6 The Council of Heroes (1/2)
|Part-1|
With the brimming sun shining upon, the woman was revealed as Alexis, the strongest Human.
This baffled Issei, he sensed no scared gear from her, but did humans have the ability to surpass Gods? To surpass those beings? Does a human body has that strength pull these things off? Can a human body handle this?
However, in front of him lay another question.
Alexis, spoke being the daughter of the original [Alexzander], if that the case that time was thousands of years ago.
Even if someone maintains the human body, the maximum age that can be reached is two hundred and yet, she had so signs of ageing spells upon her, her body looked as if it was in its prime and she doesn't gives of the feeling of immortal or undead.
Issei had seen both, Dante was immortal, and he cannot be killed until certain conditions are met with he will never die, and undead are just a bit superior form of zombies.
That was the question troubling him, two of them actually.
How has she managed to live this long? How?
Her strength? That was the other thing that holds him back.
She was clearly hiding her strength, even then, Issei could feel her one hand would be enough to kill him, Vergil and Dante, she is strong, and this isn't something that he felt in a long time.
-She was superior to those four devils who were present that day.
'Ddraig? Do you know her?'
[Afraid so partner. I recognize that aura, she has killed one of my host previously, and I state you keep your aura neutral, the current you or should I say even in the current few years, you would be no match for her.]
Issei looked forward, the woman was talking to Vergil.
'Ddraig, can humans live this long? You heard when she said whose descendant or rather whose daughter she is? How has she lived so long? Do you think she is lying?'
[Well, it certainly amuses me to see this unnatural phenomenon about which I, myself would like to know more. However, to surpass aging? Which only the beings of the 'Supernatural' could do…this might be your perfect chance to strength yourself even more. After all there is no falsehood in her words.]
Issei didn't speak anything else.
\”So, Vergil~ this is the kid you were talking about? My~ [Ara~ Ara~] as they say, you are quiet good looking yourself, grow older….and then, it would seem you would be a perfect [ikeman] as they say.\”
The woman spoke, in a near sexual manner, however, even under the barrage Issei kept his stoic face.
His stoic face for some reason annoyed the woman.
Dante who was eating, for some godforsaken Pizza, who god knows from where he found the time to get it, spoke to Alexis, \”Hey woman, your charms won't work on this lad, yes?\”
\”Oh~ It won't?\” Alexis, who continued to speak in a seductive manner, pulled Issei in her bountiful bosom as she stroked his hair.
\”Little boy~ do you enjoy it? Do they feel good?\”
\”Will you please let me go? You stink, I can practically feel semen from you, and my guess is you didn't even take bath in the last three days, you are stinking and I can feel sex from you and disgusts me, clan yourself, god knows what kind of STD's you will give me through your aura.\”
Issei blabbered without remorse and pushed her away.
Dante knew what exactly happen down in the Inferno, and for that reason, spending so much time with Issei, he knew everything about the kid.
(Or at least he believes he knows everything about kid.)
Alexis's eyes twitched, a kid? Insulted her? And the kid didn't even blushed or get embarrassed? Is he gay or something? She thought.
\”M-my~ you are harsh, little kid, what do you know anything about sex?\”
\”I know everything.\”
\”Ha~ every virgin says that, little boy.\”
\”Whoever said, I'm a virgin.\”
Eh?
Time stopped.
Vergil coughed and Alexis's mind halted.
Vergil lifted Dante through the collar and asked, \”What does Ise-bou mean Dante? He's joking right? He's twelve years old for fuck's sake?!\”
\”There is a good explanation, yes?\” Dante spoke, and continued, \”Vergil! Cough! Stop, yes? You are c-c-choking me!?\”
Alexis in the meantime re-composed herself and asked,
\”Hahah~ funny little kid~ how do you know about sex?\”
Without no shame or hesitation, Issei continued \”Well, in the sixth circle of Hell, [Inferno], [Lust], while training- over training, I slept and found myself soon to be surrounded by succubus, who wanted my semen, well being the sekiryuutei my [aura of domination] was too much for them to intake so, while I was asleep they had sex with…well, I might as well tried to improve my stamina so, I had sex almost every day, so you I could improve my stamina.\”
Issei said as if he was in taking breakfast.
