Chapter 25: chapter 25: a battle with a dragon
As I stepped into Azazel's home, a curious scene unfolded before me. Azazel was nowhere to be found, and in his place stood a girl with distinctive silver hair and silver eyes. Dressed in biker-style clothes, she emanated an air of confidence that tugged at the edges of my memory.
Why does she look so familiar?
I wondered, my thoughts interrupted by her rough tone. She was looking down on me, declaring me a weak human. Her introduction only added to the confusion.
"Vali," she said, smirking,
Vali:White Dragon Empiress. Remember that name, weakling.
My mind raced to reconcile the incongruity.
Wait a minute
I thought inwardly,
Vali is supposed to be a boy, not a girl. What's going on? Did I get reincarnated into the wrong DxD universe?
Vali continued to size me up with an air of superiority.
Vali:Pathetic humans. Always needing protection or causing trouble. I expected more from someone Azazel deemed worth his time.
I gathered my composure, trying to make sense of the situation.
Kousei:Vali, you're known as the White Dragon Emperor, right? Why do you look like this, and where's Azazel?
She scoffed,
Vali:Azazel's not here, and I'm not here to answer your questions. I'm here because there's some disturbance in the supernatural balance, and Azazel thought your pathetic human presence might be useful.
As Vali spoke, my mind raced with questions.
Disturbance in the supernatural balance? What could that mean, and how does it involve me?
Vali, seemingly uninterested in my thoughts, continued her disdainful assessment.
Vali:You're probably going to slow me down, but Azazel insists you're worth something. We'll see about that.
The room felt charged with uncertainty as I navigated the enigma before me.
If this is an alternate DxD universe, what changes have occurred, and how does it affect the balance of power?
Vali, impatient with my contemplation, declared
Vali:Enough with your pondering. We have a mission, and you better not get in my way, weak human.
As we awaited Azazel's return, the weight of the unknown pressed upon me. Vali's unexpected presence and the altered dynamics of this universe hinted at challenges beyond the norm. Bracing myself for the journey ahead, I couldn't help but wonder how my role in this peculiar DxD universe would unfold.
My patience waning, I couldn't tolerate Vali's continuous belittling.
Kousei:Who the hell are you calling weak?
I retorted, frustration bubbling within me. It was as if a switch had been flipped, and my avenger's aura, fueled by a sense of being wronged, began to emanate.
Vali's smirk widened, a glint of amusement in her silver eyes.
Vali:Oh, looks like the weakling has a backbone after all. About time.
I took a deep breath, trying to control the surge of emotions.
Kousei:I don't know what game you're playing, Vali, but don't mistake my restraint for weakness. I won't tolerate being looked down upon.
I don't know why I just hate when people look down on me
She chuckled, seemingly unfazed.
Vali:Restraint? Please. Humans like you are all the same. Fragile and emotional.
The avenger's aura intensified, a manifestation of my determination not to be dismissed.
Kousei:You clearly have no idea what I'm capable of. Underestimate me at your own peril.
Vali's expression shifted slightly, acknowledging the shift in the atmosphere.
Vali:Fine, show me what you've got. Maybe there's a speck of potential in that human body.
I squared my shoulders, the avenger's aura pulsating.
Kousei:You asked for it.
A surge of energy enveloped me, a silent proclamation that I wouldn't let her mockery go unanswered.
Vali's smile grew, the challenge accepted.
Vali: let's see if you're worth the trouble, avenger.
As the tension between us heightened, I couldn't help but feel a strange mix of determination and curiosity. What was the true nature of this altered DxD universe, and how did my newfound abilities fit into the unfolding narrative?
The room crackled with an unspoken challenge, and as Azazel's absence continued to linger, it became clear that the dynamics of this encounter were beyond the ordinary. Bracing myself for whatever lay ahead, I steeled my resolve, ready to prove that the avenger within me was not to be underestimated.
The revelation of Vali's secret hybrid heritage had an immediate impact, evident in the flicker of shock that briefly crossed her face. My smirk widened as I held her gaze steadily.
