AN: Hello everyone!!! IT'S SUNDAY!!!!! WAAAH!!!
The weekend just came and just like that it went away...
Anyways, regardless of my feelings, here is the promised update for today!!!
We are not the end of Volume 2!!! finally reaching this point!!
So after this update only 3 more chapters just before Volume 3.
Because of that I would like to request you all my dear readers, to please share your thoughts after reaching this point.
Was the story boring? Bad? or there are points I still need to fix (which I'm sure a lot T^T).
I wanted to know how it is so far.
So please do share you thoughts! and try to give reviews and ratings!!
I love to received all of that.
Thank you all for those you keep reading this book which I started because I wanted to share the world building in my head.
Thanks and J is out!
+++++ CHAPTER STAR+++++
Astral Express, DxD world orbit…
With Vali and Issei sent to the medical bay to heal, most of the guests either went back to the lounge to continue the party, while the others, excited ones casually ask if they can see the rumored Battleship much to the crew's amusement. Meanwhile there those like Bikou, still buzzing with energy, stepped forward and challenged Noah. But before he could reply, Lumine moved ahead.
"Noah already had his fun. Let me take this one instead." She smiled calmly.
The fight barely lasted a minute. Bikou was swiftly overwhelmed by Lumine's speed, she didn't even bother to use elemental attacks. After that, the challenges rolled in. Tobio crossed blades with Kiana. Serafall and Sirin ended up in a magical girl showdown, leaving Sona both embarrassed and exasperated. Dulio and Alice clashed in a storm-filled duel, their spells turning the battlefield into a miniature typhoon. Natsume, Shigue, and Sae tried their luck in a Pokémon-style match against Elysia's memosprites. Adorable at first, until the summoned creatures unleashed terrifying attacks that left the faction leaders breaking into cold sweat.
Meanwhile, Noah was content to sit at the bar, sipping a fresh mojito Belfast herself had prepared. But his alone time didn't last long, Arthur and Lefay approached him.
"Hmm? You two are…. the Pendragon siblings, right?" Noah asked, setting his glass aside.
"Yes, Arthur Pendragon is my name." Arthur introduced himself with a polite nod.
Lefay bowed lightly beside him. "And I'm Lefay Pendragon."
Noah smiled at them. "Nice to meet you two."
"Would it be alright to take a bit of your time, Sir Noah? My sister has some questions she'd like to ask," Arthur said politely.
"Apologies for disturbing your rest, but I couldn't help it—I wanted to ask about the spells you used against Vali-sama!" Lefay burst out, her eyes twinkling. "How did you conjure those bird-like things? They weren't real, more like animated constructs! And then you changed their nature mid-battle! You were also casting multiple spells at once, and none of them clashed! And that teleportation—bam, pop—you vanished into a tube of light! But doesn't that make you dizzy? And then you even turned the flames Vali-sama and Issei-sama fired into birds! How is that even possible?! Interfering with another's mana shouldn't be possible! And—and—and—!!"
Noah gave a wry smile at her enthusiasm. "Ahaha, that's a lot at once, huh? You really love magic, don't you?"
"Haah! My apologies, Noah-sama—I got ahead of myself!" Lefay realized, bowing quickly.
Even Arthur gave him a sheepish look. "Forgive her, Sir Noah. My sister gets a little too excited when it comes to magical studies."
"It's fine, I don't mind at all." Noah waved his hand dismissively, then glanced at the fidgeting Lefay, his eyes narrowing with genuine interest. "Actually, I'm impressed you managed to pick apart the spells I used in such a chaotic battle."
"U-uh… it's just a talent of mine," Lefay admitted shyly. "I can analyze magic sequences or formulas with a single glance. It's like… I just know their nature."
She laughed awkwardly, scratching her reddened cheeks. "It might sound impressive, but knowing magic isn't the same as truly understanding it. And all of the spells you used, Noah-sama… they broke most of the rules I know."
"Hoo…" Noah leaned forward slightly, intrigued, while Arthur blinked beside her. "Actually, most of those spells were developed by my family over generations. Even then, I'm not really that skilled at them."
"Eh?!" Lefay gasped, Arthur's eyes widening as well.
"Haha, strange to hear, right?" Noah chuckled. "I don't really have much aptitude for magic. I'm more of a swordsman. I can use spells, sure, but their raw strength isn't that high. They just look impressive because I cheat a little by pushing more prana into them."
Noah winked as though sharing his greatest secret. "So as for your questions… I honestly can't explain the finer details. If my sister were here, she'd probably be able to help you much more than I could."
"I see… hmm." Lefay's shoulders slumped a little.
"By the way, Lefay, Arthur—would you mind if I asked something as well?" Noah said casually.
"Of course. Please go ahead," Arthur replied.
