The Dimensional Gap

Floating around in peace within her home, Ophis maintained her emotionless stare as she watched a massive red Western Dragon soar around the Dimensional Gap.

"Bastard-Red."

The Great Red, also known as the True Red Dragon Emperor God, and Apocalypse Dragon, paused in his soaring and turned his head to glare at Ophis. Ever since he had taken residence in the Dimensional Gap, Ophis had been nothing but harsh and cold to him.

The True Red Dragon Emperor God figured that the Infinite Dragon God could at least appreciate a little bit of his company, seeing as it always seemed so lonely. Besides, Great Red rarely went out of his way to actually stay with anyone. He was just trying to be a good 'friend' to Ophis. But unfortunately, Ophis assumed the reason for Great Red's appearance into her home was because she thought he was trying to steal it from her.

Great Red huffed in annoyance. It wasn't his fault. How was he supposed to know that the Ouroboros Dragon craved silence?

"Why don't you keep quiet, Ophis. If you haven't noticed, I'm trying to soar around here."

"Home-stealer."

"..."

"Home-snatcher..."

"..."

"Baka-Red..."

"Urusai!"

"...Stupid-Red."

"OK, YOU KNOW WHAT! YOU LITTLE-"

The Great Red stopped himself and lifted his head up. He widened his golden eyes when he saw that Ophis had just given him a rude gesture. With her middle finger.

"Hey! You put down that tiny finger of yours! Where the hell did you even learn that?! Do you even know what that gesture means, you little-!"

"Fu-"

Ophis cut herself off when she suddenly felt an immense surge of energy rising. Her gray widened considerably as she realized who had released that energy.

It was that boy. The boy she encountered eleven years ago. When she had sensed his energy for the first time, it fascinated her. The boundless amount of solar energy infused within the boy absolutely captivated her. The boy had the potential to obtain nigh-limitless power and raw strength. In a way, the boy was akin to her.

Ophis represented the aspect of Infinity, as she was born from the nothingness of Infinity itself. That boy had a similar aspect like her. His energy structure was entirely composed of the vast universal source of energy; The Sun. So long as the Sun existed, then its infinite energy was eternally renewable.

But now the energy this boy was releasing was troubling. It was released in the form of extreme fury. It honestly affected her greatly. When she had first met the boy, both his energy and aura exuded a pure radiance. But now his aura oozed utmost ferocity.

"Something is wrong."

The Great Red tilted his head as he too sensed the energy.

"Hmm. What a peculiar energy."

He looked down to see Ophis in a trance-like state. Her grey-eyes appeared more hollow than usual.

"What's with you, Ophis?"

Ophis didn't respond to him directly, too entranced by the aura that boy was releasing.

"Something is terribly wrong."


Dungeon of the Phenex Clan

Crimson-ruby eyes fluttered momentarily, before they shot wide open.

"What the hell?"

Leiko Hyoudou moaned in irritation as she rubbed her head.

'Where am I? The last place I remember was at the mall with Ise-itoko.'

As she looked around her surroundings, she discovered that she was behind a pair of glowing bars. Widening her crimson eyes, Leiko sat up to try to grasp on the bars and rattle them open, before recoiling in pain at the touch.

"Ah! Damn it!"

"Oh, so you're finally awake."

Jumping at the sound of the unexpected voice, Leiko looked up to see a teenage version of Chun-Li staring down at her with a smug expression. Leiko narrowed her crimson eyes and got up from her spot.

"Who the hell are you?"

Xuelan smirked as she moved away from the glowing bars.

"Why should I tell you? It's not like you have any right to order me around."

"Shut the hell up!"

Xuelan chuckled as she observed the cousin of Issei with narrowed blue-green eyes.

"Riser-sama is about to face that adorable cousin of yours. I have to admit, for a weakling he's kind of cute. Very cute, especially with those different colored eyes of his."

"Don't you dare call him weak, you bitch!" Leiko shouted.

How dare this Chun-Li wannabe insult her cousin like this. Sure, Issei was soft-spoken and quiet, but he certainly wasn't weak.

Leiko's eyes widened as she remembered Xuelan's first sentence.

"Wait! Who the hell is Riser?! And where the hell am I?! Where's Issei?!"

"Fufufufu." Xuelan chuckled as she walked away from the girl.

"Hey! Don't you dare walk away! Tell me where Issei is!"

"Fufu. I can't wait for Riser-sama to beat this kid to a pulp. It's a shame though, he's actually a real cutie. Hmm. Oh wel-"

"RISERRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR!"

Both Leiko and Xuelan widened their eyes when they heard the echoed bellow of pure wrath. The Dungeon of the Phenex Clan suddenly shook in tremors, as both Leiko and Xuelan struggled to regain their balance.

'Was that...I-Ise-itoko?!'

'WH-WHAT THE HELL WAS THAT?!'


The Student Council Room

Rias, Akeno, Yuuto, Sona, Tsubaki, a girl with white hair and hazel eyes (Koneko), and Saji looked on in amazement and shock as they witnessed Issei's Solar transformation. The members had chosen to stay in the human world, and had used magic properties to create a viewing portable for the match between Riser and Issei.

The members of the Occult Research Club and the Student Council were literally shaking with extreme trepidation, as they looked at Issei in his newly obtained Solar form.

Rias gulped down a nervous lump in her throat.

"H-He transformed! I can't believe it! I can feel his power all the way from the Underworld!"

The rest in the Student Council room didn't respond, until Saji spoke up, clenching his fists.

"I've never seen Newby like this at all. And it's all because of that stupid prick Riser! How could he do that to Issei's cousin?!"

The four beauties of Kuoh Academy widened their eyes and turned to look at Saji.

"His cousin?!"

Yuuto nodded and informed them.

"Yes...that girl was Issei's cousin. She seemed to really care for Issei, and vice-versa."

Rias felt her heart pour out for Issei.

"I..."

She lowered her head, her hair shadowing her blue-green eyes.

"Why?! How could Onii-sama allow this to happen?!"

She slammed her hand on the desk in a fit of rage.

"It's unbelievable."

Rias lifted her head up and looked over to Sona, whose violet eyes narrowed darkly.

"I can see Sirzechs-sama allowing permission for Riser to fight Issei Hyoudou. But...I cannot see him allowing Riser to murder Issei's cousin. It is not like him."

"Are you saying that Sirzechs-sama was not aware of Riser's plans?" Tsubaki asked.

"It's possible. However...that still doesn't change a thing. As a result of the combined actions of Rias's Onii-sama and Riser...Issei's personality...perhaps it is never going to be the same."

Saji and Yuuto exchanged mutual glances and they both lowered their heads in unhappiness.

"Damn that Riser. Now because of him, Issei..." Yuuto began.

He felt that he couldn't say anymore, and he sighed in sadness.

"Newby..." Saji said as he crossed his arms.


Azazel's Headquarters

Azazel, and a surprised Raynare sat as they watched the fight between Issei and Riser through a magic viewing portal.

"I...I can't believe it! Is that really Issei?" Raynare said in amazement, and a little bit of fright.

The young boy she had been trying to get close to. He was so shy and quiet, and yet so kind. And here he was, transformed into a much more powerful state with his mind clouded by extreme fury.

Azazel hummed as he crossed his arms.

"Hmm. It's Always the Quiet Ones. Who would've thought?"

Arena in the Underworld

Riser Phenex was a lot of things. He was known to be an over-confident, arrogant, and aggressive playboy with a holier-than-thou personality. He was the third son of the powerful Phenex Clan. He was also...

A douche.

A very contemptible douche.

Riser always thought he was a great tactician, armed with a powerful peerage, and his own smarts.

'I really really should have thought this through.'

Those were the thoughts that ran through Riser's mind as he stared directly into the pupilless eyes of the boy he had foolishly harassed.

Issei Hyoudou.

For many years, Riser had sensed the boy's immense power. For years, the thought of Issei's power had tortured Riser's mind, and it admittedly began to make him just a bit paranoid. Then out of sheer brilliance, Riser had gotten the bright idea of summoning his peerage to capture Issei and that cousin of his, in order to get Issei to fight him. After that, he chose to deliberately insult Issei, and then...he showed Issei Yubelluna 'killing' his cousin onscreen.

Dumbest idea he has ever had.

And to top it all off, he had made a risky bet with Sirzechs and Lord Phenex. If Issei won, he would inherit all of Riser's possessions: His mansion, his wealth, and...

His servants. Well wealth was what concerned Riser the most. After all, the Phenex Clan wasn't exactly poor. There was a reason they were more than just noble.

Although at this point, Riser would have guessed that Issei wanted nothing to do with his servants, especially after the idiotic stunt the Phenex male had just pulled. He had really pulled a huge gamble, and now it was backfiring greatly.

As Issei glowered at him with his orbs of sight, Riser couldn't help but feel an overwhelming chill down his spine. Shrugging off the feeling, and narrowing his eyes, Riser got into a battle position, and out of his back, burst forth flaming wings.

Staring coldly at Riser, Issei remained where he was, his eyes narrowed into slits. All he felt was overwhelming fury. All of the suppressed rage he had built up from when he was younger, had finally manifested in the form of his Solar transformation.

And now Riser was going to be the target of Issei's wrath.

His rage growing by the second, Issei flared his aura, the light from it illuminating throughout the arena of the Underworld. The Devils sitting above the arena, noticeably shook in consternation. They were extremely frightened, yet they were also shocked and amazed that a mere child possessed so much power.

Sitting in his throne, Sirzechs Lucifer had an expression akin to bewilderment and shock. Originally he had agreed to allow Riser to fight Issei, merely because he wanted to see how powerful Issei was. But what Sirzechs didn't expect, was how Riser intended for Issei to fight him.

'I did not foresee this.'

