"Take a look around you." Issei continued, smirking as his shadow army shifted behind him, their forms radiating dark, overwhelming aura as they awaited his command "I hope you're ready…"
"Because you are next!"
The smug expression Katerea was wearing on her face twitched, but just slightly. It was not fear, not quite, but there was a clear wariness on her face as she looked at the shadows around him. Instead of awe unlike those who were watching from behind, the descendant of the original Leviathan found herself surrounded as she stared down the glowing eyes of the Red Dragon Emperor who now commanded a shadow army of the dead.
"…Heh. You think raising a few corpses makes you strong? Have you had any idea how many necromancers I have known in my life? And how many of them are far more formidable than you?" Katerea scoffed, her voice laced with venom.
"Has anyone ever told you that you talked too much?" Issei asked coolly as he lowered his hand down. Next to him, Blade crackled maniacally, as if he was just waiting for Issei to give him the permission to cut Katerea to pieces.
"Kill him!"
The descendant of the original Leviathan snarled, sending the first dozen of her own warriors forward. The ground cracked beneath her heels as they charged at Issei, aiming to overwhelm him and his shadows with their superior power.
But Issei did not bother to move a muscle.
"Gladio."
And that was all it took for the commander of his army to step in front of him with his broadsword being brandished in a wide arc, unleashing a shockwave that obliterated the front line of the charging warriors before they could close the distance. A few warriors managed to leap over the slash, but they were immediately met by the commander himself, as Gladio leaped into the air and slashed at them, his blade slicing through armors, flesh and bones alike in a single, fluid motion.
"Listen up. There are a lot of important people watching, so don't make me or yourself look bad now," Issei said with a smirk before pointing Ascalon forward. "All troops, attack!"
"GRAHHHHHHHHH!" Vulcan bellowed, his massive frame surging forward like a siege engine given life, magma veins glowing beneath his armor as he charged into the fray with his massive battleaxe before the rest of the army followed. With a mighty swing, he sent several of Katerea's warriors flying, their bodies broken before they could even try to defend themselves. Tempest was right behind him, surrounded by a swirling vortex of shadows that tore apart the enemies in the air. The magicians barely had time to react before the dark winds engulfed them, their armor buckled and shattered like brittle woods as their screams were swallowed by the howling tempest.
The ground trembled beneath the stampede of shadow soldiers as they met their enemies at full force, filling the entire Kuoh with the sounds of steel clashing against steel, sorceries being cast, and screams of horror and pain as flesh was torn open by the relentless shadows. Lycaon and Tora were amongst the first to crash into the enemy ranks, with the giant armored wolf tearing through the armored warriors with brutal swipes of his claws, his fangs gnawing on the larger enemies that managed to withstand the forces behind his strikes. Taking advantage of the chaos, Tora moved silently in his shadows, her streamlined body twisted and coiled between gasp in formation, dodging attacks coming her way before slashing open throats with her razor-sharp claws. The long whiskers sprouting from the sides of her head lashed outward, skewering a group of magicians before they could finish casting their spells.
Not far behind them, Blade was already lost in the bloodshed, his twin daggers gleaming under the light of magic and fire. With a manic grin plastered across his face, he weaved through the devil warriors and magicians lines like a storm, slashing tendons and opening arteries in a blur of motion. His laughter rang out like the war cry of a madman as he danced through spells and sword strikes alike, his movements erratic and wild—yet impossibly precise. No two attacks were the same, and no enemy lived long enough to see a second strike.
Above them, taking positions on rooftops, the Shadow Elves unleashed volleys of ice arrows at their enemies, both on the ground and in the air, with deadly accuracy. Each arrow burst on impact, freezing limbs and armor, slowing down the enemy forces and disrupting their formations. Some warriors screamed as their legs were locked in place by frost just in time for Blade or just about any other shadow to finish them off. Others were pinned mid-cast, the freezing shafts piercing their shoulders or wrists, interrupting incantations with agonized cries.
At the same time, the recently risen Devils, Fallen Angels and Angels swooped into the sky, rejoining their living brothers and sisters in the battle above Kuoh Academy. Wielding the trademark powers of their respective species, aided by their new undying nature, they tore through the enemy ranks in the sky, with Shadow Angels and Fallen angels fighting in harmony using their holy light weapons, while the Shadow Devils rained down their enemies with attacks of their demonic powers. Every time they were struck down again, it only took a few seconds to regenerate and rejoin the battle once more, locking the magicians in a cycle of futile resistance as they were struck down one after another.
"Fight back!" Katerea roared at her force in anger as she blasted a group of shadow wolves and troopers with her magic, obliterating their forms just long enough for her to summon her wings and take off into the air, narrowly escaping their charge as they reformed and ran at her again. Some of her personal guards tried to rush to her side, but they were all halted in their tracks and killed almost in an instant by Gladio, who wielded his blades with merciless efficiency. "Damn you all! Fight…!"
Before she could finish, Issei descended upon her with a downwards strike of his flaming Ascalon, which Katerea barely managed to block using a barrier spell. The moment the sword collided with her magical defense, however, a shockwave rippled through the air, nearly sending her spiraling out of control. The heat from Ascalon singed the edges of her barrier, and she gritted her teeth as the flame licked at her arm, almost making her fail to keep the magic intact.
"Tch…" Katerea clicked her tongue in annoyance as she launched herself backward, her devil wings flaring as she narrowly avoided a follow-up slash from Issei, who gave chase with a powerful beat of his own wings. With a sharp flick of her wrist, she conjured several water spears and hurled them toward him, but the Sekiryuutei instantly dove to the side and then weaved through the air in a zigzag pattern, evading the incoming projectiles as he closed the distance to her once more.
"Is that it?"
Issei smirked, spinning Ascalon in his grip to deflect a water spear. The collision sent an explosion of steam rising around him, momentarily obscuring his figure. A blur then shot out from the mist, and in a blink of an eye, Issei was right in front of Katerea, his blade slashing across her torso. The woman used her staff to block, but the sheer force behind his wings shattered in on impact. The recoil sent Katerea hurtling through the air with a deep gash across her stomach as her staff exploded into splinters, her body tumbling through the air before she managed to stop herself with a snarl.
"Is that the best you can do?"
"You will pay for that, you insolent brat!" Katerea roared, her eyes burning with fury. A dark, serpent-like tendril shot out from the magic circle that appeared in the palm of her hand, wrapping around her body and causing her demonic power to surge violently. With a manic laugh, the air around her twisted, distorting and cracking before detonating in a violent burst of magical pressure, sending shockwaves rippling across the sky. A few magicians standing nearby were obliterated as they were caught in the explosion of power, which then focused itself into numerous magic circles around her. From there, tendrils of dark magic shot out and whipped across the sky in every direction, tearing through shadows and allies alike in her blind fury.
"This is…" Azazel raised an eyebrow as he rubbed his chin at the display of magic. "That kind of aura doesn't appear to be the power of a descendant of a Maou." Standing next to him, both Sirzechs and Serafall nodded their heads in agreement, their eyes focused on the chaos unfolding as Katerea unleashed her new power.
