Underworld.

I was at a major hospital in Gremory territory for a checkup on my right arm. My bespectacled doctor nodded at the results.

“Hmm… better than last time, but far from healed. The drug’s working, though—that’s progress.”

“How long till full recovery?” I asked.

He crossed his arms, thinking. “Current meds won’t cut it. Depends on the new drug we’re developing with Grigori.”

“The one with them?” I said.

He nodded, pulling out a file filled with graphs I couldn’t decipher. “Beelzebub-sama’s involved, so it’s promising. Data’s solid. Should be ready in a month, maybe sooner. Keep using the current meds.”

A month, maybe less? That’s fast. Lucky if it’s ready for the school trip.

“Thanks,” I said, leaving the room.

Miu, waiting on a bench, approached. She was my escort since Rias and the others were guarding Odin. I didn’t want to pull Rias from duty.

“Sorry for the wait,” I said.

“No worries. How’d it go?” Miu asked.

“Slightly better, but waiting on the new drug.”

“Got it. I’ll take care of you till then. It’s a sister’s job,” she smiled.

Her kindness hit hard. What a great kid. I teared up, patting her head. “Thanks, Miu. Always relying on you.”

“Don’t sweat it. You’ve saved me plenty,” she said.

Still, I owed her. What could I do?

Miu tugged my hand. “Let’s go.”

“Yeah,” I said. We grabbed my meds and headed home.

Home, just past 4 PM. Only Miu and I were there—others were with Azazel on Odin duty, Dad worked overtime, and Mom was out with neighbors in Kuoh.

“Want ice cream?” Miu asked, rummaging the fridge.

“Hell yeah,” I said.

She handed me a matcha bar. Autumn, but cold treats hit the spot.

“Been a while since it’s just us,” I said.

Miu nodded, eating. “Always with the club. Fun, but I like hogging you.”

“Hogging?” I laughed. “You’re my only sister.”

Being alone reminded me of bringing Miu here. I beat Sirius to end the human-demon war, and he entrusted her to me. I brought her to this world, hiding it from Alice and others, and my parents adopted her.

Two years already. Miu adapted, even mastering automatic doors—a big deal.

“What?” Miu asked, noticing my stare.

“Thinking about when I brought you here. Over two years, huh?”

“Feels like yesterday,” she said.

“Remember freaking out at automatic doors?” I teased.

She puffed her cheeks, smacking me. “Don’t bring that up! Meanie!”

“Hahaha, my bad,” I said, ruffling her hair. She calmed, as always.

I tossed the ice cream stick, sipping tea Miu poured, and asked something private.

“Miu… if you could see Sirius, would you want to?”

Her eyes widened. I felt crazy asking, but I had to.

“I’d want to,” she said. “Lots of pain, but happy memories too. He was strict but kind… my dad.”

“Sorry for springing that,” I said.

“It’s fine. This is about Akeno and her dad, right?” she guessed.

“Yeah,” I admitted.

Sharp as hell.

“What do you think of Barachiel, ignoring the Fallen Angel stuff?” I asked.

“He’s kind,” she said. “He cares for Akeno. She knows it and understands her mom.”

I blinked. “You know about Shuri?”

“Rias told me,” she said. “You heard from Azazel?”

“Yeah.”

Rias would know Akeno’s deal. Miu was invested too.

“Akeno’s just not honest,” Miu continued. “She wants things like before but can’t admit it, so she pushes him away, closing off more.”

Damn, Miu’s perceptive. Maybe sharper than me.

“That’s just my take,” she said, sipping tea.

“Nah, you might be right,” I said. If Akeno’s accepting Fallen Angels, Miu’s onto something. They just need a chance to be real.

Easier said than done.

“What to do…” I muttered, drinking tea.

Then—

We locked eyes.

“That was…” Miu started.

“Yeah, a huge power. Not Hero Faction. Not human,” I said.

Not demon, Fallen Angel, or angel either. Closest to Odin, but not him.