He certainly didn't expect Riser to go through what he just did. Insulting Issei, goading Issei into fighting him, and the last act of Riser's foolishness.

Killing someone who Issei apparently had close contact with. Had Sirzechs known what Riser was actually going to do, he would have immediately canceled the fight...had it not been for Lord Phenex, the father of Riser.


MOMENTS AGO

Sirzechs Lucifer widened his blue-green eyes as he watched Riser's Queen eradicating the brown-black-haired girl with her staff. As he looked down to Issei, he felt such great sorrow for the boy. Narrowing his eyes, Sirzechs went to stand up to cancel the fight, until he was stopped by none other than Lord Phenex.

"Lord Phenex?"

"Let the fight commence."

"Why? For what your son has done-"

"I know what my son has done. And it's unfortunate for this young boy. That is why I am allowing the fight to go on uninterrupted."

Narrowing his eyes, Lord Phenex turned to look at Sirzechs.

"What my son has just done was foolish. From this battle...he is going to regret his actions, and learn that he cannot manipulate the lives of others to get what he wants."

Sirzechs stared in shock as he listened to Lord Phenex's words, and he lowered his head in shame.

'It's...it's my fault.'


With a snarl of rage, Issei charged at the Phenex male in a great burst of agility. Riser, surprised at the speed, didn't even have enough time to dodge. Issei tightened his hand into a fist and landed a harsh punch to Riser's face.

"AHH!"

Riser yelled out in pain as he flew back from the impact.

'SON OF A BITCH!'

Gritting his teeth at the pain, Riser finally smarted up and used his wings to balance himself. He widened his eyes when he saw Issei charging at him again. Narrowing his eyes, Riser charged towards Issei, lifting his hand into a fist to counter.

As the two soared towards each other, Issei dodged Riser's punch. Widening his eyes in surprise, Riser was unprepared as Issei kneed him in the abdomen, causing the Phenex male to cough out blood.

Closing his mouth in order to prevent any blood from coming out, Riser flared his energy aura, successfully blowing Issei away from him. Riser clenched his hands into fists, and harshly glared at Issei, who glared back at him with great ferocity.

"YOU STUPID BRAT! HOW DARE YOU DO THIS TO ME!"

If there was any indication that Issei had heard him at all, the boy didn't show it. All he did was glare harshly at Riser, his pupilless eyes showing nothing but the pure intensity of his inner wrath.

His eyes widening in rage, Riser let out a scream as his wings grew to a great size. Above the wings, a colossal energy sphere manifested, its essence containing the pure flames of the Phoenix itself.

"HERE BRAT! DODGE THIS IF YOU CAN!"

After declaring, Riser shot the colossal sphere of flames towards Issei, who remained where he was. Riser widened his eyes as he noticed this.

'What the hell is he doing?! He's not moving!"

As the sphere of flames drew closer to him, Issei narrowed his eyes, and he lifted his head up as he let out a great scream of fury.

"GRRRRAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!"

The sphere of blazes collided with Issei, seemingly consuming him entirely. Riser looked on in shock momentarily, before his face broke out into a wide grin.

"HAHAAHAHAHA! YES! YES!"

The Devils looked on in shock at the sight in front of them. Riser's attack had completely obliterated the young boy entirely. As Riser looked back down, his eyes widened further, and he felt his breath leave his throat.

The sphere of flaming blazes he had summoned onto Issei...it was growing smaller.

"AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!"

The entire arena amplified the scream of Issei, as the young man absorbed the essence of Riser's attack. The Phenex male looked on in horror as he witnessed his sphere of blazes being consumed by Issei's energy aura.

Suddenly, Issei's body glowed, until a much more distinct aura manifested around him. The initial aura Issei had previously, emitted a orange-yellow color, but now the aura manifesting around Issei emitted a blackish-gray color. The aura engulfed Issei, causing a bright flash to illuminate within the arena.

The Devils shielded their eyes from the brightness, and then as the light faded, they removed their arms from their eyes. Riser opened his eyes, and he gasped as he flew back.

"His appearance! He's changed again!"

The young man he was fighting, his appearance had changed once again. Issei's hair was now a night-black color, and was no longer as spiky as his Solar form, but was more upright. His left eye had regained its doe-brown color once more, however his right eye did not retain its yellow-orange color. His right eye was now a black-grayish color. His facial features were also more pronounced, giving him a look of intense focus.

Riser looked on in terror at the massive surge of explosive power radiating from Issei.

'He...he absorbed my flames! That's impossible!'


The Student Council Room

"H-he transformed again!" Saji exclaimed.

The members of the Occult Research Club and the Student Council all looked on in amazement and horror as they witnessed Issei go through yet another transformation. Rias's body shook as she felt Issei's power explode once more.

"H-he's even stronger than before!"

"He absorbed Riser's flames!" Tsubaki said as her stoic expression disappeared completely.

"This is completely unprecedented!" Sona exclaimed.


Azazel's Headquarters

"This can't be! He transformed again?!" Raynare shouted.

"Hmm. Yes, it seems so. By absorbing the flames of a member of the Phenex Clan, Issei achieved another form on his own. Those black flames...they look like Hell-Fire." Azazel mused.

"Hell-Fire?! But he's not a Devil!"

"That's true."

Azazel gained a serious look as he placed his hand under his chin.

'He's not a Devil. However, the solar energy within his body...it changed when he absorbed Riser Phenex's flames. There are many aspects of our Sun. However, the most important aspects, are the Purifying/Nurturing and the Destructive Aspects. Hmm. It seems that Issei's second transformation is the combined result of his rage, therefore signifying the destructive aspect of the sun, and Riser's flames. A Hell-Fire Transformation. Hell-Fire Issei.'

Azazel smirked as he peered at the magic viewing portal, paying close attention to the black aura of blazes around Issei.

'Hell-Fire, the mystical flames of hell. It can cause excruciating pain upon contact instead or even cause instant death. Who would've thought that Issei could achieve a transformation like this, just by absorbing a Phoenix's flames?'

"This boy is very interesting." The male Fallen Angel mused.


Heaven

Michael, The Leader of the Angels, gulped down a sharp and nervous lump in his throat as he tried to endure through the great power surge that had just manifested itself.

'How can this boy possess so much power?'

"Mmm~~~"

Widening his green eyes, Michael turned around to face his sister Gabriel, who had her hand on her chest once again. Her beautiful face had morphed into a expression of great sadness.

"This cataclysmic surge of power. It's from that young boy. It's so suffocating."


In The Dimensional Gap

Ophis lifted her hands and put them to her cheeks as an expression akin to worry and shock formed on her face. The power she had felt from that boy, it had increased explosively, but yet it had also obtained a more...distinct aura.

"There is something wrong. The spawn of the Sun. He has undergone through another transformation."

Great Red looked down at Ophis with an almost confused expression on his face. Out of all the moments he has begrudgingly spent time with Ophis, he had never seen her like this before. She looked so shocked.

"Ophis."

"The boy. He is different. More powerful, yet destructive."

This bothered her greatly. The radiance and purity of the solar energy the boy had possessed is what fascinated and attracted her to him in the first place. But now this power...it was absolutely devastating.

"I, do not like this. Not, at all. He worries me."

Great Red rose his head in confusion, and huffed.

"Wonder what poor schmuck made this kid mad?"

Ignoring Great Red's comment, Ophis narrowed her normally stoic gray eyes darkly.

"The boy. He, is MINE. He, belongs to ME. Only me. Someone, hurt him. They, hurt him. They hurt, what is mine."

Great Red blinked in surprise at the foreign tone Ophis had used in speaking her thoughts.

'Never thought I'd see Ophis so possessive over someone.'


Arena in the Underworld

"Riser!"

Riser widened his eyes at Issei. The young man's voice was deathly cold. He felt a chill in his spine as he tried to endure Issei's icy stare.

"Bringing me here was your first mistake." Issei began.

Golden bolts of lightning sparks surrounded Issei's blackish aura. Riser stiffened at the raw intensity of his opponent's power.

"Belittling me was your second mistake."

The Phenex male could only stare at Issei in horror, his mouth agape. Issei narrowed his eyes and clenched his fists, giving Riser a fierce glare.

"Your third mistake was attacking my cousin."

The blackish aura with golden sparks surrounding Issei flared outwardly, prompting Riser to back away from the intensity. The Phenex male paled as he noticed the ominous death glare Issei was giving him.

"And once I'm through with you, it will be your last."


Unknown Location

"Albion, do you sense it?"

(I do.)

"Do you believe the other Heavenly Dragon has awakened?"

(No. I don't recognize Ddraig's presence within the power you are sensing. The power seems to be unique in its own. On a much different scale compared to Ddraig's.)

A handsome young man with dark silver hair and blue eyes, stood up from his spot as he crossed his arms. A disappointed scowl formed on his face as he looked off to the side.

"Humph. And here I thought I would finally have the chance to meet my rival. What a shame."

(Never before did I ever expect myself to say this, but do not cloud yourself in arrogance, Vali.)

"..."

(And might I remind you, although I was sealed in a Sacred Gear, there is a chance that Ddraig was not. For all we know, the bastard's sealed in something else. After all, we were both apart when we were sealed. I have not seen Ddraig in a long time. But I feel that his return is near.)

"Tch."


Arena in the Underworld

With pools of Hell-Fire covering his entire body, Issei narrowed his eyes and charged at the Phenex male who had wronged him so. As he got closer, Riser gritted his teeth and charged back in retaliation, lifting his feet up in an attempt to kick Issei.

Issei narrowly dodged the attempt, and he sent a devastating punch to Riser's stomach. The Phenex male widened his eyes in pain and held his abdomen. However, Issei was not done yet.

