Chapter 3 - Honor

Issei continues to train letting his body memorize his movement and technique from executing martial art exercises considering he might recall them perfectly does not apply to his body who lost its muscle memory. However, he was steadily growing stronger and skilled as he repeated the cycle exercise.

At first it was rigid and stiff that eventually became fluid and relaxed. His mind and body was assimilating as the hour went by until he eventually ended his training where he had already reached his limits and was now drenched in sweat. He panting heavily and flexes his muscle that tightens and grows stronger than before.

'At this rate I'll reach True Dragon level by a month or more depending if I keep training nonstop but that won't do me any good does it?' Issei's continuous train without rest would only do more harm than good even with his potential and talent.

[ Indeed, it's best to explore the sacred gear that you have. ] Irene suggested knowing that the training is a way to boost himself that avoids his body from shattering due to the amount of power that continues to go. He needs a perfect foundation that is able to hold the vast amount of power that Issei has gained.

At his prime, Issei reserve was akin to boundless water where it became infinite due to having the power of Ophis while also manifesting his desire with Great Red's dream that can be boosted even more by his sacred gear that multiplied the previous double with the normal limit like before.

It would start at 2x then 4x afterwards 8x, 16x and so on and so forth making Issei power transcend infinity and reach a concept of Transfinite. Even with all that, it meant nothing against the Outer gods that had tank them without a problem.

The reason he was able to wield that kind of power was due to his physiology having True Dragon God having been reborn using the flesh of Great Red and Ophis power.

"Alright, there might be things that could help us." Issei finds a place to lay down and spreads his senses to scan if there would be any life nearby. Once he confirmed there was no one close by sat down and concentrated trying to reach his newly acquired power deep within himself.

He had done this numerous times when trying to visit the mindscape where Irene was and eventually he found himself at fiery land filled with nothing but vast endless sea of fire.

He then felt someone embrace him from his back and tenderly smiled, turning to find a dominating presence that made anyone feel inferior from standing before the person.

To describe such a feeling would be similar to finding yourself face to face with a lion, nah, something even higher that the will to fight would be distinguished.

And Yet, for Issei it was nothing but a feeling of affection looking at the person who was a tall, voluptuous woman with thickly braided, bow-adorned, scarlet hair.

Her two front braids have two golden ornaments near the upper sections; she also wears two U-shaped earrings (one on each ear), and wears red lipstick.

"Irene…" Issei tenderly said while Irene smiled sweetly different from her own aura surrounding her. She placed her arms on his shoulder before pulling him for a passionate kiss where Issei was surprised but took it since this was his first kiss after countless years since he didn't have any time to rest and left himself and Irene vulnerable.

"I've missed this taste of yours, too bad I don't have a body yet." Irene pulled back giving her dissatisfied face while Issei chuckled, pulling her close.

"Me too, but we will have time for that later. We still have things to do." She nodded as Issei let go and her partner looked around rubbing his chin before changing the entire mindscape into a more pristine mansion that was near the shoreland that overlooked the sea.

"Hmm, this place….isn't this Welsh? The place where we had our first time?" Irene's heart skips a beat looking out on the balcony beside her lover recalling the time when they spent the night together. Issei gave stupid grin and nodded.

"Yeah, I know you'll eventually get a new body making this place useless but in case you need to return again then it wouldn't be a dreadful place." The place had been changed before but it was not the location where they had their best moment together. Issei decided it would be nice if the place was this and Irene sweetly smiled.

"Thank you, Ise." He nodded as the two enjoyed the sight of the mindscape before resuming their search for the Sacred Gear System had been placed within Issei's soul. Issei was trying to feel anything that drew him in and he started to feel something close by as he went over the boundaries of the mindscape finding himself in white space.

"This is new, normally it would be blank void." Issei muttered that his mindscape had changed and continued to walk until his eyes caught a glimpse of light and immediately walked up until he found himself face to face with a large eccentric pattern of tree where it was connected to something and words that were in Hebrew text but what it meant was unknown to him.

However it was clear it was no ordinary door as it permeates power that was strange since trying to describe what Issei felt would be difficult. There was a sense that wholeness was the best he could give.

"Is this it? Wish there was a giant flack where it says 'Sacred Gear System' or something." Issei jokingly said since it was obvious this is the thing he was looking for.

"Well, this is your mindscape within your soul and you can do anything you want." Irene added while Issei laughed quietly at her words before glancing at her and receiving a nod as he walked up the golden door where he was able to feel the sensation despite everything was only in his mind.

