The Blade of the Phoenix: Infernal Ignition

Arc 2: Chapter 1: Emergence

Hey there guys,

This chapter marks the beginning of a brand-new arc, setting the stage for Issei's next journey. With new challenges, unexpected revelations, and the introduction of the Solo Leveling system, things are about to take a thrilling turn.

I hope this chapter turns out well and that you all enjoy it!

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Issei's POV:

After Sirzechs' declaration, a heavy silence settled over the chamber. I could feel the tension in the air, suffocating everything around me. Riser stood tall, his annoying smirk on his lips as he glanced at Rias. She was seething, trembling in fury, her anger practically radiating from her. But me? I was calm, completely unfazed.

I momentarily let my Sharingan flicker, watching the chaos around me, then let it fade to black. I turned on my heel, facing away from the council.

"We're done here," I muttered, my voice steady and unyielding.

The murmurs of the Devil Council, the whispers about my Uchiha blood, and the shock that had rippled through the room were all drowned out by my thoughts. They had no idea what they had just unleashed. But that was fine—I wasn't concerned with them. Not right now.

I made my way toward the exit, my footsteps firm and sure. I didn't need to hear the whispers. I didn't need to know what they said. I knew their fear. My power, my heritage—it shook them to the core. But that was just the beginning. There was much more to come.

As I stepped into the cool corridor, I felt the weight of everything that had just unfolded. Rias was done, her position destroyed. And Riser? He'd take her place, all while the Underworld shifted around me. But this was just the beginning, the first move in a much larger game.

A thought crossed my mind—my parents. Should I tell them about all this? About my lineage? About everything I was now involved in? But the doubt lingered. Could they even understand? Hell, could I even understand it all myself?

I pushed the thoughts away. I couldn't afford distractions right now.

Without a second thought, I activated my teleportation. In a flash of white, the world around me disappeared, leaving me alone in the familiar comfort of my room. But something felt off.

I sat on my bed, letting out a long breath, finally allowing my body to relax after the day's events.

"Good to be home," I muttered to myself, but the feeling didn't last long.

I summoned Albion first, the miniature dragon appearing in a small burst of blue light, his tiny wings flapping gently as he settled on my shoulder. His blue eyes locked onto mine.

"Issei... what happened?" Albion's voice rumbled in my mind, concern evident in his tone.

"I'm not sure," I said quietly, adjusting the dragon on my shoulder. "Everything went according to plan with the Rating Game, but there's more to this than just the fight. My heritage—my Uchiha blood—it's shaken the Underworld."

Albion tilted his head. "You'll need to be careful. There's no telling how far this revelation will ripple."

I nodded, then flicked my wrist. Kuro appeared next, materializing in front of me with a low growl. The familiar's dark form blended seamlessly with the shadows of the room as it silently approached and sat at the foot of my bed.

"Rias is done," I said to Kuro, my eyes narrowing. "Her downfall was inevitable. But I can already tell, this is just the beginning. The Council... the Underworld... they'll look at me differently from now on."