"You know where it comes from, don't you, Azazel?" Gunhee asked, looking over to the governor of Grigori, who gave a nod of his head.
"The Ouroboros Dragon, Ophis. It seems… the leader of our enemies is the ultimate dragon god."
As the words settled in, the intensity of the battle increased tenfold. Issei shot upward with unwavering determination in his eyes. His sword and daggers flashed through the air as he slashed at the tendrils of dark magic to fight his way through the violent storm of spells. Katerea shrieked in anger and thrust her palm forward just as Issei reached her, blasting him with a concentrated surge of pure magic.
[WELSH DRAGON BALANCE BREAKER]
[BOOSTED GEAR CRIMSON ARMAMENTS]
The blast seemed to hit him head-on, but in a blur and an announcement from his Boosted Gear, Issei, his arms donning the gauntlets of his Level 1 Balance Breaker, appeared behind Katerea with his fist cock back, the glow in his eyes leaving a trail in the air. Time seemed to slow as Katerea widened her eyes in horror and slowly turned his head around to look at Issei, her body barely managing to make a move for counterattack as Issei launched his fist into her back with an explosion of dragon fire, sending shockwaves through the air. The descendant of the original Leviathan could barely let out a cry before her body was sent careening downward like a meteor, crashing into the ground with a brutal explosion of earth and debris. The force of the strike pulverized the terrain and left behind a massive crater in the schoolyard where she landed, the surrounding terrain buckling under the immense pressure.
"I guess it's still not enough for her to match him then…" Azazel commented with a chuckle as Issei shot down and walked toward Katerea, who was trying to pick herself up. Half of her body was scorched and smoking. Her dress was torn at several places and patches of her once-pristine hair had been burnt away. "Is that really his Balance Breaker? I thought it would be a full Scale Mail."
"I will give you one chance to surrender, Katerea." Issei spoke calmly as he stopped just outside the crater, watching Katerea as she tried to crawl up. He could have ended it right then with just any of his weapons, but he had decided to strike her down instead, seeing that Serafall and the others seemed to know her. "You've lost. Look around you… your force is being run over by my shadows. Even if you can somehow defeat me, you cannot win this battle in the state you are right now."
Katerea growled, her frustration mounting as she looked up at Issei and shot him a venomous glare, her body trembling with anger. Even as all of her soldiers fell across the battlefield, even as more and more magicians were slain by the combined efforts of the living and undead armies of the Three Factions, Katerea Leviathan refused to yield.
"Never!" She spat, her voice thick with venom and defiance as she shot her arms out. The limbs elongated and multiplied, flying toward Issei like serpents aiming for their target. But before they could strike, a flash of steel was all it took to serve them all, as Gladio appeared before Issei. His arrival was so sudden that, for a brief moment, the air was still before a violent gust of wind exploded outward from the force of his movement. Katerea could only watch on in shock as her arms were reduced to countless pieces that fell through the air, staggering back in pain, anger and disbelief written across her face.
"Yield." Issei said, his voice now low with a cold finality.
"NEVER!" Katerea roared, bringing her severed arms together to create a massive magic circle as a powerful aura flared around her. The ground beneath her feet trembled, and the sky above seemed to darken as if the very world was reacting to the power she was about to unleash.
"Glacia."
Issei called in a calm tone despite the storm of magic building before him. With a flick of his wrist, he summoned the Orb of Avarice and tossed it into the air. The orb hovered above him for a split second before Glacia descended from above and caught the orb, holding it in the palm of her left hand as she extended her right hand forward. The air around her grew frigid and the temperature plummeted as an orb of pure frost energy formed in the space within the palm of her hand.
"DIE!"
A surge of dark magic erupted from the orange magic circle as Katerea released all her built-up energy in a desperate, deafening scream. The dark blast shot toward Issei, a torrent of raw, unrelenting power that tore through the battlefield, obliterating everything in its path. It was an overwhelming force of destruction, aimed solely at annihilating her enemy as well as anything behind him.
But before the blast could make it halfway to her master, Glacia unleashed her own blast of empowered [Diamond Dust]. The storm of icy energy tore through the air like a hurricane, colliding with the blast of dark energy coming from Katerea, clashing with an earth-shattering explosion before instantly overwhelming it. As the Diamond Dust enveloped a shocked Katerea, several massive spikes of ice shot up from the ground, impaling her through the chest, arms, and abdomen, with the largest one piercing her through her heart, pushing through her body as it lifted into the air.
For a split second, no one spoke, their eyes fixed on the fallen Leviathan, her eyes widening in horror and her mouth opening in a silent scream of disbelief as the cold magic spread throughout her form. The light in her eyes flickered and began to fade as her body stiffened, the life slowly draining from her as she was frozen before a single drop of blood could hit the frozen schoolyard. Within moments, she was frozen solid, her body trapped in a statue of ice, impaled on the spikes created by Glacia's Diamond Dust.
The battlefield fell into a complete silence. The forces that had once followed Katerea, her own magicians, looked on in shock as their leader was brought to a bitter, frozen end. The next instance, fear took hold of each and every one of them, their resolve crumbling at the defeat of the leader. Panic spread like wildfire as several scrambled to flee the battlefield, their hands, staffs and weapons frantically moving through the air as they created teleportation magic circles to escape. Those who were not fast enough, or tried to stay to avenge their leader through blind rage, were swiftly taken down by the armies of the Three Factions. A few were captured alive, restrained and marked for questioning later.
"Damn it, kid. A little warning next time?" Cid scoffed, though his voice carried more amusement than annoyance as he brushed a layer of frost off his shoulder. Looking around, Issei whistled when he saw that the entire schoolyard and half of the new school building were covered in ice, looking as if a snow storm had just swept through and frozen everything in its path.
"Sorry." Issei chuckled as he turned to Glacia, who floated down beside him and extended her hand to offer back the Orb of Avarice, which she took and put it away after giving the shadow a nod of appreciation, making her eyes gleam with happiness and admiration.
With that, Issei turned back, his gaze fixed on the frozen corpse of the defeated Leviathan as he walked over to her. Everyone present and watching could feel the inevitable conclusion coming, even before he spoke the command while holding out his hand.
"Arise."
At that, shadow erupted from the frozen corpse as the ice covering her form exploded into a flurry of shards. The frozen ground beneath her cracked slightly as the shadow Katerea slowly emerged. Her dress, once torn and scorched from the battle, reformed into a sleek, black dress with glowing orange inner layers, the fabric flowing like black smoke as it wrapped around her new form before she fell to the ground with a soft thud. As she landed before Issei, the shadowy woman wasted no time to get herself on one knee, one hand reaching out to accept his hand while the other held onto a long staff similar to the one she had before Issei destroyed it. As their fingers met, she slowly raised her head, eyes opening—not with the venom and anger that once fueled her, but with a soft, glowing orange hue that shimmered with reverence and undying loyalty for her new master.
"It seems you have become much more docile after turning into a shadow…" Issei said, looking at the notification of her rank, which was Elite Knight. "And since you already have a name, I might as well just call you Katerea, is that okay?"
