High School DxD EX c2

Chapter 2: Invaders from Another World[edit]
"HA!"

The crimson haired young swordsman Ex Gremory was ferociously slicing up his opponents——the "UL" creatures from a parallel universe. Judging from appearances, he appeared to be about fifteen, possibly sixteen. The boy's hair, the aura covering his body, and the sword he wielded in his hand were all colored crimson.

The mult.i.tudes of "UL", they each held both hands out in front of themselves. Thereupon the entirety of their wrist slid with a machine-like clickety-clack, and began to change shape. From the remains of each of the silver arms, a muzzle appeared. To think that they had such a thing prepared within the arms. It seems like this was a trait of mechanical lifeforms. With the arms of the "UL" having taken on the form of gun barrels, a dangerous violet brilliance was fired from the muzzle.

In that instant, they fired orbs of light that were aimed at Ex. These orbs of light that been released, they all failed to hit Ex. Flying past him they scored a direct hit on a tall tree. This was because Ex had silently vanished at that very moment.

At the point where the tall tree had been struck by the orbs of light, the entire area had been gouged out. The instant it had been struck by the orbs of light, the light had expanded, and all that was caught within it was completely blown away. Those orbs of light, compared to the skills from this generation, while it isn't beyond such supernatural powers it would be unpleasant to suffer a direct hit. Having seen them pa.s.s through Rossweisse's defensive magic circle, it was quite likely that ordinary defensive measures would result in receiving a fatal wound.

Light orbs were also sent towards myself, Kurenai, and Zen. In order to avoid a direct hit, I leapt backwards successfully avoiding a direct hit……not just all the trees, the light orbs also impacted the ground and the road, leaving craters behind.

As for Kurenai and Zen——.

"Clever."

"If it's only to this degree, DURANDAL IV!"

Expanding an unfamiliar magic circle technique equation, Kurenai defended against the light orbs. On the other hand, the aura from the replica of the Holy Sword Durandal extinguished them. ……Somehow or another, it seems that in the time period these guys are from a means for defending against the "UL" had been established.

——Also, as I looked over at the area around the "UL" I was able to confirm repeated flashes of crimson occurring.

The figure of Ex reappeared, silent just like before. The red blade of the sword that was in his hand was flickering with a dense aura of destruction. Avoiding the light orbs of the "UL" at high speeds, he drew close, and sliced through several of them at once. Even his sword speed was frightening. Altogether it was Kiba's sword technique.

When the sword Ex was wielding would slice the "UL", the part that was cut off would be shaved and vanish; the boy's attack, rather than just slicing, seemed to be precisely shaving away. Regarding that, it was certainly the same as Rias's demonic power of "Destruction".

Rather, as could be understood from Ex's aura, I could sense that the degree was beyond ridiculous……! It was so obvious that at his age he had surpa.s.sed his parents of the present era that I couldn't help but sense it.

And then, Vali had handled this guys's body training, there was the sword that had been prepared, and the techniques were those of Kiba. ……Indeed, this child of Ise and Rias, he had inherited the special characteristics from both of his parents and had studied under both the Hakuryuukou and the Holy-Demonic Sword, and this was the result…….

With the "UL" that he was employing having been mown down, Loki was holding back his temper.

Ex fearlessly pointed the tip of his sword at the evil G.o.d.

"Loki, you will remove the curse you placed on Asia kaa-san. If you do so, I will erase you painlessly."

"……How dare you speak such words of opposition to a G.o.d, crimson haired swordsman Ex."

"I think you would prefer it if I chopped you apart right here."

The atmosphere was explosive, but although Loki appeared to be reaching the limits of his patience, he seemed to be aware to some extent of Ex's true strength. Kurenai and Zen also positioned themselves to surround Loki.

Since I was also cooperating with Ise's children I took a single step forward.

——In Loki's vicinity a spatial distortion was manifesting!

The distortion gradually expanded, releasing a blue light, which formed into a figure. A floating humanoid appeared within the blue light as the distortion then vanished. As it was floating the brilliance surrounding the body died down, and what was standing there——was a mechanical humanoid.

The main color theme was blue with a machine-like l.u.s.tre covering the whole body. There were three horns growing from the head, and the eyes were in the shape of a visor. Overall its form was one of acute angles, with what seemed like three wings sprouting from the right side of its back, but instead of wings on the left side, a cannon-like gun barrel was extending. Its aura was unreadable, but a strange pressure could be felt. In all likelihood it was equal to myself when I wore Fafnir's armor……no, not at all, it's even greater than that.

The humanoid machine appeared to gaze upon Ex and company. The visor-shaped eyes emitted a mechanical brightness.

[——No way, for the kids of the «Welsh Dragon[1]» to have appeared even here.]

Nothing like a mouth could be discerned on the head, and yet something like a voice was clearly being emitted.

Loki displayed a rea.s.sured expression at the appearance of this ent.i.ty.

"Ruma Ydura! Well aren't you late!"

[Since you set the rendezvous point to be at such a faraway place, I was slightly delayed.]

Upon seeing the humanoid machine——the thing Loki referred to as Ruma Ydura, Kurenai and Zen each put on a stern expression.

Kurenai let out a whisper.

"……Rezwo Roado's 'Invade Fanatics[2]'"

……Rezwo Roado, naturally it was a name I had never heard of. Though it doesn't seem like it'd be mistaken to see him as the chief guy from the alternate universe, some kind of superior being.

Ruma Ydura spoke to Loki.

[Nevertheless it is troublesome when you move about as you please, Loki-dono. We ought to have gathered before making a move as our chief had instructed.]

"……I get it! It was purely by chance that I happened to come across Ex Gremory!"

Ruma Ydura fixed his gaze upon Ex. The visor was shining suspiciously.

Ex, seeing his older brother Zen increase his vigilance upon Ruma Ydura's arrival, was merely displaying a fearless smile.

