Bonus: Future Chapter ??? Part 2

“What’s going on…?” Issei’s voice was low as he and Aisha rode into the outskirts of the town. Their horse slowed to a trot and then to a halt as the full extent of the destruction came into view. 

A once-peaceful town was in ruins. Flames crackled across collapsed rooftops. Black smoke curled in thick plumes. The scent of burning wood and ash stung the air, blood was on the ground as corpses were piled up.

“…Who did this?” Aisha whispered, golden eyes scanning the charred wreckage, her voice trembling.

Issei didn’t answer. He could only stare, his chest tightening. This was a massacre.

Aisha began to frantically look around at the destroyed town. “We must find Rinrin at once and.”

“Anejaaa!” A familiar voice rang out, high and urgent.

They both turned just as a red scarf came bounding through the wreckage.

“Rinrin!” Aisha called out, dismounting from her horse in an instant. Issei also got off wanting to check up on the red haired girl.

The redhead ran up and practically threw herself into Aisha’s arms. “I’m okay!”

Aisha breathed a sigh of relief and held her tightly. “That’s good to hear… Truly.”

Once Rinrin pulled back, her expression turned serious.

“Now, what happened here?” Aisha asked.

“Well,” Rinrin said, puffing her cheeks in frustration, “Just before I got here… the Yellow Turbans showed up and attacked.”

“Tch… We didn’t make it in time.” Aisha’s hands clenched at her sides.

Issei remained silent, eyes drifting across the destroyed homes. His heart twisted at how cruel people could be.

Rinrin nodded. “Yeah. Most of the people who could move, ran and took shelter at a tavern. It was the sturdiest and biggest building that’s still standing.”

“Then we must go to them at once,” Aisha said, turning back toward the road. “Is that all right, my Lord?”

“Yeah,” Issei said quietly, his voice firm. “Let’s go. I want to hear exactly what happened.”

“Understood.” Aisha mounted quickly and extended her hand to him. “Rinrin, lead the way.”

“Got it!” She chirped, already running ahead. “Follow me, Onii-chan!”

As the group pressed forward, the orange glow of fires flickered across the broken walls, painting them in ghostly hues.

Issei’s fists tightened on the reins. He could already feel something changing inside him as he couldn’t forgive the ones responsible.

—-------------------------------------

Rinrin led the way, and soon we stepped foot into the town’s tavern, one of the few buildings that had narrowly escaped the Yellow Turban raid.

Inside, the air was heavy with depression and pain. The refugees sat slumped in silence, covered in soot, clutching bandaged limbs, and wrapped in the despair of having lost everything but their lives.

“…This is awful,” Aisha murmured, her voice low with sorrow.

“Is everyone okay?” Issei asked, scanning the room.

From the crowd, a weathered man in his fifties stepped forward cautiously. His back was slightly hunched, and a carved walking stick supported his weight. He had the look of someone who had seen too much.

“…Who are you?” The old man says with worry.

“We’ve come to fight against the suffering brought by these wars and annihilate the Yellow Turbans.” Aisha said with quiet conviction.

“The Imperial Guard has come to save us?!” A brown-haired man asked hopefully, eyes lighting up.

“No,” Aisha said regretfully. “We are not from the Imperial Guard.”

“Damn it.” The hope in the man’s face faded, his shoulders slumping.

“But we have come to save you!” Rinrin said cheerfully, trying to rally the mood.

One of the injured, his arm in a makeshift sling, scoffed weakly. “What can kids like you do…? Even we adults couldn’t stop them…”

“There were just too many of them,” Another man said from the back, his face half-hidden behind ash-covered hair.

“They really had that many soldiers?” Aisha asked, her brows furrowed.

“Yes,” The older man confirmed. “There must’ve been three thousand at least. How is a town like ours supposed to stand against that?”

“But… you did fight, right?” Rinrin asked softly.

“Of course we did!” A bandaged man snapped, pained by the memory. “We couldn’t just stand there and let our homes burn! But they overwhelmed us… destroyed whatever they wanted… and left only after threatening they’d be back.”

“Luckily this time they only came to take our possessions and destroy our defenses. But next time, they’ll take everything.” Another man added grimly. “Our food, our daughters, our lives.”

“Why won’t the Imperial Guard protect us?!” Someone cried. “Why do we have to suffer for the crimes of the corrupt officials?!”

“Enough!” The old man said, raising a hand. “There’s no use complaining. They’ll come back, maybe even tomorrow.”

“Do you really think there will be another battle soon?” Aisha asked.

“They’ve set their sights on us now,” The elder nodded grimly. “They won’t stop until we’re crushed.”

“Then we should all run!” Someone shouted. “It’s our only hope!”

“We can’t!” The old man growled. “Our ancestors built this town from nothing! We must protect it!”

“I want to protect it,” a woman sobbed, “But how…? At this rate…”

The room filled with fear, desperation, and hopelessness.

“I have an idea.” Aisha’s voice, calm and clear, silenced the room.

Everyone turned to her.

“What is it? Is there a way we can be saved?” The elder asked, hope flickering in his eyes.

“I believe… there is.” Her tone carried weight, mystery.

