The soft glow of my phone illuminated the room in Azazel's rented house in Shibuya as I dialed Akeno's number. The familiar ring echoed in the quiet space, and soon enough, her voice filled the line.
Akeno:Hey, Kousei!
Akeno's voice, warm and affectionate, greeted me.
Akeno:I've been missing you so much. How's everything going over there?
I grinned, feeling a surge of warmth at the sound of her voice.
Kousei:hey, Akeno! Things in Shibuya are pretty eventful. Vali and I had to deal with some supernatural stuff, but we managed. How about you and Shuri? Everything okay?
Akeno's laughter, like a melody, echoed through the phone.
Akeno:We're doing well, but I can't help but feel a bit jealous. Vali, huh? Who's this girl you're working with?
I chuckled, sensing the playful undertone in her words.
Akeno:Vali is a friend I met here. We teamed up for a mission. She's got some unique abilities, but you know you're the one I'm missing the most.
There was a brief pause before Akeno responded, her tone a mix of teasing and sincerity.
Akeno:Oh, a friend, huh? Well, just remember you promised me a ramen date when you get back.
I laughed, knowing exactly what she meant.
Kousei:Of course, Akeno. The ramen date is sacred, reserved just for you.
Akeno's voice softened.
Akeno:I miss you, Kousei. Mom and I both do. It's not the same without you here.
My heart warmed at her words.
Kousei:Akeno miss you both too. Tell Shuri I'll bring back some of her favorite food spices. And don't worry, no supernatural adventure can keep me away for too long.
Akeno playfully sighed
Akeno:You and your heroics. Just be careful, okay? We want you back in one piece.
"I promise," I assured her.
Kousei:I'll stay safe and come back to you as soon as I can.
As our conversation continued, we exchanged updates about our days, shared anecdotes, and expressed our longing for each other's company. The distance between us seemed to shrink, if only for a moment, as the connection remained strong despite the supernatural challenges and the mysterious adventures in Shibuya.
Akeno's voice held a hint of excitement as she continued our conversation.
Akeno:Oh, by the way, Kousei, I've been making progress with the lightning arts you taught me. Your guidance has been incredibly helpful. I've been honing my skills, and I can feel the energy flowing more smoothly through me.
I couldn't help but feel a surge of pride.
Kousei:hat's amazing, Akeno! I knew you'd pick it up quickly. Lightning suits you.
She chuckled, a playful lilt in her voice.
Kousei:Well, with a great teacher and boyfriend how could I not excel? But that's not all. I've been exploring other aspects of cultivation too. I've developed an interest in wielding a spear.
Surprised by her revelation, I responded
Kousei:A spear, huh? That's a fascinating choice. What sparked your interest in it?"
Akeno's tone turned thoughtful.
Akeno:I've been reading about different martial arts and weapons, and the elegance and precision of spear techniques caught my eye. I thought it might complement my lightning arts, adding a versatile element to my combat style.
I nodded, even though she couldn't see it through the phone.
Kousei:It sounds like a great idea. Combining lightning arts with spear techniques could create a formidable and dynamic approach to combat. Have you started training with a spear yet?
Akeno:Yes, I found a skilled martial arts instructor in the nearby town. He specializes in spear techniques, and I've been learning a lot from him. It's challenging, but I enjoy the discipline it requires
Akeno explained.
Kousei:That's fantastic, Akeno. I'm glad you're exploring new avenues in your cultivation. The combination of lightning arts and spear techniques sounds like a powerful and elegant fusion. Maybe we can practice together when I'm back
I suggested.
Akeno's voice carried a hint of enthusiasm.
Akeno:i'd love that, Kousei. We could exchange techniques and refine our skills together. It's exciting to think about the possibilities.
As our conversation delved into the intricacies of cultivation and martial arts, the distance between us seemed to fade. Akeno's journey in mastering the lightning arts and embracing the art of wielding a spear added a new layer to our connection, one that transcended the physical miles separating us.
With the warmth of my conversation with Akeno lingering, I decided to give my little twin brother, Issei, a call. The phone rang a few times before his voice, filled with youthful energy, greeted me.
"Hey, Kousei! What's up, big bro?" Issei's excitement was palpable through the phone.
"Not much, Issei. Just dealing with the usual supernatural stuff here in Shibuya. How's school and training with Ddraig going?" I inquired, eager to catch up with my younger sibling.
Issei's tone shifted to a more serious one. "Training has been intense, but Ddraig and I are making progress. I'm getting the hang of these Boosted Gear abilities. School's good too. I have a feeling we're both in for some serious action soon."
I chuckled.
