THUNDERsnek
What happens when a man has nothing to lose anymore? What would have happened if Asia died in the Dimensional Gap? What if Vali couldn't save her?
The Dimensional Gap had always been described as a place that devoured all things-space, time, hope. When Shalba Beelzebub tore open the rift that day, the members of the Occult Research Club felt it immediately. The air screamed as reality split apart, and before anyone could react, the ground beneath Asia Argento vanished. Her cry barely had time to form before the Gap swallowed her whole.
Issei Hyoudou reached for her.
He was too slow.
Great Red, the Dragon of Dragons, watched the event from beyond dimensions. Whether it was pity, boredom, or a fleeting fragment of mercy, no one would ever know. With a roar that shook existence itself, the being reached into the Dimensional Gap and tore something back out.
Asia Argento's body fell from the sky.
It landed gently, almost reverently, as though even gravity hesitated to harm her further. Her blonde hair fanned out around her, her hands folded loosely at her sides. There were no wounds, no blood, no sign of struggle.
She was already gone.
And since that day.....
A truth settled into his bones, cold and absolute: everyone he loved would die if he stayed the same. If he clung to comfort, to safety, to the illusion that things would somehow work out.
Power was the only answer.
Painfully, mercilessly, undeniably.
He knelt on the floor, clutching the Boosted Gear.
"Ddraig," he said, voice trembling but firm. "I need you to do something for me."
The dragon was silent for a long time. "...You understand what you are asking," Ddraig finally said.
"I do."
And Issei knew very well but he will do it. He will leave it all. This was a promise he won't break because after all.....
"A Promise Is A Promise"