High School DXD: From The Begining

It's 10 pm, I am waiting at my room. The match shall start at 12 am. I am pretty relaxed though. At that time I hear someone knocking at the door.

-Come in.

I call out. Opening the door, Asia walks in with an anxious face. I wonder what the matter is. She asks,

-Umm, Issei kun. May I sit with you for a minute?

-Sure, you are always welcome to.

I answer her. I would have to decline if she wants to have s.e.x though. Now is not the right time. She sits beside me with a nervous face but maintains silence. After a minute I ask her,

-What's bothering you Asia, you can let me know. If you share, the pressure on your mind will get lighter, I promise.

She looks at me for a moment then answers.

-I don't know Issei kun. This feeling I am currently have, I can't just clam down. I know it is just me being paranoid over nothing. We all are enough strong to hold our own in death trial and all of us can take on opponent's whole team. What could possibly go wrong, right? (Author note: Damn it Asia! You just had to raise a red flag)

I hug Asia hearing that and say,

-Don't worry Asia, I shall protect you and keep you from harms way. Not only you but everyone else.

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-Is everyone ready? Please step into the portal to teleport to the battle ground. Once you teleport you won't be able to come out before either you retire or the game finishes. Step inside when you are ready.

Grayfia declares. We are currently in the banquet hall of the Gremory manor. Both Rias's father and mother, Zeoticus and Venelana, are present to see us off.

-Do your best, my daughter. The whole underworld is watching.(Zeoticus)

Originally only the member of House of Gremory and Phoenix suppose to watch this match but due to some unknown reason it is being broadcasted to the whole underworld.

-Make us proud, dearest daughter. (Venelana)

-I know you will win. I am cheering for you. (Millicas)

Rias shows a carefree smile and says,

-Don't worry and prepare to celebrate my victory. I know, we can throw a grand banquet for high class devils, what do you say, father?

Giving a wry smile, he answers,

-Ohh, OK. We will see that after the match.

This time I speak up,

-Well everyone, I don't know it is a good time or not, but I want to give everyone something.

-Huh, what it is Issei?

Rias asks.

-Well, first Koneko chan.

I take out and give her the mixed martial arts gloves I made from dragon skin and infused with dragon blood essence from the dragon I slayed back in the second trial of fate. Yes I scavenged material from it to make gifts for everyone. I forged them in my separate dimension where time is 100 times slower thanks to my strength upgrade and also due to it being very small. I forged all the things before I went to sleep yesterday. Feeling the power exuding from the gloves, she hesitates to take them, but takes them when Rias says it's okay. She slowly mutters,

-Thank you, senpai.

-Well, next Kiba. I wanted make a armor for you first, but you are a speed type. So I thought, armor will slow you down. So I forged these leg guards which will give you speed boost. They are also made from dragon skin so there is certain amount of defense too. You like it?

Kiba's eyes shines with excitement seeing those leg guards.

-Thank you very much Issei kun. I shall repay this debt anyhow.

He answers.

-What's with this debt thing? We are comrades, aren't we? Okay next Asia. Here is this.

What I give her is locket embedded with a green gem which is part of the dragon's core. She takes it with shy expression and says,

-I love it very much Issei, I shall cherish it my whole life.

I don't what she would feel if I say her that locket has a defense spell in it strong enough to stop 3 nukes at the same time.

-Next, Akeno san. I don't know you would need it or not, yet I thought it would be helpful. So, here it is.

I give a priestess staff made out of dragon bones. Taking it says,

-This!!! This will increasing my spell casting speed by 100% for all type of spells. Thank you very much Ise. Saying that she gives me a kiss on my lips in front of everyone and surely Rias is jealous.

-Ahem, Ise. Don't you have anything for me?

-Yes, I have this. I don't know you would like it or not though.

I take out a tiara which is embedded with a bigger green gem than Asia's. This one's function is different so I needed the bigger part of the core. It can store teleportation magic for instant use for up to 16 persons. It is mainly a escape tool. For situations like the stray devil incident.

