The autumn chill in Kuoh had deepened, the streets lined with crimson and gold leaves that crunched underfoot, a deceptive serenity cloaking the supernatural storm brewing beneath.
It was a Wednesday evening, the house quiet, the scent of Asia's latest baking-lemon tarts-lingering in the air. Mom and Dad were at a movie night, oblivious to the gods in their home. Raynare and Kalawarner were out, tailing a rumored Church scout (Irina's silver ponytail spotted near the park). Mittelt was with Asia at the ORC, helping Rias with club paperwork, illusions masking their supernatural chatter. Luke and Lila sat in the living room, playing chess.
I sprawled on the couch, a soda in hand, manga forgotten as I stared at the ceiling, the weight of Boosted Gear's loss settling anew. A sudden chime shattered the quiet, the Gamer System's blue screen flaring with a pulse that made Luke glance up, his obsidian eyes narrowing-he sensed my "hunches" but couldn't see the truth, the soul-erasure restriction binding my tongue.
System Directive: Memory Purge and Relic Unveiling
Alert: Security protocol activated to protect system integrity. Ddraig's memories of the Gamer System erased to ensure secrecy. Future threats (Excalibur fragments, Diodora Astaroth, Church inquisition) require enhanced ally capabilities.
Action 1: Memory Purge
Objective: All memories of the Gamer System within Ddraig, Red Dragon Emperor, permanently erased. Ddraig remains bound to Asia Argento's Boosted Gear, communicating solely with her as guide, unaware of system mechanics. Secrecy maintained-only user (Issei Hyoudou) retains system knowledge.
Status: Complete. Ddraig's interactions with Asia unaffected; no system references remain.
Action 2: Ally Enhancement
Objective: Boost Lilith's stats to 2900 (Strength, Endurance, Agility, Intelligence, Luck) to align near Lucifer's 3000, ensuring her strength as a transcendent ally against future threats.
Status: Immediate activation upon reading.
Action 3: Relic Revelation
Objective: Reveal full details of "Ordinary Stick" in user's inventory.
Item: Excalibur Ruler (True Excalibur Fragment)
Description: One of seven fragments of True Excalibur, the holy sword shattered in the Great War. Grants dominion over willpower, enhancing leadership and aura suppression. Abilities: Holy Command (forces weaker enemies to kneel, scales with Intelligence), Divine Edge (holy slashes, 2x damage vs. unholy targets).
Requirements: Minimum 200 stats to wield (user's 160 insufficient). System-shielded from all scans except user's Observe post-revelation.
Warning: Exposure risks Church detection; discretion critical.
The screen dissolved, a ripple of power coursing through the house. I felt nothing from Ddraig-no echo, no protest-his memories of the system gone, his voice now Asia's alone.
A pang hit, Gamer's Mind dulling it to a manageable ache. He'd guide her, crimson gauntlet roaring, but the system's truth was mine alone now. Lilith, across the room, gasped softly, her form shimmering as her stats surged-2900 across Strength, Endurance, Agility, Intelligence, Luck, her HP soaring to 290,000, MP to 145,000.
Her ember eyes flared, Infernal Ember crackling around her hands, Primordial Will radiating a charisma that made the air hum. Luke's gaze snapped to her, his 3000 Intelligence sensing the shift, a proud smile curving his lips. "Lila," he murmured, "you burn brighter now."
She stood, robes shifting to jeans, her veiled aura (100 stats) barely containing her new might. Observe confirmed:
Name: Lilith, First Flame
Level: Transcendent
HP: 290,000/290,000
MP: 145,000/145,000
Strength: 2900
Endurance: 2900
Agility: 2900
Intelligence: 2900
Luck: 2900
Abilities:
Infernal Ember: Fire manipulation, soul-binding flames (scales 2x Intelligence, 5800 damage).
Primordial Will: Charisma aura, mental influence (bypasses resistances below 2000 Intelligence).
Queen's Veil: Stealth, illusion (undetectable below 2500 Perception).
Thoughts About You: "The dragon gifts me strength anew. His heart sacrifices for others-worthy of my trust."
Relationship: Best Friend (80/100)
Lilith-Lila-met my gaze, her score warm. "You've done something, haven't you? This power... it's vast." Her voice, silk and ash, carried gratitude and curiosity.
I shrugged, Gamer's Mind masking the system's weight. "Just a hunch paying off. You're stronger now-ready for what's coming."
Luke's eyes narrowed, his bond steady but probing. "Hunches again? You're a mystery, boy. But Lila's radiance... it suits her." His hand rested on her shoulder, their history a silent flame.
