Third Person POV

Issei embarked on the third and final path, the last test he needed to complete before reaching the end. Having successfully overcome the challenges presented by Vergil and Dante, he had proven himself worthy of the Sparda Brothers' powers. However, there was still one last task ahead.

As Issei set off down the pathway, he sensed a palpable concern emanating from Ddraig, the dragon who observed his every move. Though unsure of the exact reason for Ddraig's worry, Issei understood the importance of remaining vigilant.

While it was true that Issei had claimed nothing could surprise him anymore, considering the trials he had already endured, such as confronting the specters of his deceased parents and facing the darkness within himself, he had spoken those words not only to reassure Ddraig but also to reassure himself. Issei had no knowledge of the challenges that awaited him in this final trial, nor the threats he would have to battle. All he could do was wear a mask to conceal his true emotions beneath the surface.

Issei concealed the truth, burying his emotions deep within himself, determined to maintain unwavering focus on the task at hand. The completion of the Test loomed before him, an arduous journey that seemed to have stretched on for what felt like an eternity. Issei couldn't help but question whether time operated differently in this realm compared to the outside world. The passage of time seemed distorted, leaving him with the sensation of having been immersed in this trial for an extended period.

Issei let out a small sigh to himself.

Issei: "Okay, I can do this. I can do this..."

Issei's eyes moved around the area, nothing so far had happened which was both good and bad. It was good because it gave him a chance to catch his breath and mentally prepare for what he may end up facing, though it was bad because if he dropped his guard even for a split second.... it would be game over for him.

Issei needed to be prepared for anything, no matter the coast.

Issei looked around to see what this trial was until a great bright red light blinded him.

Issei: "What the?!"

Issei covered his eyes, shielding them in hopes that the ligjt won't damage his eyes to the point of him going blind. He wasn't sure ehat was going on, but he had a feeling it had something to do with the trial that he has to do.

But what is it?

What is the test that Ddraig having him do?

Issei gritted his teeth, continuing to shield his eyes from the bright light as he soon noticed that the light had begun to die down. This caused the boy to slowly lower his hands, only to be greeted by the light of the sun which blinded him for a split second.

Issei: "Argh! Damn it! Fucking hell!"

He rubbed his eyes very quickly, his blurry vision slowly coming back to him as he finally took in his surroundings.

Issei was no longer on the pathway, which didnt surprise him in the slightest because of what he went through on the previous two trials but this time it was different.

Issei looked around, seeing that he was in some sort of village but not just any village. He stood in one that looked very old, like several hundred years old and from what he guessed... probably Indian.

Issei: "I'm in India? Why am I here...?"

Issei crossed his arms in confusion, raising an eyebrow until he heard something which gained his attention.

The brown-haired boy turned his head and saw a woman walking down the pathway with a basket of wet clothes in her hands, this caused Issei to blink as he wondered who she was.

Issei: "Excuse me, who are yo-"

Before Issei could finish his sentence, the woman walked uo to him.... and went through Issei which caused the boys eyes to widen as he quickly turned around.

Issei: "W-what the hell!?"

Issei looked back at the woman and tried to grab her shoulder only his hand to phase through again.

Issei: "W-What is this?!"

Issei looked around.

Issei: "Is this some kind of an illusion?"

Was it an illusion? No, an illusion only effects the eyes so he should have still be able to touch that woman. Also, she would have heard him as well since even if its an Illusion she would be able to hear him.

Issei narrowed his eyes.

Issei: 'This isn't an illusion, its something else entirely...'

Just then, his eyes widen as he finally pieced it all together. If it wasnt an illusion than that means it could have been only one other things and that was...

Issei: "This is a dream..."

Issei looked around the village.

Issei: "Hmm..."

Man: "Everyone!!!"

Issei turned his head to see a man wearing some white clothing with some jewels and gold. if Issei had to guess, this man must be the chief of this Village or something.

The people gathered around the chief wondering what could he want.

Chief: "Our King wants us to go to his palace for an urgent announcement!"

Issei raised an eyebrow, a king? Wait, what was even the name of this village because Issei sort of payed attention in history class and he cant recall their ever being a King in India. Then again, he probably is mistaken because his grade is enough to explain.

Either way, something didn't feel right to Issei. There was something strange about this whole thing, but he couldn't put his finger on it.

What could it be?

Issei gritted his teeth as he pulled on his hair, not too hard but not too soft either.

Issei: 'Damn it, if only I paid attention to history!'

The people muttered amongst each other, asking and thinking what their King would want now? They soon began to head in a direction, toward something as Issei looked and his jaw nearly dropped at the sight.

It wad a castle or a palace as one would call it, a very big one at that too. He had seen his fair share of castles in movies, mainly ones based around the Middle age and such but he never expected to be standing in front of one and not a one residing within in a small village.

Issei: "Holy shit..."

As Issei stared at the massive structure before him, a part of him wondered why he didn't see it before? Like, it wasn't like it was hard to spot because it was legit sitting right in front of him.

