"What a coincidence, me too." Akeno had sat down in the lunchroom for a while and tried to remember someone else who picked the dish. Then she thought better of it, now that she was more certain it was a person behind the voice, and decided to ask. "Were you in the lunchroom today? We could have sat together…" She tried to be nice with the person who she knew was a fallen angel. "I could have introduced you to my friends."
*Ah! That wouldn't be a good idea- I am not- I mean*
'Is she shy?' Oh how Akeno was already planning to tease the person if that was the case.
Then the voice recovered its bearings, at least a little bit. *I usually call for food down here because I have some work, you know. Like fixing the room.*
"You were already fixing it when I was leaving." She looked around, certain the person was shy. "It certainly looks ready now and I can tell you haven't been working on it for a while."
More evidence it wasn't a machine, those couldn't manipulate a boundary field by themselves, there had to be someone to supply the mana. At least to her knowledge.
However the girl didn't dare to discard the possibility, she had seen some of Azazel's work on the first day and the man was a genius. Perhaps part of it was his age or his affinity to create but there were so many inventions and so much knowledge just in the Vault of Prosperity alone.
And Azazel admitted he didn't bring everything, that other labs in other places had more stuff but the data would be in the computers for any authorized to see.
Akeno didn't know everything, she would never claim such, but from what she saw if Azazel told her he created a robot capable of generating mana she could believe it. "Come on, why not eat with us? I can introduce you to everyone."
*You are just trying to be nice but you don't want me there.*
A frown made its way to Akeno's face. "Even knowing my past, that was a cruel thing to say." She didn't have in her heart to disagree either.
Both went silent for a while with neither willing to start the conversation again as the wounds on Akeno's heart still felt fresh. She was trying to be better and truly she just invited the voice to be nice. A part of her still distrusted fallen angels no matter how much she wanted to give them all the benefit of the doubt.
Too much hatred for too long had that effect but she was ready to move past it, a person at a time.
*It doesn't matter.* But before the Queen could show her resolve, the voice talked again. *You are here to grow stronger and it is my duty to help you do so.* It was a firm voice, confident and by no means shy. *Are you ready to continue?*
Since her new friend was willing to brush the problem away, Akeno was all too happy to do the same no matter the small voice in the back of her mind saying otherwise.
Instead she felt excitement bloom in her chest. "Let's do this thing."
The boundary field around the area began to glow as a huge power began to flood in. Soon some of the earth began to shake and golems began to emerge.
In the Underworld even the rocks were different from those of the planet Earth, the very soil needed to be different to guarantee that some of the plant life survived in the dimension despite the lack of a sun.
While it was true all ley lines there were weak if not tampered, every centimeter of land 'breathed' mana in the atmosphere. Not much but enough to be detectable and used in certain areas, almost like if a ley line was acting chaotically but that was just the natural state of that dimension.
Such a phenomena allowed for fauna and flora to prosper even if more savage and far more dangerous than in other dimensions. The mana's behavior was so uncontrollable that it was one of the reasons for the chaos around the Underworld. From the very beginning the place was set up to not tolerate weaklings.
It was not that everything that was generated there was different, there was plenty of material around that shared a counterpart on Earth and many other dimensions. But there were differences and dangers that were the result of 'mana radiation' as devils began to call once radiation was discovered.
Suddenly the way mana behaved in the Underworld made more sense and some experts could recognize the different kinds of stones, metals, plants and animals both a result of evolution and the constant radiation with mana.
Consequence of it was when golems were made front he rocks in the Underworld they were also different; stronger, more resilient, each with a color of its own. Mana acted chaotically, much like it did in the creation of chimeras and so many times the golems emerged with their own attributes without much prompt.
Akeno was already identifying a red golem, which exploded with enough damage, a green golem, which regenerated if its core wasn't destroyed, and a brown golem, more durable than the rest.
Mana kept floating the area and more golems emerged with similar colors or others like blue, white, orange and such. When 20 golems had been raised the boundary field retreated as her instructor judged Akeno had enough opponents.
"Just 20?" Obviously the Queen disagreed.
*Didn't we just talk about one of your friends pushing herself too much? You better not overload either.*
"Was that a pun-"
*Going to order them to attack now! Get ready, Akeno!*
Hearing those words warmed the Queen's circuits. "Spark up!" The call had a whip and a spear formed in her hands.
*I see you are still using your human heritage properly.* The voice sounded satisfied. *But focusing on two weapons splits your focus between them and weakens your Lightning.*
"It was you who insisted I learned the spear."
*I meant just the spear.*
Akeno shrugged nonchalantly. "It can't be helped. Someone told me I 'think too much'. Using two weapons at the same time means I have to do so less."
*That isn't- Never mind, forget it.* For a second the voice was shaking but it was a lapse too short for Akeno to notice. *Attack!*
Anything else was cut off by the sound of a rock slide with all the golems charging at Akeno. Creatures like those had no fear or any self preservation instinct at all, they just heeded orders. So they ran and threw themselves at the Queen, or at least tried as she took flight and used her weapons.
Her whip took down 3 red ones, making them explode, while her spear destroyed the core of a brown one. The core stone, the center of the spell localized on the heart beneath the toughest rock, broke apart. With it the creation followed suit as Akeno pushed her spear through its body.
Another one was hit but the core stone wasn't even scratched and so it kept its charge going but it wouldn't go far as Akeno sent more electricity to her spear until it exploded, its victim with it.
"This is easy!" Akeno shouted out. None of the golems were capable of flight, an obvious disadvantage.
But that was the golems situation, not Akeno's who kept using her whip and spear to destroy them one by one. She was getting ready to finish the last few and land with a joke to have the 'voice' create more when something came from above and grabbed her arms, dragging her down.
She had forgotten that they were in a cave and that while the golems had no intelligence, her trainer could control them with minimal effort.
The ravenhead slammed on the ground as the other golems pounced to begin to punch and stomp her. Mana was gathered quickly before anything else went wrong and an explosion of Lightning decimated the remaining constructs.
Akeno was sweating a lot and panting in exhaustion as she slowly began to stand up. Once she was on her feet, she heard the voice grumble something before speaking more clearly.
*You grew overconfident, Akeno. The moment you lower your guard is a step closer to death.* Gulping as much air as she could, the Queen nodded to show she understood. But the voice wasn't done. *Also that explosion drained most of your reserves. In a longer fight you would be vulnerable to any opponent remaining.*
'Not surprising since I just did a faster version of Departure of Lightning.' Moving a little she approached the door and got to her bag. There she found water which she drank greedily. "I didn't hear the golem climbing." She commented before drinking more.