Flaring out his aura composed of Hell-Fire, Issei sent a barrage of kicks and punches, the Hell-Fire augmenting his attacks. Riser coughed out blood as a result of Issei's attacks, and he coughed out more when Issei grabbed his head and slammed it down into the ground.

Riser narrowed his eyes and tried to get up, before he felt a foot planted on his head, preventing him from escaping. Shuddering rapidly, Riser attempted to move his head up, and looked up to see Issei silently glaring down at him.

"P-please don't do this! T-the girl! The one with the silver hair! She's alive! I swear it!"

Issei's expression didn't change, but that only prompted Riser to plead for his life once more.

"IT WAS ALL JUST A RUSE! I just wanted to see how strong you were! Your cousin is still alive! I swear it!"

"..."

Suddenly, an energy sphere consisting of Hell-Fire began to manifest and cover Issei entirely. Black flame-like ribbons of energy spiraled around his body. Riser paled at the raw intensity of Issei's energy, and looked up again to see Issei with a calm look on his face.

"That won't save you."

"...WHAT?!"

Sirzechs widened his eyes at Issei's words.

'What is he...?!'

"WHAT DO YOU MEAN THAT WON'T SAVE ME?!" Riser roared in disbelief

"...I'm going to kill you. Nothing will save you." Issei said coldly.

Riser could only stare in shock, his mouth agape. Issei narrowed his eyes, as the black flame-like ribbons increased in size. His black hair started to wave to the side from the colossal energy flow from his sphere.

"Riser. This whole thing could have been avoided. IF YOU HAD JUST LEFT ME ALONE!"

The young man's scream echoed throughout the arena, immediately silencing the chattering of the Devils. Issei's eyes twitched as he glared darkly at Riser, and his expression morphed into what appeared to be a look of twisted melancholy.

"All of this! It didn't have to happen! But you screwed up! I warned you! I begged you! But now you screwed yourself over!"

Riser struggled to breathe as he felt his fear overcome him.

"I-"

"It's too late...to beg for your life."

Both Issei's and Riser's body began to emit small flecks of black light, resembling dust blowing off of their skin.

"THIS CAN'T BE!"

Sirzechs widened his eyes once more, and he shouted out to all of the Devils.

"EVERYONE! CLEAR THE ARENA! WE ALL MUST LEAVE!"

Issei narrowed his eyes as he looked up to see the people sitting down, now running out of the arena. He looked over to the side to see fourteen young women. One of the women present, was the very same one who had tricked him into believing that Leiko was killed.

Yubelluna stared wide-eyed in horror as she caught Issei's gaze on her.

'HE...HE WOULDN'T DARE!'

"Watch me." Issei said quietly, as though he had read Yubelluna's mind.

The energy sphere surrounding him increased greatly in size, causing Yubelluna to take a step back. Seeing the other thirteen Devils leave the battlefield, Yubelluna looked back reluctantly, and went to follow them, leaving only Issei and Riser.

Riser's eyes twitched as he realized that this was the end for him. He had bet everything on his fight with Issei. His servants, his mansion, wealth. Especially, his wealth.

"SOMEONE LIKE Y-YOU CAN'T DO THIS TO ME!"

Narrowing his eyes and gritting his teeth, Issei let out a scream full of raw fury, as he released all of his energy, his body imploding into an enormous, black explosion.

"AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!"

"GUUAHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!"

Riser screamed in absolute torment, as he felt his entire body disintegrating from the great potency of Issei's attack. The Phenex male let out a great bellow in pure agony, as his body dissolved and disappeared into the bright light.

Moments later, the light faded, revealing Issei. The young man remained in his Hell-Fire transformation, feeling his energy regenerate seconds later. Next to him on the ground, were the remains of Riser Phenex. A pile of ashes.


In the Student Council

The entire group in the Student Council and the Occult Research Club widened their eyes in absolute horror, and shock. They had just witnessed the death of Riser Phenex. They still couldn't believe it, and they had just seen it with their own eyes.

Issei Hyoudou, the shy yet kind-hearted young man that had arrived at Kuoh Academy, had just killed off a member of the Phenex Clan.


Azazel's Headquarters

Raynare stood shell-shocked, unable to believe what she had just seen.

"N-no. It can't be!"

Azazel remained quiet, his hand on his chin in thought.

'The Phenex Clan is known for their superior regenerative abilities. But Issei was able to kill off Riser almost effortlessly. But it shouldn't be too hard to grasp. After all, the energy explosion was composed entirely of Hell-Fire. Hmm. Such a powerful boy.'


Outside of the Arena of the Underworld

With the crowd of Devils behind him, Sirzechs regained his balance after the vast explosion that had occurred in the arena.

"Such power!"

The entrance and door to the arena suddenly opened, revealing a calm Issei. The Devils behind Sirzechs noticeably paled, taking note of the great energy surge from Issei. As Issei walked closer, Sirzechs walked up to him, ready to speak.

"Issei Hyoudou, I-"

The Crimson Satan was cut off when Issei suddenly sent a sharp punch to his face, causing him to soar backwards past the crowd of Devils. However, moments later, Sirzechs was able to catch his balance, and composed himself, placing his hand on his sore cheek.

"D-Did he just PUNCH the freaking MAOU RED?!"

"Unbelievable!"

"Lucifer-sama!"

"Such a despicable brat! To kill a Devil of noble blood, and then have the nerve to hit the Crimson Satan!"

Issei flared his Hell-Fire aura, completely silencing the astounded Devils. He glared darkly at Sirzechs, who sighed and rubbed his cheek.

'Well, can't say I didn't exactly predict that he was going to do something.'

His pain fading away, Sirzechs sent his blue-green eyes to Issei's brown and black colored orbs of sight.

"Issei Hyoudou. I know that this will mean nothing to you, considering the state you are in. However, please allow me to say this."

Issei stayed silent, keeping his glare on Sirzechs. The aura around him intensified, but he remained still.

Sirzechs took a deep breath, and closed his eyes.

"Issei Hyoudou...I deeply apologize. For everything that had occurred here today. When Riser Phenex came to ask me if he could battle you. I should have considered the consequences, and alternatives."

The young man in front of him still remained quiet.

"I was so curious that I didn't even think to consider how you would have felt about the whole situation. I allowed Riser to forcibly take you here to battle him, and allowed his plan to commence. A plan I was not even aware of."

This time Issei looked up in response. But his expression didn't change. Sirzechs opened his eyes and looked into Issei's own eyes.

"I did not know how Riser would go about getting you to fight him. But please listen. The trickery Riser himself had conjured up...it was despicable. And it would never have happened if I had prevented Riser from going through with his plan in the first place."

Issei remained at his spot, his eyes boring into Sirzechs's own. Looking at Issei in great seriousness, Sirzechs walked closer yet cautiously, to the young man.

"I am not asking you to forgive me, Issei Hyoudou. I just want you to understand."

The Devils behind Sirzechs remained quiet, waiting to see how Issei would react. It was pretty much a well-known fact that when someone was deathly quiet, something bad was bound to happen. But much to the Devils' surprise, Issei only narrowed his eyes.

"Issei Hyoudou."

Both Sirzechs and Issei looked to see a man who possessed similar features to Riser.

"Lord Phenex." Sirzechs said.

The father of Riser Phenex walked over to Issei, and put his hands behind his back in a formal manner.

"What my son had done...was truly unforgivable. The Phenex Clan is known to be a noble clan in the Underworld. But what Riser had just demonstrated, he let his arrogance and paranoia overwhelm him. That being said, I sincerely apologize for my son's foolish actions."

Looking up at Sirzechs, and then Lord Phenex, Issei narrowed his eyes further, and walked past them, prompting the two males to raise eyebrows. Lord Phenex turned around to look at Issei, noticing the young man had stopped.

"Issei Hyoudou. Before my son had begun to make plans in order to arrange his battle with you, he had started a bet with Sirzechs and I. If you had succeeded in winning, you would inherit all of my son's possessions."

Sirzechs stepped up, while keeping his distance away from the young man.

"As a result Issei, all of the properties formerly possessed by Riser Phenex, are now bestowed upon you. Because you won."

"..."

A series of black flame-like ribbons surrounded Issei once more, and he transmitted away, leaving a surprised group of Devils.


Dungeon of the Phenex Clan

Issei reappeared in a dark place, and he grunted when he sensed his cousin's energy aura, and someone else's. Walking towards the source, he saw Leiko, and the Chinese young woman who had brought him to the Underworld.

Widening her crimson-ruby eyes, Leiko stared at her transformed cousin with her mouth agape. Next to her, Xuelan widened her eyes and backed away.

"I-Ise-itoko?!"

"Y-You?! Where's Riser-sama?!"

Issei glared at the girl coldly. Leiko shuddered as she noticed the foreign expression on her cousin's face.

'Issei. He looks so different. Aside from his appearance, anyway.'

Xuelan narrowed her eyes, and took a fighting pose.

"Hey! Didn't you hear me?! Where's Riser-sama?!"

"...He's floating around in the arena. Endlessly."

Xuelan widened her eyes in confusion. Walking over to the glowing bars which contained his cousin, Issei placed his hands on the bars, and closed his eyes. The glowing bars suddenly dissolved as they were absorbed into Issei's body, freeing Leiko from her prison.

Running towards her cousin, Leiko wrapped Issei into a tight yet loving hug. Calming down for the moment, Issei allowed the exchange between himself and his cousin. Xuelan stared at the two in shock, unable to comprehend Issei's answer to her question.

'Floating around? Endlessly? I don't understand!'

Turning around to face Xuelan, Issei narrowed his eyes and walked over to her, their faces almost touching as he stopped. Xuelan paled at Issei's gaze. It was obvious he was struggling to control himself.