"Just great. So you've also come here to be destroyed, Ruma Ydura."

[You have always invariably acted like a daredevil, Ex Gremory. However, as of present it seems you are merely clad in the impressiveness of your father the Sekiryuutei.]

At being compared to Ise, Ex——was wearing an unpleasant expression.

Ruma Ydura suddenly raised his right arm. Thereupon, a dome shaped barrier manifested covering Ruma Ydura and Loki, having appeared from a point beneath their feet.

Within the brilliance was released from this point, Ruma Ydura spoke.

[Allow us to take our leave this place.]

"Like I'd let you."

Swinging his sword downwards, Ex fired aura of destruction at the other party. ——But, Ruma Ydura and Loki were secure within the barrier, which easily protected against Ex's aura of destruction.

A dazzling brightness spread through the entire area. By the time the light stopped, the figures of Ruma Ydura and Loki were no longer present. It seems they had transferred.

Ex let out a sigh as he sheathed his sword in its scabbard.

"……So it's not going to to be quite so easy to kill them after all huh."

Turning on his heel as he made such an utterance, he began to leave this place.

Seeing Ex's behavior, Zen shouted.

"Ex! Our superior ought to have told you to abstain from taking independent action!"

Ex spoke without even looking back.

"……Zen nii-san, as well as Kurenai nii-san, I will accept you telling me to take action. I don't believe that achieving vengeance is for me alone. ——If I come across those guys, I will contact you."

Having made that announcement, Ex left that location without giving off a single sound.

While brushing his hair, Zen spat.

"Ex, you! Good grief, THAT GUY……!"

As for Kurenai, he was bowing his head to me.

"……My apologies on behalf of our younger brother. Typically he's very obedient, but he has a tendency to become reckless when someone important to him is injured……"

I see, these apparently are the children of Ise and the others.

I wouldn't say I was particularly pleased with Ex's actions though.

"Hahah, he's exactly like his parents isn't he."

At this Kurenai and Zen exchanged blank gazes with each other, seemingly having no choice but to smile bitterly.

"I cannot refute those words."

At the moment Kurenai said that, I sensed the presence of Ise and the others approaching. As it would seem, they had come here after noticing the gun fire coming from this vicinity.

I inquired of Kurenai and Zen.

"Oh, it seems they've arrived. ……You guys, what are you going to do?"

They had better try to avoid a direct encounter. Having said that, leaving here was also not an option. Since once they came here afterwards, there would be no way I could avoid providing a sensible explanation for the extent of what had happened here.

Kurenai reached a mutual understanding with Zen through eye contact and then spoke.

"Since an encounter would be unwise, we will temporarily step aside. ——Is it okay if we meet up with you later in the vicinity of Kuou Academy?"

"Yeah, if something happens contact me through the usual line."

Kurenai and Zen nodded at those words of mine.

"——Agreed."

Leaving only those words, the two of them vanished into the darkness of the night.

I however was left behind……now then, about how much should I explain to Rias and company. While being prudent, I awaited those guys' arrival.

-DxD-

Two days had pa.s.sed since the battle with futuristic Loki without anything uneventful transpiring.

I had invited Ise's children——Himejima Kurenai and Zen Quarta, to my laboratory that had been established at Kuou Academy.

If I had shown them in as is, Rias and company and Sona and company would have gotten suspicious, so I had gotten in contact with Kurenai, transmitted him the coordinates to reach the magic circle in this room, allowing them to transfer directly into this room. Regarding this laboratory I had set up originally, as a result of my having concealed the boundaries of it, even Kurenai and company were unable to sense it.

Having made preparations to that extent, I invited those guys. Moreover, from those guys I had been informed of various things.

First, the purpose of Loki and the others, it seemed that they had time warped to this focal point in the time period, stretching from several weeks from now as far back as several months previously, for the sake of manipulating history. Going back in time to this focal point in history, it seems they sought to create as small of a time warp deviation as they could. ……Even if there wasn't a lot of influence to this part of the timeline, it seems it would result in numerous changes in the overall timeline.

Their next priority——was concerning Asia. Ex, Kurenai, Zen, and the rest of Ise's children had originally made the jump to this time period as a result of a change that had affected Asia.

Ex had said to his opponent Loki to "lift the curse", and Kurenai and Zen had said "we would go anywhere to save Asia kaa-san". I was able to guess the rough situation from that. I asked Kurenai and Zen in regards to what they had said before.

"There's something I would like to ask you guys for an explanation about; the war that breaks out in the future, that was the cause of Loki escaping from prison. However, you guys and Ex, rather than seeking to destroy Loki and the 'UL' who came to this time period, you said that the goal of your time travelling is to 'save Asia'. Ex had told Loki to lift the curse he had placed upon Asia. ……In the world of thirty years from now, Asia had a curse placed upon her by Loki?"

At my question the facial expressions of the two of them were filled with sadness as they nodded.

Kurenai spoke.

"……Yes. Having broken out of prison, Loki, in order to get revenge upon us who he saw as part of the sect of Rias kaa-san and the Hakuryuukuu Vali, plotted a retaliation. For only that reason——he placed a curse on Asia kaa-san."

Zen continued.

"……We were overcome with grief. That day, since there wasn't anyone in the vicinity of Asia kaa-san, she became the recipient of his revenge……a cursed that caused Asia kaa-san to fall into a deep sleep that she cannot wake up from. ……Devised by Loki when he was in prison, it's a curse that repeatedly invokes a countless number of technical equations; headed by Rossweisse kaa-san, they employed the full extent of their magic, but only Loki had the solution to the curse, and if he wouldn't explain the technical equation, they concluded that Asia kaa-san wouldn't wake up."

Kurenai continued at this point.