“Please, tell us!”

“I will. But first, I must ask. How determined are you all?” Aisha asks with a serious expression.

“…Determinaton?” One of the townsfolk questions.

“Yes. Do you truly wish to protect and fight for this village?”

The townsfolk stopped to think of the question as they thought it to be ridiculous.

“Of course!”

“My family has lived here for generations! I’d rather die than give it up!”

“We all want to protect it!”

“I see,” Aisha said, nodding. “Then… fight with us.”

“But—how? Didn’t you hear what we said? We can’t stand against an army!”

“You can,” Aisha said firmly.

“Yeah!” Rinrin chimed in with fists on her hips. “We can do it!”

“How can you be so sure?” The old man questions.

“Because Heaven is on our side.” Aisha responds.

Causing the villagers to blink.

“Uh-huh!” Rinrin said, grinning wide. “Onii-chan is super powerful and came from Heaven just to help us!”

“…Huh?” Issei says with confusion, along with the townsfolk, as this was the first time he heard this, he thought he told Aisha he wasn’t from heaven.

“Rinrin, hush. You’re making it sound confusing,” Aisha scolded gently.

“Boo…”

Aisha turned to the crowd with dignity. “As she said, our Lord is mighty. He is the Heavenly Red Dragon Emperor.”

The villagers gasped. Even Rinrin’s eyes widened.

“H-Heavenly Dragon Emperor…?”

“Yes,” Aisha said smoothly. “Has the rumor not yet reached this village?”

“…Rumor?”

“That a hero would descend from Heaven to end the chaos and stop the wars. They say it’s spreading through Louyang. All of the capital is buzzing with it.”

“In Louyang…? You mean it’s true?!”

Aisha nodded solemnly. “Yes. I saw it with my own eyes as a red light descended from the sky. That was when he appeared.”

Issei whispered to Rinrin. “…Is that true that so many people are talking about it?”

“Nope!” she whispered back cheerfully. “Only Aisha and Rinrin know about you! But I didn’t know you were a dragon, Onii-chan!”

“Of course not…” He sighed.

‘A clever move.’ Sherri commented in his mind. ‘Hope spreads faster when people think they’re already late to believe.’

“Here he is.” Aisha stepped aside, gesturing toward Issei. “The Heavenly Red Dragon Emperor, who descended from the heavens to help us. With him on our side, we will not lose to bandits like the Yellow Turbans.”

“This guy?” One man scoffed. “You expect us to believe he’s a dragon emperor?”

“Uhh… hello.” Issei gave an awkward wave, visibly sweating.

The man opened his mouth to retort—but was blinded by a sudden crimson flash.

SHIIIIING!

A red glow burst from Issei’s left arm. The Boosted Gear appeared in full form, radiating power and heat, the jewel pulsing a green light.

“W-What in the world…?!”

“It’s real…!”

“See?” Aisha said. “Not only that, he has mastered Sun Tzu’s Art of War, Hang Ziya’s Six Secret Teachings, and the Three Strategies of Huang Shigong. He even drove off the Yellow Turbans with his bare fists.”

“Seriously?!”

“Furthermore,” She continued with a perfectly straight face, “I witnessed the light as he descended from Heaven.”

“…Wow…”

“Maybe… we can be saved…”

Hope was lighting in the villagers’ eyes again.

Issei, meanwhile, was having a debate inside his mind. ‘I could maybe punch my way out… but I can’t even pronounce half the names she just said, much less memorize them… unless they were the names of adult porn stars.’

“Now then!” Aisha declared. “Let us rise together. Protect your home. Take up arms, not just for survival, but for justice!”

“Yeah!”

“We can do this!”

“I’ll go round up some men that can still fight!”

“I’ll check the old storage for tools we can use as weapons!”

“I’ll gather supplies!”

As the tavern erupted into purpose and energy, Issei stood slightly off to the side, watching the chaos of hope catch fire like a torch passed from hand to hand.

“…What just happened?” he muttered.

(You’ve been promoted into a warlord, partner.)

—----------------------------

After a while, the noise settled. The crowd of villagers had dispersed, each person heading off with newfound purpose, preparing food, gathering makeshift weapons, and fortifying the tavern.

Now, only Issei, Aisha, and Rinrin remained inside.

The tavern was quiet, the lingering tension replaced by the low crackle of a nearby lantern.

“I’m impressed, Aneja!” Rinrin said brightly, bouncing on her heels.

Aisha let out a long, exhausted sigh. “Stop that. I absolutely hate myself for what I’ve just done…”

She slumped into a nearby chair, shoulders drooping. “Haaaah…”

“I say it's impressive.” Issei said. “You were great. I could never lie like that in front of so many people, even if I tried. I’m a terrible liar.”

“That doesn’t make me feel better,” Aisha groaned, hiding her face behind one hand. “I just deceived a whole town of innocent people…”

Rinrin tilted her head. “But you did it to protect them, right?”

“Exactly,” Issei said, stepping beside her. “You did what you had to do, for their sake. You gave them something to believe in.”

“…That may be true,” Aisha murmured.

“Then it’s too early to beat yourself up about it,” Issei continued, his voice gentle. “Right now, what matters is helping this town survive.”

