"Gasper, please come out. It's my fault for pushing you into going with Yumi." Gremory called out to Vladi through the door.

I approached her, looking at the red head with an eyebrow raised "What happened?" I asked, despite already having an idea of why my little Kōhai locked herself back in her room.

"...I had Yumi take Gasper out with her on contract." Gremory answered while averting her eyes from me.

[Fueeeeeeeeeeeeee!]

"...Gremory, you gotta remember that Vladi needs time. She's been sealed away for so long and that isn't the easiest trauma to undo, especially with her hikikomori tendencies." I said with a sigh, finding her inability to truly 'see' the struggles of her peerage to be disappointing. If I was a [King], I would do my best to help my comrades to overcome their demons and help them move on for a better life.

Gremory sheepishly nodded in response "...Gasper's father is from a noble family of vampires but since his mother was a human mistress, meaning she wasn't pure blooded. I heard that they hate those who aren't Pure Blood more then Devils, the vampires who scorn, even if it's their sibling, their treatment is discriminating."

...To think that there's a species that are more prideful of their kind then Devils, I would never would have though it was possible since Devils are fuelled by their desires or sins. The most common sins that they would embody are Lust, Greed and Pride.

"Gasper was bullied by her siblings since childhood, even when she went to the human world, she was treated as a monster and so she had no place to call home. However, she possesses the unique abilities of vampires, and the ability as a human - a special [Sacred Gear], since she was born with both of them, even if she didn't want to, as she grew older, I hear her powers also became greater." Gremory then looked down with sadness in her eyes "The problem is that even if she wanted to become friends, by some chance her [Sacred Gear] gets activated, and stops the other person."

Gremory paused for a moment before looking to me "Hey Raiga. How would you feel if you could stop time, but can't control that power?" She asked, curiosity clear in her voice and eyes.

"Is that even a question?" I retorted, staring my [King] deadpanned eyes "It only natural for anyone to be afraid on something that they can't control or understand, so I can't really find odd that if someone was down right terrified of a power they can't control... Try imagining yourself with absolutely no control over you own ability, the [Power of Destruction]... Wouldn't you feel the same as Vladi if that happens all the time?"

Gremory looked down for a moment, no doubt thinking about what I've just said before looking back at me and nodding in agreement.

"I-I... don't need such a [Sacred Gear]!" My young Kōhai cried out... Fear and self-hate within her words "B-Because I stop everyone! I scare them! I make them dislike me! Even I dislike it! I don't want to stop my f-friends and c-comrades... Any more of having to look at the face of my cherished ones' stopped... I-I don't want that..."

"What a quandary... For making this kid to once again shut herself in... I am a failure as a [King]." Gremory said, disappointment within her tone and it's directed to herself... Honestly, that should be pretty obvious. You didn't helped the others fight against their demons, only thinking that they'll eventually forget about them... But I'll admit, those kinds of things are the most difficult to forget.

"Gremory, isn't your meeting with your brother and the others in a short while from now?" I asked after remembering about that little fact.

"Yes, but I will extend the time a bit more. I have to make sure that Gasper is alright first-"

"Go. I'll help Vladi out." I said, interrupting her and I saw Gremory looked like she was going to protest, but I quickly added "It's alright. I have to look out for my Kōhai, right?"

"Raiga... Alright, I got it. I trust you'll look after her." I nodded as my answer, getting a nod and a smile from the redhead before she turned to leave the area. Once she was gone, I moved to sit down, leaning against the wall, opposite the door to Vladi's room.

"Till you feel like coming out, I'll wait here Vladi."

...

...

...

...

Time seemed to trickle by as I waited for Vladi to show any sign of coming out or even talking, so I let out a silent sigh before of thinking something that would make her come out... Ah, that might work "You know... I also possess a [Sacred Gear] that I didn't quite understood. Although, I only had a normal high-schooler life before I found it out. To be honest, I was worried when I first started to use it's powers. I feel that some part of my body is changing into something else... But I had to roll with it." Well, it's more like my situation that would have made me cautious of things since I'm current have a power to made things fictions into reality, for me that is.

"Why? M-Maybe, you may lose something important, you know? Why do you Senpai, want to live such a straight forward life so much?" Vladi asked, though it was a bit muffled because of the door between us.

I smiled at finally getting a response... Just need a bit more push for her to free herself again "Ever since I awoke this power, I had no friends supporting me... I don't think you know this but Gremory left me without knowing anything for a week after I was revived, so I had to learn things without anybody's help. Ever since I became aware of the supernatural, I've had to fight stronger and stronger opponents. A group of former grunt Fallen Angels, Phenex, Kokabiel..."

I trailed off as the door opened a little, with Vladi looking at me through the small gap "...I wasn't present during that time, but I saw the [Rating Game]. I couldn't believe you were that strong in such a short time."

"I had a lot of physical training, since close combat is the most common type of fighting that I know... But that didn't mean that I slacked off with my flames." I added the last part before creating a [Mist] Happy on my right shoulder, who waved at Gasper. I noticed a tear roll down Vladi's face... She must be feeling anger and disappointment at herself for unable to help us during that time "Don't worry, I understand about why you weren't able to participate during the [Rating Game]. But now, you'll have a chance to make a difference, right?"

"...I-I will just cause trouble... I'm a hikkomori, I'm intensely shy... I can't properly use my [Sacred Gear]..." Vladi stammered back while I moved to sit near the door so I could gently pat Vladi on the head.

"Confidence can be built, Powers can be control to use like its almost second nature..." I replied while looking down at my Kōhai with a soft smile "As your Senpai in real life, I will make sure you learn these things as long as you're willing to learn."

Vladi blinked in surprise but I continued on with a eerie smile "And I will send anything scary to you with my own power."

Vladi looked troubled, only to squeak in protest as I ruffled her hair "You've ruined my hair, Senpai..." Vladi moaned, her hands moving to try and fix it while I smiled in amusement as we continued talking about random topics, ranging from magic to anime to movies and games and before either of us really knew, we end up sitting in Vladi's room.

"Well looks like you've got Gasper to open up a bit." I heard a familiar voice and turned towards the source to see Hyōdō standing at the doorway with Yumi, a large plastic bag in the former's hands "Brought some take out for us 3, although I think I have enough to stretch to the 4 of us."

"T-Thank you..."

The duo entered, taking their seats on the floor with Vladi and Hyōdō took out several Styrofoam boxes "Wasn't sure what you would like, Gasper, so I got a few things."

"Well..." Yumi started, trying to think of a question even as Hyōdō smirked and moved to grab a paper bag that was in the room.

"What are you doing, Hyōdō?" I asked while looking at her with a raised eyebrow.

"Oh, well if Gasper has trouble meeting eye to eye with people that much then she needs a mask..." Hyōdō answered, handing the bag over to Yumi, who chuckled as she cut 2 holes into the bag with a knife before handing the bag to Vladi, who put it on.

"H-How is it~? Does it suit me~?" The little vampire asked with a very innocent and timid voice, which absolutely did not suit her current look at all.

"...Well, it really makes you look scarier." I half-lied, as what I really wanted to point out that she now looks like a creepy stalker that like little kids but what I said is kinda true as well, for kids... I should get a better mask for her, since it would feel a bit awkward talking with a person that's wearing such a silly thing on his/her head.

"That's right, Gasper."

"You look really scary now, Gasper."

Gaper perking up as Hyōdō and Yumi gave their own agreements to the my words "R-Really? If I wear this then my value as a vampire may increase..."

"Ah! I have a question now. What's the best part that you like about a guy?" Yumi said, catching me a bit off guard since I didn't expect her to even asked such a question... I guess that there's more to the honorable [Knight] and proper lady persona that she has then meets the eye "Well, 'What's the best part that you like about a girl' from Rai-kun."

...This is going to be a bit awkward.

_________________________________________

I kneeled seiza style in the dojo behind [TakeSushi], since Yamamoto-san told has something important to say involving my status as a [Master of the Shigure Soen Ryu] "What's the news about , mentor?"

"...Kōjiro-kun, you already know that I'm an old man." Yamamoto-san said with a very serious voice, surprising me since I never heard speak with such a tone. When I nodded, he let out a soft sigh in what could I describe as the sigh of defeat "I'm going to retire from being a swordsman."

...

...

...Eh?

I looked at the man that I can proudly call my father figure with a shell shocked expression on my face, trying to process what he just said. "A-Are you serious!? You're going to retire!?"

"Yeah... And you the reason why, my boy." Yamamoto-san said with a sad and tired smile while holding up his right hand before clutching it into a fist, but I can see how he's struggling to make it look menacing.

I looked at him sadly but I don't feel any pity, since I think that it would be disrespectful towards my mentor and boss... There's no need to say it out loud that he's old, too old to stay as a swordsman... But he did his best teaching me the [Shigure Soen Ryu] for his age.

"And this is where you truly begin your journey as a master." My mentor said seriously, yet I can feel pride from his voice and it makes curious on what he meant "While most people would suggested finding a student to succeed your [Shigure Soen Ryu] when in an age you're much older then you're student, I believe that teaching someone nearly the same age as you would be much more easier since your student would be friends with you."

O.O

"...Are you serious?" I asked while looking at Yamamoto-san in disbelief. I mean, I never expect that I would start training another person in my current age as I'm just graduated to Master LvL.

"Hai." Yamamoto-san said with a confident smile on his face "I'm sure that you'll be an excellent mentor, you just have to find the right person to teach."

I've kinda been given the responsibility of leading the others against Kokabiel during his attempt in mass murder in Kuoh and I didn't felt any pride after ending the madman... And yet, I can't help the feeling of pride and slight nervousness from how much faith Yamamoto-san has in me. I guess that this is the feeling when your parents expect so much from you, and you would feel bad in disappointing them.

"...I'll think of someone that I might train in the future, Yamamoto-san." I replied with a small smile on my face "And I promise you that if I ever have a student, then all of the things that you've teach me will be passed on to my future student!"

_________________________________________

I let out a sigh while I was on my way back home, feeling a weight of responsibility placed on my shoulders... So I can take in a student to be my successor for my [Shigure Soen Ryu], so early in my age.

I never expected that I can teach someone my sword style in my current age, and added in the fact that I don't have time to teach someone my [Shigure Soen Ryu] because the jobs that I have and my studies to keep my double life a secret from the humans in Kuoh Academy. Plus, I want to spend as much time with my lovers (whether it's in the bedroom or just hanging out with them)... Being a master sure is hard.

"Kōjiro?" I blinked when I heard a familiar voice from my back, which caused me to turn towards and saw Hyōdō standing there with her bike in hand... She was able to sneak pass my sense again? There are rarely anyone that I know that can get the jump on me, and she is 1 of those people who can do it without even trying "I didn't expect to see you here."

"I can say the same, Hyōdō." I replied while crossing my arms "You off to do a job again?"

"I just finished the job, so I'm actually on my way back to the clubhouse." Hyōdō said while she walked towards me "I'm just guessing that you're on your way home after your part time, right?"

"Yeah." I replied "I'm not getting the money to pay for the bills without that job." That wasn't an actual lie, since I do get paid for working in [TakeSushi], but most of my income comes from the money that I get from slaying monsters in the [Dungeons] "Plus, I have a lot of mouths to feed in my home."

"That's reminds me of something..." My companion started, making me curious on what she wants to ask "Mittelt said she's 1 of your girlfriends. When did that happened?"

"Well..." I started out while looking away from Hyōdō, slightly embarrassed about the subject. After all, how exactly am I going to say that the reason I'm in a relationship with multiple girls is because I had sex all with them "It's a bit complicated, and I don't want to talk about it."

"Can you tell me what are their fetishes?"

"No comment."

"Do any of them like taking it from behind?"

"Again, no comment."

"C'mon!

"No."

"Please!"

"Why are you so curious about the fact that I already had sex?" I questioned with a slight annoyed frown, clearly not amused with her noisy attitude "Being in a relationship doesn't always have to revolve around sex. It not like any of us sneak off somewhere just to screw with each other."