The Chinese young woman didn't know why, but she suddenly felt her face heat up as Issei glared at her.

Not saying anything, Issei walked past Xuelan, with Leiko slowly following her cousin. Of all the years she had known him, Leiko had never seen Issei like this. He was usually quiet, but now...he was in a combined state of peace yet raw fury.

'Ise-itoko...'

As she watched Issei leave, Xuelan's face gained a light red shade, and she found herself frozen at her spot.

"W-what the hell is he?"


Outside of the Arena of the Underworld

Issei reappeared in front of Sirzechs and Lord Phenex, glaring at the two of them. Before reappearing in the Underworld, he had taken Leiko back to his house safely. While doing so, he noticed that Leiko had kept staring at him with a strange look. Seeing as he was transformed, he didn't put it past her.

"Issei Hyoudou?" Sirzechs asked.

Remaining quiet for a moment, Issei narrowed his eyes.

"What's this nonsense about me being bestowed Riser's possessions?"

"It is exactly as I said. My son had permission to fight you, under the conditions he had agreed to. The conditions he had promised to you if you won, were to award you his wealth, the mansion, and...his servants." Lord Phenex explained.

"I don't care about any of those. And for the matter concerning his servants, they can all go to Hell."

"..."

"..."

"..."

Issei realized the irony of his last statement, but he settled for just gaining a sharp edge to his brown-black eyes.

"But I assume that this is Hell, isn't it?"

"Yes."

"That's right."

Shaking his head at his ironic statement, Issei glared up at the two Devils.

"Which means you two are Devils. Well, to put it bluntly, I could care less about Riser's possessions and his servants. You might as well give the possessions and the mansion to the servants themselves, because I want nothing to do with either of them."

Saying Sirzechs and Lord Phenex were a little taken aback was an understatement. They were extremely surprised. Surely, Issei had earned the right to Riser's possessions, and yet he refused it! Just like that!

Sirzechs rose an eyebrow.

"But surely you do realize the benefits of inheriting Riser's possessions."

"If I'm inheriting whatever pertains to that bastard turkey, then whatever I'm gaining means absolutely nothing to me."

Both of the Devils widened their eyes a little at Issei's words.

'What a strange boy.' They thought simultaneously.

Looking around the Underworld, Issei scoffed and looked back up at the two Devils.

"I'm done. There's no point in me being here. Do whatever you want with Riser's inheritance, because quite frankly, I'm not going to know what the hell I want to use it for anyway."

A pool of black flame-like ribbons covered Issei's body again, and he transmitted away from the Underworld, leaving Sirzechs and Lord Phenex, contemplating amongst themselves.


Earth - Barren Wasteland

Issei fought to keep his breathing steady as he stared at the ground, trying in vain to suppress the tears threatening to leave his eyes. His transformation had dissipated the moment he left the Underworld, but the young man didn't care about that.

He couldn't go home now. He knew he currently wasn't in his right state of mind.

He stood on top of the mountains in the wasteland, and fell to his knees as he gritted his teeth. Despite himself, genuine tears started to erupt from his eyes. No matter how much the fury within him blazed, no matter how close he was to losing his sanity, he couldn't deny the severity of what he'd just done.

He had killed someone.

He'd never imagine that he would be angry enough to actually commit murder. It wasn't like him.

Issei's body trembled from the anger and confusion deep within himself. He wrapped his arms around his body, and shook heavily from what he'd just done. The image of Riser slowly disintegrating into nothingness burned in Issei's memory.

The young man shivered as he looked up at the clouds. He was deathly silent for a few moments, before his pupils and irises suddenly constricted.

"AAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!"

Issei screamed at the top of his lungs in fury and agony, his screams so intense that the mountains around him started to crumble apart. His roar screamed back at him across the atmosphere of the wastelands, causing more of the stone structures to break down.

Clouds of dust suddenly exploded and dissipated, thrown away by Issei's energy. Issei screamed and screamed, his lungs allowing his pure, unbridled wrath to unleash itself. The ground beneath him quaked, and a large crater formed as his raw energy decimated the land under him.


Issei's House

"Ise-itoko..."

Leiko looked upon her sleeping cousin as he rested peacefully on the couch.

"What happened to you? You changed."

After coming from wherever the hell she was previously, Leiko noticed that Issei had returned to his normal state, his brown hair and his soft sharp multi-colored eyes resurfacing. Immediately after, he collapsed onto the couch, earning a well-deserved sleep.

Leiko sighed as she sat on the couch.

"Who were those people?"

She had been trapped in that dungeon for a long time, and the only person she had seen was that Chinese girl. Leiko could tell that the girl wasn't human, but she still didn't know what she was.

Leiko looked over to her cousin, and her crimson-ruby eyes softened.

"Ise-itoko."

Although she was very reluctant to do so, Leiko eventually stepped out of the Hyoudou residence to get some fresh air, leaving Issei in the living room.

Suddenly, a series of shadows manifested above the ground, and they cleared away, revealing Ophis, the Infinite Dragon God. Her dark-gray eyes gaining a curious look to them, Ophis floated over to Issei.

She tilted her head, and she slowly sat on top of him, resting on his stomach. Tilting her head again, Ophis placed her finger on Issei's forehead, rubbing it gently.

She was relieved that Issei had regained his pure and radiant solar energy once more. That devastating energy surge he had earlier possessed affected her than she had expected. She was satisfied that the boy she had met a long time ago, was now back to normal.

Bringing her face close to Issei, Ophis let an unreadable smile form on her face.

"You, are mine. Back, to normal. I, like that."

Different colored eyes fluttered, and they opened wide just in time to see dark-gray eye boring into his own. Issei widened his eyes at the girl. The girl who had appeared to him eleven years ago. She was back! Sitting on top of him!

...Dressed in that same Gothic Lolita outfit!

Issei widened his eyes further as he noticed that there was two black cross-shaped tapes attached onto Ophis's chest. Shaking his head to clear his side-tracked thoughts, Issei looked up at the girl sitting on top of him in shock.

"I-It's you!"

The smile on Ophis's face seemed to widen, but it didn't reach her heavy-lidded dark-gray eyes.

"Yes, it is me. And you, belong to me. You, are MINE. Only mine."


Heaven

Gabriel sighed as she put her hand on her chest.

"His energy. It's back to normal."

She was genuinely relieved that Issei had regained the purest form of his Solar Energy structure. The power radiating from his Hell-Fire transformation had honestly worried her greatly.

"Yes, it is. Let's hope it stays that way."

Gabriel looked over at her older brother, whose green eyes lowered in a sad manner. Gabriel's eyes softened, and she looked off to the side.

'That energy from earlier. It was so catastrophic. The power he possesses greatly surpasses the power of Michael. It even far exceeds that of an Ultimate-Class Devil by a large margin.'

Her eyes gained a saddened look as she remembered visiting the boy in his room eleven years ago.

'He was such a sweet little boy. What could have caused this change?'

In the Underworld

A beautiful girl with long, black hair tied in twin ponytails narrowed her violet eyes as she contemplated. She was one of the Devils who had watched the fight between Issei Hyoudou and Riser Phenex.

The girl normally dressed in magical girl's clothing, but just for that one occasion on what happened earlier, she now wore a formal navy blue dress-shirt with a black skirt. Her violet eyes narrowed in concentration.

Serafall Leviathan, the current Satan in charge of foreign affairs, with the title of "Leviathan", sighed as she crossed her arms. Sirzechs, Michael, and Gabriel were not the only ones who had sensed the boy's power. Serafall could sense the immense power as well, and it greatly brought a pleasant feeling to her, due to the radiance emitting from the aura. But she chose not to interfere into the boy's life.

Until Sirzechs Lucifer had agreed for the third son of the Phenex Clan to fight Issei Hyoudou.

Originally, Serafall had thought that Riser was far too paranoid, and only wanted to fight Issei for the sake of reassuring his superiority. It turns out she was right, as Riser had intentionally provoked Issei into fighting him through despicable means.

When she witnessed Issei accessing his Solar and Hell-Fire transformations, Serafall couldn't deny that she felt great worry. She knew right then that Riser was going to lose, no question. But what worried Serafall the most, was the intensity of Issei's Hell-Fire aura. In his second transformation, Issei potentially had enough power to completely destroy the Underworld.

After Issei had destroyed Riser, Serafall didn't know what to expect from the young boy. She was actually a little surprised that Issei had enough willpower to prevent himself from decimating every Devil in front of him. That falcon punch he gave to Sirzechs was probably from his leftover anger.

As she closed her violet eyes, Serafall shook her head.

"Sirzechs-chan, you baka. Why on earth would you do this? Now this young boy...his life will change. The only question is: how severe is the change?"


In the Student Council Room

The members of the Occult Research Club and the Student Council all stood as they contemplated. They couldn't help but feel just a bit cautious. After the stunt Riser Phenex had pulled, which ended up backfiring on him horribly by the way, the Devils of the two clubs at Kuoh Academy felt really conflicted.

Due to Riser's actions, there was a large chance that Issei Hyoudou would hold a great animosity to all of the Devils. The only Devils who had come in contact with Issei, were in fact Genshirou Saji and Yuuto Kiba.

The two young men severely hoped that Issei wouldn't go off on them by the off-chance they would encounter each other again. They deduced that since Issei had unlocked two new transformations, they knew that he could potentially have the ability to sense energy.

Which means he could tell the energy signature of a Devil.

Well, that certainly wasn't a good thing.

Sona sighed as she fixed her glasses.

"Now that Issei Hyoudou can detect the energy signature of a Devil, I think it would be best if we stay away from him."

The rest of the Devils turned to her in surprise, with Saji speaking their mutual thoughts.

"But kaichou, we didn't do anything! We weren't involved with Riser's plan at all!"