“If you act like this, Aisha,” Rinrin added, “the townsfolk won’t feel confident going into battle.”

Aisha looked at both of them, Issei’s honest, awkward smile and Rinrin’s youthful determination. She closed her eyes for a moment, then exhaled deeply. “…You’re right.” She straightened her posture, brushing her hair behind her ear. “I cannot let my doubts weaken their resolve. I’ll speak to others again and request aid. They need clear leadership right now.”

She turned to Rinrin. “Rinrin, take command of a group of swift men. Scout the area and try to locate the Yellow Turbans’ camp. Avoid engagement just find out where they’re hiding.”

“Roger that!” Rinrin grinned, saluting in her usual exaggerated style.

“What about me?” Issei asked.

“It would be a great help if you accompanied me, My Lord,” Aisha said with a soft smile, her composure now fully recovered.

He scratched his cheek. “Sure, I’ll come with you.”

“Be careful, Rinrin,” He added as she began heading toward the door.

“Nyaha! I will!” she called, throwing a big smile and an even bigger thumbs-up over her shoulder before sprinting out into the village.

The two were left standing alone.

“Are you ready, My Lord?” Aisha asked, now composed and in control once more.

Issei gave her a look. “Yeah… let’s go.”

—------------------------------------

After going around and gathering more support, Aisha and Issei stepped out onto the main road, and were immediately greeted by the sight of 547 men standing in a crude formation taught by Aisha. Makeshift weapons were slung over their shoulders, hoes, spears, rusted swords but their postures were upright, and their expressions were determined.

“That’s the Red Dragon Emperor?” One of them whispered.

“He must be. Look at that gauntlet—it’s like a dragon’s claw!”

“Wow…”

Issei walked forward, flinching slightly as over a hundred of eyes locked onto him. The red scales of the Boosted Gear shined on his left arm, unintentionally drawing the full attention of the crowd like a beacon.

‘How embarrassing,’ Issei thought, his face heating up.

(Nonsense, partner.) Ddraig’s voice rumbled with amusement. (You’ll have to get used to this. If you reveal yourself in our world someday, this kind of attention will be the norm. Besides, you didn’t seem to mind being stared at in Fairy Tail.)

‘Yeah, well… in Fairy Tail, they didn’t look at me like I was their last hope. If anything, they looked like I stole their girlfriend…’

“My Lord,” Aisha said softly beside him, her voice formal yet warm. “Please straighten your back. Present yourself with dignity… and smile at our soldiers.”

“A-Alright…” Issei replied, trying not to visibly squirm as he adjusted his posture and put on what he hoped was a noble expression.

From nearby, the same elderly man shuffled past and looked up at him with reverent eyes.

“Look at his splendid face… Ahh, I’m so grateful to see an Emperor in person…” The old man muttered in awe.

Then, as if on cue, the townsfolk lining the road raised their voices in a resounding cheer.

“Hail the Red Dragon Emperor!”

“Protect us, Dragon Lord!”

“We’re with you, My Lord!”

Issei blinked, stunned at the wave of admiration and hope radiating from the people.

“…Are you sure this is all I should be doing, Aisha?” He asked, glancing toward her uncertainly.

“What are you saying?” Aisha replied with a rare, amused smile. “This is exactly what you should be doing. Right now, your presence is what they need most. You’re the symbol that gives them strength.”

“…Okay,” He said with a breath. “I’ll do my best.” He looked out at the crowd again, this time with firmer eyes. ‘Even if they’re only doing this to protect their village… they’re still putting their faith in me. Risking their lives for a name and a title I barely understand myself. If that’s the case… then I have no excuse but to do my absolute best.’

“I can’t allow myself to betray their trust.”

“Exactly,” Aisha said, stepping beside him. Her golden eyes were fierce with purpose as she clenched her fists. “For their sake… we’ll fight with everything we have.”

Issei nodded. Just as Issei was about to respond to Aisha—

“Onii-chaaan!!” A familiar voice rang out, loud and urgent.

Rinrin came sprinting into the square with her horse, her scarf fluttering behind her as she skidded to a stop in front of us, flushed and excited.

“We found the Yellow Turbans! They’ve pitched a camp in the prairie about one li west of the town!”

“One li…” Aisha repeated with a nod. “That’s close.”

“How many of them are there?” Issei asked, heart already racing.

“Just like the townsfolk said, about three thousand, I think! But they’re a sloppy bunch and not a formal army.” Rinrin added with a smug grin.

“I see…” Aisha’s gaze sharpened. She stepped forward and raised her voice to the villagers still gathered nearby.

“People of this town and now soldiers! We have just received a report. The enemy has been found. Our enemy is vast in number, but they are nothing more than a disorderly mob! Their strength is built on fear and chaos!” She turned and pointed back at the crowd, her tone fierce and resolute. “But we have something far greater, we have the favor of Heaven on our side! Now is the time to muster your courage and reclaim peace with your own hands!”

A short pause. As the soldiers tensed up from knowing they will soon be going into battle.

Then Aisha turned to Issei. “Now, my Lord… a few words before we depart?”

