Chapter 7 - Another one... really?

It was clear that Asia was troubled by the sudden declaration that was made by Diodora. Even Sona and Tsubaki showed a surprised look at his sudden proposal.

Me? I was trying my best to calm my mind and not to trace Caliburn or Durandal and end this guy's existence right now. That smile and those eyes of him... They were pissing me off.

"W-Wha? W-Wife?" Asia asked in shock, leaning back and staring at him with wide eyes.

"Yes, wife." Diodora said with a refreshing smile before tilting his head. "Hmm, perhaps that was not the correct order. Forgive me, Asia, I was too forward. How about we begin a relationship first?" He asked.

"E-Eh?"

"I will have my peerage take your belongings and move them to my estate in the Underworld. Truly, this is destiny Asia, to think I would meet you again like this. Shall we go now?"

"W-Wha? B-But I-I-" Asia stammered while glancing to me, she clearly felt uncomfortable and was asking silently for help.

I was more than happy to oblige.

"Diodora Astaroth." I cut into their conversation as I stepped forward and pulled Asia behind me in a protective manner. The black haired devil turned to me and his eyes that were closed from his smile opened a bit. "I don't know if you are stupid or what, but do you think Asia is some kind of doll?" I asked with furrowed eyebrows.

"You must be Hyoudou Issei." Diodora said, smile still on his face. "I'm afraid I don't get what you mean."

"Oh you really are stupid then." I commented snidely and I could see his smile dimming at that, and his eyebrow also twitched. "Let's say you are girl - and given your face that would clearly suit you – and then you save someone and the person you save happens to be a prince and he wants to take you to his castle and marry you. Would you accept it?" I asked.

Diodora's smiley expression was gone and his eyes also opened slightly, it was clear that he was starting to get annoyed. Like I cared, his annoyed face was pleasant for me.

"That's a load of bullshit that just happens in fairytales you moron. This is the real world. You think Asia wants to go with you just like that?" I continued while moving aside and staring at Asia. The girl stared at me with happiness but it was hidden behind her nervousness. However, my eyes showed nothing but steel, indicating her to step up now.

Asia was too kind for her own good and that was not always a good thing, especially in the supernatural world. For example, what happened to her was also because of her own kindness. Even ignoring God's state, she was supposed to know that no matter what, she shouldn't have healed Diodora in the past seeing how he was a devil and he was in the Church's territory.

I wouldn't have that, not on my watch. True, Asia's kind nature was rare and you didn't see it often in this world, but at least she should know when she was supposed to say 'Yes' and when to say 'No'.

And thankfully, our lessons were working. No... It wasn't not ours.. More like Zelretch's... The old man talked in private with Asia that time, I still didn't know what they talked about but it took a full hour.

"N-No... I... I don't want to marry or go with you..." She said with a little stutter to Diodora. She then gave him a polite smile. "D-Diodora-san, I-I'm happy and glad you are well and safe after I healed you but I... I'm afraid I have to reject your offer..."

"I see... I understand you wish not to accept right away. But perhaps we can take it slowly then? I am really looking forward to get to know my savior." Diodora offered with a polite smile.

"No." I cut off Asia who was about to answer by stepping forward. "You'll stay away from her." I said coldly.

Diodora's smile turned into a thin line when he saw me. His always-closed eyes opened slightly and he shot me a nasty glare. "You, stay out of my sight, filthy dragon." He jeered at me and I could see Sona and Tsubaki's eyes widening along with hearing Ddraig's growl of anger in the back of my mind.

"Flying Mouse, you back off from Asia." I stated with an impassive look and I inwardly took amusement from his twitching eyes. "Don't dare lie to me, I know what kind of look you gave Asia and I'm warning you, stay away from her." I ordered.

"And what gives you the right to make decisions for Asia?"

"What makes you have the right to approach her after you caused her to be expelled? You, Flying Mouse are more filthy and lowly than me, at least until now I didn't hurt her."

The angry snarl on his face really gave me so much pleasure. I now understand clearly why EMIYA sometimes loved to pull someone's leg and why Zelretch loved to troll. This was certainly very amusing.

"It seems I need to remind you of your place, lowly dragon. Remember, you are only human, I could easily snap you in half, even if you are a Longinus wielder." Diodora sneered at me and I held in the urge to laugh. Really, he was threatening me? This Boy was strong, but he was no stronger than Rias or Sona. Me? I damn hell sure could take Rias and Sona at same time and win!

"Big talk coming from a mongrel who can only lick a maiden's heels." I sneered back with amusement on my face as Diodora growled.

"Hyoudou-san, Astaroth-san." Sona came and stood between us. "Please back down, I won't have any of you fight in my office. Hyoudou-kun, refrain from antagonizing Astaroth-san -"

"Never."

Sona ignored me as she turned to Diodora. "Astaroth-san, now that you taken care of your business, could you leave? I do not want to be rude, I just don't want to explain to the higher-ups later why a Longinus wielder fought a high-class devil." Diodora turned to her and his anger seemed gone and replaced by his smiling face again.

"Very well, Sitri-san, I will leave for now." Diodora nodded and then glanced behind me and smiled at Asia. "Don't worry Asia, I will return to you even if a Heavenly Dragon stands in my way. I will overcome it for you, no matter what."

