high school dxd: volume 1-25

[—What!]

Ravel's shocking plan left everyone speechless. Ravel then continued to add a few points. At the beginning, we would need to perform a thorough search of half of our territory. The area to be explored was our eastern side. The ones responsible for this would be Xenovia and Irina. At the same time, in order to prevent the other side from realising this, we still needed to visit the other areas to make it look as though we were searching. We also needed to move into our opponent's territory. But, this was all just an act. Of course, it'd be best if we came across [objects], but that was not the goal this time. After clashing several times, and when both sides had made some gains in destroying [objects], it would be my turn to shine with Pseudo-Dragon Deification. I would fly into the centre of the field, and the unexplored areas of our territory, as well as half of our opponent's territory — in other words, a vertical half of the entire field would be blown away by a semicircular sweep with ∞ Blaster. I would draw a counter-clockwise semicircle going from north to south, which would eliminate the entire western side. Because the field had a powerful barrier set up by the tournament authorities, such a plan was possible. And in this way, the majority of the field in our territory that hadn't been explored would be blown away, so any [objects] that we hadn't found would naturally be destroyed by me. After ∞ Blaster ended, we would close in on the remaining quarter of the field that we had not yet explored (the quarter of our opponent's territory that had not been hit by my bombardment), thereby moving into the final phase. It truly was a bold and ambitious strategy! Although it was an approach that fully utilised our power...the idea seemed so perfect that even Xenovia seemed slightly perplexed. Ravel revealed a calm smile.

"Simple petty tactics are completely useless in the face of true power; we shall burn this terror into the eyes of the contestants of the tournament, as well as all those who are watching it. There are a few competing teams in this tournament who are able to cause destruction to such a degree, but this is decisive power that even the lower level of god-class beings will not be able to overcome with strategy. This is what we need to demonstrate once more."

And then, Ravel said this to me in a very simple manner.

"I will use tactics different to Rias-sama and Sona-sama with this team to show everyone."

Upon seeing this haughty declaration from Ravel, I couldn't help recalling what her okaa-san had told me.

—Ravel's true nature is the path of supremacy.

...Using all of our power and knowledge on the path towards supremacy huh. This is Ravel's talent.... If Riser was able to make use of Ravel's talent — perhaps that Rating Game might have resulted in a one-sided loss for us. ...Unshakable determination and a spectacular way of executing it. All of it was so that people could acutely realise it. —Ravel was the cornerstone of this team. In order to continue surviving in this tournament, Ravel's strength was indispensable. And at the same time, because she was the heart of this team, our chances of victory would immediately collapse if she were to be attacked. ...Throughout this game, there may be people who become aware that Ravel is the core of our team. And so, as the tournament progresses, there will be more people aiming for Ravel than me. ...Through this tournament, the slumbering talents that people of various factions possess will be discovered. Is this one of aspects that the managers — Beelzebub-sama and the God of Destruction Shiva are expecting? Or was this an earlier plan of Azazel-sensei and Sirzechs-sama? If that's the case, then perhaps Ravel is the first person to fit this category. This reliable and promising strategic advisor-sama sent another message.

"The number of [objects] that our side has destroyed puts us into a check position. We just need one more to win. This is something that the other side also knows. They will no longer hesitate, and will probably begin to attack while looking for [objects] or seek to snatch it from us. Now is the crucial moment where everything matters, everyone!"

Alright! In that case, Barakiel-san will have no choice but to appear!

I asked Ravel

"Ravel, where is Barakiel-san right now? Is he still fighting against Xenovia and Irina?"

"—Hmm, so you want to decide the victor of the game? I understand, since you want to determine a winner, please proceed."

Ravel accepted my suggestion! Since the game had already progressed to such a stage, it was perfectly feasible for me to act like this as a [King]. Although Armaros-san was caught up in the western side of our territory which was within the range of my Blaster, we did not hear an announcement about his retirement, and so I was somewhat worried, but my team members would deal with him.

