[Issei Side]

"Comfy."

Ophis was sitting cross-legged on my lap.

She seemed quite relaxed…

After defeating the "Super Beastfiend," we left the aftermath to Grayfia-san and headed toward the city.

Miu, Alice, Ophis, and I were riding on Tiamat's back in her dragon form.

I've gotta agree with Ophis—Tiamat's back is pretty comfy.

Looking over the city, smoke and flames rose from multiple spots, with damaged roads and buildings everywhere.

"The enemy really went to town, huh?" Alice muttered.

"The 'Chaos Brigade'… The Gremory territory had remnants of the Old Demon Faction and Hero Faction members," Miu said, surveying the damage. "This was their chance to take down a key stronghold."

Yeah, makes sense.

Especially the Old Demon Faction—they probably went wild.

That jerk Shalba was part of their crew, after all.

I hope the lack of people means everyone evacuated safely.

I really don't want there to be any casualties.

"…West," Ophis said, pointing in a direction from atop my lap.

"West? Oh, got it… I can feel Rias and Kiba's auras," I said. "Wait, you remembered their auras?"

"I memorized Asia and Irina's," Ophis replied.

Wow.

As expected of the Dragon God.

I patted Ophis's head and called to Tiamat, "Alright, Tiamat, head west!"

"Got it," Tiamat replied. "…But, Issei, did Ophis get attached to you?"

Attached… maybe?

Seems like Ophis really likes my lap—she hasn't budged from it.

Not that I mind—she's adorable, like Koneko-chan.

A bit later, I sensed everyone's auras nearby.

As we got closer, I spotted figures.

There they are!

Rias, Asia, Akeno, Koneko-chan, Kiba, Xenovia, Irina, Raynare, Rossweisse!

Saji and Sona too!

And Sairaorg with his huge lion!

But Gasper… is he passed out?

Everyone noticed us and looked up.

I hopped off Tiamat's back, landing in front of them.

Man, I'm finally back!

"Sorry I'm late—"

Before I could finish, Rias, Asia, Akeno, and Koneko-chan rushed over, hugging me tight.

"You… you came back," Rias said, voice trembling.

"Issei-san! Issei-san, Issei-san, Issei-san!" Asia cried.

"Don't… leave me behind again… I can't handle a world without you…" Akeno sobbed.

Oh man, they're all bawling.

Just like Miu and the others.

"I'm not crying," Xenovia said, wiping her eyes. "The man I chose doesn't die that easily."

"What!? You're totally crying!" Irina said, tears streaming. "I'm not holding back—waaah!"

"Sniff… I'm so glad… really glad!" Raynare added, teary-eyed.

Thanks for worrying about me, guys!

…Or so I'd like to say, but…

Man, I really made them worry.

All I did was pass out from using a new technique…

Guess I should come clean and apologize!

"You really made it back," Rossweisse said, smiling. "Impressive."

"Well, I don't go down that easily," I grinned back.

I didn't train to get taken out by a guy like Shalba.

"Was that phenomenon your doing?" Sairaorg asked from a distance, pointing at the crimson sky.

Oh, right—the aftereffects of Longinus Riser are still lingering.

"Yeah, from taking down the 'Super Beastfiend' earlier," I said.

Crazy how the effect's still here after all this time.

That's Ignis's power for you…

I wonder how strong her full power is.

"You'll find out when you're much stronger," Ignis said.

Much stronger…

Just imagining the power needed is terrifying.

"No need to rush," Ignis added. "You're plenty strong now. Just keep training steadily."

I get that, but…

"Something up?"

Well, I've been wondering about your true name, Ignis.

I want to call you by it someday.

"Hehe. I'd love for you to call me by my true name. You'll get there eventually. I'll wait patiently until then."

Got it.

Wait for me—I'll work hard to call you by that name.

"It was you, wasn't it, Issei-kun?" Kiba said, holding a sleeping Gasper, who was snoring softly.

Wait.

Kiba feels… different.

Not like when we parted in the pseudo-space…

As he approached, a chill ran through me.

"You change or something?" I asked.

"Well, thanks to you and everyone, I reached the next stage," Kiba said with a smile.

—!

So Kiba hit the Second Layer too.

No wonder he feels different.

"You're insane, man," I said, laughing. "Your growth since getting your Forbidden Hand is way too fast."

Kiba shook his head, smiling. "Nah, I've got a long way to go. You're my goal, Issei-kun. I'll keep pushing."

