During his 10km run, Issei's legs burned, but the wyrm meat's lingering warmth kept him moving. Sweat dripped from his brow as he wove through Kuoh's quiet parks, the morning sun climbing higher. Between ragged breaths, he muttered to the system in his head.
"Scarlet… those growth stages you mentioned. Hatchling, wyrmling, young dragon… what happens when I hit the thresholds? And the lair thing, where the hell am I supposed to claim one?"
Scarlet's chibi form appeared beside him, floating at eye level, keeping pace effortlessly.
"Simple, Host. Each stage unlocks new functions of your draconic nature. At 10%, passive scale reinforcement kicks in, your scales harden, and small wounds knit themselves faster. At 25%, temporary wing manifestation. Flight, gliding, intimidation factor. At 50%, partial true form claws, tail, and maybe a breath weapon. At 75%, you can establish a domain: a space where your will becomes law. And at 100%… Sovereign Awakening. Full dragon god potential."
Issei nearly tripped over a root. "Sovereign? Like… my dad level?"
"Exactly. But here's the catch: advancement past 25% requires territorial anchoring. A lair. A place that acknowledges you as its apex predator. Without it, your Essence stalls. Power without roots rots."
He wiped sweat from his eyes. "So I need a dragon cave? Like, a mountain somewhere?"
Scarlet gave a faint smirk. "Doesn't have to be a cave. It could be a building, a forest, or even a room if it's yours and you defend it. The Occult Research Clubroom has potential. Or your bedroom. Or…" She tilted her head playfully. "I'm sure you can ask that redhead for help. But I'm certain Ophis will seek you out when the time comes. She's very… possessive about her hatchling."
Issei's cheeks flushed at the thought. Ophis. Mom. Still weird. But the thought of claiming a lair, of having something that was his, felt right in a way he couldn't explain, like an instinct stirring awake.
He huffed a breath. "So I claim a lair, grow stronger, become apex predator…"
He shot her a crooked grin. "What's next? Knights in shining armor coming to slay me?"
Scarlet didn't laugh.
"Eventually? Yes."
He nearly tripped over his own feet. "Wait, seriously?"
"Dragons who anchor territory create gravity. Heroes rise. Churches investigate. Devils negotiate. Power attracts opposition." She tilted her head slightly. "But that only happens once you're worth hunting."
"…That's not comforting."
"It's not meant to be."
This is insane…
Not easy.
Just… possible.
He weaved through Kuoh's parks, mind wandering to harem dreams, when he bumped into a blonde-haired girl in a nun's outfit.
She looked lost amid the backdrop of falling cherry blossoms.
Her voice was soft, careful. Something in it eased the raw edge Raynare had left behind. He didn't understand why, but he didn't want this to be the last time he saw her. Her simple black‑and‑white habit was modest yet soft against her gentle curves, a silver cross glinting at her neck. She tripped slightly on the path, dropping a map, her expression one of surprised embarrassment. Cute… like an angel.
Issei jogged over, picking it up. "Hey, are you okay? Do you need help?"
A blush warmed her cheeks as she took the map with trembling fingers. "T-Thank you. I'm Asia Argento, and I'm new in town. Would you mind helping me look for the church?" Her voice was soft, pure, like a balm on his still-aching heart from Raynare's betrayal. Something about her kindness made the hidden pain fade a little.
"I'm Issei Hyoudou. Kuoh Academy student. The church is that way, but it's been closed down for years."
Asia's green eyes looked up at him with a pleading gaze. "Will you please show me the way, Issei?"
Issei felt his heart melt as he looked into her eyes. "Sure, I'll show you the way."
They walked together, chatting. Asia's innocence drew him in as she spoke of helping others and healing people with her Twilight Healing Sacred Gear (though she didn't name it), and her loneliness. Issei opened up a bit about his "bad date," careful not to scare her, and her empathetic eyes mended cracks he didn't know were there. She's nothing like Raynare… truly kind and genuine.
By the time they reached the deserted church, a subtle weight had lifted, as a spark flickered within him. His first real harem connection? Maybe. "See you around, Asia!"
As Issei turned to leave, a faint discomfort crept over his body like static crawling under his skin.
Scarlet appeared with sudden urgency. "Host, you are in a restricted area. Leave now."
Before he could respond, weakness slammed into his legs, sending them buckling as his vision swam. What the hell? His knees slammed into the dirt. Breathing became shallow. Strength drained like water through a sieve.
Asia turned at the sound of Issei hitting the ground and rushed toward him. Her face filled with worry as a soft green light gathered between her palms. Warmth flowed into him, easing the pressure clawing at his chest. "What happened, Issei?"
Issei tries his best not to worry her, "I just started working out, and I think I might have pushed myself too hard."
Asia let out a low sigh as she placed her hands into a praying gesture, "Thank God you're alright… You're a good person, Issei. Please don't forget that."
After making sure Issei was fine, she returned to the church.
He finished his run and headed straight to the Occult Research Club.
When he entered the Occult Research Club, he explained to Rias about the strange feeling he experienced while escorting the girl to the church.
Rias gave him a stern look. "Listen carefully, Issei. The church is enemy territory. Getting close to that nun, no matter how harmless she seems, is dangerous. It will be safer for both of you if you stay away." She turned slightly, her fingers tightening at her side. "Sometimes… fate doesn't let us choose who we stand beside."
He scratched the back of his neck. "What does that even mean?"
Issei made his way to the door, dejected. "Rias… I guess you're right. I'll see you later."
She watched him leave, but didn't make a move to stop him.
Issei made his way back home in silence.
He made his way to his room to begin his meditation, but before he could start, Ddraig spoke up. "Brat, if you want to stand beside that nun, then get stronger. You're a dragon. We do not beg for what we protect. We become strong enough to stand over it."
Scarlet's chibi form appeared, "Ddraig is right, Issei. That's how Great Red proved himself to Ophis. Dragons respect strength above all else."
Issei gave a faint smile, "Thank you, guys. I'll get strong enough to protect what's mine. Now let me mediate."
Scarlet gave a faint smile, "You have a long way to go, hatchling. But I'm loving the drive."
Meditation took hours. Every time his thoughts drifted, he dragged them back.
When he finally opened his eyes, his breathing felt steadier. His muscles were less strained.
"My body feels lighter," Issei murmured.
Before he could test the change further, his phone buzzed.
Rias' voice was calm.
"We're moving tonight. In-field training."
An hour later, he stood in Kuoh's warehouse district.
Something moved in the dark.
His first stray devil.