Kousei:I'm not really surprised, Lucifer
I remarked with a calculated casualness, intentionally revealing my awareness of her concealed bloodline.
Vali's silver eyes narrowed, her composure momentarily disrupted.
Vali:How did you...?
she began, but before she could finish, I interrupted.
Kousei:I see more than you think
I responded, my tone carrying a hint of satisfaction.
Kousei:A hybrid, huh? Interesting choice of lineage, Vali.
Her shock turned to a simmering anger.
Vali:You think you can just pry into my secrets?
she hissed, her tone sharpening.
I chuckled, unfazed.
Kousei:Secrets have a way of being uncovered, especially when dealing with someone who sees beyond the surface.
Vali, clearly ticked off, issued a veiled threat.
Vali: you'd do well not to meddle in matters that don't concern you. I won't hesitate to eliminate obstacles.
I leaned in, meeting her threat with defiance.
Kousei:I don't listen to fucked up abominations. You, pathetic, disgusting half-breed, can try all you want go shove yourself back into your mother's womb If you want to cry so much
Her eyes flared with a mixture of anger and frustration.
Vali:Watch your words, human. You don't know what you're dealing with.
I shrugged, my avenger's aura pulsating.
Kousei:And you don't know who you're messing with. I suggest you remember that
The room crackled with tension as our verbal sparring continued. The revelation of Vali's hybrid heritage seemed to be a sore spot, and my intentional jab had pierced through her stoic demeanor.
As Azazel's absence persisted, the encounter took on a surreal quality, blending the supernatural dynamics of the DxD universe with the personal confrontations between Vali and me. Bracing for whatever twists awaited us, I stood my ground, ready to navigate the complexities of this altered reality.
Vali's anger erupted into action as she lunged at me, fury etched across her face. Reacting swiftly, I dodged her initial onslaught, the air crackling with the intensity of our impending clash. Her punches were fast, but I saw through the predictable rhythm of her brawler-style attacks.
Kousei:You're just a brawler, throwing punches and kicks. Pathetic I bet ya mom really taught you well
I taunted, maintaining a defensive stance as she continued her assault.
Her silver eyes blazed with a mix of anger and determination.
Vali:You'll regret underestimating me, human
she growled, launching a series of kicks aimed at my midsection. I effortlessly sidestepped each one, my movements fluid and calculated.
As the battle unfolded, I decided to showcase my own martial arts prowess. With a precise spin, I countered Vali's attacks, redirecting her force while conserving my energy. The room became a whirlwind of motion, our silhouettes a dance of combat and strategy.
Vali, despite her hybrid heritage, seemed fixated on physical strength alone.
Kousei:These hands are unisexual
I declared, emphasizing the versatility of my skills. A well-executed roundhouse kick sent her staggering backward, momentarily stunned.
She recovered quickly, charging back with renewed determination. The fight continued, each exchange a symphony of calculated strikes and evasive maneuvers. Vali's frustration grew apparent as her attacks failed to land effectively.
Kousei:you're not as impressive as Azazel thinks you are
I commented, seizing an opportunity to strike. A quick jab to her side followed by a sweeping leg kick sent her sprawling to the ground.
Vali gritted her teeth, wiping blood from her lip.
Vali:You won't win, human,
she snarled, pushing herself back up.
Our battle reached a crescendo, the room echoing with the clash of our conflicting strengths. Vali, relentless in her determination, continued to throw herself into the fight. Yet, with each passing moment, it became evident that her reliance on brute force couldn't match the finesse and adaptability of my martial arts.
The air crackled with the potent fusion of Qi Control, Martial Arts, and Elemental Manipulation as I faced Vali, determined to showcase the extent of my cultivated skills. The battlefield shimmered with the energy of Meditation Mastery, enhancing my focus for the impending clash.
