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

11. Chapter 10

In the quiet of the Norwegian night, Issei lay on the couch, lost in his thoughts, contemplating the potential Longinus he was about to discover. Meanwhile, Rossweisse, lying on the bed, found her mind preoccupied with thoughts of Issei.

Observing his peculiar behaviour, Rossweisse pondered, "The way he acts is so different; if I ask him, will he answer?"

Summoning her courage, she called out to him, breaking the silence, "Hey, Issei."

"Hm? What's up?" he responded, turning his attention to her.

Carefully choosing her words, Rossweisse ventured, "When observing your behaviour, I've noticed a distinct contrast in how you carry yourself in my presence compared to when you interact with others. Your demeanour becomes more aloof and apathetic when they are around."

"By others, you mean Rias and the rest, right?" Issei asked, seeking clarification.

"Yeah," Rossweisse confirmed.

Issei contemplated for a moment before admitting, "I guess I'm more open around you as opposed to the others."

Curious, Rossweisse probed further, "Oh, is it just me?"

"No, not really," Issei replied. "There's Azazel, Ddraig, Ravel, and you."

A sense of understanding settled between them. Rossweisse, her curiosity piqued, asked with genuine concern, "Will there come a time when you can truly forgive them, Rias and the others?"

Issei fell into a thoughtful silence, causing Rossweisse to grow slightly nervous, the weight of his unspoken words hanging in the air.

A few moments passed in tense silence before Issei found his voice.

"Did you also see my memories through Azazel?" he asked, his eyes searching for answers.

Rossweisse, her expression grave, responded, "If we're discussing the recollections of that fateful day when you faced the assault of the Devil trio right before the ORC clubhouse, indeed, I was an eyewitness to the event."

Issei's frustration bubbled beneath the surface, evident in his grumbled response, "Who else saw aside from the ORC and yourself?"

"Including me, Sirzechs, Grayfia, Zeoticus, and Venelana," Rossweisse answered, her voice steady despite the weight of the revelation.

Internally seething, Issei couldn't help but lament in his thoughts, "For fuck's sake, why does almost everyone I know have front-row seats to one of the most pathetic scenes in my life?" He rubbed his face in agony, grappling with the painful memories.

Taking a deep breath, Rossweisse listened intently as Issei began to explain his perspective. "When that attack occurred," he started, "from my perspective, it seemed as if Rias and the others were the ones who orchestrated that assault against me."

Rossweisse's eyes widened in shock, but she kept silent, urging Issei to continue before jumping to conclusions.

"At that moment," Issei continued, his voice shaking with the weight of his revelation, "I couldn't fathom why such thoughts crossed my mind, but I suppose it stemmed from the trauma inflicted by Raynare. It seemed as though my role within the ORC and Team Gremory had become dispensable, prompting their decision to eliminate me."

His words hung in the air, heavy with betrayal and confusion. "Pleading with Rias to resurrect Asia and appointing her as Rias's bishop, saving Rias from her forced marriage, and actively participating in foiling Kokabiel's bid to incite another Great War—these actions contributed to the establishment of peace among the three biblical factions and the forging of alliances with other pantheons, such as the Norse. It was reminiscent of how Raynare manipulated me, drawing close, only to ultimately end my life when I no longer served a purpose. The sense of betrayal I experienced in that moment far surpassed what I had felt with Raynare; I began to doubt them and their professed feelings to the extent that my hatred for them grew immensely."

The truth hung heavily in the air, leaving Issei and Rossweisse lost in the moment's weight.

Rossweisse felt a twinge of pain in her heart as Issei explained his past. His words hung heavily in the air, laden with the weight of his experiences.

"Once I spent a considerable time in that time-dilated dimension, it became evident to me that such thinking was utterly absurd. However, at that point, the damage of that flawed mindset had already taken its toll," Issei confessed, his voice laced with bitterness.

Rossweisse couldn't help but wonder, her thoughts echoing with confusion, "Damage? What damage is he talking about?"

Issei continued, his tone filled with regret, "I was seething angrily, overwhelmed with rage, and so jaded. Without my departure into the other dimension, I would have unleashed my fury upon everyone, including those who had no part in my downfall— individuals such as Ravel, Azazel, and yes, even you."

Rossweisse swallowed hard, absorbing the weight of his words, realizing the depth of his internal struggle.

"Once I finally grasped that they weren't the ones behind the attack, I had already become engulfed in my own seething anger and instinctively sought out every justification to despise them," Issei explained, his voice carrying the scars of past wounds.

"That's why I am the way I am around them; I don't have a reason to hate them, not anymore. But I'm so used to hating them. I don't know what I would do if I didn't. I spent much longer hating them than caring for them; it's now natural for me to hate them," he confessed, his words heavy with the burden of his emotions.

Rossweisse, her voice gentle, tried to offer a glimmer of hope, "Issei, it's evident that they still hold affection for you. Have you ever contemplated the possibility of granting them forgiveness and allowing your heart to embrace them once more?"

Issei looked at her, his eyes reflecting a profound internal struggle. "I know, and to answer your question, I have no clue. I stopped listening to my heart a long time ago," he admitted, his voice laden with the weight of his past decisions, leaving both of them immersed in the complex depths of his emotions.

Rossweisse felt a twinge of pain in her heart in response to Issei's words, recognizing the emotional barriers he had erected within himself.

"So he closed off his heart to not deal with his emotions," she mused in her thoughts, trying to comprehend his demeanour.

"What about you?" Issei's voice broke the silence, his curiosity evident.

"Me?!" Rossweisse responded, her confusion evident.

Wearing a sly grin, Issei continued, "Rossweisse, as a part dragon, I have an uncanny ability to detect the scent of alcohol in a school from miles away."

"That's a lie; I only know because Azazel told me about the alcohol," Issei admitted, smirking inwardly at his clever ruse.

"Oh! That!" Rossweisse stammered nervously, caught off guard.

"Come on, tell me. I won't judge," Issei encouraged, his expression gentle.

Pausing to gather her thoughts, Rossweisse hesitated before opening up, realizing the fairness of the moment.

"He opened up to me; it's only fair to open up to him," she convinced herself, looking at Issei with newfound resolve.

"I am aware that Odin and Azazel jest about my search for a special person in life, and to some degree, I perceive it as mere banter. However, I must admit that occasionally it does manage to affect me," Rossweisse confessed, her voice timid and shy as she spoke the last sentence.

Issei, drawing from his own experiences, shared his wisdom. "Love is not something you should force. When you actively seek out Love, you inadvertently attract individuals who may not align with your desires. The most profound Love often emerges unexpectedly, without anticipation. There are no celestial archers shooting arrows or definitive signs to search for. Love simply manifests naturally. I assure you, if you were to actively pursue it, you would likely encounter pain and disappointment."

Rossweisse resonated deeply with Issei's words; the specialness of Love should not be forced or rushed.

Ddraig chimed in mockingly, "Speaking from experiences, huh?"

"Shut it," Issei retorted, annoyance etched in his tone.

"Thank you, Issei," Rossweisse said, her voice filled with gratitude.

"Thank you? For what?" Issei questioned, perplexed.

"Um, nothing!" she replied shakily, her emotions a whirlwind.

"Okay then," Issei responded, uncertainty colouring his tone as they drifted to sleep, contemplating the profound conversation between them.

X

The sun rose on a new day, casting its gentle light into the room where Rossweisse and Issei had just woken up. After freshening up with a quick wash of their faces and brushing their teeth, they went to the bustling dining hall for breakfast. Rossweisse, determined to introduce Issei to more Norwegian flavours, ordered a different dish this time, encouraging him to explore the depths of their cuisine. Issei, mindful not to overindulge, held back his voracious appetite, savouring the unfamiliar tastes.

His mind was inspired, contemplating, "I really need to learn how to make some of these dishes; maybe Rossweisse can help me."

With their breakfast behind them, the two companions changed into more suitable attire, gearing up for their mission to find the sacred gear user targeted by rogue assailants from the Norse Pantheon. Stepping out into the vibrant city, they embarked on a quest, their senses alert, trying to discern the unique energy signature of a sacred gear user amidst the bustling crowds. Hand in hand, they walked through the lively streets, their determination unwavering, searching for the individual they needed to protect.

Issei shared the intriguing revelation, his voice laced with a mix of curiosity and concern, "This morning, Azazel reached out to me, stating that his scanning device for identifying potentially powerful sacred gear users didn't yield any results in Norway."

Rossweisse's expression, severe and tinged with scepticism, inquired, "Is that so? Does that imply that the leader we interrogated yesterday was being deceitful?"

"Well, perhaps there's a possibility," Issei replied, contemplating the situation, "but it could equally imply that a sacred gear possesses the potential to evolve into a weapon of Longinus-tier calibre." His eyes shifted to his left arm, his thoughts drifting to Ddraig's evolution.

Inwardly, he mused, "The system was the catalyst behind Ddraig's transformation. Could it have a similar effect on other sacred gears? If so, it implies the possibility of others possessing the system as well," a chilling realization creeping into his mind about the potential exploitation of its power.

Rossweisse, her brows furrowing in contemplation, questioned further, "That's a considerable 'if.' It's highly improbable for a sacred gear to ascend to the level of a Longinus. I can't recall ever encountering such an occurrence. Has Azazel shared any additional insights regarding the individuals known to wield the Longinus?"

