Hey hey people, danz here

Have you read Academy DxD? No? Well you should, because i'm back to actively updating it again. Go read it then come back here. Next in line is obviously Death's Chosen, but i'm still rewriting most of the early chapters and slicing some parts that I think isn't necessary

Anyway, enjoy, peeps

Quit Staring at Me, That's Rude

〖Chapter 9〗

⦕ Temptations ⦖

Rias Gremory stood at an entrance of one of the many VIP rooms of Lilith Memorial Hospital, her expression a mix of concern and relief. She was accompanied by her loyal Servants, each of them bearing expressions that mirrored her own emotions.

As she entered, the recovery room was bathed in the gentle glow of afternoon sunlight filtering through the curtains. Roygun lay in her hospital bed, her eyes closed as if in peaceful repose. Her typically braided pink hair now hung loosely, adding to her vulnerability. Rias couldn't help but notice the remarkable improvement in Roygun's condition since their last visit. Her eye, once injured in the battle against Penemue, was now fully healed, thanks to the miraculous intervention of Ajuka Beelzebub's Biosculptor. Her wings were still… well… let's just say it'd take some time before Ajuka made a bigger pod to house her wings.

"Coming to pay me a visit?" Roygun greeted them with her trademark playful sarcasm. "My, and I thought youngsters these days have lost their courtesy."

Rias smiled warmly, approaching the bed with her Servants in tow. "It's good to see you recovering so well, Roygun. We can't thank you enough for what you did for us back there.""

Roygun's eyes fluttered open, and she turned her gaze towards Rias. Despite the bandages and bangs that still covered her right eye, she managed a weak but warm smile. "Well, your brother did promise me quite the reward for babying you."

Rias chuckled weakly, fully aware and slightly embarrassed nonetheless, to think she was more than capable in the role thrusted to her as a Co-Overseer. The fact that she and her Servants might have lost their lives and in the hands of Issei if Roygun wasn't present was not lost on her.

Kiba, standing by Rias' side, nodded in agreement. "We are all in your debt, Lady Roygun."

Akeno and Koneko chimed in with their agreements, emphasizing the profound impact Roygun's actions had on their lives. Akeno's voice held a note of sincere gratitude as she said, "You truly saved us back there, Roygun-sama."

Roygun dismissed their gratitude with a weak wave of her hand. "I did what was necessary, and yes, it did involve getting thrown around like a ragdoll. Not an experience I'm keen on repeating."

Koneko, typically reserved, approached the bed with a more determined expression than usual. Roygun noticed a significant change in her appearance—Koneko now sported her Nekomata ears and tail, which were previously hidden. Her white cat ears twitched slightly, and her tail flicked in a seemingly content manner. A visual declaration of her self-acceptance, no doubt.

Roygun raised an eyebrow, her curiosity piqued. "I see you've fully embraced your feline features, Kitten."

Koneko met Roygun's gaze with unwavering determination. "I want to become stronger, and I don't want to fear a part of myself anymore. Issei-senpai helped me realize that."

Hearing that, Rias smiled, her heart warmed by Koneko's growth. Testament to Issei's influence despite his brief time.

But Koneko's feline ears then wilted forward as she ruefully added, "I wish I could have done something…"

The Gremory then sighed quietly as she reflexively patted Koneko, the same gesture back when the nekomata was first entrusted to her. Akeno even joined in the comforting gesture.

Roygun noted the gloominess that began to settle among the young devils in the room. She couldn't help but chuckle, despite her condition. "Oh? Worrying about another person entirely when I'm bedridden in front of you? Oh, how you wound me, devils…"

Koneko's ears perked up like lit white candles. "I-I didn't mean—"

Before Koneko could sputter her defense and innocence, Roygun continued, her tone light and teasing. "Relax, Kitten. I was just messing around…"

Koneko let out a relieved sigh and gave a small, somewhat sour smile to Roygun for playing with her feelings, both her ears now subject to Akeno and Rias' fond fondling.

She then turned to Rias, now that Issei's face had entered her mind. "How's the kid, by the by?"