“Eh?! M-Me?” Issei asks, pointing at himself. 

“Yes,” Aisha said with a calm smile. “If you could give us a few words, I’m sure it will raise our morale.”

Issei froze. When he glanced around, his mind screamed in terror.

There were even more villagers watching now than before. Dozens of faces turned toward Issei with expectation and hope in their eyes. The men stood straighter. The women clasped their hands. The children peeked out from windows, wide-eyed.

‘Shit… Sherri, what do I do?’

‘I’m sorry, Master… If I had access to a database, I could whip something together using the most plagiarized motivational speeches in recorded history. But… no internet.’

‘So I’m on my own?! I can’t just make something up on the spot—!’

(Just do it.)

‘Huh?!’

(You said it yourself. This is your responsibility. So don’t think—just speak from your heart.)

Issei swallowed hard, looking out at them all. Their eyes, their scars, their quiet resolve. He stepped forward, raising his left arm. The Boosted Gear glinted in the fading light, taking a breath and letting it all out. “Everyone… we’re about to head into battle.” His voice echoed across the square. “I know most of you are afraid. That’s normal. I am too.”

Gasps. A few murmurs.

“But we’re not alone.” I turned, gesturing toward Rinrin, Aisha… and the townsfolk behind them that came to see the makeshift army off. “Right beside us, we have our comrades. And behind us, we have our homes—our families. Our memories. The people and places we love.” Issei clenched his fist. “That’s why there’s no need to fear—because we’re not fighting just for survival. We’re fighting for what’s right. We fight because we believe in keeping our homes safe. We fight to protect it.”

The crowd had gone still.

“I am the Heavenly Red Dragon Emperor… and you—” I pointed at them, eyes meeting every person I could, “—you are now the brave and courageous soldiers of the Red Dragon Emperor! Together, we’ll survive! We’ll fight! And we’ll come home to revive this town stronger than ever!” The last word left his mouth with a roar.

And for a single heartbeat, there was silence.

Then—

“WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOHHHHH!!!”

The square erupted with cheers so thunderous they rattled Issei’s bones. Shouts of fury, hope, and resolve rose into the sky.

“Let’s do it,” Issei said quietly.

Aisha stepped beside him, her smile radiant with pride. “Yes. Let’s reclaim our honor—together.”

—--------------------------

The soldiers march quietly but quickly in the dead of night, as to not alert the yellow turbans that they plan to attack. Issei was seen on Aisha’s horse leaning on her as she steered it and following Rinrin’s lead.

‘I felt excited.’ Issei thought as his body vibrated.

(It’s the dragon inside you, partner.) Ddraig’s voice rumbled in my mind, calm and proud. (The thrill of a coming battle. It’s in our blood.)

“Huhu…” Aisha chuckled softly beside me, her expression composed but fierce. “You’re trembling with excitement, aren’t you?”

“Yeah,” I admitted, gripping his fist tighter. “I am.”

“Battles always come with tension,” She said. “But the strength to walk forward in spite of it… that is what defines a warrior.”

“So… what now?” Issei asked.

“First, we find our target.” Aisha said, eyes sharp. “Once Rinrin leads us to our target… we charge at them head on. But I ask that you observe us from the rear lines. We’ll handle the fighting.”

“What? No way. I’ll be the one charging in first.”

“You will?” Rinrin blinked.

“I will,” Issei said, firmly. “Aisha, Rinrin, all of you—you’ve already chosen to fight. So I will too.”

Aisha’s expression tightened, concerned flickering in her golden eyes. “But… that is far too dangerous for you. My lord, what if something happens to you?”

“If everyone else is risking their lives for their future,” Issei interrupted, “How could I stay behind in safety and still call myself Issei Hyoudou?”

Aish stared at Issei in disbelief. “…That’s magnificent,” Aisha said under her breath, her eyes wide with something halfway between awe… and affection.

“Huh?” Issei blinked. Of course, he completely missed the look she gave me.

“I knew I was right to choose you as my Lord,” She said proudly.

“What do you mean?”

“Those words just now… they’re proof. Proof that you’re a hero. You stepped forward without hesitation. People will follow you because of that alone.” Her gaze softened. “They already are. And hearing it with my own ears… I know now. You’re the one I’ve been searching for.”

“I’m… glad you believe in me,” I said, managing a small smile.

But before the moment could linger—

“Who cares about that?” Rinrin cut in, her grin full of energy. “Right now, it’s more important that we kick those Yellow Turban jerks’ butts!” She said, raising her massive spear. “Come on, Onii-chan, Aisha! We’re almost here.

—-----------------------------

They soon reached the base of a hill, overlooking a sea of yellow tents sprawled across the prairie, the Yellow Turban camp.

Smoke from their cooking fires rose lazily into the air. Soldiers milling about, undisciplined, poorly armored, but numerous.

Aisha moved to the front of the formation, her voice sharp and clear.

“Remain in pairs—and win every battle, no matter how small. If you follow my commands, Heaven will surely smile upon us!”

“Yeah!!” The soldiers roared.

“The will of Heaven is on our side! Fear not! Draw out your courage! Fight to protect your wives, your children, your friends, and your comrades!”

