Bonus: Future Chapter ??? A New World

"AAHHHHHHH! Damn it, Sherri!"

Once again, our favorite perverted dragon boy was free-falling to his imminent doom—courtesy of his trusty, occasionally criminal, futuristic wristwatch.

"I'm sorry, Master!" Sherri's voice rang out in his head, her usual robotic voice sounding a bit worried.

This was starting to become a very dangerous habit. Every time Issei Hyoudou was randomly transported to a new world alone, he always appeared at least a thousand feet in the air. Not inside a comfy inn. Not even in a conveniently-placed hotspring (a true tragedy). No. Always airborne, and always screaming.

Luckily he would usually be above some random building or have something conveniently save him from certain death (Uzume).

Below him lay nothing but an endless grassy prairie, framed on both sides by towering, unforgiving mountains. No tall buildings. No people. No giant-breasted onee-sans.

Just death.

"FUCK! FUCK! FUUUUU—!"

(Partner! Summon the Boosted Gear, NOW!) Ddraig’s voice, roaring inside his mind like a literal lifesaver, instantly cut through the panic. 

"Right!" Issei didn’t hesitate. His left arm exploded in crimson light as the Boosted Gear materialized in a flash of power and roaring flames.

(Just keep boosting until I tell you to stop! After that, shoot a Dragon Shot and make sure you're aiming down!)

BOOST!

A Roman numeral I appeared in the green gem on his gauntlet as he continued plummeting.

“900 meters.”

BOOST!

“700 meters”

BOOST!

“500 meters”

BOOST!

“300 meters”

(NOW, PARTNER!)

Issei clenched his fist, teeth gritted, sweat flying off his brow as he poured all the boosted energy into his left arm.

And then—

EXPLOSION!

He let loose.

A beam of raw red power blasted from his gauntlet, rocketing toward the earth like a comet. It struck with thunderous force, sending a shockwave that shattered bedrock and carved a crater wide enough to fit a small village.

The resulting shockwave launched Issei upwards briefly before redirecting him into a controlled descent. He skidded across the prairie floor in a trail of smoking grass and dirt, limbs flailing and the remnants of his momentum turning him into a very confused and very dizzy dirt tornado.

Silence.

(…Partner, I said land, not nuke the countryside. If a group of high tier devils or angels were to be hit by it, they would most likely die.)

Issei is soon laid out on his back with a deadpan expression. “Ddraig, couldn’t I have just used Balance Breaker to fly.”

(Well, I didn’t see you thinking of it!) Ddraig responds angrily.

“…Screw it. Not dead. Victory. Man, I'm tired. Wake me up if something happens."

"Yes master."

Issei quickly goes to sleep too exhausted to think any more of the consequences that could be brought for releasing such an explosion.

—-----------------------

Three brothers, each varying in size, stood atop a rocky outcrop, their eyes fixed on the distant explosion that had just lit up the sky like a crimson sun.

Each dressed as bandits, with torn sleeves and patchy armor.  Despite their intimidating appearances, their conversation painted a different picture.

"Hey Big Bro," The smallest one chirped, eyes wide as he pointed to the pillar of red energy still flickering in the distance. "What was that?"

"How the hell should I know?" Grunted the leader of the trio, arms crossed, a jagged blade strapped to his back. His thick brow furrowed. "But it didn’t look normal. That was no lightning strike. That was... somethin’ else."

"You think it’s an Immortal descending from the heavens?" The fat one asked, voice trembling between fear and awe. He clutched his rusty spear a little tighter.

"Immortal?" Big Bro snorted. "What would an Immortal be doing in the middle of a dirt-poor prairie like this?"

"I dunno, sightseeing?"

"...Idiot."

A silence settled over the three as the red beam’s glow faded into the horizon. Then, Big Bro’s eyes gleamed.

"No. That was no Immortal. I bet that must have been a heavenly treasure. You saw that light? A miracle must have just been born."

"Mira-what now?"

