REVIEWS
: The thing is, as Leon stated, they could not understand him even with the Spell, but that was mostly because the General was BLOCKING it. Also, thanks for the compliment on my story.
titanofthestars66: Glad to be back.
KaliYugaFan: DxD was a mess before I came around, so yeah.
frankieu: The Witch also reveals some other bits, like the new Youkai and the fact Youkai seem to choose sides. She also reveals about the Gashadokuro, and we learn that it is possible for humans or other beings to hijack a Youkai's powers by taking organs. So yeah. A lot if you look. Thanks for the review.
Ryuujin96: Thanks, the simplification was something to help me, since otherwise, it'd be hell to keep track of EVERYTHING! I have to cut corners here and there.
: *looks back* You sure don't hurry with your revs. Well, might as well answer this one too. Lemme see. Lightning is something else entirely, and not really connected to fire, at least, not now. He needs to both have his fire mastery up and overall Proficiency up by a fair bit.
Rayga: One of my main objectives for this story was always to keep Issei the same as much as I can. So all those fucks who think I should use a Sasuke-rip off edge-lord character: SUCK MY BIG, EUROPEAN BA-
Xerzo LotCN: Who? Anyhow, what the Witch did was pretty much summon Malachi from the lingering power he left behind in the sword. The sword is lost. Also, you will learn what a Mega Dungeon Seed does in this chapter.
: Thanks.
Lamon: Thanks.
Back2Hell4Fun: THANKS!
Jack Rybka: Trust me, there is no way to reverse-engineer the Golems that easily, especially not with his current INT, which, I might add, is not affected by his Boost. Also, scrapping them is redundant for money as you will see in two chapters.
Well, Issei knew the time was close, and he was right. For the rest of the time left at the Gremory Mansion, he had decided to simply aid the others in their development, which did net him some more EXP, but not that much. In total, he did only three more sessions since the dungeon, which allowed him to reach level 38. Overall, it was very good progress, as since he got here and did training with the Gremory, he had gained a total of 7 levels so far, and several new skills and abilities to try at a later date.
It was currently Saturday, and just as Rias said, everyone was not training, but packing. They were to return to Kuoh, and from there, make their battle plan. Today they were going to be joined by Rias' brother and some other people, meaning he would be meeting with some pretty important people from the Underworld. Quite the day he has ahead of himself.
In terms of other bits of progress? He trained with Kiba but kept himself on the defensive to level up his [Block] and [Deflect] skills. Then he went ham on the poor dummy to raise his martial arts again, seeing as that category is leveling up pretty fast. Good progress was also registered there, but his proficiency will take time to level up. His Youjutsu, however? He loved the newly acquired skills.
They allowed him to pretty much bend the elements however he wished without the need to waste extra Ki on multiple skills. His [Air Mastery] did not grow when it reached level 5, however, meaning it likely didn't have any ways it could grow, or he had to fulfill other conditions first.
He decided against training his fire magic and instead focused on water, seeing as it might be more useful against Riser. And thanks to the bonus provided by Ingvild's maxed-out RP, it was a breeze to level up. His [Water Jet] skill reached the MAX level! It increased its damage but also added a certain new ability.
[Water Jet] (Level MAX): A slightly more offensive form of Water Magic that deals no additional damage, creating a jet of water to use against your enemies. 20 Mana/Use, 10 Mana to maintain per minute. As of level 5, this skill now deals +10% damage based on your MGI stat. As of Level 10, this skill now leaves your targets with the [Soaked] Status Effect, making them weak against a following electrical attack.
Too bad he doesn't have something like Akeno's lightning magic yet. Still, it was something to keep in mind to look out for. He also put in more work with his Shadow Magic, maxing out his tendrils. The only notable change at level 10 was that the mana cost to create the tendrils was halved, nothing more.
And that was his last bit of progress. Now, the moment of truth was upon them, as everyone packed their bags and was gathering in the living room. Rias then stepped forward. "The time is upon us, everyone. I thank you for your hard work during this trip, and I hope it will yield us the desired result." She told them, then turned to Kuroka. "If you would be so kind."
"Nya! Of course." And so, Kuroka cast her magic, a magical circle surrounding them and enveloping them in light. When Issei blinked and opened his eyes again, they were back in Kuoh, specifically, inside the Occult Research Club's office. "Home, sweet home, Nya!"
"Quite," Kiba said, taking a seat on the sofa. "It feels good to be back. However, we shouldn't take the time to rest now."