*Because it didn't.* Mana poured on some rocks and another golem emerged before Akeno noticed it had no legs. Yet the construct moved around like the rock was liquid. *Don't just guess your enemies capabilities; Treat only what you know for sure as fact and even then pay attention to any changes.* Then the voice suddenly silenced itself before remarking. *But your Lightning was magnificent, the way it exploded out of your body without harming you… I never would have thought of that.*
Seeing as the voice sounded proud, even if they both knew that the skill had its flaws, Akeno saw a chance to fix a mistake she made on her first day. "Perhaps it is good enough for you to give me your name?" Both paused as she stood there in an awkward silence. "Look, I know I was rude on the first day and that you are only here because Azazel ordered but… I am trying to improve." 'Trying to accept myself.'
Because everyone, including herself no matter how much she wanted to deny, agreed that if she was to grow stronger then her only option was stopping to hold back the Light.
Even now Himejima Akeno kept it on a leash but options were scarce and by observing the fallen angels around she realized that blamining every single one of them for her problems was wrong on too many levels.
She was making progress, just not within herself.
*If…* The voice stopped for a moment. *If you use your true Lightning-*
Akeno looked at her hands and shook her head. "I am not ready for that yet." She placed the empty bottle back on the bag.
A small sigh escaped the speaker but then the voice cleared its throat. *Then if you manage to survive a day without getting hit I will tell you my name.*
That offer did surprise Akeno. "Oho~ Wanna make it into a bet?"
*I read somewhere that it was an excellent way to incentivise children; a challenge with a clear goal does wonders. There was not a day that my golems didn't manage to hit you. Change that… and I will step into the room and we can talk, if you want.*
"And if I fail, am I going to be punished?~"
*Maybe?* The voice wasn't really getting the hint.
"Starting from now?" Because if not then she already lost for the day.
Another 20 golems emerged from stone. *Starting from now since mischievous children need something to learn their lesson.*
Calling forward her Lightning, Akeno prepared for the signal for the start.
It never came and she barely managed to dodge the first attack.
…
No matter how much she protested, Xenovia failed to convince Shirou she wasn't going to get back to training the moment she left his sight. Instead of giving an order, like he could, the redhead decided to follow her to her room and wait until she had finished a proper shower.
He was there when she got a blue shirt and jeans, still waiting patiently with his arms crossed and using the wall as a support. "Ready to go?" Asked the magus as he stood up.
"You really didn't need to wait, Master."
"So you weren't going to train if I hadn't?"
"I was planning to go straight to the lab."
"By going the long way around after a run?" Shirou's tone of voice dared her to lie to him.
She wouldn't. "That defeat still stings."
"For the last time; you made a mistake, everyone does it. Instead of dragging yourself to bed everyday, you should focus on not doing it again." He lost count how many times he had already said it. "I get that you want to get faster but these things take time." Xenovia avoided his gaze but he approached, prompting her to look at him. "Please, I just don't want you to overwork yourself."
"Fine, I will try something else." Xenovia still was going to try and find a way to approach fights better.
Realizing that it was the best he was going to get, Shirou just made a note to keep an eye on Xenovia so she didn't burn herself out. 'At this point Medusa and Liz are already back in the lab.' He turned and began to walk away, his knight right behind, as other thoughts began to fill his mind. 'If we take too long then Azazel may give another try at asking Medusa to make divine metal. Even her Gift was more of a Miracle than a conscious effort on her part…'
They soon were on the elevator and the redhead used his badge to unlock the floor they would be going in. Without a badge pressing the button was worthless even if someone knew where his workshop, Azazel's lab, was located.
It wasn't the last floors, as those were reserved for the more harsh training but it was close. Still on the underground but a few floors above, the place even had special tubes to use magma as a source of energy or to use it in his forging. Also some boundary fields for protection and security that would warn the main security room every time someone arrived.
While most floors were divided into dozens of rooms and had an equal number of functions, the 5th underground floor was much more reserved.
It had a workshop similar to Shirou's own back in his home but more spacious for him to share with his students, a term he was still struggling with, a lab for Azazel, the main lab that everyone worked on and bathrooms.
The main lab itself took most of the space and the moment one left the elevator they could already see its door at the end of the hallway, already open as Azazel saw no reason to close it when there were people working.
All around the place there were computers, tubes and all manner of equipment from lenses connected to machines capable of analyzing mana to an ultrasound machine capable of inspecting the soul.
Some of those inventions, most of them in fact, were the result of Azazel's research and adaptability. Once the man said "While humans managed to evolve I will be beside them doing my own thing, not exactly the same but close enough if not in another direction. The more magical direction."
Other machines were different versions of the same thing that devils developed more recently mixed with some of Ajuka Beelzebub's donations. Usually those were a little bigger and more cumbersome but while Azazel's equipment was good in detecting sacred gears, the Ajuka's were better for other irregularities.
Regardless none of that got Shirou's attention when the elevator doors opened, he was already used to most of it.
What caught his ears was the maniacal laugh from Azazel that filled the floor." Bwahahahaha! Finally it is here! The piece that was missing! Hahahahaha!
"Is he going to try and take over the world?" Xenovia joked with a smile.
One that Shirou reciprocated. "Nah, too much paperwork." A good thing about having students, he could push his reports on them.
He saw his lover suffer with them for over an year and the redhead feared falling for the same torment. It also would get in the way of his work so when Shirou was told he would have to make reports he turned to his students to ask if any of them wanted to help.
They all took the job and he set up a rotation system so nobody got all the work but when he tried to include himself they insisted he focused on his swords, something the Son of the Magus Killer was happy to oblige.
Still he wondered if there was some way to thank them for the help. "Maybe some dumplings?"
"Master?"
"It's nothing-" Another bout of laughter interrupted his train of thought. "We better check what has Azazel in such a good mood."
Both stepped up to the lab where everyone was watching Azazel let his inner mad scientist out with some trepidation. Not the other fallen angels though, if anything they looked used to it with some of them sporting insane grins of their own.
However, that didn't stay on Shirou's mind for long as he noticed three new people in the area; two men and a woman.
And one of them was familiar to Shirou. 'Isn't that Rias' cousin?' Another bout of laughter stopped him from thinking about it and so he turned to his lab partner. "Any reason why you sound like you just got a death laser?"
"Ah, Shirou. You are back and just in time." Azazel controlled himself and placed his hands in his pockets to assume an aloof posture. "Thought that since Medusa and Liz came by themselves that you would be taking a break." Looking at him now, anyone would think the Cadre normal.
"And leave you unsupervised? When we just finished a prototype?"
"My, my. Where is the trust?"
"Where did that crazy laugh come from? Did you really get a death ray? Or perhaps the giant robot finally came through."
"Why would I make a death ray? I can already blow up stuff by myself."
The redhead offered a smile. "And the giant robot?"
"Needs more funding. Maybe your metal can help with it once it is perfected. We still need a name for it, by the way."
Disbelief colored Shirou's face. "I was joking."
"I wasn't." Azazel was as happy as a dog with a bone. "But anyway, we can talk about project G later-"
"Kinda want to talk about it right now. What do you want a giant robot for-"
"Have you met our guests?" Azazel waved to the three new arrivals, one watching in confusion, other with amusement and the last one looking between the two sides like they were discussing something completely insane.