Issei nodded, his expression pensive, "Yeah, he did mention this guy Tobio Ikuse from the Gregori who wields Canis Lykaon, and apparently, he's a descendant of the Himejima Clan, which makes him Akeno's second cousin too, but keep it hush-hush. I doubt she's aware of it, and I'd rather not be the one who spills the beans."

A subtle chuckle escaped Rossweisse, her lips curving into a smile, "Indeed, it appears that my lips remain sealed."

Issei shifted the conversation slightly, his tone casual, "And besides, she'll probably try to find any excuse to initiate a conversation with me, but honestly, I'm not really interested in engaging with her."

"Oh, okay," Rossweisse nodded, her understanding evident as they continued their discussion, the mysteries of their world unfolding before them.

Issei's mind buzzed with frustration and concern. "Ddraig, have you managed to figure out a way to reach out to Elsha?" he inquired, hope tinged with urgency.

Ddraig's voice echoed in his thoughts, tinged with regret, "No, I haven't."

Frustration boiled within Issei as he pondered the missed opportunity. "Damn it, she could've known something! How long have we been unable to reach the previous users? Since we arrived in Norway?" His tone grew assertive, demanding answers.

Ddraig's response came with a hint of regret, "Partner, I haven't been able to contact them since you and I fused back together in the pocket dimension."

Annoyance crept into Issei's voice as he pressed further, "Why are you only telling me this now? And why did it take so long?"

Ddraig's thoughts dripped with remorse, "I think I was more carried away about your transformation and powers to worry about that."

Issei clicked his tongue in frustration. "Anyway," he continued, attempting to redirect their focus, "have you managed to locate the sacred gear user yet?"

Ddraig's voice held a note of apology, "No, not yet, sorry."

Issei sighed, his frustration settling into resignation. The weight of their situation bore down on him as he contemplated the challenges ahead.

Under the city lights, Issei's voice broke the night's silence as he called out, "Hey, Rossweisse."

Rossweisse turned, her curiosity evident in her eyes. "Yeah?" she responded, waiting for Issei to speak.

"What if it's a new type of sacred Gear altogether?" Issei pondered aloud. "Maybe that's why Azazel doesn't know about it, or it can't be detected with normal means."

Rossweisse considered Issei's theory. "That does seem quite plausible," she mused. "But one must wonder what sort of formidable new sacred Gear could possess such immense power?"

Issei shook his head, uncertain. "Not sure. All I know is that the wielder is in danger, and we need to get to her before anyone else does."

"The leader did mention it was a girl," Rossweisse added. "However, I must express my astonishment. How is it possible for such a young individual to awaken a sacred Gear at such an early age, let alone a Longinus?"

"There have been instances where individuals unleash their power far earlier than anticipated," Issei replied, recalling another case. "Take that Tobio fellow, for instance. It seems that upon the very first activation, he had already acquired his formidable Balance Breaker."

"He must be very skilled if that is the case," Rossweisse commented, her thoughts drifting toward the mysteries of sacred Gears.

Together, they continued their walk through the city, their conversation blending with the night's ambience as they delved deeper into the enigma before them.

X

After an exhaustive search, they found themselves surrounded by the serene ambience of a park, the silence broken only by the rustling leaves. Rossweisse, visibly fatigued, sank to the ground, weariness etched on her face. Leaning against a tree, Issei mirrored her exhaustion.

"We've been tirelessly searching for an extended duration, investing considerable effort! Yet, alas, our endeavours have yielded no fruitful results!" Rossweisse lamented, her voice heavy with disappointment, the weight of their failure palpable.

Deep in thought, Issei voiced his confusion, "I distinctly recall Rias mentioning that I exuded the presence of a dragon long before I even embraced my demonic nature or awakened my Sacred Gear. It's rather baffling that locating something as distinctive as a Longinus proves this challenging."

Rossweisse, ever the analytical mind, pondered aloud, "Is it possible for the leader of that squad to have made a mistake? Could we be dealing with an exceptionally potent Regular Sacred Gear?" Her words dripped with curiosity, seeking to unravel the mystery that eluded them.

"Perhaps," Issei replied, his determination unwavering, "however, the objective remains unchanged: we must locate this girl and prevent the enemy from laying their hands on her. One can only imagine her pain once they have her." His voice held a fierce determination, the resolve to protect evident in his every word.

Deep in his thoughts, Issei recalled the tragic fate of Asia, a victim of manipulation, her sacred Gear forcibly taken from her, ultimately leading to her demise. "I won't tolerate anyone being manipulated for their power ever again," he vowed to himself, his determination laced with a touch of fierce resolve.

Amidst the uncertainty, Rossweisse, their strategist, spoke, her voice measured, "Given our current predicament, it seems we are lacking any definitive leads. In light of this, it appears our best course of action would be to patiently await the arrival of additional enemy forces. Once they come forth, we shall emerge victorious in battle and employ our expertise in extracting vital information through thorough interrogation."

Issei, however, had a different plan in mind. "We could wait, but I have a better idea," he interjected

With curiosity etched on her face, Rossweisse asked, "What thoughts occupy your mind?"

With unwavering determination, Issei shared his plan, "I should be able to locate this girl with my Speed Thinking."

Concern crept into Rossweisse's voice as she protested, "Issei! Analyzing an entire city? You know how mentally taxing that can be, especially in a bustling environment! You've mentioned getting migraines before, and I'm genuinely worried that you might put yourself at risk for serious injury!"

Issei met her worry with steely resolve. "I know, but we have no other choice," he asserted, his gaze unwavering.

"Just catch me when I fall, okay?" he implored, seeking reassurance from Rossweisse.

"Okay, but just don't overdo it," she replied, her concern evident as they prepared to embark on their risky endeavour.

Issei closed his eyes and expanded his field of awareness, stretching it from a mere couple of blocks to encompass the entire city of Florø. He focused intently, striving to cover every nook and cranny of the vast urban landscape.

[Ability Used: Speed Thinking]

With unwavering determination, Issei activated his Speed Thinking ability. In that instant, he tapped into the thoughts of every individual, predicting their actions and choices. Every potential outcome and intricate butterfly effect unfolded before him in a fraction of a moment. He clenched his teeth, the mental strain becoming palpable.

Among those around him, Rossweisse wore a worried expression, sensing the intensity of Issei's concentration.

Suddenly, amidst the sea of thoughts, Issei heard the distressed inner voice of a child, the words echoing in his mind, "Why was I born cursed? I was born with a monster inside of me? Why did God cast a blind eye on me? Why did my parents abandon me? Why? Why? Why?" The girl's cries tore at his heart.

Issei's mental prowess allowed him to visualize the girl, approximately 14 years old, with striking blue and silver hair and hazel brown eyes. But what truly struck him was the potent, primordial power resonating within her. It felt ancient, almost as old as time itself, with a reptilian essence reminiscent of dragons.

Issei intensified his focus, honing in on the girl's location. Amidst his mental map, he pinpointed a building bearing the name "Youth" on it.

As the immense mental effort took its toll, Issei ceased his ability, feeling himself gradually descending to the ground, his mind and body exhausted from the strain.

Rossweisse dashed to Issei's side, her voice echoing with urgency, "Issei!" As she reached him, she swiftly caught him before he could collapse, her arms wrapped around his body. With a determined effort, she slid her knees beneath him, bearing the weight of his heavy frame.

Struggling to support him, Rossweisse muttered under her breath, feeling the strain, "Goodness, his weight is truly remarkable! What does he consume to maintain such mass?"

Gently, she placed his head on her thighs, concern etched on her face as Issei gasped for air, clearly in pain. He attempted to speak, his voice fatigued, "I know where she is; she's at."

Rossweisse interrupted him, her tone soothing, "Hush now, take your time to rest. Inform me once you have regained your strength and feel prepared."

"Okay, okay," Issei mumbled weakly, his voice trailing off as he succumbed to unconsciousness, resting on Rossweisse's lap.

Fifteen tense minutes passed, during which Rossweisse carefully monitored Issei's breathing. Eventually, he stirred, and Rossweisse, ever watchful, called out to him, her voice laced with concern, "Hey, are you okay?"

Issei's voice, gruff with pain, responded, "Well, I'm better now."

Concerned, Rossweisse inquired further, "Any headaches?"

"Yeah," Issei admitted, his discomfort apparent.

Rossweisse, her meticulous nature evident, asked, "On a scale of 1 to 10, how dreadful is it?"

"20," Issei replied bluntly, his agony palpable.

Caringly, Rossweisse advised, her hand tenderly brushing his cheek, "If that's truly the situation, it would be prudent for you to allow yourself more rest," attempting to lull him back into a peaceful slumber.

Issei, however, insisted, "I'm fine; I've faced tougher challenges," gritting his teeth as he pushed himself up from Rossweisse's lap.

His pain momentarily forgotten Issei offered a grateful smile, "Thanks, by the way. Appreciate you being there to catch me when I stumbled and making sure I was alright."

Modesty and a touch of embarrassment coloured Rossweisse's expression as she replied, "Oh, it was nothing, really. I simply fulfilled the duty entrusted to me."

Curiosity piqued, she asked, "So what did you see?"

Issei recounted his vision, "I saw a building with the word 'Youth' on its roof."

