Chapter 1
This is a PM commission from a friend in Discord. In the reviews, let me know what you think of it.
Issei was many things: a Pervert beast, Red Dragon Emperor, Oppai Dragon, Hero of the Underworld, etc., but what nobody knows is that Issei has a secret, a deep secret that nobody knows about, not even Rias or the peerage members except Ddraig.
The thing is, Issei was not an idiot. He was smart, had an analytical intellect, and was a genius. The secret was that he was a soldier. He joined the army after his parents died in the 9/11 terrorist attack. Thus, he enlisted himself in the military, quickly ranking up through the ranks until he became the youngest Sergeant soldier.
Issei was in a war in Afghanistan for 5 years until he was discharged from his military service at the age of 17 since the supernatural threat in the war ended. There was no point in him continuing after all Issei went through, so after being discharged, he returned to Japan before enlisting himself in Kuoh Academy when the military asked him if he wanted to continue school or go ahead and get his GED.
Issei agreed to the former because he saw it as a fresh start. Everything he did was just a mask, a coping mechanism he developed due to the horrors and scenes he had seen in war. Issei suffered many cold nights through nightmares due to the sea of blood and corpses he walked through during his time in the military.
The war in Afghanistan was not just human but also filled with supernatural elements, like stray devils, rough fallen angels, and even rouge angels whose holy powers were corrupted. This was a new phenomenon when their obsession with justice began twisting and wrapping their mentality, so you could say Issei was aware of the supernatural world for a long time.
Some may wonder, if he was such a powerful and smart fighter, how he died?
Well, it wasn't due to Raynare killing him.
Sure, she was going to assassinate him, but Issei saw through her disguise easily. What he didn't expect to see was an old enemy seeing him and killing him when he was about to kill Raynare.
Kokabiel clashed with Issei many times during the war, and in truth, neither of them ever forgot about each other. Issei was close to killing the Fallen Angel, but they didn't kill him because they needed him alive for information to end the war.
Ever since he retired from the military, Issei tried hard day and night not to reveal his past, so when Irina returned and asked where his parents were, Issei lied to her and said that his father got a job overseas. His mother went with him, since how do you explain to your old friend that they died in a terrorist attack?
So, Issei was able to heal and be comforted when he had night terrors slowly, but eventually, he revealed his past when someone threatened to take away one of the good people in this world.
Rating Game: Astaroth Vs. Gremory.
Issei waited anxiously for the official beginning of the match, which would start normally without any issues. He didn't want a battle to begin while his friends were in the middle, no matter how much he would like to be able to personally go in and tear Diodora to shreds for his disgusting actions towards Asia but also how much his mind told him to kill the bastard.
Unfortunately for Issei's hopes, it immediately became obvious that something had gone wrong when, as soon as the teens arrived at the designated location, not only was the battle area surrounded by a barrier but the VIP room itself was attacked.
A few devils in attendance set up a portal that quickly disgorged enemy troops, all of which were devils bearing the emblems of the Old Baou faction. They immediately moved to attack, only to get rebuffed by prepared attendees. Soon, a full-blown battle was raging.
Issei and the Orc ran ahead to the castle where Diadora and his group were, but as soon as Issei entered the castle ahead of them, the rest of the ORC were teleported outside the castle as a barrier was put in place at the entrance.
"Rias! Everyone!" Issei yelled before Azazel stopped him.
[They're fine! A member of the Khaos Brigade has the Longinus Sacred Gear Dimension Lost; it has the power to teleport objects in its domain, meaning your friends are okay, but the barrier is another problem. It's designed to withstand even an attack from a Dragon King, meaning it can only be destroyed on the inside. Issei, I'm afraid you'll have to fight all of Diadora's peerage in order to reach him.] Azazel explained before Issei nodded. He looked at the group of Pawns, ready to face him in battle.
"...Ddriag. Do you still have my weapons?" Issei asked with a serious look in his eye that the dragon had seen many, many times back in his partner's many battles.
[Always partner, but are you sure about this? If you go through with what you're planning, then your past will undoubtedly be revealed to everyone. Are you willing to reveal the past you've tried to leave for so long?]
Issei was quiet, with his head down, and he replied to Ddraig.
"I am willing to reveal my old self if only to save one of the only lights in this world that has calmed my mind from nightmares," Issei said as Ddraig nodded his head in the Boosted Gear.
