I don't own anything. All characters and all rights belong to Ichiei Ishibumi*
M for mature topics. No children allowed. *
The Broken Boosted Gear
By Try Another Time
After finally getting a well-deserved shower and dressed in a tailor-made black suit, Ddraig made his way out of the room. Asca went back into his arm while Ouros collided around his neck like a scarf.
"Very good, my lord," Raynare said as she met him outside the room.
"Thanks for the suit. How are you?" Ddraig asks the maid.
"Me? I'm alright. Why the question?" Raynare asks back with visible curiosity.
"Raynare, Mittelt. You got the chance to capture her. We both know you were looking to capture or kill her but what you found at the end wasn't anything you hoped to find." Ddraig replies.
Raynare closes her fists in anger. "She's not even the Mittelt that I knew. There were no memories, no feelings, nothing telling me she even knew me. It is like trying to beat someone who has truly forgotten everything about you without the possibility of returning their memories. Fucking Kokabiel even removed her heart. She's more a machine than a fallen angel. Fucking bitch might not even survive that long in that state. The nucleus that it has is damaged, and it is bound to kick the bucket at any point."
Ddraig watches as the fallen angel punches the wall.
"Raynare."
"What I'm supposed to do?"
"Raynare."
"Fucking Mittelt, you couldn't even give me the enjoyment of killing you."
"Raynare!"
"What?" Raynare turns around and meets his eyes. She quickly realizes her outburst. "I'm sorry, my lord. Forgive me for my actions. I-"
Ddraig closes the distance and embraces her. "It is alright to be angry. She betrayed and used you. I know that the anger you still feel won't get a way out. The Mittelt that you knew is gone. I don't have the right to tell you what to do about it, but I know this. You are one of the few fallen angels that can decide her fate. You can either let her go or find a way to allow her a new start. Losing her body and identity is a harsh punishment. The pain that she likely endured during the process was likely insane. It is up to you and the heads of Grigori to decide what to do with her. Don't stress too much about it."
"Right…." Rayanare notices the difference between the hugs they had before. "He was so small, but now he almost matches my height. His scent has become much stronger and manlier. Tia-sama, did you know this was going to happen? My lord is dangerous. Too dangerous."
Ddraig releases her and looks into her eyes. "Raynare, we have to discuss your position as my maid."
"Eh? Is there a problem?"
"Kokabiel, although I can't remember why Issei and I wanted to capture him so badly, is no longer a took care of him, and I no longer have any problems with Grigori. So there's no need for you to stay with me."
"Right….." Raynare lowers her head.
"But I do enjoy having you around. Issei likely feels the same way. So I want to ask you, will you continue to stay as our maid?" Ddraig asks the fallen angel. "The kids love you, and Tia enjoys having you around. I'm willing to offer any payment you ask for and discuss vacation days or benefits you're looking for."
"... So you want me to stay. You don't want me to go away?"
"No, I don't, but only if you want to stay."
"You really want "me" to stay with you?"
"Yes."
"Even with my bad mouth."
"Never had a problem with it. You only get there went you're angry."
"Even with the dangerous books, I collect when I get the chance?"
"Yes. Even if I hate the tentacles and weird monsters we have to face once in a while."
Raynare smiles as she starts to think about it. "I do enjoy being your maid, my lord. Are you willing to fight Asshole (Azazel) to keep me on your side?"
Ddraig looks at her with some curiosity. "Why should I fight him? Is he asking you to return to Grigori?"
"Maybe."
Ddraig scratches his head. "I don't think we need to fight, but I'm willing to argue as much as possible with him to keep you as my maid."
"Argue? But you're nonetheless willing to fight to keep me around?" Raynare asks with a curious smile on her face.
"Yes? Is there something wrong, Raynare?"
"No, just asking a few questions. I'm willing to stay with you, my lord Welsh. From now, and until the day you don't want me around anymore."
"I don't think that will ever happen, but I'm happy to have you with me."
"Oh, how cute of you? Are you trying to capture my heart with your sweet words?" Raynare teases him.
"No, I'm just actually happy to have you around."
"Party pooper. I was expecting some sort of reaction."
"Oh, so you were trying to tease me." The dragon quickly pins her against the wall while nobody is around. "Does my little maid feels like teasing me today after seeing me with my mate? Is someone hoping to get some as well?" Ddraig softly speaks in her ear.
Raynare's heart starts beating faster. "Shit, maybe I went too far. Come on, Raynare, why did you tease him today?" Raynare tries to look for a way out. "My lord, I sincerely apologize for my actions. I foolishly tried to tease you; I won't do it again."
