Hello everyone,
Greetings, dear readers! Welcome once again to a new update of this story. This time, I have nothing more to add than my sincere wishes for you to enjoy the reading. But first, it's time to respond to reviews...
Let's get to the review responses:
Dimiel: I'll take the time to respond to you properly, dear Dimiel. I assume you haven't read the novels, or maybe you have. You should know that there is vulgar language and themes of sexual abuse and rape in them. The curses uttered by Kokabiel are kept short in line with what the light novel portrays, as well as the characters. Ironically, the only one who won't swear will be Trunks.
Regarding Trunks, he doesn't hesitate to kill when it comes to protecting the stability of the Earth and his loved ones. He's known as one of the deadliest Saiyans and won't hesitate to take drastic measures if he feels someone is endangering the planet's security or threatening the people he loves. This determination and firmness in his character are integral parts of his personality and manifest when he faces crisis or danger.
I understand your point about short fights and the effectiveness of a single blow to defeat a powerful opponent. But you must understand that there are canonical examples in Dragon Ball where a character defeats their opponent with a single blow, such as when Gohan destroyed Frieza with one attack... it happened in a movie, but there are other cases, like when Goku defeated Recoome with one blow, or when Perfect Cell knocked out Krillin with a kick. In that sense, having Trunks fight briefly, always seeking to finish off or incapacitate an enemy, is precisely the charm of the character and shows how someone who doesn't mess around.
Trunks can be shown as arrogant with some villains like Frieza, as demonstrated in both the anime and manga. Although you may have a point, and I may soften it a bit, you deserve that small benefit of the doubt. Thank you for the feedback, and I hope you like this update.
Danish78: I appreciate the feedback, bro. As you know, English is my second language and I'm still in constant learning process. Sometimes, when translating or expressing myself, I may use idioms or phrases that are more common in my country or Spanish-speaking region, which may not be familiar to all English speakers since in my country we use "sesos" (guts) instead of saying "brain" literally, and I've also noticed that in the translation of American movies they often say the same, which made it easy for me to do it, but I won't make that mistake again. If anything is unclear or you need more context about any expression, don't hesitate to ask. I really like learning something new.
Thank you for your detailed feedback and your appreciation for the chapter. I appreciate your understanding and patience as I continue to learn and improve in both languages. I'm always open to suggestions and corrections, so feel free to let me know of any other observations you have. Hope you enjoy this chapter, buddy!"
Guest: Thank you!
Some1call4MR-E: I think it was an excellent tribute to Toriyama, thanks for your review.
Civen434: Yes, indeed, it's a harem. However, I want to make sure to develop the relationships in an organic and coherent way with the overall plot. We might see more of that as the story progresses and the characters interact with each other.
Regarding the idea of giving Trunks the Super Saiyan 3 transformation, it's an interesting proposal. I could consider incorporating that idea in the future, as you mentioned, Trunks has already had experience seeing Goku using that form. But not all Saiyans are able to achieve it, it requires an absurd amount of S-cells and several years of training, but I promise to consider it carefully.
I understand your point about the interaction between Trunks and Goku, but for now, I don't have concrete plans to include that dynamic in the story. However, I'm always open to new ideas and changes as the plot progresses, so I may consider incorporating that suggestion later on. For now, I'll focus on developing the current story and Trunks' character growth. Thanks for your understanding and for following the story!
Winterwolf23543: Thank you for your comments! I'm glad you enjoyed the chapter. You're right, Vali certainly inherited his father Lucifer's pride. Although I didn't understand what you meant by saying that the younger Trunks is stronger than the one from the future...
If you find Ophis's obsession unsettling, let me tell you it will get worse. But let's hope Trunks can handle that situation properly. And yes, now that Trunks has joined the main cast, there are many possibilities for interesting interactions.
About the fight, I tried to keep the tension and danger as realistic as possible. I'm glad you felt it while reading. And yes, the light blow that knocked Vali out was a fun touch for the story.
Trunks's power will be a magnet for all kinds of creatures, especially demons, who will go after him like a bear to honey. It will be interesting to see how he handles that unwanted attention in the future. And yes, Trunks definitely has a good instinct for detecting others' true intentions.
Thanks again for your words of support! I hope you continue to enjoy the story!
Vulcanator: Thank you for your kind words! I'm glad you enjoyed the chapter and liked the details I included. I'm excited to explore how Trunks interacts with the DxD characters and how he will face the challenges of the Chaos Brigade. I appreciate your understanding about the possible delays in the release of the upcoming chapters. I will do my best to maintain the quality of the story. Additionally, I want to give you a heads up that I have a surprise prepared that you definitely won't expect. This surprise will make the Chaos Brigade look like mere street gang kids compared to the villain I'm going to include. Thank you for your support and for continuing to read!
Alright, now that the Q&A session is over, let's get started with the chapter.
Chapter 7: Intrigues and Reflections
Serafall found herself in her spacious office, enveloped in the tranquility that the night brought. The soft light from the hanging lamps illuminated the room in a dim glow, creating a serene and silent atmosphere that, for someone like her, accustomed to livelier environments, brought a sense of strange calmness. Dancing shadows slid across the furniture, adorning unique patterns on the walls and floor, adding a feeling of mystery and stillness to the place. In this nocturnal and mysterious ambiance, Serafall pondered in detail the recent events at Kuoh Academy.
