Rias, Akeno, and Tsubaki could only stand frozen, staring at the chessboard as if unable to believe what they had just witnessed. Sona's defeat was something almost impossible.
"But… how?" murmured Rias, her eyes still fixed on the checkmate position. "Sona has never lost."
Akeno shook her head slowly, her usual confident smile now mixed with deep admiration. "His moves… were unpredictable. As if he was playing with a completely different kind of logic."
Tsubaki, who understood Sona's abilities the most, could only remain silent. She saw the empty expression on Sona's face, something very rarely seen.
From the corner of the room, Tiamat—who had been observing the game from the beginning—finally spoke. Her voice was authoritative and filled with ancient wisdom. "Interesting. I thought you were using a very clever strategy, but in the end, strategies that look 'foolish' and unconventional can actually be the most effective in deceiving opponents who are used to rigid play."
Issei let out a long sigh, massaging his throbbing temples. "Seriously, my head hurts so much after playing chess. I don't want to play again. I'd rather watch anime," he complained honestly, showing the lazy side of him that still remained.
He then looked toward the wall clock and his eyes widened. "Oh crap! It's almost 5 PM!"
Rias, Akeno, Sona, and Tsubaki were also shocked. They had become so engrossed in the chess match that they didn't realize how fast time had passed. Issei stood up and stretched his body tiredly. "Ughhh, it's already evening."
He then looked at Tiamat and Ophis. "Are you going home?"
Ophis, who was still casually watching television, turned toward Issei. Her voice was flat but clear. "Stay here. This place is comfortable and has food."
Issei immediately facepalmed, feeling overwhelmed. He then looked at Tiamat, hoping at least one of them would go home. "You're going home, right?"
Tiamat smiled, but the smile was full of meaning. "For now, yes. But… not tomorrow."
Issei was surprised. "Why?"
Tiamat raised her elegant hand and pointed straight at Issei. Her eyes narrowed, showing that she could not be fooled. "You're dangerous. Did you think I wouldn't know that your magic infiltrated Rias's body while everyone was focused on the chess match earlier?" Her voice lowered, audible only to Issei and those very close. "Can you explain what your intention was?"
Issei froze. His secret trick had been exposed. He tried to act innocent. "Eh? What do you mean? I don't know what you're talking about. Besides, magic is rejected here."
Tiamat approached Issei, her majestic aura making the room feel even smaller. "You cannot fool me, Issei. I am the oldest Dragon. My knowledge is vast. Don't think I don't know ancient tricks like Mana Weaving and Etheric Infiltration."
Under Tiamat's sharp gaze, Issei finally gave up. He sighed. "Alright, you win. I deliberately inserted my magic into Rias's magic system, like a virus. I… was interested in her magic. It feels unique and full of power."
Tiamat sat back down gracefully, but her expression remained serious. "If Sirzechs knew that the Power of Destruction of the Gremory bloodline was copied like a virus by a newly born Dragon, he would not accept it. That power is the pride and secret of their clan, especially Bael and Gremory. It could be considered a declaration of war."
Issei listened closely. "So that's the name of the magic… 'Power of Destruction'. And as I said, I was only interested in its structure. Not to steal it completely, let alone use it for harm. Just… studying it."
Tiamat looked up, as if speaking to the ceiling. "This world is filled with people who only pay attention to grand powers and spectacular magic. They forget the most basic thing: paying attention to the breath of the world itself, the constant flow of Ether. They are no longer sensitive to subtle vibrations like that." She looked at Issei again. "You, on the other hand, seem to have a natural instinct for it."
Issei sighed, feeling tired. "Go ahead and watch me if you want. But you'll definitely get bored. I just want to watch anime and relax."
Tiamat smiled, this time more sincerely. "My instincts say otherwise. Just look at Ophis, she's comfortable here."
Issei grinned. "That's because there are snacks and the place is comfy."
Tiamat suddenly flicked Issei's forehead gently. "Ouch!" Issei protested.
"Don't do dangerous things again," Tiamat warned.
"Who do you think you are? My sister?" Issei grumbled while rubbing his forehead.
Tiamat smiled wider. "So you don't lose your way and become as foolish as Ddraig used to be." She then turned and approached Misa who was cleaning the table. "I'll head home first, Miki-san. Tomorrow I will be staying here. Of course, I won't cause trouble and will bring money for food, because I'm sure this house will get even more crowded."
Miki smiled warmly. "No need for that, Tiamat-san. Besides… somehow this house has become really lively ever since Issei lost his memories."
Tiamat looked slightly surprised by Misa's innocent statement. She simply nodded. "In that case, I'll go."
"Be careful on the way!" Miki said while waving.
