Edited by: Marethyu, Priapus

– Akane –

Well, today is the fated day. The seven thousand stats, an immense boost to my already tremendous power, awaits. Ever since I got that quest, I've been salivating at the thought of growing so strong so quickly. After a painful drought with no quests and barely any progress, this felt like finding an oasis after being stranded in a desert for years. Seriously. My stagnation felt like it went on for years.

Not counting Shalba's and Katerea's souls, of course, but compared to the quest, they're like appetizers. Something to nibble on during this unbearable waiting period. A mere morsel, relatively speaking.

I'm so excited. I know I'm going to win this because I have exactly what I need to distract Ichiban long enough for Sona to do her part. And even if she fucks up somehow, I'll still be able to think up something on the spot and clutch us a win.

Because when I came up with this plan of mine, I hadn't devoured the devils' souls yet. The boost, while not exactly making me stronger than Ichi's Balance Breaker, is still a huge game-changer. Firstly because of Touki.

Touki doubles my physical stats, so even if Ichi immediately uses his cape mode, I should still be marginally stronger than him for a little while before he overpowers me. Not enough to beat his ass into submission, but just to thrash him around a bit and keep him off Sona. Second, the Endurance stat essence I gained doubled my stamina, meaning I can maintain the Touki state for a lot longer.

It's still not going to be easy, but this is why I feel a lot more confident. The secret weapon I gave to Sona will ensure her victory against Rias, and I'm more than powerful enough to keep Ichiban at bay until she finds the perfect opportunity to use it.

Losing this tournament is impossible unless Sona does something stupid, and last I checked, she's pretty intelligent. Also, I don't give a fuck if I'm tempting fate. Fate is my bitch, and Murphy can choke on my enormous metaphorical cock.

One might ask what I'll be doing after winning the tournament, because there's very obviously going to be a long wait before the next big quest to show up, but honestly? I'll just take some time off to relax and have fun tinkering, and once summer vacation starts, go to Hawaii. Yes, I've decided to go there.

I don't typically like wasting time when I could be doing anything else that's productive, but I deserve it. I deserve to take some time off and play around after such a hard week. Also, I could still be productive while on vacation. That secret base isn't going to build itself.

And while I could stay in Japan and mess around there while waiting for the next arc to kick in, I'm almost entirely out of future knowledge. I just know a few lore tidbits here and there but nothing about what I should be expecting next, so it's not like leaving Kuoh and Japan for a month or two is going to make a difference.

"Akane, are you finished getting ready?" Sona asks as she knocks on the door. "The match is about to begin soon."

"Yeah, yeah, I'm coming," I respond after buttoning up my shirt and walking towards the door. "Think we can go over the plan one more time, by the way?"

Because while I'm confident in myself and do trust Sona not to mess up, I'm not going to risk one of her peerage forgetting their job and causing us the match.

I freeze in place as soon as my hand makes contact with the doorknob, a jarring and unexplainable shiver coursing down my back. I can't quite grasp the origin of this abrupt sensation of threat, but it's undeniable. Something is wrong, and it feels completely unnatural.

As I slowly retract my hand, I can't help but notice the strange trembling and shuddering coursing through my body. It's as if every hair on my skin is standing on end, indicating that something very dangerous is lurking close to me. I cautiously glance around, only to realize that the windows of my room have inexplicably vanished, leaving me unable to see what lies beyond the palace.

I can't sense anything or anyone. It feels strangely cold. Cold. I don't feel cold. Ever. What is this? Where the hell am I? I'm definitely not in the palace anymore. Scratch that; I don't think I'm in the underworld. Have I been kidnapped again? No, I would've noticed something. Even the Amon clan needs their weird button to teleport me somewhere instantly.

This is different.

"Sona?" I call out in confusion and dread.

Sona doesn't reply to me.

I frown and cast an ice sword in one hand as the other slowly opens the door in front of me. The creaking noise echoes through a strange room that definitely isn't the long hallway of the palace. Instead, it's some kind of laboratory I've never seen before. And yet…

"What the hell…" I mutter, my grip on the sword tightening.

Why do I feel like I know this place? It's unclear. I try to remember it, but I'm unable to no matter how hard I try. As if it's something buried deep in the back of my mind. What is this? Why am I seeing this?

The lab is dark. There are no lights anywhere besides some control panels and machines with glowing buttons, and in the middle of it is a huge tube filled with some sort of liquid. I feel a strange sense of unease when I look at it, but I push on regardless, seeing something floating inside it.