"While we don't believe that there's no possibility of a major turning point in their a.n.a.lysis occurring, the chances aren't significant. Asia kaa-san is already starting to weaken because of the curse, so she likely won't be able to last until the a.n.a.lysis is complete. If that's the case, the only guaranteed method is to defeat the 'UL' that travelled through time with Loki along with Loki himself. After a discussion of the high-ups they concluded that this was the most realistic approach for dispelling the curse. We have therefore executed such tactics."

……That d.a.m.n Loki, it seems that his resentment only intensified while he was in prison, leading him to develop such an overly severe technique. Even if Loki was a rotten G.o.d, it seems that even with the help of Chief G.o.d Odin and the woman talented in ancient magic Rossweisse, that they were still unable to a.n.a.lyze it.

I inquired of the two of them.

"Asia, is she kind?"

Kurenai spoke while smiling.

"……Yeah, among our 'mothers', she was the most kind. She was always smiling at us."

Zen continued as he wiped away the tears that had gathered in his eyes.

"……She never got angry at us, not even once. She was always gentle with her words, and she was always guiding us. Us siblings, for the sake of saving Asia kaa-san, we'd go to any lengths. Even if, for example, it meant journeying to the past to save her, we would absolutely go. Therefore, this time, we will certainly capture Loki and turn this time period back to how it originally was."

These children loved their mother Asia from the depths of their hearts. Well, even if it was from the present day Asia, one could nevertheless perceive that she had that fondness of a good mother. That their feelings for her were strong enough for them to depart for the past to save her shows just how important Asia is to Ise's children.

I groaned as I stroked my chin.

……OK, I have grasped the main point of the flow of events, as well as the purpose of these guys. Next, it seemed that it would be good if I asked them about a personal matter.

Regarding these guys themselves, including Rias son——Ex, I had two or three questions I wanted an explanation about.

……I inquired as to the nature of the sword that Ex had been wielding, not to mention the gauntlet he was wearing on his left arm——the Boosted Gear.

I asked for a decent explanation of these things.

"Well then, the gauntlet Ex was in possession of——. Is that an artificial Longinus as it would seem to be?"

Xenovia's son——Zen nodded.

"Yes, in our time period several artificial Longinus have been constructed. Ex's gauntlet is one of those successfully produced. However, its abilities are remarkably lower than the genuine article……. It is definitely much stronger compared to an ordinary artificial Sacred Gear."

Is that so? To think that thirty years from now they would have become capable of even producing artificial Longinus. Well, even if we only consider the amount of my own advancements in research, it's advanced by twenty or thirty steps. It would not be surprising if it turned out to be the truth. Zen had said that they couldn't be compared to the genuine article but……. Even in that case, it was still the ability of a Longinus.

Suddenly, I spotted Kurenai picking up something that had been left in my laboratory, seemingly finding it of great interest.

What Kurenai was holding was a prototype artificial Sacred Gear……and the way he handled it was different from that of an amatuer, as though he was someone who was familiar with it. Clearly he was able to identify the special properties of the prototype.

Thinking "Ahh" to myself, I decided to ask Kurenai.

"……Regarding that, do you have anything to do with Ex's gauntlet?"

Hearing what I said, Kurenai stopped fiddling with the artificial Sacred Gear and wore an expression of astonishment.

"You realized that much huh."

"It's your ambience. I sense the temperament of a researcher from you. Among the leaders of the Grigori……it's an ambience I've seen from my comrades numerous times in the past."

I was surrounded all the time by researchers. There were many of them among the family of comrades I a.s.sociated with. The behavior Kurenai had shown in this room reminded me of two or three of them.

Kurenai continued.

"Yeah, since it's you I don't mind explaining, but in the world of thirty years from now I am a researcher with the Grigori. I am the one who has succeeded your research——."

……And then Kurenai stopped talking, as though he had realized something.

'Succeeded' my research, huh. ……I see. Well, I'm not going to press him on that now. I probably don't want to hear the rest. It could result in behavior that changes the future even more than Loki's mischief.

"For you to have succeeded our research, Akeno must have approved of this."

I was the one who said this.

……When it comes it Akeno, she was still harsh with me at times. Although she had already reconciled with her father Barakiel, her feelings were still the same.

Hearing what I said——Kurenai appeared to be beyond surprised that his true ident.i.ty had been discerned.

"……Is that how it is? That's very interesting. In our time mother speaks of you with respect and admiration……she even let you name me as an expression of grat.i.tude."

…………I-is that really how it is? Hmm. Is there some event that comes up after this that results in Akeno becoming more reliant upon me?

Zen spoke.

"While still a member of Rias kaa-san's household Akeno kaa-san is also partic.i.p.ating as an executive of the Grigori, while in our era Barakiel-sensei has become Governor-General."

……So that's how it is. She's an executive, huh. Somehow, that makes me get really emotional.

So in their era Barakiel in the Governor-General. Moveover he called him 'Sensei'.

………….

……How on earth can that be. I just can't see it. That's just something I cannot imagine.

I tried to pull myself together. It wasn't something to deliberately inquire about.

"……About that, it certainly is quite interesting."

That was all I could say in reply. I needed to change the subject.

"Next question. Ex's sword——as well as the sword Zen is carrying, are those legendary weapons? Or are they something that doesn't exist in this time period."

Indeed, I inquired about the sword with the red blade that Ex was wielding, as well as the holy sword resembling Durandal that Zen possessed. When it comes to legendary weapons, whether holy sword or demonic swords, I can brag that I am familiar with roughly all of them. All of the data from every present day mythological system.

Zen produced his sword that had been stored in subs.p.a.ce, and handed it to me.

"My holy sword is called Durandal IV. It it the successor to the Durandal my mother wields."

The successor, IV, that is to say that it is the fourth in Durandal's lineage. It could be considered something that was newly manufactured……. That would mean that thirty years from now they were capable of manufacturing a new version of the legendary holy sword. However, this sword……it has an ejectable magazine attached. This wasn't just alchemy. This made use of mechanical techniques. It was a weapon born from the union of supernatural and scientific techniques. This was an extension of a holy sword we at the Grigori had been pursuing.

