chapter 14

Having saved the Himejima clan alongside Akeno and Shuri, the looming tragedy had been averted. I was certain that the head of the Himejima clan would inevitably report me to the Shinto gods, but I was already prepared. When they eventually arrived, they would find me ready and waiting.

At least for now, I was confident that the time for introductions had not yet arrived. We were currently passing our days in Japan. I took the opportunity to introduce Rias to some anime from our previous world, such as Dragon Ball and JoJo's Bizarre Adventure. Gasper was gradually embracing his inner otaku. I made occasional visits to Akeno, ensuring our bond remained strong. Our connection was undeniable.

For some reason, Valerie would sneak into my room in the evenings. Not that I didn't notice her; I simply didn't care. Truth be told, I found it somewhat enjoyable. It was as if I had a knack for drawing girls towards me. Only time would reveal what the future held in store.

On another day, as I headed towards Shuri, Baraqiel was once again present, looking slightly uneasy about something.

Baraqiel: "Theo-kun, Azazel wishes to meet you."

I narrowed my eyes as I turned to face him.

Theo: "How much did you tell him?"

Baraqiel: "Just that you possess considerable strength."

Theo: "Alright then, let's go."

Accompanied by Baraqiel, we made our way to the heart of Grigori, where Azazel awaited us, extending his hand in greeting.

Azazel: "I'm Azazel, the head of Grigori. And you must be Theo."

Theo: "Indeed. What do you require?"

Azazel: "Hohohoho, take it easy, Theo-kun. I mean no harm, I simply wish to strike a deal with you."

Theo: "What do you seek in return?"

Azazel: "Your power intrigues me. Manipulation of time. You possess power like the Forbidden Balor, yet without reaching the status of a lower-level god, you cannot fully utilize it. Your strength is indeed peculiar."

Theo: "So, what benefit do you offer me?"

Azazel: "In return, we shall grant you three favors and establish a bond between us. The Shinto gods are seeking you out; perhaps you may seek information about them."

Theo: "We have a deal. You owe me both information and favors. I shall demonstrate my power to you for three months, but if you desire more we have to make another deal."

Azazel: "We have an agreement. And shall we employ your peculiar contract?"

Theo: "Yes, Zecht."

Azazel injected the mana.

Theo: "The deal is sealed. Should you betray me, you shall be erased from existence."

As I prepared to return home, a voice echoed through the air.

Voice: "Oh, you're that powerful guy, aren't you? You don't seem very strong."

I turned around to see a handsome silver-haired youth, almost my age.

Theo: "Who are you, kid? Mind your manners."

Vali: "I wish to duel with you."

Theo: "What's in it for me?"

Vali: "I'll make you a promise of a favor."

Theo: "That sounds acceptable. Lead the way."

Vali led me to the training grounds.

On one side of the arena stood Vali, and on the other, myself. I shot him a condescending glance.

Theo: "Set the rules, or you'll be defeated before you know it."

Vali, knowing Theo's strength, decided to hold back his arrogance for now. Meanwhile, Albion chimed in.

Albion: "Partner, refrain from underestimating him. Even the slightest chance to hit him just you have to use 100% of your power."

Vali, wide-eyed with realization, nodded in agreement.

Vali: "Alright then, partner. Let's do this together. No using magic, just pure strength. I believe you can handle that."

Theo: "Understood. You're seeking a fair fight, man to man. Just don't regret it. Come at me with all you've got, and I'll grant you a two-move advantage. We wouldn't want this to be boring."

He began the count.

1.

2.

3.

And he lunged towards me, attempting to deliver a powerful punch. I dodged by tilting my head to the left, he raised his left leg to kick my head, I blocked it with my hands, and slapped his face.

Afterward, Vali stumbled backward. Despite not knocking him out, the blow had taken its toll, leaving him slightly dazed, and he began to scream I think he will take power up.

Theo: "No need to scream. I'm right here. And no wait for your power up. At least, I don't. Let's speed things up."

I corrected his mistakes and habits with each move, not letting him get away with anything. Vali began to realize his weaknesses during the fight, contemplating how he would overcome them to defeat Rizevim in the future. Eventually, he managed to activate his Balance Breaker.

Vali: "Damn it, I can't do anything to you, and yet I need to figure out how can i defeat that old man."

Theo: "I've taught you enough for now. Now, make your move. If you can make me use 10% of my power, you'll be the winner."

Vali rushed towards me even faster, driven by newfound motivation. I decided to allow him to land at least one hit to boost his morale. As he threw a punch, I made it look as though he'd struck me. Albion noticed what I was doing, but chose to remain silent.

Vali: "I finally hit you, damn it."

Theo: "But I've only used 2% of my strength. If that's what you desire, then how about 5%? Be ready, because I'm about to make my move."

I sprinted towards him. Only Azazel could see me, Vali wouldn't have noticed. And I was about to execute the move I had been saving for just this moment.

As I closed in on him,

Renewal Taekwondo Third-Stance Hwechook.

I delivered three kicks simultaneously—one to his abdomen, another to his chin, and the last to the back of his head. There was only a crackling sound as he fell backward, one that only Azazel managed to hear. Not even Vali saw it coming. As he collapsed to the ground, Vali murmured his gratitude.

Vali: "Thank you."

Azazel: "Thank you for teaching him."

Theo: "It's no trouble. After all, I made a deal with him."

Then, I teleported home to rest.