But despite being very close to the tube, I can't tell what it is. It's very blurry and foggy. The unease and dread continue to grow the longer I look at it, prompting me to look away and figure out an exit.

Slowly, as I look around the dark lab, my frown deepens, stuck in my own thoughts. This feels very familiar. I've never seen this place before; I know I haven't, but this growing feeling of dread… I know I've felt it before. I know where I've felt it, only on a vastly bigger scale.

This is a dream, isn't it? Like that one with the dark monster in it. But at the same time, this feels very real. It's unlike normal dreams or even that nightmare. I feel normal and conscious here. Sound of mind. In fact, I can still use magic and bring up my stats.

"I know you can hear me, Game," I say loudly. "What's the meaning of this?"

No answer, which makes me scowl.

"Fucking useless cosmic piece of shit," I growl. "Lucifer? Can you hear me?"

Once again, nothing. So I'm stuck here on my own, huh? At least I can try to defend myself in case that monster tries to attack me again. I think. I hope.

I continue looking through the lab until I see a glimmer of light after a corner, prompting me to cautiously make my way to it. Once I'm close enough to it, I realize that it's the exit leading to a snowy yard surrounded by many trees as far as the eyes can see.

And once I'm out, I look back to see the lab from the outside, but it's not some lab. It's a gigantic vehicle of some kind, big enough to fit maybe a whole country of people in it. My eyes widen in awe at this technological marvel, almost in disbelief. It would take me days to explore it in its entirety.

I know this is a dream, but this is…

…This is too detailed. It feels like a memory. A memory that clearly doesn't belong to me.

"Are you going to answer me, Game?" I ask again. "I'm getting really tired of your stupid bullshit. Secrecy isn't going to work anymore. I know this is your doing. Or, at the very least, related to you. What did you do to me? Whose memories are these, and why do they feel vaguely familiar?"

Again, no response, but I've grown used to it by now. I can't help but let out a small sigh as I glance around the snow-covered yard. The scenery is quiet, with nothing out of the ordinary catching my eye. The snow blankets everything in sight, with tall trees surrounding the parameter, creating an almost peaceful and undisturbed atmosphere.

Almost. I understand what kind of stupid bullshit I should be expecting here if that monster invaded my other dream. But if it's here, I'll tear it apart myself. That bastard only 'beat me' because I couldn't defend myself.

As I prepare to ascend above the thick clouds blanketing the grove, I glance back and notice a mysterious figure with a hood sitting motionless on the snow with their back turned towards me. Intrigued and a bit wary, I squint my eyes in suspicion and activate my "Observe" ability, but it reveals nothing. No stats, no name. Nothing.

So, with caution, I begin to approach the figure, and as I draw near, I catch the sound of whispered words escaping from beneath the hood, making this encounter all the more creepy. The grip around my ice sword tightens before I point it at the back of their head. The figure doesn't react, continuing their soft whispers.

"Not enough. Not enough. Not enough." They muttered. "Not enough. Not enough, Not enough…"

They repeat those two words over and over, not noticing me or the sword brushing against the back of their hood. What the hell are they saying?

"Who are you? Where are we?" I ask. "Is this you, Game?"

At my questions, the figure stops their whispers, then slowly turns their head to look at me. However, the hood still conceals their face, and I can only make out a few strands of white hair.

"Interloper." They say, their voice feminine. "Give it back."

Interloper? So this person knows me? But I've never seen them before. Or I don't think I have.

"Give back what?" I ask, my eyes narrowing.

"What's rightfully mine." They respond, slowly getting up. "Give it back. Now."

"Sit the fuck down," I growl as ice grows from beneath them, freezing their legs. "I know this is one of the Game's silly little secrets, so you better answer my questions or—"

Before I can even finish that sentence, a black and gold aura around this person explodes, tearing apart everything in the vicinity, including the sword in my hand and the frozen ground. My eyes widen at this tremendous energy I've never felt in my life— so powerful it makes everything else I've sensed before seem like a complete joke.

The entire world shakes under the monster's power, causing cracks to form in reality as the giant vehicle near us explodes. The clouds are blown apart by their aura, revealing countless stars detonating in the vastness of space above.

I shield my eyes at the bright aura, not being able to defend myself as the stranger— who has now transformed into a similar monster of pure dark energy from that other nightmare I had— grabs me by the neck and lifts me up, making me cough and choke in agony.

