Algernon's relentless training in the arena had finally borne fruit. After countless battles, bloodshed, and near-death experiences, he had achieved complete mastery over his demonic energy. His control had reached a perfect 100%, allowing him to compress, shape, and utilize his power with absolute precision.
This milestone, combined with his steady growth through combat, marked his rise to true prominence among devils. Now, at the age of 13, his appearance reflected his grueling journey—he looked older, his frame lean but powerful, his crimson eyes sharp and commanding.
Despite his personal growth, Algernon kept his plans far-reaching. His connections with Vali and Kuroka remained strong, with both serving as key allies in his grand ambitions. Recognizing their potential, he had entrusted them with a critical mission: infiltrating the Khaos Brigade.
He knew that, like in the original timeline, their unmatched talents would inevitably draw the attention of Ophis, the Infinite Dragon God. With Vali's strength and Kuroka's cunning, they were perfect candidates to slip into the heart of the enemy organization while maintaining their loyalty to Algernon.
Months passed as he focused on his own development while awaiting updates from his allies. But one fateful evening, Algernon received a message from the low-class devil he had discreetly stationed near Kuoh Town, tasked with Issei Hyoudou.
The report was alarming—there were signs of Fallen Angel activity in the area. The timing couldn't be coincidental. If events were proceeding as he suspected, Issei, the future wielder of the Boosted Gear, was likely already in danger.
Algernon wasted no time. He activated his teleportation circle, aiming for the outskirts of Kuoh Town. On arrival, he felt the familiar ripple of magical energy nearby. Turning, he spotted Kuroka stepping out of her own teleportation circle. Her golden eyes gleamed with mischief, her twin tails swaying as she sauntered toward him.
"Nyahaha~ So, what's the emergency this time, boss?" Kuroka asked, her tone playful yet laced with curiosity.
Algernon's expression was calm but serious. "Signs of Fallen Angels in the area," he said, his voice low. "I've been monitoring the wielder of Boosted Gear. If they've noticed him, things might escalate quickly."
Kuroka's grin faded slightly, her expression turning more focused. "Fallen Angels, huh? So what's the plan? Jump in claws blazing?"
"Not yet," Algernon replied, his tone calculated. "We observe first. I want to confirm their target. If it's Issei, then we act—but carefully. This isn't just about saving a future Sacred Gear wielder. It's about setting the stage for everything to come."
Kuroka nodded, her playful demeanor replaced by a sharp intensity. "Got it. Lead the way, boss."
The two moved silently through the darkened streets, their presence masked by a layer of demonic energy suppression. As they approached the Hyoudou residence, Algernon extended his senses, searching for any anomalies. He soon detected faint traces of Fallen Angel magic lingering in the air—a clear sign they had been here recently.
"They've already made their move," Algernon muttered. "But where...?"
Kuroka's ears twitched, and her sharp eyes scanned the area. "There's another trace leading toward that park," she said, pointing. "Looks fresh."
Without a word, Algernon began moving toward the park, Kuroka following close behind. As they entered the open space, the faint glow of a magical barrier caught his attention. It was weak, designed to keep out ordinary humans, but for someone like him, it was as transparent as glass.
Inside the barrier stood a Fallen Angel, her dark wings spread wide, her energy radiating malice. In front of her knelt a trembling Issei Hyoudou, his ordinary life moments away from being shattered. The Fallen Angel raised her hand, a spear of light forming in her palm.
Algernon's eyes narrowed. "Not on my watch," he murmured.
"Shall we?" Kuroka asked, her claws glowing faintly with demonic energy.
With that, the two surged forward, stepping through the barrier as if it didn't exist. The Fallen Angel turned in shock, her eyes widening as she sensed their power.
"Who—" she began, but Kuroka didn't let her finish. In a blur of motion, the nekomata closed the distance, slashing at her spear with her claws, dispersing the energy.
Algernon appeared behind the Fallen Angel, his presence suffocating. "Leave," he commanded, his voice cold and authoritative. "Tell your leaders that this territory isn't theirs to meddle in."
The Fallen Angel hesitated, her gaze darting between the two devils. "And if I refuse?"
Algernon's aura flared, a crimson glow surrounding him as the ground beneath his feet cracked. "Then you'll find out what happens when you challenge me."
Faced with the overwhelming pressure, the Fallen Angel gritted her teeth and reluctantly retreated, her wings flapping as she disappeared into the night sky.
As the Fallen Angel vanished into the night sky, Algernon watched her retreat with cold indifference. Kuroka raised an eyebrow, her tail swishing in mild confusion. "Nyahaha~ You're letting her go? That's not like you, boss."