“YEAH!!”

The energy was rising.The eyes of the soldiers shone not with fear, but with resolve.

“So this will be an army battle, huh?” Issei muttered.

(Yep), Ddraig answered casually. (Basically a contest between numbers. Grunts versus grunts until someone gets lucky or a commander makes a difference. Pretty boring if you ask me.)

“That’s because you’re a giant dragon,” Issei said with a smirk. 

Boost!

The green crystal lit up on the gauntlet with the roman number one in its center.

“There they are!” Rinrin shouted. “Aisha! Onii-chan! Get ready!”

Tension crackled through the soldiers like lightning. Even those who hadn’t fought a day in their lives raised their weapons with grim determination.

Boost!

A second pulse of energy surged through me.

Aisha didn’t hesitate.

“Everyone—form ranks! Unsheathe your swords, young ones! Draw your bows, elders! Follow Rinrin! We charge for the enemy camp—now!!”

The villagers erupted into movement.

“Follow Rinrin!!”

“Wait!” I called out. “Aisha! Rinrin! Come here first!”

They halted, confused, and jogged over.

“My Lord, what’s the matter?” Aisha asked.

“Rinrin was about to charge!” She added, impatient.

“I need both of your hands,” I said simply.

““Eh?””

“Just trust me. Give me your hands.”

Though puzzled, they complied—extending their hands to me. I gripped them both tightly.

“Transfer.”

A red light enveloped both of them. Power flowed from my Boosted Gear into their bodies like molten fire.

Both girls gasped.

A wave of strength and heat surged through them. Their muscles tensed with raw potential. Their spirits soared.

“M-My Lord… what happened?” Aisha asked, stunned.

“Rinrin feels like she could take on a thousand of guys!”

“With that, I won’t have to worry about either of you,” Issei said, smiling.

“But… what is this?” Aisha asked, flexing her fingers in awe.

“How do I explain it…” Issei said, glancing at the glowing green gem. “Let’s call it a gift. Or better yet—the blessing of the Red Dragon. It’s temporary. I gave you both a portion of my power to help you fight.”

“But won’t you need it, Onii-chan?” Rinrin asked, concerned.

“Don’t worry. I’m strong even without a boost.” Issei says with a smile.

“Boost?” she blinked.

“I’ll explain more after the battle,” Issei promised.

Aisha, still reeling from the sudden empowerment, asked a fair question. “Can you… distribute this blessing to the rest of the army?”

Issei winced as he wished he could. “No can do, too many people. Maybe one day.”

“I see… Then we’ll make this count,” Aisha nodded.

“Exactly. Now let’s do this.”

““Right!””

Aisha turned to the waiting troops and raised her lance. “CHAAAARGE!!”

“WOOOOOAAAAHHHH!!”

They surged forward down the hill and toward the unaware Yellow Turban camp.

Three figures led the charge—Rinrin, blazing with excitement and wielding her spear like a comet. Aisha, calm and radiant with a warrior’s pride and Issei, the Red Dragon Emperor, armed with his red gauntlet.

The Yellow Turbans hadn’t expected a counterattack and they definitely hadn’t expected an attack..

The moment the makeshift army of civilians surged down the hill, a single figure was already well ahead of the rest, Issei Hyoudou.

With the Boosted Gear glowing bright on his arm, he tore across the open field faster than any of the two mounted warriors behind him. His feet pounded the earth like thunder, dust trailing in his wake.

“Wha—?!” Aisha pulled on the reins of her horse, urging it faster. “He’s already—?!”

“Hey! Wait for us, Onii-chan!” Rinrin shouted, kicking her heels, trying to catch up. “You’re gonna hog all the fun!”

But neither of them could match his speed.

By the time Aisha and Rinrin crossed the perimeter of the enemy camp, Issei had already broken through the front lines alone.

He crashed into the camp like a meteor, fists and legs lashing out with raw, explosive power. No weapons. No hesitation. Just a storm of precise and devastating strikes.

WHAM! A punch to the gut sent one Yellow Turban flying into a stack of crates.

THWACK! A roundhouse kick cracked across another’s jaw, dropping him instantly into a group of bandits.

The enemy camp erupted in chaos.

Soldiers—most of them half-dressed or still lounging near campfires—scrambled to their feet in disbelief. They weren’t ready. Their weapons were sheathed, their armor loose, their formations nonexistent.

Just moments ago, they were laughing and drinking after razing a town.

Now they were watching a single man tear through their ranks.

Then came the thunder of hooves, Aisha and Rinrin broke into the camp behind him, followed closely by the roaring charge of the villagers. The ragtag army flooded in, screaming battle cries fueled by fury and righteousness.

They had attacked at the perfect moment, right after the Yellow Turbans had let their guard down. The thugs had seen the townsfolk as weak, pitiful. They never expected a counterattack. Certainly not one this fast. And definitely not one this intense.

Panicked shouts rose in the camp.

“W-Who are these guys?!”

“They’re just villagers!”

“Why are they charging?!”

“Get your weapons! NOW!”