"It's mine. It belongs to me." It says, tightening its hold on me. "Give it back, or it'll never be enough."

I can't even respond properly to ask it what the fuck it wants from me, but whatever it is it wants, I'm willing to give it if it leaves me alone as fear consumes my whole being. This thing— I can't beat it no matter how hard I try. Nobody can.

This power is beyond reality.

"Give it back, or everything ends." It says again. "Give it back so I may fulfill destiny. Give it back so I may bring salvation to us all."

Again, I have no idea what it's trying to say. What 'it' is that this thing wants so badly. The voice, despite its distorted tone, sounds as pleading as it is enraged and malicious. I feel a wide array of emotions as I stare back at this entity, realizing the kind of power I'm up against as I have whatever it desperately wants.

I just can't give it. Because I don't know what it is.

I'm going to die. Dream or not, this monster is capable of killing me here. And If I die, then I won't wake up in the real world.

I can feel it. This thing doesn't belong here. Where I live. It's not supposed to. I don't know what it is, why it's here, what it means by fulfilling its destiny. But I know, deep in my bones, that if it ever makes it outside of this… dream world, it'll destroy everything.

Everything I hold dear. Friends, family— everything will vanish in the blink of an eye.

Don't give it what it wants. Don't give it control.

I'm begging you.

Finally understanding what this beast desires, I feel myself grit my teeth as fear rapidly fuels my rage. Give it control? It wants to control me? ME?! Who the fuck does it think it is?! I won't let myself be controlled by anything, cosmic horror be damned! I serve no one but myself!

"Fuck you…!" I manage to ground out. "I'm not giving you shit, you stupid bitch!"

The monster pauses, almost in surprise at my defiance. Yet it continues to tighten its grip over my neck, slowly and painfully choking me out. But even with this excruciating agony, I don't submit. I will never submit to anything.

"I don't care who or what you are—" I growl, unleashing my own magical aura despite the monster's energy being in an entirely different league. "I don't give a fuck how much stronger you may be. Do you think you can scare me into submission?! ME?!"

I'd rather die a million times than EVER let someone or something own me. I'm better than this thing— I'm better than everyone. Only I get to decide these things. My destiny is my own to control.

So, with the fury of a thousand suns, I spit on the monster's face even with the unbelievable power difference between us. Despite this mind-breaking fear, I refuse to let it scare me into submission. I'm not giving it what it wants, even if it kills me right here and now.

"Give it back." It says with a tone of warning.

"No. Whatever it is you want is mine now. Not yours." I refuse. "Even if you get on your knees and beg, you won't even get to smell it."

"Give it back." It says again. "Or I will kill you."

I give it a wide and malicious smirk, feeling as if my fury had reached its peak.

"You'll die trying."

Instead of a verbal response, the beast responds by twisting its arm and breaking my neck.

I awaken back in my room, gasping for air and tears streaming down my face. My whole body is shaking uncontrollably, and I find myself clutching my throat in a panic. I take deep breaths, feeling a strange mix of exhaustion and relief washing over me while my emotions continue to swirl.

I wipe the beads of sweat off my forehead with the back of my hand, feeling the moisture cling to my skin as I try to catch my breath. With a grimace, I rub my tired eyes, willing myself to regain composure. As I struggle to steady my breathing, a notification from the system pops up, but I deliberately choose to ignore it, prioritizing the task of calming my racing heart and collecting my thoughts.

"Are you alright, Akane?" Lucifer asks, looking at me in concern.

"I'm fine. It's just a nightmare." I respond with a huff, still feeling the exhaustion. "Nothing serious."

"You are bruised."

"What?" I look at him in confusion. "What are you talking about?"

In response, he points at his throat, prompting me to get off the bed to check it out in the mirror. I feel a cold sweat trail down my cheek as I see the visible bruises, somehow left by that nightmare monster. That thing…

I knew it. It wasn't just a dream. That thing actually tried to kill me. It affected me here as well. So, had I given what it wanted, then does it mean that it…

I let out a trembling breath and shake my head. This is… what the hell is going on? What did the Game put in me? What is that thing, and why does it want to control me? What did it mean by it's 'not enough'? What is its goal?

And most importantly, why now? Did I do something that pissed it off?

It spoke about destiny. About everything ending and bringing salvation. But I don't get it. I don't understand any of this. That thing felt like corruption given form, and yet, from what it's implying, it's trying to prevent some kind of cataclysmic event?