[Very well, partner. I've been keeping them safe just for this occasion ever since you put up your uniform and weapons.] Ddraig said as the jewel shined with Issei's hands, which were equipped with a pair of guns. The first seemed to take the shape of a blade gun, while the second took the form of a Blaster.
The first shoots plasma bullets and can be boosted, while the second shoots a powerful plasma beam and can also boost its damage output.
They are two of his three sub-sacred gear of Boosted Gear that Issei created in his time at the army called the Welsh Twin-Dragon plasma guns, which usually came in pairs and the Welsh-Dragon Buster-plasma.
"Just like the old days," Issei said with a hint of nostalgia as he looked at his old guns before swapping the Buster with the second Twin Dragon.
[Let's do this!] Ddraig said before Issei began to fire his guns at the shocked pawns. He took four of them down quickly, knowing they were sent to the medical center like in all Rating Games before the other four tried to charge at him.
"Too slow," Issei said as he dodged the katana from the first before delivering a swift kick to their gut, sending them flying into the wall. He sidestepped another strike from behind and countered with a precise shot to their chest, the plasma bullet dispersing their armor and sending them out of the game.
The last two pawns hesitated for a moment, clearly unnerved by Issei's precision and combat skill, which was leagues beyond what they had expected from the so-called "Perverted Dragon." Issei took a deep breath, steadying his aim as his military instincts kicked in fully.
"Come on," Issei muttered under his breath, his eyes cold and calculating. The pawns rushed him in tandem, one attempting a feint while the other came from the side. Issei smirked, recognizing the maneuver instantly from his time in real combat situations.
Pivoting on his heel, he fired a shot from the plasma gun in his left hand, taking out the charging Pawn in front of him before spinning around and delivering a powerful elbow strike to the second attacker. The force sent them sprawling to the ground, and before they could recover, Issei pressed the barrel of his gun against their temple.
"Surrender," he commanded. The Pawn hesitated, their eyes filled with fear, before nodding reluctantly and disappearing from the battlefield in a teleportation flash.
With the immediate threats neutralized, Issei exhaled and scanned the room.
[Well done, partner] Ddraig's voice echoed in his mind. [You haven't lost your edge.]
"Never did," Issei replied, walking further into the castle. His grip on his plasma guns tightened as he thought about what lay ahead. He knew Diodora wouldn't be an easy opponent since he would do anything to protect 'his Asia,' which made him sick to the stomach. Still, Issei wasn't going to let Asia fall into his hands—not after everything he had sacrificed to protect the innocent.
As Issei continued up the grand staircase once he cleared out the Pawns, he saw that it was now the Rooks, which made Issei sigh as he turned his guns in hand into their blade mode and rushed quickly to them. He shocked the duo before Issei walked past them with ease.
"Rest in peace," Issei said, and the two Rooks felt their bodies lighter now, thanks to Issei lopping off their heads as they fell. However, Issei had a look of sadness on his face.
"I'm sorry I couldn't help you," Issei said as he wiped away the blood on his guns before putting them away and summoning his Boosted Gears' other forms, the Welsh-Dragon Dominate Buster-sword.
[Isn't using my Buster form excessive?] Ddraig asked from his salad that takes on the form of a longsword, which can boot itself to become sharper but also gained one of Ddraig's main abilities: Penetration, which can negate the defenses to inflict damage to the target.
"True, but I saw that look in their eyes, Ddraig. Many, and I mean, many of these brainwashed girls are willing to die for him, like those crazy people in Far Cry 5."
[I always hated the endings of that one since the secret one was the only good ending.]
"You're not wrong," Issei said before they continued up the stairs to only see Freed Sellzen.
"Ah, if it isn't the psycho butcher who loves to fuck dead women."
"And if it isn't the Devil-loving bitch!" Freed said as he glared at Issei, who didn't seem fazed and replied.
"So, where are the knights?"
"Why inside me, of course," Freed said with a wide grin as Issei narrowed his eyes and tightened his grip on his sword.
"You consumed them?"
"Well, after I had my fun with them, of course. Ahahah! But enough about me now; it's my turn to kill you!" Freed shouted as he charged at Issei, who had his head down. Freed appeared right behind him and swung his sword at Issei to decapitate him.
That is until a hand caught Freed's sword, shocking him as he tried to pull back. His sword wouldn't budge an inch until Issei looked at Freed with emerald eyes, which stopped Freed as he dropped his sword and backed away from him. For the first time in Freed's existence, he was afraid of someone who wasn't a Devil, fallen, or even an Angel.
