This isn't quite a chapter, but I wanted to explain a few things about the story and what you can expect going forward.
I've received a few questions from readers on different platforms about my plans for the story, as well as some parts that may have been confusing, so I thought it would be better to explain some of them here.
About Ken
For starters, the MC is a mixture of Takakura Ken from Dandadan and David Martinez from Cyberpunk: Edgerunners.
However, that doesn't mean he is simply one character with the other character's memories or personality. He has become both of them, but in doing so, he can also be neither of them.
So, don't expect him to be emotionally mature just because you've seen either of those characters develop throughout their respective stories.
Neither Ken nor David started out as emotionally mature people, and this version of Ken won't be either. He is going to make mistakes, misunderstand things, act impulsively, and slowly figure himself out as the story progresses.
His growth is part of the story.
About the Worlds
The Cyberpunk portion of the story will mainly follow the events and setting of Cyberpunk: Edgerunners first, followed by Cyberpunk 2077.
I'll also be mixing in some elements from Ghost in the Shell along the way.
There may be other characters, settings, or elements from different series appearing here and there as well. Some will be important, while others may simply make an appearance when they fit the story.
Then What Does “DxD” Mean?
The DxD in the title refers to High School DxD, which will eventually become the main world of the story.
However, don't expect High School DxD elements to suddenly appear right away.
The story is intentionally taking its time before reaching that point.
The first book is primarily about Ken's time in the Cyberpunk world and everything that happens there.
The actual High School DxD elements will begin appearing around Book Two.
Even then, they may not immediately become the main focus.
Book Two will mostly focus on Ken's changes after everything that happened in Cyberpunk, along with more elements from Dandadan.
So, if you're reading this expecting High School DxD from the beginning, you may have to wait a little longer.
That's intentional.
The story needs Ken to become the person who can eventually enter that world first.
And, well...
He has quite a lot of growing up to do before then.