Chapter 2: Blood and Pact
Ever since I was reincarnated in the world of Highschool DxD, I already realized how dangerous it is despite being filled with many otherworldly beauties. The day I accepted my fate for being thrown into this world, I was determined to use every single bit of my previous life's knowledge to educate my shitty weak body with lots of intense training
Unfortunately, the truth speaks differently.
My current body is extremely weak. I was barely able to run beyond a few minutes before collapsing in exhaustion due to a very low stamina. I am also incapable of performing any sort of heavy training to increase my muscle mass without experiencing severe muscle pain, making every training method from my previous life totally redundant.
But the worst of all is the constant state of pain due to the blood mutation.
Not only that I barely managed to draw even a single ounce of demonic power, but I also had to suffer in numerous degrees of pain that reverberated in my entire body. As if every single cell of my body is screaming in agony when I am trying to forcefully activate my demonic power.
The result was that I was unable to withstand the amount of searing pain and went unconscious.
After numerous failed attempts to conjure my demonic power and also how many times Milia had to repeatedly take my unconscious body back to my bed, I decided to put my demonic power training on hold, and focused on improving this shitty physique instead.
Even so, the process is still horrendously painful.
But at least, it's still better than having your whole body convulsing in tremendous pain.
Really, having been reborn in the body of a weak, sickly young child is also the worst thing that really puts me in distress.
For big G sake, sometimes I feel that my whole damn circumstances were doomed from the start.
Aside from training I am also trying to gather any information about my current situation including the status of the Bune household. After asking a lot of my maids, including the ones that already left, I managed to learn several interesting facts.
Apparently it is due to something that both of this body's parents did that caused the body to end up in this state.
One of the previous maids had told me that both parents were devastated when they learned about the condition of Ars' body. After that, they were trying to find any sort of medicine that could help his body condition. But whatever they did eventually led to the death of the previous body's owner.
Which apparently also led to their suicide after losing their only son, as far as the maid had told Ars.
Seems a bullshit story, written by some shitty author.
With both of my parents dead, I have no choice but continuing my training in order to strengthen my physique alone. I did theoritize that if I managed to improve my body condition, the uncontrollable demonic power would also be improved as well. Thus, it will also lessen my constant state of pain every time I am trying to use or draw forth my demonic power.
But the process is painfully slow due to my poor body condition.
Alas, throwing down a towel is not my style.
As hard work will never betray you.
And in order to survive from whatever the future that I will face. Every single piece of effort is meaningful.
I believe that I will manage to overcome this debilitation one day.
… Well, at least that is what I was thinking until now.
Because it seems like I am just triggering some sort of death flag.
That's what I thought when I suddenly had to face someone that is way above my league, who is currently standing in front of the house.
After all, I know very well who the man that stood before me and my maid is.
Crom Cruach.
Crescent Circle Dragon. Supposedly the strongest among all Evil Dragons and also the only Evil Dragon who is currently alive. Dragon, who is later in the series, claimed to be stronger than Ddraig and Albion at their prime.
And currently one of the strongest dragons alive aside from Ophis and Great Red, as those two are on an entirely different level.
Swallowing my fear while moving forward, ignoring Milia's hysteric shriek as I now stood face-to-face with Crom Cruach.
"Before complying with your request to join on this trip that you mentioned before, may I ask the reason why?" I ask while trying to control my trembling body. Barely as I just finished, my vision suddenly is being overwhelmed by a torrent of invisible pressure. I can feel my whole body trembling in fear due to the overwhelming killing intent that emanates from the annoyed Human-shaped Dragon that gives me a narrowed glare.
"This is not a request, brat." spoke Crom Cruach while beginning to walk closer towards me as his heterochromatic eye glowed fiercely. "This is an order. You are coming with me, and I will not accept any form of refusal."
Damn it.
I can barely respond with my whole body frozen under Crom Cruach's colossal glare. My lips keep stuttering while trying to form some sort of coherent sentences.