He sent me one last nasty glare and I only smirked in amusement at that before a green magic circle appeared beneath him and he was teleported away.

As soon he left I heard Asia and Sona let out the breath they had been holding. I only put on an impassive face and turned to Asia and then gave her a small smile.

"You okay?" I asked.

"H-Hai. I-I'm fine Issei-san..." Asia nodded to me with small smile too.

"Hyoudou-kun." Sona called me and I turned to her. "What was that before? You... You were so hostile to him." She asked with a scowl. "I don't mean to pry, but if I hadn't interfered before you two would already be fighting at this point."

"You are wrong." I told her while shaking my head and she shot me a look that said 'seriously?' while adjusting her glasses. "If you had not interfered he'd already be dead by now." My voice was serious that it made Asia give me a horrified look while Sona deadpanned before her expression morphed into grim one.

I had already been prepared to trace Durandal the moment we started to banter and no matter how good his instinct were, his barriers wouldn't have stood a chance against Durandal. All I had to do was swing it or throw it like projectile at him the moment we started to fight and he would have been dead before he knew what was happening. Durandal's dense and strong amount of holy and light element would turn him instantly into ash, like oiled paper eaten by a flame.

"Why?" Sona asked me, her tone was stoic and I turned to her.

"His eyes when staring at Asia were like a certain someone's when she's staring at me." I stated coldly and Sona's eyes widened. She knew who I meant. "But she's better, at least her motivation is based on pure greed. This one is darker, viler and filled with lust." I hissed with disgust on my face.

The moment Diodora had stared at Asia with that look I knew he was trouble. Normally I wouldn't recognize that look, it could be interpreted as one of admiration or awe as well.

But the current me? It knew better...

The me who had EMIYA's memories, skills and experience recognized the look Diodora had given Asia.

It was the look of a savage beast staring at its prey, the intent very clear. He intended to have Asia and clearly not in a good way. He wanted her as a trophy or something like that, he didn't love Asia, he simply wanted her, like a child wishing to have a toy.

He wouldn't go near Asia... I swore this as a hero.

"Asia." My tone was firm as I called her and she stared at me, tense. "No matter what, stay away from him. We are friends and I actually have no right to make decisions for you, but trust me on this. STAY. AWAY. FROM. HIM." I spoke the four last words as strong, serious and gentle at same time as I could so I wouldn't make her afraid.

Asia stared at me with a strange look. I knew she probably didn't like it when I was being rude to Diodora but like hell I would let Asia be toyed with by him! I would barge into Hell itself and shoot a Broken Durandal at his castle if he dared to kidnap Asia!

To my surprise, Asia showed me a sincere smile. She didn't show any sign of being displeased or annoyed, even her smile was not false but a genuine one.

"I trust Issei-san... I know Issei-san is a good person and will never harm me, so I will follow Issei-san's words."

Asia words were completely soft and sincere, her beautiful smile was like that of an angel that had just forgiven me for the sins I had committed. A small blush adorned my face and I quickly turned away from her.

God, this girl was too pure and innocent! Even her words alone gave comfort! How the hell did she do this?! Did she have some kind of Charisma-skill or something like that?!

I could tell Sona and Tsubaki, who were watching us, had amused expressions on their faces now. Those two, I would get them later.

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Sometime later, Asia & Mittelt's Apartment

"Please sign here." The mailman commented as he gave the paper to Asia.

"O-Okay." Asia said as she signed the paper and gave it back to him. The mailman checked the paper and then smiled.

"Then it's done, here's your package and have a nice day Miss Argento." The mailman told the girl and gave the large present box to Asia.

The girl let out a soft "omph" while taking the gift, the box was quite heavy actually, but she didn't have any problem to lift it. "Thank you, Arisawa-san." Asia said genuinely and the man laughed.

"You're welcome Argento-san! But really, how many is it this week? Seven? You even remember my name and face by now since you see me so much!" Arisawa's laugh make the girl's smile turn sheepish. "But still... This man must really like you if he sends you these gifts everyday!" Arisawa shook his head and missed Asia's smile straining when he mentioned this. "Anyway, I will leave then. Still have other packages to deliver."

"Uhm!" Asia nodded with a bright smile as always. "Good luck and have a good day, Arisawa-san!" She said as she gave the mailman one last smile before closing the door.

Asia let out a cute grunt as she carried the present box and placed it on the table. Afterwards she sat on sofa and sighed softly.

She had been living in this city for one month. One week in the church and three weeks after Issei rescued her, with the last week being the time since her reunion with Diodora. Among all those weeks, if she was honest, this last week was the most troubling for her.

Now, it was not like she wasn't happy to receive gifts. She was, but in the last week she got a new gift every single day! True, she had experienced things like that in the past during her time in the Church, but those gifts had been a different kind of gift.

She didn't get gold rings, diamond necklaces, or anything like that in the Church! She actually had no use for such things either.

"Ara, another gift?"

Asia turned to see her fellow blonde come out from her room. The fallen angel had her hair tied into twin ponytails, and was wearing a black tank top and short yellow pants that barely reached her knees.

"Mittelt-chan."

Mittelt approached the exiled nun with a bored face. She sat on the sofa on the opposite side of Asia and gave her a small smirk.

"That devil guy's really persistent, isn't he? Man, this is the seventh time in one week. What did he give to you?" She asked as she poked the box.

"I-I don't know." Asia answered and Mittelt narrowed her eyes.

"Well? Then what are you waiting for? Open it." Mittelt told her and Asia nodded.

"I will take the scissors and-"

"Too long, let me do it." Mittelt cut her off and raised one hand that was already glowing in a pink light before she placed it on top of the present and the beautiful wrapped paper was shredded apart, revealing a smaller box. "More jewelry? What is it this time?" She murmured as she opened the box shamelessly despite it being meant for Asia.

As the fallen angel took the box and opened it she let out an impressed whistle. It was a beautiful cross, a very well crafted one even, made with silver that seemed to be glowing even in the dark, and also polished very well.

"This is one very damn good cross." Mittelt said as she raised the cross, a little surprised.

"A cross? Really?" Asia's face was one of surprise, this gift was very unexpected. "But, Diodora-san is a devil and..." It wasn't a secret that devils were very disturbed by crosses, no matter how strong the devil was, they would show a reaction at least the moment that holy artifact touched their skin.

Devils were very powerful creatures, their magic based on their imagination was very dangerous. However, despite their strength it wasn't a secret that they were also very weak to the light and holy elements. Even for High-class devils it will be very fatal if they got pierced by light, and the pain they felt in that case was many times more intense than an ordinary wound.

True, there were devils who possessed the Rook trait and were able to defend themselves from simple light-element bullets, but if those bullets were to pierce their defense, the effect would be as same as a low-class devil being skewered by light-element bullets.

Few devils were as strong as the Maou or Ultimate-class devils and thus strong enough to tolerate them, but it wasn't because they had stronger bodies or were immune to light, no, they were able to endure the pain better.

To put it simple, if a high-class devil came into contact with a cross you'd instantly be granted by the sight of the devil writhing in pain. Even if they touched it with gloves it would still burn their skin.

That was how weak devil were to holy and light-element artifacts.

So seeing Diodora give a cross to her was very surprising in her eyes. Could it be he really was that serious about this?

"You are as naïve as always, Asia." Mittelt chided her lightly, but her face contained amusement. "This cross could be easily made by someone else, who knows, maybe Diodora simply hired people to make this cross then deliver it to you."

Well... If she put it that way...

"S-Sorry!" Asia stuttered an apology to her.

"It's okay, seeing how you grew up I guess it isn't much of a surprise." Mittelt waved her hand in a dismissive manner. "If there's someone to blame, it's the people in the Church. Isolating and binding you like that... really, sometimes I am amazed at their faith in God but at the same time they can do things that make even devils cackle in glee." She murmured while sighing.

Asia, who heard that, had her mind go blank for a moment before her face turned into a horrified expression. "W-What do you m-mean, Mittelt-chan?"

Mittelt stared at Asia with a bored look. This girl was naïve. She was still too innocent and pure, almost like a white sheet paper - you could thank the Church for that. This girl had not been introduced to the dark side of the world!

Then again, Mittelt had to admit that she herself had still not been introduced to the better side of the world. If Asia was too innocent then Mittelt was the opposite. She was world wise but also too jaded.

You could say that she and Asia were actually almost like opposite sides of a coin, they were similar but different. Where Asia saw the world as a bright place, Mittelt saw it as a dark one.

Asia had been isolated and caged by the Church's kindness and lectures while Mittelt had been isolated and caged by the Grigori's cruelty and experience.

Maybe they were not exactly the same of opposite sides, but at least they had a bond and a similarity that was quite strong.

"I'm not the one who you should talk to, Asia, talk with Issei." Mittelt said with a sigh, she herself was aware that if she talked with Asia there was a chance she would make the girl break down into sobbing. No, she didn't mean to talk in a cruel way, but Asia's kind nature would make her sympathize with her and... Well, you knew what would happen next.

She just didn't want to see Asia cry and then comfort her. That would be troubling, seeing how she was not the kind of girl who could comfort people; she didn't even know how to do it.

"O-Okay." Asia nodded in agreement. "Sorry for asking."

"No need to. You're just curious, and like I said, I can't explain it to you. Issei will be better in that aspect." Mittelt told her friend.

"B-But still. I'm so-"

"Gagh!" Mittelt practically yelled, her arms lifted upwards and the expensive cross thrown away like rag doll. "Stop apologizing!" Really, what was it with this girl and apologizing?! At first she found it amusing but in time it became really annoying!

"Eek! Sorry! I-"

"Asiaaa!" Mittelt growled almost like an animal. "Close your mouth!" She stated sternly.

Asia immediately did so, she clamped her mouth shut with both her hands to prevent herself from talking further. The fallen angel let out a sigh. Sometimes dealing with Asia could be quite troublesome. Naturally she once again blamed the Church and humanity for making Asia like this.

"Anyway, this cross. What do you want to do with it?" Mittelt asked as she change the topic of the conversation and stared back at the cross that was now in a corner of the room.

"I think I don't need it..." Asia answered, her smile making Mittelt furrow her eyebrow. "This cross." She showed the fallen angel the cross she was always wearing. "It was given to me by the Mother of the orphanage I used to live at before the Church took me." She said in a soft manner as she stared at the cross she was wearing with a nostalgic smile.

Now that caught Mittelt's interest as she leaned forward from her seat, staring at the cross. As far as she could tell the cross was plain and made from simple aluminum so it didn't rot.

"That precious for you, eh?" Mittelt asked in a soft manner and Asia nodded.

"Yes... The Mother of the orphanage, Angelica-san, was so kind to us. She used to be a traveler who went around the world, so at night, before we went to sleep, she told us many things." As Asia spoke, her eyes looked at the cross she held and showed a gleam of happiness and nostalgia. "She told us how big and wide this world is and how amazing it is. She said this world is filled with many great things, beautiful things that make even criminals shed tears with their beauty."

"Eh?" Mittelt blinked. "I don't think I understand what you mean..." She responded with a scowl and Asia nodded.

"I also didn't understand it at first, but..." Her face now was a mixture of sadness and also happiness at same time. "Did you know, when I was exiled from the Church I was sad. However, at the same time I also couldn't help but feel happy." Mittelt showed a surprised look at that, she had never thought Asia had felt slight happy about leaving the Church. "It's because deep inside I wanted to leave."

Oh...

Now Mittelt understood what Asia meant.

"I'd been in the Church for a long time, and it wasn't like I disliked it. The people there and me enjoyed healing people. But I also wanted to leave, I wanted to see the world beyond the Church area. I wanted to see the world Angelica-san spoke of, I wanted to see all the people I had already healed again." Asia spoke in a dreamy and happy tone, but then she smiled bitterly. "Maybe I am still exiled because of that. Because no matter how much I pray and how I help people, I still want to be free..." She chuckled in a humorless manner. "I guess I got what I wanted now..."

Mittelt stared at Asia with a neutral look. After hearing the story she was actually not surprised. It was human nature to wish for freedom. No matter what, humans would always want to be free, they couldn't be caged, they were independent creatures.

Her previous master always said things like that and while Mittelt usually ignored it, at least she listened to what he said. And now, when she heard Asia's story, it seemed her previous leader was proven correct.

"Do you... regret it?" Mittelt asked after amoment of silence. "Staying with Issei and me like this... Being exiled from the Church... Do you regret it?"

Mittelt was once again surprised when saw Asia face turn determined, she had never seen her look like that, this was the first time her face was so serious.

"No... I don't regret it... Staying with you and Issei-san... I don't regret it and I never will..." Asia looked Mittelt directly into the eyes. "You and Issei-san have shown me how beautiful this world is, how amazing the world that God created is. Even... Even if I only left the Church a few months ago, it's quite shameful to admit it, but these few months and everything I went through surpass any experience I had during my time at the Church." Her tone was bitter, but the smile she wore was one of happiness.

After hearing that, Mittelt's lips slowly curled into a small smile. She leaned back on the sofa and giggled. "Well, I'm glad you enjoy it then. I'm sure if Issei was here he would be proud and happy with your answer." She chuckled and Asia's face became adorned with a small pink hue when her hero's name was mentioned. "Oh, I wanted to ask this but I just couldn't find the right time. Why do you call Issei with a "-san" honorific?" She asked with curiosity, she wasn't offended or bothered by having Asia call her with a "-chan" suffix, but she wanted to know why she gave Issei a "-san" honorific. As far she as knew it would be more friendly if Asia called him with a "-kun" or without any honorific like she called Issei.

"Ah..." Asia showed a face of understanding at that, she knew what Mittelt-chan meant. "I call him like that because Issei-san deserves it. Wouldn't you call your previous leader with a honorific?" She answered the question with another question, making Mittelt blink. "You know what Issei-san wants, don't you?"

"To be a hero..." Mittelt stated with a small giggle, when she had asked him why he had saved her, he had answered that he did it because he was a hero. To be honest, she had laughed at him when he had declared his dream and what he wanted, really it was a silly dream. A hero? A human hero in this age at time? "And what about it?" She asked after finishing her giggle, but when she looked at Asia she was surprised to see the girl was serious, she was still smiling but the smile was not a kind and angelic smile but a smile of pure belief.

"I believe, Issei-san will become a hero in the future, a hero that will be recognized by everyone." Asia stated in firm tone.

Hearing the shy Asia being so serious, Mittelt turned thoughtful. That actually was not entirely impossible, considering what Issei was. Now that she thought about it, it was true, Issei could actually become a hero.

"Well... He is a Longinus wielder, his magic reserves are also pretty large. Not to mention he can already use Balance Breaker at his current age, give him a few years and he-"

"No..." Asia cut Mittelt off, making the fallen angel blink.

"No?"

"That's not what will make Issei-san become a hero..." Asia shook her head with a smile. "he will become a hero because of his mind... because he is willing to understand and accept people."

Ah... Mittelt face gained an understanding expression at that. Her mind immediately drifted to the moment when she had cried on Issei's chest and how the man had comfort her. A small blush appeared on her face and she smiled.

She remembered how sad and angry she had been at Issei, who had hugged her and said 'sorry' just like that. But at same time she had also felt happy and warm just like when her own parents had comforted her.

True, the hatred and negative feelings she possessed for humans were still there, but at that moment she realized something. She felt that she now saw humans at least in a new light when she saw that there were humans who were willing to understand her, a human who had admitted that they were cruel creatures who did thing worse than the devil occasionally.

She didn't know humans were capable of such things. Perhaps that was the reason why her ex-leader was interested in humans so much and often talked about them?

"That Issei..." Mittelt muttered. "He really is an idiot, isn't he?" She smirked slightly and Asia giggled. "But at same time he is also amazing." She let out a sigh that was a mixture between happiness and disapproval. "But what is the connection with you calling him -san?" She asked the question again.

"It's because I'm going to follow him." Asia answered. "Issei-san said he won't stay in this city forever, he will leave for his goal and at that time I will go with him. I guess he will be my leader then, so isn't it just proper if I call him with a honorific?" She asked softly and Mittelt nodded in understanding after hearing that.

"I see... Well I also decided to follow that idiot actually." Mittelt chuckled. "Maybe I should call him something else... Onii-sama perhaps?" She muttered to herself while humming, that sounded good actually. She could imagine Issei's reaction already when she did that, oh yeah it would be a sight to behold.

"Speaking of Issei-san." Asia turned to the clock and saw it was already 5:30PM "Issei-san should be home soon. I will prepare dinner." She said as she stood up. Issei had already gone to train at 4:00AM, on holidays like this his training routine became really heavy, he trained for 12 hours straight before going home, getting healed, taking a bath and then dinner together.

"Right." Mittelt nodded as she also stood up. "I will help."

Hearing that Asia's skin turned pale and horror crossed her expression. "No, M-Mittelt-chan I can do it by myself." She said with a small stutter.

Thankfully Mittelt didn't notice the stutter and only turned to her with a small scowl on her face while playing with the cross Diodora sent. "Really? I mean it is you and Issei who always prepare dinner. I can help too you know."

"U-Umm." Asia was now trying her best to keep her smile up. She didn't want to be rude, but she still remembered the last time Mittelt burned down Zelretch-ojisan old house kitchen when she tried to make tea.

If the fallen angel could burn down the kitchen just because she wanted to make tea, then the exiled nun didn't want to know what would happen when Mittelt actually tried to cook.

"Oh by the way, does that mean you won't need this cross?" Mittelt asked while holding up the object in question.

'Chance!' Asia thought with glee. "No, I won't. I'm good with my old one, you can take it!" She said with a nod and grin.

Mittelt's face turned into a grin at that. All the jewelry Asia got from Diodora this week had actually been given to her instead since Asia didn't need it. What did she do with it? Well, she sold the ones she disliked and saved the ones she liked. What? Zelretch gave them money for the house as well as the electric and water bills, but their clothes and food was bought by their own money!

And seeing how Issei's fund was not that big and only standard, it was only logical if she wished to have her own money. She was thinking to work at the same place as Issei did before but thanks to Diodora gifts, she didn't have to. The jewels he gave Asia were actually pretty expensive and rare! It was more than enough to turn them into temporary millionaires!

"Well! Okay then! Let me contact my seller!" Mittelt said happily as she raised her new Iphone that she got from selling some of Diodora's gifts.

'Safe.' Asia turned around so Mittelt couldn't see her and let out small sigh of relief, she just dodged a bomb that almost exploded. Unlike Zelretch-ojisan, Issei-san was very protective of the kitchen and if the hero found out it was destroyed...

It was at that moment that suddenly strange sensation struck Mittelt and Asia's consciousness. The fallen angel stopped playing with her phone and put on a grim face while Asia's face showed concern.

Someone with an unfamiliar strong presence was coming.

The barrier and boundary field that Zelretch had made around their apartment was a special one. It didn't give protection or anything like that, however, its detection abilities were top notch, you could said it was almost like the one in the Emiya residence that Kiritsugu made only more advanced. It was able to sense someone who intended to visit them even when they were still quite away from their place, giving them time to prepare. It also told them what kind of energy was coming to their place.

It was connected to Asia, Mittelt and Issei since Zelretch made them by taking their energy signature so they would sense it the moment an intruder intended to visit their place.

Issei had already told them that the devils in city would contact them first if they wished to meet them, so they would be aware if they came. However, there no devil had informed or contacted them that they would visit today. And remembering how Issei had told them that Rias Gremory was gone for three weeks it left only Sona Sitri.

And they knew Sona would tell them if she was going to come, that girl was quite strict about protocol after all. Unless it was very urgent and she didn't have the time to inform them, she would always notify them first.

Mittelt shared a glance with Asia and the girl nodded. They sat down in the living room together and waited. Asia might not be a fighter, but she was someone who knew the time when healing was urgently needed.

As they were sitting and waiting, it was Mittelt who sensed it clearly first. She might not be that good at sensing, but thanks to the boundary field surrounding the house she was able to identify the incoming energy.

'Holy energy! A strong one! It's not a devil! Exorcists?! Priests?! What are they doing in this area?!' Mittelt thought slightly panicked. Who was coming? Could it be a stray one?! "Asia!" She whispered loud enough to be heard. "Hide yourself!"

"Eh?!" Asia was surprised at that. "B-But!"

"Just hide for a moment! I will deal with whoever it is! You try to call Zelretch or Issei!" Mittelt told her, she at least might be able to put up a small fight if it came to that.

After hearing that Asia nodded, calling Issei-san or Zelretch-ojisan was the best option now. She immediately went to her room to get her phone.

KNOCK! KNOCK!

Mittelt gulped as she felt the person arrive, she could tell it was only one, but this one person was not an ordinary one. She moved to the door, light-element already gathering in her palm, ready to strike.

"Coming~~~! Please wait!" She called in a childish tone.

She put on the facade of a normal girl and opened the door. As soon as she did, she was granted the view of a middle-aged man with black hair, wearing a priest vestment, but unlike the one Freed or stray exorcists wore, this man's was cleaner.

"Yes, Oji-san? Can I help you?" Mittelt asked with a cute smile.

The man look down at Mittelt since the girl was shorter than him. Seeing her smile the man smiled back in a kind manner, and for a moment Mittelt thought he was tricked but she froze for a second when the man spoke.

"Fallen angel, you can remove that mask of yours and step away before I cut you down." The priest spoke in a gentle manner.

Mittelt's eyes narrowed, gone was her facade and now replaced by a grim look. "And what do you want, priest?" She hissed with venom in her voice. "Did you come to kill me?"

"Oh no, I didn't..." The priest responded, making Mittelt's eyebrow furrow at that. "I'm here for Asia Argento, if you give her to me then I will leave and won't harm you after that."

"You want Asia?" Mittelt blinked before snorting. "After exiling her now you guys want her back? Really?" She asked with a smirk.

"That's none of your business girl, now would you step aside and give her to me?" The priest asked to the point again, his hand on the sword that hung at his side.

Mittelt's eyes focused on the sword for a moment, it was the source of the holy energy she sensed. The sword's shape was strange, she had never seen a sword like this before but the power from it clearly was a force to be reckoned with. However, not just that, this man also made her wary, very wary. There was no doubt this man was skilled with the sword he was currently holding.

"I won't let you take Asia back to that place! What do you want with her? Answer me first!" She demanded.

The priest's eyes narrowed, this fallen angel seemed to care about Asia. What was their relationship?

"Like you said, the Church wants Asia back. She proved to be not wicked like the people thought." He grunted out. "Now step aside, girl, I don't want to strike you."

"Like hell you will take her! You think she is some kind of puppet or tool?! You threw her away and now you want her back?!" Mittelt sneered. "I don't think so, she won't leave with you. Now leave!"

The priest closed his eyes. So it would be like this. It quite saddened him to see he had to attack this one, seeing how she was still a child.

It was Mittelt's reflexes and instinct that barely managed to save her. The moment the priest gripped his sword he became fast, very fast, comparable to a high-class devil. His hand blurred and his sword shot towards her.

Had she not gone through the little training with Issei, the sword would have been able to cut her down, but fortunately for her that little training was only little for Issei and not for her, so it worked a bit at least and it saved her. Her prepared light-energy in her hand burst out and made a small explosion that pushed her body backwards and allowed her to avoid the swing that intended to cut her chest open, but it was still fast enough to destroy her clothes.

The priest showed a small amount of surprise when he saw the fallen angel dodging the attack, however, the surprise was instantly crushed and he moved again.

Mittelt meanwhile had been sent backwards due to the explosion and crashed into the furniture, but she immediately rolled away, just in time to dodge the next strike from the priest that cut into the floor.

While pushing her body away Mittelt simultaneously created two spears and threw them at the man. However, the man swatted them away and it destroyed them like they were glass before moving again with even faster speed.

'Ah, so this is it...'

Mittelt knew she going to die now, that man was too fast for her. While she could see him, her body couldn't react fast enough, she was aware of that already due to her training with Issei. She didn't know how this man could move that fast, perhaps because of his sword? But that didn't matter anymore because she was done now.

'Issei... Thank you... Mama, Papa... I'm coming.' She thought as she closed her eyes and accepted her fate

"MITTELT-CHAN!"

FLAASH! CLANG

The sound of Asia's scream and steel clashing with steel made Mittelt instantly open her eyes again and an awed expression appeared on her face at what she saw.

Standing in front of her was Issei, Kanshou and Bakuya in his hands. The snow-white sword was held in reverse and blocking the priest's sword that was glowing with golden light.

"What the..." The priest murmured in surprise at seeing a boy suddenly appear via a magic circle and capable of blocking his attack.

"Well, well, well." Issei started to speak, his face impassive as he kept stopping the man's sword with Bakuya. "I didn't think exorcist would come to a city of devils." He said before he grunted and put strength into his arm and pushed the priest away.

The priest's eyes widened at the boy's strength as he got pushed back. He stumbled few steps before he was able to balance himself, but by the time that was done the boy was already in front of him with his black sword twirling in his hand and thrusting it at him.

The priest gripped his sword tightly and with one fast movement parried the black sword away to his right direction. However, after that he had to move his hand again as Issei spun his body and delivered a swing with the white sword aimed at the priest's torso.