"Ise-sama, acting as a [King] to take down another [King] will greatly boost morale, and the evaluations from everyone definitely will not be low! Please show them just what kind of man the [King] of Hyoudou Issei's peerage is!

"No problem!"

As expected of my peerage! And my manager! I then flew towards the location where Xenovia and Irina were fighting against Barakiel-san! They were in the north-eastern corner! I focused my strength into my dragon wings, and flew towards there at high-speed! Although Pseudo-Dragon Deification had used up the majority of my stamina, I could still continue to fight!

"Hold on!"

"We've found Hyoudou Issei!"

On the way, several of Barakiel-san's team members attempted to stop my progression—.

"Don't get in the way of my lord!"

The one who crashed into the Fallen Angels from their flank was my [Pawn], Bova! Bova spat out a powerful torrent of flames which did not lose to his chichi's in intensity, and then stood in front of the Fallen Angels to block them off! Bova fearlessly said

"[King]! Leave this to me!"

"Alright, I'm counting on you!"

I left that to Bova, and then flew towards Barakiel-san's location without any hesitation! Although I was panting heavily with 'Haa haa...' noises...I could not stop here to rest!

<>

Yeah! An update from our side! It seems like Bova has already taken care of an opponent! As I flew at high-speed over the field, I was soon able to see thunderclouds! That's where Xenovia and Irina were fighting! Xenovia and Irina were up against Barakiel-san and two other Fallen Angels in a two-to-three fight. One of the two Fallen Angels was a woman who used a greatsword forged of light, while the other one was a male Fallen Angel who wielded a halberd of light.

"Ise! You came!"

"Sure enough, my darling was thinking of having a showdown between the leaders!"

Both Xenovia and Irina welcomed my arrival. Speaking of which, even if it was the two of them up against Barakiel-san's lightning, they had done very well! Although their uniform had already become tattered, and they were low on stamina, both of them were still fine and lively, and evaded a direct strike from the lightning.

"I'll leave the other two to you two!"

I left the two other Fallen Angel opponents to Xenovia and Irina, while I flew directly towards Barakiel-san!

"Barakiel-san! Let's finish off what we started!"

I changed my right arm into its Solid Impact mode whilst I evaded Barakiel-san's lightning—.

[Boost Boost Boost Boost Boost Boost Boost Boost Boost Boost Boost Boost!!!!!!]

[Solid Impact Booster!!!!]

I quickly sent Barakiel-san flying through the air! Barakiel-san's beaten body was languid, but he steadied himself and prepared for a direct confrontation.

"Very well. But, do not be careless. Are you able to understand what I'm thinking?"

From here, it was a melee fight between [Kings]! My punches and kicks all hammered down upon Barakiel-san's face, shoulders, torso, and legs! On the other hand, Barakiel-san's lightning-imbued punches and kicks also struck my face, torso, and my legs! His attacks of lightning, a combination of electricity and light, were transmitted to me through my armour, and because my reserves of stamina and demonic energy were low, I couldn't stop myself from trembling due to the damage that was done to my entire body! And amidst the heated exchange with Barakiel-san, I deeply felt it.

—Barakiel-san had pulled the rug out from underneath me when it came to strategy. It was as if he was trying to guide me. It was as if this person was acting in the place of Azazel-sensei. Even his words just then were the same. He deliberately said "Are you able to understand what I'm thinking?" in order to guide my thought process. ...He was encouraging my growth through this Rating Game. A year ago — I died once because of a Fallen Angel. And in the year following that — I've grown to this point by the hand of a Fallen Angel. And precisely because of that, I know that I have to repay that debt now! I have to respond to their expectations! Barakiel-san, I will defeat you! But before that, I have to repay you for what you just did! I faced Barakiel-san directly and said

"I...at night, I occasionally sleep together with Akeno-san! Being caught between Rias and Akeno-san while I sleep is the best!"

Instantly, Barakiel-san seemed taken aback by what I had just said! At first he was embarrassed, and confused, and then he became mad!

