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Chapter 120: Easy Win, But We Lost? by Harem-Fan

     The voice of the enemy came faster from a distance than I expected...

     "You couldn't even capture a reincarnated Devil nun! You're pathetic! Now all of our plans are ruined."

     Thud~! Diodora Astaroth was unceremoniously dropped to the ground like a sack of potatoes.

     I looked at the direction it came from, an unfamiliar man I only saw drawn in a cartoon was floating in the sky.

     He's a handsome man dressed in black armor with a cape.

     He has long brown hair that goes to his hips, with many bangs covering his right eye.

     His confident tone is directed at Rias, his target.

     “It's my first time meeting you, Sister of the annoying fake Devil King. My name is Shalba Beelzebub. The true successor of the Great True Devil King Beelzebub. I'm different from the relative of the fake one you see here..."

"Diodora Astaroth, I lent you my power and look at the situation you're in. In the match against Agares, you used Ophis's snake without my authorization and had the enemy predict our plan. You are very foolish indeed...”

     Then Diodora Astaroth begs Shalba Beelzebub, saying the wrong thing...

     “Shalba! Please help me! If it's with your help, we can still kill them! If the Old Devil King and Current Devil King were to join forces…”

     Slits Sizzle~! A strike of light, which was shot from Shalba's open-hand, shot through Diodora's chest.

     “Weak, I even told you how to handle that girl's Sacred Gear, and yet you couldn't do anything. That explains how useless you are. You forgot our goal, to kill all the descendants of the fake Devil Kings, and you are related to the one that took my name, disgusting, haha~!”

     Shalba said it while laughing at the idiot...

     Diodora turned into dust and perished.

     The power of Light?

     An ability which is similar to that of Angels and Fallen Angels?

     Or does the Khaos Brigade have research on how Devils can use the Angels and Fallen Angels' power?

     "Oh? This device was created by our ingenious Devil inventor, who studied your use of Light and Holy abilities, and after studying you, he came up with this toy... Well, you and he have different goals, but want the same thing..."

     I then saw an unfamiliar device on Shalba's forearm, that is the source that shot the Light arrow!

     “Now, Sister of Sirzechs, I will have you die here! The reason is simple... To destroy every blood relative of the current Devil King!”

     Shalba says it with a cold voice.

     His eyes are also filled with hatred.

     Rias coldly asks him.

     “So you mean to kill Glasya-Labolas, Astaroth, Sitri, and us, the Gremory?”

     Shalba narrows his eyes with Rias's words.

     “That is correct. It's simply displeasing to us... We, the true successors of Lucifer Morningstar, to be called the [Old] by you people, the relatives of the current false Devil Kings, and it's something very hard to endure.”

     Shalba made a sigh of annoyance, as he spelled out his evil monologue...

     “Sigh, Our plan ends with this failure. It's our defeat. I never thought that we wouldn't even capture this nun to use with Dimension Lost and the [Reversal] power our traitor from Grigori invented...

"And with a high-tier Longinus that could have used a reversal of Twilight Healing in this entire Rating Game Field, to kill all of the foes, would have been our win. I can only say that this was something we didn't anticipate..."

"Well, we got results for future terrorism however, so I have to be satisfied with it. Creuserey Asmodeus died at Sirzechs hands, but at the very least he killed your Father while trying to kill your Brother!"

"As long as I'm still active, we can continue to progress, even without Vali's help. The True Beelzebub is great afterall. Now, as my souvenir while returning... Sirzechs Sister, I will have you join your dead Father...”

     I say for Rias's assurance...

     [Impossible! I had the Gremory and Sitri not come today, so you're lying!]

     But my gut is feeling wrong about this, because despite it all, he does not seem to be the type to lie...

     Akeno yells out of anger.

     You don't challenge the current Devil Kings directly, but kill their relatives, what cowardice!”

     “Lie, why do I need to lie, haha? I will kill the family of the current Devil Kings first. It won't mean a thing if we don't have them taste despair.”

     Rias just starts crying and says to comfort herself.

     "No, my Father can't be dead, my Brother would stop that, and Mat is right, he told them to stay home!"

