Heracles, why don't you be a dear and stand strong? I need an indestructible target to test out my new powers," Issei says with a sadistic glint in his eyes.

Issei's sadistic request hung in the air, the glint in his eyes revealing a twisted fascination with testing hisdark powers on Heracles. The surrounding spectators, including Sairaorg, Rias, and the others, watched the unfolding confrontation with anticipation and unease.

A pair of diamond-shaped gauntlets appear in Heracles's fist; his Sacred Gear, Variant Detonation, specialises in explosive energy. Issei raises his left hand and points his hand towards Heracles, a blood-red magic circle appearing. The magic circle looked very similar to the one Issei used against Hades; a pentagram surrounded my intricate characters, with a single eye that moved like it was alive.

Rias and Akeno's eyes widen; being magic users, they knew Issei couldn't use magic, yet he was using a magic circle. Not only that, but neither of them could recognise the design of the magic circle.

Akeno, voicing her concerns, asked, "Rias, do you recognise that magic circle?"

Shaking her head in response, Rias replied, "No, Akeno, I don't", with a bit of confusion.

Rias knew a lot about the various types of magic; different people had different magic circles, the majority of them reflecting their respective backgrounds. For example, Rossweisse's magic circle is very Nordic in design, being a Valkyrie.

However, one thing that everyone could agree on is that the presence of the magic circle awakened a primal instinct within them. The instinct to run and hide, Irina, being an angel, felt the full force of the presence.

"I've never felt such an unholy presence before..." Irina muttered to herself in trepidation

Issei's blood-red magic circle pulsed with an ominous energy, causing an unsettling atmosphere to permeate the surroundings. The intricate characters within the pentagram seemed to writhe like living entities, enhancing the eerie nature of the dark arts. Issei was about to unleash.

Heracles then punched the air with tremendous force, causing a stream of explosive energy to appear before him, aiming towards Issei. As the stream of explosive energy surged towards him, Issei remained unfazed, his expression calm and composed. With a flick of his wrist, he unleashed a torrent of dark energy from his outstretched hand, intercepting the explosive barrage mid-air.

The surrounding spectators watched in awe as the two opposing forces locked in a fierce struggle, the sheer power and magnitude of their clash leaving them breathless. Sairaorg, Rias, Akeno, Koneko, Asia, Xenovia, and Irina could only watch with bated breath, their eyes fixed on the unfolding spectacle.

Despite the ferocity of Heracles's assault, Issei's dark magic held firm, pushing back against the explosive onslaught with unwavering determination. The blood-red magic circle pulsated renewedly, channelling Issei's dark arts into a formidable barrier against his opponent.

A smirk played at the corners of Issei's lips as he exerted his will over the conflict. With a surge of dark energy, he intensified his assault, overwhelming Heracles's defences and pushing the explosive energy back with relentless force.

The ground beneath Heracles's feet cracked and buckled under the strain, the sheer power of Issei's dark magic threatening to consume him in its malevolent embrace. With a final burst of effort, Issei unleashed a devastating wave of dark energy, engulfing Heracles in a swirling vortex of darkness. The impact force sent Heracles hurtling backward, crashing into the ground with a resounding thud.

Observing the aftermath of his magic assault, Issei smirked, "That was merely a test; I didn't exert much effort." he declared, surveying the devastation caused by his attack. The entire street lay in ruins, with a crater in the ground and buildings on either side bearing the scars of his power.

Examining his palm, Issei analysed the magic at play. "This is the identical magic I used against Hades – well, one of them. Typically, when I activate any of my abilities, the system shoots a notification displaying the specific ability I utilised. However, using magic doesn't trigger the same response," he contemplated.

Meanwhile, the surrounding spectators gazed upon the aftermath of Issei's devastating attack with a mixture of shock and awe. The once bustling city street now lay in ruins, the ground torn asunder by the force of Issei's dark magic. Debris littered the area, and the remnants of shattered buildings stood as a testament to the destructive power unleashed in the confrontation.

Sairaorg, Rias, Akeno, Koneko, Asia, Xenovia, and Irina stood amidst the devastation, their expressions reflecting a mix of astonishment and apprehension. The sheer magnitude of Issei's power left them speechless, their minds reeling from the implications of his dark awakening.

Issei, seemingly unperturbed by the chaos he had unleashed, continued to examine his palm with a thoughtful expression. The absence of the system's usual notifications intrigued him, a puzzle within his powers that begged further exploration.

"I guess this magic operates differently from the others," Issei mused, his eyes narrowing with curiosity. "Maybe it's a manifestation of my true devil nature."

Before anyone can say anything more, Heracles moves at blinding speeds and punches the ground where Issei stands, causing a giant pillar of explosion that goes high in the sky. As the ground shattered beneath Issei's feet, a massive explosion erupted, engulfing him in a blinding flash of light and debris. The shockwave rippled through the air, sending bystanders tumbling backward with the force of the blast.

Sairaorg, Rias, Akeno, Koneko, Asia, Xenovia, and Irina watched in horror as the pillar of explosion consumed Issei, their hearts pounding with fear and uncertainty. The suddenness of Heracles's counterattack caught them off guard, leaving them scrambling to react amidst the chaos.

Debris rained down from the sky, scattering across the ruined street as the echoes of the explosion faded into the air—smoke billowed from the blast's epicentre, obscuring the aftermath and leaving Issei's fate uncertain.

"S-Somebody has to help him!" Asia exclaimed, her voice trembling with concern as she scanned the devastation for any sign of Issei.

Rias nodded in agreement, her expression tense with worry. "We can't just stand here. We have to find him," she declared, her eyes scanning the smoke-filled surroundings for any glimpse of Issei's whereabouts.

As the smoke cleared, revealing the explosion's aftermath, the onlookers strained their eyes to identify any signs of Issei's fate. However, much to their surprise, a calm and collected voice echoed behind them, shattering the tension gripping the air.

"Perhaps it'd be wise for you lot to back up; this place is about to become a testing range," a voice says from behind them.

The group turned, their eyes widening in disbelief as they beheld Issei sitting casually on a throne-like chair amidst the destruction. His clothes were slightly ruffled, but there was no sign of injury or distress on his face.

Sairaorg, Rias, Akeno, Koneko, Asia, Xenovia, and Irina stared at Issei in awe and confusion. The stark contrast between the devastation around them and Issei's composed demeanour left them momentarily speechless.

"Issei, you're... unharmed?" Rias questioned, a hint of disbelief in her voice.

Issei, getting up from the throne, responded, "Not sure why you're surprised; I've survived worse", as he walked towards Heracles. "But as I said, you should really back up quite a bit", he finishes as he walks past the group.

Still recovering from the shock of Issei's apparent resilience, the group quickly followed his advice and retreated to a safer distance. Issei continued his approach towards Heracles, now standing amidst the wreckage, his towering form emanating frustration and disbelief.

"Within my body, there are two sources of power. The first was the power I gained from the system, and the second was the magic reserves I recently unlocked. Just like a hybrid car which runs on both electricity and gasoline, when one of the power sources is diminished or close to being finished, I can just use the other one for backup," Issei thinks to himself before his gaze shifts towards Heracles's face.