"'Youth?' That's the local orphanage," Rossweisse informed him.

"That would make sense," Issei remarked, connecting the dots.

Perplexed, Rossweisse asked, "What?"

Issei continued, "The girl I saw had blue and silver hair. She was thinking about why her parents abandoned her."

Rossweisse's expression softened, understanding the depth of the situation. "I see," she said somberly.

Issei added, "She was also questioning why she was born cursed and why was she born with a monster inside of her."

Rossweisse's eyes widened in realization, "That unequivocally establishes the identity of our elusive target whom we have tirelessly pursued all this while."

"And her aura, the power within her. It felt like that of a Dragon or, at the very least, reminiscent of its might," Issei explained.

"A dragon? Which one would it be?" Rossweisse wondered aloud.

Issei asked Ddraig for answers, "Ddraig, do you know anything about this?"

Ddraig replied, "My initial musings were of Vritra, but I recollect Azazel's generosity in bestowing if not all, the majority of the pieces to the Sitri pawn."

Issei contemplated for a moment before stating, "Saji."

Ddraig acknowledged, "I shall not wholly dismiss it; there remains a chance, however slim."

With confidence ringing in his voice, Issei addressed Rossweisse, his determination palpable, "Well, we won't find out if we keep staying here, will we?" Rising to his feet, he looked at her expectantly.

"Allow me a moment, please," Rossweisse replied, her tone tinged with unease, her form still gracefully kneeling.

Curiosity piqued, Issei inquired, "What's the issue?" sensing that something was amiss with Rossweisse.

"I-I-it's not a significant matter, but, uh, while you were resting on my lap, the circulation in my leg ceased, rendering it immobile. Just allow me a few moments, and I shall regain my mobility shortly," she stammered, her nervous laughter filling the air.

"Oh, that," Issei chuckled, recalling a similar experience from his past. "I used to experience that almost every night back when I lived with Rias and the rest. They would make use of my arms as pillows, resting their heads on them. I would wake up the next day with practically no mobility in my arms."

Rossweisse joined in the laughter, attempting to ease the situation. Issei, teasingly, offered, "Do you want me to carry you?"

"I-I-I mean, why would you?!" Rossweisse stammered her face crimson with embarrassment.

"It's only fair that I do something generous for you since you laid me down on your lap and made sure I was okay," Issei smirked, his tone playful.

"Such absurdity! There is absolutely no necessity for concern! I assure you, I shall regain my composure within a mere few minutes!" Rossweisse exclaimed, attempting to conceal her embarrassment.

Ignoring her protests, Issei moved closer, wrapping his arms around her to lift her. "No!" she exclaimed, her voice laced with shame, determinedly pounding on his chest to dismiss him.

Issei merely laughed at her attempt to repel him. Eventually, with Issei's assistance, Rossweisse regained mobility in her legs. Together, they walked out of the park and headed towards the orphanage.

In the depths of Issei's mind, Ddraig found amusement in the situation, his thoughts echoing mischievously, "Hahaha, partner, you really took away her ability to walk!" Issei, annoyed, retorted, "Shut up." But Ddraig persisted, roaring with laughter, "Had her legs shaking and everything!"

X

They journeyed from the park to the orphanage, taking 10 minutes. As they stood in front of the building, the word 'Youth' was boldly written on the billboard at the entrance.

Issei's eyes widened. "This is... This is the place I saw."

Rossweisse, her analytical nature shining through, inquired, "Yes, this is the sole orphanage in Florø, isn't it? Were you able to ascertain her name?" Her words were precise, reflecting her meticulous approach.

Shaking his head, Issei replied, "No, I couldn't. However, I have a clear mental image of her appearance."

"Ah, just to confirm, you're referring to the combination of blue and silver hair, correct?" Rossweisse probed her attention to detail evident.

"Yeah," Issei affirmed.

They exchanged a knowing look before sighing in unison, their determination unyielding. Together, they walked towards the entrance and stepped inside.

Upon entering, they found a front desk with a woman engrossed in a call. Doors flanked both sides of the room – one leading to an office on the left and another to a hallway, presumably where the orphans resided, on the right.

Rossweisse approached the desk, her tone severe yet polite. "Good day," she greeted the desk lady.

"Hi! Are you and your husband here looking for a child to adopt?" the desk lady chirped, referring to Issei as Rossweisse's husband. Rossweisse's face flushed crimson in embarrassment.

"Hu-Hus-Husband?!" she stammered, her words faltering in her surprise.

Issei, unwilling to let the situation linger, employed his Mental Manipulation to make the desk lady aloof. Rossweisse noticed the change in the desk lady's demeanour, her eyes mirroring Issei's crimson hue. She turned back to Issei, her confusion apparent.

"Why did you do that?" Rossweisse asked, her voice tinged with confusion, her brows furrowing in contemplation.

Issei smirked teasingly. "It was a piece of cake compared to trying to explain our motives here, even if we were to lie. And besides, how could you possibly answer with all those butterflies fluttering in your stomach after her comment?" he teased.

Caught off guard, Rossweisse looked away, her face ablaze with embarrassment. "I-I, I'm afraid I don't comprehend your words!" she stammered, her cheeks flushing.

Issei chuckled softly, steering the conversation back on track. "Well, anyway, this way," he said, gesturing toward the right door, which, judging by the layout, was likely the path to the orphans.

They both stepped through the door and entered the hallway, proceeding down its length until they reached a set of double doors at the far end. As they entered, they found themselves in an open area resembling a lobby, scattered with toys belonging to the orphanage's children. Through transparent doors, they observed the kids playing on a playground outside, some in groups, others alone. Issei was drawn to a solitary girl sitting beneath a dimly lit tree.

He gently tapped Rosswiesse's arm, redirecting her gaze. "That girl under the tree," he said, his eyes fixed on her.

Rosswiesse, serious and analytical, inquired, "Do you believe that might be the girl we've been searching for?"

"Most likely. I sense a sort of supernatural aura emanating from her," Issei replied, his confidence unwavering.

"I find it quite perplexing. Truly, I cannot sense even the slightest inkling," Rossweisse stated, her voice tinged with confusion.

"It's undoubtedly due to my heightened senses," Issei explained.

They made their way toward the girl, but before Issei could proceed, he was halted by Rossweisse.

"What's wrong?" Issei asked, concerned by her sudden pause.

"With utmost certainty, I am familiar with this sensation. It resonates deeply within me, for it exudes a distinctly Nordic essence!" Rossweisse exclaimed, her eyes widening in awe and recognition.

"Nordic? Are you suggesting that this sacred Gear is derived from Norse mythology? That's absurd; I'm certain there are no Longinus sacred gears with Nordic origins," Issei objected, his disbelief apparent.

"I am well aware, for I have experienced this sentiment all too intimately, as have you to some degree," Rossweisse responded, her tone unwavering and knowledgeable.

"Is there a connection to Loki, perhaps?" Issei speculated, attempting to make sense of the situation.

"Indeed, do you recall our encounter with Loki in the depths of the underworld? That memorable battle where he unleashed his formidable offspring, Midgardsormr and Fenrir, alongside their own progeny, Skoll and Hati?" Rossweisse recalled.

The name Fenrir triggered a phantom pain in Issei's heart. "Yeah, how could I forget them. Especially Fenrir? he certainly left his mark on me," he admitted begrudgingly, his mind returning to the past.

"What's the correlation between this girl and them?" Issei inquired, his curiosity piqued.

"Well, it should be noted that the Midgardsormrs we valiantly battled were merely feeble clones, mere echoes of the true original," Rossweisse revealed.

"Yeah, the original couldn't care less about Loki and his ambitions regarding Ragnarok," Issei added, remembering their encounter vividly.

"Yes! Well, you see, the identity of the 'monster' within this girl is none other than Midgardsomr, the original," Rossweisse revealed her tone grave.

"Are you seriously implying that this girl's sacred gear houses the World Serpent within it?" Issei asked, his disbelief palpable.

"Indeed! That is precisely my thoughts," Rossweisse confirmed, her expression serious.

"That doesn't make any sense; the ORC actually had a conversation with Midgardsomr as part of their preparations to confront Loki. How could Midgardsomr be sealed within a sacred gear? It's not as if someone randomly receives a sacred gear at any age; they are born with it. It simply wouldn't add up for him to have been sealed for what appears to be 14 years and still have the ability to communicate with us through a dragon gate," Issei reasoned, his confusion evident.

"I find myself pondering over that very question," Rossweisse said, her thumb and index finger lightly pressing against her chin in deep contemplation.

"Unless he's been recently sealed into a sacred gear, and coincidentally, he's confined within a dormant sacred gear," Issei suggested, presenting a possible explanation.

"Are you implying that Midgardsomr was sealed within an already existing sacred gear and subsequently took control of it?" Rossweisse questioned, trying to grasp the complexity of the situation.

"Yeah, that's pretty much it," Issei confirmed, his voice filled with conviction.

"Why would he desire such a thing?" Rossweisse wondered aloud, her brow furrowed in thought.

"I'm not sure, but it does shed light on why Azazel seems clueless about this new development or why our attempts to track down that girl were futile. Midgardsomr, being the Dragon King of Sloth, has an uncanny knack for remaining undetectable; it's no wonder his presence eluded us," Issei said, his frustration evident.

