To the others, the aftermath of the battle with Loki and Thor, made the battleground look like a wasteland, only a few trees were left standing.
"Is it over?" Vali asked.
Only Great Red spoke.
(I'm afraid it's only begun, once they realize that Thor and Loki have failed to return, they will come full force. The time has come to realize that the war is at our front door.)
Vali was about to speak, but footsteps were heard, and everyone turned there attention to Issei. He had already dropped out of his new balance breaker and was in his base form.
"What the hell was that Ise?"
Issei looked at Raynare and sighed.
"I'm sorry if I scared you, but it seems this power will be the weight to tip the balance in our favor."
Issei looked at everyone and started to speak.
"This is the tipping point of our whole situation, prepare for the hardest battles to come."
Everyone seemed confident in their individual abilities, and Issei saw it clearly.
His willpower had rubbed off on them.
He was about to continue but started to feel dizzy and nausea coming, however, that didn't make sense. He shouldn't get sick, he was a fucking dragon god now, and illness was a bug waiting to be squashed by him.
"You aren't sick Issei Hyoudou."
His eyes widened.
"Bahamut, Ddraig? Did you guys hear that?"
The response wasn't what he was expecting.
[I heard nothing Issei, are you okay? Did the balance breaker cause too much fatigue?]
Bahamut seemed to agree with Ddraig.
"Your dragons cannot hear me, this is a temporary connection between just the two of us. I made it that way so you could focus solely on me. Now take a deep breath and listen to what I have to say."
Issei relented and did as the mysterious voice asked of him.
"Good, now I am going to severe the connection between you and the dragons inside of you for a small bit, so that we don't get off track here."
Issei waited for this voice to continue, he wasn't about to interrupt it. Whoever it was, was clearly not going to take no for an answer. If he could severe the link between him and the dragons that resided in his soul, this entity was very powerful indeed.
"I don't have much time with you, so I'll have to go through this fast as possible. You sparked my interest that night in hell when you accepted Bahamut with open arms, only the foolish or those with tempered wills of steel would do that. You are the latter, and as such I watched you in your journey to see what fruit it would bear. It seems you are the one to change the world. I have no ill will of what you are doing, even if I don't agree on every level of your plan. However, that doesn't dispute the fact that the hand of fate was tempted and it will respond in kind. I knew it the moment I felt the energy you unleashed in the battle with Great Red. You, Issei Hyoudou have been chosen to stop the end of the world."
Issei was at a loss, so he just let the entity continue.
"In the incoming days of your war, an opponent you know all to well will appear before you. Though they are not the cause. It is the people they have in their group that will plot behind their backs to try to achieve world domination, but will ultimately bring about the apocalypse."
Issei was now annoyed.
"Enough of these riddles, what will happen and who are you?"
He heard a slight chuckle.
"It seems your reputation is true, you are stubborn and bullheaded. However, that is what will drive you to victory. As for your question, I must answer it now, due to the fact this will be the last time you hear from me. The apocalypse will be brought on by a group that is in the Khaos Brigade, their wish is to resurrect the beast I sealed away, don't worry even if I can't help you physically, there is someone who will help you in your time of need."
Issei was about to ask who he was, but then it hit him. He said the beast he sealed away.
That only meant one thing.
Issei just talked with God, and was told he would save the world after nearly destroying the factions, talk about irony, the God of the Bible wasn't totally mad about his raging war that was about to peak.
The second part about someone else helping, begged the question, who was it?
His train of though was interrupted as he focused his attention on his group.
"Ok here's what we will do. I want Vali, Bikou, Kalawarner, Raynare and Dohnaseek to focus on the minions that will be coming along with everyone else. I don't know who all to expect, we will have to see when they arrive. Kuroka, Penemue, Le Fay, Arthur, and Kokabiel will face off with the Satan's with my help. Great Red will handle Ophis and we have our allies who will come to our aid when I call them. Let nothing stand in your way, this moment will go down in history forever!"
"Ok, then how long do you think we have?"
Issei looked at Vali.
"It will take a bit for word to spread and so they can mobilize, a few hours I bet."
Issei then dismissed everyone and started to think. He had no idea what was going to happen and how this was going to plan out. He knew that he wouldn't give up though, that was obvious.