"Indeed, we need to plan for the upcoming Rating Game against Riser." Rias pointed out, then looked at Issei's group. "Forgive me, but I'd like to discuss our strategy with my peerage and Issei here. If it is not an issue, would you please allow us privacy?"
"Nya, sure! We will just return to our humble abode and unpack." Kuroka said.
"Hey, Perv!" Raynare half-shouted, getting Issei's attention. "Try not to be a pussy in the upcoming battle, alright? It's bad enough I am your captive, I don't want to be the captive of a loser."
"Did she just…"
Issei smiled a bit. "No worries, Raynare. I didn't just sit on my ass all day during the trip."
"I hope everything goes well. Take care of him, Rias. And thank you for helping with my abilities." Ingvild said next, offering Rias a slight bow of her head as was the custom in Japan.
"No problem, Ingvild. You were a very fast learner, and from here you should do well on your own."
"This trip was very enlightening too." Asia quipped in. "I never thought devils could be so nice to other individuals, especially those from different races."
"Rias is very open-minded," Akeno said, giggling at Asia's words. "But thank you for your kind words."
"I will see you all back home once we are finished here," Issei told his group, then the girls left the building, slowly returning to their home. After they were gone, Rias made her way to her desk while her peerage took seats down on the sofas, with Issei choosing to stand up for the upcoming talk.
"So, as you all know, despite our progress and combined abilities, we still face one major disadvantage: Numbers." She began. "Riser holds numbers and experiences over us, however, we hold other advantages. Namely, Riser's peerage has no Sacred Gear users among its ranks, and their experience and popularity work against them. I managed to get a hold of recordings from their previous Rating Games, so I know some of their strategies. I want you to review them, and commit to memory as much information as possible. In addition, they are totally in the dark about our secret weapon."
"Me," Issei said with a cocky smirk stretched across his lips. "And once I get my Balance Breaker out, he won't know what hit him."
"Actually, Issei, I want you to save your strength for Riser himself." Rias suddenly said, taking some wind from his sails. "Whilst it is true your power might be enough to take on his entire peerage by now, we cannot exclude the possibility of them being used by Riser to tire you out to give him a better chance. As such, I'd like you to allow us to deal with most of his peerage first."
"Hmm. I can see the logic in that, so I guess it isn't that bad. But if any of his peerage members finds and attacks me, I will fight back."
"Didn't expect you not to."
"Anything else we are to know before the Rating Game, Rias?" Koneko asked, to which Rias seemed to remember something.
"Yes. I received a call, yesterday, regarding the date of the Rating Game." This had everyone perk up. "It was pushed back two days."
"Two days?" Issei echoed hearing her. "So, after New Year's Eve?"
"Seems so. What is more curious is the fact Riser himself asked for the extra time, which leads me to believe something must have happened to make him ask for an extension. Regardless of the case, or reason, however, this does grant us more time to prepare than before, as the Rating Game will be held on Monday, January 1st."
Akeno giggled a bit. "Seems like we get to enjoy New Year's Eve." She then turned her gaze to Issei. "What do you say, care to host the party?"
"Sure," Issei replied, deciding it was not that bad of an idea. "Should be a good way to relax and unwind before the Rating Game. Not to mention it gives me one extra day to check some stuff out."
"Then it is decided," Rias said with a small smile on her face. "In light of this extension, we will use the extra time to both prepare and celebrate. Tomorrow evening, we will be having the New Year's party at your house, Ise."
"I will make sure to prepare." Suddenly, Issei recalled something. 'Wait, Rias, didn't you say some big shots were going to join us today or something?"
"Hmm? Oh right! That hasn't changed in the least." Rias confirmed, then, to Issei's shock, something just…broke in the system. Well, not broken per se, but rather, his skills were going nuts!
Skill Level-up! Your [Danger Sense] is now level 6!
Skill Level-up! Your [Danger Sense] is now level 7!
Skill Level-up! Your [Aura Sense] is now level 6!
[Danger Sense] and [Aura Sense] both gaining levels were nuts! But what was worst was what he felt…[Aura Sense] allowed him to comprehend just what kind of MONSTERS were now opening the door.
"Good day to you all." Sirzechs Lucifer, along with Ajuka Beelzebub, and the former's wife, Grayfia Lucifuge, entered the room. "I hope we are not disturbing."
"Not at all, Zechs," Rias said, then she went over to her brother, offering him a welcoming hug. "You are always welcome here."
"Thank you for the-" Suddenly, Sirzech's gaze fixed itself on the foreign face in the room, his eyes locking onto Issei. "Rias, I trust this is your ace?"
