Chapter 116 Peak A-Rank
Edited by: Kanaa-senpai
Amano Yuuma rubbed her lower abdomen, feeling the heat that continued to radiate from deep within. She nodded.
”Then we’ll try again in a month. I need a little more time to get used to this new power anyway.”
All three of them were B-ranks, and yet they hadn’t been able to take Aki down. Not in bed, and certainly not in a fight.
But once all three of them reached A-rank Peak¹, even if they were still losing the battle in the sheets, their chances of winning an actual fight would be much higher.
Having come to Kuou on orders from her superiors, Amano Yuuma had originally planned to use the opportunity to seize that Sacred Gear² and boost her own strength.
She couldn’t Breach her current level Naturally, so her only option was to find other ways to increase her combat power. Using artifacts was the most convenient shortcut.
But now that she had discovered a “treasure” like Aki, she wasn’t about to let go easily. No Sacred Gear, no matter how powerful, could compare to the constant self-improvement he offered.
* * *
Aki spent a week mastering the Instant Illusion³ talent and his vastly increased Mana.
By taking the Primordial Yin⁴ of three capable Fallen Angel girls, his Mana had smoothly reached the level of a Mid-Rank Mage.
However, the Magic Power Extraction⁵ skill in his list was still at the elementary level. If he wanted to push his Mana to the peak of A-rank after this, he would have to keep relying on his Dual Cultivation⁶ ability.
Back when he was stuck at the A-rank Bottleneck, Aki had considered how to perfectly balance his magic and martial Dual Cultivation. After weighing his options, he decided the current mode was the best way forward.
He would leave the Mana side entirely to his Dual Cultivation talent. If an opportunity came, he’d be a magical prodigy; if not, his primary focus on the Martial Way was enough to make him invincible within his rank.
The Dual Cultivation ability also boosted his Qi⁷, and even more so than it did his Mana.
After fully digesting the gains from his marathon session with the three Fallen Angel girls, Aki reached the perfection stage of the Martial Saint⁸ rank. His next step was to charge toward the Martial God⁹ realm.
It had only been half a month since Aki Breached the A-rank Bottleneck.
When Rias and the others heard the news, their eyes nearly popped out of their heads.
Usually, the stronger you get, the harder it is to improve. So why did it feel like Aki wasn’t just avoiding the struggle, but actually picking up speed?
After several internal club sparring matches, they had no choice but to accept the unbelievable reality.
Currently, Aki had become the strongest combatant in the Occult Research Club (ORC), second only to Rias herself.
Compared to everyone else’s shock and confusion, Aki didn’t think it was anything to make a fuss about. It was just the peak of A-rank; he hadn’t even reached S-rank yet.
In this world, S-rank might sound impressive, but it wasn’t actually “top-tier” combat power.
To put it another way, an S-rank was essentially a High-Class Stray Devil. Setting aside the literal Gods, even above a High-Class Stray Devil were the Ultimate-Class and the Devil Kings.
Whether it was the Devil race, the Heaven race, or any other powerful bloodline, the younger generation almost all possessed S-rank strength.
Take Rias, for example. She was only seventeen-practically a child by Devil standards. She didn’t even have a full Peerage yet and had never played a Rating Game, but her individual strength was a rock-solid S-rank.
Even within the Hero Clan, there was no shortage of high-school-aged warriors who had reached S-rank strength.
Besides, Aki was currently facing a serious problem.
His Breach to A-rank had relied on the manual left by the Miyajima family’s Sword Saint, followed by intense practical combat.
Now his Qi had hit the A-rank peak, but he was completely clueless about the Dao Rhyme¹⁰ required for the Martial God realm.
Luckily, the jump from A-rank to S-rank was just a qualitative change in power, not a fundamental change in his life essence. He didn’t necessarily need to keep fighting or seek out a life-or-death crisis to Breach this time.
To grasp the Dao Rhyme-the Will of the Martial Way-Aki spent every day sparring with Himejima Akeno, Koneko, and Kiba Yuuto. Eventually, he even started dragging Shitori Sona’s entire Peerage into the mix.
It went from one-on-one, to one-on-two, then one-on-three…
In the end, it took five people attacking Aki at once just to keep the fight even.
