Thank you for your enthusiasm about the series! Please remember to leave a comment if you're interested in contributing to the story. In the latest installment, I crafted a pivotal moment where our hero encounters Rias for the very first time. Let's delve into the exciting developments that await our protagonist.
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Chapter 3
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I'm engulfed in darkness, a void without end. How did I end up here? The last memory I have is of someone—a person I'll never forget. Whenever I close my eyes, I see flashes of red hair and concerned blue eyes.
Yes, there was a girl who looked like Risa. Her hair was a pure, vibrant red. After that, my body started shaking uncontrollably, only easing when someone embraced me. Slowly, the discomfort faded. But where am I? Is there really a place so dark? Who brought me here? Darkness surrounds me; I can't see anything. I need to find a way out.
While contemplating, I'm startled by a familiar voice—the same voice I heard before.
{You are deep in your mind.}
'Mind? Depth? What's he talking about?'
How can I hear him in my mind? What's happening? Am I losing my sanity?
{Isn't it time for us to meet?}
'Meet? Who is this guy?'
Suddenly, the blackness explodes into flames. The heat is intense, searing my breath. Is this what a volcano's like? The temperature must be astronomical. Could it be around 10,000 degrees? These flames would incinerate me. But the heat is closing in. There's a deafening roar and tremendous pressure. Nowhere to escape. What can I do against something so enormous?
Finally, the source of the voice reveals itself—it's not human. This creature is gigantic, red, and winged, with an intimidating head and fierce emerald eyes. Flames engulf it, perhaps the cause of the fiery landscape. It's a nightmare, right? A horrific dream.
{Sorry, kid, this is not a nightmare. Or should I say, Halil Bozkurt?}
He knows my name! I'm past the point of thinking this isn't real. Fear grips me. I try to calm myself.
Calm down, Halil. Breathe. Repeat. Think logically.
I study the creature before me, observing its reptilian eyes, and its snakelike appearance. The fear subsides slightly. I realize it's mentioned wanting to meet. Maybe it won't attack. Can I trust it? I inspect the details: two golden horns, crimson scales, sharp spikes, and enormous wings spanning 15 meters. Reminiscent of museum displays of dinosaur teeth. It hits me—this creature is like a dragon from legends.
Taking a deep breath, I gather my courage and ask:
"What are you? Who are you, and why do you want to meet me?"
Despite my trembling, I continue. It seems confronting such a being leads to the same response—laughter.
{HA HA HA... Honestly, I didn't expect such bravery. You earned my respect .}
Respect? I've passed the first hurdle. My trembling lessens, but I remain cautious. This creature is unpredictable.
"So, that's it. Fine. Are you going to tell me who you are now?"
I take a step forward, and it's time to share my questions.
The creature's gaze intensifies, its voice booming:
{Very well! Let me introduce myself. I'm Ddraig. Pleased to meet you, my new partner. Yes, I am one of those creatures you've heard about.}
Partner? What's this about? Wait, could it be the entity from my thoughts? Unbelievable.
"So, you're… a dragon?"
Is this some kind of joke?
With confidence, Ddraig continues:
{Indeed, and more specifically, I'm known as the Red Dragon Emperor, a title that resonates throughout the universe.}
Red Dragon Emperor. A fitting name, considering its fiery appearance. This creature is genuine; it's not bluffing. Now it's my turn.
"Well, I'm Halil Bozkurt. But my real question is, if this place is my mind, what are you doing here, Mr. Red Dragon? And how did we become 'partners'? Can you explain?"
I'm calmer now. The anxiety has subsided, replaced by curiosity. I remember Ddraig's guidance to become stronger when I heard his voice. Why would he hurt me? I focus on his response:
{Of course, we need to be open with each other. This is inside your mind, and I've been waiting for you to reach out for about 2 years.}
"Two years? How?"
I remember I heard Ddraig when Risa and I were heading to the hospital. Is this how he contacted me?
{Didn't you hear me when you were rushing her to the hospital?}
"Yes, I recall that. But how is this possible—being in my mind and us being 'partners'?"
{Let me explain without interruptions.}
"Sorry, the trauma of that day still affects me. When it comes to Risa, I can't help it."
Calm down, Halil. He's trying to help. Listen fully, then ask questions.
He resumes, understanding my hesitation:
{I understand the weight of your loss. Over the past two years, I've been impressed by your efforts to heal.}
"Thank you."
{You're welcome. But blaming yourself won't help. What if I offered you the power to protect yourself and those around you?}
As he speaks, I give him a skeptical look:
"Power? Opportunity? Protection?"
{Yes.}
"Are you joking or testing me?"
