High School DxD: Return of the Crimson Dragon Emperor

A few days after Irina's transfer, the classroom buzzed during homeroom as we discussed sports festival events.

"I'm doing the scavenger hunt!" Irina raised her hand, brimming with energy. Her infectious cheer had already won over the class, boys and girls alike.

Meanwhile, I slumped over my desk, sighing.

Irina had moved into my house. With our mansion—six floors above, three below—space wasn't an issue. But I noticed something: the higher the girl-to-guy ratio, the more out of place I felt. A house full of beauties? A teenage boy's dream! But reality wasn't so sweet.

Take Asia, Xenovia, and Irina chatting together. Impossible to join their girl talk. Add Koneko or Reyna, and I'm completely shut out. Even approaching Buchou or Akeno-san feels futile—they're deep in their own "big sister" version of girl talk. Trying to cozy up just leaves me empty.

Sure, I've been surrounded by girls before—in another world with maids and Alice's crew. But as a guest there, I never felt this awkward. I was too busy asking questions, clueless about everything.

Am I that useless? Can I really become a harem king like this?

Not that we're on bad terms. We get along fine. I've accepted girls have their own world.

Lately, though, I've been leaning on Miu a lot. She seems to sense my mood, always looking out for me. Yesterday, she gave me a lap pillow. My sister's kindness hits hard!

"Hyoudou," Kiryuu called from the blackboard, jotting down sports festival assignments.

"Your shirt's torn under the arm."

"What? Seriously?" I checked my shirt—no tear.

Too late. I'd fallen for it.

"Done!" Kiryuu scribbled my name on the board.

"You tricked me!" I shouted.

She just grinned wickedly.

"You're in the three-legged race. Your partner—"

Hands shot up: Miu, Asia, Reyna, and Xenovia.

The four exchanged glances.

"Quite the competition," Xenovia said.

"This I won't yield," Miu replied.

"Same here," Reyna added.

"I want to run with Issei-san!" Asia chimed in.

Sparks flew between them.

They moved to the back of the classroom and—

"Rock, paper, scissors! Tie!"

A fierce rock-paper-scissors battle began, each girl dead serious. They want to race with me that badly? I'm flattered!

"Tie! Tie! Tie!"

This was dragging on.

"Sorry to interrupt, but decide soon. We need the roster today," Kiryuu said.

"Tie!"

They weren't listening.

Five minutes later—

"Hyoudou's partner is Asia," Kiryuu announced, writing her name.

Asia had triumphed in the endless tiebreaker.

"That's what I get for choosing paper!" Xenovia groaned, glaring at her hand, blaming her past self.

A fair loss, nothing to be done.

Asia approached, cheeks flushed. "Please, Issei-san!"

"You got it, Asia!"

And so, Asia and I became three-legged race partners.

The next day, sports festival practice began. Our class, in gym clothes, trained for our events together.

"Bring it, Xenovia!" Irina challenged.

"You're on!" Xenovia shot back.

They sprinted across the field, practicing for the relay. Fueled by rivalry, they blazed at demonic and angelic speeds.

Miu and Reyna practiced the obstacle course, somehow tangled in nets—looking rather… provocative.

"Hard to track boob movement at that speed," I muttered.

"Yep," Matsuda agreed.

"Moderate pace is best for watching," Motohama added.

We three observed the girls' bouncing assets. Every move was mesmerizing. Gym clothes are the best!

"Hey, Hyoudou," Saji called, holding measuring tools.

"Yo, Saji."

"What're you doing?"

"Observing bouncing boobs."

"Still the same, huh? The gap between battle mode and this is wild," he sighed.

I'm the same either way, aren't I?

"Getting used to training?" I asked.

"Nope. Too brutal. My body's still heavy," Saji groaned, under Miu's triple-gravity spell. After nearly collapsing under ten times gravity, we lightened it for school life, but it's still rough.

"Keep at it. Master that, and you'll level up. I did it; you can too."

"Yeah! I'll get stronger and lead President to victory!"

"That's the spirit!"

He'll get there soon.

"What event are you in?" Saji asked.

"Three-legged race with Asia."

"Damn, lucky bastard! I'm in the bread-eating race."

That sounds fun, but I'd rather run with Asia, side by side.

Two glasses-wearing girls approached Saji. "What are you doing? We need to check tent spots. Hurry," Sona ordered.

"With so few guys in the student council, work hard," Vice-President Shinra added, their glasses glinting.

"Yes, President! Vice-President!" Saji scurried off. Student council's tough.

Man, the council's full of gorgeous girls with great figures. Nice boobs too!

(…Vritra, huh?) Ddraig's voice echoed.

What's up, Ddraig?

(Remember that shadow behind the kid during the last game?)

Yeah, a faint black serpent appeared behind Saji. Kiba was shocked.

(Vritra reacted to his fighting spirit. Even with its soul diluted, a strong will can stir it.)

So Vritra's consciousness awakened?

(Not fully. Just momentary. But depending on his growth, it could return.)

Interesting.

(With Tiamat as a familiar, Fafnir and Vritra nearby, and meeting Tannin, you're tied to the Dragon Kings, partner.)

Maybe. I might cross paths with more.

"Asia! Did your boobs grow over summer?" Kiryuu teased, groping her.

"Eek! Kiryuu-san, don't touch!" Asia squealed.

That perverted glasses girl! Always harassing Asia when I look away. If Asia gets too sexy… well, I wouldn't mind, but still!

Time to practice. I grabbed the three-legged race strap.

"Asia, let's train!"

"Yes!" Asia bowed to Kiryuu and ran over.

We tied our ankles together, standing close. Asia shyly wrapped her arm around my waist. Her hair smelled amazing, her soft body pressed against mine…

Focus, Issei! No distractions!

We nodded, stepping forward. "One, two—"

Trip!

I lost balance.

"Kyaa!"

"Asia!" I caught her, steadying us.

"I need to match your pace," I said.

Asia's face was red, trembling slightly. What's wrong?

Then I felt it—my hand on something soft.

I'm groping Asia's boob!

I must've grabbed it instinctively.

They've definitely grown, like Kiryuu said.

Stop analyzing! I yanked my hand back. "S-Sorry! It was an accident!"

"It's okay… but please warn me first. I need to prepare…"

So a heads-up makes it okay!?

"Let's try again."

"Yes. Sorry, I'm not great at sports," Asia said, dejected.

"No worries. It's about teamwork—combination."

"Combination?" she tilted her head, adorably.

"Exactly. Let's start slow, move together, and count steps."

"Got it! Let's do this!"

We began practicing, syncing our steps.

After school, I was on classroom cleaning duty, so I arrived at the clubroom late with Miu and Asia. The others, including Buchou, looked grim.

"What's up?" I asked.

"The next Rating Game opponent's been decided," Buchou said.

Already? The Gremory-Sitri match kicked off the six-family games. Buchou's team would face others, though I can't compete.

"Who's next? Sairaorg?" His aura at the gathering was intense.

Buchou shook her head. "Sairaorg would be tough now, but it's not him."

She exhaled, then named the opponent.

"Diodora Astaroth."

At this moment? The worst possible matchup left me speechless.