[Issei Side]

I heard voices.

"—Help us, Oppai Dragon!"

"—Come quick!"

"—Beat that monster!"

Children's voices.

The kids of the Underworld, calling for me.

Ignis asked, "Issei, can you hear them?"

"Yeah, loud and clear," I replied.

"I hear them too," Ddraig said. "They're waiting for their hero."

Looking up, I saw the kaleidoscope-like sky of the dimensional gap reflecting the smiling faces of Underworld children, one after another.

This was…

"Great Red says it's projecting the feelings of the Underworld's kids here," Ddraig explained.

The kids of the Underworld…

So many waiting for me.

My chest felt warm, like something was burning inside.

People were waiting for me.

Kids, probably scared, but still smiling, waiting for me.

I've gotta go, right?

"You're their hope," Ignis said. "A hero's gotta answer that call."

With that, she vanished, returning to her sword form.

Yeah, she's right.

I can't just sit around here.

"Let's go home," Ddraig said. "Great Red, can you send this guy back to those kids?"

Great Red let out a massive roar.

A distortion appeared in the space ahead, forming a rift.

I could feel it.

My friends' auras.

The auras of my precious family.

I turned to Ophis, standing beside me. "Ophis, I'm going. To my home. Everyone's waiting."

"That's… a little enviable," Ophis said, her voice tinged with loneliness.

Don't make that face.

Because you—

"Come with me," I said.

Ophis's eyes widened in surprise.

"Your place isn't this lonely void. Your place is with me."

I grinned and extended my hand. "Let's go together, my friend Ophis."

The being called the strongest smiled.

"I and Ddraig are friends. I'll go with you."

Ophis and I clasped hands.

Alright, let's go.

To our home—

Emerging from the dimensional gap, I was face-to-face with a colossal monster!

Whoa!

That's the biggest beast from that pseudo-space!

Behind it, I could see a city in the distance.

So, this monster's heading for that city.

The surrounding area was wrecked—countless craters scarred the ground, mountains, forests, and buildings reduced to rubble.

Wait, is that Grayfia-san and the Lucifer familia fighting it!?

And Miu, Alice, and even Tiamat are there!

It's my first time seeing Grayfia-san in action—insane!

Each of her attacks reshapes the landscape! That's Demon Lord-level power!

The others are no slouches either—I can tell from here they're heavy hitters!

And this monster's barely scratched despite their attacks…

Weren't there other giant monsters too?

The Underworld's probably taken a beating.

Good thing I took down one earlier, even if it drained me!

"That doesn't excuse worrying everyone," Ignis chided.

Ugh… yeah, sorry…

I'm reflecting…

"Still, you lightened the Underworld's burden," Ddraig said. "It wasn't for nothing. Explain yourself, and they'll forgive you."

Ugh… Ddraig, you're such a good guy.

Your kindness hits deep, partner!

But this isn't the time for sentiment. I've gotta join the fight.

I activated my Forbidden Hand, donning my armor and spreading my dragon wings.

"Ophis, I'm heading out. Wait here. Great Red, can you stay with her?"

Not sure if Great Red understood, but…

It nodded its massive head.

"It says okay," Ddraig translated. "Wants to watch the show."

Nice! It understood!

"Alright, I'm off!"

I flapped my wings and flew toward Miu.

"Miu!" I landed beside her as she unleashed a barrage of magic at the giant monster.

Nearby, Alice and Tiamat were hammering it with powerful attacks.

The three noticed me, turning their gazes—

"…"

They froze, eyes wide.

…Huh?

Not much of a reaction?

Maybe because they're mid-attack?

"Maybe they don't recognize you," Ddraig teased.

What!?

No way!

"You've been out of touch for two days. They might think you're dead," Ignis added.

Ouch… that's harsh!

I'm not dead! I was just knocked out, not dead!

Guess I'll show my face to reassure them…

I released my armor, forcing a grin. "Uh… I'm back?"

Scratching my head, I braced for their response—

"Big brother!" Miu cried.