"You did. The question is, why? Has someone finally awakened to her deeper desires? Were you hoping for something like this?" Ddraig bites her ear.
Raynare softly moans. "My lord."
"Or maybe you wanted something of this sort?" His mouth moves closer to her neck. His fangs touch the skin, sending shivers down her body. "Do you want me to make you mine? Is that what you hope for? Do you want me to dominate and love you with the same passion as Tiamat? Maybe you're hoping I rip your cute maid attire one night and make you scream my name until the sun comes out the next day?"
Raynare's body shakes as she feels his touch. His tail slowly starts going up her leg and reaching her private parts. "Oh, my holy father. His breath, his scent. Danger, Raynare, pull away."
Yet her body didn't move. She was at Ddraig's mercy and slowly falling deeper into the rabbit hole.
She looks deep into his eyes and sees the burning flames of lust that dwell inside.
"My lord." She closes her eyes, expecting the worst.
Yet it never came; Raynare felt her arms released, and the dragon's tail quickly pulled away from her leg.
"Teasing is fun, but I prefer the real thing."
Raynare opens her eyes to find Ddraig fixing her attire.
"If you and I were to do this, it would be when you feel something real for me. I'm not starting something just based on lust, Raynare. I truly care for you as a friend and ally. Yes, you look sexy, and who wouldn't love to have you but I'm not a lustful beast that just bangs whatever he likes. That's Fafnir, not me. So I ask you this again, Raynare. Will you be my maid from now until the end of time?"
He extends his hand to her.
Raynare is left speechless. Her mind was imagining a situation straight out of a hot novel one could find at any library, yet here was her lord being truthful to his beliefs once more. "I'm sorry for teasing you, my lord. I felt thrilled that you asked me to stay with you. I feared that our time together was coming closer to an end."
"Not in a million years. Who else can I entrust so many things? My family? My home? My back? You're one of the best-fallen angels I ever meet, and I'm willing to fight Azazel to keep you with me."
"Really?"
"Really?"
Raynare eyes shine as she approaches him.
"Just kiss her already." A third voice interrupted the whole affair.
The duo turned just to see Shemhazai.
"Where did you come from?" Raynare asks.
"I was just around the corner and stopped myself when I heard you two talking," Shemahazai admits.
"How much did you hear?" Ddraig asks him.
"Everything. I should have gotten popcorn to enjoy the show. It was like a romantic novel in the making. The steamy scenes, the dialogue, everything was perfect, but that spin at the end sealed the deal." Shemhazai jokes.
Raynare is blushing and holding her head down while Ddraig pats her back.
"Please don't tell anyone," Raynare says.
"How could I? I was expecting something like this in the long run. I'm even placing bets alongside others on who joins Ddraig's harem. We have Raynare, Serafall, and Yukime as some of the candidates." Shemhazai says in a joking manner.
Raynare blushes even more after hearing all that. "Are you serious about this?"
"Yep. Ddraig here is a sort of subject of discussion amongst different groups. On the scale of beauty, he ranked 7 of all the realms due to his youthful appearance, and Shiva is ranked 2. In terms of likability, he is currently ranked 15. Anyways, Raynare, don't be afraid of staying with him. If you want to stay with him, we won't stop you. You're free to fall in love with whomever you want. It doesn't matter if you stay with him or with us; you're part of the alliance, and that's all that matters. So go ahead and do what you want." Shemhazai says as he smiles at the girl, who is practically speechless. He then turns to Ddraig. "Just promise me to take care of her even if you don't become lovers. Raynare is a capable member of Grigori and a good friend to me."
Shemhazai stretches his hand toward the dragon, and Ddraig takes it confidently before he shakes it.
"You can trust me with her safety and well-being. Even if we never become lovers, I'll care for her well-being," The dragon says.
"Why does it feel like a brother is giving his sister away?" Raynare asks herself as she collects herself. "Don't I get a said on this?"
"You already accepted his proposition to stay as his maid. Whatever happens afterward is up to you and him. I'll talk to Azazel about this later on. We need to discuss Mittelt and figure out from her remaining memories. Follow me." Shemhazai starts to walk.
Ddraig offers his hand to Raynare, and she takes a few seconds before grabbing it. She blushes as she remembers what could have happened not too long ago, but she keeps her mind under wraps.
"After capturing her, we have conducted extensive interrogations sessions. One of those was done by Rias and her peerage." Shemhazai says.