"What's with that look on your face? You seem upset you couldn't hit me, don't be. Mongrels such as yourself can never even dream of reaching my level," Issei says coldly.

Heracles, still reeling from the defeat, clenched his fists, the remnants of his monstrous transformation gradually receding. The frustration on his face turned into a mixture of anger and bitterness as Issei's words stung.

"Mockery from a devil... You will pay for your arrogance," Heracles growled, getting into a stance, ready to fight Issei again.

Chuckling darkly, Issei replied, "We'll see about that"

Without uttering another word, Heracles lunged at Issei with newfound determination. His movements were swift, a testament to his incredible strength and agility. As he neared Issei, he punched the air, causing it to ignite and allowing a stream of explosions to burst through multiple buildings.

Issei, undeterred by the explosive assault, skillfully maneuvered through the chaos, dodging the fiery onslaught with calculated ease. The destructive energy left a trail of devastation in its wake, but Issei remained unscathed.

"Is that the best you've got?" Issei taunted, his voice laced with amusement as he dodged another wave of explosions effortlessly.

Heracles gritted his teeth, his frustration mounting with each failed attempt to land a hit on Issei. Despite his best efforts, the devil seemed to effortlessly evade his attacks, leaving him increasingly desperate to gain the upper hand.

With a primal roar, Heracles unleashed a barrage of punches and kicks, each strike accompanied by explosive energy. Issei countered with swift and precise movements, weaving between the blasts with unparalleled agility.

Sairaorg and the others watched in awe as the two formidable opponents clashed with unmatched ferocity. The sheer intensity of their battle left them captivated, their eyes tracing the blur of movement as Issei and Heracles danced amidst the chaos.

Once again, Issei raised his left hand and pointed it towards Heracles, his blood-red magic circle appearing in his hand. Heracles, seeing this, took the opportunity to get close and hit Issei before he cast his magic again. However, to his shock, he was sent flying the opposite way, almost as if his motion was reflected.

Heracles was sent flying through multiple buildings, and the explosive force he built up in his fist to hit Issei was also reversed, causing Heracles to fly much further than he intended. As Heracles soared through the air, propelled by the unexpected force, his mind raced with confusion and frustration. The reversal of his attack defied all logic, leaving him struggling to comprehend the nature of Issei's abilities.

However, Heracles wasn't the only one confused about the situation. Issei continued to look at his palm, confused about what he had just done. First, he used a red energy and then a dark energy, and now he just reflected an oncoming attack.

"What exactly is 'Dark Arts'? I've used three different types of magic with this. Perhaps 'Dark Arts' is just an umbrella term, and I have even more various types of magic", Issei mused as he pondered the mysteries of his evolving powers. The blood-red magic circle in his hand continued to pulsate with otherworldly energy, its secrets eluding even the devil who wielded it.

Meanwhile, Heracles, recovering from the unexpected reversal, landed with a resounding crash amidst the ruined buildings. His frustration boiled over into a growl as he glared at Issei, who seemed contemplative.

"Enough of your tricks, devil! I will crush you!" Heracles bellowed, his determination unbroken despite the setbacks.

Issei's gaze shifted from his palm to the recovering Heracles, a smirk playing on his lips. "Tricks? You've barely scratched the surface of what I can do," he retorted, his confidence unwavering.

Heracles gritted his teeth and punched the air rapidly, causing the air and its path to ignite with explosions, all towards Issei. Issei, now fully aware of Heracles's relentless assault, raised an eyebrow. He stood his ground instead of evading this time, allowing the explosive onslaught to approach. The fiery waves surged towards him, the intense heat and force threatening to engulf him.

To the amazement of the onlookers, Issei extended his left hand towards the incoming explosions, and a new phenomenon unfolded—a barrier of swirling dark energy formed in front of him, absorbing the explosive force. The explosions dissipated harmlessly against the barrier, leaving Issei untouched.

As the last remnants of the explosions faded away, Issei lowered his hand, his expression unchanged. "Impressive fireworks, but I've seen better," he remarked, his tone dripping with casual disdain.

Heracles's frustration boiled as he witnessed Issei effortlessly neutralise his explosive assault. The once-mighty warrior stood before him, his attacks thwarted and his confidence shaken. But amidst the frustration, a glimmer of determination flickered in Heracles's eyes.

But before anything could happen, Issei disappeared and reappeared before Hercules, shocking the giant. On instinct, Heracles leapt away. However, Issei used his magic again; this time, Heracles's motion was reversed, and he started moving towards Issei at the same magnitude he tried to leap away from.

"I'm being pulled in?! What's happening?! It's just like before when he reflected my attack and sent me through buildings! It's like he can reverse my initial momentum," Heracles thought in panic.

The sudden reversal caught Heracles off guard, and he hurtled towards Issei with uncontrollable speed. Despite his formidable strength, he could not break free from the mysterious force that seemed to defy the laws of physics.

But suddenly, Heracles's eyes narrowed with determination, "You want to face me head-on? Fine!" he shouts at Issei, readying a punch charged with explosive power.

Issei stood there with a triumphant smirk as Heracles closed the distance involuntarily. In the blink of an eye, Issei raised his right fist and delivered a powerful punch into Heracles's fist as the giant collided with him.

The impact of the collision reverberated through the air, sending shockwaves rippling across the surrounding landscape. The force of the blow was tremendous, the sheer power behind Issei's punch meeting Heracles's explosive energy head-on.

As the two opposing forces clashed, a loud explosion engulfed the area, shrouding the combatants in a blinding flash of light and smoke. The ground beneath them trembled, unable to withstand the magnitude of their collision.

Sairaorg, Rias, Akeno, Koneko, Asia, Xenovia, and Irina watched with bated breath as the dust settled, revealing the aftermath of the devastating clash. The once-ruined city street now lay in further disarray, the impact leaving a sizable crater in its wake.

As the smoke cleared, the figures of Issei and Heracles emerged; Heracles's right hand was shattered and broken, entirely unusable. Clearly, Issei's punch overpowered his own, leaving Heracles visibly weakened.

Issei, however, found himself contemplating the new magic he had employed. "It's undoubtedly akin to the technique I employed earlier to deflect his assault. Could it be manipulation of attraction and repulsion?" he mused internally before methodically dissecting the events. "No, there was no deceleration in the initial trajectory or acceleration in the redirected path. The alteration occurred instantaneously, almost as if I inverted the magnitude of his motion from a positive value to a negative value, thus reversing his momentum," he deduced with a decisive tone.

Despite the severe injury to his right hand, Heracles refused to yield. With a roar of defiance, he activated the remnants of his Variant Detonation Sacred Gear, channelling the explosive energy through his left hand. The explosion surged forth, creating a makeshift fist of fiery power.

Issei looked towards the nearing explosion, "If my theory is right..." he pondered as he raised his left hand, directed towards the approaching explosion, and once again activated this new ability.

Instantly, the explosive beam twisted multiple times at different angles before being redirected towards Heracles. The twisted explosive beam rocketed back towards Heracles, who was caught off guard by the unexpected events. The fiery onslaught approached him with unstoppable force, and despite his wounded state, Heracles attempted to evade the impending explosion.

