SWNOVELXO Chapter 10: Ddraig
The moment Akeno mentioned telepathy, a hush fell over the group. Those who overheard her words were stunned, their eyes widening in surprise.
While telepathy wasn't entirely unheard of, witnessing it in action—and between Raizel and Akeno, no less—was a first for them. The curiosity in the air was palpable, and they were on the verge of inquiring further when, predictably, Issei decided to interject.
"Telepathy? Seriously?" Issei groaned, throwing his hands up in frustration. "First, he's super powerful, now he's got mind powers too? What's next, can he control time or something? This guy is like a cheat code in real life! It's not fair!"
His rant continued, filled with a mix of disbelief and exasperation. "And why is everyone so impressed? I mean, sure, he's calm and mysterious, but come on, isn't anyone else creeped out by the whole mind-reading thing?"
The others exchanged glances, clearly unimpressed by Issei's outburst. Rias sighed, rubbing her temples as she tried to maintain her composure. "Issei, calm down. This isn't the time for one of your rants."
Akeno, still slightly flustered but regaining her composure, shot Issei a playful smirk. "Jealous much? Maybe if you focused less on complaining and more on improving yourself, you'd learn a thing or two."
Issei huffed, crossing his arms, while the others chuckled softly at the exchange. Despite Issei's usual antics, the atmosphere lightened slightly, though the intrigue surrounding Raizel and his abilities remained firmly in everyone's minds.
Raizel, his voice calm and melodic, continued, effortlessly capturing the attention of everyone around. "Telepathy is an inherent ability of our race."
he explained, his tone soothing yet commanding. "As your elder siblings should have informed you, everyone in my race, though some may be weak, possesses telepathy and telekinesis. It is as natural to us as breathing."
His words carried a weight, and the gathered students listened intently, their curiosity piqued even further.
The calmness in his demeanor and the depth of his explanation left them in awe, realizing they were in the presence of someone far beyond their understanding.
Turning slightly toward Akeno, Raizel allowed a faint, almost imperceptible smile to grace his lips. His voice lowered just enough for her to hear, teasing gently, "It seems I have a knack for making you blush, Akeno. Perhaps I should make it a habit."
Akeno's cheeks flushed once again, and despite herself, she couldn't suppress a soft, nervous laugh. "You're certainly full of surprises," she murmured, attempting to regain her composure but finding herself once again disarmed by his effortless charm.
Raizel's remark left her flustered, while the others watched in stunned silence, captivated by the rare glimpse of vulnerability in Akeno and the mysterious aura that surrounded Raizel.
His presence had not only stirred curiosity but had also begun to leave a lasting impression on everyone around him.
After exchanging a few more pleasantries and light teasing with Akeno, Raizel gracefully bid them goodbye.
However, as he turned to leave, he subtly used his mind control ability, silencing Issei mid-rant. The sudden quiet left everyone momentarily stunned, and before they could react, Raizel gestured for them to follow him to a more secluded corner.
Curiosity and confusion filled the air as the group followed, their minds racing with questions. Once they were away from prying eyes, Raizel faced Issei.
Without a word, he extended a hand, and with a simple yet commanding gesture, he drew a small amount of Issei's blood, letting it hover before placing it on his own lips.
The others watched in bewilderment, their confusion growing as they struggled to understand his actions.
Before anyone could voice their questions, a sudden, powerful aura emanated from Raizel. His eyes glowed with an intense, otherworldly light as he activated his Awakening ability.
The atmosphere shifted dramatically, and within moments, a deep, resonant voice echoed through the air.
{I am the Welsh Dragon, the Red Dragon Emperor... Draigg.}
The voice sent a shiver through everyone present, and they realized that Raizel had awakened the dormant power within Issei—the mighty dragon, Draigg.
The air grew heavy with energy as Draigg's presence fully manifested, leaving the group in awe and disbelief at the sheer power that Raizel had just unlocked.
Rias, Akeno, Sona, and the others could only watch in stunned silence, their questions forgotten as they tried to comprehend the magnitude of what had just occurred.
Raizel, calm and composed as ever, simply stood there, his serene demeanor contrasting sharply with the immense power he had just unleashed.
"It's been a while, Draigg," Raizel said calmly, his voice carrying a sense of familiarity and ease.
Draigg's deep, resonant voice responded in a surprisingly friendly tone, {Indeed, it has been a while. Over a thousand years, it seems.}
The revelation sent a collective shiver through everyone present, the weight of Raizel knowing Draigg personally and the passage of such a vast amount of time was almost too much to fathom.
The atmosphere grew heavy with awe and unease, as they realized Raizel's connection to one of the most powerful dragons in existence.
Akeno, ever composed despite the monumental revelation, managed to gather herself. With her usual playful smirk, she teased, "So, Raizel, you've known Draigg for over a thousand years, and yet you've only just now decided to reveal it? Quite the surprise, I must say."
Raizel's calm gaze met hers, a faint smile tugging at the corner of his lips. "I only reveal what is necessary, Akeno," he replied smoothly, his tone as composed as ever.
Their banter was interrupted by the sudden arrival of Kiba and Koneko, both drawn by the overwhelming surge of power.
Kiba's eyes were wide with concern, while Koneko's usual stoic expression betrayed a hint of unease. "We sensed something powerful," Kiba said, his gaze shifting between Raizel and Issei.
Koneko nodded, her sharp senses attuned to the lingering energy. "What's happening here?" she asked, her voice steady but filled with curiosity.
As the group tried to process the unfolding events, the presence of Kiba and Koneko only added to the gravity of the situation.
Raizel's serene demeanor remained unshaken, his connection with Draigg leaving everyone with more questions than answers.
As Raizel began to walk away, his composed demeanor unwavering, he glanced back at Issei. "You'll need that power," he said calmly, the weight of his words sinking into the stunned silence.
Turning slightly, his gaze fell on Akeno. A faint, almost mischievous smile played on his lips as he added in a teasing tone, "And Akeno, try not to miss me too much."
Akeno's cheeks flushed lightly, but she managed to maintain her composure, offering a playful smirk in return. "Oh, don't worry, Raizel. I'll be just fine," she retorted, though the glint in her eyes betrayed the slight fluster his charming remark had caused.
The group watched him go, still processing the gravity of what had just transpired. Raizel's calm confidence, combined with his subtle teasing, left a lasting impression on everyone, especially Akeno, who found herself intrigued by the mysterious Noblesse in ways she hadn't anticipated.