A gem glowed on my left hand.

“Partner, careful. That’s a god,” Ddraig said.

A god. Makes sense. Only they pack that punch.

Why here?

“From the aura, it’s Loki, a Norse god. His reason’s obvious,” Ddraig said.

Odin.

“He mentioned being criticized by someone troublesome. Likely Loki,” Ddraig added.

Got it. Time to meet him.

“Call Tiamat. You’re not ready for Loki alone,” Ddraig warned.

I summoned Tiamat via a magic circle. She appeared, glowing.

“Sorry for the sudden call,” I said.

“No biggie. I sense it—a god. Loki, huh? Trouble,” she said, narrowing her eyes.

Urged by Tiamat, I spread demon wings, soaring with her and Miu trailing.

“You didn’t have to come,” I told Miu.

“Can’t let you two face danger alone!” she said.

“Danger? Not confirmed,” I countered.

Tiamat shook her head. “Miu’s needed. Loki’s involved.”

Minutes later, above Kuoh, I spotted two figures—a man in a black robe and a woman in a black dress, arm-in-arm. Both striking, exuding power.

They noticed us. The man smirked.

“That aura—Red Dragon Emperor. And Tiamat, strongest Dragon King. The girl… interesting,” he said.

He knew us.

Tiamat spoke. “Loki, evil Norse god, and Hel, queen of Helheim. Sightseeing in this town?”

“Those are Loki and Hel,” Ddraig confirmed. “Loki’s a cunning god, Hel his daughter, ruler of the Norse underworld. Both are godly strong. Tiamat was the right call.”

Two heavyweights.

Loki replied, “Not sightseeing. We’re here to confront Odin.”

“You’re the one criticizing him,” Tiamat said.

“His mingling with other mythologies is unbearable,” Loki said, oozing black aura.

“That aura’s not for talking,” Tiamat noted.

“No talking. I’m here for Odin’s head,” Loki sneered.

He’s here to kill Odin!? That’d spark chaos!

Tiamat’s aura shifted. “Triggering Ragnarok’s your goal, huh? Think I’ll let you?”

“A Dragon King siding with the three factions?” Loki taunted.

“I like my life. You threaten it, I bare my fangs—even at a god,” Tiamat growled.

Loki and Hel radiated menacing aura, prickling my skin. Godly power.

I armored up, ready. “Miu, barrier to protect the town.”

“Got it,” she said, spreading a barrier around us.

It’d shield Kuoh, but against gods, it might shatter. I’d alerted Azazel; reinforcements were coming. We just had to hold.

“Issei, take Loki. I’ll handle Hel,” Tiamat said.

“Got it. Be careful,” I replied.

We faced off—me against Loki, Tiamat against Hel.

Loki smirked. “Red Dragon Emperor, huh? Think you can touch me alone?”

“Don’t want trouble. Leave,” I said.

“Not until I achieve my goal,” he replied.

“Then I’ll make you!” I roared, red aura erupting.

“No holding back against a god.”

My armor evolved, boosters forming Xenon’s melee mode.

Loki nodded. “Unique power. Worth facing me.”

Still smug? I’ll wipe that off!

“Rush in, and you’re dead. Loki’s a magic master,” Ddraig warned.

Starting multiplication, I charged. “Accel Booster!”

“Boost!”

Amplified power surged. Boosters flared, launching me at Loki.

Right arm’s out, so melee’s tough, but I swung a left punch. A barrier blocked it—Loki’s magic.

I could break it. “Boost!”

Boosters roared, cracking the barrier.

“Breaking my barrier lightly? Not bad,” Loki said. Magic circles surrounded me, spawning chains.

Binding me? I dodged, but they chased, curving back.

Homing chains!?

“You can’t escape. They’ll bind and crush you,” Loki said.

I focused ki in my left hand. “Boost!”

“Agni!”

A ki torrent obliterated the chains, surging at Loki. His barrier shrugged it off.

Expected that.