Rias hesitated, unsure of how Roygun felt about Issei after what had transpired. "He's... in Tartarus," she finally replied, her voice carrying a note of concern. She hoped that Roygun's reaction would not be one of anger or resentment. "Satan Beelzebub is taking charge overseeing his situation there."

Roygun's eyes sparkled with a mischievous glint. She chuckled at the thought of the brilliant researcher getting his hands on a puzzle as complex as Trihexa's remnants within Issei. "That man always did love a good challenge. I can see the excitement in his eyes when he realized what he had to work with."

Rias and her Servants exchanged knowing looks. It seemed even in her weakened state, Roygun Belphegor still had a knack for finding amusement in the most unexpected places.

She turned her attention back to Roygun, her gratitude undiminished. "We truly appreciate what you've done for us, Roygun. Issei's situation is... complicated, but we're doing everything we can to help him." Rias glanced around the room, taking in the serene atmosphere. "Well, anything you need or anything we can do for you?"

Roygun's smile widened. "More donation for my family will be very much appreciated."

Rias couldn't help but titter at Roygun's resilience, even in the face of her mischievous demeanor. "The ones you received aren't enough yet?"

"We're devils," Roygun simply shrugged. "The word 'enough' doesn't exist in our vocabulary… Tell me, though, Gremory, what do I get?"

The conversation shifted to the rewards she had received for her actions in ensuring Rias Gremory's safety. Roygun had indeed been generously rewarded by the Satans, primarily by Sirzechs, for her 'courageous' efforts of diverting Trihexa's rampage. The rewards not only served as recognition for her bravery but also as a symbol of her redemption in the eyes of her clan.

She had also been welcomed back into the Belphegor Clan with open arms, marking a surprising turn of events in her life. It brought a sense of closure to a chapter in her life that had been marked by familial shame and rejection for fiddling with the loopholes surrounding a certain Evil Piece.

Notably, she was offered the position of her Clan's head once again, but Roygun knew all too well that the current head simply wanted to avoid the responsibilities that came with the role. Lazy and dreamless as they might be, it seemed that her family had at least one thing in common with her, which was why she declined the offer.

In addition to her clan's support, Roygun had the option to return to the Rating Games whenever she wished. However, she would need to form a new Peerage, given the impracticality of working with her old one. Rias admired her pragmatic approach to the situation, but doubted if she could do the same should something similar happened to her.

Ironic that it was from the most embarrassing, humiliating defeat she had experienced in her life, she instead had found her place in the devil society once more. And of course, Roygun was determined to make the most of this new beginning the soonest she could get out from this medical institution.

In spite of it all, she found herself contemplating the boy who had inadvertently played a pivotal role in her journey of self-discovery. Issei Hyoudou, the Vessel of The Beast, was a name that had become intertwined with her own destiny. She couldn't help but wonder if their paths would cross once more.

After all, she had been far from her best during their previous encounter, no thanks to Penemue. She wanted at least a rematch.

Break

Issei had lost count on how many days had drifted by since his catastrophic loss of control. His existence had been reduced to a daily routine of isolation within the forbidding walls of the Tartarus—a name that reverberated with dread throughout the depths of Hell. The prison's architecture was a macabre blend of Victorian and demonic aesthetics, its malevolence present in every dark stone.

But Issei's cell, while nestled within the heart of this infernal labyrinth, stood in stark contrast to the typical, dismal accommodations of the damned. Reserved exclusively for high-value assets or those with connections to the 32 Pillars, remnants of the Ars Goetia's 72 Pillars, it bore the trappings of opulence rather than despair, located far from the chattering of teeth and the constant wailings of the damned.

The stone walls, etched with sinister runes that seemed to writhe with life, were adorned with dark tapestries depicting scenes of ancient battles and demonic conquests. These murals, rendered in vivid crimson and midnight black, told a tale of domination and chaos, a piece of Hell's history woven in blood and shadow. The floor beneath his feet was a masterpiece of infernal craftsmanship, fashioned from a polished obsidian marble that seemed to drink in the eerie, blood-red light emanating from the flickering, floating arcane torches that lined the corridor outside his cell.

