Life. 1

Timeline – Volume 3

Resurrection of a Phenex

♦♦♦♦

Jin Skyward

It's been a few days since the incident with Kokabiel and Azrael. I hadn't gotten around to bringing everyone to the [Pocket Dimension] yet, however, I do plan on taking them there soon.

Ding ~

"…?"

I look over at everyone else, but they shake their heads. I put down the book I was reading and got up from the couch. I walk over to the door and open it.

"H-How do you do…?"

A pretty girl, with drill-like roll hair on both sides of her head, came to visit my house. It was Ravel Phenex. I wasn't expecting this visit from her, why was she here?

"Ravel Phenex? Come in before you answer my question."

She nodded and entered my home; I lead her into the living room, where everyone else were.

"How do you do, Ravel? Did something happen for you to come here?"

Rias asks Ravel and she nods.

"Ah— Yes, Rias-sama. I'm sorry for the sudden visit."

Ravel Phenex, one of the three children of Lady and Lord Phenex. I'm sure I beat up Riser not too long ago… Oh, is it about that? I was staring at her intently and she started to fidget.

"T-The the truth is… I would like to request something from the Middleman, it's about my brother…"

Everyone looks at me as I stare indifferently at the girl. I sigh, let's get this over with…

♦♦♦♦

Grayfia came back with some tea and poured some for everyone. Ravel takes a sip and sighs.

"So, what about Riser, Ravel?"

Rias asks her and she nods.

"Yes. I'm sure you have heard that my brother fell into depression after that incident….."

Incident, you mean when I kicked his ass? He had it coming, he came back after losing against the Gremory peerage fair and square. He's also stubborn so I had to be a bit more forceful with my methods.

A strange tension develops between Rias and Ravel. The revocation of the engagement has already been settled by their parents, who are the current head of household. They should be able to talk normally; however, the discussion is complicated as it's about Riser, who I beat up.

After losing to me and being traumatized, it appears Riser fell into a depression. Even after a few months have passed, he's still not over it, huh? I only broke a few bones and let him experience my aura, it's not that bad.

{[Not that bad, he says…]}

"Riser, huh? I have heard stories about him… What kind of person is he?"

Xenovia did not meet with the Gri— That guy yet, so it makes sense for her to ask that.

"Umm, he's from the house of Phenex and..."

Asia began explaining to her exactly who Riser was and what kind of a person he is, or was. The more she heard, the more her expressions changed.

"The smaller bird came all the way here to visit. It belongs to the Middleman and Red Dragon Emperor. It has to be serious... Or it has to be exaggerated."

Shirone says, this prompted Ravel to give Shirone the stink eye. Don't start fights in my home… But, Ravel isn't acting like her usual tsundere self or the haughty high-class girl.

"So, Riser hasn't recovered since then, huh?"

Ravel nods at Rias' words. One would assume for someone like her— At a glance to go 'It's your fault! Fix it!'. If we're basing this on previous personalities or looks. But she doesn't, she's a lot more mature for someone her age.

However, I also think she thinks her brother deserved it, and frankly I don't believe that I conducted it too brutally. However, he did need someone to knock him down a peg or two. But she's still a responsible sister since she's worried about him, even with that personality of his.

"This... I came here as a last resort. Naturally it would be wrong of me to assume you or the Middleman to help me but... We have tried many ways in reaching him, but all of them fell flat."

"So, another suggestion came in, that I should consult Rias-sama or the Middleman."

Rias looked confused.

"With me or Jin? What do you mean?"

She nods.

"To help fix my brother's heart, and his mentality. I heard from my brother Ruval that Onii-sama may need to learn a thing called 'Guts' that Rias-sama and her servants seem to have?"

She looks up looking confused at her own words... 'Guts', huh?

Certainly, everyone in Rias' family has that, they did endure the last year in the [Pocket Dimension] without complaining much. Looking up from my own monologue, I could see everyone looking at me.

"It's pathetic! My brother, whose known to be arrogant and having a haughty attitude reduced to this after a single defeat? And letting it last for this long?"

Ravel sighs and then continues.

"It seems like he's afraid of dragons now, you know? He hasn't participated in a Rating Game since then, either! Even the gossip magazines of the Underworld are just writing nonsense and whatever they feel like about him!"

"He has trauma after fighting against Jin-sama and avoids any topics that include dragons. I would understand if he held a grudge, but... He's instead just scared!"

"If he's a man, he should learn from this defeat and move forward! It's a single defeat! Why would you beat yourself up over it? If the current top champions did the same thing, then they wouldn't be called THE champions, correct?"

Ravel just vented all her frustration towards her brother, Riser. Everyone present was a bit stunned by it. She did come across as an 'Oujou-sama' type and really dignified. So, seeing this was... Strange to say the least.

"…But he's still my brother and I would like to help him."

Even with that said, she was still worried about him. They are siblings, after all. Rias had a complicated expression; she currently didn't like Riser, and she only finally gotten rid of her engagement not too long ago.

But Ravel did say she was here for either Rias or me. Even if I'm not too fond of the guy, a job is a job. Also, he's… Not that terrible, all things considered. He's just… A pervert whose ego became so inflated after winning all his Rating Games.

Add his clan's trait, and you got a recipe for disaster there. Most people would probably end up like Riser, but that's a pill not many can handle to swallow. Money, backing, power, a power clan trait, peerage full of women.

"…I'll accept the job, Ravel. Leave it to me. In a way, I'm responsible for this… I may have gone a bit overboard with how I treated him during the duel. I have no plan right now but… Let's just go with the flow for now."