Zen spoke as I handled the holy sword.

"As for the sword Ex wields, it's the Scarlet Blade Galatine III Revised——. Like my Durandal IV, it's a successor to the legendary sword Galatine, and furthermore it has been forged explicitly for Ex's use."

Oh, so that was Galatine. Said to be the brother sword to Excalibur, it's a legendary unique sword whose blade would never get nicked. And on top of being a successor it was for Ex's exclusive use……I see, that's the reason why Ex could safely envelope the sword with his demonic power of destruction. By purposefully choosing the resilient Galatine, they were able to forge this exclusive use new model.

"So it's not a new model of Ascalon huh."

I would have thought that it would be a successor to the sword that Ise possesses, but alas that was not so.

At this Kurenai shrugged his shoulders.

"That guy, when it comes to our father, he has trouble dealing with him."

"Since it was the sword the he wore on his arm, he specifically emphasized 'something besides Ascalon'."

——Zen followed up after Kurenai saying as such.

……For the future Ise, the fact that his children were being brought up by Vali and Kiba could be a source of disagreements. At least that's what I think. Or perhaps, could there be some other source of displeasure……? Judging from appearances, these two do not hold any particular hatred towards their father, however…….

As for the last thing we discussed, it turns out that Kurenai is Ise's eldest son, and is eighteen years old. Zen is the second son at age seventeen. As for Ex, he is the fourth son of Ise's children.

Suddenly, I noticed that Kurenai was looking at the clock hanging on the wall.

"……Why are you so concerned about the clock? Is someone……such as another sibling coming?"

No sooner had I started speaking the words when I realized that must be the case.

"Yeah, to be precise we have plans to meet up with our 'younger sisters'……"

This was what Kurenai said.

……'Younger sisters', huh. So they were Ise's daughters. Whose children were they? As before, I couldn't help but to wonder…….

Zen spoke to Kurenai.

"Nii-san, a.s.suming that there's a calculation error with the transference like with those 'UL', would they be able to make it here?"

"Indeed. There have been a few small alterations to this vicinity that may cause confusion."

Watching the siblings having this exchange, I suddenly had a good idea and spoke up while displaying a mischievous smile.

"Well then, it seems we have a little time. Just great. ——Would you like to see them, your parents that is?"

At my suggestion, the two of them exchanged a glance, then in unison asked me, "How exactly?"


"Just a minute Akeno! Right now Ise is going to have his ears cleaned by me with his head in my lap!"

"Nu-uh, Rias. Ise already had agreed to have an 'illicit relationship between a maid and her master' situation in a separate room with me!"

"Ooh. I know nothing about such a strange situation! Akeno you twit!"

"A family that does ear picking doesn't even exist! Rias is stingy!"

"Er, I give up. Guhehehehe……"

What was displayed on the monitor inside my laboratory——was the situation of the Occult Research Club. Right now, the scene was of Rias and Akeno who were arguing over Ise, while Ise who was troubled was wearing a perverted expression.

Having dispatched a insectoid type surveillance camera to the old school building, and by having that insectoid attach itself to the window pane, I could have all that happened over there transmitted here.

Regarding the incident last night, when Rias and company had come rushing over, the excuse I had given them was that I had been investigating the mysterious enemies with some agents from the Grigori when, coming across them by chance, we ended fighting them at that location.

……Regarding the remnants of the Norse magic technical equations that Loki had fired, as well as the demonic power of destruction a.s.sociated with Ex, since Rossweisse had noticed them when performing her a.n.a.lysis, I had to come up with all kinds of pretenses.

……Yo Ise's children, if it should happen that you fail to settle this current affair, it would not be surprising if these actions of mine are treated as immoral. Since it is a fact that I am cooperating with you, can you please restore peace before it leads to future trouble?

Now then, speaking of the kids in question as they watched their parents through the camera……they were covering their foreheads with their hands, and despite being amazed, they were seemingly quite embarra.s.sed.

Zen spoke as he watched the image of Ise.

"……So this is father during his high school days. ……He never changed huh."

"So he's still a pervert in the future?"

At my question, Kurenai smiled bitterly and continued.

"……Well, I had kind of expected he was a pervert. I mean he is a man gets dominated by his several wives after all but"

Ah, so he's dominated by his wives, that Ise. On that point, it seems he would get along with the young men of the Gremory household.

Zen puffed up his cheeks.

"But, we have surprisingly very little interaction with father……if one had to pick between the two, I would have to say that we were raised by Yuuto-san……"

So they seldom had any exchanges with their father. Ah, somehow or another I understand.

"That guy, he must be very busy in the future, am I right?"

It was I who said this. For him who was popular in the present day as the Oppai Dragon, his schedule keeps him under a lot of pressure. Since that's how it is in the present day, it wouldn't be surprisingly if his schedule became much more congested thirty years from now. No, rather it would certainly seem that it would.

Zen replied.

"You understand? Yeah, it's just like that. Moreover, he's always rushing all over the place. Not just in the underworld either, but rather he's rushing back and forth to locations of other mythological systems, whether it's helping out, giving speeches, some kind of industrial enterprise……. Being both the Sekiryuutei and the Oppai Dragon has him always bustling about all over the place."

Kurenai continued.

"His schedule for the next two centuries is completely filled. Even our mothers can go some time without seeing him; on the contrary it's our moms who have to rotate when it comes to escorting him."

Two centuries!? T-that is far beyond what I would have expected. H-he's become that busy huh……. That certainly wouldn't leave much time left over for raising children……. His wives——seemingly centered around Ravel his manager, were apparently covering for him by helping out with the state of affairs in various places.

Zen spoke.