“Impressive, Red Dragon Emperor,” Loki said. “I don’t underestimate you. Try this.”

He summoned a black double-edged sword.

“Here I come,” Loki said, closing the gap instantly.

“What!?” I leaned back, dodging a slash. He reversed grip, slashing again.

“Come on, full of openings,” he taunted, swinging rapidly.

He’s melee-capable too!?

I needed to recover. “Boost!”

Boosters flared, but Loki kept closing, likely using magic. I activated ki afterimages to misdirect.

Loki’s sword hit air. “Escaping me? Nice.”

“What’s that sword?” I asked.

He raised it. “A gift for entertaining me. My divine sword, Lævateinn. Its flames burn all it cuts.”

Flames swirled from Lævateinn. Like my Ignis, but dangerous.

“Ignis is stronger, but that’s no joke,” Ddraig said.

Loki’s magic, sword, and skill outmatched me. Even at full strength, winning was tough.

I needed one more ally. Tiamat was tied with Hel, Miu focused on the barrier.

Eclipse or Ignis would break Miu’s barrier, risking Kuoh. Ascalon was with Xenovia.

Loki spoke. “I’d love to continue, but Odin’s head calls. A pity to end this.”

Another magic circle. “Meet my son.”

Son? After Hel?

A giant gray wolf, over ten meters, emerged. Its red eyes locked on me, chilling my core. Deadlier than Loki or Hel.

“Fenrir, the God-Devouring Wolf!” Tiamat shouted. “Issei, Miu, stay back! Its fangs kill gods!”

We gaped. God-killing fangs!?

“Fenrir rivals me at my peak, near Heavenly Dragon level. Back off,” Ddraig urged.

Loki stroked Fenrir. “His fangs kill gods. You’re no exception.”

Loki pointed at Miu. “That girl’s power would feed Fenrir nicely.”

“Do it,” he commanded.

Fenrir howled, vanishing.

Not on my watch! “Boost! Ignition Booster!”

I surged ahead, intercepting Fenrir, smashing its face with a left straight. “Stay away from her!”

“Boost!”

The impact shook the sky, shattering Miu’s barrier.

“Miu, you okay!?” I called.

“Y-Yeah… you saved me,” she said.

Fenrir landed near Loki, bleeding but barely hurt. I’d slowed it, at least.

Blood gushed from my mouth. A hole gaped in my armor—Fenrir’s claw had gutted me.

Pain staggered me. Miu caught me. “Hold on! I’ll heal you!”

She tried, but Loki sicced Fenrir. “No healing. Red Dragon Emperor’s too dangerous. Finish him.”

I couldn’t survive another hit. Miu would die.

“Issei won’t fall!” Tiamat lunged, but Hel blocked her.

“No interfering with Father,” Hel said.

Tiamat couldn’t help. It was on me.

I’d sworn to protect Miu.

“Use Tyranny,” a voice—not Ddraig’s—urged. Past Red Dragon Emperors.

“Shut up!” I snapped. Tyranny could win, but it’d hurt what I swore to protect.

Miu’s magic circle fired light spears at Fenrir, but it swatted them. She summoned a hexagram under it, encasing Fenrir in a light pillar.

“Buying time! Heal now!” she said.

Smart move—she knew she couldn’t stop it. If I healed, I could hold on.

Miu’s healing resumed. “Not as good as Asia, but it’ll do!”

“Thanks, Miu,” I said.

But—

The light pillar shattered. Loki had slashed Miu’s circle with Lævateinn.

“Stopping Fenrir with unknown magic? Impressive,” Loki said, aiming Lævateinn. “I’ll make it quick.”

I stood, pushing Miu back. “Stay back.”

“You can’t move with that wound!” she protested.

I ignored her, summoning, “Come, Ignis.”

Red particles formed a massive single-edged sword—the one that burned my right arm. Using it might cost my left, but survival demanded it. Heat spiked.

Loki gaped. “What’s that sword!?”

No time to explain. I raised Ignis—

“Issei, don’t use it!” a voice shouted.

