The next day, I found myself walking toward the shrine—its tall red torii gates casting long shadows under the morning sun. The crisp air smelled faintly of pine and incense, carrying a serenity that almost didn't fit with what my heart was doing inside my chest.
It wasn't fear that made it beat like that—it was anticipation. I knew this moment was important. I remembered this point in the timeline very clearly. This was the day I received a Holy Sword—personally granted by one of Heaven's highest authorities.
And today, that moment had come.
Akeno had been the one to call me here, her tone over the phone calm yet oddly gentle. Rias mentioned she would come later after finishing her meeting with Sirzechs. So for now, it was just me and her.
As I climbed the stone steps of the shrine, I caught sight of a familiar figure standing ahead—long black hair swaying softly in the wind, her silhouette framed against the sunlight.
"Welcome, Ise-kun," Akeno greeted, her voice melodic.
"Akeno-san…?"
She smiled. The sight of her in a shrine maiden's outfit almost made me stop walking. The contrast of red and white, the gentle sway of her sleeves—it suited her perfectly. She looked like she had stepped straight out of a painting.
"Sorry for calling you out so suddenly," she said, turning and starting up the stairs.
"It's fine," I replied, following behind her. "I didn't have anything to do anyway. But what's the occasion? Rias mentioned she'd join later."
"She will," Akeno replied softly. "For now, there's someone who wishes to meet you. Rias is having her final discussion with Sirzechs-sama about the upcoming conference, so she'll be a little late."
Someone who wishes to meet me.
I didn't need to guess twice who that might be.
The shrine was quiet—almost too quiet. The atmosphere carried a divine stillness that felt both heavy and pure. The deeper we went, the stronger the sensation became—something sacred, radiating through the air.
By the time we reached the main shrine, I could already feel it—the faint pulse of holy energy, ancient and radiant, thrumming beneath my skin.
And then I saw him.
A man stood at the heart of the hall, golden light faintly emanating from his form. His very presence seemed to make the air around him shimmer, and his wings—pure, radiant gold—spread out behind him in quiet majesty. A glowing halo hovered above his head, completing the image of what could only be described as perfection itself.
"I am Michael," he said, his tone calm, his voice carrying authority without arrogance. "Leader of the Angels, and one of the four great Seraphs."
Even without him saying it, I could feel it. His power was unlike anything I'd ever encountered.
"I've been wanting to meet you, Hyoudou Issei," Michael continued, his golden eyes studying me. "Or rather, the host of the Red Dragon Emperor."
I straightened slightly. "It's an honor, Michael-sama."
His expression softened, almost nostalgic. "I see this aura's quality—it's surely Ddraig. This brings back memories. That dragon was one of the few who could fight our greatest warriors to a standstill. To think I would meet his current host under such peaceful circumstances… the world has truly changed."
I could feel Ddraig stirring faintly inside the Boosted Gear.
{He remembers me, huh. The Seraph Michael. He hasn't changed much… still too kind for his own good.}
Michael smiled faintly, as if he had heard the dragon's voice. "Ddraig. I hope your current host is treating you well."
{Better than most.}
I chuckled under my breath. "He's a handful, but we get along."
Michael turned slightly and gestured to the center of the shrine. A column of pure light descended from above, illuminating a single object floating midair.
"This," Michael said softly, "is Ascalon—the Holy Sword once wielded by Saint George, the Dragon Slayer."
The moment he said its name, my heart started beating fast.
So this Ascalon.
Finally. Finally.
A holy sword! A holy sword for myself. My holy sword. I finally got a holy sword for myself.....Ops, I almost lot control over myself.
The sword floated gracefully, surrounded by golden motes of light. Its design was elegant but carried a deadly grace, the blade glowing faintly with divine energy. I could feel it resonating with me—the dragon within me trembling slightly at the holy aura radiating from it.
Michael stepped closer, his gaze steady. "It was forged to slay dragons, but over time, it has become a weapon of balance—holy light tempered with resolve. I believe it is only fitting that it should now serve one who walks between Heaven, Earth, and the Infernal realms."
My throat tightened slightly as I stared at the weapon. "Thanks."
Michael nodded. "Not as a tool of war, but as a sign of trust. Your actions have already begun to influence the balance of the Three Factions. Consider this both a gift and a responsibility."
He extended his hand, and the sword slowly floated toward me. When I grasped the hilt, a surge of warmth spread through my body. It wasn't painful—it was like the sword was acknowledging me, linking to my soul.
I am never going lose you.
The golden glow dimmed slightly, then settled, the holy light harmonizing with the crimson aura of the Boosted Gear.
Michael smiled. "It seems Ascalon has accepted you, Hyoudou Issei. Use it well."
I looked at the blade in awe. "I will," I said, my voice firm. "I promise."
Akeno stepped beside me, her gentle smile full of pride. "Congratulations, Ise-kun. It suits you."
I couldn't help but grin. "Yeah… it really does."
{A dragon wielding a dragon-slayer's sword… how ironic. But fitting.}
I couldn't disagree.
~~~
Give me a comment and thought on this fanfic. Support me by giving me a power stone.
I have posted 100+ advanced chapters on my Patreon. If you are interested, join my Patreon.
Support me:
patreon.com/BlackBolt517