"...Sorry." Hyōdō apologies, looking down with an ashamed expression on her face "I'm just curious on what's like having a harem, since you're the only person that I know and close to that has a harem. So sorry if I'm being nosy."

-_-💧

...Why am I not surprised by that reason she was bugging me is thanks to the fact that I have 5 lovers, who all stay in my house with no parents to monitor us. While the idea would no doubt be considered a blessing for shallowed minded guys, they should know about taking responsibility. It wasn't my command that made the girls take pills that prevent pregnancy, they knew that none of us are ready for the responsibilities of raising kids.

"Well, the only thing that I can say about having a harem is that the responsibility of loving each of them equally and spending time with them is hard, but more precious then any riches in the world." I said while looking towards the night sky, seeing a few stars thanks to the lights in town "So if you're going to built your harem, then treat each of the bonds that you form equally and love them all without any favouritism."

That was all I said before leaving Hyōdō to let think about my words. I have much to think about myself and I can really concentrate if I'm alone.

- the next day -

I casually walked through the streets, heading towards the shrine where I'm supposed to meet up with Hyōdō for something important. I didn't expect Himejima-san to just called me out of the blue, saying that my presence had been requested along with Hyōdō in an old shrine. With nothing better to do since the girls went out shopping and my work starts at the night, I agreed.

I wonder what business is happening that involves my presence? I'm not that important-

!?

I stopped in my tracked when I felt an extremely powerful holy aura nearby, bringing my full attention towards since I've never expected to sense such a overwhelming presence... And the thing that bugs me the most is the naïveté that seems to wave off from it.

Looking towards where the aura is coming from, I saw an extremely beautiful woman with curly blonde hair and a voluptuous figure, that was hugged and emphasised by a pure white sundress with tan sandals as her footwear. To everyone else, she might be an angel that all men will lust after and women would envy greatly... They couldn't be more on the mark.

[Obverse]

Character Name: Gabriel

Alignment: Angels, the 6th Heaven and the Four Great Seraphs

LvL: 316

Profession: Angel and Seraph

Title: Gabriel the Seraph, The Strongest Woman in Heaven, The Most Beautiful Woman in Heaven

Fame: Gabriel the Seraph, The Strongest Woman in Heaven, The Most Beautiful Woman in Heaven

HP: ?/? Regen: ?

MP: ?/? Regen: ?

"...How do I unintentionally meet up with an important Christian Figure in a simple walk?" I questioned myself, looking at the 'important Christian Figure' with deadpanned eyes... Why do I feel that she's lost? "Hey, are you lost?" I called out to Gabriel-san while walking towards her, gaining her attention as she looked at me.

"Oh hello. I'm fine, though I seem to have lost my guide." She said while looking around to make the point clear that she's lost "Could you help me by showing the way to the local shrine?"

So that important business involves the Angels... That explains her presence in Kuoh "Yeah, I was going that way myself. Just follow me." I said before continuing the way towards the local shrine, with Gabriel-san just beside me.

"Thank you for your kindness... Um..." She trailed off, having know idea who I am... It's a good thing that I found her before anyone else, because I don't know what would happen to her if a bunch of random guys took her away to do this and that.

"Raiga Kōjiro."

"It's nice to meet you Kōjiro-san. My name is Gabriel." The [Seraph] introduced herself "Hmm~ Your name seems familiar for some reason."

"It's a pretty basic name, nothing worth remembering." I said before I noticed that she's about to walk up to a lamp post, so I grabbed her left hand and pulled her towards me "You should be more aware of your surroundings, Gabriel-san."

"Ah thank you, Kōjiro-san. I was lost in thought there." Gabriel replied, not bothering to free her hand from mind before she started to pull me across the road with ease "Ah~ that is where I remember you from... You're the young Devil who defeated Kokabiel, aren't you Kōjiro-san?"

Looks like the cats out of the bag... Well, I wasn't trying to hind myself from her or anything in the first place "Yeah, I'm the guy that eradicated Kokabiel." I said, confirming her deduction before taking the leading by pulling her towards the shrine "Anyways, lets go to the shrine without getting lost."