It was time to get the answers he wanted.
Before he knew it, he was sitting down.
Meditating easily, he awoke to barren world, the city he walked through seemed to been destroyed. Skyscrapers with broken glass adorned the skyline, Issei was headed towards the direction he would be forever changed.
A storm brewed ahead, he looked at it for a brief moment, but continued anyways. As he peered down the edge of the cliff and into the cave, he knew this was where he needed to be.
Before he knew it, he found himself in a cavern that had a smooth black walls, he wondered what would be further down. With no choice, he started again.
This time, the cave took a 90 degree turn as Issei found himself staring at pitch black hole with no bottom in sight.
Issei then had an idea, a fireball formed in his hand and he threw it down it.
The fireball seemed to go on for a insanely long time, before exploding as it collided with the floor. Issei shrugged and jumped down in.
Using his wings, he easily softened his descent. However, the moment he touched the ground, he was met with a long river of lava that stretched beyond his eyes. With no choice, he sped towards the end and was met with another revelation.
The river seemed to drop out into a crater of a volcano, however, something was wrong. This crater was too big to be a normal one, his eyes widened as he knew he stepped foot into a supervolcano.
There were thousands of floating rocks that Issei could see as he peered out into the distance.
He should of guessed that it would be something like that for Bahamut to reside in.
As he stood in the center, that's when he heard the distant roar.
Then he heard the wings of the beast, as the dragon himself floated above him for a moment, before descending on top of a rock.
{It is a rare moment for you to come directly to me. Speak and don't waste any words.}
The look on Issei's face was clearly enough to tell the dragon that he was serious.
"I want you to teach me about this new power, the one I used with the fight with Thor."
Bahamut didn't hesitate and answered Issei.
{This power you have Issei, it is more than you think. Your potential is insane, and even more so with this. The power itself manifests it's wielder's desires and feeds off of your willpower. Give it a reason to show you it's power and it will, but don't be fooled. This power will tempt you, and try to sway your views, but will respond in kind to your ability to resist and reject it. Your potential is malleable as such is this power, it's all up to you. I will teach you how to use the basics, but you must grow on your own.}
Issei stared at him.
"So where do we start."
Issei thought he saw what looked to be like a smirk on the dragon's face. He didn't know what was coming, as the towering beast above him didn't reply.
Issei widened his eyes as a pitch black and bloody red aura covered Bahamut, suddenly the dragon was transforming.
Issei looked on in stupor as he was now staring at him in a human form.
His human form, was strange.
He was looking at a man who looked to be 60 years old, with jagged black hair. He had a cane too. However, his cane, was something on a completely different level. The obsidian skull with ruby eyes that his hand touched definitely told Issei, something was amiss. The rest of the cane was obsidian as well.
{Don't look surprised. You should be honored, this form has only been seen by a few beings. There's a good reason I use it, and you will see soon. We are going to start your training."
Issei didn't know what to expect.
"What will we be doing?"
{A mock battle. It's finally time, you will show me what you can do and how you adapt. Don't worry, it will be non fatal only, I want to see truly how far you can improve.}
Issei sighed.
"It's not like I have a choice, so lets do this then."
Bahamut nodded, and raised his cane, and a violent energy covered the cane. Issei was suddenly on his guard as he felt the pressure start to increase, on pure instinct, he ducked under a bolt of explosive energy that created a sonic boom.
He had barely any amount of time to react as his opponent was pressing him hard. One by one, hundreds of bolts were shot out, with no sight of the end of this onslaught.
He soon took flight, but to no avail. These bolts were still coming at him, circling ahead he dived downwards and turned around and chucked the destructive sphere at the projectiles.
He managed to destroy them, but the blast knocked him backwards. He had no time to think as more were shot towards him.
With no hesitation slammed his fist that was covered in scales on the rock he was standing on. The rock started to surf on the lava heading right for the attack, and Issei waited.
Once the bolts were close enough, he leaped overhead and watched them collide with the rock.
His target was now in sight, and the distance was closed.
Ascalon met the shaft of his cane, and it was a stalemate. Issei, was surprised. The cane was glowing violently with purple and black now, Bahamut started to push back on him.