The former exorcist thought the human would end up like himself, but that was not the case since Freed could only see one thing in the eyes as Issei slowly walked towards him, his sword cutting the ground as if it were the Grim Reapers' scythe approaching him.
"W-Who are you?! What the fuck are you?!" Freed asked as Issei stopped in front of him and raised his sword to kill the exorcist until Issei let the sword fall and cut him in half.
"Filth like you doesn't even have the right to know my name," Issei said as he felt his communicator turn back on.
[I-Issei. Are you okay? How the hell did you do that all on your own? There was nothing in your file that stated you had combat or weapon training of any kind! How did you even make those sub-type Sacred Gears of the Boosted Gear?! How-]
"Azazel. I'll explain everything to you and the others once I rescue Asia and we are done with this battle, but right now, please check on the ORC and the ones who are in the medical center and who were part of Diadora's peerage. The Pawns are the only ones I've seen alive, but the Rook and Knights are dead. Freed Sellzen killed the knights and consumed them while the Rooks were too far gone. I'm heading to the third floor now, where the Bishops and the Queen are, no doubt."
Issei explained the situation, which surprised Azazel before he sighed and nodded.
[Okay, but the others will want to know since they're surprised and curious as to what happened to you and want to learn how to fight like that.]
"I'm sure," Issei said before ending the call before reaching the third floor, for Issei to see the two Bishops and Queen.
"Stop where you are human! If you want to get to Diadora-sama, then you'll have to get past-"
SHINK!
The Queen was shocked, as were the Bishops, to see a spear in her chest that pinned her to the pillar behind them until they turned to have their lives flash before their eyes as a bullet went through their foreheads, killing them instantly.
The Queen was shocked by how fast they were defeated until Issei walked towards the Queen and pulled out the spear that was in her chest, causing blood to spill from the hole in her chest.
"I am sorry I could not help you. I hope in the next life you can find true happiness with someone who genuinely loves you rather than a manipulative bastard who doesn't care about you." Issei said as the Queen unknowingly shed tears of sadness and peace as she closed her eyes and fell into his arms.
"T-Thank you. Thank you for ending it." The Queen said before Issei laid her down. She let out her final breath as Death claimed her life.
Issei picked up the Bishops and laid them next to the Queen before summoning a couple of Greek coins and placing them in their hands.
"May you all find peace in the next life," Issei said, covering them with a flag with the Astaroth symbol before breathing in flames to burn not only the bodies but also the flag.
The spectators were shocked at this, and Issei prayed for their souls to be at rest. Then he opened his eyes and turned to the throne room. He looked to see that a barrier was in place of the front door, and he used his sword to slice the barrier and door down at the same time.
This shocked Diadora since he wasn't expecting the useless and weak Pawn to get this far until Issei willed the sword away as well as his spear and summoned a bow with four arrows.
"How? You should be some stupid human who's like me! A man with a love-!"
SHINK!
SHINK!
SHINK!
SHINK!
"Ah!" Diadora screamed as the four arrows flew and stabbed his shoulders and his legs.
"I am nothing like you, though if that day didn't happen to me when I was sixteen, then perhaps I would've been that naive, perverted self of mine and died to that Fallen Angel. However, that is a past version of myself because I have come for Asia, and either you let her go, or I'll fill you with so many arrows, you'll be a pincushion by the time I'm done." Issei said as he glared at Diadora before summoning another four arrows.
"Grr. You filthy worm! Don't you know who I am? I ak Diadora Astaroth! Part of the bloodline of the New Maou Beelzebub! Some stupid human like you shouldn't have such a powerful Sacred Gear! It isn't fa-!" Diadora ranted until the arrows flew and stabbed him in the stomach.
"I didn't ask for your name, nor do I give a shit who you are," Issei said, as he appeared in front of Diadora and grabbed him by the collar and threw him away like a piece of trash and walked towards Asia, who was crying tears of joy seeing him.
"Issei," Asia said before Issei got closer to her and cupped her left cheek, which made her cry even more until he stepped back and summoned a claw of sorts on his left hand before the altar that held Asia was destroyed as Asia fell into Issei's arms, shocking Diadora before Issei covered Asia up in a cloak that he summoned from his storage portal.
"Here. You'll catch a cold." Issei said, as Asia thanked him and stayed close to him, with Diadora growling at Issei before Diadora yelled as his arms were sliced off by what was revealed to be invisible strings.