"It means it’s valuable, you rock-for-brains! And if we’re lucky, it hasn’t been claimed yet."

"So… should we…?"

Big Bro was already moving. "Of course we’re going! Move it, before someone else beats us to it!"

"Right behind you, Big Bro!"

The three bandits scrambled down the slope, eager and clumsy, laughter and shouts echoing across the valley. None of them noticed that the very land ahead of them had been scarred—the faint smell of ozone still lingering in the wind, and the air itself thrumming with power.

And somewhere, at the center of a smoking crater, a teenage boy with a dream of being Harem King was still out cold.

—----------------------------

Elsewhere, far across the rolling grasslands and near the edge of a worn cobblestone path, two figures on horseback halted at the top of a hill, their eyes drawn to the now-dissipating red column of light that had streaked into the heavens moments earlier.

The first was a striking woman, poised and elegant, with long dark blue hair tied in a refined side ponytail. She wore a tailored green overcoat over a white top, a sleek black skirt fluttering around her thighs as the wind rushed past. Her calm, calculating gaze fixed on the distant glow.

The second rider was her complete opposite in both temperament and attire, a fiery redhead with short hair that barely reached her jawline, a tiger-faced clip nestled playfully to the side. She wore a red scarf and a yellow coat, left open to reveal a snug black top that clung to her modest curves, and a pair of dark shorts that left little to the imagination. Her expression lit up with excitement and confusion in equal measure.

“Aisha! Look!” the redhead exclaimed, standing slightly in her stirrups as she pointed. “That light—was that... magic?”

“That must be it,” Aisha said, her voice calm but intrigued, her eyes narrowing. “The Prophecy. A sign of change.” She clicked her tongue once, urging her horse forward. “Hurry, Rinrin. We need to see this for ourselves.”

“Wait—Aisha! Slow down!” Rinrin cried, fumbling with her reins as her horse struggled to match pace.

She pouted as she rode after her companion, catching only glimpses of Aisha’s coat whipping in the wind.

“Can’t we wait a bit?!”

“Time waits for no one, Rinrin.”

“But my legs are still sore from yesterday’s training…”

“Then consider this a warm-up.”

“Aisha! Hey, a puppy!!”

Their voices faded into the distance as the one horse galloped across the plain and the other stopped after a few meters. The horse that got further was cutting through the sea of golden grass—racing toward the mysterious phenomenon that had just shaken the skies.

Neither of them knew it yet, but the red light wasn’t just a sign of change.

It was the arrival of chaos, comedy, and a certain perverted dragon host who had just faceplanted into their world.

—------------------

Elsewhere, near the edge of a misty forest trail, two travelers, dressed in simple yet functional robes, paused as the red light vanished from the horizon. A soft rumble still echoed faintly beneath their feet, like thunder long passed.

One was a young cultivator with a calm demeanor, his long sleeves swaying gently with the breeze. His sharp eyes narrowed as he stared at the dissipating light in the sky.

The other was a girl only a few steps behind him, curiosity dancing in her eyes as she glanced back and forth between the heavens and her companion’s unreadable expression.

“Master,” She asked softly, “What was that light?”

The man stroked his chin thoughtfully, squinting at the far-off hills still glowing faintly with residual energy.

“…It must be an expert undergoing a breakthrough.”

Her eyes widened. “A breakthrough?! That looked more like divine judgment!”

He shook his head. “Maybe. But still, definitely someone strong—someone on the verge of reaching a higher realm.”

The girl gulped, suddenly feeling very small. “I-Is that so…?”

The man gave one last glance toward the direction of the explosion, then turned with a flick of his sleeve.

“In any case,” He muttered, “Let’s leave before we accidentally offend said expert. I quite like not being reduced to ash.”

“R-Right behind you, Master!”

The two quickly departed, slipping into the forest shadows, completely unaware that the so-called ‘expert’ was, in fact, a teenage school boy with a bad landing habit, a dragon in his soul, and a perverted dream bigger than his survival instincts.

