"So, your name is Dino? Come with us for a moment; we have a few questions for you." Sirzechs offered a friendly smile, looking every bit like an ordinary, harmless man—hardly someone who appeared to be a world-ending threat.
Gulp.
Dino swallowed hard and shot a nervous glance at Issei.
"They won't kill you," Issei said, "as long as you don't try anything funny."
"..." Dino was left speechless.
Issei chuckled softly, then stole a private glance at Sirzechs.
"Issei-kun, I'd like you to stay here for a while," Sirzechs requested.
"...Alright." There was a slight hesitation in Issei's voice.
"Hahaha! Someone from another world? How fascinating!" Odin laughed heartily, stepping forward to slap Dino on the shoulder.
Dino felt a heavy thud resonate through his bones—a strike far more powerful than Odin's frail, elderly appearance suggested.
"Please... go easy on me," Dino muttered, his voice trembling with nerves.
The internal discussion dragged on for several hours. When Dino finally emerged from the interrogation room, his face was a mask of exhaustion and boredom.
"Sigh... I just want to go home already."
"And can you even get back on your own?" Issei asked casually, though his tone carried a hint of mockery.
"Don't look down on me! I'll have you know I'm a member of the Octagram on the other side!"
"Octagram? Ah, you mean the title for the eight New Demon Lords in your world?"
"Yeah. And let me warn you, don't underestimate the Octagram—especially the oldest Demon Lord, Guy Crimson." Dino's tone turned dead serious. His voice shook, and his face was slick with cold sweat.
Of course, Issei knew exactly how dangerous Guy Crimson was. But rather than worrying about Guy, Issei's mind was on Rimuru.
As the protagonist of the Tensura canon, Rimuru was not to be trifled with, especially given his frighteningly rapid growth. Comparing the protagonists of High School DxD and Tensura, Rimuru's progression was arguably superior because his journey was so seamless, almost without a single flaw.
"Hmm, just as I thought. You went silent the moment I mentioned Guy," Dino noted. "I get it; even the name 'Guy' is intimidating."
Issei narrowed his eyes.
"Don't get it twisted. I couldn't care less about a Demon Lord named Guy Crimson."
"Eh?" Dino froze, his eyes widening into perfect circles. "But—"
"I'm worried about a completely different problem that has nothing to do with Guy!" Issei barked, intentionally deepening his voice to sound more convincing.
Dino swallowed hard and gave a shaky nod.
"I see... I'll keep that in mind."
Issei smiled with satisfaction before asking tentatively, "If I recall, you have to report our visit to the other Demon Lords of the Octagram, right?"
Dino let out a long, lazy sigh.
"You're right. Looks like I'm stuck working hard for a while. Ugh, why did I get stuck with such an important task?" Dino's expression slumped, looking utterly miserable.
"Hahaha! I'm sure you're the perfect man for the job."
"..." Dino remained silent, his face a silent scream of complaints.
Without another word, Dino hoisted his greatsword and slashed through the empty air, rending space itself. He then vanished into the dimensional rift.
Issei stood still until the rift closed on its own.
The moment the gap sealed, Issei sensed a presence behind him. He spun around, his gaze turning sharp and wary as he faced a petite girl who had appeared out of nowhere.
"Ophis? Why are you here? Are you interested in the existence of another world too?" Ddraig was the first to speak.
"Ddraig. It has been a long time." Ophis's voice was flat and calm, exactly as it was in the anime.
Issei swallowed nervously, keeping his eyes locked on her.
"Partner, it's useless to be on guard in front of Ophis," Ddraig warned. "If this girl is serious about doing something, you won't be able to lift a finger."
Issei flashed a bitter smile. "I know. But I refuse to give up without a fight."
"I understand your feelings."
Suddenly, Ophis vanished, reappearing directly in front of Issei.
Startled, Issei tried to create some distance, but Ophis grabbed his hand.
"She's too strong! I can't break free!"
"I told you! It's futile to resist if she's serious!" Ddraig shouted, his voice laced with panic at Ophis's sudden move. "Ophis! What do you want with my partner?!"
"Ddraig, this man has potential," Ophis said calmly, showing no sign of malice. "If it is him, he might actually be able to defeat Great Red."
"What?! What are you talking about?!" Ddraig exclaimed.
Ophis offered a tiny, faint smile while looking straight into Issei's eyes.
"Will you be mine?"
"HUH?!" Not only was Issei shocked, but Ddraig was reeling too.
"If you are willing to help me defeat Great Red, I will give you many snakes."
"..." Issei was stunned into silence.
The "snakes" Ophis mentioned didn't interest him at all, but he found it incredibly difficult to turn down the request of the cute Dragon God standing before him.
[S-Rank Mission Triggered!]
(Accept Ophis's request and become the Messenger of Ophis!)
To be continued...
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