Shin High School DxD - Volume 3 - Chapter Aft

Afterword 

How long has it been? I'm Ishibumi Ichiei. This main story volume left some open time after the previous volume, Shin DxD 2. 

I talked about my current situation in the Afterword of DX5; I already know there are some readers who only read the main story, so I will write it again. The people who are fully aware can skip the explanation here. 

You see, due to the large amount of work in 2018, I was in very bad shape while writing Shin DxD 2. After that, my physical condition deteriorated on a business trip and I went straight to the hospital. I was sick due to overworking. 

I am currently treating hypertension and herniation of the cervical spine (neck). 

For a time, my blood pressure went up to almost 200mm Hg, and I suffered from headaches, palpitations, insomnia, as well as pain in my neck and shoulders, and numbness in my arm. 

I am currently undergoing treatment and getting rest. I am also undergoing regular checkups at the hospital. I went through the most difficult phase, but even so I continue to repeat improving or getting worse. 

Since my physical strength has also dropped significantly, I am slowing down my writing and adjusting the future schedule. 

That's it, and I can see how this may have been surprising news for those who read only the main story. 

This time, due to my weakness of physical strength, I focused only on the incidents that occurred in everyday life instead of tournament matches in this volume. This is because the physical strength to write action scenes has dropped compared to my physical condition before. 

Starting in this volume continues off from the last major volume, showing Ise's battles, and the others I'll probably do in Dx, like the ones for the Hero Faction matches and the Slashdog team matches. People who are looking forward to their matches, wait a little longer. I also think about doing as much as possible with Vali's matches in the main volume ...... But I think it will depend on my physical condition. 

With that said, I will now explain Volume 3. 

Ddraig VS Crom Cruach 

First, the battle between Ddraig and Crom Cruach in the beginning was an add-on that I was unable to finish last time because I was exhausted due to my poor health and physical condition. I’d be happy if you read it as a part of the game from Volume 2. 

Ryuuteimaru and Apocalypse AnswerArms A×A! 

Well, I think it was immediately understood that A×A, which is the combination with Ryuuteimaru, uses GP03 Dendrobrium as a reference. It is the origin of the system called Gundam's armedbase. 

In my generation, the final power-up I believe would be a combination with a huge weapon. Or rather, Ise's power-ups are mostly related to Gundam or Kamen Rider. 

This A×A is something I originally thought of doing in Volume 2 ...... But that was impossible because of my physical condition and so I couldn't do it, and again I tried to do it now. But, that impact and strength as a result may have been the correct answer to use it this time, instead of last time. 

Actually, Ryuuteimaru is still hiding its weapons. From now on more and more will appear, so look forward to it, please. To be honest, with only firepower and defense, it is already amongst the strongest class in the whole series and if Ise reaches True Dragon Deification (+ Eros Engine for A×A) ...... Something incredible will happen, for sure. 

The God of the Abyss, Tartarus, was clearly very strong, and this time he was able to deal with everyone all at once: Ise and the others (including Cao Cao and Tobio) ...... But he couldn’t win against the power of A×A + the reinforcement of the Dragon God sisters. 

About Mother and Daughter Kyuubi 

Writing Yasaka-san was incredibly fun. As I thought, a beautiful older woman is great, indeed. Plus, this author likes older characters. I hope this will become popular. 

Kunou made me tremble with her courage. When I thought about what Kunou's style was like, I thought it was her cheerful and courageous side, so I went from there. It was really great to open up with Ophis and Lilith. Instead of just a Kunou volume, it was Mother and Daughter Kyuubi volume, I feel. 

Hero Faction, Cao Cao and SlashDog 

This time, Cao Cao and others also shone because of the content of Volume 9 of the original edition (the first appearance of the Hero Faction) which you can remember. I wonder if everyone has a good taste for it. 

Also, Cao Cao's Balance Breaker is associated with his talents, and as an author writing, I say: it is very strong. Originally, I believe it was an opponent that Ise couldn't beat in the state of True『Queen』at the time of Volume 12 of the original edition. Cao Cao's true power (the new technique he was talking about in the works) will be released in the future. 

Although I still have more about Tobio and the depth of his「Abyss side」 Balance Breaker to reveal itself as well, I plan to introduce more of that in the future in Shin D×D and SLASHDØG. 

The Devils that the Devil Mother Lilith gave birth to 

Last time and this time as well, I wrote to contrast Balberith, Gressil and Sonneillon. Balberith's growth (?) is unexpectedly fun to write. I was surprised that the character was in a different direction from the original speculation. But the dignity of the first appearance disappeared. 

What will happen to Balberith and Verrine next time after receiving the consequences of Gressil and Sonneilion's actions? Please stay tuned for the fate of these two. 

About various things 

The current sophomore group (Koneko, Ravel, and the others) were really fun to write about. I wonder if I managed to highlight a side that Ise and the others don't have. Ise and Xenovia grew up a little bit, after all. In return, Nimura Ruruko got out of control. 

This time, I didn't have enough space to put in Saji who fought together in Volume 9 of the original edition. Also this time there was no space for the school trip group, and there was no involvement in the event 『Oppai Dragon』. I will let Saji and Sona have the opportunity to shine next time. 

Thanks everyone. Miyama Zero-Sama, the person in charge T-sama, this time I was also in your care. I am sorry to bother you guys with my case of physical condition. 

Next time, Shin DxD 4 volume will be Le Fay's volume and a little bit of Irina's. Next I intend to end the battle with the Alliance of Hell. 

We've been in this fight for about two or three years now, so let's settle this. Vali, Sairaorg, and Crom Cruach will also participate. 

Wait for the next volume to learn more about the mysterious existence that appeared in the last Life of the past volume (Shin DxD 2). 

The 『DxD 』team has a power that appears to be the greatest deterrent to evil in the world. What do you personally expect in the fight against Hades? ── Volume 4 has a shocking development, so please look forward to it. 

Due to my physical condition, it may take some time for publication, but I will definitely deliver Volume 4 of Shin DxD and Volume 4 of SLASHDØG in the future, so I hope for your continued support in the future. 

Anyway, when my body has recovered a bit, I will try to intensify my vigour. I want to get back to writing like I did before.