Light spears, lightning, demonic power, and holy aura bombarded Loki and Fenrir. The Occult Research Club, Azazel, Barachiel, Rossweisse, and Odin arrived.

Their attack stalled Loki’s group. Hel rejoined them.

Azazel and Barachiel flanked me. “Sorry we’re late. Asia, heal Issei!”

“Yes! Miu, bring him!” Asia said.

Miu carried me to Asia. Remote healing was possible, but retreating me was tactical.

Azazel glared. “Loki, you hurt my student. You’re after Odin’s head, right?”

“Indeed, Fallen Angel Governor. I’ll purge Odin for consorting with other mythologies. You’re next,” Loki said.

“Bringing Fenrir to the human world? Insane,” Azazel snapped.

“I use any means,” Loki said. “Odin, last chance. Stop this folly!”

Odin stepped forward, stroking his beard. “Nay. Chatting with Sirzechs or Azazel is far better. Ragnarok brings oblivion. Isn’t seeking it foolish?”

Loki’s aura turned murderous. “I’ll kill you here, ushering Ragnarok. Even Odin can’t face Fenrir.”

Hel and Fenrir’s pressure surged. Fenrir was unstoppable with our numbers.

Then—

“No letting Issei die,” a silver figure descended.

“Vali!?” I gasped.

“Hey, moving with that blood loss? Red Dragon Emperor’s nuts,” Bikou said, on a golden cloud.

“Shut up, I’m about to collapse,” I groaned. Miu and Asia’s healing helped, but blood loss was brutal.

Bikou cackled. “If you can talk, you’re fine.”

Why were they here?

“White Dragon Emperor!” Loki grinned.

“First meeting, Loki. I’m Vali, here to slay you,” Vali said.

“You side with Red Dragon Emperor?” Loki asked.

“Issei’s mine to defeat. I won’t let others take him,” Vali said.

Loki laughed. “Two Heavenly Dragons! I’ll withdraw for now.”

Hel questioned, “Is that wise?”

“With White Dragon Emperor here and Red Dragon Emperor healing, we’re at a disadvantage,” Loki said, warping space. “But at the gods’ summit, I’ll return. Odin, I’ll tear your throat!”

They vanished. I blacked out.

I woke in Odin’s carriage. Miu, Asia, and Koneko were healing me, green aura easing my pain. Koneko boosted my ki for recovery.

“Thanks, you three. I’m good,” I said, sitting up.

They teared up, hugging me.

“I was so worried!” Asia cried.

“You’re okay!” Miu said.

“Don’t be reckless, senpai,” Koneko added.

“Haha, sorry for worrying you,” I said, patting their heads. Time to thank someone else.

We left the carriage, parked by Kuoh Academy’s old building at night. A barrier hid us.

I approached Rias, Azazel, Odin, and others—Vali’s team: Bikou, Kuroka, Arthur.

Vali noticed me. “Awake, Issei? How’s the wound?”

“Fully healed, thanks to you. Someone would’ve died without you,” I said.

“No biggie. I said you’re mine to beat,” Vali smirked.

Obsessed much? Still, he saved us.

Azazel addressed Vali. “Now that Issei’s fine, why’re you here?”

“No harm intended,” Vali said.

“Not an answer,” Azazel pressed.

Vali scanned us. “You want Loki gone for Odin’s summit, right?”

“Yeah,” Azazel said. “But we can’t stop Loki, Hel, and Fenrir. Hero Faction’s chaos ties up other factions.”

“Expected,” Vali said.

Terrorists and gods—worst timing.

“What’s your plan? Take them out?” Azazel asked.

“I’d love to, but even I can’t handle them all. Fenrir alone’s a nightmare,” Vali admitted.

Even Vali struggled. I couldn’t either, fully healthy.

“But,” Vali said, “if the Heavenly Dragons team up, it’s not impossible.”

Everyone froze.

He meant—

“I’ll fight alongside Issei for this,” Vali declared.

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep