Tribulations of the God-Harem King [Highschool DxD/Exalted] (CLOSED)

[X] Tell the others to clear the area and keep bystanders away from the scene, then step into view of the creature and call out a challenge while adopting Fist of the Daystar Form and drawing out Boosted Gear into its gauntlet form.
-[X] Stunt Smuthunter
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There is only one thing to do. “I’m giving it a shot.” You stand up, fingering your armlets. “Can you clear the area of bystanders?”

“Are you crazy?” Renka scoffs in a tone that sounds condescending. Her right foot tilts left and right and she looks away. “...If Papa couldn’t do a thing, what make you thi-”

“Alright.” Kensei replies without hesitation, softly tugging his mustache with one hand while the other is behind his back.

“Papa?!” Renka turns around to stare at her father in confusion, before switching to look you. You get the feeling she’s observing you way more seriously than before.

“...Besting a Saingeom in a state like this is less a question of technique or application of skill, but of absolute power - and Issei-kun has that in spades.” He eyes the red armlets around your wrists. “Are you going to boost?”

“If necessary. Don’t forget that I’m kind of made to face big guys like that one.” You smile with confidence.

Renka groans, muttering something on the lines of [idiot], but stops in when Kensei takes her hand and drags her away: at first she seems surprised and then giddy, before switching to a resolute look. By the way her arm’s muscles are tensing she is not going to let go of her father’s hand so easily. Shigure flashes a thumb-up with her usual stoic face and departs too, running on the wall to reach the rooftop.

You step out of the alley and face your opponent as the others depart in the opposite directions, your stance loosening into the natural form of a peerless gladiator. Boosted Gear in gauntlet form appears around your hands, the red metal becoming gold as your Essence pervade them and your entire body.

Your opponent pauses in its rampage and turns to regard you, judging your worth.

“당신은 천국의 메신저의 힘에 직면 누구인가?”

“Sorry big guy, I can’t understand you.” You reply, tempted to use your pinkie to clean your ear in a show of confidence, but refrain from doing so once you remember your fingers are currently encased in sharp metal claws.

“This one shall use thine people’s pitiful language then.” You are surprised at the quick switch to archaic Japanese. “Art thou a warrior that decided to answer this one’s glorious challenge?”

“Oh no, not at all.” You raise your left fist and clench it. “I’m just gonna put you down before you cause too much more damage - you see?”

“Arrogance! Or it is confidence? All shall be made clear in arms’ contest! What is thine name warrior?”

“My family name is Hyodo, and my given name is Issei.” Uh, why did you say it like that? Could it be your inner ham swelling? Do you need to hire the great Norio to voice-over your life? “If I can ask before we begin, why are you searching for an opponent?”

“This one’s title as bestowed by the creator is Jan-Inhan Chujeog!” It bellows with evident pride. ”For many years this one was laid to rest in its latest master’s tomb to protect his reliquary, until one day the sigil was broken and this one retrieved. But those searching this one’s power were wicked men consumed by greed and pride, rabble unworthy of this one’s power! This one rejected them, and as reward was locked under a strong seal, stronger than this one’s ability to break. But now the seal is broken, and this one can finally search for a new and worthy master to serve! Move North Heaven to destroy evil in the land, make for righteousness in the natural order! This is what this one’s existence is for!”

“I see. I understand now.” You narrow your eyes. “Even then, your actions are causing troubles for the residents. As the defender of this city I can’t allow it! Prepare yourself Jan-Inhan Chujeog!” Your Anima Banner blazes. “I’m Hyodo Issei! Sekiryuutei! Prince of the Earth! Chosen of Ignis Divine, God of the Sun, Perfection and Victory! Your rampage will cease, by my hands!”

“Ahahahahaha!!! This one senses great power! Are thine titles only boasts? This one will find out!!”

A gentle breeze blows through the wrecked street as you face each other. The battle begins with a flick of your wrist and a 'come get some' gesture. Your opponent roars and charges at you, and the fight is on.

The giant blade smites a path from on high, descending with the swiftness of an eagle and the might of a tiger, but this time you’re ready: mere moments before the impact you jump to the side and wall-jump off any of the convenient nearby building, soaring in the air in a crescent arc that brings above the blade and near the giant’s chest.

Jan-Inhan’s other palm comes to meet you in a well-done intercepting counter meant to swatter you away like a fly. Instead of panicking you twist and meet the larger-than-you palm with your own punch. It’s like punching one of those great bell you can find in shinto shrine, only louder.

What gives first is the metal surface of the giant’s palm, the strike opening a hole through it, letting you confirm that the interior is hollow, and stopping the limb’s motion. Taking advantage of Jan-Inhan’s surprise (you assume so at least) you grab the fingers and throw yourself past them towards its chest. Using the armor’s scales as tiles you climb up to its head.

“To imitate a monkey, t’his hardly dignified!” The sword’s flat side comes down on you. Having a metal body, the giant probably concluded the damage is acceptable if it doesn’t try to cut.

“I just wanted to reach...this exact position!” With a sudden burst of speed you reach its neck, both arms leaning forward-

And push down, hard, slamming it on the ground. Normally the difference in weight would make it impossible, but Celestial Martial Arts are awesome like that.

“What?!”

“My predecessors wrestled with beings that dwarfed mountains in size! And won!” You shout, your arms around its neck stopping him from moving. “Newbie or no you’re still an ant compared to them! AAAAAHHH!!!”

In a physics-defying feat you hurl Jan-Inhan’s enormous body away, taking care to avoid aiming at any of the near buildings. It soars in the air until it lands with a deafening [BOOM!].

Almost immediately a concentrated wave of air from the landing point hits you, slamming your body against a car. It hits a door, blow right through it and out the other side before.

Jan-Inhan steps forward, its armor dented in many places. “T’was many centuries since this one was forced down! Hyodo Issei, art thou a warrior of old reincarnated into a new life?”

“...No.” You stand up, thumb wiping the blood from your lips. “But I have one such warrior as a mentor!”

{Minus the ‘reincarnated’ part, you mean. But only for now.}

Despite being in the middle of a serious fight hearing the Elder Solar’s voice makes you stop. ‘Bright-sensei? It’s been a while since you made your presence known.’

{Your recent troubles were unworthy of my advices.} She replies in a de-facto tone. {However, I have one now. Be grateful.}

‘...And what would it be?’

{Dodge.}

SLASH!SLASH!SLASH!SLASH!

Jan-Inhan’s flurry of blows ravages the area where you were. Recovering from the hastily made roll you jump to your feet and dash towards the giant. ’This lowly one is greatly grateful! For real!’

----

Bright leans back on the throne with a smug grin. Ddraig and the past possessors roll their eyes.

----

In the ends the only advantages the living sword Jan-Inhan Chujeog had were its size, unusual speed and the ability to generate blades of wind… so really it had bunches of advantages. Too bad they didn’t help it all that much:The first is what worked in your favour, allowing you to nimbly dodge and strike with unmatched ferocity.

The giant sword spins in the air before lodging itself in the ground. Around it are the broken remains of the giant tiger-headed armor. You are panting deeply with your hands on your knees, using the last motes of your Essence to heal the wounds on your body.

“Magnificent young warrior!” From the sword Jan-Inhan’s voice rumbles with mirth. “Thou proveth thyself worthy beyond doubt! At least, after all this time, this one can be used again...”

The giant sword shrinks to a normal size of around one meter in length. It glows orange, a scabbard appearing around it. “Thy is the victor, to thy goes the spoils. Use this one as thy wish.”

[Spoils of war! Spoils of war! Get it! Get it!]

“Calm down will ya?” You chuckle are reach to the sword, picking it out of the asphalt. You limp towards the others for a few more steps before the last of your cued healing kicks in and you straighten up with a sigh of relief. You observe their reactions: Shigure is clapping with sparkles in her eyes and face still expressionless, Kensei is grinning and nodding while twirling one mustache, and Renka…’Wow, I didn’t know eyes can widen so much! And were they always cattish like that?’

[Plus the dead fish expression...Yeah, I don’t think it’s normal. Bright, you’re a medic: is the girl alright?]

{She is, she is.}

“Not bad Issei-kun!” Kensei pats your back. “Tell me what your style is called again?”

“Fist of the Daystar, or also Solar Hero Style. But I haven’t mastered it yet.” You rub the back of your head, the praise from a person you respect feeling good. Renka blinks and mumbles to herself. You catch the phrase: 'Rrrright, of course: it's just an exotic martial art... made to fight giants, or something. Okay. Fine!’

“I noticed: you waste your movements and made predictable patters.” Ouch! “Come to the dojo when you have time: I can think of a few Kenpo techniques that would help shave away the chaff.”

“Seriously? I surely will!” Lessons from Ma-sensei himself? Sweet!

You turn to Shigure and bow to apologize, holding up the Saingeom. “The sword is here, but...well, it chose me as its master. Sorry.”

“Don’t... be.” She waves her hand, the tips of her lips curving upward in a rare display of simple smile. “Wanted...to keep safe. You...good master. Will use...well.”

That’s a pleasant surprise. Wait, does this mean…’Is this my first true reward for a side-quest done well?! My first legendary weapon!’

[Ooh.] Elsha cooes sweetly. [Boys and their fixation big, hard, long things meant to be stabbed in deep~]

...That was disturbing on so many levels.

“This was a night to remember.” Kensei stretches his arms and grimaces. “And I still need to have a conversation with my daughter about how… beyond convention some martial styles and practitioners can be.” Said daughter was still silent, eyes fixated on you. The shocked look is now replaced by a contemplative one. “What about you?”

“I...go back to Dojo. See you...there. Bye.” With that said Shigure leaves though roof-jumping.

You and Kensei wave at her before the old master takes her daughter’s hand and drags her away. “Come Renka. Hakubi-kun is still open, we shall talk in front of a hot tea.”

“...One moment.” Surprising her father Renka lets go of the hand and turns to you, arms crossed under her generous chest and a serious expression on her face. “You. What’s your name?”

Didn’t she hear it at the battle’s beginning? “Hyodo Issei.” You reply with a polite and resolute tone, the sword resting on your shoulder.

“Ma Renka.” She points at you. “We’re not done yet, Hyodo Issei.”

Then she turns around, grabs Kensei and walks away dragging him with her. You and the master exchanges confused glances, you wordlessly sharing your confusion and Kensei answering with a father’s ‘well, what can you do’ indulgent face.

----

“Ise! Where are you been?” Rias demands when you came back. Sitting in your living room like they own the place are the Occult Research Club, complete with the Fallen Angels Trio that you haven’t see in a while, Asia, Mittelt, Eiko, Ruby, Yang, Shougo and the Shinobi. “You said you would call! And what’s that sword?”

“Sorry, sorry. Things got hectic quickly.” You bow in apology. “But the reward was quite generous!” You raise the sword. “Look at this, an ancient Korean evil-spirit-slaying blade!”

The ghostly outline of a tiger’s head appears in front of the pommel. “This one is named Jan-Inhan Chujeog. Greetings.”

“...Did that sword just talked?”

“I did not miss things like this.”

“It can transform too!….Wait. Jan, can you change shape too?”

“Certainly. What shape thou want this one to assume?”

You know exactly what you want. “Basically how you are now, but bigger!our-no, five feet long, six inches wide and like, half an inch thick!”

The saingeom glows orange. On cue you take it out of its scabbard and raise it in the air, watching as the blade expands and elongates until it takes the rough proportions of Bright’s Cruel Wisdom.

“Boo-yeah!” You swing the enormous but very light sword, performing kata taught to you by Bright, Kiba and Shigure. “Finally...My very own Daiklave!”

“Yuuto-kun? Why...are you eating Dohna’s hat with ket-”

“Not a word *munch* Not. A. Word.”

You have a shit-eating grin righ now.

[..I remember now. They did bet on something like that.] Ddraig muses.

----

The next morning you and the others use the magic circle to go to the Netherworld. Everyone that was in your living room yesterday agreed to come, either out of duty or for fun.

When you arrive the first thing you notice is not how the sky is a rich purple or how the ambient magic is way stronger, but how incredibly huge what you assume the Phenex’s castle is! You saw European castles in documentaries, but this one looks like it could contain five of them with plenty of room to spare!

[Devils are filthy rich. Or better, they place great importance on material wealth. But I assume your Heaven is way more impressive, if only because they had millennia to build it.]

’You visited Heaven sempai?’

[No, I was chased through it.]

“Welcome to the House of Phenex. Issei Hyodo-dono, Rias Gremory-sama and the other guests. I am Yubelluna, Raiser Phenex-sama's Queen.” A woman with long, wavy purple hair and wearing robes greets you in front of the castle’s gates. Beside her is a young girl with long blonde hair and dark blue eyes, who instead stay silent.