The news of Kokabiel's death had brought a sigh of relief, like a weight lifted off her shoulders, knowing that her sister was safe from the threat he posed. However, Trunks' intervention had left her with a sense of unease and profound powerlessness. She wondered how an apparently unknown individual had achieved such a blatantly swift victory over such a powerful enemy as Kokabiel. Uncertainty gnawed at her, bringing to mind ominous memories of that bloody war that occurred eons ago.
As she replayed the event in her mind over and over again, a sense of helplessness began to take hold of her. The idea that Trunks could suddenly claim privileges that were not his, demand adulation, or even claim both heiresses as his property in exchange for saving them filled her with concern and deep fear. It was not uncommon to conceive that someone with such power could demand rewards that exceeded the bounds of reason.
She wondered what other steps Trunks might take if the reward he demanded did not fully satisfy him. Would he demand to assume roles that were not his, jeopardizing the stability of the underworld, or would he directly impose his will on others? Would his demands be limited only to the underworld, or did he have plans to expand into other factions?
And if they were to refuse his demands, what would happen?
The queen of the underworld felt a chill run down her spine at the thought of Trunks resorting to force to get what he wanted. Indeed, that was the worst of possibilities and it was tormenting her, as scenarios paraded through her mind over and over again. The idea that Trunks might resort to force to achieve his desires was truly terrifying to her.
Even as she tried to maintain calm and composure in her office, Serafall could not help but feel powerless in the face of the uncertainty of the future. She knew she had to be prepared for any eventuality, but the idea of confronting an enemy as powerful as Trunks was something that the underworld, and possibly all factions of the supernatural world, were not prepared for.
Trunks not only represented an immediate threat to the security of the underworld, because with his arrival, he brought with him the memory of a past full of pain and suffering that she believed she had overcome.
Many factions of the supernatural world had not yet fully recovered from the scars left by that ancient tragedy. The wounds remained open, and the idea of reliving those dark times that recalled the devastation caused by a being of power similar to that of Trunks was hard for her.
Cursed be the day that guy appeared!
Frustration and resentment surged in Serafall's heart as she reflected on the missed opportunity to eliminate Trunks when he was gravely injured. Although she recognized that the action would be vile and cowardly, that was the crucial moment to get rid of that imminent threat. She cursed herself for not acting more decisively, especially when the security of the underworld and the entire world hung by a thread.
"Why did you have to appear in our lives?" she murmured to herself, clenching her fists in helplessness. The idea of Trunks roaming freely after demonstrating his power was unbearable to her.
If only she had had the courage and determination to act when she had the chance, maybe things would be different now.
Although lamenting would not change the situation, Serafall knew she had to look forward. She remembered that in a few days the school would celebrate Parents' Supervision Day, a unique opportunity for parents to observe firsthand their children's performance on a typical school day; that day is crucial. For now, she would persuade Sirzechs and her father to allow the warrior from the future to stay a few more days there. That way, she would have the opportunity to learn more about him, find some weakness she could use against him, and, above all, discover more about his true intentions. Not to mention that she would also take the opportunity to spend some quality time with her beloved Sona-tan.
She knew she would have to be cautious and cunning to achieve her goal, but she was determined to do whatever it took to prevent that damned nightmare from happening again and to protect the stability of the underworld.
################################
Before the eyes of the young ones, Xenovia made her way to the refrigerator with barely concealed curiosity. Although the others watched her attentively, she seemed not to pay them much attention as the battle had left her thirsty and she wouldn't mind a drink. Without paying much attention to the others, she bent down to examine the drinks available in the refrigerator. She immediately noticed that the soda cans' brands were unusual, but decided not to give it much importance for the moment.
After opening the can and tasting its content, a surprised expression crossed Xenovia's face as she savored the drink. Then, a smile of satisfaction formed on her lips. The taste was definitely different from what she was used to; perhaps because she rarely consumed that type of soda, or maybe it was due to her dedication as a church servant, which limited her opportunities to drink refreshing beverages.
"You weren't lying, it's delicious," she exclaimed, raising the can in approval before finishing it all and grabbing another can.
Her comment provoked a mixture of relief and curiosity among those present, who watched with interest. Undoubtedly, this helped to alleviate the tension in the atmosphere and made the young ones a bit more permissive with the subject who saved them from Kokabiel.
Seeing that there was no problem, a small brown-haired girl decided to be the next one to take something from the refrigerator. Apparently, she was the only one who had gathered enough confidence to approach, while the others watched expectantly. With her characteristic curiosity, she took hesitant steps toward the small appliance. Each movement denoted her palpable shyness, reflected in her green eyes that alternated between the refrigerator and the Saiyan who was already enjoying one of the sodas.
"Wait, Ruruko," said Tsubaki, but Sona raised her hand, stopping her queen's impulses.
Tsubaki felt the urge to retort, but Sona made it clear that it would not be polite, and moreover, the young man did not seem to show any hostility, so she decided to be indulgent with her pawn. Thus, Sona, the queen of the group, had no choice but to remain silent.
Once Trunks finished taking a sip from his soda can, he offered a friendly smile to the girl, who nodded shyly. With a gesture of his hand, he indicated that she could take whatever she wanted from the refrigerator. The girl felt a little more at ease at his kindness and, carefully, selected a chocolate bar and a soda can.
