Issei POV
"Asia, stay behind me!" Issei shouted.
Magic circles blazed around them. Multiple ones. Their purple light cut through the darkness.
Devils poured through. Dozens of them. All bearing the marks of the Old Satan Faction.
"[Welsh Dragon Balance Breaker!]"
"[Boost!]"
"[Boost!]"
"[Boost!]"
The ground cracked beneath his feet. He was stronger now than he should've been in canon. Way stronger. Leon's brutal training had pushed him past his limits. Again and again. And the Body of the Everflame had forged his body into something that could handle the dragon's power without breaking apart.
He planted himself between Asia and the incoming devils.
"Come on then! Let's see what you've got!" Issei roared.
The Old Satan Faction devils charged forward. Their weapons gleamed with malicious intent.
Issei braced himself—
Then another magic circle appeared. Larger than the others. More ornate.
Purple energy exploded from it.
The attacking devils froze mid-charge. Their eyes widened.
"What—"
The energy struck them. All at once.
They screamed. Their bodies disintegrated. Turned to ash in seconds.
Issei blinked. "What the hell?"
A figure stepped through the magic circle.
Teal-green hair styled elegantly. Handsome features. A gentle, concerned expression.
"My goodness. That was close."
Asia's eyes widened slightly. "That's... a devil..."
The man's violet eyes found her immediately. His expression brightened with recognition.
"You're... Asia Argento, aren't you?"
Asia blinked in surprise. "How do you know my—" Then recognition dawned on her face. "Wait. You're... you're the devil I healed! Back at the church!"
"You remember." The man smiled warmly. "I'm honored. Though we never properly introduced ourselves back then." He bowed gracefully. "I am Diodora Astaroth, of the Astaroth clan."
"Astaroth..." Asia's eyes widened. "One of the 72 Pillars?"
"Indeed." Diodora straightened. "I've been searching for you, Asia-san. When I heard what the Church did to you after you healed me..." His expression turned sad. "I felt terrible. If I had known they would punish you for showing kindness—"
"It's not your fault," Asia said quickly. "I chose to heal you. I don't regret it."
Issei stepped forward, keeping himself between them. "Who are you really? And why are you here?"
Diodora's eyes shifted to Issei. His smile remained pleasant. "You must be Hyoudou Issei. The Red Dragon Emperor. I've heard much about you." He gestured to the ashes of the fallen devils. "As for why I'm here—when I learned the Old Satan Faction had infiltrated the peace conference, I immediately thought of Asia-san's safety."
"Her safety?" Issei's eyes narrowed.
"Of course." Diodora's voice was earnest. "She healed me when I was gravely injured. Saved my life without asking for anything in return. That kind of pure compassion is rare." His expression grew serious. "When I heard she was here, possibly in danger, I couldn't stand by."
More magic circles appeared around them. More Old Satan Faction members.
Diodora's expression hardened immediately. He raised his hand.
"Please, stay behind me."
Purple energy gathered around him. The mark on his palm glowed—a snake eating its own tail.
The Old Satan Faction devils charged.
Diodora moved.
His magic tore through them like paper. Precise. Efficient. Deadly.
One by one, they fell.
The remaining devils looked shocked. Confused.
"Lord Diodora?" one of them stammered. "But you're supposed to be—"
"Traitors to the Underworld deserve no mercy," Diodora said coldly.
He eliminated them without hesitation.
When the last one fell, Diodora turned back to them. His expression softened immediately.
"Are you both unharmed?"
"Y-yes," Asia said, still processing what just happened. "Thank you for helping us."
Issei frowned. Something felt off. The timing was too convenient. And the way Diodora kept looking at Asia...
But he couldn't deny the guy had just saved them.
More explosions echoed in the distance. The battle was still raging.
Diodora's expression grew serious. "Asia-san, Issei-san—please, come with me. I know a secure location where you'll be safe. As part of the security detail, I have access to reinforced shelters meant for VIPs."
"We don't need—" Issei started.
"That sounds wonderful," Asia said, her voice filled with relief. "Thank you, Diodora-san."
Issei's head snapped toward her. "Asia?"
"Issei-san, he's right. There are too many enemies." Asia looked at him with concern. "And Diodora-san is part of the security team. He knows this place better than we do."
