The Fallen Dragon

by B0OZX1

A High School DD fanfiction, in which our Main Character Issei Hyoudou undergoes a traumatic experience that causes a change in his outlook on life and attitude in general. How will his peers respond to the new Issei? Will they appreciate his newfound maturity or fear his new persona? I don’t own High school Dxd by Ichiei Ishibumi Author By Y3 0wFev3r

24. Chapter 22

Issei Hyoudou! Lay down your weapons! You are surrounded!" Diehauser says in a stern tone.

Issei's facial expression becomes cold before replying, "All I am surrounded by is fear and dead men," he says coldly.

Everyone surrounding Issei is shocked by his defiance; he is outmatched and outgunned, yet he is defiant.

"Attack him!" Lord Bael shouts to the other devils

Some weaker-minded devils followed the order and charged up magic circles, ready to attack.

"Wait!" Diehauser shouts but is too late

Magic and demonic power were shot towards Issei, who made no move to counter, not yet at least. Issei closes his eyes and waits patiently; the moment the attacks get close enough to give, he opens his eyes, showing his glowing red eyes, dissipating the incoming attacks.

At that moment, Issei unleashed his aura; everyone in the vicinity felt the surroundings become much colder, sinking, drowning, and suffocating around them. Some weaker Devils collapse under the pressure; most drop to their knees, and the rest grit their teeth in frustration while breathing heavily.

"Such an overwhelming aura!" Diehauser exclaimed in shock

Issei's aura intensified, causing the air to vibrate with an ominous energy. The powerful force emanating from him was suffocating, creating an oppressive atmosphere that weighed heavily on everyone present. Even those with considerable strength struggled to withstand the intensity of Issei's aura.

The people most affected by Issei's aura burst were two members of Sairaorg's Peerage, Corianna and Kuisha. The two developed PTSD due to Issei's overwhelming and brutal fighting style, which he displayed during the Rating Match between Rias and Sairaorgs Peerage. They gripped their neck in panic and started hyperventilating, eyes wide in horror as if reliving the nightmare that haunts them in their dream.

As Corianna and Kuisha struggled to cope with the resurgence of their traumatic memories, the rest of Sairaorg's Peerage rushed to their aid. Regulus, one of the members, immediately knelt beside them, trying to offer comfort and support.

"Corianna, Kuisha, stay with me. You're safe; it's over now," Regulus reassured them, his voice calm but laced with concern.

Corianna's hands trembled as she struggled to control her breathing, her eyes darting around frantically as if searching for an escape from the overwhelming fear. Meanwhile, Kuisha clenched her fists, her body rigid with tension as she fought against the onslaught of memories flooding her mind.

Sairaorg, their peerage leader, approached them with a determined expression, his eyes filled with empathy.

"Corianna, Kuisha, focus on my voice. You're strong; you've faced adversity before, and you'll overcome this," Sairaorg encouraged them, his voice carrying a reassuring tone.

Despite his words of encouragement, the effects of Issei's aura lingered, casting a shadow over the peerage members who had suffered in the past.

Suddenly, Issei felt a hand on his shoulder; he turned back and saw Azazel, who most likely appeared here through a magic circle.

"Come on now, Issei, do you really want them to shit themselves?" Azazel asks in a jovial manner, seemingly unphased by Issei's aura burst

Seeing Azazel here, Issei lowered his aura, which allowed everyone to catch their breath and composure.

Feeling Azazel's reassuring presence, Issei let out a sigh of relief. Despite the situation's tension, Azazel's light-hearted approach managed to ease some lingering tension in the air.

"Your ability to lighten the mood is commendable, Azazel," Issei noted with a subtle grin, appreciating the well-timed intervention.

Azazel chuckled, patting Issei's shoulder before focusing on the rest of the gathered devils.

"Alright, everyone, let's take a step back and cool off. We're all on the same side here," Azazel announced his authoritative tone commanding attention.

Lord Bael, angry at the fact that he couldn't make Issei pay for his insults and actions, shouts, "Governor! You would defend this monster?!"

Azazel and Issei's eyes travel towards Lord Bael and look at him; Issei looks uninterested, while Azazel looks diplomatic.

"Lord Bael, this monster, as you so kindly put it, destroyed all 12 of the smaller monsters and completely destroyed the giant one. If anything, you all should be thanking him," Azazel shrugs.

Lord Bael, seething with rage, stepped forward, his face redder with each passing second. The veins on his forehead bulged as he struggled to contain his anger.

"Look at what he did!" Lord Bael says as he points to the gigantic canyon Issei had made with his attack to destroy the Jabberwocky. "In his attempt to save us, he destroyed a good part of an Underworld!" he shouts angrily.

Azazel, undeterred, continued in a calm yet assertive tone, "We're facing a crisis in the Underworld, and bickering among ourselves won't solve anything. Issei's actions, whether you like it or not, just saved lives. Now, let's focus on the real threats out there."

Though still tense, the other devils in the vicinity began to murmur in agreement. Some exchanged uneasy glances, recognising the truth in Azazel's words. The real danger lay beyond their current disputes, and cooperation was crucial for the survival of the Underworld.

"Governor Azazel, you dare to defend this insolent brat who defies the authority of the Underworld?" Lord Bael spat, his voice dripping with contempt.

Azazel raised an eyebrow, his expression unfazed by Lord Bael's outburst.

"Defend? No, I'm merely advocating for reason and understanding. We all have our grievances, Lord Bael, but resorting to name-calling and hostility won't solve anything," Azazel replied, his tone measured.

Observing the exchange, Issei remained silent but vigilant, his gaze fixed on Lord Bael.

Lord Bael gritted his teeth, his anger simmering beneath the surface.

"Governor Azazel, you may be the Governor of the Fallen Angels, but we won't forget how you conspired with a terrorist organisation! And I can only assume this brat over here was also an accomplice!" Lord Bael declared, his voice laced with righteous indignation.

Azazel sighed, his patience wearing thin with Lord Bael's stubbornness. Despite Azazel's attempts at diplomacy, Lord Bael remained unmoved, his pride refusing to relent.

"Enough!" a booming voice echoed across the gathering, drawing the attention of everyone present.

All eyes turned to see Sirzechs Lucifer, the Satan Lucifer and current leader of the Devil faction, approaching with a commanding presence. His expression was stern, his eyes flashing with authority.

"Lord Bael, Governor Azazel is correct. Resorting to hostility will only exacerbate our differences. We must seek a peaceful resolution to this conflict," Sirzechs stated, his voice carrying the weight of his position.

Lord Bael bristled at Sirzechs's intervention but reluctantly acquiesced, recognising the authority behind Sirzechs's words.

Azazel nodded in agreement, grateful for Sirzechs's support in defusing the tension.

Lord Bael, realising that most of those around him were not siding with him, clenched his fists in frustration. He shot a final glare at Issei before reluctantly stepping back, his anger simmering beneath the surface.

Soon after, Ajuka Beelzeebub and Serafall Leviathan show up, standing next to Sirzechs.

"They decide to make an appearance now, after all the apparent threats have been dealt with. Where were they when they were needed? Regardless, it aligns perfectly with my narrative," Issei contemplates in his thoughts.

As Ajuka and Serafall joined Sirzechs, the atmosphere shifted. The Devil faction's three leaders stood united, emphasising the need for cooperation in the face of impending threats.

Ajuka Beelzeebub, known for his analytical mind, directed his attention toward Issei, studying him thoughtfully.

"Issei Hyoudou, your actions have left a mark on the Underworld, both figuratively and literally. We find ourselves at a crucial juncture, and your abilities will undoubtedly play a significant role in our efforts to overcome the challenges ahead," Ajuka acknowledged his words, carrying a weight of acknowledgment.

Issei, though somewhat surprised by Ajuka's measured response, remained composed.

Serafall Leviathan, renowned for her unpredictable demeanour, flashed a mischievous grin.

"Well, well, looks like we have quite the showman in our midst. Your little display did spice things up a bit, didn't it?" Serafall commented, her tone light-hearted.

Sirzechs Lucifer, the highest-ranking devil present, addressed the crowd with a decisive tone.

"Let us set aside our differences for now. We face challenges that require unity. Issei Hyoudou, your skills may be unorthodox, but in times like these, we must make use of every resource at our disposal. Work with us, and together, we shall navigate the perilous path ahead," Sirzechs proposed, his gaze unwavering.

Azazel approached Issei, offering a pat on the back.

"Well, kid, it seems you've earned yourself a ticket to the big leagues. Just try not to cause too much chaos," Azazel teased, a twinkle of amusement in his eyes.

Issei smirked at Azazel's response, "Big leagues from the same place I got exiled from; the majority of the population hates my guts; let's be realistic now", he retorts.

Azazel chuckled at Issei's retort, acknowledging the truth in his words.

"Fair point. But hey, you've got a knack for shaking things up, whether you like it or not. And sometimes, that's exactly what we need," Azazel replied, his tone more serious now.

"That reminds me, did you get what I asked for?" Issei asked Azazel

Understanding what Issei had said, Azazel took a paper flyer out of his pocket and waved in front of Issei. This flyer had a magic circle on it, or rather, a transportation circle.

"This flyer will take you to the Realm of the Dead, where you can release your frustration on Hades. I know you want to do things alone, but Michael and I have decided to let two people stand outside the Realm of Dead just in case," Azazel explains.

Curious, Issei asked, "And who are these people?"