The Yellow Turban leaders bellowed, trying to rally their stunned forces—but it was already too late. Their men were scrambling, disorganized. Some reached for weapons. Others ran. Many were nothing more than a mob, a gang of bullies who’d never faced an army that dared to punch back.

And now, facing three heroes at the front, Rinrin’s spear, Aisha’s deadly green crescent blade, and Issei’s explosive fists, their will started to crumble.

Morale surged through the soldiers as they witnessed their champions tearing through the enemy ranks like war gods. The fear they once felt was burned away by something greater, hope.

—------------------------------------

Every step, every punch, came with growing weight.

He gritted his teeth as a man lunged at him with a dagger. Issei sidestepped and drove his elbow into the man’s throat. The bandit collapsed with a thud—unmoving.

Another came at him with a broken spear. Issei swatted it aside and drove his fist into the man’s ribs. Something cracked.

‘Stay down… just stay down!’ He pleaded inwardly, even as he moved to the next target.

It wasn’t the first time he’d seen blood, the Holy Grail War had taught him more than enough about that. But this time, he was the one choosing to take a life.

His speed spiked again, and before he realized it, he’d struck down another opponent—harder than he meant to.

The man didn’t rise.

Issei stood still for a moment, his breath ragged, his vision swimming.

The battlefield around him blurred. Screams. Metal. Fire. Blood.

Sherri was working nonstop. Her voice echoed in Issei’s mind, clear and urgent of the danger around her master. “Master—three arrows from the east, incoming. Block them!”

His body reacted before he could think. He twisted, raised his hand, and—

CLANG. CLANG. CLANG.

Three arrows deflected off the armor. Sparks flew.

He didn’t even stop to breathe. He just moved.

Over and over. Strike. Duck. Counter. Boost.

Issei’s body felt like fire, tensed and alive, pushing limits he never knew existed. Sherri’s reinforcement spells ran constantly, fueling his muscles, hardening his bones, sharpening his reflexes. He fought like a storm. But inside… he was breaking

‘This is wrong,’ He thought, his breath catching in his throat.

Another punch. Another man crumpled. Blood sprayed, hot and thick, across the dry dirt. He didn’t even know their name.

Didn’t even pause.

He felt sick. He should’ve felt guilty. But he didn’t and that terrified him more than anything.

(I told you… war would be brutal.) Ddraig’s voice was quiet now. Not angry. Not cruel. Just the cold truth.

‘But we’re… we’re killing them so easily.’ Issei’s eyes scanned the battlefield. Screams echoed, steel clashed, bodies fell. So many Yellow Turbans—untrained, disorganized, afraid. They barely fought back. They were fodder.

(What did you expect?) Ddraig said. (These men are barely above common thugs. No formation. No tactics. No discipline. The training you did and the training Karasuba gave you puts you on a level far beyond them. Add Sherri’s reinforcement magic, and you’re slaughtering them without even trying.)

‘It’s not right.’ He ducked a swing. Elbowed a man in the chest. Felt ribs crack beneath his strike. Moved to the next target. ‘I’m not even thinking anymore. I’m just… acting.’

He put another man down. No hesitation. No remorse. Just instinct.

(Then stop thinking of them as people.) Ddraig said. (They’re your enemies. If they had won, they would’ve raped the women. Slaughtered the men. Enslaved the children. You know that.)

‘I know… but still.’ His hands trembled. ‘I’m human, Ddraig. I’m not a monster.’

(Not yet.)

There was a beat of silence between them.

Then Ddraig’s voice returned, deeper… quieter. (That’s why I want you to learn this now. Here, where you have control. Where you decide how far to go. Because one day—one day, partner—you’ll face someone stronger. Someone who doesn’t hesitate. And you’ll realize how small you really are.)

Issei’s chest ached. His heart beat like a drum. He looked around and noticed that no more enemies came near him, so he turned his attention to where he found a group of soldiers looking at him. 

All remaining Yellow Turbans could only look in disbelief and fear as the sight of one brown haired boy stood there on the battlefield and around him stood a thousand bodies of their comrades. Many screamed and ran as they saw the monster stare at them with no emotions.

Aisha saw that the enemy was demoralized and know this was the perfect opportunity to finish this. "One more push and our enemy shall fall!" Aisha's voice rang across the battlefield, strong and resolute, like a bell guiding the lost. "Everyone, muster your strength! We can win this—press forward!"

"Just a little more, hang in there!" Rinrin echoed, her shout filled with fire. “Don’t let up now!”

Their words surged through the villagers like lightning in their veins.

“RAAAAAHHH!!”

With a deafening roar, the makeshift army threw themselves forward. The tide of battle shifted as the Yellow Turbans' will to fight cracked under the pressure.

“Now’s our chance! Everyone, charge!!” Rinrin shouted, her eyes locked on the breach in the enemy's ranks. She spearheaded the assault, her massive spear a blur of movement.

“Atatatatatata!!” Rinrin bellowed as she spun like a whirlwind, knocking away soldiers two, three at a time. Her weapon moved like an extension of her will—huge, clumsy-looking, yet devastating in her hands.

Around her, the villagers fought in organized pairs, just as Aisha had instructed. One would feint and strike shallowly, throwing the enemy off-balance; the other would land the finishing blow. Crude, maybe—even brutal—but undeniably effective.

