DxD: The Dragon Oppai {Chapter 13: Rumors!?! } (Patreon)

'It's not surprising that they're trying to recruit people for their faction, especially since Ophis sent them here to find a dragon. But if we meet Ophis, she'll immediately recognize me as the Red Dragon Emperor,' Issei contemplated, a sense of unease creeping in.

"I don't really have much of a reason to become more powerful. I'm trying to stay out of all these conflicts and complications, you know?" Issei attempted to deflect their proposition.

Vali's expression soured slightly. "Yeah, but you're a dragon. It's in a dragon's nature to seek power, fame, and wealth. Greed runs through their veins. It's hard to believe that you have no ambition or desire to become stronger."

"What do you know about dragons, devil?" Issei retorted with a hint of anger in his voice.

Vali let out a sigh. "There's no need to get angry. I'm just drawing from my observations of Tiamat."

"Heh, she's got a point, Issei," Tiamat chimed in, her voice laced with amusement.

As the three entered Kuoh Academy through the front doors, they were met with wide-eyed stares from everyone present. Every guy in the room exuded envy at the sight of the two alluring transfer students accompanying Issei.

The girls buzzed with excitement, chattering and gossiping like a flock of hyperactive hens.

"Issei-kun is hanging out with the transfer students?!" one of them exclaimed.

"They're incredibly beautiful...why would they be following that jerk?" a disappointed guy muttered.

With the two stunning beauties accompanying him to their classroom, Issei's desirability skyrocketed among the girls in the school.

"Is he dating one of them? Maybe both?" gasped a girl in awe.

"I saw them riding motorcycles away from school yesterday. Are they part of a gang or something?" speculated another.

"Issei-kun is already taken? How will he ever notice me with girls like that around him?" whispered a girl to her friends, her voice filled with longing.

Merely walking to class had ignited a wildfire of rumors, spreading like rapid contagion, suggesting romantic involvements between Issei and the two girls. Issei found it amusing, albeit slightly embarrassed, as he knew Vali and Tiamat were undoubtedly privy to all the gossip as well.

Just as they were about to enter the classroom, Issei caught sight of Sona and the stunning red-haired girl from the other day engaged in a conversation further down the hallway. As their gazes locked onto Issei, Vali, and Tiamat walking together, Issei couldn't help but anticipate the potential drama that would ensue.

'Great, now the devil crew will think I'm involved with them. This school is a never-ending soap opera,' Issei lamented with a heavy sigh.

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As the school day finally came to an end, Issei felt a sense of relief wash over him. He eagerly made his way out of the classroom. Tiamat, who appeared equally bored, let out a dramatically exaggerated sigh. "Finally, it's over. I can't believe people actually endure this school stuff every day in this world."

Issei glanced at her and nonchalantly shrugged. "Yeah, it's pretty dull. Half of the things they teach here have no relevance to me."

"Good to know I'm not the only one who thinks so," Tiamat responded with a mischievous grin.

Vali shook her head in disapproval at their lack of appreciation for education. "No knowledge is ever wasted, no matter how seemingly insignificant or tedious it may appear. Some of the things I learned in my youth ended up saving my life in unexpected situations. You should learn to value all knowledge because, ultimately, knowledge is power."

Tiamat responded to Vali's speech with a deadpan expression. "Nice speech, Vali, but do you honestly think learning about Japanese history is a worthwhile endeavor? I already know enough about them. I couldn't care less about some deity or shrine that the boring teacher was droning on about. She lost me the moment she stopped talking about Orochi. Why can't she talk about me and my glorious days terrorizing Eurasia and Mesopotamia? Ah, Babylon... those were truly the good old days..."

"I can imagine how having such ancient knowledge would make life around here seem dull in comparison," Issei nodded in understanding.

"Hmph, it could be worse. At least you manage to be somewhat entertaining," Tiamat said with a casual shrug.

"I'm not here to entertain you, your majesty. I've already made it clear that I'm not your servant or lackey," Issei stated firmly.

At that moment, Tiamat turned towards Issei, her gaze serious. They locked eyes for a brief moment, allowing Issei to appreciate her striking beauty. Her pale blue hair and tan complexion gave her an exotic allure. Though slightly shorter than him, she still stood taller than Vali and most others around them. But it was her eyes that captivated him the most. They had a subtle reptilian quality, with barely discernible slits and a mesmerizing golden-green color, accented by a bluish ring around the pupils.

After a moment of being lost in his thoughts, Issei snapped back to reality when Tiamat spoke. "What?" he asked, slightly confused.

Tiamat smiled, amused by Issei's reaction. "You're not afraid of me... I find that both intriguing and confusing. Most dragons would look away if I stared at them like that. Hehehe, I admire your bravery," she said, her tone filled with approval.

"Oh..." Issei replied, unsure of how to respond.

'What was that all about, Ddraig?' Issei silently asked his partner.

'That look she just gave you was a territorial stare. By staring back at her, you conveyed dominance and showed no fear. Most dragons would have averted their gaze, which would indicate submission to her. Now she might think you're more powerful than you're pretending to be... or assume you're trying to impress her. Both scenarios are problematic, especially the latter,' Ddraig explained.

"Hey, Issei, why do you even attend this school? What's the point of going to school in this world?" Tiamat asked curiously as the three continued walking down the hallway. Thankfully, their conversation remained quiet enough not to be overheard, although their presence still attracted another crowd of onlookers.