"Since that's how it is, some of our younger brothers and sisters——and Ex in particular, are more attached to Vali-san than to father……"

……So rather than their father who was far away they bonded with the Hakuryoukou who was there more often. I cannot imagine the feelings that guy has accompanying the children of his rival……unexpectedly, the future Vali seems to be enjoying himself.

At this time, the insectoid camera——was displaying Kiba. Without paying any mind to the back and forth between Ise and the others, he was sitting on the sofa reading.

Seeing Kiba, Kurenai and Zen groaned.

"He was our sword master as one might expect. The fact is he was an impeccable swordsman even at that time."

Zen spoke with an exultant disposition.

"Including myself, Kiba Yuuto-san was the sword master for us siblings. To them and for myself as well, he is like a second father to us……"

Aah, so Kiba had been keeping a watchful eye on these guys. I could sense it from the respect in their gazes, that he was greatly endeared by Ise's children.

……Rather that their busy father, they spend much more of their time with Kiba who's their swordmaster.

Hearing Zen's statement, Kurenai cautioned his younger brother.

"Don't say that. Chichi-san is an extremely busy person."

Suddenly feeling bothered I spoke up.

"So in that case Xenovia and Irina didn't instruct you guys in swordsmanship?"

Judging from what Zen had said, while I could understand the point about Kiba being their swordmaster, it still bothered me. At least with Xenovia who was a female sword warrior as well as this guy's mother, one would naturally think that he would have been instructed in the sword by his mother but……. Given her temperament, one would expect her to instruct her son in the sword.

However, Zen who was Xenovia's son said, "Absolutely not!" as he shook his head.

"Such a thing, how would Haha-san have time to instruct me in the ways of the sword……"

To me who was feeling puzzled Kurenai gave a supplemental explanation.

"Xenovia kaa-san, while she is someone with a zeal for training……besides a.s.sisting with Dad's work, she is also a cram school princ.i.p.al for students aiming to go to the underworld's top notch universities. In addition to that, whenever we encounter her behavior becomes that of someone in charge of investigating how our studies are going, like she's the one in charge of our teaching."

……Seriously? That person went on to do teaching as a princ.i.p.al at a cram school!? ……I just can't imagine it!

Zen continued.

"Given that she was unable to enjoy her childhood like other youths due to practicing the sword day and night, she wanted us to have a somewhat healthy childhood where we would study together, and as such her enthusiasm for our studies was comparable to that she has for those seeking to get into a good school."

Ah, so that was your undertaking, Xenovia. Looking back on the first half of her lifetime, it would seem that she had decided that her sons shouldn't have to experience the same kind of rut.

I certainly couldn't blame Xenovia for such a thing. It was since she had gone from a life with the church to being part of this Kuou Academy……. It was not that her sense of values had been turned inside out.

Zen then touched on the situation of Irina in the future.

"As for Irina kaa-san, she's so busy with her work in heaven that we almost never see her. Even when she does come home on occasion she's so tired all she does is sleep."

"She even criticizes our other mothers whenever they take a female manager's vacation……"[3]

Kurenai was also saying such miserable things.

……I see, so Irina has become like a office lady who comes home late at night exhausted. ……Perhaps I should start giving her advice regarding her future management prospects.

Suddenly, Zen started looking at a picture frame that was standing on the desk. In it was a photo featuring the group of leaders consisting of myself, Sirzechs, Michael, Odin, and Zeus. As he was looking at it something Zen had said struck me.

"Come to think of it, the Maou-sama of this time period……was Rias kaa-san's onii-san."

"……Is it different in the time period you're from?"

At my inquiry Zen became fl.u.s.tered and covered his mouth. It felt like he was thinking "Oh d.a.m.n".

"Sorry, it was a slip of the tongue."

To Zen who was apologizing, Kurenai spoke.

"In the case of the first generation Governor-General, I don't think it'd matter all that much don't you think? Even if we were to sum up our time period the degree of interference in history someone like him would cause would be exceedingly small."

I was extremely grateful for such an evaluation.

Kurenai then informed me about it.

"The Maou from our time period——it isn't the Four Great Maou system, but rather the Seven Great Maou system. In addition to Lucifer, Beelzebub, Leviathan, and Asmodeus there's also the newly added Mammon , Belphegor, and Belial."

……So it changed from four names to seven names. The number of suitable representatives had increased. This displayed a significant change in internal administration.

A civil war!? No, if the darkness festering deep inside it were exposed, it would appear that they would be unable to maintain the current administration. ……The future will be full of troubles Sirzechs.

Kurenai continued his explanation.

"Since this time period, with the exception of Ajuka Beelzebub, all of the Maou have changed."

……Such an unforeseen thing had occurred huh. By now means would I have expected all the Maou to resign in the future, with only the best remaining active.

I spoke while narrowing my eyes.

"……Regarding Sirzechs situation, I guess it would be better if I didn't inquire about it."

Kurenai nodded.

"Yeah, it would be better if you didn't. The most information I can give you on this is that it's not as unpleasant as you might be imagining……"

Besides, given that these guys had been calling me 'First Generation Governor-General'……it could be inferred that I did not have a very pleasant ending.

At this point, having finished touching on the subject of future politics, Kurenai and Zen proceeded to enjoy watching the past versions of their parents.

For Ise and company who had been swinging between joy and sadness, they now appeared to be weary.

After about ten minutes had pa.s.sed, miniature communication-use magic circles expanded next to the ears of Kurenai and Zen. It would appear that the 'younger sisters' had made contact with them.

Bringing an end to the peeping upon their parents, I who was acting as a chaperone transported together with Kurenai and Zen to the designated rendezvous point——.

-DxD-

The place that we transported to was in a forest town four stations away from Kuou Town.

Amidst the many varieties of tall trees growing in this forest the 'younger sisters' were standing. They were a pair of young girls, one wearing a white kimono, the other a black kimono. Judging from their appearances, they were small girls of about twelve or thirteen. On their heads——cat ears were sprouting.