As her new name was registered into the system, the newly risen shadow lowered her head respectfully to him one more time before rising elegantly to her feet. Her eyes swept across the battlefield with a calm, calculated sharpness before finally settling on Glacia. The elven queen met her gaze, her expression cool and unwavering as her eyes narrowed just slightly. The two locked eyes in silence, neither flinching nor backing down.
Then, as if on silent agreement, they both looked away at the same time, returning their attention to their master just as the other shadows began gathering around Issei.
In that brief exchange, a spark of rivalry ignited.
"Unbelievable. The boy just turned a descendant of an original Maou into his familiar. Just how far does this ability reach…" Gunhee muttered in disbelief, arms crossed as he watched the scene unfold alongside the other faction leaders.
"Katerea-chan got what was coming to her, but…" Serafall trailed off, her voice heavy with a hint of unease. She turned to look at Sirzechs, who seemed to be thinking the same thing. "Sirzechs-chan, is this really okay?"
"I think the real question is… are those shadows really them, or something else." Michael said as his eyes locked on the descending figures of the shadow angels.
"I know our brothers and sisters are gone." Gabriel added softly, her voice tinged with sorrow and wonder while Michael nodded his head in agreement. "But… right now, they feel so… alive." Her eyes then widened when some of the female angels turned to her and her older brother, offering warm, almost peaceful smiles.
"In a way, I guess him bringing my men back like this is something of a bitter comfort. At least now they will continue to remain in this world." Azazel said. "I would like to have some words with Issei later, if you guys don't…"
"Issei-kun, watch out!"
Just before Azazel could finish his request, Sirzechs interrupted him with an alarming shout, as a blast of white energy descended from above and hit Issei, completely unaware of the incoming attack. An explosion erupted around him, sending chunks of ice off the frozen ground flying and enveloping Issei in a cloud of smoke and dust.
But when the smoke cleared, Issei remained standing, unharmed. Behind him, Gladio positioned himself between him and his attacker with the Attractive Shield raised high, having used it to shield his master away from the blast.
"Vali, what are you doing?" Azazel asked as Issei turned his gaze over his shoulder to meet the White Dragon Emperor, who was still hovering up in the sky in his full Scale Mail, his pristine white armor gleaming against the fading remnants of the battlefield.
"I suppose that meager blast is enough to get his attention." Vali said "And you should stay out of this, Azazel. This is the moment I have been waiting for."
"So you want to fight me here?" Issei asked, his eyes narrowing as he turned fully around to look at Vali. "Right now, after all the discussion about peace earlier in the conference room? After everything that just happened?"
"Peace. World Domination. I could care less." Vali responded coolly. "All that I have ever wanted is to test my strength against a strong opponent. And in a world built on peace, that kind of opportunity becomes... limited. I must admit, things look more interesting from this side."
"Hoh, so you are implying you are betraying me, Vali?" Azazel asked in amusement as he rubbed his chin.
Vali just smirked behind his helmet. "Call it whatever you want, old man. I'm merely chasing after what I believe in."
"Of course you are. You always were a pain in the ass." Azazel let out a chuckle before he asked in a more serious tone "Before you two dragons go at it, there is just one thing I want to ask you. My vice Governor-General, Shemhaza, has recently gotten wind of a dangerous faction. I believe that the same Faction has sent Katerea here tonight with all these magicians to assassinate us with the hope it would plunge the world into chaos. I think he called them… Khaos Brigade. Is the person in charge really the Ouroboros Dragon, Ophis?"
"It's true that she has come to me with the offer to join her side." Vali answered "But neither one of us is interested in world domination. I cannot say the same about those under her wings, but she and I… we came together so we could just use our power."
"Oh, so you are not friends with Katerea then?" Azazel asked, glancing briefly over to Kat before he continued "And here I thought that must be the case, since both of you had your Maou titled and seats taken."
"Huh, what are you talking about?" Rias asked in surprise.
"My name is Vali Lucifer." Vali declared confidently.
"What did he just say?" Sirzechs voiced his opinion in surprise, with Issei widening his eyes slightly at the declaration.
"It can't be…"
"Yes, you are correct. I am a descendant of the original Lucifer." Vali said. To prove it, he spread his arms slightly and let his devil wings appear from his back. There were eight of them in total, casting a shadow across the ground behind him as they moved lightly alongside the energy wings of Divine Dividing. "However, I am a half-breed, between my father who was Lucifer's grandson and my mother who was a human. I obtained the power of the [Vanishing Dragon] thanks to my human half. So, I, who is a descendant of Lucifer and also the [Vanishing Dragon, was born. If there really is such a thing as destiny or miracles, I might be one."
"There you have it, Issei." Azazel chuckled as he fixed his gaze on the Hakuryuukou "With the blood of Lucifer himself running through his veins, your opponent will probably become the strongest Hakuryuukou the world has ever known. Heh, I think he might already walk on that path."
"I could care less." Issei murmured, but his voice could be heard by all those who were watching "So you are the Hakuryuukou with the blood of the Maou himself? Big deal, I have Ddraig with me, and I think that is enough for us to carve your face in."
[You got that right, partner.] Ddraig spoke up with a chuckle from the gem of Boosted Gear.
"Hoh, so you are just eager to test your strength against a worthy opponent then. To be fair, I first thought fate was cruel to set me against an ordinary human, who, just a few months ago, was still a lowly human. But you kept exceeding my expectations, Issei Hyoudou. From the moment you defeated Kokabiel, to the moment you easily defeated Katerea here… I have deemed you my rival." Vali declared as he held his hand out "Now, which one of your shadows will you send up first? Maybe the shadow of Katerea herself? Or the one with that broadsword? How about sending them all up… they might serve to be a decent enough warm up for me before I fight you."
At that, Blade stepped forward, his daggers already twirling between his fingers, anticipation glinting in his eyes. But before he could make a move, Issei raised a hand and stopped him, his gaze never once leaving Vali.
"All of you are dismissed." He said, and the shadows swiftly returned to his shadows without any complaint. "If you want this dance, Vali… Ddraig and I will give it to you."
[!] Quest Received – Dance of the Dragons
Defeat your rival – the Hakuryuukou, Vali Lucifer
Reward: 1 Additional Pact Slot.
With that, a surge of crimson energy erupted from his body as Boosted Gear roared to life. In a flash of blinding energy as the entire Kuoh Academy trembled under his power, his crimson Scale Mail manifested, plating his body in glimmering red armor as an aura of overwhelming might flooded the battlefield. The sheer pressure cracked the frozen ground beneath him and sent shockwaves rippling outward, forcing even the nearby spectators to brace themselves for the battle to come.
[Impressive… so this is the Sekiryuutei of this generation. He exceeded even my expectations.] Albion said, his voice echoing from the energy wings behind Vali as he made his devil wings disappear. [Be very careful, Vali. He might be even stronger than you right now.]
"We shall see." Vali said, holding his hands out "Come, Sekiryuutei!"
