Highschool DXD: I am Issei

Just then, Koneko turned toward Rias, her voice quiet but firm.

"The Stray is here."

Everyone immediately tensed. The atmosphere shifted. A cold wind rustled the tall grass around us, and an eerie presence slithered through the darkness like an unseen predator watching from the shadows.

I could feel it too. A chill crept down my spine, and I clenched my fists. It wasn't just fear—it was anticipation. A week had passed since I'd become a Devil. Since then, I'd been training, pushed by Kiba, challenged by Akeno-san, and occasionally scolded by Buchou. Every passing day made me feel less like a regular human and more... something else.

"Buchou," I said, taking a step forward.

Rias glanced at me, her crimson hair gently swaying in the night breeze. "Yes, Issei?"

"I want to fight it," I said.

There was a beat of silence. Everyone turned their attention to me. I could feel their eyes studying my face, evaluating if I was being serious.

"I know I'm still new," I continued. "But I need to see how much I've grown. I've been training hard all week. I want to know what I'm capable of."

Rias's eyes narrowed slightly, not in disapproval, but in contemplation. She folded her arms beneath her chest and studied me for a moment.

Akeno-san raised an eyebrow, her usual teasing smile absent. Kiba looked at me with calm focus, as if trying to measure my resolve. Koneko tilted her head, silent as always, but her golden eyes flickered with curiosity.

"You understand what you're asking?" Rias finally said. "A Stray Devil is no mere thug. It's a former Devil who went mad, consumed by bloodlust. They kill without reason, and they're not known for holding back."

"I know," I replied. "But I don't want to just stand and watch anymore. I need to test myself."

Rias was quiet for a while longer. Then she let out a soft sigh and gave a small nod.

"Very well. I'll allow it. But—" she raised a finger, her gaze sharpening, "if I sense you're in danger, I *will* intervene. No arguments."

I nodded. "Got it."

Rias turned to the rest of the group. "Stay back for now. Let him take the lead. Observe."

With that, I stepped forward, toward the decaying building now partially silhouetted under the moonlight. The heavy sense of dread thickened the closer I got. Cracked windows, broken walls, and rotting wood groaned softly in the breeze, as though whispering warnings I couldn't understand.

Then it appeared.

A grotesque shape crawled out from the shadows inside the building. It was once a Devil, but now twisted into something else. Its body was hunched, skin gray and blistered. Its claws scraped along the walls, leaving deep gouges. Its eyes glowed with a sickly yellow light, and its mouth stretched unnaturally wide, dripping with blood.

It snarled, sensing my presence.

I swallowed the lump in my throat. "Alright, partner," I murmured. "Let's see what we can do."

The moment it lunged, I rolled to the side. Its claws tore through where I'd stood a second ago, shattering a support beam like it was made of paper. I thrust my right arm forward, summoning the red gauntlet.

"Boost!"

*Power Up.*

The familiar voice echoed in my mind. The power surged into my arm.

I swung at the creature, my punch connecting with its shoulder. It staggered back, surprised—but not hurt. Not really.

I kept moving, striking again and again, dodging its claws and tail. I used everything I'd learned this week: dodging, countering, focusing my power.

"Boost!"

*Power Up.*

Another wave of strength flowed into me. My confidence grew.

But so did the Stray's rage.

It roared and moved faster. It stopped holding back. I tried to dodge, but its claw raked across my side. I cried out in pain, the force throwing me back into the crumbling wall. Dust exploded around me as I hit the ground hard.

"Ise!"

I heard Buchou's voice, but I pushed myself up.

"Not yet…" I muttered. Blood was flowing from my side, and pain screamed through my ribs. But I couldn't stop.

I charged forward again. This time, I ducked under a swing and punched upward with all my might. My fist landed under its jaw, knocking it back. But the thing didn't go down. Instead, it retaliated with a heavy blow that slammed into my chest and sent me flying.

I crashed into the floor, unable to move.

My vision blurred. I could hear footsteps, voices, Buchou shouting something—but I couldn't respond. My body wouldn't obey me anymore.

"…Boost…"

The voice was faint. I was still conscious—barely—but I knew I couldn't go on. The strength I had wasn't enough. Not yet.

Just as the Stray leapt toward me for the final strike, a crimson aura flared across the space. A violent shockwave blasted the creature back mid-air.

Rias.

She stood between me and the Stray, her hair flowing with energy, her eyes blazing.

"That's enough," she said, her voice cold. "You did well, Issei."

She raised her hand. A magic circle formed instantly, radiating pure power.

The Stray Devil shrieked, trying to flee—but it was too late. A beam of scarlet energy shot forward, enveloping the monster in light.

The creature wailed—and then disintegrated into ash.

Silence returned.

I felt warmth as someone knelt beside me. I could barely keep my eyes open, but I recognized the scent. Rias.

"You've done more than enough," she whispered, brushing my hair back gently. "Rest now, Issei."

Her hand glowed softly as she began to heal me, but my consciousness was slipping.

As I blacked out, I managed a small smile.

"I… put up a good fight, right…?"

Then, everything went dark.

~~~

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