Chapter 28: The Long Road Ahead

- Mars -

I'm covered in a bit of sweat and blood after an exciting battle, it feels quite surreal to see Ashborn in the flesh. I'm in his shadow, yet I can vaguely see the outside world, where hunters Jong-In, Jinchul and Hae-In are trying to wake me up.

"No need to panic, they cannot see us, it is just us two in here, young Mars."

Following my instincts, I can't help but rush forward and give Ashborn a hug. I wouldn't be anywhere as powerful as I am now if I didn't have his blessing and guidance. Despite his deathly aura, Ashborn couldn't feel more warm and welcoming.

Letting go of him after a quick embrace, I step back, studying the original King of the Dead in this universe. He radiates a power that I hope to match one day, Ashborn is easily the strongest being I've met since I first encountered the goddess. None of the other Monarchs I've met can even compare, so far.

"Ashborn... What can I even say to you right now? Wait, you said you've been waiting for me? Why decide now is the time to officially meet me?" I ask the strongest Monarch, the absolute strongest being left in this universe, where I have a thousand questions I want to ask him right now.

"Mars... I did not think it was possible I could learn so much from a human, especially in such little time. Watching you grow from weak to strong, learning how to use my powers and your entertaining strategies and unique decisions have given me great joy. I am very thankful we were paired together."

"Jeez, I love you too, Ashborn... But why does this feel like a goodbye?"

"Well I suppose it is a farewell, this will be my last time seeing the world with my own eyes."

"Huh? What are you talking about?"

Ashborn snapped his fingers, his infinite shadow we're in right now suddenly projecting what looks like an old memory of his.

It's like a vivid dream, both of us are transported into his memory, where we're floating over an endless valley, hundreds of thousands of monsters of various races clearly gearing up for war. Whatever this location was, it was certainly not Earth, it was some random planet. Is that the Chaos World?

"Ashborn, this is..." I stop speaking, wanting to watch the scene play out.

The tension is almost suffocating. High orcs, ice elves, giants, goblins, golems, beasts and countless other monsters carefully peer into the purple sky, where numerous silver gates in the sky crack open, legions of Ruler soldiers flying out.

One of the Ruler soldiers blew into a shiny war horn, and in a blink of an eye-

"War. This was my last time in battle."

The sound of weapons clashing and armor breaking was deafening. Shouts of victory on both sides soon turned into savage screams and groans, this amount of bloodshed would dye the ground red forever. What looked to be an even matchup was a total one-sided domination, the silver soldiers killed hundreds of monsters for every one Ruler that died.

I know what happens next, as Ashborn and his undead steed suddenly appear in the middle of the annihilated monster force, resurrecting every single monster that just fell in battle. The entire battlefield became shadow black and purple, as a newly risen Immortal Army stare up at the Rulers, the former monsters disgustingly stronger as shadow soldiers.

"This was my life, Mars... For as long as I can remember, an endless war against the Monarchs turned into another endless war against the Rulers, after they betrayed our father. Planet to planet, countless civilizations grazed to the ground until only ash was left, lifetimes of extinction events caused by the plague of our never ending cycle of violence. I was sick and tired of it all."

For the first time, I can sense the anguish and sorrow in his voice. I continue to watch the second wave of battle, this time it was clear Ashborn and his army were far too much for the angels to handle. It was like an unfair chess match, but in a much larger, bloody scale, the black force completely overwhelming the white side.

I watch Ashborn as he slaughtered the Rulers with lethal precision, a single swing of his shadow sword took down countless Rulers, their shadows climbing out of their dead bodies before they even hit the ground. The steed he's riding on effortlessly stampedes across the valley, never losing energy or speed.

He rose his shadow covered hand, utilizing [Ruler's Authority] like I could never have imagined, forcefully bringing scores of the winged soldiers onto the ground, helpless as they were executed by his advancing forces. The cycle of complete destruction and revival continued until the enemy forces were overrun.

There was a very clear trail of destruction wherever Ashborn went, blood and corpses were the only thing he left in his wake.

"And this is when you get betrayed by the two Monarchs..."

Ashborn and I watch silently as two gates spawn, a blue gate even bigger than the Tokyo giant dungeon, the other a fierce red portal. Out of the much larger blue gate stepped out Baran, his gathered demon force extended further than I could even see. Countless flags were raised, each one representing a demon clan.