Without another word, Issei took off, his wings flaring wide as he shot into the air like a bullet. Vali dove to meet him head-on, and in the blink of an eye, the two collided with a thunderous crash that sent a shockwave rippling across the battlefield. They broke apart for only a fraction of a second before smashing into each other again, faster than most could follow.
Heroes, Goddess, and those of the Three Factions watched in awe as crimson and white streaks tore across the sky like twin comets locked in a battle of strength. The pressure of their clash split the clouds apart, distorting the air around them and even causing small ripples of space to shimmer briefly in the sky as each impact boomed like thunder,
"Unreal… it's been so long since I have witnessed a clash between the Two Heavenly Dragons at this level," Azazel murmured, his eyes fixed on the spectacle above. A grin tugged at the edge of his lips despite the tension in the air. "No… this might even surpass what I saw in the past."
"Ise… just how strong have you become?" Rias whispered quietly as she watched the battle unfolding alongside the rest of her Peerage. No one, not even Kiba himself, could keep up with the movements of the two dragons clashing in the sky. To them, they were nothing but blur streaks of their respective colors. "Just… how far have we been left behind?"
Another collision rocked the skies, this one was so strong that the people across Kuoh town could feel it despite the barriers surrounding the school. Vali and Issei separated again, facing each other from across the sky. Cracks of energy sparked around their armored forms as they stared at each other.
"I knew you would be able to keep up." Vali called out, grinning under his helmet.
"Keep up with what? I am just getting started." Issei replied, his voice barely hiding the excitement he was also feeling. With a flash of crimson light, he brandished Ascalon, the blade responding to his pact with Ddraig by instantly igniting with intense holy flames..
[Ascalon? Be careful, Vali. I will not be able to deflect even one cut from that blade.] Albion warned as Issei flew at Vali once more.
"I will be fine as long as his cuts do not find their marks, right?" Vali asked as he used the ability of Divide Dividing to reduce the overwhelming holy aura surrounding the blade. Issei, however, countered each attempt to weaken the blade by continually boosting it with his Boosted Gear, keeping the holy aura at full force.
Their clash resumed, fiercer than before. Their fists collided, shattering the air with a booming shockwave, but instead of letting their clash see the same outcome, he swung Ascalon in a wide arc, the blade leaving a trail of fire behind as it came at Vali. The Hakuryuukou twisted away just in time, the edge of the blade skimming past his shoulder and burning away a chunk of his Scale Mail armor as a result.
"Close one." Vali said, landing on a floating piece of rubble.
"Are you sure you are up for this? You're not doing much but dodging now." Issei called out, his wings spread wide as he floated in the air above Vali "I guess having a holy dragon slaying weapon is a bit of an advantage on my part. Want me to put it away?"
"You learn to use whatever you have. Every advantage is just a weapon waiting to be wielded. Even our dragons clashed using items to enhance their strength." Vali responded, rising slowly from the rubble. "Besides, if I can't overcome something like that, then what right do I have to call myself your rival?"
Issei smirked, his grip on Ascalon tightening. "Good answer."
Saying that, he shot forward again, a crimson blur streaking across the battlefield in a blink of an eye. Vali met him midair, fists crackling with power, but this time, Issei didn't go for brute force. He weaved through Vali's strikes, using Ascalon not just to slash, but to feint, redirect, and keep Vali constantly off-balance. His new strategy worked, and Vali was forced to pull back for the first time as Ascalon whistled past his chest, singing the edge of his breastplate. Vali instantly retaliated with a devastating left hook to the side of his head, causing Issei to stagger briefly, but instantly recovered to counter with a boosted knee to his stomach that knocked the wind out of him midair.
[BOOST!]
The sound echoed as Issei threw his flaming fist into Vali, launching him backward. The Hakuryuukou spun through the sky before slamming into the university building of Kuoh Academy. The impact caused the entire building to collapse, but Vali kicked off of it just as fast, wiping the blood from his helmet as he shot at Issei,
[DIVIDE!]
[BOOST!]
[DIVIDE!]
[BOOST!]
Announcements echoed from Boosted Gear and Divide Dividing as the two Heavenly Dragons rammed into each other. Issei swung his blade, sending out a crescent shape arc of holy flame at Vali, who used his [Reflect] ability to redirect the arc back at Issei. The Sekiryuutei immediately dove down to avoid it, taking advantage of the moment Vali used his ability to close the distance, block his hook with his left hand before thrusting Ascalon at his face. Vali twisted his head just fast enough to avoid the blade, but his visor still met with the fist holding the weapon. The helmet shattered instantly upon impact before Vali was sent soaring through the air once more before he was able to catch himself, blood trailing from a cut across his cheek as his face became visible under his destroyed helmet.
"Impressive. You could have killed me right there, Issei Hyoudou." Despite the pain from being hit with holy flame as a devil, Vali still wore a smirk on his face as he looked at Issei.
"Nice reaction though. You are strong, Vali Lucifer." Issei said, praising his rival before his tone became more serious "But it's time I end this dance between us."
A storm of fire ignited around Issei as his aura exploded violently in a surge of crimson energy. The sheer pressure of it forced the onlookers to shield their eyes, the air itself trembling under the force. Ascalon blazed in his grasp, and with a single beat of his own dragon wings, Issei vanished instantly from sight, leaving only an afterimage of fire in his spot.
[Skill Activated] – Phoenix Shift.
[BOOST!]
Vali darted around, instinct screaming at him about the direction Issei was coming from. For a brief moment, it looked like he had reacted in time to his rival, who appeared behind him with a burst of flame, but in truth, he was a fraction of a millisecond behind, and that was all Issei needed to land his attack. His fist struck across his newly reformed helmet with an explosion of dragon flame, shattering it into fragments once more. Before Vali could recover, Issei followed through with a powerful kick that sent him spiraling through the air.
Momentarily staggered and disoriented, Vali struggled to regain control of his flight, but Issei was already upon him. He threw his fist out, hoping to catch the Sekiryuutei off guard, but Issei easily sidestepped the attack, his form twirling around with both hands holding onto Ascalon.
[BOOST!]
[BOOST!]
[Skill Activated] - Transfer
[Skill Activated] – Vital Slash.
Transferring the boosted energy into the weapon, Issei slashed his blade at Vali in a diagonal strike. The moment the blade finally found its mark, an eruption of holy flame, bright as the sun, engulfed the area. Ascalon cleaved through the air and cut through the white Scale Mail like it was paper before a wave of blinding, radiant fire exploded from the blade, engulfing Vali entirely in an intense inferno of pure divine power as he was sent crashing into the ground. The roar of the explosion generated from his collision with the earth was deafening, and a shockwave reverberated outward, knocking debris and dust high into the air.
When the light finally dimmed and the smoke began to clear, Vali slowly emerged from the center of the scorched earth, his body charred and battered, but he was still standing. For a brief moment after his strike landed, Issei had seen Vali covering himself in his own demonic power, which was probably the reason why he was still alive despite being struck by holy flame as a devil.
"That... was a hell of a strike." Vali said, his voice rasping, but there was a grin tugging at the corner of his lips. "Guess I underestimated you, Sekiryuutei."
