Hello, partner. It's been a while, hasn't it?" the sinister doppelganger sneered in his eerie voice, his presence sending chills down Issei's spine.
"Partner?" Issei thought, his confusion deepening.
The apparition approached Issei, his sneer growing wicked. "Time for a little chat," he declared, his words hanging heavily in the air, foretelling a conversation fraught with darkness and uncertainty.
Issei just helplessly watches as he sees the smile of the apparition widen.
The apparition sneered, his snow-white locks tousled as he narrowed his crimson and obsidian eyes. "It's like staring into a damn mirror, but don't get it twisted," he said, his voice dripping with arrogance.
Despite the pain caused by the poison, Issei demanded, "Who are you? And why do you look like me?"
"I suppose the first thing to do is introduce myself, huh?" the transformed Issei said, his grin wicked. "Now, what do I wanna go by? Since I'm the darker side of you, Dark Issei? Nah, too long. How 'bout just Dark-sei? Yeah, that works. Call me Dark-sei."
In a weak voice, Issei asked, "I saw you back when I accessed the new Juggernaut Drive; why are you here now? How are you here?"
"Hmph, don't kid yourself. I ain't really here, not in the flesh anyway," Dark-sei replied, his tone mocking. "And as for your sorry state, well, ain't that a sight to behold. Reminds me of the time those Devil scumbags almost did you in," he sneered, a wicked laugh escaping his lips.
Issei gritted his teeth, glaring at Dark-sei, who jeered, "Quit starin' at me like that. Remember, it was my damn power that bailed you out the last time." His grin twisted with mockery.
Issei's eyes widened as he processed the information, realising the dangerous truth of the situation.
Dark-sei sneered, his voice laced with malice as he taunted, "Ha, yeah, that power you tapped into on your deathbed? All mine. I'm the one who cleansed Samael's poison from your veins. Bet you're itching for me to do it again, aren't ya? Gotta save that girl, huh?" His words cut through the air like a chilling wind, sending shivers down Issei's spine.
Moving with an unsettling confidence, Dark-sei circled Issei's prone body, his tone dripping with contempt, "Hah, like I'd bother. Patching you up right now? You ain't gonna learn squat," he sneered, punctuating his disdain with a contemptuous chuckle.
A twisted grin contorted Dark-sei's face as he recounted a sinister tale, "You know, I tried to hand you the system back in your earlier days twice. When that bitch Raynare skewered you with her blinding spear of light, pushing you right to the brink of death, I made a move to slide you a notification, a shot at a second chance. But that red-haired bimbo swooped in and grabbed your attention before you could even lay a finger on that button. Maybe it's on me, I admit. I painted that notification red, just like the sea of your own damn blood you were drowning in," he gloated, his laughter echoing with madness.
In the turmoil of his thoughts, Issei realised the depth of Dark-sei's deception, whispering, "My hunch about him was spot-on; he devised the whole system with me in mind."
Dark-sei's maniacal laughter filled the air as he recounted a horrifying moment, "Ha, you remember that other time? When you thought that effeminate Devil offed the Nun, and you unleashed the Juggernaut Drive for the first spin? But this time, oh boy, you actually embraced that second chance, and you were juiced up like never before! You went on a straight-up rampage, tearing through everything in your path. And you know what? You didn't stop until you wiped out the whole darn world, every living thing, gone!" His cackles resonated with madness, chilling Issei to his core.
Perplexed, Issei questioned Dark-sei, his gaze unwavering, "By effeminate Devil, does he mean Shalba Beelzebub? And if I destroyed the world and everyone alive, then how is everyone alive?"
With a wicked grin, Dark-sei explained, "Time manipulation; you're still pondering how everything's just peachy after you offed everyone? I rewound the clock, erased my little stunt, and oh, I'm privy to your thoughts. You and I? We're practically inseparable," he chortled, revelling in his control over Issei's existence.
Determined, Issei demanded, his voice laced with scepticism, "How can I be certain you're speaking the truth?"
Dark-sei scoffed, a sinister smile playing on his lips, "You don't get it, do you? All you've got is blind faith in me after everything I've done for you," he retorted, his tone dripping with cruelty.
With a snarl, Issei challenged, "What do you mean?!" as he tried to rise, but Dark-sei's foot came down forcefully on his back, driving him back to the ground silencing his resistance.
Dark-sei, his voice dripping with malice, recounted the truth to Issei with a sinister grin etched on his face. "That pathetic day, when Azazel dared to inquire about countering the life drain of the Juggernaut Drive, you spewed out some feeble nonsense about generating your life force. A laughable lie, of course, but you had to soothe his pitiful concerns, even though you were utterly clueless. But now, permit me to unveil the brutal truth! Indeed, the Juggernaut Drive doesn't feast upon your pitiful life force, no. INSTEAD, IT DEVOURS YOUR VERY HUMANITY!" he roared malevolently, his words hanging heavy in the air.
Confusion and shock marred Issei's features as he looked up, trying to comprehend the enormity of Dark-sei's revelation.
"EVERY TIME YOU EMBRACE THAT FORM, BIT BY BIT YOU LOSE YOUR HUMANITY! SOON ENOUGH, YOU'LL BECOME THE VERY MONSTER THEY ALL FEARED! LOOK AT SAIRAORG; ALL HE DREAMED WAS TO SHOW THE DEVILS HE COULD RISE WITHOUT MAGIC, AND WHAT DID YOU DO?! YOU BASHED HIS HEAD IN!" Dark-sei mocked, taunting Issei mercilessly.
"That's a lie! It was you who made me do that! You were the one who sent the task to do! That is your fault!" Issei rebuked, his voice laced with defiance despite the overwhelming truth.
Dark-sei, his laughter echoing like a haunting melody, retorted, "That is true, but you chose to do as I asked. Your thirst for power took control, and you did everything to get it! I may have aimed the gun, but you, you were the one who pulled the trigger!" His maniacal laughter filled Issei's head, suffocating him with its madness.
Gritting his teeth, Issei remained still, prone on the ground, unable to refute the devastating reality presented before him.
"I just wonder, how long will it take for you to be so inhuman you start hurting all those close to you?" Dark-sei sneered, his expression twisted with cruel amusement.
"I wouldn't," Issei muttered in a low voice, his words barely audible.
"We'll see about that," Dark-sei replied mockingly, his fingers pressing against Issei's forehead. With that touch, Issei succumbed to unconsciousness, enveloped in the darkness of his shattered reality.
Upon waking, Issei found himself in a place he hadn't visited in years, yet the surroundings were all too familiar.
His mind whirred with confusion. "This room, it used to be my bedroom in my parents' house, long before Rias and her family transformed it into the mansion it has become," he thought, his silent reflection punctuating the surreal moment. A wave of questions flooded his mind. "Why am I here? How am I here?" he pondered, his thoughts laced with uncertainty.
In the quiet room, the blare of the talking alarm shattered the silence. Issei reached out and silenced the device, revealing the early hour: 6 a.m. His eyes fell upon his own arm, shock gripping him as he noticed its thinness. A sudden realisation struck him; he looked down at the rest of his body, finding himself back in his old form, his once average height and build replacing the tall, athletic physique he had acquired in another dimension.
[All Stats have been reduced]
[Physical Stats have been reduced to less than 10]
"What the hell is going on?" Issei questioned himself, his voice a mixture of disbelief and alarm.
A soft, feminine voice broke through his confusion from behind. "Oh, so you're finally awake?" the voice spoke, its familiarity sending a shiver down Issei's spine.
He turned around to face the source, finding a face he hadn't seen in a long time. "Rias," he uttered in a low tone, his eyes widening with astonishment.
There she was, Rias Gremory, lying in the same bed, her figure unveiled, wearing a warm smile with a thousand unspoken secrets.
With a sly smile playing on her lips, Rias quipped, "You're familiar with my name? Well done! Though I must admit, considering your reputation as a notorious pervert, I half-expected you to have a nosebleed the moment you laid eyes on my uncovered self!" Her laughter resonated with confidence, filling the air.
Issei, caught off guard, mumbled in confusion, "Huh."
Rias, her tone a blend of playful teasing and genuine curiosity, inquired, "Is something the matter? Perhaps I'm not meeting your expectations?" Her lips formed a slight pout, adding to the intrigue of the moment.
Meanwhile, Issei's thoughts raced, trying to make sense of the situation. "Based on this conversation and the events unfolding, it appears this moment occurred shortly after my reincarnation as a Devil. Her presence here suggests that she healed the wounds inflicted upon me by that cunt Dohnaseek. How is this even possible? Dark-sei mentioned something about Time Travel. Could it be that he sent me back in time? And if so, for what purpose?" he pondered, lost in his contemplation.
His train of thought was abruptly interrupted as Rias raised her hand, snapping her fingers in front of Issei's face to regain his attention.
"What's on your mind?" she inquired, her voice laced with playful confidence, her eyes sparkling with curiosity.
