The duel with the Church warriors was set for three days later, but this world never lacked for sudden events. The next day, we were told that a certain VIP would be visiting Issei's house. We were waiting when a teleportation magic circle activated, and from it appeared a tiny red dragon that looked almost like a plush toy. It was only slightly larger than Asia-senpai's familiar, Rassei, but the aura it gave off was refined and unmistakably powerful.
"Tannin!? So you're the guest!?" Issei called out happily.
"Yes. It has been a while, Hyoudou Issei. The last time we met face-to-face was during the match against Sairaorg Bael, was it not?"
Now that he mentioned it, I remembered. He had come to the hotel before the match to give encouragement back then. And just like today, his enormous 15-meter dragon body had been reduced into a convenient miniature form.
Rias-senpai stepped forward. "Long time no see, Lord Tannin. What brings you here today?"
"I have a request," Tannin began. "There is a rare species of dragon living in my territory. One of them has recently laid an egg." The request was simple. He wanted to store the egg in Kuoh Town's underground facility until it hatched. Apparently, the atmosphere of the Underworld was incompatible with it, leaving it there would likely cause it to rot. And considering its value, it could fetch an absurd price on the black market, even attracting organizations like Khaos Brigade. That's why he wanted it placed here, where security was strongest.
"I understand. We will do our best to watch over it," Rias replied. "If we detect any signs of hatching, we will inform you immediately."
"Much appreciated," Tannin said.
A magic circle activated again, and the egg was transported in. What emerged this time, however, made everyone tense instantly. It was the leading Evil Dragon, Crom Cruach, holding the rainbow-colored egg carefully in both arms.
"Wait," Tannin said quickly, fluttering his small wings. "Do not be alarmed. He is currently my guest. Please do not treat him as an enemy."
"What!? A guest!? That's Crom Cruach!" Issei shouted.
Tannin gave a wry smile. "I understand your reaction. But we dragons have our reasons. Unlike more violent beings like Grendel, he is capable of reason. He has also agreed not to act recklessly."
"I am merely repaying Tannin's hospitality," Crom Cruach said calmly. Ignoring the tension in the room, his gaze locked onto one person. Ophis. He gently placed the egg down, then took a fighting stance. "Ophis. Fight me."
The atmosphere immediately froze. The strongest weakened Dragon God and the strongest Evil Dragon faced each other. Ophis paused her banana eating, stared at him, and answered flatly, "No. I promised not to fight people in this house."
"I see. Then what must I do to make it possible?"
"I don't know."
"I understand." Just like that, Crom Cruach quietly gave up, picked up the egg again, and fell silent. Ophis, meanwhile, tapped the egg curiously with her finger.
Watching the two strongest dragons in existence act so casual left everyone speechless. "Dragons really are laid-back, huh," I muttered.
"Even so, I don't think Ddraig and Albion are quite like this," Issei said.
"They are different," Sona-senpai added. "Those two have observed humanity through generations of hosts."
Ddraig's voice echoed in my head. "Indeed. We have seen much through our hosts. It is possible we have been influenced by humanity."
So even the Heavenly Dragons had been shaped by humans.
Tannin continued. "Crom Cruach is similar. He has watched the human world for too long. Dragons are long-lived, but even they change when exposed to shifting values."
I looked at him again. Unlike other Evil Dragons who were obsessed only with destruction, Crom Cruach seemed different. More flexible. Less absolute. Maybe this is what Tannin meant by "change."
Then I spoke. "Hey, Crom Cruach. Would you be interested in a sparring match with me?"
"WHAT!?" "Hmm?" Everyone reacted at once.
"W-what the hell are you thinking, Ikki!?" Issei shouted.
"What? If he agrees, I get a perfect training partner. If not, nothing lost," I replied.
"Right, you're usually cautious, but sometimes you go completely insane," Issei muttered.
I ignored him. Then looked at Crom Cruach. "I can't beat you as I am now. But if you train me, I might become something interesting in the future." I didn't say it out loud, but I knew. My knowledge of the original timeline was already becoming unreliable. If things kept diverging, I'd lose that advantage completely. So I needed raw strength. Real growth.
Crom Cruach suddenly burst out laughing. "KUHAHAHAHA! A human asking me, the Evil Dragon, to train him as a form of entertainment? I have lived long, but this is the first time I've heard such nonsense!" He was amused. Very amused. Even holding a massive dragon egg, he looked ridiculous laughing like that.
"Then how about it?" I continued. "Even a spar would be enough. Think of it as an investment in your own entertainment."
"Hmph. I have never trained others," he said. "But as a sparring arrangement, I can accept that much. Grow stronger on your own."
Yes, good response.
"But," he added, "training alone is not sufficient compensation. What else can you offer me?"
I blinked. Wow. This guy's actually kind of greedy.
Crom Cruach smiled faintly, as if reading my thoughts.
…..
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