AN: What a surprise, an actual DxD story that isn't a shitpost. Although, I have been rather fixated with power fantasies lately as I find them to be generally quite fun to both read and write. This new story of mine will experiment just that― the combination of the Red Dragon Emperor with Great Red's insuperable power, where the Boosted Gear is forced to go through a series of evolution with Great Red's influence. I'm actually rather quite excited to write this fic, it's been a concept of mine for a while now, though I've been having trouble with how I could possibly write this story while also implementing exciting ideas. Well, after I've heard about the disastrous concept of ExE and the Warlord Regalzeva, this idea sparked and what do you know, it birthed Karmareign.
However, before we begin with the story there are a couple disclaimers that I need to make that isn't about not owning DxD― which, by the way, I'd fucking kill myself if I wrote it. Instead, this disclaimer is more about spoilers that I'm pretty sure no one cares about at this point. In this story, Great Red is defeated by Regalzeva way before canon― before Raynare and Issei cross paths. For this story's fluidity sake, Issei will awaken his Boosted Gear a bit earlier than canon without the intervention of the supernatural, and Great Red will integrate his damaged soul into the Boosted Gear, turning it into a brand-new Longinus, Karmareign. What the new abilities of the equipment will be stated in the next ongoing chapters, as the prologue will serve as an experimental ground for this story. Depending on the results, I'll see what I want to do with this story moving forward.
Of course, we can't forget about the pairing that people seem to care so much of. It's a single pairing and I'm not fucking telling any of you until later. And before anyone spams the reviews with "prz nuh risa", it's not Rias or anyone from the main cast. But here's a hint... book cover. lol
Beta'd by LOLZ1337
Chapter 01: Prologue
The reality of the situation reared its head as everything became clear to the juvenile dragon. It was a difficult situation to accept, but time moves onward to change the perspective of the individual whose life has been affected by a being of such importance. And for someone who has never experienced this situation in their life― especially an anomaly of this caliber, it was a rather difficult truth to swallow.
It hasn't even been a full week since he awakened his Sacred Gear, due to an accident where he activated his hidden, mythical power. Yet, even after learning of the paranormal side of the world and the disturbing truth behind thousands of abnormalities, there could never be a situation where something could top this coincidence.
The True Red Dragon God Emperor, also known as Great Red. An existence that defies all logic, breaking the fabric of reality and redefining the concept of "power". It is known as the dragon that transcends the very identity of existence.
For a normal teenager who had just recently discovered the truth behind the supernatural, being told that the Dragon of Dreams had found a foothold within their left arm would be the last thing they expected.
[This is an irregularity that even I didn't expect. It seems fate couldn't have waited any longer.]
The voice of Ddraig, the Red Dragon Emperor echoed throughout his room, just as Issei Hyoudou became paralyzed at the sudden rush of foreign energy corrupting his soul.
The scorching pain on his left arm was unbearable as he covered his mouth with his other hand to block his demanding screams. It was a recurring pain, as awakening the sacred gear at first resembled a similar reaction, but this… this was on a level that was just incomparable.
"For fuck's sake, Ddraig!" Issei exclaimed bluntly, "This is―...Gah! W-what the hell is happening!?"
[The sacred gears of the upper echelon were specially designed to have ethereal protection from foreign invaders that look to steal the equipment or replicate it into their own design. The Boosted Gear is a prime example of a material that exercises the protective maneuver. This is merely one of the many symptoms.]
"Then remove― the damn... invader, Ddraig!"
[I'm afraid that this situation cannot be handled with my interference… Rather, this is the preferable action, if this energy belongs to who I think it does. Endure the pain, partner. The process is nearly complete.]
Confusion and anger were the primary emotions of the boy as the pain only grew more vicious overtime. From scorching agony to the unfiltered feeling of his entire left arm being skinned and burned alive, Issei's patience began to decrease rapidly. Suddenly, the pain eased and the emerald radiance slowly disappeared from the back of his left hand.
Issei breathed promptly as the beads of sweat fell to his bed sheets, his shirt wet from the amount of sweating that accompanied the pain. It took a moment before the Red Dragon transmitted their thoughts through the emerald gem.
[As expected.]
"Wh―… What the hell is going on!?" Issei muttered, clenching onto his chest for dear life. "Explain to me, Ddraig!"
[There will be no use in me explaining something that even I, cannot fully grasp the concept of. Prepare yourself, I advise that you do not―]
The emerald gem on the back of his hand grew brighter, only for Ddraig to remain silent after attempting to warn his partner about the entity that had infiltrated the Boosted Gear.
Silence ensued momentarily as Issei stared at the emerald light, slowly catching his breath.
