Time seemed to freeze, and the atmosphere grew ten times heavier than usual.
"So you're the one called Hyoudou Issei?"
Issei opened the helmet covering his face and nodded with a serious expression.
"My name is Hyoudou Issei, the Red Dragon Emperor of this era."
"Hahaha! I'm Vali, the White Dragon Emperor of this era."
"Good to see you again, Ddraig."
"Likewise. Glad to see you're not dead yet, Albion."
Ddraig and Albion began their conversation using a special dragon technique.
Perhaps they didn't want to disturb their hosts' minds—that was why they chose to communicate silently.
"Just Vali? You don't want to say your family name?"
"Hoo? Just like Azazel said, you really are an interestingly mysterious man."
"Ise, what do you mean?" Rias asked, voicing everyone's curiosity.
"His full name is Vali Lucifer. He's a descendant of the former Lucifer—someone who inherited the power of a Demon King."
"What did you say?!"
"That's impossible!"
Even someone like Sona lost her composure upon hearing Issei's introduction of Vali Lucifer.
To prove Issei's claim, Vali revealed his devil wings, leaving everyone no choice but to believe what they saw.
"Hyoudou Issei, now that you know this, do you still think you can defeat me?"
Issei grinned confidently.
"Don't underestimate me. I'm not just an ordinary reincarnated devil either."
Vali blinked, then stared seriously at Issei.
"You're right. I can sense something other than devil and dragon within you. That element is close to human—but there's no way a human could be that strong."
"Kukuku, the world is vast. Don't try to understand it with that small brain of yours."
Vali froze, glaring sharply at Issei.
"Do you want to fight?"
Boom!
A white aura erupted from Vali's body, forming a majestic white dragon behind him, looking down on everyone before it.
"You think I'm afraid?"
Boom!
Crimson light exploded from Issei's body, forming a proud red dragon behind him, fearlessly staring in all directions—including straight at the white dragon.
Crack!
The barrier created by the Sitri family cracked, nearly shattering under the residual aura released by Issei and Vali.
"Issei!" Rias shouted loudly.
Issei fell silent and slowly withdrew his aura.
Vali narrowed his eyes, sighed, and did the same.
"We'll save this duel for another time," Vali said.
"Who's scared? When the time comes, don't run away."
"…You're really good at provoking people."
Issei gave a faint smile and deactivated his Balance Breaker.
Vali landed beside Kokabiel and said in a serious tone, "Azazel asked me to take this guy with me. You don't mind, do you?"
Rias wanted to say something, but Issei stopped her.
"No, go ahead and take him if you want. Don't forget to tell Azazel that I've already fulfilled his request. Next time, I'll be collecting my payment."
"Hahaha, don't tell me you want the life of an old man like him?"
Issei immediately frowned.
"Don't be ridiculous. How could that be? Hurry up and leave—we need to fix this place before anyone else shows up."
Vali fell silent for a moment, then left without saying goodbye to Issei.
Rias came up and hugged Issei from behind.
"Why did you let him take Kokabiel?"
Rias pouted, her suppressed tone making her look cuter than usual.
Unable to resist, Issei pinched Rias's cheeks.
"Vali is a madman who wouldn't hesitate to kill others. In a full-scale battle, I might not be able to protect you and everyone else."
Rias loosened her embrace, falling silent, unable to say a word.
'Am I overdoing it?'
'No. You did the right thing by making it clear, partner.'
'But Rias—'
'It's better than losing her. As your partner, I know what would happen if you lost Rias. Destroying the world wouldn't be impossible.'
'You really understand me best, Ddraig.'
'Of course. After all, I'm inside your body.'
'Hahaha, if possible, don't peek when I'm alone with a woman.'
'Relax. I'm not interested in the naked body of a humanoid woman. If you were with a sexy widowed dragon, that might be a different story.'
A strange image flashed through Issei's mind.
'No, thanks. For now, I have no intention of making a dragon my lover.'
… .. .
To be continued...