—-----------------------

A Few Hours Later…

Zzzzzzzzz…

"Master, wake up..." Sherri’s voice echoed softly, barely a whisper in the back of Issei’s mind.

"...Who's this...?"

"...But he's wearing strange clothes, and..."

 "...Looks expensive."

(Partner, I believe you should get up now.)

Zzzzzzzzzzz…

‘Mmm... What is it…? Leave me alone… I was dreaming of—’

"What should we do with him?" A nasally, unpleasant male voice cut through the peaceful air like nails on a chalkboard.

"Strip him. Take off everything he has, then..." came another, lower and meaner-sounding voice.

"...Hey, fatso—"

"...Though, we could just wake him up..."

Tap.

Tap.

"H-Hey! Wake up, you!"

"MASTER, WAKE UP!" Sherri screamed directly into his mind.

"Whuh—GAH!"

Issei jolted upright, startled out of sleep and his reflexes did the rest. His right fist, guided by instinct and muscle memory, rocketed forward.

CRACK!

“GUWAH!”

The roundest of the three strangers flew back, crashing into the grass with a wheeze like a popped balloon.

"Fatso! Are you okay?!"

Issei blinked groggily, finally registering that he was not alone. Surrounding him were three very unfriendly-looking men dressed in low-grade leather armor and armed with iron-forged weapons that had definitely seen better days.

One was short with a hawk-like nose and a permanent scowl. The second, the fat one, was still rolling on the ground, gasping for air. The third stood tall with a chipped sword at his hip and the unmistakable air of someone who thought very highly of himself and very little of anyone else.

Issei rubbed his eyes. “Sorry ‘bout that. Reflex.” Issei says trying to be a peacekeeper but the other two looked angrier because of it.

“Sorry my ass!” The short one spat, drawing a small dagger. "Quit sleeping like a log or I'll kill you?"

Issei’s frown at the threat. ‘The hell are these guys?’

“They just suddenly showed up and started disturbing you.”

‘Their outfits… those weapons… It’s like a fantasy world. Wait. Crap. This isn’t Japan again, is it?’

"This does not appear to be Japan," Sherri confirmed flatly as if it were obvious.

The leader stepped forward, eyeing Issei up and down with greedy eyes. “Hey pal… those are some nice clothes you’ve got on.”

“My school uniform…? Uhh. Thanks, I guess?” Issei responded, confused weren't they here to rob him.

"I see... I don’t know what this ‘school’ of yours is, but pal, you should leave everything you’ve got—right here. Clothes, shoes, even that weird red thing on your arm.”

Issei blinked. “…Am I being mugged?”

(Seems so, partner.)

“Mugged, he says!” The short one screeched. “When Aniki tells you something, you listen, dumbass!”

"Yeah... No. Not gonna do that," Issei said plainly, still half-tired but growing more annoyed.

"What was that!?" The midget howled, stepping forward again, only to be stopped by the leader’s outstretched hand.

“Hey, hey, don’t get too excited,” The so-called ‘Aniki’ said, resting his hand on the hilt of his sword and takes it out. “You don’t wanna die yet, do ya? Shall I stab you in the throat, or maybe slice that arm off of yours?”

He pressed the tip of his blade close to Issei’s throat.

Unfortunately for him, Issei had fought his psycho swordswoman wife, Karasuba before. These guys? They were nothing but a joke.

Instead of fear, Issei’s brows knitted together in mild irritation. He stared at the leader like a guy who was just asked to share his new and secretly hidden porn collection that he painstakenly collected with Erza and Matsu. This offended him and he was ready to throw hands.

"Oh? So you’ve still got the guts to glare at me, huh?" The leader grinned. "Well, resist if you want. Killing an unarmed man will only take a second." The man truly did not know when to stop.

“Master, I advise dodging left in five—.”

But Issei was already moving.

With a sharp breath, he leapt backward several feet, landing in a relaxed stance..

The bandits stared.

“…He’s not running?”

 “…Is he really gonna fight us?”

