"Listen. I said I would give you my answer so here it is. You are a very wonderful woman, Shuri Himejima. I do find you attractive and I do like you. I will not lie and say I love you…"
He twisted his neck to meet her eyes.
"...but I am willing to try with you."
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|DxD|
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2000-05-09- April 10th (Friday), 2003, Gremory Mansion, Underworld
.
Three long years have passed since Igor's departure for Mount Kailasa. True to his words, there was no contact with him since then…and it didn't take long for rumours to be spread. For someone with such a high-profile, all major forces were interested in always knowing his whereabouts.
It was fortunate Aurelia had planned carefully for this moment. With the aid of Shemhazai and Azazel, rumours were slowly leaked detailing Igor's training with the one and only God of Destruction, Lord Shiva of Mount Kailasa.
The knowledge that a monster was being trained by an even bigger monster quelled most, if not all plans fueled by malicious intent. No one could forget the Himejima Massacre. It was the manifestation of consequences brought by touching his people.
It was no secret many interested parties would gain satisfaction at the blonde's demise. His existence…his name alone was like an insurmountable bar halting their plans. Major forces involved in the elimination of Aryans over fifty years ago could not sleep in peace when such a powerful descendant was still alive. No one knew when he would come for revenge.
If Igor was the sword hanging over their necks, then Aurelia von Drachenburg, a direct descendant of Aryan royalty was the executioner gradually easing them into their restraints. In just three years, her influence in the supernatural world had grown to staggering heights.
The Devils were just short of praising her as their lord and savior. Any politician and influential figure worth their salt knew her prestige far surpassed the Satans. Aurelia's efforts to free every Reincarnated Devil from their peerage bindings resulted in her being exalted by the majority of devils, especially those who were reincarnated.
But what could they do? Trying to remove her from her pedestal would result in outrage from the population. Not just outrage, even riots and civil war were a possibility. It truly…truly couldn't be helped. Her influence was too strong.
The nobles from different pillar clans could only grit their teeth over the years and watch as power was whisked from underneath them. There was nothing they could do.
Their hope in the form of Sirzechs's greed quickly became malnourished when it became apparent he was the one who promoted Aurelia's fame. His unselfish and purely altruistic intentions went completely against not just Devil norms, but politics in general.
No leader would willingly relinquish their power and influence, even if it were for the betterment of their people. Humans, Devils, or any other sentient species---one would be hard-pressed to find a leader who'd watch with a smile as his people chanted another person's name.
It was unfortunate not only Sirzechs, but the rest of the Satans were such people. Aurelia's status as a non-devil was almost forgotten or entirely ignored. Privileges only devils could have were granted to her…and no one complained.
A seat in parliament, access to restricted areas, and ownership of land, privileges not even the highest of dignitaries could have were given to her. It infuriated many nobles, but they could not make any overt moves for behind her, was Igor von Dimori, disciple of Lord Shiva, and…the fifth strongest in the world.*
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|DxD|
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The Gremory Estate was as beautiful as always. The glow of the morning Sun illuminated the gardens, shined brightly on the walls, and spread its rays on the visage of the Gremory Clan Princess.
The ninth of April in the year 2003---today was a beautiful day for many…but not for Rias. At thirteen years of age, she's become a beautiful young lady. Her crimson hair flowed down her back like silk and curled around her waist. Her figure showed signs of maturing and a beauty that would draw the gaze of many.
However, those bright blue eyes that would dazzle any would-be suitor…held a melancholy that betrayed the unease in her heart. At thirteen years, she has become a teenager…and ripe for marriage. Just a week ago, her magic power experienced a sudden spike, an indication she could now bear a child…and barely a week later, she was set to marry Riser Phenex.
For the first time in her life, Rias felt trapped. What she assumed would be resolved years later was held far sooner because of some politics her mother tried to explain to her.
'I'm so sorry, honey, but the Phenex truly helped us in the past.'
[Then can't we repay them with something else?]