Issei: 'How the hell did I miss this?'

Issei walked over to the castle following the people of this village, As Issei approached the castle, an overwhelming sense of dread consumed him, intensifying with each step. He couldn't help but feel a growing fear for what awaited him inside.

Phasing through the door, Issei realized that physical actions held no significance in this trial, a fact that no longer surprised him. This particular trial focused on testing his mental strength. However, he couldn't help but wonder why Ddraig would subject him to such an ordeal. Hadn't Dantrle and Vergil already had him undergo similar challenges?

Confusion began to cloud Issei's thoughts, and he couldn't shake the feeling that things would only become more perplexing as the trial progressed.

Upon entering the castle, Issei found the interior to be exactly as he had anticipated: a lavish space adorned with golden treasures and precious jewels. However, the prominence of red and green caught his attention. He mentally made note of this observation while continuing to follow the villagers who guided his path.

All of the villagers soon bowed as Issei looked ahead of him and saw a young man sitting on a golden throne. Just from that alone. Issei could tell that he was the so-called "King" of this Village.

He didn't seem like much of a King, a warrior yes but a king? No, Issei couldn't see that. However, the brown-haired boy soon saw something on his left arm and his eyes widen.

Issei: "T-The Boosted Gear!"

Issei couldn't believe it, this man had the boosted Gear. There is no way that there were two Red Dragon Emperor or two Sacred Gears, no it wss something else. Since this was clearly a memory than that would mean that...this King was a previous Red Dragon Emperor, someone who lived hundreds of years ago.

Issei: "Holy shit... I can't believe it, I'm in the memory of a previous user of the Boosted Gear!"

Chief: "Your majesty Amar, what is it that you wish to announce to your loyal subjects?"

The King known as Amar simply smirked which didnt feel right with Issei, he could feel an aura of arrogance coming off the dude and thst caused him to narrow his eyes.

Amar: "About time you worthless slackers showed up, I was wondering if I needed to remind you lot who your King was?"

That was all that Issei needed to hear to know that this guy was no King, he was nothing more than scum who was using the power of the Boosted Gear to get whatever he wanted. Issei wished that he could slap some sense into that bastwrd, but he had to remember two things. First, this was only a trial and nothing more.

Second, this happened hundreds if years ago and Ddraig told him that he didn't care what his host did as long as they defeated his Arch Rival when he appears.

Ddraig could care less if his host were Good nor Evil, all that mastered to the dragon was the never-ending fight between him and his rival who Ddraig has still not told Issei the name of.

Chief: "O-Our apologies, my King"

Amar: "Hmph, no matter"

Amar stood up from his bones and stretched as he looked at his subjects that are nothing but peasants to him.

Amar: "I announce that the title of King is meaningless to me..."

This shocked the villagers while causing Issei to raise an eyebrow, he could tell that there was another side to this but what it was?

He didn't know.

Chief: "M-my King, are you s-stepping down from the thr-"

Amar: "Of course not you idiots!"

This caused everyone minus Issei to flinch, the villagers didn't dare look at their king after his outburst because they fesred what he may do.

Amar smirked.

Amar: "I have decided that it is time..."

He grew an arrogant grin as he stared up at the ceiling.

Amar: "I SHALL RISE FROM A KING AND BECOME A GOD!!"

Issei: "What? Become a God?"

Chief: "M-My king. How do you to plan to do that?"

Amar simply grinned in response.

Amar: "By taking down the Top God...Shiva, The God of Destruction"

Issei's eyes widen when he heard this, this idiot wanted to fight Shiva who is one of the most powerful Gods in all of mythology? The brown-haired boy may have not been much of a religious type, but his inner anime boy liked to know who was more powerful.

Shiva's strength put him on top of those like Zeus from Greek, Odin from Noridc, Ra from Egyptian, and a whole bunch of other Gods too.

Since the Supernatural world existed, thanks to Ddraig being from Issei's word than obviously someone like Shiva the GOD OF DESTRUCTION was real too.

Issei: 'Does this idiot have a death wish!?'

Chief: "M-My king! That's suicide! No one can beat the God of Destruct-"

He was cut off when Amar placed his sword near between the chief's eyes.

Amar: "Did I ask for your fucking opinion!?"

He glared down at the chief who began to sweat tremendously.

Amar: "Speak out of line like that again, I'll rip your spine from your body and bath in your blood..."

Issei growled in anger as he glared at the Tyrannical King.

Issei: "If this was real, I would have taught him a lesson..."

Chief: "M-My apologies, my king...."

Amar put the sword down.

Amar: "Now get out of my sight, I must prepare for my greatest battle yet..."

With that, the villagers bowed and immediately left the castle faster than most people's father when they go and get milk. Issei eyed Amar with hatred in his eyes, but soon enough he saw that everything began to warp around him.

Issei: "Woah, what the hell!?"

