Chapter 40: Vali childhood abuse!

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"Tiamat told me that you're strong enough to be a Satan. Considering she's the strongest Dragon King and chooses to follow you, I believe it," Issei remarked. "What I don't understand is how you've become so powerful despite being only a half-devil."

Vali responded with a resolute tone, "Because I have to be powerful to survive. Unlike Rias Gremory and Sona Sitri, my grandfather would kill me if I weren't stronger than all of his subordinates. Purity holds great importance to him and the others in the Old Satan Faction. Being a half-breed means I have to work twice as hard for half the respect. I can't rely on anyone to watch out for me except myself."

"I see," Issei murmured, attempting to comprehend Vali's circumstances.

He admired her strength and purpose. Vali had a genuine reason to be strong and fight. Those were the kind of people he respected the most. Well, except for Great Red, who had transcended the need for a reason altogether due to his immense power.

"So, if purity is so significant to your family, how did you come into existence?" Issei inquired, genuinely curious.

Vali averted her gaze momentarily. "Well...my father is Rizevim's son, and my mother was human. I'll spare you the melodramatic tale of childhood abuse, but essentially, Rizevim disapproved of my father for mating with a human. He also considered him weak and useless. In the end, Rizevim killed my father—a pure-blooded devil and his own son."

"You must despise him then," Issei commented. "Because I sure as hell would."

"I do...but not solely for that reason. My father was a stubborn and obnoxious individual, much like the rest of the devil royalty I've encountered. Ultimately, he brought shame upon the Lucifer name," Vali explained.

Issei shook his head in understanding. "Then why do you still align yourself with that foolish faction if you detest your family?"

"I don't hate my entire family...I only hate Rizevim and my father. They have brought immense disgrace to the Lucifer name. I don't see them as any better than that Gremory usurper. I would have killed Rizevim by now, but Ophis has instructed me not to," Vali declared firmly.

"Well, that's unfortunate," Issei bluntly responded.

Vali nodded, acknowledging the reality. "Indeed...but I can't simply refuse Ophis."

"So, the Khaos Brigade consists of the Old Satan Faction, the Hero Faction, the Magician Faction, and the Qlippoth," Issei clarified, seeking confirmation.

Vali nodded in affirmation. "Yes, those are the main factions within the Khaos Brigade. Tiamat and I are technically freelancers aligned with it, although the others unofficially recognize us as leaders."

Curiosity getting the better of him, Issei probed further. "How did you manage to convince Tiamat to join your side and turn against the ruling devils?"

Vali clarified, "Tiamat didn't really betray them. She has her own goals, one of which is to gain more power and freedom. I convinced her that by following me, she wouldn't have to answer to anyone except Ophis, and that together, we could become even stronger."

'Tiamat's true desire has always been to surpass me and Albion in power and wealth,' Ddraig chuckled in Issei's mind.

'I find it strange that Tiamat wouldn't inform Vali that she was searching for the Red Dragon Emperor,' Issei pondered skeptically.

'She probably did mention it, but considering Vali now believes that you're the Sekiryuutei's apprentice, Tiamat likely doesn't want to alarm you with that information,' Ddraig reasoned.

'Fair point,' Issei acknowledged.

Shifting the focus back to Vali, Issei inquired, "So, what is your ultimate goal? Once you've dealt with your grandfather, what comes next?"

Vali met his gaze and replied, "My goal aligns with Ophis' goal."

"And what is that?" Issei prodded.

Vali's smirk hinted at a hidden agenda. "You're quite curious about us today. Perhaps reconsidering joining?"

Issei burst into laughter. "Not a chance."

"Too bad...I really enjoy having you around," Vali said, her smile genuine.

Raising an eyebrow, Issei responded, "And why is that?"

"Because you're one of the few people I consider a true friend," Vali answered sincerely.

"Ah, so I'm just your 'good friend,' huh? Lucky me," Issei quipped sarcastically.

Vali seemed to misunderstand his remark, looking at him with curiosity. "Don't you want to be friends?"

"I mean, if being friends is what you want, then I'm cool with it," Issei shrugged nonchalantly.

Vali's gaze remained fixed on him, her eyes searching for something deeper. There was an unexplained tension between them as she turned towards him, maintaining their locked gaze.

"Why do you care about what I want?" Issei countered, genuinely perplexed.

Vali's voice remained composed as she responded, "That is indeed the question, isn't it?"

Attempting to diffuse the unusual tension, Issei casually remarked, "We're friends. You're actually pretty cool for a devil."

A wry smile crept across Vali's face as she chuckled, "Just friends, huh?"

Confused by her reaction, Issei asked, "What?"

It suddenly dawned on him, 'Oh no...did she interpret my words as wanting something more than friendship?'

"Not good friends?" Vali continued to tease, her laughter filling the air.

"Just...shut up," Issei muttered, his face flushed with embarrassment as he looked away.

'What was that all about?' Issei wondered, feeling a mix of relief and embarrassment.

Switching gears, Issei steered the conversation towards a different topic. "So, what did you want to talk to me about here anyway? I almost forgot to ask."

Vali's expression turned serious, her lips pressed together. "Well, it was mostly about that Red Dragon Emperor stuff. Call me crazy, but I almost thought you were the Red Dragon Emperor, hahaha!"

"Hahaha, really?" Issei forced a laugh, inwardly feeling a shift in his core upon hearing Vali's words.

"Tiamat was nearly convinced of it when we were sent to find a dragon in this town. But considering you actually have dragon wings and all, there's no way it could have been you. Besides, I've heard that every Sekiryuutei is a power-hungry maniac, and you don't seem like one," Vali laughed.

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