After a few hours of more training, Issei had sent Rias back to the Hyoudou Residence. Since it was now 5 pm, he has been with Astrid. Currently, he is watching the young Valkyrie in training take down Lizardmen.
Issei had taken her to his dimension and allowed her to train in one of the newly appeared dungeons. He was now standing next to the exit, watching Astrid from afar.
Ddraig, who was concerned about Astrid's wellbeing, spoke up. "Partner, is it really right to be far away from her?" he asked with concern.
Issei narrowed his eyes; despite Astrid being dozens of kilometres away, he had an eye on her. "It's fine, Ddraig; if something serious is about to happen, I'll intervene", he reassured.
Astrid was moving at high speed, leaving corpses of Lizardmen in her wake. Her Sacred Gear allowed her to speed through her opponents effortlessly, both offensively and defensively.
She dodged a crossbow shot and zig-zagged her way towards the shooter. In her pursuit, she killed a bunch more; she had a dagger in her hand, which Issei had given her, allowing her to cut through her opponents quickly.
Astrid took a moment to pause and catch her breath; she was nearly at her limit. Another Lizardman appeared and swiped its sword at her, but the recovering Astrid could barely block in time. The impact of the clash sent her flying back, landing on the ground.
Astrid opened her eyes, seeing the same Lizardmen ready to swing their swords down on her; she closed her eyes and prepared for impact. However, she heard the breaking of metal and opened her eyes; she saw Issei standing in front of her, facing the Lizardmen.
The shrapnel of the blade, which it wielded, lay at Issei's feet, shocking that the blade broke from making contact with Issei. The moment Issei saw that Astrid was in danger, he sped into action and intercepted the attack.
"Dad!" Astrid exclaimed in relief.
Issei glared down at the Lizardman, the remains of the blade stuck against his shoulder. The Lizardman's body was shaking in fear, eyes widening from the sudden appearance and shift in the environment.
"Get lost", Issei says in a cold tone.
The Lizardman hesitated, its eyes darting between Issei and the broken weapon in its hand. With a low growl, it turned and fled, disappearing into the shadows of the dungeon.
Issei turned to Astrid, his expression softening. "You did well, Astrid," he said, offering her a hand to help her up. "But remember, never let your guard down, even when you're tired."
Astrid took his hand and stood up, dusting herself off. "I know, Dad," she replied, a hint of frustration in her voice. "I just... I thought I could handle it."
Issei smiled, patting her on the head. "You think you can continue, or are you done for the day?" he asked.
Astrid lets out a tired sigh, "I think I'm done for that day", she says.
X
The two were now sitting on the edge of a cliff overlooking Issei's land; Issei had given her a burrito to eat while he ate his own.
"So mom had schoolwork to do?" Astrid asked, curious about Rossweisse's whereabouts.
Issei nodded, "Yeah, she teaches Civics and had to catch up on the two weeks she was absent. She'll spend time with you tomorrow", he answered.
Astrid then remembered that Issei was also a teacher at Kuoh Academy, "All-Father said you also have a job in the same school that mom works in," she states.
Issei chuckled lightly, "Yeah, I do; I'm the Kuoh Academy's Guidance Counsellor." he revealed. "Although I wanted the role of the P.E. teacher..." he mumbled to himself.
"Will I go to Kuoh Academy as well?" Astrid asked with curiosity.
Issei was about to take a bite before stopping; he started to contemplate the idea. Before shaking his head, "It's better if you stay in your current school; Kuoh is mainly for humans, and you won't learn much in terms of supernatural or combat", he explains.
Astrid nodded, understanding her father's reasoning. "But it would be fun to be in the same school as you and Mom," she mused, taking another bite of her burrito. "And maybe I'd get to meet more people."
Issei smiled, appreciating her enthusiasm. "It could be interesting, but your training and education are more important right now. Plus, you have plenty of time to meet new people," he reassured her. "And who knows, you might visit Kuoh for special events or occasions."
Astrid grinned at the thought, "Maybe I can visit during a sports festival or something," she suggested.
Issei chuckled, nodding. "That could be arranged. But for now, focus on your training and schoolwork. There's still a lot to learn, and you've made great progress," he encouraged.
"Although, how I'm going to explain her existence to Rias and the rest will be a pain in the ass..." Issei thought, knowing that if a misunderstanding took place, Rias would blow a gasket.
