Years blurred into adolescence for Issei, his days filled with awkward crushes, secret magazines peeks, and bolder fantasies that grew bolder with each passing season. On the eve of his first day at Kuoh Academy, he stood before his bedroom mirror, striking his most dramatic pose. His chest puffed out, fists clenched, a determined grin splitting his face.
"Tomorrow's the start," he muttered to his reflection, eyes gleaming with unbridled ambition. "No more just dreaming. I'm gonna make it happen. I'll surround myself with the most beautiful girls, build the ultimate harem, and become the Harem King! Nothing's gonna stop me, not school, not fate, nothing!"
Little did he know, as he slung his backpack over his shoulder and headed out into the dawn-lit streets of Kuoh, that fate had already set its trap. A chance encounter waited, one that would shatter his ordinary world and awaken the dragon within.
Issei Hyoudou stepped through the gates of Kuoh Academy with a spring in his step, backpack casually slung over his shoulder. The bright morning sun glinted off the school's pristine buildings. The air buzzed with chatter of students, mostly girls, since the academy had recently gone co-ed. For Issei, this was heaven.
"Man, this place is a paradise," he muttered to himself. His eyes were already scanning the crowd for potential harem candidates. "Boobs everywhere. Today is the day I begin building my empire!"
He was greeted by his two best friends, Matsuda and Motohama, flanking him like loyal subordinates.
Matsuda, the more athletic of the group, pulled them closer. "Dudes, I got my hands on some new manga."
Motohama adjusted his glasses, smirking. "Did you guys know that there might be another great beauty on par with Rias and Akeno?"
Issei's head snapped toward him. "No way. Who?"
Motohama smirked. "Saeko Busujima. Word is she's stacked and deadly with a shinai."
Their conversation was cut short as Sona Sitri, Kuoh Academy's student council president, approached, her vice president, Tsubaki Shinra, walking in step beside her.
Sona's gaze flicked toward the trio, sharp and unimpressed. "I expect the three of you to behave yourselves today."
The Perverted Trio straightened instantly.
"Yes, President Sona," they said in unison.
Sona sighed and walked past them, Tsubaki offering only a quiet nod.
As they headed toward class, Issei felt a sensation like someone's eyes brushing across his back.
He turned, scanning the crowd, but caught only the fleeting sway of crimson hair vanishing around a corner.
Classes dragged on in a blur of math, history, and stolen glances at girls' uniforms. Issei daydreamed of various harem scenarios, ignoring the teacher's lecture. By lunch, Motohama leaned in eagerly.
"The kendo club practices after school," he whispered. "We might get a look at the new girl."
Issei and Matsuda needed no convincing.
After the final bell rang, the Perverted Trio crept toward the kendo hall, Motohama and Matsuda taking the lead while Issei followed close behind.
"Ooh…"
"Whoa…"
The sounds drifting back to him were filled with awe.
Then came the shouting.
Before Issei could react, club members stormed out. Matsuda and Motohama bolted instantly, abandoning him without hesitation.
"Hey, wait, you jerks!"
Too late.
Minutes later, Issei staggered away clutching his back, nursing fresh bruises and a shattered sense of justice.
"I swear… Saeko, Murayama, and Katase were trying to kill me," he muttered.
He took a shortcut through a quiet park, cherry blossoms drifting lazily through the evening air. Humming to himself and already fantasizing about boobs again, he barely noticed the figure ahead. "Excuse me?"
He froze.
Turning around, Issei felt his brain short-circuit.
The girl before him looked like she had stepped straight out of his dreams. Long raven hair framed a gentle smile. Her figure was elegant and captivating, wrapped in a simple sundress that somehow made her even more stunning.
"Y-Yeah?" Issei stammered, unable to keep his composure. The girl tilted her head, her eyes sparkling with innocent curiosity. "I'm sorry to bother you, but… could you tell me the way to the shopping district? I'm new in town."Her voice was soft. Almost hypnotic.
Issei's brain short-circuited. Holy oppai, she's talking to me! And she's hot! "Uh, sure! It's that way past the fountain, turn left at the big tree." He pointed, puffing out his chest a bit. "Name's Issei Hyoudou. You go to Kuoh?"
She giggled, covering her mouth. "No, I'm just visiting. I'm Yuma Amano. Nice to meet you, Issei."
She stepped closer, her scent like fresh flowers mixed with something… mysterious. "You seem nice. Would you… Maybe like to go on a date with me sometime?"
Issei's jaw dropped. A date? With her? Is this real life? His inner perv did a victory dance. "Y-Yes! Absolutely! When? Where? I'm free anytime!"
Yuma smiled sweetly. "How about Sunday? Meet me at the park fountain around noon?"
"Deal!" Issei pumped his fist internally. Score! First step to Harem King status! As she walked away with a wave, he couldn't shake a weird feeling like a faint warmth in his chest, something stirring deep inside. But he brushed it off. "This is it. My luck's finally turning!"
The week rushed past in a haze of excitement. Issei couldn't resist bragging to Matsuda and Motohama about his "hot date," even if it meant putting up with their jealous jabs.
Sunday arrived, and he met Yuma at the fountain, heart pounding. The date was perfect: ice cream, walks in the park, her laughter like music. But as the sun set, something shifted. Yuma led him to a secluded spot, her smile turning cold. "Issei… thanks for today. But it's time to end this."
Before he could react, a spear of light pierced his chest. Pain exploded through him as he collapsed, blood pooling. "W-What…?"
Yuma, now revealed as Raynare, unfurling her wings, sneered. "You're the host of the Red Dragon Emperor. Can't have you awakening that power." She vanished into the shadows, leaving him to die.
Issei's vision blurred, regrets flashing: No… my harem dream… Mom, Dad… Darkness closed in.
But the last thing he saw was long crimson hair.
Far beyond the mortal world, silence rippled.
For the first time in centuries, Ophis sensed that something was amiss.
A thread tugged at the void.
She did not yet understand what it meant.
But infinity had begun to stir.