Chereads / Highschool DXD: Reborn as a true phoenix / Chapter 48 - Chapter 47: The Third Dragon God Proposition

Chapter 48 - Chapter 47: The Third Dragon God Proposition

The tension in the student council room was thicker than ever. Raizer Phoenix stood in front of Issei Hyoudou, his calm demeanor a stark contrast to the chaos brewing around him. The faint red glow of the Boosted Gear pulsed softly, signaling that its resident, Ddraig, the Red Dragon Emperor, was considering Raizer's outrageous offer.

"Come on, Ddraig," Raizer said smoothly, his hands still casually in his pockets. "You've spent centuries stuck in that thing, hopping from one mediocre wielder to another. Don't tell me you're not at least tempted by the idea of freedom."

Ddraig Speaks

For the first time, a deep, rumbling voice emanated from the Boosted Gear, audible to everyone in the room. It was like a dragon's roar compressed into words, shaking the very air.

"Freedom is tempting, Phoenix," Ddraig admitted, his tone steady but cautious. "But I've been offered many things over the centuries. What makes you any different?"

Rias's peerage flinched at the sound of Ddraig's voice. Rias herself, still standing near Issei, looked between the gear and Raizer with wide eyes. "What… what is he doing?" she muttered, her voice tinged with panic.

Akeno, her queen, tilted her head, her expression amused despite the tension. "It seems Raizer is negotiating with the Red Dragon Emperor himself. How… bold."

"Negotiating?" Kiba frowned. "What could he possibly offer a dragon of Ddraig's caliber?"

Raizer's Offer

Raizer smiled, his golden eyes gleaming. "What makes me different, Ddraig, is that I'm offering you more than just freedom. I'm offering you purpose."

Ddraig's rumbling laughter echoed through the room. "Purpose? And what purpose would that be?"

Raizer leaned forward slightly, his tone confident but casual. "To surpass the White Dragon. To become stronger than you've ever been. I'll train you, push you to your limits, and help you reach a level where you won't just be Ddraig the Red Dragon Emperor. You'll be Ddraig, the Third Dragon God, standing alongside Ophis and Great Red."

The room fell silent.

And then…

"What?" Issei blurted out, his voice cracking. "Did you just say third dragon god? Are you serious?"

"Completely," Raizer replied without missing a beat.

The Reaction

Rias crossed her arms, her voice sharp. "This is absurd. You think you can just turn Ddraig into a dragon god like it's some kind of training montage?"

Raizer shrugged. "Why not? I've done crazier things."

Roger, lounging at the checkers table, chuckled. "He's not lying. I mean, have you seen his peerage? We're walking proof that he pulls off the impossible."

Shiki floated lazily above the group, his grin practically splitting his face. "Besides, can you imagine the perks? Free from the gear, a whole new power level, and—oh! The best part!" He twirled dramatically in the air. "Three square meals a day and a bed in the Shadowed Cliffs Castle. Talk about a five-star upgrade!"

"Seriously?" Ddraig's voice sounded both skeptical and amused. "You're pitching this to me with food and lodging?"

"Yes," Raizer said firmly, as if it were the most reasonable thing in the world.

Adding Humor to the Deal

Whitebeard chuckled, his booming voice filling the room. "He forgot to mention the view. The Shadowed Cliffs are spectacular. You'll wake up every morning feeling like royalty."

"And there's the gym!" Garp added, his grin wide. "Best training facilities in the underworld. Trust me, Ddraig, you'll get ripped in no time."

"Not to mention," Beckman said, lighting a cigarette, "you'll get to hang out with us. Legends stick together, after all."

Mihawk, sharpening Yoru in the corner, finally spoke, his voice calm but cutting. "You'll also learn discipline. Something your current wielder sorely lacks."

Issei bristled at the comment. "Hey! I'm standing right here!"

"Exactly," Mihawk said, not even looking up.

Ddraig's Doubts

Ddraig's laughter rumbled again, though this time it seemed less dismissive. "You make an interesting case, Phoenix. But freedom comes with a price. What happens if I agree to your terms and fail to surpass Albion? Or worse, if I fall short of becoming a dragon god?"

"You won't," Raizer said simply.

"And how can you be so sure?"

Raizer smirked, his voice filled with conviction. "Because I've never failed. When I set my mind to something, I make it happen. And with me guiding you, failure won't even be an option."

The Peanut Gallery

Rias's peerage, still reeling from the conversation, couldn't help but chime in.

"Is this guy for real?" Kiba muttered.

Koneko, munching on a cookie, said flatly, "He's weird. But it's working."

Asia looked worried. "But… if Ddraig leaves the Boosted Gear, what will happen to Issei?"

"Yeah!" Issei shouted, his voice cracking again. "I'm right here! Don't just give him ideas!"

Shiki burst out laughing. "Relax, kid. Raizer's not going to steal your dragon. He's making a deal. There's a difference."

The Proposition Continues

Raizer crouched slightly, leaning closer to the Boosted Gear. "Think about it, Ddraig. No more limits. No more jumping from one wielder to another, watching them fumble your power. With me, you'll reach heights you've only dreamed of. And you'll get to eat whatever you want—"

"—and sleep on a bed fit for a king!" Shiki added, still grinning.

Raizer shot him a look but didn't break stride. "So what do you say? Ready to join the Shadowed Cliffs familia?"

Rias's Breaking Point

Rias's face was bright red, a mix of frustration and disbelief. "This is ridiculous! Ddraig isn't some stray dragon you can adopt like a pet!"

Raizer stood up, turning to face her with an infuriatingly calm expression. "I never said he was. I'm offering him something he's never had—a choice."

"You're insane," Rias snapped.

"Maybe," Raizer replied, shrugging. "But I'm also right."

Cliffhanger

The room fell silent again as everyone waited for Ddraig's response. The Boosted Gear's glow intensified slightly, as if the dragon within was deep in thought.

Finally, Ddraig spoke, his voice filled with both skepticism and curiosity. "You're bold, Phoenix. But I'm not convinced—yet. Show me you're worth trusting, and perhaps we can discuss this further."

Raizer smiled faintly. "Fair enough. Let's see how the match plays out, shall we?"

With that, he turned and walked back to his peerage, leaving Rias and her team staring after him in stunned silence.

This chapter balances humor, tension, and Raizer's confident personality, setting the stage for further developments with Ddraig. Let me know if you'd like to expand or adjust any parts!