Keep in mind that Akeno and Sona’s Peerage members weren’t some “weak” A-ranks; they were all top-tier geniuses.
But facing Aki’s Dual Cultivation of magic and martial arts-and especially his absurd combat instincts-they were all beaten to the point of a mid-life crisis.
One second he’d be pressuring them with a flurry of strikes; the moment he saw an opening, he’d snap a Magic Circle into existence and blast them from the side.
When they propped up magical barriers to defend, Aki would beat his wings, close the gap instantly, and give them a full-body “massage”…
With various buffs and utility spells stacked on him, his already ridiculous physical stats allowed him to completely steamroll the Devils.
If Rias and Sona hadn’t already been S-rank-allowing them to suppress him with sheer raw power-they would have been taught a lesson by Aki, too.
Or rather, taught how to be a proper Stray Devil.
After weeks of day-and-night training with a group of beautiful girls, Aki had learned how to handle almost any type of enemy. He also realized that he was much better suited for CQC (Close Quarters Combat) than Kendo.
Whenever he fought, using his wings and tail felt much more natural than wielding a blade.
It was clear that his low-level Sword Heart talent couldn’t hold a candle to his top-tier Physical Arts talent.
As Aki continued to develop his Divine Body-Imitation Insight¹¹, its effects became more terrifying. In terms of physical techniques, he could essentially see a move once to understand it, and see it twice to perfect the copy.
Rias noticed Aki’s fighting style and offered to have a pair of custom gauntlets or brass knuckles forged for him.
Aki declined her kindness. He already had his heart set on a specific weapon.
A Sacred Gear… the Boosted Gear¹².
Originally, he had only planned to “give it a shot,” but as he grew stronger, he realized what that Sacred Gear actually represented.
A Low-Class Stray Devil like Hyoudou Issei could use a Balance Breaker¹³ to send the third son of the Phenex family flying. Even later, when facing God-level opponents, he could trigger other forms to pull off an impossible counter-kill.
Though it cost a massive price every time, it was a pittance compared to what the Sacred Gear actually did.
The Welsh Dragon¹⁴ was undeniably one of the apex powers in this world; perhaps it was only a step away from true transcendence.
Just being chosen by the will within the Gear meant even a Devil King’s Queen would have to address you with respect. Your status would instantly skyrocket.
The more he learned about the Welsh Dragon’s Gauntlet, the more Aki felt it was the perfect fit for him.
The combat style was a perfect match.
Plus, his Dual Cultivation ability could offset the costs of the various modes-like the drain on his life force or the corruption of the host’s body by Dragon Qi¹⁵.
Furthermore, it wouldn’t become obsolete as he got stronger. On the contrary, its power would scale with him. If he could master the later stages, it would become a full suit of armor.
A full-body plate was the ultimate gear for someone with his physical talents.
Fists, feet, knees, elbows… every strike would be amplified, on top of providing absolute defense.
* * *
Sunday, Church Underground.
Aki returned to the basement. He started with a half-hour sparring session against the three Fallen Angels. After defeating them, he immediately switched into Dual Cultivation mode.
Though he hadn’t fully “tamed” Amano Yuuma yet, after several “skirmishes” over the past few weeks, they had reached a silent understanding.
Aki would help them grow stronger and ensure Rias didn’t come to “exterminate” them.
In return, they had to stay out of trouble and act as his live-combat partners.
With every session, Raynare’s heart sank further. However, since Mittelt and Kalawarner hadn’t reached A-rank yet, she still clung to a shred of hope that they might eventually turn the tables.
Aki held the alluring body close, his “Great Dragon” driving deep into the inner walls of the Flower Palace¹⁶, injecting his searing Essence¹⁷ into Amano Yuuma’s body to complete the Cultivation.
”Haaa…”
He let out a long, satisfied breath. While caressing the panting, beautiful girl, he asked, “Yuuma-chan, how much do you actually know about the Sacred Gear?”
Amano Yuuma, who was still enjoying the afterglow, suddenly stiffened. Had he found out why she was really here?
”What… what do you mean by that?”
Aki was sharp. He caught the shift in her tone immediately. After a moment of thought, he put the pieces together.