However, the altered trajectory of the explosive beam proved too unpredictable. The fiery energy engulfed Heracles, creating a dazzling display of light and destruction. The shockwave rippled through the area as the explosion erupted, leaving a smoky haze.

As the smoke gradually dissipated, Issei and Heracles's figures became visible again. Heracles, now heavily battered and on the brink of defeat, struggled to maintain his stance. The remnants of his explosive attack had taken a toll on his already weakened body.

"As I thought, it's Vector Magic; I control the direction and magnitude. Although I'm currently only able to alter existing vectors, I wonder if I can create completely new vectors," Issei thinks to himself before looking at the objects on each side of Heracles, this being two buildings, his eyes narrowed as a cruel idea took root in his mind.

With a calculating gaze, he focused on the two buildings flanking Heracles, his mind racing with possibilities.

"Let's see just how versatile this new magic of mine can be," Issei muttered, a smirk playing at the corners of his lips.

With a swift hand motion, Issei extended his left palm towards the buildings, his blood-red magic circle pulsating with otherworldly energy. The buildings, previously stable in their positions, trembled as if responding to an unseen force. The air itself seemed to ripple with the manifestation of Issei's power.

With a surge of dark energy, Issei exerted his will over the surrounding environment, manipulating the vectors of the two buildings with frightening precision. The massive structures groaned and creaked as they were forcefully propelled towards each other, hurtling towards Heracles with unstoppable momentum.

Heracles, still recovering from the previous onslaught, barely had time to react before the two buildings collided with bone-crushing force. The impact reverberated, sending shockwaves rippling across the surrounding landscape.

The force of the collision was immense, the sheer power behind the buildings' collision creating a deafening roar that echoed through the city streets. Heracles, caught in the chaos, was engulfed by the cascading debris, his form disappearing amidst the crumbling wreckage.

As the dust settled and the smoke cleared, the devastation wrought by Issei's attack became apparent. The two buildings lay in ruins, their once towering structures reduced to rubble and debris. Heracles, buried beneath the fallen wreckage, was nowhere to be seen.

Issei stood amidst the destruction, his expression unreadable as he surveyed the aftermath of his devastating attack. The air crackled with tension as the surrounding spectators watched in stunned silence, their minds struggling to comprehend the sheer magnitude of Issei's power.

Sairaorg, Rias, Akeno, Koneko, Asia, Xenovia, and Irina exchanged wary glances, their thoughts racing uncertainly. The extent of Issei's abilities had surpassed their expectations, leaving them to ponder the implications of his newfound powers.

"Issei... what have you become?" Rias whispered, her voice tinged with a mixture of awe and apprehension.

Issei remained silent, his eyes fixed on the wreckage before him. Despite the destruction he had wrought, his gaze had no hint of remorse. Instead, there was only a sense of cold determination, a reminder of the depths of his resolve.

Heracles emerged from the wreckage, battered and bruised, but his indomitable spirit refused to be extinguished. Though visibly weakened, the once-mighty warrior rose from the ruins with an unyielding determination in his eyes.

"Stubborn, aren't you? Good, there are still things I wish to test out," Issei remarked nonchalantly.

Heracles, though battered and visibly fatigued, glared at Issei with a defiant resolve. The determination in his eyes flickered with a primal intensity, his warrior spirit refusing to be extinguished by the relentless onslaught.

"Your tricks won't break me, devil. I am Heracles, a warrior of indomitable will!" Heracles roared, his voice echoing amidst the ruins.

Unfazed by Heracles's defiant words, Issei continued to assess the situation with a calculating gaze. The blood-red magic circle in his palm continued to pulse with dark energy, a testament to the untapped potential of his evolving abilities.

"Now, let's test another aspect of this magic," Issei muttered, his eyes narrowing as he focused on Heracles.

"Taking the doping drug has made you a larger target, and by doing so, you've inadvertently amplified the vulnerability of each of your organs," Issei states sharply, his tone devoid of emotion as the magic circle in his hand begins to spin.

A surge of dark energy emanated from Issei's outstretched hand, forming a vector with deadly precision. The magic circle rotated faster, creating an invisible force that reached towards Heracles's chest. The air itself seemed to distort as the vector connected with its target.

Heracles, still recovering from the previous onslaught, felt a sudden, sharp pain in his chest. His eyes widened in shock as he realised the unimaginable had occurred. Issei's magic had manipulated the vectors within his body, targeting a specific organ.

Before Heracles could comprehend the full extent of the situation, a force beyond his control ripped his heart from his chest. The organ flew at blinding speeds towards Issei, now the exposed and beating was in Issei's hand, glowed with faint energy due to Heracles's enlarged physique; the size of the heart was that of a small watermelon.

"Tell me, did you wholeheartedly believe that you could even land a scratch on me?" Issei asks coldly

Heracles, now in shock and gasping for breath, clutched at the void where his heart once resided. The realisation of the gruesome manipulation of his body hit him like a tidal wave. His once-indomitable spirit wavered, replaced by an unsettling vulnerability.

Issei, holding Heracles's heart in his hand with an air of cold detachment, observed the fallen warrior with a calculated gaze. The magic circle in his palm continued to pulse ominously, the dark energy resonating with the aftermath of his devastating attack.

The surrounding spectators, including Sairaorg, Rias, Akeno, Koneko, Asia, Xenovia, and Irina, stared in horror and disbelief at the gruesome spectacle unfolding before them. The once-mighty Heracles stood, his chest cavity exposed, his heart now cradled in Issei's hand. The sheer brutality of Issei's attack left them speechless, their minds struggling to comprehend the extent of his newfound power.

Issei, his expression cold and detached, examined the pulsating heart in his hand with a calculating gaze. The blood-red magic circle continued to pulse with dark energy, its ominous glow casting an eerie light upon the scene.

"Such is the fate of those who dare to challenge me," Issei remarked, his voice devoid of remorse.

Heracles, his strength fading rapidly, struggled to maintain his footing. The loss of his heart had left him weakened and vulnerable, his once indomitable spirit now faltering in the face of Issei's overwhelming power.

"You... monster..." Heracles uttered, his voice strained and weak. The pain and shock in his eyes were unmistakable as he faced the undeniable truth of his defeat.

Issei's expression remained unchanged; his cold demeanour was unwavering. "Please, I've been called far worse for far less", he stated, his eyes narrowing with a hint of disdain.

With a final, defiant roar, Heracles collapsed to the ground, his life force ebbing away with each passing moment. The surrounding spectators watched in grim silence as the once-mighty warrior breathed his last, his body succumbing to the inevitability of death.

"Carry on in the afterlife, knowing you were merely a target practice for me; you weren't even worth using Balance Breaker over", Issei said his final words to Heracles.

The lifeless form of Heracles lay amidst the ruins, his body a stark testament to the ruthless power wielded by Issei. The air hung heavy with an unsettling stillness; the once-vibrant city street transformed into a sombre battlefield.

