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Ascalon, the Holy Sword.
In the original story, Michael had given this very sword to Issei—because Issei's enemy was Vali, the White Dragon Emperor.
Therefore, Michael—intending to invest in Issei's potential, had gifted him this Dragonslayer weapon, enhancing his strength and increasing his chances of survival.
Yahweh's reasoning for choosing this weapon for Mika was the same.
Issei's enemy had been Vali, but Mika's was Ophis.
Yahweh knew that, in this world, the only beings who could truly challenge Mika were Ophis and Great Red.
And Great Red wouldn't interfere in the affairs of the human world; he resided in the Dimensional Gap.
Therefore, the only real threat to Mika was Ophis, banished from the Dimensional Gap.
While Mika currently had no connection to Ophis, powerful beings inevitably crossed paths.
Yahweh, worried about Mika encountering this—unbeatable opponent—had chosen Ascalon, specifically reforged using the God of the Bible's knowledge, now absorbed by Yahweh.
Ascalon was the first weapon she had forged after this breakthrough, a testament to her newfound mastery. She knew Mika wasn't lacking in weapons.
Therefore, she focused on enhancing its core property:
Its effectiveness against Dragons. She amplified this trait several times over, to the point where the sword was practically useless against non-dragon opponents. However, against a dragon… it would unleash its true power.
Yahweh was certain it wouldn't disappoint.
———
"I've received your gift," Mika said silently to Yahweh, as he held the sword.
He felt a familiar resonance, as if the weapon had been made for him.
It was, after all, a custom creation, perfectly attuned to his power. As his Cosmo flowed into the blade, its dull surface shimmered, its edge sharpening.
In anyone else's hands, Ascalon was merely a Dragonslayer.
However, wielded by Mika channeled through his Excalibur technique, its power extended beyond dragons, its edge now capable of cutting through anything.
The more he experimented with it, the more impressed he became.
Satisfied, he released his hold, and the sword, transforming into pure light, merged with his Cosmo, disappearing from sight.
"Convenient," he murmured, nodding in approval. He looked at Michael, whose face held a knowing smile.
"You seem pleased," Michael observed. They were similar in that regard, both often wearing a calm, almost serene smile.
"Of course. It's Yahweh's creation," Mika replied, praising her skill.
"Now that we've concluded our business, perhaps we could discuss other matters. I'm rather interested in both you and Yahweh," Michael said, his curiosity evident.
"Certainly. We have time. And I, too, am interested in Heaven," Mika replied, his own curiosity piqued.
——
They began their conversation, their topics ranging from personal experiences to theological discussions, their shared interest in the nature of power and divinity creating a comfortable rapport.
They both benefited from their exchange, their excitement growing as the hours passed, until—unnoticed, the sun began to set, the sky outside turning a fiery orange.
"We've been talking all day," Mika remarked, after Michael's departure, as he emerged from the shrine's main hall and gazed at the setting sun.
——
"Tell me about it. You two were completely engrossed in your chat," Akeno said, leaning against a nearby wall, her voice laced with annoyance.
She had expected Michael to leave after delivering the sword, giving her the rest of the day to spend with Mika—She had even planned a special outing, staying up late the previous night to finalize the details.
But now... her plans were ruined.
The day was almost over.
"Sorry. I got a bit carried away. I was rather interested in learning more about Heaven." Mika said, sensing her displeasure and offering a half-hearted apology. He knew he had inadvertently ruined her plans.
"Whatever." Akeno sighed, shaking her head. There was no point dwelling on it. "Where's Michael? Why didn't he come out with you?"
"He teleported back to Heaven."
"That coward." Akeno muttered, grinding her teeth.
She realized Michael had sensed her impatience, her desire to spend time with Mika, and had deliberately prolonged their conversation before escaping without even saying goodbye.
"That sneaky Angel… I knew I shouldn't have trusted him."
As a Fallen Angel and a Devil—Akeno's dislike for Angels was now intense.
It wasn't a matter of opposing factions or conflicting ideologies, but a personal grudge, a resentment born from his interference in her romantic pursuits.
Mika, seeing her expression, couldn't help but chuckle inwardly.
"It's getting dark. And I'm starving," Mika said, hoping to defuse the situation.
"Then let's go. I've already prepared dinner," Akeno replied, her voice softer now.
While still annoyed, she couldn't exactly refuse him.
"Excellent! Lead the way!" Mika grinned, happy to escape her earlier wrath.
——
"This is delicious!" Mika savored Akeno's cooking, his earlier annoyance now completely forgotten—Akeno's culinary skills were exceptional, rivaling even Rias's.
