Bound by Infinity

Chapter 6

Last Time

"Such a weird feeling... pride in someone else." I clenched my fist. "Unfortunately, it's completely overshadowed by this unyielding rage!" I shouted as a pillar of P.O.D. erupted from me, flooding the field with raw energy.

Now

I stood, P.O.D radiating from my body, my eyes glowing with a fierce silver light.

"Oh boy." Rias sighed. "Easy there, Kouki, your Vegeta is showing."

I blinked twice, feeling the familiar surge of power but giving a deadpan stare in return. With a snap, I reformed my scythe, channeling its edges with concentrated P.O.D.

"Alright, no more holding back." I grinned.

Rias slipped into her stance, her face filled with steely determination. "Bring it on."

"Hakai no kokyū Ichi no kata: Hakai bekutā." (Destruction Breathing First Form: Destruction Vector) 

I swung my scythe in a powerful arc, unleashing a series of tornadoes, each one swirling with black energy, their destructive auras crackling as they rushed toward Rias.

"Metsu Tsuki no Kokyū Ichi no Kata: Metsu Tsuki no Yomiya." (Destruction Moon Breathing First Form: Destructive Dark Moon Evening Palace)

With a fierce swing, Rias countered with her own barrage, P.O.D-infused crescent moon blades flying to meet my attacks. The two forces clashed midair, creating an enormous shockwave that kicked up dust and scattered debris across the field.

Barely a breath passed before Rias and I burst forward through the dust, meeting in another explosive clash that shattered the ground beneath us. I swung my scythe horizontally, but Rias parried with Ryujin Jaka, her power resonating through the blade as it locked with mine.

I broke away, extending my hand to launch a bolt of P.O.D-infused lightning. Rias teleported away in a flash, a star appearing above her before she vanished. I teleported in response, reappearing in front of her and landing a powerful kick. She blocked, but the force still sent her crashing to the ground below.

Touching down, I took a step forward, only to teleport behind her in an instant, positioning the scythe at her neck.

"Checkmate," I said with a slight smirk.

"Really now?" she replied, the barest hint of amusement in her tone.

I glanced over my shoulder, noticing two star lances hovering just inches from my head. "Ah, I see. So, a draw, then."

"Yep." Rias smiled, lowering her hand as the lances vanished.

I dispelled the scythe, letting the remaining P.O.D and lightning fade from my body, as Rias allowed her energy to dissipate and returned Ryujin Jaka to her pocket dimension.

"So, shall we go wash up, get some dinner, and watch some anime?" she asked.

"Yeah, sure," I replied, starting toward the house, "but I'm cooking tonight."

"Fine by me." Rias chuckled, falling into step beside me. Just as we were about to head inside, her phone buzzed, and she paused to check it.

"Everything alright?" I asked.

"Akeno just texted me," she replied, looking up. "Apparently, something urgent's come up."

"Well, take care of what you need to. Dinner will be here when you get back."

Rias nodded, giving me a brief smile. A magic circle formed beneath her, and in a flash of light, she was gone.

As soon as she vanished, I turned back toward the spot where I'd sensed a presence observing us. I narrowed my eyes, focusing on the source, and found myself facing a petite girl with long, black hair that cascaded down to her hips. Her gray, reptilian eyes, framed by pointed ears, seemed to study me with quiet intensity. Her attire, a black Gothic Lolita dress, only enhanced the strange and otherworldly aura surrounding her.

Raising a brow, I addressed her. "Alright, who are you, and why are you in my backyard?"

She regarded me with a calm gaze. "My name is Ophis, the Ouroboros Dragon."

"Ouroboros Dragon, huh?" I echoed, intrigued but cautious. "So, what brings a dragon here?"

"I sensed your energy." She said in a tone devoid of emotion. "And I have come to ask if you would join me."

I crossed my arms, quirking an eyebrow. "Join you? And what exactly do you want help with?"

"To reclaim my silence."

It took me all of five seconds to think before answering. "Hmm, how about… no."

Her eyes narrowed slightly. "I can grant you any wish."

"And my answer is still no."

"Why?" she asked, seemingly baffled by my refusal.

"For starters, I don't even know you. And besides, I don't think you have anything I want."

"Power."

I chuckled, shaking my head. "Not necessary—I can create any power I need."

"Wealth?"

"Comfortably set, thanks. No interest there either."

Ophis seemed to think for a moment, her expression briefly shifting, almost as if she were trying to understand. Then, with a slight nod, she spoke. "Very well. I will return."

And with that, she vanished, leaving me standing alone in the clearing.

I exhaled, shaking my head. "Something tells me I'll be seeing her again soon."

Chapter 6: End