Issei's gaze darted around in a frantic manner, taking in the disorienting surroundings that seemed to simultaneously change and remain the same. He found himself still within Amar's castle, but it now lay in ruins, engulfed in the chaotic dance of fire and billowing smoke.

With determination, Issei forged ahead, braving the searing flames until he emerged outside. What awaited him was a harrowing sight that caused his eyes to widen in dread and horror. The entire village lay in utter devastation, reduced to a mere shell of its former existence. Flames raged uncontrollably, casting an eerie glow, while the skies above were tainted by a thick blanket of smoke. The air resonated with anguished wails, a symphony of terror emitted by the inhabitants-men, women, and children alike-who were now victims of this calamity.

Every fiber of Issei's being yearned to cry out to Ddraig, to implore an end to the Trial, as the overwhelming despair threatened to consume him. However, he summoned his inner strength, resisting the temptation to succumb to his fear. He knew he had to press on, to overcome this trial and uncover a pathway back to his home.

???: "You're the reason why this happened"

Issei turned to see Amar badly beaten and his body was covered in blood head to toe while he wore red armour that was badly damaged.

???: "Pathetic"

Just then a man with four arms stopped on Amar's chest.

Amar: "AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!!!!"

Issei saw the man had purple skin, 5 fives eyes with one closed, had a headband around his head and blue tattoos on his four arms.

He realised it was Shiva, The God of Destruction and Leader of the Indian Pantheon.

Issei silently gulped to himself, that was him... the one that Amar wanted to defeat, the God of Destruction, Shiva.

Issei: 'Jeez, he looks intimidating...'

Amar coughed up some blood as he glared at the God.

Amar: "How... how did you beat me, no one should have been able too!"

Shiva: "Simple, your arrogance and tyrannical persona. You think just because you were treated as a King the day, you were born and had the power of a King and a weapon that kill Gods doesn't mean you're all powerful. If you had awaken the Juggernaut Drive or the Boosted Gear's true power and potential, you would have given me a challenge but you would still lose"

Amar gritted his teeth.

Amar: "D-damn you, Shiva! I am meant to be God! Not you! Me!"

Shiva sighed and shook his head.

Shiva: "You sound like a rotten spoiled crybaby that doesn't get anything, he wants. What were these fool thinking? Immediately overthrowing their old king and giving you the throne when you were just an infant was a mistake...Well, no matter. Have fun rotting in the Boosted Gear with the other fallen Red Dragon Emperors before you"

Amar: "W-What?!"

Shiva raised a foot and with a quick motion, he crushed Amar's head beneath it which caused blood to splat everywhere.

Isssi watched in silence, his hair covering his eyes as his surroundings began to chance once again. This time, the brown-haired boy found himself in a familiar location where he felt someone standing behind him.

???: "So, Partner. Do you understand what you say was trying to teach you?"

Issei slowly turned and looked up at Ddraig, the welsh dragon staring down the boy as he waited for his partners response.

Issei: "Power and Arrogance....Only leads to your demise...."

Ddraig shook his head.

Ddraig: "No, that is what Dante showed you. What I am referring to is something else entirely, what did Amar do?"

Issei: "He tried to fight shi-"

Issei paused as he fell silent, slowly the pieces began to fit into places. Amar wanted to fight shiva because he had the Boosted Gear, but if he didnt fight him and grew in power than he would have drawn the attention of the God of Destruction anyways.

He would of had to face him anyway.

He would have lost....

Issei finally gets it, that whole memory wasnt suppose to teach him the value of not letting power corrupt you or some shit because Dante had already showed him that. The memory was suppose to ask Issei if he was ready, if he was prepared to face beings like Shiva or other Godly individuals.

If he was prepared to take on the mantle of the Red Dragon Emperor, ready to bare any burden that comes his way.

Issei: "Your asking me if I'm ready to carry the mantle..."

A small smile grew on Ddraig's face as he nodded his head.

Ddraig: "Yes, Partner. Are you ready to bare the burden of the Red dragon emperor? Are you prepared to face down beings such as Shiva or worse? Are you ready to put everything you have on the line?"

Issei fell silent once again, was he really ready to put everything he had and everyone he knows on the line?

No...

Yes...

No...

Yes...

He wasn't entirely sure, but that is how fate or destiny works... you never know what it shall do to you, all you can do though is just head straight into it with your head held up high.

Issei: "Hmm....I have no idea...."

Ddraig merely sighed as he foresaw this.

Ddraig: "Well...I foresaw this so..."

Issei: "But thats the thing..."

Ddraig: "Hm?"

Issei looked up at Ddraig, a smirk slapped across his face.

Issei: "Whats the point of life if you don't live it to the fullest, even if that means fighting bloody Gods!"

Ddraig stared at the brown-haired boy as he let out a chuckle of amusement.

Ddraig: "You are correct, Partner. Congrats..."

Ddraig smiled.

Ddraig: "You passed the test"

....

....

....

END OF CHAPTER