Dominating one corner of the room was a bed fit for a demon lord. A sumptuous canopy, dark as the void, billowed overhead, its curtains offering the illusion of sanctuary in a realm bereft of hope. The sheets, crimson as freshly spilled blood, invited him to rest in decadent comfort, a cruel irony in this chamber of torment. Opposite the bed, a small library for those who sought knowledge amidst the abyss. Ancient tomes and grimoires lined the shelves, their spines adorned with inscriptions of forgotten tongues. These volumes whispered promises of arcane power and forbidden secrets, enticing Issei with the lure of enlightenment and danger.

A magnificent mahogany desk stood as a testament to the room's potential for scholarly pursuits. Its polished surface gleamed with sinister elegance, adorned with an array of writing implements, scrolls, and parchments. It was a place where one could engage in occult studies, but the very thought of intellectual pursuits seemed a distant concern in the face of his inner turmoil.

Plus, Issei had tried to read some of the books out of curiosity, but he quickly realized he couldn't read whatever language the devils were using. Runes and weird wiggly lines.

Despite the luxurious trappings that surrounded him, his heart remained ensnared by the relentless chains of guilt and self-loathing. While he was relieved to hear the Belphegor devil was making steady recovery, the memory of nearly extinguishing Roygun's life nevertheless weighed upon him like a yoke. Depression had become an unwelcome companion, its presence casting a long shadow over his thoughts and actions.

However, amidst the grandeur and despair of his surroundings, Issei recognized that redemption lay not in surrendering to the abyss but in confronting the demons that festered within. These malevolent entities, veiled in shadow, remained a mystery, their true nature concealed like a venomous serpent in the underbrush. He understood that ending his own life would serve only to unleash these malignant beings upon the world once more, seeking new vessels to corrupt.

No, he couldn't afford to let that happen. Instead, he resolved to harness their dark power, to confront the tempest that raged within, and to emerge from the abyss stronger and wiser.

The real question was; how?

Before he could delve further into his musings, the 'cell' door—its grandiose design hardly befitting that of a traditional cell—clicked open. In stepped a maid, clad in a resplendent blue and white French maid ensemble, long sleeves cascading gracefully to her wrists, and a pristine white maid headdress gracing her silver gray hair, accentuated by a touch of crimson lipstick.

The woman who entered was none other than Grayfia Lucifuge, a vision of beauty appearing as if in her early twenties. Her silver hair flowed gracefully, with twin braids adorned by small blue bows at their ends, while the rest hung down, cascading like a silver waterfall. Her icy eyes, the shade of molten silver, bore a depth that hinted at hidden knowledge. Unlike the majority of his visitors, Grayfia strode into his chamber alone, without the accompaniment of guards—a decision that might have stemmed from her own formidable strength.

Issei, who had spent most of his life as a human with no inkling of demonology or any -ology related to it, remained oblivious to the significance of her family name—the Lucifuge family, once a trusted right hand to Lucifer himself. He could never have known the weight carried by that name.

She was the Gremory Family's chief maid, last he heard, and that was about everything Issei knew about this pretty maid.

"Good afternoon, Mr. Hyoudou."

"Ah… yeah… Afternoon, Ms. Gure— Gureifiya." Issei returned her polite bow, unable to feel any more awkward than he currently was.

"Please," she continued, her words measured and precise, "it is time for your scheduled evaluation. Please follow me."

Part of his daily routine.

With a simple nod, he complied, trailing behind her as they departed his cell. Grayfia was a woman of few words, her demeanor exuding an air of reserve, and he had no doubt their walk would be a quiet one. As they navigated the corridors of Tartarus, Issei couldn't help but observe the magical restraints adorning his wrists and neck. These peculiar bangles seemed to shimmer with otherworldly energy, yet they bore no weight, almost as if they existed only in his perception. Spells that were apparently created by none other than the man he was about to meet.

Upon reaching their destination, Issei found himself in a facility unlike any he had encountered before — at least before he'd been to this place. The sleek, futuristic design of the place evoked images of a sci-fi movie, where technology and aesthetics intertwined seamlessly. Everything gleamed with a pristine, sterile brilliance, from the polished white floors to the iridescent walls that seemed to pulse with a mysterious energy.

