Flesh is Weak

Opportunity is everywhere, and luck is many things.

Kuroka is nothing but amusement at my current situation as is Jeanne and Conner. The three are laughing in a circle at the sight of me, with Raynare holding onto my right arm like a lifeline. Raynare was beaming brightly despite hurting, while Kalawarna and Mittelt clutched their heads in pain. Raynare had repeated his name twice more, coming upstairs, leading to rule number one. No sneaking and saying his name. That rule didn't dampen Raynare, who had declared loudly and proudly to the rest of the building that she was mine alone.

Mittelt feeds off my dismay before Kuroka finally takes pity on me. She comes over to us and gets Raynare off me as Mittelt apologizes.

"I'm sorry, mood kindred, I just had a heart! Please don't hate me!"

I replied with a voice of depresso espresso.

"I forgive you. Please be there for ultra comfort and support sessions."

Mittelt understood and nodded her head in acceptance of my request. Jeanne, however, smiled at my hurting self.

"I like this better than Grigori already. You're cool, boss, but mechs, dude, I want one! Then I can be better than my ancestor! She rode a regular ass horse I get a mech! How far were they for those in Grigori?"

Mittelt answered glumly.

"Three decades. Devils were, thanks to one of their nobles, starting work on a very basic prototype. It won't go far and will be four decades there."

Poor Seekvaria. Jeanne beamed, and Conner grunted in amusement.

"What else can you make?"

I answered in a depressed manner.

"Guns, armor, power generation equipment, melee weapons, medical equipment, terraforming equipment, eventually starships…"

I had been rambling at the end and everyone dropped their mouths to the floor, except for Raynare. She squealed in delight while Kuroka shot at me.

"The first one is named after my Shirone! Cats will finally outshine that Russian dog, nya!"

Raynare, however, barks out at Kuroka in anger.

"No, the first ship is named after me! The Raynare will be the sneakiest ship, like me, the sneakiest pawn!"

I glumly ask Conner, who had picked his mouth up off the floor while Kuroka and Raynare fight over a ship name.

"How did she get away from you three up here?"

Conner thought before he frowned along with Jeanne.

"I…. I actually don't know. I was talking to Kitty about stuff we'd be expected to do and had my eye on her the whole time. I never took it off her because she scared me earlier today, jumping me near the toilet. What would you want us to do anyway?"

I get an answer from Raynare that's scary.

"I served under Metatron, learning the ways of the sneak! My great hero will have the best angel sneaker!"

Oh, Machine God, she's a devil angel ninja and is like Corvus. I answered Conner while Kalawarna was laughing.

"Keep spying on Kokabiel for as long as possible. Groundwork will be done by me and the members of the peerage who volunteer for it. Once you're kicked out of the system, then perhaps you can do recruiting?"

Conner is relieved there.

"I can run the spying for you and appreciate that you're doing the groundwork. I told Azazel I wanted off the frontline, and that's why I was slowly being moved that way. We will gather more data on him. As for recruiting, I think Kala would be better at that. She is, after all, the more extroverted of the two of us."

Jeanne immediately offered.

"I can do groundwork. You really think you can make spaceships?"

That was said with pure hope. Kalawarna looked eager there, too, as did Mittelt and Conner.

"I believe so, as I have not yet found a limit for my gear, and I have no idea what my balance break will be. I believe it's based on imagination but it will take a while for ships like mechs. However, I will have Raynare deliver things to you soon so we can eventually begin forming an unhackable computer network."

The new members looked like Christmas had come earlier than ever. Raynare immediately stopped her fighting with Kuroka and bounced to me, saying with eagerness.

"I will do as my king asks! Oh, thank you, Big G! I now know why I fell! To meet the best hero ever!"

I acknowledged the support.

"I will take your help, Raynare. If I give you an order you feel violates your dignity, you can disobey it. The same goes for you, Mittelt. Explain why, and we can find something else that accomplishes the goal. Let's go home."

Raynare proudly proclaimed again as we were leaving the building.

"I have the best hero ever! Thank you, God!"

The action makes Mittelt, Kuroka, and Raynare hold their heads in pain. Kuroka gave me a look now, realizing why I was suffering. Mittelt makes a very keen suggestion.

"Shock collar, that's how we fix this."

I snicker because I have one already in Akeno.

Mittelt looks at the power armor at the station in amazement. Raynare bounces upon seeing the suit babbling about the sisters of battle she saw from me. Kuroka now suffers along with me.

"How did she become your pawn, nya?"

I answered with a bland tone.

"She's a female Corvus Corax. What will be our story for them?"

Kuroka shrugged.

"Truth to the redhead and her peerage and a lie for the others. You can say you seduced the sneaker, and she brought her friend nya. There is more prestige there. Does that plan sound good to you, shorty nya?"

Mittelt got a tic mark for the name. Raynare, however, immediately bounced.

"Yes! My Great King seduced me! What's seduced?"

Mittelt sighed, and Kuroka was torn between laughter and shock. I glumly moved towards the teleportation pad, with Kuroka following with a happy but still ignorant Raynare. Mittelt brought up the rear, and she looked at the pad suspiciously.

On the other side of the teleportation pad, Raynare bounced towards the door while Mittelt looked at the pad in pure curiosity. She asked with a very interested look.

"Instant teleportation through technology? We were beginning to test to see if that was possible. Portals are still more efficient at mobility, but this can help decrease traffic there. That's still revolutionary. I'm eager to begin work!"

That was pure enjoyment and greed for knowledge. I liked her so much that I beamed before picking her up by surprise.

"Mood Kindred, oh how I have needed you!"

I cry in ultra comfort and support. Mittelt understands immediately and weeps in happiness, too.

"Finally, someone who isn't researching and prioritizing pervert science! I had two attempts to make me do that! Mood Kindred!"

The two scientists we are hugging each other in this moment. Raynare looks jealous, and Kuroka pouts, saying with a teasing smile.

"I'm mood kindred too, nya! I like computers!"

Raynare, not to be outdone by Kuroka, barks out.

"I shall be greatest mood kindred! My Great King seduced me!"

I set my mood kindred down and enthusiastically began showing her spare rooms in the basement. None seemed to be what Mittelt was looking for. Raynare, when we passed the medical ward, saw something again because she hugged me deeply. Mittelt frowned, and I answered.

"I upgraded my body. I have significantly faster reaction times. Eventually, I will enhance my muscles and bones. Raynare probably saw how painful the process was."

Kuroka wrapped her tails around my waist while Raynare shook her head. Mittelt was about to ask what it was, but Raynare said sadly.

"Nerves on fire times a million. Begging for it to end. Invoking names of family and friends. Never getting up regardless by force and choice. Thinking of the world as it burns."

Mittelt winced.

"You went through that willingly? Why do that? You're a high-class half-devil with a Longinus. Most would stop there, yet you plan to do more."

Raynare shivered as I sighed.

"The human in me says there is always something stronger than you. Considering everything, it's better to be safe than sorry."

Mittelt takes that answer.

"That's fair it's just extreme. I'd be interested in testing things there, too. I managed to grab a few things from my old lab, and if you can build me more stuff, I might be able to tinker with that."

Oh, I love my mood kindred, as less pain is good. I smiled and then led the two upstairs. As we entered the first floor, I ran into Kiryuu. My bishop was dressed in a short-sleeved shirt and shorts. She was reading a book on the island and heard us coming up the stairs. She turned around and blinked twice. Before she could ask Raynare, she opened her mouth.

"Hello, four eyes! I'm Raynare, the sneakiest pawn ever! My Great King seduced me!"

Kiryuu looked at Raynare and then at me. Before, a wide smile crossed her face, promising corruption. I immediately put myself in front of Raynare.

"No, she is like the nun."

That made Kiryuu stop thinking about corruption. Instead, her face took on a smile of kindness. She eyed Mittelt but shrugged.

"Hi Raynare, hello new person; I'm Kiryuu Gregor Astaroth's bishop. Welcome to the club. I hope we can be friends."

Raynare beams while Mittelt immediately knows what Kiryuu is while I ask Kiryuu.

"Where is everyone else? The new person is my mutation pawn, Mittelt."

Kiryuu got up off the chair she was on, making her way to us. Raynare poked her head out from behind me and looked at Kiryuu, who shrugged.

"They are upstairs getting ready for the party. Katase-chan is here, and your cousin and Red are on their side of the house. I was reading a quick book on ice magic and already have mine on underneath."

Ah. I did ask Kiryuu.

"The guest houses are close to the pool, and there is minimal sunlight? Mittelt is our new tinkering person and needs an expansive workplace."

Kiryuu immediately nodded and gestured to Mittelt to follow her. Mittelt did, while Raynare looked lost. Kuroka took pity on her.

"Come on, Ray, I'll show you my old room, nya. It's close to your king's room, and you can decorate it however you want. I moved my stuff out, and you can do anything you want there, nya."

I immediately corrected that.

"Except rule number one. No sun for you, or you will feel tired. You're always welcome to bring any problems to me, Raynare. Despite how you joined us, you are part of the team."