"What were they doing here?" Ddraig asks.
"Sirzechs sent them here to give them a small lesson on the cruelty of our enemies, or that's what I want to believe. They collected many facts that we later confirmed after looking into Kokabiel's memories. He's also in here, but I don't think you want to see him." Shemhazai looks at him from the corner of his eyes.
Ddraig holds his chest with his free hand. "Is better if I don't. Issei is not available now, but I imagine he doesn't want to see him either."
"Understandable. Going back to the subject at hand, we confirmed a few things. First, Mitsuya made contact with many beings, including members of the Khaos Brigade. It seems that they exchange some resources for their plans. The Khaos Brigade is still a mystery but knowing that Mitsuya interacted with them let us know that their plans will likely bring doom to us." Shemhazai turns to the left and guides the duo to the underground cells.
"What did we learn about their plans?" Raynare asks.
"Full-on-scale assaults to different realms, including earth, and we already know how that went. He attacked much earlier than his original plans, but Mitsuya was ready to eliminate earth from the map. He's far too insane to be left alone, but his other plans are what scared us." Shemhazai admits.
"What plans?" Ddraig looks concerned.
"Rizevim is looking for ways to bring Trihexa back into our homes which can also explain why he came to look for Ophis; thank Le Fay for that information. They were investigating ways to open a gate for the beast to return. The memories of Mittelt and Kokabiel allowed us to see some of those plans. They seemed incomplete, but nobody knows when they might complete one of them or how effective they'll be. So we must start preparations now or face dire consequences later on." Shemhazai's tone is serious and cold.
"We need more allies. The more allies we have, the better we can be prepared for it. Issei and I discussed this many times. The fight with Mitsuya also showed us that some would offer a hand in times of crisis. Quetzalcoatl and Ra will join us if we talk to them; I'm confident about them." Ddraig says.
"So are we. We sent envoys to both of their realms and are awaiting their answers. We also sent envoys to Lugh's and Hade's realms. We hope that Mitsuya's attack makes them realize that we must unite. Ddraig, we hope that you can recruit Hephaestus and Athena. After seeing her appearance in the war, we can be sure about her cooperation. How soon can you depart?" Shemhazai asks as he turns around.
Ddraig takes a few seconds before he replies. "I can depart in two or three days. I need to talk to my family before I depart. Also, I'll need a member of the other side of the alliance with me. Athena will listen to reason with the help of Hephaestus."
"Very well, I can go. I'll ask the others about who's available." Shemhazai turns around and opens a gate leading them to the cells' surveillance area. The monitors show many cells, and one of them is focused on Mittelt's cell. "Raynare, she lacks her previous self. We already confirmed with Ereshkigal and Yukime, our two experts in memories. There's nothing left inside her soul except for that single memory. You already know her state and what it means. We can end her suffering right now or find a way in which to help her to recover in some way."
"Recover? You are willing to forgive her?" Raynare questions Shemhazai.
"She's a weapon without a will or mind. There's no personality to recover. She's a blank slate that we can put to rest or guide to a new beginning. I'm leaving that choice to you. You can finish her right now or slowly research how to give her a new life. We're not monsters, Raynare. That is not something we would ever do to someone." Shemhazai points his finger at the monitor.
The camera shows a torso that is carefully cleaned off and investigated. Researchers are removing all internal components deemed unnecessary to her survival while examining how the purple mechanic core in her chest cavity works. Several cracks cover the core, and one wrong move could lead to her death. Her face looks around as it answers the questions of the researchers.
Raynare tightens as she sees her former friend in this state. "I… I…. don't know. I need time to think. Can you give me time to figure it out?"
"The teams will do everything possible to keep her alive, but you should know that her soul goes to Ereshkigal once she dies. From there on, Ereshkigal decides her fate. We might never see her again after that." Shemhazai explains.
"I understand. I'll try to figure it out before the time is up." Raynare strengthens her grip on Ddraig's hand.
The dragon does the same to assure her that he's with her.
A few minutes afterward.
Ddraig sat down in a circular room with the alliance's remaining heads, including Shiva and Ereshkigal. Each member seemed happy to see him back on his feet. Tiamat was on his right with a small humanoid figure sleeping on top of her head, while on his left was Serafall, who seemed happier than usual after seeing him.
"Is good to have you back, Welsh Dragon," Michael says.
"We're sorry we couldn't do much more to heal you," Azazel says while putting down a folder.
"Is alright. You did more than enough to save us back then." Ddraig says with a calm tone while he holds his chest. "All that matters is that Issei and I are alive."
