Interlude 17 (Patreon)

Sairaorg POV

“You sure we should be coming over here?”

“It’s fine, Kuisha!” I slapped her shoulder. “What’s the worse that could happen?”

“Many things could go wrong.” She signed, but I didn’t dwell on it.

After meeting Wilhelm, well, I felt like I should visit Rias. It’s been too long since I’ve seen my cousin.

“You worry too much.”

“Shouldn’t you atleast give Rias a heads up that you’re coming over?”

“Nah, it’s fine.” I continued walking towards this human school that Rias was going to. I can’t say I understand why she was doing this, seemed pretty pointless to me, but I guess it made her happy.

“What about the others that you left in Kyoto?” She asked.

“They can take care of themselves for a few hours.” There weren’t many people around. Did the humans go home for the day? “And we won’t be here long, a couple hours at most.”

“Why are you so intent on seeing Rias? It’s not like you can’t get a hold of her whenever you want.” Kuisha increased her pace to keep up.

I stopped, letting out a sigh. “I still feel kinda bad, Y’know?” I scratched my head. “I felt like I should have been able to do something about Wilhelm. How alone must he had been? And I heard Rias is having a tough time because of her marriage, and I want to do my best to help the family that had stood by my side. I just….wanna be helpful somewhere.”

Maybe I could give her some tips on training or something? I don’t really understand all the politics stuff, that’s what I had my peerage for. Kuisha would take care of that when I become a Satan.

“It’s hard to deny you when you say something like that.” She groaned. “I guess this isn’t really as bad as what we did with Wilhelm. Atleast Rias is friendly and it’s not like we can’t just pop up if we wanted.”

“Yeah…” I let out an awkward laugh. “That was my bad, I just got so excited. Did you see that fight he had with Susanoo!? And when I finally met him, my blood was boiling, ready for a fight!” I pumped my fist in the air. “…..maybe he’ll wanna fight me later?”

And Regulus said that he had the Boosted Gear!? How strong is he really? I was excited to find out.

He was stronger than me.

My instinct told me that much.

But that just meant I had someone to measure myself against!

And I had ways to get stronger. Old Man Nurarihyon said that my Touki is still rampaging too much. Something about needing to force it down more. I didn’t really understand, did mostly everything my gut feeling, but I’ll check with him later and see if he can help me.

I usually liked to figure everything out myself, but I really wanted to match up with Wilhelm when he was ready. I heard he’d only been training and stuff for a few months and he’s already this strong, I can’t let myself fall behind!

“This is nicer than I thought.” Kuisha said we approached the gates. “Then again, I’m not really familiar with Japanese schools.”

“Do we just go in?” I asked.

“You’re asking me that now?” She huffed. “Might as well, it looks like everyone’s gone for the day. If I remember right…..they’re in the side building over there?” She pointed off towards the side.

“Lets go!” I marched on, my Queen following behind.

Humans schools are a little interesting I guess. So many classrooms stuffed into the buildings. Must have been a good way to make friends. I think Rias mentioned that they have ‘clubs’ or something here. I wonder if they had clubs focused on some kind of fighting or martial arts?

“I sense stronger Wards here, I think this is the place.” Kuisha stated, pointing to a set of double doors.

“WHAT ARE YOU DOING!?”

Both Kuisha and I heard a shout. It sounded like the tone of someone in trouble. I didn’t even think before bursting through the doors.

There were many people in the room, but my eyes fell on the ones who were not part of Rias’s Peerage.

I recognized the man standing off to the side, his hand engulfed in flames. Under his heel was a young man, struggling under the grasp. Looks at everyone’s faces for a second, I could tell what happened and I moved.

I already held the Phenex by his throat. His flames burst off, but my Touki wrapped around me, stopping any burns.

“Master!” A woman standing behind him screamed as she began to cast some magic, but I trusted Kuisha to handle it.

Her signature Black Spheres ate the Magic Circles the unknown woman had created and my Queen slammed her to the ground, sealing her through her own Magics.

“Y-you bastard!” The Phenex brat choked out.

“How dare you attack my cousin.” I squeezed a little harder.

“Sai!?” Rias I guess finally realized It was me.

“Rias, want me to take out the trash for you?” I offered, glaring at him again.

“That will be unnecessary.” A sudden burst of magical power filled the room, the strongest Queen – Grayfia Lucifuge -- teleporting in. “Sairaorg Bael, please release Riser Phenex.”

I glanced at her, the squirming Phenex in my hand still trying to escape. With a grunt, I tossed him to the side.

“Y-you bastard, how dare you, do you know who I am!?”

“Of course I do.” I crossed my arms. “You’re the weak little bird of the Phenex family.”

He snarled; his hands enveloped in fire.

“Alright, lets fight!” I grinned. “I’ve always wanted to see how many punches it took to get through a Phenex’s regeneration!”

“There will be no fighting!” Grayfia Lucifuge’s aura spread out, covering everyone.