"It has been too long, Shirou." The amused one spoke first.
"Sairaorg, it is good to see you again." The two shook hands as the pureblood devil was mostly how Shirou remembered him from Rias' first Rating Game if only with more casual clothes dressed in a black blazer with gold lines under a white vest and black pants. Still the wardrobe of a noble. "How have you been?"
"Fine, great even. Finally my old man is giving me more responsibilities in the Clan, especially with the tournament coming. Unfortunately it is still like pulling teeth." His smile could have him on the cover of a magazine and, had Shirou been anyone else, the handshake would have broken his hand. "But that is that and this is this. It is good to see you again."
"Same here even if you have to deal with my 'lab partner'." The title was given with mocking.
"Oi, I am right here."
"That insane laughter could have started a village riot."
"Hahahaha! He was just excited." Sairaorg pointed out before chuckling a little. "You have no idea how many times he asked for a meeting with me or insisted on a visit when the Vault of Prosperity construction began."
"Believe me, I know."
"Kuku, if you say so." Sairaorg turned around and beckoned the people with him to approach. "But you arrived right on time for introductions since we don't know everyone here, many of you don't know us. First allow me to introduce the reason for Azazel's excitement-"
"Shirou, you are going to love this!"
"Regulus." A young man, a boy in Shirou's eyes, stepped forward and nodded his head with pride. He had dark orange hair, golden eyes and some marks around his face that accentuated his golden mask.
He also was dressed as a noble but his clothes while looking impressive had a cheapness about them easy to identify. It was the material which wasn't that good even if they looked the part. Except the mask which looked to be made of pure gold and therefore was the most expensive part of his costume.
Another shake of hands, and a giddy Azazel who couldn't stop smiling, showed that Regulus was also quite strong.
"Nice to meet you, Mage of Swords." The voice sounded far too old for the body it was coming from.
"You as well, Regulus-san." There was something on the eyes behind the mask, something that had Shirou's instincts warning him of a danger he couldn't comprehend. 'It is like… Medusa?'
From the corner of his eye he looked at the purple haired goddess and noticed that her own eyes were stuck on the orange haired youth. The Mage's attention completely returned to him as he tried to sense something but besides his instincts nothing else was odd on that person.
Even his nose failed to detect any mana, not even the scent that every devil usually had.
Before Azazel could comment anything else Sairaorg called forth the beautiful woman who was the third stranger in the lab. "This is my Queen, Kuisha Abaddon from the Abaddon Clan. Never will you meet someone more trustworthy on the battlefield or out of it."
"Greetings. It is a privilege to be with you all." Her tone was respectful and cordial as she curtsied like a proper noble.
Much like Rias and Akeno, this one also had a beauty that couldn't be called human with a pleasant and perfect face that would have artists fighting to have her as a model.
Her clothes also accentuated that as they did nothing to hide her form; her cleavage was open for all to see in much like her belly button, her shoulders equally exposed as she had sleeves that went from her wrist to just below them. She also wore trousers and a belt, refined but strong clothes for both a strout and combat.
Blonde hair was tied in a ponytail that reached her shoulders and her blue eyes were firm but respectful as she bowed her head with a hand on her breast. "It is an honor to meet the person who helped the Gremory reach greater heights." Then she turned her attention to Medusa whose eyes never left the orange haired youth. "And a greater honor to meet a goddess in the flesh. Hail to you, Lady Medusa."
Finally the Goddess of Snakes attention left Regulus as she regarded the devil. "A pleasure to meet you."
The Queen nodded with a happy smile before raising her arms to her King. "And last but not least, hail to Lord Sairaorg Bael, Heir and Future Head of Bael, True Heir of Bael, the Conqueror of the Desert of White Sands, Tamer of Lions, Winner of a Hundred Battles and Future Maou."
Each title made Sairaorg puff his chest a little more and it made evident every single one of those was earned in some way. Most had no clue where the 'Winner of a Thousand Battles' came from but the 'Future Maou' one was the only aspirational one as he didn't look arrogant in the slightest.
No, what he exuded wasn't a confidence that could only belong to someone who already did much and was ready to do more. Someone who saw a challenge, a dream so bright he would refuse to let it go and would take it from the grip of death itself if necessary.
Such was the presence that Sairaorg Bael gave out, one that wouldn't retreat before any challenge and instead would take them with gusto if it was for his goals.
Azazel gave a moment to see if anyone was going to say something else since he had things he wanted to get started. That and he also noticed an important omission.
"Nice to meet you all." Shirou beated him to the punch with a chuckle and a small bow. Then he turned to his friends. "Since I think everyone in the lab must have introduced themselves already, let me do the rest. This is Xenovia Quarta." He was moving to Liz when the bluehead cleared her throat. "What is wrong?"
"You forgot the rest, Master."
"Rest?"
"Indeed. As your knight, I'm beholden to my own titles." She raised her sword high, earning a raised eyebrow from Kushia and a smile from Sairaorg who could see what was coming. "I am Xenovia Quarta, Owner of Durandal, the Pereless Sword and the first of my Master's knights."
Some of the audience, Shirou's so-called students, applauded the introduction while Kushia approached and offered her hand. "It should be expected that someone with his prestige would have an equally impressive servant."
"You as well. Don't think I didn't recognize the name Abaddon. You are from the Extra Devils, are you not?"
"Correct. And the strongest of my Clan even if not the Heir." Kushia and Xenovia held a firm handshake before separating.
Shirou blinked a few times but in the end shrugged and pointed to Liz. "This is Liz." The white haired woman waved.
But that wasn't enough for the bluehead. "Maid of the Emiya Family, stronger than a dozen men and capable of shrug off hundreds of curses."
'Why, oh why?' Shirou knew why; Xenovia was trying to be a good knight and show that his 'House' was worthy of respect. 'Unfortunately I can't stop the next one.' "And of course you already heard about Medusa."
"Queen of the Serpents, Goddess of Snakes whose appearance is capable of hypnotizing gods and humans alike." And Xenovia was trying to sound as flattering as possible. "Behold her beauty and now that while she isn't a Gorgon any longer she can still make the world tremble with her power."
A pause came before Medusa gave her appraisal. "You forgot Goddess of Beauty but it was a good introduction nonetheless."
"My apologies, this is my first time doing this." But Xenovia was excited for the next one. "And he is-"
Just for Shirou to close her mouth with a hand. "Emiya Shirou. Sairaorg already knows me." A confused glance from Xenovia told him that wasn't good enough but it was an introduction he was more than satisfied with.
What Shirou forgot was that another person liked to give him titles. "Champion of Medusa, Defender of Fuyuki, Mage of Swords, Restorer of Caliburn, He Who Brought Down the White Dragon Emperor." The redhead turned to Liz who lowered her head on a curtsy worthy of a maid of her caliber. Worse yet for him, the new arrivals and many of the others present were looking at him with a lot of admiration. "Magician of the Gremory and Inheritor of Muramasa, He Whose Food Made Lucifer Weep With Joy."