Sairaorg, Rias, Akeno, Koneko, Asia, Xenovia, and Irina stood silently, gazes fixed on Issei. The devil's cold and detached demeanour left them unsettled, a stark reminder of the ever-expanding darkness within him.

Sairaorg, further observing Issei's expression, gets flashbacks to their fight during the rating match. The same expression that Issei had when he brutally beat up Sairaorg, the sinister red eyes, the cold and detached expression, all this sent a shiver down Sairaorg's spine.

Realising that he still had Heracles's heart in his hand, Issei casually threw it away like it was trash. The heart landed with a sickening thud, rolling across the debris-strewn ground before coming to a stop amidst the wreckage. The once-pulsating organ now lay motionless.

The group approached Issei cautiously, their expressions a mix of shock, concern, and unease. Sairaorg, in particular, eyed Issei with a wariness born from past encounters, the memories of their intense rating match resurfacing.

"Issei," Rias began, her voice measured, "what... what was that?"

Before Issei could say anything, he turned his head in the other direction, sensing someone approaching at high speeds. Seeing where Issei was staring, the others decided to turn their gaze in the same direction.

Out from the horizon flew 3 Devils towards them; with his new heightened senses, Issei could discern these newcomers' feelings, intentions and affiliations. The atmosphere around them was tinged with a palpable sense of hostility and aggression, confirming Issei's suspicions—they were aligned with the Old Satan Faction.

The three devils, members of the Old Satan Faction, landed gracefully amidst the aftermath of the battle. Their attire and demeanour suggested a certain level of authority within their faction. As they approached Issei and the others, their eyes flickered with curiosity and wariness.

The trio leader, a devil with regal features and an air of authority, stepped forward. "Issei Hyoudou, the notorious Black Dragon Emperor," he spoke with a tone that carried a mixture of respect and intrigue. "I must say, the rumours about your newfound power are quite impressive."

Issei's features remained unfazed by the compliment, "I assume you have a reason for being here?" he questioned, his voice laced with a cold detachment.

The devil leader nodded, a sly smile playing on his lips. "Indeed, we've come with an offer. Our master has been keeping an eye on you, and The Old Satan Faction sees potential in your abilities. We believe you could be a valuable asset to our cause."

Issei arched an eyebrow, his curiosity sparked, yet his doubt unmistakable. "Master? Are they referring to Shalba?" He mused, reflecting on the fact that it had only been an hour since he subjected him to torment and shattered him, rendering it unlikely that news of their leader's fate had spread. "But I suppose feigning ignorance for the moment couldn't hurt," he pondered inwardly.

Rias, standing beside Issei, couldn't hide the mix of shock and concern that flashed across her features upon hearing the devil leader's proposition. Her gaze shifted between Issei and the newcomers, her mind grappling with the implications of aligning with the Old Satan Faction.

"Issei, don't even think about it. We can't trust them," Rias warned, her voice expressing urgency.

Koneko, standing next to her, spoke up, "They gave Lord Ajuka the same proposition earlier", she stated, remembering that three devils of The Old Satan Faction came to Ajuka's Lab to convince him to turn against the current leaders of the Underworld.

"Your master? Do you mean Shalba Belzeebub?" Issei asked in his usual tone.

The devil leader's smile widened at Issei's acknowledgment. "Ah, you are indeed well-informed. Shalba Belzeebub is but a stepping stone in the grand scheme of things. Our true master, the one who orchestrates the destiny of the Underworld, remains in the shadows, guiding us towards a new era."

With his curiosity peaked, Issei asked, "And who would this 'True Master' be?"

The devil leader's smile widened into a sly grin, relishing in Issei's curiosity. "Our master prefers to remain in the shadows, his identity known only to those who have proven themselves worthy of his trust," he replied cryptically.

Issei's gaze narrowed, his suspicions growing with each passing moment. The notion of an enigmatic master pulling the strings from behind the scenes only deepened his wariness.

"Tell your master that if he truly values my potential, he should have had the courtesy to approach me directly instead of sending his lackeys," Issei stated bluntly.

The devil leader chuckled, seemingly undeterred by Issei's cold response. "Our master is a busy man, and he chooses his interactions carefully. Rest assured, your reputation has reached his ears, and he sees great potential in you. Consider this meeting a preliminary offer, a glimpse of what could be," he confidently explained.

Issei's cold demeanour remained unchanged; his scepticism was evident as he regarded the devil leader. However, before he could formulate another response, Rias stepped forward, wrapping her arms possessively around Issei's arm. Her presence conveyed a clear message—Issei belonged to her, and she had no intention of letting the Old Satan Faction's offer sway him.

"Issei is already under the protection of the Gremory family. We have no interest in aligning with the Old Satan Faction or any other faction that threatens the balance of the Underworld," Rias declared, her voice firm and unwavering.

The devil leader's gaze shifted from Issei to Rias, a hint of amusement playing in his eyes. "Ah, the Heiress of the Gremory household. Your reputation precedes you as well. Correct me if I'm wrong, but isn't Issei excommunicated from the Underworld? Thereby not being affiliated with anyone?" he asked, seemingly unperturbed by Rias's protective stance.

Rias tightened her grip on Issei's arm, her gaze unwavering. "Issei's status is a matter between him and the Gremory family. We won't let any external interference dictate our choices," she asserted, her tone carrying a note of defiance.

While Rias was talking, Issei was trying to figure out who this supposed 'True Leader' was. He's trying to recall anything Shalba said or any other information that could give him hints.

The devil leader chuckled again, seemingly amused by the display of resolve. "Very well, Lady Gremory. I appreciate the clarity of your stance. However, Issei is his own person; I'd assume the choice is his to make," he said.

"You're correct; the choice is mine to make, and I refused", Issei responded, his voice stern and his eyes narrow.

The devil leader's amusement transformed into a cold, calculating stare. His companions, flanking him, exchanged glances that hinted at growing hostility. The atmosphere around them thickened with an impending confrontation.

"Issei Hyoudou, your decision to refuse our offer carries consequences. The Old Satan Faction does not take rejection lightly," the devil leader stated, his tone now edged with a sinister undertone.

Issei, undeterred by the threat, squared his shoulders. "I've exerted every ounce of my power to sever the chains that once bound me, whether by embracing my role as the Pariah of the Underworld or becoming a free piece. My loyalty lies solely with myself; what convinced you that I'd willingly submit to those lesser than me?" Issei declared coldly.

The devil leader's eyes narrowed, his composure slipping momentarily before he regained his confident facade. "Arrogance, Hyoudou. Your refusal only solidifies our conviction that you must be brought to heel. The Old Satan Faction will not tolerate defiance," he declared with a cold, threatening edge to his voice.

A smirk appeared on Issei's face before responding, "A lecture on arrogance from The Old Satan faction? How Ironic", he said as he removed his arm from Rias's grasp and pointed his palm towards the trio of devils.

[Ability Used: Energy Manipulation: Energy Generation]

A ball of energy formed in his palm; it crackled his dark energy, sending sparks flying out of Issei's palm, creating an ominous glow illuminating his face. The devil leader and his companions tensed, sensing the impending danger.