Some of the Yellow Turbans collapsed in confusion before the blades even reached them.

The battle was turning.

—------------------------------

Aisha appeared at Issei’s side.

She looked at me—at the blood caked to my uniform, the crimson dripping from my fingers, the hollow haze in my eyes.

Soldiers had taken over my position, pushing forward to capitalize on the momentum. I stood still in the center of it all, unmoving.

"My Lord," she said gently. "This battle has already been decided. Please… fall back to the rear lines."

I didn't answer immediately. I couldn’t. My stomach churned as the metallic stench of blood filled my nose. I’d lost track of how many I’d defeated.

"No... I can't," I muttered, my voice hoarse. "I'm responsible… for making all of this happen. I inspired these people to kill each other."

Blood sprayed again, somewhere nearby. Another scream.

(I warned you.) Ddraig’s voice rumbled, not cruel, but quiet. (This is what war is. You don’t rise above it by avoiding it. You rise by facing it—and enduring it.)

Aisha looked at me, her expression softening. "My Lord… were there no battles in Heaven?"

“There were,” I said, staring blankly at the fighting. “But not around me. Not like this.” I blinked—and saw another man fall. Then another. Then a boy—maybe no older than I was. “But I guess… this was bound to happen sooner or later.”

I was becoming numb.

And that terrified me.

—-------------------------------------------

Suddenly, a cheer echoed from the far side of the battlefield.

“They’re retreating! They’ve started to run!!”

The news spread like wildfire.

“We’ve got them!”

“They’re breaking!”

Aisha’s eyes lit up, and she raised her Green Dragon Crescent Blade high into the air. “Now is the time! Begin the pursuit!” she commanded. “I know you’re tired—but this is our chance to end it! Follow me!!”

With a defiant cry, she charged, leading the final push herself.

The soldiers surged behind her, screaming with a strength born of desperation and vindication. They overwhelmed the remaining Yellow Turbans, cutting them down but leaving the ones that surrendered alone.

—--------------------------------------------------

After that...

The villagers who exterminated the Yellow Turbans returned to the town in triumph. The townsfolk who stayed behind all welcome them back with a smile. As Issei looked at the smiles blooming on their faces, Issei finally felt glad that they now can have peace of mind. However, next to those smiles were villagers who shed tears in sorrow. They looked for the face of someone they knew amongst the soldiers, and shed tears when they learned the fate of their loved ones. They were the families of those who died in battle.

"Onii-chan, what's wrong?" Rinrin asks worriedly.

"Huh? Oh...Rinrin..." Issei says disheartened.

"You look pale... Was it scary?"

"Not really. Were you scared?" Issei says, wondering how she felt as she was younger than him.

"Not at all! Rinrin's strong enough not to lose to anyone!" Rinrin says proudly.

"Being strong means you can kill a lot of people, right? That doesn't bother you either?"

"It does, but it doesn't." Rinrin says mature for her age. "The thought of killing innocent people bothers me...but the people I fought today were bad guys. They made weak people suffer. I want to protect everyone from people like that. That's why I decided to fight alongside Aisha. And that's why it doesn't bother me. It does, but it doesn't."

Somehow her words were able to reach the part that Ddraig couldn't. Was it because she was human like him or was it because this girl called him, Big brother. A sigh of relief came out of Issei after listening to Rinrin.

'I'm not killing people because I wanted to... It was because I want to protect what's important to me.' 

(That right partner. Just do what you think is right. I must thank this young girl, one day.)

"Are you okay?" 

"Never better. Thanks Rinrin." Issei says with a satisfied smile

"For what" Rinrin says confused on what she did.

—----------------------------------

"My Lord," Aisha said, stepping forward, interrupting Issei’s thoughts.

“Hm? What is it?” 

She looked unusually hesitant, almost nervous. “Well… you see…”

A group of townsfolk trailed behind her. Their expressions were serious but hopeful.

“Huh? Why is everyone gathered like this?” Issei asked, scanning the crowd warily.

“We’ve made a decision,” One of the older villagers said, stepping ahead.

“What kind of decision, ossan?” Issei asked cautiously.

“We want you to become our chief magistrate.”

“Eh?!” Issei says confused.

Another man stepped forward, more animated. “You’d basically be like the town governor! Usually the Imperial Court assigns someone to collect taxes, keep order, maintain a standing army…”

“But…” Aisha added, her tone tight with quiet anger, “Their magistrate abandoned them during the Yellow Turban raid. He fled like a coward.”

“He what?! That bastard!” Issei said instinctively. “That’s horrible!”

“Exactly!” One man nodded. “That’s why we’ve decided—we won’t rely on the Imperial Court anymore. We’re going to protect this place ourselves!”

“But…” A younger woman added, wringing her hands, “We’re just villagers. We don’t know how to run a city…”

“So that’s why we want you, Red Dragon Emperor,” Another elder said, bowing slightly. “Please govern our village. Protect it as you already have.”

“What? Me?!” issei says incredulously as he could image of to run a town.  

“Yeah!” Said several others at once. “Please! We all want you to accept!”