Without applying any force, the gate opened producing a loud noise where a blinding light forced them to shield their eyes until the light settled and what they saw at the other side was a pathway leading to somewhere.

He gave a glance to Irene who nodded as they went inside and their eyes wandered, finding a large space inside where at the center was a beacon of light containing text that he could read. They got closer at the center and felt something where Issei felt drawn to the light.

"I wonder if this is my own Sacred Gear system or not. What do you think I should do-" Before he could finish his words the beacon of light changed shape turning into a cross of golden light and grew smaller, surprising them.

"Ise!" Irene shouted sensing something but the light was quicker than shot into Issei head where he became frozen for a moment where his eyes shone acquiring cross like patterns as his mind acquired knowledge and understanding of what sacred gear system was.

"Are you alright!?" Issei remained quiet trying to process what he learned about it while Irene was tense after barely able to sense it move. He was caught by surprise from the sudden information from earlier.

"Y-Yeah, I was just caught by surprise." He reassured her trying to collect himself back to normal as he processed everything and Irene was not convinced but didn't pressure him.

"What happened? My senses barely caught it." Issei didn't say anything and produced a book floating close by that made Irene curious. She could sense the book was not normal and could be something more powerful than a Longinus sacred gear.

"This is the Sacred Gear System itself, it is called Akashic Record. Every known sacred gear recorded including yours and the white dragon. I'm able to write a sacred gear that will manifest itself as long as the fundamentals and necessary materials are used. I could also cancel sacred gear but that depends on how strong."

Issei explained taking out the spear of Longinus then sword birth but unable to gain their balance breaker as it is the user wish that manifests them rather than connected to the system itself. Irene was dumbfounded, realizing the versatileness of the artifact within her lover's hand.

"Does that mean you can create any sacred gear then?" She asked but was shut down by Issei who shook his head and said.

"Unfortunately no, I can't make sacred gear to make me a god or always win or something. Perhaps if I improve, create sacred gear." Issei explained making Irene nod and said.

"Is that so? In any case, are there still things we need to do?"

"No, that's all. I think I've found the perfect place to train." Issei smirked then left the place pulling his consciousness back to the real world where he checked the time base from the sun and found the sun was high in the sky since he woke up around 3 Am and it was around 8 am.

"Guess, you still have to wait until I can remove you and reconstruct your body, Irene." He didn't want to trap Irene in the mindscape for too long but he didn't want to miss having breakfast with his parents.

[ Don't worry about it, Partner. You should focus on yourself rather than others. ] Issei, even though he had become distant and serious he still retained his reckless and kind heart. She didn't want him to beat himself and put others before himself.

"You know me, don't you?"

He sarcastically said while Issei began heading back down. Issei looked into the distance where the urban area was and without making any sound vanished from his spot where it appeared like he teleported but in truth was running faster than an eye could see. He merely used a bit of energy on the sole of his speed that made it instantaneous.

Thousands upon thousands of years did give him time to develop his own fighting style and technique. The skills that he calls Shundo or instant movement that doesn't just make him fast but it essential make move without leaving any trace. Another technique was Koku Shundo or Void Instant movement that creates a platform in the air when he leaps allowing to move even in the air.

'I don't seem to get tired unlike earlier. Is it because I'm slowly regaining a small part of my power?'

Issei noticed his pace barely made him feel tired and previously sore muscles had disappeared completely. The stress that he's putting himself through has completely disappeared. The reason was simple and it was due to his own potential and talent that had been suppressed due to his perversion.

For someone who only had one year after becoming a Devil had reached the level of Super Class Devil even if it was possible because of his newly acquired physiology. Without his natural talent and potential then he won't even dream of grasping the immense power that a True Dragon God body can do.

'I wonder if I'm still human or a Devil since Big G gave me all the 72 pillar Bloodline making me an essence derivation of Devil's.' Issei is virtually the source of Demonic Energy that allows him to harness a vast amount.

[ If it's true that you'll regain every power you've acquired in your prime then I believe you'll be "True Diabolos Deus Dragon God King" would be a fitting race title. ] Irene was there through it all when his power became the derivation of his own race making the King of all Dragons. It was that time when all dragons kneel before him and join his war against them.

Though, Issei never had a kingdom nor empire as he had fought against the Outer god hoping to put an end to their reign. Unfortunately, he was too weak against the higher rank such as the Great Old Ones.

They were enemies that were capable of turning the entire world to waste and their presence alone shatters the mind of even the strongest willed individual.