Your goal's me?

This guy… if I slack off, he might actually surpass me…

Gotta train harder!

I'm already losing in the looks department—I need to stay ahead in strength!

"That's your priority, partner?" Ddraig sighed.

Damn right!

I wanna beat the pretty-boy prince in something!

I can't win in looks!

"Didn't Shalba use Samael's blood on you?" Kiba asked.

"Oh, those arrows? Like I'd let those hit me," I said. "Wait, how'd you know?"

"Siegfried told me," Kiba replied. "I was worried, but… you're amazing, Issei-kun."

From Siegfried?

Wait—Siegfried's demonic swords, including Gram, are at Kiba's waist!

…That's what's giving me chills…

Let's have him store Gram in a pocket dimension for now.

So Kiba took down Siegfried?

Second Layer, powerful demonic swords—he's powered up like crazy in just a few days!

"By the way, what were you doing for two days?" Kiba asked. "I'm curious why you were gone so long… Were you fighting the 'Mighty Beastfiend' in that pseudo-space?"

Ugh…

He had to ask…

Yeah, I owe everyone an explanation for worrying them.

Miu, Alice, and Tiamat sighed behind me…

Alright, I'll start from the beginning.

I did fight that giant monster.

"So, here's what happened—"

"I was getting cozy with Ophis-chan," Ignis cut in.

"…"

The Occult Research Club girls, unaware of the context, froze.

"Ha… I feel stupid for worrying," Rossweisse said, exasperated.

"Hyoudou!! While we were fighting for our lives, you were doing that!? Let me punch you!!" Saji yelled.

Man, Saji's only reacting to the part about me, Ignis, and Ophis being naked together.

Okay, I admit I was doing dumb stuff while you guys were fighting…

But I'm mostly innocent, I swear!

Also, no punching. That'd hurt.

"But that technique took down the 'Mighty Beastfiend' and 'Super Beastfiend,'" Sona said, defending me. "It's no surprise Issei-kun was exhausted. The alliance couldn't even damage them without Lord Ajuka Beelzebub's formula."

Sona's got my back!

I'm so touched—someone's defending me!

"Putting the Ignis thing aside, I get why you were out," Rias said, nodding. "That's our Issei."

That's my master!

"If Issei-san's safe, that's all that matters!" Asia said. "I'm just happy you're back!"

Asia, you angel!

I can't help but hug her tight!

She's blushing and squirming—so cute!

It's healing my soul!

"Still, meeting Great Red is shocking," Rossweisse said.

Yeah, I was stunned too.

Never thought I'd come back with Great Red.

"A power that draws in the strong," a third voice said. "I came to see a monster destroy Lilith, but you showed up with Great Red."

I turned to see Cao Cao.

…He came to us.

I sensed him earlier and planned to confront him after explaining things.

Guess that saves me the trip.

Cao Cao narrowed his eyes, looking at his fallen comrades. "Such growth in so little time. The Gremory familia's growth rate is abnormal. Hercules aside, Jeanne with 'Demonification' and Siegfried too… Georg as well?"

Yeah, I was shocked hearing the details.

Kiba's evolution, for one.

Taking down Siegfried and Jeanne, who used that weird drug.

And Gasper.

He heard from Georg that I died and awakened some insane power, wiping Georg out instantly.

…But they said that power was eerie, terrifying.

It didn't even sound like Gasper.

What's this power inside him?

Cao Cao's gaze shifted to me. "I heard from the Old Demon Faction that Shalba Beelzebub had arrows coated with Samael's blood."

"Yeah, he did," I said. "But you think I'd let those hit me?"

"Heh, fair enough," Cao Cao said, smirking.

Now that we've met, I'm not letting him go.

He's caused enough trouble.

I stepped forward, raising my aura.

Time to settle—

A sinister wave appeared in my peripheral vision.

A figure in a decorated robe and a jester-like mask—Pluto, the top-tier Reaper!

The one who fought Azazel-sensei to a standstill!

"It's been a while, everyone," Pluto said.

Cao Cao sighed, clearly not expecting him.

"Pluto, why are you here?"

"Lord Hades's orders," Pluto replied. "If Ophis appeared, seize her at all costs."*

His gaze locked onto Ophis beside me.

That bastard Hades is still after Ophis!?

Talk about obsession!

I stepped in front of Ophis, glaring at Pluto. "You're not taking Ophis. I know you'd do something awful to her."