Taking the sweets, the girl returned Trunks' smile, accompanying it with a slight bow as a sign of gratitude. Then, with quick but still trembling steps, she made her way back to Sona's group, feeling relieved to be out of the scrutiny of the Saiyan.
The others, seeing how Ruruko enjoyed the treats with great enthusiasm, quickly crowded around the futuristic appliance and began to select drinks and snacks, creating a small commotion, genuinely thanking Trunks for his generosity.
Issei watched with a smile as the atmosphere became more relaxed and his friends looked animated while taking things from the refrigerator, quickly grabbing cans and snacks. He soon noticed that the supplies were running out at a fast pace. He exchanged a glance with Saji, both aware that whoever arrived first would get their share. Without wasting time, they hurried towards the refrigerator.
"I saw it first, Hyōdō."
"That's not true."
The small dispute over the soda can triggered laughter among those present, who watched the scene with amusement. However, beyond the apparent triviality of the conflict, they noticed the similarity between the two boys, with almost identical dreams and goals. This coincidence hinted at the possibility of a future friendship between them.
Trunks felt grateful that finally these young ones didn't look at him with distrust, and ignoring the childish dispute between both pawns, he leaned back on a rock to admire the sky. He observed the silver glow of the moon and the stars that dotted the dark sky like diamonds embedded in black velvet. Each bright spot in the firmament seemed like a window to unknown worlds, full of mystery and infinite possibilities.
The moonlight added a magical touch to the night, projecting a serenity that infused calmness. He marveled at how the silver rays of the night star covered the city with its brilliant cloak, creating a play of lights and shadows that reminded him of the fleetingness and ephemeral beauty of life.
The stars, scattered across the sky in an apparently chaotic yet perfectly ordered pattern, reminded him of the vastness of the universe and the insignificance of his own concerns compared to the immensity of the cosmos. He felt small before the magnificence of the universe, but also part of it.
At that moment, he realized how fortunate he was to be able to contemplate the beauty of the night, to be alive, and to witness the wonder of the universe unfolding before him. He breathed in deeply the fresh night air, letting the calmness and tranquility of the moment envelop him completely.
"I don't remember seeing such a beautiful night," he murmured to himself, "perhaps it's not so bad to be in this place."
At that moment, he realized how fortunate he was to be able to contemplate the beauty of the night, to be alive, and to witness the wonder of the universe unfolding before his eyes. He breathed in deeply the fresh night air, letting the calmness and tranquility of the moment envelop him completely.
Sona watched with attention the carefree behavior of the young man, feeling a growing curiosity as he was an enigma and she had many questions in her head.
"Have you noticed, Kaichō?" Tsubaki asked, showing the empty soda can she had just finished drinking. "I would dare say these sodas don't exist anywhere."
Her gaze landed on the soda brand that Trunks had offered them, and what her queen told her was true, none of them matched any of the known brands in the human world, let alone in the underworld.
"I know, it's quite strange, Tsubaki," she replied, taking another sip of her respective soda, "we'll get answers in due time, for now, remain neutral."
"Hai."
A feeling of intrigue and distrust began to grow within Sona. She wondered who Trunks really was and what his origin was. How had he obtained those sodas that didn't seem to belong to any known world? What secrets did this mysterious young man hide?
As she pondered these questions, Sona watched Trunks with a penetrating gaze, trying to discern more clues about his true identity. Trunks' presence had piqued her interest and skepticism, and she was determined to uncover the truth behind this enigmatic individual.
Moreover, there was something important to highlight: her father, known for his meticulousness and caution in trusting people, only showed signs of trust with those he had known for many years. Now, the fact that he had entrusted her with the task of helping her was something that caused concern for the young woman.
Sona found herself caught in a dilemma. On one hand, she felt profound gratitude towards the young man who had ensured the safety of her, her friend, and their servants. However, on the other hand, that gratitude was tinged with skepticism and concern. The speed with which the young man had dealt with Kokabiel and had gained her father's trust, someone known for his stoicism, caution, and meticulousness, aroused in her a growing unease. It was too strange a situation to accept at face value.
"I will find out who you really are, Trunks Brief."
Keeping her gaze fixed on Trunks, she knew she had to be meticulous in her search for the truth. She couldn't afford to be swayed by appearances or emotions. She needed to gather solid evidence before drawing hasty conclusions.
"E-excuse me…"
In the midst of his contemplation of the starry night, Trunks was interrupted by a timid and sweet voice calling out to him. Turning his head, he found himself face to face with a young blonde girl with emerald eyes, whose fragile and shy appearance inspired him with a certain tenderness.
As Trunks attended to the girl, he noticed that the reactions of the others were varied. Rias, Issei, and their entourage, along with Sona's followers, showed surprise and fear at the interaction with the blonde girl, while Xenovia and Sona observed the scene with curiosity.
"Yes?, how Can I help ypu?" Trunks asked, directing his attention towards the blonde girl.
"Y-Your arm," the young girl pointed shyly.
Trunks frowned, confused by the girl's reaction. Nevertheless, upon noticing the timid and concerned expression on her face, he quickly understood what was happening.
"My arm?" he repeated, before realizing, "Oh! Don't worry, it's fine," he responded with a reassuring smile. "It's not that serious."
Trunks began to move his arm to show that he wasn't injured, but quickly felt a stabbing pain. A grunt escaped from between his lips as he clenched his teeth tightly, trying to disguise the pain. He could feel the tension in the muscles of his arm, protesting against the sudden movement.