".... ...Kuh! Y-You're using that trick!"

My attack accurately struck Barakiel-san as he let his guard down! However, my breathing had already become heavy and disturbed! My stamina had almost reached its limits as well! But I didn't care about that and continued to speak!

"Also, for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, Akeno-san often cooks for me! Akeno-san also makes bentos[7] for me!"

By combining my attacks with these verbal outbursts, Barakiel-san was gradually falling into a downward spiral! His intense tremors were the best evidence of that! But, I needed to properly convey how I felt about Akeno-san to him!

"Akeno-san has always acted as the elder who stands before us as a leader, she is in fact together with girls of a similar age to herself, but she can be hurt by the little things, and I know how delicate she is! Akeno-san worries about all of us; regardless of whether I or someone else is injured, she keeps the pain inside her heart, that's something I'm also very clear on!"

Akeno-san is actually nothing more than an ordinary girl! Although she usually acts like an onee-san at school, I know that she also has the side of an ordinary girl because we've been living under the same roof together!

"To me, not only is she a caring onee-san, she's also a cute girl, as well as a woman who can reveal a beautiful smile. I'm absolutely certain of these things!"

But in response, Barakiel-san widened his eyes, his expression became even more imposing, and he sent me flying through the air again! Barakiel-san shouted out whilst sparks of lightning erupted from his entire body!

"Even if you say that! Even if you understand Akeno! You — still chose Rias Gremory didn't you!?"

"—What!"

When Barakiel-san said that one sentence...my body froze. Barakiel-san charged at me with a flying kick and continued

"You chose Rias Gremory! Everyone also understood that, and agreed with it! I also heard about your promise of the future with her! You will be together with Rias Gremory from now on! Well...well! What about Akeno!? Akeno...who will be together with her!? My daughter's heart is attracted to you, and yet you've been taken away by Rias Gremory, so what will my daughter do from now on!?"

Speechless, I could only allow myself to be beaten by Barakiel-san unilaterally. His eyes — shed tears.

"Akeno...she will never put the blame on Rias Gremory nor you! To Akeno, both of you are important people! From the bottom of her heart, she sincerely wishes for the happiness of you two! But where is Akeno's happiness!? Who else can ensure the happiness of my daughter!? Akeno's future...will only be marred with sadness! Since that's the case..."

Barakiel-san grabbed my neck — and wept.

"...I should have split you and Akeno apart from the very beginning. As long as she likes someone else, Akeno will also become happy, right? You...will you tell Akeno this? Or do you have other ways to make Akeno happy...? I am her father. ...My daughter, Akeno, she is in love with you. So, tell me your answer! The Hyoudou Issei whom my daughter loves! How will you treat my daughter!?"

Barakiel-san's tears and a penetrating punch struck my face squarely. My helmet was shattered, exposing my face underneath it. ...Barakiel-san had also cried during the graduation ceremony. I think as he watched the graduation ceremony, he must have been recalling the past, and also casting his eyes towards Akeno-san's future. And because of that, he was worried about Akeno-san. The cry of Barakiel-san's soul was carried forth in that punch, and rang through to my mind and body. ...Akeno-san's happiness. In love with me.... I had already sworn on my future with Rias, so for Akeno-san...what about her? Could it be as Barakiel-san said, would it be better if Akeno-san liked someone else...?

....

...Memories of the time spent together with Akeno-san gradually surfaced within my mind.

—...How do you feel, Ise-kun, after hearing that? You hate Fallen Angels, right? They killed you and Asia-chan once, and tried to destroy this city once, there's no way you can hold good thoughts about them. 

The first time that Akeno-san told me the truth about herself in front of me, she was prepared to accept that I would hate her, and still she said all of that. But, I — simply could not find a reason to hate Akeno-san.

—Not only that, I have the blood of a fallen angel in me, you know? Can you forgive me? Although I reincarnated into a Devil, the fact that I have the blood of a Fallen Angel in me doesn't change. ...I may have approached you wanting to get hated, you know? No, that's definitely the case. I...am the worst kind of woman.... 