You and Rias both return the greeting. Behind you hear the others do the same in various degrees. “Thanks for having us.” You turn to the blonde girl, who refuses to look you in the eyes. Somehow her face feels familiar. “Forgive me for asking, but have we meet before?”

Her eyes shoot up to meet yours. “Y-You even have the gall to for-Urgh!” Realizing the breach of protocol she coughs to clear her throat and addresses you properly, albeit with a pink hue on her cheeks. “My name is Ravel Phenex. Raiser is my older brother. We met the day of the duel!”

‘’Now I remember!’ You bow, hand over heart all knight-like. “Forgive me for not introducing myself at the time. It’s an honor to meet you Lady Ravel.”

The pink spread and deepens. “I-I-It’s fine! I said it’s fine! Stop bowing already!”

For some reason you hear snickers and groans from behind. Yubelluna interrupts by slightly raising her voice. “Lord Phenex wishes to meet Hyodo-dono in private. I will bring him to the meeting place. In the meantime Ravel-sama will give the other guests a tour of the castle. Is this acceptable?”

You and Rias only need to look in each other’s eyes to reach a decision. “Of course. Lead the way.”

----

The walk takes more than fifteen minutes. You went past the garden of the castle and entered the castle proper throught a gorgeous looking door with a fire bird engraved on it. Inside the ceiling is so high up you could do an aerial battle. All the chandeliers are made of gold and there are expensive looking statues and paintings everywhere. You don’t think something like this exists on Earth.

{Smaller than I would like, and the gold must be replaced with Orichalcum, but it will do. When we conquer this sub-dimension this will become the royal palace.}

Please don’t say something so scary Bright-sensei.

Finally Yubelluna stops in front of a door and opens it. Inside it’s a cozy study with couches and low tables. Standing at attention are various servants, arrayed around a single seated person.

“Oh, the famous Sekiryuutei! What an honor to finally meet you! Come, come, make yourself at home.”



The one thing that Raiser inherited without a doubt from the man in front of you are the eyes. In contrast his blonde hair are a shade lighter. His white suit is extremely chic, and he holds himself not with arrogance but supreme confidence. He doesn’t look much older than Raiser, but Devils age way slower than humans.

“Lord Phenex I presume.” You bow in respect. “I am Issei Hyodo. Thanks for the invite: it’s a honor to meet you.”

“No no, like I said the honor is mine.” He makes a dismissive gesture. “I am Revache Phenex, current Head of the Phenex Clan of Pure-blood Devils. Would you like tea?”

“With pleasure.”

You are instructed to seat in front of Lord Phenex. The servants quickly prepare the tea and serve it to you. You and Phenex take some time to enjoy the heavenly- pun not intended -taste before he snaps his fingers and the servants leave the room, leaving the two of you alone.

Here we go.

“What I found especially interesting is the speech you gave my son.” Phenex begins casually, his face and tone betraying nothing. “Your comparison of the current Devil society with the 18th Century’s Europe was very interesting. And spot on.” He chuckles. “I should know: I was there watching it.”

He raises a spoon in the air and inclines it, watching with attention the drops of tea falling down. “It’s true that Devil society is changing. It’s also true that there are people like me that like to cling to old glories.”

He puts down the spoon into the cup and looks up into your eyes, one eyebrow slightly raised. “Is it wrong?”

You say nothing. Phenex takes your silence as permission to continue. He spread his arms. “This place. It was me who changed what was once a modest castle into what it is today. Working tirelessly every day since the end of the Great War, where I saw my parents and uncles lose their lives to hold on positions that we were forced to give up anyway.” His tone turns somber. “Is it wrong then, that I wish to preserve this hard-earned fortune intact? Is it wrong then, that I want to secure the future of my Clan and my sons, even if it means playing matchmaker to strengthen important ties to another Pure-blood Clan? Ties that are essential to face any change that may result disadvantageous?”

He folds his fingers together and rest his hands on his lap. He leans back on his chair, eyes boring into yours. “What is your opinion, Issei Hyodo?”

[] Write-in.
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Special edition for the last day of the Year ^^

You don’t need me telling you how much you can’t risk to screw this up, right? Think carefully.