Raynare beams and bounces, her long black hair flapping about along with her now extended wings. Kuroka smiles at the pawn before she dragged Raynare upstairs as I followed behind them.

Five minutes later, I was heading to the pool in comfortable black swimming trunks. Kuroka had not yet returned, so I slowly went downstairs to the kitchen and then through an expensive-looking dining room before hitting the back door entrance. I slowly opened the door, peeking out. I widened my eyes at how big the pool was. It's almost a full pool, like at Kuoh Academy.

Four guest houses surrounded the pool, in even spaces with trees between them. Surrounding the pool were multiple pool chairs, tables, and a few pool-friendly couches. A barbecue grill and a fire pit were at the pool's far end. I saw Mittelt and Kiryuu under the porch of the nearest guest discussing something. Kiryuu saw me from the corner of her eyes, and she hadn't said anything yet. I opened the door fully and made my way over to them. Mittelt upon seeing me beams, and she said when I was in range.

"This place is perfect for my lab. There is plenty of room and a comfy bedroom. Can you quickly make me three generators, one for power and two for testing?"

I smile smirk, which gets a humph from Mittelt. I summon the anvil, making three generators. Mittelt beams, and I instruct her how to link them to an existing power box. Kiryuu helps float the other two generators into the house, and I let the anvil disappear. I was about to enter the guest house to discuss more things with Mittelt when I heard the door opening behind me from the main house. I turned and looked before I froze.

It was Rias in a beautiful red checkered bikini. She was nervous about her appearance, hiding behind the door slightly. Akeno shoved her king out of the door towards me. I still can't believe that Rias doesn't think she's beautiful. Akeno followed behind Rias in a purple bikini and then Shirone in a white-yellow one. Finally, Kiba brought up the rear in black swim pants. Shirone immediately got hearts in her eyes, as did Rias. Akeno shrugged before moving to one of the chairs and summoned sunscreen out of a pocket spell. I stood frozen with my eyes on Rias. She seems to take extreme courage from whatever my face is showing because she glides to me and asks in a tiny voice.

"How do I look?"

I was still in shock and replied unconsciously.

"Beautiful beyond measure."

That makes Rias smile her supernova smile before she takes my hand and leads me to a pool chair. I heard a small hiss from Shirone before she swore to win her prince. Akeno laughed at me so, speechless from her chair. Kiba jumped into the pool with a very audible splash. Rias finally chooses a seat before sitting, and she smiles at me. I can really love this beautiful woman. Rias said with our smile.

"You look extremely handsome, Gregor-kun. I'd ask you to put sunscreen on me, but with how that could be breaking the contract."

I want to say fuck it.

"I wish I could. Your beautiful Rias. I want the day when I break it because you are worth everything I have done and will do. My Crimson Princess of Ruin."

No one but me is allowed to call her that. Rias knows that by the way my voice sounds for her. She blushed a beautiful red before she began to put sunscreen on herself. I turn my eyes away from her turning away to be confronted by an angry Shirone. She brightened seeing my eyes on her and her smile was trying to be seductive.

"I picked this out especially for you, nya. Don't I look good too, nya?"

I answer with a smile smirk.

"You look beautiful, Koneko-san."

Shirone beams.

"Please call me Shirone-chan nya! Koneko-chan publicly nya. Can you teach me to swim, Gregor-sama nya?"

Before I can say anything, Rias throws me under the bus.

"It will be a bit before I can join you, Gregor-kun. Koneko has never been a fan of water, and you're making her be brave."

I internally sighed before moving with an extremely star-struck Shirone to the pool. That's when Issari, Murayama, and Katase showed up in white, black, and pink bikinis. Issari immediately went horn dog, seeing Akeno and Kiba. Murayama and Katase smiled at me and moved towards the pool. Katase focused on Kiba for a minute, then back on me. Shirone pulled my arm before I entered the decently warm water. I took a few steps in and then turned to Shirone. I extended my hand to her, and she slowly entered the pool.

While that happens, I catch a glimpse of Maéva bringing food on a tolly while dressed in a white one-piece. Shirone immediately began to have trouble with the water, with her head going under almost instantly. I immediately helped steady her, and Shirone blushed. I began instructions on swimming, and Shirone was a fast learner, starting to kitty paddle ten minutes later. By that time, the party was in full swing, with a radio playing a nice Caribbean song.

The party was relaxing despite Rias, Shirone, Katase, and Murayama all competing for my attention. Kuroka joined us a bit later in a black-red bikini that was very conservative for her. When she entered the pool, she sighed in relief at the warmth, and Shirone immediately swam fast before she began to talk excitedly to her sister about how she learned to swim. Kuroka gave me a look promising a good time for me, and Rias was not as jealous thankful.

Issari was completely with Akeno, talking to each other in hushed tones. Good things were being discussed because Issari had a slight nosebleed. The two were in a private part of the pool, floating lazily. Kiba enjoyed his time here by doing laps, which got Kiryuu's attention when she returned from the guesthouse with her book in a blue bikini. Maéva was relaxing under the sun before she fell asleep.

Rias asked me in a soft voice.

"How far are you on the money?"

We had floated a bit down the pool before I answered with an equally soft voice.

"Almost halfway. Today and tomorrow should put me over half. If I can get that far, then I will consider asking my grandfather for the rest. I also have some money coming in from my old place and my stipend this week. How likely is Riser to attempt anything this week?"

Rias looked extremely happy that I was halfway there.

"He usually tries to send a scroll with flowery threats and then shows up. You really think your grandfather will give you the rest?"

She is pure hope there.

"According to Geros, yes, he will eagerly. I am meeting him tomorrow and hope that I will be close enough to ask. Have you read any good books yet?"

That sent Rias off talking about her newest book. It wasn't manga it was Dune. The idea of other planets and places had captured Rias's imagination in a way that she was enthusiastic to share. I smiled there and asked her to share her favorite book tomorrow with me so I could keep up with our bet. She nodded immediately and promised that. The party continued with a great atmosphere for everyone. I saw Murayama relaxing halfway through it with Katase in the sun on inflatable rafts. A glance at Issari showed that she continued to spend time with Akeno while gazing at Kiba. That action started a glare off between the perverts. Issari got ready to growl at Kiryuu but Akeno head pats her pervert.

I spent longer at the party than I wanted to. When I got out of the water to do hunts, Rias understood and let go of my arm that she had been holding onto. Kuroka disengaged herself from her conversation with Shirone and moved to join me. Shirone looked ready to follow us as did Issari, but a whisper in her ear from a smirking Akeno increases the nosebleed volume. Kuroka stopped her sister with a look that made the white cat glum before Kiryuu moved and engaged her in discussing youkai myths.

I waved to Murayama and Katase as Katase swam fast to me and called out from the pool.

"Thank you for hosting this Gregor-kun. It's been fun. Maybe we can host more parties like this one this summer."

I smile, answering with a real one.

"We can try. My dad has me slowly learning our company's business side. He is in the states where it's based."

Katase just nodded her head, understanding that her eyes had mini yen signs in them. She was about to say something when Murayama called her friend back over with a big smile. That sent Katase swimming back, and I said goodbye to everyone before I entered the house with Kuroka following me.

I found a surprise inside. Raynare was watching the party from the dining room window, looking sad. She brightened seeing me. I looked at her in question, but she said, falling into step with us.

"I am coming to help! Kitty said I could!"

I just raised my eyebrow at Kuroka.

"It was that, or Ray would come barreling out with wings spread, nya. She could be really good to have as a pawn, and with the war mask, she will be fine, nya."

Raynare followed us down the stairs, and I had an idea that made me snort with amusement. Kuroka raised her eyebrows.

"She will be even more sneaky with something I'll make her. I'll tell you about a place called Tanith. They were sneaky, thanks to something I'll make."

Raynare has stars in her eyes now as Kuroka eyes me in question while I make a new rule.

"Rule two the items I make you are only for missions or ratings games. Understand."

Raynare nodded her head furiously.

"Yes! I will show my king the sneak!"

I snicker at the next thing I'll make for her.

That idea and the camo cloak immediately proved itself as a terrified group of pawns ran from Raynare at our first engagement. She was having the time of her life with the cloak. Popping in and out of stealth quickly makes the pawns freak more. She had been told this was enemy territory allowing her to promote to a knight to continue the chase through this old casino. The rook and knight would have helped their comrades, but they were busy with Kuroka and me. Kuroka was fighting the knight using a claymore while I was fighting the rook, a furious dog, youkai, who punched me repeatedly.

I took the blows easily now that I was in power armor. I punched back at the rook, and despite him powering up, I punched his arm clean off, making him howl in agony. I then chopped with my axe and claimed his head. I picked up the head and threw it in the pocket before moving to help Raynare with the pawns. My footsteps towards them are loud, and my cog of Mars makes a pawn shit herself. She backed away from me to try to get distance. She threw a chair at me while screaming.

"They are unstoppable run for your lives!"