I pulled the "ordinary stick" from my inventory, the system's revelation unlocking its truth. Observe pierced:
Item: Excalibur Ruler (True Excalibur Fragment)
Level: Transcendent
Durability: Indestructible
Effects:
Holy Command: Forces enemies with Intelligence below user's to kneel (scales with 2x Intelligence).
Divine Edge: Holy slashes, 2x damage vs. unholy targets (demons, fallen; scales with Strength).
Requirements: Minimum 200 Strength, Endurance, Agility, Intelligence, Luck to wield.
Description: Fragment of True Excalibur, granting dominion over willpower. System-shielded from all but user's Observe. Exposure risks Church pursuit.
Note: User's 160 stats insufficient-cannot wield.
The stick-Excalibur Ruler-gleamed faintly, a foot-long rod of unassuming wood pulsing with holy light only I could sense. My stats fell short, its power locked until I grew stronger. The Church-Irina, Xenovia-would kill for it, their fragments incomplete without this piece. I pocketed it, the weight of its secrecy heavy. Diodora's depravity, the Excalibur arc's holy war-Ruler could tip the scales, but not yet.
The girls returned, Asia's crimson gauntlet glowing as she burst in, lemon tarts in hand. "Issei! You're okay?" Her score radiated worry, Boosted Gear humming. Ddraig's voice, now hers, rumbled faintly-I caught it via Observe: "Girl's a queen, Issei. I'm hers now-system's gone from my mind. Keep her safe."
I hugged her, the void of Ddraig's absence softening. "Always, Asia. You're the dragon now." Her gauntlet flared-"BOOST!"-stats doubling to 300, golden-crimson aura blazing. Raynare and Kalawarner followed, spears and fists ready, Mittelt's illusions dancing. They sensed Lila's new power, Raynare's devotion narrowing: "She's... like him now. Issei's call, so I trust."
Dinner was chaotic-Mom and Dad back, oblivious, praising "Luke and Lila's" "family vibe." Luke spun tales, his Intelligence flawless; Lila's Charisma charmed, her Primordial Will easing Mom's questions. Asia hid Boosted Gear under a sweater, her tarts a hit. Raynare teased, Kalawarner arm-wrestled Luke (losing, his veiled 3000 Strength gentle), Mittelt's illusions turning forks into tiny dragons.
Later, under starlit skies, I stood with Luke and Lila on the porch, rain's echo fading. Luke's hand clasped my shoulder, his bond firm. "You've given much, Issei. Lila's strength, your dragon's fire-sacrifices for a war unspoken. We're with you."
Lila's ember eyes met mine, warm. "A brother in truth. Call us when blades fall."
The Excalibur arc loomed-Irina's Mimic, Xenovia's Destruction, Diodora's shadow. Asia, now a dragoness, wielded Ddraig's fire, his memories cleansed of the system's truth.
I held Twilight, Resurrection, Phoenix-and Excalibur Ruler, a blade I couldn't wield. The dragon endured, alone with the system's secrets, ready for war.
_________________
Some time later
I stood in the backyard, rain misting my hoodie, the grass still scarred from my spar with Luke. The system's chime hit like a thunderclap, a blue screen flaring, unseen by Luke and Lila inside sipping coffee. Gamer's Mind steadied my pulse, the soul-erasure restriction binding my tongue.
System Directive: Phoenix Ascension
Alert: Stray devils detected in Kuoh outskirts, remnants of Diodora Astaroth's influence. User required to neutralize threats to prepare for escalating Excalibur conflicts.
New Quest: Stray Purge
Objective: Eliminate two stray devils using only Phoenix Force (10% control: cosmic flames, telekinesis, reality warps). No other abilities, Sacred Gears, or weapons permitted.
Target 1: Vargus, Stray Devil (Level 40, stats 120, HP 12,000, MP 6,000; abilities: Shadow Claws, Acid Breath).
Target 2: Lysara, Stray Devil (Level 45, stats 140, HP 14,000, MP 7,000; abilities: Blood Chains, Hellfire Burst).
Rewards:
Phoenix Force control increased to 25% (enhanced cosmic flames: 750 damage bursts, stronger telekinesis, moderate reality warps).
Failure Penalty: Stray devils alert Diodora Astaroth; -30 to all stats, temporary -20 Luck (48 hours).
Time Limit: 24 Hours
Activation: Coordinates to stray devils provided upon acceptance. [Y/N]
The quest's weight sank in-stray devils, Diodora's pawns, lurking in Kuoh's shadows. Vargus and Lysara, their stats (120-140) below my stats but dangerous in tandem, their abilities tailored to slaughter.