"That last one I can testify by the way." Azazel added with a grin as the redhead let Xenovia go and glared at him. "Seriously, Sairaorg, Shirou here is the best cook I ever met. Most of the core family of Gremory will back up my words."
"Really? So he really made Sirzechs cry with food?" Sairaorg and his Pieces stared at Shirou with astonishment. "Now I am curious."
"Can I try some?" Regulus approached and asked with an intense gaze.
"I would be happy to cook." And happier still to leave the subject of titles, no matter how satisfied Xenovia looked or smug Medusa appeared to be. He was also sure Liz had another of her tiny smiles that anyone but him seemed to notice. "But I doubt that is the reason you guys are here. Azazel, why were you laughing like a mad scientist?"
"What I want to know is why didn't I get a cool introduction from my subordinates when Sairaorg's group first arrived?" With a tense smile, Azazel turned to the other fallen angels. None of them looked even remotely intimidated and just got back to work. "Feeling the love guys. Just feeling the love."
"Azazel…" Shirou repeated the name in a lower tone.
Violet eyes roll. "Chill out a bit dude. You know I am not planning to conquer the world or anything."
"Won't stop you from making something dangerous that may blow up on our faces later."
"You are exaggerating."
"You just admitted you are planning to build a giant robot."
"And we will be able to either control or blow it up easily. It is to help with exploration and perhaps build spaceships for, you know, beings that can't breathe in space? Like 99% of mankind." Azazel was leaving something out and Shirou knew it. And the Cadre knew the Mage knew it. "Okay, fine. Just want to have a giant robot. Is that so wrong?"
At the confession Shirou let out a sigh. "No weapons of mass destruction, right?" An eager nod was the reply. "Then I suppose not." He had no idea how they were going to do it but the man was determined.
"Great! But that is for later. Now what is important to the main project. Sairaorg, any reason why you didn't give Regulus here a proper introduction?"
"What are you talking about?" A playful smile grew on Bael's face. "Regulus went first to show respect and his introduction followed proper protocol."
"But you didn't even-"
"I don't introduce myself as a pureblood devil, do I?" He turned to his Queen who was dramatically shrugging and chuckling. "Is that a new convention I haven't heard of, Kuisha?"
"Perhaps a fallen angel tradition, milord."
Regulus shook his head with a grin and Azazel smiled. "You guys had your fun and we have work to do. Well, I have because… if Regulus would be so kind as to show why you are here today."
The orange haired youth turned to Sairaorg who nodded and took a few steps back. "If my lord wishes it." His hand came to his mask and he moved it with a roguish smile before throwing it to Kuisha.
In the split of a second everyone felt an immense power coming from the young man and his body began to shake. His arm jumped from besides his torso like it was trying to leave the body only to reveal it had grown far bigger.
Same was true for everything else as the power didn't explode as much as it let everyone else be aware of its existence. All present felt like a mountain of power suddenly came upon view before it returned to the form of the boy as it twitched and changed.
There was no longer a boy anymore and many would have difficulty saying that what they were looking at was a devil of any kind not only because of the presence he had but also because a golden lion now stood on Regulus place.
"Ladies and Gentlemen. My respectable public. Allow me to introduce you to the legendary Beast of Greece." Azazel began with some flair as Medusa took a step forward and the lion stood at his full height.
Even for lions this one was at least a few times bigger and more muscular, his whole body seemed to be made of gold as his mane shone with sparks that looked like gold dust.
Also there was some Divine power, the kind which was familiar to all present, but it was buried under the presence of the lion's strength as the power he let out could only be his own.
The Cadre continued the introduction. "One of the children of Typhon, the King of Monsters who almost brought down Zeus. His fame was great and the fear he inspired greater until one of Zeus' Children came to end his reign." A roar covered the lab as the giant lion turned to Azazel with a glare. He just chuckled and moved on. "When he fell it was against the Strongest of Greeks, Heracles in the first of the Twelve Labors and only because of the man's Divine strength. This is the one, the only, the Nemean Lion." He then turned to his assistants. "That is how you do an introduction."
"I would appreciate not being reminded of that monster of a man." Regulus, still with the voice of a young man but older than a boy, snarled at the fallen angels. His glare was so strong that only Azazel wasn't intimidated for all the others retreated and one even kneeled in fear.
"Hey, don't be like that. Not everyone can say it took Heracles to take them down. Only you, the Hydra, Cerberus, Ares' birds…" Each mention of a Labor only made Regulus more upset. "I will shut up now."
"Hmph." The glare still remained but the lion turned away from the fallen angels to look at someone more important. "Lady Medusa." He greeted her with respect, more than he gave Azazel.
"The Nemean Lion, or is Regulus your real name?" The goddess had already approached and looked even more petite before the giant lion.
"Regulus is the name I was given but I never mind being singled out as the only Lion of Nemea was always acceptable. Either way, it is an honor to finally meet you."
"Mine as well. Never I thought I would encounter someone of those days." She extended a hand and Regulus allowed her to touch his mane, something that impressed Sairaorg and Kuisha. "I am sorry you also fell."
"The Bastards of Zeus were monsters of their time. Even from my corner of the world I heard of your passing when people began to pray to Perseus." He let out a growl.
Medusa nodded at the name, a look of annoyance on her face. "But you faced the worst one later; they sent you the strongest one and he skinned you." Her touch was delicate and Regulus began to enjoy her warmth. The giant lion sat down as she caressed his head. "Such indignation was what made his legend because without you Heracles would have died a thousand of times or more."
"Such kind words, my lady. I am flattered. Once I heard you have taken down an army of hundreds of invaders with just your gaze. Was that true?"
"It was my proudest moment before losing myself to madness. My sisters and I celebrated much that day." The two mythological beings from Greece just sat there complementing each other and trading what sounded like war stories.
Which left plenty of those around confused while the others were intimidated to approach or interrupt the creatures that needed Heroes like Perseus and Heracles to bring them down.
Doubly so with Shirou and Sairaorg around. "Hey, thanks for bringing him here." Started the redhead. "I think Medusa needed someone from the 'old days' to talk." He hadn't realized that until then.
Same with the Heir of Bael. "Indeed. I didn't know Regulus could be so cozy with someone but me." Sairaorg began to rub his chin as Medusa started to talk about her island and Regulus offered all his attention. "Then again, they have a lot in common. It is always good to make a friend like that." Then the man snapped. "Ah, but I didn't come here for that, Azazel invited us."
Speaking of the fallen angel he jumped behind both young men and hugged their shoulders. "Of course I did." He began to laugh maniacally again. "How couldn't I? Only a poor scientist would let such an opportunity escape."
"And that is?" Shirou was paying more attention to Medusa's smile but was still losing his patience. 'I swear Kokabiel wasn't the only one with a penchant for theatrics.'