"Issei. What is that claw?" Asia asked while looking at it before Issei explained.
"Asia, there is a lot I kept hidden because I wanted to leave my past in the past since it wasn't a pleasant one. But I promise you that after we leave, I'll tell you and the others everything, but for now, you have to trust me." Issei said, which made Asia smile as she looked into his eyes and saw the same Issei who saved her and loved her with all his heart.
"Okay, Issei. I'll hold you to that," Asia said before the barrier fell. Azazel and the others flew in to see that Asia was safe, with Issei standing next to her and Diadora defeated but glaring at them.
"I am glad to see that you two are safe, but I have to ask, what happened to you, Issei? How did you learn all of that?" Azazel asked as he gestured to the new weapon. Issei held up a hand to stop Azazel from continuing and then pointed to Diadora's body.
"I'll explain later, though I am surprised to see that it took you all longer to break the barrier. Why is that?" Issei asked, expecting Azazel or one of the Maou to break the barrier easily until Sirzechs appeared and explained.
"It seems that Ophis supplied Diadora a snake that powered his magic, menacing his barrier and keeping out those who were around High Class, though many of us were busy killing two of the old Maou generals who attacked us. Asmodeus was easy to deal with, but Beelzebub was a pain since he kept trying to get into the throne room where Diadora was possibly trying to kill him and take the snake from him before empowering himself even more."
"But since you were able to kill him before reaching here, does that mean he failed?"
"Correct, though everyone was surprised to see the skills that you've kept hidden from us," Sirzechs said before turning to see Diadora cuffed despite not having arms and taken to prison.
Asia did tell them to stop before. She walked over to Diadora, who smiled, expecting her to save him before he was punched so hard Diadora was sent to the ground.
"Woah. That was hot," Issei said aloud before his brain registered what he had just said, which made Asia blush. Both Azazel and Sirzechs laughed at Issei, who shouted at them.
"It was a compliment! Nothing like that!"
"Hey! No judgment here!"
"Even I like my wife showing off her bad girl side."
Sirzechs said as he looked at Issei arguing with Azazel, making him sigh in relief, knowing that it was still the same Issei.
"Still, though, I am surprised you didn't kill Diadora when you had the chance. Why is that?" Sirzexhs asked, with Issei calming down before replying to the Maou.
"It's because as much as I wanted to fucking kill him and make him suffer for what he did to his peerage, I knew that it wouldn't make me feel better. also, I refused to show Asia a side of me that would have her look at me in fear." Issei said before Asia came back to him. She smiled as she hugged him and thanked Issei for saving her.
Issei smiled down at her and gulped as he took her hand.
"Asia. I know this probably isn't the time or place. Still, I want to confess that ever since I lost my parents when I was twelve and became a soldier in the army, I didn't care if I lived or died since I had nothing left in this world. Still, after the war and I was discharged from the army, I thought going back to school and pretending to be someone I wasn't would give me some peace. However, all I was doing was doing what I had to do in order to live, which is why I never felt like I truly was alive, just a hollow shell living until my heart stopped beating and my final breath left my mouth. And even when I was reincarnated as a Devil, I still felt...empty, which made me ask myself if it was my fate to pretend to be alive while my comrades who lived, fought, bled, and died alongside me were unable to return to their families and loved ones."
Issei said as Asia was shocked to see Issei suffered and went through so much as a kid before becoming a teenager until he continued.
"But they all changed since I found someone who went through hell and had nothing but still wished to smile at people and save them with her powers. That person was you, Asia Argento." Issei said, which shocked Asia and the others who had been listening to this confession before Issei continued.
"Your kindness, love, warmth, and care for others helped me want to live, and in truth, I was in love with you and wanted to tell you about who I was, but I was afraid thinking if you knew how many bodies I killed, the blood that was on my hands, and the things I've seen, then you would see me as a monster," Issei said before Asia gently placed her hands on his cheeks and made him look at her eyes, those emerald green eyes that he could get lost in for hours until Asia replied to him.
Asia gently placed her hands on Issei's cheeks, making him look into her kind and tear-filled emerald eyes. Her soft voice carried a warmth that melted the tension and fear in his heart.
"Issei," she began, her voice steady despite the tears, "I could never see you as a monster. You've done so much to protect others, to save me and everyone around you. You are not the horrors you've endured, and you are not the blood on your hands. To me, you're the man who gave me hope, who gave me love when I thought I had nothing left. I love you, Issei Hyoudou. All of you—your past, your present, and the future we'll share."
