23 Chapter 23 (1/2)

Grigori`s training grounds for special forces. Switzerland.

Materialized steel of blades clashed with a real life one, two warriors clashing with one another in an all-out sparring match, creating a spectacle for the gathered Nephilims and children to look in awe. It was Alexander`s idea to have a little training session for Nephilims, to get accustomed with their new status and powers, along with getting a bond form up and get to know who how fights. While hero descendants mostly knew how to cooperate and fight alongside with each other most effectively, so this training session was meant more for Raynare, Kuroka and Ravel, who very reluctantly agreed with it.

And so the training session began, where first Nephilims decided clashed with professional fighters that just joined up the ranks. The pairs were decided and it was decided to look how each fighter fights. First ones to fight were Raynare who went up against Archer, resulting in an interesting show between two warriors that specialize in Projection magic. While it looked like they looked equal and went on par with one and another, it very soon became clear that Archer was the one who held the advantage, as he was capable of overwhelming Raynare in the close range attacks and long range with his arrows and married blades, but Raynare didn`t go down without a fight and Archer had to agree that with more refining and training, she could give him a very good challenge.

Next up were Ravel and Medusa, which quickly showed just how lacking in abilities she was in compare to others. Her Phoenix Flames were nothing against Medusa`s superior speed, agility and every single other categories. Alex had to grudgingly admit that Ravel was in very serious need of grinding up and trainings, lots and lots of trainings, as her only fighting abilities only extended to her Phoenix Flames and even those weren`t even well developed. Alex personally didn`t want to have her in his life at all, but if she was going to be in his team, so he placed her under Scathach to build up. Plus, that girl was in need of very serious personality adjustment and Alex knew that Scathach was capable of doing it.

Next match was between two magic types, master of Senjutsu and expert of Ancient Magic. Kuroka and Medea clashed in an all-out duel of magi, showing off their entire potential and magical prowess, resulting in a spectacle for an audience and children, though Alex did put up a barrier around them in case things would get out of hand, and they usually tend to when two womanly magi were fighting one another. The duel lasted for around 10 minutes and ended in two Bishops calling it a draw, as they quite well assessed their own abilities and abilities of their partner, which was the true purpose of this little duel.

Now that the newbies were accessed and measured, Alex decided that it was time for him to get some real practice, as he has been doing almost no training since his Reincarnation of Akeno and Sona, as he was left in seriously weakened physical condition due to life transfer and energy drain. It took some time to readjust and restore the energy reserves, but now Alex was in top shape condition once again, so he was looking for a good training fight. Ironically, he wasn`t the only one in a need of a good match, as Arturia decided to directly challenge Alex to a fight, as she wished to see how good her King was in duel with a sword. Alex had no other choice, but to accept the challenge from his Queen and so they prepared for a duel. Arturia downed her signature battle attire, while Alex undressed from the jacket and prepped up for a duel. Arturia drew out her Divine Excalibur, covering it in Invisible Layer that she installed into the blade, while Alex`s weapon of choice was, surprisingly, Alexander`s personal summoned Light Sword, very much a like the ones Fallen Angels and Angels were using, but his version was an actual sword with details, but in silver colors and glow, reminding of a Light Projection. The reason as to why Alex`s Projection was so detailed and advanced was because he remembered Archer`s lessons and his weapon was what he managed to develop through a little bit of trying and practice in free time. That was his new signature Light Projection, Lunari, as he called it.

And so the duel began and it was easily the most interesting one of today. Alexander`s technique seriously improved since the last time he and Arturia had to fight, so now he was capable of fighting with her on more or less equal terms, using his own knowledge and developed stance and style on the fullest. Arturia was honestly surprised that Alex was so capable now of holding his own against her in a direct confrontation and even put her on serious defenses, but that only made the fight more interesting and resourceful.

Alex parried another slash from Divine with his Lunari, moving Arturia`s blade away to the right and quickly replacing his own weapon for a pierce. Lunari went right at her, but Arturia easily parried it, moving her sword in a circle motion and countering the attack and making Alex go step back. Pendragon charged her opponent with her sword ready for a drawn. Alex awaited this charge and once she was half way close to him, Alex went towards her as well, back flipping the sword and charging at her. Arturia was expecting Alex to use his sword in a slashing motion to cut her from the left, so was ready to duck right and slash at his left hand. Once they closed in, Alex was the first to attack and it went just as Arturia had predicted. Or so she thought… Instead of her ducking to the right and attacking Alex left hand, she suddenly felt how her right arm was cut by a Light Projection when she moved away from the strike. She widened her eyes and looked quickly at the damaged arm, seeing a silver blade near of her. Only now she understood what happened: Alex used his first sword as a distraction and made her move to his left and once she done that, Alex summoned a second Lunari and stoke her. The wound was mostly shallow and no serious damage was done, but it was still surprising that Alex did strike her like that.