She ran faster, as did her comrades. Raynare was not killing them and just chasing them while enjoying the sneaking. She does help me corner two, and then I claim them with my plasma gun. I blast off legs and then make my mechadendrites extend. Along with a new addition. A servo-skull. It rushed off and made a chant in binary. That stunned the next two pawns, who clutched their heads in pain. Before they die to me. The last two pawns shivered in a corner as they saw me approach them. I let my servo skull move towards them.

"You're both free to leave. The Gorgan knows you are innocent. Run."

They did faster and harder than either had ever run before. Raynare was about to chase them again, but I stopped her with a command over the voice.

"They are good strays, Ray, just stuck here because of circumstances."

Raynare stopped. She, however, asked me curiously.

"There are good strays?"

I answered her while Kuroka approached us with her head.

"There are and it's fifty-fifty on why they run Raynare. We go after the bad ones, and the good ones can go free."

Kuroka throws her head into my pocket and puts her power sword on her hip. Raynare lets her claws lightning dance more before she turns them off. I tell her while getting the next portal prepared.

"You don't have to worry about killing Raynare. Just show them your sneak talents."

My pawn perks up and bounces towards me as we moved towards our next fight.

The next strays were a group of twelve. Thanks to her sneaking, Raynare learned for us that two groups of strays had merged for safety. The tales of me freaked out the leaders of both groups so much that they willingly put aside their small feud.

Two bishops and a knight were fighting me, throwing magic and or javelins at my slowly advancing form, coming down the apartment hallway. I fired my boltgun, and the round slammed into a bishop who was a nymph. She exploded, but her comrades were not as shocked. Three pawns charged towards me with two having blade blacksmith. They throw blades down the hall at me, and I take each blade thrown. The final pawn, a very mad human, swung a spiked mace at my chest. The mace smashed into my chest and dented the armor slightly. One of my mechadendrites extended, and the chainsword on it roars on full power.

It got a hunk of meat on his right arm, making the pawn shriek. I fired my boltgun at one of the blade blacksmiths and claimed him. The bishop immediately threw more magic and conjured barriers for his comrades. The knight brought out a whaling harpoon and then threw it as hard as she could. The harpoon slammed into my left shoulder, and the end poked through the armor barely. The fact I didn't slow down made the knight gulp. Kuroka finally arrived from her fight on the last floor, and she gathered up a poison ball before throwing it at the knight. The knight dodged, but a newly arrived rook took the ball head-on. He choked and died on his own blood.

The other two newcomers became more intimidated as we moved forward. They lasted ten more minutes as a group.

It turned out Raynare was not just sneaky she was a good treasure finder, too. The strays had amassed a huge chunk of money. I tell Raynare that she gets a big chunk of it because she found it, getting a big smile there. The black-haired woman says that she will buy many stuffed animals with her share, getting an amused look from Kuroka. I take my share, as does Kuroka, with the whole operation being extremely successful.

When we hit the third nest, it was actually pretty easy. My servo skull intimidated the strays with a new weapon. A small plasma gun that left horrible burns on said strays. Raynare again found loot, this time in a very rough set of magic books, and I got those for Kiryuu.

The next three nests were each cleaned up fast. The strays were now openly running upon seeing me. Raynare herded them towards me and Kuroka. Where we ended the fight fast. The payout will be good tonight, and with the extra money, I believe I'm over my hoped target. When we arrived at the station, it was nearly eleven. Kuroka yawned wide and placed her armor and weapon on the armory wall. Raynare, once out of the helm, shook her head violently and then yawned cutely. Kuroka smiled at our pawn and took Raynare's hand. My queen waved at me as she and Raynare walked towards the teleportation pad.

I waved back and quickly went to the Sinful via portal to cash in.

The person in charge was an unknown African woman in a hostess uniform. The heads moved, and the Lilith and yen were paid out. The woman looked more and more impressed with each head, which revealed her sin of lust. She looked at me each time a head was shown. When the last was paid out, the woman who was a rook smiled wide.

"I'm free in a half hour, Gorgan. You seem like you're tired, and I can make your night one you won't forget easily."

She was beautiful, and her voice was enchanting to listen to. I feel weird before I think of Rias and her smile.

"The one this money is for totally has me. I appreciate the offer, but no."

That didn't dishearten the woman, who smiled more and leaned forward to show her chest. Her long black hair fell over her right eye. She smiled seductively and replied with the weird feeling returning at a higher frequency and strength.

"One night won't hurt her. I'm open-minded and promise you a very fun night."

I ignored the feeling by taking the money from the bar and stuffing it in my pocket spell. When the feeling increased yet again, I extended a mechadendrite with a chainsword. It growls coming on and doesn't intimidate the woman. Instead, she grew more hot and bothered by that. She panted openly and was stopped by a voice.

"He's not interested, Gina don't push it."

Gina stopped panting and looked to her right.

"You have to ruin my fun, but considering everything, you're the best at that. Apologies, good sir. Am I released for the night, Heniya?"

I heard the name and turned my helm that way. Standing before me is a much older Rias. Oh, fuck I get why Rias is insecure. Her sister is damn hot, but I would rather have my Rias than this.

Heniya had long red hair done up in a wave-like Kalawarna. She wore a long red dress that helped show off her emerald green eyes, and her face was smooth with no blemishes. Heniya looked at me up and down before she gestured to me to follow her. She told her rook.

"You are free to go. Just let the next person know they are not to bother us. Gorgan. I am finally happy to have gotten to meet you. You're shaking up my city."

Heniya had her full presence out, and it was not the greatest feeling. I reluctantly followed her while Gina left her station behind the bar. Heniya took me towards a booth, and she leaned against the table, studying me.

Finally, Heniya had her green eyes focused on my red helm eyes.

"I understand you deny my offers of reincarnation."

I don't back down to her despite her increasing pressure.

"It doesn't work on me."

Heniya smiled slightly.

"It works on everyone but gods. Yet considering everything, I am keen on you in my peerage. You should accept my offer. You say you're trying to get money for people close to you. Join me, and I'll give you the money needed. I promise you that you will have a good king."

I felt the pressure increase; however, this isn't Sirzches. I stayed steady and said to my future sister-in-law.

"I respectfully decline. I can't reincarnate. I believe that you're a good king as people say your name in respect rather than fear or hate like the strays I hunt. The money I need for them is earned, not given."

Instead of being angry, as I thought she would be, Heniya smiled bigger than ever before.

"A man of willpower and integrity. Gina usually gets hunters she is interested in with a single interaction. She has gear that helps with that. You refused her making me now very interested in you, Gorgan. This person you are helping must be something for you to resist her."

The third in the ratings games looked me up and down again before she shrugged.

"I will convince you to join. You are my ticket to the next rank but your dedication to your goal is commendable. I have a special job for you if you wish, Gorgan. It pays extremely well if you're interested."

I eye her in caution.

"Depends on what it is and what the price will be."

Heniya gets the unspoken question from me.

"A large group of strays has formed in my city. I want them gone and will pay you generously for their removal."

I am suspicious.

"What have they done to piss off the Crimson Lady of Ruin?"

Heniya grew worried now.

"I don't know what they are planning, but it's not good. My street watcher only learned about them recently. I would do it myself, but we will soon be extremely busy with something in the underworld. I don't trust the hunter's guild because the last time I got a group of them to do a job, they fumbled it so badly we had to spend five hours rewriting memories of the mundanes. Clean them up, and I promise a huge payout."

This could be the end.

"I will take the job. Is there a timetable, and where are they located?"

Heniya looked a bit relieved. This must have been somewhat stress-inducing.

"They supposedly are in an old industrial district near the city center. As for time, I want it done as soon as possible. I would rather not have the veil break down because of them. Do this, and I will hand more jobs your way if they come up and this is handled well. Don't disappoint me, Gorgan."

I replied to her.

"I will keep it silent and get to it tomorrow."

That ended the conversation as Heniya got up and walked towards the back rooms. She stopped at the door to them, looking at me again before disappearing.

At home, I went up the stairs to the first floor with giddy hope. If this payout is good, I can hold off asking for as much money from my grandfather. This could be the best thing that happened to me. Yet knowing this universe is grimdark tempered that hope slightly because Riser is still out there.

I really do expect him to try something this soon. I was moving towards my room when I found a message pinned to my door. It was from Maéva, telling me that my grandfather was due here at five p.m. tomorrow for dinner.

I took the note and was convinced that something terrible would happen. When I entered the room, Kuroka was snoring, so I slowly got into bed with her. I was not surprised when she cuddled into me with her tails wrapping around my waist. She mumbled that our kittens would be strong. I laid my head down and tried to sleep for the night.

Again, the eye returned to my dream. It continued its quest to find whatever it was searching for here. I am creeped out by this because it is extremely persistent. I feel my patron watching, too. He doesn't do anything, which I don't get. The eye was about to focus on me when I woke to a loud scream.

I jumped awake, as did Kuroka, who had all her hair standing up. We moved towards the source of the noise, and in the hallway was Maéva. She was hiding behind her maid's truck of sheets while standing in front of the truck with a bashful smile was Raynare. Kiryuu was also out here in the hallway, snickering. I turned my eyes on Raynare, asking with a small smile.