Issei's breath caught in his throat as he stared into her eyes, overwhelmed by the sincerity and love in her words. His heart raced as he stepped back slightly, taking a deep breath before speaking.
"Asia… there's something else I need to ask you," he said, his voice steady but filled with emotion. He dropped down to one knee, causing Asia to gasp softly in surprise. From his pocket, he produced a small box and opened it to reveal a delicate ring with an emerald stone gleaming in the light.
This shocked the girls in the ORC as well, especially Rias, who felt a pain in her heart when Issei asked her the question.
"Asia Argento, you've been the light in my darkest days, the reason I've found the will to live again. I don't want to be your protector or your friend. I want to be with you forever. Will you do me the honor of being more than my girlfriend? Will you become my wife?"
Tears streamed down Asia's face as she clasped her hands over her mouth, overwhelmed by the raw emotion and sincerity in his proposal. Unable to contain herself, she nodded furiously and threw herself into his arms.
"Yes! Yes, Issei, I will!" she cried, her voice shaking with joy.
Issei caught her as she leaped into his arms, spinning her around in sheer elation. Laughter bubbled from both of them as their hearts felt lighter than ever before. The cheers of their friends and the onlookers in the VIP room barely registered to them. At that moment, it was just the two of them, lost in the overwhelming joy of their shared love.
When Issei finally set Asia down, she looked up at him with tears of happiness glistening in her eyes. He gently took her left hand and slipped the ring onto her finger. It fit perfectly, the emerald shining as brightly as her eyes.
"You're my light, Asia," Issei said softly, leaning down. "And I'll spend the rest of my life making sure you're happy."
Asia smiled brightly, her cheeks flushed as she leaned up on her toes. "And I'll spend my life loving you, Issei."
Their lips met in a tender, heartfelt kiss, sealing their love in front of everyone. Cheers erupted from their friends as Azazel clapped loudly, Sirzechs smiled warmly, and the rest of the ORC watched with joy, although Rias and the other girls felt envious of Asia before she saw her gaze at them before mouthing to them.
'Don't worry, I'll still support the harem.' Asia said before hugging Issei back.
It was a moment Issei would remember for the rest of his life—a moment when his broken heart found peace, healing, and the promise of a brighter future with the woman he loved and helped him live.
But for now, he owed his friends and new family answers.
Later, at the Hyoudou Household.
Issei was sitting in the living room with Asia, who was sitting with Irina and Xenovia because the former felt jealous, while Xenovia congratulated her friend on her engagement.
"I know that many of you have questions, but before you ask me any of them, please allow me to explain who I really am and what led me to this point," Issei said, his voice steady but filled with emotion. He took a deep breath, gathering his thoughts. The room was silent, all eyes on him as they waited for his story.
Rias, Akeno, Koneko, Kiba, Rossweisse, and even Gasper sat around the room, their expressions a mix of curiosity, concern, and, in Rias's case, hidden pain. Azazel leaned back in his chair, arms crossed, watching with a serious expression, while Sirzechs and Grayfia remained composed, though there was an unmistakable weight in the air.
Issei looked at Asia, who gave him a reassuring smile and squeezed his hand, silently telling him that no matter what he revealed, she would stand by his side. Drawing strength from that, he began.
"I wasn't always the Issei Hyoudou, you know," he admitted. "Or at least, not the version of me you all believed I was."
He clenched his fists, remembering the years of bloodshed, the friends he lost, the horrors he faced.
"I was born and raised here in Japan, yes, but my life changed when I was twelve. My parents… they were killed in the 9/11 terrorist attack."
Gasps filled the room, and Rias covered her mouth in shock. Even Azazel seemed taken aback, his usual smirk vanishing.
"I lost everything that day," Issei continued. "I had no family left, no home to return to that didn't remind me of them. So, I did the only thing I thought I could—I enlisted."
"That's impossible," Kiba interjected, his brow furrowed. "You would have been too young—"
"The government has ways of making exceptions," Azazel muttered grimly, understanding now. "Especially for someone with talent or potential, that meant a boy with a certain Sacred Gear. I'm guessing the supernatural had a hand in this?"