 “…He must be stupid.”

Steel scraped from sheaths. All three bandits drew their weapons, faces hardening with violent intent.

Issei cracked his knuckles. “Well then.” He muttered, his eyes narrowing. “Guess I’m kicking ass early today.”

(Heh. Let’s show these fools what a real fight looks like.)

“Hold it!”

Just as Issei was about to slam their face to the ground. A voice stopped them from continuing. The cry rang across the plains like a thunderclap, halting the tension-filled stand-off.

A single woman appeared on horseback, her figure framed by the golden light of the setting sun behind her. Long black hair tied into a braid that swayed behind her, dressed in a green coat.

Issei’s gaze locked onto her the moment she leapt from her brown horse and landed gracefully between him and the bandits. Her form was sleek, her movements practiced and her chest was downright divine.

‘Holy—those are some serious oppai!’ Issei’s jaw slackened for a moment, heart skipping a beat. ‘She’s beautiful... confident... and built like a goddess!’

(Partner, I suggest you close your mouth before she sees you drooling.)

Luckily, she didn’t. Her sharp gaze was locked solely on the three bandits, radiating disdain and righteous fury.

“Huh?” the bandits blinked, thrown off by the sudden interruption.

“Who the hell are you?! Don’t get in our way!” Snapped the short one, puffing out his chest.

As if on instinct, all three surrounded the mysterious woman, drawing their weapons again.

“Oh well.” Muttered the leader with a sneer. “Might as well get her too. I don’t know who you are, sweetheart, but we’ll gladly tie you up with this guy, have our fun, and then sell you both as slaves.”

That snapped Issei out of his trance and brought his attention away from the woman's chest. His body tensed, fury bubbling up inside him as his foot shifted to rush forward. “Oh hell no—”

(Wait, partner. Watch first. This woman... does not appear to need help.)

“Stand down, boors!” The woman declared, voice ringing with command. “How dare you ruffians threaten to lay thine filthy hands upon this noble?! Know thine place, foul bandits!”

‘Wait... who’s the noble?’ Issei blinked.

“I believe she means you, Master.”

“EHHH?!” He says, pointing at himself.

The leader gritted his teeth. “Enough of this! I’m gonna—”

“If thou wouldst flee now.” She cut in, unfazed. “I shall grant mercy and allow thy escape. However—should thou choose to fight…”

With a sharp clang, she drew her weapon. A magnificent polearm with a crescent-shaped blade, etched with swirling jade patterns and crowned by the head of a green dragon.

“Then thou shalt face my Green Dragon Crescent Blade!”

Even Ddraig was impressed.

(Hoh... now that is a worthy weapon. If only it were red… I’d steal it and add it to my hoard.)

‘That is the coolest lance ever.’ Issei thought, stars in his eyes.

“Tch! What a brazen woman!” the leader growled. “Hey! Midget!”

“Yes, sir! Hey, Fatso—get in there!”

“I’m going, I’m going!” The big one groaned, trying to rally himself.

“Ho? A fight it is then? Very well!”

With a sharp battle cry the woman surged forward, wind whirling around her as her blade cleaved downward like judgment itself.

CRACK!

The first to fall was the fat one. He went airborne for all of three seconds before cratering into the dirt, twitching.

“F-Fatso…?”

“One down! Who’s next?!” She called, her voice proud. She pointed the gleaming blade toward the others. “Will it be thou?!”

The short one began trembling.

“D-Damn… H-Hey, Midget!”

“Don’t look at me!!” the short one squeaked, backing away. “I can’t win against some brutish woman who—”

“…Brutish woman…?”

The temperature dropped. The air became heavy with something dangerous. Even Issei shivered.

(She’s mad.)

“What didst thou say?” Her tone was sweet—and utterly chilling.

“N-No! I didn’t mean that! I was just kidding!” The midget panicked.

“NO EXCUSES!” she roared.

She vanished from sight—and reappeared a heartbeat later, driving the butt of her lance straight into the midget’s solar plexus.