Arturia jumped on the side and regained the distance between them, looking at an injured arm. She spoke in proud voice.

”Very well placed attack, Master.” She admitted, showing the bleeding scratch. ”I didn`t expect you to be able to summon second sword like that and strike me like this. Might ask you, were you expecting me to follow that maneuver from the beginning?”

Alex stood up in a more relaxed form.

”Yep, actually.” Alex admitted. ”I`ve already tried out that little maneuver with Kiba one time he landed one of his swords for practice, but instead of a Projection I was using a practice sword so it didn`t do much damage to him. Was it a real deal, then Kiba would`ve lost an arm. As the matter of a fact, you`ve reacted much better than he did, for my strike would`ve dealt a serious damage instead of this shallow blow.”

”Well, I am glad to hear that my mastery of a blade is better than Gremory`s Knight.” Saber responded, healing up her arm with a bit of her own magic. ”Your speed and agility is quite good and in confrontation with him, you would deal with him in no time. However, I would advise that you to change your weapons, for they aren`t fit to battle my Divine Excalibur.”

Alex raised his eyebrow and looked down on his weapons, noticing a significant amount of chinks and chips on his right on, as it was the one that was clashing with Excalibur. Lucifer figured that Arturia`s blade truly was a masterpiece to end all other masterpieces, as all of her weapons that she created with Infinity Forge were of incredible quality and Divine Excalibur was the pinnacle of it. Lucifer was surprised that his blade didn`t break yet, but he figured that his mastery over projections was better than he initially expected, however, a few more swings like that and his blade was done for, so Alex decided to dispel his Lunari swords and instead use his most powerful possession in his arsenal. Alex`s personal glyph appeared near of him and he drew outside of the portal Frostmourne, taking it up with both arms. Arturia smirked as she now saw that her Master was serious and wasn't going to hold back. She raised her Divine Excalibur and stood up in a battle stance, prepared for a new round of battle to commence.

”Now we are talking.” She smiled to him. ”Show me what this Cursed Demonic Sword can do!”

”With plea…” Alex suddenly stopped and dropped on his knees, releasing his sword and screaming in the most intense pain he ever felt in his life.

That was something that nobody saw coming. Every girl here became immediately pale and scared for Alexander`s life, especially his wives that were the first to rush to his aid. Arturia snapped out as well and rushed to his aid. Cuhullin and Archer too di the same, as did everyone, along with scared Illya and Sakura. Once everyone was near of their Master, their sight was greeted by scarring picture. Alexander`s hands looked like they were burnt from inside and veins were popping out and even blood injuries on his palms. Alex stopped screaming and managed to regain his composure, but he was in a puzzle as to what the hell just happened and why did he just felt like poisoned and cursed at the same time. Then he realized something.

'Lucifer, are you around?'

”Yeah, I am.” Lucifer responded. ”Damn it, I should`ve warned you about it sooner than that.”

'I take it you know what the hell just happened to me?' Alex asked mentally his grandfather.

”What you`ve just experienced was the main reason why Frostmourne is called a Cursed Demonic Weapon. All 6 of them carry within their cores a very powerful protection curse that prevents them from falling into the enemy hands and destroys all matter that carries within it Holy energy.” Lucifer explained. ”Whatever one of those weapons strikes that carries Holy energy it destroys in an instance. Count yourself lucky as you are not full out Angel, but a Nephilim, that prevented your immediate demise and only caused you this discomfort.”

'I wouldn`t call having my arms twisted and ripped from inside a minor discomfort.' Alex retorted. 'So, it would seem that I am no longer capable of wielding this weapon without dying, am I?'

”Unfortunately, that is the case, kid.” Lucifer concluded. ”I suggest you find yourself a new weapon aside from your Lunari. And as for Frostmourne, I strongly recommend returning it in Sitri`s hands, as they should be able to seal it way so that it doesn`t fall into unwanted hands. If anything, those water-casters sure as hell know how to keep their treasures and possessions locked up from everyone and that sword sure as hell the proof of that. Though not as powerful as my own two lances, it still packs a punch hard enough to send anyone into abyss.”