Is this… maybe something from DxD and not the system? Have I been wrong all this time? But if that's the case, why wouldn't the system explain it to me?

"I imagine whatever that was, it must've been a harrowing experience," Lucy says. "I've heard of rituals affecting and hurting one through dreams. Perhaps you'd like to share what you've seen? We could find the culprit."

At his offer, I shake my head again. This is definitely related to the system.

"No." I reject it. "I don't want to talk about it."

I feel exhausted, and checking on the time, I see that it's still four in the morning.

"I understand." Lucifer nods. "I'll be sure to wake you in case you suffer from a similar event."

"Right… thanks," I mutter.

As I go back to bed, covering myself with the blanket, I bring up the notification by the system, feeling myself smile at it. It was pretty much do-or-die there, but I can't say I'm not happy about this development.

Congratulations! You've held your ground and displayed remarkable courage in the face of certain death! You've fully conquered the [Thanatophobia] trait!

Perk gained.

[Lionheart] – Perk

Against impossible odds, every heartbeat manifests tremendous bravery that will keep you steadfast and going until your last breath. You'll stand by your ideals and follow your dreams until they're achieved or you're dead.

When HP reaches below 50%, your stats increase by 15%

You're highly resistant to all [Fear] debuffs.

Not how I thought I'd be getting rid of that dumbass trait, but silver linings are silver linings.

– Indra –

He knew it was his responsibility. To see that dreaded vision again and figure out the location of that beast and counter it, but admittedly, after the first time, he had felt… intimidated. Because if that thing could affect him in his visions, then whatever it was, it was nothing to be trifled with, and Indra was confident in his own power.

He might not have possessed the same level of power as Shiva, as much as he hated to admit his inferiority to that short bastard even in his own thoughts, but he wielded considerable strength in his own way. Only a handful of individuals surpassed his might. This count excluded the entity they were attempting to locate.

As Shiva went out to recruit trusted and reliable freelancers to look for the beast in his vision, Indra was tasked to continue to periodically use his clairvoyance in case anything they'd done had changed the outcome in any way. This way, they'd perhaps have a way to fight back and prevent that future from occurring.

Indra hated this. He and Shiva hated each other guts, and he even tried to slay the God of Destruction several times in the past. But this situation was beyond their squabble. They had to work together.

Indra had done his job for the most part, although the future was just as grim as ever. Every single time, he'd get the same vision. The white-haired child would finish off Great Red and the Beast of Apocalypse, become aware of Indra's existence, and then end his life in a most brutal fashion.

The way he died would change every time. From being impaled by thousands of sharp tendrils, being torn to shreds with its teeth, beheaded, crushed— and so much more. And they all felt real. It was painful.

But Indra was the god of war. The pain did not frighten him. No, what honestly intimidated him was how this monster would feel like it had grown stronger each time he saw it. This thing was growing. How? Why?

What was that thing anyway? Dozens of questions swirled in Indra's head, but alas, he had no answer to any of them, frustratingly enough.

And as he went into that vision, expecting to find the child and die again, he saw something different. Very, very different.

In the skies above, Indra stared down in shock, surprise, and intrigue as a great battle between two armies raged on. On one side, it was a grand and fantastical image of every race and mythological military fighting together—devils, angels, Greeks, and Norse—all of them combining their might to fight off what looked like an endless swarm of magical machines.

Machines that felt alive. Powered by souls— no, by one singular soul. Their teamwork was impeccable. Perfect in every way imaginable. What is this? Who could be capable of creating artificial life like this?

On the other hand, the factions were led by a young devil with short red hair and a scar over her face, holding incredible power surpassing even the Satan Lucifer of the New Devils. She was more than capable of defeating hundreds of them at once. But as impressive of a sight that was, for one machine destroyed, ten others would take its place.

Indeed. The enemies outnumbered this grand military a thousand to one. A sea of mechanical soldiers, as far as the eyes could see, mercilessly cutting down everything in their way. It was a horrific sight to behold because despite the unbelievable idea that finally everyone was fighting together against a common enemy…

They were losing.

"Why has the vision changed?" Indra asked himself. "What are we up against now? Are these visions related?"

There were no signs of the Dragon of Dreams and Beast of Apocolypse nor of the monster of corruption. It was these two great armies, the devil lady with the red hair…

Indra turned his gaze to the top of a high cliff over the battlefield on the side of the machines, where five shadowed figures could be spotted overseeing the battle. One of which was holding a large flag with the Japanese symbol of heaven written on it.