Issei didn't give up though, with no restraint, he pushed back with all he had.
Bahamut felt his rise in power, and responded in kind. The stalemate continued, with the amount of energy they were using, something had to give, and both of them knew that.
The resulting explosion knocked both of them back, but neither were done yet. Several explosions rocked the area as they went at it again.
They both weren't running out of steam either, Issei knew Bahamut was just toying with him, he knew this battle would be something else.
Bahamut was up in an flash, and so was Issei.
{This is the first, and the last time that I will warn you Issei. Don't hold back, we both know this battle is going to go beyond what you've done before. So do not take me lightly. Like I said, it's non fatal. We are also in your mind, so the damage will not be permanent. Come at me with all you have!}
Issei heard Bahamut's statement and grinned. When Bahamut saw the eerie grin, he knew that a spark had just come to life, this fight would be interesting. Due to the fact, he saw something in Issei's eyes.
It made him proud, and have a ton of respect for the man before him.
It seemed it was right, the power Issei used on Thor had already taken a liking to him, there was no doubt in his mind. He could feel the energy growing steadily, slowly but that didn't matter. It would only take Issei powering up for a fight, then he knew what he would do. He was going to give Issei a small push, but a push that would have astounding effects.
This battle would push Issei, and the power would respond like a fire doused in gasoline. He would shatter his limits and evolve his power in such a way that would be unique to only him.
His attention snapped back to his opponent as he saw the red energy coat him.
[Boosted Gear!]
Bahamut's guard was on as Issei boosted and charged at him.
Issei's fish met air as Bahamut easily crouched to avoid it, then proceeded to block a kick right after. He then took the opportunity and elbowed Issei in the gut, and knocking him back with a smack of his cane.
[Boost!]
Issei was already back on his feet and coming at him again, this time Issei threw punch after punch but still to no avail, he decided then and there. No more games, he was done.
Bahamut instinctively leaped back, as Issei started to gather a ton of crimson energy. He knew with Ddraig's balance breaker, that Issei would be a lot stronger and faster, combined with his own physical strength, he would do much better and maybe even be able to get a hit on him. Once he used his balance breaker, that's when the fight would be truly started.
[Welsh Dragon Annihilation Balance Breaker!]
Issei wasted no time, as he charged at his target. His fist met Bahamut's palm, Issei quickly grabbed Bahamut's arm and yanked him around and threw him.
[Dragon Fist!]
The beam of red energy did a bit to Bahamut, but he got back up easily.
Bahamut didn't move though, and that's what surprised Issei. He knew something was coming.
Suddenly, a large amount of energy started to gather around him. Before he knew it, Issei was looking at Bahamut in a partial dragon form. The cane disappeared and he now had a bigger build, his wings were large too. However, Issei knew this form would excel in close combat.
Bahamut charged as his opponent started to boost over and over again, and clash ensued. Blow after blow was landed again and again, on both of them. It seemed like neither were giving up as they continued to trade blows.
Issei started to charge up a destructive blast of dark energy. Bahamut knew this was nothing compared to what his balance breaker would do, but it would power Issei up even more.
Issei decided slam it on a nearby rock, causing a wave of lava to rise and surge forwards. Bahamut leaped overhead, which was what Issei wanted.
This time, he shot off a quick blast that soared towards the dragon. Bahamut put a guard up just in time as he was hit.
Bahamut was surprised as Issei suddenly dropped out of the balance breaker, he wondered what his opponent was up to.
Issei started to change into his dragon form, and he soon took to the skies as well.
Bahamut grinned.
Both of them started throwing kicks and punches left and right, Issei got the drop of Bahamut as he wrapped his tail around him and threw him down towards the crater, he watched as he crashed into a rock and was sent under the lava. He knew Bahamut was fine, and his suspicion was proved true as the dragon burst out and soared towards him. Issei blocked a kick, then leaned back as fist soared just above his head.
Issei saw the opening and delivered an elbow to his ribs, then followed it up with a kick on the other side that sent Bahamut flying.
The dragon wasn't done yet though, Issei knew this wasn't going to be over for a while. Bahamut started to gather a enormous amount of energy before it was absorbed into his body. Issei knew Bahamut just made himself a lot stronger.