【The world has gone mad. For fate to have chosen an individual of such incompetence and ineptitude to take control of a dragon's power… How antagonizing.】
It took a moment for Issei to realize that the mysterious voice, sharing the same majestic deep tone was indeed the very entity that chose to invade the mental world of the Boosted Gear.
"Well, I mean… that's a little uncalled for, don't you think? And aren't you the one that came barging in like some fucking marauder?"
【I will not have my existence claimed by the usurpers of the eternal throne. You will assist me throughout my campaign to utterly crush those who dare to invade my sovereignty… Especially the mongrels, THAT DO NOT BELONG IN THIS REALM!】
The Dragon's voice shook the very bed that Issei was sitting on, causing the boy to cringe and cover his ears at the sudden raise of volume.
"… Right, but tone down your voice if you can? Seriously, you're being a―"
【SILENCE!】
"… Mmh."
[Excuse the immaturity, the truth of the world has only been exposed to my partner recently. The awakening could've been better earlier, but the boy isn't exactly the most perplexed individual. However, even I am curious about your… abrupt intrusion.]
Great Red growled in annoyance. Issei merely scratched the back of his head, being able to catch his breath rather quickly as the throbbing pain went away on its own, the sacred gear adapting to the dragon's intrusion.
After a period of peace, the Dragon's voice echoed once more from the back of his hand.
【The dimensional gap has been confiscated. A semi-mechanical organism, armed with weapons beyond the concept of reality. Standing on an average height of a human, the miscreant was radiating an aura that does not belong in this world. And as much as I hate to admit it, the fiend managed to score a victory before I managed to escape death by integrating my soul into this weapon.】
It was a vague description of what had happened, but as per usual, Issei had no clue about what he was rambling about as it was nothing more than nonsense to his human ears.
"Alright, that's completely understandable. More information about the supernatural that I'm unaware about…"
[The dimensional gap is an endless void that occupies the space between the three worlds of this universe. Earth, Heaven, and the Underworld all share a common neighbor― the void of absolute silence. It is indestructible by all means, as it continues to expand rapidly every second the clock ticks. It is nearly impossible to claim it as one's throne.]
The explanation given by Ddraig was solid enough for Issei to understand. At this point, after being told about the world of the devils and angels, it wasn't a surprise that other dimensions existed.
[And it seems that the world birthed the anomaly of destruction.]
【Where the fiend came from is beyond my understanding. For millennia, I have never seen such a creature emitting an aura of pure unknown origin. It wasn't one of those greedy devils, nor was it an evil dragon drunk in their own power. It wasn't even that little brat Ophis. However, while the battle continued for months, I managed to severely wound that hellion before manifesting my soul into this equipment.】
Issei raised his concerns, "It feels like I'm listening to some kind of a legendary tale… Who is this… Ophis?"
[They are the Infinite Dragon God, a character of true neutrality. One could mistake them as the prime opposite of Great Red, as they share a similar power level that could bring an apocalypse to this world if they wished for its destruction.]
"An equal to Great Red… well, I still don't understand how powerful you're supposed to be. I mean, it sounds amazing and all, but compared to Ddraig, what's the difference between you two?"
[You are now the host of the most powerful being this universe has ever seen. The Heavenly Dragons are considered to be one of the most fearsome creatures on earth, but to compare our existence to the two Dragon Gods is like comparing a sheep to a lion. Approximately in simple terms, Great Red could easily triumph against the entire universe.]
Issei was bewildered― it was nearly impossible to believe that such a dragon could exist. "The most powerful existence in the world… is now inside my left hand. I'm not entirely sure if I should take that for gratitude for not, but alright."
【What you'll do with my remaining power is none of my concern. However, the greatest disadvantage we have is the fact that we are running out of time. It'd be difficult to suggest when the monster will return to challenge this world… but when the time comes, you will be ready.】
Issei gulped at the sudden realization of what this meant, "You're telling me to fight the next strongest being that managed to defeat you? Seriously? Who do you think I am!?"
[You are the Red Dragon Emperor, that now possesses the power of Great Red. This combination of power is the golden divergent evolution that shouldn't be scoffed at. I'm as conflicted as you are, partner. However, even if you had the choice to defy Great Red's demands, I'm afraid you're also living on borrowed time.]
"Borrowed time? What are you talking about?"
[You are no more than an average human that possesses no special attributes. The integration of Great Red's soul should've killed you instantly the moment he infiltrated the Boosted Gear, but you were lucky. His soul remains wounded, barely enough to help you survive for the next couple of days. However, as his soul and body begins to recover from his last battle, your body and the Boosted Gear will also have to adapt to the recovery. Do you understand?]
It wasn't the most difficult thing to grasp, he was simply too weak to contain the power of the Dragon God. The boy understood that if he didn't get stronger overtime, the power he possesses as of now would tear him to shreds, as humans weren't born to contain any special kind of power.