\”…\”
\”…\”
\”Vergil, I like this kid. Well, let's go shall we?\”
Issei nodded, before leaving he looked at Dante and Vergil for one last time, he bowed and stated,
\”Vergil-san and Dante-san, thank you for everything you have done for me, because of you I have learned so much, I have come this far, and now I will be taking the next step in my life. Thank you for everything, I will uphold both of your names.\”
That said, both Issei and Alexis, disappeared in light.
There was an unbroken silence between the two infernal beings.
\”You can cry Vergil, I won't call you pussy.\”
\”Shut up.\”
\”Don't worry, yes? He'll be a fine lad, let's go, yes?\”
\”It's not about being a fine lad, Dante…it's-\”
\”The lingering darkness, which he hides underneath those stoic eyes. The hate he carries, yes?\”
\”Hm. I only hope that, he can withstand his pain and recover from it.\”
\”Yes.\”
\”….\”
\”Vergil. Wana fuck some succubus?\”
\”…\”
\”…\”
\”Fuck some succubus while eating pizza?\”
\”…\”
\”…\”
\”…fuck-\”
\”Shut up.\”
\”Yes.\”
...…
-At an Undisclosed Location-
Issei and Alexis, appeared in the place, a desert like place.
\”Where are we?\”
Issei asked as he looked towards the blank road, which led to a facility?
\”Let's walk. I'll answer all the questions you ask me.\”
\”Very well.\”
\”So, Hyoudou Issei.\”
\”Ise, is fine.\”
\”Hmhmhm~ very well, Ise-kun, we are currently in the famous Area-51, Nevada, America.\”
\”I can ask any questions?\”
\”Indeed, not my three sizes though~ just kidding you can ask that too~\”
Issei ignored half of what she said and continued.
\”How?\”
\”How? How, what?\”
\”How have you lived so long? Don't humans have a limited lifespan? How are you living so long? Even if you area demi-human, your lifespan should be not more than, two hundred, how?\”
\”Hmm…is there an additional clause to that question?\”
\”Excuse me?\”
\”Well, Ise-kun, you must complete the question, there is more to that right?\”
\”…Your strength\”
Alexis kept quiet and continued to walk.
Issei continues.
\”How are you so strong? I can practically feel it. How? Don't humans have limited learning capacity, don't they have limited capability…how are you so strong? It's as if you don't even bother. You don't have your guard up, because were sure, neither Dante, nor Vergil…nor even me, have ability to so much as scratch you. How?\”
Alexis kept quiet and looking up the blue sky, glistering through those reflections of clouds in her eyes, she spoke.
\”Ise-kun, do you know of [Primordial Humans]?\”
Issei narrowed his eyes.
\”[Primordial Humans]?\”
\”Indeed, Ise-kun, just as ancient Gods and Devils, we, humans to are capable of evolving, and thus there is an motto of our 'Heroes', do you want to know what it is?\”
\”What?\”
\”It goes [Do not UNDERESTIMATE the infinite potential of evolution among Humans]\”
Chills-
For some reason, the way she spoke those words, sent chills down Issei's spine.
\”Listen, Ise-kun, the concept of [Primordial Humans], is just the same case as Gods and Devils, Heroes are born. Just like Gods. We too represent the hopes, through that hope gives us the light to move forward.