"Well…" Noah rubbed the back of his neck, choosing his words carefully. "If I may be bold to ask, does Lefay already have someone in her heart?"
"Fue?" Lefay froze, then turned bright red. "Awawawa! N-no! I don't have anyone like that!!"
"Sir Noah?" Arthur's usually calm expression broke for a second. "Why exactly would you ask that?"
"Ahahaha, sorry for the sudden question." Noah raised both hands apologetically. "It's because I made a bet with my younger brother before. He and our sister—his twin—along with some of my and their friends challenged me the same way Vali did. I told him that if he ever managed to land a hit on me, I'd find him a wife."
Both Lefay and Arthur stared, jaws dropping.
"…You're telling us this because he actually succeeded, didn't he?" Arthur asked slowly. Noah answered with a nod.
Arthur sighed and rubbed his temples. "So you're asking if my sister would be willing to consider your brother."
"Exactly. Lefay-chan's talent is too rare to pass up this chance," Noah explained. He opened a holoscreen, displaying Touya's profile and a short battle clip. It showed Touya summoning hundreds of blades—power rivaling the Excalibur fragments—and finally landing a scratch on Noah's cheek.
Arthur had to admit, watching the display, he was impressed by Touya's talent, power, and skill.
Lefay, meanwhile, couldn't take her eyes off Touya. "...Cool," she whispered, barely audible, but both Noah and Arthur caught it.
Arthur sighed, then looked at Noah. "I won't stop my sister from doing what she wants. If she truly wishes to pursue such a relationship, I won't object."
Noah gave a respectful nod. "Thanks, Arthur. I know it's not easy to entrust your precious sister to someone else. Believe me, I've been there—last time I had to face my own sister's boyfriend."
Arthur's lips curved into a small, grateful smile at Noah's understanding. But before the two could continue, Lefay leaned closer, her curiosity drawing her back to Touya's holoscreen.
"Excuse me, Noah-sama… what are these names?" she asked softly.
Noah turned with a wry smile. "Ah, those are actually other candidates I came across for Touya during our travels."
Lefay's brows furrowed as she tapped the list, pulling up the profiles of the girls displayed. "So… only four agreed so far?" she asked, pointing at the ones marked with a green check.
"Yes," Noah confirmed. "In their defense, only the top five have actually met him in person. The others never had the chance, so they're still listed as candidates."
"I see…" Lefay murmured, quietly thoughtful.
Arthur sighed once more. "It seems my sister has grown."
—-
After the talks with Arthur and Lefay—where the latter agreed to meet Touya first and see if a relationship might work before deciding anything—Noah found himself alone again in the Party cart. Villhaze manned the bar, mixing drinks for Azazel and the leaders of the Three Factions, along with Amaterasu, Yasaka, and Nurahiyon held a discussion nearby. Lumine could be seen at their side, listening intently and sharing her thoughts.
As Noah leaned back to relax, a familiar warmth pressed against his side. Without thinking, he lifted his arm and wrapped it around the figure.
"Hehehe, I'm soloing Captain~," Kiana teased, snuggling into his embrace.
Noah's lips curved upward as he pressed a soft kiss to her temple. "Is it really just you? No Sii hiding around?"
"Yep. Onee-chan's asleep," Kiana replied with a small smile. "She wore herself out getting too excited in that magical girl showdown with Serafall, then staying materialized for hours. She said she wanted to rest."
"I see," Noah murmured, his voice gentle.
Kiana began to hum a lighthearted tune, the two of them sinking comfortably into their little pocket of peace.
"Time sure flies, doesn't it?" Kiana murmured. "To think so much has already happened… and now even Hajime, Alice, and Anis's First Steps are complete."
Noah closed his eyes as memories flickered past. "Yeah… it's almost a year since we first met and began this Nameless Journey together."
"Hehehe, that's right, isn't it?" Kiana said softly. "We've met so many people… but we've also had to part with many."
Noah nodded. "Hopefully we can see Achan and Itztli again soon."
"Masha and Sylvie too. We need to complete our family," Kiana added firmly.
"If Hajime and I can pull our plan off, I should be able to pinpoint the exact coordinates of my home planet. Then I can send a Space Anchor there, linking it to the Silver Rails."
"That's great," Kiana breathed in relief. "So… Do you and Lumi already know which worlds we'll visit next?"
"Hmm. We're eyeing three," Noah replied. "One's a classic fantasy world with swords and magic. Another has magic—plus giant robots. And the last is a world of heroes, spirits… and plenty more."
"Ahaha. I can already imagine how much Hajime and Anis would love that world with giant robots." Kiana grinned.
Noah laughed as the same image popped into his head. "They will, won't they?"
"AHH!!! Kii, you're hogging Noah again!!"
The tender moment was cut short by a shout. When they turned, a pink-haired girl bounded over and latched onto Noah's other arm.