"Now begone from my sight, scum," Issei says coldly as he fires the ball of energy towards the trio of devils.

The ball of energy, now transformed into a powerful beam, streaked through the air with blinding speed. The trio of devils, caught off guard by Issei's sudden display of power, attempted to evade the impending attack, but it was too late.

The beam struck with devastating force, sending shockwaves through the atmosphere. The explosive energy engulfed the trio of devils, hurtling several city blocks backward before the explosion erupted in a blinding display of destruction.

The force of the explosion was so immense that it could easily be mistaken for a nuclear detonation. The shockwaves rattled the remnants of the already battered city, shattering windows and sending debris flying through the air. A large pillar of light appeared out of nowhere, and the ground shook from the force of the blast. The once-vibrant streets now lay in further disarray, a testament to Issei's unrestrained power.

As the smoke and dust settled, the figures of the devil leader and his companions disintegrated, along with everything the blast hit. The explosion destroyed at least a dozen city blocks. Issei stood amidst the aftermath, his cold expression unchanged. The destructive display of power was a clear message—the Old Satan Faction's threats held no sway over him. The once-confident devil leader and his companions were reduced to remnants of dark energy, dissipating into the air.

Rias and the others, witnessing the spectacle, exchanged glances. The sheer magnitude of Issei's abilities left them in awe, a stark reminder of the formidable force they now had as an ally or, potentially, a threat.

Issei turned away from the dissipating remnants of the Old Satan Faction members, focusing on the city skyline. He looked at the palm from which he released the energy beam in contemplation.

"I wouldn't anticipate this magnitude of devastation unless I were in my Scale Mail form. The sheer force I'm wielding in my base state must be attributed to the stat boost from becoming a True Devil," he muses, scoffing lightly.

"My mastery over my powers has taken a hit with this sudden surge in stats. I'll need to dedicate some time to control exercises once I'm back in my dimension," he thinks, irritation evident in his tone.

Rias, her gaze fixed on Issei, couldn't hide the mixture of awe and worry in her eyes. "Issei, that was... incredible," she said, her voice a mixture of admiration and concern.

Akeno, standing beside Rias, nodded in agreement. "I've never seen you use such power casually. Are you okay?" she asked, eyes scanning Issei for any signs of strain.

Turning his head towards Akeno, Issei responded, "I'm fine", in his usual matter-of-fact tone.

Asia approached with a gentle expression, "Issei, if you're feeling overwhelmed or if there's any discomfort, please let me know. I can help," she offered.

Turning towards Asia, Issei responded, "It's fine, Asia, I feel better than ever", he replied in the same tone.

Koneko, who had been observing silently, spoke up, "Issei, what was that magic you used? It seemed different from what you've shown us before."

Issei pondered for a moment before answering, "Not sure, it's new, and I'm still trying to see what I can completely do." he said dismissively, not wanting to say more than he needed to.

X

After a while, a few other people arrived where the fight took place; they were in awe at the destruction in the city. Some of the authorities came and took away Jeanne, whom Issei had thrown into a building so she wouldn't get caught up in the fight with Heracles. Jeanne was still crying and whimpering. Clearly, the punishment that the Judgement Staff imposed on her is still active.

Issei stood to the side while other peers interacted with one another before someone walked next to Issei to start a conversation. Issei looks over and sees a Valkyrie; this is Gna, one of Odin's forces that arrived in the Underworld to fight against the invasion. Issei and Gna briefly met in Asgard a week ago after he was taken there after his fight with Loki.

Gna had flowing golden hair that cascaded down her shoulders like a radiant waterfall. Her attire was a combination of elegant armour and intricate Valkyrie regalia adorned with symbols of Asgard's might. Her piercing blue eyes held a sense of wisdom and determination, and her stature exuded a regal yet approachable aura.

As Gna approached Issei, she nodded in acknowledgment, her demeanour both respectful and curious. "Issei Hyoudou, the infamous Black Dragon Emperor. Our paths cross once again," she greeted, a faint smile on her lips.

Issei acknowledged her with a nod, his eyes assessing her presence. "Gna, How'd the defence against the invasion go on your end?" he inquired, his tone neutral.

"Well, it was easy at first, dealing with the rogue Devils, then those Anti Monsters overwhelmed us until you showed up and used those Red Monsters of yours to destroy them", she replied

"I see", Issei replied before asking a question, "Odin didn't send in Rossweisse?"

Gna chuckled a bit before answering, "Well, as you know, the current time in the Norse is about 7 to 8 am; it's a Saturday as well, so what do you think happened to Rossweisse?" she asked with a knowing smirk.

Issei couldn't resist a chuckle. "Ah, typical Rossweisse," he quipped with a wry grin. No doubt she's lounging at home, making the most of her weekend and catching up on sleep." He paused, then added, "How's she holding up?"

"Well, she one day burst into Valhalla, showing everyone this new technique that you taught her. At first, we thought that love had finally made her crazy until we actually tried it, and it worked, drilling into everyone's head that it's like a balancing equation in chemistry," she responded.

"Ah, yes, the amalgamation technique which I taught her to fight the Niflveig Syndicate," he remarked with a chuckle.

"Speaking of which, I must tell you, Lord Odin has spread the message that Rossweisse finally has a lover all over the place; he's planning on making the entire week of when it happened a public holiday. Rossweisse didn't want to come out of her home knowing that everyone in Asgard knew, not until Gondul forced her to do so ", Gna said, knowing about Issei and Rossweisse's relationship.

Issei's expression shifted into one of mild amusement at the news. "A public holiday, huh? That's quite the honour," he remarked, "Though, I'm sure Rossweisse would prefer a quieter celebration," he added with a chuckle.

Gna nodded in agreement. "Indeed, she's not one for grand gestures or excessive attention. Nonetheless, the news of your relationship has brought joy to many in Asgard," she explained, a genuine smile gracing her features.

Issei nodded in acknowledgment, his thoughts briefly drifting to Rossweisse. Despite the chaotic events around them, the thought of her brought a sense of warmth and comfort to his heart.

"Anyways, how's Astrid?" Issei asked Gna about his and Rossweisse's adopted daughter

Gna's expression softened at the mention of Astrid. "Astrid is doing well. She's been adapting to life in Asgard remarkably. Her training with the Valkyries is progressing smoothly, and she has forged bonds with many of the residents," she replied, her eyes reflecting a genuine fondness for the young Valkyrie.

Issei nodded in satisfaction, glad to hear that Astrid was thriving in her new environment. "That's good to hear. I'm sure she's in good hands here," he commented, a sense of reassurance evident in his tone.

Gna tilted her head curiously. "Issei, may I ask about your plans now? I'm told by Rossweisse that you'll visit Asgard sooner today to discuss Astrid's schooling life," she inquired, her gaze steady and attentive.

Issei nodded, affirming Gna's information. "Yes, that's accurate. I plan to address Astrid's educational needs and guarantee she receives the necessary schooling and training. Asgard has become her home, and I'm determined to ensure she flourishes here," he stated firmly, his dedication to Astrid palpable in his tone. "However, there's still one individual I must confront decisively before departing for Asgard," he declared sternly, his thoughts fixated on Cao Cao.