"I-I m-mean-"
But I am just about to respond to Crom Cruach, Milia's booming voice suddenly goes ahead of me .
"Y-you can't!" screamed Milia while later yelping in fright when Crom Cruach's eyes turned in annoyance to her. "Y-young lord Ars! Y-your b-body is s-still t-too weak to d-do somet-hing l-like that! !You are s-still need t-to go t-to C-capital f-for y-y-your E-evil P-pieces!
Annoyed with Milia's apparent objection, Crom Cruach then unleashes an enormous amount of killing intent, making the poor maid fall to her knees due to the immense terror that befell her. Her tears are flowing uncontrollably on her terrified expression.
I can even see that Milia's skin is losing its color at an alarming rate due to severe trepidation.
"I didn't ask for your opinion, woman." spoke Crom Cruach in a dangerous tone while stepping towards the fear-stricken Milia. He then slowly raises his right hand, as a golden-colored energy begins to coat Crom Cruach's right hand. The energy then quickly transforms into a form akin to a Dragon's claw.
No, wait. Don't' tell he's going to-
While glaring at the unmoving Milia, Crom Cruach narrows his eyes as he slowly pulls his right hand.
My eyes widened in terror. My heart stopped as I saw Crom Cruach slowly raise his right hand upward while staring at Milia. Don't tell me, he's about to-!
"Die-"
"WAIT!"
Before Crom Cruach could swing his right hand, My sudden scream stopped him midway. As his attention turned back into me, who was panting harshly.
Damn it, there is no other way.
"Please don't kill her, Crom Cruach." spoke Ars in trepidation as Crom Cruach's gaze bore on him. "I-I accept. I will join you on your journey."
This is the only way to save Milia from Crom Cruach's ire. Even if I have to decide it without any form of preparation. Inwardly, I cursed at this shitty situation. Meeting with someone that eventually joins the Khaos Brigade in the future is not something that I foresaw at all.
But I have no choice.
After all, It is also an opportunity.
Smirking in satisfaction, Crom Cruach released the golden energy in his right hand while walking closer towards me, who slowly stood with trembling legs. But I refused to show it, as I blatantly stared back at him.
"Good decision. Now pack your things and follow-"
"Before that!"I spoke quickly, halting Crom Cruach's speech. "Before I leave, I need to inform my regent guardian about my departure. If I am leaving without any prior notice, my guardian will be suspicious and he will report it to his King." I also quickly add my reason in order to avoid angering Crom Cruach once again.
"Then just order that woman to tell your guardian or something." spoke Crom Cruach in a nonchalant tone. But he seemed to understand what I meant.
I simply shook my head. "My regent guardian is Okita Souji, Sirzechs Lucifer's knight."I inform him as I inwardly smirk athow Crom Cruachs expression changes upon hearing the name of the current Lucifer and his knight.
"You can understand right, Mr. Crom Cruach?" I continued while silently cheering at Crom Cruach reluctant nod. "I need to write a formal letter about my departure, or else it will raise suspicion. And I can't do it in a quick manner as I also need to pack my belongings as well."
Clicking his tongue in annoyance, Crom Croach sighed as he finally relented, which made me sighed in relief. I know that as strong as he is, dealing with the current Lucifer who is said to be stronger than the Original is not what he wanted. Also that would expose his status, which he kept hidden due to avoiding any outside intrusion.
"Very well," said Crom Cruach in finality. "One night. You have one night to explain that you will be traveling with me. As I said before, any form of exposing my identity is forbidden. Or you will pay the consequences, understand?"
I nodded slowly, accepting his demand.
"Before that, can I ask why you want to-"
Crom Cruach swiftly cut to my question. "That will be explained later. Because that is also related to your blood problem after all."
Both of my eyes widened in shock when I heard that.
So Crom Cruach is indeed aware of my current issue. Does that mean that he also knows about what is truly causing the mutation which makes my body severely weakened like this.