Ddraig snarled in disdain, his voice carrying a touch of superiority, "Hmph, you lazy dragon!"

Issei retorted in his thoughts, "You don't have the authority to speak, especially not after snoozing for a full year and a half."

Ddraig remained silent, his snarl echoing in the recesses of Issei's mind.

Under the shade of a sprawling tree, Issei and Rossweisse exchanged a cautious glance. "Should we approach her?" Issei asked, uncertainty etched on his face.

"Indeed, we should exercise caution. She harbours one of the mighty Dragon Kings, a power not to be taken lightly," Rossweisse replied, her voice low with seriousness.

Taking a deep breath, they both approached the girl, Rossweisse, stepping forward with a friendly smile. "Hey there," she called out, trying to capture the girl's attention.

Ddraig's stern warning echoed in Issei's mind, "Listen, partner. It would be wise for you to step back for the time being."

"Why?" Issei questioned internally, puzzled by Ddraig's advice.

"Listen well, human. Your countenance is rather menacing. Your very visage exudes an air of intimidation, a naturally imposing presence," Ddraig explained. Issei sighed, begrudgingly following his partner's advice.

"Hello," the girl, named Astrid, replied nervously to Rossweisse's greeting.

--

Name: Astrid

Race: Human

Affiliation: None

Rank: None

Relationship: None

Type: None

Stats:

Vitality: 30

Strength: 10

Agility: 20

Intelligence: 40

Senses: 30

Dexterity: 40

Luck: 20

Overall Power Level: 27

Abilities: None

Gear: Midgardsomr Sacred Gear

--

Rossweisse introduced them, her tone warm yet cautious. "My name is Rossweisse, and this is Issei."

Ddraig's voice echoed in Issei's thoughts again, advising, "Partner, ensure your smile emanates sincerity. Refrain from wearing your usual expression; your sadistic grin might frighten her." Issei, trying to smile, only managed a poor imitation.

Astrid looked anxious as she spoke, "Are you here for the monster inside me?" Rossweisse, confused, inquired about the mentioned 'monster.'

"Yeah, the giant snake that I see in my nightmares," Astrid explained, her voice laden with fear.

Rossweisse, quick on her feet, reassured Astrid, "Well, yes! But my friend and I think you are in danger from bad people. So we're here to keep you safe from them."

Astrid's voice, filled with sorrow, revealed, "Wherever I go, I am always hated and unwanted." Rossweisse's eyes softened, empathizing with the young girl's plight.

"Come on, Astrid. We'll take you to a place where you can make friends with people like yourself. Like Issei over here! He, like you, has a 'monster' inside of him as well!" Rossweisse pointed towards Issei, trying to reassure Astrid.

Ddraig, asserting his identity, roared, "I am no mere monster! I am the mighty Dragon!" Both Astrid and Rossweisse stepped back, startled by his powerful outburst.

"What, what was that?" Astrid stammered nervously, glancing at Issei's left hand, where Ddraig resided.

Issei, slightly irritated, remarked, "So much for not trying to scare her, huh, Ddraig?" He walked over to Astrid, summoning a red gem from his left hand. Astrid flinched at the sight.

"Hello, Astrid; as my friend said, my name is Issei. This red gem in my hand is Ddraig; he is a dragon. He is similar to that giant snake you see in your nightmares. Don't be afraid of him; he's all bark and no bite," Issei reassured her, trying to ease her fear.

Astrid greeted them awkwardly, her confusion evident. "You said Ddraig is a dragon similar to my Giant Snake? How are you not scared of him?" she asked, seeking understanding.

Issei explained patiently, "Initially, it felt peculiar sharing body and mind with an ancient dragon. But over time, I became accustomed to it and developed a fondness for him. The giant serpent's name is Midgardsmor, and I doubt he harbours any malicious intentions. If you choose to accompany us, I can guide you on how to bond with your 'monster,' much like I did with myself and my own 'monster.'"

Astrid, her eyes brightening, nodded eagerly. "Yes! I would like that!" she said with delight, her fear dissipating.

Witnessing Astrid warming up to Issei warmed Rossweisse's heart. "I believe it would be prudent for us to depart promptly. Our responsibilities beckon and there are pressing matters requiring our attention," she stated.

"You're right," Issei agreed. Turning to Astrid, he asked, "Do you have any belongings to take with you?"

"I have a few clothes," Astrid replied.

"Okay, Rossweisse, can you help her pack? I need to inform this to Azazel," Issei said.

"Yes! I'll help her. Thank you!" Rossweisse chimed in. Both of them walked towards the building.

"Bye, Issei! Bye, Ddraig! See you both soon," Astrid waved back as she walked away, her apprehension replaced with a glimmer of hope.

Issei grinned, waving back with his left hand as the vibrant red gem of his Boosted Gear materialized.

Ddraig, his ancient and wise partner, remarked, "I must admit, I didn't expect you to have a way with kids. Well, not in this version of you, at least."

Issei chuckled, retorting, "Well, I'm most certainly better than you. All that talk about me not scaring the kid, and then you go and do the same thing." Ddraig merely grumbled in response.

Determined to keep everyone informed, Issei dialled Azazel to share the recent developments.

Azazel's voice crackled through the phone, filled with astonishment, "Midgardsomr, huh? The legendary World Serpent, one of the formidable Dragon Kings, manifested as a Sacred Gear? Well, I must say, that's quite the jaw-dropping revelation!"

Issei affirmed, "Yeah, it's as I said."

Amused by the situation, Azazel mused, "Hmm, I'm quite curious to see how this Gear stacks up against the legendary Fafnir spear and the formidable Vritra's sacred gears, don't you think? I bet it'll be a thrilling clash of powers!"

Issei, however, voiced his concern, "I'm not convinced I'll be able to take her with me. This girl was born on Norse grounds, and the being in the Sacred Gear is a creature from the Norse Pantheon. From my perspective, they have every right to claim her as their own."

Azazel chuckled, teasing, "Hahaha, so you're not putting much faith in those Norse folks, huh?"

Issei shook his head, explaining, "It's not that I don't trust them; it's just that I happen to trust you more than anyone else."

Azazel's tone softened, appreciating Issei's trust, "Heh, now that's quite the confidence booster. But hey, as long as the girl's in good hands, I'm cool with it. Odin, huh? The guy's got a reputation for being kind-hearted and compassionate. I trust he and his faction will treat her right, especially considering what you've shared about the girl's past."

Understanding the gravity of the situation, Issei nodded, resolved. "I understand the situation, but it's imperative that we uncover the identity of the individual pursuing her."

Their conversation came to an end, both parties exchanging necessary information. Issei, concerned for Azazel's well-being, inquired about the situation on his end. Azazel evaded the mention of Rias's recent outburst, ensuring Issei that everything was fine, a silent promise to shield him from unnecessary worries.

After some time had passed, Rossweisse and Astrid reappeared. Astrid sported a backpack, while Rossweisse carried a duffle bag over her shoulder. Together, they made their way to the entrance, where they discreetly signed some paperwork, utilizing Issei's Mental Manipulation powers as a cover to facilitate the semi-adoption process. Once the bureaucratic formalities were completed, they left the building behind.

[Ability Used: Rift]

Outside, Issei tapped into his extraordinary abilities, creating a rift that led to their hotel room. Astrid watched in amazement as the power of Issei unfolded before her eyes. With a reassuring grip, Rossweisse held Astrid's hand as they stepped through the rift, arriving at the sanctuary of the hotel room.

X

Another enigmatic figure entered the scene in the bustling city of Florø, her anger palpable.

"Those 5 imbeciles didn't return nor report back," she sneered in fury, her frustration evident.

"And now I'm here picking up after the mess they made!" she continued, her irritation growing.

"I don't know why I was chosen to handle this when Niflbryne is the weakest among us 5; she would've been a better pick!" she muttered, her disdain evident.

"I had much better things to do!" she lamented, her voice tinged with annoyance.

"Now, where are those 5 morons, and where is the host of the World Serpent!?" she bellowed in fury, her impatience boiling over.

With a grunt of frustration, she stomped her foot. She disappeared into the city's heart, determined to find her targets and resolve the chaos in their wake.

X

Rossweisse and Issei continued their educational endeavour, enlightening Astrid about the intricate history of the world. Issei passionately delved into the realm of sacred gears, explaining the various types to the intrigued Astrid. At the same time, Rossweisse unravelled the tales of the Norse Pantheon, particularly focusing on Midgardsomr.

"Midgardsomr, the son of the Trickster God Loki," Rossweisse began, her voice filled with authority. "A while ago, Loki himself rebelled against the will of Odin, the All-father, seeking to sever ties with a rival faction. In his impassioned rhetoric, he harboured disdain for the notion of our esteemed Norse Pantheon engaging in alliances with beings of lesser stature."

Astrid listened in awe, absorbing the information like a sponge. Unable to contain her excitement, she eagerly inquired, "So what happened to Loki?"

"Well," Rossweisse recounted proudly, "devils like myself and Issei here valiantly battled against his forces, utilizing our intellect and determination to triumph over the adversities. And ultimately, it was I who personally sealed him away."

"Wow! Issei, did you really fight against Loki?!" Astrid asked, her eyes wide with amazement.

"Yeah, I did," Issei replied, his tone tinged with both pride and pain. His hand instinctively tightened on his side, where Fenrir had left its mark. "I wouldn't exactly label it as one of my finest moments."