The kimono clad girls smiled upon seeing seeing their older brother.

"——Kurenai nii-sama, Zen nii-sama"

"At last we managed to meet up with you nyan."

Zen introduced me to the young girls.

"These are our younger sisters. The one in white is Shirayuki. The one in black is Kurobara."

Most likely, the white cat eared girl is Koneko's daughter, while the black cat eared girl……could it be that she was Kuroka's? Geez, so she also ended up falling deeply in love with that guy Ise huh.

……Shirayuki was 'Snow White' then? Then Kurobara……would be from 'Sleeping Beauty's' alias of 'Thorn Princess'. Unexpectedly those sisters had given them names from fairy tales.[4]

These two cat eared girls, their appearance was the same right down to their faces, but not to the point one would likely think them to be twins. Well, since they have the same father and their mothers are sisters, it's not unusual that they'd resemble each other, is it. ……It would be safe to say that those sisters probably gave birth at around the same time.

Kurenai then explained the details of what had happened so far to his younger sisters.

"……I also wanted to see Papa and Mama when they were young nya~."

The one in the black kimono——Kurobara, voiced her dissatisfaction over this. Rather than having her mother Kuroka's joyful personality she gave off a somewhat more composed atmosphere.

The one in the white kimono——Shirayuki, spoke with a tough looking expression as she delivered a report.

"We have been in contact with Vladi oji-sama."

"As it would seem, things are becoming quite troublesome nya."

Kurobara continued speaking after Shirayuki's words.

……Vladi oji-sama? The boss of Kurenai and company, the one they said was a member of the Gremory household who was related to 'Time'. And on top of that these girls referred to him as 'Vladi oji-sama'. With this, regarding who the boss of these guys was, I was able to reach a definite conclusion.

——!!

All of a sudden, a disgusting sensation a.s.saulted my whole body. There was some strong hostility that was being directed this way, and I was sensing that pressure. Kurenai and the others clearly sensed it as well, as they were also looking up at the sky.

Zen managed to squeeze out a few words.

"……This pressure, it's that b.a.s.t.a.r.d……tch!"

Not only Zen, all of Ise's children who were here had clearly sensed it.

Looking up in the sky, a large object that was falling at high speeds filled our vision.

While a strong pressure was being released from it, the huge thing descended down to the forest! A loud crashing sound was released as it violently impacted the ground causing the earth to tremble, resulting in dust being sent flying through the surrounding air!

A large depression became visible before our eyes——a crater of considerable scale had been produced.

In the center of the crater, giving off a *Shuuuuu……* sound as steam was emitted from its whole body, was a fifteen meter tall figure——.

The mechanical creature that was releasing a green l.u.s.tre——its form was similar to that of a dragon. Its forearms were both very thick, to the point they appeared somewhat like shields. No, they actually possessed parts that were shaped like shields. There weren't any wings on its back, but it had what appeared to be rocket engines on either side of its back. Despite appearances could it actually fly……?

——This dragon type mechanical creature, it couldn't be a robot……!!! From this I could understand that this was another 'UL'…….

……Heh, that evil G.o.d from the alternate universe, it couldn't be that his hobby is coming up with designs like this could it?

As it rose out of the crater, the dragon type mechanical lifeform let out a voice.

[——Heh, as it would seem, the brats of that red guy have also come to this time period huh.]

The mouth that had been made of metal had been manufactured to look like the smile of a flesh and blood living creature.

"——GARVARUDAN!"

Zen produced his Durandal IV from subs.p.a.ce. From the bloodcurdling conditions, it was obvious that that dragon was a monster on a whole other level. ……As expected, given that it was a being from a parallel universe, its aura could not be sensed, but given this overwhelming feeling of oppression……it was at least of Dragon King cla.s.s……!!

Hearing Zen's voice, the dragon——the one called Garvarudan, spoke with a happy tone.

[Yo, it's Zen Quarta, plus the rest of your d.a.m.n brats. I'm considerably indebted to you guys!!]

With a *GuuuuoooooOOOOO*, the rockets on Garvarudan's back suddenly spewed forth fire vigorously! ——Without warning, his spirit had become incited!!!

The force from the rockets increased, and then the enormous body of the mechanical lifeform——suddenly shot forward!!! As the large being rushed forward at high speeds, charging at Zen!! Zen prepared his Durandal, and attempted to defend against the opponent's furious attack——but Garvarudan completely seized Zen with his enormous hand.

[THIS IS PAYBACK!!! I'll blow you awaaaaaAAAAAAAAAY!!!]

Garvarudan flew forward while dragging Zen who he had seized!!!

Gouging a large trench into the ground, much of the forest's vegetation was mown down by Garvarudan who was charging while seizing onto Zen!!

"Dammit!!"

Zen who was held in his hand, putting up a furious resistance, infused his holy sword with holy aura. He then depressed the trigger on the guard of the holy sword, and an orb wrapped in power was fired from the blade with a violent sound, ejecting a cartridge as it did. At the same time the aura covering the holy sword increased!!

However, Garvarudan abruptly threw Zen high up into the sky!!

——Having been thrown into the air by Garvarudan, Zen was left completely open to attack!!

[DiiIIIIIIIIIIIIE!!]

What was fired from the mechanical dragon's mouth——was a ma.s.sive ray of like that could be said to be its maximum power! In order to shield himself against Garvarudan while in midair, Zen took on a defensive stance!!

"ZEN!"

Kurenai produced a transportation magic circle nearby, and released it at Zen who was up in the sky!!

Instantly——the sky above the forest was split by a HUGE beam that stretched in a straight line into the distance.

A transportation magic circle was expanding beside Kurenai, from which Zen appeared. Somehow or another, he had managed t avoid it by a hair's breadth.

His surprise attack being finished, Garvarudan spoke while laughing pleasantly.