Indra's frown deepened as he took a closer look, but no matter how close he got, he couldn't see what they looked like. Only their figures and few other features made it clear that of these five, three were men, and two were women.

The woman at the forefront, proudly holding the flag, possessed long, black hair with a striking white streak adorning the front-right side. Her sharp eyes shimmered with a deep crimson hue, and her aura resonated with a distinct energy surpassing that of a mere mortal. It resembled that of a demi-god yet remained uniquely its own.

The second woman sported luscious blond hair and reeked of blood. Her eyes glowed like molten gold, and she oozed an air of authority and regality. Combined with the energy she exuded, these characteristics left no doubt in his mind that she was a vampire. While he couldn't discern her specific faction, it was evident that she possessed far greater power than any undead he had encountered thus far. She felt… somewhat familiar.

As for the men, the first was very obviously a god sporting a rare heterochromatic trait. Indra didn't know where this god was from, but he held a strong artifact in the shape of a sword over his shoulder. He seemed close to the first woman, standing right beside her.

The second was a heavily armored man whose face was obscured by a thick metal helmet. His eyes were shaped like two red glowing rings, and he shared an energy signature identical to that of the rest of the mechanical army.

The third male and the last in the group had golden eyes, but unlike the vampire lady, he was very clearly a devil, and Indra knew precisely who it was. There was no mistaking it. He could recognize that dark divine energy anywhere.

"Lucifer." He muttered in dread at what he was witnessing.

So, he was the one responsible for this? But how was it possible for him to return to life? He should've been erased from existence— he saw it happen during the final battle in the Great War. How could this have happened?

Unless…

"Excelsis…" Indra thought out loud, remembering the missing blade. "Clever bastard. I should've known."

But still, what significance did this vision hold for the white-haired child? Were they vanquished in this vision? Were they an ally of the five individuals? What was the meaning of all these details? Previously, all the visions had depicted the destruction of their universe.

This was the first time he was shown one of conquest.

In this future, there was a glimmer of hope, indicating that change was possible. They had the opportunity to avert the impending doom of their universe and safeguard everything within it.

As Indra regained his hope, he paused, feeling the gaze of someone. He frowned as he met the stare of the woman holding the flag, as, just like the white-haired child, she seemed aware of his presence.

But the god of war was not afraid, even though he expected to be killed by her, just like how the other visions ended. Surprisingly, the woman merely raised her flag high as her aura exploded with immense power.

And as he felt the vision ending, distorting as he was brought back to the real world, he heard her speak in a very clear voice that echoed in his mind.

"Paradise awaits."

– Euclid –

"Shalba is dead?"

Euclid paused his reading as he heard his boss' surprised tone, prompting him to look at Rizevim speaking to the Amon clan leader on the other side of the library. He typically never cared for those assassins. He could admit that they were good at their job, but he was never a fan of technology.

Although he wouldn't admit it to Rizevim directly, knowing the old bastard would be insufferable about it, Euclid did find the stories about the legendary Excelsis or the Beast of Apocalypse fascinating, even if they came off as insane ramblings of a senile man.

Despite the latter having zero historical records. Alas, he was forced to look for it anyway. He didn't know what Rizevim wanted with that monster, if it even existed, certainly not after his odd claim of wanting to become a hero. Probably as a weapon to use against those Evies he spoke about—some invaders from a different universe.

Euclid didn't really care about Rizevim's insane and spontaneous decisions. All he ever cared about was continuing his research and, if possible, tearing his blasted sister in half. To think she'd abandon him so she could spend more time with Sirzechs of all people…

"Yes," Jo responded calmly. "And Katerea has been captured. The New Satans suffered little to no casualties. The invasion had been a disaster."

Shalba is dead? Euclid frowned. How did he die? We've made sure that they couldn't be touched with the True Longinus user covering for them.

The new Satans should've been utterly helpless against Cao Cao's Truth Idea. Nearly no one was capable of withstanding the might of Yahweh's will—the ones who were able to could be counted on one hand.

Shalba dying, he could understand, but to fail to kill at least one of them? What the hell happened there?

"Is that so…" Rizevim sighed, only mildly upset. "What a sad state of affairs. And I quite enjoyed their company, you know?"

Jo said nothing.