Kousei:Action seems to follow us everywhere. But you and Ddraig make a formidable team. .
Kousei:, Vali and I had an interesting encounter earlier. She's proven to be a reliable ally
I shared.
Issei's curiosity peaked.
Issei:Vali? That girl you're working with? What's she like?
I proceeded to describe Vali's abilities and her prowess in combat, emphasizing the unexpected synergy we found in facing supernatural challenges together and not the fact she's the red dragon emperor
Issei:She's got this unique blend of skills. It's like we complement each other, making our team-up quite effective.
Issei's enthusiasm bubbled up.
Issei:That sounds awesome! Can't wait to meet her. Maybe we can have a joint training session when you're back.
Kousei:Definitely, Issei. I'm sure you two would hit it off. By the way, how's everything on your end? Any new developments or challenges?
I inquired, genuinely interested in my twin's well-being.
Issei sighed.
Issei:Well, you know, the usual struggles of being a student. But I'm handling it. And with Ddraig's guidance, I feel like I can face anything.
Encouraged by his resilience, I offered some brotherly advice.
Kousei:that's the spirit, Issei. Embrace the challenges, and remember, you're not alone. We're a team, and we've got each other's backs.
As our conversation continued, the bond between me and Issei echoed through the phone, transcending the supernatural challenges and adventures that had become a part of our lives. In the end, no matter the distance or the battles we faced, the connection with family remained a constant source of strength and support.
As I sat in the room, the remnants of my conversations with Akeno and Issei lingering in the air, my thoughts drifted to a reflection on my past life. A life where I was just a teenager finding solace in the captivating world of anime.
The characters I had encountered here in Shibuya, Ryuu Heikan, Lint Selzen, and Nero Raidmondi, all seemed to have walked straight out of the pages of the High School DxD light novel series. It was surreal, like living in the anime worlds I used to escape to in my previous life. The supernatural encounters, the camaraderie, and the unexpected alliances felt like scenes scripted by an imaginative author.
Lint Selzen's possession of the Incineration Anthem, however, struck a chord of familiarity and dissonance within me. In the original High School DxD storyline, that sacred gear was wielded by Walburga. The narrative seemed to have taken a detour, a twist in the plot that defied the familiar trajectory.
I mused over the implications of this alteration. Was it a mere anomaly, a glitch in the anime matrix of my current existence, or did it signify a deliberate shift in the storyline? The mysteries of Shibuya intertwined with the echoes of my past life, creating a tapestry of questions without clear answers.
As I delved deeper into these contemplations, a sense of intrigue and a touch of nostalgia enveloped me. My teenage self, engrossed in anime narratives, would have relished the unpredictable plot twists and character developments that mirrored the very essence of the anime worlds I once cherished.
Yet, in this surreal blend of past and present, the characters around me took on a life of their own, challenging the preconceived notions of their canonical roles. Lint Selzen, with the Incineration Anthem in her possession, became a symbol of deviation from the expected script, injecting an element of unpredictability into the unfolding narrative.
In the end, whether it was a quirk of this newfound reality or a deliberate departure from the source material, I couldn't help but marvel at the intricacies of this anime-inspired world. The lines between fiction and reality blurred, and I found myself navigating a storyline that defied the confines of the anime narratives I had once embraced as an escape.
As I continued to ponder the enigma of Shibuya and its deviations from the expected script, the allure of this anime-infused reality beckoned, promising more surprises and revelations on the horizon.
As I descended the stairs, the atmosphere in Azazel's house felt charged with a mix of supernatural energy and camaraderie. There, standing in the living room, was Lint Selzen, the leader of the exorcists, who now wielded the Incineration Anthem. She greeted me with a friendly smile, breaking the ice with a conversational tone.
Lint:Hey, Kousei! Quite the day we had, huh? From your skills Dealing with supernatural beings seems to be normal.
Lint's eyes sparkled with a combination of determination and curiosity.
Oh yeah she talks like freed but not vulgar
I returned her smile, appreciating the friendly approach.
Lint:Definitely, Lint. Shibuya is turning out to be quite the adventure. Who would've thought our paths would cross in such a unique way?
Lint chuckled, her demeanor easygoing.
Lint:Fate works in mysterious ways, doesn't it? I never expected to find someone like you in the midst of all this. By the way, that fire technique you used earlier was impressive. Mind sharing a bit about it?
I nodded, happy to share insights into my cultivation practices.
Kousei:It's a mix of various techniques—Qi control, martial arts, elemental manipulation it allows for a versatile approach, and I've been refining it over the years.
Lint's eyes gleamed with interest.