The Beast Monarch slowly walks out from the red gate, in his gigantic white werewolf form. In front of the King of Beasts was his own wild army, giant apes, monsters resembling bears, boars, alligators and minotaurs were itching for a fight.

"Three, actually. Antares himself ordered the ambush, but he was too much of a coward to face me himself."

I could even hear the distaste in his voice, as he described the traitorous Monarchs.

The resulting battle was more evenly matched, as Ashborn held off the Beast and the Demon King by himself, his outnumbered army was getting flanked by both the demon and beast hordes. If I even attempted to regenerate that amount of soldiers at once, the magic would have torn me apart.

The demons were the trump card, as Baran tainted his whole bloodline, ensuring not a single demon would ever be revived as a shadow soldier.

But Ashborn himself was too powerful, he was able to overcome both Monarchs throwing everything they've got at him. The cowardly Beast showed his true colors, turning tail and fleeing while Baran had Ashborn busy, leaving the original Demon King for dead.

"So, you're leaving me for good, then?" I ignore Baran's execution, knowing they were in cahoots with Antares. "You're going to relax forever in the Eternal Rest? Well, I won't say you haven't earned it..."

When Jinwoo inherited Ashborn's powers, the original Shadow Monarch retired in the Territory of Eternal Rest, deciding to leave the fate of the future in Jinwoo's hands. He essentially retreated into his own shadow, where he has absolute authority over his domain, where he can create countless worlds inside.

I'm distracted once again by the memory playing out, Ashborn snaps Baran's neck, the Demon King's lifeless body slumps to the ground, as the shadow army start to clean up the scattering demons, after the Beast Monarch and his subjects left the demonic horde high and dry.

My black heart feels like it's going to explode, as a surge of deathly power floods me, enough to the point it feels like I'm going to drown for a moment.

You have fully awakened your Ruler and Shadow Monarch powers

Skills [Shadow Exchange, Holy Light Manipulation, Power Bestowal, Spiritual Body Manifestation] have been maxed

New skill added and maxed

Shadow Manipulation

"This is..?" I feel unlocked, closing my eyes as I feel in complete synergy with my upgraded powers.

I unconsciously recreate Ashborn's shadow sword, as if Ashborn literally handed me down everything he's ever known.

The sword made of pure shadow is stronger than any of my light weapons, although I won't complain about having the option to dual wield the light and the dark. What happens if I can combine them?

"Hahaha... This is what I am talking about, young Mars. I can see it in your face and feel it in your heart, your hunger and determination to continue moving forward, no matter who or what you may encounter, your eyes only look ahead. I no longer share that similar steadfastness, it has been far too long, in fact."

"Alright, Ashborn, I get it. Is this really goodbye forever?" I regretfully ask him, I don't have the heart to talk him out of his millennia over due vacation.

"I have zero desire to return to the land of the living, and because I was betrayed by both the Rulers and the Monarchs, I do not even have a place I can belong. And I no longer want to live like a hermit, staying isolated from the war. By now, I know in my heart I can trust in you to end the fruitless conflict in which ever way you see fit."

"I promise you, I will. Can I still visit your territory once you're gone?"

"If you ever find yourself bored, I would be delighted to host you. But I will still be with you every step of the way as you explore more worlds."

"Wait what do you mean? I thought you said this is the last time you'd be seeing the world?"

"With my own eyes, yes, it is true. But from now on, I shall only see what you see, feel what you feel."

"Isn't that what you've been doing this whole time?"

"To an extent, yes. But I always had the freedom to leave whenever I desired. But what I am doing now is bestowing upon you all of my power, rather than just sharing it with you. You will be stuck with me for eternity."

"That's uh, a long time... What does that exactly mean for you?"

"The time I spent with you was so blissful. Perhaps I did not want to lose you. Therefore, I became you, you became me. I asked the Goddess for some way to help you as we travel the vast unknown universes waiting for us. Since I will not be a great help for you once we leave this world, Venus offered me the opportunity to be your multiversal guide going forward."

"So basically, you're taking over the Architect's role as the administrator of the system, while also taking over for the goddess? That damn lazy pervert... Whatever, I'd much rather deal with you than her."