"Issei!" Alice shouted.

"Whoa!?"

They tackled me, knocking me to the ground!

"Owowowowow! You two are too strong! You're crushing me!"

Their hugs were so tight my body was screaming!

Wait!

Did I just hear a weird crack!?

Let go before I actually die!

I just got back—don't let me die now!

"I believed… I believed you'd come back…!" Miu sobbed, burying her face in my chest.

"Why'd you take so long, you idiot!?" Alice cried, pounding my chest.

…Yeah, I really worried them.

"Sorry I'm late," I said, gently patting their heads.

They didn't reply, just nodded, tears streaming.

Tiamat approached. "Finally back, huh?"

"Tiamat…"

She crouched beside me and pinched my cheek.

"Hey, Tiamat!?"

She smirked. "Making us worry like that, you fool."

Hahaha…

Looks like Tiamat was worried too.

I must've freaked everyone out…

Gotta apologize to the others later.

A figure landed nearby. "It really is you, Issei-san."

Grayfia-san, who'd been unleashing devastating magic moments ago.

Instead of her usual maid outfit, her hair was in a single braid, and she wore a form-fitting combat suit.

So that's her battle gear…

I've always thought Grayfia-san's figure is unreal! Hard to believe she's a mom with that tiny waist!

Whoops, no pervy thoughts now.

"Yes, I'm back," I said.

"We were worried when we couldn't reach you. Glad you're safe. I hate to ask right after your return, but can you help stop the 'Super Beastfiend'?"

"Jabba… Jabberwock…?"

"That's the name of the giant magbeast. Governor Azazel named it."

So that's what it's called.

Wait a sec…

I closed my eyes, sharpening my senses.

Expanding my perception—I found them.

In the city, not just the Occult Research Club, but Sona's and Sairaorg's auras too! They're safe!

Thank goodness!

But Azazel-sensei's not with them.

I thought he'd be there…

"Where's Azazel-sensei?" I asked Grayfia-san. "Not with the others?"

"Governor Azazel is in the Underworld with Sirzechs."

"The Underworld?"

"Yes. To ensure Hades, the God of the Dead, doesn't interfere during this chaos."

Got it…

That pseudo-space was crawling with Reapers, including legendary ones, and the Hero Faction and Shalba were backed by that skeletal god.

Left unchecked, Hades could easily strike now.

Azazel-sensei said he hated him, and after this mess, I'm not a fan either. I want payback.

"I'm with you there," Ignis said. "I've got a great idea."

Oh? What's that?

"How about—"

Ignis explained her plan.

Hmm, not bad!

Pretty interesting!

"Right?" Ignis giggled.

I'm in!

What do you think, Ddraig?

"Selling a fight to a god? Bold… but fun. That's the Red Dragon Emperor for you."

Alright, unanimous vote!

Let's give 'em a show!

I turned to Grayfia-san. "I've got a few requests. Miu, you guys too!"

As I shared the plan, everyone grinned mischievously.

Armored again, I soared before the massive "Super Beastfiend."

Humanoid, but a chaotic mix of dragon, lion, and other creature parts—like a chimera.

With six eyes.

Bigger than Great Red, even.

Damn you, Shalba, sending this thing to the Underworld!

"No use complaining," Ddraig said. "Focus on taking it down."

Got it.

Let's do this!

You two, ready?

"Ready!"

"Let's finish this quick!"

I closed my eyes, focusing.

A blazing crimson aura, like flames, erupted from my gauntlet's jewel, enveloping me.

Sparks crackled around my armor.

Time to show them.

Our potential!

WHOOSH!

The crimson aura swelled and burst!

What emerged—

"Forbidden Hand Third Layer—Celestial Wings!!"

My armor shifted from red to vivid crimson, its edges sharper.

The standout feature: crimson wings, bird-like but with blade-sharp feathers.

The aura was calmer than Heavenly Strike or Heavenly Force, but denser—

ROOOOAR!

The "Super Beastfiend" roared, recognizing me!

Its fanged maw flickered with dangerous flames!