'Wait, you had your own weapons? You never told me about it and were they really lances?'

”Believe it or not, kiddo, but I was the greatest lancer in my own time. Not even War Gods could match up to my level of prowess and strength.” Lucifer stated as a matter of fact. ”When I was a Devil Emperor, my weapon of choice was actually the most powerful Demonic Weapon ever crafted, Lance of Abyss, a weapon that at full power could obliterate continents. To be perfectly clear, it`s power is almost as great as True Longinus or my original lance, Rhongomyniad, one that brought an end to Gods and entire countries. I actually miss that lance right now.”

'Really? And where do you think those two are?'

”Beats me.” Lucifer sighed. ”Lance of Abyss was in Rizevim`s possession last time I saw it. As for Rho… It most probably is in Heaven`s possession, but I doubt that anyone there is capable of even touching that spear. After all, it`s a weapon that only can be wielded by a Nephilim, as it was designed to be such. Not even my own father could possibly wield it.”

'Father? You never mentioned that you had one.'

”Really? I thought it was obvious as day who my ass-father is, seeing as I`ve revolted and killed him.” Lucifer stated. ”Biblical God was my father, just to clear the air. As for my mother… That`s a topic for another day, kiddo.”

Alex decided not to pry any further as he understood when Lucifer didn`t want to talk. But still, to be not simply a grandson of Lucifer, but also of Biblical God… Alex`s lineage is truly very, very interesting to say the least. Once he went out of his mental discussion, Alex healed up his hands with flames and stood up raising a hand that everything was alright. Cuhullin was the first one to speak up.

”Bro, what the hell happened to you?” Lancer looked worried. ”You just collapsed there.”

”It`s the effect of Frostmourne`s power on me.” Alex pointed at the blade. ”It appears to be cursed to destroy all that has Holy energy, whether when stroke or by mere touch. Guess that`s why it`s called the Cursed Demonic Weapon.”

”I see, it does make sense.” Medea commented. ”Nephilims do possess not just a Demonic element, but also a Holy one as well, so it has caused this much pain to you. I believe it means that you better off getting rid of this thing. After all, you no longer can use it.”

”My thoughts exactly the same, Medea.” Alex casted a teleportation spell and teleported this thing back in his house. ”I`ll just return it back to Sona and her family, as it was their sword. I guess that means that I`ll just have to do with Lunari swords now.”

”Alex, if I may.” Arturia voiced her presence, getting a nod to speak up. ”I would like to offer you something that might serve a suitable replacement for Frostmourne. I have just recently finished my work on a very unique sword that I believe is best suited for someone like you.”

Alex looked questioningly at Arturia, as he was curious about what she meant by saying that the swords she was working on is a unique one. He knew that it took time for her to create a weapon within the Infinity Forge, but each she created was on par with the most powerful weapons in this world. Divine Excalibur and Caliburn Chaos are the proof to that fact, but she rarely used her Sacred Gear, not out of lack in experience, but simply because she was preferring to minimize the usage. But, now she went and made him a sword. It must be a very special weapon and it must mean a lot for her as well.

Arturia put Divine into the ground and brought her hands in a position as if they were holding something. In the next second, in hands of Arturia materialized a long European style sword. Alex took a closer look at this beautiful sword: silver steel with red features, covering the guard and handle, with blade becoming wider to the handle and with runes on it. Alex had to admit that this sword was truly unique and powerful, as he felt resonation of both Demonic and Holy elements in it. Arturia presented her creation to her King.

”This is my new sword, Clarent Avenger.” She stated proudly. ”In the past, my family was in possession of not just Caliburn and Excalibur Ruler, but also Mordred`s sword, Clarent, but it was lost long ago. This sword is of my own design, but I know that my ancestor wasn`t as demonic and evil as many believe of him, simply being an avenger, so I`ve put it into this blade. Unlike my Divine Excalibur or Caliburn Chaos, Clarent Avenger wields both Demonic and Holy energy in him, effectively making him a holy demonic sword of sorts. A perfect weapon for a true Nephilim.” Arturia handed it to Alexander. ”I would be greatly honored if you were to accept it.”