"Correct, but I have taken over from the Architect ever since before the Demon Castle. About the Architect who helped bring us together... I have a gift prepared for this meeting..."

I watch the first Shadow Monarch in action, motioning with his hands, calling forth a very familiar enemy, now a humble servant.

"O Ashborn, I thank you from the bottom of my heart for this perfect, imperishable body." The Architect turned shadow soldier bowed with admiration to Ashborn, before turning to me. "O Mars, I promise to be worthy of this body. If there is anything you desire, I shall deliver for you."

New shadow added

The Architect - Commander

"Wow, a new shadow tier above General rank." I smirk at the newest shadow mage, its eight arms saluting to me. "You impressed me, Architect, many of our enemies will fall thanks to your powers but also your mind."

Commander grade is the pinnacle every shadow should strive towards, only the Grand Marshal rank sits at the very top, which is reserved for the single strongest shadow soldier in existence, Bellion. I look forward to meeting him soon.

"I must ask you one more time, Mars. Will you accept my offer? I will not hold it against you if you would rather spend the rest of your days right here, living in Eternal Rest, in whatever world you want to create. If you agree, there is no turning back. I will leave the rest in your hands, where you will live a long, imperishable life as the Shadow Monarch."

It's certainly a decision to turn down an omnipotent life safe in my own shadow, but something tells me that shitty goddess wouldn't let that fly. And honestly, I think I'd get bored, I'm rather excited to visit different universes. It'll definitely be fun to throw my weight around in the upcoming DxD world.

"Ashborn... I think you already know my answer..."

"Heh, I do. Very well. Mars Valentino, I am the record of your bitter struggle. I am the evidence of your resistance against the world. I am the reward of your suffering. I am Death. I am Eternal Rest, and I am also Terror. I AM YOU!"

The tutorial system will now be deleted

Any power limits on the Player will now be removed

With no more limitation of your power, all Commander rank Shadow Soldiers will regain their full power potential

The true power of Igris has been restored

The abilities of Beru have risen significantly

The Shadow Monarch Ashborn is now registered as the permanent administrator of the Multiversal System

After blacking out for a second, I can't see Ashborn anymore, I'm alone with the Architect inside my shadow. Closing my eyes one more time, I focus on my strengthened black heart, where I can undoubtedly feel Ashborn's presence.

Heh, well Ashborn, you're trapped with me forever. No take backs.

I will not have it any other way, partner!

Partners until the end.

Now that I'm a full fledged Shadow Monarch, the differences are noticeable right away. Starting with my wings, where I have a new pair of shadow wings, bringing me up to eight total.

Looking at my newest Commander shadow, I realize [Shadow Manipulation] must apply to my wings as well. I concentrate on my back, trying my best to replicate the Architect's trick, turning my wings into shadow arms.

Oh this is going to be fun.

I focus on my body in the real world, where I can see the hunters still trying to wake me up from my magical slumber. As soon as I will it to, I can return back, and prepare for the final war.

On the other hand, now seems like the perfect opportunity to hop to the lewd world I unlocked after clearing Jeju Island. I think it'll be funny if the next time I meet with any Monarchs I'll have devil or even dragon shadows and allies under my command.

"World Jump." I clear my throat, feeling slightly anxious as my vision fades to a complete white, exactly like when I first reincarnated, meeting that slutty goddess for the first time.

Finding myself alone in the white void, I'm relieved there's no sign of Venus. Instead, there are two portals, clearly labeled entrance and exit.

How convenient.

Peering into the exit portal first, I can see my levitating body, with Cha Hae-In and Woo Jinchul trying to shake me awake. I'm going to go ahead and assume when I go back it'll be in that exact moment in time.

The entrance portal was pitch black, nothing could be seen at all. It's like a leap of faith, jumping into the unknown void. But it's not a complete mystery, since I know the next universe will be Highschool DxD.

Walking up to the gate, a warning screen popped up

Warning: Once you jump universes, you will not be able to return to your home world until completing a specific Canon event

Like clearing Jeju Island in Solo Leveling... I wonder what the objective is in the next world?

Well whatever fuck it, I'm probably going to find out really soon either way.

