(Issei POV)
I felt my muscles and bones beginning to contort as a fiery sensation echoed throughout my entire body. But it wasn't uncomfortable. It was like sitting with a warm fire, simply bathing in the heat.
As I did so, I felt everything become brighter… clearer… more high definition, so to speak. It was different having the ability to use both eyes seemingly at 20/20 vision, and I could feel every single muscle in my body… both voluntary and involuntary.
I couldn't help but smile. I moved my legs, my arms, my hands—anything I could—yet as I did so, I found my body moving much more fluidly than I thought I could do… the first time out of a hospital bed in over a decade, yet my movements made it seem like I've been taking ballet classes.
As I slowly rose out of my bed, I'd noticed that I'd gone from a decent 5 foot 5 to 6 foot… and given my current age, I'm definitely going to be growing taller as well. However, that was only one thing I was focusing on… my brain was different as well. In an instant, I could already think of ways to make the space in my room more efficient… I could think of ways to move that required less energy.
Not to mention the fact that something else was appearing in my mind… knowledge on magic? Life force manipulation… senjutsu… touki? Within my being, I felt three separate sources—one being chaotic and seemingly longing to destroy, the other was clearer, almost entirely white, with the last one seemingly unrefined, yet fluid. The second one seemed to be my life force, yet instead of the normal puddle I expected, it was steadily increasing, growing stronger…
I began to take deep breaths, focusing my mind, my body, and soul all at once… in and out… I concentrated only in words, not outward, as I didn't want to lose this innate life force… within minutes I had seemingly tamed this life force for now.
Focusing on the more chaotic energy, I imagined flames appearing, and above my thumb, a small candlelight appeared with a small snap of my finger. It disappeared… however, as I tried to summon other elements, I found it more difficult… I could imagine them, but I couldn't fully summon them… a type of affinity magic maybe?
Next, I focused on the more unrefined energy. It felt a lot more rigid than the chaotic one, while also being a lot more focused than life force… within my mind, I held text explaining how to use equations to create esoteric effects… multiple circles appeared around me, all of which were seemingly just endless lines of code… I was never able to use a computer, but I could recognize it.
To be honest, the only good thing about staying in that hospital was that I had a TV that I could play, however, it could only play reruns of old movies and the news… it's how I even developed the vocabulary in the first place… watch enough history or nature documentaries, and you start to sound like an old British person.
This magical energy… manipulating it required the proper usages of equations, and from my knowledge, it was a difficult system to use. However, my brain was already calculating means to create… spells… so many possibilities. I sent a mental thanks to Calduin for this opportunity, however, as I did so, that same screen appeared in front of my eyes.
[Welcome To DXD! Home to devils, angels, fallen angels, vampires, dragons, and so much more! Your patron didn't want you being directionless in this new life, so he has tasked you with two missions. There is no time limit, and the only penalties are those involved with the missions themselves. So you don't need to worry about a death penalty or loss of your male genitals.]
I instinctively covered said genitals for about a moment before continuing to pay attention.
[You can access information on the two missions from this mental interface, along with access to the rest of the CYOA… And you must be wondering, how will you gain more points to spend? I have the answer.]
[At random intervals, you will be given quests, as well as those that pertain to the world. The missions that you've been given are a requirement, however, quests are completely optional, with the only downsides being the natural occurrence of events. Take this one, for example…]
[Quest Alert! You Died… But You Lived!]
Objectives: 1. Learn how to use your demonic powers.
Reward: 1 Creativity Point/+1 Shard Point
[Accept Reward?]
As I mentally clicked on accepting the reward, I saw my currency go up by one each…
[Creativity points are used to buy items as well as skills. Shard points are used to buy powers as well as items of power. Other than that, it's rather simple: get points, get more powers.]
Would I be able to become like him in the future?
[If you are referring to your benefactor, then yes. It is simply a matter of your own intelligence and survival. With this CYOA, you could become anything—a devil, an angel, a dragon. So many possibilities, all ripe for the taking… However, it's not going to be easy. Quests and missions are not for the faint of heart. For now, I do believe what you have is sufficient. Feel free to explore the interface to your heart's content. Remember—even when the dragon is asleep, he watches over you.]