Issei nodded. "The war in Afghanistan wasn't just about humans fighting humans. There were stray devils, rogue fallen angels, and even corrupted angels. The war was bigger than the public ever knew. And I… I was on the front lines. When I became Sergeant, I was also made the leader of the platoon and was responsible for facing the supernatural enemies on the front. We were known as the Reapers. Thirty-one soldiers were trained to track and exterminate any supernatural foes."
Koneko's ears twitched, and Akeno narrowed her eyes.
"How?" Rias finally asked, her voice trembling. "How could you have survived that? You were just a child."
"I didn't have a choice," Issei said, his voice heavy. "I trained, fought, bled, and killed to survive in the war. I rose through the ranks because I had to, and by the time I was seventeen, I was one of the youngest sergeants in the military. My platoon and I were trained in weapons, strategy, hand-to-hand combat… everything I needed to stay alive."
"And then?" Sirzechs prompted, his crimson eyes piercing but not unkind.
"And then the war ended—or at least, my part in it did. The supernatural threat was neutralized, and I was discharged. The military gave me a choice: continue serving or try to have a normal life. I chose the latter. I wanted to leave it all behind, so I came back to Japan and enrolled in Kuoh Academy."
The room was silent, the weight of Issei's past settling over everyone. Rias looked as if she wanted to say something, but she hesitated. Kiba, who had known pain and loss in his way, clenched his jaw.
"And your home and school papers?" Irina asked as Issei explained.
"The military paid for my home, and so it's mine, and let's just say I have a lot of money in different accounts. I did, however, lie about my folks being in the States due to my dad's business, but I knew it would've been difficult to explain, so the fake papers were necessary," Issei said before he continued.
"I used my 'perverted idiot' persona as a mask to hide my pain and nightmares, which worked for me when I was way too tired," Issei admitted. "It was easier that way. No one questioned an idiot. No one expected anything from a fool. And for a while, it worked. Until I met you all."
"But how did you die to Raynare?" Rias asked before Issei sighed and replied.
"Actually, I knew Raynare was an assassin; however, just before I could interrogate her on who sent her after me, Kokabiel caught me off guard and stabbed me instead, which resulted in you finding me bleeding on the ground since Kokabiel got away from me last time we saw each other during the war. He's like an annoying cockroach that I wanted to squash, but we could never kill him, only capture him since Azazel wanted him alive for some reason, even though it was obvious he was a traitor."
Issei explained, which made the group turn to Azazel, who seemed embarrassed by this as he turned away from their gazes.
Issei turned to Rias and continued. "When you saved me, I wanted to believe I could truly start over, that I could leave behind the soldier and be a high school student. But the past doesn't just disappear. And today… today, I finally stopped running from it."
Azazel let out a low whistle. "Damn, kid. That's one hell of a backstory."
"So all those skills you used against Diodora's peerage," Kiba said, his voice low, "those weren't just instincts or natural talent. That was years of real experience."
Issei nodded. "Every fight I've ever been in, every enemy I've taken down—it all led to this. But make no mistake, Kiba, I never wanted to kill unless I had no choice, and trust me, I've had to do it many times when I became Sergeant."
Asia squeezed his hand tighter, her warmth grounding him. "You did what you had to do to survive," she said softly. "That doesn't make you a monster, Issei."
Koneko looked at him, her usual deadpan expression unreadable. "You could have told us," she said quietly.
Issei sighed. "I was scared. Scared of how you'd all see me. Scared that if you knew the real me, you'd look at me differently."
Akeno chuckled softly, though there was no humor in it. "Oh, we see you differently now, all right. But not in the way you feared." She gave him a teasing smirk. "The 'Perverted Dragon' was actually a battle-hardened soldier? That's quite the twist."
Rias finally spoke, her voice laced with emotion. "You're not alone, Issei. We're your family, and family doesn't abandon each other."
The warmth in her words made his chest tighten. He had spent so long keeping his past buried, but now, looking at the people around him, he realized he didn't have to carry the burden alone anymore.
"Thank you," he said, his voice raw with gratitude.
Azazel stretched and grinned. "Well, now that we've had this touching moment, what's next? You planning to go full war veteran on every enemy we face?"
Issei smirked. "Only when necessary since now I don't have to hide my weapons any longer."
Sirzechs chuckled. "Indeed, with your skills and your Sacred Gear, the Underworld is lucky to have you on our side."
Issei exhaled, feeling lighter than he had in years. He had revealed his truth, and they had accepted him. Now, with Asia by his side and his friends supporting him, he finally felt ready to face whatever came next.
