Prolouge

The war has been raging on for years now and it has devastated Earth. Everywhere you look, you would only see the scorching hellscape, the planet has turned into.

There were no trees, animals, nor other living being which populated the planet. There were no traces of the remains of what once was a beautiful planet.

Corpses, weapons, large craters were scattered as result of what was undoubtedly, the worst ever war in the history of planet earth.

And lying on this particular battlefield was a man with messy brown hair, he was in a rough shape. Having his right hand missing together with countless holes in his body. These type of injuries would've killed a normal human being but, he was not one.

"*Cough* *Cough", Blood came out and dripped down from the corner of his mouth.

He gazed at the crimson colored sky, reminiscing the past. Slowly, tears gushed out of his eyes.

"Everyone, I'm sorry I couldn't do it in the end. All the sacrifices made for this war was wasted. Even though you've all entrusted me with this war-" The man cried out, "-I failed."

The brown haired man was Issei Hyoudou, a once normal teen that got reincarnated as a devil once. He started as a perverted teen who loved boobs more than anything and experienced adventures with his companions.

Along the way, he experienced love, partial death, bitter truths, etc. His journey back then was, from a normal teen to one of the reverred heroes. But none of that matters at this time, for all his loved ones, the beings of his planet and the life of the planet, were gone.

All of it were swept away because of a war that devastated the whole planet and the surrounding realms. It was a war so devastating that the whole world was involved, be it supernatural or just mundane beings.

"...I guess this is the end for me too. Everyone, please wait for me, I'm coming now..." Issei cracked a sad smile as he continued staring at the sky dyed in crimson color.

Various thoughts raced through his mind at that moment. The faces of his loved ones, his priced comrades whom he fought with, etc.

Truthfully, he regretted everything that has happened especially the war.

"Haaa...If I could just go...back...in...ti-" His vision blurred and his breathing slowly stopped.

Issei Hyoudou has taken his last breath along with regrets he had.

The red dragon emperor, hero of Draconic Deus, etc. He was known by many titles but one thing was for certain, this man was one of the greatest earth hero of all time. But ultimately, this hero fell due to his grievous injuries after fighting and killing two of the strongest gods of the enemy, alone.

No matter how much strength he once had, it had become obsolete. The war he fought so hard has ended in DxD's (Draconic Deus) defeat.

.....

Kuoh, Japan~

Inside a particular home, in a room, was a boy sleeping on his bed. He had short spiky brown hair, with two short locks of hair behind his head.

"Hah!" The boy suddenly opened his eyes and panted, "Haah...Haah...Haah!"

He looked around in confusion, "Didn't I die...? And this room is....?!"

He know this room, it had been about 40 years since he last seen this room. He was struck with a wave of nostalgia.

"Is this a vision after I died?" Issei muttered unsurely, "Or is this real?"

He pinched his arms, "...I felt pain. So this is...real?"

"It can't be...!" Hurriedly, he got off his bed and rush towards a nearby mirror. There he saw a boy about 10 to 12 years old, having short spiky brown hair, with two short locks of hair behind his head, and light brown eyes.

Seeing the reflection on the mirror, his mouth became wide open, "...No way, did I somehow came back to the past?" He muttered under his breath.

He can't believe it, a supposedly impossible feat after has happened. He came back 40 years in the past after he died back in the battlefield.

Suddenly, something came to his mind and he rushed towards the door, opened it then ran downstair in a hurry.

Passing by the living room, Issei went straight to the kitchen and saw someone whom he missed so much in the past 40 years. Someone whom he was unable to protect and died in his arms. A person he cared for and had wanted to meet for decades.

Standing in the kitchen, preparing some food was a woman. She has the appearance of a middle-aged woman with dark brown hair that is tied into a ponytail.

Seeing that familar back, Issei's eyes welled up with tears. It gushed out uncontrollably as he rushed towards the woman and hugged her from behind with his developing body.

"Mom!"

Miki Hyoudou, the beloved mother of Issei was surprised by the sudden hug.

She turned around and saw it was her son, sobbing as he hugged her. Her gazed softened and stopped what she's doing then patted Issei's head.

"What's the matter, son?"

"...I just missed you, mom." Issei replied as such.

Although a bit confused, Miki smiled, "But it's just this morning when we last met."

Issei remained silent, for Miki, it was just a few hours since they last met. But for Issei, it has been 40 years since they last met.

"...Haah, it seems you're still a bit childish huh," Miki smiled and ruffled Issei's hair.

Issei didn't complain and enjoyed the feeling of his mother's hand. It was a warmth he had not felt in decades.

Miki watched her son staying silent as she ruffles his hair. She was a bit confused as why Issei became a bit clingy suddenly but, she felt her son was happy and that's what matters.

The hugged lasted for a few minutes before Issei embarassingly retracted his arms.

"Why don't you sit at the living room while I cook for lunch. Your father would arrive in a few hours too."

Issei nodded and walked away from the kitchen. Miki watched her son walk away with a smile.

On the other hand, Issei sat on the couch as he fell in contenplation. By now, he has already calm his emotions.

'I don't know why but, I returned to the past,' Issei clenched his small fist, 'I have been given another chance to redo things. This time, I won't let my loved ones, die. I'll grow stronger and prepare for the eventual arrival of them.'