The air still crackled from our clash, streaks of red and silver burning through the sky long after Vali hit the ground. Dust rolled outward like a wave. Vali pushed himself up, cracked armor shedding fragments of light, his expression a storm of irritation and reluctant amusement.
"Heh… unbelievable," he muttered. "You actually forced me this far."
His wings flared, gathering aura for another charge. I prepared myself, right arm glowing with both draconic powers, ready to rush him—
But then the air twisted.
A sudden pressure descended from above, smooth yet overwhelming, like a shift in gravity.
"Okay, okay, that's enough testosterone for one day."
A staff tapped against the ground with a metallic clink.
A man floated lazily in the sky, resting on a golden cloud—casual, grinning, wielding a nyoi-bo staff slung across his shoulder. His brown hair fluttered in the wind as if this destruction was nothing more than a festival show.
"Bikou," Vali said, annoyance slipping into his tone.
"Boss man's orders," Bikou replied with an easy shrug. "Wrap it up. The higher-ups would prefer you not pulverize the town… again."
He swung his staff lightly, sending a harmless ripple that nonetheless severed the standoff between our auras.
Vali scoffed. "Tch. Just when it was getting interesting."
Bikou blinked at me. "You're crazy, you know that? Fusing those two lizards' powers? Respect, man. Also: extremely stupid."
"I'll take that as a compliment."
Vali's wings unfurled, the silver glow restoring some of his dignity.
"We'll continue this another time. Next time, no interruptions."
"Looking forward to it," I answered.
With a burst of light, Vali and Bikou vanished from the field.
The instant they left, the overwhelming pressure lifted. My armor dissipated, breath burning in my lungs. The right side of my body still tingled with the lingering clash of powers.
Footsteps approached behind me.
Michael descended with calm poise, wings radiating gentle light. Asia and Xenovia hurried over, concern etched on their faces.
"Hyoudou Issei," Michael said, "your actions were reckless… yet impressive."
I gave a weak grin. "Thanks. I think."
I turned toward him fully. "Actually, Michael-sama… I wanted to ask something."
His head tilted. "Speak."
"Asia and Xenovia… they want to pray. To God. Even if He's gone… even if no one answers… I don't want them to suffer guilt for loving something that shaped who they are."
The two girls froze, eyes wide, hope trembling between them.
Michael smiled softly, almost sorrowfully.
"There is no sin in sincere devotion. If they wish to pray, I will permit it."
Asia gasped, tears shimmering. Xenovia looked down, clutching her sword, whispering a quiet, grateful "Thank you."
Michael turned to Azazel, who stretched lazily with a groan.
"Well then, I've seen enough chaos for today," the Governor-General muttered. "I'm taking my people and leaving. If another dragon starts screaming, someone call me."
He vanished with the Fallen Angels a moment later.
A few days passed peacefully… well, as peacefully as life in the ORC ever got.
Classes were normal. Training was intense. And then—
The clubroom door slid open.
"Yo." Azazel walked in like he owned the place, hands in his pockets. "Miss me?"
Rias blinked. "Governor-General Azazel? Why are you here?"
"Because your dear brother Sirzechs decided you kids need an advisor." He pointed at me, Yuuto, and Gasper. "Especially these three. Their Sacred Gears are unstable. I'm basically here to keep them from exploding."
Koneko raised an eyebrow. "Sounds accurate."
Azazel grinned. "Also—Sirzechs approved something else."
He pulled out a stack of papers.
"Rias Gremory's peerage is officially relocating to the Hyoudou Residence."
"EH!?" I choked.
Rias giggled, covering her mouth. "It'll be easier for training."
Akeno winked at me. "We'll be in your care, Ise-kun."
Koneko simply nodded. "I like snacks."
Asia seemed excited but flustered. Xenovia just said, "I call the room closest to Issei."
As we guided the girls to move in, it quickly became obvious—the house wasn't built for this many devils.
Rias glanced around the cramped halls, the chaos of luggage, and Asia nearly tripping over Koneko's boxes.
"…I'm asking Sirzechs to renovate this place."
Azazel laughed. "Yeah, good luck with that."
And just like that, the Hyoudou Household descended into its newest era of madness.
~~~
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