This was something done by [Eve].\”
\”[Eve]? As in [Adam & Eve]?\”
\”Yes. Mother Eve, before disappearing, she who was one of the first humans, with will of human, she powered an ancient statue.\”
\”Ancient statue?\”
\”Yes, the stories say the Eve, found a certain statue, a statue of a mother holding on to a baby, and surround by a small pond. At first she didn't realize what was that, however, unconsciously her love for humans activated that statue and the pond that surrounded it was filled with golden water. That was the, when the Eve disappeared and you know how the story goes. However, the pond was once again founded by someone, you know? The one who soon came to be known as the [First Hero] or [The Kind of Heroes].\”
\”[King of Heroes]? [Gilgamesh of Babylonia]?\”
Alexis smirked, \”Indeed. He realized what the pond was for, and named it [The Hero Bringer].\”
\”[The Hero Bringer]?\”
\”Yes, [The Hero Bringer] became medium for the creation of [Primordial Humans]. When one human is considered a hero by others and he or she considers oneself a hero as well. The pond grants them the ability to transcend humanity, to become [Primordial Humans], where you lifespan will be equivalent to the Gods and Devils, the human won't get infect by any human diseases, and the body will become much sturdier and stronger.\”
\”Is that how humans transcended the humanity? Is that how you-\”
\”I broke the bonds of human shackles and rise? Yes, I am a [Primordial Human].\”
\”H-how did this statue came to existence?\”
\”Well, that's something I am not sure, well that's something that no one is sure, Eve just found it out and according to the records, 'Her love for humans' activated that pond, [The Hero Bringer] that's all.\”
\”I see.\”
\”Next?\”
\”Yes, well, since I will joining you guys, the [Heroes], so how you guys function, how everything works? Please tell me.\”
\”Yup. Not a big deal at all, you see the [Heroes] are controlled by three major government.
The Highest Order, is called the [Charred Council], which I am the head and part of. The twelve members who decide the works and other stuff such as planning and others. Kind of like the President of the company.
Now, the next one is [Small Council] and [Knights of the Roundtable], the [Small Council]'s head is also a member of [Charred Council], the [Small Council] task is to sort out the quests provided to us by the well, Gods, who can't interfere with the 'Humans' directly, and we do those task, we take in the quest, classify it and then post it so that 'Heroes' take the 'Quest' complete it and earn rewards.
The [Knights of the Roundtable] is the highest order of 'Heroes'. Well, we rank 'Heroes' under the following matter. [F] To [C] class, then [B], [BB], [BB+] class, then [A], [AA], [AA+] class finally, [S], [SS] and [SSS].
After being an [SSS] class, if the [Charred council] decides, you can become the member of the [Knights of the Roundtable], the highest order of [Heroes], eight of them with [Ruler] leading them and [Arch-knight] being the second-in-command. They take the most difficult kind of quests, and complete it. That's how we work, the next details will be given to you after you meet the council, alright?\”
Issei took some time to process what information was given to him, by Alexis then he asked the next question.
\”This [Knights of the Roundtable] do they change? Who are the current members?\”
\”Hm. Yes, they change, if we deem so, if they die or if they do not want to work as knights anymore, well the current [Ruler] is the one who has inherited the spirit of [King Solomon], [Solomon] The 84th Leader of [Knights of the Roundtable]. The [Arch-Knight] is the descendant of [Oscar Diggs], the descendant of the [Wizard of Oz]…he also has the [Longinus]- [Dimensional Lost].
The [First Knight] is [Douman], well descendant of [Ashiya Douman], the onmyouji who rivalled the strongest onmyouji in the history of Japan, [Abe-no-Seimei].
The [Second Knight] is well, [Leonidas] the descendant of original [Leonidas], the King of Spartan. If I remember correctly, his scared gear is related to his role, [Indestructible Army].
The [Third Knight]…[Nitocris] the descendant of original [Nitocris] the magical queen in the sixth dynasty of Egypt.
The [Fourth Knight], [Helena Blavatasky] she is the descendant of [Madame Blavatasky] of the 19th Century who specifies in the [Occult Magic] and carries the [Longinus]- [Annihilation Maker].
The [Fifth Knight], [Cú Chulainn], the famous warrior of [Celtic Mythology], his descendant. A strong adversary and currently wields [Gáe Bolg] the [Spear of mortal pain].
The [Sixth Knight] and final knight, is, well she prefers to go by [Jack], the descendant of [Jack the Ripper] the infamous murder of 19th Century England. She even has a [Dimension Lost]'s lesser scared gear, [Hidden Mist].
That's all.\”
Issei was confused. Well, they were Heroes after all, weren't they? Most of them were descendants of someone.
However, he wasn't.
|Part-2|
The human foundation, the military base known as Area 51, the duo of Alexis and Issei entered the facility, however, the guards didn't even bat an eye towards them…it was then Issei realized.
-The guards didn't even look to have life in them.
