u/B3ll172

Oh, THIS is a absolute treat, particularly after volume 3 stumbling and I enjoyed this volume.

Not only does it establish a good time in form of being at a pool but being within the Open House. And yet, it tells the audience Issei's insecurities without fail. This alone tells me that while, I may not like Issei, I can appreciate that he is a good antagonist that has his own weaknesses. We can see that Raynare has stripped him of any self-worth, and or confidence within himself. He refers to himself as a toy, a pet, and something they play with because they see him as entertaining. Hell, he sees Asia as a sister because who would love him in a romantic sense.

This is powerful and the pages dedicated to this, gives this volume a 9/10.

Akeno's origins clearly disturb her and the pain, the self-loathing is so visible. We can see her other half greatly bothers her. Especially with her discussion about it with Azazel.

I gotta give Issei his props thinking on how to use the dragon slaying sword and Vali's own Sacred Gear against him. Fantastic. A proud tear.

Gasper was alright? Don't really know how to feel about him in all this. Right now he is alright to me. We shall see if I warm up to the character or not.

This volume is a 9/10. It's a must read. The way things play out is wonderful, giving us much needed depth and seeing just how broken Issei is as a individual. Yet, he still tries to comfort those around him while having their best interests in mind.

I'm alive!?

Anyhow, I have a strange place for Riser. He is still that irredeemable scumbag in the second volume despite reading the light novel twice. That is just me though.

Riser himself seems to disregard Rias's wishes. Especially with the first statement being Rias did not appreciate his hand touching her arm. She flicks his hand away.

This is further reinforced pages later. Where his hands continues to touch her hand, arm, and or hair. Despite Rias, herself, brushing off his attempts multiple times.

Now, if he really did have some redeeming qualities. It is after this volume. Which happens because he was taught a lesson. Makes sense.

However, if he is suppose to have those qualities before the end of volume 2? I don't really see any. Maybe, I missed a few things. That's from my read.

If anything, I would have liked to see Riser acting as a foil for Rias. By that I mean, if Rias gives into her familia's pleas unconditionally. Riser will give into his familia's pleas if they don't clash with the Demon Society wants or needs.

For example, Riser will not grope Rias in any way if she does not want it but, he will force her into a marriage because they need more Pure-Blood Demon's. Why? More and more reincarnated Devil's are starting to outnumber the Pure Blood Devil's. This is starting to cause problems within the Demon World, politically and socially.

Especially, because Raynare was in it for the evulz and wanting Azazel.

If Raynare's place is to leave a impact on Issei.

Riser should be the one to show what Demon Society is like during the modern times. A old group of people in power trying to maintain it while following their traditions because that's how they were raised.

It keeps Riser from being a downright evil jerk while showing us, the audience, he is capable of redeeming himself with his current qualities.

Speaking of problems, let us see why Sirzechs make this marriage because he needs allies because he doesn't have a lot of power and what power he does have is unstable. This shows the Underworld is starting to experience a never before seen change. The Man knows he needs to cater to both groups but it's a fine line. Hence why he can't personally intervene in this matter. The viewer knows why the Older Brother is forced to watch this happen.

I can say that Issei is a guy willing to go to any lengths to save people he cares about. The Dragon arm and all. Which really shows his desperation. Hell, the guy didn't go down even in a state of utter unconsciousness. If that doesn't show willpower, I don't know what will, bravo, I mean it.

Ravel was an absolute delight that's for sure. Keep her away from the board. Seriously.

I give this volume a 8/10.

Same with the scale but the antagonist serves his purpose yet, nothing more is done with Riser. At least, until later but that's a different volume not this one.

Issei and Ravel were the MVP's of this book. Issei showcasing his willpower is fantastic. He doesn't go down until Rias has to force him to retire. Ravel figures out very quickly how Isssi's Sacred Gear works. She is ruthless with getting her forces to subdue him as quickly as possible. Ravel would have actually won if it wasn't for transfer. A skill she wasn't aware of. These two kept the scale at a 8 instead of a 7.