"The Red Dragon Emperor… Declaring war on Lord Hades. Quite arrogant," Pluto said.

"Call it what you want," I snapped. "I just hate seeing my friends hurt!"

My killing intent cracked the pavement and made the air tremble.

Before I deal with Cao Cao, I'll take out this annoying Reaper—

"Your opponent's me, top-tier Reaper Pluto," a new voice said.

—!

A man in pure white armor with glowing wings landed between us, Cao Cao, and Pluto.

"Showing up now, huh—Vali?" I said.

"Sorry, Hyoudou Issei," Vali said. "This one's mine."

Why does everyone keep popping up!?

Is this a grand reunion for my return!?

Vali faced Pluto. "I needed to vent after that hotel pseudo-space. Hades or the Hero Faction? I chose Hades for Miu's team. I waited for the Hero Faction, but the Gremory familia took them out. So, Pluto, you're the only one left for me to unleash on."

His tone was calm, but anger simmered beneath.

Pluto twirled his scythe, aiming it at Vali. "You sent Fenrir to Lord Hades, I hear. His god-killing fangs are a threat. Annoying interference."

"I got Fenrir for moments like this," Vali replied.

"A dangerous plan, preparing to fight gods," Pluto said.

"You need leverage like that to face gods head-on, don't you?" Vali shot back.

"Fine. Facing the true Demon Lord Lucifer's heir and the White Dragon Emperor… Living long has its perks. Defeating you will elevate my soul to its peak."

The strongest White Dragon Emperor versus a legendary top-tier Reaper!

"Issei Hyoudou seeks a different path from Juggernaut Drive," Vali said. "But not me."

BOOM!

Vali erupted with a massive aura!

Full throttle from the start!?

Releasing an overwhelming aura, he declared, "I'll master my own path. Watch my unique 'Juggernaut Drive,' with all past hosts' wills sealed!"

His light wings spread, unleashing torrents of magic.

His white armor glowed divinely—

"I awaken as the White Dragon Emperor who casts law into darkness—"

Voices filled with fighting spirit echoed from his armor's jewels—the past White Dragon Emperors.

"Mastering the heights of the Heavenly Dragon!"

"Walking the path of the White Dragon's dominance!"

"We conquer infinity and devour dreams!"

No resentment or envy—just pure, overwhelming fighting spirit.

Did they find understanding through battle?

"Piercing infinite ruin and the dawn's dreams, I walk the path of dominance—I become the pure Dragon Emperor—"

Vali's armor shifted, radiating silver light.

"'We shall lead you to the silver fantasy and the pinnacle of magic!'"

"Juggernaut Over Drive!!!!!!!!!!!"

Vali transformed into a being of immense aura, a different dimension entirely.

Buildings and cars crumbled under his aura without contact!

Such incredible power, yet it lacked the dangerous edge of Juggernaut Drive.

Haha… what a guy.

Vali sublimated Juggernaut Drive!

"—'Silver Empyrean Juggernaut Over Drive.' Like Juggernaut Drive, but different—my unique form. Feel its power!" Vali declared.

Pluto slashed at him, moving at blinding speed, leaving afterimages, swinging his red-bladed scythe!

But—

CRACK!

A fragile metallic sound rang out.

"!?"

Pluto gasped.

A single punch shattered his scythe effortlessly.

An uppercut to Pluto's jaw sent him skyward.

Vali raised his right hand, clenching it. "—Compress."

"Compression Divider!!!!"

"DivideDivideDivideDivideDivideDivideDivideDivideDivideDivideDivide!!!!!!!!!"

Pluto's airborne body was halved vertically, then horizontally—

Again and again, his volume shrank rapidly!

"This… this power…!" Pluto shouted, unbelieving.

"—Perish," Vali said mercilessly.

Compressed beyond sight, Pluto vanished with a final vibration.

That was the end of the legendary Reaper—

Vali reverted from his silver form to his base Forbidden Hand, wiping sweat from his brow.

The strain was intense, but damn—taking out Pluto, who matched Azazel-sensei, in seconds?

That's Vali's new power—the answer to Juggernaut Drive.

Right now, it's way stronger than my three forms.

Though mine are better balanced, considering stamina…

What an insane evolution…

"The Two Heavenly Dragons are terrifying," Cao Cao said, approaching.

"Vali, not forcing you to use Juggernaut Drive in that space was the right call…" he added.

Vali exhaled. "Juggernaut Drive excels in destruction but risks life and rampage. What I showed minimized that danger and has growth potential. Cao Cao, your biggest mistake was not finishing me when you had the chance."

