Dxd: Issei's Revenge {Chapter: 1} (Patreon)

Inside the old school building adjacent to Kuoh Academy, there exists a grand, Victorian-style room that currently serves as the dwelling for a small group of high school students. Within this room, an intense scene unfolds, where Rias Gremory, a captivating young woman, rises from her desk and directs her piercing gaze towards a brown-haired boy named Issei.

The fury in her eyes is palpable as they transform from their usual blue-green hue to a mesmerizing crimson fog, radiating with an otherworldly intensity.

The atmosphere grows heavy as Rias taps her foot impatiently against the polished surface of her expansive desk, causing the room to reverberate with the weight of her pent-up power. The force of her destructive abilities emanates from her being, generating an indescribable pressure that weighs on everyone present.

As Issei, positioned at the opposite end of Rias's imposing desk, bears witness to her wrath, a shiver runs down his spine. Fear grips him tightly, his thoughts racing to find an answer that could satisfy the formidable young woman before him.

Rias, her voice trembling with an air of authority, demands an explanation, punctuating her question with an air of urgency. "Issei, who do you consider me to be in your life?" The question hangs in the air, charging the room with an electric tension that amplifies the gravity of the moment.

Issei's mind raced, grappling with the reasons behind Rias' fiery outburst. Was it a reaction to his words to Ravel's mother? Was she attempting to assert her dominance, a power move to remind him of her authority as his president, his master? Or perhaps she desired a more intimate connection, wanting him to address her by her given name instead. The love he harbored for Rias was undeniable, but uncertainty clouded his thoughts. What if she laughed and belittled him for anything less than calling her "boss"?

The unsettling notion tugged at Issei's conscience. Could he simply be a pawn, a possession in Rias' intricate game? The mere thought sent a ripple of awkwardness through him, imagining himself as nothing more than a carefully placed piece, enhancing Rias' image. If he were to confess his true feelings, what if she weaponized that vulnerability against him in the future, should she reject him? The mere image of potential mockery and rejection haunted his thoughts, causing him to contemplate the consequences. Could she even go as far as kicking him out of their group?

Frustration and confusion waged a war within Issei, his heart torn between caution and an unwavering resolve. But amidst his internal struggle, a newfound determination emerged. He recalled the past, the unsettling encounters where Rias had crossed boundaries, even attempting to force herself upon him. With that memory burning in his mind, he reached a pivotal decision.

In a defiant act of defiance against his doubts and fears, Issei steeled his resolve. He whispered to himself, a newfound determination taking hold. 'You know what? Despite the risks, I will do it. I won't let her actions from the past hold me back. It's time to confront my feelings head-on.' With his mind made up, he prepared himself to face the consequences and lay bare his emotions before Rias Gremory, no matter what challenges lay ahead.

Issei lifts his head, breaking free from his contemplative state, and straightens his posture. His expression remains devoid of emotion as he addresses Rias with a calm yet determined voice. "Gremory-sama, may I please be granted the opportunity to ask you a question first?" Rias locks eyes with Issei, her curiosity mingling with a hint of unease as she registers the emptiness in his gaze.

The warm brown eyes she had grown accustomed to now lack their usual spark, leaving a void that sends a subtle shiver down Rias' spine. Despite the twitch that momentarily disrupts her composure, she nods slowly, acknowledging Issei's request. Gritting his teeth, Issei musters the courage to voice his inquiry. The room fills with gasps from the rest of the group, their astonishment evident, except for Akeno, who can't help but giggle, her hand muffling the sound.

With the weight of the moment hanging in the air, Issei stammers through his question, his voice trembling. "Who am I, t... To... To you?" The room falls into a stunned silence, each member captivated by the raw vulnerability displayed by Issei. Rias, aware of the gravity behind his words, feels her heart skip a beat as she grapples with formulating a response.

The collective breaths of those present become shallower, anticipation building as the room brims with palpable tension. All eyes remain fixed on Rias, recognizing the significance of her reply and the potential ramifications it holds for their relationships. Time seems to stand still as they anxiously await Rias' answer, aware that the outcome has the power to reshape their bonds forever.

"Ada ada, my dear Issei, how audacious you've become," Akeno remarks, her voice laced with amusement. Her gaze then shifts towards Rias, the leader of their group, who appears to be embroiled in a fierce internal struggle. Rias's eyes dart from Issei, the focal point of their confrontation, to each member of her esteemed peerage, searching for solace or guidance.

In the midst of her turmoil, Rias realizes that the burden of confession lies squarely upon Issei's shoulders. Frustration begins to simmer within her, fueling her growing exasperation. 'What a conceited brat he has become!' she laments inwardly, a sense of regret seeping in. She acknowledges her own role in pampering Issei to such an extent that he dares to question her authority. 'He should revere me, worship the very ground I walk upon! He is bound to love me unconditionally!' Anger surges through Rias, and she finds herself losing control.

As her mind wanders, Rias slips into a vivid daydream, allowing her frustration to manifest in a fantastical scenario. In this reverie, she envisions herself striking Issei with a resounding slap, a physical manifestation of her mounting exasperation. The force of the imagined blow serves as a symbol, a dramatic gesture intended to drive her point home and reestablish her dominance.

However, these turbulent thoughts remain confined within Rias's mind, her outer composure never betraying the intensity of her inner turmoil. Her gaze returns to Issei, her emotions concealed behind a facade of sternness, as she grapples with the complex web of emotions entangling her heart.