eyes are telling me. I was just worried… about you both. And considering how intimate you are with Rias Gremory right now, the meeting went well. We can talk about it tomorrow."
"Ryu-kun held my hand the whole time! Don't worry, mama! Fwaaah… I'm sleepy…" Akeno's voice was animated at the start but it grew softer when she yawned so we all decided it might be better to head off to sleep already. And then talk about what happened at the meeting tomorrow.
(Better prepare yourself for the training regiment that's coming soon, Jibril and I have discussed it already. So enjoy your days of relaxation while you still can Ryu.)
I had forgotten they could speak to one another telepathically once it stabilized, I wonder why Ayaka hasn't noticed the connections? Perhaps her soul isn't strong enough? Well, introducing her to the supernatural is not the priority, but it might come up soon.
(I'm looking forward to it… Goodnight Ddraig…)
Once I finished my conversation with him, I came across a problem- namely in the form of a crimson-haired girl- who was clinging to me like a koala. I can't change, well I'll just put her down on the bed, and use a bit of my gravity powers to ease the grip she has on me. Nice and easy, there we go.
After I tell everyone to go ahead and get ready for bed, I decide to activate my magic for the fluffy onesie that appears on me, basically by swapping immediately with my other clothes. It is in the shape of a chibi black dragon, but not just any black dragon, it's Charizard X from Pokemon. The PJs had a pair of tiny black wings on the back and Charizard's head with the blue flames as the hoodie. I even created a miniature tail with blue flames. I even made it so the flames look real with some warmth added, like an illusion. When I lay myself down she notices the warmth and snuggles closer as she tightens her hold on me. The others, staring at me with unconcealed curiosity and excitement, didn't even change into their outfits, awaiting me I'm guessing.
I could only let out a dry laugh at their enthusiasm, but before that, I changed Rias into a set of PJs in the form of the fire-type Pokemon, Typholison. I wasn't sure if she was going to like it, but it seemed appropriate… Don't ask why.
Well, I made sure to add little chibi drawings all over in the form of Cyndaquil, Quilava, and Typhlosion. It had its normal coloration but I made the flames more prominent so it could match her crimson hair. The hoodie is the face of Typhlosion but I added an opening so her hair can go through and make it seem like her hair is the fire on Typloshions neck. I'm a genius!
Anyway, after Rias came to Akeno I made a chibi Zapdos onesie. Little lightning bolts and countless little yellow and black feathers were made into a pattern for her. I made it as cute as possible, as per her request.
For Jibril, I was on the fence, but I ultimately decided to just do Staraptor. I'm sure there was another Pokemon that matched with her, but I think it suits her. I adjusted the colors a bit, making them a bit darker along with some prominent pinks and blues, with a white and blue feather pattern.
I made Shuri's onesie into a Salazzle. The colors stayed the same, but I did little chibi Salandits, with a pattern consisting of pinkish flames and poison drops.
I think it's appropriate to be honest. It fit her extremely well.
I think these onesies just accentuated Shuri's and Jibril's curvy figure.
I kept my gaze focused on Jibril, not daring to look at Shuri, lest she incessantly tease me for it later.
Anyway, after everyone finished admiring their onesie, we adjusted our positions. Jibril still took my right and with the still clinging Rias, she was now on my left hugging my chest/stomach. Akeno was jealous, but after I promised her that I'd let her cling to me tomorrow night she slept with a content smile on her face as she clung to Shuri, while Shuri herself only giggled while hugging Akeno closer.
Seems like having a big bed is always the best choice and with that, my eyelids slowly started closing as I snuggled deeper into their embrace and fell asleep.
############
The next morning was hectic, I had to wake up bright and early. Way before school since Grayfia called early in the morning. Having to wake up a peacefully sleeping Rias was not the best for me, but instead of letting her act spoiled, I told Grayfia to let her change her clothes herself since I let her keep the onesie. She loved it. Haha, am I even helping? Wait, yes I am, I made her change by herself! It was difficult for her, or so she says, but she did it. However, I did hear she took it upon herself to learn how to cook before meeting me so that's good.
All this was done while Akeno and Shuri were still sleeping on my bed with Shuri's presence and aura erased thanks to Jibril's assistance. I even helped hide Shuri even more with my aura, but I carefully controlled it to cover both Akeno and Shuri since it also blocks out sound.
Grayfia and Rias finally left, looking none the wiser, while the latter cheerfully told me she'll see me later today and that she's going to work hard to get my 'wonderful' head pats or so she called them. Grayfia only shook her head with a helpless smile as the teleportation magic activated.
