James Vs. Crom Cruach II

Human World, South China sea, Uninhabited Island.

Dropping down into an iaido stance, James tightened his grip around Sixth Sense's hilt. In the next instant, he disappeared from where he stood and reappeared in front of Crom Cruach. However, unlike his usual sword drawing, this time, he flooded the blade with his dragon aura.

"[Inferno Dragon's Sweeping Claw]." James said quietly as he drew his sword at a speed that even he would struggle to follow with his naked eye.

After James finished his sword swing, an orange line appeared that led from Sixth Sense's blade back to the former position of the sheath. Unfortunately, Crom Cruach was able to tilt his head just far enough that only the first few layers of skin on his throat were cut. This of course still resulted in a trickle of blood dripping from the incision.

"Ahahaha!" Crom Cruach laughed as he rubbed the spot where he was just cut. "You're much faster than I expected, I could barely see that!"

"[If what he said is true, his instincts are on a scary level.]" Ddraig said in an even tone.

'Yeah, but I'm just getting started.' James replied. '[Inferno Dragon's Roar].'

Taking a quick, yet deep breath, James filled his lungs with Ddraig's flames. Then, from point blank, he exhaled all the flames he created. Not having enough time to dodge, Crom Cruach could only raise his arms in a defensive position. Due to the force behind the breath attack, Crom Cruach was sent flying backward. However, when the flames died down, Crom Cruach floated in the sky, unharmed.

"More! show me more, Red Dragon Emperor!" Crom Cruach shouted as he charged forward.

Deciding that responding was unnecessary, James also charged forward. With Ddraig's flames coating his sword, James executed his sword play at a level that he had never reached before. On the other hand, Crom Cruach was able to either dodge or use the backs of his hands to deflect the blade by pushing against the flat of the blade.

Noting that using just one sword was not enough, James drew Carnage in a reverse grip. Although he caught Crom Cruach off guard, he was only able to leave a flesh wound that left a long cut across Crom Cruach's torso.

"[Inferno Dragon's Spiraling Fang.]" James said, coating both swords in Flames.

Then, with Carnage still held in a reverse grip, James spun once at high speed. Due to his high speed, he was able to strike Crom Cruach twice more. With Sixth sense streaking across his abdomen and Carnage cutting across his chest. However, before he could get his footing, James was kicked away.

Human world, Japan, Kuoh.

On the rooftop of the mansion, the residents of the Alaverus estate were watching the battle with rapt attention. After James was kicked away, and there was an apparent lull in the action, they collectively released the breaths they were unknowingly holding in.

"And I said he would be more of a fist fighter after learning [Dragon Slayer Magic]." Irene said with a defeated smile.

"Haha... Don't worry about it." Leona said while patting Irene on the shoulder. "James has been overturning everyone's expectations since he was six."

"What do you mean?" Evangeline asked, her gaze full of curiosity.

Hearing Leona's statement, everyone, except for Rias and Sona, looked over in interest. On the other hand, Rias and Sona were looking at Leona with panic. Then, they turned to each other and huddled together.

"She wouldn't tell them, right?" Rias asked in a whisper.

"I doubt it." Sona replied. Though her expression made her true thoughts on the matter quite clear.

Then, both Rias and Sona turned their attention back to Leona. And to their relief, Leona told everyone the watered-down version of James falling into a coma when he was six. Basically, the same story she told Yasaka when they drank together in Kyoto for the first time. Naturally, no one could believe that James was a quiet and soft-spoken little boy until he lapsed into that coma.

"I think I would have preferred it if Senpai had stayed like that." Issei said while scratching the back of his head. "Then, he probably wouldn't beat me up so much."

"Just a thought." Akeno said in response to Issei's statement. "But maybe if you didn't deserve it, he wouldn't beat you up so much, either."

"But if he had stayed like that, Rias would have walked all over him." Sona pointed out. "And she'd probably be a lot more spoiled and even more lazy if he hadn't changed."

"They're starting to fight again." Flora pointed out before Rias could respond to Sona's jab.

Just like that, everyone turned their attention back to the scrying spell.

Human World, South China Sea, Uninhabited Island.

