"And so, I've beco Rias's Rook. I look forward to working with you all," Rossweisse said.
"Uh, yeah… likewise," I replied.
After spilling everything about and Miu, I learned Rossweisse was Rias's newest retainer—and how it happened. Man, Rias totally poached her! Not that I'm worried; Rias wouldn't force anyone. Still, Rossweisse, you okay with this?
"Anyway, my retinue's complete," Rias said.
Right—her last piece was a Rook. I used up all eight Pawns, so Rossweisse is the final addition. From what I saw in battle, she's crazy strong, and with our lack of magic users, she's a perfect fit.
"How old are you, Rossweisse?" Azazel asked.
"Nineteen this year," she answered.
Close to our age, huh.
"Rossweisse will work as a teacher at Kuoh Academy," Rias added.
"A teacher? I thought she'd join the university section," I said. She looks mature but could pass as a student.
Rossweisse shook her head. "I have a teaching license, and I'd rather teach than be a student."
A teaching license? Impressive.
"So, Issei's the oldest in Rias's retinue at twenty," Azazel teased.
"Sensei! Don't rub it in! I didn't choose to age!" I protested.
If I hadn't gone to the other world, I'd still be seventeen! Ending my teens without a proper youth stings. Sure, I t great people and had fun there, but still…
"Akeno, Issei being older ans…" Rias started.
"We can play the little sister role and cling to him," Akeno finished with a smile.
What!?
"No way! If you two do that—" Asia cried.
"We're at a total disadvantage," Koneko said, her face stern.
"They're adding new traits!" Xenovia grumbled.
"Not just big sister vibes, but little sister too? That gap's ant to charm Issei!" Reyna added.
What's going on!?
"No! Issei's my big brother! I won't share!" Miu protested fiercely.
The girls' sudden chaos threw . What's this situation!?
Kiba put a hand on my shoulder. "Tough spot, Issei-kun. Hang in there."
"I won't forget you, Issei-senpai!" Gasper said ominously.
Kiba's pitying look and Gasper's words—are you saying I'm dood!?
This is all because of him laughing over there! "Sensei! Stop laughing and help!"
"No way," Azazel shot back.
"Instantly!?"
"Why stop such a fun ss?" he said, pulling out a video cara to record.
What's he doing!?
"This is what it ans to be Rias's retainer? I need to adapt," Rossweisse said, taking notes.
Rossweisse, don't write that down! Stop this!
Ten minutes later, Kiba cald things down. Thanks, man.
Azazel cleared his throat. "Issei's age aside, the real issue is what's next."
The room fell silent.
"Loki exposed the other world and your secrets," Azazel said, looking at Miu. "We're controlling information, but if it leaks, Miu, you know what could happen."
Miu flinched. If the wrong people learn about her, she could be targeted—kidnapped, experinted on. We need precautions.
I'm probably fine; Ddraig says most wouldn't dare touch .
"We'll protect Miu," Azazel said. "We've got plans, so don't stress too much. I'll keep my students safe."
We bowed. "Thank you, Sensei."
"No big deal. You've helped plenty. But the bigger issue is Loki's 'that being.'"
Rias reacted. "The one that could destroy this world?"
"Loki said so. We can't ignore it. Sirzechs agrees," Azazel replied.
I'd been thinking about it too. If it's moving in the other world, Alice and the others could be in danger.
I faced everyone, resolve firm. "Guys, I'm going back to the other world."
They gasped.
"How?" Rias asked.
"No guarantees, but I have an idea," I said, recalling my research on returning here. "There are people there—comrades I traveled with, people who helped when I was lost. If they're in danger, I have to go."
"Issei…" Rias said.
"Sorry, Rias. It's selfish, but I've decided."
It's my desire. Saving Alice and the others doesn't concern the group, but I need to do it.
Rias touched my cheek. "Don't apologize. I've dragged everyone into my whims too. You've risked your life for us. You've earned this."
"Rias…"
"I've always been protected by you. Now, I'll support you. I'm coming with you."
"What!?" Her words shocked . She's going to the other world?
"Is that for real!?" I asked.
"Absolutely," she said, her eyes resolute.
She's serious!
"But you're the Gremory heir. You're vital to the Underworld."
"I know I can't act freely. But I've decided to follow you."
The others stepped forward.
"Naturally, we're going too," Kiba said. "We feel the sa as Rias."
Everyone nodded.
No way… But—!
As I tried to stop them, Azazel smirked. "Give up, Issei. They'll follow you no matter what."
"Sensei!?"
"Plus, if Sirzechs orders Rias, it's not just your whim."
"Order?"
"Sirzechs just contacted . 'In the na of Demon King Sirzechs Lucifer, I command Rias Gremory and her retinue to investigate the other world.'"
I gasped. Sirzechs too!?
Rias grinned confidently. "Can't defy a Demon King's order. We're going. Any objections, Issei?"
"It could be dangerous!" I said.
"I know. If it gets bad, we'll escape."
Is that okay!?
"How'd Sirzechs agree?" I asked.
"We discussed it," Azazel said. "Anticipating this, I shared your resolve with him, and he approved. It's just investigation, not fighting. If it's too risky, co back."
I collapsed onto the bed, staring at the ceiling. I planned to go with just Miu, since she has friends there too. Now it's a whole crew.
A laugh escaped . These guys…
I sat up, grinning. "Alright, everyone, let's do this!"
"Yeah!" they shouted, fired up.
"How do you plan to get there?" Azazel asked.
Everyone leaned in, curious.
"When I researched returning here, I learned worlds have 'directionality,'" I said. "Since I'm from this world, I could return. Miu's from there, so…"
"You're using Miu to cross over?" Azazel said.
"Yeah, it's a hunch. I don't know why I was sent there—sothing sucked in."
"Sucked in? By what?" Azazel asked.
"It was so fast… Wait, it felt like when I was thrown into the dinsional gap protecting Asia. Like looking through a kaleidoscope."
Azazel stroked his chin. "Could it be a 'dinsional vortex'?"
"Dinsional vortex?" I echoed. Everyone looked puzzled.
"It's a rare phenonon—a swirl in the dinsional gap. It's so brief, we only detect it afterward. No one knows when, where, or how it forms. Sounds like you got caught in one, Issei. Talk about bad luck."
No kidding! Why !?
"Interesting," Azazel muttered. "Can soone crossing worlds trigger a vortex to return? Or why were you sent there? A world's will? And three years there being an instant here—vortex-related?"
He was lost in thought, in his own world.
"You said you researched returning, right?" he asked.
"Yeah."
"That ans soone else went there, returned, and found a way back."
"Yeah, soone helping noticed that too. No specific thod was docunted, though."
I'd totally forgotten until he ntioned it.
Azazel sighed. "You forgot sothing that big? You're such an idiot."
"Haha, sorry."
I didn't expect this back then.
"Anyway, we'll go after your arm's healed," Azazel said. "Prepare until then. I'll arrange replacents for you in town."
Right—us leaving weakens Kuoh's defenses. We need backups, and there's no guarantee we'll return instantly like I did.
"I'll have the Slash/Dog team cover," Azazel said. "They're strong enough to handle anything."
Slash/Dog? Sounds cool. If Azazel vouches for them, they're legit.
"Focus on your arm, Issei," he said.
"Got it!"
Just ds and light rehab, but I'll tackle it!
And so, we set off for the other world.
Wait for , Alice—I'm coming!
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