♦♦♦♦

Underworld

Reni and I, along with the Gremory group, had come to the Underworld. We had used magic circles to get here, we first went to the Gremory territory and then made many 'jumps' to get to the Phenex's home.

"It's much larger than your home, Rias."

I commented and she nods. The Phenex family make a lot of their income through the production and distribution of 'Phenex Tears' and looking at their home, which is bigger than Gremory's? They're definitely raking in the cash.

The residence of the Phenex family is a large mansion that is larger than the Gremory mansion, where the family rules.

Outside of the castle is a main structure surrounded by a tall building in the background surrounded by multiple towers with flames protruding around and on top.

The front tower is embedded with the Phenex emblem. There are also leafless trees that have tiny flames protruding from the tips.

At the entrance is a huge golden statue of a phoenix in the middle of a fountain of fire. At the sides, there are poles with small flames coming out on top, and also archway structures similar to an aqueduct that also have flames sprouting at the top.

The castle's gate opens with a loud thud, and we all stepped inside. After we walked past the garden of the castle, we arrived at the residential area where the people from the Phenex household live.

There was a fancy looking door in front of us, Ravel who had accompanied us pushed it open, and we were greeted by several servants waiting there.

"How do you do? Welcome to the House of Phenex."

"Welcome back, Ravel-sama. Shall we fetch some snacks and beverages for our guests?"

"Please do."

The servants welcome us and immediately leave to get some food and drinks for us.

"Riser still lives here, right?"

Rias appears to be familiar with the place. She definitely had to come here when she was younger due to being engaged and all that...

"Yes, Rias-sama. We can go directly to his room."

Following after Ravel, we walk through the home of the Phenex. The interior of the castle has a red color theme blended with matching colors. They also... Display their symbol everywhere, Jesus Christ.

I feel a tug on my arm and turn to look at Reni, she was looking up, and I did the same thing. Above us was a large chandelier, and it also seems many of the lights used here were made of their own flames.

There were also many paintings and statues everywhere, they seem well crafted and rather expensive.

"If it isn't Rias-sama. It has been a very long time. And it's been a while since we last met, Red Dragon Emperor."

We hear a new voice. When I looked, a person I am familiar with was standing in front of some stairs. It's the woman who has a half mask on her face, Isabela. She's one of Riser's servants.

"It's been a while. Isabela-san."

Rias greets her.

"Are you perhaps here to meet with my master? If so, please follow me."

We are now following Isabela through the Phenex's large home. We turned a few hallways and corners, and it seemed endless.

"So... What does Riser even do these days?"

I asked and Isabela sighed heavily.

"He mostly stays in his room. He either does virtual Rating Games, or he calls some commoners who are proficient at chess and plays some games with them."

Ah— He's a NEET. Thinking of Riser as being a NEET is... Certainly amusing. We had to walk for the next ten minutes while chatting with Ravel and Isabela. I'll never get used to living in a big house like this...

But we do eventually stop in front of a door. It had some kind of fire bird engraved into it.

Knock ~ Knock ~

Ravel knocks on the door.

"Onii-sama, I have some guests for you."

After a few seconds of silence, we hear a voice from the other side.

"…So, it's you, Ravel. I don't want to meet anyone today. I had a horrid dream last night, and I'm in no mood to meet with anyone."

Ravel sighs and continues.

"Rias-sama is here."

After a brief pause, we heard a loud noise from behind the door and someone scurrying away.

"R-R-Rias…?! W-Why would she be here…?!"

Riser sounded quite panicked; he certainly didn't expect her to be here. After that, she stands in front of the door.

"Riser it's me."

"...What do you want with me now, Rias? Did you come here to laugh at me? Did you come here to mock me and tell me of your intimate relationship with the Red Dragon Emperor?"

It appeared that he held a grudge in his tone, which was rather low.

"...Let's talk for a bit, let me see your face."

After Rias said that, we heard some footsteps quickly approaching the door, and then it violently swung open. The one in front of us was Riser Phenex, he had messy hair and disheveled clothing on him.

"What do you want to talk about? Didn't all of that end already? What more do you want from me?"

He had dead eyes on him and was talking a little irritatedly. But his expression and mannerisms quickly change once he sees me.

"Re-Re-Re-Red Dragon Emperor...!!"

He points at me and shrieks.

"Hello, Riser."

I greet him and put my hand out.

"...Hii—"

Hii?

"Hiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii!!!?!?!?"

Riser screamed like a bat out of hell while running back into his room. He jumps into his bed and pulls the covers over himself.

"Leave meeeeeee aloneeeeeeeeeeeee!!!!! ~ ~ I don't want my bones broken!! Please don't put anti-healing on me! Ahhhhhhhhhh!! Dragons!!!!"

Pinch ~

I turn to look at Reni who had pinched me on the cheek.... Why?

"You're smirking."

Oh, um, my bad...? I was expecting a reaction, but not something like that…

[You broke his bones, and slapped him silly. You also showed him what 100% raw Dragon God aura was, can you blame him? Not adding to the fact that you did this with most of the Underworld watching.]

Point taken, Ddraig.

"Riser-sama~"

"It's alright~"

Suddenly, the two chainsaw wielding [Pawns] of Riser came out of nowhere and started to try to comfort their [King]. But he just kept on shaking under the covers.

"Riser has never lost in a fair fight since he was born."

Rias explains and Ravel nods along.

"Yes, it seems like losing to Rias-sama and then being badly beaten by Jin-sama has left a deep scar on both his body and soul."