"What is rule number one, Ray?"

She looked more bashful than ever now.

"No sneaking and no saying the Big G."

I raised my eyebrows, and Raynare blushed. Maéva finally stopped shaking from the scare. She looked at Raynare more closely, frowned, and widened her eyes.

"Young master, she is a fallen!"

Maéva extended her mechadendrites, and two hands had frying pans. I stopped Maéva before she clubbed an innocent devil angel pawn.

"She's my pawn. Raynare, what do you say."

My words stopped Maéva as Raynare poked her fingers together rapidly.

"I'm sorry for scaring you, pretty maid. You seemed very nice, and I wanted to meet you."

Maéva looked at Raynare and saw the apology was genuine.

"How did you get a fallen angel in your peerage, young master? They are extremely dangerous creatures."

Before Raynare could say anything, Kiryuu threw me under the bus with a smile.

"He seduced her, isn't that right, Raynare?"

Raynare played right into Kiryuu's hands.

"My Great King seduced me with his heart of silver! He is the greatest hero ever!"

That enthusiastic response took Maéva aback. Kiryuu smiled wider, and Kuroka was torn between helping me and laughing.

"It's because she and my other new pawn were seeking asylum. They had a bad cadre head, as I'm sure you know of Kokabiel."

Maéva shivered at the name.

"I see. You are forgiven this time, young lady. However, should you scare me again, the pans are not stopping."

That got vigorous nodding from Raynare, and I told Maéva.

"We will make a plaque with all the rules we make. Kiryuu, we have a big hunt today. Raynare is a very new fallen."

Kiryuu and Raynare grew extremely excited. Maéva put on a kinder face, learning that Raynare was a new fallen.

"I see. I will make a plaque for her. Hopefully, this hunt will be fast, young master. If you will excuse me, I need to finish cleaning sheets."

I let Maéva do her work and informed Maéva before she was out of range that we had someone living in the first guest house on the left. As I entered my bedroom again, Kuroka asked me.

"What is this big hunt, nya?"

I answered with a slight smile.

"Heniya Gremory gave me a big job. It could pay for the majority of the remaining money I need. We need this done fast."

Kuroka nodded immediately, recognizing my eagerness. She zoomed out of the room to get ready for this. I took a quick look at the clock and saw it was 10. We had a lot of work to do.

When I was in the basement ten minutes later, Raynare was with Kuroka and Kiryuu. I asked Kiryuu something fast as we four prepared to leave.

"Where's Murayama-chan?"

Kiryuu smiled before replying to me.

"She's currently out with Katase-chan. The pinky begged her to go shopping with her today early after you left yesterday."

If that's the case, we can hopefully get this done before they and my grandfather with Geros arrive.

After we all had our armor and weapons, I quickly made Raynare three servo skulls, telling her to use them to find the stray nest. Kuroka put illusions on them to make them look like birds, making me claim that birds aren't real. They are just drones made by the government! That got a snort from Kiryuu while Kuroka slapped me upside the head. Raynare, however, immediately believed.

"I will hunt all the drones! What are drones?"

Kiryuu snorted again, and I smiled, but don't tease our naïve pawn. Kuroka slapped me again for the confusion on Raynare's face. She gently explained to Raynare that I was being a sarcastic ass. I don't push my luck there by continuing the bit.

We deployed at around noon at an old, abandoned car-making plant near the city's center. I showed Raynare how to use the servo skulls. The three little ones flew off, and their sensors were calibrated to sense magic usage. We waited for them to find something, and I showed Kiryuu the books from yesterday, crediting Raynare for the find. Kiryuu fed her sin and thanked Raynare for her discovery. Raynare beams, and she immediately begins bonding with our team. I did ask Kiryuu for her helm.

I got the helm, and the war mask was applied. I gave it back to Kiryuu and we chatted about her gear progress and her magic. Kuroka jumped in with very interesting thoughts on some of the magic theories Kiryuu has made.

Raynare finally called out to me fifteen minutes later when she got a beeb. I disengaged from the conversation and asked her.

"What did you find?"

Raynare showed me the tablet used to control the skulls. I looked and frowned upon seeing the sight the skull was showing me. It's an old canning plant. I called Kuroka over, and she, too, frowned, seeing the readings as Kiryuu asked.

"Why the frowns?"

Kuroka answered.

"Wards and decent ones, too, nya."

I looked at the skull again and read the scans.

"How long and how quietly can you break them?"

Kuroka studies the readings before she says.

"Won't know till I get close, nya."

I opened the portal to the building next door to the lobby of an abandoned television-making plant. I asked Kiryuu why this district was so abandoned.

"The financial crisis hit Kuoh extremely hard. Most of the businesses failed in this area in the first half of the crisis. The city council could never get people interested in buying these properties."

Kuroka poked the wards, and she said it in a better tone.

"They are decent wards, but the maker is a newbie. I'm a rare maker/breaker and can make a hole large enough for us, nya."

I was curious about that and will ask her or Rias later.

"Make it large enough for the skulls first, then us. That way, we have more intel. I'll call the others back."

Kuroka immediately nodded her head, sending the red fringe over her eyes. She immediately began the work, approaching a trash can in the alley. Kiryuu watched in fascination, as did Raynare, and I saw a new side of my queen. She was incredible at her magic, moving her hands in runes that I can't even get a hint of. Damn, is this hot. Raynare saw my admiration there and pouted, getting Kiryuu's attention.

"He likes smart women, Ray. You're the smartest sneaker."

That brightened up Raynare as I rolled my eyes.

"You are incredibly sneaky. You could train all of us in stealth."

Raynare grew determined as I continued watching Kuroka work. Finally, a minute later, Kuroka stopped her rune drawing as a crack was heard. She looked a bit winded but said with a pleased look.

"The hole is made for us and the skulls. Those are creepy, nya."

I shrugged, moving it to where Kuroka pointed with her armored tails.

"Would you believe me if I said it was often considered a reward for the people made into them?"

Kiryuu frowned while Raynare was thinking of ways to show me she was smart, too. Kuroka snorted before she paled.

"Those would be people!"

I shrugged again, moving the skull.

"Yes, they were. The far future had trillions of people. Technology followed down paths where we shunned advanced AI programs for extremely good reasons."

Kuroka looked sick while Kiryuu asked.

"What was the reason?"

I explained while Kuroka looked on curiously.

"Because of this thing called the cybernetic revolt. It was one of multiple reasons why our golden age fell. AI called the Men of Iron slaughtered whole planets during the revolt. Unleashing weapons that make everything we have now look like sticks. The strongest titan ever made by us and their progenitor was called the Castigator. It was a fully sentient AI in a God Machine. AI was extremely bad, so they got around that by using the human brain in most advanced things that needed advanced cognitive functions. My skulls are not true ones and more like the drones we have now."

Kiryuu frowned, as did Kuroka, before their faces went pale, thinking of a hostile titan who was fully self-aware. I frowned seeing the amount of life signs in the cannery, around fifty of them. Forty-five of them were strays, while five were something else. I don't get that because the five unknowns were not bound. They were moving around, and two were even next to several strays. I asked Kuroka if she knew what the five unknowns were. She studied it and frowned, too.

"I think they might be magicians nya?"

Why would there be magicians here and working with strays? I made the call.

"Form up behind me in a pincer. Ray, stay in the back. I don't want you hurt."

Raynare frowned, but she did as asked. Kuroka took the right. Kiryuu the left. Both prepared magic as we put our helmets on. Before we four approached the doors.

I entered first and took two steps into the lobby, carefully putting my most heavily armored part forward. That proved good because, almost at once, I was attacked by three strays with swords.

They didn't see me fully at first as the two men and woman slashed and hacked at me. The blades clang off the armor as I extended mechadendrites and my prayer skull. The little guy barked out a battle prayer that sent the three strays back, clutching their heads. I shot the first stray, which made him explode. The other two sweat and back up as the woman was close enough to an alarm prepared to pull it. Before, an ice bolt flew over my shoulder and impaled the woman through the stomach. She gurgled and then died as the last stray sweats from that but ran deeper into the plant.

"The Gorgan is here with friends!"

That call rang down the hallway as I aimed my bolter and fired. The shot flew down the hall and made the man explode right in front of ten more strays running toward us. They all froze, seeing their comrade die horribly before they lost their fear, throwing magic at me down the hall. Kiryuu moved quickly to a wall on the left and began to power up her gear and magic. Kuroka moved to the right, doing the same. I take the middle while Raynare covers the door we entered.

Kiryuu began a spell that made the room and the hallway begin to form icicles and freeze the floor. The strays start to slip and slide, slowing their fire. Kuroka summoned three clones, and they all began to make more magic balls. Her being a queen now rather than a bishop showed when a fireball of immense heat was thrown, taking a woman out with a scream. That foe thrashed and curled up into a ball. That scene allowed me to fire twice as I tank shots from the strays. The rounds slammed into two more strays, making them explode. The others fought harder and were reinforced by five more people. Four were regular bishops. One, however, was not demonic. They were, instead, something that shocked us.

