Since school started, I've barely had time to write (sobs).

To answer a question I got, Lossward's image is based on Ulquiorra's second stage.

"I awaken—"

Finally.

At last.

As I chant the incantation, the voices of past wielders echo in my mind, trying to drag my consciousness under. Thanks to Ddraig suppressing them, it's somewhat bearable.

"I, who stole the law of domination from the gods, am the Twin Heavenly Dragon—"

Seeking domination is our truth.

That is the true will of the Red Dragon Emperor.

Damn these guys, spouting whatever they want!

"I sneer at infinity and lament the illusion—"

Come with us.

Issei Hyoudou, the Red Dragon Emperor of this era.

Their grudges grow stronger.

"Shut up, you bastards! If you've got time to mess with me, lend me your strength!"

"I shall become the Red Dragon Overlord—"

At that moment, a woman's voice rings out.

Heh, you're as interesting as ever.

…Huh? Who's that?

This feeling… it's different from the others.

Don't worry. I'm Elsha, your ally.

Ally…?

Yes. As a lingering thought in the Sacred Gear, I've been watching you, Oppai Dragon♪

Gah! Don't call me that in this situation!

Being called that by a woman is mortifying!

It's fun, isn't it?♪ But let's focus on the task at hand. Belzard and I will support Ddraig. You just wield that power with all you've got.

Belzard…?

No time to dwell on it.

"Thanks, Elsha-san! I'll thank you properly once this is over!"

I roar the final verse:

"I shall plunge you into crimson purgatory—!"

Juggernaut Drive!

My armor shifts, sharpening into blood-red edges, sprouting dragon-like wings and claws—a compact dragon form. A storm-like aura surges, destroying everything around me.

"So this is Juggernaut Drive… What a sinister power," Tia mutters behind me.

I've avoided using this power before; it wrecks everything regardless of my will. Probably because it's my first time, too.

Even retaining sanity in this state is impressive, Ddraig says.

"Aren't you suppressing the past wielders' grudges?"

Elsha and Belzard are handling that.

Who are they? I know they're former Red Dragon Emperors, but…

Belzard was the strongest male Red Dragon Emperor. Elsha, the strongest female.

No way.

Those legends are backing me up?

Well, you're the strongest of all now, partner. I'm shocked those two emerged from the Sacred Gear's depths.

"No time to chat," Tia warns. "It's coming."

Above, a black sphere looms closer.

It's a gamble whether we can stop it, but…

"Let's do this, Ddraig! Tia!"

"Yeah!"

Tia and I leap skyward, hands raised, palms open, stances low. We won't let this thing hit the town!

The sphere closes in, and—

Boom.

Ugh…! It's heavy!

The crushing weight assaults us. Bones creak, sweat pours, our bodies scream.

Even in Juggernaut Drive, with Tia here, we can't hold it back?

This is Lossward's power—a strike capable of destroying the world!

"Grrraaahhh!" Tia and I roar, our voices echoing through the town.

Our combined aura, drawing on the Heavenly Dragon's unsealed power, could overwhelm most foes. Yet, we're being pushed back.

Glancing down, the ground's dangerously close.

"Issei! At this rate…!" Tia shouts.

"I know! But we can't give up!"

If this continues, the sphere will hit, obliterating the country. Evacuation's not done yet. We have to stop it.

Got a plan? Ddraig asks.

"Yeah, not sure if it'll work, but…"

I send Ddraig the image in my mind. "Can you do it?"

! That's bold. But it'll weaken your physical defenses drastically.

"Doesn't matter. If we don't stop this, we're done anyway."

Understood.

Maintaining Juggernaut Drive, I release the armor, redirecting its energy to bolster my power. My aura spikes, holding the sphere slightly better. Barely.

"Tia, give me all your power."

"Fine, but… you planning to handle this alone?"

"Yeah. We'll get crushed soon. Combining our strength might give us a shot."

Our powers are split, creating weak points. Consolidating them is more efficient. Tia nods after a moment.

"Alright. Take it—all my power."

She places a hand on my shoulder, her energy flooding into me.

Boom!

My aura explodes, bathing the town in red light. Tia, drained, collapses.

"Thanks, Tia. Rest now. I've got this."

Her power, her trust—I won't waste them.

"Let's go, Ddraig!"

Right!

Accel Full Booster!

BBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBB!

The amplified doubling sound surges, my power skyrocketing.

Welsh Dragon Advent!

ROOOOAAAAARRRR!

My aura forms a massive red dragon, pushing back the black sphere with its mighty arms. Using Renkan Keikikou, I enter the Zone a second time, compressing and cycling energy at breakneck speed.

Pop.

A vein in my temple bursts, blood trickling down. My body's breaking—veins popping everywhere from forcing the Zone repeatedly.

So what?

I've always surpassed my limits.

I'll do it again!

"GAAAAHHHHHH!"

Roaring like a beast, I thrust both hands forward, unleashing all my stored energy. The red dragon grows, dwarfing the sphere.

It wraps its wings around the sphere—and everything explodes.

[Kiba Side]

The blast tears through the town.

Teleported to a shelter by Tiamat, we guided evacuees while watching Issei and Tiamat face Lossward's sphere. We wanted to help, but Maurice stopped us, saying we'd only get in the way.

The sphere overwhelmed even Issei's immense aura, inching closer to the town. Despairing voices rose among the evacuees.

Then, Issei's aura became a colossal red dragon.

I'd seen it before—when Sona's dream was denied, and when Diadora hurt Asia. But this was on another level, surpassing even a Demon Lord's power.

The dragon enveloped the sphere, containing most of its force. The town's in ruins, but surviving that attack is a miracle.

Now, Miu declares, "I'm going!"

"Wait! I'm coming too!" Alice follows, leaping into a teleportation circle.

"Hey, wait!" Maurice shouts, but they're gone.

"Dammit, Yuto! I'll handle things here. Go after them!"

"Yes!"

We enter Rias's teleportation circle, arriving where we parted with Issei. Miu and Alice are there, Tiamat unconscious beside them.

But Issei's nowhere.

I notice Miu and Alice staring upward. Following their gaze—

My eyes widen.

Issei, bloodied, lifeless, hangs limp in Lossward's grip, his eyes devoid of light.

"Sacrificing yourself to save this country… I didn't expect such power," Lossward says, placing a finger on Issei's chest.

Wait… what are you doing?

"You did well."

A black light gathers at Lossward's fingertip.

"It'll be quick. I'll make it painless."

"STOP!" Miu screams.

Her cry doesn't reach him.

The black light pierces Issei's chest.

"NOOOOO!"

Miu's wail echoes through the ruined town.

[Kiba Side Out]

That's it for now.

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