As Raizel disappeared from view, the group made their way back into the Occult Research Club, their minds buzzing with questions and thoughts about what had just transpired.
Once inside, the atmosphere was charged with a mix of awe and curiosity, and it didn't take long for Akeno to break the silence.
"Alright, Draigg," Akeno began, her usual composed demeanor returning, though her eyes still held a hint of intrigue. "Tell us more about Raizel. Who is he really, and how do you know him?"
Draigg's deep voice resonated in the room, calm yet filled with a hint of reverence. {Raizel is... unique. He's the Noblesse, the protector and judge of the Noble race. Our paths crossed long ago, and even among the strongest beings, he commands respect.}
After a brief pause he continued. {His power is... unlike anything you've encountered, he can control any being who has blood in their body, and dominate them, And kill them with their own blood.}
Issei, unusually enthusiastic, leaned forward, his eyes wide with excitement. "Draigg, what did he do to me? After whatever he did, I feel like I could take on that stray devil with the huge—uh, you know—from yesterday all by myself!"
Koneko shot Issei a disgusted look, her voice dripping with disdain. "Pervert."
Draigg, ignoring Issei's usual antics, answered, {What Raizel did was awaken a deeper connection to my power within you. It wasn't just about unlocking potential;}
He continued. { he gave you a glimpse of what lies dormant. But power alone won't make you strong, Issei. It's how you use it.}
The room fell silent again as the weight of Draigg's words settled over them. The significance of Raizel's actions was clear—they were being drawn into something far greater than they had anticipated.
Each member of the club found themselves contemplating their role in the unfolding events, with Akeno's curiosity about Raizel growing even deeper, while Issei grappled with the newfound power and responsibility bestowed upon him.
As everyone sat in contemplative silence, processing the revelations about Raizel, Sona's analytical mind couldn't remain still.
She adjusted her glasses, her sharp eyes reflecting her curiosity and determination. Clearing her throat gently, she addressed Draigg with a composed yet inquisitive tone.
"Draigg," she began, her voice steady, "I have a few more questions. Given Raizel's immense power and the history you share, what exactly is his role in maintaining balance? You mentioned his presence often signals significant events. Should we be preparing for something specific?"
Draigg's deep voice resonated with a calm authority. {Raizel is the Noblesse, the silent guardian of balance within the supernatural world. His role is to observe, judge, and, when necessary, act to preserve equilibrium.}
{His presence here suggests that forces are at play which may disrupt that balance. It would be wise to stay alert, though the specifics of any threat are not yet clear.}
Sona nodded thoughtfully, her mind racing through potential scenarios. "And his connection to Issei," she continued, "does this mean Issei will be pivotal in whatever is to come? His awakening of your power—does that tie him more closely to Raizel's purpose?"
Draigg's response was measured. {Issei's awakening is indeed significant. Raizel's decision to unlock his potential suggests that Issei will play a crucial role.}
{Whether as a protector, a catalyst, or something else, his journey has now been intertwined with Raizel's mission. It is a path that will require strength, wisdom, and perhaps sacrifices.}
Sona's eyes narrowed slightly, her mind dissecting every word. "Understood. Lastly, is there anything we should do to prepare ourselves? If Raizel is here, it's likely we'll be involved whether we want to or not."
Draigg's tone remained steady. {Preparation is key. Strengthen your abilities, deepen your bonds, and remain vigilant.}
{Raizel is a formidable ally, but the responsibility of protecting balance doesn't rest on his shoulders alone. You all have roles to play.}
The room grew quiet once more as Sona's questions hung in the air, each word adding to the gravity of the situation. Her inquiries had provided some clarity, but also underscored the uncertainty of what lay ahead.
The members of both the Occult Research Club and the Student Council exchanged thoughtful glances, each grappling with the realization that their lives were about to become far more complicated and intertwined with forces beyond their comprehension.
Issei, still trying to process everything, blurted out, "But if he's that strong, why would he need our help? I mean, someone with his power shouldn't need anyone, right?"
Draigg's voice remained calm but carried a hint of solemnity. {Raizel's power is indeed immense, far beyond what you can comprehend. However, that power comes at a great cost. The earring he wears is not just an accessory—it's a seal.}
After a pause he continued. {It restrains the vastness of his abilities, allowing him to unlock it only when absolutely necessary. But every time he uses that power, it drains his life force.}
The room fell into a stunned silence, the weight of Draigg's words settling heavily over them.
{If I recall correctly,} Draigg continued, {each use of his full power shortens his lifespan. Raizel doesn't have much time left. His existence is a constant balance between preserving his life and fulfilling his duty.}
A wave of shock rippled through the group, but none more visibly affected than Akeno. Her usual composed demeanor cracked for a moment, her eyes reflecting a mix of concern and disbelief.
"He… he doesn't have much time left?" she echoed softly, her voice uncharacteristically vulnerable.
The others glanced at her, surprised by the depth of her reaction. Akeno, who was always so poised and in control, seemed genuinely shaken by the revelation about Raizel's limited lifespan.
Her concern was palpable, and it was clear that Raizel's plight had struck a chord within her, leaving the group in a somber and reflective mood.
Draigg's deep voice filled the room again, attempting to ease the tension.{Well, you don't need to pry too much into that. If my memory serves me correctly, Raizel should still have around a hundred years of lifespan remaining.}
{However, if he uses his full abilities four more times, that lifespan will be completely depleted.}
As Draigg finished speaking, Akeno, still visibly affected, spoke up. Her usual confidence was replaced with a softer, more somber tone. "Even so... a hundred years is not much, especially if each use of his power brings him closer to the end."
Her unexpected vulnerability caught the others off guard, and they exchanged surprised glances. Akeno, always the composed and teasing one, now displayed genuine concern, a side of her they rarely saw.
The room grew even quieter, the gravity of Raizel's situation weighing heavily on everyone. The realization that such a powerful being was burdened with such a cost added a new layer of respect and empathy towards Raizel, especially from Akeno, who seemed particularly affected by the revelation.