Third Person POV

Issei ventured down Dante's path, making his way toward his trial as the boy hoped that whatever awaited him wouldn't be as bad a Vergil's.

As he walked, he couldn't help but take in his surroundings. The whole pathway was different than the last he went down, instead of blue flames there were red crystal's which littered every single part of the path.

The crystal's were pretty cool, although unlike his mother Issei wasn't really into things like jewelry cause he never understood the concept of wearing a rock to look better than you already did. Either way, Issei wondered why Dante decided to have his path like this and not like Vergil's.

Issei wasnt sure why this was the case, while he understood the difference in color since Dante was Red and Vergil was obviously blue. But what he didn't get was why he didn't use flames like his elder sibling did? Was he trying to take it easy on Issei or something?

Issei: 'Why did Dante choose Crystal's? Are they meant to show me something?

The brown-haired boy continued to venture down the path, though as time went on it felt like he was going around in circles because it was starting to feel like the path he was currently on was endless or something.

Issei: "Okay, this is getting ridiculous. What am I supposed to do here?!"

Issei crossed his arms as he began to think, he needed to take this moment to figure out what his next move should be or else he's gonna end up in a whole lot of shit.

So, what he does know is that the trials are meant to prevent his worthiness to weild Dante and Vergils power. He already completed Vergil's by knowing that he will need power to protect those close to him like his parents and his future Harem, well if he even gets back home to have one that is....

If Vergil's showed him that he needed power, what would Dante want to show him?

Issei let out a small sigh.

Issei: "Jeez they certainly don't make this easy for me..."

Meanwhile with Dante and Vergil.

Dante let out a small yawn as he was sitting on a chair, standing next to him was his older brother as laying a few feet away from them was the body of Issei Hyoudou.

They pierced the boys body with their weapons to begin his final test, although now there was only one weapon left which was Dante's. The younger Sparda couldn't help but chuckle in amusement which got Vergil's attention.

Vergil: "Dante, what do you find amusing?"

Dante: "Oh, nothing. Just the fact that the kid managed to complete your little trial"

Vergil rolled his eyes, personally he was a little annoyed mainly cause he had a different idea for Issei's test but Dante insisted that they take it easy on the boy since he had a lot on his plate.

He was from another world, one where there is supernatural beings such as Dragons and God's, he was forcefully taken away from his home and thrown into a unknown place where he isnt sure if he will ever go back.

Vergil guessed that having Issei take a more easy test would the be least he can do, after all the boy did something that no one else in the world has ever done... catch Vergil's interest.

Vergil: "Dante, he only completed the trial because you begged me to quote-on-quote 'Take it Easy' on him cause you felt bad"

Dante Chuckled slightly.

Dante: "Maybe or maybe you started liking the kid"

Vergil merely deadpanned.

Vergil: "The day that happens is the day I stop my pursuit of power"

Dante: "So...No-"

Vergil: "NEVER!"

Dante flinched as he grumbled, why did his brother have to bloody scream it at the top of his lungs. Like, Dante was sitting right next to him so there was no need for any of that.

Dante: "Okay! Jeez, you don’t have to shout"

Vergil: "Then don't assume that I have changed"

Dante rolled his eyes.

Just then, the back door opened as the sparda brothers looked over and saw Trish and Lady come outside.

Dante: "Hey, ladies. How's it going?"

Lady: "Eh, fine I guess"

Trish looked over at Issei, she had to say that... she didn't really like the fact they had to literally STAB the poor boy to start the trial, but there wasn't really much she could do.

Trish: "How is he holding up?"

Dante: "The kid? He’s fine. He finished Vergil’s Trial"

This surprised the two women.

Lady: "Really?! He chose Vergil’s trial first?"

Trish: "that kid must be insane"

Dante chuckled.

Dante: "Jeez, you both sound worried for the kid"

He then grew a small smirk.

Dante: "Are you two falling for hi-"

Dante was cut off as Lady threw a Pizza at the younger siblings face, both she and Trish had a small red blush on their cheeks.

Lady: "S-shut up, Dante!"

Dante removed the Pizza from his face and smirked.

Dante: "Oh! So I was right!"

Dante laughed his ass off and rolled on the ground.

Both Trish and Lady growled in anger as they proceed to beat the ever long shit out of Dante, Vergil watched this happen and couldn't help but let out a sigh in annoyance.