“I… refuse.” Issei says seriously.

The air went still.

Aisha’s eyes widened. Rinrin froze mid-nod. The villagers murmured in confusion, and several looked down in disappointment.

“…What?” One villager asked quietly. “But why?”

Issei quickly averted his gaze from their crestfallen faces, trying not to let the guilt crush him. ‘Dammit, I can’t just say being their leader will cut into my ecchi lifestyle with the girls! I need a good excuse. Sherri? Ddraig? Help me out here!’

(Wahaha! This is gold, partner. Do it. Tell them why you can’t!)

‘Seriously?’

‘Say you’re an Emperor! That being a magistrate is beneath you. Be dramatic. Sell it.’

(Yes! Show them the pride of a Dragon Emperor!) Ddraig added with theatrical glee.

I took a deep breath.

“Uhhh… well, you see…” I paused, raising my voice with all the regal tone I could fake. “I am the Heavenly Red Dragon Emperor! A title such as chief magistrate, beneath another emperor, is... far too lowly for someone of my standing!”

There was a stunned silence.

And then—

“...Holy crap, he’s right.”

“He is an emperor…”

Even though Issei was slouched, disheveled, and had blood on his shoes, no one questioned it. Because Issei proved just how strong he was and had destroyed an army with his fists.

“We’re so sorry for the disrespect, Your Majesty!” And then—they all got on their knees. Prostrating themselves. Even Aisha and Rinrin.

(BWAHAHAHAHA!!) Ddraig exploded with laughter in my mind. (This is the best day of my eternal life!)

“Wh-what are you doing?! Get up! Please!” Issei stammered, face turning red. “Just call me Issei! None of this ‘your majesty’ stuff!”

After an awkward few seconds, the townsfolk all slowly stood up, flustered and confused—but still reverent.

“Anyway!” Issei blurted, clapping my hands together. “That’s why I can’t be your magistrate! Best of luck! I’ll come visit sometime! I really hope this village prospers!”

Before anyone could object or do something even crazier—like offer me a throne—Issei quickly shook hands with as many villagers as he could, bowed twice, and speed-walked out of the town.

“Wait!”  The call came from the ossan again, his voice more intense than before.

“You’re right,” He said, stepping forward. “You are an Emperor—how could someone like you serve as a mere magistrate?”

Issei opened his mouth to say something—probably another excuse—but the old man wasn’t done.

“Even so... I still want to follow you. Even if it means becoming an enemy of the Imperial Court... I’d rather serve you than kneel to those corrupt cowards.”

“I’m sick of it all!” Another villager shouted. “Those officials did nothing for us—but the Red Dragon Emperor saved our lives!”

“Me too!” 

“I want change!”

 “I don’t care what the Court says—please let us follow you!”

Soon, dozens of voices rose up, echoing through the streets. The crowd grew louder with every passing second.

“We know this is just a small town.” The ossan continued. “We don’t have the power to build a kingdom yet… But we’ll start small. Bit by bit, we’ll gather strength. And one day, we’ll have an Empire—yours, my Lord.” He bowed deeply. “So please… become our magistrate, for now. Let us rise from these chains together.”

The entire crowd lowered their heads. “Please!!”

For Aisha and Rinrin it did not matter. They would follow Issei through Hell and back. Even if it means overthrowing the current Empire.

(Ha ha ha… Well, partner?) Ddraig’s voice was more amused than ever. (They’re serious. Are you going to walk away now? Ignore their hearts?)

Issei didn’t know what to say. So Issei looked to Aisha, hoping she’d pull him out of this mess with logic or a noble speech. But she simply nodded.

‘Why are you nodding?! Aren’t you the one who wanted to end wars?! You do realize this will probably starts one, right?!’

Issei then turned desperately to Rinrin. “You too?!”

Rinrin puffed out her chest. “Yup! Just accept it, Onii-chan!”

“You agree with them?”

“Yeah! This village can’t defend itself. If we leave, the Yellow Turbans—or someone worse—will just come back.”

“It is as Rinrin says,” Aisha added. “And we cannot ignore the will of the people. Their wish… is to follow you.”

“But... I have no management skill or know anything about governing, are you sure you want me too?"

"It must be you! And lady Kan'u and lady Chouhi!"

 “It must be you!”

 “You fought with us!”

 “You bled for us!”

“Please lead us, My Lord!”

(It’s the charisma of a dragon.) Ddraig said matter-of-factly. (People will always follow you—even if you don’t know where you’re going.)

“Haaahhh…” I let out a long, heavy sigh. “Alright. I don’t know how good I’ll be… but I’ll accept the position of chief magistrate.” ‘Goodbye, ecchi life.’

“Ohhh! Thank you, My Lord!!”

 “Yeah! Let’s rebuild together!”

 “Let’s make it the best city in the land!”

 “A grand city worthy of a Dragon Emperor—where everyone can live in peace!”

The people surrounded Issei laughing, crying, cheering.

'Well I guess I'll see what happens. After all, I will only stay for one month.’ Issei told himself as he waved awkwardly, already unsure how this would go.

Done with the second part. Tell me what you think and if I made any mistakes.