-You did a great job Ise. I love it very much. Thanks a lot Ise. You make me proud.

Giving an elegant smile she puts on the tiara.

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When we teleported, where we appear is our club room. Asia has a very surprised expression. Before anything I tell her,

-Don't worry. This place is an alternate space created for the purpose of rating game. We can do as much damage as we want to our hearts content. It may be look very real, down to the scratch on wall, but it is not real. You will realize when you look at the sky.

Hearing my comment Asia looks at the sky through window and she finds is purple sky with aurora. She answers,

-Oh I see now. That's a relief.

At that moment we hear announcement from Grayfia,

[Hello everyone. I am Grayfia, a maid from the House of Gremory and today I will be the arbiter of the Rating match between the House of Gremory and the House of Phoenix. The location where both teams were transported will be their base. Lady Rias's base would be the Occult Research Cub's club room located in the old school building. Lord Raiser's base would be the Student Council's room located in the new building. For the [Pawns] to use 'promotion', please head to the enemy's base to do it](Author note: In the anime, Raiser's base is Principal's room, while in the LN, it is Student Council's room.)

At this moment, Rias speaks up,

-Can you hear me, Grayfia?

Rias talks through a special formation by which both Grayfia and Raiser can hear her.

-Yes, what is it, lady Rias?

-I want to change a rule of the game, with consent of the opponent of course.

-No, my lady. The game already started so...

Grayfia disapproves but Raiser interjects,

-Lady Grayfia, let's hear her out first. She is seriously outnumbered, so it won't hurt to give her one or two handicaps.

-OK, what is your proposal my Lady?

-I want to increase the amount of phoenix tears available for the game increase to... infinity.

Rias answers. Everyone outside watching the game let's out a surprised shout doubting her thinking. Unrestricted use of Phoenix tears against house of Phoenix! No one in sane mind would do that. While everyone either swearing or criticizing Rias's judgement, Sirzechs only gives a light laugh. He found it truly interesting . In the meantime, Raiser laughs like a maniac,

-Ha ha ha, I didn't expect you to want to loose so badly, Rias. Ha ha ha.

-I have a condition though.

Rias says with a laugh.

-What is it? Feel free to tell us.

Raiser asks, he sure is confident.

-If you are to loose to me even with this condition, your house will have to betroth your sister Ravel to my pawn Issei Hyoudou. Do you accept?

-Hmm, that's a very big bet. What do I get If I win?(Raiser)

We hear Raiser's voice through announcement speaker again.

-Isn't it expected that you will win? You still want more after getting to marry me?(Rias)

-Ha ha ha, alright I accept. I was going to win anyway but if you want to embarrass yourself more, who am I to stop.(Raiser)

After a brief silence, Grayfia gives the commencement announcement,

[On consent of the both party, restriction on usage of the phoenix tears is lifted during the match. So, let the match begin.]

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-Akeno, put the whole school, except for enemy base under your illusion magic. No matter how many they sends from football and baseball court of the right flank or athletic field of the left flank, I want all of them to end up in the middle, the gymnasium. You shall wait for my signal to land a large scale attack on the gymnasium. Koneko, be the vanguard and incapacitate all you find in the gym and leave on my signal. Kiba, be back up of Koneko just in case something goes wrong which should be very unlikely. Ise, advance but stand by for now. You are not to make a move until it's absolutely necessary. Asia, stay in the base with me for now. Do everyone understand the plan?

We all answer in unison "Yes". She continues,

-Lastly, your opponent is Raiser Phoenix, a well accomplished player of professional level. Show no mercy because none will be shown to you. Also, he seriously undermines my peerage openly. So, let us show what we are capable of.

She finally declares,

-Well, let's commence operation "Phoenix Ashes". GO!!!

Hearing her command, me, Akeno, Kiba and Koneko chan disappear from the room and head to our destination.