Lint:Fascinating! I've always been intrigued by different cultivation methods. It's not every day you meet someone with such a unique skill set. And that sword you summoned, the Avenger's Edge, was quite the sight. Is there a story behind it?
I leaned against a nearby table, delving into the history of the Avenger's Edge.
Kousei:It's a sacred weapon tied to my cultivation path. Each swing carries the weight of past grievances, and it's a reminder of the journey I've undertaken. The name Avenger's Edge signifies the resolve to overcome challenges.
Lint nodded thoughtfully.
Lint:Names often carry significant meaning. I can see why it suits your style. By the way, you and Vali make an interesting pair. How did you two end up working together?
I recounted the events that led to our collaboration, emphasizing the unexpected synergy we discovered minus the whole white dragon empiress and part Lucifer
ali and I found ourselves facing a common supernatural threat, and our abilities complemented each other. It's been a learning experience, navigating this new dynamic.
Lint's gaze softened.
Lint:Alliances forged in the midst of challenges often become the strongest. It's good to have reliable allies in this line of work. By the way, I heard you were reminiscing about your past life earlier. Care to share some details?"
As we continued our friendly exchange, the living room transformed into a space where stories converged, and experiences were shared. The enigmatic nature of Shibuya seemed to fade momentarily, replaced by the warmth of newfound connections and the camaraderie forged in the crucible of supernatural challenges.
The peaceful atmosphere in Azazel's house shattered as the door burst open, revealing Nero Raidmondi struggling to carry Ryuu Heikan, whose once immaculate attire was now stained with blood. The gravity of the situation was etched on Nero's face, a stark contrast to his usual composed demeanor. I rushed forward, a surge of concern gripping me.
Kousei:Nero, Ryuu! What happened?
I exclaimed, the urgency evident in my voice.
Nero gently laid Ryuu on the nearest couch, his expression grim.
Nero:We were ambushed, Kousei. Monsters, unlike anything we've faced before. They were stronger, faster, and more relentless.
I knelt beside Ryuu, assessing his injuries.
Kousei:Ryuu, can you hear me? What attacked you?
Ryuu winced in pain but managed to speak.
Ryuu:Monsters from the shadows. Unseen, but their presence was palpable. They moved with unnatural speed and ferocity. We barely had time to react.
Nero continued, his eyes reflecting a mix of frustration and determination.
Nero:We underestimated them. They weren't like any creatures we've encountered in our missions. These were on a whole different level.
Lint, who had been silently observing, interjected with concern.
Lint:Are you two okay? Those wounds look serious.
Ryuu nodded weakly.
Ryuu!We'll live, but they caught us off guard. We need to be more cautious.
I turned to Nero.
Nero:What were these creatures after? Why attack you and Ryuu?
Nero sighed, running a hand through his hair.
Nero:We were investigating reports of increased supernatural activity. These creatures seem to be drawn to a particular energy source. It's as if something has awakened, something powerful.
Lint crossed her arms, a thoughtful expression on her face.
Lint:Awakened? Could it be related to the disturbances we've been sensing in Shibuya? The threads of fate seem to be unraveling faster than we anticipated.
Ryuu grimaced, a determined glint in his eyes.
Ryuu:Whatever it is, we can't let it wreak havoc. Kousei, Vali please we need your helpThese creatures aren't ordinary, and
Nero nodded in agreement.
Nero:Time is of the essence. We can't afford to underestimate the threat. Kousei, will you join us in investigating this mysterious power surge?
I glanced at Vali, our silent communication echoing understanding.
Kousei:We're in. Let's get to the bottom of this and put an end to whatever darkness has awakened in Shibuya.
I handed Ryuu a healing pill and a stamina revitalizing pill, urging him to take them for a quicker recovery.
Kousei:Rest up, Ryuu. We'll handle the investigation for now. You need to recover.
Ryuu nodded, appreciating the support.
Ryuu:Thanks, Kousei. I trust you guys to get to the bottom of this. Just be careful out there.
I turned to Lint, Vali, and Nero.
Kousei:Alright, let's head out. We need to find the source of this disturbance and put an end to it. Keep your guard up, and let's stay in constant communication.
Lint nodded, her expression serious.
Lint:Agreed. We'll be cautious and report any findings immediately.
Vali cracked her knuckles, a determined gleam in her eyes.
Vali:I'm ready for some action. Let's see what these creatures are made of.
Nero, ever composed, added
Nero:stay vigilant, everyone. We don't know what we're dealing with, but we'll face it together.
With a shared understanding, the four of us left Azazel's house, stepping into the night, ready to confront the unknown and unravel the mysteries that lurked in the shadows of Shibuya.