In his inner musings, Issei couldn't help but reflect, "I forgot how this conversation went, but from what I remember of my old self, I would've fallen out of bed from seeing her naked form."
Issei, trying to maintain composure, responded in a deadpan voice, "Nothing, I'm just confused about why you're here."
Charmed by his response, Rias giggled, her laughter carrying a hint of amusement as the enigmatic encounter continued.
Rias stood before Issei, her tone steady and unwavering, "Well, if you must know, I've come to your rescue not once but twice. Does the name Yuma Amano ring a bell?"
Inside his mind, Issei recalled the past incidents but played his part, feigning upset with a faux frown on his face. "How do you know that name?" he questioned, his eyes narrowing in pretended suspicion.
Rias, undeterred, continued her revelation, "Do you recall the moment when she unfurled those obsidian feathery wings from her back? She's what humans might label a Fallen Angel, while I, on the other hand, am proudly a Devil." She confidently demonstrated her true form with graceful movements, extending her leathery bat wings.
Internally, Issei masked his realisations with a look of shock, furrowing his brows and dropping his jaw, pretending confusion.
"When Raynare attempted to claim your life," Rias explained, her voice firm yet kind, "I chose to reincarnate you as my own, moulding you into a Devil. Just yesterday, a Fallen Angel sought to snuff out your existence, but my loyal peerage and I swiftly intervened, ensuring your safety. I personally escorted you home, standing guard by your side throughout the night, my presence a soothing balm to hasten your recovery."
Inside his mind, Issei saw an opportunity to change his fate, embracing the chance to rewrite his story. He pondered, "I don't know what this is, but it looks like I can change things from the root, not making myself look like a fool in front of the supernatural world, no Grabbon Dragon, no immaturity, I can blame my personality change on having experienced near-death twice, and I'm not human anymore. I've been sent back in time with my knowledge of the future."
Noticing something amiss, Rias looked down and spotted Issei's blood. Her expression hinted at concern, "Hmm? Looks like I didn't fully heal you?"
Issei confusingly looks down and sees his torso with a slit-sized hole spilling out blood-the same slice from when Loki stabbed him and ripped the sword to his chest. Issei falls off his bed and backs up. However, he can feel a sensation in his right arm. He looks over to his left arm and sees his entire forearm and hand gone, pouring blood from when the Devil trio amputated his arm. Issei, seeing this, had a panicked look on his face.
Her voice filled with sorrow and weakness; Rias cried out, "Issei, why did you do this?!" Her words trembled in the air, laden with despair.
Issei lifted his gaze and witnessed the horrifying sight before him. Rias was crucified to the wall, her body mutilated—cut from the abdomen down, her entrails spilling out, eyes gouged, hair torn, and face skinned. Horror contorted his expression as he took in the grotesque scene.
Accusing him with a mixture of anger and sorrow, Rias screamed, "You, you did this to me!"
Issei, his voice barely audible, denied desperately, "No, no, I didn't."
But Rias, in her agony and rage, branded him a monster. Her mouth opened, unleashing a swarm of locusts numbering in the hundreds of thousands. The insects swarmed towards Issei, enveloping him and consuming him alive. Issei's screams of pain mingled with the buzzing of the locusts as he was devoured, his agony echoing in the air.
Regaining consciousness, Issei found himself in the familiar, dimly lit church where he had previously encountered Dark-sei. Slowly rising, he patted his body, checking for injuries inflicted by the Devils, Loki, and the Locusts. Unsurprisingly, he realised he was back in his taller, more athletic form, unmarred by any wounds.
In an unexpected turn, the church floor opened, and a cage ascended, revealing a man Issei had glimpsed only once before.
"Belzard," Issei uttered, his voice barely audible in the eerie silence.
The man inside the cage, now identified as Belzard, was a former wielder of the Boosted Gear. He had been known as the strongest male Red Dragon Emperor and the mightiest of his kind. Yet, the sight before Issei was grim; Belzard appeared to have endured brutal torture, his body drenched in his own blood as he hung there, suspended.
A soft, feminine voice broke the silence, coming from behind Issei. He turned to see Elsha, another previous user of the Boosted Gear, recognised as the strongest female Red Dragon Emperor. She, too, bore the marks of savage torment, her entire form drenched in blood, mirroring Belzard's plight. Her voice trembled with weakness as she questioned Issei.
"Issei, what have you done?" Elsha's words hung heavy, laden with despair and accusation.
Taken aback, Issei stumbled backward, tripping over something on the ground. His gaze fell upon a grotesque sight – a mound of skulls, likely the fate met by the past users of the Boosted Gear. From among the heads emerged a figure, stepping forward and revealing himself as Dark-sei, his presence foreboding and unsettling.
Dark-sei, his voice dripping with malice, taunted Issei with a sneer, "What's with that pathetic expression? Did you really think there was any other way to silence those annoying voices when you unleashed the Juggernaut Drive?" His laughter reverberated ominously, sending shivers down Issei's spine.
Issei, his anger burning through his fear, gritted his teeth and demanded, "You! What have you done?"
Dark-sei's sadistic grin widened as he mocked Issei, "Hmm? You call that gratitude for me making you stronger?" His words were laced with a cruel satisfaction.
Fueled by frustration, Issei growled, "What was the need to go this far?"
Dark-sei, undeterred, sneered back at him, "In case you didn't catch on, everything's your fault. And don't expect me to roll out the red carpet for you." His malevolent smirk emphasised his utter disdain.
With chilling confidence, Dark-sei advanced toward Issei, who desperately attempted to retreat but found himself blocked by an invisible barrier. Dark-sei chuckled sinisterly, relishing Issei's helplessness. Kneeling over, he pressed his fingers onto Issei's forehead once more. In response, Issei's consciousness slipped away, engulfed by the darkness.
Issei woke up on the island where he was supposed to confront Loki. As he sat up, he noticed his wound from Loki had completely healed, and Samael's poison was no longer coursing through his veins. In the distance, a scream pierced the air belonging to Rossweisse.
"Shit!" Issei muttered, his worry evident in his voice.
Swiftly, Issei rushed toward the source of the scream, where Rossweisse and Helskja were engaged in battle. Flying over the battleground, he saw the remnants of the dread knights summoned by the Long Sword and the lifeless zombie corpse strewn across the ground.
His mind raced with questions. "The knights are destroyed; why hasn't the secret function activated? Was it because I was unconscious and the function didn't activate?" he pondered.
Continuing his flight, Issei's blood ran cold when he witnessed something horrifying.
"Oh no," he gasped, his voice heavy with despair.
Issei's breath hitched as he watched Helskja's zombies consuming Rossweisse's corpse. His fists clenched so tightly that his nails dug into his skin, and he gritted his teeth until they bled.
Loki's voice cut through the air, filled with sadistic amusement. "How beautiful, a worthless Valkyrie such as herself being used as sustenance," he taunted, his laughter echoing in the eerie silence.
Issei's eyes flicked toward Loki, only to see him holding Astrid or what remained of her. All that was left was a lifeless husk, drained of soul and recognition, Midgardsomr extracted.
"This can't be real. None of this is real," Issei muttered desperately, a determined smile tugging at his lips as he tried to convince himself otherwise.
"Oh, it's very much real," Loki sneered, his grin filled with mockery.
With a wave of her hand, Helskja used her powers, transforming Rossweisse and Astrid's bodies into zombie corpses. Despair washed over Issei as he witnessed the people he had sworn to protect turn into monstrous creatures.
Suddenly, a chorus of maniacal laughter filled the air as Loki, Rossweisse, and Astrid mocked Issei mercilessly. He stood motionless, a look of dread etched across his face.
"I thought you were going to save me, Issei? Why didn't you?" Astrid's zombified corpse muttered, laughter bubbling from her lips.
"I thought you had everything under control; I trusted you; now look what happened," Rossweisse's zombified form screeched, her laughter blending with the nightmarish chorus surrounding them.
[WARNING: PLAYER IS HAVING A MENTAL BREAKDOWN]
In the grip of despair, Issei clenched his hand, desperately bargaining with his mind, refusing to accept the surreal reality around him. Suddenly, a familiar sensation coursed through his body, reminiscent of the moment he believed Shalba had killed Asia.
Out of the void, Dark-sei's eerie voice echoed.
"I, who am about to ascend,"
"Am the Fallen Dragon who has seized the very principles of domination from the Almighty."
Issei's voice cracked with pain as he shouted, "No! No! Get out of my head! GET OUT OF MY HEAD!"
"I scoff at the mere notion of "Infinite, for I transcend the boundaries of the infinite itself."
"I reign supreme over the mere "Dream, for I am the Alpha, Omega, and Reality."
Issei's pleas fell on deaf ears. "STOP!" he shouted, his words a desperate pledge.
"Behold, for I shall emerge as the indomitable Black Dragon of Destruction,"
"Subjugating all who stand in my path, and plunging them into the never-ending abyss!"