Ravel explains and turns to look at the shaking Riser.

"Onii-sama. Since Rias-sama, Jin-sama and her group came all the way here, please get out of bed!"

Ravel reaches for his bed and pulls hard at the covers to try to get them off.

"G-Go home!!! Please just go homeeeeeeeee!!! Leave me aloneeeee!!"

That's all Risers would say— Er, well, that's all he would shout and scream.

"Umm... Let's start with forcing Riser-san to go outside by force."

After that, Reni and I watch Riser's servants and the Gremory peerage pull Riser out of his bed and into the gardens of the castle. However, it did take some time to do that.

I avoided doing anything there, otherwise he might have pissed himself or something...

♦♦♦♦

"We shall head to Dragon Mountain."

Rias declared once we were outside.... Dragon Mountain, huh? In terms of the Underworld, that's where most dragons live and is being protected by the former Dragon King Tannin, also known as the Blaze Meteor Dragon.

I gesture for Rias to come over to me, and I poke her head. I search her memories and find where the location for this place was and nodded.

"Um…"

"I read your memories and I can teleport us all to Dragon Mountain now."

"D-D-D-D-Dragon Mountain?!?! Nooooooooooooo!!!!!!!!"

…You know what? It'll be better if I deal with this idiot alone…

"Actually, you guys hang back. I'll deal with Riser myself."

Rias and everyone looks at me, unsure on what to do. Well… The one still hugging my arm will probably not let go, so she's coming with me…

"Are you sure, Jin?"

"Yeah, I'll be fine…"

Ravel then steps towards me—

"I will go with you, Jin-sama. I wish to help fix my brother together with you!"

As she stared at me unblinkingly, she seemed quite determined. She's a kind-hearted sister. You're a lucky man to have such a caring sibling like this, Riser.

"Sure thing, Ravel…"

"N-No!!!!"

Riser starts to scramble away when I stop him on the spot.

"W-What's happening?! I-I can't move…?!"

It's simple, I willed you to not be able to move. I then brought him back to me and made him float beside me. I look at Ravel and then to Reni, finally back to everyone else.

"We're off then. This will be a learning experience for you, Phenex. Throw away your rich-boy attitude because we're roughing it out for the next… However, how long it takes to cure you."

He looked at me with even more horror and rage. Good, let the hate flow through you.

"My servants! Save me! This is an order!!!"

Riser demands help from his peerage who were in front of us, but--

"Riser-sama, please endure it."

" "Go for it!" "

They were just cheering him on, while waving their hands. Seeing that, Riser became so shocked that his eyes were about to pop out.

"Y-You girls! You are all heartleeeeeeess!"

"Alright, let's go then."

"Ahhhhhhhhhhhhh!!!!!!!!! Nooooooooooooooo!!! Heeeeellllppp meeeeeeeeeeeee!!!"

We can't barge into Tannin's territory, but we'll just be close enough for this idiot to see some dragons. If needs be, I can send Ravel and Reni to speak with Tannin in letting us stay near them.

♦♦♦♦

We teleported to a random spot and there were already a few dragons flying high above us. I let Riser down as he stares up, tears and snot running down his face.

"D-D-Dragons…!!!"

"Actually…"

I haven't revived Ddraig or Albion yet, so… It'll be fine. Ddraig, can I have you, Ravel and Reni talk to Tannin about letting us just hang out here for a few days until I kick Riser's ass int gear?

[Sure thing, Partner.]

I brought the [Boosted Gear] out and summoned Ddraig. Riser looked like he shat himself as she stared up at Ddraig who was in front of him.

"W-W-W-W-Welsh Dragon….!!"

I explain my plan to Reni and Ravel. While a bit reluctant, Reni let go of me as both of them got on Ddraig's back, and they flew towards Tannin's territory. It was just Riser and I left.

"Now then… Let's start, shall we?"

♦♦♦♦

"Uwaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah!!!! No! stop! Ahhh!! I can't use my powers!!!"

Riser was being chased around by Ice and Fire dragons that I made out of magic. I also sealed his powers, so he had to avoid all their attacks with his own physical body, which means his healing factor isn't present again.

Booom!!!

"I'm going to freeeeeeeeeezzzeee!!!! I'm going to buuuuuuuuurrrnn!!!!"

Before we started, I also made the area have different weather patterns and constantly change temperature. Those three have not come back yet, but Riser has already started to live through his own personal hell.

{You are enjoying this a bit too much, Jin…}

"Come on, Riser, what do we say?"

"D-D-Dragon!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

Both the fire and ice dragon then shot out breathe attacks at him as he jumped away to avoid it. At the very least, he's not unfit… Well, not totally.

Flap~ Flap~

Just then, Ddraig and the rest came back.

[Partner, we got the okay from Tannin.]

Reni and Ravel jump down from Ddraig's back as he goes back into my soul.

"There are a lot of different dragons here ~ Tannin seemed like a nice dragon too ~"

Reni says while coming over to my side. Is that so? Well, from what I can remember he did seem like a good Dragon…

"Onii-sama…"

Ravel looks at the running and panicking Riser as he desperately runs and dodges the attacks the dragons threw at him.

"He'll be fine, he's been doing well dodging everything while you were away. I just gotta get some 'Guts' in him, right?"

♦♦♦♦

After two hours of running for his life, we took a break. During that time, Ravel went back to her home to get some food. Reni and I watched over Riser struggle to dodge everything. If he keeps at it for a few more days, he'll get used to it.

"I'm going to die…"

The man spoke in a weak voice and slumped to the ground.