The other members nod as they accept that going with Tiamat's option is the best path for them.
"You should be careful from now on. Use too much power, and your soul will be damaged once more. Don't get yourself kill either." Ereshkigal says with a severe tone. "You don't have the right to die on me before I say so."
"I understand," Ddraig replies as he bows his head to the goddess.
Tiamat and Serafall, sitting on each side of the dragon, throw daggers at the goddess with their eyes. Their eyes seemed to say, "Stop mentioning his death. You're jinxing it."
Shiva smirks before he talks. "Has the boy interacted with Gautama?"
All eyes turned to him.
"You knew this was going to happen?" Tiamat questions the god.
"It was a possibility. Let Gautama take care of him; his intentions are good, and whatever he learns from Gautama will prove helpful. Gautama never acts without thinking about the greater good." Shiva explains.
"Are you sure about this? Gautama acting now is far too convenient, and why Issei of all humans?" Gabriel asks.
"Everything has a time. One can't force certain things. Just remember this, if the boy passes Gautama's tests, Gautama and the other Buddhas will join our side." Shiva explains.
The eyes of those present widen in shock.
Ajuka massages the side of his head. "Let's trust Shiva's words on this. If Issei passes whatever test Gautama has for him, we won't need to fear Sun Wukong or the other Buddhas joining our enemies. This situation only helps us in the end so let's put our trust in Issei."
The alliance members looked at each other before they agreed to let the issue go.
"Alright, let's talk about Mitsuya. The guy is practically immortal; what can we do about him? He's bound to come back at some point, and even if Gaia prevents his entry into the planet, that doesn't change the fact that he could attack other realms. Paraiso (heaven) might be the next target for all we know." Uriel says.
"Right, but he's still burning now. Ddraig's flames don't die out and are likely to spread out to everything they touch. His forces are likely to keep taking damage. So what do you think, Ddraig?" Ajuka turns to the dragon.
"Yes, my flames don't disappear, and the only way to take care of them is if I absorb them back into my body. I don't think that Mitsuya can find a way to extinguish them, but that doesn't take away from his threat. Mitsuya has to have something that is keeping him alive. We need to investigate the ritual that made him into that monster." Ddraig recommends.
"Ahead of you. I sent Mitsuya to investigate those that were involved in the ritual. Their families might have some information that we can use." Azazel says.
"We can also use the records of their lives to find information." Gabriel joins in.
"We might need the help of Orcus. His daughter claimed that Mitsuya's condition might be connected to the victims, maybe to their souls. Is there a possibility of that, Ereshkigal?" Ddraig turns to the queen of the death.
"I'll need to check the souls under my jurisdiction. I never saw something like a curse of this kind. As you said, Mitsuya might never die until we cut the connection to each of those souls. So many are under other gods' jurisdiction, and some might have long reincarnated into other beings. So it is going to take years to reach each one." Ereshkigal explains.
"Years…. It is never that easy. We should take it one step at a time. Let's make some preparations in case Mitsuya reappears, but he shouldn't be our main issue right now. Other things are far more important at the moment." Sirzechs looks around the room, and his fellow alliance members nod in agreement.
"Let's keep moving on to other issues, guards; bring her in." Serafall orders.
The guards do as told and go outside the room before bringing a chained young vampire inside.
Ddraig's eyes shut wide open as he meets the girl. The Welsh dragon then turns to face Tiamat and only finds her blushing as she remembers the whole situation that happened in the morning due to this same vampire.
The girl's eyes focus entirely on Ddraig as she moves to the center of the room. A chair gets placed for her, and she's allowed to sit on it.
"Please present yourself, young lady," Falbium says in a tired tone like usual.
"With pleasure, my name is Elmenhilde Karnstein. I was the previous heir to the leadership of the Karnstein family, and I'm also the current lead researcher on the restoration project of the vampire realm. Also, a former member of the Carmilla Faction due to a disagreement." Elmenhilde says with a gracious tone worthy of a lady. Her crimson dress helps her image of a noble lady.
"Restoration project? Can you give us a detailed explanation about that?" Raphael asks with visible curiosity.
"With pleasure, your grace Raphael. During the previous great war, our creators, the primordial vampires, were killed, leading to our realm's fall. Our food source and home became putrid and toxic before disappearing in its entirety. Vampires didn't regularly feed on the blood of others beings before the war. We had a home and food; we did not need to turn to blood-seeking monsters for the pleasure of the hunt; it was due to necessity. We were forced to move to earth for a new home and food. My family, the Karnsteins, have been researching a way to restore our realm and food sources so that vampires can return to their true selves." Elmenhilde said.
