It's been just over six years since I met Mil-tan. This spring, I finally graduated from elementary school and officially became a junior high student.
I'd tried searching for the protagonist of the original story, Hyoudou Issei, once I started grade school, but it seemed he was attending a different school. Well, I'll just have to hope for better luck during middle school.
As for whether or not I'll intervene in the original plot, I figure I'll play it by ear.
Even in the original story, Kuoh Academy had a decent number of ability users outside of the Gremory and Sitri peerages.
To begin with, my knowledge of the source material only comes from watching the anime and reading a few fanfics, I never actually read the original light novels. So, I only have a rough idea of the story up until the Evil Dragon War arc.
If I knew the plot in detail, I could probably plan a more strategic intervention. But that kind of finesse just isn't in me.
...And there's no guarantee things will go exactly according to canon anyway.
But let's set that aside for now. On to other matters. My proficiency in Senjutsu has grown alongside my physical endurance. My vitality and life force have increased, making it easier to manipulate my qi.
Now, I can detect energy signatures throughout all of Kuoh Town. I've also learned to mix the world's natural qi with my own life force as a core, letting me cloak myself in battle aura.
At this point, I could probably break a tree in a sparring match.
As for physical manipulation, I think I can stop my own heart now. I haven't actually done it, of course, but I've gotten to the point where I can control the strength of my heartbeat.
In the past, removing my brain's limiter only boosted muscle power. But now, I can accelerate my thoughts, like a mental fast-forward, kind of like that "Godspeed" technique from Magical Girl Lyrical Lili-Hunt Nanoha: The Takamachi Clan, Combat Race Edition. That anime was wild.
Regarding [Verg Avesta: Falsely Transcribed Creation], and the weapons Zarich and Tawrich, I've been practicing swings in a small clearing in the nearby woods, making sure no one else is around.
I've gotten to the point where my sword strokes are stable, but honestly, I'd really like a sparring partner… Not that that's likely.
As for the ability "Retribution," I tested it by letting a stray cat scratch me. When I activated it, glowing blue patterns flared across my body, now that surprised me.
"If those marks hadn't faded once the wound healed, I would've been in serious trouble… Good thing they disappeared right away."
Thanks to my ability to scan all of Kuoh Town with Senjutsu, I've also noticed something else, there are a few presences around that clearly aren't human.
At first, I got excited, thinking this might be my first encounter with the Gremory peerage. But the auras all seemed to be centered around the old, abandoned church on the outskirts of town.
They're probably fallen angels.
Come to think of it, after Cleria Belial, Kuoh's previous overseer, was wiped out by a conspiracy between devils and the Church, Irina Shidou moved overseas almost immediately.
When Rias Gremory met with the original Bael heir, she mentioned a transition from the previous overseer, but that it was actually a stand-in.
In other words, while the Bael family technically owns Kuoh Town, both devils and angels have pulled out of the area.
So it wouldn't be strange at all if the fallen angels took the opportunity to sneak in and establish a foothold.
Assuming these presences are indeed fallen angels, I haven't sensed any other factions.
Rias Gremory probably hasn't been assigned to this area yet.
Should I try approaching them…? Nah, not a chance.
I've already manifested a Sacred Gear.
Remember, Issei, the original protagonist, got a hole blasted through him just because he might have one.
I'm not saying all fallen angels are evil, but the only ones I'd trust are Azazel, Shemhazai, and Baraqiel.
Everyone else? Solidly in the "probably evil" grey zone. What, should I go shake hands with them? Sounds like a death wish.
Their auras aren't necessarily stronger than mine, in fact, I might be stronger, but if they attack on sight, I'll lose.
Zero combat experience, versus a flying opponent who probably has long-range attacks and a body count? No way I'm winning that.
I might have a chance if I land a surprise attack, but these fallen angels haven't made a move against me. I have no reason to start a fight.
"Yeah, let's just ignore them for now!"
"You… You bear a Sacred Gear within you, don't you? When the devils who once ruled this land return, having someone like you become their servant would be troublesome. I'll eliminate you here and now. If you must curse someone, curse the gods and devils."
…Oh crap, are you serious!?
====================
Note: First battle scene unlocked!
250 Power Stones = Bonus Chapter
Add to Library to support