"How did you know about my condi-"
Crom Cruach's left hand suddenly appears in front of my face in a flash. Stopped me from continuing. "That will be explained tonight if you decide to come with me. Come to the highest peak on the hills near your house, I will be waiting there tonight. Failure to comply is not an option for you."
I nodded slowly while keeping my vision towards Crom Cruach.
Crom Cruach stared at me for a while, before walking away. Leaving me and Milia alone in my house's front yard.
"Tonight he said-!" I clenched my hand tightly. If what Crom Cruach said is true, then this is probably my only chance to learn about my condition and also possibly to find any possible method to cure it.
But first, I need to help MIlia to snap out of her current state.
Damn it Crom Cruach, why did you just have to traumatize my only maid. I just sighed in irritation as I am trying to pick Milia up onto my shoulder, which I started to regret due to how heavy she is.
Once again, damn this weak body.
=Scene Break=
"No, I forbid it! You will absolutely not follow that brute! Never!"
I can only sigh when Milia starts berating me. After several efforts of snapping her out from her comatose state, I finally managed to awaken her. As expected, she's immediately freaked out and almost undergoes a mental breakdown if I didn't immediately splashed her with a large amount of water that conjured from my demonic energy.
It still feels tingling until now, and I have to endure Milia's rant as well. I really hate this feeble body.
"Even if you forbid me, I am still going to meet that man again." I said as Milia's frown deepened. I can understand how worried she is given her traumatic experience with Crom Cruach earlier, but that will not stop me from meeting Crom Cruach.
Having a Dragon mention my complication, and also offering a method to cure it is an opportunity that only comes once, not twice.
And I also hope that with some persuasion, I can make an agreement with him to train me as well. After all, from the earlier conversation, it's indicated that Crom Cruach indirectly offered the same thing.
Even though I don't really understand the reason why he even bothers coming to my house and giving such an offering, I was not gonna let this chance slip away.
"But Young Lord Ars! We don't know who he is! That man could have a hidden motive to harm you!" Said Milia in a worried tone. "We can just report this incident to Lord Okita to let him handle this instead!" Well, at some point Milia is right to be worried given the situation is. Having been threatened and almost losing her life, it's normal for her to be wary of Crom Cruach.
Technically, reporting this incident to Okita Souji who is part of Sirzechs Lucifer peerage is a right decision, given the case is a clear indication of threatening one of the remaining Devil pillars. Given the situation, Sirzechs will dispatch Okita Souji in guard duty for a while until there's no further incident. Which means that Okita Souji will stay in the Bune household for a while until further notice.
But at the same time, Milia also doesn't know Crom Cruachs identity yet. And breaking the promise against a Dragon is a recipe for disaster. In that case, the worst thing is that Crom Cruach will retaliate with vengeance and it will end up with some casualties. Something that I should avoid if I want to take this opportunity with Crom Cruach to possibly start to train me.
I simply shook my head at Milia's suggestion. "No, if we did that. There's a possibility that it will end badly for us. As for that man, his true form is a Dragon. And dragons are notoriously infamous for enacting vengeance against those who break promises that have been made."
"T-that brutish man is a Drago-"
"And not just a mere Dragon, that man is known as Crom Cruach. One of the dragons known as Evil Dragons." I explain as I watch Milia's facial expression instantly pale upon hearing the man that she keeps referring to as brutish, in fact, is a Dragon. An insanely strong Dragon on top of that.
"B-b-but Young Lord Ars, w-what I have to do then-!" Spoke Milia with a frantic tone as her body once again began to shake uncontrollably. I quickly grabbed her right hand with my own in order to calm her down before she got another case of seizure.
"You will do nothing." I said simply as I watched her shocked expression upon hearing me. "What you will do is that you will simply report this to Lord Okita that I will take a long trip with my new teacher for a training session."
"B-but young lord!" Milia quickly cuts in. "Your annual ceremony for getting your own Evil Pieces is going to be held in a few days! You can't possibly miss something that important!" My eyes widened in shock when it clicked in my mind that I am required to go to Lucifaad in order to obtain my Evil Pieces. Originally I was supposed to obtain it a few months ago, but due to the sleeping disease that plagued this body before my awakening, the higher ups decided to postpone it.
