As Issei walked home, deep in thought about his earlier conversation with Rias, his emotions were conflicted. On one hand, he wanted to help his friend, but on the other, he couldn't go against Rias' orders of non-interference. Asia had already left for his house, and he found himself alone for the first time in a while.
Suddenly, Issei felt the atmosphere shift around him. His training with Ddraig had sharpened his instincts, especially with the dragon constantly warning him about someone called the "White One." Issei didn't understand the specifics but knew to trust his instincts. He summoned his Boosted Gear and took a combat stance, scanning the area warily.
The sound of chains clattering in every direction filled the air. Issei's pulse quickened, and in his mind, he shouted, *"Ddraig! Where are you? Help me! I can't contact the others!"*
But there was no response from Ddraig. Unknown to Issei, the Heavenly Dragon of Domination was trembling in fear, recognizing the terrifying mana signature that had trapped them. Ddraig feared that Roxanne had come to punish him for their last encounter, still haunted by her previous threat.
Suddenly, a fireball shot toward Issei, and he narrowly dodged it, only to be met with a sword aimed at him. He managed to avoid it, and similar attacks continued for the next few minutes before abruptly stopping.
Breathing heavily, Issei surveyed his surroundings with heightened vigilance. "Who are you, and why are you attacking me?" he called out, but his only answer was silence. Just as he prepared to call again, he heard footsteps approaching.
A figure emerged from the shadows. Cloaked in black with chains hanging from her outfit, her every step made the chains rattle ominously. Her presence was cold, exuding an aura of death. She stopped just in front of Issei and spoke in a calm, eerie voice.
"You have good instincts, Red Dragon Emperor, Issei Hyoudou. As for why I attacked you, consider it a trial to see if you can survive your destined rivalry."
Issei, confused and disoriented, tried to piece together her cryptic words. *"Destined rival? What does she mean? And survive what?"* Before he could ask, the figure continued, "You'd be better off learning about him from your dragon. He knows more about this rivalry than I do."
She paused, observing Issei's bewilderment. "I came here to give you some help with your current problem. Your king, Rias, can't spare the resources for this church situation, so I've brought you this." She handed Issei a file. "In it, you'll find the locations where the swords are most likely hidden. You can even get those two exorcists to help if you show them this. As for the Cadre... I'll deal with him myself."
Issei blinked in disbelief. He was receiving help from this stranger? Why? What was her motive? Almost as if reading his thoughts, the figure replied, "You're lucky. You have my attention and that of my team."
Still confused and frustrated by the lack of clear answers, Issei couldn't hold back. "At least tell me your name!"
The figure hesitated for a moment before spreading her arms wide. "Remember my name, Issei Hyoudou. I am Shaltier, leader and founder of Shadow Garden."
With that, Shaltier spread her wings—eight pairs in total—unfurling a terrifying, overwhelming aura. For the first time, Issei felt true awe. He had never been this overwhelmed by someone's presence, not even his favorite anime characters. In that moment, standing before Shaltier, he felt as if death itself was staring him down.
As he tried to calm his racing mind, Shaltier observed him with a calm, almost amused expression. "It's been fun chatting, but I have to leave. If Kokabiel causes any trouble, call me." She threw a card to Issei. "Channel your magic into this card, and it will notify me of an emergency. Oh, and if I were you, I'd ask your petty white dragon friend for help with the investigation. And feel free to use my name to clarify those documents."
With that, her form disintegrated into a swarm of crows, which scattered into the night, leaving Issei alone in the street. The barrier that had surrounded him vanished, and the world around him returned to normal.
Looking down at the files she had given him, Issei sighed deeply. He began to make his way home, trying to contact Ddraig, who remained eerily quiet.
Little did Issei know, Shaltier was watching him from a nearby rooftop, her gaze following him as he disappeared into the distance.
Roxanne POV
As I watch Issei walk away, I can't help but be impressed. For someone of his level, dodging my attacks purely on instinct is no small feat. Most low-ranking devils would have been lightly injured or worse, especially without the benefit of a knight's speed.
'Ciel, did you handle that dragon?'
{Yes, master. I put him through a Tsukuyomi and gave him a stern lecture, threatening to inform Tiamat of his whereabouts.}
I smirked at the thought. While I was talking to Issei, I had Ciel deal with Ddraig. That dragon didn't seem to take my previous warning seriously. What I learned was amusing—he's absolutely terrified of Tiamat. Apparently, Ddraig has nightmares about her taking the Boosted Gear for herself, claiming it as her treasure.
'So, Ciel, how's our plan shaping up?'
{Master, everything is proceeding smoothly. All that remains is for Kokabiel to make his move, and that will give us the perfect opportunity to draw attention to the upcoming peace talks.}
Everything is going according to plan. Over the years of my travels, I realized that the best way to reveal myself would be as a worldwide mercenary. So I created my own team, Shadow Garden, and built a global spy network, which Ciel manages expertly. With this network in place, I have eyes and ears in every corner of the world. Thanks to that, I've earned the reputation of being "the one who knows all."
As Shaltier, the leader of Shadow Garden, I've made contact with various pantheons, becoming someone they can trust for accurate information and secret deals. My influence is solid, and the intel I provide is invaluable. Helping Issei in his current situation is just another step in ensuring I'm in a prime position for the peace meeting. After all, stopping a war before it starts practically guarantees my invitation.
{Master, what should we do about the White Dragon Emperor? He's likely to interfere at some point.}
'Let him be, for now, Ciel. He's bound to come for Kokabiel, so clashing with him is inevitable. Besides.. ' I chuckle, my eyes gleaming with curiosity. " I'm rather interested in meeting my family member."
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