Vergil: 'Idiot…'

He shook his head as he turned his attention back to Issei.

Vergil: 'He should be on Dante's trial now, probably won't take long considering how soft Dante is...'

Back with Issei…..

Issei groaned in annoyance as he continued walking for what felt like hours, he swears if he doesnt find whatever he is looking for than he was gonna throw a bloody temper tantrum.

Like, was Dante's trial meant to have him remain calm or something? If that is the case than he was failing already, but if this whole place was just to mess with him than he was gonna sock that white-haired bastard in the jaw the next time he sees him.

Issei: 'Dante, I swear to God...'

Although, something didn't feel right to him and he wasn't sure how to properly explain it. The deeper he ventured, Issei felt like that he was being watched by someone or rather something that was close and yet just out of reach.

He wasn't sure why though, maybe he was just losing his mind but it honestly did feel like that there was something with him in the path... watching his every single move.

He wonders if it was Ddraig but he remembered that the Welsh Dragon was waiting for his return after he finished Dante’s trial.

Issei: 'So it can't be Ddraig... who or what is it then?'

Issei looked around.

Issei: "Show yourself! I know you’re there!"

However, Issei only received silence as a response to his demand.

Issei: "Hmm…."

Issei crossed his arms and began to think to himself again, clearly there is something watching him and was most likely apart of the trial. But he didn't understand what was the point, what was Dante's plan with this? There has to be a reason otherwise he just did all of this for shits and giggles.

Issei shook the idea out of his head as he was determined to find out what was lurking in the shadows and put an end to this mystery once and for all. However, before he could even utter a single word, a sudden impact struck him square in the face, sending him hurtling through one of the crystal walls like a rag doll.

As Issei lay sprawled on the floor, groaning in both pain and annoyance, he couldn't help but wonder why he always seemed to be the one getting punched in the face. This was the second or third time he had been socked in the jaw by someone, and he was starting to get seriously annoyed by it.

He knew he had a bit of a reputation as a pervert, but this situation was entirely different from him getting beaten up by the Kendo Girls. This was a matter of life and death, and Issei was not about to let anyone or anything stand in his way. With a deep breath, he slowly rose to his feet, determined to find out who or what had attacked him, and put an end to this madness once and for all.

Issei: "Alright, let's see who..."

Issei looked at the massive whole he created when he was launched through the wall, seeing a cloaked figure standing right before his eyes.

Issei: "Okay then... who the hell are you?"

The only response Issei received from whoever or whatever was in front of him were mere growls and snarls, letting the boy instantly know that this thing definitely wasn't human at all.

Issei: 'Okay, definitely a demon...'

Demon: "…ouy ma I"

Issei: "Huh?"

Issei didnt understand what that thing just said, it sounded like ot was either speaking backwards or talking in jiberish.

Issei: "The hell did you say?"

The Demon chuckled.

Demon: "....ouy ma I, dais I"

Issei: "Yep, I cant understand this thing..."

Issei narrowed his eyes as he held out his hand and summoned the Yamato, getting into a fighting stance. This will be his first time using Vergil's weapon, but all of his training has lead up to this point so he can't let it go to waste.

The cloaked figure summoned a red energy demon sword before getting into a stance as well and blitzes towards Issei before they both clashed.

Issei gritted his teeth as he tried his best to keep up with the Demon, but there was a slight problem and that was the fact that the Demon seemed to be more faster than the brown-haired boy.

Demon: “wols”

The cloaked figure punched Issei.

Demon: "...yppols"

He kicks Issei’s gut making the boy vomit blood.

Demon: "...kaew"

Issei tries to punch him but the cloaked figure grabbed his arm and slammed his elbow onto Issei arm breaking it.

Issei: 'FUCK!'

Demon: "...dna sselkcer"

Issei gritted his teeth as he glared at the Demon, how the hell was this thing so powerful. Actually, more importantly.... why did Dante choose this thing for him to face? While he may be having a test, it was one of life and death and this could very well be his end.

Issei: "You bastard...."

Issei tried to attack the demon with the Yamato, but the demon effortlessly knocked the weapon out of the boys hand and headbutt him which cause Issei to stumble back.

Demon "...ythorwnu"

Issei: "Fucking hell!..."

The Demon kicked Issei back as he crashed into a crystal all, causing him to scream out in pain as he coughed up some blood.