“Gehk—!” He wheezed, flying through the air like a kicked melon.

And then, only one remained.

She turned, slow and deliberate, blade resting across her shoulders.

“Now then… thou art the last. What’s next? Wilt thou fight… or flee with thine companions? The choice is thine.”

The leader froze. Sweat pooled at his brow.

“…Tch. Fine. You win this time.” He scowled. “I’ll let both of you go. Count yourself lucky, pal.”

With a swift kick, he roused his two fallen companions.

“Hey! Get up, you useless sacks of crap!”

“Ow— Aniki…!”

 “My ribs…!”

“Shut up. We’re leaving!”

Issei no longer paid any attention to the bandit trio limping off in the distance. His entire focus was now locked onto the girl in green before him.

And not for any noble reason.

His gaze drifted—definitely not subtly—to the girl’s rather generous assets, barely contained beneath her neat dress and white top. Her armor, though minimal, only seemed to accentuate the curves it was supposed to guard.

‘She’s beautiful. A real bishoujo, no doubt about it,’ He thought, practically sparkling as he stared.

(Interesting...) Ddraig mused in the background. (She could probably match Yashima in raw skill alone and might even land a win depending on luck. Karasuba, of course, is still leagues ahead. But for a mere human, she’s impressive. Reminds me of those warrior queens of old. If I were still the same dragon as before, she wouldn’t even warrant my attention.)

Meanwhile, the woman, who moments ago had been a fierce, thunderous warrior capable of cleaving bandits in half had completely shifted in demeanor. She smiled sweetly, calmly brushing a loose strand of hair behind her ear.

“Whew. Are you hurt anywhere?”

“Eh? Ah… yeah—no, I’m okay,” Issei stammered, still caught off guard by the sudden change in her tone.

“Good. I’m glad to hear it.” Her smile was like sunlight breaking through the clouds.

Her silky dark blue hair shimmered as the wind brushed through it, and her eyes—deep and kind like Miya’s. And her oppai… were dangerously close to Uzume-tier.

‘This is dangerous. I can feel my willpower dropping just by standing here...’

“…Who are you?”

“Oh, pardon me.” The girl said, placing her hand over her chest and giving a dignified bow. “I have not introduced myself. My family name is Kan, first name U, and my common name is Unchou. I have come from Yuushuu to welcome you.”

“...Huh? Welcome me?”

“Yes,” She said, her smile undeterred. “Is something the matter?”

“Well, uh…” Issei scratched the back of his head, eyes darting. “What do you mean by ‘welcoming’? And where exactly am I?”

She tilted her head slightly, blinking. “We are in the Zhou District of Youzhou, just east of Mount Wutai. A village lies a little further to the west. Surely you saw the ridgelines?”

Issei's brain flatlined.

“I’m… sorry,” He said slowly. “All those names mean absolutely nothing to me. Guess I’m not in Japan again…”

“Do you call the heavens from which you descended ‘Japan’?” Kan’u asked, utterly sincere. But is ignored by the strange brown haired boy as if he was in a world of his own. 'People from the heavens are strange.' 

"I told you it was just a coincidence that the first two worlds we visited were basically the same."

“Excuse me…” Kan’u said shyly, snapping him out of it. She looked a little flustered now, her cheeks faintly pink. “Would you… grace me with your name?”

“Oh! Uh—yeah. Sorry.” He composed himself, standing straighter. “My name’s Hyoudou Issei. Nice to meet you, and uh… thanks for helping me out.”

“There is no need to thank me,” Kan’u said warmly. “It is my duty to protect you, the Messenger from the Heavens.”

“...Messenger from what now?”

She nodded solemnly. "The other day an Oracle known as Kanro foretold that a Messenger from Heaven would descend to put an end to the wars. This is the exact place of which the oracle spoke, and here I have met you... Who else could be the Messenger from Heaven but you?"

Issei could only stare at her in confusion. ‘Guys, any clue what she’s talking about?’