I could guess that she doesn't know if this is for the best since although Rias is finally doing something on her own with burning determination, it's all to get spoiled by me… I mean, it's a start for now considering how she was raised. She won't change with a snap of our fingers, being able to put in effort to study/train while aiming to get praised (rewarded) is an awesome motivator for her right now.
One step at a time.
And now I am back in my bed with a peacefully sleeping Akeno on my left side and of course Jibril on my right while Shuri was hugging Akeno from behind.
I suppose Akeno felt- no idea how- I was now Rias free. I only smile while bringing them in closer, it's pretty warm after all. Now that I'm comfortable, spin the daily gacha, Eve!
[ Way ahead of you, Ryu ]
[ ...Spinning Daily Gacha… ]
[ You have received 999x Assorted Lollipops (Unique Rank) ! ]
[ You have obtained Golden Spider Silk (Rare Rank) ! ]
[ You have obtained the Ring of Beastial Transformation (Mythical Rank) ! ]
[ You have obtained a 3-ft Tall Kirby Plushie (Common Rank) ! ]
[ You have obtained ????'s panties (???? Rank) ! ]
Lollipops fuck yeah, what do I do when they run out though? Buy some from the stores? I definitely could but we'll see. A variety of stuff this time around with only one thing out of place and fucken weird as fuck.
Why did I get a pair of panties as a gacha item reward? Oof, and it doesn't even say who it belongs to. That doesn't bode well.
What do I do with them...? Into the infinite void of my inventory, you go.
I lift my head, making sure I don't disturb them as I figure out where to place the Kirby plushie... Aha! I'll place it a little bit away from the table near the wall, right next to the light blue couch. With that decided, I willed the Kirby plushie to appear on the spot where I wanted it to, and yup, that's perfect. Gives off more of a homey vibe now.
Eve, can you show me my inventory? Gotta see what's in there now that I have time.
[ System Inventory ] [ ^1 ]
[ 661 / 700 Slots Available ^1 ]
[ *Slot 3: Chunchunmaru (Epic+ Rank Katana), *Slot 4: 15 Body Strengthening Pills (Rare+ Rank), *Slot 5: Dagger of Severing Winds (Epic++ Rank),
*Slot 6: 25 Elite Health Potions -Peach Flavor- (Epic++ Rank), *Slot 7: 45 High Mana Potions -Unflavored- (Epic++ Rank),
*Slot 8: Random Spirit Summoning Ticket (Mythical++ Rank), *Slot 9: Lovely Skull Hair Pin (Rare+++ Rank), *Slot 10: Needle of Never-Ending Torture (Epic++ Rank),
*Slot 11: Cursed Ring of the Lich Queen (Legendary+ Rank),
*Slot 12: Bracelet of Empowerment (Epic++ Rank), *Slot 13: Lucky Cat Sticker (Epic+ Rank),
*Slot 14: Roaring Tidal Wave Necklace (Legendary+ Rank), *Slot 15: Lesser Ability Holder Ring (Epic+ Rank),
*Slot 16: Growth Sword -Demonic- (Mythical+ Rank), *Slot 17: Domineering Aura Pill (Epic Rank) , *Slot 18: Tiara of the Awakened Beast (Mythical Rank), *Slot 19: Staff of the Dark Goddess of Manipulation (Mythical Rank),
*Slot 20: Necklace of the Serene Mother Goddess (Mythical Rank),
*Slot 21: 5 Spring of Life Pills (Legendary Rank), *Slot 22: Ring of Reflection and of Happiness (Epic Rank), *Slot 23: Crown of Chaos and Order (Mythical Rank),
*Slot 24: 2 Random Waifu Summoning Tickets (Legendary Rank),
*Slot 25: 16 Humans (Himejima Clan Members), *Slot 26: 2 Devils, *Slot 27: 7 Fallen Angels,
*Slot 28: Ribbon of Black and White Lightning (Mythical Rank), *Slot 29: Ifrit's Blessed Ribbon (Mythical Rank), *Slot 30: Copycat Mini-Ribbon (Legendary Rank), *Slot 31:
*Slot 34: The Demon Lord's Ring (Mythical Rank), *Slot 35: Undine's Tear Drop Necklace (Legendary Rank),
*Slot 36: 999x Assorted Lollipops (Unique Rank) , *Slot 37: Golden Spider Silk (Rare Rank) , *Slot 38: Ring of Beastial Transformation (Mythical Rank) , *Slot 39: ????'s panties (Mythical Rank)
]
Yup, it's nowhere near full but I do have summoning tickets. I'm not sure if I should use them right now. There's way too much going on and bonding takes time. As I think of that, Jibril's summoning comes to mind and my decision is reaffirmed. I definitely gotta wait. Plus they're actual people and I'm summoning them away from their world. I gotta be prepared. The responsibility is heavy.