"It's only been two hours, Riser."

Riser launches on a tirade on how High-class Devils shouldn't be doing something like this and only Low-class and reincarnated Devils should be doing things like training and they know nothing about Devil society.

There goes his rich-boy attitude… This'll be a headache to deal with…

♦♦♦♦

3 Days later

Ravel, Reni and I were having breakfast as Riser was running in the background. This part of the mountain range is our base, and I set a small time dilation barrier, so very little time passed outside of here.

"H-Hiiiiiiiii?!?!"

"Do you think Onii-sama is improving…?"

Ravel asks me worriedly while taking glances at the screaming Riser.

"So-so. Although he complains, he does the tasks when they are given to him. Therefore, he's not doing too badly... As long as he is given a big enough push, he will do it on his own. I think he's like that because he's a bit spoiled."

"I see… I'm relieved."

Hearing that from me, her expression softens, and she relaxes a bit. You really are too good for him, Ravel… Let's hope whoever marries him is a tough enough woman to kick his ass whenever he starts acting like THAT.

"By the way, this is very impressive. Did you make it yourself, Ravel?"

I commented on the pancakes she made for breakfast. She asked me to teleport her back to her home again quite early in the morning, and then came back just a few minutes earlier.

"R-Really? I received some ingredients from mother earlier, so I could make it… We did need to import some things yesterday…"

"Yesterday? So, you're saying you've been meaning to make these?"

To that, Ravel blushes and shyly nods.

"Mmm ~ these are delicious, Ravel-chan ~"

"T-Thank you… Oh, yes… By the way, Jin-sama. Rias-sama and the others will be coming here later on tonight."

"Rias and the others? I see…"

I gotta expand this area a bit then… I did make some hot springs earlier just so we could bathe. I made the walls separated, of course; I can't have Riser peeping on Reni.

"Gyaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!!!!!!!!"

We hear Riser's scream echo throughout the area, at least he's doing well… No, wait, that means he got hit. I sigh and got up.

♦♦♦♦

It was the same day, but it was nighttime... That fucking idiot is looking to die. Even with his powers sealed, he still has the audacity to try peeping on them…

Kiba and Gasper were just sitting against some rocks reading some books they brought. I sigh and got up.

""Jin-senpai?""

They asked in a confused tone.

"I have a grilled-chicken to beat up. He's trying to peep…"

""Ahaha…""

The two of them awkwardly laughed, wished me luck, and then turned back to reading their books. This was… I guess, in a way, a normal occurrence? I mean, I was invited by Rias and Akeno a lot during the one year we spent in the [Pocket Dimension].

I can't let him see Rias, Akeno, Shirone, Asia and Xenovia naked. That's something… He's not allowed to see…!

♦♦♦♦

Locating his aura, I quickly flash stepped towards him. He carefully tiptoed around the place. He had somehow managed to find some rocks and stacked them on top of each other. This allowed him to look over the fencing area that covered the hot springs.

Doom!

"Agh?!"

I increased the gravity around him, making Riser fall to his ass and look back at me in horror. I blankly stare at Riser.

"You seriously thought peeking was a good idea? And when I'm around?"

"What's wrong with me taking a peek?! If there are women going into hot springs, then it's a man duty to peek!"

Riser says with a weird kind of pride. Dude… That's not something you should be proud of… This damn perverted grilled-chicken… These girls…

"Did it even occur to you that your sister is among them?"

"Incest isn't frowned upon in Devil— No, Supernatural society!!"

...…I mean, you're right but still… Let's just rough him up a little. But first… I snapped my fingers, and we were teleported to a barren spot. I also unseal his powers.

"Prove it then. You've been here a few days, let's see if those days were of any of use to you."

Dwooooosh!!!

Riser covered his entire body with flames and looked at me with determination. At the very least, his own perverseness is powering him through his own fear.

"I don't care about what you did in the past!!! I want to see their breasssstt!!!!!!! It's unforgivable that you're the only one who gets to enjoy them!!!!"

Riser fired multiple shots of flames at me, but I easily dodge them.

Dwosh! Dwosh! Ksh! Ksh!

"I was her fiancé!!! And I didn't even get to see those breasts!!!!! Can you not understand my pain?!"

Are you alright in the head…? Just because you were in an arrange marriage doesn't mean she has to show you her breast… Ravel said you had no 'Guts' but, seeing you so worked up about your former fiancé's breasts is just…

"I also want to see the Priestess of Light and Thunder's breasts! They're huge too, right?! Also, that blonde human!!!"

[Uh-oh.]

{He messed up…}

Cúntóir: Answer: Regulating power…

Boooooooom!!!!!!!!!

You have officially taken it too far, buddy. Reni's and Akeno's tits are mine, scratch that, all of their tits are mine! Fuck you and your stupid reasons!

I appear beside Riser as a look of horror started to spread across his face.

"Wrong words, rich-boy."

Boom!!!

Riser was sent flying into the Underworld night sky after I punched him in the head. The location of where he will land is unknown to me but... I'll leave that up to future me. With a sigh, I flash stepped back to where we were staying.

"Ara? Jin?"

"Huh?"

My mind was still angry at Riser that I hadn't noticed where I had flash stepped to. In my mind, it was back at the campsite but in reality, I had flash stepped into the hot springs.

In front of me were the naked bodies of Rias, Akeno, Shirone, Asia, Xenovia and Ravel.

"I did not think Jin was the type of man to peek on women."

"Jin-san?"

"Ara ara ~ Ufufufu ~"

"Jin ~ ~"

Each of them displayed mild reactions which I was grateful for, however, Ravel had been staring at me while slowly turning red.

