Highschool DxD-Dream of Perfection

Chapter 21

In an abandoned building, sunlight streamed through broken windows, casting golden beams across the dusty floor. A gentle breeze rustled the remnants of old papers and plastic, carrying with it the soft chirping of birds that flitted about outside. In the center of the room, a teenager trained diligently, sweat glistening on his skin, each droplet catching the light as it fell. He held a diamond push-up position, a heavy concrete block balanced precariously on his back. His arms trembled, and his core tightened with each repetition, but his eyes remained calm, focused on a distant point, as if he weren't enduring this grueling, self-imposed regimen.

"7749...7750...7751"

With each count, the strain etched itself into his muscles, but he fought against the fatigue, pushing through the discomfort. The world outside faded away as he immersed himself in the rhythm of his training.

"9999… 10,000."

With a final count, he let the rock fall with a loud thud that echoed through the empty building, the sound reverberating off the walls like a final bell tolling the end of his session. The day's training was complete.

Yuto walked to a window, gazing out at the sky, a wry smile creeping onto his face as he contemplated the warm hues of the sunset. How should I tell her? He stood in contemplation for several minutes, lost in thought over how he would break the news, the weight of it pressing down on him like the block he had just lifted. Finally, he turned to retrieve his clothes, preparing to head home.

Later, he walked through the bustling streets, a large plastic bag brimming with treats hanging from his hand. Inside were an assortment of delights, from cakes to a T-bone steak, each item carefully selected to Yuki's liking. After a short stroll filled with the sights and sounds of the lively market, he reached a familiar door and knocked with a rhythmic pattern that echoed through the stairs. A few thudding footsteps later, Yuki opened the door, and upon seeing him, her face lit up in surprise, her eyes wide with joy.

"You're early! It's not even six yet," she exclaimed, pleasant surprise clear in her voice.

Yuto returned her smile, the warmth of her surprise wrapping around him like a blanket. "I thought we could celebrate your birthday a little early."

Yuki raised an eyebrow, her teasing smile brightening. "Oh, we're celebrating tonight? What if I don't want to celebrate early?"

Yuto shrugged as he raised the bags he was carrying. 'Then I will return these back to the store' Yuki, in turn just stares at his face, to see if he would really do it or not, before replying. 'We will still celebrate my birthday.'

Yuto chuckled, shaking his head as he stepped inside, the familiar scent of home enveloping him. Yuki stepped back to let him in, her eyes drifting to the bag he carried, a mixture of curiosity and hunger playing on her face. "Is that a T-bone steak?" she smirked. "You really went all out."

Shrugging, Yuto set the bag down and began unpacking the food, each item revealing itself as a treasure. "If we're celebrating, we're doing it right." He arranged the food with care, lighting candles on the cake, their flames flickering like tiny stars. Yuki's teasing demeanor softened as she watched him.

"You know, I didn't need all this... but thank you, son." Her sincerity warmed the air between them.

He smiled back, gently pushing the final candle into place, its flame dancing merrily. "Could you grab the kimchi from the kitchen?"

Once the table was set, Yuki sat down, eyeing the spread with a mix of awe and hunger. Reaching for a slice of cake, she laughed as Yuto gently swatted her hand away, their playful banter filling the room.

"Dessert last, birthday girl," he said, his tone playful yet firm, guiding her fork toward the steak first. They shared a warm silence, punctuated by laughter and quiet conversation, the atmosphere thick with camaraderie.

After they finished, Yuki leaned back with a satisfied sigh, patting her stomach as if it were a drum. "I don't think I can move for a week. I hope I didn't gain too much weight!"

Yuto chuckled, his tone affectionate. "Don't worry about it. As long as you keep following the training regimen I gave you, you do not have to worry about weight." But then his expression grew serious, the weight of his news pressing against his chest. "Actually, there's something I need to tell you."

Yuki looked at him, sensing the shift in his mood, the light in her eyes dimming. "What's up?"

He stayed quite for a few seconds, thinking about how to say it to her before replying, "I'll be leaving."

"Leaving?" Yuki echoed, her voice trembling as the reality of his words settled in. "Why?"

"to grow stronger" he admitted, the heaviness of his decision weighing down his voice. "I wanted to celebrate with you before I go."

Yuki's face paled, worry replacing her surprise. "Why?" she whispered, her voice barely audible, as if saying it louder might change the answer.

Before he could explain, Yuki stepped forward and embraced him, clinging to him tightly as if he might vanish if she let go. "Why?"

