The Fruits of Perseverance

At the age of fourteen, Issei Hyoudou continued his relentless pursuit of immortality, embracing the solitude that came with his chosen path. The streets of Kuoh Town were now his training ground, and his nights were spent poring over ancient tomes and conducting experiments in his makeshift laboratory. The desire for eternal life consumed him, driving him to explore every possible avenue to achieve his goal.

Issei's knowledge of the supernatural world remained limited, but with Ddraig as his sole source of information, he had learned enough to navigate the dangers that lurked in the shadows. The dragon emperor became his mentor, guiding him through the complexities of the supernatural world, imparting wisdom from centuries of existence.

His progress in the supernatural realm was marked with both triumphs and failures. He had faced powerful adversaries and tasted defeat more than once, but each setback only fueled his determination further. Failure, in Issei's eyes, was merely a stepping stone on the path to greatness.

As Issei grew stronger, the allure of dark and forbidden arts became increasingly tempting. He delved into dark magic, desperate for any advantage that could push him closer to his goal. The experimentation took a toll on him, physically and mentally, but he did not falter. The line between right and wrong blurred as he became willing to sacrifice anything to achieve his ultimate desire.

Issei's personilty shone through as he took on increasingly ruthless tactics. While he maintained a facade of cold detachment, deep down, he struggled with the consequences of his actions. The echoes of the friendships he once had haunted him, but he pushed those emotions aside, seeing them as distractions from his primary objective.

His experimentations, however, often resulted in failure, with disastrous consequences. He had lost count of the times his reckless pursuits almost cost him his life. But each time, he emerged stronger, having learned from his mistakes. His ability to adapt and overcome challenges was what set him apart from the others.

Yet, even as Issei embraced the darkness to achieve his goal, a glimmer of humanity remained within him. He couldn't help but be touched by the kindness of some individuals he encountered along the way, even if he chose to keep them at arm's length. His anti-heroic exterior cracked, albeit slightly, in those fleeting moments of vulnerability.

As he delved deeper into the supernatural world, Issei's knowledge expanded, but so did his thirst for power. He discovered ancient texts that hinted at lost civilizations and the secrets of immortality, but the answers remained elusive. For every step forward, he felt as though the goal of eternal life moved farther away.

Despite his increasing power, Issei remained cautious, knowing he was still a novice in the grand scheme of the supernatural world. His solitary journey were driven by the fear of becoming a pawn in someone else's game. He refused to be manipulated or controlled by others, fiercely guarding his independence and autonomy.

As he ventured further into the supernatural realm, Issei's understanding of good and evil became blurred. He grappled with the idea that achieving his immortality might require embracing the darkness within himself. It was a moral dilemma that tormented him, yet he pushed forward, unwilling to back down from the path he had chosen.

As Issei continued to harness the power of the Boosted Gear with Ddraig's help, the idea of becoming a dragon crossed his mind more than once. After all, the allure of transcending his human limitations and evolving into a mighty dragon was enticing. However, he resisted the temptation, knowing that he hadn't reached the end of his human body's potential.

Issei believed that there was still untapped power within his human form. He saw his human existence as a unique opportunity to grow and evolve in ways that a dragon's form might not allow. He was driven to explore the depths of his humanity, uncovering hidden strengths and abilities that could be instrumental in achieving his ultimate goal of immortality.

He understood that becoming a dragon would grant him immense power, but it might also come at a cost. He feared that adopting the form of a dragon could sever his connection to the very essence of his human identity, causing him to lose sight of his ultimate purpose. Issei was determined to hold onto his humanity, using it as a means to attain the power and knowledge he sought.

His choice to refrain from becoming a dragon was not a sign of weakness or hesitation; rather, it was a display of his unwavering conviction to find a path to immortality without sacrificing his humanity. Issei saw his human body as a vessel of untapped potential, one that could carry him to heights beyond what even a dragon's form might offer.

Ddraig respected Issei's decision, understanding his reasoning. The dragon emperor recognized that Issei's journey was about more than just power - it was about self-discovery and the pursuit of a destiny that was uniquely his own. He admired Issei's determination to forge his path, even if it meant forgoing the immediate allure of becoming a dragon.

As Issei's journey continued, he remained steadfast in his commitment to exploring the full extent of his human potential. Every day brought him closer to uncovering new abilities and understanding the depths of his own strength. He knew that achieving immortality was a complex puzzle, and he was determined to piece it together with the knowledge gained from both his human and dragon aspects.