"It would be easier if Sairaorg told you how he came across Regulus on a day of storm."
"It was summer and the heat was a killer."
"Details, details. Point is, Shirou, can you use Structural Analysis on a lion?"
A flat stare was the response. "Because he looks to be made of moving gold? What are you implying? That he is a weapon of some kind?" The grin on the fallen angel said it all. "For the love of- Just say it."
"Sacred gear. Or Regulus Nemea as my Father was so imaginative to call it."
"So that was your Fate." Medusa's voice, full of pity and sympathy, cut through the lab.
The lion separated from her and stood up to his full height once again. "Indeed, my lady. After having the life choked out of me by that Bastard of Zeus, my soul was collected by the one named God." He didn't sound particularly thrilled by the notion. "That being was powerful, so much so I couldn't fight back when he stuck me inside this ax."
"'Ax'?" For a moment Shirou thought he heard wrong.
"You don't look like an ax to me." However Xenovia dissuaded any doubts and approached the giant lion. "Are you sure God didn't just give you another body?"
Regulus moved too swiftly for his size, suddenly appearing just centimeters from Xenovia's face. Many grew agitated by the sudden action but not the bluehead herself, she stared back at the lion's golden eyes, blazes that shone brighter than the jewel on his forehead. Her breathing didn't change but the lion's did.
He was angry. "My state has nothing to do with your God or his charity. I was a soul stuck into an ax. And still am." His words were slow and Xenovia could smell the meat on his breath. The rage of the lion didn't scare the girl but he was furious. "This form isn't born of your God's power but my own rage. For my vengeance!"
"What happened?" Shirou whispered to Sairaorg.
But Regulus heard. "They killed him in cold blood. They told him they were his friends, we fought together and Elias would have given his blood and life for any of them!" The lion began to walk around, eyes still on Xenovia like the predator he was. The young woman stood firmly in the center, her head keeping up with the legendary lion. "And they betrayed him! Moved in the night like thieves, worms, and stabbed him in the gut. Elias was too terrified, too confused to react. All for a meager reward!"
A heavy silence washed over the lab as the lion continued pacing around the former Exorcist who felt the weight of the atmosphere on her shoulders.
But it would never last for long. "He was rampaging when some devils came across him." Sairaorg spoke softly. "It was on devil territory and a lot of the place was already destroyed when the first of us showed up. Regulus was too powerful for the average devil to stop him so I was called."
"But why you?" Risking a pureblood devil, an Heir to boot, wasn't something Shirou saw them doing.
And in most cases he would be right. "I have a way with lions." Sairaorg commented with pride. "Short of a Maou, or at least an Ultimate Class devil, nobody would be able to stop Regulus and that would lead to his destruction." He chuckled. "Say whatever you want about us devils but we weren't going to waste the opportunity of trying to recruit him. I was just the best one for the job and somehow managed it."
"You wrestled with Regulus until he calmed down, milord." Kuisha chipped in with a smile. "Besides you, nobody else could have done it and not just because of your Power."
A curious look appeared on Shirou's face, one that Sairaorg noticed. "Power of Taming(Lion). The Power I was born with and a good thing too since I am not the most magically inclined like most devils."
So many questions flew over the redhead's mind but he focused on what he could deduce. "Your mother's?" A nod confirmed it. "But you are the Heir of Bael. Even then risking you-"
"Vapula is pretty much extinct. Possibly my children will inherit that name, at least my second one after the next Heir of Bael is born." He was pleased by the prospect but most of his focus was on the present, not future. "That is not relevant right now, just know that thanks to Vapula's Power I managed to reach him and talk to him despite his rage." A scowl grew on his face but one of concern. "A lot of damage was still done."
"But vengeance was delivered." Regulus didn't care about who else got hurt. Only avenging his former partner. "Elias' former friends, those traitors, I crushed and devoured every single one of them. They all begged for mercy but even their tears and blood weren't enough to satisfy me. Only their lives did- Not even that! All around had to pay for that crime! They had to know! It was the only explanation!"
"Regulus…" Medusa looked at the lion with sadness and he turned to look back at her.
An understanding so deep it reached their souls resonated as the goddess nodded to show she understood. He did the same back, recognizing that she did and showing his appreciation. Despite Elias being a human he had treated Regulus well and was a kind soul.
The Nemean Lion couldn't accept his death, he just couldn't and so his fury, his rage, gave him power. A power never seen before, one capable of breaking or at least loosening the chains of a sacred gear.
"I am sorry." Xenovia suddenly spoke respectfully, slowly, earning once again the giant lion's attention. "It wasn't a Miracle that gave you power. It was your own will. Sorry for not realizing it sooner."
Regulus stood there with his eyes focused on Xenovia, staring intensely in her brown eyes. She didn't look away nor showed any fear, just stared back with sympathy.
Once Regulus judged that her apology was sincere, he let out a growl and turned his back walking towards Medusa before walking around the goddess two times and laying down with his paws supporting his head.
Medusa wasted no time and approached the Nemean Lion, fixing his mane with her hands and getting rid of any knots she could find. Xenovia lowered her head to apologize once again before taking a step back and returning to Shirou's side. Sairaorg and Kuisha watched her, impressed.
Despite everything she wasn't even shaking. "You have good subordinates, Mage of Swords." The Queen commented and Shirou groaned before turning to Azazel.
"An autonomous sacred gear going around long after its owner died. Shouldn't that be impossible?"
"Indeed, indeed, indeed. And that isn't a Balance Break either. That form is something completely new and unique." Azazel sounded like a kid who just inherited a chocolate factory. "Sairaorg here isn't giving any of his mana either."
"Not like he needs it." Added the pureblood devil with a smile. "That is Regulus'… I suppose we should call it his 'natural state'. Or close to it." Sairaorg himself didn't know how the lion did it. "I was even capable of Reincarnating him."
Shirou, Xenovia and Liz were stunned by the revelation. "So he is-"
"A devil or we think so." Sairaorg didn't blame them for their open mouths and clear confusion. "He is my Pawn and took me seven Pieces to bring him into the fold."
"And lord Sairaorg managed to do it after wrestling with Regulus for hours." Kuisha added with pride. "It was a fight for the ages… mostly because our King refused outside interference."
"And lose the chance of facing someone that strong in a 1 on 1? Perish the thought." Sairaorg was grinning at the memory. "It was a great fight! Regulus is strong and if it wasn't for my Power I think he would have eaten me for lunch."
"At least he has a body after Heracles killed his old one. That Reincarnation can be possible… Or maybe not? Damn, wish I could ask him what he did with the original skin." Azazel saw Regulus glare at him. "Either way, that lion holds the answers of how sacred gears can survive away from a soul and not return to the System. Wanted to study him ever since I heard about the incident but couldn't until now."
"Not a Balance Break but he is still here…" Envisioning the Ax, since he couldn't add it to his Reality Marble, Shirou could understand Azazel's interest.