Astrid looked out over the landscape, feeling accomplished and determined. "Thanks, Dad. I'll keep working hard," she promised, finishing her burrito.
Suddenly, Astrid remembered something, "Hey, Dad?" she requested.
Issei glanced over to Astrid, "What is it?" he asked.
Astrid took a breath before asking her question, "What's a Harem King?" she asked innocently.
Hearing the question, Issei's eyes widened in shock, and he started to choke on his food. He began to cough relentlessly, the piece of burrito stuck in his throat.
"Dad!" Astrid exclaimed, starting to pat him on his back to alleviate him.
After a few seconds, Issei stopped coughing and finally caught his breath. Astrid handed him a bottle of water. "Thank you, Astrid," he says, drinking from the bottle.
"Are you alright?" Astrid asked, concerned.
Issei turned to her and gave a reassuring smile. "I'm fine now, Astrid. By the way, who told you that term, 'Harem King'?" he asked with narrowed eyes.
"It couldn't have been Gondul... and Rossweisse is mature enough not to mention such things... could it be Odin..." Issei thought
Astrid hummed in thought, her face a mixture of confusion and deep thought. "I forgot his name... but he was tall, but a bit shorter than you. He had hair on his chin and had a patch of golden hair in front of his black hair," she described, her hand gestures subconsciously moving to give a better image.
Issei's eyes became cold and dead, knowing exactly who Astrid was talking about. "Azazel... that bastard! I'll beat him black and blue the next time I see him for corrupting Astrid!" he thought darkly.
His eyes then softened as he looked at Astrid again, "Oh, that's Azazel. He's a Fallen Angel who I know." he revealed,
Astrid's eyes brightened in remembrance, "Oh yeah! That's what his name was", she exclaimed. "He came around with All-Father on Wednesday because he wanted to examine my Sacred Gear".
Issei nodded slowly, "I see... did Azazel say something else?" he said a bit cautiously.
"Well... he also told me to call you 'Oppai Dragon'," Astrid stated.
A nerve bulged from Issei's head, "Did he now?" he asked, a dark smile on his face. "If you see him again, call him Unc."
Astrid raised an eyebrow, "Unc?" she asked for clarification.
Issei nodded stiffly, "Yes, he loves it when people call him Unc", he explained, a sinister smile on his face.
X
Issei had taken Astrid back to Asgard since Gondul asked him to return her by 6 pm. Issei was now walking through the city of Kuoh; it was 1 am, and the only people who were awake were the drunks and clubgoers.
As Issei walked through the streets, he suddenly heard a scream and some snickering. He narrowed his eyes and expanded his senses; finding the location of the distressed noise, he teleported over to the place.
As he teleported, he saw a disgusting sight. Two thugs had cornered a girl in a dead-end alleyway; the girl couldn't be older than Issei. With the way the two were grinning and giggling, their intentions were clear: they would do unspeakable things to her.
Issei saw the look on the girl's face; she was terrified, walking backwards into the corner. Issei decided to intervene; he saw a liquor bottle on the ground and decided to kick it.
The bottle made a loud clanking sound, drawing the attention of all three people. The girl looked straight ahead while the thugs turned around; the thugs were ready to deal with whoever wanted to play 'Hero'. However, all thoughts of defiance died in their throat as they saw a tall and broad silhouette with glowing red eyes glaring into their own as if their souls were being dissected.
The thugs felt a chill run down their spines as they locked eyes with Issei. His presence was overwhelming, and the intensity of his gaze made them shiver with fear.
One of the thugs, trying to muster some courage, stammered, "W-Who the hell are you?"
Issei didn't respond as his eyes travelled to the shivering and shaking girl. She felt cold as the red eyes landed on her; however, to her surprise, Issei signalled his head to his right, indicating for her to leave.
The girl took a nervous step forward; she took down a nervous gulp before sucking up her confidence. She walked past the two thugs who were still leg-locked from fear. She got close to Issei and stopped in front of him.
"Thanks..." the girl muttered in a shy and uncertain tone before running away from the alleyway.
Issei watched the girl leave, ensuring she was safely out of sight before turning his attention back to the two thugs. His expression hardened, and the air around him seemed to grow heavier.
The thugs, realising they were in deep trouble, began to back away slowly. One of them tried to muster some bravado. "Hey, we were just... just having some fun. No need to get all worked up," he stammered, his voice trembling.