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Right now, we are waiting in the gymnasium, Koneko in the open while me and Kiba hiding. Akeno is waiting outside. Illusion had been laid through out the school, so 1 rook and six pawns are supposed to reach here who are originally divided into two groups. At this moment, they appears from other side of the gym.

-That was a great illusion magic. We didn't even realize until we reached here. But you have to pretty bold, if you think that you can stop us all on your own.

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Third person POV:

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-That was a great illusion magic. We didn't even realize until we reached here. But you have to pretty bold, if you think that you can stop us all on your own.

Shuriya, a pawn who was supposed to attack the base of Gremory through woods but ended up in gym, speaks with carefree tone. It is a surprise that they would be deceived by energy concealing this easily.

-1 rook and 6 pawns. Come out, all of you. I don't have all day in my hand.

Koneko speaks in her usual expressionless voice. She doesn't feel anything, as she knows she would win even all of them jump at her at the same time. The other members from Phoenix team also appears.

-My my, what a feisty girl. But since Rias Gremory is going to be Lord Raiser's wife, we should show minimum respect to her right. You are a rook right? Then let's settle this one on one. I promise they will not move until I am defeated.

Xuelan, the rook, speaks. Koneko without saying anything just tighten her gloves.

-I take that as a yes then. Be careful, here I come. haaa.

Xuelan attacks with her legs with a style which is mixer of taekwondo and capoeira. But all of them hit nothing but air as Koneko dodges them very easily. Worst part is she is not dodging with full effort but with minimum effort like just tilting body slightly, side stepping a little etc. It is almost like koneko just standing there and observing. This pisses Xuelan off. She taunts Koneko,

-What, can all you do is dodge? Are that all you amount to, you run.... argh.

Before she can finish her last word Koneko landed punch on her stomach out of no where and she shots shots out like a cannon ball to the gym wall. With a bang sound she went through the wall all the way to the middle of the football field. A few seconds later an announcement came..

[One of Lord Raiser's rook retires]

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All the six pawns have a dumbfounded look on their faces. Koneko took out their rook with a single punch and she didn't even have the chance to use phoenix tears. It was a instant knockout! How does that even possible by a person who still doesn't have neither any energy fluctuation nor any killing intent. They felt what standing before them is not a little loli but humanoid killing machine who doesn't have any emotion and only knows how to execute command.

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Rias showed a smile and through the com she tells Koneko,

-Calm down Koneko, I told you to incapacitate them but now they have a measure of your strength. Akeno, put up a barrier so that they don't escape gym immediately.

-Noted. Defeating them is easy but incapacitating them all will be troublesome. (Koneko)

-I am on it.(Akeno)

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When Raiser saw this scene, he frowned. He muttered to himself,

-Interesting. So they are hiding their strength. It is safe to assume that all of them doing the same. No worries. We still outnumber them 8 pieces to 6 pieces, given that all of 6 pawns fail to take even one of them down which is highly unlikely. Hmmm..... what's that? A barrier? They put up a barrier around the gym! What is Rias thinking sacrificing such a strong piece like that just to take down few pawns? Wait a moment...

As if realizing something he gives out order through his com line,

-Everyone in the gym, go all out to take down that rook. I want it done at all cost.

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Back to the gym, all the pawns have received orders to all out. They surround Koneko from all side. Mira speaks in grave tone,

-We wanted to play fair, but given your strength you don't find it unfair, do you? Besides, we have our order to take you down at all cost.

Koneko closes her eyes and releases a breath then then open eyes taking a proper fighting stance of mixed martial art this time. She slowly says,

-Kiba senpai, don't interfere. I want to finish this alone. Okay?

All of the pawns of Raiser have a astonished look. They didn't even realize their is someone else besides them in the gym. Issei and Kiba come out from behind the curtains of the stage. Kiba says,

-Don't worry, unless master commands I won't interfere.