"Seriously, that name is mouthful. But I guess it's not wrong." Issei weakly smiles, finding the names to be childish but can't deny it sounded cool. Better than "Breast Dragon Emperor" that's for sure.

Few minutes later, Issei arrived home where he met up with his parents who were at the dinner table seemingly surprised at his arrival.

"Oh my, I was about to wake you up and didn't think you went out. Are you still having trouble?" His mother asked, looking at her son's strange behavior, noticing that he was drenched in sweat.

"I'm fine, just went for a job to clear my thoughts." Issei headed to take a shower to rinse his body. He could use magic but enjoy the feeling of a cold shower after a burning workout.

"Hahaha have you been using drugs, Son? You look fit unlike the last time I've seen you naked." His father, Jin teases him looking at his son's physique that was noticeably more jacked than before.

"Eew, don't be weird, dad." Issei looked at him with disgust while his dad swallowed his words, unable to refute and his mother couldn't contain her laughter.

"Damn brat! Come back here!" Jin demanded but was ignored by Issei who went to the bathroom to shower where he rinsed the sweat and dirt on his body. The coldness against his warm body felt amazing as his muscle loosen up from the tearing and shredding of the fiber.

He didn't take long since his parents were waiting and drying himself before changing his clothes in plain shirt and shorts. Issei saw his mother placing down some omurice and hot coffee as his dad looked at him as if pouting.

"Jeez, Dad, can't you stop pouting." Issei sat down while Miki giggled as she also sat down with them.

"When did you learn to talk back to your old man!?" Jin said who tried to strike Issei who lazily evaded it not wanting to hurt him since at the current moment his body is durable for humans to strike.

"What the!? Hey, stop dodging!" His father grew frustrated as he kept trying to hit him while Issei smirked until they were smacked by something where he didn't try to dodge and pretended to get hurt.

"You stop fighting, let's just eat." Miki angrily said glaring at the two who gave up as they all finally ate their breakfast. Few minutes of silence, his father decided to start a conversation.

"Tell me, Ise." Issei perks up looking at his father.

"Summer break just started and I wonder what's your plan?" Jin asked

"Right, are you planning on just spending time playing ero games?" His mother asked with a hint of concern wishing that she would mature and find something else to occupy his time.

"....not sure, maybe workout?" Issei felt embarrassed about how his former self only spent his time thinking about erotic and boobs.

"Oh really now? I do know a few people that could help you." Issei shook his head since he doesn't need anyone to train him when he already knows what he needs to do.

"No, it's fine. I can handle it myself."

"You sure? Suit yourself."

After breakfast, his father went to work while his mother went grocery shopping in which he wanted to come with her but his mother refused. He frowned but let it go and went to his room thinking about what he needs to do.

[ I can see you are planning something. ] Irene said while Issei nodded, summoning the [ Akashic Record ] choosing the sacred gear that he intended to use.

'I think this will be the perfect place to train inside.' Issei picked the [ Innovation Clear ], also known as the [ Miniature Garden of the Green Tree of Innovation ] and [ Sacred Gear that lets one impersonate God].

It has the ability to create an ideal world in another dimension, similarly to Dimension Lost, with the additional ability to create nearly-perfect imitations of living beings similarly to Annihilation Maker, because of this, it is known as the Sacred Gear that lets one impersonate God. However, anything made inside of Innovate Clear's world can only exist in that world. Innovate Clear can also be used to take control over other barrier spaces.

[ Indeed, you may not be able to bring anything inside but at least it's a great way to train your body and mind. ] Irene agreed that the sacred gear would help him grow stronger and Issei nodded where he used it causing the [ Akashic Record ] to open up a rift in space where he immediately went inside where It was completely empty space.

'Hmm, space seems endlessly expanding and traps energy inside. How do I go about this….' Issei pondered, rubbing his cheek, finding himself in a blank void.

It was not like he never experienced creating an entire dimension from his power before when he made a surviving settlement when the Outer God invaded their worlds.

Though, those dimensions never last having been destroyed by Outer God and used as a temporary resting place.

"Guess, I'll start with something simple." The [ Akashic Record ] hovered close by like Grimoire as it gave him the insight on how to use the Sacred gear with ease. In an instant, the place became an isolated space where it was enough for him to train.

"Let's test my magical skill…" Issei proceeded to change his clothes since it was not for training. It was a simple workout shirt and pants. He felt the speed in which he created them was rather slow compared to before but his reserve didn't dwindle even a tiny bit.