"So then, who was it that defeated Shalba?" The old lunatic asked. "I imagine one of them Tojo members did it?"

"Correct." The Amon Clan leader nodded. "Shalba was slain by Akane Amamiya."

"The Amamiya…?" Euclid narrowed his eyes with a mutter.

Contrary to Euclid's slight concern, Rizevim showed an opposite reaction. His eyes widened in shock at first before a splitting grin formed on his face. His sadness at his companions losing their lives was replaced by immense excitement at what he heard.

"Truly?!" He laughed. "Ah, what a wonderful thing to hear! Such excellent news! To think his daughter would be the one to do it… Yes, yes!"

Both Euclid and Jo stared at the madman as he continued to laugh joyously. Euclid didn't know what the Amon assassin was thinking at the moment, but personally speaking, he'd gotten annoyed at the old man's clown-like act.

Ever since his final battle against the immortal dragon, his obsession with the Amamiya had been insufferable. Euclid hadn't been there- he didn't like to get his hands dirty very much- but it had changed something in the old bastard.

He was as insane as ever, but sometimes, he'd almost look regretful that he'd been the one mainly responsible for killing Tatsu Amamiya. Euclid didn't understand why— he was just another enemy to be slain. What was so special about him?

"Ahh, wonderful. Wonderful! If she's anything like her father, and with the blood of your family…" He giggled to himself, looking at Jo. "I can't imagine what kind of monster she'll become! Ah, I shudder at the thought!"

"Sir, two of our strongest have been defeated." Euclid scowled. "Can't show you some concern before you salivate at the idea of fighting someone?"

"Ah, Euclid. Young, foolish Euclid." Rizevim turned around to face him, hands behind his back as he approached the younger devil. "You have not seen what I've come to bear witness that night. Why, it was—"

"I frankly don't care what you saw." His glare deepened. "Figure out how to handle this before the New Satans find us. You can't hide the Old King's Palace forever, and after that invasion, they're coming after us."

"Bah, you're no fun." Rizevim scoffed. "But you do have a point. I don't like to admit it, but I am weaker than both Sirzechs and Ajuka. It would be quite bad for us if we're found so soon."

"You think?" Euclid sighed.

"See, this is why I have you around, my beloved student. You're intelligent." Rizevim nodded to himself, looking proud. It's common sense… "Better than that useless brat of mine. I'm glad I killed him. Now, if you'd be so kind, my cybernetic friend—"

"I am not your friend." The Amon assassin responded blankly.

"—could you tell us what really happened?" Rizevim asked, casually calling out Jo for omitting information. "Now, I do believe you when you say that Akane Amamiya was the one that defeated Shalba… but that is not the whole story, is it?"

He said nothing. He did not move a muscle as he continued to stare at Rizevim behind his sunglasses. The atmosphere had tensed, prompting Euclid to narrow his eyes and prepare for a possible battle. What the hell was he doing now? Trying to provoke them again?

The two men stared at each other. Rizevim with a confident smirk as Jo's blank expression remained unwavering. As far as Euclid could tell, they were equally matched, but he wasn't sure if the Amon leader had decided to upgrade his cybernetics since last time.

But, thankfully, as Jo refused to give an answer, it made the old man chuckle.

"Ah, fine, fine. You may keep your secrets." He waved it off. "I'll have to figure it out myself. It's far more exciting that way, don't you think?"

"…Don't contact me unless it's an emergency," Jo responded before teleporting away.

Rizevim blinked.

"Quite the shy fellow, isn't he?" He said, glancing at Euclid. "I like him."

The Lucifuge devil sighed deeply, rubbing his eyes tiredly at his boss' annoying antics.

"You're an idiot."

"Ah, how rude!" Rizevim clutched his chest in exaggeration. "You'll hurt my feelings if you keep saying these things, you know!"

And Euclid already missed Shalba.

– Short Story – Immortal Legend –

– Rizevim –

Many years ago…

Pain.

That was the only thought that ran through his mind. Unimaginable pain of his guts spilling out of his body. Of liters of blood pouring out of his amputated limbs. Of the freezing sensation of his approaching end.

He coughed and wheezed, his vision darkening as he looked at the sorry state he was in. An arm and a leg had been torn off, his right lung, heart, and stomach utterly destroyed, and the right side of his torso had been crushed, leaving his shattered ribs exposed as he desperately tried to breathe.

He looked at the skies of the underworld atop the Old King's Palace in disbelief at what he had just experienced.