"But—"
"Please, Issei-san." Asia's eyes were pleading. "I trust him. He saved us."
Issei's chest tightened.
Trust him?
She barely knew this guy. Yeah, she'd healed him once, but that didn't mean—
"I understand your hesitation, Issei-san," Diodora said, his tone understanding. "But I assure you, my only concern is Asia-san's safety. A life debt is not something I take lightly." He gestured toward a corridor. "The shelter is this way. It's warded against magical attacks and has multiple escape routes if needed."
"Issei-san?" Asia looked at him hopefully.
Issei clenched his fists.
Damn it.
The way Asia looked at Diodora. That soft smile. That trust.
Something twisted in Issei's gut.
It wasn't fear.
It was... jealousy.
"Partner," Ddraig's voice rumbled in his mind. "Your emotions are affecting your judgment."
"I know," Issei thought back.
"Do you? Because right now, you're more concerned about this devil's interest in the girl than the actual danger around you."
Issei took a breath.
Ddraig was right. This wasn't the time.
But still...
"Fine," Issei said through gritted teeth. "Lead the way."
"Excellent." Diodora's smile widened. He gestured politely. "This way, please. Stay close."
As they moved, Diodora positioned himself near Asia. Not too close. Just... near enough.
"I'm truly glad to see you safe, Asia-san," Diodora said as they walked. "When I heard what the Church did to you—excommunicating you for showing kindness—I was devastated."
"It's... in the past now," Asia said softly.
"Still, such a pure heart shouldn't have suffered like that." Diodora's voice was gentle. Concerned. "I've thought about you often since that day. Hoped you were well."
Asia blushed slightly. "That's very kind of you to say."
Issei's jaw clenched.
He walked behind them, watching. Every time Diodora spoke to Asia, every time she smiled at him in response—it made that feeling in his chest worse.
"Partner, control yourself," Ddraig warned.
"I am controlling myself."
"Barely."
More magic circles appeared ahead. Old Satan Faction members blocking their path.
Diodora stepped in front of Asia immediately. "Stay back."
Purple energy gathered around his hand.
He eliminated them in seconds. Efficient. Protective.
"Are you alright, Asia-san?" Diodora asked, his tone full of concern.
"Y-yes. Thank you." Asia looked at him with admiration. "You're so strong, Diodora-san."
Diodora nodded with a gentle smile.
Issei's fists clenched harder.
"The shelter is just ahead," Diodora continued, guiding them forward.
As they walked, Issei couldn't shake the feeling.
Something was wrong with this guy.
The way he looked at Asia. The way he spoke to her. The timing of his arrival.
It all felt too convenient.
"Partner," Ddraig said quietly. "I sense something. This devil... he is hiding something."
"Yeah," Issei thought back. "I know."
But what could he do?
Asia trusted him.
And Issei couldn't just accuse the guy without proof.
So for now, he'd watch.
And wait.
And make damn sure this Diodora Astaroth didn't try anything.
They moved quickly through the corridors
More Old Satan Faction members appeared.
Diodora eliminated them with ease. His demonic energy tore through their ranks like they were nothing.
Issei fought alongside him. His Balance Breaker made short work of any devil that got too close.
"[Dragon Shot!]"
The blast vaporized three devils at once.
"Impressive, Issei-san," Diodora said, his tone approving
Issei didn't respond. He kept his focus on the enemies ahead.
And on Asia. She stayed behind them, ready to support if needed.
They turned the corner.
A reinforced door stood at the end of the hallway.
"There," Diodora said. "Once we're inside, we'll be safe."
He raised his hand. The seals glowed in response. The door began to open.
They stepped inside.
The room was large. Spacious. Reinforced walls lined with protective runes.
"This should—"
Magic circles blazed to life.
Multiple ones. All around them.
Devils poured through. Dozens of them.
"Damn it!" Issei cursed. "How did they find us?"
"They must have tracked us," Diodora said, his expression hardening. "Quickly—defend Asia-san!"
The devils charged.
Issei moved immediately. His armor blazed red.
"[Boost!]"
"[Boost!]"
"[Boost!]"
He met them head-on. His fists crashed into the first wave. Bones shattered. Bodies flew.
Diodora fought beside him. His purple energy cut through the devils with surgical precision.