The chilling chant concluded, and Issei braced himself for the impending doom. To his surprise, Dark-sei chuckled at his reaction. Suddenly, Issei opened his eyes, finding himself in the same spot where he had landed after Loki had thrown him off the mountain, down to the beach area. Despite his weakened state, he reached out with his senses and felt the presence of Rossweisse and Astrid; both were alive. A deep sigh of relief escaped him.
Issei shifted his gaze toward the horizon, where the Sun was setting, casting a warm, golden glow across the landscape. Hope flickered within him, a small beacon in the encroaching darkness.
In exhaustion, Issei's mind churned with thoughts, "I can't believe I forgot this is the same day we met Astrid and took on that storm Valkyrie and the fire & ice Valkyrie. It's been a seriously long day, especially considering we've spent nearly two weeks in that time-dilated dimension," he reflected, his determination unwavering despite his weariness.
"Ddraig?" he called out, seeking reassurance from his partner.
"Partner?" Ddraig's response came, a steady presence in Issei's thoughts.
"Did you see what I saw?" Issei inquired, his voice carrying a hint of desperation.
"I may not have witnessed it in real time, but I delved into your memories and witnessed it all - from the moment you unleashed the Juggernaut Drive in that alternate dimension to the conversation between you and your other self," Ddraig replied, his tone a mix of understanding and concern.
Issei's voice trembled as he broached a painful topic, "Then you saw what happened to the past users?"
"Yes, I did," Ddraig confirmed, his words heavy with the weight of their shared history.
"Ddraig, I'm sorry. If I had known, then I wouldn't have-" Issei began, his voice laced with regret, but Ddraig gently interrupted him.
"I understand, partner, but let's set that concern aside for now. It's imperative that you seek a method to purge Samael's Poison from your body. This toxin has permeated most of your being, and by all rights, you should have perished. However, your indomitable willpower is what keeps you alive," Ddraig imparted, his wisdom cutting through the despair that threatened to consume Issei.
[WARNING: DUE TO POISON YOUR LIFE FORCE IS DECREASING!]
[WARNING: LIFE IS IN DANGER]
[WARNING: BODY IS BREAKING DOWN]
"I see. how do you think we should proceed?" Issei asked, his voice carrying a blend of acceptance and determination.
"Well, I understand your reluctance to tap into that power because of your pride. However, for the time being, I implore you to set aside that pride and prioritise your own safety," Ddraig advised calmly, careful not to provoke Issei, his words carrying the weight of experience and concern for his partner's well-being.
Flash Back
Amidst their two-year training within the time-dilated dimension, Ddraig, curious, asked his partner, "Partner, have you checked your right gauntlet?"
Recalling his decision, Issei scoffed dismissively, "It was a mistake to put the Dividing gem in my right hand; it was one of those 'in the moment kind of deals."
Ddraig's curiosity piqued, he inquired further, "I'm just curious about the effect of the system on the Dividing Gear."
In an annoyed tone, Issei retorted, "You're chirpy for wanting to see your rival's power."
Ddraig defended himself, "Well, it was my dumb host who decided to infuse his power with my own!"
Fed up, Issei shouted back, "Fine! If it untangles your panties!"
With determination, Issei activated the Dividing Gear in his right hand, shaping a White Gauntlet with a Blue Gem contrasting his Black Gauntlet with a Red Gem. However, to his surprise, the White turned Black, and the Blue turned Red after a while.
Observing the change, Issei commanded, "Huh, it changed like the Boosted Gear did. Don't expect me ever to use it."
Worried, Ddraig voiced his concern, "I understand; if it drained your life force before, I wonder what it'll do now." The uncertainty hung in the air as they continued their training, exploring the depths of their newfound abilities.
Flash Back End
Issei sighed heavily, grappling with the weight of Ddraig's words. Despite his inclination to protest, haunting images of Rossweisse and Astrid's lifeless form flashed before his eyes. Determination burning in his gaze, he activated his pseudo Dividing Gear, its hues now Red and Black, a stark contrast to its previous White and Blue appearance.
"So, what's the plan?" Issei inquired, his voice steady despite the urgency of the situation.
Ddraig, his tone grave, explained, "Utilising Albion's dividing prowess, divide the poison until it's nearly extinguished. Be mindful, though, for this will exact a toll on your life force, especially considering the system's enhancements."
"It might also be an advantage," Issei replied, his voice laced with resolve.
Focusing intently, Issei honed in on the poison within him, visualising its tendrils spreading through his body. Suddenly, Ddraig's booming voice reverberated, commanding him.
DIVIDE!
Half the poison vanished, but Issei felt a piece of his life force dissipate. Out of nowhere, Dark-sei appeared, sneering beside him.
"In your usual weak state, even a drop of Magic missing, this poison will tear right through you. If you had any real power, your so-called 'magic reserves' might have put up a fight. But you don't, so you're as good as done," Dark-sei mocked, his words slicing through the air.
"What do you mean I don't have a shred of magic?" Issei demanded, his frustration evident.
"This system isn't fancy Magic, and its powers aren't Magic either. You've got to use these abilities for something entirely different. It's like comparing Chakra from Naruto and Curse Energy from Jujutsu Kaisen. They're power sources, but don't mistake them for being the same," Dark-sei gruffly explained, catching Issei off guard.
"How does he know about anime?" Issei wondered, his confusion evident.
"Please, there's nothing I don't know, like a certain anime called Highschool DxD," Dark-sei said, a smug grin on his lips.
"What?" Issei exclaimed, his confusion deepening.
"Hmm? Perhaps I said too much. Anyway, your 10-second cooldown on the Dividing Gear is over," he deflected, attempting to change the conversation.
Once more, Ddraig's voice boomed.
DIVIDE!
Half the poison left Issei's body, his life force diminishing. He began to breathe heavily, aware of his desperate battle, with Dark-sei's sadistic smirk lingering in the air, taunting him with the threat of impending doom.
After another agonising 10 seconds dragged on, Ddraig's voice echoed.
DIVIDE!
The poison gradually receded, but its effects were still evident. Issei felt his body growing limp, the strength draining from his limbs. Another interval of time passed, and once again, Ddraig's announcement filled the void:
DIVIDE!
Slowly, the poison diminished, reduced to a minuscule level that no longer affected Issei. Yet, despite the relief, an ominous chill enveloped him as if death loomed on the horizon.
During this harrowing moment, Dark-sei, his sinister counterpart, sneered and taunted, "What will you do now, partner?"
[WARNING: VITALITY IS DANGEROUSLY LOW! FIND A WAY TO HEAL YOURSELF! ]
Issei lay there, nearly lifeless, his mind clouded with pain and desperation. In his weakened state, he recalled a conversation with Azazel, a memory from his return to Kuoh, which now seemed like a distant echo in his fading consciousness.
Small Flash Back
Azazel regarded Issei with a raised eyebrow, his tone sceptical, "Oh. Speaking of the Juggernaut Drive, why did you use it when it has all the major drawbacks like the life force draining and the past users gaslighting you into turning into an unstoppable monster?"
Issei met Azazel's gaze, his confidence unwavering as he explained, "Well, first and foremost, I counteract the life force drain by employing my Magic and energy reserves instead of depleting my life force. Furthermore, I possess the ability to generate my own life force energy, rendering Koneko's senjutsu unnecessary for restoring the vitality I may have expended during my previous endeavors."
Small Flash Back End
Within the depths of his own thoughts, Issei admitted his deepest secret to himself, his inner turmoil echoing in the silence. "Azazel, that day I lied to you. I can't generate my own life force. I steal it," he confessed quietly to his own mind.
Summoning every ounce of his remaining strength, Issei thrust his hand into the ground, invoking the power of the 7 Sin Wheel.
[Ability Used: 7 Sin Wheel: 5th Sin, Gluttony]
[Wheel is spinning...]
[Next Sin...]
[5TH SIN, GREED!!!]
Within Issei's arsenal of abilities, the 7 Sin Wheel stood out as a unique power bestowed upon him by the system. As its name suggested, this ability was rooted in the concept of the 7 Deadly Sins, each Sin carrying its distinct power. Arranged in order of objective sinfulness rather than strength, the Sins were like elements of a lottery wheel, making it impossible for the user to select a desired Sin freely; there was a mere 15% chance for the desired Sin to be chosen. After utilising a Sin, the Wheel would spin, determining the next available Sin and providing a strategic advantage. However, a cooldown period of 7 days followed the use of the ability.
These are the sins and their corresponding abilities:
1st Sin, Wrath: Everyone in the vicinity transformed into mindless, bloodthirsty berserkers, except for the user, for 7 minutes.
2nd Sin, Pride: For 7 minutes, the user became immortal, invincible, and unstoppable, emerging as the most powerful being in existence during that time.