"Mou!! We leave you alone for a moment and you're already getting all the attention again, Kii!!" Elysia pouted.
"What can I say? I'm just too good at finding the right moment to be alone with my Captain." Kiana replied smugly.
Elysia glared, or at least tried to—it only made her look more adorable.
"Jealous Ellie is seriously adorable," Noah murmured, loud enough for them both to hear. Elysia blushed while Kiana deadpanned.
"...Sweet!! Such a sweet atmosphere!" Natsume Minagawa squealed.
"Shh, Natsume-chan, they're having a moment," Shigune Nanaderu whispered.
"...I feel so awkward right now," Kouki Samejima muttered, turning aside to hide his red cheeks.
Tobio Ikuse and Sae Toujo glanced at each other before looking away, both blushing furiously.
"Ah… sorry, I forgot about everyone." Elysia said, cheeks pink as she quickly straightened up.
Noah and Kiana turned toward the Slash/Dog team with mild amusement.
"Ahem… you see, Noah, Tobio wanted to speak with you, so I brought them along," Elysia explained, tucking a lock of hair behind her ear.
Noah raised a brow at Tobio, who scratched the back of his head nervously.
"Sorry to interrupt your… ah… well…"
"Ahahaha, no worries. We're cool," Noah said, scratching his cheek lightly.
Encouraged, Tobio let out a breath. "Actually, Noah-san, I and… well, my team, wanted to… to ask if we can…"
As he stumbled over his words, the rest of the Slash/Dog team immediately rallied behind him.
"Come on, Tobio-kun! You can say it!" Natsume cheered from the side.
"Tobio-kun, relax. Take a deep breath," Shigune added gently.
Kouki patted his shoulder in support, while Sae held his hand.
Noah, Kiana, and Elysia exchanged amused looks at their camaraderie.
Feeling their support, Tobio took a deep breath and looked Noah straight in the eye. "Noah-san, my team and I… we'd like to know if we can join the Trailblazers."
Kiana's eyes widened, Elysia blinked before grinning, and Noah tilted his head slightly as he answered.
"Sure."
"I knew it wouldn't be easy… wait—WHAT?!" Tobio and the rest sighed in disappointment, only to freeze when they realized what Noah had actually said. Their heads snapped toward him, mouths open in disbelief.
Noah let out a snort at their stunned faces. "Yeah, sure, come and join us~. You're more than welcome."
"Is it really that easy?" Tobio asked, still doubtful, as the others nodded in agreement.
"Why? Were you expecting some kind of trial to prove yourselves worthy?" Noah chuckled. "You guys watch way too much anime~."
Tobio and the others looked sheepish at that.
"But really, if you want to join us, you're free to do so." Noah's smile softened. "The doors of the Astral Express will always be open to those who want to become part of this Nameless Journey."
"Come, come~ join us~ the more the merrier~!" Elysia winked at them.
"With your abilities, the journey will be more assuring," Kiana added, giving them a thumbs up.
Tobio sighed, dragging a hand down his face. He still couldn't believe it. "...I can't believe it. Just like that… we're in."
Natsume, Sae, Shigune, and Kouki all nodded slowly, still processing.
"I was ready to fight until I dropped if that's what it took…" Kouki admitted.
"Fight? Really, sharkbrain, that's all you ever think about?" Natsume shot back, exasperated. "Even if we tried our hardest, we're nowhere near the level of even the weakest at the universal scale!"
Kouki looked away, scratching his head awkwardly.
Sighing, Natsume continued, "Me, Sae, and Shigune were thinking more about what we can offer—our potential, our skills, even our work ethic. Something that might actually make them interested in us. You know, like a job interview."
Sae scratched her cheek while Shigune nodded shyly.
"With our current strength, I don't think we'd be much help in a fight," Shigune admitted softly.
"So we figured out another way we could still help everyone," Sae added, her voice soft but determined.
"You guys are overthinking it," Kiana said with a wry smile. "We were just like you once. None of us were born this strong, it was cultivated and trained over the course of our journey."
"Even our dear Noah had to train hard under a famous Emanator to reach his current strength," Elysia added warmly.
"...I see." Tobio finally spoke after a pause. He glanced at his team, who nodded back at him, before turning once more to Noah, Kiana, and Elysia.
"Noah-san, Kiana-san, Elysia-san—thank you for accepting us as part of the Trailblazers."
"Yay!! New members!! Our journey just keeps getting more exciting!" Elysia cheered, throwing her hands up.
Kiana grinned at them. "You might feel overwhelmed at first, but trust me—you'll get used to it fast."
Noah rose to his feet and extended his hand. Tobio grasped it firmly, and Noah smiled. "Glad to have you all with us."
As Tobio clasped Noah's hand, a vision appeared before his eyes; an endless silver rail stretching across the universe, and something immense and unseen watching him before leaving. The feeling left him stunned, his breath caught in his throat as he returned to reality.