Regulus was an impossibility, something that was breaking every established rule just by existing and if that could be repeated then the Sacred Gear System would become obsolete.
Or at least replicable, the redhead wasn't naive to think that wasn't his lab partner's goal as the man had been trying to create his own sacred gears for centuries while removing the flaws he encountered.
All because Regulus was able to challenge the World Order. "Where do we begin?" Shirou couldn't help but be curious about the Nemean Lion's condition.
"Yeah… You aren't helping me with this." To his credit Azazel sounded bashful.
"Wait, what?" The Mage turned to stare at the man like he grew a second head. "I am sorry, I think I just heard that I won't be helping you in the research that, you know, you practically dragged me into helping in the first place. There must be something in my ear."
Azazel sighed and approached the redhead to place a hand on his shoulder. "Look, you know that our idea of combining our research has a future. It already worked once." Shirou folded his arms and waited. "But you don't know enough about sacred gears to help me with this part."
"I have been studying them."
"Yeah, even in your free time which, by the way, you don't get much."
"Master, you truly are a hypocrite." Xenovia commented as she quickly understood that Shirou was running around doing more than he should. Again.
"Never said I wasn't and Medusa is here to keep me honest." He pointed his thumb to the goddess, still busy with Regulus who was enjoying a belly rub. 'Didn't peg her for a cat person.'
"Funny you mention that. Did you know that Rias, your mother and your father are on my case if, and I quote, 'have Shirou working like mad because he doesn't know the meaning of temperance'?" Azazel asked with a strained smile. "Because they are."
"Figures. Guessed it the moment Medusa started complaining every time I was working too much."
"As my protector you should pace yourself better." Nobody knew if the image of a little girl playing with a lion was endearing or frightening. "And your mother argued a good case."
"When?"
"Just before we left Fuyuki."
Facepalming hard, Shirou let his hand fall from his face slowly. "I knew I shouldn't have let you two alone by yourselves, that little voice in my head was nagging me." He then glared at Azazel. "So what now? Should I go around and sit on my thumbs as you work with the main stuff."
"To be fair, you don't know enough about sacred gears to help with this. Your students also are going to get their break or are going to further their studies since they are on the same boat." The devils nodded their heads at the fallen angel's words. "But if you want to do something useful~"
"Lord Azazel must I remind you that Lord Emiya demanded his son have a day for himself?" One of the devils, a man with spiky hair and lean physique who was also wearing a lab coat, raised a hand. "His command was seconded by Lord Lucifer so please give him some time."
"I don't need time. We should be working."
"Master…" Xenovia sounded a little annoyed.
"Xenovia, I don't drag myself back to bed every night like you were doing." He still can't say he never did it but the bluehead accepted his criticism.
Azazel watched the byplay before chuckling. "But my friends, don't you all forget something important about prototypes? They need to be tested thoroughly." The man said as he waved to a tube, or better yet the sword inside of it. "And while the initial tests were good, we need data from more chaotic situations that may, or may not, happen if Shirou were to explore the Underworld a little."
"Are you suggesting I go around and pick a fight?" Shirou didn't mind finding a savage monster of some kind to train.
However Sairaorg saw it differently. "From what he said I think lord Azazel was implying more the possibility which means he wants you to check our towns."
Snapping his fingers in triumph, Azazel pointed to the Heir of Bael. "That is it! Also you don't need to call me lord, Sairaorg. If so we need to get formal and that is boring."
"Heh, fine by me." He turned to the still confused Shirou. "Fights and confrontations are common for us devils. We value strength and if someone were to challenge you to a fight it would be polite to accept."
"So you have duels here and stuff?" Xenovia sounded excited about the idea.
An idea most devils were nodding in affirmation. "Of course there are rules and you can't break the laws. Also the confrontations must be contained and can be scheduled but that is the gist of it."
Kuisha picked up from where her King left off. "There are always devils who try to use tradition to get away from their troubles or start something after committing a crime." She noticed how the redhead looked concerned. "It is expected since everyone can use magic to defend themselves but some acts have the police enforcing the laws when necessary."
"Also the average devil can request for an officer to fight for them or even a friend if they want. Not everything starts a duel." Sairaorg felt the need to add for the sake of the Mage's sensibilities. "There are also a ton of rules for starting duels so they aren't common but it is always a possibility."
'A possibility that could have a fight starting anywhere with dozens of witnesses and potential intruders. Lovely.' Shirou shook his head and turned to Azazel. "So you expect me to go out and find some trouble?"
"From what I heard you have E Rank luck." Azazel joked and Shirou's glare grew as heated as the sun.
"Someone is not getting any food once we get together again. I would guess either Rias, Kiba or Issei. Doesn't matter." He stopped the Cadre from replying. "I will find out later anyway." Still he had other concerns. "Am I to explore the forests or something?"
"I was thinking more about the capital of Gremory, Runeas."
"Stuff like that happens even in the capital? Of course it does. I need to stop thinking this is Earth." Shirou began to massage the bridge of his nose. "I suppose it is better than nothing. Not like I will be going there looking for a fight."
"It probably won't happen either. Most devils don't just get to fight in the streets." Sairaorg observed before tapping the redhead's back. "Or at all. This kind of stuff has a proper place and time."
"So I don't need to take the sword." Shirou actually sounded upset about it.
However Azazel let out a small laugh. "Of course you do! Or do you want everyone to know that the Mage of Swords is around town." Shirou raised an eyebrow. "You are famous around these parts, kid."
"Indeed you are." Another devil, this one taller than the last with more muscle, an almost shaved head, shaved face and a scar on his chin, spoke quickly. "You are the Magician of Gremory and lady Rias chosen human. Never mind that, you are the Mage of Swords." All devils in the place nodded and smiled at the title. "Your weapons are works of art and your power is greater than the White Dragon Emperor. Everybody knows about you."
"At least in Gremory territory." Kuisha informed he freely. "Probably it won't be a problem if we take you out to another territory for this outing. Perhaps the Bael's?"
"Nah, we should show him around Runeas." Sairaorg decided with a boisterous laugh. "It would take too long and we would be jumping around a lot of magic circles to get him on our territory discreetly."
"You want to show us around?" Because Shirou doubted he was going alone, Xenovia looked too excited to be dissuaded from joining even if he tried.
"Of course. Better to have someone who knows the lay of the land so you can see the best places. And trust me, I know Runeas better than most of the Bael territory." He then looked at Shirou and rubbed his chin. "But that may present some problems on and off itself since you guys don't have any wings. Can you fly on your own?"
"I have a solution to that." Azazel rushed to the side and pressed some buttons on a computer before it revealed a compartment to its side. "So it is Shirou, Liz, Xenovia and Medusa going?" He asked while picking up some black clothes.
"I will stay here." Medusa announced with a smile, as she relaxed on the Nemean Lion's back. "I don't trust him with Regulus."
"Cold." Azazel finished gathering his stuff as Shirou turned to Liz.