3rd Sin, Greed: Within 7 minutes, everything the user touched morphed into precious materials. Organic objects transformed into precious metals, while inorganic items turned into precious gems.
4th Sin, Envy: For 7 minutes, the user gained the ability to copy someone else's abilities or attributes temporarily.
5th Sin, Gluttony: The user could absorb life force and materials from their surroundings, utilising them for sustenance and prolonging their own life force.
6th Sin, Lust: Over 7 minutes, the user could compel anyone to do their bidding. The duration of the compulsion depended on how the user phrased their command; it could either last the entire 7 minutes or continue beyond that timeframe.
7th Sin, Sloth: The user could steal kinetic energy from a 7-meter radius around them, making it their own for 7 minutes, rendering their surroundings motionless while the user moves at high speeds.
The energy surged through him, and the 5th Sin, Gluttony, came to life. The very essence of nature around him wilted and decayed as Issei absorbed not only life but also the materials needed to heal the wounds inflicted by Loki. Seagulls plummeted from the sky, fish floated lifelessly in the sea, trees crumbled into dust, and the ground itself withered to nothingness. All forms of life within the area were drained, and their bodies turned into sustenance for Issei's desperate need.
Dark-sei, his sinister counterpart, chuckled in fascination. "Interesting, very interesting," he remarked, his tone laced with dark amusement.
Struggling to his feet, Issei asked his partner, Ddraig, "Ddraig, how much of my life force did I gain back?"
Ddraig responded, "Over a thousand. You consumed lobsters and trees, among other things."
Amidst the dire situation, Issei marvelled at the resilience of lobsters. "It amazes me how long lobsters can live if it weren't for their size limits," he mused aloud.
Dark-sei interjected, trying to dispel the misconception, "You know that's just a myth, right?"
Ignoring his other self, Issei's gaze shifted upward, his eyes fixed on the looming mountain. He realised the impending battle would be far more challenging than anticipated. Not only did Loki possess a sword infused with Samael's poison, but Issei also found himself unable to access his Juggernaut Drive without succumbing to becoming an inhuman monster. A heavy sigh escaped him as he braced himself for the daunting fight ahead.
With a determined glint in his eyes, Issei mapped out their strategy, his voice firm, "We'll have to fight at range; I can't get close due to that damn sword, but I know that Loki is specialised at long-ranged fighting. Our fight will be an uphill battle."
Ddraig, the ever-watchful partner, inquired, "So we're going to use the other Scale Mail upgrade?"
Issei nodded, his tone low but resolute, "Yeah."
In response to his decision, Issei activated his Scale Mail, initiating the upgraded version of the Bishop promotion.
WELSH DRAGON UPGRADED SCALE MAIL, BLASTER
His armour underwent a dynamic transformation in Blaster mode, tailored for aerial mobility and long-range combat. The sleek and aerodynamic design featured a streamlined helmet with a visor for enhanced visibility, reminiscent of his standard Scale Mail helmet. Shoulder wings, resembling aircraft wings, and integrated jet thrusters adorned his form, enabling precise propulsion through the air. An armoured chest plate shielded his vital organs. At the same time, his arms and legs were encased in advanced armour, optimising flight control and safety. Specialised gloves and boots, possibly equipped with additional propulsion or control mechanisms, enhanced his aerial prowess. The primary colour of his armour was black, accentuated by bold red accents, imbuing it with an aerodynamic allure. Prominent back thrusters provided forward propulsion, emphasising speed, maneuverability, and combat capability in aerial engagements. Various long-range weapons adorned his body, underlining his readiness for the battle ahead.
[Due to activating the modified Scale Mail: Blaster, specific Stats have been increased.]
[All Stats have been doubled.]
[Due to specialised Scale Mail, these stats have gotten an additional bonus.]
[50% to Senses 50% to Intelligence]
--
Name: Issei Hyoudou (WELSH DRAGON UPGRADED SCALE MAIL, BLASTER)
Race: Reincarnated Devil/ Dragon/ Unknown
Affiliation: None
Rank: None
Type: Hybrid (Battlemage)
Stats:-
Vitality: 216
Strength: 194
Agility: 182
Intelligence: 115
Senses: 385
Dexterity: 194
Luck: 146
Overall Power Level: 205
Abilities: System and its Abilities
Gear: Mutated Boosted Gear
--
With a burst of power, Issei blasted off from the ground, soaring towards the mountaintop where Astrid and Loki awaited, his movements blindingly swift and purposeful.
X
Loki placed a vase in front of the cage where Astrid was imprisoned, a wicked glint in his eyes.
"This jug will drag Midgardsmor from your soul and trap him inside; after I do that, I'll throw the remains of you to the Valkyrie and the Dragon," he declared, his voice laced with malice and amusement, an evil smirk playing on his lips.
Astrid recoiled, understanding the horrific fate that awaited her. Her last hope, the man who could have saved her, had been brutally attacked and cast off the mountain. In her mind, these were her final moments, and she found solace in the memories of the people who had genuinely cared for her.
As the Sun dipped below the horizon, casting the world into darkness, the time for the procedure arrived. The extraction of such immense energy could only be performed at nightfall. Loki initiated the process; a magical mist rose from the vase, snaking toward Astrid like a predator, closing in on its prey. The mist enveloped her, tearing at her very soul to extract Midgardsmor and his energy. Astrid's agonised screams filled the air as her essence was torn apart.
Loki grinned maniacally, convinced that he had triggered Ragnarok and would soon reign over Asgard's destruction and rebirth. But his triumphant expression vanished instantly as a concentrated blast of energy struck him, sending him flying far away from Astrid and the vase, interrupting the procedure. Astrid's screams ceased as the process reversed, restoring what had been taken. Weak and exhausted, she looked toward the source of the energy blast and spotted Issei, clad in another version of the Scale Mail. A small smile flickered across her lips as she fell back, drained from the energy exertion.
"Issei, you came back," she whispered weakly.
Issei removed his helmet, revealing a warm smile on his face.
"Of course I did," he reassured her gently. "Stay here, don't move. Rossweisse is still fighting her battle, and I'm going to confront Loki," he said calmly.
Carefully lowering Astrid, Issei's attention was drawn to a pillar of Magic emerging from the spot where Loki had been flung, pulsating with immense power. Astrid and Issei exchanged a determined glance, understanding the gravity of the situation. With a nod from Astrid, Issei chuckled softly before flying towards the magical pillar, ready to face the dark forces that threatened them.
X
Helskja continued her relentless assault on Rossweisse, throwing wave after wave of corpses at her. Rossweisse valiantly resisted, using the knights provided by Issei's sword. Despite her efforts, most of the knights were destroyed, and the last one fell, broken on the ground. In a swift move, Rossweisse struck down the last corpse, leaving Helskja defenceless, her resources depleted.
"This is my chance!" Rossweisse thought, seizing the opportunity.
With determination burning in her eyes, she unleashed her newfound power, combining Wind and Fire Magic in an amalgamation technique.
"Inferno Cycle!" she shouted, casting her new spell. A cyclonic vortex of flame and wind surged towards Helskja, the wind intensifying the flames and propelling them faster. Unable to dodge in time, Helskja was engulfed in the fiery onslaught. When the flames subsided, Rossweisse was horrified to witness the aftermath. Helskja stood before her, her clothes burnt away, revealing a skeletal form from the neck down.
"It's not merely your voice that you've offered up for power; you've dedicated your entire being to attain it!" Rossweisse exclaimed, her voice laced with horror.
Helskja's burnt clothes reformed, and she glared at Rossweisse. Unfazed, Rossweisse combined fire and explosive Magic into a new technique, Inferno Burst. Determined, she launched a fireball towards Helskja, which exploded upon impact, scattering debris and smoke everywhere.
When the smoke cleared, Helskja summoned more zombies, using them to shield herself from the Inferno Burst. Rossweisse clicked her tongue in frustration, realising she was back to square one. However, she observed a pattern in Helskja's actions - a limit to the number of zombies she could control at once and a waiting period before summoning more. Rossweisse couldn't help but chuckle softly.
"It appears that she can only summon a limited number of zombies at any given moment. Furthermore, there's a mandatory waiting period until she can conjure more once her current ones have been dispatched. It's almost as if Issei's knack for analysis has started to influence me," she remarked, her confidence growing.
Rossweisse's gaze fell on the fallen knights, their shattered pieces lying on the ground. To her surprise, the knight fragments began to tremble and reform, albeit in fewer numbers but significantly larger. This was the hidden ability Issei had whispered to himself after defeating Fenrir and before facing Loki - the knights would rebuild themselves, halving their previous number but doubling in size until they formed one colossal knight. And even then, there was more to come.
A triumphant smirk played on Rossweisse's lips as she realised the tide of the battle was shifting in her favour. Meanwhile, a frustrated expression marred Helskja's face as she understood that the fight was far from getting easier for her.