"Can we confirm that information?" Uriel asks.
"Bring Victoria of the Blazing Meteor," Tiamat asks the guards.
The guards do as told, and before long, a tall woman with long dark platinum hair and deep crimson eyes enters the room. Her attire matched that of an ordinary housewife. She looked much younger than she was.
"Victoria of the Blazing Meteor at your service." Victoria bows to the member of the alliance. "What do you need from me?"
"Victoria, have you verified the information of this lady?" Uriel asks as he points his hand at Emenhilde.
"Oh, the young Karnstein girl. I still have contact with the Carmilla faction even after I left the realm long ago. The Carmilla faction has been looking to return to the old realm for a long time. The Karnsteins are their lead researchers and have made some advances over the decades. They asked me for help since I'm one of the oldest vampires and the first to abandon the realm." Victoria admits.
"Right, your marriage with Tannin. So, she is their lead researcher; why are you here, ms. Karnstein?" Sirzechs asks Elmenhilde.
"First, the previous conflict in space has proven that we can't stay isolated anymore. Us vampires, at least the Carmilla faction, need the help of others to survive. Second, I told my queen that joining the alliance might help us to advance the restoration project and protect us from the Tepes Faction. Third, we need other experts to help us reach our goals; We can't do it with only our resources." Elmenhilde explains.
"So you want us to help the Carmilla faction? That is the main reason why you're here?" Ajuka asks.
Elmenhilde scratches her head. "Yes, but there's also another reason. My family has tested many things on themselves for the past 2000+ years, which has led us to weaken in power and develop a sort of condition. We gain fewer nutrients from the blood of others than other vampires until we find a source that matches our personal taste. My mother's "Apple of Life" was a young human French girl in the 60s. She left the faction to be close to this girl and continued to feed on a few drops of her blood until the day of her death. My mother passed away shortly after her death; we Karnstein vampires will continue to feed only from that source until the day of our deaths once we find it. My "Apple of Life" is him." Elmenhilde points her finger at Ddraig.
Tiamat massages her temples while Serafall starts to smile in a hostile manner.
"Victoria, can you verify this?" Ddraig turns to the bride of Tannin. The Welsh Dragon was internally praying that this was all a joke.
"Well, I initially had a hard time feeding on my honey's blood, but slowly and surely, I adapted to it. I primarily feed on Tannin's blood these days. I told the Karnsteins to stop testing their research on themselves, but they never listened. They indeed develop this dependence on particular blood sources. They die more often than other vampires due to this exact reason. So, yes, you are her "Apple of Life" congratulations." Victoria smiles.
Tiamat rests her head on the table with visible regret while Serafall curses Elmenhilde under her breath.
Gabriel looks at both of them before she turns to Elmehilde. "So you abandoned your faction for the Welsh Dragon?"
Elmenhilde shakes her head. "I did so to advance the project and prove to my queen that doing this will help us return to our realm. I have a least two siblings back home who have not found their apples. If I can restore our original food source or create a replacement, I can protect them from this terrible condition. Me feeding on the Welsh Dragon blood is for survival; there's no other reason."
Yet her words did not assure the girls; Tiamat and Serafall turned their attention to Victoria before returning to Elmenhilde. "The story is bound to repeat itself."
"So you're a fellow researcher? Well, I say we should welcome her. If Elmenhilde can produce results with our help, we can get the Carmilla faction to join us. What do you think?" Azazel turns to the others.
Everyone seemed to support, but three members still needed to answer.
Serafall taps his finger on the table for a few moments as she looks at the vampire. "You say only food, but I know better. You better not betray our trust; if you hurt him or try to betray us, I will take you down with my own hands."
Elmenhilde shakes her chained hands. "I wouldn't dare. I have gone against my queen's orders for the sake of the vampire's future so trust me when I say that I won't betray you. Also, I don't have any interest in Ddraig besides food."
Serafall keeps tapping the table. "I'll be the judge of that. Tia, are you in agreement?"
"I leave her to you; I have my plate full with the old capital and everything else," Tiamat says with her head still resting on the table.
Serafall then turns to Ddraig. "Are you alright with her sucking your blood?"
Ddraig scratches his head. "I already have a sword drinking my blood as we speak; maybe having one more won't kill me. So she can just take a syringe and fill a few blood bags."
