When I opened my eyes, I saw a familiar ceiling.
The texture of the sheets, the scent in the air, the very atmosphere—this was, without a doubt, my own room. Usually, the bed felt crowded with Miu and the others sleeping beside me, but now, being alone made the space feel cavernous and strange.
As that thought crossed my mind, I sensed a presence next to me.
"Issei, are you awake?"
I turned toward the voice to find Ophis sitting quietly by my side.
The wounds she'd taken from that bastard Nidhogg during Qlippoth's recent raid were completely healed, and her color had returned. It looked like Asia's healing and the constant care from Nina and the others had done the trick.
My body felt heavy from my long slumber, but I forced myself upright to face her.
"Yeah, I just got up. Are you feeling better, Ophis?"
"I am fine now. Are you... alright, Issei?"
"I'm good too. Sorry for making you worry."
I reached out and patted Ophis on the head. Her hair was as silky as ever, and her reaction to the headpat—leaning into it like a content kitten—was undeniably cute.
Ophis tilted her head, her dark eyes searching mine.
"Issei... you have changed. I do not fully understand, but something is different. Did something happen while you slept?"
Was she sensing the fact that I'd reunited with Wright? That encounter had forged a new resolve within me... but there was no way Ophis could know that. Was it something in my expression?
Ophis placed both hands on my cheeks.
"Issei's power... it is a power I do not know. You are becoming something beyond my understanding. But Issei is still Issei. You are my friend."
"That's right. No matter what I become, I'm still Issei Hyoudou. And I'll always be your friend, Ophis."
A faint look of satisfaction crossed her face. Then, she asked, "Are you going to where Asia and the others are now?"
"Yeah. Everyone else is out there fighting; I can't just stay in bed forever. Besides, there's someone waiting for me. I have to go."
I closed my eyes and focused. I could feel them. Miu, Alice, Rias, Akeno, Asia—everyone was on the front lines. Vali and Sairaorg were out there swinging their fists, too.
And beyond the battlefield, deeper in the heart of the conflict, was Assem. He was waiting for me.
I had no choice but to go.
Ophis nodded once, then leaned her face close to mine. Without a word, she pressed her lips against mine.
In that instant, I felt something—a surge of pure essence—flow into me. After a moment of silence, she pulled away.
"My feelings... I have entrusted them to you. Issei's power is strengthened by the feelings of others. I, too, wish to be your strength."
The feelings of the Dragon God herself. To have someone like her entrust her will to me... it was a staggering thought.
"Thanks, Ophis. I won't let them go to waste."
I let go of her and climbed out of bed. My joints popped and groaned—I was stiff as a board. I checked the date and winced. I'd been out for a lot longer than I thought.
Which meant... right now, I was suffering from a catastrophic deficiency.
—My "Little Sister Energy" levels are dangerously low!
I mean, seriously! Miu isn't here, and neither is Leisha! Everyone is already at the front! I just want to hug Miu! I want to experience that fluffy sibling healing!
"Issei?" Ophis tilted her head, watching me suffer through my internal crisis.
...Right.
Without a word, I leaned over and pulled Ophis into a hug.
It was calming. She wasn't my little sister, but holding her provided the "healing" I desperately needed. Ophis looked like she was thinking, Issei, what are you doing? but even that was cute.
As I was recharging my batteries, the bedroom door swung open.
Nina stood there, carrying a tray with several glasses of water. When she saw me hugging Ophis, her entire body began to tremble.
"Big brotheeeeeeeeer!!"
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