After hearing Miki's invitation, the group exchanged uneasy glances. They followed Miki through the entrance of the modest Hyoudou residence. As soon as their feet stepped past the threshold, a strange and suffocating sensation struck them.
Rias, Akeno, Sona, and Tsubaki nearly stumbled. They felt a terrifying emptiness inside them—the magical resources that had always flowed abundantly were suddenly gone, completely cut off. They felt fragile, like ordinary humans.
Grayfia, her face slightly pale, turned to Sirzechs. Her voice whispered, barely audible, "Sir, this... magic can't be activated. Even the basic reserve energy for emergency teleportation is completely non-functional. It's like... an Anti-Magic Zone."
Sirzechs, his usually relaxed face now showing deep tension, nodded slowly. "And it's not just that. I felt it as soon as we entered... the aura pressure from two entities in that room increased exponentially. It's as if this territory has been claimed and they are the rulers."
Rias felt cold sweat trickle down her temple. Akeno tried to summon a little electricity at her fingertip, but nothing happened. Sona felt dizzy for a moment, losing connection with her always-active mental chessboard. Tsubaki's battle instincts were instantly dulled.
Akeno, trying to find a gap in this situation, whispered to Sona. "Sona, when we speak to him later, could you introduce yourself?"
Sona, still trying to adjust to this 'human' sensation, looked at her in confusion. "What do you mean?"
"I'm sure he'll avoid saying your name," Akeno explained in a low voice. "This could be a test to confirm his 'amnesia'."
Tsubaki and Sona were surprised to hear that strategy. Even Sirzechs and Grayfia, who heard it, raised their eyebrows, impressed by Akeno's observation.
Miki, noticing they had stopped, looked back with a questioning face. "What's wrong? Please come in, don't be shy. It's fine, really." Her warm smile slightly eased the tension, but not entirely.
Finally, they all entered the living room. The sight before them left them even more confused. On one side of the sofa, Irina and Xenovia were chatting casually. On the other sofa, Tiamat, the mighty Dragon King, was lounging comfortably watching a TV program about marine life. The most shocking sight was in the center carpet, sitting cross-legged, were Issei and Ophis. They looked like close siblings, happily munching on a bag of potato chips with their eyes glued to the cartoon playing.
However, that relaxed atmosphere was just an illusion. The pressure emitted by these two dragon entities was real and physical. Like gravity multiplied several times, the pressure oppressed every inch of the room, making Rias, Akeno, Sona, and Tsubaki struggle to breathe. For Sirzechs and Grayfia, who were used to such power levels, the pressure felt more like a warning—a very strong 'no funny business' sign.
Tiamat turned, her sharp eyes sweeping over their group. "Looks like we have guests. What business brings you here, Sirzechs?"
Sirzechs, with his usual diplomacy, replied, "The magical surge just now was too great, Tiamat. The awakening of a True Dragon is a rare event. As always, all factions are watching."
Grayfia silently observed Issei, trying to find cracks in his calm demeanor.
Meanwhile, Akeno, after overcoming the initial shock, actually smiled seeing Ophis engrossed in the cartoon. "Ara~, she's really adorable. Perhaps on par with our Koneko-chan."
Rias looked at her half in disbelief. "Akeno... can you not joke at a time like this?"
Akeno only smiled wider. "But isn't she truly cute?"
Issei then stood, brushing off the chip crumbs on his shirt. He walked to the small kitchen sink, washed his hands, then approached them. His movements were smooth and natural, without the slightest hesitation.
"Welcome to my home," said Issei in a flat voice, though not unfriendly. "I hope you're not too bothered by the pressure from Ophis and Tiamat. They're... enjoying their day off." He then pointed to a sitting room slightly separated from the main area. "Please, have a seat. It's impolite to let guests stand."
He led them to the sitting room and then went to the kitchen to prepare drinks. Sirzechs, Grayfia, Rias, Akeno, Sona, and Tsubaki sat on the sofa, still feeling how 'normal' they were without magic.
Sona kept observing Issei. She recalled Akeno's words and prepared to test him.
Issei returned carrying a tray of tea. He placed them one by one in front of his guests. "Please. And... if possible, I'd rather not take too long since this is my rest day," he said politely but firmly.
Sirzechs looked at him seriously. "Alright, I'll get straight to the point. My name Is Sirzechs Lucifer, Why did you do it? The awakening of a Dragon is no trivial matter."
Issei looked back at Sirzechs, his gaze calm yet intense. "Do you know the basic rule of this world?" he asked back, surprising everyone. Without waiting for an answer, he continued, "The rule is simple: the strong rule. I don't care about politics or the Three Factions' war. And the reason I did this is simple: I don't want to be anyone's pawn, or even a pawn of a System." His voice deepened. "That's why I became a Dragon. I became strong so that anyone—be it Devil, Angel, or Fallen Angel—who tries to eliminate me, I'll face and defeat them easily."
