Chapter 17: [17] : Identity Exposed?

~ Thank you all very much for the support :) <><><><><><> Vali smiled and shook his head. "Don't worry. If we don't find any clues, we'll be leaving in a few days. But you seem pretty strong. We should spar sometime." "Hey, hey, hey, Vali! If anyone's going to fight him, it's me! Unless you want to fight me first!" Lux exclaimed, practically vibrating with excitement. "You're such a pain, Lux..." Vali sighed, already regretting this encounter. He knew exactly what Lux wanted: a fight with him. This generation's Red Dragon Emperor was even more of a battle maniac than he was. "If that's what you both want, then so be it. As for sparring, we'll have time later!" I had figured it out by now. This generation's Heavenly Dragons were both battle-crazed. After chatting with them for a bit, I couldn't stand the Red Dragon Emperor's constant challenges anymore, so I made my exit. ... As I disappeared down the street, a deep voice echoed in Lux's mind, the voice of the Red Dragon Emperor, Ddraig. "What do you think of him?" The two remained silent for a while, then Lux said with a grin, "He's not as simple as he seems. On the surface, he appears to have the physical strength of a peak Mid-class, but he emanates an aura that makes me feel a sense of awe, even a hint of mortal danger." "Oh? You felt it too? It seems it wasn't just my imagination. Even though he knows who we are, he remained completely calm. He even gave me the impression that he could kill us at any moment. Albion, Ddraig, what did you two sense?" "Indeed, I felt the same way. The feeling of unease and instinctive reverence has been present ever since we met him." The voice of one of the Two Heavenly Dragons residing within Vali, Albion, the White Dragon Emperor, responded. "It's quite astonishing, isn't it? To think that something like this could happen! It's surprising that you both experienced such a strange sensation." Ddraig's clear voice rang out. "Even though he seemed surprised when he heard about the dragon's phantom, I still detected a different kind of emotional shift on his face. What do you think that means?" Vali spoke meaningfully, causing the Two Heavenly Dragons and Lux to narrow their eyes in shock, even fear. "Vali, are you suggesting that he's connected to that dragon's phantom...?" Lux asked, his expression still one of shock, a little uncertain. "It's just a guess, but based on his behavior, it's a very real possibility," Vali said, his gaze distant. "After all... if it were just his surface-level strength, he wouldn't have been so confident in facing us. But if he really is connected to that dragon's phantom, then everything makes sense. Unless he's hiding an unfathomable amount of power, there's no way he'd be so composed." After a moment of contemplation, Vali shared his bold deduction. "If that's true, then everything adds up. But this information would probably send shockwaves throughout the entire world. Even so, it makes me want to fight him even more. I want to see what it is that surpasses even Great Red and the Infinite Dragon God!" Lux's eyes were filled with a burning intensity. "What an unbelievable truth. But if that's the case, it seems you've found a new opponent." "Indeed..." Vali also looked in the direction I had disappeared, his eyes full of anticipation. "We won't have to wait long for our fight. When the time comes, I'll definitely have a good, long battle with him!" "Sigh, that poor boy..." Albion and Ddraig couldn't help but feel sorry for me. They were both very satisfied with their current hosts. However, their only flaw was their excessive love for battle. They were complete and utter battle maniacs! Anyone targeted by such battle-hungry individuals would have a massive headache. ... After leaving, I immediately headed to the Occult Research Club. As soon as I pushed open the door, I saw that the lights in the living room were already on. Akeno was brewing tea, and Koneko was sitting on the couch, snacking. Surprisingly, Rias and Sona were sitting across from each other, seemingly discussing something, while Kiba and Tsubaki stood behind them, respectively. "Ara~ Kyoya-kun, you're here!" "Mm, I felt it was necessary to inform Rias of something." Seeing me enter, Akeno stopped what she was doing and gave me a big smile. I nodded at her with a smile, then sat down next to Koneko and couldn't resist patting her head. Koneko glanced at me, then swatted my hand away, her expression cold. "Pervert-senpai. Gross. I hate you." "Haha, I just can't help it. Koneko-chan is just too cute!" I chuckled awkwardly, knowing that Koneko was probably still upset about the earlier incident. "Ara ara~ Kyoya-kun, that's sexual harassment, you know. And Koneko-chan is still underage. If you really want to do something naughty, you can do it with me. After all, I'm your girlfriend, remember?" Akeno leaned in close, her ample bosom almost pressing against me, her voice a seductive whisper. Hearing Akeno's enticing words, anyone else would have been over the moon. But I knew about her sadistic tendencies, and I caught the mischievous glint in her eyes. I might have fallen for it otherwise. "Tsk, I do indeed want to do something naughty. How about it, Akeno? Are you free later?" I met Akeno's gaze with a playful smile, turning the tables and teasing her back. "Ara ara~ how forward of you. I'm certainly intrigued." Akeno was slightly taken aback. She hadn't expected me to so boldly flirt back. She responded with a blush, feigning shyness. Rias and the others watched us with strange expressions. Sona and Tsubaki decided it was best to excuse themselves, as this was a private matter between me and Rias's group. "Sona-kaichou, Tsubaki-san, there's no need to leave. I was originally planning to tell you something through Rias, so this saves me the trouble." I quickly got up and stopped them, smiling faintly. Hearing my words, Sona and Tsubaki exchanged a glance, then sat back down, curious to hear what I had to say. <><><><><><> ~ If you like the story, please leave a review! ~ Push the Story forward with your [Power Stones]