“And so, I’ve become Rias’s Rook. I look forward to working with you all,” Rossweisse said.

“Uh, yeah… likewise,” I replied.

After spilling everything about me and Miu, I learned Rossweisse was Rias’s newest retainer—and how it happened. Man, Rias totally poached her! Not that I’m worried; Rias wouldn’t force anyone. Still, Rossweisse, you okay with this?

“Anyway, my retinue’s complete,” Rias said.

Right—her last piece was a Rook. I used up all eight Pawns, so Rossweisse is the final addition. From what I saw in battle, she’s crazy strong, and with our lack of magic users, she’s a perfect fit.

“How old are you, Rossweisse?” Azazel asked.

“Nineteen this year,” she answered.

Close to our age, huh.

“Rossweisse will work as a teacher at Kuoh Academy,” Rias added.

“A teacher? I thought she’d join the university section,” I said. She looks mature but could pass as a student.

Rossweisse shook her head. “I have a teaching license, and I’d rather teach than be a student.”

A teaching license? Impressive.

“So, Issei’s the oldest in Rias’s retinue at twenty,” Azazel teased.

“Sensei! Don’t rub it in! I didn’t choose to age!” I protested.

If I hadn’t gone to the other world, I’d still be seventeen! Ending my teens without a proper youth stings. Sure, I met great people and had fun there, but still…

“Akeno, Issei being older means…” Rias started.

“We can play the little sister role and cling to him,” Akeno finished with a smile.

What!?

“No way! If you two do that—” Asia cried.

“We’re at a total disadvantage,” Koneko said, her face stern.

“They’re adding new traits!” Xenovia grumbled.

“Not just big sister vibes, but little sister too? That gap’s meant to charm Issei!” Reyna added.

What’s going on!?

“No! Issei’s my big brother! I won’t share!” Miu protested fiercely.

The girls’ sudden chaos threw me. What’s this situation!?

Kiba put a hand on my shoulder. “Tough spot, Issei-kun. Hang in there.”

“I won’t forget you, Issei-senpai!” Gasper said ominously.

Kiba’s pitying look and Gasper’s words—are you saying I’m doomed!?

This is all because of him laughing over there! “Sensei! Stop laughing and help!”

“No way,” Azazel shot back.

“Instantly!?”

“Why stop such a fun mess?” he said, pulling out a video camera to record.

What’s he doing!?

“This is what it means to be Rias’s retainer? I need to adapt,” Rossweisse said, taking notes.

Rossweisse, don’t write that down! Stop this!

Ten minutes later, Kiba calmed things down. Thanks, man.

Azazel cleared his throat. “Issei’s age aside, the real issue is what’s next.”

The room fell silent.

“Loki exposed the other world and your secrets,” Azazel said, looking at Miu. “We’re controlling information, but if it leaks, Miu, you know what could happen.”

Miu flinched. If the wrong people learn about her, she could be targeted—kidnapped, experimented on. We need precautions.

I’m probably fine; Ddraig says most wouldn’t dare touch me.

“We’ll protect Miu,” Azazel said. “We’ve got plans, so don’t stress too much. I’ll keep my students safe.”

We bowed. “Thank you, Sensei.”

“No big deal. You’ve helped me plenty. But the bigger issue is Loki’s ‘that being.'”

Rias reacted. “The one that could destroy this world?”

“Loki said so. We can’t ignore it. Sirzechs agrees,” Azazel replied.

I’d been thinking about it too. If it’s moving in the other world, Alice and the others could be in danger.

I faced everyone, resolve firm. “Guys, I’m going back to the other world.”

They gasped.

“How?” Rias asked.

“No guarantees, but I have an idea,” I said, recalling my research on returning here. “There are people there—comrades I traveled with, people who helped me when I was lost. If they’re in danger, I have to go.”

“Issei…” Rias said.

“Sorry, Rias. It’s selfish, but I’ve decided.”

It’s my desire. Saving Alice and the others doesn’t concern the group, but I need to do it.