{Must I jest after all we've discussed?}
"I'm not sure. It's hard to believe. When I first talked to a dragon, I thought it was a dream. Isn't that logical?"
Ddraig smiles:
{Agreed, doubt is reasonable. But, I'm telling the truth. No lies.}
Okay, I believe him. Doubt is natural. Once I'm out of here, I'll investigate further.
"Fine. I trust you. Well... how does this 'power' work? There must be a catch, right?"
Ddraig seems pensive:
{You're logical. Others might jump at the chance. Impressive.}
"Life teaches you to think things over many times before acting. Isn't that right?"
He laughs at my words:
{HA HA HA... Well said. You're smart. Let's get along. Now, about this 'partnership.' I'm bound to you through a powerful object within you.}
"What object?"
{In this world, it's known as a 'Sacred Gear' or 'Blessing of God of the Bible.'}
Sacred Gear? God of the Bible's blessing? Confusion clouds my mind. Does this have religious implications?
"But... I'm not Christian. There's a mistake. What's a Sacred Gear? How does it concern me?"
Ddraig's expression shifts from confusion to amusement. He chuckles as if something's funny.
{HA HA HA... I never expected to hear that.}
My patience wanes:
"Is this amusing?"
He composes himself:
{I apologize. It's just unexpected.}
"Fine, but don't make fun. I need a proper answer."
He becomes serious:
{Alright, it's not about religion. Others before you held this power, and they came from various beliefs.}
Got it. Ddraig must be ancient. 'Others' implies a long history.
"What's a 'Sacred Gear'? Is it like healing?"
He nods:
{Partly.}
"That's not satisfying."
{Don't rush. We've talked enough for now. It's time to wake up.}
"What? You haven't answered my question."
{Remember two things when you wake up.}
"Which are?"
{Sacred Gears draw strength from their wielders' intense emotions.}
"Emotions? And the other thing?"
His tone turns grave:
{Be wary of those around you. Because of the Sacred Gear, certain individuals will be drawn to you.}
Flames engulf us as Ddraig disappears. I awaken. So many questions remain, but it seems we'll meet again. I need to reflect on this encounter. Most importantly, I can't forget the warning. Apparently, this 'Sacred Gear' is very rare, so I don't never need unnecessary complications.
I wake up, quickly looking around the room as I open my eyes. A serum is in my arm, and I realize I am probably in the nurse's room, now. Being in bed, I assumed someone had moved me here after I passed out.
While I was processing these thoughts, the nurse noticed me and turned toward a person on her right, smiling. The person seemed important, possibly a woman, and spoke:
"Headmaster! Halil-Kun awoke."
Headmaster? My mind raced. Is Venelana-san here? Oh no, I had fainted for two whole hours. She must be really worried. I need to apologize to her.
Venelana-san rushed to me and hugged me tightly, concern evident on her face. She asked directly:
"Halil! Are you all right? I came here as soon as they told me you fainted."
I don't want to see her sad. Her usual smile is so much better. I thought maybe I could talk to her about it. She had said she'd always listen to me, right? So, I turned to the nurse and asked:
"Nurse, could you give us a moment?"
The nurse smiled and said:
"Of course, take your time."
"Thank you."
Turning to Venelana-san after the nurse left, I said:
"Would you mind listening to me? I mean, about my life story."
She responded with a warm smile, "Always."
And so, I began recounting my life story, starting from my time in the orphanage to coming to Kuoh Academy. As she listened, her expression changed from curiosity to sadness and back to a reassuring smile. When I finished, she embraced me, giving me that same sense of peace. After a moment, she pulled back and looked me in the eyes:
"Thank you for trusting me with your life story. From now on, my door is always open if you want to talk. Okay?"
I couldn't refuse that smiling face, even if I wanted to.
"Thanks, Hocam."
"You're welcome."
I pushed aside my thoughts and decided to ask about the girl who had saved me:
"By the way, Headmaster, there was a girl in the cafeteria who caught me before I fainted. The last thing I remember is her red hair and blue eyes. Do you know who she is or where I can find her?"
She looked surprised but amused, responding:
"A beautiful girl with crimson hair, you say? Hmm... I don't know. Where might you find her?"
It seems she isn't going to give me a straight answer. She clearly enjoys teasing me. Well, I'm Halil Bozkurt, and I am going to determine to find that girl. Her face etches in my memory, a mirror image of Risa. How could I forget?
Deciding on my course of action, I said:
"Alright, then. I'll take matters into my own hands and track her down. I'll find out who she is and express my gratitude. Are you satisfied?"
She applauds my determination, still smiling:
"Bravo! Quite the courageous young man."