Issei stood firm, lowering Ascalon slightly as he met Vali's gaze. "You fought well." He said, his tone flat but respectful. "But it's over. I'm gonna let Azazel take you in and…"
"No, this is far from over, Issei Hyoudou." Vali chuckled "Our clash, from the start to finish, is just the proof that it will be worth it to show you the Juggernaut Drive."
"Juggernaut Drive?"
"Vali! You are insane if you intended to activate that here!" Azazel spoke up, but there was no amusement in his voice.
"Come now, don't act so surprised. At the level you are at right now… I bet you have already mastered your own Juggernaut Drive using your own demonic power." Vali said, ignoring Azazel as he focused his gaze solely on his rival.
[Vali, are you sure that this is what you want?] Albion asked, his voice echoing from the Divine Dividing. When Vali did not answer as he rose to his feet, the white dragon knew that there was nothing he could say to stop him [Very well then. Ddraig, tell your host to prepare his own Juggernaut Drive.]
"Michael, Sirzechs, Gunhee… we need to stop them before he finishes their incantation. A clash between two Juggernaut Drive will surely…"
Before Azazel could finish saying that to the two other leaders, The motion was calm, but the effect was immediate—every spectator turned wide-eyed in surprise. Even Vali could not stop himself from lifting a brow in surprise before an amused grin spread across his face. It was just as he had expected. His rival had also learnt how to use his own Juggernaut Drive.
"Let him. I know that I'm just a lowly devil, but I humbly request you three to raise a barrier around us yourself." Issei stated confidently as he gripped Ascalon tightly in his hands "I will defeat him… and show him the difference between us."
"Good. Very good, Issei Hyoudou!" Vali grinned and threw his fist into the air, causing a brilliant aura to flare around him "Let's do it together, then. I, who am about to awaken…"
"Issei, are you sure?" Sirzechs asked seriously.
"Am the Heavenly Dragon who lost all to the principles of supremacy."
"Yes, Lucifer-sama." Issei answered. With no more hesitation, the three leaders, Sirzechs, Michael, and Azazel, joined forces, their magic intertwining to form a powerful barrier around the entire area surrounding Issei and Vali. A moment later, the rest followed suit, including Aphrodite, whose divine magic wove through the shield like golden silk, reinforcing it further.
"I envy the "infinite" and I pursue the "dream"" Vali continued, his aura intensifying until it engulfed the battlefield in a blinding white light. "I shall become the White Dragon of Supremacy!"
"JUGGERNAUT DRIVE!"
With that announcement, which echoed like thunder across the battlefield, his brilliant aura exploded outward, the sheer intensity forcing even the leaders outside the barrier to brace themselves. His armor expanded and shifted, twisting into a form far more monstrous than before. White, jagged scales protruded from his body, and wings of pure energy erupted from his back as his hands and feet became claws. His mask was replaced by a draconic visage, his eyes glowing with otherworldly might as the full power of the Juggernaut Drive radiated outwards.
The ground beneath Vali cracked and splintered from the pressure alone, and the very sky above them seemed to warp under the sheer density of his power as the white dragon unleashed a terrifying roar.
And yet—Issei didn't flinch.
"Your turn, Issei Hyoudou." Vali snarled in his twisted, draconic tone.
"You know…" To his surprise and that of all those who were watching, Issei simply held up his hand, the palm of which holding a small flame that burnt steadily. "Ddraig told me rage is the emotion that drove us dragons. We draw out our true strength by letting that rage consume us. It's so much more fitting when Sacred Gears also respond to our feelings."
He then held his hand into a fist and pressed it against his chest, his eyes closed as he listened to the rhythmic thumping of his own heartbeat. Slowly, the sound became richer, as if it was joined by a second, more powerful pulse. His chest rose and fell with each beat, steady and strong, and the flame in his hand began to spread. It crawled down his arm, weaving around his muscles and tendons like liquid fire, until it engulfed his entire body.
You ready, Ddraig?
As I always will be, partner.
"Unlike you, Vali." Issei said as he snapped his eyes open and threw his arms out, igniting the air around him in an explosion of dragon fire. "I don't need rage to unleash my power, not when I have a badass dragon partner at my side."
[Soul Link]
Activated!
Those who stood outside the barrier watched on in awe as Issei slowly emerged from within the raging inferno surrounding him. Even Vali could do nothing but stare in disbelief. Albion too, seemed stunned by what he was witnessing, and feeling, as while the transformation Issei had just undergone was unimpressive compared to his host, the overwhelming aura that radiated around him that had turned into pure fire was another story entirely. Gone was his Scale Mail, and in its place was only the crimson gauntlets and greaves, all of which had slimmed down. The green jewels that once embedded in the Boosted Gear now adorned his pauldrons, glinting with a newfound brilliance as his power kept skyrocketing. His red cloak billowed behind him like a fiery banner, while the tips of his hair seemed to burn and flicker like flames in the wind.
"Issei Hyoudou…"
"You two cannot win this battle, Vali, Albion…." Speaking up in the dual tone of himself and Ddraig, Issei held up Ascalon and dashed forward, the air around him distorting as he moved. The very pressure of his speed cracked the ground beneath him, sending shockwaves through the battlefield.
Vali let out a roar as he brought his claws up to swing it at his rival, but Issei weaved effortlessly through the strike before thrust his blade forward while dashing through the air, his weapon slicing across Vali's monstrous torso while leaving an arc of pure dragon fire in the air and causing the white armor of Juggernaut Drive fractured under its power, and one of the blue jewels embedded in it was sliced clean off. As Issei came to a stop behind him, the severed jewel landing beside his feet with a heavy thud, he stomped his foot down, using the impact to propel himself into the air. His fist cocked back, and in that instant, Ddraig's colossal dragon arm materialized above him.
With a gaze as cold as steel, Issei threw his fist down just as Vali turned his head around with white energy building in his mouth, bringing Ddraig's fist down to strike his rival square in the face, sending a shockwave that caused the barrier around them to tremble. The white dragon let out a pained roar as his head snapped back, his body lifted from the ground and was sent hurling through the air, crashing into the ruins of the old school building. The sound of his massive, dragonoid body slamming into the structure echoed across the battlefield, leaving a massive crater where he had landed.
Even before the smoke was clear, Vali had already shot out from the wreckage, energy crackling around him as he propelled himself toward Issei with a ferocious speed. Issei just jumped back, narrowly avoiding the incoming claws as the white dragon swiped it at him before slamming his blade down into the ground. The force of the strike unleashed a shockwave of flame, causing the earth to tremble and an explosion to erupt beneath him. The explosion sent a wave of flame that swept over Vali, burning at his scales before forcing him back, his monstrous form momentarily thrown off balance before he was struck again, this time by Issei himself as he dove his fist into the side of his head.
"I can see your demonic energy diminishing, Vali." Issei said as Vali crashed into the ground "Ddraig told me Juggernaut Drive drained our lifeforce, so you must be using your own reserve as the substitute. At the rate it's being drained, you won't last for another minute. After that battle between us, you are already running on fumes"
And so would he, but of course, his rival didn't need to know that.