"Heaven's Joker, Dulio Gesualdo and one of my own, Tobio Ikuse", Azazel answers.

Issei nods in understanding, knowing these two were Longinus Wielders like himself.

"The Church's most powerful exorcist and Akeno's cousin, interesting", Issei says before he tries to take the flyer out of Azazel's hand, but Azazel swiped his hand away so he could grab it.

"You gonna give me a lecture on how Hades isn't a pushover?" Issei asked in annoyance as Azazel took away the flyer

Azazel chuckled, realising Issei's frustration. "Nah, no lectures. You've proven yourself enough today. Just remember, Hades is no ordinary opponent. He's got tricks up his sleeve, and you'll need all the help you can get. The two standing by are there to assist if things go south," Azazel explained, his tone serious.

Issei sighed, acknowledging the importance of the assistance. "I get it. I won't let my guard down, but I still want to settle things my way," he declared, determination gleaming in his eyes.

"Also, there's this", Azazel says as he hands over an SD Card to Issei.

"I'm guessing this is insurance that the Greek Pantheon won't get hostile with us?" Issei predicts

Azazel smirks, "Yeah, so don't outright kill Hades, but let him talk a bit before you do so" he replies

Issei took the SD card, eyeing it with curiosity. "Got it. Leave Hades alive for a little chat," he said, tucking the card into a card slot in his Boosted Gear Gauntlet.

Once again, Azazel waves the magical flyer in front of Issei, "Before I give you this, tell me, what ability did you do to cause that?" he asks as he points to the newly made canyon that Issei caused with his attack.

Issei looked around and saw the gathered Devils, still listening to Sirzechs, Serfall and Ajuka babbling, checking that no one would hear what he was about to say. He looks towards Azazel and smirks.

Issei mouths out which one of his abilities he used on the barren wasteland to transform into a giant canyon. Azazel's jaw drops to his knees as he realises what Issei did. Chuckling at Azazel's reaction, Issei swipes the flyer out of Azazel's hand.

Azazel's eyes widened in disbelief as he comprehended the magnitude of Issei's revelation. He had suspected Issei possessed extraordinary abilities, but this surpassed even his wildest expectations. Unable to contain his astonishment, Azazel stared at Issei in awe, a mixture of shock and admiration evident on his face.

"Is that even possible?" Azazel whispered, his voice barely audible over the din of the gathering.

Issei merely grinned in response, a sense of satisfaction evident in his expression.

"Well, did you not feel the energy in yourself get drained when I unleashed that attack?" Issei replied, his confidence unwavering.

Azazel shook his head in disbelief, still coming to terms with the revelation.

Before anything more can be said, multiple magical signatures appear all over the Underworld. Issei recognised these magic signatures; they were devils of the Old Satan Faction in the 100's of thousands all over the Underworld.

The sudden appearance of the magical signatures sent a ripple of tension through the gathering. Issei's eyes narrowed as he focused on the devil signatures spreading across the Underworld.

"Old Satan Faction," Issei muttered under his breath, his expression hardening with determination.

Azazel's eyes widened in alarm as he recognised the significance of the magical signatures. The resurgence of the Old Satan Faction posed a grave threat to the stability of the Underworld, stirring memories of past conflicts and upheavals.

"We need to act quickly," Azazel urged, his voice urgent.

Sirzechs, Serafall, and Ajuka exchanged concerned glances, realising the gravity of the situation. The sudden appearance of such a large force could only mean trouble, and they needed to formulate a plan swiftly.

Issei turns back to Azazel, who is trying to estimate the number of Old Satan Faction Devils.

"I'll leave some of my soul-bonded beings here; they'll help out. I'll tell them to follow your commands," he tells Azazel.

Azazel nods in agreement, appreciating the additional support from Issei's soul-bonded beings. Issei summons his Red entities, but he chooses ones that weren't exposed to the Underworld and chooses newer ones.

Multiple humanoid-looking red entities form around the area, causing the gathered to look on in shock and horror.

The eerie sight of Issei's summoned red entities drew gasps and uneasy murmurs from the onlookers. These humanoid beings exuded an otherworldly aura, their blood-red bodies resonating with menacing energy that sent shivers down the spines of those present.

Azazel, unfazed by the unsettling spectacle, nodded appreciatively at Issei.

"Good call. We'll need all the firepower we can get," Azazel remarked, his eyes scanning the surroundings as he assessed the situation.

With a stern expression, Issei addressed his summoned entities, "Listen up. Follow Azazel's orders and protect the Underworld. We're dealing with the Old Satan Faction, and they won't hold back."

The red entities, devoid of facial features, nodded in unison, acknowledging Issei's command. Their presence added a formidable force to the gathering, and the devils around them began to realise the dire nature of the threat they were about to face.

Sirzechs Lucifer, observing the unfolding events, stepped forward with a determined gaze.

"We must act swiftly. Azazel, coordinate with the reinforcements we have here. The safety of the Underworld depends on our decisive actions," Sirzechs declared, his voice echoing with authority.

With a wave, Issei signalled his soul-bonded beings to follow him as he prepared to confront the impending danger. The other gathered Devil Peerages also charge in to protect the Underworld; the others, except for Issei, also leave to fight. On the other hand, Issei uses the magical flyer to teleport to the Realm of the Dead to fight and kill Hades. He vanished instantly, leaving Azazel, Sirzechs, Ajuka, and Serafall behind.

X

Situated in the lower realms of the Underworld, this region serves as the site where departed souls are sorted and lie in proximity to Cocytus. Part of the Olympus World, it falls under the dominion of Hades, the Greek deity.

Although not as expansive as the Underworld, this Realm, known as the World of the Dead, is a desolate wasteland unfit for habitation by any living being.

Issei walked through the barren wasteland and took in the surroundings.

A glimpse into its depths reveals an ancient Greek shrine, the Grim Reapers dwelling place and the Hades castle. Notably, an area resembling a ritual ground is present.

The interior is adorned with opulent ornaments like gold, creating a striking contrast to the typical atmosphere of the Underworld. The walls feature a prominent carving depicting the trinity Gods of Olympus – Zeus, Poseidon, and Hades.

Issei looks up at the statue of Hades and scoffs.

He continues walking deeper into the Realm until he reaches a shrine. He could feel a high magical signature inside; he knew it belonged to Hades.

He walked inside the Shrine and saw Hades looking like he was about to leave, running away as if his plans had been foiled. Knowing this, Issei smirked, knowing he messed up Hades's plans to destroy the Underworld.

--

Name: Hades

Race: God

Affiliation: Mount Olympus

Rank: God

Relationship: Soon-to-be Victim

Type: Caster (Mage)

Stats:

Vitality: 581

Strength: 646

Agility:517

Intelligence: 608

Senses: 564

Dexterity: 486

Luck: 388

Overall Power Level: 541

Abilities: Magic (Sealing, Teleportation), Divine Aura

Gear: Skeleton Staff

--

Analysing Hades's stats, Issei pondered, "His Stats are the highest base Stats I've seen from someone, excluding Great Red and Ophis. Not even Sirzechs is this high when it comes to base stats."

"Going somewhere, Hades?" Issei's voice echoes with a chilling resonance as he stands at the entrance of the Shrine, his gaze piercing through the shadows.

Hades, caught off guard by Issei's sudden appearance, turned to face him with a mixture of surprise and irritation. The desolate Shrine echoed with Issei's chilling voice, creating an eerie atmosphere that emphasised the gravity of their confrontation. Issei his skeleton face and sneered like a psychopath

"Issei Hyoudou, the unexpected thorn in my plans," Hades sneered, his tone dripping with disdain.

Issei advanced further into the Shrine, his gaze locked onto Hades.

"Your pathetic existence ends here, Hades," Issei's declaration echoed with an unmistakable resolve, piercing through the desolate wasteland with chilling certainty.

"Do you truly believe you can end the life of a god, little devil?" Hades taunted, his laughter echoing through the desolate Shrine.

Issei's grin broadened, and he retorted with a malevolent gleam, "I've toppled gods in the past. You won't prove any different."

Hades, unfazed by Issei's bravado, chuckled ominously.

"Do you think you can thwart my plans, insignificant devil?" Hades taunted, his eyes gleaming with a sinister glint.

Suddenly, Issei felt something in the distance, as if something had just disappeared; he looked in that direction with narrowed eyes.

"What vanished just now? Did Hades teleport something out of the Realm of the Dead? It must be a matter he's intent on concealing," Issei contemplates within himself.

As Issei continued to analyze the situation, he remained vigilant, his senses tuned to any further disturbances. Meanwhile, Hades, realizing that his actions hadn't gone unnoticed, narrowed his eyes at Issei with annoyance and suspicion.

Hades, looking perplexed despite only having a skeleton face, was shocked by Issei's sense, "He was able to sense the Research Facility being teleported away?!" Hades thinks inwardly with shock

"Creature? No, it felt more like a structure," he contemplates, redirecting his gaze toward Hades. "Probably a secret research facility," he concludes internally.

"Your perceptiveness is commendable, devil. But it matters not. You cannot hope to interfere with my grand design," Hades declared, his voice resonating with ominous authority.

"Your 'grand design' ends here, Hades, and so does your life," Issei says coldly.

Issei's eyes then start glowing red, signifying his readiness for battle.