All the pawns have a humiliated expression on their face. The whole underworld is watching and their opponent, who isn't even old enough to participate in professional level, is looking down on them. How can they swallow it down without doing anything? They start their coordinated attack on Koneko. The Nel and Ile sisters attack with their chain saw from both side but Koneko avoids by jumping. Mira follows up with horizontal slash with her staff which she thought a good idea as opponent is in the air but Koneko unfurled two wings and grabbed her staff with one hand. Then she gave a light pull with the hand holding Mira's staff, due to that Mira went towards Koneko. Koneko simply landed a knee in her gut. She shot out crashed on the wall. There are cracks on the wall but she didn't went through like previously the rook did. She clearly held back by not giving her a full force kick. Mira takes out a bottle of phoenix tears but before she could use it, she turns into light and transported out of the battlefield.

[One of Lord Raiser's pawn retires]

Another one didn't get any chance to use any phoenix tears.

Koneko thinks that she used too much force again while remaining 5 has a frightened look. They couldn't even begin their attack properly yet they already lost 2 members and opponent didn't even break any sweat. This time they realize they cannot get close to this little monster, as she have capability of one-shoting them. They start to fire small magic spell like small fire balls, Ice shards etc and keep their distance. Koneko just simply punch them away and sprint towards one of the pawn, Shuriya. the pawn panics and tries to step back but before she can do that Koneko swipes her and kicks her away with a light kick to the end of the gym. This time she held back sufficiently as she is not injured enough to teleport her out. She gets up uses a bottle of phoenix tear on herself. By this the the other four is attacking Koneko from 4 directions, they sure are professionals as defeating one of their comrades didn't decease their moral that much. Ile and Nel swinging their chain saw vigorously while Burent and Marion is giving support from rear with magic spells. Unfortunately, the chain saw are ineffective as they are being deflected by fist of Koneko. The gloves are made of ultimate devil level Dragon skin. Normal devil weapon won't put even a dent on it. Finally, Koneko catches the two chain saws by handle and about to throw them away but at that moment Shuriya sneak attacks from her behind. She saw it coming miles away though. So she slams the two twin sisters on the attacker. The three of them again land on the wall and light envelops them as they are teleported and comes the announcement,

[Three of lord Raiser's pawn retire.]

The only remaining ones from Raiser's pawn in the gym are Burent and Marion. Koneko walks up to them who are shaking due to fear seeing three of them taken out in an instant. She slowly speaks,

-Which one will it be? Do you retire your self, or you want to make me do it for you?

-""Never""

both of them shout at the same time and send magic spells toward Koneko. Surprisingly she doesn't even bother to do dodge. The spells land on her and small blasts occur.

-Did we get her?

Asks Marion but to her dismay when the smoke clears Koneko is standing there totally unharmed. Not even a fiber of her sports wear is out of the place. She just mutters,

-You know what claims without strength to back them up are called?.... Pathetic.

Saying that she for the first time conjures a energy ball with her senjutsu which has a size of a ping pong ball threw it 5 feet away from them. A devastating explosion took place in the gym and those last two pawns disappeared as they are teleported out.

[Two of lord Raiser's pawn retire.]

Announcement rings out. Hearing that Koneko lets out a sigh and tells through the com line,

-Sorry master, I couldn't incapacitate them according to the plan.

-No problem Koneko, It is not your fault that they were this pitifully weak. Okay, Kiba, Koneko and Ise, advance to the main school building. Akeno blow up to gymnasium. This should be a good deterrent for them.

Rias gives out command laughing.

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While in the student council room, Raiser is gnashing his teeth.

-Yubelluna, go to front and take out her queen. I don't care how many Phoenix tears you need to use. Don't fail me.

He says with a gloomy voice.

-As you command master.

Answering that Yubelluna flew away through the window.

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As Ise, Koneko and Kiba are advancing towards main school building a spell suddenly lands on Koneko and huge blast occurs.

-Ha ha ha, I thought, I should take down that rook first as she was strong as she took down 7 pieces alone, but just as expected she is still inexperienced as let her guard down. So disappo.... Hmm...?