A look of concern crossed the young girl's face as she watched Trunks' reaction. Without hesitation, she reached out to him, showing her concern.
"Are you okay?" she asked with a worried voice, not taking her eyes off Trunks.
Trunks nodded with difficulty, trying to disguise the pain that afflicted him.
"I-I'm fine, don't worry, it's just a little cramp, nothing important," he replied, forcing a smile despite the discomfort he felt.
"You're very hurt," the young girl shook her head, defying Trunks' insistence that there was no need to worry. "Please let me help you."
The blonde girl extended her hands and began to invoke a strange energy that took the form of glowing rings emitting a soft green light.
Trunks watched with curiosity the strange glow emitted by the rings that had materialized in the hands of the young blonde girl. Quickly, he placed them on his arm, and upon contact with them, the warrior from the future began to feel a comforting sensation. The pain that had afflicted him moments before began to diminish, replaced by a relief that spread as that strange glow touched his skin.
"It's similar to Kibito's technique."
Trunks felt grateful for the help of the blonde girl and decided to express his gratitude. However, before he could utter a word, a series of thoughts and memories crossed his mind. The comparison between the healing technique of the girl and that of Kibito was similar.
Were there gods in this world as there were in his?
Doctor Abbader had mentioned the war, and quickly the memory of God passed through his mind. He mentioned that God's devotees wore a cross and characteristic robes that made them easy to identify. His vision quickly focused on Xenovia, whose metal crucifix and robes coincided with the description provided by the doctor, then shifted to the wooden necklace made from a tree from the underworld worn by the young girl, its carved form representing a man with outstretched arms and nailed to the horizontal ends of a cross, legs bent and held with nails on the vertical beam, and a crown of thorns was nailed to his head. The expression of the man denoted deep suffering and sadness as if pleading for something from someone.
He paid special attention to these details. It was the ultimate symbol of worship and devotion of those described by Doctor Abbader:
The Christians.
But in his humble opinion, the representation of a man suffering on a cross was terrible, and he couldn't understand how it could be considered sacred to those who revered it. The idea of worshiping a figure of suffering and death was completely disturbing to him. However, he decided to keep his opinion to himself and show respect for the girl's beliefs. After all, she had been kind enough to help him, and he didn't want to say anything that might offend her.
Nevertheless, curiosity invaded him, and he wanted to learn more about the deity the girl seemed to venerate. Observing that the girl was absorbed in healing his arm, he subtly decided to use a technique to read her mind and obtain the information he sought. However, to his surprise, he didn't find what he expected. Instead, he was met with the image of Kokabiel laughing maniacally as he revealed that God was dead; aware that his action could be invasive and inconsiderate, he decided not to delve further into the matter.
Despite this, empathy overwhelmed him as he witnessed the devotion and dedication that the girl had towards that god.
"I've heard that the god you believe in is dead," he commented in a calm voice, seeking to establish a connection with her. "Certainly, I don't understand much about your faith, but I understand how important it is to you," the girl listened to his words. "I admire you; not everyone is capable of believing in something greater than ourselves."
Upon Trunks' declaration, the girl showed an expression of disbelief, as if she couldn't believe what she had just heard. Her green eyes reflected surprise and confusion as she processed the young man's words and halted the healing for a moment.
"How... how do you know that?" she asked, her trembling voice denoting a mixture of astonishment and skepticism.
Trunks held her gaze calmly, aware that his assertion could be shocking. He decided to explain himself honestly.
"Sona-san's father told me everything while he helped me recover from my wounds," he responded calmly. "I didn't mean to be disrespectful, but I thought it was important to mention it. I know firsthand."
In the face of Asia's incredulity, Trunks perceived the doubt in her eyes and waited for her to ask the question that seemed to linger in her mind.
"You...?" Asia whispered, her voice filled with amazement. "Do you believe in any god?"
Trunks took a moment to consider the question before responding calmly.
"Where I come from, there are gods," he commented, maintaining his gaze fixed on Asia, noticing the surprise in her expression. "I had the opportunity to learn a lot from a particular god. He taught me many valuable things."
"And what happened to him?"
Trunks, upon hearing Asia's question, felt a weight on his chest. Kokabiel's words resonated in his mind, reminding him of the brutal truth he had learned. He looked towards the horizon with a somber expression, as if he were seeing beyond the stars, towards a place where the darkest memories resided.
"It's complicated..." Trunks murmured, showing a hint of melancholy in his voice. "He gave his life in a fierce battle, but thanks to him, the world was safe."
Upon hearing Trunks's words, a shadow of sadness fell upon Asia's face. The depth of her gaze reflected an internal turmoil as she processed the young man's response. In her mind echoed the sacrifice of Jesus, whose story had been a fundamental pillar in her education as a nun. The tale of Jesus's sacrifice, who gave his life crucified to redeem humanity's sins, had left an indelible mark on her soul.
For Asia, the parallel between that act of unconditional love and the sacrifice of the god from Trunks's world evoked a profound sense of reverence and respect. The idea that someone would be willing to sacrifice themselves to protect others, to save the world from danger, touched the deepest fibers of her being. It was a powerful reminder that even in the darkest moments, light and goodness could shine, and that sacrifice was a supreme symbol of hope and love that a god could offer.