[Own Stats have increased due to Demon Eyes Stage 1 Activation]

[22% to Stats]

[2x to Perception]

[Now capable of seeing the slightest detail, allowing the user to see their opponent's next move along with their weak spot]

"Tell me this: why choose to betray the Underworld?" Issei asked

Hades's skeletal visage twisted into a sinister grin, his hollow sockets seeming to bore into Issei's soul.

"Betrayal implies loyalty, and I owe nothing to the Underworld or its feeble rulers," Hades replied, his voice dripping with contempt. "I seek to rid this world of Devils and Fallen Angels; they are an annoyance that needs to be eradicated; if I have to work with a terrorist group to do so, then so be it."

"Are you referring to the terrorist organization? The Khaos Brigade, right?" Issei inquired casually. Internally, he couldn't help but chuckle. He hadn't anticipated Hades confessing to his crimes so readily. Every word of this conversation was being meticulously recorded onto the SD card Azazel had provided him earlier.

Hades merely chuckled, the sound echoing eerily in the desolate Shrine. "Names matter little. The Khaos Brigade, the Old Satan Faction and Qlippoth are but tools to achieve my goals. The eradication of Devils and Fallen Angels will pave the way for a new era, free from the shackles of your kind."

Issei sneered, "Do all deities descend into such pathetic delusions as the years pile on? Maybe there's nothing but emptiness behind that hollow cranium," he scoffed.

Hades's laughter resonated through the Shrine, the sound echoing eerily. "Mock me all you want, little devil. Your insolence won't change the inevitable," he retorted, his bony fingers flexing as he prepared for the impending battle.

Issei's grin only grew wider. "I've crossed paths with conceited gods in the past, and every single one crumbled. You won't be any different," he proclaimed with unwavering assurance.

[New Task: Kill Hades]

Without further words, Issei lunged forward, coating his hands in his aura and preparing to deliver a punch at Hades's jaw. However, he leapt back instantly since he felt a familiar sensation.

"Samael's poison, it's coursing all over this shrine", Issei ponders.

Out of nowhere, hundreds of swords fly out of the Shrine's walls, all targetting Issei-like heat seekers. Issei could dodge the initial before backflipping back to avoid the rest.

"Oh, little Devil, these swords are imbued with Samael's poison; after I kill you, I'll take Samael back", Hades says mockingly.

"Poison merchant", Issei replies with a sneer.

Issei allows all the swords to get closer to him before he unleashes one of his abilities. With a snap, he activates the ability,

[Ability Used: Atomic Breakdown]

In that instance, all the swords with Samael's Position disintegrated into nothing.

Hades, witnessing the sudden disintegration of his poisoned swords, narrowed his hollow sockets in surprise. "Damned Bat! Grim Reapers! Attack him!" he shouts as an unidentifiable number of Grim Reapers come out of the woodwork to attack Issei.

Issei then activates his Balance Breaker

WELSH DRAGON BALANCE BREAKER

[All Stats increase by 2x]

--

Name: Issei Hyoudou Balance Breaker

Race: Reincarnated Devil/ Dragon/ Unknown

Affiliation: None

Rank: None

Type: Hybrid (Battlemage)

Stats:-

Vitality: 342

Strength: 307

Agility: 288

Intelligence: 364

Senses: 298

Dexterity: 307

Luck: 254

Overall Power Level: 308

Abilities: System and its Abilities

Gear: Mutated Boosted Gear

--

BOOST!

The overwhelming surge of Issei's boosted power sent shockwaves through the Shrine, killing the horde of Grim Reapers like mere spectres in the wind. The very fabric of the Realm of the Dead seemed to tremble in response to the unleashed might of the Balance Breaker.

Hades, witnessing the devastation wrought by Issei's power, gritted his skeletal teeth in frustration. "You may have power, little devil, but it won't save you from the inevitable," he spat, attempting to mask the unease that flickered in his empty eye sockets.

BOOST!

BOOST!

Issei, enveloped in the red aura of his Balance Breaker, remained unfazed. He instantly closed the distance between him and Hades, delivering a powerful punch that sent the god stumbling backward.

The desolate Shrine echoed with the clash of their powers, the essence of the Underworld quivering as they engaged in a battle that would determine the fate of the realms.

In his heightened state, Issei moved with incredible speed, dodging Hades's attempts to counter. With each strike, Issei's boosted strength left Hades reeling. The skeletal god, unable to keep up with the onslaught, resorted to summoning more Grim Reapers in a desperate attempt to overwhelm Issei.

However, Issei's newfound power proved too formidable. The aura surrounding him acted as a barrier, repelling the Grim Reapers as if they were mere pests. Issei countered with a devastating attack, unleashing a torrent of red energy that disintegrated the summoned entities.

As the battle raged on, Hades, now realizing the extent of Issei's strength, gritted his teeth in frustration. "You... you're nothing but a pest," he hissed, his arrogance crumbling in the face of Issei's overwhelming power.

Hades, in response, decides to power up himself.

[Hades's Stats have skyrocketed!]

--

Name: Hades

Race: God

Affiliation: Mount Olympus

Rank: God

Relationship: Soon-to-be Victim

Type: Caster (Mage)

Stats:

Vitality: 2324

Strength: 2584

Agility:2056

Intelligence: 2432

Senses: 2256

Dexterity: 1944

Luck: 1552

Overall Power Level: 2164

Abilities: Magic (Sealing, Teleportation), Divine Aura

Gear: Skeleton Staff

--

A divine aura wrapped itself around Hades. Issei could feel the difference in power; the divine aura radiated off Hades's skeleton corpse.

"I guess they don't call him the top 10 strongest in the world for nothing", Issei ponders.

As the divine aura enveloped Hades, the atmosphere in the desolate Shrine shifted. Sensing the surge in Hades's power, Issei couldn't help but acknowledge the god's formidable strength.

BOOST!

BOOST!

"Seems like you're finally getting serious, Hades," Issei remarked, a smirk playing on his lips despite the intense battle.

His skeletal visage now bathed in divine radiance, Hades glared at Issei with newfound determination. "You may have surprised me, little devil, but facing a god is a different league altogether," he declared, his voice resonating with an air of superiority.

The clash of their powers intensified, the very fabric of the Realm of the Dead trembling under the weight of their conflict. Undeterred by Hades's power-up, Issei continued to press the offensive, his Boosted Gear resonating with each devastating strike.

Utilizing his enhanced abilities, Hades unleashed a barrage of magical attacks, attempting to overwhelm Issei with a combination of divine energy and dark magic. The desolate Shrine echoed with the destructive forces colliding in a battle that defied the boundaries between the mortal and divine realms.

Issei, drawing upon the immense power of his Balance Breaker, deftly countered Hades's onslaught. The red aura surrounding him was a shield against the divine onslaught, each clash sending shockwaves reverberating through the barren wasteland of the World of the Dead.

Despite Issei's determination and the power of his Balance Breaker, Hades's newfound strength began to tip the scales heavily in god's favour. The divine aura surrounding Hades acted as an impenetrable barrier against Issei's relentless attacks, effortlessly nullifying the red energy that radiated from the Boosted Gear.

Despite his incredible power, Issei found himself on the defensive as Hades unleashed a barrage of magical assaults. The skeletal god's dark incantations and divine energy overwhelmed Issei, pushing him back with each devastating strike.

The desolate Shrine resonated with Hades's laughter, the ominous sound echoing through the World of the Dead. "Your defiance is futile, little devil. I am a god, and you are but a mere insect before my divine might," Hades proclaimed, his voice laced with an air of superiority.

Issei, struggling against the overwhelming force, gritted his teeth. The once-confident smirk on his face had faded, replaced by a look of frustration and realization. The divine power emanating from Hades was beyond anything he had encountered.

As Hades continued his onslaught, Issei felt the oppressive weight of the divine aura bearing down on him. Each attempt to counter was met with Hades's unwavering strength, leaving Issei with no room to maneuver.

Collapsed on the desolate ground, Issei could only watch helplessly as Hades loomed over him, his skeletal visage twisted into a triumphant grin.

"Your defiance ends here, little devil," Hades declared, his voice dripping with malice as he prepared to deliver the final blow.

"Ddraig! Now!" Issei shouts to signal to Ddraig to release Explosion

EXPLOSION

The explosive release of power from Ddraig's command surged through Issei's veins, igniting the stored energy within the Boosted Gear to its fullest extent. The immense force generated by the explosion reverberated through the desolate Shrine, shaking its very foundation.

As the devastating blast engulfed the surroundings, the sudden power surge caught Hades off guard. The divine aura that had once shielded him faltered under the overwhelming force of the explosion, leaving him vulnerable to the full brunt of its impact.

The Shrine trembled as the explosion tore through its ancient walls, sending debris flying in all directions.

Issei got up, discarding the Scale Mail, "Ddraig, it's time", he said in a voice of determination.

"Vanta Vermillion?" Ddraig clarifies

"Yeah", Issei replies with a smirk, looking over to Hades, who was sent flying out of the Shrine with the last attack.

Issei gets into a stance and starts the chant.

I, who am about to ascend,

Stand as the Black Dragon Emperor, discarding the shackles of virtue,

I tread the path of Destruction and Domination, wielding Infinite Power and Unparalleled Might,

I shall be crowned the Monarch of Dragons and the Ruler of Destruction, surrounded by the flames of Supremacy,

And mark my words; I pledge to unveil a future where I rule with unrivalled Tyranny, casting my dominion of the Dark Abyss!

