High School DxD: Return of the Crimson Dragon Emperor

Chapter 159: Chapter 154: I’ll Take the Promotion Recommendation!!

That night, Sirzechs, Grayfia, and Azazel visited the Hyoudou residence. We gathered in the VIP room upstairs.

Sirzechs faced me, Kiba, Akeno, and Rias. ”As discussed, Issei, Kiba, and Akeno, your numerous achievements have led the four Maous and upper echelons to recommend you for promotion.”

Right, the promotion talk from after the Sairaorg match. It’s so soon! I’ve been a devil for less than a year. I expected a promotion eventually, but this fast? Fighting terrorists and gods must’ve stacked up.

”Kiba and Akeno will test for mid-class devil. Issei, you’ll go straight for high-class,” Sirzechs said.

What? Did I mishear? ”Uh, repeat that? My ears must be off...”

Sirzechs smiled. ”Kiba and Akeno for mid-class, you for high-class.”

Kiba and Akeno, mid-class. Me, high-class?! ”WHAAAT?!”

Azazel, sipping liquor, chuckled. ”That shocking?”

”Of course! I’m barely a devil! Mid-class felt fast, but high-class? Why me?” I asked.

Sirzechs nodded. ”Your achievements warrant high-class for all three, but devil society has hierarchies. The higher-ups demand order.”

”Then why me for high-class?” I pressed.

Azazel grinned. ”You crushed Shalba and Cruzeley—Ophis-enhanced, with armies—solo. Mid-class for that power? Laughable. High-class barely fits.”

True, I beat them alone, but still... too fast. I’m no expert on devil society.

Sirzechs added, ”Your concerns are valid, Issei. You’re new. Some opposed your high-class promotion, but it’s crucial for the Underworld’s future.”

My promotion’s that important? Sure, Oppai Dragon’s popular with kids, but game-changer? Doubtful.

”High-class devils are nobles, role models with responsibility to protect citizens. It comes with authority. We Maous want your power for the Underworld,” Sirzechs said. ”Sairaorg called you a hero. I believe you’ll fulfill high-class duties.”

His earnest gaze hit hard. He truly believes in me.

Azazel laughed. ”Plus, high-class status eases anti-terror ops. Take it. The stiffs approved.”

”You’ll be fine, Issei. I’ll guide you, and we’ve got support,” Rias said.

”I’ll back you too!” Ravel added.

With their encouragement, I couldn’t back down. ”Alright! I’ll take it! I’ll ace the exam and become high-class!” I stood, fist clenched.

I’m stunned, but I’ll do it!

Sirzechs smiled. ”Knew you’d say that. Kiba, Akeno?”

Kiba and Akeno stood, bowing. ”I humbly accept as Rias Gremory’s Knight,” Kiba said.

”I accept as her Queen,” Akeno added.

Sirzechs nodded. ”You two will take mid-class exams, but your feats suggest high-class soon.”

”Your whole team’s high-class caliber. A low-class team like that? Rare,” Azazel said.

True. We’ve all crossed death’s door together.

”Congratulations, you three. My pride and joy,” Rias beamed.

Miu, Alice, Asia, Reyna, Irina, and Gasper cheered. Rossweisse aimed for ”stable, high-paying life”—classic. Her thriftiness won’t change.

”Impressive, Rias-sama’s family. Three promotions, Issei skipping ranks!” Ravel said, glancing at Koneko.

”Congrats, Issei-senpai, Kiba-senpai, Akeno-san,” Koneko said, smiling faintly, her energy low.

Dad and Mom sobbed. ”Issei, from pervert to this!” Embarrassing!

Tia and Ignis chatted. ”High-class suits him, but he’s beyond that,” Tia said.

They’ve bonded—two gorgeous women, quite a sight.

Azazel cut in. ”Exams are next week, closest date.”

”Next week?!” I yelped.

”Mid-class involves reports, written tests, and practicals,” Akeno said.

”What about high-class?” I asked.

Grayfia answered, ”Reports, written tests, practicals, plus a tactical exam.”

Tactical exam—makes sense. High-class devils lead families.

”Written tests cover devil basics, rating games, politics, and territory management. Tactical exam includes chess with an examiner and oral questions. Reports are about your goals post-promotion, tied to past experiences,” Grayfia explained.

Like human exams. ”They’re modeled after human systems since most promoted devils are reincarnated,” Sirzechs said.

Azazel pointed at me. ”Study hard, Issei. You’re green on devil stuff. Cram this week. Rias’ll coach tactics. Your experience should cover the rest.”

My Asta days with Maurice taught me some tactics. Chess with Rias? Manageable.

”Leave it to me,” Rias said.

”Let’s study together,” Kiba offered.

”I’m in too,” Akeno added.

Grateful! They’ve helped with schoolwork before.

Time to get serious!

”I’m heading back to the Norse realm,” Rossweisse said, standing.

”Back?” I asked.

”The issue we discussed?” Rias said.

Rossweisse nodded. ”Kyoto and Bael fights exposed my weaknesses. I’ll become useless otherwise. I need to enhance my Rook traits.”

Rook traits—attack and defense. She’s got firepower, so defense?

”Got a lead in Valhalla?” Azazel asked.

”Yes, a senior specializes in it. I focused on attack magic as a Valkyrie candidate, which backfired,” she said.

”Your team’s offense-heavy, defense-light. If Rossweisse bolsters defense magically, you’ll soar,” Azazel told Rias.

”I approve. No reason to deny growth,” Rias said.

”Thanks. Also, I prepared the midterm test papers,” Rossweisse added.

Midterms! Sports fest, school trip, festival, now tests! ”I haven’t studied!” I panicked.

Two tests back-to-back? Brutal!

Sirzechs turned to Ravel. ”Will you take the role?”

”Of course!” Ravel said.

What role? ”Ravel’s your manager, Issei,” Sirzechs said. ”You’ll be busy—school, Underworld gigs. Grayfia manages the team, but you need personal support. Ravel knows the Underworld and studies here.”

Perfect. Ravel’s reliable, helping with Oppai Dragon events. A manager? I’m basically a celebrity.

”Ravel, assist Issei with the exam,” Sirzechs said.

Ravel stood, fired up. ”I, Ravel Phenex, will ensure Issei-sama’s promotion!” She dashed out.

So motivated! I can’t let her down.

”Issei’s promotion matters to Ravel’s future. She’s pumped. Koneko, watch out—she might steal your senpai,” Azazel teased.

Koneko sees Ravel as a rival, but...

She sat, head down, distracted. Everyone noticed. Is she sick?

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