"I'm aware of that Saji. But you have to think about how Issei feels in his point of view. Although he has spoken to you and Yuuto a number of times, he was, at that point, unaware that you two were Devils to begin with. Both Riser and Rias's Onii-sama were the first two Devils that had wronged him. I wouldn't blame him if he had adopted a slight prejudice against us."

As he listened to the rationalization within Sona's words, Saji lowered his head and crossed his arms.

"Damn. I just..."

He then sighed and looked away.

"I understand what you're saying kaichou."

Rias narrowed her eyes as she looked out the window.

'How could Onii-sama allow Riser to do all of this? Now because of them, Issei's personality might have changed for the worst. If only he had just left Issei alone, then he wouldn't have perished.'

Sitting in one of the room's chairs were Akeno, Yuuto, and Koneko. Akeno adopted a disappointed yet saddened look on her face as she placed her hands on her lap.

Yuuto was not handling the situation any better. Even when he had been trying to convince Issei to come visit the Occult Research Club, he had genuinely been trying to act as a friend to the young man. After Rias had told the rest of her peerage that Issei could not be reincarnated into a Devil, Yuuto had to admit, he was actually a little disappointed from the news.

Koneko remained silent in her chair. She, along with Rias, Akeno, Sona, and Tsubaki, had never even met Issei yet. However, the first day he arrived to Kuoh Academy, she and the others could all sense him. But Koneko was extremely sensitive to Issei's aura, due to her sensitivity to the life-force of other beings.

Next to Sona, stood Tsubaki, who maintained her cold stoic expression. Although her surface features showed that she was calm, inside she was feeling uneasy. What she had just witnessed, was absolutely shocking. Sure, she had heard traces of the Great War between the Three Factions, and she wasn't unfamiliar to the sights of battles. However, she found it hard to grasp what had just happened to Issei.

She couldn't get that boy out of her mind. When first seeing him walking away from Kuoh Academy, it wasn't hard for Tsubaki to decipher that Issei was a reclusive young man. It was because of his eyes.

'Those strange eyes.'

His left eye. The color of innocent doe-brown. The color of doe-brown represented innocence, naiveté, and yet, it also represented vulnerability. It matched Issei's shy nature.

His right eye. That represented the color of the powerful source of energy in the entire world: The Sun. Originally Tsubaki could not understand what Issei's right eye signified. But...it finally came to her when Issei transformed into his recently acquired Solar Form.

Issei's right eye represented his repressed anger. It represented the isolation that was forced upon him due to the different coloration of his eyes.

Tsubaki narrowed her light brown eyes as she subtly looked to the side.

'Isolation.'

Only Tsubaki and Sona knew about the former's past. She was born in the Tsubaki Clan. A clan which possessed an honorable origin that purified evil spirits. However, Tsubaki had a unique trait. Her mirror could only call to abnormal beings, and as a result she received a state which was basically isolation from the other members.

Narrowing her eyes further, Tsubaki looked over to Sona, who had her eyes closed in thought.

Sona had helped her overcome her fear of isolation. But Issei...before his battle with Riser, he almost seemed to accept being isolated from others. As though he was already used to it. Accustomed to being alone.

'Issei Hyoudou.'

The boy intrigued her. But now because of Riser and Sirzechs, the Devils of the Student Council and the Occult Research Club would most likely never have the chance to get to know Issei.

Opening and then narrowing her violet eyes, Sona crossed her arms.

'Attempting to become familiar with Issei Hyoudou is a huge risk. Perhaps we should not rush. After his battle with Riser, he might become hostile once he senses our energy.'

She sighed and closed her eyes.

'And to think, just a couple of days ago, he was just a shy student. Now he is literally a being that likely surpasses my Onee-sama. Perhaps even Sirzechs-sama himself.'


Issei's House

Issei couldn't say anything. What could anyone say in his situation? A girl who he hadn't seen in over 11 years...looked exactly as she did before. She was sitting on top of him as though he was her personal couch.

"W-who are you?"

Ophis, The Infinite Dragon God, also known as the Ouroboros Dragon tilted her head as she gazed down at Issei.

"I, am Ophis. What is, your name?"

Issei didn't even know if he wanted to tell this girl his name. As far as he knew, this girl could be a stalker or something. A girl dressed in Gothic Lolita, who somehow knew where he lived, had managed to walk inside his house.

With the door locked.

"Before I tell you, I need to ask you some questions. Is that all right?"

Ophis tilted her head again. Issei found it creepy the way she did that, but he took it as a sign from her to continue. Sitting up from his spot, Issei shook his head and rubbed his forehead. He looked at Ophis's now hollow stare.

"How old are you, Ophis?"

"Infinity."

Issei rose an eyebrow at the answer.

"Infinity? What do you mean?"

"I have, no age."

"What?"

Issei was so confused right now.

"Do you have anyone you live with? Any family?"

"I, have no one."

The young man widened his eyes a little at Ophis's answer. The girl had no relatives? No one to take care of her?

"Why don't you have any family?"

The girl was strange, sure, but no one was that cruel to abandon someone like her.

"I, have always been in silence. The Nothingness of Infinity, is my progenitor."

Issei rose an eyebrow again in response.

'She's got a good vocabulary.'

"So you don't have anyone?"

"I, have you."

The young man widened his eyes again at Ophis's possessive tone.

"W-what?"

Ophis's eyes seemed to darken, and she lifted her finger, putting it on top of Issei's forehead.

"Do you remember? 11 years ago. My snake, bit into your flesh."

The young man rubbed his neck in remembrance, and his eyes softened.

"Yeah, I do."

"When my snake bit you, that signified, that you, were MINE."

"What?!"

What the hell did Ophis mean? Did she...

"W-wait! Are you saying what I think you're saying?!"

Ophis tilted her head as she removed her finger from Issei's forehead.

"I, marked you. As mine."

The young man widened his eyes in realization, and he resisted the urge to face-palm himself.

Shocked beyond belief, Issei lifted Ophis off of him and placed her on the floor. Blinking repeatedly at the look on Ophis's face, Issei shook his head.

"How old are you again?"

"I, am Infinity."

"That doesn't really answer my question. Or soothe my worry at all. Oh by the way, my name is Iss-"

KNOCK KNOCK

Issei and Ophis looked up at the sound of someone knocking on the door from outside. Looking down at Ophis, Issei just sighed and shook his head. He walked over to the door, and opened it, his look of tiredness immediately rising to surprise, then slow but rising anger.

In front of him, was none other than the young Chinese woman who had brought him to the Underworld to begin his fight with Riser.

Issei narrowed his eyes at Xuelan, his attention on Ophis momentarily forgotten. Xuelan gulped as she tried to endure Issei's icy stare. She felt her face heat up from his glare, and she shuffled her feet in nervousness.

"What the hell are you doing here?"

Xuelan shuffled her feet again as she tried to avoid Issei's cold glare. She knew she had taken a huge risk in coming to his house.

Just to see him.

There were two reasons why she had come to his house. One was because she was ordered by Lord Phenex to tell Issei about the arrangement which involved giving Riser's possessions to him. The second reason was because out of all the members in Riser's peerage, she wasn't too frightened to volunteer.

That isn't to say Xuelan was exactly brave. When Yubelluna had informed her that Riser had perished at the hands of Issei, Xuelan was absolutely devastated. From how Yubelluna had described Issei, it confused Xuelan greatly. The way she described him...it was far different than the boy she had taken to the Underworld, under Riser's orders.

As she gulped down a nervous lump in her throat, Xuelan looked into Issei's different colored eyes and gulped again.

"A-are you alone right now?"

"Does it look like I am?" The young man answered coldly.

Looking past Issei, Xuelan concluded that Issei was indeed alone.

"Y-Yes."

Issei widened his eyes and turned around, only to see that Ophis had disappeared once again. The young man blinked several times in shock.

'What the hell?! I wasn't imagining the whole conversation with her, was I?!'

Sighing inwardly, Issei turned to look at Xuelan and narrowed his eyes.

"What do you want?"

Xuelan opened her mouth, and then she paused. How exactly was she going to word her response? She knew she didn't want to piss him off. Trying to calm herself, Xuelan gulped down another lump in her throat.

"L-Lord Phenex-sama ordered me to come find you. To inform you about something important."

"..."

Noticing his intended lack of response, Xuelan lowered her head.

"Both he and Sirzechs-sama would like to talk to you about the matter regarding Riser-sama's possessions."

Issei narrowed his eyes at the mention of Riser's name.

"I already told them I didn't want anything to do with Riser's belongings. I thought I made that clear. Now if you would-"

"B-but you won it fair and square." Xuelan interrupted, "You defeated Riser-sama yourself."

"I don't care about what I won. Tell Sirzechs and Riser's father that I don't want any of Riser's possessions."

Xuelan widened her eyes, and she stepped forward.

"Both Sirzechs-sama and Lord Phenex-sama insist that you have earned the right to Riser-sama's belongings. It would be honorable of you if you were to come to the Phenex mansion and accept what you have earned."

Issei maintained his cold stare as he glared at Xuelan.

"Honorable? Yeah right."

Xuelan widened her eyes again.

"W-what?"

Ignoring her, Issei opened his house door, and placed his hand on Xuelan's arm, before moving her out of his house. Glaring at the surprised look on Xuelan's face, Issei placed her in front of the door, and shut the door in her face.

Xuelan stood shell-shocked for a moment, and then she huffed.

How dare that boy do that do her?! How could he?!

Narrowing her blue-green eyes, Xuelan got into a battle position, as her hands started to glow with fire. Scoffing, she reared her fist back. As soon as she was about to punch and kick the door, Issei immediately opened the door and glared at her, prompting Xuelan to stop in her attempted attack.