Vanta Vermillion Overdrive!

When Issei finished the chant, his scale mail again enveloped his body. However, this time, it was different from the previous.

A nightmarish, obsidian-hued metallic dragon, its scales drenched in a deep, shadowy black that seems to absorb the surrounding light. Its metallic scales' jagged and twisted features create an aura of malice, evoking a creature from the darkest depths of despair.

The head, now shrouded in ominous darkness, retains its aggressive design, with glowing, blood-red eyes that pierce through the blackness like sinister beacons. The torso, heavily armoured with angular, foreboding plates, houses a trio of blood-red gems — one on the chest and one on each kneecap and hand. These gems emit an eerie glow, casting an unsettling ambience on the surroundings.

The wings are unfolding, not as razor-edged blades but as ethereal constructs made of radiant light. The wings emanate a mesmerizing, blood-red luminescence, casting an otherworldly glow around them. The edges of the wings are defined by the same blood-red hue, creating an unsettling and captivating contrast against the profound darkness of the dragon's body.

The robust and muscular limbs are now equipped with menacing claws and talons, each fingertip marked by a blood-red gem that seems to pulse with an unsettling energy. The whip-like appendage's tail is adorned with a sequence of these gems, creating a macabre pattern as it lashes out.

With its obsidian exterior and blood-red gems, this dark and foreboding robotic dragon is a creature of nightmares, an embodiment of hostility and terror. The contrast between the deep black and the ominous red gems intensifies its menacing presence, making it a fearsome entity in appearance and essence.

This is Vanta Vermillion Overdrive, ever since he learnt he can no longer use the Juggernaut Drive without losing more of his humanity, Issei had deviced an alternate path. This resulted in the power of the Juggernaut Drive condensing into a regular Scale Mail size. Vanta refers to how black the Scale Mail is, and Vermillion refers to the shade of red the Gems and Wings are.

[Due to Specialised Scale Mail Stats have increased]

[5x 50% to all Stats]

--

Name: Issei Hyoudou Scale Mail (Vanta Vermillion Overdrive)

Race: Reincarnated Devil/ Dragon/ Unknown

Affiliation: None

Rank: None

Type: Hybrid (Battlemage)

Stats:-

Vitality: 1281

Strength: 1153

Agility: 1073

Intelligence: 1364

Senses: 1116

Dexterity: 1153

Luck: 952

Overall Power Level: 1156

Abilities: System and its Abilities

Gear: Mutated Boosted Gear

--

The transformation into Vanta Vermillion Overdrive left Issei at the centre of the desolate Shrine, a formidable and intimidating force of darkness and destruction. The ominous aura radiating from the scale mail sent shivers down the spines of those who witnessed its malevolent presence. With his new form, he exuded an aura of dominance and supremacy, ready to face any challenge that stood in his way. The entire Realm of Dead shook from just the transformation.

Hades, who had regained his footing after being sent flying by Issei's previous attack, looked on in shock and disbelief as he beheld the terrifying sight before him. The dark and foreboding presence of Vanta Vermillion Overdrive sent a chill down his spine, stirring a sense of unease in the depths of his soul.

"So, this is the power of the Black Dragon Emperor," Hades muttered under his breath, his voice tinged with a hint of trepidation.

"Time to die, Hades", Issei says in a low tone, the voice changer of the new Scale Mail giving him a more eerie and terrifying tone.

BOOST!

BOOST!

With a surge of power, Issei launched himself towards Hades, leaving a trail of ethereal light in its wake. The scale mail's movements were swift and deliberate.

Realizing the impending threat, Hades summoned a barrier of divine energy to shield himself from the approaching onslaught. However, Issei's presence seemed to devour the divine aura, exposing Hades to the impending attack.

PENETRATE!

Ddraig's voice booms as Issei smashes his left fist into the barrier, completely shattering and exposing Hades to Issei's onslaught. In that same motion, Issei smashes his left fist into Hades's skull head.

HAYWIRE!

The force of the impact sent shockwaves rippling through the desolate Shrine, causing the ground beneath them to tremble and crack. Hades, caught off guard by the sudden assault, was unable to react in time as Issei's fist collided with his skull.

The eerie silence that followed was broken only by the sound of crumbling debris as Hades's skeletal visage shattered under the force of Issei's blow. The divine aura that once surrounded him flickered and waned, unable to withstand the relentless onslaught of Issei's power.

With a roar, Hades was sent hurtling backward, his skeletal body crashing into the remnants of the shrine with a resounding impact. The force of the collision sent shockwaves reverberating through the air, creating a chaotic whirlwind of destruction.

Hades starts getting up from the attack, seething in rage, "You- you damned Bat! I'll kill you!" he grits out as he tries to get up.

But to Hades's shock, his body was moving faster than usual; his perception felt like it was in slow motion. This sensation alone put Hades into shock.

"What's- What's wrong with my body?" he says as he looks at his hands. He looks over to Issei, who is charging towards him. "What have you done to me?! You damned Bat!" he shouts as he evades Issei's punch. Casually as if Issei was moving in slow motion and Hades was moving at super speed

Hades's mind races for answers until he finally gets it. "I see; the secondary feature of the Boosted Gear is to transfer accumulated Boosts to other people to empower them. When he punched, he must've accidentally transferred power into me," he chuckles. "This fool, he doesn't even know how to use his power!" he says while cackling, ready to punch and kill Issei in one final blow.

However, to Hades's shock, he completely passes through Issei like a ghost, "What?! Impossible! What is happening!?" he shouts in anger as he turns around and sees the direction Issei is heading. What Hades saw shocked him; he saw himself, and Issei rushed towards him, ready to punch him while still on the ground.

"What?! How?! How are there two of me?!" he says in disbelief until Hades's intuition kicks in, and he realises what has happened, "When he punched me, he transferred over power. That power was to accelerate my subconsciousness to cause an out-of-body experience; in this state of hyper-awareness, my body is completely paralysed. My physical body cannot keep up with my subconsciousness," he says with shock.

As Issei's fist closed in on Hades's immobilized physical form, the skeletal god could only watch in horror. The realization of his predicament struck him like a bolt of lightning. Unable to move, Hades could only brace himself for the impending blow.

As Issei hit Hades in the chest, Hades's subconscious felt the full force of the blow, but due to the hyperawareness, Hades experienced the pain slowly and dragged out; in the real world, where the punch was only a second, Hades' subconsciousness it felt like a few minutes.

The impact of Issei's punch reverberated through Hades's hyper-aware subconsciousness, each fraction of a second stretching into an agonizing eternity. The pain, usually fleeting, became an excruciating ordeal as time seemed to lose its meaning in this altered state.

As Hades's physical body lay paralyzed, his consciousness was trapped within a realm of prolonged suffering. Issei's attack, initially swift and decisive, unfolded in agonizing slow motion within the confines of Hades's hyper-awareness.

Issei's fist connected with Hades's chest, and the skeletal god felt the force ripple through his incorporeal body. The pain intensified with each passing moment as if time itself had become a torturous entity, stretching the experience into an eternity of torment.

In the realm of Hades's hyper-aware subconsciousness, the pain of Issei's punch unfolded like a slow-motion nightmare. As Issei's fist made contact with Hades's chest, the skeletal god's consciousness was overwhelmed by a prolonged and excruciating sensation.

Unable to move within this altered state, Hades could only endure the torment as his subconscious self experienced the full force of Issei's blow. Each passing second felt like an eternity, the relentless pain dragging on and intensifying with no reprieve in sight.

During this surreal experience, Hades's thoughts echoed with shock and disbelief.

"What... What is happening?" Hades questioned within the confines of his own subconsciousness, the words distorted and elongated by the distorted flow of time. "This pain... it's unbearable. How can a mere devil inflict such agony?"

As Issei's punch continued reverberating through the skeletal god's hyper-awareness, Hades grappled with the realization that his arrogant assumptions had led him into this state of vulnerability.

"I am a god... This shouldn't be happening to me," Hades muttered, his subconscious struggling to comprehend.

The realization dawned upon Hades that Issei's mastery of the Boosted Gear. The slow-motion agony persisted, each moment a reminder of his own folly.

This is one of Issei's original Boosted Gear abilities, 'Haywire'; as shown, Issei can transfer accumulated boosts into his opponents, which causes their consciousness to accelerate, which makes it go into overdrive. The physical body cannot keep up with the consciousness, and all sensations and stimuli are prolonged; the target will experience an out-of-body experience, and the instance would be equivalent to about a minute or so. The target is entirely defenceless during this moment as the body cannot keep up with accelerated consciousness.

As the surreal ordeal unfolded, Hades's consciousness yearned for an end to the relentless suffering. At that exact moment, Hades's consciousness returned to his body, and he could move his body again; in reflex, he leapt back and took a defensive stance towards Issei.

"Quite a nasty sensation, isn't it?" Issei says in a cold and mocking tone

Still reeling from the surreal experience of his hyper-aware subconsciousness, Hades found himself back in control of his physical body. His skeletal visage twisted with a mixture of rage and disbelief as he faced Issei once more.

The skeletal god's empty eye sockets glowed with an ominous light as he glared at Issei, his mind racing with a newfound sense of urgency. The pain lingered as a haunting memory, a stark reminder of his vulnerability in the face of Issei's power.

"Your tricks won't save you, devil," Hades hissed, his voice tinged with fury and frustration. "I may have underestimated you, but I won't make the same mistake again."