As Issei stepped further into the futuristic laboratory, the ambient hum of machinery and the soft scurrying of maides about their tasks surrounded him. He observed the intricate workings of the facility with curiosity, an aspect of his daily routine that had grown increasingly familiar since his arrival.

Within this facility, white-coated assistants doubled as maids—or "maides," as the term suggested. Among them stood a young man in his early twenties, his features striking with light blue eyes and hair that bore the hue of wintergreen. His locks were slicked back in a meticulous fashion, lending him an air of elegance that matched the semi-formal attire he wore.

The enigmatic devil whose name he had learned—Ajuka Beelzebub. What intrigued him most about Ajuka was the peculiar blend of easygoing charm and an underlying aloofness. It was a curious mix of traits for someone of such stature and influence within the intricate hierarchy of the Underworld.

Their gazes met, and Ajuka offered a congenial smile as he approached the young man.

"Hey again, kid," he greeted, his tone casual, a white mug with the word 'I COFFEE' ever-present in his hand. "You adjusting well to our little facility?"

Issei, though he still possessed many unanswered questions and burdens, was nothing if not cooperative. His voice was earnest as he replied, "Uh… yeah. It's been…something, I guess. Like I'm still not fully 'here', sorta."

"That's one way to put it." Ajuka's response was tinged with amusement. Grayfia returned to her vigilant post nearby, an unexpected turn of events for the Queen of Annihilation, now playing the role of an impromptu bouncer. Something that quite amused the Satan.

He then returned his eyes on the walking Trihexa container. "This is just formality speaking, but you should know the entire Underworld appreciates your trust in our efforts, kid. Your willingness to cooperate has been invaluable."

Feeling a bit self-conscious under the unexpected praise, Issei scratched his head and replied, "Well, it's the least I can do. I just hope I can get a better grip on whatever...parasites I carry."

Ajuka nodded thoughtfully, masking his inner amusement. It was a rarity to encounter someone in the room who had no inkling of the immense danger they posed. Not every day did Ajuka have the opportunity to study such a unique and intriguing specimen as Issei. After all, he had held the title of Satan for nearly half a millennium, and the novelty of this situation wasn't lost on him.

When he first learned he was going to perform inspections firsthand, Ajuka was barely able to contain his excitement. It was doubly exciting because it offered further proof that his theory was correct—the Abrahamic God's influence over his old Seals was weakening, including the Seals he placed on Trihexa's body. A slight regret lingered, nevertheless, as having the boy here had nearly cost Roygun's life.

However, 'nearly' was a term Ajuka rarely dwelled upon, given his meticulous and precise nature. 'Nearly' and 'what-ifs' held little significance in his calculations.

After a sip of his dark coffee, their brief exchange continued as they walked deeper into his grand laboratory, the maides not saying much other than moving on with their maides-ly duties. Along the way, Issei couldn't help but ask, "So, what's the plan for today? More tests or experiments?"

Ajuka maintained his blink-and-you-miss-it smile as he responded, "We do have some tests lined up, but today, I'd like you to step into one of the pods. It's a biosculptor — part of our ongoing research, and we believe it might offer some valuable insights."

"Biosculptor…? What does it do?"

Ajuka proceeded to explain the function of the biosculptor pod in terms that Issei could understand. He described how it analyzed and interacted with Issei's biology, helping them gain a deeper understanding of the inner workings of his body and the mysterious entities residing within him. The goal was to find a way to harmonize his physical and spiritual aspects, ultimately, or hopefully, granting him control over the powers that had caused so much chaos.

Issei listened intently, absorbing the information. He understood that this was a crucial step in his journey to regain control and prevent further harm to others.

"What'll happen to me?"

"You will undergo changes, nothing harmful, I assure you. Predominantly physical changes and perhaps a growth in your mental capacity — this machine, Issei, is designed to mold you, let's say, a container, to be a better vessel for the things inside you. Failure rate is one-in-a-hundred."

"...One, huh…?"

Ajuka's chuckle was brief. More like a snort if anything. "It's the best I can do right now."

As they reached the designated pod, Issei nodded in agreement, ready to undergo the process. Ajuka's team had proven to be trustworthy, and he was willing to place his faith in their expertise.

Still, he couldn't help but feel a mixture of apprehension and determination.

