Chapter 145: Including Saji?!
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Issei explained his reasoning, emphasizing the importance of trust. 'If we're in this together, he needs to know that he can rely on me. And more importantly... Vritra needed to know that he could trust us.'
'Engaging Vritra was a wise move. Perhaps he can lend us support in the future. However, are you certain you can trust that devil boy?' Ddraig questioned, voicing his reservations.
Issei sighed, contemplating the uncertainty. 'I hope so.'
"Hey, Issei-kun..." Ingvild's voice interrupted his thoughts from behind.
Curiously, Issei turned to face her. "Ingvild? I was wondering where you were. I was searching for you earlier."
Ingvild's voice quivered with shyness as she explained, "Y-yes... I'm sorry. I felt too timid to approach you with all those people surrounding you. It must be nice to have others admire you like that..." She offered a faint smile as she settled beside him on the stairs.
Issei inquired, intrigued by her presence, "What brings you up here, though?"
Ingvild opened up, revealing her actions and intentions. "After I saw Vali-san and Tiamat-san invite you upstairs, I went to look for you. I thought it would be a better opportunity to have a more private conversation away from the bustling crowd. I noticed that Genshirou-san was heading in the same direction, so I decided to discreetly follow him. I wasn't sure if he was aware of your group going upstairs, but I had an inkling that he might be trying to spy on you guys. I managed to trail him up the stairs, and that's when I witnessed him being pulled out onto the roof. I observed from a distance until you all were teleported away by that stunning girl. I was astounded when I discovered that she was actually Ophis. Since then, I've been feeling a bit down, sitting here alone. I didn't anticipate that you would return tonight," she explained, her voice tinged with a sense of dejection.
Issei acknowledged her observations, his gaze momentarily diverting. "So, you saw everything?" he confirmed, seeking confirmation. "But how were you able to conceal yourself from me and Ophis?"
Ingvild shrugged, uncertain but offering her insights. "I... I'm not entirely sure, but I believe it has something to do with my Longinus. Nereid Kyrie can also affect dragons, based on my own testing. Combined with my ability to suppress magic using water, I managed to evade your detection for the past year. However, if I had been closer or arrived earlier, Ophis might have been able to sense me. As soon as I saw Genshirou-san being pulled in, I maintained my distance. But I'm curious, where did she take you all, and what exactly transpired? I noticed that Vali-san and Tiamat-san didn't return. Is everything alright? I'm genuinely concerned about you, Issei-kun."
Issei's response exuded calm assurance. "Don't worry... everything will be fine. I'll handle this situation. Just stay out of harm's way and don't get caught up in the midst of it," he reassured her.
Ingvild's determination shone through as she expressed her desire to be more than a mere bystander or a burdened friend. "I don't want to be passive or hold you back, Issei-kun... I genuinely want to help you. I'm dead serious about the training you mentioned the other night. And although I'm uncertain about how to fully utilize my Longinus, I know it can be beneficial to you if I train with it," she confessed, her emotions bubbling to the surface.
To Issei, Ingvild still seemed somewhat unfamiliar, and her heightened concern for him felt peculiar. Yet, he reminded himself that she had been observing him for over a year, leading to a skewed perception on her part.
"Alright, Ingvild... starting tomorrow, I'll begin training you, the three girls, and Saji," Issei confirmed, nodding with determination.
"Including Saji? I heard he possesses the dragon Vritra within him. Do you trust him now?" Ingvild inquired, curious about the change in Issei's stance.
Issei nodded affirmatively. "Yes, Saji possesses one of the five Vritra sacred gears. Ophis entrusted him with the other four, and Vali activated and transferred them into his body, awakening Vritra. I disclosed the truth to Saji because I want him to trust me and keep this information confidential for the time being."
Ingvild's hopeful tone filled the air. "You're right... Genshirou-san does seem nice. Perhaps he could become a valuable ally for all of us," she suggested optimistically.
After a brief pause, Ingvild shifted the topic. "So, what happened while I was away?" she inquired, eager to catch up on the events she had missed.
"Not much, really. Riser Phenex showed up to apologize to Rias Gremory and her peerage. They were also asking about you. In fact, quite a few people were concerned about your whereabouts during your absence. Your friends Irina and Xenovia are still downstairs. They were a bit worried, last I checked. It might be a good idea for you to go and see them," Ingvild informed Issei.
"Yeah, it's probably been long enough. I'll head back down there. Are you coming?" Issei asked, rising from his seat and taking a step towards the stairs.
Ingvild appeared slightly nervous. "I'm not quite ready for them to know about me yet. I'd prefer to become a bit stronger first, so I won't become a target. I'll do whatever I can to lighten the burden on you..." she expressed, her voice tinged with determination.
"I appreciate that. I'll try to catch up with you on the way home. I'm planning to buy a new house soon, and you're welcome to join me in the search," Issei invited the half-devil.
Ingvild's face lit up with joy. "R-really? You want me to come with you?" she asked, her excitement palpable.
"Yeah, sure. If we're going to be friends, it would be good for me to get to know you better anyway," Issei replied, his tone warm and welcoming.
"I'd be delighted to accompany you. I'll find you when you're ready to leave tonight," Ingvild beamed, her enthusiasm evident.
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