Morning Farewell
The morning air at Hyoudou Manor was crisp and fresh, carrying the faint scent of sakura blossoms. Sunlight filtered through the holographic warding around the courtyard, where a sapphire-lit teleportation circle pulsed.
Rias Gremory and Akeno Himejima, both dressed in travel-ready attire, exchanged a determined look before stepping forward.
"Are you sure you'll be okay without us?" Rias asked softly, brushing a lock of hair from her face.
"I'll manage," Issei replied with a confident grin. "Anyone who tries something will be lucky if I just send them home in pieces."
Akeno laughed. "Scout's honor?"
"Since when were you a scout?" Koneko chimed, perched nearby on the steps with a rice ball in hand.
Rias smiled warmly. "We need to bring Gasper back. He shouldn't remain sealed away—he belongs with us." She pressed a soft kiss to Issei's cheek. "We'll be back before evening."
Akeno offered a cheeky peck of her own. "Behave yourself, Dragon King~."
In a flash of crimson and violet light, both girls vanished. A brief stillness fell over the courtyard before Kuroka stretched luxuriously.
"Nya~ Now what, Boss?" she drawled, flicking her tail.
⸻
Training Nexus — Duel Prep
Inside the Training Nexus, Issei stood at the heart of a simulated battlefield—rock and crater fields shifting beneath his feet. He tested out his Destructive Orb, then several quake-infused strikes enhanced by the Gura Gura no Mi.
Across from him, Saber moved with lethal grace. No longer merely a white-furred beast, she had assumed her hybrid form — tall, lithe, and dangerously beautiful, with wild ivory hair cascading over her shoulders, predator's fangs peeking from her lips, and gleaming amber eyes. Her furred arms and clawed hands shimmered with raw power, white tiger stripes curling along her curves.
She dodged one of his strikes with a teasing smirk. "You'll have to be faster than that, Master," Saber purred, her voice a rich, husky alto.
Issei grinned, sweat trickling down his brow. "Cocky, aren't you?"
"Only because you trained me that way."
Mio Gremory entered, leaning hip-first against a hillock. "Adding talking tiger women to your army now?" she teased.
Issei smirked. "Helps me train at full intensity."
Mio's eyes narrowed thoughtfully. "So… what's the plan? You've got Ravel and Kuroka as Bishops, Saber as your Rook… what next?"
Issei paused, breathing slowly. "After I win my duel with Valerie, I'll officially name my Queen."
Mio raised an eyebrow in approval. "Queen, huh? Don't think I don't notice."
He chuckled. "Just don't worry—there's room here for strong allies."
⸻
Living Room — Duel Arrangements
In the sunlit living room, Issei convened the attendees. He motioned for Kuroka forward.
"Kuroka," he began, "I need you to contact Valerie Lucifer—the White Dragon Empress. Find out when and where the duel will take place."
Kuroka smirked. "Nya~ Empress Valerie. That's bold." She conjured a whisper-thin shadow sigil between her fingers. "Give me a day."
A soft chime echoed in Issei's mind.
⸻
[System Update: Task – Defeat the White Dragon Empress (Valerie Lucifer)]
[Rewards: Dragon Aura Enhancement. +10 to all stats. First Dragon Mate.]
Issei's gaze drifted to the courtyard windows, the sky darkening with gathering storm clouds. He clenched his fist. "Time to settle this."
⸻
Ritual Chamber — Reincarnation Ritual
Later, in the underground ritual chamber, Issei stood before Saber, Ravel, and Kuroka. He held his Dragon Evil Pieces, carved with ancient runes of bond and loyalty.
First, he laid the Rook Piece against Saber's forehead. A torrent of golden flame enveloped her hybrid form, and when the light faded, her aura gleamed with renewed strength and purpose. Saber's eyes snapped open, her fangs glinting in a sharp smile.
"Feels good," she growled approvingly, flexing her claws. "I'm yours now, King."
Next, he pressed Bishop Pieces into the hands of Ravel and Kuroka. Their auras surged, glowing with enhanced magical potency. Each bowed, acceptance clear.
Kuroka purred, tail flicking. "If you tame Valerie, I'll bring those guests—Le Fay Pendragon, Lavinia Reni."
Ravel smiled softly, voice low. "Yubelluna's sister, Morrigan Aensland—she's intrigued."
Issei grinned. "We're building an empire."
⸻
Late Evening — New Talent Alerts
As the night cooled, Issei stood on the second-floor balcony overlooking the estate. His Talent-Finding Eyes pulsed crimson, new data streaming across his vision.
⸻
[Talent Alert: High Compatibility Detected – Lara Kenny]
Status: Experimental subject | 20 miles northeast | Potential Pawn
[Talent Alert: High Compatibility Detected – Saeko Busujima]
Status: Ace | Kuoh Academy Kendo Club | Potential Knight | Contact imminent
⸻
Issei's grin grew sharp with ambition. "Fate's dealing a pretty hand."
He turned from the rising stars to enter the manor, readying himself for the coming storm — both literally in the sky, and metaphorically in his life.