X
Issei soared through the sky with incredible speed, arriving at the location where the magic pillar had erupted. Hovering near it, he confronted Loki, who floated before him with a furious expression.
"You insignificant Devil! You won't get in the way of my plans for Ragnarok," Loki snarled, his anger palpable.
Issei, never one to miss an opportunity for a witty remark, retorted, "Ragnarok this, Ragnarok that. Just marry Ragnarok at this point," he joked, attempting to lighten the tension despite the dire circumstances.
In response, Loki unleashed a barrage of elemental Magic towards Issei. Swiftly, Issei countered with his own elemental power, deflecting Loki's attack.
"Tell me this, however, how did you manage to slip away from that seal?" Issei inquired, curiosity flickering in his eyes, mirroring the interest Rossweisse held in understanding Loki's escape from her powerful sealing Magic.
"Well, since you're going to die, I might as well tell you. I got a second chance," Loki revealed with a sinister smirk, relishing in the moment.
Issei's body tensed as he processed Loki's words. "A second chance?" he scoffed, his tone laced with disdain while he concealed the underlying anxiety beneath his facade.
Loki, revelling in his revelation, explained, "Who knows? I remember floating in the darkness of the sealing Magic, and then suddenly, a red prompt appeared on my face, asking me if I wanted a second chance. I was hesitant at first, but I pressed yes, and I was free from the seals," he added, his laughter ringing with madness.
A chill ran down Issei's spine as he grasped the implications of Loki's words. Despite the fear creeping in, he pushed those thoughts aside. Overthinking wouldn't aid him in the fight. He resolved to deal with the problem after defeating Loki, acknowledging that he couldn't afford to underestimate his opponent any longer. Just as he steeled himself for the battle, another notification popped up, intensifying the urgency of the situation.
[New Task]
[Last Task of this Mission]
[Defeat Loki]
--
Name: Loki
Race: God
Affiliation: Marrying Ragnarok
Rank: Rogue God
Relationship: Enemy
Type: Caster (Mage)
Stats:
Vitality: Unknown
Strength: Unknown
Agility: Unknown
Intelligence: Unknown
Senses: Unknown
Dexterity: Unknown
Luck: Unknown
Overall Power Level: Unknown
Abilities: Magic (Elemental, Teleportation, Summoning, Defensive), Curse, Unknown Abilities
Gear: Unknown
--
[Own Stats have increased due to Demon Eyes Stage 1 Activation]
[22% to Stats]
[2x to Perception]
[Now capable of seeing the slightest detail, allowing the user to see their opponent's next move along with their weak spot]
[Unable to use Demon Eyes Stage 2 due to being awakened through temporary buffs such as "Blood Lust" and "Desire to Destroy"]
BOOST
Issei's eyes locked onto Loki, who brandished a dragon-slaying sword and conjured elemental Magic. Quick on his feet, Issei maneuvered skillfully, countering Loki's onslaught with his own elemental powers. His scale mail morphed, and he joined his arms in front, forming a formidable blaster from his hands. With precision, he unleashed a concentrated burst of energy, narrowly missing Loki, who felt the heat singe the ends of his clothes.
[Ability Used: Elemental Manipulation: Elemental Creation: Fire, Lightning, Wind]
[Ability Used: Energy Manipulation: Energy Creation]
Undeterred, Loki pressed on, charging toward Issei, sword at the ready. Amid the battle, Ddraig's voice resonated in Issei's mind, a concerned tone evident, "Partner! Why don't you use Atomic Breakdown to destroy the sword?"
Issei's determination shone through his thoughts, "I have plans for that sword after I finish him."
Ddraig persisted, cautioning him, "You won't be able to wield it!"
Confident in his strategy, Issei reassured, "I know, but just trust me. You'll like what I intend on doing with that sword."
Swiftly dodging another swipe, Issei descended to the sea's surface, where the waves surged with amplified intensity due to the ongoing battle.
"Stop running, coward!" Loki bellowed in frustration.
Issei landed on the water, his shoulder-mounted turrets aimed at Loki. Energy blasts erupted from his hands, relentlessly bombarding Loki but Loki had defended by putting up a barrier. In a calculated move, Issei fired additional energy blasts into the sea.
[Ability Used: Reflection Transportation]
Utilising his Mirror Transportation ability, he teleported these blasts beneath Loki. Caught off guard and unable to react due to the energy onslaught, Loki found himself struck by the teleported blasts when they resurfaced. The impact shattered Loki's barrier, leaving him vulnerable. As the initial energy blasts from the turrets reached him, Loki grimaced in pain, retreating to a safe distance to escape the relentless barrage of energy blasts.
BOOST
Issei pursued Loki at a calculated distance. From the shoulder pads of his Scale Mail armour, a slit opened, unleashing a barrage of mini energy missiles that swarmed towards Loki. With swift precision, Loki raised a barrier, creating a dense smoke screen that cloaked the battleground.
Through the haze, Loki retaliated, casting a blinding light beam that struck Issei's thigh, eliciting a grunt of pain as the armour in that section gave way. Seizing the opportunity, Loki flew through the dissipating smoke, slashing his sword at Issei, who narrowly evaded the deadly strike. In the skirmish, Loki managed to sever one of the Scale Mail's wings, forcing Issei to rely on his flying ability to regain stability.
"Ddraig!" Issei's urgent shout echoed in the air.
"Got it!" Ddraig's determined reply filled Issei's mind.
With a swift response, Ddraig set to work, repairing the damaged Scale Mail. The wing and thigh area were swiftly mended, and the armour underwent enhancements. Now, the Scale Mail boasted extensive gauntlets on each forearm and an increased number of wings, soaring from 2 to 4. These wings operated with their separate propulsion system.
Issei, strategising amidst the chaos, understood he couldn't afford recklessness, especially after the encounter with Fenrir. "I can't be reckless like I was with Fenrir; I need to play cat and mouse," he thought, his determination fueling his focus.
The extensive gauntlets transformed, shaping into claw-like objects that were launched towards Loki. Loki skillfully deflected the initial assault with his sword. However, these claws were heat seekers, altering their trajectory and homing in on Loki from behind. Evading the relentless pursuit, Loki was under siege by Issei's energy blasts. Struggling to defend himself, he became vulnerable. One of the claws finally latched onto him, digging into his flesh and eliciting a pained screech.
Desperate to escape, Loki attempted to remove the claw, but his efforts were thwarted by the relentless onslaught from Issei. Realising the second claw was closing in, Issei made a calculated decision. He waited until the moment was ripe, then detonated both claws simultaneously. Loki's eyes widened in horror as he saw the claw attached to him pulsating with energy. His attempts to pry it off were futile, and the claws exploded.
With a deafening blast, Loki was propelled into the ocean, where he rapidly sank beneath the waves. Issei, undeterred, floated closer to the sea's surface, then submerged himself, determined to chase after Loki and bring the battle to its conclusion.
Issei's determination blazed in his thoughts, "He won't go down that easily! I need to make sure!" he resolved, his mind resolute even in the face of danger.
Suddenly, a colossal serpent lunged at Issei, its massive jaws snapping shut around him, swallowing him whole.
In the belly of the beast, realisation struck Issei like a lightning bolt, "I forgot about the Midgardsomr clone!" he hissed through clenched teeth, regret gnawing at him.
Amidst the serpent's innards, Issei felt a sudden rush as he was propelled out from the sea, still ensnared within the serpent's coils. Turning his gaze toward the tail end of the creature, he witnessed a colossal energy buildup, a sight that made dread coil in his gut.
"Fuck," Issei cursed under his breath, his voice filled with frustration and fear as he braced for what was to come.
The pent-up energy surged out from the serpent's maw, forcefully ejecting Issei and battering him with its raw power. He was sent hurtling towards the side of the mountain, the very place where the fight had commenced. The impact reverberated through the island, sending shockwaves that even Rossweisse, Helskja, and Astrid could feel, their faces etched with concern as they sensed the sheer force of Issei colliding with the mountainside.
X
Amidst the chaos of battle, Rossweisse stood her ground, undeterred by the onslaught. The clash of forces raged around her, yet she remained focused solely on her adversary, Helskja. The enhanced knights under her command cut through her zombies effortlessly, a testament to their newfound strength. Rossweisse patiently bided her time, waiting for only a few corpses to remain. Her strategy was clear: she needed to get close to Helskja, exploiting her identified weakness – her lack of training in close combat.
With calculated precision, Rossweisse seized the moment when only a handful of corpses remained. Swiftly, she lunged forward, Ascalon in hand, slashing across Helskja's face. The blade left a gruesome scar, stretching from her right cheek to her left forehead, ripping out an eye and cutting her nose. Rossweisse retreated, creating distance, and unleashed a Concussive Blast, propelling Helskja backward. Prepared for the retaliation she knew would come, Rossweisse assumed a defensive stance, fully aware that the battle was far from over.