But anything to make amends.

Issei stepped into the sleek, high-tech pod, its surface adorned with intricate runes and symbols that glowed with an eerie, otherworldly light. A weird combination of archaic runes and sleek high-tech style. The interior was spacious, with a comfortable bed at its center, surrounded by a translucent, cylindrical enclosure. The chamber was filled with a soft, bluish glow, and a low hum resonated through the air.

PSSSSSHHHHHT—

The young man settled into the bed, its contours adapting to his form with an uncanny precision. Ajuka stood outside the pod, his expression focused and analytical. His coffee mug now hovering next to him, he tapped a few commands on a nearby console, and the transparent cylinder slowly descended, enveloping Issei within its ethereal confines.

Issei watched Ajuka through the translucent enclosure, the scientist's silhouette a distant figure outside the mysterious chamber. As he reclined in his form-fitting bed, he couldn't stop feeling a growing sense of unease, but these people, as Rias once told him during her visit, were here to help him, and she seemed trustful with them. That was reason enough for him to trust them.

But, perhaps, Issei was just really desperate and willing to cling on to anything.

And to think several weeks ago he was that excited to enter this end of the world…

The process had begun.

Inside the pod, Issei's senses became acutely aware of subtle changes in his surroundings. The bluish glow intensified, casting an otherworldly aura over everything. The hum in the air grew more pronounced, vibrating through his very bones.

Ajuka's voice, now filtered through the chamber's intercom, broke the eerie silence. "Issei, I need you to remain calm and relaxed. This procedure is designed to evaluate the unique energies within you. It may feel unusual, but it's essential for our research."

Issei nodded, his voice steady despite the growing sense of disorientation. "Alright."

Ajuka initiated the evaluation process. Arcane symbols and runes etched into the pod's interior began to shimmer and shift, their patterns constantly changing. The bluish light enveloped Issei, and he could feel a peculiar sensation, as if a subtle force was probing and examining every aspect of his being, as though his very essence was being dissected, analyzed, and cataloged.

His vision started to blur afterwards, the hum in the air growing more intense yet relaxing. He felt a strange, tingling sensation coursing through his body, like a gentle electric current. Issei tried to maintain his composure, but the overwhelming sensations made it increasingly difficult. The boundaries between his physical form and the energy within him seemed to blur. He couldn't tell where his body ended and the mystical forces began.

Ajuka's voice echoed in his ears, a distant lifeline in the disorienting experience. "You're doing well. Take a rest if you wish, this'll take some time."

Issei would have responded, but his consciousness was slipping away. The bluish light enveloped him entirely, and his vision faded into an indigo haze, the machine's humming became a distant, hypnotic drone. And then, with a final, fleeting thought, he surrendered to the abyss of unconsciousness.

As Issei regained consciousness within the depths of his own subconscious, a calm and sultry voice welcomed him back, sending a shiver down his spine.

"Welcome back," the voice purred seductively. "Did you have fun?"

The source of his torment and one of the banes of his existence, Lyzandra, stood before him. Her appearance remained as captivating and mysterious as ever against the backdrop of the void. She was one of Them.

But instead of a ghostly apparition, she was undoubtedly beautiful.

Her long, flowing hair was a cascade of darkness, accentuated by striking violet streaks that glimmered mysteriously in the surreal dreamscape. The contrast between the raven-black strands and the vibrant violet highlights gave her an aura of both elegance and danger. Her attire continued to be a striking fusion of dark beauty and gothic sensibility. A fitted corset accentuated her curves, adding to her allure. The skirt of her dress resembled the keys of a grand piano, the ebony and ivory patterns woven seamlessly into the fabric, creating a visually striking effect that held Issei's gaze.

With a sense of resignation, Issei replied after a sigh, "Fun isn't exactly the word I'd use, Lyz." His voice carried a tinge of annoyance, though he was well aware that arguing with her was often a futile endeavor.

She chuckled softly, the sound like a seductive whisper in the abyss. "Oh, don't be such a killjoy, darling. You're in the perfect place to explore the depths of your desires, after all."

Issei scowled, though it was a futile expression in this formless void. "I'd rather not have my desires get the better of me and nearly kill someone."