"Do you want to come?" The maid stopped to think for a moment, looking between Xenovia, who was clearly going, and Shirou.
"I trust you to watch over our Master."
"Of course!"
With that the woman nodded to Medusa. "Then I shall stay."
"Two people then, here you go." Azazel played with one of the black cloaks held while presenting Shirou and Xenovia with two.
They were all black with no details or sign of anyone who had even worked on them or if it was made by someone at all. If anything the thing looked like tar but more malleable and solid, a pure black that gave nothing away while still keeping itself bright. Still, besides its unusual appearance, it had nothing special at first glance.
"What are they?" Mana flared and the information was processed by his brain. "What the hell? What are these?" His mind told him a hundred different things at once, most of which he couldn't understand.
"Well, I was watching one of these cartoons a few years ago and they had the most fun notion: jetpacks!" Azazel placed his arms inside the cloak and it suddenly had sleeves. It wasn't a cloak anymore but a jacket that the fallen angel sent some mana to and bat-like wings grew in his back much to everyones' surprise. "Or something close."
Then the wings changed and began much like a crow's or a fallen angel, much to the interest of his audience." Jetpacks?" Xenovia asked with wonder. "So we can fly with this things?"
"Not fly, per say." Azazel jumped a little and the wings worked to keep him steady. "Huh, still weird since they aren't my own pair." He mumbled before speaking louder. "It is more akin to floating but you can get a lot of height with it. Just don't expect to go fast."
"Ahhh." Clearly the bluehead was disappointed.
"Fascinating. I didn't know you had this kind of technology already, Azazel." Sairaorg saw the potential those capes could have, each and every agent of the Grigori could take the skies or avoid combat.
Sure it wasn't useful for devils or even fallen angels but in combat the more normal members of any side could make a tremendous difference if the power levels were close.
Then Azazel looked a little irritated. "Nah, these are failures. Their goal was, as you guessed, to have our human agents flying with us. Unfortunately these things still consume a boat load of mana just to fly slow." He glared at his invention before landing. "Getting a flight enchantment on them was easy, making the material as well. Just have the battery problem to fix."
"Can't they use Ki or maybe their pure stamina?"
"Attempts 37 and 96… I don't want to talk about them…" Azazel looked guilty and all could only guess what was the result.
But Xenovia was still interested. "Perhaps using the power of prayer would be possible?" All eyes turned to her. "I mean, I was never an Executor but even some Exorcists could channel the Lord's prayers for certain rituals and exorcisms. At least the elite of the elite."
"That was a theory that I had." The Cadre looked back to the purple haired goddess lying comfortably on the lion. "If only we could change the God System so everybody loyal could use the prayers." He was completely ignored. "But I digress. It is a failure that it holds no resistance, no power, the wings can be broken with barely a touch and it is bound to fail more times than not… It still can fly a little and if the people using it are competent-"
"How do I use it?" It was the answer to Xenovia's prayers as she grabbed the cloak and began to try and find the sleeves.
She didn't need to look for long as some just opened for her after a few attempts. "It adapts to your thoughts. Was one of my first real attempts to create sacred gears." Explained Azazel. "Unfortunately, direct yourself to all the reasons it sucks, for the reason why it is a failure." Xenovia made an expression of effort, clearly trying to get the thing to work. "Hey, don't try to force it. You just need to let your imagination take hold and do the-"
Wings sprung on the bluehead's back and she began to float a little before laughing out loud. "I can fly! I can fly! Look, Master!" She did a small spin before doing a backflip. "I can actually fly!"
"Hehe. I can see that." Shirou and the rest watched as Xenovia began to move around the lab with childish glee. She touched the ceiling and the walls before laughing some more and approaching some of the tubes with experiments. "So you can make anyone fly?"
"Anyone who can use mana." The Cadre smiled at the girl's happy expression. "Just make it into some clothing and imagine it."
"Sounds easy enough." The cape easily became a copy of his coat and then turned into bat wings. When he began to float, Shirou frowned. "Bellerophon, calm down. This is a temporary thing."
"Problems in paradise?"
After landing, the Mage let out a sign. "Bellerophon doesn't like the idea but… it is the best we are going to get."
"Then we can get going?" Sairaorg sounded excited. "I wonder how much Runeas changed over the years."
"Milord shouldn't expect so much. You have been away for barely a decade so obviously it is still the same."
"Who knows, Kuisha? Things are changing quickly and Rias' triumph over Riser made waves."
Shirou took off the cloak so he could take off his lab coat, revealing a black undershirt. He folded it before handing the lab coat to a devil who took it away. "Well I have never been there so it will be a new experience for me either way."
"Whoa, whoa, whoa. You think wings are the only disguise you need?" Azazel reminded everyone as Xenovia landed besides the redhead. "There is also the problem of your vision. The Gremory and the Vault of Prosperity keeps lights going for your convenience but you know how stuff is in the Realm of the Devils, right?"
"Always night?" Asked the magus.
"More like always dark…" Sairaorg began to rub his chin. "I forgot you humans can't see properly. Should we wait for the morning then? Most places will be closed but we can make due."
It was a problem that dampened Xenovia's spirits and made Shirou pensive as it was indeed a weakness that they had. In the Gremory Castle, Zeoticus didn't just install stairs but also lights for his guests, something neither really thought about or commented on.
At least not until Azazel reminded everyone of the problem and that he had a solution. "No need to freet, your favorite Cadre is here to help." With a snap of his fingers one of his assistants raced back from somewhere with a case. They opened to reveal glasses. "Tan~dan~. Magic glasses of the best quality! Guaranteed to neutralize illusions, petrifications, fog, smoke and hazards that could harm your eyes! And that is not all!" He offered two of them to Shirou and Xenovia. "It is a special buy one, get one deal! So, are you interested?"
"You bet." Xenovia quickly placed the glasses, blinking as she found them fascinating.
"How long have you been planning this?"
"Your mother-"
"Forget it." Shirou placed his own pair before turning to Medusa. "Brings back memories?" She smiled a little. He placed his coat back on. "Are we ready to go?"
"You are still the Mage of Swords." Azazel pointed out. "At least make it a better disguise." With a hand on the redhead's back, the fallen angels controlled the material and made it morph into a hoodie with the words 'King of Kings' on the front. "That is better."
Looking down Shirou examined the clothing with a frown. "Why that phrase?"
"The Mage of Swords is known for being humble." Azazel observed. "This is the opposite of humble."
"Well, Ozymandias I am not." The words disappeared and the hoodie turned into a jacket with a hood as Shirou made a sword to see his reflection. He adjusted the hood a couple of times to make sure it wouldn't get in the way and hide his face. "But it's still cool."
"That is another thing you need to be careful of. Your magecraft." Azazel reminded the redhead before pointing to Xenovia. "While Durandal is famous, most people can't tell what it is with a glance," his finger turned to Shirou, "but creating swords in Gremory territory is basically announcing your identity."
