Ddraig took a deep breath in his mind, then spoke in a firm tone, "I will not change the Boost Transfer feature."
Issei, who was leaning on the bed, looked at his phone screen while replying in a teasing tone, "Don't sulk like that, Ddraig. If you still refuse, I'll try to forcibly modify the Boosted Gear feature."
"Alright then..." Ddraig finally replied after a few seconds of silence. "But promise me one thing."
"What is it?"
"Never use the Transfer Boost on someone you don't trust or know well."
Issei narrowed his eyes. "I know. Besides, if that person betrays me, I can force a 1024x Boost into their body... then boom." He winked.
"You're really starting to sound like a Villain now," murmured Ddraig.
"This world is full of conflicts and factions. I have to be more ruthless than anyone to survive and know who the traitors around me are."
Issei then opened his smartphone again, launched a streaming anime app, and began browsing. His eyes locked on an anime cover featuring a spiky black-haired protagonist.
"To Aru Majutsu no Index," he muttered. He read a short synopsis: a boy with a right hand that can erase supernatural powers with just a single touch. He then started episode one and put on his earphones.
Several hours passed. The time showed 16:30. Issei removed his earphones and stretched his body. "Uggghh, didn't realize it's this late... Esper vs Magic... interesting. Imagine Breaker really is an illogical power, but super cool."
Ddraig responded, "That power rejects the world, and the world rejects its existence. Be careful if you ever encounter a power like that."
Issei stood up and went downstairs. In the living room, his mother Misa was watching TV, then turned when she saw Issei.
"Issei, can you buy groceries at the convenience store?"
"Sure. Is there a shopping list?"
Misa stood up, took a paper from the drawer, and handed it along with some money. "Here. Your father is picking up Irina and her friend at the airport. We're having dinner together tonight."
"Alright," replied Issei as he put on his jacket and left the house.
The evening breeze blew gently. Leaves fell along the sidewalk. Issei scanned the shopping list: chicken meat, potatoes, carrots, eggs, and more. In front of him, a girl with long black hair wearing Kuoh Academy's uniform stood: Akeno Himejima.
{Issei, in front of you is a half-devil and fallen angel. From your school,} whispered Ddraig in his mind.
{Just ignore her. You don't remember anyone from that school.}
Issei looked down, pretending to read the shopping list, and walked past Akeno.
"Ara~, I'm being ignored," said Akeno in a seductive voice. She turned around and caught up with Issei. "Issei-kun, you ignored me."
Issei glanced slightly. "Sorry, I'm in a hurry to buy groceries for dinner."
Akeno smiled. "Coincidentally, I'm also shopping. May I join you? It's on the same way anyway."
In his mind, Issei grumbled, 'Why is she still following me? Like a Succubus.'
{Calm down, she's not a Succubus. But it's true, maybe she's attracted to you because of Dragon Pheromone,} explained Ddraig.
'So this is a biological problem?'
{Yes. Dragons have natural pheromones. It can attract the opposite sex from various races.}
Issei screamed in his heart. 'I JUST WANT A PEACEFUL LIFE!'
{You're the one who chose to become a dragon,} said Ddraig calmly.
{Didn't you say you wanted a girlfriend?.}
'AND IT WILL BE A HAREM LATER!'
Upon arriving at the store, Issei began picking groceries according to the list. Chicken meat, carrots, potatoes. Akeno observed from behind, watching Issei pick ingredients like a housewife. She also grabbed some snacks and ingredients herself.
At the cashier, Issei said, "Please separate the bill."
After paying, they exited the store. Issei glanced at Akeno. "Umm, I have to go home. There's a family dinner."
Akeno smiled. "I'm alone at the shrine. Can I join your dinner? And just call me Akeno."
Issei was confused. "Why are you so eager to come along? Besides, a childhood friend of mine just moved into my house."
"I can help cook. Besides, can you really refuse a request from a girl like me?"
{Just accept it,} whispered Ddraig.
{Opportunity to build a romantic relationship.}
'Since when did you become a love advisor?!' Issei screamed in his heart.
"Alright," Issei said to Akeno. "But don't cause any trouble."
Akeno smiled sweetly. "Of course."
Upon arriving home, Issei opened the door. "I'm home."
Misa turned from the kitchen. "Welcome back, Issei." Then she was shocked to see Akeno. "Issei, since when do you have a girlfriend?!"
"This is my friend. Just happened to run into her," Issei replied quickly.
Akeno stepped forward. "Akeno Himejima. Issei-kun's friend. Though... I'm interested in him."
Issei almost choked. Ddraig added, {Green light. That means she's open to dating.}
'I'm not stupid. I know what she means!'
Issei gave his mother the groceries, while Akeno helped in the kitchen. Soon, the doorbell rang.
Issei opened the door. His father was standing with two girls: one with chestnut twintails, and another with blue hair and green bangs on the right side.
"This is Irina-chan and Xenovia-san," said Juzo.
"Hello Irina-san, Xenovia-san... Uh, Dad, why are the suitcases so huge?"
"They brought a lot of stuff. Help out, will you."
Issei carried the suitcase. Irina smiled. "Long time no see, Issei-kun."
Xenovia said politely, "Pleased to meet you."
"Come on in. I have a friend inside too."
Ddraig said, {They're from the Church.}
'I know. That big suitcase probably hides swords. No way the airport allowed weapons.'
{Church authority. Not a normal thing.}
'Must be nice living like them.'
{Seems like they're on a mission. This is demon territory after all.}
They entered. Misa and Akeno had already prepared dinner.
"Welcome home, dear," greeted Misa.
"I'm back," replied Juzo.
Xenovia and Irina eyed Akeno with cautious glares.
Ddraig whispered inside Issei's head, {And... looks like they're enemies.}
Issei glanced at the three girls one by one and muttered in his heart, 'I'm not surprised. I'd be more surprised if Akeno turned out to be a Succubus.'
And the night had just begun...