(Seems like some fortuneteller predicted our crash landing.)

'Ddraig-san, don't be ridiculous. Something like that is completely impossible.'

(Or it’s just a dramatic coincidence. Either way, I hate you being called a Heavenly Messenger. Those Angels are all smug bastards with issues.)

"Furthermore, a bright red light came crashing down on the earth. That alone was clearly a sign that you have descended from Heaven. Am I mistaken?"

"Ah, well you see that was a mistake and I did not mean to cause it." Issei says, trying to explain the flash of light, but could not lie to save his life.

“But it was you.” Kan’u said with a nod, clearly pleased she’d guessed right.

“B-But I’m not a Messenger from Heaven!” He protested, flailing slightly. “I don’t even have white wings!”

She looked at him, then at his back. “I do not understand why not having white wings means you're not a messenger of heaven.” Her tone became unsure for the first time. “Do the people of heaven have wings?”

“…You’re not gonna let this go, are you?”

“No.” She beamed. “It is fine. You needn’t confess. I shall protect your secret as one who serves the heavens!”

“Anejaaaaa!”

Issei’s attempt to clarify things was abruptly interrupted by a high-pitched, energetic voice echoing across the plains.

“Oh, Rinrin. You finally caught up,” Kan’u said, turning toward the voice with a smile.

Bounding over the hill like an overexcited puppy came a short, lively girl with short red hair and a bright red scarf flapping behind her. She skidded to a halt in front of them, cheeks puffed up in an exaggerated pout.

“That was mean, Aneja! How dare you leave Rinrin behind!”

“What are you talking about?” Kan’u tilted her head. “Is it not your fault for stopping to play with that puppy?”

“Urrgh, I guess you’re right…” Rinrin mumbled, then perked up instantly. “By the way, who’s this guy?”

“Hey, don’t be rude,” Kan’u said gently. “This man is the Messenger from Heaven, we’ve been seeking.”

“Woooow!” Rinrin’s eyes sparkled. “Onii-chan, you’re a Messenger from Heaven?!”

“W-Well, not really…” Issei tried to explain, hands raised in mild panic.

“Okay then! I better introduce myself!”

‘She’s…not listening to me, is she?’

“Rinrin’s family name is Chou! My first name is Hi! My common name is Yokutoku! And my true name is Rinrin!”

Issei blinked. ‘Guys. A little help?’

(You're on your own for this one, partner.) Ddraig said with a lazy snort.

“I’m sorry, Master… I have no guidance at the moment.” Sherri offered with mild guilt.

“…Fine. I’ll do it myself.” Issei muttered aloud, only for the girls to mishear entirely.

“Oh! So you will accept it!” Kan’u beamed.

“Thanks, Onii-chan!” Rinrin cheered, grabbing both his hands and bouncing slightly.

“Huh…?” Issei blinked, realizing far too late that his vague words had somehow been taken as an oath of leadership.

“You will become our leader and fight to bring order to this war-torn world!”

“To fight…? Wait, what?”

“That’s right, Onii-chan!” Rinrin said, pumping her arm. “You’re going to be our master and help us save the weak!”

“Yes!” Kan’u declared with radiant purpose. “Let us rise against these endless wars and fight for the sake of the people!”

“Okay! I’m getting excited! Why don’t we take down the Yellow Turban Army to begin with?” Rinrin says, pumping her arm in the air.

Issei went pale. “The what army?”

“I have heard they hide in a valley near the border,” Kan’u nodded, already strategizing. “Let us gather volunteers from nearby villages and raise an army.”

“That sounds great! Let’s get going! Hurry, let’s run!” Rinrin shouted, taking off like a rocket.

“Very well. Rinrin, you go ahead and begin gathering volunteers from villages. I will proceed with our master.”

“Got it! I’ll see you later, Onii-chan!”

Before Issei could even begin to respond, Rinrin was already on her horse and a red blur vanishing down the road.

Kan’u turned back to him, her hand extended and her smile radiant. “Now, Master, let us make haste as well.”