She held those thoughts in her head all the time, but her appeals were met with harsh reality---being born a noble came with obligations.
Sigh…
She silently stood by the window and gazed at the luscious gardens and vast expanse of fields. She lived a life of luxury, never left wanting for anything. Who knew this would have such a price? Her virginity, something she was taught to prize since birth was now supposed to be given to a man she didn't acknowledge.
[What to do, Rias?]
She walked away from the windowsill and sat on the edge of her bed. Her furrowed brows were burdened by thoughts of her darkening future. She glanced at her wedding dress. Something that was supposed to signify the epitome of happiness in a woman's life was now like iron chains binding her to an unhappy life.
But not all hope was lost.
*Knock* *Knock* *Knock*
"Ria! It's me, Asia!"
"?!"
Rias glanced at the door with a start. She didn't expect visitors so soon.
"C-come in!"
Dakaang~
"Ria-chan!"
"Oof!"
The blonde missile knocked the air out of her lungs and forced Rias to fall on her bed. Still, she wrapped her arms around Asia with a forced smile.
"Asia-chan. What brings you here so early? I thought I'd see you at the wedding."
"Nope!"
Asia sat up and straddled Rias.
"I talked with big sis, who talked with uncle and auntie, who talked with Brother Zechs, who talked with--"
"Asia. There's no need to talk so much, you know?"
Rias's attention was attracted by a melodious voice. She tilted her head to face the third visitor who entered her room.
"Akeno…?"
It's been almost a year since she last saw her two friends. Asia was only eleven. Aside from growing taller, nothing much about her changed. But Akeno…
"Ara ara, Rias? You'll catch a fly if you leave your mouth open like that. Fufufu~."
…she was absolutely stunning. If one didn't know better, they'd think she was three years older. It wasn't just her body, but the calmness in her eyes that would make one mistake her age. There was a certain…maturity in them, and it wasn't undeserved.
Rias may not be that good in aura sensing, but she could tell in the months she hasn't seen her friends, Akeno had grown in strength, officially becoming a powerhouse in the realm…of Ultimate Class.
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|DxD|
.
Three months ago, Lake region, Mount Kailasa, Earth
.
Shiva's abode was a location of unmatched beauty on Earth. Its biodiversity boasted of life from lush plants and shrubbery, to towering animals of different species. The presence of pure and unadultered nature energy made this mystical region a paradise on Earth.
Igor had lived here for the past three years, but rarely had time to appreciate the beauty of this vast mountain. Training was a livelihood for him, an instinct firmly ingrained within him for decades.
Shiva and Nandi did not treat him lightly nor pamper him. Every day involved reinforcing his already-existing techniques or furthering his understanding of the fundamentals. For Igor, this was a boon.
Three years ago, his strength had come to a complete halt. No amount of training could push him past the peak of God Class. He was firmly stuck on that precipice and could not enter the ranks of the Supreme. Nandi had initially hidden the reason why this was the case, but finally explained it during the first week.
Igor had done his best to constantly use the Kaioken for decades. It was the key to breaking God's curse on humans and finally elevating his potential to that of Adam, the first human. A process that would've taken ten millenniums was shortened to just under a century thanks to his Demigod State and more importantly, because he became the host of Trihexa.
It came as a complete surprise to him when Nandi revealed this little tidbit, but when his strength increased twice-over because of his merger with Triny, it affected his Divine Strand. The initial ten-thousand-year time period was effectively cut in half and considering the efforts he'd put in prior, he needed less than five decades.
It was a very convenient matter and served to alleviate most of his apprehension. It was unknown how this evolutionary process would occur. The last one to supposedly evolve was the leader of the Aryans, but no one knows if that was the truth or maliciously spread rumours.
Either way, that wasn't a concern for the blonde since just like any other day, today was a day for training. Igor hovered above the lake waters with his fists melded together in a meditative posture. His eyes were closed in focus, completely uncaring for the light drizzle trickling all the way from the diamond tattoo on his forehead down to his naked torso.
