DxD: The Dragon Oppai {Chapter 138: Evil Dragons! ] (Patreon)
Content
"Issei, these dragons... they're all evil. And they are all at least Dragon King level or even stronger. Tiamat is comparatively weaker than half of them, just to give you an idea of what we're dealing with here," Ddraig warned, his voice filled with caution.
"Holy shit... I never expected this. Ophis actually managed to assemble an entire gang of legendary dragons before me?! I had no idea she had such a formidable alliance. Ddraig, which ones among them are the strongest?" Issei's thoughts raced, a mix of amazement and unease filling his mind. The sight of all these powerful dragons gathered behind Ophis sent a shiver down his spine.
"Judging by this group, Crom Cruach is undoubtedly the most powerful. In fact, he's closer in strength to Albion and myself. Assuming Vali has access to Juggernaut Drive with Albion's power, he should be on par with Crom Cruach. Apophis and Aži Dahāka both surpass Tiamat by a significant margin. As for Grendel, Orochi, Ladon, and Níðhöggr, they are in the same tier as Tiamat, although it's possible she has grown stronger than them over the millennia. It's been a while since I witnessed Tiamat's full power, but I would place her in the mid-tier among this group. And that says something, considering she and Fafnir are neck and neck for the title of the strongest Dragon King," Ddraig explained, his voice filled with deep knowledge and analysis.
A brief silence fell upon the gathering as all eyes turned expectantly towards Vali. Ophis addressed her, "And you, Albion... or Vali, whichever name you currently go by."
Issei and Vali locked eyes, their expressions serious. Vali let out a deep breath and spoke with a tinge of regret, "I apologize for not telling you, Issei. I thought it might be inappropriate, considering your friendship with the Sekiryuutei. Besides, people tend to act differently around me once they learn the truth."
During Vali's confession, Issei glanced over at Crom Cruach and noticed a smile forming on his face. The other dragons, too, seemed intrigued by Vali's revelation, their eyes fixed on Issei with interest.
"You know Ddraig? Where is he?!" Níðhöggr's demand cut through the air.
"Do you have a history with Níðhöggr?" Issei mentally inquired.
Ddraig let out a weary sigh. "Yeah, I defeated him a long time ago. Honestly, I thought he was dead. Most of these dragons here should be dead. I know for a fact that the Shinto God Susanoo killed Yamata no Orochi. Apophis was slain by Ra. Ladon met his end at the hands of Heracles. Aži Dahāka waged war against the Zoroastrian Gods in Persia before meeting his demise in some manner. As far as I know, Crom Cruach is the only one among them who managed to survive."
Issei disregarded Níðhöggr's agitation, his attention fixed on Vali. Suddenly, white wings burst forth from her back, emanating a brilliant blue glow. Vali continued her calm confession moments later, "I am the Vanishing Dragon... the White Dragon Empress. I am the host of the Heavenly Dragon of Supremacy, Albion."
Saji glanced at Issei, concern etched on his face. Undoubtedly, he wondered how Issei would react to this revelation.
"He probably knew already and is now contemplating my reaction," Issei thought, briefly acknowledging Saji's presence.
A heavy silence hung in the air, stretching out into agonizing seconds as Issei locked his gaze on Vali. Eventually, he let out a weary sigh, his voice filled with resignation. "I already knew that. Rias Gremory's queen informed me just the other day, despite the others trying to keep it from me."
Upon hearing Issei's revelation, Saji's face contorted with horror. The devil's worried expression only deepened Issei's resolve as he remained focused on Vali, undeterred.
"You knew already? I'm somewhat surprised that you didn't treat me differently once you found out. Why didn't you confront me about it?" Vali inquired, genuine curiosity tinged with confusion in her voice.
"Why should I? If you wanted me to know, you would have told me yourself. I respect people's choices to keep things private," Issei responded, his words laced with understanding.
'Any moment now, either Crom Cruach or Ophis will expose my true nature in front of all these individuals. There's no way Ophis doesn't already know, especially considering her ability to detect the power of the Red Dragon,' Issei thought, dread creeping into his mind.
"Hmph... Well, now you see why things aren't as simple as they used to be," Vali replied cryptically, her reasoning eluding Issei.
Ophis directed her gaze toward Issei, breaking the silence that had settled over them. "Introduce yourself to everyone," she commanded.
"My name is Issei Hyoudou," Issei stated simply, his voice steady.
Aži Dahāka turned his head to face Ophis, curiosity evident in his eyes. "What makes this youngling worthy of being recruited? Weren't we searching for the last shard of Vritra? Who is this Issei Hyoudou, and what makes him deserving of joining us?"
"He possesses immense power. Easily on par with most of you," Ophis responded emotionlessly, her focus fixed intensely on Issei.
"Aži, this is the individual who assaulted the Underworld and engaged in battle with the super devil, Ajuka Beelzebub," Apophis chimed in calmly.
"Some devils have taken to calling him the Crimson Nightmare Dragon..." Tiamat added, causing Aži to nod in acknowledgment.
"An impressive title... It sounds more befitting than the Red Dragon of Kuoh," Crom Cruach interjected condescendingly.
'Go to hell, Crom Cruach...' Issei thought, though he maintained a blank expression on his face.
"As for Vritra... I have brought the final fragment of him here with us. Conveniently, it was in close proximity," Ophis explained, gesturing toward Saji.
Saji's head shook in disbelief, his voice laced with fear. "W-wait, what do you want with me?! Can someone please explain what's happening?!"
None of the dragons uttered a word in response, intensifying Saji's anxiety. Moments later, a swirling aura of purple and black enveloped him as Ophis pulled him closer to the group. She conjured four purple orbs in front of Saji, causing excruciating pain to surge through his body as they emitted a debilitating magical force.
"What the hell are you doing to him?!" Issei demanded, his voice filled with genuine concern as he took a step forward. The presence of Issei's unwavering determination caused every single one of the evil dragons to briefly tense up. Grendel even shot him a menacing glare, his displeasure evident.