     My heart hurts seeing her cry...

     Rias must also feel he is telling the truth, but that seems impossible... UNFORGIVABLE!

     [Fuck you Shalba, you will fall into despair!]

     Step Step Step~! I am not out of control, just really, really really pissed at this asshole, so I move forward towards him, and chant...

     [I, who have Fallen from Heaven...]

     [I, who sheds God's light to cover the Firmament...]

     Slits~! The enraged Shalba who descended to the ground, releases an attack of Light with his hand!

     Pop~! I simply put my hand up and caught it, and shattered the attack.

     [When love and hope is stolen...]

     Kiba and Akeno both pulled the crying Rias back to the group, away from my transformation and out of control climbing aura...

     She is currently in shock.

     Buzz Buzz Buzz~! Asia, no Tiamat, puts up a multi-layer teal protective barrier to insure the groups safety.

     Tiamat was planning on making her move against Shalba, but protecting the group is what I would prefer her to do, she can feel it in our link.

     [Sorrow and Regrets shall cover the lands...]

     Shalba's expression finally turns into that of surprise, as I am almost completely turning into the large golden Mecha...

     His eyes are clouded with terror, and looks at Matsuda as someone he should fear.

     (The Soul of the Demon King is like that of the original Lucifer, and suppresses Demons, or rather, Devils.)

     [And I shall sunder-everything down with me!]

     [Underworld Dreadnought!]

     My full transformation is now complete, and my eyes flashed with bright golden light, while glaring at the target of elimination...

     “Damn! I can't die in a place like this!”

     Shalba quickly throws up a multilayered defensive shield for what is to come, while he simultaneously makes his escape circle using his foot.

     My cold Machine God voice is heard far and wide...

     [Target: Shalba Beelzebub Devil... Plotting all paths of escape, calculated... Extermination in progress...]

     The 6 holy blades on my back quickly merge like liquid metal, to form the long-rifle to fire my ultimate attack!

     I lock-on to Shalba and the 6 Gremory crimson magic circles counter rotate...

     [Power output set to 100%... Maximum Demonic Power is authorized...]

     My cold calculations know that Great Red the Dragon will arrive to stabilize this space, so I cannot destroy the Rating Game field at full power.

     I also don't care about using all of my Demonic Power, as I have a Super Devil strength behind me to protect me, even if I pass out.

     The only way to settle this event, is to wipe out this Devil from existence, and all tactics are allowed...

     I currently have no feeling of care, loss, or anger, only a mission to kill Shalba Beelzebub!

     I have no intention of holding back...

     Almost everything I can muster is put into this one shot...

     And I will fall out of my form after, but I have Tiamat behind me!

     Hum Hum Hum Hum Hum Hum~! My [Orbital Laser] has reached a terrifying 50 feet in width!

     BOOOOOOOOOOM~! The 50 foot wide continuous beam of white light is firing upon Shalba, and is constantly blasting for the full 10-seconds!

     This strike is 4× as strong as what Bikou received!

     Crack Crack Crack Shatter~! Just after 2-seconds his many shields broke and Holy Light was tearing him apart...

     Akeno, a strong spellcaster of magic, had already identified the spell he drew with his foot, and told Gasper what to do.

     Shalba tried to complete a magic circle on the ground with his leg...

     But Akeno had Gasper use his Freezing Ability at this moment, to interrupt him, and that leg was... Frozen.

-

     After the attack, my Underworld Dreadnought broke away from my body into motes of golden light...

     I was heaving deep breaths and exhausted.

     After the dust cleared, I saw a long trench into the far distance 50-feet wide, but no Shalba?!

     My Demonic Power is almost 99.9% empty, and I feel like I need a nap badly.

     I slowly got up, and walked to the group...

     Step Step Step~! All of my suppressed emotions came back hard, and when I saw Rias crying... My heart broke for her.

     Rias came charging into my arms, and I just held her, I don't know what I can say...

-

     The presence of Dimension Lost had faded, with its retreat...

     The barrier locking in the field was lifted, and everyone was receiving dozens of communication magic circles at once.

     I just ignore them.

     I just hold her.