"I am very sorry," she said softly, showing empathy for Trunks's loss. "I cannot imagine the pain you must have felt," she added, remembering the heartbreaking news that Kokabiel had railed against.
Trunks nodded with sorrow, recalling the sacrifice of Shin and Kibito so he could defeat Dabura once and for all and thus prevent Majin Buu from awakening.
"Yes, it was," he replied sincerely, with a tone filled with nostalgia and gratitude. "But his legacy lives on in me. And it's the same with God, maybe not here, but that doesn't mean his legacy shouldn't be remembered. Right?"
"Hai," she replied energetically.
"That's the spirit!"
Trunks's warm smile as he ruffled Asia's hair filled her with a mix of emotion and gratitude. Her cheeks flushed with a soft blush as the gesture took her by surprise, and her heart beat strongly in her chest. However, Issei couldn't help but notice the display of affection, and his jealousy flared up. He decided to let it go for the moment, recognizing that Trunks had cheered up Asia and that there was nothing wrong with him ruffling her hair, not to mention that confronting him would be a bad idea, as the warrior from the future would wipe the floor with him in a matter of seconds.
"So, now you know," Trunks added, offering an encouraging smile. "By following your faith, you are honoring God's memory and keeping his legacy alive through your actions. So don't lose determination and keep moving forward with your convictions and beliefs, okay?"
Trunks's words resonated in Asia's heart, filling her with new determination and joy. Tears of gratitude and emotion welled up in her eyes as she energetically nodded at the young Saiyan's words.
"Trunks-san," she said, deeply moved by the words the future warrior had offered her.
Trunks responded with a sincere smile, feeling a comforting warmth in his chest as he saw the happiness on Asia's face.
The former nun continued to heal the boy's arm with renewed vigor and joy, while he watched in amazement as the healing technique took effect. All the onlookers, relieved, smiled at this interaction, recognizing that the young man had shown himself to be a person of good heart, especially when he fought and protected everyone from Kokabiel.
Although some reservations persisted, especially among Sona and her queen, as well as some members of her retinue, these were gradually dissipating. However, Rias Gremory's retinue was deeply grateful to Trunks. His kindness and empathy had had a positive impact on Asia's mood, who now showed a more genuine smile as she regained hope once again.
"Oh, right," Trunks said, catching everyone's attention as he fixed his gaze on someone specific. "Hey, buddy, could you come over for a moment, please?"
Issei blinked a couple of times at being called, surprised by the unexpected attention from the young future warrior. With somewhat nervous gestures, he pointed to himself to confirm that he was the one Trunks was calling. Trunks nodded with a friendly smile, which eased Issei's nerves a bit. Without further ado, Issei approached the side of the blue-haired boy, where Asia continued to focus on her healing task. Although he felt some hesitation, Rias encouraged him to continue without worries.
"N-nice to meet you," he introduced himself somewhat nervously, aware that he was facing someone who had easily defeated Kokabiel and humiliated his natural enemy, the Hakuryuukō. He had to act with a lot of caution and respect. "I'm Hyōdō Issei. D-do you need anything from m-me?"
Trunks greeted Issei with a friendly smile, recognizing the tension the young demon seemed to feel in his presence. With a calm attitude, Trunks replied:
"Pleasure to meet you, Hyōdō Issei. I'm Brief Trunks," the Saiyan performed a slight bow. Issei responded with an exaggerated bow, almost making his forehead touch his knees, which amused the future warrior a bit. "But I suppose you already knew that."
"Hai!" Issei replied energetically, although his posture remained somewhat rigid, reflecting his nervousness.
"Come on, there's no need to be tense. I'd like you to see me as someone friendly, okay?" Trunks adopted a soft and reassuring tone, trying to calm Issei's nerves.
The young Saiyan's kindness helped alleviate Issei's nervousness a bit, allowing him to relax a bit more as they continued their conversation.
"I'll... I'll try," Issei said.
"That's enough," Trunks said, pleased with Issei's response. "You must be the Sekiryuutei, right?"
"I am."
Trunks nodded understandingly at Issei's response but couldn't overlook the slight unease he sensed in him. Issei, on his part, tried to hide his nervousness behind a façade of calmness, although in his mind echoed the warnings Xenovia had given him a week ago about a strange individual who had appeared out of nowhere.
There was no doubt, upon calm analysis, that this was that strange individual. The peculiar attire, the uncommon technology that seemed to defy the laws of physics... Everything matched what Xenovia had described, and Issei's gut feeling grew stronger.
"I learned about your existence during my time in the underworld. During that time, I heard many stories about you as the bearers of both heavenly dragons, your function in the war. They seemed like outlandish stories, to be honest, but I could feel the power of that boy who attacked me from behind, and I must say he had a very high ki."
Issei pondered the young man's words, scrutinizing him carefully.
"I see..." he responded, not entirely convinced about the matter. "And exactly where are you going with this?"
Issei's question hung in the air, but before Trunks could respond, a sudden change in the atmosphere caught everyone's attention. The Boosted Gear began to manifest with a crimson light.
[So, you want to check for yourself if everything you heard was true.]
The revelation momentarily left Trunks speechless, surprised by the magnitude of what he was witnessing. The confirmation of Ddraig's existence within the Boosted Gear revealed the truth behind the stories and legends he had heard during his time in the underworld hospital.