Elmehilde shakes her head. "A few drops from even the tip of your hand would be enough. Your blood has enough nutrients to keep moving for a week. I can eat other things to fill my stomach, although I won't taste most of it."
"I can give her suggestions. Leave her to me. As a fellow vampire living on a dragon's blood, I can take care of her. You learn a thing or two after so many centuries." Victoria says.
"Very well, Elmenhilde Karnstein, you will be under the alliance's protection and serve as an intermediary with the Carmilla faction. Your main home and research area will be on Grigory until further notice. Changes can be made if the Welsh Dragon and his family want to welcome you into his residence. You'll also be under surveillance by a group of guards. Any opposition to this decision?" Azazel asks.
The rest of the heads of the alliance shake their heads.
"Very well, guards-" Serafall is interrupted.
"Wait, can I feed now? I haven't eaten in three days." Elmehilde asks.
"Ddraig? The option is left to you." Serafall says.
Ddraig sighs as he offers his right wrist to Elmenhilde. "Go ahead."
Elmenhilde bows to him. "I thank you for your cooperation." The girl quickly moves, and she has sunk her fangs into his wrist in a matter of seconds.
The alliance members watch in surprise as the vampire moans and fall into a spiral of joyfulness. Her eyes teared up as she feasted on the most delicious of plates.
After 30 seconds, she lets go of his wrist and turns to Ddraig. "Is the most delicious blood I ever tasted. Thank you for your cooperation, Welsh Dragon." Elmenhilde says as she licks every drop. Her eyes were filled with an indescribable sense of joy and lust.
"It was my pleasure." Ddraig looks to the other side as he tries not to meet her eyes in that state.
"Guards take her away before she lunges forward and takes a bite out of his neck." Serafall orders.
"I'll see you at another date, Welsh Dragon," Elmehilde says as she gets escorted outside.
Tiamat quickly moves in to cover the bleeding wrist with a piece of her dress. "We're getting those blood bags, or you will bleed out every time she has to feed."
"She'll learn how to control herself after a while. She likely has no experience biting other beings for food. The Carmilla faction mostly feeds on blood bags instead of hunting down prey like the Tepes faction." Victoria explains. "Now, if you excuse me, I need to return home. A large family is waiting for me to cook for them."
"Thank you for your help Victoria," Shemhazai says.
The other members thank her as well, Victoria smiles before she bows and exits the room with grace.
"Onto the next issue then. Guards, bring our next visitor." Raphael says.
The guards exit the room once more, and a new girl is brought in a few moments afterward. She was around 19 years old, but maybe she was much older. She had long white-silver hair. Her attire was a classic valkyrie armor set which was severely damaged. One of her eyes was aqua colored while the other one was much darker in color. The eye was devoid of iris or any parts most eyes had. Several veins around that same eye had turned blue, and her skin had become blueish. It was as if that eye wasn't hers to begin with.
As soon as she's allowed to sit, the girl bows her head to the alliance members. "Please, save my team, Lord Thor, his family, and Ymir from the all-father. He has gone mad, and I fear for the worst."
Her words caused everyone to take the affair even more seriously.
The sleeping figure on top of Tia's head quickly awakens after hearing those words. "That eye, girl, what has Odin been doing with my brother?"
Rossweine turns to Gaia's clone. With tears in her eyes, she admits the cruel fate that Odin has imposed upon Ymir. "He has been harvesting his body and is planning to force other Valkyries to endure the same procedure he forced upon my cousin and our team. He's planning to make an army of the strongest demi-gods."
The cat was finally out of the bag as the scenario presented itself for the alliance to face.
*Tokyo Ghetto- Eve*
Meanwhile, Issei.
His body continues to fall into an endless ocean of stars as the voice of Gautama asks him questions while guiding him.
"What does thou look to achieve?"
"What does thou embrace? Is it revenge? Or something else?"
"Are you embracing a fake self, or is this the one you embrace even if it means your death?"
Issei opens his eyes and stretches his hand into the ocean's depths. "The future. Even at the cost of my life."
"Let's put it to the test, Issei. Can you truly face Trihexa, or are you a misguided child? Can you go beyond this "Real" you?"
His body disappears into the depths of the endless ocean.
Emergency Rescue Mission: Infernal Train to Asgard has begun.
*Notes of the Author: So it begins. The next arc will focus on Asgard and Odin. As you might expect, Ddraig will take the lead on the arcs to follow until a certain point. I have plans for Issei, and he will mostly stay in the background showing here and there until he finally returns for the major fight at the end of this part of the story. See you next time.*