I shivered slightly, dropping my fighting will.

“Maid, he attacked me!” the Phenex boy shouted, pointing at me.

“And you were standing atop one of Rias’s peerage.” I snorted. “But if we’re having a disagreement, lets settle it in a rating game.”

“Enough.” Grayfia scowled. “And release his queen.”

“Tell her to stop trying to cast spells.” Kuisha replied.

“She will stop.” The Maid glared at the other woman on the ground.

Kuisha got up and moved back to my side.

“I was supposed to come mediate this discussion.” She swept her gaze around the room. “And I would like to point out that I am notlate. So, Riser Phenex, why are you here before me?” Her eyes landing on the bird boy.

“I was just coming to see my fiancé, what’s the big deal!?

“You ignored my orders.” Grayfia’s lips thinned, she didn’t look happy.

“And who’s your fiancé!? Like hell I’m marrying you, Riser!” Rias shouted back.

“Why argue over something that’s already decided.” He waived at her haughtily, ignoring her shouts. “It’s not like you’re actually able to beat me in a rating game anyways.”

Rias’s peerage did an admirable job of not lashing out.

“This appears to not be a productive meeting. And I doubt it will be remedied today, we will attempt discourse another time. Riser, return to the Underworld.”

Riser scowled. “Yeah, whatever. Too many losers here anyways.” He snapped his fingers, bringing up a Teleportation circle that enveloped himself and his queen.

They disappeared after a second or two of it activating.

“What a punk.” I Grunted, letting my Touki disperse.

“Sai, what are you doing here?” Rias suddenly asked.

“I’m curious as to your presence here as well, Sairaorg Bael, you were not supposed to be present for this meeting.” The Queen narrowed her eyes.

“Hahaha, well….about that…”

“We didn’t know there was a meeting.” Kuisha answered. “Lady Lucifuge. We merely were visiting my King’s Cousin to catch up.”

“An unfortunate coincidence then.” She let out a sigh.

“I wouldn’t call Riser attacking Rias’s peerage and us walking in on it as ‘unfortunate’, Lady Grafya.” Kusiha stated.

The Maid pursed her lips. “I will make a note of it and see what I can do.”

“Sai.” Rias tugged at my sleeve. “Not that I’m unhappy to see you, but why’d you suddenly come visit?”

“Well, I Just came form seeing Wilhelm, and thought it’d be nice to see you too.” Rias always was so adorable.

“Wait, you saw Wilhelm!?” She exclaimed in shock.

“Haha, yeah. I talked with him for a little while. I didn’t realize how strong he was until I saw him in person.”  I looked around at everyone. Lucifer’s Queen seemed interested for some reason as well. “Well, I can say that for you too. You seem a lot stronger since the last time we met.”

“You make it sound like it’s been years, Sai. It’s only been like a month.” Rias chuckled. “And good to see you too Kuisha.” She waived towards my queen.

“You as well, Rias.” Kuisha replied with a smile.

“Let me introduce everyone.” Rias clapped her hands. “Everyone, this is Sai, my cousin from my Mom’s side. He’s the rising start of Rating games and considered the strongest young devil.”

“Haha, Rias, you’re gonna make me blush.” I couldn’t help but rub my neck in embarrassment.

“Sai, you know Akeno my queen, and Koneko, and Kiba.” He gestured to each of them. “And this is my newest member, my Pawn, Issei Hyoudou.”

It was the boy on the floor under Riser’s heel. I looked him over, he didn’t seem too strong yet, but there was potential there. He had good spirit though, didn’t stop struggling.

“Nice to meet you.” I held out my hand in greeting towards him.

“y-yeah, thanks.” He took it with an awkward smile.

“Thanks, by the way, Sai.” Rias said. “Things were already difficult with Riser around and everyone talking about the marriage. If I was more forceful, he could have said some things and maybe moved up the marriage date.”

Ah, no wonder she didn’t make a move.

Devil Politics, I never enjoyed them.

“No problem at all, Rias.” I assured her. “I’d be happy if he came looking for trouble. I’ve never fought a Phenex before, it’s a pretty exciting idea.”

“Only you, Sai.” Rias giggled shaking her head. “But what’s this about Wilhelm?”

“Oh, yeah.” I almost forgot. “I went to Kyoto and thought I’d check up on him since we’d never met before.”

“…..Just like that? I thought you would be kicked out.”

“Well, I did have a letter with me that let me come around.”

“I see….”

Hmm, was there something going on that I didn’t know about?

“So that was your fiancé?” I asked her.

Rias scoffed, crossing her arms. “So I’m told. I keep denying it, but yeah, if I don’t win my Rating Game, I’ll be forced to marry him.”

“I’ve only heard a thing or two about Riser Phenex, I don’t really like him that much.” I think she had much better options available to her.

“I’ve been training and stuff, but there’s only so much I can do.”