Issei, undeterred by Hades's threats, maintained his composed demeanour. The aura of Vanta Vermillion Overdrive enveloped him, casting an eerie shadow over the desolate shrine.

The ominous atmosphere in the desolate shrine intensified as Issei and Hades locked eyes, each harbouring their determination to emerge victorious. Despite his arrogance, the skeletal god now approached the impending battle with a newfound wariness.

In his Vanta Vermillion Overdrive form, Issei began to move with a calculated grace. The scale mail's wings unfurled, casting an ethereal glow across the shattered surroundings. With each step, Issei's power resonated, creating an oppressive aura that pressed down on the very fabric of the Realm of the Dead.

Recognizing the shift in the tide, Hades summoned a surge of divine energy around him. The divine aura encased his skeletal form, forming a protective barrier against the impending threat. He narrowed his eye sockets, focusing on Issei with an intense gaze that betrayed a hint of uncertainty.

As Issei closed the distance, he unleashed a barrage of energy projectiles from his outstretched hand. The red beams streaked through the air, aiming straight for Hades. The skeletal god reacted swiftly, erecting a divine shield to intercept the onslaught. The clash between Issei's dark energy and Hades's divine barrier sent shockwaves rippling through the surroundings.

"You think your newfound power is enough to challenge a God?" Hades sneered, his skeletal features contorting into a sinister grin.

Issei, however, didn't respond with words. Instead, he performed a swift aerial maneuver, soaring above Hades. The scale mail's tail lashed out, its whip-like appendage infused with dark energy. The crackling whip descended towards Hades, aiming to exploit any opening in his defences.

Hades summoned a teleportation spell, recognizing the incoming attack, disappearing in a burst of divine light. Issei's whip struck the ground where Hades had stood, causing an explosion of dark energy.

Before Issei could react, Hades reappeared behind him, his skeletal hand charged with divine energy. He thrust his hand towards Issei, aiming to pierce through the scale mail's metallic exterior with a surge of godly power.

However, Issei anticipated the move. He twisted his body mid-air with enhanced agility, narrowly avoiding Hades's divine attack. Issei retaliated with a swift tail swipe, aiming to catch Hades off guard.

Hades, agile despite his skeletal form, evaded the tail swipe with a graceful backflip. The two opponents faced each other once more, locked in a deadly dance of power and precision.

BOOST!

BOOST!

[Ability Used: Energy Manipulation: Energy Generation: Energy Projectiles]

The barrage of energy projectiles streaked through the air, aiming straight for Hades. The skeletal god, relying on his divine aura, created a shimmering barrier to intercept the incoming attacks. The clash of energies illuminated the desolate shrine, creating a dazzling display of dark and divine forces.

Hades maintained his defensive stance, his divine aura strong against Issei's relentless assault. The skeletal god sneered as he weathered the storm of energy projectiles, confident in the protective power of his divine abilities.

Issei, however, wasn't done yet. As the projectiles continued to barrage Hades, Issei executed a swift aerial maneuver, soaring above his opponent. With newfound altitude, Issei unleashed a powerful burst of energy from his wings, creating a shockwave that rippled through the surroundings.

The shockwave disrupted Hades's defensive stance, momentarily breaking through his divine aura. Issei seized the opportunity, descending rapidly towards the skeletal god with his whip-like tail primed for an attack.

Hades, caught off guard by the sudden shift in tactics, summoned a teleportation spell to evade Issei's descending assault. The divine light enveloped Hades, and he vanished from his original position.

Issei's perception transcended the physical realm, allowing him to track Hades's movements even across dimensions. With an eerie precision, Issei adjusted his trajectory and intercepted Hades in his teleportation.

The scale mail's tail violently struck Hades, disrupting the teleportation spell. Both Issei and Hades reappeared in the desolate shrine, their clash intensifying.

Now on the defensive, Hades struggled to counter Issei's relentless onslaught. Issei pressed the advantage, combining his physical prowess with strategic use of energy-based attacks.

Hades, getting back up, decided to summon more of his minions to fight, "Grim Reapers! Attack him from range!" he shouted to the Grim Reapers, who had appeared at the start of the fight and had been observing on the sidelines awaiting the call of their leader.

"In order to stand a chance against me, you rely on your lackeys?" Issei mocks with a sinister tone, his voice echoing an eerie resonance.

Armed with their formidable scythes, the summoned Grim Reapers obeyed Hades's command. They spread out across the desolate shrine, maintaining a safe distance from the ongoing clash between Issei and Hades. The Grim Reapers precisely launched a barrage of dark energy projectiles towards Issei.

Issei raises his left arm, and the blood-red gem on the back of his hand starts to pulsate like a reactor.

OVERCHARGE!

Ddraig announces as the dark energy projectiles explode mid-flight or while it is in the hands of the Grim Reapers, killing the ones close to the projectiles' blast zone and leaving Issei unharmed. This is another of Issei's original abilities, 'Overcharge', as it suggests it can transfer accumulated boosts into the opponent's attacks and overcharge them to the point it backfires on the opponent.

The desolate shrine echoed with the explosive repercussions of Issei's Overcharge ability. The dark energy projectiles intended to harm him instead detonated prematurely, engulfing the Grim Reapers in the resulting blasts. The once-assured minions of Hades found themselves caught in their own attacks, crumbling into nothing.

Issei stood amidst the chaos; his left arm still raised, the blood-red gem pulsating with power. The eerie glow emanating from the gem cast an ominous shadow over the desolate shrine as Issei surveyed the aftermath of his counterattack.

"What's this shrine made of? It can withstand the power of two high-level beings; normally, I alone would've wiped this place out of existence with my aura alone," Issei ponders as he wonders how the only damage to the shrine is the cracked floorboards and the holes in the walls.

Hades, witnessing the destruction of his minions, gritted his skeletal teeth in frustration. The unforeseen events caught him off guard, leaving him vulnerable to Issei's overwhelming power.

"You dare defy me, devil?" Hades snarled, his voice tinged with rage. "I am a god! You are nothing but a mere mortal!"

In his menacing scale mail, Issei remained unfazed by Hades's threats, his blood-red eyes gleaming with malice. With each passing moment, he drew upon the dark energies swirling around him, channelling them into a potent force that pulsed with malevolent power.

"Time to end this", Issei says in a cold tone, extending his wings, showing the blood-red light that emitted.

Issei then flies up to the shrine's ceiling, gaining 20 meters from the ground.

BOOST!

BOOST!

BOOST!

BOOST!

BOOST!

Ddraig's voice boomed as Issei was about to unleash another of his new abilities.

DOUBLE DIMENSION!

Ddraig shouts as a sphere is pulsed out of Issei, extending past the Shrine and towards the surroundings of the Realm of the Dead. The overall size of this sphere is about 3,141,150 square meters.

The eerie silence that followed the activation of Issei's ability, 'Double Dimension,' filled the desolate shrine. The blood-red sphere expanded outward, enveloping the entire area with its ominous radiance. Hades, still recovering from the previous onslaught, felt an overwhelming pressure as the dark energies of Issei's new ability permeated the surroundings.

Within the confines of the Double Dimension, the laws of reality are twisted and warped. The space itself seemed to contort, creating a surreal and nightmarish realm that defied the conventional understanding of dimensions.

When creating the nanites that would counter Samael's poison, Issei had done the testing on himself, purposely poisoning himself for the sake of research. When he went overboard, he utilized the Divine Dividing in his right hand to neutralize the poison; from this, he understood the Half Dimension. Issei decided to reverse engineer the ability and utilize it in his Boosted Gear, known as 'Double Dimension'.

Like Half Dimension halves an object's size in its vicinity, Double Dimension doubles its size. However, since Double Dimension isn't a hereditary technique like Half Dimension, Issei was able to push the boundaries with what he could do with double dimension.

Within the confines of Double Dimension, Issei can continually double anything he wants, such as;

- The size, speed, power, and damage of his attacks

- The gravity on the enemies, the concentration of molecules in the area, the distance between objects (e.g., the distance between 2 objects would go from 2 meters to 4 meters)

- The size, speed, size and mass of an object or person

- The quantity of anything that is in the range of Double Dimension

- The geography of the area covered, expanding the area and making it larger

- The weakness of opponents, the wounds of opponents, damaging them even more. (e.g. a slash that is 20 centimetres long and 5 centimetres deep will become 40 centimetres long and 10 centimetres deep)

Issei started the effect of Double Dimension; in that instance, Hade's entire shrine grew in size in all dimensions. The gravity in the area continually doubled to the point neither Hades nor the Grim Reapers present could move, and they were pinned to the ground. The oxygen concentration in the surroundings continued to double until the Grim Reapers found it hard to breathe from the oxygen overload.

Soon enough, the Grim Reapers started to multiply in number; the reason why they were was because of the tremendous power gap between Issei and them. However, Hades was still holding on and not budging due to being around Issei's power level.

Still writhing on the floor, Hades looked at the Phenomenon, "This power... it could even match them..." he pondered, thinking about those stronger than himself.

Realizing the severity of the situation, Hades attempted to summon his teleportation magic to escape the effects of Double Dimension. However, the relentless doubling forces hindered his ability to cast spells. The skeletal god found himself trapped within the nightmarish realm, unable to escape the ever-growing chaos.

On the outside of the shrine, the geography of the Realm of Dead was altered; ditches became even more profound, becoming deep pits, and more humps became hills, all due to the continuous doubling of Double Dimension.

