High School DxD: Return of the Crimson Dragon Emperor

Chapter 531: Chapter 521 When Wright lost his life right before my eyes

”Partner, you have changed. Your body and heart have grown incomparably stronger compared to when we first met. That strength surpassed my own, to the point where my power was no longer needed. I was happy for you... yet at the same time, I felt frustrated. Frustrated by my own powerlessness, unable to be of use to my evolving Partner. It was the same feeling you had when you lost your friend.”

When Wright lost his life right before my eyes— I hated my own foolishness and powerlessness more than anything. I wished over and over that I had more strength.

And now, Ddraig was feeling the exact same way I felt back then—.

”I’m a bit late, but I managed to change as well. Well, I suppose I owe part of this transformation to Ophis as well.”

Ddraig gave a self-deprecating laugh.

Ophis? ...Could it be from when she gave me that kiss of awakening? Back then, Ophis’s power flowed into me. Was it her power as the Dragon God that transformed Ddraig, a Heavenly Dragon?

”Transforming through another’s power... I feel somewhat guilty toward Albion for it. I might be a failure as a Heavenly Dragon. But right now—just for now, Partner... let me change for your sake. Let me fight alongside you.”

With those words, Ddraig extended his massive fist. Nodding, I slammed my fist against his.

Gently, Ignis placed her hand over ours.

”Issei, Ddraig. Together, the two of you are the Welsh Dragon. You can change for everyone’s sake, yet your core never sways. You are kind and strong.”

Ignis smiled as she looked at both of us.

”Now, chant your spell—”

And then—

”O Red Heavenly Dragon dwelling within me, transcend the laws of reality—”

”O True Hero walking alongside me, reach the distant heights—”

Ddraig and I chanted in unison, pouring our very souls into the spell.

”O Crimson Soul, burning bright as sacred flame—”

”O Noble Soul, protector of all creation—”

”””Become the hope that shatters despair—”””

As we chanted up to that point, a gentle warmth wrapped around our hands. They were hands touching ours. And I knew instantly whose hands they were.

Miu, Alice, Rias, Asia, Akeno, Koneko-chan, Xenovia, Irina, Ravel, Rayner, Rose, Tia, Ignis, Diarmuid, Nina. The precious women who told me they loved me.

Kiba, Gasper, Vali, Sairaorg-san, Cao Cao. The men who viewed me as their rival and believed in my victory.

Old Man Maurice, Lisha, Valkyrie. The people who watched over me and supported me.

Wright. My inspiration, my best friend. His presence was what changed me.

—Go on. And make sure every single one of you comes back home. Got it?

—We’ll be waiting. This is your home. We’ll always be here waiting for you to return.

Mom and Dad, who believed in our return and sent us off with warm smiles.

Everyone’s feelings enveloped us, pushing us forward from behind. Surrounded by that deep warmth, we quietly chanted the final line together:

”””For we are those who have reached the absolute limit—”””

In that instant, a single gust of wind swept through. Having recited the full chant, I let out a soft grin.

”Hey, Ddraig. You say I’ve changed, but I’m still Hyoudou Issei. Always have been, always will be.”

”Indeed. Your core remains unchanged, Partner. Though I suppose your identity as an oppai-maniac won’t change either...”

”Yeah.”

”An instant answer?! I’m gonna cry, you know?! Does it bring you that much joy to make me cry?!”

It’s not that I want to make him cry, but my love for breasts isn’t going away anytime soon. Really, I’m not trying to be mean! There’s no point in making Ddraig cry anyway.

Taking a deep breath, Ddraig looked straight at me with resolute eyes.

”Let’s go. We protect everything—Issei!”

”Yeah, let me at ’em—Y Ddraig Goch!”

A warm, scarlet light completely enveloped us both.

~ Afterword Mini Story ~

Asem: ”Ossu! I’m Asem!”

Issei: ”Your first-person pronoun completely changed?!”

Asem: ”Cornered to the absolute brink, the Hero ascends to a whole new stage alongside Ddraig. Fufu... I wonder just how powerful he’s become. I’m truly looking forward to this. Two beings who have surpassed even the domain of gods clashing at maximum power! Will the Hero finally be able to put an end to this battle?! Man, I’m getting super excited!”

Issei: ”I hate to interrupt your next-episode preview, but I can’t stop retorting! First of all, change your pronoun back!”

Asem: ”Next time on Ultimate Evolution: ’I’m gonna be the King of the Pirates, believe it!’”

Issei: ”Heyyyyyyy! If you’re gonna rip off quotes, at least stick to one series! Besides, since when did you want to become the Pirate King?!”

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