To her horror, she witnessed a grotesque sight as a burst of Magic erupted from where Helskja had fallen. The light revealed the macabre transformation taking place before her eyes. "She's sacrificing more of herself for power!" Rossweisse exclaimed, her teeth gritted in determination.
Markings began to sprawl across Helskja's skull as her hood concealed her face. A staff adorned with three skulls and a spine materialised in her hands. More zombies were summoned, and this time, they merged into a monstrous entity, a grotesque amalgamation of corpses forming a colossal heap of flesh the size of a warehouse, with Helskja standing atop it.
The abomination emitted a deep growl, sending shivers down Rossweisse's spine. From its sides emerged smaller, snarling beasts directed at Rossweisse and the knights, indicating that the battle had escalated to unimaginable proportions.
Rossweisse's mind raced, analysing the situation unfolding before her. "So she combined all of her summons into one singularity," she mused, her thoughts swirling with determination.
Summoning her magical prowess, Rossweisse cast a barrage of elemental spells at the abomination. The creature showed signs of damage, but its wounds swiftly healed, a regeneration akin to cellular division.
"It regenerated," Rossweisse observed, a note of concern in her thoughts. A memory flickered in her mind, connecting the abomination to something from her past.
"In the past, when Issei resided with us," she recalled, "I observed him engrossed in a video game he referred to as 'Resident Evil.' In that game, a woman utilised a railgun to obliterate a grotesque monstrosity utterly. This particular abomination before me bears a striking resemblance to the one from that game," she contemplated, her thoughts weaving a strategic plan.
"I believe my nuclear technique should suffice to eradicate it. However, there's a possibility that Helskja might evade it, and I remain uncertain if she possesses the capability to conjure it anew. Furthermore, I can only execute a singular nuclear technique before succumbing to exhaustion," Rossweisse reasoned, assessing her limited options.
The abomination roared, releasing a torrent of toxic waste aimed at Rossweisse. Swiftly, she dodged most of it, and her knights shielded her from the rest, but their armour began to melt. A sense of urgency gripped her as she realised the dire situation.
"I need to stun her and trap her before I can use the nuclear technique," she strategised, her thoughts focused on finding a way to immobilise her foe.
A radiant light emanated from the mountaintop, revealing an Eastern Dragon formed entirely of pure light.
"Astrid!" Rossweisse breathed in awe before her attention was forcibly diverted. A tendril from the abomination lashed out, narrowly missing her and distracted her momentarily.
With renewed determination, Rossweisse squared her shoulders and resolved to confront Helskja and her monstrous minion again, her mind sharp with strategy and purpose.
X
Issei's eyes snapped open as he collided with the side of the mountain, his Scale Mail in tatters. Gritting his teeth, he growled, "Ddraig, fix the Scale Mail."
"I'm working on it," Ddraig replied, his voice steady despite the urgency of the situation.
But before Ddraig could make progress, the Midgardsmor clone lashed out, its tail striking Issei before he could evade. Helpless, he was sent hurtling across the island, ensnared by the serpent's constricting coils, akin to an anaconda enveloping its prey. The serpent slithered back towards the mountain, its grip on Issei making it impossible for Ddraig to repair the damaged armour due to the relentless pressure.
Emerging from the ocean, Loki appeared his clothes in tatters, skin scorched, and blood oozing from wounds inflicted by Issei's explosive claws.
"You! You filthy Devil! How dare you wound me! You insignificant creature!" Loki spat, his voice dripping with venom.
Issei, despite his dire predicament, sneered defiantly. "Hmph, fancied yourself a god, did you?" he mocked, a derisive chuckle escaping his lips.
"Silence!" Loki roared, delivering a kick to Issei's head. A piece of his Scale Mail helmet shattered and flew off, a testament to the force of the blow. Brandishing the Dragon Slaying Sword, Loki pressed the blade against Issei's neck, taunting him with impending death.
Astrid, witnessing the scene unfold, approached with horror etched across her face. Before her, Issei dangled in the clutches of a serpent reminiscent of the creatures from her nightmares, while Loki, consumed by rage, prepared to strike the final blow.
Astrid's heart leapt into her throat as she screamed, her voice raw with despair, just moments away from witnessing Issei's demise.
Loki grinned malevolently, his eyes filled with madness, before refocusing his attention on Issei, brandishing a deadly sword.
"I don't know how you survived the first hit from this sword, but if I cut your head from your body, you'll be dead for good," Loki taunted, laughter spilling from his lips, sending shivers down Astrid's spine.
"P-please don't!" Astrid pleaded, tears streaming down her cheeks, her voice quivering with desperation.
"Now you wait right there, little girl, and just watch as I kill him! After that, I'll come for you!" Loki bellowed, his voice echoing with cruelty.
"Astrid, run!" Issei's voice, laced with urgency, pierced the air.
With a swift, brutal kick, Loki sent Issei's helmet flying, revealing his bloodied face, his body writhing in pain from the serpent's grip. Issei could feel his bones creak, his skin pierced by the Scale Mail Armor, the only barrier preventing his body from turning into a slushie.
Astrid, her mind racing with visions of a happy future shattered, screamed in anguish. In her despair, her left arm transformed into a gauntlet resembling the Boosted Gear but with a steel silver hue and brown zircon gems.
"What?!" Loki shouted in confusion and rage, taken aback by Astrid's transformation.
[Due to awakening, Astrid's Stats have skyrocketed!]
[2x increase for all Stats]
[Temporary buff called "Determination" boosted Strength Stat by 50%]
"Ddraig, that looks like..." Issei's voice trailed off, weak but filled with recognition.
"Yeah, I think she took inspiration from ours when you showed it to her earlier," Ddraig replied, understanding dawning upon them both.
Suddenly, a silhouette of an Eastern Dragon emerged from Astrid's form, soaring into the sky with a deafening roar. It glowed in various colours, corresponding with the gem in Astrid's gauntlet. Onlookers, including participants from neighbouring countries and continents, watched the Dragon ascend in awe and shock into the sky.
After piercing the clouds, the Dragon descended, letting out another roar. Miraculously, the clone that had bound Issei vanished, setting him free from his constraints. Once filled with despair, the battlefield was now charged with newfound hope as Astrid's incredible power had turned the tide of the battle.
Issei's gratitude swelled within him as he thought, "Thank you, Astrid. Looks like it was you who saved me," a warm smile graced his lips.
In that moment of liberation, Issei swiftly deployed a sword from his Scale Mail, severing Loki's hand—the very hand that clutched the Dragon Slaying Sword. Loki howled in agony as the sword slipped from his grasp. Issei propelled himself towards a nearby mountain, impaling the lethal weapon into its rocky surface. With Loki sprawled on the ground, Issei pursued him, deactivating the Scale Mail. He expertly employed the dimension inventory technique, summoning a recently acquired weapon—the Fenrir Gauntlet and Grieves. Equipping the formidable Gear, he landed gracefully in front of the fallen Loki. The sight of the new weapons struck fear into Loki's heart.
--
Fenrir
Rarity: Legendary
Classification: Gauntlets and Greaves
Stats: 15 Vitality, 20 Strength, 8 Dexterity, -3 Agility
Ability: A pair of Gauntlet and Greaves imbued with Fenrir's God Slaying Powers. The Gauntlets and Greaves resemble the legs of the Legendary Wolf; the fingers of the Gauntlets have extended nails with deadly spikes, and the same can be said for the feet of the Greaves. When the forearm muscles are flexed, three-pronged blades will extend from the top of the forearm, resembling beast claws imbued with God Slaying Powers.
--
"You, what is that?!" Loki bellowed in anger, his voice laced with disbelief.
Issei sneered, a wicked grin playing on his lips. "Do you dare to claim you don't recognise your very own flesh and blood?" he taunted, his words cutting through the tension in the air.
Loki, consumed by fury, demanded, "What have you done to Fenrir?!"
Issei's smirk deepened, confidence radiating from him. "You'll find out soon enough!" he retorted, his tone laced with anticipation.
Fueled by rage, Loki lunged at Issei, and Issei met the assault head-on. The atmosphere crackled with Magic as Loki chanted his incantations, vowing, "You will not stop my plan for Ragnarok!"
Issei's laughter filled the air, dripping with derision. "Your pitiful fate was sealed the very instant I chose to become your enemy!" he sneered, his Gauntlets poised for the impending reckoning, ready to face the battle that lay ahead.
X
Amid the battle, Rossweisse strategised against the formidable Helskja and her monstrous creation. Swiftly analysing her opponent's weaknesses, she exploited the abomination's slow turn radius, capitalising on Helskja's inability to defend herself and control the beast simultaneously.
Launching her offensive, Rossweisse cast a barrage of fire and explosive Magic at the beast, creating a smokescreen. Amidst the chaos, she employed a powerful combination of Ice and Lightning Magic, creating a Glacial Discharge. The lightning bolt pierced through the smoke, shocking and freezing Helskja and her creation. They were ensnared by Rossweisse's attack, setting the stage for her ultimate move.