"Asia-san, stay back!" Diodora shouted.
Asia nodded. She stayed near the door, her hands glowing with healing magic. Ready to support.
The battle intensified.
More devils poured in. Wave after wave.
"Issei-san, on your left!" Diodora called out.
Issei spun. His fist connected with a devil's face.
"[Dragon Shot!]"
The blast cleared a path. Bodies scattered.
But more kept coming.
"There's too many!" Issei growled.
"Hold the line!" Diodora's magic flared. "I'll handle the ones near Asia-san!"
Issei fought harder. His body moved on instinct. Each strike precise. Each movement calculated.
Then he heard it.
A scream.
"Asia!"
Issei's head snapped around.
Asia was on the ground. Unconscious. A devil stood over her, fist still raised from the strike.
"No!" Issei charged toward her.
But Diodora was already there.
Purple energy exploded. The devil who'd hit Asia disintegrated instantly.
"Asia-san!" Diodora knelt beside her. His expression was full of concern. "Are you alright?"
She didn't respond. Out cold.
Issei reached them. "Is she—"
"She's breathing," Diodora said. "Just unconscious from the impact."
Issei's jaw clenched. "How did that devil get past us?"
"They're more than I thought." Diodora's expression was grave. "We need to—"
More devils charged.
Issei met them. His fists blazed with dragon fire.
"[Explosion!]"
The blast cleared half the room.
Then his instincts screamed.
Danger.
He twisted.
Just in time.
Purple energy tore through the space where his head had been a second ago.
The attack grazed his shoulder instead. Pain exploded. His armor cracked. Blood sprayed.
Issei stumbled. His eyes wide.
Diodora stood behind him. His hand still raised. Purple energy crackling around it.
The gentle expression was gone.
Replaced by cold calculation.
"Impressive," Diodora said. His voice was different now. No warmth. No kindness.
Issei's mind raced.
The attack came from behind.
From Diodora.
He...
"You..." Issei's voice shook with rage. "This was a setup."
Diodora smiled maliciously. Gone was the Diodora he and Asia saw earlier.
The devils around them stopped attacking. They stood at attention. Waiting.
It was all the answer Issei needed.
Issei's body trembled. Blood dripped from his shoulder. The pain was intense.
But the rage was stronger.
"You bastard."
"You bastard."
"Such language." Diodora's smile widened. "But I suppose I can't blame you. You care about her, don't you? Asia-chan." His eyes gleamed with sick amusement. "How unfortunate for you."
"What... what are you planning?"
"Planning?" Diodora laughed. "I've already planned everything. Do you think this was chance? That I just happened to be here?" He gestured around them. "I coordinated with the Old Satan Faction. Used them as cover. All so I could get close to Asia-chan again."
His expression darkened.
"But for that I need to remove all obstacles and that means you."
Issei's jaw clenched.
Diodora's smile turned vicious. "It's easy, really. You died in battle. A tragic casualty of the Old Satan Faction's attack. How could anyone question that?" He gestured to his subordinates. "There are so many witnesses. And I..." He touched his chest dramatically. "I tried so hard to save you. Even injured myself in the attempt."
Then he smiled. "Again."
The words hit Issei like a physical blow.
Realization dawned. Horror flooded through him. "You... the Church. Asia's excommunication. That was you."
"Finally." Diodora clapped slowly. Mockingly. "Yes. I injured myself deliberately. Went to that church where Asia-chan was stationed. Let her heal me with her Sacred Gear." His smile was sickening. "And then I reported her to the Church authorities."
"You..." Issei could barely speak. "You destroyed her life."
"I arranged it perfectly." Diodora's voice was full of sick pride. "The Church is so predictable. So paranoid about their followers using 'demonic' powers. One anonymous report, and they threw her out. Excommunicated. Alone. Desperate."
He looked at Asia's unconscious form with obsessive longing.
"It was all so she would fall into despair. So that when I appeared to save her, she would depend on me completely. Love me unconditionally." His expression twisted with frustration. "But then you appeared and interfered. Took her in before I could. You ruined everything!"
"And now I want you out of the way. Permanently this time."
Purple energy gathered around his hand.
"Goodbye, Red Dragon Emperor. Thank you for making this so easy."
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