Lyzandra's laughter, melodic and tinged with an air of mischief, echoed around him. "But that's half the fun, isn't it? The thrill of losing control, of giving in to your darker impulses. It's exhilarating, dear."

"No thanks," he responded resolutely, much to her amusement.

"We'll see about that…"

Well that wasn't ominous at all.

One notable difference from their previous encounter was that Lyzandra was no longer bound by chains. Issei couldn't help but notice this significant change, and though he was worried about its implications, he was determined not to show weakness in front of this enigmatic presence.

As Issei contemplated Lyzandra's presence and her changed appearance, her smirking expression only deepened the sense of mystery surrounding her, hinting that there were indeed many secrets waiting to be unveiled in the depths of his own consciousness. She exuded a subtle confidence that sent a chill down his spine, and he couldn't deny that he was outmatched in this surreal realm.

She gazed around, before smirking to herself. "That devil still being nosey, hm? Biosculpter now? You know, if you want so much as dominate me, all you need to do is to just ask."

"I'm not here to dominate anyone or whatever," he replied, his voice firm and resolute as he jerked away from her gloved fingers reaching to poke his face. "I just want answers... to understand whatever the hell is happening to me."

Lyzandra's smirk didn't waver as she stepped closer, her violet eyes locking onto his with an almost hypnotic intensity. "Answers and control... yet you don't even know where to begin."

"But I know there's a way. I beat your friend. I know there's a way to beat you."

"Beat me? Oh please do…" she chuckled mirthfully, her eyes leveling with his as their height was quite similar. "I love that piercing stare of yours. Have I mentioned that? It's like one of those 'gap' things, you people coined, I suppose… I certainly won't be your only fan."

He eyed her skeptically, knowing better than to revel or think her 'praises' were genuine or in good-nature.

"So," she continued. "You deny that you are immune to my temptations, and yet, you find me in one of your many domains, a realm of desires and temptations. You try to keep a blind eye to it but its existence alone is proof enough that even you harbor such carnal intentions."

Issei resisted the urge to take a step back, maintaining his composure. "I'm not repeating my mistakes. You're not swaying anyone and definitely not me."

Lyzandra raised her sleek black brows.

"Whoever says it has to be me?" Her words, delivered with casual indifference, sent a disconcerting chill across his skin. With deliberate languor, Lyzandra continued to circle him, her movements possessing an otherworldly fluidity. "Temptation exists within, darling, a force that transcends mere individuals. It's a primal instinct, and even the strongest of wills can find themselves ensnared."

He clenched his fists, determined not to be ensnared by her words. "I won't."

Her laughter echoed around him, a haunting melody that reverberated through the void. "We shall see, darling. We shall see."

Her eyes, like twin orbs of entrancing violet, continued to study him with a kind of intensity that felt as if she were peering into the deepest recesses of his soul. Her presence, ever-confident and enigmatic, was a stark contrast to his own uncertainties.

Her response to his defiance was delivered with an unsettling calmness. "Resist all you want, Issei. But remember, the battle within your own mind is often the most formidable—and I wouldn't be here if you didn't have it in you. I am but a mere reflection of what lies within you… of your innermost desires and fears, so to speak. Embrace that reality, and perhaps you will find the answers and control you so desire."

With those enigmatic words, she began to fade, her presence dissipating like mist in the wind. Issei was left alone in the boundless void, his thoughts swirling with questions and doubts.

As he contemplated his next steps, he couldn't shake the feeling that his encounter with Lyzandra was just the beginning of a perilous journey into the depths of his own consciousness, where answers and revelations awaited, but so did the shadows of his own inner demons.

Break

A swirling haze poured forth as Issei stepped out from the Biosculptor pod, dissipating into the atmosphere of Ajuka Beelzebub's enigmatic laboratory. He blinked in the soft, artificial light of the room, feeling disoriented and a bit off-kilter. Something about his body felt different, though he couldn't quite put his finger on it.

Ajuka, with his usual calm demeanor, approached Issei, his pale blue eyes studying him intently. "How are you feeling, kid? Any discomfort or unusual sensations? Muscle sores?"