[Well, killing you would never have been quite so simple. However, the same cannot be said of your father and the Vanishing Dragon who are the premier dragons of this time period! On the contrary, the same goes for the other Longinus possessors! Their battle potential isn't worth s.h.i.t!!]

I and Ise's children took on a stance to confront the mechanical dragon before us.

Kurenai spoke to me.

……Regarding the name of the evil G.o.d from the parallel universe, he is called Melvazoa. This evil G.o.d, he has seven peerlessly brutal underlings, who we refer to as the 'Eclipsed Seven Luminaries'.[5] Those Seven Luminaries are each accompanied by powerful retainers called 'Invade Fanatics[6]; the mechanical dragon before——Garvarudan is one of the 'Invade Fanatics'."

……There were four chief retainers who served a G.o.d's underling, and this is just one of them? The one called Ruma Ydura who met with Loki was also one of the 'Invade Fanatics'. It could already be said that two of them have come to this time period……

Kurobara had a grim look in her eyes.

"Not just Ruma Ydura, but even Garvarudan also came……"

Garvarudan spoke joyfully.

[Aah, have the other guys already come here? It's just a matter of time until my master——Rezwo Roado arrives.]

"Rezwo Roado, he's part of the 'Ragou Seven Luminaries' I just spoke of. You can think of them as having power in the same cla.s.s as that of each mythology's chief G.o.d."

——Kurenai provided that brief explanation.

So the seven underlings who serve the evil G.o.d from the parallel universe, you're saying each and every one of them is chief G.o.d cla.s.s?

"In other words, it would appear that that fellow may possibly end up coming to this backwater country as well huh."

Presently concerning myself with these troublesome inner thoughts, I was completely dumbfounded by the unexpectedly enormous scale of it all. ……I say, this matter was becoming something far beyond my ability to control.

I inquired of Ise's children.

"……You guys have a plan for achieving victory?"

To my question Kurenai, Zen, Shirayuki, and Kurobara, they all put on valiant looks.

Zen spoke while gathering the ma.s.sive amount of aura of his Durandal IV.

"——Yeah, of course we do. If we didn't there would be no meaning in coming here!!"

As for Shirayuki and Kurobara, their entire bodies flickering with touki, manifested countless numbers of kasha.

"I heard that, when Chichi-sama and Haha-sama[7] were young, they battled against even more severe opponents than this."

"Being the children of that Papa and those Mamas, there's no way we would ever back down nyan."

And then, Kurenai who was the eldest——created a spatial distortion, from which something mighty was summoned. Its vigour completely burning everything around it, it was an enormous fire bird that was releasing a scorching hot aura. Kurenai himself, who had holy lightning coiling around his body, fired of the following statement.

"I who am the eldest son of the Sekiryuutei, a man who carries the blood of the Himejima, shall not be defeated."

The Himejima, being a Shinto clan, was a historical household that had been protecting j.a.pan since ancient times from behind the scenes. That household originally manipulated flames and governed the sacred beast 'Suzaku'[8].

What Kurenai had summoned, it wasn't 'Suzaku'. ——It was similar to the sacred beast 'Houou'[9].

Akeno, the Himejima bloodline seems to run strong in your son. Moreover, he has even inherited the ability of holy lightning. ……Isn't it magnificent?!

Well then, I ensured that these guys could fight to their heart's content at this place. Extending my hand and forming a magic circle, I covered this area with several secure barriers. The instant the barriers had been established, regardless of any excessive noise, people from outside wouldn't end up trespa.s.sing in this area. That at least was the theory behind these specially prepared special barriers.

[Ho, so there was even someone from this time period capable of producing such a barrier.]

Even Garvarudan, who was getting an uncomfortable feeling from the mysterious barrier that was covering this region, had apparently noticed the appearance of the barrier.

I then spoke to Ise's children.

"It's a barrier that's been designed to not be broken quickly. Feel free to fight to your heart's content."

Hearing my statement the children all wore valourous smiles.

I also formed a spear of light in my hand, and faced of against the mechanical dragon.

——As for who made the first move, it was the duo of nekomata girls! Each of them respectively brought forth a countless number of kasha, Shirayuki's being of white flames while Kurobara's were of black flames, which spread out and surrounded Garvarudan. Each and every one of them were moving ceaselessly this way and that as though they each possessed an individual will. Together with the hand movements of the duo of girls, the countless number of black and white kasha a.s.saulted Garvarudan.

[Clever!!]

As for Garvarudan, without hesitating as all of the kasha swept down upon his whole body, he once again fired a thick beam from his large mouth! When the beam subsided one part of the forest had been mown down, and he white and black kasha had been blown away.

"d.a.m.n, how can this be?"

I also produced multiple spears of light in the air, which I fired at Garvarudan. Each and every shot was loaded with high density light. Even if it was a dragon, this should bring about its downfall…….

As for Garvarudan, using his fat shield-like forearms on each arm, he successively repelled all of my spears. Naturally, some of the spears did successfully pierce him directly, but the damage from my spears wasn't of any concern to this guy as he struck down my shots with his arms.

"——Houou!! And then, lightning!!"

Hearing Kurenai's instructions, the fire bird spread its wings and dove at the mechanical dragon! The scorching heat was even noticeable from this distance, as my skin was being roasted little by little. Despite the incredible amount of flames not one tree from the surrounding forest was burned, which was a testament to Kurenai's superior command of them. Had it been someone inexperienced, and they had make use of the sacred beast of flames, the heat released from their mischief would have spread and set fire to the surroundings. The Houou Kurenai had released though had directed burned only the targeted enemy and nothing else.

[Heheh!! How interesting!! Bring it on!!]