"It appears I still have Ophis and Great Red's Powers." He felt satisfied that he regained some part of their powers. Issei felt the dream power of Great Red when he created his new clothes while his reserve didn't dwindle which meant he still has Ophis.

Issei used them numerous times and had helped him grow further than the limit of the world he was in. They had a dad against the Outer God and their power kept as a reminder that they live within him even if they are dead.

'I wonder if they'll sense my presence. Knowing, Ophis, she's likely trying to find me now.'

[ Isn't that fine? You'll be able to spend time with her now. ]

'You know how she is in this timeline. But I'm not backing down when she's being used by those dumbasses.' Issei unconsciously releases his bloodlust eager to tear them to shreds for taking advantage of Ophis who had the mindset of a naive little girl.

[ Calm yourself, Ise. Don't let emotion get to you. ]

'I know, and I can't go guns blazing when I'm not confident that I'll be able to keep everyone safe.' He might be able to contend against them does not mean others would be the same. Issei needs to play it smart and act patiently.

[ That aside, she'll eventually come that's why you should prepare yourself. ] Issei nodded thinking about how to let her stay without causing trouble. He then thought of using the dimension to keep her at bay for the time being and hide her from Khaos Brigade.

'Let put that aside and assess what else I've got. Are my weapons still with us? I know ascalon has been destroyed.' He had countless swords from his wives, Xenovia, Durandal and Yuumi's collection of weapons but all had been shattered and destroyed having stored them within his soul as a momento.

[ Unfortunately, the ones that belong to the other seem to have disappeared, most likely because they are alive now. ]

'What a pity, not that I like using weapons.' Issei was fist fighter and brawler rather than sword user but does know how to use them.

"Alright, next let me try doing a balance breaker." Issei said as he took out the [ Boosted Gear ] and immediately transformed into his [ Scale mail ].

[ Welsh Dragon, Balance Breaker! ]

His armor was different from normal, appearing more slim and close to his Diablos Dragon scale Mail armor. He felt the power pouring into him and understood how his basic form had evolved.

'It seems compared to how I was, I'm a lot stronger. I wonder if there will be any drawbacks.' Issei felt everything was too good to be true and should have drawbacks.

[ It appears none, though, if you use too much power then you might accidentally destroy our world. I recommend always putting a powerful barrier. ] Indeed, his power was too much for a world to handle like forcing a large object into a small opening.

'Yeah, but at least I can give hell to our enemies now.' Issei grinned eager to draw hands against his rivals and enemies after countlessly years of fighting for survival instead of enjoyment.

"Actually, let's test how strong I am." He clench his fist summoning an opponent that appeared to be a perfect copy of Apophis including his personality.

"Hmm, to think you'll make a copy of me in this way. I'm quite honored that I'll get another chance to fight you, Hyoudou Issei." Spoke by a handsome young man with brown skinned that had refined and sophisticated demeanor looking at Issei seemingly even a fake felt a desire to kneel down when the entity before him was his king.

"Didn't expect that you'll be able to speak. I only thought of fighting you again since you've told me so." Issei recalled despite being enemies at one point, the two shared a heartfelt battle between warriors.

"I'm honored and you've seemed to have matured into something powerful." Apophis complimented his newfound strength and even though he was aware he was fake, Issei felt this is what the real Apophis would have said if they met again.

"Thank you. It's strange talking to you when I know you're fake."

"Hahaha I feel the same way but I know my true self would say the same thing, Red dragon. Now, I know the reason why you've summoned and won't hold back. It will be an honor as the future King of the Dragon race to fight me."

At that moment he released his massive power that Issei reminded of the time they fought each other all those years ago. He did the same where their energies clash where his endless crimson light mixes with the boundless darkness of Apophis.

"I've missed this. Let's fight till our hearts are filled, Apophis."

The two grinned before turning into a stream of light as they collided with each other where their fist canceled their power. Apophis felt his body ache noticing the power that Issei held had transcend to what he remembers.

"I do not know how long I've been home but I can feel this is not your true strength."

"Indeed, I partially lost my prime power due to circumstances."

"Hmmm, if that is the case I shall bring forth that true strength of yours!" Apophis eyes shone as he bare his fang showing his snake eyes turning more ferocious that Issei blocked a kick sending him several feet and countered with his own making Apophis wince in pain from the impact.