Inside the Shrine, Issei decides to go all out, from his back to laser cannons form onto his shoulder, each one charging a large amount of draconic energy.

VERMILLION BLASTER

Ddraig booms as Issei launches the attack; as the beam continues to travel, Double Dimension uses its effects on it; the beams double in size, power, speed and even quantity.

The Vermillion Blaster, empowered by the effects of Double Dimension, surged forward with unprecedented force. The blood-red beams, now doubled in size, power, and speed, streaked through the altered space of the nightmarish realm, leaving trails of ominous energy in their wake.

As the beams traversed the distorted dimensions, the very fabric of reality seemed to shudder under their immense power. The skeletal god Hades, still pinned to the ground by the overwhelming gravity, could only watch in helpless awe as the cataclysmic assault approached.

The multiplied Grim Reapers, caught within the twisted realm, were subjected to an even more devastating onslaught. The oxygen overload caused their forms to flicker, and the doubled gravitational forces pinned them with even greater intensity.

The altered geography of the Realm of the Dead, subject to the continuous doubling effects of Double Dimension, transformed into a surreal landscape of exaggerated features. Hills became towering peaks, and pits evolved into gaping chasms, all under the influence of Issei's overwhelming power.

As the Vermillion Blaster neared its target, the skeletal god Hades realized the futility of resistance. The relentless doubling effects had stripped him of any means to escape, and the overpowering gravitational forces held him captive.

With a sense of impending doom, Hades tried to summon his divine aura to shield himself from the approaching onslaught. However, even his divine powers found no respite within the nightmarish realm.

The Vermillion Blaster reached its climax, the doubled draconic energy converging into a colossal beam of annihilation. The blood-red brilliance illuminated the distorted space as the cataclysmic attack bore down on Hades and the altered shrine.

With an explosive release of energy, the Vermillion Blaster collided with Hades and the surroundings. The impact sent shockwaves rippling through the nightmarish realm, distorting and warping everything in its path.

The very concept of dimensions seemed to quake under the sheer might of Issei's empowered attack. The multiplied Grim Reapers were obliterated, their forms disintegrating into nothingness as the doubled beams consumed them.

The skeletal god's body began disintegrating as the cataclysmic force washed over Hades. The divine aura that once surrounded him flickered and shattered under the overwhelming power of the Vermillion Blaster.

Within the confines of the distorted space, Hades let out an anguished roar as his godly body succumbed to the relentless assault. The once-mighty deity was reduced to mere fragments, dissolving into the chaotic energies of the altered realm.

The Vermillion Blaster continued its destructive path, unravelling the distorted dimensions of the nightmarish realm. The shrine, now subjected to the doubled power of Issei's attack, crumbled and collapsed under the cataclysmic forces.

As the destruction echoes subsided, an eerie calm settled over the Realm of the Dead. Issei, the Black Dragon Emperor, hovered amidst the remnants of the altered landscape, his scale mail form radiating with the blood-red glow of triumph.

But to his surprise, Hades was still alive, although significantly damaged and battered and continued to get more injured due to Double Dimension doubling the severity of his wounds. More Grim Reapers got caught in the large radius of Double Dimension, the effects already taking hold of them.

"I guess he isn't a God for nothing", Issei scoffs distastefully.

Issei was ready to use Longinus Smasher to obliterate Hades. However, Ddraig interjected

"Partner, if you use Longinus Smasher with the effect of Double Dimension, you might end up destroying everything, including the Underworld itself", Ddraig advises.

"I guess I'll have to just close it", Issei replies as he deactivates Double Dimension.

As Issei deactivated Double Dimension, the once-distorted space reverted to its normal state; however, the changes to the land due to Double Dimension remained. The eerie calm that settled over the Realm of the Dead was short-lived as the secondary effect of the ability unfolded. The multiplied Grim Reapers, caught in the distorted effects of continuous doubling, were forcefully drawn back toward their original forms. The distance or the surrounding conditions didn't matter; the duplicates hurtled back towards the original with unstoppable force.

The Grim Reapers collided with their counterparts in a chaotic frenzy of merging entities. The impact created a series of violent fissures within the distorted space, causing the entities to undergo a rapid and unstable fusion. The once-duplicated beings transformed into twisted, fractal-like structures known as Menger sponges.

The Menger sponges, now formed from the chaotic merging of Grim Reapers, hovered ominously within the realm. Their existence was unstable, a distorted amalgamation of duplicated entities pushed beyond the limits of reality.

With an unsettling energy, the Menger sponges detonated, releasing destructive shockwaves that reverberated through the nightmarish realm. The force of the explosions obliterated everything in their vicinity, creating a cascade of chaotic destruction.

This was all due to the law that "two or more of the same entity cannot co-exist in the same time and place" because multiple of the same soul existed within the confines of the Double Dimension; they were safe. However, without it, the laws of reality kicked in, and they were disposed of.

Hovering amidst the aftermath, Issei watched as the Menger sponges erupted in a series of cataclysmic bursts. The remnants of the Grim Reapers were scattered, dissipating into the distorted space like ashes carried away by the winds of destruction.

Hades, battered and wounded, struggled to endure the intensified effects of Double Dimension. The closing of the dimensional manipulation caused a surge of force, aggravating his injuries and amplifying the pain. The skeletal god, once defiant, now faced the grim reality of defeat.

"Looks like this is the end for you, Hades," Issei stated, his voice cold and relentless. The eerie glow of Vanta Vermillion Overdrive intensified as he prepared to deliver the final blow.

Weakened and unable to muster further resistance, Hades could only glare defiantly at the approaching doom. The Black Dragon Emperor, embodying the essence of darkness and destruction, prepared to conclude the battle that had unfolded within the distorted dimensions of the Realm of the Dead.

The chest area of the Vanta Vermillion Overdrive started to extend and lengthen considerably, resembling that of a Rail Gun.

BOOST!

BOOST!

BOOST!

BOOST!

BOOST!

A red and black glow emanates from the gun barrel, charging up a cataclysmic attack.

LONGINUS SMASHER!

Ddraig announces as the beam is launched towards Hades.

The Longinus Smasher, charged with an overwhelming accumulation of boosts and the destructive force of Vanta Vermillion Overdrive, unleashed a cataclysmic onslaught upon Hades and the surroundings. The red and black beam cut through the eerie calm of the Realm of the Dead with unparalleled ferocity, leaving nothing in its wake but devastation.

The intensified power of the Longinus Smasher tore through Hades's skeletal body with brutal force. The skeletal god's defiant glare turned to one of agonizing realization as the cataclysmic energy consumed him. The divine aura that once shielded him shattered like fragile glass, unable to withstand the relentless assault.

The very fabric of the Realm of the Dead quivered under the force of the attack. The altered landscape, marked by the remnants of Double Dimension, distorted and contorted further as the Longinus Smasher wreaked havoc. The hills became jagged peaks, the chasms widened into vast rifts, and the once-desolate shrine disintegrated into a chaotic storm of debris.

As the blood-red brilliance of the Longinus Smasher illuminated the distorted space, the very laws of reality seemed to twist and warp.

The nightmarish landscape became a maelstrom of destruction. The shockwaves from the Longinus Smasher created a domino effect, amplifying the cataclysmic forces that swept through the Realm of the Dead. The very ground quaked, and the air crackled with unrestrained power.

With Hades obliterated and the environment left in ruins, Issei surveyed the aftermath with a mix of awe and realization. The brutality of the battle had left an indelible mark on the once-desolate realm, transforming it into a chaotic expanse of altered dimensions.

Issei deactivated Vanta Vermillion Overdrive and dropped to the ground, panting.

[Due to Scale Mail deactivation, all Stats have returned to base]

"Man... he was no pushover..." Issei mutters the strain from using the Vanta Vermillion Overdrive paired with Double Dimension and Longinus Smasher.

The Vanta Vermillion Overdrive Scale Mail subdues the physiological and subconscious mechanisms that typically restrict an individual from exerting force at levels that could cause self-harm. Consequently, it significantly enhances Issei's physical capabilities, elevating strength and speed to unprecedented levels. This enhancement is achieved by nullifying the distress associated with pain. However, Issei still senses pain, and his mind no longer perceives it as a hindrance, allowing for its dismissal. Additionally, the Scale Mail induces an intense bloodlust in Issei, amplifying negative emotions such as hatred, fear, and anger, thereby empowering the wearer to engage in more formidable combat.

Furthermore, the Scale Mail can temporarily mend severe injuries during battle. For example, if a limb is broken, the armour fixes it by injecting slender spines into the fractured bones, realigning them and restoring the limb's functionality. Overall, the function of this Scale Mail is for Issei to continue fighting despite the pain and damage he sustains.

Now back in his regular state, Issei felt the total weight of the battle's toll on his body. The mental and physical fatigue began to set in as the adrenaline that fueled his intense fight with Hades started to wane.

"You did well, parnter" Ddraig comments

Issei chuckles in appreciation at the words, "Thanks, Ddraig, I kind of push it with that one", he replies

"Indeed, you used Double Dimension in its automatic mode rather than its manual mode, which was bound to take its toll on you", Ddraig responds.

Double Dimension has two modes; the first one is automatic mode. Automatic mode means that the doubling effects will occur automatically without Issei's input; this takes up significantly more energy than the second mode.