\”Are those, not humans?\”
Alexis, whose eyes were still glued to the sky, replied a single word.
\”Alchemy.\”
\”So these humans are, actually homunculus? Man-made humans?\”
\”Uh-huh.\”
\”I was asking though.\”
\”Hm?\”
\”Do they, well American president knows about this?\”
\”Yup. Well, all 'Human' leaders know about our existence.\”
\”Why?\”
\”That's an [AA+] question kiddo, you don't need to know that for now.\”
After a few more minutes, Issei and Alexis entered the store room of the facility, where they only thing situated was an elevator, Alexis gestured Issei to enter and then followed him.
\”Ise-kun, I suggest you hold on to something…or you can hold on to your [Onee-san] as they say~\”
\”No, I'm fine.\” Issei blatantly as he held on to the railing.
\”Oh, come on now…I wouldn't mind if you touch me somewhere~\”
\”I need an adult.\”
\”I am an adult.\”
\”A different adult.\”
\”…\”
\”…\”
\”I'm starting the elevator.\”
\”That might be the correct thing to do.\”
\”You can still hold me.\”
\”No.\”
\”I can strip.\”
\”I'm fine.\”
\”My butt?\”
\”One more word and I'm leaving.\”
\”All right, but if you ever get horny do ask me.\”
\”Mm. Fuck you.\”
\”Gladly!\”
\”…\”
\”…\”
\”…\”
\”I'm starting.\”
Alexis pressed the only button present in the elevator, and then-
Shadun-
As if a missile was launched, with such speed the elevator took off that at first caught Issei off-guard but then, he got used to it quiet easily.
Dun-
Ding-
The door opened, and Issei's eyes widen.
It was then the realization hit him.
The elevator was just an advance form of teleportation magic.
In front of him was the 'Hero Base', a floating island, or should he say, a floating town?
\”Welcome Ise-kun. This is our 'base of operations', as a whole this place is called 'Skypiea'. Let's go.\”
After stating, Alexis moves forward, followed by Issei.
They were walking through a transparent bridge, from where time to time a light passed.
\”If you are looking at the bridge, this was [Da Vinci]'s idea, she wanted something similar to [Bifrost] in [Norse], she and her stupid inventions. Ask her to make weapons, she's on but if I ask to make her a sturdy, strong big and throbbing nice sex toy I'm turned down?! That bitch, I'll get her.\”
Alexis went tangent, and Issei made a rule to forget half of the thing that this harlot speaks.
Entering the main door, which sung open, Issei's eyes wandered around, the place where he currently is, according to him is has a regular-perfect shape, instead of irregular as usually islands have. The doors where magically enhanced which gave entrance to only those who are allowed to enter.
The next thing he saw were cannons, not just any- they too where magically enhanced and were placed on watch towers which surrounded the island according to him. After entering he too realize that this lace was actually covered in a dome, and the temperature and other such factors are regulated properly here.
A single magician can never do this, something different must at work here and controlling is no meek job. Advance technology combined with multiple form of magic, including something that keeps the island afloat and controlled.
Issei was fascinated by this, the way the place moved- he wanted to know how.
\”Come here.\”
Alexis waved and called for Issei, where the former was standing in front of a giant building. A building with multiple levels.
\”Issei this is the [Quest Guild], through here the 'Heroes' are provided with [Quests] which they have to, well, complete each level indicated the difficulty of the quest present. Details will be given to you at a later date, now let's roll.\”
\”Wait. Why are we going here?\”
\”Silly, you won't be getting a quest now, first, you need to meet the council, for that we need to cross the guild hall, come now.\”
Issei didn't speak anything anymore and just quietly followed, where he finally reached the grand hall.
Not much people where there, few.
However, what attracted his attention, the certain group of people who were talking, to a woman.
The woman had dark-blood red and blackish hair which actually appeared to be maroon and blood red eyes, and her attire consisted to be a tight black-red dress, and her aura.
'Ddraig.'
Issei spoke telepathically.
[Partner, I know her very well. I remember that aura something that even my hazy memory remember this celtic warrior, the woman known as [Queen of the Land of Shadows].]