Because for the first time in a long time, he wasn't just surviving.
He was truly living.
"By the way, how many survivors of your platoon are there?" Xenovia asked. Issei sighed, got up from the chair, and headed towards a small wooden memory box of sorts. He pulled it out and brought it to the group, pulling out a bunch of dog tags and shocking the team until Issei explained.
"These are the dog tags of all my platoon members who passed away during the war. Out of the thirty-one members, only three of us survived to see the end, and we still keep in touch, believe it or not." Issei said as he pulled out two photos, one of which was of the whole platoon when they were formed and the remaining survivors after the war.
"Who are they? And what role did they play?"
"Ah, well, there was me, the leader of said group," Issei said, pointing to himself before pointing to the other two.
"Double Trouble, the spy, was an intelligence officer who was a deadly chameleon demihuman who was able to pull off any look and was a bit of a dramatic soul since they loved the theater," Issei said with a chuckle before looking at the remaining member.
"Lastly, she was a former assassin who actually worked with Angel Faction until she joined our team. Her name was originally Irina Jelavić. She was an orphan after her home was attacked and killed by the militant who murdered her parents; she wandered in the ruins of her hometown until she was found and adopted by the Seraphim, Gabriel. She became a deadly assassin who walked through a sea of blood and Death until Gabriel asked for her to be added to our team, and believe it or not, she goes by a different name now."
Issei explained as he smiled at the woman in the picture, which Sirzechs, Grayfia, and Azazel picked up on before putting said photo back in the box.
"That's amazing. What about that spear you used on the Queen and the weapons?" Azazel asked since he wanted to know until Issei chuckled and replied.
"Apologies, but that's classified, though I can tell you about the spear," Issei said as he summoned the spear and held it out for them all to see.
"This was made by Orichalcum, a powerful metal that was found and used to create these weapons that are basically indestructible by both normal and magical means. These were given to my platoon alone since we used our weapons against supernatural enemies, but when they passed away, I asked if I could keep them to ensure others wouldn't misuse them." Issei said before letting Azazel look at it, which amazed the Governor until he handed it back to Issei.
"That's impressive, but why did you not think to tell us? Did you not trust us with your past?" Grayfia asked before Issei sighed.
"Well, like I said, I wanted to leave the past behind, but also, I wasn't truly living even when Rias resurrected me after I was killed by Kokabiel in the park and resurrected by her."
"But now," Issei continued, looking at Asia, "I have something worth living for. And that makes all the difference."
Asia smiled brightly at him, her hand squeezing his reassuringly. The room remained silent for a moment, each person digesting the weight of Issei's words.
Rias, who had been unusually quiet, finally spoke. "Issei… I had no idea you were carrying so much pain. I won't pretend to understand everything you went through, but I want you to know that you're not alone anymore."
Her voice was soft but firm, and Issei could see the sincerity in her eyes.
"I appreciate that, Rias," he said. "And I appreciate all of you. You're my friends, my family… and I'll protect you with everything I have."
Azazel smirked. "Well, damn, kid. If I didn't know better, I'd say you just went up three power levels in badassery."
Issei chuckled. "I'm still the same Issei."
"Yeah, just one with military training, deadly weapons, and a kill count higher than some warlords," Akeno teased with a sly smile.
"Pretty much," Issei admitted with a shrug.
Kiba crossed his arms. "You mentioned two surviving members of your team. Do you still keep in contact with them?"
"Yeah," Issei said, glancing at the photo again. "Double Trouble is deep in intelligence work, and… Irina has a new life now. But we stay in touch."
"And what's this other name she goes by?" Sirzechs asked, his tone slightly amused, as if he already had an idea.
Issei smirked. "She goes by Coriana Andrealphus now since she was also recruited into a Devils peerage."
"Really? Who?" Rias asked before Issei replied with a bomb that shocked the Gremory family members.
"Saiorag Bael," Issei said, preparing for the shock.
Three...
Two...
One...
"WHAT?!"
Coriana Andrealphus suppressed a shiver as she drank some tea with her peerage members, feeling an odd sense of foreboding wash over her. She had been enjoying a quiet moment when a sudden sneeze escaped her.
"Huh… Someone must be talking about me," Coriana muttered, setting down her cup.
Sairaorg Bael, her King, raised an eyebrow. "You alright, Coriana?"
She nodded, waving it off. "Yeah, just a weird feeling. Like I've been dragged into something crazy without my knowledge."