The second mode is the manual mode; this mode allows Issei to freely choose which specific aspect he wants to double; this, in turn, takes up much less energy than the first mode.

Automatic mode is useful when engaging multiple enemies, while Manual mode is useful when fighting singular enemies.

Issei slowly but surely makes his way to the exit of the Realm of the Dead. "We still have to kill Cao Cao; let's rest a bit before we fight him", Issei says to Ddraig.

However, before Issei could leave, he noticed something weird: in front of him, the notification for the task was still active, and he hadn't gotten his rewards yet.

[New Task: Kill Hades]

Issei's eyes narrow in trying to understand before widening in realisation and looking back. In that instance, a divine energy beam is shot through his chest.

Issei grunted in pain as the unexpected attack pierced through him. The divine energy beam left a gaping hole in his chest, and he could feel the searing pain radiating from the wound. He looked towards the direction of the attack. He saw a figure emerging from the shadows — a figure that bore a striking resemblance to Hades.

"You really thought you could defeat the God of the Underworld so easily?" a twisted voice echoed through the dark expanse.

Despite the pain and surprise, Issei gritted his teeth and responded, "You should be gone! I killed you!"

The figure chuckled, revealing an eerie skeletal visage with glowing eyes, "Oh, you did, but as long as this place remains, I am immortal. And you, little devil, are not worthy of standing against me."

The divine energy beam intensified, causing Issei to wince in pain. His instincts kicked in, and he leapt back to defend himself.

The true Hades descended, surrounded by an aura of divine malevolence. The Realm of the Dead quivered under his presence, acknowledging the return of its god.

[Hades's Stats have sky rocketted]

--

Name: Hades

Race: God

Affiliation: Mount Olympus

Rank: God

Relationship: Soon-to-be Victim

Type: Caster (Mage)

Stats:

Vitality: 4648

Strength: 5168

Agility:4112

Intelligence: 4864

Senses: 4512

Dexterity: 3888

Luck: 3104

Overall Power Level: 4328

Abilities: Magic (Sealing, Teleportation), Divine Aura

Gear: Skeleton Staff

--

"His Stats, they're even higher than before", Issei ponders to himself.

"You are but a mere insect in the grand tapestry of existence. Prepare to be eradicated," Hades declared, raising his hand to summon dark energies.

Battered and fatigued from the previous battle, Issei readied himself for another clash. The stakes were higher, and the true God of the Underworld had returned with a vengeance.

The battle within the Realm of the Dead was far from over.

Hades, wreathed in his divine aura, unleashed a barrage of dark energies. Despite his fatigue, Issei dodged the attacks by the skin of his teeth.

Issei, floating in mid-air, weighed his options. Hades, with his elevated stats, proved to be a formidable opponent, and Issei needed a strategic approach to overcome the god's newfound power.

Ddraig's voice resonated in Issei's mind, "Partner, you're at a disadvantage. You need to use your abilities wisely and find an opening. Don't let the fatigue cloud your judgment."

"I can't allow an ant like you to live; not only does your power prove to be a threat, but also your growth", Hades sneers as he launches even more dark-divine energy at Issei.

[Ability Used: Energy Manipulation: Energy Negation]

Issei put up a shield of energy to block Hades's attack; the shield of energy crackled as it absorbed the onslaught of Hades's dark-divine energies. Issei gritted his teeth, feeling the strain on his already exhausted body.

Undeterred by Issei's defensive maneuver, Hades continued to channel his divine energies. The skeletal god's glowing eyes bore into Issei with an intensity that sent shivers down the devil's spine.

Hades once again launches out a barrage of dark divine energy projectiles; Issei, on his feet, speed blitz to the side to avoid the attack. As Issei continued to dodge the attacks, hundreds of Grim Reapers appeared from out of nowhere, wielding scythes reading to attack Issei.

Seeing this, Issei clenches his jaw in frustration, "I need to converse my energy for Hades", he ponders in his mind as he uses another one of his abilities.

[Ability Used: 7 Sin Wheel: 3rd Sin, Greed]

[Wheel is spinning...]

[Next Sin...]

[6TH SIN, LUST!!!]

Issei utilizes his seven sin wheel ability; the last time he used this was back in Norway before he fought Loki, and that time, he used Gluttony. This time, he is using Greed. Greed's unique ability was to morph anything Issei touched into precious material materials for 7 minutes; organic objects turned into precious metals, while inorganic objects turned into precious gems.

Issei rushed towards the incoming Grim Reapers and touched two of their scythes; instantly, one became emerald, and the other turned into sapphire.

The Grim Reapers hesitated momentarily, taken aback by the sudden transformation of their weapons. Issei capitalized on their confusion, grabbed onto them and transformed them as well; one turned into gold while the other turned into silver, killing them both instantly.

The sudden death of the Grim Reapers caught Hades off guard, his glowing eyes narrowing in fury at the unexpected turn of events. Fueled by his newfound power, Issei pressed the advantage, using the transformed scythes to swiftly kill more of the skeletal minions.

With each strike, the Grim Reapers fell, their body turning to various metals as Issei's greed-fueled ability took effect. The metallic clang of scythes meeting their transformed counterparts echoed through the desolate expanse of the Realm of the Dead.

Seeing Issei's new ability, Hades could only think of one person, someone from his homeland, "Midas", he mutters under his breath, drawing a comparison between Midas, who turned everything he touched to gold and Issei, who turned everyone he touched, into metal and everything he touched into a gem.

As Issei continued to dispatch the Grim Reapers with his newfound ability, Hades's thoughts raced with unease. The comparison to Midas, a figure from his pantheon, sent a shiver down his spine. The legend of King Midas cursed with the ability to turn everything he touched into gold, echoed in Hades's mind, reminding him of the dangers posed by Issei's greed-fueled power.

The skeletal god's glowing eyes narrowed in suspicion as he watched Issei's relentless assault unfold. The devil's newfound ability to transform matter into precious metals posed a significant threat that Hades couldn't afford to underestimate.

With a grim determination, Hades summoned his divine energies, channelling them into a powerful magic. As Hades prepared to unleash his devastating attack, the air crackled with dark energy.

Sensing the impending danger, Issei remained vigilant as he engaged the Grim Reapers. His keen instincts warned him of Hades's gathering power's imminent threat, urging him to stay on guard.

As the skeletal god completed his magic, a swirling dark energy appeared above him. The ominous aura cast a shadow over the desolate expanse of the Realm of the Dead, signalling the unleashing of a formidable force.

Hades unleashed his divine spell with a resounding roar, sending a barrage of dark energy projectiles hurtling towards Issei. The projectiles crackled with malevolent energy as they streaked through the air, seeking to overwhelm the devil with their relentless assault.

Issei, caught off guard by the sudden attack, reacted with lightning-fast reflexes. He evaded the oncoming projectiles with a series of agile maneuvers, narrowly avoiding the deadly onslaught. Using this Greed ability, Issei turned the giant projectile into a huge Ruby. Using his monstrous strength, he flung the ruby back at Hades, the Ruby moving at blinding speed.

Surprised by Issei's swift retaliation, Hades attempted to dodge the incoming ruby. However, Issei's precise aim and the sheer speed of the transformed projectile proved too much for the skeletal god to evade entirely.

The enormous ruby collided with Hades, the impact creating a brilliant burst of red light. The divine energy within the ruby interacted with Hades's godly form, causing a chain reaction of chaotic forces. The skeletal god was engulfed in the explosion of divine energy, his body writhing amidst the luminous display.

Despite the devastating counterattack, Hades emerged from the explosion, albeit visibly weakened. The once-imposing god now bore the scars of Issei's onslaught, his skeletal body battered and fractured.

"Damned bat!" Hades sneers in disgust as he looks around for Issei, still trying to gain his composure.

Suddenly, a Grim Reaper made entirely of gold was thrown at Hades at high speeds. Hades, caught off guard by the unexpected assault, had little time to react. The golden Grim Reaper slammed into him, sending the skeletal god hurtling through the air. The impact left Hades further weakened, his divine aura flickering under the force of the attack.

Hades looked back and saw Issei throwing the material-transformed Grim Reapers towards him at high speeds. Issei continued his assault, rapidly transforming the Grim Reapers into various precious materials and hurling them at Hades with incredible precision. The once-feared minions of the God of the Underworld were now nothing more than projectiles in Issei's hands.

Struggling to regain control, Hades summoned a defensive barrier to shield himself from the barrage of material-transformed Grim Reapers. The golden, silver, and gemstone projectiles collided with the divine barrier, creating a spectacular display of colours and sparks.

Having had enough of Issei, Hades roared and rushed towards Issei and launched a compressed ball of dark-divine energy at Issei, attempting to evade and turn the energy into a precious gem but failed miserably. Hades made the energy ball explode the moment Issei tried to touch it. Issei was launched back with tremendous force.

Trying to get a visual of where Hades was, Issei realised he could only look through his left eye. From what he can feel, his right eye is completely gone and destroyed, along with the right side of his arm. The attempt to turn Hades's energy ball into a material failed miserably and backfired on him.

Issei grimaced in pain as he felt the aftermath of his failed attempt to manipulate Hades's energy ball. The explosion had taken a toll on him, leaving him with severe injuries. The right side of his face and arm were mangled, and his right eye was gone.

"I underestimated the power of his divine energy," Issei muttered through gritted teeth, trying to assess the extent of his injuries.