I feel a bit of emotion go through my chest… it's nice to have someone watching over me.
As I dismiss the interface, I took in my physical form. Not only was I taller, my complexion was entirely different. I used to have black hair and blue eyes. Now I have brown hair and brown eyes. My musculature had definitely improved. I didn't look like a paraplegic stick anymore…
I could already see the beginnings of a six-pack beginning to form. In fact, I felt that if I just kept training, I could look even better. I could become stronger, faster, more durable—simply better. However, as my eyes roamed to the room, I saw a lot of extracurricular material. Who am I kidding? This room is basically covered in pornography. Definitely going to have to get rid of that. If you're going to have porn, have it on a computer or something.
Speaking of which, I take a small look at the package I'm working with, and I can definitely say I am pleasantly surprised. With just looking in the mirror, I can see physical imperfections simply disappearing. My skin looked better, my eyes brighter, with a bit more definition in the jawline, less baby fat, but to be honest, it is a bit shallow for me. All I really care about is the fact that I can move my damn legs and arms. It has been years since I've been able to use them again.
As I sat back down on the bed, I looked at the person next to me. It was strange to see someone naked in my bed, but given the fact that I lived in a hospital, that may just be my own mentality. And as cringe as it is, I couldn't take my eyes off of her hair. I had never before seen hair this bright before.
I felt tempted to touch it, but I'm not a creep—that's for private times… speaking of which, as I check to make sure she's still breathing, I see her chest begin to rise and fall, which shows that she's still alive… While I've watched enough episodes of How to Get Away with Murder, I don't think most of it even applies to real life.
So trying to take my mind off of it, I focus on trying to make sense of all the information in my head… but to my surprise, it was barely an inconvenience, as all of the information seemingly flowed together, forming what looked to be library shelves in my brain. Looking over the personal memories, I saw the kid was definitely a pariah, a teen obsessed with tits to a very unhealthy degree.
I can respect a person's fetish, but at this point, it's just bordering on sexual harassment… thankfully, it was seemingly just him, although I wonder why he wasn't kicked out for peeking on girls or reported to the police.
However, I just chalked it up to anime world logic, as I can definitely tell that this world is an anime. All of the signs are there… I must be in some type of action anime, definitely urban fantasy.
So that most likely means I'm going to be dealing with opposition, and as I positively begin to become excited at the thought of using this new body, my mind already thinking of ways to train and develop, I heard the body next to me beginning to shift. Making sure to pick up the clothes, I placed them in a pile next to the bed—neatly of course, I am no savage…
As the girl with red hair, who I believe her name is Rias Gremory, rises from the bed, she lets out a small yawn before smiling. However, that smile turns into a slight look of surprise.
"Well, good morning. I don't want to be rude, but could you tell me what exactly happened last night? I remember pain in my stomach, but then nothing." Yet as I say that, her eyes scan me up and down as if completely surprised.
As I get closer to her, I stare into her blue eyes and find that they seem to shine in the morning light. I can't say it's not nice to look at.
However, she seems to take herself out of her own funk. "Well, this is certainly a surprise. You are Issei Hyoudou, right?"
"I think I am, given the fact that we're in my room. Now I just want to wonder why I went from looking like an average teenager to someone that looks like they—I think I am, given the fact that we're in my room. Now I just want to know how I went from an average teenager to a runway magazine cover."
She seems to slightly chuckle at that. As she goes to put her clothes on, she seems to be almost amused at the fact that I haven't stopped looking.
"You know, a gentleman would look away when a lady is changing, you know?" I would believe that, other than the fact you seemed amused by me doing this. I do believe she may be a closet nudist.
"If you want me to turn around, I'll turn around, but I can definitely say you're one of the most beautiful things I've seen, and it would be a disservice to not look otherwise…" Again, her eyes slightly widen before she smiles. This one, however, seems a bit happier.
(Let it be known. I've never actually flirted before, so forgive the cringe.)
As she struggles to put on her bra, I help her clip it on, which makes sense, as I do believe that female upper bodies are not meant to be that pronounced. Definitely lends credence to the fact that this may be an anime.