Before she could finish her words an expressionless voice comes out from the smoke,

-Ha ha, so funny. To think that the great bomb queen would sneak attack. It was truly an eye opener.

Koneko speaks. Yubelluna is very surprised as she says,

-How is she still here?

When the smokes clears, all sees that eight bat wings have come out of her back covering her from all directions. She then takes in all her wings but two, then prepares to rush towards Yubelluna but at this moment, a voice in her ear interrupts her.

-Clam down Koneko, let Akeno face her. Akeno, make sure she knows what pain is.

Rias commands her. Koneko nodes her head saying, "Okay".

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Akeno appears in front of Yubelluna. Yubelluna tries gauge Akeno's strength by observing but she feels nothing. But it is impossible for a person who can put such a large scale illusion to be weak. Not to mention that person be a queen of a peerage. Yubelluna says,

-I really wanted to meet the priestess of thunder as I heard quite a lot about you.

-You yourself don't fall short, bomb queen. I hope you don't disappoint me much and keep me entertained until the end.

Akeno answers with a evil smile and lightning crackling around her staff.

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When Ise, Kiba and Koneko reached new school building, what is waiting them is all of rest of the team Raiser.

-Koneko stand by on guard that that two pawns doesn't escape to our base or doesn't interfere with battle of Kiba. Kiba take on their two knights and rook. Ise handle the rest.

Rias gives out her order again. Kiba tries to tell that he take take care of all of them but Rias interjects,

-I know you can Kiba, but I want to finish this fast and take a nap at home. That's why I am dividing the job between you and Ise. Do you understand?

-Yes, master I shall get it done as soon as possible.

While Ise tells,

-I could have just sent a dragon shot and end this farce then and there if you want to finish it fast.

-Now now, Ise. Noble devils don't act like that way. They act pretentious for the necessity of superficial harmony. Bear with it a little.

Rias consoles Issei like that. Saying, "OK, then" Ise erects isolation barrier one around Kiba and his opponents and one around himself and his opponents.

All of them are astonished to see what happened. While Ravel asks,

-Do you really think you can take us on alone, two bishops and two pawns? Let me tell you when Yubelluna returns after defeating priestess of thunder, you fate shall be sealed.

-Are you sure, my dear?

Ise asks,

-I am sure and who are you calling dear?

Ravels tells with angry tone. Issei vanishes from his spot and appear in front of Ravel. Holding up her chin he says,

-Well after the match is over, you shall be betrothed to me. So, is it wrong for me to call you such?

-Hmph, that is only if you win. That is never going to happen.

As she finishes her speech, an announcement comes,

[Lord Raiser's queen retires.]

-How is this possible? She has five of the phoenix tears!

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Back in the football field a few moments ago.

-Why are you so strong? Why does your mana doesn't run out? You weren't no where near this strong even a few days ago. What happened in that trip of yours? Tell me..... Did Rias Gremory find some sort of treasure that enhances strength in short time? That would explain a lot of things.

Yubelluna bellows with desperation and unwillingness. Every time she launches an attack it does nothing to Akeno as if she is made of titanium and has no effect what so ever by explosion magic. And with every counter attack she becomes like a fried chicken. Two attacks from Akeno is enough to drain her out of all of her mana to survive. So even before 12 attacks of Akeno she is out of Phoenix tears. What is most frustrating is Akeno isn't even using her 10% of her strength. Seeing Yubelluna's desperation, Akeno answers,

-You see, we just trained all day the day before yesterday.

Hearing that Yubelluna gives a sarcastic smile and says,

-Aren't you cute?

Giving back a sadistic smile she says,

-bitch, I am not only cute, I am adorable.

Lastly a thunder lands on Yubelluna and after being burnt by it for two full minutes she teleported out of the battlefield.

-Ara ara, this one was no fun either. I hope I get to play with Ise soon. Only he can satisfy me now.

Akeno chuckles.