He sighed, wrapping his arms around her, holding her close as her warmth seeped into him, grounding him amidst the turmoil. They stood there in silence, Yuki's tears slipping down her face, soaking into his shirt. Finally, she asked in a quivering voice, "When?"

Yuto closed his eyes, feeling the knot in his stomach tighten painfully. "Tomorrow night."

Her grip tightened, fingers digging into his shirt as if to anchor him there. "Tomorrow? That's… so soon," she whispered, her voice breaking like fragile glass.

He nodded, his heart aching at the pain in her eyes. "I should have told you sooner."

They remained locked in silence, both knowing there was nothing left to say, the weight of the moment pressing down around them. Yuki's eyes wandered to a photo on the wall—a picture of them from years ago, smiles wide and carefree. She managed a faint smile, the corners of her mouth trembling as she held onto the memory. "Be safe out there."

Yuto's gaze softened as he followed her line of sight, the nostalgia washing over him. "Alright."

She brushed away a stray tear, attempting to muster strength. "Then, let's make tonight count. No regrets, okay?"

With a gentle nod, Yuto led her back to the table. They spent the evening sharing memories, laughing over old jokes, and discussing what lay ahead, the heaviness of their earlier conversation hanging in the air but softened by the warmth of their bond. As the night deepened, they climbed to the rooftop, gazing at the moon together, the stars twinkling like diamonds scattered across black velvet.

When midnight struck, Yuto looked out at the star-filled sky, knowing it was time to rest. Eventually, Yuki drifted off to sleep beside him, a peaceful smile gracing her lips. In her sleep, she moved closer, hugging him, a silent plea for him to stay.

The next morning, they decided to push the inevitable goodbye aside and simply enjoy each other's company. They strolled through the city, the sun shining brightly as they wandered from bustling markets to quiet parks. Yuki haggled a vendor over a trinket, her determination shining through as she scrutinized every flaw while the vendor countered with every feature, a playful spark in their interaction. After a lively ten minutes of back-and-forth, she returned victorious, a grin plastered on her face that could light up the entire market.

Yuto chuckled. "Why did you go through all that trouble? If you wanted, I could have bought the entire stall for you."

She stuck out her tongue playfully. 'You do not understand. This is my war trophy, the trophy that I got through a duel.' Her joy was infectious, and he couldn't help but smile. 

Later, they fed some fish at the park, the sunlight glinting off the water as the little creatures swarmed around, and then found a quiet spot by the river to enjoy a picnic Yuki had prepared, a spread of fresh fruit and snacks laid out on a checkered blanket. Yuto shared stories from his time in the Shadow Veil, carefully omitting the dangerous parts, while Yuki listened intently, hanging on his every word as if memorizing them, her eyes sparkling with curiosity.

As the sun began to set, casting a golden hue over the city, they returned to her apartment, arm in arm, exchanging lighthearted jokes and laughter. Together, they cooked dinner, filling the kitchen with warmth, laughter, and the enticing scent of spices. They danced around, singing to the radio, the playful chaos of their cooking turning into a delightful mess.

When they finally sat down to eat, savoring each bite, they shared a quiet moment, letting it sink in. Standing by the window, they watched as stars began to dot the night sky, the universe unfolding before them.

"It's time," Yuto said softly, his voice filled with warmth and resolve. "Don't worry. As long as you keep the earring on you, it'll hide your mana and protect you from danger."

She nodded, gazing at the sky as she handed him the ring she'd bargained for at the market. "It's not anything special; I know it's not an artifact or anything, but..."

She looked up to continue speaking, only to find the room empty—Yuto was already gone along with the ring that was on her palm, the suddenness of his departure echoing in the silence left behind. She turned back to the sky, a soft smile touching her lips, a bittersweet feeling settling in her chest. "At least say goodbye next time," she murmured, making her way to bed with the faintest glimmer of a tear

()

Beneath the earth's surface lies a cavern with walls that shimmer softly, touched by lingering moisture that casts a cool, calming glow. The air is thick with the scent of damp earth and moss, creating an almost ethereal ambiance. The cave's floor, a thick carpet of velvety moss, cradles a large, intricate magical formation etched at its heart. This formation pulses with an eerie blue light, its glow spilling across the dark stone walls and illuminating clusters of luminescent fungi nestled in crevices, their glow casting playful shadows that dance across the surfaces.

As the formation's light intensifies, a deep, resonant hum fills the air, vibrating through the stone like the heartbeat of the cavern itself. A blue aura spreads from within its center; within seconds, it engulfs the entire formation, bathing the cave in a beautiful, transient glow before it vanishes into the depths of the rock. From within this mystical light, Yuto emerged, clad in form-fitting black leather armor that gleamed faintly in the dim light, symbols etched across the material glowing intermittently, echoing the pulse of the formation.