"Thank you for your assistance. Now, I know this must seem confusing, but all will be explained later today, as I do believe you're going to be having company soon." Before she could explain otherwise, a large magical circle appears in front of her, and as she gives me a small wave goodbye, I find myself sending her one back, which she seems to appreciate.
However, just as it disappears, I hear a knock at the door. "Issei! It's time for school. You better not still be asleep for staying up too late jacking off to those visual novels!"
This is definitely going to be interesting, as well as explaining what the hell happened to me… definitely going to have to go for a teenage growth spurt explanation… I wonder if I can make any money selling this guy's porn?
(Rias POV)
As soon as I enter the club room, I see my queen waiting for me… "It's good to see you, Akeno. I do believe we have definitely found an interesting new addition."
"Oh… how interesting are we talking?" As I sit down, she hands me a small plate as well as some tea.
"Issei… he's different. I woke up today to find him looking like he's been hitting the gym for the past couple of months. Devil transformations don't often take effect this fast nor to this degree… and the way he acted…"
"Did he try to grab for your breasts? If he did, I can educate him for you if you want." You and I both know that there would be nothing educational about that.
"No need for shock therapy, Akeno. Well, he definitely did appreciate my form. The view was different. His eyes were different—not that they changed color, but he seemed to have more light in his eyes, and he looked at me like I was the most beautiful thing in the world…" I couldn't help the slight blush forming on my face as I thought about these words.
Looking up towards my queen, I could see a slight look of surprise before it immediately turns to a teasing expression. "Oh my, Rias, how scandalous. Already planning on making a move towards the new kid?"
"Of course not. It might just be a passing glance. Regardless, I'm going to have Kiba pick him up today and will explain everything… I just hope he's able to take the news as well. I see that face you're making, Akeno. You'll be just as surprised as me when you see him."
"Is that a challenge, my king? What happens if I am surprised? Are you going to punish me?" I do not dignify that question with a response, as I can already see my queen going into her fantasy world.
My thoughts then return to the smile he had on his face. I can't get it out of my mind. He seemed a lot more mature than I imagined… he did almost die, so maybe that's why…
(Issei POV)
"Son, I will ask this in the most polite way I can—what the hell happened to you overnight? And don't say it was aliens or something." Well, first time I ever have to use my brain at nearly maximum capacity trying to think of a response.
"I don't think I can give you a good explanation. I went to bed looking like this—or how I used to—and then I woke up like this. However, I can definitely say I'm not going to have to worry about height limits anymore." As I look in my… parents' eyes, I do see genuine worry, and a slight bit of envy enters the back of my mind.
My mother then walks over towards me and checks me over to make sure I don't have anything physically wrong with me. "Well, if you really don't know, then maybe you're finally starting to catch up with your height… you are OK, right?"
Placing a hand on the hand she put on my shoulder, I nod my head, and as she smiles, she pulls away. My father then looks me up and down. "Well, if nothing seems wrong, then I guess it's OK. But if anything starts to hurt or you feel anything strange, we'll head to a doctor immediately. OK…"
It was less of a question and more of a confirmation, but I nod. "By the way, would you guys happen to know where I can dump some stuff?"
"Dump what stuff, honey?" my mother asks.
"Well, I want to get rid of the stuff in my room. I don't think I need it anymore…" I should definitely have phrased that better, as the moment that statement left my mouth, my parents' eyes widened as they both began to cry.
"Someone took my baby boy's innocence!"
"Who was it, son? Who can I congratulate for making you a man?" I just take a deep breath and try to prep some school stuff.
However, I can't find it in myself to hate this. In fact, I can't stop smiling… is this what family feels like?
However, before leaving, I take a look at the two stuck in their own world. As I leave, I simply say, "I'm still a virgin. Don't worry. I'll be home soon."
Then from behind the door, I hear my father say, "Dammit! Just when I thought you were gonna be getting some grandchildren."
That's what you're focusing on? Definitely an anime world…
[Current Balance: 1 CP/1 SP]
[Current Missions: Stop Rias's Arranged Marriage/Defeat The Beast 666 Or Stop Its Unsealing]