High School DxD: Return of the Crimson Dragon Emperor

[Miu Side]

Ten minutes since big brother and the others entered the barrier.

I'm holding it with the Sitri clan. Saji's struggling beside me, his magic nearly drained. Most of Sona's team is at their limit, except her and Tsubaki.

"My clan's almost done, except Tsubaki and me. You, Miu?" Sona asks.

"I'm fine, but if Kokabiel gets serious, this barrier won't last," I reply.

"Sirzechs won't arrive in time. The school's likely doomed," Sona says, grimacing.

Then, a red pillar of light illuminates the school.

"This power demon king level? Not Sirzechs, too early. What…?" Sona gasps.

Everyone's shocked, but I know this aura. It's like when he fought Dad fierce yet gentle.

"Big brother…"

I feel this battle's outcome is clear.

[Miu Side Out]

Red aura bursts from me.

"Ddraig, this is—"

"Sorry for the delay. Final adjustments done," Ddraig says.

Perfect timing. I'm itching to punch that Fallen Angel.

That move's ready, right?

"Yes, but it's too taxing. Warm up normally first," Ddraig advises.

"Kokabiel's not worth it anyway," he adds.

Kokabiel gapes. "You hid this power, Red Dragon Emperor?"

"Not hidden. My gear was just off," I retort.

My aura surges, cracking the ground, shaking the air.

"Let's show him who he messed with, partner," Ddraig growls.

Right. Let's unleash the Red Dragon Emperor!

"Balance Breaker!" I roar.

"Welsh Dragon Balance Breaker!" Ddraig echoes.

My gauntlet's gem flashes red, aura enveloping me. I don crimson dragon armor.

"Balance Breaker: Boosted Gear Scale Mail! Payback time, Kokabiel!"

I step forward. Kokabiel retreats, stunned.

"Demon king-level power? Impossible!" he stammers.

"Too late for regrets. I'll end you here!"

"BoostBoostBoostBoostBoostBoostBoostBoostBoostBoostBoostBoost!"

The familiar rush of power. Last used against Sirius.

Boosters flare, closing the gap instantly.

"First hit!" My uppercut slams Kokabiel's jaw, echoing.

He staggers, airborne. That hurt, amplified by my martial arts.

Another blow sends him flying. He recovers midair, hurling a massive light spear bigger than the one that destroyed the gym.

Everyone panics. A direct hit would kill.

Normally.

"You think that'll stop me?" I charge, shattering the spear with my fist.

"That's it?" I taunt.

"You thought you could challenge Sirzechs with this? You, who protects nothing, can't win!" I yell.

Enraged, Kokabiel charges with a light sword. I deflect it, landing a body blow.

He crumples but persists. "You won't end me!"

"Oh, I will!" I channel energy, fists blazing. A barrage pummels him, relentless, like a machine gun.

Kokabiel can't counter, his body breaking teeth shattered, wings torn.

"Finish it, partner," Ddraig urges.

"This ends now!" My final blow's shockwave cracks the barrier. Kokabiel collapses, bones crushed, unconscious.

He's done. I turn back to Rias and the others.

[Kiba Side]

I knew Issei was strong stronger than us, defeating Phoenix.

But we only saw a fraction of his power.

His Balance Breaker, a crimson dragon armor, surpasses imagination.

Kokabiel, who overwhelmed us, stood no chance against Issei's full power.

He crushed him.

The magic circle in the courtyard vanished with Kokabiel's defeat, saving our town.

It's over.

"—This is the current Red Dragon Emperor? Intriguing," a voice booms.

The barrier shatters. A figure in white armor hovers above.

[Kiba Side Out]

"—This is the current Red Dragon Emperor? Intriguing."

A young man in white armor appears as the barrier breaks, radiating immense pressure beyond Kokabiel's.

"Who are you?" Rias demands, wary after the battle.

"I am Albion, White Dragon Emperor, one of the Two Heavenly Dragons," he declares.

Everyone freezes

The White Dragon Emperor, Ddraig's rival.

At this moment?