"If you even try to kick or break my house door, I guarantee you'll wish you didn't. I...will...end you."

And with that, he slammed the door in her face again. Xuelan stood still with a frightened expression on her face, and she resisted the urge to faint right then and there. Sighing, she placed her hand on the ground, causing a magic circle to emit. The aura from it surrounded Xuelan, and she disappeared.

Issei sighed as he rubbed his head. Scowling, he shook his head and sighed again.

"Honorable. I-I can't believe-" He said as he shut his eyes in irritation.

Opening his eyes, Issei looked over to see Ophis sitting on his couch.

"O-Ophis, you came back. Where did you go?"

Ophis tilted her head as she stared at Issei.

"I, went nowhere."

Raising an eyebrow at her response, Issei sighed and shrugged.

"Ah, well..."

Looking over at Ophis again, Issei walked over to the couch, and sat next to the Ouroboros Dragon.

"So you said you don't have anywhere to live?"

"No. I, do not."

'She talks really weird.' Issei thought.

Issei sighed and crossed his arms.

"Is that the only outfit you have, Ophis?"

Ophis looked down at herself, and tilted her head as she looked up at Issei.

"Do you not like my appearance?"

"Your appearance? No, I was just asking-"

He was cut off when Ophis's body started to glow and reform, and the young man widened his eyes in shock. The bright glow faded, revealing a more mature Ophis.

She now appeared as a woman in her early 20's. Her silky black hair was longer, her dark-gray eyes gained a more mature edge to them, and her body was now developed to the figure of a full-grown woman. Issei really couldn't keep himself from widening his eyes at the sight of the girl's more voluptuous body.

Issei stared wide-eyed for a moment, and then he lifted up a finger to the now adult Ophis.

"Excuse me for a moment."

And then he delivered a sharp slap to his cheek, in order to ensure that he wasn't dreaming, or was trapped in a hallucination. Ophis tilted her head at what Issei had just done, but she remained quiet.

Shaking his head and grunting in surprise at the unexpected pain, Issei opened his eyes, and still saw the matured Ophis.

Blinking several times, Issei asked Ophis the same question he asked her before Xuelan had shown up.

"H-how old are you again?"

"I, am ageless." Ophis said, her former child-like voice tumbling to a lower and sultry, yet emotionless pitch.

Issei palmed his face again, and shook his head. It was going to be hard to convince his parents to allow...this girl to stay at his house. Removing his hand from his face, Issei noticed that Ophis was still dressed in her Gothic Lolita fashion.

"Maybe it's time for you to get some new clothes. I think I still have some money leftover."

Ophis stood up on the couch, and Issei was about to get up from his spot, until he noticed something strange. He looked up, and his eyes widened.

"Oh dear lord. Where are your undergarm-?!"


Shopping Centers

'The only outfit she has, and yet she neglected to wear any underwear?!'

Issei sighed as he walked with Ophis to the store. After that frightening revelation, Issei quickly brought the Ouroboros Dragon to the store. Walking inside, Issei looked around, while Ophis stared motionless, silently looking around the store.

Sighing and rubbing his head, Issei grabbed Ophis's hand and pulled her towards the women's section. He encouraged the Ouroboros Dragon to think about what clothes she would find interesting.


Tsubaki Shinra narrowed her eyes as she looked at her list. Looking around, she tried to spot the specific store she was looking for.

"Where is the book-"

She cut herself off when someone familiar was in her eyesight. Her light-brown eyes widened and her mouth opened wide.

"Issei Hyoudou!"

Tsubaki froze in her spot as she saw Issei in the nearby clothing store. But he wasn't alone.

Ophis, the Infinite Dragon God, also known as the Ouroboros Dragon was also with Issei!

"W-what is the Dragon God doing with Issei Hyoudou?!"

Tsubaki couldn't believe it!

'And what happened to its appearance?! I thought it took the form of a young girl!'

As she stared in absolute shock, she noticed Issei talking to Ophis. When the young man turned his head, Ophis turned her head around and looked right at Tsubaki. The Vice-President of the Student Council felt her heart stop almost immediately at the strange look on Ophis's face.

'Did it notice Issei's power as well? And if so, why is it with him?'

Tsubaki struggled to prevent herself from fainting right then and there as she felt the immensely powerful aura emitting from Ophis. Her knees felt wobbly, and she gulped down nervously.

Much to Tsubaki's relief, Issei looked back over to Ophis and tapped her on the shoulder, her attention on Tsubaki now forgotten.

Tsubaki widened her eyes as she hadn't realized that she was actually holding her breath in. Taking deep breaths, Tsubaki quickly walked forward so she could get away from the store. She was so engrossed at the thought of keeping herself alive, she didn't notice who was in her way until she had bumped into them.

This caused her paper to drop onto the ground, and she gasped as she bent down to retrieve it. However, the person had already reached down to pick the paper up, and gave it to her. Tsubaki gratefully accepted it, and she looked up, her light-brown eyes widening in shock.

"I-Issei Hyoudou."

The new kouhai she had gained at Kuoh Academy was right in front of her. Instead of the shy and reclusive expression he originally maintained, there was now a stern yet calm look on his face. Next to him, was a cold-looking Ophis, who was holding a pair of bags.

Tsubaki felt her breath leave her throat, finding herself unable to speak. Sona had warned the Devils in the Occult Research Club and the Student Council to stay away from Issei. And Tsubaki was now deciding whether or not to simply run away, or stay where she was, shaking in uncertainty.

Issei maintained his calm expression, and then he walked past Tsubaki, who remained where she was. Sighing in relief, Tsubaki held in her breath again when she saw that Ophis was sending her a slight glare.

"Issei Hyoudou, is MINE."

"I-I..."

She felt herself unable to reply, and yet her mouth remained wide-open, and her body stiffened. Glaring at Tsubaki coldly, Ophis walked past her, shortly catching up to Issei.

Tsubaki turned around to look at Issei and Ophis, and felt her mind go blank.

"I-I have to inform kaichou, and Rias about this!"

It seemed the bookshelf she had been trying to purchase for a long time would have to wait.


Issei's House

"Hey, cousin."

"...Hey, Leiko-san."

Issei rubbed his head as he talked to Leiko on the phone.

"Leiko-san? Are you all right?"

"Well, I'm not exactly thrilled. But I'm ok. Today's been a really weird ride, hasn't it?"

"Weird's just putting it mildly."

"Fufu. True."

"...Are you sure you're all right?"

"I'm all right, Ise-itoko. I should probably be all right in the morning."

"...A-all right."

Both cousins knew their current phone call conversation was a little awkward, considering what had happened earlier.

"We'll talk later, cousin."

"Ok. Good night."

"Good night."

Hanging up the phone, Issei sighed as he laid on top of his bed. Next to him laid Ophis, who was staring at him with her hollow dark-gray eyes.

"Did you have fun shopping?" He asked.

"Yes. I, enjoyed it."

Nodding at her answer, Issei looked up at the ceiling and sighed. He then looked over to Ophis again.

"You know you can change your appearance back to what it was before. You don't really need my opinion on what you should look like."

Tilting her head, Ophis sat up from her spot and scooted closer to Issei, placing her arms around his neck.

"I, like this form. In this form, I, can hold you. I, like that."

Raising an eyebrow at Ophis' response, Issei's eyes softened and allowed himself to remain in Ophis' embrace. As he closed his eyes, Issei couldn't help but notice that Ophis' body strangely felt cold to him, and yet he was still warm.


Takamagahara

Amaterasu, the major deity of the Shinto religion, the goddess of the Sun, and also the Universe, sighed as she watched her son from the heavens.

"It's been 17 years, my little sun. I miss you so."

In her hand was a sword that glowed with a crimson hue. Normally the sword wouldn't have glowed at all, if not for the fact that there was something sealed within it.

Something powerful.

The name of the sword was Kusanagi-no-Tsurugi, formerly known as the Ame-no-Murakumo-no-Tsurugi. The Legendary Japanese Sword, and one of the three Imperial Regalia of Japan.

Originally wielded by the god known as Susanoo, the sword was presented to Amaterasu as a gift, in order for the chance of reconciliation. The sword appeared to be about eighty-four cm long, shaped like calamus, and was fashioned in a white metallic color.

From that point on, as a memento of her brother, Amaterasu kept the sword in safe clutches. But she still disliked Susanoo, as she knew that the reconciliation was just a mask to hide his animosity.

Until the beginning of the Great War.

The Great War was a climatic battle between the Devils, Fallen Angels, and Angels. During that battle, the Biblical God and the Four Great Satans perished, leaving the Three Factions in a state of exhaustion. Although there was no more conflict, peace did not reign.

Something else happened during that battle. The Two Heavenly Dragons, known as Ddraig, the Red Dragon Emperor; and Albion; the White Dragon Emperor, fought against each other during that time. Their battle was so fierce and catastrophic that the Three Factions had the gall to interrupt their battle.

Due to the Dragons' pride and annoyance at their fight being interrupted, Ddraig and Albion both attacked the leaders of the Three Factions. However, both of the Dragons' bodies were destroyed, and their souls were sealed.

Albion was sealed into the Mid-Tier Longinus known as the Divine Dividing, or the White Dragon Emperor's Light Wings.

Ddraig, however, was not sealed into a Sacred Gear. After the end of the Great War, Amaterasu arrived at the scene, and captured the Dragon's soul, encasing it within the Kusanagi-no-Tsurugi.

From that point on, Ddraig and Albion have not seen each other for over many years, as the sword the former was sealed in, was kept safe within Amaterasu's arms.

As she held the sword, an aura composed of solar flares surrounded her, and she transmitted away.


