DxD: The Dragon Oppai {Chapter 180: Approach him?! ] (Patreon)

"Well, those individuals we encountered back there did strike me as peculiar. You mentioned thinking they were giants. What if gods operate in a similar manner?" Ingvild proposed.

Issei paused, deep in thought. "True, but they weren't actively seeking me out. We simply happened to cross paths. Honestly, I don't know what they were... but I initially assumed they were giants or heroes. I usually have a knack for sensing others, especially if they are observing me. I can detect the scent of devils from kilometers away, after all. It's possible that a kami could be spying on us, though. I've never encountered a god until that other night."

"Indeed, but what might a god or a giant smell like?" Ingvild inquired curiously.

The delinquent brushed away some rainwater from his face, contemplating for a moment. "I... don't know. Those Shinto gods simply smelled human to me. I sensed an unusual strength from them, but their scent didn't stand out. That Magni fellow had a distinct foreign odor, but it was undoubtedly human."

"Do you think it's plausible that they could conceal their presence, similar to how you can with your abilities or through some other means?" Ingvild asked in a hushed tone.

Issei shook his head thoughtfully. "Perhaps, but it would require a remarkably potent spell. I'm not well-versed in the ways of gods, so it's not impossible for one to elude my senses."

Issei listened attentively to Ddraig's explanation, his expression growing more serious. "Gods possess numerous extraordinary abilities, Issei. They are formidable adversaries to dragons, after all. Over time, they have become adept at concealing themselves from us, mostly out of fear. Considering that those individuals we encountered earlier appeared human initially, it is entirely plausible that the Shinto Gods or other deities possess the capability to hide their presence from us, even at a considerable distance. My previous host had difficulty tracking gods effectively. I wish I could offer more assistance, but I haven't interacted with pantheon gods to the same extent as many of the evil dragons have. Vritra's insight would undoubtedly prove valuable in this matter. We should contact him once his host finishes school," Ddraig suggested.

Ingvild whispered into Issei's ear, her voice filled with curiosity. "But don't you possess the powers of the Great Red? Doesn't that aid you?"

Issei sighed softly, his response equally hushed. "Yes, I do. However, it operates within the constraints of illusion magic. I cannot completely block someone out unless I create a barrier like the one I erected at the house. Moreover, I cannot track down and neutralize the source unless I have prior knowledge of what I am seeking. It's a power rooted in dreams and imagination. I must envision what I am searching for, and currently, I am uncertain of what we should be looking for. At best, I can maintain a basic illusion barrier to prevent scrying, but a more advanced technique could potentially observe me if I am unaware of it. Red informed me that many have attempted to spy on him in the past, and he could only counter it once he became aware of its origin or the responsible party. If he encounters such difficulties, then it stands to reason that I would face similar challenges. Nevertheless, I should focus on fortifying my defenses against those Shinto gods."

Ddraig interjected with a note of caution, "We must exercise greater caution, Issei. Gods are not to be taken lightly; some are even more powerful than the evil dragons. Furthermore, if Ophis or any of them were to slay a god, it would ignite a full-scale war."

Issei's annoyance was palpable as he reflected, "Perhaps they are observing me because they anticipate Ophis's eventual return. What a cheerful thought. How many damn individuals are going to get involved in this mess?"

Ddraig offered a suggestion, "The next time we encounter someone suspicious, you should confront them and observe their reaction. You could even attempt one of Great Red's spellbreaks."

"Good idea. I'd rather confront them now than later. I don't want any damned Shinto gods interfering when Ophis returns. Those fools would probably provoke a fight. I mean, that Susanoo guy was itching for a battle with Orochi," Issei nodded, acknowledging the plan.

Realizing the need for caution, Issei whispered to Ingvild, "From now on, we should exercise greater care in public. I'm uncertain about the reliability of my illusion spells at the moment. Let's quickly return to the house and devise a plan."

Ensuring that no humans were observing, Issei opened a portal and rode his motorcycle through it, transporting them directly back home.

In a different location, the gods finally caught up with Issei, only to witness him opening a portal.

Amaterasu watched with surprise, her voice reflecting her realization. "Portals... So that's how he's traversing the city. He's likely returning home."

Athena sighed, a tinge of disappointment in her tone as she glanced at Thor and Artemis. "Unfortunate... He probably grew suspicious when the weather abruptly changed without cause."

"Now what do we do? We have no idea where that portal leads," Amaterasu lamented.

Artemis's eyes sparkled with an idea. "Wait... He and that girl were searching for someone at an apartment earlier, remember? We should locate their friend."

Amaterasu's expression brightened. "Of course... Vritra's host. They will likely return for him later."

Curiosity piqued, Rossweisse asked, "Where did Vritra's host go?"

"I believe he went to school," Artemis replied, recalling their previous conversation. "If we stake out the apartment, we can wait for their friend to return. It's best to avoid the devil territory and not involve them unnecessarily. From what Uncle Hades has told us, devils can be quite bothersome."

Thor frowned, voicing his concern. "But what about the portals? Even if we wait for their friend, we can't simply follow Issei Hyoudou through a portal if he opens one in the apartment."

Athena nodded thoughtfully. "For now, all we can do is wait. I'm interested in studying the dragon further. If we can understand his intentions, we might be able to approach him directly."

Artemis was taken aback. "Approach him? Are you sure about that?"