Wrought Iron Devil: Gate of Blades

No Sanctuary

This time, the dream was different. A barren land, filled only by swords impaled into the ground. The sky was filled with not only clouds, but enormous gears churning on, all covered by a twilight sun.

The only distinct feature on the ground was a small hillside. Except it was not bare or devoid. On top of it was a person, their back turned to you. A man in his late twenties, tanned skin and silver hair. His person had black skin tight clothing trimmed with silver covered by a red mantle.

The man turned to face you, indicating this was a dream with which you would interact. His hawkish eyes were a solid steel color.

.......

Meep! Meep! Meep!

You groaned as a you got up and shut down the alarm. It only took a second to remember why it was set this early, and you proceeded to get ready. By the time Akeno arrived, You had changed into black jersey shorts and a dark gray shirt. Unlike most students, you did not like track suits and were much more used to, if not more willing to go through the cold air more exposed. You were also told ahead of time to bring your school supplies and a change in uniform.

Akeno herself had just summoned herself in front of the house. She was in a gym shirt and red track pants for today's training.

"Good morning, (Y/n)." Akeno greeted me cheerfully.

"Morning." You responded.

"Just step in and we'll be at your training area." Akeno gestured to the magic circle. You nodded and stepped in. With that you were teleported to her destination. And evidently it actually worked. Suck it Issei. Your eyes showed that it was in fact in front of the Kuoh track area.

"Before we start, I should probably tell you that Issei was attacked by a stray priest last night. He's also concerned with that sister working with them named Asia." Akeno informed me.

"Ok." You said simply.

"Which means I have a message from Rias, or more accurately, a reminder. The church is enemy territory and going there would cause major problems. While this Asia girl seems innocent enough, the priest had the means to exorcise devils. If a devil is exorcised, it's completely, and utterly annihilated. Completely ceases to exist." Akeno continued.

"So I should avoid these guys?" You asked wearily. Most of this just seemed like common sense. You were not in need of a lecture. "And for that matter, are there any more Fallen Angels, priests or other hostile around?"

"Yes. We ran into a Fallen Angel called Dohnaseek when we had to save Issei again. With that out of the way, let's start on your training." Akeno smiled sweetly. Sickeningly sweetly.

"Where should I start?" You asked in resignation.

"Start by running on the track." Akeno stated.

"The distance?" You asked.

"Until I say stop." Akeno giggled menacingly. "Don't think I'll let you slow down either." She raised a hand generating electricity to emphasize her point.

You nodded as you donned on headphones and started playing the accompanying music. With that, you lined up with the start of the track and played the music.

You began running along at your usual pace. Akeno simply watched. Considering what might have happened if you slowed down, you were thankful your endurance was built up by your own training.

After running a mile, Akeno signaled she was trying to speak to you. You removed your earphones and slowed down to talk.

Big mistake.