Issei took a step forward, his presence growing even more intimidating. Not saying a word and glaring down at the two thugs, the closer Issei got, the more the shadows on the walls moved. The shadows seemed to nip at the two thugs.
The other thug, sensing that their usual tricks wouldn't work, tried a different approach. "Look, we're sorry, okay? We didn't mean any harm," he pleaded, his voice shaky.
Issei sighs, letting out a dark chuckle. "You know, usually I don't train when I'm not in my dimension..." he muttered.
One of the thugs began to beg, their voices a frantic mix of fear and desperation. "Please, man, we're sorry! We won't do it again, I swear!"
The other thug, trembling uncontrollably, tried to offer something as a bribe. "We... we can give you money! Whatever you want!" he offered desperately.
"...but it seems tonight is an exception. You two will serve as good genie pigs." Issei's voice took on a menacing edge, and his aura began to emanate a palpable pressure that made the thugs' knees tremble.
From the thug's point of view, the dark sky turned into a blood-red colour; black clouds covered the sky. In place of Issei was a large black leafless tree. However, countless red eyes replaced what was supposed to be the leaves, each eye glaring into the very essence of the thugs.
The thugs' eyes widened in sheer terror as the darkness seemed to envelop them, the pressure from Issei's aura making it almost impossible to breathe. The vision of the black tree with red eyes burned itself into their minds, and they could almost hear the whispers of malevolent voices urging them to flee.
The oppressive aura of Issei's presence seemed to suffocate the very air around them, making their breaths shallow and uneven. They were trapped in a waking nightmare, their minds racing with the horrifying visions projected by the eyes of the spectral tree.
The thugs' terror reached its peak as the images of their gruesome deaths became clearer in their minds. One vision showed them being mercilessly torn apart by shadowy figures, while the other depicted them being slowly engulfed by an inescapable, suffocating void. The sheer horror of these images was enough to make even the bravest of men lose their sanity.
Issei's aura continued to tighten around them like a noose, the suffocating pressure making it hard for them to think or act rationally. The thugs drop to the ground, screaming in horror as the visions of death get more gruesome.
Their bodies writhed on the ground as their souls and essences began to be consumed. The very fabric of their being started to unravel, their screams becoming more desperate and distorted as the visions of their gruesome deaths grew more vivid.
Once the thugs had been entirely consumed and erased, leaving no trace behind, the spectral tree began to fade. The blood-red sky and black clouds dissipated, and the alleyway returned to its normal state, though still tainted by the lingering scent of fear.
On the other hand, Issei was confused; just a moment ago, he had released his aura and concentrated it on the two thugs like Ddraig had explained in their training. And then, the two thug's eyes started to burn a blood-red colour, and they dropped to the ground instantly, without ever letting out a scream—a clear contrast to what the thugs went through.
"That was weird..." Issei muttered to himself as he pointed a palm towards the dead thugs.
[Ability Used: Elemental Generation: Elemental Creation: Darkness]
Darkness swirled around the two bodies, consuming them entirely until no evidence remained.
Issei then looked in a specific direction, "There's a maximum security prison a couple of kilometres outside of Kuoh. I'll just get some more practice in", he thinks as he leaps from the grounds and flies towards the prison.
(A/N: The sensation which the thugs went through is similar to the short film "It Stares Back" by 'Matt Sears' on YouTube)
X
There was breaking news in Japan on the 6 am News channel. The Maximum security prison outside of Kuoh Town had all its inmates killed horrifyingly. The only survivors were the correctional officers, who were mysteriously unconscious and placed in the parking lot of the Prison.
There was currently no suspect or leads to follow, at least in the human world. On the other hand, the supernatural world knew it was done by one of their own.
The man in question, however, wasn't even in Kuoh but rather the dimension gap. Issei flew towards the direction he felt Great Red and Ophis were, flying around large debris and ancient items.
The two God-level Dragons sensed Issei and looked in his direction, seeing him flying towards them. Issei landed a few seconds later and saw the two; Great Red was still in his human form.