Inwardly I clicked my tongue in annoyance for forgetting such a crucial event. But at the same time, meeting with Crom Cruach later and possibly having a chance to receive a session with him is also equally important.
Given the circumstances, I quickly made my choice clear.
I might regret this later, but I will be dealing with that later.
"Unfortunately, I will have to miss it." I said in finality. Shocking Milia greatly when she heard about my bizarre decision. "Look, I can still get my Evil Pieces later. Breaking a promise with a Dragon, and an Evil Dragon on top of that, is a bad decision given the consequences."
Milia was just standing in silence when she heard my words. I can see her reluctance clearly in her facial expression. I decided to give a bit more push to making her completely understand my situation.
"You need to understand Milia," I gently said while giving her a gentle squeeze with my smaller hand. "Dragons are prideful creatures. And they hate when someone breaks a promise with them. Don't worry, I will be fine. Besides, if you didn't hear it earlier, Crom Cruach has offered to help me improve my body condition. So don't worry about me. Just please tell Lord Okita about what I've said earlier, ok?"
I smiled sadly when I felt both of her hands holding my smaller hands tightly. Milia's tears are flowing freely as she begins to cry, hugging me tightly as if never wanting to let me go.
"Please come back alive, Young Lord."
I nodded slowly and wiped her tears with my free hand.
"I will."
=Scene Break=
I left the Bune household at midnight after finishing every essential thing that I need to do before leaving. I also already left an official letter that I gave to Milia so she can deliver it when Okita Souji arrives tomorrow morning.
I stopped to look back, gazing solemnly at the Bune household in the distance for a while before continuing my walk towards the place where Crom Cruach is waiting. After this, I will take a new step towards an unknown path that I can't even predict anymore even with my knowledge about this word.
But, this is also a chance to obtain something that I have been looking for ever since I came into this world.
And I will not let this opportunity slip away meaninglessly
After walking for a while, I can see the stoic figure of a towering figure wearing a black coat, standing alone in the distance. I am sure that Crom Cruach also already noticed my arrival, but didn't bother to react.
"You finally came."
The first thing that comes from Crom Cruach is just a simple statement. Yet, I can sense there's a hidden meaning beneath his statement. It simply tells me that Crom Cruach is serious about keeping his promise if I actually choose to refuse his invitation.
"I am here."
Smiling in satisfaction, Crom Cruach then approached me. "Good. Then as promised before. Information about your current damaged self."
Inwardly I snorted in annoyance when he referred to my body as damaged, but I can't just say it directly to his face without facing the consequence. "Yes, that was the thing you promised. I already kept my promise to join you in your journey, so you will also have to keep your promise as well."
"Cheeky brat." snorted Crom Cruach at my demand. "Very well, I will only say this once. So don't expect me to repeat myself."
I nodded while focusing myself to listen to every word that Crom Cruach will convey.
This is it, this is the truth that I am anxiously waiting for. The truth about my body condition that always stressed me.
"It's my blood."
I blinked.
"W-what?"
"I gave you my blood, brat. It's the reason why your body has undergone a mutation."
I stood speechless upon hearing Crom Cruach's explanation about my body condition. To have Crom Cruach's blood running through my veins, that's the last thing that I ever expected from him.
No, that is not the main reason. The question is-!
"Why? Why did you even bother to donate your blood to me?"
Yes, that is the main question.
As far as I knew him from light novels, Crom Cruach is not the type that would help a foreigner. And a devil like me on top of that. It is impossible for him to even think about wasting his blood on something mundane like that.
Everything makes sense now. The reason why is because my body is always in constant pain during every time I try to access my demonic power. The dragon blood that flowed inside me must be rejecting it, and it caused my body's immune system to react and recognise it as a threat. And with my dragon's blood being identified as a threat, it causes my immune system to work in order to purge the blood, which makes the blood retaliate and cause a complication due to both trying to dominate each other. Hence why my body is always in constant pain and weak because of the war that currently happens inside this damn body of mine.