Confused, Astrid pressed further, "What do you mean?"

Issei sighed, sharing a grim tale, "Well, just like Midgardsomr is Loki's son, he's got another one named Fenrir—a giant wolf. This beast's fangs are downright deadly, capable of taking down even the mightiest of gods. And wouldn't you know it, I've had the pleasure of experiencing his mighty jaws firsthand, with half my body getting a taste of his ferocious bite."

Astrid gasped in shock, her eyes wide with concern. "Does that mean you almost died?!"

"Yeah, I almost did," Issei admitted solemnly. "But I had friends who supported me through the pain and came to my rescue," he added, his voice unwavering.

Astrid, trying to grasp the intricacies of the mythological world, asked another question, her curiosity piqued, "So, does that mean Loki is a half snake, half wolf?"

Both Rossweisse and Issei exchanged amused glances before bursting into laughter. Bewildered, Astrid nervously inquired, "What? Did I do something wrong?"

Rossweisse reassured her with a chuckle, "No, it's not a significant matter. It's simply that when we refer to 'sons,' we are speaking of creation, wherein Loki brought forth Midgardsomr and Fenrir through the power of magic rather than mere reproduction."

Astrid pouted slightly at Rossweisse's explanation. Issei couldn't help but tease her, their laughter filling the air as they continued their enlightening conversation.

Issei's senses abruptly heightened, alerting him to the presence of an extraordinary visitor in town. His thoughts raced, analyzing the situation. "Looks like we've got a supernatural visitor in town. Another team? Nah, it's just one individual. This person is way more formidable than all five of them put together yesterday."

Determined, Issei rose from his seat and approached Rossweisse, deep in conversation with Astrid. Gently placing a hand on Rossweisse's shoulder, he leaned close to her ear, his voice low and urgent. "Someone is here, something out of the ordinary. I'm going to investigate. Can you handle things here in the meantime?" he whispered.

Rossweisse met his eyes, her own expression resolute. "Very well, I shall take charge of this matter. I possess the capability to handle the situation at hand," she replied quietly, her confidence unwavering.

Issei nodded, his voice a mere murmur, "Alright, just stay vigilant. Be ready for any unexpected turn of events." With that, he vanished from the hotel room, his teleportation leaving Astrid startled.

Rossweisse, noticing Astrid's confusion, reassured her, her tone steady and composed. "Fear not, Astrid. Rest assured, he shall simply engage in a task at hand." Astrid nodded in understanding, though concern lingered in her eyes.

X

Rising from the room, Issei teleported to a high vantage point, his senses keenly attuned as he attempted to pinpoint the location of the newcomer. He closed his eyes, intensifying his focus on his pursuit.

Ddraig, his partner, chided him, "Foolish partner, it appears you have yet to fully recuperate from the reckless stunt you dared to perform earlier."

Issei dismissed the concern, his confidence unwavering. "It's fine; this is child's play compared to Speed Thinking the entire city."

After a moment of concentration, Issei finally discerned the presence of the person who had just arrived. His gaze was fixed on the beach area, where memories of his past battles stirred. It was the exact spot where Issei had vanquished those four warriors, their leader falling victim to a mysterious compulsion magic.

With determination in his eyes, Issei flew swiftly towards the figure. Activating his stealth mode, he suppressed his presence and magic levels, closing the distance with utmost caution. As he approached, he caught snippets of words drifting from the stranger's lips, his anticipation building.

Amid the chaos, a woman's furious voice cut through the air, "So those 5 morons got themselves killed?!" Her words were laced with anger, and she let out a deafening scream. Issei turned his attention toward the source of the commotion.

The woman before him possessed fiery red hair that cascaded like flames, and her amber eyes burned with fervent intensity. She wore a unique Valkyrie armour, a blend of jagged metal plates and ethereal energy, shimmering with red, orange, and gold hues reminiscent of a raging inferno; despite her height, her powerful, athletic build exuded strength.

Issei's thoughts raced as he observed her attire, "Valkyrie? Looks like she's sporting an upgraded version of Rossweisse's armour."

Her frustration was palpable, "ARGH, where is that damned serpent host."

Realization dawned on Issei, "She's here for Astrid?"

Suddenly, a magic circle materialized beside Issei, shooting a stream of orange lightning toward him. Swiftly, he blocked the attack with a partial scale mail transformation, focusing on the targeted area. He glared at the woman, who wore a sadistic smile.

"What's this, a Devil-Dragon Hybrid?!" she exclaimed, her grin widening.

Issei landed in front of her, his voice stern, "Who are you?"

The woman revealed in her introduction, her pride evident, "Well, since I'm here to torture you for information and kill you afterwards, I might as well enlighten you. My name is Vindranna! Valkyrie of the storm! 1 of the 5 members of the Niflveig Syndicate!"

--

Name: Vindranna

Race: Valkyrie

Affiliation: Unknown

Rank: Unknown

Relationship: Enemy

Type: Caster (Mage)

Stats:

Vitality: 40

Strength: 30

Agility: 40

Intelligence: 60

Senses: 50

Dexterity: 50

Luck: 30

Overall Power Level: 42

Abilities: Magic (Storm)

Gear: None

--

Issei's thoughts raced once more, "Vindranna? Valkyrie of the storm? 1 of the 5 members of the Niflveig Syndicate? I'll ask Rossweisse about this when I get back."

Vindranna's laughter filled the air, "Hey! Are you even listening to me?! Or are you shell-shocked in fear?!"

Confident and unyielding, Issei responded, "I've never heard of the Niflveig Syndicate. Are you some kind of rogue faction from Norse?" His curiosity was evident, tinged with a hint of scepticism.

Vindranna mocked him, "Wow, who knew a dumb devil dragon-like yourself had an actual functioning brain?!"

Issei's tone turned cold, his determination unwavering, "You imbecile. It is I who shall revel in tormenting you and extracting every morsel of information."

Vindranna met his challenge head-on, her defiance clear, "I'd like to see you try!" she yelled back, setting the stage for a battle of wills and strength.

Surrounded by crackling magic circles, Issei found himself amidst a barrage of wind and lightning. Swiftly as thought, he teleported away from the magical onslaught, only to spot Vindranna charging a devastating bolt of concentrated lightning. His mind raced with concern, not for himself but the unsuspecting civilians in the line of fire.

"That could do a lot of damage, not to me, but to the civilians," Issei realized, his gaze flickering back to the lightning aimed menacingly at the city.

Driven by urgency, he activated his Boosted Gear, the familiar command ringing:

BOOST!

A surge of power enveloped him as he shot towards Vindranna with incredible speed. The sight of the Boosted Gear caught Vindranna off guard.

"The Boosted Gear of the Red Dragon Emperor? I guess I have to start taking this seriously!" she grunted, releasing the charged-up lightning bolt at Issei.

With his gauntleted arm, Issei intercepted the bolt, channelling his accumulated power into the crackling energy. In a swift move, he reversed the lightning's course, sending it hurtling back towards Vindranna. Landing deftly on the ground, Issei capitalized on his speed, rushing towards Vindranna and thrusting the redirected bolt at her.

Vindranna hastily conjured a magic circle, forming a wind barrier blocking the attack. Despite her defence, the force of the redirected lightning sent her flying back towards the mountainous terrain.

"Dammit!" she grunted, recovering from the impact, while Issei pursued her relentlessly, soaring at high speeds.

"Now I've got her out of the city and away from civilians; I don't need to hold back much now," Issei thought, determination blazing in his eyes.

Unbeknownst to Issei, a distant blue and red beam streaked towards the city behind him.

In Vindranna's mind, determination mirrored Issei's as she muttered, "Finally! That wretch Niflbryne shows up! She better accomplishes the mission! I'll keep this wretched Dragon busy."

X

Meanwhile, in her Norse and Midgardsomr lesson with Astrid, Rossweisse made a groundbreaking discovery. "It seems Midgardsomr was the one responsible for altering the Northern Lights!" Rossweisse exclaimed, her eyes bright with excitement and knowledge. "That revelation elucidates everything perfectly! The fluctuating hues and the mesmerizing serpentine patterns in motion are all fitting pieces of the puzzle!"

Feeling a pang of guilt, Astrid asked hesitantly, "Am I in trouble?"

Rossweisse, quick to dispel her fears, reassured her calmly, "I must clarify, that is not the case! I was simply filled with joy upon uncovering the underlying cause behind this peculiar phenomenon."

Relieved, Astrid responded, "Oh, okay."

As their conversation continued, Rossweisse's battle instincts suddenly kicked in. Her mind raced with possibilities. "I sense a presence nearby, and it feels quite close. Could it be that someone managed to slip past Issei? Hmm, I highly doubt it. Issei isn't the type to be so careless, unless there's another individual who deliberately chose to engage the enemy once Issei had departed!"

In a commanding tone, Rossweisse turned to Astrid, urgency in her voice. "Astrid, get under the bed now!"

Filled with panic, Astrid quickly obeyed, crawling under the bed and hiding from view.

"Remain hidden until Issei, or I grant permission, and maintain absolute silence and stillness," Rossweisse instructed firmly.

"Okay," Astrid replied, her voice trembling with fear as she pledged to follow Rossweisse's instructions, her trust placed entirely in her protector.