Limiting me to Phoenix Force alone stripped Twilight Healing's mending, Resurrection's safety, and physical prowess, forcing reliance on cosmic flames and warps-a test of precision.
The reward-25% Phoenix control-promised power to rival the Church's blades, but failure risked drawing Diodora's gaze, his nun-obsessed depravity a threat to Asia.
Gamer's Mind calculated: my 160 Intelligence could strategize, 160 Luck could tilt odds, Phoenix's 10% was enough if I struck fast.
I selected Y, coordinates burning in my mind-Kuoh's abandoned industrial district, a maze of rusted warehouses. I texted the girls: "Quick errand, back soon. Stay sharp." Raynare's reply was instant: "Solo again? Don't die, lover."
Asia's followed: "Be safe, Issei! Tarts waiting!" Luke and Lila glanced up as I grabbed my jacket, their bonds sensing my shift. Luke's obsidian eyes narrowed. "Trouble?"
"Stray dogs," I said, grinning. "Gotta put 'em down. Hold the fort."
Lila's ember gaze lingered, her intelligence probing. "Your fire's restless. Return whole." I nodded, stepping into the drizzle, teleport vortex pulling me to the coordinates.
__________________
The Industrial Abyss
The transition was a jolt through ash and steel, landing me in a derelict warehouse district, rusted girders looming like skeletal giants.
Rain pattered on cracked concrete, the air thick with oil and decay, a faint demonic pulse throbbing from deeper within. Observe scanned: Vargus and Lysara, 500 meters ahead, lurking in a central warehouse, their auras chaotic-strays driven mad by Diodora's abandonment.
My agility moved silently, Phoenix Force's cosmic flames coiling faintly, telekinesis probing for traps. Twilight Healing and Resurrection were locked by the quest's rules, my fists empty of claws, Excalibur Ruler useless at my stats.
The warehouse loomed, its roof half-collapsed, shadows writhing inside. Observe pierced:
Name: Vargus, Stray Devil
Level: 40
HP: 12,000/12,000
MP: 6,000/6,000
Strength: 120
Endurance: 120
Agility: 120
Intelligence: 120
Luck: 120
Abilities:
Shadow Claws: Ethereal talons, 150 damage per slash, bypasses physical armor.
Acid Breath: Corrosive mist, 200 damage per second, 10-meter range.
Thoughts: "Master Diodora abandoned us... Kill all who trespass!"
Name: Lysara, Stray Devil
Level: 45
HP: 14,000/14,000
MP: 7,000/7,000
Strength: 140
Endurance: 140
Agility: 140
Intelligence: 140
Luck: 140
Abilities:
Blood Chains: Crimson chains bind targets, 100 damage per second, immobilizes below 150 Strength.
Hellfire Burst: Explosive fire blast, 300 damage, 5-meter radius.
Thoughts: "The dragon boy... his scent reeks of Diodora's enemies. Rip him apart!"
Vargus was a hulking beast, eight feet of sinew and shadow, claws like black scythes, maw dripping acid. Lysara was lithe, serpentine, crimson chains coiling from her wrists, eyes glowing with hellfire. They prowled the warehouse's center, a pile of rusted machinery their altar, demonic sigils pulsing-Diodora's mark. My Luck kept me hidden, Phoenix Force's 10% ready.
Vargus: The Shadow Beast
I moved first, telekinesis hurling a steel beam (500 kg) at Vargus, Phoenix warp accelerating it to bullet speed. It slammed his chest (HP 11,000/12,000), staggering him, acid breath spewing wide-mist grazing my arm (HP 15,800/16,000, quest barring Twilight).
I rolled, my agility dodging claws slashing air, cosmic flames bursting from my palms, damage torching his flank (HP 10,700/12,000).
He roared, Shadow Claws raking, ethereal talons piercing my shoulder (HP 15,650/16,000, Gamer's Body dulling pain). I warped reality, slowing his claws (2-second lag), telekinesis yanking him into a girder (HP 10,200/12,000, crash echoing).
Vargus charged, his agility a blur, acid breath flooding-10-meter mist burning my legs (HP 15,450/16,000). I countered with Phoenix flames, a focused beam searing his maw (HP 9,900/12,000, acid cut off). Telekinesis lifted debris-a rusted forklift-slamming his back (HP 9,400/12,000). He slashed, claws grazing my chest (HP 15,300/16,000). I warped space, redirecting his claw to strike himself (HP 9,250/12,000), flames following, damage burst to his core (HP 8,950/12,000). His Intelligence adapted, claws feinting high, acid breath low-I dodged, telekinesis shoving him into a wall (HP 8,450/12,000, concrete cracking).
