The healing salves Koneko brought, applied by Akeno's gentle hands, had worked wonders. The sharp pain in my ribs had dulled to a manageable ache, and the various cuts and bruises were already fading. The physical recovery was swift, thanks to Devil physiology and magical aid. The emotional and explanatory recovery, however, was just beginning.
I was now sitting upright on the sofa, a cup of Akeno's tea warming my hands. Rias sat in her usual chair, her gaze fixed on me, patient but expectant. Asia sat nervously in a chair beside me, her hands folded in her lap, stealing glances at me and Rias. The rest of the ORC members were present, creating a semi-circle of attentive listeners.
"Now, Issei," Rias began, her voice calm but leaving no room for evasion. "Let's start from the beginning. How did you know about Asia Argento, and the Fallen Angels' plot?"
I had prepared for this. A complete lie was impossible; the truth was unthinkable. I opted for a version of the truth, stripped of its otherworldly origins.
"After... after Raynare killed me," I started, the words feeling strange but right to say, "and you brought me back, President, my senses changed. I became more aware of supernatural energies. A few days ago, I felt a new presence in town—a gentle, holy aura. It was Asia." I gestured to her. "I was curious, and worried. A lone, kind-hearted holy presence in Kuoh? It was like a beacon. I found her, lost and asking for directions to the church. I helped her, bought her a meal because she was hungry."
I looked at Asia, and she gave me a small, grateful smile.
"While we talked," I continued, turning back to Rias, "she mentioned a 'Sister Raynare' who had contacted her online. The name... it triggered something in me. A deep, instinctual warning. I knew, the same way I now know how to channel demonic power, that it was a trap. That the Fallen Angel who murdered me was targeting her for her Sacred Gear."
Rias listened, her expression unreadable. "A reasonable deduction, given the circumstances. But that does not explain the power you manifested. That was no simple Sacred Gear. The pressure it emitted... it was ancient. Draconic."
This was the crux of it. I met her gaze squarely.
"I don't fully understand it myself, President," I said, which was the absolute truth. "When Mittelt was about to kill me, when I saw Asia in danger... I felt something inside me break open. A voice spoke to me. It said... it said, 'I am the Boosted Gear. The Red Dragon Emperor dwells within you.'"
A sharp intake of breath came from Kiba. Akeno's smile became one of intrigued surprise. Koneko, for the first time, looked up from her snack, her amethyst eyes wide.
Rias leaned forward, her composure finally cracking to reveal sheer astonishment. "The Boosted Gear... One of the two Heavenly Dragons? The Red Dragon Emperor's seal... was inside you all along?"
"It seems so," I said quietly. "I didn't know. It only awoke when I had nothing left but the will to protect her." I nodded toward Asia. "I don't want that power for conquest or glory. I just... I want to be strong enough to protect the people who can't protect themselves. People like Asia, who are kind and don't deserve the cruelty of this world."
The room was silent for a moment, the weight of the revelation settling over everyone.
Rias leaned back, a slow, proud smile gracing her lips. "Issei Hyodo, you continue to be a source of the most profound surprises. The Red Dragon Emperor... in my peerage." She shook her head in quiet amazement. "Very well. We will discuss the ramifications of this later. For now, your motives are clear and honorable."
Her gaze then shifted to Asia, who flinched slightly under the attention.
"Now, for you, Asia Argento. You are an excommunicated nun, hunted by Fallen Angels. You cannot return to that church, and you have nowhere else to go."
Asia's shoulders slumped, the reality of her situation crashing down. "I... I know. I am an inconvenience. I am sorry for all the trouble I've caused."
"You've caused no trouble," I said firmly, before anyone else could speak. I turned to her. "Asia, the trouble was caused by those who wanted to hurt you. You are the victim here."
I took a breath, voicing the idea that had been forming since I first saw her in the church. "You should come live with me."
Every eye in the room turned to me. Asia's head shot up, her eyes wide with shock.
"W-what? Live with you? But... but I couldn't! Your family... I'm a stranger, and a former nun! It would be too improper, too much of a burden!"
"My parents are kind people," I insisted. "I'll explain everything to them. Well, not *everything*," I added with a glance at Rias. "I'll tell them you're a transfer student from overseas who got mixed up with a bad crowd and has nowhere to stay. They won't turn you away. Our house isn't huge, but it's safe. And you won't be a burden. You'd be... a friend."
I saw the conflict in her eyes—the fear of imposition warring with her desperate need for safety and belonging.
Rias intervened, her voice gentle but authoritative. "Issei's offer is a sound one, Asia. In the human world, you need a place to stay and a cover story. His home provides both. You would be under the protection of my peerage by extension. It is the most practical solution."
Akeno chimed in, her voice sweet. "My, it would be so lovely to have you nearby, Asia-chan. We could all be your friends."
Tears welled in Asia's eyes again, but this time, they were tears of relief and overwhelming gratitude. She looked from Rias to Akeno, then finally her gaze settled on me, filled with a trust that humbled me.
"If... if you are truly sure it is not a trouble..." she whispered, her voice trembling.
"I'm sure," I said, my voice firm. "You'll be safe with us."
She nodded, a beautiful, tearful smile finally breaking through. "Then... thank you. Thank you so much, Issei-san. I will be in your care."
**[ Quest Updated: 'The Nun's Salvation' - Complete! ]**
**[ Rewards: 8,000 Points. Unlocked Purchase: [Rokushiki - Complete Set (Beginner Tier)]. ]**
The notification glowed brightly in my vision, a silent testament to the promise kept. I had my points. I had my path to power. But looking at Asia's smiling, relieved face, I knew this reward meant more than any technique. I had saved a life. I had given someone a home.
The Red Dragon Emperor had awoken not for destruction, but for protection. And that, I knew, was a power worth cultivating.