Summoning the avenger's edge sword, a celestial weapon forged in the crucible of my cultivation journey, I stepped into the dance of battle, ready to unleash the arsenal of techniques at my disposal.
Vali, undeterred, summoned her Dividing Wings, the supernatural aura of our confrontation intensifying. The stage was set for a battle that would resonate with the echoes of my cultivated abilities.
With a swift burst of Wind Steps, I closed the distance between us, unleashing the Gale Palm to create a whirlwind of force. Vali, caught off guard, struggled against the gusts that sought to control the battlefield. The harmony of breath guided my movements, each step calculated to harmonize with the flow of energy.
As the dance of combat unfolded, I initiated the Meridian Cleansing Techniques to purify and enhance my internal energy channels. The elemental manipulation came to life as I channeled the forces of frost and gale into a devastating Frostbite Gale Slash. The icy winds cut through the air, leaving a frozen trail in their wake.
She groaned in pain as she felt the icy slash pierce through her body
Vali, momentarily slowed by the elemental onslaught, retaliated with her Dividing Wings, attempting to counteract the overwhelming energy at my command. In response, I engaged the Sword Mastery Techniques, executing the Whirlwind Waltz to create a tempest of slashes that tested Vali's defenses.
Using her wings she folded them to act as a makeshift shield
The Avenger's Edge Sword glowed with an ethereal light as I unleashed the Tempest Slicer, a technique honed through countless hours of mastery. Each strike resonated with the power of cultivation, the blade leaving afterimages in its wake.
A cosmic energy enveloped me as I initiated the Cosmic Veil, weaving a defensive barrier that deflected Vali's counterattacks. The inferno lotus fist erupted with fiery intensity, further amplifying the celestial chaos on the battlefield.
The clash of our powers sent shockwaves through the surroundings, the very fabric of reality seeming to warp and twist under the influence of our cultivated might. The special effects of our battle painted the scene with flashes of frost, gusts of wind, arcs of celestial energy, and fiery bursts, creating a visual spectacle that mirrored the intensity of our confrontation.
The battle raged on, each technique a testament to the intricate web of cultivation skills at my command. Vali, despite her resilience, found herself pressed against the backdrop of my cultivated prowess.
In a final, decisive moment, I channeled the culmination of my skills into a masterful strike, the Avenger's Edge Sword glowing with celestial radiance. The blade cut through the chaos, delivering a blow that left Vali momentarily stunned she was sent flying with blood spraying everywhere
Issei might be able to hold his own in a fight with her even possibly beat her when it comes to martial arts because his skills are not too far apart from mine as of lately but I'll still kick his ass
As the echoes of our battle reverberated through the air, I stood, breathing heavily, the celestial aftermath of our clash lingering. The special effects of our abilities had painted a vivid tapestry of power and mastery, leaving the battlefield forever marked by the intensity of our encounter.
As the dust settled, Vali, battered and bruised, admitted defeat. I threw a healing pill which she took
Vali:ou're... not just a weak human
she grumbled, begrudging respect underlying her words.
I extended a hand, offering assistance.
Kousei:Lesson learned. Strength comes in many forms.
Azazel entered the scene, his eyes widening in disbelief as he took in the aftermath of our intense battle. The room, once a place of order, now bore the scars of celestial clashes and the remnants of our cultivated powers.
Azazel:What in the world happened here?
Azazel exclaimed, his gaze shifting from the damaged surroundings to Vali, who stood battered and wounded.
I nonchalantly shrugged, sheathing the Avenger's Edge Sword.
Kousei:Just a little sparring match. Your home took a hit, but I'm sure you can get a new one.
Azazel sighed, a mixture of frustration and understanding crossing his features.
Azazel:You could have warned me before turning my place into a battleground.
Vali, though weakened, managed a smirk.
Vali:Your little friend here didn't need a warning. He just jumped into the chaos without a second thought.
I shot Vali a pointed look.
Kousei:You provoked me with that Dividing Wings stunt. What did you expect?
Azazel rubbed his temples, attempting to diffuse the tension.
