Bound by Infinity

Chapter 11:

"So, we're training Issei?" I asked Rias, who was sitting across from me as Ophis snuggled into my lap, happily munching on a stick of Pocky.

"No, I'm training Issei right now. Your level of training is beyond him at the moment," Rias replied, giving me a knowing smile.

"Oh, I see. What exactly are you having him do?" I asked, gently patting Ophis on the head as she focused on her snack.

"Physical exercises mostly—push-ups, running, pull-ups, the usual. Anything to get his body ready to handle his Sacred Gear effectively," Rias explained.

"And what exactly is his Sacred Gear again? You never really told me," I said, raising an eyebrow.

"It's called the Boosted Gear, a powerful Sacred Gear that holds the Red Dragon Emperor, Ddraig. It has the ability to double the user's power every ten seconds," she explained, her tone tinged with respect for the Gear's potential.

"Oh, so he holds the Red Dragon," Ophis said, pausing mid-bite. "Guess he's not as useless as I thought."

"Ophis, be nice. He is my cousin," I said, though I couldn't help but smile a little at her blunt honesty.

Ophis shrugged and continued eating, her focus entirely back on her Pocky. Rias and I shared a light laugh.

"Anyway, it really is a powerful Sacred Gear," Rias continued, glancing at me thoughtfully. "It has the potential to match gods."

"I see. That's quite an impressive power indeed," I replied, nodding in understanding. "Well, if you're working with him, I think I'll take Asia, Mittelt, and Ophis with me for a bit of training today."

"Go right ahead," Rias said, getting up. "And good luck."

"Oh yeah—how's the progress with your Shikai coming along?" I asked, genuinely curious.

Rias's expression fell, and she sighed. "Ryujin Jakka is… being stubborn."

"Well, of course it is—it's the strongest flame-based Zanpakuto. You'll get it eventually, Rias," I encouraged her with a grin.

She gave a determined nod, then teleported away, leaving me with the three of them.

I looked at Ophis. "Alright, up you go."

Ophis slipped off my lap as I stood up. "Mittelt, Asia! Come downstairs—we're going to train!" I called out.

Within seconds, I heard their footsteps hurrying down the stairs. They stopped in front of Ophis and me, their expressions a mix of eagerness and uncertainty.

"You called, Kouki-sama?" Mittelt asked, tilting her head slightly.

"Yes, Kouki-san?" Asia asked as well, her eyes wide and attentive.

"Come on outside, everyone," I said, gesturing towards the backyard.

I picked up Ophis, gently resting her on my shoulder as we made our way outside. Once we reached the backyard, I set Ophis back down, and she immediately resumed nibbling on her Pocky, watching us with calm interest.

"Alright, today, it's training time for you two," I announced.

Asia looked up at me, curiosity flickering in her eyes. "What exactly are we training for, Kouki-san?"

"Good question, Asia," I said with a nod. "Mittelt, you're too weak to be a protector for the house. If there ever comes a time when Rias, Ophis, or I aren't around, you need to be able to hold your own. As for you, Asia, you're now part of Rias's peerage, which means you need to strengthen your healing abilities and learn how to protect yourself."

Mittelt pouted. "I'm not that weak," she muttered under her breath.

I gave her a deadpan look before turning back to Asia. "Any questions?"

"Um… what are we going to start with?" Asia asked, sounding a bit nervous but determined.

"First things first, come here, Asia," I instructed, holding out a hand.

She nodded and walked over, her trust in me evident in her steady gaze. I placed a hand on her head, reaching into my abilities and transferring new powers to her. Her body glowed faintly, then faded, leaving her blinking as she held her head.

"You okay?" I asked, concerned.

"My head hurts a bit," she admitted, wincing slightly.

"Yeah, that's a side effect. It'll stop soon," I assured her.

"Alright…"

Mittelt frowned, watching us closely. "What exactly did you just do?" she asked, suspicious.

"I just gave her some new abilities that's all," I replied casually.

"That's all?" Mittelt looked at me incredulously. "You know how ridiculous that sounds, right?"

"Yep," I replied with a grin.

Mittelt sighed, muttering under her breath, "Why do I even bother?"

"You shouldn't," Ophis added, entirely unbothered, still focused on her Pocky.

"Thank you, Kouki-san," Asia said, looking at me gratefully.

"No problem, Asia. Now, let's get started."

"Wait, wait!" Mittelt protested, looking a bit put out. "When am *I* going to get a power?"

"When I trust you enough with one," I answered simply.

She gestured at Asia. "But you barely know her, and you already gave her one!"

"Asia is a sweetheart who wouldn't hurt anyone," I said with a smile. "Plus, she's part of Rias's peerage. Do I need to say more?"

Mittelt crossed her arms, grumbling, "No…"

"Exactly. Now, Asia?" I said, gesturing for her to come closer.

"Yes, Kouki-san?" she replied.

"I'm going to need you to black out for a moment, alright?"

Her eyes widened in confusion. "Why?"

"Just need to test one of the powers I gave you," I explained, giving her a reassuring smile.

"Oh… alright," she said hesitantly.

"Ophis," I said, giving the Dragon God a nod.

Without a word, Ophis waved her hand, and Asia instantly lost consciousness. I quickly stepped forward and caught her before she could fall.

"Is the power you gave her working?" Mittelt asked, watching closely.

"Quiet for now," I told her, focused on sensing Asia's energy.

A surge of magic radiated from her, stronger than I'd anticipated. "Mittelt, step back," I warned, moving away from Asia as her body began to float off the ground. Her hair shifted to a silver sheen, and a glowing magic circle appeared behind her head. Her eyes opened, glowing scarlet with a complex design within them.

"Is… is this supposed to happen?" Mittelt asked, sounding more than a little nervous.

I smirked. "Yep." I raised my voice to address the presence now inhabiting Asia. "Index, is that you?"

Asia—or rather, Index—focused those scarlet eyes on me and gave a small nod. "Yes, Creator, it's me."

"Good. Now, please return control to Asia and speak with her while she's unconscious, okay?" I requested.

"As you wish, Creator," Index replied, closing her eyes as Asia's form floated back down, her hair and eyes returning to normal.

I teleported to her side, catching her as she fainted, and gently held her.

"What the hell was that?" Mittelt whispered, looking thoroughly shaken.

"None of your concern," I replied, my tone firm. "Now, Mittelt, here's what you're going to do: run ten laps around the backyard, do thirty push-ups, then create as many light spears as you can. Dispel them, then start again."

With that, I turned to Ophis. "Watch her," I said.

I was about to head inside when I felt a gentle tug on my shirt. I looked down to see Ophis holding up her empty box of Pocky, a slight pout on her usually stoic face. Chuckling, I pulled out a fresh box from my pocket and handed it to her, earning a satisfied nod. She sat down and opened the box, ready to supervise Mittelt's training.

I teleported inside, carrying Asia to her room and gently laying her down on her bed. Once she was settled, I teleported back to the backyard, reappearing next to Ophis, who was watching Mittelt run laps.

"Are you enjoying yourself so far, Ophis?" I asked, smiling down at her.

"Yes," she replied simply, her voice calm and serene.

I hummed in satisfaction, reaching down to pat her head. She closed her eyes, humming contentedly in response, and I couldn't help but smile as we watched Mittelt together.

Chapter 11: End