No, Akeno-san...you're the best woman! Not only are you gentle, you're also more delicate than anyone else—.

—Kaa-sama...! I...! I wanted to see tou-sama more often! I wanted tou-sama to pat my head more! I wanted to play much more with tou-sama! Tou-sama... tou-sama and kaa-sama...I wanted to live together more with the three of us...! 

She was lonelier than anyone else, and sought love more than anyone else.

—Ufufu, that would make it my first French kiss, I guess.

She really surprised me. But, Akeno-san's first kiss was with me, and that really made me feel proud.

—She's right, if it's the same fallen-angel then I will be able to make Ise-kun happy. That's why please have more confidence. If you don't take another step with Rias, then I can't—

When I was frightened by the shadow of Raynare, and didn't dare to even think of going further with Rias, you said those things to motivate me. Now, being able to enjoy the happiness I have with Rias is also thanks to your encouragement back then, Akeno-san—.

—...Yeah. Yeah, I'm okay now. I will live on for the sake of you, Rias, and everyone else. I will become stronger with you, Ise. I will be with you forever. 

I also cherished Akeno-san, I definitely wouldn't die again, because I had to keep living with her—.

—Ise, I love you. Ufufu.

I also—.

...Have Akeno-san like someone else? Separate her...from me...? Akeno-san...and a man other than myself....

....

...Something like that, how could I possibly allow it! Neither will I allow something like that to happen! Akeno-san and I...our hearts are linked! I like all of Akeno-san! Akeno-san has always been watching me! She belongs only to me — Himejima Akeno! —Letting some other bastard take her away is something I cannot forgive! Akeno-san's sleek black hair, her smile, her gentleness, her S side, her personality which makes her easily saddened, her lips, her well-endowed oppai, everything, all of her — I want to make it mine!

—I decided.

I decided! I steeled my determination! Azazel-sensei, I am the Hyoudou Issei who is determined to become a harem king! So, no matter how many people it is, as long as it's me...whether they pursue me or if it's a woman that I pursue — I will make them happy! Whether it's Rias, Asia, or Akeno-san — I will definitely make them happy! That's right! Hyoudou Issei! You must say it! You have to say it! I need to make sure that the media of the Underworld, and even all of the factions hear it! I cried out with a voice that reverberated across the entire field!

"Then, I — love Akeno-san!"

And I went on!

"Barakiel-san, please allow me to take responsibility...I will be responsible! I will not give her to anyone else! I will...take Akeno-san! I will treasure Himejima Akeno for the rest of my life! Just as I have made Rias happy, I will also make Akeno happy! My dream is to become a harem king! The women who like me, and the women who love me, I will make all of them happy without leaving anyone out!"

"—WHAT!!"

Barakiel-san was shocked! This was the confession from my heart! Yes, I will take responsibility! Barakiel-san! Please accept my thoughts!

"I promise to make her happy! —I will take care of Himejima Akeno for as long as I live! Akeno is mine! Akeno, I LOOOOOOVVEEE YOOUUU!"

I faced the speechless Barakiel-san directly!

[Boost Boost Boost Boost Boost Boost Boost Boost Boost Boost Boost Boost Boost Boost Boost Boost Boost Boost Boost Boost Boost Boost Boost Boost Boost Boost Boost Boost Boost Boost Boost Boost Boost Boost Boost Boost Boost Boost Boost Boost Boost Boost Boost Boost Boost!!!!!!]

[Solid Impact Booster!!!!]

With one strike enhanced to the limits, I completely blew Barakiel-san away! The resulting shockwave also decimated the small mountain in front of me. Feelings are the most important things for Sacred Gears. In other words, my feelings for Akeno-san are overwhelmingly strong!

Ddraig pleasantly said

[As usual, as long as it's related to your desires, the power of the Sacred Gear will instantly elevate. As expected of you, partner.]