Demon: "...sgniht gnivil lla fo dne eht gnirb dlouw uoy, kniht ot"

Issei: "The hell are you even saying!?"

Issei struggled to stand.

Issei: "Speak normal, dammit! And show me your face!"

The demon chuckled as Issei's ears were soon filled with the sound of bones breaking and other horrific noises although it wasn't coming from Issei.... it was coming from the Demon.

Issei watched as the Demon grabbed its hood and pulled it back to reveal the terrifying face underneath.

Demon: "As I said before.... I'm you"

Issei: "What?!"

Demon: "Are you deaf? I am you and you are me"

Issei stared at the demon, revealed to be himself with a shocked expression.

Issei: "No, no. This has to be a trick!"

The demon laughed.

Demon: "Oh, this is very much real. I am you, I am what you shall become!"

With little to no effort, the man walked up to Issei and forcefully grabbed him by the neck, lifting him into the air. Issei struggled to break free with his one good arm, but it proved futile. At first, Issei thought it was all just an illusion, some sort of trick that Dante had constructed for the test. However, as he stared at the monster in front of him, he began to realize that this was no mere illusion. This was the embodiment of evil itself, an abomination that had stripped away Issei's humanity.

Issei's eye's soon widen.

Humanity.

Issei: 'Wait...'

Suddenly, it hit Issei like a ton of bricks. It was as if a light bulb had turned on in his head. He realized that his humanity was the one thing that separated him from the darkness that threatened to consume him. Just like how Vergil's path had shown him that he needed power to protect those close to him, Dante's test was meant to teach him that he should never give up his humanity, even if he craved power and strength above all else. Falling to the darkness that awaited him was not an option.

Issei: "I see..."

This gained the Demons attention as it grew a sinister grin.

Demon: "Oh, do you finally see the truth. You and I are the same being!"

Issei grunted in pain as he glared at the Demon.

Issei: "Your wrong..."

Demon: "Huh?"

Issei: "You are not me and I am not you. You are just something that will become apart of me but I’ll still remain on who I and have my humanity and if it means giving up power to keep my humanity? I’ll gladly do it"

The Demon fell silent at first but soon growled.

Demon: "You really are a stupid piece of shit, nothing you'll do will ever change what we'll become!"

Issei: "It will..."

Demon: "Oh, really? How!?"

Issei chuckled as he grew a small smirk, slowly raising his one good arm up.

Issei: "We both looked into the abyss..."

Issei proceeded to shove his hand and arm into the chest of the demon, shocking it as it tried to let go of Issei. However, much to its own surprise.... its hand refused to let go of the brown-haired boy.

Issei: "However, when it looked back at us..."

Slowly, Issei began to pull his arm out of the demons chest much to its pain and agony. Before long, he removed his whole arm but it didn't come alone because he also had something very nice and that was Dante's weapon, his old weapon... Rebellion.

The Demons eyes widen as it couldn't believe it, Issei did it... he actually done it. This wasnt apart of the demons plan, whether it was truly an illusion that Dante made or it was something else entirely was up for the viewers to decide.

Demon: 'N-no, this cant be happening!'

Issei stared at the weapon for a brief moment before he looked back at the Demon, allowing it to see that one of the boys eyes was now red.

Issei: "You blinked...."

Issei then swung the sword upon the Demons head, causing a bright white light to engulf both him, the demon, and the surrounding area.

Once the light died down, Issei groaned and looked around to see he was back where he started.

???: "Welcome back, Partner"

Issei turned to see Ddraig standing behind him.

Ddraig: "Great job completing the second trial"

Issei panted heavily as his eye changed back to its regular color, he let out a small groan as he used Rebellion as a walking stick to keep him up.

Issei: "Thanks..."

Ddraig noticed the boys broken arm and wonder what the hell did he face.

Ddraig: "You alright? That looks like it hurts quite a b-"

Issei: "Im fine... I'm fine"

Issei panted as he turned to the three pathways, well single pathway now because all that was left was Ddraig's.

Issei: "One more left….."

Ddraig had a serious expression as he looked down at his partner.

Ddraig: "You ready for this, Partner?"

Issei let out a small chuckle as he slowly approached the path, his legs shaking as he panted.

Issei: "Ddraig, with all that has happened...."

He looked at the massive red dragon, growing a small smirk.

Issei: "Nothing surprises me anymore..."

....

....

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END OF CHAPTER