A radiant aura enveloped Rossweisse, revealing her in her Valkyrie armour as the light slowly faded. She sprinted out of the hotel room and away from the building with purpose in her eyes. The moment she stepped outside, a searing stream of fire shot towards her, narrowly missing her agile form. Rossweisse swiftly turned her gaze towards the source but found no one there.

A voice dripping with arrogance cut through the silence. "Well, isn't it Odin's servant?" Niflbryne's words hung in the air, and Rossweisse spun around to face the speaker.

"Niflbryne!" she spat, her teeth gritted in frustration. The woman before her was a captivating blend of icy blue and fiery red, her eyes as sharp as sapphires, reflecting a chilling determination. Adorned in Valkyrie armour made from glistening ice crystals and obsidian, she exuded both regality and menace. Niflbryne, one of the five members of the Niflveig Syndicate, stood tall, her buxom figure belying her lethal presence.

"Now, what would the servant girl be doing here?" Niflbryne asked, her tone dripping with cockiness.

"I could inquire the same of you, you traitor!" Rossweisse retorted, her voice laden with disdain.

"You know we are here," Niflbryne replied cryptically.

"We? Referring to the treacherous Niflheim Syndicate, I presume?!" Rossweisse exclaimed, her voice a mix of surprise and curiosity.

"No, not all of us. Not yet, at least. But Vindranna is here, fighting your boyfriend," Niflbryne said casually. In the distance, a deafening explosion marked the battleground where Issei and Vindranna clashed.

"Issei!" Rossweisse cried out, her worry evident. She attempted to fly towards him, but Niflbryne swiftly cast a stream of fire, halting her progress.

"Ah, young love. How fruitful," Niflbryne mocked.

"Why are you two here?!" Rossweisse demanded, her frustration boiling over.

"Isn't it obvious? We're here for the World Serpent," Niflbryne revealed, her tone laced with determination.

"Why?!" Rossweisse screamed in disbelief.

"Well, since the last attempt at Ragnarok was thwarted due to betrayal and the meddling of petty Devils, we are proceeding purely with Nordic forces this time. We need the World Serpent to complete Ragnarok," Niflbryne explained calmly.

"The plans for Ragnarok have been successfully thwarted, with Loki being sealed away! I personally took charge and accomplished it!" Rossweisse declared confidently, her voice ringing with determination and pride.

"You're right; nothing you said was false," Niflbryne admitted.

"Pray tell, to whom do you pledge your allegiance?! One cannot undertake such a task alone; surely, you must have a leader guiding your actions!" Rossweisse pressed, her eyes narrowing.

"I think you, deep down, you know. Even if the logical part of you denies the truth, your instincts are telling you who it is," Niflbryne said cryptically.

"No way," Rossweisse murmured, realization dawning upon her.

"Well, looks like you can think for yourself besides being Odin's footstool. Now, hand over the girl," Niflbryne demanded, her icy eyes boring into Rossweisse's with unwavering resolve.

Rossweisse summoned intricate magic circles, sending a barrage of lightning bolts crackling toward Niflbryne. Yet, the formidable foe skillfully countered, erecting a shield of Ice that effortlessly deflected the lightning assault.

"I shall not permit you, nor anyone else, to lay a single finger upon her!" Rossweisse's voice resonated with unwavering determination as she firmly declared her intent, her resolve unshaken.

Niflbryne, undeterred, responded defiantly, "So be it. I'll rip her away over your corpse." The two adversaries clashed, their powers colliding in a tempest of elemental forces. Rossweisse channelled her elemental magic while Niflbryne countered with a deadly combination of ice and fire spells.

With fierce determination, Niflbryne unleashed ice and fire magic, aiming to overwhelm Rossweisse. "Just die already, servant girl!" she sneered, launching a relentless assault.

Thinking quickly, Rossweisse created a defensive magic circle to block the onslaught. However, the defensive barrier shattered under the immense pressure, leaving her momentarily vulnerable. Seizing this opportunity, Niflbryne charged at lightning speed, landing a powerful punch on Rossweisse's face. The impact sent her hurtling toward the forest area, a trail of magic dissipating in her wake.

Niflbryne's mind raced with strategy, "Møkveig, now is your chance. Get the girl and go." With a determined purpose, Niflbryne pursued Rossweisse, intent on preventing her from returning to the hotel and safeguarding Astrid.

X

As the battle between Issei and Vindranna intensified, she conjured a potent magic circle, unleashing a thunderous onslaught. Issei swiftly evaded the incoming magic, but the destructive force found its mark on the mountain behind him, triggering a colossal explosion that rents the earth.

"Pfft, is that all?" Issei scoffed, his tone dripping with arrogance, his confidence unshaken.

"Shut up, you damn devil!" Vindranna retorted, her voice laced with fury, hurling a barrage of hail toward him. Agile as ever, Issei bent his knees and fell backward, narrowly avoiding the onslaught.

Seeing her attacks thwarted, Vindranna unleashed a fierce tornado, aiming to ensnare Issei within its raging winds.

[Ability Used: Elemental Manipulation: Elemental Creation: Lightning]

In a swift countermove, Issei discharged a crackling stream of lightning, piercing the heart of the tornado and striking Vindranna. She screamed in agony as the shockwave coursed through her.

"What's the matter? I thought you had the prowess to wield lightning. Seems like you can't handle the consequences of your own actions," Issei taunted, a sly grin playing on his lips.

"You brat!" Vindranna spat through gritted teeth, her frustration palpable.

Unfazed, Issei activated a modified version of his Scale Mail.

Welsh Dragon Upgraded Scale Mail, Speed!

His transformation differed from the norm; the armour clung to his body, sleek and streamlined, lacking the bulk of his previous modes. The elongated helmet jutted forward, and the armour was predominantly black with a striking red streak across the forehead. Intricate grey markings adorned his shoulders, and a V-shaped armoured section covered his abdomen. Red segments extended from his elbows to his hands, which were a fusion of red and black, resembling squared-off gloves. His thighs were encircled by grey lines, and red streaks ran down to his feet, reminiscent of athletic footwear.

This transformation, designed for speed and agility, was Issei's latest creation, born from his knight promotion and honed for battle.

[Due to activating the modified Scale Mail: Speed, specific Stats have been increased.]

[All Stats have been doubled]

[Due to specialized Scale Mail, these stats have gotten an additional bonus.]

[50% to Agility, 50% to Dexerity]

--

Name: Issei Hyoudou (Welsh Dragon Upgraded Scale Mail, Speed)

Race: Reincarnated Devil/ Dragon/ Unknown

Affiliation: None

Rank: None

Type: Hybrid (Battlemage)

Stats:-

Vitality: 216

Strength: 194

Agility: 274

Intelligence: 230

Senses: 188

Dexterity: 292

Luck: 146

Overall Power Level: 220

Abilities: System and its Abilities

Gear: Mutated Boosted Gear

--

Observing the change, Vindranna's mind raced with confusion. "Is this the Boosted Gear of the Welsh Dragon? Why is it black? And it's not as bulky as Elsha's?" she pondered silently, a wicked grin slowly spreading across her face.

"I see! Your Sacred Gear is nothing but a fake!" she declared triumphantly, her voice laced with malice.

"A fake?" Issei echoed, his confusion evident.

"Yes, a fake! I've seen how Elsha's armour looked! It was red and bulky, unlike yours!" Vindranna jeered, her laughter echoing in the battleground, the challenge intensifying between them.

A sly smirk played on Issei's lips as his helmet enclosed his head, and with lightning speed, he utilized his lightweight armour to dash in front of Vindranna. His fist connected with her abdomen in a devastating blow, shattering her armour. The impact sent her hurtling into a nearby mountain, crashing through it and emerging on the other side before plunging into a lake.

Gasping for air, blood trickling from her mouth, Vindranna staggered out of the water, clutching her wounded gut in pain.

"This damn brat! How was he able to..." she managed to say through gritted teeth, her voice strained by agony.

Issei materialized in front of her instantly, his expression cold and unforgiving.

"Hmph," he snorted, his tone icy. "I present you with a proposition. You may choose to divulge the knowledge I seek promptly, granting you a swift death. Alternatively, I can take delight in tormenting you gradually, extracting information through the symphony of your agonized screams."

Weakly, Vindranna chuckled, a glimmer of defiance in her eyes.

"Brat! I'm a Valkyrie! What makes you think you can submit me?" she retorted in a cocky tone, determination burning in her gaze. With swift determination, she drew a crystal sword and charged at Issei.

[Ability Used: Atomic Breakdown]

Unfazed, Issei activated his Atomic Breakdown Ability. The sword she had just drawn disintegrated into nothingness in an instant, leaving her dumbfounded.

"What?! How?!" she exclaimed in shock, her fury palpable as she stared at her now empty hands, where her weapon had once been.

Issei's thoughts flickered with amusement. "Perhaps I shouldn't mention that this ability is a modified version of Dress Break," he chuckled inwardly, his confidence unshaken.

Issei charges towards Vindranna and grabs her by the throat. She gasps and starts choking from the pressure of Issei's hand. Issei then throws her behind himself towards the mountain, which she flew through just earlier. She crashes into the side of the mountain and creates a large crater.

Vindranna coughs out blood and then turns to see Issei standing over her.