Ise Shrine located in Ise City, Honshū, Japan

Reappearing within the shrine, Amasterasu sighed as she placed the sword down onto the ground, making sure to hide it. As she looked around the shrine, Amaterasu lowered her eyes, gaining a saddened look on her face.

"I can sense him. My sweet little sun. But now is not the time to meet him. Not yet."

Placing her hand on her chest, Amaterasu closed her eyes as her solar aura covered her entirely, allowing her to transmit away.


The Occult Research Club

"HE'S WITH WHO?!"

Tsubaki, Sona, and Akeno winced at the shrill tone of Rias's voice. After seeing Issei and Ophis at the store, Tsubaki quickly made it back just in time to tell her master and Rias. Needless to say, Rias wasn't exactly taking it well.

"He's...he's with Oph-"

"HOW IS THAT POSSIBLE?! How could Ophis find him?! WHY did Ophis find him?!" Rias screamed as she interrupted Tsubaki.

She received only shrugs from her fellow Devils. Rias clutched her forehead and collapsed into her chair.

Ophis, the Infinite Dragon God, and the Ouroboros Dragon. It was one of the strongest beings in the Universe. And it was hanging out with Issei of all people?!

Sona sighed as she fixed her glasses.

"And now, we have yet another reason we have to separate ourselves from Issei Hyoudou. We certainly do not want to anger the Dragon God."

Rias sighed and looked over at Tsubaki.

"What did Issei do when you came in contact with him?"

"He didn't do anything. After he retrieved my shopping list, he did not speak to me at all. Ophis spoke to me, though."

At the last sentence, Rias, Akeno, and Sona gave Tsubaki their undivided attention.

"What did it say?" Akeno asked.

Tsubaki felt a little uneasy as she remembered Ophis's words.

"It said, that Issei Hyoudou belonged to it. As though it had already claimed him."

Rias palmed her face and sighed tiredly.

"Unbelievable. Out of all the people Issei could have come in contact with, it just had to be Ophis."

"He certainly is an interesting boy." Sona said.


Next Day (Issei's Room)

"My Issei. Why, do you have to go?"

Issei noticed that Ophis has been referring to him with the word "My" before his own name. And in his opinion, he didn't mind it.

Issei rubbed his eyes tiredly as he put on his book bag.

"I have school today, Ophis. I can't just stay home forever."

"I, do not like that. Not, at all."

Issei sighed as he turned to look at Ophis, who was sitting on his bed. The Ouroboros Dragon was still in her adult form, and was giving Issei her usual emotionless expression. Issei resisted the urge to smile as he thought he saw a flash of a pout on her face. In her adult form, her dark-gray eyes looked less child-like in appearance, and more sharp and narrowed.

'Man. When she's in this form, her voice sounds really different. Obviously her voice is deeper now, but still...man, her voice is different. Huh...I kind of like it.'

"I'll be back, Ophis. I promise. And hey, look at it this way. As soon as I leave school, I can bring you back something."

Ophis tilted her head at Issei's suggestion.

"Bring, me something?"

Issei smiled as he fixed his book bag.

"Yeah. Is there something you'd like?"

"...I, like doughnuts, cookies."

The young man rose an eyebrow at Ophis's answer, but then he smiled and gave her a thumbs up.

"You got it. Doughnuts and cookies."

Ophis tilted her head as she watched Issei walk out of his room, and she remained on top of his bed.

Seconds later, she got up from the bed and walked over to the window, seeing Issei rush out of the door. Issei looked up from his spot, seeing Ophis looking out of his window. Nodding and smiling to her, Issei gave Ophis a thumbs-up.

The Ouroboros Dragon tilted her head again, and she lifted her hand up, mimicking Issei's thumbs up gesture.

"I'll be back, Ophis!"

And with that, the young man rushed on his way to school, leaving Ophis at his room window. Watching him leave, Ophis put her hand on the glass window, looking at her reflection.

"My Issei."


Kuoh Academy

Issei sighed as he sat at his desk. On his way to school, he could sense the numerous energies of the Devils. He could tell that some of them involved the members of the Occult Research Club and Student Council.

Yuuto Kiba and Genshirou Saji.

Issei had to admit, he was a little surprised when he discovered that Yuuto and Saji were Devils. And honestly, that troubled him slightly. Because of Riser, Issei's opinion of Devils had lowered greatly. And the fact that Yuuto and Saji, who Issei had considered as light acquaintances, were Devils, that conflicted with him.

Regardless, Issei still didn't trust the Devils at all. Since Yuuto and Saji seemed like the only Devils who had not troubled him at all, and were actually pleasant to him, he would go by his own rule.

'If they don't bother me, I won't bother them. It's that simple.'

No sense in killing an innocent Devil who had no way of being involved in his own life.

Issei chuckled a bit.

'Innocent Devil. That's an oxymoron.'

He looked over to the empty desk next to him.

'Hmm...Yuuma-san's not here.'

"Ok, class!"

The students in the classroom ceased in their chatting as they looked at the teacher. Issei rose an eyebrow, wondering what was so important. The teacher smiled as she looked at her students, and walked over to the door.

"We have a new student here today! Please make her feel welcome!"

The teacher opened the door, allowing the new student to walk in. Issei widened his eyes at the familiar person, and then he narrowed them darkly.

'Why am I not surprised?'

It was a well-endowed young woman of Chinese descent with shoulder-length black hair and blue-green eyes. Her hair had two Chinese-style buns on both sides of her head. She was dressed in the Kuoh Academy girls' uniform, which hugged her figure.

Xuelan shuffled her feet as she looked at the students in front of her. She gave a cheerful smile as she waved at the students.

"Hey, everyone! My name's Xuelan. It's nice to meet you all. I hope we can be friends!"

She giggled as she noticed some of the students giving her appreciative looks, the girls complimenting her hairstyle, and the males complimenting her physical appearance.

Only one student was not happy at seeing Xuelan, and he didn't bother to cover it up. Xuelan smiled as she looked over at the students, but then her smile faded slightly as she noticed the look on Issei's face.

Cold, narrowed, brown and yellow-orange eyes stared right into Xuelan's blue-green eyes. Xuelan felt her body shake, and she gulped down a nervous lump in her throat.

"Xuelan-chan, why don't you go sit next to Hyoudou-kun. He was a new student as well before you."

Xuelan forced a smile as she walked over to sit next to Issei, who removed his attention from her and glared at the chalkboard. The Chinese Devil crossed her arms as she sighed.

'Going to his house didn't work. Enrolling into this school was a sure way to get close to him.'

Issei inwardly sighed as he tried to control himself. He wasn't exactly in a murderous rage, but he was mad enough to throw a desk out the window. He would just have to settle with sitting next to the Chinese Devil.

Who wouldn't stop bothering him.

Sighing, Issei put his hand on his cheek, ignoring Xuelan's stare.

'Damn it. I knew I should have listened to Ophis and just stay at home. I wonder what she's doing right now?'


Issei's House

Ophis tilted her head as she silently walked around Issei's house. Moments after Issei left his house, the Ouroboros Dragon decided to go to sleep on Issei's bed. Not even 10 minutes later, did her stomach start growling.

"I, am hungry."

As she walked into the kitchen, she opened the cabinets, and refrigerator, and let an expression akin to disappointment form on her face.

"No, doughnuts, cookies."

Shutting the refrigerator door, Ophis went to look in the living room, and stopped when she saw a flyer laid upon the table. Tilting her head again, Ophis picked the flyer up and unfolded it, looking at the title.

"Fortune, Cooky."


The Phenex Mansion

The mansion was quiet, completely void of all sound. Sitting in the living room of the Phenex mansion were none other than the members of late Riser's peerage.

Yubelluna, Riser's Queen, stared at the walls with a lifeless gaze as she held herself. She couldn't believe that Issei had murdered her Riser!

'That boy! That awful boy! How could he do that to Riser-sama?!'

A young girl with long blonde hair and dark blue eyes shivered as she remained still. Her hair was tied in twin ponytails with large, drill-like curls, with blue ribbons keeping them in place. The front of her hair had several bangs hanging over her forehead, with a V-shaped fringe hanging over the bridge of her nose. She wore a long, pink dress with white frills and a magenta bow in the front.

Ravel Phenex, the younger sister of Riser, was just as deathly quiet as the rest of her brother's peerage.

When she witnessed her brother's death, Ravel didn't know what to think. It was as though time had ceased in her mind. The emotions she had felt during that time were changing so rapidly, she didn't what to feel.

Issei Hyoudou.

The young man who had killed her older brother.

The boy honestly frightened her to the core. That bone-chilling glare he gave towards her and the rest of the peerage. It was a sight wouldn't leave Ravel's mind.

When Lord Phenex had asked Riser's peerage to retrieve Issei in order to discuss his inheritance from Riser, Ravel and the other members had no intention of going anywhere near Issei.

Except Xuelan. The Chinese Rook was the only one who had volunteered.


Kuoh Academy

Issei sighed as he listened to the teacher go about her lesson. Normally, he would have been able to concentrate, if not for the fact that Xuelan was staring at him.

The Chinese Devil kept her gaze locked on the young man. She may have been a little frightened of Issei, but Xuelan wouldn't let that hinder her resolve.

And so she enrolled herself into Kuoh Academy, in order to get close to him. It was by mere coincidence that she would be put in the same class as Issei.

As she continued to stare at Issei, she could feel his ki rising ever so slightly. Widening her blue-green eyes, Xuelan removed her gaze from Issei quickly, and immediately after, Issei's energy started to decrease.

"Issei Hyoudou."

At the call of his name, Issei looked up to see the girl he had saw yesterday at the store. The very same girl with black hair, and blue, semi-rimmed glasses. Maintaining his calm look, Issei looked at Tsubaki Shinra, the Vice-President of the Student Council.

'Oh. It's that girl who dropped her shopping list yesterday.'