A few moments ago, While Leona was telling the story of James coma, James and Crom Cruach also engaged in a short conversation.

"Damn, this guy is a beast." James said while floating opposite Crom Cruach.

"[I don't know why you expected you beat him without using the [Tyrant Dragon Domination Drive].]" Ddraig replied.

"Yeah, I know." James replied. "I'm not used to fighting people that can match me, so I'm still working on this arrogance thing."

"I'll admit it, you're better than the White Dragon Emperor." Crom Cruach said, his manic smile fading slightly. "But if this is all you have then I'll be sorely disappointed."

"*Sigh* Yeah, Sorry about that." James replied. "I've gotten used to steam rolling my opponents lately, so I didn't start off taking this seriously. I'll show you what I really can do, now."

Hearing that, Crom Cruach's eyebrows rose. Then, his eyes opened wide when he felt James' aura begin to spike.

"I, who is about to awaken, Am the Red Dragon Emperor who walks the true path of Domination. Subjugating the Infinite and breaking the Dreams of those who would dare to stand on my path. I will embody all that defines a Dragon Emperor. And I will lead you on the path of Conquest, while glowing with the light of victory."

[Tyrant Dragon Domination Drive]

Like the last time he used it, James Shihakusho inverted its color scheme and a sleeveless white haori draped itself over James shoulders. Then, before Crom Cruach could react, James appeared in front of him and slashed Sixth Sense upward, forcing Crom Cruach to block his slash with his left arm. However, unlike every other time that Crom Cruach blocked, a deep gash was left on his left arm. Noticing that, James decided to turn it up another notch.

"[Dragon Slayer Secret Art: Claws and Fangs of the Inferno Dragon]." James said quietly.

A moment later, both of James' swords as well as his arms and legs, up to his elbows and knees, were covered in Ddraig's flames. Then, James unleashed a flurry of slashes, elbow strikes, knee strikes, and kicks at his opponent. And with every attack, James mixed in [Boosts] and [Penetrates]. Then, as James was about to finish his barrage, he spoke once again.

"Scatter, [Senbonzakura]." James said softly as Carnage began to break down after it carved a large wound on Crom Cruach's chest. But James had yet to finish. "[Dragon Slayer Secret Art: The Dragon Slumbers Under the Fallen Cherry Blossom Petals]."

At that moment, the petal-blades produced by [Senbonzakura] were about to make contact with Crom Cruach, who had taken a defensive stance, with his arms shapeshifted into dragon claws, and wrapped his large black wings around himself. However, just before they made contact, they burst into high intensity flames and Ddraig's voice rang out from the [Boosted Gear].

[Boost!] x 15

[Transfer!]

[Penetrate!]

With the petal-blades attacking from all directions, Crom Cruach was unable to evade. And this was a welcome sight for James. Even though James was able to land most of the attacks during his barrage, all of the ones that were modified with the [Penetrate] attribute were somehow dodged by Crom Cruach.

After several more seconds, Crom Cruach fell from the sky as he was constantly being burned by the flames that covered the blades.

*Boom!*

"*Pant* *Pant* Even though I can manage it, I still need to find a way to bring down the consumption in this state." James said as he slowly caught his breath.

"[I agree.]" Ddraig replied. "[I'm not sure how, though.]"

"Neither am I, but I'm sure I'll figure it out eventually." James said with a smile.

As James and Ddraig spoke, James lowered himself to the ground. And just as he landed, Crom Cruach could be seen walking out of the cloud of sand he created when he hit the ground again.

"Hahaha! That's what I was looking for." Crom Cruach said in an elated tone. "A fight that can get my blood boiling. There are even wounds that are not healing."

Huh?" James exclaimed in confusion. "When did I get that ability?"

"[It's probably Sixth sense's ability.]" Ddraig said. "[Did you forget that both Scathach and Cu Chulainn's weapons have the same ability?]"

"Actually, I did." James replied with a wry smile. "[I've never had that issue when we sparred so I forgot about it."

"Come, let's continue." Crom Cruach said as his body began to enlarge.

"[Be careful, he's taking his true form.]" Ddraig said in a solemn tone.