"Oh, my bad, I'll get out. I just… Punched Riser somewhere… I'll go get him."

♦♦♦♦

Ravel Phenex

He… He… A man saw me naked!!! I felt my entire face heat up! W-Why is everyone okay with being seen naked…?!

"Ara? Ravel, are you perhaps embarrassed?"

"I-I-I…"

"It's normal for us, we live with him after all ~"

Even if you live together! That shouldn't become the norm! O-Or is it the norm?! I wasn't sure! S-Should I ask my mother about it…?

"I can't get married anymore…"

I mutter to myself while sitting closer to the water.

"Then just marry Jin, I'm sure he won't mind."

Xenovia-san says casually! W-W-W-W-W-W-What?! M-M-M-M-Marry J-J-J-Jin-sama?!

Thud!

"Ara? She fainted."

"Xenovia, that was a bit too much…"

"Hmmm, I still have much to learn…"

♦♦♦♦

The Next day

Jin Skyward

We had arrived back at the Phenex's home, apparently whatever the hell happened between Riser and I cured his fear of dragons and got rid of his depression. I don't know how he managed to do that… But he did, so well done to him.

But… Ravel now has a hard time looking at me. I questioned the girls about it but they would just giggle or smile at me… Whatever…

I was wandering the Phenex household when I came across… Lord Phenex and Ruval Phenex. It looked like they were discussing something of importance. I began to walk away when—

"Oh? Jin Skyward-kun? Middleman, can you come here for a second?"

I heard Lord Phenex's voice from behind, and I turned back to them. I nodded and joined them immediately.

"Hello, it's been a while. How can I help you?"

"Mmm, it has been. I take it you are well? We would like to thank you for helping my son and Ruval's brother in the curing of his fear of dragons and his mild depression."

Lord Phenex puts his hand out, and I shake it, Ruval does the same, and we also shake hands.

"It was requested by Ravel so… I didn't decline, since she seemed to be genuinely worried about her brother."

Both of them smile and nodded.

"She has always been a caring child, even if she has trouble showing it openly at times. However, again, thank you."

"It's… No problem, if you have any other requests in the future, then don't hesitate to contact me."

"Yes, we will, thank you again, Jin-san."

With that short exchange, I leave the two of them as they started to talk to each other. On the way back to everyone— I was pulled into a room… This time it was Lady Phenex.

"How can I help you, Lady Phenex…?"

"How was my daughters cooking, Jin-san?"

Cooking… Oh, the food she brought over during those days?

"They were terrific. She has a talent for it. Did you teach her?"

"Yes, she's also a natural for it… Fufu, I'll leave her to you then. Mmmm, that's the right course of action…"

She was talking to herself and I just excused myself… What the hell is wrong with this family…? And so, that's how my small adventure regarding the Phenex family ended.

♦♦♦♦

Timeline – Volume 2

Gremory of the Cooking Competition

♦♦♦♦

Pocket Dimension

7 months

Jin Skyward

It's been seven months since we entered the [Pocket Dimension] and once we get out of here, the Gremory peerage will have their Rating Game against Riser and his peerage. However, today— Or tonight… Things got a little heated.

"I will be making dinner."

"Ufufu, President, I will be making dinner for tonight ~"

"…I am the maid, so I shall be the one making it as per usual."

Rias, Akeno and Grayfia were talking in the kitchen about who would make dinner for the night. Kiba, Asia, Shirone, Gasper, Ingvild, Kuroka and I were just chilling here on the couch as we watched from afar.

"This isn't going to go anywhere…"

I say while getting up.

"What will you do?"

"Make it into a competition…"

Ingvild asks, and I give her an answer that made them quite interested in the outcome… I walk over to the three and clap loudly, this catches their attention.

"Alright, I heard enough. Let's make this easier and more… Entertaining, shall we? Let's turn it into a competition. It will be one dish from each of you, and I will make the rice and dessert. You guys focus on the main course, okay?"

They all stare at me before agreeing.

[Who will be 'Queen' of the kitchen? Find out next time on Dragon Ball Z!!!]

{He's lost it… He's become completely brain-damaged…}

Be nice, Albion… Ddraig's special.

[Hey!!!]

♦♦♦♦

"Alright, so, everyone ready?"

"""Yes!"""

All of them say in unison, I create a holographic timing above them—

"Ready? Go!"

I announce and they all get to cooking. Grayfia decided to play with my emotions, so she's cooking an Irish dish. Akeno being a naturally born Japanese decided to make a traditional dish, and Rias being a Japanophile decided to make a Japanese dish.

"Bets! Place your bets, nya! ~"

I walk back towards them and Kuroka was already making some kind of betting ring. They all put small amounts of money into the pouch she had taken out of somewhere. Finally, she came over to me.

I summoned ¥150k and put ¥50k on each woman. Kuroka was looking at me like I was a psychopath. I am unlimited money works; I can make money come out of your ass! Live live! Breath breath! Money money!

"A-Are you sure, nya?"

"I can go higher if you want. I mean, I win in the end since I bet on all three of them."

Kuroka just sighed as she put the bag in front of us and sat back down. I felt Ingvild pull my head into her lap, and so we watch them cook for the next hour and a half. We were just talking about random crap we expect to see in the future.

♦♦♦♦

The time was up and all three of them had their dishes ready. I also joined them during that time and cooked up some rice as well as a simple chocolate cake.