The maides stood nearby, ready with their notepads and pens to jot down any observations. They watched Issei with a curious interest, their expressions neutral yet attentive.

Squinting his eyes, readjusting to the lights, Issei took a moment to gather his thoughts, trying to make sense of the peculiar sensations coursing through him. "It's hard to say, but... I feel... different," he finally managed to say, surprised to hear his voice that was now deeper and slightly husky, as if he had just woken up from a long night's sleep.

He glanced around the room and couldn't help but notice that everyone appeared a bit shorter than he remembered and why his outfit suddenly felt a bit tight. It took him a moment to realize that it wasn't them; it was him who had grown slightly taller. The change was subtle, but it left him feeling strangely mature… as in, he didn't feel so weighed down by his guilt. It was still there, but not as suffocating.

This would be a bit hard to explain to his parents… Assuming he'd ever meet them again.

"I feel better," he then summarized. "I don't feel half as shit anymore—" then he blinked, surprised at his casual use of expletives. "Huh…"

Completely disregarding the curse word, Ajuka Beelzebub observed Issei with keen interest, his light blue eyes narrowing in contemplation as he processed the changes he had just witnessed, his maides already working on their pens. The Devil researcher had seen many remarkable phenomena throughout his long existence, but this situation was undeniably unique.

He made a mental note of Issei's deeper voice and increased height, considering the implications of these physical alterations. Ajuka had suspected that the Biosculpter pod might induce changes to better harmonize Issei with the powerful entities within him, but he was still intrigued by the subtlety and precision of the transformation.

After a moment of thoughtful silence, Ajuka finally spoke. "Fascinating... It seems the Biosculpter has initiated some alterations to your physical form, likely to accommodate the powers residing within you. Your voice, your height... It's all part of a process to ensure that you and these entities can coexist more harmoniously."

He gestured for the maides to start taking notes on Issei's condition and the changes they had observed. "This is a remarkable development, and it raises even more questions about the nature of the entities within you and how they can be harnessed. We'll need to monitor your progress closely."

"Right…" Issei nodded, scratching the nape of his neck. "Thanks."

Grayfia Lucifuge, ever the vigilant and perceptive observer, couldn't help but harbor reservations about Ajuka's true motivations. She had served the Gremory family faithfully for centuries, and while she respected Ajuka's intellect and capabilities, she knew that his thirst for knowledge often overshadowed other concerns.

As she watched Ajuka interact with Issei and observed the ongoing research, Grayfia couldn't shake the feeling that the Devil researcher was more interested in furthering his own studies than genuinely helping the young man before them. It wasn't that Ajuka was malevolent or malicious, but his unique approach to matters often left others wondering where his true intentions lie.

But she wasn't here to make comments. Normally that was a role Serafall would delightfully adopt.

Grayfia's presence in the room was twofold. On one hand, she was here to ensure the safety of Sirzechs' closest friend during these observations. She understood that Ajuka was more than capable of handling himself in various situations, but having two exceptionally powerful Super Devils present could only enhance their ability to manage any unforeseen circumstances. More to that, she had been entrusted with the care of Issei by Rias Gremory, her sister in-law and the heiress of the Gremory family, and Grayfia was not one to refuse such a rare and personal request.

On the other hand, Grayfia couldn't help but contemplate the grim reality of their situation. Two Super Devils might be formidable, but would it be enough to contend with a rampaging Trihexa, the dreaded Beast of the Apocalypse? The mere thought of such a cataclysmic event weighed heavily on her mind, and she couldn't fathom the cruelty of those responsible for thrusting such an innocent young man into the role of a container for these malevolent beings.

With the observation concluded, Grayfia approached the young man, her graceful and composed demeanor a stark contrast to the tumultuous events that had brought them together.

"Mr. Issei," she regarded him to follow her back to his holding cell. "If you will."

As per usual, he nodded, but Grayfia felt a slight wave of unease from the way he was staring at her.

Nevertheless, her role was not just that of an observer; it was a solemn duty to watch over him and ensure his safety, not only for Rias' sake but also for the sake of the entire Underworld. Grayfia may have been a Devil of few words, but her actions spoke volumes, and her commitment to this newfound responsibility was unwavering.