Silence swept the room. The statement was blunt and full of conviction.
Sona, seizing the opportunity, asked her logical question. "How is it possible for you to become a Dragon? That's impossible, even in any historical records."
Issei sighed, as if expecting the question. "Didn't I already say? I didn't want to follow the Sacred Gear system. Balance Breaker? I don't need that because I know the true potential of the Boosted Gear." He squinted his eyes, recalling something bitter. "And about becoming a Dragon... I can't tell you how. The process was only pain, nearly dying in Ddraig's grip, that bastard dragon, and an impossible training. I'm sure, 100%, if Albion had followed Ddraig's path, he'd think twice. The path is too extreme. Every Dragon has its own path."
They all fell silent, digesting his words filled with burden and determination.
Tsubaki, curious, asked. "Was the fever you had before part of that process?"
Issei nodded. "Yes. I forced myself to go to school at that time. My body was adapting to the newly formed dragon core."
Before Rias could ask anything else, Miki's voice from the kitchen called, "Lunch is ready! You guys should take a break and eat!"
Issei glanced at the wall clock showing 12:30, then stood. "Excuse me for a moment." He rushed to the kitchen to help his mother.
The sight in the kitchen stunned them. Xenovia and Irina were deftly helping Misa prepare food. Grayfia, with her maid instincts, immediately joined in. "Let me help. It would be rude if I only ate."
Miki smiled in relief. "Thank you, Grayfia-san. With this many guests, it's a bit hectic."
Soon, the dining table was filled with delicious dishes. Miki stood proudly. "Please eat! I prepared everything. It's my first time cooking for this many people."
Sirzechs bowed slightly. "Sorry for the trouble. Initially, we only intended to visit briefly."
"Oh, it's fine!" Miki responded cheerfully. "Please enjoy, and no fighting over food!"
Issei said the meal prayer. "Itadakimasu."
He then took tofu and karaage, eating them slowly. Tiamat, Irina, Xenovia, and most surprisingly, Ophis, also ate quietly. Ophis, the Infinite Dragon God, spooned rice and side dishes into her mouth slowly, her expression flat yet not rejecting, just like an obedient little girl.
Akeno couldn't stop looking at Ophis. "Ara~, I want to take her home. She's so cute, like Koneko-chan."
Rias looked at her worriedly. "Please don't do that, Akeno. She's a Infinite Dragon. You don't know what might happen."
Sirzechs and Grayfia began eating, followed by Sona and Tsubaki. As the food touched his tongue, Sirzechs felt something strange. The atmosphere in this house... was peaceful. Very peaceful. Even though they had lost their magic and were under the pressure of two legendary beings, the dominant feeling was safety. It felt like... being at home. Grayfia also felt the same, a peace she hadn't felt in a long time.
After lunch, Akeno, Irina, and Xenovia quickly helped wash the dishes. Issei cleared the dining table. Sirzechs approached Issei who was tidying up the leftover food.
"Sorry for the trouble," said Sirzechs. "And... thank you for the meal. I thought the situation would be tense, but the atmosphere here... is too calm. Like home."
Issei gave a small smile, the first sincere one since they arrived. "You're welcome. I just want a peaceful life. Since it's my day off, I want to rest as much as I can."
Grayfia gave a graceful bow. "Then, we'll take our leave."
Sirzechs and Grayfia took their leave and exited the house, leaving behind an aura with slightly less pressure. Issei returned to the sofa and sat, sipping plain water.
Sona approached him. "Issei-kun, thank you for the lunch."
Issei turned. "You're welcome, Kaichou."
Sona, remembering her plan, spoke in a friendly tone, "You can call me by name, you know. This isn't school, no need to be too formal."
Issei looked surprised. He scratched his head, a sign of nervousness. "Isn't... haven't I always called you Kaichou? It feels weird and uncomfortable to call you by name."
Sona didn't miss his reaction. She stepped a bit closer, her voice gentle but full of mystery. "Why is it so hard for you to say my name?"
The cold sweat on Issei's forehead became more visible. His eyes darted around, looking for an escape. "Ah, maybe I should help clean the kitchen again—"
Akeno, who had just finished in the kitchen, interrupted with a sweet smile. "Everything's done here, Issei-kun. No need to worry."
Issei fell silent, like a mouse trapped. He gulped hard.
Tsubaki, observing from behind Sona, whispered softly, "Looks like Akeno-san was right. He's really avoiding it and... as if he doesn't know your name."
Sona let out a quiet sigh. In her heart, a small disappointment mixed with growing curiosity. Meanwhile, Rias on the sofa watched Ophis who was still quietly watching TV while calmly munching on biscuits.