"The True Longinus wielder? I did hear about his recent actions and must admit, stealing the power of a dragon god and assisting in the genocide of an entire race. He is someone who must be stopped immediately." Gna replies seriously

Suddenly, Issei feels a few familiar presences behind him appear, most likely from the magic circle. He turns around and sees Vali and the rest of his team. Vali stepped forward with his signature confident smirk, flanked by Kuroka, Bikou, Arthur and Le Fay.

"Well, well, well, haven't you taken your sweet ass time," Issei says sarcastically.

Vali chuckled, his expression unfazed by Issei's sarcasm. "Apologies for the delay, but you know how it is. Important matters to attend to and all that," he replied casually, his tone hinting amusement.

Issei raised an eyebrow, "Important matters?" he asked.

Vali grew a smirk before replying, "We visited the realm of the dead to aid you in your fight with Hades, but when we arrived, we found the entire realm destroyed. Tobio and Dulio, who were there, said you killed Hades and left elsewhere." he said with amusement.

Issei chuckled, "Well, as you saw, I didn't need any help if the altered state of the Realm of the Dead didn't tell you otherwise", he responded.

Arthur stepped forward, a calm and composed demeanour about him. "Regardless of the circumstances, it seems your confrontation with Hades was quite eventful. I trust you've dealt with the aftermath accordingly," he stated, his eyes assessing Issei's condition.

Bikou, with his usual laid-back attitude, chimed in, "Yeah, yeah, big boss defeated Hades, and we missed the show. But hey, we're here now. What's the plan?"

Issei's expression shifted into a more serious one. "There's still one person I need to settle things with—Cao Cao." he declared, his tone unwavering.

Vali's smirk faded, replaced by a more solemn expression. "Cao Cao... He's become quite the nuisance, hasn't he?" he remarked, his tone tinged with disdain, remembering the events of the artificial dimension. "So what's the plan? Cao Cao is in hiding; how will we catch him if we don't know where he is?" he asked.

"Well, through the interrogation I did on his comrades, he's after the other half of Ophis, so we'll use her as bait and intercept him when he comes out to get her," Issei says to the group.

Vali nodded in understanding, his expression growing more serious. "Using Ophis as bait... Risky move, but it could work. Cao Cao won't be able to resist the opportunity to obtain such power," he remarked, his mind already calculating the potential risks and rewards of the plan.

Arthur, ever the strategist, interjected with a thoughtful expression. "We'll need to ensure that the bait is convincing enough to lure Cao Cao out of hiding without putting Ophis in any real danger. The last thing we want is for things to spiral out of control," he cautioned, his tone measured and cautious.

Issei nodded in agreement, acknowledging the validity of Arthur's concerns. "Don't worry, the person who Ophis is arriving with can't be beaten by any means," he affirmed, wanting to see Cao Cao's face when Great Red confronts him.

Vali's smirk returned, his eyes alight with anticipation. "Well then, it seems we have a plan. Let's not waste any time. We'll prepare the bait and set the trap for Cao Cao. With our combined strength, we'll make sure he doesn't escape this time," he declared confidently, his voice brimming with determination.

Issei then looked up and once again spoke to Great Red, "Great Red, it's time", he said to Great Red, who was watching the entire thing in the dimensional gap.

Vali noticed that Kuroka was being uncharacteristically quiet. What was the reason? Issei. Being a user of senjutsu, she is the only one who can feel Issei's malicious aura on a higher level; in her eyes, she can see the outline of Issei's aura, something only senjutsu users can see due to their energy sensitivity. Issei's aura is red, and he looks like a being with horns protruding forward from his head and large bat wings on the back.

As Kuroka observed Issei's aura, a flicker of concern passed through her eyes. She had always been attuned to the subtleties of energy, thanks to her mastery of senjutsu, and what she sensed from Issei now unsettled her. His aura, tinged with a malicious red hue, exuded a sense of power and dominance she hadn't noticed before.

Kuroka's feline instincts were on high alert, her gaze never leaving Issei. She couldn't shake off the feeling of unease, sensing an overwhelming power that transcended the usual boundaries. Her instincts told her this was a power she should be cautious of.

Vali, noticing Kuroka's reaction, raised an eyebrow. "What's the matter, Kuroka? You seem more uneasy than usual," he remarked, his eyes shifting between Kuroka and Issei.

Kuroka hesitated momentarily before responding, "I can feel his aura... it's different, and it's strong. I've encountered powerful beings before, but this feels... ominous, nyaa."

Vali's curiosity piqued, and he directed his gaze at Issei. "Hyoudou, care to explain? What exactly did you gain, and how is it affecting your aura to this extent?" he inquired, his tone serious.

Bikou, who had been listening quietly, stepped forward with a contemplative expression. "I sense it, too. Issei, whatever you've tapped into, it's resonating on a different frequency. It's like you're channelling something beyond the usual demonic and dragon energies," he added, his tone laced with a hint of caution.

Issei, aware of the reactions of his peers, sighed before responding. "Honestly, even I don't know what happened, it just happened," he explained.

Before anything more could be said, a portal opened up in the sky; two beings stood there in the portal. Issei's gaze shifted towards the portal, his attention drawn to the two figures that emerged. Ophis, the Infinite Dragon God, and Great Red, the Apocalypse Dragon, stood side by side, their presence commanding and imposing.

In his human form, Great Red exuded an otherworldly aura, his features a blend of power and majesty. His eyes, burning with an intense yellow glow, surveyed the surroundings keenly. Ophis, on the other hand, appeared serene and enigmatic, her expression inscrutable as she observed the assembled group.

Vali's eyes widened in recognition and awe at the sight of Ophis. "That's Ophis, but who's the person next to her? He looks like the father of your betrothed," he muttered in wonder.

Pondering Vali's last comment, Issei thought, "He must be talking about Zeoticus Gremory; I guess I wasn't the only one who thought they looked similar", he concluded.

Wearing a smirk, Issei responded, "I think you know the answer to that. After all, you were the one who told me you wanted to fight him", he said cryptically.

Vali's eyes narrowed as he processed Issei's words. Suddenly, realisation dawned on him, and a mixture of shock and excitement flashed across his face. "Great Red... the Apocalypse Dragon. You actually managed to bring him here?" he exclaimed, his voice a mix of disbelief and genuine awe.

Before Issei could respond, two beings rushed towards Great Red and Ophis. Issei recognised these two, this being Cao Cao and Pluto, Pluto being one of Hades's lackeys. However, what caught Issei's attention was Cao Cao's stats.

--

Name: Cao Cao

Race: Human

Affiliation: Khaos Brigade (Hero Faction)

Rank: Leader (Hero Faction)

Relationship: Bitch

Type: Melee (Warrior)

Stats:-

Vitality: 226

Strength: 260

Agility: 260

Intelligence: 290

Senses: 226

Dexterity: 292

Luck: 194

Overall Power Level: 250

Abilities: Magic (Teleportation)

Gear: True Longinus Sacred Gear, Medusa's eye

--

"I see I'm not the only one who got an increase in stats; it's most likely from the modified Phoenix Tear they have," Issei thinks to himself, remembering that Georg used it during the artificial dimension, this Phoenix tear not only worked better than regular Phoenix Tears but also made the consumer stronger after drinking.