He noticed that Tsubaki had a serious expression on her face, which greatly contrasted from the pale look she adopted from yesterday.

Tsubaki struggled to maintain her indifferent and cold look as she gazed at Issei.

"The President of the Student Council would like to speak with you. If you would please follow me to the location..." She said in a serious and cold tone.

Issei didn't respond, and he looked away to see many of the students of his class whispering amongst themselves. Narrowing his eyes, Issei then looked towards Xuelan, who was now trying to avoid his glare.

Sighing, Issei thought the request over. He had already decided that if the Devils didn't bother him, then he wouldn't bother them back. It was as simple as that. Now this girl stated the President of the Student Council wanted to talk to him.

'Why are the Devils concerning themselves with someone like me?'

Lowering his head, Issei thought once again, and closed his eyes.

'Didn't Saji-san say he was the Secretary in the Student Council?'

As much as he did not trust Devils, both Genshirou Saji and Yuuto Kiba were actually pleasant to him. That being said, if these Devils knew either one of them, he wouldn't blow off on them.

That didn't mean he couldn't be indifferent towards them.

Opening his eyes, Issei glanced up at Tsubaki. He rose an eyebrow when he noticed that Tsubaki's face was slowly gaining a red shade.

'Why is her face so red? It's not that hot in here.' Issei thought.

Tsubaki stood quietly as she watched Issei ponder on his decision. She genuinely found the young man interesting, wondering what went on in his mind.

Silently retrieving his bag, Issei sighed and nodded to Tsubaki, and placed his hands in his blazer pockets. Tsubaki's stoic expression dissolved as she widened her eyes.

'H-he actually accepted?'

Issei sighed and looked at Tsubaki.

At least through taking this opportunity, he could get away from Xuelan.

"Lead the way."

As he followed the surprised Tsubaki, Issei's eyes softened as he thought about Ophis.

'I wonder how Ophis is doing. I hope she's all right while I'm here at school.'


At Issei's House

"I, want, Chicken Fried Rice."

"Ok, what else?"

"I, want cookies, doughnuts."

"Well, we don't have doughnuts, but we do have fortune cookies."

"Fortune, cookies."

"All right then. The total is 15.37. We'll be at your address in no time. Thirty minutes or it's free."

"Thirty, minutes? Free?"

"Yep! If we're not at your house in thirty minutes, the food is free. Though, I must warn you, our delivery time is very impecc-"

Ophis hung up the phone before the caller could finish his sentence. As she put the restaurant menu down, Ophis sat up from the couch and stood silently. As she tilted her head, Ophis's dark gray eyes narrowed a bit.

"I, want free food."

Snakes began to manifest around Ophis's body, and the Ouroboros Dragon disappeared from Issei's house.


In the Student Council Room

Sona Sitri clasped her hands together as she waited for Tsubaki to retrieve Issei. In the room with her, were six members of the Student Council, including Genshirou Saji.

Only Saji, and recently Tsubaki, were the only members of the Student Council to actually come in contact with Issei.

The door to the room opened, revealing Tsubaki with Issei behind her. Setting her face into a stoic and composed look, Sona stood up from her desk chair, and walked over to the calm Issei. Tsubaki walked over to stand next to the other members of the Student Council, and awaited for Sona's words.

Stopping in front of the young man, Sona placed her hands to the side.

"Issei Hyoudou. It's a pleasure to meet you. My name is Sona Sitri."

Issei didn't respond, but he gave Sona a nod in reply. As he looked at the rest of the Student Council members, he set his gaze to Saji, who looked back with a neutral but saddened look.

Sighing and lowering his head, Issei set his gaze back to Sona.

"Before you say anything else, please let me just say this."

Raising an eyebrow at Issei's words, Sona nodded.

Taking his hands out of his blazer pockets, Issei put them to his side.

"I have nothing against any of you. However, that doesn't mean I completely trust Devils at all. But..."

Issei lowered his head and paused in his words. Noting the hesitance within Issei, Sona kept silent. Both Saji and Tsubaki remained quiet as well.

'...Newby.'

Sighing, Issei lifted his head up at Sona.

"I know that you and the rest of the Devils here were not in involved in Riser's plans at all, which is why I'm telling you this."

The Devils of the Student Council listened intently to Issei's next words.

"You don't bother me, I won't bother you. It's as simple as that. If it so happens that you do need or want, or have to speak with me, and if it's very important, then so be it. Aside from that, I'll keep to myself, and you guys keep to yourselves."

Sona and her peerage were a little surprised at Issei's declaration. Sure, he didn't trust Devils, and yet he was acting in a mature and indifferent manner.

Saji looked up at Issei and sighed.

"Hey, Newby. I-"

"It's all right, Saji-san." Issei said as he gave Saji a soft half-smile.

Saji widened his eyes at Issei's words.

"I hold nothing against you as a person. On the other hand, it'll take a long time for me to get used to Devils. So staying away from each other is a good plan. No conflicts, no worries."

Saji nodded and crossed his arms.

"I just wanted to say I'm sorry about your cousin. She really seemed like a nice person."

Looking at Saji for a moment, Issei shook his head.

"Leiko-san's still alive."

The Student Council members widened their eyes, with the exception of Sona.

Staring at Issei for a moment, Sona nodded. That was a genuine relief to hear.

"I'm glad to hear that. And I appreciate you acting like this in a civilized manner, Issei Hyoudou. I am sure my peerage and I can agree to abide by your rules."

Issei nodded in response to Sona's words, and he put his hands in his pockets once more.

"Then it's settled."

As she watched Issei turn around to leave, Sona widened her eyes as she had just remembered something.

"Issei."

Turning around, Issei looked at Sona, raising an eyebrow.

"My older sister would like to meet with you. It's an important matter. Also a friend of mine, Rias Gremory, would also like to speak with you."

Staring at Sona for a few moments, Issei removed his hand from the door.

"...I'll think about it, the conversation with your sister. As with this Gremory person..."

"She's the President of the Occult Research Club." Tsubaki answered as she watched Issei.

"She's also Sirzechs-sama's younger sister." Saji added in his two cents.

At the mention of the Maou, Issei unconsciously flared out a small portion of ki, causing the members of the Student Council to back away. After a few moments, Issei calmed down almost immediately, and suppressed his energy.

"Tell this Rias girl, that if she wants to talk to me, then she'll have to come seek me out herself."

As he went to open the door, Issei turned back around.


The Underworld (Azazel's Headquarters)

Raynare sighed as she sat in Azazel's base. Dressed in her Fallen Angel attire, she put her hand on her cheek.

"Something wrong, Raynare?"

At her name, Raynare looked over to Kalawarner, who had her arms crossed in a bored manner.

"It's nothing."

Kalawarner rose an eyebrow, but then she shrugged. Her eyes glazing slightly, Raynare held herself.

'I hope Issei-kun is all right today.'


In Another Section of Azazel's Headquarters

"Yo, Azazel. You called?"

Azazel, the leader of the Fallen Angels turned to look at a young man with dark silver hair and light blue eyes.

"Vali. Yes I did."

Azazel crossed his arms and sighed.

"I have a suspicious feeling that Kokabiel is planning something. I believe he wants to start another Great War."

Raising a silver eyebrow, Vali scoffed.

"And how does that concern me? Can't you take care of it?"

"Because I know that you and Albion have been looking for a stronger opponent. And I believe that Kokabiel's plan involves Ddraig, the Red Dragon Emperor."

At the mention of Albion's rival, Vali widened his eyes. Smirking at Vali in amusement, Azazel closed his eyes.

"Tell me, Vali. Have you ever heard of the legendary sword; the Kusanagi-no-Tsurugi?"


Fortune Cooky Restaurant

An employee smiled as he carried some bags out.

"It hasn't even been thirty minutes yet, so today might be my lucky day.

On top of the restaurant building stood Ophis, who looked down upon the car the employee was about to enter into.

Ophis lifted up a finger, and she narrowed her eyes.

"I, shall definitely have, free food."

The employee got into his car, and got ready to start the engine, until he noticed something slithering next to him. Tensing at the sound of the creature, the delivery man slowly looked towards the seat next to him.

"...AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!"


Issei's House (An Hour Later)

Issei blew out a sigh as he walked into his house. Closing the door behind him, he looked up to see Ophis sitting on the couch, looking at the clock on the walls.

"Ophis?"

Removing her attention from the clock, Ophis titled her head and offered a small smile as she looked at Issei

"My Issei. You are back."

Issei blinked, and then he gave Ophis a soft smile.

"Yeah, finally. I'm glad to see that you're still here."

Putting his hands in his pockets, Issei looked around the house.

"So did you do anything today, Ophis?"

KNOCK KNOCK

Issei widened his eyes, and he opened the door to see a delivery man covered with extreme snake bites.

"Hey, man. A-are you all right?"

"Just take the food!"

The man whimpered, and gave Issei a large bag, and ran off to his car, driving away quickly.

Raising an eyebrow, Issei looked in the bag, smelling something quite appetizing.

"Ophis? Did you order something?"

Issei looked up, and he jumped a little in surprise when Ophis suddenly appeared right in front of him. He noticed that since Ophis was in her adult form, she was a little taller than him.

'Huh. Never noticed that.'

Grabbing the bag from Issei, Ophis lifted her hand up and formed it into a thumbs up gesture.

"I, have obtained food."

Walking away from Issei, Ophis sat back on the couch, and reached into the bag to take out her order.

Blinking several times, Issei widened his eyes when he noticed something strange.

"Hey, Ophis, you're supposed to pay for delivery you know."

Pausing in her eating, Ophis set her dark-gray eyes to Issei. Her mouth curved upwards into an expression akin to a sly smile.

"I, shall have free food."