Noah grinned and released his grip, then moved on to shake Natsume, Kouki, Sae, and Shigune's hands. Each of them froze the same way Tobio had, eyes wide at the mysterious vision that came with the touch.
Kiana and Elysia stood proudly at Noah's side, their knowing smiles making it clear they had expected this.
"Welcome to the path of Trailblaze, Tobio Ikuse, Sae Toujo, Natsume Minagawa, Shigune Nanaderu, Kouki Samejima," Noah said warmly. In front of each of them, a silver ticket with a green stab manifested into existence. "May your journey on this path be meaningful."
—--
Hours later, after welcoming Tobio and the rest of the Slash/Dog team, Noah stood at the observation deck of the Express, watching the DxD planet through the wide window. Beside him was a box filled with Express boarding passes, the same kind that had appeared for Tobio and his team.
"Looking back at everything you've experienced so far, from the people you've met, to the challenges you've faced," he said, sipping his tea as the planet spun peacefully below. His voice was gentle as he addressed the three figures approaching him.
"You've spent months living here, interacting with everyone, putting in tremendous effort to fight for all that is beautiful in this world."
Hajime, Alice, and Anisphia stopped just a few steps away, waiting silently for him to continue.
Noah set his cup down with a soft clink. "I want to ask you three something. If everything were to be swallowed by the END… if all the beauty we see right now was nothing but fleeting, destined to vanish… if every bond we made were to fade with time… was there still meaning in all of this? Was it worth spending so much time and effort for something so brief? Was it truly worthy of everything we gave?"
Yes, Hajime, Alice, and Anisphia had spent much of their time with the people of this world; connecting with them, forging bonds, and working to build a future together. They dedicated themselves to know and understand them by living alongside them.
And the efforts they poured into protecting this world were no small matter. From stopping Kokabiel's mad plan until the day they stood against forces that threatened the world's very end, they could have turned away and moved on. But they didn't. They chose to stay and fight alongside everyone here.
Kiana, Elysia, Lumine, Euphylia and the rest from the crew, the Slash/Dog team, the DxD team who fought with them, the Yuuragi-sou residents they lived with, the Shinto/Youkai factions they befriended, and Ingvild, Ophis, and the others who had joined Hajime on his journey. All of them are now waiting for the three's answers.
"Yes," the three replied at once, without even needing to think.
"Geez! Captain, why are you asking such boring questions?" Anisphia threw her arms out dramatically, shaking her head.
"It is natural for things to fade over time," Alice said, folding her arms. "But isn't that what makes them even more precious?"
"What we build may one day fall, but those achievements will become the foundation for future generations to climb higher," Hajime added with a grin.
The three glanced at one another, then turned back to Noah with matching smiles. "Isn't that the reason why we took our First Steps!"
Noah, Kiana, Elysia, Lumine, Euphyllia, Patricia, Ilia, Lainei smiled at their answers, and even the sleeping Sirin stirred faintly, her Emblem glowing with soft light. The Slash/Dog team stood proudly, Express passes in hand. The DxD team pumped their fists in excitement, while Amaterasu, Yasaka, and Nurahiyon nodded in solemn agreement. The Yuuragi-sou residents erupted into cheers, and Sagiri, Ingvild, Ophis, Villhaze, Lavinia, Sona, Belfast, Ram, and Rem all straightened, smiling with clear pride and support.
Noah chuckled before breaking into a full laugh. "You three are right. Even if we eventually meet our end, whatever we achieve will become a stepping stone for others. What we've built together is truly a precious thing."
With a wave of his hand, the box containing the Express passes floated across the room and landed in Hajime's hands.
"Our small First Steps will one day become the Footprints others follow and someday surpass," Noah said, looking at Hajime, Alice, and Anisphia, then sweeping his gaze to everyone they had met. "When we reach the point where we can't take another step, someone else will carry it forward and reach places we never dreamed of."
A young blonde girl with heterochromia—her right eye green and her left red—cheerfully skipped ahead with cookies in her hand. Beside her walked a brown-haired boy, looking like a younger version of Noah, a golden cube floating at his side as he sighed. Following them was another brown-haired boy with messy hair and glasses, trying to keep up. A pink-haired girl tugged along the hand of a small elven blonde child as they ran to catch up with the older kids.
Nearby was an adorable young girl with long, wavy hair and eyes of emerald-green and sky-blue, her ears shaped like delicate fan-like fins. Beside her skipped another girl with reddish-pink hair and eyes, holding a pink tablet. A pair of blonde twins—a boy and a girl—followed after them, who had a star at the center of their eyes. They watched the chaos unfold with amusement before eventually joining the others in their playful rush.
Noah glanced at Hajime with a grin, which his friend returned. "The END may come, but we will still continue to move forward, no matter what."