Sairaorg chuckled. "Well, knowing your past, it wouldn't surprise me."
Coriana sighed, taking another sip of her tea. "Yeah… I hope Issei didn't do anything too wild."
Little did she know, at that exact moment, that the Gremory household was in complete chaos over the revelation that one of Issei's former squadmates was now part of one of the most powerful Devil peerages in existence.
Rias, still in shock, looked between Issei and the photo. "You're telling me that one of your closest comrades from the battlefield is now part of Sairaorg's peerage? And she was originally an assassin for Heaven?"
Issei smirked. "Yep. Small world, huh?"
Azazel let out a low whistle. "Damn, that's an unexpected twist. The fact that she survived everything with you, then went on to become a Devil… That's a story I'd love to hear over some drinks."
Sirzechs, who had remained composed, finally chuckled. "Sairaorg always did have a talent for gathering strong warriors. Now it makes even more sense."
Kiba, arms crossed, let out a sigh. "I guess we shouldn't be surprised anymore when it comes to you, Issei."
Rias, rubbing her temples, groaned. "First, you turn out to be a former elite soldier, and then you reveal you've been keeping contact with supernatural war veterans, and now this?"
Issei shrugged. "Like I said, I didn't plan on bringing this up. But since everything's out in the open now, might as well share the details."
Akeno giggled. "You certainly know how to keep things interesting, Issei."
Asia, still holding Issei's hand, smiled warmly. "No matter what your past is, I'm just happy you're here with us now."
Issei squeezed her hand in return, a genuine smile forming on his lips. "And I'm happy to be here, Asia."
Azazel leaned back in his chair. "Well, now that the dramatic reveals are over, what's next?"
Issei's smirk widened. "Well… I think it's time I start training you all properly."
Rias blinked. "Wait, what?"
"All of you have a lot of potential. However, the problem is that many of you still have weaknesses that have been exploited in the previous battles. Sadly, the weakest members are actually the King, Queen, Koneko, Kiba, Gasper, and Xenovia in that order of weakest to strongest," Issei said, which shocked the group until he explained.
"From the 'training' you all did, Kiba, Gasper, and Xenovia are the ones that grew the most in terms of combat, but you three are the weakest since you still haven't truly tried to understand your full potential since Rias, you are the leader of your peerage, and have one of the most potent magics in the Underworld but you struggle with control and don't know how to really use your magic."
Issei said before looking at Akeno, "Akeno, you are the Queen of the peerage, the second in command, and yet you've only bothered to learn magic. Even that has its limits since you have all of the powers of the Knight, Rook, and Bishop. But unlike Tsubaki from Sona's peerage, you lack skills and the will to actually utilize them. That's why you almost lost to Tsubaki in the ratings game between our groups."
"And lastly, Koneko. Your fear of your power has prevented you from using the full power of your Senjutsu, which is why you also haven't been able to use it truly; that is why I do believe you should ask your sister to train you since she is more experienced in using Senjutsu. However, that's your choice. Not my place to tell you what to do." Issei said before using his spear and throwing it at Rias, who was shocked until it was embedded in the wall next to her.
"If I were your enemy, I could've killed you in ten different ways, and the fact that your reaction time was slow means you're not even taking the threat seriously," Issei said as he pulled back the spear before looking at her.
"It's your choice if you want to get stronger or not, but know if you want to become stronger, then know I'm not going to go easy on you. I will break you down both physically and emotionally since you need to know that war isn't a kid's game. It's either life or Death, and given our past battles with the Hero Faction up until now, we've been lucky, but luck won't always be able to bail you out. Trust me, I know." Issei said, which made Rias gulp audibly before the rest of the peerage began to ask Issei about the other weapons he had from his time back in the war.
As the room buzzed with anticipation, one thing was certain—Issei Hyoudou was no longer just the Oppai Dragon. He was a warrior, a protector, and now, a leader. And with the battles ahead, his past as a soldier would soon become the foundation for the future of the Gremory peerage.
Scene!
I hope you all enjoy this. This Issei will be showing his mentality. The war with Khaos Brigade and the Old Maou Faction has made him struggle to hold back his instincts, but since the cat is out of the bag, he'll show them who he really is and who he really likes.
Issei's Harem will change since Asia is his main lover, not Rias. The others will be Irina, Coriana, and a few others since his mentality is no longer the same.
Hope to see you all next time. Bye!~