There was the figure of Garvarudan standing there ready to take it head on! The Houou was attacking the dragon's metallic skin! As for Garvarudan, he brandished both of his thick forearms and struck the Houou with a swipe! His excitement was as such that his abnormally wide arms ended up mowing down all of the nearby trees. Up against Garvarudan's ma.s.sive strength, the Houou's power was completely offset——at that moment lighting resounded from sky, and fell magnificently upon Garvarudan!

The mechanical dragon's entire body was swallowed by the lighting! The Houou followed up, swooping in for another attack——but this fresh attack upon Garvarudan, it was shot down! The aforementioned large arm that was shaped like a shield, with a *pakari* it split vertically. Having split apart, a gun barrel then emerged! From the shield, a cannon had appeared!

His entire body giving off smoke from the ma.s.sive lightning, Garvarudan, without faltering, grabbed the throat of the Houou with his right hand, and shoved the cannon that appeared from the shield on his left arm into its abdomen!!

[BLOW AWAAAAAAAAAAY!!!]

Firing a huge ball of light out of the cannon, the entire body of the Houou was swallowed up! As a violent flash of light spread through the area, the Houou was blown away entirely by the ball of light!

Since it was a sacred beast, it wasn't substantial. It should be possible to once again summon the Houou but……. The body of that mechanical lifeform is too tough. Lighting of that degree——having been struck by that, one would think even the interior had been burned. Nevertheless it hadn't flinched, and even continued attacking without having its movements hindered at all, which was quite befitting of its belligerence.

Just from the present exchange of offense and defense, all of the trees from the surrounding area had been blown away, creating a bare circle. ……Since we'll have to repair this afterwards, this will become all sorts of trouble huh……. The one who has to repair this forest can expect considerable difficulty!

——It was at this point that Zen finally cut in!

"Toryaaaaah!!"

Zen's swordsmanship, bringing together Xenovia's pa.s.sion and Kiba's splendor, it became the ideal style of swordsmanship.

Slashing at high speeds while slipping through the attacks of his gigantic opponent, he managed to fire tremendous power while stabbing through the gaps. While Durandal was also clad in a destructive aura, there was a calmness to it. Kiba would likely shed tears of joy if he were to lay eyes upon this swordsman.

Garvarudan, despite having a reaction speed that was unsuitable for his large size, he did have his limits, and was therefore overwhelmed by Zen's high speed and skills. Zen's attack, having reached Garvarudan, began to cause steadily worsening damage as the sword landed blow after blow.

Accelerating the attacks, he was pulling the trigger launching orbs from the blade that each became increasingly more powerful, to the extent that, a few dozen seconds later, the holy aura of Durandal IV had expanded to the point it could completely envelope Garvarudan's large body. Just from seeing this much it could be confirmed its attack power had completely surpa.s.sed the Durandal of this time period. Like that, each time the augmented power was launched in an orb from the sword blade, it seemed that somehow the attack power would further increase by another level. So this was the holy sword of the future——Durandal IV.

[Oryaaaaaah!!]

Garvarudan fired a much larger beam of light than any he had up until now!! It was so powerful that, if it were to score a direct hit, not one person here would be able to escape annihilation! However, Zen, not hesitating for a moment, faced him straight on and swung downward with Durandal!! From Durandal IV, the maximum amount of holy aura was released!! That was his mother Xenovia's prided Durandal Cannon, that's what it was——.

Garvarudan's beam and the Durandal Cannon struck each other head on, causing a magnificently large explosion to occur within the forest!! The shock wave from the explosion, the flames that were spread by the explosion, these were the aftermaths of the two attacks that enveloped our location in the forest!!

……Once everyhing had quieted down, what was there was——the heavily breathing figure of Zen. Due to firing that enormous shot, the maximum aura Durandal had possessed until now had died out.

As far as Garvarudan was concerned——his entire left arm had been blown off, and from the cross section of the left arm sparks were flying with a crackling sound.

From the violent aftereffects of the collision, a distortion had arisen in the barrier and the sky was now visible through the hole.

Garvarudan, displaying an intrepid smile, ignited the rockets on his back.

[——Dammit, apparently the effects of time travelling consumed a lot of power. That I would be damaged to this extent by this brat's attack.]

Garvarudan looked up at the sky, and all at once flew towards it!!

Ise's children had no plans to let him escape!

"Trying to escape?!!"

"You won't get away!!"

Kurenai and Zen both unleashed their attacks! I also expanded a magic circle to try and repair the barrier but——.

A portion of Garvarudan's right shoulder opened up unveiling something like a speaker unit.

——!!!

Suddenly as they were rushing in to attack there was an offensive dissonance!! It seemed it was being emitted from Garvarudan's shoulder! As soon as I started hearing it, needless to say I immediately neglected the magic circle I was expanding. Kurenai the the others were also covering their ears, each wearing an expression of anguish.

[I'll kill you next time, brats of the Sekiryuutei!!]

Leaving behind those parting words, Garvarudan used his ignited rockets to fly away into the sky! Like that he pa.s.sed through the hole that had opened up in the barrier, successfully escaping from this place.

"s.h.i.t!! After all that we weren't able to kill him!"

Zen spat out such a lament.

Kurenai put a hand on Zen's shoulder, shaking his head.

"……No, this was the first time we have seen his present equipment. In all likelihood, it would seem that Garvarudan and the others have altered their equipment since the last time we fought. If that is the case, I don't know of anyone who could have countered something as unforeseen as that. ……This is good enough for now."

At his older brother's words Zen let out a breath as he regained his composure.

Gazing up at the sky after the mechanical dragon that had flown away, I——Azazel, was experiencing an indescribable anxiety.

However——. I then looked over at Ise's children.

At the same time I was anxious, it was a fact that these children from the future were extremely hopeful.

This time period had been invaded by unknown adversaries, but so long as those guys are here, so long as they face it together, the future will be protected. I truly believe that.

Looking forward to getting to meet up with the rest of Ise's children I haven't seen yet, I began to consider how I would go about cleaning up the forest.