     Tiamat, now in her normal light blue haired humanoid form, tells me with our link that someone saved him at the last second.

     The Longinus user Hero Faction Georg must have pulled him away at the last second, then fled the battlefield.

     Most everyone looked up into the sky...

     A massive tear in the Dimensional Gap around the Rating Game field opened!

     Through it, the most powerful being in this DxD world, The Dreamer Dragon God, Great Red flew through the sky.

     He was looking down on everyone here...

     The legendary Great Red fully entered into the portal through the battlefield, and flew through, its massive draconic eyes scanning the landscape.

     I noticed that the Dragon looked into my crying eyes, then it departed, ripping a new tear to leave back into its open Dimensional Gap space...

     I wanted to awe at its appearance, but the broken hearted woman in my arms was the only thing I care about right now.

     Great Red's arrival and departure, ended all conflicts on the battlefield...

-

     Tannin, Azazel, and Sirzechs soon arrived at our location...

     And the look of loss on Sirzechs face just made Rias breakdown into more tears.

     She ran into her Brother's arms...

     How does the Devil King Sirzechs handle this?

     How come Zeoticus Gremory came to the Rating Game?!

     Am I the cause of all this?

     Rias's Father was never supposed to die in the anime, at least not in the 4 seasons I watched.

     Is my very existence here causing all of this?

     We had an easy victory right?

     Things are supposed to go smoothly for the guy with future knowledge.

     No one dies and everyone lives happily ever after?!

     I seem to be falling asleep, while others try to soundlessly talk to me?

     I think sleep is good, I will let future me deal with pain...

     This is too much regret...

     Thud~! Darkness, my constant companion, took me...

-

     After darkness took me...

     I opened my eyes and I'm standing in the white-room I talked with Big G before my amazing life started.

     "Shit..."

     I noticed two men sitting at a white table having drinks.

     There is an open third seat, with a cold Diet-Coke there.

     The two men are Big G and the last person I expected to see... Zeoticus Gremory!

     The two men are holding their own different drinks, and both just smile at my stupid face.

     "Fuck, I died again!"

     Pop Sip~! I just sit down dejectedly,  and have my drink... there is nothing I can do about it now!

     Big G in his all-white suit, just smiled and said...

     "No you're still very much alive but sleeping deeply. your body is in good shape, after draining all of your Demonic Power, and nothing like life loss or the like! You are just emotionally drained, and your overthinking has caused your mind to go into a small coma to recover. We knew you needed some support, so we are here to help!"

     Zeoticus sadly smiles and tells me.

     "Mat my Son, I'm very sorry for the problems my poor choices have caused to all of my family! My friend Lord Phenex came over at the last minute and convinced me to go to the game with him and his Daughter Ravel..."

"I didn't even tell Venelana I left for the Rating Game, thinking everything would be fine..."

     He shows his innocent smile he shows when he is caught doing something bad.

     I look at big G, and ask hopefully.

     "Can I save him with my magic then?"

     I really hope I can!

     Big G says sadly, and shakes his head.

     "No... Devils of your world die and turn to ashes when their time is up, just like Fallen Angels and Angels leave no body, but feathers... Their body is their soul. Unfortunately your Father-in-law has met his end..."

"This isn't an anime world where the power of friendship overpowers all. Everyone is living and breathing with their own thoughts and decisions. Your Sacred Gear responded to your wishes to keep your family safe, and you gave them a warning they otherwise would not have had..."

"So when your new Father here made the decision to go, your Sacred Gear couldn't help to stop him! The only reason Zeoticus is here right now is to tell you a few words, pass on his legacy, and say goodbye to his Daughter..."

"This is all that can be done at this point. And don't give me those, but your God eyes! You have tried that many times already!"

     So I asked while drinking my bitter drink.

     "How will he tell Rias anything, will I pass a message on?"

     Big G warmly smiles, while he looks off to a place I can't see...

     "Oh, That is because she and two other of your wives are currently in your dream world looking for you, and they will be here soon."

     Zeoticus said a few things to me first however...

     "With Sirzechs running the Underworld as the Devil King, you're the new man of the house! I want you to take my place and love my family as your own... Sadly I will have many kids with no Father..."

