Arthur's heart beat with a rhythm that didn't just pump blood, but also channels a torrent of pure, raw energy: the Lifestream.
This wasn't the Lifestream of planets, a collective consciousness of life that waxes and wanes with a world's health.
This was a personal, singular phenomenon, a universe of power contained within a dragon's heart.
It was an immense power that was drawn not from a planetary core or a cosmic entity, but from the wellspring of his own existence as a dragon.
It was the very essence of his being, a swirling vortex of draconic magic, accumulated wisdom, and the boundless potential of his lineage.
Within this Lifestream, an energy source that was now his to command, the mighty Great Red finds solace.
To the colossal dragon of apocalypse, it was more than just a pool of power.
It was a warm, inviting sea of familiar energy.
It was a connection to the very roots of what it means to be a dragon, a mirror of her own primeval existence.
Great Red didn't just rest here; she rejuvenates, drawing strength from the purity of a power untainted by external influences.
This unique Lifestream had a profound impact on Great Red.
She could feel the echoes of Arthur's will, the strength of his convictions, and the depth of his power woven into the very fabric of the energy.
In this intimate space, the relationship between the two deepened.
It was not a master and servant relationship, but a symbiosis.
Great Red's immense power was now tied to Arthur's very existence, and Arthur's ability to command his own Lifestream gave him a level of control over his draconic power that no other being could ever hope to attain.
"This Lifestream is so useful,"
Great Red thought.
"Arthur can now access his full power more easily. He'll become a dragon god, just like us, in no time."
Ophis, another powerful being, was also present.
She tasted the Lifestream and found it to be delicious.
"It's so yummy,"
She said with a look of regret.
"It's a shame I can't devour it."
"If you do that, Ophis,"
Great Red said, shaking her head,
"He'll die."
Great Red had to stop her from drinking it too much.
And when they were focusing on the Lifestream.
They felt something.
"Wait... Baka Red... I feel something..."
Ophis looked out into the endless void around them.
Even though they were inside Arthur's soul, they were still connected to their own home.
Suddenly, a portal appeared in the void.
"Isn't that a portal?"
Ophis asked.
"And it connects to where we came from,"
Great Red said, realizing something.
"How clever."
Great Red finally understood their purpose.
"The Biblical God sent us here to bring Arthur back to our world."
Ophis nodded in agreement.
"He must have turned back time to a point before Trihexa was unsealed,"
Great Red continued.
"We lost so much fighting Trihexa. He wants to fix it."
…
A faint voice, deep and resonant, echoed directly in Arthur's mind.
It was Great Red.
"Arthur, I have something to tell you."
Arthur was settled on the couch, watching a movie with Aerith curled comfortably in his arms.
The soft glow of the screen illuminated her peaceful face.
He was in his element, content and relaxed.
A sigh of pure bliss escaped him before the dragon's voice broke his tranquility.
'What is it?'
He thought back, keeping his voice carefully neutral so as not to disturb the moment.
The dragon's excitement was palpable, even across the vast, incomprehensible distance that separated them.
"I found a portal inside a void. It links to my and Ophis-chan's universe. Can you go and check it for us? We can't exactly go there ourselves."
The words hit Arthur like a cold splash of water.
His entire body tensed, the easy warmth he felt just moments ago replaced by a jolt of anxiety.
He knew about the High School DxD world—knew its lore, its powers, its dangers.
He'd read about the struggles of Issei, the supernatural conflicts, the sheer scale of the beings that inhabited that reality.
And now, Great Red, a cosmic-level entity herself, was asking him to step into it.
The irony was thick and heavy; the very beings who wanted him to explore it were unaware that he already possessed a deep, pre-existing knowledge of their world.
He couldn't just say yes. The risk was immense.
'How can I go to the void? I don't know if I will survive it,'
He responded, his thoughts now a whirlwind of caution.
Great Red's response was almost dismissive in her confidence.
"You don't have to worry about it. Just hold out our Sacred Gears, and you will be fine."
Arthur looked down at Aerith, who was now stirring slightly, her brow furrowed in her sleep.
He didn't want to leave this. He didn't want to break the perfect, simple peace they had found together on this sofa.
But he knew Great Red and Ophis were not just eager; they were practically vibrating with anticipation.
This was a direct request from two of the most powerful beings he knew, a request he couldn't simply refuse.
He gently shifted, carefully supporting Aerith's head as he reached for the Sacred Gears.
The swords pulsed with a soft, steady energy.
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