"It's simple." spoke Crom Cruach, which snapped me from my thoughts. "Because it is the payment for what your parents promised me. In exchange for a small dose of my blood, they promised me that you will someday become a devil-no, a Dragon who is worthy to be my foe."
I stood frozen in my place. To think that they made a pact like that with Crom Cruach of all things.
Wait.
Something is not right.
If the process somehow killed the previous body owner, then the pact is considered null and void. And that means it will be considered as breaking the promise.
A promise with a Dragon-wait a minute, don't tell me that the reason why both of my parents are dead are-!
"Crom Cruach!" I yelled his name, ignoring his annoyed expression. "Do you know what happened to my parents? Do you know why they committed suicide?"
Crom Cruach's expression did not change at all, but the light of his eyes suddenly glowed, making my stomach churn dread.
I feel that I already know the answer.
But yet, I am still asking whether 'it' actually happened or not.
"I killed them." spoke Crom Cruach tonelessly, making my eyes widened. "They broke the pact they made with me. So I killed them as punishment."
-I know. I already know that was the truth.
Breaking a pact with a Dragon means betraying their trust. And dragons don't take it lightly due to their pride.
I knew it-I knew it!
But still-Why do I feel so angry. Why do I want to rip the man in front of me to pieces, tearing his body apart-for the sake of my parents.
The people that are not even my real parents. That I was supposed to feel nothing about their demise.
Then-why-WHY!?
Why do I want to murder this man so bad-!?
I don't know why but-my body began to move on its own. My rage is flowing like a high tide, while also ignoring the pain that reverberates across my entire body. I don't know why I even dare to attack a person who is a million times stronger than me.
My hand-My claws are itching for his blood. My teeth-My fangs are dying for his flesh. I-I just want to tear this man apart. To pay for what he had done. He must pay-he must pay-HE MUST PA-!
"Sleep for a while brat, you're still too early for weak to even try that."
The next thing I know, the whole world turned black.
=Scene Break=
"Wake up, brat."
I suddenly woke up due to some water that splashed in my face. I Instinctively try to strike whoever did that due to sudden anger. Instead I found my right hand was held tightly by the man-the Dragon that was standing in front of me.
The man who murdered my parent-this previous owner's parents.
I glared at smirking Crom Croach, who seemed satisfied for some reason.
"Good start, brat." said Crom Cruach, smirking in satisfaction. "To be able to tap your own 'Outrage' even when you aren't properly a true Dragon yet."
My eyes narrowed when I heard what Crom Cruach just said.
To think that I am capable of using one of the dragon's abilities that was used by Fafnir during his fight, twice. One that he used during his fight against Rizevim Livan Lucifer, and the other one-against the man who stood in front of me.
"But currently, you are still a weak hatchling. One that hasn't properly grown his wings yet."
"What is your point, Crom Cruach." I asked with a venomous tone. I am still pissed at Crom Cruach, but understood that currently I have no capacity to even harm him.
"Grow stronger under me." said Crom Cruach while staring at me with gleaming eyes. "Then one day, you can try for your proper revenge during our true fight. A fight that befitting for us, dragons."
Gritting my teeth in bitterness, I could only nod slowly. Keeping my wrath raging inside me as I watch Crom Cruach smiling savagely, revealing his numerous sharp teeths.
"Then the pact is made. I hope you don't break it like your parents, Hatchling."
No I won't.
Because someday.
I will make you kneel as I triumph over you, Crom Cruach.
_x_x_
Beta Reader: LuluViBritania(FF.N, SB and QQ)/-LuluViB|99th Britannian Emperor(Discord)
Authors Note: During chapter 2 and onward, I will be replacing any POV with third person. I will also updating chapter 1 as soon as possible.
Anyway, thank you for all of you reviews. See you guys later in chapter 3.