"So how about we just finish it right here."
With that said, Issei drew a Kamish Dagger from his inventory and tightened his grip around Ascalon in the other hand. The ground beneath him blew apart as he launched forward with explosive speed, a red and black blur breaking the sound barriers numerous times as it tore across the battlefield. Vali raised his arms to defend, but his strike ended up missing as Issei easily dove over and struck with Ascalon, the dragon slaying weapon shattering the metal arm guard in the process, knocking it back. Kamish followed immediately after as he leaped into the air, slashing it across the giant chestplate with a flash of searing flame, forcing him back.
[Skill Activated] – Vital Slash.
[Skill Activated] – Vital Slash.
[Skill Activated] – Vital Slash.
[Skill Activated] – Vital Slash.
[Skill Activated] – Vital Slash.
[Skill Activated] – Vital Slash.
Again and again, Issei pressed the assault, hacking and slashing with his dual blades while empowering each of his attacks with Vital Slash. Vali tried to retaliate, but the onslaught was relentless. Each time he moved to counter, Issei was already ahead of him, slipping past his guard and carving into the armor with devastating strikes that either cracked his armor, or caused severe damage to his dragon body.
"Turning yourself into a dragon just makes you a much bigger target for me, Vali!"
Issei roared as he cocked his fist back and launched it straight at Vali, his metal knuckling slamming right into his jaw. The impact sent a shockwave rippling through the air, cracking the ground beneath their feet. Vali reeled backward, but Issei was already on him again, not letting up for even a second.
"Promotion, Rook!" With that declaration, Issei tossed his blades away and charged toward Vali, fists clenched tight and glowing red with power. His knuckles slammed into the cracked parts of his breastplate, shattering it into pieces as Vali was sent staggering back with a pained roar.
[BOOST!]
[BOOST!]
[BOOST!]
[BOOST!]
Each chant from his Sacred Gear fueled Issei further, his blows gaining more weights, more speed, more power behind them. Repeatedly, he launched his fists at Vali, pummeling him from every direction. He ducked under a desperate swipe of Vali's claw and countered with a leaping punch that smashed across his temple, twisting the behemoth's head to the side violently before the dragon stumbled and crashed down with a thunderous boom.
As Heavenly Dragon and host looked up, both Vali and Albion widened their eyes.
Above them, Issei had taken a tremendous leap into the sky, his right arm glowing crimson while an overwhelming amount of dragon flame swirled into his knuckle. But what truly froze them wasn't just him—it was the towering spectral form of Ddraig descending right behind him, his own fist wreathed in a burning red aura that mirrored Issei's. For a moment, Albion thought he was seeing a memory, an echo of the past, when he once clashed with Ddraig himself, but realization struck fast and hard.
It wasn't a memory. That Ddraig was very much real.
[Rook Promotion Ultimate Finisher] – Hammer and Anvil
Together, both Red Dragon Emperors brought their fists down in a meteoric strike, blazing with fury and synchronized as one. The ground beneath Vali detonated under the combined impact as he was hit square in the face. Cracks split outward in every direction as the sheer force of the blow shattered the damaged armors of his Juggernaut Drive. The resulting dome of fire was contained within the barrier created by every leader present, but even then, cracks started to appear as the explosion shook the entire field like an earthquake with shockwaves rippling outward, unrooting trees in the distance while dragon flames raged within the barrier and dust filled every corner of the battlefield, cloaking everything in a red-tinged haze.
When the smoke began to clear, the schoolyard of Kuoh Academy was left unrecognizable. A deep crater stretched across the earth where the blow had landed, and at the center of it lay Vali, whose form had reverted back to normal, bruised and grunting in pain. Issei, meanwhile, continued to stand over him, his gauntlet glowing as the last flicker of dragon fire of the Soul Link state continued to lick at his form, with Ddraig slowly fading away while hovering over him and looking down at his rival, who was at a complete loss for words.
[You have defeated your rival]
[!] Quest Completed!
An additional Pact Slot has been unlocked.
[!] Level up!
[!] Level up!
[!] Level up!
"You've lost, Vali."
But then, a crack in space caught his attention.
A figure then burst forth from the crack, launching their staff at Issei from above, forcing him to leap back from Vali as the extended weapon hit the spot where he had stood, sending out a shockwave and kicking up dust. As the dust settled, the figure revealed himself to be a young man with short, light-colored hair and sharp brown eyes. His athletic build was clad in elegant, ancient Chinese armor, and in his hand, he held a long, intricately carved staff, which he spun once before planting it firmly on his shoulder.
Before Issei could ask who he was, another figure emerged. He was a bespectacled young man dressed in a business suit with blonde hair and blue eyes. In his hands, he wielded a two-handed sword with a rounded pommel and a golden cross-guard that curved slightly forward, gleaming with an unreal amount of holy aura.
"Bikou? Arthur?" Vali addressed the new arrivals as they helped him up and healed him, his tone caught between irritation and surprise. Bikou, the one wielding the extendable staff, looked around and whistled in amazement.
"Shit, Vali. When you said you might have to unleash your Juggernaut Drive, I thought you were just joking… Guess the Red One really did pack some serious strength, huh?" Bikou said, lowering his staff slightly as he stepped closer.
Vali said nothing at first as he got up, still breathing heavily, though the wounds across his body had begun to heal, leaving him with a small grin on his face. "Far beyond it… I don't think all three of us here can defeat him if we take him on like this. Am I correct, Issei Hyoudou?"
"The question here is if you guys wanna try." Issei answered evenly as Arthur and Bikou looked at Vali in surprise.
"Interesting, so even you have joined the Khaos Brigade, Bikou." Azazel said as he walked up to Issei, who glanced over his shoulder to see the man walking up with a relaxed posture "He's a descendant of the Victorious Fighting Buddha, Sun Wukong himself. I have no info on the other one, but in his hand is the last and strongest fragment of the Excalibur, Excalibur Ruler. I do admit that you three look good together."
"Heh, just like my ancestor, I am carefree and live as I please. Nice to meet you though, Governor-General Azazel and Sekiryuutei, Issei Hyoudou." Bikou answered with a playful laugh.
"I know this might be sudden, but someone from our side would like to have a word with you all." Arthur stated calmly, and as soon as the words left his mouth, a large portal opened on the edge of the schoolyard. Everyone, except for Vali and his two companions, could do nothing but stare in shock. There was no mistaking it.
It was a Gate.
From within its glowing center, a humanoid figure stepped out. Soon enough, Issei found himself looking at a stunning, pale-skinned woman, with long silver hair tied up high, crimson eyes gleaming with malice, and small sharp horns curving from her head. She wore a skimpy one-piece suit that left her belly and large cleavage on display, with gold accessories on her arms, head and around her hips.
"Well, aren't you a pretty little thing?" Azazel remarked with a chuckle, but the woman ignored him, focusing her attention solely on Issei.