"It's astonishing, more than I'd like to admit," Trunks murmured, assimilating the information as he directed his gaze towards Issei. The green gem on the back of Issei's gauntlet glowed in response to the dragon's presence within him. "I assume you're Ddraig, the red dragon of domination."
[You're correct, young one. You also intrigue me. Who are you? Or better yet, what are you?]
Trunks fell silent for a moment, pondering how he could respond and trying to guess the dragon's intentions sealed within the gauntlet. Trunks felt intrigued and cautious at the same time, aware that every word he uttered could have significant repercussions and could lead to misunderstandings.
"I understand the nature of your question," Trunks responded, realizing what the dragon wanted to know. "You could say I'm someone seeking answers and trying to understand what kind of universe or alternate reality I find myself in."
The silence that followed Trunks's words quickly filled with the restless murmurs of those present. Some exchanged looks of surprise and speculation, while others commented among themselves about the revelations of the future warrior. Issei, in particular, was surprised to hear Trunks's words, feeling a mix of curiosity and caution towards this new individual and his mysterious purposes.
"Alternate reality? What are you talking about?" Issei murmured, believing the guy to be a little crazy, but his question went unnoticed as Trunks directed his attention towards the gauntlet.
The sealed dragon, whose presence manifested through the Boosted Gear, was also intrigued by Trunks's assertion. Ddraig's deep and resonant voice revealed his interest in the enigma that the Saiyan represented, whose presence defied all natural and supernatural logic.
[Why do you assume I have the answer to that question?]
Trunks cleared his throat a bit before responding.
"I heard that you are one of the oldest beings of your time, witnessing the fundamental events that shaped the world," Trunks admitted, thoughtfully choosing his words to express his thoughts. "Many claim that the heavenly dragons possess vast knowledge and a unique perspective on history and the universe, and they have answers to the mysteries that many supernatural beings have had over their centuries of existence. If anyone has answers to the questions I have, it's you."
Ddraig began to laugh at Trunks's assertion, as if finding the idea of being considered a source of knowledge so relevant amusing.
[Haha! You give me too much credit, young Trunks. While it is true that I have witnessed many events throughout my long life, I am nothing more than a small part of a much larger picture. Although I am honored that you think so highly of me, I warn you that the answers to your questions may be more complicated than you imagine.]
Trunks nodded solemnly at Ddraig's explanation, recognizing the importance of the information the dragon could provide. However, he was also aware that he had to maintain a skeptical attitude and carefully evaluate the usefulness of what they were revealing to him.
"I understand," Trunks replied, paying special attention to the dragon's words. "But at the end of the day, it will be up to me to determine if what you're telling me can be of use to me." And smiling as his father used to smile, he added, "I guess you're right, I'm being a little naive to give you too much credit."
The dragon laughed again at Trunks's assertion.
[You know what? You're starting to grow on me. Very well, I will answer all the questions you have as long as you do the same, let's call it an information exchange. What do you say?]
At the dragon's proposal, the murmurs spread among those present, reflecting the surprise and intrigue that the situation aroused. Issei, among them, showed his dismay with a worried expression.
"Am I insignificant to this conversation?" Issei muttered, with a difficult-to-decipher grimace as he watched Trunks and the dragon with a mixture of confusion.
"I think it's fair," Trunks replied with a smile, feeling more relaxed upon noticing the dragon's willingness to cooperate. "I accept your proposal for an exchange of information. There are many things I would like to know, and I'm sure you have your own questions about me."
The dragon seemed pleased.
[Perfect, given the nature of this conversation, I suggest we do it in a more private place]
The dragon's proposal resonated within the group, generating an atmosphere of expectation and anticipation for what was to come.
"If that's the case, I have a method that will guarantee our privacy."
Under the attentive gaze of those present, Trunks politely moved Asia aside so he could adopt a lotus position, with his legs crossed and his hands clasped in his lap. He closed his eyes to enter a trance, immersing himself in a deep state of concentration.
[Avatar The Last Airbender Soundtrack - Lion Turtle Theme] (1)
As he unfolded his mind once more, Trunks found himself in front of a surreal and enigmatic landscape. Everything around him was imbued with a radiant white light, seeming to emanate from all directions at once, as if he were immersed in a sea of light.
Before him, a place manifested itself, its contours bordered by golden and blue flashes that flickered with a hypnotic glow. The site seemed to be a window to another world, a door to the unknown that invited exploration.
The expanse of the place seemed endless, with blocks of strange and unknown material rising. They were like ancient monuments, carved with geometric precision and covered with strange symbols and runes engraved on their surface. The material of the blocks seemed to change color as Trunks observed it, shifting from silver and gold tones to blue and purple tones, as if alive and responding to the presence of the Saiyan.
"It seems I'll need to concentrate more," the future warrior responded, surprised by the difficulty of reaching the plane where Ddraig was sealed. "I never thought it would be a bit challenging to reach where he is. There's no doubt that whoever sealed him used a very advanced and difficult-to-decipher technique."
Trunks closed his eyes and unfolded his mind once again; the area where he was seemed to distort again to show a white scenario with golden details adorning some parts of its architecture. Intrigued, he decided to delve into it.
Upon reaching the center of the place, he was surprised to find several people dressed in white hoods. He approached one of them and tried to start a conversation, but received no response. Trunks's concern grew as he realized that these figures, although present in this astral plane, seemed to be in a state of inactivity or trance. What did this mean? Were they projections of some unknown mind or real beings trapped in this plane?