The highlighting though, is it because I'll find a use for them soon? Isn't it a tad bit messy though…?
[ Ryu, you should use those Body Strengthening Pills. They will help you. ]
Oh? She sounds serious.
If Eve says it like that, then maybe they'll help my body, mind, and soul bind together or something. I've been putting it off since the descriptions take so much time to get through, but if it was helpful in some way then I should've read 'em when I got them. I suppose I have 14 left now.
Exasperated at my own stupidity, I materialize the pill inside of my mouth and swallow. I have no way of using my hands at the moment, so being able to materialize it anywhere is a welcome feature.
Oh? I feel some warm energy spreading throughout my whole body. I then feel a fluffy sensation enveloping my soul deep within me. It's like I'm being thoroughly cleansed, but the invigorating effect it has feels like I've been working out. A smooth cycle that grinds to a stop. Damn.
As I revel in the feeling of the pill, I check to see that it's about to be seven-thirty in the morning. Guess I'll take a look at my status now. It has been a while. I make sure to move a bit to not let my hands fall asleep, while also adjusting the sleeping posture of everyone with some precise gravity control. Once that is done I turn back my attention to the light blue screen in front of me.
[ Status ]
[
[Name] : Ichijou Ryu [Age] : 9 [Gender] : Male
{ True Name: ???? ????? }
[Race(s)] : << High Human >> , << Young Dragon >> , << Pseudo Demi-God >>
[(Soul) System Functions] : [Soul-Bond] , [System Shop & Gacha] , [Inventory] , [Quests] , [The Cry of the Soul]
[Soul {Locked}] - [Rank 5] : [Spatial Dominion Soul]
[Mana Core {Locked}] - [Rank 5] : [Void Arcane Core]
[Pseudo-Divinity] : [Life] , [Light] , [Nature] , [Infinite Domination]
[Level] : 260 / 500
[ Stats (Basic Attributes) ] :
[HP] : 108,579 / 108,579 [MP] : ∞ / ∞
[Strength] : 18,920
[Endurance] : 22,592
[Speed] : 12,600
[Charisma (+Charm)] : S
[Luck] : S
[Soul Stats] : 6,700 (Added to All; except Charisma and Luck)
[Soul Points (SP)] : 655,000
[Money/Assets] : ¥10,009,667,476.81 (Japanese Yen) / $64,682,618.00 (US Dollars) , Fujikawa Shoten Company, Wagnaria Chain Restaurant
[Soul-Bound Weapons] :
[ Noble Phantasm: Enkidu- Chains of Heaven ]
[Skills] :
[Passive] -
[Soul Concealment(??)] , [Draconic Senses(B)] , [Dragon Scales(B)] , [Supreme Regeneration(S)] , [Cooking Master(A)] , [Martial Arts Prodigy(C)] , [Sword Arts Prodigy(C)] , [Fire-Arms Prodigy(C)] , [Pain Mitigation(S)] , [Supernatural Physique(S)] , [Serene Life Aura(S)] , [Petting Master(A)] , [Art Mastery(A)] ,
[Active] -
[Shapeshifting(S)] , [Dragon Form (Sealed)(SS)] , [Aura of Infinity(SS)] , [Pheromones(S)] , [Dragon Breath(B)] , [Nature's Pulse(B)] , [Nature's Grace(B)] , [Holy Light Magic(A)] , [Miracle Magic(S)] , [Limit Break(B)] , [Sharing is Caring(SS)] , [Star Star Fruit(SS)] , [Arc of Embodiment(S)] , [Halo of Destruction(SS)] , [Gluttonous Pac-Man(S)] , [Sin of Wrath(SS)] ]
Nothing new except the new title. Sounds interesting, to be honest. Oh? And it looks like my level went way up, is it because of the people I defeated or does it have to do with the awakening of Ddraig? Curious.
Though my stats aren't much right now, they shoot up quite a bit because of my soul stats. Pretty damn nice. Other than that the new skills are already placed.