With her where three more people. Another tight fitted blue outfit, with similar indigo blue hair and a single long pony-tail, and a bit of tan skin. The man beside him, was an extremely handsome guy, who wore a black business outfit and white gloves, having a bit long dark-black hair and blood-red eyes, having something mystical about those eyes, and a sure sly-smile which can make girls fall instantly for him with just a wink. The last one had a clam look on his tank skin, he wore a magician's robe which hid body mostly, and his most unique feature could be his long white messy hair which reached till his feet and it was messy. His eyes, just like the guy before held something mysterious.
-However, Issei realized that those guys were superior to him, in strength.
\”Oh, look the foolish gang is here, Ise-kun come.\”
Alexis called for Issei and then walked towards the group, \”Scat! Sup! What's up, dogs!\”
The woman of the group twitched her eyes harshly and spoke harshly at her, \”How many time Alexis? How many time do I have to correct you and tell you to not call me [Scat]? My name is [Scáthach], call me that…or [Queen] or [Brenhines] not 'that' vulgar word.\”
\”Why so serious? Yes? So, where's the squad going?\”
The blue haired man replied, \”Well, we were just leaving for the new quest, all of us are going actually.\”
The man's eyes wandered towards Issei and formed a smirk, \”Who's the kid? He's looks a bit strong too?\”
\”This is this generation's [Sekiryuutei].\”
The group's eyes widen a bit and then the blue haired man ruffled Issei's hair, \”Hohoh~ nice to meet ya kid, the name [Chulainn], must have heard about me? Of course you would have, my ancestor was great after all- well, I'm yet to earn the tile of [Cú], but I have surpassed my ancestor. Hope you can as well. Now, let me give you some tips, ok. Take it from your senior, who is strong, my strength is renown after all, my master has trained me as such…now-\”
Issei's eyes twitched hard this time, he didn't except this man to be such…talkative, from introductions it went to all about this man and it was annoying him greatly.
Smack-
The man wearing the business suit smacked harshly at Chulainn's head and spoke,
\”Chulainn. Enow. Nay moo garbage from yond that from which we speak of yours.\”
The business suit man spoke in Shakespearean, and in a firm and authoritive tone.
\”Che. Fine, fine [Oz].\”
\”Not [Oz], [Oscar] is mine own name.\”
\”Oscar is mine own name, should call you an ass.\”
Smack-
Another harsh smack from the man named Oscar to Chulainn, this time he was glaring.
\”Come on, people let's go. However-\”
The white hired man's golden eyes, pierced through Issei's own. The pure gold eyes shone differently as he looked at Issei and then he puts his hand and gently rubs his head. \”Sekiryuutei, May your presence in our humble home, brings great fortune. Best wishes for what future holds for us and you.\”
After speaking the trio of men left.
Issei looked at Alexis and asked, \”Were those, what you called [Knights of the Roundtable]?\”
\”Indeed, [Solomon], [Oscar] and [Chulainn].\”
\”Come on now, let's go. Scat, you come as well.\”
\”Don't call me that.\”
…
\”So, Ise-kun, this is Scat here.\”
\”I said Alexis don't call me that, what part of it you don't understand?\”
Issei while walking with both of the woman, replied \”Yes, I know about her [Scáthach], the female warrior-queen from Celtic Mythology's Ulster Cycle. The queen and gatekeeper of the foreign territory/haunted ground called the \”Land of Shadows\”, she is a prodigy of spearmanship and [Rune magecraft]. She possesses a power immense enough to obtain control over and close the gate of the \”Land of Shadows\”, which is overflowing with countless ghosts, to ward off the dead. It has been said that she became the mentor of Cú Chulainn - who would later grow into the hero of Ulster - guiding him, teaching all sorts of techniques and even bestowing his favorite magic spear. That's her, right?\”
Scáthach smirked lightly at that and then replied, \”Hm. Indeed boy, it would seem, you have done your homework. Good job.\”
\”Hm? Blow job?\” and the atmosphere was ruined by Alexis.