Getting out of bed, I straightened my clothes and glanced at the wall clock. I must've slept for a couple of hours. Venelana-san looked at me and said:
"If you're up to it, you can rejoin your classes. But if you're not feeling well, you can go home. I can write you an excuse for today. What would you like to do?"
Going home isn't a bad idea, but I am eager to find the girl before the school day ends:
"I'd rather not miss out on classes. Thank you."
She gave me a knowing smile:
"I'll give you a hint: she's someone you're responsible for."
I chuckled:
"No need. I'll take care of it."
"Very well."
As we left the nurse's room, I walked with Venelana-san toward my classroom. Hopefully, I'd reunite with that girl before the day was over.
(Venelana Gremory POV)
Watching Halil head to his class, I make my way back to my room with a continued smile. I can't help but anticipate his reaction when he discovers who Rias truly is. Yet, I have another matter on my mind: the hardships that Halil had faced in his life, as he had revealed in his story. The pain he has experience, especially concerning the girl he referred to as his deceased girlfriend, Risa. I wonder if there might be a picture of Risa in the old school's records. I need confirmation.
After a brief exchange, I received a message containing a picture of the girl from the school's database. I gaze at it, musing, 'Let's see if you really resemble Rias.' I was genuinely taken aback when the image appeared before me.
"Is that possible? It's not surprising that Halil was shocked by seeing Rias. The resemblance must've triggered memories from his past."
With these thoughts, a small smile curved my lips, and I pondered:
"Perhaps Rias might just be the remedy his heart needs. Who knows?"
(Halil Bozkurt POV)
Entering the classroom, I can see the concern from my peers, even those two perverts. It isn't fair to judge people based on initial impressions. We need time to truly understand one another. Hopefully, things will improve over time.
I seized the opportunity to approach a girl and asked:
"Can I talk to you for a moment?"
She looked at me curiously:
"Sure, what's up?"
"I saw a girl with red hair in the cafeteria."
"And?"
"I was wondering if you know where I could find her. You don't have to tell me her name."
"Alright, I know where you can find her."
"Where can I find her?"
She leaned in and whispered:
"Old School Building."
(Rias Gremory POV)
It had been a few hours since I had helped Halil in the nurse's room, but still, he was occupying my thoughts incessantly. The pain I sensed from him, the darkness that lingered in his eyes, I couldn't shake those images. Why are those eyes so unforgettable? It is as if he is waiting for someone to heal his wounds. Did Akeno find any information about him?
As I contemplated these matters, Akeno entered with a smile, holding a file. It seems, she found something:
"Is it what I think it is?"
"Hmm, indeed."
Akeno handed me the file, and I perused its contents eagerly:
"Halil Bozkurt / Turkish / 18 years / Orphan."
"He's a year older than us?"
"Yes. He took a break from schooling for the past two years due to specific reasons. But I haven't found another detail in the file."
Akeno chuckled, gazing out of the window, and said:
"Maybe you should ask him directly."
"Why's that?"
"Come and see for yourself."
I approached her, understanding what she meant as I looked out the window.
'He's coming this here.'
(Halil Bozkurt POV)
As I walked towards the old school building, I mentally prepared myself. I have to remain calm, after all. Remember, Halil, stay composed.
I took a deep breath, knocking on the door after:
KNOCK-KNOCK
"I hope she's still here."
The door opened, revealing the other girl I had seen in the cafeteria. Wow... she is very beautiful. But I have a different purpose right now. The girl smiled warmly and asked,
"How can I assist you?"
Wow, her voice is like that of an angel. Someone to fall in love with, undoubtedly.
"Well... excuse me. I was looking for someone."
"I know who you're looking for. She's inside. Would you like to come in?"
"Well... if you're alright."
As I walked in, I couldn't help but glance around. The place is surprisingly well-kept, despite its age. It seems like the building receives regular maintenance. I continued walking, my nerves getting the best of me.
Soon, we entered a spacious room, and there she was, standing before us. The beautiful girl with crimson hair resembled Risa so strikingly. Adjusting to this won't be easy.
Approaching us, she remarked:
"You seem to be feeling better."
"That was you who led me to the nurse's room, right?"
She smiled, her concern apparent:
"I'm glad you're feeling better."
"Actually, I came here to thank you for your help me."
Her smile widened:
"Don't worry about it. I'm just relieved you're okay."
I couldn't help but feel drawn to her kindness:
"You're really kind. By the way, I forgot to introduce myself. I'm Halil Bozkurt. Nice to meet you."
I extended my hand for a handshake. She took it, giving it a gentle squeeze, and introduced herself:
"I'm Rias Gremory. A pleasure to meet you."
Gremory? No way! It couldn't be what I thought, right?