--
Name: Great Red
Race: Dragon
Affiliation: None
Rank: Dragon God
Relationship: None
Type: Unknown
Stats:
Vitality: 130k
Strength: 120k
Agility: 120k
Intelligence: 140k
Senses: 110k
Dexterity: 130k
Luck: 110k
Overall Power Level: 122k
Abilities: Dream Manipulation
Gear: None
--
--
Name: Ophis
Race: Dragon
Affiliation: None
Rank: None
Relationship: None
Type: Caster (Sorcerer)
Stats:
Vitality: 65k
Strength: 60k
Agility: 60k
Intelligence: 70k
Senses: 55k
Dexterity: 65k
Luck: 55k
Overall Power Level: 61k
Abilities: Shapeshifting, Snakes, Blessings, Telepathy, Flight
Gear: None
--
Issei's eyes widened, "Such power..." he thought as he saw the Stats. "I couldn't see their actual stats before by ascendance into a True Devil, but now..."
Issei flashed his eyebrows towards the two as a greeting, "Hey, how have you two been?" he asked.
Great Red chuckled, "Well, good to see you again, Issei Hyoudou", he said in his deep voice.
"It seems like you have gotten even stronger from the fight with Hades", Ophis commented, appearing in front of Issei. Unlike the last time she did, Issei could follow her movement.
Issei nodded slowly, a bit uncomfortable with Ophis being this close. "Yeah, I have..." he replied.
"I must thank you, Issei Hyoudou", Great Red started. "The fight between yourself and the Longinue Weilder was quite entertaining. That Unstoppable Spear of yours completely outclassed the True Longinus.
Issei smirked, images of last week's events flashing through his mind. "You're most certainly welcome", he replied. "So, what have the two of you been doing the past week? I was half wary that you had killed each other, but seeing you two in tip-top shape, you must've been up to something."
Great Red and Ophis exchanged looks, knowing it was a long story.
"Do you remember last week when I told you that this reality had multiple timelines?" Great Red asked.
Issei nodded, "Yes, you did. The first timeline didn't have devils or anything of the sort until my birth, which changed the course of the timeline. And then you said that another timeline formed when I changed and was given these new powers," he elucidated.
"And do you remember what else happened in the timeline in which you didn't change?" Great Red asked.
Issei nodded, "Yeah, I was hit by Samael's curse by Shalba Beelzeebub and died; that is what you said..."
"Remember when I told you that I could perceive alternate timelines, but I had to experience this current timeline in order to see the event of the previous?" Great Red recalls.
Issei nodded in understanding, wondering where Great Red was going with this. Great Red then used his reality manipulation ability to create a table and chairs for the three.
"Take a seat; it'll be a long story..." Great Red says.
After the trio takes a seat at the table, Great Red begins to explain the events of the previous timeline after Issei's 'death'. From the two days of the invasion of the Underworld to Issei being resurrected.
"So wait, last week, you said, in this alternate, I died. Because, unlike this timeline, I didn't have a way to counter Samael's curse, dying at Shalba's hand. That is what you said, right?" Issei asked in an incredulous tone, wanting clarification.
Great Red in confirmation, "That is what I said", he answered, his arms folded.
"And now you're saying that I lived because you and Ophis pooled your power together to create a new body and had Ddraig transfer my soul and consciousness into this new body because my old body was damaged beyond repair?" Issei asked for clarification again.
Great Red nodded, "That's correct. The power of Samael's curse was something you couldn't overcome in that timeline. However, your determination and will were so strong that Ophis and I decided to intervene. We used our combined power to create a new body for you. It was a rare occurrence, but your potential and the impact you had on the world made it worth the effort.", he explained.
Issei sat back, processing the information. "So, in that timeline, I was resurrected with a new body, thanks to you two," he repeated, still trying to wrap his head around the concept. "What do you make of this, Ddraig?" he asked his left hand.
Ddraig's voice echoed through Issei's left hand, thoughtful and contemplative. "It's a unique situation, Partner. In that timeline, you were granted a second chance by the two most powerful beings in existence. It speaks volumes about your potential and the significance of your presence in the world," he commented.
Issei nodded, still absorbing the gravity of the situation. "So, what happened after my resurrection? How did things play out?" he asked, his curiosity piqued.
Great Red leaned back in his chair, a thoughtful expression on his face. "After your resurrection, you went to the Underworld and stopped the final Anti-Monster created by Shalba Belzeebub. You then fought the True Longinus wielder and won, but unlike your current self, you didn't kill him.", he explained.
Issei nodded in understanding, "So, I didn't fight and kill Hades in that timeline as well..." he muttered. He scoffs, "I can only assume I left Cao Cao alive because of the naivety I once had, this whole 'convert evil people into your friends when you can't defeat them'... such a pitiful mindset. Only makes me more certain that the change I went through was the best thing that ever happened to me."