Hades, seizing the opportunity, closed the distance between them. His divine aura pulsating with renewed vigour, the skeletal god prepared for another devastating attack. Still recovering from the explosion, Issei struggled to defend against the impending assault.

Hades unleashed a barrage of dark-divine projectiles, aiming at Issei's vulnerable state. Battered and wounded, Issei attempted to evade the attacks with swift and erratic movements. However, the skeletal god's relentless assault left Issei with little room to escape.

Hades then picks Issei up by his hair, staring down at him with an air of superiority. "Pride, the weakness of all Devil kind; for this reason, all of you will be exterminated," he says with a god complex.

Issei grunted in pain as Hades lifted him by his hair, glaring at Hades with one working eye and gritting his teeth. Hades then throws Issei away like a ragdoll. Still, before Issei can regain his composure, multiple Grim Reapers appear beside him and stab their scythes into his body. Some stabbed his arms and legs and pulled them apart, attempting to dissect him, while others stabbed through his torso, causing him to cough out a large amount of blood.

As Issei's body was pierced and torn apart by the Grim Reapers, the excruciating pain threatened to overwhelm him. Blood stained the desolate ground of the Realm of the Dead as he struggled against the relentless assault. Each stab sent waves of agony coursing through his battered form, but despite the torment, Issei refused to yield.

Hades, walking closer to the crucified devil, had a contemplative look on his face, "Normally, a Grim Reaper's scythe would pass through the body and cut the soul directly, causing metaphysical damage. But yet he is being damaged physically; the only way for that to be possible is for him to have his soul protected by a God. But which God gave him their blessing?" he wonders.

Suddenly, Hades felt a strong sense of dread behind him. "Me..." an eerie and sinister voice said in Hade's ear, causing a chill of fear to run down his bony spine.

Instantly, Hades whipped around to see who was there, only for no one to be near them.

"Who was that? Did I imagine it?" Hades wonders

As Hades pondered the mysterious voice, a sense of unease crept over him. The skeletal god scanned his surroundings, his glowing eyes darting between the shadows, searching for any signs of the unseen presence. However, the desolate expanse of the Realm of the Dead offered no answers, shrouded in an eerie silence.

Hades, shrugging off the voice, turns towards Issei. With a cold, calculated gaze, Hades approached Issei, who hung suspended by the Grim Reapers' scythes. The skeletal god's presence loomed over the battered devil, casting a shadow over the desolate expanse of the Realm of the Dead.

"You cling to your defiance even in the face of death," Hades remarked, his voice dripping with contempt. "But know this, devil: your resistance is futile. In the end, all will bow before the might of the gods."

Issei, wracked with pain, met Hades's gaze with a defiant glare.

"But that does remind me, you who have cheated death on many occasions, you who have always escaped by grasp, now finally; I can put an end to you, the end to Issei Hyoudou," Hades says coldly.

Despite having the right side of his body mangled to the point of deformities, Issei gave a defiant and dark smirk.

Hades, his skeletal visage twisted into a sinister grin, observed Issei's defiant smirk with a mix of annoyance and curiosity.

"What amuses you, little devil? Are you immortal?" Hades inquired, his voice laced with a cold, calculating edge.

Issei chuckled, the sound strained and filled with the bitterness of the battlefield. "No, I just don't fear death," he replies in a low and aggressive tone.

Hades, intrigued by Issei's response, narrowed his glowing eyes. "Bold words from a creature hanging on the precipice of death," he sneered, his skeletal features contorting into a malicious grin.

With a swift motion, Hades summoned dark energies around his bony hand, readying a spell that promised annihilation. The divine aura surrounding him intensified, amplifying the malevolence in the air.

Issei, still suspended and battered, braced himself for the impending assault. The battlefield remained eerily silent, a stark contrast to the imminent storm of divine forces about to be unleashed.

Before Hades could deliver the finishing blow to kill Issei, everything went black and white, and everything stopped moving, as if time had stopped. Issei narrowed his eyes in confusion at the phenomenon. Suddenly, footsteps could be heard walking towards Issei, footsteps that got increasingly closer and closer.

A dark chuckle can be heard from nowhere, turning into full-blown maniacal laughter. Issei recognised this laughter; it was Dark-sei's. Suddenly, Dark-sei appears right next to the time-stopped Hades, showing off his blood-red eyes, black sclera and white hair, along with his wicked smile.

"Wow, partner, you look like shit!" he sneers darkly, commenting on the right side of Issei's face, which is all mangled and deformed.

Issei glared at Dark-sei, his frustration and pain evident in his remaining eye. "What are you doing here? This is my fight," Issei growled, despite being in a disadvantageous situation.

Dark-sei's laughter echoed in the frozen realm as he circled around the suspended devil. "Oh, come on, partner. It's getting boring watching you struggle against this bag of bones," Dark-sei taunted, his tone dripping with dark amusement.

As Dark-sei continued to mock Issei, Hades remained frozen in time, unaware of the intruder in this temporal stasis. The skeletal god's impending attack was suspended, held at the precipice of execution.

Issei clenched his teeth, his frustration growing at Dark-sei's interference. "I don't need your help, especially not in this form," Issei retorted, trying to assert control over the situation.

Dark-sei, undeterred by Issei's resistance, leaned in close, his sinister grin widening. "Oh, don't be like that, partner. I'm just here to spice things up a bit. After all, it's no fun if you don't dance with your darker side," he chuckled, his eyes gleaming with an unsettling gleefulness.

Issei looked down with a contemplative look, wondering whether or not he could truly trust Dark-sei.

"Well, you have impressed me, taking on Cao Cao, Samael, Shalba, and the Anti Monsters? You've got my attention. Guess I'll toss you a little treat. How 'bout this? I grant you the power you crave so damn much, and in return, you better entertain me with a damn good show." Dark-sei sneers with a wicked grin.

Issei's eye snaps towards Dark-sei, "The power I desire?" he asks in confusion.

"Yes, the power which you had been chasing for the time you spent training in the time-dilated dimension, the power which you temporarily awakened to save your life when those three devils attacked you", Dark-sei explains with a dark smirk.

Issei's eye narrowed in suspicion at Dark-sei's proposal. The memories of that desperate moment when he unlocked a mysterious power flashed through his mind. The surge of energy that had saved him from a dire situation lingered as an enigmatic force within him. It was a force beyond anything he had ever experienced, a raw, untamed energy that surged through him like a raging inferno.

Despite the risks and the uncertainty surrounding Dark-sei's offer, Issei couldn't deny the allure of such power. With Hades still frozen in time, the opportunity presented itself like a forbidden fruit, tempting him with its promise of strength.

"And what do you get out of this?" Issei questioned a hint of caution in his voice.

Dark-sei shrugged, maintaining his sinister grin. "Just a front-row seat to the chaos. You know, the usual."

Issei weighed his options, contemplating the risks and benefits of accepting Dark-sei's offer. The frozen battlefield around them added an eerie backdrop to this internal struggle.

"Fine," Issei finally relented, his frustration and desperation evident.

Dark-sei's laughter echoed through the time-stopped realm as he extended his hand towards Issei. "That's the spirit, partner. Now, let's unlock that hidden potential."

As Dark-sei's hand touched Issei's forehead, a surge of dark energy enveloped the devil. The sensation was both familiar and unsettling as if tapping into a well of power that Issei had barely scratched the surface of before.

[Race Change]

["Reincarnated Devil" to "True Devil"]

[Due to Physiology change through Race Change, Stats have been altered]

--

Name: Issei Hyoudou

Race: True Devil/ Dragon/ Unknown

Affiliation: None

Rank: None

Type: Hybrid (Battlemage)

Stats:-

Vitality: 420

Strength: 378

Agility: 354

Intelligence: 447

Senses: 366

Dexterity: 378

Luck: 312

Overall Power Level: 379

Abilities: System and its Abilities, Magic (Dark Arts)

Gear: Mutated Boosted Gear

--

Seeing the increase in stats, Issei's eye widen in shock, "Race change? True Devil? What is this?" he ponders to himself.

[Magic Potential has been unlocked]

[Demon Eyes Stage 2 has been unlocked]

[Satanification Stage 1 has been unlocked]

Still suspended, Issei felt a strange energy coursing through him as if Dark-sei's presence resonated with the essence of his being. The atmosphere crackled with an ominous intensity.

Dark-sei, revelling in the chaos he wrought, glanced back at Issei with an evil grin. "Let's give Hades a taste of true darkness, partner." With those words, Dark-sei snapped his fingers, and time resumed.

Hades brings down his hand, attempting to kill Issei, but in that same instance, a violent and wild blood-red aura bursts from Issei's body, disintegrating the scythes embedded into his body along with the Grim Reapers who held them; Hades, on the other hand, was launched back with tremendous force.

In Issei's mind, memories play, memories that weren't his own but felt familiar. In front of him was Rias; she had tears running down her face with blood spilling out from her mouth; she had her hand on Issei's cheek, holding it affectionately. There was love in her eyes, yet he could see her sorrow.

"Issei, please, live, live for us, Issei. And always remember, we love you, I love you, farewell, my love", she says in an affectionate yet broken voice before the life fades from her eyes.

Instantly, Issei is pulled from his mind back into the real world; the right side of his body is healed to perfection, with not a single wound on his body. His hair is now white with black roots; when he opens his eyes, he reveals his new eyes, black sclera, and red pupils. Now, a spitting image of Dark-sei.