Cao Cao fell silent.

He turned to both of us. "Issei Hyoudou evolved his Forbidden Hand, and Vali Lucifer sublimated Juggernaut Drive. Both unprecedented. The Two Heavenly Dragons—no, this generation's Two Heavenly Dragons—are anomalies. But that's what makes it interesting."

He pointed his holy spear at us. "So, who's up? Issei Hyoudou? Vali? Sairaorg Bael? Or all of you? Nah, that might be too much."

Provocative as ever.

Last time, he toyed with Vali, Azazel-sensei, and the Gremory familia single-handedly.

But after seeing Vali, he must know his odds aren't great.

Still, I'm not letting him go.

He's my prey.

I stepped forward.

Then—

Gurgle…

In this tense moment, an inappropriate sound echoed.

It came from my stomach—

Everyone's eyes turned to me.

Including Sairaorg, Vali, and even Cao Cao…

"Big… brother…?" Miu asked, confused.

I turned to everyone, hand on my stomach, feeling embarrassed. "S-Sorry… I'm starving… Anyone got food…?"

"Uh…" Miu stammered.

"Look, I haven't eaten in two days since sharing Alice's pudding at the exam site…" I explained.

"Oh…" Everyone realized.

Yeah, I was out cold for two days, so no food.

Great Red restored my aura, but not my hunger…

"Don't be ridiculous," Ddraig said.

Yeah, fair…

I held it in until now, but my stomach's done waiting.

Guess Cao Cao waits while I find food…

"Sorry, we don't have any food," Miu said, crushing my hopes.

Yeah, I figured…

Hoped someone might have an emergency snack…

What now…?

Alice grabbed my hand, pulling me with a determined look. "Come with me."

"Alice?"

"Just hurry up!" she snapped.

"Y-Yes, ma'am!"

Overwhelmed by her intensity, I followed.

[Kiba Side]

Just as Issei-kun's fight with Cao Cao was about to start, his stomach growled loudly.

Well, hearing his situation, it makes sense, but at this moment?

Issei-kun, you're quite the mood-killer.

Alice grabbed his hand and dragged him behind a half-destroyed building.

We couldn't see them from here.

Everyone was puzzled by her actions.

From the looks of it, she has a way to fix his hunger, but what's she planning?

A bit later—

"What!? You serious!?" Issei-kun's shocked voice echoed.

"Don't yell!!" Alice snapped.

CRACK!

"Gah!"

Issei-kun got hit.

Their conversation reached us in fragments.

"That's why—aren't you!?" Alice said.

"I'm grateful, but that's—" Issei-kun replied.

"You don't want to?"

"It's not that, but—"

"Ugh! I'm saying this much, so just do it! No one's watching, so hurry—"

Hmm… sounds like they're arguing.

Issei-kun seems hesitant about Alice's suggestion.

A bit more time passed.

"Alright, fine," Issei-kun said.

Looks like he agreed.

A way to restore Issei-kun that makes him hesitate this much…

Is there a risk involved?

"Alice-san's sacrificing herself to restore Issei?" Rias said, a bit regretful. "Impressive. I'm falling behind."

Indeed, Alice acted fastest, realizing and executing this method while we hesitated.

Her resolve is incredible.

Then—

"…Ah…!"

…Huh?

A hallucination?

I heard a voice that shouldn't be on a battlefield…

But it came again—

"…Ngh… yah… ugh… ha…!"

Alice's voice, laced with… allure.

The girls, except Ophis, blushed, realizing something.

"…I-Issei… not there… n-no… hah…!"

Alice's voice continued, but Issei-kun didn't respond, as if engrossed.

I… figured out what they're doing.

But let me say it:

What are you two doing on a battlefield!?

Sairaorg, Vali, even Cao Cao are looking away!

What a mess!

The tension's completely gone!

Someone, anyone, fix this atmosphere!

I bet everyone here feels the same!

The next moment—

FLASH!

A red light enveloped the area.

Did Issei-kun's recovery succeed!?

Issei-kun, you're the ultimate Oppai Dragon!

Minutes later, Issei-kun and Alice returned.

Both their faces were redder than ever.

Everyone else's faces were red too, Issei-kun.

An awkward silence hung between us.

Unable to bear it, Issei-kun cleared his throat—

"Alright, let's get started!"

"…"

No one could respond.

[Kiba Side Out]