Never in his long life had he suffered a beating this foul. In all these years and countless battles, Rizevim had never felt this pain. He had never seen himself in such a state. So wounded and weak, with barely any energy to spare. Not even his father had beaten him this badly before.

Despite being a devil, it was astounding that he remained alive, let alone conscious, given the excruciating agony he was experiencing, unlike anything he had ever felt before. Despite the overwhelming pain, Rizevim found himself unable to resist a chuckle at the predicament he had brought upon himself.

Struggling to raise himself, he coughed up the remaining blood in his body. As he forced his eyes to meet the gaze of the person accountable, a chilling sensation traveled down his spine.

And there he stood, the Immortal Dragon of the Tojo Clan, glaring down at him despite the curse wrecking his supposedly invulnerable body. He, too, was in a dreadful shape as countless wounds and gashes covered his body. Half of his skull was pulverized, and the skin and flesh on his right arm had burned off, leaving the metal-laced bones dangling.

But despite those wounds, he still stood tall, one red eye shining with burning fury as he stared at Rizevim.

A mere human withstanding such punishment…

"So even with Samael's curse, tearing the dragon in you into shreds and preventing you from healing your wounds…" Rizevim hacked as he trembled. "…It's not enough to put you down, is it?"

Tatsu said nothing and only took a step forward.

"No human should survive this." He added as he tried but failed to step away. "And yet, here it is, in front of my very eyes…"

Again, the Tojo clan agent did not respond and only got closer, prompting the madman to chuckle at the absurdity. This man… this human was something else. Rizevim did not understand why, but as he continued to stare at him, he felt more and more… displeased…? Upset? He didn't understand this feeling, but it was unpleasant. It made him want to escape and run as far away as he could.

He stared at his one good arm, trembling uncontrollably.

"Ah… This feeling…" He clenched his fist, still shaking. "Could it be fear?"

The man, who remained remarkably quiet, didn't utter a word as he stood tall over the deranged devil, maintaining a resolute posture despite the extensive damage he'd suffered during their battle.

So this is how it ends… Rizevim chuckled to himself, staring at his impending doom right in the face. Defeated and slain by a human… What would father say about this?

Rizevim reluctantly closed his eyes, coming to terms with his impending demise. The irony of being vanquished by a mere human was not lost on him. It was a pitiful defeat, one that would surely shatter the unwavering faith of his loyal followers in the traditional beliefs they upheld for so long.

But, strangely, Rizevim felt no regrets, finding the fight to be truly remarkable. It stood out as one of the most magnificent battles he had ever experienced, surpassing even his duel with Sirzechs during the Civil War in terms of glory.

Rizevim frowned in confusion as he awaited the finishing blow, but nothing came.

He did not make another move, as if he was content with simply staring at the madman until Rizevim choked on his blood and died. As if he wanted to torment the Son of Lucifer until his dying breath.

For what seemed like an endless stretch of time, he remained motionless until Rizevim finally opened his eyes once more. The Immortal Dragon stood unwavering, staring down at the Son of Lucifer without making a single sound or movement.

Why isn't he… Rizevim thought in confusion.

He paused as he noticed the lack of light in Tatsu's gaze.

"…Ah…" His eyes widened in realization. "Ah… Ha… Hahahaha!"

His laughter echoed through the crumbling remains of the palace, a mix of disbelief and gratitude for his incredible stroke of luck. It felt as though fate had intervened to prevent the inevitable. Surviving countless brushes with death, this particular instance seemed to be the closest call yet.

"Magnificent. You are magnificent!" He claimed, coughing violently as he stared at the standing form of the Immortal Dragon. "Even in death, you refuse to fall!"

The sight was truly incredible. It perfectly encapsulated the resilience of the human spirit. Their unwavering determination seemed to defy all odds and rationality repeatedly. It was at that moment that Rizevim finally understood why and how humans were able to persevere for such extended periods of time.

Even without the Sacred Gears or the countless divine blessings they were given, they'd continue doing the impossible.

"Tatsu Amamiya," Rizevim muttered, his eyelids growing heavier. "Preposterous. Incredible. You are one of a kind."

He chuckled, his eyes slowly growing darker and darker.

"I'll never forget you…" He promised. "For as long as I live…"

Rizevim fell on his back, his consciousness finally slipping away after witnessing the might of the greatest warrior in generations.

Moar content at pa tre on.