The Next Morning
The next day began with the sharp, crisp air of the Gremory training grounds rolling across the estate like a living thing. The landscape had transformed overnight—massive arenas, floating platforms, enchanted forests, and even a section filled with volcanic terrain created specifically for dragon-related training. The Maou really didn't do anything halfway.
Azazel clapped his hands once, drawing everyone's attention. "Alright, kids. Summer vacation or not, we're not wasting a single day. I've prepared personalized training programs for each of you."
He tossed a stack of papers into the air, and each page darted to its intended recipient like an obedient magic bird. Mine slapped into my chest.
"Hyoudou Issei," Azazel said with a half-grin, "you already hit Balance Breaker. That means we're not playing around. Your task is to push past your limit."
I felt a chill—not fear, but excitement.
"And for that," he continued, "I've arranged for you to train with Tannin."
"Oh," I am happy.
Azazel smirked. "Don't worry. He won't barbeque you too much."
•••
Too much was an understatement.
Tannin was massive—so massive that the volcanic region created for training barely seemed big enough. When he exhaled, the air shimmered with heat. When he roared instructions at me, the ground trembled.
"HYODOU ISSEI!"
His voice boomed. "BALANCE BREAKER IS NOT ENOUGH. MAINTAIN IT! CONTROL IT!"
Every muscle in my body screamed. My lungs burned. My Sacred Gear pulsed erratically. But I pushed. Again and again. Tannin wasn't trying to kill me, but he wasn't trying to make my life pleasant, either.
Day after day, I summoned my crimson armor. Held it. Stabilized it. Let it fall apart. And summoned it again.
By the end of the training period, I wasn't collapsing like a dying fish after ten minutes.
I stood firm.
And for the first time… I achieved it.
Balance Breaker.
With no outside help.
Just me.
And I held it for half an hour.
Tannin actually laughed with genuine approval—loud, proud, and echoing. "GOOD! YOU HAVE THE MAKINGS OF A TRUE DRAGON!"
Hearing that from a former Dragon King?
Yeah. That was going into the memory folder labeled "Moments I will brag about forever."
•••
But the victory tasted bitter when I learned what happened during everyone else's training.
Koneko had pushed herself too far.
Way too far.
Overworked to the point of collapsing.
Rias had explained it to me with a troubled look—Koneko's struggles, her fear of her own power, and the trauma surrounding her sister. All the things, I already know.
That night, after washing off the smell of scorched dignity and dragon breath, I walked down the hallway. I passed by Koneko's room. The door was cracked open, faint moonlight spilling into the hallway.
Before I could decide whether to knock, I noticed movement inside… and two small white cat ears twitching atop her head.
…Cat ears.
Koneko had cat ears. And it's my first time seeing this.
They were cute. Too cute.
I slipped into the room quietly. She was curled under the blanket, fast asleep. Her breathing was soft, almost kitten-like. The moonlight made her ears glow faintly.
She must've sensed my presence because her eyes fluttered open.
"…Ise-senpai?" she murmured groggily.
I couldn't help smiling. "Those cat ears are adorable."
Immediately, Koneko's hands shot up, covering them. "D-Don't look…!"
"Sorry," I laughed softly. "But really, they suit you."
Her face turned pink, but she stubbornly refused to come out from behind her hands.
I sat on the edge of her bed. "I heard you collapsed today. Is everything alright?"
"… It's alright."
I flicked her forehead gently.
"Ow." She glared at me, rubbing the spot.
"Lying is bad, you know?"
She froze.
"I talked to Rias. She told me what happened before you joined her… about your sister, and how scared you are of losing control."
Koneko didn't respond. Her hands tightened into small fists.
I took a slow breath.
"But listen. If that ever happens, I'll give you a strong hug to stop you."
Her eyes widened. "A… hug?"
"Yup. A really strong one. Like a 'you're not getting away until you calm down' kind of hug."
She stared at me.
Then deadpanned:
"…Pervert."
I grinned. "Hey, that's unfair. I'm being serious."
"You're always a pervert," she mumbled.
But her voice was softer. Warmer.
And for the first time since arriving here, her small hand lightly tugged on my sleeve—just for a second—before she hid under the blanket again.
I smiled.
"Koneko… You're not alone, okay?"
A tiny, quiet "…Mm" answered from beneath the covers.
~~~
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