Alex smiled and nodded to Arturia, taking the sword and trying it out swinging around and getting used to the weigh and power. This blade was lighter than Frostmourne, but it surely felt like just as strong. Perfectly balanced and of good length for a battle, elegant design and ability to be wielded by both hands or in one hand if needed. This weapon was truly a masterpiece and pinnacle of Arturia`s. Alex spoke his mind about this weapon.

”It truly is an astonishing weapon you`ve created, Arturia. Thank you.” Alex thanked his Queen, getting a strong blush from her. ”Is there anything else interesting about Clarent that I should know? Does it possess a trump card like your Divine`s invisibility and energy gathering, or Chaos` magical disruption and rifts in dimension?”

”Clarent Avenger`s power is equal to both my Divine and Chaos.” Arturia confirmed. ”It`s trump card is Absorption, the same kind as your Forsaken Regalia used to possess. It is capable of absorbing almost all kinds of magical attacks if it makes a contact it with, the strength of absorption depends on wielder`s ability to handle the growth of sword`s power. Once it reaches a certain level, Clarent activates its true form, one that is capable of obliterating fortresses in one attack.”

”Sounds a lot like your ultimate move.” Alex admitted, smirking and standing up in a battle position. ”So, how about we give this blade a proper test run?”

Arturia could only smile to such proposal; everyone was already on the side lines and awaiting with patience the new round of this duel to commence. She drew out her Divine Excalibur and prepared for a new round.

In the next second, the entire arena began to shake from the power of both warriors` attacks.

Next day. Grigori`s Conference room. Zurich.

The tension in the conference room was running quite high, as all of the participants had a couple of issues with their counterparts, with most of them, anyway. Today`s meeting wasn`t a simple diplomatic meeting between representatives of Fallen Angels and Devils, but more of a matter between two powerful families, regarding a certain marriage agreement. After Rias has returned to Kuoh, she immediately went back in the Underworld to her family and informed them about the most recent discovery about Alexander and his real connection to Azazel and Fallen Angels. That caused a reasonable uproar within the Gremory family and was troublesome to Sirzechs as well, as they weren`t expecting that a kid would have a family in reality and they would be able to integrate him into their family without any problems, but now… This put Rias` and everyone`s plans into disarray and Gremory family has decided to play diplomats and called for an official meeting between Azazel and them, through Serafall Leviathan, proposing a discussion of marriage agreement.

Once the word got to Azazel, he consulted with his son and daughter, whom he called out from her mission and she was now in Zurich with them. Lucina wasn`t too happy about this meeting and wasn`t holding back her opinion about Gremory and Devils as of whole, Alex, being a bit more restrained, was also not too thrilled with meeting up Gremory family, but he decided that it was for the best and agreed to this. Lucina only complied and went along with her dad and older brother, as she did love her brother and didn`t want him to go through them without support. Lucina was actually really glad to see her big brother and to find him already so strong, practically near a full Cadre level, with Alex also being glad to reconnect with his sister and introduce her to her new nieces, who immediately took a liking into her, just like Azazel. Governor General was crying tears of moe and joy at a single look at them, promising those cutie pies lots of attention, love and presents. Azazel assured his son that if he needs to; he can always count on him to help out with them. As for the meeting, aside from Alexander, Azazel and Lucina, on their side were also Baraquel, life-long friend of Azazel and his kids, and Penemue, a surrogate mother to Lucina and Alex, who loved them just like her kids. As for the Gremory side, Zeoticus and his wife, Venelana, with their daughter Rias, and the main guest, Sirzechs` Lucifer himself, as it was a family matter, despite the fact that he didn`t share the name of Gremory anymore. The eyes of the older Gremory members were fixated on Lucina for some time, seeing almost identical copy of Lucia in Azazel`s daughter. That made girl a little furious and Gremory members a bit uneasy, remembering their part in tragedy that befell her mother all those years ago.

The first one to speak up was Azazel, being in serious mode for this one.

”As much as I enjoy looking at all of you, Gremories, why don`t we just get down to business?” Azazel proposed. ”I`ve already discussed the main diplomatic issues with Serafall, so all we have left are personal matters, which, as I believe, we all want to settle down as soon as possible.”

Zeoticus eyed the man and nodded.

”Yes, that would be best for all of us.” Leader of Gremory family agreed. ”Very well, let`s cut to the chase, as humans like to say. Our main issue is our marriage agreement between Alexander and Rias.”