His eyes land back on Ophis, "Anyways, what else have two of you been doing this week?" he asked.
"Well, when we learnt that we pooled our power together to create a body for you, we spent the entire week trying to create a 1:1 replica of your exact body," Great Red said as he snapped his fingers.
Instantly, another Issei appeared next to the sitting one. This Issei was completely naked and was a 1:1 replica of his current body. Issei looked at the nude form himself up and down, not a single difference to his current one, aside from the fact that this body was more draconic than his own,
Issei nodded, a bit on edge. "It seems like you got everything down... to the last inch..." he comments, looking at the thing between his legs.
When Issei trained in his dimension for those two years, his body grew in both height and width. A *certain* part of his body also had to grow to keep the ratio proportions the same.
Aside from his second body's *tool, he noticed that despite being more draconic than his own body, it lacked the potential of his current body.
Great Red seemed to notice Issei's analysis, "Despite saying it's a 1:1 replica, it really isn't." he commented.
Issei turned his head from his second body to Great Red, "What do you mean?" he asked.
"Every other attempt was a failure", came the emotionless words of Ophis.
Issei glanced towards Ophis, "Failure?" he repeated.
Great Red nodded, "Yes, there were attempts before the one you see currently. Those failures were mine and Ophis's choices; we were trying to recreate your current body. But for some reason, they were always failures. Eventually, we gave up trying to create a 1:1 and decided to just give you the same outward appearance, but on a quantum level, both your bodies are different," he explained.
"Hopefully, you don't mind the difference. It was our gift to you for putting up a good show when you fought Hades and Cao Cao," Ophis added.
Issei took in the information; his own body could not be replicated by two of the strongest beings in existence. "You said that there were failures... what exactly made them failures?" he asked.
Great Red and Ophis exchanged glances, "Brace yourself..." Great Red warns as he snaps his fingers again.
Instantly, dozens of more bodies appeared; however, what Issei saw wanted to make him throw up his own guts. Every single body was disfigured, mutilated, mutated. Some didn't have the right amount of limbs; some had countless eyes, and some had more than one head. And the worst part of them all was that they all resembled Issei; he understood why Great Red and Ophis called them failures.
Issei was no stranger to gore with the acts he had committed to the sights he had seen. But something about seeing himself in such a position was haunting.
Before Issei could comment, he was pulled into his mindscape.
As Issei found himself in his mindscape, he stood in the dark church before Dark-sei. The entity was grinning at him, showing off his sharp teeth, almost mocking Issei.
"It's called the 'Perfect Body'," Dark-sei starts.
Issei raised an eyebrow, "The 'Perfect Body'?" he repeated for clarification.
Dark-sei's smile grew slightly, "Yes, the Perfect Body, the body you possess. During your two-year training session, I slowly but surely altered your body on a quantum level to achieve what I call the 'Perfect Body.' he stated.
Issei narrowed his eyes, "What exactly makes my body the 'Perfect Body'?" he asked.
Dark-sei glanced upwards, "System, explain it to this moron," he said smugly.
[The Perfect Body is entirely distinct and one-of-a-kind. It cannot be copied or cloned, nor can its abilities be imitated by shapeshifters or illusionists, nor can they even imitate the user's speech, handwriting, abilities, or motions.]
[The Perfect Body is unique due to a combination of physical, psychic, and empathic traits. Because of their unique characteristics, they are able to perform feats that no one else can. Despite having similar characteristics, abilities, and skills, their methods of using them will never be the same.]
[While it may appear exactly like members of some species or race, the Perfect Body is different; it is powerful and possesses various abilities or functions in unmistakably different ways. Its physiology with this trait is unique compared to the rest of its species/race/kind. This gives it physical and mental characteristics, making it superior to the rest of their race.]
Issei stood in silence, absorbing the information. The concept of the 'Perfect Body; resonated with him, but it also raised questions. "So, my body is unique in every possible way, huh?" he muttered, a mix of fascination and unease in his voice.
Dark-sei grinned wider, enjoying Issei's reaction. "Indeed. It's why Great Red and Ophis couldn't replicate it. Your body's quantum structure is entirely different from anything else. It's not just about power; it's about how you function on a fundamental level." he added.
Issei then looked up at Dark-sei, "What else can my body do?" he asked.