Back in the living room, Akeno was freely stroking Ophis's head. Surprisingly, Ophis did not reject or show discomfort. Instead, she looked like a cat being pampered. Rias could only sigh seeing the unexpected sight.
Tsubaki noticed that Sona occasionally glanced at Issei with an unusual expression. "What's wrong, Sona-sama?" she asked softly.
Sona was slightly startled, then quickly looked away. "Nothing. Just… still surprised to see Ophis act like that."
Irina and Xenovia then entered the living room.
"Irina Shidou," Irina said while bowing politely. "Are you attending Kuoh Academy? We will be starting school there."
"Xenovia Quarta," Xenovia introduced briefly. "Her friend."
Sona stood up, returning to her role as student council president. "Sona Sitri, President of the Student Council at Kuoh Academy. If you need any help, please visit the student council office."
Irina looked surprised. "Eh? President of the Student Council? I thought you were just regular students."
"Tsubaki Shinra, Vice President," Tsubaki introduced.
"Rias Gremory, president of the Occult Research Club," said Rias.
Akeno, still stroking Ophis, waved. "Akeno Himejima. Though I suppose you already know."
Issei re-entered the living room. "It's already evening, you shouldn't stay too late."
Akeno put on a fake sad face. "How cruel, chasing away beautiful women like us."
Issei only sighed, not falling for the bait. Rias saw that and said, "Let's go, Akeno. Kiba and Koneko-chan must be worried."
Akeno finally stood. "Then, we'll go for now."
Tsubaki also said, "I will go as well, Sona-sama. Let's leave."
Sona, still silent, finally spoke. "I… will leave a bit later. But…" She looked at Issei. "Issei-kun, I want to tell you something." She turned to Tsubaki. "Tsubaki, you may go first."
Tsubaki sensed something unusual. She didn't say much, only nodded obediently and waited outside the room.
"Irina, Xenovia, see you tomorrow," Sona said.
"See you!" they replied with cheerful waves.
Issei and Sona then walked toward the backyard. Issei could already feel it—something had changed within Sona after the chess match. A different kind of tension.
Under the orange evening sky, Sona took a deep breath, gathering her courage. Her voice trembled slightly, something extremely rare.
"Issei-kun, actually… I once made a promise to myself, ever since I was a child." She paused for a moment, searching for the words. "I promised I would not marry a man who wasn't equal or superior to me intellectually." She lowered her head, her cheeks turning red. "I know it sounds strict and foolish. And now… I don't know how to respond to these feelings. My heart… beats so fast when I'm with you."
Issei looked at her gently. Then he raised his hand and, in a surprising gesture, gently stroked Sona's head. Sona was shocked, but she didn't pull away.
"That's your decision, Sona," Issei said in a calm voice. "I will never force you to break it. And also…" He sighed, his expression slightly troubled. "There's something you need to know. Dragon Pheromones. They're really troublesome."
Sona looked at him, confused. "Pheromones?"
"Yes," Issei answered flatly. "Dragon Pheromones. Naturally, it attracts the opposite sex, regardless of race. It's like… a curse for me. All I want is to live normally, have a girlfriend like a normal person, not because of some uncontrollable biological attraction."
Hearing his explanation, Sona's heart only beat faster. She steadied herself. "I… cannot break my vow, even if you may not want it. These feelings… they feel real."
Issei looked up at the darkening evening sky. "I'm nobody, Sona. I don't even remember my full past. All I want now is to live peacefully with my family."
"I know," Sona whispered. "Your attitude has changed completely. You are no longer the perverted Issei from before."
Issei finally turned, looking directly into Sona's eyes. "Are you sure? My life might become a complete mess later. What I want is love that grows naturally."
Sona held his gaze, determination clear behind her glasses. "I… have made my choice. And it will not change."
Issei looked at her for a long moment, as if weighing everything. Then, slowly, he leaned his face closer to hers. "In that case," he whispered, "let's just start slowly. No need to rush."
Before Sona could react, Issei closed the distance between them. His warm lips touched Sona's. The world seemed to stop turning for Sona. She was shocked, her eyes widened before slowly closing. She did not push him away. Instead, Issei's hand wrapped around her body gently but firmly, making her feel safe.
The kiss did not last long, but it felt like eternity for Sona. When Issei finally pulled away, Sona's face was already bright red. Issei smiled softly at her reaction, tempted to tease her more, but he knew it was already late.
"Hyoudou Issei," he reintroduced himself softly. "The human who became a Dragon."
Sona, her breath still unsteady, answered with a trembling yet resolute voice, "Sona Sitri. Heir of the Sitri Clan."
Between them, a new bond had formed—no longer as student council president and ordinary student, or as Devil and Dragon, but as two individuals starting an unexpected new journey beneath the fading twilight sky.