Grayfia had made Beef & Sweet Potato Stew, very nice, I quite liked this dish actually… Akeno had decided to make Mapo Tofu, and Rias went for Chicken and Egg bowl Oyakodon. They all made enough so that everyone else could have their share.

I could see from the corner of my eyes that Kuroka was already ready to pounce on the food, but since I was the judge, I had to try them all out first.

"I won't take long, Kuroka."

"Nya ~ Nya ~"

First up, Grayfia. The maid tenses up as I went over to her dish first. Beef & Sweet Potato Stew, it seems like apart from the usual ingredients she added some carrots and other spices from the Underworld into the dish.

"Mmm… Mmm… Mmm…"

I grabbed a spoon and started to eat small portions of it. It was good… I mean, really good! It definitely tasted like what I had eaten before! The texture is nice, the beef isn't too hard, or soft but just right. The spices she used also mixes in well, I don't know the specifics since it's from the Underworld.

Once I finish tasting the small portion, I look at her again.

"I will use a rating out of five, if I'm honest… You definitely played into my Irish side… But leaving that aside, it's good, 4.7/5 is my rating, Grayfia."

"Thank you, Jin."

She bows and I go to Akeno's dish next. She had a very expectant look in her eyes, as if they were telling me to go right ahead and eat it. And so, I did— I used the same spoon I had and scooped some up and tasted it.

"…?!"

W-What is this…? T-This is actually really good! I hadn't eaten Mapo Tofu a lot but… This is very good. I guess it makes sense! Akeno Himejima is the traditional 'Yamato Nadeshiko' after all! I'm quite lucky to have her… I stop eating and put my spoon down.

"This… This is delicious, even though I hadn't eaten many Mapo Tofu in the past, this… This is good… I'm sorry, but it's a 4.8/5 rating from me."

Akeno pumped her fist satisfied with my rating, Grayfia visible deflated at the thought of losing by a measly 0.1. I'm sorry, Fia, forgive me.

Next up was Rias Gremory, the Japanophile of Gremory. I go to her dish, which was… Chicken and Egg bowl, Oyakodon. She was fidgety and a bit restless, I don't blame her, though I did just rate the other two pretty highly.

"Next is Gremory-san, so you made… Oyakodon, huh? Then I'll dig right in."

This time, Rias had prepared some chopsticks for me, so I used those instead. Hmm... Hmm... Interesting... I chewed on my food and closed my eyes. It tasted good, I guess… it had a 'hint' of Rias, if you catch my drift, a unique style or taste if you will.

Once I finished my sampling, I put my chopsticks down and look at Rias.

"Hmmm… How do I say this… It's good, Rias. Really good… But for now… I'll put it as 4.7/5 the same as Grayfia. Good work, everyone."

Grayfia seemed a bit dishearten, I should comfort her later. I probably have a higher standard if it comes to Irish food, I'm sorry Grayfia…! I didn't turn around, but gave the okay for everyone else to start eating.

They scurried to the table and started getting their own share of dinner. Of course, they weren't just limited to one dish that was made, they could choose from any of the three.

"It's a tie, Akeno."

"Yes, is it, Rias ~"

The two of them shook hands and began to try each other's dishes. Grayfia then sighs.

"I still have a lot to learn…"

We had less trouble the rest of the night. Grayfia consulted me on the Irish dish she made later that night. She wanted to know in what areas she could make improvements, since cooking an Irish dish played both in her favor and against her. This is because I held it to a higher standard.

[Skyward-sama is quite tough on thy dish, Albion-dono.]

{He is, indeed, Ddraig-dono.}

….? The hell are you two on about? Both of them didn't answer me but instead just started to cackle to themselves.

The money was evenly split between everyone. I was already earning a steady amount of gold while we were here, so I basically had unlimited cash. Kuroka was quite happy with it, even though she already had a lot in her account.

♦♦♦♦

Timeline – Volume 4

Kei-chan of the Tennis Tournament

♦♦♦♦

Jin Skyward

We were in the Occult Research clubroom when an unexpected guest came into the room. It was Kiyome Abe.

"Abe-san? How can we help you?"

She nods.

"How do you do, Devils of Gremory? Middleman? I came here to… Personally request something from Jin."

I point at myself and she nods.

"What do you need, Kiyome?"

"In a day from now, a rival school will be coming to Kuoh for a small little tournament between clubs. I was hoping Jin would be able to help us in those matches? It is a formal request to the Middleman so… If you can't accept it as just a favor from a classmate…"

I see, I get it… After that little performance I had a few months ago during the Ball tournament. I guess I caught her eye…?

"But isn't it just… An all-girls tournament?"

"Yes, however, can you not use some sort of transformation?"

I nodded. I certainly can do that… But transforming in to a girl, huh? I hadn't done that at all… It did cross my mind a few times… Alright, sure, it seems fun enough.

"Tomorrow is the weekend, so we won't need to worry about classes. The tournament starts at 9 in the morning, please try to be there by 8:30 a.m."

"Sure thing, Kiyome."

"Thank you in advance, Jin."

With that said, Kiyome Abe left the room. I turn to the rest of the club as they stare at me… W-What the hell's wrong with them…?

"What?"

"Jin as a girl… I wonder what that will look like… Gotta tell Reni and the others…"

Akeno says as she takes out her phone and starts to text Reni. The rest were also in agreement, even Azazel.

"Hah! I'll definitely come tomorrow just to see what kind of hideous beast you choose to be, Jin!"

Well, fuck you too, Azazel… Suddenly, my phone started to buzz like crazy. Akeno just smiled at me… What did you tell them…?