Algernon smirked, his crimson eyes glinting dangerously. "She's not worth the effort. Besides," he said, glancing at the trembling Issei, "her fate isn't mine to decide. It'll be his. When the time comes, I want him to be the one to kill her."
Kuroka chuckled softly, her gaze flicking to the terrified boy. "Nyahaha~ You really are something, boss. Always thinking three steps ahead."
Algernon turned his attention to Issei Hyoudou, still kneeling on the ground, trembling and clutching his chest.
"Pathetic," Algernon muttered under his breath, his sharp eyes assessing the boy. This was the wielder of the Boosted Gear? The supposed legacy of the Red Dragon Emperor? But, deep within Issei's terrified gaze, Algernon could sense the faint ember of potential—raw and untapped.
Issei struggled to form words, his voice shaking. "W-Who... who are you?"
Algernon stepped closer, his imposing figure casting a shadow over the boy. "Someone who just saved your worthless life," he said bluntly. "And someone who sees value in what you could become—if you survive long enough."
Kuroka crossed her arms and smirked, leaning casually against a nearby tree. "Nyahaha~ Boss, you're scaring the poor kid. He might pass out before you get to the good part."
Ignoring her, Algernon crouched in front of Issei, his crimson eyes locking onto the boy's. "You're weak," he said, his voice cold but direct.
"Right now, you're nothing. But you've been chosen by something far greater than you understand. The Boosted Gear—the legacy of Ddraig, the Red Dragon Emperor—is yours. With that, you could rise to heights beyond your imagination... or you could die, just like you almost did tonight."
Issei swallowed hard, his body still trembling. "I-I don't understand… Why me? What do you want from me?"
Algernon stood, his tone softening slightly. "What I want is simple. I want strength. I want loyalty. And I want power that transcends this world. You? You're a piece of a larger game. Whether you rise or fall is up to you."
Reaching into his coat, Algernon retrieved four pawns—the same mutated Evil Pieces he had used to recruit Vali. They gleamed with an otherworldly glow, radiating a power that caused even Kuroka to raise an eyebrow.
"Four mutated pawns?" Kuroka said, tilting her head in curiosity. "Nyahaha~ That's quite the investment, boss. You sure this kid's worth it?"
Algernon glanced at her. "Trust me, I don't make mistakes."
He turned back to Issei. "I'm giving you a chance—a chance to live, a chance to grow, and a chance to fight. But this isn't charity. If you take these, you're mine. My servant. My subordinate. And in return, I'll give you the tools to survive."
Issei hesitated, staring at the glowing chess pieces in Algernon's hand. "Your… servant?"
"You think you have a better option?" Algernon's voice sharpened. "You've just stepped into a world of gods, devils, and monsters. Without me, you're dead. Take these pieces, and I'll make sure you live long enough to see what you're capable of."
The weight of the choice pressed down on Issei, his mind racing. Finally, he nodded, his voice barely above a whisper. "I… I'll do it."
Algernon smiled faintly, though it didn't reach his eyes. "Good."
He placed the mutated pawns against Issei's chest. The pieces glowed brightly, sinking into his body. Issei gasped as a surge of energy coursed through him, unlike anything he had ever felt before.
His body convulsed, and crimson light erupted around him, forming faint outlines of devil wings—two pairs. The transformation was far from ordinary. His wings shimmered with a faint red hue, a sign of his unique connection to Ddraig.
[IMAGE]
Algernon stepped back, watching the process unfold. Kuroka whistled, clearly impressed. "Nyahaha~ Not bad. Looks like he's already got a spark."
As the light faded, Issei collapsed to the ground, breathing heavily. His body felt heavier, stronger, yet unfamiliar. He struggled to his feet, his newly formed wings twitching behind him.
"What… what just happened?" he asked, his voice shaking.
Algernon smirked, his arms crossed. "You're a devil now. My devil. Welcome to the first day of the rest of your life, pawn."
Kuroka giggled. "Nyahaha~ Looks like the kid's got potential after all. Let's see if he can keep up."
Issei stared at them, confused and overwhelmed, but a small flicker of determination ignited in his eyes. For the first time, he felt like he might have a purpose—something worth fighting for. He didn't fully understand what had just happened, but one thing was clear: his ordinary life was over.
Then, Algernon's gaze flickered momentarily as a notification from the System appeared before him. It hovered in the air, displaying a translucent screen in front of him.
[New Peerage Member Added: issei hyoudou (Pawn)*4]
[Status Overview Available]
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Issie Hyoudou - Pawn
Age: 13
Race: Devil Dragon
Class: Tier 1(Mid Class)
Sacred Gear: Boosted Gear [Current State: Balance Breaker(locked)]
Wings: Two Pairs (Red-Black)
Abilities: Penetrate (Locked)