User blog comment:B214/Volume 23 discussion blog/@comment-1359322-20170519103917/@comment-10330822-20170520220504

Indeed, it is about level, but that's not the question here. The real question is are Issei and Vali really on the same "level" or not. That's the question. Comparing Issei to people like Diehauser, Sirzechs, and Serafall is pointless in this discussion, because we know they are probably above him. Issei probably can't compete with their magic, but he can with people at his skill-level.

However, we aren't so sure about Vali.

What I was trying to say is that someone can be better at magic/demonic power, which ever you want to use, it really doesn't matter, and Issei still beats them. To Vali out-edging Issei in things like demonic power and magic really doesn't matter. Issei beats those around his skill-level even if they are more skilled in magic, we've seen this time and time again.

People feel Issei and Vali are on similar tiers, but they sort of aren't. Its true Issei isn't really a true dragon or a dragon god, but his power is sourced from them, while Vali's are sourced from Lucifer, who was significantly weaker.

In other words, even if both are not true Great Red/Ophis or Lucifer, or able to use their full powers, you have to agree Issei's "quality" of his power is superior to Vali's, purely because Great Red and Ophis are superior to Lucifer.

Now, like before, I'm not saying Vali is inferior, he's just different. But you have to agree that ignoring the potential danger of Issei's anatomy is a thing most people seem to be sleeping on here. Ajuka is implying that Issei is awakening a power "beyond imagination" while as far as we know, Vali as reached the apex of what he is currently capable of, as he has awakened and combined all the powers within his body.

That is why I liked the theory of Vali having a connection with Lilith and Trihexa, because it opens a new door of possibilities for Vali's development.