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Kiba has already defeated his three opponent using his frost sword and has come out of the barrier. Now he and Koneko is waiting for Issei to finish up but Issei just cancelling opponent's attack with counter spell. Seeing this Ravel is frustrated beyond belief. Issei is clearly capable of defeating them any time, he is still playing with them. "Is he showing us pity" is what she thought. Issei stops again and says, "Ravel as soon to be my fiancee, please don't be this stubborn. I don't want to hurt you. So please say everyone to retire." Ravel grits her teeth, and says to everyone, "Please retire everyone, it is pointless. He can defeat us anytime he wants." and looks away from Issei. Issei again blinked in front of Ravel and planted a soft kiss on her chick saying, "That's what I like about you most, you are not unnecessarily stubborn." while Ravel shrieks away rubbing her chicks saying, "Don't act like you know me. But still thanks for not embarrassing us too much. " Saying that she and other three vanishes from the alternate space. Ise thinks that he has successfully left a mark on Ravels heart.

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Ise POV:

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Right now only Raiser is left. Rias has come over with Asia. All of us is surrounding Raiser on the rooftop of new school building.

-Give up Raiser. All of the servants have been taken down. Don't take this any further and embarrass you house.

Rias says with a mocking tone. Looks like the roles have been reversed. I kinda feel bad for this guy who is being bullied by a woman now. Raiser answers while gnashing her teeth. Are his teeth okay? He has been gritting them for quite a while now.

-Until I am standing this game is not over. I shall never submit.

Saying that he throws a few fire spell towards Rias which just bounces off her mana shield. But in retaliation Akeno showers him with lightning again. He again has a lot of burnt places which visibly healing with fire. He laughs out maniacally,

-Ha ha ha, see this? I am an immortal Phoenix! Even if I am not strong enough to defeat you, you can not defeat me either. So this is a draw, at most. Even if you defeated all my pieces, what can you do if you cannot take down the king?

-You really think so? Okay then time for you to wake up from your blissful dream.

Rias says while maintaining a mocking smile.

-What do you mean?(Raiser)

-I really didn't want to do it as the whole underworld watching. But you leave me no choice. Issei...(Rias)

-Yes, my dear.

I answer her.

-Take care of him. Make sure he knows his place. And no one is allowed to interfere in this battle. Got that? (Rias)

She tells the last part to Kiba, Koneko and specially Akeno which they oblige peacefully. I step in front of Raiser. He gives me a murdering look saying,

-You are done hiding behind a woman's back, you coward. I don't know what you have done to seduce Rias but I shall make sure you pay for it.

I answer him smiling,

-Listen you grilled chicken, my time is short. So I shall make this brief. If you can make me step back a single time from where I am standing now, it will be your win. But you only have 5 minutes. After that it is game over for you. So, make sure to utilize every second of it. Your time starts now.

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Hearing me, Raiser gives a shout of frustration and starts to attack me with his fire spells one after another. But they do nothing to me. After one minute, he realizes that it is pointless using those spells against me. So, he comes close to me and punches me at my face. But what happens is instead of my face, his fist blows off into pieces which quickly regenerates. But it was a psychological blow to him. He continues for 4 minutes with punches and kicks with all the strength he can master. Regardless all he can do is he manages to hurt himself.

-Why, why, why don't you move a single time?

He ask while throwing fists and legs at me. I finally grabbed his hand and squeeze it to break and say,

-You know the answer, it is simply because I am stronger than you.

Saying that I summon some holy water I prepared before hand in my isolated space and directly splash it all over his body. His body is on fire and it is burning him instead of healing.

-What is this... uuaagghh... Why is it so painful? What did you do to me?

-Nothing much, just simply gave you a time out from that annoying regeneration ability of yours.

I say that smiling.

-That's impossible. How can....

-You don't have to worry about it. Now retire and contemplate about your loss.

Saying that I punch his face and he shoot out to the ground. After that follows Grayfia's announcement,

[Lord Raiser has retired, Victory goes to Rias Gremory]