Issei grabs her by her throat again and slams her head into the mountain, still holding onto her throat.

Issei's eyes narrowed, his voice laced with determination, "Now, start speaking."

Defiance burned in Vindranna's eyes despite her weakened state as she shouted, "I'd rather die!" her voice muffled by the circumstances.

"So be it," Issei replied coldly, his resolve unyielding. With relentless force, he repeatedly slammed her head into the mountain, creating a deep, gaping crater with each brutal impact. Despite his aggression, he held back, still hungering for the information he sought.

His tone turned stern as he issued a final warning, "Last chance."

In a feeble voice, Vindranna protested, "You never asked me anything!"

Issei's patience wore thin. Another forceful slam silenced her feeble protests. "You're well aware of what knowledge I seek," he uttered, carrying a bone-chilling aura that sent shivers down Vindranna's spine.

[Fear had been Induced]

[Opponents Stats have been decreased by 48%]

With fear etched across her face, she confessed, "The girl! The World Serpent! I was here to investigate the disappearance of five people who didn't return yesterday!"

Issei then slams her head into the mountain again.

Amidst the tension, Issei's voice sliced through the air like a blade, dripping with disdain and curiosity. "Don't think I didn't catch wind of your conversation on that beach. Now, spill the beans, scum. Who's pulling your strings? And what the hell is this so-called Niflveig Syndicate?" he demanded, his questions sharp and cutting.

His inquiries fell on deaf ears; no response met his ears. Fueled by frustration, Issei seized the moment, slamming her head into the unforgiving mountain again. "Talk!" he commanded, his tone unyielding.

Still met with silence, Issei's frustration boiled over, and he struck again, her head meeting the rocky surface with a sickening thud. When he finally hoisted her back up, he discovered the reason for her silence. This revelation left him genuinely surprised.

"She's dead," he breathed in astonishment, his voice laced with shock at the unexpected events.

Issei sees the back of her head cracked open and some brain matter seeping out from the hole.

Ddraig's voice reverberated with fervour, his declaration cutting through the air, "You shall never be granted the privilege of conducting torture and interrogation henceforth! Not due to your penchant for violence, but rather because you lack the necessary self-control!" His words carried a powerful intensity.

Issei retorted with sarcasm, his tone laced with defiance, "Well, forgive me for not knowing."

Concern etched across his features, Ddraig questioned, "What will we do now?"

Issei, his resolve undeterred, responded, "She said she was one of the five members of this Niflveig Syndicate. We'll get another chance later on."

Suddenly, a beam of light pierced the sky near the city, catching Issei's attention. Frustration and concern knitted his brows together, "Rossweisse, dammit!"

With swift determination, he deactivated his Scale Mail armour. He took flight, heading towards the source of the light beam, ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead.

[Scale Mail has been deactivated; all stats have been returned to normal.]

X

In the heart of the forest, after being flung away by a powerful force, Rossweisse skillfully somersaulted, landing gracefully on the forest floor. Niflbryne pursued her relentlessly, unleashing a relentless barrage of Fire and Ice magic. Rossweisse deftly blocked or dodged the attacks, her mind racing for a strategy to gain the upper hand.

"I must find a way to gain an advantage; maintaining this level of defence indefinitely is simply not feasible," Rossweisse thought, her determination flickering in her eyes.

She swiftly dodged a barrage of Ice Shards, countering with a concentrated gust of wind that sliced through Niflbryne's elemental onslaught. Undeterred, Niflbryne taunted her, a mocking edge to her words. "You have certainly grown up from being the family disgrace you once were."

"Shut up!" Rossweisse shouted back, her voice laced with defiance.

In a surge of determination, Rossweisse unleashed her magic once more. Seizing a momentary lapse in Niflbryne's defences, she charged forward, landing a devastating uppercut that sent Niflbryne soaring into the sky.

After a brief recovery, Niflbryne sneered, commenting on Rossweisse's new strength. "So this is the strength of the Rook Evil Piece? Impressive, but at what cost? You gave up your pure Valkyrie status to join the bottom-feeding trash of the supernatural world?"

Refusing to be belittled, Rossweisse conjured a complex array of magic circles, each representing a different elemental force. With a determined focus, she unleashed a torrent of elemental magic at Niflbryne. The latter attempted to defend herself with an Ice Shield, but it shattered instantly, exposing her.

"Where did she go?!" Rossweisse exclaimed in worry, her eyes darting around for her elusive opponent.

"Here," came Niflbryne's voice from behind. Rossweisse turned, her eyes widening in horror as Niflbryne charged a formidable fire spell. Before she could react, the attack struck, engulfing Rossweisse in a massive explosion. She plummeted from the sky, crashing onto the ground with a resounding thud, her body battered and bruised.

"You're still alive, huh? I guess the defence and durability from the Rook piece can save some from death," Niflbryne chuckled, descending toward the fallen Rossweisse.

As Niflbryne approached, unknowingly stepping into a trap set by Rossweisse, a multitude of magic circles surrounded the crater where she had fallen. Suddenly, a blinding beam of light shot upwards, swallowing Niflbryne whole.

"I'm sure Issei saw that, and he's on his way here now; even if you survived this, you wouldn't survive him. That's for sure," Rossweisse said, wearing a triumphant smirk.

When the light finally subsided, Niflbryne lay immobilized, her strength sapped by the onslaught. Despite her weakened state, she mustered just enough power to crawl toward Rossweisse. With a feeble voice, she hissed, "Just die already."

Tension hung thick in the air as Niflbryne prepared to cast her spell, but before she could utter the incantation, a crushing weight pressed down on her hand. Rossweisse, recognizing the newcomer, released a sigh of relief. At the same time, Niflbryne found herself trapped beneath the gaze of menacing, glowing red eyes. Desperation clawed at her as she struggled, but Issei's merciless stomp shattered the bones in her hand, eliciting a guttural scream of agony.

--

Name: Niflbryne

Race: Valkyrie

Affiliation: Niflveig Syndicate

Rank: Unknown

Relationship: Enemy

Type: Caster (Mage)

Stats:

Vitality: 35

Strength: 28

Agility: 41

Intelligence: 66

Senses: 47

Dexterity: 58

Luck: 31

Overall Power Level: 43

Abilities: Magic (Fire and Ice)

Gear: None

--

Issei's voice cut through the pain, dripping with menace. "I tried to interrogate another one. But she broke before I could get anything useful out of her. And now here you are, still able to make noises based on the scream. So will you answer my questions, or will I have to make your brain leak from your skull, too?"

A chilling fear gripped Niflbryne as she heard his threat. Weakly, she croaked, "You killed Vindranna?"

Issei's reply was disdainful. "Why do you speak of it as if it were a formidable feat? I scarcely exerted any substantial power."

[Fear had been Induced]

[Opponents Stats have been decreased by 35%]

Fear flooded Niflbryne's thoughts. "Is he really that strong? If he is, then he may pose a threat to our plans! Our plans to rule Asgard after Ragnarok! I need to take him out! That's what my liege would've wanted!"

Attempting to encase Issei in Ice, Niflbryne found herself thwarted as he stepped away in time. "What foolishness is she scheming?" he scoffed.

Rossweisse, alarmed, shouted, "Issei! She is going to perform Cold Fusion!"

Issei's eyes narrowed, and he looked at the blazing form of Niflbryne. "Hmph! What's the deal with these fools willingly turning themselves into human fireworks? First, that guy from yesterday, and now this one? Pathetic," he mocked with disdain.

Inside her icy prison, Niflbryne's thoughts raced. "No! He stepped off before I could encase him in the Ice as well! All this for nothing! I need to stop this! I need to stop this now!"

Desperation fueled her attempts, but the catastrophic process had already begun. "No! No! No! I can't stop! My Lord, please forgive me for my mistake," she pleaded inwardly, accepting the inevitable, finding solace in the belief that her sacrifice might not be entirely in vain.

Issei acted swiftly, helping Rossweisse to her feet. Together, they gazed down at the impending cataclysm of Niflbryne.

"What's the blast radius?" Issei inquired calmly.

Rossweisse, still in pain, replied with a tremor in her voice, "Normally, it would be smaller than a nuclear bomb due to her size and mass, but if she put in her supernatural energy and magic, it would take the entire Florø off the map! Maybe even surrounding cities!"

"I see," Issei responded, unperturbed.

"But how are you so calm about this?!" Rossweisse asked in confusion and shock.

"Because I can do this," Issei said, raising a finger and pointing it towards Niflbryne.

Instantly, a portal yawned beneath her, swallowing her whole.

"What, where'd she go?" Rossweisse questioned in confusion.

"I utilized my strategic abilities to open a portal to my pocket dimension and promptly directed her into it," Issei explained.

"But your dimension? Your stuff? Won't it get destroyed?" Rossweisse voiced her concerns.

"My dimension is infinite in size; I just dropped her far away from the structures I have," Issei reassured her.

"Oh, I see," Rossweisse replied, her worry easing slightly in the face of Issei's calculated actions.

Issei led Rossweisse to a serene clearing where no traces of battle remained. Gently, he placed her against a sturdy tree trunk.

"How are you doing? On a scale from 1 to 10, how would you rate the level of discomfort you're experiencing?" Issei inquired with genuine concern.

Rossweisse chuckled softly. "20," she responded, appreciating his attempt to lighten the situation.