A fallen angel wearing a sinful blue dress that left little to the imagination with her four wings out. She shot dozens of black feathers at me, and the feathers were razor-sharp. They all hit my armor sticking out across my body. When that didn't kill me, she grew pissed.

"Kill him and his comrades, or I'll throw a light spear through you!"

That made the strays gulp before their attacks resumed. I asked Raynare this while six strays began pushing with swords towards us.

"Ray, do you know who that fallen is?"

Raynare looked over my shoulder as we fired magic and shells at the slowly advancing strays.

"No, but she is from his cadre. You can tell by the patch."

I shot a round that blew a hole in a female stray. She collapsed to the ground while the others were zigzagging their way towards us. I focused on the fallen and saw the patch in question. It was a sword with a star above over her heart. I clicked a pic of that patch before getting back to shooting. Kiryuu powered up fully and threw her now-ready spell. A blizzard flew down the hallway and froze three strays solid in the push. Kuroka and I popped the frozen strays. Before I shot at the fallen with a bolt pistol from one of my mechadendrites. The bark didn't kill her, and she was a heartless bitch pushing a stray into the path of the bolt. The woman threw a light spear in retaliation for my shot. The spear hit my pauldron and bounced off, hitting the ceiling and sticking there before disappearing.

I take the first step forward, firing a round every step forward. That decreases the magic sent our way as the strays are forced into cover. I was about to shoot a man who had popped up from the remaining three sword strays when he froze. Claws extend from his stomach, and lightning makes him scream as he is electrocuted to death. The attacker was Raynare, making Kiryuu, Kuroka, and I stop in shock. The strays were the same as was the fallen. How did Raynare get there so fast? Raynare answered that question I didn't ask to the foes.

"I serve the greatest hero of our planet. The defender of the second children in ignorance. Promotion knight!"

Raynare went berserk on the strays, ripping apart the two remaining horrified sword strays. The fallen woman backed up with the rest of the strays as her blue eyes were now visibly scared. Raynare, once done ripping the last sword stray apart, disappeared from sight. She came back into sight, landing on the fallen angel from the ceiling. The lightning claws went through the horrified fallen's wings, slicing them off. That sudden loss of limbs made the fallen scream before a claw went through her head. The screaming died with the fallen as strays, and we watched that in amazement and or horror. Kiryuu quickly killed two strays on the left side while Kuroka killed the last two. I stare as Raynare pulls the claws out of the dead fallen.

Raynare is scary and is indeed a female Corvus. Or, I correct myself, she might be a female Konrad. She was so innocent, though. Was that all an act? I don't know why, but I also feel something more there. Kiryuu was silent in shock while Kuroka asked aloud.

"Why?"

Raynare turned back to us, her helm eyes fixed on me.

"To be like my Great King who truly cares for the second children even though he sundered himself from them. Many angels have forgotten them, while I never did. My greed was for him that would make them remember. My king will be proud of me that follows his example."

I smiled under the helm as we moved up after burning bodies.

"I think you will be better than me, Ray. I'm sorry for my behavior with you yesterday. I am lucky to have you as my sneakiest pawn."

That made Raynare return to her peppy self. She bounced more despite the fallen body near her. The atmosphere for the four of us got brighter before we burned the fallen body and moved forward again. I checked my HUD, and the skulls around the building reported that the next room had two of the now likely fallen and more strays.

That room was a large open canning floor. The two fallen were up on the walkways with several strays. They, upon seeing us, egged the strays on the floor forward. Raynare immediately disappeared to do her bloody work. Kiryuu, Kuroka, and I engaged the strays on the ground floor. The first kill was an icicle that formed on the ceiling, suddenly slamming straight down onto a stray through the skull. The man toppled to the floor and pissed off his comrades, who charged with swords of higher quality than the first group. The floor strays were all pawns, while the walkway ones were bishops.

They and the two winged fallen were throwing spells at us and a now reappearing Raynare. Her claws kill the first bishop in a Chinese man. He gurgles out a few words before he is kicked off the claws. Feathers flew towards Raynare from a fallen who also summoned a light pick. He swung it at her and was surprised when she was gone. I fired a shot from a bolt pistol that claimed his wing. That made the fallen scream as his body lost weight, and he toppled to the floor of the walkway. Claws go through him, that made the other fallen along with the bishops now focusing entirely on Raynare.

The strays were having more success on the ground floor, with three cornering Kiryuu near a canning line. I made my servo skull say a prayer, giving Kiryuu time to impale a stray. The woman went flying and was pinned to a wall, still alive with bad ice burns and violent shivering. The opening in the stray line was enough to get to new cover. I shot the first one. At the same time, Kuroka threw a big poison ball at the last stray who choked on her organs.

Five sword strays had finally got to me despite the cover fire. The first swung the sword downwards onto my helm, going for a clean kill. The sword clanged but left a long scratch mark. My bolt pistol claimed him, making the remaining four charge simultaneously, bringing swords across my body. They left many scratches and cut off the still sticking-out feathers from the first fallen. My swords from my pack extended before roaring, and I immediately started dueling with all four strays. Thank the Machine God, I upgraded my body for the reaction time because I would have died from the assault with my normal times.

I got a bit of help when an ice bolt slammed into the arm of a woman swinging toward my legs. The bolt turned the sword arm useless. I slashed her in half with a chainsword and then parried another blow less than two seconds later from her comrades. I heard Kiryuu preparing another spell behind another canning line, ready to fire another ice bolt from her right hand.

That bolt hit a bishop, powering up to slam a spell into Raynare. The bolt cleaved through the bishop's head, and the body tumbles, helping Raynare, who was fighting the other fallen. He was pissed and swung a light claymore at her. He was good, too, because Raynare was on the defensive. The last two bishops were throwing barriers on the pawns fighting Kuroka having been begged by the pawn leader, a tall American, to help them. The barriers were slowing down Kuroka slightly. She was throwing fire like it was going out of style.

The flames had claimed more of the strays as they curled into balls from the intensity of the heat. I finally claimed another kill on the sword pawns when one made a mistake as I cut his head clean off. That made the two remaining go fully berserker with fast swings and hacks, and one, a Vietnamese man, snarled out his frustration.

"What the fuck type of armor is this our swords should be going through!"

I didn't give a response to the pawn, rather cutting his arm deep with a sword. He whined from the wound and fell back. I killed the pawn near me by thrusting another sword into his chest before I revved it. The sword carved his chest open, and the man died with blood gurgling out of his mouth. I swiftly kicked him off and swung, decapitating the last sword stray who had watched the scene in horror. I take a few short breaths before I shoot another stray with my bolter, taking some pressure off Kuroka, who is starting to get pinned down. The clean-up continued with the strays as they attempted to begin a retreat. Kiryuu showed her potential again with an ice spell that made the strays still alive, and the last fallen started shivering badly as they fought not to slip on the ice. Slowing them down further was a very well-fired ice spell with icicles forming and dropping from the ceiling onto the strays, making them dodge. Raynare, had I noticed, gotten another bishop with her claws. The fallen man was not as big of a threat now as he was slowing down as his wings began to freeze, and the weight was what got him killed. Raynare quickly cut him in half with her claws. The last bishop up there, a Middle Eastern man, ran as fast as he could.

Raynare went after him, and our fight ended with the last stray on the ground floor dying to Kuroka. The stray was turning to ash from the fireball's heat that hit him. I heard a death cough from the bishop above us, and that was the end of this all. I looked at the team, and we were all mostly good. After burning bodies, including a now dead impaled stray on the wall, we advanced to the next cluster of foes. I immediately noticed the two fallen angels left in the building had fled. It was just the strays left, with only ten remaining.

That fight started in a hallway near the management section of the plant with a punch that sent me back three steps. That was done to my head, denting the helm badly, and the punch concussed me. The attacker who threw the punch was also a surprise. An ogre, well, a half-ogre because they were human-sized, looking like a very tanned Greek. His face was where you could see the hybrid status. He was ugly, with ridges above his black eyes and eyebrows. He was dressed in highly shabby clothes with lots of holes, but they barely hid massive muscles underneath. The remaining strays charged around the ogre and towards the others. At the same time, the ogre spat on the floor next to me. He didn't talk and threw four equally strong punches that made more horrible dents in my armor, breaking an arm and several ribs. I feel two ribs slowly start healing, putting me on the back foot immediately. The ogre was a bit disappointed that he hadn't killed me with the five punches. Those punches muffled the noise of the others fighting behind me.

I fired a shot with my boltgun when my arm healed. The concussion, however, screwed up the shot, and the round hit the wall to the ogre's left rather than his chest. The wall exploded, sending shrapnel toward my foe. The ogre punched again and rebroke my just barely healed arm. I hurt so much, and my eyes are not picking up where the ogre is, really. I began to fall back as the ogre advanced and saw a grin on his face. My servo skull became the best little guy ever, becoming controlled by Tsuda. She floated forward and shouted a prayer that made the ogre back up, clutching his head. Before, a shot from the small plasma gun leaves a burn and forces the ogre back further.