The priest lowered his sword and blocked the attack by parrying it away again, but the boy was not done, the second sword came the moment the priest parried the white sword and he was forced to crouch and dodge the swing, but by that time Issei's leg was there and delivered a kick to his face.

The priest was able to maneuver his Kris-like sword and block the kick with the flat side of it, but to his shock the strength behind it was bigger than what he expected and he was pushed away, crashing into a nearby sofa only to quickly balance himself.

But Issei was already on the move again. He swung Bakuya down on the man that just balanced himself while crouching. However, the man was skilled enough to raise his sword and block the attack, then his legs moved with quickly and to normal eyes he seemed gone.

Unfortunately for the priest Issei was anything but normal. His steel gray eyes were able to catch the priest's legs when he moved behind him as he kicked the ground fast, reached the ceiling above and kicked it to catapult himself and deliver an axe slash to Issei's back. But the dual wielding fighter followed this with his eyes and spun his body while raising Kanshou and Bakuya just in time to block the aerial swing from the priest.

Sparks and a small explosion appeared as both warriors clashed, the furniture in the area where they stood was blown away like a grenade had just been thrown into the room while the floor broke and splattered to all directions.

As they clashed there seemed to be small pause as both warriors gauged the abilities of their opponent while their swords grinded against each other.

Issei grunted inwardly as he felt the force the priest generated, by all means, this man was quite strong, but he was not strong enough to push him down. This man held some power, in terms of Servant stats he probably had E- or E-ranked strength, but his speed and skills were something to be reckoned with. This guy could probably easily kill normal high-class devils, he was far better than Freed in terms of skill! Issei had to play this more carefully if he wanted to win.

The priest meanwhile showed a stoic face on the outside while he was quite surprised inwardly at the boy's skill. He was not just fast enough to match him who wielded Excalibur Rapidly, but also strong enough to hold his full attack. And his skills with his swords might be even better than most of his students. Could it be this boy was a supernatural being? No, he was clearly a human, he could feel the aura he radiated was completely human have, but how could he be this strong if that was the case?

Then time resumed, Issei pushed the priest away and the man from the Church landed while skidding on the floor. Not long after that, he kicked the floor again and delivered a quick piercing attack against Issei.

Issei raised Kanshou and swung it, the Chinese sword clashed against the holy sword and made the priest's arm bend upwards, leaving him open. Issei didn't let this chance just go by and raised Bakuya and thrust it at the priest with intent to skewer his face. However, the priest was able to kick the ground again and jumped to follow his sword, avoiding being pierced.

The priest moved his body forward, used one hand to tap Issei's shoulder and then used it as stepping ground as he passed Issei and delivered a swing aimed at his neck from behind. But Issei was able to duck, dodging the swing, and pivoting his body. While in a crouching position he spun and delivered yet another swing with both of his twin swords.

By any means it was very clear that the priest was vulnerable in the air. He had just delivered an attack with both of his hands and Issei perfectly dodged and countered it. Even skilled warriors wouldn't be left unscathed. However, this priest was not just skilled, he was very skilled.

As soon as his swing missed, he had already maneuvered his sword, gripping it with both hands in reverse, just in time to block the strike from Kanshou and Bakuya. And just like he had predicted, Issei's strength was enough to push him away. While being sent backward through the air from the attack, he twisted his body and his legs landed on a wall before he kicked it with the enhanced speed from Excalibur Rapidly, making him soar towards Issei with faster speed than before.

CLAAAANG!

Issei gritted his teeth inwardly as he felt his feet digging through the floor and his body skidding backward from blocking the attack with Kanshou and Bakuya. By any mean this man was fast, but maybe only one level faster than him or equal. And with their weapons on the same level, he should have been able to finish this man already seeing how he had other advantages.

But this man's skill was something to be reckoned with. He was good, very good in fact. He was very skilled to the point that by only possessing equal speed he was able to push Issei this much.

With a grunt, Issei forced strength to his arms and he pushed the priest away who flipped and landed on the floor. The man's face was still stoic while observing Issei, who also gave the same look to the priest.

The priest gauged his enemy while gripping Excalibur Rapidly with a firm grip in his hands. The boy's appearance was actually... not too clean. Dirt covered most of his appearance and he also noted the boy seemed to be tired, but not because of their battle. Could it be he had been in a middle of training or another battle before coming here?

This boy possessed superior strength and his speed was also at the same level as his own while wielding Excalibur Rapidly. His skill was also clearly far better than most students he trained at the Church. This boy was not a simple child but a warrior.

He was a warrior who possessed experience in fighting and even war perhaps. Seeing his age this young warrior shouldn't be older than Xenovia or Irina perhaps and yet, the difference between them was great. This young man reminded him of himself when he was young.

'Tsk, this was supposed to be a simple grab and go mission. Now it has become more complicated...' The priest thought with annoyance. He himself held quite a high title in the Church and if some devil noticed someone of his caliber coming to a place of devils who were siblings of the Maou it could be considered as a serious move of the Church.

The priest had come here since Vasco really wished to save Asia Argento. The previous wielder of Durandal was quite fond of Asia and had felt saddened when he had heard the girl had been exiled. Vasco had already tried his best to track the girl and save her. He had already been able to gather supporters of the holy maiden in the Church and now, with his own support added, they just needed Asia to come back to the Church in order to fix the girl's reputation and tell everyone the truth of her innocence.