"Yes, brother. This here is Issei Hyoudou." Rias told her brother, who went to Issei. The boy, of course, took the time to use his skill on Sirzechs.
[Sirzechs Lucifer]
[Level 249]
The devil before him was no joke. Still, Solomon was telling him to remain calm. He was not fighting this person. They were not enemies. "A pleasure to meet you, Sir." Issei extended his hand to offer a handshake, a gesture Sirzechs accepted.
"The pleasure is mine. I have heard quite a bit about you, Mister Hyoudou, from my sister. Most notably, I think having the Red Dragon Emperor of this generation eases my worries greatly." He knew from his wife, most likely. Then again, Rias could have also told him in one of her reports. Didn't matter anyway, as the game of hiding was up anyway. It was time to make more use of his status.
Summoning out his Sacred Gear, Issei offered a slight mischievous smirk to the man. "Guilty as charged." However, the other devil in the room seemed to take notice of something else, and he immediately went to Issei.
"This energy signature…" Ajuka Beelzebub said slowly as he loomed over Issei, seemingly examining him.
[Ajuka Beelzebub]
[Level 239]
He sees now why those two are called Super Devils…
"Rias," Ajuka called out to her. "You didn't mention you already reincarnated him into your peerage. He shows clear traces of demonic energy."
"I didn't," Rias added, which seemed to confuse the devils in the room a bit. "Issei is…unique. Look close, Ajuka, and you will see."
Issei was a bit uncomfortable being pretty much examined by Ajuka Beelzebub himself, yet, the older man seemed to know the concept of personal space and where NOT to touch, as he merely touched Issei's shoulder. However, not long after, he recoiled back, as if he touched a sparkling outlet.
"My word…I sense the Ki of the Youkai in him as well." Ajuka said slowly, composing himself. "But, he is not also purely human. There is also something else in there I cannot figure out, but…." He felt the hair on his neck standing up to its ends. This reaction was so uncommon to him nowadays, that he almost forgot how it feels to be afraid of something. Yes…Fear. But not normal fear. It was like his very blood was screaming at him to put as much distance between him and Issei as possible, as fast as possible. Still, he ignored those feelings. "No…It matters not. I say you are an intriguing specimen, Mister Hyoudou."
"Thank you? Forgive me if getting probed is not my ideal form of flattery." Issei replied dryly, earning a chuckle from Sirzechs.
"That is just how Ajuka is. Curious to no end." The red-haired man said. "Now, how about we move on to more official things, shall we? Namely, matters concerning the Rating Game."
"Of course. I already debriefed them on the new date for it, but do add anything you wish to add." Rias told her brother, who nodded his head and cleared his throat.
"Well, due to rumors of possible foul play, Ajuka here will be spectating the Rating Game together with me, and Lord Phenex, to ensure no one cheats. We were already informed of your ability to use Blood Magic, Issei, and we do ask that you do not use it. The usage of forbidden magic is, and will always be, unallowed during Rating Games, no matter the nature of the spell being used."
"Understood and no problem. My arsenal is large enough that not having one type of magic is not a big loss to me." Issei replied calmly, having already known that bit thanks to Akeno explaining some rules to him once.
"Glad to see you understand. Now, as you all are aware, Rating Games also impose special rules to each House when participating." This, Issei did not know.
"Special rules?" Issei echoed, slightly confused by this.
"Yes." Ajuka stepped in. "As each House usually harbors a unique ability, some of those abilities can be quite dangerous or provide an unfair advantage. To give an example, the Power of Destruction cannot be used to attack enemies directly, or inflict any kind of harm on them, as its nature can prevent the special barrier from saving that person in time before they are evaporated." Issei gulped, realizing the issue.
"The Phenex House also has one such rule placed on them." Ajuka continued. "Given how their abilities include high-speed regeneration and even self-resurrection, it was decided to include a special damage indicator to monitor the amount they take. If they are fatally wounded twice, they are eliminated."
"Wait, wouldn't this mean they get something akin to an extra life?" Issei asked, feeling confused by the rule. Whilst the rule against the power was fair, given its dangerous properties, the rule against the Phenex seemed pretty lax by comparison.
"Whilst true, I am afraid this is due to the overall pressure the Phenex House made when the rules were being written," Ajuka explained further. "Unfortunately, given how the Phenex House is the only House able to produce Pheonix Tears, they were able to politically pressure me into lessening the rule, which before allowed for no resurrection."