He took off his face mask, revealing striking features that spoke of both strength and vulnerability, marred only by a frown that tugged at the corners of his lips. I am late, he thought, a bit irritated at the thought of the magic totem, books that could have been his. He turned around, his sharp gaze scanning the cavern as he headed toward the wall with the least moss. As his fingers brushed against the cold stone, strange characters began to glow beneath his touch, illuminating his path in soft, radiant hues. A moment later, another formation appeared, activating his teleportation, the air shimmering around him like heat rising from the ground.

()

In a dimly lit war room, a group of mages and allies from various races huddled around a large table strewn with maps, enchanted relics, and glowing crystals. The air hummed with tension, thick as fog, as strategies were weighed, two plans hanging in the balance: a direct assault or a war of attrition. The flickering candlelight cast long shadows, reflecting the doubts and fears etched on the faces gathered there.

At the table's head stood Yato, a Kitsune male with an aura of quiet intensity. His sharp, fox-like features and flickering golden eyes reflected the keen intelligence for which his race is known, his six tails swaying thoughtfully behind him like living banners. He argued for patience, favoring a strategy to bleed the enemy slowly, his voice low and measured, cutting through the clamor of ideas like a blade. Beside him, an old human mage, her white hair framing a face etched with the wisdom and hardships of countless battles, pressed her staff into the stone floor, urging swift, decisive action before their enemy could regroup. Her eyes, a deep cerulean, sparkled with urgency, emphasizing her words as if they held the power to sway the tide of war.

Across from them sat a tall half-elf man with piercing, eagle-like eyes that missed no detail, his gaze cutting through the tension like a hawk surveying its prey. He remained silent, absorbing every word, his presence both commanding and contemplative. The room buzzed with energy, their voices rising and falling like the tide, each counterpoint sparking new debates and igniting the simmering frustrations that lay beneath the surface.

Around them, murmurs rippled through the smaller groups of humans, elves, and other races, their expressions revealing mixed loyalties and anxieties. The weight of their choices loomed over them, mirrored in the glowing map before them, where shifting magical symbols pulsed with the promise of both victory and ruin, casting an otherworldly glow on their faces.

After hours of intense debate, with neither side yielding, Yato finally spoke, his voice calm yet heavy with the weight of their discussions. "Let's take a few hours of rest. Think over what we've discussed, and we can continue after that." His gaze swept over the gathered faces, assessing their exhaustion and the need for clarity.

The others nodded in agreement, acknowledging their mental fatigue despite their physical vitality. Among them, the old human mage appeared the least weary, her presence radiating wisdom and resilience, while the half-elf seemed the most exhausted, the shadows under his piercing eyes betraying his inner turmoil. They dispersed, each heading to their respective tents to rest and reflect, the tension of the room lingering in the air like smoke from a dying fire.

Yato, however, chose not to return to his tent. Instead, he set off east toward the distant, treeless mountain, its silhouette stark against the starry sky, the path illuminated by the soft glow of the moon. The night air was cool and crisp, invigorating his weary spirit. Though his legs moved slowly, a sense of urgency propelled him forward, and he soon reached the summit, breathing deeply as he took in the vastness of the landscape below.

Once there, he conjured a magic circle reminiscent of the one Ikumi had given to Yuto. The intricate designs shimmered in hues of blue and white, flickering momentarily like a dial on a phone before settling into a steady green. A moment later, Yuto's voice resonated from within, echoing across the quiet night. "Who are you? You're not Ikumi; your mana signature is similar yet different."

Yato sat on the rocky ground, allowing himself a brief moment of rest before replying, "Yes, I am not her; I am her father." His voice was calm yet heavy carrying the weight of a leader.

Yuto's tone shifted from calm curiosity to light amusement. "Father? That explains why your mana signature resembles hers. I wasn't sure what to expect." A small smile played on his lips, momentarily easing the tension between them.

Yato remained seated, his gaze drawn toward the moon, its pale light casting a silver sheen on the landscape below. "Yes, she mentioned that you would help us. Are you going to join us, or will you go alone?" 

Yuto paused for a few seconds, weighing his options before replying. "Unless there is a major battle, I will be going alone," he replied, his voice calm yet filled with immense weight that spoke of his confidence.

Yato nodded, a flicker of understanding passing between them. "Alright, let's exchange our general locations; it will make it easier to help one another." 

Author here :About Chapters 27 or 28, it will start connecting to the plot.