Yeah, that's what I thought too. Until now, I've always fought with feelings of anger against villains using my Sacred Gear. But when facing good opponents, I use my dreams and desires! Now, Akeno-san. You should have heard my shout just then through the broadcast right? That is what I've finally understood, and finally noticed, my feelings for you. Hearing my confession — the cry of my soul, Barakiel-san shed tears at the same time as he was knocked down.

"...Ah, how could this be...! How could I be crying at a time like this...! Azazel, he has finally set his path — he has personally said that he wants to go down the path of a harem king...!"

Due to my powerful strike, although Barakiel-san was able to stand, he was trembling non-stop. On the other side, Xenovia's Durandal and Excalibur released an exceedingly powerful holy aura, which cut down the wielder of the greatsword of light.

<>

The broadcast announced Xenovia's victory. It looks like her opponent was also a [Knight].

"...Using destructive power is not only the privilege of my [King]. But, that was a really good confession, Ise!"

That's right, my [Knight], Xenovia! Irina was also easily avoiding the fierce onslaught of the halberd from the Fallen Angel in mid-air. The halberd's shockwaves caused the air to vibrate tremendously, and it also dug out trails on the ground. On the other hand, Irina used Hauteclere to perform a series of high-speed slashes. Her opponent was unable to counter it. Irina-san then extended a long whip of light from her left hand and cleverly wrapped it around her opponent's foot. By pulling on the whip, her opponent's stance was broken. This was the special offensive light energy technique that only Irina was able use, though some inspiration was taken from [Excalibur Mimic]. Her opponent was forced to his knees, and he was instantly cut down by the enormous amount of aura that Irina released from Hauteclere.

"Amen!"

"Guaaaaaaahh!"

After suffering from that attack from the holy aura of Hauteclere, her opponent was finally enshrouded in the light of retirement.

<>

"Fufu, in fact, I can also use some fancy attacks! It's all because of darling's confession that I became so excited all of a sudden!"

Irina had also dealt with her opponent! In that case, I should also finish off my final task as [King]! Well, Barakiel-san! Please accept this final blow! Cannons emerged out from my dragon wings, and then pointed forwards! A red aura gathered at the muzzle of the cannons!

"These are! My true feelings, towards you, and towards Akeno-san!"

[Boost Boost Boost Boost Boost Boost Boost Boost Boost Boost Boost Boost Boost Boost Boost Boost Boost Boost Boost Boost Boost Boost Boost Boost Boost Boost Boost Boost Boost Boost Boost Boost Boost Boost Boost Boost Boost Boost Boost Boost Boost Boost Boost Boost Boost!!!!!!]

[Fang Blast Booster!!!!]

"Crimson Blasteeerrrrrrrrrrrr!"

An overwhelming and bright red aura was expelled from my two cannons, and beamed towards Barakiel-san—. Enduring the red aura, Barakiel-san seemed to have a relieved look.

"...Shuri, our daughter...has found a good man."

Leaving behind only these words, the [King] of the [Lightning] team, Barakiel-san was enshrouded in the light of retirement—.

<<—Of the [Lightning] team, the [King] has retired. The [Sekiryuutei of Blazing Truth] team are victorious!>>

After that, the announcement that the game was over arrived—.

After this game, the opinions of the critics changed. The voices pointing out that we were not familiar with strategy, and that our experience of the games was shallow did not change, but this was added on to the end of all that.

—To the majority of teams, they are a simple and straightforward terror.

[1] -shi is a formal honorific used when the speaker is unfamiliar with the person that they are referring to.

[2] Kanji was Holy Grail of the Secluded World.

[3] Kanji was Chief Mourner's Crucified Stand of Purple Flame.

[4] This is a reference to the short story entitled Woship ☆ Dragon-God-Girl from DX.2.

[5] -kyo is an honorific similar to Sir. In this case, it would be something along the lines of Sir Gremory.

[6] -senshu is an honorific used to refer to a player or contestant.

[7] Bento: Homemade lunchbox. Often meticulously detailed as a sign of love and care.