High School DxD: Duality - Apotheosis

Ch.1 || Before The Storm

Okay so I decided to write this fanfiction as I wish to make a DxD one with a unique twist I haven't seen before

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In the quiet solitude of a lavish dorm room, the rustle of turning pages was the only sound to break the tranquility. A teenager with long, shimmering white hair bent over his desk, his piercing yellow eyes intently scanning the fine print of a worn tome. Sirius O'Manannán sat amid towering stacks of books, their ancient spines cracked with age, the smell of old parchment and ink permeating the still air. The room, bathed in the soft glow of the afternoon sun, felt timeless, as if the world outside had been momentarily suspended in the warm light filtering through tall, arched windows.

His fingers traced the elegant script as he murmured to himself, "If I can adjust the wind's pressure more precisely, I might be able to create a barrier stable enough to withstand both physical and magical attacks." The scratch of his quill was a steady rhythm as he added notes to the ever-expanding pages of his notebook. Outside, the distant murmur of voices filtered through the halls, barely noticeable over the hush of his private retreat.

Footsteps crept closer, their soft echo growing more distinct, until the door creaked open. In stepped a blonde-haired youth with lively green eyes and a carefree grin, his presence a stark contrast to the calm Sirius cultivated.

"I'm back, Sy!" Dulio announced, his voice as bright as the sunlight streaming in. Sirius didn't look up immediately, though the briefest flicker of acknowledgment crossed his face. He brushed a stray lock of white hair from his eyes, glancing up at his friend with the same calm intensity that had earned him his reputation.

"How was training?" Sirius asked, his tone measured, but there was a warmth beneath the cool veneer, one reserved for those he trusted.

Dulio tossed his coat carelessly onto the back of a chair, flopping down with casual ease. "Same as usual. Father Vasco went on another tirade about teamwork. You know how it goes-'You can't rely on your Sacred Gear for everything!'" His imitation of their mentor's gruff voice came with exaggerated gestures, making Sirius chuckle despite himself.

"He's not wrong," came the response, eyes drifting back to his notes. "Power isn't everything. There's strategy, skill, adaptation..."

Rolling his eyes, Dulio let out a dramatic sigh as he leaned back, hands behind his head. "You always say that. You and your obsession with magic and onmyodo. It's not exactly 'standard' exorcist training, you know?"

An eyebrow raised, Sirius remained focused on the pages in front of him. "And yet, it's useful. Being adaptable is key. If we limit ourselves to one method, we leave ourselves vulnerable." He paused, closing the tome with a soft thud before turning to face Dulio fully. "Besides, when you face something stronger than you can simply blast away, you'll thank me."

Waving a hand dismissively, Dulio grinned unbothered. "I'll stick with flying around and blowing things up, thanks. Leave the wind barriers and magic circles to you." He stretched lazily across Sirius' bed, the picture of nonchalance.

A smirk appeared on Sirius's face, subtle but present. "We'll see how long that lasts."

Not wanting to dwell on the heavier conversation, Dulio sat up suddenly, clapping his hands as if to dispel the lingering seriousness. "Alright, enough with the gloomy talk! You've been holed up in here all afternoon. Let's grab something to eat."

An eyebrow arched in response. "You mean you're hungry."

Grinning unashamedly, Dulio admitted, "That too, but you've gotta take care of yourself, Sy. Can't live on books alone."