Nandi sported a perpetual smile as always. The pale blue man slowly revolved around his newest student like a moon around a planet. His silver-white hair was arranged in a neat bun and as always, he carried his trusted staff with him.
"This technique is not just about stilling your energy, young Dimori. You have to connect with your body on a deeper level and to do that, you must aim to not just become an observer…"
*Thwack!*
"Ack!"
"...but something more."
"..."
Igor rubbed his gut with an expression of grievance. A singular eye glared at Nandi in displeasure and indignation.
"Well how am I supposed to focus when you keep hitting me?"
"You must be able to maintain this technique during combat, young Dimori."
"Well maybe if you let me learn it FIRST, we could then move on to maintai--"
*Subtle glare*
"..."
*Cough*
"I'll stop talking now."
"Splendid~! As I was saying…"
Meditation---an almost always overlooked technique. Igor would admit he also overlooked meditation and viewed it simply as a method to focus. It was only through Nandi's subtle guidance did he gradually understand how powerful it was.
This technique Nandi wanted to teach him utilised meditation as a foundation. He'd been trying to learn it for the past six months, but because of a certain staff---
*Thwack!*
"Pay attention, young Dimori."
"But I didn't say any…"
*Eyebrow raise*
"Yes, Nandi…"
"Wonderful~. To continue where we left off, your goal is to enter a state of lucidity. You need to not only be able to observe your body, but control it. That is the first prerequisite and one you can already fulfil. The second is to merge with your body whilst still maintaining a semblance of control. You must be asleep, but still able to move your body."
Nandi didn't miss Igor's expression of slight annoyance. It was understandable considering he'd been stuck at the second step for the past few months.
"Your mastery over Spirit Control and the Instant Transmission should make this a breeze for you, no?"
"..."
Nandi was invoking old wounds. He quoted Igor's exact words at the start of this training. It was a small regret he had in his heart. The simpler Nandi mentioned something to be, the more gruesome it was, just like that damned Soul-Tearing Bell.
"Come on, Nandi. I can't help it if you're speaking cryptically, you know?"
"Hmmmm. Then let me simplify it for you since you so nicely asked. When you submerge yourself within your body, think of it as giving yourself a seizure.
"A…seizure?"
A seizure wouldn't just end with him collapsing. It could potentially end with him crippling himself.
"A seizure!? You want me to die--ACK!"
.
|DxD|
.
Present Day, Lake Region, Mount Kailasa
.
Atid never thought he would ever be allowed entry into the mystical mountain of Kailasa. It was an unforeseen opportunity very few were presented with. The mountain looked dull from the outside, but he could feel the subtle vitality stemming from inside.
He was currently standing outside the illusory barrier hiding the true Mount Kailasa from the rest of the world.
It looked like a normal mountain from his perspective, but if his father's words were to be true, then Lord Shiva's abode supposedly surpassed the Gardens of Svargaloka.
There was only one reason he'd be allowed entry into another Supreme God's abode. His purpose today was to have a simple sparring session with Igor, at least that was what Nandi said to him a few days ago.
[It's been three years now…]
He wondered how much Igor had changed since then. He himself had grown much taller. At seventeen years of age, he guessed he finally caught up to Igor's height. His hair was cut shorter and surprisingly, he'd taken to wearing light armour instead of the noble robes he wore previously.
Three years of war and commanding troops to victory had changed Atid and his mentality, and the start to all of this was his humiliating defeat.
[Don't bring up the past unnecessarily. You've improved a lot since then, partner.]
[I know. I'm just curious to see how much he's changed. He hasn't set foot outside this mountain so I can't help it.]
Atid was indeed curious. No one had seen nor heard of Igor in three years. He'd even visited Aurelia a few times and she hadn't heard from him too.
[You don't need to be anxious any longer, partner. Someone is coming.]
