DxD: The Dragon Oppai {Chapter 182: Red Note! ] (Patreon)

Issei's astonishment grew as he gestured towards the garage, his voice filled with amazement as he approached it on his bike. And what he saw inside left him utterly dumbfounded. Parked within the garage was a sight that defied belief—a transformed version of Issei's motorcycle.

Gone was the familiar appearance of his bike; instead, it had undergone a remarkable metamorphosis. The vibrant colors of red, green, and gold adorned its frame, with a distinct dragon head design at the front, mirroring the likeness of Ddraig. The front wheel boasted two dragon legs clasping onto its sides, while the back wheel showcased the extended hind legs of the dragon.

Issei marveled at the four exhaust pipes protruding from the back, two positioned above each back leg and two below. These exhausts were connected to an engine that had an unconventional and unique appearance. Additionally, small wing-like extensions were folded over the sides, resembling the same configuration Red had used before his explosive stunt through a Dimensional Portal.

The motorcycle's metalwork evoked memories of Red's Apocalypse Mail, exhibiting a similar distinct style. But the most surprising modification was the added seat room at the back, undoubtedly a consideration for Issei's frequent companions. Issei couldn't help but chuckle as he noticed the custom-made Japanese license plate, which succinctly displayed his name in five characters: ISSEI.

As he stood there, captivated by the sight, his attention was drawn to a note attached to the bike. Eagerly, he retrieved it and began reading the message scrawled upon it. The words were written in a brash and exuberant tone, undoubtedly Red's signature style.

"Hey, kid! I finally finished upgrading your bike. Now it looks more like mine, but I made sure to incorporate some aesthetic elements to match Ddraig too. And since you always have a bunch of people riding on the back, I gave you some extra seat room for your groupies. Don't worry about wind drag either—I've equipped it with the Apocalypse Mail, making it indestructible and way faster! And check out those wings on the side—they can pop out and transform this baby into a jetbike! Air, land, sea, space—this badass can handle it all! But the best part? I've installed a kickass stereo system with all the best music. It even works in a vacuum! I'll be making mine the same way when I get it back. Oh, and I've upgraded your house too while I was at it. Enjoy all the badassery your dear old dad has provided, son!"

Issei blinked several times as he lowered the letter, contemplating Red's words. "He thinks I can handle Ophis? Does that mean he doesn't believe she'll try to kill me?"

Ddraig interjected with a mix of uncertainty and amusement, "I can't decide if I find his statement reassuring or troubling."

Concern creased Issei's brow as he pondered Red's whereabouts. "Where do you think he went? If he's dealing with something important, it sounds even more dire than the battle we're about to face."

With a resigned sigh, Ddraig replied, "I couldn't say for certain, but it certainly worries me."

Curiosity got the better of Ingvild as she inquired, "What does the note say, Issei?"

Issei handed the note to Ingvild, his expression serious. "Red fixed up the house and gave my bike back. He mentioned that the training course is complete and that he'll be occupied with something for a while."

As Ingvild quickly scanned through the note, a worried look etched across her face. "Occupied? What do you think he's up to?"

"I honestly have no clue, but we can't afford to spend time speculating. We need to focus on training, but before that, we have to retrieve Saji. I'll go to his school and pull him out if necessary," Issei declared with determination.

Ingvild nodded in agreement. "I can't help but worry about Saji-san. If someone is keeping an eye on us, they'll likely be monitoring him until we return. Abducting him from Kuoh Academy would raise suspicions among the devils there as well."

"I don't know if we're under the watchful eyes of gods or giants, but from now on, we have to be cautious about our conversations in public. The last thing I want is gods popping up in the middle of my confrontation with Ophis. I certainly don't need an army of devils and angels flooding the battlefield, trying to provoke the dragons. The fewer people who know about this, the better," Issei sighed wearily.

"Issei-kun, I don't think we can keep this a secret from them for long. Gabriel already knows you're the Sekiryuutei, so it wouldn't be surprising if news about the dragons and your involvement spreads throughout Japan soon. If you start battling Ophis' followers, it's bound to attract a lot of attention," Ingvild observed.

Issei let out a frustrated sigh. "Yeah, I was hoping they wouldn't find out until after the fact. The last thing I want is someone like Serafall trying to help me and ending up getting killed."

"Serafall Leviathan? You have a close relationship with her, don't you?" Ingvild asked cautiously.

Issei turned his gaze away, his voice tinged with conflict. "Yes and no. She's alright for a devil, but she's also a Maou. Being friends with her poses problems in our current situation. People around me will get hurt if they try to assist. That's why I sent the others away. Saji now has Vritra, so he's already entangled in this mess, and as for you…"

"What about me? Are you implying that I'll be a hindrance? If you don't want the assistance of a Maou or an archangel, surely you wouldn't want me around," Ingvild asked, a hint of sadness in her voice.

Issei furrowed his brow. "The difference between them and you is that you're not part of any major faction. Your help doesn't come with any complicated strings attached, and you possess a Longinus. I'm not sure how much it will aid us, but considering your ability to avoid Ophis' detection at a reasonable range, I have a feeling you'll be valuable support. Besides, unlike someone like Serafall, you know when to retreat and hide if things go south…"