They truly were best friends, their tastes and talents perfectly aligned.
"I'm glad you like it." Akeno, dressed in a Miko outfit, sat across from him, her hand supporting her chin, her gaze fixed on him as he ate.
"Why are you staring at me like that? Is there something on my face?" Mika asked, puzzled by her intense scrutiny. He instinctively looked down at his clothes, checking for any unsightly blemishes.
"No, nothing. I was just lost in thought," she replied, averting her gaze, a blush creeping up her neck as she quickly changed the subject.
"Where's Rias? I thought she'd be here by now."
"She's busy. She has the Three Factions meeting to prepare for, and now Xenovia's situation," Mika explained.
Akeno, who usually handled such matters alongside Rias, now had the day off, thanks to her assignment to escort Mika.
"That's what she gets for giving such irresponsible advice," Akeno chuckled, her earlier annoyance at Rias now resurfacing.
While Akeno usually deferred to Rias, their relationship was more like sisters than master and servant, allowed for a certain level of disrespect, especially when it came to personal matters.
Mika had witnessed their playful banter and arguments before, their dynamic shifting seamlessly between respect and ridicule.
"Indeed," Mika agreed, though his smile didn't quite reach his eyes. He was amused by their antics, but he also knew that Xenovia's situation was…complicated.
"So, Mika, would you like to stay the night?" Akeno asked, her voice laced with a playful suggestiveness. While she claimed to have moved on from her earlier disappointment, she couldn't resist teasing him—a way to vent her frustration.
As the older "sister" in their group, Akeno was a master of such playful banter and teasing.
"Stay the night? Sure." Mika, picking up his chopsticks and resuming his meal, nodded casually, as if she had merely asked him about the weather.
"Really?"
Akeno's surprised gasp startled him.
He looked up at her, puzzled.
"N-Nothing. I was just thinking." Akeno, seeing his confused expression, relaxed slightly, relieved that he hadn't interpreted her invitation as anything more.
'He probably thinks I'm just being polite. He likely doesn't realize…' A wave of embarrassment washed over her as she berated herself for her impure thoughts.
But then, a mischievous smile touched her lips.
She could already imagine Rias's reaction when she saw them together in the morning—She would undoubtedly jump to conclusions, just like Akeno had earlier.
'I'll need to prepare. I'm going to educate Rias about proper assumptions.' Lost in her thoughts, she didn't notice Mika watching her, his expression a mixture of amusement and confusion.
He had no idea what she was thinking…
——
After their meal, they sat on the shrine's rooftop, chatting under the moonlight.
Akeno dominated the conversation, her excitement at their rare moment of solitude evident.
While they often interacted—such private moments were few and far between. Therefore, she treasured this time together, her voice filling the night air as she shared her thoughts and feelings, her stories and dreams.
Mika listened patiently, offering occasional comments and questions, his presence a comforting warmth beside her.
They talked for hours—until late into the night before returning to the shrine to sleep.
"I've already prepared the guest room. You can stay there tonight." Akeno said, leading him down the hallway.
Mika placed a hand on her shoulder, stopping her. She turned, puzzled by his sudden action.
"I don't think that's what you meant when you invited me to stay the night." he said, a playful smile on his face.
Akeno froze, Her face flushed crimson as she realized he had seen through her subtle invitation.
"Are you embarrassed now??" Mika teased, stepping closer as she instinctively retreated, her back pressing against the wall.
He placed a hand beside her head, trapping her, their faces now inches apart. "Wasn't this your idea?"
Mika, despite his earlier feigned ignorance, had known her intentions. After all, he was familiar with her tendencies.
And now—it was his turn.
He wasn't going to let Rias keep teasing her.
He, too, was fond of Akeno—her kindness and care during his time in the Occult Research Club had touched him. He had simply been respecting Rias—but now, seeing Akeno's vulnerability, her uncharacteristic shyness, his own feelings—which he had been suppressing, resurfaced.
"W-Wait..." Akeno stammered, her voice barely above a whisper, her usual confidence faltering as she felt his warm breath on her face, the intensity of his gaze making her heart pound in her chest.
Despite her playful banter and teasing, she was still a young woman, her inexperience in such matters betraying her—carefully constructed facade.
Mika, seeing her reaction—his smile softened.
"Relax," he whispered, his head lowering towards hers.
"You've always been the one in control."
"Now, it's my turn."
Their lips met, and Akeno's earlier protests died in her throat.
It was a night neither of them would forget...
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