80 Chapter 80: Well I warned you!

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Tiamat, with her eyes illuminated with frustration, stared at the man standing before her. "Listen carefully, Issei" she chided, heaving an exasperated sigh. "What I don't want is to witness your life brutally snuffed out or, even worse, to see you caged within a sacred gear. Throughout the annals of history, nearly every dragon that has dared to retain their independence has found themselves confined to such ungainly artifacts - even the revered Heavenly Dragons and numerous Dragon Kings alike. I have evaded this pitfall simply because I am neither reckless nor daft. Rather, I possess the knowledge of how to best avoid being the target and cultivate allegiances. True, I hold no particular fondness for devils, Issei, but I must admit that their existence can be strategically beneficial - quite like shields."

Seeing him still undeterred, Tiamat took a breath to compose herself. "Is there even an iota of fear within you, Issei? Do you truly understand what could be awaiting you?" Issei asked harshly.

She chose her next words with caution. "Listen Issei, you may be brave, but that's not all it takes to survive. Speaking from extended experience, I'm attempting to safeguard your existence because you're dear to me. We dragons are few and threatened, so we must band together. Live much longer you won't if you persist down this path. You could find yourself dead or worse... confined to a sacred gear," she implored, hoping he would pay heed to her earnest warnings.

Issei replied with his fury palpable in his tone, "There's a substantial contrast between your version of freedom and mine. Mine doesn't involve genuflection. It's a mindset, an existence shorn of fear. You persistently preach about what it means to be a real dragon. But the final judgement of who is rightfully a true dragon will be evident in the end. If these damned creatures even dare to pursue me, it'll be their final regret. Even if internal demise is my ultimate fate, at least, I will fall as an authentic dragon."

Empathy twinkled in her eyes at his passionate response. "While your courage is admirable, Issei, it precisely mirrors the sentiment echoed by Albion and Ddraig moments before they were imprisoned in sacred gears. Could you genuinely consider my advice? Vali's and my protection can only withstand so long. A catastrophic war is on the horizon," she cautioned fervently as he tried to walk past her.

Issei paused and turned slowly to face her. "I do value your concern, Tiamat, but it won't sway my resolution," he declared with conviction.

Tiamat felt a pang of disappointment, "So, your plan is to maintain a neutral position and continue your rogue streak?"

"Indeed, why not? I intend to at least complete my high school education first. Can't a man have his priorities?" Issei volleyed back with a roll of his eyes.

"Very well, have it your way, but remember you were warned. Now let's not be late for our class," Tiamat exhaled heavily in resignation, falling into step behind Issei as he strode back into the confines of the classroom.

After their debate-conversation, Issei and Tiamat, who emanated a strong aura of irritation, finally settled in their classroom seats. The teacher, swift to pick up on their tardy arrival, posed a critique, to which Issei coolly brushed away with his dismissive excuse about a pressing student council matter.

"You both took longer than I expected," Vali echoed in low undertones as she shifted her piercing gaze from Issei to Tiamat, alluding to the conversation they just had.

Tiamat, with her azure hair catching the faint light, heaved a sigh, "It seems that Issei is adamant on his reckless endeavors."

"Presumably, it's just in their nature. Dragons will be dragons," Vali responded with a nonchalant laugh.

Tiamat then shot Vali a contemplative look, "Are you cognizant of the repercussions, Vali? We may not always be there to shield him."

"Perhaps not, but from what we've seen, the Sekiryuutei's abilities could certainly prove useful if he ever finds himself in a conundrum," Vali said, confidence seeping from her voice.

Issei, now fed up with the conversation happening about him as though he wasn't right there, let out a sigh of frustration, "Will you both kindly refrain from discussing me as if I'm not in immediate proximity?"

Just as they were about to remark back, the teacher unexpectedly called him out, "Hyoudou-san, could you please solve the complex physics problem on the board?"

Issei, contrary to what one might expect, met the request with calm. He rose from his seat and sauntered toward the blackboard. The complicated physics formula staring back at him would typically pose a challenge, but due to his studies with Red regarding speed and momentum, his understanding was markedly improved.

Conquering the problem in mere moments, Issei concluded the astonishing feat with a nonchalant air as he placed the chalk back down at the front of the class. The room was agog at his effortless victory, so much so that even the teacher seemed flabbergasted, "Yes...excellent Hyoudou-san".

The success didn't stir up in him any semblance of surprise. He was renowned for his educational prowess, managing to yield the highest scores among the first years despite his reputation as a rebel and rare attendance. He monitored his classmates' reactions, finding their amazement rather intriguing, especially upon noticing Kiba's surprised look.

Before returning to his seat, another teacher appeared, escorting two girls into the room. Issei's heart thumped a bit harder as he recognized Xenovia and Irina, whose faces immediately lit up with relief upon catching sight of Issei standing upfront. The teacher introduced them enthusiastically as new transfer students.

Upon their introduction, the first girl with a sparkling smile on her face gracefully bowed, "I'm Irina Shidou, a native of this place but has been away for quite some time and recently moved back. It's a pleasure to meet you all".