"Yeah, that sounds about as gruesome as I can imagine it to be." Issei shuddered.
【I will personally assist with your training for the next couple of months. I assume that we'll have at least approximately a year before my powers return to its original, and I expect that you'll become a suitable host for my power by the time that happens.】
[Then I suggest we begin our training immediately.]
【Agreed.】
Issei suddenly bolted from his bed and stood up, "Seriously? You're going to train me, Great Red?"
【Patience isn't a part of my nature. The faster we improve your capabilities and get you stronger, the better. However… my methods of training may differ, compared to that of what your usual training may be.】
The Boosted Gear appeared randomly without Issei's consent, surprising him momentarily before he realized the sudden change of appearance of the sacred gear. Unlike of the premature display it once had, it was far more decorated with additional spikes― including the gem on the center.
"This definitely looks a lot more stylish compared to the one I had before," Issei commented after analyzing its appearance. "And it feels more… intense, and somehow heavier."
[These are the effects of the Boosted Gear once it merges with other materials. The stronger you'll become, the Boosted Gear will enter an evolutionary stage, changing its appearance based on your present power levels. And with Great Red's influence, I imagine that it'll go through an upgrade where even I have never seen before with my past partners.]
【Close your eyes and concentrate on your imagination. Theorize the concept of materialization and force its creation upon reality. For starters, begin with a dagger or a sword of your own design. I expect that you know how a basic sword looks.】
"Imagine a sword… sounds simple. Alright, I'll give it a shot."
Issei closed his eyes and began conducting his first experiment with Great Red's power. Without proper explanation he was lost, but this was a task simple enough to understand. As time moved onward, Issei focused with greater fixation, as he felt something manifest on his Boosted Gear.
After opening his eyes, Issei was presented with a literal sword made of steel. While its design was no more than a standard blade, he was beyond shocked that he was even able to materialize something from thin air, solely by focusing his attention into his imagination.
"Whoa, that's… pretty damn surprising." Issei stated with amazement.
【My power comes from dreams and illusions, with great effort you will be able to apply attributes of your choice to your weaponry if you so wish. Anything you wish for will become true, as long as you have a strong enough imagination.】
"A-Anything…?" Issei gulped, "Like, literally anything?"
【Damn-straight.】
Issei immediately closed his eyes once more, clenching his fists as he went through the process again. Unlike his last attempt where he was more calm about his newfound powers, this time, a literal vein popped form his forehead as he was clearly putting too much pressure into his mental image.
[Ah. This is an outcome that I should've expected.]
Ddraig sighed as Great Red followed along shortly after.
【Our first training shall be to mold his mentality. A womanizing pervert will never achieve victory against that fiend.】
"BEHOLD!" Issei shouted abruptly, opening his eyes to see that his imagination… didn't appear in reality. His intensive amount of focus was wasted as his imagination was futile, leaving the boy confused.
"… Wh― Why didn't it work!?" Issei complained, "Is there some kind of a rule to this?"
【You must first understand the concept of materialization. In order for you to create something with your mind, understanding the proper procedures of the construction of that material must first be understood. And clearly, while you may have knowledge about what kind of materials are used to make a sword of such common design, you're not the smartest individual when it comes to biology or anatomy, the key ingredients of life.】
Tired from all the words that's being forced into his brain, Issei fell back onto his bed and sighed, a bit bummed from the difficult learning curve of his new powers.
"Man. That's a real fucking shame..."
【Dragons are naturally immune to bullshit.】
"You just don't understand the mind of a teenager, Great Red. Can you even blame me for wanting to create my own design of a perfect woman?" Issei sighed.
【Our priorities have nothing to do with the beauty of a woman, I fail to understand how that'll help with our ultimate objective to obliterate the motherfucker that ransacked my home. First, I shall train you mentally for the next couple of hours. I expect that you're ready to face the brutal reality of this world.】
Before Issei could respond to the obligation made by Great Red, the teenager felt drowsy at an abnormal speed, twitching his eyelids as the Boosted Gear vaporized into thin air. His consciousness left him shortly after, being forcefully put to sleep by the remainder of Great Red's powers.
AN: The next following chapters will cover a chaotic amount of words as that's my style of writing. As the prologue, I wanted this to be short because I'm still rather unsure about this idea at the moment. Leave a feedback if you enjoyed the general idea of this story, it helps a lot more than you'd think.
Additionally, here's an invite to the discord server. If you have discord or is interested in getting used to the app, just copy the code below and paste it in the "Join Server" section on the desktop/mobile app. If you've never downloaded discord or never used it, it's time to use that google, chief.
CODE: V54pcwA