It's gonna breathe fire!

"Partner, if that hits the city, it's bad news. Miu's team is still prepping!"

I know, Ddraig!

BOOM!

A massive fireball erupted!

If that hits the city, it'll wipe out a huge area!

If dodging's a bad idea, I'll block it here!

Eight large feathers shot from my wings, darting through the air!

I thrust my hand forward, and three feathers formed a triangular formation.

"Feather Bits!" "Barrier!!!!"

With that shout, red aura shot from the feathers' tips, linking them!

A massive, clear-red triangular barrier formed, blocking the fireball perfectly!

"Issei-san, we've connected with Sirzechs in the Underworld. We can send visuals," Grayfia-san reported.

"We're ready too!" Miu added.

Alright, let's wrap this up!

Grayfia-san and I gave orders.

"Alice!"

"Soushi-san! Sever the 'Super Beastfiend's' legs!"

I called to Alice, while Grayfia-san directed a samurai in a Shinsengumi haori.

"Got it!" Alice said.

"Understood, Grayfia-dono," the samurai, Soushi, replied.

Alice and Soushi darted to the beast's feet—Alice slicing the left, Soushi the right.

Both legs severed simultaneously, the "Super Beastfiend" lost balance, crashing with a ground-shaking thud.

At its landing point, Miu, Tiamat, Grayfia-san, and the Lucifer familia began forming a massive magic array.

The beast's legs were already regenerating!

Tentacles sprouted from the wounds, reconnecting the severed limbs—fast!

Damn it!

Hurry up!

This technique isn't meant for ground level!

Just as I prayed, the magic array glowed beneath the beast!

"Up you go, big brother!" Miu shouted.

In an instant, the "Super Beastfiend" was blasted skyward by the array's force!

Way up high!

Perfect!

"Promotion: Queen!!"

SHIIIIING!

A piercing sound rang out, red light bursting from my armor!

Spreading my wings wide, crimson particles poured from the feathers!

I deployed Ignis, aiming skyward.

The eight Feather Bits clicked and transformed, merging with Ignis.

What formed was a colossal sword, nearly three meters long.

Truth is, Celestial Wings isn't about boosting my power.

It's stronger than my base Forbidden Hand, but Heavenly Force has more striking power, and Heavenly Strike's cannons are more destructive. Those forms focus on my own power-up.

Celestial Wings, though, syncs with Ignis, fully drawing out her power as Ignis.

For a brief moment, I can unleash her full strength!

That's not all—Celestial Wings has other tricks, like the Feather Bits.

But that's enough for now.

Raising the giant sword, a massive aura erupted from its blade.

The aura pierced the heavens, thicker than the "Super Beastfiend's" body!

A radiant pillar of crimson light!

Ignis's aura dyed the Underworld's sky red, shaking the earth!

"This… it's shaking the Underworld itself…!?" Grayfia-san gasped.

That's how insane Ignis's power is!

"Just a fraction of my true strength," Ignis said casually.

That's why our goddess is terrifying… but reassuring!

Ready, Ddraig?

"…III… II… I!!"

"Full Charge!!"

"Now, do it!"

Ddraig's signal!

Here goes!

"Longinus… RISER!!!!"

As I swung the sword down, a torrent of crimson energy slashed through dimensions, crashing toward the "Super Beastfiend"!

This isn't a blast!

It's a colossal slash!

"Die, you bastard!!!"

Ignis's overwhelming power swallowed the "Super Beastfiend" whole—

My sync with Ignis ended, and the crimson slash faded.

The "Super Beastfiend" was gone.

Completely obliterated by Ignis's power.

The slash tore space, leaving a kaleidoscope of dimensional rifts.

That'll take time to heal…

…Oh, crap.

A wave of exhaustion hit me.

This technique's power is god-level, but the toll is insane.

I was out for two days after using it in the pseudo-space.

At least we sent the visuals to the Underworld. Good enough?

"Heh, Hades and his Reapers are probably trembling," Ddraig chuckled. "They didn't expect a warning like this."