The warehouse shook, Lysara's chains rattling-she'd join soon. I pressed, Phoenix warp slowing Vargus (3-second freeze), flames torching his legs (HP 8,150/12,000). He broke free, claws slashing my side (HP 15,150/16,000), acid breath scorching (HP 14,950/16,000). I roared, telekinesis hurling him skyward, flames chasing-a 300-damage comet burst (HP 7,850/12,000). Landing, he lunged, claws pinning my arm (HP 14,800/16,000). I warped reality, twisting his claws back (HP 7,700/12,000), flames engulfing his chest-a final blast vaporizing his core (HP 0/12,000). Vargus collapsed, shadows dissipating, sigils fading.
Lysara: The Crimson Serpent
Lysara struck instantly, Blood Chains lashing-crimson links binding my arms, 100 damage per second (HP 14,700/16,000, immobilizing against my 160 Strength). Her Agility danced, Hellfire Burst exploding-300 damage scorching my chest (HP 14,400/16,000).
Gamer's Mind held, Phoenix telekinesis snapping chains (MP 7,800/8,000), flames countering-300 damage grazing her side (HP 13,700/14,000).
She hissed, chains reforming, binding my legs (HP 14,300/16,000). I warped time around her (2-second slow), telekinesis hurling a steel drum (HP 13,200/14,000).
Her Hellfire Burst roared again, a 5-meter inferno-300 damage burning my arms (HP 14,000/16,000). I countered with Phoenix flames, a 300-damage wall clashing, steam erupting.
Chains lashed my wrist (HP 13,900/16,000), pulling me down-she loomed, claws raking (HP 13,750/16,000). I warped reality, redirecting her chains to bind herself (HP 13,650/14,000, her 140 Strength struggling).
Flames surged-300 damage to her torso (HP 13,350/14,000). She broke free, 140 Agility dodging my next blast, Hellfire Burst exploding point-blank (HP 13,450/16,000).
I telekinetically yanked her close, flames searing her face (HP 13,050/14,000). Chains coiled my neck (HP 13,350/16,000), her 140 Intelligence predicting my dodge-she slashed, claws tearing my side (HP 13,200/16,000).
I warped space, flipping her attack back (HP 12,900/14,000), flames bursting-300 damage to her core (HP 12,600/14,000).
Her Hellfire roared, a massive 300-damage explosion (HP 12,900/16,000). I endured, telekinesis slamming her into a pillar (HP 12,100/14,000), flames following-a 300-damage torrent (HP 11,800/14,000).
Lysara's chains multiplied, binding arms and legs (HP 12,800/16,000, 100 damage/second). I warped reality, chains dissolving, telekinesis hurling her skyward (HP 11,300/14,000).
Phoenix flames chased-a 300-damage comet blast (HP 11,000/14,000). She landed, Hellfire Burst desperate-300 damage scorching (HP 12,500/16,000).
I ended it, telekinesis crushing her against the warehouse roof (HP 10,500/14,000), flames erupting-a final surge vaporizing her heart (HP 0/14,000). Lysara crumbled, sigils fading, the warehouse still.
Quest Complete: Stray Purge
Rewards:
Phoenix Force control increased to 25% (cosmic flames: 750 damage bursts, stronger telekinesis, moderate reality warps).
The system chimed, a rush of power flooding my veins-Phoenix Force flaring brighter, flames now a searing 750 damage, telekinesis lifting tons, reality warps bending space further. My HP stood at 12,500/16,000, MP 7,500/8,000-no Twilight Healing allowed, wounds raw. I teleported back, rain-soaked backyard reappearing, five seconds passed.
Asia greeted me, Boosted Gear glowing, her 96/100 score worried. "Issei! You're hurt!" Her Twilight fields surged, healing me to 16,000/16,000, her 450-stats aura a dragoness's might.
"Just strays," I said, hugging her. "You're the dragon now-keep shining."
Luke and Lila watched from the porch, their 80/100 bonds steady. Luke's Intelligence gleamed: "Fire's stronger, boy. Good hunt." Lila's 2900 Charisma smiled: "A phoenix rises."
Raynare, Kalawarner, and Mittelt returned, sensing my new power. Raynare's devotion flared: "He's burning brighter. Our dragon."
The Excalibur arc loomed-Irina, Xenovia, Diodora. With Phoenix at 25%, Asia's Boosted Gear, and Luke and Lila's might, we were ready.