"Gradation Air isn't exclusive to me."
"But it isn't just Gradation Air, is it?" Azazel seized the sword and began to bend it. "Even your most simple Projection is still a Projection and we don't need to take that risk." He began to move to another tube connected to a machine.
Floating there was a huge sword, easily as tall as Medusa if not a little taller. "And is it normal for people to just walk around armed around here?"
Sairaorg began to laugh. "To us it would be strange if you didn't."
"You need to remember this is the Underworld, Shirou." After a few imputes the tube began to glow and power down. "Everybody here can open a hole in a car at the bare minimum. Everybody. Of course you need to be prepared." The sword landed and the tube began to open. "Even if you aren't looking for a fight, a fight may find you."
That sword wouldn't be called a work of art anytime soon, calling it a sword may even be generous as it was like a giant kitchen knife with a steel handle for some comfort. Also, despite its height, the handle was too small and most people would have to lift it with one hand because there was barely enough space for two.
Much like a knife it had only one edge that had been sharpened to its limits, its red color reminded Sairaorg of hot coal or a dying ember. His instincts also warned him there was something more to that blade and all of it was focused on the steel sphere on it. It was there that the feeling came from.
It was the sort of thing that just didn't exist in most weapons without decorative purposes but there was more. The sphere was located above the short handle and forged in the blade itself. Also its presence began to spread around the blade when Azazel put his hands on it. Mana seemed to burn around the sword for a split second before disappearing.
To someone like the Governor General the sword wasn't heavy and soon he carried it to Shirou easily. "Maybe you won't get to test the Red Buster. Maybe you will and if you do, make sure to take notes." He offered the blade to an annoyed Shirou.
"Are we really using that name?" The redhead lifted the sword with an arm, Ki flowing on him to help with the weight.
"Hey, I won the coin toss. The name is staying." Azazel chuckled as Shirou took a few swings with his weapon. "Our first sacred gear together. Sniff, sniff. I am so proud."
"Oh ha ha." Shirou sarcastically laughed while moving the sword over his shoulder. There was no sheath or handle for the thing but the devils of Bael noticed that with mana stuck it got on his clothes. "Still too heavy for my tastes. And we should have made the handle a little bigger."
Azazel grabbed the hood and covered Shirou's eyes. "Stop complaining, your big baby. You can use it just fine. It is creating swords that people don't need to see."
Getting the hood off his eyes, Shirou glared at the fallen angel before noticing his reflection on a monitor. "At least I cut an intimidating figure."
"You also need a name." Medusa pointed out without moving a muscle. "Or are you all thinking 'Emiya Shirou' isn't known?"
"Damn, forgot that part." Azazel then shrugged. "Not like you need documents here. As far as anyone is concerned," he pointed his thumb to Sairaorg, "you are Bael's guest or potential magician. Heck, say you work for me if you want."
"I am buying if you are selling." The Heir of Bael half joked.
"Rias would have your hide." Shirou said with a chuckle and the taller man shrugged in acceptance. Looking at his reflection again, a few names came to mind. "Perhaps I should go with…"
…
A few floors above the main lab, on the 3rd floor from the surface, Gasper's fingers moved with ease as his eyes danced around the room. "This is so much fun!" Two devils looked at each other with amused smiles as the Bishop kept pressing crystal light buttons. "Best training ever!"
In front of the former dhampir was a keyboard that had no letters or numbers but crystals in the shape of circles that were easy to press. There were also a lot of them, way more than needed for a computer keyboard but designed to help control his sacred gear.
The exercise was fairly simple in practice even if the execution was a little complicated to pull off; all around the room there were floating green crystals, each one mapped to a button that Gasper could press to move them in any direction by moving his fingers in the direction of the buttons.
Each button was connected to either a crystal or to the area around it, mapped by how the crystal themselves moved. When a button was pressed and there was a crystal in the location, it would change from blue to green to indicate Gasper could move it. But if it became red that meant there were no targets in that space.
For that reason there were a total of 40 crystals floating on the area and the keyboard had over 1000 buttons to be pressed, all connected to a white room that Gasper and his trainers found themselves in.
But that was just one of the mechanics as moving crystals he already had control of wouldn't be good enough for the Forbidden Balor View to grow, much less his control of it. The purpose of the crystals were just to be mirrors, to reflect the beam of red light that kept moving around the room.
Gasper's fingers moved swiftly to redirect a crystal down and the beam was intercepted as he moved it on an angle to control the direction some more. The beam was intercepted by another crystal and soon it ricocheted into another and another as Gasper kept moving.
Its creators watched with excitement as a picture was almost fully drawn only for one of the crystals to be badly positioned and so too slow to redirect the beam.
"No you won't!" Gasper declared firmly as his eyes began to blow and Forbidden Balor View did its job. Time for the beam of mana stopped and it found itself floating on the air as the blond boy's fingers repositioned the crystal to the right place. "Almost, almost. There!" His eyes returned to normal and the laser moved.
A connection between all crystals was made and the laser beam took the shape of a crude bird. It wasn't perfect by any means but Gasper smiled with pride before activating his sacred gear once again.
Once that was done it was like the drawing had become a neon sign floating on the air, crude, simple but still pretty.
Something Gasper was happy to have made. "Done!" He announced outloud and the others moved.
"Well done, Gasper." One was a lady with pink hair and a black dress. She approached and placed a hand on the Bishop's shoulder. "It is the best one yet." Like most devils she looked younger than her actual age and even with the appearance of someone in her thirties she was still extremely pretty.
"Right? Can't wait to show everyone."
The flash of an old fashion camera signaled that the other devil had finished taking a picture. "You are getting really good at this, child." The other devil was also a woman with shoulder length orange hair and was taking another picture from a different angle.
Her demeanor and face had an adventurous flair that looked eager for a journey with a smile that held a hint of mischief.
There are Gasper's instructors; Kasvile and Lomerna, loyal servants of the Gremory and considered the most kind devils throughout the whole household. Not only were they gentle and patient, Venelana and Rias themselves vouched for their competence and Azazel instructed in what was needed for the training.
Once the pictures were taken Kasvile, the pink haired one, snapped her fingers to make the mana disappear. It still didn't as Forbidden Balor View remained active.
"Young man, you should let it go so you can make a new drawing."
"Right, sorry." Blinking quickly, Gasper was unable to see his creation fizzle and disappear. "So we go for the next one?"
"Still a bird, Gasper. But you are getting better." Kasvile created a magic circle with two fingers. "This time try to give it a peak."
"Or perhaps you could try a smaller one? Using too many crystals is scattering your focus." The camera hung in Lomerna's neck as she took a step back.
"Let the boy do as he pleases. He wants to make something cute for his King, doesn't he?"
"Hunhun." Gasper nodded in excitement. "I want to make a drawing of her like we saw on the first day."
"Oh honey, she is going to love it." The magic circle was aimed. "Which color do you want this time? I was thinking about red?"