Then, to break the awkward silence, Issei stood and walked toward the glass cabinet. He pulled out a rather nice-looking wooden chessboard.
"How about a game of chess?" Issei said suddenly, looking at Sona. "So we won't get bored."
Sona Sitri, the undefeated student council president, turned gracefully. A competitive glint long unseen shone behind her glasses. "Are you sure? I've never lost in chess."
Issei shrugged, trying to look relaxed even though his heart was pounding. "Sure. At least it'll be entertaining."
Rias, Akeno, and Tsubaki sitting nearby immediately turned with full attention. Rias squinted in disbelief. "Eh? He challenged Sona in chess?"
Akeno smiled softly, covering her lips with her hand. "Ara~ ara~, this is interesting. But... Sona always defeats her opponent within fifteen moves, at most."
Tsubaki, who was reading the student council's training schedule, closed her book and stood up. "I'll prepare the chessboard properly."
The board was placed on a low table between them. The wooden chess pieces were neatly arranged, black and white pairs. The room's atmosphere suddenly shifted. The earlier awkward silence turned into tension, as if an invisible battlefield had been laid.
Sona sat down perfectly, slightly adjusting her glasses. "White or black?"
"Black," answered Issei.
Sona began. Her first move, 1. d2-d4, was quick and confident, pushing her central pawn forward.
Issei responded with 1... g7-g6, an unexpected King's Fianchetto opening.
"He... didn't use e5 or d5? Defensive opening?" Tsubaki thought to herself, puzzled.
Sona, without hesitation, continued with 2. e2-e4, aggressively occupying the center of the board.
Issei replied with 2... c7-c6, a cautious and solid move.
"Hmm... looks like a flexible position," Rias muttered quietly, starting to get interested.
Ng1-f3. Sona developed her knight, a very textbook move.
Akeno nodded, sipping her now-cool tea. "Classic."
Then Issei made a surprising move: 3... Bf8-h6?!
"He immediately throws his bishop to the edge?!" Rias couldn't help but comment.
Sona slightly raised an eyebrow but stayed calm. She continued with 4. Bf1-d3, securing the diagonal and her development.
But Issei immediately exchanged with 4... Bh6xc1!, recklessly capturing the white bishop.
"He dares sacrifice his bishop... for what?" Sona appeared to think deeper. She was forced to take with 5. Qd1xc1.
Then, quickly, Issei pushed 5... Qd8-a5+.
"Check!" Issei calmly declared.
Sona immediately lifted her head, eyes widening slightly behind her glasses. "Check? Already?"
"Only ten moves... He cornered Sona?" Rias whispered in disbelief.
Tsubaki furrowed her brow, trying to analyze. "His moves... aren't entirely logical by any known opening theory. But... very effective and disruptive."
The game continued intensely. Sona moved her king (6. Ke1-d2), Issei rotated his pawn (6... b7-b5). Skirmishes ensued. There was an unfavorable queen exchange for Sona, complicated diagonal defense, and unorthodox knight trades from Issei. Sona nearly encircled Issei's king side, but Issei slyly broke her defense with an attack on the queenside.
For nearly an hour, they attacked, baited, and countered each other. Rias mentally recorded every move, growing increasingly confused. Akeno grew restless, her hand no longer covering her tense smile. Even Tsubaki stood with arms crossed, staring at the chessboard with intense focus.
Pieces continued to trade. The board grew sparse. They entered a complex endgame, with a few pawns and rooks remaining. Issei, with black, seemed to have a slight initiative.
Final move...
Issei pushed his pawn (47... e3-e2). The pawn walked to the end of the board and became a new queen.
"Checkmate," Issei said tiredly.
Sona stared at the chessboard for several long seconds. Her eyes traced every square, every blocked possibility. Finally, she leaned back in her chair, letting out a long sigh.
"...You won."
Rias gasped. "Eh?! He... won? Really won?"
Akeno looked at Issei with new eyes, full of confusion and admiration. "Issei-kun...?"
Tsubaki exhaled deeply, nodding slowly. "This... is the first time Sona-sama has lost in chess since junior high school."
Issei himself dropped his head onto the table weakly. "Ugh... My head feels so hot... It's like I just played against a god-level AI."
Sona, still holding deep surprise behind her calm face, finally took a breath and smiled faintly. A very rare expression. "You're not a beginner at all."
Yet in her heart, something beat faster. A memory of her own vow, once uttered long ago, echoed in her mind: that she would only accept a man who was her equal or even superior intellectually. And the man before her, who had just defeated her in pure strategy, was the same one once known as the 'Useless Pervert' at school. A turmoil of emotions she had never felt before began to surge in her chest.