He had assumed that because Raynare had appeared in Kuou a year earlier than the original timeline, her mission might be different. Now, it looked like he couldn’t rely on the timeline alone to judge her intentions.
—
Summary:
Aki dominates the sparring sessions against the Occult Research Club and Shitori Sona’s peerage using his dual-cultivation prowess. He eyes the Boosted Gear as his ultimate weapon while Raynare realizes her plans for the Sacred Gear might be exposed. The power dynamics shift as Aki reaches the peak of A-rank and prepares to breach the Martial God realm
—
Trivia:
- The exact method of ‘massage’ used by Aki to steamroll the female Devils
- The specific manual details left by the Miyajima Sword Saint
- The historical context of the Hero Clan’s teen prodigies
- The specific physical sensation of Dragon Qi corruption mentioned as a cost of the Boosted Gea
—
Character Insight:
Raynare transitions from a predatory manipulator to an anxious partner as she realizes Aki’s growth outpaces her ability to control the situation. Aki exhibits a pragmatic and cold calculation regarding his weapon choices, viewing Sacred Gears through the lens of utility and cost-mitigation.
—
Glossary:
Notes:
• Amano Yuuma – Yuuma Amano, also known as Raynare, is a fallen angel disguised as a high‑school girl to observe Aki. She has long black hair, white skin, slender waist, crystalline earlobes, and pitch‑black feathered wings. She wears a revealing black leather outfit covering only vital spots, black leather boots, and exudes a glamorous, provocative aura.
• Amano – Raynare, a fallen angel, poses as schoolgirl Yuma Amano in Kuoh Town. She has long black hair, a striking figure, and uses the Amano surname to conceal her true self. Quietly she watches and joins the group; after reaching A‑Rank with Aki she gains a black‑belly nature and can instantly change clothes. The Amano name, tied to Yuuma and the Fallen Angel faction, reflects her pure, black‑haired high‑school disguise.
• Yuuma – Amano Yuuma, the human guise of the fallen angel Raynare, is a striking beauty with long black hair, violet eyes, and a curvaceous figure. A manipulative Grigori operative and A-rank warrior, she wields light magic and leads her subordinates with authority. Once defiant, she now serves Aki with obsessive, yielding devotion, sharing a teasing, familiar bond forged through their dual cultivation.
• Aki – A strikingly handsome S-rank Stray Devil with broad black bat wings, a barbed tail, and crimson-flecked eyes, he wields a Thunder Spear and possesses the Instant Illusion talent, the Great Dragon, and the ability to transfer Life Essence via Dual Cultivation. Confident, perverted, and sharp-tongued, he maintains complex bonds with Fallen Angels like Mittelt and Kalawarner—mentoring allies, monitoring Aisu Academy, and currently channeling energy to restore Kalawarner’s weakened form. A cold, strategic master with immense stamina, he dominates with calculated care, balancing physical dominance with keen awareness of his partners’ limits, while openly admiring legs and feet.
• Rias – Rias Gremory, 17, tall curvaceous pure‑blood High‑Class Devil with long crimson hair, crystal‑like crimson eyes, snow‑white skin and a jade‑smooth back; her Stray‑Devil wings flare when summoned. As Kuoh Town administrator and head of the Occult Research Club, she mentors Aki like a big‑sister “Professor,” oversees his peerage, and wields the Power of Destruction as the Crimson Ruin Princess. She recently sparred with Aki, pushing his S‑rank breakthrough and cementing her role as a top combat figure in the local supernatural hierarchy.
• Miyajima – Family name of Sosuke, Tsubaki and Sakura.
• Himejima Akeno – Akeno Himejima, a tall, graceful senior of the Occult Research Club in her school uniform, sports long black hair, an elegant mature beauty and a large bust. She wields golden lightning and Azure Flame magic, serves Rias Gremory as a trusted retainer and confidante, and acts as Aki’s master, giving him a surveillance familiar and overseeing the cleanup of his clash with local punks.
• Shitori Sona – Shitori Sona, a pure‑blood devil and Kuoh Academy student council president, has short black hair, glasses, a stern expression and formal attire. She speaks in a flat, professional tone, is highly competent, and leads the Sitri lineage tactically, handling local supernatural issues while deferring to Rias Gremory. Her family name, Shitori, denotes a noble devil lineage famed for intelligence and strategy.
