Even after "Master Driver" Aika Kiryuu vanished from view, Shuo's mind was already spinning with plans.
People tended to overlook Aika—her beauty muted by the radiant presence of Rias, Akeno, Tsubaki, and the rest. But with a little effort, she could easily be in the running for school idol. Give her the purified Black Dragon Pulse, nudge her into Sona's Peerage, and—bam—not only would he clear a system mission, he'd score himself a gorgeous, sharp-tongued girlfriend. Two birds, one stone.
But there was no rush. Some opportunities were best left to ripen.
The thought left him grinning like a kid with a secret stash of ice pops on a summer day. He felt as cool and satisfied as if he'd cranked the AC and cracked open an ice-cold Sprite.
That's when he spotted them—two boys, both striking in their elaborate clothes, standing together on a bridge ahead.
And then, a jolt: above both their heads hovered the unmistakable black system mission icons.
Black Tier. Two at once.
Shuo froze, heart thudding. "No way… Black level missions? Both of them?"
He barely dared to breathe, eyes locked on the pair. Why would threats of this magnitude show up in Kuoh Town now? Asia hadn't even arrived yet, and the Kokabiel arc was still a distant storm on the horizon. Black Tier meant Satan-class—he hadn't encountered anyone like that before, let alone two together. What could possibly have drawn them here?
As he edged closer, recognition hit him like a slap. One of the boys was unmistakable: Vali Lucifer, the White Dragon Emperor. Grandson of the original Lucifer, half-human, and born with Divine Dividing—the battle maniac whose name sent shivers through the supernatural world.
Ding! Target identified: White Dragon Emperor, Vali. Mission Rank: Black. Objective: Defeat him in direct combat and earn his genuine respect.
Ding! Target identified: Red Dragon Emperor, Lux. Mission Rank: Black. Objective: Defeat him in direct combat and earn his genuine respect.
Note: Due to host's arrival, world correction has assigned Lux as the new Red Dragon Emperor.
Shuo's mind blanked. So that's why Issei Hyoudou was missing—the Red Dragon Emperor had been reassigned, and this Lux guy was it.
He stood there, rooted to the spot.
What the hell? A brand-new Red Dragon Emperor, and he's already Satan-class? Are you kidding me? I've busted my ass just to get close to that level, and now you throw two Juggernaut Drive-capable monsters at me? And they're not even fighting—they're together? Aren't these two supposed to be eternal rivals?
System, you've got to be screwing with me…
Fight two Satan-class, Longinus-wielding dragons, both potentially in full Juggernaut Drive? That's a death wish. He couldn't even unleash the full power of his Rinnegan yet, and his magic reserves were a joke in comparison.
Sure, he had one trump card left—the Azure Dragon's soul. Maybe just releasing its pressure would be enough to flatten them. But then what? He'd be out of cards, exposed, and every major power would be gunning for him.
Nope. Not yet. These missions didn't have a timer. He'd wait, build his strength, and save the showdown for when the three-way peace talks rolled around. By then, he'd be ready—and safe.
Decision made, Shuo strode across the street, heading straight for the two dragons.
Vali spotted him first, a sly glint in his eye. "You've been watching us for a while, haven't you? Looks like you know who we are. Why not come over and talk?"
Shuo met his gaze, feigning casual curiosity. "Why wouldn't I want to meet the legendary White Dragon Emperor and Red Dragon Emperor? I am curious, though—aren't you two supposed to be mortal enemies? What are you doing here together?"
Lux, who'd been quietly sizing Shuo up, lost all composure. He stared, eyes wide, then broke into a grin. "Now that's interesting. I've never heard of you, never seen you before, but you recognized us instantly. Impressive."
Shuo shrugged. "So, what brings the two Heavenly Dragons to Kuoh? What could possibly warrant both of you showing up in the same place?"
Vali answered first, his tone surprisingly candid. "Actually, Lux and I go way back. We just happened to cross paths on the way here, so we figured we'd check things out together."
Shuo nodded slowly. That explained their easy camaraderie. Every previous generation of White Dragon Emperor and Red Dragon Emperor had fought like cats and dogs—these two, though, seemed almost friendly. Maybe their rivalry would play out differently this time.
But still—why here, why now?
Lux answered, voice low and serious. "You mean you live here and don't know? A few days ago, something happened in this city that shook the entire supernatural world."
Shuo frowned. "Something that big? I don't remember anything unusual happening."
Lux gave him a searching look. "Maybe you just missed it. It was over in a flash, but the impact was… monumental."
Vali's face darkened. "A massive dragon phantom appeared over Kuoh Town. Its presence alone was enough to make the world tremble. Heaven, Hell, the Underworld—everyone saw it. That's why every major faction has eyes on this place now."
Shuo's mind reeled.
Oh, you've got to be kidding me.
He kept his expression carefully surprised, but inside, he was cursing up a storm. Of course. The system's little stunt when it fused the Azure Dragon's soul—that's what triggered all this chaos.
No wonder the two Heavenly Dragons had come in person. This was all the system's fault.
Vali studied Shuo's face, eyes narrowing. He didn't say anything, but the look said it all: he'd seen the flash of understanding, the hint of resignation. He knew Shuo was hiding something. Maybe even that Shuo was connected to the dragon phantom.
But for now, he let it slide.
~~~~❃❃~~~~~~~~❃❃~~~~
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