Unbeknownst to Grayfia and everyone else in the outside world, deep within the recesses of Issei's consciousness, a place was no longer shrouded in the formless void but instead a seductive dreamscape. It was a domain bathed in shifting hues of violet and black, a reflection of a certain Head's captivating presence. The very air seemed to pulse with an alluring energy, and wisps of shadow danced like silk veils.

When her poor yet adorably distraught vessel underwent his alterations, unaware of the subtle changes taking place within him, Lyzandra relished the opportunity to add her own little tweaks to his being. It was as if she had been given access to a canvas, and she painted her presence onto the very fabric of his soul. It was as if the boundaries of his desires had expanded, the walls of his inhibition crumbling, and a newfound openness to feeling desire taking root.

She was a temptress, a manipulator of desires, and now, she had an even firmer grip on the reins of her vessel. It was a power she intended to wield with both cunning and finesse instead of the brute force that Discordia displayed, further blurring the lines between her own desires and Issei's.

Lyzandra reveled in her newfound freedom. A satisfied, victorious smile curling her lips. The effects of the Biosculptor, which had reshaped Issei's physical form to better accommodate the unworldly powers within him, had inadvertently granted her a newfound influence over her vessel. The words she said to him had caused him to unwittingly open up a new path for her to corrupt upon. The Biosculptor was simply a welcome bonus.

Her ambitions burned within the depths of Issei's consciousness, like a smoldering ember ready to ignite a wildfire. The beguiling temptress that resided within him was slowly but surely weaving her influence, setting the stage for desires yet to be explored, and secrets waiting to be unveiled. She relished the thought of unraveling the carefully woven threads of the devil's existence, of dismantling the pillars of Hell's hierarchy, one by one. Furthermore, she knew that to destroy this formidable Empire, such was the case for all empires, really, it was best to do it from the inside.

Rias and Akeno seemed to be nowhere in sight, unfortunately… initially she would have loved to start the domino tumbling down from Akeno, then to Rias, that would no doubt reach their so-revered Satan Lucifer.

But no matter. She had found herself a new, more challenging targets.

Grayfia Lucifuge. The reserved Silver-Haired Queen of Annihilation.

Ajuka Astaroth. The genius Satan Beelzebub.

With her unyielding resolve and reputation, she knew that in Grayfia, she had found the perfect, unsuspecting, prideful prey. The perfect target to test the depths of temptation and desire. It might take several days, weeks and months, even, but Lyzandra was a patient predator.

As for Ajuka... well, whoever said desires are constrained to lust? How many people had lost themselves and ruin those around them in the noble pursuit of knowledge?

Smiling as she floated over her lovely little paradise, the stage was now set. The players in place. Her game had only just begun.

To be continued…

One step forward, five steps back: the chapter

chapter summary: In this chapter, Issei gets a makeover from a supernatural spa day, while Grayfia discovers the perils of a midlife crisis in Hell. Meanwhile, lurking in the background, a hot seductress that embraces both S and M like an overly attached weeb towards a pillow, plays matchmaker with a twist..Ajuka is so cool and chill while Lyzandra is oh-my-god holy shit you marvelous bastard level of i love her. No-pan onee san ftw

Before you go screaming DANZY WTF U GOING NTR ROUTE REEEEEEEEEEEE— look, while i can't deny or confirm for the sake of spoilers, do remember this is a fanfiction where authors mainly piss on the canon materials before setting it on fire, as proven by a bajillion issei hatefic and/or rias bashing fics out there in the wild — it's really not something worth getting upset over

just enjoy the ride. if it's shit, bail out. problem solved

Not to say i'll make the casts OOC though, because i do give a shit on my stories, even if i see them as more elaborate shitposts.
Apart from Issei, who is really just in his way of embracing his closet god of pervert

Stick around, follow the story. See if Grayfia, Ajuka, Sirzechs and Issei is about to form a love rectangle. Whether it's Ajuka x Grayfia or Issei x Grayfia. Either way will be a devastating blow to Zechs.

Review and stuff. Next update will probably be done in next week

For now though, watch out and take care. There might be Lyzandras around you, whispering things you want to hear, such as 'you could use another mcnuggets' ( ͡ ͜ʖ ͡)