\”Miss Scáthach, how you people handle this woman?\”
\”Oye!\”
\”I see, Issei right? Well, we try to keep her in leash but she even enjoys that.\”
\”I'm right here!\”
\”I know, she even try to molest me.\”
\”Wha! I did no such thing-\”
\”I see, I never knew you have fallen this low Alexis.\”
\”Wait?! You believe him?! Noooooo-\”
After a little more banter, Issei asked another question,
\”I want to ask something.\”
\”Go ahead.\”
\”When you spoke about Chulainn or Oscar, you said they are descendants but, when you mentioned Solomon, you said spirit inheritor, what's the difference?\”
\”Hm. Well, descendants are people who are of the same lineage of that certain Hero, however, spirit inheritor are those whose will is so strong that their will is transmitted to someone in the next generation, it is not necessary for that hero to have a lineage, their will is strong enough.\”
\”So, if you guys died then?\”
Alexis looks at Scáthach, who replies, \”Well, if we die, we will most likely become spirit, whose will is to be inherited, however I did…have a son.\”
Scáthach face momentarily held sadness and melancholy which Issei rubbed off.
After walking through the hall, the trio finally reached the end of the hall, which held two large doors.
\”Come now.\”
Alexis pointed out.
Don-
The doors made heavy noise when they finally opened up, Alexis and Scáthach had already disappeared.
Issei knew he now has to enter the place alone.
Don-
The moment he entered inside the door shut themselves up. The place was pitch dark and then-
Ton- Ton-
As if lightning struck, twelve lights in a circular manner lighten themselves and twelve figure reveled themselves.
\”This generation's Red Dragon Emperor, Hyoudou Issei, I welcome you to the 'Heroes', I am Alexis, first of my name and Leader of the 'Heroes' including the council. I'm the [Dragon] of the council.\” Alexis speaks, and then continues, \”In the [Charred Council] our position is unique to others as we are given with zodiac signs.\”
It was then the woman beside her, \”Hello once again Sekiryuutei, you know me already, I am [Scáthach] first of my name and [Snake] in the council.\”
Next was a man, he wore a Grecian armour, and the symbol of [Athena] on his shield he was holding, he had brownish curvy hair, till shoulders and deep forest green eyes.
\”My name is [Perseus], first of my name and the [Rooster] of the council, it's pleasant to meet a sane Sekiryuutei, and even a clam minded one who decided to join the Heroes, I hope your presence here means prosperity.\”
The woman next to him, who wore eastern monk attire, with a monk staff, her appearance was a bit sexual as she her bra and panties which were pure white in colour were clearly visible.
\”My name is [Xuanzang Sanzang], I am the [Rabbit] of the council, tis' a pleasure to meet you in flesh.\” She joined her hand to show her respect, for Issei.
The woman next to her looked overly excited, she had brown hair, messy brown hair to be exact, blue eyes and a bit of dirty appearance, and an overly large lab coat. She even had dark bags under her eyes and a broken glass over her eyes.
\”Yahallo~ Sekiryuutei-chin, I am the [Monkey] of the council, [Leonardo Da Vinci], but please just call me Vinci-chan, ne~….oh! I'm also the leader of the [Small Council] so…there's that! Yea, and fuck history, I am not a man but a woman, remember that!\”
Then the next one looked Japanese to Issei, she had her long black hair tied, to a pony tail
-An appearance which reminded him of his mother, having tying her brown hair to a pony tail, which he played with in his childhood.
She had sharp blue eyes, a friendly smile and the traditional Japanese samurai armour without the helm, she looked at Issei and spoke,
\”Sekiryuutei-dono, no, Hyoudou Issei-dono, as a fellow Japanese, I welcome you to 'Heroes', I hope you get along well. My name is [Ushiwakamaru]. It is a pleasure.\”
Then he looked at the spot next to her, it was empty?
Chills-
Issei could feel intense chills run down through his spine. The aura, was just behind him, he looked back and finally found the figure.
A tall dark figure. A height of over 195 cm, he had covered himself in dark robe, even his face was invisible. However, one thing was clear,
-The two burning blue eyes, glowing eerily, which in all ways represented one thing, Death. A sweet, melodious death.
The man's voice vibrated through the air, as if someone grand was speaking.
The figure puts his arm on Issei's head and pats it.
\”y-y-Yes.\”