I jump into the portal, no fear as I find myself suspended inside another void this time, like I'm stuck in a loading screen.

Loading new world...

New universe bonus: New class slot unlocked

Please choose a new class

Oh? I have been wondering about that...

Since I'm pretty well rounded as a battlemage, I don't need to worry about my durability or my magic output. In that case, I should look for something more on the offensive side.

Ah, how about Assassin? Not only is it a nod to Jinwoo, but it honestly synergizes with my shadow abilities perfectly.

Your new class is Assassin (lvl.1)

New skills unlocked

[Stealth] - Allows the user to physically blend in with their surroundings and hide all traces of his presence

[Bloodlust] - Allows the user to magically intimidate a target into submission

[Quicksilver] - Allows the user to increase his speed by 30% Increases with level

[Mutilation] - Allows the user to aim his daggers at his opponents vital spots

Well this should make sneaking around this world a fuckton easier...

You have arrived in Kuoh Town

All shadow soldiers and demons under your control have been recalled back into your shadow

Item added to Inventory: Kuoh School Uniform

A new environment loads, and I find myself in what looks like a fairly busy street. I can hear countless conversations of the people walking around and past me, all of them speaking in Japanese. Luckily my universal translator means I'll never have to feel left out of any conversation.

Checking what I have on right now, I'm just wearing a white tee and blue jeans, it would have been a weird sight if I was in my shadow or demonic armor. Although I bet the residents here would have just thought I was some weeb cosplaying.

Taking a seat on an empty bench nearby, I rub my head lightly, feeling a slight headache, which may or may not be normal when one crosses the multiverse for the first time. A small cache of memories seems to be the root cause, as I start to remember my backstory for entering this new world.

I was originally born here in Japan, to Italian parents. I grew up here, moving back to Italy, before finally coming back alone, as a new transfer student to Kuoh Academy. It's pretty close to my backstory when I spawned in the Solo Leveling world, although this time I might not be able to quit school. The formerly all girls school will be expecting me tomorrow, well at least I arrived on a Sunday.

Hell, I'm not complaining, it's better than last time, where I was forced to participate in the first double dungeon raid, where I first met Jinwoo.

Shit, I don't want to play the role of a student for that long, as soon as I can, I'm dropping the hell out. Technically I don't even need to show up tomorrow, but it's an easy way for me to meet key figures of this universe. Mainly Rias Gremory and Sona Sitri, the little sisters of two of the leaders of the Underworld.

I have no interest in joining a peerage either, but I'm sure I can find plenty of opportunities to make a deal with the devils. I wonder what can I get from Rias, if I help deal with her little engagement problem?

Instead of brute forcing many of my encounters like I did in Seoul, I'll have to be more shrewd. Well, it's a nice break from non stop fighting, and I'll admit, it's fun to play politics. At least when it comes to the tricky balance between the three factions. In this universe, I'm going to be sure not to accidentally piss off any important characters, at least until I know for sure I can handle the consequences. On the bright side, my new class should be perfect, since I can sneak around, and only act once I have to.

Wait will they sense my Sacred Gear? If they can I wonder if they can sense how strong I am?

Not wanting to find out the hard way, I look around, spotting an empty alleyway. I run over and activate [Stealth] for the first time, where I literally start to blend in with the environment around me. Not only am I physically hidden, but my magic power should be suppressed as well, although I bet a really powerful person could sense me if I'm not careful.

For now, I can grind some levels for this skill, which will no doubt be getting a fuck ton of use.

I return to the crowded streets, testing out the limits of my stealth, where I'm glad to know I'm basically invisible. No one can sense me at all, but so far I've only run into humans, it might be a different story with the supernatural.

Oh yeah, Ashborn you made it through with me alright?

Yes, I am here, Mars. I am getting used to this new universe, it is certainly not the one I know.

Heh, I can sense your excitement, it's quite contagious, I wonder what adventures we're going to get up to.

I cannot wait either, I have not felt this eager in a long time... One thing is certain, this world will never be the same, once the Shadow Monarch and the Immortal Army reveal themselves.

Yeah, I'm pretty eager myself, there are all kinds of different people and races we'll encounter. Oh right, am I getting a list of objectives to do in this universe from the goddess?

