The bedroom air grew thick as if the void itself slipped through unseen cracks.
Ophis stood beside the bed.
Her petite frame radiated infinite calm, long ebony hair cascading like shadows. She wore a black gothic dress with purple accents hugging her form, giving her an eerie, doll-like innocence that hid her godlike strength. Her pale skin contrasted with her piercing, emotionless eyes, which flickered with something deeper as she gazed at her sleeping son
Issei Hyoudou.
One small hand reached out, gently rubbing his cheek. Her touch was cold yet tender, like a whisper of eternity.
Scarlet felt the system shudder as Ophis voiced her question.
Ddraig let out a low growl from the gauntlet.
Ophis's voice was low but commanding. "I asked you two a question," Ophis sniffed the air. "Why does my son have the scent of devils?"
The words hung in the air like a silent decree. The room's atmosphere thickened as her infinite aura pressed down.
Scarlet's chibi form flickered on the system screen, her usual smirk fading into wary respect. "Whoa, easy there, big momma. He's been through hell, literally. Blame the redhead for that demonic smell; she reincarnated your little hatchling as a devil to save his life."
Ddraig tried to maintain pride, his voice booming defiantly. "Infinite One, I know this boy is your spawn, but he's my host now, and our fates are sealed."
Ophis's gaze sharpened as her presence crushed his bravado like a weight on his spirit. The Heavenly Dragon's tone faltered, reduced to a grumbled whisper. "Fine… The devil is a Gremory. Descendant of Chysis."
Ophis tilted her head, her expression unchanging yet intense, like a storm brewing in silence. "Gremory… devil." She glanced at the sleeping Rias, her hand still on Issei's cheek. "He is mine. I should've been there. Tell me who hurt him."
She growled, vibrating the room, demanding answers. The system glitched slightly under her aura. Scarlet's form flickered. "A fallen angel named Raynare. She hurt the kid's heart. She made him believe she loved him and had the nerve to kill him after their date."
The room trembled with Ophis' maternal fury.
Scarlet continued quickly. "On his way home, a member of Raynare's crew attacked him. A fallen angel named Dohnaseeek. The kid held his own. He even clawed off a wing before passing out."
Ddraig rumbled in agreement. "The whelp fought like a true dragon. But he's weak; he needs training if he's to survive what's coming."
Ophis's eye narrowed, a rare spark of killing intent before she broke her stoic facade. "Fallen… they'll die." Her snakes coiled invisibly in the shadows, ready to extend her will.
But then she paused, her gaze softening as she studied Issei's sleeping face. "He's still a hatchling. He needs strength."
With a subtle gesture, she conjured a small, ethereal package from the void, wrapped in black scales that shimmered like infinity. Inside lay slabs of magical beast meat that glowed faintly with primordial energy. The flesh from an ancient wyrm, infused with essence to accelerate draconic growth. "Make sure he eats this."
She creased his cheek with maternal love. "Grow strong, my little hatching. My gift." She placed it on the nightstand, her touch lingering before withdrawing.
Before she could press further, Rias stirred, her eyes fluttering open as the oppressive energy filled the room.
She sat up slowly, the sheet slipping further to reveal just enough skin to make any guy's heart race. Her curves were accentuated in the dim light. Issei mumbled louder in his sleep, "Oppai… infinite…" as if sensing the shift, his hand twitching subconsciously toward her. Rias flushed slightly, pulling the sheet back up with a soft gasp, but her focus instantly sharpened on the petite figure beside the bed.
Rias's breath caught. "You're… Ophis? The Infinite Dragon God?" Shock mixed with wariness as she pulled the sheet tighter, protecting herself from Issei. "What are you doing here?"
Ophis turned her icy gaze towards Rias, mildly annoyed, her hand lingering on Issei's cheek. "Devil. You touched my son. Explain are you his mate?"
The air grew colder, the void's silence pressing in like a threat. Rias met her eyes steadily despite the weight pressing on her chest. "I saved him. He's my pawn now, reincarnated to fight. But… your son? I'm not his mate; I'm his king."
Scarlet reappeared, rubbing her neck nervously. "Short version. War. Egg. Hidden heir. I was left behind to wake his dragon side. He has raw potential, but he needs a Whetstone to help forge him. That meat she left is from an ancient red Wyrm that died from old age. If you feed it to him, it'll boost his growth like steroids for hatchlings."
Rias nodded, glancing at the package. "Hatchling… so he's still developing? That explains the aura." She traced a finger along Issei's arm, where the gauntlet pulsed faintly. "We'll protect him."
Ophis's form began to fade, her eyes fixed on Issei. "He'll awaken soon. Ask Chysis for help to cook the meat." With that, she vanished into the shadows, but her presence lingered like a promise of return.
Rias stated, "Wait, can you tell me how you know my grandmother?" but no answer came.
Rias exhaled her tension, easing but not gone. "I wonder how I'm supposed to train a dragon?"
Scarlet smiled faintly. "I'll handle his growth. Just protect his heart. It's already been wounded once."
Issei stirred faintly, mumbling in his sleep. "Oppai… harem…"
Rias snorted quietly despite herself, brushing his hair back. "You're impossible, Issei. I promise on my name, Rias Gremory, that I will protect him like family. I won't let anyone harm any member of my peerage."
She raised a crimson communication crystal.
I rang only once before connecting the call. "Rias, what can I do for you at this late hour?"
The crystal shimmered, revealing Chysis Gremory, a vibrant woman with twin red ponytails bouncing with energy, small horns peeking from a crown-like headpiece. Her black cape was fur-trimmed over a playful skirt and top, giving her a mischievous dragon-queen vibe, far from the stern image of a grandmother.
Rias hesitated. "Grandma. I reincarnated someone important."
Chysis leaned closer. "Define important."
Rias sighed, "He's Ophis's son."
Chysis nearly dropped her communication crystal, her purple eyes widening in delight. "Are you telling me that you have Ophi's hatchling in your peerage? Oh, sweetie, that's wonderful! Tell me everything."
Rias nodded. "Yes, Grandma, I reincarnated him, but I need your help. She left me with some meat from a red Great Wyrm, but I don't know how to prepare it."
Chysis gave a faint smile, her carefree laugh echoing through the crystal. "Ophi always was dramatic with her gifts. Give me a second, sweetie. I have a book somewhere around here."
She rummaged through a pile of ancient tomes with childlike enthusiasm, spoiling Rias with casual chatter. "You know, I used to spoil Ophi with these recipes back in the day. She's like family, my little Ophi!"
Chysis rummaged through books before finding an ancient book titled One Hundred and One Ways to Feed a Hatching. "Ok, sweetheart, I found a simple recipe for you. Sear the wyrm meat over high heat for 2 minutes per side to lock in the essence, then simmer in a broth of dragon herbs, or garlic if you're out. Cook on both sides for 10 minutes. Season lightly with salt; too much dulls the primordial energy."
Chysis beamed. "I will send you all of the ingredients you need to feed your little hatchling and some extras. I can't have my granddaughter's pawn going hungry!"
Rias bowed her head. "Thank you so much, Grandma."
Chysis teased. "If you play your cards right, you can void your engagement. Dragons don't play when they choose their mates."
Rias ended the call, full of embarrassment.