"I see…So, in the end, they changed the rules of the Rating Game." Ajuka nodded to Issei's words.
"Whilst not my proudest moment, I did manage to acquire some payback, in the form of the fact that, given how they can recuperate from damage done by the power as well if even one part of them survives, users of it can attack them with it, provided they do not output enough power to disintegrate them."
"That's good to know."
"There is also Charm, but Rias was already made aware of the rules regarding that one." Ajuka continued after Issei's words. "Additionally, during this Rating Game, an additional barrier will be set in place to detect any possible anomalies that could be illegal items."
"Sir, if I may," Kiba spoke up. "What will happen if Riser is found to have cheated? And the same in our case?"
Ajuka turned to Kiba, a stern look on his face. "Given how this is not an official Rating Game, the consequences won't be the same as in an official match, but they will remain dire. For one, the cheating party will be declared the loser of this Rating Game, and the other party declared the winner."
"No, Sir, I meant in the event the cheating is discovered AFTER the Rating Game." now this, to Ajuka, was a good question.
"Should such information come to light after the Rating Game, several things can happen given the outcome. In the outcome Riser won via cheating and marries Rias here, then I will personally apprehend Riser Phenex and dissolve the marriage." Rias seemed to lighten up hearing such words. "But, in the event you win by cheating, Rias, I am afraid wedding bells are in your future."
"Understood," Rias said.
"The Rating Game will be hosted on January 1st, here, at Kuoh Academy. The setting of it shall remain hidden until the actual date of it is revealed." Ajuka finished. "We will be staying at a nearby hotel, waiting for the date of the Rating Game to come around."
"Hmmm. Would you like to join us tomorrow evening for a party?" Rias asked, getting their attention.
"A party?" Grayfia finally spoke up. "What kind of party?"
"New Year's upon us." Issei chimed in. "So I will be hosting a party at my place."
"Ah, a New Year's party sounds nice!" Sirzechs said. "However, and forgive my words, Red Dragon, but don't you have a wanted criminal in your group?" At those words, Rias and her peers tensed up. "Grayfia informed us of the situation."
"Yes, I do." And Issei did not deny it. "Kuroka Toujou is under my protection."
"I see…Well, in that case, I hereby inform you that she won't have to run." Sirzechs began. "As a token of my gratitude for your aid to my sister, I have decided to offer her a partial pardon for her crime. She cannot walk into any major city in Devil Controlled Territory in the Underworld, but she can wander freely here on Earth, and in the Underworld, provided, of course, she stays clear of any city."
"That is a very generous offer from you, Sir."
"Brown-nosed bastard," Whilst Issei might be grateful for that, Solomon, as always, was skeptical of devils. To him, Sirzech's show of gratitude was merely a way to buy his way into Issei's good graces. It annoyed him further that it was working.
"Well then, I guess this is everything to be said, no?" Sirzechs looked at his companions.
"Yes, this is mostly it." Ajuka agreed. "I guess we will be seeing you all at the party then?"
"We will be waiting for you," Issei replied.
Following this, everyone departed from the ORC, heading to their homes to rest. However, in Issei's case, when he arrived home, he had to tell everyone about the party and who was going to be attending. Safe to say there were mixed feelings among his group. Kuroka for one was slightly afraid to be in the same building with two Satans, a feeling somewhat shared by Raynare, but he assured the both of them they were not there to cause trouble.
Ingvild was also nervous, but mostly due to how they would react to her in general. Those two, if his lessons on the Devil Civil War were right, were the leaders of the Anti-Satan Faction, the same people who saw Ingvild's ancestor being dethroned. Still, she wasn't like her ancestor. He knew that. Asia, however, was more nervous about being in the same house with so many devils than the actual people were. Granted, she was also nervous about meeting such important people.
So yeah, mixed emotions. But he had another thing to do now. He went inside his dungeon and reached into his inventory, pulling out something called the Mega Dungeon seed. Now, this was vastly different from a normal one. It was larger, the size of his entire fist, with a see-through interior filled with some kind of blueish liquid.
Quite something, he will say that much. Still, he brought forth his dungeon's main control panel and brought the seed to it. But then, something happened…
Mega Dungeon Seed detected! Dungeon deletion and reconstruction are in progress!
"Wait, what?!" Issei panicked, but no sooner had the message popped up than the entire world around him cracked and broke, leaving him in an empty white void.
Mega Dungeon Seed consumed! Creating NPC.
Dungeon recreation initiated!