Not for this universe, Venus did not want the list to influence any of your decisions here. She claimed it would be more entertaining for her.

Well that sounds like her. Whatever, I'm done worrying about her. If I'm just here to put on a show for her, I'll be damn sure to enjoy myself to the fullest. And since I know she's a giant pervert, I'm sure she'll appreciate it as well.

Although, it sucks I won't know for sure when I'll be able to return to the Solo Leveling universe, it'll just happen when it happens, I guess.

I'm interrupted from my thoughts, when I start to sense a couple of non-humans nearby.

Ha, what should have I expected? Right next to a tower clock, I see him, the future Red Dragon Emperor, in all of his glory.

Name: Issei Hyoudou

Level: 2

Race: Human (Sacred Gear User: Boosted Gear)

Thoughts about you: None

Reputation: 0

Right, what was I expecting, he can't even see me, how could he have any opinion of me yet?

Studying him closer as he stands awkwardly glancing at the clock tower, I can sense the tiniest sliver of some sort of strong supernatural aura, it must be draconic.

A cute woman in a slutty bat dress walks past me, handing Issei a flyer.

Rias Gremory's Familiar

Level: 38

Race: Bat (Human form)

Thankfully the familiar didn't notice me at all, I'm curious how this devil magic works, allowing a bat to masquerade as a human among everyone here.

Standing right behind Issei, I look at the contract he's holding more closely.

On the paper was a demonic magic circle, I'm guessing that's the Gremory clan seal. Written in Kanji, 'Your wish will be granted'

"Issei-kun!" A beautiful girl way out of his league greeted him, wearing a short black dress covered with a pink blouse.

Name: Raynare

Level: 23

Race: Fallen Angel

Thoughts about you: None

Affection: 0

A lot weaker than I thought, but I guess this is still the very beginning of canon.

"Good morning, Yuuma-chan!" Issei stuffed the contract into his pocket, distracted by his date.

Ugh I really don't want to watch this fake date in it's entirety, but at least I can get some levels for my skill by stalking them.

Completely tuning out this cringe scene, I start to think on what I should do once the date is over, when 'Yuuma Amano' reveals her true identity to him, with a light spear through his stomach.

Following the two as they walk into a men's clothing store, I realize I'm in for a long day. Maybe getting thrown into the double dungeon is in fact better than this scenario.

Entering the small store, I easily find the two non-humans, Raynare putting on a good act, playing the role of a doting girlfriend. Issei is blushing like mad, simply because she was pushing her tits against his back, in the guise of seeing how a skull t-shirt would look on him.

A simple gesture like that is game over for a young pervert like Issei.

Overhearing Issei suggest going to a cafe next, I begin my simple plan, where I'll need the help of my two sneakiest summons. Kang and Baruka step out of my shadow, already invisible, both waiting for my signal.

Issei heads for the exit, eager to continue his first date, when I nod to my rogue shadows.

Kang sticks his foot in front of Issei, tripping the pervert, falling down in an epic faceplant. At the same time, Baruka lunges forward, reaching into Issei's pocket, skillfully retrieving it without anyone noticing.

I can't help but laugh as Raynare rushes forward, feigning care as she helps him up to his feet.

Leaving the store with my shadows behind me, I fly up high into the air, easily locating the nearby park with the fountain where the fallen angel kills Issei.

- Later -

- Issei Hyoudou -

"I sure had fun today!" Yuuma cheerfully said to him, as their date came to an end with a classic stroll in the park.

"Yeah, it was the best day ever!" He answered her, feeling a blush grow on his face.

Issei planned the perfect date, there's no way she'll say no if he asks to grope her glorious oppai. But first things first, he had to conjure up the courage to hold her hand, it was the first step in every man's moment of truth.

He breathed out slowly, ignoring the sweat on his brow as he took a leap of faith, carefully grabbing her soft hand.

Yuuma skipped forward towards the fountain, pulling her gentle hand away from him.

"Listen, Issei-kun." She turned to him, her hands behind her back. "To commemorate our first date, would you mind doing something for me?"

"W-What is it you'd like?" His heart skipped a beat, realizing she's about to ask him for a kiss.

"Hpmf..." Yuuma chuckled to herself, her eyes suddenly looked different than they did during the date. "Would you die for me?"