That gave me enough time for the concussion to be mostly gone and allow my arm to heal again. I fired at the bastard ogre, determined to pop him through his layers. The shot, however, again didn't hit him; rather, it slammed into a steel door and sent shrapnel into the ogre. A long steel beam was now sticking out of his right arm. He didn't scream but broke the top half of the beam, and the bottom of it fell out of his arm, clanging to the floor. Damn, ogre smirked, now having a weapon for me in the top half of the beam. Tsuda shot her plasma gun again and made another burn on the ogre. The ogre grunted at the burn before he moved fast. He stabbed with the beam right into a dented armor plate. It pierced through the armor and into my left lung. I coughed blood but smiled under the helm. He was in the range of my boltgun. With some of my strength, I pulled the trigger. The ogre lost his arm that held the beam from the shot, exposing the bone with a few bits of gore hanging loosely from it, making him grunt and pull back.

He looks at the remains of his arm before he punches with his remaining arm. It was aimed for the beam to get it through me completely. Instead, it broke the arm I threw into the path of the blow, punching it clean off. I howled in agony, dropping my gun. My former limb flew behind me to the floor with a clanging noise. The ogre smiled at that, saying it with a very thick accent.

"Fair play, Gorgan. You have my respect for lasting this long now die."

Another punch came, but Tsuda flew her skull into the punch's path. The skull exploded into pieces and gave me time to backtrack. I pulled the beam out of my lung, getting a horrible wave of pain that made me shiver. I stab at the ogre with it and missed him. He responded in kind with a headbutt that threw me to the floor, concussed again. I extended my mechadendrites to hold him off, and my new arm forming suddenly pissed off the ogre. He charged towards me, breaking several of my mechadendrites at that sudden speed. He almost reached me but was thrown back by an ice bolt thrown over my head.

The bolt hit the exposed nerves on his blown-off arm, making him scream for the first time. Before, two more bolts hit his legs, making him stumble more. I finally moved my last mechadendrites, and together with a fourth ice bolt thrown into the ogre and my bolt pistol, we claimed the beast. His stomach exploded, and the ice bolt slammed into his head, popping it. The ogre fell, crashing to the floor. I winced as the pain kicked into high gear from everything despite healing.

An unhelmed Kuroka comes to me from behind, along with an equally worried Raynare. Kuroka slowly helps me up. I see my bishop.

"Thanks, he was horrible. Ray, I'm ok, but I appreciate the concern."

Raynare had grabbed my new arm and squeezed it tightly. Kiryuu replied to me while Kuroka began cleaning up bodies.

"We would have helped you faster, but there were wards that triggered as soon as you entered the hallway. It was one way for us but two ways for them. We cleaned them up and then tried to get to you."

I fell into a trap and barely got out of it alive. Raynare kept squeezing me as she helped me get up. I picked up my boltgun and will away the mechadendrites. I frowned at the ogre's body. He had been a mutation queen. Raynare stays glued to me while Kiryuu joins Kuroka and me. We four moved, and I burned the body of my almost killer.

The office he had been guarding was a mess. Papers were thrown everywhere, and many were burned, making them illegible. There had been a computer, but it was gone. I gave a quick order to check the room for a hint of why strays would gather in that big of numbers and work with fallen from Kokabiel's cadre. We checked the room, and we did find something.

Raynare found a barely readable document in the very bottom of a trash can of burned papers. She handed me the paper, and I read the first few sentences at the end. It made my blood freeze, and my heart stopped for a second.

The words at the end were haunting because it was a description of Rias.

Grab the next time she works out.

I warn everyone something.

"Get out of the room."

Kuroka heard how deadly serious I was. Raynare was confused, but Kiryuu immediately pulled the document out of my hands before bolting. Kuroka quickly dragged Raynare out. That was done at the right time.

I went ape shit smashing the desk into the floor with my armored hand. I ripped the chair from the floor and threw it against the wall in pure rage and wrath. I blasted a shelf to pieces with my boltgun, making my new arm hurt badly and having splinters hit it. I roar rage because I had almost gotten my Rias hurt. I was lost in wrath while Koriel was shaking inside me from the moment the rage started trying to calm me. Saying it's not my fault that this happened. I roared at her that it was. I gave Kokabiel an opportunity to try to take her.

I raged for ten minutes, breaking every single piece of furniture in that office. It only ends when Tsuda holds me ghostly, telling me I need to calm down. What if Rias was here and saw me? What if Kuroka was in here? Would I turn this black rage on them? That stopped it, finally. I hate myself so bitterly now because that was such a good feeling. I am ashamed so badly of this Black Rage. I understand the Blood Angels and World Eaters now more than ever before. This bottomless pit of rage was all-consuming. I finally looked around the room in horror, seeing the destruction I made because they threatened my Ria. The shame grew again.

My hands were shaking, and the silence lasted for five minutes. The door opened, and three heads peeked in out of the corner of my eyes. Kiryuu now had no helm and looked wide-eyed at the office destruction. Raynare launched herself towards me with her wings extended, not being in armor anymore. She slammed into me, wrapping me in the wings. I felt the feathers touching me, and they were soft. Kuroka was now inside the room, and she asked.

"Are you ok nya?"

Raynare opened her wings a bit to allow me to answer. I say with a very small voice.

"I'm better now. I'm so very sorry I'm a horrible king."

That last part has all the shame I feel at this moment. I need to never do this again. Raynare softly says with her head on my shoulder.

"Good king, you can release wrath. You thought of us first and are not the angels of Baal or the Berserkers. You are stronger than wrath."

Kiryuu spoke up from her position, which is now closer to me.

"I like Red too and understand why you did that. You're a good king. A bad king would have immediately started the rage, but you held it in for us."

I still feel so much shame. Kuroka entered the wings and held me, too, purring for me, and that, with the wings, made the shame slowly leave. When it is gone, Raynare lets go and retracts her wings. I tell her while still feeling hints of it.

"All loot from here is split evenly across everyone but me. Go look and see what is here. What time is it?"

Kiryuu tells me while Raynare goes to carry out the order.

"It's one thirty. You should be good to get the reward. You are right about the war mask. I don't remember much with it on. That's a very nice change."

That gets a small smile out of me. Kuroka puts her head on my shoulder, kicking up her purrs. I tell Kiryuu with that same smile.

"I will buy us all food for lunch. I'll turn this in and come back. Thank you for putting up with me."

That got a bump from Kiryuu, who was on my left now.

"You're too hard on yourself, but I'll take food. Roka, can you teach me wards and portals? I'd also like to learn how to use a servo skull. I learned that when I make icicles, I can form them with a line of sight. A skull could help with flushing out foes."

That's good for her. Kuroka gets off my shoulders saying to Kiryuu.

"I can do portals easy nya. Wards are harder."

I help out there.

"Rias is good at them. I need that paper back for our big scary employer."

I willed away the power armor before making a new, heavier set. Koriel immediately started work on a new version of the armor. She said it was fine for her to do this because she was on a break from the reader.

I entered the Sinful directly. Inside are four devils and Wu. The four devils in front of the bar looked over their shoulders at me. The lead devil was a woman with gray hair who, along with her comrades, wore basic Japanese clothes. I slowly moved towards them, and Wu said to me from behind the bar.

"It's good to see you again. I'll be with you in a couple of minutes."

I tilted my head in acceptance. The gray-haired woman went back to discussing what she had been saying with Wu before I arrived. One of the other devils turned towards me fully, and I spotted his emblem. These devils are from the Hunter's Guild. The hunter was a young man my age, and he looked me up and down before scoffing at me.

"A dog that uses guns. It must be a filth reincarnated."

That put a frown for a second on Wu's face before it disappeared just as fast. A second devil, this time a woman a bit older looking, supports her comrade.

"It probably hasn't seen action. The worms often need to have their hands held by us."

The last member of the four stays silent. He is older than either of the two hunters, but it's the grey-haired woman who speaks.

"You pups have not fought guns. They aren't the weapons of the past. Shut up, and don't insult a hunter who has done action."

The young purebloods got pissed as the gray-haired woman turned her face to me. I saw her left eye was blind from a bullet wound going across her eye. The second older devil spoke, watching me more carefully before he widened his teal eyes.

"That's the Gorgan, you shits shut your mouths."

That made the youths pale. The grey-haired woman turned to Wu and collected her money from the bar, putting it in a pocket before she whacked the youngest hunter. He ooffed before hiding behind her. The grey-haired woman observed me fully before saying in a grim tone.

"You're welcome to join the Hunters Guild, Gorgan. You are deadly and far more proficient than the average recruit we get nowadays."

I answered her.

"I'm a loner. You honor me with the invitation, but I am good."

The woman shrugged, and the young woman was about to spit something at me. I started extending a mechadendrite to the young woman and scared her by activating a chainsword. The roar scared the newb, making her and the other newb jump. That got a chuckle from the older two as the gray-haired woman smiled a cruel grin.

"I am eager to hear more of your deeds, Gorgan. You have what I like in plenty with a weapon like that. Come on, Serec, I want more money before the day is over."

The older man smiled cruelly, too.

"You got it, boss. Get moving pups."

The four made their way out of my way and opened their own portal, leaving the bar. Wu smiled less before he spat at the ground, saying as I approached him.

"Stay out of the Guild they are a horrible bunch of shits. I like you, Gorgan, because you are a decent person. I assume that you are here to collect money for heads?"

I don't like the Guild and shake my head at Wu's question.

"Is your king available? I finished the job she gave me last night and I found something she will want to see."

Wu frowns before he pushes a button under the bar. Three minutes later, Heniya Gremory entered the bar front from the back. She was in a very pretty yellow sun dress and she, upon seeing me, got a bit happier. She gestured at me to follow her and led me to her office. She shut the door before sitting behind an expensive-looking wood desk and looked at me.

"It's done already? I figured it would take a bit longer than this to finish, but I will take it. What do you have for me?"

I pulled the paper out of my pocket spell and Heniya frowned seeing it. Henyia took it and slowly looked at the paper, settling into reading the last bits. The blood went out of her face as I told her with an angry face under my helm.

"They were getting ready to kidnap someone. I don't know who, but the strangest thing about this group was that they had good wards and fallen support. I don't know which cadre, however."

Heniya answered with a still pale face.

"I know who this was for, and you just saved someone important, Gorgan. I will double the amount of money I was going to pay you and give you a favor to you from me. I will inform my peerage to modify our ward scheme to identify fallen entering the city. We have been using the fact they are kill on sight in Japan to focus more on the stray problem. That was a mistake."

Heniya grew pissed at the end. Her face was as red as her hair. Three balls of destruction suddenly appeared, floating around her head, zapping in unison. Heniya threw the paper into a sudden pocket spell. Then she drew two cards, handing them to me across the desk. I take the cards as Heniya says, trying to calm down.

"Present the first card to Wu and tell him it's double. The second will be your favor card. Thank you for your service. I will likely have more jobs for you in the future."

I understood the dismissal as I went to the door and heard the balls continue zapping their displeasure.

At the bar, I presented the card to Wu. His black eyes widened when he saw the card and again when I said it was double. He began paying out money for me. My eyes are saucer plates seeing the growing pile of money. I ask for a tiny amount of money to be paid in yen. Wu does as requested, and I'm shocked by how much this is. Oh, I want to oil my robes. It keeps growing and growing the money pile. This continued for fifteen minutes of increasing before Wu said with an equally shocked face.

"You are set for a very long time, Gorgan. I don't know what you did, but you made me use all our money for the week."

I wanted to weep as I opened my money pocket and began with Wu to get the money into it. That took another fifteen minutes, and I put the rest of the money in yen in a different pocket.

"This is wonderful. You can tell Freya I will not bother her for a while."

That got a snort from Wu.

"I'll let her know that. Enjoy your day, Gorgan. You certainly earned that."

I gave a slight bow before opening my portal to the others, stepping through with a big smile.

The lunch everyone wanted was burgers. More Raynare had bounced so much, wanting them, that we all agreed to that. We were in extremely high spirits as Raynare had found more money while I was gone. Yen that was split up between everyone, and there was enough yen left over for Murayama, too.

Raynare pulled us on the way back to the house to a stuffed animal store, where she bought three big bags. The clerk was expecting us not to be able to pay for them before Raynare extended the yen. She beamed brightly, holding her bags, and I teased her.

"Soon, you will have an army of them, Ray."

Raynare proudly proclaimed with stars in her eyes.

"I shall have three armies of them!"

Kiryuu smiles before boasting.

"I'll get me some new clothes! Now I get to look good!"

Kuroka was hanging on my right arm, and her hand was in mine.

"I have him, so I'm happy."

I squeeze her hand as the excellent mood continues as we head back to the house. Raynare was a little sluggish but less than Kiryuu had been. Once on the house grounds, I opened the door for everyone.

"I'd like you guys to help me count money. We might be set, and if not, we are close. Thank you for helping me."

That got massive smiles from everyone as we entered the front hall. I pulled the group upstairs, heading to the library while Raynare bounced toward her room with the stuffed animals. The rest of us entered the library, and I began to set out the Lilith as the three of us started counting.

Raynare arrived ten minutes after we started. Then Murayama came in and immediately began helping, too. Murayama met Raynare properly, and the two bonded over a new thing I learned. Murayama likes stuffed animals, too. The discussion between the two was entertaining before I asked Murayama about her day with Katase.

"She and I went shopping together with Issari-chan. Issari-chan split halfway through to do something else. She wouldn't say what, but she was extremely excited about it."

It was probably her date with Akeno. I continued the conversation with Murayama, which got me through the tedious counting. It took us two hours to count it all. By the end, we all were amazed or, like me, smiling like a loon. I was only three hundred Lilith off from the price. That's more than I could have hoped for with the payment. Three hundred Lilith is chump change that I can ask for without feeling guilty or embarrassed. Kuroka puts her tails on me, knowing I'm relieved this is close to over. I stood up from the table in joy with that smile. With a thought, I got the anvil out and told Raynare.

"I got a sneaky mission for you. Can you get the stuff I'm about to make to Conner and the others?"

Raynare immediately nodded.

"Yes!"

I quickly made my first Noosphere point for Raynare, along with cogitators, MIUs, and mechadendrites. I made one last thing, which is an instruction manual for everything. Kuroka kindly explained to Raynare how to create portals but said to do them in the way station for now. Raynare listens intently, as does Murayama. Kiryuu pulls out her new books and begins to read. I begin to pack the money up. By the time I was done with that, Raynare was gone. That done, I took a shower to get ready for my grandfather. Thirty minutes of hot water relaxes me to a new point that makes me not feel the existential dread that's always there. Twenty minutes later, after dressing in my best clothes, I finally left the room. Murayama met me at the stairs. She double-takes at me before blushing badly. Murayama kept blushing as we began going to the kitchen.

Murayama asked me as we went down the stairs towards when I would reincarnate her.

"Probably after dinner tonight. I'm having it with my grandfather, and I will have two others to add to the peerage, too. I'm sorry you couldn't come with us today for work."

Murayama wasn't upset.

"I understand you have been busy with this. I don't know, however, what sort of weapons I want to use."

That got us talking about future swords. Murayama was very interested in power swords. As I approached the kitchen, I heard Maéva talking with someone in a friendly tone. I poked my head in, as did Murayama, and there was my maid with Mittelt. The two were discussing food, specifically what types of food Maeva could make. Mittelt caught my eye, and she smiled brightly as I fully entered the room.

"Those generators are beyond anything I have ever seen. They are incredibly easy to put together when you learn how, and the way they are idiot-proof is wonderful. I believe that I can make them on my own with enough time and patience."

I smiled wolf-like there, and Mittelt did too.

"You will get a cut of the money from each one you make when we start selling them. I'll get that in writing when we start the business. I plan to eventually use my gear to make us richer than Bill Gates."

Mittelt got dollar signs in her eyes.

"With those, we could revolutionize our energy consumption. We could do so much more with the excess power. I want to sit down with you sometime this week to discuss some other things I want to test. This could, if done right, begin a golden age."

I smiled there and set a date for that.

"I should be free on Friday. Tomorrow, I have lessons and a book to read. I do have extremely good news. I will be around more because my recent goal has been all but accomplished today. I'm eager to get with you because I need to upgrade my bones and muscles in a few weeks."

Murayama looked at me like I was crazy. Maéva sighed but asked as Mittelt looked sick.

"Do I need to strap you down again, young master?"

Murayama went into shock at that while I replied.

"For both yes. The process is optional, Murayama-chan. Hopefully, with Mittelt's help, we can get it to a point where we don't have to strap people down."

Maéva looks a bit better, not having to strap me down as much. I asked Maéva if she has dinner ready for tonight. That got the maid saying that she was given by Geros the favorite foods of my grandfather. The clock said it was nearing four. My attention was drawn to the front hall when a portal opened.

Rias came through the portal, and she was wearing her school uniform. She was levitating five boxes behind her with three suitcases floating behind those. I immediately moved to help with the boxes and snicker when I saw the next person coming through the portal. Akeno has made Issari into a mule. She carried suitcases with an ease that she didn't have a few weeks ago while Akeno was hungrily watching her dragon. Murayama had seen me move and immediately offered to help, too. Shirone and Kiba moved their stuff in when I started climbing the stairs with Rias and her train. She commented to me when we were midway up.

"You seem extremely happy today, Gregor-kun."

I am happy.

"I finished it."

Those words made Rias stop. Her blue-green eyes caught mine, and she became the happiest I had ever seen her. She almost dropped her box in the desire to hug me. I gently got us going up the stairs again, saying as we turned right.

"I'm three hundred off. I did a big job today for your sister; she gave me a favor card and double the original pay. You're almost free Ria."

I say those last four words with love. Rias tears up before they start to fall. She could have the galaxy with me and not be a toy for Riser's amusement. My weeb with a desire to learn, Rias says to me as we get to her room, still crying.

"You are the best thing that has ever happened to me. I promise never to forget this, my Omnissiah."