“…Wait a minute!” Issei finally snapped, raising both hands to stop her.

Kan’u froze mid-step, confused. “Master…?”

“I still don’t get what’s going on. Just going with the flow is going to cause problems.” He said, backing up slightly. “This is all moving way too fast.”

“…It will… cause you problems?” Kan’u repeated, genuinely unsure why he looked so distressed.

“I just… I don’t even know what’s going on. I don’t know this land, I don’t know its history—and I definitely don’t know why I’m being dragged into wars.”

She stared at him, expression dimming. “…Are you not the Messenger from Heaven?”

“I don’t even know what that means. I wasn’t sent here by any gods. I just crash-landed here randomly.”

"Are you trying to say that you do not yet understand this world because you just descended from Heaven?"

"Not exactly, but something like that. I just don't understand why I have to fight your wars. But I know I'm not a Messenger from heaven and was not sent here to stop any wars."

“I…see…” The light in her eyes dulled. Her shoulders slumped ever so slightly. “Then… you're not him, after all.”

“I’m not,” He said, softer this time, as guilt began to gnaw at him. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to get your hopes up.”

There was silence between them, broken only by the wind brushing through the grass.

Kan’u looked down, the sadness in her eyes unmistakably disappointed, like a child being told her hero wasn’t real. And despite himself, that look hit Issei like a punch to the gut.

"What’s wrong?" Issei asked, noticing the sadness in her eyes.

Kan’u’s expression softened, her golden eyes growing distant. “I left my hometown with Rinrin to save the people suffering from these endless wars… searching for a master I could rely on. Someone strong. Someone who could quell these conflicts.” She paused, voice quiet. “But the flames of war kept spreading. Villages burned. Those too weak to fight were struck down, one after another…”

Her shoulders shook as she lowered her gaze. “I was mortified. Heartbroken. Then I met Kanro. He told me of a prophecy—that a Messenger from Heaven would descend, and with their arrival, hope would return. I thought… finally, I can save people.”

She looked at him now, tears quietly gathering in her eyes. “But if you aren’t that messenger… then what am I supposed to do? What will happen to all those helpless people? When I think about that…”

Her voice broke. She turned away, trying to compose herself. “Forgive me. There is no use telling you such things.”

Issei fell silent. That pain in her eyes should not belong to such a young woman.

“I shall rejoin Rinrin and face the Yellow Turbans hiding in the nearby valley. We’ll probably only gather a few dozen volunteers… maybe a hundred at most.” She tried to smile, but it was full of sorrow. “Still… we must fight. For justice. Surely… surely we shall prevail. You will hear of our victory one day. When you do… Please pray for us.”

She turned, tears slipping down her cheek.

(Haahh… You’re too soft, partner. But remember, this is your choice.) Ddraig’s voice was steady, understanding. (You’re no hero bound to a prophecy but you are still you.)

Issei clenched his fist. Then, before she could walk away—

"Wait!"

Kan’u stopped, glancing over her shoulder. “What is it?”

“I don’t know about this Messenger from Heaven thing…” he said slowly, stepping forward, “…but tell me—would people unite under the name of a Dragon Emperor?”

Her eyes widened slightly. “A… Dragon Emperor?”

“Yeah. Would that inspire people to stand up? Would it give them hope?”

She considered his words carefully. “A dragon emperor? Of course. All the people suffering from these wars are waiting for a hero who will save them. They will surely welcome a hero with the blood and might of a dragon that fights for justice with open arms. They would surely flock to his side. But,” She added softly, “You are not the Dragon Emperor either… are you?”

Issei smiled faintly. “I'm not the Messenger from heaven, but.” A red light erupted from his left arm as the Boosted Gear materialized with a sharp clink and a hum of power. The crimson gauntlet glowed under the sunlight, the emerald gem pulsing like a living heart. “I am the Heavenly Red Dragon Emperor. That should help you gather more volunteers, right?”