However, despite the unease he felt, Trunks knew he had reached the right place. The presence of these figures, although enigmatic, confirmed that he had found the place where Ddraig was.
"I must say your level of meditation is... supreme. Not many mortals and gods are capable of reaching this level."
Upon hearing Ddraig's voice, Trunks turned towards the dragon with a mixture of surprise and gratitude. Ddraig had taken on the form of a mature man with prominent beard and long crimson hair that reached his shoulders.
"I had to unfold my mind a total of 5 times to be able to find this plane," Trunks explained, evidencing the difficulty of the feat performed. "I never imagined it would be so hard to get here. But it was worth the effort to find you, Ddraig."
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Back in the real world, Issei showed curiosity about the state in which the young man was, approaching Trunks' motionless body. His eyes shifted between the tranquil face of the young warrior and the surroundings, trying to guess what he was doing. Cautiously, he reached out towards Trunks' shoulder; before touching the Saiyan, he felt that his energy was at a very low level, lower than that of an ordinary person. He was about to shake him gently to try to wake him up, but just then, a female voice rang out in the air, interrupting his action.
"Stop!" Surprisingly, it was Tsubaki who had decided to intervene.
Known for being part of one of Japan's five main clans, who were guardians of the legendary sacred beasts (2), she possessed profound knowledge of meditation and the planes of the universal branch, fascinating how her lineage and her connection with the spiritual branch gave her a unique perspective on these matters...
Issei stopped abruptly, his hand mere centimeters away from touching Trunks' shoulder.
"It seems he's in a deep trance," she explained, approaching where the future warrior was, causing Issei to swallow hard. "Any disturbance could cause him irreversible damage. It's better to wait for him to return on his own."
Secretly, Tsubaki admired the advanced level of concentration that the young man possessed, a level she aspired to achieve someday. Without a doubt, he must have unfolded his mind several times judging by the state his body was in. However, despite her admiration, she couldn't help but disapprove of Trunks' confidence in adopting a posture that left him vulnerable. Anyone present could attack him, and he would be unable to defend himself.
With a thoughtful gesture, Issei withdrew his hand, now aware of the delicate state Trunks was in. He looked at Tsubaki with respect as she explained the situation, grateful for her intervention to prevent possible harm to the young Saiyan.
"I understand," Issei responded, assimilating the information. "Thank you for warning me, Tsubaki-san."
"Does that mean I can't continue healing him?" Asia asked with concern.
Tsubaki seemed to contemplate her response.
"You can do it since your Sacred Gear works in a peculiar way, just make sure not to touch him."
"H-hai" she replied, taking great care in her work to not harm Trunks while he was immersed in that astral journey.
Once Asia resumed her healing work, under the watchful gaze of Sona and the others, Tsubaki approached Trunks, adopting a seiza position. However, her intention was not to meditate but to observe and analyze more closely the meditation technique that Trunks had performed.
Despite her upright and stoic nature, a character she shared with Sona, Tsubaki couldn't help but feel intrigued by Trunks' ability to immerse himself in such a deep state of concentration. She humbly recognized that, unlike the young Saiyan, she herself struggled to reach similar levels of concentration during meditation. In fact, she felt unable to unfold her mind even once, which filled her with a certain admiration and envy towards Trunks' skills in this aspect.
"How do you do it?" she asked, staring fixedly at the Saiyan's body. "How is it possible that you have this level of concentration?"
Her question reflected a genuine desire to understand how the young Saiyan managed to reach such a deep state of concentration. Meanwhile, Trunks remained in his tranquil posture, conveying a sense of peace and focus that captured the attention of everyone present. For her part, Sona also showed interest in learning more about this technique, recognizing the value of harnessing the skills of others for her own personal growth.
################################
"What happened to them?" Trunks asked, a little concerned, observing the state of those individuals wearing white hoods.
"The vast majority fell under the curse of the Boosted Gear," explained Ddraig, sitting down next to Trunks in a lotus position, who imitated him in the same way. "They allowed themselves to be dragged and seduced by power, and this is the price they paid."
"I see," Trunks said, feeling powerless to do anything about it. "By the way, aren't you a dragon?" he asked, confused, raising an eyebrow.
"In this plane, I can take on any form I want, as it could be said to be the prison I was condemned to spend the rest of eternity in," Ddraig responded simply, causing discomfort in Trunks. "While I am proud of my power, compared to yours, it's like I'm a small drop of water in a vast ocean. The proof is that you came to this plane on your own."
"I had to train a lot to reach this level," Trunks responded, a little embarrassed. "So... you're a prisoner?"
Ddraig sighed heavily.
"Like the people you see here, I also have my own sentence," explained Ddraig, with a tone of resignation. "It's the punishment I'm condemned to endure for allowing greed and arrogance to cloud my judgment back then."
Trunks nodded, understanding the situation. Ddraig's revelation shed light on the nature of the punishment faced by those who succumbed to the power of the Boosted Gear. It was a lesson about the consequences of yielding to temptation and unchecked ambition. The gravity of Ddraig's words resonated in his mind, reminding him of the importance of standing firm in his convictions and resisting the temptation of limitless power.
"I understand," murmured Trunks, his voice reflecting calm understanding. "I suppose you've already realized that I'm not from around here, right?"