However, before James could reply, a teleportation magic circle appeared next to Crom Cruach. From it, a silver-haired, red-eyed, handsome man who appeared to be in his early twenties with is hair tied in a braid appeared.

"Master Crom Cruach, Lord Rizevim requests that you return." The silver-haired man said in a calm tone.

"You would interrupt my fun?" Crom Cruach asked in an irritated tone. However, he stopped his transformation into his dragon form. "Fine, but if this were to happen again, I would show you why I am known as the strongest of the Evil Dragons."

"Understood." The silver-haired man said with a slight bow.

Deciding that the silver-haired man was no longer worth his time, Crom Cruach turned his attention back to James.

"We will continue this later." Crom Cruach said in a confident tone. "And when we do, we will determine a victor."

"*Sigh* I'm sorry to say that you would have lost even if you had taken your true form." James replied. "On top of that, I need to put you down for interrupting my date. Lucky for you, capturing this guy is more important than killing you, at the moment."

"Know your place, half-breed... Ugh!" The silver-haired man began to shout as he was getting irritated that Rizevim's orders were not being carried out immediately. However, he was interrupted by a back hand from James.

"Shut the fuck up!" James said as his hand made contact with the Silver-haired man's face. "I'm so fucking sick of all you old devils and the half-breed bullshit you like to spew. At least come up with something new... Fuck!"

With James outburst, both Ddraig and Crom Cruach were left speechless. The speed James moved at while angered was staggering. Even Crom Cruach who was only a little more than three feet (approx. 1 m) from the silver-haired man could not react.

"[Umm... Partner, you didn't kill him, did you?]" Ddraig asked in a slightly nervous tone. "[That's Euclid Lucifuge, right? That Grayfia woman's brother, right?]"

Because of Ddraig's reminder, James snapped out of his enraged state. Then, he [Flash Stepped] Next to Euclid, who was sprawled out on the sand and unconscious. On top of that, his neck was bent in a strange way.

"Oh, Shit!" James said in panic. Then, he quickly began to use his [Healing Kido].

Meanwhile, Crom Cruach stood there, completely confused. He could understand why James attacked. On top of Euclid being an enemy, he insulted the young man's heritage. He could even understand that he attacked with the intent to kill. What he could not understand, however, was why he was trying to heal the near dead foe so frantically.

Human World, Japan, Kuoh.

"He's got such a potty mouth." Leona said while shaking her head. "I should clean his mouth out with soap."

When Leona finished speaking, everyone looked at her with an expression that shouted: "Seriously?" But when they considered that it was Leona who said it, they decided that trying to peer into the chaos that is Leona's mind was not worth the mental trauma.

"Why are you all looking at me like I'm crazy?" Leona asked while tilting her head cutely.

"More importantly, Asia, I think you should prepare to heal that man when James arrives with him." Scathach said calmly. "Rias, Sona, I think it would be a good idea for you to contact the higher ups of the Devils and inform them that James has captured Euclid Lucifuge."

"Yes." Rias, Sona, and Asia replied in unison.

Then, Rias and Sona rushed to create communication magic circles so that they could report what they had seen. Meanwhile, Asia simply waited for James to arrive.

Human World, South China Sea, Uninhabited Island.

"Phew." James exhaled a sigh of relief. "Now, at least he won't die."

"[You really need to pay attention to keeping your anger in check.]" Ddraig said as James stood up.

"I know, I don't wanna be known as the Red Dragon Emperor with anger management issues." James replied with a shrug and a smile. Then, he turned his attention to Crom Cruach who watched him in silence the entire time. "Anyway, since your boss, or whatever, is calling for you, you should go. Meanwhile, I'll be taking this jackass with me. Oh, and tell that Rizevim guy that I'll be coming to find him at some point."

Not really caring about Euclid's well-being, Crom Cruach also shrugged his shoulders. Then, with his wings extended, he shot off into the sky and toward the horizon.

"Anyway, let's go back." James said. "I wonder what Grayfia will do when she sees her little brother who was declared dead centuries ago."

And with that, James created a teleportation circle beneath himself and the unconscious Euclid. Then, a moment later, they both vanished.