Issei could not even keep up with everything that happened. The white void around him suddenly began to be filled with color, and tall, thick trees erupted from the ground below, which was now covered in lush green grass. The sky above him lit up, but strangely, he could see both the sun and moon on posing sides of the horizon, keeping the world around him in a perpetual state of twilight.
Finally, however, the last and most shocking thing happened. Before him, a blue light descended and began to take shape. A female shape, to that. He was blinded by the strong light it produced, and unable to see what was being created, yet, as the light died down, he heard a new voice.
"Welcome, Master." Opening his eyes, Issei stared down at the newly created being. She had black skin, coupled with short, white hair that slowly became red at the tips, with strange, almost glowing blue eyes. However, his vision was taken by her outfit in almost an instant. See-through silk was worn on her legs and arms, from knee to ankle and from elbow to wrist, being milky white with golden braces holding them. On her torso, she wore an almost-see-through dress, draped over her with the straps being the only things covering her nipples, but at rest exposing her mounts to the world.
Issei had to admit, she had to have been rocking at least an E cup, there was just no way she was any smaller than an E cup. The main part of her dress was draped over her crotch, revealing the symbol of a dragon on it, the dress she wore was black with red detailing. Behind her, if he looked, he would also see that she was actually wearing underwear, albeit a T-thong which allowed one to see her butt and admired her toned thighs.
Seriously, this girl looked as if she was made to match his ideals of a perfect exotic servant or something!
Note: She was.
HE LOVED THIS SYSTEM!
"Master?" She asked again, and Issei had to snap out of his admiration of her forms to reply to her.
"Y-yeah? Sorry, it's just that…I am a bit lost on what has happened." He admitted.
"Allow me to explain then." She said, her voice deep and seductive, yet calm and composed. "You see, Master, the Mega Dungeon Seed is a one-of-a-kind item that fully overhauls a dungeon, greatly expanding its capabilities. When you added it to your dungeon, it recreated it with the influx of new functions and resources, among which I number."
"You…were made BY the dungeon?" He asked.
"I was created by the System's power, yes." She said, making Issei gulp. The system had the power to create actual, intelligent life forms?!
"Dear me…This is too much…"
"Hold yourself together, Solomon!" Shit, even Solomon was overwhelmed by this.
"Ok…Ok, I think I am starting to catch up. But what of Asia's room then?" He asked.
"Her room, and belongings, are safe. They are on the Last Floor, within the Dragon's Fortress."
"Huh?"
"Your new abode, Master." She said, then, suddenly, the world around Issei shifted, and he was brought to the Dragon's Fortress. His eyes threatened to spill out of his sockets when he saw the absolute giant castle he was now on, standing on the balcony of what he could only assume was HIS room. He looked around, seeing giant towers towering over the horizon, overlooking a land made of lush grass, but surrounded by a huge wall of thorns. The castle's walls were white like marble, with a large coat of arms on it, showing the same emblem with a red dragon that was on the NPC's dress.
"Holy Mother of God…" Issei couldn't help himself by this point, all of this was truly…MEGA.
"I hope everything is to your liking, Master."
"To my liking?! Everything is insane! In a good way, that is, and I can't believe everything is mine!" Issei then turned to her. "Tell me, what can you tell me about the changes?"
"Yes, Master. The Dragon's Fortress is fully furnished. Each room, facility, and so on are fully prepared as well. We have a working plumbing system, and hot water is being provided by an underground source of thermal water. The only thing that we do not have in store is food, but that is due to not knowing your preferences, Master. Once you state them, the golems will begin to work farming."
"Golems?" Issei said, catching that detail. You meant to tell him his dungeon now had ACTUAL monsters?!
She nodded her head, then she clapped her hands, allowing for a humanoid, wooden golem to step out from within the room. It resembled the ones he killed in the dungeons before, but it had the same coat of arms painted on its chest.
"The golems fulfill the day-to-day tasks, such as cleaning and maintenance to the fortress, Master. The rooms are in the western wing, where Mistress Asia is living. More rooms have also been made readily available should you move anyone else within the halls of this place." The NPC said, and Issei was still processing stuff. Yet, some questions did pop up in his head.
"Tell me, what did you mean by floors?" He finally asked, to which he bowed her head.
"Your dungeon is now able to generate floors. The one we were in first was the entrance floor, and this is meant to be the last one." A screen appeared before Issei, showing him the current dungeon map. "You can add new floors, and with this, manage them in any way you want, be it location, order, and so on."
"What about guardians?" He asked, and sure enough, she had a reply.