Rias touched my cheek. “Don’t apologize. I’ve dragged everyone into my whims too. You’ve risked your life for us. You’ve earned this.”

“Rias…”

“I’ve always been protected by you. Now, I’ll support you. I’m coming with you.”

“What!?” Her words shocked me. She’s going to the other world?

“Is that for real!?” I asked.

“Absolutely,” she said, her eyes resolute.

She’s serious!

“But you’re the Gremory heir. You’re vital to the Underworld.”

“I know I can’t act freely. But I’ve decided to follow you.”

The others stepped forward.

“Naturally, we’re going too,” Kiba said. “We feel the same as Rias.”

Everyone nodded.

No way… But—!

As I tried to stop them, Azazel smirked. “Give up, Issei. They’ll follow you no matter what.”

“Sensei!?”

“Plus, if Sirzechs orders Rias, it’s not just your whim.”

“Order?”

“Sirzechs just contacted me. ‘In the name of Demon King Sirzechs Lucifer, I command Rias Gremory and her retinue to investigate the other world.'”

I gasped. Sirzechs too!?

Rias grinned confidently. “Can’t defy a Demon King’s order. We’re going. Any objections, Issei?”

“It could be dangerous!” I said.

“I know. If it gets bad, we’ll escape.”

Is that okay!?

“How’d Sirzechs agree?” I asked.

“We discussed it,” Azazel said. “Anticipating this, I shared your resolve with him, and he approved. It’s just investigation, not fighting. If it’s too risky, come back.”

I collapsed onto the bed, staring at the ceiling. I planned to go with just Miu, since she has friends there too. Now it’s a whole crew.

A laugh escaped me. These guys…

I sat up, grinning. “Alright, everyone, let’s do this!”

“Yeah!” they shouted, fired up.

“How do you plan to get there?” Azazel asked.

Everyone leaned in, curious.

“When I researched returning here, I learned worlds have ‘directionality,'” I said. “Since I’m from this world, I could return. Miu’s from there, so…”

“You’re using Miu to cross over?” Azazel said.

“Yeah, it’s a hunch. I don’t know why I was sent there—something sucked me in.”

“Sucked in? By what?” Azazel asked.

“It was so fast… Wait, it felt like when I was thrown into the dimensional gap protecting Asia. Like looking through a kaleidoscope.”

Azazel stroked his chin. “Could it be a ‘dimensional vortex’?”

“Dimensional vortex?” I echoed. Everyone looked puzzled.

“It’s a rare phenomenon—a swirl in the dimensional gap. It’s so brief, we only detect it afterward. No one knows when, where, or how it forms. Sounds like you got caught in one, Issei. Talk about bad luck.”

No kidding! Why me!?

“Interesting,” Azazel muttered. “Can someone crossing worlds trigger a vortex to return? Or why were you sent there? A world’s will? And three years there being an instant here—vortex-related?”

He was lost in thought, in his own world.

“You said you researched returning, right?” he asked.

“Yeah.”

“That means someone else went there, returned, and found a way back.”

“Yeah, someone helping me noticed that too. No specific method was documented, though.”

I’d totally forgotten until he mentioned it.

Azazel sighed. “You forgot something that big? You’re such an idiot.”

“Haha, sorry.”

I didn’t expect this back then.

“Anyway, we’ll go after your arm’s healed,” Azazel said. “Prepare until then. I’ll arrange replacements for you in town.”

Right—us leaving weakens Kuoh’s defenses. We need backups, and there’s no guarantee we’ll return instantly like I did.

“I’ll have the Slash/Dog team cover,” Azazel said. “They’re strong enough to handle anything.”

Slash/Dog? Sounds cool. If Azazel vouches for them, they’re legit.

“Focus on your arm, Issei,” he said.

“Got it!”

Just meds and light rehab, but I’ll tackle it!

And so, we set off for the other world.

Wait for me, Alice—I’m coming!

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep