Chapter 8. Holy Sword!

"So... How England for you Irina?" Ise asked as he stare at Irina and Xenovia

Ise still remember his past with Irina. She are good friend, his best friend in fact. He still remember when last day before they separated where Irina crying while hug him

"Its pretty good!" Irina chirped happily "It was fun, they had lots of unique buildings and the holy people there were very nice, oh and the parks were beautiful there!" She explained with big smile and Asia also smiled as she recall her moment in Church, she admit though the way she got treated as tool but the parks indeed beautiful and the buildings also unique

"I see... Good then... So, what you two doing in this city? This is Devil area if you must know..." Ise asked

Irina of course about to reply it but Xenovia cut her sharply

"What we do in here is not your business. Depend on your answer, why a Dragon staying in this city? And you suppose to be human if you be friend with Irina in past, how did a human turn to Dragon?" Xenovia asked with steel gaze

[Oho.. Fiesty one aren't she?] Ddraig chuckled inside Ise

Mana who seeing this frowned, she didn't like this woman while Asia seems slight intimidated by Xenovia

"Xenovia!" Irina scowled to her partner, said the Durandal wielder ignore her and keep her gaze to Ise who remain calm

"How a human turn to Dragon huh..." Ise repeated still closed his eyes before he open it again and Xenovia can see the coldness inside it "Living by your own alone for long time can make anything possible..." He said coldly

Xenovia inwardly shudder at Ise tone and seeing his deep brown eyes, it more like black instead brown now if she look closely. Nonetheless outwardly she keep her calm face, she can't show fear to this man

"Ise-kun..." Irina muttered sadly. Ise was her best friend, seeing him like this make her sad

"So you sell humanity just to survive?" Xenovia asked coldly

"Yes..." Ise said bluntly make Irina gasped and Xenovia eyes narrowed

Asia who listening inwardly also blanched hearing this while Mana merely put unreadable face

"I expect no less from barbarian like you..." Xenovia scoffed "When we ask people around here about you they said you are ruthless and selfish... Regardless, we come here not to talk with you.." She said and Ise merely rise a brow at the blatant insult

True what Xenovia said, when she and Irina asked about Ise the people in Kuou Town either warn them or become pale and told them they didn't know anything. That was not good thing. They only knew where Ise life from Sona Sitri when they visit her before and it was Irina who asked the Sitri Heiress

At first Sona reluctant to tell them about Ise but when heard Irina was his childhood friend she then tell them. And also give them warning especially Irina that Ise is not the same 'Ise' she knew anymore

"Xenovia!" Irina chided hearing Xenovia blunt insult but the blue haired woman ignore her and keep her gaze steel to Ise

"Well, I don't think someone who spend half of her life in church will understand MY life. So I won't bother to defend myself to someone who not worthy my insult..." Ise replied in tone that seems not even bothered by Xenovia word. He didn't want to waste energy to arguing with some woman who only see World black and white. Xenovia hearing this glare to him but Ise merely drink his tea again like nothing happen "So... Please tell me why an exorcist come to Devils base? Before you ask, no, I'm not allied myself with them. You can say I some kind of mercenary who doing job for anyone as long the payment is good..." Ise said

Xenovia narrowed her eyes. Mercenary, the one who always do work or dirty job if they got good payment... Why she not surprise?

"You work as mercenary? Does it mean you neutral to all side?" Irina asked in surprise and Ise nodded

"Yes. I work as mercenary, I do any job... Well not really, I do job that only logical and must have good reason. So yes, you also can say I was on my side. I'm not your enemy now neither enemy to Devil but if someone pay me with good prize then I may become your enemy tomorrow..." Ise explained with calm face

Hearing this Xenovia eyes narrowed into slit. That mean, this man is threat. She will treat him carefully

"I see... Recently the Excalibur swords held by the Catholic Church's Headquarters, the Vatican, Protestant Church, and Eastern Orthodox Church were stolen.." Xenovia said

"Oh..." Ise mused as he seem interested and leaned forward "So that's the missing artifact..." He said

"You knew about them?" Irina asked and Ise nodded

"Let just say I have... Contact in this city that work to gather information..." Ise smirked much to Xenovia annoyance

"Both the Catholic and Protestant Church as well as the Eastern Orthodox Church possessed two Excaliburs each. One from each of these churches was stolen, while the other swords of the Catholic and Protestant church are currently wielded by Irina and me with the last being under heavy security. The ones who stole these swords escaped here to Japan and brought them to this town..." Xenovia continued before her glare sharpened "The people who stole them were the Grigori, Kokabiel precisely one of General of Fallen Angels..."

'Kokabiel?' Ise blinked before he recall the memory about him before snorted loudly 'Ah yes, that Boy. I remember he always sputtered nonsense about Fallen Angel is superior being, fool! We Dragon are the superior one!' He thought smugly

"What so funny?" Xenoxia asked as she grab the bundle next to her to prepare attacking this man if he work with Kokabiel

"Nothing.." Ise chuckled "Just... Memory of Fallen Angel that I kill few days ago nothing important..." He then place his tea to table and see both priest who staring back to him with unreadable face "If you want to know, I'm not associate with Fallen Angel... Yes, I do feel someone entering this city and sure it was Kokabiel but he never contact me.." He told them

Irina let out smile of relief hearing this but Xenovia keep her grip on Excalibur and prepare to fight, she still not believe what Ise said

"Ise-kun. You said you work as mercenary right?" Irina asked and Ise nodded "Would you help us?"

Ise about to answer that question but Xenovia cut him

"No!" She hissed "We won't work with mercenary. Beside, I doubt he are innocent. He must be have part in stealing Excaliburs!" She accused as she glare to Ise

"You have my words, I'm not helping any Fallen Angel now. And yes, you can't believe me, it was up to you to believe or not but you must know that I doubt they going to ask me for help after what I done to their subordinate few days ago..." Ise remarked with hint of amusement

Xenvoia merely scoffed but she can't help to deny the logic behind Ise word so she lessened the grip on Excalibur. Her corner of eye catch Mana and Asia then it narrowed

"Are you... The witch Asia Argento? I never expected to meet you in a place like this." Xenovia asked

Asia small frame seemed to shrink at the mention of the word witch. Mana openly frowned when hearing this which turned to cute pout while Ise merely glance

"The former holy maiden? You are said to have the power that can also heal Devils and Fallen Angels, right? I heard that you were sent somewhere after getting exiled..." Irina said in surprise

"Well, she need a... 'Divine' protection from Fallen Angels, unfortunately they try to take her Sacred Gear instead protect her. So I take them down..." Ise explained while give a look comforting to Asia before he give stern look to Xenovia "Please do not talk bad thing about her in front of me, we didn't want some problem happen do we? I may tolerate you bad mouth about me but not my friend..." He warned in stern tone

"Is that a threat?" Xenovia asked back in same tone

"No, it a promise..." Ise remarked with cold voice

'Ise-san...' Asia who listening can't help but feel happy. She never had someone defend her honor before. She feel warm inside her chest

Xenovia about to retort but Irina beat her. She didn't want to fight in here, not with her friend

"Still playing Hero, Ise-kun?" Irina smiled when hearing this. While she know about Asia healing Devils and it was occurred as sin, but to get her Sacred Gear extracted mean dead sentence, even the Church didn't go that far

"Hero huh?" Ise replied with stoic face. He then turn to Asia who blush under his gaze and. Is that true he playing Hero? While its true he save her so she can join him but he actually can let her be killed then take the Fallen Angel woman who had her Sacred Gear as slave and servant. She clearly will be more useful than Asia

...

But he didn't... He save her... Why? Because he see himself inside Asia... The loneliness and the feel of hopeless when he screaming for help is same like Asia who caged inside Church and treated as a tool...

'I'm getting too soft, Ddraig right...'."Maybe..." Ise said after moment of silence and his gaze back to Asia, he had slight smile on his face "I do what I think right. I maybe mercenary but I also had principle and I only accept job that not clashed against my principle..." He finished before drink his tea again to hide the smile he had, he can't show any softness. He are Lord of Chaos for God sake!

'Maybe he not as bad as I thought...' Xenovia thought with narrowed eyes. She can respect what Ise said, he have his own principle as warrior. Something that she also possess, but that doesn't mean he not a threat...

But she doubt she can beat him now... She can feel Ise are strong, stronger than her and Irina. Her only chance is elemental surprise using Durandal but she still not master it to the level where she can wield it properly

'Finishing this mission and reporting to the HQ is the best thing we can do now. We already have problem with Kokabiel, taking him now is not possible...'."I think we already had enough, we believe you won't interfere with our mission?" Xenovia asked

"Yes, I won't. You have my words..." Ise nodded

"But Xenovia!" Irina whined "Ise-kun can help us right?" She asked as she stare at Ise

"Hmmm..." Ise hummed and put thoughtful face "What I will gain in return?" He asked

'Typical Apophis-sama/Ise-san/Mercenary...' Everyone thought excluding Irina who blinked like owl

"Eh?" Irina yelled after a moment "Muu! Must we pay you for help us? You will be repayed by charity and blessing from God!" Irina exclaimed with cute big smile

'God already dead...' Ise thought with sweatdrop on back of his head. He about to reject it when something clicked on his mind. Why bring such artifact to Devils territory? What he gain? Especially the one who hold the territory is- 'I see that your game Kokabiel... But why you want to start another War? You should knew, the three factions now is already crippled and in tight spot... Unless... You act by yourself?... So it was like that huh?' He let smirk plastered on his face and he give look to Irina "How about as payment you go date with me?" He asked

'What?!' Everyone thought with shock

Xenovia who hearing this blinked. What this man thinking? Well... Now she see this man is Irina childhood friend... Maybe he interested on her? She also can't deny that Irina is quite beauty, and maybe she can sway this man to Church side... Yes having someone like Ise at Church side will be very good... Maybe Irina can make Ise turn to good side

Asia meanwhile had her eyes filled with tears. She send glare to Irina that filled with jealous and pout. Why Ise-san never ask her to go one?!

Mana meanwhile can't help but shocked. Apophis?! The Apophis, Evil Dragon, Eclipse Dragon, and the Lord of Chaos asking some human to date?! The world must be reach it end!

"D-D-Date?!" Irina stuttered with massive blush. W-What Ise thinking?! Baka Ise! How can he ask her to go out with him?! T-They just meet again! D-Does he find she attractive? W-Well many people praise her appearance actually. M-maybe I-Ise can a-and-

"Yes. How about it?" Ise asked with smirk

"I-Ise-kun! I-I-I-I-"

Ise cut Irina with wave of his hand and slight chuckle "I'm just kidding..." He said casually

Xenovia who hearing this only blinked again, Asia also blinked but inwardly let out sigh of relief while Mana only give her master deadpan look that said 'Typical Sadistic Bastard'

Irina who hearing this blinked few times before her blush increase if it can "Ise-kun!" She squeaked in embarrasment. She can't believe her friend tease her like this!

Ise let out smirk. He find the reaction was amusing at least, Irina always give him some trouble when he was kid as Hyoudou Issei, seeing this make part of him amused

Though he not like Irina parent for not doing anything for him when he was kid but doesn't mean he will hate their children. Beside, it not like his parent close with Irina father after all

"I will help you. Consider this because our friendship when we child Irina..." Ise said as he stare at Irina who grinning happily

"Thanks! May God bless you! Amen!" She prayed and Ise merely nodded

"How about you then?" Ise asked to Xenovia who staring back to him

"Well..." Xenovia put thoughtful face. She actually not believe she will able to take down Kokabiel by herself and Irina. Getting help from Dragon is a good thing, sure she know Ise must be have ulterior motive but for now they have mission. Ise will be take care later after they finish their mission. Beside, the higher never mention they can't get help from Dragon, and he here volunteer it by himself "Very well. I accept your help Hyoudou Issei..." She said

"Oh trust me. You won't regret it..." Ise replied with smirk "By the way where you going to live?"

"Well..." Irina put sheepish smile while rub her head "We plan to rent apartment or go to abandoned Church near here..." She said and Ise hummed

"Mana. Bring my apartment key..." Ise said make Xenovia and Irina surprised

"Yes Ise-sama!" Mana said before she snapped her finger and the key appear

"You Magician?" Xenovia asked in slight surprise

Mana hearing this puffed her chest and give proud smile with her wand suddenly appear on her hand then she stand and doing flip back with smug face

"From the North I known as Witch! From the South I known as Sorceress! From the West I known as Princess! And from the East I known as Magician of Justice! Man bow to my beauty! Woman jealous of my cuteness! I'm the Sorceress that master Hundred of Magic! Kuroi Mahou Shoujo, Mana! (Black Magician Girl, Mana!)" Mana introduced as she doing pose with lot of rainbow colored stars and cute wave spread from her body and her wand glowing

Irina who seeing this practically have stars on her eyes, Xenovia put blank face, Asia only put strained smile while Ise give deadpan face to Mana

"That's cool!" Irina give applause with beamed face

Mana who hearing this bowing like a actress who win Oscar Award and put big smile

"Thank you, thank you!" She said happily and Ise sighed

"Just give me the key now..." Ise commanded. He can feel headache start to coming seeing Mana like this. Mana merely beamed with cute smile before throwing the key to Ise. He then turn to Irina and Xenovia then throw it to them "I have empty apartment, you two can use it for now..." He said "And I won't take "No" as answer. I won't let you sleep at the street or abandoned place Irina..." He cut both woman when they open their mouth to protest

"Very well... If you insist." Xenovia stated. She don't have problem at all if Ise want to help them. She then pull out some paper and handed it to Ise "Here mine and Irina numbers, call us if you found something."

Ise nodded and take it before give them his number in return. After few moment and talk both priest decide to leave so they can meet with the Devils that hold this area tomorrow

After they leave Ise let out slight smirk and Mana turn to her

"Apophis-sama. What your plan?" Mana asked with rare skeptical look

"Huh?" Asia asked "What you mean Mana-san?"

Mana give slight huff before she tilted her head cutely "No offense Apophis-sama, but I knew you won't work without payment. Shidou Irina was your friend, not "are". Surely you won't help her just because you two was friend in childhood..." She pointed

Ise turn to Mana with smirk still on his face. Mana really smart, despite her childish behavior she still thousand years old Devil "Yes, you are right. I'm not that kind to help someone who not even bother to think about me when I was life alone before, she not even try to send me letter or else when my parents died. I help them because I also gain something and it was very good..." He chuckled

"Gain something?" Asia frowned. She didn't like it, this people need help. She want to protest but she owe Ise-san too much. Ise are her friend, comrade, leader and maybe something more. He always there when she need him along with Mana. The Magician Girl also already bury the lesson about helping people and show kindness to her head. She actually not comfortable with the idea being mercenary but what else she can do?

"Yes. Kokabiel are working alone, without Grigori. How I know? It because he bring that Excaliburs to here and can trigger a war. The Three Factions now is in tight spot, if they war once again, there won't be Three Factions anymore. I'm sure Azazel realize this, but Kokabiel are fool, he maybe strong but he were arrogant and have too much superior complex. So he decide to move alone, and when he alone I can get him for myself..." Ise smirk turn to feral and his eyes glowing in magma color "And I will eat all his light and make it mine to strengthen myself... A light from 10 Winged Angel will give me boost power." He finished with his tongue slithered like a serpent

Helping Xenovia and Irina will make him get the light from Kokabiel, not to mention people will see his act as Hero and trust him... It will give him time so he can prepare himself before leave from this town...

Oh yes, he maybe Hyoudou Issei but he also Apophis and he can be very manipulative just like the former Evil Dragon if he want...

Next Day, Kuoh Academy

"So... What you want?" Ise asked as he sit in cafetaria and staring at girl in front of him

He can hear whisper and murmur of gossip from students around him already

"What that girl thinking?"

"Isn't she new student? She must be pretty brave to approach Hyoudou"

"I hope Hyoudou didn't hurt her..."

"That girl had breast that made from steel to approach Hyoudou at her first day!"

The girl eyes twitched inwardly when hear the last statement. What the fucking hell is that man mean?! Sure Rias and Sona already warn her about Ise but is it really that bad?

"I just want to introduce myself properly to you, my name Ravel Phenex..." Ravel introduce herself politely and Ise merely furrowed his brow in response

"I see... Hyoudou Issei..." Ise reply before he turn to the crowd and his eyes filled with coldness "What you looking at?" He snarled

Everyone hearing this yelped before go and start to do their own activity. No one stupid enough to mess with Monster of Kuoh. After what he did at first year and the rumor he had demolish hundred of thug and bandit at Kuou Town, people such as thug, criminal and police call him Kuou no Kaijin (Monster of Kuou)

Ravel meanwhile oblivious to this rumor. She merely sit in front of Ise. It was really surprise when Rias and Sona told her there Sekiryuutei in this city and he become mercenary nonetheless. She want to see what kind of man Sekiryuutei is

"Now those pest have leave, what Phenex family want from me?" Ise asked as he lean back to his chair

"I just want to meet Sekiryuutei, now I see you it seem you not too much big deal.." Ravel smirked a bit. She can't feel any threat aura come from him, why Rias and Sona warn her is very strange

Ise meanwhile merely rolled his eyes inwardly, it seem this girl also had his brother arrogant personality "Oh? That come from hatchling like you who not old yet how to learn to fly?" He shot back

Ravel taken back by the sudden insult glare to Ise hatefully, who he think he is?! "Hey! If you wish to know I already can fly! And I can burn you to ash, Sekiryuutei or not!" She retorted

Ise merely furrowed his brow and let out smirk plastered on his face "Really?" He challenged with tone that say 'I dare you to say yes'

Ravel oblivious to the tone puffed her chest proudly "Yes!" She declared

As soon she say that she really wish she can pull it back. After that word left from her mouth suddenly a massive aura hit her whole body, cold sweat pour down from her forehead, chill went to her spine. In front of her now is no longer human but a giant red dragon with glowing green eyes, it fang bared, saliva dripped from it and crimson flame puffed out from it nose menacingly. Flame surround her and caging her with the monster in front of her

RUN!

That was her instinct! Her whole body is shaking, all part of her body scream to run! Ravel Phenex feel her breath become more heavy, sweat pour down like waterfall, her eyes wide in horror, her jaw gaped and shaking. She want to run! She want to hide! But her body didn't move! She can't move! T-This! This monster! She have to run from him!

Suddenly all the menace aura gone, the image of the dragon gone, the flame around her also gone, the view of the school and cafetaria back to her eyes

"What's wrong? Scared?" Ise asked with feral tone and smirk

Ravel let out squeak and jump away from Ise, unfortunately she still on chair as result she bounced and fall from her chair to the floor

Ise can hear Ddraig snort and laughter inside his mind. He can tell the Welsh Dragon enjoy the fear that Ravel show from seeing him, well can't be helped he had been sealed so of course it rare for someone to fear him

Ravel meanwhile gasped for air while holding her chest. She still can't stand and her body shaking. What was that?! That was! That aura was very feral! It was very dominance! It was very scary! She rise her head and see Ise stare down at her with boring face but she can tell there amusement inside his eyes

"What's wrong hatchling? Lizard got your tongue?" He asked smugly

[You mean Cat?] Ddraig sweatdropped

'I'm dragon so Lizard more proper...' Ise replied with shrug inwardly

Ravel who still shaking only whimpered in response. Ise smirked before he grab her shirt roughly then lift her up like some plastic bag make her "Eep"ed. He then fix the chair and put her back into seat like some kidnapper

"Breath calmly hatchling..." Ise said as he try to calm her down. He didn't want a whole Phenex clan after his ass now, maybe he overdid it?

[You think?!] Ddraig stated flatly. It was lucky this girl didn't fainted from his aura, Ise pull out so much of his power and focus it on her!

Ise merely sighed, he then put fingers on her forehead and send a Ki aura, he maybe not expert at Senjutsu but at least he knew how to make person calm

As soon he did that he can tell Ravel calming down, her breath become stable, her body stop shaking and her skin not pale anymore

"Calm?" He asked and Ravel only nodded "Good. My apologize, perhaps I was overdid it, I forget my own power sometime. If there nothing you want to talk I will take my leave..." Ise said as he turn and leave with smirk and hand on his pocket

Ravel who watching Ise leave only can stare with dazed face. She never feel such menacing aura before in her life. But after that she feel something cold entering her mind and it washed away all her fear

As Phenex her body is filled with flame and warm. When that cold aura wash her it clashed with her flame and somehow calming down her flame that trashing wildly due fear

And it feel good strangely...

She stare at Ise back who walk away with blush adorned her face

"Hyoudou Issei..." She mumbled with dazed tone

Somewhere in Kuou Town

"So, what your opinion about him?"

"He not Human... Azazel..."

"Really?" The Governor of Fallen Angel eyes narrowed

"Albion clearly stated that Hyoudou Issei aura is covered by Ddraig aura. His Ki is scream anything but Human, that was what he said."

Azazel put thoughtful face at hearing that. How could it possible? Does Hyoudou Issei make a deal with Dragon inside him? But transforming Human to Dragon is impossible! Even it Heavenly Dragon! How could it possible?

Vali meanwhile is thinking another thing. What happen to his rival? Yes he knew that he and Hyoudou Issei now have similar past. Both of them live alone for long time.

The different Hyoudou Issei have reach his vengeance against the man that kill his parent.

He are interesting... What he going to do now? He had heard Hyoudou Issei reputation this city

Kaijin no Kuou...

Monster that demolish all thug and criminal in Kuou Town alone... He already reach his vengeance... So what he going to do next?

Will he stay and defend this city? Or with his new power he will leave and challenge the World?

He looking forward to meet his rival... He really is...

"I have to bring him to my Lab and began to dissect him..." Azazei commented with his eyes shining dangerously and Vali give him deadpan face

"And how you going to do that?" He asked to the man that pick him when he still child

Azazel hearing this slowly have chuckle "I should knew you will asking that, you are sharp as always..." He stated like villain that caught in surprise but sill have ace in his hole "I will lure that boy..." Azazel hand moved to behind his yukata, slowly, dramatically and amazingly. He pull out his secret item "By using this!" Azazel yelled as he show his superior item

"... ... ... ... ... With ... ... Your porn book... ...?" Vali stated in dull tone

"Not just normal porn book!" Azazel yelled strongly "This! Is limited edition!" He grinned "Even Michael will fall the moment he see what inside this! This precious one! Will no doubt lure our Dragon!" He cackled manically

Vali who listening only smack his palm to his face

Hello! Sorry it take quite time to update this! I'm too focused on CDECEK

Don't worry I will start updating this story too now, it maybe not as much as CDECEK but it will be updated

I was originally to make Vali in here turned to female Vali. But I was thinking if I do something like that I afraid the reader won't like it

Next chapter will be clash of Holy Sword and the mysterious figure who looking for Apophis!

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