[Ding!~]
[Congratulations to the Host for completing the past-life objective—The Holy Sword Users' Paired Dance (Gold).]
[Reward granted: Divine Authority — Rending Silver Hand (Gold).]
[Rending Silver Hand: An authority originating from the god-king Nuada. When invoked, the bearer's flesh-and-blood hand transforms into a silver metallic hand; immense spell power coils around a weapon, and [with power gained from the surroundings] it [can] [unfold] innumerable [attack] forms[,] unleashing the [situation's] mira[culous] po[tency].
In theory, by using Rending Silver Hand, one can perform a magic blade capable of severing all things. The object need not be a sword—be it a toothpick or a twig, it can become a magic blade.]
…
Because Akuto's Irregular Pieces convert people into the race most suited to their constitutions, Xenovia and Irina were reincarnated as angels like Asia.
And since both were much stronger than Asia was back then, they recovered far faster.
By the very next morning, [the two—owing to several] regrets [after Akuto placed them into instance worlds—]had accepted the fact that Akuto [would] also [sleep] beside them.
Of course, not everything was "accepted."
Xenovia could not accept that Akuto had soaked in Irina all night yesterday; so, at first light, she crept over and lifted Irina off Akuto.
Xenovia had no particular kink—she simply refused to lose to Irina.
If he soaked seven or eight hours there, then here she deserved at least five or six, right?
Xenovia didn't need to "win," but [she] could not accept [falling behind] by too much.
"Huuuu~~"
Once Irina was moved, Xenovia successfully secured the symbiont, settled atop Akuto, and drifted contentedly back to sleep.
…
At noon, when Irina woke—chickens flew, dogs jumped, chaos ensued.
But under Xenovia's logical insistence, [Irina] could [only] accept the reality.
True—she'd already slept soundly beside him for most of the night[040]; it was indeed time to give Xenovia some hours.
Asia and Olivia watched the two vie for favor with smiles.
They knew this only happens at the beginning.
Normally, Akuto's time is precious; he usually brings people into an instance world to "take care of business," returns them after, cuddles everyone for a shared sleep, then heads back into an instance and settles into someone to sleep.
Lately, through Akuto's training, he mastered stopping time across the Apocalypse world and the Akame ga Kill world—[which made things… entirely unrestrained.]
In theory, Akuto needs only a few minutes to satisfy everyone.
This ultimate optimization of time leaves nearly every girl fulfilled and content daily.
Plus, Akuto likes new sensations and different embraces; by soaking into different people, rotations come quickly. So Asia and Olivia truly looked upon Xenovia and Irina's competition with the eyes of seniors gazing at juniors.
Mm—everyone's like this as a newcomer. It'll calm down soon.
Rather than scramble for favor, better to form a little squad and queue up—and better still to raise one's strength, [since in some ways you can help Akuto.]
…
After settling matters with Xenovia and Irina, Akuto headed to Kuoh Academy that evening.
Eight o'clock.
In the academy gym, a white-haired cat-eared loli had been waiting for Akuto for a while.
Her name was Koneko Toujou (hereafter Koneko), a [direct] vassal of [Akuto] and also of [Rias], serving as a Rook.
After being thoroughly "pua'd" at the Gremory family's castle, Koneko chose to unseal her nekomata constitution and seriously cultivate senjutsu and yōki.
She had already been on the verge of breaking into High-class Devil.
Within mere days of unsealing, she advanced to High-class.
Now, (cfbg) two months later—during which Rias and her peerage all accepted Akuto's Pieces and trained in other worlds—their strength skyrocketed.
Rias had reached quasi–Maō; Koneko had reached peak Ultimate-class Devil, [breakthrough imminent].
"Koneko, next comes your end-of-course exam."
Akuto spoke unhurriedly.
"Yes. Please assign the mission, Akuto-dono. I'll give it my all."
With Akuto, Koneko had verified her training results through many missions:
For example, subjugating stray devils; suppressing the new terror group Void Cicada; purging zombies in the Apocalypse world; [hunting and drilling against Dangerous Species in the Akame ga Kill world.]
Now, after more than two DxD months (nearly a year in instance time), Koneko had grown from a kitten afraid of her own power into a warrior who could stand on her own!
"Recently, a ten-winged angel named Kokabiel stole the Church's holy swords and plans to come here to spark a Three-Faction war.
"Considering I'm Kuoh Academy's strongest, he can't take Rias or Sona without dealing with me—so he's likely plotting something against me in secret.
"I want you to act with the Church's two holy sword users and lure him into Kuoh.