Kan’u gasped, eyes wide. To her, the weapon looked like a divine relic—one worthy of a king.

“That would help… but why?” she asked, stunned.

Issei shrugged. “I’m not the kind of guy who can just ignore a beautiful girl when she’s in trouble.”

Her face lit up in red. “W-why… a beautiful girl, you say? I-I am nothing of the sort! Please do not insult me!”

“I’m not.” His grin turned teasing. “To me, you’re definitely a beautiful girl. One who could stand shoulder-to-shoulder with any of the beauties I’ve met.”

“Th-That’s—!” She turned away, face glowing. “Please stop disgracing me by treating me like some common girl!”

“I refuse!” Issei declared, fist clenched with righteous perversion. “If I meet a bishoujo, I’ll compliment her beauty even if she hates it! It’s not wrong to say a pretty girl is pretty!”

Kan’u froze, overwhelmed by the blunt honesty.

“Anyway,” he continued, softer now, “I’m not asking you to believe everything I say. But I will help you. I can’t just watch you and Rinrin run off to your deaths.”

“But… is that truly your wish?” she asked, voice trembling slightly.

“Of course. I won’t let a girl—especially one as strong and kind as you—suffer alone. If I did… I wouldn’t be a man. So, what do you think? Will you accept it?”

She stared at him, speechless. Then, in a whisper. “...Yes. Of course… Yes.”

He held out his hand with a warm smile. “Then we’re a team.”

“Umm… uhh…”

“A handshake. You know, to seal the deal as friends?”

“...No, I cannot do that.” She said suddenly.

Issei flinched. “Oof… harsh.”

But before he could sulk—

“After hearing your words…” She said, bowing low, “…I am convinced. You are the one I have been searching for.”

“Huh?”

“My Lord, Hyoudou Issei, the Heavenly Red Dragon Emperor… please allow me to fight by your side and end this war.”

“L-Lord?!”

“Yes. From this day on, I swear my loyalty to you. Rinrin—no, Chouhi—will surely feel the same. Therefore, I ask that you call us by our true names. And allow us to serve you as your loyal retainers.”

“C-Can’t we just be friends?”

“I refuse. That would be an insult to my lord. My name is Kan’u, my common name Unchou, and my true name—Aisha. From now on, I shall address you as my Lord.”

“…You can just call me Issei…”

“I refuse,” She said again, smiling now. “It would be disrespectful.”

Then, with a sudden leap, she landed back on her horse and offered a hand.

“Now, My Lord—let us make for Chouhi and strike down the Yellow Turbans! Our first battle begins here!”

“W-Wait, hold on—!”

Too late. Her hand pulled him up, and before he could even register it, he was mounted behind her, clinging for dear life as the horse surged forward.

“Come! We ride for justice and the people!”

‘Ddraig, am I making the right call?’ Issei asked, wind tearing at his hair, his legs shaking.

(Who knows?) Ddraig answered calmly. (But brace yourself. War’s no laughing matter. Though personally, I think this will toughen you up. Besides congratulations on getting your first follower. I knew it was coming.)

‘You did?’

(Of course. Dragons attract others whether allies or enemies. Beings of power will always find you whether as an enemy or ally. Beings lesser than you will want to follow you and serve you. This is the charisma of a dragon. An example of this are those Sekirei of yours specifically Karasuba, the boy Natsu or Kuromaru. They were all brought to you by your aura.)

“…Great,” Issei muttered, his stomach flipping with every gallop. “This is definitely going to be a headache.”

Tell me what you think of this new world. Can you guess which franchise this is? What do you think of Issei's new position in life. This is a thank you for all my paid supporters. This chapter is actually quite old as I made it during my 7 year hiatus. Of course I had to edit this because my writing was quite bad back then. Please tell me if I made any mistakes and if you want more future chapters. I made a few more of this world. Honestly you guys were already supposed to be reading them but then I made the poll for you guys to choose the world you wanted. So yeah Fairy Tail is written as I go chapter by chapter.