Dark-sei thought for a moment, "Well... there's a lot of things it can do which you haven't utilised. But, if I were so one... the perfect body would never degrade. Your actions of cardio and exercise, your balanced diets, it's all meaningless as you could live off junk and substance abuse, your body will supplement what you lack and keep itself in peak condition," he explains.
Issei nodded, but this information was useless to him, "What else?" he asked.
Dark-sei hummed for a moment, "Well... the Perfect Body cannot be overridden. Whether it be mind, body or soul, if someone tried to override your body such as possession, they would fail miserably", he answered.
Issei nodded, making a mental note of that whenever he might have to eat a couple of mummified fingers, whenever that may be.
"Your body is a singularity and a nexus." Dark-sei continues. "If you were to have it medically examined by the likes of the Grigori or anyone similar, they would say, 'This body should not exist' or 'It's impossible for such a body to function' because they can never comprehend or understand it."
Issei nodded slowly, "I see..." he muttered in a low tone. "What about the Draconic aspects of my body?"
Dark-sei grinned, "If you're asking if your current body surpasses the second body created by Great Red and Ophis in terms of draconic aspects, then yes. The truth is, I synced your current with the body with the other timeline body, so in truth, you already have Great Red's flesh and Ophis's power within, but I've locked it away," he ends, his smile mocking.
Issei's eyes widened. "Locked it away? Why?" he asked in an angry tone.
Dark-sei scoffs, "You of that timeline ran into problems with that body, from the flesh of Great Red to the Infinity of Ophis, so I locked it away for your own benefit, and I'll undo those locks when I find you competent enough to handle that power" he states firmly.
Issei grits his teeth in annoyance; these secrets that Dark-sei withheld from him really pissed him off. "So when you altered my body, what were you thinking?" he asked.
Dark-sei hummed a bit, "Well, I altered it to my image and likeness..." he answered with a sword.
Issei's momentarily widened; this entire time, he thought that Dark-sei looked like him. But if he understood Dark-sei's words, it was he who looked like Dark-sei. Both ideas were terrifying, but the second was haunting.
"Just who exactly are you..." Issei thinks to himself.
As Issei pondered those thoughts, he was pulled out of his mindscape and returned to the real world.
As his consciousness returned to his body, he was once again shown the sight of all the disfigured bodies of himself. "Take those away..." he muttered weakly, trying to hold in his guts.
Great Red snaps his fingers, and the mutated bodies disappear. "I'm assuming that 'he' told you about your body?" he asked, knowing the entity known as Dark-sei had something to do with Issei's uniqueness.
Issei nodded, "Yeah, he did..." he replied.
Great Red eyed Issei carefully, "Let's spar" he stated firmly, wanting to test out Issei's new form.
Issei jerked up, "Spar? Me and you?" he asked for clarification. Surprised to be asked for a spar by the Strongest Being in existence.
Great Red nodded slowly, "Yes, that's what I said," he replied.
Issei's surprise quickly turned into a confident grin. "Alright, let's do it," he said, standing up and rolling his shoulders.
Great Red stood as well, his towering presence exuding an aura of overwhelming power. Ophis remained seated, her expression neutral as she observed the two.
Before they could begin, Great Red raised a hand. "I want to test that white-haired form of yours," he stated.
Issei smirked; just yesterday, he was complaining to Rias that he couldn't find people who would help him grow and evolve, yet now there was someone who would allow him to do so.
The two then hovered into the air, or rather further into the dimensional gap, followed by Ophis, who was equally curious to see Issei's new form.
Dark-sei watched from the place they just left, his eyes unusually narrowed and serious as if waiting to intervene if something were to happen.
X
Issei hovered in the air, his eyes locking onto Great Red's as they ascended into the vast, endless expanse of the Dimensional Gap. The air around them crackled with anticipation, the tension palpable. Issei's heart raced with excitement, knowing he was about to face off against the most powerful dragon in existence.
With his imposing presence, Great Red exuded an aura of raw, unfiltered power. His red hair waved, and his yellow eyes shimmered in the void. His eyes, however, were calm, focused, and analytical, as if he were assessing Issei's every move before the battle even began.
Ophis, the Ouroboros Dragon, hovered nearby, her expression inscrutable. She observed the two dragons with an air of detachment, her gaze shifting between Issei and Great Red, silently calculating the potential outcomes of their clash.
Issei clenched his fists, feeling the familiar surge of energy coursing through him. He knew this was more than just a spar; it was a test of his limits, a measure of his growth since his transformation. He summoned the power within him with a deep breath, and his body began to glow radiantly.