"Hmm... it seems my master is correct, you are still this... lesser version of yourself." The figure spoke up with a sly grin as she stepped forward and stopped a few feet before her Gate.
"Who are you!?" Issei demanded, narrowing his eyes at the woman. He could feel it. She might look like a human, and those sharp carnies with bloody red eyes made Issei think about a vampire, but he could sense the overwhelming mana flowing from her.
She was a Gate monster.
"The name is Bedelia, and my master sent me here to deliver you this message..."
It took Issei a moment, but then the realization hit him like a truck. Bedelia was speaking to him in the same language that Baruka had once used, the tongue only Issei understood while not knowing how. His gaze snapped to Azazel, who was staring at him with wide-eyed surprise. Behind them, the other leaders, though maintaining their composure and gazes on Bedelia, could only exchange glances, their faces betraying a mix of confusion and shock despite the fact that they had already known of the fact that Issei could speak in the language.
"Struggle all you want, Sung Jinwoo." Bedelia continued, speaking the name in a voice holding so much venom Issei felt a deep sense of unease crawling through him "The true game has just begun. Our preparations are almost over. When Lord Antares arrives and takes back what is his… all of your efforts to protect this world will be nothing more than a faint echo in the wind."
And with that, Bedelia disappeared into swirling mass of otherwordly energy behind her, which also vanished only a second later. Looking back, Issei saw that Vali and his two companions were also already gone, leaving the battlefield eerily silent.
For a moment, no one dared to speak a word, letting the threat that Bedelia had just delivered sink in. Issei soon found himself surrounded by his friends, but he barely reacted to their questions.
His thoughts were elsewhere.
Sung Jinwoo.
It was a name that should not have meant anything to him, and yet… it echoed in his mind like a forgotten memory that had just resurfaced.
"So, from today on I'll be the chemistry teacher of Kuoh Academy, as well as the advisor of this Occult Research Club. Please call me Azazel-sensei. Governor is fine too." Azazel declared proudly, looking far too pleased with himself to not tick off anyone in the clubroom, as they sat around the table and listened to his announcement.
Issei could only give him a flat, deadpan look, then turned toward Rias with a silent plea for some kind of explanation. In response, Rias let out a long sigh while rubbing her forehead as if she had a headache incoming.
"I know, I know." She answered. "As absurd as it sounds, it was my brother who requested him to teach us and help us get stronger. There's not much I can do at this point…"
"Because of that, I can stay here as long as I want to make the immature Sacred Gears possessed by the Devils of the Gremory family grow. I guess my knowledge as a Sacred Gear enthusiast is finally useful, after all. You guys have also heard about it during the Kuoh Battle, but there is this Khaos Brigade as well, who we have every reason to believe is connected to Bedelia and this threat from another world. As a future deterrent against them, the Sekiryuutei of this generation and his associated family have become famous."
"How long did it take for you to prepare that whole speech?" Issei asked dryly, but Azazel just brushed it off with a wave of his hand.
"With the Kuoh Peace Treaty being signed, it's time for us to leave everything behind us and move on to the future, kid." Azazel declared before he continued "Now, without further ado, it's time for me to do my job. First is the Holy-Demonic Sword user."
"Yes?" Kiba chuckled, pointing at himself.
"How long can you fight with your Balance Breaker?" Azazel asked, rubbing his chin with a thoughtful expression.
"Err… My limit is one hour, I guess."
Azazel frowned at the answer. "Okay, that's not good. If you really want to contribute in future battles, at least you have to be able to hold it on for at least three days, give or take."
Kiba nodded his head in understanding before Azazel turned to the Queen in the room, whom seemed to know exactly what he was about to ask her. "Next, Akeno!"
"Y-yes?"
"…Do you still hate Baraqiel?" Azazel did pause for a second, but he asked without hesitation.
Akeno replied with a stern expression in return. "I still have no intention of forgiving him. That's all I have to say."
"You know, when he found out about your reincarnation into a devil, he did not say a word."
"It's only natural for him not to have any position to make any comment about my life."
"Well, I guess it's not my place to say anything…" Azazel said, nodding before looking at Gasper, who flinched "You. We need to work on your control over your power. You, Xenovia Quarta. You need to start thinking with your head instead of your blade. I will set up a training regimen for the two of you, so get yourself ready."
"Okay?"
"U-uhmmm…"
"Nothing for me?" Rias asked, crossing her arms over her chest as Azazel looked at her.
"Even without training, you have the potential to become one of the highest class devils with your natural talent alone, but if you want, I will make sure to set you in the right direction. Your training will of course be even harder than what I have in mind for your servants." Rias nodded her head, looking quite determined despite what Azazel had just said.
"And you. You need to work on the range of your healing aura. You need to be able to heal your allies without having to be right next to them." Azazel said, pointing his hand at Asia, who looked at him nervously. "And because of that, we need to do something with your kindness as well. I can't have you healed your enemies as well now, can we?"
"Y-Yes."
"And you…" Finally, he turned to Issei, who was sitting next to Ravel and happily enjoying another slice of her rich, homemade chocolate cake. "I need to have a word with you in private."
"Huh? Okay." Nodding his head, Issei handed Ravel his half-empty dish before making his way over to the balcony of the clubroom with Azazel, who shut the sliding glass door behind them, leaving the rest of the club to go about with their daily activities. "What's up?"
"As for you, Issei, I believe I have nothing to teach you when it comes to your Sacred Gear." Azazel began, making Issei look at him in surprise "Without having a chance to properly analyze it first, of course. Your version of the Boosted Gear appears to have evolved beyond any type of Sacred Gear I have ever encountered."
"Seriously?"
"Yes, and I suspect it's largely due to this 'Dragon Pact' ability that Sirzechs mentioned. I went through your files the other night—fascinating stuff, by the way."
He gave Issei a sideways glance. "I've studied my fair share of Rune Stones during my Sacred Gears research, and while I've come across some strange and powerful abilities, none quite match the scale of what you've achieved with both Dragon Pact and Shadow Extraction."
"And I will be frank with you, Issei… that Shadow Extraction ability of yours is raising red flags among the Factions. The fact that you can just revive and bring any of us back and not just Gate monsters as your shadow minions is making everyone nervous, especially after we saw how easy it was for Katerea to bend her knees to you after she returned as one of your shadows."
Azazel continued seriously, making Issei glance over to him, though he did not look surprised in the slightest. After all, ever since he'd realized he could turn not just Gate monsters, but potentially anything dead into a shadow soldier, he had expected this conversation to come up eventually.
"Questions are being raised, Issei, about what you'll do with all that power in your hands, with that army of undead soldiers whose wills were bound to yours. It's a good thing you've got people vouching for you, and that we've entered an era of peace with the Three Factions united with our allies against a single enemy, an enemy that we will need a miracle to even find the hope to beat." Azazel said "But, you do have to understand that power like that makes people nervous."
"I do." Issei nodded his head in understanding. "What do you think then, Azazel… uh, sensei?"