Azazel:alright, let's calm down. We're on the same side here. Kousei, Vali, we've got more important matters at hand.
I crossed my arms, still brimming with the residual energy of our battle.
Kousei:Fine, but next time, warn me if someone's going to pull out the big guns.
Vali chuckled weakly, acknowledging the role she played in escalating the situation.
Valiesson learned, I guess."
As the room fell into a strained silence, Azazel redirected the conversation.
Azazel:Now that we've wrecked my place, let's focus on the reason we're here. There's a disturbance in the supernatural balance, and we need to address it.
I nodded, the gravity of the situation pulling me back from the aftermath of our clash.
Kousei:Disturbance? Any idea what's causing it?
Azazel sighed once more, the weariness evident in his expression.
Azazel:Not yet. I've received reports of unusual activities, people going missing, sightings of different humanoid creatures and the likes
Vali, despite her injuries, straightened up, her determination undeterred.
Vali: i'm in. I've had my fill of sparring for today.
Azazel nodded, appreciating the shift in focus.
Azazel:Good. We'll gather more information and form a plan of action. But first, Kousei, can you promise not to turn the next location into a battlefield?
I grinned, a hint of mischief in my eyes.
Kousei:No promises, Azazel. But I'll do my best.
As we prepared to embark on the next phase of our journey, the banter and tension of our earlier clash lingered in the air. The dynamics of our makeshift team were tested, and the unpredictable nature of the DxD universe continued to shape our path into the unknown.
Vali: so what should I call you I'm the white dragon empiress then what name do you go by
She said with her voice laced with curiousity
Kousei: horizon avenger
I said with a confident grin I don't give a fuck of how cringey it sounds like yeah I'm talking to the readers
Vali, still sulking a bit from our earlier battle, glanced at me with a raised eyebrow.
Vali:Horizon Avenger? That's an unusual name. Why that?
I chuckled, appreciating her curiosity.
Kousei:Well, it's not just for show. I've got some abilities and skills that make the whole avenger thing quite fitting. Let me break it down for you.
I gestured towards the surroundings, still bearing the scars of our clash.
Kousei:You saw the Avenger's Edge Sword in action, right? That's just the tip of the iceberg. I've cultivated a set of skills that revolve around seeking justice, balancing the scales, and, well, avenging.
Vali leaned against a slightly scorched wall, her silver eyes fixated on me.
Vali:So, you're like a supernatural vigilante or something?
"Exactly," I affirmed.
Kousei:Qi Control, Martial Arts, Elemental Manipulation, you name it. All honed with the purpose of being a force for justice. The avenger theme just seemed fitting, and the horizon part... well, that adds a touch of mystery, don't you think?
She nodded, a hint of understanding in her expression.
Vali:Fair enough. I guess everyone needs a cool title these days.
I smirked.
Kousei:It's not just about being cool. It's about embodying a purpose, a mission. The horizon represents endless possibilities, and avenger signifies the pursuit of justice. Put them together, and you've got a name that carries weight like the white dragon empiress or red dragon emperor and the likes
Vali crossed her arms, considering my explanation.
Vali:you're quite the character, Horizon Avenger. Does everyone know you by that name?
I shrugged.
Kousei:Not everyone, but those who've crossed paths with me never lived to actually tell others about me
I said scratching the back of my head as I spoke sheepishly
She smirked, a flicker of amusement in her eyes.
Vali:Well, Horizon Avenger, you certainly live up to the dramatic flair. Just don't wreck every place we visit with your avenging, alright?
I grinned.
Kousei:No promises, Vali. But I'll try to keep the collateral damage to a minimum.
As we bantered about the quirks of my chosen moniker, the conversation transitioned from the battlefield to the more lighthearted aspects of our dynamic. The DxD universe, with its blend of supernatural challenges and personal interactions, continued to unfold before us, and the name "Horizon Avenger" became not just a title but a thread connecting me to the enigmatic tapestry of our journey.
Vali art design