'This kid has changed…he now has the quality of True Dragon and the ambitious gaze of a King.' Apophis thought to himself and continued to fight Issei where they vanished in place producing explosions where Issei gradually grew stronger catching up to the strength of Apophis who stepped back where both were badly injured but this own pumped them.

"I am pleased, oh future King. Your strike has grown sharper and does not contain any doubt when fighting. It is clear as the azure sky, unlike before." Apophis was impressed when he showed control at the level in which Issei knows what power to use and how to use them.

"You do not doubt you'll lose, weak or not. You've lost your lecherous nature and turned it into something stronger."

He said while started to transform into his dragon form. He turned into black Eastern Dragon exceeding one hundred meters in length.

Apophis had gems along his body, all of which released a shimmering, silvery glow. He had three eyes upon his head which released the same silvery glow as his gems.

"Without a doubt my true self would say these words, Young Red Dragon, you've grown something extraordinary but do not lose sight of yourself at the path you roam." Issei nodded knowing fully what he met, especially after years of loss and victory that he experienced from the war against the outer god.

"I will not."

Apophis was please and summon orbs of darkness towards Issei who summoned his Infinity Blaster that countered the attack as the two continued to clash where the entire space was destroyed where dust and debris covered the entire place where few minutes into the fight, Issei stood victorious standing close to the defeated Apophis who was dying yet didn't feel any remorse.

"This is truly a blessing to fight someone like Issei Hyoudou. When you find my true self then I hope you'll give him the honor of dying by your hands." Apophis said who was slowly vanishing where Issei only silently looked at him. Even though this was just a fake world, the experience was real.

"No." Issei said surprising Apophis and continued.

"I won't kill you, the strength of someone of your caliber is needed in that world. You are not heartless nor mindless and know how to have honor. I'll make you into my subordinate instead." Issei disliked killing anyone unless he knew it was the only choice given to him by his enemy. Apophis was surprised and felt honored by his words.

"If that is what you wish then it will be an honor."

Apophis soon disappeared while Issei decided not to summon him any more beside his true enemy. He restored everything and took a moment to respect him.

The scale Mail vanished as Issei took time to have a breather and grew through the experience of the fight. Issei didn't waste anymore time and decided to try something.

"Now I've checked the boosted Gear, let's test if I can use my True Dragonification."

[ Alright, but be careful, your body is yet fully complete and might cause some complications. Though, I can sense your draconic energy is increasing rapidly. ]

Issei nodded as concentrated where his body began to be coated in an incredibly dense Dragon aura that was red in color. He closed his eyes feeling the tingly sensation of his body morphing and changed, having an overbearing demeanor that Irene enjoyed seeing. A dominating True Dragon God king was about to be born once again even at a weakened state his roar shall awaken the potential of all dragons and understand who he was.

Every part was slowly assimilating into his very core where he sprouted dragon wings, a pair of 8 where it shone in red and his arms had acquired scales and scale under his eyes.

*Whoosh!*

He simply flapped his wings and shook the entire fake world that it was on the verge of collapsing if it weren't for the fact it was growing alongside him.

*Boom!*

"Raaaaaah!!"

Issei's eyes flew open showing wine red eyes containing a cross as he began to grow rapidly at an absurd rate that it was from Ultimate class before reaching Satan Class in every category.

However, it is not over as he continues to grow, acquiring a power equal to dragon Gods as he changes his size as the clothes seem to morph instead of being torn.

"I, who shall awaken, Am the True Diabolos Deus Dragon God King who has embodied the Paragon of domination.

With Infinite Hopes and Dreams, I shall be the guardian of the Loved.

I am the light of Crimson Hope in the veil of darkness.

And I promise you all! I shall bring you the future that shines in true crimson light!"

< Dragon Overdrive >

*Rooaaar!!*

The world shattering roaring was heard that transcended even space that made the other faction alarm from the disturbances yet unable to find where it was. The Dragon felt as if their true king was calling them.

Irene, despite being within his soul, felt shaken and somehow knew it was different than before as his potential was higher than ever before.

When the transformation continues as a huge vortex, there's a huge shadow coming out from it and the vortex is blown away when that shadow flaps its majestic looking wings. Every inch of his body radiates dominance and power but also soothing and holy at the same time.

Issei's Dragon form consists of two pairs of crimson gold wings and on top of his head, there are horns that are shaped just like a King's crown. He only has 8 pairs when his human dragon hybrid forms.

His Dragon body looks quite muscular and each piece of his scales are glowing brightly. Some part of his body is also covered in armor that just makes his form even more imposing.

[ Image Here ].