"While you move, I'll lay down a firm barrier at the academy; once he steps in, [I] will [make a move] and [end] him."
…
At that, Koneko clenched her little fists, bandages taut.
"I understand, Akuto-dono. When does the mission begin?"
Before the words finished, another girl's voice rang through the gym.
"Akuto-dono—may I ask if Koneko's mission [can include] me [as the thir]d?"
From a shadowed corner, Yumi Kiba stepped out, face grim.
Grim or not, Yumi still minded her manners and bowed first to Akuto.
She had always respected him—especially after receiving his Piece and growing stronger through his training.
Because, to her, it was Akuto who gave her the power to exact vengeance!
Originally, [she] hadn't wanted to [leave] this [former] sanctu[ary Akuto] [watched over].
But… the man in charge of the Holy Sword Project that butchered her comrades stood before her eyes—she simply couldn't hold back!
"Yumi, is it?"
Akuto smiled faintly; he'd fully expected her to volunteer.
"If you want in, go with Koneko~"
"But don't force it—either of you. If anything dangerous crops up, [you must call for backup at once.]"
Ordinarily, with Koneko at peak Ultimate-class, Yumi at solid Ultimate-class, and Xenovia and Irina also at Ultimate-class, even facing Kokabiel wouldn't be too dangerous—they could at least ensure survival.
What worried Akuto were the abnormal cases.
"Mm. Thank you, Akuto-dono."
Yumi bit her red lip; blue eyes brimmed with tears.
Finally finally finally finally… she could avenge her comrades![014910325飞卢011291161]
From beginning to end, she had lived as a revenger.
Now, at last, she could swing the blade honed for so long!
"Thump~"
Lightly, Yumi dropped to one knee, pledging like a knight with solemn devotion:
"Akuto-dono, I, Yumi, swear—once this is done, I shall live only as your sword, [to fight only for] [you]."
In that instant, Yumi's heart held only two words—absolute loyalty.
She knew Akuto understood her heart-knot; he had no intention to "counsel it away," only to help her grow strong and help her take vengeance.
Akuto understood well: after her comrades died, Yumi's purpose in living was revenge. Before vengeance was complete, her personhood could not be whole.
So he would gladly help her fulfill her wish and cast off the past—only then could she face the future and live anew.
A grievance must be repaid! Unsettled enmities [must be] set[tled]!
Such pure views on good and evil forged Yumi's unshakable loyalty.
…
As for Rias? Of course Yumi served her too—loyalty to the lord and loyalty to the lady are not in conflict.
Considering Rias's interests and preferences aren't in "being the King,"
Yumi wished her good health—and [early children, many blessings].
…
"One more thing."
Before Koneko and Yumi left, Akuto stopped them.
"Yumi—can you tell me where your comrades are buried?"
"Eh?"
Yumi fluttered her lashes, unsure why Akuto asked.
"I want to go to where they fell and pay my respects."
"Oh—and when you go after Kokabiel, if you encounter Valper, remember to take all Holy Sword Factor Crystals from him. If luck is with us, you might find fragments of your comrades' souls among them.
"Either way, it's best to let their bodies and soul-fragments rest together, isn't it?"
"…"
At that, tears welled instantly in Yumi's eyes.
So that was it—Akuto-dono truly thought further than she did.
Indeed, according to the Church, if the body and soul separate at death, one cannot enter the next reincarnation.
To help her comrades reincarnate smoothly, she must reclaim their soul-fragments!
"Yumi Kiba… obeys your command."
Overwhelmed, Yumi's favor and loyalty toward Akuto peaked anew.
…
Not only Yumi—even Koneko was surprised by Akuto's attentiveness and heart.
If Akuto's strength gave them security, then his character and way of doing things gave them a deeper peace of mind.
Naked strength breeds respect, [but] also [breeds] fear.
Strength tempered by gentleness and responsibility, however, brings only reassurance.
Though Akuto seized and claimed what he desired with abandon, he truly bore the responsibility and breadth to deserve it.
After a few seconds' thought, Koneko patted Yumi lightly between the shoulders.
"Let's go, Yumi-senpai. We must find your friends' soul fragments and let them rest completely!"
…
In truth, Akuto's thoughts weren't as pure as they imagined.
He merely recalled his experience in the Akame ga Kill world.
There, he had completed his full collection only after reviving Sheele's backstabbing "bestie" and Martha, the woman who had deeply influenced Akame—and then seizing their fortune.
To thoroughly conquer the DxD world, Akuto had to push everything to the limit he could. Besides Tosca—who should live—he needed to collect the other holy sword users as well.
(End of Chapter)
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