True to Ddraig's words, the illusory barrier in front of them shimmered slightly before Nandi appeared. A small smile was plastered on his face and he looked kindly upon the boy.
"Greetings, young Atid. You just so happened to be right on time. I'm sure you're anxious to see your rival so let's not waste any time."
There were no long ceremonies or pleasantries. Nandi offered his hand and Atid grabbed it. They disappeared in no time at all with no gimmicks or special effects.
.
|DxD|
.
[Breath in…breathe out…]
Meditation on its own wasn't anything amazing. Greater cognition and perception wasn't much if combat capability was to be sacrificed. Yet...what if that perception could be maintained? For supernatural entities? It'd be like having a second brain.
In the middle of the lake, Igor calmly hovered above the waters in meditation. His eyes were closed and a gentle red aura surrounded him. He had neither transformed nor pulled in nature energy, but his long blonde hair seemed to glow slightly.
Three months of learning and he'd finally managed to barely learn the technique. In Nandi's words, this was true meditation. If he knew "true" meditation would come with post-effects of a massive headache, maybe he wouldn't have signed up for this.
It was no wonder Triny always disconnected herself from him everytime he practiced. This kind of technique that strains the mind and soul would be uncomfortable for her too.
[Focus…]
The benefits however, could not be denied. Igor already had a great realm of control over his body. It was a requirement for Instant Transmission and Spirit Control. But this level…it was something else and he understood why Nandi wanted to teach him this advanced method of meditation.
The level of ki-control he had was simply godly. This was not a level that could be attained through training, at least not without a disgusting amount of hard work and a miracle. The ability to finely control ki like this opened up new avenues, especially for his Kaioken.
*Krunngg~*
A soft, misty-red aura slowly kindled to life around the blonde. It oozed tranquility and peace, a far-cry from the normal fiery vitality of the Kaioken.
[Amazing…]
It was his first time using this technique and he could easily reach Kaioken x30. It wasn't something impressive since he could easily double that, but Igor understood his body better than anyone.
At thirty times his base strength, demi-ki would be surging across his veins like a wildfire. His body was trained to handle such a massive amount of stress to the point where he could shrug it off, but there would always be that itch.
[To control my ki to such an extent…I still find it hard to believe.]
Ki under the influence of the Kaioken was like water---it would always find a way to get past the hands trying to control it. His sturdy veins could resist being "eroded" and "torn" by the violent torrents, but this meditation technique was like giving him telekinetic powers, completely allowing him to control the ki in his veins.
The result? He could in theory…finally pursue far higher levels of the Kaioken or perhaps control the rampaging energy in his berserk state. The only thing holding back at this point in time was his proficiency in the technique.
[This is good enough. I'll keep practici---?!?!]
"RISE AND SHINE!!!"
"[BOOST!]"
BOOOOM!
.
AN
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[1] It infuriated many nobles, but they could not make any overt moves for behind her, was Igor von Dimori, disciple of Lord Shiva, and…the fifth strongest in the world.*
Explanation: The current list is like this in descending order:
[1] Great Red: The Dragon of Dragons. Ruler of the Dimensional Gap.
[2] Ophis: Infinite Dragon God. Embodiment of Infinity. Rival to Great Red.
[3] Trihexa: Apocalyptic Beast sealed by God of the Bible.
[4] Shiva: Active Supreme God of Hinduism.
[5] Igor von Dimori: Student of the God of Destruction, Destroyer of the Himejima Clan.
[6] Crom Cruach: Strongest Evil Dragon
[7] Apophis: One of the original Evil Dragons
[8] Azi Dahaka: Evil Dragon with three heads.
[9] Ajuka Beelzebub: One of the Four Great Satans. Genius and powerful enough to rival gods. Creator of the Evil Piece System.
[10] Sirzechs Lucifer: Leader of the Four Great Satans. Possesses the vast Power of Destruction.
That's all for today. Tomorrow is Monday and another chapter will be uploaded. Thanks for reading.