Gathering her magical energy, Rossweisse conjured a tennis ball-sized ball of energy, a nuclear technique ready to obliterate her foes. The explosion engulfed Helskja and her abomination, leaving nothing behind but scorched earth and a deep crater.
Exhausted from her immense magical efforts, Rossweisse landed near the aftermath. Suddenly, she sensed an approaching presence. She turned around to find Helskja, flesh restored and nude. Rossweisse understood the desperate sacrifice Helskja had made to escape her fate.
"You reverted your sacrifice at the moment of death to negate the effects of the attack. But in doing so, you forfeited your soul to cease from existence," Rossweisse commented, her voice steady despite the fatigue.
Helskja, determined to take Rossweisse down, charged forward. Rossweisse, hindered by exhaustion, fell onto her back. Just as Helskja closed in, Rossweisse flew over a fallen knight's armour. In an instant, the armour wrapped around Helskja, immobilising her. Swords from fallen knights levitated and struck the armour, one after another, until Helskja's scream of pain faded into nothingness. Her soul was no more.
With a heavy sigh, Rossweisse glanced toward the horizon, where she spotted an Eastern Dragon made of light approaching. Astrid emerged unscathed, her left hand still in its gauntlet form.
"Astrid!" Rossweisse called out, relief flooding her as Astrid rushed toward her and embraced her.
"Rossweisse, are you alright?" Astrid asked concern etched on her face, returning the hug.
"Yeah, Issei got to me before something bad could happen," Astrid reassured, her voice filled with gratitude.
Worry crept into Rossweisse's voice, "Where's Issei now?"
"He's having his final fight with Loki. And he's badly injured," Astrid replied, her tone heavy with concern.
Determined to stand by Issei's side, Rossweisse used Helskja's skull staff as a support cane, strapping Issei's Dread Knight's Long Sword and Ascalon to her back. With Astrid at her side, she made her way toward the battleground where Issei and Loki clashed, ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead.
X
Amidst the chaos of battle, Issei and Loki clashed fiercely, their powers colliding in a dazzling display. Despite Loki's lost arm, he managed to cast spells with his remaining hand, launching attacks at Issei. Utilising his gauntlets and grieves, Issei skillfully blocked and deflected the incoming Magic, his movements precise and calculated.
In the heat of combat, Issei marvelled at the effectiveness of his Gear, his thoughts racing, "These Gauntlets and Grieves, they're much better than I thought."
Though Issei was not unscathed, injuries hindered his full physical potential. Despite the pain, he pressed on, countering Loki's assaults. When Loki unleashed Darkness Magic, Issei evaded and countered, landing a devastating blow to Loki's gut. The force of the punch made Loki spit blood as he was sent flying backward. Seizing the opportunity, Issei charged, delivering a powerful shin kick that further damaged Loki's already broken arm and ribs.
As Loki screamed in agony, he retaliated with a desperate Light Magic attack, burning Issei's chest and tearing his tracksuit jacket. Undeterred, Issei pressed forward, his determination unyielding. Issei attempted an attack, but Loki managed to evade, launching a barrage of Elemental Magic. Issei skillfully blocked most of the onslaught, but a few strikes nicked his limbs, leaving shallow cuts. A smoke screen enveloped Issei, masking his position. Loki, believing he had won, was caught off guard when Issei lunged through the smoke, delivering a powerful punch that shattered Loki's jaw.
Loki staggered backward, his jaw hanging loosely, pain etched across his face. Blood dripped from his mouth as he tried to regain his composure. Issei, fueled by adrenaline and resolve, continued his assault. He swiftly closed the gap between them, landing a series of blows on Loki's weakened body.
In a desperate attempt to turn the tide, Loki channelled the last reserves of his magical energy, creating a blinding explosion of light that momentarily blinded both fighters. Through sheer instinct, Issei raised his gauntlets, shielding his eyes from the intense brightness. When the light finally subsided, Loki was nowhere to be seen.
Issei scanned the battlefield, his senses heightened. He could feel Loki's presence nearby, a flicker of Magic amidst the chaos. Without a moment's hesitation, Issei pivoted and unleashed a powerful shockwave from his gauntlets, aiming at the spot where he sensed Loki. The shockwave hit its mark, sending Loki flying out of his hiding place and crashing into a pile of debris.
Bruised and battered, Loki struggled to rise, his strength waning. Issei, his determination unyielding, closed in on his foe. With a swift motion, he summoned his remaining energy, encasing his fists in a blazing aura of power. "It's over, Loki," Issei declared, his voice firm and unwavering.
Loki, his face twisted in a mixture of pain and fury, conjured a whirlwind of elemental forces, sending torrents of fire, ice, and lightning towards Issei. Issei skillfully dodged and deflected the onslaught, his movements becoming increasingly fluid and precise. With every strike, Issei countered his gauntlets and grieves, humming with raw energy.
Sweat trickled down Issei's brow as he calculated his next move. He feigned a charge, prompting Loki to release a burst of energy in defence. Seizing the opportunity, Issei somersaulted through the air, narrowly avoiding the attack, and landed a powerful kick to Loki's side. Loki grunted, stumbling backward, but his determination didn't waver.
In retaliation, Loki summoned shadowy tendrils that snaked towards Issei, seeking to bind and immobilise him. Issei, however, tapped into his own inner reservoir of power, breaking free from the constricting darkness with a burst of energy that shattered the shadows around him.
The battleground crackled with Magic as the two adversaries clashed, neither giving an inch. Issei's gauntlets blazed with searing heat as he launched a barrage of punches, aiming for Loki's vulnerable spots. But Loki, his movements graceful despite his injuries, managed to evade most of the blows, countering with blasts of Magic that forced Issei to retreat momentarily.
The fight had become a deadly dance, a ballet of strikes and parries, each combatant testing the other's limits. Issei's tracksuit was now in tatters, his chest and arms covered in burns and bruises. Loki, too, bore the marks of battle, his dark robes singed and torn, his one remaining arm strained from casting spell after spell.
Loki unleashed a torrent of dark energy with a roar, forming a colossal shadowy beast that lunged at Issei. Issei, his eyes narrowed in concentration, summoned a barrier of light that clashed with the dark creature, the opposing forces locked in a fierce struggle.
The ground trembled beneath the intensity of their clash, the very air charged with Magic. Issei gritted his teeth, channelling all his strength into repelling the dark beast. Inch by inch, he pushed it back, his muscles straining with the effort. A flicker of doubt crossed Loki's eyes, a realisation that Issei's determination might surpass even his own malevolence.
But just as Issei seemed on the verge of victory, Loki's eyes glinted with a wicked resolve. With a guttural incantation, he funnelled a surge of energy into the shadowy beast, causing it to grow in size and ferocity. Issei's barrier faltered under the onslaught, and he was sent flying backward, crashing into a pile of rubble.
Gasping for air, Issei staggered to his feet, his body aching from the impact. He knew that he couldn't afford to falter now. With renewed determination, he charged back into the fray, ready to face whatever dark Magic Loki could throw at him. The battle was far from over, and Issei was prepared to fight until his last breath.
Issei's determination burned brighter than ever as he launched himself back into the fight. His movements were fueled by sheer willpower, his gauntlets crackling with energy. Despite his exhaustion, he pressed on, refusing to let Loki's malevolence prevail.
Loki, too, recognised the unyielding spirit in his opponent. With a cruel smile, he conjured tendrils of darkness that snaked around Issei, attempting to bind him once more. But Issei, drawing from the depths of his resolve, shattered the shadows with a burst of raw power, his muscles straining against the dark Magic.
The battleground became a whirlwind of elemental forces as Loki and Issei clashed with unparalleled ferocity. Fire clashed with ice, lightning arced through the air, and the ground trembled beneath their power. Each strike and spell was a testament to their unwavering determination, a struggle for supremacy that seemed to have no end.
Issei's mind raced, analysing every move, every nuance in Loki's Magic. He had to find a weakness, a vulnerability in his opponent's defences. Seizing the opportunity, Issei lunged forward, his gauntlets crashing against Loki's remaining arm.
Loki cried out in pain, but his response was immediate. He channelled his pain and anger into a devastating wave of darkness that slammed into Issei, sending him tumbling backward. Issei's vision blurred momentarily, his ears ringing from the impact, but he fought through the disorientation. He couldn't afford to falter.
With a primal roar, Issei surged forward once more. His gauntlets blazed with radiant energy as he unleashed a flurry of punches, each strike infused with the power of his determination. Loki, caught off guard by Issei's relentless assault, struggled to defend himself. Blow after blow landed on Loki's body, each impact wearing down his strength and resolve.
But Loki was not one to be underestimated. With a desperate gasp, he gathered the last shreds of his magical energy, forming a shield of pure darkness. Issei's punches collided with the shield, the impact sending shockwaves through the air. The two forces were locked in a stalemate, neither side willing to yield.
