DxD: The Dragon Oppai {Chapter 166: Why would you think I'm the Red Dragon Emperor?! ] (Patreon)

Irina's Old House

Issei materialized outside Irina's old house, where both girls were seated in the yard. Irina's tear-stained face and Xenovia's despondent expression revealed their distress as they observed Issei's sudden arrival.

Confusion etched on their faces, they stared at him as he began to address them. "I sent the fallen angels away as well. It's not just the two of you. One of their leaders appeared and took them to a safe location. Listen, girls—what awaits us in a few days is no trivial matter. I anticipate using my full power. However, I cannot simultaneously protect you and engage in battle. Given your current levels of power, you would not be assets against Evil Dragons or any other adversaries that may emerge. This isn't a game, and my intentions aren't meant to be cruel. I'm safeguarding your lives because I refuse to see you both perish in the crossfire."

Irina's voice quivered as she questioned, "But why did you offer to train us if you held such beliefs?"

Shaking his head, Issei answered, "I was being too lenient. Sometimes, to do what's right, you need to adopt a tougher approach. And that's precisely what I'm doing now."

Understanding his reasoning, Irina softly admitted, "I understand, Issei. We apologize for the burden we've placed on you."

Xenovia sighed, her expression reflecting acceptance. "We haven't summoned Gabriel-sama yet. I was discussing the same matter with Irina. In our current states, we can't be of much help to you. However, I have one question—will the devil girl, Ingvild, be staying?"

"Yes, she possesses a Longinus, and she might be able to support me from a strategic position. You two are frontline fighters who would be vulnerable to Ophis' generals or Kokabiel. My priority will be training Ingvild and Saji. I've instructed Ingvild to flee and hide if the situation becomes overwhelming. As for Saji, he now possesses Vritra, and he will either succeed alongside me or fail alongside me," Issei explained.

Concern laced Irina's voice as she voiced her worry, "But you can't fight Ophis alone. She's far too powerful. What if... what if you don't make it?"

Issei dispelled her fears with a resolute shake of his head. "If it's that perilous for me, why would I want to involve my friends in such a dangerous predicament?"

"Issei…I know you told us not to talk to heaven or anything, but if you get overwhelmed, would it be acceptable to have intervention then?" Xenovia asked.

Xenovia's question hung in the air, and Issei's gaze intensified as he contemplated her words. After a moment of deep thought, he responded, his tone filled with conviction. "Trying to involve heaven or any angels in this battle would only result in unnecessary casualties. This is a conflict between dragons, and their intervention would be futile. Furthermore, there's still a glimmer of hope that Ophis might reconsider. She seemed receptive to my words, so we shouldn't dismiss the possibility of a change of heart. If an army were to confront her, she would likely wipe them out without hesitation."

Irina couldn't help but express her sense of powerlessness with a sigh. "I feel so utterly powerless in the face of all this."

Issei nodded in understanding, acknowledging their frustrations. "I share in that sentiment, Irina. I wish there was a way for you to assist me, but the reality is that the points I've made are undeniable."

Xenovia chimed in, her voice filled with resignation. "We genuinely wish we could be of help to you, Issei, but we understand the validity of your concerns."

"Summon Gabriel. I need to speak with her," Issei commanded, his voice resolute.

Xenovia held up the sigil, and a radiant golden light materialized the seraph before them. Gabriel appeared somewhat surprised by the summons, her gaze shifting between the tearful Irina and the despondent Xenovia. As she caught sight of Issei's intense expression, her concern deepened. "Issei, I'm surprised you've called upon me. What's the matter?"

Gabriel's perceptive eyes swiftly assessed the situation, taking note of the emotional state of both Irina and Xenovia. Her empathetic frown deepened as she addressed Issei. "What's troubling you?"

"Gabriel, I need you to watch over them. There's something I must attend to, and I won't be able to ensure their safety while I'm occupied," Issei responded, his tone serious and focused.

The seraph regarded him with an inquisitive gaze. "This is connected to what happened earlier, isn't it? Something significant has occurred."

Issei's words were direct and to the point. "Yes, and you won't be involved. This is a matter concerning dragons, and that's all I can disclose. Please refrain from questioning them about it as well. This is the only favor I ask of you."

Gabriel, uncommonly serious, met Issei's intensity with her own unwavering gaze. "I will honor your request, Issei. However, I have one question in return."

Issei's surprise was evident as he struggled to comprehend Gabriel's line of inquiry. It was unexpected for her to make such an assumption. He managed to respond, his voice tinged with disbelief. "Why would you think I'm the Red Dragon Emperor?"

"I noticed a lot of different coincidences surrounding you ever since we've met. Individually they can be dismissed, but when you put them all together it paints a pretty clear picture that's difficult to deny. You're part human which would allow for its possibility. Your father even confirmed you were from a hero bloodline. In your fight against Ajuka Beelzebub you rose your arm like you were about to summon a sacred gear. I don't think Ajuka realized that from where he was at, but I saw a flash of green on your inner forearm. Then there's this situation with Vali and Tiamat…they're looking for the Red Dragon Emperor and they just left after you went to talk to them. You're also sending the girls away because you know a great battle is coming. Am I wrong to reach this conclusion?" Gabriel pointed out her observations.