[Satanification Stage 1 has been activated!]
[Stats have been increased by 10x]
[Demon Eyes Stage 2 has been activated]
[Stats have been increased by 50%]
Issei's eyes shift colour; his iris turns blood red, and the whites turn black. His hair turns a snowy white, and his body emits a blood-red aura that is both aggressive and wicked.
--
Name: Issei Hyoudou (Satanification Stage 1)
Race: True Devil/ Dragon/ Unknown
Affiliation: None
Rank: None
Type: Hybrid (Battlemage)
Stats:-
Vitality: 7050
Strength: 6420
Agility: 6360
Intelligence: 7455
Senses: 6090
Dexterity: 6570
Luck: 5280
Overall Power Level: 6503
Abilities: System and its Abilities, Magic (Dark Arts)
Gear: Mutated Boosted Gear
--
Both Great Red and Ophis's eyes widen in shock. "Yes, this is definitely 'his' power. Although Issei Hyoudou has a long way to go to reach its maximum potential if he has on..." Great Red thought.
Without further warning, Great Red lunged forward, his movements a blur as he instantly closed the distance between them. The air crackled with energy as his fist shot towards Issei, carrying the weight of his immense power.
Issei's eyes widened, but he reacted swiftly, his body instinctively moving to block the attack. The impact sent shockwaves rippling through the Dimensional Gap, but Issei held his ground, gritting his teeth as he felt the force of Great Red's punch.
The two dragons exchanged a flurry of blows, their movements almost too fast to follow. Issei's newfound strength and agility allowed him to keep up with Great Red, but he quickly realised the vast difference in their experience and skill. Great Red's attacks were precise and calculated, testing Issei's defences and probing for weaknesses.
Despite the intensity of the battle, Issei felt exhilarated. This was the challenge he had been seeking, the opportunity to push his limits and discover the full extent of his abilities. His eyes analysed Great Red's movements, allowing him to predict and counter some of the attacks, but he knew he was only scratching the surface of what Great Red was capable of.
Ophis watched the battle unfold, her expression unchanging. She could see the potential in Issei, the raw power and determination that set him apart from others. But she also recognised his challenges and the hurdles he would need to overcome to master his abilities.
As the battle raged on, Issei felt a growing pressure within him, a sense that he was on the brink of something greater. He pushed himself harder, tapping into the depths of his power, determined to prove himself.
Great Red, sensing Issei's resolve, intensified his attacks. "Show me what you're truly capable of, Issei!" he roared, his voice echoing through the void.
Issei gripped his fists tightly and let out a loud roar, enough to shake the entire Dimensional Gap momentarily.
[Blood Lust has been activated]
[Stats have increased by 40%]
[Rage has been activated]
[Stats have been increased by 30%]
The atmosphere around Issei intensified, the pressure building as he unleashed more of his power. His aura flared, a mix of red and black energy swirling around him, reflecting the fierce emotions and raw strength he was channelling. The Dimensional Gap seemed to respond to his power, the space itself rippling and distorting under the weight of their clash.
Great Red's eyes narrowed, sensing the shift in Issei's power. He smiled a feral grin that showed his excitement. "That's more like it," he muttered, feeling the thrill of the battle as he continued to test Issei's limits.
Issei, now fully immersed in the battle, moved with greater speed and precision. His punches and kicks were more powerful, each blow resonating with the energy of his amplified state.
As they exchanged blows, Great Red began to unleash more of his power, his aura flaring with a brilliant red hue. The sheer force of his attacks created shockwaves that reverberated through the Dimensional Gap, each strike challenging Issei's defences. Despite the overwhelming power, Issei held his ground.
Ophis observed silently, her eyes sharp and focused. She could see Issei's growth and how he adapted and responded to Great Red's attacks. There was a raw, untapped potential within him, a spark that promised even greater power.
In a sudden burst of speed, Great Red moved behind Issei, aiming a powerful punch at his back. Issei barely had time to react, his instincts kicking in as he twisted his body to avoid the brunt of the attack. The impact still sent him flying, but he quickly recovered, flipping in the air and landing on his feet.
Great Red nodded in approval. "Good reflexes," he praised, "but you still have a long way to go."
Issei grinned, wiping a trickle of blood from the corner of his mouth. "I'm just getting started," he replied, his voice feral and excited.