Vasco had finally tracked the girl down and was quite worried when he discovered Asia was in a place full of devils who were siblings of the Maou. He had already sent a small scout to this place and prayed that he was not too late. He hoped the girl had not been turned into devil because of her ability and innocent nature. And his prayers had apparently been answered when the reports revealed that she was still human.

But Vasco had been concerned when he had heard that there was a fallen angel with her. Vasco suspected the fallen angel did something and bound the girl to herself to use Asia's power, so a plan to rescue her had been developed. Originally it shouldn't have been him who came to this place, but this mission had to be done in secret and thus needed a skilled person.

Now, it wasn't a problem for Vasco to order another exorcist, one who specialize in stealth to sneak in and rescue Asia, but there was something amiss with the city lately, and doing so would catch the attention of the faction that opposed Asia.

It was then Vasco remembered him. He was originally on vacation, free from the Church's eyes and untracked for a moment save for Vasco. He had sent him a letter and explained the mission, and then gave him permission to take one of the Excalibur fragments just in case the mission became more dangerous.

He naturally didn't want to do it, seeing how he was on vacation and already retired, but Vasco was quite desperate when he asked him, not to mention the girl also seemed very innocent. And it was also one of his jobs as a fellow believer of God to help each other, so why not? Even Christ himself had gladly saved the lamb that was lost.

So that was why he found himself here now, before entering this place he had already set up a boundary field here. This field prevented any detection from the outside. The effect was no doubt effective, but because of that the barrier was quite fragile.

It would break from a simple single attack from a high-class devil level being, and seeing the boy's skill and strength, there was no doubt it was going to break if they kept fighting.

"Wait! Wait!"

Issei blinked when Asia suddenly appeared between him and the priest, the girl's expression quite troubled.

"P-Please don't fight anymore!" Asia said with a sad face. "C-Can't we just talk about this?" She asked as she turned to the priest "M-Mitelt-chan said Father is here to take me back to the Church right? T-Then wouldn't it better if we talk about it first?"

Issei's eyes showed a small surprise at the information of the Church wishing for Asia to come back. Among all things he never thought this would be the reason why the priest came here.

"It depends..." Issei said. "I'm willing to talk and would have done so in the first place, but seeing this Father here blatantly attacked Mittelt..." He let it sink into the man who showed signs of some regret on his face before it was replaced by a calm look.

"I apologize for that." The priest grunted and he lowered his sword to show he no longer wished to fight. "If it can be resolved peacefully then I am also willing to talk about this so that there won't be any violence." He said and Issei noted the man's tone was sincere and honest.

Issei observed the man in front of him. His face was calm and stoic. He slowly put down Kanshou and Bakuya but kept his grip on them, his muscles still not relaxing, indicating he was ready for any surprise attack.

The priest saw the young warrior in front of him lowering his weapon and took it as sign for a truce for now and he too was willing to talk despite his muscles and stance still being tense. He then decided to be polite since it would be better to lift the tension that was still in the room.

"Your name, young man?" He asked.

"It's proper behavior for someone to introduce themselves first before asking." Issei shot back with a smirk and the man felt his lips twitch slightly upwards. This boy had quite the tongue.

"Pardon me, my name is Ewald Cristaldi." Cristaldi introduce himself. He heard a gasp from the fallen angel and Asia, who had been staring at the battle ever since the beginning. "Now, may I ask your name?"

Issei narrowed his eyes, judging from Asia and Mittelt's reaction this man had to be a big shot from the Church. Why was he here then? "Hyoudou Issei at your service." Issei introduced himself. "Now tell me, why are you here? Judging by Asia and Mittelt's reaction you must be some kind of higher up from the Church. What is someone like that doing in devil territory? Not to mention the two devils here are siblings of the Maou." He asked with an impassive face and tone that left no room for argument.

Cristaldi didn't show any sign of being intimidated by Issei. He calmly raised Excalibur Rapidly and then sheathed it before making a gesture with his hands that he didn't mean any offense.

"Like Miss Asia said, I didn't have any objective other than taking Miss Asia back to the Church." He replied and paused. He was about to continue but then stared at his surroundings. "Before we talk further, wouldn't it be better if we talked in a more... appropriate place?"

Issei blinked at that before he also observed his surroundings and grimaced. Well, the living room was a total mess now. The TV was broken and bent into a strange angle, the sofa was sliced open to reveal the foam inside it, and table, chairs and the other furniture was broken on the ground.

Oh well, this would cost quite much to repair, wouldn't it? And with his current finances... Oh God, that old vampire was going to make nasty comments, he already could imagine them in his head.

"Let's... repair this place first then..." Issei murmured, he could feel there would be headaches to come. First that devil and now someone important from the Church came and wished to take Asia. He already had enough problems with Diodora, and now the Church too?

First a fallen angel, second a devil and now the Church? Oh great, what faction was going to try to recruit Asia next?

'If they were after me I wouldn't be surprised, seeing how Ddraig attracts problems due to his nature, but Asia? The girl who can barely harm a small bug is the one who attracts problems? Really? Really? Damn!' Issei grumbled in his mind as he used his magic to fix the room.