"So love everyone for me... I know it's unfair, but this old man is irresponsible... My Wife is strong but she is emotionally weak. So just do your best for the Gremory house for me! I will leave you one last gift to secure your place in the Gremory Devil family, to help you with my Wife and the other members of the family."

     Zeoticus takes my right-hand and transfers a Gremory magic seal to the back of my right-hand that was on his.

     As it glowed crimson, I felt my blood and body heating up, and I could tell I was a bit stronger for some reason?

     "There, now show that to my Mother Chysis and Wife Venelana and they will know what to do with it... This will allow access to the family vault that only the direct Gremory Devil clan can enter! Now the family won't have to worry about resources! Only my Mother and Grandmother have this seal, and now you..."

     I'm stupefied, and asked the obvious question...

     "Then why give this to me and not Rias?"

     He smiles and says...

     "Because politics in the Devil world is tough, and my family could be forced to make bad choices, but now it is impossible to get rid of you, since you're the family backbone now!"

"If Rias had it, she might be forced by politics to take another Husband due to my passing, but now they get nothing by shunning you! When Rias takes the title of Duchess, you will become the new Duke Gremory."

     He just gives me a winning smile!

     I just look at this kind Devil, and promise...

     "Count on me... I'm not the strongest, but I love Rias and will love the whole Gremory clan as my own!"

     Zeoticus then said to comfort me.

     "Actually Mat... God has told me, I am going to another world to be reborn, like you. I think I will become the Son of the life you were the Demon King, and take up the mantle as the new Demon King of that world, any advice for me?"

     I scratch my head in bewilderment, and say...

     "Sorry, I don't remember that life... And I guess I am bad for not being there for you in that life? All I can say is, have no regrets and follow your heart?"

     I was really stunned to find out he will become that monster's Son in my life 19!

     But if Zeo keeps his memories like I have, he won't be as bad as me, right?

     "Don't worry Mat, your fellow Brother will be born into a good life, even if you're not there for him..."

     I was stunned to know Zeoticus was like me, and traveling through lives!

     Both men looked over my shoulder to a new door that suddenly appeared out of nowhere.

     Then I turned in my seat to see three women I know all too well... Coriana, Grayfia, and a crying Rias?!

     Zeoticus, seeing Rias, just walked over to her and hugged her, while my other wives came to me...

-

     Coriana says unsure of this odd situation...

     "I can't control anything here, is this your doing, Mat?"

     She is looking at the smiling Morgan Freeman lookalike just sipping tea.

     Grayfia says to Big G...

     "It's nice to meet you again, is Mat alright?"

     Grayfia did meet him before, like I had thought!

     "I'm leaving soon and Mat is just fine now that you came for him. He is just being emotional again, so just smack him around when he gets emotional like this... What kinda lug keeps his lovers waiting for a whole day to pout? Haha!"

     Then he stood up and said...

     "Zeoticus and I need to go, so just keep doing your best! Just do what will make you and the ones you love happy! And Coriana, it was wonderful to meet you! Don't worry about Rias, I sped up the time for the two to talk and they spoke for about 2 hours!"

     He then walked over to Father and Daughter, said a few words and put his hand on Zeoticus' shoulder.

     The two waved and then faded away...

     Rias ran to me and hugged me tight.

     "We were so worried about you... You just wouldn't wake up, and I need you! Coriana and Grayfia said we could find you! I'm so happy... I could talk with my Father one last time...."

     Her words suddenly stopped, so we all held on to her, and Coriana began to wake us all up...

-

     ( Harem-Fan here... This was one of the harder chapters as the author to write, because I really liked Zeoticus Gremory as a character! But to keep the script I had planned out from a while back... I did it! So a moment of silence for a really good Devil! Zeoticus Gremory you will be missed!)

     (Revamp comment: I still like this scene, even though it has it's sadness, but my past readers understand that it works out. I wanted to make my DxD story different from the canon, and Zeo's passing was an important story tool for Matsuda's new Transformation to become a real Devil... Well the next chapter will explain more, thanks for reading the newer version, both new and old readers alike!)

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