The battle had reached a fever pitch, both warriors teetering on the edge of exhaustion. Every muscle in Issei's body screamed in protest, but he refused to relent. He couldn't afford to lose, not when so much was at stake. With determination, Issei poured every ounce of his strength into a devastating punch that shattered Loki's shield.
Loki's eyes widened in disbelief as Issei's gauntlet connected with his chest, the force of the blow sending him crashing to the ground. The impact resonated across the battlefield, the very earth trembling beneath the force of their clash.
Dazed and disoriented, Loki attempted one final attack, channelling a massive amount of Magic into his left hand. Sensing the impending danger, Issei prepared a counterattack.
Just as Loki's fist neared his face, Issei swiftly ducked, causing Loki to miss and lose balance. Seizing the opportunity, Issei thrust his right hand like a claw into Loki's chest, gripping his heart. Loki coughed blood, gasping for air, his strength waning as the battle reached its end.
Issei's lips curled into a sardonic grin as he tightened his grip on Loki's heart, revelling in the added agony inflicted upon the fallen deity. "Hmm, would you look at this? A touching father and son reunion, just heartwarming," he remarked, his voice dripping with mockery.
Loki growled lowly, his frustration evident. "Damn Devil!" he spat, his words laced with venom.
"This battle has been entertaining, I'll give you that. It's been ages since I've had a worthy opponent," Issei chuckled, his amusement palpable as he savoured the intensity of their confrontation.
But amidst the sadistic joy, a flicker of curiosity ignited within Issei. "Before I kill you, tell me. This second chance, what else did it do?" he inquired, recalling that Loki, too, had been bestowed a gift from the system.
Loki coughed weakly, his voice strained. "It just freed me, nothing else."
"What?! Are you telling me this didn't grant you any newfound strength? No extra tricks up your sleeve?" Issei sneered, irritation lacing his tone.
Loki weakly chuckled, his laughter strained. "Why are you so curious? Don't tell me. Oh, I see now. You have also come into contact with this so-called 2nd Chance. No wonder why you look and act so differently than before."
"Answer the question!" Issei snapped, his anger boiling as he tightened his grip, eliciting another pained grunt from Loki.
"If I was given this 2nd Chance, who else do you think got it? Perhaps your enemies from the past? Let's see the Phenex Brat, the War-Monger of the Gregori, and the White Dragon Emperor," Loki taunted, his laughter manic. "You are nothing more than a lowly reincarnated Devil. If people like them got the same as you, they'd wipe the floor with you!"
Enraged, Issei began to pull his hand back, his rage fueling his strength. As Issei prepared to deliver a slow and agonising death, Loki's screams filled the air. Just then, he caught sight of Astrid and Rossweisse standing nearby. Astrid's horrified expression struck a chord within him, making him freeze. He was about to commit this heinous act in front of a child.
Suddenly, Dark-sei materialised out of thin air, his presence sending chills down Issei's spine.
"Go on, do it. Become a monster. Become a heartless and inhuman monster. Get it? Heartless?" Dark-sei's sinister laughter echoed through Issei's mind.
Surprised that only he could perceive Dark-sei, Issei whispered in a low tone, "You and I are going to have a serious talk when this is all done," his words directed at the malevolent entity.
"Hmph, alright. I'll be waiting," Dark-sei retorted with an evil smirk before vanishing again, leaving Issei grappling with his inner demons.
Loki, his senses skewed, questioned Issei weakly, unaware of the unseen forces at play. In a split-second decision, Issei pushed Loki's heart back into his chest and withdrew his hand, delivering a swift punch to Loki's nose, rendering him unconscious.
In the aftermath of the confrontation, Issei's thoughts churned with relief and lingering anger. "Loki, consider yourself lucky; you were only saved because the girl you tried to kill came at the right moment, the right moment for you," he reflected, his mind heavy with the gravity of the situation.
Turning his attention to Rossweisse, he made a request, his voice low but firm, "Rossweisse, can you do your sealing magic on him? And make it much stronger this time."
Rossweisse nodded in acknowledgment and approached Loki, her determined gaze unwavering. "Do you have anything to seal him in?" she inquired, seeking the necessary tools for her Magic.
Issei flew swiftly to the top of a nearby mountain and returned moments later, a vase clutched in his hand. It was the very vase Loki had attempted to use to separate Midgardsmor from Astrid and trap the Dragon. Astrid eyed it with discomfort as Issei presented it to Rossweisse.
"Will this do?" Issei questioned, his tone edged with urgency.
Rossweisse examined the vase, her eyes widening in awe at the intricate sealing runes etched onto its surface. "This vessel was originally crafted for the purpose of containing formidable energy-born creatures, particularly dragons," she explained, her voice grave. "The wielder of this vase possesses the capacity to harness the might of such creatures, bestowing their power upon themselves or their comrades. However, if we intend to employ it for the imprisonment of a deity, some substantial alterations will be necessary."
"I'll need blood to alter it," she stated, her gaze shifting to Issei.
"Use mine," Issei offered without hesitation, holding his cut-up arm to her.
As she reluctantly accepted his offer, Rossweisse blushed, her eyes averting from Issei's exposed form. She ran her finger over the cuts, collecting his blood, and then meticulously drew Nordic Runes on the vase to enhance the sealing magic. Issei watched the process intently, recognising the significance of this knowledge for future encounters.
Once the alterations were complete, Rossweisse placed the vase before Loki. The moment it was set down, Loki's entire being was sucked into the vase, trapped inside its confines.
"I made it stronger than before; he won't escape unless you want him to," Rossweisse assured Issei, her voice unwavering.
"Me? Why?" Issei questioned, puzzled by her statement.
"I heard what he said; he had a similar ability to yours, right?" Rossweisse pointed out.
"Perhaps, but I couldn't get a definitive answer," Issei replied, his mind grappling with the implications of their conversation.
"It's only right that he's imprisoned and freedom is given to you," she declared, her conviction unwavering.
"I see," Issei acknowledged, realising the weight of her decision.
Then, multiple red notifications pop up.
[Task Complete]
[Mission Complete]
[Claim Your Reward]
[10 S.P and 30 A.P]
[New Ability Unlocked: Chemical Manipulation]
Pain surged through Issei's body, forcing him to collapse backward and hit the ground hard. He lay there on his back, feeling every inch of his body throbbing with agony.
His thoughts swirled amidst the pain, a grim acceptance settling in. "I've reached my body's absolute limit. The poison nearly consumed me; the Divine Dividing drained my life force to nearly nothing. I forced a millennium's worth of vitality into my veins, my organs and bones were on the verge of shattering, and I went toe-to-toe with a god. Not a bad run," he mused, his consciousness slipping away as unconsciousness claimed him.
Panicked, Rossweisse and Astrid rushed towards Issei, their voices filled with worry as they called out his name. Yet, Issei remained unresponsive. His vision blurred, the last thing he saw being a multitude of Valkyries descending from the sky, their forms becoming indistinct as darkness swallowed him.
His fading thoughts persisted, "It seems like defeating Loki removed the barrier on Asgard," he realised as he closed his eyes, succumbing to the encroaching darkness.
Desperation laced Astrid's voice as she pleaded, "Issei! Please don't die! I don't want you to die!" Her words hung in the air, tinged with fear and sorrow.
Ddraig, his voice emanating from Issei's left hand, reassured her, "Be at ease, young one. My host is merely fatigued. His life won't be extinguished, not under my watch."
Valkyries landed around them, their presence a mix of determination and purpose. They methodically moved, their expertise evident as they examined the surroundings. Nearby, a figure approached Rossweisse, using her legs to support Issei's head.
"Funny how you found yourself a boyfriend," the familiar voice teased. Rossweisse and Astrid turned to see Odin, the All-Father himself, standing there.
"All-Father!" Rossweisse exclaimed, shocked by his presence.
"Well done, all of you. You stopped my mad son and saved both Asgard and whatever would've come after that," Odin commended them appreciatively.
"I was just following Issei's orders," Rossweisse replied humbly, her gaze respectful.
Odin's smile turned mischievous as he teased, "You must like him a lot if you're following his orders," eliciting a blush from Rossweisse.
Turning his attention to Astrid, Odin spoke warmly, "Hello there, dear. I've heard you've had it rough the past few months. Forgive me for failing to raise my son properly."
"It's okay; I had Rossweisse and Issei to save me!" Astrid chirped, her voice filled with gratitude.
Odin observed the resting Issei closely, noticing his changes since their last encounter. Issei's aura, once warm and peaceful, now exuded a cold and powerful energy.
"Come with us to Asgard; we'll be able to heal him properly and give you all a place to stay," Odin offered, his tone kind and welcoming.
"We'd like that," Rossweisse said with a smile, her eyes never leaving Issei's form as they were enveloped by a Nordic magic circle, transporting them all to Asgard.