Hope they got the message.

No more. Hurt my family, friends, or those kids, and I'll erase you—god or not.

Celestial Wings deactivated, and I couldn't maintain my base Forbidden Hand.

Man, this technique's rough.

Not spamming that one.

"It's not meant for spamming," Ddraig said.

"You couldn't even if you wanted to," Ignis added.

Fair point.

I spread my devil wings, barely keeping balance mid-air as my strength faded.

Miu flew up, supporting me. "You okay?"

"Thanks. I'm wobbly, but fine," I said.

We landed on a nearby building's rooftop.

The moment my feet touched down, I collapsed.

Alice and Tiamat followed.

Tiamat sighed. "Issei… when did you learn that technique? A direct hit would erase even a god-class being."

"Yeah, but look at me after. It's a last-resort move," I said.

"You used it while separated from everyone and passed out," Ignis snitched.

…Busted.

I was gonna tell them, but, y'know, timing…

I'd love to retort, but I'm out of stamina…

"Then he woke up and got cozy with me," Ignis teased.

"Whoa! Don't make stuff up!" I shouted.

"You've got energy to snap back," Ddraig smirked.

Shut it, Ddraig! This'll get messy if I don't stop it!

"Hey, Issei… what's that about?" Alice asked, a vein pulsing on her forehead.

"C-Calm down! Ignis is joking—"

"But we hugged naked~" Ignis sang.

"You stripped me!" I yelled.

"You were flirting while we were fighting!?" Alice shouted. "Are you mocking us!?"

"Don't say flirting! I'm innocent! I did nothing!"

"You were staring at my chest," Ignis added.

"Uh… well…"

"Why're you hesitating!?" Alice screamed. "You did it!"

"Big brother!?" Miu gasped.

"Hey, Issei," Tiamat said. "You really got cozy with Ignis?"

"And Ophis-chan too," Ignis chimed.

"3○P!?" the three shouted.

No way!!

Girls, don't yell that in public!

Grayfia-san's right there—stop!

I didn't do anything!

Well… I can't deny I wanted to…

Oh, crap, I forgot—Ophis is still waiting.

"Hang on, I left Ophis waiting," I said.

"Ophis? She's nearby?" Tiamat asked.

"Yeah, with Great Red."

"She's right there," Tiamat pointed.

Above us was Great Red's massive red form.

He came all the way here?

"Ophis! It's done!" I waved.

Ophis descended from Great Red's head. "Ddraig, going back?"

"Yeah, but first, I gotta meet up with everyone. Coming?"

"I'm Ddraig's friend. I'll follow," she said, nodding cutely.

So pure and honest.

"You even won over the Infinite Dragon God," Tiamat said, nodding thoughtfully. "Or maybe Ophis was drawn to you? Either way, your ability to attract people is unreal."

It's not like that—just friends…

Whatever.

"Is that true?" Ddraig sounded surprised.

What's up?

"Good news, partner. Great Red's gonna restore your aura as thanks for the show. It likes you."

No way!

For real!?

I looked at Great Red. Its huge eyes glowed, sending red aura into me.

My strength returned!

It actually healed me!

As I recovered, Great Red's eyes glowed again, creating a spatial distortion.

The rift widened, revealing the kaleidoscope of the dimensional gap.

"Thanks, Great Red!" I called.

It looked at me, as if it understood.

Then it opened its massive mouth.

"Oppai, oppai."

What!?

Great Red's first words to me… oppai!?

"Oppai, oppai, sanpi."

Hey!!

Who taught Great Red that!?

And the last one's wrong!

It overheard our talk!?

"The last part…" I started.

"Yeah, it was off," Alice said.

"So you did it with Ignis and Ophis—" Tiamat began.

No!

That's on you guys!

Not me!

Argh!

Great Red said its piece and left!

Come back!

Clear up this misunderstanding first!

"COME BAAAACK!!"

But my plea went unanswered…

For a while, I was stuck explaining myself to the three of them…

[Issei Side Out]

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