“Don’t sell yourself short, Rias.” Sometimes people needed a pep talk. I remember my mom used to give me them all the time. “I wasn’t lying, you’re much stronger than before. Keep going like this and you’ll get there. How long until the wedding?”

“Ugh, like……7 or 8 months. They pushed it back, but it isn’t set in stone, so I’m a little worried they’re going to pull it forward again.”

“Alright, that should be plenty of time.” I nodded to myself.

Rias blinked. “Plenty of time for what?”

“I’m going to help you.” I smiled, giving her a thumbs up. “I’ll get my peerage, and we’ll help you all train for your rating game!”

“Y-you’re going to help me!?” Rias said in confusion. “But why?”

“You’re my cousin, why wouldn’t I help you?” I guess if I hadn’t seen Wilhelm the other day, I might not have come here to see Rias. Maybe I would have kept my distance……let her handle everything.

No, I don’t want to see Rias suffer having to marry Riser. She’s always been so kind to me, I want to repay that.

“Don’t get me wrong Rias. After you make your debut, you’re on your own and we’ll be competitors. But right now, you’re fighting to prevent your marriage, so I’ll do what I can to help you.” I put a hand on her shoulder.

After all the help she and her family gave me, how could I not?

“Sai!” She exclaimed with a big smile, wrapping me up in a hug.

I chuckled, rubbing her head like I used to do when we were kids. “We’re gonna be busy for the next couple days, but afterwards, I’ll come over with everyone and we’ll start some good training together!”

And it means that her peerage and her will be stronger once they start truly competing! She has some strong members with her, I’d love to face off with them once they reach their full potential.

But for now, I just want to help my cousin.

***

Noncanon Omake – Gaining a ‘System’.

“You know, Ddraig, it’s days like this that really make me appreciate life.” I laid upon the grass lawn of my house, basking in the sunlight.

[Ah, lazing around, those times are always enjoyable. Not a care in the world.]

I closed my eyes, letting myself drift off. I think I was about to fall asleep until something suddenly collided with me. I felt a sudden pain in my head, like someone jammed a lego into my brain.

“What the devil!?” I shot up, looking around.

[What? What’s wrong?”]

“I don’t know, something suddenly hit me.

                                                                [Ding!]

“W-what?”

[The hell was that?”]

                                         [New host found. Synchronizing system.]

                                                       [Installing updated]

                                                         [Loading setting]

               [Greeting, User! You’ve been chosen to be the next host to System 1.2039]

I opened my mouth and closed it again, seeing floating blue panels infront of my face.

“Yeah, no.” I narrowed my eyes. “Fuck off.”

                   [Perhaps the host doesn’t understand the opportunity he’s been given.]

“Uninstall.” I commanded, seeing if that worked.

                      [Uninstall initiated, countdown to full removal in 30 seconds]

                                                                [30….]

                                                                [29….]

                                                      [Uninstall paused]

             [System asks Host not to make any hasty decisions. The System can provide
                                           the host with any number of boons.]

“Oh?” I quirked an eyebrow.

[This sounds sketchy as fuck] Ddraig stated.

“Yeah, my thoughts too, but let shear it out.” I waived my hands about. “Oh ‘great’ system, what exactly can you do for me, hmm?”

                   [The System is glad you asked. Do you crave power? Do you know that
                   you walk amongst the supernatural? Gods exist of every religion and
                     mythology! Step out from beneath their shadow! Don’t be a helpless
                          chess piece in their games! The System will make you strong!]

“……I’ve killed Gods. I’m pretty damn strong. Hell, the dragon in my soul can hear you.”

                                                                     [……]

                         [Do you wish to explore all of creation!? To go beyond the mere
                       stars, to seek out other worlds that exist beyond your own small
                      world? With the System’s help, you can visit other worlds, worlds
                        completely different than your own. The System can take you to see
                                              things beyond your wildest dreams.}

“…..I already do that.”

                                                 [The System doesn’t understand.]

“I am a master of the Kaleidoscope, the operation and manipulation of parallel worlds. I’ve gone to tones of different worlds at this point and continue to do so.” I explained.

                                                                       […….]

                                 [The System has more to offer! Do you desire women –]

“Let me stop you right there.” I interrupted. “I have a harem that I care very much about.”

                                                                         [……]

                                                          [Legendary Weapons?”]

“I have tons of Divine weaponry and other such things.”

                                                                     [Spells?]

“I can call upon The World Tree through my own created spells. Not to mention I’m a user of Primordial Runes.”

                                                                    [Techniques?]

“Learned to break the rules of reality by swinging a sword from an expert.”

                                                                        […….]

                                                      [System uninstalling resumed.]

“Yeah, thought so.” I laid back on the grass, closing my eyes. I ignored the count down, and continued to enjoy my lazy day.

***

Knocked out four chapters for the next few days. Introducing Sairaorg. A small date with Venelana, and them some good old fashion magical research. Then a Interlude to show some butterflies going on. And ignore the spacing on the omake's 'system' dialogue, patreon removed my formatting and won't let me center it properly.