Issei wondered what critical factor made this Phoenix Tear work better on other people, remembering that Georg and Siegfried gained a minuscule amount of strength. In contrast, Cao Cao gained the most from it. His first thought was perhaps it was based on the Sacred Gear one has; higher tier sacred gears would achieve more, but he instantly scratched that idea, remembering that Dimensional Lost is a Longinus.

He then thought about what would've happened before consumption: there was a fight that took place, specifically injuries. Georg and Siegfried got minor injuries as opposed to Cao Cao, who was beaten to an inch of his life by Issei. That's when it clicked for Issei, and he finally understood the secondary feature of this modified Phoenix Tear.

"I see now; it's the amount of damage you take. The more damage you take before consumption, the stronger you become. Interesting, but yet dangerous," he concludes.

"If that's Great Red, then why is Cao Cao rushing towards him, nyaa," Kuroka spoke.

Arthur was the first to respond, "I don't think he knows since this is the first time someone has seen Great Red in his human form."

X

Both Cao Cao and Pluto were flying at high speeds towards the rift in the sky, from which Ophis was peering, not knowing the identity of the person standing next to her.

Cao Cao, curious about why Pluto was here, asked, "Pluto, why are you here?"

Turning towards Cao Cao, the clown mask reaper answered, "Lord Hades ordered me to capture Ophis once she appears, no matter the cost."

Both neared Ophis and Great Red. Cao Cao pulled back his spear, ready to thrust and kill the Red-Headed man and take Ophis, but to their shock, an invisible barrier stopped them from doing so.

"What?!" Cao Cao growls out as he glares at Great Red

Pluto, deciding to throw in his own words, said, "Who dares oppose Lord Hades's orders?!"

Great Red, continuing to look down on them as if he were looking at insects, finally spoke, "I would kill you two for even looking at me in such a manner, but the two hatchlings down there have unfinished business with the two of you" he responded authoritatively, then using an invisible force to push the two back.

The two were flung back to the ground with tremendous force, flying through a few buildings before hitting the ground with a thud, creating a crater. The two then start to get out of the crater, muttering curses.

Cao Cao, seething with frustration, rose from the rubble, "To think that someone dared to defy me, Cao Cao, the leader of the Hero Faction! I will not tolerate such insolence," he declared, his voice laced with anger.

Pluto gritted his teeth. "Who the hell are you to defy Lord Hades's orders?" he demanded, his voice laced with defiance.

Before anything more can be said, they see two figures standing before them: Issei and Vali—both glaring coldly at them as if they had already decided their fate.

"Hmph looks like your plan worked, Hyoudou, like a moth to a flame", Vali remarks with a smirk, eyes boring into Pluto's own.

"When the prey is this arrogant and predictable, was there any doubt?" Issei responds, glaring into Cao Cao's eyes.

Cao Cao, unfazed by the disdainful looks, raised an eyebrow. "Issei Hyoudou and Vali Lucifer, I see you two make quite the team. What is the meaning of this interference? Are you here to protect Ophis?" he questioned, his tone dripping with arrogance.

Issei's response was cold and direct, "No, I'm here to kill you. After all, I did promise the next time we met will be your last moments."

Issei's words hung heavy in the air, each syllable carrying the weight of his resolve. Cao Cao's expression shifted from arrogance to mild amusement, as if he found Issei's declaration amusing.

"Kill me? Oh, how amusing. You think you have the power to end me, Issei Hyoudou?" Cao Cao retorted, his tone laced with mockery.

"You think I don't? I just killed Hades, tortured one of your comrades and killed another. You don't think I can't handle a foolish hero with an oversized toothpick?" Issei asked coldly.

Hearing that Hades was killed, Pluto rebutted, "You lie! Lord Hades would never fall to the likes of you!" he shouted at Issei.

"Oh really? So this skull that I happen to have in my pocket is a fake?" Issei replied mockingly as he took out Hades's skull head and showed it to Pluto.

Pluto's eyes widened in shock at the sight of Hades's skull, his earlier defiance giving way to disbelief. "But... but how? Lord Hades... he..." he stammered, unable to comprehend the reality of the situation.

"bUt... BuT hOw? lOrD hAdEs... He..." Issei mocked by imitating Pluto's voice before pocketing the skull aside casually. "I hope you're ready to join him if you're this dedicated to him," he said, his tone icy.

Witnessing the revelation, Cao Cao maintained a composed facade, though a flicker of uncertainty betrayed his stoic expression. "Impressive, Hyoudou. You managed to eliminate Hades. However, do not mistake a victory against a fallen god for the ability to defeat me," he asserted, his tone challenging.

Issei's response was a sinister smirk. "The difference between Hades and you is like night and day. I've become far stronger since our last encounter, and running won't save you this time," he declared.

Vali then turned to Pluto and spoke, "I wanted to take out my anger from back in the artificial dimension on someone. I was having trouble deciding whether I should take it out on Hades or the Hero Faction, but Hyoudou had already killed Hades. I was waiting for the Hero faction to appear, but Hyoudou had taken them out as well." he says with a bit of annoyance since Issei is stealing his stress reliefs, "Then, if this is the case, the only one I can take out my anger on is you, Pluto." he says coldly.

Instantly, Vali activated his scale mail and punched Pluto into a nearby building. Pluto crashed through the building with immense force, leaving a trail of destruction in his wake. The impact was so powerful that the building crumbled around him, and debris scattered everywhere. With his Scale Mail activated, Vali approached the wreckage, his expression one of cold determination, and suddenly he started to chant.

I, who is about to awaken,

Am the White Dragon Emperor who will take the law down to the darkness.

I walk the road of domination with infinite destruction and by piercing through the imaginary dream.

I shall become a pure Emperor of White Dragon

And I shall have you obey the silvery-white illusions and the perfect evil ways!

Juggernaut Over Drive!

Vali's scale mail starts to change in colour, going from pure white to silver, showcasing like Issei; he also has a new form.

[Due to Power Up, Vali's Stats have skyrocketed!]

--

Name: Vali Lucifer Juggernaut Over Drive

Race: Human Devil Hybrid

Affiliation: Khaos Brigade (Vali Team)

Rank: Leader (Vali Team)

Type: Hybrid (Battlemage)

Stats:-

Vitality: 675

Strength: 675

Agility: 750

Intelligence: 600

Senses: 600

Dexterity: 675

Luck: 525

Overall Power Level: 642

Abilities: Magic (Defensive, Teleportation, Summoning)

Gear: Divine Dividing Sacred Gear

--

"Juggernaut Overdrive? Is that his version of my own Vanta Vermillion Overdrive?" Issei asks himself

As Vali completed his transformation, a power surge enveloped him, transforming his scale mail into a silver-hued form. The aura emanating from Vali's new state hinted at the immense power he now wielded. His eyes glowed with an intense light, reflecting the strength of a Juggernaut Over Drive-empowered White Dragon Emperor.