But more skills means more things to train and because of all the powerful people near me, they'll make sure my training is brutal. No mercy, ugh my stomach just let out a groan of protest. But something deeper within me is excited at the prospect of power. Future me is going to struggle. Maybe he'll die not at the hands of some unknown enemy but by someone he knows. That's terrifying because it's possible. I have faith it'll be fine though!
As I finished looking over my status, I felt a stirring all around me. And sure enough, Akeno reluctantly opened her eyes and started rubbing them with her hands. Not wanting to stare too long at her, I open my mouth and softly whisper, "Good morning Akeno-chan."
"Mm, morning Ryu-kun.... muhh, so sleepy..."
"Uhh, are you falling back asleep…? You know I gotta get ready right, plus I gotta talk to your mom."
"Hmph, five more minutes…"
"I suppose there's no helping it, you don't mind waiting, Shuri-onee-san~?" I chuckle when I feel Akeno flinch at my side.
"Not at all, seeing my little Akeno-chan like this is a relief," and though she said it with a soft smile, she did at least find it amusing.
"Whaa…?! Mama?!" Oof, her grip on my stomach increased and her abrupt turn to the side made her hair hit me in the face. My poor eyes…
After the episode on the bed, I peel off a reluctant Akeno and get ready for school. And because we should hurry along, I made a quick breakfast for everyone.
Now we are sitting, or rather only three of us are sitting while one is just floating while snuggling up on top of my hair, near the table. Akeno seems to have noticed the Kirby plushie and ended up dragging it closer to snuggle up while listening.
"Well, when Jibril told you about the pressure, Sirzechs-sama was asking me what I think about my engagement with Rias," I said while ignoring the narrowed eyes of Akeno and the abrupt pulling of my ahoge on my head, most likely Jibril, "I told him I was happy with the engagement as long as Rias was, but I told him how I knew it was a political move."
"Hmmm… Considering how Jibril called him a siscon, I assume this engagement is to keep the other devil suitors away? But won't it end up badly because a member of the 72 pillars is engaged to a human," Shuri said with a hint of worry seeping into her voice.
"They understood the consequences and the backlash, or at least Sirzechs did, the Gremory house might have different plans, but remember we are the Shuei Yakuza clan. We are pretty much ruling over every yakuza clan in Japan and the devils might use this as a way to recruit humans and reincarnate them into devils, not to mention the implications of the devils being on friendly terms with humans, which may create a way towards peace talks. That's the best-case scenario, with the worst case being many assassins storming the human world to 'take care of me in secret.' Which is likely once word gets out. But I only say there's not gonna be a backlash because I personally told Sirzechs-sama that I would talk to other factions about the peace talks, might be a dream for now, but I'll grasp that possibility," I said calmly while lifting up my hand and stroking Jibril's head, and listening to her purrs.
Shuri only covered her mouth while staring at me with wide eyes, but she composed herself and said, "...It seems you got yourself involved in something crazy. But you really are serious about this huh~. Something tells me you're going to do something incredible today. Fufufu."
She knows I might get in touch with her clan huh… She's scary good. Though, I'm sure it's because she wants to reconcile with them, no matter how hard she tries to hate them. Suzaku is a part of it after all. "Ahaha, nothing gets past you. Well, Sirzechs-sama agreed to let her join Rias' peerage and she will be able to stay here however long she needs to."
Shuri just continued staring at me, perhaps knowing that's not all, considering how Rias ended up sleeping together with us…
"Right, well that wasn't all. Grayfia-nee ended up deciding to be my maid because she served my mum, Mamako Ootsuki, way back when. And ended up blindsiding me when she said Rias and herself would be moving in while teleporting away. I doubt it'll be permanent, however. They will be here in the evening, so I'll be giving you a hairpin clip that disguises your aura and appearance. I am also not sure how long they intend to stay so I'm sorry about the inconvenience Shuri-onee-san."
"Fufufu, you don't need to worry about anything Ryu-kun. I am just happy I will be together with my little Akeno-chan, I had already decided to ask for something to disguise myself to get accustomed so this works out wonderfully."
I was relieved when Shuri told me that. I guess I was worried for nothing. I'll make sure to get them their own room close to mine, I might need to add it myself though. I could definitely tell them about her since they know about Akeno already, but this will eventually open up that conspiracy about the stray devils, fallen angels, exorcists, and then Cleria. I will need to sit with Sirzechs and talk about it though, no way am I going to keep things hidden if he's gonna be my brother-in-law, he's trusting me with his sister. I'll mentally prepare myself.
We then continued discussing the arrangements and it was decided that we could ask Grayfia for help in constructing extra rooms around my own. I gotta remember to ask her before I go to school. I'll figure out a way to cross-contact her with the signature I left on her and the slight connection I have to the underworld.