"You know that us fallen angels just vanish when we die, right?" Azazel turned to Issei and asked "I don't know if Michael will fix it or not, and I have been meaning to talk to him about it, but… we were those abandoned by God, so unlike angels and devils, we don't have a place to go to after death. The fact that you can bring back those fallen angels is in itself already a miracle. What am I even saying? Maybe I should be thanking you. But then… are they really alive? I don't know. Maybe they deserve to keep existing in this world, even like that. Our numbers are small enough as it is."
"And here I am wondering whether I should let them pass on… how can I do that now after you give me that speech, sensei?" Issei asked, making Azazel chuckle in response.
"You do what you think is best. Those warriors knew the risk. They fought to their last breath. Whether or not you decide to keep them in your army, or let them pass on is up to you." Azazel said "And as for Sirzechs and Michael, you will have to ask them yourself, but I won't be too worried about them. They will have their own concerns, yes, but they are not idiots who will jump right to a conclusion. Sirzechs, especially, will judge you more by the kind of person you are than the power you wield, and I believe he knows you well enough to make the better judgement."
"I guess wanting to start a career as a hero also helps, huh?" Issei asked, making Azazel chuckle in response.
"It does." Azazel said, before continuing seriously. "Still, that ability of yours is the least of our concerns at the moment."
"You mean Bedelia and her message?" Issei asked, voicing the name that had been in his mind since the signing of the Peace Treaty a couple of days ago. He had reported everything back to the leaders, including the message Bedelia had told him, and no doubt that it had been their main topic of discussion alongside the situation with Khaos Brigade.
"Our mysterious vampire hottie, yes." Azazel nodded, chuckling a littlle. However, there was no playfulness in his tone "At least, that's what we believe she is based on her appearance." Azazel nodded "I spoke with the others. The master she mentioned... for the time being, we're treating them as the one responsible for opening the Gates in our world, as well as the master of those magic beasts and monsters coming through from the other side."
At that, he let out a sigh. "As if Ophis being the leader of the Khaos Brigade wasn't bad enough... now it seems she's aligned herself with threats from another world as well."
"So, what do we do now, sensei?" Issei decided to ask.
"For now, we need to gather information. We need to know everything we can about Antares, Bedelia, and any other players involved in this, especially Sung Jinwoo," Azazel said, making Issei nod his head in understanding. He had tried to seek out the name himself with Ravel, but so far their research had borne no fruit. "The first Gate appeared in Korea, Issei. There has to be a connection between them and this Jinwoo person... or the reason Bedelia called you by that name."
"The gears are shifting, Issei, and we can't afford to be caught off guard again like what happened at the Treaty." Azazel continued before he looked over to Issei. "As for you, Issei. We need you to get even stronger than you are right now. I'm sorry, kid... but whatever's coming, I think you'll need to prepare more than anyone here."
"It's alright. I understand." Issei nodded his head.
"Be sure to live your life a little as well. I'm sure your public image would greatly improve if you don't go around and turn anything you kill into your undead minions." Azazel said, patting Issei lightly on the shoulder. "Just remember, you don't have to carry all that weight yourself. You're not alone in this. You have us all with you."
"Why does it sound like something Lady Aphrodite would say?"
"And that was exactly what she said when we brought you up during our most recent meeting. She also warned us to not boost you too hard." Azazel replied with a chuckle "She really likes you, you lucky brat."
"Speaking of whom, I think it's time. How do I look?"
"You look... okay, I suppose? Why?"
Issei just took a deep breath as he turned around to make his way back into the clubroom, leaving Azazel to look at him in curiosity. Once that was inside, Issei looked at a certain young woman who was standing at her station and making a fresh batch of cookies for everyone, wasting no time to walk over to her and say.
"Akeno-san, can I have a moment with you?" He asked, his voice slightly hesitant.
"Of course, Issei-kun. Anything for you." Akeno responded with a soft smile, setting the plate in her hands down before turning to face him.
Taking another deep breath, he then gathered his courage, and asked with as much confidence as could muster.
"Would you… would you like to go out with me?"
The room fell silent, and to say that everyone was shocked that day would be an understatement.
[!] Soul Link Ultimate
[Rook Promotion Ultimate Finisher] – Hammer and Anvil.
The Ultimate Finisher of the Dragonic Rook Promotion, a single, crushing blow that deals 11056% of STR as [True Physical Damage] + 400% INT as [True Fire Damage]. Additionally, the impact creates a shockwave that stuns all nearby enemies and temporarily reduces their DEF by 60%.
Name: Issei Hyoudou
Race: Reincarnated Devil
Class: Level 50 Dragonsworn / Level 28 Shadow Monarch
HP: 20,015/20,015
MP [Current Attribute: Draconic/Demonic: 5430/5430
Link Gauge: 120/120
Title: Champion of the Dragons
Strength: 242
Vitality: 201
Intelligence: 215
Dexterity: 206
Perception: 186
Charisma: 176
Unique Class Skills: Fire Imbue (LV3), Shadow Extraction (LV1), Shadow Storage (LV1), Karma (LV1).
Active skills: Doubling (LV4), Transfer (LV4), Penetrate (LV4), Sprint (Max Level), Vital Slash (LV1), Jump (Max Level – Equipment Ability), Observe (LV2), Ruler's Hands (LV1), Phoenix Shift (LV1).
Active spells: Fire balls (LV4 - Fire Dragon Pact Affected), Firewall (LV4 - Fire Dragon Pact Affected), Lightning Strike (LV2 – Lightning Dragon Pact Affected), Water Blast (LV1), Earth Shield (LV1), ...
Current Pacts: Y Ddraig Goch (Fire) – Pact LV3, Chaos Karma Dragon Tiamat (Fire) – Pact LV1, Rassei (Lightning) – Pact LV1.
Current Active Pact [3/5] : Y Ddraig Goch (Fire) – Pact LV3
Current Shadows: 310 / 340 (Wolves 29. Panthers 18. Shadow Troop 118. Shadow Elementals 27. Magicians 34. Shadow Elves 42. Devils 14. Fallen Angels 13. Angels 15.)
Elite Rank Shadows: Lycaon (Knight), Tora (Knight), Blade (Knight), Vulcan (Knight), Tempest (Knight), Gladio (Elite Knight), Glacia (Elite Knight), Katerea (Elite Knight).
Items: Boosted Gear (LV5), Razan's Blade (LVMAX), Magitek General's Helmet (LVMAX), Dragon Knight Boots (LVMAX), Dragon Knight Gauntlets (LVMAX – Only one currently in use -Stats Reduced), Kamish's Awaken (LV?), Key to the Demon Tower, Ascalon R1 (LV40), Orb of Avarice.
Potions: Healing Potions x15, Mana Potions x15, Greater Healing Potions x10, Greater Mana Potions x10, Miracle Potions x3...
Gold: 5.550.120 (G)
Ultimate: Welsh Dragon Balance Breaker – Boosted Gear Crimson Scale Mail (LV.2 – Pact Affected), Soul Link (LV1).
Finisher: Rage of the Fire Dragon, Twinflare.
Sigils: Sigil of the Shadow Commander - Igirs, Sigil of the Shadow Ice Bear - Tank.
End of chapter 25