[Ability Used: Energy Manipulation: Energy Generation]
With a roar, Issei unleashed a surge of energy, his aura flaring brightly. The air around him crackled with power, the sheer intensity of his energy causing the space around them to distort. His eyes glowed with a fierce light, a mixture of red and black that reflected his unyielding spirit.
Great Red's eyes narrowed, his expression serious. "Impressive," he acknowledged, "but let's see if you can handle this."
Without warning, Great Red unleashed a massive wave of energy, the sheer force of which threatened to overwhelm Issei. But Issei stood his ground, his eyes narrowing in focus.
[Ability Used: Energy Manipulation: Energy Negation]
He gathered his energy, forming a barrier around himself, the aura crackling and sparking as it absorbed the impact of Great Red's attack.
The clash of energies sent shockwaves rippling through the Dimensional Gap, the sheer force of it resonating through the space. Issei gritted his teeth, pushing against the overwhelming power. His body strained under the pressure, but he refused to back down.
With a final surge of energy, Issei pushed back, breaking through Great Red's attack. He lunged forward, his fists glowing as he aimed a powerful punch at Great Red. The dragon dodged, but Issei was relentless, following up with a flurry of punches and kicks.
Great Red parried the attacks with ease, his movements fluid and controlled. But Issei was relentless, pushing himself harder and faster, each blow carrying the weight of his determination and resolve.
As the battle continued, Issei felt a surge of power welling up within him. He knew he was close to something, a breakthrough that would push him to the next level. Great Red could sense this and decided to take action.
"Let's see if you awaken the part of yourself you neglected..." Great Red said as he appeared before Issei and hit him in his heart.
[Due to power deactivation, Stats have returned to Base]
Issei was knocked out of his Satanification power up, his hair turning back to black and eyes back to silver. Issei felt it, his heartbeat.
Dark-sei, who was watching from afar, widened his eyes in shock. "No... not yet... I knew it was a bad idea..." he muttered, not stopping Issei from sparing with Great Red.
Great Red's eyes widened as well; he teleported to Ophis and took hold of her, teleporting again to a safe distance away.
Dark energy then converged on Issei's motionless body before a giant explosion occurred. Sending the debris around himself, flying in various directions. An enormous cloud of dust covered Issei, and a lightning storm occurred within; with each lightning strike, Issei's silhouette started to change, morphing and transforming until it was completely unrecognisable.
Large glowing red eyes peered through the smoke, glaring at Great Red and Ophis. The Dimensional Gap trembled under the intense energies clashing within it. Issei let out a deafening roar, which was sent across the Dimensional Gap; as he did, the smoke and storm around him disappeared, showing his form.
A titanic-sized black western dragon, large enough to dwarf entire mountains, floated in the Dimensional Gap. Multiple horns protruded from his head, and spikes were on his spine, with wings large enough to block out the sun's light despite the Dimensional Gap not having one. Claws so big it could grab hold of mountains and throw them, a maw so vast it could eat skyscrapers.
This was Issei in his dragon form, unintentionally awakened by Great Red when he hit Issei's heart, pouring his power into him, awakening a part that Dark-sei had locked away. A dragon so giant it dwarfs not only Great Red's Dragon form but also the Anti Monsters created by Shalba, a truly apocalyptic level threat.
Great Red and Ophis watched in awe as Issei's transformation reached its peak. The sheer size and presence of his dragon form were awe-inspiring, a testament to the untapped potential within him. The air around him crackled with raw energy, and the Dimensional Gap seemed to warp under the pressure of his power.
Great Red's eyes narrowed as he assessed the situation. "So, this is what lies within you, Issei Hyoudou," he muttered, a mix of admiration and concern in his voice. He could feel the immense power radiating from Issei, a power that rivalled even his own. But he also sensed the instability, the uncontrolled fury that threatened to consume everything around it.
Ophis, who rarely showed emotion, looked genuinely surprised. Her eyes widened slightly as she observed Issei's new form. "A dragon of such magnitude... This power... It's as if he's become a manifestation of chaos itself," she murmured, her voice barely above a whisper.
Issei's eyes, now glowing with a fierce red light, locked onto Great Red and Ophis. His gaze had a primal, almost animalistic intensity, as if his rational part had been submerged beneath the overwhelming surge of power. He let out another roar, the sound reverberating through the Dimensional Gap, shaking the very fabric of space.