"I'd love to fight you, but I'm busy. Azazel sent me to collect Kokabiel and that stray priest," he says.

"For what?" I ask.

"To be judged by the Fallen Angels," he replies.

"Cleaning up your mess," I say.

"Exactly."

"Take them," I say. "No need for a fight. They're a nuisance."

"You're reasonable," he notes, grabbing Kokabiel and Freed. "This Red Dragon Emperor's interesting."

"Ignore me, white one?" Ddraig speaks.

"You're awake, red one," Albion replies. "Your host is impressive."

"As is yours. But no hostility this time?"

"We have other interests now. Let's enjoy them," Albion says. "Until next time, Ddraig."

"See you, Albion."

"Till we meet again, rival," Albion says to me, flying off.

Rival, huh? Great.

"He's as strong as you," Ddraig warns.

Figures. A tough guy, not a hot girl. My dreams are crushed.

"Let's go back," I say, releasing my armor.

"Thanks, Hyoudou. You saved the school," Sona says.

"Not just me. Everyone did their part," I reply.

Sona smiles, cute despite her stern image. No wonder Saji's smitten.

"We've got repairs to do," Sona sighs.

The courtyard's cratered, the school damaged mostly my fault.

"Sorry!" I blurt.

"It's fine. Sirzechs will handle it," Rias says.

I'll help clean up. I spot Kiba staring at his holy-demonic sword.

"You did it," I say.

"Thanks to you and everyone," Kiba replies, his face clear.

Asia, awake, approaches. "Kiba-san, we'll do club activities together again, right?"

Despite her shock, she's worried for him.

"Yuto," Rias calls.

Kiba turns. "You came back and reached Balance Breaker. I'm proud," she says.

Kiba kneels. "I betrayed you. I have no words…"

"You returned. That's enough. Don't waste their wishes," Rias says, hugging him.

Damn, I'm jealous of that hug!

Miu appears. "Where were you?"

"Fixing the school," she says.

The building's restored already.

"When!?" I gasp.

"When you went Balance Breaker. I set a spell. The field and gym are still damaged, though," she grins.

Too perfect, Miu!

"You were jealous of Kiba's hug, huh?" she teases.

"How'd you know!?"

"Obvious. Look," she points.

Rias is spanking Kiba. "Punishment for worrying us. Ten thousand spanks."

Ten thousand? Ten times ours!

Saji, Koneko, and I clutch our butts trauma.

"Can you count that high?" I ask.

"Akeno's got a counter," Rias says.

Akeno holds one, smirking. "No problem."

Where'd she get that? She's enjoying this!

"It's Rias's love whip," Kiba says, smiling through pain.

Good luck, man.

"Miu, no more spankings…" I mutter.

Kiba limps away, clutching his butt.

Days later, in the clubroom, Xenovia greets me in a school uniform.

"Why?!" I ask.

Black wings sprout. "She's my knight now," Rias says.

A former demon-hater turned demon? Unreal.

"I learned God is gone. I begged Rias," Xenovia explains.

That's… reckless.

"Durandal's a great addition. With Yuto, we have twin swordmasters," Rias says.

She's thrilled. Xenovia's a powerhouse for Rating Games.

"I'm a second-year now. Nice to meet you, Issei-kun♪" Xenovia says, mimicking Irina.

"Don't do that," I say.

"Irina's better at it," she sighs.

"Where's Irina?" I ask.

"Back at headquarters. Her faith's deeper. I didn't tell her about God," Xenovia says.

They're enemies now. Xenovia's resolved.

"I'm a heretic now. Sorry, Asia. If God's gone, there's no salvation," she bows.

Asia smiles. "I'm happy here with everyone."

"Guide me around the school?" Xenovia asks.

"Sure!" Asia beams.

From foes to friends nice.

"I want to spar with you, the holy-demonic sword guy, and the Red Dragon Emperor," Xenovia says.

"Bring it," Kiba replies.

"Anytime," I add.

Rias claps. "With a new member, the Occult Research Club is back!"

"Yes, President!" we cheer.

Laughter returns to the club.