♦♦♦♦

Later that night

"Jin ~ can I see it, please?"

"…Haaa… For the last time, Reni… You'll have to wait until tomorrow to see what I choose to look like as a girl, okay?"

She cutely puffs her cheeks while giving me puppy dog eyes… Dammit Reni don't do this to me…!

Chu~

I lean in and kiss her; she's taken by surprise but kisses me back too. I pull away as she blushes, but also still cutely glares at me.

"That won't work every time, mister!"

"But it worked for now?"

"Maybe… More, please."

♦♦♦♦

Next day

Akeno Himejima

"Go ahead, I'll be there…"

Jin had urged everyone to go to the school's tennis courts before he did. He still hadn't transformed into his female form and said we'll all see it over there.

"I won't change here, you know. Some things need to be a surprise."

"Fine…"

Reluctantly, we did so. Many of us were going, the Gremory peerage and the majority of Jin's harem…

♦♦♦♦

Kuoh Academy

We had teleported into the clubroom and slowly made our way out of it and towards the tennis courts.

"What do you think Jin-senpai will look like…?"

Kiba-kun asks the group. Many were curious, as was I… He didn't try hinting at it and refused to answer any questions about it. We should have asked Cúntóir…! But would she answer us either…? Probably not…

"Maybe he really did pick an ugly looking form? Pshhh— Hahaha!"

Azazel was also with us, and he started to laugh at his own comment. I don't think Jin would do something like that… We eventually reached the tennis courts as Kiyome Abe and her club members were already warming up.

"Ara? Rias-san, where is Jin? Or whatever he calls himself in his female form…"

"He's on his way, Abe-san, he should be—"

"What the hell?!?!"

Azazel screams and starts pointing towards our left side. We all turn that way and could see… A female with long brown hair tied in a ponytail, grey eyes while wearing the girl's tennis uniform. She was around 5'11 meaning she was quite tall… I-Is that J-Jin…? His breasts aren't that big…

She was also carrying a bag along with her tennis racquet on her shoulder.

"What?"

♦♦♦♦

Jin Skyward

"What?"

I ask them. Did I actually look weird as a girl? I mean... I tried my best to choose this, you know? Cúntóir also had help.

"Damn… I am feeling all sorts of weird emotions right now. I need to get a drink…"

Azazel says and starts to walk away. The hell's wrong with him? I turn back to look at everyone else, who was just staring at me.

"Anyway, call me Kei Ōzora while I'm in this form, and before you ask… I did try having a larger chest and… All I'll say is you have my utmost respect; big boobs are heavy as hell and hurts the back."

The girls began to snicker— Well, the ones with the bigger chests, the ones with small to medium just looked down at theirs and had complicated expressions.

"Jin-senpai is pretty…"

"I agree with Gasper-kun, my chest feels weird."

Oiiiiii!!!!! I don't want to hear such dangerous things being said by the both of you!!! Also, stop blushing while looking at me!!! I back away from them and then turn to face Kiyome.

"Yo! You heard me, right? Call me Kei during this, anyway, I'm ready."

"Ah-Ah, ah yes…. Please come this way, J— I mean, K-Kei-san…"

I shrug at everyone being weird. Is it that weird?

[…]

{…}

The both of you have been strangely silent during this.

Cúntóir: Answer: They may have turned Ga—

{[Noooooo!!! We haven't!!! What is wrong with you?!]}

'Pfft—'

[You be quiet, Velgrynd!]

♦♦♦♦

"E-Everyone, this is the one helping us today… She's called Kei Ōzora, please be nice to her."

I bow.

"Just call me Kei, I'm… A friend of Jin, he asked me to help the tennis club for today since he can't participate since it's a girl's tournament."

The girls around me start to nod sagely.

"As expected to Jin-senpai, he finds a way to help us even while not being a girl!"

"You're a fan of him, Kuri-chan!"

"I won't deny that! All hail the Sports King!"

They laugh… S-Sports King…? Why did I get such a weird nickname again…? Kiyome starts to go over the rules of the tournament, even though it was a friendly tournament between just two schools, everyone was taking this quite seriously.

To put it simply, everyone places one match against the other school's player, whoever wins advances a round, this repeats until we have a winner by three in the afternoon. It was around 8:49 in the morning now, so the other school will arrive soon.

I was brought into a huddle.

"Kuoh….!"

""Fight!""

Everyone says in unison… I did not, since I wasn't really expecting it.

♦♦♦♦

"Haaaaaaaaaaa!!!"

Boom!

What the fuck…? The other school had arrived and… At least three of their players were very buff and big females. In front of me was one of our club members playing a game, and they were against said buff opponent.

She had pink hair and was muscular, I mean, really muscular! She was around 6'1 in height and looked like a damn bodybuilder or something. This was a one-sided match as the other girl, who I believe is Sora-san was being toyed with like a child…

The whistle blew as her opponent finally won, they go to the middle and shake hands, but Sora-san seemed quite tired after all that.

"Haa… I'm tired."

"Good work, Sora-san. Here."

"Thank you, Kei-san."

I hand her a sports bottle, and she drinks from it. So far there had been four matches played. Since there were two courts, we could play two matches at the same time. I feel a tap on my shoulder.

"J— Kei-san, it's your turn. You'll be facing a veteran member of the other team, please do your best."

"Sure."

I got up and grabbed my racquet and went to the tennis court. I could see the ones who came with me start to cheer from the sidelines, geez, if you do that, you'll blow my cover— Not. These guys won't suspect anything…

The other girl had a small ponytail and an athletic physique, and she was the one to serve first. It seems like she's nimbler and relies on speed rather than power… I could also see the three gorilla women watching my match.