Vali stood ready to unleash his newfound might upon Pluto. The reaper, barely recovering from the previous onslaught, looked up in disbelief as Vali descended upon him. The air crackled with the intensity of Vali's presence, and the ground trembled beneath the impact of each step.

Vali extended his hand and summoned spears of silvery energy around him with a swift motion. These ethereal weapons hovered in the air, poised to strike Pluto with lethal precision. Vali's eyes narrowed, and with a commanding gesture, he directed the spears towards the fallen reaper.

The spears shot forward like silver projectiles, converging on Pluto's location. The reaper, still reeling from the earlier assault, attempted to evade, but Vali's precision left him limited options. The spears pierced through the air with deadly accuracy, striking Pluto and pinning him to the remnants of the building.

Cao Cao tried to give Pluto back up and rushed towards Vali at high speeds; however, a shin kick to the gut by Issei stopped them from moving forward and sent him reeling back to the ground. Issei's kick landed with enough force to send Cao Cao hurtling backward, crashing into the ground with a resounding thud. The impact sent shockwaves rippling through the street, causing the asphalt to crack and fracture beneath Cao Cao's prone form.

As Cao Cao struggled to rise, Issei's towering figure loomed over him, his expression cold. The aura surrounding Issei crackled with power, his newfound strength pulsating with each breath. With a steely gaze, Issei addressed the fallen Hero Faction leader.

"Time to die, Cao Cao," he says coldly.

His resolve was unbroken despite the dire situation, and Cao Cao gritted his teeth as he struggled to rise from the ground. The defiance in his eyes burned brightly as he faced Issei, refusing to yield to the overwhelming odds stacked against him.

"I will not fall to the likes of you, Hyoudou," he growled, his voice laced with determination. With a swift motion, Cao Cao activated his Balance Breaker, channelling the power of his True Longinus Sacred Gear to its fullest extent.

[Due to Power Up, Cao Cao's Stats have skyrocketed!]

--

Name: Cao Cao True Longinus (Balance Breaker: Polar Night Longinus Chakravartin)

Race: Human

Affiliation: Khaos Brigade (Hero Faction)

Rank: Leader (Hero Faction)

Relationship: Bitch

Type: Melee (Warrior)

Stats:-

Vitality: 552

Strength: 620

Agility: 600

Intelligence: 620

Senses: 452

Dexterity: 584

Luck: 388

Overall Power Level: 545

Abilities: Magic (Teleportation)

Gear: True Longinus Sacred Gear, Medusa's eye

--

The seven orbs that floated around him appeared again upon activating his Balance Breaker. The seven orbs, representing the might of Cao Cao's Polar Night Longinus Chakravartin, gleamed with an otherworldly radiance. Each orb pulsed with power, and their arrangement created an intricate pattern, showcasing the potency of Cao Cao's enhanced abilities.

In response, Issei activated his eye power; his irises became red, and his scleras became black.

[Demon Eyes Stage 2 has been activated!]

[50% increase to all stats]

[4x to Perception]

[Now capable of seeing the slightest detail, allowing the user to see their opponent's next move along with their weak spot. Due to Stage 2, the user can now see all kinds of energy flow.]

"These eyes of mine, I was able to unlock the next stage after getting Satanification Stage 1; these eyes allow me to see which orb does what. Before, they were just white, and I only figured out which orb did through intuition. But know the orbs are colour-coded, and I see which is which." Issei thinks

As Issei unlocked the Demon Eyes Stage 2, the battlefield shifted perspective. The orbs surrounding Cao Cao took on distinct colours, each representing a unique aspect of his enhanced abilities. Issei's heightened perception granted him insight into the intricate details of Cao Cao's Balance Breaker.

Wheel Treasure is Orange. (Weapon destroyer)

Female Treasure is Pink. (Women ability sealing)

Horse Treasure is Purple. (Teleportation)

Pearl Treasure is Blue (Redirection)

Elephant Treasure is Green (Lifting)

Householder Treasure is Yellow. (Warrior creations)

General Treasure is Red (Destruction)

Issei's aura surged as he prepared to unleash his newfound strength. The ground beneath him trembled, and the air crackled with anticipation. The clash between Issei and Cao Cao was about to reach a new level, and both warriors were standing on the precipice of an intense battle.

Realising this is an excellent opportunity to test one of the weapons Issei had wished to use for a very long time, Issei uses his dimensional inventory and pulls out a spear. The spear was black and gold, the tip of the spear was rose gold, while the pole arm was black with rose gold designs. This was the weapon Issei wanted to use against Cao Cao in the artificial dimension, but he knew that the power of this weapon would kill the people he was trying to protect.

--

Unstoppable Spear

Rarity: Mythical

Classification: Spear

Stats: 379 Agility, 442 Strength, 409 Vitality

Ability: A Spear, which contains the concept of the Unstoppable Force. In hand, it will pierce through anything and everything without difficulty; if it can't penetrate the target, the target will be pushed back. When thrown, the spear will destroy all concepts, reverse causality and erase all phenomena with everything in its path.

--

With the Unstoppable Spear in hand, Issei's aura intensified, and the air around him seemed to vibrate with the latent power of the mythical weapon. The Unstoppable Spear, a weapon infused with the concept of an unstoppable force, held the promise of piercing through anything in its path.

Issei gripped the spear tightly, its black and gold design complementing the ominous energy emanating from him. He eyed Cao Cao, who stood prepared with his True Longinus pointed at Issei. The seven orbs floated around Cao Cao, each radiating a distinct colour corresponding to its unique ability.

"Time to finish this, Cao Cao, once and for all", Issei utters in a voice of power.

Standing defiantly in the face of Issei's overwhelming power, Cao Cao sneered as he gazed at the Unstoppable Spear in Issei's hands. The seven orbs surrounding him gleamed, and his True Longinus pointed directly at Issei.

"So, you've brought a new toy to our little game. It matters not, Hyoudou. This time, I won't underestimate you," Cao Cao declared, his voice echoing with confidence and determination. The aura of his spear intensified, reflecting the anticipation of the impending clash.

The tension between Issei and Cao Cao peaked as they stood locked in a unique spear stance, their weapons poised to strike. The air crackled with anticipation, and the surrounding battlefield seemed to hold its breath, awaiting the clash between these two formidable adversaries.

Issei's grip tightened around the Unstoppable Spear, his eyes fixed on Cao Cao with unwavering focus. The spear's power pulsed through him, its mythical essence resonating with his determination to emerge victorious.

Undeterred by the daunting presence of the Unstoppable Spear, Cao Cao held his True Longinus steady, its divine aura shimmering with holy light. The seven orbs surrounding him gleamed with vibrant colours, each representing a facet of his enhanced abilities.

As the standoff continued, time seemed to slow, and the world around them faded into the background. There was only Issei and Cao Cao, two warriors poised on the brink of an epic confrontation.

Suddenly, Issei's system notification pops up, showing him his next task and solidifying a possible outcome of the fight.

[New Task]

[Final Task of the Mission]

[Kill the False Hero]