Issei joined in her chuckle, though he expressed a hint of regret. "Apologies, but healing magic isn't part of my repertoire. I've never considered it necessary, as I've always presumed I would embark on my journeys alone."

Rossweisse reassured him with unwavering loyalty in her resolute tone. "Issei, fear not, for you are not alone."

"Thank you," Issei replied with an appreciative smile.

"I possess healing magic," Rossweisse explained, "though I lament my current inability to utilize it due to the depletion of my magic reserves and the weariness that has befallen me."

Issei offered a solution. "That's fine; I'll just transfer you power from the Boosted Gear's transfer ability."

Rossweisse expressed her gratitude. "That would be helpful. Thank you."

Issei summoned his Boosted Gear and initiated the transfer.

BOOST

TRANSFER

He channelled some of his power to Rossweisse, who began to heal herself. After a while, she signalled to Issei that she could speak normally once more.

"Ahem, it appears you forgot to bring those beans along, didn't you?" Rossweisse inquired, her solemn tone tinged with a touch of disappointment.

Issei appeared puzzled. "Beans?"

"Yeah, those beans you used in the rating match, the one you flicked into Corrianna's mouth to heal her wounds after you beat her and when you healed Sairaorg from the damage we inflicted- I inflicted!" she stated with a defiant look.

Issei's memory jogged, and he nervously admitted, "Oh yeah, those!"

"If you're questioning whether it would effectively heal your wounds, I can assure you it won't," Issei explained. "Those beans were specifically intended for my sparring partner during our sparring sessions, allowing them to solely mend wounds caused by my own actions. Sairaorg's arm, for instance, was already healed using Phenex Tears; my bean merely acted as a painkiller. Its true healing properties were only activated after our battle concluded, facilitating the recovery of the wounds I inflicted upon him."

Rossweisse found this information intriguing. "Oh, that's intriguing. I suppose something of such potential potency would undoubtedly come with its share of drawbacks," she commented, her voice blending curiosity and cautious analysis.

[Ability Used: Rift]

After Rossweisse finished healing herself, Issei created a rift to transport them back to the hotel room, leaving the peaceful clearing behind.

X

Upon their return, Rossweisse scanned the room for Astrid, calling out, "Astrid? You can come out now," her voice resonating.

From under the bed, Astrid crawled out, her eyes brightening as she exclaimed, "I'm here!"

A small, relieved smile played on Rossweisse's lips. Astrid's curiosity got the better of her as she inquired, "So, what did you guys do?"

Rossweisse sighed and replied, "Oh, just a bit of pest control."

Intrigued, Astrid pressed further, "And are those pests dead?"

"Well, yeah, but I didn't see them die. It was all Issei," Rossweisse explained.

Issei, who had been silent, was lost in his thoughts. "Something is wrong, but what?" he pondered. His gaze shifted towards Astrid, and he began to approach her.

Nervously, Astrid asked, "Um, Issei? What's up?"

Suddenly, Issei swiftly swiped his hand across Astrid's torso in a karate chop motion. Her body was instantly severed in half, both parts falling lifelessly to the ground. A scream tore from Rossweisse's throat.

"Issei! What have you done?!" she exclaimed, her voice laden with a mix of concern and anguish, reflecting the depths of her dismay.

Issei raised his hand, his expression calm. "Wait for it," he said, his voice steady.

After a few heart-stopping moments, Astrid's body transformed into a wooden dummy, leaving Rossweisse bewildered. "What?! What happened?!" she cried out in confusion.

"What we witnessed amounted to nothing more than a deceptive illusion," Issei explained resolutely, his eyes sharp with understanding.

Rossweisse's eyes widened in realization just before Issei pulled her into a protective hug, kneeling her down. Suddenly, an explosion rocked the outside wall of their hotel room, obliterating it and exposing them to the chaos beyond. Issei held onto Rossweisse, shielding her from the attack.

"What's happening?!" she cried out, her voice filled with fear and confusion, mirroring the chaos surrounding them.

Rossweisse and Issei rose swiftly, their attention drawn to the exposed part of their room where five ominous figures stood. Rossweisse recognized all of them, while Issei was familiar with only two. Yet, he had a chilling inkling about the identities of the others.

The figure on the far left possessed long, flowing silver hair that tumbled down to her waist, contrasting sharply with her pale skin. Her crimson eyes glowed with a malevolent intensity, and she wore a black Valkyrie armour adorned with sinister, intricate designs. The armour boasted sharp, angular lines and emanated a haunting purple glow. Despite her petite, almost child-like appearance, her aura exuded a powerful malevolence. This was Helskja, one of the five members of the Niflveig Syndicate.

On the far right, the second figure had silvery-white hair adorned with delicate black feathers cascading down her back in an enchanting manner. Her eyes, a piercing emerald green, radiated with intense magical energy. She wore Valkyrie armour, a sophisticated blend of intricate silver patterns and obsidian accents, accentuating her voluptuous, curvy figure of average height. This enigmatic presence was Svartalda, another member of the nefarious Niflveig Syndicate.

The third figure to the right of the centre possessed long, flowing black hair that framed her pale, alluring face. Her eyes, a mesmerizing shade of violet, shimmered with an otherworldly allure. She wore an elegant Valkyrie armour adorned with intricate, swirling patterns in deep purple and black shades, showcasing her average build and short stature. Mørkveig, one of the five members of the ominous Niflveig Syndicate, held Astrid in a tight arm lock, her grip unyielding.

The room hung heavy with tension as the standoff began, leaving Rossweisse and Issei with a sinking feeling that they were on the precipice of something far darker and more dangerous than they had ever faced.

Amidst the chaos, Astrid's voice cracked with remorse as she cried out, "Rossweisse! Issei! I'm sorry!" Her words hung heavy in the air, laden with guilt.

Astrid stood as the fourth figure in the scene, an unexpected addition. And alongside her, to the disbelief of Rossweisse and Issei, stood a figure they had never thought they'd encounter again.

"Loki," Issei spoke, his tone stern and unwavering.

"I had a feeling it'd be you," Rossweisse remarked, her voice laced with a mixture of recognition and disdain.

Loki floated before them in all his glory, his appearance almost unchanged except for longer hair this time. His eyes flickered with mischief as he regarded Rossweisse. "Well, isn't it my father's servant?" he sneered, eliciting a growl from Rossweisse.

Loki's attention shifted to Issei. "And who is this? Have you finally found a lover?" he mocked, a sly grin on his lips. "Hmm, you seem familiar, but I can't quite place it."

"I'm one of the few responsible for sealing you when you tried to invade the underworld last time," Issei retorted, a defiant chuckle escaping him.

Ddraig's voice boomed in that tense moment, cutting through the air. "Loki, you insolent whelp! How dare you behave with such reckless disregard!"

Loki raised an eyebrow, seemingly amused. "Is that the Welsh Dragon? You're telling me this man in front of me is the runt Fenrir took a chunk out of?" he laughed, his amusement palpable. "Well, haven't you grown well, although I'm curious how?" he taunted.

"Sorry, I don't swing that way," Issei mocked, earning a clenched teeth reaction from Loki.

Meanwhile, Rossweisse confronted Loki with urgency, her voice a mix of curiosity and determination. "Loki! Pray tell, how did you manage to liberate yourselves from the confines of that seal?"

Loki smirked condescendingly. "It's a long story. Something you lowly beings don't deserve to know," he retorted, his arrogance evident.

In Issei's mind, a plan formed. "I need to get Astrid away from them," he realized, assessing the situation. "There's a barrier protecting them, most likely from Loki. If I attempt to destroy it, I might end up hurting Astrid in the process. Ddraig, prepare the Boosted Gear's Penetrate ability."

"On it," Ddraig responded, readying the powerful ability.

Issei discreetly positioned his left hand behind him, hiding the pulsating red light of the Gear charging up the ability. Amidst the chaos, Mørkveig, fueled by anger and grief, pleaded for revenge while holding Astrid in a frightened grip.

"Calm down, Mørkveig. We'd only be wasting our time with this. We already have what we came for," Svartalda reasoned, poking Astrid's cheek harshly.

But Loki's patience wore thin. "Enough, all of you!" he shouted, asserting his authority.

Seizing the moment, Issei lunged forward, his Boosted Gear's gauntlet raised, aiming to break the barrier. However, Loki was one step ahead, teleporting himself and his companions away.

"Dammit!" Issei grunted in frustration, his efforts thwarted.

"No!" Rossweisse cried out angrily as Astrid vanished from her sight, taken away with their adversaries.

"Considering Loki's involvement, I must inform Asgard. There seems to be no alternative in this situation," Rossweisse said, her voice resolute, turning to Issei.

"I see. It's fine. I understand," Issei acknowledged, his gaze hardened with determination.

Rossweisse attempted to contact Asgard using a magic circle near her ear but found herself unsuccessful. "I can't get a hold of them!" she exclaimed in frustration.

"Loki and his gang most likely created a formidable isolation barrier with magic," Issei deduced, his mind racing with concern for Astrid.

Images of Asia's painful fate at the hands of her killer, Raynare, flashed through Issei's mind, his jaw clenching in anger at the thought of Astrid facing a similar destiny.

"Astrid, I'll save you. I promise!" he vowed to himself, his determination unwavering amidst the uncertainty surrounding them.