"As before you'd need to spend large resources to bring additions, the dungeon now only requests those to speed up the overall process. Should you have a design in mind, you can design each floor and creature, and the dungeon will create them over time by using mana it passively gathers." She told him, and Issei was already shaking with excitement. This was lit!
"This place reminds me of the Twilight Forest from Minecraft too…" Issei muttered, recalling when he played the game and mod when younger. This gave him plenty of ideas. "Hey…Do you have a name?"
"Master, should you wish to grant me one, I won't be opposed to it." She replied, and sure enough, Issei had the perfect name for her.
"Then your name from henceforth shall be Leonna."
The newly named Leonna glowed for a bit, signaling the name being registered. "Thank you, Master, for my new name. Now, do you wish to design new additions to the dungeon?"
"Yes," Issei said, bringing forth the screen. He then enlarged it and looked at it carefully. There were tools, as well as other functions to make this easier on him. Good. First, he had to look at the first floor. Since this was likely the entrance as well, he decided to give intruders a chance to turn back, so he created a specific area where intruders would appear. People like him and Asia, who have a key, would appear right here at the fortress.
The area he designed was a stone circle, almost like Stonehenge, where he decided to create a floating book that would spell out the message to any intruders about where they were. This was the Domination Dragon's Domain, and they were not welcomed.
Following that, he began work on the first guardian and the monsters. Seeing the options, he created several 'spawner' type trees. They were hollow within but made to spawn several wasp monsters that attacked the intruders, stinging and injecting paralytic venom into them. One sting didn't deliver enough venom to even numb one's hand, but multiple can paralyze someone fully for a while.
Then he moved to the guardian itself. First, he designed its garden area, as he remembered it. The Naga's Courtyard, the very first boss you faced in the Twilight Forest, the Naga, residing within. However, this design was more open than that. He instead made something akin to a garden, with large bushes creating secluded areas within it, and large, stone pillars and walls making the entire place stand out, but with a door to serve as the entrance. A large arching entrance, and at the back, he decided to be fair, and place the portal to the next floor - which he will design another day.
Then came the Naga. He decided to make it a bit special, having the creature standing in the heart of the garden when in standby mode. It resembled a big, snake statue, which came to life and transformed into its true form upon detecting an enemy. He made the Naga possess a stronger venom, able to destroy tissue, and being able to spit it too. This meant it pretty much spat acid. Furthermore, he tweaked its stats as much as he could, giving it a decent DUR and hard scales.
With this, the rest of the first floor was to remain the lush forest he woke up in. And so, he pressed the button and watched the screens vanish and another flash before his eyes.
First Floor: Naga Garden - Under Construction,
Time until finished: 119 H, 59M, 50S.
"So, five days," Issei said, calculating the hours.
"Sir, if I may, should you wish to train, I will lead you to the training grounds," Leonna said, constantly bowing her head in his presence.
"Ah, old dummy, yes…Sure, I have a bit of time on my hands." And so, Issei went to the training grounds, making sure to commit the way to them to memory.
Finally, he reached them, seeing the way larger area and the old dummy standing in the middle of the field, ready to withstand his attacks.
"Now, you will no longer have to worry about your EXP taking a while, Master, as the debuff that was no longer applies," Leonna informed.
"This feels a bit like cheating, not gonna lie," Issei said, cracking his knuckles.
"Trust me, Master, the System is not big on cheating."
"Huh?" Then, before Issei's eyes, the dummy's eyes lit up, and a strong pressure erupted from it. Blinding light shined, making Issei cover his eyes, but when he opened them again, his jaw connected to the floor. Before him, standing over 2 meters tall, and bulging with muscle, was the dummy. Its new body resembled that of a human, although still seemingly made of straw, but showing details such as veins here and there. Its head, however, remained mostly the same, but now it was quite literally FLEXING ON HIM!
"I…It is going to be fighting back now?" Issei asked, looking at Leonna.
"Yes, Master. The Dummy is designed to always have the same stats as you, plus 10, thus offering a constant challenge. Even if you increase your power, its power will rise accordingly. While it cannot use skills, it should provide an increasing challenge to encourage your growth. If you wish, Master, you can order more Dummies to appear."
"No thank you, one is enough!" He kept staring at the dummy, who kept flexing on him like it was on some bodybuilder's contest. "One is…more than enough…"
"Understood. Do you wish me to leave you to train and prepare supper?"
"Don't bother with large meals, Leonna, just…prepare me a snack or two, something tells me I will need the energy."