Ddraig nodded. He already knew that Trunks wasn't human, at least not entirely, as half of his essence was human, but the other half was a mystery. However, Ddraig came to a conclusion: Trunks was a hybrid of human and anotherworldly being.
"Well, I guess it's my turn to answer your questions," Trunks was a bit surprised; it seemed that the dragon knew or intuited more about him than he thought, but he nodded. "Ask whatever you deem appropriate."
################################
Serafall strides purposefully towards Sirzechs' office, her mind occupied with recent events and the decisions they will have to make. The image of Trunks and the uncertainty he represents remains fresh in her mind, but she knows that now it's crucial to focus on immediate responsibilities.
Upon reaching the office, she takes a quick breath before entering. Sirzechs greets her with a serious look, indicating that he's already aware of the situation.
"Sera-chan," Sirzechs says, intrigued to see his colleague at the entrance of his office, "you startled me."
"Have you already heard about what happened?" Serafall asks, her voice firm despite the nervousness she feels inside.
Sirzechs nods, his grave expression confirming that he's aware of the situation. Serafall can perceive understanding in his gaze, which makes her feel a bit calmer, but the concern remains latent within her.
"Is something the matter?" Sirzechs asks, his tone calm but laden with seriousness, indicating that he's willing to listen to any concerns or ideas she may have.
"I'm concerned about Trunks' recent intervention at Kuoh Academy. His sudden appearance and the power he has shown are cause for great concern. We don't know what his true intentions are or if he will demand an absurd reward for 'saving' our sisters. Furthermore, his presence could gravely disrupt the balance of the underworld and the other factions. I am deeply concerned about the safety and stability of our world," she responds seriously, then clenches her fists tightly. "Damn it! He killed Kokabiel with great ease!"
Seeing Serafall's serious demeanor, Sirzechs understands that the matter is grave. Serafall is known to be the most lenient and somewhat careless of the four Maōs, so her concern indicates the seriousness of the problem. Sirzechs nods seriously, acknowledging the gravity of the situation and the need to approach it with caution and determination.
"I understand your concern, Serafall," Sirzechs responds calmly. "I agree that we must act cautiously and be prepared for any eventuality. But I cannot overlook your father's reports, alluding to Trunks-dono's peaceful and altruistic nature, so I cannot make an arbitrary decision."
Serafall nods, understanding Sirzechs' position and recognizing the importance of considering all reports and testimonies before making a decision. Although her instinct tells her that something is amiss, she knows they must approach the situation with an open mind and the necessary prudence. However, she can't help but feel a persistent unease deep within her, a sense that something ominous looms over them, of which Trunks may have something to do... waiting for the right moment to reveal itself.
"You know, I couldn't help but notice that since Trunks-dono arrived, you've been quite absorbed in that diary," Sirzechs comments with a curious expression. Seeing this, Serafall quickly hides the diary using a magic circle. "Is there something particular about Trunks-dono that worries you? Any reason we should be cautious around him?" inquired the red-haired Satan. "Whichever way you look at it, thanks to him, our sisters are safe."
"Yes, well, you're right about that..." Serafall responds, hiding the diary again with a magic circle before fixing her gaze on Sirzechs. "But this matter still troubles me."
Sirzechs nods with understanding, acknowledging Serafall's persistent concern.
"I understand, but don't you think delving into the despairing accounts of a sad time could bring more sorrow than relief? What happened in the past cannot be changed, and reliving those dark moments over and over could only bring you more suffering," Sirzechs responds calmly. "Perhaps it would be better to focus on the present and the future, and try to find solutions to current problems instead of getting caught up in the past. Don't you think?"
Serafall seemed to ponder for a moment and then, suddenly, returned to her typical enthusiastic and childlike attitude.
"Yes! You're absolutely right, Sirz-chan!" she replied with marked enthusiasm, adopting her always faithful and symbolic idol pose. "Let's go to the human world to express our gratitude to Trunks-chii for his brave act of heroism!"
Sirzechs, with his sharp perception, detected that his companion's behavior was merely a facade, but decided not to comment on it for the moment. Instead, he activated the magic circle that would take them back to the human world, to assess the damage from the battle and finally meet the enigmatic Trunks.
End of chapter.
Clarifications:
1.- I chose this track specifically because of its enigmatic chant "Na Mo A Mi Tuo Fo Shin Di." "Namo" conveys a sense of reverence or worship, literally meaning "I bow to," while "A Mi Tuo Fo" refers to Amitabha, a significant spiritual figure in Buddhism. Amitabha, meaning "infinite light," is a bodhisattva associated with seeking enlightenment in other astral planes outside the earthly realm. He is known as the Buddha of limitless life, resonating with Trunks' journey through different planes to speak with Ddraig peacefully.
2.- In the world of "Slash Dog" (a novel that shares the universe with High School DxD), Tsubaki is part of one of the four guardian clans of Japan, whose task is to protect the sacred beasts representing the four cardinal points of the city of Kyoto. These beasts are known as Suzaku, Genbu, Byakko, and Seiryu, according to Japanese mythology, and they guard the four cardinal points of the city of Kyoto and are guarded by leaders of each clan, who harbor the essence of the beast within them. Tsubaki, as a member of one of these clans, has a special connection with the sacred beast Byakko, the white tiger that backs the clan to which she belongs.