"Oh right, Rias will be studying and training with Grayfia-nee, would you want Akeno to join?" I asked.
"I'm not much of a fighter, so I'll be troubling Grayfia-san, I might take up some training myself fufu~. Will you be joining the training, Ryu-kun?"
"Yes, though, I'll probably be trained by my mothers and Jibril. Grayfia-nee is probably interested in seeing my power with Ddraig. Though I'll be with Jibril in secret," I said with a smile. I'm pretty sure everyone has noticed the slight dragon aura around me, no matter how much I compact it within me, it still leaks out a tad. I'll tell them if they ask, of course.
"I wanna train with Ryu's mamas!" Akeno practically shouted in excitement.
I chuckled and with a faraway smile said, "Of course, but you better be prepared."
She didn't catch on and only jumped onto the Kirby in joy at me saying yes. Shuri did appear worried, however. Looks like she's heard the rumors. But she does look gung ho about joining, regardless of her worries. Introductions would be in order then. Wonder how they'll react to her randomly appearing? Damn, didn't think this through, oh well I'll say that she's someone my Dad hired. Perhaps not, if they catch me hiding stuff it's game over. I'm already hiding Jibril... Dammit.
As we enjoyed the tea, Shuri prepared, I eventually remembered another important piece of information that came up in the talks. I saw no reason to hide the favor I cashed in with the Sirzechs so I turned to Shuri and said. "Right, Shuri, I also told Sirzechs about my plan to get stronger and more popular in the human world to have proper standing in the peace talk meetings. I'm aware of the danger but that's why we gotta do our best in our training."
She calmly drank her tea and with a gentle smile, she said, "You don't have to worry Ryu-kun. Danger will find us regardless, so forming a standing is the best course of action to keep others at bay."
Sighing in relief internally I thanked Shuri for her support. Before danger comes knocking, I'll be sure to have countermeasures. I'll most likely be using the summoning tickets, forming more Soul Bonds, and maybe even awakening the balance breaker not to mention gaining proper control and experience. Plus I'll be accompanied by powerhouses so it'll be a good deterrent if that doesn't work though… hehehe… they'll wish they never crossed me when I unleash the Flugel. Oof, I should stop, my young master side showed.
Before I left for school, I made sure to make countless things with my Arc of Embodiment for Akeno which also includes books for her to study and a starting exercise in magic, energy control, and other such things to have a proper foundation. Shuri knows about it I believe or at least a bit to help her get started.
Shuri also volunteered to teach her the basics of purification and fire manipulation. Which prompted me to give Akeno and her the ribbons I got as a reward. Shuri just smiled and laughed happily while saying 'Ara ara, how cute, would you mind putting it on for me?'
When I did, Akeno snapped out of her daze, stomped her way over to me, and with a determined look on her face she thrust the ribbon while looking at me in anticipation. When I tied it she shyly asked how it looked and I said she looked adorable in it. She smiled widely and I ended up patting her head which made her laugh cutely.
I told them the effects of the ribbons and they were surprised. Shuri gained even more power and better manipulation over her flames and purification, but she just needed to practice more to get used to the power-up. I also explained how Akeno will be able to have easier progress in controlling her Holy Lightning from her fallen angel side and once she reincarnates into a devil she will be able to control Demonic Lightning. The ribbon not only allows her to properly control it, with enough practice of course, but it also lets her combine the demonic energy into her lightning without rejection from the opposing power. For now, she will hold off on casting lightning because Shuri wants her to learn/perfect Purification and Fire Manipulation first to take advantage of her affinity with it.
Once that was taken care of, I immediately made a hair clip in the shape of a little white flame for Shuri to wear on one of the tufts of hair at the side of her face. Akeno put it on for her and as soon as it was on her hair changed to light purple while her eyes changed to blue. Her facial structure also changed but just enough so she won't have such a striking resemblance to Akeno. I told her the hair clip was calibrated for her use only, so when it was placed on her hair it automatically knew it was Shuri so the change was immediate, I reminded her that the same happens when she takes it off. The name of her persona will be Saori, well that's what we all decided on…
Akeno found the whole appearance change cool and wanted to try but I told her to remember what I said about showing her off to the whole world. She ended up blushing and running towards the bed and covering herself in my sheets. I could only smile wryly before bidding them goodbye since I had school. Jibril pulled my ahoge in annoyance. Probably for not pampering her...
Okay! I'm sorry stop!