Ta!

She serves the ball! I get ready and hit it back!

Boom!

"Eh…?"

A look of shock appears on her face, the same with the others. I mean… It's an official request, so I'm winning this damn thing one way or another… I look at my group, and they were just laughing to themselves.

"Um, are you going to call the point…?"

"A-Ah, yes, of course! 15 – 0!"

♦♦♦♦

The whistle blew for the last time for my match and I won. The girl I was paired up with just gave up halfway and let me just hit the ball back casually as she had made zero attempts at hitting them back.

We walk to the middle and shake hands.

"Nice game."

"….Yes…."

She sounded like she wanted to cry. I'm sorry, whoever the hall you are! I am simply doing my job… I walk back to the team and got a few congratulations. Next it was Kiyome Abe's turn and she was facing one of the gorilla women, this time she had green hair and was also super muscular.

"Good luck, Kiyome."

She silently nodded as she walked over to the court. This seemed more like war rather than a simple tennis match… Athletes sure do take their preferred sports quite seriously, huh? I along with the club watch the match unfold.

Ta! Pa! Ba!

It was… Intense, Kiyome did her best and brought the game to a 2-2, however, she ultimately lost since her opponent had higher stamina and was stronger. She wasn't a slouch either, since the last rally lasted a very long time. But she lost due to her being the first to run out of stamina.

The team captain lost.

The rest of the day went like this, members of our team lost to the remaining two gorilla ladies and other members of the other club. I'm not saying that the other members of our school's club were bad, but… The other team was simply better.

We were currently having lunch as the entire tournament was paused, so we could eat. During the tournament, Grayfia had gone home along with the few other girls to prepare some lunch for everyone.

Somewhere along the line Azazel also joined us again, but this time he looked distressed, he avoided looking at me as much as possible. Weirdo.

"I can't get used to it… Jin, I demand you turn back into a man."

Azazel says while eating some sandwiches.

"I can't help it that I look fucking beautiful, what? Are you falling for me, Azazel? Here, let me formally reject you."

"Tch."

I reject Azazel, while he looks away in annoyance. The group chuckle at our interaction.

Grope ~ Grope ~

"Wha— A-Akeno stop!"

Akeno had come from behind me and started to grope my chest… It wasn't that large, but it felt weird as hell. They hadn't played with my nipples at all when we have sex, so this was a first…

"Ara ara? It seems you really did choose to have a smaller chest…"

"Can't you do the same? I mean with magic…"

"Yes, I can, would you like me to make them sm—"

"Don't."

"Fufufu ~"

Akeno giggled at me after my quick response to her question. Don't… I mean, it's not a big deal but like… It would look weird. Akeno flat chested… The thought just makes me feel weird, and not in a good way.

"Jin-senpai, will you use this… Often?"

I look over at Kiba as he was looking at me with a weird glint in his eyes… Dude… I shake my head.

"No… Only in occasion if the situation calls for it."

He and a few other people seemed disappointed with the answer. No, I will not become a female for your entertainment…. Eventually, the lunch period ended, and we had to go back to playing the tournament.

♦♦♦♦

"Fight! Do your best, Kei-chan!!!"

"Fight… O!"

The girls of the club cheered me on loudly as I was the only one left in our school. Therefore, I had to face everyone else in the other school's club. We lost, we officially did, but… I wanted to keep playing and see who else I could beat… I mean all of them, but still.

Bang!

I was playing against the third muscular gorilla; she had blonde hair. I was ahead of her with 1-0, and was winning in the current set at 30 – 15. I had been using moderate strength since I didn't want to hurt anyone. However, I may need to use a bit more if I want to end this relatively soon.

"Haaaaa!!!"

The blonde gorilla woman let out a war cry as she smashed the ball with all her strength towards me. I respond in kind by hitting the ball back with slightly more strength than her!

Boom!

The arbiter blew the whistle, signifying my victory! And just in time to as the clock struck three in the afternoon and the end of the tournament. I didn't get to face the last gorilla woman, but… It was fun playing against them.

We walk to the middle and shake hands.

"You're a splendid player, Kei-san."

"You too, Gori-san."

Both of us were smiling and satisfied with the match. Once that was finished, we walked back to our respective teams, lined up and bowed to one another. Is… Is this my first failed request? I feel like I failed since we didn't win it all.

"It's unfortunate that we didn't win, but… We did gain valuable experience from this! Don't take this loss too hard! Learn from it and get better! We still have a tournament coming up!

"""Yes!"""

They all answered enthusiastically and started to go to the clubroom. I was left with Kiyome out there as we watch the girls go back. I can't exactly go in there otherwise she might get annoyed at me.

"Thank you for the help today, Jin. Your performance definitely inspired many to improve themselves…"

"That's what I was hoping for, Kiyome. I'm glad I could help, but I feel like I failed since I didn't win the tournament for us. Sorry about that."

But to my surprise, she disagreed.

"No, as I mentioned, you helped us in other ways. You've encouraged them and shown them that they can still improve. Thank you."

I nodded and started to walk towards my group, as I did, I could feel Kiyome's gaze linger on my back. Is this a step in the right direction for our relationship? I don't know… But I feel like our friendship became better after this.

"Well, we lost!"

I announced with weird enthusiasm as they all chuckle at me. Today… Marks the first day I used 'Kei Ōzora' as an identity, and it definitely wasn't the last.

♦♦♦♦

Check the chapter comments to see images of certain characters.