• Himejima – Akeno Himejima, a tall, graceful senior of the Occult Research Club, bears the esteemed Himejima name—a lineage tied to potent spiritual and elemental powers. With long black hair, elegant mature beauty, and a pronounced bust, she wields golden lightning as Rias Gremory’s loyal confidante and retainer. She masters Aki, granting him a surveillance familiar, and efficiently oversees the cleanup of his clashes with local punks, embodying both refined poise and formidable authority.
• Shitori – Shitori Sona, a pure‑blood devil and Kuoh Academy student council president, has short black hair, glasses, a stern expression and formal attire. She speaks in a flat, professional tone, is highly competent, and leads the Sitri lineage tactically, handling local supernatural issues while deferring to Rias Gremory. Her family name, Shitori, denotes a noble devil lineage famed for intelligence and strategy.
• Koneko – White-haired nekomata loli with fluffy white cat ears, petite frame, and small nose, serves as Rias Gremory’s Rook and first-year ORC member; stoic, fiercely loyal, and physically formidable, she mentors Aki in brutal combat as his primary sparring partner, watches over him, and guards his promises—quietly eats pink popsicles or tiramisu, is territorial over food, and silently protects those she serves.
• Akeno – Himejima, a tall, curvaceous silver‑haired Orc and Rias’s queen, appears refined and teasing yet hides a sadistic, battle‑flushed nature. She wields lightning magic, sterilizes kisses with arcane rites, manages contracts and circles, and shares a close bond with Aki. An A‑rank combatant in the Occult Research Club, she spars with Aki, smiles warmly, and is one of Rias’s three beautiful peerage Stray Devils.
• Yuuto – A handsome swordsman and member of Rias’s peerage. He utilizes his speed and blade skills to spar with Aki, eventually requiring a group effort to match him.
• Kiba – Yuuto Kiba, a slender, handsome ORC member with blonde hair and fair skin, stands about 1.7 m tall. A specialist in physical techniques and swordsmanship, he survived the Holy Sword experiments and bears the Kiba family name, a lineage famed for exceptional swordsmanship.
• Sona – Shitori Sona, short black hair, glasses, stern expression in formal attire, is Kuoh Academy’s Student Council President, heir of the Sitri family, and an S‑rank Devil. She leads her own peerage, oversees Aki’s training matches, seeks a cure for his condition, and resolves local supernatural issues by deferring to Rias Gremory.
• Hyoudou Issei – Issei Hyoudou is a brown‑haired, average‑built high‑schooler with a mischievous face. A shocked, lecherous student at Kuoh Academy, member of the “Pervert Trio,” who peeps on girls, is unlucky, and hosts the Boosted Gear.
• Issei – Issei Hyoudou, a brown‑haired, average‑built high‑school student with a mischievous face, is the shocked normal student caught in the crossfire and the potential host of the Boosted Gear. Known as one of the “Three Perverts” for his lecherous antics, he is a comedic pervert from High School DxD.
• Kalawarner – Tall, curvaceous fallen angel with white skin, long blue hair, emerald‑green eyes and a large, round bust. She serves as associate to Raynare and subordinate to Aki, currently weakened and needing mana infusions to restore her power. Loyal, older‑sister‑type to Aki, she recently reached A‑Rank, shows gratitude, and struggles with insecurity about a breakthrough.
• Mittelt – Blonde, twin‑tailed Fallen Angel in a black‑and‑white maid uniform, jade‑white‑red aura and tiger‑tooth grin. Petite, mischievous, A‑rank, serves Aki as maid, works for Raynare and Kalawarner, trapped in Mount Mitsu’s barrier, shifts from fearful observer to desperate lust during first sex, digests life energy to boost Mana, and playfully competes for Aki’s attention.
• Raynare – Amano Yuuma, a black‑haired, voluptuous A‑rank Fallen Angel, shifts between an innocent schoolgirl look and a lecherous cultivation form. She sports obsidian wings, light spears, leads a small cadre, and is coldly professional yet vulnerable. Irritated by Mittelt’s sloth, she mentors Aki, admiring his rise as their master‑disciple bond turns predatory.
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Edited by Kanaa-senpai.
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