He watched as a black and purple energy covered his fist and Issei suddenly felt the gut wrenching blow. He didn't know what happened, one moment the energy was just starting to coat the fist and in a blink of a eye Bahamut delivered the blow.
That was pretty much instantaneous, Issei knew there was no point anymore.
As he got back up, his returned to his human form.
His mind was set, it was time.
Bahamut was going to get what he wanted. There was really no use in using his dragon form, sure it was stronger than Ddraig's balance breaker. However, Issei knew that Bahamut was too powerful now for it. He had no choice but to use his other balance breaker.
That's when Bahamut got a large toothy grin on his face, he sensed it. Issei was calling on it, it was time to see how the next instance of the power would show. He wondered just how far Issei could go with his potential as it was now.
That's when the explosion of energy happened. Bahamut knew it was coming, as Bahamut witnessed the powerful aura coming off Issei, he knew his thoughts would be proven true.
Issei on the other hand, felt a little bit different. The power specifically felt weaker then the last time he used it. Maybe what Bahamut said was true, so then it was a test.
He shook off his thoughts and focused on his opponent.
Bahamut saw the change in expression and his guard was up. As Issei charged, Bahamut did the same. Issei was exerting a ton of pressure on every blow that Bahamut blocked, as Issei threw another punch, his opponent ducked just in time. Delivering a powerful uppercut, Issei was sent skidding back. Bahamut blocked several more, before Issei decided to step it up.
Bahamut didn't seem to notice the small orb of energy in his hands, and it was slammed into his ribs. The explosion sent him flying into the air, however the dragon gained control and seemed to hover in the air.
Issei felt the dread well up inside of him, as Bahamut started to gather a ton of energy in his palm, before condensing it. That made his eyes fly open as he knew that small orb of energy in the dragon's hands, was now a extremely volatile. He knew it was unstable, and it would make the human's nuclear bomb, look like a firecracker.
Suddenly Bahamut seemed to teleport right in front of him again, but didn't do anything.
It was then he started to speak.
{Tell me Issei, what will you do if you fail?}
Issei didn't respond, but Bahamut knew it work. The look in his eyes told him, that a flame was lit, and it was one that would not be extinguished.
Issei didn't understand it really, he wondered why he would be asked that. He knew Bahamut had an ulterior motive to ask that.
"Fail at what? Fail at this battle? Fail at my goal? Wait..."
Something kicked in his head, and his eyes darkened as the mere thought of what would happen if he failed. He felt his blood boil, he knew what Bahamut was getting at. However, he was pissed. He didn't like anyone toying with his emotions.
He wouldn't hold it against him, but a little payback, he would get.
Bahamut realized he just snapped the locks that kept the cage closed, he backed up quickly as the energy around Issei started to react violently. He wasn't really expecting this at all.
As the raging torrent of energy sailed high above them, he knew this was going to be the end of it.
Suddenly, all the energy started to swirl around Issei as he gained control over his temper, and Bahamut was met face to face with a monster with a hardened stare.
As Issei lifted his hands, the energy seemed to flow like water, taking shape of whatever he willed it be. A spear that was black as the night formed in his palm, and with a swift throw it soared at his opponent.
Bahamut barely had time to dodge, and he didn't get away unscathed. The spear just clipped him on the ribs, taking on a little bit of flesh. It was only due to the fact he was who he was, that the energy was not eating him alive.
Issei continued on, and gave no mercy. Bahamut was sent flying when 3 spears pierced him out of nowhere. Suddenly Issei seemed to vanish from his view, and he felt the crushing knee that was delivered right to his back.
Issei wasn't done, he instantly grabbed the dragon and launched him high in the air, and then raised his hand. Several dark orbs were fired off in quick succession. Bahamut felt all of them as they collided with each other, only increasing the damage the blast would do.
Issei decided it was time to finish it.
Yet again, he appeared above the dragon and smashed him downwards with an axe kick. He then took one from his opponent's book and summoned yet another energy blast, and condensed it and didn't stop until it was barely visible.
With barely any effort he threw it towards the falling dragon, and flew away as the resulting explosion was definitely stronger than anything he'd seen.
He knew this war was going to be a walk in the park.
He didn't give a damn, he would destroy anyone in his way.