I correct her.

"Call me Greg. That's better than that title."

Rias opened the door before running to the bed and setting her box down. I set mine down with the two other boxes and suitcases, which landed orderly next to the bed. Before, Rias immediately tackled me to the ground. She dove in for a kiss, and I didn't protest. We only broke apart for air as my heart hammered like it once did for Kate. Rias wanted to do that again, but we instead gazed at one another in comfortable silence.

"I love you, Ria."

That made her beam at me. I was about to be kissed again when I heard a snicker. Rias looked past me to the door, and Kuroka's voice entered my ear.

"Be happy, you sour puss. I miss my fun mate, too. We can all get to know one another better, nya. I want a Halo game with you, sexy."

I snorted as Rias tilted her head cutely.

"You might be MLG, but I'm better than that. As for a game, Rias can play too. Just don't expect me to be nice to your sister there. Only Ria gets noob protection."

Kuroka's voice was happy.

"Oh no, if Red gets it, so does my Shirone. She's keen to play because she knows you like it nya. She is even willing to play our favorite game and wants to earn her prince's love, like how he earned mine. I'm here with him, as a package deal nya."

Rias humph.

"I accept you, but I get cuddling sessions first!"

That got a twinkle of laughter from Kuroka and a snicker from me, as it was incredibly cute. Rias blushed but was certain as I kissed her cheek.

"After tonight, we can do that. I need to catch up with you anyway. I'm eager to relax fully for a bit before other problems start."

That confirmation of snuggles makes Rias happy. I, however, need to get up and finish this dinner. With a gentleman's prod, I get Rias off me. Kuroka gets me up, and then the two begin to discuss something as I leave the room for dinner.

The dinner would be held in the Lord's office on the second floor. I nervously waited in the main hall for my grandfather. Rias had made everyone move and get the hall cleared, and Maéva promised everyone else pizza after she was done with the dinner. Five minutes before five, a portal opened near the front door with the Astaroth symbol emblazoned on it. From it steps Geros in his butler uniform and a blank face, then my grandfather. He was like a slightly older version of Ajuka with hair in the same style and color I share. My grandfather looks at me while I take a further look at him. He was wearing a very modern businessman suit that was a deep black. He and I looked at each other cautiously. Before a small smile hit his face, he moved towards me, and he was taller than me by four inches.

Once in front of me, he looked down at me.

"He is my grandson indeed. He has Juka's face and hair and Nomie's eyes. It's good to meet you properly. I wish it were under better circumstances."

I kept a neutral face and bowed.

"It's an honor to meet you, Lord Astaroth. The house is yours for the duration of the visit."

My grandfather was still studying me before accepting my statement.

"I accept your hospitality. Now, lad, you can drop the act. I might be uptight on the outside, but with family, I'm not. Geros has told me that you have taken the name Gregor. It's not a name I would have chosen, but given everything, I can't blame you for the fact. I'm Ajarkan."

He said that with warmth and a bit of relief in his voice. I match his smile and answer.

"As you wish. I just wanted to make a good impression. I know I'm not the normal type for our family."

Ajarkan smiled there slightly before it went away to a blank face.

"You're not, but I don't hold that against you. Your father and mother were very protective of you, and I only ever saw photos and videos. They made my day when I got them. I want to get to know my grandson properly."

I said to him while we both moved towards the stairs.

"As am I to know my grandfather. I hope that you won't be disappointed too much with me."

That caused a frown, which went away quickly. We moved at an equal pace and were near the top of the stairs when Ajarkan spoke again.

"I don't think I will. Geros has told me extensively about you. You are incredibly like us already by having a good work ethic that has seen our house prosper for a long time. A young man who has a good sense of obligation to his servants. Those things and more tell me a lot about you. I have also heard that you have done things that make me proud of you already."

That makes me hopeful that this goes well. We moved to the office, and thankfully, no one was out and about on the floor. Upon entering, I see that the desk has been replaced with a table and chairs for two. Maéva has a truck of table utensils, glasses, a bottle of wine, and food plates. Ajarkan takes a seat at the far end of the table. At the same time, I take mine facing him. Maéva lays out plates and napkins. Ajarkan looked at me while that was happening.

"I have heard that you have sacred gear and that it is extremely powerful. Is that correct?"

I could sense his eagerness. I nodded and answered as a glass was set on my right.

"I do. Lady Lucifer has confirmed that it is a Longinus. A new one."

That makes my grandfather look extremely pleased, Ajarkan told me, as the first food was being placed.

"This will shake up the underworld. I have seen what Geros has said you made for him with it. These, he called them mechadendrites? They could help out with everything."

I saw his unasked question after taking a bite of delicious pasta.

"I'd be happy to make you a pack grandfather. My gear is going to help our house achieve new things. I can make things that will baffle you. I also have many ideas that seem radical when you first hear them, but they are ways to increase our wealth and power."

Ajarkan revealed his sin in greed for power and wealth. He eagerly asked with a very keen voice.

"Such as?"

The wine is good, and that is where I start.

"I can make agricultural equipment along with my mechadendrites that will, with new ideas, decrease the amount of time harvests take. Then, further machinery will help take those grapes and make more wine. I also have plans to set up a business that will eventually go top side, making us more money there."

Ajarkan was interested in my ideas and even had a more relieved face, too. He takes a few bites of food and then a drink of wine before he speaks with a happy tone.

"I want to see the machines before they are used. As for this company, you will be allowed to prove its worth. I don't know much about humans, so perhaps your other half can help us greatly up here."

The human part was said slightly dismissively, but it's not racist as Ajarkan grows serious.

"You have properly heard from Geros that we have an obligation to our vassals. Will the promise that I made to them be honored?"

That was said sternly.

"The promise will be honored. It's stupid to piss off the houses below us. We are nobles, and nobles should be that honoring promises made to those below us."

That makes Ajarkan extremely happy hearing the commitment in my voice.

"Good. They have been extremely insistent that the promise I made will be kept. They threatened to swear to a new pillar if this was not kept. That you understand the obligations that we must uphold is extremely good. Unlike my son."

That was said with frustration, which was evident in his voice and eyes. There was love there, but not as much as I would have expected for him. That made us eat in comfortable silence for five minutes before I broached my hope.

"I would like to ask for help with something, grandfather. I know it's a large favor for me to ask, given we have just met, but I promise you won't be disappointed in how I have worked to make this possible."

Ajarkan smiled big and forlorn upon seeing my face after he looked up from his food.

"Geros has told me that you intend to buy out a marriage contract. It's a dangerous thing to do, but given that you have been doing dangerous things for it, I am inclined to help. How much?"

I smiled wide.

"Three hundred Lilith. I have earned everything else with hard work."

Ajarkan blinked owlishly, clearly expecting me to ask for more. Maéva, who had been silent the whole time, gets a very happy look. Ajarkan finally answered.

"That's all? That's next to nothing. I was told that you were only halfway there. You got more in just a single day?"

I answered with that big smile.

"I believe utterly in hard work. I will do anything and work any time to reach the goal."

Ajarkan smiles a small smile, seeing something on my face.

"I can see that. I will grant you the money. Geros would not tell me who the young woman in question was, but you care for them greatly to do this. Who is it?"

I answered without hesitation.

"Rias Gremory."

Ajarkan frowned.

"The weak third child? Why would you want her?"

I don't like that.

"She's not weak. As for why, it's because I am beginning to love her, and I would do anything for her."

That sudden and angry response made my grandfather study me. His face, which was filled with dismissal for her, turned to a face deep in remembrance.

"You sound like me when I met my wife. It was the greatest time of my life with her. I'm sorry for the hesitation. I have heard very little about this Gremory that was not dismissive or scorn-filled. She will not bring much to our house."

I say without hesitation.

"She will bring the thing she had long been told she didn't have. I have seen it and want her as my wife. I understand that I'm expected to have at least three of them. Rias is worth everything I have done and will be worth everything I do."

Ajarkan looked surprised at my claim, but the certainty on my face finally made him agree.

"I will begin talks with Lord Gremory. The fact you will have the money ready immediately will help speed that up significantly, and we are further along because I will use the same contract that I had drawn up for you with another."

That stopped me in my tracks. I have another contract already set up! What the fuck! My face was pure shock as was Maéva. My grandfather was very amused at the shock and said with no small amount of greed in his eyes.

"I had it drawn up because I thought you wouldn't be that proactive. This way, we will be connected further and strengthen our position. After all, this will get us more business connections with Gremory and medical connections with Phenex. It's funny that you will be getting third daughters."

Oh, Machine God. What the fuck, Ravel! I was betrothed to Ravel! I get ready to faint. What the fuck kind of luck is this! My grandfather is smiling and says with a laugh.

"You are a good improvement over my second son. He has never considered the importance of the pillar, yet you do. I will confirm you as Heir with how you have made us stronger with your actions, even unknowingly."

I didn't know this! Why is Lady Luck pissed at me! First, my arm at that fight, now this! I'm going to piss off my brother-in-law! I have Riser as a brother-in-law!