"Eh?" Issei asked her, his eyes wide in confusion. "Sorry Yuuma-chan, could you say that again? Something must be wrong with my ears..."

His date leaned forward, placing her lips right next to his ear.

"Would you die for me?" She repeated, her voice much more mature, the innocent smile on her face suddenly became threatening.

Before he could answer her, the dress she was wearing tore off, revealing her full naked body.

"HUH?!" He never felt more alive, finally seeing a woman's bare body in the flesh for the first time.

He was wondering if he was hallucinating, as Yuuma began to transform in front of him, growing taller and more mature. Two black wings sprouted from her back while leather clothing manifested around her.

It wasn't exactly clothing, as the thin leather straps barely covered her nipples and crotch.

"It's been fun, hanging around with you for this short time, playing along with your naive, childish date." She scoffed at him, a much more arrogant tone in her now erotic voice.

A bright red energy began to gather in front of her, a sharp spear suddenly in her hands.

"Yuuma-chan..." He quietly whispered, reaching out to his girlfriend.

"Time to die." Yuuma smirked, piercing him with the spear, before it dissipated in her hand.

"Krrrk!" He gasped out in shock, blood began to leak out from both his front and back, the spear melting through his flesh and bone like it was butter.

"I'm sorry, but you were too great of a risk for us, so I had to dispose of you right away." She casually revealed to him, sitting on the edge of the fountain. "If you must blame someone for this, blame God for having that Sacred Gear dwell within you."

Sacred Gear..?

Issei tried to process her words, but he couldn't concentrate thanks to the gaping hole in his stomach.

"Thanks for the fond memories~" Yuuma taunted him, using the girly voice she tricked him with.

Her wings extended, flying up and out of sight as black feathers fell around him.

Is this for real?

He knew it was true, feeling his life leave his body as he continued to bleed out all alone in some two-bit park. He didn't even understand why.

If she was going to kill him, couldn't she have let him squeeze her boobs first?

It took Issei all of his remaining strength to lift his hand up, scarlet red blood dripping from it.

When he started to lose consciousness, a black portal appeared in front of him, a tall blond foreigner stepped out, looking down on him with pity.

Ugh, he always hated pretty boys.

"Damn, Issei. She really did you dirty, huh?" The stranger asked him with perfect Japanese.

"H-help me-" Issei couldn't tell if he was already dead, as he only had one eye open, maybe it was all just a dream.

"Shhh, don't speak. You'll only bleed out quicker. Beru, heal him." The man who looked like a stereotypical villain ripped out of one of his treasured doujins instructed him, before he blacked out.

- BONUS -

- Rias Gremory -

Occult Research Club, Kuoh Academy

Staring at the chess board in deep thought, she couldn't help but feel anxious as she waited for her seal to activate. She used her familiar to give her contract to Issei Hyoudou, a Sacred Gear user she had her eye on. Rias was feeling the pressure, she badly needed to increase her peerage's strength.

She needed to properly represent herself as the heiress to the Gremory Clan, as she couldn't afford to make her parents or her brother look weak. That meant she couldn't lose face to Sona, who already had a near full peerage.

But most importantly, she was desperate, she needed to cancel her engagement with Riser Phenex by any means necessary. She had hoped Issei had a strong Sacred Gear, she needed all the help she could get in a Rating Game versus Riser, who was basically unstoppable thanks to his signature regeneration.

"President, what shall we do?" Akeno, her loyal Queen, asked her what the plan was with Issei.

"We shall make our preparations, at least." She decided, capturing a free pawn on the board. "However, it all depends on him..."

For some reason, Rias felt hopeful, the answer to her biggest problem was out there.

AN: Here's 28. Farewell to the Solo Leveling universe for now and hello Highschool DxD! I hope you all look forward to this, as I pray this won't completely fly off the rails :P

Again, just to be completely clear, the plan is DxD for a bit, then back to finish Solo Leveling, and then returning back to DxD after. Anything else regarding other universes and worlds I have no current plans but suggestions or ideas are of course welcome.

Anyway, I finally rewatched episode 1 of the anime after god knows how long. Figured it would be easy to start simple, expect butterflies like what happened with Mars when he started to change things in Seoul.

Thanks y'all, appreciate any and all feedback.